Fifth Duel (Video)

[misplacedxsheath]

As I'm sure some of you have already noticed, Caliban's location changed last night. Given recent events, I'm left to wonder if that's all that's changed about our infamous "dungeon". I'm planning on making another excursion into Caliban's depths, but for that I'll need people.

Anyone who's interested should reply with an idea of what sort of role they would fill in an exploratory group. I'm not necessarily looking strictly for combat oriented people. Healers will also be necessary if we're to last a significant amount of time in there and people with abilities geared toward information gathering, while not a requirement, would still provide a distinct advantage. The only real requirement is that you not be dead weight. I'll make sure that people with non-combat roles are protected, but this isn't a training expedition. Don't expect me to give special treatment if you can't pull your own weight.

Depending on how fast recruitment and preparation goes, I'd like to get this over with some time within the next two weeks. The exact date will depend on all of you.

Comments

[misplacedxsheath]

My own name is Margulis. I'm a swordsman and former military commander with access to both fire and lightning spells.

After that, in order of who volunteered first, there's Gaignun Kukai, a former soldier and politician who's skilled with a gun and is capable of using a basic ice attack, a physical attack with the potential to turn its target on its allies, curing certain mental ailments and analyzing enemy weaknesses; Hiyono Yuizaki, another analyzer who can use a gun; Mila Kawena, who has yet to give me details on her relevant abilities; Saori Nakagawa, a healer who's also skilled in close-range combat; Issei Ryudo, a weak healer who can hold his own with a sword and seems to have some social connections; Ledah, another weak healer who also has fire abilities and skill with a lance; Ryuunosuke, a rather untrustworthy man who nevertheless claims to be skilled at killing Shadows; and April, a lightning and wind specialist who's also skilled with guns and has some group healing abilities.

[midgetarchive]

[The Archive wrote down everything, starting to make lists with each name] It's heartening to hear that you have former military training, same with Mr. Kukai. Miss Kawena and Ryuunosuke worry me. Wild cards such as them can throw everything into chaos. There seems to be quite a few healers, which can be good given how dangerous it might be.

[misplacedxsheath]

Another thing worth keeping in mind is that Kukai and I have a...history. We're capable of some level of civility and cooperation when required, but I intend on ensuring that we're in separate groups to prevent our arguments from interfering with our performance.

[midgetarchive]

Good. I assume due to your military history, the both of you would be excellent leaders for each group?

That's actually what I was planning too unless someone better than Gaignun offered XD

[misplacedxsheath]

*The look on his face makes it pretty obvious that he doesn't really like admitting to this.*

He does seem to be the best candidate for the leader of the second group at the moment, yes.

[midgetarchive]

As it is, you wouldn't have to see him or deal with him if the two groups are split. [The Archive merely looks amused at this]

Ah, I believe I haven't introduced myself. I am the Archive.

[misplacedxsheath]

I'm aware that putting him in another group means I won't have to deal with him, but I still find appointing him the leader unpleasant, for personal reasons. Still, I can't argue that the logic is sound and that he would be effective.

[midgetarchive]

It may be the best plan. Do you have a plan as to how deep we are to look?

[misplacedxsheath]

As far as we can in the time that we have. It's going to be largely dependant on how quickly we can dispatch the Shadows in our way, but we have a respectable number of attack oriented volunteers.

[midgetarchive]

As an initial look, it may not be wise to go too deeply. We aren't sure about the Shadows that now currently inhabit it, if they've changed, and the layout of the Caliban.

[misplacedxsheath]

Nor do we know how deep we would have to go before discovering anything different from the last time. I'm not above calling a retreat if necessary, but we'll never get anywhere if we're scared off by what-ifs.

[midgetarchive]

It's still not a poor idea to remain careful. Getting lost... [The Archive sighed, troubled] It would be bad.

[misplacedxsheath]

Kukai and I both are intelligent enough to keep track of our path, even in a combat situation.

[midgetarchive]

Just... be careful. I would come along deep into the Caliban, but my magic has seemed to be tied to my world.

[misplacedxsheath]

All abilities beyond those of an ordinary human are sealed as long as we're trapped here. You'll have to get used to relying on your Persona for anything of that nature.

[midgetarchive]

I've already learned that. My ability back home is something that's quite obvious when it's missing.

[misplacedxsheath]

I think most of us with extraordinary abilities are quick to discover it. One thing I hope to discover as soon as possible is the reason for it. While your magic may be directly connected to your world, many other abilities that have been removed aren't nearly so intricate.

[midgetarchive]

I am the Archive. My magic is a byproduct of the Archive ability within me. My Persona... well, if I were a little less of a stickler about the bedtime my bodyguard set for me, I think it might have been easier to awaken it. But even that wouldn't be enough to replace the Archive construct.

[misplacedxsheath]

This Archive construct...what exactly is it?

[midgetarchive]

In my world, it's a construct of all written knowledge funneled into the female lineage of a family.