Scene #6049: Castle Quentinus-2

Owner	Pose
Cu Chulainn	Having cleared the foyer of the castle, the group can take a breather before heading for the third story. The situation so far, as a refresher, is such: A haunted castle/chateau is sapping the life out of people nearby, and the castleonce belonged to a mage named Questiv Quentinus, over a hundred years old and thought deceased, who may still be alive through some means, likely a Grail Shard. They defeated a shadowy young humanoid who claimed to be Questiv, and his chimeras in the basement, but they still need to reach the master bedroom in the third floor, which is a place of interest. Seifer advanced without the rest of the group, and would be able to make it to the third floor mostly without issues. When he'd reach the stairs from the second floor to the third floor, they'd start to collapse underfoot, but he'd be able to make it up. The others...won't be able to use that staircase, and the other one on the first floor has been collapsed as well. While the house doesn't seem willing to collapse every single staircase, it's definitely going to force the group to either find a way up a broken one, or to go through the entire second floor if they want to advance. The second floor is full of the shadowy knights. There's dozens of them, atleast one in each room, which range from a small upstairs library to several bedrooms and a sitting room which needs to be navigated through to get to the other staircase. The problem is two-fold. One, the knights are hostile, and are carrying different weapons now. Some wield sword and shield, while others wield spears, and one big one carries a flail and stands directly at the staircase, to prevent anyone from just speeding past him. . Two, the house itself is still attacking them. Any room they cross, furniture comes flying out at them, trying to slow them down or knock them out outright. Vases, chairs, tables, books, all of it tries to slow them down as they fight through the many knights. Hopefully, the group can figure out a solid plan of advancement, either over or through the knights.
Orchid	Well, if the castle itself is going to attack them, Orchid is going to attack it back. Not by going for load bearing walls, no, that would be foolish. Instead she is using the sonic screwdrivers she carries hidden in her forearms, shattering the doors as they pass through them. This is intended to serve two purposes; to make it easier to get back out if they have to run, and is a form of gunboat diplomacy. "All you have to do to get me to stop doing this," she says as she attends to one door, "Is to stop throwing stuff at us." Maybe the darkness doesn't care for the building, but if it is truly the building they are fighting... eh, a little diplomacy won't hurt. Coming to the knights, Orchid is moving to the back of the group. She's also directing her drones to flank the knights, waiting for their attention to be pulled in one direction before webbing the ankles.
Maya	Maya had made it to the foyer with the rest of the party and clearly is taking a breather, she pulls what seem to be a fresh loaf of bread from a pouch, and starts to eat it idly thinking as she does so. Once the break is over she's moving again rifle ready and there are knights once more, some are carrying a new type of weapons. Worse the house is attacking them for a moment and she has to wonder as they fight through the knights. "Do you think he's somehow become the building itself?" Maya did not know but it was a possibility given from what she is aware of this world's magic.
Thomas Alva Edison	Edison, getting hit in the head by a book, suddenly looks like he has a bright idea. You can tell because his shoulder lights light up, as he points a finger upwards. He crouches down, aiming to find a light socket, or something where a light would connect. After a brief moment, his hands DIG into the wall itself, aiming to tear it apart to reach the wiring underneath, and with some tools being deployed he cuts the wires, and grabs each one in his hands. "Tesla, you're methods were always so limp wristed. BEHOLD THE POWER OF DIRECT CURRENT!" he demands, as he charges his hands with electricty, aiming to send several times the safe current through the wires, through the house. He attempts to break lightbulbs, plugged in electronics, sear lines, and cause havoc throughout the entirty of the house itself. This would likely also cause a few fires. "Well, if he is, he's regreting his life choices now...This should also have, hopefully, a negitive impact on his ability to hit us with objects...which would leave just the knights. Assuming they were not connected, or near, any wires." Some appliance sparks behind him dangerously.
Krusty	Krusty has been busy leading the fight against the Knights. It's actually been reminding him a lot of dungeon raids he's been on in the past. He swings his large axe with impressive speed, looking barely encumbered by his large armour. Locking his weapon against that of yet another knight, Krusty calls back to Edison, "I don't suppose you have anything in that bag of tricks to help get us up to the next level?" Krusty shifts to the side to let the knight's weapon slide off then he spins around and brings the bottom of his weapon to smash into the side of the knight's helmet. Backing up briefly for a short break he continues, "I'd prefer to not have to fight through to the other side." Damn that Seifer for rushing ahead.
Cu Chulainn	As the group progresses, knights are webbed up, allowing them to get cut down by axes and Maya's rifle. Edison overpowers the electric grid, taking out the lights and darkening the place, as well as starting small fires, which several of the knights leap to jump on and squash with their own bodies, clearly seeing 'the entire house burning down' as a major threat, even if their armor falls to shambles in the process. It doesn't seem to be overly stopping the use of throwing objects, since they're being thrown primarily by shadowy tendrils, but a lot of the shadows are focusing on 'putting out the fires' instead of throwing everything in sight. The knights near the back, knowing that their bretheren have been felled, attempt a new tactic. They begin to fuse, pieces of armor falling off, as they grow into larger shadows with larger weapons made of the black tendrils. The flail knight stays where he is, while a few of the big ones charge forward, moving to try and sweep through the group. They're both stronger, and tougher. But at the same time, the knights' numbers are being thinned. Whoever is doing all of this is probably focusing on the top floor, since Seifer's already up there, ignoring the group on the second floor and mostly allowing them to progress.
Thomas Alva Edison	Edison nods...he can't take care of EVERYTHING...but that would at least provide some distraction...and of course, also clear up some of the way forward. "I need more time to unleash my Noble Phantasm again, so we're going to have to fight through this." He says, calmly, though he doesn't see it as necissary to unleash it now anyway...things are going in their favor, they're just not where they exactly what to be...and that's fine. Taking a breath, Edison notices the shift in the Knights. "Down!" he shouts, moving to interpose himself between the knight and the group, aiming to brace himself, while also trying to take the blunt of the strike aimed to hurt multiple people. It's about all he can do at once, aiming to try and absorb the blow...and then moves to GRAPPLE the larger knight, trying to lock it into place. "Get it, and lets get going!" he shouts, the lion head showing visible strain.
Orchid	Orchid winces. Not because of the pain Edison is about to feel, but because he's probably their best bet for 'turning off' the grail shard (if that's what is ACTUALLY at the bottom of this) with that Noble Phantasm. "Follow me," she says to the others, looking around the room and the giant knight-mish-mash thing. She runs right at the thing... Only to summon her rocket surfboard in front of her, using it as a jumping off point to go over the giant creature, and up the stairs.
Krusty	Krusty decides to just accept that they'll have to fight their way through. Not the most efficient way to progress, but at least it should be fun. And the arrival of the bigger, nastier knight brings a bit of a smile to Krusty's face. He raises his axe in preparation to meet the larger knight's weapon, only for Edison to dive in the way, taking the blow himself. Once more returned to a more sober frame of mind, Krusty shows to be somewhat impressed by the method provided by Orchid to bypass both the knight and the rest of the floor, "That works." Running forward, Krusty manages to leap onto the offered floating platform of a surfboard and then further up through the opening of the broken stairs. An agility that defies what looks like should be rather heavy armour. Joining Orchid he says, "Thanks."
Orchid	Orchid does a little test adding some extra words to get around the filter, and will undo the pose if it is attached to a scene.
Cu Chulainn	Orchid and Krusty are able to navigate over the guards, while Edison manages to grapple the biggest one, holding him off long enough for the others to escape. To get past himself, it'd probably only take the Servant use of his DC fisticuffs, having the knight in an optimal position. Once the group gets upstairs, there's a few more guards, though the numbers have been thinned. Getting past them should be easy enough, and the master bedroom door is right ahead. The remainer of the guards are the huge ones, which are blocking the door and need to be fought off. The shadows grow thickest around this area, but the objective is just ahead. Felt and Cu are still with the group, and Felt speaks up as they get close. "Once we get the shard, be careful not to accidentally will a wish onto it or anything. I need to get that back to my superiors, it's pretty important."
Thomas Alva Edison	Thomas Alva Edison, international man of science (and mystery) does not simply punch a guard to death. While he does use his DC powered fisticuffs, he instead... Picks the monster up...and SUPLEXES him. Not once. Not twice. BUT REPEATEDLY in a show of the UNITED STATES SPIRIT THROUGH AMERICAN WRESTLING MOVES! When the thing finally subcumbs to these DC powered antics, he moves after the group up the stairs, but he will defintely be behind, aiming to try and catch up as fast as he is able. These antics, hijinks, and other asorted jacknapery always were fun to get involved in, though the price on the line was an important one. Getting a shard of the grail out of the hands of a mage, who never have once used it right, responsibly, or without a horrible body count.
Krusty	Krusty maintains patience as he waits for Edison to to join them, well aware of the foolishness of rushing ahead of the party. But once the inventor manages to reach the the their level, Krusty pushes forward once more. He fearlessly approaches each group of guards, charging straight into them with large axe in hand. Upon reaching the entrance to the master bedroom and the two massive knights blocking their path, Krusty charges once more. He leaps into the air, brining his axe down from overhead on the closest guard. Landing once more he takes a step back and turns his axe to block the counterattack. As he struggles against the larger knight's weapon, Krusty responds to Felt, "Don't worry." He suddenly parries the weapon to the side, spinning around to bury his weapon into the knight's side as he finishes, "I get the impression these shards aren't a reliable method of wish granting."
Thomas Alva Edison	Edison says nothing, however his pure existance seems to invalidate his words just spoken.
Maya	As the group has been able to keep it together make it upstairs and she her rifle at the ready the magi-tek weapon is at the ready as they move deeper into the castle. They soon reach the master bedroom. She has the weapon ready to give her allies cover as they make ready to fight past the knights. She'll zip about taking a few controlled shots, it's interesting she seems to have experience working with melee fighters. Maya seems intent and very focused though on what she's doing. "I have to agree there Krusty."
Orchid	"Reliable things tend to be studied and turned into science," Orchid comments. She's hanging back a bit, trying to navigate. "But just in case, I've got what should be a safe wish." Who knows if that will work... but little about the Grail Shards can be predicted in advance. In any case, she's not a melee fighter, instead keeping her eyes at the rear, to give warning if any problems come from that direction.
Cu Chulainn	As the group cuts through the fighters, burying axes into their side, using good ol' American suplexes, and controlled shots, they manage to clear the way to the door. Once there, the door is locked, but easy enough to force the way open, depending on how they choose to do it. Eventually, no matter which means the group takes, they can get through the door... The room inside is a dimly lit manor bedroom. There's no television, no real electronics. The only light is candle light on a wardrobe, and there's a massive bed in the back, kingside, that's empty. In between the bed at the far wall and the door is a little sitting/tea area inside the bedroom, put in for someone who can't leave the room. The reason is clear when they delve further in, spotting the old wicker chair. Inside sits a decrepit old man, bald and withered. The old man is pinned to the chair with a large black sword through his heart, and yet, despite that, he still moves. He still breathes. He still sees everything you do. The sword is hilariously magical, as he wears a nice set of casual clothes, speaking up with a voice similar to the young man who claimed he was Questiv Quentinus, if aged 80 years. "Well...you've pushed through everything I have. Almost everything, at least. Do you see now why I can't just shut it all down? Why I can't just stop the miasma? It's a side effect of the shard. And the shard is the only thing keeping me alive!" Questiv Quentinus wheezes, making painful noises as the sword grinds itself against him as he moves. "The miasma is an 'unfortunate' side effect of the shard's power, but one I have to deal with. When I said everyone should leave, I truly meant it. This is my castle, my home. I've lived here longer than any of them have. If you want to stop it, well..." "You'll have to kill me." If the group approaches or acts hostile, the shadows in the room begin to warp. "But I'm not going down without a fight. Unless you're willing to just walk away, I'm not even sure if we can negotiate. What can you offer an old man like me, hm?" And then, they grow, and grow, and grow, into a massive creature. It's sort of like a mix between a bear and a gorilla, made of the shadows. It's big, hulking, and walks on its fists, and moves to physically interpose itself between the group and Questiv Quentinus. It does not, however, attack first. So perhaps the group can negotiate. Maybe not, but if they want to give it a try...they have their one shot here.
Orchid	"I have questions," Orchid says, "Two questions, to be specific." Okay, maybe the first is less a question, and more a rhetorical device, but she thinks it will work. "Have you considered non-magical methods of life extension? I'm sure it could be arranged to have equipment moved here to do a digitization of your brain, uploading you into a computer, or a new robot body, or a new flesh and blood body, young and strong." Orchid stops speaking, then jerks as she remembers something. "Oh, and how long has that candle been burning? It's clear you can't get up to replace it yourself."
Krusty	Thunk. Krusty places the head of his axe into the floor in front of them. He holds the weapon there as he faces the man before them. Looking him over, it seems that Krusty was partially correct about Quentinus not being able to leave the master bedroom. Though the sword through the chest was unexpected. While Orchid tries to offer up other methods of extending life, Krusty decides to attempt an opposite approach, "It seems your time is up, old man. Rather than claw helplessly at death, clinging to what is unlikely to be much of a life, trapped here in this house... Wouldn't you rather face your end with dignity?" As the large shadow creature is formed, Krusty lifts his axe and moves to put himself between it and the group. He doesn't engage just yet though, waiting for the old man's response.
Thomas Alva Edison	The Presiking walks forward, but non threatening. He is a dangerous man, he knows, to this man. The grail shard, undoubtedly, could resist the full effect of his Noble Phantasm...to some degree. The rest of the man's magic could probably not be so lucky, and anything the man could summon in would fair little better. "I hate to put it like this, sir, but you're not bargining from a position of strength. You've seen what my Noble Phantasm alone can do. The rest of these people, with me, would be more than enough to force our way through your defenses to take the shard. Then what, you die. Whatever knowledge you have amassed will either be lost, or stolen by your rivals and claimed as their own." "I can not tell you how to live your life. Mortality is a frightening thing for all men, even those who's legacies have lived on passed their mortal coil. However, if you are unwilling to be adapting right now, you will face death sooner, and without anything you might have wanted to accomplished." "We can think of a solution, together, but the harm to the village needs to stop. They have lived their all of their lives, as you have here. It matters not who was first, their desire to leave matches your own. So...let us talk this out, like gentlemen."
Maya	Maya did not expect to see something like this. They are past the monsters it doesn't take long and now she's looking at the mage for a moment. She looks at them listening frowning at this. She looks the man over. She hears his argument and frowns she doesn't raise her weapon just yet it's not her world, after all, she looks to the rest of the group as she takes a moment thinking about the questions. "It's like you're a soul in a jar here more or less isn't it what kind of life is that...?" She also takes note of both Edisons and Orchid's questions her eyes flick about the room looking for signs of anything else.
Cu Chulainn	"Bah, and give up my body? Give up the magic flowing inside? How dare you even suggest such a thing." Quentinus is pretty against the idea, Orchid will find. "I don't want transhumanism. I want to live in peace and do my research. And you, knight...did you not see the avatar I created? I can still do my work in peace, even if I'm chained here. Or I could, until you slaughtered my research." A glance towards Maya as well, his avatar comment pretty much answers her question. Edison gets the most critical eye. "Threatening me, are you, Presiking? How would you fix my solution, then? Allow me to keep my body and research? You can't remove the sword without stopping my heart, it's already pierced. The sword will continue the miasma as long as it's active. Tell me, oh brilliant inventor. Do you really think this can end peacefully for all of us? Or are you going to slay me, get blood on your hands?" The decrepit old man laughs. It's a painful laugh. The monster tenses. But it still doesn't attack...negotiations are waning even so.
Thomas Alva Edison	"Artificial hearts exist, I can easily create one for you, with the proper tools, to keep it going. You have other methods that can keep you going a bit longer, assuming we have someone who can implant said device. A single object in your chest would not effect your magical circuits, and we could keep you alive long enough to perform the operation." "Also, I did not threaten. It is a logical assessment of your situation from a logical point of view. You are a man of logic, yes? If you were not, we would not be talking."
Orchid	"I so dare because your current body is slowly killing you," Orchid says. "And do you really think your magic is tied simply to your body? Or is there some part of you beyond... aged flesh, creaking bones, aching joints. Are you honestly happy living like this? Beyond that, what are your plans? Is winning a fight against this many a realistic next step?" Orchid isn't going to give up on the talking, at least not until she is attacked.
Krusty	Krusty has said his part in this, his opinion on the matter of the mage's 'life' not changing even with the ability of a projected avatar. The bespectacled knight watches the old man's face closely, then turns to look at the menacing shadow creature. He adjusts his glasses for a moment as he studies the shadow. "... Careful!" Krusty acts quickly, sweeping his axe out to the side as the blade starts to glow with light. He then swings the axe hard in the monster's direction, the light jumping off the blade in crescent shape and streaking towards the creature to cut into it.
Maya	Well it seems the man has made his choice she looks to him she tilts her head a bit. "I see." She thinks about this for a moment she doesn't make a move to attack. She looks at the magus for a moment. She holds for a moment as the example of a cybernetic heart comes up. That is true and while she's known for her temper there is another action here. She doesn't say anything else and then Krusty goes in, whelp there goes any chance for talking it's time to get to work She will move to pull a card out and cast blue fire of alien origin leaches out of her body and into the card which glows and she'll cast a protective barrier on the rest of her companions.
Cu Chulainn	Orchid gets a scoff and a look of disdan. "You know nothing about magecraft and magic, girl. Don't act like you're knowledgable, when you're clearly not." Edison gets an inquisitive glance. "Ah, but will that keep me alive beyond my years? This sword will keep me alive indefinitely as long as it's here. Your heart's a temporary fix, and I doubt you have the art of immortality. You're a man who works with electricity, aren't you?" He looks like he might say more, but negotiations are clearly ending fast...and Krusty decides to be the one to put the back-and-forth to an ending. He moves to sweep a light blast hard into the monster, and it's very effective, burning into its side. But unlike the other ones, this one is the strongest Quentinus can make, and it shows as it still stands, and moves to strike. Maya's barriers are in its path when it does, and it batters against them, a mighty claw going forth to sweep into them with a powerful strike. The sheer strength of the beast forces immense pressure against them, enough for the attack to still shockwave past them and hurt its targets, but they're clearly reduced in power thanks to the aid of the barrier. And so, the beast screams an earth-shattering roar, and moves to push them back. It's clearly a deadly creature...but it's magic, so they might have an advantage against it. "I guess we're at an impasse. Come, then! If you're going to kill me, try it. I'll do the same to you!"
Orchid	"Well, we tried the easy option," Orchid says, taking cover. She's now examining that big, long sword; she's got an idea that Tessla might approve of, but she doesn't need to mention that fact. But one of her hands retracts, and is replaced with the head of a sonic screwdriver. "Let's see how much energy that sword can handle," she muses, seeking the resonant frequency of the sword, but not going to full power yet.
Thomas Alva Edison	The strike lashes out, and of course things are beyond words now. It is to his great frustraition that he could not bring things to a peaceful resolution. The Shockwave crashes against him, and the tough heroic spirit that was Edison weathers the storm. Looking up, he shakes his head...it didn't have to be like this. However, nobody wanted to be patient, nobody wanted to bet on the god of possibility... It's frustraiting, as he always put his faith in that god. However, at this point it was him or them... and Edison had a duty to do. "WORLD FAITH DOMINATION!" He bellows, and once more the lights go out. Edison appears, as the spotlight shines on the room, showering it in it's light. 19th Century POSSIBILITIES! Antimagic floods the room, aiming to destroy and suppress magical effects. Those effects from the divine are similarly suppressed. In the reverse, those in his light that are his allies are stronger, faster, and tougher. The force of the attack washes out all from him, aiming to try and tear through the construct's construction directly.
Krusty	Krusty suddenly finds himself further protected by Maya's defensive barrier. But they can only blunt the power of the monster's blow. Krusty is hit by the resulting shockwave, grunting as he is sent skidding back on his feet a couple of meters. Further light washes over the room from Edison as Krusty feels his strength enhanced once more. He spins his axe and plants it in the floor. He takes in a deep breath as the air around him begins to shimmer. And a moment later, Krusty unleashes a thunderous roar, an aura of red energy flaring to life around him as his taunting skill activates to draw the shadow monster's attention on to him. Bringing his axe up again once more, Krusty settles into a defensive stance as he awaits the monster's attack. There's a smirk on his face.
Maya	Maya has seen a lot of power she's always aware her barriers and other support spells are good but this guy fueled by the chard with the thing he's summoned is still getting a lot though. She's forced back herself she looks at the man for a moment and has more cards out. "Very well." She starts to cast now focusing her magic again, her magic is not refined it's direct it's primal? For all that it has a lot of power, she lets loose several water spells focus into tight streams of water at the creature. "Time to settle this."
Cu Chulainn	Orchid and Edison immediately move for indirect solutions. Orchid finds the resonant frequency of the sword and starts to ping it at low power, while Edison fires off World Faith Domination, bleeding anti-magic into the room. The sword reacts poorly to both. It begins to weaken from the anti-magic, suppressing the agelessness it gives Quentinus, who begins coughing and choking, dying very slowly and very painfully. As Orchid tries to outright /destroy/ the sword though it lashes out, rattling horribly inside the man's body and causing him to scream in pain, and letting off a miasma instead of being destroyed. The miasma is some sort of defense mechanism, trying to strangle those who threaten it with horrible magical poison. Orchid will see that if she puts up the force to high pressure, she might be able to destroy it...but it's sure to have very dire consequences with how much magic is flowing through it. Meanwhile, Krusty activates an aura of energy that causes the monster to roar again and come straight at him. It's not smart enough to expect a trap...and it's weakening, body starting to crumble with every second being inside World Faith Domination. It'd certainly last long enough to do big damage to Krusty if not stopped, but he surely has a plan, right? The bursts of water are certainly hurting it even if it's focusing on Krusty, ripping it apart faster and faster. But it still has a chance of attacking the warrior! Felt is about to rush forward at Quentinus, when the miasma chokes him and Cu up. He shouts out to the others. "Now, grab the sword! Hurry!"
Orchid	Orchid is... Not going to force the issue, shutting off the sonic screwdriver. It seems destroying these magical items may not be the best way to contain that danger. On the OTHER hand, Orchid doesn't really NEED to breathe, and so long as the miasma doesn't REALIZE that, she may have a chance. Dash boots engage. Orchid is going to pull the sword out.
Krusty	Krusty is still smirking as the shadow monster charges towards him. He hasn't prepared a trap for the creature. Not himself, anyway. However he is relying on his allies to be the ones to take advatange of the attention he has drawn. Trusting in his allies to do so, Krusty of course does have something up his gauntlet to keep him from becoming a smear on the floor. A golden aura surrounds Krusty as he prepares his next skill. And as the shadow creature swings its large claws towards him, Krusty swings his large two-handed axe back at the same time. The two swings meet in the center, unleashing a flash of light and a shockwave of wind from the skill activation and the strength of the combined blows. Utilizing his Adventurer-level strength against the shadow creature, Krusty struggles to keep its movements limited so the others can act. On the edge of his view, he can see a chunk of his HP bar has vanished. Even with the Counter Break skill, much of the creature's damage got through to him. But he's far better off than he might have been without it. Eventually giving in to the struggle, Krusty takes advantage of his opponent's own strength to push himself away, jumping backwards to create some room. Landing again, he quickly swings his axe twice, its blade glowing as it unleashes a cross-shaped streak of light in the shadow creature's direction.
Thomas Alva Edison	Edison moves quickly, as Krusty aims to keep the monster busy as he walks towards the old man. His large hands move to grab the old man, holding him down so that the shard can be moved, as Edison quickly moves his hand to hold the man by his head. "I'm sorry it had to come to this," He says, with every ounce of sorrow he had in him...and then his hands come down, aiming to try and crush the head of the man with his massive strength. aiming to put the man out of his mercy in a single blow, instead of allowing him to die slowly, painfully, and watching the shard slowly be yanked from him. With a heavy sigh, Edison uses a DC POWERED TOWEL to wipe his hands after the deed is done.
Maya	Krusty has the things' full attention, she lets up on the magic, for the moment, snagging the card out of the air the junker brings her rifle into play. She levels her father's weapon at the creature nad pulls teh trigger, brass goes flying from her weapon as she tries to focus all of her barrage at it, oddly it doesn't stop. She does not pause to reload. Even when she does pause it feels more like she's pacing herself or trying to not overheat her weapon. "Come on big guy lets' put this thing down!"
Cu Chulainn	Everything happens fast. Orchid dashes for the sword, and while she's pulling out the heavy magical artifact, Edison uses his strength to crush Quentinus's head, shattering his skull and killing him. In the process, Orchid manages to remove the sword, which pulsates with magic. It's not going to respond to any wishes or the like, luckily, because it's already been used for immortality. The miasma in the air starts to die down... And Krusty swings his axe back and holds the blow, which also damages the creature further. This gives Maya plenty of time to continue firing on it, causing it to writhe. Even so, it still wants to try and die fighting. And that it does. It doesn't get to make another attack - it falls completely apart, the shadows turning back to the mundane as the monster disappears. Questiv Quentinus lies dead, and the castle is now clear. Felt moves as the miasma fades away, moving towards Orchid to relieve her of the sword. "Good work, everyone. I'll bring this back to my association, cash it in for a Command Spell. You've all done very well." Cu Chulainn thumbs-ups at them, and so, the story of the Quentinus family has finally reached its end. As they leave, Cu Chulainn will also offer everyone a drink on him while Felt makes the calls and preparation to travel, but understands if people want to go and rest or heal up or whatever instead. Whatever to make new allies, right?
Orchid	Orchid is more than glad to hand the sword over to Felt. "Icky thing. Granting immortality with a great thing in your chest..." she shudders a little. Still, she'll share in the drinking. "So, does anyone know who gets the castle now?" she asks.
Krusty	Krusty watches as the shadow monster falls apart before him. He slowly stands, planting his axe in the ground and leaning against it. He glances at his HP bar, "Hmmm... That one hit hard." He turns to look in the direction of Quentinus, seeing his crushed skull. He then looks at the sword as it's handed over, agreeing with Orchid, "It's not an appealing form of immortality." Krusty is more than willing to accept a drink!
Cu Chulainn	On the subject of the castle, Felt and Cu aren't sure what will happen to it. Felt suspects it'll be taken over by the Association, condemned, and blamed for the whole incident on gas leaks and bear attacks or something, but he doesn't really know. Whatever happens, he's glad he doesn't have to spend another moment in here.