Lunar: Magic Empire Session 19 Log ============================================================ Cast of Characters: Rune as "GM/Narrator, Par, the bush, ~Earendil, Garreth, ~Tarrant, and Mileria" 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 group of you (barring Kadan) see a solid wall rising up before you where the entrance to the castle once was. There is no sign of there ever being a door there. Valina is still dragging her friend... Garreth :) GMRune: Garreth is still unconscious. Arzel: I could wake Garreth up for you Val, if you don't want to drag him Rein runs a hand across the cold stone wall.... Par looks up at the wall thoughtfully. Arzel: Well, maybe this is a sign we have to find Kadan... Rein: What could have sealed this up? Geint: Hmm... good point.... and...uh.... has anyone seen a certain peice of paper? =b Par: I don't know. But it was sealed earlier when we first got here. I guess it decided to seal itself again. Ayeye looks at the new wall, "Does anyone remember seeing and windows?" Par: There were some on the second floor in the bedrooms. Arzel: Par, it let us enter with a Shadowcat...maybe it won't let us leave without one Rein: Has anyone seen anything alive in here? Ayeye: Do you remember if they were barred? Par: The windows? I don't think they were... Valina: Great... Now we'll have to drag this fool BACK upstairs... Geint: Hmm... well how high up were they? I, of course, have no problem, but unless you guys learn how to fly... ~Earendil: I'll carry him if you want to stop, Valina. Arzel: I'll wake him up Val. Rein: I'm sure we can get up to them one way or another Valina: No thank you! But you can help if you want... ;) Ayeye: Par said they were on the second floor. That couldn't be too high. Geint: Hmm... I guess not.... Rein: We'd better get going Par points to how high the ceiling is on the first floor. It's about a good fifty feet up. Geint: And if they are, I could go out and see if it has to be opened only from the outside! Rein: I'm sure we can figure out something... Rein: Maybe Geint could fly out and get a vine or something Ayeye: Par, we aren't going to jump. We could lower ourselves down. Par: Oh... Par feels like an idiot now. Arzel takes one of Garreth's legs and helps Valina drag. Valina looks at Par. Geint sits on Par's head. Valina: Idiot. GMRune: Arzel and Valina drag Garreth back towards the little room at the end of the long hall. Rein is glad he joined up with such a smart group of adventurers Par looks up at Geint. "Yes?" Geint: Oh. Just felt like doing this. Rein: So let's go upstairs already Ayeye heads upstairs to the bedrooms. Arzel: Did anyone listen to my point? GMRune: The party reaches the small down and begins climbing back up the stairs, dragging Garreth after them. (And smacks his head on the stairs several times.) Par: At this rate he'll never wake up. Valina: Good! Ayeye: You had a point? Valina nicely punches Garreth. Par: Well... I was just pointing something out... Arzel: I said we got in with a Shadowcat...maybe we can't get out without one. Geint: Yea... but do you see Kadan anywhere, Arzel? Geint: Are we supposed to idle here? Ayeye: Small problem, you already got your wish. No Kadan. GMRune: The party reaches the second floor. Arzel: Hey! I never wished he wasn't around... Valina: Kadan...? We know your hiding in these walls.. somewhere! Ayeye: It sure seemed like you did. Arzel: Sorry. But it could be the reason the wall was closed...I'll keep my ideas to myself from now on. Geint: Hey! Hey! Let's get outta this mood! And I didn't say you had a point, just that we're gonna try the ones we don't have to wait for, first! Geint: So........let's just stop being like this!! No time for cabin fever! Geint flies off of Par's head. Par: So what are we going to do now? Find Kadan or try leaving this place? Arzel: Who's got cabin fever? I don't got cabin fever. Ayeye: We try leaving. Valina: Ohhh I don't care. Geint: Yea. If it fails, I assume we'll see Kadan. Ayeye looks for a window. Valina sits down and relaxes.. Arzel: How will we get Garreth out? Drop him out the window? Rein: Kadan's with the Shadowcats or something... we're probably in more danger than he is right now. Maybe. Ok, well, probably not, but.... Ayeye: Now that is a good idea! Geint laughs. GMRune: Ayeye finds a small window in the first bedroom to the left. It's about fourteen inches high and twelve inches wide. Valina smiles.. Geint: Yikes!! Tiny window!! Geint tries to open it. Arzel: Personally I wouldn't mind dropping him out the window...I'm about ready to kill him now... Geint: *sigh* ....maybe we SHOULD look for Kadan.... or just you guys. I'll go outside and look around for some ropes. Valina: OK... Ayeye looks for a larger window. Valina starts cleaning the room, for lack of better things to do :) Arzel yawns. Geint, tired of TRYING to open the window with her paws kicks it open. ;) GMRune: All the successive bedrooms seem to have windows of about the same size. It's likely a couple of the party members should be able to squeeze on through, but not some of the larger ones. GMRune: The window opens. Geint: I'll go out and find rope. Geint flies out. Valina looks at Geint. Rein: Good luck, Geint. Geint: *from outside* While I'm here looking, which seems hopeless, go and see if you can't find Kaddy or something and I'll catch up. Valina: Be careful Geint! Ayeye: How can we find someone who disappeared with all of us watching? Arzel: Walk around? Par shrugs. "We could try. Maybe he came back or something." Rein: I'm game. Ayeye sighs. "Right, whatever. Let's get to it then." Par nods. Valina: Well, OK ;) Geint flies around the tower and looks in different rooms, seeing if she sees any kitty people in any rooms from outside. GMRune: Geint doesn't see any other people in the bedrooms. Geint: =( =( Geint flies back in and catches up with the group. Geint: No vines. No peole in any other bedrooms. Geint: Lentol miles and hours away. Rein: Oh well, it was worth a shot Valina: Ohh... that's nice! Ayeye goes back to the room Kadan was last seen in. Rein: I still can't shake the feeling that leaving here would be abondoning Kadan Geint: This is hopeless!! Let's look. If it gets more hopeless, maybe I'll fly the WHOLE WAY TO LENTOL. GMRune: Ayeye heads back up to the third floor, presumably with the rest of the party in tow. Rein: Even though that doesn't make that much sense. Valina: Ohh, I guess I'll follow Ayeye. Ayeye: Kadan said that if he doesn't return, we must complete his mission. GMRune: The doors to the inner sanctum are wide open. And you see sitting cross-legged in the corner of the chamber is Kadan. A look of peace is upon his face. Valina follows, dragging Garreth Rein nods. Ayeye: Kadan! Valina: Kadan... Good morning! Rein does a double take- a look of PEACE on Kadan's face! Kadan sits still near the far wall calmly. Arzel: What did I tell you people? Maybe you should listen to Arzel more often huh? Ayeye runs over too him, "Where have you been!" Geint looks at Kadan. O_O Kadan slowly opens his eyes from behind the exotic feline mask. "... Huh?" Valina just looks. "This place is a mess... oh well!" Arzel: Well Kadan, looks like we found you. Ayeye: What happened? Where did you go? Kadan: No, Arzel. I have found me. Geint: .....Is he even listening.....? Rein wipes his brow with relief Arzel looks at Kadan; the peaceful face. "I see that you have also found that, Kadan." Kadan slowly stands up and claps Ayeye on the shoulder. "Ayeye, let's just say I've learned that there are no absolute truths in this world. I was able to meet my true self." Ayeye looks confused, "You found yourself? Where were you before?" Valina: What..? Kadan: I met some interesting people in the corridors beneath this castle. I can say no more. Arzel smiles at Kadan with knowing look. Kadan looks distant, but somewhat content. "Come. Let's continue." Geint: I get it..... now we need you to get us outta here! Valina: Ok, we can contine! Ayeye: Err, the doors are sealed again. Valina continues dragging Garreth. Rein: Where to now, Kadan? Kadan stretches his limbs. "Well, it would seem to me we have an empire to crush." Kadan tries walking, then wobbles and stumbles a bit. Rein smiles. Valina: Thats the spirit, Kadan! Kadan: Ergh... I forgot how weary I was... Par: Kadan, are you all right? Kadan stretches his left arm in front of his chest. "I've been hammered on quite a bit... I'll be ok if we can just make it back to a town." Rein moves to support Kadan.. however futile that may be. Valina looks at Kadan, concerned! GMRune: Kadan looks a little more battered from when you last saw him. Ayeye: You were attacked? By who? Valina: Come on you big fool...;) Valina drops Garreth and offers help to Kadan. Geint wonders what the heck went on, but decides it must be a tribal thing and decides not to ask. Arzel picks up Garreth's leg ready to drag him. Kadan: The trials were very... trying. It's ok... I just need to get back to a town. We... we can plan our next move from there. I need to sleep on some things... ~Earendil picks up Garreth's other leg. Geint sits on Garreth's back. Ayeye: Alright, but the doors are locked. Rein: Do you need help, Kadan? Arzel: What about Earendil and his quest to become a Dragonmaster? Geint: That will come on the way. Kadan: One step at a time, Arzel. Things are different now. Geint: Earendil must be properly trained, and this will do him a lot of good. Arzel shrugs "Okay...the air bunny must be right...she is a dragon." Arzel: Umm err... Sorry I forgot about the air bunny rule. Geint: You just contradicted yourself there....oh well. Arzel: Sorry, Geint! Arzel: It's just how I know you best, Geint :P Par: Kadan, do you think you can open the door to the castle for us? Kadan: Door? I'm pretty good at busting doors open. Rein: Door is perhaps not a strong enough word.... Arzel: Wall maybe. Par: Um... you know, the big one we first came through? I don't know if you can bust through that one... Valina: Come on! That's the Kadan I know! Geint: Well, we think you're totally cool energy will be enough.... but we'll let you bust Garreth if you'd like! =D Garreth utters a groan, almost as if in protest. Arzel: ohh, Garreth's waking up The bush growls menacingly from within Ayeye's backpack. Kadan: Oh... it's closed. I can try. I'm still not quite sure if I can, but I'll... give it a shot. Valina: Ohhh great.. Geint: Oh no.... the bush is stirring.... Valina steps over to Garreth and punches him in the gut Par: Maybe we should bang his head down the stairs again... Kadan punts Garreth's ribs a few times for good measure. Geint: Yea. Let's do that. GMRune: Garreth's body reacts no more than a sack of potatos at the abuse. Arzel: Hey guys, don't sink to his level and attack the helpless. Ayeye: Do whatever you want with him, but could we get moving? Valina takes Garreth's leg and prepares for the drag. Par nods and heads out the door. Geint: Hey!! We have to sedate him!! Valina drags onward... Valina: Geint! Remember I tied him up ;) GMRune: The party heads down the stairs, bumping Garreth's head down the stairs once more. Arzel: It would be better if he was awake... Are we going to drag him all the way to the next town? Rein trots after them, eager to be out in daylight. Geint flies forward to scout out what's ahead. GMRune: You finally get downstairs to the first floor and again travel down the long passageway to the wall at the end. GMRune: The sheer granite face rises before, massive and seemingly invincible. Valina: That was nice! Rein: Umm... okay Kadan... Geint: This'll be fun!! I always wondered what kinds of stuff the warriors of other tribes did......... can you do it, Kadan? Rein: Time for fireworks. GMRune: A couple lamps flicker near the "entrance" casting large shadows in the corners where the wall meets the hallway. Kadan blushes. "Umm... I don't like all this pressure. What do you need me to do now?" Ayeye: Can you open the door? Ayeye: Where's the switch? Kadan seems very distracted. "Sure... just... umm... what was the question again?" Geint: hey! No pressure....... I mean, time is all we have as of now. Could be worse. We could have people chasing us right now. =b Par: Can you open the door, Kadan? Rein furrows his brow, concerned. Ayeye: Do you know how to open this wall? Kadan blinks twice, then pokes the wall with his index finger. GMRune: It is quite solid. Kadan feels the mask on his face. Kadan whumps his forehead into the rock face. GMRune: The wall remains quite solid. But the mask starts to glow a faint red. Ayeye: Err, I didn't think you were serious about busting it down... Kadan closes his eyes and places both palms on the rock. Ayeye: Are you alright? Arzel: Oh, good Kadan's going to break his skull. Valina: Oh dear.. GMRune: The rock begins to hum slightly. Rein whips out his Kadan fan club paraphenalia. Ayeye glares at Arzel. "When he's here, you want him gone, and when he's gone, you want him here. What's wrong with this picture?" Arzel: What did I say?! Valina wears her Kadan t-shirt! Arzel: I said he was going to break his skull. Kadan closes his eyes and feels the mask, trying to concentrate. GMRune: Suddenly the walls begin to grind apart, forming once again the two massive doors in response to Kadan's will. Kadan: What'd I do?!! Rein: Woohoo! Kadan rules! Ayeye: How did you do that? Arzel keeps a un-impressed face. Kadan: Er... dunno. This mask seems to communicate with me, or at least give me vague impressions. Valina: How nice! GMRune: The night time sky unfurls its dark blue splendour before you. The stars twinkle and the Blue Star hangs brightly in the sky. Ayeye: Yeah, the mask...What is that mask? Rein dashes out into the open... Arzel: Don't go walking into towns with that mask on Kadan, unless there's a dress up party. Rein: Whoa.. I thought it was still day... How weird. Valina: Oh well.. Par: We entered the castle at sunset, Rein. Valina walks out... Rein: Yeah, but I thought... it's been so long that.... never mind... Kadan: I'm not sure what it is. I need to rest... Rein looks a bit puzzled Arzel: What about the magic regenerating stone? Ayeye frowns, "Can you make it to the town?" Kadan: Yeah, I'm fine. I can walk at least... Valina: That's good ;) Geint: Good. Par nods. "Failing that, we probably can't travel very far in the dark." Geint: Well, where else do we have to go?? Geint: We can't just sleep out here...... can we? Par: Lentol's the nearest city if Kadan still wants to go there. Par: What's wrong with camping? Besides having to post watch on Garreth. Geint: But that's still hours away. Valina: Well, there are trees we can tie him to. Geint: Hmm... we COULD camp here..... and people would get suspicious if we walkiked in dragging a warlock tied with a rope. ;) Arzel could hog-tie him... "I don't think he'd get very far struggling on his chest." Rein: It's alright, I'll take the first watch... I'm not tired. Par: Not to mention Kadan's friends would probably beat him up first chance they get. Kadan: Camping is great, so long as we can get to some civilization sooner or later. I need to re-stock some equipment. Kadan offers a coil of thick cord from his belt. Valina: Well, ok! Geint: Go on, Arzel. Sounds like it can't do any harm. Valina begins to clean up a camp sight... Par: Well, if that's settled, let's just camp out here. Arzel unties Garreth's hands and feet, and redoes them into a nice hog-tie. Valina piles some dead twigs together for a campfire. Valina: Geint, little help please. Par sits down, and pulls out a light bedroll from his backpack. He rolls it out and takes a seat on it. Arzel uses another rope, ties it to the hog-tie and ties it to the nearest large secure object. GMRune: Arzel ties Garreth to the ring of stones. Rein whips out some beef jerky Rein: mmmm.... rations.... Geint eyes the jerky. O_o ~Earendil: I don't suppose even Tarrant can turn beef jerky into something better than rations. Valina looks at the pile of sticks. "Geint! Please?" Arzel would prefer NOT to tie him to the ring of stones...anything else around. Arzel: Just what we need, a warlock with MP Rein: Geint, go long.... Rein makes to toss some jerky Valina: Ummm Geint, im getting a little cold!! could you pleas start this fire? Ayeye looks through her backpack for fire- starting tools. Par: Geint? Could you start the fire already? Geint was dosing, but gets up. "whaaa? Oh! Ok!" Valina: Geint... please.. little help... Geint lights the fire. Valina: Thank you Geint! Geint: *PHHLLLLPPPHH* GMRune: The fire crackles merrily just outside of the shadowcat castle. Rein sits down in front of the fire and drowses off... "Not tired... mm.nn.. " Valina cuddles up next to the fire. Par casts an anxious glance at Garreth, but then settles down into his bedroll. The bush stares curiously at the fire, but decides to avoid it. Arzel wishes there was some way to keep Garreth away from the stone ring ~Tarrant: Maybe it just can't be helped. Geint: Uhh... maybe rein shouldn't have first shift..... Rein snores loudly. Ayeye: I'll take first shift. Valina hits Rein! Valina: Stop that! Geint: I can stay up. I nap all day on people's shoulders. Rein: D'oh! What was that for? Par mumbles, "Just go to sleep, people..." Valina: shhhh... Rein: No need to ask twice. Kadan sleeps on his back and snores loudly. Rein: snore.... GMRune: The party goes to sleep, resting and recovering from their ordeals in the castle and taking turns at watch during the night. Valina: Kadan... GMRune: The night is cold, but the fire helps keep you from freezing. After dreamless sleeping, you finally awake a little after dawn. Valina: ~yawn~ Arzel checks to see if Garreth is still there. GMRune: Garreth is not in sight. Valina gets up and begins to look at the plants... for breakfast! Arzel: Damn! Valina: Garreth! great! I told you how you should tie him up... Earendil: Oh great! Par wakes up, yawning. "What is it, Arzel?" Rein: oh man... Arzel goes over and checks the rock he tied him to. Arzel: Garreth's gone, Par! Geint: How could he have gotten away????? Geint: I thought Arzel tied him well!! GMRune: The rock is perfectly fine. But the rope's been burned through. Geint: ....unless someone else took him.... Valina: You didn't tie a pretty bow on the knot! Arzel: Summoned his warlock buddies...I don't understand why he wouldn't of killed us Arzel: Damn...magic! Valina finds some yummy roots! Valina: Alright! Geint: That's it. This offically sucks. GMRune: You see a small note on the ground near where he was tied. Earendil makes an ugh face at the roots. Arzel: How could he of casted with his hands tied...thoes warlocks are always coming up with new tricks. Valina prepares the party yummy roots for breakfast! Arzel reads the note. Geint looks at the paper. Geint: What's this? GMRune: It reads: "Earendil, The game is on dear brother. I'll see you again soon. Elanor." Geint: !!! Kadan: Huh? Where did that snake go? Geint: I knew someone else got to him! Earendil tears up the note and throws it on the ground. Valina: Oops, I guess I dont need to prepare some for Garreth... Oh well! Arzel: Damn...Elanor...she must have been following us. Geint: hmmm... Earendil mutters, "Damn you Elanor." Kadan: I didn't detect anybody following us... she must have snuck in quickly in the night. Geint: ....someone must have fallen asleap at their post...... Rein finally wakes up.. he scratches his head.. "What happened?" Par: I'm inclined to agree with Kadan. I don't think she was near us earlier. Valina is cooking yummy roots for breakfast. Earendil: Let's hope she hasn't mastered teleportation magic. Ayeye: I knew it was a bad idea to stay here. We should have gone somewhere...random. Par: Ah, teleportation magic... Something we could use. Unfortunately I don't know it yet. Geint looks at the roots and icks. "We're supposed to eat those???" Valina: yup :) Arzel munchs on the roots. Par thanks Valina for her thoughtfulness and eats breakfast. Kadan rummages around in his pack for some mystery meat. Geint: I want to learn how to cook someday...... Valina eats the yummy roots! Valina: Yummy. GMRune: Kadan doesn't find any mystery meat. ;) Kadan: Pooh! Earendil: We can't hang around here any more, we have to go. Par swallows the last of his breakfast and nods. He rolls up his bedding and stuffs it back in his backpack. Geint: Good. Onward! Where to, Earendil? =) Rein gathers up his staff and backpack Earendil: That is a good question. Any ideas, Par? Valina grabs the remaining yummy roots and places them in her pouch! Par: I'm not sure. Par pulls out the documents he took from House Terna and begins shuffling through them. Par: I know Kadan said he wanted to go back to Lentol though. Par: Something about restocking. Kadan: No, Par. Not necesssarily Lentol. Kadan: I'm not sure if I need to see that place now. I've been thinking about the future lately; not the past. Geint: Anywhere to get supplies. Earendil: Perhaps we should head for Vane again, Lady Mileria might have some more news for us. Par nods. "All right. To Vane then!" Valina puts out the fire... GMRune: The party begins the long journey back to Vane. Valina stomps on the COLD ashes to make sure everything is out. GMRune: You pass back through the mountains and towards Lentol when you see eight flying specks heading towards you. Valina: Ohh look! Rein: Could they be friendly flying specks? Valina: I hope so! Geint: *snicker* Maybe they're air bunnies. GMRune: They are tiny for the moment, but fast moving, and growing with each passing second. Kadan frolics through the wilderness. Valina: Prehaps they would like some yummy roots. Valina: Or... prehaps not. GMRune: They seems to spot you as they near and circle down from above. Now that they are descending, you can tell they are a flight of wyburns. Earendil gets a questioning look on his face as Kadan frolics and then turns back to the flying things. Rein: Oh, no... GMRune: The one in the lead bears a silver locket with an amethyst center around its neck. Arzel: Maybe they're from Lady whatshername. Earendil: Perhaps we are in luck today. Kadan makes an ugly face at the wyburns. GMRune: They land before you, and the leader scuffles towards the group, bowing his head. Valina sings to the wyburns. Rein puts a hand to his forehead... Rein: Terrific... wyburns GMRune: The leader snuffles, looking back and forth at the group, his locket gleaming brightly. Arzel looks at Par. "You're the Wyburn master." Ayeye: It's not so bad, we could have one of those great air battles again. Par nods. Par walks up to the lead wyburn and pats it gently on the head. He then removes the locket and presses down on the amethyst. GMRune: An illusion appears, hovering above the gem. It is of Lady Mileria. Mileria: I hope that this message reaches you in time, as unusual events have recently come up at House Magus. Mileria: You see, Emperor Kargeth himself will be visiting House Magus, and has commanded us to hold a celebration in his honor. Earendil: I can think of a few ways to "honor" him. Mileria: Very many warlock dignitaries will be present, and I'm very concerned over what will happen within the course of the next few days. Valina: Ohh... that sounds.. dangerous! Geint: =( =( Valina: And knowing Gauston is still after you won't make life any better. Kadan: Are we sure we want to go to Vane now? Mileria: So please, I beg you to make haste and return. I sent these wyburns to you to bring you back. I don't know what help you can offer, but I have this horrible feeling that something terrible is going to happen. Kadan: I'm not sure if I'll be able to control myself. Geint: Hmm... I dunno. Earendil? What do you say? Ayeye: I certainly don't want to go. Unless the staff is there. Valina: well, I supose we have no choice. Earendil: We have to go, this may be a chance to get some information. Arzel: Let's go then. Valina approches her wyburn friend... Arzel: We must not waste time. Mileria: If you do not wish to come, I will try to understand. But please, do come. You have no idea what's at stake for me here. Rein approaches one of the smaller wyburns. Earendil: Besides, it isn't any worse than us almost marching into Killith a few weeks ago. Valina: Hi... Rein: Alright bud, you don't mess with me, I won't mess with you. Arzel goes to a nice looking wyburn. GMRune: The image of Lady Mileria vanishes. Geint continues to sit on Earendil. Ayeye: Of course, we didn't march into Killith. Arzel hops on the wyburn. Rein cutiously mounts the wyburn Valina sits on the back of her wyburn! "Hello again!" Kadan remembers his decisions in the castle. "Wait... we cannot think of our own needs here. We must do what's best for the resistance during this time." GMRune: The wyburns snort and whuffle, but are rather getting used to you all now. Earendil gets onto the lead wyburn, "Let's make sure that we land a good distance from the town though." Valina: That's the spirit, Kadan! Arzel: Don't worry Rein...I used to play with wyburns when I was a kid...they aren't usually violent. Par: I'll make sure of it. Rein: Yeah... okay Arzel.. whatever you say... Rein eyes the beast suspiciously Par mounts up. "C'mon Kadan. Let's get going." Arzel: Just don't hurt them...they don't hurt you. GMRune: Rein's wyburn is eyeing him suspiciously as well. Kadan approaches the wyburns warily. Kadan: Umm... nice dragon-thingie.... Geint: Dragon-thingy? GMRune: The wyburn looks at Kadan and snorts. Earendil shakes his head as he watches Kadan and Rein. Ayeye gets on to a wyburn. "There not that bad." Arzel: Don't worry Rein...it's just like riding a horse! ~Tarrant: Some people just don't get along with animals, I guess. Rein: Geez... they could at least give us saddles! Par: Wyburns don't really like saddles, Rein. Valina sings to her wybern... and offers it a yummy root! Geint: Enough wasting of time!! Rein: Well, I don't really like wyburns, but we all do what we have to, eh? Geint: C'mon!! We gotta go save the world and stuff! Earendil: Agreed. Get on the wyburns or stay here. GMRune: Valina's wyburn doesn't really want to eat a root. GMRune: Kadan's wyburn headbutts Kadan on to his back. Kadan: Oof! Par signals for the flight to lift off and the party heads towards Vane. Geint snickers. Rein: You see that? You can't trust these things Valina: This is so much fun. Geint: He was eager to get on the way!! Rein shuts his eyes tight and gets a death grip on the neck of his wyburn GMRune: As you set off for the northeast, four forms on the nearby peaks notice you and begin pursuit. Valina: WEEE! Earendil: Damn, I had hoped not to have another fight in the air. GMRune: These newcomers are still somewhat distant, and awkward flyers as well, but they seem like they are still fast enough to intercept you. Valina: Ohh... here we go again... Geint gets ready to jump off Earendil. Rein: Maybe we should head down and fight them on the ground... assuming they're hostile GMRune: They draw closer, resembling something like chickens, but with scales along their thick legs and possessing a lizardlike tail. Kadan grumbles. GMRune: Something about their gazes makes you want to avoid them, even at this distance. Geint: Cockatrice? Valina: Ohhh no. Valina: I was in such a good mood to! GMRune: The four cockatrices draw closer to the party. Par: What are we going to do? Try fighting in the air again? Earendil: Turning into stone at this height would not be fun. Anyone have a mirror? Geint: It's OK. They aren't that good at flying. Rein: I say we head down. Ayeye: Yeah! Air combat is fun. Rein: I don't know about that! Geint leaps off of Earendil's shoulder. Geint: *flap* *flap* *flap* Par: Make up your mind soon or we'll be stuck in the air! Kadan: I shall reflect their gaze with my incredibly shiny hygenic teeth! Earendil: Let's get rid of them up here. GMRune: The cockatrices swoop in and attack! Valina: Indeed! GMRune: ------round 1----- GMRune: target: 4 cockatrices Rein: Okay, buddy, go left or something. GMRune: Kadan casts Tactic! GMRune: Kadan looks incredibly efficient! GMRune: Ayeye makes a flying leap on to cockatrice #4! GMRune: She lands safety on its back. GMRune: Kadan equips his silver bow and attacks cockatrice #1! GMRune: attack 1: 55 damage Valina: Ayeye... again? GMRune: attack 2: 46 damage Kadan watches the arrows fly with incredible speed, powered by his herculean physique. Kadan strikes a bodybuilder pose. GMRune: Valina sings, pounding wyburn #2 with powerful sound waves! GMRune: 14 damage! GMRune: Rein tries urging his wyburn forward, but it snorts angrily at him, taking him into a wild barrel roll! GMRune: Cockatrice #1 attacks Earendil! Rein hangs on for dear life Geint can't help but snicker. GMRune: 2 damage! GMRune: Cockatrice #2 uses Gaze and looks at Tarrant! GMRune: Tarrant resists. GMRune: Cockatrice #3 uses Gaze at Par! GMRune: Par resists. GMRune: Cockatrice #4 attacks Rein! GMRune: 12 damage! Rein: WAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH! GMRune: Geint spins into a dive and rakes through cockatrices #1,2, and 4! Geint: YAAHAAA!! GMRune: 50 damage to each! Geint: =D GMRune: Cockatrice #1 is history! GMRune: Earendil casts Thunder Strike on Cockatrice #3! It's struck by a giant bolt of lightning! GMRune: 10 damage! GMRune: Par hurls a shard of ice at Cockatrice #2! Kadan: Your magic is useless here! I see I made the correct decision in the tunnels beneath the castle. GMRune: 51 damage! Valina: Humm.. you know Kadan may have a point... GMRune: Arzel hurls a bolt of flame at cockatrice #3! GMRune: 22 damage! Valina: Then again, maybe not. Earendil: Maybe thunder was the wrong elemental, ice seems to work well. GMRune: Tarrant calls a bolt of thunder on cockatrice #3! Rein: WWAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH! Valina: Rein... GMRune: 48 damage! GMRune: -----round 2------ Valina: o_O GMRune: Ayeye stabs at the cockatrice she's riding on! GMRune: attack 1: 1 damage GMRune: attack 2: 1 damage GMRune: Kadan switches weapons to his axe and hacks at cockatrice #2! GMRune: attack 1: 41 damage GMRune: It dies! Kadan: Wee hee! GMRune: Kadan attacks cocktrice #3! GMRune: attack 2: 46 damage GMRune: Valina swings her sword at cockatrice #4! GMRune: 12 damage! GMRune: Rein tries, unsuccesfully, at getting his wyburn under control. His wyburn's now doing loops around the remaining cockatrices. GMRune: Cockatrice #3 uses Gaze at Geint! GMRune: Geint turns to stone! Geint falls like a rock. GMRune: Geint begins falling down through the atmosphere. Valina: o_O! Earendil takes his wyburn after Geint. GMRune: Earendil sacrifices his attack to go down and save Geint. GMRune: Cockatrice #4 uses Gaze at Earendil! GMRune: Earendil resists! GMRune: Geint's turn is forfeit since she's a stone bunny. Earendil reaches out and grabs one of the wings of the bunny statue GMRune: Earendil safety retrieves Geint for his turn. GMRune: Par hurls a shard of ice at Cockatrice #3! Rein: WWWWWWWWWWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Arzel: Rein! Calm down...you not gonna die. GMRune: 47 damage! GMRune: It dies! Rein continues to cruise around on the wyburn. Valina: Rein... perhaps you need a seat belt! Earendil stifles a snicker while looking at the expression of Geint frozen in stone. GMRune: Arzel hurls a bolt of flame at cockatrice #4! GMRune: 18 damage! GMRune: Tarrant calls down a bolt of lightning on cockatrice #4! GMRune: 56 damage! GMRune: ------round 3----- Valina: Ummm Ayeye... you better get off soon. remember what happened LAST time.. GMRune: Ayeye attacks the remaining cockatrice! GMRune: attack 1: 1 damage GMRune: attack 2: 1 damage GMRune: The cockatrice falls! With Ayeye on it no less! Geint: ....... Valina: Ayeye... I warned you! GMRune: ----victory----- Valina: Come on!! GMRune: Ayeye falls down with the cockatrice body. Geint: . . . . . . . Valina swoops down to retrive her falling comrade! Arzel goes down to save Ayeye. GMRune: Arzel pulls Ayeye off of the dying cockatrice and on to his wyburn. Ayeye: Thanks Arzel. Arzel flys back up and lets Ayeye on to her own wyburn. Arzel: No problem, Ayeye. Rein finally brings his mount under control several hundred yards from the party GMRune: The party earns 103 XP, 57 MEXP, and 40 S Valina joins the rest... GMRune: Geint is freed from the petrification. Geint: uuuhh.... why is Rein over there and we're over here...? Arzel flys over to Rein and shows him the ropes of flying a wyburn Kadan: Whew... glad that's over with! Earendil: Geint, you looked so cute when you were stone, I almost kept you for a house decoration. Ayeye: I'm not, air combat is fun. Arzel brings himself and Rein back to the group. Rein: Thanks, Arzel. Arzel: You just gotta get used to 'em Rein... Rein: Sure.... Arzel: You'll learn some day, kid. GMRune: After the death of the cockatrices, the rest of the ride to Vane goes both smoothly and swiftly, barring occasional jostling on the part of Rein's wyburn. Valina flies close to Rein. Par carefully guides the flight to a landing spot about a half mile south of Vane. Arzel attempts to help Rein control his Wyburn Par: We can continue on foot from here. Then maybe things won't look too suspicious. GMRune: The wyburns land with ease, hardly throwing anyone off balance as they touch down. Rein's mount comes to a smooth stop and he exits calmly that you very much. Rein then finds a convenient bush and no, not the ambush. The bush glares at Rein with shock! Valina jumps off her Wyburn.. Rein: "Sorry, I couldn't help it," Rein explains to the bush. Rein: It was his fault. Rein points at the Wyburn. The bush then pants. All is forgiven. Par dismounts, and helps anyone else off their wyburns if they need it. Earendil: If Kargeth has already arrived in Vane, there is no way we will be able to get into Vane looking like this. Kadan seems worried. Valina: Ohh great.. Par frowns. "True. But I don't think he's arrived just yet. Even Emperor Kargeth will give House Magus a little time to suitably prepare for his arrival. Kadan: We should remain inconspicuous. Perhaps Geint should be stuffed in a bag or something. Geint: !!!!!! Valina: I suppose if there is going to be a party, we might as well dress up! Geint: Kadan has his mask! Par smiles. "I think Lady Mileria can take care of that. If she wants us present, she'll arrange for something." Valina has never 'dressed up' before (it is prpably better that way!) Arzel pulls his hood over his head, shadowing his face. ~Tarrant does likewise. Valina has no hood. Par: C'mon. Let's head into town while we still have some time. Earendil starts walking toward Vane Arzel walks into town, eyeing his surroundings. Rein: Hmm... a party. Geint: *sigh* I'll pretend to be an air bunny... but don't rub it in my face!! Don't call me "air bunny"!! I don't call you and say "Hey mage!" or "Hey guy with a sword!!" Valina follows. Geint follows. Valina: Humm... Valina: I have a bad feeling about this... Par cautiously leads the group back to the Crystal Spire. Par raises the small globe out of his pocket and opens the entrance again. Kadan follows stealthily. Valina follows.. uneasily. GMRune: The party enters the Crystal Spire and the doorway closes behind them. GMRune: All around you warlocks are busily running and moving things. Decorations are being set up and candles lit. GMRune: Some of them notice you, but they pay you no mind. Rein: Wow.. cool! Valina: Oh... this is going to be nice! Let's hide in the party hall. Kadan treads around uncomfortably. Par questions one of the warlocks and then turns to the party. "Lady Mileria is awaits us in her private study. It's on the fourth floor. If you'll just follow me..." Valina stands by Kadan. Par heads up the stairs and gestures for the party to follow him. Earendil heads up the stairs after Par. Rein too. Valina follows uneasily. GMRune: The party follows Par up the stairs and he leads them down a short hallway on the fourth floor. Geint follows again. Kadan follows Par nervously. GMRune: It ends in a gilded set of double doors with the serpent and dagger symbol engraved in silver. Par opens the door and ushers you all inside. GMRune: ---end session--------