Lunar: Magic Empire Session 36 Log ============================================================ Cast of Characters: Rune as "GM/Narrator, Par, Ghaleon, Woman/Camille, ~Valina, and ~Rein" Seath as "Earendil" GORN as "Rein" Hahn as "Kadan" Aes as "Valina" Mia Ausa as "Geint/Ruby" SOLaike as "Tarrant" Dyne as "Arzel" Ayeye as "Ayeye" ============================================================ GMRune: ----------game on------- GMRune: The party appears before a familiar cave at the base of a volcano. Beside you is the ring of enchanted stones, and just poking above the mountains to the east rises T'lain's Spire. Ghaleon looks nervously at the spire before turning back to the party. "Um, shall we go in? I know Geint's been wanting to show me her lair." Arzel goes and plays with the rocks. Earendil: Does anyone need healing, I want to try out this new spell. GMRune: Everyone gains full MP. Tarrant: Not really.. Arzel isn't shure. Arzel: Nope, I'm fine. Earendil: Okay then, I'll save it for later. Arzel stops playing with the rocks and goes to rejoin the group. GMRune: As you stand outside the cave, the occasional wave of heat wafts from the entryway to the volcano. Strangely, you hear a type of music playing along with the wind. Arzel looks around for the source. GMRune: The notes are high, clear, and soothing, as that from a well-crafted flute. GMRune: The crystal melody continues to play, soaring from the depths of the cave. Arzel: Hmmm...were you expecting company, Geint? Earendil: That wasn't there before, what or who could it be? Tarrant: Is there something your not telling us? Par shakes his head. "Not only that, but this is odd enough hearing a flute coming out of a volcano." Earendil: Who has the Ruby Orb that T'lain gave us? ~Valina: I have it. Hopefully it'll work like he said. Tarrant: I really don't feal like roasting again... ~Rein: I don't think any of us do. Arzel: You un-heat resistant people. :P Earendil: There's no use waiting out here, let's go in. Par: Well, that is what ice magic is for, I guess. Par nods. Arzel: Let's go. Earendil heads for the cave entrance. GMRune: As you enter the heat increases. But then a light humming sound arises from Valina's satchel. Though you find the air warm, it is now at a bearable level. GMRune: The whistle of the flute increases as you progress through the narrow entryway. GMRune: Before long, you reach the river of lava that blocked your path across into the depths of the cave earlier. Standing there is a young raven-haired woman. A flute is raised before her and as she plays, a white mist surrounds her. Arzel: Uhh... hello. :) Geint: What are you doing in my cave? =b The woman turns towards the party and ceases her melody. You notice that though Ayeye's old bridge is gone, this woman had been in the process of forming a new one of cooled lava. Woman: Hello to you as well. Arzel looks around at the group. Woman: What brings you here? Earendil: We should ask the same thing of you. Woman: I am here to ask a favor of the red dragon. Woman: And you? Geint: . . . . Geint: Uhh... what would you ask it? Earendil: We are just explorers. Woman: To raze the warlock strongholds to the north, of course! Woman: Dragons are supposed to protect the mortals from evil, are they not? Geint: ...And she could....do...that? You sure she could? =b Geint: Well, they sure as heck TRY...... Woman: She? Earendil: You may, um, have a little trouble getting the dragon to do that. The woman cocks her head to one side. "No, I suppose I couldn't be sure. But dragons shouldn't be weak by any means." Arzel nods. Woman: Why? Earendil: You will, uh, find out soon enough. Geint: o O (*sigh* All the mighty red dragon is these days is a distraction for warlocks to chase...on her good days! ) Woman: Well, I've answered your question. Now what about mine? What are you all doing here? Geint: Uhh...hanging out... Earendil: Exploring I told you. Geint: Don't ya just love the atmosphere? You can really loiter! The woman chuckles. "I don't think a party as well armed as yourselves explores for its health. But no matter, I have to progress onward. Care to join me?" The woman waits for your answer. Earendil goes over to Geint and whispers, "Well, what do you think? Should we trust her?" Tarrant: Why would we want to join you? Arzel: Travel is safer in numbers, Tar. Woman: You don't have to. It was only a suggestion. But if you want to go through the cave you'll need a way over the lava. Geint: ...Suuurre....... and...why did you go to see the RED dragon? Woman: The red dragon is the closest to where I live! And unlike some other dragon caves, it's actually somewhat safe to get to. Arzel nods. Arzel: I see. Earendil: Fine, we will let you accompany us, but do not try any treachery. The woman smirks. "Not the trustful sort are you." Arzel whispers, "Are you suspicious of everyone Ear?" Woman: My name's Camille. Good to make your acquaintance. Geint: ...She seems fine enough....lacking a bit of knowledge of dragons...but honest... Earendil: Our experiences have shown us to be cautious. Arzel bows. "I am Arzel of Vane." Camille nods to Arzel in return. Geint: Uhh....my name's....... Earendil: Her name is Ruby. Earendil: And I am Earendil, of Shelladon. Camille smiles. "Nice to meet you, Ruby. Is there a name for your species?" "Ruby" eyes everyone, and decides to give them a little out of this. =b "I'm an air bunny. ;b" Ruby grumbles. Earendil stifles a laugh. Arzel snickers. Camille: Air bunny? I suppose it suits you. Par hides a smile. Ruby: What suits me? Camille: You look like a bunny with wings, although I suppose your ears aren't *that* long. Camille pats Ruby on the head. Ruby gets patted. Camille: Well, I suppose I'd better back to crossing. Camille raises up her flute again and begins playing. As she does, layers of ice form across the river of lava, hardening it, and cooling it enough for you to cross. Earendil: That's an interesting talent you have there, where did you learn it? Arzel watches the ice in curiosity. Camille smiles. "It's just a little trick I picked up while trying to learn magic the regular way. I found having an instrument worked better for me than words." Ghaleon prods at the bridge (which has lost the ice by now due to the heat) and begins to cross it. Arzel: I see... I've heard of people using a instrument rather than words for a magical focous, but I've never actually seen it. Arzel follows after Leon. Earendil crosses the bridge cautiously. Camille follows Arzel and Earendil, as does the rest of the party. Earendil goes up to Geint and whispers, "Lead the way, but try to do it inconspicuously." GMRune: The tunnel widens slightly as you walk along, all of the heated walls familiar to you from your prior visit to Geint's cave. You pass by the areas where some of you began to feel weak, but this time feel no ill effect. Arzel enjoys the heat. ~Rein looks around nervously, but trots along at a brisk pace. Earendil's ice sword lets off a cool vapor as he progresses through the cave. Arzel throws back his hood and starts to scratch his scar. GMRune: Ruby takes the party through several more bends in the path and a couple divisions when you finally reach a staircase leading below. Arzel: I hope it gets warmer :) Ruby stays close to Earendil, pretending to be his pet. ;b GMRune: As if in response to Arzel's wish, the cavern does indeed get warmer. Earendil: Your love of heat is strange, but then I liked the cold of Canth's cave. Ruby: I think it feels great in here. =) Arzel: It's my specialization with fire magic I guess, I've always loved the heat. Camille occasionally looks at Ruby, but seems more focused on where the party is going than on the "air bunny". Earendil: Well you would. :) Ghaleon nods brightly. "Geint is cute red... bunny!" Earendil says in a annoyed voice, "Yes, but Geint isn't here right now, we're with her sister, Ruby." Ghaleon blinks. "Oh yeah. Sorry. I can't tell the difference between them." Arzel: Hmmm... well we better keep moving. GMRune: Ruby leads the party down to the next level. GMRune: This floor is filled with magma pools and pockets of scalding gas. Though T'Lain's orb protects you from any lasting damage, the heat becomes stifling. GMRune: Ahead of you you hear some sort of grinding sound, as of rock against rock. Arzel: Mmmm... I like this cave... I'm gonna come back more often. Par shakes his head. "I don't so much. But then my ice magic helps me a great deal." Ruby: I'd be glad to have you visit me, Arzel. =) Earendil cutely attempts to put his hand over Ruby's mouth. Ghaleon: The rabbit's being insane again... Arzel: Well our journey isn't over yet, Ruby. Camille begins to wonder if she's stuck amid a crowd of maniacs. Arzel: Is there something wrong Camille? Geint makes her eyes go wide and cute. =b Camille: Nothing really. Just it seems like you're reacting overly much to that air bunny. GMRune: The grinding sound ahead of the party grows loudly as you continue along.. Earendil: What in Althena's name is that sound? Arzel: Well the air bunny thinks it's a dragon sometimes... it has something wrong upstairs. Ruby blink blinks. Arzel: Maybe the dragon's remodeling. Camille: Remodeling? Camille: Odd dragon. Arzel: Well... who knows... do you know how a dragon thinks... maybe dragons remodel every few centuries. Earendil hangs his head in disappointment at the group's attempt to keep secrets. GMRune: The party can make out six distant shapes lounging in the ash ahead of them. Ruby: Maybe it's sick of the color red. ;) Ruby: . . . . GMRune: The creatures ahead of you turn in your direction and look curiously at you. Arzel: Maybe it's having a party? Arzel straps his claws on. Ruby looks curiously at them. Earendil mutters, "Remodeling party? Althena give me the strength." GMRune: There is a grinding sound as the lead row of creatures head towards you. GMRune: ------round 1------ Earendil snaps his head back up and draws his sword. Ruby eyes the monsters. GMRune: targets: 3 Earth Elementals in front, 3 Salamanders in back Arzel: My magic isn't going to help down here I'm afraid. GMRune: Ayeye attacks Earth Elemental #1! GMRune: attack 1: 1 damage GMRune: attack 2: *critical* 27 damage GMRune: Kadan attacks Elemental #1! GMRune: attack 1: 127 damage GMRune: attack 2: 138 damage GMRune: Valina attacks! GMRune: 16 damage! GMRune: Rein hangs out in the back. GMRune: Salamander #1 throws a spear at Kadan! GMRune: 1 damage! GMRune: Salamander #2 hurls his spear at Arzel! GMRune: 31 damage! Arzel: G'ah! GMRune: Salamander #3 attacks Valina! Arzel: You little bugger, you'll pay... GMRune: 30 damage! GMRune: The salamander waves his rear end at Arzel from his safety in the back row. GMRune: Ruby whirls into a dive and slashes through the row of salamanders! Arzel: He's getting a light beam up his ass! Earendil: That would be very painful. GMRune: 137 damage to each! Arzel grins evilly and nods. Ruby smirks. GMRune: Earendil blurs and slashes through the salamanders! GMRune: 85 damage to each! GMRune: Camille plays her flute and the row of earth elementals are struck by a sonic stream! GMRune: 75 damage to each! GMRune: Earth Elemental #1 dies! Arzel raises an eyebrow towards Camille. GMRune: Arzel aims a pulsing beam of light up Salamander #2's ass! GMRune: 79 damage! GMRune: Salamander #2 is dead! Arzel: Hahaha! Who's laughing now you stupid Salamander! Arzel: Me obviously, because you're DEAD!!!! Ruby snickers. GMRune: Par hurls a shard of ice against Salamander #1! Earendil: Arzel, I've never seen you take such fun in killing a monster before. It reminds me of Kadan. GMRune: Salamander is weak against ice. 156 damage! GMRune: Tarrant calls down a rain of thorns upon his opponents! Arzel: Maybe it's the heat. O_o Or maybe the fact that that salamander hit me with a spear. Ruby tries fanning Arzel. Arzel: Thanks, Ruby. :) GMRune: 188 damage to all Earth Elementals and 157 damage to all Salamanders! GMRune: All Salamanders die! GMRune: Earth Elemental #2 attacks Arzel! GMRune: attack 1: 41 damage Arzel: Things don't like me today. :( GMRune: attack 2: 44 damage GMRune: attack 3: 29 damage GMRune: Earth Elemental #3 attacks Valina Arzel: Owwie. GMRune: attack 1: 28 damage GMRune: attack 2: 49 damage GMRune: attack 3: 36 damage GMRune: Ghaleon calls down a bolt of lightning on Elemental #2! GMRune: 102 damage! GMRune: ------round 2------- GMRune: Ayeye attacks Earth Elemental #2! GMRune: attack 1: *critical* 17 damage GMRune: attack 2: *critical* 19 damage GMRune: Kadan attacks Earth Elemental #2 GMRune: attack 1: 148 damage GMRune: Earth Elemental #2 dies. GMRune: Kadan moves on to Earth Elemental #3 GMRune: attack 2: 142 damage GMRune: Valina attacks Earth Elemental #3. GMRune: 16 damage! GMRune: Rein casts Heal Litany on Valina! GMRune: She regains 61 hp. GMRune: Earendil attacks Earth Elemental #3! GMRune: 53 damage! GMRune: Ruby attacks Earth Elemental #3! GMRune: attack 1: 100 damage GMRune: Earth Elemental #3 falls! GMRune: -------victory!------ Arzel heals himself. GMRune: The party earns 369 XP, 67 MEXP, and 57 S. GMRune: Arzel gains 82 hp. Camille: Phew! Well, that wasn't too bad. Camille: You guys sure don't fight like an ordinary bunch of explorers. Arzel: Neither do you. Camille: You ever think of hiring yourselves out as mercenaries or anything? Earendil: Um, exploring has taught us that being well armed and prepared is necessary. Camille grins. "Thanks!" Arzel: Well, we don't really have the disposition to be a mercenary, execpt maybe him. Arzel points at Kadan. Earendil: Shall we continue on then? Camille: Fine by me. Arzel nods. Ruby nods, and makes sure not to obviously lead. GMRune: Ruby furtively leads the party further through her cave, pointing directions for Earendil to follow. Arzel walks around enjoying the heat GMRune: This particular level of Geint's cave is filled with smoke and the scent of sulfur. The stench of rotten eggs appears to be everywhere. Arzel g'ahs. Earendil, drenched in sweat, envies Arzel. Arzel: Sulfur... how disgusting. Ghaleon wrinkles his nose with a disgusted look and tries to hold his breath. Arzel uses his robe to cover his mouth and nose. GMRune: Ruby leads the party down to another level of the cave. Now on the fifth basment level, the party finds themselves entering a montrous cavern. A gigantic pool of lava lies in the center of the chamber and pockets of gas bubble to its surface almost constantly. Ruby: Huh. GMRune: On the other side of the cavern is yet another set of stairs down. Arzel: The dragon should rent this place out for people like me. :) Par: Want a steam bath or something? GMRune: As the party chatters among itself, they catch a glimpse of something sinuous and fiery traveling just below the surface of the lava lake. GMRune: ------end session--------