Lunar: Magic Empire Session 15 Log ============================================================ Cast of Characters: Rune as "GM/Narrator, Par, the bush, Ian, Reese, Finn, Council1, Woman, ~Valina, and ~Tarrant" 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" ============================================================ GMRune: ----game on------ GMRune: The party members (the convicted ones at any rate) were marched off to their bedrooms for the night. GMRune: The rest were free to do as they choose as long as they don't get in the other magic hunters' way. Kadan sits in a small corner table, gazing into the air. GMRune: It is early the next morning when you are roused from you sleep by Ian. Valina: HEY! Ian: Look. I'm not here to bother you for your health, girl. Just behave. Ian: You've already got enough of your day ahead of you to worry about. Valina mumbles... yea right! Arzel stays silent. Ian begins kicking the accused party members out of bed if they won't go otherwise. Tarrant: Hey buddie don't kick me I am going. GMRune: Meanwhile, Finn knocks on Kadan's door to see if he's awake. Ian: I need to make sure you're up. That's all. Kadan waits a moment, then answers. "Yeah?" Finn: The accused you brought before the council is going to be tried shortly. Would you care to watch? Kadan looks at the floor and skids his foot around a bit. "Yes, I would." Finn nods. "You can bring your friend, Ayeye, and the flying creature if you wish." Kadan looks distant and thoughtful. "... Huh? Oh, yeah. Sure." GMRune: The five accused are lead to a large circular arena deep underground below the tavern of the magic hunters. This normally serves as our training room," says Ian. "But in this case it will serve as a gladitorial arena. Arzel looks around. Finn: The trials will be held in our training arena, Kadan. Finn then turns around and leaves Kadan's room. Ayeye looks around in awe. "Was this dug out during the war, or after?" GMRune: The circular arena is crudely made, having been built into the same system as the underground tunnel in which Kadan betrayed you. Kadan gets nostalgic for a moment. "I wonder how well they will fare without their magic to protect them?" Earendil looks around and mumbles, "People can be so misguided . . ." GMRune: The first councilman who judged you from the night before stands near the edge of the area, eyeing the party. Valina stands back... glaring. Kadan: Ayeye, it's a little of both. The general structure was here when we set up our base, and we enhanced the structural design to be somewhat of a training ground. Kadan: However, when I arrived here, I was more of a teacher than a student. I had learned to fight long before joining the Magic Hunters. Ayeye: What stops the city from falling into here? Kadan: There's quite a layer of sedimentary of stone between the surface and tunnels. We have to be careful not to scrape the top too thin. Kadan is following the party at a distance. Council1: Well, seeing that all are present, I believe it's time we get these trials over with. Ayeye is walking alongside Kadan. Council1: Here are the rules for the trials. Each participant is free to use his or her own weapons and any other talents connected with them. However magic is forbidden and will result in forfeiture of the trial. I think you will find these duels to be evenly matched for each of you none-the-less. Tarrant looks around the area with an evil looking expression Valina: Yea... I know why you want these weighted trials over... GMRune: The councilman keeps his composure and ignores Valina. Kadan seems very interested in how the accused will perform, but it uncertain whether he wants to see success or failure. Council1: We have decided that the first to face the trials shall be the lady known as Valina. Valina stands there... Valina: No. Valina: Somehow I don't think this is going to be fair. Kadan finds a place to sit down and squints at Valina, trying to analyze her composure. Council1: Her opponent shall be one of our apprentice magic hunters. As she could use some training herself, the duel will not be fought to the death. Valina: Whom? GMRune: A young dark-haired woman enters the arena from the side oppsite the party. She is armed with a large sword. Kadan cannot resist seeing a good fight. Ian: It's not necessary for you to know, little girl. Valina looks at her opponent... The woman looks back at Valina. Her gaze is cold and unrelenting. Valina: Yea... Council1: And now will Valina please enter the arena? Valina: My sword please! Reese grudgingly hands Valina her rapier. Valina draws. GMRune: The party and the other magic hunters all withdraw to the edge of the arena, leaving only Valina and her opponent in the center. Valina: McDocmar... forgive me... I know this isn't your way. GMRune: --------round 1------- GMRune: Target: Apprentice Hunter Valina: Tell me... Why do you do this? Woman: Why do I do what? Valina: Fight me today? I have done nothing to you.. Valina: Nor am I part of the Magic Empire... I HATE the Magic Empire! GMRune: Valina goes first, blurring as she dashes forward to strike the woman. Woman: You use magic. That is only a step away from the Empire itself. Valina: Sorry... Valina: No.. It is not! GMRune: 18 damage Valina: No... have you seen me use magic? Woman: I have not. But I believe in those who have. Valina: Whom? GMRune: The woman darts forward as she attacks Valina! Valina tries to step back from the attack GMRune: 7 damage! Kadan watches the new recruit with interest. GMRune: ----round 2------ Woman: I believe in the wisdom of the Councilmen. And they have made thir decision based off of the man who has charged you with your crime. Valina: Well... I'll let you know, I've saved Kadan's life more than once! If that is who you were thinking! GMRune: Valina blurs and fastcuts again! Valina: Oh like their 'trial' wasn't weighted! GMRune: 11 damage! Woman: I see nothing weighted about it. It is only in the eye of the beholder! GMRune: The woman slashes her sword at Valina! GMRune: 6 damage! GMRune: ------round 3------- Valina: Well.. I'll show YOU! GMRune: The woman rushes forward and hacks wildly at Valina! Valina: I don't need your little magic! Valina: Ha! GMRune: 9 damage! Woman: No one needs magic! Woman: That's what I'm going to prove to you! GMRune: Valina fastcuts the apprentice hunter again! Valina: Then why are some people born with it! GMRune: 19 damage! Valina: Its not my fault that Althena blessed me with this voice of mine! The woman spits disdainfully. "A curse." GMRune: -----round 4------ Woman: Some people are simply cursed. Valina: Still, I must live with it! Valina: So I MUST use whatever CURSES I have to help others! Woman: As do others. But just because one possesses it does not mean one must resort to using it! GMRune: Valina blurs and fastcuts her opponent! Valina: I don't.. as you will see.. GMRune: 8 damage! GMRune: The woman slashes at Valina! GMRune: 10 damage! GMRune: ------round 5------- Valina: Don't ever let me see you talk to Kadan... Without me, he wouldn't be alive anymore! Valina: Remember that... Woman: Well, I can't say I'm a personal friend of Kadan's, although his name is known among us. GMRune: The woman swings her sword at Valina. GMRune: 7 damage! GMRune: Valina attacks the magic hunter! GMRune: 6 damage! GMRune: -------round 6----- GMRune: Valina blazes forward with incredible speed and attacks the magic hunter! GMRune: 10 damage! GMRune: The magic hunter falls! GMRune: ------victory------ GMRune: Valina gains 12 XP and the party gains 3 MEXP. :) Valina looks at the woman... Valina: I have no need to kill you... this trial has been a big enough crime to humanity! The first councilman looks at interest with Valina's victory. He motions for the apprentice hunter to be carried off to first aid. Reese escorts Valina out of the arena. Kadan nods approvingly, commending each combatant for a good performance. Tarrant smirks when Valina then becomes serious for he knows that he is as weak as a dead lunar lizard. Kadan: Valina... Kadan: ... Kadan: Good performance. Council1: And now the second accused on the list is the man known as Par. Kadan raises an eyebrow, wondering how this fight will turn out. Reese ushers Par into the arena, giving him is copper cane. Council1: We have captured a special creature to be Par's opponent. Let the fatal hopper into the arena! GMRune: A blue rabbitlike creature is punted out of a door on the far end of the arena. Kadan: Don't get that thing dirty, Par! It'll be a great feast later. Fish stew for all! Par looks at it nervously. GMRune: ------round 1----- GMRune: Target: Fatal Hopper Par swings his copper cane in front of him and takes the practiced battle stance of one used to fighting with staves and canes. GMRune: The fatal hopper attacks first, slashing its pointed teeth at Par's legs! GMRune: 9 damage! GMRune: Par's form blurs as he aims his cane in a low thrust at the fatal hopper's knees! GMRune: 23 damage! Par: You want me to be *nice* to this thing, Kadan?! GMRune: -----round 2------ GMRune: The fatal hopper attacks again! GMRune: 5 damage! GMRune: Par grumbles and whacks his cane in a powerful thrust as the mutated bunny! GMRune: 27 damage! GMRune: -----round 3----- GMRune: The fatal hopper reels back from the blow and launches itself at Par with a loud squeal! GMRune: It misses! GMRune: Par grimaces as he arcs another swing at the impertinent hopper! GMRune: 23 damage! GMRune: -----round 4------ GMRune: The mutant bunny chomps on to Par's arm! GMRune: 12 damage! GMRune: Par whacks the fatal hopper in the side, making it let go. GMRune: 18 damage! Kadan seems intrigued with Par's skills with a staff, not often displayed before. GMRune: ----round 5---- Par looks grimly at the fatal hopper, knowing that this may very well be the deciding round. GMRune: The fatal hopper curls its lips back, exposing its long incisors as it attacks Par! GMRune: 12 damage! GMRune: Par smashes the fatal hopper's brains in! GMRune: 26 damage! GMRune: The fatal hopper squeals and dies. GMRune: ------victory------- GMRune: Par earns 24 XP and 7 MEXP. Par heaves a great sigh as the hopper collapses on the ground. Kadan looks a bit surprised, but gives Par a respectful nod. Arzel: Good going, Par! Par: Thanks, Arzel! Reese nods to the councilman as he motions for Par to leave the arena. GMRune: A couple hunters come over and haul off the dead fatal hopper corpse. Kadan wishes he had more mystery meat. Council1: Very well. Par and Valina have passed their trials. Council1: Third on the list is the mage knight, Earendil! Ayeye: Kadan, is this what you were meant by survival of the fittest? Earendil: Finally, I will show you how the Knights of Shelladon were trained! Reese nods to Earendil and leads him into the arena, handing him his onyx sword. Council1: Earendil shall fight against the black pudding we have caught from an old keep far to the east! GMRune: Again the door at the far end of the arena is opened and a black oily slime creature leaks out of it. Earendil: Pudding? At least I won't have to fight one of your brainwashed lackeys. GMRune: The oily slime creature burbles and heads towards Earendil. GMRune: ------round 1------ GMRune: target: black pudding GMRune: Earendil blurs forward, slashing at the black pudding! GMRune: 44 damage! GMRune: The puddling retaliates, swiping Earendil's leg! GMRune: 7 damage! GMRune: ----round 2----- GMRune: Earendil dashes forward again, and hacks away a chunk of the pudding! GMRune: 42 damage! Earendil: Pitiful creature, I feel sorry that these dishonorable men have captured you. GMRune: The pudding lets out a burping sound and slaps a pseudopod at Earendil's arm. GMRune: 9 damage! GMRune: ------round 3------ GMRune: Earendil swings his sword at the black pudding! GMRune: 39 damage! GMRune: The pudding squirts a jet of acid at Earendil! GMRune: 10 damage! GMRune: --------round 4------- GMRune: Earendil chops away another piece of black slime! GMRune: 34 damage! GMRune: The pudding attacks Earendil in return! GMRune: 4 damage! GMRune: -----round 5----- GMRune: Earendil's form blurs as he uses his fastcut technique against the black pudding! GMRune: 52 damage! GMRune: The pudding recoils and lies motionless on the floor! GMRune: -------victory------- GMRune: Earendil earns 19 XP and the party gets 3 MEXP. Ayeye wipes off some pudding that splattered onto her. Ayeye: I hate those things. They're messy. Tarrant screams to Kadan... "Why don't you come down here and Lick up the mess that Earendil made. Par: Good job, Earendil. GMRune: Hunters come and mop up the mess left over from the black pudding. Earendil looks at Kadan and says, "Kadan, I may not have liked you, but I thought you were honorable, not so now. To me you are as bad as Gausuton and Kargeth." Arzel: Ya, good job, Ear! Council1: Very well now. Earendil, Valina, and Par have passed. Arzel is fourth to fight! Earendil nods with a smile to his group. Arzel: Oh goodie. Council1: Arzel shall battle a giant rat to prove his worth to us! Reese leads Earendil out of the arena and Arzel inside. He gives Arzel his claws and leaves. Arzel: Well, thank you. (note the great sarcasm) GMRune: A giant rat comes squealing out of the door at the far end. GMRune: It points its nose in the air, sniffing warily. Arzel: Oh, that looks nice. GMRune: -------round 1------ GMRune: target: giant rat GMRune: Arzel claws at the giant rat! GMRune: attack 1: 4 damage! GMRune: attack 2: 5 damage! GMRune: The rat nips at Arzel's legs! GMRune: 2 damage! GMRune: -----round 2------- GMRune: Arzel claws at the rat again! GMRune: attack 1: 1 damage GMRune: attack 2: 5 damage GMRune: The giant rat squeaks loudly and bites Arzel's foot! GMRune: 3 damage! GMRune: -----round 3------- GMRune: Arzel claws at the offending giant rat! GMRune: attack 1: 8 damage GMRune: attack 2: 4 damage GMRune: The giant rat retaliates and claws at Arzel's legs! GMRune: 1 damage! GMRune: ------round 5------- GMRune: Arzel attacks the giant rat! GMRune: attack 1: 5 damage GMRune: attack 2: 1 damage Kadan sighs. "The magical powers in his blood has made him weak." GMRune: The rat bits at Arzel again! Ayeye: Heh! GMRune: 2 damage! GMRune: ------round 6------- GMRune: Arzel slams his claws into the giant rat! GMRune: attack 1: 2 damage! GMRune: attack 2: 7 damage! GMRune: The rat squeals and collapses! GMRune: -------victory------ Earendil: Well done Arzel! GMRune: Arzel gains 9 XP and the party gains 5 MEXP. Arzel looks at the few minor wounds on his legs. Reese leads Arzel out of the arena. Council1: All of the accused have passed their trials save for Tarrant. May he now enter the arena! Tarrant slowly walks into the arena. Reese hands Tarrant his copper cane. "Good luck, buddy. Looks like a guy like you could use it." Council1: Tarrant shall fight against one of the warlocks' guard smegs! Arzel: Go get 'em Tarrant! GMRune: A large hippolike animal is kicked out of the door at the other other end of the arena. Tarrant already smells the stench of rotten flesh GMRune: The smeg whuffles and looks in Tarrant's direction with beady little eyes. GMRune: ------round 1------- Arzel: Even you could kill one of these Tarrant! GMRune: The smeg attacks Tarrant! GMRune: 1 damage! GMRune: Tarrant smacks his cane against the smeg! GMRune: 5 damage! GMRune: ----round 2------- GMRune: The smeg tries running over Tarrant! GMRune: 1 damage GMRune: Tarrant attacks the smeg! GMRune: 8 damage! GMRune: ----round 3----- GMRune: The guard smeg attacks Tarrant! GMRune: 1 damage! GMRune: Tarrant attacks! GMRune: 9 damage! GMRune: ------round 4------ GMRune: The smeg attacks! GMRune: 1 damage! GMRune: Tarrant attacks! 6 damage! GMRune: -----round 5----- Tarrant: Take that you smelly smeg. GMRune: The smeg snorts and bites Tarrant's ankle! GMRune: 1 damage! Tarrant casually kicks the beast off his foot.. GMRune: Tarrant hits the smeg with his cane! GMRune: 11 damage! GMRune: ----round 6------ GMRune: The smeg squints at Tarrant and snaps at him! GMRune: 1 damage! GMRune: Tarrant attacks! GMRune: 8 damage GMRune: ----round 7----- GMRune: The smeg bites Tarrant's leg! GMRune: 1 damage GMRune: Tarrant slaps his cane against the smeg's head! GMRune: 9 damage! GMRune: ------round 8------- GMRune: The smeg bites Tarrant for 1 damage. Tarrant: Die beast of burden...DIE GMRune: Tarrant attacks the smeg! GMRune: 5 damage! GMRune: -----round 9------- Arzel falls over from boredom. GMRune: The smeg bites Tarrant. GMRune: 1 damage GMRune: Tarrant swings his cane at the smeg! GMRune: 9 damage! GMRune: It falls! GMRune: ------victory------- Tarrant: Yeah... GMRune: Tarrant earns 15 XP and the party 5 MEXP. Arzel gets back up. Par looks at Tarrant for how incredulously long that took. Arzel wanders over to Tarrant "Good Job, but did you have to take SOOOO long?" Kadan rubs his chin. "Councilman, what does this mean? Even though we've established they are capable of supporting themselves without magic, how can we be sure of their intentions?" Council1: Kadan, all of the accused you have brought before us have passed. True, we cannot be certain of their intentions, but they have shown that they do possess the ability to fight for themselves without magic. Arzel sighs and looks around. Council1: Therefore, since they have passed the trial, it is our ruling that they be allowd to continue their quest to stop the Magic Empire. Earendil walks over to Kadan and hits his face with the back of his hand, "Since you didn't hear me before, I will say it again. I never liked you, but at least I believed that you were honorable, now that has changed. You are no better than Kargeth and Gausuton." Arzel itches the small scratches on his leg. Kadan glares up at Earendil, unsure of what to think. Council1: Our only condition is that you, Kadan, continue to watch over them. Since you brought them for the council, they are in your charge now. You are to supervise them and see to it that they *do* fight against the Empire. Arzel smiles at Earendil. "I think he speaks for the whole party, Kadan." Earendil: You're so zealous, you'd probably kill the little child that exhibits magical ability without a second thought. Par: I'm inclined to agree with them as well, Kadan. Kadan looks around plaintively at everyone present. GMRune: The councilman, having made his ruling, leaves the arena. Kadan: "If you people only knew... but I suppose..." Kadan pauses. GMRune: Reese and Ian remain, watching Kadan and the party. Kadan: I suppose... ... ...it's possible for one to hold his beliefs and values without forcing them on others. Kadan looks down at the ground, feeling he has betrayed both the magic hunters and his new acquaintances. Par: While I admire your conviction, Kadan, it would indeed be nice if you do that. Earendil: Although I'd like to kill you right now, I won't. When the time comes, we will bring you before Althena and she will judge you. Par nods. "Althena knows the truth." Kadan: Earendil, you're missing the point. Do not take your sanctimonious beliefs of Althena and force them upon me, either. We must agree to disagree if we are to stand a chance against this greater evil, and you know it. Besides, there couldn't possibly be a goddess of light and justice in this world or... lots of things would never have happened. Arzel: Earendil is right. Tarrant: You don't see me trying to put Kadan on trial just because he is as dumb as an ox.. Par: Kadan... Sometimes things happen. There is an Althena though. I'm sure of it. Kadan: I suppose the situations of adversity here have forced me to put my personal convictions aside for the moment for the sake of this world's future. While my dedication remains firm, I now see I will accomplish nothing by alienating everybody I meet." Arzel smiles at Tarrant. "Ya, we need a 'Dumb as an Ox-hunters guild'" Earendil: Just because she is a goddess does not mean she can control everything and everybody. Our will is our own. Ayeye: You judge him all the time. You're constantly judging his ability to think when you call him a lumox or ox. So you're no better than the rest of us. Kadan stands beside Ayeye, reassured and feeling long dormant feelings of comfort. Arzel looks at Ayeye. "Yes, but do we capture him, put him on trial, put his through intelligence tests to prove HIS worth? I don't think so." Par: I've made no such judgements about Kadan. But, at any rate, I doubt any of us can drops this matter easily. Par: Perhaps we should continue with our mission and at least *try* to understand each other. Kadan: I understand what you people are confronting me with, and I cannot deny the facts: I will need your help to complete this hunt. However, I will not allow you to throw your stones at me and drag me along like some misguided fool. You must also agree to a compromise of principles if we are to have a shred of caring for what this world is becoming. Ayeye: You haven't had a chance. I don't know if you would if you could, but are your constant insults any less demeaning? Arzel: Ayeye, and so does he! He insults us magic users the same way we insult him for being a Lumox! Kadan: We all stand to lose everything if Banshee, Nissa, and the other houses continue with their sick and ambitious greed, but unless we cast certain prejudices aside and pool together, we'll both go down. Now, is that what you all want? Par realizes this probably isn't going to end soon and so takes a seat and waits. Earendil: Fine Kadan, for now we have a common foe. Perhaps you may redeem yourself in the future, but I extremely doubt it. Ayeye: He insults you? How, when, the only thing I remember him ever saying is that magic and magic users are wrong, a generalization, not a specific attack on you. Arzel: Well Ayeye, he refuses to speak to me. Thats just as bad as insulting me. Kadan looks down. "Earendil, one thing I have learned from you is that people are full of surprises. You'd do well to learn that lesson as well." Ayeye: Gee! I wonder why he doesn't talk to you. Could it have to do with always being called a lumox, ox, or other things? Do you think that could be it? Arzel: Well, he ignored me long before I started to call him names. Geint: Yea.... but we were saying that all in good fun. Tieing up your comrades isn't USUALLY concidered "fun" by most people most of the time. Arzel: As soon as we met, he refused to speak to me Kadan: Both Ayeye and Arzel are right. We need to stop bickering with each other, no matter what we may think of each other. Think of what Kargeth would do if he saw us now. However hard it is to think about, we may be the only hope for destroying that Serpent Staff, and he would just laugh his bloated head off seeing that small flicker of hope descending upon itself with internal disputes. Kadan: However large these disputes are, we'll need to... drop them. More important matters await. Ayeye: Why did he refuse to speak to you? Kadan doesn't seem to do things without reason. In fact, sometimes he seems a lot more reasonable than others here. Arzel nearly falls over from shock. "By Althena herself...he actually spoke my name!" Arzel: Why don't you ask him that same question Ayeye? Because he won't tell me the answer. Ayeye: Even worse, he said you were right. Kadan tries to muster all his strength, then looks Arzel in the eyes. "And I hope you will speak mine." Arzel looks at Kadan, shocked. Geint: And the lummox thing is very similar to another ANNOYING name WHICH WAS STARTED BY A CERTAIN SOMEONE. Ayeye: No problem. Kadan, why didn't you talk to Arzel? Arzel looks down at the ground. "Uhh, umm...err I guess I could...Kadan" Kadan: I... I... well, I always assumed he was after me since we met. I suppose I should stop pretending that he's in a conspiracy with Tarrant and the warlocks. Par smiles now that the party seems to be getting somewhere. Arzel: Well, Kadan I always thought you were against me and Tarrant...and you proved my thought right with this action *pointing around the Magic-hunter base* Kadan seems rather embarrassed by all the attention and the things that came out of his mouth that surprised him. Kadan: Please, you have to understand. What could I have done when my old friends met us? I couldn't very well say I was *with* you all. They would have had my head for treason. Arzel looks at Kadan "Yes, I do understand. I just ask that you understand the magic-users and how they work too." Earendil: Do you think that we would have let them do that to you? We may dislike you, but I don't want to see you killed. Kadan: Arzel, I don't know if I'll ever understand. All I can say is that I shall try to... tolerate. Ian and Reese look at Kadan strangely. Arzel: I will forgive you, I guess. The rat wasn't much to deal with. *louder* But IF YOU EVER do something like this again, I will not be so nice! Geint: ....Kadan? I'm not sure if the others will stop calling you the names or me either......but I won't call you a lummox or an ox if you don't call me an air bunny. If it comes down to calling me, call me Geint. Geint: Ok...????? Is it a deal..?? Arzel looks back at Kadan. "Let us speak of this no more." Kadan moves over to the magic hunters. "I will accept this charge. I shall watch over these... subjects and try to steer them in wise directions. They *will* continue their fight and help me retrieve the staff." Kadan wubbles Geint between the ears. "Ok, you've got a deal air fox... er... air bun... er... Geint." Ian: All right, Kadan. I hope you know what you're doing. Ayeye: Can I still call you Air Bunny? Geint angrily looks to Ayeye after that comment. GMRune: Ian, Reese, and the other magic hunters leave the arena, leaving the party alone. Kadan smirks at Ian. "You know me. If these people get rowdy, you know I can tame them with little effort." Ayeye: But it's such a cute name. Ian nods as he leaves. Arzel coughs. "Sure you can Kadan" Kadan shouts. "Don't forget me, my friends! I shall return one day. For that you have my word!" Reese yells back, "We're counting on it!" Earendil: Geint, you must admit that the term "air bunny" is useful for public places in which we don't want to reveal what you are. Geint: Yea. IF it comes down to that. Par: Now that we've free to leave, do you think we can get going to House Terna? Geint: If they ask what I am, say an air bunny but PLEASE don't rub it in my face! Kadan sits in thought for a moment, then gets up abruptly and claps his hands together. "Well, it seems we have a Terna mansion to raid, now doesn't it?" Par: Indeed we do, Kadan. Kadan: I know the way out of the base. Follow me, it's a bit convoluted. Par follows Kadan. Geint: Here we go again...... Arzel follows Kadan. Geint: Do we go left? Ayeye walks at Kadan's side. Earendil pulls his sword out of the ground and follows the group. Kadan looks seriously at Geint. "We *always* go left." GMRune: Kadan leads the party out of the magic hunter base and back into the underground tunnels below the city of Lentol. You are now back on track to where you were before all this. GMRune: You can see the remains of your scuffle from just yesterday on the uneven ground. Kadan says nervously. "Well, I hope we've all had a learning experience." GMRune: Kadan continues leading the party as he navigates them through the underground tunnel system. Kadan pauses occasionally to remember the intracacies of the tunnel system. GMRune: As you travel, the earthen tunnels become increasingly more moist. GMRune: You can hear the sound of dripping water in the distance. Ayeye: Kadan, what else is near this place? Kadan: Umm... well, I would have expected they fixed those leaks by *now*, at least. Ayeye: Err...Leaks? Leaks from what? Par shrugs. "Maybe they're new." Kadan: Well, this time of year the moisture from above condenses because the tunnels get so cool. Par: I was wondering if it would be coming from the ocean. Are we close to it at all yet? Ayeye: Are we under the ocean? Kadan gulps. "I don't think so... 3 rights, straight, then 2 lefts... I think." ~Valina: We'd *better* not be under the ocean! Geint: Ahh!! I HATE water!! Kadan: Water is great! It's soothing pure cleanliness... GMRune: The party goes deeper into the tunnels and you hear a swishing sound ahead of you. Arzel prepares to run the other way...he doesn't like that sound Earendil remembering his fall in the stream in front of the Blue Dragon's cave and becomes increasingly nervous. GMRune: The sound is followed by the sound of dripping water. Arzel: Don't worry Earendil, Tarrant'll save you again with his vine! GMRune: There's a splashing sound and then more dripping. Kadan looks up at the ceiling nervously. "Does anyone feel any vibration?" Arzel looks at Kadan "Have you brought us under the ocean?" Kadan: Hmm... I don't think I've ever gone quite this far into the northern complex by myself... GMRune: There's another splash, then another. GMRune: Then more of a thrashing sound as if something lies ahead of you. Arzel: Kadan, where have you taken us? Ayeye: Kadan, are you sure this isn't under the ocean? Kadan: I... don't think it is. Er... I mean... No? Maybe? Earendil: Are we lost? Par: Er... I hope not... Par looks around nervously. Par: Shall we keep going forward? Arzel: I guess so...nowhere else to go. Kadan nods. "Yes. Let's just plow forward, then I can re-establish my bearings." Earendil: If we go back, we'll just get more lost. Ayeye looks ahead, "Anyone have a boat?" GMRune: The party goes on forward. The splashing increases, and water begins to form at your feet as you progress, making the floor increasingly muddier. Geint: uh.......now what... GMRune: The tunnel begans to take on a downward slant as well, until you are up to your ankles in dirty water. Ayeye eyes the water suspiciously, "Are there big, nasty fish in the ocean?" Par grumbles and tries keeps his robes above the waterline. Arzel: Yes Ayeye! Giant FISH! As big as a mountain! Ayeye frowns, "Do they eat people?" GMRune: A thrashing rises up ahead again. GMRune: This time the sound seems to be moving towards you! Arzel: They can eat people as big as Kadan, Ayeye. You should watch out! Ayeye: Do they eat Air Bu, err, Geints? GMRune: Vague shapes can now be seen bobbing towards you in the dim lighting. Geint: I'd give them hairballs. GMRune: Their approach is far from quiet and they seem to splash wildly through the water. Arzel: Naw, they don't like furry things Earendil points his sword in the direction of the splashs, "What in the world is that?" GMRune: The shapes draw nearer, and you make out the outlines of three rabbitlike creatures. Ayeye looks worried, "Kadan, how safe is this passageway?" Kadan watches them apprehensively. GMRune: Then you see a fourth skittering behind the other three, bringing up the rear. Kadan: Ayeye, nothing in life is safe. Ayeye: Back to that "You can never win" thing again. GMRune: Finally they arrive into the torch light around you. And the party is attacked by four fatal hoppers! GMRune: -------round 1------- GMRune: Kadan casts Tactic! He looks incredibly efficient! GMRune: Ayeye attacks fatal hopper number 3! Kadan ushers in the Ayeye cheerleaders. GMRune: attack 1: 1 damage GMRune: attack 2: 1 damage GMRune: Kadan moves to the back row and switches weapons to his silver bow. He attacks hopper #1! GMRune: attack 1: 34 damage GMRune: attack 2: 36 damage Kadan: Ayeye, if I get things dead faster, then they can't harm you! =D GMRune: Hopper #1 attacks Earendil! GMRune: 2 damage! Ayeye: But there's a psychological advantage to having you in the front. GMRune: Fatal Hopper #2 attacks Valina! GMRune: 10 damage! Earendil: She wants you in the front row Kadan because she has a crush on you. GMRune: Fatal Hopper #3 attacks Ayeye! Arzel: Well, isn't that odvious Earendil? Ayeye: And he's big and imposing. If the monsters run away, then we don't have to fight. GMRune: It misses by a long shot! GMRune: Fatal Hopper #4 spits a lugie at Kadan! GMRune: 1 damage! Kadan blinks. "That was... an attack of some sort?" GMRune: Geint twirls into a dive and rakes through the front row! Geint: YAAHAAA! GMRune: 43 daamge to each! GMRune: Hopper #1 dies! The bush peeks warily out of Ayeye's backpack to look at the strange flying pink thing. GMRune: Valina moves to the back row. GMRune: Earendil's form blurs as he attacks fatal hopper #4! GMRune: 32 damage! GMRune: Arzel calls up a bolt of flame and chucks it gleefully at hopper #2! GMRune: 20 damage! Arzel: I can use my magic again! GMRune: Par hurls a shard of ice at fatal hopper #2! Par: Good feeling isn't it! GMRune: 32 damage! Arzel: Yup. GMRune: Tarrant calls down a bolt of lightning and zaps hopper #2 into bits! GMRune: 38 damage! GMRune: It dies! GMRune: ------round 2------- Kadan sighs. "Alright, Ayeye. Whatever helps you fight..." GMRune: Ayeye makes a flying jump kick at fatal hopper #3! GMRune: 1 damage! GMRune: Fatal hopper#3 attacks Geint! Geint: Ack! GMRune: 18 damage! GMRune: Fatal hopper#4 attacks Ayeye! GMRune: Misses by a mile! Kadan: Good, Ayeye! You're learning to anticipate its advances. GMRune: Kadan moves up to the front row, switches to his battle axe, and attacks hopper #3! GMRune: attack 1: 38 damage! Kadan: I may be a bit late to be an 'extra target', Ayeye, but at least I can provide you with psychological support! GMRune: attack 2: 35 damage! GMRune: Hopper #3 bites the big one! GMRune: Geint casts Herbal Breeze! Ayeye: Hey, I never said you were an extra target! GMRune: The last hopper falls asleep! GMRune: Rein hangs out in the back and so does Valina. GMRune: Earendil slices at the last hopper! GMRune: 24 damage! GMRune: Arzel hurls a bolt of flame at the last hoper! GMRune: 23 damage! GMRune: Par's form blurs as he strikes at the fatal hopper with his cane! GMRune: 22 damage! GMRune: The last hopper dies! GMRune: ------victory------ Kadan does the obligatory victory disco dance. GMRune: The party gains 88 XP, 24 MEXP, and 40 S Kadan sloshes around in the water a bit. Par looks at Kadan, waiting for him to lead on. Kadan: That decline... ah! I think I know where I am now. Just a second... Ayeye thinks she will take up martial arts. Kadan runs forward a bit, then looks to the left and right. Kadan: Yep, Exactly as I thought. We just took the long way to the junction into Terna subterrane. We just go this way a bit now. Par nods and follows Kadan. Ayeye: I never doubted you. GMRune: Kadan leads the group down the way a bit and at last you come to a small squareish room amid the tunnels. GMRune: A panel lies in the ceiling only a few feet above your heads. Geint: Can you guys reach it or should I? Geint: Or is it a trap. Geint: =b Par: I don't think you can open that Geint. It's kind of big for you... Kadan rubs his chin and eyes the panel suspiciously. Kadan: I've heard the reports from the other magic hunters. Supposedly this is the threshold into the bunkers beneath the warlock district. Geint: I can open anything!! well... almost. =b Geint: In theory no matter how big it is you can do it with a lever. ;b Par: But do we have a lever? Par: Maybe if someone climbs on someone else's shoulders. Ayeye: But it might require a really big lever. Geint: Well... no....... Geint: We could use Kadan! =D Arzel: or a Vine Rope ~Tarrant: I don't think a vine rope is going to open the panel though. Kadan: I can hold anybody. Earendil: Maybe there's a switch somewhere to open it. Geint: I may be small but I'm strong!!! Oh well... I'll help with someone else!! GMRune: The panel looks like a stone block dropped into place. It looks like it can be pushed straight up. Par: Well, if no one else wants to climb on Kadan, I will. I think I can lift that. Arzel: Go ahead, Par. Par nods. "Um, Kadan, could you bend over or give me a leg up?" Kadan is careful not to touch Par's "filthy" robe, but attempts to hoist him up. Par reaches the stone block and grunts as he heaves the stone block out of its place. Dirt falls amid the party as he does so. But at last a crack of light appear. Geint shakes the dirt off. Kadan grunts. "See anything, Par?" Par looks around, poking his head around outside. "I think it's okay to come up now." Par hoists himself up through the hole. Kadan: Par, don't be so sure! Check thoroughly. Par: I will. GMRune: You hear a little scuffling up above you as he moves around. GMRune: For a moment all you see is the blue morning sky above you. Geint: What's up there now, Par? GMRune: Then it's suddenly obscured by blackness as something leaps over the hole. Par shouts something and then the earth explodes around you. GMRune: ---------end session-------