One Does Not Simply Survive [NDE, R, Medium-Hard]

[Alexander Kuma-Hebi]

Name: [One Does Not Simply Survive]

Participants: [Anyone, 4 RPCs max]

Location: [Separate artificial dimension within Dangai]

Difficulty Level: [Insert Here]

Setting: [NDE]

Plotline: [Over two thousand years ago, during the first reign of Aryuu Juuken as Captain Commander, there was an incident related to a single powerful artifact. It caused over ten thousand Rukondai residents to die, and thus, it was decided for that artifact to be sealed. For this purpose, artificial dimension was created within Dangai, a bubble of stable space-time, and there, artifact was hidden, sealed away within a tower constructed for that sole purpose, and then, unique security system incorporating many mod soul prototypes was created, all to keep it hidden and secure, preventing everyone from tampering with it. After work was done, dimension was closed and left to float in space-time currents of Dangai, for eternity.

Two thousand years afterwards, and we find ourselves in the present, where the artifact and the tower are indeed long forgotten, for the records were erased of it, and stories long ago vanished, nobody is aware that it ever existed. Yet, over two thousand years, the dimension has resurfaced, appearing in a such position within Dangai that it is not only detectable from all three worlds with right equipment, but also, it can be reached through portals that can be opened to it. And around the same time it resurfaced, rumors started to spread in all worlds, about great artifact of unimaginable power sealed away within that dimension.

Of course, it became widespread knowledge soon, and major organizations as well as certain individuals were dispatched or went on their own, to uncover and claim the mysterious artifact. Those that come, always arrive on on a floating rock island, some fifty yards away from tower. Dimension contains nothing save for that island and tower on it, rest is made of black clouds that are seeming in perpetual electric storm. Tower itself is pitch black, smooth, and it cannot be determined what exactly is it made off, it is massive, and it is incredibly tall, it can however only be speculated how tall since after few hundred yards the vision is blocked by black clouds.

Adventurers that arrive here have only one goal, progress through the tower, discover what artifact actually is, and then claim it.]

Estimated Enemy Strength: [6-3, with one exception]

Estimated Time Until Completion: [Whatever it takes, estimate is between 3 and 5 pages but we shall see how long it takes.]

Starts: [When all participants have posted intros.]

Special Conditions: [Despite listed classes of opponents, majority of the adventure will NOT be fighting but rather a different types of challenges, so thread carefully no matter what Class you are.]

[Shōkan Kawada Ⅺ]

As Shōkan arrived on the giant hunk of rock, he couldn't helpbe awed at the massive size of the tower arrayed before him. It's dark spires reaching above the clouds that mystified it from his view. Shōkan was not here as a shinigami of the Gotei 13 however, no, Shōkan had arrived on behalf of his clan, the Kawada. At a time when they are at their weakest, the Kawada Clan needed every asset they could acquire. After hearing rumors of this unimaginably powerfful item, Shōkan had decided that gaining it would be a great boon to his clan. By retrieving it as a member of the Kawada Clan, and not as a mission for the Gotei 13, Shōkan couldd then present it to Central 46, gaining power, influence, and glory for his clan.

With these thoughts in mind, Shōkan had entered the Dangai realm with the Kawada's personal Senkaimon, intending to prove that the Kawada Clan were not dead yet. Of course, iff any other shinigami appeared, he was sure he could persuade them to aid him. If not through his natural magnetism, there was always the nigh endless funds of the Kawada to consider. Actually, come to think of it, as long as they weren't Arrancars, Shōkan was fairly certain he could convince any race to aid him... Money was a strong motivator for common people, Shōkan had learned in his time as the head off the Kawada Clan.

After surveying his surroundings for a bit, Shōkan finally made his way towards the tower, intending to enter and begin his journey. On his way, he couldn't help but frown in distaste at it. Not only the tower, butt the enttire world. The dangai world was ugly, dark, dank, depressing. The tower seemed an extension of the world itself, with it's implacable cruel black arches and architecture... Yes, this tower belonged there, no doubt about it. Finally reaching th entrance, Shōkan entered... There was no going back.

[Hadrian J. Ryan Ⅻ]

John felt the halls of the Vandenreich palace dissolve around him as he made his journey to the Dangai. Slowly, the ice-blue walls and ceiling dissolved into darkness. John felt somewhat guilty about leaving the Empire at such a time, but it seemed that things were beginning to stabilise in the wake of the Emperor's death. John was confident that the Vandenreich would pull through, and be stronger for the experience. It would do no harm to go on this little... errand.

Because, contrary to popular belief, the Vandenreich was still taking an interest in the goings-on of the the spiritual worlds, they were not totally incapacitated by the death of His Majesty. So when Seth came to John's quarters with a detailed report of a new 'bubble' in the Dangai, John decided to sign his own release form in order to investigate. He wasn't aware if any of the other Captains were coming, or if they had sent someone else in their stead, but it didn't really matter. Whoever entered this little bubble had to enter by the same route, so he would surely meet up with another Quincy if they were to arrive.

The world came slowly into focus. At once, John was buffeted by a powerful breeze, his coat flapping violently in the wind. The whole world seemed to be perpetually barraged by a powerful storm. The dark clouds made the world ominous, a feeling compounded by the dark, looming tower right in the centre. John couldn't help but feel like it was a giant lighthouse, guiding dark spirits in a hellish storm. The lighthouse analogy was furthered by an incredible energy signature coming from the apex of the tower.

It was a signature unlike anything John had detected before. It had no 'emotion' attached to it, nor did it seem to belong to any of the spiritual races. It could only be the item he was coming to seek. "Well, there's no sense in standing out here..." John said softly to himself, partly to abate the sense of loneliness that pervaded this pocket dimension. He lightly jumped down from the small outcrop and began walking towards the tower.

Almost immediately he regretted bringing his white coat. He stood out like a sore thumb in the middle of the dark, bleak landscape. Anybody who appeared on the outcrop would be able to pick him out immediately. Well, it also meant that whatever allies he had would be able to see him... I'll just have to deal with that problem when I come to it, I suppose...

SPOILER: Click to show

Strength - [100] Points (60 with Strategist Deduction)

Speed - [150] Points (90 with Strategist Deduction)

Spiritual Pressure - [250] Points

Reiatsu Strength - [300] Points

Light Aura - [60] Points

Dark Aura - [40] Points

Instinct - [110] Points (220 with Strategist Boost)

Senses [100] Points (200 with Strategist Boost)

Energy sensory - [90] Points (180 with Strategist Boost)

Healing Expertise - [0] Points


Total SP: [1100] Points


Skills

[Aerial Combat] {2}

[Weapon : Sword : Dual-Wielding] {2}

[Weapon : Bow] {2}

[Battle Analysis] {2}

[Battle Focus] {2}

[Strength of Will] {1}

[Leadership/Charisma] {2}

2 banked

[Deleted]

Another mission that was to take place in the soul society, how often had he been here since he had joined the Vandenreich? It seemed that no matter how hard he tried he was always dragged back to this place for one reason or another, but at least this time he wasn't alone or well he wouldn't be as soon as he met up with his fellow officer. Vannan had been given this mission and he wasn't exactly too happy about it. Slowly walking through the gate he saw from the distance someone in a white coat that looked familiar, a soft smile formed on his face as he started towards his fellow Vandenreich officer.

As he got closer he was right, he could see that it was John standing there waiting for him. He raised one hand up and yelled over to him. “Hey there Hadrian lovely weather right?” It was a cheap joke and he knew it ,but given the way the weather was right now and this ominous lighthouse he wanted to lighten up the mood just a bit. Even if he wasn't going to admit it he was glad that Hadrian was alive and his fellow officer, unlike the rest of the Vandenreich members he actually enjoyed the company of Hadrian .As he got even closer he saw that the building was much larger than he originally thought.

“So captain Hadrian what's the mission all I was told was to report here and wait for orders.” After speaking Vannan felt his phone buzzing and pulled it out to see that someone had texted him. He let out a soft chuckle as he read the message. It was his sister telling him that he should come home and take her out shopping. The idea was funny to him given that he would of loved to just leave the soul society and take her out shopping, but he couldn't. If he was to keep her safe he couldn't go just like that no instead he had to follow orders and play the good little solider till the end, till he was strong enough to hide them both or till he died. Either way he knew that it wouldn't end good for him.

[Kimiko Aimi]

OOC: Actually, Gonna drop out of this one, sry guys.

[Alexander Kuma-Hebi]

The tower was enormous. Monstrous. It's look gave away a dangerous feeling, and all three were subjected to that feeling of unease. Despite the fact all three of our heroes had a lot of combat training and real experience, they would still feel uneasy. However, it was not the most important things. However, While the Quincy chatted, Shokan attempted to enter the tower. Soon however, he would discover exactly why it was very bad, bad, BAD idea. As soon as he would touch the door itself, it would glow orange on his touch. and suddenly he was tossed back by unknown force, pushed away, as if he was shot by a cannon. He flew real fast and somewhat high, but he wouldn't be able to regain his posture. He was in for a rough landing, or at least would be, if not for Hadrian and Vannan. As they were chatting, suddenly he crashed into them, knocking them both into the ground with significant force, but however, they broke his fall and probably saved him from real bad damage. Still, they were not without injury. Their clothes were damaged from collision... and so was Shokan's pride. However, it was not the only thing that happened.

As they would perhaps be getting up, suddenly, a loud, thundering, booming sound was heard. It sounded like it perhaps may have been an explosion. Suddenly, in that same loud and booming fashion, a male voice spoke to them. "WHO DARES ENTER MY DOMAIN?" If they would look towards the door, they would see what the source of the voice was. Incredible sight it was, one that would possibly amaze them outright. A gigantic, ten feet tall and good seven wide... blue semi-transparent holographic head. What was that? Yeah, you are reading it correctly. Gigantic holographic head! It appeared somewhat old, with wrinkles here and there, but it was bold, with pointy beard, and oddly, pointy ears. Skin and eye colors were simply beyond recognition, given the head was electric blue, but nonetheless it was impressive sight, the head. And it was looking straight at our heroes! What was it that awaited them? A combat? one sided slaughter in which they are ending up dead side? Or perhaps something else?

However, head took no hostile action, but continued. "YOU DARE INTERRUPT THE PEACE OF KAGRAM-ZA! YOU SEEK WHAT WAS HIDDEN, YET YOU ARE WEAK. YOU CANNOT CLAIM THE TREASURE OF TEMEL-RA! BUT GO AHEAD AND TRY, PUNY WEAKLINGS. INDULGE MY DESIRE FOR FUN. LONG SUMMERS PASSED SINCE LAST ONES OF YOUR KIND TRIED TO ENTER MY DOMAIN AND FACE THE TRIALS OF TEMEL-RA! ENTERTAIN ME MORTALS! COME AND TRY TO CLAIM WHAT WAS HIDDEN! THAT IS, IF YOU CAN EVEN ENTER THE TEMEL-RA! MUHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!" After that, with a flash of blue light, head was gone. It was after all a hologram, so it was natural it could be shut off and vanish. It was expected to vanish, actually, for it was merely a greeting from denizens of the mysterious tower, which they now learned it was called Temel-ra. But how would they even enter now that it was apparent the doors could not simply be opened by hand? Luckily, they were left a way.

Some things were now different about the tower. For example, there was now some sort of weird runic inscription above the door, on it's arch. On the wall, right next to it now, was some sort of a dial, with ten buttons arranged in a circle and an orange sphere in center between them, dial positioned so that it would be easy to access, and easy to use. Suddenly, ground started to shake. Behind them, three stone pillars rose from the ground. Each one was around ten feet tall, and also had a runic inscription carved into it. To their west, some twenty yards from their position, pillars rose as well, seven of them, arrayed onto a circle, but tightly, so it couldn't be entered except through the empty place where the eighth pillar would stand. And to their east, a two stone tablets, opposite to each other rose, each with a text.

They were now free to wander around and investigate. However, it should be worthy of noting that whomever ventured into that circle of seven pillars would find them highly interesting. Inside, there were three smaller, four sided pillars that could be easily rotated by the hand. They were highly interesting, for each one of them had a picture on each of four sides. First one had stylized depictions of leaf, Sun, rain and snowflake. Second one bore depictions of four elements, fire, water, earth, air. And final one bore depictions of an owl, wolf, bear and dolphin. And that was all that there was. So, our heroes were obviously given a complex puzzle, so the really had to be good about this, should they wish to succeed. It was however obvious, that this one was merely for entrance, and they would be right if they asked themselves: "What the hell is waiting for us inside?"

SPOILER: Click to show

{Detailed information}
-Door arch inscription:

SPOILER: Click to show

{Spoiler}

-Symbols on dial's buttons, starting from top, going clockwise:

SPOILER: Click to show

{Spoiler}一 二 三 四 五 六 七 八 九 十

-Stone tablet one text:

SPOILER: Click to show

{Spoiler}

-Stone tablet two text:

SPOILER: Click to show

{Spoiler}七武将が一が三人生を生きることができるように生じ生じ、その結果、一つは恵まれ永遠に生きることができ、すべての試験に合格します
私を聞いて泣くと春はまだ決して永遠の生命の時間に知恵の時代に来るために風を停止

-Three pillars inscriptions, starting with leftmost one:

SPOILER: Click to show

{Spoiler}

[Gaius Magnus]

OOC: BUMP!!!!! SOLVE THE PUZZLE PEOPLE!

[Alexander Kuma-Hebi]

OOC: Bump. Any one of you, post, and then we can have new post order.

[Hadrian J. Ryan Ⅻ]

To say that John was surprised by the recent turn of events would be a significant understatement. First of all, Lieutenant Harper had arrived in the dimension - bad jokes and all. Not that John really minded, if anything he was grateful for the company. The oppressive atmosphere that pervaded this dimension made him quite uncomfortable. There was a strong storm brewing, and it felt as though the entire pocket dimension could be torn to shreds if anyone so much as sneezed. John turned to Vannan, a small smile on his face. "You're certainly right, Lieutenant Harper. Though I wasn't aware that you had been assigned to this mission too..." Ok, maybe John was a little annoyed that Vannan was there - it meant a whole extra batch of paperwork when he got back.

A sudden crack rang across the pocket dimension, like a shot firing. To John, with his incredible animalistic senses, it was like a gunshot in spite of the distance between himself and the source. It appeared to come from the base of the tower itself. Suddenly, John caught sight of a black shape hurtling towards them, some sort of projectile...? No, it appeared to be a person, wearing the typical robes of a Shinigami... It was impossible to get a good look at what he was doing, given his speed, but John guessed that he had been launched by whatever had made the noise a few seconds earlier. John had just begun to try and push Vannan out of the way when the Shinigami collided with them both, sending all three of them sprawling across the ground. John immediately pushed himself away from the Shinigami, wary of any surprise attacks. However, before any of them could say anything, the tower made its announcement.

It seemed this was one of the few occasions where spiritual and/or physical strength would not get them through. This would be a test of wit and lateral thinking - as well as a healthy dollop of mechanical reasoning, given that the puzzle seemed to be based on the layout of the pillars. However, there was one problem that needed to be resolved before any of them could go near the pillars. "Hadrian Ryan, Sternriter H of the Vandenreich. Pleased to make your acquaintance, sir." John nodded his head respectfully at the Shinigami. If he made any move, both John and Vannan could crush him with gravitational pressure. For him, he would have almost no choice but to cooperate. "I believe it would be for the best, sir, if we put aside our differences and worked together for the time being." Perhaps the Shinigmai would be taken in by John's charisma, perhaps not. But now that he had been dealt with, there was a puzzle that needed solving.

The first thing that John noticed was the dial that appeared. Given the layout of the symbols around it, and the nature of the symbols themselves, it appeared as though they were some kind of numerals. John couldn't make out any of the inscriptions, though they did seem to be based on the same kind of symbols as the numerals on the dial. The inscriptions on the pillars, however, were very interesting. They seemed to represent elemental phenomena - perhaps it was a clue to the way they should be aligned? John rested his hand on the pillar, and was surprised to find that it could be rotated easily. Perhaps he could realign them? John twisted each of the pillars so that the symbols for rain, water and dolphin were all pointing towards the centre. Well, it was worth trying anyway. Perhaps Vannan or their new Shinigami companion would be able to throw more light on their situation? John was well aware that Shinigami appeared to follow Eastern culture and traditions, maybe the Shinigami could read the inscriptions - which appeared to bear a resemblance to Japanese script? Anyway, John would wait to see what effect realigning the pillars would have before he went back to the others.

[Deleted]

OOC: (Some things have come up and I have to drop a few threads here and there this one will be one of them sadly)