Lunar: Magic Empire Session 40 Log ============================================================ Cast of Characters: Rune as "GM/Narrator, Par, Jera, Camille, Liana, Warlock, Shea, YngWarlock, Voice/Jael 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: Earendil, Kadan, Arzel, Valina, and Camille have been sucked into the squishy substance inhabiting the space of the wall. Slowly, the five people trapped inside feel the sensation of their limbs and bodies leave them. The simple need to breathe seems nonexistent. Valina: ... Earendil: ..... .... Arzel: floppy... GMRune: The thrumming sound from the other side of the wall begins to diminish, although the people in the wall can feel it vibrate through what little of their bodies they can sense. Valina tries to think "Why did I jump into a squishy wall anyways..." Arzel: How strange. GMRune: Ayeye can see the wall seems to be solidifying as the thrumming fades. Kadan attempts to grunt in frustration. Arzel: I wonder who's causing this... Kadan attempts to shiver uncomfortably. Earendil suddenly feels as if a presence has passed through him. Valina: Ah... what.. the..? Valina shivers. Arzel: Woa...that was weird. GMRune: The sensation of the wall closing in around you is even more uncomfortable than the squishiness as you realize your body must be turning to stone along with it! Earendil: Guys, did you feel that too? Kadan: G'ah...! Earendil: By Althena, what's happening?! GMRune: Ayeye, Rein, and Tarrant see a cloaked figure emerge from the wall. It ignores them and walks straight towards the bars of the cell. GMRune: The bars bend and warp themselves before the figure, allowing it to pass before pulling themselves back into shape. Ayeye hesitantly steps in front of the figure. "W...what happened?" GMRune: The figure ignores Ayeye, walking around her. Tarrant notices the cloaked figure. "Hey you!" GMRune: After the figure leaves, the thrumming ceases entirely and the wall reverts to stone. Ayeye silently watches the figure leave. GMRune: Suddenly, there is a scream from the top of the dungeon stairs. A warning shout rises, and before long the sounds of battle are adjoined. Footsteps pound from above and you hear the sound of something gigantic crashing through the walls. Ayeye looks over to Tarrant. "This isn't good, is it?" Tarrant stands still trying to hear what's up... GMRune: Ayeye, Tarrant, and Rein can see a reddish glow coming from the top of the stairs. Tarrant: Nothing is ever good for us.. Tarrant: What do you say, guys want to see what's going on? GMRune: The tumult rises in volume, and the foundations of the manor rock with a sudden shake of the earth. Ayeye: Err...how? GMRune: A light flashes and Jera teleports into view. Her eyes are wary, glancing all around her as she steps up to your ell. Ayeye smiles innocently. "I didn't do it..." Jera nods absently and nervously fishes around in her robes. Jera: I don't expect you to be behind what's going on. That _thing_ up there is our own fault. Ayeye: What is it? Jera turns her head to one side and looks in the cell. "What happened to the rest of you?" Tarrant: What thing? Ayeye: The wall ate them... Jera's mouth pulls into a tight line. "A failed experiment. One that never should have been attempted." Jera: The wall... GMRune: Another blast rocks the manor. Tarrant: You people never think should it be done, only if it can be done... Ayeye points, "Yeah, that one." Jera shakes her head. "Many warlocks are like that, true. Even my nephew is sometimes." Jera: At any rate, if your friends are trapped in the wall, I think I can free them. They fell in when the creature arrived, right? Ayeye: About that...what kind of experiment? Jera: I'd rather not talk about it. You may run into the creature yourselves once I get you out of this cell. Then you can see for yourself. Jera: Suffice to say I was against it all. Jera pulls out her keys and unlocks the cell door. Jera: Now let's see what I can do about getting your friends out of there. Ayeye: Thanks. Jera gestures at the wall, speaking two harsh syllables that set the stone aglow. The rock begins to part, pulling away from the bodies of the trapped party members and leaving them standing in the thick passageway formed in the stone. Earendil stands up feebily. "Ughhhh . . ." Valina lies on the floor... Kadan collapses and holds himself up with his arms, gasping for breath loudly. GMRune: The formerly trapped members are a pale gray in color, much like the rock, but slowly the color of their own flesh returns to them. Valina is unconscious... Earendil falls back on the ground. Kadan coughs. "What the...? Who or what has the power to manipulate and control the raw earth?" Arzel: What just happened? Par glides over and drags Valina out of the wall. Arzel: Kadan, lots of people can control earth. Valina mumbles. Jera: I believe that the invader who entered our manor used her power to warp the earth to allow her entrance. Earendil blinks his eyes several times, trying to focus his sight. Ayeye: Dunno... ask Jera. Valina is still unconsious though. Arzel glances around. Arzel: Invader? What happened while I was under? GMRune: The people formerly stuck in the wall can make out the sounds of a tremendous ruckus going on above them. Arzel: Nevermind... let's get out of here before we're killed. Jera nods. Kadan: Invader...? If someone is attempting to neutralize this accursed place, I would suggest we send them on their way with our blessing. Earendil gets up but leans heavily on the wall. Valina lies there... mumbling... Jera: You should leave while the invader is providing a distraction. This may well prove to be the best chance you'll get. Ayeye: What about Damon? Earendil's sight finally comes back into focus and he hobbles over to Valina's unconscious form. Jera: Damon? What about him? Camille staggers out from the wall. Ayeye: Where will he go? Valina: ...ou.. Earendil: Val, wake up. Jera: His mission requires him to stay here. And he likely will to report this "disaster" to Lord Kargeth. Geint: Zzzzzzzzzzz....... Valina just lies there as she has been doing so. Ayeye: I have to talk with him... Where is he? Par gently prods Geint to try waking her. Earendil gently pushes on Val trying to get her to wake up. Jera: I have no idea really. Assuming he's still alive he's probably either helping the wounded or fighting the invader himself. Geint: ...Wathzle faaah....Quark....where's the.....Zmmphhlll.....Hummm....? Par? Geint: Oh Hi! =b Valina softly whispers... "ouch..." Par smiles. "Geint, I think it's about time you woke up." Ayeye looks up toward the staircase. "Can we have our equipment back?" Geint looks around. Geint: ......something...happened? Jera: Indeed. You'll find them in a small room at the top of the staircase. Geint: I had a dream that Quark was sucked into the wall of his cave! Geint: ...Weird, huh? Jera: Now if you'll excuse me, I must reseal the wall so the others will not know someone helped you. Earendil: (to Valina) You okay? Ayeye smiles. "Thank you." Par: Perhaps not. ;) Par pats Geint on the head. Valina just lies there. Ayeye runs toward the top of the steps. Camille darts past Ayeye and up the stairs. Kadan sneaks up the staircase next to Ayeye. Geint flies and sits on Earendil's shoulder. Jera meanwhile shuts the wall and the cell before teleporting off. Valina is still lying on the ground. Earendil: Tarrant, Rein. Come over here to help Valina! GMRune: Valina is taken out of the cell, as is Geint and anyone else still in it. Ayeye enters the room and looks for her spear. Arzel wanders along in confusion. Valina: ... ouch! GMRune: Zara's Spear is standing against the wall amid the rest of the party's stuff. Camille is busy packing up her things. Earendil picks up Valina and carries her up the stairs. Arzel takes his stuff and puts it on. Kadan clutches his axe zealously and swooshes it through the air quick to test its weight. Valina begins to squirm... "it... hurts..." Ayeye grabs the spear and the rest of her stuff, then goes toward the sounds of battle. Camille hefts a heavy backpack over her shoulder and follows after Ayeye. Valina: blood.... all the blood... it.. hurts... Valina: ouch..... Valina begins to cry. Earendil looks at the room at the top of the stairs, and almost drops Valina. "Dammit!" Earendil: They're gone! Liana: What's gone? Earendil: The dragon armor! Valina begins to scream! Par thinks Earendil really will drop Valina this time... Arzel: Trust the warlocks to take interest in dragon armor. Valina: Ahhh! Blood! Everywere!! Ouch! ...Ahhhhhh! Earendil is suddenly brought out of his shock by Valina's scream. "Valina, snap out of it! Tarrant, try a healing spell!" Valina: It's... not me... it can't be... but... I hurt. Valina: Ahhhhhh... Camille looks curiously at Valina. "What's wrong with her?" Valina: Arzel: Has she gone mental again? Camille: Again? That doesn't sound too encouraging... Valina: Gau..suto..n how.. dare you treat me like this... Earendil holds Valina tighter and whispers, "Please, come back to us, to me." Valina: Why... Arzel: I fear Gausuton may know mind magic. Par shakes his head. "That isn't good..." Valina begins to cry heavily... Valina: You... hurt... me. Geint: ...? Geint: Hwah...? Valina: But... I can't do anything... the blood is everywhere... Camille shifts her weight from one foot to the other uneasily. "We'd better get moving. Whether she's sane or not isn't going to matter if we don't get out of here." Earendil starts walking. "Come on, let's get her outside." Geint: O_o GMRune: The party gathers the rest of their equipment and heads down the halls of the first floor. Valina: Stop... the bleeding... I don't want the pain anymore... Earendil whispers, "It'll be okay Valina, I'll stop the pain." Ayeye tries to find the place of conflict. Geint looks very sad. ;( "Val....." GMRune: The party with Ayeye in the lead follows the path of desturction left by the cloaked figure. Warlock corpses are left sprawled to either side of the hall with wounds from sword gashes and an acidic spray. Kadan skulks down the hall by Ayeye's side, marveling at the destruction. Earendil doesn't even seem to notice the carnage around him. GMRune: You hear booted footsteps charging down from one of the hallways. A voice shouts, "This way. I think it went this way!" Ayeye keeps moving toward the source of the chaos. GMRune: The sounds of battle near, and six warlocks suddenly emerge from one of the halls and spot you. "Intruders! Take them out!" Geint: =/ GMRune: -----round 1------ Arzel: What da? Damn! GMRune: target: 3 warlock hunters in front, 3 warlock sentinels in back Ayeye raises her spear. "Don't you have other problems..." Earendil: Rein, look after Valina while I fight these warlocks. Warlock: Perhaps so. But if you are allies of that creature, we cannot let you escape either. Arzel: Allies? bleh... ~Rein obediently looks after Valina. Ayeye: I am no ally of the creature, I'm trying to help stop it! GMRune: The party also notices that Camille is no longer with them... Arzel: Where'd Camille go? Warlock: We have no proof of that! Warlock: Why should _you_ seek to help us? Ayeye shrugs. "Your loss." GMRune: Ayeye attacks Hunter #1! Valina: ... why must I suffer? GMRune: attack 1: *critical* 42 damage GMRune: attack 2: 1 damage GMRune: Kadan's mask glows, shielding him from the warlocks' magic with its dark energy. GMRune: Liana casts Water Wave on the front row of Hunters! GMRune: 116 damage to each! GMRune: Valina lays on the ground like a slug. GMRune: Earendil uses Broad Slash and strikes the Sentinels! GMRune: 102 damage to each Sentinel! Valina: ... GMRune: Geint whirls into a dive and claws her way through the row of Hunters! GMRune: 173 damage to each! Geint: Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhaaaaaaaaaaaa! Valina: ...let me rest now... GMRune: Sentinel #1 casts Shadow Gate! A dark reality weaves itself through the fabric of the party's souls and drains them of their light! Geint: O_o GMRune: Ayeye takes 39 damage! Kadan blocks the magic! Liana takes 7 damage! Valina is strong against darkness and takes 34 damage! Earendil takes 97 damage! Geint takes 83 damage! Rein is strong against darkness and takes 41 damage! Arzel takes 29 damage! Par takes 8 damage! Tarrant takes 1 damage! Valina: ARGHHHHHHH Arzel: Was that supposed to hurt? Valina: THE PAIN!! It is still there... Arzel glances at Tarrent. Kadan: I don't think so, Arzel. I found it violating, yet strangely satisfying! Valina: It is... ripping into me... with every bump. Arzel: Tarrant...you are invincible :P GMRune: Earendil and Arzel are unconscious. GMRune: Sentinel #2 casts Swiftness on Hunter #3. Hunter #3 gains an extra action for future rounds. GMRune: Sentinel #3 casts Swiftness on Hunter #2. Hunter #2 gains an extra action for future rounds. GMRune: Hunter #1 casts Petrify on the back row! GMRune: No one in the back is effected. GMRune: Hunter #2 raises his mace and uses Shatter Blow. He attacks Par! GMRune: 114 damage! GMRune: Hunter #3 uses Shatter Blow on Tarrant! GMRune: 48 damage! GMRune: Rein hangs in the back by Valina. GMRune: Arzel is out. GMRune: Par casts Ice Slivers on the row of Hunters! GMRune: 128 damage to each! GMRune: Tarrant casts Thorn Shower on all the warlocks! GMRune: 188 damage to all Hunters! 145 damage to all Sentinels! GMRune: -----round 2------ GMRune: Ayeye attacks Hunter #1! GMRune: attack 1: 1 damage GMRune: attack 2: *critical* 29 damage GMRune: Kadan attacks Hunter #1! GMRune: attack 1: miss GMRune: attack 2: miss Kadan: Umm... Kadan groans in disapproval. GMRune: Liana casts Water Wave at the row of Hunters! Arzel laughs unconsciously. Valina: ... why... GMRune: 118 damage to each! GMRune: Valina is lost in the recesses of her mind. GMRune: Geint whirls into a dive and claws her way across the row of Sentinels! Geint: Yaaaaaaahaaaaaa! =D GMRune: 179 damage to each! GMRune: Hunter #1 attacks Kadan! GMRune: 11 damage! GMRune: Hunter #2 uses Shatter Blow on Kadan! Kadan raises his shield again, wondering if he's being ganged up on. GMRune: attack 1: 36 damage GMRune: attack 2: 39 damage GMRune: Hunter #3 uses Shatter Blow on Tarrant! GMRune: attack 1: 1 damage GMRune: attack 2: 1 damage GMRune: Rein casts Heal Aura on the front row! Tarrant: I bet ya thought that I was a weak little magican huh? *Evil Grin* GMRune: Ayeye is healed to full, Kadan gains 76 hp, and Geint gains 76 hp. GMRune: Sentinel #1 casts Shadow Gate over the party! GMRune: Ayeye takes 19 damage. Liana takes 1 damage. Kadan blocks the magic. Valina is strong against darkness and takes 29 damage. Geint takes 63 damage. Rein is strong against darkness and takes 31 damage. Par takes 1 damage. Tarrant takes 1 damage. Valina: ARGH! Valina: That... hurts... I'm ... so weak! And... more blood... is there any left in me... or will I die now...? GMRune: Sentinel #2 defends GMRune: Sentinel #3 casts Swiftness on Hunter #1! GMRune: Par casts Ice Slivers on the row of Hunters! GMRune: 130 damage to each! GMRune: All the Hunters die! Kadan shields himself from the fragmenting water crystals, but silenty thanks Par for his effective maneuver. GMRune: Tarrant casts heal Aura on the back row! GMRune: Liana is healed to full! Valina gains 143 hp! Rein is healed to full! Par is healed to full! Tarrant is healed to full! GMRune: ----round 3----- GMRune: Ayeye attacks Sentinel #1! GMRune: attack 1: 1 damage GMRune: attack 2: *critical* 42 damage GMRune: Kadan attacks Sentinel #1! GMRune: attack 1: 135 damage GMRune: Sentinel #1 dies! GMRune: Kadan moves on to Sentinel #2! GMRune: attack 2: miss GMRune: Liana casts Aqua Blast on Sentinel #2! GMRune: 98 damage! GMRune: Sentinel #2 falls! GMRune: Valina is gaining consciousness in the back. GMRune: Geint attacks Sentinel #3! Geint: Raah! Valina mumbles... GMRune: attack 1: 125 damage GMRune: Sentinel #3 dies! GMRune: ------victory!--------- GMRune: The party earns 512 XP, 474 MEXP, and 96 S. GMRune: Earendil and Arzel wake up with 1 hp. Arzel Heal Litany on himself. GMRune: Arzle gains 94 hp. Valina: Hmm... Earendil gets up and goes back over to Valina. Ayeye looks down at the defeated warlocks. "You should have listened." Valina: ...Earendil? Valina: ...What... happened? Ayeye continues trying to find the source of the battle. Earendil's eyes open wider in surprise, "Valina, you're okay!" Earendil hugs Valina tightly. Valina: Well... not really... GMRune: The sounds of battle have quieted in the meantime. You can still hear warlocks, but the fighting appears to have vanished for the moment. Kadan catches his breath and tries to survey the group's condition. Valina: Argh... Kadan tries to catch up to Ayeye. "Are you alright?" Earendil: Oh, sorry. It's just that I was so worried. Geint follows along. Valina: I feel as if a million tiny knives stabbed me... and they just dug in as I tried to stop them. Ayeye keeps moving and looking for Damon. "I'm fine." Earendil: Don't worry, you're safe now. Valina: ...I have, had this feeling before... Valina: No... I am not safe... GMRune: The party follows after Ayeye. As you progress, you see a cloaked figure walking calmly towards you. Its hood is pulled low, but the mantel itself has been drawn back, revealing the sacred armor of the Black Dragon of Althena. Geint: ... Valina: Earendil... help me up... Earendil gives Valina a hand. Geint decides to sit on Arzel's shoulder. Geint: Hi. =) Arzel: Hi, Geint. Par: Um... it seems we have company. Kadan peers forward at the figure. "... Shea...?" Ayeye takes a combat stance. "Shea." Earendil: You again?! Shea: Yes. I see we meet again. Valina: ...Shea. Kadan tries to speak firmly. "Shea, we know why you're here and we're trying to get out of here. Let's stop this chaotic nonsense and tear this place apart together." Ayeye: What do you want? Valina: Oh... I am... glad to see you... Earendil: And would you have happened to have stolen certain items? Geint hmms..... Valina: ... You have come to save me again...? Shea cocks her head to one side. "I am here to teach House Flysse a lesson for toying with life. That is all." Geint: o O (This girl always weirds me out. O_o But I don't hate her..) Shea: I'm sorry, Valina, but I had no idea you were here, although I admit I saw a couple of your companions in the dungeon. Valina: I understand. Arzel whispers to Earendil. "I think Shea may have your dragon armor." Valina: And I think you should. Earendil whispers back to Arzel, "That's what I'm suspecting." Valina: ... Well I was... where was I? Valina: In pain... pain caused by Banshee... Kadan: Shea, we have a major gripe with the warlocks here as well. Let's work at this together. Valina: ...I think. Geint, sitting on Arzel's shoulder, whispers, "I know that's what it is. ;b" Ayeye looks surprised at Kadan. "You want to work with her?" Valina: Yes. Valina: I do. Earendil: Valina? Valina: She saved me from hell once before... Shea sweeps her cloak back in a gesture. "I think it would be interesting to fight beside you, but I know others among you aren't so eager for my company. My work here is virtually done. I should be leaving now." Earendil: And she tried to send us to it when we had Leon. Valina: And I owe her something... someday. Kadan looks to Ayeye. "We aren't going to win this war by being judgmental about each other's methods or motives. Shea is flowing down the same river as us, just with a different current. Our strength together would be quite formidable." Valina: Shea! Shea: Yes, Valina? Geint: ....... Valina: Good luck Shea! I hope we can see each other on more peaceful grounds one day... I still owe you a big favor... Geint just watches Shea with care as she goes off..... Ayeye: I don't trust her, she seems to be more trouble than she's worth. Shea: It is nothing. We both fight the warlocks, and that is reward enough for me. Earendil looks at Shea with a stone cold stare. Geint: .....hmmm...... Shea: Now if you'll excuse me... Shea continues to walk past the party. Valina: Good Luck my friend. Shea: I'll see you later, Valina. Arzel avoides looking at Shea. Valina: ... I understand your fight.... kinda Shea nods. "And one more thing..." Valina: ~sniff~ Like you understand mine... Valina: Yea? Shea: Beware of illusionists, for they are only too easy to impersonate. You'd benefit from this knowledge. Geint curls up and naps a bit. Valina: Thank you. Shea then wraps her cloak around herself and disappears down the hallway. Earendil: For once Ayeye, I agree with you. I don't trust Shea. Arzel wonders how Geint can curl up on his shoulder... he isn't exactly buff... he's kinda scrawny. Valina: She knows what she is doing... Par: I hope so. I suppose we should be grateful for her letting us escape if nothing else. Kadan: I can't pretend to know her condition, but I know her motives. She's a violated and tortured soul, who is only trying to see the pain of those who hurt her. She deserves our sympathy. Valina: Kadan is right... Arzel pats Geint. Valina: That is all I can say... Earendil: I think her need for revenge has gnawed down on her so far, that she doesn't think clearly anymore. Arzel pulls his hood over his head. Ayeye goes back to looking for Damon. Liana nods slightly. Earendil wakes Geint up. "Now, what do we do about the missing dragon armor? Do you think Shea has it?" Kadan: Clearly or not, she despises the Empire and fights like a whirlwind. In our plight, we don't have the luxury of picking and choosing our allies. Valina: ... Geint: Hmm...? Kadan finds his eyes wandering over to Ayeye. "... No matter their abilities... or traits..." GMRune: The party continues through the ravaged halls of House Flysse. Shea had been fairly thorough in her work, at least of the first floor. It appears she hadn't gone upstairs. But the first level has been desecrated from top to bottom, and only a few warlocks are just barely alive. Kadan examines his mask. Geint: Well, duh! I said before she has it... Arzel: I believe Shea does have it Earendil... she has the black dragon armor Valina: She would be a powerful ally. Earendil: I mean the helmet and shield. Geint: o O (No one listens to me....ever..... ) Geint: . . . . Geint: I didn't see the rest on her..... Earendil: Powerful, yes, but I still don't trust her. Valina: Let's just say I think her past has been worse than mine... GMRune: There is no sign of Damon at all on the first floor. Valina: Which is ... nevermind. Earendil hangs his head down in shame, "What do I do now? I just got the helmet and shield and now I've lost them. I have already disgraced the title of dragonmaster." Valina takes out her wind comb and begins to comb her hair... Ayeye goes up to the second floor. Par: We're missing a party member too. Geint: ....We can get them back......I really doubt Shea has them. Valina decides to remove her green circlet... and leaves her comb out. Arzel pats Earendil on the back. Earendil: . o O (Do I really deserve to become the Dragonmaster?) GMRune: Valina equips Wind Comb. Valina: Earendil... I have confidence in your ability... Liana: It wasn't your fault. You did all you could. Earendil: Thanks Valina, but it still my fault. The dragons trusted me, and I let them down. Valina: No you didn't. Earendil: No, you can't understand what its like being entrusted with something . . . and then loosing it. Arzel continues on in silence. Geint sulks on Arzel's shoulder....knowing she can't sleep now. Valina looks at her rapier... Earendil: . o O (I'm sorry Dad, I let you down.) GMRune: The party goes up the stairs after Ayeye. The second floor is well carpeted, untouched by Shea's vengeance. You can hear the hushed voices of warlocks speaking. Valina then looks at her pendant... which isn't there. Kadan: Earendil, I can tell you it's much worse to lose someone that you were entrusted to... Arzel rummages around his pouch and gives a piece of dried meat to Geint. Kadan walks while looking at the ground. Valina: Earendil, I can understand. Geint: =) Geint chomps on it happily. Earendil's voice seems distant. "I know Kadan. I know all too well." Valina: I know I'll get my pendant back... Valina: You should believe the same! Arzel pats Geint. Earendil just walks along in silence. Geint smiles and does an almost purr. Valina follows behind Ear... Kadan glances in both directions, then follows Ayeye upstairs. Arzel hasn't said a thing sense the battle. Arzel follows after Kaddy. Valina: Earendil... don't let me down by letting yourself down! Earendil: Please, Valina. Let me be alone. GMRune: The party hears hushed voices on the second floor discussing the recent attack. They appear to think Shea is still somewhere below them. Ayeye follows the voices. Geint whispers, "Think they should all take a nap? ;)" Par: I don't know. But I don't think we should stay here long. All the living warlocks seem to be up here somewhere. Valina: Let's get outta here... Liana: Ayeye seems intent on finding this Damon though. Arzel: What about Camille? Liana shrugs. "I have no idea where she went, but I don't think we can help her." GMRune: Ayeye finds the voices behind a closed door. Their exact words are somewhat muffled and their speech infrequent. Ayeye takes a deep breath and opens the door. Kadan stands next to Ayeye. Ayeye: Hello? Damon? Geint purrs on Arzel's shoulder and her eyes are partly closed. GMRune: Ayeye finds two young warlocks, probably teenagers, behind the door. They seem startled to see her. Arzel pets Geint. "Good dragon." Valina: ... Ayeye frowns. "Do you know where Damon is?" YngWarlock: Er... Damon isn't here... Hey, is that psychopath down below gone now? Ayeye: Where did he go? YngWarlock: He went to report the matter to the Commander. Ayeye: The Commander? Where? YngWarlock: The Commander Kargeth placed in charge of capturing... ::he blanches somewhat:: you guys. He's at the Nanza Barrier right now... It's his job to see that you don't get through. Ayeye: Argh! Always a step behind! Ayeye turns and storms out of the room. Geint looks up and stops purring. YngWarlock: I'd be careful if I were you... The Commander is the best warrior in House Flysse.... Earendil: Wait, do you know what happened to the dragon equipment? YngWarlock: Dragon equipment? I have no idea. YngWarlock: Now can you tell us if that she-demon thing is gone now? Arzel: No...the she-demon is still here... and she'll be up here for you two in a few minute. Par: That's not very nice, Arzel. Arzel: Neither are Warlocks if you get my drift. Par makes a slightly distasteful look. Liana: We'd better catch up with Ayeye or she's gonna leave us behind. Liana heads out of the room after Ayeye. Valina nods. Arzel: Sorry Par... Earendil: I suppose you're right. Arzel walks out of the room. Par follows. Earendil follows the group. Arzel sighs and draws his hood forward to completely shadow his face. GMRune: The party exits the manor. There are no guards outside, presumably because they answered the call to battle when Shea attacked early this night. The stars above shine brillantly, and the massive gem of the Blue Star hovers over your heads in the sky. Kadan takes a moment to breathe in the cold night air. Liana: Nothing like a night with only half a night's sleep to drive the body onward... Earendil looks up at the Blue Star. "I used to spend hours as a kid looking up at it." Valina: ... Earendil... it is beautiful.. isn't it. Ayeye stares off toward the Nanza Barrier. "Why would they have set a trap for us if we were already captured?" Geint is almost asleep, anyways. Valina: I wonder what it is like on the Blue Star... Earendil: Yes. It's one of the few beautiful things left in this world. Geint smiles. Valina: I wonder who is there... Liana: Perhaps the commander feels he knows your style well enough to expect your actions. Geint seems to be having trouble making herself comfy. =/ Ayeye shrugs. "It doesn't make sense..." Valina: ~sigh~ I wish there were no warlocks... and we all lived peacefully... Earendil: The legend says that we originally came from the Blue Star. Par: We'll find out soon enough. If the roads are clear, we ought to see him soon enough. Valina: Yea... so I have heard. Arzel stares at the ground. GMRune: The party trudges through the darkness, keeping to the road by the bright light of the Blue Star. Geint: Mmmph...there. *looks more comfy* Par smiles and reaches over to pat Geint on the head. Arzel trys to walk softly to not disturb Geint. GMRune: Time passes... a day comes and goes and the roads of Flysse are strangely unobstructed. Liana seems particulary disturbed about this. Before much longer, you arrive at the Nanza Barrier. There is a sole barrier of stone bars blocking the entrance to the Nanza cave system. Valina: ... Oh great... another cave. Par: We'll have to pass through it though... Hopefully we won't fall down a pit again. Ayeye: Maybe someone could light the way this time. Ayeye walks up to and touches the barrier. Arzel starts to glow momentarily, then turns the light off. Arzel: I'll light the way. GMRune: The barrier is solid, but otherwise harmless. It seems it is merely meant to deter passage than harm anyone. Ayeye: Could someone help me open this? Kadan dusts his fingerless gloves off and tries to figure out the best way to tackle this. Par: I don't think my magic's going to do much against this. Ice and fire don't do much to earth. Earendil: Then what are we going to do? Kadan plants his feet into the ground and tries to plow himself into one of the slabs to assess their strength. Geint tries flying over it. GMRune: The slabs are quite stable and don't budge an inch under Kadan's pressure. GMRune: Geint can just barely squeeze through the slabs (not over them). Ayeye looks for a switch. GMRune: There is no switch to be seen. Ayeye tries to slip between the stones. GMRune: Ayeye cannot fit through. GMRune: Geint comes back out of the cave. Geint comes back out and grabs a stick. Geint tries to go back through. GMRune: Geint slips through. Liana: Maybe someone should try breaking the stones down with their magic. Valina: ... Kadan: These pillars look the columns that used to line the roads of Lentol before the winds from the northern hills eroded them into rubble. Geint comes back. Valina: So... you're saying... we should just increase the erosion... Arzel sits down. Geint: Couldn't we--Oh nevermind. Earendil: There is no rock that wind cannot wear down . . . a piece of advice my father once told me. GMRune: Valina casts Air Blade on the rocks! Wind gushes from her fingertips and begins to unnaturally swiftly wear away at the rocks. Kadan tries to shield his eyes from the updrafts of dust and gravel. Voice: Dammit. I'm afraid I can't let you pass! Valina: What? Geint coughs and blows away. ;) GMRune: The rocks are down to about two thirds of their size now. Earendil: Who's there? Geint: WaaAh! Arzel holds on to Geint. Ayeye is indignant. "Why not?" Geint: Thanks Arzel. =) Voice: It is my duty. Valina: We need to pass! Arzel nods slightly. Arzel stands up. Ayeye: Get a new job, I'm going through. GMRune: A figure leaps down from the mountainside above and lands in front of the party. Valina: Oh... great, don't tell me I am killing talking rocks... I don't think I could take that. Earendil: And who might you be? Valina: Oh... hi. :D Jael: I know you need to pass. And Kargeth has charged me to defend this place. Geint looks at the person. Kadan: Jael?! Arzel sneers. Earendil: Oh, its you Jael. Arzel: Jael... Ayeye: Tell him you failed. Jael: I regret it has come to this, but I must uphold the duty I was sworn to. Geint crawls off of Arzel and sits down next to where he's standing. Arzel: He would be killed. Kadan: I think you would have a higher purpose here than to worry about Kargeth's orders. Ayeye: I'm looking for Damon, and you're not going to stop me. Jael shakes his head sadly. Valina: ... Arzel: You stand no chance against all of us Jael... you know that. Valina: Not you again... Jael: I have been born a warlock, lived as one, and I don't think I can leave as easily as some. I have pledged my honor to the Empire, and I must uphold it. Perhaps if I had lived a different life, I'd join you. But I can't, no matter how corrupt the Empire has become. Valina: ... Ayeye: Let me pass. Valina: We are passing now... thank you. Kadan: Jael, would you not appreciate the opportunity to purify the Empire of their twisted, evil leader? Earendil: I understand your position Jael, but there are times where the greater good warrants dishonor. Arzel: Honor! Ha! Warlocks who follow Kargeth have no honor! Jael: I'm sorry, but I can't. I am the new Commander of Flysse's forces, and the fate of my House rests on my actions. Jael: If it were just for me, perhaps. But I have family and friends who are depending on me. And for them I cannot abandon the Empire. Earendil: There isn't very much of your house left. Ayeye: Instead you abandon them to the empire... Valina: ...Please Jael. Jael: I know. Damon told me of what happened. I will do what I can to avenge them. But I must accomplish my duty first. There is little enough left to me. Ayeye: Then why fight to preserve it? Valina: Follow your heart Jael... I know you know what is right, otherwise you would not have helped us before. Kadan: Sometimes it takes a leap of faith to emerge from the swamp and get a rare breath of fresh air. If you stop us here, you will be maintaining the status quo that you detest so much. Please do not squelch this hope for change... Jael: I'm sorry. Now prepare to fight! Jael: I won't go easy on you, and Kargeth's desire for my command has greatly enhanced my strength. I warn you to be careful! Ayeye sighs and readies her weapon. "No one ever listens." Geint gets ready.....=/ Jael draws out the chain he uses for his weapon and takes a battle stance. Valina: ... No. Earendil: So be it Jael, we shall not hold back either. Jael: If you believe words could be enough to move me, then perhaps there is hope for this world. Should it only be possible for me to see it. GMRune: Jael attacks... GMRune: -------end session-------