Lunar: Magic Empire Session 27 Log ============================================================ Cast of Characters: Rune as "GM/Narrator, Par, the bush, Leon/Voice/Ghaleon, Woman/Sydney, Golem, Man/T'lain, Cat, Warlock, ~Geint and ~Valina" 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: As you enter the rounded crevice leading into Geint's cave, the amount of heat increasely considerably, rapidly rising to a barely tolerable level. Dark rocks smolder around you, baking the sides of your faces and the soles of your shoes. The glow from the ashen rocks is just barely enough to light your way. Kadan wipes off his forehead. "So... uh... you're looking for something here, Earendil?" Rein pulls a swig from his canteen. Earendil: I guess so, but only Geint knows where it is. GMRune: Thick smoke begins to form around you as you continue onward. The atmosphere is dense, and you can no longer breath without coughing (barring Geint). ~Geint: Don't worry, of course I know my way through my own home! =) Ayeye: Are you sure it's safe in here, I can barely breath. Kadan is not amused. "Then why do we all have to go in here with her? " Rein: Moral support? Earendil: Geint how many monsters regularly make their homes here? ~Geint: Come on! All Dragonmasters and their friends have to go through this! ~Geint: Not many, I don't think. Well, maybe a few. But not many overall. Kadan: Well, I suppose that's some consolation. Maybe 7,000 years from now, some annoying little snot and his obnoxious cohorts will have to endure this as well. Rein: Must be some TWISTED little creatures that would choose to live here... ~Geint giggles and perches on Kadan's head. She points ahead of the party. "Hey's there's a familiar landmark!" Earendil: Yeah, and maybe they'll have to deal with an annoying, . . . uh cute, little dragon. Ayeye: Could we just speed these up, before we run out of air. GMRune: A deep red glow fades into view ahead. As you near it, you discover it's a sluggish river of lava which crosses the cavern perpendicular to you. The tunnel continues onward on the other side. Ayeye: Geint, we, um, can't fly. How do we cross that? ~Geint peers at the lava and then back at the party. ".... ..." ~Geint: I knew I forgot something... Kadan: Yikes... I knew this was a mistake. Perhaps I should have stayed with that Imperial stain we met earlier. Par could handle himself here. Tarrant hopes that they don't have to do the river crossing... This time I will be toast. Earendil: There has gotta be some way across, other dragonmasters have done it. ~Geint rubs her head in thought. Ayeye: Could we harden the lava or something? Earendil: Water or ice magic anybody? Rein: well.. maybe's it's not as hot as it looks. Kadan wriggles in his armor uncomfortably. "Wasn't there... er... some other place we could go to? I fail to see how this help... " Leon: It sure looks hot to me! Earendil gives Rein a condenscending look. Tarrant: Well there are no plants down here.. No vine bridge. Arzel: Par was the only one with ice magic. GMRune: The heavy air starts becoming more unbearable. Rein pats Leon on the head "Yeah.. you're right, of course..." Earendil: Let me gues, nobody here knows Earth magic either? Ayeye: Err...yeah, do you think we could freeze it? GMRune: Leon smiles up at Rein. Arzel: 'fraid not Ear. Rein: I don't suppose there's any other path we could take? Ayeye looks at the rest of the party while waiting for a response. Kadan looks to either side rather hastily. "Well... erm... I don't see any monsters. How 'bout you go fetch that artifact or whatever it is, Geint, and we'll wait outside." ~Geint: Fetch? What do you think I am? Some kind of canine? Tarrant: I know Lightning.. I can try to knock some big rocks from the ceiling to block the river.. Kadan suddenly entertains the idea of an air puppy. Rein examines the ceiling and the walls. Earendil: Tarrant, the trick is not to cause a cave-in. GMRune: The walls glow slightly with the heat of the magma behind them. The ceiling however it full of small stalactites. Ayeye turns from the party and toward the lava. Kadan investigates the surrounding walls and surfaces for any alternate route. GMRune: There don't appear to be any other paths. Arzel looks around. Tarrant kicks some pebbles into the lava. Earendil: Tarrant, if you want to try, I suppose its okay, but if we get killed, I'll haunt you throughout eternity. Ayeye sighs and casts Ice Dagger in an attempt to freeze the lava. GMRune: The pebbles sink deep into the lava. Kadan takes a step towards Ayeye. "Hey, don't get close to that stuff." GMRune: The lava hardens in the small area that Ayeye struck. GMRune: The river is about twenty five feet wide, although you can't be certain because of the heat distortion. Kadan glares at Ayeye in mild surprise. "I... I never knew you had that trick..." Earendil: Magic, Ayeye? I didn't know you had it in you. Ayeye: I, well, I don't use it ... usually ... Kadan turns away from the river, a sour look on his face. Arzel snickers. Leon sits down, but then yelps from the heat. He clings to the pants on Rein's leg instead. Ayeye attempts to harden a path across the lava. Arzel coughs. GMRune: Through hard work, Ayeye manages to creates a path of hardened rock around the lava. Ayeye: I don't like being so much like the warlocks... Tarrant: Good job Ayeye.. Rein: That looks pretty good though... Kadan tries to turn back to Ayeye, then follows, slinking near the rear of the group. Earendil: Great work Ayeye, as you can see, magic can be useful at times. Rein gingerly tests his weight on Ayeye's bridge GMRune: The bridge seems to sink slightly as Rein puts his weight on it, but that is all. Tarrant scurries across the bridge Ayeye: I don't care if it can be useful! The warlocks are evil, and I don't want to be like them! Arzel: it's going to start melting soon if we don't cross Tarrant: Are you saying that I am a warlock because I use magic? Rein: I don't know... this thing barely holds me.. Rein looks doubtfully at Kadan. Ayeye stares at the ground as she continues walking. Earendil: Ayeye, let's not get into this now. We've had this debate before about magic being evil or being neutral. Kadan gently puts his hand on Ayeye's shoulder. "It's alright, Ayeye... everything will be alright. We'll get through this." Earendil walks away from Ayeye and slinks across the bridge. ~Geint flaps over the river and perchs on the other side. Tarrant is now extremely hot. As all of the steam caused by the ice seemed to increase the temperature.. Rein carefully walks out onto the bridge Leon stumbles across the bridge, but then collapses in the middle of it. Ayeye looks up to Kadan and smiles slightly. "Thank you." Kadan sighs. "Rein... that kid you babysit fell down again." Arzel follows the group. Rein picks up Leon and carries him across. Leon murmurs, "I don't feel too good..." Kadan: Rein, can you do anything for him? We need to get moving. Rein: Hmm.. I'll see what I can do... Leon is hanging very limply in Rein's grasp. GMRune: Rein and Leon are now on the other side. Earendil: Leon? Rein: What's the matter, Leon? Leon looks very pale. "I feel so hot and dizzy..." Rein: Hmm... not surprising.... have some water Leon drinks some of the water, and looks a little bit better, though not by much. Valina hops across the brige Earendil: Ayeye, bring an ice shard next to me in the ground. We can use some of it to make a cold compress for Leon's head. Kadan puts his hand over his brow and surveys the surrounding caverns. "Is it much farther, Geint? I don't think we'll last much longer in here, especially the child." Rein: I don't know whatelse to do for him... it's just amazingly hot in here, that's all... Leon squirms weakly. "I can't seem to breathe." ~Geint nods sympathetically. Rein frowns worriedly. Ayeye creates an Ice Shard for Earendil. ~Geint: I'm afraid it's a lot farther than Leon can go. Earendil crushes up some the ice and puts it in a cloth and gives it to Rein. Rein applies the makeshift compress to Leon. Earendil: Maybe one of us should take him out. Rein: I'm afraid Geint's right, this thing's going to melt soon... Tarrant: Someone has to take him out of here... Rein: Maybe one of us should take Leon outside... Rein: I suppose I can do it.... Rein looks to the party. Valina: ... Let me. Arzel: The party may need you to heal Rein... Rein nods. ~Geint: I don't know if we should just leave him outside though. Arzel: My magic will probobly be usless on any creatures because of fire resitance...I'll take him out. Rein: Go with Val, Leon, she'll take you out of here. Earendil: Agreed then, Valina, take good care of him. GMRune: Leon is like a wet noodle, he doesn't stand. Valina: OK... Kadan: Anyone else who cannot go on... now is the time to back out. Tarrant: Are you going to be able to carry him all the way back? Arzel: I'll go out with Val...there may be something lurking out there Valina holds Leon.. ~Geint looks nervously at the party and at who seems to be going and who seems to be staying. Valina: We'll be ok. Arzel looks around. Arzel: My magic will be useless in here anyway ~Geint: ...I hate to say this, but I don't know if you'll be able to get the Red Dragon Shield if we split up like this. Arzel looks confused now. Earendil: Why, is it guarded by something? Kadan: Well, Leon won't make it any way we do this... Tarrant: So what do you suggest Geint? Rein: Val should be able to make it back.... it isn't far. Rein: But she should get going.. Leon doesn't look too good. ~Geint: Well, there is a test... of course! But I... can't talk about it. But I don't think we can make it without enough of us here. Arzel nods and mumbles. "I was just trying to help" Earendil: Arzel, you still be useful. You can heal, and Althena knows that we need plenty of that. Rein: Of course you were! Leon doesn't seem to be conscious anymore. Arzel: Good point Ear... Earendil: Valina, if you don't get going, I will personally punt you out of the cave. ~Valina nods and starts heading out with Leon. Kadan: The longer we spend here talking, the less endurance we'll have. Geint, Earendil... if we're gonna do this, we gotta do it now." ~Geint nods and flaps ahead into the cave. Earendil follows Geint. Kadan reaches back and pulls his sweaty shirt over the back of his neck to shield himself from the embers being kicked up by the group. GMRune: The level of heat increases, and the gut- wrenching scent of something burning reaches you. Rein puts a hand to his head and loosens his collar. Ayeye: Could we hurray up, I'm not feeling well ... Rein: Geez.. I think this heat is starting to get to me a bit too. Tarrant sniffs the air.. Earendil leans on his sword a little bit in the opressive heat. Ayeye stumbles into the wall. Tarrant: This reminds me of my first job at the charcoal pit in Vane.. GMRune: The air smells a bit acrid and almost sour. Rein wobbles a bit as he pulls himself along with his staff Arzel is used to heat, so isn't quite as bad as the otheres Earendil mutters, "How did the others do this?" Ayeye holds her head in her hands, "I feel weak..." Rein slumps down next to Ayeye ~Geint peers at Rein. "Are you okay?" Rein: Me too... Earendil: Geint, the group is dropping like flies. There must be something that can be done. Rein: I'm afraid not. Tarrant: This had better be worth it Rein. Rein takes another drink from his canteen. ~Geint pauses and perchs on a blunt stalagmite. Arzel sighs. Kadan shakes his head. "The sooner we get done with this, the sooner we can leave. Push yourselves harder. Arzel: If only I had studied the part of my magic that has to do with PROTECTION from fire... ~Geint: Well... the sage in the spire ought to know how to get you humans through it. But that means we'd have to send Leon away. Rein grits his teeth and pulls himself to his feet. Arzel hobles over to Rein and tries to help support him. Earendil thinks about it for a minute . . . "We may have to go back. There is no way we could pass any kind of test with the condition our group is in." Ayeye follows Rein's example and gets up. "Could ... we ... move ... before ... we ... die." ~Geint nods solemnly. Tarrant: Well I am hoping that this is the test. Rein: I feel faint... Kadan: I feel fine. Search for the determination within... you can survive more than you think you can. Earendil gets dizzy and says, "If it . . . is, then . . . we are failing." Arzel: Rein, put your arm around my neck, I can help support you... Ayeye moves clumsily down the tunnel, "We must continue." ~Geint looks down. "If you guys can't go even this far without being sick, how will you ever get down another four floors?" Rein slumps to his knees, supporting himself with his staff. Earendil slumps up against the wall, "We're leaving . . . now." Kadan: I suppose she's right... Earendil is no condition to prove his worth. Rein: Yes, let's... Ayeye falls back to the floor. ~Geint begins to lead the party back out but pauses to look down at Ayeye. Arzel looks at Ayeye. Arzel: Ayeye I can help to support you...I still have some strength Rein hauls himself back towards the entrance Earendil: Let's hope the bridge is still there. With Ayeye in that condition, she won't . . . be able to make another one. Kadan reluctantly gives into the group's wishes and turns his attention to helping Ayeye stand. Tarrant: Lets keep going.. Its not that hot. GMRune: The party returns to the river. Earendil and Rein feel weaker, but the bridge is still mostly intact. Earendil: Tarrant, . . . you have a gift for understatement. Kadan: For you and I perhaps, Tarrant, but Earendil is the one who needs to be in good shape. Kadan gives Geint the 'why do you have to have such a hellish home' glare. Rein: I can't beleive how hot that was... Arzel looks at Tarrant "Again my friend we agree. :)" ~Geint look back at Kadan with innocent eyes. "I can't help it if I'm the red dragon! I just live here, that's all!" GMRune: The party manages to get across the bridge with nothing more than minor steam burns. A few minutes later, daylight begins to appear in the distance. Tarrant: The next Dragon Cave we go to is the Cool and Refreshing Dragon Cave.. Arzel: I don't fair to well in cold places... ~Geint: Looking for a dunk in Canth's river again? =) Earendil: I'd take freezing cold over that heat any day. Kadan holds onto his knees and takes a deep breath of the cooler air. GMRune: The party exits the volcano. Valina seems surprised to see you, and Leon is laying down, looking much better. Earendil staggers out of the entrance ~Valina: What happened? You're back so fast! Earendil: Same thing that happened to Leon. Ayeye lies on the ground and rests. Arzel walks of to Tarrent. "It wasn't that bad." ~Valina: Well, you should get better soon then. Leon hasn't been very active yet, but he's breathing okay. Rein: Remember how hot it was? Well it got worse. ~Valina sighs. "Well what are we doing then?" Earendil: Geint had an idea. Tarrant: ->Arzel: If they think that was hot.. They would have love to be in the Smoke House back home.. ~Geint bobs her head. "Yeah, the sage in the spire across the strait should be able to help us." Ayeye: I ... told ... you ... we ... should ... have ... gone ... there ... first. Kadan gives Geint a suspicous look. "He's not a... WARLOCK, is he?" Arzel: ->Tarrant: You and your hot plates Tarrant, I remember when I almost burnt my hands off with one of them :P ~Geint scrunches her face up in disbelief. "Of course not! I wouldn't want a warlock living this close to my home!" Earendil stands up as the diziness leaves him. Tarrant: ->Arzel: Well I warned you.. I think your stomach took over though.. Arzel: ->Tarrant: Your cooking was the best in Vane! how could I turn down free food? Especcily from you :) GMRune: After a few more minutes of resting, Rein and Ayeye also feel better. Leon's eyes are bright once more as he waits for the party to make their next move. Rein: What are we going to do now? Earendil: I guess it's back to our friend the turtle. Tarrant walks over to the rest of the group.. Arzel walks over too. Rein: Didn't you say something about someone who could help us, Geint? GMRune: As the party makes ready to head back to the turtle, they see the ring of stones again. Arzel walks over to Earendil. Arzel: Ya now I could probably teach you to resist heat...but it would take a while. ~Geint: Yep! There's some know-a-lot person living there! Kadan eyes the stones suspicously. Tarrant enters the ring for good luck. GMRune: The party is restored to full MP. GMRune: You head back towards the narrow strait and you see the turtle is still resting there, a tiny mound of its shelled back still remaining above water. Rein: I can't believe we have to go BACK there! ~Valina: Well, it doesn't look like we'll have to jump TOO far to reach it's back at least. Ayeye: If you had only listened to me, we would have gone there in the first place. Earendil: Well Valina, guess you get to test your driving skills again. ~Valina: At least it hasn't moved yet. Earendil decides to ignore Ayeye's "I told you so" remarks. ~Valina: I don't think we'll have to if we can get jump on it's back without falling. Then we can just jump to the other side. Arzel wanders over to Geint "Ya like the heat don't ya? Well when this is all over you should ask Tarrant to make one of his famous hot plates for ya :)" ~Geint grins. "Sure! =}" Rein: Well, let's get going, then. Ayeye gets on to the turtle. Arzel goes on the turtle Kadan boards the turtle. Earendil walks onto the turtle. ~Valina holds on to Leon and jumps down on to the turtle. GMRune: The turtle stirs a little bit and its head sticks up out of the water. Tarrant tries to jump on the turtle but misses terribly and spashes into the ocean. Leon looks down into the water for Tarrant. Arzel helps Tarrant out of the water. Rein also helps haul Tarrant up. ~Valina hops over to the eastern side of the strait. Arzel: ->Tarrant: Ya gotta stay outta the water with these robes on, they make you sink like a rock. ~Valina starts heading for the tower. "Come on, everyone!" Kadan reluctantly follows. Tarrant spits water out of his mouth "Thanks.. I stink at every physical event..." Ayeye follows Valina. Arzel: Well, you excel at mental events Tarrant, don't worry. GMRune: The area around the base of the ivory spire is surrounded by a thick glen. Large ferns dominate the foilage, and you can hear slight sounds uttered in low tones coming from within. Earendil jumps off the turtle to the other side. Tarrant walks off of the turtle. GMRune: There doesn't seem to be a way directly to the spire without crashing through the trees. Arzel follows. Ayeye: Where's the door? Rein: What do you suppose is making that noise? ~Geint: The door? Oh, it's in here somewhere. It's been a while since I've seen it. These ferns just grow so fast! Earendil: Better that we don't find out. Ayeye starts looking for a door. GMRune: The party hears some rustling sounds ahead of them, and the sounds of someone speaking. Kadan halts. Kadan cups his ear and listens intently. GMRune: Ayeye can just make out a door to the northeast. Ayeye: I found it! Kadan waves his arm to suggest the party stop. Kadan squints and concentrates, trying to hear the exact words. Ayeye whispers, "sorry..." Rein halts. Arzel stumbles into Rein because he wasn't watching where he was going. Kadan whispers, "She's... waiting for someone here." Leon stays perfectly quiet, almond eyes wide and alert. Ayeye quietly approaches the door. Earendil says quietly, "Can't be us, nobody knows that we're coming here." Arzel: Sorry Rein... GMRune: The door is made of a polished white stone rimmed with gold. Tarrant tries to part the trees with plant magic to find the woman. Rein puts a finger to his lips. Arzel nods. GMRune: The trees rustles and flatten to either side as Tarrant begins his search. Rein whispers "s'ok" GMRune: The sounds cease. ~Valina: I think she heard us... GMRune: A rustling starts up, heading AWAY from the party. Tarrant: She took off that way. Ayeye dashes after the rustling. Tarrant points. Arzel looks at Tarrant. Rein: Terrific... GMRune: The roots and brambles get maddeningly underfoot as Ayeye starts chasing after the sounds. Earendil looks at Ayeye, then at Kadan and shruggs his shoulders, "You have help here learn more control." Kadan whispers to himself, wondering what Ayeye hopes to get herself into. Kadan: She never knows when to chase something and when to just let something go, just like Ka... well, let's follow her at least. GMRune: The party starts to head after Ayeye, who has left a pretty good trail through the foliage. Rein: Maybe this isn't the best way of going about this... Ayeye runs up to and grabs a prone figure. "Who are you?" GMRune: The party catches a glimpse of Ayeye just ahead of them. Kadan tries to run to Ayeye as quickly as he can. GMRune: An auburn-haired woman looks back up at Ayeye, but she doesn't answer. GMRune: The party reaches Ayeye. Ayeye: Why were you here? Arzel looks at the woman. GMRune: The woman is dressed in a loose-sleeved blue robe. Rein: Why are we being so hostile? Arzel: Hey I just looked at her! That's not hostile is it? Ayeye shrugs. "I don't know, she looked suspicious..." Earendil: So do we. Kadan looks at the woman with a neutral expression. "Who are you?" Woman: Look, what do you want? Arzel: Anyone wearing mage's robes looks suspicious to you, right Ayeye? Rein: Hmmm... Ayeye lets go of the woman. Arzel mumbles to himself about Ayeye and Kadan and goes to stand near Tarrant. Ayeye: Well, umm, I didn't know she had a mage's robes when I chased her. The woman stands up and brushes herself off. "Well, who are you and what are you doing here?" Earendil: We don't mean you any harm, but we'd like to know who you were waiting for? Ayeye turns back to the woman. "I'm sorry, I've been a little jumpy. It's been a bad day." Arzel: That's probably why you caught her...mage robes slow you down The woman nods. "I was waiting for my friend. We both wanted to see the great sage, T'lain." Arzel bows to the woman. "I am Arzel, of Vane" The woman returns Arzel's bow. "I am Sydney." Arzel looks at the party, wondering why they are so quiet. Tarrant: Hello Sydney I'm Tarrant. Arzel: Also of Vane (helping tarrant :) ). Sydney: Now if you'll excuse me, I should try to find the rest of my group. I have no idea where they scattered too. Earendil: This sage is certainly becoming popular, we're here to see him as well. Rein: What group would that be? Sydney smiles. "T'lain has always been popular among those who desire to learn." Arzel nods to Sydney. "The world's free...well *mumbles stuff about warlocks, and walks off*." Sydney: My friends. We were just waiting for the last member of our party to arrive. Ayeye: I'm sorry I scared you, I'll help you find your friends. Kadan raises a brow at Sydney suspiciously. "Why business do you have with this T'lain character?" Arzel pokes Kadan and whispers to him. Sydney: T'lain is well known for his knowledge of healing. The elder of our town is sick and we've come here for a cure. Kadan says bluntly, "Then where are you from? That wretched little village across the lake?" Arzel nods. "A most unfortunate occurance." Rein winces. Arzel kicks Kadan in the shin and walks back over by Tarrant. Sydney: Oh no! We're from Bannon. We're not from around here. Rein: Kadan... be nice. Tarrant: How did you get here..? Sydney: One of my friends is really talented with wyburns. Arzel snickers at the mention of wyburns and looks at Rein. Sydney: Now if you'll excuse me, I really should be going. Earendil: Perhaps it might be wise to team up for the time being, the tower may not be the safest place in the world. Sydney: Perhaps, but I can't make the decision for the rest of my group. And if you're in a hurry, you might not want to wait on us. Rein: As long as we don't get to share the wyburns... Ayeye: Maybe we shouldn't wait for them, we do have a job to finish. Sydney: One of us is still missing, and we really don't want to go without him. Sydney bows to the party and then hurries off through the foliage. Ayeye: Come on, we should get back to the tower. Earendil: Oh well then, let's just go I guess. Rein: Yes, it's probably best to keep moving.. world to save and all that, you know. GMRune: The party heads back to the door Ayeye found earlier. It shines brightly in the midday sun. Ayeye starts following the newly created trail back to the tower. Ayeye knocks on the door. Rein: Do we just knock? Earendil: Is it unlocked? Ayeye: I hope so. GMRune: The doors slowly part to either side, revealing a squarish entryway. Kadan keeps glancing back in the woods towards Sydney. Ayeye slowly enters the doorway. "Is anyone home?" Arzel: Not all mages are people to be scared about Kadan! GMRune: Something shines in the distance and floats towards the group. Dark shapes follow it. Ayeye: Hello? Earendil: Looks like the welcome wagon, but they don't seem in the welcoming mood today. Rein: Let's at least TRY not to get in a fight, for once! GMRune: You see three floating prism creatures emerging into the light. Three clay golems follow behind them. Kadan blinks. "What's wrong with a fight? Enemies die that way." Golem: State your business! Ayeye: We are here to see the sage. Golem: Reason? Earendil: We need help in the Red Dragon cave and this boy was sent here by his mother. Ayeye: We were told to? We need his help to save Leon. GMRune: The Golem didn't seem to like that answer. GMRune: -------combat------- GMRune: target: front row - 3 Prisms, back row 3 Clay Golems Ayeye: Or maybe not... Rein: D'oh! GMRune: Ayeye attacks Prism #2! GMRune: attack 1: 2 damage GMRune: attack 2: *critical* 28 damage GMRune: Kadan attempts to shatter Prism #1! GMRune: attack 1: 79 damage GMRune: attack 2: 91 damage GMRune: Valina attacks Prism #1! GMRune: 24 damage! GMRune: Prism #1 lands on Valina! GMRune: 14 damage! GMRune: Prism #2 throttles Earendil! GMRune: 2 damage! Earendil: You call that an attack? HAH! GMRune: Prism #3 shoots a beam of light at Kadan! Kadan winces. GMRune: 57 damage! GMRune: Geint attacks Prism #1! GMRune: attack 1: 75 damage GMRune: attack 2: 70 damage GMRune: Prism #1 dies! GMRune: Earendil raises his hand to the heavens in a solemn plea! A rain of shooting stars smites the row of clay golems! GMRune: 36 damage to each! Kadan: Smite! Smite! GMRune: Clay Golem #1 defends. GMRune: Clay Golem #2 defends. Earendil: Well, at least they aren't attacking. GMRune: Clay Golem #3 pulls part of its body off into a small ball of clay and thunks Geint with it! Rein: I wonder why they're doing that, though... GMRune: 56 damage! GMRune: Rein stays in the back with Leon. Rein: You know guys, I hate to say it, but trashing this guy's guards may not be the best way to persuade him to help us. GMRune: Arzel calls up a row of flame to scorch the clay golems! Ayeye: They attacked us first! GMRune: 63 damage to each! Ayeye: Well, at least, they looked like they were going to attack us first. Rein: I know, I know.... Rein: But still... Earendil: I have to agree with Ayeye, we couldn't sit here and let them attack us, and I don't think that they are the type to reason with. GMRune: Tarrant raises his hand and waves down a shower of thorns across all your opponents! Ayeye: What would you prefer we do, leave and re-enter and hope that they don't remember us? GMRune: All Prisms take 92 damage. All Clay Golems take 112 damage. GMRune: ------round 2------ Rein: Yeah, you're probably right GMRune: Ayeye attacks Prism #2! GMRune: attack 1: *critical* 24 damage GMRune: attack 2: 5 damage GMRune: Prism #2 dies! GMRune: Kadan attack Prism #3! GMRune: attack 1: 88 damage GMRune: attack 2: 67 damage GMRune: Prism #3 shatters! GMRune: Golems move up to front row. GMRune: Valina attacks Golem #1! GMRune: 14 damage GMRune: Golem #1 crumbles! GMRune: Earendil's form blurs as he hacks Goem #2 to pieces! GMRune: 52 damage! GMRune: Golem #2 dies! Earendil: Tsk, tsk, they just don't make them like they used to. GMRune: Geint attacks Golem #3! GMRune: attack 1: 65 damage GMRune: Golem #3 falls! GMRune: -----victory------ Rein: Well, at least we didn't have too much trouble with them... GMRune: The party earns 174 XP, 141 MEXP, and 96 S. Ayeye looks at the ruins of the welcoming commitee. "I hope he's not too angry about this." GMRune: The party sees two staircases at the far end of the hallway. One is going up, the other is going down. The one going down is blocked out with a sign saying "Under Construction". Ayeye heads up the stairs. Kadan eyes the down stair suspicously. "That may be just to deter us." Leon trots along after Ayeye. Ayeye: Why would he want to live in the basement? Earendil: Just go up Kadan, chances are that going down will create more problems than we already have. Kadan shrugs. "You never know... there may be some convoluted gate puzzle down there to get a key required to open a door to the Chamber of Knowledge on the fourth level. You never know..." Rein heads on up Ayeye looks back at Kadan. "I think you're being silly, let's just get moving." Kadan shakes his head. Kadan follows Ayeye up the stairwell. Earendil heads up the stairs GMRune: The party emerges on the next floor up. This is mainly an empty chamber, with a few large tapestries spread out on the walls. Kadan tries to keep his eye open for possible traps or secret passages. GMRune: There is another staircase just to your left. Ayeye continues climbing the staircase. GMRune: The tapesties each depict some sort of mythic animel. First a dragon, then a pegasus, third a shadowcat, and finally a phoenix. Kadan suddenly becomes captivated by the third tapesty, examining its detail obsessively, as if searching for something Ayeye: Come on Kadan, we've got a sage to find! Arzel admires the Phoenix, a major player in fire magic training :) Kadan: Just a minute... He's not that old; he won't die before we get up there. Ayeye sighs, "What if he is that old, if he's dead when we get to him, it's your fault!" Kadan is lost in the tapesty, barely aware of the others. "I'll... accept that responsibility." Rein: I wonder what the significance of these is... Ayeye sits down on the stairs and waits. Earendil: Kadan, ever see a YOUNG sage before? All the sages I have ever seen are older than dirt. Ayeye looks up. "How old is dirt?" ~Geint peers up at the dragon tapestry, which of course looks much different from a flying cat, or an air bunny for that matter. Earendil: Old. Ayeye: Oh. Earendil looks up at the dragon tapestry. "Geint, is that what you'll look like eventually?" Rein: Somewhat like that, but longer ears, I suppose. ~Geint nods. "Yep! One of these days... I'll be so big you wouldn't even be able to fit me in Shelladon's castle!" Ayeye starts carving things into the staircase with her claws. Leon looks at Ayeye's drawing, having little else to do. Arzel stares at the Phoenix some more then sits down. Rein: Whatcha drawing, Ayeye? Ayeye: Hello Leon, soon we'll have you to safety, if Kadan ever gets moving. Kadan shakes his head back and forth, then focuses again on the chamber. Earendil: Ah Kadan, are you back with us? Leon makes a distaseful face. "Safe is no fun!" Kadan appears a bit lost and bewildered, then returns to the upstair. Ayeye: Nothing, just drawing... Ayeye stands up, "You're finally ready to continue?" Rein: What did you see, Kadan? Kadan is temporarily disoriented by Rein's question. "Huh? Oh... it's nothing." Rein: Hmmm.. Ayeye heads up to the previously mentioned third floor. Kadan ascends the stairway, somehow expecting a library. GMRune: The party arrives on the third floor, which appears to be a library of some sort. It's fairly well stocked with books, although a few cases are waiting to be filled. Rein: Geez.. I wonder if he's read all of these... Earendil gets a sense of deja vu as he ascends to the third floor. GMRune: Geint flies around the library, peeping at the various titles. Rein: Let's just keep moving, huh guys? I don't like sneaking around in this guy's home. ~Valina: Good idea, Rein. Earendil: Besides, it would take forever to go through all these books. Ayeye: Right Rein, we should continue. GMRune: The party winds around the library and then finds another staircase leading up. Rein: Yeah, Ear, you got that right ~Geint: Still... I have a lot of time. Not right now, of course, but maybe later. Ayeye heads up the staircase. Kadan tries to maintain a steady pace. GMRune: The party reaches the fourth floor and the staircase empties you out into a bare chamber. The only thing that seems remarkable is a large marble arch with a set of closed double doors set within it. Rein: Looks like we found something Ayeye walks up to the door and knocks on it. Earendil: It's a very big something too. GMRune: Ayeye's knocking makes a dull thudding sound. There is no answer from within. ~Valina: Maybe he's dead? Ayeye tries to open the door. Ayeye: I hope not... Kadan stands to the side of the door apprehensively. GMRune: You open the marble arch and see a spacious chamebr on the other side. The far wall is dominated by a large aqua crystal which hovers over a stone dais. To one side you see a table cluttered with vials and boxes. A large cabinet sits just a few feet from the table. And then before the both of them is a gray desk. Rein: Let's consider other possibilities first, I think. GMRune: Sitting at the desk is a man of indeterminable age with dark brown hair streaked with silver. Laying on the floor beside him is a large saber-toothed cat; an easy nine feet in length from head to rump. The man is scribbling away on a piece of parchment when he notices you have entered. Ayeye: Hello? Man: Hello? Who are you people? Rein: Umm... hi! Kadan immedately notices the mighty feline. Ayeye: We've brought someone who needs your help. Arzel bows respecfully to the man. The cat yawns and looks at the party. Kadan stares at the beast and tries to draw its gaze. The cat looks at Kadan through bright emerald eyes. Earendil: We've come for your help in a couple of matters. Ayeye: Come on Leon, he's going to help you. Leon hides behind Rein. Kadan wanders into the chamber and walks right up the beast, offering his hand in a rare, unthreatening manner. The bush rustles apprehensively. The cat sniffs Kadan's hand and then lowers its head back to the ground. Rein: Psst... Geint... I thought you knew this guy Man: Well, what do you need help with? Ayeye pulls the bush out of her backpack and carries it. ~Geint: I knew OF him, not knew him personally. Kadan gives the beast the much-appreciated double ear scruggles. Ayeye: This child needs your help, he is ... wanted by the Warlocks. T'lain looks more carefully at the party, and notices Leon hiding behind Rein. "Ghaleon! Yes, I remember now!" Rein: Ghaleon? Arzel blinks. Rein: This child's name is Leon, right bud? T'lain: Lady Mileria spoke with me about sending her son to another time. Rein leads Leon up towards the desk. Leon: My full name is Ghaleon though... Leon drags himself after Rein looking somewhat annoyed. Kadan scratches the cat under the chin in an attempt to evoke a purr. Ayeye: She just told us that you would keep him safe. T'lain: Well, I won't be the one personally seeing to it, since I cannot time travel with him, but rather my feline friend here will be. T'lain gestures to the saber-toothed cat. Ayeye: Time travel? Kadan raises his head in interest. Rein: Eep! Earendil cocks an eyebrow. T'lain: Surely Mileria told you that she wanted him to escape his destiny, the prophecy and everything. All the warlocks know of it. Rein: Well.. I guess I'd trust that big guy to keep ME sfe... T'lain: What better way to send him out of Kargeth's grasp than to a time that does not yet exist? Earendil: We did here of the prophecy, but I didn't think much of it. The cat rumbles deeply. It seems to be a purring sound. Ayeye: How can you send him somewhere that doesn't exist? T'lain: It will exist though. Mileria had a vision of this time a little more than a year ago. I am sending young Ghaleon through time to the year and location Mileria has foreseen. Earendil: How far from now will that be? Ayeye: Does that mean our future is predestined? T'lain shrugs. "I'm not exactly certain. Perhaps centuries, perhaps millennia." Kadan: Ayeye, there is most certainly not a pre-defined course for the future. T'lain: I don't know if it means our future can be changed or no, but I think it may be possible to change things. After all, isn't that why we're sending this child away? Rein: You don't know where he'll be going? Rein: What if he shows up int he middle of a war or something? Ayeye: But, then, how can he send him to the future is it isn't predetermined? T'lain: He'll be going to Caldor Isle. When in time I do not know, but historically Caldor has been very safe. So hopefully that trend will hold in the future. Kadan: I suppose I cannot answer that, Ayeye. I suppose this action in itself will greatly alter the future from this point onward. I am only accustomed to seeing into the past. T'lain shrugs. "It will work. That's about all I know. This is will be like a normal teleportation. When one teleports, one visualizes the destination. This crystal... T'lain gestures at the large aqua crystal over the dais. T'lain: ...works like a teleportation spell. Given the destination, it can take someone there. I have the destination, courtesy of Mileria, therefore it should work. Arzel whispers something to Tarrant. Earendil: Has this ever been done before? Kadan opens his eyes wide. "This can take people... to a time after the Empire's collapse?" Rein: Well.. we promised Mileria... Rein looks down at Leon. Ayeye: Only if the Empire collapses, I think. Arzel: If the empire does collapse Kadan. T'lain scratches his head. "Well, it's been used before for normal teleportation, and I've sent things forward in time by a few minutes or so, so there's no reason I shouldn't work for something farther from us." T'lain: Yeah, I suppose it could take us to after the Empire's collapse, if we had the proper parameters for the destination. Earendil: So many uncertainties, so much at stake. Kadan suddenly looks down at the floor, racing with thought. "... ... away from all this chaos..." Earendil: Kadan, the thing is, if we are instrumental in the collapse of the Empire, we cannot go forward because then it would not collapse. Arzel: Hate to say it Kadan, but I think the worlkd needs you Leon meanders over to the cat and looks at it. Arzel considers teleportation magic, and wonders how long it would take to learn... T'lain: I think it will be all right to send the child through since it was Mileria's wish and I had explained things in greater detail to her. But if you wanted to go as well... Well, I couldn't tell you want the world would be like. Ayeye: We have one last question, do you know of a way throught Geint's, I mean, the red dragons cave. The air is unbreathable. Kadan looks up, almost crushed by disappointment. "But... why? Why me? I didn't ask for this... I want to live in a world where magic does not allow the mighty to maintain control over the population. I assumed this to mean it was my responsibility to repair this shattered earth, but if I can just get away from it..." Earendil: And the heat is too oppressive. Earendil: Running away never solved anything. Rein: Kadan.. I'd not have thought you one to flee from your duty. Arzel: No one asked for any of this Kadan, but if we can help, it's our responsibility to, I've never known you to be one to turn away from your responsibilities. Ayeye turns to face Kadan. "You can't run, I've tried, but it will always catch up to you." T'lain smiles a bit. "Well, the dragon cave I can help you with a bit." He rumages through his desk and pulls out a ruby orb. "This will protect everyone within a twenty-five foot radius from toxic fumes and extreme heat." T'lain: It should be enough for the volcano's heat, although you might have some trouble with any monsters living there. Kadan: But if I could live in a world far from here... where the people don't live in fear and despair... everything would be alright. Remember those people in the village back there? They didn't even care about their own fate. They stand by and watch their lives being washed away. I don't see why I should fight for cowards unwilling to fight for themselves." Ayeye: Even if this time travel thing does work, which I doubt, you would just be giving the warlocks time to become more powerful... Arzel: Kadan, you're needed to take down the empire, you are the one last remaining Shadowcat... Earendil: Out of our whole group Kadan, you have been the one to stay firm the most, now you want to run away. Perhaps you really are a coward at heart instead of the person that we all see. ~Valina takes the Ruby Orb and then looks back to the rest of the party. Rein: You know we need you, Kadan.. and I think you need this fight. Kadan: But don't you see? None of that would matter if we could live in the future. All the problems here, all the people, they'd all be long dead, so we wouldn't even have to worry abou... Kadan stops as he sees Ayeye. Earendil: Can you be so certain Kadan? Kadan looks at his feet. Arzel: The evil will live inside of people forever Kadan, it won't go away on it's own. Kadan: ... You know... you're right of course. I suppose I should accept that this is my place, and my time. This is where I need to take my stand, for better or worse. Perhaps I am more important than I realized... Ayeye frowns, "The people would be long dead, but the problems would still be there. Someone new will take the job of Magic Emporer and the oppression you hate will continue. Time is no more of a refuge than anything else..." Arzel: Like Garreth... Rein: I had thought you lived only for this fight, Kadan. T'lain heads over to the dais and begins fiddling with some knobs built into its base. Earendil: What happened to that steadfast resolve that made you the honorable man that we all respect Earendil: ? Kadan: I always assumed that the magic in the Empire would cause it to collapse inward after too long... but I suppose I've always known that if we stand idly by and wait for the end, it may never come. We need to take the decisive action. GMRune: The aqua crystal glows and hums, and the entire chamber begins to throb with energy. Kadan closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. "I suppose I just became so eager to live in the world that we are trying to create, that I just couldn't wait any longer to see the result of our work... but perhaps I forgot that my presence here is what brings it all about... so I must stay here... for the sake of the Shadowcats, and for us. Rein kneels by Leon and gives him a hug. "Be brave, buddy. Remember what you learned with us." Leon tries to smile. "I will. Oh!" Leon trots over to Earendil and gives him his sword back. "Here's your sword back." Rein: Have faith in your mother, I'm sure she's sending you someplace terrific. Leon: I hope so... Earendil: No, you keep it. I no longer have a use for it and you might need it. T'lain: Well, we'd better get Leon in here. Leon: Thank you! Leon hugs Earendil good-bye. The cat stands up and pads over near T'lain. Leon waves good-bye to the party to the party and takes a step towards the dais. The large cat peers at him through slitted emerald eyes and then pushes the young elf forward with an encouraging nudge. Valina: Ummm ... Leon, sorry I've been so quiet today... but, there is someting I have to tell you Leon: What? Valina: Don't cause too much trouble! And good luck to you! Valina gives Leon a little kiss. Leon hugs Valina good-bye. GMRune: Just when Leon arrives within a few feet of the crystal a large explosion shakes the tower. Kadan stumbles, but quickly catches himself. "What the...?!" T'lain frowns. "Oh no..." GMRune: A gigantic crystal wurm crashes through the archway and into the lab with a gold-symboled warlock right behind it. The warlock sights Leon near the crystal and shouts to the wurm. "Capture him! He must not be allowed to escape!" Arzel: Warlocks! Ayeye: What was that! GMRune: The wurm coils and tries to head towards Leon! GMRune: ----round 1------- GMRune: target: crystal wurm T'lain: Hold it off while I finish getting Leon through the transporter! Earendil: What in Althena is that? Valina: Leon! RUN! Arzel: Send Leon off! We'll hold them off! Earendil: Everybody, block it off! Ayeye tries to get in between the wurm and Leon. Arzel jumps in front of the wurm. Kadan makes a slight movement with his hand, and produces his axe, ready and waiting. Ayeye smiles, "You can't have him!" Rein whips his staff in front of him and sneers at the wurm. Earendil: You're too late, he's being sent away beyond your reach forever. GMRune: Ayeye attacks the Crystal Wurm! Kadan makes feigning steps to the left and right, trying to confuse the beast as to his true position. GMRune: attack 1: 12 damage GMRune: attack 2: *critical* 38 damage GMRune: Kadan concentrates and his form blurs ever so slightly! GMRune: Dodge% up by 10! GMRune: Valina attacks! GMRune: 34 damage! GMRune: The Crystal Wurm uses Quick Munch on Rein! The wurm nearly swallows him whole! GMRune: 60 damage! Earendil: Ack, Rein! Valina: Rein! Kadan winces at the brutal sight. GMRune: Geint attacks! Kadan: Ayeye, let us dispatch this monstrosity with the utmost haste! GMRune: attack 1: 85 damage Ayeye: Right! GMRune: attack 2: 86 damage Rein struggles, half engulfed in the wurm's mouth. GMRune: Earendil's form blurs as he slices at the Crystal Wurm! GMRune: 72 damage! Rein: You won't get Leon, you beast. GMRune: Rein Middle Thrusts the wurm! Rein thumps on the wurm. GMRune: 28 damage! GMRune: Arzel hurls a bolt of flame at the wurm! Rein: Hah! Take that, wurm! GMRune: 53 damage! GMRune: Tarrant calls up a vine to strike the wurm! GMRune: 102 damage! GMRune: Leon dashes into the crystal and the room hums with energy! GMRune: --------round 2------ GMRune: Ayeye's form is surrounded by the image of a roaring dragon as she dashes forth and claws at the wurm! GMRune: 37 damage! GMRune: Kadan attacks! GMRune: attack 1: 89 damage GMRune: attack 2: 83 damage Rein: Whoa... GMRune: Valina attacks! GMRune: 40 damage! GMRune: The wurm rears up and blasts a barrage of crystal shards from its mouth! Valina: Great... GMRune: It shoots OVER and past the party to strike the crystal Leon has just entered! Arzel: That can't be good... GMRune: From within the crystal you can hear Leon scream. Earendil: NO! Ayeye: I think it got worse... GMRune: Geint attacks! Arzel: It's gone from bad, to worse GMRune: attack 1: 88 damage GMRune: attack 2: 89 damage Earendil: I'm going back there to see if Leon is okay. GMRune: Geint: But he's already inside! How can you check? GMRune: Earendil's form blurs and he strikes the wurm! GMRune: 62 damage! Arzel: He's Gone Ear...to where we probobly won't find out GMRune: Rein casts recovery litany on himself! Earendil: Damn. GMRune: Rein gains 44 hp. GMRune: Arzel hurls a bolt of flame at the Crystal Wurm! GMRune: 46 damage! GMRune: Tarrant whips his vine across the wurm's scales. GMRune: 116 damage! GMRune: ----round 3------ T'lain: Something strange seems to be happening to the crystal! Earendil: How much longer can this thing hang on? GMRune: Ayeye claws at the Crystal Wurm! GMRune: attack 1: *critical* 41 damage GMRune: attack 2: *critical* 33 damage GMRune: Kadan slashes at the Wurm's belly! GMRune: attack 1: 84 damage GMRune: attack 2: 94 damage GMRune: Valina's form blurs as she cut a deep slice into the wurm's hide! GMRune: 52 damage! GMRune: The wurm rears up and blast a blizzard of crystal shards into the party! Valina ducks! Arzel hides behind Kadan GMRune: Ayeye is hit for 24 damage! Kadan is hit for 62 damage! Valina is hit for 30 damage! Geint is hit for 33 damage! Earendil is hit for 39 damage! Rein is hit for 33 damage! Arzel is hit for 12 damage! Tarrant is hit for 1 damage! Valina: Ouch! Rein: Aieee! GMRune: Geint attacks! GMRune: attack 1: 86 damage GMRune: attack 2: 96 damage GMRune: Earendil attacks! Arzel whipes a few shards from his armor. GMRune: 54 damage! GMRune: Rein runs over to the crystal. It begins to shine in many different colors, even though it is cracked a bit. There is no sign of Leon. GMRune: Arzel hurls a bolt of flame at the wurm! GMRune: 54 damage! GMRune: Tarrant sends his vine whip at the wurm! GMRune: 98 damage! GMRune: -----round 4------ GMRune: Ayeye attacks the wurm! GMRune: attack 1: *critical* 35 damage GMRune: attack 2: *critical* 31 damage GMRune: Kadan attacks! GMRune: attack 1: *critical* 173 damage GMRune: attack 2: 102 damage GMRune: Valina's form blurs as she attacks! GMRune: 52 damage! GMRune: The wurm uses Quick Munch on Arzel! Arzel: Hey! GMRune: 54 damage! Arzel: Owwwie! GMRune: Geint attacks the wurm! GMRune: attack 1: 98 damage GMRune: attack 2: 96 damage GMRune: Earendil's form blurs as he attacks! GMRune: 72 damage! Arzel: I'll give you a root canal if you don't let me out! GMRune: Rein casts Heal Aura on the front row! GMRune: Ayeye gains 24 hp! Kadan, Valina, Geint, and Earendil gain 40 hp! GMRune: Arzel hurls a bolt of flame at the wurm! GMRune: 63 damage! GMRune: Tarrant calls up a vine to strike the wurm. GMRune: 116 damage! GMRune: ----round 5------ GMRune: Ayeye attacks the wurm! GMRune: attack 1: *critical* 46 damage GMRune: attack 2: *critical* 38 damage GMRune: Kadan attacks! GMRune: attack 1: 103 damage GMRune: attack 2: 101 damage GMRune: Valina sings shrilly and blasts the wurm! GMRune: 35 damage! Rein shakes his head in amazement at the destuction taking place in the chamber. GMRune: Thw wurm falls! Valina: Take that! GMRune: -----victory----- Valina: Laa.... Earendil wipes his forehead. "Finally." GMRune: The party gains 147 XP, 99 MEXP, and 50 S. Kadan spins around three times, then thrusts his fist repeatedly to the heavens in the spirit of victory. The warlock fumes as the wurm crashes to the ground. GMRune: You can see nothing of Leon, and the crystal glows in multi-hued shades. His screams have long since ceased. Warlock: Curse you... But no matter. Even if I have lost the boy, Emperor Kargeth will be more than happy to receive the lot of you! Arzel pokes Kadna in the side to stop his dance, Rein rushes to the crystal. Rein: T'lain, what happened? Is Leon all right? GMRune: The crystal keeps on shimmering. Warlock: Potence of the dead, fill my creation so that it may fight for me a second time! GMRune: The flesh crumbles from the body of the wurm, disintegrating before the dehydrating flesh touches the floor. The massive skeleton of the crystal wurm coils, and gold lights glow from the empty sockets. T'lain: I don't know! Kadan keeps his gaze on the warlock unwavering. Valina: Ohhh.... no... Arzel: Necromancy! GMRune: The wurm prepares to attack. Ayeye: I don't like the looks of this... GMRune: Suddenly a strong voice shouts from behind you. Valina: *blink* *blink* Voice: A second chance to fight? That's hardly what you'd give these people. Kadan does not let his focus stray from the wurm. Earendil: Who's that? GMRune: Turning around you see a tall slender figure emerging as a silhouette against the brightness of the crystal. The saber-toothed cat rumbles a challenge to the warlock before standing beside the dark figure. Arzel snickers, GMRune: The crystal's light fades to reveal a silver- haired elf in his early teenage years. Ayeye: Leon? Ghaleon: There is no salvation without a second chance. Earendil squints at the figure, "No, it can't be." Valina: .. he's cute. ;) Ghaleon raises his hand and a blue aura surrounds him. He disappears only to blink back into view within the ranks of the party. He glares defiantly at the warlock and the blue glow flares wildly around him. Ghaleon: Let's see how well you fair without one. Arzel: Why am I not surprised... GMRune: ------end session--------