epidemiology | EVENT ★ LABYRINTH III: THE ESCAPE

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EVENT ★ LABYRINTH III: THE ESCAPE

LABYRINTH III

The correct passageway to the inner ring of the maze is hidden behind a thick wall of vines. After cutting through the plants, the structure of the maze is noticeably different: the overgrown plants continue creeping up the walls, but the walls are no longer brick and stone, composed instead of some sort of blue metal with holes and divots carved elaborately into the surface. From some holes gush forth pure, clean water; from others, acidic liquid. The air is cool and crisp, the plants creating a lush, dim environment lit by eerie blue lights spread throughout this section.

The lizards, rats, and other monstrous creatures seem to be absent from this area of the maze, replaced instead by rhinoceros-sized beetles. The beetles each have a single horn protruding from the head, and their hard carapaces make them difficult to kill -- a better method might be to simply climb somewhere high and wait for the beetle to get bored. But unlike the other monsters encountered in the maze, the beetles seem to have something else on their mind beyond wanton violence: they can sometimes be found rolling massive balls of dung throughout the corridors of the labyrinth. (This might explain why the plants are so lush closer to the center.)

There is little time to explore this section of the labyrinth before there's a flicker of light all around and more ALASTAIR recruits suddenly appear, most dressed in a freshly pressed uniform and carrying extra food and supplies. They have been told that the cloaking surrounding Asterion Labyrinth is so strong and complex that Oska was only able to send in a handful of recruits at once for a relief effort.

In order to leave, they'll have to locate the escape mechanism that lies deep within the labyrinth; the remaining Asterion Prison correctional officers know its general location, but not precisely what it entails. All they know is that it will require technological cunning to operate and that it's heavily guarded.

After five days, the portal room is found.

THE PORTAL ROOM

The center of the labyrinth is a large, circular room with a raised platform in the middle. On this platform rests a circle of computer consoles surrounding another platform, on which sits an empty circular frame 2.5m (8') in diameter. This is the dormant portal, and it is now Audentes's task to turn it on and find their way back to Oska.

Because the portal is not made for interdimensional travel, it must be overclocked, which will cause it to burn out and explode once it is used. In order to override the safety protocols in place to prevent such dangerous tampering, the control panels must be unlocked -- and unfortunately, the locks are all complicated puzzles, ranging from the numerical to sliding pieces into place to complete a pattern. There are many of these puzzled scattered around the portal room, and once they are all unlocked, it's a simple matter of flipping the power override switches. Ignore the dangerous humming sound and the way the frame suddenly fills with violent purple energy. That's probably normal.

The new recruits have the correct coordinates to locate Oska, which has temporarily lowered its cloaking shield to allow Audentes to return. So there is a bit of a time crunch.

Adding more to the difficulty of the situation is the presence of a monster lumbering around the circular portal room. Six meters (20') high, the beast is best described as a minotaur, but perhaps not in the traditional sense: while it resembles a bipedal bull, it is an amalgamation of flesh and machine with its body covered in pistons and glowing lights. One of its hands is an enormous axe and it belches fire and acid. Despite its head resembling an herbivore, the piles of desiccated bones scattered throughout the portal room tell a different story.

Upon seeing the group, the minotaur charges. Mavahari, the Zymandis recruit, rushes to meet it with her sword drawn. Inmates and correctional officers do their best to fight it as well, but something becomes quickly apparent: it cannot be harmed by projectile weapons. The machinery of the beast keeps it protected from most attacks, though electricity will stun it and acid will corrode its metal. But in order to injure the minotaur, it must be stabbed between the metal plates where its vulnerable flesh remains.

During the battle, the minotaur fights viciously and without regard for its own safety. The first casualty comes early: the minotaur swings its axe toward Mavahari, who is pushed out of the way by George. The axe connects with him solidly, sending him flying into the wall with a shuddering impact. George lies there still, but there's no time to mourn. The beast continues its rampage.

Once the minotaur is defeated, you'll have to quickly decide what to do with the correctional officers and inmates who have followed Audentes through the Asterion Labyrinth. The overclocked portal won't hold forever, and the longer Oska leaves its cloak down, the better chance they have of being found by their enemies.

OOC NOTES

This log will last for six IC days: five days for exploration and one day at the center of the maze. We have also recently altered the calendar this month, so make sure you review it!

IMPORTANT: Participation in the solution poll is mandatory for August AC. Failure to participate will result in an automatic strike. The only exception is for those who are exempt from August AC. The poll will close on 11 August 23:59 UTC.

If you have any questions about the labyrinth that aren't answered here, please direct them to the Leramzen dossier.

Questions about the game in general should be directed to the FAQ and you may submit mission ideas or player plots at any time.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

i: insert poop joke here

Hey, wait! [The moment a recruit—either new or old—almost walks into a beetle's path, Keith moves out to catch their arm and pull them in. He certainly looks like he's spent days upon days in the labyrinth. His hair is unwashed and untidy, he probably smells a little bad, and he definitely isn't in good shape. Keith isn't injured, but he isn't someone who looks like he's done anything but live a miserable existence for the past few weeks.

Which ... in this case? Is totally fair. After all, he's been following a conspiracy that might not even matter in the end. (And given the cloaking whatever, that certainly sounds like the answer to his concerns.)

Right now, he's more concerned about keeping someone from being beetle juice. Except then the beetle starts to roll off in the distance, and Keith makes a disgruntled sound.]

... What's it doing? [As if the person whose arm is in his hand has any idea.]

ii: prototypical shounen fighting sequence

[Armed with a bayard and a few fresh meals—the latter possibly being the most important part here—Keith finds himself not thinking twice about fighting the minotaur. Is it a bad idea without all of the stuff he could have on hand? Yes. Is he going to fight the creature anyway? His name is Keith. Of course he's going to fight it.

Although he does get a few good strikes in, he comes to land hard until he manages to climb back up onto his knees. Grunting, he tries to push himself up further ... and fails.

Of course, that's when the minotaur sees prey that's easy to take down.]

Uh—can someone help? Please? [It takes a lot to ask. But he's asking. That's preferable to death.]

iii: the final countdown (of sorts)

[In time, Keith gains his bearings enough to find a wall and leans against it, head tilted forward and arms crossed. He listens to a lot of the proceedings, and it's clear that a decision needs to be made. For his part, he's struggled with the idea of criminals for a while. He's done criminal activity both here and in Woodhurst all for the name of a mission. What's apparent to him is this: criminal activity is ... difficult to discern. And for his part, he's both been on the side that some of the criminals are bad and some probably aren't.

For one thing: he isn't.

But for another: this is the kind of conversation he usually decides a path on and sticks to it.

That's more easily said than done here, so he glances at the nearest ALASTAIR person and asks,] Do you know what we're doing with all these people? [As if they know. As if they have any idea.

Keith doesn't, and it's a rare occasion where his tactless forcefulness doesn't come to play. That's partly because it's an uncomfortable scenario all in all.]

Edited 2017-08-05 03:26 (UTC)

[ Despite the fact that Dio didn't know George in the least, there's still something to be said about this entire ordeal. Wake up, be immediately sent on this mission, and quickly get a taste of how serious the situation is.

One plus-- maybe the only plus, is that not knowing George means he can easily shift his focus back to the living, and try to ensure they stay that way. So when he hears Keith's call for help, he springs into action. Armed with his own weapon that can extend from a knife to a sword to something that can double as a grapple, he stays a safe distance away from the minotaur before he swings. A flash of blue, and ... unfortunately the weapon extends and strikes the wrist of the beast's axe-hand, but doesn't do any damage, ricocheting off the metal instead.

But at least that seems to take its immediate attention off of Keith, as it turns to Dio who ... waves at it. ]

[Good things that just occurred: Keith's life has been saved. He's asked for help. He got the help he asked for, and it didn't involve an order. He's now alive. But the moment he processes everything (which is really like a collision course of thoughts in his mind), he notices that the guy who saved him is actually waving at the monster.

Keith stares at him blankly for a moment before going:] What are you doing? Do you think he's just gonna say hi? [It propels Keith to his feet, giving him the correct amount of adrenaline to be ready to protect his savior from his really stupid decision.

Because really, in Keith's opinion, it was stupid.]

I absolutely think he's going to say hi!

[ Just as he says that, the minotaur, very much not waving back, charges Dio, its axe-hand raising, the beginnings of a spew of flames building in its jaws. The hand swings first, and Dio doesn't seem too alarmed by it, seemingly used to close combat and he moves quickly, a fast and fluid leap backwards to avoid it with little problem. ]

Just not necessarily in a friendly way--

[ One thing Dio isn't as familiar with is a creature that can breathe fire and move his head quickly enough to make things just a little more dangerous. It sends out a stream of flames, and Dio moves to the left. Of course, it swings its head to the side, but not just following him, instead trying to cut his path off.

With an audible noise of surprise, he screeches to a halt, turns and opts to run straight to it (thankfully, Guilders are very fast), right between its legs and towards Keith. ]

I wasn't expecting the fire!

[ At the very least, they have a short moment to recover as the minotaur turns back around. ]

I wasn't either. Where did that even come from? [Was the minotaur just playing nice with them up to this point? Keith's shield appears out of nothing, and he holds it forward to ensure that Dio (who moves a bit like a member of the Blade) can find some cover in the process.

The moment that's achieved, he comes to crouch down next to Dio. Part of that is because he's tired. Part of that is because he has to think. As much as he wants to run at this straight on, he knows that isn't in the cards.

Keith takes a moment to observe his bayard and then look up at the monster.]

What kind of weapon do you normally use? [If this is the guy he has to work with, well—at least this guy is quick.]

It came from its mouth! [ Duh, Dio. ] Whether or not it's just something a creature like that can naturally do, or if it's some sort of machinery at work is the part I'm not so sure about where making it stop is concerned... [ Both possibilities with varying ways to potentially disable that ability.

With a wave of thanks for the shield, he glances around the room as he answers Keith's question, holding up his sword, which is now retracted back to about the length of a dagger. ]

Just this. So I can use it to get in close and hit it from far away if I have to. But it's not doing much of anything against that thing's armor!

[The wheels in Keith's head turn quickly as he processes exactly what they need to do. If he hands this guy his bayard, it'll turn into yet another small dagger. That wouldn't be ideal at the moment. He looks up, lips twisting downward.]

Okay, I have a plan.

[Unfortunately for Dio, he has no idea that this usually equates to something very dangerous and very stupid. Then again, he waved at the minotaur. It's probably par for the course for him.

Keith doesn't bother with complicated hand motions or anything like that.]

I take its attention, and you try to get on its back. Once you do, it'll put its attention on you, and that's when I stab it.

Got it?

[ Dangerous and stupid Dio is very used to, whether he realizes it or not. Of course, he's usually prepared for it, at the very least.

At Keith's suggestion, he gives him a little salute. ]

Roger!

Don't get burned, out there. I haven't even learned your name!

It's Keith. [Keith isn't going to follow up with any niceties. Dio's name is not important right now. The important part is jumping into action, and he doesn't wait for Dio's reaction to do just that. His shield sprouts immediately, holographic and ready, and his red sword appears at his side.

There's a beat before he starts running around the Minotaur, doing everything in his power to get its attention. If the fire coming his way is any indication, it's working.]

[ Dio's attention is peaked, closely keeping an eye on the minotaur's movements while keeping Keith in his peripheral so he can move into position himself. ]

Okay...

[ And when the moment is right, he grins and he jumps, gracefully leaping up into the air and onto its back with ease.

--at first, because when the minotaur feels the intrusion, it reels a bit in an attempt to knock Dio off. He quickly reaches his arm out, grabbing onto one of the 'gear'-like ridges jutting out of its back to keep himself steady. ]

You're not getting me off that easily~!

[If only Lance, or someone like Lance, were here to make a "getting me off" joke—

As it is, Keith is too focused (and not one for dirty jokes) and the Minotaur probably doesn't have much of a sense of humor. What a shame. At least we have flavor text.

Moving on to the actual shounen part of this, Keith focuses, using his shield to act a few hits from the Minotaur, and then he drops his shield, slicing in at the creature as hard as he can manage. He knows that enough members of Audentes are moving in and out to bring this thing down. It's time to do as much damage as he can manage.

Almost as if it's in response to what's happening, the Minotaur both takes a swipe at Keith and tries to shake the pesty little white-haired dude off at the same time. Its movements are erratic, and Keith does get knocked back at the same time. His feet skid along the ground and he pants and grunts before he goes in for round two.

Which is stupid, but damage is damage. They can tag out soon.]

[ Dio makes sure Keith's knock back doesn't give the creature enough time to get another hit in, because it sure wants to at this point, getting clearly annoyed at the onslaught. He feels one of his feet slip when it tries to shake him off, but he keeps his hold on its back, regaining his footing and pulling himself forward to give a hard kick to the the back of the small horn on the side of the minotaur's head. It's enough to rattle it just the tiniest bit, as his new fighting partner comes in for another attack.

While he's up there on its back, he takes a closer look around at the armor, seeing the opportunity for an opening between its shoulder and the base of its neck at the right moment. A quick glance to Keith and his position, and he readies himself to help from up here once the minotaur moves its arm to attack again. ]

[As the swipe comes in, Keith's shield forms again to deflect it. The Minotaur, however, is ready to bear down on Keith, plunging its arm forward aggressively to push steadily against the shield itself. He falls to a crouch without actually hitting his knees, and the sound coming from him makes it clear that he's in a bit of pain.

If only he could toss his bayard up and trust it to remain in sword-like form. Right now, Dio could probably use that. But he holds on to it for now, bearing down and hoping that his current comrade-in-arms can relieve some of the pressure.]

[ And when it strikes at Keith with its arm, that gives Dio his opening. When it shifts, the space between its plates at its shoulder and neck opening enough to reveal its flesh.

Now!

And Dio stabs his sword downward, extending it to pierce into the minotaur's shoulder as deeply as he can. The sound the creature lets out in response is easily identifiable as pain, as is its physical reaction, which is to rear back fast and hard from Keith. Hard enough to make Dio lose his grip and get flung off of it.

He reacts quickly, flipping so he can land on his feet - a hard landing that sends him sliding backwards. But at least he's still in one piece, and was able to get some damage in. ]

[With a grunt and with a lot of caution thrown to the wind, Keith drives himself forward, slashing roughly at the minotaur's chest until he gains some purchase. He wants to do some damage, too, and he finally chips away, but not before he's roughly knocked back. The creature howls with pain, but Keith is on his back.

He's not content to stay there, though a couple of other people there jump in to keep Keith from jumping back in.

Huffing loudly, he pushes himself up, gaze focused across the way at Dio.]

We can tag out, [he says, not certain he can be heard. But he's fairly certain that the other guy ... might agree. Maybe. If he's just as reckless as Keith, well—Keith might continue throwing away his caution to do some stupid crap here.]

[Keith didn't have to ask. Seconds before he finishes speaking, an unseen force knocks the the beast to the ground with such power that it's sent skidding across the room, all the metal screeching and creating little sparks as it goes.

A petite figure with familiar horns hurries over, clutching a sword in her right hand. Given the way the minotaur just got manhandled, one might expect that it's Lucy, but as she gets closer the brightness in her eyes becomes more noticeable. A brightness that Lucy lacked.]

Keith-san!

[In the distance, the minotaur shakes its head, growling, before it begins to rise back up.]

[If it weren't for repeated interactions with Lucy and Nyuu, Keith's inability to read people would shine here. But he's gotten better at others throughout his time as a member of Audentes, even if that's still a work in progress. Right now, his mind barely registers what happened, but he can tell who he's talking to.

It's just not the time to make a thing of it. Nyuu being able to protect herself is important, but if she's not battle-seasoned enough, she'll end up hurt here.]

Thanks for the save, but look out for yourself. [It feels important to say, and he adds, because it's what Shiro would do (and mimicking Shiro seems important here):] Because that thing is winding right back up, Nyuu.

[The heads up was definitely needed since Nyuu always worried more about others than she did herself. She takes a few steps forward until she sees that her vectors can reach the minotaur. (Who knew these things had a limited reach? She would definitely try to get Lucy to talk about that.)]

No it's not, I won't let it.

[Just as the beast rises to its full height, four vectors lash out to restrain its arms and legs, but the minotaur isn't about to give up. It struggles against Nyuu's vectors, roaring fire and spewing acid all over the ground, but she manages to maintain her hold on it. Sweat dribbles down Nyuu's face as she furrows her brows and grits her teeth. She can feel an uncomfortable pressure in her head from the strain it's taking to hold her concentration, but it's not painful enough to break her focus.]

I don't know how long I can hold it.

[She admits that she's too new at this, but at least she's made the minotaur slightly vulnerable. "Slightly," because it's still breathing fire and slobbering acid.]

We're not meant to fight this alone. [No matter what, that lesson is clear to him about this. None of them have been sleeping properly or eating properly for days. They have enough strong people among them, but they've been suffering, like it or not. He wishes he could be his usual battering ram self. Knocking the minotaur upside the head with his sword until it started slowing down feels like an ideal approach to things.

The problem is this: he doesn't have the energy to do it. And Keith can often conjure up enough energy to do a lot of things.

Still, she's holding it, so he can help her make good on it.

He stands up, shrugging his shoulders back, before he dashes into it. As he moves, he adds:] Tell me when you're letting it go!

[Worry flashes through Nyuu's eyes, burning into Keith's back, but she keeps up her vectors.]

O-Okay!

[The pressure in her head continues to build up, but she fights through it, even though she can feel her tattered jumpsuit sticking to her back, which was probably drenched in sweat and forming a large wet spot.]

[Keith knows he shouldn't be going for this, especially since his tongue feels dry and unable to move inside of his mouth. He feels parched, like he's lacking energy. But he wants her efforts to matter. He wants her to know that she helped. After so many months of being on a team together, he knows this is a big deal.

So, he springs into action, doing everything he can to slash at the minotaur's sore spots. He doesn't talk, he only moves, more than aware that when she lets go, that he'll be done, as well.]

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EVENT ★ LABYRINTH III: THE ESCAPE

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