The town once had thrived due to the dungeon, but now it was considered depleted, it had been well explored and looted over the years. It now provided scant few resources or monsters.

But a few Treasure hunters still scoured it, eking out a living from its depths. Mao was the leader of one such group along with her boyfriend Ruvik, and her sister Xiao.

"Well, it doesn't look like much has been generated," Xaio complained as she walked "We're barely going to make anything from this." Ruvik hefted the sack containing the pitiful amount of crystals and other rare goods the group had found so far.

Before Mao could interject she tripped and fell forward. Landing on the ground with a yelp of surprise. Ruvik moved forward to help her up when the ground gave way and Mao found herself vanishing into the depths.

She hit the ground and after a moment was able to look around and see that she was in an unfamiliar part of the dungeon, Ruvik called from above "Mao? MAO! are you okay?"

Mao stood up and began dusting herself off.

"I'm okay! I found something!"

"We'll get a rope set up and come down," Ruvik shouted back "Stay clear of the hole."

As Mao stood up and looked around she found herself in a corridor, the usual crystals that were mounted in the walls every few meters were still present. But the signs and marks that the Treasure Hunters guild marked the locations where resources could be found were missing.

"I think it's undiscovered!" Mao said, excitedly.

The rope dropped just behind Mao, and Ruivk and Xiao quickly climbed down. Ruvik stepped over and hugged Mao "I'm glad you're okay. You scared the crap out of me when you vanished like that," he said.

Xiao made a disgusted noise and was instead examining the corridor "Can you two find a room or something?"

"We will find one when this adventure is done," Mao said. "But first let's explore."

Ruvik chuckled at the sister's bickering, and then rolled his shoulders "Well, let's see what we can find then." he said.

The corridor had strange frescos showing scenes that seemed to be from some peoples myths. Great cities floating in the clouds, warriors wielding weapons of fire and lighting, fighting strange creatues that Mao hadn't heard of before.

Ahead the corridor seemed to open into a chamber from where strangely hued light could be seen.

"That must be from some kind of amazing treasure!" Mao said, heading towards it with a skip in her step.

"Wait! What about traps?!" Xiao shouted as she dashed after her sister "If this place hasn't been explored you don't know what might be here!" she said as she scolded her older sister, Ruivk just ambled behind the pair, his hand on the haft of his hammer.

"Come on now Xiao, Mao is a hunter as well. She knows what she is doing.." he said and after a moment added "Probably"

As the group approached the light, a faint hum could be heard coming from the room.

Mao snuck forward, her tome drawn.

The doorway opened into a vast chamber with strange metallic things that hummed, the strange light seemed to be coming from them.

Above the machines were ledges with statues of soldiers in similar equipment to those Mao had seen on the frescos.

Pipes led from the machinery towards the far wall of the chamber, and attached to that wall was an even larger metallic object that seemed to have a huge crystal in its centre, from the doorway Mao couldn't be sure, but it seemed as if something was within the crystal.

"Whoa! This is amazing! We're going to be famous!" Mao said, giddy with excitement.

Xiao and Ruvik looked into the room, Xiao eyes widened and she bounced in excitement "Look at all this stuff... I can't wait to try to take some it apart to work out what it is," she said.

Mao went to examine some of the things in the room.

As Mao walked into the room, the lights on the machines began to change, and the humming shifted note.

The devices Mao was sure were some kind of magitech, seemed to be feeding something to the larger machine on the far wall. Mao found herself drawn towards a raised platform on which sat more magitech devices. A series of blinking lights, switches and buttons covered part of the surface, things that Mao was sure Xiao had called dials and gauges covered other sections.

As soon as she stepped onto the dias a voice spoke in an unknown language.

"flesruoy yfitnedI ,detcetceD redurtnI"

Mao looked over at her sister for help.

Xiao rushed over "What did you do?" she demanded "You know not to press something, before we've tried to work out what it is."

"I didn't touch anything! it did this when I walked in the room!" Mao said.

Xiao pushed past Mao to start examing the controls, but the motion had knocked Mao off balance and as she flailed and grabbed a nearby surface for balance she heard a click as pressed a hidden button.

Before either Mao or Xiao could respond the light from the machines changed again, and vent of steam escaped from several of them.

Then the voice spoke again "locotorp ytiruces gnitavitcA .detceted metsys noitanrebih fo noitavitca dezihrotuanU ,gninraW"

Mao looked around.

"That probably wasn't good," she said in a small voice.

Several of the statues around the room began to move and 3 jumped down and advanced on the party.

Ruvik dashed over to the sisters his hammer and shield ready "Looks like we've got trouble," he said.

(OOC: Init Roll)

(OOC: Initiative roll - Mao Hitcher rolled 5,6 using d10,d6)

Mao stepped up to one of the machines and hit it with her spell book as hard as she could.

"Oooooooooora!"

(OOC: Attack roll - Mao Hitcher rolled 7,8 using d10,d10. 14 damage.)

Machine Guard 1 : 14/??
Machine Guard 2 : 00/??
Machine Guard 3 : 00/??


The Machine staggers back from the hit as Mao lands a solid blow to its head with her tome.

A machine steps forward and tries to stab Xiao with its spear, but the fox girl moves too quickly and counters with a series of rapid strikes, but the machine easily blocks the blows.

Another machine rushes forward to attack Xiao and Ruivk steps forward to meet it swinging his hammer, but the machine moves out of the way of the blow.

The final machine moves up to attack Ruivk while he's focused on his current oppenet but, he is able to move his sheild to block the sudden blow.

((OOC: Round 2 go!))

This message was last edited by the GM at 09:58, Sat 04 Mar 2023.

"How! Dare! You!" Mao shouted as she attacked.

(OOC: Attack Roll - Mao Hitcher rolled 5,7 using d10,d10. 13 to same Machine)

Machine Guard 1 : 40/??
Machine Guard 2 : 16/?? (Weak)
Machine Guard 3 : ??/??


Mao again smashes the machine in the head it had acquired quite the dent from the repeated impacts and its movements seemed slower.

The machine fighting Mao seems to decide that the hulking Ruvik was the greater threat and tries to strike at him, but he raises his shield and blocks the blow.

Xiao takes the opportunity to slip behind the Machine fighting Mao, and drives her blade into its back and the machine stumbles forward from the blow.

The second machine lunges forward with it's spear and scores a hit on Ruvik drawing blood, Ruvik smashes his hammer into it's chest and leaves a deep dent from the blow.

The final machine moves forward to aid its embattled companion and scores a hit on Mao with its spear.

((OOC: 12 dmg to Mao))
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:28, Sat 04 Mar 2023.

(OOC: HP is 33)

Mao grunted from the pain, but continued to try and rain down blows on the thing!

(OOC: Attack roll - Mao Hitcher rolled 10,7 using d10,d10. 16 Damage)

Machine Guard 1 : KIA
Machine Guard 2 : 42/?? (Weak)
Machine Guard 3 : 26/??


Mao smacks the machine guard again and it slumps to the floor unmoving, the other two turn on Ruvik and launch a series of attacks against him. But he's easily able to block the attacks and even launches a pair of counterattacks, before landing a solid blow on of them knocking it back from him with a resounding clang.

Xiao stood back and pulled out a potion bottle before shaking it vigorously and lobbed it at the machines where vomited a stream of what looked like Lava at the two enemies.

In the background the Crystal begin to glow brighter, and the hum increased in volume.

Mao smashed the weakened one with her book.

(OOC: Attack roll - Mao Hitcher rolled 7,7 using d10,d10. 13 Damage and giving boyfriend a +4 to his attack)

Mao brought the tome crashing down into the machine's head and the blow was strong enough to crush the body part and the machine slumped to the ground.

Before anyone else could react the crystal exploded outwards and the figure that had been in slumped to the ground.

"Huh? What happened?" Mao asked, looking around.

Ruvik looked up from where he was finishing off the least machine guard. "Something exploded?" he suggested "And someone..." he looked away hurriedly "I think you or Xiao should deal with them."

When Mao looked over she could see the figure had managed to sit up and was due to the tight clothing they were wearing most definitely female. The most distinctive feature was the pair of wings with glossy white feathers that sprung from their back. They were looking around and their gaze feel on the party.

"?srehto eht era erehW ?uoy era how" they said something in the same language as the voice that had spoke earlier.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:04, Sat 04 Mar 2023.

"Uh, hello? We can't understand your language," Mao said, placing her tome and shield down while raising her hands to show she meant no harm.

The woman looks confused at your reply and slowly gets to her feet as she takes a step back an uncertain look on her face.

She raises a hand and there is a soft glow for a moment that soon fades "You.. understand..now?" she said hesitantly.

"Yes," Mao said. "Who are you?"

"I'm..." the women began and frowned "I'm.." she repeated "I don't remember? Why can't I remember?" she said a look of panic beginning to appear on her face.

"It's alright," Mao said, moving forward to comfort the woman. "You have been down here a very long t ime."

"I remember hiding, and then my sisters? and I were going to sleep for awhile.." The women hesitdated "I don't remember anything else, how long has it been?"

Ruvik handed Mao a cloak "I think she might need this," he said looking away as he handed the garment over.

"Here," Mao said putting it around her. "You might be cold."

Xiao seemed to be alternating between fascination at the women and machinery and enjoyment at Ruviks obviously discomfort.

She had moved over to examine the machine that the women had appeared from "This is magitech?" she asked.

The woman took the cloak "Thank you," she said "Are you a rescue party?" she asked. She looked over at Xiao "Magitech? I'm not familiar with the word. It's a hibernation system.. Although I'm not sure why I know that."

"Not quiet...we're adventurers here to explore the ruins," Mao said.

"Ruins?" the winged women said as if testing the word "This is a lot to take in," she said as she stumbled against Mao as her legs seemed to give from under her.

Mao did her best to help her.

"Thank you," the winged woman said "I think I'm still weak from the hibernation."

Xiao who had been fumbling around with the machine pulled a metallic staff from the pod that the winged women had been in, "This might help, you can lean on it," she suggested as she passed it over. "We need to come up with a name for you as well, we can't just all you, you after all"

"Hmm. How about Heather?" Mao said.

"Heather?" the woman said and then repeated it "Heather, yes I like that," said Heather and she took the staff from Xiao "Thank you," she said as she stood leaning on the staff.

"I like your wings," Mao said. "I've not seen people with wings before outside of myths."

Heather flexed her wings "A myth? how strange," she said "Then much time must have passed.." she said softly.

**

In a distant land, Emperor Alcanice sits on his throne his council before him "The project must be completed on time, everything depends on it." he said.

The minister for magitechnological sciences stepped forward "Yes, your majesty. But we will require a more complete genetic sample. The ones we have are too degraded to be of use."

The Emperor sighed "Very well, then we shall dispatch agents to acquire the sample for you. But there will be no more excuses.

**

((OOC: You get a Fabula point))

"Do you live nearby then?" Heather asked Mao.

"Yep! Don't worry, we'll take good care of you!" Mao said.

Xiao had gathereed some parts from the now broken machine and the defeated mechanical Guards "Well we've got enough things that we should make some decent coin for all this," she said grinning at the others.

Heather nodded to Mao "I'm not sure how I can repay you for your kindness..." she said "But I'll find some way."

"Don't worry about it!" Mao said. "It's only natural to help someone out like this."

"Then thank you," Heather said, "Would we be able to go outside? I'd like to see how much has changed"

"Certainly! My fiance can help you up the rope. He's very strong," Mao said.

Ruvik nodded in agreement, as the group headed back towards the rope, Heather was moving slowly leaning on the staff "Fiance, how wonderful and you work together?" she asked.

"Oh yes," Mao said smiling. "And this is my sister."

Xiao waved cheerfully "I look after these two, they'd be hopeless without me," she said. Heather nodded gravely clearly unsure how to react to that.

The group reached the rope and the group climbed up slowly, with Ruvik helping Heather.

"After you, dearest sister," Mao said, smiling.

Xiao looked at Mao for a moment and then began to quickly scamper up the rope.

Mao followed.

The upper levels of the dungeon were the same as usual for the treasure hunters, but Heather was looking around confused "This doesn't seem familiar at all.." she said.

"It's likely been a very long time," Mao said. "It's been like this before even my grandfather came here."

"Yeah, Dungeons are sources of rare materials," Xiao said "You go in fight monsters, and you come out with goods that are valuable in goods manufacture,"

Heather frowned at that "Isn't that very dangerous?"

"Most of the dungeon has been cleared out over the years. We only found where you were, due to, ah, accident...," Mao said.

Xiao snickers at the comment but doesn't say anything else. Ruvik nods seriously though "It can occasionally be dangerous, that's the second part of why we go into dungeons to make sure that the monsters don't threaten people."

Heather nods at that "Oh so you are protectors then?" she asked.

"Kinda...it's a mix of reasons," Mao said. "There's finding all that magitech stuff I don't really understand as well."

Xiao preens slightly as Mao admits she doesn't understand Magitech, but before she can speak the group arrives back at the entrance to the dungeon.

Heather blinks at the sudden brightness and shields her eyes as they step outside. Sweeping away from the dungeon is plain, with a dirt road leading towards the town an hour or so's walk away.

"It's a bit of a walk from here," Mao said. "Oh! I better heal anyone hurt."

She began to cast healing spells on anyone who needed it.

Thankfully the injuries were minor and Mao's magic was easily able to heal everyone.

Before long the group was nearing the edge of town. Xiao turned to Mao and asked "So how exactly are we going to explain Heather to everyone? I'm not sure we found her in a machine in the dungeon will go over well."

"How about we met her in the dungeon and invited her to stay?" Mao said.

Xiao considered that "Sure, people don't always go through town before entering the dungeon. Are you going to put her up?" she asked with a slightly evil grin.

"Well, I suppose we have to to be good hosts," Mao said.

"Such a shame sister... You'll have to behave for a change," Xiao said in a sickly sweet tone "How will you survive."

Heather cocked her head in obvious confusion, while Ruviks ears began to go red.

That got Mao angry, but she didn't say anything. Not that she needed to, her tail was jumping back and forth.

Ruvik moved closer to Mao and gave her a quick hug "Don't let her get to you," he said, knowing what the tail movement meant.

Mao took a couple of breaths.

"Anyway...Heather, um, can you do anything to hide your wings? They will get a lot of questions."

"They will?" Heather looked confused "But don't most people have wings?" she asked waving them uncertainly. "I think..." she focused for a moment and he wings shrunk to something that could be hidden under a cloak.

"That's the best I can do," she said.

"No, most people don't. I mentioned that in the ruins," Mao said. "But that'll work."

Heather adjusted the cloak around herself to make it comfortable and then the party reached the edge of town.

One of the town guards Hodric, a tall athletic wolfman that had approached Mao and Xiao a few times before stepped up "Welcome back, how'd the trip go? Find much?" he asked before stopping when he noticed Heather "Well hello there, I don't think we've met before. I'd remember a beauty such as yourself." he said with a winning smile. "I'm Hodric, one of the town guards," he said.

Heather appeared a bit taken aback and looked to Mao for support.

"He hits on anything female," Mao said. "Best let him down quickly."

Hodric managed to look offended "Hey now, that's not exactly fair.." he said.

Heather shook her head "You're very gallant, but you're not my type." she replied nodding as the group moved past.

Heather was trying hard not to stare at everything as they all moved through the town, the people moving about on their daily lives.

"We should head to the guild and get paid," Ruvik said "Then.. ahh.. I guess we take Heather back to our place?"

"Yes, that sounds good," Mao said, before whispering to Ruvik. "I think I might be able to afford that maid uniform..."

Ruvik missed half a step, but managed to recover quickly but his ears had reddened again "Ah sounds good," he managed to reply.

Nearby Xiao narrowed her eyes "What are you two up to over there?" she asked.

"We're just planning on some cleaning," Mao said, smiling.

Xiao's ear twitched something that Mao knew meant she didn't really believe her. But otherwise she didn't really react to the reply.

The group arrived at the guild house. It was a grandiose name for a small building, it consisted of an open front area, a few offices and a small warehouse.

They entered and saw the usual familiar faces sitting at tables, and Alice the rabbit folk who ran the front desk with something of an iron fist stood at the desk.

"Ah Mao, I heard you headed out this morning," she said "What do you have today?"

Mao put what she had on the table and waited for her sister to do the same.

Xiao was frantically resorting her bags as she apparently changed her mind on what to keep and what to sell, Alice sighed "Xiao, you know you should have the backs sorted before you get to the desk right?" she said crossing her arms.

Xiao looked nervous "Yeah, well I thought I did but then last moment I sort of changed my mind, but I'm done." she said and dropped a bag that was smaller than it had been moments ago onto the desk.

Alice opened the bags and her eyes widened "Well, now this is an unusually good haul. Did you get lucky and find a rare node?" she asked as she began to count out coins.

"We did get lucky today," Mao said. "More than usual."

Alice handed over a pile of coin "Here is your money, 1000 gold. Going to be the biggest payout for quite a while".

She then turned to Heather "Well, you seem to be a new face," she said "Welcome to the Treasure Hunters Guild," she said with a short bow.

"This is Heather, we met her in the dungeon and she'll be staying in town a while," Mao said. "Heather, this is Alice."

"A pleasure to meet you Ms Alice," Heather said taking her cue from Mao. "Likewise, Heather. How did you come to find yourself in a Dungeon all alone?"

"I..ahh..Got lost," Heather said "Mao and her friends found me."

"It's a pleasure doing business with you, Alice, but I'm going to hit up the Urstein's shop," Mao said.

Alice waved as the group left, and they soon found themselves at Urstein's shop. Gwendylion was behind the counter.

Armour and weapons were on display, along side more everyday items that were the favorite craft of young Manfred. "Ah Mao, how can I help you today?" she asked.

"I'm looking to buy a set of that maid armour," Mao said.

"Ah," Gwendylion said "Well, we can certainly do that. We require that you pay half up front, and half on delivery," she explained "It will take a little while to create, and you'll need to be available for some fittings."

"But," she said with a smile "You'll find it well worth the cost, and I'm sure that Ruivk will appreciate it as well."

"That's the plan!" Mao said, paying the four hundred.

"Excellent, then if you come by tomorrow and we'll do the measurements," Gwendylion said and handed Mao a receipt.

"Thanks. I'll see you guys tomorrow!" Mao said, waving as she left and headed home.

Xiao waved "Okay, Sis. Take care of Heather then," she said and headed to the family home.

Leaving Mao, Ruvik and Heather to head to the rooms that Mao and Ruvik shared above the store Mao's family ran.

They went up the stairs to the small suite of rooms that they had. As they walked in Ruvik put his hammer and shield on the rack by the door, and smiled at Heather "Welcome to our humble abode." he said.

"It's not the biggest, but make yourself at home," Mao said.

Heather entered the rooms and bowed again "Thank you," she said.

Ruvik headed toward the kitchen space, "I'll put together something to eat and drink," he said "We're all going to be hungry."

Heather nodded and found a space to sit, suddenly looking exhausted again.

"Thanks, honey!" Mao said before sitting down with Heather. "I guess things must be really different for you."

"It's been a lot to take in," Heather said "My memories are fragmentary at best, and then to find myself in a different time altogether. I'm not sure how to react, how should I react even."

"I can't say that I know what that feels like," Mao said, giving her a hug. "But we're here for you."

Heather returned the hug "You're very kind, knowing I have people to rely on means a lot," she said.

Mao blushed at the compliment.

"I'm just doing what anyone would do."

Ruvik brought through some salad and fried fish for everyone, as well as some fruit juice. "Here we go," he said as he put the plates down.

Mao's tail twitched excitedly.

"You read my mind!" she said as she dug in.

Heather began to eat, at some point she'd removed the cloak and her wings fluttered as she ate "This is really good," she said.

"He's really handy," Mao said. "He's darn near perfect!"

Ruvik smiles "You're not too bad yourself," he said. Heather nodded "You two really care for each other don't you?"

"Yes, we're going to be getting married," Mao said. "Though we need to get everything planned."

"I can imagine there is a lot to do," Heather agreed "Will you keep being, what was it Treasure Hunters after you're married?"

"We plan to," Mao said. "It makes pretty good money and I enjoy it."

Heather nodded "Isn't it dangerous though?" she asked.

"Yes, but grandfather taught me a way to learn magic from monsters, but they have to use it on me first," Mao said. "The danger makes me stronger."

Heather eyes widened "I've not heard of such a power," she said in surprise "I see now, I think," she added the tried to suppress a yawn.

"Ah, we can get you a bed so you can get some sleep," Mao said.

Heather looked a bit embarrassed  "That would be nice," she replied "It's been an exhausting day."

"Not a problem," Mao said, leading her to a door. "We don't have many rooms, so it's also storage, but there is a bed and blanket in here you can use."

Heather headed for the room "Thank you, then I'll see you in the morning."

Ruvik wished her good night and then hugged Mao, "Well I guess, we should head off as well. Although it's a shame we cant.. You know." he said.

"Well, I know something that's pretty quiet," Mao said with a grin. "But I expect some reciprocation later."

Ruvik guided Mao towards the bedroom, a small smile on his face.

===

The next day Mao woke to find Heather already up. "Good morning," she said.

"Morning," Mao said. "How are you doing?"

"Better I think," Heather replied "I slept well, you?"

"I can't complain," Mao said. "Ruvik will be making us breakfast."

"That's good. He seems a good cook," Heather said "Do you also cook?"

"I do, but we trade off cooking when we do things for the other," Mao said.

Heather nodded "Ah, then I look forward to trying your cooking as well. What are the plans for today?" she asked.

"I guess we can show you around town more," Mao said.

"That sounds good," Heather said as Ruvik brought out breakfast for everyone.

"Eat up," Mao said. "I know I'm hungry the morning after an adventure."

Heather dug in with a will. "I wonder if Xiao is up yet? " he said "I imagine she'll want to see heather again, and barrage her with questions."

"I'm sure she is. We can head over when we're done," Mao said.

The group finished breakfast and headed out, Mao's families house was nearby and Xiao was waiting for them as the group arrived.

"Morning," she called waving enthusiastically.

"Morning," Mao said. "We thought we'd show Heather around town."

"Awesome," Xiao said as she joined the group "How are you today?" she asked Heather. "I'm well thank you," Heather replied.

As ever Xiao seemed full of energy first thing.

That was one area of several they differed in.

"Do you remember what this area used to be like?" she asked after yawning.

Heather considered that before replying "A little. It was a wilderness, very dry. I think that's why the research base was built where it was," she continued "few people came to the area."

"So, like a desert?" Mao asked. "Wow, that is different."

"Yes, things are very different," Heather said as the group walked. Around them, the town was coming to life shops were opening, and people were heading toward the fields.

"I guess our small town isn't that impressive in comparison," Mao said.

"No, no," Heather said "This is wonderful all on its own," she said "I feel free here? something like that at least."

"That's awfully kind of you," Mao said.

Several of the townsfolk greet the group, showing interest in Heather.

"Oh who is this?" Maria the Otterfolk owner of the Inn asks. "I've not seen you about before."

"This is Heather, we met her in the dungeon and she'll be staying in town for a bit," Mao said.

"Oh, now that must be a tale worth telling," Maria said as she shook Heather's hand "It's lucky that I ran into you, if you could pop into the Inn later I might have some work for you."

"Sure, that sounds good," Mao said.

"Good, good," Maria said "See you all later then," as she headed off on her errand.

Mao waved as she left.

"There's really just a few other shops to show you," she said to Heather.

Heather nods as they walk, "She seemed very nice," she said as the group walks. "Everyone seems very friendly here"

"You do end up knowing everyone in a small town," Mao said.

"Ah..Yes, I see that does make sense," Heather said.

Mao introduced her to the remaining people, and showed her what little shops they had.

It was early afternoon by the time the introductions had finished and the group heads to the Wainwright Arms.

Inside they find the early afternoon crowd beginning to gather, Maria is behind the bar and greets the group as they enter.

"Ah, welcome. Welcome. Take a seat," Maria said and quickly poured mugs of frothy dark ale "On the house to welcome our new resident."

"That's might kind of you," Mao said. "What job did you have?"

"Well I was expecting some fresh meat and some rarer mushrooms and herbs to be delivered," Maria explained "But the idiots I hired got themselves mauled by a Ghost Wolf." she sighed "They'll live thankfully, but I'm going to run out of ingredients soon. So I want you to get me the stuff, and deal with the Ghost Wolf."

"Okay, so we get the ingredients and deal with Hodric's relative," Mao said. "That sounds easy enough."

"Excellent I'll pay you of course. And you'll get a house discount," Maria said and held out a list, "This what I need."

Mao took a look at the list.

The list wasn't too long some game meat, a few kings cap mushrooms that only grew deep in the forest and an assortment of herbs that would also be found in the forest.

"Seems simple enough," Mao said. "Let's go!"