trans_9 | The Accursed Island [Closed]

Planet Designation: Forcellia Status: Terrestrial, H-class. Non-sentient life: Extensive flora and fauna. Semi-Sentient Life: Yes. Sentient Life: Homo Sapiens. Water: 69.5% of the planet's surface. Climate: Earth-like Landscape: Varied. Air: Normoxic concentration. Air Pressure: 101.3 kPa (kilopascals) = 14.7 psi (pounds per square inch) Sky: Blue, with variable cloud cover. Sun: A class G2V, yellow star. Warnings: Wildlife and plant-life can be hazardous. Humans can be hazardous. Mission: Negotiate for or otherwise obtain the artifact known as the Scepter of Domination.

Forcellia, or at least the part of it that contained the clearing in which the group now found themselves, wasn't exactly welcoming. The ground was little more than rocky soil, the sky violet-grey and overcast. Here, it was evidently late afternoon, edging into evening. It was slightly humid, as if from a recent rain; faint clouds of steamy mist seemed to curl off the ground, partially obscuring their view of their surroundings. Scraggly trees rose up out of this mist here and there, as if grasping towards fresher air.

The villagers in the area had supposedly been contacted ahead of time, and this had been the place they’d agreed to meet the crew. Whether or not they knew anything about this supposed Scepter of Domination, however, was not yet clear. What the Scepter even did or how it might contribute to their struggle was even less clear.

In the distance, they might hear the occasional whinny of a horse, or the lowing of a cow carrying up to them from the distance, though it was difficult, if not impossible, to tell from which direction the sound was coming from.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Neese shook her head. "It is partially our fault, I'm afraid, for antagonizing him. Until recently, Shooting Star was in a state of hibernation -- it is a common thing, I am told, in dragons of his age. And with the influx of refugees into our capital, it was more important than ever to try and expand outward, to increase the number of supplies available. You can imagine our surprise when the dragon awoke, claiming we had encroached upon its territory."

She shouldn't allow herself to get sidetracked, though.

"The message was a little vague," admitted Neese. "But... a scepter? You couldn't mean the scepter?"

Because the dragon had the scepter.

"Yeah well, he ain't that happy with us either."

"Is there more than one?" Wakka asked. "It's the Scepter of Domination or somethin' like that, ya. Don't know what we need it for or nothin'."

Neese froze for a brief instant. "I... see. In that case, I believe Shooting Star may be your concern, after all. The scepter of which you speak is one of the treasures rumored to be guarded in his lair. Rumored, mind you; no one in living memory has been able to verify its existence."

She looked troubled. "I had heard you were in search of an artifact of great power, but to pursue the Scepter is to risk your life."

"Lady, the world I come from had a... a... giant thing named Sin... that used to swim around killin' pretty much everybody, especially people that used machina. It was bigger'n anything else in the world, bigger'n most cities, ya. And you couldn't kill it. Not forever. It kept comin' back, for like a thousand years. And it... uh... I can't explain it, it's too complicated, ya? But I been up against that before. I'm sure we'll be alright."

Wakka, you are a cocksure idiot. "At least you know where it's at. What's this thing supposed to do anyway?"

"I can only relate our legends to you, I'm afraid." Now she looked even more concerned. She didn't know what machina were, but she did know that Shooting Star had killed many people, and Wakka's confidence and levity in the face of danger was either warranted... or dangerous.

"Long ago, when this island was still part of the continent of Alecrast, the Scepter of Domination sparked a war between the gods. In the end, only two goddesses remained, and even they fell into a deep slumber and have not awakened since. But it is said that the Scepter brings misfortune to all who possess it... including divine beings."

~~Boy, if there were only a mysterious stranger they could ask more about the Scepter (hint hint)~~

"...if you are determined to pursue it, however, I believe we may be able to lend you some aid."

"Oh, well...," said Wakka. Problems with divine beings, huh. Wakka had never heard of that before. "Sorta sounds like how all the problems in my place got started, too, ya." In a way, yes.

Wakka scratched his head. "What sorta help you got?"

~~Putting your trust in Wakka to gather info is. . . highly . . . questionable. Are you sure you want Wakka doing this.~~

"Our plight has not gone unheard by the capital. Shorthanded as they are, they have sent us some weapons that may be of help in sealing Shooting Star's power -- spears blessed by the priests of Myrie, the god of war. But we have few who might wield them. I offer a proposal: if you are willing to take up spear against Shooting Star, then we shall provide a guide to lead you to the dragon's lair. Even warriors such as yourselves may find yourselves hard pressed to find its entrance without help."

She hesitated for a moment. "Additionally, if the Scepter of Domination is truly guarded by the dragon, you may have it. I would rather than an object of such ill portent not find its way into the village."

"Spears? Where's Khimari when I need him. I use blitzballs to attack," said Wakka, as he held up his piece of sports equipment to the lady. Yes, Wakka. Impressive.

"But maybe one of the guys I came with knows how to use one. I bet somebody does. And ya, I'm pretty sure the whole point of us comin' here was to take that scepter thing, so us takin' the thing with us is just fine."

Neese stared briefly at Wakka's ball.

Then she looked back up at him. Well... maybe it was enchanted or something. "Very well. I'll arrange for your guides and the weapons. You can set off tomorrow, if you like. I must warn you, however, that you'll be traveling to the mountain range west of the village -- and the lair itself is situated within a volcano. I have no doubt that the going will be treacherous."

This one? No. The one he's missing with all of his being? Yes.

"You got any nulblaze bracers or anything?" Wakka asked. "That dragon breathes fire and I bet a volcano's just crawlin' with fire-elemental fiends."

Well, maybe you should keep all your balls in one place so you don't miss them, Wakka.

Now she just looked confused. "I am afraid I have no armor that may be of great use to you. However, I will be happy to cast a blessing upon you and your friends before your departure. It should provide you with some protection on your journey."

Wakka would have gladly kept his balls together, but Stacy ended up taking them from him.

"Oh. Alright." Man, Wakka wished there were a white mage hanging around. "Thanks, I guess I'll take whatever we can get, ya."

The Accursed Island [Closed]

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