Author Topic: (Skyseas of Gensokyo) Nazrin Quest (Part 4) (Read 87255 times)

DracoOmega · « **Reply #330 on:** August 21, 2011, 12:56:18 AM »

Quote from: Killer Purvis on August 21, 2011, 12:26:24 AM

>Well fuck, two can play at this game.
>Yank sharply against the webbing and throw our weight against it. Either it's going to give, or she is.

>You give the webbing attached to your arm a sudden jerk, throwing your weight into the action. The force sends the dangling youkai swinging through the air towards you, though she loses neither her grip nor her aim.
>The second strand cracks sharply across your back, its heavy tip whipping around your side and clinging to the front of your left hip.

Hello Purvis · « **Reply #331 on:** August 21, 2011, 01:00:09 AM »

>If she's swinging, throw some weight to swing her into something unpleasant.
>"You know, it's going to be a real problem for you if I don't go back!"

DracoOmega · « **Reply #332 on:** August 21, 2011, 01:35:19 AM »

Quote from: Killer Purvis on August 21, 2011, 01:00:09 AM

>If she's swinging, throw some weight to swing her into something unpleasant.
>"You know, it's going to be a real problem for you if I don't go back!"

>You throw some more weight into pulling on the tethers, sending the youkai swinging faster towards you. Unfortunately, you don't see much nearby that you could make her swing into. The air above the bridge is empty save for the stalactites on the ceiling and she is hanging well below them. Unless you can find a way to make her swing a couple dozen feet up, you don't think you can pull her into harm's way.
>"I'm... I'm not letting you go." Her voice is grimly resolute, yet strangely halting; it seems to take her a moment to form the words.

Hello Purvis · « **Reply #333 on:** August 21, 2011, 01:48:02 AM »

>"Then you're going to have way worse than me coming! We can either settle this here, or you can make it so I don't go home and people worse than me come."
>Set to burning one of those strands.

DracoOmega · « **Reply #334 on:** August 23, 2011, 02:23:35 AM »

Quote from: Killer Purvis on August 21, 2011, 01:48:02 AM

>"Then you're going to have way worse than me coming! We can either settle this here, or you can make it so I don't go home and people worse than me come."
>Set to burning one of those strands.

>"Then I'll stop them too," she says.
>You shift the torch and apply it to the strand binding your hip. Sparing a glance towards the flame, you see the webbing very slowly start to waver beneath it.
>The youkai grabs the end of both threads in one hand and binds them tightly around that arm, then lashes a third strand towards you with her now-free hand.

Hello Purvis · « **Reply #335 on:** August 23, 2011, 02:28:06 AM »

>"You think there's just going to be one? And you think they're going to be anything like me? Because I did my best to spare whoever didn't come after me. They're not going to be so nice."
>Leap back, if we can. And keep moving so that we draw her to the edge of whatever she's swinging on.

Oldmansour · « **Reply #336 on:** August 23, 2011, 02:33:30 AM »

>"Is this really necessary? I didn't come down here to threaten you, or hurt you, or anyone else. Just come down here and talk to me, save us both some pain."

Hello Purvis · « **Reply #337 on:** August 23, 2011, 02:37:17 AM »

Quote from: Killer Purvis on August 23, 2011, 02:28:06 AM

>"You think there's just going to be one? And you think they're going to be anything like me? Because I did my best to spare whoever didn't come after me. They're not going to be so nice."

>Belay this.

DracoOmega · « **Reply #338 on:** August 23, 2011, 03:05:35 AM »

Quote from: Sourfang on August 23, 2011, 02:33:30 AM

>"Is this really necessary? I didn't come down here to threaten you, or hurt you, or anyone else. Just come down here and talk to me, save us both some pain."

>Her lips churn wordlessly for a moment, almost as if she were too impassioned to put voice to her them. Her expression darkens further, an ember of something almost feral in her eyes. "You killed them!"

Quote from: Killer Purvis on August 23, 2011, 02:28:06 AM

>Leap back, if we can. And keep moving so that we draw her to the edge of whatever she's swinging on.

>You try to leap back out of the way of the incoming shot, but as your feet leave the ground, the spider youkai gives a sharp tug on the tethers, throwing your balance off. You fall awkwardly onto your side, narrowly moving the torch out of the way before you land on it as well and start burning more than webbing. The third shot whips closely past you.

Oldmansour · « **Reply #339 on:** August 23, 2011, 03:20:37 AM »

>Try to roll away from her and spring back to our feet, and get back to work on the strand we were torching earlier.
>"I defended myself! I came out here looking for the cows, and I got attacked. I didn't wanna kill anything, but I had no choice!"

DracoOmega · « **Reply #340 on:** August 23, 2011, 03:53:10 AM »

Quote from: Sourfang on August 23, 2011, 03:20:37 AM

>Try to roll away from her and spring back to our feet, and get back to work on the strand we were torching earlier.
>"I defended myself! I came out here looking for the cows, and I got attacked. I didn't wanna kill anything, but I had no choice!"

>You roll the side and spring back to your feet. Unfortunately, all the roll accomplishes is twisting the two tethers around you; your right arm gets constricted against your body somewhat. You set the torch back against the second strand, though its current position forces you to start burning from a different point lest you set fire to yourself in the process. You feel a tug forward as the youkai begins to swing back again.
>"Liar," she hisses. "But you won't find it. Nobody will."
>She sweeps the third rope wide and then lashes it towards you again.

Oldmansour · « **Reply #341 on:** August 23, 2011, 04:03:15 AM »

>Well at least she's civilized enough to have a concept of lies. Means we've got an outside chance to reason with her. Maybe...
>"I'm not even looking for an 'it'! Tell me where the cows are, if you know, that's all I was sent out here for."
>About how far away is the strand she's dangling from? At least, is it out of our effective throwing range?
>Spring backwards to get out of the incoming strands' range.

DracoOmega · « **Reply #342 on:** August 23, 2011, 04:28:55 AM »

Quote from: Sourfang on August 23, 2011, 04:03:15 AM

>Well at least she's civilized enough to have a concept of lies. Means we've got an outside chance to reason with her. Maybe...
>"I'm not even looking for an 'it'! Tell me where the cows are, if you know, that's all I was sent out here for."
>About how far away is the strand she's dangling from? At least, is it out of our effective throwing range?
>Spring backwards to get out of the incoming strands' range.

>She doesn't seem entirely feral, at the least...
>"We're hungry," she says, sounding somehow like an accusation.
>At its closest, it's a little over 10 feet away; the point tethered to the ceiling is perhaps 30 feet away. While the lower portion is closer, the upper portion is swaying less and might make an easier target. Although it's relatively narrow, you think you might still be able to hit it if you focused.
>You try to spring backward, but with the strands wrapped across you and the and the spider's weight pulling against them, you fail to leap very far - not enough to make it clear. The third strand hits against your left knee and clings fast.

Oldmansour · « **Reply #343 on:** August 23, 2011, 04:39:24 AM »

>Mutter, "Well, I guess that answers that question..."
>As near as we can determine, would we be able to cut these threads with one stroke of a kunai? Either thrown or swung with.
>"So, I guess you want me on the menu, too?"

DracoOmega · « **Reply #344 on:** August 23, 2011, 04:57:34 AM »

Quote from: Sourfang on August 23, 2011, 04:39:24 AM

>Mutter, "Well, I guess that answers that question..."
>As near as we can determine, would we be able to cut these threads with one stroke of a kunai? Either thrown or swung with.
>"So, I guess you want me on the menu, too?"

>Not exactly the best news to come back with...
>The silk looks fairly durable; you expect it might take some sawing to cut through. Stabbing it might be more effective as a way to split the strand apart, though you doubt you could sever clear through on one stroke.
>"You chased us," she says. "You killed us. We won't go back."
>The section of the strand beneath the torch's flame starts to wither and buckle.

Oldmansour · « **Reply #345 on:** August 23, 2011, 05:02:50 AM »

>Pull the dulled kunai and slash at the weakened thread. Charred thread can't survive a slash.
>"Those spiders attacked me. I defended myself. Just like I'm doing now. I don't want to fight you, but if you make me, I will."
>Get to work on the strand holding our arm with the torch.

DracoOmega · « **Reply #346 on:** August 23, 2011, 07:52:06 AM »

Quote from: Sourfang on August 23, 2011, 05:02:50 AM

>Pull the dulled kunai and slash at the weakened thread. Charred thread can't survive a slash.
>"Those spiders attacked me. I defended myself. Just like I'm doing now. I don't want to fight you, but if you make me, I will."
>Get to work on the strand holding our arm with the torch.

>With your right arm pinned as it is, you don't have the leverage you'd need to slash at that part of the strand.
>"Then bring them back!" she cries. "She was the last one left!"
>You switch the torch's position to start burning at the thread holding onto your arm.
>The youkai jerks sharply on the tether at your knee, buckling it and nearly making you topple over. You feel a wash of sharp heat as the torch passes uncomfortably close to your shoulder before you set it right again. Then she binds the third rope around her arm and sweeps the fingers of her other hand across the air. Thin tendrils of webbing cascade from each, rippling out like a gossamer scarf.

Oldmansour · « **Reply #347 on:** August 23, 2011, 08:27:28 AM »

>Try to unwind the thread from our torso, so as to free our arm. Be prepared to compensate for the loss of balance when the third thread entangles our legs, as it must.
>"Last one of what? Will you stop shooting this stuff at me and talk to me?!"
>Can we cut that first strand NOW? If so, do it. If not, return torch to that thread and then cut it.

Hello Purvis · « **Reply #348 on:** August 23, 2011, 12:11:27 PM »

>"And go back where? Who said anything about you going back anywhere?"

DracoOmega · « **Reply #349 on:** August 23, 2011, 08:18:54 PM »

Quote from: Sourfang on August 23, 2011, 08:27:28 AM

>Try to unwind the thread from our torso, so as to free our arm. Be prepared to compensate for the loss of balance when the third thread entangles our legs, as it must.
>"Last one of what? Will you stop shooting this stuff at me and talk to me?!"
>Can we cut that first strand NOW? If so, do it. If not, return torch to that thread and then cut it.

>You twist yourself around to unwind the thread wrapping your torso, unfortunately twining the cord around your knees in the process. But you do manage to pull your arm free!
>"There's nothing else to say!" she cries.
>You draw the damaged kunai and slash at the scorched part of the second tether. Despite being burnt and buckled, it remains surprisingly tough, and the first strike scores only a shallow cut. As you pull the blade tighter against the strand, the youkai shifts her weight against the first set of tethers and jerks sharply on the other. Your knee buckles and you stumble in your bindings, falling forward onto the ground. But you feel the burnt strand give way under your kunai!
>Glancing up, you see the ribbon of webbing waft through the air towards you, streaming from the youkai's hand as she traces her fingers across the air, piling ripple upon ripple.

Quote from: Killer Purvis on August 23, 2011, 12:11:27 PM

>"And go back where? Who said anything about you going back anywhere?"

>She simply glowers at you.

Hello Purvis · « **Reply #350 on:** August 23, 2011, 08:32:08 PM »

So, vectors we can take with this. We're going to have to tread on some eggshells, but I think we can pull this off.

Points to consider:
-Someone is going to come after us. People know about the spiders already.
-She could have approached us herself; instead she sent footsoldiers to die.
-She is probably aware, to some degree, that it was a mistake. I would propose she's kind of hoping if she buries us, she'll bury the mistake and can move on with things.

We're going to have to drop the challenging tone. She has no reason to react to it.

>"Do you want to save the ones that are left?"

DracoOmega · « **Reply #351 on:** August 23, 2011, 09:32:23 PM »

Quote from: Killer Purvis on August 23, 2011, 08:32:08 PM

>"Do you want to save the ones that are left?"

>"That's what I'm doing," she says darkly.
>The ribbon of webbing brushes across your shoulder and clings to it, while more of it ripples towards you, undulating with the motion of the spider's hand as she traces it across the air.

Hello Purvis · « **Reply #352 on:** August 23, 2011, 09:43:20 PM »

>"No. You're dooming them. Tell me, do you know how many people are in Braston? Not Easthaven, Braston."

DracoOmega · « **Reply #353 on:** August 23, 2011, 09:59:44 PM »

Quote from: Killer Purvis on August 23, 2011, 09:43:20 PM

>"No. You're dooming them. Tell me, do you know how many people are in Braston? Not Easthaven, Braston."

>Her eyes narrow slightly. "What are you talking about?"
>A second swath of webbing sticks across your arm and part of your chest. A glimmer of motion upon your shoulder catches your eye, and a quick glance turns into an abrupt head turn. The strands of the first part of the ribbon seem to be... moving, growing thicker and slowly spreading across your shoulder.

Hello Purvis · « **Reply #354 on:** August 23, 2011, 10:07:39 PM »

>"You're declaring war by doing this. People know where I am, people stronger than me. People more numerous than you. Do you know what a war is?"

DracoOmega · « **Reply #355 on:** August 23, 2011, 10:22:26 PM »

Quote from: Killer Purvis on August 23, 2011, 10:07:39 PM

>"You're declaring war by doing this. People know where I am, people stronger than me. People more numerous than you. Do you know what a war is?"

>"....we remember," she says, steel in her gaze.
>Another band of of webbing falls across the side of your head and neck while the strands clinging to your shoulder and chest start to bind together.
>The tether stuck to your arm starts to buckle and wither beneath your torch's flame; you think it would be worn enough to cut now if you tried, though the strands of creeping webbing are starting to constrict your arm against your body.

Hello Purvis · « **Reply #356 on:** August 23, 2011, 10:31:27 PM »

>"Hundreds of soldiers. Hundreds. Soldiers with weapons that can kill from dozens of yards away. Have you ever seen a bow? They put my knives to shame. These soldiers who will not hesitate to burn this place to the ground, and every young spider with it. And do you know why? Because you've proven you're willing to strike at us. You struck at me, rather than try to communicate. Your spiders attacked me when they didn't need to. You can bury me, but it's not going to change what happened or what will happen."
>"I can change what will happen. And you're going to lose that chance if you keep doing what you are doing."
>Work those strands with our knife.

DracoOmega · « **Reply #357 on:** August 23, 2011, 10:56:33 PM »

Quote from: Killer Purvis on August 23, 2011, 10:31:27 PM

>"Hundreds of soldiers. Hundreds. Soldiers with weapons that can kill from dozens of yards away. Have you ever seen a bow? They put my knives to shame. These soldiers who will not hesitate to burn this place to the ground, and every young spider with it. And do you know why? Because you've proven you're willing to strike at us. You struck at me, rather than try to communicate. Your spiders attacked me when they didn't need to. You can bury me, but it's not going to change what happened or what will happen."
>"I can change what will happen. And you're going to lose that chance if you keep doing what you are doing."

>"They were defending their home!" she cries. "And I'm defending them! I don't want your help, you... murderer!"

Quote from: Killer Purvis on August 23, 2011, 10:31:27 PM

>Work those strands with our knife.

>You struggle against silk across your arm and manage to win just enough leverage to bring the edge of your kunai against the scorched and withered part of the tether. You pull! The blade digs into the damaged silk and tether snaps, the longer part of it going limp and sliding off the edge of the bridge.
>The spider youkai continues to sweep the tendrils of silk towards you, another section landing across part of your back. It's becoming rather difficult to move your right arm at all now, and the webbing upon your head is starting to creep up your ear and flatten your hair against the side of your face.

Hello Purvis · « **Reply #358 on:** August 23, 2011, 11:02:13 PM »

>"It's not murder when I'm attacked first. And why didn't you come out yourself to deal with me? Why'd you hide in here if you were so concerned? Why didn't you come out to save them? Did you listen to any of the ones I let go, when I kept trying to speak with them, in hopes they would carry the message to whoever was giving them their orders? This didn't have to happen, but it did, because you tried to fight. Are you going to keep fighting? Are you going to get even more spiders killed over this? Do you really and truly think I'm the last one who's going to come?"

DracoOmega · « **Reply #359 on:** August 24, 2011, 01:17:51 AM »

Quote from: Killer Purvis on August 23, 2011, 11:02:13 PM

>"It's not murder when I'm attacked first. And why didn't you come out yourself to deal with me? Why'd you hide in here if you were so concerned? Why didn't you come out to save them? Did you listen to any of the ones I let go, when I kept trying to speak with them, in hopes they would carry the message to whoever was giving them their orders? This didn't have to happen, but it did, because you tried to fight. Are you going to keep fighting? Are you going to get even more spiders killed over this? Do you really and truly think I'm the last one who's going to come?"

>"I will save the rest of them," she says. "From you, and from anyone else like you. I won't let it happen again!"
>She continues to pile more webbing onto you while the tendrils already clinging to you kit tighter together. Wisps of sticky silk start to creep across your cheek while the webbing upon your chest rises to meet your neck. The strands holding your arm to your side binds more firmly, their weave growing denser.