Lunar: Magic Empire
Session 14 Log
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Cast of Characters:
Rune as "GM/Narrator, Par, Ian, Reese, Finn, Hunter,
            Council1, and Council2"
Seath as "Earendil"
GORN as "Rein"
Hahn as "Kadan"
Aes as "Valina"
Mia Ausa as "Geint"
SOLaike as "Tarrant"
Dyne as "Arzel"
Ayeye as "Ayeye"
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    GMRune: ----game on-----
            Kadan is alarmed by the hostile looks of the
party, as if they're accusing him of some great evil.
    GMRune: Kadan leads the party towards the city of Lentol
and to the bunkers he boasts would lead underground.
            Kadan seems to be on edge, as if perceiving
dangers the other aren't aware of.
            Par looks around the area as the party reaches
the edge of the city.
            Arzel just walks along solemnly.
            Kadan frantically scampers from right to left,
systematically surveying the area like a hunted animal.
            Rein wipes his brow with his bandanna
            Kadan peers around a corner, and stops. He
silently motions for the group to follow.
            Par creeps behind Kadan.
            Rein follows nervously, put on edge by Kadan's
strange manner.
            Kadan points to a small, neglected structure
that contains a dark hole.
            Tarrant looks at what Kadan is pointing at.
       Par: We just crawl on through?
            Kadan takes a few silent lurking steps, then
glances over his shoulders.
            Ayeye waves to Kadan as he looks over his
shoulder.
            Kadan whispers, "We need to be quiet. Lots of
smugglers make their hideouts here."
            Geint looks in the tunnel.
            Tarrant wonders why everytime they crawl in
tunnels they always get beat up.
            Kadan examines the small structure with
interest. "Hmm..."
    GMRune: The small hole in the side of the worn down
bunker is bordered with various amounts of debris.  It looks
quite dark inside.
            Rein raises his bandanna over his nose and
fastens his staff across his back as he prepares for a
little dungeon-crawling.
     Geint: What if one of you humans get stuck in this
thing...
            Geint giggles at the concept.
      Rein: It's not going to be me...
            Kadan whispers, "Make your steps soft. Stay out
of the light."
            Par nods grimly.
     Geint: Well, it isn't like I have to worry..........
unless I'm behind some big person.
            Kadan firmly grips his fist around Geint's
muzzle.
     Kadan: Shh...
    GMRune: The party squeezes down the hole and into the
vast underground networks beneath Lentol.
            Geint looks up at Kadan, wondering if even the
whole group could get him unstuck if he got stuck.
     Kadan: These tunnels lead under the merchant district.
I used to get here through one of the taverns. If we head
north, I think I remember the way to get into the warlock
district.
    GMRune: The tunnels are walled with wood and the
occasional layer of brick.  The flooring is uneven, and the
air musty and stale.
            Rein looks around, amazed at the existence of
such a vast network under the city.
   Tarrant: I don't want to get lost in here. You better
know the way.
     Ayeye: Kadan, why are these tunnels here?
    GMRune: The party starts to follow a branching to the
north at Kadan's direction.
     Kadan: This city used to be the warring grounds of
several primitive factions. They used these tunnels to
subvert each others' bases.
     Ayeye: Err, all of them used these tunnels?  Seems like
the fighting would be done down here then.
    GMRune: The tunnels are lit by oil lamps every few
meters.  A few are quite dim, while others seem to have been
filled fairly recently.
      Rein: Who maintains them now?
     Kadan: Well, one faction got the idea to bring the
fight underground, then the others caught on to even the
odds.
     Ayeye: Oh, so, who won?
     Kadan: Whenever men fight each other over petty
differences, they inevitably destroy each other and
eventually collapse themselves. Struggle can be so self-
defeating...
            Rein looks at Kadan in surprise.
    GMRune: As you walk along, you occasionally see traces
of battles.  A gash in the wood made by an axe, or a scorch
in the brick made by errant magic.
      Rein: I'll bet some nasty things live down here now...
     Ayeye: But, isn't struggle a way to weed out the unfit?
Isn't that a good thing?
            Kadan tries to remain alert while being lured
into an interesting conversation with Ayeye.
    GMRune: The party meanders around a bend and a low
whispering rises down the tunnel.
    GMRune: The whispering stops suddenly though.  Perhaps
they heard you all talking.
     Kadan: It is natural for humans to improve themselves.
When we try to enhance and hone our abilities, then send our
best specimens against each other, only to have them all
slain, we are set back by decades.
            Kadan halts cold.
            Kadan raises an arm to silence the group as
well.
            Rein looks to Kadan anxiously.
    GMRune: There is no movement up ahead, and you can't see
anything that gives you a clue of who or what is ahead of
you.
            Ayeye stops in mid sentence.
            Geint nervously looks at Kadan as he goes deeper
and deeper into theories.
            Par looks expectantly at Kadan.
            Kadan puts his ear up against the left wall and
concentrates.
            Rein eases his staff off of his back.
            Kadan wets a finger and raises it to the air,
trying to remain sharply perceptive.
            Tarrant wants to practice more magic on foes.
    Kadan: The air displaced... they're human... or at least
as big as humans.
    GMRune: You hear a sharp hushed whisper from up ahead,
but you can't make out what was said.  And then something
gleams for a moment.
            Kadan suddenly sprints foward.
            Ayeye rushes after Kadan.
     Geint: *whispered* What the..??
    GMRune: Everyone hears a surprised shout as Kadan
reaches the group ahead.
            Kadan suddenly stops and yelps in surprise.
            Kadan is starkly silent for a moment.
    Valina: Somehow, I have a bad feeling about this...
    GMRune: A light flares up and you see a group of three
men standing near Kadan.
     Ayeye: Err, Kadan, are you o-kay?
            Rein looks around briefly at the rest of the
party then steps around the corner
    GMRune: They are all squarely-built and muscular men,
the veterans of many battles.
            Geint flaps out and watches nerviously.
            Valina looks at the men..
            Kadan has a strange, unreadable reaction to the
men, then turns around to face the group.
    GMRune: One of them claps Kadan on the shoulder.  "Well
met, my friend!"
     Geint: *whispered* Look! A lumox convetion! *giggle*
            Ayeye is concerned, "Do you know these people?"
            Kadan turns back to the men and greets them with
a smile. "Yes! How have you been, old chum?!"
       Ian: Very well.  And you?
            Rein takes a deep breath as the tension breaks.
            Valina looks... wide eyed!!
    Valina: oh no... not another one...
     Kadan: I am quite well! My hunts have been very...
profitable lately. As you know, my most recent hunt took me
to Mertyl.
    GMRune: Another of the men smirks.  "Oh yeah, that
Serpent Staff thing.  How'd it go?"
     Kadan: And you? Did you and these worthless brutes
manage to burn that stockpile of magical gems that was
discovered in the west ruins?
     Reese: No kidding!  We trashed that place weeks ago!
            Kadan folds his arms in front of him and appears
quite comfortable now.
            Ian looks at the group.  "These your new magic-
hunting buddies or something?  Some of them look like
wizards!"
            Rein tosses his staff on his back once again and
finds a seat.
     Geint: Oh sure.... and what do I look like?
            Kadan twitches his head slightly at Ian, and is
strangely silent for a moment. "Yes... these are... friends
of mine."
            Reese peers at Geint.  "Looks like an air bunny
to me.  Never seen one out of the southlands before though."
    Valina: Well said Kadan...
     Geint: That's 'cause I'm cool.
            Kadan moves to the left of the group and leans
up against the wall, watching his friends. "So... what's the
buzz around this old dump lately?"
    Valina: Somehow I am NOT surprised...
     Reese: Not much.  The warlocks still do't dare show
their ugly mugs in town though!  We actually killed one of
them three days ago!  Was that ever a victory!
            Kadan shifts to the right a bit and turns to
Ayeye, holding his head awkwardly.
            Kadan seems a bit distanced. "Yes... that's
great! I can't wait to hear about it..."
    Valina: It always is!
            Kadan watches his friends with interest. "I
might enjoy spending a little time back here. This place has
a lot of bad memories, but a few good ones too..."
            Valina goes back and sits with Rein "Come to
think of it, I don't think I want to get involved in an
conversation with Kadan's buddies... "
            Finn huffs.  "How true."
            Ayeye nervously moves to her right.
            Arzel fidgets with his claws.
     Ayeye: Could you introduce them to us?
            Rein smiles at Val.
    Valina: 1
    Valina: 2
    Valina: 3
            Reese plays with his great sword as he listens
to the talking.
    Valina: Rock.
            Kadan nods and points to the tall man on the
left. "This is Ian. He once managed to knock out two
apprentice wizards with nothing but him and a pair of
daggers."
    Valina: Rein!
            Ian smirks and waves.
            Kadan nods at Reese, and notices a length of
rope at his belt. "This is Reese. He's the one that first
taught me the wonders of the magic hunting business."
    Valina: Ohh... wonderful.
            Kadan turns to Finn. "And here's Finn. He
once... well... umm.... well, we all like Finn."
            Finn shuffles off to the side a bit as if
uncomfortable sitting in the light.
            Ayeye nods to Ian, Reese, and Finn, "Hello all."
            Arzel keeps his distance from Reese.
            Kadan scratches the side of head stiffly.
            Rein looks appreciatively at Kadan's friends.
            Ian plays with the torch he lit and leans
against the wall.
            Rein turns back to the Janken game.
            Arzel walks over to Tarrant and speaks quietly
to him.
    Valina: Rein... watch your back around these magic
hunters.
            Kadan fiddles with his fingers behind his ear,
staring intently at Ayeye. His eye twitches slightly.
            Par glances around nervously.
            Geint nervously looks at them all. "No wonder
those tunnels are so busted up! Do lotza folks as big as you
guys go through them things??"
            Reese glares at the little air bunny.
            Kadan tries to smile, but still appears a little
nervous and jumpy.
            Kadan slowly reaches up behind him and picks up
a filthy length of cord that was attached to the wall.
            Kadan glances around at the area.
            Kadan shouts, "Ayeye! Now!"
            Ayeye runs to Kadan.
            Kadan quickly dashes into the party, trips Rein
over, then tries to bind Earendil's hands together.
            Ian blows out the torch, lowering the tunnel's
light to near darkness.
     Kadan: Finn! Get the wizards!
     Kadan: Reese! Get the dame!
            Ian, Finn, and Reese rush the party!
            Ayeye grabs Arzel and holds him down.
     Reese: I'm trying to find her!
            Rein squawks as he tumbles to the ground
    Valina: Arghh!
            Reese grabs Valina, trying to get her hands
behind her back.
            Kadan pins Rein down while grabbing Geint out
the air.
     Geint: Ahhhhhhhhh!!! You friggin' *Snarl*
            Finn tackles Par, sending him sprawling to the
ground.
            Valina stumbles around!
    Valina: Let go of me!
            Geint rushes around shooting flames as best she
can from her mouth in an attempt to get free.
            Ian grabs at Tarrant.
            Valina nicely sets her foot down on Reese!
(stomp!)
            Rein struggles in vain under Kadan's bulk.
       Par: Kadan!  What the hell is the meaning of this?!
            Kadan struggles.
    Valina: LET GO OF ME!!
     Geint: *PHHHHH* *PHHHHH*
            Kadan secures Earendil and shouts. "Is everyone
alright?! Are they secure?"
            Reese slams his elbow down on Valina's head!
     Ayeye: Anyone have some extra rope?
     Reese: I got some.
            Reese tosses it to Ayeye.
    Valina: Argh!
    GMRune: The party is all tied up except for Kadan and
Ayeye.
    Valina: Kadan!  WHY!!!
            Ayeye ties up Arzel with the rope.
            Kadan keeps his foot planted on Earendil's back
while trying to light up a torch.
    GMRune: The tied up people are, needless to say, not
happy.
            Kadan nods to Ayeye, with pure admiration in his
eyes.
     Kadan: Good work, friends. Let us take them back to the
tavern.
       Par: (grumbling) You should have at least given us a
fighting chance.
            Valina whispers "The SECOND time this has
happened since I met the kluts!"
     Kadan: Please don't feel so betrayed, wizards. You have
no idea how long I've waited for my one opportunity to get
away from you people.
     Ayeye: Kadan, what tavern?
     Geint: *grrrrrrRR* I'll ignite the whole damn place if
I have to!! Let me GO!!
            Rein looks at Kadan with a anguished look.
       Par: I thought you were better than that Kadan.
            Ayeye ties Geint's mouth shut.
     Ayeye: I've wanted to do that for a long time.
     Arzel: I knew I was right about Kadan, but does anyone
ever listen to me?
     Kadan: Ayeye, there's a tavern that the magic hunters
here use as a base. We can ascend there a few meters from
here.
     Geint: *MmMMmMmmmmmmmm* *MMMMMmmmmm!!*
    Valina: I trusted you Kadan!  now look what do you did!
            Ian nods, hefting Geint under one arm and
Tarrant under the other.
            Kadan gives the players a neutral look. "I
journeyed with you for as long as I was forced to. It was
desperation."
       Ian: Let's get going!
     Geint: mm mMm!
    Valina: WHAT!
     Kadan: You can make your cases when we judge you at our
base. Let's go.
     Geint: *angrilly* MMMMMMmmmmmmmMMMMMMmMmMMmm!!!!!
    Valina: WHAT!!! JUDGE US!!!
      Rein: Et tu, Ayeye?
            Valina struggles!!!
            Kadan hefts Rein and Earendil over his shoulders
and continues.
            Kadan moves closer to Ian. "You have no idea how
thankful I am, old friend. It was miserable being forced to
travel with them..."
     Arzel: Forced? Ha! You came with us by your own free
will!
            Rein chomps on Kadan's hand.
       Ian: I can imagine.  It must have been horrible.  I
don't suppose any of them cast spells on you in the middle
of the night?
            Kadan sniffs the air. "I think the tavern's up
ahead. Is that the cover above us?"
            Ayeye pushes Arzel in front of her.
    GMRune: Reese and Finn pick up the remaining party
members.
     Geint: *confused* Mmmm?
     Kadan: I've had my concerns, but I think I'm alright.
            Arzel sneers at Ayeye.
    Valina: Let me go!
            Ayeye pushes harder.
     Kadan: These are strange ones, Ian. The empire seems to
be collapsing in on itself and the sorcerors are turning
against each other. These people are truly dedicated to
collapsing the Empire, I believe. However, their methods are
a crime whatever the cause.
     Reese: Quiet, you little dame!  Do I have to cuff you a
second time so you'll shut up?
    Valina: Kadan!!! What Crimes?  Maybe the crime of saving
you once in a while!
     Geint: *exclaiming* MmMMMmmmmmmMMMmmmmmm!!!!!!
            Arzel appears to fall unconcious, he falls to
the ground, and his breathing slows.
     Kadan: I know I may sound like I'm under some mind
control, but I think we should be very careful in judging
these ones. All the mages I've hunted before... none of them
have been quite so complex.
            Rein mumbles slowly, praying to Althena.
            Ayeye lightly kicks Arzel, "Get up and get
moving!"
            Ian huffs.  "Is that true?  A couple of them
look like warriors I'll admit, but what of the mages?  You
know we can't trust such a lot!
            Arzel stays on the ground.
            Kadan glances to Arzel and Tarrant. "Right, Ian.
Especially these ones. They were the ones that originally
thwarted my mission to destroy the Serpent Staff."
            Ayeye grabs his leg and drags him across the
really rough parts of the ground.
       Ian: Then you didn't get the Staff?  A pity.  But at
least we have the felons responsible now.
    Valina: You know Kadan, you are about as bad as Gausuton
for doing this! No WORSE!  We at least TRUSTED you!
            Kadan looks down solemnly. "Yes... but they
somehow managed to get it into the hands of Kargeth itself.
I don't know which of these people can be trusted...
     Geint: *indifferently* Mmmmmm.........
            Kadan gives Valina a defeated look. "I made it
clear from the beginning that I had no intention of
following this path with you people. Don't act so
surprised..."
            Ian swears beneath his breath.  "Well that's a
crime if I ever heard of one!"
            Kadan looks up, looking for the exit to the
tavern.
            Rein looks at Kadan in shocked amazement.
            Finn gestures to a ladder and a floor panel
above it.
     Reese: Well, we're here!  Everyone up!
            Kadan musters his strength and tries to clamber
up the ladder with Earendil and Rein in tow.
    Valina: SO what do you do!!  TIE US UP AND KILL US!
DAMM YOU KADAN!
    GMRune: Kadan succeeds, pushing the panel open with his
head.
            Rein tries to be heavy.
     Kadan: Don't accuse me of cruelty. You will be able to
make your cases like all the others.
            Ayeye tries to drag Arzel up the ladder.
     Geint: MMM mmm.....
            Kadan emerges, flooded with feelings of
nostalgia.
    GMRune: Arzel's head bumps on all the rungs as Ayeye
carries him up.
     Kadan: LOL! =D
            Ian chucks Tarrant up the hole before climbing
the ladder with Geint in one hand.
     Arzel: *thud* *thud* *thud*
    Valina: Kadan, and if YOU find US guilty... what then?
            Kadan dumps Rein's and Earendil's bodies on a
long bed and stands up.
            Finn and Reese bring the rest up.
     Geint: Mmmm?
            Rein struggles into a sitting position.
     Kadan: Valina, if you are afraid of your fate, you
should have known better than to get involved with a magic
hunter. I am quite a dangerous person...
            Ayeye dumps Arzel on a bed of nails.
    GMRune: Geint's muffle slips a little bit, so she can
talk again.
            Arzel spreads his body weight as to not get
impaled.
     Geint: MMmaah!!! There! *ph* Dammit! I can't light
anything up!!
       Ian: Hmph.  I don't think we've ever caught this many
of them at once.  We'd better make this quick.
            Kadan turns around and gives Ayeye a heartfelt
clap on the shoulder. "Ayeye... thank you so much. It makes
me so happy that you could keep your promise... that you
were there when the moment came."
    Valina: After the hell I already been through Kadan, I
don't think death could be worse...
            Rein sits quietly.
            Finn leaves the room to alert the rest of the
magic hunters of the party's presence in the tavern's
holding room.
    Valina:  I knew I had a bad feeling about this!
            Kadan gives Ayeye a deep, thankful gaze. The
reward of seeing a promise fulfilled. "Thanks for being
there for me. I shall never forget this."
            Rein looks evenly at Ayeye.
     Kadan: Do not suggest cruelty and torturous malice
where there is none. If you are innocent, then you will be
freed.
            Par sighs, glaring banefully at Ian and Reese.
     Geint: There isn't a jail cell strong enough to hold
me!!! I work for Althena I tell you!! --I mean-- I wanna eat
the flying carrots on the plains or whatever.
            Geint wonders if rebellious air bunnies will
come and save them all.
    Valina: Innocent ... OF WHAT CRIME?
            Ayeye tries not to look at the party.
            Kadan turns around. "Innocent of cheating
reality... of making a mockery of the human race with your
tricks and malicious power.
    GMRune: Valina struggles a bit and falls over.
     Geint: now...um......human......ehem...
     Geint: I'm not........oh nevermind.
            Reese looks curiously at Valina.
            Rein continues to look steadily at Ayeye.
            Kadan turns to Ian. "Where shall we hold them
until the trial is ready?"
            Ayeye continues to steadily avoid Rein's gaze.
     Geint: There is no place!!! My air bunny tribe will
save me I tell you!!!
            Ian shrugs.  "I suppose we can move then to our
usual holding rooms.  Finn's getting the others together for
the trial."
     Ayeye: Can I re-muzzle the air-bunny?
    GMRune: Reese muffles the air bunny again.
            Kadan nods, no expression on his face. "Good.
Then we will know the... truth."
     Geint: MMMMMMMMMM!!!!!
            Geint makes a muffled sound that sounds like
she's swearing. ;)
     Geint: mmmm mmm!!
            Arzel groans and starts to stir.
            Reese stacks all the party's weapons together on
the floor.
            Kadan can't bear to see the others any longer,
and offers to take Ayeye to get a drink.
     Ayeye: Yes Kadan, I will join you.
     Geint: mmm mmmm mmm mmm, mmmmmmm!!!
    GMRune: As Kadan starts to head out of the room, he gets
a punch in the knee when he passes Valina!
            Arzel starts to wake up.
            Rein's eyes follow them out of the room.
            Kadan clenches his teeth and stops briefly, then
shakes his head and continues.
    Valina: HA!
            Arzel sits up and sleepily scans the room.
    GMRune: Ian picks up Tarrant and Earendil, proceeding to
heft them out of the room while Reese remains behind.
            Kadan circles the rim of his mug with his
finger, unable to drink it while staring at nothing in
particular.
            Geint struggles a bit to try and get the muffle
off a bit.
            Ayeye waits until they walk out of hearing
range, "What about me?"
            Kadan looks up at Ayeye curiously. "Yes...?"
     Ayeye: I mean, err, shou, umm, don't you want to tie me
up with them?
            Valina starts to sing a little children's song.
            Kadan looks pained. "No, Ayeye... you've proven
that you agree with this cause. We couldn't have done this
without you..."
    GMRune: As Valina sings, Arzel chants under his breath.
He casts Smoke Choke!
            Reese passes out on the floor.
            Arzel stands and unties the others.
            Kadan looks around to make sure nobody hears
him. He whispers, "I would suggest you keep the you-know-
what zipped up around here, though."
     Geint: mmmmmmmmMMM--ah!
    GMRune: Between Arzel and Valina, they free the others
(Par, Geint, and Rein).  Arzel and Valina had managed to
untie themselves during Kadan's conversations.
            Rein looks up gratefully at Arzel.
     Geint: *whispered* where to now?
            Ayeye looks down at the table, "But don't the
rest agree with the cause?  Well, at least some?"
            Arzel collects his claws. "Be quiet all"
            Kadan thinks he heard a thud from the holding
room, but dismisses the thought.
     Arzel: *quietly* Get your weapons.
    GMRune: The group of five sneak out of the holding room
and into a short hallway.
    Valina: and quietly...
     Kadan: Ayeye, there's a difference between fighting to
destroy the Magic Empire, and fighting to destroy magic.
Sorcerors fighting sorcerors accomplishes nothing. We must
restore the law of this world to the common man.
            Rein grips his staff tightly.
            Par retrieves his cane and holds it at his side.
     Ayeye: Oh, I understand.  They were aligned with the
enemy while they tried to defeat it.
     Arzel: *quietly* Where are we going to go?
     Geint: *whispered* Where are those claws....
            Valina listens...
            Kadan appears lost, staring into his drink.
     Ayeye: Kinda like selling your soul to the devil to
beat him.
            Geint takes her claws and straps them on.
            Ayeye ignores her drink.
     Kadan: Exactly, Ayeye. I knew you'd be able to see.
       Par: *quietly* We gotta find out where Earendil and
Tarrant are.
            Ayeye looks around the tavern.
     Arzel: *quietly* You're right par...let's get moving,
Kadan might come back.
            Rein lays a hand on Val's shoulder.
      Rein: We can worry about that later.
    Valina: *whispers* Right!
     Geint: *whispers* And what;s the logic with me? If
conspiring with the enemy of their's is a crime wouldn't
Kadan be somewhat guilty??
     Kadan: Ayeye, things will be different now. We got the
information we need from the House Magus, and now we can
carry on the rebellion on our own.
     Ayeye: Does that mean that the current rebellion must
be overthrown?
    GMRune: The group of five sneaks down the hallway...
     Kadan: I'm not sure what Magus plans. If they are
allowed to get to Kargeth before we do, then they may simply
take his place and pin this world beneath their heel.
            Ian enters the dining room where Kadan and Ayeye
are.  He whispers something to Kadan.
     Kadan: We need to get to the Serpent Staff and destroy
it. Then nobody can abuse its power.
            Kadan is startled as he suddenly notices Ian.
"Yes?"
--> Kadan  Ian: The captives near the tunnel entrance have
escaped.  I spotted them roaming the halls.  We're getting
the others together to recapture them.
    GMRune: The group of five finds a division in the path
ahead of them.  Left or right?
            Kadan stops for a minute, thinking.
     Geint: Oh boy.....
     Arzel: *quietly* Left? Anti Kadan tactic?
            Rein nods.
       Par: *quietly* I thought Kadan always *went* left!
     Geint: But this is like Kadan's turf.
     Arzel: *quietly* I thought he went right.
     Kadan: Ayeye, we need to move. They got away.
     Geint: Umm... eeney meenie miny moe.........
       Ian: Would you like to come, Kadan?  And perhaps your
lady friend?
            Kadan quickly follows Ian.
       Par: *quietly* It was left when we fell down the pit
in the temple.
            Ayeye walks beside Kadan.
     Arzel: *quietly* Left! Come on, we gotta move!
    GMRune: The people at the division hear people coming
from the right.
            Valina makes an excutive disision and moves
left.
    GMRune: The party of five at the division skitters to
the left!
     Geint: ok..........but..........
            Rein follows quickly.
     Arzel: Like I said left!
            Kadan looks around the halls. "Ian, this is
impossible! What was Reese doing?"
    GMRune: Ian, Kadan, and Ayeye meet up with Finn and two
others as they pass the division where the other party was
only moments ago.
       Ian: I haven't been able to check myself, but I hope
he's all right!  I came to get you as soon as I spotted
them.
     Kadan: Good thinking, Ian. They would have vaporized
you had you engaged them by yourself.
     Ayeye: They're probably heading to Terna.
    Valina: *whispers* Quickly...
    GMRune: Arzel's group heads onward down the tunnel.
They see several doors on either side of the hall as it goes
onward.
       Ian: Hmph.  I know.
      Rein: We'd better keep moving.
     Arzel: Gerr, doors, quickly let's choose!
    Valina: *whispers* Let's quickly check each door...
      Rein: No time...
     Arzel: Left seems to work...
     Geint: Screw this!!
       Par: *quietly* Any ideas on where Ear and Tar are?
Or even which way is out!
            Valina begins opening the doors and peeking
inside each room.
            Geint opens the first door on the left and
books!
            Kadan moves furtively about the base with his
group, carefully listening at each junction.
    GMRune: Valina finds bedrooms.  A magic hunter blinks
for a moment as she opens his room.
    Hunter: What the...?
     Arzel: Wrong door Val, lets go!
       Par: Oh crap....
            Valina shuts the door and blushes.
     Arzel: We must go!
      Rein: Let's just keep going
    GMRune: The hunter charges out a moment later as the
party dashes down the hall.
    GMRune: Geint is in a bedroom, but the owner is not in.
     Geint: Earendil?? Tarrant?
            Kadan sighs, cursing himself for being so
careless and continues his search
    Valina: *whispers* Sorry...
       Ian: I think we're getting closer.  I think I can
hear them up ahead.
            Geint looks around the room.
    GMRune: Geint is in a dimly lit room with a simple bed
and dresser.
            Rein keeps moving forward.
    GMRune: The party of five, now reduced to four, finally
runs into a staircase.
            Geint opens the door and sees the party way down
the hall and flies out triple speed.
    GMRune: There is no where else to go but back the way
you came.
     Arzel: Up the stairs it is.
    Valina: Let's go...
            Rein bounces up the stairs, hoping they don't
squeak.
    GMRune: The party runs up the stairs.  But the steps
suddenly angle themselves, turning the stairs into a giant
slide!  You all fall back down at the bottom!
    GMRune: Kadan and co catch up with you.
       Ian: There they are!
    Valina: Great...
     Kadan: Ha! I should apologize to Finn for calling him
stupid for having that contraption installed.
     Arzel: Oh goodie
            Finn glowers.  "Indeed you should!  I told you
it would be useful for intruders."
     Ayeye: Looks like fun too.
            Geint angrily glares back, sharpening her claws.
            Valina won't go as easly this time!!
            Arzel starts to cast a spell not wanting to go
out without causeing some damage.
            Rein wonders what we were supposed to do, we
didn't know we were in a funhouse :)
    Valina: Come on Kadan!  You don't really belive we
joined forces with the damm warlocks!
            Kadan shouts forcefully. "People! There's
nothing to be afraid of. Just surrender and we'll take you
to the judging area. There's no chance of escape."
    Valina: ANSWER ME!
            Ian pulls out a battle axe.  "You know them
best, Kadan.  But if they don't surrender, we're capable of
handling them anyway."
            Ayeye points to Par in answer to Valina's
question.  "Not to be picky, but what about him?"
     Arzel: HA! What a mockery of justice! If we weren't
supposed to have these powers, why do we have them?
            Par pales.
     Kadan: Ian! Wait a minute... Not to sound weak, but we
cannot kill them here. We can't execute without a trial...
            Reese staggers into view behind Kadan, Ayeye,
Ian, Finn, and the other three hunters.  Got quite a
convention here.
       Ian: I know.  But we may have to beat them up enough
to *get* them to go to the trial first!
     Geint: Hey, sleeping beauty!
            Rein sighs and tosses down his staff.
     Arzel: Rein! No!
    Valina: Trial!  Somehow I don't think your trial will be
all that fair!
     Kadan: Arzel, even if you knock us out, I assure you
there's several more to deal with.
    Valina: I'll show you a beast Kadan! Next time I have a
mirror!!
            Rein steps forward. "Do with me as you will.. I
know my heart is pure"
     Arzel: Well at least I'll give you some nasty burns,
Kadan.
            Ian pulls Rein behind the group of hunters.
"Good for you, kid."
            Arzel starts to chant his fire-arrow spell!
            Valina steps along side of Rein, "Today is a
good day to die!"
      Rein: C'mon, Arzel.... you're not going to win,
there's too many of them
    Valina: I know I hate the warlocks!
     Arzel: I don't care anymore!
            Geint looks up the stairs. She could easily fly
up but she'd never leave her new friends.
     Kadan: Valina, there is a difference between being
aligned with the empire, and using magic.
    GMRune: Arzel casts Fire Arrow at Kadan!  The bolt of
flame hurtles at the warrior, but for some reason,
mysteriously extinguishes before striking him.
            Arzel continues to chant.
      Rein: Go Geint, save yourself!
     Geint: No!! I can't!!
            Kadan moves forward in an intimdating manner.
"Please... just don't make this any uglier than it has to
be."
            Valina punches Kadan in the face! "I am NOT
aligned with those MURDURING WARLOCKS"
            Kadan watches the red shock of flame
interestedly.
     Arzel: Damn!
            Ayeye looks back and forth between Arzel and
Kadan, "What just happened?"
            Arzel lunges at Kadan aiming his claws to
disembowel him.
            Ayeye jumps in his way and tries to trip him.
    GMRune: Arzel is tripped, but by Par's cane rather than
Ayeye's foot.
    Valina: We don't need a trial!  WHAT IS THERE TO PROVE
WRONG!
     Geint: Yea!! And I'm not even a mage!!!
            Arzel sprawls to the ground but stabs his claws
at Kadan's foot.
            Kadan has steel-toe boots! =D
    Valina: YOU magic hunters are as bad as the Magic
empire!!!
     Geint: They'll probably skin me if I'm found guilty!!!
Air bunny coats!
            Ayeye attempts to disarm the still struggling
Arzel.
       Par: Kadan, can't you see that not all magic is bad?
The goddess Althena created this world!  She created all of
us.  And with magic!
            Kadan lowers his head. "Valina, we were
*created* by the Magic Empire. Their oppression forced our
society to swell."
    Valina: Geint... I think they would make a hat, or
gloves outta you!
     Geint: Oh yea.......
            Kadan can't bear to hear Par. "Enough! Save your
case for the trial."
            Geint nervously sits on Valina's head.
            Valina whispers to Kadan "And now you are acting
JUST like them!!"
            Kadan twitches nervously, and turns around.
            Valina looks evilly at Kadan!
            Ian glowers.  "We'd better just grab the lot and
get this over with.  Finn's already gotten most of the
preparations for the trial ready."
            Kadan nods. "Yes, let's get this over with."
    GMRune: Arzel tries vanely to fend off Ayeye and attack
Kadan's foot with sprawled on the floor.
            Geint mutters. "The judge, jury, and executoner
is composed of Lumoxes... like we have a chance."
    GMRune: He fails to inflict any damage though, and Finn
helps Ayeye disarm the struggling wizard.
            Geint makes faces at the group of warriors.
    Valina: Well Geint, today is a good day to die! and once
we are dead, the Magic empire will remain, continuing the
oppression, all becouse of our friend Kadan!
            Rein stands calmly, an air of moral certainty
hanging oer him
    GMRune: Arzel keeps fighting, and earns himself a kick
in the face.
            Arzel stops struggling and goes completely limp,
refusing to move.
            Kadan helps in the Arzel face kicking campaign.
            Valina follows... Rein.
     Geint: Ha! The second I die they'll be gone, too! My
tribe'll find out where I went!!
    GMRune: The party is hauled off towards the courtroom,
air bunny included.
            Arzel covers his face with his hands.
    Valina: Forgive me, McDocmar...
    Valina: I have failed..
    Valina: I know I can't get out of this mess.
    GMRune: They are once again relieved of all their
weapons, and Reese has dumped them all in a big sack.
    GMRune: Arzel is being dragged by one of the hunters.
            Valina knows she is guily any way they look at
her.
     Geint: A sac! We're traveling to the trial in style!
            Arzel enjoys being dragged.
            Kadan enters the trial chamber and quickly leans
up against the back wall and folds his arms.
            Valina looks at Kadan as she enters the room.
    GMRune: Reese dumps the party (without their weapons)
out of the sack and on to the floor.
            Arzel lays down passively on the floor.
    GMRune: There are even more hunters assembled in the
circular room.  There is a podium at the far end of the room
where three of the senior members are sitting.
            Geint is under Arzel making a nice little pillow
despite her will.
     Geint: Ahh!! offa me!!
            Arzel doesn't move at all.
            Rein looks around evenly at the assembly, a bit
sad.
     Arzel: You're strong geint, move yourself.
            Kadan appears very uncomfortable and fidgeting.
            Valina stands next to Rein. "Don't worry..."
      Finn: Kadan, you might want to bring up the charges
before the assembly.
            Geint screams like a mental case...... this'll
make the verdict innocent! SURE. *sarcasim*
            Ayeye avoids looking at her ex-party members.
            Kadan holds his forehead anxiously, as if
there's no right way to do this.
            Ian appears behind the party, chucking Earendil
and Tarrant with the rest.
            Geint pulls out from under Arzel.
     Geint: Ah!! Stop making yourself heavy!
     Arzel: Very good, Geint.
            Rein looks relived to see the rest of the party.
            Arzel asks Tarrant to join him in passive
resistance mode.
            Reese motions for the accused to take their
seats.
    Valina: Don't do it!
     Arzel: Seats? Ha!
    Valina: I would rather stand to face my fate!
    GMRune: And if the party doesn't move, Reese picks them
up and plants them in their seats.
            Kadan clears his throat nervously. "These...
these people here have shown both the ability, and
intentional use of pure magical force. They have used it to
harm other beings. The ones named Arzel and Tarrant I
originally met in Mertyl. I was hunting for the Serpent
Staff, and a strong magical force interfered."
            Geint sits on the floor with Arzel.
            Kadan looks around, as if fighting some inner
struggle.
            Arzel goes completly limp in the chair and falls
out.
            Valina stands up.
     Kadan: However, in the interest of fairness, I feel I
need to mention that they have also expressed a strong
desire to fight the Magic Empire.
            Rein sits calmly, listening to Kadan speak.
  Council1: Your comment is noted, Kadan.
            Arzel decides to sit in his chair passively.
    Valina: ... fairness...
  Council1: Could you explain what happened in Mertyl when
you met these two?
     Kadan: I am not sure what laws should govern these
people. They use an evil and corrupting power. However, one
cannot condemn them blindly without looking at what they are
trying to accomplish. I do not plead for their innocence; I
merely think that the current circumstances we live under,
and their unique position should be note.
  Council2: Indeed.  That seems to be quite a remarkable
event.  However, magic is unreliable.  We'll take this
information into account though.
     Kadan: Yes, Councilman. I had discovered the staff was
buried beneath some runes in the central square. I noticed
those two... wizards shadowing me. When I attempted to
excavate the staff, there were powerful magical beasts that
attacked us, and one of the wizards had a pendant with a
powerful magical force that seemed to be controlling it.
Before I could resume my search, I had learned that the
staff was in Kargeth's hands.
    Valina: WHAT?
     Geint: How about I fly out of here and return with a
lawyer?
    Valina: Please
     Kadan: Of course, Councilman. They use a horrible,
destructive force that cannot be condoned.
    GMRune: The three councilmen mutter between themselves.
            Ayeye stands by Kadan's side, but keeps looking
toward the floor.
            Kadan keeps glancing between everyone present,
looking worried every time he speaks.
     Arzel: The pendant was not mine.
  Council1: Aiding the Magic Empire is a serious crime, one
that not even the magic hunters would forgive.
            The first councilman looks meaningfully at the
party.
     Arzel: Ya wanna see it?
    Valina: Arzel...?
     Geint: oh.. even.. I'm sure you guys are extremely
forgiving. I loved the bag...
    Valina: Do you think that is wise?
     Arzel: Aww they have no magic, they can't move it
around...
     Kadan: I know, Councilman. However, I do not believe
these people are all part of the same group. They seem quite
fragmented and different. I can only speak for my
experiences with Arzel and Tarrant. The others I cannot know
well enough to testify against.
  Council1: (to Arzel) You have the accursed object in your
possession right now?  Why was he not relieved of it?
            The councilman looks at Kadan.
     Kadan: Ayeye here is a fellow hunter of sorts I met in
Shelladon. She has helped me on many occasions.
     Arzel: Well councilman, The pendant shocks all who
touch it aside from the rightful bearrer
            Ayeye continues to look to the floor.
            Valina wishes my pendent did that! hence I would
still have it!
            Arzel wonders why the councilman is so queit
     Kadan: The others have all shown prowess with magic at
some point. It should be noted that Earendil here is a
member of the old rebellion, and Valina has a strong dislike
for the Empire. Rein here seems to only have medicinal
magic, but still; the nature of their crime cannot be
ignored.
  Council1: (to the party)  What have you to say in your
defense?  You are accused of using magic, which we already
know to be a tool for cheating the normal cause of life.
     Geint: *cough*
            Geint organizes her thoughts.
            Rein looks to the others.
     Arzel: (To the councilmen )Question: So we are to be
exicuted because we were born with magic? Kind of unfair
isn't it?
    Valina: I was taught a survival skill I naturally had.
    Valina: Excuse me if I can sing.
            Kadan looks at Ayeye sadly as Arzel speaks.
  Council1: We haven't decided on your "punishment" yet.  We
are first determining whether or not you will be charged.
    Valina: humph... punishment...
            Reese glares at Valina and tells her to be
quiet.
     Geint: And I'm gonna be executed because I happen to
have been born an air bunny??  PUH-LESE!!
            Reese muzzles the air bunny too.
     Arzel: If that is the case, then I admit I use the
talents I was born with, for survival, because I am not a
strong warrior, I can't defend myself with my physical
strenght, so I use my magic!
            Rein sits with perfect calmness.
     Arzel: Otherwise, I would be dead already!
     Arzel: So, go ahead, kill me. I'd be dead if I didn't
have magic
     Geint: Mm mmmm Mmmm...
            Ian speaks up.  "Councilman, I believe that to
be a lie.  I've seen the man try fighting with claws when
his magic failed him.  If he can use his claws, then why
bother with the magic in the first place?"
      Rein: I follow Althena, and exist to spread her
blessing amongst the people of the world.  If I am to be
condemned for that than so be it, but I cannot refuse her
call
     Geint: Mmmm mmmmm....
      Rein: If her love manifests in me as magic, then that
is the way of things, and the right way.
            Arzel looks at Ian. "Well, did you see what I
did with those claws? Nothing! I couldn't use them to defeat
monsters, not even to defend my friends"
     Geint: Mmmm....
            Rein has been trained by a strict moral code for
this all his life. If there's one situation he can handle,
it's this one. He's the perfect martyr.
  Council1: Anything else you have to say?
            Valina wishes she could be more like Rein in
this matter.
     Arzel: Not I.
            Kadan looks very unnerved, as if he's consumed
in multiple regrets.
    Valina: Let me face my fate.
            Geint raises her paw.
            Valina sits with that!
            Ayeye slowly raises her head to look at the
councilman, she takes a deep breath, "In Rein's defense, I
have never seen him use magic to harm anyone.  He only uses
the power to heal."
            Arzel looks at Kadan then shakes his head at
him, then turns to loook at the rest of the group.
            The first council nods to Ayeye, acknowledging
her comment.
            Valina looks at Kadan.
            Geint looks angrilly at the front. You aren't
muzzling anyone else!! Predudice, I tell you!
  Council1: Well, if there is nothing else that the accused
has to say in their defense, the triumvirate will adjourn to
discuss the matter.
     Kadan: Councilman... please consider this carefully. I
know I hate magic... we all do. It is the paramount cause of
ours to combat it and cleanse it from our world. However, I
would also like to believe in the virtue of justice.
Please... do what you see fit with these people.
            Geint passively flops on Arzel's lap.
            Arzel tries to remove Geint's muzzle.
            Valina thinks that justice is not with us today.
            The councilman nods.  "We will.  We should have
our decision ready in a few minutes.  In the meantime, wait
in the courtroom."
            Rein stares at Kadan, a troubled look on his
face due to the big man's tortured conscience.
            Kadan turns pale at the thought of being left
alone in the chamber with the party.
            Par sighs and seems to shrink into himself.
     Geint: What... We don't get to go to recess?
            Valina looks only into Kadan's eyes.
    GMRune: Reese, Ian, Finn, and some of the other hunters
are still there.
            Arzel ponders the reason his magic never struck
Kadan.
    GMRune: Time passes, and the party sits there, staring
at the walls, or staring a Kadan and his compatriots.
    GMRune: Finally, the triumvirate returns to their seats
behind the podium-like structure.
            Kadan looks between his friends and his captives
in a woeful manner, as if he can never have either's
approval.
            Rein stares defiantly at the judges.
  Council1: We have finally decided that we will test some
of the accused.  The ones noted as Rein and the air bunny
will be absolved of charges being that they are harmless.
     Geint: !!
            Ayeye smiles.
     Geint: I'd.....
            Arzel coughs. "Harmless my ass."
            Kadan smirks at Geint being considered harmless,
but lets it pass because of her adorable whiskers.
     Geint: I'd rather take the torture with them.
  Council1: However, Valina, Arzel, Par, Tarrant, and
Earendil have been found guilty of using magic.  Kadan
believes they can be useful in our fight against the Magic
Empire though.  Therefore we propose a trial for the five of
them.
            Valina looks over to Rein and Geint. "Justice
has served you well."
            Rein looks back sadly.
            Kadan perks his ears, a combination of intrigue
and relief.
     Arzel: Trial? Bring it on...
            Valina sits there.
  Council1: If they can prove that they can use these
phsyical skills to be competent enough that they can
eventually be weaned of their dependance on magic, they will
be free to go so long as they continue their fight against
the Empire.
     Geint: But I wanna help them!!
            Rein nods at Geint.
    Valina: Geint, we must do this alone.
            Kadan thinks about this unusual sentencing.
            Arzel sighs. "Oh, goodie."
    Valina: Let's get this 'trial' over with.
  Council1: They will each be tried in turn in single combat
against an opponent of our choosing.  Do the accused accept
their fate?
            Geint makes an angry, yet extremely cute face at
the Councilmen.
    Valina: As if I have a choice!
     Geint: Um... Isn't that cruel and unusual punishment?
     Arzel: Do we have a choice?
            The first councilman slams his gavel on the
podium.  "The sentence has been given.  The combats will
begin tomorrow."
    GMRune: The party is guided from the councilroom.
            Kadan closes his eyes as his face is covered
with an unusual sense of tranquility.
    GMRune: ----end session----