Lunar: Magic Empire Session 17 Log ============================================================ Cast of Characters: Rune as "GM/Narrator, Par, the bush, Warlock, Wraith, Mage, and Garreth" 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: Ayeye had been covered in a white light as she slipped the black bracer over her arm. GMRune: And when she spoke, the voice was not her own. GMRune: Ayeye: Long ago, as the eons passed and life moved from the Blue Star to Lunar, there were four guardian tribes chosen to guard over Lunar. GMRune: Ayeye: There were Althena's chosen, the Dragon Tribe, who were given dominion over the elements and the mana of the world. Then came the Pegasus Tribe, who watched over Althena's creations and nurtured their life. Third were the Shadowcat Tribe, whose powers over the realm of time and shadow kept the history of the world alive. And lastly came the Phoenix Tribe, whose eternal life provided hope and courage to the citizens of Lunar. GMRune: Ayeye: These four exist, and through their power were we defeated. But the day that one of them should fall, we shall return. We impart this message to your, our brethren so that you may succeed where we have failed. GMRune: After speaking those words, the light faded from her body, and she remembered nothing of the experience. Geint is speechless. Kadan still stands apprehensively around Ayeye, not sure if she is still under some power. Valina is sleeping... Ayeye: You are the Dragonmaster, that's a silly question. Rein kneels near Ayeye. Earendil: I mean the "we" that you were talking about. Rein: Are you hurt, Ayeye? GMRune: Kadan uses two herbs and heals 40 hp. Ayeye looks confused, "What do you mean? I haven't said anything." Kadan: I know you didn't Ayeye. That is a ... magical object. I suggest you put it down. Rein looks at the others. "Who wants to explain it to her?" GMRune: Earendil uses both of his herbs. He gains 40 hp. Ayeye looks at the bracer. "But, it stopped ringing..." Rein stands up, satisfied that Ayeye's okay Kadan puts his hand reassuringly on Ayeye's shoulder. "That thing controlled you. We can't trust such a warlock artifact." Earendil: We seem to have another piece of the puzzle, but it just got a whole lot more complex. Ayeye begins to remove the bracer, "What if it starts ringing again?" Kadan: This thing is causing Ayeye irritiation. I suggest we smash it. Earendil: No, we should keep it, it might be useful at a later time. Par: But can we? We saw what it did to Shea. Rein: Kadan, I'm sure there's a better solution. Earendil: Keep it under wraps, like we do the pendant. Ayeye: I, er, We can't, It might be, Shea wanted it badly, it must be important. Rein: It could be a blessing from Althena, we shouldn't do anything until we know more about it... Rein: I mean.. that's what I think.... Kadan grumbles. "Each second we hesitate, it could be doing something awful." Earendil: If I heard what I think I heard, that bracer is definitely not from Althena. Kadan looks like he's about to reach for his axe, then exerts some measure of self control. Par: Let's just take it with us. Ayeye found the documents about where the Serpent Staff is. So we have no need to stay here any longer. Remember, Shea said she didn't dispatch all of the warlocks here! Rein nods. "She has been known to work in mysterious ways." Kadan rubs his chin. "Shea... not sure what to think of that one." Earendil: Par is right. Let's go, I don't feel like closing any more accounts in this house. Par picks up the papers Ayeye found and puts them in his backpack. Kadan: Keep your eye on those, Par. Those papers are evil, I tells ya! EVIL! Ayeye: Kadan, I can't lose the bracer. It's the first thing I've felt a connection to in a long time. It's important to me. Par shrugs. "They're just papers!" Kadan: Ayeye, if you say so. Just keep your guard up. Ayeye: I will. Ayeye: Anyway, could someone please tell me what you think I said? Par: Something about four tribes guarding over Lunar. Kadan: Ayeye, just some nonsense about history and legends. Earendil: From what I can tell, there seems to be a tribe whose power is sealed away by four other tribes Earendil: One of which is the dragon tribe, but I never heard of the other three. Geint is still silent, pondering. Rein: The question is, is that other tribe good or evil? Par: The Phoenix, Shadowcat, and Pegasus. I've heard of the Phoenix. But I'm afraid the other two elude me. Kadan stretches his arm in front of his chest and leans his neck back. "G'ah... I need a break." Earendil: Geint, do you know about the other three tribes? Rein: What do you know of the Pheonix tribe, par? Kadan fiddles with his shoulder. "Geez... must have pulled a tendon in that last fray. Blasted magician..." Geint: Only a little. Kadan decides to read the ingredient list on the herb packets he just had. Par: Not much. Just that they are a group of immortal birds of fire. Ayeye: He wasn't a magician, he was an accountant. An altogether nastier type of person. Kadan giggles. "Hehe, Ayeye... that's pretty... ow!" Kadan snaps his elbow back and forth, trying to snap it back into place. Geint: But the tribes aren't the only reason I'm silent. Earendil: Whatever you know Geint might help us. Rein: Kadan, would you like me to take a look at that? Geint: Well.... I know the shadowcats aren't human. Rein: My master taught me a good bit of healing that is less.. well... magical :) Geint: They're bacically cat people. Kadan steps away from Rein. "Umm... no, that's ok kid. Just a little... ache. Much more bearable than that fizzley glitter crap you spit out." Ayeye: Neither are Dragons or Birds of Fire, so? Geint: But they're supposedly extinct! Rein: No fizzly crapily glittering.. I promise Ayeye looks at Par. "Cat people, with pointy ears?" Geint: They aren't beast people.... they're...well....cat people. Par: What are you looking at me for?! Par: I'm an elf! Kadan takes off one of his fingerless gloves and looks at his wrist, examining it. "Hmm... looks ok." Earendil: I've read only faint legends of a flying horse called Pegasus, is that what the Pegasus tribe is? Par: Anyway, let's get going. We don't want the others to be found since we just left them lying out on the lawn. Kadan squirms uncomfortably. "Er... umm... would anyone mind if I took my boots off for a sec?" Rein stands well back from Kadan but looks on with sympathy. Geint: And the pegasus tribe are another mysterious group who are a bunch of flying horses who live in deeply forested places....but they haven't been seen in centuries!! Kadan sits in the accountant's desk and kicks up his feet, sighing in relief as he swivels his ankles around. Rein: They might be tough for some of us to find. Rein: If what I learned about pegasi is true. Geint agitatedly goes back into her thinking. Earendil: Beware Kadan, the powers of accounting are not to be triffled with. Par swings his backpack on and waits for the party by the door. "Come on, we don't want to keep hanging around that warlock's corpse, do we? Ayeye: Wait, if the possibly evil people are sealed by the other four, then we're okay...right? Rein: We don't know that they are evil, though- Geint follows, muttering about Shea to herself and then goes back to thinking. Earendil: From what you said Ayeye, as long as all four of the others exist. Kadan: Just a sec, Par. I need to stretch a bit before I start walking again. I think I got hit harder by that spell than I thought... Rein: What if they're a good race unfairly imprisoned for ages... we'd have to help them! Ayeye: The Dragons are good, right? So whoever they sealed must not be. Anyway, Par is right, we should leave. Kadan: Rein, if we found this information in a warlock stronghold, I doubt that it's a benign entity being sealed. Par: (to Rein) Well, then they may already be on their way to freedom. Geint said the Shadowcat Tribe is extinct. Rein: But what if the warlocks were doing the sealing? Geint: Again... that's only what I've heard. Rein nods to Par. Par nods to the group and exits into the hallway. Kadan gets up with a groan. "Alright, let's depart. This place is not conducive to comfort." Ayeye starts to leave, "Even if the Shadowcats are extinct, It's still three agains one." Rein: Where are we headed now? GMRune: The party in the manor climbs back down the stairs to the first floor. Ayeye: To find the others, and then to the staff. Rein: Okay... should I use a starlight and do some healing, or wait? Par: Yes, the staff has been stolen, remarkably enough. I should like to see what manner of renegade wizard was able to accomplish that! Rein loks around for help. GMRune: The party exits the manor, Par sealing the wards behind you. Ayeye: Could it have been Shea? Kadan: Not likely, seeing how well she fared against Kargeth during the Shelladon procession. Par shrugs. "I don't know." Valina is still asleep. Geint starts to look uncomfortable again. Earendil: Geint, you okay? GMRune: Valina, Arzel, and Tarrant begin to wake up as the others reach them in the courtyard. Geint: Nothing. Really. Valina: ~yawn~ Geint: ...just can't get that feeling out of my head. Valina: .. Valina: Hey. did I miss anyting~yawn~ ? I don't feel good... Arzel looks around groggily. The bush trundles up to Tarrant and slurps him in the face. Arzel: *to the group that went in the mannor* Hey, why do you all look like you've been to hell and back? Tarrant moans as he feels his stiff muscles awaken. The bush slurps Tarrant again, sapping him. Tarrant is covered in goo and is all slimy *yuck* Valina: oohh.. Arzel stands up. Tarrant wishes he had a de-slime spell... Par: Are you guys feeling all right? Valina: No... Valina: What happend? Arzel: Aww, just a bit sore...otherwise I'm fine Earendil: You were covered when the tunnel caved in. Valina: Huh? When was that? Par: Um, since we're all awake, how about we get out of here? Valina blinks, bu't cant seem to remember the tunnel caving in. Earendil: Don't worry, everything is fine now, somewhat. Tarrant is still in a little vertigo as he slowly walks around. Par: I don't think we'll be able to go back into the underground though... Ayeye: Come on everyone, we know where the staff is, and we're going to get it, with or without you. Valina: ... really! Par: Yes, we'd better hurry. The warlocks will want to recover it as soon as possible. Valina stands... hurting. Arzel: Okay okay I'm coming. Valina: Well, I guess it is our job to stop it! Rein nods solemnly. Kadan: Let's just hope that this thief is easier to defeat than the Empire he stole it from. Valina: Thief... what thief? Par: If I remember correctly, there's a path running from this manor and to the south that will take us to the outside without having to go back into the city. Ayeye: Don't worry Kadan, we can beat him if we work together. Rein: Before we go... is anyone hurt badly? Earendil: A thief stole the Serpant Staff from the Empire. How he or she did, only Althena knows how. Arzel rubs his head "I'm begining to regret leaving Vane that one day." Valina: A little Rein.. Kadan: Actually, Rein, I'm not so sure. I think I felt better before I took those medicines... Rein looks at Kadan, trying to conceal an amused expression. GMRune: Rein uses a starlight and gains 20 MP. Rein casts heal litany on Val. Par looks off anxiously to the south. GMRune: Rein casts Heal Litany on Valina. Valina gains 27 hp. Ayeye: Let's go Par, they'll follow...I hope. Valina: I feel much better! Thanks Rein! Rein: Of course! Let's get going! GMRune: The party follows Par down to the southern end of the courtyard. Dark clouds hum over you and you feel an unnatural static in the air. Kadan looks up at the clouds. "Ahh... now I know why I must have been aching. My joints can always predict a storm." Valina: ... I don't like this. Valina looks around. GMRune: A red flame burns into view before you, revealing the armored shape of a warlock. Rein rubs his arms, trying to get the hairs to stand down. Earendil flinches in surprise. Warlock: Well, what have we here? The tresspassers of the manor, I'd warrant! Warlock: You looks like a rather unassuming bunch. I'm surprised you took out so many of us without notice. Valina: Ohh no... Arzel yawns and looks groggily at the Warlock. Earendil: Appearances can be deceiving. Rein whips out his staff and gives it a little twirl. Ayeye holds up the bracer. "Do you know what this is!" Kadan: Actually, that was all my doing. These are just my heroic sidekicks. The warlock raises a hand which becomes wreathed with flame. Arzel: Shuuure we are Kadan Valina draws... another day, another battle The warlock glances at Ayeye's bracer, but pays it no mind. GMRune: -------round 1------- GMRune: target: warlock guard Kadan: Fight hard, friends... and hope we make it through this one. GMRune: Ayeye dashes forward and claws at the warlock! GMRune: attack 1: 1 damage GMRune: attack 2: 1 damage GMRune: Kadan swings his axe at the warlock! Kadan: Graaawwwwwr! GMRune: attack 1: 42 damage GMRune: attack 2: 38 damage GMRune: Rein attacks with his staff! GMRune: 1 damage! GMRune: Valina casts Air Slice! Kadan: Good! You people are learning what we tried to teach you at the Magic Hunters'! GMRune: 5 damage! GMRune: Earendil's form blurs as he attacks the warlock! GMRune: 39 damage! GMRune: Geint attacks! GMRune: attack 1: 32 damage GMRune: attack 2: 35 damage GMRune: The warlock casts Flame Sweep at the front row! Kadan holds up his axe and braces for impact. GMRune: Ayeye is hit for 1 damage. Kadan is hit for 25 damage. Rein is hit for 7 damage. Vaina is hit for 10 damage. Earendil is hit for 15 damage. Geint is fire resistant and takes only 4 damage. Arzel is hit for 1 damage! Rein hits the deck. Kadan staggers a bit, but remains standing. Ayeye wonders why everyone is acting wounded. GMRune: Par casts a shard of ice at the warlock! GMRune: 40 damage! GMRune: Arzel attacks the warlock. GMRune: attack 1: 17 damage GMRune: attack 2: 15 damage GMRune: Tarrant casts Plant Soul! GMRune: Tarrant turns into an ambush! GMRune: -----round 2------- Earendil: Uh, Tarrant, was that wise? Rein: You bastard!!! What have you done to Tarrant!!! Rein swings at the warlock with renewed vigor. Earendil: Uh Rein, Tarrant did that to Tarrant. Geint is laughing her ass off. GMRune: Ayeye's form blurs as the air roars around her! She strikes at the warlock as her claws glow! GMRune: 14 damage! GMRune: Kadan swings his axe at the warlock! GMRune: attack 1: 46 damage Rein does not hear the others due to his beserker rage :) GMRune: attack 2: 39 damage Valina tries to stay away from Rein! GMRune: Rein attacks the warlock! GMRune: He trips over his own staff and falls flat on his face! Earendil: Rein, perhaps know you will learn that being calm in battle can be quite helpful. GMRune: Valina swings her sword at the warlock! Rein: D'oh! GMRune: 11 damage! GMRune: Earendil attacks! GMRune: 29 damage! Geint finds this entire fight fairly humorus. GMRune: Geint attacks the warlock with her bunny-sized claws! GMRune: attack 1: 29 damage GMRune: attack 2: 34 damage GMRune: The warlock is surrounded in an orange glow! GMRune: attack up 13! Kadan suddenly stumbles and lands on one knee. GMRune: Par's form blurs as he attacks the warlock! GMRune: 36 damage! Par looks inquisitively at Kadan. Geint: ? GMRune: Arzel claws at the warlock! Valina: Fool.. Geint: Ah... like this fight didn't have enough weirdness!! GMRune: attack 1: 9 damage GMRune: attack 2: 7 damage GMRune: Tarrant rustles out the words to a spell! GMRune: A vine shoots out of him and strikes the warlock! GMRune: 52 damage! Valina: Cool Geint: Say... is anyone EVER healing me? Earendil: Not bad for an ambush. Rein looks at Tarrant and realizes what's going on. GMRune: -----round 3------- Tarrant: Geint I will heal you this next turn.. Rein: I gotcha Geint. Kadan clutches his right wrist and clenches his teeth. Rein: I'll pick her up Tarr. Geint looks inquiringly at Kadan. Geint: No. I don't want to know. GMRune: Ayeye stands in front of Kadan to defend him! Ayeye: Kadan, what's wrong? GMRune: Kadan defends (as best he can crounched on the ground). Kadan rests on one fist and grabs his ankle. "Grrr!" Rein plants his staff before him and an aura begins to grow from him GMRune: Rein casts Heal Aura on the front row! Valina: Thanks Rein! Kadan tries to run away from the expanding circle of glitteries, but cannot move with his paralyzed ankle. GMRune: Ayeye heals 17 hp. Kadan heals 28 hp. Rein heals 18 hp. Valina heals 12 hp. Earendil heals 28 hp. Geint heals 28 hp. Arzel heals 11 hp! Rein stands serenely as the waves of bluish light pour forth from him GMRune: Valina's form blurs as she attacks the warlock! GMRune: 22 damage! Valina jumps! "YEA!" GMRune: Earendil's form blurs as he attacks the warlock! GMRune: 41 damage! GMRune: The warlock dies! GMRune: -------victory------- Valina: yea! Ayeye: Kadan! What is wrong! Earendil: That wasn't too difficult. Valina: One less warlock! Geint looks at Kadan. "Hoo boy...... Mr. Happy...." GMRune: The party gains 87 XP, 41 MEXP, and 200 S. Kadan squints in pain as he clutches onto his ankles and wrists. "Something... in the mansion..." Ayeye: We're out of the mansion. What do you mean, do you need something? Arzel looks at Kadan in concern. Earendil finally turns his attention to Kadan. Rein approaches Kadan and examines his limbs. Kadan: Something happened to me in there... after I woke up from that blast... Kadan lets go and tries to stand wearily. Geint: ...and now you have super powers? Kadan: It's... not so bad now. I think I can walk. Rein: That's odd... nothing seems to be the matter. Valina look at Kadan. Ayeye: Are you sure? Rein: Geint, are you still injured badly? Par stands waiting. Geint: I could be worse...... Earendil: Kadan, I sense something around you, but its just out of my reach. Let's hope the bracer didn't do anything to you. Rein: I use an herb on Geint GMRune: Rein herbs Geint. Geint gains 20 hp! Kadan: I didn't trust that thing from the start... Ayeye: He never touched it. It couldn't have hurt him. I hope. Geint flutters over to Kadan. Geint: Hm...... I don't seem to sense anything like I did with Shea...... Par: Do you think you can walk, Kadan? If one warlock found us, there may yet be more around. Kadan: Yes... it's nothing. I'll deal with it. Arzel looks at Kadan. Earendil: All I know is that it wasn't there before, but my skills are mediocre at best, we'll eventually have to get someone more skilled. Par nods and the party leaves the House Terna courtyard. Ayeye stays close to Kadan. Valina walks next to Rein. GMRune: According the information Ayeye found, the Serpent Staff was taken to a castle several miles south of Lentol. Valina: Humm.. we better get it then! GMRune: And with help from the documents taken from the warlock's study, you manage to lay a course for the ancient stronghold. Earendil: Looks like we have a long walk ahead of us. GMRune: The travel takes you virtually all day. Having left House Terna in mid-morning, the sun is only just above the western horizen by the time you get your first glimpse of the castle. GMRune: A stone edifice emerges through the mountains as you walk. It has the vague appearance of being a castle, however it is unlike any castle you have ever seen before for it is seeming hewn straight from the mountain stone itself. Valina: whoa.. Geint: no kidding... Arzel looks at it. Kadan: Hmm... I always thought that place was deserted... GMRune: As the party reaches the base of the castle you can see no way into its smooth granite walls. A ring of large stones stands near its base. Earendil: It must have taken decades to carve this castle out of the rock Valina: This is wierd.. I like it though! Ayeye: Maybe they used magic. That shouldn't take too long. Geint: What HASN'T been weird today? Par: I suppose that's possible. But it seems like it would take more effort than simply building one. Valina examines the stone ring. Rein looks up the immense walls. Earendil: To do something like this even with magic would have taken forever since one would need great control to be so precise. Rein: Kadan, how are you feeling? Ayeye: Oh, sorry, I don't know much about magic. Valina touches the stone ring. Valina: hummmm GMRune: The circle of stones glows momentarily and shrouds the party in light. GMRune: Everyone gains full MP. Kadan: A few aches, but not so bad... I'll make it... just don't worry about me, kid. I've seen much worse. Earendil: Wow Valina: Wow! I've heard about these places! Arzel: Oh...that's nice! Valina: Now I know where they got the power to build this place! Rein bows his head and says a prayer softly. Earendil: Heal everybody and touch the stone again. Rein raises his eyebrows. Rein: How do we know it will work again? Earendil: We don't but it's worth the try, we might not get this chance again. Rein nods "Yes, okay then. Gather round, everybody." GMRune: Rein casts Heal Aura! Arzel wanders over near Rein. Valina sits next to Rein. Rein plants his staff and does the heal aura routine. GMRune: Everyone is restored to full hp except Kadan, who gains 29. Rein casts heal litany on Kadan. GMRune: Kadan heals full hp! Rein goes ahead and touches the stone again hopefully GMRune: Rein regains full MP. GMRune: A rumbling sound emerges from the castle, just as the sun sits on the horizen like a swollen egg. Seams appear where there were none before. A massive orifice more than eight men wide and five high splits into existence. The "doors" yawn to either side of the opening, revealing the musty darkness within. Rein looks at Earendil and bows Earendil: Why are you bowing to me? Rein: Eep Ayeye enters the castle. Rein: Because you were right, of course. Earendil: Here's the invitation, shall we go in? Geint nods happily. Geint: This is creepy--but still cool. Valina looks in awe! Arzel looks around, not really too impressed with the magic GMRune: You enter a long passageway. It stretches deep into the stronghold. Doors lead off to either side for a good distance of the way... Rein runs a hand along the wall of the recently split rock. Kadan examines the structures curiously. Valina: What do you see Kadan? Anything you recognize? Kadan: Nope. Never made it inside, just saw this place occasionally. GMRune: Like the exterior, the inside appears to be made of a single piece of stone. Ayeye walks on ahead. "We have a staff to find." Kadan fantasizes about how he's going to snap that accursed staff over his knee once he gets ahold of it. GMRune: Misty figures appear in the distance. They are utterly silent and were it not for the starkness with which their gray stood out again you would not have seen them coming. The six drift towards you with a certainty that chills the air around you. Arzel looks at them, straping his claws on Ayeye backs up, "Do any of you recognize them?" GMRune: As they get closer you see that the front three are little more than gray vapors in the outlines of humanoid figures, although their bodies end in a simple wispy tail strentching down from their waists and to the floor. Behind them are the twisted transparent figures of three women. Geint sits on Earendil's shoulder. Earendil: What manner of creatures are these? Valina trips backwards.. GMRune: The lead of the misty figures speaks to you in a hollow, windy, voice. Valina: wha..? Wraith: Who are you to awaken us from our slumber of centuries? We feel the blood of a kinsmen around you. Who is he so that he may step forth and speak with us? Rein looks on with a mixture of disgust and sympathy. Earendil looks around for the one. Ayeye: Err, have you seen a staff around here? Arzel looks at Ear "You're the Dragonmaster." Earendil: Do I look like a wraith? The wraith hisses. "We neither know nor care of any staff. Our concern is no longer for the living, save any of our kin should they still survive. Rein looks uncertainly around at the party, hoping someone will say something. Ayeye: Right, anyway, we don't know of your kin, but it would help them if you help us find the staff. Earendil: We know not which one of us is your kin. Arzel looks at Ear. "You want a honest opinion?" Geint: Well, I betcha it ain't me. The wraith utters a low moan, sending chills into the air. "No staff will help you if all our kin are gone... Not if they are gone..." Ayeye: Yeah, whatever, but, in case they aren't gone, do you think you could help us? Rein clears his throat and says weakly. "Who are your people, sir?" Ayeye smiles. Earendil feels something click, and says to the wraiths, "What were you in life?" Wraith: We smell his blood? Is he alive or dead? I see you with weapons? Did you perhas kill one of us? Valina: May we help you ? Arzel mutters "Maybe they're one of the tribes." Wraith: We are those use walked in shadow in eons lost. We alone could see time as it happened and return to when it had passed. Ayeye: I don't think so, you're already dead. It probably would be difficult to kill one of you. Earendil: Shadowcats? Kadan blinks. Arzel: The shadowcats...or whatever Ayeye looks at Par, "Are you sure you're an elf?" Wraith: The dead hold no names... But we will watch you as you search... GMRune: The wraiths and banshees fade away. Par: Of course I'm am elf! Earendil whispers to Geint. "Do you think that Shea was one of the Shadowcats?" Arzel: Oh good, we just met the Shadowcats. Geint: The Pantherfolk...... but we haven't ever seen nor heard from them in so long... Par: Or what's left of them anyway. Arzel: ya. GMRune: The air returns to a slightly warmer temperture at their departure. Geint thinks about what Earendil just asked her. Ayeye: Let's hurry up and find the staff before they return. Par nods. Valina: I agree. GMRune: The party follows Ayeye further into the stone castle. After a long while, the passage ends in a single wooden door. Ayeye tries to open the door. GMRune: The door swings up easily, revealing a small, almost cozy room beyond. There's a stairwell at the far end. Ayeye looks around the room as she walks to the stairwell. GMRune: As the party enters the room, the reality before you seems to bend and warp itself. The stone walls of the keep are gone, replaced by wooden panels. Tables and people fill the room. And the air hums with all the sounds of people laughing, ordering food, and eating. It now appears as though you are in a small tavern. Kadan continues apprehensively. Kadan blinks. Kadan blinks again. "G'ah?" GMRune: However something seems wrong about the scene before you. And then it strikes you. While you can see and hear everything, you don't feel the stuffiness coming from being a room full of people, nor can you smell the food steaming fresh from the kitchen. Ayeye stops and looks back out the door, "What is going on here?" Earendil closes his eyes to prevent himself from falling over. GMRune: The door to the hallway snaps shut behind the last of the party members and the stairwell is likewise gone. Arzel: Ghosts... Rein frowns and looks back and forth apprehensively Arzel: Phantasms... GMRune: A young pair, a teenage boy and a young woman catch your eye. The boy is quite tall and muscular for his age and clean shaven. He has short-cropped dark hair and looks to the woman with eyes wide with respect. He smiles happily at a comment she just made. Valina: Ohh great... Kadan: This... what? What is going on here? This can't be... Rein: Shh... Earendil: Kadan, do you know this place? GMRune: The woman nods in return, brushing back her hair, which is the same color as the boy's. She casually rests a hand on her hip, only inches from the large sword sheathed at her side. Arzel: The room is replaying what used the happen here. Kadan runs around frantically, trying to touch and feel everything. "No... what is this?" Valina: *whispers* What? This is too wierd... Arzel looks at Kadan and then the the boy. GMRune: You hear one of the tavern's patrons make a snide remark about how women keep trying to get the one up on men these days. Your eyes are drawn to the gray-robed speaker of those words. Valina looks... Ayeye approaches the two. "Hello, where are we?" Rein: Uhh.. Kadan.. I don't think that's.. ya know.. such a good idea Mage: These women think they're so "capable" now that they'll try anything. But they're really just as worthless as they were back with their scullary pans. GMRune: The two don't seem to see Ayeye. GMRune: Although the mage is not facing in the woman's direction, you get the impression that the comments are aimed at her. And apparently so does she. Earendil: Nobody can see or hear us it seems. Kadan 's eyes widen in disbelief. "What...? No! How did we get... No! I don't want to be here!" GMRune: She walks up to the mage and casually challenges him to a duel The wizard agrees, pulling out his cane while she does her sword. Ayeye: Kadan. Do you know this place? Arzel looks at Kadan in concern. Arzel: What is this place Kadan? GMRune: The duel is fast and furious, with the mage weakening swiftly. The woman disarms him with a skillful thrust of the sword... Arzel walks over to him. GMRune: But the mage is far from finished... Earendil has never seen Kadan act so emotional. Kadan stutters backwards on his feet, unable to control himself. "No...! Take me away from here!" GMRune: He lifts his arms, casting a spell. The teenage boy cries out, trying to warn her of the impending danger. The woman raises her sword to block the spell... Valina: ... Geint thinks she understands and looks at the boy and then Kadan. Kadan falls backward, whimpering like a lost child. GMRune: Black energy surrounds her. And before your very eyes she withers away into nothing more than a skeleton. Soon even that turns to ash. GMRune: The boy screams, "Kate! Kate! Oh, Althena! No! KATE!" Arzel looks at the boy "That boy...it's...it's KADAN!" Earendil's eyes widen as he suddenly realizes what is happening. Valina: Oh... Rein elbows Arzel. Kadan falls over and collapses into his face. GMRune: The tavern's patrons descend upon the gray-robed mage with a vengeance. But the boy is barely paying attention, even as the mage is killed beneath the mob. Earendil turns his eyes away from the sight. Kadan: *sniff* She was fighting so fairly... Arzel kneels beside Kadan, ignoreing Rein. GMRune: An armored young man comes to stand beside him. You recognize him as a younger version of Reese. He claps a hand on the boy's shoulder to reassure him. Reese turns the boy, still numb with shock, towards the exit and leads him out. Then the scene before you fades to black. Rein sits down and rubs his forehead. GMRune: The illusionary room is now dark, and starlight trickles in from the windows. The tavern door opens, shedding light on the ashes scattered on the floor. Valina: That was too... strange. GMRune: An adolescent figure stands there, shaking his head sadly. He slowly enters the room, holding a small funeral urn in front of him. The figure is dressed in little more than rags, and shivers, looking around himself apprehensively. But he kneels by the ashes to gently brush them into the urn. Arzel looks at Kadan feeling his pain. GMRune: His face crosses the light, and you see it is Par. GMRune: The younger Par finishes sweeping the ashes into the urn and reverantly places its lid on to prevent any from being blown away. And as he exits the room the lighting returns to normal. You are once again in the keep. Arzel: I understand now, why you became a Magic-hunter Kadan... Rein sits back agaist the walll and looks on with sympathy. Earendil goes over to Kadan and offer him his hand to help him up. Arzel looks at Kadan. "Will you be alright, friend?" Valina: Gee Kadan, today is NOT your lucky day! Kadan gets up, his face smothered in tears. "*sniff*... That was the last day I stopped believing that Althena existed." Geint is flying on her own by now and is not on Earendil's shoulder. She seems to be thinking things through. Valina steps back. Arzel looks down at the ground. Par kneels by Kadan, and nods reassuringly to him. "I know how you must have felt. I saw what happened both that day and now." Rein looks up, that got his attention. Kadan looks up, trying to compose his quivering lip. "What is this place? What foul magic has brought me here?" Valina: And why? Arzel understands Kadan now. Par pats Kadan on the shoulder and stands up. Earendil: Well Kadan, we seem to have more in common than I previously thought. Kadan seems to be staring at nothing in particular. "She didn't deserve that... she defeated him fair and square... He... he cheated. He cheated her, he cheated himself, he cheated this world." Earendil: Who were they? Rein sits back, ovewhelmed by the scene and unable to find anything to say Arzel looks at Kadan "I understand why you became a Magic-hunter now...I'm sure I would of too...if such a thing happened...to me." Par sits at the foot of the staircase, watching Kadan recuperate. Kadan tries to wipe some of his tears. "I loved her... she taught me how to fight. She taught me how to survive in that wretched hole." Geint sniffles. "Well I feel terrible beyond words..... Kadan? Would you feel any better if I sat on your shoulder?" Geint's saucer-like eyes shine. Kadan: She taught me all about that wretched force that people use to get what they want without working. I've had to work for every single thing in my life, and none of it was easy. They stand in their robes and twiddle their fingers and get everything they want... Valina sits and stairs... relating Kaden's tragic story to her own. Kadan looks up to Ayeye. "And Ayeye... when I met you, you were the first person I ever met who was similar to her. You denounced magic when we met in Shelladon, and have always fought right beside me. In a way... I guess I'm thinking of you... in some way... as... Kate..." GMRune: A faint whispering arises and then passes as though only a flicker of the imagination. Arzel sighs. Rein looks to Ayeye expectantly, waiting to see what she'll say to THAT. Geint doesn't wait for an answer and lands on Kadan's shoulder, trying to comfort him by rubbing her furry head against him. Kadan holds onto his wrist and winces. "Oh why did I have to see that? I was hoping that maybe all of this... hunting might someday make me forget that day." Earendil: Something like this can never be forgotten, I should know, I have tried. Par: It's not good to forget though... We need the past. Ayeye: Kadan, never let her memory die. If you do, then she is truly gone. Par stands up. "But perhaps if we get moving again, it will help Kadan take his mind off of things, at least for a while" Valina: ... yea Valina: Indeed, we still must look foward to things to come. Rein stands up and looks to Earendil. Rein: Where now? Par: Up the stairs. Kadan looks up with wet eyes at Ayeye. "You... you are the only thing keeping her memory alive. When I fight beside you, I get the same feeling that I got fending for my life with her all those years ago..." Earendil: Might as well, we have no other choice. Kadan tries to stand, still feeling somewhat uncomfortable. GMRune: The party climbs up the stairs, slowly but surely. For a moment you fancy you saw a flit of gray ahead of you, but now that is gone. Geint is still on Kadan's shoulder sadly... Kadan sighs in comfort and slowly opens his eyes, looking forward. Ayeye: Me, but I didn't even know her. What if... I, I will try to do my best. Kadan: Whatever. There's nothing more to be done here. Let's get out of this wretched place. Valina: Indeed GMRune: Now the stairs continue upward, or you may take a long hallway once more. Par: Which way? Kadan: I don't care. Just... away. Par looks to see if someone else wants to take the lead. Valina decided to go upward! GMRune: The party follows Valina up to the third floor. The hall extends to the left and to the right of you. A short distance ahead is a pair of thick silvery doors. They enscribed with runes and various designs of furry humanoids with feline heads and tails. Geint: yup. Geint: The shadowcats alright. Earendil tries to push the doors open. GMRune: The doors refuse to give away. Kadan seems rather sullen and withdrawn. Rein whispers, "maybe Kadan could open them... he seems to be connected to this place." Earendil: Must be sealed by some power. Par: Maybe we can just push it open. If there's enough of us... Arzel looks at Kadan. Rein shrugs and prepares to contribute his modest strength. Valina agrees with Par. Par joins Rein and Valina in pushing. Earendil begins pushing on the door again. GMRune: The door groans but still holds. GMRune: As Earendil joins in the doors fly open! Valina: Ha! Rein: That's right!!! Earendil stumbles forward almost falling down. Valina DOES fall down! GMRune: Inside you see a large squareish chamber with high vaulted ceiling. Valina: Wow! Earendil gives Valina a lift up. GMRune: There is a large red ring inscribed around the chamber. Valina: Thanks.. GMRune: And there is a smaller blue ring first inscribed in the very center of the chamber. GMRune: Within the blue ring is a small marble pedastal upon which a red mask is laying. GMRune: Between the blue and red rings stands a familiar figure though... Garreth. Garreth smirks as he watchs the door pushers stumble in. Arzel: Garreth! Valina: Garreth... Earendil: You! Arzel raises his clawed hands. Garreth: I see you've finally come. It's taken you long enough! Kadan stands up firmly, but still largely indifferent. Arzel: We seem to keep meeting up with you, Garreth! Geint: Yea!! Garreth chuckles, tossing his head. "I assure you, this *won't* keep happening. Ayeye turns her depression into anger, "Garreth! You will pay for what your kind has done!" Earendil: So, where did my darling sis drag you off to? Valina draws... prepared to fight! Garreth: That doesn't matter. Ayeye charges at the warlock. Arzel: Oh, I'm shure it won't Garreth! Garreth: What does is that *you* feel into my little trap. This abandoned old keep was just the lure for you simpletons! GMRune: Ayeye is bounced back by a barrier. GMRune: Incidently, the barrier is right at the red ring. Arzel: Ayeye, be careful...he is quite powerful. Rein catches Ayeye as she reels backwards. Valina: Humm... Garreth: But now, I sense something else about here that I did not expect... Something that should have *died* long ago. Arzel: And I'm shure some of his cronies are hanging around, like always Garreth...can't fight on your own! Ayeye: I don't care how powerful he thinks he is. Garreth: Can't I fight? My dear Arzel! That scar I left you with was from me alone! Ayeye stabs at the barrier. GMRune: The barrier deflects her blows. Arzel: I never said you couldn't...I just said you couldn't do it on your own! Always have your friends around just in case you lose! Garreth laughs. "Try all you like! I'll even alter this spell a bit to 'help' you." Arzel: I would of won, if it wasn't for your buddies, Garreth! GMRune: You can now see the barrier around him, a large greenish hemisphere around the red ring. GMRune: Strangely, you see a blue dome form around the pedastal in the blue ring. Garreth: Stab my barrier! Go ahead and try! Or shall I attack you first? GMRune: A particularly insane glint lights in his eyes. Valina steps back. Arzel: So, where are your cronies today Garreth? Hiding behind illusion spells? Garreth's body is wreathed in flame as he looks at you all. Garreth: No illusions, dear Arzel. I *will* complete what I've come for. Earendil: I can feel tremendous power coming from him, much more than the first time. He has tapped into the power of this place. Garreth throws a ball of fire out and *through* the barrier! Arzel attemps to dodge. Kadan dives out of the way! GMRune: The ball strikes Ayeye! GMRune: She is blasted back into the wall behind her and slumps to the ground after the impact. Arzel: Playing with one-way barriers are we now Garreth? Arzel: Ack! Damn you Garreth! Rein scrambles back to help her. GMRune: Ayeye is unconscious. Arzel: Fight *me* fair! Garreth: I'm just... waiting for a certain service to be rendered... Kadan: No! Kadan kneels next to Ayeye, his compassion fueled by the previous events. Arzel walks slowly towards Garreth. Garreth cocks his head. "Actually, Arzel, I don't give a damn about you right now. I merely wish for my business to be over with so I can leave this blasted place. Arzel: Or are you still scared of me? That's why you tried to kill me in the first place isn't it?! Earendil: And what, pray tell, is your business? Garreth: Kill you? My dear boy, no! I require the aid of another in your party. Valina: Whom? Me I supose! Garreth holds up another ball of flame. Arzel: No Garreth! The day you scarred me...the day you TRIED to take my life...but it didn't work did it...your weren't strong enough! Garreth: All of you! Step forward and touch my barrier if you dare! Otherwise your petite friend over there is going to look like the leftovers from yesterday's barbeque! Earendil: Geint, be careful! Geint looks up. Arzel starts to laugh "Your still scared of me...like you always have been." Valina: I don't like the sound of that! Geint leaves Kadan's shoulder and stands out front with the rest. Valina hides behind Rein! Garreth glares briefly at Arzel but waits for the party to do as he commands. Arzel starts to walk towards Garreth again. Earendil: What is so important about us touching the barrier? Rein hides behind Valina. Arzel: You are scared! You have to pick on my friends because you can't take me on yourself. Geint breaths a gust of fire doubtfully at the shield, following Earendil's hunches. Garreth: I have no use for you, Arzel. GMRune: The fire dissipates without incident. Arzel: You don't? Arzel looks at him. Garreth: One of you has the potential to break my shield. Or, to be correct, THIS shield as I have only altered that which was already here. Who shall it be? Arzel: I think you still want revenge...what did I do to you that made you want to kill me? What could I have possibly done in our childhood? Garreth ignores Arzel, focusing on the others. Garreth: The wraiths again walk these halls. *Someone* has awakened them! Kadan tends to Ayeye, not noticing Garreth. Rein looks to Kadan. GMRune: The barrier fades into transparency again. Arzel looks back among the group and settles his gaze on Ayeye. Arzel: It's her! You're scared of Ayeye! Garreth glowers and the fireball disappears. Garreth raises a hand and Ayeye begins to float towards him. Arzel: Damn you, Garreth! Leave her be! Earendil tries to jump up and reach for Ayeye, but misses. Geint glows her eyes at Garreth. Garreth: If no one will come forth, I will bring *her* to me! Geint glides up with Ayeye and tries to pull her back. Kadan: You touch her, and it'll be your last action! Arzel lowers his claws and lunges at Garreth, focusing his magic trying to fight the barrier. Kadan helps Geint. Geint: Gnuh!! Garrath laughs. "Try if you can." Geint glows her eyes again. GMRune: Ayeye begins to pass through the barrier. Earendil: Perhaps we should try the barrier, it may be the only way. Rein makes a grab for Ayeye too. Geint: No use!! We HAVE to!! GMRune: But as Kadan reaches the barrier, Ayeye suddenly drops. Garreth smirks, looking at Kadan. Valina jumps up and helps Rein. Garreth: I see you have returned to your ancestoral home, young shadowcat. It is fortunate you have arrived, oh last of that ancient tribe. For you see, I have, or rather had, a service I required of you... Kadan squints at the sniveling warlock. "If you know what's good for you, you'll back off from Ayeye here." Geint tries to drag Ayeye out of the line of fire. GMRune: The blue barrier around the inner ring disappears. Kadan looks around at the group members to see who Garreth is talking to. Garreth steps back and takes the mask from the pedastal. Earendil pays attention to what Garreth is saying. Arzel looks at Kadan and to Garreth. Garrath: My deed is nearly done. Lord Gausuton will be pleased. Earendil: Gausuton, I should have known. Arzel: *quietly* Kadan's a... shadowcat Kadan blinks as his anger turns into confusion. "... Huh?" Valina: Ohh great! My best friend! Geint, who was dragging, not listening peers up due to Arzel's quiet words. Garreth surrounds himself in fire. "Now I need only remove the last of the tribe and my work is done!" Valina: Somehow I don't like the sound of that! Rein: Oh no... we've gotta get Kadan out of here! Kadan doubles over and yells as he clutches his midsection. Earendil: Kadan! Kadan: Aaaargh! The pain! My bones... Argh! Arzel: Damn you, Garreth! Valina: Why YOU! Rein starts casting various healing spells on Kadan. Garreth: Does it hurt, shadowcat? I understand all of you undergo such *pain* before your metamorphasis! This will make it only easier to get at you! GMRune: The room suddenly flickers and darkens. Kadan writhes in pain as his joints are sharply pained. Kadan: ... What are you talking about you... agh! Voice: The shadowcats may no longer live save for the last of our kin! But against they who threaten him within these walls, we will again fight for the living! Valina: oh good! ;) GMRune: A light flashes, and a black pantherlike humanoid appears, carrying a large battle axe. GMRune: His eyes glow red and the darkness consumes everything around you. Arzel looks at the panther. "Uhh, Kadan? Is that you?" GMRune: --end session--------