Sinegard Academy for the Wayward

[The_Weeping_Angel]

“Awesome Sauce,” M’Kael snapped.

“How have you survived for so long?” Ravyn asked, looking at the man suspiciously.

“Where are you from, were are your weapons and gear?” Magdalena asked moving into a position such that she could watch both the charmed Minotaur and the newcomer.

“What are the most likely attackers? Is everything a demon or are other creatures involved as well?” M’Kael asked, his shadow blades formed in his hand.​

 

[milkmaiden38]

The Lost

“So many questions…” Olaf gasped

“Take them one at a time” Gem advised. “How have you survived for so long?”

“Any way I can. I have been eating anything I find. Bugs, remains of those that have fallen, one time the leather of my belt. I stay hidden. The maze is endless, so there are many places to hide.”

“Where are you from, where are your weapons and gear?” Gem re-asked

“I come from Swift Dragons adventure Guild. I came here after the rumored treasure in the maze. Spoils of previous maze victims. Large amounts of coins, even magical weapons. I was a fool to think it was going to be easy. My sword and remaining equipment is behind those rocks” He said pointing to at large rock in the cave.

“And the most likely attackers?” Gem repeated the last question.

“Minotaurs most of the time. Some demons such as Goristroi, Bulezau, and Ghour” Olaf explained “But if you keep to the smaller passageways, the larger demons can’t get you.” Then the man turned towards the cave. “Ok, everyone, I think they are friendly, show yourselves”

Behind several of the rock faces appeared. There were 4 other humanoids hiding in the cave.

“The minotaurs call us The Lost. Adventurers or humanoids released into the maze. There are small pockets of us in remote corners. Each gang eke out their survival and desperately searches for an escape.” Olaf explained.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

“Joy of joys,” M’Kael sighed at the informations.

“Quit bitching all the time, asshole.” Ravyn snapped as she looked at the others. “Goristro are 20’ at the smallest average, maybe as small as 16’. Think of a Grizzly Bear, a Gorilla, a Balor, and a Minotaur mashed together with the brains of a brick. Oh, and they eat their victims alive.”

“No weird abilities or magic, but they’re vicious, mean, and nasty. Great for roaming a dungeon, or a maze, and picking off parties of idiots. But they’re hard as fuck to kill, and they’re pretty hard to summon.”

“Ghour are smarter Ogre/Minotaur/Demon crossbreeds. They usually get sent to the prime Material to advise Baphomet’s cults. Easier to kill, easier to summon, Breath weapon. Aura of evil. And they have a horrific bellow that will make you deaf, or drop you to your knees.”

“Bulezau are easy to kill, but they come in huge numbers, look like Gaunt Goatheaded Minotaurs. Their pestilence and plague carriers. Don’t let them touch you and use are affect spells like fireball. Meteor storm, Ice storm, etc. That kinda shit.”

“Oh, they’re bloodthirsty savages to the point of insanity. Killing anything it deems, or can make, an enemy. Even to the point of attacking their own leaders if they go without a fight long enough.”

“My, what a welcoming bunch of bunny rabbits they have down here,” M’Kael quipped, dodging Ravyn’s swing at his head only to get nailed by Magdalena. “Hey quit it.”

“No,” Magdalena commented as she made sure her clothing and gear was in it’s proper place. Her cloak would protect against toxins, but it was always a good thing to check before, and after, a fight. Surviving the fight and dying by the plague would suck and be a very dishonorable death.

Opening a pouch at her left hip she reached in and pulled out a folded crossbow. A Pouch of Holding? After opening and locking it into place she reached in and pulled out a sealed quiver of Crossbow Bolts. Each of them, as well as the weapon itself, were sanctified and enchanted. After affixing the quiver to her hip she looked up and caught M’Kael looking at her tits.

“You’re not my type and I took a vow – against men, of any species.” She said giving Angus a look as well. But the look she gave Callo, Gem, Angela, and Ravyn was different. Though Callo and Angela would find her touch a bit on the painful side.​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Male vs Female... purity test

“What?” Angus gasped in horror. “Why would you do that? Males have such pure hearts? That makes no sense?”

“Pure hearts? What are you smoking, Angus?” Callo asked

“Most males are upfront, honest, and blunt about their intentions. They want to have a good time and they want their partner to have a good time. Females on the other hand… are not honest. They will withhold pleasure to extort long term commitments from males. Or provide pleasure so as to “hook” the male. In reality, all the pleasure and sex is temporary. They also force the male into loving one female. That is bullshit. Males and females have plenty of love to go around. Why restrict how many people you can love. I fully understand why females do this, whether knowingly or unknowingly. They need their mate to stick around to raise any off-spring and they prefer monogamy because again it is best for any offspring. But it is not pure.”

“Males lie to get sex all the time” Callo replied “They are a bunch of liars”

“They lie, because the female is withholding. Whether because she does not want to be too easy, or is fearful of unwanted children. The male is just trying to give both of them pleasure. Pleasure is good… more pleasure in this world the better. Face it females… you are the non-pleasure police.” Angus countered

“Angus, you are digging a pretty deep hole with all the females here” Callo said

“I actually think Angus has a point. Women are catty, backstabbing, manipulating, monsters. They use their looks, flirting, pussy, whatever they can, to control the males around them. Not honest or pure” Angela said to re-enforce Angus’ argument.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Looking at Angus Magdalena replied, “I made the vow out of duty and obligation to the Order. I also took a Vow to not willingly drink or take drugs. To speak no untruth. To Serve my God Faithfully and without reservation even unto Death.”

“And I’ve know several individuals that were in a multi-species/gender relationship. So they aren’t all inclined towards monogamous relationships.”

“I lie constantly to get laid,” M’Kael interjected with a glare from Magdalena as Ravyn smacked his head.

“I’ve known women to lie to get laid as well, just cause they wanted to see how good someone was/is in bed.” Ravyn added. “And not every female is withholding sex, I’ve known a few sluts in my life. And I’ve known men and women that have exerted control over another through the with-holding of sex. Sentient people are shit no matter the gender or species.”​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Gem

“I guess, you’re not the only one who sees males as victims,” Gem said, arching a brow at Angus.

“I didn’t say we’re victims,” Angus replied, his tone clipped. “I’m saying most guys just speak plainly. No games.”

“Alright, can we move?” Gem interjected, already turning.

“Yes.” Angus nodded.

“Wait, where are you headed? Can we tag along?” Olaf asked, trailing them.

“To see Baphomet,” Gem said evenly. “This enchanted minotaur’s guiding us to him.”

“Baphomet?” Olaf recoiled. “Why in all realms would you want to meet him?”

“Long story,” Gem sighed. “There are demon lords scheming behind his back. We’re hoping he’ll tear them apart for us.” She paused. “Now that I say it out loud… it sounds unhinged.”

“It’ll work. Trust me,” Angela chimed in, undeterred.

“It’s madness. We’re staying here,” Olaf said, folding his arms with conviction.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

“Can I stay with them,” M’Kael quipped, getting a hard glare from Ravyn. “They certainly seam smarter than we are.”

“Fucking coward,” Magdalena snapped.

“Not a coward. Practical.” M’Kael replied. “How do we even know she actually charmed the damned thing. Might be faking it. Leading us into a trap.”

“Get back in line or I’ll fuck you in the ass with my spear.” The Archon snapped. “And you won’t like it.”

“Make sure to use the bright pointy end,” Ravyn suggested.

“Hey I like a three way as much as the next guy, but this isn’t funny.” M’Kael said, side stepping as The Archon moved behind him, ushering him back to the group.

“I’m gonna complain to the Inquisition about your abuse of authority.”

“Go ahead, they’d love to get their hands on you. And needles, pincers, bright lights. Thumb screws, blades. And anything else they can think of to get you to confess.”

“Yeah, that’s the thing. They only wanted to know where Ravyn was, not a confession to some crime they made up.”​

 

[milkmaiden38]

The Portal

Angela ordered the wild minotaur to continue and everyone followed it. The tunnels they were walking through slowly grew more unstable. It was like the maze was crumbling into disrepair. They finally reached an area of just unworked natural passages. They walk in those tunnels for a while, until they came across stone columns with architectural and artistic trappings. Between this structure was a door. The wild Minotaur wanted to just walk by it, but Angela stopped it and told it to wait.

“What is this?” Angela asked the group.

“I think it was some kind of portal.” Gem suggested.

“A way out!” Angela said in excitement.

“Ravyn, Magdalena, any ideas?” Gem asked

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

“Not was, is.” Ravyn commented as she looked at the door. “But is it just a door or a dimensional portal? Takes us to another location in the maze? Or out of the Maze? Backwards or forwards in time? A trap that just disintegrates us?”

“I opt for the mimic that tries to eat us,” M’Kael commented.

Walking up to the door Magdalena’s sword flashed and tapped the door with a flicker of motion. Sheathed again before it could register.

“Holy Hell’s!” M’Kael snapped, stepping back. “Warn me next time. Or at least mention it.”

“No,” The Archon replied bluntly.

“Shut up, both of you!” Ravyn yelled. “Gem do you have detect magic or anything that might reveal information?”

“We could just open the door.” M’Kael suggested.​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Gem

“Yes, I have a spell” she told everyone. She walked over to the door and placed her hand on it. Then she cast the spell, her hand glowing blue. The identification magic flow through her and into door. She was still for about a minute and then her hand returned to a normal color and she moved away from the door.

“Good news, that door a portal and it is still working. Bad news, it leads to layer 113 Thanatos. The layer is a land of ruin and death, with sterile heaths, black forests, and desolate mountains filled with ruins and scattered tombs, inhabited by a variety of undead. I think it is Orcus’ summer home” Gem explained. “I’d recommend we keep following the minotaur”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

“Why?” M’Kael asked sarcastically. “That place sounds so delightfully wonderful.”

“Do you ever stop whining?” Magdalena asked.

“Only during sex.” M’Kael replied completely serious. “Are you offering?”

“No.” The Archon replied succinctly, as a dagger appeared in her hand, the tip next to M'Kael’s tip.

“No fucking sense of humor,” He grunted as he stepped back. “From any of you.”

Turning away from the portal M’Kael stopped moving mid step. “The shadows are wrong.” he said giving a head nod at the hallway ahead.

Magdalena moved, her sword sliding out of it’s sheath as she whispered a prayer to herself.​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Only the shadow knows.

“I think most of your jokes are super funny,” Angus said, trying to prop up his “bro” with a grin and a shoulder bump.

“Locker room humor,” Callo muttered.

Angela swept her gaze across Angus, Callo, and M’Kael. “None of us have a shot with Magdalena,” she said with a dramatic sigh. “But maybe we could talk Gem or Ravyn into it. I’d love front-row seats to that.”

M’Kael issued his warning about the shadows

Angus pulled his axe free with a practiced flick. Callo’s twin blades gleamed, deadly in the low light. Gem’s staff crackled with latent energy as she raised it. Angela snapped her fingers—her Minotaur stomped forward, nostrils flaring and muscles tensed for whatever came next.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

“Is any humor better than a Locker Room’s?”

Thirty feet passed the Portal the Minotaur walked, hooved feet thudding, and then vanished in a pink mist. Not even a whisper or flash. No loud bangs. Just a fine pinkish red mist drifting to the ground.

“Well… I think that’s a dead end.” M’Kael said wryly.

Rolling her eyes at the bad pun Ravyn bent down and picked up some dirt and dust. Throwing it into the passage she watched as it fell without incident. “Maybe the activator is further along?”

“Or it only responds to living creatures.” The Archon said. Slipping a throwing star from a belt pouch she flickered her wrist and it sailed far past the red droplets that now stained the floor. “Not motion.” she said.

Laying on the floor Ravyn closed her eyes. “This is gonna take a bit. Don’t rush me. Don’t touch me. Just say my name if you need me.”​

 

[milkmaiden38]

I’m Triggered

“Well shit” Angus groaned after they had spent about 10 minutes carefully checking for some trigger mechanism for the disintegrates ray/barrier and found none.

“Well, Ravyn was right. This is going to take a while.” Gem admitted

“That sets me off. I hate it when that smug, little…” Angela started to say but Gem cut her off.

“Stop Angela. You are about to say things that you’ll regret.” Gem warned her.

Angela looked over to Ravyn, who appeared to be sleeping. “She triggers me sometimes”

“Understanding your triggers is a crucial step towards developing effective coping mechanisms” Gem advised Angela. “She triggers you because you are also confident and a bit smug?”

“Well, yes, but I’m 400 year old… She is … younger” Angela justified

“And therefore, smarter than you?” Gem asked

“Watch it Blondie” Angela cautioned.

Gem just smiled “Trigger?”

“I’m done with this conversation. M’Kael… what exactly is weird about the shadows? Is there a trigger mechanism hiding in the shadows?” Angela asked.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

“The shadows aren’t right for the corridor. They twist and bend, like refraction of light through a diamond. Some spell or more is at play down there. And they’re... deeper.. than they should be. Darkness spell maybe?”

“I might be able to get passed them, but I’m not sure.” He suggested. “I could try and see where it leads?”

At least they weren’t bitching at him, for the moment. M’Kael sighed. “As for a trigger mechanism, There might be one inside the Darkness spell. Or in the refraction zone.”​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Gem

“M’Kael, before you get yourself flambéed, let me cast dispel magic on that darkness spell. Might reveal enough to keep you in one piece.”

“I can travel through shadows, you know,” Callo remarked coolly. “Ever consider asking me to do it?”

“I figured, given you're a dragon, the answer would be no.”

“You figured correctly,” Callo said with a flick of her silver claws. “But as a dragon, I’d still like to be asked.”

“Mmm. Fair point.” Gem agreed. She turned to Callo with a wry smile. “Callo, would you like to slither through the shadows and find the trigger mechanism?”

“No. But I appreciate the courtesy.” She dipped her head with surprising grace.

“Oh. Okay then.” Her brows lifted in mock surprise. Then she turned back to the darkness and murmured an incantation, releasing the spell with a flick of her hand.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Stardate 29870607.0515

Looking at Callo M’Kael raised an eyebrow. “You can shadow walk? Why the fuck didn’t you say so. You can risk your life more often than me!”

When Gem cast her spell a snap could be heard in the distance and then massive bolts of lightning ripped from the darkness followed by spray of acid.

Dropping to the ground M’Kael yelled “Fuck!” before dropping into a shadow cast by Angus and then reappearing from Ravyn’s and covering her with his Body as Magdalena Dropped to her knee and punched the ground, a bubble appearing around her and Ravyn.

Lightening crackled across the shield severally damaging it before the acid hit. Coating the bubble the acid slowly ate away, a scintillating aura covering it as Magdalena moved her cloak to cover them both, hoping it would provide additional protection from the acid, ifit ate through.​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Crispy Critter

Everyone had barely a second to react before lightning and acid burst from the darkness.

Gem, tragically, was closest to the source, and had the least amount of time to move. She spun and ducked—fast, but not fast enough. The lightning bolt struck her shield spell with a concussive crack. The spell absorbed much of the energy, but the impact still hurled her backward. Her right arm and side smoking and in blistering pain. She was scorched, burned, and raw.

Then came the acid.

The shield, shattered by the bolt, offered no protection from the corrosive wave that followed. Gem could do nothing but brace—until Angela blurred into view.

With a snarl and a flash of fangs, Angela surged forward, with vampire speed as she shielded Gem with her own body. The acid struck hard. Angela’s scream tore through the air—and then she vanished, swallowed by a cloud of mist.

Angus and Callo dove for cover against the jagged walls of the Maze, escaping with only minor burns.

The haze settled. Gem lay crumpled, smoke curling from her side.

Angus rushed to her, his voice raw with concern. “Gem—are you alright?”

“Hell’s bells…” Gem groaned

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Throwing off her cloak Magdalena watched as the acid burned material deteriorated into a ruined mass of acid burned cloth. “Son of a bitched,” she snapped as she stood up. Pulling a ring from her finger she dropped it on the ground. “Well that’s dead.” she sighed. “So’s that,” she added looking at her cloak. “Should have added resistance to acid.”

Staggering she shook her head. “Fuck me..” and then she hit the ground face first.

Walking out of Callo shadow M’Kael looked at the disturbance. “What the hell was that?” he asked moving to check Ravyn and Magdalena as he glanced at the others, looking at their state of being. “She’s unconscious but doesn’t look like she has any injuries.”​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Angus helped Gem up.

She cast a healing spell that repaired her charred arm and side.

“The darkness spell must have had some kind of protection spell on it. When I tried to remove it. BAM!” Gem explained

She went over to Magdalena. “I’ll cast healing on her just in case” Gem said as she cast the spell. “Maybe some of the damaged magical items were somehow tied/attuned to her. When they were destroyed it affected her.” Gem suggested “Ravyn, do you have any ideas?” She asked.

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

Blinking Ravyn’s eyes opened, but it took a minute before she sat up and looked over. “Spell.. Dismiss Good I Believe.” She said as she got to her feet.

“Astral walk showed a lot of spells in the corridor. Contingency spells and Counter Spells as well. A few Wards as well.”

“Someone doesn’t want anyone in that part of the maze. But I couldn’t see everything, the spells were to many and overlapping. Like pages in a book, cross-referencing each other.”

“A maze of spells inside a maze of corridors?” she wondered.​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Gem

“Ok, everyone let’s walk away from the spells and around that corner over there.” Gem suggested. “Angus, can you carry Magdalena?” She asked. Angus respectfully grabbed Magdalena and carried her to the safer spot.

Gem cast the counterspell, nullifying the “dismiss good” spell cast on Magdalena.

“That should bring her back. Now if Ravyn can astral walk over there… You shadow walkers can also pass through the barrier.” Gem said to Callo and M’Kael

“No” Callo answered firmly.

“It’s safe, just go check it out” Gem pressed the dragon.

“No… that way is a death trap” Callo replied.

“I think she is right” Angus agreed.

“Ok, smarty pants, where to now?” She asked the minotaur.

“Earlier, I was trying to get to the place Baphomet lives, his palace. But the minotaur Angela charmed took us away from his palace. I thought it did not know what it was doing. However, when we talked to the lost ones, I realized my mistake. We want to speak to The Prince of Beasts. Well, he is not in his palace. He is in the outer parts of the maze, hunting and killing lost ones. That is how he gets his kicks. So, I think we are close to him. I suggest we work our way around this magical area and re-charm another minotaur. And I think we’ll find him.” Angus suggested

“What does everyone else think about Angus’ plan?” Gem asked

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

“I didn’t go through it,” Ravyn corrected. “The spells are simply illuminated under Astral Walk and I was able see them. Even thoughI can’t tell what they all are.”

“I can bypass the passage, but I’ll need to explore first to find a safe exit point. Unless you’d rather go first, Callo.” M’Kael offered.

“We could always charm Angus, he’s a minotaur,” Ravyn suggested. “He should be able to navigate the maze, and the compulsion will bypass his subconscious. So he should be able to take us exactly where you say.”

Groaning Magdalena cracked her neck before rubbing her forehead. “Bastards,” she moaned. “Granted I would have done the same thing.”​

 

[milkmaiden38]

Angus puffed out his chest a little. “You ladies have already bewitched me with your beauty.”

Gem raised a brow, smirking. “Oh, that was absolutely a line… but I love it.” She said and planted a quick kiss on his massive bull snout.

Callo groaned from the corner. “Alright, cut it out. I do not need a front-row seat to Angus’ junk parade.”

“I can restrain myself,” Angus said, a bit too defensively.

Callo crossed his arms. “Please. The graphic history and evidence is to the contrary.”

Gem clapped her hands, regaining focus. “Okay, charm break’s over. Any brilliant ideas before we wing it again?” She turned to Magdalena and softened her tone. “Is there anything more I can do to help?”

 

[The_Weeping_Angel]

“No, just time.” Magdalena replied. “I’m dizzy and the world won’t top tilting, but I’ll be fie as long as we don’t get into a fight to soon.”

“So who’s going for a shadow walk?” M’Kael asked. “Me or the Dragon?”

“You,” Ravyn replied. “And don’t argue, just fucking go already.”

Scowling M’Kael stepped over to the wall where Angus’ shadow lay against it and stepped inside.

Long minutes passed before he slid up behind Ravyn, her shadow lay on the floor and to him it was fun to sneak up on her. Until she elbowed him in the ribs.

Grunting he looked at the group. “Passage is blocked for about three hundred feet. This is a dead end. After the spells it’s just a dead end. But there is another passage beyond running in an east-west direction. If this is a north-south direction.”

“I can move a maximum of two at a time. The shadows are a bit far apart. And there’s no light to make shadows for quite a distance. But if Callo can take two as well, we can do this in one trip.”

“The floor is covered in tracks, but I didn’t see any Minotaur, But there are a couple long dead bodies. Pretty decayed, no smell anymore. And they’ve already been picked clean of property.”​