Lunar: Magic Empire Session 29 Log ============================================================ Cast of Characters: Rune as "GM/Narrator, the bush, Ghaleon, Kid, Kid2, Figure/Jael, and ~Geint Seath as "Earendil" GORN as "Rein" Hahn as "Kadan" Aes as "Valina" Mia Ausa as "Geint" SOLaike as "Tarrant" Dyne as "Arzel" Ayeye as "Ayeye" ============================================================ GMRune: -------game on-------- GMRune: The party exits the village of G'kal to the north, following the beaten path back towards the House Flysse manors. Kadan squints his eyes and looks up at the cloudy sky with dismay. GMRune: Ghaleon said the trip back to where he heard the gryphons should be less than a day's journey, which, considering the speed at which you must travel, is a blessing. Ayeye: Has anyone thought of how we are going to do this? Valina: Umm... nope ~Geint: Hop on a gryphon and fly to Killith? Kadan looks at the ashen ground. "Killith... the city of nightmares. Reese and I used to talk about how we'd all run around with torches and burn the entire place to the ground one day..." Kadan smirks and shakes his head slightly. Ghaleon giggles, imagining kadan trying to torch stone. Arzel lafs with Ghaleon. Ayeye: So, we just walk in? Valina: Sounds like what we would normally do, why should we change? GMRune: The House Flysse manors emerge in the distance. To the west of them is the hole through which you fell on your last visit. Kadan scratches the back of his head. "We must negotiate our entry carefully. We should go by night, and try to ascertain where we can enter unnoticed. Surprise shall be our key." Earendil: Valina, because our faces are somewhat more known than last time. Arzel: We could try to dress up as warlocks again. Valina: Earendil, I know... GMRune: You can make out some sort of mounted patrol group of warlocks making their rounds about the cluster of buildings. Valina: Oh good, company! GMRune: The warlocks don't appear to have seen you, they're merely continuing along their path, heading west. Kadan tries to duck low, just to be safe. Ghaleon: Which way around? Or are we going through? Valina looks up at Kadan as he ducks low. Valina: We had better be safe than sorry. Ayeye: We should probably go around. ~Geint: Last time we went around west and fell down a hole. Maybe east this time? Kadan: I didn't much enjoy our last encounter with a mounted patrol. Ayeye: East it is, and keep a good look out for other holes. Ayeye starts walking around in an easterly direction. GMRune: The party heads east. Valina walks quietly. GMRune: After a bit, you start to turn back towards the north, and towards the thin path that leads through Flysse's domain. GMRune: The road appears to have been littered with offal, perhaps as an attempt to fertilize the badlands around the manors. A strange rat-like creature is digging through it. Kadan suddenly jerks to the left, whipping his axe out with a sharp hiss through the air, standing wildly and staring across the horizon. Earendil: This place is . . . charming. Valina: (whispers) Let's just do this real quiet-like. GMRune: The rat thing looks up at the group, twitching its whiskers. Ayeye looks curiously at the rat-like creature, "A product of Flysse?" Ayeye: Leave it alone and it will probably leave us alone. Arzel: Sniff sniff to you too rat. Ghaleon squats down to peer at it. "I guess so..." GMRune: The rat sneezes and goes back to digging. Kadan remains wary. Earendil: Leave the rat to himself and let's get going. Arzel lafs at the rat. Ayeye continues walking. Kadan doesn't seem satisfied by the rat's presence, and continues to look around anxiously. GMRune: As you head on, the amount of roadside offal begins to decrease. After a couple more hours or travel, you begin to hear a plaintive cawing in the distance. There is a weathered building off a ways from the main path. GMRune: Ghaleon points at the building. "In there. I think the gryphons are in there." Kadan squints at the building suspiciously. "I don't like this place." Arzel turns and looks back the way they came. Arzel: I swear I saw something... Earendil: What do you expect Kadan, we're in the middle of warlock territory. GMRune: Something rustles in the dead grass to the south (the direction you came in). Arzel: Uhh I think we're being followed Ayeye starts moving toward the building, "Hurry up, we have a time limit." Ghaleon eyes the grass, but takes a step after Ayeye. Ayeye glances back. "Well, hopefully they can't fly." Arzel follows after Ayeye, but keeps looking back GMRune: The grass parts a bit as whatever it is moves closer to the group. Arzel draws his sword wearily. Earendil draws his sword, "We aren't going to outrun this thing." GMRune: The door to the decrepit building has a wooden bar across the outside, presumably to keep its occupant in. Ayeye again glances over her shoulder, "We don't know if it's a threat." GMRune: A great furry head peeps out from the grass. It appears to be a giant porcupine, although its eyes are reddened and it seems somewhat deranged. Earendil: Let's hide and surprise it. Ayeye removes the bar from the door. GMRune: The bar is jammed. Maybe a stronger tug will remove it though. GMRune: The giant porcupine waddles out and it bares its teeth. Ayeye tries again. "Kadan! Could you help me?" Arzel: Ear, how 'bout you and me try to open it? Earendil: Uh guys, seems that we have rabid porcupine to deal with. Arzel starts tugging at the bar. Ayeye turns around and faces the porcupine. "It doesn't look very mean." GMRune: Two more porcupines come out from the grass, aflicted with the same kind of dementia. Valina: I still don't like the look of this... GMRune: The bar almost gives when Arzel pulls at it. Earendil points to the animals. "Those don't look mean!?" Ayeye shrugs. "Those on the other hand..." GMRune: The lead porcupine utters a growl and shambles towards Earendil. Arzel: Ear! help me! Ayeye: Now hurry up and get that door open! Earendil: Uh Arzel, I don't think I can. Ayeye gets between the porcupine and Earendil. "Earendil, help him!" Earendil stands as still as a rock. GMRune: The porcupine sniffs at Ayeye and Earendil. Valina: Great... Earendil takes the moment to pull on the bar. GMRune: The bar swings wide open, and the door can now be opened. Arzel pulls on the door. GMRune: The porcupine snaps at Ayeye. Arzel: Watch out, Ayeye. Ayeye backs up. "Nice porcupine." Ayeye: We don't mean you any harm. GMRune: The door swings open to reveal a small flight of gryphone. They look like they're in ill health. Their wings are dirty, and their eyes dull. They seem underfed. Valina steps pack and sings a little... trying to calm don the porcupine GMRune: The porcupine snorts and sniffs Ayeye's leg. Ayeye backs up more. "Guys? Are the gryphons back there?" GMRune: One of its comrades shambles up to Valina and peers at her. Arzel looks at the gryphons. Arzel: Uhh...ya Ayeye Ghaleon: They look sick. Valina: ....Hummm Earendil shuffles over to Geint. "How about putting our friends over there to bed?" Ayeye sighs, "Great, why can nothing ever work right?" GMRune: The third porcupine wanders around and looks at Earendil. ~Geint: Sure thing! Arzel: Nothing ever works right for us, Ayeye. Earendil thinks. "Why me?" ~Geint waves a paw and puts each porcupine to sleep. Ayeye: I know, but couldn't it work out just once? Arzel: Okay now what do we do about these sick gryphons? Ghaleon: Feed them? Earendil heads into the building, "You're right, these guys don't look like they're fit for flying." The bush rustles apprehensively. Ayeye turns her attention from the sleeping porcupines to the sick gryphons. Arzel: With what, Leon? We don't have that much food. Ayeye: I don't suppose you brought gryphon food with you? Valina: There should be some around here somewhere. Ghaleon: Use herbs! Arzel: Well Ayeye seems to be the expert with yummy and not-so-yummy roots Valina: I ran out of yummy roots... Ayeye: What would give you that idea? Ghaleon takes out an herb and feeds it to the nearest gryphon. The animal looks much better afterwards. Ayeye: All I've got are some withered leaves. Ayeye: Do they eat rations? Arzel: Do we have 7 more herbs? Valina: I have 1. Arzel: I've got 2. Ayeye rummages through her backpack, "Sorry, I only have some old leaves." Arzel: We could feed them some porcupine. Ghaleon chuckles. Ayeye: No! Earendil: I have two herbs, and Kadan the miser has 5 I think. Arzel: What do you suggest then, Ayeye? Or are we just gonna sit here and let them execute Par? Ghaleon: I have two more herbs I can feed them, but then I'm all out. Can you guys get the rest? Arzel: I've got 2 herbs I can use. Ayeye: Is it fair to kill the porcupines? They haven't actually hurt us, or anyone else as far as I know. Earendil uses an herb on a gryphon. GMRune: That gryphon is healed. GMRune: Ghaleon heals two more gryphons. Half the flight is now healthy. Arzel uses his herbs on the gryphons. GMRune: Six gryphons are okay. Arzel: What about your healing magic, Rein? Arzel casts heal litany on a gryphon. GMRune: The gryphon looks like it needs something solid to go along with the healing. Ayeye takes out a ration and give it to the gryphon. GMRune: The gryphon is better. :) Arzel: Anyone have another herb? Valina: I do. Valina gives out her last herb. Arzel: They're all better now. GMRune: The gryphon is healed and looks very happy. Arzel walks up to one of the gryphon's and pats it GMRune: The gryphons stand up and look at you all. One of them takes a step towards the exit. Ayeye lightly kicks Kadan. "Come on, we have to get going." GMRune: The grpyhon near Arzel playfully butts him with its head. Earendil: Rein, I'll bet you're going to have fun riding one of these. ~Rein looks doubtful. Arzel: You can ride with me Rein...I bet they're strong enough for two. Valina is going to have fun. Arzel smiles and pats the Gryphon again. GMRune: The gryphons head out of the wooden building and look expectantly at the party. Ghaleon: So, anyone know how to steer these things? Earendil strokes his gryphon a few times and then climbs on. Arzel hops on the lead gryphon. Ayeye: Are they controlled like a wyburn? Ghaleon climbs on and Geint perchs on his shoulder. Arzel: Sure, Leon...I used to fly them as a child. Ghaleon: We have no saddles though. I hope we don't fall... Arzel: They should all follow the leader, so to say. Ayeye climbs up on to a gryphon. "I hope your right." Valina hops on! GMRune: The party mounts the gryphons, Rein joining Arzel. There is one extra gryphon, but it looks like it will follow the others. Earendil: Well Arzel, if you're wrong, I will be sure to torment you in whatever life follows this one. Arzel: Just hold the fur, they won't try to drop ya as long as your don't hurt them. Ghaleon gets a good grip and his gryphon squawks, rapping him smartly on the head. Ayeye makes sure the bush is secure and holds on tight. Ghaleon: Ow! Arzel: I don't know how Flysse taught them so I can never truely be shure. Earendil chuckles at Leon. The bush is quiet, and seems rather afraid. Arzel: Don't pull on the fur, Leon :) Ghaleon: Oh-kay... Arzel: Well everyone ready? Ayeye: I'm ready! Ghaleon: Ready! Earendil: Yeah, let's go. ~Rein dubiously holds on to Arzel and the gryphon. Arzel prods his gryphon to make it go. GMRune: Arzel's gryphon leaps into flight and the rest of the flock follow not far behind it in a v-shaped formation. Arzel stears the gryphon towards Killith. Arzel: Don't worry Rein...you're flying with an ace pilot. GMRune: The flight swings east at Arzel's direction and you pass over the badlands and towards the plains far to the east. GMRune: The blue ribbon of a large river comes into view in the distance, as does the town of hicks sprawling it. Valina: WOO HOO!! This is so great! Earendil sees something in the distance below. Arzel lafs. Valina looks down at the town. GMRune: The townspeople are looking back up at the flock and pointing up at you all. Arzel: It's been too long since I've flown... I forgot how fun gryphonback was! Earendil: Hey guys, there some sort of creature down there going as fast as we are! Ayeye looks down. "On the ground?" Earendil: Yes. Arzel lafs again, wraps an arm around Rein as to not loose him, and makes his gryphon do a loop in the air. Valina looks down! Earendil: See that silvery thing? GMRune: A silvery blur is darting across the landscape below you. It leaps over crevices and brush as through they weren't there. It then blazes through the town of hicks without breaking a stride. Ayeye leans a little over the side to get a better view. "This isn't a good thing, is it?" GMRune: The hicks scatter to either side of the equine creature, uncertain of what just passed. Valina: I don't like that... Earendil: I don't know. Arzel makes his gryphon go down a bit lower to get a better look at the thing. GMRune: The creature slows, increasing its distance as Arzel lowers altitude. Arzel gets ready for evasive action just in case it has a ranged weapon or magic. ~Geint: What is it, Arzel? Arzel flys back up to the group. Arzel: It's one of thoes things the warlocks were riding when they took Par...but I've never seen one move so fast. Earendil: Is it another one of Flysse's creations? Valina: Oh no! Ghaleon gulps. "Chasing us?" Arzel: Or heading to Killith to warn them. Ayeye: This is a bad thing. Earendil: Can these gryphons go any faster? GMRune: The silver creature seems to be staying at the farther distance, making no attempt to shorten the length between you and it. Arzel: We could try to blast it with magic. Ayeye: If it's heading to Killith to warn them, we should intercept it. Arzel: Should I go try to fireball it? Ghaleon peers over the side of his gryphon at the creature. Ayeye: It's worth a try. Valina: Yes! I don't want a welcome party for us when we reach Killith Arzel: Rein use your knees to grip the side of the gryphon so you don't fall off. ~Rein nods and holds on for dear life! Arzel starts to dive towards the creature, preparing a spell. GMRune: The equine being seems reluctant to let Arzel get closer to it, first slowing as he approaches, and then running to one side when Arzel nears. GMRune: Arzel tries to get closer, but then the creature suddenly blinks out of sight. There is no movement on the grass below. Arzel curses and flys back up to the group. Ayeye: Did you get it? Arzel: There was someone riding it...must've used magic to go inivisible or something. Arzel: I couldn't get a good look at him. It was too far away. Ayeye: Uh oh, that doesn't sound good. Ghaleon nods solemnly. Ayeye: Is it possible to lose them? Earendil: There's nothing we can do now, let's just continue on. Ayeye: Could we fly over water or something? Ghaleon: We already crossed the only river between Flysse and Killith. Arzel: Let's just keep going... If he was going to Killith... He would of gone with magic... There's nothing we can bo but keep going. ~Geint: I hope you're right, Arzel. Valina: Let's hurry then... for Par's sake. Arzel: So do I Geint...so do I. GMRune: The mountains west of Killith pass beneath you as you progress. Soon, a darkened speck appears on the eastern horizen. Dark clouds hover overhead, as if dreading a single ray of sunshine should burst through. Earendil: The very sky is tainted with Kargeth's evil. GMRune: Killith looms into view below you. The dark grey stone buildings are forboding and riddled with gothic carvings of men and strange beasts. A greenish dome of light seems to shimmer into view now and again above the outer walls of the city. GMRune: The streets of Killith are crowded with people; all warlocks or one kind or another, for the common citizen has never been allowed to cross within these walls. An aura of tension fills the entire capital, and they seem to be... expecting something. Arzel: We best keep low... they may have lookouts on the towers. GMRune: In the center of Killith is a castle completely made of black rock. Its largest spire reaches clear to the peak of the dome. Through a small window you can just make out two pinpricks of light within. Ghaleon: We land now? Ayeye: Now that we're here, how do we get in? Earendil: Good idea Leon, we can't land right by the city. Valina: Umm... I don't like this. Ghaleon beams. =) Valina: I sure hope Gausuton isnt there... Ghaleon: I know a secret way in too! Through the big walls outside! Valina: Really! Arzel: Let's land a little ways away... Ghaleon: All the warlock kids use it! Arzel sets the gryphons down behind cover from Killith. GMRune: The gryphons alight with a slight cawing sound and then settle down so the party can dismount. Valina: Great! But one question, are we going to just sneek in dressed like this? Arzel: What should we do with the gryphons? Ayeye dismounts. "Where is this entrance?" Arzel: We could leave the gryphons here...they'd probobly go hunting for food, but would be around if we need to escape quickly. Valina hops off! Arzel helps Rein off and then jumps off. Earendil dismounts. Valina: ... WHEN we need to escape quickly. Arzel: Or should we send them back to Flysse? Ghaleon: The entrance is through an old abandoned tunnel system! :) It's located just to the north of the city. Arzel smiles. "My thoughts, Val." Arzel starts talking to the lead gryphon. GMRune: The gryphon looks curiously at Arzel. Kadan awakens. Kadan: What did I miss? Earendil: Okay, we can get in, but that still leaves the problem of a disguise. GMRune: The gryphon seems to grin and chirps. It butts Arzel with its head again. Arzel: Just a flight to Killith, Kadan...don't worry. Arzel smiles and pats the gryphon. "Good boy." Arzel: They'll be here when we need them. GMRune: The lead gryphon whistles up the rest of the flight and they dump their passengers before taking off. Ayeye moves next to Kadan and looks up at the virtual fortress. "We can't make through here, can we?" Kadan stands up and takes a deep breath. "There is no such thing as an invincible fortress, believe me." Ghaleon begins to trot around to the northern face of Killith, keeping out of sight from any sentries on the walls. Ayeye: It's not the fortress I'm worried about. It's the contents... Arzel: How was your flight, Rein? Valina follows Ghaleon, quietly. ~Rein: ....queasy... Kadan jerks his head to the left suddenly and glares wildly while his hand strays to his axe. Kadan: Are you sure nobody followed us? Did anybody see what happened to that patrol? Earendil: We think we were followed. GMRune: You all see a silver blur coming in from the west, and it's closing fast! Ayeye: There was a funny silver streak... Arzel: We were being followed by some stange beast that could run as fast as the gryphons...but when I got close it disappeared. Arzel: Damn it's going to alert them! Earendil: It's baaaaackk. Arzel: Move fast, everybody! Arzel runs after Ghaleon. Kadan clutches his axe in front of him and steadies himself. Ayeye grabs Kadan's arm. "Let's move!" GMRune: A black-garbed rider appears to be riding the beast, and it streaks towards the party. Earendil follows Ghaleon. Valina: ... Ghaleon hurries towards Killith. Valina follows Ghaleon closely behind. GMRune: The rider and equine mount roar past the party, stirring up an unbelievable amount of wind before continuing onward towards its destination; the gates of Killith. Kadan: What in blazes...? Kadan: This may be our opportunity. Let us follow. Valina: Well, so much for our surprise... Ghaleon: Follow? Follow _it_? Ayeye looks up at Kadan. "Follow?" Kadan squints. "What is that thing?" Earendil: Kadan, have you lost it, following it would mean certain capture. Earendil: . . . and death. GMRune: The rider slows near the gate, and the mount bobs its wedge-shaped head as they prance up to the guards at the gate. Valina: You forgot 'torture,' something I can care less to go through again! Ghaleon: We have no way in that way. No good warlock symbols. Valina: Umm, but enough about that. Let's find this way in. Ghaleon resumes heading to the north (the gate being on the western side of the city). Kadan: Ghaleon, you might not be recognized for your true identity because of your age. Could you use your status as a Magus to get us inside, or at least yourself? Ghaleon sticks his tongue out, more in thought than as a rude gesture. "I dunno. You think it would work?" Earendil: Kadan, are you forgetting that Magus is no longer "in good standing" with the rest of the Empire? Ayeye: Kadan, he has no status. Ayeye: He isn't who left and if he was they wanted him captured. Kadan: Well... you never know. We should not abandon any possible avenues. Ghaleon doesn't seem to quite comprehend what Ayeye and Earendil are getting at, but seems to think something is wrong. Ghaleon looks from Kadan to Ayeye and Earendil. "Secret way or gate?" Earendil: Leon, Kadan remember that Kargeth found out that Magus was behind the rebellion, anybody from that house would immediately be arrested. Ayeye: Secret way, at least that gives us a chance... Kadan: Hmm... they respect those blasted symbols. Earendil: Agreed Ayeye. Ghaleon still has a rather uncomprehending look. He takes out a silver amulet with the snake and dagger symbol on it. "This no good?" Kadan: Maybe we could alter it to look like one of the other houses. Earendil shakes his head. "Nope, better that you just throw it away." Ghaleon pouts and puts it away. Ghaleon: Let's just go kid way in. No stupid guards that way. Valina: Agreed... Kadan: I would like to inspect this approach carefully. Sometimes the most secretive entrance is not necessarily the best one. Ghaleon pouts and sits on the ground, glaring at Kadan while waiting for him to make up his mind. Earendil: Kadan, we don't have very much time if you know of another way, speak up. If not, let's go. Kadan skulks about the area and reluctantly follows Earendil's suggestion. Ghaleon gets up and then leads you to the northern face of the city. The walls are high here, and there don't appear to be any guards in site. He leads you to an odd-colored patch in the ground. Ghaleon brushes away a lot of the gravel and sand to reveal a small trapdoor. He yanks it open and proceeds to drop inside. Ghaleon: Ouch! Seems smaller in here than I remember it... Valina: Interesting, we'll have to remember this. Kadan shrugs and tries to squeeze his way into the portal, mumbling something. Arzel follows Ghaleon. Valina jumps in with no problem. GMRune: The passage inside is lined with bricks of dried mud in a rather crude fashion. The ceilings are low, only Valina and Ayeye are able to stand up without hunching over. Earendil wiggles in. GMRune: The passage is lined with small globes of light, and you hear childish peals of laughter up ahead. Ghaleon crawls on ahead, frequently slamming his head on the ceiling as he tries to stand up. "Growing up hurts! :P" Kadan advances silently and cautiously. GMRune: After a while you enter a sort of playroom. The ceiling is high enough to stand in here, and there are four children with their schoolbooks here. GMRune: Their ages are roughly eight to ten. Ayeye: Err, hello? Earendil: Oops! Kadan glares in some sort of fascination at the children. GMRune: They look suspiciously at the party. Kid: Hey, who are you people? No grown-ups allowed in here! Arzel: Poor children...have to learn the way of the warlock. Ghaleon looks offended, but doesn't say anything. Ayeye: Sorry, we were just leaving... Ayeye: Ghaleon, which way now? Earendil: We're lost, don't mind us. The kid who spoke wears a black symbol and he stands in the way of the other exit. "You guys just go back out the way you came!" Ghaleon points at where the kid's blocking. "We need to go that way." Kadan stands imposingly over the children. "Please move." The kid glares at Kadan. "You don't look like no warlock!" Kid2: That's _a_ warlock, not _no_ warlock... Kadan smirks. "No, I'm not. Believe me, I'm much more dangerous to you. Move, please." Ayeye: He's disguised, now let us through. Earendil: He's dangerous alright, he's the truant officer. GMRune: The first kid doesn't budge. He raises a hand and it begins to glow with dark energy. Kid: Ha! Prove it! Ayeye frowns. "Please don't..." Ghaleon: Was I this annoying? Arzel: Probably, Ghal. :P The kid blasts Kadan with a beam of darkness! Arzel starts to chant his smoke choke spell. GMRune: Kadan takes no damage! The kid gawks. Earendil applauds the kid in a sarcastic way. Arzel: We don't want to hurt you...we just want past. Ayeye stares at Kadan. "How did you..." Kadan smiles. "Some fear the darkness the shadow brings. People fear what they do not understand. I see the night as a protective cloak, comforting in its obscurity. You have no power against me." Kid: That was... that was... my best spell! Arzel: You forget what Kadan is Ayeye...his race live in the shadows. The kid scoots out of Kadan's way. The others also scoot away from the party. Earendil: Geint, don't you think its nap time for these kids? Ayeye: Sometimes, it's easy to forget. He still acts the same ... most of the time. Kadan grins slightly. "Let us proceed." ~Geint shrugs and casts Herbal Breeze on the kids! They doze off. Earendil: There, now they can't warn anybody. Arzel: I can do that too ya know, Ear :P just in a different way. ~Rein: We don't want to choke the kids though, do we? Arzel: Well...it doesn't really have any side affects. Arzel: I've had the spell cast on me a few times in training... GMRune: Ghaleon continues to lead the party through the tunnels. You hear more children now and again, all of them young, but Ghaleon is now more careful about leading you around them, even if it means taking a longer route. Kadan: What are all these disgusting little spores doing down here? Ghaleon makes a distasteful look. "This is our playground!" Earendil: It isn't their fault that their parents teach them to be like that. Ghaleon finally creeps up to a grate and pushes it open with an ease that surprises him. Ghaleon: We're here! Ghaleon climbs up through the grate and sits above waiting for the others to follow. Earendil hauls himself up through the grate Kadan: Disturbing... Arzel follows Ghaleon. Valina: Well, here we go! Valina climbs up. GMRune: When the party is all above ground, Ghaleon slides the grid back into place. GMRune: You find yourselves in the rear of what appears to be an elementary school. The sense of foreboding is even deeper now that you are inside the city walls rather than without. Valina looks around. Kadan rubs the skin of his arms, as if tingling with disgust at the air. GMRune: The school is not far from the city walls. There is nothing between it and you. Ayeye looks around nervously. "What now?" Valina: Let's look for Par and get outta here! Ghaleon shrugs, looking at the rest of the party. Earendil: We have to become less noticeable and then find Par. Ayeye: The city is huge, and we don't exactly fit in... ~Rein looks around nervously. "I hope they don't check back here often." Valina: yea... Valina: I wonder if there is anything in that school of any use. Arzel: We need some black robes or something. Earendil: For you Valina, maybe, but Kadan and I need something a tad bit bigger to wear. Valina wonders... "Can I pass as a warlock child?" Ghaleon giggles. "I don't know if we'd ever find anything Kadan's size!" Arzel: Ya...not many warlocks have Kadan's build. Kadan: Robes... not quite my style. Valina: And I don't think Kadan would make the best 'prisioner' if you know what I mean. Ayeye: I don't want to wear robes either, is there anything else? ~Geint: Yeah, we'd have to take away his axe! Earendil: He'd go crazy if he didn't have his weapon. Kadan appears very uneasy, constantly glancing back and to the sides. "Wait... are we alone here?" ~Geint suddenly realizes how conspicious she is. Valina: I wouldn't make the best 'gaurd' for him either. Arzel: Well there's not really anything else we can do is there? ~Rein wonders if Kadan is getting paranoid. Earendil: Too bad we can't cause a big explosion. We could rescue Par in the following confusion. Arzel: I could make a fire... but most of the buildings are stone. GMRune: The party hears a wub-wub sound coming from around the school. GMRune: The sound draw into view and you see a trio of blue jelly creatures cleaning up the debris of the city. Kadan clenches his teeth and inspects his surroundings like a hunted lemur. GMRune: A group of giant badger creatures are following them and throw the litter that the jellies miss into them. Earendil: Yuck, I don't think I would want those wandering around where I live. Ghaleon: Garbage disposal system. Arzel: Well... that's one way the keep the streets clean. Ayeye: Really, I thought they would use magic. GMRune: The badgers sniff the air and growl at the party. They direct the wub-wub-ing jellies towards you. Valina: Perhaps warlocks just like to torture every creature! Ghaleon shrugs. "Don't need to waste magic this way." GMRune: The badgers spit something that sounds like a crude language at the party. Ayeye: Whatever works. Arzel: Uhh...this is bad. Earendil: Do we smell so bad to be mistaken as trash? Ghaleon: I think they want to see our symbols... Kadan: I try not to... Ayeye: Symbols? That may be a slight problem... Valina: Great... Ghaleon takes his out and waves it at the badgers. They attack! GMRune: -------round 1--------- Ayeye: Uh oh. Ghaleon: Uh.... uh oh. Earendil: I hate to say this Leon, but I told you so. GMRune: target: 3 blue jellies in front, 3 giant badgers in back Arzel: That wouldn't happen to be a House Magus symbol would it Ghaleon? Ghaleon: Um... yeah... it is. Arzel: That was a silly thing to do wasn't it, Ghaleon? House Magus has been banished. Ghaleon looks down. "I guess so..." GMRune: Ayeye attacks Jelly #3! Arzel: S'okay, everyone makes mistakes. GMRune: attack 1: 4 damage GMRune: attack 2: *critical* 31 damage GMRune: Kadan attacks Jelly #1! GMRune: attack 1: 88 damage GMRune: attack 2: 92 damage GMRune: Earendil's form blurs as he dashes through the back row of badgers! They are each struck for 69 damage! GMRune: Valina attacks Jelly #1! GMRune: 24 damage! GMRune: Rein is... hanging out in the back row. GMRune: Jelly #1 attacks Kadan! GMRune: 7 damage! GMRune: Jelly #2 attacks Ayeye! GMRune: It misses by a long shot! Kadan blinks. "You call that an attack, you worthless lump of snotty, goopy phlegm?" GMRune: Jelly #1 burps in Kadan's general direction. GMRune: Jelly #3 attacks Geint! Ayeye smirks, "At least it managed to hit you." GMRune: 66 damage! GMRune: Badger #1 defends. GMRune: Badger #2 blurs and he slashes through the back row! Kadan points at the back row. "Ha! Ha!" GMRune: Rein is hit for 73 damage! Arzel is hit for 65 damage! Tarrant is hit for 11 damage! GMRune: Rein is knocked out! Arzel: Oh good...now it's going to be fun trying to heal. Earendil: Laughing at our comrades isn't going to help us any, Kadan. GMRune: Geint attacks Jelly #1! GMRune: attack 1: 75 damage GMRune: Jelly #1 is nothing but ooze! GMRune: Geint attacks Jelly #2! GMRune: attack 2: 66 damage GMRune: Arzel conjures up a row of flame across the badgers! GMRune: 57 damage to each! GMRune: Tarrant rains thorns down upon the entire group of enemies! GMRune: 123 damage to each jelly and 112 damage to each badger! GMRune: All the badgers die! Kadan: Umm... Earendil: Kadan, you and I should learn how to do that. Kadan winces unbelievably at the brutally deep gashes and lacerations caused by mere thorns. GMRune: Ghaleon attacks Jelly #2! GMRune: 3 damage! GMRune: ------round 2------ GMRune: Ayeye attacks Jelly #3 again! GMRune: attack 1: *critical* 26 damage GMRune: attack 2: *critical* 25 damage GMRune: Kadan attacks Jelly #2! GMRune: attack 1: 89 damage GMRune: Jelly #2 dies! He moves on to Jelly #3! GMRune: attack 2: 92 damage GMRune: Jelly #3 is dead! GMRune: -----victory!------ Kadan snarls as he brutalizes the insignificant cretins. GMRune: Rein awakens with 1 hp. Arzel: wb Rein. Earendil looks around hoping that no one else saw the battle. GMRune: The party earns 189 XP, 139 MEXP, and 45 S. Arzel casts heal litany on himself. GMRune: Arzel gains 52 hp. Ayeye: Ghaleon, do they track those things? GMRune: You all hear a slight clapping sound at the end of your battle. Valina: I hope not... Ayeye turns toward the sound. Ghaleon: No, I don't think so. But we should clean up the mess... Earendil looks in the direction of the clapping. Arzel looks for the clapping. GMRune: A hooded figure fades into view a few strides away from you. Figure: I admire your courage, being able to enter this city is a feat of greatness in itself. Ayeye laughs nervously. "They just sort of jumped us." Ayeye: We didn't want to ... err, wreck them... Earendil: Courage and loyalty, but that is another matter. What do you want? Valina: Umm... Arzel examines the figure closely. Figure: I have... I am here to guide you. Arzel: Who are you? Ayeye: Guide us? Earendil: A guide to our deaths no doubt. GMRune: The figure is male and is wearing a hooded black cape. Figure: If that were the case you'd be dead already. The figure gestures and a golden snake and dagger symbol momentarily appears. Valina: ... Arzel looks at the symbol. GMRune: It is definately a House Flysse symbol. Ayeye: Why would you help us? Arzel: I know you...don't I? Earendil: Why would somebody from House Flysse want to help us? Figure: Because I have been asked to, and because I am interested in seeing what you intend to do here. Figure: You see, I feel a little responsible for your friend's capture. Ayeye is indignant. "What we intend to do is none of your business." Figure: I would see him to safety if you will let me. Arzel: You were the one riding... that... thing! The figure nods. "That quickin is my steed, Moondance." Earendil: Our trust is not easily earned. Beyond your word, what else can you give so that we may trust you? Figure: You left before I could reach you, I had to chase. The figure shrugs. "I suppose I could give you my identity, for if I am telling the truth that will doom me as much as your friend." Arzel: Why did you avoid me when I flew near you? Earendil: Fine then, who are you? Figure: I did not want to confront you out on the plains. I had to be certain you were capable of getting into the city, because I could not aid you in doing that. The figure draws back his head, revealing long reddish-brown hair. It is Lord Jael. Jael swiftly pulls his hood back on after you see him. Arzel sneers. "Jael..." Jael: Are you satisfied now? Earendil: Well well well. Valina: Humm... Jael: Now we had better hurry. You friend is set to be executed tomorrow. I'll have disguises made ready for you. Arzel: We don't have time for this...we must rescue Par. Kadan: We... met you on the badlands. Jael nods to Kadan. Arzel: Well...let's get going. Jael gestures for you to follow him. Jael: We won't be able to enter the castle where your friend is being held until tomorrow morning. I'll hide you in my home. Earendil: Okay, I will go then. At the first sign of treachery, I will not hesitate to use my sword. Valina: Yea... let's get out of here. Jael: It is only to be expected, sir knight. Jael: I guard my back as well. Jael hurries through a network of back streets and alleys to keep the party away from the main crowd of the city. Without his guidence, you could easily get lose within the maze of stone buildings. Paths seems to jump out and twist into being out of nowhere. Valina: This place is strange.. GMRune: He finally leads you to the back of modest stone building. Jael utters a word of magic and the back door swings open. He ushers you inside. Jael: I live alone, so there should be no one else here. Arzel: Kinda makes you wanna be a warlock huh? Valina: ... Arzel: It was a joke. Jael: Being a warlock isn't all it's cracked up to be, otherwise I wouldn't be helping you. Your friend was in my custody, and I was forced to relinquish him. Earendil: In very poor taste. Jael: I intended to keep my word, but the Empire is too strong to stand against as of yet. Arzel: I'm sorry Ear... but the thought of being a warlock has passed through the mind of every mage in the world... Kadan: Isn't all it's cracked up to be? I had to fight for everything I've ever had in my life, all the while watching over the stone walls separating the districts of the city, seeing your kind wandering the halls of their carpeted manors in their silk robes... Jael heads to a closet and pulls out a set of robes for the smaller party members and ceremonial pauldrons (shoulder armor) for Earendil and Kadan. Valina: It still isn't worth it.. Kadan and Earendil feel like studs. Jael: I know what you mean. I can't say I hate my life, but there are a good deal of things I do hate, many of them dealing with the Empire's system of morality. Valina: Thanks. Jael: You're welcome, my lady. Arzel: Garreth had almost convinced me to join... all the resources at your disposal and the ability to hone your magic far better than any mage teaching himself Earendil looks at the armor, "Not quite the ceremonial armor of a Knight that I'm used to, but it will suffice." Jael: That is true, but the Empire is very demanding. And unworthy members are often "removed" from their stations. Arzel sighs and looks around. Jael: I'll show you wear you can sleep, and then I'll guide you to the palace not long after dawn. It will be easiest for me to get you in then. Jael leads the party to two bedrooms and a den, which has been converted into a third sleeping area. Arzel: Jael, tell me...do you know Garreth? We were equals in our magic power until he joined, and he seems to have made it quite far in the ranks. Jael lowers his head slightly. "I don't know Garreth personally, but he has become a favorite of Gausuton lately. He often works on special projects for Houses Banshee and Nissa." Ayeye: Speaking of Garreth, I think I still have his backpack... Valina: Really... Arzel laughs. Arzel: Yes..Garreth enjoys brown-nosing up the ranks, it's what he's best at. Jael: Yes, so it would appear. Arzel: So who's gonna sleep where? Earendil: Tell me Jael, do you know anything about a blond haired girl that Gausuton has been training? Valina: ... I just hope Gausuton isn't here. Jael turns to leave you to your rest. Jael: The Lady Elanor? I have only recently heard of her. Arzel: I think it's best we rest Jael bids the party good night and leaves. Kadan rubs his chin, apparently not entirely happy with the current situation. GMRune: -----end session--------