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Shining Force Central Forums > RPG Gallery > Shining Force: The Chaos War Part III

Posted by: Rusty Wed Oct 18, 2006 4:00 am
((Ombligo, after the already listed healing, will have 27/45. Also, I have a wand of RMW and I'm not afraid to use it! But seriously, Mahler and Gilliam, do tell your current HP, plz.)) *Ombligo retrieves the wand of lesser orb of acid, which apparently was dropped by the Warlock at some point.*
((Though this particular wand was never mentioned.))
*Groaning, he floats over to Mahler. He rubs his eyes with a tentacle before speaking.*
: "I was beginning to think we wouldn't make it..."
((Also, any objections to me having the Ring of Wizardry I? I'd like to note that with a nice feat I have I can actually convert level 1 spells into level 2, though it costs two spells to accomplish this.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Wed Oct 18, 2006 4:27 am
((Gilliam has Fast Healing 1. Give him a few minutes and he's back to normal.)) "It was grim, but we pulled through. Excellent use of forming up, though we should've pulled in our mages first," Gilliam notes, overhearing the Magic Creature from his place.

Posted by: Kaihaku Wed Oct 18, 2006 12:32 pm
((The other two arcane casters (Tanis and Astrid) decided already to pass it on to you in the chat.)) The wizardess approaches Dicem humbly, "I must apologize for my outburst earlier, the entire situation was extremely frustrating to me and..." She swallows and shakes her head, "Honestly, I was quite irate that you had left us to travel on without you." The maiden glances back at the battlefield, "Sorel is a person I have great respect and admiration for, but...he is not skilled in tactical leadership. Lady Gail made an attempt but her attention was constantly diverted by the peril her life was in." She sighs, "We came close to perishing... Also, I never wanted to be in a situation again in which I was unable to utilize my abilities, hence being so appalled at the destruction of the orb. Please forgive me for my rudeness..." She bows, "...but please consult me in the future before destroying magical relics. If only for a moment."

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Wed Oct 18, 2006 8:16 pm
"He ordered it be destroyed, not me. I'll keep what you said in mind," Dam said quietly. "And as for leadership... I had to see Nosshu before we left. Still, it was my own fault for not anticipating an ambush here, and it won't happen again. After you've made your preparations, get ready to go; we can talk more on the way, if you want."
-----
"Sorel... I'm sorry I didn't stay," Graigus said, his eyes scanning the older man with worry. "I would have been a big help if I'd have stayed, instead of arguing with Mr. Dicem the whole way here..."

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Wed Oct 18, 2006 8:40 pm
Sorel turns his tired expression to Graigus. : "Argue? Why were you arguing?"

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Wed Oct 18, 2006 9:14 pm
"It was silly... he said his normal Dam Dicem things, and I got upset," Graigus said. "It was disgraceful to all my training and both my masters... I won't do it again."

Posted by: Wandering Dezorian Thu Oct 19, 2006 4:49 am
I've got 4 4th level cures, 5 each of 2nd and 3rd level, and 6 first level. 1d8 per level + 9 (+5 for the first level ones) Help yourselves, and tell how many you need. Durned if I can track who has how many hp at this point. Arbeiten stands up from where he had been kneeling, perhaps to pray, perhaps to clear his head from the many knocks he sustained. Silently, he moves from party member to party member, healing those still wounded after the doctor's treatment.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Fri Oct 20, 2006 4:53 pm
After both clerics tended to the injured, Dicem gestured in the direction of the shrine. "Let's go... sort out the rest of whatever you need to on the way," he said before speaking directly yo Lunauga. "Get in the air and scout ahead... you'd be better at picking out enemies than we would. The second something seems even remotely amiss, you get back to us."
And with that he set off, both the rogue and the monk uncharacteristically solemn.

Posted by: Kaihaku Fri Oct 20, 2006 6:23 pm

QUOTE (Arcdragnbreth @ Fri Oct 20, 2006 10:53 am)
After both clerics tended to the injured, Dicem gestured in the direction of the shrine.

((Now that's just insulting.))

Posted by: Knight_019 Fri Oct 20, 2006 7:42 pm
*Mahler plods over to Ombligo quickly, a look of shock on his face. Mahler had never seen Ombligo hurt like that before, and certainly never near so badly.* : Little buddy, are you ok!? *Mahler places his hands on Ombligo's shell, and the magic creature feels some energy return to him*
((Lay on Hands for FOUR))
: "Thanks...I...think so. I've never felt like this before, though. Was I sleeping just then?"
*Mahler slowly tilts his head, thinking of sleep.*
: I think so. When I get really beat up I become inactive. I also go inactive at night, so it might be like sleep, since you sleep at night.
*The magic creature rubs his shell with both tentacles, slightly easing the pain of his weak headache as he speaks, worriedly.*
: "Huh...So I have a bad tendency to go to sleep while fighting. I better watch out for that..."
*Ombligo continues, looking at Mahler.*
: "How about you? Are you feeling okay? I have a wand that can heal you if you need it."
*Mahler nods*
: That might not be a bad idea. The enemies hit me pretty hard this time. I'm ok, otherwise, though. Don't worry about "sleeping" in battle, though. I bet you won't fall asleep again.
*Ombligo floats lower, symbolizing a sinking motion in his stature.*
: "I hope I don't..."
*He remains silent for a moment before continuing, one tentacle reaching for the wand he was referring to earlier.*
: "Mahler...Do you think they'll use more of those spheres?"
: Maybe. I think they're afraid of you.
*Ombligo blinks, surprised at the suggestion. Well, I have been taking out a lot of devils...But so have the others. He then uses the wand on Mahler, many rocks looking magically anew.*
: "You really think so, Mahler?"
*The magic creature uses the wand again, seeing his friend having been more injured that he thought. He frowns at this.*
((+24 HP))
: They very well could be, Ombligo. They very well could be. Do you know anything about orbs like that?
: "Astrid seems to know more about them than I do. I just know items like those exist that suppress magic...and I don't like them at all! I can't do anything without magic..."
*Ombligo uses the wand two more times on Mahler, the golem now looking mostly restored.*
((+21 HP. Should be at 88/99))
: How far do the orbs stop magic from working?
: "I think it depends on the orb...I hear they have pretty good ranges, though...Well, hopefully they can't hide any others if they use them in the future. I don't know how we pulled through that battle..."
*Ombligo sinks lower still, a sad look on his face. Up until this point the magic creature had been very optimistic, even in the face of serious dangers. But after he himself had taken the blow and fell unconscious, he found himself sharing the opinions of Gail and Farain.*
*Mahler watches Ombligo sink oddly. Something had gotten into his friend, and he wanted to get it out.*
: Is something wrong, Ombligo? You don't seem like yourself.
*Ombligo sighs, turning to face Mahler as he continues floating.*
: "Maybe they're right. Maybe every victory we get is lucky and we might lose at any moment. Maybe we're not capable of this..."
*Mahler shakes his head somewhat disappointedly.*
: Ombligo, if all our victories were luck, we wouldn't have made it this far. If you question yourself, you'll do exactly what they want you to. We can't protect other people if we can't stand up to the bad guys.
: "That's what I always tail Gail and Farain, but they never believe it. Have they maybe seen more battles than we have???"
*Mahler continues to shake his head*
:Why do they know any better than we do? We haven't lost yet, and that's all that matters. We won't lose until we stop trying. *Mahler puts his right fist in his left hand.* I'm going to keep beating up the badguys, and I hope you'll be joining me. I don't want to be all alone out there.
*Ombligo giggles. I really should stop hanging around Gail and Farain. They just drag me down...Or maybe I should just try harder to bring their spirits up so they don't give up even when things are looking up.*
: "Of course! I've got to get back at them ten-fold now for that ambush...And I've got to rack up my points."
*The magic creature winks, recalling their little contest.*
:That's the sprit! *Mahler then notices the others beginning to head toward the shrine, Dicem heading off angrily as always.* There goes Dam, always ruining our fun. We need to get going.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sat Oct 21, 2006 3:20 am
The trip is fairly short after the battle, the dying sun setting behind the hills just as the group spies the small lake around the Shrine, the pillars and doorway carved into the rocky hillside that lead to the ruin's inner chambers distinguishable from a distance thanks to the druid's extraordinary vision and that of his owl. As everyone nears the Shrine, the stone door slowly slides to the side, revealing a man in green clothes and a blue cape, sheated sword over his back as he exits the structure. Eyes that seem older than the other features would suggest peer from a face that seems to exude confidence and vitality.
: "What's this now?" the man murmurs as he leans against a pillar, waiting for the group to approach.
Music: Hope: http://gh.ffshrine.org/soundtracks/1845/2842
: "So what are all of you doing here? It's hardly the time to go sight-seeing with the wars and all," the man says with a grin.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Sat Oct 21, 2006 3:37 am
"We're feeling kind of hungry," Dicem said. "How about you? Would you like some Yogurt?"

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sat Oct 21, 2006 6:07 am
The man's face slides easily into a grin. : "No, he's a useless pile of fur, but then at least he means well. Heh... So who sent you and why?"

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Sat Oct 21, 2006 6:52 pm
"I'm Dam Dicem," he said, extending a hand. "I and the people with me were hired to find you by Derrik Swiftjoke. I'm guessing that a lot of people would like to know where you are, Devil army included; in fact, I wouldn't be surprised if the ones we just took care of were laying an ambush for you."
"Look," the rogue said, his voice dropping as he moved closer to the hero and further from the group, "I'm going to be honest with you, because I've got a lot of respect for you. I don't know the details behind why Swiftjoke wants you. All I know is that he asked us to find you and bring you to him, and that's what I intend to do. Before we left Galam, I told your nephew Ian that I'd make sure no harm came to you, and I intend to keep my word. I'm not asking you to sign any contracts or anything like that; I'm simply asking you to meet with him, see what he says. And if you decide you don't want to hear any of it, then I'll personally escort you wherever you want - keep the devils off you."

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sat Oct 21, 2006 7:31 pm
DAM AND MAX ((Listen 19 + 17 = 36)) Sorel studies the carved traceries of his staff while he listens intently to the conversation between Dam and Max.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sat Oct 21, 2006 8:20 pm
:"I see. Well as it seems you've already figured out, I am Max. I've heard of that merchant, Swiftjoke, though I can't say it all painted the best picture of him, he doesn't seem the type to ally with devils..." Max looks behind him, into the Shrine. "Well, I'll think about it, but I am very busy... I had hoped to retire for a second and final time, but the war just won't let me. There's a long list of things to do and people to see with the end goal of defeating the various evils around the land in mind. Where would he want to meet?"

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Sat Oct 21, 2006 9:35 pm
"He didn't give exact details, though a man like that has likely been keeping tabs on us since the first time we relieved ourselves in Hassan," the rogue said. "I'm thinking that once we get to a large town, he'll be contacting us soon enough."
Thinking for a moment, Dam raised a finger. "You can return with us to Granseal. No... Galam. They need a hand anyway, and we can wait there while I pay the devils back for today's ambush. Unless you know of a better way to do things, of course..."

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sat Oct 21, 2006 9:40 pm
Sorel clears his throat politely. : "Dam, you will recall that at the start of our journey Mr. Swiftjoke gave us an orb we were to break once we found Max, to contact him."

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Sat Oct 21, 2006 9:42 pm
"That's Sorel... he's been reminding us forgetful young whippersnappers when we stray a little," the rogue said, nodding his silent thanks at the druid before reaching into his pack and pulling it out. Then, stepping away from Max, he said "Stand back... I don't know what will happen when it breaks."
And then, picking a spot a good couple feet away, he threw it against the ground as hard as he could.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sat Oct 21, 2006 10:01 pm
As soon as the orb shatters, a misty-white cloud emerges from within the confines of the sphere and wraps itself around Max with lightning speed. : "What the..." Max gets out as the stuff flashes yellow then vanishes, seeping into the hero's body. "What the hells was that??"
A bright flash heralds the teleportation of several bags of money, which all land at your feet. Gilliam receives no bag, instead holding a piece of paper in one metal fist, staring at it expressionlessly.
And that is what happens.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Sat Oct 21, 2006 10:19 pm
"Someone see what happened to him!" Dam barked, using his own limited knowledge to try and identify what the mist was. ((Knowledge [?]: 1d20 +? (ranks) +5 (int) = 23 + ? For arcana or tactics (why would it be tactics?), it's a 27. For ancients, it's a 25.
Everything else is a 24.))

Posted by: Rusty Sat Oct 21, 2006 10:21 pm
((Spellcraft: 25))

Posted by: Alpha Sat Oct 21, 2006 11:23 pm
((Arcana: 28, Spellcraft: 25))

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sat Oct 21, 2006 11:24 pm
((Spellcraft 30)) Sorel steps back from Max as the cloud envelops him, studying it carefully. : "The orb triggered a spell," he says, "at least part of which was a powerful marker." He looks to Dam. "Whoever made that orb knows exactly where he is now."
Sorel withdraws further, keeping his eyes peeled.
((Spot 25 Listen 30))

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Sat Oct 21, 2006 11:30 pm
"Of course," Dicem muttered, looking and listening carefully for any signs of an appearance. "Two of you check the bags... I suspect that's our payment. The rest of you... keep a lookout for anyone who might be coming." Then, speaking to Max, he asked "Are you alright?"
((Spot: 1d20 +6 (ranks) +1 (wis) = 14
Listen: 1d20 +6 (ranks) +1 (wis) = 26
Can Max move/talk?))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sat Oct 21, 2006 11:52 pm
: "I think I'm fine... That's a heck of a way to greet someone, marking them with a spell... So now apparently this merchant knows where I am? Is it traceable by anyone else?" Max asks. "This could be a problem..." Those who listen hard can hear heavy metal stomping coming from within the Shrine, getting closer and closer.

Posted by: Cyrus Sat Oct 21, 2006 11:53 pm
Gail merely stares as the mist strikes out at Max, invading his body before anyone could have a chance to stop it. She racks her brain as she tries to think of anything that sounded similar in her limited studies, but despite her best efforts, nothing she can recall fits with what just happened...Finally, Dam's voice brings her out of her stupor, the paladin examines her surroundings, her left hand resting on her weapon as she strains her senses towards the sounds of the stomping.
[Kno: Planes: 1d20(20)+6(ranks)+2(Int)+10(critical success)=38.
Spot: 1d20(20)+5(mods)+10(critical success)=35.
Listen: 1d20(15)+5(mods)=20.
Player's note: What maddess is this?]

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Sat Oct 21, 2006 11:58 pm
"Sounds like it to me," Dam said, pulling his daggers free. "Sounds like a lot of someones coming, and that has not been a good thing for about a month now. Get ready, people... I want support spells on standby, to be cast immediately if we find out we're going to need to tangle with the devils again."
Then, turning to Max, the rogue said "I'm sorry about this... If I'd have known, things would have worked out differently. We'll make sure nothing happens to you."

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Sun Oct 22, 2006 12:01 am
"Sure the money's not gonna blow up or something?" he chided casually, before the noise occured. Then his ears twitched as he turned to listen, and his furry paw went straight to Broderbund once again. He lifted his head up as he stood still, twitching his nose as he sniffed the air about him.
((Sniffdar in effect; Langston smells ... uh... Giant Robots.))

Posted by: Alpha Sun Oct 22, 2006 12:02 am
Using one of his only defensive spells, Tanis mutters a quick chant and claps his hands together, resulting in his form being wreathed in green flames. He then shuffles backwards, to get out of easy range of whatever was coming. [Cast a Warm Fire Shield]

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sun Oct 22, 2006 12:12 am
: "Oh, this is going to be amusing," Gilliam says as he watches the party and the entrance to the Shrine. The clomping grows steadily closer as what looks like a humanoid completely covered in armor at first glance exits the structure. But his legs bend in odd places and the joints seem wrong... in one hand he holds a glowing blade of pure energy, with a silvery haft. The being speaks up, shining eyespots scanning over those assembled before settling on Max.
: "Master Max, I have succeeded in removing the sword from its seal. I assume the devils were dispatched? Who are these people?"
: "These are friends... I think. Yeah, I took care of the devils without a problem. Don't call me master."
: "Yes, Master Max," the being says to Max, who sighs at the response. The being then turns to the group and addresses them. "Greetings everyone. I am ADAM, a robot soldier currently tasked with safeguarding the Master Max. Might I inquire as to your mission and designations?"

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sun Oct 22, 2006 12:17 am
((Diplomacy 26)) Sorel bows slightly as the machine addresses the force, despite his likely apathy towards such politesse. : "I am Sorel, and Max was our mission."

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Sun Oct 22, 2006 12:17 am
"Dam Dicem," the rogue said, relaxing as he sheathed the wavy-bladed knives. "We were hired to bring Max to Derrik Swiftjoke; as of right now, we think he's been marked and Swiftjoke will arrive soon. Until then, if it's not a problem with either of you, I want to stay here and make sure nothing happens."

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sun Oct 22, 2006 12:22 am
: "Acceptable. Your mission is in line with my mission parameters." : "Can we walk and wait? I'd like to return to the town before it gets dark."

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Sun Oct 22, 2006 12:39 am
"Alright, you all heard the hero. If nothing's wrong with them, grab a bag of loot and let's go; we'll count them on the way," Dam said, searching one of the bags himself. ((Search: 1d20 +5 (ranks) +5 (int) = 23 Assuming nothing is wrong, the group takes the bags and leaves. Let us know what's in them as well.))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sun Oct 22, 2006 2:03 am
[Kayla uses a potion (CMW) rather than accepting healing.] Kayla remains silent, watching their surroundings rather than looking at anyone in particular. She turns as Dicem breaks the orb, and the strange misty cloud seeps into Max's body. She frowns, and her icy blue eyes narrow beneath the hood of her cloak.
"What the hell?"
Kayla remains on her guard for a while until ADAM arrives. She sheathes her blades once more and helps search the bags to make sure nothing is wrong with them.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sun Oct 22, 2006 3:34 am
The bags each contain 15,000 gold coins. Nothing special happens in the time it takes to get to Granseal.

Posted by: Kaihaku Sun Oct 22, 2006 12:20 pm
The Doctor walks along towards the back of the group, observing the great hero and his stalwart robotic companion with an unreadable expression on his face. Tanis sidles up to the Doctor. "Just an ordinary person?" he asks, slyly, indicating Max.
"Well, he does seem rather short for a legendary hero..." Coventry comments distantly, "...and his hair isn't blonde."
Tanis laughs lightly. "Not what you expected then?"
"I wouldn't say that..." The Doctor smiles knowingly, turning his attention to Tanis, "Heroes are just normal people who happen to have taken on the power and responsibilities meant for the masses."
Tanis nods. "As we've discussed before. I guess not many people actually realise that though." He smiles. "I didn't until you pointed it out."
"He's more relaxed than I thought he would be..." Coventry adds thoughtfully, "But, perhaps he's yielded to...fate...or some ridiculous thing like that..."
Gail, whose eyes had been directed to the ground, feels the need to add her own opinion on the topic of heroes, but at the comment of fate, a small prick of shame pierces her, her head hanging lowering from the feeling.
"Perhaps he's relaxed because he knows how to deal with things," Tanis says. "He's certainly had a lot of experience so far in his life."
Ombligo floats back to the rest of the group, "Yup! He's been fighting evil for over twenty years!"
"That's a rather long time to be fighting evil..." Coventry comments, "Doesn't he have something better to do?" His eyes narrow slightly, "He could raise a family for instance."
Gail looks to the hero after the Magic Creature's comment, her eyes narrowing. Twenty years...and he looks that young? What, was he slinging swords from his cradle? No...the scrolls said he was in his forties...so why...?
"Because this works on the same aging system as anime..." Coventry replies to Gail's thoughts, "People look like they're 20 until they suddenly wither to half size."
"Really? That must be incredibly inconveinant...can't say I'll experience that, since I won't age pass this," Gail comments, apparently used to the doctor having all the answers.
Ombligo rubs his shell, thoughtfully, "Actually, it may have been close to thirty years..."
"Do you find it difficult to comprehend such times, Ombligo?" Tanis asks, remember how young the magic creature actually was.
"Well, I'm not quite yet a human year old...And he's forty-five human years old. But apparently some gods and robots are thousands of years old! So I shouldn't be alone in feeling young."
"You know..." The Doctor comments, looking at the others through his glasses, "Our mission is accomplished and our money in hand." He smiles, "The only thing remaining is for Dicem to stop lolly gagging and hand out the spoils from the battle on the way in."
Tanis nods at Ombligo's words, then turns to the Doctor. "Are you itching to get away then?"
"I'd be lying if I said that Dicem made me feel safe..." The Doctor replies, "Now he's volunteered us to follow Max to the ends of the earth. There are plenty of other hopes in this world, I don't see why all this attention should be devoted to a few...special individuals."
"True," Tanis says. "There's always the opportunity of what Ignatius is offering too. Though I'm not so sure I want to take it up anymore."
Gail turns at Coventry's comment. "I suppose you'd be prone to seek out such hopes and advance them, as is your purely altruistic nature?"
"The hint of disbelief in your voice cuts me, fair maiden..." Coventry replies in mock despair.
"And I thought wounds were your business," the paladin replies, a smirk appearing on her face in place of a scowl.
"Judging from the way you wield your blade, wounds are your business." The Doctor replies, shaking his head, "Now, I think even the most selfish individual would want to keep the Strife Lords from ruling the world. Hence our former employer..."
"My blade is a necessary piece of my life, these days...," Gail says, cutting herself short as falls into musing, eyes toward the well-trodden soil. But am I too quick to use it?
"What? You did a fine job slaughtering our attackers." Coventry replies with a perplexed frown, "Does it bother you that I acknowledge your skill?"
Gail lifts her eyes up to meet Coventry's, before they fall, looking into empty space. "Perhaps...I just remember a time when my hands weren't so red."
Tanis nods. "I for one am glad your blade was present in our last encounter."
"You know Gail..." The Doctor comments, "...there's quite an age difference but you and Max would make a great couple." He nods, "Married of course, I know you've thought about it."
Ombligo blinks, "How would you know that, Coventry?"
"I can sense it... Destiny..." Coventry replies reverently.
"Wow, cool!...What's married mean?"
A slight blush comes over Gail, but she forces herself to be calm, a scowl taking most of the colour out of her cheeks. "It seems to me that you're the one who oftens thinks of such things, Doctor. Perhaps there's something telling in that?"
"Um..." The Doctor frowns, "That I think people should be married before...enjoying...certain activities. I know you disagree but..." He chuckles and turns to Ombligo, "When two people are married, it means that they make the decision to enter into a permanent union and raise children together." He nods with a happy grin, "Little Gails and Maxes running around smiting evil... It's a beautiful thought."
"Ooh. Okay! Wow, Gail. Don't you think that's a pretty big step?"
Gail arches an eyebrow, before repeating the phrase over in her head, sighing lightly as she realized what she just said. "Walked right into that one..."
Ombligo giggles at 'walked', thinking it's a joke off his 'big step' comment.
She then tilts her head in confusion. "Why are you laughing?"
"You said walked after I said big step!" Ombligo continues to chuckle.
The paladin looks to Ombligo, looking more tired than anything else. "It's a step I won't be making any time soon, regardless of what the good Doctor thinks goes on in my mind."
The Doctor shakes his head, his eyes filled with regret, "So...you mean to continue living as you have been?"
Gail's eyes narrow impossibly at Alastor, there being no way the glare could be any more vindictive.
"I'm exhausted..." The Doctor stiffles a yawn, "Haven't slept in days...."
Her face softening, the paladin turns to the trail ahead. "I believe we're all more than a little tired by this point," she says, the Doctor's yawn provoking a slight, breezy yawn of her own that she quickly covers.
"No, no..." The Doctor shakes his head, looking mildly annoyed, "You're suppose to say... " His voice takes on a squeaky semi-feminine tone, "What? You haven't slept in days?" He shakes his head as his voice returns to normal, "Then I say..." He begins speaking in a overly masculine voice, "Of course not, it was at night that I slept." He grins widely...then sighs and shakes his head, "Ruined."
The warrior blinks a few times, wondering if the doctor had always been this way, and, attributing this behaivor to a few unfortunate whacks to the head as a child, turns back to the road ahead, "Of course. How foolish of me."

Posted by: Aldur Sun Oct 22, 2006 6:30 pm
Kria meanwhile, merely screamed at the orb and then wandered up to Adam, prodding at his chest with a quizzical expression on her face. She nodded, and then began to look up and down for anything that would catch her interest. "So you'd be Adam...Ian says Hi. And wow. You're like...different from Gilliam. You look more...homey and personalised!"

Posted by: Knight_019 Sun Oct 22, 2006 10:29 pm
*Mahler stood confounded at the relative ease of completing this mission. While they had fought through a number of battles to reach this point, not the least of which recently came to its conclusion, it was as though they merely walked in and there stood Max. Mahler was also awed by the legend standing before him. While he had always understood that others had thought his creator to be a great man, now Mahler was in the position that those others had been. Moreover, Max had accomplished a feat no other alive today had. He had wielded the Chaos Breaker, sealed away a great evil, and somehow escaped from what should have been certain death or imprisonment within the Castle of the Ancients.
All this in mind, Mahler found the orb's effects to be odd. The orb was attuned to Max and Max alone, it seemed. Mahler wondered if other such devices existed that might be sympathetic to this great hero, or anyone else for that matter. Mahler also wondered if someone had duped them, if Derrik was entirely true to his word, or if something else had happened along the way. While Mahler constantly attempted to shield Ombligo from the unseemly side of the world, such as his near death experience, Mahler understood well that people in this world have the capacity to do great and terrible things just as they could do the splendid and wonderful. With steadfast concentration, Mahler sought inward, searching for any foul presence in Max and Adam's direction. He recalled the teachings of his maker, sorting through the energies in an attempt to find any presence of evil.*
((Detect Evil. Mahler will spend the 3 rounds necessary to pinpoint location if an evil presence is found to exist after round 1.))

Posted by: Kaihaku Sun Oct 22, 2006 11:28 pm
Looks like he decided not to ask for my expertise once again... Astrid sighs wearily then gathers the scattered shards of orb. During the journey back to the city she remains silent, pondering the events of the day.

Posted by: Rusty Mon Oct 23, 2006 1:49 am
((*Snags a level 1 Cure spell from Arby. 6 + 5 = 11.)) *Ombligo floats over to Gorrik, waving a tentacle at him.* Ombligo: "Hey, Gorrik! Have you been counting?" "No' jus' ye'." The jolly dwarf responded, "I'm waitin' fer things te slow down a bi' before I do. Besides, I'm sure nothin's missin'."
Farain had stayed near the back of the group as they were at the shrine. When he saw Ombligo and Gorrik talking he trotted over to them. "Hello, Ombligo. Gorrik."
Ombligo: "Yeah...I forgot to start counting, myself....Oh! Hey, Farain. How are you doing?" *Ombligo says, quickly changing the subject.*
He waved his hand a little. "I'm doing fine. Just a little tired."
"Aiy, tha' las' battle took a lo' out of us all." The paladin said sympathetically.
Ombligo: "I'm okay now that I can cast my spells again. Hopefully they won't use the same tactic next time, though...Well,, assuming we'll still be travelling together and if there is a next time."
Farain turned and looked toward were Max was standing earlier, looking back at the other two. "So that was Max, eh?"
"Tha' reminds me, wha do the two o' ye plan te do now tha' our job is done?" Questioned Gorrik.
Ombligo: "Yup, that's Max! Hmm...I'm not sure...I might explore more with Sorel and Mahler and take down any bad guys we see! Maybe we'll look for more work or something."
"An' wha' will ye do Farain?" Gorrik asked as he turned towards the Centaur.
"Well, Gail has shown an interest in having me do something with her eventually. I think that's going to be my plan."
*Ombligo stills his floating, blinking.* Ombligo: "I can't believe I never asked him if he knew any Magic Creatures!! I'll have to do that before we leave."
Farain looked at Ombligo and raised a brow. "You mean... You think there could be more of you?"
Ombligo: "Not of me, but of other Magic Creatures. Why, there wouldn't be a book on them if I was the only one, right?"
"There's a book on you? Huh, shows you how much I actually read anything."
Ombligo: "Not on me, but maybe someday..." *Ombligo says, giggling.*
"Well, given what ye've gone through at your age, I'd say there's a good chance of ye bein' as famous as Max somday." Gorrik said with a smile.
*The magic creature bubbles with excitement at this.* Ombligo: "You really think so?"
"Oh, yeah," the centaur chimed in. "With the amount of magic and power held up in that little body of yours, you'll go down in history for your strength and your courage."
"But ye go' te make sure ye eat all yer broccolli." The dwarf says with a chuckle.
*The little magic creature is overcome with a fit of giggles as he floats up as high as he can, 'flexing' his tentacles.* Ombligo: "I'm gonna be famous! I'm gonna be legendary!"
"Well, with Max nearby, I think ye're in the righ' company te do so." Gorrik continued to smile.
Ombligo: "Hehehe!! And if I put my face or at least name in a lot of places, do you think that'll help spread my fame quicker?"
"Well, I don't know about that... I think for now, we should just stick with finishing up the last leg of our mission before we worry about spreading your name far and wide."
"I think Farain's go' the idea. Jus' take i' one step at a time, an' ye'll be there before ye know i' withou' even tryin' te ge' there." Gorrik said in a slightly more serious tone, but still jovial none the less
Ombligo: "I guess that'll be my next quest...Spread the name of Ombligo everywhere!" *Ombligo energetically floats around, his little red cape flapping about.* Ombligo: "Or maybe...I should be the secretive type that only has a nickname! Mysterious people get lots of publicity, don't they?"
"Does that mean you'll start wearing a mask? The Masked Ombligo?" Farain chuckled slightly. "It depends on the person, really. If it's a mysterious good person, sure. They get attention."
Ombligo: "I guess you're right. I don't need to be mysterious. After all, how would they carve a statue for me?" *Ombligo bubbles, his imagination flaring.* Ombligo: "But what about Mahler and Sorel? Will they also be famous?"
"I think anyone in this expedition have some possibility of being well known. We helped find the legendary hero Max... That should at least get people talking."

Posted by: Cyrus Mon Oct 23, 2006 7:09 am
Gail, after a good while of arguing mentally with herself, notices something she thought strange about the hero and, curiousity overcoming self-conciousness, works her way over to Max. : "Excuse me...but are you a paladin?" : "Eh? Well, yeah..." Max says, rubbing his neck. "I was raised in a church, after all."
Gail listens intently. "Interesting...so many legends about you, and no one mentions that..." Realization strikes her, and she shakes her head, smiling. "Sorry...I've gotten ahead of myself." She extends her left hand. "Gail Haubrekt."
"Max. Just Max is fine," Max says, shaking the paladin's hand. "I dislike formality."
"Oh...," the paladin says, wondering if she had been too formal already. She falls quiet for a while, wondering what she could possibly say that won't come off as ignorant or silly. Not finding much, she keeps quiet, chiding herself mentally for locking up like this.
"Was that all?" Max asks.
The paladin whips around suddenly, trying to salvage the chance at a conversation. "No, I...I mean..." She sighs, imagining how idiotic she must look to the experienced warrior. "I'm sorry...I'm not usually this nervous," she says, another while of silent admonishment passing before she spots the sword hung over his shoulder. "You use a hand and a half sword?" she asks, noting the odd weapon choice.
: "That's all right, I'm just another person. You don't have to be nervous," Max says with a friendly smile. He then gestures to his sword. "This? Yeah, it was the weapon I was using until I retrieved the Force Sword again. I picked it up shortly before the final battles against Mishaela. It's a very good sword if I do say so myself," Max says, drawing the rune-etched blade and giving it a test swing.
The paladin gives a small chuckle.
: "I suppose so...but all I've known about you is from legends. Perhaps it will simply take me a while to get used to the idea of walking next to one." She then watches as Max handles the blade. "It certainly looks the part...I'm sure it was needed greatly against the Dark Witch and her minions."
Max chuckles and winces. "Hey, I'm still getting used to the idea of being a legend. You think you have it rough?"
"Answer swiftly before Coventry makes a joke of you having it 'rough' every night," Gilliam advises, out of characterly.
"Ulgh. That's right, we haven't gotten rid of him, yet," Gail moans, asideishly. "I'm surprised he survived the Lawful water incident."
-----
Gail smiles lightly. "Seems we all have things we have to accilimate to very quickly." She then ponders for a while before continuing. "Would you like a sparring partner? I'm sure I won't prove a challenge, and I'm sure you get enough practice as it is, but..."
: "No, go right ahead. I'll use this sword, since the Chaos Breaker would be too much of an edge... quite literally," Max says, pulling out some thick cloth and wrapping it around the weapon. "Just in case. Don't want you to get scarred or anything.."
A few minutes later, during a rest stop...
Gail nods, pulling a sheet of brown cloth from her haversack that she wraps over the blade, tying it in place with a strand of white cloth. "Ready when you are," she says, raising her shield to wait for the first blow.
Max quietly removes and places aside a pulsing pure white orb from a belt pouch, putting it in his backpack. Raising his sword in a defensive stance, he salutes Gail before falling back into combat form. "As the challenger, you have the honor of the first blow," Max says with a smile.
Gail's eyes widen as the hero stows the orb in his backpack, recognizing it for the artifact it is, but keeps quiet, deciding not to slow down the beginning of this session. Returning the gesture with a bow, she falls quickly back into a battle stance, keeping her shield raised as she attacks.
Max easily sidesteps the blow before lashing out with a series of four precisely aimed thrusts. Three of the four blows land, though Gail is able to parry the last. The paladin is jarred heavily by the assault. "Your form has a solid basis, but you need some work still... Speed with come in time, work on your precision," Max says as he finishes his strikes.
Gail stumbles at the force of the blows, her breath lost as she attempts to recover quickly. Somehow, she manages to push the last one away, but it helps only marginally, the damage being done. Regaining her footing, she listens to the elder swordsman's advice, taking a deep breath before she strikes. The effects of the blows, however, carry to her own strikes, the results being a greatly off-balanced knight.
Max swings his sword at Gail, the flat of the blade striking her twice, despite her being able to parry the final two strikes with her blade and shield. "Good work... You parried and blocked two strikes that time instead of one," Max nods.
Despite the praise, it's apparent the spar has taken a toll on the maiden, forcing her legs to keep her up as she shows a weak smile. Figuring the result was determined, she drops her guard, determined to land at least a small blow on Max.
Both strikes land, causing Max a bit of surprise. "You learn quickly... You remind me of someone else I know. However, you should've used this time to recover...," Max comments as he counterattacks.The sword strikes land one after the other and Gail faints, unable to take anymore.
She awakens only moments later from the blackness, a feel of pleasant warmth flowing through her as Max lays his hands on her arm, channeling healing energy into her. "That wasn't too bad for a first try. Reminds me of myself getting knocked out by Varios a little, actually..." Max chuckles. "Heh... could'nt of hit you that hard... Shall we try again?"
Gail rises slowly, surprised at how complete the healing had been; as though all she had been doing was taking a short nap. At Max's question, she nods, a confidant smile showing through.
: "Of course. We can't stop when we just started, can we?"
: "Definately remind me of her. Okay, your hit," Max says with a smile as he drops into a defensive stance.
Seeing Max go on the defensive, Gail becomes cautious herself, knowing he could easily turn a full-on assault on her part in his favor. Regardless, she presses the attack, a slash aimed at the right shoulder...only to hold it back, dipping the blade near her as she turns the strike into a thrust.
Max winces as the blow hits him. "I must be losing my touch... All right, your accuracy is doing better, let's see about parrying now..." Again, Gail bats aside two of the sword strokes, but feels the sword twice on her sides. "Not too bad," Max comments.
The paladin is knocked around slightly from the twin blows, but shakes them off relatively easily, regaining her focus. Her thoughts begin to work against her as this fight wears on. Not too bad...but is it good enough? She raises her shield again, striking at the hero from a veil of caution.
Max steps to the side and lands three swift blows in succession on the paladin. "Try to move into the enemy's blindspots if possible. It makes them much easier to hit," Max says.
Gail once again stumbles at the heavy thrusts, though she manages to stop herself after a few errant steps. Wondering where Max's blindspots could, other than his back, the paladin also side steps, taking aim at the side below the hero's sword arm.
: "Typically the back is the easiest to strike, appalling as that might be to an honorable paladin," Max says lightly. "But also the sides aren't well covered by peripheral vision, especially if the foe wears a helm or some form of eyewear." Gail again parries two of the sword swings, taking another two to her sides.
: "Your back is covered," she says before the blows rain down on her once more, sending the maiden sprawling back into the blackness of unconciousness.
Once again Gail awakens due to Max's touch. "It's just cloth," Max says with a small smile. "Magical though it may be, many foes can still pierce it."
It takes Gail a moment to remember what Max is refering to, before she shakes her head.
: "Still, it can give you a misleading profile; one lucky instance can turn an ambush in your favor. I'd rather attack something I can see as opposed to dive in and hope I strike."
"True enough. Had enough for today? I'm out of healing now, thanks to you," Max says, chuckling. "Better hope we don't run into any monsters."
Gail nods, wincing as Max admits he wasted all his healing on her. "I apologize," she says, a frown creasing her face, "You probably wished to save some of that for an emergency."
"No, it's fine. I was only joking," Max says, shaking his head. "I'm sure we won't need any today. Even if we do, we can probably handle it. The Devil Army can't get too many agents across Galam's defenses."
Gail nods. "I suppose you're right. Even with the state Galam is in, the soldiers should still be able to push back most threats from their doors...and ours."
"Agreed," Max says, standing up and offering Gail a hand.
A look of concern creeps over the paladin's face as she says this, though it passes as she accepts the aid, being brought to her feet easily. "I...realize we won't be in each other's company for long, but...I'd like to try this again before we part ways. That is, if you'd agree to it."
: "I have no problems. You might want to practice a bit beforehand, though," Max says. "Though what will you be doing when this is over?"
: "I don't think I'll be able to rest after this," the paladin says, a small sigh coming forth. "With all that's happening around us, I can't just sit on my hands in the order...though, I'll be going back to donate a portion of my earnings, at the least. Most likely, they'll send me somewhere else immediately after I return, and if Farain comes with me, he'll be going as well. Why do you ask?"
: "You've got talent, and Ian and I could put it to good use," Max says, frankly. "With the Chaos Breaker in hand, we intend to initiate a push to drive the Devil Army from this land, then spearhead an offensive into Cult held lands. Hopefully, we'll be able to rally the various factions to the cause of ridding the land of the Cult and their demonic allies."
Gail merely stares as Max lays out his plans before her. he was considering her...to play a part in all that? A campaign of that importance? No...it was too big, she'd wouldn't be able to handle something like that, she'd only end up...failing. However, before she could refuse, she remembered what led her on this path in the first place: the vision of her father, appearing before her, clad in light...of her, standing with others like her, clad in the same light...she came to realize what this was. This was what the vision spoke of. This was what she had been preparing for. Coming out of her internalization, she breathes deep and looks Max in the eyes.
: "I'm with you. I can't see why the order wouldn't let me participate on such a mission...they might even send aid, if they have the men to spare."
: "Good. Because to be frank..." Max says, levelling his eyes at Gail. "We're going to need all the help we can get."
Gail nods, her gaze steady.
: "I know."
~~~~~
Shortly thereafter...
"Mr. Max..." Graigus said, holding his staff in hand, "I... would you show me some of the things you know? I want to be a better fighter."
"All right," Max says, turning. "Fall into a defensive stance."
Nodding, the dwarf firmly planted his staff in the ground, palms extended towards the swordsman. "I am ready."
Max nods. "OK... Your stance looks all right. You're a bit stiff with it, but that will chance with time. Attack me now."
Stepping forward, the monk slammed a palm into Max's stomach, following with another such strike to the chest.
Max launches a series of four swings at Graigus, but the dwarf manages to dodge all but one. Max nods. "Very good... You're a little stiff, but your reflexes are impeccable."
The monk struck again, two more palms flashing forward. Max dodges Graigus' first strike, parrying the second with the flat of his blade.
"Good, but remember that when fighting unarmed, you want a lot of power behind your swings. Power makes the fist go faster which makes it harder to avoid... not to mention make it hurt more if it connects," Max says, countering with another series of swings.
Graigus manages to dodge only one this time, the strikes too fast for his trained eye to follow. As the strikes came in, the monk could do little more that receive them in wonder, amazed at how easily his opponent was able to injure him. Panting hard, his eyes seemed to change for a moment, before striking with full force. However, as before, his blows were deflected by the man who bested Darksol.
"You need to learn to push past the pain, don't let it cloud your reactions," Max says as he notes the dwarf's dramatic drop in skill. "Note the...Oh." Max stops in mid swing, his first blow knocking the dwarf clean out. "Gail? Gail? I need you to heal Graigus, he's unconscious..." Max calls out, muttering to himself, "And I need to learn to be more gentle..."
"You're so very unkind to my people," Dam grinned, shaking his head in mock disappointment. "All the poor little man wanted was a chance to say he popped Max in the jaw..."
"I can be of assistance to ye!" Gorrik shouted as he noticed Gail wasn't responding.
Ombligo: "Hey, if you're finished fighting, I've got a question!" *The little magic creature calls out to Max.*
"I apologize, my energy has been wasted for the day," Gail explains, seeing Gorrik rush to the rescue.
"Well, I gave him that much... Though he'll have to settle for chest," Max says, rubbing his collarbone.
Gorrik rushes to his fellow dwarf's side. The paladin's hands glowing until Graigus regains concience.
"It's alright... I say let him sleep for a bit. The kid had a big day," Dam said, still grinning. Then, to the hero, he said "Mmm... just be glad he wasn't drunk."
"Ah, drunken fighting school?" Max asks.
"Thank you, Mr. Max," the dwarf said, shaking the cobwebs out as he stood, nodding. "Master Chu Rao taught me, after I learned basic skills from Master Quialis."
"Ah, I've heard of him, though distantly," Max says with a nod. "According to some he's to monks what Mae is to knights."
"Heh... wonder if the boss is the same thing to those of us who are more stealth inclined..." Dam said. "Ehh... whatever works, I guess."
"Your boss?" Gail asks inquisitively, wondering who trained the adept rogue.
"Ehh... well, I don't normally brag, but Nosshu and I have something in common - we both used to be in Ruburan's gang."
*Ombligo floats over to Max.* Ombligo: "Hey, Max, do you have a moment?"
"What the... Domingo?" Max says, startled by the creature in front of him.
*Ombligo frowns, confused.* Ombligo: "Who's Domingo?"
"Close, but not quite," Dam said. "This is Ombligo... another Magic Creature."
"You've seen others like Ombligo, Max?" The paladin questions.
"Yes... I hatched one. He was named Domingo... I didn't think there were more like him out there..." Max says looking at Ombligo curiously.
Ombligo: "Do you know where I could find this Domingo? I've never met another Magic Creature either."
"Sorry, I don't know where he is now..." Max frowns. "I haven't been in touch with any of my old friends for a very long time..."
"With the exception of Adam here, of course," Dam reminded him.
"Isn't that a given?" Max says, lightly.
Ombligo: "Aww...Just when I thought I could meet another one, too..." *Ombligo sinks in mid-air.*
"Take nothing for granted," Dam said. "And Ombligo... if you're that interested, keep looking. He might turn up after all. I mean, look at me... I didn't expect that tubby Nosshu to be king."
"Well, I plan to get home when all of this is done. You could come with me and I'll ask some of the old gang where he went. I'm sure one of them will know."
Ombligo: "Okay. I'll take you up on that offer, though!" *The magic creature chirps, a feeling of excitement surging through him as he thinks of actually meeting another magic creature.* Ombligo: "What was Domingo like, anyway?"
"He was a bit of an egghead... no pun intended. He was always reading or studying with Anri... Knew quite a lot and loved to talk about what he knew."

Posted by: Kaihaku Mon Oct 23, 2006 1:29 pm
"You two seem to have hit it off splendidly." The Doctor remarks with a smile to Gail a short time after marching resumes, "Nothing like sword blows to start off an epic romance." The paladin gives non-plussed glare to the doctor, before giving a light sigh. "I suppose it's too much to simply ask you to drop such a subject?"
"I prefer changing to dropping..." The Doctor replies then he smiles, "So... Made any plans for after this is all over?" He nods, "I'm thinking of making a pilgrimage to Volcanon."
Gail lets a worn smile slip through as the Doctor changes subjects. "Thank you." It's quickly replaced by a neutral face as she continues. "Well, I'd have to report back to my order first, to confirm the job is done, and possibly recieve a new one. However...the first thing I must do is visit my mother. It's been too long, and I've been too foolish, letting it get the distance grow so large."
"We were paid..." The Doctor replies, "That sounds like the end of the mission to me..." He smiles, "If we are to continue, Dicem will have to offer more money. The pathetic spoils of late are hardly worth my time." Then he nods with a smile, "Sounds like an excellent use of time, you have my blessings..." He chuckles, "Well, I'm going to mingle among the others for a bit... I think someone a bit less offensive than me, like yourself, should have a chat with Sorel. He seems rather withdrawn lately." He leans closer and whispers, "Personally, I think its because he has a crush on Dicem and can't bear to be parted from him...but..." He shrugs and slips away.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue Oct 24, 2006 1:42 am
"Excuse me, Doctor Coventry is it? Would you mind assisting me?" Max asks, approaching the Doctor. "Your friends seem to enjoy trying to beat me up in their spare time." "Seems like an interesting way to pass the time..." The Doctor comments, then he takes a step forward and glances over the wounds of the hero, "Can I ask you a question?" He speaks a few words of magic and with a light touch sends a surge of healing through the living legend, "Why do you do it?"
"Why do I fight? It's something I can do well... It's somewhat discomforting to admit a skill at killing at directing others to kill, but I can use that skill to stop more deaths," Max says, quietly. His eyes take on a distant look as he speaks. "This world is beset by problem after problem. Demons, devils, monsters... monsters including the humanoid kind. I've seen murderers with hearts blacker than any demon, kings greedier than any devil... If I can use what talent I have to stem the flow, to keep people safe... Then I think I have to," Max says, quietly. "Though to be honest, I was really tempted to just stop and live for a while as a farmer after the first war," Max says with a small chuckle. "But such was not to be I suppose."
"The root of your wanaderlust is compassion then?" The Doctor replies, face unreadable, "Why do you travel alone?" He adds after a moment of silence, "You were a great leader in that war... Why did you give it all up?"
"I wanted time to think at first... I didn't want to be a big hero, I just wanted to be me. Do you know the kind of pressure you have to endure when you're heading an army? The expectations you have to meet when you're seen as a hero?" Max frowns. "And it becomes impossible to relate to people... You try to talk to someone and they're too busy trembling at the thought of meeting a famous hero, or wanting to hear story after story..."
"Story telling isn't so bad, but being a hero isn't all that great. We're just people, after all... anyone could be a hero with the right motivation and mindset," Max says with a long sigh.
"After I defeated Dark Dragon, I thought maybe I could finally rest and just be myself again. Not have to worry about appearances or the politics that inevitable follow a war. I originally intended to sneak back home and meet with my friends quietly, without the big fanfare the public would've demanded... Then I stumbled onto Mishaela's plot and spent the next twenty or so years chasing her, and the rest is history."
"I see... No rest for the weary..." The Doctor comments, then shakes his head, "Twenty years chasing after a demoness. I must admit its a hell of an excuse for not coming for a visit." He tilts his head, "Have any of your former companions...besides the metal one...made any attempt to find you?"
"I was informed that Anri commissioned a royal investigation to find me, the soldiers that were sent out ended up founding Hassan after they couldn't find me," Max says with a slight smile. "Probably more than a few were involved in the search."
"Did you avoid them?" The Doctor asks quietly, then smiles wearily, "I'm trying to understand why for two decades it seems to most that you made no attempt to contact anyone who had a connection to you..."
Max shook his head. "I didn't avoid on purpose... But my efforts to stop Mishaela from undoing all we did in the First Shining War demanded all my time. You have no idea how badly I wanted to return home..." Max pauses for a moment, then shakes his head. "But I couldn't return as long as Mishaela was out there... I couldn't return knowing that I left such a threat to those I cared about alone." Max is quiet for a moment. "I couldn't even send a message due to Parmecia's isolation from Rune and the state of the roads and devil patrols..."
"I'm a bit cynical on this topic..." The Doctor states, adjusting his glasses, "...but I feel that humanity only needs heroic champions due to laziness." He looks at the legend, "It denies the hero their humanity in exchange for the masses not having to make their world a better place. All of the load is placed on the shoulders of a few... As an expert on the subject, what do you think? You've been denied a normal life, haven't you?"
"Yes I have, but you chalk it up to laziness?" Max asks, tilting his head. "The masses aren't lazy... They're just afraid. Why wouldn't they be? Devils and monsters lurk at the edge of their borders. Powerful mages could obliterate them on a whim. There are countless things against which the ordinary person has no power against. Leaders remove that fear and assure them of a proper direction. They remind them that as a people they are strong. The problem isn't so much with the body as when the head is malformed... Nothing is worse than a good people ruled by a terrible leader." Max chuckles. "Sorry about that, slipped into war-leader pep talk mode for a moment. Force of habit."
"It's the role you've lived in for most of your life, how could I hold it against you? You're only human." The Doctor comments with a hint of bitterness, then he shakes his head, "So, fear... Is that the reason humans oppress one another? The reason that they sell their souls so easily?" He frowns, "That people are so quick to hate those different than themselves? Look at Gail, even though she was born of holy blood she was persecuted." He continues, his countenance growing darker, "Is fear the reason that we have never regained the might of the Ancients? Perhaps if there was no one to save them, humanity would cast aside their complacency and master once more their former glory." He sighs, "You call the ordinary person powerless but I'm not talking about individual persons... I'm talking about the masses. We were once a great people, what are we now?" He chuckles, "We truly are pathetic. Struggling to merely survive because we refuse to elevate ourselves."
"You sound as if you've lost all hope," Max notes, quietly.
"I've never had much reason to have any..." The Doctor replies quietly, then smirks, "Throughout history, I see a few great individuals who strive against the darkness and for their brief lifetimes lift it...only for it to return once they pass on."
"Inventors, leaders, and...even heroes..." He shakes his head, "But it really doesn't matter because the people don't care."
"A thousand years of relative peace after the Dragon was first sealed, and we don't know much about the world before that," Max says. "The most conflicts have only been recently."
"It is true that the masses have evil in them, but they also have the potential for great good. Alterone, for example... Though they initially cooperated with Runefaust, they repented and sent Guardiana so much aid the kingdom was rebuilt with amazing speed."
"Prompt's soldiers helped stem the flow of evil from Runefaust nearly by themselves until we finally reached them."
"The Shining Forces themselves are testaments to what people can accomplish when working together. Not just the heroes that comprised them, but remember we had help from many kingdoms. The people of Waral repaired our ship for free, the people of Guardiana banded together to rebuild the kingdom, the people of Cypress rebelled when King Edmund usurped the throne..."
"There are many examples of good as well as bad," Max says quietly. "Losing sight of the good when being surrounded by evil is too common in these dark times."
"I suppose you couldn't follow the path you've...well...the path you're on unless you really believed that." The Doctor replies, shaking his head once more, "For a thousand years, we had the chance to regain the mantle of the Ancients and be in a position to drive the darkness away forever." He smirks but his eyes are sad, "Destonia used the power and knowledge of the Ancients for oppression and conquest. Imagine what could have been if they had just spent a small fraction of their resources developing it to counter the Vandals. Others who know the secrets of the Ancient hide and keep their understanding to themselves." He chuckles, looking at Max, "I appreciate the attempt to patronize me but I'm well aware of good, I just happen to note that its wasted...it lifts the darkness only for a season. Then, our people welcome it back with open arms." He meets the eyes of the hero, "You are a bright light shining in the darkness but one day you will die, then the people you sacrificed your entire life for will undo all the good you have done. Mortal hope dies with death...and immortal hope..." He shakes his head, contempt in his eyes, "The gods, as they laughably call themselves, have come to be little more than a crutch." His eyes narrow, "Where is the might of Volcanon and Mitula? They knew the night was coming better than any mortal did, why did they not aid humanity in returning to its former power? Their priests care more for ritual and politics than lifting their flocks from the mire." He then chuckles, "I suppose I don't have much in the way of hope... I have eyes and I'm not yet old enough to ignore what they see." He sighs, looking at the hero with a smile, "You know though, I wish it was dawn... I wish the glorious day was raising again. The truth be told, I fear the night is only just beginning."
Max shakes his head, "I apologize if I was patronizing you, I did not mean to. As for the gods, I don't presume to know their intentions, save that I believe if nothing else they do more good than harm. Their priesthood varies by region on whether or not they do as well. But even if everything was as dark as you say, what else can we do but go forward? Even if it takes another thousand years we can eventually return the world to what it was, or at least something similar. As for the night... Well, there is that saying that the night is always darkest before dawn."
"You should know better than most that the night had not yet reached its darkest point..." The Doctor replies, "...and while we can go forward, our peoples continue to stagnant or slip further into the darkness." He sighs, "It is easy to see hope in individuals but in truth they are so short lived and their legacies so quickly abandoned." He chuckles then, "But I agree with you in one regard, what can we do but go on? The only other option is death."
Max smiles, slightly. "So long as we agree on that, time will tell which of us is correct on the matter of hope."
"You know, the world would be better served if you used your talents for leadership rather than conflict..." The Doctor comments, "Humanity needs something to pull them towards the higher place from which they fell, not a shining hero who they can choose to let shoulder all of their troubles and woes." He smiles, "In my opinion, of course..." His eyes darken, "Just think, you could have had sons fighting in your place by now."
Max looks down at the mention of sons. "Sons... I don't think most parents would like the idea of their children fighting in their place... I know I wouldn't," Max says, quietly. He stares at the ground, apparently deep in thought.
"I don't think most parents care half as much about their children as you would..." The Doctor replies, removing his glasses and wiping them with a cloth, "To your credit. That's why you're the one shouldering the load of humanity, you care more for others than yourself." He slides his glasses back on, "Not many do." His eyes narrow, "Especially parents..." He chuckles, "Why, among our little troop are more than a few who are fighting merely because their parents want them to."
"Oh?" Max asks, still staring at the ground.
"I wish I could say that I won't betray a confidence..." The Doctor replies with a weary smile, "...but for the most part I obtained my information through less than honorable means." He shakes his head, "Still doesn't mean I can tell you though."
"That's fine. Don't tell me if you feel it would be a breach of trust," Max says with a weary smile. "Thank you for the talk and the healing, Doctor... I need to leave now. You've reminded me of something. Good day."
The Doctor nods quietly, then as the hero steps away whispers quietly to himself, "Just repaying the favor..."

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Tue Oct 24, 2006 2:32 am
"So... hero of Rune, the sealer of the Dark Dragon... you've been a busy man," Dam said. "I see why you wanted retirement so early." *Ombligo unrolls the scroll regarding Max that he obtained, reading through it quickly again.* Ombligo: "And don't forget that he beat Darksol...twice!"
"Been a busy man?" Max asks with a grin. "Still am, unfortunately. Can't exactly stand still in a world at war."
"Yeah... as I noticed," the rogue said. "I wasn't running around, hunting for heroes myself, before Swiftjoke called me. And I don't know if I'll be able to go back to what I was doing anytime soon."
"Oh? What did you do?" Max asks.
"Hunter, after I got tired of other things."
"Interesting. You seem to be the leader here... How'd that happen? Hunters usually are the lone wolf types I've found, you seem to be an exception."
"I wasn't always a hunter," Dam said. "In fact, I'm pretty sure you know my former boss, Ruburan."
"Aaaah, that kind of hunter then," Max says. "Yes, I worked with him for a while. Reminded me a little of Hanzou."
"Hanzou... he was a ninja who was with you when you took care of Darksol the first time, right?" Dam asked. "I hear he was scary one - hit hard and fast."
"Right. He left with explanation after wishing everyone farewell. I hope he's doing well, he was a good ally."
Gail keeps her distance from the small group, apparently absorbed in her thoughts, a raised hand brought to her lips. Occansionly, she looks over to the legend and those who speak with him, but the look is brief, her eyes returning to the ground soon after.
"Mmm... hey, speaking of, do you know what the boss is up to now?" Dam asked. "I haven't seen him in a very long time, even before he met up with you and Ian."
"I think Ian knows something about that, but I'm not sure. Didn't think to pry."
"Mmm... well, no offense, but I think I will. Things are getting bad out in Rune, and there's no telling how long until it gets here," Dam said. "Of course, I doubt you have anything to worry about."
The smile on Max's face falls. "I hear that in my absence my home has yet again been reduced to a smoldering ruin. Are you sure of that?"
"I'm sure you've got more tricks up your sleeve than I do," Dam said. "And I also know that when the devils come knocking, I don't think twice about putting a knife in their backs; why would you give them a chance?"
Max sighs. "My point is that I'm not worried for myself, it's for the others I care about. Guardiana is devastated again, and who knows how many of my friends fell in the defense? I've not had word... But I can't leave here until the situation is improved, Galam's counting on myself and Ian."
Max turns and gestures to ADAM. "Him as well, actually. Few people are capable of standing up to devils."
"So then the rumors that you're going back there aren't that far off," Dam said. "Look... I'm not going to lie to you. I'm not a hero... hell, I'm a liar. But if I heard that my parents were in trouble, I'd go take care of things real quick."
"The dwarven monk over there... I told him I'd go with him back to his temple. Maybe when we're done there, I'll swing by, do some damage for Galam, maybe let you get back there faster. It'll be my way of saying thanks for coming with us now."
Ombligo: "Aren't they sending a large force at Galam because you're nearby?"
Max frowns. "Yes... I seem to attract trouble."
"It's because they view you as a threat," Gilliam states. Max turns, viewing the cyborg for the first time.
"Ah... You have a robot as well?"
"Yeah," Dam added. "Devils want us dead too... we got ambushed in Hassan twice, on the first two knights after we got started looking for you. And Cynthia was scrubbing a guy's brains off the wall when I went to see her."
"Sorry to cause you so much trouble," Max says, shaking his head.
Ombligo: "It's the devils, Mister Shieldwright? It's not your fault they're bad guys, right?"
"Believe me, it's not your fault," Dam said. "Personally, I wouldn't mind giving the leader a couple ventilation holes in the chest for trying to kill me so many times."
"Leader? You mean that Erinyes with the reddish hair and eyes?"
"Aelisnyx. We've tangled twice, and it doesn't hurt me to say she's a real bitch," Dam said. "But I doubt she's pulling the strings for all the attacks against us."
"Perhaps not," Max says with a shrug.
Ombligo: "She's a real coward! Using that ball...And then she still lost!"
"What ball?" Max asks.
Ombligo: "That suppression sphere Astrid was talking about. It kept us from using our magic."
"Naturally, Ombligo was deeply insulted," Dam said. "Now, I personally don't use any spells, but not being able to get a little healing isn't fun."
"Oh, a fizzle ball? Makes sense. Impressive if you managed to make them trot one out and still win. Means you've got skill and talent," Max says, nodding.
*The magic creature floats over to examine Adam curiously. Enthusiastically, he waves at the robot. Adam somehow reminded him of Mahler - quiet, sturdy, and friendly.*
Adam waves back.
"Mmm... most of the battle was over by the time the little guy and I got there," Dam said, jerking a thumb in Graigus' direction. "He and I made a pit stop to catch up with Nosshu."
Noting the rogue's gesture, Graigus approached the rogue and the hero.
"Did you need me for something, Mr. Dicem?"
"Not really, but while you're here you might as well say hello to Max." Gesturing between the two, he said "Max, meet the dwarven monk Graigus. Graigus, say hello to Max, the man you just got payed to find."
"Pleasure to meet you Graigus," Max says, extending his hand.
"It's nice to meet you too, Mr. Max," the dwarf said, shaking the swordsman's hand. "Even when I was studying with Master Chu Rao, I heard good things about you."
"I'm sure you'll prove your master proud."
Graigus nodded, though his head lowered at the hero's words.

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Tue Oct 24, 2006 2:45 am
: "Sorel... I'm sorry," Graigus said, speaking to the druid privately. The old man allows his eyes to rest on Graigus briefly. : "For?" "For staying with Mr. Dicem, and getting mad at him, and not being able to help you much in the battle," he said, finally stopping and taking a deep breath. "And I am sorry that I am not following the teachings set forth by Master Quialis. I have been rude and have not held control over my actions as much as I should have."
Sorel's expression softens. "I don't believe either is the case. Your late coming was no one's fault. And I haven't seen you act with anything less than the greatest of courtesy." He pauses. "What happened?"
"He... after we saw King Nosshu, we talked. And he said that he was really going to come with me to see master Quialis at the temple. Shaking his head, the dwarf said "I got mad at him, because he lies all the time. And then we yelled at each other, until Lunauga started talking about..."
A hand reaches out to rest on the dwarf's shoulder. "You really don't need to be afraid," Sorel says.
"What do you mean?" the drunken boxer asked.
Sorel sighs. "I mean there is no cause to act as you are, as if you have done something wrong, to pause and hesitate as if you are relating some great crime. Whatever you have to say, I am confident it is not nearly as bad as you think it is."
"When... when we stopped fighting... Lunauga started talking about you," Graigus confessed. "Please, don't be mad at him, but he told us what happened to your wife."
Sorel bows his head, inhaling sharply. He looks up, but his gaze seems to pass through Graigus, not really noticing him. "What did he say, exactly."
"He said that you were married to a dryad, and one day... one day she died. And you didn't know why. And Dicem said something about wanting to ask you why," the dwarf said. "And he said that you were angry for a long time, and you have a bad temper sometimes... and I don't want you to be mad at Lunauga."
Sorel says nothing for a long time, his face blank and distant as the silence grows uncomfortable. His jaw clenches and unclenches, as if he were speaking without opening his mouth. Finally he does. "Lunauga is mistaken," he says at last, "I know exactly why it happened, now at least." His jaw continues to work for a moment before he notices that Graigus is still standing there, still worried. "You needn't worry about Lunauga," Sorel says. "He has been sentient for a matter of days; such things will come to him, in time. Better you tell me, since I suspect Lunauga is even more worried than you. He's been avoiding me." Sorel looks as if he is about to say something else, but decides against it, shaking his head. "It's alright."
"He... did say that you know... but we don't know what you know," Graigus explained. "And Mr. Dicem said he was going to ask you about it. I think something happened between him and someone else, something that made him leave Ruburan's gang."
Sorel smiles a bit. "I think many things have happened to Mr. Dicem to bring him to his current state," Sorel says, "Such a man as he is not born of a single act. I suspect he has been wishing to have this conversation for a long time," Sorel says. "I hope he will be more receptive to counsel himself if he comes to me with such business. It is a dangerous thing, to close yourself off. Far, far more dangerous than the alternative." His smile fades. "Far more."
"He doesn't ever use his real name anymore," Graigus said. "Not even when he became a hunter. He said that people would go after his family if they knew who he was. I wish he was wrong."
"Names are a dangerous thing," Sorel says. "To name something is to have power over it. I dislike the guarded way in which Dam conducts himself, but I do not doubt he has good reasons."
"But why would he become a thief, Sorel?" Graigus asked. "He's good with his daggers and a bow, and he knows a lot... he could have done a lot of other things with his life..."
"Permit me to tell you a story," Sorel says. "When I was a child one of my closest friends grew up dreadfully poor. However, he had his family, so I always envied him. Now, it came to be that neither his mother nor his father could afford to eat. But the three of them all had such terrible pride that they would not beg for food. So my friend goes to the market one day and steals a loaf of bread and some grapes. He was clever and nimble, not unlike Dam, and he got away. Easily, in fact. So easily that whenever there was trouble of any kind, he began to turn to those skills to solve them. Increasingly he acted upon them out if habit and instinct. By the time I had left home, the boy had become a hero to his family and his neighbors, using the money he gained stealing and as a hired blade to feed them and clothe them and all the things they could not do for themselves. Now, in hindsight it's clear that he could have done any of a number of things far nobler to better his lot and that of his family, and far more easily, with less of a need to live in fear and secrecy. But there are times, Graigus, when your nature and your environment force you down a path you can't control."
"I guess I don't understand, because we always take care of each other at home and at the temple," Graigus said. "Things aren't free, but we don't let people starve because they don't have money."
"It is a blessing that you do not, in a way," Sorel replies, "Since to not understand the forced hand of hardship is to have never endured it yourself. A blessing."
"I see," the monk said, nodding. "I hope Mr. Dicem talks with you, Sorel. I don't know if he's going to come to you, but maybe you should go to him if it's important."
Sorel frowns. "Perhaps you are right. I doubt he will be any more receptive if he stews for too long. I should seek him out now." he says, inclining his head to Graigus. "Try not to bear so lightly the burdens of others. You are feeling the strain even now, and I fear the harm it will do you."
"I will try, though I fear I need to return to the temple for more training before I am truly ready," the monk said. "I'm going to talk to Mr. Max again... he was kind enough to spar with me earlier, and I hope he knows of other monks who might be able to teach me, if I decide to go with him when he goes back to Rune."
Sorel nods, and smiles before departing. "I wish you good luck."
***
Not long after Sorel approaches Dam.
: "I was told you wished to speak with me?"
: "Who told you that?" Dam asked.
"If you consider what it is you wish to discuss, and what prompted you to want this discussion, I should think the answer would be clear."
"I'm going to guess it has something to do with a dwarf who's been talking quite a lot lately," the rogue said. "What did he tell you?"
"In between several apologies I gathered you and he had an argument on Lunauga's back, which Lunauga attempted to stop by talking to you about me."
"Mmm. I wouldn't be hard on the bird. He doesn't know how important silence can be," the rogue said, nodding. "But somehow, if it were only talk about you, I don't think you'd want to talk to me. So what else did the drunken monkey say?"
"He was remarkably upset about the way you guard yourself, and the way you've lived you life." Sorel smiles faintly. "He seems to think you're better than that."
"He doesn't know anything," Dam said solemnly. "Just because I kill devils doesn't mean I'm a saint like Gail."
"Oh, I think you and Gail share more than you might realize. You both seem heavily burdened by guilt, as if you felt responsible for some terrible crime." Sorel's smile vanishes. "It is a burden I have come to recognize very well."
"What do you have to be guilty about?" Dam asked. "You lived in a forest with a wood nymph, and now you give away all your money to the poor."
Sorel's jaw tightens. "And you have gone to great lengths to bury whatever conscience you once had. I raise the same question to you."
"I'm a former thief, Sorel," Dam said. "That kind of work lends itself to a lack of conscience."
"It tends also to an avoidance of questions," Sorel replies. "A lack of conscience would mean a guilt-free existence. Yet yours is not. What could possibly burden someone who has gone out of his way to shake off these burdens?"
"And what would make you go running off into the woods, Sorel? Picked the pocket of a little orphan boy, and now you feel the need to pay them all back?" the orange-haired youth said defensively.
"So there is someone beneath all those layers of caustic self-denial," Sorel counters, "someone who puts their life in constant danger so they don't have to worry about their deeper pain."
"If that were the case, I'd have stayed with the gang, rather than become a hunter," the rogue said, before snapping his mouth shut.
"A hunter, were you?" Sorel says, voice rising in anger as he paces around Dam. "Didn't have it in you to feel humans twist and die under your knife so you took it out on defenseless faceless stupid animals? Is that all?"
"Go to hell, you high-and-mighty bastard!" Dam yelled, his eyes ablaze with anger before his voice dropped to a venomous tone. "Don't you dare... don't you dare talk to me like that. Do I make light of your dead hunk of wood, huh? Do you like that, Sorel? Do you?"
Sorel's eyes flash, and with preternatural speed the base of his staff rises up to strike Dam in the face. "How... dare... you..." he says, shaking with anger. "From what corner of your blackened little heart to you draw the GALL to speak like that. To spit such venom against someone you have never met, and will never know, and can never hope to understand... how DARE you?" he roars. He raises a trembling hand against Dam Dicem. "Know this. Whatever heart you have that you were not strong enough to kill, whatever shadow of a soul hasn't bled away from you, bring it to bear and listen to me now. If you ever speak of her in that tone again, in my presence or not, I will kill you."
((Note that Sorel actually hit Dam, for 1 damage))
"Then kill me, old man," Dicem said, drawing his saps. "Go ahead and try. Talk to me like you know what happened, like you know why I killed her. But you aay another word about it and these saps are going to be replaced by daggers. And I'm going to kill you."
"I don't need to know why you killed her," Sorel says, every word laced with rage, "I've long passed the point of caring about whatever shame you bear, since you are so desperate to be the persecuted hero. You are beyond my help, beyond anyone's help but your own." He tilts his head. "If my blood will heal your wounds, then it's yours for the taking. If not, I suggest you leave."
"And now you get it," Dam said, dropping the weapons. "Finally. Enough of your damn hope, enough of you trying to make me what I'm not. I'm a bastard. I killed the woman I loved and it was business as usual; I'm no damn hero - you want that, go talk to Max. All I'm here for is killing more bastards like me, until someone's got the balls and the skill to send me to hell. Enjoy your day, Sorel," he spat, walking away.
Sorel glares at Dam's retreating form. When he is gone, Sorel kneels to the ground, knuckles white around his staff, which still shakes. He sits there for a moment, humming an old song.

Posted by: Kaihaku Tue Oct 24, 2006 3:25 am
The Doctor steps up to the large cloaked figure of Gilliam, "It hardly seems fair that we receive gold and you a mere scrap of paper..." "The scrap is worth more than all the gold is all the dwarf mines ever to me," Gilliam replies. "Though I had hoped not to have to wait... I've waited longer."
"So you have..." The Doctor responses, rubbing his chin, "I figure you owe me some conversation since you ignored me so blatantly in the last battle." He nods, "Since I'm the wronged, I'll choice the topic... Tell me about the Ancients. Not their destruction but about them. How they lived, what they believed." He glances up at the cyborg, "I find myself wondering what kind of people they actually were... Were they really perfect paragons one and all as some believe?"
"Of course not," Gilliam says with a snort. "We were just as human as any other. The main difference was that we had a much greater understanding of how the world works than most now. And that allowed us to create things the world had never seen before."
"Is that all?" The Doctor replies, beginning to pout, "You know this most likely will be the last conversation you and I have... On such a joyous occasion for you, surely there is more about the Ancients that you can share."
"What specifically do you want me to share?" Gilliam asks, "In reference to your earlier question, we believed in the Light primarily. There were other religions, but they were mostly minor. Volcanon had not arrived yet, nor Mitula," Gilliam states.
"Well..." The Doctor replies, apparently pondering this, "I hardly know where to begin..." He chuckles, "What did you eat? Surely not what we grow now..."
"Most foods we ate were basically the same, merely prepared differently. Steaks were served, but with additives and spices concocted by our chemists. Fruits were grown, but examined and carefully managed to eliminate disease. A few foods we ate you won't see anymore because technology was required to make or maintain them. Frozen milky foods with sweet flavor, chemically flavored foods with odd textures... We drank things like that too. We had water, milks, juice, ale, all that stuff, but we also had drinks synthesized from mixes of water and chemicals, drinks that bubbled or fizzed, all sorts of things."
"Did you live in villages?" He blinks and shakes his head, "Cities rather, hard to comprehend the Ancients living in hovels such as we do..." He pauses then, "Were there many mobile cities such as Saraband and Pao?"
"We lived in cities larger than you've ever seen... Only your capitals come even closer. Towers of metal and glass reached to touch the sky and sprawled for miles on end," Gilliam says, his voice growing distant. "Millions of people in a single settlement."
"There are legends of cities floating in the skies and resting below the oceans..." He arches an eyebrow, "Are they true?"
"Yes, but they were few and far between," Gilliam replies.
"That's a foreign thought...." The Doctor comments, "How... How would that affect life?" He rubs his chin as if attempting to comprehend it, "You grew enough food for all of those people... Millions upon millions... Living in the sky and under the ocean..." He shakes his head, "We must seem rather backwards to you..."
"To be frank, you do. But you're primitive in technology, not stupid or inept. Completely different things. Besides, most of us didn't know how to build what we had, only to use it."
"I didn't want to ask questions about the fall but..." The Doctor frowns, "Is that the reason that that magic was preserved but technology has been lost? Few knew how to build it, only use it?"
"Not exactly... That was the reason why technology was mostly lost, but magic was rare in our time... I don't know how it came to spread so quickly, though I know that the spread of divine magic was due to the arrival of Mitula and Volcanon."
"Magic...was rare?" The Doctor echoes, looking quite surprised, "That's...strange..." He kicks at a rock, "How did the Ancients transport themselves then?"
"Magic as you know it was rare. Magic and technology are but two sides of the same coin, you know," Gilliam says. "What do you mean how did we transport ourselves?"
"I've seen some airships but they are...cumbersome at best." The Doctor replies, "Without magic, you couldn't fly alone or teleport, so..." He looks at the cyborg, "Did you primarily walk or ride in massive slow vessels like Pao?"
"We teleported and flew with technology," Gilliam states, "Ships travelled the skies that could fly from Guardiana to here in less than a day."
"Strange..." The Doctor comments, "How did people interact with one another? How could a king rule over such a vast nation?" He frowns, "Or was it an Empire or Republic?"
"Democratic Republic, we elected our leaders via consensus," Gilliam stated. "What do you mean how did we interact?"
"Did you have festivals, did you often gather..." He shakes his head, "I cannot imagine how it would be possible with the numbers you mention."
"Of course we had gatherings, but they were mainly circles of friends and family coming together. Occasionaly one group or another of coworkers or the like," Gilliam replies.
"I suppose it would impossible for the entire populace to ever gather..." The Doctor arches an eyebrow, "Sounds... like a distant society..." He frowns, "You said co-workers, what kind of work was there? I thought technology accomplished most tasks with ease beyond our wildest imaginations..."
"And who created new technology? Maintained it? Oversaw it?" Gilliam asks.
"In Saraband, the technicians who keep the city functioning are only a small handful of its population." The Doctor replies, "Most of the others were either involved in the government, military, or were merchants... I can't imagine that an advanced civilization such as the Ancients would need more than a very small amount of the population to function."
"We had soldiers like myself of course, politicians, entertainers... Just not too many laborers, for machines took care of that," Gilliam says.
"Soliders?" The Doctor repeats with a frown, "I was speaking of before the coming of the darkness."
"I know," Gilliam says. "We had few enough of them, but they were still there. Just in case."
"I see..." The Doctor replies, deep in thought, "It would seem that many things are different than I thought..." He rubs his chin, "We may never live as your people did again, not with our mastery of magic." He shakes his head, "This changes things... How strange..." He nods, "Thanks for the conversation... I wish you the best..." He then slows and falls back in the marching order.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue Oct 24, 2006 3:35 am
"Excuse me, you're a priest of Mitula I'm told, correct?" Max asks, approaching the hermit. "I'm not sure you'd call me a priest," Arbeiten says, turning to face the hero, "But I try to follow her teachings, yes. How are you feeling after your sparring matches?"
"Fairly well, the doctor healed me right up," Max says with a smile. The smile falls, Max's expression becoming serious as he speaks. "I need to ask you something that I'd appreciate if you kept quiet."
"Let me thank you for that." the half-giant adds. "Memories are better payment than gold, and I have a feeling they'll both be talking about today for many years to come." Also becoming more serious, the priest nods. "What did you need to talk about?"
"I need to know if you can perform an Atonement ceremony," Max says.
Arbeiten frowns. "I know of it, but my education was... less than formal. I would need time to prepare for it. I would also point out that a ritual is only empty mouthings without a penitant heart behind them. And for most things, the penitant heart is enough. Are you sure a ritual is needed?"
"I... I think it is, yes," Max says, quietly.
"If it would help you, or your friend if you're asking on their behalf, then how could I refuse?" the half giant says with his voice lowered. "I'm only sorry I am not prepared yet. Though in truth..." he adds with a ghost of a smile, "I doubt your newfound friends would let you escape their sight just yet."
"True enough," Max says with a rueful smile. "Thank you for your time."
Arbeiten looks closely at Max, then shakes his head. "You've got the wrong idea, I think." he says, still quietly. "We aren't judges. Often we aren't even that righteous. And all to often, we aren't strong enough to be protectors, either. All we can try to be is a friend. Friend, my time is yours. My campfire is yours, my cloak is yours, and I'll even share a beer with you sometime. No need to be any more formal with us than you would with Adam or Anri."
"I know..." Max says with a hint of a smile. "My best friend was a Vicar after all... I was just being polite." Max's smiles falls again. "I know full well what the Atonement ceremony does. In essence you act as an intercessor between the goddess and myself."
"Ah. Once again, I stick my foot in my mouth. The problem with nomadic life." Arbeiten shrugs, grinning wryly. "The ceremony is something as personal and as unique as the people involved. Sometimes, the priest acts as intercessor, sometimes merely as moral support looking on."
"Interesting. I didn't know that," Max says with a nod.
Arbeiten shrugs again. "I doubt this is the case, but there are times when a man knows in his heart that he has done wrong, but cannot bring himself to say so aloud. Though I might say his words, it's the fact that those words came from his heart that matter."
"And that he has the courage to stand and face the unknown while such things are said aloud about him." Arbeiten adds. "But really, in those cases, I supply nothing more but moral support." he finishes with a shrug.
"Interesting. That's different than what they did back at the church," Max notes.
"We're only mortal." Arbeiten says quietly. "We only see some small shard of the truth, and try to guess our goddess's intentions based on past knowledge. There are many different interpretations. But we try for the right reasons, I think."
"True enough."
"Guess I should get off the soapbox..." Arbeiten mutters. "My colleagues have little faith in the priesthood, perhaps with reason. I think a man should live his faith, not speak it, but sometimes it builds and I spout off to anyone who will listen. You were unfortuantely in the wrong place at the wrong time."
"My best friend was a Vicar and I was raised in a church. I'm used to it," Max says with a grin.
"Maybe we'll have a chance to trade stories sometime." Arbeiten responds with a grin. "I'll pay for the first round."

Posted by: Kaihaku Tue Oct 24, 2006 5:55 am
(I'm too lazy to bother with formatting.) His eyes thoughtful, the Doctor falls a short distance behind the others in the group. Lunauga floats behind the doctor for a moment before working up the courage to speak. "What's a doctor?" he asks "An expert in a field." The Doctor replies, "My field of expertise is medicine." He chuckles, "Why do you ask?"
"Well, I know it's not your name," Lunauga says, "And titles usually mean something, and I was curious what yours meant. I guess if you're an expert, I can come to you for advice?"
"I doubt that Sorel would approve but..." The Doctor chuckles, "I'd be glad to advise you, though you do realize that we will be most likely parting company shortly?"
"Well, it's Sorel I wanted to talk about," Lunauga says. "You're the only one who seems as smart as him, and I can't talk to him 'cause he's probably mad at me."
The Doctor blinks, clearly taken aback for a moment, then looks at the owl with a frown, "Why is he angry with you?" Coventry slows his pace, letting the others move far away.
"Well..." the owl trails off. "You know how I had to carry Dam and Graigus back to you guys, right? They got into an argument about something or other, I don't even remember, and I thought I could make them stop by being like Sorel, you know, and telling a story so they'd learn a lesson and stop fighting. But I told them about Sorel's wife which he never ever tells anyone and now I'm afraid he'll be mad at me."
"Eh..." The Doctor winces, rubbing the back of his head, "He does seem to have a temper..." He frowns, rubbing his chin, "Well... I suppose you've considered not telling him?" He then shakes his head, "But he's most likely listening in on us now so that's a mute point..."
Lunauga shakes his head, a curious motion for one in midair. "No no no, he's way over there and he's waiting for me to come to him, like he always does. Waiting for me to confess. Waiting for me to rest my head on his shoulder and ask for forgiveness so he can tell me I didn't do anything wrong." Lunauga's voice edges with anger. "I swear, sometimes I hate him, and how calm he is whenever someone else is upset. You never see him act that calm when someone says something about his wife. No sir."
"There's an old saying...if you want something done properly, get a girl to do it." The Doctor replies thoughtfully, he then calls out, "Hey Gail, come back here for a moment." He glances at Lunauga, "I've found that when it comes to relationships, no one has the expertise of a woman."
Lunauga flaps in greeting. "Hey, Gail," he says glumly.
Gail raises a brow at the doctor, wondering what on earth Coventry could need her for. Spotting the owl as she approaches, she waves, the flapping apparently not bothering her. "Hello, Lunauga."
"Gail, let's say that I betrayed your confidence..." The Doctor starts up, then frowns, "Theoretically assuming I ever had your confidence, of course... How should I tell you?" He pauses then, "Oh, this is also assuming that theoretically I did this in an attempt to do something good and helpful." He looks at her with frown, "Hey, it could happen."
Her face becomes concerned at his glum tone, and at the doctor's question, becomes even more so, wondering where this conversation was going. "Well...I've always found that honesty is the best policy, regardless of how such confidence was breached."
"Honesty..." The Doctor shakes his head, "I guess I left out that honesty is somewhat essential." He frowns, "Though we need how answers, not what... You're a girl, how does communication work?"
The maiden dons a scowl at the doctor's stunning realizations, before a sigh expels the bitter heat from her. "How else is it supposed to work? One person speaks, then another answers, and it goes on from there."
"Geesh, thanks Gail..." The Doctor returns her scowl, his voice sarcastic, "I'm glad I didn't ask someone like Gorrik who would just give me the blunt logical process."
"But I don't want to deal with that!" Lunauga cries. "I don't want to deal with his high and mighty forgiveness right now! 'Sorry I told Dam your wife killed herself' 'Oh that's ok Lunauga all things are forgiven in the river of time blah blah blah!'"
The Doctor stumbles and nearly falls over, "Wha..." He looks at the owl, "You didn't say anything about suicide."
Gail's eyes widen at the owl's ranting, her answer barely a breath. "What?"
"Of course I didn't!" Lunauga says. "It's not supposed to be common knowledge! That's why I'm going to get in trouble for--oh..."
The Doctor looks at Gail flatly, "I told you someone should have talked to him..."
His eyes narrow, "By someone, I meant you by the way."
Gail doesn't answer the doctor, merely returning his flat stare with shock. Eventually, her eyes float down to the earth, her head hanging, thinking of the times Sorel had comforted her, and now, how she has failed him. "I...," she says lamely, then stops herself, closing her eyes as she turns her head away.
Lunauga blinks, turning his head to Coventry. "I know! You can talk to Sorel!"
"In the future..." The Doctor sighs heavily, turning to the owl, "...never tell Dam anything." He chuckles, "It's a good thing Sorel only gets really pissed at me, else I'd fear for Dicem."
Lunauga blinks rapidly, confused. "Sorel gets mad at you?"
The Doctor nods, frowning as if pained by the memory, "He destroyed my dinner once..."
"Oh..." Lunauga says, crestfallen. He perks up a moment later. "Oooh! Wait! If he already doesn't like you then you're the perfect one to tell him!"
"You know, I had been thinking about that..." The Doctor comments, "But how will that help you? Won't that make him even more angry at you?"
"Nope!" Lunauga says triumphantly. "He'll be so mad at you he'll forget to be mad at me! Right?"
"You know, it's so crazy it just might work!" The Doctor states enthusiastically, he chuckles, "Crazy is good."
Lunauga nods vigorously. "This will work fine! Right, Gail?"
The Doctor glances at the Paladin, "Oh yes, what are you thoughts oh master of conversation?"
Gail raises her head, looking at both the doctor and the owl, and only shakes her head somberly, slowly moving away from the two as her head drifts back down to the ground below.
The owl watches Gail depart. "What does that mean?"
The Doctor steps after her, "Guilt doesn't become you..." He smiles, "You'll never get a man that way."
The paladin whirls around, glaring furiously at the doctor. "If guilt doesn't, then why don't you inform me of what does," she asks bitterly, stepping towards him now.
"That's easy..." The Doctor replies sweetly, "A smile suits you quite nicely." He then pauses and rubs his chin thoughtfully, "You're also pretty cute when you're sleeping, looking all innocent. Oh, I know, it's really cute when you eat trail rations all properly even though we're in the middle of the wilderness."
[Cyrus: ...Good god, this really is an anime.]
A massive sweatdrop slides down Lunauga's head. "Hai, baka..."
Gail meets each with a cold glare, hands tightening into fists to keep in the shaking. "I'm glad you find such enjoyment out of watching me sleep," she says through gritted teeth. "Perhaps you think it's adorable the way I braid my silver locks? The way I clean my armor and weapon, day in and day out? The way I pray to the blue and gold dawn every morning, the way I stand, panting and bloodied, on the field of a battle we nearly lost? You...You...," the paladin says, the anger ebbing away as her voice drops to a whisper, "...You didn't deserve that."
Lunauga's beak hangs open in what can only be an owlish gape. "You're as bad as Graigus is. Apologizing for everything. Why does everything have to end in 'I'm sorry'?"
Gail turns to Lunauga, her voice still light as a breeze as she answers. "...Because most of the time, I'm wrong."
Lunauga blinks. "So?"
"There was no one else obnoxious enough to get you to say it..." The Doctor replies calmly, "Besides, I feel that it was quite deserved but quite healthy as well." He chuckles, his eyes serious, "You'd have to do far more than that to hurt me, I'm quite desensitized. So feel free to yell at me any time..." He nods, "It's what I've been after this whole time, though only Kria seems to get it."
The owl beats his massive wings. "Will one of you start making sense?"
"I'll do better..." The Doctor chuckles, "Let me go play lightning rod."
The paladin returns the blink, continuing it as the physician responds. At his next comment, she shakes her head. "No...you asked me to speak with him. The least I could do is return at least one favor you've done for me."
"Gail!" The Doctor exclaims, "Please, this is my field. You already stole enough of my patients that last battle..." He shakes his head, "I do have my pride."
Gail's face shifts into a warm smile at the Doctor's exclamation. "If you insist, doctor. I know how much your reputation means to you."
The Doctor smiles, "It's everything to me..." He frowns, "Now, you can do me a different favor, I want you to buy a dress in the city and wear it at least once a month." He nods, "Find some sap to take you out as well." He glances around, "In this group, I'd recommend Langston or Tanis. Stay clear of Dicem and Gorrik." He then chuckles, "There's no reason to give up being human just because you fancy yourself some sort of hero."
The silver haired maiden blinks at this, her mind taking a moment to process what just happened before responding: a soft, sharp cackle. It leaves a pleasant smile, the paladin nodding at the request as she collects herself.
The Doctor nods to the owl and the Paladin, "If I don't come back in an hour, I want you to gather the others and come request me."
The paladin gives the doctor a solemn salute, the same smile on her face as she does so. "On our honour, sir, it shall be done."
The Doctor chuckles wryly, "It can't be worse than..." He blinks and rubs his head, "Nevermind then. Later." He strides off.

Posted by: Nightmare Tue Oct 24, 2006 6:39 am
: Lunauga drifts next to Gorrik. "How do Sorel and the doctor get along?" : "I don' think they actually do." The dwarf responded with a frown, "Coventry seems to go ou' of his way jus' te pester poor ol' Sorel." : "Really?" Lunauga asks, incredulous. "Then why would Coventry go off to see Sorel alone to try and make him feel better?"
: "Tha' doesn' soun' like anythin' good'll come of i'." Gorrik said with a worrisome tone. "Wha' happened te have Sorel need some cheerin' up?"
: "I told Dam about... you know what, I'm not gonna talk about it anymore." Lunauga says, flying higher. "Sorry to bother you!"
: "Oh, ummm... alrigh'." Gorrik said while scratching the back of his head. Perhaps some I shoul' go make sure they're alrigh'...

Posted by: Kaihaku Tue Oct 24, 2006 3:10 pm
(Someone else was suppose to post that other bit so I'm just doing a bit of rearranging.) "Why, hello there Sorel." Coventry calls out with a cheerful smile, "What a coincidence to find you here among the marvels of nature." He slows to a halt, taking in a deep breath, "Hmmmm.... The air is so fresh out here."
Sorel doesn't appear to notice Coventry until after he has spoken. He hums a few more bars of his song and then speaks, in a strained voice, without standing. "No. Not you. Not now."
"Come on..." The Doctor replies with a grin, "You know you wanted to see me." He walks closer, stating matter of factly, "You have my permission to kill me."
Slowly Sorel stands, and faces Coventry, his face lined with exhaustion, his voice dead. "What do you want."
"You mean you don't believe that I just stumbled upon you by coincidence?" The Doctor replies seemingly at a loss.
Sorel sighs weakly. "Please get to the point."
"It's my professional opinion that you need a release..." The Doctor replies, cracking his fingers, "I'm the only one brave enough to come but you would be a fool to confide in me. So, the other option is obvious, you had better launch your attack now or else I might have to start talking and I think we both know where that will lead."
Sorel closes his eyes. "You are already speaking," he notes softly, "I will not raise a hand against you. Say your piece."
"I don't think you quite understand how this works..." The Doctor replies, taking another step forward, "I'm not here to pretend that I can offer some insight that will help you, I'm here as you can manifest your internal turmoil externally." He smiles, "Now, if you don't want to a lay a hand on me that's fine; fire, claws, or that staff will work just as well."
"Your feigned modesty betrays you, Alastor. What is this turmoil you would draw out of me?"
"A bird told me that if I offered myself in its place, you might actually feel free to show some emotion other than that babying wiseman role you love so." The Doctor states with a guarded smile, "Don't falter yourself in thinking that you can hurt me beyond healing, old man. So either have at me or I'll start making inappropriate remarks that I think we'd both rather avoid. Though, maybe that is unavoidable." He blinks, speaking as an aside, "Did you know that I'm the only one as smart as you? I'm somewhat miffed that I'm not marked as surpassing you."
Sorel stares at Coventry for a moment. "He went to you-- of all the people in the world, he went to you. Beautiful." Sorel turns away, beginning to pace. "I suppose he told you, too, and you've come to cement me as another brick in your fortress of smug cynicism. Do not presume to counsel me. I do not want what you are peddling. Go away." He concludes, more forcefully.
"Make me." Coventry states, taking another step forward.
Sorel turns around, standing less than a foot from Coventry. "No," he says, eyes smoldering, "I won't. You've come to mock me, is that it? To throw stones at me now. To snipe at me now. No. I won't let you. Go away."
"Sorel..." The Doctor pauses and shakes his head, his voice softening, "You have it wrong, I just want to comfort you..." He places a hand on Sorel's shoulder, "As a friend, I just want you to know that I am deeply...deeply...saddened about the loss of your..." His eyes waver and his face grows red, "...the loss..." He stumbles back, breathing heavily, "...of your...your tree!!!" He struggles for a moment then starts laughing, "...must have been rough..." He nearly doubles over.
Sorel stands stock still for a moment, before raising his staff high over the doctor's head. "This is what you've wanted all along, isn't it. To break me. To force me to break my promise. Fine." With a grunt of exertion, Sorel brings his staff sharply across, letting go at the last moment and forcing it to fall from his hands, tumbling to the doctor's feet. Sorel turns and begins to hobble away, deeper into the forest. "Mission accomplished."
Damn this strong willed old codger... He's doing this on purpose to make me feel like an ass. The Doctor picks up the staff, twisting it in his hands for a moment, then starts after the druid.
Sorel hears the doctor follow, but continues. "Go away. You win. Give me peace, when I've nothing else. If you can do anything but pretend at goodness, you'll leave me that."
"I pretend to be good?" The Doctor chuckles mirthfully, "News to me." He continues on after the druid.
Sorel continues to walk, ignoring the doctor, until he suddenly trips and stumbles to the ground with a thud. "Please," Sorel pants, pain evident in his voice. "Go away. I'm begging you."
"What's wrong?" The Doctor tosses the staff onto the prone old man, his eyes cold and a smirk locked across his face, "Where's the wise council? Where's the wrathful vengeance of the wilds?" He takes a step forward to stand over the druid, "I thought you were powerful, old man." His smirk widens, "You are so quick to help others, can't you help yourself?"
Sorel remains on the ground, unwilling to attempt to stand and fail. "I don't need help. Go away."
"What is this?" Coventry queries contemptuously, "I thought you were invincible, old man." He shakes his head, "After you slaughtered all of those fiends... After all of that wisdom...defeated by a few words?" He laughs coldly and then says a few words spitefully in a tongue Sorel does not comprehend. His shadow grows over the druid, "You're just another broken little man."
Sorel makes no reply; he continues to stare at the ground.
A powerful hand grips the elbow of the old man and with surprising strength pulls him gently to his feet. The Doctor speaks softly, but his voice is filled with an authority it had lacked before, "So human... Just like the others..." Coventry's visage has changed, a radiance surrounds him while a pair of wings of the purest white stretch from his shoulders, "Broken... Scarred... Fallible... Pathetic." He looks at Sorel intently, "You should know better, old man."
Sorel levels his eyes into Coventry's, staring. "I hate you," he says at last. "I hate your arrogance, I hate your theatrics, I hate your constant manipulation, I hate your smug cynicism, your gaudy self-worship. Look at you, styling yourself an angel. Overpowering an old man. All this energy wasted in the attempt to hint obliquely at something you won't say openly, for fear of spoiling your fun. I hate you. Go away."
"We all hate it when we see ourselves in others." The Doctor states in cool reply, his eyes meeting those of the druid, "I'm young, I'm the one who should be making mistakes like this." His eyes narrow, "You are absolutely right to be chiding me for thinking myself invincible and distancing myself from those around me under the banner of pride." He shakes his head, "...but I'm not the only one here hiding my pain behind sacred wings..."
Sorel sighs heavily. "What do you want from me?
"You need to stop acting like a fool and start acting like the wiseman you are." The Doctor replies, "Wise man... Still human, not nature incarnate or some god." He shakes his head, "I'm still young, I can trust in my vitality to allow the facade and fly around on gaudy wings of light... Not only are you not young..." His eyes soften, "...you lost your dearest...and I suspect...only friend." He shakes his head, "I was lucky, I never had a friend like that. I cannot even begin to comprehend the longing. I do know its something you can never replace." He pauses for a moment, "But maybe its time you made some other friends. There are plenty of good ones to choose from among the group." He smiles sadly, "Not sheep to your shepherd... Friends." He shakes his head, "Now, why the hell I'm telling this to a man your age who is mentor to all he meets is beyond me..." The Doctor turns and walks away, leaving Sorel standing alone in the forest beside his discarded staff.

Posted by: Dark Maiden Tue Oct 24, 2006 3:38 pm
Kayla remains silent during the trip, counting the gold with some of the other members of the party. She is happy that this mission is over. After all, after fighting the forces of evil, barely getting sleep, and almost being killed at least three times, it would be good to go home for a little while. Her gaze wanders to Max from time to time; she is a little bit excited to be in the presence of a hero, but at the same time nervous. After all, she's a shady character; an assassin, and a devil.
Part devil, anyway...but still. What would Max think about me?
Kayla sighs and shakes her head. She never really did care what others thought of her, so why should she start now? She chuckles and goes back to what she was doing.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Tue Oct 24, 2006 5:09 pm
"Mr. Dicem, how did the talk with Sorel go?" Graigus asked, noting the rogue from his perch in a tree. "Why don't you ask the old bastard yourself, Graigus," Dicem said, continuing to stalk through the woods. Dropping out of the tree quickly, the dwarf hurried after the orange-haired human.
"Wait... what happened?" he asked, grabbing Dicem's arm. In an instant, the rogue turned and pulled his arm free, eyes still blazing.
"Leave me alone, monk. Go check on your new master."
"Hey... I didn't do anything to you, so don't get mad at me," the drunken boxer said. "Whatever he said couldn't have been that bad, Mr. Dicem..."
"Oh, yeah... you're just like him, all right," the rogue said, pointing a finger accusingly at the dwarf, advancing slowly. "You pry and you try to put your virtues on me, and you ask as if you know what's going on and how to make it better... but you're wrong. You can't help me and you can't understand me, so go climb back up that tree and play with the chimps."
"Don't make fun of me, you thief!" the monk said, pointing his staff at me accusingly. "All I wanted to do was help... why are you treating me like this?"
"Yeah, that's right... point that staff at me, just like Sorel did. Hit me, just like Sorel did," Dam growled, a sick smile on his face, putting a hand on each of his kris knives. "Do it... I dare you. But I'm going to tell you the same thing I told him - if you try it, I'm going to put you down."
"Is that what you want, Mr. Dicem?" Graigus said, planting the staff in the forest soil before taking a fighting stance. "I'll fight you now, if that's what you want. That's what you said I'm good at, right? So do you think you're going to beat me with those silly little weapons of yours?"
"Get out of my face now, kid, or I'm going to make you real sorry you decided to mess with me," Dam said, gripping the daggers more tightly, ready to draw them in a moment.
"You came to me, Mr. Dicem," the monk said, standing firm, "and you started yelling at me when I wanted to help. You're the one who's messing with me, and you're the one who needs to leave now."
"Fine... you can take them, then," he said, pulling free both the weapons before dropping them on the ground. "I hope you and Sorel enjoy your status on the top of the hill, passing judgement on us all."
And with that, Dicem walked away, Graigus watching him the whole time. It was not until the rogue was well out of view that he finally dropped his stance, grabbing both the daggers and his staff before heading from the direction from which Dam had come.

Posted by: Aldur Tue Oct 24, 2006 6:42 pm
Kria smirked, dancing her way over to Sorel, still idly counting some of her cashflow. "Yay! It's over! Pleased Sorel?" Sorel sat crosslegged on the ground, staff a few feet away where Coventry had dropped it. His eyes were closed. "What's over?"
"Well...we found Maxie! Doesn't that mean our job is...over?" Kria flumped down next to Sorel, pulling her knees up to her chest. "Whatcha going to do now?"
"I don't know," Sorel says distantly. "I'll use the bounty, I can do that much. After that..." Sorel looks up, staring through the canopy of trees into the sky. "I cannot say."
"Wow...that's...Sorel like." Kria nodded and then laid back, looking up at the sky. "I think I'll tag along with Iggy."
"You seem to have become rather partial to him," Sorel notes.
"Well...wouldn't you kinda feel at home with another druid? And besides, he's fun to tease!" Kria giggled at this, bouncing up to look at Sorel, a smile on her face.
The old druid's voice seems to shrink. "Talk to him," Sorel says weakly. "Just... talk to him. Don't tease him, or play with him, or evade him. Speak to him with total and open frankness, hiding nothing. Measure his reaction. That's how you know."
Kria blinks, tilting her head to one side. "Um...what are you talkin' about?"
"Nothing. Everything." Sorel sighs. "It is beyond my power to explain."
"Urgh. Let's change the subject before this gives me a headache. Like most of your conversations with Doctor Doom." She giggled, and tapped at her chin in thought. "Max is kinda odd."
"Oh?"
"Yeah. He's pretty mellow." She snorted. "I was kinda expecting someone older and more Gail-like to have slayen my 'Lord'"
"People are hardly ever what you expect them to be," Sorel says. "We are more than we seem so much that one would expect us to ignore the seeming altogether."
"Soooreeeeel." Kria pouted, putting her hands on her head. "Are you trying to give me a headache?"
Sorel bows his head once more, never meeting Kria's gaze. "Perhaps. Perhaps I am speaking in circles to confuse you and get you to leave me alone. Perhaps it is a trick, to allow me to provide you with some profound life lesson. Perhaps... perhaps I am just as confused as you are."
Kria frowned, leaning forward suddenly, putting her face only a few inches away from her own. She stares fiercely and then sticks out her tongue and wiggles it at him a little. "Nyaaaah!"
Sorel doesn't shift an inch. "Yes?"
Kria pouts, lightly tapping Sorel on the head as she moved back. "Aww...I thought you'd have laughed or something."
"Not today."
"What about tomorrow?"
"I don't know," Sorel says. "I will find out tomorrow."
"Oh really?" Kria reached out and poked Sorel on the side of the head, standing up, obviously not used to Emo Sorel. "Well, I'll talk to you later then!"
"Goodbye."
Kria waves, humming to herself as she leaves to Find mildly more sociable people.

Posted by: Kaihaku Tue Oct 24, 2006 7:01 pm
The Doctor walks from the woods swiftly, his eyes distantly taking in his surroundings. Noting the others a short distance away, he does not hesitate but instead turns in the opposite direction and begins striding swiftly towards the still distant city. His companions, still resting from their march, are soon left far behind.

Posted by: Alpha Tue Oct 24, 2006 7:13 pm
Kria giggled, counting the money she recieved, making her way over to Tanis. "Mission accomplished!" Tanis smiled at Kria, glad to see her. It'd been a while since they'd talked. "And fairly easily, all things considered. May I ask what you intend to spend it one?" he asked with a smile.
"Dunno. Something." Kria shrugged, thinking about it for a moment. "No idea. So...whatcha gonna do now?"
Tanis frowns at the question. "I don't actually know. I'm not sure I want to travel with Ignatius to eastern Parmecia." He shrugs. "I've thought a little about staying around here."
Kria nodded. "I'm agoing with Ignatius." She grinned. "And why around here? It's just like anywhere else."
"Well, I was talking to Astrid a while back. She mentioned there being a possibility of joining the military in Galam. I quite liked the notion. Though before I decide that, I should probably talk to Ignatius and find out what he actually wants from us,” he says, contemplatively. “Or…do you know the details?” he asks.
"Hmm...you do seem to suit the army life. Well, you kinda are. And um, he's gathering soldiers to take down the Destonian empire. Or something like that." Kria waved her hand flippantly. "Maybe you should ask him more."
Tanis nods. “Yeah, I probably will. It’s just the fact that he wants to hunt down Galm that I find slightly… insane,” he finishes, almost embarrassed. "He is the strongest of the Vandals after all."
Kria shrugged, obviously not aware of just how powerful that tends to be. "Meh. The child tends to surpass the father right? How can we lose!"
Tanis frowns again. “Yes, but Ignatius is a half Vandal. There’s no way he can be anywhere near as strong.” Tanis sighs. “Still, if he does get enough help, he may have a chance. I wonder if he’s attempted to recruit Max yet. I think he mentioned that he would a while back.”
Kria frowned. "Well...his Mother was like a great Paladiny woman. I think he can manage it. After all, Vandal or no, an arrow through the eye still means death right?"
Tanis smiles at this. “Well, you’d hope so, yes,” he replies. “Getting the arrow to hit him could be a different matter though.” He then shakes his head in frustration. “I’m sorry,” he says. “All I’m doing is being really negative about the whole thing.”
"Well...we could offer him dinner. And then he lifts the metal plate and then ZOOM! BANG! Crossbow bolt into the eye." She looks at him sheepishly. "What? It so could happen!"
Tanis chuckles. “Of all people Kria, I expect you could get it to.” Then he laughs. “Wouldn’t that be a way for a Vandal to die? Crossbow bolt to the eye whilst having dinner.”
Kria giggled. "Like, I don't think that it'd be forgotten easily. And darn...you're going to Galam mmm? Well, they do need the help I guess."
Tanis nods. “Well, I’m going to talk to Ignatius first before I make up my mind. I may still come to Eastern Parmecia, I’m just not sure yet,” he says.
"Boo! Always make snap decisions! Leads to more fun!"
Tanis frowns, but only slightly. “Hmm. Not really a ‘me’ thing to do. Perhaps I should try it sometime though.”
"Wha? You're all like...BLAST! BANG! BOOM! FIERY FIRE! And you think you don't?" Kria frowned. "What an odd fellow you are."
“I was referring to life outside of battle,” he replies. “But oh well.”
"Blah! Don't change the subject." Kria smiled. "Wow. Last battle I kinda actually got hurt. How odd."
“Yes,” he says. “It’s unusual to see that. Doesn’t happen often.” Tanis lowers his head. “I was knocked out…again. The effects of the fizzle balls didn’t help.”
Kria shrugged. "Well, you're all about blasting. All the other mages were useless as well." She smirked a little smugly. "Aside from me."
Tanis sighs, seeing what could come up. “Yes,” he says. “But you’re not a mage now, are you?”
"Technically. I kinda suppose I am!" Kria flipped a hand through her hair nonchantantly. "Does it matter?"
"Well no, not really," he replies. "Listen, I'm going to go and find Ignatius. It'd be best to get that talk to him sooner rather than later. I'll come find you when I have." And with that he heads off to find the half Vandal.
Kria nodded, and waved at Tanis. "Alrighty! Have fun!" She giggled. "Whew...now...how to convince the others?"

Posted by: Aldur Tue Oct 24, 2006 7:49 pm
Meanwhile, Kria comes up to Ignatius, zooming by at top speed, cackling happily to herself. "Rich! YAY!" "What?" Ignatius asks, confused. "We found Maxie! So I get fifteen thousand gold pieces!" Kria smiled, and danced around him, idly floating into the air, her black shadowy wings appearing as she sat in the air next to him. "So. Asked Maxie yet?"
"No, everyone else is bugging him already, I'll ask tommorrow after he's had some rest," Ignatius nods.
"Wow! Oddly considerate! Want me to ask him for you? I can be diplomatic!" Kria nodded to herself.
"Er... No that's fine, I can do it," Ignatius says.
"Alrighty! Whee. Maxie is odd. He's all young and not all Holier than thou."
"I thought... He has to be around 40, but he looks younger. I wonder why."
"Ask him his secret. You could use it little boy." Kria giggled a little.
"What the hell are you talking about?" Ignatius asks, narrowing his eyes.
"Well...you look older than you are, and Max looks younger than he is..." Kria gasps. "Maybe he's stealing our youth!"
Ignatius frowns. "But he just met us."
Kria blinked, idly somersaulting in the air. "Oh yeah! Wow, I never thought of that...so...Parmecia for us soon! Excited?"
"A little," Ignatius says, shifting in place. "It's one step closer, but a big step."
"Yeah. We could save time by flying though...right?"
"It'd be faster to use that shrine teleport tunnel thing I heard you went through, wouldn't it?"
"Yeah! Well...unless it's infested with Devily things like before." Kria stuck her tongue out. "Stupid evilly things."
"I'm sure we can take care of whatever they put there," Ignatius says with a grin
geddis the hero: "True. By our powers combined..."
"We can take on devils?"
"Well, I mean, I'm obviously amazing all on my own but with a lil help I suppose they'll go down easier than usual!"
"Hmph," Ignatius murmurs
"Well that's enthusiastic! How ya gonna lead an army all a-apath...all whatever that word is!"
"Apathetic. I'm not, I was just thinking," Ignatius says.
"About...?"
"Nothing."
Kria pouted. "Tell!"
"What? No!" Ignatius says, frowning again. "You tell me what you're thinking about! I bet it's bangles!"
"Ah ha! It obviously wasn't nothing...spill it!" Kria jabbed a finger at him.
Ignatius looks to the side. "Well... You're being evasive too, so obviously you're thinking of something, spill that!"
"Nah. I'm thinking about how to make you spill the beans. Though Tanis did say you'd not stand a chance against daddy, but I disagreed." Kria nodded.
"You did?" Ignatius says, surprised. "Thanks..."
"Well...yeah. Or something." Kria shrugged. "So..." She took a deep breath. "WHATCHA THINKING ABOUT?!"
"Fighting,"Ignatius replies
"Well...what about it eh?"
"I was thinking about how I fight."
"Use a swordy thing!" Kria giggled, showing both blades she carried. "I have a spare!"
"But I fight with my hands," Ignatius says. "That way I can't ever be disarmed... barring something terrible happening."
"Meh. So what about the way you fight bothers you? The fact it's all from Daddy?"
Ignatius is quiet for a moment. "That wasn't bothering me until you brought it up."
"Oh. Whoops! Well, don't worry about where it comes from1 Worry about why and how you use it!" Kria smirked. "Wow! I'm talking like Sorel."
"Well you are the elder," Ignatius says with a chuckle.
"And don't you forget it! Kria nods and sails around Ignatius once and then lands gracefully on her feet. "Well. Things are getting exciting at any rate."
"You mean with finding Max?"
"And what's to come. And all these crazy evil people all over the place. Doesn't take a brainiac."
"Oh?"
"Well yeah. And that Devil woman seems to be after us especially..."
"Yeah, I was wondering about that... I wonder what her deal is."
"Sore loser? I dunno...Gilliam stole my battle with her. Oh well..." Kria smiled a little. "I wonder if I'd have won..."
"At this rate, we'll probably meet her again and then you can find out," Ignatius offers.
"True! Whee. I can't wait. I'll smack her around and stuff!" Kria smiled and waved at Iggy suddenly. "Well...better go find out what other people are doing!"
"Farewell."

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue Oct 24, 2006 7:52 pm
Night has fallen by the time the group reaches Granseal, the welcoming lights of the inn flicking warmly in the dark of night. "Well, I'm turning in. I'll see all of you in the morning, and then we can talk about what to do next. If your current job is done, I have a proposition for you," Max says as he pays for a room and walks upstairs.
Nothing happens during the night, and all too soon it's morning again.
((Do whatever you want for the night, I'll be moving this tommorrow.))

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Tue Oct 24, 2006 11:30 pm
Arbeiten seeks out Sorel away from the others. : "Friend," he asks quietly, "do you have a minute?" Sorel smiles faintly. : "I have that," he says, standing. "I have that if nothing else. How can I be of help?" : "I saw what happened this afternoon, particularly the confrontation with the doctor." Arbeiten says. "I don't know the details behind the fight, and I'm not asking for them."
Sorel stiffens slightly, but is silent, allowing Arbeiten to continue.
: "But I wanted to compliment you." the half-giant continues. "On your restraint, and on the courage and strength you showed this afternoon." He pauses for a moment, then adds, "That's all I had to tell you."
The old man allows his eyes to fall to the ground, bringing them slowly to meet Arbeiten's.
: "Thank you," he says hoarsely.
Wordlessly, the half-giant puts a hand on the older man's shoulder, then turns and walks back to the group.

Posted by: Kaihaku Wed Oct 25, 2006 3:40 am
(How Arby witnessed that is beyond me but if he actually was away from the group out in the woods watching, I'm a bit confused as to why he didn't attempt to intervene.) Dressed simply, most of his gear not carried, Coventry walks over to the acrobatic ratfolk with a tried expression on his face, "Could you come with me for a moment?"
Langston pondered the thought briefly before arriving at what should have been a foregone conclusion for him. "Oh, beckoned by the bringer of the cheese, 'uh? Yeah, I guess I could."
Coventry smiles slightly, his eyes heavy with emotion, then turns and leads the ratfolk along the littered streets.
He tugged at the untucked trails of his forest tunic before following along dutifully, likely unaware of the certain doom that could befall him at anytime. Just the same it would take a careful observer to note just how much attention he was paying to every nook and cranny of the street as he walked.
Finally, the healer stops with a sigh in front of a small warehouse, he glances at the ratfolk then snaps his fingers and whistles in a particular manner. Footsteps are heard and a muscular figure stomps from the dark depths of the building, carrying a circular bundle wrapped in cloth. He sets it on the ground with a grunt and nodding to Coventry, walks back into the warehouse sliding a door shut behind him.
"You came through..." The Doctor smirks slightly, nodding to the package, "Here's my end of the deal."
The http://www.eslkidstuff.com/images/cheese.gif is nearly the size of Langston and from it wafts a delightful aroma.
Whether he noticed the footsteps or the smell coming first was hard to figure out, but the rat was quickly alerted. He stared in obvious perplexion as a smuggler came through; tail twitching madly at the smell harassing his self control "I can't say I expected a guy to show up; interesting connections ya got, Doc!" He glared at the package in awe.
"Not my connection." Coventry replies shaking his head, "That was a connection my gold had." He shrugs, "It's yours, enjoy." Then he turns and walks away.
"Good enough an explanation for me," he said with a grin. "Thanks Doc!" The rat fought to sit still, obviously ready to shred into the package as quickly as possible. He took one more longing glance at it, resting his eyes for a few moments. "Oh yes, you have found yourself a good home haven't you?" Langston murmured. "Daddy will take good care of you; this will be the best last day of your life...or...something..."

Posted by: Rusty Wed Oct 25, 2006 4:27 am
*Ombligo floats into the shop. Despite seeing allies inside, he remains focused on looking for a particular item...* Ombligo: "They just have to have one..." *The magic creature continues to glance about at the various items inside the shop.* Ombligo: "Could that be..." *He stops at a ring, looking at it closely.* Ombligo: "Yes!"
"Getting a new armlet?" Coventry queries tonelessly.
Ombligo: "Eh? Oh. I suppose you think I would call it an armlet since I don't have fingers. Yes, I'm getting this ring here." *He swirls in place with excitement.*
Coventry leans closer, looking at the ring critically, "What is it?"
Ombligo: "It's a ring that will enhance my spells. So barring any more orb tricks the devils might have, I'll fry them that much faster!"
"Lucky find..." The Doctor comments admiringly, then he slowly stands to his full height, "I'm going to be leaving early tomorrow morning, so I suppose this is farewell unless the governor decides to instigate one of his brilliant plans." He smiles sadly, "Watch out for people like me in the future, by our nature we piss off other more noble folks off. Don't let us get to you too much."
Ombligo: "Yeah, Sorel already taught me that lesson." *The magic creature responds, giggling.* Ombligo: "He told me not to let our 'esteemed' leader get to me...I think I've been doing okay on that lately."
"He has to have his lessons..." Coventry shakes his head, "Also, please don't fit me into the same category as our esteemed leader." Chuckling, the Doctor pulls a gold coin from his pocket and fiddles with it, "Regardless, people like me are not the only thing you'll need to watch out for. Let me offer you a bit of wisdom..." He smiles, "Number one rule of adventuring, Ombligo, if you hear someone talking about 'good vibes' and 'letting it all hang out', run away." He flips the coin to the magical creature, "Hope it serves you as well as it served me."
*Ombligo blinks, reactively clapping his tentacles together, barely catching the coin.* Ombligo: "Letting what all hang out? Oh, and thanks!"
"Don't stop to see..." The Doctor cautions, "Just run."
*Ombligo blinks again, floating away from Coventry slowly.* Ombligo: "I'll keep that in mind!"
The Doctor shakes his head with a smile and walks towards the door, "Don't forget to pay for that armlet..."
Ombligo: "I won't! I'm sure they've got plenty of spells to alert them of shoplifters anyway, and while I do gamble, I never steal."
The Doctor steps through the door with a chuckle.
((Buying: Ring of Arcane Might. >:D 20,000 gold.))

Posted by: Cyrus Wed Oct 25, 2006 5:00 am
[Dramatis Personae: Gail Haubrekt, Sorel.] Earlier in the day, Gail wanders into the forest, apparently searching intently for something. In her search, she passes the druid nearby, failing to notice his still form. Stopping for a moment, the maiden hears singing not far off. The sound is faint and somber, but she manages to follow it to the sitting form of the druid. "Sorel."
The song comes to its natural end before Sorel acknowledges the paladin. "Gail."
Gail smiles briefly before it fades as his tone. "I've been looking for you," she admits hastily when he doesn't reply further. "You've been becoming withdrawn lately, and I was...worried. What was that song you were singing just now?"
"It was a song my wife would sing, whenever she felt she had cause to. She was singing it when I met her. It was the last I heard of her voice."
A slight pause comes over Gail before she continues. "May I ask how it goes?"
Sorel heaves a shuddering sigh before he begins to sing.
"See the roving river run
Over hill and dale
To our secret forest place
Nested in the vale.
Look for me at dawning
When the sun's reborn
In the silent beauty
'Twixt the night and morn
Wait 'till the lark ascends
And the skies are blue
There, where the rainbow ends
I will meet you."
The maiden sits, closing her eyes as the song begins. She tenses as she realizes what the song means, unable to shake what Lunauga told her from her mind. Still, her open at its end, turning to the druid. "It's...beautiful," she says, despite it being the wrong thing to say at the wrong time.
"And tragic at the same time." Sorel replies. "But it's a memory that ties me back to her, and I have precious few of those."
Gail's eyes float to the ground, memories of her mother and mentor shifting into her view. As they cycled through her mind, she wondered why so few were happy ones, or why she remembered some of them at all. The girl could only imagine the number of memories the druid had of his beloved, having spent so many years with her. She tries to speak, but no words come out; she only looks at Sorel briefly before returning her gaze to the root-ridden earth, unable think of anything that didn't sound patronizing or foolish.
Sorel sits in the silence of Gail's presence for a long moment. "The things I remember most clearly are all the times when I had first known her that I had said something I thought foolish, or feared to say something for that reason. Later on I realized she had never given notice to my awkwardness. I wasted a month in unsurety, in fearing that I would say or do the wrong thing. A month I would give almost anything for now." Sorel closes his eyes. "I regret nothing more."
Gail stares at Sorel as he speaks, listening intently until he finishes, her eyes returning to the earth when he does. "Sorel," she says after a long silence, "I realize if I said I know the pain of losing someone that important, it would only be patronizing you...which is the last thing I wish to do. All I can offer is what you have offered to me in the past; a chance to listen. Though, I know how small that offer is, coming from me...I can try."
Sorel bows his head in silence for an unnaturally long time. "There is nothing I can say," he says. "I don't have the words."
Gail frowns, bowing her head. Neither do I... She then rises, using a low branch to help herself up. "Goodbye, Sorel," she says after a short pause, leaving the druid to his thoughts.

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Wed Oct 25, 2006 5:01 am
Moving slowly through the woods, Graigus walked quickly, not stopping until he found the druid. The monk finds Sorel sitting crosslegged on the ground, his staff a few feet away from him, singing softly in a strange language. : "Sorel... what happened between you and Mr. Dicem?" he asked, quietly.
Sorel skips a beat, but continues to sing seemingly the same song, now in Common.
: "Look for me at dawning,
When the sun's reborn,
In the silent beauty
'Twixt the night and morn.
Wait 'till the lark ascends,
And the skies are blue.
There, where the rainbow ends,
I will meet you."
: "Sorel," he said, louder, "What happened?"
Sorel stops, but he does not raise his head or acknolwedge Graigus.
: "I broke my promise," he says.
: "Your promise... Dicem and Lunauga said that you promised your wife something," he thought out loud. "What did you promise her?"
: "She was beautiful," Sorel says, eyes dim with remembrance. "So beautiful, so strong-willed, but she was so like a child. She couldn't accept anything could be more important than happiness. Immediate happiness. It was that which drew me to her, I suppose. She could have lived forever, but she only cared for the present."
: "What... what happened?" the dwarf asked, sitting cross-legged in front of the druid.
: "Autumn had come early that year," Sorel begins, still unable to raise his head. "She had grown increasingly upset over the winter, though I did not know why. She hid from me often, and when she looked at me it was in sadness and fear. I kept pushing and pushing to find out what troubled her, but she would not tell me. Eventually we began to argue often over this hidden trouble. One night, after a particularly terrible fight, she had come to me, tired and angry though we were. 'Promise me,' she said, clinging to me like the last leaf on a dying tree, 'promise me that when you leave this place that you will give yourself to others, promise me that you won't take what you don't need.' I was confused, briefly; she spoke of things we had never even considered, my leaving. I had only a moment to think, because she charmed me, and I fell asleep." He stops, inhaling deeply.
"A dryad is a tree's guardian spirit. Her life is tied to its roots. I awoke the next day, in a field, with her at my side, and that staff" he gestures to the staff not too far away "on the other. I looked up, and saw I was a full day's journey from the fairy wood. My wife had died forcing me from our home." Sorel looks up, eyes filled with tears, to look into the deepening sky.
"All I could remember was the promise. It was all I had. Now I don't even have that."
: "How did you break that promise?" Graigus asked softly, confused.
"What happened between you and Mr. Dicem?"
: "I was unable to help him," Sorel says, "unable to take his pain away. We became angry, and hurt each other more. Dam has his secrets and his pride, and little else to tie him to who he truly is. I took them both from him, if only for a moment. I did not give of myself to help him. The basest theft, and most dangerous greed." Sorel tilts his head towards the marching others. "I could push a million gold pieces into the hands of the needy, and I couldn't buy back the peace I threw away."
: "Sorel..." Graigus said, shaking his head, "you may not be able to save everyone."
Sorel shakes his head.
: "That is not an excuse, nor an explanation. It is a lie told to comfort those who have failed."
: "Have you failed yet, Sorel?" Graigus asked, withdrawing Dicem's weapons before planting them in the ground between the druid and the monk. "He threated to fight me, then threw down his weapons and left when I told him I would stand and face him."
"Stand up, Sorel," Graigus said, rising, his staff in one hand as he stretched the other to the druid. "You told me that I can't say that I'm not good at something unless I've tried to and failed. If all you did was argue with Mr. Dicem, can you really say you tried to help him? And can't you try again, so long as he's alive?"
: "I have tried every day since he and I met to reach out to him, to lend him my hand," Sorel says, ignoring the dwarf's gesture, "and time and time again I have failed."
: "I can't say I tried to tie a rope, Sorel, if no one would let me touch one," the dwarf said, his hand still outstretched. "You can't help him if he won't give you the chance, Sorel... but as long as you continue to try, there's the hope that he'll let you do it."
Sorel is still for a moment, but with a wave of his hand a vine rises from the ground to push his staff towards him. He takes it, touching the design and whispers a few words. Then he takes Graigus's hand, and along with the staff, pushes himself to his feet. Sorel looks down at the dwarf.
: "Thank you, my friend."
: "Sorel... you've helped him more than you know," the monk said, nodding. "It's been hard on you, I think... maybe the other thing I can do is make helping him easier on you."
: "What do you mean?"
: "I don't know," the drunken boxer said. "But you said that I have wisdom... maybe I can use it now, somehow."
Sorel sighs heavily, and begins to walk back towards the others.
: "Perhaps. There is still tomorrow. We have that, at least."
Leading the older man, Graigus walked until he found Dicem, stringing his bow.
: "Leave me alone," he said as he looked up slowly, obviously exhausted. "Haven't you wasted enough time yelling at me?"
Sorel opens his mouth to speak, but shakes his head.
: "This is a waste of time," he mutters, beginning to turn away.
: "Stay, Sorel," Graigus said, his voice more commanding than begging. "If you leave now, then you really will break your promise."
Sorel stops, and turns around to face Dam, drawing himself to his full height.
: "I ask your apology for what I said and did to you, and offer my forgiveness for what was done to me."
: "Did you ever think that I don't want to forgive you?" he said, angrily. "Did you think that maybe, just maybe, I don't want you to forgive me?"
: "I did," Sorel says, "and that is why I am here."
: "Stand up, Dam Dicem," Graigus said, extending his hand. "Take your weapons and stand again."
: "Leave me alone," he growled. "I'm tired of all this... this posturing, this, this-"
Before he could finish, the dwarf reared his palm back and swung, just barely missing the rogue.
: "Shut up and stand up," the drunken boxer said. "Stop complaining. You stare down devils every day, laugh in the face of their tries to kill you... and this is what they should fear?"
: "You want to fight me, kid?" he asked, bracing himself with the longbow as he stood. "Fine. I'll fight you, staff to staff, you little drunken bastard."
Letting go of his own staff, Graigus fell into a fighting stance, his eyes cold and hard.
: "Go ahead. I'll fight you, and beat you, and then I'll make you stand."
Sorel's staff strikes the ground, and vines spring up, obstructing the monk and thief.
: "ENOUGH!" Sorel roars, eyes burning once more. "I will not allow you to come to blows. If we cannot speak, we will not meet." He looks to both of them. "Stop. Now."
: "The kid started it," Dicem said, rising to his full height. "And
he better be ready to kill me if he's going to talk like that to me."
: "I finally understand, Dam Dicem, or Colios, or whoever you're trying to be," the monk said, struggling with the vines. "You want to die, but you can't do it yourself. So you keep picking fights, hoping that someone will kill you."
"I'm not going to do it," the monk continued. "I'm going to fight you, if that's what you want, but I'm not going to let you die.
I'm going to protect you until you get older than Sorel, until you stop wanting to die."
Sorel raises his hand.
: "Stop." he says, striding between them. He turns to Dam. "You are not a god. You cannot pass judgement on yourself. You cannot condemn yourself to die. Look upon what you have become. Look upon what you have done. Haven't you suffered enough?"
: "Kysha was also a member of Ruburan's gang," Dam said, the bow visibly supporting his weight. "Another group - a group of assassins - used to employ her, before she came to us. So to be done
with them, she took on one last job. Bumped off a lot of people; one saw her, traced her back to us. They tried to pick me off. I didn't die, though... I should have, but I didn't die..."
: "Should have?"
: "She went after them... and she killed a lot of them. The assassin's guild wouldn't help her, and even a lot of the boys wouldn't help her... but I loved her. So I went. And I took Nosshu, and a couple of the other boys who were willing," Dam said, his body trembling slightly. "We went there, and we fought them, and we lost."
"And they... they made us fight. It was either the boys died and we lived, or all us lived and we died. So she went at me, because she knew we couldn't let them all die. And... and I was scared, and weak, and stupid, and I thought I knew everything and I didn't and I killed her. I tried to hold back, make it seem like she was dead, and in the end I just killed her."
"And then... and then I walked away. I stood up, didn't shed a tear, and I walked away. Because I'm a heartless bastard," the rogue continued, now visibly shaking. "And I left the gang, because if I could kill her, I could kill them. And I became a hunter, like my father, because no one cares about you out there. It's you and the wilderness, let the better creature live."
"And I would have stayed out there if Derrik didn't call me, if he didn't say that I could use the money to make sure my parents never have to see the demon they raised," the rogue said. "And then all of you made me forget why I left, made me forget how terrible of a person I am."
: "But I won't forget," he said, his trembling ceasing. "I won't forget what I am, and I won't let you make me better than I am. I'm not a nobody, either... I'm something, all right. But I'm something you don't need to be around any longer. And once we're doine here, I'm going to get the hell away from Parmecia, and the chance my parents will find me, and go somewhere I can die alone like I deserve."
Sorel drops his staff, placing his hands on Dam's shoulders, forcing the thief to support his weight.
: "You know better than I what you have done, and what you deserve. But guilt exists to push you higher, not to drag you down. To bear your shame in secrecy is to let it become poison in your veins. That is why you wish to let your own blood, so that the shame may spill free with it. But you are not what you have done. You are what you choose to be. If you truly wish to die, then there is no force of man or gods that can stop you. But if you do not wish to live with the shame of what you have done, then it is imperative upon you to face it, not to run away. If you cannot, peace will always escape you. You will find no solace in shadows, and you will find no solace in death."
: "And I'm supposed to find solace in life?" he asked, weakly. "I'm supposed to accept this? I can't... I won't. I will not accept this, I will not accept that you can kill someone you care about and be forgiven. This should not be a world where you can be forgiven for that..."
: "Forgiveness and peace are not the same thing," Sorel insists. "You cannot and should not shake off the memory of what you have done, but neither can you allow it to consume you as you have. This should not be and is not a world where a single act is eternal condemnation."
The rogue was silent for a moment, looking at the ground, the only sound audible the rustling of the leaves around him. Then, his voice quivering, he looked at Sorel, uttering a single word.
: "Why?"
: "Why what, Mr. Dicem?" Graigus asked.
: "Why did she have to die?"
: "She didn't," Sorel says, still leaning on Dam. "What you did is terrible, but it is also in the past now. You cannot allow the ghosts of the past to become tomorrow's demons. It is a hard lesson, one I still haven't learned fully. But it is the lesson here. You have to accept that. You have to believe that."
It began with a shudder, one that ran from the tip of his toes to the very ends of his hair. It was followed by more shuddering, like the secondary, rippling effects of an aftershock. And then, beginning with a single droplet of saline, the tears came. Slowly, at first, he cried, then more heavily, threatening to topple over with the force of it. Indeed, had the monk not come to support both the weight of the rogue and the weight of the druid, both would have hit the ground like so much flesh.
Sorel's grip tightened on Dam's shoulders as he watched him break down, this man who tried to drown one murder in a thousand others. Dam Dicem was many things, but at this moment, he was not alone. Sorel leaned forward, embracing the thief.
: "I hate you," Dam garbled, barely able to speak through the tears.
"I hate you for making me hope..."
: "Good," Sorel says. "Hate me. Hate the world. But stop hating yourself."
: "He can't," Graigus said. "I won't let him."
Sorel looks askance at the monk, obviously waiting for him to explain.
But no response came, aside from the orange-haired man's continued sobs.

Posted by: Tarethen Wed Oct 25, 2006 5:38 am
Having left Gorrik and Ombligo earlier, Farain had walked a little ways behind the group as they proceeded to Granseal. He was lost mostly in his own thoughts about what he should do next, and if he should ask Max about some things. When Farain snapped out of his world of thinking, he saw Sorel and approached him. "Hello, Sorel."
Sorel smiles faintly. "Hello, Farain."
"Has Ombligo been talking to you about the conversaion he had with Gorrik and I?" Farain asked quietly, a slight feeling of discomfort washing over him.
Sorel shakes his head. "He has not." The druid gives Farain a querying look. "Should he?"
Farain quickly looked away, trying to hide any look of guilt on his face. "No, no. That's up to him if he did or not. I was just wondering. We got the little guy excited earlier..."
"And you were beginning to think that perhaps you hadn't said the best of things." Sorel finishes, and raises a hand. "It's alright. Ombligo, more than anyone else, knows to come to me if something troubles him. He is stronger of will and character than many give him credit for, childlike though he is."
Farain turned his head back to Sorel. "It was all innocent talk. But, as you said, I guess his young age made it more thrilling than someone like myself or Gorrik would have found it to be."
Sorel nods. "Still, if you are concerned, perhaps you should speak to him. It can do no harm and would perhaps calm you."
He nodded a little. "I guess we gave him an ego boost, so to speak. We were talking about heroes and we gave him the impression that he could be a hero one day; that he could famous... even legendary. Those were his words, just so you know."
Sorel nods. "It is an understandable thing, to dream of greatness. It is even a noble thing, to aspire to it. I do not think you need worry as you do."
"Everyone needs to dream. Though, I'm not sure about what Ombligo dreams about. It would be interesting to know." He cracked a small smile. "My dream was to always be great at something. Whether it was with a bow or something else I did... I don't think I'll ever have give people hope with my skills, like Max, but..." His words slowly faded as he shook his head a bit. "I guess my talk with Ombligo wore off on me, too."
"Is that a bad thing?" Sorel asks.
"I guess not. But, I guess now I should talk with Max. If he'll see me, of course. I still haven't done what I intended to do when I first left home. Maybe he could point me in the right direction."
Sorel nods. "Learn through example."
"He's been all over, I'm sure. Maybe he'll know someone who I can train under. Though, I guess all of this fighting has been the best training I could get." He stopped for a moment, thinking that thought over in his mind again. "Huh..." He looked to Sorel and gave him a small nod. "Thanks for hearing me out and not getting mad that I gave the little floating jelly a pep talk."
Sorel smiles. "Of course."
"I hope we can talk again before the group goes their separate way." He gave the druid a wave and trotted off further into Granseal.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Wed Oct 25, 2006 6:04 am
((RP XP awards: Farain 600, Gail 1300, Sorel 1500, Astrid 600, Coventry 1400, Ombligo 1300, Gorrik 1100, Dam 1500, Kayla 200, Graigus 1000, Langston 300, Tanis 400, Mahler 400, Kria 500, Arby 200))

Posted by: Cyrus Wed Oct 25, 2006 9:38 am
[Dramatis Personae: Gail Haubrekt, Max Shieldwright, Farain] "Max," Gail says, coming to find the Hero sometime after the sparring session. "How long do you think it will be before you initiate this push against the Devil Army?" "I plan to consult with a friend in Yeel, then return to Galam and begin immediately. No time must be wasted," Max says with a nod. "I was hoping to hire Dam and your group as escorts for the trip. If the Devils attack me in force, I'll need someone to make sure the villagers are safe."
"I see...," the paladin says, forwning as she lets out a sigh. "Looks like it's going to have be by letter, then...," she mutters to herself.
"What will be?"
"Hmm? Oh," she says, realizing the swordsman heard her. "I need to contact my order, if for nothing else than a status report. However, since I've decided to go with you on this mission, I won't be able to appear in person, so a letter would be the next best thing."
"A good thought," Max says with a faint smile. "Staying in touch is important."
"Yes...it is," the paladin says, her head dipping to the ground with a sad smile. In a moment, however, it is gone, replaced by a neutral face as she bows and says thanks, wandering off to attend to some other business in the marching order. After a few moments of searching, she spots Farain some distance away in the marching order, and moves next to the centaur, apology written all over her face. "Farain...there's something I must tell you."
Farain looked down at Gail, noticing her expression. "Is something wrong?"
The paladin takes a deep breath, but it fails to disple the disappointed frown. "I've changed my plans," she admits, staring up her friend. "I'll be going with Max on his crusade against the Devils...meaning I won't be returning to the order or Ribble." She bows her head before continuing. "I don't expect you to come...I merely thought it was better to tell you now, rather than have you find out right before we were supposed to leave."
Farain looked at Gail for a moment, a look of sadness spreading across his face. It took him a moment, but he finally responsed. "It's okay... I understand you have your own calling that you need to follow. My calling is still out there, I just know it... Though, I've not been able to find it just yet..."
Gail smiles slightly at Farain's reply, reaching a gauntleted hand to the centaur's shoulder. "I'm sure you'll find your purpose, Farain. You've certainly proven yourself more than useful during this mission, and I can only see you becoming better."
The centaur gave Gail a small, reassuring smile to show that he wasn't holding any ill feelings. "The world is big. I'm sure there something out there for me. You never know, maybe our trip isn't over just yet..."
cyrus v 2877: "Yes...Maybe we'll be together a short while longer...," The paladin mumbles, glancing towards the form of Max as she lets go.
Farain looked towards Max also. "It's strange. To be standing in the presense of someone so famous. It kind of makes some of the things I've done compared to the things he's managed to pull off insignificant..."
Gail looks to the ranger again, nodding. "He's been fighting for longer than I've been alive...and yet, he keeps on moving forward." Almost like he can't stop...she frowns as she turns back to the hero before chuckling suddenly. "It's funny...I never expected to find him. I had thought we'd find something, give the people hope, but...he's really with us," she says, her voice lowering, as if it hits her as to what they've done in such a short time.
Farain kept looking over at Max. "You know, he's been around a lot, hasn't he? I'm sure he's run across a few rangers in his travels. Think it's possible he could point me in the direction of a good one?"
"I'm not sure...I wouldn't think that it'd hurt to ask, though," the paladin replies.
He nodded to her. "When we have some down time, I'll be sure to ask him."
Gail nods, falling silent herself as she looks to the hero.
Farain looked down at Gail again. "I wish you luck in your journey with Max. I say that early... Just in case I don't have an opportunity later on."
The maiden spins around, her head bowing slightly as she speaks. "Thank you...I wish you the same, wherever the roads you travel may take you." She then moves away from the ranger, preferring to be alone with her thoughts as she begins to chew on her lower lip.
[One more...]

Posted by: Dark Maiden Wed Oct 25, 2006 2:13 pm
[I've been trying to get some roleplaying done, but I'm not allowed to be on past 3:00-4:00 usually. I'll try to get some done over PM, perhaps, and post them here as flashbacks if this topic moves. ]

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Fri Oct 27, 2006 6:19 am
On the road... Adam waited until Gilliam was away from the rest of the group during a rest break on their trek to Granseal before approaching him. : “Major Thornton, it came as a shock to me when I read your IFF code coming from this modified HECTOR class robot. I was not aware you survived, much less became a full conversion cyborg,” Adam said, walking toward Gilliam.
: “Ah... So you know me?” Gilliam asked, curiously.
: “Yes sir, for a time I was assigned to your unit before being transferred to guard duty at the Promethia weapons research facility,” Adam replied in monotone.
: “Ah... Forgive me, but I can't remember you, there were so many,” Gilliam says.
: “That is understandable. I was ADAM-117 though, for the record,” Adam states.
: “I see. So you're the ADAM unit that is traveling with Max? Heh. Looks like we built you as tough as we could make you then,” Gilliam says with a mechanical chuckle.
: “That is true, but my self repair unit was damaged in the final battle. As a result, I have been unable to repair critical damage to my systems sustained during battles with the devils. My combat systems are mostly offline.”
:“Oh? What did that?” Gilliam asks. Adam is silent for a moment. Had Gilliam been talking to a human, he'd have thought that the robot was embarassed to say.
: “A magnitude level two Blaze spell, sir,” Adam finally says.
: “A Blaze... Heheheheh... Ahahahaha, oh that's rich!” Gilliam says, laughing. “All right, I'll see if I can't make a few repairs here and there. But I'm very rusty, no pun intended. It might take me a while to remember how everything is supposed to work. But I'll see if I can't get your unit back online, or at least to the point where one of the spellcasters can repair the rest with magic.”
: “It would be appreciated sir,” Adam says.
---------
Because the sun doesn't move unless a higher power dictates it, the night passes and the next day arrives.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Fri Oct 27, 2006 12:42 pm
Early in the morning, a very tired and very haggard-looking Dam Dicem sat near the window, as was his custom; as all were used to, he said nothing as people entered. However, unlike before, he looked over each person in the room, as if seeing them for the first time. Eventually, when all present arrived, he cleared his throat and began.
"Nice to see no one got carried off by devils in the middle of the night," he said, looking at Kria for a moment as he spoke. "Well... let's be frank, people. This mission as we know it is over; we've met Max, broken the orb and received our payment. I want to say thank you for coming, because really, none of you had to show up."
Pacing slowly, he continued. "Now... the question on every one's mind is the same... what's the next move? Some of you have claimed to take interest in helping Ignatius on his quest to deal with Galm; others have, no doubt inspired by his presence and personality, decided to help Max and Ian at Galam. And still others," he continued, glancing at Graigus, "Would like nothing more than to visit home for a little while."
"So this is what I'm going to do," the rogue said. "I propose that both Max and Ignatius outline what they're planning to do exactly, and we'll decide who's doing what and when they're doing it. And if you find none of their epic adventures to your liking, then you can take whatever part of the fund you're entitled to and go on your way. So Max, Ignatius... the floor is yours, gentlemen."

Posted by: Kaihaku Fri Oct 27, 2006 1:01 pm
The Doctor leans against a wall watching the meeting with a quiet smile.

Posted by: Alpha Fri Oct 27, 2006 2:12 pm
Tanis takes a seat, waiting for what's going to be said, looking slightly apprehensive.

Posted by: Aldur Fri Oct 27, 2006 9:06 pm
Kria blushes as Dam looks at her, sticking her tongue out in a happy way. After all it wasn't her fault. And then she rolled her eyes as she sat down in a handy nearby chair. She had decided what she was going to do. And that was that.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Fri Oct 27, 2006 10:34 pm
Gilliam was still inside his metal, cybernetic shell when the dream came. Clad in the heavy over-armor of his rank and profession, laser cannon clenched in two hands as he led his troops through the devastated corridors of the once proud Metaphan base. Darkness was melted away by powerful light beams as platoons leaked into the facility, prowling, searching for the monsters that had made it their home.
Within his tactical armor, Gilliam kept watch over his various squads via vid-links as they made there way through the corridors and rooms. This had once been where he had been stationed. Before the experiments. Before they came. Before he was imprisoned in this body.
“Traise, take the left corridor. It leads to the barracks and personnel facilities. Craius and Deltmun, take the central and right corridors. They lead to weapons storage areas. Make sure they're secured.”
The halls had been stainless steel once. Now they were caked with blood in places. Dried up, blackened blood from years ago. How fitting that it began here and would end here, Gilliam thought. The Dragon had been trapped in the Castle, now they were only awaiting a means to seal him there. Darksol's own body destroyed, spirit driven off... It would take him ages to reform, and they'd be ready by then. Zeon had already been imprisoned by the treachery of his comrades, and the newly arrived 'gods'... Gilliam couldn't help but snort as he thought this, would keep watch over him. That left one devil-king. That left Lucifer.
Lucifer the cunning, Lucifer the deceptive, Lucifer, Lord of Lies. Gilliam had hunted him from one corner of the world to another only to track him back to here, back to Megiddo... The very same base that had once housed the dimensional travel experiments that destroyed his world. Now he led the advance squad forward, backed by the renowned General Fasher himself and his forces.
The dream started to melt, details fading as combat erupted in the base. Laser and gunfire as Lucifer's forces erupted from hiding, fierce struggle. Gilliam roared a battle cry and tore into the enemy as he cut his way through the amassed foes, deeper and deeper into the base. Soldiers died. Men fell. Demons were blasted apart. Robots were ripped apart. Devils cut to pieces. The carnage was glorious and terrifying at once. So close. So close to ending this at last. If they killed the last Devil-King, the hordes of extraplanar beasts that were overrunning the cities, massing by the millions outside the last refuges and fortified positions... All those would suddenly cease to have a plan. The link between demigod and follower would be shattered. This hope for the future and the deep burning desire for revenge kept Gilliam going even as his over-armor was pierced in a thousand places, even as his core systems reported several alarming damaged sections.
Gilliam finally broke through, bursting past the defenses into the control center of the base. A mix of his own men and Fasher's strode in. There was nothing here... Where was Lucifer? One of the engineers approached a control console and started accessing it.
“Good... All weapons are intact and ready. They weren't able to bypass the security measures...” he reported.
“Thank the Light,” Gilliam said with a relieved sigh. There would be no devils raining nukes or gravity bombs on them now. The teams went about securing the area. A few minutes had passed and General Fasher arrived in the control center, the tall man looking around satisfactorily.
“Sir!” Gilliam saluted as did the others. Fasher waved them down.
“Good, I see everything is in order?” Fasher asked.
“Yes sir. All weapons are accounted for, and the teams are sweeping the area now for any remaining devil occupation. The base is ours, but we haven't found Lucifer,” Gilliam reported. Fasher nodded. “I feared as much. He's fled by now. Damn devil... Gilliam, you still have your access codes for the silos?”
“Er, yes sir,” Gilliam said. “Why do you ask?”
“I need to see them to make sure the systems here still function,” Fasher says, looking at the wide array of monitors that dominated the control room.
“I don't see how...”
“That is an order. We can't afford to waste time,” Fasher says, his face stony.
“Yes sir,” Gilliam said, handing Fasher an access card and allowing him to scan it before taking it back.
“Good... And now for my own codes,” Fasher says, typing something into the console very fastly.
“Your own co... Sir, you have the other set of codes?” Gilliam asked. Only one set was needed for a diagnostic, but two...
“Yes, I was next in line to get them after the base's CO died, just as you were next in line after the weapons crews died,” Fasher said as he typed, fingers flying over the keyboard. “You should be happy, the war is about to end.”
“What? What are you doing? What do you mean?” Gilliam asked, a horrible anxiety arising in his cybernetic heart. Pictures began to show on the monitors. Cities being overrun. Forts under siege.
“Look at what they've done to us, Thornton,” Fasher said, hissing his words from clenched teeth. “Even with our knowledge, we're barely a rabble now, compared to what we were... Our world is gone. Our time passed.”
“What? Don't say that, if we find Lucifer...” Gilliam began, stress causing him to forget rank. Fasher didn't notice or care.
“Nothing will change even if we kill him,” Fasher said, turning to face Gilliam. “The theory that killing the head destroys the body was proven false. A new head will grow is all. We just let everyone think that there was hope to prevent panic in the ranks. No, there is only one option left, and that's why we needed to retake Megiddo...”
“You can't...” Gilliam began.
“I can,” Fasher said, still typing as alarms began blaring. “The only way to salvage even a shred of our world is to destroy most of it... To wipe out the hordes of monsters with the last great weapon in our arsenal... To cleanse the blight of their existence with purifying nuclear fire...”
“You'll kill us!” Gilliam shouted, moving towards Fasher. A blast of electrical energy slammed into Gilliam, shorting his systems out and stopping him in his tracks.
“You're under duress, so I'll forgive that,” Fasher said as he entered the codes. “But... This is the only way. Believe it. I would not do so otherwise.”
Gilliam screamed as the missiles launched and the fire spread, over the world, over his past, over the cities and armies, over the dream...
Gilliam bolted awake with a start.
------------
Max gets up, nodding to Dam as he turns to face the group.
: "Thank you, Mr. Dicem. People, I don't think I need to really point out to you the threat the Devil Army poses to this land. I've heard you've been ambushed several times by their forces, pressed at every turn. You've seen first hand the effects their presence has on the common people by your stop at Galam. People starving, disease, the loss of family, burnt houses, all side effects from the encroaching fiends. What I have to say is quite simple. We cannot afford to stand idly by. The Galam Army is hard pressed to keep the Devil Army at bay even with their extensive fortifications, mighty army, and the help of my nephew leading them and rallying other heroes to the cause. ADAM has calculated that within a month at the current rate things are going, the Galam army will reach unrecoverable losses and face a slow but certain defeat. And then what? Galam is the only current major power on this island. If they lose, Granseal is lost. If Granseal is lost... Well, you all know about the Cult of Chaos that's sprung up recently and caused all the havoc in Cypress and Guardiana? I've received reports from reliable sources stating that the Cult has support from both devils and demons. Many countries are embroiled in struggle with the Cult or related forces right now. If Granseal falls, not only does it doom the island, but it frees up a large force to aid the forces of darkness in other, more beset regions as well. Then what? If the reinforcements cause more victories, a chain reaction of evil spreading out over the globe? Now..."
Max unfurls a map of Granseal on the table.
"We know that the Devil Army has a base hidden somewhere north of Galam. It's where they strike from, resupply their mortal members, and hold rituals to somehow bypass the Seal and pull more devils to this realm. If we can find that base and kill the devil's commanding officer, as well as his command staff, the situation becomes far less dire."
: "With the loss of their tacticians, the bulk of the devil forces will be unable to function until a new set of leaders is chosen. Even then, the loss of experienced officers will be a major setback to the orderly devils. I have calculated that a strike on their primary base in the area and assassination of their leaders will throw their forces into enough confusion as to allow Galam a week or two of unharassed operating time in which they can seek and destroy the various pockets of fiendish troops. Furthermore, depending on their goals and plans, a devastating enough attack might force the division stationed here to withdraw, or at least to go on the defensive until reinforcements arrive."
: "Needless to say, eliminating their means of reinforcement, their portals and summoning circles, would be a critical blow against them as well," Max says with a nod. "The main problem we have is that we have no clue where this encampment is. However, I asked an associate of Ian's, the archmage Hawell, to look into his library and put together a report on anything useful on the matter of devils."
Max plants his finger to an area north of Yeel.
"What I want you to do is come with me to Hawell's house and help me get that report to Galam. Once there, we should have enough information to plan the next phase of attack." Max looks up. "After the devils here are taken care of, I would like as many of you that are willing to join me in the next plan. I'm going to begin a push into Cult and Devil Army held land on the continent of Parmecia, and from there, head to Rune. A clean stroke through to find the head of whatever's causing all this and cut it off. Now..." Max looks around the room. "I know some of you think this may not concern you, but it does. What good will gold do you when souls become the standard currency if the devils and Cult are victorious? Where can you go that this war hasn't touched? Everywhere from Waral to Aspinia has been affected in one way or another. No land is safe, there is no where to go. I ask you to stand beside me and confront this threat before it becomes impossible to turn back. I ask you to face this war and not run from it. I do not ask this lightly. I have spent most of my life at war. I would like nothing more than for it to end, to live in peace... however there is no peace in surrender to this enemy, there is no peace bought by ignoring the problem or fleeing from it... The only peace that this conflict can bring is through victory," Max sits down, a tired look on his face. "These foes will not stop until we force them off our world or until they crush it under their heel."
Max goes on for a while, speaking of the consequences of war he's seen, and the threat of the foe they face. He makes his points eloquently and depicts his examples powerfully. The speech he gives is possibly one of the most moving and convincing things you've ever heard. You find it very hard to stick to any reasons you might've had not to go with him. It's as if Max projects a bubble around him when he speaks like this, a bubble of pure force of personality that erases doubt and fear, replacing them with an urge to take action and a confidence that victory is possible.
"I don't ask you to go into this unprepared... I have a large cache of gold shared with Ian that we took from the devils after the last war. When we reach Galam, I will pay out a wage of five thousand gold coins to each of you should you accept. Equip yourselves well. It's not as much as you were paid for this job, but I'm not as rich as a merchant lord... You may also keep what you find on the devils. Another benefit you should consider as mercenaries is the prestige this will bring you. Fighting against a monstrous evil that threatens the land? You know of the mercenary Pelle, right? That was made him what he is today. The jobs he was offered after the Shining Force disbanded due to his association with them and new fame catapulted him into wealth. For those of you without material desires, I think the reason you should help me has already been stated. All of that said, now I have a question. Will you help me?"
: "Well stated. Having witnessed firsthand the ravages of the extraplanar enemy, I know full well what the penalties are for failing to oppose them. I will join you, for you are more correct than you know... When you fight the Devil Army or the Demon Horde, it's more than land, life, or even freedom at stake... You fight for your very soul."
"Er... Well... I was... going to talk about Destonia and the Emperor..." Ignatius tilts his head. "This seems a bit larger, though. If I join you, will you promise to help me in opposing the Destonian Empire's continued expansion?"
"Yes," Max says, simply.
"Oh... All right, then I'm in. But once we're done with this war, you have to help me with mine," Ignatius says.
: "You shouldn't speak of it so flippantly," Max says with a frown. "But I will be glad to aid you against a conquering empire." Max turns to the assembled group. "And you?"
(Max Diplomacy check: 52. Ignatius check:14.)

Posted by: Aldur Fri Oct 27, 2006 10:42 pm
"Well, if Iggy is ahelping you, then I suppose I'll tag along. However..." Kria walks up to Max and hands him over a sheet of paper with various figures on it. She smiled. "My abilities are not run of the mill and so I would request a little extra allowance for bangle purchasing. Remember! A happy warlock fights better!"

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sat Oct 28, 2006 3:40 am
[I have some things to flash back to once they're done.] Kayla watches Max intently as he speaks, and she soon finds that many of the reasons she had for wanting to go home and stay there...just don't matter that much anymore. Still, there is one thing she wants to do, and that does not change despite Max's little sermon. Her face still hidden beneath the hood of her cloak, the devilish Rogue steps forward a little bit. She speaks in a flat tone.
"Look, I'm not going to stand here and pretend that I'm an angel, because I'm not. When I accepted the job from Swiftjoke, I came for the money and that was all. After all was said and done, I wanted to return home for a little while and take a well-deserved rest. But...you're right Max; money and material possessions won't do any good if we're conquered or die, will it? I must admit that fame is good motivation, but there is another thing. The world may not care much about me, and I may not care much about the world, but I know that I can't protect those dear to me if I sit on hands and do nothing."
Kayla pauses for a moment and takes a deep breath. She begins to speak again, but with a softer tone this time.
"I will help you to the best of my ability, Max. However, there is a request that I have. First of all, Yeel is my hometown. With the state of things, I am worried about my mother. I wan't to check on her, but I'm also worried that by interacting with her now, I could put her in danger... Maybe there is another way..."
[Sorry, but this is totally IC for Kayla ]

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sat Oct 28, 2006 7:26 am
Sorel is silent and distant while Max speaks, leaning against his staff and seemingly unmoved by the hero's astounding powers of persuasion. When he finishes, the old man asks a question, eyes still on the floor. : "Have you heard any news of central Parmecia, by Devil's Tail -- the elven village, the Fairy Wood?"

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sat Oct 28, 2006 7:54 am
: "You could send her a letter or the like while you're in town," Max suggests. "Since you're good at stealth, you should be able to avoid any observation." Max turns to Sorel. "Yes, actually. Last I heard the elven village there was under siege. According to ADAM, there's a large Ancient installation there. We believe they've taken control of it and are using it as a base."
: "WHAT? They.... They found it?!" Gilliam shouts in surprise. "They've taken control of Megiddo?"
: "That is correct, Major Thornton," Adam states, tonelessly. "They seem to be in full control of the area. Increasing scale activations of Megiddo's weapon systems seem to have been observed by locals and travellers in the area."
: "What do they have?" Gilliam asks. "What's online?"
: "Without direct observation and or access to Megiddo's computer network, I can only speculate. Based on the reported phenomena from various sources, I can deduce that the orbital defenses and sattelite control systems have been activated. Oddly enough, it seems they've been restoring all the ground to air and ground to orbit defenses. Phenomena in accordance with the firing of these weapons, namely streams of light and accompanying pyrotechnics, was observed. It is logical to conclude that these weapons are online and have been fired."
: "Wait, what are you two talking about?"
: "But that makes no sense, what would be in orbit? What about the orbit to ground sats and the nukes?"
: "The SUPERNOVA systems are still offline to the best of my knowledge. The nuclear weapons stockpile and silos are unknown status. However, it is extremely unlikely that they will be able to access the nuclear options of the base, as they would require command codes or a sufficient period of time to bypass the security. I approximate four months, three at best."
: "Hold on a minute, all of that just flew over my head. What do you mean?"
: "Apologies. Major Thornton wanted to know specifics about the Ancient weapons I told you were present in the base."
: "Major Thornton? They gave ranks and last names to robots?"
: "Sure, why not?" Gilliam mutters as he leans heavily against the wall. "They found it... Megiddo... Where it began and ended."

Posted by: Aldur Sat Oct 28, 2006 1:13 pm
Kria frowned a little, and then tilted her head looking around. "So...Sir Maxie...you're the leader now?"

Posted by: Kaihaku Sat Oct 28, 2006 3:03 pm
The Doctor watches the others with cool amusement. He chuckles to himself quietly at certain points in the conversation. [Diplomacy: 15 + 13 = 28] Finally, as the talking dies down for a moment, he speaks, "I appreciate the offer but I'm worth more than 5,000 gold." His eyes meet those of the hero coldly, "You can preach about bold ideals and noble crusades all you want, but if you want my skills it will cost at least 10,000." He crosses his arms, glancing at the others, "There is a significant difference between an extraordinary warrior and an extraordinary healer. Powerful equipment is more readily located for a warrior and their task is a simpler one. Now, traditional clerics and wizards have less of a need for high grade equipment than I do." He nods to the nearby cleric, "My comrade here for instance can plod along in his heavy armor providing aid to anyone near him...but he will never be able to reach a dying ally over any notable distance. However, I rely on mobility to reach allies on the brink of death and keep them alive." He continues calmly, "This means I come under fire as often as most of the warriors despite being a caster. I need extra protection and benefits." He smiles, "I can think of only one other member of this little expedition would might deserve more gold.... But how much you give the old man is none of my concern." His smile becomes a smirk, "I would also note that I was the one who was prepared with the wand which kept most of you alive last battle... Most of you would be dead had I not be present throughout this endeavor, I wonder how far you would get now without me..."

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sat Oct 28, 2006 5:08 pm
Kayla narrows her eyes at Coventry. Her voice takes on a venomous tone of restrained anger. "Shut up, Coventry. I'm sick of your high and mighty attitude, thinking that you're somehow better and more important than the rest of us. I don't give a damn if you're a Healer, Warrior, Rogue, or Wizard. That doesn't mean that you deserve more money than the rest of us."
Kayla rolls her eyes and crosses her arms over her chest. The urge to teach the Doctor a little lesson is hard to resist, but she manages.
"Oh, and another thing: you're a bastard, in case you didn't already know that. You have no right to hold such a thing as healing us over our heads. Who do you think you are? Yeah, you saved my life twice, and I appreciate it. However, if we weren't here to fight, you could could be dead. Perhaps you should think about that before bragging about yourself." Glare.
[Oh I sure hope I'm not the only one to give him what fore.]

Posted by: Kaihaku Sat Oct 28, 2006 5:31 pm
"A pity, I thought you were more intelligent than that..." The Doctor remarks coldly, turning to face Kayla, "How childish and ignorant you are, there is such a thing as supply and demand." He adjusts his glasses, "How many warriors are there? How many healers? All the warriors need healing, I don't need a warrior to protect me." He smirks, "...despite what you think." He looks at the rogue scornfully, "Not only do I serve a more useful position in this force, my skill is far above those of my compatriots. If I were a warrior of comparable skill, I would visibly outpace the rest of you as I easily outpace the cleric." He shakes his head, "In the Empire, a healer of my skill could easily receive a commission of over 10,000 gold for a campaign, would you prefer me for to take up a position in their military?" He shrugs, "If you are too blind or stupid to acknowledge my contributions to the group, perhaps I should seek better employment."
"Be silent you arrogant little man." Astrid watches the exchange coldly, her eyes narrowing, her words low with anger, "How dare you insult an ally in such a way. You have done nothing but cause strife amongst this group since I arrived, no amount of skill is worth it."
"Who insulted who first?" The Doctor replies with a calm smile, "I made my claim to increased funds in a rational manner..." He shakes his head, "I think someone else started the insults, perhaps angered by the truth in my words?"

Posted by: Rusty Sat Oct 28, 2006 5:50 pm
: "I say we get equal rates - or rates determined by our battle prowess, not our claims." *Ombligo says, looking at Coventry. His gaze turns back to Max, gradually looking at everyone.* : "I don't really have many healers to compare Coventry to, and I think it's only fair our employer decide the rates. If some think they deserve more, I think it's up to Max to decide whether they really do or not, based on how well they do in combat. Maybe five thousand on sign up, and then extra after that determined by the upcoming battles? I think it sounds fair...Anyway, I love gold as much as the rest of you, but this is more important than gold, right? If we strike as a single force we can at least stun the enemy, if not more. Now's not the time to break apart. We're already enemies of the devils. If we split up at all, they'll just seek us out one by one. They're hard to take down even as a group, so they'd be really hard if not impossible to take down one on one..."

Posted by: Kaihaku Sat Oct 28, 2006 5:54 pm
"Claims?" Coventry replies with a smirk, "How long have I been traveling with you?" He shakes his head, "Claims... I would think that insulting if I didn't know how inexperienced you are. Perhaps you would have a better idea of my skill if we did part ways."

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sat Oct 28, 2006 6:12 pm
Kayla pulls back the hood of her cloak, dark crimson hair spilling out over her shoulders. Her ice blue eyes are now longer narrowed, but her fangs are made visable when she talks. "Coventry, if you are going to insult me, then do so when you can look me right in the eyes. Insult me all you want, but don't expect to hurt me. I am more than used to insults and persecution by now. Can you name one time that I have ever doubted your skill. I told you that I was thankful for your healing. It's your boundless arrogance that bothers me. Sure, you may be in supply and demand as you say, and you are skilled as a Healer. However, than does not make you better than us as a person. That is the point I was trying to make. You call be stupid, you call me blind, and you call me ignorant. But in my opinion, anyone who thinks themselves better than everyone else is ignorant, blind, and foolish."
Kayla's gaze turns to the magical creature Ombligo, and she speaks in a calmer tone.
"You do have a point. It is up to Max to decide our payment."
Kayla then turns back to Coventry with a very slight smile on her face.
"Coventry, he has the right to his opinion, you have the right to yours, and I have the right to mine. You have boasted more than enough, don't you think? We should see who else wishes to go, and then be on our way."
[Now everyone knows Kayla is a devil! Err, part devil. ]

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sat Oct 28, 2006 6:46 pm
((Diplomacy 13 + 18 = 31)) Sorel lifts his hand, attempting to stem the tide of argument, perhaps a bit too late. : "We serve nothing by bickering this way. Entitled to an opinion though you all are, I ask that you keep them to yourselves while this business concludes." He says to Max, "I require no payment for this task. If you would wish to use that share of gold to compensate our Doctor, who is a better healer than instigator -- a point which should show you the extent of his skill -- then perhaps we could continue on, a bit more harmoniously?"

Posted by: Aldur Sat Oct 28, 2006 6:47 pm
"Like...what the hell? He's just asking for more cash. Everyone stop being rude. Besides, it's entirely up to Sir Maxie. And like, though I don't like it...We'd be far fewer without DC here rolling around the battlefield keeping everyone alive. Everyone here is like odd and annoying in some way. Why let him get to you? Well...that's what Sorel taught me anyway."
Kria giggled, handed her balance statement over to Max and sat down near Ignatius.

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sat Oct 28, 2006 7:05 pm
Kayla leans against the wall behind her and crosses her arms over her chest. While she says nothing, she has plenty of thoughts. Harmoniously? I doubt that... It's hard to believe that Kria is standing up for Coventry after all the fights they've had... And did she just call Max...Sir Maxie?
[Randomness strikes! *Scurries off*]

Posted by: Kaihaku Sat Oct 28, 2006 9:41 pm
The Doctor steps over to Kayla, until he stands only a few mere feet from her, then he stares her directly in the eyes, "Every time you open your mouth, you sound more and more like an ignorant little child. How's that for an insult?" His eyes narrow coldly, "I never said that I was better than you. It's true that I am more useful than you but this is the first time I've said it. I put a lot of effort into developing my skills, I don't see any signs that you did the same. I'd appreciate it if you would stop making your inferiority complex my problem." He shakes his head, "You know, I thought we had a professional relationship, you never expressed any appreciation for me saving your life and I never expected any... I can see that is not the case. You would deny me proper payment for my services merely because you have issues with my attitude." His eyes narrow with disgust, "Maybe I want more gold because I'm a greedy bastard or maybe because I want the best armor possible as I dash through enemy lines to reach a stranded ally, but regardless you should have acknowledged my skill instead of reacting based on emotion. The fact remains that next to Sorel, I'm the most useful member of this little expedition." He looks at her plainly, "That's not arrogance, that's reality." He smiles scornfully, "I would have thought someone like you would want to be judged based on ability rather than...other...factors." He then turns as if to walk away, only to pause and glance back at her, "I don't know what you were trying to accomplish by removing your hood and challenging me but I've always found that the most terrible things are the thoughts and emotions inside a person... Not what they look like on the outside."
He turns back to the hero, "For now, I'll follow Ombligo and accept the same payment as the others." He glances back at Sorel, "I will not accept charity... Either my abilities will be acknowledge for what they are or not." He throws a glance at Kayla, "I live my life by my own merit." Then his eyes return to Max, "However, there are certain stipulations due to accepting a decreased payment. I will not take part in a campaign against the Empire unless efforts are made to take any opponents alive. Any perishable healing items which I use for the good of the party will be replenished. Our campaign objectives are rather vague, once it becomes clear that a turning point has been reached I reserve the right to negotiate for higher wages." He shakes his head, "Finally, since we are now in your employ, I suggest that Gail and Sorel take on full leadership as opposed to merely being subservient to Dicem."

Posted by: Tarethen Sat Oct 28, 2006 10:04 pm
Listening quietly to the briefing Max was doing, Farain nodded at critical points, even though it was mostly to himself as he took in the information. He felt slightly relieved that there were still things to be done and that the group wasn't going to disband just yet. When all was done and Max posed the question of helping, offering payment for the service, Farain spoke up, albeit quietly.
"I'll be happy to help, Max. I haven't really found my place yet out in the world and I don't have many grand desires, but knowing that I at least helped with the devils is a goal of mine..." He quieted down after he had said his small bit of words. He knew that he wasn't as well spoken as some of the more long-winded in the group, and he also knew he probably wasn't the smartest, but Farain was happy just knowing he could he helpful. Even if it was a cheesy goal or something very simple, Farain was a simple creature from a simple place.

Posted by: Aldur Sat Oct 28, 2006 10:05 pm
"Like...why do we not just use Sir Maxie. I mean, he's all heroic and beat up my god. Why shouldn't he just use us as his new force? Seems like a good idea to me! And then after when we fight the empire Iggy can be the leader!" Kria nodded to herself, eyes more on her bangles than what was going on. She critically analysed them and nodded, selecting one, a nice slim gold piece with a blue gem. She saunters over to Max and winks.
"Here you go hero! My thanks for like...killing the big evil thingy."

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sat Oct 28, 2006 10:19 pm
: "Doctor, your terms are acceptable. As for the... bangle allowance? I'll put up a little extra for that if it's that impor... what?" Max stops as Kria presses the bangle into his hands. Taken by surprise, Max blinks and accepts the gift. "Er... Thanks. It's very pretty. Ah... I wouldn't know enough about you group to change leadership, you should bring that up with your leader. Any other questions?"

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Sat Oct 28, 2006 10:22 pm
"I was hired to lead you in the expedition to find Max; from here on out, I'm just another merc," Dicem said, quietly. "Who makes the decisions from now on is up to you, but I'll be going to deal with the devils, guaranteed." "However," he added, standing, "I have some business to take care of, business that's going to take me at least two days to complete. If possible, I'd like at least that much time to get things done."
"I too will continue to follow along with Max, though I must visit my temple now more than ever," he said. "I can only imagine what horrible things may be happening there, if the Devil Army truly does have it's bases where you believe, Mr. Max."

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sat Oct 28, 2006 10:25 pm
Sorel leans in to Dam, whispering. : "Do you think you could get me an audience with the King? I have an offer for him."

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Sat Oct 28, 2006 10:27 pm
"Just let me know when you want to go, Sorel," Dam said. "Between myself and Max, I doubt we'll have trouble seeing him."

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sun Oct 29, 2006 12:09 am
Kayla stares strait at Coventry as he lets loose with insults and other hurtful words. She tries to keep her face blank like a stone slab, and not to allow her eyes to betray any emotion. When he walks away from her, she pulls the hood of her cloak back over her face, sincerely hoping that no one else was looking at her face in the time that it was visible. Whether the others could tell or not, the Doctor's words had hurt her, but what hurt the most was that she could not say anything in her defense.
Coventry is right...I am ignorant...and childish. I don't really know anything about people. I thought that by remaining alone, no one could hurt me... Perhaps the world hasn't turned its back on me; maybe I've turned my back on the world. It's really no surprise that I don't know anything about people. He could have very well not judged me based on what I am...and now I've gone and opened my mouth when I should have kept it shut. Coventry was probably offended by what I said; he has every right to be mad at me. Kayla sighs and lifts up her hands to look at them. There is devil blood coursing through my veins. I promised myself that I would never let that small part of me control my actions, but I have broken that promise. If I cannot control myself in a situation like this, then who is to say I won't go back to my old ways? How can I expect them to trust me if I don't even trust myself? Maybe my human side cannot redeem me, after all...
[Omfg, sappiness!!! Bluff: 32]

Posted by: Aldur Sun Oct 29, 2006 12:12 am
Kria smiled at Max widely, oblivious to anything dramatic going on, due to her attention span. She nodded and then tilted her head to one side, thinking out loud. "Maybe I should give you a bangle for each head?"

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sun Oct 29, 2006 8:50 am
: "For each of the dragon's heads? No, that's not neccessary, but thank you anyway," Max says. "Are we all agreed then? If so, we'll leave for Yeel tommorrow. I'll give you a chance to rest up a bit first."

Posted by: Kaihaku Sun Oct 29, 2006 7:47 pm
"Sounds like a plan." Coventry replies to Max with a slight smile, "Is there anything you need?" He pauses, then chuckles, "I know, how about a native Guardiana meal tonight?"

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sun Oct 29, 2006 7:57 pm
: "To be honest, some homestyle food sounds very good after so long eating trail rations," Max says with a grin. "If you can find someplace that serves them like home, I'll pay for the drinks."

Posted by: Kaihaku Sun Oct 29, 2006 8:06 pm
The Doctor grins knowingly, "You'd be suprised what a bit of gold can get you..." He then frowns and glances at Dicem, "Speaking of which..." The Doctor rubs his head, glancing at the others, "I suppose I should clarify something..." He chuckles, "I didn't mean to remove the governor, I just think its ridiculous for Sorel and Gail to be beneath him on the chain of command. Certainly they can work together as an executive committee just fine, right?" He grins once more.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Mon Oct 30, 2006 1:23 am
"It'll have to be tomorrow night or even the next morning, if i'm going to take care of that business," Dam said. "Need to get some work done on one of my weapons, and I wouldn't be surprised if a couple other people wanted to get work done on their equipment as well."

Posted by: Alpha Mon Oct 30, 2006 12:20 pm
Tanis agrees to Max's offer, and leaves the meeting, wanting to buy some things before they set out. First off, he visits an enchanter, and pays a fairly large sum to buy a more powerful version of his silver trimmed cloak. Once that's done, he heads towards an armoury. Whilst browsing items, Tanis realises he hasn't even used his crossbow yet. So, selling over his crossbow and buckler, he purchases a sturdy looking mace, a pair of javelins and a magical, silvery shield.
[Sell Cloak of Charisma +2: 2,000 gp
Buy Cloak of Charisma to +4: 16,000gp
Sell Light Crossbow of Distance: 1,017gp
Sell Masterwork Buckler: 77gp
Buy a Heavy Mace: 12gp
Buy Javelin x2: 2gp
Buy Light Mithral Shield +1: 2,009gp
Total spent: 14,929gp
Money left: 1, 571gp (not included share of party fund)]

Posted by: Kaihaku Mon Oct 30, 2006 12:46 pm
The Doctor turns to Ombligo and Gail, "You two people persons want to help me hunt down some folks who share the native land of our dear hero?" He smiles, "I'll supply the gold to pay them to cook us up a little home meal."

Posted by: Dark Maiden Mon Oct 30, 2006 3:46 pm
[Kayla is going to upgrade her equipment, but I do not have access to my character sheet where I am right now. I'll probably do that when I get home.]

Posted by: Cyrus Mon Oct 30, 2006 5:25 pm
At the suggestions she should be made a full leader, Gail's heart drops. She had done almost nothing to warrant leadership, and when she did try...she only needed to remember yesterday to see the results. She couldn't lead, that much was apparent; she'd only let the others down, or worse, if she was given more power. However, she stops herself before she can protest. There were others who thought she deserved it, who thought she could succeed...perhaps they were right, and she was wrong? No...even if she was a leader, there would be Sorel and Dam to act as checks and wield power themselves. It's not like the responsibility would be hers alone...and she felt guilty that that comforted her.
That train of thought disappaears at Coventry's request, Gail nodding and smiling. "Of course. I have some errands to run in town as well, so I don't see the harm in asking around while I'm out. Though, you don't need to pay for it all by yourself...," she finishes, grimacing as she images the rate it must cost to feed 15+ people, even for a single dinner.

Posted by: Kaihaku Mon Oct 30, 2006 7:34 pm
The Doctor chuckles, "Well get to those gather information checks, girl." He shakes his head, "The DC can't be all that high."

Posted by: Dark Maiden Tue Oct 31, 2006 12:18 am
[Aww, nevermind. Kayla doesn't have enough for her purchase. ]

Posted by: Kaihaku Tue Oct 31, 2006 2:35 am
(Not enough time to upgrade shield and armor. So, I'll ponder other uses of money and sit on it for now.)

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue Oct 31, 2006 2:52 am
((Unless you're buying new stuff, it takes 1 day per 1000 gold of worth to upgrade equipment... I don't think you all have quite THAT much time.))

Posted by: Alpha Tue Oct 31, 2006 9:43 am
((I'll just trade in the +2 and buy a +4 cloak then))

Posted by: Kaihaku Tue Oct 31, 2006 12:32 pm
[Gather Information: 19 + 0 = 19] Coventry searches around the town for natives of Guardiana. Then he attempts to persuade them to cook a meal for the group. [Diplomacy: 15 + 13 = 28] For supplies and payment, the Doctor utilizes up to 500 gold of his own. Since it is for a single meal, it should not cost nearly this much but that's his expense limit.

Posted by: Dark Maiden Tue Oct 31, 2006 5:16 pm
[I doubt we'll ever get six days off. So much for adding Evil Outsider Bane to my sword. ]

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Tue Oct 31, 2006 5:31 pm
"I may be able to get things done a bit faster; I'll let you know when we meet again," Dicem said. "If no one else has anything else to say, I vote we pick up this meeting again tonight, and decide what we might still need to do." ((Dam trades in one of his kris knives for a new one, one that's all holier and stuff. Graigus is leaving his staff to be enchanted; supposedly it'll be done by the time we return from Yeel.))
~~~ Later that night... ~~~
"I was wondering when I'd see you," Dicem said, sliding into a seat near the information broker. Graigus instead headed to the bar, only glancing at the rogue.
"Well, you know me. Or at least my trade. Where's there's a need for secrets, I'm there," Lew says with a broad grin, motioning. "Pull up a chair, pour up a mug, let's talk. Do you have need of my services this night?"
"A wise man always seeks knowledge, or so I've heard," the rogue replied. "What's been going on around here lately?"
"You mean Granseal or Grans?"
"I was thinking more Grans, but if you think I should know something, tell me," Dicem said.
"Well, I can give you the scoop, but it'll cost you around... say, 100 gold for the outline," Lew says with a grin.
"Talk to me, then," he said.
"The coin?" Lew asks.
"Can I just give it to you in a lump sum later? Personally, I'm not a fan of pulling out constant streams of gold in taverns," Dam said. "I've seen what can happen, and it's not fun."
"Lines of credit aren't my thing, usually... But you gave me a recommendation to the king of all people, so I'll allow it. Just pay me by tommorrow," Lew says with a nod.
"I just meant I'd pay you at the end of the conversation, not during," the rogue said, waving a hand dismissively. "But that's enough nitpicking... let's get to the heart of the matter, shall we?"
"All right... Well, first of all, the Devil Army's forces in the area? The ones holding Galam under siege?" Lew asks. "Some of the more noted tacticians in the area, the hero Ian among them, have noted that although their forces are causing damage... they don't appear to be attempting to really take and hold the area. It looks more like they're just trying to stamp out Galam."
"This differs from previous tactics, in which they'd attempt to conquer and rule a country with some sort of legitimacy. This is more akin to an extermination attempt. Very unlike them."
Lew grins. "Other than that, that fanatical new religion? The Chaos Cult? Branches of it have sprung up in the wake of the Devil Army invasion. Their presence is very small, but they're here, nonetheless."
"Finally, some new monsters have been seen here... Now then, I can tell you more about any of those subjects, you can ask me about things happening in other parts of the world... or I can tell you about Devil's Tower and the oddities the Devil Army has been showing."
"The devils first," Dam said, leaning in.
"You mean the Tower and the oddities, or their movements and so forth?"
"All of it," the rogue said.
"That's going to be steep... A lot of good men died to get this information, it's not cheap," Lew says, suddenly very serious. "One thousand gold coins."
"Talk to me," Dam said.
"The Devil Army currently operating does not seem to act within the sanctions of any of the three Devil Kings," Dam says. "They don't act as Darksol's minions did and none of his officers are present. They don't act as Lucifer's minions did, and none of his officers are present. They don't act as Zeon... Well, you get the picture."
"Their officers appear to be relatively new greater devils and demons. Younger, hungry for power, ambition, and presumably... freedom."
"You know of the Tower this town is built around?"
"A little, but go ahead and explain," Dicem said.
"Devil's Tower is one of a few devices constructed by the gods and Ancients to seal the power of the devils and demons and hold them in a prison dimension," Lew says. "The Castle of the Ancients held Dark Dragon, the Tower holds the Devil Army, the Holy Ark contains Vandal power..."
"Although the Devil Army has appeared once more... The bulk of it remains trapped in the tower," Lew says.
"Have you heard of the leader of Zeon's forces?"
"Not offhand... should I know him?" Dam asked.
"Anyway, he's not been seen among any of the forces arrayed against Galam... but Cultist leaders have."
"My hunch is that the Cult found a way to pull some of those assorted nasties through their prison... Though it'd have to be a slow process I'd think. That would account for the small numbers, relatively. You're not seeing the numbers you did when Mishaela or Darksol invaded."
"So then the Cult's pulling the strings..." Dam muttered. "Is that it on the devils and the tower, or is there something else?"
"One more thing. I'd keep my head down if I were you... The last time someone tried to use any of Zeon's power base to their own ends, the Maw-Lord found a way to make them pay in the end. These rogue devils can't expect to operate like this without consequence," Lew says.
"There is one more thing, I found information on their leaders," Lew says with a
smirk.
"Now that's what I like to hear," Dam said, his eyes glistening. "I need to know who's been trying to kill us."
"There are two devils responsible for operations on Grans. One is a greater Devil by the name of Zassahd. He acts as the war-leader, and is reputed to be very strong. The second is the tactician, an Erinyes by the name of Aelisnyx. They say she has the uncanny ability to judge her foes at a glance."
"The Erinyes also acts as a liason to the Cult's forces, it appears."
"Is that it on the devils, or is there more?" Dam asked.
"That's about all I can tell you for now," Lew says. "Concerning that matter."
"Their bulk forces on Grans seem content to slowly whittle away Galam's defenses. They fear an outright attack due to the presence of the heroes."
"Did you hear about the merchant lord, Swiftjoke?"
"What about Derrik?"
"First name basis eh? Well, no one's heard or seen him in quite a while. His shops are deserted, his contacts left bereft... even his special customers are left repeating the same special calling rituals again and again to no avail."
"Word on the street is that he finally pissed off the wrong people," Lew says, taking a drink of his ale.
"Well, and didn't have the tricks to enable his survival."
"I see," Dam said. "Any news on the last people he was in contact with, or who specifically he might have pissed off?"
"Word is that some of his dealings made the Strife Lords take a personal interest in his well being... or lack thereof."
"The Strife Lords... they're the ones the cult worship, aren't they?" Dam asked.
"Yes," Lew nods.
"Has anyone actually seen them?"
"Supposedly. Hey, if the Devil Army is real, who knows?" Lew says with a shrug. "In the last few years I've found out more myths were true than ever I thought possible."
"Mmm... if you get more information on the Strife Lords, I'd appreciate it," the rogue said. "And what else is happening on Grans?"
"You want to know about the new monsters? 400 gold."
"Speak, my friend," Dam said.
"Well, there's new undead to be had..." Lew says with a shake of his head. "Risen Ancients with their ages old weaponry have appeared to assist the Cult. Their numbers are few though. In addition to that, strange amorphous monsters of black have begun appearing in odd places all over the globe... They're completely foreign to all our lore. Scholars don't know what to make of it."
"I see... and what else?"
"Well, the Cult is fielding all sorts of new undead... But information on that is scarce," Lew says. "That's about it for Grans. Will that be all or do you wish some more... global information?"
"Information on Rune, if you have it," Dam said. "I've heard that things there are getting bad, but how bad is it?"
"300 gold."
"Keep talking," Dam responded.
"The Cult armies are in complete control of Guardiana and most of Alterone and Rindo. The rebuilt Shade Abbey, backed by Bustoke, and Manarina are under siege but have not fallen, yet."
"On the other side, Prompt struggles to hold the Cult forces at bay, while Runefaust has been overrun. In addition, skirmisher elements and teleporting demons have been harassing anyone who gives the besieged aid."
"Finally... the Castle of the Ancients is risen again."
"The Castle of the Ancients..." Dam muttered, shaking his head. "I can't believe it..."
"Things have gotten bad, all right," the orange-haired youth murmured, as everything he knows about the castle of the ancients flooded his mind. "And what about other places? Cypress? Destonia? I haven't heard of Cult movement from Ignatius."
"The Cult appears to support the throne of Destonia in their bid to retake all of Northern Parmecia," Lew says. "As for Cypress, they actually managed to put down their Cult uprising, but now they're too busy rebuilding their defenses to offer any real aid."
"I see..." the rogue said, looking up to note the dwarf still sitting at the bar.
"Actually... I have a question on someone in particular. Do you know anything about Chu Rao?"
"Chu Rao? Ah, you want to hear about Dava's group... That's very obscure, but I know the basics. Another four hundred."
"It's worth it," Dam said. "Whatever you can give me on him would help a lot."
"Well, at this point he's probably dead," Lew says, bluntly. "Dava's mansion was attacked by someone, probably Cult. It's a smouldering ruin now."
"I hear that bodies go on for a mile around it... I don't know about a mile, but supposedly it was quite a struggle. The seer took a great deal of the Cult with her."
"Thank you," Dam said, nodding. "Anything else you think I ought to know?"
Lew smiles. "Special offer, 50 gold for this one."
"I'll take it."
"Shortly after an odd lightshow in the sky, a comet was seen slamming into the Hassan desert. However, the really odd thing is how only a day or two after the comet hit, a huge explosion rocked the area. You could see it from Hassan, they say."
"I see..." Dam said, thinking for a moment before asking "Actually... one last thing. Any information on Ruburan?"
"I know many things, but the Lord of Thieves eludes even my sources," Lew says with a wry smile. "Though the fact he's made himself so hard to find should hint that he's up to something."
"But of course," Dam said, smiling slightly. "100, 1000, 400, 300, 400, 50 - 2250 gold, if I'm not mistaken," Dam said.
"Correct," Lew says. "Correct, now time to collect."
Nodding, Dicem slid 2300 in gold to the informant. "Consider the extra a little thank you for some info that was of personal interest," he said, before his voice took on a more serious tone. "I don't have to tell you this, but be careful. As you've told me, things are getting out of hand lately; I don't want you to end up in a hole in the ground, after you saved one of mine."
"Your concern is appreciated," Lew says with a grin. "But I can handle myself, as I'm sure you can. Still, good luck and be careful all the same."
"Will that be all?"
"Yeah... we're headed back to Galam in a couple days, maybe a week."
"I might catch you there, but it's chancy. A lot of work here for now," Lew says, nodding to Dam.
The rogue stood, moving to the dwarf before gesturing towards the door. Giving Lew one final nod, he left, followed by the monk.

Posted by: Cyrus Tue Oct 31, 2006 5:50 pm
Gails conducts her own investigation along the same lines as the Doctor's, hoping to persuade the cooks she finds before proceeding with her own personal business. [Gather info: 16+6=22. Diplomacy: 12+14=26.]

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue Oct 31, 2006 6:46 pm
Gail and the Doctor have no problem finding Guardiana-born cooks and convincing them to cook for a legendary hero and his companions. They even offer to do it free of charge since it's for the hero who saved their home in old times.

Posted by: Kaihaku Tue Oct 31, 2006 9:43 pm
Thus, the feast takes place that night...and with that, the Doctor becomes under the control of Alpha until further notice. [Go get em Alpha!]

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Wed Nov 01, 2006 3:25 am
Between the combined efforts of Dam and Max, Sorel secures an audience with King Nosshu. He enters the throne room, exuding calm and grace despite the jangling bulk of the sack at his side. He moves to the center of the room, bowing deeply and silently, waiting to be acknowledged.
((Diplomacy 36))
"Yes, subject? For what purpose have you come here?" the King asks.
Sorel clears his throat.
: "Your highness, I have recently come into an enormous amount of money. Ordinarily, an adventurer would find countless uses for such a windfall, but I have come here today to donate it to you, to Granseal, with a specific end in mind. I offer to you twenty thousand gold pieces so that you can commission the construction of a permanent school for the children of Granseal."
The King blinks. "Twen... Twenty thousand? From you?" the King says. "Sure! We'll... Um *ahem* Yes, your generous donation shall be long remembered."
Sorel shifts slightly.
: "Your majesty? Is something wrong?"
"No, it's just that we've never thought to receive such generosity from a stranger before... We're taken aback by surprise a little."
Sorel bows his head.
: "The amount is sufficient, then? Thank you, your majesty, for your time and your consideration."
"Yes, we can build and supply a fine school with this... On behalf of my people, I thank you," the King says, bowing his head.
Acknowledging the King's gratitude, Sorel turns sharply on his heel, departing slowly. The sack he had carried in with him remains in the center of the throne room.
"Wait! What is your name, kind stranger?"
Sorel stops, turning back to face the King.
: "I am Sorel. I would prefer, however, if this undertaking went forward without mentioning me as its benefactor."
"As you wish, Sorel... but may Volcanon and Mitula shower you with blessings..." the King says, closing his eyes.
: "Ah, but they have," Sorel breathes as he leaves the castle, relieved of more than one burden.

Posted by: Rusty Wed Nov 01, 2006 7:14 am
*Ombligo slips off his Ring of Protection, gazing at it, before putting on two different rings. He continues to gaze at the former, trapped in a daze as he floats out of the meeting room.* "Confused about something?" Graigus asked, doing a highly unimpressive cartwheel out the door. "What are those rings?"
Ombligo: "Oh, uh. Well..." *Ombligo removes the Ring of Wizardry, presenting it to the dwarf.* Ombligo: "This one we picked up last fight, ironically enough. It's...how do I explain it...it helps me to cast more spells." *Equipping it once more, he removes the other ring off his tentacle. The bronze ring is forged in the shape of a snake devouring its own tail.* Ombligo: "This one makes my spells stronger. I just bought it yesterday." *He then puts it back on, fiddling with the Ring of Protection again.* Ombligo: "This was my old ring. It helped ward off some attacks, but I can't use it now. I can't wear more than one ring on the same tentacle or...I dunno, I suppose I might get a magic overload or something." *The magic creature giggles at the thought.*
"So what are you going to do with that last ring?" the dwarf asked, using his staff to complete a far more impressive cartwheel than the first.
Ombligo: "I'm not really sure, actually. That's what I was just thinking about. I imagine if nothing else I could just sell it. I wasn't expecting we'd find the other ring...So it complicated things a little hehe."
"I see," the monk said. "I think that defense is still important, though... at least, that's what Master Quialis always told me."
Ombligo: "Yeah...I just can't use three rings. I'm sure someone else will find use for it. It's useless to me, so I'd rather have gold. I can't give it to Sorel because he gives all his stuff away, and I think Mahler might already have one. I can't remember..."
"Maybe Mr. Dicem?" the monk asked. "He's like me... he doesn't wear any armor."
"I'd rather give the ring to you. You and I have never argued or anything." *The magic creature asks a second question, obviously a bit serious about actually giving it to the dwarf.* Ombligo: "Do you already have one? It won't work if you do."
"I don't," Graigus said, lowering his voice. "Mr. Dicem isn't a nice guy, but he isn't that bad either."
Ombligo: "I don't know him well enough, I guess. Maybe I'm still thinking about the rough, pointless start he gave us...Anyway, do you want the ring? It won't sell for that much anyway...And we do have a big battle up, don't we?"
"Thank you," Graigus said, nodding. "I'll take it... I spend a lot of time in the middle of battle, so I guess I could use it."
*Ombligo takes the ring in his tentacle and hands it to Graigus.* Ombligo: "Hope it serves you better than it served me."
Nodding, graigus gratefully took the ring.
Ombligo: "Well, that solves that, haha! Say...Would you be up for a game sometime? We don't have to play for money or anything - just for fun."
"Sure... I have no problem with that," Graigus said, nodding.
Ombligo: "Great! Well, take it easy, Graigus. I'm going to go browse for more things to buy." *Ombligo waves his tentacle, floating away.*
Waving back, Graigus also departed, heading to the armory.

Posted by: Aldur Wed Nov 01, 2006 12:35 pm
Kria meanwhile smiles as she purchases some enchanted gloves to help her aim things and then flew up air, looking around the growing town. She smiled as she landed by the water going through the town, idly dipping one leg into it, giggling a little as the cool water sent shivers down her spine.
She tilted her head in thought. Here she was travelling with some pretty odd people. Kria sniggered, wondering what her mother would say if she knew she travelled with Max. The usually happy girl's eyes went stony and were distant, thoughts of her tribe and mother sending a melancholy mood spiralling into her otherwise happy day.
((Gloves of Dex+2))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Wed Nov 01, 2006 6:53 pm
For a better part of the day, no one else in the group happens to come across Kayla. It is as if she has just disappeared altogether. She happens to be the type that likes the shadows, and no one will see her unless she wishes to be seen. During the time that she seems to have disappeared, Kayla is, more or less, training. Twins blades in her hands, she continues to cut, parry, and thrust as if she is actually fighting someone.
Beads of sweat form on her forehead first, but then some time later it is almost pouring down her body. Her palms seem to be no exception, and she finds it very difficult to keep a grip on her weapons. Kayla slinks about through town, down to the pier. While she could get into the shallow water without being seen, she would most likely be visible while bathing and washing her clothes. This does not concern the devilish Rogue at the moment, her desire to be clean outweighing her modesty.
Kayla begins to untie the knot in the string that keeps her shirt on, and discards the garment. Her pants, boots, cloak, and gloves soon follow; her belongings are now in a pile close by. She slips into the water and lets out a content sigh. The water is a bit cold, but it doesn't bother her too much. She takes some soap from her pack and washes her hair first, and then her body.
After she is through with her bath, she washes her clothes the best she can. Kayla exits the water then, and quickly wraps a towel around her body. She then takes her belongings and quickly heads to the closest place that will provide her at least some privacy. Once she is dry, she changes into another set of clothes that she has with her: a simple pair of pants, a peasant blouse, and sandals. Kayla takes some time to brush her hair before she ties it back into a loose ponytail.
After that she sets off, her backpack over her shoulders, her belt with her weapons and various pouches on it around her waist, her wet clothing wrapped in the towel in one hand, and her boots in the other. Once she arrives at the inn, she goes up to the room she rented in order to put her things away. She tucks her pack and belt slightly under the bed, and hangs up her clothes so they can dry. She closes and locks her window before she leaves, and also locks the door behind her.
Kayla is the last to arrive to dinner, but she doesn't sit. She just stands and watches the others for a little while. It seems that she does not feel welcome here. She is also a little uncomfortable.

Posted by: Nightmare Tue Nov 07, 2006 4:15 am
((Gorrik buys an Amulet of Natural Armor +2 and a Ring of Protection +2.))

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Tue Nov 07, 2006 6:55 am
"Thank you for meeting with me," Dicem said, closing the door to his room as he spoke to the druid and the paladin. "We've got a little bit of a problem." Sorel tenses slightly. "What happened?" "Please, proceed," the paladin insists, taking a nearby chair as the meeting unfolds.
"I met with Lew in the tavern," he said, shaking his head as he sat on his bed. "And as before I purchased a lot of information from him. And believe me when I say it's information we needed badly."
"Go on." says Sorel.
"I also figured that I should ask about other things, as a personal favor to some people," he said, before looking up. "Chu Rao's dead, Sorel."
"Graigus's master..." Sorel murmurs. "Have you told him?"
"That's the problem," Dam said. "You know what's going to happen when he hears this... it'll take half of us just to keep him calm, and the other half to keep him from charging straight to Cypress."
The druid hangs his head. He knew Dam was right. "What else were you told?"
"Indeed...his desire to visit his other master would also be hard to calm under such news," Gail muses.
"I'll get to that, Sorel," Dam said, before nodding at Gail's words. "That's my problem. I know what's going to happen when I tell him. But that's his whole purpose for being out and about in the first place, and not with Quialis... I can't just sit on that information."
"Can you blame him?" Sorel asks. "If you had heard this news about Ruburan instead of Chu Rao, would you act any differently?" He sighs. "But that doesn't matter. We simply have to tell him."
Gail nods as well, a morose look coming over her face as she remembers her own mentor.
"Did I mention that I hate it when you're right?" the rogue asked, looking between the two. "Forget it... I'll talk to him when we're done here."
"I should be there," Sorel says. "But go on."
Nodding as he stood, the orange-haired youth withdrew a book - the same one he'd had at Hassan, only now it's pages clearly held writing.
"I've been writing down a couple things lately - tidbits of information we pick up that I think are extremely important."
"First things first... we're not dealing with a capture campaign," Dam said. "Lew told me that they're not really trying to take over Galam - they seem more like they want to grind it to dust. He also thinks that they're doing it slowly, rather than quickly, because they're afraid of all the heroes like Ian and Max - makes a lot of sense."
Sorel folds his arms, thinking. "The discipline of the Devil Army is a point of pride for Aelisnyx." he says. "Why would they be acting with such brutality? Where's the tactical benefit? A distraction?"
"And now we get to the bigger problem at hand," Dicem said. "Zeon controls the devils locked in the tower... but he's not pulling the strings. It's looking like the devils we see now were freed by and answer to the Chaos Cult."
"The Cult's holdings are all on Rune, aren't they?" Sorel asks, thinking back to the first briefing with Derrik.
Gail stirs from her mood, leaning in as the rogue produces the book...only to pull back incredulously as he begins to speak. "They have that much power at their disposal?"
"It's a slow process, apparently, and we're not seeing anywhere near the bulk of the force right now," he replied, speaking to the paladin.
Gail sighs lightly at this, calming slightly but worry still crossing her face. "I see...still, the ability to do so in any case is highly troubling."
"If we're discussing these things, shouldn't Max be here?"
Then, turning to Sorel, he said "I'm going to talk to the rest, but since I already started I might as well finish."
Sorel furrows his brow. "Very well."
"Now, as to the limits of their activity... Rune's in tatters, yes, but the Cult's supporting the throne of Destonia in their bid for power, and Cypress just finished putting down their own cult uprising."
"They're aiding Destonia?"The paladin asks, glowering. "Seems Ignatius shall obtain the aid he needs, after all..."
"Cypress beat back the Cult?" asks Sorel. "How?
"I didn't get the details on how they did it, but I'd imagine it's took a hell of a lot," Dam muttered. "Still, it'll be worth looking into."
"We've also got another problem, though," Dicem said. "They rose the Castle of the Ancients."
"What does that mean?" Sorel asks.
Gail's brow furrows, only to quirk at his next statement. "Should I be familiar with that?"
"The Castle of the Ancients, like the Devil Tower, was constructed to hold back the evil powers of the devil kings,"Dam sighed, explaining. "In this case, Dark Dragon is sealed in the Castle, along with a horde of creatures that haven't seen the light of day in millenia and a wealth of ancient technology. Now, I don't know about you all, but I don't think it's a good thing when demons and undead have access to Ancient technology."
Sorel closes his eyes. "This is far, far worse than it had appeared to be."
Gail's eyes widen visibly, closing and falling silent as her head bows to the floor.
"Aelisnyx isn't just another lackey, either," Dam continued. "She and a greater devil I've never heard of, Zassahd are responsible for what's going on here on Grans."
Gail's head lifts, a scowl replacing the doubt expressed earlier. "Then we must act all the sooner. What should we do first?"
"We should consult the others," Sorel says. "Tell Graigus about his master, and speak to Max and Gilliam about the devil kings, the cult, and the Ancients."
"Yes, but...I suppose it's a moot question," Gail concedes to the druid's wisdom, sighing. "We'd need to speak to the others before we decide to move..."
"I know... when we meet tomorrow morning, I'll fill everyone in on the situation - enemies, leaders, the full story," Dam said, standing. "Oh... and one more thing. The black ooze we fought? There have been more of them spotted."
Sorel's shoulders slump. "I don't suppose there was any good news." He says weakly.
Gail sighs, her head bowing to the floor as she ponders the all-but-impossible odds against them.
"Derrik's gone missing... supposedly he tangled with the Strife Lords and didn't make it. Even if he did, he's bound to be so far underground that there's no chance we're going to get ahold of him right now."
"For whom then, is Max marked?" Sorel says, not expecting an answer. He looks up at Dam, at Gail. "We have to go on to Galam, as we said we would. We must keep our ears and our eyes open, and hope for answers."
Nodding, Dam said "That thought crossed my mind, Sorel. We're going to have to keep a closer eye on him now. But as for good news... Lew couldn't tell me a thing about the boss."
Gail raises her head futilely, eyes to the floor soon after the attempt.
"It is how he would want it, I imagine." Sorel says. "There can be some small comfort drawn from that."
"My thoughts exactly; if no one can find him, that means that things are going just the way he likes," Dam said. "If we're lucky, we may be able to get ahold of him."
"Do you remember any way he said you could contact him?"
"The methods I know about were shaky at best when I was still in the gang, and it's been so long that they won't work now," Dam said. "Not that it matters... we might be attracting a little too much attention for him to show right now."
"I only see us attracting more as this progresses," Sorel says.
"Agreed, but we can't help it," Dam said. "Alright... I think it's time to talk to the little guy. Still coming, Sorel?"
Sorel nods wearily.
"Gail? Did you want to come as well?"
It takes Gail a while to stir, but she realizes she's what was said and nods. "Yes...I'd like to come, if you think I'd be of use."
"I think I'm going to need all the help I can get with this," Dam sighed, moving to the door. "Let's go... I think I saw him heading to his room."
The paladin raises slowly from her chair, following the rogue out to the monk's room.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Tue Nov 07, 2006 7:19 am
Sure enough, an exploratory knock on one of the inn's doors was met with shifting and movement inside. Opening the door slowly, he looked up to note the paladin, the druid and the rogue. "Is something wrong?" he asked. "We... we need to come in, Graigus," Dam said.
Nodding, the dwarf stepped aside to accomodate the three entrants. As they entered the room and the monk closed the door, Dam stepped forward, not at all eager to speak.
"Graigus... sit down," Dam said. "When I met with Lew, I asked him a couple things. Some personal information that isn't relative to the mission at hand. I... I don't want to be the one to say it, but you deserve to know. As far as Lew knows, Chu Rao is dead. Dava's mansion came under attack and was destroyed."
"Is this true, Sorel?" the dwarf asked after a few moments, looking the druid in the eye.
Sorel is silent for a moment, meeting Graigus's gaze with rising intensity. He seems to radiate calm. His voice is soft, footsteps on fresh soil. "I believe so, Graigus."
"Then my mission is over," he said. "I have discovered what happened to him... I don't need to be out of the temple anymore."
"Graigus..." Sorel sighs. "No. I should not do this. I should not attempt to sway you from your path. It is not my place." He looks down. "Do you think you should go back?"
"I... I don't know," he said. "I wanted to train with him again, continue to learn from him... but it's too late now. Where will I go now? Who but Master Quialis will teach me?"
Sorel frowns. "That is a very strange way to look at your present circumstances. Suppose you had a chance to spar against yourself as you were before you undertook this expedition. Who would win?"
"I would beat the man I was before," he said. "I'm stonger and faster than I used to be."
"So you mean to say that aside from your physical conditioning you are exactly as skilled as you were when you left the monastery," Sorel replies.
"I... I don't think so," Graigus said. "Why?"
"Who taught you?" Sorel asks. "Here, outside of your monastery your skill has progressed at an astonishing rate. You have taken greater strides on the path to enlightenment. And you have gained something no secluded school can offer: practical wisdom."
Graigus stood, simply watching the druid. He made no motion to speak, nor did he attempt to move. He simply stood, watching the three leaders of the expedition while pondering the druid's words.
Gail keeps her silence, simply watching as the druid aids the young monk in finding his way. She wanted to say something, to console him...but what could she say that Sorel or Dam couldn't say better? She knew what it was like to lose a mentor, a teacher you could trust and who trusted, but that wasn't enough...it'd simply change the topic to her, make her look selfish. The moment of silence passing, the paladin looks again to the druid, watching the conversation unfold.
Sorel watches the dwarf wrestle with himself. "If you think you are better served by returning to your master, if you think you can do the most good from your monastery, if you think true wisdom will come hidden away from turmoil rather than in the heart of it, then we cannot and should not block your way as you leave us."
"I... I need to be alone, I think," Graigus said. "Please."
Sorel nods, rising. He looks to Dam and Gail. "Come." he says, walking out, robe billowing behind him. Gail nods, taking one last glance at Graigus before she closes her eyes and leaves.
"I hope you stay, Graigus," Dicem said, as he walked out. "We need you more than Quialis does."

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue Nov 07, 2006 10:17 pm
Time passes quickly enough and soon the group is on their way to Yeel. It's only a day's journey to the village with the surprisingly swift pace set my Max for the group. Yeel is a small village, idyllic and pastoral. Though surrounded by mountains on two sides, it possesses a small amount of fertile land in the valley it occupies, allowing it to grow enough food to sustain it. In addition, mines in the surrounding mountains and lumber brought in from the large northern forest enable the village to do quite well for itself. Clouds begin to gather and a light rain falls as you reach the settlement.
"We'll stop here for the day," Max says, "Tommorrow, or the day after depending on how fast we can move, we should be able to reach Hawell's house."

Posted by: Aldur Wed Nov 08, 2006 1:27 am
Meanwhile, a few hours later a figure enters the town. He smiles, looking about with a happy smile on his face. He moves on, stopping a little ways in, enquiring of a passing child about something. He says his thanks and moves on, stopping to push his black locks out of his hair, his brown eyes scanning around the town, apparently thinking deeply about something.
Having enquired to the location of the group, he moves to find them. After searching around for Dam Dicem or an old druid, wherever he may be; as the kyantol stranger sighs in apparent relief, walking up to the old man and clearing his throat.
"Mr Sorel? If I could have a moment of your time? This shouldn't take long. I was wondering if I could possibly have a moment with your company? Sorry for the trouble but...some things are best said with everyone around no?"
He smiles widely, revealing his white teeth. On Inspection the Kyantol is wearing a long white hood with green travelling clothes on and sturdy brown boots. He stands perfectly at ease, looking around in apparent fascination at a bar.
((CHA Check: 16+7=23.))

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Wed Nov 08, 2006 1:44 am
"May I ask how you came upon my name? Or of our expedition?" Sorel asks warily. The Kyantol blinks, obviously surprised at such a unusual greeting, and then smiles. "Ah. Forgive me! Well, I've asked around about people fitting your general description. You are a kinda..." He hesitated, afraid to insult. "Unique bunch."
Sorel studies the stranger for a long time, settling into an uncomfortable silence. "I believe I can get you a meeting," he says. "What is your name?"
The stranger seems somewhat annoyed by the old man's careful attitude. He sighed a little, bowing an apology. "Sorry. My manners are simply atrocious these days. My name is Amelios."
Zook pops up out of a nearby mug "OH SNAP!"
Sorel nods, standing. "Amelios. Very well. Tonight, then."
Amelios smiles widely. He nods his thanks and then looks around happily, exiting the bar and then stops, slapping his palm to his forehead. He ran back up to Sorel. "Sorry but...where?"
Sorel smiles faintly. "To be honest I am not sure. Where will you be? I will send for you."
Amelios bows lavishly and leaves swiftly, a smile gracing his face and his fabulous hair swinging after him.

Posted by: Dark Maiden Wed Nov 08, 2006 7:47 pm
Not too long after they arrive in town, Kayla vanishes like she tends to do often. She slinks through town quietly while attempting to stay out of sight as much as possible. After all, if she was to visit her mother with the state of things, she had to be discreet. As she comes upon her house, she reaches into her belt pouch and looks around. After that she pulls a key forth and unlocks the door. Once inside, she closes the door behind her, locks it, and removes her cloak.
"Mom, are you home?"
The young Rogue doesn't get a response, but she does find a letter. As she reads it, her eyes widen.
Dear Kayla,
I hope you happen to be keeping well. Sorry to intrude but I've basically kidnapped your mother. If you do happen to want to see her again, I'd advise you to come to the North plains before Hawel's house tonight. After a...certain meeting.
Yours Hopefully
Amelios Adelhyde.
After she is through with reading it, she clenches her fist and tears form in her eyes even as they glow red.
"Damn it!" Kayla grits her teeth. "When I find that bastard, I'm gonna-!" She stops herself short, and her eyes return to their normal color. She places a hand on her forehead. "No, that would be foolish. I could put my mother in even more danger. I should never have revealed myself, or my name. Damn it all to hell..."
Kayla wipes away her tears and tucks the letter into her pouch, and grabs her cloak before leaving.
Later that night, Kayla bursts in just before the meeting starts. Even though her face is hidden, she seems to be distraught. However, she attempts to keep her cool for now.
[Move Silently: 15 + 16 = 31
Hide: 20 + 16 = 36]

Posted by: Aldur Wed Nov 08, 2006 11:39 pm
((PM'd DM, and Marine says you burst in just before it starts. )) Amelios hums to himself as he ascertains the position of the group. He knocks and moves swiftly into the room the group happen to have all met in. He chuckles a little, drawing back the long white cloak he had clothed himself in, revealing his black armour, oddly skintight...and he tilted his head to one side watching them all.
"Good evening. I am Amelios. Amelios Adelhyde. Thank you for agreeing to meet with me."
He raised his hands, smirking a little.
"I happen to be unarmed, I am not here to hurt you. I'd appreciate the sam courtesy. Now, I know quite a bit about you all. Well, from when you all got together to find Sir Max here. However, that's a bit unfair as you don't really know much at all about me. So I shall...give you a brief summary."
He bowed lavishly, his fabulous black hair swinging as he did so, an odd, cruel look of amusement on his face as his eyes lingered on Kayla for a moment.
"I was called by the Lady Yeesha of the Third...yes Third Shining Force to aid her in the search for Prince Nick. Poor boy keeps getting kidnapped by people. Can't imagine why. I was not alone, and indeed, the group I was with managed to foil the Chaos Cult quite spectacularly on Cypress, as I think you may have heard.
We travelled, encountering horrors, made our way to Dava's Mansion, watched everyone die, how very boring...But I did say I'd tell you some things. After that we defeated the forces there and moved on, eventually confronting Lord Shailtor of the Twisted Web, a Leader and God of the Chaos Cult. It was then he took me into his service, and I was no longer merely a petty servant of that weak Slut tied to her temple.
I am Amelios, Servant of Strife and Cleric to Lord Shailtor of the Twisted Web. And as I said, I am not here to fight. However...shall we get all the unpleasantries and insults etc out of the way before we talk seriously?"
He raised an eyebrow, giggling a little to himself, rather enjoying the scene.

Posted by: Kaihaku Thu Nov 09, 2006 12:39 am
"So...basically..." The Doctor rubs his head with a befuddled frown on his face, "You gave up a beautiful woman with three breasts for a creepy spider with six eyes." He shakes his head with wonder, "No accounting for taste..."

Posted by: Aldur Thu Nov 09, 2006 12:40 am
Amelios nodded at this and laughed. "Three breasts? Missed that one...but you know, the benefits are...simply delightful."

Posted by: Kaihaku Thu Nov 09, 2006 12:49 am
"Oh, do you tend more to the receiving end then?" The Doctor replies, arching an eyebrow, "I suppose I could see...with a lot of imagination...why a spider might be more appealing in that case." He whistles, "That is some outfit, really shows off...well...how feminine your body is..." He nods, "Did the spider pick it out for you or you pick it out for him?"

Posted by: Aldur Thu Nov 09, 2006 12:51 am
"This is more for functional wear. And let's see. You would be Doctor Coventry. Yes, I think you fit the description. I picked it. And Don't you know? A Woman isn't the only way to gain pleasure. Consorting with the Strife Lords has opened amazing avenues never thought possible."
He smirked, staring intently at Coventry.
"Of course, if you really want to see how feminine my body is...I'm sure I could meet you later?"

Posted by: Kaihaku Thu Nov 09, 2006 12:53 am
"Ehhh... No thanks." The Doctor raises a hand, shaking his head, "I'm saving myself for someone special."

Posted by: Aldur Thu Nov 09, 2006 12:56 am
Amelios grins, and stretches for a moment, then revealing his body in all it's splendor for the whole room, let along the good doctor. He smiles, his handsome features lighting up as he looks pleadingly at the doctor. "...Why not let it be me?"
((CHA Check: 27))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Thu Nov 09, 2006 1:05 am
Kayla remains still and silent as Amelios looks at her. It takes every ounce of willpower she has to not jump out of her seat and strangle him. She keeps her mind on her mother, and that helps her to keep herself under control. Just after Amelios makes that comment, she shudders.

Posted by: Kaihaku Thu Nov 09, 2006 1:05 am
"Damn..." The Doctor frowns and shakes his head, then he looks down at the floor, "I can see why the spider keeps you around..." He continues to shakes his head, "...but I would never get romantically involved with a cleric." He looks up at the Kyantol through his glasses, "Gods this and Gods that... Not much for free will you know." He adjusts his glasses, "So, is there some reason other than seduction that you decided to grace us with your presence?"

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Nov 09, 2006 1:14 am
: "Agreed. Get to the point. If you're a servant of the Cult, why are you risking yourself thus? Why don't we kill you right now? Say what you came here to say," Max says quietly, but forcefully.

Posted by: Kaihaku Thu Nov 09, 2006 1:18 am
What an idiot... Astrid watches the scene with repulsion, then her eyes narrow. Just the kind of slime that I would expect from Shailtor. A slight smile crosses her lips, her hands beginning to weave magic in the air while she whispers words of power.
[Resilient Sphere : Amelios]
[Reflex Save: 18]
[Spell Resistance Check: 12 + 8 = 20]
A globe of shimmering force erupts into existence around the cleric, allowing him only a few meager seconds to attempt to evade it.

Posted by: Wandering Dezorian Thu Nov 09, 2006 2:27 am
Arbeiten also quietly watches the fallen cleric. For a moment, he tilts his head as if listening to something, then nods. "She forgives you, by the way." he says quietly. "Just so that you know. She understands."

Posted by: Aldur Thu Nov 09, 2006 1:26 pm
(( Reflex Save: 15+4 =19.)) Amelios raises an eyebrow, nimbly dodging to one side, apparently very amused at what Astrid had done, chuckling a little. "Not bad, but I'll be forced to raise my hand if you attempt something like that again. I did tell you I'm not here to fight. Indeed. And thank for that closure. I assume you serve her? Oh how very wonderful, I can continue to happily slaughter the innocent masses knowing she forgives me. And kill me? Well, I assume you all could with these numbers, but I'd more than likely permanently damage your forces. Something you don't need right now?
Goodness, Aelisnyx did say you're all very spirited but REALLY. And Max? Shall I give Queen Anri of the Chaos Cult your regards? Hmhmhm, I'm sure she'd LOVE to hear from you. She even raised the castle of the ancients looking for you. Touching really.
And I'm here to offer a few choices. In this world, the strong obey the weak. You all can now start spouting off values that are very touching but...the only reason you have those values is because long ago those with power enforced them. And the same is happening now. The only place we have ever really lost significant ground was in Cypress.
Why attempt to delay things? Join us. You'd all be powerful assets? What do you say? A willing agreement is preferable to all this nonsense with weapons and spells. What do you say?"

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Thu Nov 09, 2006 4:12 pm
"Yeah, you're a couple pints short of a keg," Dam said, fingering his new kris knife. "We very much appreciate your offer, Mr. Adelhyde, and if any of us decide we'd like to join the people who've been trying to kill us in wrecking the known world, we'll be sure to get in touch with you. Until then, however, I think it'd be best if you left... it looks like you've worn out your welcome."

Posted by: Aldur Thu Nov 09, 2006 5:07 pm
"Oh put that away. It's not like you could actually pierce my body. And who knows what could happen to Kayla's mother if I happen to die? That could indeed be...problematic. However, Sacrifice her to the cause if you will, I understand it's something 'Good' people do from time to time."
Amelios tilted his head, frowning.
"By the way, where have we wrecked?"

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Thu Nov 09, 2006 6:49 pm
"I said leave," Dam insisted. "We're not going to indulge your nonsense any more."

Posted by: Dark Maiden Thu Nov 09, 2006 7:22 pm
Kayla looks at Amelios for a moment before she looks at Dam Dicem. Her eyes narrow beneath the hood of her cloak. She finally speaks up for the first time during this meeting, but she isn't happy, that's for sure. "Dicem, say what you want, but do not threaten him." Kayla then looks back at Amelios. "I think we have heard enough. Could you please be on your way?"

Posted by: Aldur Thu Nov 09, 2006 7:27 pm
Amelios nodded and moved as if he was about to leave, and then he smirked. "No. I'm not finished. And you know, you are terribly rude. Didn't your mother teach you any manners? And Are you sure you don't want me to get the point I came here for aside from my own amusement? We're not really interested in recruiting you. But anyway. Don't forget to ask Kayla about the terms of her mothers kidnap will you? It looked like she wasn't going to tell anyone, and I'd simply HATE that.
And Sir Max? Any messages for some of your old friends? They too seem to find the way of the Strife Lords a good way to live. Maybe for the Queen? After all, she sacrificed the safety of the whole world just to attempt to gain the power to find you. And here you are gallavanting about. I suppose you could say it's all your own fault? "
Amelios nodded again, smiling pleasantly to himself, looking around the group. He bowed at Dam.
"My apologies for taking up your time, but maybe I should wait to see if I can take any messages? Hahahah! Or you could maybe give me the Chaos Breaker Max? In return Kayla may have her mother back. Regardless of whatever you choose, Kayla knows the meeting place."
Amelios burst into Amused laughter at this point. And made his way to the door, chuckling softly. He stopped, sighing as he slapped his hand to his forehead.
"Oh, and if you ever want to see the child I've kidnapped as well again, you'll hand over the blade or all swear to serve the Strife Lords. Exact same terms for Shera. Of course...I will await your decision. And didn't you know? Life isn't fair. Who will you save? The poor Innocent child? Or Shera? Quite a pickle here! Well, I leave you to think it over.
The Forest before Hawel's if you choose to save Shera, and the South Planes outside of town if you wish to save the child. Goodbye. And...good luck. I would love to stay but...I'm not one to stay were I'm not wanted I'm sure."
The evil cleric smiled, tilting his head as he spoke a word, eyes fixated on Kayla, enjoying the pain she was going through. And then to Max, a malicious gleam in his eyes.
"Lym!"
And with that, the cleric vanished, leaving the group alone.
Kria blinked, having been staring oddly at him the whole time. She shook her head cleared her throat.
"Like, what a whacko! At least his hair was nice!"

Posted by: Dark Maiden Thu Nov 09, 2006 8:06 pm
Kayla glares at Kria, obviously distraught and quite angry. "Is...is that all you can think of you twit?!" She stands up and stares at Max for a moment. "So what are you going to do?" She shakes her head. "No, I already know the answer to that question. You'd save the child, wouldn't you? After all, a child is more important than my mother, right?"
Kayla spits out the last word with disgust, and then turns away. She wraps her arms around herself and she cries, her shoulders heaving with every sob.
[Kayla's crying, in front of everyone. Holy crap! In case it matters, bold means she's saying it a bit louder, and italic is putting emphasis on that word.]

Posted by: Rusty Thu Nov 09, 2006 8:49 pm
*Ombligo floats over to and hugs Kayla with both tentacles. Eyes welling up with tears, it's clear Ombligo is sympathizing.* : "Both your mom and the kid have souls, Kayla. Even though I'm sure Amelios expects us to split up and try to save both, maybe we should anyway. We can't really decide who to save, right? They're both good people and equally important, right???"
*Ombligo lets go, floating back to his original spot. Ombligo, unsure of Amelios's gender, assumes it to be female since he was hitting on Coventry.*
: "So she's a minion of the Strife Lords...Ugh, how pathetic! And to sink so low..."

Posted by: Aldur Thu Nov 09, 2006 8:51 pm
Kria flinched at Kayla and grinned sheepishly, edging back a little, a freaked out look on her face. "Aheh...bad move. Sorry. Yeah. And Ombligo, that was a man."

Posted by: Rusty Thu Nov 09, 2006 8:58 pm
*Ombligo turns to face Coventry, terrified about Amelios and shocked about Coventry.* : "Coventry must be psychic!! He was trying to warn me about guys like Amelios the other day! I guess that happens a lot to you, huh?"

Posted by: Dark Maiden Thu Nov 09, 2006 9:08 pm
Kayla looks at Ombligo and wipes away her tears on the sleeve of her shirt. "Thank you Ombligo," she says softly. "You're right about that. Mother...she is gentle and kind, and has a beautiful soul. That child is probably the same way, I'll bet. Both are worth saving, and we need to at least try."
Kayla's legs start to get a little weak, and so she sits back down. She looks to Kria, and then Max.
"Kria, I shouldn't have snapped at you, and...I apologize... Max, it was wrong of me to say what I said. This must be hard for you, too. I was just so consumed by my own grief... What a fool I am." She sighs and rests her head on her arm.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Nov 09, 2006 10:54 pm
A hail of gunfire blasts into the wall behind Amelios as he vanishes. : "Damn! What the hell is wrong with all of you? HE WAS RIGHT THERE! If we all struck at once, we could've taken him down before he could've mounted a counter attack! His forces would've been disorganized! We could've... ARGH!" Gilliam roars incoherently and smashes his metal fist into a wall. "HE WAS RIGHT THERE!"
: "If we shot him, we might have provoked a retaliation," Max says with a frown.
: "Are you KIDDING me? The minute we found out where each of them was, we could've killed him and THEN mounted a rescue! And..."
: "Oh? What if they aren't to be there until he tells his minions so? We'd have to search, and they'd probably die before we could get to them. Are you comfortable with that thought?"
: "People die in war, innocent people especially. Who might we have saved by killing him now rather than give him time to operate?"
: "His time will come... Be sure of it," Max says, gripping his sword with tightened knuckles.
: "Hmmm... So he did strike a nerve... Admirable control," Gilliam says before falling silent. For a while, Max just glares at Gilliam. Then he speaks again.
: "Dam, you're the leader of the group... Choose where you want to send who... I'm assuming we're going to rescue both."
: "You realize of course this has to be a trap."
: "It is illogical they'd kill the mother or child once they have what they want, what purpose would it serve?"
: "He seemed logical to you? You're not really going to hand over the sword are you?"
: "Of course not... We'll get there... and then we'll fight. Same way this sort of thing always gets solved... But we'll need someone sneaky to get the hostage while the fighting is going on. Or a good plan."

Posted by: Kaihaku Thu Nov 09, 2006 11:14 pm
Astrid frowns heavily as the foul cleric departs, then finally looks up, "This situation is far too contrived... There can be no real purpose to it, the kyantol is clearly insane." She shakes her head, glancing at Max, "I can augment the sleath of those chosen to locate the hostages... Otherwise, I fear that we must fight as you say."

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Thu Nov 09, 2006 11:36 pm
"Someone say they needed a plan? I love it when a good plan comes together." ((Since this is blatantly out of character, I think I'll post what I probably had Langston buy per Vox's suggestion. Mithril Shirt got another +1, now +2. Amulet of Natural Armor
Broderbund enchanted with Holy Surge, bonus +2d6 Holy Damage, usage - Cha bonus/times per day))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Fri Nov 10, 2006 2:02 am
Kayla turns to Astrid. "Any spells you have to make those of us already good stealth even better, would be surely be helpful. This isn't a situation in which those of us that are going to be searching can afford to be caught." Kayla then looks at Dam, and waits for him to speak.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Fri Nov 10, 2006 4:37 am
"Are we going to rescue both?" Dam asked, grinning. "No... we're not going to rescue both. We're going to pry them free of the clutches of the Strife Lords, and leave them a nice calling card to boot." Then, his tone more serious, he looked between the people in the group. "Max... personally, I'd prefer that you not go after them. They want you, and they're bound to be ready with force sufficient enough to capture you - or so they think. Of course, I wouldn't listen to that suggestion, so I can't expect you to do the same. I'll get to you and Adam in a bit."
"Sorel is leading one group, and I'm leading the other. With him, will be Kayla, Langston, Gilliam, Tanis, the good Doctor, Gorrik and Kria. As should be apparent, you're going to handle the people holding Kayla's mother, and do so in spectacular fashion. Everyone else, with the exception of the two legends, are with me."
Turning back to the man who sealed Dark Dragon, Dicem said "I can't make you listen to me, but this is what I think. I think that you should go one way and Adam should go another. Whether you do that or not, or whether you even go is up to you."

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Fri Nov 10, 2006 5:16 am
: "Yes, that would be called rescuing them, Dam," Gilliam says with a chuckle. : "They're after me and they've found me. So now all I have to do is make them regret coming to the end of their search... And some of what he said I take issue with," Max says, simply. "I'll split up Adam and myself, then. That's fine. I'll go with Sorel's group to look for Kayla's mother. Adam. Go with the other group."
: "Yes, master Max."
: "Don't call me master."
: "Yes, master Max."
Max rolls his eyes.
: "Are we ready to move then?"

Posted by: Kaihaku Fri Nov 10, 2006 6:00 am
The Doctor shakes his head, "I think that its a bad idea for Kayla to go with the team going after her mother. Might be better to send her after the child..." The wizardess frowns at this, "We are talking about her mother, she cannot just ignore that she is in danger."

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Fri Nov 10, 2006 6:32 am
"I have my reasons, Coventry; in my absence, however, I trust you'll show our legend why you're so very valuable. Now, split up wands and whatever else you need to before we go; chances are, we won't see each other again until this evening. When that's done, we go."

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Fri Nov 10, 2006 6:45 am
"Why are we waiting?" Max asks. "There are people in danger, what needs to be done?"

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Fri Nov 10, 2006 6:48 am
"Here," Dam said, tossing the Repair wand to Tanis and the Haste wand to Kria. "Don't be afraid to use either. Now get out of here, and don't come back without a kill count and someone's mother." Then, turning to those who were to join him, the rogue said "And we're going to put on quite a show for a little boy who needs to go home. Let's go."
((Ready to depart.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Fri Nov 10, 2006 7:19 am
Before the group heads out, Max and Adam speak privately, letting the group past them as they talk in the tavern. :"Adam... What he said... Do you think it's true?" Max quietly asks Adam, wearily. : "Which portion of his speech do you mean?" Adam asks.
: "The... He was suggesting they chose that..." Max whispers. "That some of our friends chose to ally with them..."
: "It is highly probably that some may have been coerced, but unlikely any have joined wholeheartedly," Adam replies.
Max is silent for a while.
"Do you think that's why she did it?"
: "Who did what?"
:"Nevermind. It doesn't matter... At least not yet," Max says with a sigh. "Well... Anri... She rose the castle, but was it really to look for me? Or was that fool trying to get at me?"
: "I cannot answer for the truth of Anri's actions, but it is probable that the fallen one was trying to jar you. In such a case his words may or may not be true."
Max sighs. : "Thanks Adam."
: "You are welcome, master Max."
:"Don't call...*sigh*. You never change," Max says with a grin.
: "Negative. I have had several modifications and upgrades over the years."
: "That's exactly what I mean," Max says with a quiet laugh. "Come on, we've got people to save again."

Posted by: Rusty Fri Nov 10, 2006 7:44 am
((Before we leave for battle, Ombligo will be casting some buffs. At least the following (And in this order): Greater Mighty Whallop: Mahler (+2 size categories worth of damage) [lasts 8 hours] Enlarge Person: Graigus (you know what it does) [lasts 8 minutes]
Greater Mighty Whallop: Graigus (yadda yadda yadda) ))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Fri Nov 10, 2006 6:21 pm
Kayla glances at Coventry and scoffs. An expression of displeasure, a scowl, is written on her face, making it clear that she is not at all pleased about him opening his mouth. For now, however, she decides to not say anything, as she has neither the time nor the energy to bicker with him.
You just don't understand...
Kayla then looks at Astrid and smiles, something that she has never done often.
"Thank you."
Kayla pulls the hood of her cloak back up and leaves.
[I would love some extra Dex, but as I said before, I'm almost positive that spells won't stack with my Gloves of Dex. ]

Posted by: Alpha Fri Nov 10, 2006 6:42 pm
Tanis catches the wand and tucks it into his belt, within easy reach, frowning slightly as he does so. He then begins to feel excitement to be fighting in battle with a legendary warrior, not something many people could claim to have done. A thought strikes him before he leaves however, and he walks to Farain, and enchants one of his quivers. Once done, he wishes the centaur luck, and moves over to his assigned group.
((Flame Arrow. +1d6 fire damage, affects 50 projectiles. Lasts 70 minutes. You choose which ones the spell targets, Tare.))

Posted by: Aldur Fri Nov 10, 2006 7:56 pm
Kria nods and walks up to Kayla, squeezing her shoulder gently. The warlock smiles and nods to the tiefling, her eyes gentle. "You get your mother back. And we'll kick that freak's butt! ...Want I should save you a bit? I wouldn't mind at all!"

Posted by: Dark Maiden Fri Nov 10, 2006 8:16 pm
Kayla chuckles and nods her head. "Please do. Once she is safe, I should be able to join you in battle."

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Fri Nov 10, 2006 9:11 pm
((It seems I forgot to mention it... Dicem claimed the Gloves of Dex. Anyone who feels that they really, really need it can always ask about it.))

Posted by: Kaihaku Fri Nov 10, 2006 10:59 pm
((Didn't have a great deal of spells prepared for sleath... So... Kayla gets Fly and Invisibility.))

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Fri Nov 10, 2006 11:52 pm

QUOTE (Kaihaku @ Fri Nov 10, 2006 4:59 pm)
((Didn't have a great deal of spells prepared for sleath... So... Kayla gets Fly and Invisibility.))

((Sorel has Forestfold, which can give her a +10 to hide checks
However, I question the tactical viability of sending someone as weak as Kayla on a solo mission to get her mother, who is in all likelihood pretty well protected))

Posted by: Knight_019 Sat Nov 11, 2006 12:29 am
((Let's send Mahler, a hulking piece of stone. He's the epitome of stealth.))

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sat Nov 11, 2006 1:14 am

QUOTE (Knight_019 @ Fri Nov 10, 2006 6:29 pm)
((Let's send Mahler, a hulking piece of stone. He's the epitome of stealth.))

((Couldn't hurt))

Posted by: Kaihaku Sat Nov 11, 2006 1:24 am

QUOTE (VoxPVoxD @ Fri Nov 10, 2006 5:52 pm)
((However, I question the tactical viability of sending someone as weak as Kayla on a solo mission to get her mother, who is in all likelihood pretty well protected))

QUOTE (Arcdragnbreth @ Fri Nov 10, 2006 12:32 am)
"I have my reasons..."

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sat Nov 11, 2006 1:36 am
((Comforting))

Posted by: Nightmare Sat Nov 11, 2006 2:38 am
Shortly before the two groups assembled and departed for their seperate tasks, Gorrik approched Gail, wishing to have a brief word with his fellow paladin of The Light. : "Yes?" Gail says simply, waiting for her peer to continue. : "I jus' wanted te wish ye luck before we head in diferen' directions." Gorrik said with a smile. "And' jus' remember one thing. The actions of others aren' yer fault. Jus' do yer best te keep as many people safe as possible."
: The paladin is taken aback slightly by the sudden outpouring of advice from the dwarf, brows raised as she wonders what brought this on. I worry everyone this much?, she asks herself, sighing before she puts on a smile. "Thank you, Gorrik, though I know that the world doesn't rest on my shoulders. Though...what brought this on, if I may ask?"
: "Well, withou' Sorel around. I'm a li'l worried abou' what kind o' stunt tha' Dam'll try an' pull." Gorrik says with a shrug, "An' i' looks like ye'd be the next in line te take charge o' the group. I hope tha' it won' happen, bu' i' never hurts te be prepared fer such an even'."
: "I suppose so...I wouldn't worry about such happening, though. Dam's shown that he's a competent leader, and I don't see why this situation would be any different than the others he's lead us through," Gail says, confused as to why Gorrik would suddenly be worried about this.
: "Dam is indeed a fine leader, I'm probably jus' bein' over cautious, ye know better sorry than safe an' all tha'." The dwarven defender chuckled a little. "I'm jus' wonderin' how much influence the likes o' Sorel have on Dam."
: "I would think that whatever influence Sorel would have on Dam, it'd definitely be positive," Gail says, confused as to her peer's meaning.
: "I also think Sorel has had a good influence on Dam, whether i's a lastin' one or no' remains te be seen." speaks the dwarf. "Again, I'm probably jus' givin' too much though' te this. I'm sure nothin'll go wrong, an' everythin'll turn ou' fine."
: "I'm sure you're right," Gail says, smiling.

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sat Nov 11, 2006 2:47 am
[Kayla is sneaky, not a fighter. But...I think you do have a point. If she were to be caught, it would be bad. Sorel would be a good choice, but he's our leader... Hmm...]

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sat Nov 11, 2006 5:10 am
((I know it hasn't been posted yet but lol)) ((by some twist of fate I have been forced to post this disasterpiece. Brace yourself, Rusty)) Coming from Yeel to a grassy plain just outside of town, the group finds a group of Erinyes guarding a small child. Of course, Aelisnyx flies there. "Ah, so you came at last. What is your answer?"
"Aelisnyx... for a second, I was afraid we wouldn't meet again," Dicem said. "Look... that's a child. A child who's got more ahead of him than all this. Just let him go."
"Something for nothing? Come now, here I thought you might be ready to deal with the devil..." Aelisnyx says, grinning. "Did you come out to save him? If you charge, he'll be dead long before you reach him. Neither of us want that. But I also doubt you came out here to give me the sword or your service. So... What will you give then?"
"I'll take his place," Graigus said quickly, though highly unconvincingly.
"You're no good at that, kid. Leave lies to the professionals," Dicem said, shaking his head. "I'll tell you what... let's dance. You and me. Bow to bow, or claws to dagger if you want."
"Intriguing. If I win?" Aelisnyx counters.
"If I win, the kid goes free. If not, then I guess you've got another member in this little army you've got going." said Dam.
"Very well... I'll accept. Be warned if anyone interferes, the child's life is forfeit." Aelisnyx says.
"Whenever you're ready, Aelisnyx," the rogue said, withdrawing his bow.
"Very well." she replies.
Loosing an arrow quickly, the rogue smiled as it sailed far past his target.
"Here I thought we were duelling, not having a distance contest..." Aelisnyx remarks as she nocks two arrows and sends them Dam's way. She sends them thudding into Dam's chest, dead on.
"Not... bad..." he said, grinning, pulling a potion from his pack.
"I'm only begining, recruit," Aelisnyx replies, drawing another two arrows. One buries itself into Dam's leg as he manages to dodge the other.
Dam downs a potion, but two more arrows thud into his body even as the healing washes over him. He falls to the ground, not a mark on Aelisnyx. "Well, he'll make a good enough recruit, but he'll need a lot of training. Anyone else up for a duel?"
The rogue applies a healing herb to himself, "Heh... not a bad shot at all," Dam grinned, despite the blood and the pain. "How many arrows did that take, Aelsinyx?"
"Few enough. Come along and hold up your end of the bargain." Aelisnyx replies.
No... you asked who else wants to challenge you," Graigus said, standing in front of the rogue. "I challenge you."
"Terms?" asks Aelisnyx.
"Fight me hand to hand," he said simply. "I will not lose."
"Indeed you will not. I decline." the devil says.
"Then remain in the air. I will not lose," he said.
Aelisnyx chortles. "Ohohoho? What's this? You'll allow me flight and my bow against your fists?"
"I will not lose," he repeated.
"If you win? If I win?" she asks.
"The same thing as Mr. Dicem," Graigus said. "Except if I win, no one joins you."
"Choose either Dam or the child to go free if you win. While we fight, Tryine will hold the rogue for security," Aelisnyx says. One of the Erinyes flies down and lands next to Dam, holding his arms.
"No one's touching me," the rogue said. "I'll sit here, all rig-" he began, before Graigus raised his hand. "Then I will fight another for his freedom."
"Very well. Let us begin," Aelisnyx says.
"You heard her, kid..." Dam said, grinning even further.
Two arrows thud into the ground around Graigus.
Noting the condition of the arrows, the monk pulled free the unbroken one and, holding it like an improvised dart, let it fly at the erinyes. It impacts on an invisible barrier around Aelisnyx.
Another two arrows thud into the ground.
Neither arrow intact, Graigus opts to throw a rock at the devil, which misses also too as well.
First blood goes to Aelisnyx as an arrow hit the monk's shoulder.
Ignoring the pain, the monk grabbed the arrow that missed, hurling it back at his attacker while still remaining on the defensive. Still, his attack missed the erinyes.
Dicem's smile only widened, as he watched the events unfold. "Eleven, twelve..."
Aelisnyx draws and fires another anomaly, I mean arrow, that penetrates deep into Graigus's chest.
Pulling a potion of his own from his belt pouch, the monk eagerly drained the contents.
"Fifteen, sixteen... is that a special quiver, Aelisnyx?" Dam asked.
"Why do you care? You lost your duel," Aelisnyx replies.
"Hey, I'm one of yours now, aren't i?" he asked. "Humor me."
"Not particularly." says the devil.
"Remind me again... what's the carrying capacity of a standard quiver? Isn't it 20 arrows?" says Dam.
"Mine holds 40." Aelisnyx says.
"Alright... my mistake," Dam said.
An arrow thuds into Graigus' leg as another is caught by his clothing.
"One more thing, Aelisnyx," Dam said. "You do realize I consider losing to be death, right?"
Aelisnyx says, "You never specified the term and knock out is the commonly accepted way of ending duels in this region. Since in your terms a loss would also nullify the gain, there is no room for interpretation. Do not try to weasel out of this."
"You could resurrect me as an undead," Dicem said.
"Perhaps we will yet if you continue in that manner." the fiend counters.
"Monk, your duel ends with a knockout, just so you know. Or you can concede at any time," Aelisnyx says as she fires again. Yet another arrow sticks in Graigus' chest as another slams into the ground.
Panting, Graigus scanned for another rock to throw. However, Dam shook his head. "That's enough, Graigus... concede. We're not going to win this."
"Mr... Dicem," he panted, pulling a potion free. "I... can't..."
"He concedes," the rogue said. "Enough. Let him drink a potion and be done."
"He has to speak it himself." Aelisnyx insists.
"Graigus... I need you to concede," the rogue said. "Do it."
The monk looked at the rogue for a long time then nodded. "I concede."
Astrid shakes her head, growling lowly, "Foolish..."
"Now drink the potion," Dicem said. Complying, the monk downed it.
"Two down. Anyone else want to duel?" Aelisnyx says triumphantly.
"No... that's it. No more challenges," Dam said. "Let's go."
"Very well." Erinyes begin to grab hold of Dam and Graigus.
"Before we go, Aelisnyx... one thing," Dam said. "I want to fire my bow one more time," he said.
"Why?"
"Because I only got off one shot," he said.
Aelisnyx sneers. "Incompetence can do that to you. You can fire your bow to your heart's content later. Look at your Erinyes guards, they'll show you the way to your new home. You'll feel slightly odd. Don't try to fight it or there will be consequences."
"Release the child." Astrid states firmly, her eyes narrowing.
Dam acts charmed. Graigus does not. His Erinyes guard frowns. "I'm going to knock you out for the duration of the trip. Don't resist and you'll only wake up with a sore head."
"I'll do it," Dam said, almost as if hypnotized. "Don't resist, Graigus... they're not all that bad at all..."
"You expect to parlay?" Astrid replies darkly, her eyes sparkling with hatred, "Force is what I offer. What else would a fiend such as yourself understand? Release the child or die."
"Mr... Mr. Dicem," Graigus said, shaking his head. "I... no, they're bad!"
"Don't struggle, Graigus, or I'll make you stop struggling personally. You'll like it if you give it a chance." said Dam.
"You agreed. Stop struggling. Your duel is over, you conceded!" the Erinyes hisses.
"I... I can't do it," Graigus said, raising his hands. "I'll finish the fight instead."
"Fine." Aelisnyx says.
"Let me bring him in, Aelsinyx," Dam asked. "No. I'll do it."
The Erinyes near Dam grabs him and begins to fly off. "Come along, your part here is done." Dam resists.
"Dam, I order you to go with your guard. If you fail to comply I will have you killed." Aelisnyx commands.
Gripping his bow, the rogue aimed it at the monk. "Stop struggling, Graigus..."
"Dam, lower your weapon and put it away, then do not struggle as you are carried away. If you refuse, then our deal... and your life is forfeit," Aelisnyx says as she levels her bow at Dam.
"If you fire on me," Dam said, "It's no longer a one-on-one."
"Good point," Aelisnyx says as a different Erinyes trains her bow on Dam. "Graigus, I suppose we should continue our duel then?"
Graigus hurls a rock at the fiend's wing, missing. She counters with an arrow into the dwarf's abdomen.
"Too bad you're a coward, Aelisnyx," Dam said. "People used to have respect for devils, too..."
"A petty attempt at earning my ire, liar." Aelisnyx says.
Dam smirked. "You think so? The reason you wouldn't fight graigus without the bow is because you don't have any other skills, isn't it?"
"I have other skills. But that's irrelevant, because you are speaking of fear, not skill. Learn the definitions of the words you choose." says Aelisnyx, obviously not an innuendo.
"No you don't. You don't have other skills, and that's why you're afraid," Dam said, pulling a potion free.
"Put the potion away. You lost your duel. Until Graigus wins, you're a recruit of the Devil Army. And disobeying orders is punishable by death."
"So let me get this straight... you'd have me killed before he finished, negating his chance to fight on my behalf after you said he could?" Dam asked. "Doesn't seem so honest to me, and here I was doing you a favor by giving you something you could beat me at," the rogue said, lowering his hand though the potion remained in it.
"I wouldn't want to, but I believe any action you'll take at this point will be related to an escape attempt," Aelisnyx says. "Better for you to do nothing. Absolutely nothing."
But instead of attacking, graigus moved further away, taking a defensive stance.
Aelisnyx nocks an arrow, but in her haste to fire, the arrow slams intot he Erinyes guarding Dam instead. "Apologies, sister," Aelisnyx says with a wince as the Erinyes pulls the arrow out and tosses it away with disgust.
"It's one-on-one, and you just attacked someone else," Dam said.
"That was a misfire. You can't weasel out of this." the devil says.
"Misfire? So all you have to do when something goes wrong is say 'Misfire' and we lose? Not fair," the rogue said.
"You're trying to twist events to allow you to escape. Anyone with common sense would see that as a misfire. Why would I attack an ally? Come and fight, monk." Aelisnyx sneers.
"I think he wants you to go to him," Dam said, as the monk moved further from the erinyes.
Throwing another rock at her wing while remaining on the defensive, Graigus moved back further, attempting to use distance to his advantage. Between several more missed shots, he pulls a potion from his side, painfully aware how bad the situation had become.
Aelisnyx suddenly vanishes from sight in a wiping of black as she reappears in an instant over Graigus, firing her bow once more. The agile monk is able to dodge out of the way, though.
Graigus moved again, on the defensive as much as he could be.
A final shot brings Graigus down.
"Well, that's done. Now your end of the bargain. You'll be coming with us, Dam," Aelisnyx says, reappearing 60' over the group as an Erinyes flies off to retrieve Graigus.
"What, no offer to see who else will challenge you to a match of ranged attacks?" Dam asked.
Aelisnyx sighs. "Anyone else up for it?"
"Adam is," Dam said.
"I'm not fighting that robot. Do you take me for a fool?" says Aelisnyx.
"I take you for a coward, now," Dam said. "I knew I had no chance to beat you, and yet I made the challenge. You're going to deny a challenger now?"
"I am not a coward, but only a fool takes a battle he knows he cannot win," Aelisnyx says with disdain.
"You asked who else wants the challenge, and then you're backing out. That's a great message to give to the world," Dam said simply. "Devils go back on their word, they don't have the skill to win against people even remotely in their league... good additions to the rumors I already heard."
"I never promised I'd take every challenge, my word holds true."
"You know what an informant told me? He said that since the Chaos Cult started releasing you all, you wern't any better than demons. That would probably make Zeon sad." Dam shook his head. "Here I thought you were different, after tangling with you twice... but I guess I was wrong, wasn't I?"
"What? Who knows about the Cult releasing us?" Aelisnyx asks, startled.
"Everyone," Dam said. "Just like everyone knows that you and Zassahd are leading them, without good 'ol Oddeye or Zeon anywhere to be found."
"This changes matters. You're leaving with a guard at once," Aelisnyx says as an Erinyes lands next to Dam. "As per our agreement." The Erinyes with Graigus is already airborne and flying away.
"You know, I bet you couldn't beat the robot even if you had five attacks for every one of his," Dam said.
"Yes that's nice, now off you go." An Erinyes begins to pick up Dam. "Don't make a fuss or you might fall, flying with you heavy humans is hard."
"Then don't fly with me," he said.
"Cease this and come peaceably. You made a deal," Aelisnyx hisses.
You should be glad i'm not swapped for Adam... he'd shoot you in the face," Dam said, smiling. "Besides... you said you'd take me in not one of yours."
"Enough of this," Aelisnyx says as she clocks Dam over the head, knocking the rogue unconscious.
An Erinyes picks up Dam's unconscious body and begins to fly away with it. "Well now, who's the second in command? It's the paladin, isn't it?"
"So. The child. At this point I'm almost inclined to just let him go, this is already far more then I thought I'd accomplish," Aelisnyx says. "I see you split your forces evenly."
Gail glares at the devil, hands clenched into fists at her side...before she lets out a long tired sigh. "We accept," she says, much too tired to argue, and seeing how futile it would be to fight for Dam and Graigus's freedom under such conditions.
"Accept what?" Aelisnyx asks.
Astrid shakes her head, her eyes coldly centered on the devil holding the child.
"You know this wasn't even designed to be the primary attack force and yet here I am with your leader and one of your warriors in my care," Aelisnyx says. "I mean look at my force. Does it look like a dedicated strike group to you?" Aelisnyx sighs and shakes her head. "Haven't you gotten it yet? This was a distraction. But it's too late now. The reason I had such a small force is because I anticipated you'd split your forces equally. Even now the other team has engaged in battle with a force far larger than this one. You fell for it hook, line and sinker."
"You've made your point," Gail says coldly, raising her head to glare at the devil. "You have our leader. You've humilated our force, you've anticipated our every move. This is what you wanted to hear, isn't it? To hear your foes admit their defeat?" She shakes her head in disgust. "So proud...but I assume that's why you fell in the first place. You have what you wanted, what you came here to do...Allowing us to leave with the child will procure you no loss."
"Not pride at all, I merely wanted you to know what you were up against... But what will you give for the child?" says Aelisnyx.
Astrid looks at Gail sadly then glances at the devil with smoldering hatred.
Aelisnyx shakes her head. "Ah, no matter. Triex, let the young one go, he's a noncombatant."
One of the Erinyes cuts the bonds of the lad and he hurriedly runs away, racing back at full speed towards the town.
Astrid blinks, glancing after the boy in surprise, "Wha... What?"
Gail holds back a response as the Erinyes cut the bonds, watching the child leave. "I'm glad we could reach a civil decision," she comments tiredly.
"To be completely honest, I never anticipated using the child as anymore than bait," Aelisnyx says with a shrug. "We're an army with rules and regulations, after all. Not the bloodthirsty barbarians some make us out to be."
"The fact you would use such bait is telling enough on its own," the paladin says coolly, glaring after the devil leader.
"Oh? Read up on your military history, mortal nations have done far worse in their time."
"Lies!" Astrid exclaims with vehemence, her eyes are alight with hatred, "How dare you!" Her hands weave magic in the air while she speaks words of power. A shadowy phantom tears into existence and surges at the fiend who had been holding the child hostage.
The Erinyes is bowled over, eyes wide with fear as portions of her flesh turn to ash.
"What? How DARE you!" Aelisnyx shrieks. "We gave you a token of goodwill and you attack us??? Where is your moral ground now?"
Astrid falters for a moment, looking taken a back then she spits out with hatred, "I'll send you back to hell where you belong."
"Stand down, Astrid" the paladin says calmly, not looking to either the mage nor the devil.
"You're just going to let that fiend get away with taking our allies?" Astrid exclaims, looking at Gail in disbelief, "I... I..."
Gail doesn't raise her head, shallowing the sick feeling in her stomach as she continues. "There's nothing we can do. We can't do anything for them as we are now, other than join them."
"How does THAT feel?" Aelisnyx snarls as she launches an arrow into the wizardness.
"Fiend..." The wizardess stumbles back, clutching at the wound, "I won't let your sins go unpunished..." She speaks words of power and weaves magic in the air.
"ENOUGH!"
The wizardess pauses, the energy of the spell still forming around her, and looks at the paladin with surprise and hurt.
Gail, her whole body clenched, breathes deeply before walking silently to Astrid and putting a hand on her shoulder, healing the wounds from the arrows.
She then turns to the devils, glaring. "Leave this place. You've done what you wanted, there are surely other things you can attend to."
The wizardess says nothing, she only stares at the Paladin blankly.
Aelisnyx lowers her bow, staring at the paladin. "Explain to me why I should and I will consider it."
Astrid shakes her head sadly, her eyes filled with confusion following Gail.
"Explain to me why you should persist with your assault. So outnumbered, and based in rage...We've both had losses today. Adding to them will solve nothing," she says, uncharacteristically cool.
"Wait... Are we fighting them or not? I'm confused!" Ignatius says. "Why aren't we attacking? They're devils!"
"I do not know..." Astrid replies to the half-vandal quietly, her eyes continue to follow Gail.
"Leave," she repeats to the devil, her tone carrying that same icyness.
"I believe we can inflict significant damage before retreating," Aelisnyx says. "Thought I have no doubts the day will be yours."
"Then why bother, if you know the result? Is dealing such damage to us worth taking such yourself?" says Gail.
Aelisnyx grins. "Very well... I'll show mercy." Five Devil Knights appear from thin air, invisibility melting away as they trot away from their positions around the group, each eighty feet away, charging distance for a swift enough centaur.
"I could've made this a whole lot worse... Think on that," Aelisnyx says as she and the other Erinyes fly away.
Gail watches as the fallen angels fly away, unstheathing her sword as she falls into a battle stance.
Astrid shakes her head quietly, "It's too late..." She looks at the paladin distantly, "Don't you get it? The others are dead, she wouldn't have let us go otherwise."
"And we are not," she responds, not a hint of enmity in her voice. "We must survive, even in the event they are gone."
Astrid turns to the paladin, staring at her grimly, then her eyes narrow and she turns away.
((Everyone in Dam's group gains 1500 XP. Even Dam, who should lose a level for being a dumbshit.))

Posted by: Aldur Sat Nov 11, 2006 1:03 pm
((HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. That was excellently done. Hey, Does Sorel want a Duel with Amelios? LOLZ))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sat Nov 11, 2006 3:45 pm
[So it would seem that the whole thing resulted from poor luck and tactics. ]

QUOTE (VoxPVoxD)
Everyone in Dam's group gains 1500 XP. Even Dam, who should lose a level for being a dumbshit.

[!!!]

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sat Nov 11, 2006 7:40 pm

QUOTE (Aldur @ Sat Nov 11, 2006 7:03 am)
((HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. That was excellently done. Hey, Does Sorel want a Duel with Amelios? LOLZ))

((I could take you and you know it, you fruity ponce))

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Sat Nov 11, 2006 11:43 pm
"Hey, great! I don't suppose there's cheese at stake for this one too, eh Doc?" Langston grinned, jovial as ever before abruptly changing the look on his face. "Look...I'm not real proud of it, but I'm good at gettin' in and out of places and stuff, so...you know. Yeah."
He trailed off unimpressively, scratching at the back of his head with the nails on his "hand."

Posted by: Aldur Sun Nov 12, 2006 1:57 am
((Poor Arc. You failed because you didn't let Marine do everything. See? That's how to win.))

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sun Nov 12, 2006 6:02 am
The group arrives at the wilderness north of Yeel. Amelios smirks, holding Shera up in front of him, much like a human shield. He seems to be having a good time. "Hello all. Keeping well? So. Sword or oath?" "Why don't you just let her go and we'll let you go?" Gilliam asks. "You can't possibly take us."
"Mom!" Kayla narrows her eyes. What have you done to her?" she asks cooly.
"Yes, Mother dearest. Incidentally, one move and I'll kill her. And I merely knocked her out. She's quite frail really." Amelios sniggers.
"Yeah, she is kinda..." Langston added. "Needs a balanced breakfast, maybe."
Kayla shoots an evil glare at Langston.
He shrugged. "What...I mean, it's true..." He sighed.
Sorel watches the cleric carefully. "Put her down," he says. "There will be no discussion of terms while you hold a hostage in your arms."
"With that trigger happy devil hating maniac? I think not. We play this by my rules. Your answer. Now!" Amelios looks down at Shera thoughtfully. "Not the best shield but..."
"So we can give you the sword then? The Chaos Breaker?" Max says glancing to Gilliam for a moment. "And you'll let her go?"
"Indeed. However...While you all are the heroes...I do mean it. One wrong move and she dies." Amelios looks at Max, eyes narrowed. "If you wish to give the sword, come forward."
Sorel looks to Max, frowning. "If you are willing to part with the blade, then we are willing to allow you to do so."
"Well if you're going to be like that, how do I know you'll let me walk out of here with the weapon? Trust needs to begin somewhere. And well...you don't seem to have much choice. Do you hero?" Amelios smiles demurely.
Kayla looks at Max pleadingly, but says nothing.
"So what happens. I hand you the sword, you release the woman?"
"Hahahaha. No. You will walk forward. Towards me, and stop halfway. Then move back. I will take the blade, and then drop the woman. Agreed? Of course, you could join us instead? The benefits are nice."
The rat chuckled. "I feel like I've heard that before; you guys on a recruiting drive?"
Amelios snorts at Langston. "Maybe a few posters?"
"No thanks. Former member, I think the benefits are horrid," Max says as he walks forward and stops, halfway.
Kayla glares at Langston again, then looks at Amelios.
"Hahaha. Really? Anri seems to...savour them. In her mislead quest to raise everything sealed away to find you. Which is quite amusing really. Now. Drop the sword. And move away."
Max drops the blade a takes a few steps back.
"You're lying," Max says, simply.
"More. Back to where you first stood. I'll not have perhaps the world's most famous warrior that close. And lying? Well, Worrying about what she does isn't my Job, that's Lord Erebus'."
He shrugged. "I dunno, he seems pretty trustworthy." The sarcasm was evident. Max moves back another 30'.
Kayla looks on at them, watching carefully.
Amelios nods and slowly walks towards it, his lithe frame seeming to easily carry the woman. He stops by the blade, and frowns, lifting it with one hand, examining it while still holding onto Shera, affirming it was the real sword. Amelios can't help but drop the sword and gasp in pain as the holy metal burns him.
Kayla gasps. "What the hell?"
Amelios sighs, laughing. "Well now. That would be troublesome. You see...now I need a carrier for it? Any volunteers? Or shall mommy dearest do it for me?"
Instantly Max rushes forward with superhuman speed, slamming into the fallen cleric. Max knocks Amelios over and grabs Shera and the sword, standing up and begining to turn around to sprint back.
Unsheathing Broderbund, Langston chuckles a bit more. "Subtle...."
Sorel raises his staff. "Forward! Cover Max!"
Sorel barks orders even as he touches his chest and his skin turns dark and woody.
: "Kria, use your wand of Haste! Coventry, brighten our spirits. Kayla and Langston, fan out! Gilliam and Gorrik, move to Max and cover him as he brings Shera back! Tanis... fire at will."
((Cast Barkskin on self. +3 AC))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sun Nov 12, 2006 6:22 am
As Amelios begins to cast Flamestrike (as was declared in chat), Gilliam fires his chaingun. ((Nat 19, Hit! 32 damage to Amelios! Amelios must make a DC 42 Concentration check or lose the spell.))

Posted by: Kaihaku Sun Nov 12, 2006 8:21 am
[DC 42? Sad thing is that Cedric could make that without rolling a 20.] The Doctor blinks as the order to brighten the spirits of the group is given, then he nods and begins to speak, "Once I beheld an irate human screaming at a stoic ratfolk on the matter of a blind horse the ratfolk had sold him. After listening to the ravings of the man for sometime, the ratfolk raised his hand and replied in a calm voice, 'Look, I hid nothing from you, back when I first showed the horse to you I said that it didn't look so good.'" The Doctor chuckles lightly at himself, then speaks a few words of power while weaving magic in the air. Mirth and joy fills the hearts of his allies.
[Elation: +2 STR/DEX, +5 Movement]

Posted by: Alpha Sun Nov 12, 2006 9:57 am
Tanis nods at Sorel's words, and begins to chant a powerful spell. Deciding that downing the fallen priest was likely the key to their victory, Tanis directed the missile of sound at him, the energy roaring as it leaves his fingertips. [Cast Empowered Soud Lance at Amelios
SR (if necessary) = 1d20 + 7 = 23
Damage = (7d8)x1.5 + 4 = (4 7 3 7 8 7 5) x1.5 + 4 = 65
DC20 Fortitude Save for half damage]
Then, not recognising the devils aroud the field, Tanis tries to remember if he's read about them before.
[Knowledge [Plains] check: 1d20 + 8 = 10]

Posted by: Aldur Sun Nov 12, 2006 12:32 pm
Amelios' eyes widen as the attacks slam into him. He staggers, and eventually falls, mumbling something to himself. ((Amelios is at -8 and stable. *snigger*)) ** Kria nodded using her wand on the group, laughing as the Kyantol fell. ((Haste on Kayla, Langston, Gilliam, Gorrik, Kria, Coventry and Sorel.))

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Sun Nov 12, 2006 2:54 pm
((Note: Wand is Extended Haste (7 targets, lasts for 14 rounds).))

Posted by: Aldur Sun Nov 12, 2006 4:37 pm
((editted))

Posted by: Cyrus Mon Nov 13, 2006 6:27 am
[So...yeah. Gail reacted to retreating enemies by drawing her sword and acting like they were in battle. Since the party waiting on her and that action doesn't make sense...reaction re-evaluation.] Gail watches sternly as the fiendish forces flies away, the glare remaining on her face as her enemies blend into the dimming horizon. A deep sigh drags her down into a slump wondering what would have possessed Dam to do something like that, and if reaching a peaceful agreement with devils was right. She focused her thoughts, however; The other force had walked straight into a much more sizable ambush, and simply standing around like this would not get them the aid they needed. She stops slightly at the mage's words, as if to think about the possibility, then shook her head, donning the stern look once more.
"I...refuse to believe that they're dead. Max is with them, and they are more than strong enough on their own to prevail against such cheap tactics." She pauses slightly, apparently thinking before she continues. "We'll return to Yeel, swiftly; if the rest are back by then...we report what has happened. If not...we proceed to the other meeting place, and don't stop until we find them." She then marches towards the town, going much faster than her otherwise calm demeanor would suggest.

Posted by: Nightmare Mon Nov 13, 2006 6:59 am
The dwarf nods to Sorel and charges foreward at the evil cleric's large minion, hoping to keep the monsters on the right away from Max for as long as possible. Gorrik's advance is halted as he bumps into something invisible. The paladin then feels an invisible claw clank off his armor.
((Dodge on the guy I tried to attack.
Current AC 28 (29))

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Mon Nov 13, 2006 10:59 pm
At least Kayla's mom is safe, Langston told himself as he lept into motion at Sorel's command. Gorrik beat him to the punch, moving more towards the middle towards Max. Means he probably wants me further out, huh. Gritting his teeth he took to the forest before them, finding himself a defensive position to either draw fire away from the main group or to allow him a chance to strike when opportunity presented itself.
((Move one square right, 7 north if possible. Defense defense defense for that precious AC; dodge to the closest big blue thing.))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Mon Nov 13, 2006 11:24 pm
Kayla takes to the forest at Sorel's command, drawing her weapons as she does so. She hopes that doing this will draw the devils' attention. [Kayla will move 2 spaces south, and 6 spaces west. Dodge to the closest devil.]

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue Nov 14, 2006 12:18 am
Gilliam clomps forward, his laser charging up as he moves. When he finally plants his feet into the ground near Gorrik, a blinding blast of light lances from his chest to tear into the Osyluth and Mage before him. ((Invisible attacker evaded. Devil Mage and Osyluth take 30 damage each.))
Max runs back towards the group, still carrying Shera in his arms.
"I'll get her back to town, hold them here and I'll be back as fast as I can!" he shouts.
The two Devil Mages chant and weave their hands, gesturing at the assembled heroes. A hail of fire rains down twice on Sorel, Gilliam, Gorrik, Tanis, Coventry, and Kria, burning their bodies and causing their minds to race with pain. Gilliam's metal armor grows red hot and electricity crackles around him, but he still stands.
((Blaze 2 cast twice. First casting: 30 damage. Second: 33 damage. Ref save DC 17 for half damage in both cases. Gil saves once and fails once for 48 damage. Kria passes twice for 31 damage.))
A Barbed Devil lashes out at Langston, but the nimble ratman evades the attacks.
The two Osyluths vanish from sight to reappear in the midst of the already wounded group, spears raised.
The other Barbed Devil steps towards Kayla causually plunging its claws into her, picking her up and impaling her on its many body spikes before ripping her off. The tiefling slumps to the group, unconscious.
((Hit, Hit+ Impale special. 57 damage total))
Gilliam and Gorrik suddenly feel a number of blws strike them, but their armor holds firm.
((Miss, miss, miss, miss.))
Next turn!

Posted by: Alpha Tue Nov 14, 2006 12:46 am
Despite all he'd prepared for and all the items he'd bought, Tanis is fully affected by the storm of fire around him. As the blaze consumes him, his final thoughts are that he was leaving the world with so much not yet accomplished. But it seems the fates have decreed this happen. After all, he managed to escape death once, but a second time?
Tanis collapses to the ground. Lifeless.
[Rolled a 2 and a 6 for the reflex saves. 63 damage leaves him at -16 ]

Posted by: Dark Maiden Tue Nov 14, 2006 1:07 am
Kayla's eyes widen and she screams in pain as the devil impales her upon the spikes of its body. Her vision blurs as her energy leaves her. At least...my mother...is safe... As the devil rips her from its body, she loses consciousness and collapses.
[She will become stable four rounds from now, or when she is healed, whatever comes first.]

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue Nov 14, 2006 1:24 am

Posted by: Nightmare Tue Nov 14, 2006 1:41 am
: "This is no' turnin' ou' as wel as I hoped..." grumbled the dwarf as he moves into position to aid his Ratfolk drinking buddy. ((Gorrik rolled a 19 and 17 on the REF saves. 31 damage taken. Attack Haste: D20 + 8(BAB) + 5(STR) + 2(Axe) + 1(Haste) + 1(Elation) + 2(Flank) - 4(PA) = 10 + 15 = 25
Axe1: D20 + 8(BAB) + 5(STR) + 2(Axe) + 1(Haste) + 1(Elation) + 2(Flank) - 4(PA) = 12 + 15 = 27
Axe2: D20 + 3(BAB) + 5(STR) + 2(Axe) + 1(Haste) + 1(Elation) + 2(Flank) - 4(PA) = 11 + 10 = 21
Damage
Haste: D10 + 5(STR) + 2(Axe) + 1(Elation) + 4(PA) + D6(Electric) = 3 + 12 + 5(Electric) = 15 + 5(Electric)
Axe1: D10 + 5(STR) + 2(Axe) + 1(Elation) + 4(PA) + D6(Electric) = 9 + 12 + 4(Electric) = 21 + 4(Electric)
Axe2: D10 + 5(STR) + 2(Axe) + 1(Elation) + 4(PA) + D6(Electric) = 1 + 12 + 1(Electric) = 13 + 1(Electric)
Dodge to the thing he's attacking if it lives, otherwise, dodge to the nearest living (or unliving) badguy. AC: 30 (31)
5' step NE.))

Posted by: Kaihaku Tue Nov 14, 2006 4:42 am

QUOTE (Alpha @ Mon Nov 13, 2006 6:46 pm)
Despite all he'd prepared for and all the items he'd bought, Tanis is fully affected by the storm of fire around him. As the blaze consumes him, his final thoughts are that he was leaving the world with so much not yet accomplished. But it seems the fates have decreed this happen. After all, he managed to escape death once, but a second time?
Tanis collapses to the ground. Lifeless.

[Fate? What is fate to the best healer evar?]
[Reflex: 9 + 10 + 1 = 20]
[15 Damage]
[Reflex: 20...+ 10 + 1 = 31]
[16 Damage... Damn, one more level and I'd have evasion]
As the fiery blasts erupt around him, the Doctor rolls to the side while speaking a word of power. Even as burns are seared into the flesh of the catfolk they begin to heal and though he falls a spark of life remains in him.
[Close Wounds (SC p48)
<Conj(heal), V, Immediate, Close-range, Instantaneous>
This spell cures 1d4 points of damage +1 point per caster level (maximum +5).
If you cast this spell immediately after the subject takes damage, it effectively prevents the damage. It would keep alive someone who had just dropped to -10 hit points, for example, leaving the character at negative hit points but stable.]
[+7 HP, leaving Tanis at -9 and stable. Yes, I'm awesome.]
The Doctor then cautiously weaves magic in the air and speaks further words of power, channeling a burst of healing energy into the fallen catfolk.
[Auto-defensive Cast]
[Cure Critical Wounds: +27 HP : Tanis]
Then with a smirk he flips to the side and rolling passed his allies comes back to his feet half way between Sorel and Kayla, "Now then..."
[Tumble: 19 + 17 = 36]

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue Nov 14, 2006 5:32 am
Gilliam's action in advance. Gilliam turns and fires at the far off Devil Mage on the right, the spellcaster toppling over with a multitude of smoking wounds in his body as the chaingun roars. ((Hit. 33 damage, Devil Mage 2 dies.))

Posted by: Alpha Tue Nov 14, 2006 10:26 am
Tanis surges back into consciousness as the healing energy washes through him. Opening his eyes, he notices in dismay the closeness of two of the larger devils. Casting carefully, so as to avoid being struck in his precarious position on the groud, he fires off the same spell he did previously.
[Cast Sudden Maximised Sound Lance at the Osyluth above Tanis
Casting defensively: 1d20 + 14 = 32...pass
Overcome SR: 1d20 + 7 = 22...pass
Damage = 7x8 + 4 = 60
Fort save DC20 for half damage]

Posted by: Aldur Tue Nov 14, 2006 10:46 pm
Kria gasps as the things surround them. She looks around, taking to the air, ignoring the flames for now, the catfolk more worried about the things around them. She smiled, aiming at the devil Gorrik was attacking. ((14 damage to it.))

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Tue Nov 14, 2006 11:00 pm
"Hey, this is going great..." Langston chided sarcastically, narrowly avoiding the creature's attack before returning with his own quick flurry of strikes as Gorrik moved to his aid. Landing two blows, he quickly recoiled as the devil's own barbs suddenly elongate to strike at his hand in return.
"Yipe! That's dirty even for a devil, pal!!"
((Attack1: 12 + 6(BAB) + 6(Dex) + 1(Wpn) + 1(Haste) + 1(Elation) + 2(Flank) = 29
Attack2: 5 + same crap with lower BAB = miss
Haste: 14 + 6(BAB) + 6(Dex) + 1(Wpn) + 1(Haste) + 1(Elation) + 2(Flank) = 31
Attack1: 2 + 1 +1 = 4
Sacred Strike: 14
Attack 3: 3 + 1 + 1 = 5
Sacred Strike: 14
Holy Surge: 10
Total Damage: 9 + 38 (Good), One Holy Surge remaining for the day.
Langston takes 10 damage from the barbs. Dodge to...the barbmaster himself.))

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Wed Nov 15, 2006 2:50 am
With a grace not evidenced in his aged frame, Sorel evades the worst of the spell, his form shifting with the flickering flames. ((REF saves: 12 + 2 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 17 15 + 5 = 20 two passes. Sorel takes 31 damage wildshape into Hunting Bat, fly 60' up
tumble to avoid AoO: 15 + 10 (DEX) = 25. pass. No AoO
16 HP restored. AC 34))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Wed Nov 15, 2006 4:31 am
Gorrik's axe rebounds against the hardened skin of the devil even as Langston pierces it twice with his rapier, causing the monster to hiss in pain. The monster lashes out at Langston, but once again the ratman easily evades. ((Miss, Miss.)) The Osyluth struck by Tanis' blast of sound nearly drops, its skin burst open and pulped. The monster instead howls a cry of pure rage and lashes out blindly at the warmage. Miraculously, despite his prone position, only a single blow manages to land.
((Fort save failed. Hit, Miss, Miss, Miss. 8 damage to Tanis. This devil has no luck.))
The Osyluth near the Doctor turns and lashes out at the healer, landing several weak hits on him even as the deadly stinger tail of the insectile creature jabs into the ground inches from his leg. Despite his luck, Coventry feels a premonition of dread grip him.
((Neither does this one on damage rolls. Hit, Hit, Hit, Miss. 15 damage to Conventry. Coventry must make a DC17 Will save or run away in fear.))
The Hamatula near Coventry raises its hand at Sorel and two rays of fire lash out at Kria even as the devil steps closer.
((Hit, Hit. 27 fire damage to Kria.))
The final Devil Mage casts a Bolt of Lightning at the flying Sorel.
((34 electricity damage. Ref save DC 17 for half.))
Invisible attacks continue to simply bounce off Gilliam and Gorrik's armor.
Next turn!

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Wed Nov 15, 2006 5:08 am
Sorel shrieks as the lightning bolt slams into him, though he avoids the worst of it. He whips his batlike head around, eyes narrowing, and a sandstorm whips around a huge section of the battlefield, abrasive sand blocking the vision of the mage.
((REF save passed. Sorel's at 18/58
Haboob centered as seen on the map above. Everything in the radius takes 6 damage, REF DC 21 for half.))

Posted by: Kaihaku Wed Nov 15, 2006 5:18 am

QUOTE (VoxPVoxD @ Tue Nov 14, 2006 11:08 pm)
He whips his batlike head around, eyes narrowing, and a sandstorm whips around a huge section of the battlefield, abrasive sand blocking the vision of the mage.

((http://www.fallingsandgame.com/sand/index.html What a way to die...again.))

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Wed Nov 15, 2006 5:25 am
"Geez, can't say I care much for your kind...don't think much of devils as it were but...you're one hecka one." He lashed out again despite the throbbing sensations in his hand that would only grow worse with time. ((All attacks miss. Dodge to same enemy.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Wed Nov 15, 2006 5:31 am
Without warning as it makes its way back to town, a group of six chain wielding maniacs leap from the trees around the road and charge the party, gibbering madly. Battle! Chain Devils: 6. 30' distance.

Posted by: Nightmare Wed Nov 15, 2006 6:06 am
Gorrik swings away some more. ((Attack Haste: Smite = Miss Axe1: D20 + 8(BAB) + 5(STR) + 2(Axe) + 1(Haste) + 1(Elation) + 2(Flank) - 2(PA) = 19 + 17 = 36 Axe2: Miss
Damage
Axe1: D10 + 5(STR) + 2(Axe) + 1(Elation) + 2(PA) + D6(Electric) = 7 + 10 + 4(Electric) = 17 + 4(Electric)
Dodge to the thing he's attacking if it lives, otherwise, dodge to the nearest living (or unliving) badguy. AC: 30 (31)))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Wed Nov 15, 2006 6:26 am
Gorrik is wounded as he swings his axe, a barb lancing out to stab his hand. ((11 damage to Gorrik.))

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