Lunar: Magic Empire Session 30 Log ============================================================ Cast of Characters: Rune as "GM/Narrator, the bush, Ghaleon, Jael, Voice1, Voice2, Guard1, Guard2, and Leader 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 morning in Killith is simply a lighter dirty gray than from the day before. Jael rouses you from your sleep and provides you with a meal of hardrolls, dried fruit, and eggs, saying that you'll need your strength for the day ahead. The warlock is dressed in a well-oiled suit of mail with the hooded cape from the day before thrown over his shoulders. A short length of chain hangs from his belt. Ayeye munches on a hardroll. "Do we have a plan yet?" Valina: Get Par and get outta here. Jael: I plan on disguising you as warlocks with the costumes I gave you. Then I'm adding a small magic aura to each of you so that to the rovering warlocks you'll appear to emit as much magic power as they do. Kadan shakes his head, then scampers his belongings up, nervously getting prepared, as if guilty for sleeping as long as he did. Earendil: I'm afraid it won't be as simple as that. Ayeye: It never is. Rein prays quietly in the corner. Valina: ~sigh~ Ayeye: What about the things ... symbols? Jael: Your friend Par is being held in the Citadel, Lord Kargeth's own castle. Kadan grabs a couple eggs and gives Jael an ugly look. "Are those things safe?" Earendil: Straight into the lion's den . . . Jael: I can't provide you with symbols, but since not all warlocks openly wear them, we'll have to rely on the auras alone. Rein redoubles his praying at this last bit of news. Kadan: How do the... citizens here enter and leave the Citadel? Would we have 'access' to the detention area? Jael: Anyway, Par is due to be executed at the start of the Twelfth Hour; noon, so that everyone in the city will have a chance to witness it. Ayeye looks doubtful, "We have to go into the castle and you think they won't check for ID. I find that unlikely." Jael: The Citadel can only be entered via a guarded main entrance, unless one possesses the means to fly or teleport. Earendil: Flying would be too suspicious, and none of us can teleport. Jael: I have a slight talent for illusion magic. I think I'll be able to convince the guards to let us through. Ayeye: Not many of us can fly either. Ayeye: I know I can't. The bush jumps in Ayeye's backpack. Rein: I suggest we hurry... it would probably be easier to pull something off before the public show. Kadan holds his axe up in the dim morning light. "And if that plan fails?" Jael: True, it's now almost halfway through the Seventh Hour, we have only four and a half hours to rescue him. Ayeye looks back at the bush, "And I don't think he can either." Earendil: We'll probably end up in Par's situation if we fail. Jael looks at Kadan. "Then I'll just have to pull some rank on the guard. Let's not worry about it." Ayeye: Let's go then. Arzel: But we have to try, he's our friend. Kadan gives Earendil a slight smirk. "Not necessarily. I'm not very agreeable when cornered." Rein: I suggest we get going and talk it over on the way. Earendil: I wouldn't underestimate the warlocks here if I were you, Kadan. Kadan gives a slight sigh of hesitation, then jumps to his feet. "Agreed. Let's get this over with. I would prefer not to spend one minute longer here than is necessary." GMRune: Jael helps each of you dress into your disguises, offering bits of advice on how to wear your costume and how to present yourself while you walk down the street. He then casts a quick spell over each of you. Valina: Thanks. Jael nods and leads all of you out of his home. Kadan grumbles slightly as he smells the force violate him, but decides to put up with it. GMRune: Jael leads you through the streets, no longer heading via the alleyways, but by the main corriders. The gothic homes of the various noble houses tower unbelievably high to either side of you like a gigantic wave about to crash. Before you rises the largest structure of them all, the castle of Lord Kargeth. The huge castle rests in the center of the entire city, its largest spire of five touching the very top of the green barrier around the city walls. Kargeth's castle, known simply among the warlocks as the Citadel, is easily tall enough to rival the Goddess Tower itself. Ayeye: It's all so, imposing... Valina: Wow... Earendil: And I thought Shelladon was big. Kadan scowls in his cloak, giving the structures a low growl of disapproval. Rein lowers his head and trudges onward, ignoring the oppressiveness of the scene Valina: Well, let's stop pondering, and get going, Par is waiting for us. GMRune: Two warlock sentries stand guard to either side of the Citadel's entryway, and Jael speaks quietly to one of them before the group of you are waved on through. Earendil whispers to no one in particular. "That was too easy." GMRune: The Citadel is shaped like an X, with a large bulge making up much of its bulk in the center where the wings cross. When you enter the center chamber, you see large halls leading to the northwest, northeast, southwest, and sotuheast, with a far smaller corrider leading back the way you came. The chamber is shaped like a giant hemisphere, with a large tube rising from the center of the ceiling. Below the tube is a large circle of approximately the same diameter. The whole party could easily fit within its boundaries. Jael: I hope not, sir knight. But I doubt it. Kadan anxiously looks up, to the back, and to the sides, checking for ambushes or traps. Ayeye looks around the area. "Where is he?" GMRune: There doesn't appear to be anyone else in the main chamber right now. Earendil: Kadan, stop looking so nervous, you'll draw uneeded attention. Jael: He's probably held up above. Jael gestures upward. Jael: But we can't activate the shaft without the key, and I'm not of a high enough rank to have one. Ayeye looks upward, "Anybody give any thought to how we get him out?" Earendil: So where do we get one? Valina: Humm... Jael: We'll have to steal it from someone who can. Arzel: Jael, do you know if Garreth is in the city? Jael: Each of the lower wings belongs to on of Lord Kargeth's favored noble houses. There should be several keys in each of them. Jael turns to Arzel. "I afraid that last I heard he is. He's been here since his last injury, and I don't think he's left yet." Kadan looks up at the staggering central chamber. "I don't like this... we shouldn't get too far inside this place without maintaining an escape route." Jael: At any rate, we shouldn't just stand here talking. Earendil: Let's pick a wing, barring Nissa and Banshee, and get going. Ayeye examines the various wings. "Let's go right." GMRune: It's the beginning of the Eighth Hour now. Valina: Yes... let's move. Ayeye points southeast. "That way!" Earendil: Jael, which house is down that way? Kadan hunches down a bit and sticks close to Ayeye. "Don't shout. This place has unfavorable acoustics..." GMRune: The hallway to the southeast is bathed in silvery tapestries and carpeting. But they appear to have recently been torn down and various earthtones, predominantly a deep brown, have been replacing them. Arzel: Jael, does Garreth stay in one the the Citadel's wings? Jael: It's House Erde's wing now. Valina mumbles to herself.. "I'm sure Banshee would just love to see me again." Ayeye: Oh...sorry, I'm just a bit nervous about being here. I want out as soon as possible. Jael: (to Arzel) Yes, he does. Earendil: Good, we haven't had too many run ins with them yet, let's go. Arzel: Damn it, if we run into him we're dead for shure. Rein: We still have a couple more houses to annoy. Ghaleon looks forlornly at the silver tapestries but follows after the party. Ayeye walks toward the southeast wing. "Come on Kadan. The sooner we get the key, the sooner we can leave." Jael: Each wing consists of four floors. We'll loose a lot of time if we search every one of them though. Earendil: Which floor do the warlocks ususally stay on then? Kadan stays close to Ayeye, almost protectively. "Let's hope he's closeby, then we can... ... Jael, how are we supposed to leave this place if we are escorting a condemned prisoner?" Arzel: Very sneakily Kadan. :P Valina: Ummm. Jael: The first floor is typically recreational space; lounges and libraries. The second offices, and the third and fourth bedrooms and perhaps special rooms for whatever the house is currently researching or creating. Ayeye: Same way we got in, through the front gate. No one would suspect it. Arzel: Did anyone think of bringing an extra robe for Par? Jael frowns for a moment. "Well, we'll just steal one for him." Ayeye: No, but Par had one when we lost him. Jael: If it's in any shape after all this... Kadan: What of the Magus living here? Have they been rounded up and imprisoned as well? GMRune: The party encounters a staircase along the western wall. The steps are made of marble and partially covered by a hastily added brown carpet. Valina: Probably imprisoned... Jael: I wouldn't be surprised. Kargeth has ordered the extermination of all members of House Magus, save the two up in the spire and the child he wants so badly. Rein moves along, trying to look inconspicuous. Jael: There are bound to be a few loose ones though. Ayeye glances around the first floor. "Jael, where would you keep a key if you had one?" Earendil: I say the second floor, the warlocks will be isolated in their offices so we won't have to tackle an entire group. Valina: Okay, then second floor it is. Jael: Probably with me at all times. Not very reassuring is it. Rein: Sounds like a good idea to me. Ayeye remembers her last fight with a warlock and shudders. "Not reassuring at all..." GMRune: The party heads up the stairs, and as you reach the second floor, you hear a pair of voices in conversation passing through the hallway above. Kadan halts. Ayeye stops with Kadan. Valina: Good... now let's do this real quiet-like... Voice1: I can't believe that Mileria was actually stupid enough to take those rebels under her wing. She brought this down on her entire House! Voice2: Well, Lord Homair got lucky too. If he hadn't met those slugs on the road he'd never have been able to accuse her before the Emperor like that. Remember, they were in this wing just before us. Voice2: We can leave it just as quickly too. I've heard House Flysse is working on something big. And farming isn't going to let us hold this place for long. Ayeye mumbles, "It would have had to be a lord." Jael: (whispers) Lord Homair ought to have a key... GMRune: The voices fade and pass from your hearing after the second voice's final comment. Valina: (whispers) Now how do we get it? Earendil whispers, "Yeah, but where is he at?" Ayeye whispers, "We don't know where he is, and he does know who we are." Jael: If I remember correctly he resides in a suite on the fourth floor, but I don't know if he's there at the moment. Rein: Let's hurry there! Valina: (whispers) Maybe he was nice enough to leave the key out! GMRune: The party reaches the top of the stairs and sees a second staircase just to their right proceeding upward. Valina sneeks up the stairs to the 4th floor GMRune: As the party continues upward, you hear a faint snuffling sound following some distance behind you. Kadan looks regretful at the group's rash actions, but decides that sticking close together is smarter than staying behind. Rein: What could that be? We've done nothing to give ourselves away. Earendil: Aside from being out of place and in the wrong wing. Valina: Yet... Arzel: I bet it's Garreth, he's good at finding me. :| Jael pauses. "It's probably one of Erde's pets, although we can't be certain." Kadan: Pets? Ayeye whispers, "We have a time limit, let's just continue." Kadan's hand strays to the back of his belt... Valina sneaks quietly by... GMRune: The party continues upward and the sniffing sound disappears. You reach the fourth floor, and you see two guards in hefty helmeted armor stand before an elaborately engraved pair of ivory doors. They each wield a large halberd, and stand motionless as far as you can tell. But you are also under the impression that they are watching everything around them though their slitted visors. Kadan halts. Valina: So.. where would Homair's room be? Kadan: Shh... Kadan looks for a place to lurk in the shadows. GMRune: There are no shaodws in this brightly lit silver and dirt-color hallway. Rein: Perhaps Jael should talk to them. Arzel: So what do we do now Jael? Ayeye approaches the guards. "Hello." Kadan lays low and mutters to himself about Ayeye's recklessness. Jael frowns. "I suppose I could try, but gaining entrance to Homair's chambers isn't as easily faked as getting you through the entryway." Ayeye: What are you two doing? Guard1: Hello? Rein: Uhhh... Ayeye: Err...yeah...a greeting... Arzel nearly falls over from Ayeye's actions. Kadan remembers what happened the last time Ayeye was this direct with a warlock. Guard1 looks carefully at Ayeye. "What for? You're not from this House are you." Ayeye: No...I was just admiring the redecorations. Arzel mumbles, "She's going to get us all killlled." Guard2: Ah. Yes, silver is a nice color, but we can't afford to be associated with the Magus clan. Sometimes I regret being born into House Erde. Ayeye gives the guard a sad face, "Am I not supposed to be here?" Guard2: Well, Lord Homair gets touchy sometimes, but heck, if you're allowed in the Citadel, you're technically allowed anywhere in the halls or public rooms. Ayeye: Why? Surely you would not prefer to be part of Magus? Rein: Sometimes all you have left is faith in your friends... Guard2: Of course not! But House Nissa! Now there's a powerful house! Or even Protectoriate. Ayeye cheers up, "Really! Wow! Mind if I look around up here some more?" Guard2: Sure, go ahead. Ayeye: Thanks! Earendil 's mouth drops open at Ayeye's success. Jael: (whispering) I can't believe that.... Ayeye continues down the hall. Kadan blinks. Twice. Rein smiles quietly beneath his hood. Kadan tries to remain discreet and follows Ayeye. Guard1: Hey! Who are you! Ayeye stops to examine a door. Guard1 glares at Kadan's large bulk, expecting an answer. Rein: Remember what I said earlier about faith in your friends? I take it back. Kadan: Erm... Kadan: I'm... with... her... Kadan: I'm her... bodyguard. She gets into trouble otherwise. Guard1 frowns. "Well, hurry on through then. Geez. I thought bodyguards were more discreet these days." Ayeye turns back toward the guards, "Yeah, he's with me." Kadan tries to think of a response, but forgets it and rushes after Ayeye. Ayeye continues on to another door. Arzel comes up the stairs panting fakely and says "Hey, wait," and rushes after Ayeye, bowing to the guard when he gets near. Rein shakes his head. Earendil rushes up the stairs and stands in front of the guards. "I have an urgent message for Lord Homair from Emperor Kargeth." GMRune: Arzel gets over to Kadan and Ayeye. Ayeye points Kadan to the greenhouses. "Kadan, they're growing food in here." Guard1: What sort of message? Kadan examines the greenhouses. "Filth... I'm sure it's not organically grown." Ayeye: I think it's odd that they're growing it inside. I thought that's what farms were for. Earendil holds up an envelope. "His majesty instructed me to give this only to Lord Homair himself. All I know is that it concerns the execution that will take place at the 12th hour." Ayeye tries the next door. Guard1: Heh. Well, you're out of luck. Lord Homair isn't here right now. He's not returning from Caldor Isle until the Eleventh Hour today. Valina stands, silently. Arzel swears under his breath at what the guard says. Ayeye tries to find an unlocked door. Earendil: Then I must deliver it to one of his attendents. GMRune: Ayeye doesn't find any unlocked doors beyond those she's already found. Guard2 starts looking down the hall at her. Guard1: You can leave it with us. We'll give it to him when he returns. Valina steps back at the sound of 'Caldor'. Valina: I wonder what he is doing there... Earendil takes advantage of Ayeye's distraction and tries to trip Guard2 over. Ayeye starts walking back and smiles at Guard2. "Those 'Greenhouses' are amazing." Guard1 punches Earendil in the side of the head and away from Guard2. Guard1: Hey, what do you think you're doing! Kadan cringes as he hears a cracking noise. GMRune: Earendil's head is ringing. Valina attempts to quickly sneak in during the dispute. Guard2: True enough. The pride and joy of what Erde has. Ayeye stops suddenly. "What's going on?" Earendil staggers around for a bit and falls to the ground. GMRune: Valina sneaks up beside Earendil. Rein looks to the others who haven't approached yet. Guard1 looks from Ayeye to Earendil. "Some jerk I guess." Ayeye looks angrily at Earendil. "I'll take him with me. He will be punished for his foolishness." Ayeye points to Earendil. "Kadan! Grab that thug!" Guard2: Feel free to have him. Might want to check which house he is though, just so you don't get in any trouble. Kadan grabs the thug. Guard1 suddenly notices Valina. "Where'd you come from?" Ayeye smiles slyly. "I have a feeling his house is as low on the rung as possible." Valina: Hey... Take me too! We are a team you know! Ummm I'm with the 'thug' Arzel follows after Ayeye. Ayeye heads down a floor. Earendil mumbles like in a drunken stupor, "Unhand me you lumox, I'm the personal messenger of Kargeth." Ayeye: Alright Kadan, they're out of sight now, you can drop Earendil. GMRune: Everyone is back in the staircase between the third and fourth floor. Arzel: That's my word for him Ear, get your own. :P Kadan drops Earendil moderately politely. Valina is wondering, "How am I to get past these guards" Ghaleon looks at Earendil. "Did he get beat up there?" Ayeye: The fourth floor is locked up, any other ideas? Arzel: We could try a different wing Jael: Well, if Homair left his key behind, you could try taking out the guards. Otherwise I don't have much of an idea. Jael: We have a little more than three hours to go now. Ayeye: Jael, you were probably right, I'd think he would keep the key with himself. Valina: ... Jael: Well, if we're going to try another wing, we'd better get moving. Valina: Humm... Arzel: Let's try another wing.. Ayeye: Besides, the guards were nice. It wouldn't be right hurting them. Rein: We'd better hurry... there's no time to go elsewhere now, and there's only two of them... Valina: Think we can do it? yea... Valina: But I don't think picking a fight is the best way... Ayeye: Arzel, which wing? Arzel: It doesn't matter to me. Rein: Well we've already tried the subtle way. GMRune: The party starts heading back down the stairs. On the second floor you see a bizarre creature looking like a combination between a dog and a cow. It shoves its muzzle at you. Ayeye jumps back. "Ahh!" Kadan eyes the beast with alarm, but stands his ground. GMRune: The dog-cow moos and looks at Ayeye with a large set of bright eyes. Jael frowns at the thing. Ayeye: What is it? Arzel goes uhhh. Jael: I think some dim-witted warlock decided to all it a cog, because it doesn't have nearly enough of them turning in its head. It's harmless though. This one doesn't appear to have been trained for attack. Ayeye reaches down and pats it on the head. Ayeye: It doesn't look too dangerous... Kadan: Hmm... Ayeye: Do you think it knows where we can find a key? Tarrant: I think the bush is getting jelous GMRune: The cog moos and wags its tail. The bush seems to glare at Tarrant. Ayeye: Hiya cog! I don't suppose you've seen any extra keys around here, have you? Jael just pushes at the cog to get it out of his way so he can continue down to the next set of stairs. GMRune: The cog's large-eyed expression doesn't change. Ayeye shrugs and follows Jael. GMRune: The party reaches the first floor again and heads back to the central chamber. This time you see a pair of warlocks talking with each other there. Kadan flattens himself against a wall and listens intently. GMRune: The warlocks appear to be talking about medical techniques and how they'll actually save lives on the battlefields for once. Jael: (whispering) Which wing do you want to try now? Ayeye tugs at Kadan's arm. "We don't have time to waste, we have to move quickly." Kadan: Let's go northeast... Valina: Ok, northeast it is... who is there anyways? GMRune: The party heads into the northeast wing, which is lined with royal and navy blue curtains and borders. A sense of a strict and demanding majesty is everywhere, and various trophies adorn the walls. Kadan gets a stern expression on his face. "If you have a better suggestion, let's hear it. Otherwise, let's go..." Jael: Northeast is Protectoriate's place... Ayeye: Pretty. Valina: I have never heard of them...I guess it is time to make more enemies. Earendil: I know them well enough, Kargeth sent this house to attack Shelladon. Kadan continues onward, indifferent to the meaningless decorations. GMRune: The party sees pierced suits of armor and dented swords from powerful fallen heroes and warlords alike. Those of note who were defeated by Protectoriate have their arms displayed here. Ayeye runs after Kadan. Valina: Ohh, big city destroyers! Unlike Banshee, the village destroyers! Earendil wonders if his father's sword is in these halls. Ayeye looks at the "trophies" nervously. "They attacked Shelladon..." Rein: What bizarre decorations... Valina: I don't like it... GMRune: The party finds a golden banistered starcase at the far end of the hall. Guarding each side of it is a warlock sentry. Earendil: Slaughtered was more like it, they sent 10 times the number of troops Shelladon had. Arzel: Oh good, more guards. Ayeye avoids looking at the guards. Jael: Overwhelming odds is one way to help assure victory. GMRune: The guards stand tall and straight, at strict attention. Kadan: But aren't the most notable heroes those who surmount "impossible" odds? Valina ignores the guards to the best of her ability. Jael: Warfare isn't about notable heroes though. Rein tries to ignore the surroundings and get down to the business at hand Valina tries to walk pass the guards... GMRune: Valina passes on through. They hardly pay her a glance. Arzel: The warlocks aren't heroes, Kadan, and they won't be heroes, because of their tactics... Arzel follows after Val. Jael scoffs and follows after Valina. Earendil: The warlocks are power hungry murderers. Earendil follows Jael and Valina. Ayeye gets more nervous with each thing Earendil says. Tarrant walks past the guard... Quickly glancing at the guards.. Valina looks at Earendil with a sad face Earendil suddenly remembers where he is and zips his lip. GMRune: The party reaches the second floor of Protectoriate's wing. Beside you is another staircase with guards, and then a long hall progresses in front. GMRune: There are more trophies on this level as well. Kadan plods ahead through the hall, attempting to carry himself as if he belongs there. Valina whispers "where to?" Valina follows Kadan. Jael shrugs. "I've told you want we need, and what's on each of these levels." Ayeye follows Kadan, but tries to avoid the gaze of the guards. Arzel walks up beside Jael. "I didn't meen all warlocks, there are some with honor, Par, and most of House Magus for example." GMRune: The party passes along the hallway. Some of the doors to either side of you are open, revealing small offices or sitting rooms. Behind one door you see a room full of beanbags and half-sized bookcases. Jael nods to Arzel. "You are right, of course. But there are more of us than you know." Arzel nods. "I am speaking out of experience from those warlocks that I do know, like Garreth, and Kargeth." Earendil: I would ask that you forgive my words as well, my mind was on that last battle in Shelladon. Jael: Understandable. Rein: I suppose we could seach some of these offices... Valina: ... perhaps, do we have the time to though? Jael: We'll never know if we don't try. It's this or upstairs. Earendil: Let's just find the key and go. I do not like this wing very much. Valina: Let's try upstairs. Rein: Okay. GMRune: The party heads back down the hall towards the stairs to the third floor. The guards there again give you a glance, and then that is all before you pass on by. Kadan heads up the stairs, trying to stay confident. GMRune: The third floor appears as much of the same, but the trophies here appear grander. There are a few stuffed heads of monsters as well. There are signs of warlock activity further down the hall. Valina whispers, "Let's see what they are up to..." Valina quietly sneeks down the hall. Rein: Not sure that's such a good idea... Valina doesn't hear Rein, and continues sneeking onward. Ayeye quietly follows Kadan. GMRune: The doors lining the hallway of the third floor are dyed somewhat reddish, as if to set off the darker blue of the walls around them. All of them appear to be shut. Rein: We're going up to the fourth floor, right? GMRune: Valina heads down the hallway. Tarrant scurrys after Val... Rein waits, hpoing this goes better than that fiasco witht the guards GMRune: Tar and Val disappear down the hallway towards the voices. Arzel: Aww damn, they're going to get themselves killed. Arzel sneaks quietly after Val. Valina sneaks toward Arzel. Earendil looks at Kadan, shrugs, and follows after the others, keeping his distance. Valina heads back and meets the party... Kadan continues ahead with the group, trying hard to hide his apprehension. Ayeye cautiosly follows Kadan. GMRune: Ear, Kadan, and Ayeye met Valina then when she's on her way back. Valina: (whispering) They said something about a prisoner being sick... but that it shouldn't affect the execution. Valina: (whispering) And someone of House Nissa is concidering keeping him alive! Arzel: That'd be nice. Valina: (whispering) I think we need to find this 'someone' in Nissa... Earendil whispers to Valina, "Any clues to who this someone is?" Valina: (whispering) Nope. Earendil: Great. Kadan: We don't have time to investigate. We're deep enough as it is. There must be a key here somewhere... Rein: Where does House Nissa reside? Valina: ... Shall we search Nissa's wing? Kadan gulps at the mention of Nissa. Jael: They're the ones up the shaft in the central chamber. We can't get to them without a key. Rein: I knew it. Rein: Let's find that key! Valina: Yea... Jael: We've got about two hours left now, use it wisely. Kadan: Agreed, although I suppose the wisdom of treading on Nissa's domain is... questionable. Rein: Let's find the stairs up to level 4. GMRune: The stairs to level four are right by the stairs leading back down to level two. Earendil: We're not leaving this level without a key, we don't have the time to search the other wings. Jael: If worst comes to worst, we can attack someone and hope they have one. Kadan: That would severely compromise our cover... Jael: We'll have to compromise it eventually. Jael: What do you suggest then? Earendil: Our options are quickly running out. GMRune: You hear the sound of booted feet coming down the hall towards you. Rein: I thought we were going to check level 4. Kadan freezes once again. Rein: Let's go to get away from those footsteps. GMRune: Two lightly armored warlocks march into view, walking purposely towards the staircases behind you. Rein starts to head up the stairs. GMRune: The party follows Rein past the guards and up the stairs to the fourth floor. The two warlocks behind you are also going up to the fourth floor. Ayeye stays with Kadan. Rein keeps moving trying to get out of sight of the staricase. Kadan keeps walking confidently, trying not to give any sign of anxiety. Rein makes like Kadan. GMRune: The two warlocks walk past you and enter a gilded archway guarded by a pair of armored senties. Rein: There'as gotta be a key in there, eh? Ghaleon puts a hand on the hilt of his sword. "I'm ready when you guys are." Earendil: I am too, unless you guys see any other way. Rein: Let's give those warlocks a chance to get back in there a ways first. Jael nods to Rein. GMRune: The party waits a few agonizing minutes... Ghaleon: Attack now? Rein looks around. "Ready?" Jael nods. Valina gets ready... GMRune: The party leaps forward to attack the sentries! Two more warlocks on the other side of the arch (not the same ones that entered earlier) join in the fray! GMRune: -----round 1----- Ayeye sighs and gets ready to attack. GMRune: target: 2 warlock sentries in front and 2 warlock medics in back Earendil feels the coldness emanating from the steel of his Ice Sword as he draws it. Earendil shouts to the group, "Get rid of the ones in back first." GMRune: Kadan casts Surround! Jael, Kadan, Geint, Ghaleon, and Ayeye sudden appear behind the medics! Kadan: I'm on it... GMRune: Ayeye attacks Medic #1! Ayeye blinks. "I could have sworn it was a sentry in front of me." GMRune: attack 1: *critical* 26 damage GMRune: attack 2: 1 damage Kadan: I think the Medics are squishier, Ayeye. GMRune: Jael whips out his chain and his form blurs as he uses it to strike the medics! GMRune: 108 damage to each! GMRune: Kadan attacks Medic #1! GMRune: attack 1: 98 damage GMRune: attack 2: miss GMRune: Valina raises her sword and concentrates! GMRune: Hit% up by 24! GMRune: Medic #1 casts heal litany on himself! GMRune: Medic #1 gains 80 hp! GMRune: Medic #2 casts heal litany on himself! He gains 76 hp! Kadan is angered, but remains calm knowing the spell didn't completely heal the wound he inflicted. >:) GMRune: Sentry #1 casts Dark Impulse on Tarrant! GMRune: Tarrant resists! GMRune: Sentry #2 casts Anti-Matter at Earendil! GMRune: 90 damage! GMRune: Geint attacks Medic #1! Earendil: Ouch! Damn you! GMRune: attack 1: 88 damage GMRune: Medic #1 dies! GMRune: Geint moves to attack Medic #2! GMRune: attack 2: miss GMRune: Earendil's form blurs and he slashes at Medic #2! GMRune: 70 damage! GMRune: Rein casts Heal Litany on himself! GMRune: He gains 45 hp! GMRune: Arzel hurls a bolt of flame at Medic #2! GMRune: 46 damage! GMRune: Tarrant gestures and a cloud of spores erupt over the front row. GMRune: 93 damage to each. GMRune: Ghaleon calls down a bolt of lightning on Medic #2! GMRune: 13 damage! GMRune: -----round 2------- Kadan thinks Ghaleon could benefit from a level or two. GMRune: Ayeye attacks Medic #2! GMRune: attack 1: 1 damage GMRune: attack 2: 1 damage GMRune: Jael attacks Medic #2! GMRune: 83 damage! GMRune: Kadan attacks Medic #2! GMRune: attack 1: miss GMRune: attack 2: miss Kadan's mouth opens. "G'ah...?" GMRune: Valina attacks Sentry #1! GMRune: 21 damage! GMRune: Medic #2 casts Pulse Ray on Tarrant! GMRune: 24 damage! GMRune: Sentry #1 casts Anti-Matter on Arzel! GMRune: 58 damage! Arzel: G'ah! GMRune: Sentry #2 casts Anti-Matter on Valina! GMRune: 79 damage! Valina: Ouch! GMRune: Geint attacks Medic #2! GMRune: attack 1: 82 damage GMRune: Medic #2 dies! GMRune: Geint attacks Sentry #1! GMRune: attack 2: 79 damage GMRune: Earendil's form blurs as he attacks Sentry #1! Earendil: Let's see how you like a sword up close and personal instead of in a display case. GMRune: 72 damage! GMRune: Rein casts Heal Litany on Earendil! Earendil gains 45 hp! Earendil: Thanks. Rein nods and looks to the new wounded. GMRune: Arzel heals himself with a spell. He gains 54 hp. GMRune: Tarrant causes a cloud of spores to erupt around the sentries! 90 damage to each! GMRune: Sentry #1 falls! GMRune: Ghaleon calls down a bolt of thunder on Sentry #2! GMRune: 22 damage! GMRune: -----round 3----- GMRune: Ayeye attacks Sentry #2! GMRune: attack 1: *critical* 31 damage GMRune: attack 2: 1 damage GMRune: Jael attacks Sentry #2! GMRune: 90 damage! GMRune: Sentry #2 falls! GMRune: ------victory------ Kadan curls his brow in resentment at not being able to deliver the killing blow. Ayeye looks ahead of the group to see if anyone noticed. GMRune: The party earns 114 XP, 302 MEXP, and 80 S. GMRune: No one appears to have noticed. Rein casts heal litany on Val. Jael: Heh. Good thing I didn't use my earth magic... Rein: Alright, let's move. Valina: Thanks Rein! GMRune: Valina gains 45 hp. Ghaleon: We go in now? Valina: Well... let's get that key! Rein: Yes! GMRune: The party walks on past the archway. You appear to now be in a spartan, yet tasefully decorated waiting room. The two warlocks from earlier are sitting here. One of them looks curiously at you. Kadan nods reassuringly at the warlock. Rein continues on normally. Valina ignores the warlocks. Ayeye moves so Kadan is between the warlocks and herself. GMRune: There is a set of gilded double doors at the far end of the waiting room. They are closed. Valina goes up to the doors and tries to open them. GMRune: They push open quite easily. GMRune: The two warlocks gape at Valina's daring! Rein: ? Valina *quickly* goes through the door. GMRune: There is an office of sorts inside, and you see a richly garbed patron inside. From his demeanor and that of the three other warlocks inside with him, you would guess that he is some sort of leader. Kadan hustles after Valina. Ayeye quickly follows Kadan. Arzel goes after Val. Rein: Oops.. GMRune: The leader gestures and the door slams shut behind the lot of you. Kadan thinks to himself. "Umm..." Leader: Rather brash people, aren't you. Ghaleon: (whispering) We getting a key off him? Ayeye looks down to the floor. Arzel: (whispering to Ghaleon) That or we're all gonna go home in VERY small boxes. The leader gestures to the other warlocks. "They need a lesson in protocol. Take them all down to the dungeon. We'll report this to their respective houses later." Valina: Umm... we came here to compliment you on how well you decorated your... umm... Kadan speaks between his teeth to Jael. "We don't have any time to waste..." Ghaleon: (whispering) Owie.... Jael: (quietly to Kadan) I know! And they sure as shit won't find any symbols on you guys! Jael steps forward before the warlocks grab them. He clears to throat and looks at their leader. Jael: Excuse me for the breach in protocol, but there is a danger you should be aware of, and it could not wait. Valina looks at Jael... Jael: You see, your lordship, there was a group of rebels who invaded the lands of Lord Flysse, and they are making their way to the capital this instant. If the army is to be mobilized -- and believe us, they'll take out any of the smaller units -- we need to act quickly. Jael: We believe they are actually foolish enough to try infiltrating Killith and attacking Lord Kargeth himself! Don't forget what happened at Shelladon... Kadan decides it best to be completely silent right now. Rein tries to look concerned. Jael: Again, I apologize, but if you need to check out my story, you may speak with Lady Jera. Valina: It is a very desprate situation! They must be stopped! GMRune: The leader scratches his chin thoughtfully. Earendil: Sir, Emperor Kargeth would likely take his anger out on House Protectorate if such an attack were to happen to him again and in his very own city. Jael: I suppose we shouldn't have come as a group, but it has been a hard journey from the lands of Flysse, and we haven't had time to consider other actions just yet. Ghaleon looks confused, and tries to look concerned like everyone else. Rein coughs. Kadan remains perfectly motionless, but can't help but recognize Jael's ingenuity. Leader: Very well, I'll send out a detachment later. Now you are dismissed. And remember your protocol next time! The leader points towards the door, grumbling something about Flysse's manners. Valina thinks... the key. Jael would thank Kadan if he was paying attention to what Kadan was thinking. Kadan: >:) Valina: Umm excuse me milord... shouldn't someone go and warn Kargeth of this threat? Kadan: Yes! We'd be the perfect... I mean... erm... excuse me. Valina: We would be honored to do so. Leader: Yes... perhaps... Earendil: We would of course, tell the Emperor of your quick decisions on the matter. Leader: All right. Have any of you keys? Hmph. I doubt it. Earendil: We apologize, but in our rush to get here, we left our keys back at the Flysee manors. Kadan pats his pockets, then feigns an expression of surprising disappointment. The leader reaches into his robes and pulls out an oval disk of a translucent beige color. He holds it out to Jael who quietly accepts it with a bow. Leader: Take this and hurry up! I expect it back within the hour! Jael nods to the party and heads out the door. Valina: Thank you Milord! You have saved Kargeth with your decision! Valina quickly exits. The leader nods absently, impatient for the party to leave. Earendil bows and then exits. Rein beats it. Ayeye follows them out. Valina: ~sigh~ Valina: Come on! Let's hurry! GMRune: The party heads back down the stairs. When you finally get back to the central chamber there is only an one hour and fifteen minutes left until Par's execution. Jael ushers everyone to stand in the circle below the tube. Ayeye lets out a sigh of relief. "I'm glad we're out of that place." Earendil takes a look at the shaft. "Perhaps they should rename this the 'Gateway to Hell'." Jael: Gather 'round. I'll use the key to get us up there. Jael: Oh, and what floor do you want? Valina: Well... at least they know we are coming. :P Earendil: Dungeon level? Ayeye: The floor Par is on. You don't know which that is, do you? Jael shakes his head. Ayeye: How many floors are there? Jael: Well, he's probably in the middle levels. There are twelve floors above this one altogether. Kadan shakes his head absently. Ayeye: 12? Is that all? We're in trouble. Ghaleon: Hour and fifteen minutes... ouch... Earendil: Let's start at level 6 then. Jael nods. "Level six it is." Rein: Well that's about six minutes a level.... Valina: Hummm, perhaps the person in House Nissa would help... Jael holds out the key and concentrates. The key glows and the party is surrounded in strong winds. The air sudden comes up from below and shoots the party up the shaft! Kadan appears startled. Rein: Waahhh! GMRune: The party shoots up the shaft and the winds deposit you in the sixth alcove up. From there an opening to a circular hall comes before you. GMRune: ----------end session---------