World of Monsters/Story

==Story==
The story opens with a view of some thick jungle, the moonlight shining through the leaves. The camera then shows an odd group of creatures walking along, spreading some low-hanging branches as they progress. These creatures are short, cat people with tan fur, light armor, and some brown over their face in a diamond-shaped pattern. They are Felynes. The group walks alongside each other, with some even shorter creatures are hidden in their group. They walk and walk, when suddenly, some footsteps can be heard.
They turn and draw weapons while the smaller cat people rush away, hiding behind a toppled log. One wields a sword and shield, one wields a hammer, and one wields a light bowgun. They face the greenery, when suddenly it spreads, revealing a velociraptor-like creature with long and thin claws, teal scales, and red fins extending from its head. This creature, a Velocidrome, rushes the party of felynes, and the one with the shield rushes in to try and block it. The others try to rush in to attack it, though a few claw swipes and tail swipes from the monster drives them back. After much fighting with them, the party's each toppled over. The monster then leans in towards the nearest felyne, the onw with the hammer, and it can only watch as it spreads its jaws. It starts to rear back, though a beam of rainbow-like energy strikes it, sending it flying into the leaves.
The felynes turn to see who'd helped them, and see a positively surprising sight: a trio of Dragons descending to the ground. A red-scaled one has smoke exhaling from its mouth, a black-scaled one nears the felled felynes and casts some restorative magic on them, and a blue-scaled one is seen holding a rolled up blanket. The felynes finally get up, and each take a knee before the creatures, though the Dragons simply motion for them to stand. The Dragons then press along the trail, the felynes still stunned. The younger felynes come out from their hiding spot and look on as the larger creatures walk off.
They press on, and soon make it into a settlement deeper into the jungle. The settlement is a multi-cultural realm with wood huts about and various creatures walking around and tending to their small community, said community bordered by a tall gate that seems to buzz with some enchanted, electrical magic. The Dragons approach, and a set of guards open the gate, allowing them passage. They step through, and the many members of the community stop what they're doing, and approach. They crowd around the Dragons and seem ecstatic, cheering and praising them. However, the trio of Dragons wave down their elation and press forwards.
Suddenly, the red one speaks. He says that they are here with a gift to the town. They step forwards, and as they do, the teal Dragon looks around at the people. Eventually, they focus on a family of wolf-like creatures, Canynes, and approach. They come in close, and the teal Dragon offers the wrapped up blanket. They accept it, and the red Dragon asks that they care for them, and protect them. With that, they leave the settlement and through the gate they'd gone through, before flying off. The Canyne family, meanwhile, looks over the wrapped up blanket, and begin walking home. Eventually, they make it to a house, where a younger Canyne is waiting.
They enter, each curious and the Canyne especially curious about what was happening. They lowered the blanket and opened it, before gasping as they saw a draconic muzzle peeking through. They open the blanket more while setting it down, and soon reveal what the bundle hid: a young, red-scaled creature with a tan underbelly, and wings attached to its small arms. The younger Canyne asked what it was, and the mother of the group remarked that it was a Rathalos. There's a pregnant pause around the group, before the mother says that they're going to take care of the little guy.
The younger Canyne seems excited, saying he always wanted a brother! He asks what his name is, and at that they're uncertain. With this, players are allowed to decide on a name for the draconic being. For the sake of the article, he'll be referred to as Oxaa. The young Rathalos is named, and the older pair of Canynes seem excited for their future as the younger Canyne looks on excitedly.
===Chapter 1: A Home that Doesn't Feel like Home===
Years pass. It eventually cuts to the jungle again. The greenery is waving softly in the wind as the buzz of various bugs fill the air. Meanwhile, some light footsteps can be heard. The camera follows, and can see the owner of those footsteps being scaly with a red coat and wings attached to its arms, though it now wields an axe over its shoulder. It seems to be the child from before grown into a young man. He's seen sneaking through the terrain and eyeing the area carefully. He goes through the foliage more and more, and eventually spreads the leaves before him and spies an abandoned camp in the jungle.
He heads in while grasping the shaft of his axe carefully. A few deer-like creatures, Kelbis, can be seen grazing around the area, though as Oxaa approaches they perk up and scamper away. Oxaa steps into the scene and looks around the area, uncovering a few tracks. They appear clawed and intermingled with a few shoeprints. He starts walking in the direction of the tracks, though he hears the sound of wings buzzing. He turns, and spies cat-sized insects with elongated abdomens flying down on the scene. They spy the rathalos, and begin swooping in. The Dragon is forced to weave to the side to avoid their charge before taking up his axe and turning it on them. What follows is a brief tutorial fight with Vespoids meant to teach players about combat, and about weaknesses. Players are also able to use a combination of Oxaa's fire magic and One More to topple each, though there's no All Out on account of the dragon being on his own. Thus, the Vespoids stand up, and take a moment to beat on him.
Following that brief bit, a cutscene shows the bugs hovering menacingly around Oxaa, him holding the axe and aiming it carefully from creature to creature. However, while he's focusing on them, another pair of footsteps is heard, them being frantic. From the outside of the battlefield, a Canyne in a monk vest races forwards, before leaping up and hoisting a long, curved sword. He rushes towards the battlefield and swings the sword at blinding speeds, them stunned by the strike. Oxaa finds himself looking upon a very familiar Canyne, albeit grown up. At that, he points accusingly at the rathalos, asking what he thinks he's doing wandering off on his own.
Oxaa says that that Felyne family said their dad and his group hadn't come back yet, and he wanted to sort that out. The Canyne says he should've sought him out before going out here alone. He warns that this is very dangerous to those untrained. The rathalos rubs the back of his head, as if trying to come up with some way to get out of this. Then he glances over to the bugs, which'd seemed to've hovered and merely watched, as if uncertain about stepping into the scene. Then, Oxaa points towards the enemies and says that now's not a good time to talk about this, Vespoids! At that, the Canyne draws his sword and turns his attention to either of them, stating that this isn't over.
With that, players progress in the fight, only now joined by Oxaa's brother, Estu. Estu is a highly agile character with slash attacks and Earth magic. He doesn't have the ability to hit the Vespoids' weakspot, though he may be able to crit them. Oxaa, however, is able to flame each of them down. And with Estu joining him, they now have the chance to perform an All Out Attack on the foes. With them, they're able to deal a lot of damage to all of the enemies at once, enough to take them down. With that, the insects lay beaten on the ground, and the two fighters sigh before Oxaa puts his axe over his back and Estu sheathes his sword.
Estu sighs and turns towards Oxaa, the latter saying that they worked well. However, he can see a sternness in the canyne's expression. Oxaa quickly realizes that he can't exactly sweet talk his way out of this. Estu says that they'll talk about this back home. And thus, the two creatures head back the way they came.
----Abris 6th
The duo made the trek through the foliage, and would eventually make it to the community featured during the intro scene, Ershel. Except now it's bigger, featuring a back of it that's expanded towards a river running through the jungle. The fence cackles with electricity, the village itself seems much the same, except for some new houses, though the area near the river... Even from afar Oxaa and Estu can see a big mansion standing just near the river, with a field of various vegetables growing in front of it. Estu leads Oxaa through the village, the many creatures looking on as they pass.
Estu and Oxaa walks, and a few villagers can't help but note how the considerably larger, draconic creature looks far more timid while behind the slimmer canyne. They walk and walk, and soon make it to the mansion, the large thing apparently belonging to Oxaa's brother's family, having been built up since they were young. They go through the front door, Estu sighing as they make it into the lobby and he leans back. Estu says that this village is up to protect the lot of them in here. Not everyone can just pick up a weapon and go out on the attack. He points out that he's dealt with minor fiends of the fields outside!
Oxaa says that he was going to run away if things looked dangerous, all while rubbing his shoulder uncertain. Estu sighs and remarks that thanks to his rushing headlong, that family's also going to want to see some results soon... He says that he'll try and get some hunters out there and inform them of the situation. He says that Oxaa should come along so he can tell them everything. Oxaa said that he himself would help, though Estu shushes him, saying there's no excuse. He should stay here.
Oxaa sighs and sits back, the camera showing off a scar running along his chest. Estu leans back and sighs himself, apologizing for the outburst. He'd just really like his brother to be safe and with them. Oxaa understands, but says that he'd like to help. Estu nods and there's a quiet moment, when the canyne asks where he even got his weapon. Oxaa said that some bombadgy was offering this thing on a discount. Estu looks over it and remarks that it doesn't have its blade function. Oxaa raises a brow, and Estu says that that type of axe is supposed to be able to swap between axe and sword form. Oxaa facepalms, groaning that he paid for a broken weapon.
Estu can't help but snicker a little and supposes that that's just more reason for him to walk another set of eyes. Estu helps him up, and supposes that he's had a bit of a rough day, getting harassed by a bunch of bugs and having to walk home near such a flaming aura. He supposes that they have a little time to cool off. Oxaa says that he'd like that, and with that they step out, exiting the house and getting near the shore. And here, the canyne says that maybe a good meal should do them good, and offers to pay for them to eat out. He also says that it's Oxaa's choice of food. With that, players are now able to walk around the village of Ershel.
The player walks around, and is prompted to interact with a building towards the middle of town. This is regarded as the canteen. And upon entering, players will find a bunch of felynes running the joint, other villagers enjoying the food while felynes serve food and entertain. This canteen is run by Bungo, a felyne that's notably bigger and tubbier than most. He greets the duo, and Estu explains that they're here for a pick-me-up. The felyne nods in affirmation, saying that he's more than happy to serve the two of them. With that, they're brought to a table, and players are given a menu, where they're told about some things they can do when ordering. The orders they make can increase the player's stats for a few days, depending on the selections, though the selections tend to be quite costly. This time, however, Estu assures that he's covering.
Partway through their meal, Estu asks Oxaa how badly he promised that family he'd help them out. Oxaa glances away, and Estu playfully urges him on to talk. He swore that he'd bring them back the dad asap. The canyne nods and mulls over the information as he eats. He says that it's a real shame they'll have to disappoint them. Oxaa says that he can certainly do it, he swears. Estu says they've already decided, he's staying in the walls. If they have to argue, then he'll have to tell mom and dad the truth. The Rathalos freezes up at that, and he takes a deep breath before sighing, sadly eating. Estu looks on curious, though keeps eating.
They eventually make their way out and are on their way to the big mansion at the shore. Estu asks the Rathalos if this is about "the usual thing". Oxaa says he doesn't have to talk about it in such a weird way. Estu says that regardless of the name, he does think it isn't healthy to linger on that thought. After all, it's almost gotten him killed twice now. Oxaa says that he can't just bury the thought. Estu takes a deep breath, and wraps an arm across his brother's shoulders. He says that maybe they should spend tomorrow just doing fun thing, maybe pick his head out of the gutter that way. Oxaa realizes that he can't shake him off, and so, morosely, agrees.
The two return home, where they see two other canynes, these two bigger than Estu, sparring with wooden swords. While fighting, the two ask the youngers how their day was. Estu says everything's just fine. He lies that Oxaa watched him swing his sword, and says that it was he himself who got scammed into taking a broken switch axe. The father says that he should really be more mindful, to which Estu says he knows. Either way, they've already ate, so they're gonna go to bed a little early. The mother says that he's free to take a little break, get his mind off of getting scammed. But she hopes to see him in top form once the spell's worn off! With that, while mother and father continue to sword fight, Oxaa and Estu go to a shared bedroom, and sleep. Said shared bedroom has bedrolls on the ground, incense burning, and a painting depicting the mother, the father, a young Rathalos, and a younger canyne.
Abris 7th
The duo exits, Oxaa stretching his back while Estu worked on his various limbs. Estu says that they have fun to have. Maybe they should try out some of those childhood games? Maybe they should listen to one of the hunters' stories? Oxaa says that they should check out the village and see something that really stands out. Estu says that sounds like a good idea. He says it's been a while since they did something really fun, should be fine! With that, players are tasked with exploring the village.
*Dock near river - There, players can see a few felynes and velociprey people with fishing rods, trying to snag a bite. Estu points out that this was always a bit of a fun time, and offers that they should probably try some of this. Players can thusly go to the dock, and perform a fishing minigame. It should be noted that during this, periodically Estu notes that it's a little slower than he remembered. However, players should ignore the stuff he says so they can actually catch the fish that linger in the river. Regardless of if they catch some or not, they eventually stop, and Estu says that seeing the struggle with the fish reminds him what really made this cool!
*Cricket - The duo makes it to a corner of the village, where a section of the ground is worn down into a fine square, a pair of three stumps at either side. Seeing it, Estu remarks that it's been a while since they played this. He then remarks that they probably have the bats somewhere at the house, and he offers Oxaa to hold on for a moment. He thusly leaves, and returns with a pair of paddle-like bats. He hands the Rathalos one and takes the other for himself, remarking that it's very strange to hold in comparison to his usual sword. With that, players are given the chance to play another minigame. And as the game goes on, other villagers might pop up to try and play too. After a bit, Oxaa and Estu come out a little sweaty. Oxaa remarks that it's not quite avoiding monsters, but it's certainly something.
*Hide and Seek - The duo uncovers a group of jaggi in a corner of the village. Estu remarks that he hasn't seen any of them, to which one of the young ones would say that they got separated from their big bro. They wanted to go look for him, but the monsters outside scared them and they hid away in here. Estu remarks that that is pretty bad. He can definitely send a group to try and find their brother, and quickly gets a description of their big brother, a Great Jaggi. They're clearly uncomfortable, and Estu asks if they'd like anything to keep calm. They say that they always play hide and seek with their big bro, to which Estu says they can do that. With that, players can play hide and seek with the many jaggi, looking throughout the village to find them. After finishing, Oxaa says that that was pretty fun. They should do that again sometime.
After performing the various games, Oxaa remarks that that was pretty nice. Estu says that he knows what it takes to calm him down. He offers to play again later, to which the Rathalos supposes that they should.
...
Later that day, Oxaa and Estu are trying to relax and sit on a bench in the village. There, Estu sighs and says that today was fun, asking Oxaa if he had fun too. The Rathalos answers that it was fun. He says that he really needed the time to cool off, and Estu agrees. He needed this too. Oxaa supposes they should still do something about that Felyne family, to which Estu sighs and agrees that they really should. Either way, for now they should go to sleep. They're a bit tired. Oxaa agrees, and so the two go back to their home.
Abris 8th
Oxaa wakes up, though when he does, he notices his brother is missing. He's curious and goes to look for him, when he gets to the front door and notices a stirring deeper into the village. He approaches curious, and finds a bunch of people, his brother included, gathering before a big wooden hut with a felyne emblem on it, said emblem accompanied by a pair of cross swords. This is known as a hunter's guild, and before it is a really strange creature. She was a tall creature with scales and fur lining the edges of her spine, the bit of it that could be seen past her dancer dress. She had a draconic head and six fins extending from it. This was a Mizutsune, a strangely exotic and bewitching creature.
She says that her caravan's been stricken by monsters. She needs their aid, and she'd rather they not simply gawk at her. However, the many villagers are still stunned by her appearance, Estu included. Oxaa, however, steps forwards, though still gazes upon her. The Mizutsune turns her attention towards the shorter Rathalos, and asks if he's hear to help or to stare. Oxaa shakes his head, and says that he's here to help out. Estu himself is snapped out of his gaze, and he rushes forwards, trying to ask his brother if he's serious. However, before he can really ask, the Mizutsune says she's very greatful. She swears she'll give them whatever they need, her own assistance included.
She then extends a hand towards Oxaa, introducing herself as Hearta. Oxaa shakes her hand, and gives her his own name. Hearta says that she'll make sure her lance is well prepared for the fight. She intends to meet them at the front gate, they should move fast. With that, she walks away, giving an extra flourish with her dress and tail as she walks off. Several of the villagers find themselves following her curious, while Estu asks Oxaa what he just agreed to. He already made a promise he can't keep! Oxaa says that she's a special kind of person, he thinks he should get to know her. Estu points out that he just met her, to which Oxaa says it's not like that. He glances towards his own claw, and says that she feels... comfortable.
Estu seems saddened, and there's a palpable pause between the two. Oxaa tries to apologize, though Estu supposes that if she'll really help him out, then he can't really get in the way. He then says that he can't go with her without his own blade accompanying him. Oxaa declares that he'd be more than happy to have him help out.
----The player's tasked with going to the front gate, though are also told about how they should frequently shop for restorative items and for armors and for weapons.
*create shopper npcs later
The party returns to the front gate, where Hearta greets them, lance pinned to her back. Estu says that they're here to assist, and the aqueous dragon is thankful for the aid. She says that she'll lead them there, and she wants them to keep her safe. Oxaa says that of course they will. With that, the party exits the front gate to go into the jungle outside.
They enter the Expansive Jungle, a realm thick with foliage and a slightly warm air. There are various odd creatures in this realm that thrive in this environment, though players choose whether or not to seek them out. Hearta explains that her caravan was northwest, and says she'll point it out. Estu asks if she'd rather lead, though she says she's better off hidden away from the enemy. She offers to pitch in where she can. With that, players are tasked with going through the foliage, being forced to travel area that former monsters had torn up. They progress into the foliage a little more.
Eventually, their traveling takes them further in, surrounded on either side by trees. As they walk, Oxaa finds himself wondering about Heart herself. He asks her where she came from. She says she grew up towards the northern border of the jungle, raised by some kelbi people. Oxaa asks her if there were any other creatures like her. Hearta asks what he's talking about, to which he tries to clarify: the body type, the scales, the scent. She says that he's being a little invasive right now, to which he apologizes and backs off.
She says that they're getting close and brings up her lance, holding it defensively as Oxaa and Estu follow suit, bringing out their own weapons and approaching. There, they see a few carriages toppled over with velociprey and bullfango quarreling over the fallen things, beating and slashing into them. Hearta remarks in worry that the wildlife's already set upon them! She says they need to act fast, and rushes to the scene. Oxaa and Estu follow suit, and soon players are forced into a battle with the creatures.
Players here learn about Hearta herself. She wields a lance, with which she deals stabbing damage. She also wields water magic, healing magic, and a sleeping spell, the latter of which proves pretty useful as it allows for technical damage. With her aid, the players will be able to scare off the various creatures and rush the carriages, where the Mizutsune begins opening them up and searching. She seems frantic and searches more and more. Eventually, she gets off of the various carriages and says there's no one in them. She says it looks like everyone got out before some monster could hurt them, but that just means they're lost somewhere in the jungle.
Estu says that they'll have to pull back and get one of the guilds on the case. Oxaa, however, says that they can't just leave her like this. Her friends are left alone, and if they wait for one of the guilds to get to work, who knows what could happen. Estu says that he can't just let him and this lady get torn up by the monsters out here. At that, Oxaa supposes he'll have to come and make sure he's safe. With that, before Estu can argue, he turns to Hearta and says that they'll help her out and look for these guys. She says she's grateful, and will continue lending a hand where she can.
With that, a new mission is given to the player: find Hearta's caravan and the Felyne's family while you're at it.
Abris 8th - 16th
Here, players are tasked with traversing the jungle to hopefully find the various citizens that've been scattered. This involves going through the trails and towards various trails. There are four different goals to achieve, one with a felyne family at the end of it, one with a couple kelbi, one with a tough aptonoth guy, and one with a kelbi and mosswine couple. Unfortunately, either of them are being cornered by one of a few different creatures of varying strengths. Fortunately, players should be able to take care of them, and Hearta will be sure to direct them to the village.
Throughout this segment, Oxaa will end up speaking with Hearta, and end up revealing a few key details to her and to the player about stuff that's gone on in his life up to now.
*Rescuing the first guy(s), Hearta asks Oxaa and Estu if they'll be welcome over in the village. Estu says that Ershel is welcoming to anybody as long as they're friendly enough to the community. Hearta asks whether they'll be expected to work or not, their usual supplies got kind of wrecked after that crash. However, Estu says that the people don't usually worry about things like that. The hunter's guild tends to be helpful to anyone that needs help, and they're fortunately pretty cheap. Hearta remarks that she actually hadn't made deliveries before, she didn't realize they were delivering here actually. Estu says it's a shame that gatherers were hit on their way over. He says that he hopes they'll be able to recover shortly. Either way, he promises that they'll get on their feet soon. And she knows she can trust him: promises are very important in Ershel.
*Rescuing the second guy(s), Hearta decides to ask about the two of them. She remarks that they sort of seemed on friendly terms, and she wondered how the two of them became battle partners. Oxaa replies that they're brothers. Hearta pauses and glances between the two. Oxaa realizes the confusion, and says it's not by blood. He was brought to the village as a babe and raised in this guy's family. Estu replies that he's been tasked with keeping him safe as he grew up. And he's clearly needed the help. Hearta furrows her brow curious at that. She says she too had to be adopted. She hopes that his family's been friendly with him, to which Oxaa replies that they have. He can't imagine living without a brother as clingy as Estu. The canyne pouts at that though doesn't seem to counter it. She supposes it's nice that Oxaa's been able to get comfortable with Ershel. Oxaa gets a little quiet at that, and Estu, at this, decides they should keep searching.
*After getting the other guy(s), the group seemed ready to move on. However, Hearta notices Oxaa's discomfort. She asks how he's doing, to which he replies that he's been thinking about that earlier conversation. Hearts supposes he did get a little quiet at the end there. She asks if she said anything untoward. He glances to see whether or not Estu is paying attention, to which he says that truth was, he wasn't totally comfortable. The village has done everything it could to make him a citizen, but he always felt like an outsider, and not just because he wasn't one of the species. As long as he could remember, there's always been at least somebody looking at him oddly. Who wouldn't look at him strangely, a draconic creature brought down to a village full of smaller guys? It became less of an issue as he got older, but he'd still get odd looks every now and then, especially when someone new shows up at Ershel. Hearta gets uneasy, and admits that she herself felt a bit of that growing up. She asks if that's why he asked him those weird questions earlier, to which the Rathalos answers "yes". There's a pause between the two, and the Mizutsune supposes they should talk about this later.
*After getting the last guy(s), the two draconian creatures hang back while Estu goes to point them in the direction. Oxaa asks Hearta how it's been, growing up the way she did. She says that she's also felt about weird growing up. She's felt sort of like she's been treated more like a spectacle than a member of the village. She's tried taking up dancing so that she could get them staring for reasons other than her form, but she'd still get those stares even when she wasn't in her regalia. She's actually felt kind of ok being away from there, to which Oxaa says he can feel that too, sometimes wanting to get out of the village to feel less a stranger. Though, his brother's always made sure to return him home. Plus, he can't exactly stay out for too long, he says while feeling the scar over his chest. Hearta sighs, and says that there has to be some way to fix this.
After getting the last objective, Estu says that that should be everyone accounted for. Hearta thanks him for his aid, and the canyne says that he'll try and get the hunter's guild to establish a line from here to her old village and they should be able to head on out of here. Hearta thanks him, albeit a little less enthusiastically. However, she then starts sniffing. She sniffs more and more, and asks the two if they smell something. Oxaa sniffs as well, and says it smells like some kind of fish... mixed with dirt? Estu sniffs as well, and his eyes go wide. He says that that smells like a pretty bad monster.
It must've stirred up from all of their maneuvering through the jungles, and if left unintended, it might cause some trouble. It smells pretty close to the village. Hearta asks if they should get the guild, to which Oxaa says that if they put in a request, there could be a chance that they take too long to respond to that thing. They should take care of this creature themselves, they've managed to defeat quite a few monsters on their own. Estu grimaces though admits the Rathalos has a point. He says they should be as careful as possible before they challenge that creature first!
----The party races to a clearing a little south of a river running through the jungle. And when they get near, Estu gets forwards to stop the two, and they see the creature that was ahead of them. In the clearing, crawling on the tips of its wings and on webbed feet with coy-colored scales was a threatening-looking monster that was assailing nearby creatures, causing them to scatter and those that didn't to fall down, limp. The creature would near those felled, and eat them.
Estu explains that this creature's lingered in the river and hasn't stepped out until now. Hunters that tried taking it down were overwhelmed by its movements in the water and the lucky returned. He says that with its current rampage, it could tear down a good fraction of the jungle. Hearta says that they should be careful of this thing. Oxaa says that if this thing may threaten Ershel, or anyone else for that matter, they should put it to sleep. He draws his axe, andsays that it's time for them to wrap up their work out here!
With that, players are forced into a battle with the Plesioth. Said creature proves to be quite dangerous. Estu and Hearta resist its water attacks, though Oxaa will struggle against them, so players should keep an eye on his health. Other than that, it utilizes slash skills, agility buffs, and a painful, Smash-damaging hip check that has a chance of paralyzing whoever gets hit. Players should be sure to keep their health up and utilize Oxaa's fire to wear it down, as well as Estu's buffing ability to increase players' chances of avoiding its physical blows. With enough work, players should be able to take out the Plesioth's health.
With the last blow, the aqueous creature bellows out a pained wail. It gives off labored pants as it falls to its knees, before collapsing, limp. The party pants after the fight, and sheathes their weapons. Oxaa seems slack-jawed, asking whether they really did that or not. Estu answers that they did, but they shouldn't let this go to their heads. They got lucky. Hearta, however, says that she's not sure about that, she felt that the two of them at least were pretty powerful. Oxaa glances towards Estu smugly and puffs out his chest.
Estu rolls his eyes and says that they've done everything they needed to out here. In the meantime, he'll talk to the Hunters about establishing a route back to her village. At that, Oxaa notices that Hearta's expression drops, and she gives him an insincere thanks. With that, the party walks off to Ershel, though as they do, the Rathalos can't help but glance towards his muscles with a sort of pride, while looking at Hearta with concern.
----Following this, Estu will visit the Hunters tent to try and talk to them. In the meantime, players are allowed freetime, form hanging out with allies, to grinding, to interacting with npcs, to getting sidequests done, and so on.
Abris 17th
On this day, Oxaa steps out and heads to the Hunter tent. He sees Hearta standing beside the tent, alongside the people rescued from the Jungle, including Hearta's adoptive parents. The aqueous creature sees him and greets him. She says that Estu said the Hunters are setting up their route, and that they'll be able to escort them out. Oxaa says that sounds nice. The two kelbis on either of Hearta's side thank him for their aid, and for working alongside Hearta. The woman says that he seems like he's got the makings to be a fledgling hunter. Oxaa thanks them, though notices Hearta putting on a fake expression. He asks if he can talk to her one on one, to which the two kelbis are ok with that and step away, leaving the two.
Oxaa asks if something's wrong, and she says she's just been thinking about the stuff they've discussed since they got out here. Oxaa asks if her place told her about the Dragons and their Garden. Hearta answers that they have, that the creators of the world live upon a mighty city in the sky that goes around, ocassionally appearing over their own world. Oxaa says that they're seemingly not allowed up there, but that does sort of sound like the kind of home for them; somewhere they wouldn't be strangers. Hearta asks if he means they should go there, to which he wouldn't say that much. Those Dragons probably had to build their own Gardens. For a long time he thought he was alone as an out of place creature. But seeing her, he belives that there are more out there.
She asks if he's implying what she thinks he's implying. He says that there's got to be a community for people like them. He thinks that they should go and seek it. She asks if he really intends to pack up his life and head off, to which he says that he's not sure whether he can sit in this place for much longer. He says that he'll try and find something, and asks her if she wants to come with. He Mizutsune looks towards the tent in contemplation. She says that she's going to talk to her parents, and Oxaa says he was planning to talk to his own family too. She wishes him luck with that, and says that she'll wait for him over at the gate.
----Oxaa makes it to his home, where he sees his parents are relaxing after a sparring match. This is soon followed by Estu arriving, saying that those Hunters are getting ready to move everybody, so if he wanted to tell his friend "goodbye", now's his last chance. The two parents perk up at that, saying it'd been a while since he played with any friend. However, Oxaa says that he's here to talk about something else, something slightly more important. The two are curious, and sit down, Estu looking on curious too. Oxaa says that, lately, he's been thinking.
He's saying that he's thinking he's starting to outgrow Ershel, that he needs to go out and see more of the world. The family is each alarmed at that. The dad asks if he's terribly certain, and the mom says that the land outside is fraught with danger. Oxaa says that he's tood up to those dangers, and he did well, though Estu pointed out he only did it while working alongside someone else! He says that he's been unreasonable, that the village will provide for him everything he needs! The Rathalos, however, says that what he needs is to go somewhere else.
Estu says that he's going to get himself killed! Yeah, it can gt a bit rough staying in the same spot for too long, but it's better that then dead! Oxaa says that he'll be careful, very careful. Estu asks why he even wants to go away, to which, in the heat at the moment, he declares that he just wants to go somewhere he doesn't feel like an outlier! And at that, there's a pause in the room. The family each seems to lose their spirit, Estu even letting loose a few tears. He leaves the room, and the two parents each look sad. The dad says that he never realized how unwelcomed he felt. Oxaa says that it's more coplicated than that. He says that the two of them and Estu have helped him a lot, but whenever he walks about, he definitely feels people looking at him when he goes to walk around.
The parents say that if he's so sure... They say that they'll help him gather things for a trip. They also say that whenever he has the chance, he wants them to write to them, anad they want him to receive whatever letters they write to him. Oxaa thanks them for understanding. So, they hug, and then the Rathalos is given several items to take with him on the trip out.
----Oxaa begins heading to the gate, where he can see Hearta resting. He asks if the Hunters are taking a while, to which she says they left. She explained, and her family gave her some material for out on the field before hugging her. Oxaa says he's said his goodbyes. She asks where the other guy is, to which he solumnly explains that he didn't take it well. Hearta furrows her brow, and asks if they should look for him. Oxaa says that he's not really sure he can face him right now... Either way, they've got their things, and they're probably as ready as they will be.
The two stand before the gate, side to side. Oxaa spares a glance back, looking on with a hint of sadness. He turns, and they thusly head out, going to who knows where.
===Chapter 2: Tilling the Field===
Oxaa and Hearta are out in the jungle, and while out, Oxaa asks Hearta if she knows a lot about the general terrain. Hearta says that she hasn't been able to know about a lot outside of jungle, to which Oxaa supposes that means they'll have to head out. Estu never wanted him to wander too far, and would've kept him far away from an exit towards the east. If players attempted to go there, Hearta will remark that that was where Estu prevented them from going. Oxaa says that it's time to get moving.
With that, they make their way forwards, going through the jungle. They approach the appropriate area, and as they approach, Hearta says that this way should be a set of plains. There won't be a lot of rom for monsters to hide, though there probably will be dangerous monsters to accomodate. Oxaa supposes that that makes sense, and so they should be careful. The Rathalos and Mizutsune are thusly allowed to head out. They begin making their way through the field and walk and walk, and the more they walk, the more they see the usual jungle terrain lessening and lessening. The red and blue draconic beings start to walk slower and slower as they examine the new terrain. They stop their walk, glance towards each other with a bit of uncertainty, but ultimately nod, ready.
With that, they step forwards, past the jungle flora, and make their way into a large area. The terrain was a large, vast plains with rolling hills, and some mountainous structures with rib-like extensions pointing skyward. The duo has enterred the Ancestral Steppe. Oxaa remarks that the wind hasn't felt this good in such a long time. Hearta says that it is really nice... before hoping that there are villages out here to stop at. Oxaa says that there's only one way to find out. Right now, their goal is to step out into the large fields to look for something, the quest marker leading them down a set of hills.
They begin making their way down, and as they do, Hearta sniffs at the air. She says she smells something funny. Oxaa apologizes, saying he forgot to bathe, though the Mizutsune says that's not it. She says it smells like it's coming from the distance. She turns, looking towards a set of hills. Oxaa looks where she's looking, and eventually they hear the loud stamping of feet. Suddenly from the hills leaps a monster bigger than the two of them, and it comes down towards them. The two are forced to weave aside, avoiding a painful stamp! And with that, they're given a good look at the creature: it's sort of raptor-like in body type. It features strong, scaly legs and arms, a green feathered body, a tail build like an axe with spikes at its tip, and a scaly face with bright yellow feathers around its head. The creature hisses at them, raising its tail threateningly. Hearta says that they should've expected this, and takes up arms. Oxaa brings out his axe too.
With that, the two are forced into a fight with a Great Maccao. The current fight proves to be a bit tricky, what with the party being a fraction of its usual strength. It boasts some tough smash attacks, and has access to a Jump move that lets it avoid being targeted for a turn, before smashing down on one of them. After a few turns, a cutscene plays that shows the party huffing and puffing as they deal with the creature. Hearta says that it's too tough. Oxaa says they can't be beat now. Not now! The creature, however, stamps closer and closer. However, as it does, it's suddenly interrupted as the sound of a slashing sword fills the air. While it's recoiling, a canyne leaps over it and lands alongside with the trio.
Oxaa looks on in joy and shock, seeing Estu. He asks what he's doing here, to which the canyne says they'll explain later. For now, they have to take care of this creature! With that, the fight with the great Maccao continues, though it's nicer now thanks to the brother's ability to boost evasion. Eventually, they beat the creature. It collapses, and each member sheathes their weapon. Oxaa starts connecting some dots, and asks him if he's here to drag him back. Estu, however, says that he spoke with his parents after he came back. He's not toally on board with Oxaa's plan, but ultimately it's his duty to help him stay safe, and he supposes he should get to work on his duty to keep him happy.
Oxaa looks as if a large weight's been lifted off his shoulders, and wraps the Canyne in a hug. Estu hugs back, and so the two part. Estu asks the duo if they found anything yet, to which Hearta says they're going to walk around over here and see whether or not there's a community akin to what they're looking for. Oxaa then remarks that Estu's hung out with those Hunters a little, and asks whether or not they know villages outside the jungle. Estu says that that division of Hunters is exclusive to the jungle, unfortunately. So, they're kind of on their own out here. With that, Oxaa says that they'll just have to investigate all their own then.
With that, players are prompted to continue eastwards. This involves being weary of the monsters in the field out here, and following the next map indicator out into the field.
----The party continues onwards, the various party members getting sore from the walking. Oxaa says that he hasn't done this much walking in a long time. Estu remarks that they're running out of rations and water. However, Hearta peers off into the distance, and remarks that she sees a village. Oxaa and Estu look where she's looking at, and see, at the base of a mountain trail, a gateway. Oxaa says that they should make a stop there, pronto. The trio thus makes their way forwards. They go and go, and soon pass the gateway. They go up, and spy a cave in the side of the mountain on the way up. They up their speed, their way forward is cut off by a pair of spears.
The party steps back while holding up their spears and looks down at who's threatening them: a pair of heavily armored crab-like creatures with thick shells, Konchus. Oxaa assures that they're not here for anything bad, they've gotten tired and were looking for some sort of hangout space. One of the knochu says that their village doesn't trut outsiders, and the three of them definitely look like outsiders. Oxaa swears that they're not going to try anything, and Estu says that he can atest to these two. He swears they're the must honest people he knows. The two konchu look towards each other, before saying that they're not certain: this certainly doesn't seem to be the MO of the draconian foe. That catches the Rathalos's attention, and he and Hearta shares an odd look.
One of the knochu says that they'll confer with their chief, and thus heads off. The remaining guard stands at the entrance, though he looks worried. Oxaa asks him about the draconian foe, to which the konchu says that they've had their Hunters go out to gather material, but there's been multiple reports of some draconian creature striking them and stealing their goods. Fortunately no one sustained long-term injuries, but still, they're costing them a lot of excess supplies. Eventually, the konchu from before arrives, and tells the group they're alowed in. So, they enter.
Inside, they find a fairly big cavern with several huts set up inside, a fairly small basin set in the inside. This is Sutoa. The konchu that let them in says that it's late, and that he'll lead them to the nearby inn. So, the group is led to one of the huts, and set in a room, free to sleep. And when there, Oxaa asks the group if they're thinking what he's thinking. Hearta asks if he means to look for that dragon they keep talking about, to which Estu points out that they sound like a bad guy. Oxaa says that they should at least try and reach out to them. Maybe they're just acting out because they have no one to relate to? Estu says that he'd require a pretty bad upbringing to justify that. Feeling Oxaa's discomfort, Estu assures that they can check and make sure if this guy can join along. But if they do anything to threaten the rathalos, he will end them.
Abris 18th - Abris 22nd
On this day, the trio wakes up and steps back into Sutoa. And as they step out, Oxaa and Hearta find that Estu have headed out already. They visit the Hunter tent, and see the canyne now coming out. He says that he woke up early to try and talk to them about landmakrs and about any attacks from this weird dragon. Oxaa asks what he's found, to which Estu says that he was able to find out about places "to avoid", ie the attacks, and found out about a strange structure that doesn't match the rest of the environment.
He brings out a map and shows it off. It's marked with the symbol of dragons (a symbol that frequently shows up in World of Animals) and a great big flag towards the northeast. He points there, and says that Hunters uncovered a massive building over here, complete with halls and windows and whatnot. It definitely doesn't match the environment, but it must've been here for hundreds of years. Much of the local foliage has grown over it. The Hunters initially wondered why there weren't any major settlements or nests/packs around here, but when they entered, they felt a horrific aura wear down on them.
Oxaa is very curious about this. He wonders if they should check it out, though Estu says that people more experienced than them have apparently investigated, only to come out feeling overwhelmed. Oxaa strokes his chin and is still curious about it. He thinks that they should at least check it out. Estu rolls up the map and supposes that that can be the mission they decide on for today. He says that they should gear up real quick and head on out.
----Players are thus tasked to go around the area, investigating the dragon attack locations and, only after that, investigating the landmark itself. There are four reported dragon attacks:
*In a valley between two cave walls - Investigating here, Oxaa and Hearta look over the area. They can see claw marks and blade marks around the general terrain, and Hearta can feels magical residue along one of the walls. Estu reports that here, Hunters were dragging along a Rajang to use for food and material, when a black figure darted forwards and tried to steal the kill. The Hunters tried to fight them off, but they moved too fast and disarmed them, racing off with the monster corpse. Hearta remarks that that must've been pretty recent. Unless the caster is exceptionally powerful, residue of a magic attack lingers for, at most, a week.
*Along a worn trail towards a passage east out of the Ancestral Steppe - Investigating here, Oxaa and Hearta can see a trail, worn down from many footwork. However, here there seems to be less evidence of much from the previous location. Estu says that this was said to be the first location of one of the attacks. The Hunters in this village had gone off in this direction to trade with someone over in the tundra, only for a figure to come in from this side and rush past them. Hearta asks if anything was taken, to which he explains that they apparently lost some gold.
*Over in a set of plains with monsters about - Over in the plains past the valley, they find that there's few nests in the general area. Estu reports that the Hunters were trying to cull monster numbers around here, especially when the species began warring with each other over this patch of land. They attempted to claim some of the carcasses for themselves, but again, the figure of black zipped in and stole them away. Oxaa remarks that this guy must be pretty tough, getting a lot of food for themselves. Hearta also remarks that this guy is doing a lot of work all on ehtier own.
*Upon one of the hills where many fruits are being grown - Up here, players encounter a patch of fruit that's guarded by some pretty dagnerous monsters. Estu reads that the Hunters had used sleeping material to down the monsters and claim the food. However, like clockwork, after claiming the food, the creature swept past them and stole it.
After all of the investigating, the group regards the stuff they learned. It sounds like following the first incident, this foe has a pretty simialr target for each attack. Go in, disorient the Hunters, run off with food. Oxaa, however, points out that they haven't gotten a read on just where he is, to which Hearta supposes that this guy's still in the Steppe. It seems like whoever they are, they hang close enough to the Hunters to get material. They also seemingly got recent material, so they should probably look for remnants of that recent creature. Estu leans back and remarks that there's a lot of places that one can look for that.
Estu then says that if they're going to find that guy, they'll have to head on out, soon. However, Oxaa says that there's still some place to check out. Hearta knows what he's talking about, and asks if he still really wants to check it out. He says that it's one of the most standout locations around here, so they should check up on it. Estu says that there's no way anyone would be there, the Hunters have talked about how foreboding it is. Oxaa then points out that that's exactly why that's the perfect hiding spot for a guy like that. It's scary for everyone, so the attacker would hang out there surely!
Estu quickly realizes that they won't be able to talk him out of this, and thus they'll make their way there.
----The group makes their way to the northeast, and finds themselves looking out at a set of flat plains stretching out northwards, while, indeed, a great structure is smack dab in the middle of it. Said structure was unlike anything the party had seen. There didn't exist castles in this time period, outside of the Draconic Gardens, but the figure before them looked just like a castle, it looking like it would've been a bright white but instead is stained a sandy brown. It stood tall, though its spire was shattered and replaced with a tall tree that'd wrapped its roots around the base of the castle. It also appeared to rest on some marble base maybe twice the size of Estu's home village, and it looked to've impacted into the soil to the point of driving into it. The castle was cracked, dusty, and mossy, though it looked like various windows and hallways still stood.
Oxaa says that this is one of the coolest things he's ever seen. Hearta affirms, saying that this is the kind of architecture that only divinity has been capable of. She asks what it's doing down here. Estu remarks that the Hunters have no idea what the situation with this thing is, but they can only assume some frightening magic is upon it. Oxaa says it looks like it could be a home all its own, to which Estu says they'll deal with one problem at a time. For now, there'sstill that one dragon they have to worry about.
Oxaa nods his head and supposes that they should check this place out. With that, players are prompted to approach the Divine Structure. They come close, and before stepping on the base, they take pause. Oxaa wonders how far that terrifying aura extends, and looks towards either party member. Hearta nods in affirmation, and Estu takes his hand reassuringly. Thusly, simultaneously, they step onto the base. And when on there, they each take pause to assess the general atmosphere, and realize that the general air isn't threatening. Estu supposes that it's the halls themselves that are scary. Oxaa thus prompts the party to spread out and look for anything that doesn't belong.
The party thus goes around the general area, and get a good look at the setting. The marble architecture is well tended, and stairs can be seen leading up to the doors/halls of the castle within the base. There can be some runes seen etched into the material, though they appear to be worn from time. Attempting to enter the castle will have the rathalos remark that they probably shouldn't deal with whatever is inside yet. Searching around, players approach the very back of the castle, and there, see a pile of bones.
Oxaa prompts the party over, and they look into it. Estu ponders where these could've possibly come from, and Heart decides to look into them more deeply. She spies the bones of a Rajang, and she points them out. Oxaa ponders if that means that the dragon is somewhere nearby. Estu ponders whether or not they could really be hanging in a place like this? Oxaa remarks that they spent a long time investigating right now, and they've garnered a lot of good information. They should investigate the area proper at a later point. Estu agrees and says that they should make sure they're all armored up, just in case that dragon isn't as benevolent as they might be hoping.
Abris 23rd
On this day, the group wakes up. They group together, and Oxaa supposes that they've put off their mission long enough. Now, they should check out that dragon, and make sure they come back with results. So, with their forces combined, they decide to head on out to the Divine Structure.
----They make it back there to where they originally found the bones. They look around the general area, and spy a hallway nearby. Oxaa says that they're probably as well prepared as they can be. So, they decide to approach. They inch closer and closer, and upon entering, they definitely notice an odd air within, but it's not nearly as oppressive as they feared. They inched closer and closer, and Oxaa remarks that it feels like there's a cloud throughout the innards of the hallway, but there's no view of one.
They inch closer and closer, and as they go through, they spy a sleeping bag within the confines of the hall, a pile of soot beneath a brazier beside it. Estu remarks that someone has indeed been making camp here. Oxaa then asks where they are now, and before Estu can try and answer, a voice behind answers "behind them". The group turns, and sees a strange creature within the hall. Said creature is dragon-shaped with black scales, patches of black fur, and a set of wings with razor-like covers along them. This stranger is a nargacuga, and said stranger wears a flowing black robe with leather boots and grieves.
He asks the three of them what they think they're doing down here. Oxaa decides to step forwards, looking awed. He asks if he's a dragon too. The nargacuga scoffs at the words, and remarks that if they know he's a dragon, then they aren't here for any good reasons. Oxaa assures that they don't mean any harm. However, the nargacuga reaches to his sides and draws a pair of blades, bringing them out and taking a threatening pose. He asks who sent them, Hunters or Sobola? Oxaa swears that they're not here for "anything", they just want to talk! The dweller, however, says that no one seeks him out to "just talk". With that, he lunges at the party, and players are forced into a battle.
Players battle the Nargacuga Rogue, who can be a little tricky if players aren't prepared. The Nargacuga is fast, meaning that at the start of the fight he's very likely to start the fight, which means he's likely to use a move that increases his evasion. This rogue is capable of pretty painful damage, which becomes exceptionally harder to contend with considering players don't have a dedicated buffer. After wearing him down to half health, he uses a skill, Illusion. Said skill creates a duplicate of himself that, if struck, will cause him to Counter the attacking party member. AOE won't work either; because the illusion is struck, the Nargacuga will still Counter. The Illusion utilizes the same current stats of the original, so players will have to see whether or not the guy they're targeting is suffering a debuff or ailment. With enough work, the players will defeat the Rogue.
The Nargacuga is pushed back, taking a knee and panting. He's holding himself up by only one of the blades, and he glowers at the party. Seeing him weakened, Oxaa inches closer. He raises his hands, and says that all of the fighting's out, now they can talk. However, the rogue just eyes him carefully. And as Oxaa gets closer, he notices the other dragon's eyes. They're full of fear. The rogue clenches the blade, and shouts for him to stay away! Faster than the party can react, he swipes the weapon across, managing to nick the Rathalos. Hearing the flash of metal and sharp cry of his brother, Estu races in and delivers a knockout kick to the enemy, sending him against the wall behind him and causing him to fall, beaten.
Estu rushes over to his brother, and finds blood running down his nose from a new cut just over his nostrils. The Canyne grits his teeth and turns towards the rogue, bringing up the sword. Oxaa, however, grabs him by the arm, telling him to stop. Estu points out that he hurt him, when all he wanted to do was talk. Oxaa says that he was afraid. There was a profound fear on that guy when he approached. He wasn't harmful, he was just like those cornered animals the Hunters warn them about, doing whatever they can when they feel threatened. Oxaa says that this guy's been stealing away food whenever he can, coming in whenever the bigger monsters are taken care of, and hiding away in a place meant to scare away anyone. And just now, he assumed that they were here to hunt him down or something.
Estu says that whatever he's gone through, they can't be sure that he won't just hurt them again. Hearta says that after all's said and done, they can probably tie him up and make sure he doesn't hurt them or anything. This guy got them while their guard was down, and so they can make sure that they have the upperhand this time. Estu says that he aimed straight for Oxaa's face, he clearly means to kill. The Rathalos, however, continues to defend him, saying that whoever he thought they were, he was certain that they'd do something terrible to him. He wants to make sure that they let him know that they just want to talk and make friends. Estu grimaces, and sighs. He tells them that that guy gets one more chance.
----Later, the Nargacuga wakes up, groaning and getting up. He sees the group standing overhead, and tries to spread his wings to fly away, only to realize he can't. Looking down, he sees a set of rope wrapped around him. He glares at the group, asking them what they're doing. Estu says that he's the one that left another scar on their brother, he'll have to ease up here. The rogue glowers, but sits back and sighs. Oxaa says that he doesn't want to hurt him, that none of them came here to do anything bad to him. He'd just like to talk for now.
The rogue asks what he could possibly want to talk to some criminal about, to which the Rathalos says there's a lot of things he wants to talk about. For one, he'd like to know his name. The Nargacuga introduces himself as Enani. Then, Oxaa asks him if he's really a dragon, to which he says that based on the murals he's seen of the dragons, he's pretty sure he is. Oxaa asks if he knew any other dragons, to which Enani answers that he was the only dragon he's known of for a while now. Hearta supposes that he's felt really weird there, being unlike anyone else where he grew up. Enani replies that that's an understatement.
He says that back in Sobola, he was more of an attraction than a person. Especially to some black markets. He got his scales shaved, tail severed, wings mangled, and then some retched healer stitches him back together so it can keep on happening. The trio is stunned at that explanation, and each glance at each other uncomfortable. Estu rubs the back of his head in discomfort, saying that he's really sorry for judging him. Hearta steps forwards and says he's gone through a terrible thing, and tries to hold his shoulder comfortingly. However, when she gets close, he visibly tenses up and pulls away, panting in worry.
Oxaa says that from here on, he won't have to worry about that. The three of them? They're looking for a home that they can feel like them. And, well, this area seems just right for people like them. Enani asks if he really intends to make some sort of dragon village, to which the Rathalos says that there are clearly people like them that are struggling. So, he wants to make sure they can each live together, free of that misery. Enani says that it's one hell of a dream, but this isn't a dream. People like him, for example, aren't safe just living here, even without worrying about the monsters.
He hired some help to try and keep him defended from bad guys, and he was so scared that he took out loans to afford it. Now there are loan sharks hunting him down, so he was forced to flee into here. Now he has to rely on stealth and concentrated attacks in order to stave off small hunter groups. At that, Oxaa supposes the answer is obvious. They go to the loan sharks and get them off his back. Enani asks if he really intends to help him, especially after he left a scar. The Rathalos says that he's had worse, motioning towards his chest. Enani takes pause, before sighing. He concludes that he can't just shake the three of them off.
The party thus unties him, and he says that he can try and help, but that they shouldn't expect much out of him, especially if they're going back... there. With that, players recruit Enani to the party. Estu looks out, and realizes they've been out here for a long time. Enani says that the inside of this structure seems safe from the outside, and offers them the chance to sleep. Oxaa thanks him, and so the trio decides to sleep in here. With that, the party is now a little bigger, and they have a mission for tomorrow.
----While the party rests, the camera cuts to somewhere deeper in the structure, a low-lit room with a large throne in it. Said throne appears blanketed with moss and almost appears as if it has a gnarled carcass on it. Said carcass has a body covered in bone jutting from it almost like armor, long, tentacle-like arms, and a lower half that'd look slimy were the body hydrated. As it sits there, the voices of the party are carried up to the room, seeming to echo around the room. As the words rebound off the walls, some dust can be seen starting to crumble down one of the carcass's shoulders.
Abris 24th - Mei 3rd
With that, the group gets up and begins heading their way out of the structure. Enani asks them if they really intend on dealing with those loan sharks, to which Oxaa says they've already gone through a few monsters, those guys shouldn't be too tough. Enani supposes if they say so, and checks to make sure his twin blades are at his sides. With that, the party makes their way out. And with this, players are prompted to head towards the eastern edge of the Steppe in order to find Sobola. And once they approach it, Enani asks them if they have any thick clothes, he doesn't want to be immediately recognizable. Estu offers some he'd packed, and the Nargacuga takes it, disguising himself.
With that, they press into the entrance, and upon a trail that leads into the mountains, where they see themselves looking at a gate into a community, a pair of lance-wielding, heavily armored Lagombi. They don't seem to pay the travelers much mind, save for an accusatory side-eye towards them as they continue past. The community they enter features some stone huts, and is built in such a way to utilize the environment. There are constructed pathways up the sides of the mountains to get at certain building, while a section of town has a staircase leading into a valley adjacent from the community, said valley adjacent said to belong to some seedier folks. This is the village of Sobola.
Enani says that the loan sharks are positioned down the stairs. Oxaa asks if they'll have to worry about their men soon after going down, to which the Nargacuga replies that they shouldn't but he cannot be certain himself. Either way, he suggests that they be careful as they head down; those wretched men could be dangerously close or far. With that, players are thusly prompted to head down the stairs in the back. And once down there, they'll uncover what looks to be a commercial district. It boasts a dining area similar to what was back in the old village, shops for armoring, and even shops for toys or decorations. Enani says that the people that've hunted him are over at a building called "Pick-Me-Up". So, players will have to seek that building out.
They walk, and as they do, a few ladies take notice of Enani and take very special notice of him. The black Dragon shudders at their gaze and huddles against Oxaa. The party is confused at the gesture, though they keep on pressing forwards. Eventually they find the building in question, "Pick-Me-Up". The building is large and square, and has standing guard a pair of Bulldrome guards. Estu looks over them and warns Demiurge to be careful. The Dragon tells him that they've got this, and steps forwards. He asks them if they're aligned with any loan sharks, and Enani promptly facepalms. One of the Bulldromes ask what he's talking about, before the other looks over the Rathalos and asks what kinda creature he is.
Oxaa tells him simply that he's a Rathalos, Enani motioning the Dragon for him to zip it. The two bulldromes glance towards each other in surprise, before turning to Oxaa and saying that they can accommodate. He's thusly led in, the party following weary, except for Enani. The now trio is led in, where they're set in a nice-looking lobby with a strange-looking being in front of them. This appears to be an armadillo-like being with a more reptilian-body. This is a Volvidon. He looks over the three of them, focusing on Oxaa and Hearta. He suddenly shifts form a gruff-looking appearance to a more elated one. He leans forwards, introduces himself as Marcus, and asks what he can do for them.
Oxaa says that they're here to tell him to lay off of one of their friends. They hear he keeps on sending loan sharks to harass a guy to the point that he's had to live out in the wilds! The Volvidon mulls over whoever that could be, before realizing who they are. He wonders if they mean an Enani, to which Oxaa cautiously says he is. Marcus says that that kid accrued a lot of debt, but he supposes he can forget it as long as he compensates for it. And if the two of them are here to pay it off so readily, he'll be happy to. Oxaa asks what he means, before Estu suddenly draws his blade as he glares behind them. The two dragons turn, and see the pair of bulldromes now with a pair of giant swords cornering them. Marcus says that Dragons are a special breed around here, and he'd just love to make as much money as he can off them.
Estu declares that they'll never get their hands on these two, and the Volvidon rolls his eyes, saying that this could've been so easy. He raises a hand, electricity dancing between his claws, before he suddenly extends his hand forwards to zap the lot of them, stunning them! He tells the bulldromes to drag these off below, maybe he'll find out something to do with the canyne. With that, the party is dragged deeper into the building...
----Eventually, the trio blinks awake, getting a gauge on their situation. They each climb up on their feet, and realize they're in cells in the middle of some musky basement. Oxaa nears the bars and asks for Estu and Hearta. The two answer that they hear him. Estu fiddles with his cage door, trying to push it open. Oxaa starts fiddling with his own, though a voice from one of the nearby cells tells them not to bother. Demiurge turns to the source, and finds what can be described as a sabertooth-looking creature with draconian wings, scales, and a tail. This is a Barioth, and said Barioth tells Oxaa that Marcus made sure these cells could contain Dragons, at least of their caliber.
Oxaa asks him if he's serious, to which the Barioth says that he and the others have tried. Estu says that this can't be allowed! The Barioth says that as long as this place remains undetected no one's going to stop it. Hearta asks just what this is, to which the Barioth says that this is apparently a "good source of gold". Some people are really interested in Dragon-kind. Depending on the creature, their parts are good for material, and there's... worse. They're patched up afterwards, and kept in these cells. Oxaa says that's not fair and slams his cell again. The Barioth tells him not to bother, and simply goes to sit in a corner, several scars noticeable on his back as he turns to sit.
Oxaa leans against the bars in defeat, Hearta saying that this isn't going to end like this. These guys are evil, they've gotta go down. Estu tells his brother that they're going to get out of here, but Oxaa's just unsure how they will...
----The scene cuts back to when the party was captured, showing Enani was watching from a safe distance. Realizing they're in trouble, he pulls away from the loan shark business, remarking "Play stupid games, win stupid prizes". He seems partially ready to just leave, but he looks back at the shack, and groans. He remarks that he shouldn't go anywhere near that place... but he can't leave those guys either. It's not like he can just shove in and free those guys, though... He decides that he has to find someone that'll break this place wide open.
Thus, players are prompted to move around this sector of town to try and find someone that could lend decent muscle. Players go around town, though Enani proves to be extremely antsy around the women in this area. Despite this, one woman seems ready to help; a fat lagombi in some thick armor. Enani steels himself and approaches, saying that some friends of his got stolen away, and he was wondering if she could help. The lagombi asks him where he last saw them, to which he says that they were just in the Pick-Me-Up building, which seems to get the lady particularly interested. She says that she's here on a request to the Hunter's guild regarding mass disappearances, and several rumors she's gathered points to that place. She says that if he personally saw that place spirit people away, then that'd be grounds for an actual investigation. Enani nods emphatically, saying that he saw its owner attack the people that went in before his staff took them!
With that, the lagombi draws a hammer and says that they need to check this place out, prompto. With that, Egra, the lagombi, joins the party. They make their way forwards to the office in question. Out in front of the office is a pair of guards. Enani stands back while Egra says she's heard that there's some shady business going on in here, and she was wondering if she could check on it. One guard asks what she means, and the other asks who she is. Egra says that she's a Hunter, responding to the problems of the people. To demonstrate, she brandishes a badge. The two guards suddenly get worried, with one of them saying that they don't remember being under the jurisdiction of any guild. Egra says that if she doesn't get to investigate, she can bring her issues up with her own guild.
The guards, though weary, decide to let her pass, heading in after her. She's in, back turned, when the two guards raise their weapons. However, the nargacuga has slipped in undetected and delivers sift strikes to the two of them, knocking them down. Egra turns back, the black-scaled dragon saying that he'd think a Hunter would know to watch their six. The lagombi rubs the back of her head before saying that that was a strategic dropping of guard. Either way, they now have proof that these guys are, in fact, shady, so now they have room to investigate. Enani tells her that they should look for some way downstairs.
At this, players are able to look through this floor of the Loan Shark Office. The place features narrow halls with more of the guards around. They move more and more, before soon finding some doors at the far end of the halls. Egra notes that these are locked, to which the nargacuga says that this looks like the perfect time for him to step in. Thus, he approaches the door and begins to pick the lock. The lagombi asks where he learned how to lockpick, to which all he says is that it comes useful from time to time. Either way, they're able to open the door, revealing a set of stairs leading down.
----They make it into the basement of this office, now noticeably more dank. They walk more and more, passing by another door. Investigating it, there are more guards inside, who the duo are quickly able to dispatch. Looking into it more, Enani recognizes some of the equipment here from some of his allies. Egra questions what it's doing here, to which the nargacuga tells her to just move forwards a little more. They do so, soon coming to a set of cells. There, they find a few of the imprisoned dragon-like Monsters, including Oxaa, Estu, and Hearta.
The party perks up upon seeing them, each standing. Egra looks around, remarking that this is worse than she could've imagined. The Barioth nearby asks who they are, to which she says that she's a Hunter, and they're going to save them. Enani is quick to pass the party's equipment to them, before picking their locks. The main party is released, the rathalos thanking him, saying that they were worried they wouldn't get. Estu says he's sure they'd have figured a way out. But, he does appreciate his arrival. Hearta approaches the lagombi, saying she's grateful for her arrival too, though Egra says that this is just the kind of thing any Hunter should do.
Speaking of, she's ready to release these other victims. Enani thus goes to try and release them, though they're interrupted by the sound of guards storming down. At that, they see a bunch of guards storm the place. Seeing the party released, the guards draw their weapons, saying that if they return to their cells, they don't have to get hurt. However, Oxaa takes up his broken switch axe, declaring that there's no way they'll allow them to keep up this business. Even if that means taking down their boss! Thus, they battle the guards, now able to handle them more easily thanks to the group's combined strengths.
Now, Enani works on unlocking the several cells while the party chats with Egra. The latter says that she's heard of dragon-types like them disappearing and being trafficked and she'd tried to investigate. Oxaa says that now that she's seen this, they can put a stop to this stuff surely. The lagombi nods, saying that she plans to march right up to the boss and knock him down. Hearta suggests that they should tag along. She notes that Lagombi is a pretty powerful fighter, and suggests she should serve their own cause well. Egra asks what they mean, to which Oxaa decides to explain...
One fade later, Egra is curious about what she's heard. She says forming an independent village could prove tricky, but she supposes they should deal with this first. Enani says that he's ready to put that jerk to the blade already. Now, the various scarred victims are out of their cells, with Hearta wondering what they should do with them. Egra says that they should escort them up and help them escape. The party says that sounds like a good idea, and after that, to end this business here.
----The group is able to make their way to the exit, where the prisoners can make their way out. Oxaa tells the Barioth to be safe, though he says that he doesn't know where he's supposed to go, this place has seen him at his lowest points. The rathalos looks over the other prisoners, who each seem unsure about where to go. He then tells them about the place they're trying to build up, pointing out a location on the map. The Baritoh thanks him. Oxaa says it's no problem, and realizes he never asked their name. He answers he's Mok. Oxaa tells him that he hopes to see him later, and thus he heads off with the other prisoners.
The group now has one more target, which leads them through more of the halls, dealing with more guards and eventually reaching a door that leads to an upper level. Enani's again able to pick this lock, though Estu warns that they'll likely deal with their opponent up ahead, and says they should engage only if they feel ready. At the player's discretion, they proceed onwards and up the stairs. And up there, they see Marcus yet again, the volvidon seeming very upset and surrounded by guards of his own. He asks the group if they have any idea what they've done, with Oxaa merely pointing out they tore down his awful operation.
Marcus tells them that he's a supplier, it's the people that wanted of them. And if they didn't want to be in their thrall, they shouldn't have let their debts run so high. Speaking of, he points out that Enani ran off before he could finish his payments. The nargacuga shudders and pulls away, while the volvidon tells him that he's cost him a lot of work here. He tells him that he's gonna bury him so deep in debt, his great great grandchildren will be paying it off. Enani is still shrunken in, saying in a quiet voice that there's no way he could've kept up with his work. The rest of the party steps forwards, Oxaa telling Marcus that he can't keep exploiting people like Enani or Mok. Enani's been able to live without his help for a while now, and he swears that no one else is going to need him anymore.
Marcus says he couldn't care less about their platitudes, he will make up for everything he's lost. With that, the players are put in a fight with Marcus. The foe is accompanied by guards, who will deal damage and buff the volvidon. Along with that, the big guy can deal multi-target Smash damage, strike with electricity, and can inflict the Smell ailment to force a party member away. In addition to that, he can raise his defense extremely high for a turn, making it harder for players to damage him. Players should keep their party up in health in case of multi-targets, and also work on reducing the foe's defenses. With enough work, Marcus will be overwhelmed.
He pants and pants, the rest of the party panting as well. Enani, meanwhile, steps forwards. He raises his weapons while the volvidon looks up, eyes widening. The nargacuga can't help but notice how little he finally looks... He asks the horrid man if he knows what he wanted to do for a long time? Marcus tells him that all the livestock have wanted to kill him. Enani says he's sick of how smug this guy acts, everyone's going to see him for what he really is. Marcus says that plenty know of him, he just needs to rebuild. But first, he'll destroy the lot of them! With that he fires a bolt of electricity at the black-scaled dragon, though the latter can evade it, dashing under the bolt before ramming his blade straight into the foe's chest. Marcus gasps as he's struck, arm raised in shock, before he collapses.
The rest of the party approaches, Oxaa asking if he's alright. Enani just says that he's robbed other people the chance for vengeance. Egra simply says that the same would be true of someone else, they should just be happy this guy won't hurt anyone else. The party nods in agreement, before the lagombi says that she'll get someone to sweep this place clean, try and figure out who all was involved in the business. Hearta then says that they should head back to that Divine Structure, make sure everyone made it alright.
----After the journey, the party returns back to the Divine Structure. From there, they can see several the many prisoners have made their way there, some having made their way into the halls leading into the structure, with Mok helping make some tents on the stone base around the location. When the group gets near, Mok spies them and approaches, grateful. He doesn't want to think about what would've happened if they didn't appear when they did, to which Estu says they just did what anyone else should've done.
Hearta asks if everyone's settling in alright, to which the Barioth says that he'd like to say "yes", but the people around are still in recovery after their time trapped. Plus, some swear that while they're in the thrall of this structure, it's almost like someone is watching them. Hearta does remark that that seems unsettling. But she swears that their group will make sure that everyone is safe. The rest of the party agrees. Mok thanks them. Oxaa asks if there's anything they need to do for them, to which he says that he'll try and keep track of anything they all need.
Mok has left, and Oxaa asks the group what they think. Enani says that he's not sure how he feels about a bunch of people in his hideout, but he thinks he can adapt. Egra says that she notices the place is missing a fair few provisions that other villages could need. She sees a lack of guards, a lack of food, a lack of easily approachable water... Enani remarks that the general aura tends to keep the monsters away, but he had to've gone out to gather material for himself. Estu wonders if these guys could do any hunting, though the nargacuga points out that after what they've gone through, they can't just go out to collect more.
Oxaa says that with Egra here, he wonders if they could get a guild of Hunters here to help out with that. The lagombi strokes her chin, and thinks that they could definitely help out. She does, however, say that she'll have to do a lot of work to get some men here. Enani supposes he could probably spend some time gathering material for the people here, but says that they shouldn't expect him to be in top form for the day. Oxaa says that the rest of them could probably lend a hand, though Enani says there's no need. Either way, they have a bit of time until Egra's guild shows up, they should try and relax.
At this, players have to wait until the deadline. However, there's now a Donation Box in the place, in which players can insert material gathered from felled enemies. Doing so will gain players rewards, such as gold pieces, items, or even access to certain sidequests.
;Mei 4th
On this day, the group wakes up around the structure yet again, looking around the area. They see a lot more tents in the general area, and can see a few armored people around. They can also see a fire pit set up with some guards cooking up some meats. Hearta remarks that this place is already looking a bit like it's own village. Oxaa does remark that it still seems small, but they have plenty more to gather. Egra glances around and wonders where Enani went off to, to which Estu says that he didn't seem willing to come out. He seems shy.
Hearta supposes that there's still plenty of work to do, but that doesn't mean they can't enjoy what they got. She thinks that she'd like to socialize a little. The other party members agree and head out, while Oxaa and Estu stand next to each other. The canyne looks up at his brother, and asks how it is for him. The rathalos looks over curious, to which Estu says that they went about this to make a place that people like him can feel comfortable at. He wants to know if he's feeling comfortable yet. Oxaa says that he's not sure just yet. Despite camping here for a while, it doesn't quite feel like a home yet. But having more dragons around, it sort of feels like there's room for him to actually grow into without being an outlier.
Estu seems saddened by this still, though tries to shrug off his feelings. He says that he should remember that these people are here with their own fights, their own demons... He should remember that these people need to be handled carefully and not just to puff up his own feelings. Oxaa says that he knows. They just need to treat these people right like they do with the people at home. The canyne nods, and says that they have a lot they need to account for to make this a proper living space.
----The scene suddenly pans up to the tip of the Divine Structure, before cutting into the interior, brandishing a room with low lighting. There stands a tall throne with cobwebs strewn about, a bit of a tree grown through the corner of the throne room, and vines hanging down. On the throne itself is a decrepit body, their full form obscured by the darkness, though tentacle-like arms can be seen reaching down to the ground. As the camera lingers on them, bits of dust around the odd figure suddenly shifts as a cracking noise suddenly echoes through the room.
===Chapter 3: Growing the Garden===
Back at the Divine Structure, players control Oxaa, the latter of which is able to go about and interact with people in the city, including their own party members.
*Over by the tent meant to station the Monster Hunters, the Rathalos can see Egra speaking with some Felyne along with gorilla-like creature with stark white fur, a bright red face, and long fangs. The Rathalos welcomes the big guy, saying that he's grateful to have help with their home. The gorilla, known as a Blangonga, says that he's more than happy to help a budding settlement out. Egra decides to introduce the two, refering to Oxaa as Oxaa, and the Blangonga as Denang. He's one of the leaders of their guild. Denang says that their group splintered a little bit to allow the resources they're now receiving, but they'll manage as best they can. Oxaa's attention then goes to the felyne, who looks up at him curious. Oxaa asks if he can do him anything, to which he says that there's something familiar about him... He shakes his head, saying it's probably nothing, instead offering to aid the lot of them how he can. Oxaa is grateful, introducing himself to him, the latter introducing himself as Cait.
*Over at the fire pit, where a fair few guards stand guard over it while some of the victims from the trafficking cook, Oxaa can see Hearta, Mok, and Estu looking over the provisions. The Rathalos greets them, saying that it's nice to see that they aren't the ones that have to cook. Mok agrees that it is nice. He admits that he still hasn't gotten the hang of it, though Estu assures that he's slowly improving. The Barioth says that he's still not comfortable around those sharp objects... Hearta says that if he doesn't like it, he doesn't have to keep trying to cook. Oxaa turns to the Mizutsune, and asks how she's feeling about the village. He knows that the two of them were sort of in the same boat. Hearta explains that she just thinks she needs to acclimate with the area still. She admits that a part of her feels weird about being away from home for so long, but she feels like she might get used to it, perhaps.
*Within the Divine Structure, Oxaa can find Enani hanging back in the halls. He greets the Nargacuga, saying that the village is looking livelier, and offers him to step out. The roguish dragon, however, scoffs and says that he's already stepping out of his comfort zone hanging around Hearta and Egra. The Rathalos thinks to argue, though takes pause. He apologizes, saying that he should know what it's like to be overwhelmed by a bunch of people. Enani, however, says that he couldn't possibly know what he's been through. This was his safe haven, and now there's more and more people stamping all over it. Even the halls feel worse. Oxaa asks what he means, to which he reminds Oxaa about the aura. Once upon a time he could get a fair distance in to relax, but when he tried going there this morning, it felt like the air itself was threatening to crush him. Oxaa remarks that that's unnatural... After how long they spent around here, he forgot that there was talk of a weird aura here. He supposes they should really do something about it, to which Enani says that if it means he can hide deeper in, he'd be happy to take care of it.
*Over on another half of the Divine Structure's exterior, players can find the residential area, where tents are set up to accommodate the victims of Marcus's business, as well as provide space for more. Among the residents can be seen a Paolumu with patches of stripped from them, a Khezu with broken teeth, several Maccaos with their tails busted off, and more. As he looks over them, one of the Paolumu approaches, him saying that he's grateful for the shelter. Oxaa says that he's only doing what's right. He apologizes for what they've gone through, to which the fluffy creature says that they're safe now, and that's what matters. Though, they still have their scars to worry about. The Rathalos nods and says that Estu says the power to make such dramatic restorations is rare, but they will try and bring them here.
Eventually, the group reconvenes beside one of the hallways, Enani there to participate. Estu says that it's better than it could be with that guild in town, but they definitely need to work on this thing. Hearta points out that they have far from enough medics to tend to the injured. Oxaa also says that their old place had room for recreational activities, but right now they seem to have only the bare minimum. Egra also suggests that they should probably work on guards. Right now there isn't likely to be a lot of trouble, but if they get big enough they will have to worry about potential bandits and even monsters. Enani simply rolls his eyes and says that this place was doing just fine with all of these people, though Oxaa quickly says that they're doing this to help out these people.
Either way, the Rathalos says that there's a lot of room for improvement, to the point that he's not really sure where they should start. Egra supposes they can compile the issues brought up thus far and maybe send them to the guild. There's a chance that they could send out the concern to other guilds and they could potentially gather more supplies, though Enani points out that they are currently housing victims of trafficking. They should probably keep this place under wraps until they can fight off anyone that'd be interested.
Hearta, however, does say that during her travels, she thinks she heard about some powerful healers during her time with her village. There were occasional visitors that spoke of miracle workers. Estu says that they could definitely use people like that, and asks where they are. The healer, however, says that she never got a concrete location. Egra suggests that maybe the two of them can try and compare locations, maybe see if they can narrow down a location for these healers. The Mizutsune thinks that sounds nice. For now, though, it seems like they should try and relax, maybe pitch in to help wherever they can.
;Mei 4th - Mei 7th
With this, players have a minor bit of free time, with Hearta and Egra using their free time to try and ascertain the location of these healers. As Oxaa, players are able to deal with some of their own things, be it raising social links, grinding, offering donations, or otherwise grinding. On the night of Mei 7th, Hearta approaches the group, telling them that they found out about these powerful healers. Apparently they're southhwest, south of the village they met at previously. Oxaa says that his old family never let him go that far, and asks what kind of stuff is over there. Hearta explains that to the north is the beach front. She says she'd like to talk more about it, but remarks that it's a bit late and she's tired after tending to some of the villagers.
;Mei 8th
This morning, Hearta explains that to the southwest is a beach with villages that've settled upon the seas themself, that've hidden in some of the caves, though there's lesser coverage from monsters. Apparently on days when the creatures rest, some find the time to relax in this area. Oxaa remarks that it sounds awesome, though the Mizutsune warns that it's very hot down there this time of year. Estu asks if this place is populated, why may it be hard to find these healers, to which Hearta explains that they apparently don't like being with large groups, so they tend to stay far away from them, hidden in the deeper parts of this realm, while keeping their homes hidden from people that may exploit them.
Egra says that they have to at least try to convince them to help out here. Oxaa agrees, and says they should probably try to make this trip as quick as possible. He'd hate to leave the place alone for too long. Enani then says that he'd be happy to be around less people for a little bit. He tells them it's time to go, and thus the group heads off. And as they leave, the felyne from before, Cait, watches as they leave. They're awfully curious about the group for some reason...
----The group makes their way to the southwest. On their way over, they go through the jungle near Ershel. As they do, Estu remarks that it's been a while, they should get in contact with their family soon. Oxaa agrees, though says that they're busy right now. He thinks they should work on that later: making a proper mailing service. Enani, however, suggests they should do that when there's more security among them. Either way, the group walks more and more. They soon progress south, with the trees of the jungle starting to part, revealing a set of rocky walls.
Over there, the road fades into the sands of the exterior of the land. It crunches under their feet as they head out more and more, soon getting upon the wide beach with the ocean lapping at its edge. They can see specks of tiny islands far off, some with small huts on them. The beach they stand on stretches eastwards, clinging to a wall of rocks with trees peeking from behind them. The group has made it to Paupau Beach. Over here, Estu says that some of the Hunters spoke of some things in this land, but there was no way either of them would've traveled this far before. Oxaa swears it isn't through lack of trying. Estu says that they had to hold a few funerals for Hunters that've gone down this way... He warns them to be careful.
The group thusly progresses through the eastern part of the beach, having to either maneuver around or defeat various of the new beasts, including the crab-like Ceanataurs, the hermit-like Hermitaurs, and the flying fish-like Delexes. They pass through more and more, soon seeing this part of the beach spread open, revealing a portion of the cape that has the ocean flow through channels and into the mainland in the form of rivers. They walk more, with Hearta remarking that the healers they seek could be through any of these rivers. Oxaa supposes that they can only begin to search.
They begin to approach one of the rivers, this one leading through a cavern through the rocky walls. However, as they try to approach, they hear a hiss within. The group starts to back away, weary. Out comes a creature with silvery scales, thick legs, a spear-like tail, and a long neck with a bright red stripe running along its length. It can also be seen brandishing a long, barbed tongue that it slurps back in. Estu warns the group that he senses a killing intent from this creature. The monster slurps its tongue back in, before roaring at the party, barreling towards them.
With that, players are forced into a battle with the Barlagual. The creature is able to lower party members' defenses, poison, and paralyze them. Worse still, its tongue lashes seem to have some sort of strange effect, as it is able to reduce the damage it takes from certain attacks based on who it pierces with its tongue. The group gets more and more worn down, huffing and puffing. Oxaa asks what's happening, to which Egra says that this thing is just wearing them down and changing its style. If they can't find a way to counter either, they'll be helpless. Oxaa can feel his defenses weaken again before the barbed tongue rears back. Estu seems ready to rush to his aid, though as the tongue comes forwards... the sound of a horn blares out, and the appendage seems to have trouble piercing them.
The party seems confused, before turning. There, they see that felyne from before has come to the group, boasting a Hunting Horn. Oxaa remembers them as Cait, and asks what they're doing here. He says that he realized where he recognized them, and felt obliged to come help. He remarks that it's a good thing too: he says that he can undo that creature's nasty attacks. The party turns towards the Barlagual, with Oxaa saying he's still got questions, but also says that if he can help out here, he'll be more than happy. The felyne nods, swearing he's gonna get them out of this mess!
The fight with the Barlagual continues, now with Cait on their side. The player gets to learn about his fighting style, learning that he can apply buffs to the party, as well as wields multi-target Healing magic. He can also undo ailments, which proves fairly useful against this foe. With Cait's new ability, the party is able to overwhelm the Barlagual. It's tossed back from the group's battle prowess, before shouting at them angrily. It's then forced back down the cavern it hid in, the party panting. They then turn towards Cait, the latter hoisting his horn on his back.
Hearta thanks the felyne for arriving when he did. She's sure they would've been destroyed if he hadn't appeared. Estu does remark that it proved fruitful, but at the same time awfully convenient. He regards the traveler's reason... that he recognized them? Cait knows it doesn't sound good, but says that when he saw the two of them, Oxaa and Estu, he got this weird inkling about them, and began to look through some of his old memorabilia, when he saw his old journal. Years ago, they were holed up in the jungle, and were threatened by some of the fauna. However, a trio of Dragons came down and saved them!
At that, Estu perks up in surprise, repeating "trio of Dragons" in recognition. Cait explains there was a red scaled one, a black scaled one, and a blue scaled one. His family felt sheepish about approaching them and decided to stay there a while in hopes that they'd encounter them again. He says one day in their wait, he got split up. He wanted to find them, but this canyne lady was able to rescue him. She'd brought him in and nursed him to health, and that's when he saw... the dragon. He looks towards Oxaa, realization dawning on him.
Cait says he can't believe he could've misremembered such a thing! Being close to a being like him, especially in such a remote village. He can't even remember why he'd ever want to leave! But one way or another, he was turned into a Hunter, and left. Estu remarks that mother had a few guests over to aid them. But they've usually settled in at the location. Enani then decides to speak up, saying that it sounds like this guy decided to tag along because he's some sort of dragon fanatic. Cait shakes his head, saying that it's nothing like that. Surely if that's the case he would've just stayed over at the village.
Oxaa then asks, in the case, why he did come along. He answers that he still remembers the comfort from that time, but he's still personally uncertain about this portion of his life. Yet, being near them helped him recall being lost in the jungle and comforted in the presence of a dragon. He knows it's selfish, but he'd like to tag along in hopes of figuring out what happened with him. Egra warns that it could be dangerous, though he points out that, as a Hunter, he gets into danger all the time. Hearta says that more help could be very useful, though Estu says he's still a little uncertain. He asks Oxaa what he thinks, to which the rathalos says that he thinks he'd like to try and help this guy. Plus, he is helping them. With that, the party accepts Cait in, the latter grateful.
----With that, Hearta says they still have the healers to look for, and suggests not going down the path that Monster went down. Thus, the party must seek out either of the remaining river areas, having to be mindful of the creatures that reside within. They search more and more, until they eventually come upon a bank down one of the rivers. In there, needing to go through a cavern that opens towards the border of the desert on the southern edge of the mainland, they start to pass some of the foliage of the jungle along the bank. As they do, however, Estu sniffs the air, and remarks that he smells something. Scrapes of ash... some blood... He remarks that it could be signs of some sort of camp.
Curious, the group thinks to go check it out. They pass through some of the foliage and make it in, the shrubbery thick. More and more they pass through, where they can see a small clearing with a firepit on one corner and, towards the center, a pit with padded beds set around it. There also stand three tents. Estu asks if this matches any of what Hearta learned, to which she remarks that it's pretty vague, but it matches some of the descriptions. Oxaa then asks, if this is the place, then where are the healers? As they ponder, they hear someone approaching.
From there, five people approach. One is a pig-like creature with moss all over his back, a Mosswine. There are a pair of slender, twin, deer-like creatures, one with horns and green fur, the other without and with blue fur, the two being Kelbis. One being a reptilian creature with an almost wolf-like build, a jagras. And one being a short, lynx-like creature that seems to be similar to the likes of felynes, a grimalkyne. The grimalkyne is holding a bowl with the lot of them looking over it in concern, before the jagras glances up, their eyes widening. They shout "Intruders!", prompting the others to perk up. The grimalkyne hands the bowl to the Mosswine before reaching for a lance on their back, the others drawing weapons too (the kelbis each drawing bows while the jagras wields twin blades).
Oxaa says that they're not here for anything bad, he swears. The other party members hold their hands in front of them to make sure that they understand they're not threatening, sans Enani. The grimalkyne says that no one was supposed to give their location, and asks who told them. Hearta says that no one did, there were just vague rumors. Estu swears that's true, they were lucky to stumble on here. Enani asks why they'd wish to hide their healing prowess, to which Cait says, if he were to guess, that there are probably bandits that try to capture these people. The man kelbi then asks if they aren't here for that, to which Oxaa says that they just wanted their help with their villagers.
The campers start to lower their weapon, sans the jagras, and the grimalkyne asks for them to elaborate. Thus, the party decides to explain how they've begun working on a new village, but their residents have sustained many injuries before they settled in and they can only use people as powerful as them to restore them. The various campers look between each other, before sighing. The grimalkyne asks the Mosswine to come back, him returning. The grimalkyne says that they can't help. Hearta asks what they mean.
The Mosswine says that their healing is impressive, but they can't perform their work without a proper medium. He holds the bowl out, with the jagras saying that an old friend found this artifact, its purified metals able to improve the quality of magical stones once combined with purified waters. However, some bandits had robbed their storage and taken the bowl with them. The man kelbi says that they need to make sure that the bowl itself is in great condition first, with the woman saying that they can't do any healing unless they gather the magical stones to compensate for their loss. Plus, they'd need a fair few stones to tend to a village.
The party mulls over this info, and Egra remarks that they could help. The grimalkyne asks what she means, with Oxaa affirming as much. They've fought off a fair few monsters by now, and they could probably either take on a few bandits, or gather the stones needed to heal those people. The jagras looks over them, and admits that they appear somewhat capable. The grimalkyne says that they couldn't ask them for this sort of help, to which Oxaa says that as long as they can help their home, this'll be plenty worthwhile! The lynx-like monster mulls over this, though supposes they'd be willing to accept. If they receive this stone, they'll help out their village.
With that, the party begins to return, Egra saying that they'll have to ascertain a proper route to the necessary material. As they start to leave, however, Oxaa comes back and remarks that he didn't catch any of their names. He begins to give his own, though the healers go to cover their ears, with the grimalkyne apologizing. They say that they'd prefer to remain as impersonal as possible. Oxaa is confused about that, to which the jagras says that they can't afford to have people trace them back. That's why they have to be ready to move at a moment's notice and leave as little sign of them as possible. Oxaa says that that they could protect them, that they could hold them safely in their village. However, the grimalkyne says that no matter what, they can't allow themselves around a lot of people again. The rathalos is uncertain about what more to say, and returns.
Back at the village, the team is tired from their work, and must rest, though Egra and Cait make sure to recite what they have to do to the Hunters so that they can prepare some form of destination.
;Mei 9th
On this day, the party wakes up, and Oxaa takes notice of some sort of board out on the edge of the residential area. He comes over and looks over it, spying some sort of paper sprawled over it. Egra approaches and asks if this is the first time he saw a request board. Oxaa asks what she means, to which she says, following her conversation with the members here, that it makes sense for them to set up some sort of Request Board. Now that they've accepted a request from those healers, they should extend such a service to their villagers. So, whenever there's a need for some sort of task done, it'll be logged here, ready for them to respond. Estu asks why they put the healers' request on here, pointing out that they were directly asked this. Cait says that it's simply a formality. Either way, the player is now taught about Requests/Side Quests, about how they'll occasionally receive requests from villagers or even party members and have to journey out into the world to respond to them.
The group has to make their way to the eastern border of the jungle. Apparently, there's talk of a group of bandits in that region, and the Hunters suspect that there's a chance that they were involved in the robbery of the healers. They approach the location, and once there, they can see a camp of bandits. Estu warns that people like these tend to descend on travelers either under-armed or in the middle of transporting goods. He says that these people are going to be dangerous. They aren't instinctual creatures like those Monsters they encountered. He warns Oxaa to make sure everyone is prepared.
With that, the party shoves in, coming upon several of the bandits bearing raggedy clothing. The party approaches them, Enani and Egra having hands near their weapons. The foes see them, and one of them asks who the lot of them are. Oxaa says that they heard someone was attacked and robbed a fair distance south, and they suspect that the lot of them are responsible. One of the other bandits says that they probably have to be a bit more specific, though they get an elbow to the gut for that. As they talk, Estu's ear twitches. Oxaa says that they just want the stones they've taken, before he's interrupted by the clash of steel. Looking back, their canyne has suddenly dashed behind them, crossing blades with a previously unseen bandit. Enani declares that diplomacy has failed as he flashes his blades, soon followed by Egra taking out her hammer.
The party is thus forced into battle with the Bandits. Players will have to be a little weary about this group, some of them able to utilize battle items, one of them able to use Break skills in order to remove resistances from certain party members. Players should have to be weary about their health and whether or not they're suffering any ailments. If their health gets below 50, one of the bandits could potentially eliminate them with a battle item unless they defend. With enough work, however, the party will be able to defeat the enemies. Thus, they're left panting and panting, the party standing tall and tired. Oxaa asks Enani and Egra to search for their goods.
Oxaa, Estu, Hearta, and Cait stand over the bandits, with the rathalos asking what they should do with them. Cait says that their own village doesn't have any dungeon, and it'd take a long walk to find a proper one. He also says it's usually typical practice to let an overwhelmed bandit be left in the wild, to which Hearta realizes that means at the mercy of the Monsters. Estu remarks that they're not Enani, they can't just kill people like this. However, he asks Oxaa what they should do. The rathalos looks over the bandits, and says that they might be left to die out here. He'd like to know if they think they can change. The bandits realize that they could be in trouble, and say that they can change, they can. Oxaa says that they'll come back and do some work. Estu asks if this is a good idea, to which the rathalos points out that they're around to make sure they don't do anything bad. Either way, Enani and Egra return, saying they found the stones that the healers were talking about. Oxaa thus says that it's time to talk to the healers.
----The group returns to the village, the healers they'd spoken to previously having arrived as well. The villagers are lining up as the healers set up their station, placing restoring stones within the bowl while filling it with water. Whenever the scarred villagers approach, they bring the water upon the victims, who are healed up of their old wounds. The jagras and two kelbis stand weary, clearly uncomfortable about being in a place as packed as this. Fortunately, they seem to easily fix up the villagers.
Hearta remarks that she already knew that they were going to help out here, but seeing their magic in action... Egra remarks that this won't undo everything they've gone through, but it'll at least be a start to mending them. Eventually, the healers wrap up their business and begin packing. Oxaa approaches them again, saying that the offer to reside with them is still available. The grimalkyne swears they appreciate the offer, but they can't really let themselves be caught in one of these settlements.
Estu asks if they could potentially find them again, to which the jagras says that if they find them, they can probably ask for more of their work. Oxaa, however, says that they were hoping to establish a proper medic in this village, to which the man kelbi says that there are probably others around that can still fulfill that. They probably won't have the power of their bowl, but they could still help. The woman kelbi says that they should probably ask around the other villages, see how they got to be as big as they got. With that, and a final wave, the band of healers leave, Oxaa remarking that he didn't even get their names.
Hearta then says that they appear to be back at square one. Estu, however, asks if they should perhaps follow their advice of asking around. He remarks that they could probably speak over at Ershel, though Oxaa says that they can't really visit their parents while they're still only just started. He thinks that they should try and find another village. Estu is uncertain, though supposes they could ask around Sobola? Enani, however, points out that that place has been running a vile business under everyone's noses, they need to learn from a village more aware of their people. Cait suggests maybe they should check out the Hunters. Their own guild is knowledgeable of a few villages nearby, so he can probably get one and the party can go and find it. The party agrees that that's a good idea, and thus leave him and Egra to do that while they rest.
;Mei 10th
On this day, the group wakes again, soon finding Egra and Cait returning to the main hub. Oxaa asks if they got any good info, to which the felyne says that their guild seems to be pointing towards the villages on the southern edge of the mainland, be they around the beach or over in the desert. Egra, however, does warn that these areas have a far different ecological system to what they have, so their designs wouldn't match one to one. There does stand a forest area to the east, and that's similar to an extent. Cait agrees with the notion.
Oxaa says that he never really got to know much about the forest over there, and asks what it's like. Cait answers that forests' greenery are less dense than the jungle's, and that they're less humid. Egra warns that that means bigger beasts and less hiding spots, though there are some villages that've established decent defenses against those sorts of things. Hearta remarks that that seems like it could be useful for them, though Enani points out that the monsters usually avoid this place already. Estu says that, still, having more defenses could prove useful, especially if those defenses could be more guards.
Either way, Estu supposes that it's time to seek out villages over to the east, and prompts the group to go. They begin to move, though as they do, the rathalos notices Enani standing back. He returns and asks the nargacuga what's wrong. He says that it's that strange aura from the Divine Structure. It drove off a great many people, but he's been able to handle it with its low density before. However, as of recent, the air inside the Structure has felt uncomfortably thick. He doesn't know what's going on with it, but he can be sure he's no longer imagining it. Oxaa can thusly answer "Maybe we'll find someone that can disparrage it" or "There's not much we can do about it now". Either way, Enani supposes he's right. But still, he's creeped out... With that, he follows the group.
----The group heads eastward. They cross the plains they've stationed in already, and soon come close to the large forest at the edge. Inside, there are trees reaching high, thick roots strewn through, and clearings. Some that are under the shade of leaves, some with clear skies overhead. There's also an area far off that has a tall mountain with a waterfall going down it. The group has entered the Great Forest. Hearta remarks that it feels nice coming to a new area: she can feel the fresh new air in comparison to the areas they lived in. Oxaa agrees, though supposes they're still on a mission. Estu asks what village they're looking for, to which Cait says they got a map, and says they'll lead the way.
The party thusly has to progress through the forest, their destination marked on the map. They travel more and more, soon ending up at the mountain with the waterfall flowing down it. They see, near the base of the mountain, a village with a wall around one edge of it. Cait explains that that's what they're looking for. The party thusly races forwards. They soon come to the gate of the village, there being a pair of bug-like creatures with long horns, Hornetaurs, standing on either side. They see the party and ask their business. Oxaa says they're here to speak with the village for tips about building up their own home. The two seem to accept the answer, especially as Egra shows off a Hunter emblem, and they're let through.
The group passes the thick wooden walls that surround the village, them stopping partway against the mountain said village is adjacent to. There stand a few wooden buildings inside, though they are very rustic and very few are more than one floor tall. There are Hunter tents stationed around. The group has entered the village of Legula. They look more and more, when they are approached by a blue, reptile-like creature of a thin build, a velociprey. They look over the lot of them and ask where they came from. Oxaa says that his group here is looking to establish a proper village, but they've kind of just started. They saw this place and wanted to get some tips.
The velociprey seems surprised, not realizing that someone would've appreciated them like this. They say that they'd have to have some time to collect what exactly they need. They also say that they'll need to know whereabout they're setting up their place. Position is very imperative in a good village, and as they're about to explain the stuff to look out for, Oxaa says that they're kind of already stationed. The velociprey understands, and says that they should introduce each other if they're going to work together. They introduce themself as Doug, and Oxaa introduces himself and their party. The velociprey nods grateful, and thus heads off.
The party thus waits in the general area. Oxaa asks how much work taking their advice might be, to which Egra says that stuff like this requires a fair few general labor. She says that those walls alone would require a bunch of wood cutting and digging. She could only imagine how much trade they had to hand off to the Hunters here in order to achieve all of this. Estu supposes that, thinking about that, they'll need more hands in general. He asks Cait and Egra how likely it is to get more Hunters here, though Cait says that that's not a good idea. They're fine right now because the village is in early developmental stages, but once they try to make it beyond basic livable conditions, they'll be asked to provide some form of resource to the Hunters.
As they mull over this, Doug comes back with some of the Hunters, one being a slender, gator-like creature with thick fangs (a girros), and one being an albino, lamprey-like creature with a long neck (a khezu). They say that they hate to have to do this, but they need to ask them for some help. Oxaa asks what they want, to which Doug says that they sent some gatherers to collect material for the village a few days ago, but they haven't come back yet. And it seems like the Hunters are taking their sweet time. The khezu says that there's a lot of forest to cover. Doug continues, saying that they were wondering if they could ask him and his group for help. Oxaa says that if there's people in trouble, they'd love to assist.
Enani tries to speak up, but Doug says that they'll all be grateful for their assistance. They then hand over some papers, saying that these are the usual gathering spots. They also tell them which ones have dangerous monsters near them. With that, the trio walks off, with Oxaa turning to the group and saying that they should probably get to work on this soon. Enani, however, tells him that he's gotta wise up sometime. The rathalos asks what he means, he's just trying to do a good deed. The nargacuga points out that that guy didn't address what they came here for in the first place to deal with an issue the likes of which Hunters are specifically supposed to participate in. Hearta supposes that this area is much different from where they live in, there are probably different challenges for Hunters around here. She asks what the issue is if they're just helping out, to which Enani says that they should just keep an eye on that guy: in a world like this, there are plenty of people willing to use kindness like that.
----The group needs to head towards a cave created by roots of some of the foliage. Over there, they head down, the area dark due to the lack of sunlight. However, when they get low enough, having to be weary of creatures on the way, they begin to hear noises below. Hearta says that whatever is down here, it sounds dangerous. She suggests they should only go further if they feel prepared, and whenever the player agrees, they proceed deeper in.
Further and further they rush. As they do, Estu gags and covers his nose, asking out loud what that smell is. The rest of the party soon follows suit, before Cait seems to realize something, groaning "Oh no". They get further and further in, where they find a frightening scene. Pressed against the far corner of the cave is a group of workers: One is a muscular, dragon-like man with tan scales and spikes all over them (an Espinas), a couple are almost bird-like raptor people with feathers and yellow neck fluff (Farunokkus), and a pair of bird-like raptors with thick beaks and a big crest (Yian Kut-Kus). They are cornered by a large, ape-like creature with bright pink fur, long claws, and a hippo-like maw. Oxaa asks what that thing is, to which Egra explains that that's an utter nuisance to deal with. She tells the group to tough it out and races forwards.
The party gets close and garners the Congalala's attention. The large foe boasts attacks that deal Slash, Smash, Wind, and Fire damage. They also tend to deal multi-target attacks, so multi-target healing could prove useful. The creature also boasts the ability to inflict the Smell ailment, thus forcing party members to be away from the battle for the duration of the ailment. Debuffs are good as usual, and players should look towards protection against ailments. With enough work, the party should be able to defeat the large beast.
As it lays, the party withdraws their weapon, the canyne complaining about how unpleasant the whole thing was. As they're recovering, the five workers approach, one of the Farunokkuses thanking them for their help. He says that during their mission, they didn't catch this thing until too late and got chased down here. The Espinas says that he kept on trying to push it back, but there was no way he could keep it up for much longer. Oxaa says that he's more than happy to help, though the nargacuga speaks up, saying that this isn't adding up. He points out that Doug said the Hunters couldn't find these guys, yet they were chased by a giant, colorful, stinking monkey, and left unnoticed for days? He says that that leader guy's not making any sense.
Estu admits that Enani has a point. He asks the workers if they may know anything about this, to which the Espinas supposes that they're typically tough enough to return sometime. Hearta says that that's still not an excuse: they were sent on their orders and got in danger because of it. The Espinas apologizes, and supposes that it's the fate of any tool: if they can't do the job anymore, they're good as dead. The party each perks up in worry, with Oxaa asking what he means. One of the Yian Kut-Kus explains that the chief needs laborers to keep up Legula. Egra says that that's what Hunters are supposed to be for, though the Yian Kut-Ku says that the boss figured if they kept one team on gathering, they could accel at having a strong Hunter defense. Hearta asks if they're being compensated, to which the Espinas says that they get nice houses, though Cait says that that should be standard to any citizen.
Egra, meanwhile, holds her head as she realizes what's going on. First, though, she asks them what they're being asked to gather, to which they explain that they had to look for some of those magical gems and metals within these parts. Egra and Enani seem to realize what's going on, though Oxaa is still confused. She says that before Hunters became widespread, some communities had to work together to build up their villages. Some, however, "delegated" certain individuals to do the heavy lifting, forcing them to slave away until they're satisfied. Hunters are supposed to stamp out these sorts of behaviors, but it sounds like the ones here are being bribed. The party catches on too, with Oxaa remarking that that's awful.
Estu says that they can't bring the workers back knowing this, with Enani agreeing. He asks if they can get other Hunters involved, though Egra explains that it's doubtful all of the Hunters are involved. If they try to invoke other Hunters onto that village, the ones that are guilty will probably either blend in or drag the good ones with them. They might even be informed ahead of time, and if the bad guys are, they could do something really bad in the meantime. They could bring these guys back, but if those Hunters are willing to keep this up, then she worries about what they could do if they don't get these guys back.
Oxaa says that if they're willing to do this kind of thing, then he's ready to give Doug a piece of his mind! He starts to move, but Estu tells him they need to prepare themselves. The Rathalos looks over the workers again, and says that if he were raised here, he'd end up just like them. He wants to give that Doug whatfor! He heads off, and the party is forced to follow suit. Enani gives pause before looking back at the workers, who seem willing to follow. He holds out a claw, telling him that he has another place for them to go.
----Oxaa arrives back in town, finding Doug. They greet the rathalos and ask if he's managed anything, to which Oxaa says he knows about the slave labor. He asks what they think they're doing treating them like tools instead of people. Doug suddenly tenses up at the outburst, and says that he's making some intense allegations. Oxaa says that they aren't allegations, he spoke wit them and they've already talked about their circumstances! Doug looks around, and then asks where they are now, though Oxaa says that there's no way he'll let them abuse them again.
The rest of the party soon makes it, Estu asking Oxaa what he's doing. Doug, however, presses on, remarking that it sounds like they're directly threatening Legula's task force. Egra asks the rathalos what he said, to which Doug says that they can forget about their shouting and about their stealing away their citizens, all they have to do is return tem to this village. They'll even teach this group a thing or two about building their home, seeing as they did do as they asked. Cait tells Oxaa to really consider, though he already declares that he's not going to give in.
Doug shrugs, and says that if they won't be calm, then they'll use whatever resources to find their workers. Including the Hunters. The group gasps, with Oxaa remarking that they can't be serious. Doug says that they will still leave a window for them, but if they still refuse their conditions, that's on them. The velociprey says that two weeks sounds good. Oxaa says that there's no way he's gonna wait that long, though Estu grasps is arm to tell him that they can't do anything right now. He wants to too, but right now, they need to regroup. The rathalos is steaming, tough he realizes they're right. So, he decides to follow the group back to their village.
----Back there, the workers can be found and are being tended to. Meanwhile, the party is surrounding Oxaa. Estu asks what he was thinking, to which the rathalos says that they couldn't just sit back and let them keep up with that. They just have to explain the situation to the Hunters, though Egra shakes her head. She says that Doug will likely have more influence on whatever the guild believes, especially if they have some of them under their own sway. Oxaa says that these workers could vouch for them, though Cait says that they'll probably only question it after taking the people from them. Enani then speaks up, saying that by then their village will get higher on other peoples' radar.
Oxaa then realizes that the guild probably wouldn't even know that they're over here, they didn't explain their location. Cait, however, says that they know about him and Egra now, so if this problem does lead to the guilds, they'll probably be made to cooperate with them. There's an uncomfortable pause among the group, though Hearta shakes her head. She says that Oxaa was just trying to do what he thought was right, and they have to keep pressing forwards. For their sake. Oxaa says that she's right. There has to be a way to stop them.
Egra says that they have time before the guilds will act. She's sure she and Cait can keep them at bay for a little while, plus Doug is giving them some time. During that period, there's a chance that they can figure out who's been allowing this labor, as well as gather evidence of it in order to stamp out Doug's operation. Odds are they won't be welcome in that village again, so they'll have to be careful about their investigations. Oxaa says that he doesn't care, he's more than ready to bring the hammer on these jerks. They just have to act fast.
;Mei 11th - Mei 20th
With this, players have a mission: uncover dirt on Legula, and expose them to the guild. It should be noted that as players work on this, the people they'd rescued from the Congalala will frequently work on the area around the Divine Structure. Oxaa wants them to not work like that, though they insist. The party will be uncertain as to whether or not they can actually accept this help, though Cait seems to have a compromise: They make sure that these workers get some form of extra support. Better housing, better foods, so on and so forth. Thus, a new donation option is offered, party members able to work on the workers' compensation.
----To the forest the group goes, though they have to be at a distance from Legula at first. From here, Oxaa asks how they're going to go about doing this. Egra says that they'll need evidence that Doug was using illegal labor, which means that guild members would not've been working during that period of time. However, they could deny and simply refer to that as a sort of volunteer work. Some Hunters had to be aware of what exactly was going on and let it go. With their laborers gone, Doug will probably be establishing a new batch, which could mean involving the Hunter(s) again.
Oxaa thus supposes they should try and sneak in and look for signs of the new laborers being formed. Thus, they make their way forwards. They have to search the wall for an unguarded area, and are able to climb up and slip into the streets. They search around the general area, where they start to notice that khezu from before going around the area. They can be seen checking out some of the villagers, and paying special attention with a few of the draconian residents. The khezu begins to move out, with Enani remarking that he doesn't have a good feeling about that guy. Estu remarks that he's heading for the exit, and says they should watch his movements out there.
Thus, once outside the village, they keep an eye on the khezu Hunter, who makes their way over towards the cavern that the group rescued those laborers from. Inside, the khezu looks over the area, including the Congalala they'd beaten. The Hunter groans as they look over the creature, fanning the air before him. He groans about how someone should cull some of the forestry around here. He can't believe they lost some capable workers because of this thing. The party quickly realizes that he knows about what Doug's been doing. Oxaa says they should beat him up, though Egra says that there's a chance that more Hunters are involved. She warns that if they act too soon, the other or others will be alerted.
The group parts and allows the Hunter to make their way out. They follow him, and he begins making his way around the Great Forest, checking out parts. Whenever a creature gets near him, he flashes a light bowgun, and fights them off. He travels around the area, and soon makes it to a collection of roots that slopes upwards like a hill. The party hangs low on the hill but close enough to check him out, and once there, he scans over the general area. He ponders how many of these roots have been harvested for the magic beneath them yet. He just ponders which of these they should harvest with the new laborers.
Oxaa asks what this guy could want from the trees, to which Cait says that there's probably a large source of condensed magic in the soil that the trees draw form to get this big. Odds are he's actually after those stones. Enani looks over the khezu and remarks on how he's totally isolated himself. He says it'd be so easy to just snuff him out right now... Egra reminds him that they need to worry about finding the rest of the Hunters. Oxaa says that this guy was with Doug, along with that other guy, and that they were with them just before they gave them the request. He wonders if that other guy might be involved... Hearta says they should head back and check this out.
----Back in Legula, they search around, and can find Doug speaking with the girros Hunter talking to Doug. They can't quite get a read on their conversation, but they do notice a twinkle transfer from the velociprey's hand into the girros's. With it, the fanged Hunter nods and begins to walk off. Doug, meanwhile, looks over their satchel in worry and begins heading off. Enani remarks that that definitely looked like a bribery. Egra says that the evidence seems to be strong: that other Hunter wanted some of the magical crystals in the forest, and this one was paid off with what looks like one of those very ones. She's sure that those two might be involved, but then there's the question of if they're the only ones.
Enani, however, says that he's getting sick of just scouting around. There's no way they got enough resources to put all of the Hunters under their spell, and they've practically walked up to them with the two suspects beforehand. He says that if they wanna prevent those guys from doing any more damage, they need to take care of those two, search them for evidence, and contact the rest of the Hunters. Egra says that she understands his frustration, though before she's able to argue further, Oxaa admits that they have to worry about their deadline. If they don't act soon, these guys will have the rest of the Hunters on top of their still developing village.
Estu then supposes that the path is clear: isolate the two Hunters from the rest of the group, then present incontrovertible evidence to the rest of them. Hearta says that she likes that idea, and says that they should act soon enough. They're sure to catch the girros in motion sometime soon. And thus, the party has their objective: Defeat the corrupt Hunters.
With this, the party begins to follow after the girros from before. They find he's made his way to the wall that protects the village. Estu says that they'll need to find some way to lead this man out. As long as one of those Hunters are within the village, they can't safely take one of these guys out. Enani remarks that a good Hunter is supposed to keep common citizens safe, so maybe they should convince one of them to head out. Especially someone one of these bad boy Hunters could use for labor. Oxaa asks if he's sure that'll work, to which the nargacuga says they don't have much choice.
The group thus searches the village, and as they do, they take notice of a raptor-like citizen with lavender scales and big, red frills, as well as a cast on one arm. Seeing him, Oxaa asks Estu if this guy reminds him of anyone. The canyne wonders what the rathalos means, before he recalls: the jaggi back at Ershel! He wonders how he'd end up over here when the rest of his pack ended up in the jungle. Hearta asks if it may be another Great Jaggi, to which Oxaa rubs his head nervously. He says they should still probably inquire about that. Thus, the party approaches, the stranger taking notice of them.
He asks what they'd like, and Oxaa says that they were wondering if he'd been in the jungle before. He nods. He says he was hoping to get over there, but these guys haven't been able to spare the healing necessary for him to be restored. Hearta asks what happened, to which he says that way back, he and his brothers and sisters were going through the jungle after their old village got attacked by a monster. He was forced to separate from them and tried to distract the monster, and the two of them ended up in a river. He got swept up and hurled to the ocean, before washing up on the forest shore. He tried to move however he could, but he blacked out. He woke up, got told he was in a coma, and now he's been stuck here until they can restore him.
Egra says that these injuries should've been treated soon, though the Great Jaggi says that one of the Hunters say they need healing often, keeping monsters away. Hearta, however, shakes her head and decides to expend some of her energy. The Great Jaggi's eyes widen, and he looks down at his arm. He asks, incredulous, if it's really that easy. Cait remarks that these guys have been keeping him in unfair conditions! Oxaa declares that they think they know where his siblings are. A while ago, some jaggi showed up at their jungle village. The raptor-like creature asks if this is true, with the canyne assuring as much. He thusly suggests they should bring this guy out of here, maybe show him.
----The Great Jaggi is brought back to the home village, Egra and Cait, alongside Estu, going out to Ershel. As they head out, Hearta asks Oxaa why he didn't just transfer this guy directly to the village. The rathalos says that he's not at a point where he can exactly face his old family. They barely started their village and are being threatened by some slave driver. The Mizutsune still seems uncertain, though says she's sure that they wouldn't mind. The rathalos says he's still not sure...
Enani, meanwhile, is checking on the Great Jaggi. He asks for his name, to which the man answers he's Roushg. He asks them their names, and the various party members answer. The Great Jaggi asks what this place is, to which Oxaa says that he thought to create a home where people like him would feel welcome, where they wouldn't be... viewed as weird... He's gotten a few people already, and he hopes to help out more. Roushg says that that sounds like a fine idea, though ideas can really only go so far without support. Oxaa answers that he knows. He then explains what went on with Legula.
Roushg remarks that he can't believe he saw these guys in anything resembling a positive light. Hearta tells him that they're going to make sure that Doug can't hurt anyone else. Once they take down the corrupt Hunters, they'll turn the rest of the Hunters on them. Roushg mulls this over, before asking what he can do to help. Oxaa asks if he's really sure, to which he says that he'd love to give these guys some proper punishment for keeping him from his siblings. Enani asks if he can even fight, to which he replies that he used to be able to take on monsters, but the recent coma weakened him a lot. Oxaa strokes his chin, before thinking that maybe this guy could lower that one Hunter out. As far as they know, he's still an injured civilian, after all...
As they mull over this, the other half of the party returns, the jaggis from Ershel in tow. They see Roushg, and race towards him excitedly. He perks up and approaches to hug them each. The party gives the group some room and watches on. As they do, Estu comes close to Oxaa, and gently tells him that mom and dad miss him. Oxaa sighs, and says he'll be able to face them again later. For now, this man has offered them a chance to take care of those Hunters. But first, they need to rest and get ready to head out.
----Night needs to pass for players to advance, and with it, they're able to make their way back to Legula. As they do, however, Roushg finds his brothers and sisters following and tries to wave them off. When Hearta asks if everything's alright, he answers that they don't want to lose him again. He turns towards them while explaining that he's participating in some dangerous things. However, the youngers are adamant in following. Enani says that he scouted, and it looks like the other Hunter is still scouting for labor opportunities. Oxaa says that now is there chance, and Roushg says that if they want to hang around, then he'd wish for them to do something for him...
The player is allowed a moment of discretion, before the Great Jaggi leaves under the gate that the girros is near. The Hunter takes notice and begins to follow, though the Great Jaggi heads over to some of the woods. Eventually he gets cornered against a set of roots, the girros coming near. He says that he can't let a wounded member stray too far from town. The Great Jaggi turns, revealing his arm is better, and says that he's not the one in trouble. The Hunter is confused, though the rest of the party comes in from behind. Oxaa say that he knows what he and that khezu are doing. The Hunter takes notice of the group as the people that took the laborers.
Egra points out that as a Hunter, he should be aware that their conditions weren't proper for the labor they'd put in. They were given, at best, standard condition while facing threats normal civilians shouldn't have to! Cait says that they also know he's been pocketing bribes and the khezu is looking for more gems for those people to claim! The girros huffs and remarks that they've done their research. He turns towards the Great Jaggi and whines that if the two of them had found that outsider, this would've never happened. Roushg then realizes that the two of them are the reason why he's remained injured. He asks if he realizes that he kept a family separated. The girros says that Hunters can't fret over every living soul if they want a stable home. Egra declares that if that is what he thinks, then he isn't fit to be a Hunter!
With that, the giros draws twin blades, and players are forced to battle Dwem. The enemy in question deals Slash damage, can administer wind attacks, and can also use debuffs on the party. During this fight, players also get introduced to Roushg's fighting style. He wields an Insect Glaive, with which he deals Stab damage. On top of that, he can use Electric magic to damage opponents, and can also use Summon magic, through which his brothers and sisters appear to perform the appropriate action (ie, one can stab on a party member's turn, one can use healing magic on a party member's turn, so on and so forth). With his on their side, the party should be able to defeat Dwem.
The enemy is shocked by the damage done to him, and collapses, beaten. Enani approaches to search the felled Hunter, and manages to extract brown and blue gems from his pocket. He says that this is clear signs of bribery, and Egra says that they've done great here. Enani notes that there's a lot of them, and Egra says that this can help show the darkness over in Legula. First, though, they have to take care of the other Hunter. Estu remarks that he was surprised to see those young ones perform like that. One of the brothers say that they wanted to make sure they could help their big brother whenever they bumped into him! Roushg says that he's grateful, but he still says that they should stand back. He doesn't want anything happening to any of them, and they're only going to deal with more dangerous foes. Oxaa affirms as much, and says they shouldn't take too long to take down the other one.
----The group makes their way deeper into the forest. As they do, they can find the khezu scouting out one of the trees within, him nodding as he jots down some notes. The party gets close, and Oxaa says that they're here to stop him and his operation. The Hunter turns towards the party and asks what they're talking about. However, as he focuses on the lot of them, he realizes that they're the people that harassed Doug about the laborers. Enani says that they've already taken care of Dwem, and they acquired evidence of his bribery. Hearing this, the khezu nods, before reaching for his light bowgun.
He says that he's gotten really tired of having to deal with the lot of them. Players are forced into battle with Rembio. The foe has access to high damaging Stab attacks, which pairs dangerously well with their ability to inflict paralysis on the party members. If they hit a paralyzed party member, they'll deal extra damage to them. On top of that, players also have to worry about electric attacks from the enemy. Thankfully, the enemy seems to only be able to target one party member at a time. If players can work on lowering the enemy's accuracy, they should be able to handle the foe's attacks. With enough work, the corrupt Hunter is done for.
He pants and falls flat, beaten. With him down, Enani investigates the foe, before managing to draw a map from his pack. There, they can see notes about magical quantities beneath various trees in the forest. Estu remarks that this thing must mean that he's gathering material from the forest, but asks if it can really be useful. Egra says that Hunters would typically be sent to gather material like this, but if this isn't great knowledge for the rest of the Hunters, that'll just confirm that this guy was being selective in who should know about the deposits in this region. Which means they could combine it with their own story to show that citizen labor was being used. She then says that with the information gathered thus far, they might be able to turn the Hunters on Doug themselves.
----Back at the Divine Structure, the gang reconvenes. Roushg asks what's going to happen now, to which Cait says that he and Egra are going to work on circulating those two Hunters and the information gathered from them through the Hunters. Once they're able to prove to them Doug's crimes, odds are that guy will face the wrath of the other Hunters. Oxaa asks if it's really over like that, that they and the laborers they freed won't have to worry anymore. Cait, however, says that they don't know what Doug themselves will pull. They may've investigated, but they still can't be sure of the extent of their criminal operations. Estu supposes he's right, and says that they as a whole should be at the ready to engage those guys and make sure they're ready to stop them.
With that, players can't work on the deadline anymore at the moment, and instead have to wait for it to run out so they can engage Doug directly.
;Mei 21st
The group wakes again, seeing Egra and Cait have woken up early today. They head out, where they see the lagombi and felyne waiting for them. Egra says that several of the Hunters looked over their evidence, and are on their way to capture Doug. Estu supposes that this is the point where they join in, to which Oxaa says that they need to make sure that guy doesn't get away with what they've been doing. Hearta says that once they head out, they'll only have whatever they've already got on them, so she says they should make sure they're prepared. At the player's discretion, they head out.
They make it to the Forest, where they can see Hunters already near the gates. Several are trying to talk to those that are already employed in Legula, them not seeming to understand what exactly is going on. Enani remarks that it looks like things are going well so far. Estu warns that they should be weary of whatever tricks that velociprey might have. They've been running this operation for this long after all. Oxaa wonders what exactly they could do. However, the sound of a whistle suddenly alerts several of the people on the scene.
Suddenly, there's some loud movement from the forestry. Those present turn to address the source of the noise, when the camera reveals a set of claws stepping forwards. The foe is seen, a large, quadrupedal creature with a wolf-like physiology, green scales peeking out from gold fur and plates upon the being. It also boasts a long, flat tail, and a thick jaw that has electricity dancing from tooth to tooth. Oxaa asks what this thing is, to which Cait says that that thing... He's heard talks of a lord of lightning over here. He asks if Doug seriously leashed a Zinogre?
The large monster rushes towards the village, blitzing past the Hunters and leaving sparks of lightning in its path. Estu remarks that that thing could destroy several Hunters, with Oxaa saying that they can't just let this happen. He takes up his weapon and shouts for the party to get going. Thus, the party races to the village.
Within, the group finds the villagers racing about in fear. Following the trail of destruction, they find that it leads out the other end of the village, and towards the hill the village is built near. Enani muses that the walls of this village aren't what they're cracked up to be, that creature being able to pass them like this. Egra suspects that quality wasn't as much of a worry for these guys, probably too busy making sure no one knew about what was going on. Either way, they need to capture Doug, prompto!
The party races up the mountain, and find themselves having to deal with some of the monsters along the way. Eventually, they soon make it to the summit, at which Cait warns that a cornered monster is exceptionally dangerous. At the player's discretion, they progress forwards. Over on the summit, they can find Doug beside the large zinogre. They look upon the party, where they ask the group if they really thought they wouldn't notice those Hunters went missing. Roushg tells them that they can't get away with all of this, forcing mere normal people to do labor. The velociprey, however, says that the people they got to labor weren't mere normal people. They were Fallen.
Oxaa narrows his gaze, and asks what exactly they mean when they say that. Doug says that once upon a time, it was believed to be a blessing, bringing Dragons to the surface. However, there've been reports of Dragons, descended from the Gardens, that've grown old and died, just like any mortal. Many were confused by this: The Dragons themselves have to be immortal after all. However, a theory came out: Those that were descended, those Fallen from the Gardens... they were forsaken. The party is stunned at what they're saying, Oxaa saying that they can't be serious. Who are they to call them forsaken anyways? Doug asks Oxaa if he has any idea why the Dragons are removed from the Gardens in the first place? Why they lack immortality? Why they lack divinity?
Estu asks if they're seriously implying that people like Oxaa had done something bad enough to be rendered mortal-like. Doug says they can't say for sure what the reason, but whatever the case, the people that labored for them weren't worthy to live with the Gardens. So why shouldn't they work a little harder. Maybe they'll be redeemed, maybe they were just brought to the world for the sake of people. After all, Dragons are already supposed to aid mortalkind. Cait declares that that is garbage. If they really believed what they were spewing, then they wouldn't be hiding their work! Oxaa declares that that's right. He doesn't care about this Fallen thing they're talking about, they have as much right to live like anyone else here as they do! Or at least did!
At that, the zinogre steps before Doug, to which the velociprey says they'd love to see them try. With that, players are forced into battle with the Zinogre. First things first, players have to worry about Doug, who cannot be targeted. Doug will frequently buff the Zinogre, as well as undo debuffs or ailments the party may inflict on it. On top of that, the creature can use Summon magic, able to conjure up a Thunderbug that will zap a party member in tandem with whatever move the foe performs. On top of that, the foe itself can use Slash and Smash damage, as well as Electric damage. Worse still, it can use magical spells that have a chance to Stun a target, which not only has the chance to rob a party member of a turn, but also leaves them open to Technical damage from the Zinogre. Players will have to worry about a constant barrage of damage, especially when the foe has a Summon. Players should look towards means of buffing defenses or using Summon magic to keep them healed multiple rounds in a row. With enough work, players should be able to take care of the massive monster.
With it down, Doug is horrified. They tell the group that they can't do this. What'll happen to Legula without them! Oxaa declares that no village needs a guy like them leading them. Now, players are able to target Doug, the latter too scared to act even if they can survive a single player round. Their health drops, and they're beaten. With that, the party surrounds them, Egra roughly taking them up. The lagombi tells them that they have a lot to answer for, to which Doug declares that they can't be taken away, not like this! However, she and Cait begin leading them down the mountain, them kicking and screaming. The rest of the party, meanwhile, stays on the mountain in contemplation.
Estu asks Oxaa if he's alright. The rathalos, however, asks Estu if Doug made up that theory. Enani, however, says that it's unfortunately a thing. He himself has been referred to as a Fallen, and needing to work for mortals whenever he was trafficked. Oxaa says that that surely can't be true, though he seems uncertain. Hearta, however, says that if a guy like Doug follows that, it can't be a good philosophy. A proper world should be able to accommodate as many different people as possible, and they're making a village that'll be just like that. Estu says she's right. They helped those laborers out of this situation, and Doug is going to pay for their terrible ideology. He then says that, speaking of which, they should make their way back. The party begins to head down, though Oxaa is still worried.
----Evening comes, the party having returned to the Divine Structure. Over there, the laborers from before had worked with the Hunters, apparently feeling the need to do some manual labor despite the Hunters and party wishing them to relax. Still, there's no a decently-sized wall around the village, at which Cait asks Egra if they should consider this a good thing. The lagombi says that they'll have to make sure that the laborers are properly accommodated. Speaking of, they should make sure that this thing is properly buffed up in case of any attacks.
The Hunters split up while the rest of the party is allowed to step in. Hearta says she's going to check up on the people from the Forest, see how they're holding up. Enani then looks back through where they went, and points out that it seems like there'll be more than just the laborers coming from the Forest. The party turns, and can see several of the citizens from Legula making their way over. Oxaa asks what's going on, to which Estu points out that they have just taken out the leader, right after said leader tore a gash through that village. The Hunters will probably scrape the place together again, but they'd still be very vulnerable in there.
Oxaa asks if they should really let them in. This place was designed to be a safe haven for people like him after all. Hearta, however, says that these people won't have a lot of other places to go at the moment. Enani then points out that they could possibly've been supporting Doug, or at least had no issue enjoying the fruits of the "Fallen's" labor. Hearta says that, still, it wouldn't be right to just leave them to the elements, would it? The nargacuga crosses his arms and mulls over the issue while Oxaa himself is uncertain as well. He sighs, and then says that they should probably let them reside here to keep themselves safe. But the party should make sure to keep an eye on their interactions with the citizens already here.
The group agrees and thus heads off. Oxaa, and Enani, meanwhile, stay in place, both in contemplation. The rathalos asks him how he's feeling about all of this, to which the nargacuga says that he was perfectly happy being alone. Oxaa understands, but points out that he doesn't have to be worried about the debtor guys. Enani takes pause, and then says that he's still not sure about how this is all moving. They're still trying to make sure their village is up to snuff, and their population is about to more than double in size. Oxaa says that it's daunting, but Hearta's right, these people can't just be left to the elements. Besides, some of them might know ways to improve this place. For now, though, he says he wishes to finally sit down somewhere.
Thus, Oxaa walks off while Enani himself turns towards the Divine Structure. He looks up at the top of the tower, narrowing his gaze at it. He speaks to no one in particular, saying that he can sense that it too isn't enjoying this. He tells the tower that the other people might not believe him, but he knows this feeling. It's the feeling of a monster feeling cornered. He tells it that he doesn't exactly like the setup himself, but he's had to help this group take down a fair few monsters. And he tells it if he needs to, he will strike down them as well. The scene shifts quickly to that throne room from the end of the last chapter, showing the body obscured in darkness. The camera pans to the floor at the foot of the throne, revealing gnarled, clawed feet with vines wrapped around its legs. The legs then tense, and suddenly the vines holding those legs down snap. The body begins to step up, dirt pouring down to the ground as the body shambles up.
===Chapter 4: Trouble at Home===
Night begins to come down with Oxaa still walking around the village. He can see the beginnings of the wall they're eventually going to set up. He looks around more, and can see those residents from the other village trying to settle in, but there are clearly not enough buildings set up to house the lot of them. The Rathalos looks over the display and seems deep in thought. However, he shakes off whatever thought he's having and continues walking around. He can see Egra and Cait chatting with other members of the guild, with him deciding he should leave those guys to their own thing. So, he continues to walk.
At one point, he makes it towards a clearing in front of one of the entrances into the village, before looking up towards the peak of the Divine Structure. He looks at his own wings and flexes them curious. He gives them a flap, though finds himself unable to lift up at all. He says t himself that that thing is ancient, surely there can be nothing of interest in there. Still, he's sure there's some sort of presence in it. He's just not sure about what could be there. Plus, having that building open would make this place feel a lot bigger.
He strokes his head and supposes he'll have to figure this out later. It's too late for this. So, he decides to turn in for the day.
;Mei 22nd - 25th
Here, players have free time. At around this time, players can see a new option for donations. The new villagers don't have a living space, so there's no a prompt to get materials to help make more houses/inns for them to rest at. Along with that, there are other side quests available and the ability to hang out with party members. As these days go on, players can notice some growing hostility with some of the new residents. Apparently some of those from Sobola aren't exactly happy with the residents that showed up from Legula, and the Legula residents aren't exactly happy at these people for costing them their homes.
;Mei 26th
Oxaa begins to wake up, though there's definitely a strange feeling in the atmosphere. He steps out and heads to the streets, where he can see several of the residents appear to be feuding. He can see the Legula people demanding the dragons their houses. The dragons used by Legula seem like they're ready to give up, but Mok from Sobola can be seen rallying the other dragons not to give up. They don't owe anything to these people. Several of the Hunter guild members can be seen trying to force themselves between the people while the rest of the party begins to come out to the square.
Estu sighs and supposes that they should've expected this. Oxaa glances towards Enani, expecting a smart remark from him. However, he moreso seems deep in thought. Hearta says that they've got to try and engage the arguing people. Roushg asks if they really should, though Oxaa says that he doesn't have to involve himself, but they are basically the leaders of this village. The Great Jaggi seems unsure, but does decide that he'll hang out behind them. Thus, the party begins to approach, now being noticed by Egra and Cait.
The feuding crowds see the people, and a genprey man asks what kind of village is this. Oxaa seems unsure of what to say, though Estu says that their place has been forced into a position that's uncertain for as many new visitors. He says that they're working towards accommodating the new refugees, and ask that they be patient. A Farunokku woman shouts that this place is wasting their good houses on the Fallen! They should be out working while they have a place to sleep! Before the others can talk, Oxaa steps forwards and says that this place was built for the so called "Fallen". He says that the lot of them are on their territory, and if they want to live here, they need to play by their rules! This causes more sounds of anger from the Legula people while the dragons are rallying behind Oxaa.
The guildmembers tell them to remain patient and to try and calm down. A kelbi man reaches down to grab some litter and reaches up to try and throw it at the rathalos, but an aptonoth man from behind him grabs him by the wrist, silently telling him it isn't worth it. Some time passes as the guild goes to work, soon joined by the rest of the party, before the main square is cleared. The rathalos seems unsure as to what to say, but Hearta says that she agrees with what he said. It's just that these people are under a lot of pressure recently, and they aren't likely to listen to reason. Estu then says that he can feels the malicious intent growing among them, and says they should prepare. Egra says that the guild will be at work preparing the walls and housing, so their defenses might be hard to bolster.
The party then begins to disperse, leaving Oxaa and Enani. The rathalos tells the nargacuga that he was waiting the whole time for him to say he told them so. However, the other dragon shakes his head and says that he feels like something else is going on. Oxaa raises a brow and wonders what he means. The rogue asks if he felt something different about the air. Oxaa raises a brow and takes a moment to think on it, before supposing that, now that he mentioned it, it does feel a bit heavier around here. But he asks if that could be coming from the hostility. Enani shakes his head and says he felt this kind of aura from only one place.
He turns and faces the Divine Structure, Oxaa facing it as well. Enani remembers way back in the day he'd try to go deeper, and could feel such an intense, smothering atmosphere. He felt as if his mind would explode, but he at least can tell that it's only gotten worse. Oxaa asks if he really means to say that that tower is mind controlling them or something, though Enani shakes his head. He says that it's merely leaked to the streets, threatening to smother the rest of them. It's burdening their minds, and that burden is only causing distress among the people. It isn't putting ideas in their head that aren't already there, but it is ensuring that they succumb to the smothering negative aura. Oxaa asks if that's the case, then why aren't they or the Hunters being overwhelmed, to which Enani says that they are more experienced and greater in will than the commonfolk. Even still, he did notice Oxaa gave into stress ever so slightly there.
There's another pause between the two, before Oxaa asks how they can stop it. Enani can only assume that they'd have to investigate the tower. Hearing that, the rathalos supposes that he's ready to go check it out. He begins heading over, and the nargacuga takes his shoulder. He tells him that they should at least get the rest. The rathalos supposes he's right. Thus, they make their way out to try and gather the party members.
----Oxaa makes his way towards one of the entrances into the tower, and already he can feel an intense darkness oozing from it. He looks around, still waiting for the others to make an appearance. He looks towards the entrance yet again, before cautiously lifting a foot and trying to step into the hall. However, he can hear Egra declare that they're coming. Oxaa pulls back, and turns to see the others making their way over. He sees them all come and asks if Enani filled them in. Roushg says that he did, but he's still trying to wrap his head around it: a tower that bears down on the mentality of those near it? He can hardly believe such a thing happened.
Estu explains that they heard about this thing wearing down on the will of those that entered it, but seeping out onto the streets? That's never happened before. They were able to rest in one of the halls for a while before people began to settle in around here. Roushg asks if they knew about the aura the tower brings, then why did they settle around it. Oxaa says that they'd originally wanted to kind of hide from others, and the legend of this place felt like it'd chase people away from going near it. But now that they've been expanding their village, they're getting more exposed to the outside. Hearta supposes that they'd thought they wouldn't have to worry about the aura while they stayed away from it, but if that thing did in fact afflict their citizens, then they have to deal with it soon.
Oxaa says that they should get moving asap, make sure they can't deal with this anymore. The party is in agreement, and thus makes their way forwards. They enter the hallway and press forwards. As they do, the party members can feel the atmosphere about them, and a few can be seen trying to brush sweat from their brows. They soon make it into the chamber past the hall, with Enani remarking that it feels like he's trying to wade through mud. The rathalos agrees, and asks what is going on in here. As they mull over this, they begin to see an odd figure silhouetted in the darkened halls. Said figure appears equine, a grand mane that stands on all ends, and a long horn protruding from their forehead. They can't make out anything more than the vague shape of it, with Estu asking Enani if he saw anything like this before. The nargacuga shakes his head.
Oxaa says that this thing must be related to the aura around them. Thus he draws his weapon, the others following suit. What follows is a fight with the Strange Shadow. Said Shadow wields Light magic and can buff up multiple stats at a time. That is a bit of a struggle on its own, but the players will find that their Skills cost even more in this area. As time goes on, "Some Presence" will cast Mind Crush on one of the party members, lowering their SP to 0, and also having them nearly give in to stress. Three times Mind Crush will get used. Note, Oxaa and Enani won't be targeted during this encounter.
*Estu - The canyne says that they can't keep doing this. They just wanted to keep their brother safe. Why did all of these other people have to show up?
*Hearta - The mizutsune complains at herself for letting these people in. She needs to learn to say "no", but now things are getting more complicated...
*Egra - The lagombi says that she's putting herself on the line for all of these people, and she's no closer to finding her them. She asks if it's really worth it.
*Cait - The felyne grunts in worry, and asks where his family is. He wonders if he can really find them at this rate if he keeps dealing with this scary witchcraft.
*Roushg - The Great Jaggi worries about what he's just gotten himself into. Just what is he dealing with joining these guys, and what's it going to mean for his brothers and sisters?!
After the three castings of Mind Crush, Oxaa looks around and sees that the various allies are getting overwhelmed by the atmosphere. He looks towards the Shadow they're facing, and tries to grip his weapon harder. But, he shakes his head and turns to face the rest of the party, ordering them to retreat. The various members, realizing they're overwhelmed, race back to escape the Divine Structure. And shortly after, they make it back to the streets.
Out there, they're each panting, Roushg cradling his head. Oxaa asks them if they're alright, but Estu says that they can't keep hanging around this thing. The dragon looks at him offended, but Estu points out that they were getting dropped without that thing touching them! They can't beat it, and they won't be able to stop it from overwhelming the streets! Oxaa says that they can't just give up after the progress they've already made. But Estu shouts that he doesn't care about the village! He just needs him to be safe, and this isn't safe!
The rathalos is stunned, and begins looking around for support. Hearta mulls over for a moment, before giving a half hearted "Oxaa's right". The rest, however, could feel how noncommittal that was. Enani, however, shakes his head and says that he's lived here for a good portion of his life, and he can't just get kicked out like this. Even if it means that he has to share this place, he wants to kick that thing out. Oxaa perks up, and says that he'd love to help. Estu seems to grumble at his persistence, but says that his blade is still for the protection of his brother. Egra and Cait then say that they can't just let a figure like that continue to threaten this new home. Hearta agrees and says that if this place can't be a home for dragons like her, Oxaa, and Enani, then what will? They each turn towards Roushg, the Great Jaggi taking pause. He gives it deep thought, before sighing and supposing that he does owe them for reuniting him with his siblings.
Roushg asks how they're going to take care of this thing though. Egra says that this structure's been the source of a lot of myth in recent history, so there must be more information on it somewhere. She says that she'll go ask around the Hunters to see if they can gather more information about this weird structure, see whether or not they can find some sort of lead to go off of. Roushg says that she doesn't sound too certain, but Oxaa says that they've just gotta persist. No village came about overnight after all, right? The Great Jaggi supposes that he's right. Either way, it's late, and they're all tired. They decide to sleep so Egra and Cait can search for information.
;Mei 27th - 31st
More free time passes as players wait for information to come forwards about the strange structure. And all the while, players can see members of the village slowly getting more and more irritable. Party members also can't help but get more worried, with some even giving into the stress for a brief moment, saying the sort of things they'd say in the battle against the Shadow. Though they'll shake off their stress and apologize for speaking out like that.
On the night of the 29th, the party gets approached by some of the Hunters, them saying Denang wishes to speak to them. Thus, the party makes their way to the leader of the guild's tent. There, the Blangonga greets the party, saying that he hears they wanted to hear more about the structure's mythology. Estu nods, saying that if they're going to calm things down, they need to be able to get in there. The leader nods, and says that he had Hunters go around the general area to ask about that very thing, and they've been able to relay that information to him. Enani tells him to quit keeping them in suspense and just say it.
He apologizes and explains. He says that he had to organize a few timelines, but from the sounds of things, this building wasn't always here. This used to be a natural part of the environment with a set of plains only beset by the elements and creatures. However, one day a shadow crossed the skies, before slamming this part of the world and blanketing the general area in a mist of stone. When it cleared, they say that the building was there, though myth speaks as if it was a spike that'd risen from the ground to pierce the plains. The other party members are in contemplation, with Hearta asking if he means that the building had... fallen from the sky. Roushg remarks that that's unthinkable, but Estu shakes his head. He says that there is in fact something the building could've fallen from...
The party is silent, before Oxaa speaks... "The Draconic Gardens". Egra asks what could've possibly led to a part of the Gardens to fall, to which Enani says that it doesn't matter why it's down here. It means they have to worry about what could be in it. Cait asks if he means to imply that... a Dragon is in there. The nargacuga says that they can't rule out the possibility. If it is a Dragon, it would definitely explain how they're able to create that strange aura. The rathalos then says that if that's the case, then what exactly did they face in that building. Estu says that it didn't look like a Dragon... So they probably weren't even close to the source of that.
Roushg then asks what they can do to face it then. Cait says that if it did come from the sky, then there may be some debris from under wherever it broke from. Perhaps if they check out that stuff, they can find some further clues to powering through the aura protecting that place. Egra says that it's the best bet they've got right now. They need to figure out the direction of its fall and search the direction of it. Then they may be able to come up with better means of engaging the Divine Structure finally.
;Jusis 1st - 7th
On the morning of the 1st, players will find Cait, who's done some measurements on the general terrain. He comes back to the party and says that he thinks he might have a general course of the Structure's descent. He says that it looks like it came in from the northeast. The group supposes that they should check out in that direction, see if they can find anything that can tell them how they can get past the strange aura. So, the party is now tasked with these next few days to investigate in that direction and find something useful.
The group thus makes their way along the planes, though as they do, Roushg asks how likely it is that there's something for them to find out there. It has been a long time since this thing fell after all. Oxaa says that they can't think like that right now, their home is in trouble. They search more, and as they do, they take notice of some oddly shaped terrain. They grow curious about it and look closer, though Cait is soon able to identify that it looks almost like the ground was sunken in here. Almost like something fell on it, long enough ago for vegetation to grow over it now. Estu supposes that means that whatever additional remnants they're searching for must've fallen nearby. Egra says that they should try to search for a nearby village.
The group searches, and can find one situated near the northern border between the Ancestral Steppe and the freezing mountains. Said village appears ancient with great big stone walls packed with mud and clay. Outside its gates are a pair of large, elephant-like beasts with thick tusks and brown fur underneath their armor. These are Gammoths, and they don't seem overly on guard. The party approaches them and asks if they can enter. The two nod and allow them to pass, though one of them says to just behave and no one gets hurt. The group nods in understanding and makes their way past the gate.
Inside, they find a community that looks sort of similar to Ershel, though bearing more stone for the buildings than the former village. The stones gathered look as if they were taken from elsewhere and cobbled together to form vague house shapes. Other than that, there are some more rustic-looking huts around the area. And at the far north, towards a wall that's set against some of the rising mountain, is a fairly big stone building set against the wall with more of those guards around. The party has entered into Barriga. The group looks around, seeing various normal civilians, not seeing anything like the dragons players may've encountered up to now. The several civilians do, however, seem to've taken notice of the travelers.
Egra says that this seems to be the only village in a close proximity to the crash site. Oxaa asks if that means that this place has anything that could've been attached to the structure, to which Cait says that it means this is the only place they can realistically look. Enani supposes that means they should ask around for anything ancient in this village. So, the party is now tasked with asking around to figure out what interesting things could be in Barriga.
The group asks around. One party member wonders if all of these buildings were made from whatever fell over, though the citizen they talk to explains that these were mined from some of the mountains recently. Asking around more for anything that really sat here for long, however, lets players know that there was some weird stones they'd gathered a long time ago. They felt very differently from other material, like they weren't burdened by this world's atmosphere. So the village leaders have been keeping it guarded in that temple to the north for a while now.
The party now decides that that sounds like as good a place as any to investigate. So, they make their way to the temple over to the north, passing the front entrance and seeing more guards within. The temple appears to consist of one room, with a bunch of guards surrounding a pedestal with a thick chest upon it. The party comes close to it, and Oxaa says that they need whatever is in that chest. One of the guards beside it grows confused at the request and says that this has been in the village since it's been formed. However, Enani says that their home is in trouble, and whatever is in that chest could help them! One of the guards then asks if it's so important, then what is it? There's a pause of contemplation among the party, before Estu says that it's a special rock. One of the guards shake their head, saying it's not one rock, but many.
Oxaa pleads them to be more considerate, asking if they even need the stones for themselves. One of the guards say that it's ceremonial, helps them lead prayer to the Dragons. The party grows confused, before Hearta asks the guard how it helps. One of the guards say that they have etchings upon it that were described to be upon the Draconic Gardens. Oxaa says that that just further means that it's tied with their problem. One of the guard decides to ask what exactly their problem is, to which the party explains about their village. The guards hear all of that, before one of them asks if they seriously set up camp around that weird Structure. Another one says that they're not sure if they're courageous or thoughtless.
Oxaa says that he doesn't care what they think, they're there now, and they need to take control of it. Egra tells them that there are a lot of people that need this land, and she begs them to think of them. The guards furrow their brows, before looking among each other. They say that they'll speak with the Hunters about it, to which the lagombi thanks them. She says that she'll keep in contact with their guild. The guards nod and say that they hope that they'll receive the stones back soon. Thus, the party makes their way out, with Roushg sighing and saying that they appear to be one step closer to victory. Hearta says that they can't be so sure yet. They still don't even know what exactly this stuff they're getting is or if it'll do anything against the aura. Oxaa says that they'll have to investigate that as soon as possible.
With that, players now will have to wait until the stones become available.
;Jusis 8th
On this day, the party wakes yet again. Egra's contacted several of them, saying that the guild says that they are receiving the item. The party agrees that that's good news, and begin to head their way out. Though when they do, they notice a commotion in the main square. They go to investigate, and they again see the Legula people quarreling with the dragons here. The group approaches, and they can see the conflict from before has only come back full force. Mok can be seen at the forefront of the dragons to talk them down.
The party comes in to check on whatever is going on. There, the group finds it's more of the same with the new guys demanding the houses the dragons have while the dragons declare that they deserve this place more than them. The Legula people complain that these guys took away their home, the least they deserve is to be compensated. Enani can feel that the air out here is worse than even before. Estu then tries to tell everyone to calm down, that no one is thinking straight here. However, the Legula people don't seem willing to listen, and one of them suddenly throws a rock at their feet at the canyne, staggering him. Seeing the sudden attack, Mok lunges at the thrower to try and tackle him down. And soon, a mass melee has broken out in the square.
Seeing the many people raging, Egra remarks that it looks like these guys might actually really hurt each other. Estu says that they need to try and stop them somehow. Hearta supposes that if they try to take them on, then maybe they can knock them out. The party thusly draws their weapons, Oxaa telling everyone to be careful. Thus, players are forced to battle several of the civilians. The civilians have different builds from character to character, though players should be able to take them on. Especially seeing as certain npcs will deal damage to each other. With enough work, the party should be able to take down each of them.
The many citizens are down, huffing and puffing. Each party member takes a deep breath and stands before each of them. Oxaa appears deep in thought, as if thinking of all sorts of things he could say to them. However, he sighs and turns towards Egra. The lagombi nods and steps forwards. She says that she understands that the lot of them are feeling stress, but now is not the time to turn on each other. They are unfortunately not equipped for as many citizens clearly, so they'll see about potentially relocating certain civilians. For now, they ask that everyone find a place to relax while they all handle things here.
The many civilians begin to get up, and seem to understand the Hunter's words. So, they then part, before Mok comes over to the party. He asks Estu if he's alright, to which the canyne says that he handled worse. Oxaa says that he's grateful that he showed them support, but he doesn't want his citizens to be put in danger within this village. The barioth nods, and apologizes. He'll try to be as calm as those other guys allow. Thus, he leaves, and Oxaa supposes that's something. Then, one of the Hunters come to the group, and tells them that the boss would like to see them. The party thus makes their way over.
----The party makes their way to the main Hunter tent, where Denang greets them. They say that it took a lot of convincing, but they were able to get the guild to provide some of the artifact they'd gathered. Oxaa asks what exactly they collected, to which the Blangonga motions towards the chest behind them. The group thus approaches, and opens it up. And once they do, they're immediately struck by a strange sensation, as if the air itself is buzzing with energy, the contents of the chest shining. The group is stunned before looking closer, where they see various rocks glistening with rainbow energy. Said stones also look to have carvings in them similar to what've appeared around the tower.
Hearta asks what these are, to which Denang says that these feel like debris holding Pure magic in them. Egra asks if he just said "Pure magic", to which he nods. She says that something like is extraordinarily rare, that only the mightiest of practitioners could bring forth such magics. Estu then clarifies "or a Dragon". Oxaa carefully takes up one of the stones and holds it aloft, saying that even holding this it feels like the air is less tense. He says that he thinks these things should be able to get them through the tower. The Blangonga, however, tells them they should be weary: The guards explained that some older people had seen these things lose their glow, and thusly preserved the rest. If they're not quick enough with them, there could be a chance that they'll lose the energy in them.
The group is frightened by that, and Roushg remarks that after all of that, their only chance of braving the Structure is on a time limit? Denang nods, apologizing for the bad news. He says that if they are to use these things, they need to be quick about it, to find the source of the negative energy and fell it. The party mulls over this, before Oxaa says that they don't exactly have many other choices. He says that they've done a lot to get this far, they can't be daunted by this. The rest of the party nods in agreement, saying that they will conquer the Structure.
Thus, the group has a brand new mission.
;Jusis 8th - 20th
With this, players are tasked with entering the Divine Structure and finding the source of the negative energy. The party is able to enter the tower in the middle of the village during this period. And when the group makes their way to the entrance of the tower, the party checks up their equipment, including the debris they'd collected from Barriga. They hold the items, with Roushg asking if they're sure that this will work out. Oxaa says that it has to. He tells everyone to stay close and be careful of anything. They don't know what could be in here.
The party thus makes their way into the tower, the debris they're carrying now giving off a light around them. Enani remarks that the air actually feels lighter now that they have this aura around them. Estu supposes that he would know better than any of them what the aura is like. The party advances more and more, when they get to the chamber that had that weird shadow in the first place. And when they get close, they uncover that familiar enemy from before. Estu draws his longsword and tells the rest of the group to get ready. The rest of the party draws their weaponry, Oxaa saying that this is their trial by fire.
The party thus deals with the Strange Shadow yet again. Said figure still wields Light and buffing magic, able to increase its defenses and magical power while the party tries to keep up. Occasionally, some indeterminate being will cast Mind Crush on a party member once more, except instead of eliminating all SP, it reduces it by an amount affected by the party member's defensive stats. After that, Egra will note that it looks like the aura's working, but it doesn't completely nullify the effects. Still, they should be able to work with this. The party thus engages the Shadow, and, with enough work, should be able to take out its HP.
With it beaten, the figure of darkness seems to writhe before the group. It shambles a bit, before dissolving into the air around itself. The party takes deep breaths, with Hearta declaring that it actually worked. They can actually brave the inside of this tower! Oxaa agrees happily, though Enani speaks up. He tells them that it looks like their previous theory is correct: He says that he still feels the heaviness in the air. That shadow wasn't responsible for the aura, which means that they still have the whole rest of this thing to search. Egra says that, unfortunately, he's right. Whatever is causing that will probably keep on trying to wear them down, which means they need to be careful with their resources from here on out.
The party thus makes their way more through the tower, finding themselves needing to find a way to advance up it. Hearta, curious, asks Enani how deep he went in, to which the nargacuga says that he's only ever been as deep as this central chamber. Any further and he felt an intense, invisible weight on top of him. The canyne says that he never saw any creature like that before, though the rogue answers that he hasn't. Egra wonders what could've led things like that to form, which leads Oxaa to look down one of the halls, wondering if the village might have anything to do with it...
The party now must travel, the exterior of the central tower having a ramp that leads up. However, segments of it are blocked off via roots that've grown through the tower. So, players will have to search for other rooms in the tower to see if they can find ways around them, and Cait may notice how giant these doors appear to be. Players make their way into the first room a level up, which appears to be a large mess hall, also coated in foliage, though the many tables, chandeliers, and cabinets within are tossed about if not outright broken. Within, the group can also see more shadow-like beings about, them resembling certain creatures in the plains outside. Hearta will briefly note that it must take a lot of magic to form even facsimiles of creatures like this.
The party progresses through the mess hall, needing to be careful about the creatures within the room. They progress more, where they can find another root leading them up more. The party thusly goes up it, and as they do, Hearta motions towards a part of the frieze in the mess hall. The group looks, and they can see a depiction on the upper portion of the wall, its colors faded but clearly depicting several Dragons around the tables. There also appears to be one Dragon looming over the lot of them, one seeming to wield jet black scales and wings that look like they could fill the room. That Dragon in question is seen with their face smashed out against the frieze. Estu remarks that whoever they were, they must've been deliberately targeted by whatever is up here. Oxaa asks if any of them know who that could be, to which Egra remarks that it looks like an Elder Dragon.
Oxaa asks what that is, to which the lagombi answers that they are the strongest of the Dragons. Legends say that they were the first to exist among all Dragons, that they formed the very structure of Dragonkind, and of life in general. The party looks over it, with Oxaa wondering just what could've caused such animosity towards that thing. Enani remarks that there's only one way to find out: ask whatever is causing all of that negativity in this tower. So, the party continues up the root to the next level of the tower.
----The party makes it up to the top of the root ramp, leading them up to what looks to be some sort of guest room. There's a fair few sets of beds set about, these ones being fairly big. The group makes their way towards the door, managing to get to a hallway on the tower that lead to the staircase they started up. As they're about to go up more of it, another one of those horned shadows they'd faced previously. The party is quick to draw their weaponry, Oxaa remarking that this thing doesn't seem to want to leave them alone. Estu says that they just have to take this thing down, though Hearta warns that whatever presence threatened them before might still be here.
The party thusly battles the Strange Shadow yet again, though now it is accompanied by a shadow of one of the Monsters of the plains. The Shadow is fairly similar to the previous fight, though now it can buff up the other Monster. On top of that, players still have to deal with Mind Crush from the mysterious force. The party does battle, and soon manage to render the mysterious warrior to nothing yet again. With it down, Egra remarks that it looks like whatever force is bearing down on them seems especially focused on that strange guard. The other shadows don't seem to have that strange effect to wear down on their will. Roushg asks if that means that the horned thing is associated with it, though Hearta says that she can feel whatever it is disappearing from their presence whenever they beat it. Whatever it is, they seem to fell it each time.
Either way, the party must progress upwards, roots cutting off the rest of the floor. They go up to the third level, where roots block off the path to the fourth floor. The party is thus forced to look around this floor to find some way forwards, having to deal with other shadows about the floor. They're soon able to find the way to one of the rooms, which appears to be a study with giant shelves full of books. Several of them appear damaged, likely from the way building fell. However, Cait can't help but wonder what kind of texts the Dragons must've read. The felyne couldn't help but go towards one of the shelves and try to pull a book out. He's able to do so, said book being slightly smaller than the dragons in the party, and is forced to drop it to the ground, causing it to flop open.
The party approaches it, where they see much of the pages are weakened. However, when they read it, Hearta reads out loud about how in the 2000th year, there still fails to be intelligent life. The group is confused and turns to earlier in the book, where it speaks of some world out in the sea of nothingness. They also read about how they were led by someone named Vogish in the creation of the sixtieth world. Estu asks if she just said "sixtieth", leading them to flip forwards more and more. Egra reads that five thousand years later there's no intelligent life still, and Vogish sought to execute it, but after much argument, they were convinced to just leave it be.
Having read that, Oxaa asks if there's been that many worlds, really. Hearta says that it says so in this book here, and they can't really argue with those words at the moment. Still, the idea that there's other life out there... Cait wonders if they're facing the kinds of things that they are. Estu can't help but wonder how many of those worlds are still standing. That book did say something about that one guy wanting to destroy at least that world. The party finds themselves shaken by that prospect, though Oxaa says that that doesn't explain who exactly could be in this tower. He says that they should continue, and find a way out of here and to the next floor.
So, the party searches around more and more, Cait saying that he'd really like to read more of these books. Egra, however, says that they can search through more of this place once they clear the negative influence in this place. Players can soon find a part of the ceiling has been destroyed to reveal the way up, while one of the shelves are positioned under it. There, players are able to use the shelves almost like a ladder. They go up and up, making it to the next floor of the tower.
----They make it up, now on the fourth level and see themselves within what looks like an armory. There are numerous weapon stands knocked over with shards of several splintered about, though the weapons about certainly look bigger than what the various hunters have ever seen. Cait can't help but wonder what Dragons would need such weapons for, to which Enani can only suspect that there was some sort of animosity among the Dragons, thinking to the frieze. Hearta thinks to the book they read, and wonders if these guys may've ever used these on mortals...
Either way, the party advances forwards and looks up. They see one more level above them and the top of the tower, and Oxaa remarks that it looks like there's only two more floors to investigate. So, the party makes their way to the stairs, up to the next level. And once they get up there, they are stopped as a pair of shadows suddenly manifest. Before them, the group sees two versions of those horned silhouettes. Enani draws his weapons and remarks that he's getting really annoyed with this thing. Oxaa says that this will all be over soon, and tells them all to be ready. The rest of the party thus dons their weapons.
Players are brought into one more battle against the Strange Shadow, and with it, one of them is typically on the offensive while the other buffs up their attack and defenses. Worse still, Mind Crush is still in effect, weakening players even more. And as if that's not bad enough, they can now use Restoration magic to heal up the other if one gets too low on HP. Players are encouraged to split their damage as evenly as possible to finish them as close to each other as possible, though players do have to worry about buffs getting in the way of that. Fortunately, players should be more than able to take down both of them.
The pair of shadows are overwhelmed, seeming to fade. However, they each turn towards the stairs behind them, and begin manifesting magic. The party becomes worried and starts to rush forwards, but an explosion of Light magic assails the stairs upwards, shattering them. With that, the duo finally fades, and the party is left looking upon the now shattered stairs. Egra supposes that means that whatever is behind all of this is definitely at the top. Estu says that they can only hope that they can find a way up from here.
With that, the group progresses along this level, where they're able to find what looks like a master bedroom. It features a massive bed within, it torn apart by age, as well as dilapidated wardrobes and paintings. The paintings have been faded, though players can see a particular part of them torn out. Close examination of these paintings reveals an outline of what the painting used to be, and it looks like whoever got torn out appears to be the largest among the outlines. Hearta can only imagine this must be about whoever was in that frieze below. Oxaa can't help but admit for all he'd have heard of Dragons, it really seems like there's a lot of trouble among them. Estu asks if he's alright, to which the rathalos says that he isn't sure. He doesn't know if it's comforting or discouraging that even the Dragons haven't seemed to figure everything out. The canyne supposes villages weren't made in a day. There's a quiet pause as the rathalos takes the information in with some happiness.
Looking through the master bedroom more, the group can see some thick vines around the window to the wall. The group comes close, and the dragons give it a tug. Enani says that it feels like it should be able to hold them. Roushg is stunned and asks if they seriously plan to climb that. Enani says that they're here to take care of the source of that negativity, and this looks like the only way to it. Hearta warns everyone to be careful on their way up, and to make sure that they're preapred for anything. The player is thusly given the chance to go up the vines at their discretion.
----The party climbs up the vines, where they make it to the very top of the tower. And from here, they can see the windows at the top have been blown out, and within they see a large garden with bits of cement admits the sea of green, though they are saturated with moss and lichen. Other than that, there stands a large throne, the party presently seeing it from behind. The party climbs into the windows and advances on the garden carefully. They come closer and closer to the throne in question, though as they do, a tentacle covered in plates of bones. The tentacle is long enough to touchdown on the floor, which the owner of the tentacle uses to lean over, the party only able to see the bone plating on the back of their head.
A feminine voice comes from them, asking how they got here. The party seems stunned by the stranger's appearance, though Oxaa wearily asks her if she's the source of the negative energy. The figure says that they had hoped to waste away in private here, and only tried to drive off whoever wanted to get closer. The party pauses, Enani saying that that strange stuff was just because she wanted to be alone. She says that it's all she deserves. It was functioning, but then they appeared, and brought more. She can hear each of them daily... Estu tells her that her magic is just causing the people to get angrier.
Oxaa says that they needed this place. It kept the monsters away, it could be a safe haven for people like him, like those guys down there. The stranger on the throne says that this was place was for her. Egra asks if something happened on the Draconic Gardens. The lagombi says that they were able to get in thanks to debris from the Gardens, and realized this place fell from on high. Cait also mentions that there was some big Dragon getting scratched out in the drawings, and asks if that guy had anything to do with this. The tentacled creature pauses, telling them not to mention that thing. The party perks up, and Roushg asks her how she got in a fight with an Elder Dragon. The end of the tentacle suddenly stabs into the cement below, hard enough to pierce it.
She plants down a foot, her legs covered in skeletal plates, and she gets up and off the throne. She turns to the party, revealing a head with a bony plate over the top of it and tendrils around the mouth. She also stands easily twice as tall as the rathalos, further making her daunting. Fans of the MH series will recognize her as a Nakarkos. She tells them that she won't tolerate them anymore. If they do not leave now, she will drive them from her prison. The party looks among each other, Roushg saying that he's feeling a lot of power from this weirdo. Enani says that whatever she is, if she isn't stopped all of those "fallen" will need to move elsewhere, best case scenario. Oxaa, however, can't help but feel like they should hold back on her a little. Estu asks what he means, to which he says that it sounds like she's gone through something, and he sort of wants to hear her out. Hearta is in agreement, and the rest sort of feel it too. The nargacuga supposes that they can try.
The party faces the stranger and draws their weapons, Oxaa saying that they have a home here, for people that don't fit in elsewhere. And they're going to protect it. The foe in front of them extends a tentacle far from the throne, and grabs an old, aged bow. She pulls it before herself, and remarks "So be it." With that, players are forced into battle with Heyel. The Nakarkos proves to be fairly dangerous, wielding high HP, defenses, and attack power. She also uses Cosmic magic, Stab attacks, and has a tendency to apply ailments on party members. If players aren't careful, she could follow these ailments up with Technical hits, dealing even more damage. Fortunately, she takes more damage from magical attacks.
After lowering her HP to half, Heyel will begin to speak, supposing that they the end of her road. Her failure as a Dragon and centuries in limbo are finally to be snuffed out. So, she tells them to press on. Oxaa, however, says that they don't want to kill her. He thinks that they can live peacefully, he's just asking her to stop this negative influence! Heyel, however, raises her bow towards the party and declares that if they don't end her, she will kill them. It's kill or be killed in this world, is it not? So kill her, they live. With that, she now begins to summon shadows of some of the monsters.
She becomes harder than before, now able to not only conjure forwards allies, but also now having access to Mind Crush and Pure magic. Players are taught about Pure magic, learning that it is significantly more powerful than the other elements players have access to. They also learn that it ignores any damage alignment, meaning that it'll surpass any form of resistance, absorbing, blocking, or reflecting. So, players are encouraged to rush the enemy as quickly as they can. With enough work and planning, players should be able to take out the last of Heyel's health.
With that, the tentacled creature collapses to her knees and drops her bow. Oxaa also races towards the Nakarkos while holding his axe carefully. He raises it up, Heyel simply looking skyward and closing her eyes, waiting for the end. However, Oxaa stops his weapon short of her chest. Heyel, noticing how long it's taking for her execution, opens her eyes. She looks to the rathalos, seeing he's stopped. She tells him that he's making a mistake, but Oxaa says that he already said they don't want to end her. She tells him that she'll keep filling the tower and square with her oppressive aura, she won't stop.
Oxaa says that he may not know what exactly she's gone through, but from what he's gathered, it sounds like she was rejected from her home. He says that he was a weirdo back home, and the people around here also felt like they didn't belong where they were, or were simply being used. They've set up the village around this tower to be a shelter to people like that. For whatever's happened to her, this is meant to be a place for people that needed defending from stuff like that. Heyel is actually stunned by what he's saying, though says that this village can't help her. The affairs of the Dragons is not so easily sorted by mortals with sticks and stones. Oxaa, however, says that they can certainly try.
Heyel asks how they could possibly help her, to which Oxaa says that they can start by listening to her. But for them to listen, they need her to be able to talk to tehm. The Nakarkos falls silent, and the rathalos steps back a little. The rest of the party crowds around, with Egra asking if they have an agreement now. Heyel closes her eyes, before opening them and saying that her affairs aren't to come forth so soon after battle. She says she will meditate on what the boy said, and will respond accordingly. Roushg then tells her to keep the aura down, just to keep the peace. Heyel says that they've earned at least that much.
With that, the group supposes they've done all they can do right now, and make their way towards the windows. However, she presses her tentacles into the ground, and channels some magic into it. The party notices a hole leading to the presently broken stairs, and can see some of the roots shift and turn to form a ramp down. Oxaa thanks her, and she says it's the least she can do. She retreats to that throne in the middle of the garden and sits upon it yet again. The party begins heading down, though the rathalos stays back. He tells her that he is being genuine, and she says she knows. Thus, he heads down, and players now have free time.
;Jusis 21st
This day comes, and Oxaa, Estu, Hearta, and Roushg wakes to find that the negative aura is still disabled. The rest of the civilians appear fine, fortunately enough, and the party is very grateful about that. As they appreciate the lessened conflict, Estu notices several of them gathering some of the supplies they brought, and wonders what's going on. At that, one of the kelbis from the Legula village comes over. He says that their faction has been doing some thinking... And they've decided that they don't think they should remain here. Hearta asks why that is.
The kelbi says that they all came here in the first place because they felt they were owed it from the group. Though, they sort of realized that, ultimately they are new guys on pre-claimed soil. They think that their best bet right now is to find other villages to set up. Roushg supposes that that makes sense, this is still a new village. Those other places probably have more housing for them. Oxaa supposes that they can help direct them to other villages. The kelbi thanks them for that, though says that the Hunters are going to help move them. With that, the Kelbi makes their way back to the Hunters while the party waves them off.
Enani, meanwhile, comes from the Divine Structure, greeted by the present party members. The nargacuga says that they got a visitor. This nets the rest of the group's attention, and they ask who. Enani says that it's better if they see. Estu tells Hearta to get Egra and Cait over. Thus, the party organizes and makes their way through one of the entry halls. They make it inside the central chamber, Oxaa asking if it's who he thinks it is. A familiar voice from one of the upper levels says that her coming down isn't a confirmation of the invite. The party looks up, where they see Heyel on the second level.
The party greets her, Cait telling one of the party members to pinch him, in case he's dreaming. Egra asks what she's doing up there, to which Heyel says that Enani got hostile when she woke him up. The party turns towards him, him swearing that she startled him. Hearta says that they'd still be grateful to have her be among them, though she says she's still on the fence about that. However, she is considering opening the tower to them. The various party members perk up, and Egra says that something like that would be amazingly helpful! This would open up far more housing! Heyel says that she'll try to stay up and away, but she is a light sleeper.
With that, the nakarkos says that that is all she wished to discuss with them, and begins to head up. However, Oxaa says that they'd still like to chat with her, maybe see what they can do to help her. The Dragon gives pause, one arm resting on the railing. Hearta says that they couldn't feel content knowing there was a member of their village in distress. Heyel says that she's not a member of their village just yet. The rathalos says that they'd still want to help her out. The nakarkos pauses again, before saying that she'd prefer to bring this to the study, farther from other potential ears.
The party thus makes their way up the various levels and to the study in question. They settle into it, Heyel looking to fit right into one of the large pieces of furniture. The party settles in, Heyel telling them that hers is a long story. Roushg says that he doesn't know about the lot of them, but he doesn't exactly have anything planned. The others are in agreement. The nakarkos says that it began with the Many Creations. She shakes her head, saying that to be more accurate, it began with the King of Dragons, Vogish...
===Chapter 5: Defying the Dragons===
The chapter opens far in space, focusing on a planet amongst the sea of nothingness. The camera focuses on a structure of stone lingering just above the forest surface. The camera comes closer and closer, revealing it to be a city in the sky, with far more refined structures in comparison to whatever was made on the planet the story's been taking place in. And among the city are various Dragons, several either residing around the square or around the edge. Within the center is a large castle with a network of towers about its crown. A fair distance from it are further towers, and the camera focuses on one of those towers in particular.
Within that tower is a throne room with a decently sized garden that features stone walkways amidst the sea of green. And within is several Dragons, including the creature of black whose face was smitten from the frieze. The camera views them from behind, so players don't quite see them yet. They're also accompanied by other Dragons, one of which saying that there's no sign of intelligent life still. The larger Dragon seems annoyed by the news, before sweeping their wings, still blocking the view of them. The Dragons are standing about in the top of the tower, where they see a speck of light zooming forwards. It comes closer to the planet, and suddenly, it's blasted to pieces. At that, the many Dragons consider themselves dismissed, while a Dragon with darker scales stays behind and looks up at the now space debris.
The stranger then turns, players now able to see her being a Dragon with some silvery scales among the darker ones. She makes her way towards the stairs, with players able to see they're now in the Divine Structure they'd spent the last chapter going through. Players now take control of the Dragon, her being able to come down the stairs and step out into the Draconic Gardens. She makes it to the first level, where players are now able to look throughout the divine gardens. Players can go around and talk to various Dragons among the Gardens. However, players are especially prompted to talk with a creature before the doorway outside the tower.
They're a horse-like creature with bluish-white fur, a long, flowing mane, and a long horn, a shape that should be familiar to the player. This is a Kirin. They're also in a set of robes and bear a light bow gun. The kirin greets the Dragon as "Heyel", and remarks that it looks like the dialogue didn't go well. The Dragon tells them that His Majesty didn't even allow room for dialogue. The kirin remarks that His Majesty's patience has only been getting worse and worse. Heyel agrees, remarking that if they keep killing these things off, there will never be room for life to grow. The kirin tells Heyel she'll break through to him sometime, with the Dragon thanking the kirin, referring to them as Bruga.
With that, players are now able to rest in the tower, but are still able to speak around to the various characters. There are some that remark that there haven't been any intelligent life forms outside of the Gardens for millennia. Some remark that they're getting sick of seeing dumb animals fill the sea of existence. Some others may say that His Majesty keeps coming back without so much of a twinge of reaction. Either way, the Dragon can go to rest to continue the story.
----Time passes, and more planets are seen manifesting and either being left or destroyed. Eventually, time focuses on one planet, which the Gardens seems to hover around. Eventually, the camera makes its way to the Gardens themselves, towards the front doors into the castle, where more of those kirin are seen guarding. More Dragons can be seen escorting something forwards, past the lavish fountain out front, and into the central chamber of the castle. In the central chamber are long halls on the ground level, long rows of stairs that lead to upper floors and more halls, and platforms that seem to rise up and down via riding channels of magical energy.
The Dragons escort whoever they're hiding towards one of those platforms, which then leads them upwards. Among the Dragons is the one called Heye, who actually appears to be of a brighter demeanor than she appeared earlier in the sequence. Eventually, the platform reaches its apex, where the Dragons make their way inwards. And once in, they stand in a chamber that's larger than anything in the tower the players had gone through. It is a large chamber that has friezes of the various Dragons about, as well as large statues of several of them, and several unfamiliar. And at the far end is a large throne, occupied by that black-scaled Dragon.
Upon the throne is a massive Dragon with wings that look as if they could span the width of the chamber, and a head with two sets of horns upon its head, and an expression that looks ready to drill a hole into whatever is before them. This is a Fatalis. The massive creature looks over them, before ordering, with barely an emote in his voice, "Speak". The many Dragons tell the Fatalis, addressing him as His Majesty, that after millennia of pining, they've finally found progress in their mission. The many Dragons part, revealing just what they've been escorting.
Within is a rathalos man, a velocidrome woman, a felyne man, a genprey woman, and a pair of kelbi. The lot of them appear bipedal, just like several of the modern day villagers, although they're merely wearing loincloths and other cloth to cover up. The rathalos asks where they are, and the moment words leave his lips, the Fatalis's eyes widen. The velocidrome blinks and remarks that this landscape is too bright, she doesn't know if she'll be able to see again. The Fatalis remarks that this is fantastic: intelligent life has begun to return to the cosmos. He tells several of the Dragons to recheck their notes and make sure that they identify what led to this. He asks Heyel and another Dragon, a blue-green and pink scaled Dragon with the scent of ozone about them, named Amadrin, to stay with him in this chamber. The three of them must consult with this lot about what their existence means for their world.
With that, the many Dragons that'd accompanied the mortals in would leave, leaving the Fatalis, Heyel, Amadrin, and the mortals. The Fatalis approaches the many mortals, them cowering at the larger being. The Fatalis tells them that none of them are in danger. He explains that this realm is known as the Draconic Gardens, realm of the Dragons. The creatures within work to ensure the prosperity of mortals upon the world they've cultivated. And they will make sure that the world they live in becomes better for each of them. This explanation seems to calm the mortals down. The Fatalis says that, before they move forwards with their work, he wonders if they remember when or how they obtained their intelligence.
The various creatures look among themselves, before the felyne says that he doesn't really remember what happened. The rest of the intelligents admit as much, with the genprey noting that they hadn't even realized they were thinking more than other monsters by the time they were making weapons and clothes for themselves. The Fatalis cradles his chin inquisitively, before the Amadrin asks what led to them making their tools and clothes. One of the kelbi explained that several of them were sure they'd be in trouble if they were to be unarmed, so they tried forming things to give them an edge. The rathalos says that he didn't need any weapons, while flexing. The other kelbi says that when they tried making stuff, the environment around them was kind of rough on them, so they tried making themselves stuff to protect them from that stuff.
The Fatalis remarks that those are indeed the marks of some intellect. He tells them that they each have a special mission: any society will require more smart people like them. But to garner people like that, they need to be able to gather other monsters, and help train them in their ways. They'll also need to make sure their society is protected from whatever may threaten them. He tells them that they will not be alone in their mission, however. He motions towards Heyel and Amadrin, and says that the two of these, Sir Amadrin and Lady Heyel, will help them make their world. The Dragons both nod, and the mortals ask if the Fatalis is sure they can do this. He says that they can... because they have to.
With that, he dismisses those present, and Heyel and Amadrin begin to lead the mortals out. They make their way to the edge of the Draconic Gardens, where a rainbow bridge connects this realm to the world below. They thus begin to go down it, the two Dragons hanging behind the group. Heyel remarks that this is great news, actual intelligent life. The Amadrin agrees, but still says they should be on guard. Heyel asks what he means, to which he explains that His Majesty was in a severe frustration before now. He's sure that His Majesty will be watching this project in case of any slight error. The lady supposes he's right. She says that they'll just have to be as great a pair of Dragons as they possibly can. With that, time skips again.
-----Centuries pass, and small villages can be seen being formed around the touchdown point of the rainbow bridge, north of the snow-covered mountains of the mainland. Temples can be seen erected along the north ridge of the mainland. From on high the Dragons look upon, and several other Dragons can be heard talking about how they're finally starting to migrate around the mountains. Heyel can also be seen walking around the Gardens, her accompanied by Bruga. The Kirin remarks that the mortals' tool crafting has gone better and better, though the Dragon remarks that such crafting has made it harder to develop their global society.
The duo walk more, with Heyel remarking that His Majesty has been tempted to raze the monster population that inhibits them. Bruga ponders if they should do something about those foes, but the Dragon explains that a society that relies on Dragons as a backbone is doomed to stagnation at best. Still, she remarks that creatures like these aren't the likes of which mortals should have to deal with... As they ponder, the duo come upon Amadrin, who greets them. He asks if they heard about the movements of the mortals, the two of them nodding. She says that this sort of thing should calm His Majesty down.
Amadrin furrows his brow and nervously pats the ground. He says that he did want to talk with them a little on that... He swears that he feels this strange energy from His Majesty. And one of their Dragons have been led in earlier, and His Majesty's quarters have been shut since. He sort of wanted to ask her if she would come help him investigate. Bruga asks him if he really plans to invade His Majesty's privacy like that, though Heyel says that he might have a point. His Majesty has been exceptionally dark since they struggled to get intelligent life. She sort of wants to make sure that he's genuinely doing better.
Bruga shudders in worry, and says that they don't want anything to do with this, to which Amadrin says that the two of them should be more than capable of dealing with this. Heyel nods, and tells the Kirin that if anything happens... to not touch her art pieces. The kirin assures her that no harm will come to them. Players are allowed a moment to walk around the Gardens before advancing to the castle, allowing them to learn about how the Dragons helped them form the stones to make those temples and about how the mortals have festivals to worship the Dragons. Eventually, the two Dragons make their way through the Gardens and closer towards the main castle, where they can see several Dragons and kirin about protecting the courtyard.
Players control Heyel as she tries to figure out a way in. Amadrin will point out that the fountain in front of the castle calls for a water system, as a hint for players. If players explore more, they should be able to find channels around the courtyard that allow water to run through underneath the courtyard to reach the fountain. The duo thus makes their way through the channels, before finding routes that lead deeper into the castle. They sneak more and more, before soon ending up in one of the lower levels of the castle. Amadrin points out that they can't risk going up the platforms. Thus, they opt to use their wings to ascend.
As they attempt to ascend the shafts, they can hear some shouting towards one of the floors. They come to the hall in question, it marked with a heart above it that has sprinkles of Restoration magic about it, marking it as the Medical Wing. They come closer and closer, where they can spy the wings of His Majesty. They come closer, and can hear a man Dragon crying as the Fatalis shouts at him to think harder. He tells him nothing happened, though the Fatalis brings out a cloth stained in red blood. He shouts that this isn't nothing! He angrily hurls the cloth away and tells him that they've been carving for hours, and that mortal blood is still coming! The two Dragons sneaking about look at each other in confusion, before looking down the hall again.
They see a yellow scaled dragon with bandages over his wrists, the individual looking as if he'd been crying for hours. His Majesty approaches a corner of the Medical Hall, where he hands a blade over to the yellow dragon. He tells him to strike him. The latter looks up in confusion, and asks what he's demanding. He tells him again to strike while he holds an arm out. The yellow dragon hesitates again, but another look from His Majesty commands him to do so. He thusly swings, managing to draw blood. Rainbow blood. His Majesty tells the dragon that this is nothing. This is what divinity is! He asks him what he's doing without it! The yellow dragon swears he doesn't know.
The Fatalis paces around, and tells the dragon that until he figures something out, he will not be out in public. The yellow dragon asks what this means for him, to which the Fatalis says that they won't know until he figures something out. He thusly makes his way to the exit of the Medical Hall, forcing the Dragon duo to flee. They make it to the waterways, where Heyel asks what's going on. Amadrin shakes his head, saying that that sort of thing makes no sense. Losing divine blood like that... He can't even believe if a thing like that is possible.
Amadrin asks what they should do, though Heyel says she can't be sure. Something like this is beyond even their expertise. She wouldn't be surprised if news like this would thrust the Gardens into chaos, so she doesn't think spreading word of this would be good. It's not like they can tell that guy they were spying on him, so they can't approach him. Amadrin says that they can't just sit idly by. There's a pause between the two, before Heyel eventually decides that they need to wait for a moment where His Majesty can't hide this. They should find a moment where he can be more easily approached, to which the blue-green Dragon supposes that's their best bet. With this unsettling news in mind, they thus make their way home.
----Many more years pass, and the mortals have made their way past the mountain and into the mainland. Villages are starting to form among the various biomes, attracting the attention of many of the residents of the Draconic Gardens. Heyel, meanwhile, appears indifferent to the celebrations. She is seen marching about her tower, brow furrowed. As she does, Bruga comes in from outside, and says that the mortal civilizations are getting bigger and more varied. They ask her if she's seen them yet, to which she says that she had a glance for a moment. But she's worried right now.
Bruga asks her what's wrong, to which she says that she heard some Dragons talking about how their kin have gone missing. The kirin asks if that's the case, then why aren't people more worried about that. The Dragoness answers that she doesn't know, but she points out that they've stood over this planet for thousands of years, and there's been very little sign of other younger Dragons. Her guard supposes that that is strange... They then ask if Amadrin's talked to her about this at all. She says that he's shared her fears with her, though the two of them don't want to put too much attention on themselves, so they're trying to keep somewhat distant.
Bruga steps out for a moment as they realize that they can't really talk her out of this. They step out for a moment, before pausing and telling Heyel to come closer. Curious, she does, and she sees Amadrin making his around the crowd and towards the castle. She asks if that maniac is going to confront His Majesty about this concern. Bruga asks her what they should do, to which she says that she going to get to him, asap. Bruga offers to follow her, and Heyel gives it a moment of contemplation. She tells them to be careful. Thus, they begin to race after Amadrin.
They get closer and closer, soon making it to the courtyard, though they find that Amadrin is nowhere to be found. Bruga asks if he's already gotten in the castle, to which Heyel looks towards the waterways. She tells Bruga to keep close to her, and thus begins to sneak through it. They progress through the annals of the castle, before soon making to where she and Amadrin showed up before. Within, she looks around, where she takes notice of a group of Dragons traversing some of the elevator platforms. Players may notice this group of Dragons looking identical to the group that'd dropped Oxaa off at the village at the start of the game.
Curious, she and Bruga follows them, leading them up a few floors and to one of the halls, where there's a distinct lack of guards. There, the group of Dragons head in, Heyel and Bruga coming in closer and hiding by the doorway. They look in, this room being a study with large shelves of books. And towards the very edge of the room, the Fatalis can be seen searching through books. The Dragons that entered the room speak up to get his attention. His Majesty turns, and sees the group. They all seem nervous, and the lead of the group, a red-scaled Dragon, holds his arms towards the Fatalis. The duo by the doorway looks inwards, where they can see the group is offering His Majesty... a hatchling?
His Majesty takes up the child, wordlessly prompting the group to back away. The Fatalis sniffs the hatchling for a moment, before bringing a claw down and gingerly drawing a claw over its cheek. He manages to draw a thin line of blood, and this drop... is red. His Majesty glowers before handing the hatchling off to the red-scaled Dragon. He tells him, referring to him as Irabu, to put this one with "its kind". The group somberly nods, before they begin to head out. Bruga and Heyel look towards each other in worry, and the Dragoness seems ready to step forwards to ask something. However, a familiar voice from on high asks out loud what exactly that means.
The Dragons present turn to face the source of the voice, Amadrin atop one of the shelves. He asks His Majesty if this is what's been becoming of the hatchlings, and just where are they going from here. The Fatalis tells Amadrin that this doesn't concern him. The latter, however, says that one of his own hatchlings went missing, this is absolutely his concern. He hops down from the shelf to get himself closer to the trio of Dragons. He interrogates them as well and remarks that if His Majesty won't talk, he demands that the three of them explain where they're taking this guy. Irabu swears it's not as bad as it is. They're just going down to live like mortals, that's all! The blue-green Dragon is only more confused, and asks what that means.
His Majesty finally explains that the Forces that've bound their universe have been torn asunder. Intelligence has become rarer and rarer in their time, and now it seems even divinity is approaching its limit among them. His Majesty sets the book in its bookcase, and remarks that the Gardens isn't a place for those not touched by divinity. Amadrin, however, swears that these are their children. They have a right to say that they belong here, with them! It shouldn't be on him to say, but His Majesty tells the blue-green Dragon that he is out of line. He fought off those invaders, He sutured the Forces together as best he could, He had to build the universe back from threads! All the while Elder Dragons like Amadrin sat back in the Gardens and licked their wounds!
There's an uncomfortable silence among the study, Heyel narrowing her gaze and trying to inch closer. Meanwhile, His Majesty tells Amadrin that he's been patient with those mortals' failings for years, and all he's been repaid with is their reeking blood reaching the Gardens. He's merely setting things right while he's figuring out how to prevent this mistake. Amadrin repeats the word "Mistake?", clearly thinking of his own child. The Fatalis tells Amadrin to just do what he's good at, and sit back while He does all the work. Thus, he motions for the trio to continue onwards. The blue-green Dragon, meanwhile, suddenly grits his teeth as he rears back and lunges towards His Majesty, ramming a fist into his chest hard enough to produce a shockwave that knocks some nearby tables away.
There's a pause among all in the group, His Majesty merely glaring down at the impact with more disgust than anything else. He turns his head towards Amadrin, who looks positively steamed with rage. Then, with blinding speed, His Majesty rams his fist into Amadrin's stomach to hurl him skywards. At this, Heyel now feels prompted to rush in, dashing towards His Majesty who's trying to rush up towards the skyward Dragon. She rams into his side to tackle him against the other wall, though the latter is able to kick her off of him. Her and Amadrin touch down by each other, the former asking the latter what he thinks he's doing. He says that he's doing the right thing. He tells her to stop those three, that he'll hold this guy off. But she tells him that there's no way he can battle His Majesty alone! He tells her that this is personal.
Heyel turns and sees the trio rushing, before seeing Bruga looking towards her confused. She grits her teeth before rushing after Irabu and his colleagues, soon followed by the kirin. They race after the three, Heyel only faltering as she hears the sound of battle sound out behind her. Still, she takes a deep breath, and rushes after the foes. She and Bruga would race through the halls, though Heyel's focus isn't at a hundred percent. They go down halls that lead downwards, Bruga occasionally taking potshots at the Dragons, with one of them trying to similarly take shots at the duo.
The black-scaled one shields through one blow, before conjuring a magical barrier that's able to repel a few of the oncoming blasts. The duo is forced to stay back to try and avoid their own attacks, and try to race forwards more. The hall they're in eventually makes it down to an opening in the bottom of the Gardens. The three Dragons then fly downwards, Bruga stopping at the edge, not wanting to risk attacking them while they have the hatchling. Heyel then flies downwards to try and chase after them. Though as she does, she's interrupted as she hears a loud explosion coming from the Gardens.
Worried, she flies up to try and investigate the source, where she makes it up to the skies of the Gardens. And there, she can see the entrance of the castle has blown open, and she can see the rapid image of His Majesty and Amadrin fighting. Heyel tries to race down, though with one more powerful strike, the Fatalis has hurled Amadrin to the ground, the latter bleeding profusely. His Majesty is scuffed up a little and approaches, glaring at the foe. Several other Dragons have gathered around to observe just what's happened. While Amadrin is huffing and puffing, His Majesty is more than able to explain how this man's made an attempt on his life.
He grabs Amadrin by the back of his head, and says that this Dragon has proven himself a foe to His will. As he addresses the crowd, Heyel will have fired a beam of Pure magic at his back in hopes of stopping him from doing anything more to the rebel. This gets much of the crowd's horrified attention, as grants the Fatalis an opportunity. He tells the Dragons that Heyel has joined in his treachery. And thus, he shall rid the Gardens of both of them. Thus, as he takes another shot, he suddenly delivers a blast towards Amadrin, Pure energy hurling him from the plaza and far off of the Gardens. Heyel is horrified at the scene and soon lands, stumbling forwards and looking on in horror as he vanishes towards the horizon.
However, she's hardly given the chance to digest the scene before she's struck by a powerful kick from His Majesty. She's hurled from the courtyard and towards the towers, soon followed by His Majesty coming closer. The two attempt to fight more and more, and while she's able to lay more blows upon the Fatalis, he's more than able to outmatch her. He's soon able to drive her into her own tower, before he himself plants his feet on the ground. His belly lights up with Pure magic as he rears his head back and focuses on the gravely injured Dragoness.
He ushers forwards a powerful, rainbow blast that scrapes through the road below and rams into Heyel full force. The intensity of the magic blast is enough to tear the tower from the Gardens. Heyel suffers through it until the beam powers off. Heyel herself has been gravely disfigured, resembling more of her modern self. She can feel the gravity pull the tower downwards, and can only look up at His Majesty, glaring down at her before turning and approaching the rest of the Gardens. The Dragoness, meanwhile, is left to sit their and think about just what His Majesty could be doing now. And those thoughts continue to plague her as the tower enters terminal velocity...
----The flashback soon ends, with Heyel explaining that after her battle with His Majesty, Vogish, she could only try desperately to heal herself up while the tower fell towards the planet. It eventually touched down, the impact knocking her out. Her divine body would try to suture herself up while she rested, but she was never able to completely undo the damage Vogish's attack had dealt to her. Even her powers had taken a toll from the assault. Once she felt good enough to walk, she'd try to cover up her unsightly form and went out to try and gauge just where she was. She'd soon come upon village and village and...
She'd find dragons, the likes of which should've been allowed to rest at home, at the Gardens. And she'd find several of them... used in horrible fashions... As she looked over them, she'd eventually realize that she had her chance to prevent this. She could've done what Amadrin asked her to and stopped those three, but she didn't. Now, not only are more of those people being treated as less than people, for all she knows, Vogish could be using their rebellion against him to bolster himself. Once the depth of her failure hit her, she felt the only thing she could do was remain in the tower and waste away, knowing for the remainder of her life that His Majesty is continuing with this.
The party is stunned, silent. The lot of them struggle to find a thing to say, before Enani eventually says that he can understand wanting to disappear after something like that. Roushg says that he can't believe among the highest of the Dragons would stoop to something like that. Estu, meanwhile, can notice Oxaa appears to be steaming. The canyne asks him if he'd like to speak, to which the Rathalos remarks that this is complete garbage. He says that the Dragons are supposed to help guide them, to help grow them into as great a life as possible! How are they supposed to guide them if they're just dumping their own kind like trash!
Egra tries to tell him to calm down, but Heyel tells her that his anger is justified. She remembers how much she screamed and shouted within her tower. She says, however, that there's no way they can do anything. Vogish is too powerful for any living being to take on, but Oxaa says that that doesn't mean they can sit back and let him go on with this. They need to find some way to stop him! Cait stands up and says that he's right; this guy's doing nothing but damage! He needs to be taught a lesson! Hearta agrees with the both of them. They've met a lot of people that've been mistreated by his wretched rule, and they need to do right by them! Enani agrees that if they can hurt the guy that got them all in trouble like this, then he's more than happy to destroy him.
Egra, Estu, Roushg, and Heyel each seem perturbed. Estu asks him if he's sure about this. They're talking about someone that's apparently able to reshape the universe. Oxaa tells the canyne that they've been working together, facing the odds, up until now. He thinks that they need to work together more and defeat the guy responsible for their suffering. Estu says that he's working with him to keep him safe, and this sounds like the exact opposite of safe. Roushg agrees: he has family to worry about over here, and he couldn't possibly imagine himself putting them in danger. But one of his brothers insist that Oxaa's helped the lot of them out so far, don't they owe this to him? There's a fair bit of argument amongst the party, when Egra raises her voice to get everyone's attention.
There's a lot of high emotions right now, and it's easy for them to say something wrong. She says that right now, what they all need to do is step back and relax their mind. They will take the information gathered here, and decide what to do with it at a later date. The various party members mull over this, before eventually deciding that she's right. Cait asks Heyel if it'll be alright for anyone to rest in here, to which the nakarkos answers that she won't use her magic, but she can't imagine resting in here to be pleasant at the moment. Egra supposes that working to make this place more livable could be a good diversion from the current question. First, though, it's time to rest. With that, the various party members make their way elsewhere to sleep.
;Jusis 22nd
The next day, everyone wakes up, and Oxaa can't help but be deep in contemplation over what they heard the other day. He is residing in his room and mulling over that Vogish character, thinking about how that guy needs to be felled. However, he's also thinking about the other peoples' warnings, about how powerful this guy could be. He does have to admit that they'll have to go through a lot of stuff to take that guy on, but they do have to do it. But he wonders what they could do to stand up to that... He decides he isn't going to do any convincing until he gets out of bed. So, he heads to the main village.
He's out, and he can see the various party members out and about. Players are allowed a moment to speak to the various party members and get a read on whatever they're thinking.
*Inside the tower is Egra and Enani, the latter of which is off in a corner. When asked about Heyel, the lagombi will answer that she's staying up at the top of the tower while she's working on cleaning up in here. Enani complains that his private little corner is going to get noisier, though the Hunter points out that opening this place up would be an overall boon to the village. After mulling over this, Oxaa thinks to ask the two about that guy, Vogish. Enani says that he's already gearing up to take care of that guy, but Egra tells him to think logically. She says that she'd love to give that guy a piece of her mind too, but if they try and confront him as they are, they'll be atomized. At that, the rathlos asks if she'd be willing to face him if they were better equipped, to which she sighs and says that if there was a better chance of victory, she thinks that she could stand up to that thing. But for now, they've got to worry about the tower.
*Oxaa can see inside his own house, and find Estu meditating in his own room. The rathalos can talk to him, and ask him about how he's doing. One of the canyne's ears twitch, though he still tries to keep his wits about. Realizing he isn't talking, Oxaa decides to sit next to him. He says that he knows this is stressful, but he can't just shut that stuff out and wait for it to pass. Estu simply replies "Watch me". Oxaa sighs, and says that he wants to make things better for people like him. And as long as that guy keeps on threatening them, things won't be better for people like him. Estu remarks that he's always been too headstrong for his own good. He asks him if there's anything he can do to talk him out of doing this, to which Oxaa simply shakes his head. Estu sighs, and says that he'll have to think more on this.
*Out near the town where the various "fallen" are, players can find Hearta, Cait, and Roushg hanging out near the edge of it, looking over the residents as well as some of the guards about. When Oxaa finds them, he greets them, prompting the lot to wave back. Oxaa remarks that the village's gotten calmer as of late, to which one of Roushg's siblings remarks that it does feel like there's a lot less pressure in the atmosphere. However, it feels as though there's something among the lot of them... Hearta says that they have a lot to tend to if they're going to keep the village in good health. One of the siblings ask if they're also thinking about the thing with that Dragon, to which Oxaa says "Yes" at the same time Roushg answers "No". The Great Jaggi says that they've already put their lives on the line too many times now, and things are finally cooling down in this village. Why would he want to mess that up by battling the creator? Oxaa says that the creator is doing terrible things to people like him, people like Hearta, he can't just let that go on. Hearta and Cait agree, with Hearta saying that she knows it's scary, but that if they just show fear to guys like that, they'll just continue to do as they wish. The Felyne says that Hunters are all about braving the scary bits and making things better for people, and he's willing to work on that! Roushg looks towards his own siblings, before sighing, and tells the three of them that they have more than those other "fallen" to consider...
After speaking with the various party members, Oxaa concludes that it looks like everyone's still in disagreement. He thinks that if they can get some good equipment against these guys, then there's a chance that they could go up against that guy, and get everyone else on their side. The Hunters are probably going to be too focused cleaning up the tower... Then, he thinks about Mok. That guy would surely be on his side, he figures. So, he decides to go over to the residential area, where he finds a part towards the edge. He can see the barioth swinging a blade around, trying to train himself.
Oxaa greets him, getting the dragon's attention. He asks what he's doing, to which the barioth says that he sort of feels like he needs to improve himself, just in case they bump into more guys like those that felt like fighting them. The rathalos says that while he appreciates the idea, this is ultimately a place where people like him shouldn't feel the need to fight. He does remark that in a perfect world they woudln't have to, but this isn't one unfortunately. Hearing that, Oxaa says that they had a previous conversation with the entity in the tower. This causes the fanged dragon to perk up, and he asks what happened.
There's a quick fade as Oxaa recites the story, with Mok remarking that that's all terrible. Oxaa agrees, and tells him that he would love to give His Majesty what he deserves, but... he admits that the rest of the crew isn't as gung ho. Mok asks if he means to say they're ok with it, but the rathalos says it's more complicated than that. This is a powerful beast, and none of them are confident they can do anything to him. Mok does suppose they have a point there... Someone like Vogish... his power sounds incomprehensible... Oxaa says that it's still no excuse to just let that guy do whatever he wants. He'd like to be able to bring the fight to that guy and destroy him.
Mok agrees. He then mulls over this, thinking about if there is anything that could take on His Majesty... He perks up, and says that Oxaa's story reminded him, a lot of people in the mountains wanted to progress northwards, but their attempts were met with harsh terrain and monsters. And if that lady's story is to be believed, then shouldn't there be some colony made by the Dragons north of them? Oxaa remarks that he's right. If they can find a way over there, then maybe they'll uncover something more powerful than their equipment! Mok agrees, though wonders how they'll make it over there. Oxaa says that that he doesn't know. He'll try to find something out. Though, with that, it's gotten late and it's time for everyone to rest.
;Jusis 23rd
The group wakes again, and when they do, they find that a lot of the Hunters have made their way to the tower. Apparently, Egra's asked the lot of them to work together to clean up more of this area. As the party looks over the various workers working, with Oxaa asking what they each think they can do with this place. Hearta suggests it could be good for additional housing, Roushg agreeing. Cait remarks it could be a good place for storage. Estu suggests that it could be used for a multitude of things. Enani just wonders what he's going to do now that his sleeping space is getting renovated, to which Roushg supposes he can find some other dark corner easily enough.
The great jaggi asks Cait if that old lady is still in the tower. Before the felyne can answer, Enani says that he didn't see her come down at any point. Oxaa supposes that for now, they can't exactly do anything, earning affirmations from the rest of the present group. Hearta asks what about the thing they were talking about previously, though the rathalos says that they'll have to talk about that later. For now, though, it seems like they just have to do their own thing.
Jusis 23rd - 25th
With that, players now have free time. During this time, they'll see that Mok is missing. Other than that, players will wait for the tower to eventually open up.
On the night of the 25th, the group returns to the tower, where several Hunters are out. They report that they've made the building more accessible. Egra remarks that that's great news, and says that they've gotta check it out. Thus, the party makes their way in, where they can see a fair amount of the dust that once caked the area is gone, that several of the roots that pierced into the building are pruned away, and the collapsed stone that'd blocked much of the passages is removed. Wooden scaffolding is used to allow traversal over broken parts of the stairs, and several damaged features of the old building are still here.
Egra remarks that it's still a bit of a fixxer upper, but this is certainly more presentable. Cait supposes that this will be another thing to put on the to do list. He also thinks to ask what they should do now. The lagombi says that the village could still use more repair here and there. Other than that, they should probably continue doing what they have been doing, and take in more of those dragons. Oxaa seems ready to speak up, but Oxaa says that they work for the village first. She promises one day, they'll deal with... that thing...
Jusis 26th
On the next day, the party wakes again. And when they do, they hear some noises from the edge of their village. Confused, they decide to go check it out. And once they get there, they can find a pair of felynes wheeling over a familiar barioth. The group is horrified and goes to investigate, Egra asking them what happened. One of the felynes say that they saw this guy's fire on the edge of the mountain line. Turns out he went to that edge around the northern flatlands behind the mountains, and comment that it looked like he'd just come out of it barely clinging to life. Hearta is quick to heal him, though one of the felynes say that they've already tried patching him up the best they can. Whatever he fought left powerful wounds, right now all they can do is let him rest.
They begin to transfer him to one of the tents, and Cait can't help but wonder what he was even doing back there. Oxaa asks what he means, to which the felyne answers that legends passed through the Hunters tell that the land north of the mountains have been deemed too dangerous to rest in. That site was where the Draconic Gardens is said to rest over, and as such is the site of plentiful magical energies. It's said that monsters in the area had absorbed some of that and had risen in power, to the point that any village in the general area would be quickly stormed. He'd think that one of those mountain villages would be able to pass that village to him, though Roushg can only assume that they probably wouldn't have cared less about his safety if he really was treated like a slave over there.
The rathalos watches as he's put in one of the medical tents, and he can't help but feel guilty. He's sure that that guy did this in response to their conversation about Vogish earlier. He can't help but wonder if there really is no chance of getting in there, if they just have to accept that it's too hard to fix this world... As he mulls this over, he turns towards the party, and asks if they should go investigate. Estu asks what he means, to which Oxaa says that they should avenge that guy. Or at the very least make sure that the creature that did this can't harm another person. Roushg remarks that it sounds like there's a good reason why people avoid that place. Mok came back here only just alive, though Oxaa points out that he wasn't a trained warrior. The lot of them should be able to work together and at least come out of the encounter better.
Egra, however, says that that is a very hazardous area. While there is the chance of harvesting powerful material from over there, the danger outweighs the gain. They presently don't have reason to go anywhere close to that sector, and so she won't permit an operation over there. Oxaa seems to want to argue the point, but Estu tells him that they're certainly not the weaklings they were before. But they mustn't push themselves too thin if they don't need to. Enani says that he tried to go down the mountain over there when he ran from his debtors, and he was frankly lucky to've gotten out of there alive. He doesn't like following the crowd, but he says that they all have a point.
Oxaa realizes that he's pretty much unanimously voted against. He sighs and says "Fine". Feeling like the conversation is over, the party thusly disbands, a few going to check on Mok while others go about to do other business. Oxaa, meanwhile, stands there and looks northwards. He knows that what may be their only chance to stand up against that maniac Vogish is back there, but once again everyone's too scared. He knows that if anything is to change anytime soon, they need to at least try. But he wonders how he can get them to even try... He looks towards the tip of the tower, and realizes there is someone they haven't talked to...
---
Oxaa makes his way up the tower, where he can see several Hunters moving various items into rooms of the building, be they weapons, provisions, and what look like building materials. He heads up more and more, finding the scaffolding about to be quite firm for him. He walks more and more, and soon makes it to the top of the tower. He'd try to open the trapdoor that led up to the garden, but would find it wouldn't budge. He'd try to push it more and more, but again, it wouldn't move. He'd try to lean against it, and ask for Heyel. He'd say that he was hoping to chat with her. He'd hear a voice on the other side saying that she still wishes to remain up here. Oxaa says he didn't necessarily wish to talk about getting her out of here yet.
Heyel is curious, and decides to open up the trap door. Oxaa would make his way up it, back into that garden in the tower. Heyel was nearby, and would ask him what he wishes to talk about. Oxaa says that he was thinking about the previous story. He says that a lot of the group is unsure about how to advance with that information. Heyel asks what he means "advance", to which he says that... he wants to teach Vogish a lesson. The elder Dragon says that she does too, but unfortunately, life isn't about "want". It's about what is. Oxaa says that they can choose what life can be, to which Heyel motions for him to come deeper in. The rathalos follows, and Heyel sits on the throne while Oxaa stands in front of her.
She says that she knows things aren't good for people like him, and she would love if they weren't as they are. But unfortunately, it takes power to change. And it just so happens that Vogish has a lot of it. She's sure that if the rest of his friends were more confident they would join him in battling that monster, but they all probably recognize the gulf between them and him. Oxaa says that they don't all have to be less powerful. He's sure that if they see that they can get the means to battle him, they would go into battle as soon as possible. The nakarkos supposes he's right, and asks him how he plans to do so. He says that they were going to go north of the mountains, prompting a curious yet judgmental look from the elder. He'd double back, and say that a friend of his tried looking for a path, but they realized deadly monsters would prevent them from going forwards.
Heyel says that she appreciates his ambition, and his want for betterment. But she says that he isn't going to get anywhere if he tries to race to his destination. She says that it sounds like he's treating this as a battle he needs to win tomorrow, but it was precisely that sort of haste that'd lead to such a devastating failure back in the Gardens. Oxaa sighs, and says that he just can't sit calmly knowing that that guy's just subjecting more people like him to be ostracized on this planet. The Elder gives pause, before deciding to ask if he's always felt the need to be so heroic. The rathalos asks her what she means, to which she says that she feels as though he's been this way for a while, rushing for betterment. She wonders how long he's felt the need to race like this.
Oxaa pauses, before giving a deep breath. He says that while he grew up, he always knew he didn't totally belong. There was no one in the village like him, and there were always people that looked at him like an outsider. There were still some people that treated him well, but he never truly felt like he was supposed to be there. Since he started to build up muscle, he thought that maybe if he tried to be strong and heroic like the Hunters in their village, that people would look up to him. Heyel would take a moment to absorb all of that information. She supposes she supposes that the two of them could use some aid.
She says that she might want to step out. Oxaa perks up, and says that that's great news, he'll tell everyone, though she says that she doesn't want to broadcast that yet. She does think she wants to help him, but she's still not comfortable about facing the world. The rathalos thus asks why she'd like to be with him, at which she says she likes the heart he offers. Plus, she does feel like she owes it to him to help cultivate his skills. The man would be grateful to the offer. He asks when they can start, to which she says she thinks she can start tomorrow. He says that he'll meet her here tomorrow, and then they can do stuff.
Jusis 27th
Once more, a normal day comes along, Egra speaking with the various Hunters about making sure the tower is in good condition while the rest of the group is doing whatever other things interest them. Oxaa, meanwhile, makes his way to the tower. He goes up and up, soon reaching the garden at the top of it. There, he finds that nakarkos yet again. He asks if her she still wishes to do this, and, though she pauses at first, she admits that she'd like to try. She gets up on her feet, and asks the red-scaled warrior to lead her. Thus, Oxaa would lead her out of the tower...
---
Outside, the duo makes their way out of the village and towards a set of woods near it. Once settled in, Heyel brings up and checks her bow, while Oxaa looks around their general location. He asks her if she can conjure up more of those strange things she'd used to guard the tower before, to which she says that her previous injury had made it harder for her to maintain her magic. She can bring up beings like those with a lot of concentration. Oxaa seems a little disappointed, though says that they can still make the most of this. Thus, he brings up his axe while Heyel draws the string of her bow.
They exchange a few blows, Heyel relying on Oxaa to come in first for attacks. She does tend to take a fair few strikes, but she also tends to evade his blows and utilizes magics to either blind him or stun him in place. Oxaa will soon find himself overwhelmed and knocked down. The nakarkos stows away her own bow, and helps the warrior to his feet. Oxaa remarks that it's a good thing the rest of the party worked together back then. Heyel says that she too realized she has to get used to actually moving this body. She definitely sees some of his devil-may-care attitude in his fighting style. Oxaa asks what she means, to which she points out that he's still rushing into things.
The rathalos says that he's supposed to be all heroic and junk, isn't he? Heyel shakes her head, though admits he is almost endearing. She says that she hopes that this can show him that his method won't always work. Oxaa sighs and says that he doesn't know what else to do. Heyel is quiet, and the rathalos continues on to explain that no one believes they have a chance, everyone's content hiding. Even she isn't certain that they can really go up against him. So, he just wants to show them that they have a chance, that they have to at least try soon. He knows that they say they need a better opportunity, but what does that even look like? If it's not the land north of the mountains, then where are they supposed to go?
Heyel gives a sigh, before remarking that she's not really the person that can answer that. She failed, after all. Oxaa sighs... He wonders how the two of them are supposed to move on. Heyel looks towards her own worn down body. She supposes that the two of them are going to need to do something drastic if they're going to get out of this rut. Oxaa says that if they want drastic... He looks towards the mountains, and says that taking down just one of those monsters sounds drastic. Heyel can't help but smirk a little, and says that she should probably prepare herself. The rathalos is surprised at her wanting to, to which she explains that they probably sound tough. But she wonders if they're as tough as two dragons. The two share a smirk.
Heyel says that she's going to head to her tower and make sure she's prepared for tomorrow's trip. Oxaa thanks her, and will come see her tomorrow. With that, the duo heads back to the village, where Oxaa is free to do night activities. Among which includes being able to donate to efforts to cleaning up the tower, as well as gathering side quests and/or hanging out with allies.
Jusis 28th
Sun comes upon the village yet again, with Oxaa slinking through the streets once more. He makes it to tower and to the garden on top of it, where Heyel is waiting. She asks the rathalos if he's sure about this, to which the warrior nods. He says that they need to take down at least one monster by the end of today. She nods and takes up her bow. She says that she's about as ready as she think she'll be. With that, the duo makes their way out. Players are tasked with leaving the village, and heading north, towards the trail that wraps northwards around the mountain. And when they get close enough, a cutscene will trigger.
The duo presses forwards, the rathalos seeming a bit nervous. Heyel asks if he feels a little under-equipped, to which he says that he's not really used to being on his own like this. Heyel understands the hesitation in that regard. However, she does say that a lot of leadership requires the leader to know when to show their emotion and when not to. Oxaa asks what she means, to which she points out that if he can't feel confident in his actions at the moment, how can he expect the people behind him to be confident in them. Especially given the scope they're up against, he needs to learn to dip into that well of courage in himself. He remarks that that's a lot easier when he's just going up against bugs.
As they mull over this, Heyel extends an arm to get Oxaa to stop. He looks towards her confused, before she picks up more noise. She pulls the rathalos away, managing to evade a hurled boulder. They look towards the source, up the trail going upwards and northwards. And up there, they can see a ginormous monster. It was covered in scales, with thick spikes running along its back and tail. It stood on two legs and boasted short arms. By far the most threatening part of it was the giant jaws that look like they could crush a normal Hunter's head and abdomen, and a faint rainbow aura coming from it. Oxaa ponders if this thing could've been the guy that hurt Mok, to which Heyel says whatever it is, they need to beat it to show that they can advance through this trail.
With that, players are thrust into a battle with the Radioactive Deviljho. The foe boasts some terrifying Strength and decent endurance, and can use Earth magic, which proves to be dangerous for Heyel. In addition, the foe can cast Ominous Wind to increase the chance of ailments landing. The foe will attempt to land poison, but this also works for the party. Oxaa should have access to Poison magic by now. Players also get to learn about Heyel, where they learn she can also use various ailments, the likes of which not only can make things harder for the foe, but also expose it to additional damage. In addition, she has Pure magic, which means she can ignore elemental alignments. Part way through, the foe will spend a turn to prepare a powerful Pure attack, which players will likely need to defend against. Either way, with smart moves, players should be able to take out the monster's health.
The foe is felled, and the duo is left huffing and puffing. They each sheathe their weapons, Heyel remarking that he did well. He says that it was nothing compared to her. She supposes that she's still not totally used to how limited she's been with her injury... Either way, they've done what they came here to do, so she supposes that their next bet is to show the people back home that they took out one of the creatures in their way. Oxaa nods, and goes to pick it up. He struggles, however. Heyel goes around to the back of the creature and helps to hoist it up. With that, the duo makes their way back to the village...
----The duo soon makes it back, several of the villagers there seeing the pair approach. When Heyel realizes she's been noticed, she steps away from the monster they'd slain, giving Oxaa more weight to have to deal with. He struggles with it more and more, but is still eventually able to get the Deviljho past the village border. The many villagers make their way around, soon followed by the other party members. Estu asks him if he seriously went after one of these creatures on his own, though he tells him that Heyel was there to help him. She must've went back to her tower. Egra looks over the creature he dragged in, and asks where he found a creature like this.
Oxaa explains that he and Heyel traveled to that trail reaching around the mountains. He says that the two of them worked together, and were able to fell this beast! Hearta remarks that that was exceptionally dangerous, but Oxaa says that people like them work beyond safety! Hunters have to put their necks on the line all the time to make safe homes for the common person, and that includes the Fallen here, and the Fallen that that King up there is going to subject to stuff like this! He says that a lot of people have been intimidated by the creatures up there, but now they've stricken one of them down! They have the power to go up there, and get the resources necessary to challenge that maniac!
The various party members look among each other, before Cait decides to step forwards. The other party members get surprised as Egra steps forwards, her supposing that he's not gonna be able to sit idly by unless they're working towards this. She admits that she's still not certain of their ability to go through this trail, she does suppose they should at least try to make sure they can stand up to that guy. Soon, Hearta and Estu step forwards, soon joined by Enani. Hearta remarks that his courage is remarkable, and Estu saying that that kind of courage is why he needs his brother around. Enani says that a part of him's itching to give that Vogish a scratch. They look towards Roushg, who rolls his eyes and supposes that it's at least nice to have a cause. He just hopes that they know what they're doing.
With that, Egra supposes that they now have a new mission: Get through the trail and to the site of the village that was at the base of the bridge to the Draconic Gardens. It's probably going to be really challenging for them, but they are creatures they can destroy. She says that this is going to be one of their most dangerous missions yet, but they might be able to do it if they all work together. She also says that Heyel can definitely provide them a great boon. She'll try and talk with her again, and suggests that they should only start going out once they're sure she's willing to work with them. For now, though, it's time to rest.
Jusis 29th - Iuli 6th
With the mission now declared, the party is able to meet up in preparation for the trip forwards. Enani remarks that Heyel apparently helped Oxaa with that previous kill, so where is she now? Oxaa assumes that she's still hiding away in that tower. He thinks that if they talk to her now they should be able to get her to work with them. Egra suggests that he takes the lead, with the rathalos nodding. Thus, the group makes their way up, it still looking like it could use more work. Eventually, they make it to the top, with Oxaa knocking the trapdoor into it. Heyel asks who it is, to which Oxaa says that the party is making their way out. They're going to go to that trail they checked out previously, and they're going to reach that abandoned location.
Oxaa explains the situation, and the nakarkos remarks that he's done some great work. She can only wish him luck, but Oxaa says that they actually wanted to ask for her aid going ahead. There's a pause, and Heyel says that she's not overly sure... Oxaa says that they do need to work together if they're going to take care of Vogish. He is going to help lead them towards taking that man down a peg, but he needs help from people like her to do it. There's another pause, before the trapdoor opens up. Down, Heyel comes, her with her bow on her back. She says that she appreciates his spirit. Hearta welcomes her aboard, Roushg saying that it'll be good to have some of that tower power on their side.
Thus, Heyel has officially joined the party, though she warns that she's probably not going to let herself be seen around outside too often still. Cait says that the process of re-entering the outside is a long road, and says she should take all the time she needs. Thus, players can now travel out with Heyel among them. Additionally, at around this time, players now have a new option for the Donation Box, allowing them to improve the conditions of the Divine Structure. Other than that, the group still has the task of going on the trail around the mountain. So now, it's time to go northwards, through the trail to the old city.
----The party can now progress around the mountain to the northern edge of the continent. They begin making their way along the trail. As they come along, they find the trail to eventually widen into a shallow sandbar into the water, while there are various creatures about. Some rockslides in the general area appear to've been made into miniature dens for some of the creatures. The party has to be careful, as there are a fair few dangerous enemies around here. As they progress, the party eventually finds that some of the rockfall has blocked off the passage forwards, Oxaa groaning in annoyance. Hearta remarks that all isn't lost, she saw a passage along the mountain on their way over.
The party thusly heads over there. They travel the trail into the mountains, having to carefully maneuver through the rough terrain and around several of the monsters. The trail forces them up the mountain a fair bit. As they go up, Estu asks if they're sure this leads downwards, though Enani says if he really wants to get down so bad, he can step out onto those smooth slopes. Eventually, they make their way along the trail enough to take notice of a shadow off in the distance. Curious, the party looks into it more. Seeing the shadow, it almost looks like the tower back in the village, albeit not as big. In fact, it almost looks like a series of towers, with a large, pyramid-like structure in the middle of them. Oxaa asks if that is the first village over there, to which Egra remarks that it must be. Cait says that they're making history and begs them to speed up! However, they're interrupted by the sound of a bird call overhead.
They look up, and take notice of a large bird flying overhead. it almost looks like an owl, bearing blue plumage with a gray belly and yellow collar of feathers. Atop its head is a pair of long, horn-like tufts, as well as a pair of legs that end in scale-like feet. Along with this, it almost looks like the wind itself is curling around the creature. The creature calls yet again and swoops down towards the party. Roushg raises his own weapon and motions for his various siblings to stay back. He asks the Hunters if they know what this thing is, with Egra remarking that it looks like a Malfestio, but something about it looks off. Heyel suspects that it must be like that monster at the entrance, radiated by some of the divine magic lying dormant in these lands. Oxaa tells the group to get ready, and they each draw their weapons.
With that, players are put in a battle with the Gale Malfestio. The owl-like creature is very focused on ailments. It likes to use Sleep ailments on several party members, before attempting to use Confuse on the stragglers. And if it manages that, there's a big chance for danger, as a confused party member has a chance of attacking a sleeping party member and dealing a lot of damage to them. It's for reasons like this why players should utilize Roushg to set up an ailment heal summon to try and prevent this strategy. On top of that, the Gale Malfestio can also use Wind attacks, whose power is amplified with the passive Wind Amp. And depending on the spell used, the Wind attack could also have a chance of inflicting Confusion. Its physical stat isn't too great, but when used on sleeping targets, it's still dangerous, especially if it manages to knock party members down. Players will have to be mindful of their status conditions, but with enough work, they should be able to fell the beast.
The creature lets out another call, now pained, before falling dead. The various party members huff and puff, before sheathing their weapons. Estu remarks that that thing definitely felt tougher than the enemies they dealt with usually. Heyel supposing that her hypothesis was correct. There'll probably be more creatures like that closer to the site, she warns. Oxaa says that they can do this, still. They beat two of those monsters, what's a few more after all? Cait agrees, but says that they shouldn't stretch themselves too thin. Egra says he's right, and recommends they use rest stops whenever they can. Either way, there's more ground to cover. And thus, they move out.
They go along the trail more and more, needing to weave around the various odd curves. They go forwards more and more, when they eventually reach a stretch of rock that hangs over the rest of the trail. And from here, they can see more of the structure they saw from the distance. They can see a large bank hidden behind the mountain, that one trail along the edge of the ocean seeming to be the only thing leading in and out. There stand numerous buildings around this large bank with designs upon them resembling the Dragons (some fans might recognize them as the stylings of some creatures based on Monster Hunter's drawing styles), though they are in various states of decay. And at the very edge, the waves lapping against it, is a pyramid-like structure with a square platform at the very tip of it. It looks as if it might fall to pieces at any moment. The players are overlooking the Ruined Pinnacle.
Egra remarks that these structures appear to've been well reinforced to stand this long despite being at the grasp of monsters and alone for centuries. Estu asks where the material for them must've come from, to which Heyel says the Draconic Gardens provided assistance in building this holy site. She wonders what led to everyone disappearing from the village. Enani then asks what they do to get down. The group looks down, noticing a wall of vines leading from the peak they're upon to the base of the mountain. Roushg asks if this is really what they're going to do, to which Cait says that the sooner they move, the sooner they get down. So, he begins climbing down. The rest seem uncertain, though begin to climb down.
---
The group progresses along the sea level. They have to deal with various other monster in the general vicinity, and along the way, they can see the bones of many former civilians scattered around. Roushg can't help but wonder what led to this. Cait can't help but imagine that the people that once ran this place weren't as prepared for hunting as they are in the modern day. Either that, or the creatures obtained too great a power enhancement from the residual magical radiation. Either way, the village has been lost. As they travel, the group hears a loud screech echo through the dead village. The group is shocked and stuck looking around, Hearta wondering what that was. Egra says that that sounds like it could be one of the area's top dogs.
Oxaa supposes that if they take care of that monster, they'd weaken the monster population around the location. Egra does say that that would deal a massive blow to the general populace. The pecking order would be thrown into chaos and the various creatures would probably be left squabbling with each other to try and establish control over the area. Oxaa supposes that they should take care of that creature then. But Estu asks if they can be sure they can handle the creature. Enani rolls his eyes and says that they already went over this conversation. Hearta says that it sort of sounded like that howl came from the pyramid over there. Thus, the party is now tasked with going over there.
So, they progress forwards, and begin traveling up the steps. The stairs up it are obscured by various rubble and gashes in it, and thus players have to make their way through cracks in the massive structure, which appear to've been taken control of by monstrosities. They have to go through various odd stretches, and the more they travel, the more they can hear the shouts of that monster. The party will frequently note that they're getting close. They travel more and more, when Cait notes that he can smell a creature's nest up ahead, and warns them that they should only progress if they're ready. The player has one more chance to make sure their resources are in order, before advancing.
They head into a chamber that's positioned under the top of the pyramid. And in it, they can find a den strewn with bones and with an area of various soft materials, used to cradle three eggs. Several party members are seen covering their noses as they advance, Roushg noting that it reeks like death. Egra can only imagine that whoever owns this thing must've recently eaten. Estu supposes that they just need to wait for the creature to come here, but Hearta points out that they heard the creature squealing on their way up. It has to be nearby, right? The camera, meanwhile, focuses on a shattered pillar nearby, and on some movement over it. Suddenly, the creature unfurls its wings, Heyel seeming to take notice. She turns, and tells everyone to look out. The group turns, and is able to dodge away before a flurry of fireballs strikes where they stood.
Now, they see the attacker: a dragon-like creature with muted green scales, a jaw that ends in a long horn, and moss-like fur. Along with that is a mace-like tail covered in thin needles, just completing a look that seems to mirror Oxaa's own appearance. She even appears to have a few recent wounds on her. Egra notes that there've been tales of these kinds of creatures, monsters mighty enough to earn the title of Queens of the lands they decide to lord over. Enani says that it's a bit late to act intimidated. He's quick to draw his blades, and he's soon followed by the other party members. Oxaa tells everyone to be careful: with this, they will take this site for themselves! The creature flaps its wings and descends on the party, quickly forcing them into battle.
Thus, players battle the Rathian. The Rathian proves to be a fairly dangerous foe. Firstly, it manages to wield all three types of physical attacks. The Stab attacks, however, prove to be fairly dangerous as they're able to inflict Poison on a target, forcing players to worry about one more thing during the fight. It also wields Fire magic, and the Fire Burn passive, meaning that there's a chance for any Fire attack from her to Burn a target. And just to add a bit of randomness, the Rathian wields the skill Fireball Salvo, meaning that she can land 6 different fire attacks between any of the party members. Players have to be weary of their resource management, as this foe is likely to lower their health if they aren't constantly removing their ailments. With enough work, the party should be able to defeat the Rathian.
With a final wail, the enemy collapses. It slams upon the ground, beaten, and the party is left huffing and puffing. Cait notes that they did it... They really did it. Roushg can't believe that they actually took care of that thing. Oxaa steps forwards and checks the beast. He nudges it cautiously, before concluding that it is truthfully dead. He turns to the party, and declares that they are victorious! There is cheering among the party. Egra admits that she didn't think they had it. She says that when all of the monster control over this area is weakened, they can send some Hunters here to harvest the place for some material. For now, though, they should go back and relax. Roushg says that he's more than ready to head back and rest, and Oxaa agrees. Roushg jokes that they should probably design some sort of sauna eventually, and thus the player is free to return.
And thus, they're free to do whatever they wish until the deadline passes.
Iuli 7th
On this day, the party wakes. They, sans Heyel, come down to the village, and are greeted by Denang. The Blangonga admits that he didn't think that they could do it, but they did. The passage around the mountain has gotten more docile, and with a few Hunters sprinkled about, they'll be able to drive off some of the fauna. Egra is grateful that the passage is now safer. Roushg asks what's going to go on with the ruined village, to which Denang says that they're going to send other Hunters in to excavate the area. Once they find helpful material, they'll have it escorted to this village so that the lot of them will be able to make use of it. Egra is extremely grateful.
Estu supposes at this point that they'll just have to wait for the material to come to them. Denang nods, and makes his way to the various Hunters in the village. Cait looks up to Oxaa happily, and says that he did real good. Enani supposes that he and Heyel helped show them that they were more capable than they thought they were. He then ponders where she is, with Hearta suspecting that she's probably still up in that tower. Oxaa's just grateful that they can make some progress. They're going to get their material, get better weapons, and they're going to take the fight to Vogish. There's a cheer from half of the party. However, Roushg clears his throat and says that there is one more question: How are they going to reach him?
There's another pause. Oxaa admits that he hadn't really thought that far ahead... Cait tries to clear the air. He says that the Gardens connected to that new land once upon a time. Maybe there's a chance that it could connect there again. He says that he's going to go into the tent and try to read up on the Gardens. With that, the felyne races off wards, and Egra decides to join him in his search of the texts. Roushg asks if that's it then, that they braved that dilapidated town for nothing. Enani tells him to perk up, they've at least got better equipment. Hearta also points out that they've made the world a safer place. Oxaa supposes that that's right. He just hopes that he'll be able to give that jerk just what he deserves. Estu says that as bullheaded as he is, he'll probably end up in those Gardens out of sheer stubbornness.
Oxaa reacts with offense, though even Enani can't help but snicker and admit Estu has a point. Seeing him snicker, Roushg can't help but join in, thinking that that guy totally would. Even Hearta lets out a soft giggle. The rathalos swivels between each of them, struggling to mount something to say in defense of himself. Eventually, he sighs and tries to shrug them off, saying that he doesn't have to put up with this. He breaks from the snickering group, though they try to follow him and assure that they didn't mean anything bad by it.
===Chapter 6: Divine Light===
Eventually, evening has come, and a few Hunters have returned with some material. Oxaa remarks that he can only imagine what kind of stuff they'll make with the stuff they're going to get from that Pinnacle. He supposes once all of this is ready, what's next is to get into contact with Vogish... First, though, they'll have to work on this stuff. He supposes now is the time to enjoy some free time while the Hunters get all of this stuff squared away. With that, players are allowed some time to go around the village and speak with some characters. 
* He can find Mok has been released from the medical tents, though he has to sit down now. He'll apologize and say he didn't expect to be jumped the way he was, to which Oxaa says that it isn't his fault. The rathalos says that he should've gotten more intel on that part of the continent before pushing him in that direction. The rathalos asks if he's going to be ok, to which the barioth explains that he went through the worst of it in the tent. He explains that he just needs to rest enough and keep all of the stitches from bursting. Oxaa hopes he recovers soon, to which Mok nods. He ends the combo remarking that he has no idea how those Hunters do it...
* Oxaa can find the enslaved crew from Legula. He greets the lot of them (with players having garnered their names from certain side quests. The Espinas is named Colth, the Farunokkuses are named Gebiret and Hokus, and the two Yian-Kut-Kus are named Lopt and Feras). They greet him, with Colth remarking that everyone really seems to be excited after their recent expedition. Oxaa declares that everyone should be: The lot of them are on a war path to correct a great injustice. He says that the man that plunged them all into servitude is going to pay, to which Gebiret remarks that that does sound exciting. Lopt asks what's going to happen when he's taken down, to which Oxaa remarks that he didn't really think that far. He guesses that he's going to have him stop doing that. Feras asks what'll happen to the other dragons on this world, which gets Oxaa confused. Hokus asks if it's possible that they'll be brought back to where they were taken from, and Oxaa remarks that he's not sure about that part. If he does that, then Estu... He says that he'll think more on it later. They have some time until they can take on Vogish.
* Oxaa can find Heyel at the top of the tower in the middle. He remarks that he didn't see her again, to which the nakarkos says that she finds it comfortable here. Egra has told her that their sure to garner equipment from the Pinnacle to the north. Oxaa asks if she's excited to bring the weapons they'll make down on Vogish, to which she says that she has to admit, she never imagined that they'd get this kind of a chance again. She's just spent her time here wasting away, only thinking of her failure. The rathalos tells her that she'll no longer have to worry about that, vengeance will be in their grasp sure enough. He does, however, ask how they're going to get there. Heyel says that the Gardens themselves are hard to miss. She remembers that they'd stop over that pinnacle frequently to provide an audience to the mortals around there, though she hasn't paid much attention in that direction as of late. Oxaa supposes that that's a bridge they'll have to cross when they get to it.
Talk to the people or not, players are allowed to go to bed to pass the day finally.
Iuli 8th - 11th
With that, players have more free time. They can spend it however they wish, garnering experience for party members and raising social links. In the meantime, the Hunters are gathering stuff from the Ruined Pinnacle, and on the 10th, some report that they were able to uncover blueprints for some pretty powerful weapons. Eventually, Iuli 11th comes around, and at around this time, players can see some travelers making their way over. The various residents see them coming and approach, Oxaa and Roushg out front to see them approach. One is a winged, draconian creature with dark green plating with sharp ridges among the scales, and spike-like extrusions among their wings (an astalos). One is an almost bat-like creature with black fur about them, big wings, and a round ball of fur around their head (a nightshade paolumu). One is a slender, reptilian creature with blue scales and dorsal scales tipped yellow (a Giaorugu). And they're led by a muscular, winged, dragon-like creature with a lion-like face and a red mane and curved horns (a teostra).
Roushg asks where they're from, to which the teostra answers that these three were members used for various functions in hunting expeditions elsewhere. They were abandoned and left on their own, so he decided to take them along. The other people accompanying him nod in affirmation, the nightshade paolumu saying that she had to cling to a tree branch for a few days straight to keep herself from getting eaten. Oxaa remarks that that is terrible, apologizing that they went through that. The astalos says that they were just grateful to end up with Reguko, motioning towards the teostra. Reguko says that he stumbled on some people talking about this village over here. He says that he's been trying to help out various abandoned dragons, these Fallen people have talked about, and has been hoping for a safe place for them. He's only ever had a small camp that provided temporary housing, and he was hoping to drop this guys off here. Roushg says that this place is pretty much built for guys like them.
The duo let the bunch of the "fallen" in, them very grateful. The great jaggi says that the Hunters here will help direct them. Oxaa notices Reguko is still standing in place, and then asks if he's going to come in. He says that he still wishes to seek out other people like those. He's ended up stumbling on a fair few bodies of these "fallen", and he can only hope he prevents more of that from happening. He will say, first though, he is extremely grateful to find someone has actually made something like this. He asks them how they were able to do this, to which Oxaa says it was a lot of grit and determination. Roushg admits that a lot of luck was involved. Reguko can't help but laugh a little, and says that the world could use more people like them. He hopes that they continue to prosper, and Oxaa says that he'd love to learn more about him some day. The teostra supposes that the both of them will have to live to meet again, and then makes his way off.
Iuli 12th
The next day comes, and several hunters are gathered around the tents, including Denang, Egra, and Cait. Denang explains that the material has been extracted from the Ruined Pinnacle, and they've also gathered some ancient schematics. Cait asks what kind of weaponry they uncovered, prompting Egra to look over some of the drawings. The lagombi's eyes widen, and she remarks that these are mythical weapons, tools said to be capable of monster slaying unlike any modern tool. She remarks that if they make these things, they could do a lot of damage! The felyne seems excited as well. He says that if he were to make these things, they might be able to do something about Vogish. Egra says they should tell the rest of the party.
Thus, they spread out to the various characters, and they all meet in the central tower, Heyel still hanging out on one of the walkways above the ground level. Oxaa remarks that this is all great news! Estu asks if they're sure that these tools will be able to stand up to the King of Dragons, to which Egra says that there's a chance. She pulls up one of the documents and says that this one speaks of the Velkha, which she says is alleged to've doused the northern coast of the continent in a thick winter. And that's not all: A long sword that can supposedly stop the breeze in its tracks, an axe that can flatten a mountain, and more. Hearta says that the tools discussed among these do indeed seem incredible, though Roushg asks if they're so powerful, then where have they gone? Cait reports that when some of the hunters were investigating that old site, they noticed schematics of a tool that, reportedly, would be able to traverse the sea. So, there could be a chance...
Enani remarks that if these weapons are supposedly able to get them this much of an edge, then they should certainly at least give these things a shot. He asks if the other Hunters are working on them, to which Egra sighs. She remarks that they were able to gather material for the items, but they don't have the proper forge for it. She says that they need to douse the materials in an amount of heat far greater than what they have access to. The site had a forge that supposedly would be able to craft these things, but they don't yet have nearly enough material to stoke that thing again. Oxaa asks what it'd take to light it back up, to which Egra says they'd need a lot of stones of fire. She says that the other Hunters can try to gather the material. Roushg then supposes that they're probably going to have to pitch in too. The lagombi sighs and nods. Oxaa supposes that it can't be helped, but hey, this is sure to make them more powerful!
Iuli 12th - Iuli 14th
During this period, players have more free time as they wait for the forge at the Pinnacle to be restarted. During this period, some of the residents in the village will note that they're not ungrateful for the living space, but they do wish there was a little more to do around here. Thus, players have the ability to contribute to another donation to the village to try and make it more complete: The Cricket Field. If players have the appropriate material, they can design a little playfield for some of the residents in the village. Other than that, some other Hunters will say that they can swear they can see a speck on the horizon.
Iuli 15th
On this day, the party gathers at the Pinnacle. They stand near the forge built into the side of a mountain, where the fire gems the Hunters collected have been coalesced into a magma-like substance. Egra states that there's signs that this mountain used to be a volcano, but never erupted. If it was, it ran out of energy a long time ago. Oxaa says that he's not terribly used to the whole "forging" thing, to which a few of the Hunters say that they can handle this. Thus, they approach. They take the schematics they'd gathered and use them to adjust the metal mold at the bottom of the forge into the appropriate dimensions. Then, they pour materials into a chamber towards the upper portion of the forge, which the magma is coiled around. The material within pours into the mold, where other Hunters begin to hammer it.
Roushg remarks that this process looks like it's going to take a while. Cait does admit that this part of the adventuring life does tend to go on... Oxaa supposes that while these guys work on this they can probably explore this site some more. He realized that they didn't really spend a lot of time checking it out thanks to all of those monsters out there. Several of the other party members agree, and they're able to step out, exploring the general area. 
* Oxaa can notice Estu and Cait hanging near a circular area with stone slabs lining the border. Cait remarks that this looks like it could be a little fight pit, potentially to be used for rituals or testing weapons or who knows what else. The canyne's halfway tempted to test out their weapons here, but it sounds like there could be a fair bit of collateral here. He asks his brother if he's ready, to which the Rathalos says that he was born ready. Estu says that he's always had a habit of getting in over his head while looking at some of the rathalos's scars. He says that they're dealing with a creature that could destroy worlds... The canyne tells Oxaa that he's here to protect him, and he doesn't know what he'd do with himself if something happens. Oxaa says that he's been growing a lot out here, he assures he won't be harmed.
* Oxaa can find Hearta and Enani hanging near the temple that the party battled the rathian. The Mizutsune remarks that she hadn't really thought about it, but this thing must've been hand crafted from the mortals in this part of the world. The nargacuga does suppose that it's a lot for them to design. He can only imagine that the people that lived here formerly would've wanted to tear this thing down if they knew just how lowly those Dragons thought of them. The two turn towards Oxaa, and Enani can't help but wonder... Do they think that they should have one of these temples built for them? Oxaa asks what he means, to which he says that they are dragons, or at least born from them, right? Would it be right for them to get something like this if their higher ups got one, or would that be tacky. Oxaa says that, having lived with some of those mortals, he's not sure if he's comfortable demanding such a thing. Hearta agrees, saying those guys have a lot of their own issues. Enani supposes that it is a bit of a high ask in this day and age.
* Oxaa can find Roushg and Heyel hanging near some of the huts positioned near the temple. Roushg says that it looks like these things were meant to be living spaces for the people here. The nakarkos confirms as much, saying that they'd designed these things for comfort and proximity. The great jaggi furrows his brow, before asking the elder dragon that he never really thought about it before, but he asks how exactly the people lived before, pre-hunt and all that. Heyel explains that once upon a time the Gardens were attached to the far end of this village by a bridge of lights of seven hues. A few warriors were blessed with prowess meant to keep the majority safe and fed while others would build up the site in worship and reverence. Oxaa asks if they designed it of their own accord, to which Heyel says that they did wish to provide tribute to the divine, though a few Dragons in the Gardens had guided them. Roushg remarks that it sounds kind of scary, designing a city meant to appeal to Gods over them while they came in to examine their progress. The rathalos remarks that it's kind of striking, how intimidating that must be, whereas the "fallen" are so looked down on. Roushg wonders if Oxaa will ever get to the point of reverence that the people of old were, to which Heyel does joke that he practically already has people building a town for him.
Either way, players can chat with their various friends, and/or speak with Egra to advance the story.
By now, night is beginning to fall on the land, and the party makes their way back towards the forge. The lagombi says that they've been able to construct their weaponry. She says that they weren't able to create weaponry for each of them, but the heavy hitters should be able to use these to their full power. She admits that Cait, Roushg, and Heyel didn't get any weaponry, but she says they were able to construct an axe, a long sword, a lance, dual blades, and a hammer. Cait remarks that he is all for providing his allies support, Roushg says that he's ok with not being on the front lines, and Heyel declares that she feels as though she doesn't need the weapon.
They each bring up their weapons, Oxaa holding up an axe with a head that seems almost as big as his chest. Estu's is alarmingly sharp, it reflecting a thin beam of light along its edge. Hearta's lance seems to shimmer with a magical gleam, almost like the sea. Enani's twin blades almost seem to disappear at certain angles the blades are so thin. And Hearta's hammer gives off a frosty aura that causes mists just around its head. The rathalos remarks that he feels almost intimidated to give this thing a swing, though shares a glance with Estu. The canyne sighs, and says that they both know he's already gonna try. He attempts to give a warning, but Oxaa already brings up the weapon, turns towards the coast, and swings. A large crack forms from where he slams down heading to the sandy shores, even causing some of the sea at the edge of the landmass to launch upwards before falling back down.
Hearta agrees that they should definitely limit how much they use these things. Enani says that he loves the feeling of these things, tossing one of the blades up and catching it, though it almost appears like he's holding onto thin air. Cait's fur can be seen standing on end, and he seems terrified. Oxaa, however, can't help but hoot and holler and declares that Vogish is going to feel the force of an earthquake on him! Heyel can't help but smirk a little at the excitement. Egra sheathes her weapon, and says that as powerful as these weapons are, they can't let themselves get too complacent. They should make sure that they are prepared to take these to battle actually. The other party members sheathe their weapons, and the rathalos supposes she's right. He's more than happy to give this thing some practice swings, probably gonna picture Vogish's face to make sure he can hit harder.
Either way, the party collectively decides to make their way back to the main village. And once there, Denang approaches the group. He says that a few of the Hunters have been examining the sky, and they've been able to pick up a structure out in the skies. Judging by the structures they've seen on it... Oxaa asks if he's being serious, to which he says that they've seen structures upon the object similar to this very one. Heyel asks what they've observed about the Draconic Gardens, instantly picking up one what they've seen. Denang says the Hunters have been able to line it up with a structure they've seen previously. They predict it'll be within their atmosphere within five days. Heyel supposes that the time to act is nearer than they expected. Estu wonders what could've brought this upon them, before Oxaa suggests that it must be fate. He tells everyone that they need to prepare for anything, that it's do or die in a few days time.
Iuli 16th - 19th
Players are allowed yet another bout of free time, and word has already spread around about the incoming Draconic Gardens. Players can talk to a few to get a read on how they feel. A few are wondering if the rest of the continent is aware, though others are sure that the monsters about are going to prevent others to get anywhere near. Heyel seems to be partially excited, though still unsure of what they're up against. Enani will remark that he's gotten this sixth sense about trouble oncoming, and it is ringing like a rash to him right now. Cait tells Oxaa that he hasn't led them wrong yet, and he's prepared to see him through this. Egra says that the Hunters have sworn to keep them safe, and she'll do what she can to protect him. Roushg says that he's put a lot of trust in this group, and he concedes that he isn't super confident, he just hopes that the lot of them know what they're doing. Hearta says that when she joined the lot of them, she never would've guessed that they'd go to lengths such as these... she says that she feels stronger than she once was, and wishes she could've let her old self know what she was going to become. Estu is quiet at first, though he says that he's come here only with the mission to protect him... he knows that he's the type to go in without thinking, and he reminds him that they're going up against something unlike anything they ever fought before... he wants him to, for once in his life, really think this through, really be sure that they're going to be able too get out of this alive.
Either way, time passes, and the night of the 19th passes.
Iuli 20th
The next day comes, and now, the object in space is far more visible. A cutscene shows various villagers, including those at Ershel, looking up and seeing a giant city in the sky. It features massive towers of marble, them seeming to gleam in the sunlight. And towards the middle of the city is a massive castle... Indeed, the Draconic Gardens has entered the airpsace of the world. It floats down towards the continent and begins to balance itself out, before a bright light forms at its front. And then, a rainbow bridge extends from it and descends downwards, planting itself against the Ruined Pinnacle. Many villagers begin to step out and look towards where it's touched down. And then, they start to advance towards the location, several Hunters following suit.
At the same time, the various party members have begun to gather their equipment. Cait and Egra in particular can be seen making sure their provisions are in order while the others are checking, double checking, and triple checking that they have their weapons. Oxaa looks over his massive axe real quick, before taking a deep breath. He turns towards the party and tells them all that they know what they've been going up against, prompting the lot of them to nod. He then tells them that they're all here for different things, but they all lay across one villain. He looks towards Heyel, saying that they're here for vengeance. He turns towards Hearta and Enani, and says that they're here for a better life. He looks towards Estu, Egra, Cait, and Roushg, and says that they're here for justice. He says that they all have the tools and the drive, and for that they have the means to defeat him. He tells everyone that it's time to move out, and they all holler.
The party thus advances. They quickly make it to the Ruined Pinnacle, where a crowd of villagers have made it to the base of the rainbow bridge. They are, however, stunned in place before the presence of a trio of Dragons: a familiar red-scaled one, a familiar black-scaled one, and a familiar blue-scaled one. They motion for the many civilians to stay back, before they see the party advancing. The trio focuses specifically on Heyel, before they each point towards the party. The red-scaled one, Irabu, says that she's been requested. The many civilians turn, where they take notice of Heyel and the rest of the group. They thus part, almost as if the red carpet has been rolled out for them. The party thus advances forwards, Heyel glancing towards the three. She addresses the red one as Irabu, the black one as Holten, and the blue one as Mirag. 
Irabu supposes she's seen better days, though Heyel ignores the comment. The party begins to press forwards, though the trio tries to step in to cut off everyone behind Heyel and Oxaa. Holten says that the King sought out these two, prompting some confusion on Oxaa's part. However, the nakarkos tells them that they have her blessing. The trio seems unsure of how to respond, though ultimately allow them to pass. Oxaa asks what brings the Gardens here, to which Mirag explains that the King felt something on this world, and wished to investigate its source. He seems to think it involves them. The rathalos nods and tells them that they're more than happy to show just what they're capable of. Thus, the party begins going up the bridge, Irabu staying behind while Holten and Mirag escorts the party.
They press on more and more, soon making it into the Gardens itself. And it makes the village they've planted themselves in... if not any civilization that exists on the continent, feel small. Several Dragons have stepped onto the streets around the Gardens to observe as the party is escorted. They're led to the castle at the far end, where several of them gaze upon the fountain before it. They press forwards more and more before being led up the stairs and into the main building, where they can see several kirin standing guard. Heyel takes notice of one old face in particular who seems to gaze on her with both relief and sadness, before attempting to go back to their normal pose. And eventually, they make it to the platforms within the main chamber, each member in silent contemplation, feeling almost like they're far in over their head than they anticipated.
The two Dragons that escorted the trio step back, and allow the platform to lift the party up and up through the interior. They eventually make it to the apex, and step off. They stand in a chamber with a giant throne at the far end. And seated on it is a massive Dragon with wings that look as if their width could reach from one side of the chamber to the other. Players should recognize this man as Vogish. He looks over all of them, what feels like an endless silence only prolonged as the King of Dragons looks over them. Oxaa and Heyel both look upon him enraged, before he finally exhales. He addresses Heyel, saying that he had thought she was done for centuries ago... But then he felt a spike of the flow of magic unlike any creature... 
Heyel remarks that she's been sitting still for far too long. She supposes nothing's changed, to which he confirms as much. The Forces that govern this universe are still not balanced, and he's still had to respond to those not of divinity. He looks over several of the party members, and remarks that he hopes they enjoy their brief appearance upon their birthplace. This earns a growl from Enani and Oxaa, before Vogish focuses on the rathalos. He raises a brow, prompting Oxaa to ask just what he's looking at. The Fatalis says that when he gazed upon the spike of energy, he thought he saw something odd about a figure near her. A small, red-scaled creature... but he now believes he was mistaken. Oxaa begins reaching for his weapon, saying that he doesn't need him judging him!
Enani tells Vogish that he's right: they were born here, they shouldn't have to be tossed down onto a life of suffering! Hearta says that he's thrust them into the life of outcasts, and others to be enslaved! However, that earns a light chuckle from Vogish, him asking if that truly is his fault. This earns some confusion from the party, before Oxaa says that they were all left with worse lives, away from their parents and home, because of him. The King simply explains that he did no such thing. All he did was see to it that those with mortal blood were brought to mortals. It was the choice of mortals that led to their lives. He had been working towards constructing better worlds to make sure he's properly sutured the Forces together. This world has been almost entirely in the hands of Heyel and of mortals.
The party wavers slightly, with Oxaa swearing that he can't just shirk responsibility like that... Vogish looks over the rathalos, specifically upon his hand on his axe. The Fatalis asks if they came here thinking they were here to bring some self righteous justice upon him. Did they expect to beat him down and all their perils would be answered for? Oxaa tells him to shut up, though Vogish continues, saying that all of his perils are merely mortal-born. Sure, he took them away from this land, but it was the people around them that chose to exclude them, to orientalize them, to... use them. Even if they could scratch his coat, do they expect this to fix any of their problems? Oxaa shakes his head and again tells him to shut up. The Fatalis tells them no matter how much they fight, they are mortals at their core: they don't have a place in these Gardens like it or not. And it turns out they don't even have a place in their mortal world? It is a shame the universe is the way it is, isn't it?
However, Oxaa suddenly draws his axe and shouts for him to shut up again! He doesn't care for all of his stupid blame shifting! If he isn't going to accept responsibility, then he's going to make him! He races towards Vogish and leaps up, ready to slam his axe down on him, though Vogish, without shifting his position much, is able to flick his tail up to slap against the head of the axe and knock him back. Several of the party members go to catch him, prompting others to draw their weapons. Estu takes up his longsword, and he tells Vogish that his brother's gone through a lot of trash to get to this point! Egra says that they're all here because Vogish had a hand in mucking up things for a lot of people, whether he wants to admit it or not! Hearta says that they're all going to make him see the light! Vogish scoffs and loungs on the throne, propping his chin on one hand. He tells them that they are welcome to try.
With that, players are made to battle Vogish, King of Dragons. However, the players will be quick to find themselves struggling. Even with the weapons they've collected, they are doing very little damage to him. He doesn't take Normal damage from any damage type and nullifies Cosmic and Dark. On the other side, while remaining on his throne, he'll be hurling powerful strikes on the party with the commitment of a man shooing away a fly. And if the player does manage to land debuffs or ailments on him, he'll easily restore his state. Players will find themselves quickly unable to actually take down the enemy. If the party loses all of their health or they last seven rounds, the next cutscene plays.
A wave of the Fatalis's wings scatters the party, and they try to spread. Heyel fires arrows at his head, though he's able to flick his free hand around to knock them out of the air. She attempts to follow up by belching a beam of Pure magic towards him, and it explodes against his chest though he seems no worse for wear. Estu tries to race towards his side and narrowly sidesteps a few jabs of the Elder Dragon's tail. He's too slow for one and feels the tip scrape against his cheek, though he growls and stumbles around to try and slash at the tip of his tail, but he doesn't seem to make much of a dent in it. Meanwhile, Enani has tried to race around up the throne and behind Vogish, before jumping down to try and stab both of his dual blades into his neck, though the King is able to whip his wings behind to knock him out of the air. Hearta keeps her distance and holds her sparkling lance in front of her, and letting a beam of water flow from its tip and towards him. However, he takes in a breath, before letting a beam of Pure energy soar past his lips. it pierces the stream of water, forcing the Mizutsune to try and doge away, though she takes some glancing damage from the attack.
Cait and Roushg can be seen working together to try and keep their teammates up and at them. The felyne blows his hunting horn to heal up a bunch of them at once while the great jaggi sends some of his siblings to try and keep on attacking Vogish while the allies are busy. All strikes from the young ones don't seem to do much, and the massive Elder just raises a free hand, causing a wave of dark miasma to expel from it and sweep through the throne room. It wafts over several of them, each feeling the choking feeling of the miasma. Oxaa and the ailing Egra race towards the base of the throne. Egra begins by slamming her hammer against the legs of the King to try and freeze them, when Oxaa attempts a homerun swing on the frozen bodypart! Vibrations are sent through the throne room, though Vogish himself doesn't seem overly ailed.
He pulls his tail back to whip at the two of them, hurling them back and causing the lagombi to land on her back while Oxaa pins his claws and nails against the ground to keep himself from being sent too far back. He looks over his allies, where he can see a bunch of them bearing scars and burn marks from the King's casual attacks. He remarks that they're not making any progress... He grips the shaft of his axe tighter, and turns towards Egra. He asks her to help him with one last attack. He says he's going to go for the head. The lagombi asks if he's sure, to which he says that they're out of options. She understands and forms a cup-like shape with her hands. Oxaa plants his foot in them, and she uses all of her strength to tug him up and into the air! Oxaa soars up in the air, glaring down at Vogish who glances up at him.
Oxaa tells himself that this needs to work... He spreads his wings, and they catch the air just enough. He uses them to soar towards Vogish where he spins his arm in a circle. He angles his wings to change his direction towards Vogish's head, though the Fatalis scoffs and brings his arm up to block. And then, Oxaa brings his axe down on the foe's forearm, causing a shockwave to ring out through the chamber and even knock over a few of the allies! The sound of cracking can be heard between the smaller and greater Dragon, and the rathalos can see some rainbow ichor begin to leak out. Oxaa smirks widely while Vogish glowers. He pulls his arm back and flicks it forwards, parrying the warrior and causing him to tumble in the air. Then, Vogish raises his hand, seeming to get somewhat serious now. And then, he delivers a punch straight into Oxaa's side!
Time seems to slow down for all involved as they swear they can see the very air ripple from the impact. They can see Oxaa's arm crumble like a crushed straw wrapper, and can see streams of red begin to soar out. And then, the sound finally hits their ears as Oxaa as hurled from the air and straight into the ground! He slams against the ground, his blood smearing against it as he tumbles further and further. Estu races in front of him to try and catch him, and he's hurled off his feet as he tries to capture him. The two land in a heap as a pool of blood leaks beneath Oxaa. The various party members look on in horror, Hearta screaming out his name. Vogish glowers at him before raising his arm towards the rathalos, who can only weakly look up. Vogish holds his bleeding arm in front of him, the camera focusing on the rainbow blood, to which the Fatalis declares that this is the blood of divinity. He then motions towards the massive trail of red, and declares that he bears the blood of mortals. He never had a place in these Gardens, and he'll die never having a place in them.
Oxaa looks over his form, the pain not fully registering to him. It slowly dons on him just how badly he was beaten, and tears begin to well up. However, he passes out from shock and collapses. Estu's eyes widen and he tries to jostle him. He calls out his name in worry, praying he'll wake up. The rest of the very injured party members have pretty much been halted in their fighting, and Vogish gets Heyel's attention. He asks her if her subordinates finally understand the gulf between them, and the nakarkos can't even muster the anger to growl at him. The Fatalis tells them that they have their chance to go back to their lives. Besides, their friend won't last much longer on the battlefield. The various party members seem torn and keep glancing between Oxaa and Vogish, before silently agreeing that they have no chance here. So, they work together to pick up the rathalos, Hearta telling them to keep pressure on the wounds.
The party makes their way to the platform they rode up to the throne room. They stand on it, silent, and it begins to lower. However, the canyne narrows his gaze, before rushing to the edge to glare at Vogish. He shouts that he's not going to get away with this! He tells that Dragon that he's never going to have a moment's rest for hurting his brother! However, Vogish merely tells him that if they can reach him again, they're welcome to try. The platform lowers and Estu can only glare up at the throne room while the others are left with their horrifically injured leader.
---
Eventually, the party is able to make it to the rainbow bridge and race down it, still carrying Oxaa. They make it to the very bottom, and once they do, the lights of the bridge start to flicker. Cait stands back concerned and watches the lights flicker. And then, the Rainbow Bridge is unmade. At that, the Draconic Gardens then lifts off and floats off into space. The many civilians are split between watching the sky city float off into the horizon while others catch themselves watching the party that seemed so boastful before carrying the rathalos away, drips of red following. They keep on rushing, having to take time to heal up Oxaa as they rush down the trail.
The group races as hard as they can, until they make it to their main base. They get Oxaa into the medical tent, where the Hunters within are quick to take him in. The rest of the party are left hanging outside, standing around in absolute discomfort. Estu's eyes are wide with worry and he walks circles around in front while Hearta is taking down nervous breaths and struggling to keep herself together. The many party members don't seem willing to talk for a while, until one of Roushg's brothers ask if Oxaa is going to be ok. The great jaggi struggles to keep his wits, and admits that he doesn't know. Enani shouts in annoyance, before asking Heyel how she couldn't tell them that he was that powerful! The disfigured Dragon says that she did, but she was sure that these weapons could've at least put a dent in him... Estu says that Oxaa could be dead now because of this judgement. Roushg brings up that all of this happened because that headstrong jerk wanted to rush things!
Egra, however, speaks up and says that they shouldn't argue like this. There were plenty of mistakes with this approach against Vogish, but right now, the last thing that'll help them is lingering on that. They need to be here, for each other, and especially for Oxaa. The party does seem to shut up at that, and one of the doctors exits the tent. Estu asks them how he looks, to which they admit that they've never seen someone injured this badly. They've noticed a lot of internal rupturing and bleeding and swear they can count more broken bones than non-broken. Hearta ass if he can recover, to which they're quiet for a moment. They admit that the damage done to their left arm has rendered it completely unusable unfortunately; and even that's if they can successfully put him back together.
Dread washes over the party at that explanation. Enani's quiet for a moment, before he says that he needs to go clear his head. He thus seems to vanish while the other party members clearly seem to contemplate on making their way out or staying around. The canyne begs them to keep working on the rathalos, though the doctor assures him that this uncertainty in his condition isn't through any lack of motivation. He has done a lot to help out in this general area, and a lot of people here would want nothing more than to whip him back into shape. They just can't be sure if they can cleanly undo all of the damage done to him. Estu sighs, and says he understands. He thanks them, and they head back into the tent.
The remaining party members stand around, and Cait asks whether they can do anything. Egra supposes that all they can realistically do right now is wait. The remaining party members remain in silence, though they eventually part. Estu and Hearta, however, linger near the medical tent. They decide to both sit on a bench near the tent, silently deciding to wait there, just in case. The canyne says he should've done more to stop this, though the mizutsune says that he really isn't the kind of person to be shackled down. She tells the swordsman not to blame himself, though he's quiet towards her assurance.
=== Chapter 7: Apathy ===
Iuli 21st
On this day, morale around the main city has dropped. Mok has recovered, thought the barioth is trying to keep his will up, enrolling into the Hunters to try and learn how to swing a weapon. One of the medical tents is being looked over by several hunters. As it is being looked over, Enani steps out from the central tower, netting the attention of some of the people in the square. Players find themselves controlling him, able to go around and speak with some of the locals. Several of them ask if Oxaa is alright, though Enani can't answer. Players also have the objective of going to the medical tent to check on a certain someone.
At the players' discretion, they visit the medical tent, where they find Oxaa on a bed, joined by Hearta, the former of which has several pieces of equipment to provide healing to him, in addition to the dancer providing her own restoration. It should be noted that Oxaa's right arm is covered up by the blanket. Enani asks her how he's doing, to which she says that she can't say if he is or isn't stable. She groans and brings her hands back, massaging her hands and saying that she's run out of stamina. She has to go out for a rest, and asks the nargacuga to look over him. Enani scoffs that he doesn't have anything else to do. With that, Hearta makes her way out, and the assassin remains to monitor the rathalos.
He stands there for a moment, before deciding to ask him if he can hear him. There's no sign of a response from the warrior. Enani furrows his brows, before coming closer to the rathalos. He remarks that he's been super dumb, charging into the Gardens like that... He's always been so simple minded, so set on one goal... He shakes his head and he supposes that that's been a certain charm to him. He's always been so set on his goals, he himself almost thought them achievable from time to time... He can just imagine now the rathalos would still find some way to say they still need to fight... Enani says that he doesn't know if he'll be back, but in case he doesn't get the chance, he has admired how... opened he is. He's quiet for a bit, before sighing and asking him to come back...
Iuil 22nd
On this day, morale remains low. The camera focuses on Egra, who is training Mok for a few rounds. After a bit of training with the Bowgun, the lagombi tells him that he's dismissed. The barioth nods and heads off, and now players find themselves controlling Egra. She can speak with various members of town, where she can learn that several Hunts have gone out to try and find resources to aid in Oxaa's recovery. Other civilians, especially those aided in sidequests, will wonder when they can see Oxaa again. Other than that, players have the goal of approaching the medical tent to check on a certain someone.
Inside, Hearta is aiding the still comatose rathalos, feeding restoration magic into his body. Egra asks the mizutsune if his condition is improved, to which she says that he's not as badly off as when they first came out of the Draconian Gardens. She still has a lot she needs to fix up, and she's not even sure if they can get everything back. Her magic output peters, and she sighs and massages her hands once more. She says that she needs to step back for a moment. She asks the lagombi if she can keep an eye on him, in case his condition worsens. Egra says that it's the least that she can do. Thus, the dancer makes her way out. And now, Egra stands over Oxaa, crossing her arms in contemplation.
She says that the team hasn't been the same since that day... She knows that he probably has a bunch of people considering him dumb for all of this, but she always believed that the world needed more brave people in it. Villages like this and others weren't built by not taking risks. That Vogish needs someone to teach him a lesson, and she's decided that he of all people deserves to be the one that teaches him. It's unfortunate that bravery alone cannot beat someone like that... She tells Oxaa that he needs to get up and beat him up. She pleads for him to get stronger. She pleads for him to get up and bust that guy to pieces.
Iuli 23rd
Morale remains low. Some of the civilians are seen trying to follow Mok's example, but others are still scared. This time, it's revealed that players are in control of Roushg, who is presently at one of the buildings set up. There, his various siblings seem scared, them asking if Oxaa is going to be ok. The Great Jaggi is quiet, before saying that he still needs to recover. He says that he's planning on visiting him. One of his sisters say that they can come visit, but Roushg says that he remembers how terrified she was after he took that hit, she should hang back until that man is up in walking condition. The siblings are uncertain, though he promises that he'll play with them later. Right now, he just needs to walk.
Walking around, some of the civilians comment about how no one's making any progress with Oxaa, and how can so many of them be working on this and accomplishing nothing! Players still have the goal to visit a certain someone at the tent, and upon visiting, they find that Oxaa's still in that same state, being looked over by Hearta while hooked up to medical equipment. The mizutsune greets the Great Jaggi, and asks how the siblings are handling all of this. He answers that a few of them ended up seeing the full, grizzly details and got nightmares. He's had to cuddle them a lot lately... Especially the girl that wants to be a doctor. Hearta is greatly saddened, and apologizes that they ended up in a position like this. Roushg is grateful for the apology; besides, it was Vogish's fault they saw that. He asks if Oxaa is any better, and she answers that he hasn't shown any signs of waking anytime soon. Her spellcasting falters once more, and she says that she needs to rest once more. She asks him to look over Oxaa in case there's any negative reaction, to which the great jaggi says that he will.
Thus, she exits, and Roushg is left with Oxaa. He tells the rathalos that he's been giving some thought to his actions... He's wondered if he should've just stayed in his lane and left the lot of them to do things on their own. His siblings got really sad when they saw the state of him after all, some even worried about something happening to him himself... He admits that Oxaa reminds him of one of those guys, and he thinks that they also see him as a bit of family. Roushg admits that he is grateful to him, not just for reuniting him, but for treating those guys well back in Ershel. He knows a lot of lesser people would just refuse to repay that good deed. He also knows a lot of lesser people would just leave the young'uns upset... He tells Oxaa that he better not upset those siblings. They want to play another game with him after all...
Iuil 24th
Another day comes, and morale remains low. Those few civilians are continuing to train, and Cait is seen providing them refreshments and supplies for their sessions. Eventually, he dismisses the lot of them, though before everyone parts, Mok decides to stop by the felyne. He apologizes, he already figures he's heard this question a dozen times now, but the village is wondering if Oxaa is going to get better anytime soon. Cait sighs, and he just simply tells the barioth that they're doing whatever they can. Mok seems to understand that there's nothing more he can really ask, so he just hopes that he gets well soon. With that, Mok walks off, and players are left controlling Cait.
Like before, he can go around to chat up the local civilians. Now, several appear frustrated: the Hunters are getting really busy with Oxaa, and now food supplies are running lower and general tasks aren't getting completed! Other than that, the player has the goal to visit the tent to check on a certain someone. And again, Oxaa is in that same state from before, Hearta continuing to try and mend him. Cait can't help but be impressed at the damage Vogish did, to which Hearta can't help but think they've still seen a fraction of that guy's power... She's tried to approach Heyel for any information, but she's locked herself up in the uppermost chamber of that tower ever since the night they brought Oxaa back. The felyne can only imagine how much she must've been beating herself up over this... The mizutsune remarks that everyone's been hurting. All they need to cure that pain is right on this bed... She tires herself out, and says that she can't keep this up. She tells Cait to keep an eye on him, to which the felyne agrees.
Thus, Cait is left alone with him, and he stands near. The felyne remarks that he feels kinda silly... despite seeming scarred, he sort of got this idea that Oxaa could power through anything... Still, he does think that he can get through this, and he's not entirely sure if he knows why... Maybe it's because someone has to get through this, to make things better... Cait bows his head, and says that he didn't deserve this... He tears up, and says that he just wanted to make things better for those "fallen" people... He tells the rathalos that he'd do whatever it takes to bring him back. And he's sure a lot of this village agrees. He says that everyone is trying to be strong, to pull him through this, but the truth is, they're not as strong as he is...
Iuil 26th
Morale continues to be low. There aren't any new recruits to the Hunters, and there remains an eerie malaise through the streets. The camera comes into the uppermost chamber of the tower in the middle, revealing Heyel. She's sitting on that throne, the passage of time feeling significantly slower than it actually is. The elder dragon seems to lack the energy to get up... though takes a deep breath. She says to herself "Oxaa wouldn't want this", before climbing up to her feet. She looks over the throne room, it still covered in lichen and greenery, before making her way to the stairwell leading downwards. And once she makes it to the base of the tower, players control Heyel.
She goes around the village where she can catch glimpses of people talking about how they should probably look into another village, though they get quiet and look in awe at Heyel coming back out once again. Players have the objective of visiting a certain someone in the medical tent, and on entering, they find Oxaa looking no better for wear, still hooked up to equipment and still having Hearta trying to restore him. She seems surprised to see Heyel, and the elder dragon looks over Oxaa. The mizutsune decides to ask if she knows anything about the nature of the injuries Vogish inflicted; she's been at this for days and she still feels no closer to restoring him. The elder dragon says that she's never seen an individual injured like this, the most she's seen is Vogish destroying worlds. The aqueous monster can't help but think about if that creep held back his punch, specifically for this situation.
There's a quiet among the two before Hearta's magic peters out and she has to lay back in her chair. She strokes her face and wonders what must be going wrong here... Heyel looks over the rathalos, in clear contemplation. She says that this man is strong, she can just imagine him fighting his way out of this coma from within. Hearta looks up curious, and Heyel explains that this was a guy with an impossible dream, and an unshakeable will. He even got her out of that room. Hearta asks if she thinks that he's recovering, and she says that he must be. He just needs support... surely... That's why she's going to finally get off her butt and offer whatever aid she can.
Iuil 27th
Morale has risen slightly. Several of the civilians remain frustrated over the Hunters' efforts not going anywhere while the recruits remain as low as a couple days ago. However, Heyel has now started to go out to help gather material necessary for the village. From one of the houses comes the party's dancer. She's about to go out, though she takes notice of Enani just outside. Hearta greets the nargacuga, with the latter asking her if she's seen Estu. The mizutsune says that he's heard him training in his personal quarters, but he hasn't been outside ever since they brought Oxaa back. The assassin remarks that they could really use more hands... Heyel's definitely going to be a boon, but with Egra and Cait focusing on those new recruits and Roushg helping comfort his siblings, there aren't a lot of people available to collect stuff. The dancer knows, and she apologizes. She'd offer a hand if she could, though Enani tells her to save the apologies. He already knows that she'd be helping out if she didn't have her hands full.
He says that he and Heyel will do what they can, and asks if she can try to coax out Estu. Hearta tries to explain that he's hurting, to which Enani says that everyone's hurting. But life isn't freezing for them to register that, it sucks but it's true. Hearta is quiet for a moment, and Enani turns before apologizing. He says that he shouldn't dump this on her. He knows she was the second person to join this group, he can only imagine how much she's hurting. Hearta asks what he means, to which he remains turned from her, and says that she does think she's being strong now, probably the strongest of them all. He couldn't imagine going up to that guy in that state every day like this... He tells her that he'll try to speak with Estu in her stead, to which Hearta says that they can try together. The nargacuga nods, and leaves her. Thus, players control Hearta, and have the objective to go see that certain someone in the tent.
In there, she again finds Oxaa. She approaches the end of the bed before sitting down, and beginning to feed her restorative energy into him. There's an uncomfortable silence as she does so, nothing but the soft hum of her casting as she's left with the rathalos. Eventually, she decides to fill the silence, saying that she hasn't had much to say, and she admits that that doesn't feel fair. She explains that if she'd been in this position at an earlier point in her life, she'd regret her every decision, but she doesn't, honestly. She doesn't blame any of them for everything going wrong against Vogish. Before she met any of them, she felt lost, like a stranger for people to stare at... The two of them felt like they were in the wrong crowds. She's been with their group for a long time now, and she's convinced that she knows more about where she is meant to be. She's found people that need her, a place for herself, and she's felt more alive than ever before. She supposes the reason she's saying this is... She admits, she still has a lot she needs to do, to make sure she can look out for him and for the rest... She just hopes that he can come back soon, so she can thank him for everything.
Iuli 28th
On this day, the camera turns towards Estu's own quarters. In there, the canyne is seen in his room, several dummies and left over weapons laid in pieces about. Estu's eyes are baggy, and despite this, he slices across one more dummy with blinding speed, its steel sword spitting apart as it clatters down. As he keeps training, there's a knock on his door. He can hear Hearta asking him to come out, before he hears Enani saying that it's been a week, he really oughta come out. Estu says that he needs to keep training and begins setting up another dummy, though Enani tells him that he's not going to get any stronger beating on a bunch of wood soldiers. He tells the canyne that there are people out here that need him now, though Estu grits his teeth as he chops apart another dummy.
Hearta says that he needs to eat, but Estu says that he just needs to get stronger! Enani declares that he's not getting stronger, he's just hiding. That causes the fencer to falter, and the nargacuga says that he knows it sucks, but he can't expect the world to just not go on while he's sorting through his personal issues. Everyone would love to just sit down for a cry, but everyone else is going out and getting stuff done, because they know things aren't going to work out while they think of themselves. Estu narrows his gaze and faces the door, before Hearta says that if he won't come out for them, then can't he at least come out for Oxaa? His brother must miss him. Estu is quiet once more, but he finally sighs and sheathes his weapon. He makes his way towards the door and opens it, seeing the two outside. The canyne is quiet, with Enani saying that he and Heyel will be out hunting. He tells the canyne he's free to sort himself out for the day. Thus, Enani leaves, and now players control Estu, and are tasked with checking out a special someone in the medical tent.
Estu and Hearta soon end up outside the tent, and there, the mizutsune says that he can go in first if he'd prefer. Estu is quiet, before nodding, and entering. And in there, he sees Oxaa in that familiar state. He stands over him for a moment, and comes closer. He's quiet for a while, before telling the rathalos that he's always been like this... He keeps putting himself in danger, keeps getting scars, keeps getting wrapped up in his little adventures... As he speaks, his voice shudders and he's quiet for another moment. He tells the rathalos that they've tried... they've tried to make him feel comfortable at home... So why... He grits his teeth before punching the hardened wall to the side, hard enough to make it crack. He begs him to say why he never felt at home with them. Have they done anything to push him away? Have they not done enough? He asks him why, despite everything they've done, he thrust himself somewhere that he wasn't strong enough to protect him?! He begs more and more, asking him why and why and why, before collapsing onto him. His begging breaks into sobs as he desperately clutches at the rathalos...
Iuli 29th
On this day, there's another malaise around the city, people remaining uncertain about just what's going on. Meanwhile, the main party has decided to meet up in the central tower, them seeming to've had a bit of their edge taken off from their "conversations" with Oxaa. Still, the lot of them are visibly uncomfortable with the state of everything. There's a bit of quiet among the group, that goes on for a bit longer than seems natural, before Hearta sighs. She remarks that things are clearly not ideal. Roushg nods, and asks what's taking the healing. The mizutsune remarks that this isn't like any damage she's seen yet. She'd swear that that guy hit him hard enough to tear into his very soul. She's not even sure if she can reach all of these injuries...
There's another quiet, with Estu asking if that means she... if that means anyone can do anything for him. Hearta is quiet and turns down, before saying that she doesn't know... The canyne's spirits drop lower, and several others appear saddened. Cait, meanwhile, his face hardens. He gets up on his feet, before saying that they can't give up. The party looks towards him, and watches as he gets up on his feet. He says that if it were any of them, Oxaa would stop at nothing to make sure they were brought back to the land of the living. He wouldn't give up on them, and they can't give up on him. Several seem surprised by his sudden speaking up. Egra says that it's not a matter of giving up. They don't know how to treat something as severe as this.
Cait supposes that that just means they'll have to find some way to fix this then. They've overcome so many things thought impossible, surely they'll be able to piece together something. Hearta still isn't sure, though Heyel remarks that this idea is based on very little empirical evidence... but it's not completely inadmissible. Estu is quiet for a moment, though stands up and says that Cait is right. There has to be something to go off of. There must be information somewhere about an injury similar to this has been documented. Hearta says that if they can find something like that, then they might be able to heal up Oxaa finally. Estu says that he'll reach out to his own home and see if anyone might know of any medical documents. The mizutsune is quiet for a moment, though she says that she can try and reach out to her own village. There's a clamor among the party until Cait speaks up, saying that the group's best bet is to organize their thoughts before meeting together later to figure out where they need to search.
Meanwhile, the scene cuts over to Oxaa, remaining in the bed. He lays, comatose. As he lays there, there is silence with him. There are some whispers in his head. Eventually, some of the whispers manifest as some of the party members' words, particularly Estu's. The rathalos remains still.
---
Night comes, and players are controlling Cait. Players are given the task of meeting at the central tower. Upon making it there, the felyne asks the lot of them if they've given their search efforts thoughts. Egra says that she and Cait contacted to send word among the various hunters to try and collect useful information. Roushg says that he'll go with Hearta to her village to see if any of them have seen anything. Enani says he'll travel with Estu in to see if anyone in his village knows anything. Heyel says that she'll look into the Pinnacle; they went there to look for weapon information, perhaps they overlooked any medicinal practices. Cait says that it sounds like they've got an idea. He says that they need to move out first thing tomorrow. The party is in agreement.
Iuli 30th
On this day, the various party members meet up at the border of the city. Once together, Cait asks if everyone remembers what they're doing, to which the various party members agrees. Hearta says she and Roushg are going to her place. Enani says that he and Estu will be going to his own village. Heyel says she'll investigate the Pinaccle. And Cait says that he and Egra will be working with the hunters to locate information. Thus, everyone knows where they're going, and divide accordingly.
---
Players are first treated to Estu and Enani's side of the story, where players revisit the village of Ershel, several seeming rather fearful. They come near the gate, with the canyne stopping before the gate. Enani starts to press forwards a little, though pauses when he realizes the fencer has stopped. He asks him what the hold up is, to which Estu says that he's grappling with some... conflicts. The nargacuga waits for him to clarify, and the canyne continues, explaining that Oxaa was... hesitant about contact here. He hasn't even sent letters to mom and dad and... He doesn't know if he could bring himself to say anything to those two, truth or lie. He knows that Oxaa wouldn't want him telling them about everything they've done... 
Enani points out that several of the continent's villagers traveled north when the Gardens came down, there's a good chance word came down here. Estu says that he knows that's a possibility... still, he doesn't know what he's going to do if he has to choose between involving those two or keeping them in the dark... The nargacuga is quiet for a moment, before saying that that'll just be one of several obstacles they couldn't avoid. He asks the canyne what's more important: avoiding talking to mom and dad, or saving his brother's life. The canyne is quiet, before thanking him, he didn't realize how ridiculous he was coming across. He says that they have a lot of area to cover that can offer information.
Players control Estu and can travel through Ershel to try and locate potentially useful information.
* Near the entrance is a short Bombadgy seller, Estu remarks that she's a traveling merchant, and asks about the places she typically visits. She answers that she goes through various battlefields to collect provisions and weapons and goes to villages to sell. The canyne asks if she knows anything about medical injuries. The merchant shakes her head and says that she just sells provisions and weapons of varying quality, she's no apothecary or doctor. Enani supposes that they won't get much info down this path.
* Over at the Hunter tent, the duo finds it run by an effeminate kelbi man. He recognizes the two of them, and asks what brings them here. Enani tells him that one of their own have suffered a serious injury, and says that hunters Egra and Cait will be attempting to reach out to any and all Hunters for any texts that talk about this particular one. The kelbi says that he'd love to help out any of them, and asks what they're looking for. The nargacuga briefly explains the injury, and the kelbi says he doesn't recognize it off hand, but he will look in their collection for any matches.
* Other than that, the people around town don't offer much. There are a few that have heard of how badly Oxaa got hurt and hope that he's ok. 
After searching through Ershel, Estu says that they're not making much progress asking around here. Enani, however, says that they haven't looked at one particular spot in the village. The nargacuga looks towards the biggest building in the village, and the canyne sighs. He supposes that they can't keep avoiding it... The nargacuga admits that he's not used to being leaned on, but he will offer what he cand during this. The fencer is grateful, and with that, players are granted the goal of visiting Estu's and Oxaa's mom and dad.
The duo thus makes their way to the big building, where they can see the father canyne tending to the fields. Estu is quiet for a moment, before he sighs. He looks towards Enani for some assurance, though the nargacuga seems his usual cold self, though he nods him forwards. Thus, the younger canyne, with a deep breath, advances. Upon seeing him, the father brightens up and quickly wraps Estu in a hug, telling him that he should've said he was coming over. The fencer apologizes and says that they've been wrapped up in stuff... He tells the elder that he needed some help. The father tells him that he's always available for help... before he looks around and asks where Oxaa is. At this, the canyne freezes up, though the nargacuga chimes in, saying that he's indisposed. The dad is quiet, though he does admit that Oxaa's always off doing his own thing.
Either way, he invites the younger canyne in, and the two enter the big building. And in there, the youth can find his parents' blades put up on a mantle each. He can also find his mother having finished a painting depicting Estu and Oxaa back to back. She sees the two enter and brightens up, greeting them. Estu says that he missed the two of them and hugs her as well. The father says that he'll prepare a proper meal before heading deeper in, and the mother says that she needs to hear everything about what the two of them have been doing. She notices Enani, who's making sure Estu is between him and her, and remarks that it looks like he's been making new friends. The canyne has to admit that so much has happened since Oxaa ran off...
The mom says that she'd love to hear all about what they've been up to, she's just not sure if her heart is up for the excitement anymore. Estu asks what she means, to which she gets a little more quiet. She admits that at the start of the month, she got hit with that elder fatigue, and she's begun to realize she couldn't keep up her usual fighting style much longer. Even moreso when she realized she had a heart condition a little over a week ago. Estu is horrified, and asks if she needs him and Oxaa, but the mother shakes her head. She says that she and her husband have lived a long life and have two beautiful children from it. She has Mirigo staying home to keep her safe. The younger canyne still says that he still feels so guilty, leaving her like this... The mother shakes her head and tells him that she understands he has other things to worry about right now.
Eventually, the father returns with some bowls of noodles. They plates are passed around, Enani off to the side while the three canynes are together. The father asks if the two of them came just to say "hi". Estu shakes his head, and says that something did happen... He thinks over how to press on with this, before saying that someone he'd gotten to know had endured an injury unlike anything he'd ever seen. The wounds are described as reaching their very soul... He and other friends are trying to find a way to fix these wounds, but they don't know where to look. The two parents are quiet for a moment, for an uncomfortably long time. Finally, the dad says that before he met Imal here, he was sold a map of some staches of treasure. He scoured a bunch of them, but began to settle down before he uncovered each of them. He can provide the two of them with this, which causes Estu to perk up. He thanks him, and would love to see this map!
Thus he quickly leaves, before coming back and providing a map. Estu takes it and sees a few X's have been scribbled out. He's sure that this will be a step in the right direction! He hugs the two of them again, and says he'll do whatever he can for them once this is over! The two parents nod, and wish him luck in restoring Oxaa. At that, Estu pauses, and Enani glances over curious. There's another quiet, before Estu starts to mutter out "How...?", when Imal says that the two of them heard about the descending Gardens and saw their little rathalos leading the charge through the previously monster-infested Pinnacle. The two of them asked around and heard bits and pieces of his journey, when... The mom admits she saw Oxaa afterwards, and she felt like she was dying...
There's another quiet, the younger canyne clearly looking ashamed. Mirigo apologizes for surprising him like this, they were afraid that he'd be only more worked up if they revealed they'd known from the start. Imal says that as much as she wants to, she knows that they can't do anything more for the two of them from here. The parents start to tear up, and she says that she doesn't know why, but this path that'd taken Oxaa away from them... That this fight is important to Oxaa, and important for such powerful people to rally behind him. The father tells Estu that he and his brother have grown, and as much as they want to be a part of it, Oxaa's clearly chosen to go his own way. They just hope that he can make him happy in their stead. Estu feels guilty, but feels a heightened conviction. He nods, and tells the two of them that he'll do whatever it takes to put a great big smile back on that guy's face. With that, the duo have done all they can do over here, and then make their way out to reconvene at the Divine Structure.
----
Meanwhile, Hearta and Roushg have made their way to a bit of the village over in the northern part of the jungle. The two of them progress forwards, where they find a village set beside a river that is very close to the shore of the north western edge of the continent. Other than that, there stand a small amount of buildings with larger ones set towards the center where various travelers set themselves, be they sellswords or cooks or even dancers. Players have come upon the village of Bresito. Roushg remarks that this area seems familiar, to which Hearta remarks she forgot he was around this general area. She asks if he knows if anyone may be here, to which he shakes his head and says the only family he has left is his siblings.
He then asks what they're looking for here, to which the mizutsune says that this part of the land has fertile soil, so it tends to be a hotspot for travelers. Maybe they'll find someone that saw something. Roushg supposes that it's time to start searching, but Hearta seems to take pause. The great jaggi pauses and asks if she's going to be ok with this. The dancer shifts in place, before admitting that her time here has been... trying... She always stood out in comparison to the folks here. She had people that were very invasive and always had comments about her appearance. She was pushed into becoming a dancer by the villagers actually. Roushg remarks that that certainly sounds like a rough time. He asks if she's really going to be ok here, to which Hearta hesitantly nods. They've fought worse than this, haven't they?
With that, the duo makes their way into the village. And upon entry, several of the civilians within the village take notice of the two, and perk up, interested in the aqueous visitor. A few recognize her from when she danced for them, and a few others recognize her from those that marched into the Gardens. As they crowd around, however, Roushg will signal for his siblings to block them off. Hearta is grateful to him for the aid, though he tells her they have a lot more to wade through at the moment. He says that he'll offer whatever support he can. And so, players are prompted to search through Bresito for information.
*Players can go near the road leading to the shore, where they can find a fishing shack set up. There stand several monsters, who notice Hearta and greet her maybe a bit too heartily. They remark that they haven't seen her in forever, and Roushg tells them that they're probably not going to be here long. They need to find some way of solving a strange injury, and they need to know if they could point them in the right direction. The fishermen are curious what they mean, and Hearta explains the situation. One of the fishermen admit that they don't do a lot of traveling unless they're going to bodies of water or waterways. Hearta thanks them and apologizes for taking their time, before the duo leaves.
*Over at the dance halls, the duo can take notice of a fat mosswine just outside of it. Upon seeing her, the mizutsune seems to perk up. She comes over, the mosswine noticing her and perking up. She happily shakes her hand and says she feels like it's been months! Hearta asks how she's doing, though Roushg wonders what's up. The dancer apologizes for the confusion, and answers that this woman hear is named Felicia. She was her mentor and helped teach her her arts. The great jaggi supposes she must've been a fine teacher, which gets Hearta to nod. Felicia says she got scared, she heard that she was a part of the group that went to the Gardens and that they were gravely injured. That causes the dancer to sadden, and she has to explain the situation. Felicia gets uncomfortable, and admits that she isn't sure she can help a lot. She can ask her students to ask around the villages they go to whenever they travel.
After speaking to the lot of them, Roushg remarks that these guys don't seem to get out a lot. Hearta remarks taht they don't have a whole lot of reason to go out themselves. Travelers just stop here and they maybe have an exchange that causes one of their own to be able to head out. Roushg asks if that means those sellswords aren't native, to which the mizutsune nods. For the most part, those guilds are used to house either guards for the village, or travelers that their people hope to use for various activities. Roushg supposes that if anyone should know anything about what they're looking for, it should be them. Hearta admits that she isn't sure if she can. Growing up, she had been ushered away from there... Roushg says that she's been through some serious junk, if anything they should be kneeling to her when they enter. That seems to make her feel a little better, and she says he's right. Besides, they still need to do this for Oxaa.
Thus, the duo make their way into the guild of the sellswords, Roushg making sure that his siblings are close to him. They enter, and can find several burly men, women, and anyone on the spectrum inside. The lot of them bore weapons that looked like they were either crafted by hand or gotten from other battlefields. Roushg supposes that these are some of the ilk not registered under Hunters... He asks Hearta if anyone looks like they stand out as knowing a lot. The mizutsune shrugs uncertain. The great jaggi supposes that their only course here is to just ask around, though they notice that the lot of the sellswords are starting to take notice of them.
Hearta says that she feels like things are going to be a little more complicated. Roushg's siblings say that they'd be willing to ask around, but the great jaggi tells them to just stay by his side, they don't know what these guys are capable of. The mizutsune, however, decides to step forwards. She's certainly quiet for a moment, with some reservations about talking to them. She looks towards them, and she thinks back to some of the looks she's gotten while growing up. However, she straightens her dress for a moment, and tells the crowd she gathered that she needs a hand. One of the greatsword-wielders come close and say that they'd love to aid her! A woman with dual blades comes closer and says that someone like her should get help. 
Roushg seems a bit surprised about how things seems to be moving, but he does want to stay around in case anything happens. Either way, Hearta explains to the crowd about their general situation. The various sellswords take in the information, and says that they're not totally sure about how they can help. Several of them suggest that they can provide her a list of locations they'd traveled to. The mizutsune assures them that stuff like that could be very helpful. There's a brief time skip, and eventually the duo make their way out of the guild, with the lot of them saying that they'll make sure to send them any information they forgot. Hearta thanks them again, and begins making her way out.
When they get near the gate, Roushg remarks that things turned out really well for them. They may not have a specific location, but this should narrow things down. He does, however, notice that she is uncertain. He asks her what's wrong, to which she admits that she doesn't feel totally great about how they went about this. She still felt more like a spectacle during that... Roushg supposes he understands that that'd feel bad. He tries to reason, however, that it's easy for people to look at the surface level of anyone if there's something different about them. But if there are people that have her interest at heart, they'll make sure to actually know her. The mizutsune smiles and nods, before looking back and taking notice of Felicia. The mosswine waves her goodbye, with the Hearta waving to her as well. She supposes there have been plenty of people that helped her feel more looked at. With that, the duo leave with the intel they'd gathered.
----
Meanwhile, Heyel makes her way out to the Pinnacle. The nakarkos is alone through her journey, her feeling a bit of unease. She was very familiar with being isolated, though now that the rest of the party isn't with her... She does contemplate with herself about how those guys helped her out for a while. Especially that Oxaa man... Still, she understands that there's a lot she needs to improve on herself in order to be as outgoing as the rest of them. She supposes that this is could be a good part of her training. Eventually, she makes it to the Pinnacle, where many Hunters have taken control of the ruins, making sure that none of the monsters around can threaten it nor whoever enters.
Heyel enters the borders, where a pair of canyne men with swords and shields take notice of her and salute. She waves them at ease, and asks about how this Pinnacle is looking. One of the canyne says that they haven't encountered many threats ever since the Gardens came down. There weren't many visitors before then, but after that, now they're starting to get people that want to settle into this place. The nakarkos seems weary about this information, though supposes that they'll have to go over this new bit of information later. She asks them if there's been any further investigations into these ruins, to which one of the canynes say that there are teams that've looked into some of the histories of these ruins.
Heyel supposes that means she'll have to look into these other teams. She thanks them for their information, and the two canynes nod before returning to their posts. After that, Heyel supposes that that interaction went well. Still, the prospect of talking to more of these guys does feel a little daunting... She decides to take a deep breath. She tells herself that she's faced more dangerous creatures than simple words. And knowing Oxaa, when he gets back up he's going to spring back into trouble, so she'll just need to get stronger. She clenches one of her fists, and keeps trying to psyche herself. Players have the goal of traveling throughout the Pinnacle to speak with the various investigation teams.
*Down among some of the houses, Heyel can see that they're patched together with some materials from the environment. There are various civilians trying to settle in. Several of them are out working with some of the Hunters, but others are trying to make sure these places can be settled down in. They take notice of Heyel, and greet the woman. One of them asks if she's planning to settle down in this Pinnacle as well. Heyel shakes her head and simply says she's just trying to find documents around here. She asks if any of them found anything interesting in the houses, to which they shake their heads and answer that the Hunters apparently excavated some loose materials and weapons within these things. The Elder Dragon nods. She then wonders if they're certain about settling down in a place like this, to which they say "Of course". This is a place rich with history. Plus to imagine a place being this close to the Dragons... Heyel asks if they saw what happened to Oxaa, though one of them says that the Dragons can't be all bad. There are people like Heyel and her other friends. Hearing that makes the narkakos surprised, and she hopes that they handle this place well.
*Heyel approaches the forge, where some of the Hunters are seen keeping it in good form. They notice her, and greet the elder emphatically. She remarks that they seem to be making good use of the forge, to which the Hunters nod. One tells her that they've been able to construct some powerful weapons from these. Heyel can only hope that they've been doing more than making some sharp toys, which the Hunters assure her they did. They've been working on reconstruction, a medical center, and they've been looking more into that temple. Heyel asks if they've found any interesting information from those locations, to which they admit that they'll have to talk to some of the other teams to learn about that.
*Over at the temple that the party originally fought the Rathian, Heyel finds a team of various folks. She remarks that they don't all appear to be Hunters. Some of them say that they were villagers from elsewhere that saw the Gardens connect to this place. They answer that they wanted to help learn about more of this place. The Elder Dragon asks if they found anything, to which the team answers they found some documents about the Dragons teaching them how to manipulate magical particles and how to craft with the environment around them. There are also documents explaining the ways they worshipped the divinity on high. One of the researchers can't help but wonder if Heyel herself is familiar with these things, and the elder admits that some of those things are familiar... Either way, she thanks them for speaking to them. They do want more information, though she quickly tells them she can't offer anymore and leaves.
Heyel supposes that her options are rather limited. Still, she has to admit seeing this place getting more life in it does fill her with some nostalgia. She can only hope that these guys are able to keep it and all of them safe. She supposes she has one place left to look into, and looks towards the medical center set up towards the shore.
She thusly progresses. She makes it to a clearing by the shore that's occupied by a few tents akin to the medical tents back at their home village. She approaches, and finds that it is fortunately without patients at the moment. There are several doctors stationed inside, and they take notice of her and welcome her. Heyel asks how things are going over here, to which a khezu man will say that they've occasionally had to tend to injured or ill folks, but they haven't had anything too terrible to deal with. Heyel supposes that means they haven't seen anything too unusual, to which the doctors would nod.
There's an awkward silence, before she says that she's been asking around and seeing that the Hunters have been gathering old documents from the city. She wonders if they encountered anything, to which the khezu nods. He says that the old people here for the most part dealt with injuries or illnesses that the modern era has either been able to cure, or have developed natural immunities to. The narkakos, curious, asks "for the most part". One of the doctors says that they have read about some wounds that they can only conclude came from extinct creatures. There's also one mention of someone getting injured by a Dragon. That gets Heyel's attention, and she asks if she could look into that document.
The group nods before making their way to a chest in the corner. They search through it before bringing up a document and handing it over. Heyel looks over it, with the khezu explaining that this explains that the injured person was put in a coma after the strike, though there's no reports of them being healed while they remained in the Pinnacle. It sounds like they'd gone through the mountain ranges after the fact. Heyel asks if she can keep this, to which the doctors ask what's the occasion. Heyel explains the situation, and the doctors understand. They say that the lot of them have done a lot of good for the continent over the last few months, this is the least they can do for them. Heyel accepts the document, and thanks them.
With that, she makes her way out, and once she exits the Pinnacle, she takes a deep breath. She remarks that this has felt more tiring than she expected... She needs more time to get comfortable with other people. She ponders how Oxaa does it... though supposes that he has felt uncomfortable with other people. She supposes that they're more alike than she really thought... She only hopes that this will get them closer to saving him. With that, she progresses onwards.
----
Many hours have passed, and back at the home village, Egra and Cait can be seen racing between various Hunters to give their orders. And as they talk, they eventually take notice of the various party members returning. They see them and approach the lot of them, where they ask if they've managed anything. Estu, looking a little sad yet determined, answers that they got a collection of strange sites around the continent. Hearta explains that they got additional information on sites, and suppose that they could cross reference them with the ones Cait gathered. And Heyel explains that a team up in the Pinnacle uncovered word of someone that'd ended up in a coma after being hit by a Dragon, though explains she hasn't had the chance to review it yet.
Egra remarks that this could certainly be useful information, though they'll need to spend some time to understand all of it. Unfortunately, it's gotten rather late. Estu, however, says that he can read through this stuff through the night. However, Cait looks at the many documents, and concludes that this'll require a lot of reading and potentially a lot of connecting the dots. Estu says that regardless of how much work it'll take, he needs to save his brother. Enani says that everyone here wants to save him, and they're going to need a lot more than one night and one person to sort through everything. Roushg confirms what the nargacuga says, and tells them that they've all been putting in a lot of legwork today. They should really tackle this when they're ready to actually sort through this.
Estu seems unsure still, though Cait assures him that Oxaa is still in a stable condition. Heyel reasons that they're not going to help him out if they just tire themselves out finding a cure. The canyne is quiet, before muttering that they're right. With that, the various documents are brought to Egra. She says that she'll keep them safe and that they should meet back at the Divine Structure tomorrow. And with that, the various party members part to rest for the day.
Meanwhile, the scene cuts over to Oxaa, remaining in the bed. He lays, comatose. As he lays there, there is silence with him. There are some whispers in his head. Eventually, some of the whispers manifest from various npcs across the adventure, from Marcus talking about trafficking people like him, to Doug's descriptions of Fallen like him... Oxaa remains still.
Iuli 31st
The party meets back up in the Divine Structure, and once there, they have begun looking into the various documents they'd all gathered. They spend a lot of time swapping what they've gathered and jotting down notes over what they found. Cait decides to recap a few of the things they learned: someone was gravely injured by a Dragon shortly before the people of the Pinnacle migrated. The tribe split up with some deciding to travel south, directly through the mountain range. Roushg says that there are a few sites spotted along the mountain range, and according to some of the notes from Estu's family, there appears to be one that wasn't explored by some of the travelers around the continent.
Egra remarks that it isn't much information for them to go on, but it seems like the closest thing to a lead. Several travelers would've probably formed settlements to keep themselves safe for the trip. They must surely have some information there that isn't among these documents. Enani does remark that this is all speculation. That unexplored site is pretty far from any mountain trails, which means it'll be prime ground for monsters and harder for them to travel on. However, Estu says that, regardless of the danger, they all need to seek that site out, just in case. Hearta agrees. It could be their only chance of helping out Oxaa. Enani says that he's for it as well, he just wanted to make sure they know the risk. Egra remarks that at the rate they've been going, surely challenge like this should be fine for them.
Roushg does admit that he does feel this creeping dread. Estu says that this is the least they can do for Oxaa. Cait remarks that the day's already gone away form them during their research. They're going to have to search for the site tomorrow. Hearta says that she'll be ready. The great jaggi nods and says he'll lend a hand as well. Enani answers that this is for Oxaa. Heyel says that she'll do what she can to pay him back. Egra says that everyone is in agreement... They're all going to work together, and find something to bring him back.
----
After that, the scene cuts to even later. It's back to inside the medical tent with Oxaa. Estu makes his way in and stands beside him. The canyne is quiet for a bit, before he tells him that he lost his temper before... He admits that he still doesn't know all about what he's been going through before now, and he thinks that it scared him... He wanted to think that he was a good brother, and hearing he wanted to go out on his own like this, it made him self conscious... He wanted to act like those problems didn't exist, and that just made it harder for him to listen to him...
He tells Oxaa that he's sorry that he wasn't a good brother before. He wants to correct all of that, and make things right. He tells the unconscious rathalos that he wants to make him happy, no matter where it takes them. He tells Oxaa that regardless of circumstances, he's his brother, and he loves him. He tells the brother that he's going to fix things, and he's going to be the brother that Oxaa always deserved. There's another quiet, before Estu begins to step out. He solemnly tells him "Good night..." before he leaves.
Augua 1st
On this day, the various party members are suiting up, gathering their tools. However, each member aside from the Hunters seem to be having a bit of an odd struggle with their tools. Egra asks if they're doing alright, to which Hearta remarks that she realizes she hadn't really seriously picked up her weapon since everything went south... Estu supposes that they might be a little rusty... He shakes his head and says that they're just going up against monsters out there. Just monsters... Enani suggests that they just need to take on a few foes and they'll start to get the hang of it. However, Roushg feels the need to interject: Oxaa's usually been leading them. So, who should take the lead now?
There's a bit of uncertainty among the party. Several of them look towards the Hunters, before Egra glances at Cait. The felyne looks up at her curious, and she says that he did say the things that the lot of them really needed to hear to move forwards. Estu says that he really helped them get out of their stupor and pushed them to finding these documents. The felyne is uncertain, though Enani says that he's been good for supporting them. Egra admits that she's more of a searcher than a leader, and says that she's fine standing beside Cait. Roushg supposes that it's majority then, and says that they should move out. Thus, the party begins to set out, though Cait can't help but feel a little uncertain.
Still, he decides to press on, hoping he can do Oxaa proud. With that, players are given the simple objective of exploring a certain area in the mountain range. And throughout this, Cait serves as the party lead. Players are encouraged to follow along the trail, before making their way off the trail. The party progresses through, and as they get close, some wild canynes will appear to threaten them. The group will need to act fast and deal with their agility, though should be able to take care of them easily. Enani flips his blades and remarks that this is feeling more and more familiar. Heyel says that they just need to keep this momentum up until they find this site.
The party progresses, needing to deal with various enemies along the way. The terrain is indeed harder for players to go through, with various terrain that forces them to go one way and needing them to go around various cliffs. With enough work, the party should be able to make it to their destination. And when they get close, the group will find a small valley that reveals a small building. Said building has the symbol of the Dragons above its door. Hearta remarks that it looks sort of like a place of worship. Cait hopes that they left some significant information in there. However, before they advance, Cait can't help but worry that they feel this intense foreboding feeling in their gut...
At the player's discretion, the party will advance. They come closer, and when they do, the various party members feels their instincts flare. The various party members draws their weapons, Hearta sure that some monster set up camp over here. From within the building, they can see a creature starting to creep forwards. Enani suspects that this creature likely drove off potential explorers. However, Estu holds his long sword towards the beast and declares that if it's in their way, then they'll go through it. The beast crawls out, and now everyone has a better view of it. Ahead of them stands a massive, wyvern-like creature in thick stone plating with a mace-like tail and a thick horn and spines. Egra remarks that it looks tough, and the several of them turn towards Cait for some words. The felyne mulls over what Oxaa would say in a moment like this, before declaring that they've seen power far greater than this. They will overcome, they will survive!
With that, players are thrust into battle with the Gravios. For this fight, it proves to be too much for the party. The beast is terribly defensive, being able to nullify Stab and resist all other physical attacks. It also resists Fire and Earth, and can respond with those kinds of spells as well. The beast can also use multi-target sleep magic to slow down the party, and even leave them susceptible to Technical damage. As the fight goes on, Roushg remarks that this thing's too strong. More time passes, and Enani says that he's not making any progress on this guy... More time passes, and Hearta asks if they're really this far out of their element...
After several turns, a cutscene plays that shows the massive beast loom over a now tired party. Enani asks how this could happen, they've practically conquered this continent by now... Heyel can only reason that they're not in the right headspace still. Roushg tries to stand but stumbles, collapsing onto his stomach with his siblings gasping in fear. Cait asks how they could do this... Their friend needs them, and they're falling like this...? The monster steps back, and particles form around its jaws. Fire starts to light up in the back of its throat, and the party is horrified. Estu, meanwhile, steps forwards, fighting through his wounds, to face the beast.
He tells the party that he'll distract this thing... Hearta asks what he means, to which he says they just need to get behind this thing. He'll use anything he has left to keep it still. Egra shouts that they can't leave him to do that! Heyel says that Oxaa needs him, and the canyne falters. His sword shakes in his hand, but he shakes his head and tries to look serious. He says that his brother needs a future he can be happy in. If that means that he can't be a part of it... he'll have to accept it. Cait reaches out to him, and begs him to reconsider. Even Enani is telling him to get a hold of himself, but the canyne stands resolute. He looks at the beast preparing its attack, and shuts his eyes. He silently tells Oxaa, regardless of if he hears him or not, that he prays the others will make him happy... And then, the beast lowers its head, ready to unleash a stream of fire...
----
The scene cuts back to Oxaa, earlier in the day. The rathalos lays in bed, still unresponsive. More thoughts are going through him, a mixture of the various words already going through his head. And then, the camera is filled with a bright light, before taking place in a void. In that void, Oxaa is seen, though only as his outline. In this moment, players are prompted to "Look for something". The outline progresses through the strange environment. As he walks, several familiar words seem to blur together, to the point of being borderline incoherent. Regardless of what direction he walks in, he soon comes upon what looks like his head.
The outline approaches, and the head asks him what they're doing. The outline is confused, and he asks why they did all of this. They had a home, they had people that loved them... The outline responds that they were too different, they didn't fit. The head responds that that thinking hurt people. Their family gave them everything they could despite how different he was, and he spat on that. The outline remarks that they helped people, though the head points asks "Where has that led them in the end?" An image of Estu crying over his body manifests, and the head says all they needed to be was a good boy, and no one would've gotten hurt. The outline is quiet, and the head then disappears into the distance.
The outline needs to travel more, where it finds its arms and legs. There's a quiet between the two, before the limbs asks why they stretched themselves like this. The outline asks what they mean, and they point out they had their home, a place for people like him. They made it... but they pushed and pushed, until they were broken. The outline asks if they should've just done nothing against Vogish, to which the limbs say that Vogish wasn't the problem. He put them on this planet, but it was the planet that labeled them. The outline is quiet, and the limb asks why they push so much anyways. They always felt like an outsider at home, yet they push to be extraordinary when they're in their comfort area. For all their talk about needing to fit in, they still want to stick out... There was no way to satisfy them. The limbs then disappear into the distance.
The outline needs to travel more, where it finds its wings and tail. There's a quiet between the two, before the wings and tails asks what lies after this. The outline asks what they mean, to which they say that even if they survive this, what will they do? They can't fight Vogish, they can't make the Fallen look better for everyone, and there's no way that they can sit still and be satisfied. The outline insists they can learn, though the wings and tail says that they won't, and they know it. They'll plunge themselves into whatever conflict they see until either they wipe out the conflict or destroy themselves. The conflict lies in the world, and there's no way they can wipe out the world, can they? The outline is quiet, before the wings and tails say that it's probably for the best their struggle ended here. With that, they disappear into the distance.
The outline is still, and the void seems to grow darker and darker. In the darkness, outlines akin to the Ershel residents can be seen, before the outline is left thinking. They think about how they were always different, unusual... They felt as if they had to prove they were a part of that home. But who are they trying to prove themselves to anymore? They put their home behind them, and tried to never look back. Why do they want to be looked at so much if they didn't like it back home? Why do they try to be a big helper? Why... why even try...? The outline looks as if it's fading. However, as it starts to fade, Heyel's voice starts to come through.
The outline turns towards the voice, hearing it remark "this man is strong, she can just imagine him fighting his way out of this coma from within". He hears more of her talk about how she's going to get off her butt and try to help him. Another voice shines through the void, Hearta giving her gratitude and wishing she could thank him when he wakes up. The outline is quiet, before realizing that since he started this, there have been people that've been helped by him. He then hears Enani talk about his infectious drive, and Roushg wanting him to perk up his siblings again, and the outline says that he's had people that've connected to him... he's put too much of himself in their lives to just leave a gap...
He hears Egra talking about how the world needs more brave people in it, and Cait talking about how the village needs his strength, and the outline thinks they're understanding... they do have things to prove still. For the sake of people mistreated like Enani, against Vogish, for the sake of making things better for as many people... He then hears Estu once more, him now apologizing and just wanting him to be happy. The outline thinks on Estu, thinking about how much he's hurt him this way... He says that he's kept his view too narrow for too long. He needs to stop burying his past. He needs to be there... for everyone! More voices are heard as they void starts to get brighter. Some players may be able to recognize voices from various npcs they helped out in sidequests or the main story, and the pieces of Oxaa the outline encountered reappear. They start to merge back into that outline, and a bright light shines over the camera.
----
The scene cuts back to the Gravios, readying its fire attack. The various party members are still tired while Estu stands, trying to ready himself to stop this creature long enough to let the others get ahead. The lot of them are still very uncertain about just leaving the canyne to this beast. The creature's maw shines brightly, ready to strike... when a fireball suddenly soars out and strikes it in the chin. The beast is startled and stumbled back, its fire attack launching skywards and away from the party. They're each stunned by the fortune, and collectively wonder where that came from. They each look towards the source of the attack.
Along the mountain ridges, they can see a familiar sheet of red scales, steam rising from their jaw. They could see a familiar set of armor, albeit hastily put on, and a switch axe in his arm. To everyone's surprise, Oxaa had made it. They're all ecstatic and race over to the rathalos. A lot of them tackle him into a hug, though back up once they hear him grunting in pain. Once back, they see that he's still reduced to just one arm, though he still seems to be holding his weapon well enough. He complains that he was this close to coming up with a cool arrival line. He takes notice of Estu in particular, who looks like he's struggling to hold back tears, the two sharing a smile. Hearta is stunned, saying that this doesn't make sense with all of his injuries. She wasn't sure if he'd ever wake up, though Cait can't help but wonder how he got here. Oxaa motions behind him, showing off Mok, holding a bowgun and keeping his distance from the main field. He says that this guy caught him coming out of the medical tent. He asked where the lot of them were, and that guy explained they came out here. He helped lead him over here.
As the party is awestruck and thankful to see him up, they hear a shout from the creature. The Gravios faces them, and bellows again. Oxaa says that they should probably finish this guy off before they chat some more. Roushg asks if he's truly in a proper condition to engage this guy, and the rathalos says that he's been sitting around for long enough. Oxaa takes his axe, and suddenly races past the group. The Gravios stamps forwards, though Oxaa grips his weapon firmly, and swings with all his might, slamming it into the plated beast's horn hard enough to drive it back and snap its horn. At the same time, however, his weapon shatters, it too heavily damaged from the fight with Vogish. The party can't help but be worried, though Oxaa, while a little disappointed, tells them that Mok suggested he grab additional weapons, just in case.
With that, he draws another weapon. On his back is a shield with bladed edges, though he drew a sword from it. Egra spies the weapon, and seems to recognize this weapon, remarking that that's very advanced. Roushg asks what she means, though the Gravios stands before them. The party is forced into another fight, though now Oxaa is leading them once more. Here, players are introduced to a few new key features: Oxaa has gained a greater perspective in his time in a coma, and has acquired the Pierce passive, allowing him to ignore Resist and Block. Oxaa also has access to a new weapon type: the Charge Blade. This weapon initially takes the shape of a sword and shield, but with a simple command, Oxaa can plant the sword into the shield's sheath, and lift it as if it were an axe, thus being able to swap between normal hits dealing Slash damage, and Smash damage. One final thing players learn, is that Oxaa's injuries aren't just gone: at the moment, his maximum HP is reduced to 60%. Now that Oxaa has joined the party, they gain a permanent party-wide buff for the fight, and beat on the beast.
After reducing it to half health, the beast howls and lets forth another beam of flame. Oxaa holds up his Charge Blade to block the stream, and though he can hold it well enough, it is still tossed from his hands. It's tossed a fair distance, and though the party is worried a little bit, Oxaa seems more annoyed. He supposes Mok was right to be extra paranoid before reaching back. And now, he's able to bring forwards a massive Great Sword. The fight continues, Oxaa able to swap between using the sharp edge and the flat side of his blade for Slash and Smash damage, and the party maintaining its buff. Observant players able to see the subtle differences between either of Oxaa's styles. The Charge Blade offers more defense but is slower, while the Great Sword offers more agility and strength but has lower defenses. Either way, the party will be able to overcome this beast, and slay it.
After everything, the Gravios lays dead, and the party stands victorious, huffing and puffing. Oxaa glances towards the broken switch axe with a minor sense of mourning. The party is back to Oxaa, each still not believing this. Enani remarks that only he would be able to will away an injury like that. However, Oxaa has to admit that it's not all gone. He struggled to stand when he woke up, and everything hurt like hell... he isn't sure if he's as confidant in his strength as he once was... Hearta does admit that she did feel like there was something off about Oxaa during that fight... Egra says that if that injury is persisting, then they still have reason to investigate this site.
Mok comes up, and upon seeing the group there, he says that he apologizes for springing this on them all of a sudden, as soon as Oxaa heard they were going to uncharted area, he insisted on being there to help them. Egra assures him that it's alright. Cait says that he's just grateful that he was there to help escort him. Estu's also grateful he made sure he was properly equipped before heading out. Oxaa feigns offense, though does have to admit the concern is fair. Egra asks Mok to monitor the area outside the site and gather material from this creature. The barioth nods, and thus the group makes their way in.
The party enters the place of worship, it bearing murals of the Dragons and of the Gardens. There stand shelves of scrolls, and many of the party is seraching through them. Estu, Hearta, and Heyel, however, as well as several of Roushg's siblings, are staying with Oxaa, insisting he remains seated. Hearta says that she still can't wrap her head around this, and asks how he got out of that bed. He says that he had them help him out of there. The three seem to understand that their words helped them, though Estu realizes that that must mean everything he said was heard. Oxaa focuses on him, and the canyne can't help but feel self conscious. He tells Oxaa that he's really sorry about what he said, he shouldn't have gotten upset at him over his discomfort. Oxaa shakes his head and says that he's sorry, he shouldn't have tried to put his family so far behind him. He loves him and them and everything they've done, he supposes that he was just afraid that if he ever did look back and away from the new village, then he might be admitting defeat, that he'd be saying that this was all so difficult and... He says he's still not totally sure of his feelings back then, but he's always been grateful for him and his parents. Estu supposes that he was always someone that kept his emotions to his chest...
After they talk, Cait declares that he found something. The party organizes around Oxaa, and the felyne pulls out the scroll. The scroll describes how they were able to gather certain material and feed it to the injured subject. The document explains that the subject was able to get back up, though they'd be subjected to crippling pain if they were not fed the concoction on a weekly basis. Heyel looks over the material, and remarks that she's pretty sure some of the Hunters stored some of that in the tower. Cait declares that if they make it back, they should be able to whip up a potion! Enani asks if that means that they're going to have to keep making this potion, to which Egra says that that seems to be what the document is suggesting. Furthermore, these are relatively rare material: they'll probably have to frequently seek out this stuff to make more of this potion.
Oxaa remarks that that should be fine. Whether there's an agonizing pain in his system or not, he could use some more time in the field. Estu says that he better not be going anywhere on his own whims for a while now, to which the rathalos promises to always have someone looking over his shoulder. Roushg admits that he's feeling so much more tired than usual and supposes that now that they've gained what they came here for, they should be heading back. Egra nods, and says that they've all had a busy day. Whoever wishes to will be free to turn in for the night, though she and other Hunters are going to try and develop one of these potions. With that, the party makes their way off the mountain range and back home.
----
Everyone that's gone out has begun to return, the streets full of people in a frenzy about whether or not Oxaa had or hadn't just gotten up and walked out. When the party makes it back, they see him and are ecstatic. He's quickly welcomed back with the various party members needing to make sure they don't crowd around him too much. The rathalos can hear their words and can't help but be a little bashful. Roushg tells the lot of them to clear the way, declaring that Oxaa is still very hurt. With enough work, the party's able to press into the Divine Structure.
There's a brief time skip as Egra and Cait search around and the various other party members remain with Oxaa. The duo returns soon, the lagombi explaining that she was able to find and grind up some of the material the document mentioned. They had enough for four doses of what they dub Ancient Potions. She offers him one, and Oxaa drinks the potion. With that, players are shown his HP going back to 100%, as well as his SP restored fully. He thanks her, and at the same time, Hearta uses her magic to observe him. She says that the injury appears to've subsided, but it's not gone completely. Egra supposes that means that they're going to have to keep on gathering these potions for Oxaa... She admits that she used up too much of their material, and says that they'll probably have to seek out more of this stuff themselves if they're going to make more. The rathalos supposes that's fine, and says that he should be able to function a little even without this. At this, players are granted a tutorial on Ancient Potions, warned that these things can be very rare, and are used to not only undo Oxaa's injury, but can also fully restore his status. Players are told that Oxaa's Max HP will remain at 100% for a week after ingesting one of these potions.
With that, Enani remarks that they're lucky he woke up when he did. Heyel nods, and also says they're very grateful that he's back with them. Oxaa is grateful as well... He says that he hasn't had the chance to ask around town, and wonders how the village is looking. Cait says that it should be fine now that he's back, though he says that he should probably take some time to relax after everything he's gone through. However, he shakes his head and says that he's sat down for long enough. Oxaa admits that while he laid, he's had time to think... and he wants to make some changes. Roushg wonders what he means, to which the rathalos explains that he's been trying too hard to just make a home for people like him... and he thinks he wants to try and make something that properly mixes them with others.
Enani cocks a brow and asks what he means. Oxaa says that, as much as he hates to admit it, Vogish did have a point about the world labeling them. They've spent a lot of time in certain roles, and the way they've run things here, they've practically been encouraging isolating themselves from others. So, he wants to make a difference, and work to make this place one where everyone can just be neighbors. Much of the party seems excited by this revelation, though Enani does point out that much of the populace here could be hesitant towards this direction. The rathalos understands, though says that they've gone through plenty of hardships before this. What's one more. Egra agrees, though says that the lot of them are probably real tired right now. Oxaa nods in understanding, admitting he does feel a little sore. With everyone in agreement, the party breaks to rest for the day.
...
The scene then cuts to the throne room, the one players battled Vogish in. The fatalis approaches the throne and sits upon it, seeming curious while that familiar trio of Dragons stands near. He remarks to himself that that odd sensation has returned to the planet once more... Could Heyel or that rathalos have truly done something to usher forth that aura? Vogish is quiet for a bit, before sighing. He decides that he should observe that planet a little more. Irabu asks if they are to touch down on that planet once more, though the fatalis shakes his head. He says that for now, they just need to be close enough to register their aura. He tells them that he may call on their services later, however. The trio nod, before Vogish commands them to maneuver the Gardens.
The trio thus leaves, and Vogish reclines on his throne. He ponders on that divine aura... What could it possibly mean that he feels it on this planet once more...?
===Chapter 8: Opening Doors===
The group makes it back to the main village, where the many villagers inside have been in a bit of a panic after Oxaa fled the medical tent. They then all see the group entering, and crowd around them. The party works to make sure they give the big guy space, saying that he's fine. Several others take notice of his injury and ask him all sorts of questions, though he can't quite work up the energy to answer every last one. Eventually they make it to the Divine Structure, where several of them make their way in. Egra will tell the civilians that their friend has recovered, but he will unfortunately have to face some changes with the difficulty he accrued. She asks that they all make sure they don't put too much pressure on him, before she enters the tower.
Inside, Hearta asks the rathalos if he's feeling alright. Oxaa nods, though says he does feel some pain when he focuses on it. Estu pats his back and tells the red-scaled partner that he's glad to see him up again. Enani says as nice as that is, he does have to wonder what they'll do now. Heyel explains that now's not the time for such thoughts. For now, they really should take the time to rest. The party is in agreement, even Oxaa declaring that he's been running on adrenaline for the last few hours. The party thus decides to find spots to rest for the day.
Augua 2nd
The group had fallen asleep within the tower before the camera focuses on Oxaa waking. He starts to get up, though stumbles a bit as he attempts to use his what would've been his other arm to lift himself. He will look at his lost arm and seem saddened. He reaches for the negative space beneath his stump, and confirms that he does have nothing there. Hearta wakes soon and sees him testing his injury. The mizitsune comes over and quietly greets him. Oxaa asks if this is a dream, the dancer solemnly answering "No". The rathalos remarks that his mind was too set on rescuing them to think about it the other day, but it's really gone... a whole part of him is gone... Hearta apologizes, and there's a moment of quiet, before the rathalos gets up.
He supposes that it's too late for him to really cry over it. Hearta says that they'll each be here to help him get used to it. The warrior thanks her, before looking around and asking where the others are. Enani's voice suddenly gets their attention, answering that Egra and Cait went to the Hunters to tell them about needing to seek out provisions for his elixirs. Estu went off with Mok to prepare an armory for his new condition. Roushg is trying to explain the situation to his siblings, and last he saw Heyel went to rest in that room at the top of the tower, and he won't be alone with a woman. Oxaa greets the speedster, and thanks him for the update. Enani shrugs, though does seem, deep down, happy to see the rathalos is relatively ok.
Oxaa decides to check up on Heyel, and Hearta says that she and Enani will look for the others. So, the two split up. Oxaa advances up, where he finds the nakarkos starting to wake up. She greets the youth, asking if that potion is still holding him up. The rathalos nods, though admits that he's still trying to get used to... all of this. The elder dragon nods solemnly, where Oxaa looks over her and is reminded of her story. He asks her how she got used to it, though she simply replies that she hasn't. She spent a lot of time recalling what has been stolen from her, but she knows that she has to power through this. She says that she can help him power through it. The warrior smiles and thanks her, saying that he might take her up on that. After that, the duo hears Cait saying that they're coming in!
The duo comes down, where they can see the party. They come down, and Estu quickly races up beside Oxaa protectively. The others gather around, and Egra says that she has people searching for material for those Ancient Potions, though they'll have to wait on any updates from the foragers. Estu says that armor and weapons are being developed for Oxaa, and Roushg says that, that all aside, there is still the matter of these changes they'd proposed for the village at large. Oxaa nods, and says that they should get ready to open up to more people. Enani does bring up that there are those that won't behave around them, prompting the rathalos to nod, he still remembers Legula. In that case, Cait proposes that they should prepare some sort of screening system, something to judge the characters of these people before they let them in. Egra says she likes the idea, she just doesn't know how they're going to do that.
Hearta does decide to speak up. She says that, ever since that day in Iuli, they've been running on stress and adrenaline. Perhaps, for now, they should take some time to slow down. To that, Enani does admit that he can't imagine using a lot of his brain power right now. Estu also agrees, saying that they should take some time to make sure that Oxaa is alright after everything. The rathalos seems ready to argue, though he does admit that he needs to get used to all of this. Besides, he does think he knows of at least one spot that'd be safe to integrate in. The party seems curious, though Estu seems to think he already knows. He asks his brother if he's sure, to which Oxaa says he's spent long enough avoiding Ershel, he thinks he'd like to build that bridge back up.
To that, Egra asks if anyone is in disagreement. The various party members shows no issue to this, sans Enani. However, he ultimately decides that if Oxaa trusts them, so does he. And to that, the lagombi supposes it's unanimous. She says that she'll take up their recommendation to Denang and see about reaching out to that village. Other than that, she tells the others to enjoy their day, and with that they break. Before they all go, Estu thanks Oxaa for this. The rathalos says that if he's going to get stronger, he needs to be strong enough to greet his parents again. He just hopes that they'll be alright seeing him like this. To that, Estu says that they'd love to. And if he's really struggling, then he's always there to back him up. Oxaa thanks him, and says that he should probably go and stretch his limbs.
Augua 2nd - 5th
And with that, players are allowed some free time. Some more quests are available, players can make donations to the development of the community, hang out with allies, so on and so forth. Players can also communicate with the villagers to understand the general vibes. The commonfolk will typically wonder if Oxaa is feeling ok, will say that they're grateful to see him standing, and some will even comment that he's pretty rad being able to swing in spite of his injury. There are some that'll comment about rumor is that the village will get more people, and they just hope that they'll play nice.
Near the blacksmith, players can also find Mok, who says that he really shouldn't be, but he's still surprised that Oxaa raced out of that coma and straight into battle. The rathian admits that his muscles always reacted faster than his brain, and thanks the barioth for stepping in when he did. He's not sure what he would've done if he didn't toss him those weapons. The barioth says that it was the least he could do. Speaking of, he's been trying to make sure more of those things would be available for him, just in case for the future. He's gotten more of those axes he's been using, more Charge Blades, and more Great Swords. He comments that they're pretty heavy, and admits that he's not sure if even Oxaa can carry more than one of these weapon types. With this, players can choose a weapon type for Oxaa, and thus influence his stats and moveset for the remainder of the game. Either option is considered an upgrade over the Switch Axe style, though players can refrain from choosing a weapon if they wish to keep on with the axe style. Either way, Mok is there, free to provide him one of these weapons.
On the night of the 4th, the various party members will make their way home. As they do, Denang comes over and tells them that they got a reply to their previous message. It sounds like members of Ershel will make their way over... including a Mirigo and Imal. That gets Oxaa's and Estu's attention, and the leader says that he can provide some hands to help escort them, though Oxaa says that he'd be available to help, Estu affirming as much. The blangonga says that, if any of the party wishes to help them into this village, they'd be more than happy to accept. They should be ready to move ont he 6th. With that, players have one more day of free time until the 6th.
Augua 6th
This day opens over in Ershel. Several of the civilians are seen making their way to the edge, where Hunters, plus the party (sans Heyel, Egra, and Cait), have made it to help escort them. Hunters take groups of them across the fields. Oxaa and Estu stay back to make sure they can take care of a special few. Estu asks Oxaa if he's nervous, prompting him to nod. He assures him that they'll get through this. Eventually, they see, among the crowd, Mirigo and Imal. The parents spy them and seem to perk up, and they race over. They wrap up the two in a hug, where they finally take notice of Oxaa's injury. Imal can be seen hugging him harder, though he assures her he's fine.
The parents and their kids keep on holding each other, until eventually, they make their way out. Mirigo says that word's been spreading about what they've all been doing. Oxaa apologizes for getting into trouble, though Imal explains that the two of them have gotten into their fair share of trouble growing up. She just supposes that she'd hoped they'd speak with them whenever they ended up in trouble. The rathalos feels saddened at that, and apologizes. He loves them, he really does, it's just... he's afraid that if he did come back to them at any point during his journey, it would be like admitting defeat. Growing up, he felt like he was facing something no one else around him was, and he was afraid that if he couldn't put up with it, then, he didn't know what he'd do.
Mirigo says that hitting a snag isn't the end. He knows that the youth always has it hammered into them that they need to keep moving forwards, but working without regret is a rare privilege. Imal nods in affirmation, saying that they two had points where their lives needed to make dramatic changes. They needed to take time to adjust their path forwards, and, they had to admit, they felt pretty helpless. Oxaa asks what they did, with Mirigo answering that that answer is going to be different for everyone. The two of them recognize that this Dragon business is important to him and his friends. If he wants to settle down, no one would blame him. If he wants to keep on pressing forwards in his quest, they can't blame him for that too. They just hope that he stays safe with whatever he chooses. That gets Oxaa to lighten up and even nets some tears from him.
Eventually, they make it to the main settlement, where several of the civilians take notice of the new immigrants and being a little uncertain of their arrival. Egra and Cait are around to assure them that these travelers have been given the recommendation of the village's heroes, and the many new guys are let in, checking out some of the houses. Oxaa and Estu lead Mirigo and Imal to one of them, with Imal saying that this looks like it should be fine for a temporary stay. Estu asks what they mean, to which Mirigo says that they wished to at least check this place out. They've been rooted in Ershel for a long time, and they're not sure whether or not they can plant themselves somewhere else so soon. Oxaa says that it'd be nice to see them again, to which Imal says they can always visit. Oxaa shrugs, saying "fair". Estu says that he hopes they enjoy their stay, and they're ready to provide for them whatever they wish.
It takes all day, but the many villagers have begun to settle in. Egra remarks that everything went by smoothly, but she's pooped right now. Curious, Roushg asks if they were able to figure out anything about that screening process, though Cait admits that they haven't made much progress into the questioning process. The lagombi admits that they're going to need to iron out the process some more, but first they need to rest. The rest of the party is in agreement, and though players can't do much, they can see some members of the community talking about recent developments. Many of the residents hope that the new guys are going to be nice, others pretty distrusting, while others are excited over what these new guys will bring. Meanwhile, some players could find a Hunter near the tower swearing up and down that they see some dot in the sky. Other than that, players need only rest to advance.
Augua 7th - Augua 10th
Yet again there's a period of free time, during which Egra and Cait say that they'll be spending their nights figuring out some sort of interview process to get people in. Other than that, players are free to prepare their party members some way, shape, or form, getting brand new sidequests, and they can also obtain a new project by talking to Mirigo and Imal. The duo will talk about how hot it's been getting. Now would be a great time to cool off in the water, and wonder if it'd be too much trouble to use one of those blank spots to store water for a swim. Heyel admits that she knows a spot that used to be used for a fountain around here, and figures they could do something. And thus, players gain the ability to contribute to another donation for the village: The Community Pool.
Other than that, players progress more and more until Augua 10th passes.
Augua 11th
The party wakes up again, meeting again at the tower. There, Oxaa asks how the new villagers are integrating into here. Egra says that there haven't been any incidents fortunately. Sounds like a significant portion of the original populace is warming up to them though there are still a fair few that are still suspicious. Cait says that they've made some good progress on developing the screening process. Estu admits, while he figured letting these guys in would be easy enough, he can't believe that they're going to get more people here. Oxaa says that this is a necessary step in improving things here, of improving the Fallen's standing around here. Several of the others nod in agreement.
As the group discusses, one of the Hunters enters, a canyne nb declaring that the Gardens is in sight! The group is shocked, Heyel asking if they're certain. The canyne tells them to come with them! Thus, the party rushes. They make it towards one of the watch towers where they point skyward. The party looks where they're pointing, and indeed, there stands a very noticeable dot far off. Oxaa looks through one of the Hunters' looking glass, where he can make it the familiar formation of the structure that'd descended on their land a month ago. The rathalos confirms this to them, and Hearta asks what they could possibly want. Cait declares that whatever they want, they're not going to take it from them! Estu says that he agrees, but that king destroyed them last time he was on their world.
Oxaa decides to ask the Hunters if they have any idea on when it may be down, though the canyne says they only just noticed it. They're not even sure if it'll touch down, they'll have to observe its movements. The group is only more uncertain, though the rathalos says that there is a chance that they could be forced to come to blows again. And they need to be prepared for when that happens. Roushg asks how they could do that: they developed those armors and weapons and Vogish completely trampled them. Oxaa declares that if that stuff didn't work, then their only option is to make something stronger. Egra nods, saying that creating grander tools will require cooperation of a greater scale than ever before. Cait thus declares that that means Oxaa's plan will be more important to carry out than ever before!
Heyel appears contemplative, while Egra thus declares that they'll have to prepare to reach out to another settlement in that case, and says she'll gather people to try and find out who. Hearta says she'll help out and the group heads out. As they head out, the rathalos takes notice of the nakarkos in deep thought. He asks her if anything's crossed her mind, and the elder is quiet for a moment. She says she has a theory, but she'll need to observe more before she acts on it. The rathalos is confused, though figures that whatever she's thinking about is out of his league. So, he follows the group into their next meeting.
----
The group makes it into the tower, each of them pondering on who they should reach out to if they're going to expand their armory. Estu argues that if the upper crust of mortal weaponry doesn't do it for them, then perhaps they'll have to search for something on par with that. Cait asks if he means for them to find traces of divinity for them to use, and asks if that's even possible. Heyel is quiet and contemplative, before suggesting that if those stones were able to exist this long on the planet, there's a chance that there could be bits of divine radiation somewhere else on this world. Enani asks if she knows of any additional pieces, to which she shakes her head.
Hearta mentions that they got those stones from Barriga, maybe they could help them find additional pieces. Roushg says that they'll need to seek out any corner for additional information, and says he remembers talk of a sea-side village way down to the south. Cait says that he thinks he remembers seeing that a long time ago, they haven't totally looked into it. Egra says that she also remembers them overlooking the eastern edge of this land... She says that they could potentially send Hunters to those villages they know about, and suggests that they could look into the eastern edge themselves. Enani affirms that doing so could help them form relations with some of the villages faster. Of course, searching the east side for civilization could prove to be a bit of a wild goose chase. 
Oxaa says that, while they truly don't have a lot of idea over what that side of the continent looks like, they still have to do whatever they can to prepare. They have people for setting up relations, but they're presently the best bet of finding things out there. Heyel nods and says that as long as they move out like planned, it certainly shouldn't hurt. Egra supposes they are in agreement, then: fan out to try and locate items relevant to their search. The party understands the present mission, and thus decides to use the following time period to search.
Augua 11th - Augua 20th
The various Hunters have already started to move, and around this time, players can communicate with various parts of the community. There are some members that are thinking about if more people are going to be inserted into the village already. Others can comment about some of those new Ershel people showing them some new games. Other than that, the party has to make their way to the east side. Before they head out, Egra feels the need to tell the group: they'll be passing through the Great Forest. This probably means they'll end up passing near members of Legula, and though they have left on good terms, she understands if they don't want to interact with them.
With that, the party heads out. They make it to the Great Forest and take the trail eastwards. They follow along, and soon come to the far edge. Though when they get close, they come upon a small caravan of kelbis and felynes. The group notice them and seem to get a little awkward. Oxaa seems to recognize one of them, and remarks that they're one of those Legula people. The kelbi nods. She says she's surprised to see them around here, and asks if they're passing through. The rathalos nods, and at this point the kelbi notices his arm and gets uncomfortable. Oxaa realizes where she's looking, and asks if she was also there when the Gardens came down, to which she says many villagers took notice and wanted to witness it, though the majority needed to stay back and take care of the village. Word has spread about what happened to him, though...
Enani swears that if they had something funny to say, and the kelbi says that most people were sympathetic... She'll be honest and say that the lot of them have had to worry about other things. Ever since they've had to take care of Legula themselves, they've been struggling. Many of them have had to move elsewhere. The nargacuga remarks that it serves them right, though Oxaa says that he's very aware of how hard it is to raise a village. He's honestly been pretty lucky... There's a bit of a quiet between them, and the kelbi says that she's sorry about what Doug and the rest of their village has been doing. She realizes they've been taking them all for granted, always looking down on them... She knows that they don't deserve any forgiveness, but she does feel like someone at the very least should apologize. Oxaa does seem grateful and thanks her for that. Hearta wishes them luck in their continuing to maintain the village, and thus they begin to press on.
When the group realizes where they're going, the kelbi asks why they're going to the Dunes? Estu asks what they're talking about, to which the kelbi asks if they really don't know what's that way. Enani, Estu, Hearta, and Oxaa are a bit sheepish. She warns that past there are plains of death, where the winds carry blistering heats at day and smothering chills at night. Life-giving resources are few and far in between out there while the monsters out there have grown to rule the environment. Even when they were getting desperate, the Legula deserters wouldn't go that way. Oxaa says that he's faced death before, they need to search out here if they're going to make sure they can overcome their future challenges. The caravan seems uncertain, though the kelbi can only wish them luck before the group heads off.
Thus, the group passes through the trail, where they can see the foliage ebb away into stone and sand. They soon find themselves no longer shielded by shade, and looking out over hills coated in sand. There are palm trees scattered about the terrain, and various creatures visible even from the party's vantage point. The party has entered the Dunes. Looking over it, Roushg remarks that just looking at all of this is making him feel thirsty. Egra holds her hand to the sun, and remarks that it feels like they could roast alive if they stay out like this. She says they'll have to be careful about how they pace themselves as they go forwards. Oxaa nods, remarking that this does look like it could be a challenge.
Cait reminds the group that they're looking for some village out here that has a better lay of the land. Thus, the party is tasked with searching out for signs of any villagers. They advance, having to be careful of creatures that bear many Resistances and even Blocks (though Oxaa can ignore those). Their search leads them to a patch of the desert, during which Hearta complains that she's feeling boils on boils on her back... She asks if they're any closer to finding anyone out here, to which Cait says that nothing's turned up yet. Enani looks around, when he sees what looks like an oasis ahead. He says that there's probably someone over there, and he begins to advance. Oxaa asks where he's heading and looks in the nargacuga's direction, where players realize that the fencer is merely seeing a mirage.
The vision fades for Enani and he comes to a stop, looking around confused. Suddenly, the party's shouting for him, and the black-scaled dragon glances back confused. He's suddenly aware of the feeling of his height lowering. He looks down, and he realizes he's starting to sink into the sand! He's startled and tries to swiftly pull out, but Egra shouts for him to not make any sudden moves! That indeed leads him to come to a halt, though now he's left visibly unsure of where he's supposed to go. Suddenly, a shark-like fin peers above the sand and begins to race towards the assassin. The group is mortified and tries to come closer. Enani takes notice of it and goes to pull up one of his blades. The nargacuga expected the beast to strike at his chest or something, but instead they went between his legs and rose up, snagging him and swimming through the sand and pulling him away from the quicksand!
The party rushes in to check on him, while Estu approaches the stranger rising up from the sand. They're an nb individual, having a shark-like appearance with fins extending from their arms and a large fin on their back, as well as a mouth of dagger-like teeth. They're also in some lightweight armor and wield a spear on their back. This is known as a delex. Cait thanks the stranger for their help, prompting the delex to say it's no problem. They were out hunting when they heard all the commotion over here. They comment that it's been so long since they saw someone from outside of the Dunes over here. Oxaa says that they were seeking out villages to communicate with, prompting the stranger to say that they belong to a village!
Hearing that, the party perks up. Oxaa asks if they can direct them to this village, to which the delex tells them they can. However, Egra decides to speak up and realizes they're moving on a bit fast. She figures proper introductions would be good, which the delex supposes they understand. Thus, the party gives them their names, after which they tell them that their name is Flinxton. Now that they know each other, they decide to bring the party over. They say that this is one of the only safe places over here in the Dunes. With that assurance, the party follows them.
----
The delex leads the party across the sand and towards a patch of land between some of the hills. There stands a small settlement with palm trees around its perimeter. Around it stands vaguely turtle-like humanoids with sand-yellow plating upon their backs and heads. Other than that, there stand various villagers in thick clothing going around and about their day. In the middle of the village is a fresh oasis that provides water to its people. This is the village of Phontifo. Flinxton tells them that this is one of very few safe havens out here. They tell the crew that they can relax here if they wish. Thus, the stranger would walk off to drop some material in the area, while the party is left to contemplate on this development.
Cait remarks that it seems like they completed one part of their plan out here. Enani brings up that they can't just assume that these guys would want to pick up everything and leave to their home. Egra, however, brings up that they won't need to do that, but they still need to check with them on any potential leads they could find in growing their own strength. Hearta supposes they of all people would probably know more about this land. Enani, however, can't help but ask why these guys evaded the Hunters' protection, to which Egra sadly admits that this part of the continent has always been daunting to them. They didn't actually expect to be able to settle on it for extended times. She hopes that they can maintain relations with this village, however. Oxaa says that they should ask around first to get the lay of the land.
Thus, party members are tasked with exploring Phontifo. There are civilians commenting about how their clothes help them keep warm or cold when necessary and about how it keeps the sand out. There are also sellers that sell some relatively low-level restoration items, as well as weapons that are nowhere near the proper level for the party. Progressing the story requires the group to check out the oasis itself, where Flinxton and a few other armored residents are standing guard. The delex asks if they're adjusting well to the town, to which Oxaa says that it's certainly not the environment they're used to, but it seems like they've made a nice enough place over here. The guards remarked that it took a lot of traveling through these Dunes for them to find a safe spot.
Enani glances towards the Oasis, specifically taking notice of the ring of water several feet above the water. He notes that it doesn't look like it'll be like that for long. Members of the party can't help but glance towards him upset, though several of the guards sigh. Flinxton requests that they not be so brazen about that... Egra asks if there is indeed a problem, to which they admit there is, though suggests they talk about this elsewhere. Thus, the group and guards steps outside of the town for a moment to chat. Hearta asks what the problem is, to which one of the guards explains that that oasis helped keep their town alive. It let them grow fruit and helped them survive spikes of heat... They were able to last here a few years and were able to increase it thanks to some doses of Water Stones, but they haven't been able to find more lately, and... Egra realizes that the water is starting to run out.
Flinxton's group is quiet for a moment, and the delex nods solemnly. They explain that they've searched for other oases, but they're convinced this is the only source of non-salt water for miles. In that cast, Cait says that they have a village away from the Dunes that they can house them at. Flinxton appreciates the offer, but they have several elders here that they don't believe will be able survive a trip across the Dunes, especially with those creatures out there. Oxaa says that they have to do something about this. Estu asks what can they do about it, though Roushg seems to figure something important to ask. He says that it sounds like they've been searching around these parts a lot. He asks if they encountered anything strange.
Flinxton holds their chin contemplatively, before remarking that while they searched some of the caves, they remembered a cave that made their scales tingle. They didn't have the material required to look further into it... They ask if that sounds like something they could use for their village, to which the Great Jaggi supposes there's only one way to find out. Flinxton wishes them luck in that case, and offers to lead them. Egra asks how this is going to help, though Heyel suggests that there could be something helpful with this direction. The party is curious, though supposes they better check it out. Thus, at the player's discretion, they choose to follow the delex.
----
Players will be able to trek through the Dunes, though the delex will act as a sort of mobile quest marker as they travel around the enemies and points of the sandy wastes. Eventually, they make it to a portion of the hill that borders the edge of the northern mountains. Over there stands a series of caves, the Sand Trenches, where the delex explains that these portions were dangerous to go through. They still remember the tingle they got from one of these, and at the time, they thought that it was their survival instinct telling them something. Oxaa says that they've been used to taking care of some frightening odds. Flinxton says they're not sure how this'll help, but they wish them luck.
Thus, the party enters, and throughout it, they'll have to contend with tight spaces, defensive hermitaurs, powerful deviljhos, and speedy seregioses. As they progress more and more, the cave walls will start to open more and more. And when they do, Hearta remarks that she can feel some of that weird tingle. Cait remarks that he feels like his fur is starting to stand on end. Estu remarks that this doesn't feel like some sort of survival instinct... He then takes notice of Heyel, who's focusing intently on a part of the wall. He asks what she's looking at, to which she remarks that she can see traces of powerful magic. It's small, but it appears as if it's drawn on the wall over here.
Curious, Oxaa approaches, where he feels the tingle in his scales come harder. He asks what it is, to which she says that it's directions. Estu asks who could've left these directions, to which the narkakos says she doesn't know... but she feels like they should follow for now. Even the rathalos seems weirded out by the direction, but he supposes that they have little other direction. So he says that they should check it out. So, the party follows. Thus, the party follows, Heyel being sure to direct them as they progress. The trail seems to lead them down more and more, to the point that they get below sea level. And eventually, the reach the depths of the Sand Trenches.
Down here, the pit seems awfully dark though Oxaa is able to generate a bit of flame to keep an eye on the trail. As they progress, however, they take notice of a shine deeper down. It's a blue glow, and they go down more and more. Eventually, they make it to the bottom, finding a sand pit that's a couple of miles wide in diameter, and bearing a small dune with a strange sigil. It shines brightly, and a good eye will spot the WoA Draconian symbol inside it. Oxaa asks what that is, to which Heyel explains that that looks like a Divine Well. It's a gathering of magical energies so intense it'd tear normal creatures apart, but divinity would be able to take hold of it. Oxaa remarks that that looks like some water magic... He says that Heyel could use it on that oasis! Roushg, however, can't help but wonder what that's doing down here...
Thus, he progresses onwards alongside Heyel. Enani watches as they progress, when he notices an odd glint in some of the sand at the bottom. He looks, and takes notice of... shards of bone! He shouts for them to stop, though before the duo makes it to the sigil, the dune seems to shake. It lifts from the floor of the cave, letting the group see that the dune was actually a creature! It bore a salamander-like body, though much of it is buried, and a head covered in thick plating that looked big enough to envelope any of the party members. The duo stumbles back and Oxaa asks what that thing is! Egra draws her hammer and announces that this thing is a Niblesnarf, she's only heard legends of these things and they've devoured whole caravans! Roushg asks what let it hold onto that Divine Well, to which Hearta can only guess that whoever placed it on them allowed it to not touch them directly. Oxaa declares that, whatever the answer is, they need to take this thing down and drag that power away from it!
Thus, the party rushes the massive creature to beat it! The creature bears Wind and Earth magic, able to beat down the party as a whole. It can also bring its jaws down on party members for some deadly Smash attacks. Players will need to work on lowering the enemy's damage output as it typically targets the party as a whole. They're also encouraged to have someone on support to make sure that they can keep the party topped off. The creature doesn't have resistances against Lightning or Water, so players might want to focus on that when damaging it. Either way, the party deals more and more damage to the creature until they get it down to around 50% HP. At that point, another cutscene starts.
The beast roars loud enough to shake the party. All of a sudden, it rushes forwards, Oxaa taking notice of the beast rushing towards Estu beside him. The rathalos shoves him aside, just in time for the beast to attempt to chomp down on him! Oxaa is able to grab the beast's jaws, though it carries him off and dives through the walls of the cave. The party shouts in horror as he's carried off, watching as he's pulled upwards. The rathalos holds tightly as the Niblesnarf drags him through the crust, trying desperately to devour him! Eventually, Flinxton outside takes notice of a portion of the desert swelling before bursting open, revealing the massive monster leaping out with the warrior in its jaws!
It slams down, the force of the impact allowing him to be expelled from the creature's grip. Oxaa takes up his weapon and takes notice of the monster glaring at him. The rathalos realizes he's going to have to hold his own a little, and thus is forced to last a few rounds. The creature bears much of the same moves, though players will have to be more mindful of their resources. After lasting a few rounds, another cutscene plays, showing the two exchanging blows. At some point, Oxaa is able to slip past the monster's defenses where he stands upon it to strike the beast! And when he does, he accidentally steps into the Divine Well, where he feels an odd tingle. He takes pause and his eyes widen as he recalls what Heyel said about it, though he seems... fine? He looks over himself as blue particles flow around him and wonders if he's supposed to be torn apart yet...
However, the Nibelsnarf seems to've regained its senses and suddenly hurls Oxaa off of it! The creature is about to charge again, though there's a flurry of attacks. It's revealed that the party has made it back up, having been led up by Flinxton. Egra asks the rathalos if he's doing alright, him nodding that he is. Estu tells him that he has got to stop scaring them like that, with Cait complaining that they just got him back. Enani looks over the creature and says that it's on its last legs. The party takes up arms, and Hearta tells them all to fight to finish this!
Thus, the final third of the fight begins, and now, along with is old kit, the creature has access to Blind attacks, and a new move, Devour. If a party isn't resistant to Wind magic, or if they don't reflect magic at the time the move is cast, it'll consume a party member, rendering them unable to participate and also take damage repeatedly until either a few turns pass, or until the Niblesnarf is dealt significant damage. Players will have to either prioritize damage dealers or support through this portion of the fight. Either way, with enough work, the party will be able to finish off the creature! With that, the creature lets out one final groan of defeat before it falls limp.
The party stands huffing and puffing, with Flinxton coming in and remarking that they've never seen fighting that intense before! They asked how the lot of them managed to stand up to something like that, to which Egra says they've had a lot of experience... Roushg then asks if now's the time to grab the Divine Well. Hearta does remark it'll be a hazard until collected, so now's probably about a good a time as any to collect it. Heyel looks towards it, seems curious, and then glances towards Oxaa. She seems to detect the bits of energy he was able to collect, before suggesting that he approach it. The party is confused at what she means, even the rathalos. However, she says that he's full of surprises, she trusts this moment.
Oxaa seems confused, but does step forwards. The party approaches in concern with Hearta getting ready to use some healing magic. The rathalos gets real close before raising a hand cautiously, and pressing it against the Nibelsnarf's head, right on that sigil. And then, the Divine Well glows and the party watches as jets of the water particles flow from it and towards him. It wraps around him before pouring into his very being, and in what feels like the course of minutes, the Divine Well is dried up, and Oxaa, despite everything, is standing. The party is, of course, surprised.
Flinxton remarks that that looks like a lot of water magic he just absorbed into his being. They say that power like that would overwhelm most mortals, to which Heyel says that he seems to be past that label. The party turns in confusion, with Oxaa wondering what she means. The narkakos explains that he certainly has grown. She remarks that they should probably test this newfound power, then go over what they discovered later. The rathalos is clearly still confused, but does suppose they're here because of that. Thus, he, Heyel, and Flinxton make their way off. The rest of the party, however, is confused. Roushg asks Estu if his brother's secretly been... Estu shakes his head and says that this is impossible. Vogish said his was mortal blood, and they saw... Enani supposes that this sort of thing is just like Oxaa, somehow finding some way to go against the grain.
----
The party makes it back to Phontifo, looking over the oasis. It's looking very dry, and even several of the civilians have become cognizant of the problem. The group stands before it, with Flinxton asking if that new power can do something. The party looks towards Oxaa, and the rathalos asks Heyel what he can do. She says that it's been a while since she's been able to manipulate magics of this level. She says that the divine force he'd gathered should be perceivable to him if he looks into himself. The warrior nods and closes his eyes. He goes soul searching, recalling his time when he was in his coma, and finding that grand deluge embedded into his being.
He begins to bring the energy out of his form. It pools into his hands and starts to take the form of a straight sword. It's shaky, struggling to stay straight. Oxaa opens up to realize that it's taking shape and feels the need to use it, fast! So, he hurls the magical projection into the oasis. And all of a sudden, a burst of water surges forwards, launching above the lip of the oasis and ending up soaking part of the square! The party is seen pausing at the odd display, before the crowd cheers. Flinxton turns towards them and says that they're not sure if they could've survived much longer! They thank them, to which Oxaa says it's the least that they could do.
Flinxton thus goes to monitor the oasis while the party stands around each other. Heyel says that he did well for his first time, and there's plenty of room in the desert to test that power. Roushg, however, says that they should probably spend some time relaxing after this trek out here. Hearta also says that she would like to get some information on what exactly is going on. Oxaa agrees that his mind's being pulled in all sorts of directions right now, and he really needs some time to collect himself before he trains with whatever this is. Heyel understands, and says that a little rest would definitely do them good. And with that, players have free time until the deadline.
Augua 21st
On this day, the party wakes yet again. Egra and several others approach Denang, who explains that Barringa has sent some forces to investigate for signs similar to the stones. When Cait asks about that sea-side village, the Blangonga explains that a while ago they've said they'll gather materials, but haven't reported back in a while. The lagombi supposes that they should check on them shortly, and thanks him for the update. With that, she enters the main tower to update the group. Roushg supposes that that means they're waiting yet again...
Hearta can supposes that they at least have the means of passing the time thanks to... Oxaa. Estu says that that is something they've yet to really sit down and talk about yet. The canyne asks the rathalos if he ever knew about this, though the warrior assures that he had no idea he could hold power like this until he bumped into that sigil accidentally. Enani asks with an incredulous tone if this means that he just unknowingly became divine one day, to which Heyel says that that has to be the case. The party is confused of course, and Oxaa asks how that happened.
The narkakos admits that she can't say for certain. Even while she lived on the Gardens, a mortal being becoming divine has never happened before... Hearta mentions that when they fought Vogish, he seemed to take interest, not just with Heyel, but with him as well. Does this mean that he was born with something divine? Heyel shrugs, still uncertain. Oxaa was most certainly mortal in that moment, at least on a biological level. The only thing she can assume is that when he was plunged into that coma, his reassembling of his spirit let him summon up some of that Draconian strength that'd been lost among the "Fallen". Oxaa admits that he's still so confused...
Estu supposes that, regardless of the logistics of this, what matters is that it's happened, and he can collect this power. Egra asks, before clarifying "No offense", if this power should be going to Heyel instead, seeing how experienced she is. The elder says that she's spent years crippled, it won't be as powerful in her hands as it would be with Oxaa. The rathalos supposes that it's decided then... They keep working on this village, get more helpful material, and get prepared to face the King of Dragons. The narkakos says that they will have to train that power of his now, to which the rathalos nods. He says that if this is what it'll take to bring Vogish to heel, then he'll be more than happy to master this stuff! The party thus seems to be in agreement.
----
Meanwhile, back in the throne room of the Draconic Gardens, Vogish sits before those three familiar Dragons. He says that it wasn't a mere trick of the mind, there is certainly an aura coming from the planet now. Irabu asks if they should touch down, though the fatalis shakes his head. They've expressed the want to strike back at him, and if they are to, then they must confront him with their own power. Mirag then says that if the spark of divinity is coming to someone on that planet, it could be a useful research opportunity, though Vogish says that the idea of one of those being able to reach the levels of the Gardens' residents is utterly ridiculous. This must be some sort of fluke...
Holten chooses to ask what they should do then. The King of Dragons says that he wishes to fly closer. They need to observe some more. Perhaps one of their soldiers will need to step down for a closer look. The three Dragons nod in understanding, before Vogish dismisses them. With that, the three bow and leave, with the fatalis keeping up his proud expression, though there is a hint of discomfort over the recent developments...
===Chapter 9: Ancient's Aid===
The players are allowed to spend the evening however they wish. Either way, night comes and the various party members make their way to their beds. As they do, Heyel approaches Oxaa to ask him how he feels about all of this. The rathalos admits that he's always felt the need to push himself, but to turn out to be like this... he almost feels like he's too lucky. However, the narkakos shakes her head at that. She supposes that it might not be luck, but his will. The warrior asks what he means, to which she says that, among each of them, that has been something that made him stand out from everyone else.
She admits that, if it weren't for him, his friends would've probably given up a long time ago. They fought in spite of his coma because he was a shining light to each of them. If he wasn't persistent towards her, she herself would've probably stayed in that tower for the rest of time. This town wouldn't even exist if it wasn't for his persistence. Oxaa asks if she's saying that he became divine because he was determined enough, with her saying that, admittedly, it's a theory. He wanted more than anybody to change the course of society, and now he's getting the potential to the power to back that will.
Oxaa seemed quiet at that. Heyel asks if he feels overwhelmed, with him saying he sort of does. However, he's kept saying that he wants to be able to do this... he can't just abandon his mission now of all times. The narkakos assures him that she'll be here to help him to master the powers he's going to get. He thanks her for that. He also thanks her for sticking with all of them this whole time. Heyel says that it's the least that she could do. With that, she wishes him a good rest, and thus they each make their way to their sleeping quarters.
Augua 22nd
The team wakes up again, and now, Heyel has brought Oxaa to the edge of town, with Roushg asking if they're really going to have to go back to the desert. Egra says that, like it or not, Oxaa needs to get more and more familiar with this divine magic if they're going to stand a chance against Vogish. If players have finished the Community Pool project donation, Cait will comment that if they hadn't worked on it already, that power could've helped them a whole lot with filling up the pool. Either way, Estu says that they won't get much done without proper training, and asks Oxaa if he's ready. The rathalos nods and says that if he pictures shoving this power into Vogish's face, then he thinks that he can go through with this.
With that, the party makes their way off, ending up in the desert. They make their way over to what appears to be a dried up oasis, with Heyel saying that she thinks if they target this patch of desert, they should be able to maintain the ecosystem. Hearta turns towards the rathalos, and asks if he remembers what he did to fill up the oasis in Phontifo. He nods, though Heyel points out there was still a decent amount of water left in that source. Here, we're talking about restarting a bone-dry one. She says he'll need to concentrate on that power and strike this with even greater than before. The warrior nods at that and says that he can certainly try.
At that, he goes through the process of searching his soul yet again. He seeks out that deluge and holds his arm out, gathering a large conglomeration of particles to form a sword of water. He opens one eye and looks towards it, seeing that it's fairly small. He shuts his eyes and tries to concentrate harder, gathering more power. At this point, Oxaa is holding his breath as he tries to create the blade, but soon loses his strength and stumbles. At that, he ends up losing his grip on the blade and causing a wave of freshly made water to crash down and sweep the party away! Oxaa's eyes widen and he turns towards the group, where he can see Heyel, Egra, and Hearta are still roughly in the same place, though the narkakos is notably struggling to stay completely upright.
Oxaa apologizes, with Hearta assuring him that there's a first time for everything. She'll go check on the others, with Egra offering the same. Thus they run off with Heyel approaching. She comments that he was thinking about hitting full force, with Oxaa nodding. She notes that, however, his preparing his attack came at the expense of him letting his body lose control. Oxaa says that it's kind of hard; he's worrying about manipulating that much magical energy and pooling his strength from his core. The narkakos says that it'll unfortunately be a process she can't 100% help him through. He's the most in the know about his own body. Oxaa nods in understanding, and Heyel tells him that he doesn't have to worry about going all out all at once. He needs to learn how to walk before he learns how to go on a marathon.
Oxaa nods, and he goes through the rest of the day trying to get the hang of this odd technique. Unfortunately, he doesn't get the concentration necessary to fill up this oasis, and thus the party decides to turn in for the day.
Augua 23rd
The party makes their way back to that oasis, where Oxaa and Heyel work together to try and master his power. Meanwhile, the rest of the party are off to the side to converse, them making sure they're well out of the blast zone. Roushg asks where they should go from here, to which Egra asks what he means. He says that the way Heyel spoke about that Divine Well they found on that niblesnarf, it sounds like there's more of these things somewhere. Plus, they're obviously going to need more than water if they're going to defeat Vogish. The lagombi replies that they already have men searching for additional material, though as for finding more of these Divine Wells, she's not sure how they're going to uncover these. This one was tucked away pretty well...
Enani said that whatever that junk was, it seems to give off enough radiation for certain folks to feel. That delex stranger reported that they could feel an odd tingle when they got near the traces towards it. Cait also says that that's something weird too, that there were some sort of tracks leading to the Well. Doesn't it seem like someone wanted them to find it? Enani says that there's no way that could've been a natural formation. Clearly someone wanted someone to find that, though Hearta says she's weirded out by that too. Heyel said those things would rip apart a mortal man, so if the average Hunter were to follow it, they'd likely die. Estu says that the sheer volume of the Divine Well's energy output would scare off only those too lacking in common sense, or divine... Is there a chance they know about Heyel?
Eventually, the training wraps up with a jet of water shooting dangerously close to them and Oxaa feeling more dejected. Heyel assures him that he's doing better, with the rathalos saying that he's tired, but he feels like he's getting closer. At that, the party comes closer with Roushg telling him to mind where he aims his divine judgement! Hearta then approaches Heyel and says that they've been talking about the Divine Well situation back in the trenches, getting the nakarkos's attention. She says that it seemed like someone was leading them to the Divine Well, and reasoned that they'd only do that if they knew about any divinity that would've been seeking that stuff out. As such, she asks her if she knows anyone that might want to help her in that way.
The crippled Dragon furrows her brow at that and strokes her chin. She says that she's been in that tower ever since that part of the Gardens had collapsed onto this planet. There's no way someone would've known about her before they'd brought her out of that. Enani says that if they find someone that could have some sort of interest in her, they could have a clue to finding any more Divine Wells. Oxaa seems excited at that prospect and asks if she has any admirers. Heyel says that they should get more familiar with channeling that divinity before stuffing it. Besides, she'll need to figure out who would even "admire" her. Egra supposes that tomorrow they could try to figure that out while she and Oxaa works more on this. The rathalos seems ok with that idea, and though Heyel is hesitant, she ultimately decides to go along with it. Either way, for now, their day is over. And thus, they return home.
Augua 24th
Oxaa, Heyel, and Estu have made their way off, the canyne wishing to protect the rathalos just in case. Meanwhile, the other party members have set themselves in the tower and have begun work writing up papers. Enani asks if they're really sure this will work out, with Hearta saying that if they don't set up some sort of mailing service, they'll never figure out who among their town would want to help out Heyel. Surely someone will write that they want to support her. Roushg mentions that they only recently got into the desert, is there really a chance that one of the citizens here would've gone that far for her? Cait says that they can't rule out the possibility. If this guy can get them the power to stand up against Vogish, then they need to find some way to contact them.
Egra acknowledges that none of her fellow Hunters reported traveling far into the desert. She has to admit that she doesn't know how likely they are to find some citizen that went that far for her holiness, but she's willing to take any lead they can find. Enani and Roushg shrug before they keep on working on the letters. Eventually, Hearta says that they're finished and they thus look over the various papers they wrote. It was a scale describing the various feelings of the civilians towards Heyel, as well as somewhere they can put their name in. Now all they need is to send these letters out to the various civilians, and then have the civilians bring the letters to them to review.
Cait thus reveals a box he'd been working on, it being asymmetrical and having a somewhat uneven paintjob. Enani asks if that's where they're supposed to collect the letters from, to which the felyne says that he figured that the citizens would feel more willing to send their replies if there was a bit more anonymity. Egra admits that that feels like a good practice to potentially look into for later. Either way, the lagombi asks the bunch of them to set that thing up outside the tower, and she'll go around the town to explain these letters to them. Thus, the party nods and makes their way around.
----
Meanwhile, Oxaa is still training, even as the sun is starting to lower. He's huffing and puffing and down on one knee, with Heyel and a soaked Estu coming closer to make sure he's alright. The warrior clenches his fist and slams the dunes below him. He says that he got it so well last time, he doesn't understand why he's struggling with watering this oasis! Heyel assures him that he's going into unknown territory, he shouldn't be so hard on himself. Estu nods and says that they should probably step back for a moment and try to think on this. The red-scaled warrior sighs and supposes he's right. With that, the canyne leads Oxaa over to a set of dunes, before the two sit down.
Estu asks if he remembers when they meditated once upon a time, prompting his brother to nod. The canyne says that he's been working on hitting hard and he's been searching within himself. Perhaps there's something within that's making the process hard. Maybe if he clears his mind, whatever's blocking him will come to light. Thus, Oxaa supposes that's worth a try and attempts to work on himself. There's silence among them except for the blowing winds and the oncoming cold. As the rathalos tries to meditate, he grunts and climbs up to his feet. Heyel asks what's wrong, and he says that he's trying to clear his mind, but Vogish keeps coming to the front of his mind. Heyel asks if he's been thinking about him when he's been using his divine powers, to which he answers he had.
Heyel says that she understands the desire, but she suspects that imagining striking his foe down with this power is making it harder for him to properly handle it. The warrior says that he can't just not think about hurling the force of the ocean at him, to which she says she understands. She says that she imagines she'd want to hurl the very sky down on his head, but she knows that if they hurl every brush like a club, they'll only be left with a mess. Oxaa seems unsure of what to say. Estu asks if Vogish was in his mind when he fixed up the oasis in Phontifo, with his brother shaking his head. He just says that he's gotten so hyped up over getting this divine power, he can't stop imagining bringing it down on him. Estu supposes that they should probably step away from this divine stuff and see if Oxaa can properly realign his mind. Heyel supposes that's a good idea, and with that, the three of them head home to rest.
Augua 25th - Augua 28th
With that, players have some more free time, with the various party members hoping that they'll get some information from these letters. On talking to Mok, the barioth says that he was surprised at the news of these papers, and he was imagining ways that these could possibly help out other people. Guys could get personalized letters, stuff delivered to them whenever, maps at convenient locations... if they got these parcel boxes spread beyond the tower, they could really make something out of this! And with that, players get a brand new item for the Donation Box: parcel system. Other than that, players deal with social link stuff, side quests, and who knows what else until the night of the 28th. There, Cait will say that their parcel box is already getting a fair few messages, and tomorrow seems like a good time to review these letters.
Augua 29th
The next day comes, and the party is gathered in the tower, looking into the various letters they'd collected from the box. Heyel herself is off to the side and not participating in this. Hearta asks if she's sure she doesn't want to help sort through these things, with her saying that she doesn't need to expose herself to the barbs of the people's words, she knows she's a frightening being. Oxaa says that anyone who says that just doesn't know her. Enani remarks that there seem to be a fair few people that "don't know" Heyel if these letters are to go by. Estu says that they really should adjust her public perception, with the nakarkos saying that she doesn't care about how they feel about her.
Cait balls up several of the letters he uncovered and tossed them away. Egra takes notice of one when she becomes confused about it. She reads out loud about how "they have a nice shade of blue scales, but they are otherwise rather unsightly." Oxaa remarks that's a low blow, before the words suddenly register not just to him, but to the rest of the crew. They wonder out loud what they mean by blue scales, with Enani saying that he can't imagine any circumstances that'd lead to someone mistaking her hide for blue. Egra says that there's nothing else in this small paragraph about a physical description of the individual. Heyel asks who sent it, with the lagombi saying that this guy gave the name Indulan.
Oxaa says that they should search for this guy now. Cait says that he can stay back and keep looking over the letters, with Egra offering similarly while handing the letter over to the group. With that, the team splits up and makes their way into the rest of the town. They soon come to one of the residences and knock on the door. With that, a monster with a long body that looked prime for swimming would come out, them being a lagiacrus. Upon meeting them, Oxaa asks if they're Indulan, with the nb nodding that they are. Hearta says that they received their letters in regards to Heyel, and took notice of their odd description. They said that Heyel had blue scales, with the lagiacrus nodding that they wrote that.
Roushg motions towards Heyel, and asks if this lady looks blue to them, her appearance shocking the monster. They ask if that's Heyel, with the great jaggi asking how they could've possibly confused that. Indulan said that they kept hearing that Heyel was some disfigured dragon, they saw one near the snowy mountains to the north and thought that that was who they were talking about. That really confuses the party, with Enani asking them to clarify when they saw this. They answer last week, with Oxaa saying Heyel's been with him in the desert during that time period. Hearta says that they helped them plenty here and apologizes for the imposition. Thus, the party leaves.
The party has regrouped at the tower to speak to Egra and Cait, with them both confused about this news. Cait asks if this could be someone of Heyel's condition, or of someone that's been really injured. Egra says that whatever the answer is, they can't leave them alone; that is someone that could utilize their aid. Still, to imagine that there was someone that could've been mistaken for Heyel... Oxaa asks if she has any idea who that could be, and although the older dragon seems ready to say "no", she instead seems to contemplate on the information. She furrows her brow, and ponders if they really could be... Estu asks if she's alright, with her saying that she needs to sleep on this information. Egra says that they'll gather people to investigate the mountain range for this individual. For now, though, it's gotten late for them. The group still seems shaken by this news, but do ultimately decide a rest should do them well.
Augua 30th
The party wakes up yet again. They make their way over to the border where a group of Hunters makes it to the city. They announce that they investigated the area they specified, they say that residents in Barriga have described the figure they've talked about last night. Hearing this gets the various party members worried, with Egra asking if they perchance discovered this strange individual. The Hunters shake their head, and the lagombi says that they're going to prepare to move out, and ask them to try and recall who saw this strange figure. The Hunters nod and say they'll set up a paper for them, and make their way off.
Cait remarks that Barriga hadn't been able to provide them with much more information than what they'd gathered back before they found that Divine Well in the dunes. Now all of a sudden some weird information's fallen onto their laps. Estu can only hope that they actually saw something relevant, with Oxaa saying that they're all bound for a lucky break. Roushg, however, can't help but wonder if this person they're seeking is truthfully relevant to their search, with Heyel responding that she feels it. They're tied with their goals in improving Oxaa. Hearta asks if she knows something, though the nakarkos is quiet. Enani says that, regardless of who this stranger is or not, they don't have a lot of other leads to go off of.
Oxaa nods and says he's right. Until they can collect more information from the other villages, they'll have to pursue anything that catches their ear. With that, the Hunters from before come to them and provide a paper saying that they gathered these physical descriptions from their memory, saying that they may not be completely accurate. Egra says that they'll do whatever they can. With that, the Hunters go off, and the lagombi says that they should deal with this as soon as possible. If they wait around, there's a chance that this news could leave their minds rapidly. The group is in agreement, and thus makes their way out.
----
The party makes it over to Barriga, where the various civilians seem a bit on edge. Cait asks if he's imagining the aura, with Enani saying that he can feel it too. They must be shaken up by that figure some of the villagers saw around here. Hearta figures that that should mean that they have plenty of information to gather, but Egra says that if the rumors have spread around enough, there's a good chance that the truth would've been watered down from person to person. Oxaa supposes that this means they should check out the people they were told about in the first place. Roushg supposes they have plenty of space to check out, and at that, the party begins to spread out.
With that, the various party members go to various sections of Barriga with Oxaa able to check out the village by himself. Various civilians will be worried about some zombie being out and about, and others will be surprised by Oxaa's lack of arm. Heyel can be seen over near the border, with her remarking that the people don't seem ready to speak to her. Cait and Egra can be seen talking to some guards with them saying that they swore the figure seemed to shift the mountains itself. Estu and Hearta can be seen chatting over at a series of shops, with some of the civilians apparently mentioning that they saw that thing land on some spires spine-first and walk onwards limp. Enani and Roushg are seen over at the temple with a priest there explaining that he investigated the trail to see this wight, and he was nearly scared to death when he saw them.
There's a destination at the far end of the village towards a trail leading towards the mountains, and upon getting there, the party regroups. Heyel asks what they've gathered, with Roushg saying that it sounds like this strange figure's made their way into the mountain trail. Enani affirms that that's at least what the priest they spoke to said. Hearta also remarks that it sounds like the figure took a hefty blow, with Estu saying that they probably need aid. Egra also says that this figure supposedly shifted some of the mountains, with Cait supposing that whoever this is must be a powerful manipulator of magics. Oxaa supposes that they'll only gain more knowledge if they find this guy. Thus, he says that he's ready to look into this trail.
The party thus advances through the mountain trail. There are some monsters along the way they may end up having to fight off, but the heroes should be able to deal with them at this point. Eventually, they make it to a part of the trail with a cave. However, the opening looks very odd, which Estu seems to notice. Looking closer, Egra confirms that this thing is freshly formed. Couldn't be older than a week. Heyel can only suspect that this thing is what that strange being they heard about went into. The group is about to enter, though before they do, they take notice of an odd presence inside. Enani remarks that it feels like back when the tower was under Heyel's dark influence. Oxaa supposes that they should approach with caution.
Thus, the party advances through a fairly small cave, and inside, Heyel says she can sense traces similar to what was back at the dunes. And, sure enough, within are some more of those odd shadows like from back when. Players should fortunately be able to deal with them, and they soon come close to the end. And once they get close, they find another Divine Well. The many party members are surprised, with Oxaa asking someone to pinch him. Hearta supposes that this suggests that whoever this stranger the village saw is behind these Wells. The various heroes stand guard, with Cait asking if they're sure this is the thing in question. Estu says that they've yet to encounter the source of the shadows, surely there's something in here still. However, Heyel says that whatever the source of those things is isn't here. She can feel it. Whoever left them left only so many, and they left after leaving this.
Oxaa approaches weary and sets himself upon it. And then, the energy stored within flows up and into him, before soon settling into his very being. The Well is drained, and he looked upon his hand in awe. Roushg asks if it worked, with him saying that he's feeling even stronger. He closes his eye and focuses, before the great jaggi asks if he really should, only to be cut off as a massive spire raises in front of the rathalos that pierces into the ceiling of the cave. This causes debris to rain down and several of the party members to evade it, causing the warrior to rub the back of his head and apologize. Enani suggests they should get out before their rising god gets them all buried. With that, the lot of them flee the cave.
Once they're out, Egra supposes that now they know that they need to find this stranger's path in order to get all of this power. Enani brings up that this stranger was only recently seen here, so there's no telling where else they could've left these Wells. Estu does suppose that the only way to confirm that is to find this stranger. Roushg does feel like they should bring up the gammoth in the room: that stranger had Heyel's previous powers. The nakarkos says that she knows. She's surprised, but she figures the only other person capable of that would've had to've been cast down from the Gardens as well. Cait asks if she knows who it could be, to which Heyel says that it's late, she needs to sleep on it. Oxaa, recognizing that she's uncomfortable, does suppose that they just got some new information and powers, so they should take the time to rest on this. And with that, the party decides to sleep on the new information, and turns in.
Augua 31st
The next day comes and the party wakes up. They gather around the tower's lower floor yet again, with Oxaa looking into his hand curious. Estu asks if he feels any different, with the rathalos saying that he's getting used to the new power in himself. It feels like only yesterday he gained the power of the ocean, and now he has the power of the mountains... Roushg says that if he could get a proper handle on all of that magic, they could do a lot of great things for this planet. Hearta agrees and says that he could reshape the whole continent, with Oxaa remarking that that sounds like an awesome responsibility, but right now, they have to take things one step at a time.
Egra agrees. After yesterday, they've learned about another being that seems to bare powers akin to Heyel's, and that this individual seems to want to lead them to these Divine Wells. Heyel sits uncomfortably and in deep thought, with Enani saying that clearly they need to seek out this individual somehow. Cait, however, points out that it was only a fluke that led to them finding this stranger's trail in the first place. He's not sure how they'll track them down, they haven't heard anyone bring up wherever they fled to after they were spotted in the mountain trail. Estu says that one of Barriga's people reported that the stranger hit their back hard, so it's likely that they haven't gone far... However, Enani asks Heyel if she has any ideas.
The nakarkos says that she thinks she has an idea on that stranger... She just can't imagine that they'd have been plunged here. Oxaa asks what she means, to which she points out that back when she was in the Gardens, she was spurred to fight Vogish by... The party realizes in that moment, she's talking about Amadrin. She says that there's a chance, even if slight. And if there is, then she may have some of his personals they can use to narrow down his position. Estu supposes that if it has his scent he can follow, but even in that case, they'd have to narrow down on some place on the continent in order to search for him. The rathalos says that the time it takes to find him could give him time to train these new skills, with Roushg saying that they'll have to find a place for him to raise mountains safely and out of the way.
The felyne then says that he supposes they have at least part of a plan now. Seems like they're going to be busy for a while again, and like they're going to have to wait for more information. Enani sighs and supposes it can't be helped. At least it could be cool to see divinity rise up before them. Oxaa nods and says that if anyone wants to check out, he offers free showings. Roushg remarks that they'll have to be mindful of the splash zone, netting some chuckles around the table and ab it of sheepishness from the warrior. Either way, the team understands what's happening, and thus breaks into their respective quarters.
Augua 31st - Septmi 6th
With that, players have another bout of free time, though during this, they'll have to play as Hearta as opposed to Oxaa. This'll mean that social links won't be available, but they should still be able to handle side quests and whatnot. In addition to this, they can sometimes find Estu and Heyel searching through the tower, Egra and Cait working on organizing Hunters, and either Roushg or Enani somewhere in the city saying that the other guy is out to make sure Oxaa is handling his training well enough. Other than that, there are some civilians in the city that notice Oxaa seems to've gotten even stronger, and some people from Barriga and the sea-side village are even visiting to check out the town. On top of that, there are some visitors coming from Phontifo checking this place out.
Players can check out the dunes and see Oxaa training his craft, taking the former of more messy bouts of aqueous deluges and oddly formed rock formations that screwed up the terrain. The rathalos will mutter about how he can't seem to get this right. He swears he knows how he should go forwards with this, but he just can't get it right. If Enani is on the scene, the nargacuga will comment that if Oxaa could actually get a handle on this, he could be one of the most dangerous warriors on the continent. If Rousgh is on the scene, the great jaggi will say that he's nowhere near the danger zone, but he keeps getting terrified that he'll be part of the collateral. Either way, time passes, and the night of the sixth eventually comes.
On this night, Denang will approach the group and say that there's word of the strange individual they've all been talking about. Oxaa asks them to elaborate, to which they say that word's spread that some guards over in Sobola that saw this stranger come near. Hearing the name of that village causes Enani to tense up, and the rathalos asks to make sure that they weren't actually in the village. They shake their head and say that they were spotted in the mountain range. Egra tells them they're dismissed, and thus they leave. The lagombi supposes that they now have a position to look into, with the party in agreement. Heyel says that they found a set of Amadrin's robes, and Estu should be able to follow that. Roushg asks why she got some of his robes, with her saying that a woman never kisses and tells. The group seems to get flustered, and Oxaa supposes that now they know where to investigate: check out the mountain range and use Estu's nose to investigate. With that, the team has tomorrow and onwards to look for this odd individual.
Septmi 7th - Septmi 16th
With that, players have a limited amount of time to seek out the odd individual towards the snowier parts of the mountain range. They trek towards the mountains and need to go up trails, where they'll have to take care of various monsters that the player should be well trained against by now. They eventually make it to the snowy borders, where Enani remarks that the cold never settled right with him. Roushg comments that he kind of prefers a bit of cold, Oxaa saying he's simply indifferent. Heyel asks Estu if he has any scents yet, with him shaking his head and saying they'll have to search more. However, Egra notices a camp nearby and wonders what's going on over there.
The party approaches the camp, where they see a bunch of individuals set up with weapons of their own. Oxaa sees them and asks if they're Hunters. Some of the men there greet them, and seem to recognize Oxaa and say that they got real surprised he managed to get back up. The warrior assures that he's not the type to let a bad hit do him in for good. A lady hunter says that he is an inspiration to far and wide. Enani, meanwhile, becomes weary of them and decides to pull Egra and Cait aside. Roushg asks what brought them over here, with one of them saying that there's talk of a freaky monster in these parts that supposedly altered the landscape. Estu asks what they seek of it, to which they say that they obviously can't leave that guy to just do whatever they want around here. They get ushered over by Egra, and Oxaa supposes he'll leave them to that and walks off.
He comes over, and Egra says that Enani drew their attention to it, and it seems like these guys are unregistered Hunters. Hearta asks what that means, to which she says that it means they aren't responding to their own orders. Enani speaks up and says that these are game hunters, the likes of which that were used to catch fleeing Fallen. That gets other members shocked, with the nargacuga clarifying that he narrowly evaded men like these in order to make it to the tower. Estu realizes that means that they're not here to peacefully capture Amadrin. Roushg says that if they let these guys get to him first, they'll lose their lead on this Divine Well business! Oxaa supposes that means that they need to move out and find him, fast! Thus, the party groups up and begins searching outwards, with players having to contend with hunters along the way.
The search area is a bit tricky, with players not having a linear path to deal with, and they instead have to find a particular position for Estu's nose to act up.
Once they search far enough, Estu will speak up and say that he can smell something. The party investigates and find their way towards a cave in the frozen plains. Roushg remarks that he feels as if they should be prepared for anything before they make their way in. Thus, at the player's discretion, they press onwards and in, making it into the frozen-over caverns. Or at least, they initially appeared frozen over.
Once they make it inside, the party takes notice that a lot of the ice has been cleared in here. There are also slick patches of water, indicating a lot of this has been recently melted as Cait observes. Egra remarks that it seems like the person they're following as set this place to flame, though Estu says that it'd take a high amount of fiery power to melt a lot of this down. He looks towards one patch and remarks that this wall of ice looks several yards deep, yet it'd been melted down to the stone. Oxaa can only assume that this is the work of another Divine Well just like outside of Barriga. Heyel looks outwards and takes notice of more of those trophy hunters down here. She says that it looks like they're not alone here, and says they should keep moving!
Thus, the party is forced to maneuver throughout the cave, which proves to be a bit of a challenge. Not only are there odd turns, there are also certain passages that can only be crossed one way. After crossing a few, Roushg will start to complain that it'd be a lot easier to get through this if they could only hop on the fliers. Enani will say that they have a low ceiling and they can't carry everybody plus their weapons. Oxaa says he'd try, but it's been a while since he tried flapping his wings again. Either way, the party advances, having to contend with hunters and more of those shadows, and soon comes near the end of the cave, where they can see a fiery glow at the far end. Hearta says that it looks like ahead of here is their destination, and reminds the party to make sure they're ready to get the guy they're looking for out of here. Thus, with the player's discretion, they advance.
The party comes into the depths of the cave, where they see a strange figure within. They have a very familiar set of scales, though their body has been distorted, with patches of their scales flaring outwards almost like fins (making them resemble an Amatsu to Monster Hunter fans). They're seen etching a Divine Well into the ground, this one seeming fiery as opposed to the ones the party have already encountered. Seeing him causes the party to pause, before Heyel approaches weary. She clears her throat to get the stranger's attention, causing them to gently lower their hand while still facing away from them. The nakarkos asks if he recognizes her, to which she's greeted with another period of silence. The deformed Dragon nods, before saying that he's heard about her and her friends' work as of late. That voice is enough to convince her, this is, indeed, Amadrin.
Heyel asks what he heard, to which he says that he's heard her name passed around, about how she's worked with friends to make a safe haven, and about how she's leading a youth to stand up against Him... The nakarkos says that, if he knew that, why didn't he come. He's quiet, before saying that he failed back then... Vogish scarred him, and was allowed to keep on banishing children from the Gardens... He couldn't bring himself to show himself to her... Heyel seems saddened at how he viewed himself, and she assures him that she's no better... The amatsu is quiet, before turning slightly towards her. He seems to smile slightly, though says that she's done far better than he has all this time.
Heyel tells him that she would've still been rotting away in the tower if it wasn't for these guys, she says as she motions towards the rest of the party. Enani admits that she did not want people in her lair before Oxaa here got insistent. Amadrin turns and sees the rathalos, who waves towards him. He remarks that that lad's name has been spreading a while... He plans to change the world for the better, prompting the youth to nod. He says that the Fallen had always been treated differently around here, and Heyel taught them about who was responsible for all of that. He says that he wants to make people like him feel safe and at home around here... and to beat Vogish with a slab of metal. That causes Amadrin to chuckle. Hearta says that this isn't a great place to talk, they should collect the Divine Well and get out of here to catch each other up.
Before Amadrin can agree, a voice from behind remarking that this creature's given them all the slip for far too long. The group turns and takes notice of several members of the trophy hunters approaching, with one of them appearing more decorated. Egra takes notice of the one leading them, a canyne with red fur and a longsword upon her back (an npc players might've been able to notice at the Ruined Pinnacle between Chapter 6 and 8). Egra will remark that she knows her, she was an official Hunter. Cait asks what could've possibly brought her to this, to which she says that it's simple: this business they've been up to doesn't pay. That causes the group to remark with horror, before Oxaa asks if they're really willing to abandon all of what they're working for just for some shallow gain?
She says the lot of them have fancy ideals, but the rest of the world saw what happened when a bunch of randoms decided they wanted to change the world. Estu asks what she's talking about, to which the rathalos realizes she must be referring to Iuli 20th. The canyne nods and says that they already lost, but they're still trying to rise up against that. And now the Gardens are returning to their world, and no one with half a brain would be standing with them. That sentiment causes Enani to chuckle and her to be confused. He remarks that it's that exactly that sort of thing that's allowed everything to get screwed up, seeming to make the trophy hunter tense up.
He says that they were definitely being dumb about confronting Vogish when they did, but for all of their stupidity, these guys wanted to make things better for more people. She, however, decided she's fine with the way things are, because it's too hard to go against the floor. The canyne asks if he's implying that she's weak, with Roushg agreeing that she's certainly not doing herself any favors. It's one thing to think for herself, it's another to act like she's being any better than anyone else for disregarding everybody else. The canyne twitches, and says that she's willing to overlook this slight, to let them go... if they just let her get at the odd creature. However, the rest of the party draws their weapons. Oxaa says that they're not leaving here without this guy. The canyne sneers and draws her longsword, along with the rest of the trophy hunters. She says that she personally crafted this in the Ruined Pinnacle's forge, and it's torn through monsters like stalks of wheat. She'll be more than happy to bring it against someone that refuses to work with her!
At that, the party is forced to engage with Ibilys. The canyne is accompanied by three other trophy hunters. She'll start out with one worrying about debuffing and removing debuffs, with one that worries about Summon magic (one Summon that'll deal Fire damage in conjunction with the target's actions, one Summon that'll Heal multiple members of the enemy team), and an enemy that uses multiple high level magics that're likely to deal ailments to party members. If these trophy hunters are taken out before Ibilys, they'll be replaced by another. The enemies are on a cycle between who'll be replaced (if they were a debuffer/anti debuffer, they'll become a Summoner. If they were a Summoner, they'll be a caster. If they were a caster, they'll be a debuffer/anti debuffer), so a common strategy is to take down the enemies to arrange the enemy party to a formation you prefer.
In addition, Ibilys herself is a Slash attack master that's likely to buff herself (especially if she has a Summon on her) and deal either multiple blows to one party member, or strikes across the whole party. She, unfortunately, Blocks Slash damage, so players won't be able to rely on reflects or counters (at least until later in the fight where she'll buff herself to be able to Pierce). Physical blows on her are generally dissuaded, because she's also equipped with High Counter, which gives her a 50% chance of stopping physical attacks with a physical blow of her own. Players will have to mind how many moving parts are in this fight, but with enough care of their health and what sort of damage will be coming at them, they'll be able to take down the canyne.
Ibilys is left stumbling back and huffing and puffing. She holds her arm and stumbles up to her feet. Egra tells her that now's her last chance to surrender. The trophy hunter shudders, before gritting her teeth and suddenly rushing them! She's able to avoid a few well-aimed strikes from the enemies and goes to stab at the lagombi, but upon seeing her in danger, the rathalos is horrified and rushes the foe. His instincts flare and he feels that familiar glow in his soul, before forming a sword glimmering with earthen magic in his hand. He swings at her sword, the swing causing spires of rock to launch up, destroying her sword, before hoisting her up and managing to ensnare her! The myriad of spires are able to hurl several of the trophy hunters away, and though several vibrations cause the party to halt, there's fortunately very few injuries. 
Amadrin is shocked at the display and shambles forwards, the other party members also surprised. Heyel remarked that he had some remarkable control with that magic there. He says that he wasn't thinking about Vogish this time... only about helping Egra... Amadrin remarks that he hadn't heard of this before... He asks how he managed to handle the power of divinity. Hearta admits that they don't know themselves. The amatsu says that he expected Heyel to utilize this power. For someone like him to do that... Heyel says that he's a promising with this power, but they need to get more familiar with this if they're to engage with Vogish. Amadrin chuckles a little and rises. He supposes that he should look into this oddity, and thus agrees to follow them. Cait cheers and says that it's time to get going then! Though, Hearta tells him not to be so fast, he needs to be healed. She offers her own aid, with Roushg being sure that one of his siblings are also near that can help him. Amadrin seems amused by the group, and accepts their aid, leaving Oxaa to quickly absorb the Divine Well and feel another burst of power.
----
The party is able to make it out of the cave, help to heal Amadrin, and subsequently back to town, where Egra and Cait tell the group that they're going to go ahead to tell the rest of the town about their new guest. The group thus heads in, where Heyel warns that the people are going to struggle to get used to him, there are a fair few that aren't even completely used to her herself. The amatsu says that he already knows he won't be regarded well, but he'll be fine hanging out here as long as he's with them. Oxaa says that they'll be happy to have him with them. Thus, the party leads the elder in, where many of the civilians within are, indeed, shocked by the appearance of Amadrin. He looks around and remarks that this place looks livelier than he imagined. Fortunately the civilians give him the space to advance, before he's brought into the tower.
Once he's brought in, several of the Hunters within give him space too while also wearily watching, which is when Hearta realizes that they've used several of the rooms for storage. Heyel offers her quarters for Amadrin to rest in. She'll have to spend some time out of it, but she'll put up with it. The other elder says that he'd hate to impose, but she's more than happy to give him a space to rest until they get a proper spot for him. He seems sheepish, but he'll still go along with this. Thus, he heads up. Some time passes for him to make it to the top of the tower, where Hearta goes in to observe him. She comes out and says that he'll need some time to recover from his injuries and infections. Estu supposes that means that they'll have to wait to question him about those Divine Wells.. Cait says they'll try to find some resting quarters for him in the meantime, and Oxaa tells everyone that they've done well, and it's time to sit back.
However, Roushg speaks up and says that they need to talk about that display of his back at the cave. The rathalos asks what they mean, with the great jaggi pointing out that he had control of that divine power! Enani agrees that that was unusual. He was sure that when he saw him pull that bunch of earth from the depths, that Ibilys would and the rest of those trophy hunters would have an entire mountain thrown through them. Oxaa admits that he was surprised at how he moved that thing. He supposed whenever Vogish was on his mind, he kept thinking about going full force. But now that he took his mind off of them for a while, he had some better control. He's not sure if he can use that with all of these divine powers, but it seems like a good base to work off of. Either way, he thinks he should sleep on that. The rest of the party is in agreement, and thus they make their way to their resting quarters.
After that, players have free time until the deadline. During it, they have the usual side questing, hanging out with friends, grinding, and just generally chatting with people. During this, several people will talk about the strange thing that stepped into their town. Several wonder if he has some sort of relation with Heyel. Additionally, Heyel herself can be seen outside of the tower now that her room is occupied, with her noting that she's still struggling to feel comfortable outside, but she'll put up with it. There are other civilians that comment on her appearance, with several new guys a little frightened by her, but most common citizens seem to be used to her. Either way, the night of Septmi 16th passes.
Septmi 17th
The 17th comes, and at this point, the town has gotten more and more busy. There are more people from across the continent moving in, Ibilys and several of her other trophy hunters are being seen transferred out in cuffs, and some familiar npcs can be seen communicating with other familiar civilians. Meanwhile, in the tower, the group meets up yet again. They come near the top of the tower, where Hearta is waiting already. Oxaa asks how Amadrin is looking, with her saying that his spine is fixed up about as well as they can. Every other injury he's sustained, however, is beyond her power. Heyel supposes that it's just like with her herself... 
Roushg remarks that, speaking of that, do they know whether or not they should fear if he could bring any of those Shades or that strange malice the town experienced during Heyel's episode? The town's gotten so much bigger and he'd hate for anything to possibly happen. Enani remarks that they saw those Shades while he was suffering, odds are if he wanted to try anything he would've by now. Heyel says that she expended that much energy because she wanted to push people away. Amadrin, for all of his wishes to not be seen, doesn't seem to want them gone. She can't help but be grateful for that. Estu supposes that all along he had wanted to help them. He just hopes he hasn't spread those Wells too thin.
Oxaa supposes there's only one way to find out. And with that, the party presses forwards and up into the garden of the tower. There, they find the amatsu resting on some of the greenery before taking notice of them. He pulls himself up and faces them as the party advances. He remarks that he's very grateful for them seeing to him. Cait says that they always love lending a hand for anyone in danger, with the party in general agreement. Oxaa says that, in a way, he had kind of helped them already. Amadrin says that he can tell... a mortal being able to wield that much power. Flames to melt continents, earth to raise islands, and Heyel says he wields water enough to birth oceans. Hearing him put those powers in that scale causes some nervousness among several of the party members, even with Oxaa.
Enani decides to speak up and say that they really could've done without the scavenger hunt. What was up with hiding that power all over? Amadrin admits that he had been a bit careless there... He was forced into hiding as he was reviled as some sort of carrion beast that many wished dead. He spent a long time hiding in the depths of this continent, a part of him wishing he could just fade away. But then he heard about some travelers speaking of men that wished to challenge Vogish. He grew curious and made his way up, listening from a distance when he heard tales of the rathalos and friends. When the Gardens came down and the lot of them challenged it, he waited with bated breath, when the lot of them came out defeated.
He wished to help, but he still had the memory of his exile in his mind. And knowing how powerful they were, he feared instigating something with Vogish and his underlings if he placed too much Divine strength in a single Well. Hoping to grant Heyel the power to stand up to it, he tried to find place far enough away to set the Wells. But instead, this youth took it in. Oxaa says that, in his defense, the first time was involuntary. Heyel says that her body too isn't what it used to be, she's positive that he's best for this. Amadrin says that he didn't mean to upset them, merely that he was surprised. Roushg says that he understands the desire to hide that much power, but the Gardens are still approaching. The male elder apologizes and says he hoped to prevent any further conflict.
Oxaa says that this is all fine. He asks if Amadrin remembers where he left the rest of them, prompting the elder to nod. He says that there's still time to train with these powers, and time to find the rest of them. And then, Vogish is going to bring his stupid fortress within atomizing range. The sentiment causes some cheers from Estu, Hearta, and Roushg, while Amadrin and Heyel can't help but chuckle lightly. He remarks as an aside to her that he's certainly a spirited young man. She says it's nice to have such a youthful outlook. The amatsu sighs and says that he really is something. Sounds like he took a hell of a hit, yet he's still pushing forwards. She remarks that "It's infectious, isn't it? That want for a better world?" The two look on as Oxaa seems to take in the party's praises and notes about being careful, and Amadrin ultimately agrees.
===Chapter 10: ===