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

Posted by: Rusty Wed Nov 15, 2006 6:52 am
*Having frozen with fear through the entire encounter with Aelisnyx, Ombligo fires a powerful bolt of pure electricity at the first Kyton he sees.* ((SR check: 10 + 10 [CL] = 20. Damage: 1 4 5 6 4 3 6 3 4 5 = 41 total. REF DC: 20 for half.))

Posted by: Kaihaku Wed Nov 15, 2006 6:56 am
"How could you do such a thing?" As the group moves swiftly towards the town, Astrid asks Gail accusingly, "How could you allow fiends to walk free and terrorize as they see fit... Fiends that had just stolen away two of our allies." Gail does not turn towards the mage as she makes her way through town, her stride unflagging and her face set in the same cold scowl. "There will be time to deal with her, later; I doubt highly that this is the last time we will confront her. For now, we have a higher priority to attend to."
"Don't make stupid excuses." The wizardess replies with cold vehemence, "Dicem already wasted enough time, whatever happened to the others is long over." Her eyes stare intently at the Paladin, "You let them go... You let a group of fiends get away..." She shakes her head, "We can deal with her later? Later? When she holds another child hostage or maybe after she burns down a village. A higher priority? A Paladin has a higher priority than opposing strife?"
Just then crazed chained figures attack the group!!!
...
Meanwhile...
((Well... I must apologize for this gentleman but you just lost your healer. Well, unless a handy dandy Paladin is nearby....but even that won't help.))
[Will Save: 2...+ 11 = 13]
The Doctor winces at the blow, then his eyes widen with unnatural trepidation and he turns breaking into a sprint away from the fiend.
[Full Retreat to the north away from the devils.]

Posted by: Dark Maiden Wed Nov 15, 2006 8:05 am
[That sucks. ] Kayla keeps bleeding out. [-4]

Posted by: Alpha Wed Nov 15, 2006 10:05 am
Wincing as his wounds build up again, Tanis begins to feel panic as Doctor Coventry succumbs to the fear brought around by the devil. However, being in no position to heal himself or even stand up, Tanis falls back into casting, to try and take out the devil he'd just injured.
[Cast Sound Lance at the same devil Tanis cast at last turn
SR check: 1d20 + 7 = 27...w00t
Defensive casting: 1d20 + 14 = 24...w00t again
Damage: 7d8 + 4 = 31
Fort save DC20 for half damage]
[AC with elation is 23]

Posted by: Aldur Wed Nov 15, 2006 10:50 am
Kria winces, and shrieks in pain, eyes widening as the doctor runs. She looks around at her allies sadly, shaking her head. "I think...we lose." She feebly raises her hand, pointing at the devil that had attacked her. ((Hit. 4 damage. FOUR. D:))
**
And so the evil cleric dies, without a word, without a sound...without knowing.

Posted by: Kaihaku Wed Nov 15, 2006 2:03 pm
((Yeah, it's not so great for the rest of you... For Coventry? Well, he's something like 340 feet away at the moment. With mobility and other mods his AC should be 30 for any AoOs provoke by running. TUM, when can I think rationally again? Just how far from the devils do I need to be before I might, I don't know, cast Cure Critical Wounds followed by, maybe, just maybe, Remove Fear?
Oh, mountains...))
Reaching the mountains, the Doctor does not pause, speaking a word of power and propelling high into the sky to float down slowly.
[Updraft]

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Nov 16, 2006 12:15 am
The Hamatula growls as Gorrik's axe strikes him, lashing out with a pair of claws, one claw closing around the dwarf's throat as the devil draws him closer. ((Hit, Miss. 17 damage to Gorrik. Free action grapple check: 31.)) Gilliam blasts away at the Osyluth to the south, nearly killing the creature.
((Hit, Hit! 85 damage total from two Holy Bursts.))
Tanis' sonic spell blasts apart its target into gory bits.
The Hamatula near Kayla's body shoots another pair of Scorching Rays into the sky at Kria. The catfolk miraculously dodges the first, and the second is extraordinarily weak.
((Miss, Hit. 5 damage to Kria, putting her at 0.))
The wounded Osyluth steps forward and knocks Tanis back out with a few claw swipes.
((Hit, Hit. 11 damage knocks Tanis to -1.))
The Devil Mage staggers out of the sandstorm, looking up into the sky with hatred smoldering in his eyes. He coldly chants as another lightning bolt is sent flying at the druid.
((Lightning Bolt: Ref save DC 17 for half. 21 damage.))
Sparks fly from Gilliam as an invisible attacker lands a devastating blow on the robot, nearly sending him down.
Next turn!

Posted by: Kaihaku Thu Nov 16, 2006 12:38 am
Coventry continues to run really fast while allies >almost< die horrible deaths. ... Astrid speaks a few words of power and weaves magic in the air, unleashing a bolt spell upon the chained crazed evil beings. [Bolt 1] [Damage: 38 Elec]
[No save]

Posted by: Aldur Thu Nov 16, 2006 12:38 am
((Conditions met! Kria special activated! Eldritch Elimination ready! Firing...! http://gh.ffshrine.org/soundtracks/3374/37391 )) Kria gasped, panting heavily, looking around as her allies fell one by one. Exhaustedly she landed, staring at the mage that had attacked Sorel. She staggered, falling to one knee for a moment. She seemed to be thinking about something and nodded to herself.
"Like...I better make this count! Spirits...lend me your powers!"
Kria shut her eyes, envisioning the mage before her. Her hands snapped out, filling with the baleful, dark energy granted to her through her evil heritage. She opens her eyes, focusing, the energy pulsating throughout her body purifying, lighting the warlock up. She raised her hands, the energy crackling around her body, and pointed solemnly at the mage, a huge blast of Holy energy streaming towards the mage, smacking him dead on, killing the evildoer straight away.
((55 Damage.))
The weary catfolk nodded in satisfaction and giggled, before slumping to the ground, unconcious from the effort. Her eyes slowly close as she prays for a miracle.
((Kria is at -1 and stable.))

Posted by: Alpha Thu Nov 16, 2006 12:43 am
The attacks being too much once more, Tanis again lapses into unconsciousness. This time though, he doesn't fall, already being on the ground and all. [Failed stabalise. At -2 and dying]

Posted by: Dark Maiden Thu Nov 16, 2006 3:05 am
Kayla remains oblivious to what is happening around her as she continues to bleed out. [Kayla drops to -5]

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Thu Nov 16, 2006 3:22 am
Langston attacks again, and fails to land a single blow. ((Fighting Defensively, so AC 29 plus Haste/Elation and Dodge to the barbed devil thing again.))

Posted by: Nightmare Thu Nov 16, 2006 3:24 am
Gorrik manages to break free of the devil's clutches using his great dwarven strength, the not so nimble fellow then followed up with a gash to his foe's chest. ((Grapple check passed even without the super special + 5(Birthday) bonus. 1 Hit, 2 misses.
Damage: D10 + 5(STR) + 2(Axe) + 1(Elation) + 2(PA) + 5(Smite) + D6(Electric) = 6 + 15 + 3(Electric) = 21 + 3(Electric)))

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Thu Nov 16, 2006 6:11 am
Sorel again avoids most of the spell's damage, but his flight path is still all the more erratic for having been struck. Thunderstruck, he responds in kind, channeling raw electrical energy between two of the remaining foes. ((REF save passed. 10 damage taken. Sorel is at 8/58
Arc of Lightning cast, between the remaining Osyluth and remaining, uh... is that a Hamatula? Whatever it was that knocked Kayla out like a punk bitch.
Damage: 6 2 5 3 4 6 4 4: 34 electrical damage, REF DC 22 for half. No SR))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Nov 16, 2006 8:04 am
The Osyluth struck by Sorel's spell shrieks as it collapses, twitching and shaking as it dissolves into brimstone and ash. The Hamatula grunts as the shock hits it, but looks upward and grins as he gestures at Sorel. Sorel is suddenly surrounded by an unholy miasma of greasy black smoke that burns his skin!
((Unholy Blight. 20 unholy damage to Sorel. Sorel must make a Will save DC for half damage and to avoid being sickened.))
The Hamatula attacking Gorrik laughs as the dwarf injures himself on the barbs around the devil even as it lashes out with a claw. It's joined in its attack by his invisible companion.
((Hit, Miss. 16 damage. Barbed Defense: 10 damage. Hellcat: Hit, Miss, Miss. 10 damage. 36 damage total to Gorrik.))
Gilliam takes a step back and fires two long bursts of gunfire into the air in front of him. A horrible yowling is heard as a massive lion-like creature is outlined in flame for a moment before turning to ash.
"Beware, Gorrik. There is still one more of the Hellcats attacking,"Gilliam warns.
Next turn!

Posted by: Dark Maiden Thu Nov 16, 2006 4:05 pm
Kayla's condition continues to get worse. [Kayla drops to -6]

Posted by: Alpha Thu Nov 16, 2006 6:49 pm
Tanis' body struggles in vain to try and cope with his injuries, but alas, the efforts are in vain. [Missed stabalisation by 1. Tanis is at -3]

Posted by: Aldur Thu Nov 16, 2006 7:42 pm
Kria's body however is better than Tanis could ever hope his is. ((-1. Stable.))

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Thu Nov 16, 2006 8:16 pm
Fell energy washes over the druid, wracking his body with pain and nausea. His muscles seize, and he is unable to maintain his flight. Every stroke of Sorel's wings is met with more resistance as he grows weaker, the strength of nature ebbing from him. Powerless, he begins to fall.
Droplets of blood scatter from him as he falls. With an inhuman shriek he beats his wings ever more fiercely, tendons tearing as he treads air. But Sorel's wings have already begun to recede into his arms, which lengthen into their familiar shape. He loses his animal form, and is fully human, fully frail, fully mortal, and still twenty feet above the ground.
Sorel lands, clutching the staff that had appeared in his hand. The parting gift of his wife. Sorel lands with a thud and a crack. Pain flares anew in his leg, and he is certain that it has broken. Instinctively, he reaches down with a trembling hand towards the pain, and comes up only with a splinter. He brings it to his face. Though his vision is blurred with blood and sweat and tears of pain, he knows what it is. Even through his broken fingers he can feel the old carvings.
The splinter of his broken staff tumbles from his hand, then slowly falls to his side. Sorel coughs, dark red blood dribbling from the corners of his mouth. His clear green eyes cloud over and close. Somewhere within the burbling depths of this throat there hover a few notes, the last few notes of an old song.
Then he is silent.
((Fort save: natural 1. Sorel's at -12, and dead.))

Posted by: Kaihaku Thu Nov 16, 2006 11:16 pm
Coventry continues to run away quickly.

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Thu Nov 16, 2006 11:18 pm
Panic was slowly creeping over Langston as he noted comrades continuining to fall. Frustrated at their inability to remove even one target, he thrust forward angrily at demon once again, losing his reins over his hatred for creatures of it's ilk.
((Rapier: 6 x 2 (Crt) = 12
SS: 13
HS: 6
Total: 21
Other two attacks miss. Fighting defensively. Dodge to the same ugly thing.))

Posted by: Knight_019 Fri Nov 17, 2006 12:16 am
*Mahler slams his fists together with a mighty shout, then proceeds to approach the enemy Kytons. Never enough with them, it seemed.* ((Mahler casts Bless Weapon on his fists. Move 20' toward a Kyton on the defensive.))

Posted by: Tarethen Fri Nov 17, 2006 2:27 am
Farain released a foley of arrows onto a wounded Kyton. ((I have no idea what the battle field looks like, so I hope to send these towards a wounded one. Attack 1: 19 + 6(bab) + 6(dex) = 31 Damage:
3 + 4 + 5(explosive arrow) + 6(str) + 1(magic) = 19. (14 after DR.)
Attack 2:
14 + 1(bab) + 6(dex) = 21.
Damage 2:
6 + 3 + 3(explosive arrow) + 6(str) + 1(magic) = 19. (14 after DR)

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Fri Nov 17, 2006 2:45 am
The lightning spells cascade over the devils as Ignatius and Farain shoot blast and arrow at the wounded devils. Three of the Kyton's number fall in the first wave. Adam begins to scan the surrounding area. "Scanning for reinforcements or hidden enemies..." Adam states as his glowing eyes survey the battlefield. "Scan complete. No hidden foes present within sight range."
Chains lash out at Astrid, Ombligo, Mahler, and Ignatius as the Kytons counterattack!
((Hit, Hit, Hit, Hit, Miss. 8 damage to Astrid, 7 damage to Ombligo, 1 damage to Mahler after DR, 13 damage to Ignatius.))
3 Kytons left.
Gorrik lands a pair of mighty blows on the Hamatula, nearly felling it as Gilliam fires a precisely aimed laser blast that lances through the second Barbed Devil.
((Hit, Hit, Miss. 26 damage to the Hamatula after DR from Gorrik. Critical Hit! Confirmed! 70 damage to the second Hamatula from Gilliam. Gorrik takes 10 damage from Barbed Defense.))
The Hamatula shot by Gilliam roars in pair, charging at the cyborg with claws raised. Gilliam cautiously steps aside and swiftly kicks the devil's legs out from under it as it nears him, even as the cyborg suffers another hit from the invisible Hellcat. Meanwhile, Gorrik skillfully parries the Barbed Devil's blows.
((Critical Miss! Hamatula 2 is prone. Miss, Miss, Hit on Gilliam. Miss, Miss on Gorrik.))
Next turn!

Posted by: Cyrus Fri Nov 17, 2006 2:53 am
Having spent the previous turn unstheathing her weapon, Gail turns her attention to the kyton currently engaged with Astrid, charging headlong before plunging her blade into its chain-wrapped body. The fiend lets loose an anguished cry before falling to sand and ash.
[Attack: 1d20(13)+7(BAB)+2(STR)+1(weapon)+1(misc)=24.
Damage: 1d10(9)+2(STR)+6(Might)=17.]

Posted by: Knight_019 Fri Nov 17, 2006 2:57 am
*Mahler steps forward to lash out at the chain devil, but one of the living chains writhes violently, spooking him into a wild, uncontrolled swing. Lumbering about, he attempts to recover with his second fist and catches the devil sternly in the gut.*
((1d20 + 14 = 1 + ...
CONFIRM: 1d20 + 14 = 1 + ...
CONFIRM: 1d20 + 14 = 13 + 14 = 27. Normal crit miss.
1d20 + 14 = 19 + 14 = 33.
Damage
4d8 + 8 = 6 + 5 + 1 + 3 + 8 = 23.))

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Fri Nov 17, 2006 3:19 am
((One attack lands, 21 damage, Langston gets another barb shank. Defensive, dodge to it if it lives, dodge to something else if it doesn't.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Fri Nov 17, 2006 3:54 am
Gilliam takes a step back and shreds the remaining Hellcat with a pair of lucky bursts even as Gorrik finishes off the wounded Hamatula. The second Hamatula rises and claws Gilliam to an inch of his life, but the roguish ratman and doughty dwarven defender save him from an untimely demise.
((Pair of really high rolls on the hellcat killed it, then Gilliam got dropped to 2 HP, then Gorrik and Langston wiped the Hamatula out.))
Quiet settles over the battlefield as the last foe is dead.
((VICTORY! Everyone gains 4000 XP! On the dark cleric Amelios, you find one Cloak of Charisma +2, one Hood of Wisdom (+4 Wis, +4 Int, +10 to one Wisdom-based skill check per day), one Large Steel Shield +5, his oddly constructed dark plate, and 3 gold coins, 1 silver piece and five copper. On the Devil Mages, you find 170 platinum pieces, a wand of Ghoul Touch with 24 charges, a Ring of Protection +1, an Adamantine Battleaxe for some reason, and a Headband of Intellect +2.))
A crashing through the brush is heard as Max arrives, breathing hard, sword in hand. He looks around the devastated battlefield and immediate moves to the nearest wounded man, Tanis.
: "I came as fast I could after I dropped Kayla's mother back off at the village... but a bit late it seems..." Max gasps as he channels healing energy into Tanis. When his wounds are no longer endangering his life, Max moves over to Kria and repeats the process. "Most of you seem alive, just knocked out... Can't say the same for the enemy I see. Where's your healer?"

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Fri Nov 17, 2006 4:06 am
After the three remaining members of their group defeated the final enemies, Langston sheathed Broderbund and exchanged glances with both Gorrik and Gilliam. Both lived though the others... Fear ran through him then as the reality of their predicament struck; the fallen comrades lying about everywhere was enough to shake him at his core. Thankfully Max's arrival was only shortly after, and the rat moved to his side as he administered his aid.
"He got spooked and ran for the hills," Langston replied, still short of breath. "Don't think it was much his choice either; he's kooky but not the type to take off like that. Once everything's under control here maybe I'll see if I can't smell him down; might still smell like that cheese he gave me earlier. Don't think anyone else should be movin' for awhile if we can help it, though," he finished, sighing heavily. "Will you be able to get 'em all back up? I gotta potion on me but nothing else for this sorta thing."

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Fri Nov 17, 2006 4:14 am
: "Let me see... It looks like everyon... No... " Max grimaces as he checks Sorel's pulse and he mutters an Elven curse word. "Damn, the druid's dead... Well... How long has it been since he died? I'll have to act quick..." Without waiting for a reply, Max withdraws a smooth, polished white orb from within a pouch and holds it above the still form of Sorel. The orb glows softly and the wounds covering Sorel's body slowly begin to heal. After a few, painful minutes, the restoration is complete and a faint heartbeat starts.
"How..." Gilliam begins to asks, Max shakes his head.
: "The Orb of Light can perform a ressurection once per day if done within a few minutes of the person's death... It's partially the reason we had so few casualities in the original Shining Force. But if you wait too long..." Max shakes his head. "This was a close call. A real close call. But the devils are dead and Kayla's mother is safe. I would suggest that she go into hiding for a while, they might try to take her again."

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Fri Nov 17, 2006 4:21 am
"That's a pretty useful thing to have around then. Good seeing you, Grandpa," Langston chided warmly as Sorel's resuscitation begins, showing his first signs of relief since the end of the battle.

Posted by: Rusty Fri Nov 17, 2006 4:24 am
((Float back 5' to avoid any AoO. CL check: 12 + 10 = 22. LB: 3 4 2 1 4 1 4 5 6 4 = 34. REF save DC 21 for half damage.)) *Ombligo shoots at the closest Kyton, a powerful bolt of lightning blasting out from his tentacle.*

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Fri Nov 17, 2006 4:29 am
Sorel coughs once, and sits up, joints popping in his back. His eyes fly around the field so quickly that his pupils vanish in a brilliant green blur. : "Where's Alastor? And Shera?"

Posted by: Tarethen Fri Nov 17, 2006 4:56 am
Farain sends an arrow towards a wounded Kyton. ((First attack missed. Second attack barely hit with a 20. Damage is 11 after DC. ))

Posted by: Kaihaku Fri Nov 17, 2006 5:23 am
Astrid blinks as Gail smites the kyton that had attacked her, then scowls remarking bitterly, "How nice of you to aid and defend me...unlike last time." She speaks a few words of power and weaves magic in the air. [Bolt 1] [No Save] [34 Elec Damage]

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Fri Nov 17, 2006 5:33 am
Mahler's fist slams into one of the Kytons even as it takes a lightning bolt and an arrow to the face. It sighs heavily, then crumples to the ground. The second follows suite soon after as Astrid and Ignatius both blast it to bits. ((Victory! Everyone gains 1000 XP.))
"Hostiles terminated. Continue returning to base," Adam murmurs, tromping down the trail once more.

Posted by: Kaihaku Fri Nov 17, 2006 5:57 am
Doctor Coventry gains a level in Combat Medic! ...perhaps from all the exercise. +5 HP +1 Base Attack Bonus +1 Reflex Save
Gains Evasion Ability
Gains Improved Toughness.
Learns Stabilize, Mass Resist Energy, and Delay Death.

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Fri Nov 17, 2006 6:35 am
"Coventry ran away... Shera's safe back in the village now." says Max. "Somethin' had to be up with the doc," Langston added, crouching closer to the ground. "Once things are under wraps here I'll go an' take a look for him." Sorel runs a hand along his shattered staff, and it is once again made whole. He struggles to his feet. He look to Langston. "That will not be necessary." Sorel takes batform, and flies off, scanning for Coventry.
Scratching behind his ear, he shrugged. "Geez man...guy dies, gets up, turns into a bat and goes on a scoutin' mission. Makes me feel kinda lazy."
Sorel comes upon the Doctor, watching him as he continues to flee in fear for a few more seconds.
Coventry comes to a stop, mutters a curse, then heals himself and starts walking back.
Sorel lands a few feet in front of Coventry.
The Doctor stumbles to a halt as the old druid appears before him, then he shakes his head with a wry smile, "Come to mock me?" He rubs his head and sighs, "Guess I'm not as talented as I make myself out to be." He shrugs and continues to walk towards the battlefield.
"Mocking someone in a moment of duress? Tell me, what kind of a man would I be then?" says Sorel, smiling faintly as he keeps pace with the doctor.
"I take it you and the grand hero already patched everyone up?" The Doctor replies, struggling to sound indifferent but clearly rather vexed.
Sorel nods, slowly. "Considering the odds, it was a great success. There were almost no deaths."
"I see...." The Doctor replies quietly before growing silent.
Sorel walks on in silence with the Doctor until they rejoin the others.
Before the group returns to Yeel, they gather around the corpse of Amelios Adelhyde. At Gilliam's urging, they prepare to burn the body.
Gorrik takes off the holy symbol that he wears underneath his large armor, and holds it in his hand, dangling overtop of the Kyantol's body. The paladin then looks downward, and closes his eyes.
"As this body is te be laid te res', may the sins tha' the Kyantol has committed agains' The Ligh's will be forgiven, bu' no' forgotten. May the world no' judge him for the evil he had committed, but for the good he had done." Gorrik paused as he made a movement with his hand across his body. "May The Ligh' guide this lost soul te a restfull slumber." The dwarf looked up towards Gilliam and nodded. "You may proceed."
With the familiar whine of capacitors charging and the fwoosh of their discharge, Amelios is set alight.
As the cleric's body is reduced to cinders, Sorel waves a hand over the ashes. A gust of wind extends from his palm and scatters them into the air. Bits of mica in the loose soil glitter in the afternoon sun like stars.
"From the dust of the earth you were formed, and to the dust you have returned." Sorel says softly, before turning and slowly leading the march back to Yeel. "You have peace, if nothing else. Cherish that."

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Fri Nov 17, 2006 6:48 am
The groups return to Yeel, eventually reuniting. From all the news to bring and plans to discuss, it will be a long night...

Posted by: Nightmare Fri Nov 17, 2006 7:00 am
Gorrik Gains a level! Gorrik is now Paladin5/Fighter2/DwarvenDefender2 + 11 HP! + 1 BAB! + 1 FORT!
+ 1 WILL!
Gains Diehard!
Gains Uncanny Dodge!
Gains 1 Rank in Ride!

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Fri Nov 17, 2006 7:14 am
((Gear as it stands: Cloak of Charisma +2: Open Hood of Wisdom (+4 Wis, +4 Int, +10 to one Wisdom-based skill check per day): Coventry Large Steel Shield +5: Gail dark plate: appraise/sell
3.14 gold: party fund
170 platinum pieces: party fund
a wand of Ghoul Touch with 24 charges: sell unless someone wants it
Ring of Protection +1: sell unless someone doesn't have one yet and wants one
Adamantine Battleaxe: backup weapon for Gorrik, unless he doesn't want it
Headband of Intellect +2: sell unless Astrid doesn't have one yet
Note: apparently Dam had the actual party fund with him. Until further notice all cash is being diverted to the party fund and all money matters are being handled IC by Gail. Sorry to those of you who don't keep your gold in the fund, but rest assured things will go back to normal once Dam comes back and starts handling money again.
He doesn't get to talk to bosses anymore, though.))

Posted by: Nightmare Fri Nov 17, 2006 7:17 am
((Gorrik will take the Cloack of Charisma +2 instead of the axe. So the axe can be sold and money given to the party fund. Note that if you didn't spend your 15K yet, it should still be in your possesion, since Dam shouldn't have had it.))

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Fri Nov 17, 2006 7:53 am
((Approved)) Sorel approaches Gail at the head of the other group. "How did your end of the mission fare?" he asks, before his eyes dart behind Gail. : "Where are Dam and Graigus?" Gail takes a deep breath as the druid asks his question, closing her eyes as she answers.
: "The child was freed, but...Dam challenged Aelisnyx to a duel for the child's freedom....and lost. Graigus tried to free him by trying the same tactic, and the results were the same. They were taken away before we could rescue them." She remains silent for a while, before muttering incredulously. "I should've done something, stopped him before he went through with it, but..." She then shakes her head, ashamed.
Sorel's eyes are closed. His shoulders sag.
: "Dam and Graigus are captives of the Devil Army," he repeats. He is silent for a long moment, thinking. After a silence he looks up, eyes piercing Gail's. "We need to go to Granseal. Graigus's staff is there being enchanted. I can use it as a focus to scry on him. With luck, we will be able to find out were he is being held and his condition. First gather the others together so that we can speak to them and divide the spoils we have gained."
Gail nods solemnly, turning to the group before turning her head back to Sorel.
: "If it's fine with you...I'd like to be the one to gather Graigus's staff. His and Dam's capture were incidents I could have very well prevented...or, at least, fixed."
Sorel's eyes search Gail's. He speaks frankly.
: "I am not sure it is best for you to be alone with your own thoughts, let alone unguarded between here and Galam."
Gail stares at Sorel for a short while, a slight glare coming over her face before it softens.
: "I see...Thank you for your honesty," she says before turning to the group.
Sorel clears his throat.
: "I need to speak to Max. Take the group into the tavern."
The paladin nods, moving to gather the various members of the force together.
After Gail ushers the group into a private room in the tavern, Sorel stands before the assembled party.
: "Both missions suceeded," he says, looking in turn on members of either half of the split force. "Neither Kayla's mother nor the child came to any harm. However, we failed. Dam and Graigus were taken prisoner by Aelisnyx. Those of us who pursued Shera suffered heavy damage. Only a lucky and skillful few were left standing at the battle's end. More than half our number was unconscious or worse." He pauses, aware of the tension that settled in the room. "But our first obligation is to our comrades. We must return to Granseal to begin the planning stages of a rescue. In order to do so we must leave immediately. We will be able to find rest while we are there, if only briefly. Time enough to restock and lick our wounds. If anyone has any questions," Sorel concludes, taking his staff in hand and striding out the door, "You may ask them as we march."

Posted by: Rusty Fri Nov 17, 2006 9:18 am
*Ombligo floats over to Sorel, remaining silent for some time. He still feels awful about what happened to Graigus, and even Dicem, even though it wasn't really his fault. He looks at Sorel, noticing a pale tinge on the Druid's face. Ombligo winces before speaking.*
: "Sorel, you don't look so good...What happened? How bad was it???"

Posted by: Aldur Fri Nov 17, 2006 9:38 am
((Kria gains a level! Kria is now an 8th level warlock! (ECL 9)! Hp+8! BAB+1! Kria now has two attacks! +1 WILL! +1 STR!
+2 ranks in UMD!
+2 ranks in Concentration!
Kria gains the ability Fiendish Flamewreath! All enemies in Melee with Kria take 1d6 fire damage when active!
Kria gains the Invocation Walk Unseen!(Invisibility on self at will.)
Oh yeah. Kickass.))
Kria frowns as the others talk, clearly thinking about something. She meekly clears her throat for once, her voice tenative as she does so.
"Umm...what if they've been brainwashed?"

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Fri Nov 17, 2006 10:01 am
It is hours - eight, nine, maybe more - before the rogue regains consciousness, locked in a barren cell. Instinctively, he reached for his daggers, but found their familiar weight - and the weight of most of his items - missing. Shaking his head, he ran a hand through his sunset-orange locks and paced slowly, taking a few moments to think.
Well, I suppose this is why I shouldn't be leading any sort of expedition, Dicem thought, a wry smile twisting his features. I need to get that kid out of here, if not myself as well... and I need to remember never to tell the truth again.
Then, standing straight, he shook his head clear. Focus... blame can and will be applied later. First off, I need to see what they didn't take.
As he started the self-inspection, he noted that his vest remained where it was before, and he nodded to no one. In addition, he also still wore the ring of protection, which would undoubtedly help in some manner. Once sure of his possessions, he moved to the lock and observed it before again scannining the room - this time, for something to use as a lockpick. Nothing presented itself, not even a piece of rock; it wasn't until a few more seconds had passed that he considered using the buckle to attempt to open the lock. Removing his boot, he set about tinkering at the lock, trying his best to get it open while considering the fate of the monk the entire time.
Don't worry, kid, he thought, determined. I'm coming, one way or another...
Then, with a satisfying click, the lock opened. His face grim and set, he put the boot back on, secured it and it's mate tightly, and slowly pulled the door open. It creaked as he moved it and, cursing, the rogue listened for the telltale sound of footsteps which would inevitably signal his capture. Hearing none, he ventured to look into the corridor.
As he observed, he saw it much like any other prison; the hallway was long, with many cells and torches in the walls providing illumination. And, directly across from his cell, was Graigus, legs folded under him and hands on his lap as he meditated. However, the moment he stepped into the hallway, a loud clanging sound erupted around him.
Dicem moved like a madman, diving back into his cell and closing the door behind him, even as two barbazu entered the hallway and looked around. Opening his eyes at the sound, Graigus looks up in time to see reddish-orange hair disappear back into the cell across from his.
"What's with the racket?" Dicem asked, noting the entrance of the two Barbazu. "We're supposed to be part of this army; the least you can do is let me sleep in peace."
"See anything suspicion?" one of them growls in common. "In the case it wasn't you trying to escape?"
"Check the monk," the rogue replied in Infernal.
"Pffft. Trying to back out of the deal. Typical mortal," one of the Barbazus mutters in Infernal.
"You don't have to believe me if you don't want to. But check on him yourself, if you want to cover the bases," the rogue repeated.
One of the Barbazus inspects the lock on the cell.
"It's still holding here."
The other Barbazu moves to check the lock on Dam's cell.
"When's Aelisnyx coming to speak with me?" he asked, attempting to distract the devil.
"Soon enough. Sh- This lock has been picked!" the Barbazu proclaims, the other one growling as it holds its glaive ready.
"Probably wasn't locked properly," Dam said dismissively. "I can't pick a lock - you took my stuff, remember?"
The Barbazu glares at Dam, merely continuing to stand guard.
A few minutes pass before a pale, thin man in a black robe arrives. Without saying a word he heads for Dam's cell and inspects the lock.
"This cell's lock is broken... I can't just relock it. Switch him to a different cell," the man proclaims, walking over to one of the empty cells and opening it. "This one will do."
One of the Barbazus opens Dam's cell and gestures to the new one.
"On your feet. Go."
"You could be a little kinder to a guy who's supposed to be your comrade. Real friendly army, this one," the rogue muttered.
"It'll get better. This is only temporary until we set up your more permanent lodgings..." one of the devils grunts. "Could be worse. You could be stuck in a black void for a few hundred years."
"Lodgings where? And where are we now, anyway?" the rogue asked, walking into the cell voluntarily.
The cell door is closed behind him. "The Grans field HQ."
"I meant where on Grans," Dam said.
"You'll know soon enough," the devil said. "Idiot. If you hadn't of tried to get out of this you'd be being treated far better."
"If I'm going to find out soon, it wouldn't hurt to tell me now," Dam reasoned. "At the very least, it gives me something to tell the kid when he comes out of that trance and starts freaking out."
"I suppose. We're a little north of Galam, midway between the dwarven village to the north and the city to the south... In the wilderness, of course."
"Thanks... I hope it'll keep him calm," Dam said. "You guys have names, or something? Might as well get to know you now, if we're going to be working together."
"Names give power. You shan't have any power over us until you demonstrate your worthiness."
"Fair enough," he nodded. "Getting food anytime soon?"
"Someone brought in some fresh human infant. We're just waiting on the spicy sauce," one of the Barbazus says with a fangfilled grin.
"On second thought, I think I'll pass," Dam said. "Sorry to waste your time; I'll let you get back to what you were doing."
The Barbazus burst out laughing.
"Works everytime! They always fall for it!" they say, pointing at Dam and laughing. "Eating infants, wahahaha, do you have any idea how badly that would screw up ally morale? Oh, harassing the recruits, I do love it so..."
"Glad you're having fun," Dam said sarcastically.
They leave after a while, the man in the black robe chanting something and touching the floor before they go. After a little while, he hears a cheerful humming that sounds familiar.
"Who's there?" the rogue asked.
Lew steps into sight, jauntily walking down the hallway. He pivots on his heel and grins as he looks into Dam's cell. "Why Mr. Dicem! Whatever are you doing in such a nasty place?"
"I should ask you the same, Lew," Dam said. "Though you seem quite comfortable now, if I do say so myself."
"Oh, the rogue's gallery that makes up this place isn't a match for a master spy like myself," Lew says, cheerfully, backing up and leaning on a wall. "I see that the Devil Army still insists on... heh... spartan quarters to say the least. Do you know what they have planned?"
"No... but I know where we are, as you do," Dam said. "Don't suppose you can do anything about getting me and the kid out of here, can you?"
"Well, that's an interesting thought. I've been mulling it over myself..." Lew says, closing his eyes. "On the one hand, if I free you, it might throw a monkey wrench into some of the plans the rogues are making. That would delight me to no end. But..."
"But what?" Dam asked.
"If I do that, it might cause them to increase security around the base. They'll know that they have a leak, that someone might know where the place is..." Lew shrugs. "Of course some DO know, but they DON'T know that."
"As it is, they're probably going to squeeze info out of me, and depending on what spells they've got I might not be able to keep your name out of their ears," Dam said.
"Well that's partially why I'm here," Lew says with a smile. "But of course... do you know what exactly they have planned?"
"All I know is that Aelisnyx thinks I know too much for my own good and she wants to know what I know," Dam said. "As for their plans here... I don't know more than what you told me."
"Well, my guess is that the reason you're in a cell is that they're waiting for Shadow Demons to arrive."
"I think I'm going to need a bit more of an explaination than that," Dam said. "Why would they need Shadow Demons?"
"Do you even know what they are?"
"Not at all, and I bet that if I did I'd know what they're going to use them for," Dam sighed. "Care to fill me in?"
"They're the Strife's Lords' very own customized Gizmos," Lew says. "They're altered to work their possession in an odd way... They're much like living Masks of Darkness. Far easier to produce. Far harder to detect."
"So then I'd be happy about this whole thing?" Dam said. "Yeah... real nice, these guys."
Lew shrugs. "You made it quite clear you had no real intention to join, I hear. Aelisnyx is no fool. You know, she's been promoted to fill the void that simpering Amelios left when your group killed him. It wouldn't surprise me if she set it up so that would happen."
"Look, Lew," Dam said, "chances are, one of those goody-goodies is going to try and find us, and if they do this place's security is going to go up, whether he succeeds in breaking us out or not. If you can get me and Graigus out, so much the better."
"Oh, but I'm counting on that," Lew says with a smile. "I was a tad worried that your group might not actually assault the base when they found out its location... But with you in here, it will give them an excellent reason to attack."
"With Max at the head, the Galam army might even push for a full out strike, one last ditch effort to push the Devil Army from their lands."
"And it'd go even better if we got out and told them where the base is," Dam said. "I never got to give them the info I bought from you in the tavern."
"If you want this place gone, believe me I can make sure it gets done," Dam said. "But we'll have better chances of success if I'm combat-ready."
"Yes you did. Really Dam... trying to lie to ME? Me???" Lew chuckles. "You are truly a man after my own heart."
"Yes, you are correct, freeing you would lead them here..." Lew says, tapping his chin. "But..."
Lew grins widely. "With another factor already taking care of that matter, this leaves me with quite an opportunity... Yes... Yes, they'll come with their Demons, those creatures no longer even of the Evil World... And you..."
Lew grins. "You're going to teach them that even while possessed you're not to be trusted."
"What are you talking about?" Dam asked.
"Of course this neccessitates removing choice bits of your memory concerning myself... That'll complicate things further down the road, but I'm sure I can manage," Lew says, advancing towards the cell until he is pressed against the bars. "What am I talking about?"
"I'm going to introduce a fatal flaw into those spiritual manacles about to be slipped over your hands... Congratulations, Mr. Dicem. You've gone from being a small cog to a big wheel," Lew says with a smile. "You know what the best kind of spy is?"
"You're not making sense, Lew," Dam said, eyeing the spy carefully.
Lew chuckles. "Answer the question. The best kind of spy is...?"
"No... you can't be thinking..."
Lew grins and steps forward, through the bars, his body reforming as he clears the metal. "The best kind of spy is one that doesn't even know he's a spy. Now come along, Mr. Dicem... You might even thank me for this in the long run..."
"At least get the kid out of here, Lew... take him to the dwarven town or something," Dam said, taking a step back.
Lew strokes his chin. "Yes, that's a fair price I suppose. It might take some time, but I can engineer things so that he's delivered back to your merry band soon enough."
"And what are you going to do to me?" the rogue asked.
"Heh.... Nothing... permanent. That much at least I can promise you," Lew says. "Can't reveal too much, though..."
"But enough talk, the damnable Cult creatures have arrived. Time is short," Lew says, stepping to within touching distance of Dam. "If you don't resist, this'll go much better. And you want this to go better."
"Take care of him. He was never supposed to get himself stuck in here in the first place... it was just supposed to be me," Dam said, gesturing towards Graigus' cell before looking Lew in the eye. "And I swear, if this goes wrong, I'm coming to get you personally. Now hurry up with whatever it is."
"And get my pack back to the group, sans weapons," he added. "It's got stuff they'll need."
"Mr. Dicem, how will you do that when you don't even know this ever took place?" Lew asks as he touches Dam's forehead. Dam immediately falls unconscious, his mind going black.
<}--<^>--{>
Graigus feels a sudden odd pressure on his head, like something pushing to get in. After a while, the feeling fades, though he feels oddly lightheaded.
Sliding underneath the bars of the cell is a mass of dark shadow that swiftly coalesces into a black cloud.
Wasting no time, the monk quickly lashed out at the creature, though neither of his blows hit. It too missed, though his retaliatory strikes did no better.
And then, moving swiftly, the Shadow Demon descended on the monk, doing what it does best...

Posted by: Alpha Fri Nov 17, 2006 11:49 am
((If nobody else wants/claims it, I'll take the Ring of Protection for Tanis. I'll post something else soon, but I have class. I'd like to get some rping in, being 330exp away from a level up ))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Fri Nov 17, 2006 6:51 pm
[I would like the Ring of Protection for Kayla. She could use more AC, and believe it or not, hers is lower than Tanis'. ] Kayla frowns when Sorel mentions how his group fared in battle, as it is something she does not wish to remember right now. She then looks at Sorel in disbelief. Not only had two of their comrades been kidnapped, but Sorel thought they should leave right this instant. She stands up and speaks in a calm tone.
"I also have an obligation to my family. Too much has happened for me to leave without seeing that she is safe with my own two eyes. It will be a long time before I can see my mother again, and want to say goodbye."
[Also, didn't Max mention something about Shera going into hiding? We should get that little scene done, as it will involve talking, I'm sure.]

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Fri Nov 17, 2006 8:44 pm
Sorel's face is stony as he turns to look at Ombligo. : "I am not well, Ombligo, no." He says no more on the subject. The druid's face softens as Kayla pleads her case. : "I am not unsympathetic to your wishes, but I cannot hold behind and jeopardize the lives of others so that you may have time to say goodbye. We are leaving now." He pauses. "Shera will accompany us to Granseal. We can protect her that far and it will be easier for her to go into hiding from there."
((Since Kayla doesn't have Spring Attack, she will at some point end up in melee. So I think she stands to get more use out of the ring. If Tanis is in melee something has gone wrong.))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Fri Nov 17, 2006 9:57 pm
Kayla tilts her head up slightly to look at Sorel, and she finds it hard to hide her shame as she speaks. "Forgive me," she says softly. "For being so selfish. You have been kinder to me than I deserve, and I have not been fair at all." Kayla smiles slightly. "I just...want...to say thank you. Thank you for being so kind and understanding."
[I'll handle roleplaying Shera if it is needed]

Posted by: Aldur Fri Nov 17, 2006 9:58 pm
"Well then! Let's get moving! No point in lingering! We've got people to save and a country to liberate! Step, hup! Cmon!" Kria smiles, doing a little spin and winking at the group, before tilting her head to one side a little, frowning. "Where is your mother now anyhow?"

Posted by: Dark Maiden Fri Nov 17, 2006 10:04 pm
Kayla tilts her head in Kria's direction. "To tell you the truth, I have no idea." Later... Sorel marches silently, eyes sweeping the landscape. Lunauga hovers far behind, bringing up the rear of the group. "Why's it so quiet?" the owl whispers, afraid to be the one to break the silence.
"Most of us don't know what the hell is going on..." The Doctor replies quietly, "So we're brooding and melancholy."
"Also," Tanis adds. "Most of us are still quite battered from the battle," he says with a sigh.
"Oh." Lunauga says, still obviously confused. "Why don't we take a break then? You guys all look tired. I stayed behind with Stoltz. He tells lots of boring stories about his family."
"I hate always getting battered," he then mutteres. "You'd thinking buying all this new stuff would help. But no..."
"Heh, remember the halcyon days of youth," Langston remarked with a grin. "Don't wanna say bad words in front of the 'rents," he added, subtly directing his thumb to Shera as he turned about to face them.
"Not in the mood to eat a bar o' soap today, right? That's probably what it is."
Kria frowned as she flew along above the group, descending after growing bored up in the sky. She giggled a little, moving towards Tanis. "Look what I can do!" At that point Kria's body flared and a flame spread out - the catfolk appearing like she was on fire, but actually quite fine. "Nifty huh!?"
The Doctor winces as Kria draws near, taking a step back from the heat with a frown.
Recoiling in surprise, Langston's thin yellow eyes widened as his arms cringed into his chest. "Flamin' flyin' cats!"
Tanis smiles at Kria. "Impressive. I guess you can do that indefinately too, right?"
"What the-?" Kayla gasps, surprised.
Lunauga blinks. "I guess cats really don't like water..."
"Doctor Coventry would know that I expect," Tanis says, shooting a glance at Alastor.
A cold smile appears on the Doctor's face, "Let's find out if that's changed..."
"Yup! And after watching Iggy, I figured out how to turn invisible!" She gestured, the flames disappearing and the catgirl disappearing from sight. "Not this time!" Krias moves away from the doctor swiftly.
"Flamin' flyin' invisible cats! Man," Langston said with a sigh. "There's nowhere safe for a guy like me anymore..."
"Oh... Such a pity, now I won't be able to see your lovely face ever again." The Doctor remarks sarcastically.
Tanis looks around at the surprised expressions on several members of the group. "Well, the flaming part isn't so extraordinary," he says.
The wizardess frowns at the antics of those around her, muttering quietly, "Buffons..."
Kria giggles, reappearing in the sky, happily tumbling around in the air, her warlock powers amusing her greatly.
Lunauga flies along blithely, oblivious to the mutterings of the wizardess.
A smile plays at the corner of Sorel's lips as he looks back at Astrid, but he says nothing.
Gorrik blinks in awe of Kria's display. "I need a drink." Mumbled the dwarf as he shook his head slightly.
"I need a real big mousehole if every cat I meet ends up like Kria..."
"So..." The Doctor comments drily, "How exactly did the group of you loss Dicem and Graigus again?"
Lunauga flaps his wings. "Astrid was there, wasn't she? Astrid! Hey Astrid! What happened to Dam and Graigus?"
Langston shuffled on his feet to accomodate his look at Coventry as he spoke, then following from Lunauga to Astrid. Walking backwards and moving his head from side to side clumsily to do so would likely cause anyone else to fall.
The wizardess arches an eyebrow, then speaks in a low irritated voice, "Instead of making use of tactics or the resources at his disposal, Dicem decided that the best route to ensure the safe return of the child was to challenge the leader of the devils to a one on one archery contest." A disgusted expression crosses her face as she relates this, "Somehow he neglected to note that her strong point was archery... Failing, he lost the wager of his soul and was taken by the devils...while our loyal and kind second in command stood idly by. Next, the dwarf having learned nothing from Dicem decided to take up the same wager. He threw rocks at the devil but his body was soon riddled by arrows.For some reason, and I do not know why, the entire time Dicem continued to ask the number of arrows carried by the devil." She shakes her head, "As if that was somehow of importance... As Graigus was taken as well, Dicem ordered us not to follow in his footsteps. I was seriously considering taking action at this point since no one else was doing anything, hoping that perchance that I could slay the devil holding the child with one blow but... I decided to wait for orders." She frowns in confusion, "Oddly enough... After mocking us , the devils released the child of their own accord. Not wishing for them to escape to continue their schemes, I immediately began a magical attack on one of their number." Her eyes narrow with anger, "The others merely stood by as if spell bound. Then, a person I once considered a friend sided with the devils and chided me for attacking them." Her eyes gleam with hurt and wrath as she spits out the next, "A paladin siding with fiends." She grows silent for just a moment, crossing her arms, then continues, "After I had been ordered to stand down... Yes, an order was actually given on this matter. The devils withdrew... Though, they had us surrounded by invisible forces and I am not certain why they did not assault us."
"That's, uh..." Lunauga trails off, looking for a tactful word and finding none. "That's really stupid."
Kria swooped down, sighing at Astrid. "You and Gail are over? Pity, nice couple."
Tanis sighs. There's nothing really he can say.
"If she knew how to talk, maybe we could work it out but her communication sucks..." Astrid sighs.
He waggled his finger in front of him. "See, wise one say never enter a rock fight with rocks...er...never enter an arrow fight with...never..." He threw up his hands. "Whatever, s'all beside the point anyway. Still, the boss bettin' his soul, huh. Didn't he have some gold he could bet instead or somethin?"
"How foolish," Kayla says. It was the only thing that came to her mind at the moment. The looks at Astrid, but she cannot think of anything to say.
The Doctor remains silent, for once, speechless.
Kria frowns, deciding not to mention that their side didn't do much better.
"Well 'sides all that, we gotta find out where they are and how to get 'em back...I think we'll need a better plan for that this time," he submitted, in a vain attempt to parry Astrid's comments regarding Gail somewhat to the side for the time being.
The Wizardess arches an eyebrow, then scowls, "I am certain that Sorel can think of something."
He scratched the inside of his ear with the nail of his index finger. "Maybe the bitch and the Doc can have a cook off instead." He chuckled a bit. "I don't think they'd want the good Doc's soul anyway, but we'd get some good food out of it if he won."
"Don't call Kria tha..." The Doctor blinks, "Oh, you mean the devil. Well, I'd prefer a heal off personally..."
Laughing anxiously, Langston replied "Well dependin' on how it all goes you'll probably get plenty of chances for that anyway."
"If I don't break and run you mean." The Doctor replies. "Well, you always have the cleric... I don't think he could run if he had to."
Langston nodded. "Hey, I know somethin' was up with that, don't worry about it. Personally I'd like to run some of those devils through; kind of a blight on the world if you ask me, and you're not. Still, figurin' out where they are isn't gonna be a cup of cake either, and I don't see Aelis...Ail....whatever her name is just lettin' us in for it."
Kayla continues to march in silence, as she cannot seem to come up with anything to say.
Gorrik remains silent walking on, although he knows he's partially to blame for Gail's actions.
The Doctor sighs heavily and rubs his head, "I wonder what was up with that cleric character..." He glances around, "Do you think he was telling the truth about being a follower of Mitula? I mean, he didn't even know about the three breasts so...it seems kind of doubtful..."
Sorel stops dead in his tracks, whipping his head to the side and panting with fear. He stares off for a moment, before continuing to march again, head still tilted in that direction.
His eyes darting to the side, the Doctor stares out keenly for a moment, then glances back at Sorel with a frown.
Shera brushes some of her curly chestnut brown hair out of her eyes as she looks about. She sees nothing, so she decides to speak up now. "Excuse me," she says in a gentle tone, but loud enough to be heard.
Langston jumped at the unexpected voice, then slid back to nudge Coventry slightly with his elbow. "Uh oh Doc, you're gonna eat a bar of soap for that mouth of yours now..." he whispered.
"Is my breath that bad?" Coventry worries.
The Doctor smiles, "Ah, but now you need a bar of soap."
"Oop," was his short muffled reply
"What's the matter?" Lunauga asks Shera. "Are you tired? You can sit on my back if you want. Although..." Lunauga trails off, worried. "Dam and Graigus did that, and you know what happened to them..."
Shera smiles. "Oh no, nothing is wrong. I just wanted to say thank you."
"Oh, alright." Lunauga says. "It's probably for the best. We don't want you to get kidnapped again."
"He... Challenged an Erinyes... To an archery contest..." Gilliam says, haltingly, as if unable to believe what he was saying. "But he doesn't even use a bow! HE USES DAGGERS!"
"Stunning, isn't it?" Astrid replies flatly.
Sorel slows down, allowing himself to fall into the middle of the group. "Please stop," he says wearily.
"So Sorel and Gail are in command now... Interesting."
Sorel sighs. "That is not the word I would have chosen."
"What would you have chosen?"
"Why?" Astrid replies quietly, with a hint of respect, "I feel as if I would go mad if I was forced to pretend that what occurred was some hapless accident."
Sorel shakes his head. "I am afraid my vocabulary doesn't include a word for 'the consequence of astonishing stupidity'." He looks back at Astrid. "I do not ask you to change your feelings. I would be remiss if I did, since I share them. However, I would ask that out of respect for your comrades that you not disparage them when they are not present to defend their actions."
The Wizardess blushes slightly and nods, "I understand..." Then she throws a glare at Gail, "Though when they are present they shall certainly hear from me."
"So..." The Doctor sighs, "How exactly is this rescue plan going to happen?"
"Graigus's staff is being enchanted as we speak by a specialist in Granseal," Sorel says. "First we must return there and get it back. I can then use it as a scrying focus to try and find them."
"I thought you had issues with scrying..." The Doctor ventures.
"I have larger issues with leaving allies in the hands of devils," Sorel replies.
*Mahler nods in agreement.* "We must get to them quickly. There is no telling what plans the devils have for them."
"Or what they might already have done," Lang added, lowering his head. "For all we know it might be too late already, but..."
"We need stop only a day or two in Granseal to restock and that I may cast the spell," Sorel says, then blinks rapidly, reminded of something. "Speaking of restocking, I won't be handing out the gold we get from battles until after Dam and Graigus are found."
"Le's hope we don' ge' there too late." Said the dwarf that remained in the party.
"I wonder if the life was the child was worth it..." Astrid comments distantly, "We are deflected from our quest because of this, how many more innocents will die because of the delay?"
*Mahler retorts* "Even if it is too late, as you suppose, we must find out and prevent any further mistreatment."
He nodded to Mahler, scratching at his belly button through his tunic. "Yeah. Doesn't change anything to think that way, I guess. We're still gonna try."
"Haunting thoughts." Sorel says to Astrid. "But they are thoughts that we cannot let stop us from doing what we must." He looks back to the Doctor. "For holding onto the gold?"
"My point exactly...." Astrid comments, uncertain what the golem was attempting to say, "We are deflected from our goals for this rescue."
The Doctor nods.
"We will do whatever it takes to get them back." Kayla glances at Astrid, but says nothing.
"If we were willing to sacrifice them for an innocent..." Astrid comments, "Why are we willing to sacrifice untold innocents to rescue them."
"We were not willing," Sorel notes. "Dam and Graigus were willing to sacrifice themselves. Now we are bound to help them."
"Well, we could always split up so we can keep doing the questin' thing if you want," Langston replied weakly. "Though I bet you won't feel any better when it all goes to the cows again."
"I do not wish to be the logical cold one here but sacrifices have to be made for the greater good at times." She frowns, "It would have been wiser to risk the death of the child. Two skilled warriors could save untold innocents."
"Dam had the party fund in his possession when he was taken," Sorel says, "Leaving us without an operating fund for emergencies such as transport. It is also a very small amount of gold, which would be virtually useless in the face of our recent windfalls. It will be divided as normal when we regain access to the money Dam had. If we do not, and it is clear we will not, then it will be divided then."
"Woulda been wiser for me to not dangle from a tightrope either but...hell if I ever seem to do the smart thing these days," he said with a light chuckle.
*Mahler thinks back to the battle outside Galam.* "What of their ability to possess? It could be dangerous if Dam and Graigus become controlled by them."
"Given how poorly our las' attempt a' splittin' up ended, I don' see us tryin' i' again unless there's no other choice." Gorrik replied to his only remaining drinking buddy.
*Mahler groans deeply, as if 'hmming' to himself, mulling over the possibility.*
Tanis shrugs at Mahler's comment. "Can anybody perform an exorcism?" he asks.
Sorel nods. "Possession is a primary concern. I will need to speak with Max and with our divine casters when we stop in Granseal about this exact problem."
"I see..." The Doctor shrugs, "I'm fine with that unless we happen to come upon a large horde of wealth. I might have to protest at that point."
"Sarcasm," Langston replied with a grin.
Sorel tilts his head. "I will hear your protests out when the time comes."
Kayla appears as if she is about to say something, but she remains silent. She crosses her arms over her chest and listens to the others exchange words.
Astrid frowns slightly as she is ignored, then speaks up, "I know it is unpleasant but in the future we should agree that to a certain extent our own integrity comes before aiding others." She tilts her head, "If we continue to blindly sacrifice, we will save less than if we had been cautious."
"Our integrity is what was sacrificed by Dam and Graigus," Sorel says. "To preserve it we must regain it. To regain it we must save them. To save them we may have to enter a devil stronghold."
"The base that Max mentioned?" Gilliam inquires.
"Probably the one that's causing Galam so many troubles," Tanis comments.
"Damn it." Astrid exclaims, clearly frustrated between Mahler and Sorel misunderstanding her, "I'm not arguing against rescuing them. Why don't any of you listen?" She shakes her head, "Next time we face a hostage situation, defeating the devils so they can't take more hostages should be the priority. Not saving the hostage." She frowns, "...and sacrificing ourselves should certainly not be a priority."
Kayla sighs and shakes her head.
Sorel is slightly taken aback by Astrid's outburst. "In the future," Sorel says deliberately, "a hostage situation will be met with unified effort. I mean no disrespect, but I have absolutely no intention of repeating Dam's strategies. And I don't think anyone does. Least of all them. If it happens again, we will deal with it together. You are angered by the actions of a few who took the entire burden onto their shoulders alone and found their strength lacking. We will not make that mistake again." The old man looks to Gilliam, frowning. "I cannot say. I do not even know if they are still alive. It is possible, perhaps a strong possibility, but past that..."
"You only passed through Galam, you cannot possibly understand the devils as I do." Astrid replies quietly, "You didn't have to watch the suffering and agony of your people day by day." Her eyes narrow, "I will not wait for orders if the situation arises again. I will not save a child and damn the world." She quickens her pace walking away from the others.
The Doctor yawns indifferently, "So, we're going to be in Grans for a few days?"
"You will not save the world alone." Sorel says as she departs. "That is the same hubris that led to Dam's imprisonment. Remember that." He looks back to Coventry. "A day or two."
The Wizardess pauses for a moment, "I thought you wise but you continue to jump to conclusions..." Her eyes narrow, "I'm not stupid enough to think I can save the world alone but I do know that foolish self righteousness can damn it." She then continues on, throwing a glare at Gail.
The Doctor grins, "Ah, good..." He nods, "There are some good restaurants there."
Sorel sighs heavily. "I think perhaps I understand Dam's motives now. A stint in the Devil Army is beginning to look like a vacation."
The Doctor shakes his head, "Now, you shouldn't say things like that..." He glances around, "Well, unless Kria happens to be nearby. Then I can understand."
The druid shakes his head. "Doctor, do you know anything of exorcism?"
"It's not my specialty..." The Doctor replies, "I think the stoic cleric has more skill in that area, judging from how he was able to aid poor Nail." He pauses, "I was just to going to have him drink Anarchic Water to drive out the devil..."
Kayla watches Astrid as she walks away, shocked by the Wizardess' words, but at the same time, she knows that there is some truth to them.

Posted by: Kaihaku Sat Nov 18, 2006 4:36 am
The wizardess stalks fearsomely a short distance ahead of the others, her face a dark scowl. As the others to continue to talk of other things, she drifts slowly over to the oft ignored half-vandal, still clearly vexed but nodding to him slightly in greeting, "What are your thoughts, Ignantius?"
"Eh? On what?" Ignatius asks. "The whole Dam thing?"
"You have remained silent this whole time, I assume that you have been reflecting on some matter." Astrid replies, growing slightly less agitated and more friendly, "What is it?"
"Er, no... Not really. Just trying to figure out what the best course of action would be if I were in control," Ignatius says.
"Indeed?" Astrid replies with some interest, "Have you come to any conclusions?"
"I think I would've tried to have someone sneakily grab the kid, or come up with a plan beforehand... I mean, I can turn invisible, right? So maybe I could've grabbed him and flown off before they could've done anything."
The wizardess nods, "I thought the original plan was to rely on stealth to rescue the hostages..." She sighs, "Sacrifices sometimes have to be made but with a small amount of forethought they can often so easily be avoided."
"Yeah, I don't know why he made such a damn dumb move... Or maybe he thought he could really pull it off? Arrogance?"
"Something to guard one's self against at all times..." Astrid comments quietly, then sighs, "I am troubled by the infernals releasing the child and showing us...mercy..." She shakes her head, "It is true that devils tend to order but they are wicked in nature, thus their version of honor is based on their evil values. Unless...something is altering their code of conduct." She frowns thoughtfully.
"What? You look like you're thinking now."
"Merely pondering..." She replies quietly, "I have reached no conclusions but if I do I'll share them with you." She shivers slightly and crosses her arms, "The night is cold for such a long march, I pray that it succeeds but I fear what we may find of our two lost companions."
"What do you think they're going to do to them?"
"Difficult to predict... It is not like devils to take recruits, I half expect them to be undead by now." She shakes her head, "Regardless, I would not trade places with them for all of the gold in Grans."
Ignatius nods. "Yeah... It's a good thing they're not female, at least."
Astrid winces then nods quietly, "At least they cannot conceive..." She looks at the half-vandal for a long moment, "What was your impression of ADAM, I must admit some disappointment in that he did not take action against the fiends."
"I don't know... I've never seen a robot before... Well, aside from Gilliam."
The wizardess arches an eyebrow, "That's all, you don't know?" She looks at him quizzically, "You may not know much of robots but you do of battle and ADAM is a legendary warrior." She blinks then shrugs slightly, "The catfolk appears to be increasing in power, are you as well?"
"Well..." Ignatius frowns. "I haven't SEEN Adam in battle yet... And they don't tell much of him aside from his faithfulness to Max... Uh, yeah, I'm getting better."
"That was the part which bothered me, he was sent to accompany us but did not strike at the fiends..." Astrid offers, then shakes her head, "How have your powers improved? The catfolk seems to relish in showing off her abilities, do you not?"
"I really shouldn't... Mom taught me about pride and all that."
"What else did she teach you?" Astrid questions.
"Er... Well, everything, really," Ignatius says, blinking. "Except for my powers, I learned those on my own."
"I see..." Astrid replies softly, a distant expression in her eyes, "Do you miss her?"
Ignatius frowns. "...yeah. A little, I mean."
"Only a little?" Astrid questions.
"Well... it's not like I'm a little kid anymore," Ignatius says.
"I miss my family and I'm not a little kid." Astrid comments.
"Yeah... but... well..." Ignatius frowns. "Fine, I do miss her a lot."
"Nothing wrong with that..." Astrid replies, "I'd think something was wrong if you did not."

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sat Nov 18, 2006 7:50 am
: "Astrid." Sorel says as he approaches the wizardess who had distanced herself. The wizardess arches an eyebrow, visibly bracing herself, "What is it?" : "I want to apologize." The wizardess appears taken a back for a moment, then shakes her head, "You have done nothing to apologize for, it is I who acted poorly." She looks down, "I...was shaken by today's events and by the willingness of my allies to allow evil free reign." She frowns slightly, "I should not have taken those feelings out on you."
: "You should not have kept them bottled up." Sorel insists. "I would rather they were taken out on me than that they bubbled to the surface in battle. You hate the devils. I can understand that. Early in this expedition I came within inches of death. Mere hours ago I went a good deal farther than that." He shakes his head. "But hatred is what they feed upon, what drives them. Release it as quickly as you can. If you bottle it up, it becomes... poison in your veins."
"I...have had few friends in my life, most of my efforts have been devoted to study and duty." Astrid begins, looking rather weary, "Here, though we had talked little, I thought I had found a friend and she betrayed me for a fiend..." The wizardess smiles drily, "The infernals have taken everything from me, my home, my family, and now even an illusion of friendship." She shakes her head, "In battle, I do not act on hatred but on logic. They have to be stopped before they can cause more harm, everything else is secondary. If they have a child, try to save the child, but if you cannot, kill them else more children will die. Sacrifices are sometimes necessary."
Sorel tilts his head.
: "Would you kill one child to save a hundred?"
The wizardess pauses for a long moment, "If there were no other choice..." She looks at the druid, "Wouldn't you? Else you would be guilty of one hundred deaths rather than one."
: "Would you kill a hundred to save ten thousand?"
"Where is this going?" The wizardess questions.
"You would kill an innocent to prevent further innocents' deaths. You do this because you believe the death of innocents is evil. The death of more innocents, logically, must then be more evil, must it not?"
"The world isn't perfect." Astrid replies, "Life doesn't always have a happy story book ending, sometimes you have to make difficult decisions without clear signs of right or wrong." She looks at the druid quietly for a long moment, "It's a question of preserving and saving what you can, it's delusion to pretend otherwise."
: "You defended your answer without giving it," Sorel says. "I assume your answer is yes?"
"It is not a question of grand idealistic good and evil, it's about preserving life." Astrid replies, "That's my answer."
: "It is always a question of good and evil. They are the poles between which the universe stretches. You claim the decision is difficult. Why? Because you know on some level there is evil in what you have done. But you will do that evil without hesitation, because you believe the good you do is greater. Gray is a product of black and white. Neutrality a product of opposing sides in dialectic. They are not the absence of extremes, they are the conflict between them. It is always a question of good and evil."
"You truly are a harsh judge, are you not wise Sorel?" Astrid replies in a quiet pained voice, "Without hesitation, without remorse? Is that what you really think about those who differ from you, from those who do not agree with you that life is merely an idealistic crusade against evil?" She shakes her head, speaking in a bitter voice, "Yes, you truly are far better than us misguided few who fail to realize just how tainted by evil we really are, so misguided by what we believe is a grasp of some fictional reality when all everything really amounts to is a conflict between good and evil." Her eyes meet his, "Yes, we must truly some pathetic to a higher good being such as yourself, us poor souls who think we strive for good but are really besmirched by evil. A muddied gray to your pure white..." Tears seem close to welling in the eyes of the wizardess, "Yes, lesser beings such as myself really just don't understand the cosmic implications of our actions." She shakes her head, "I've soiled your presence long enough... I'll go comtemplate your wisdom and struggle to purify myself from the taint of logic and reason in order to believe in the true governing forces of the multiverse." Astrid turns and walks away.
Sorel watches her depart, an expression of sadness on his face. His fingers absently trace the carvings of his staff. He lets her gain some distance before turning and walking in the opposite direction, stopping once to pause and look a final time in her direction.

Posted by: Kaihaku Sat Nov 18, 2006 10:28 am
The Doctor strides up to Sorel with a perplexed frown, "So, I guess that you're the governor for now..." Sorel turns to the Doctor with a slightly less perplexed frown. "Yes, I suppose so..." "Well, now that the old governor got himself taken away by the devils, I figure I'll ask you the big questions." The Doctor continues with a frown, "See, Langston has been acting kinda strange lately and it got me thinking..." He looks up at the druid, "Why is a mouse that is spinning?"
Sorel's face is blank. "I am afraid I don't know that riddle, Doctor."
"It's not a riddle..." The Doctor replies with a slight frown.
"Why is a mouse that is spinning what?"
"Why...is...a...mouse...that...is...spinning." The Doctor repeats slowly, "There is no what."
Sorel blinks. "It is because it was born."
"That's dangerously close to how, how is a mouse that is spinning..." The Doctor replies, "I want to know why is a mouse that is spinning. What's the point?"
"Why does it spin? Because it chose to, or because something larger than itself spun it."
"Not why does it spin..." The Doctor corrects the druid patiently, "Why is a mouse that is spinning. Both being a mouse and spinning are key to the question..." He sighs, "It's a hard one, can't seem to find an answer myself."
Sorel hears the pneumatic tromping of mechanical feet as Gilliam apporoaches. "Sorel, a w- Ah. I see that you're speaking to someone else. Speak to me afterward, if you would."
Ombligo floats towards Sorel, his eyes squinting at him as he approaches. Why didn't he tell me what was wrong? "Hey, everyone."
"It is because you have spoken it. A mouse that is spinning does not exist to us, is not given form in idea or word or perception. Nor does anything else."
"Oh, more philosophical stuff, eh? You guys sure like talking about that."
The Doctor frowns, "I disagree, watch Langston... He is a mouse and he is spinning."
"Langston is a ratfolk, and he is not spinning." Sorel replies, steadily less expectant of Coventry making a point.
The Doctor shakes his head, sighing sadly, "I hate to say it but you're just about as bad as Dicem when it comes to discussing anything interesting..." He looks up at the sky, "Perhaps one day I'll find someone who can find delight in the simple pleasures of life, discussing things like the meaning of a mouse that is spinning. A pity, I'm constantly surrounded by realists." He shakes his head once more, "I think Gilliam wanted to speak with you, obviously since he failed to even acknowledge my existence..." The Doctor frowns, troubled, "...if I exist."
"Do not give me such hopes, Alastor." Sorel says. "I am certain you exist."
"Perhaps I'm merely a figment of your imagination, the beginning stages of dementia." The Doctor replies, "Your fading memory is implanting me into situations where I never was... Altering truth so that perceive that which never existed." He frowns, "It would certainly explain how I've managed to survive so long."
"I would like to think my dementia would be cheerier." Sorel sighs. "I am sorry I could not amuse you sufficiently. Perhaps you could play a game with Ombligo?"
Ombligo blinks, surprised at Sorel's responses, "Umm...Did I miss something?"
"Amuse me? Torment others?" The Doctor shakes his head, "I'm glad that my motives are so transparent for you masters of deduction." He turns to the magical creature, then pauses, "Of course, if I were dementia, I'd like to think myself moderate at least. Beginning, meh..."
"For one so used to humor, your own sense of it perhaps needs works," Gilliam says with a chuckle at the Doctor's reply.
"Since you know me so well, I'll keep that in mind." The Doctor replies with a distant smirk, then turns his attention to Ombligo, "I need some practice increasing my willpower, care to assist?"
High Lord Sorel and Master Gilliam walk away to talk about important things.
A sad twinkle forms in Ombligo's eyes as he looks at Sorel. He quickly turns to face Coventry, the glimmer gone, "What? How would I assist you?"
"Through its fiendish powers, a devil managed to overcome my arrogance and make me flee in mortal terror." The Doctor explains with a frown, "It was rather embarrassing and I'd rather that it did not occur again..." He smiles, "I was hoping you had some enchantment spells or something of the kind for me to attempt to resist. I suppose now that you might not."
"Oh...Yeah. I think I have one that would help a little with that. Come to think of it, I probably should have used it on people before the battles..."
"I think you misunderstand..." The Doctor replies with a slight smile, "Nevermind that then... I just recently learned a spell to aid me in resisting magical energy. I'd like to test it out before battle. Would you mind striking me with an electricity spell?"
"Are you serious? Okay...But I should significantly lessen the blow, right? My electricity spells are pretty strong..."
"We can start out slow..." The Doctor nods with a smile, "At least for the beginning..." He speaks a few words of power and weaves magic with his hands. The air around him flickers for a moment then returns to normal. He takes a few strides forward from Ombligo.
Ombligo fires a very weak electricity spell at Coventry.
The electricity fizzles as it strikes the Doctor, vanishing and leaving him completely unharmed. He frowns, "Try something with a bit more power, don't be afraid to hurt me, I can always heal myself..." He frowns slightly, looking worried, "Just don't kill me."
"Okay..."The next bolt of lightning is significantly stronger, but noticeably weaker than other lightning bolts Ombligo has cast in the past.
The lightning bolt surges around Coventry, nearly engulfing him as it fizzles away leaving him unharmed. "Hmmm..." The Doctor rubs his chin, "That came close." He chuckles, "Excellent." He looks up at the sorcerer, "The best part is that this spells affects eight people." He nods at the group, "I wouldn't recommend it but you could blast Kria, Gail, Langston, Gorrik, Kayla, the owl, Sorel, or myself and it would provide a good deal of protection." He nods, "Could be any type of energy, fire, acid, sound..."
Ombligo exclaims, "That's great, Coventry! But we'll have to be careful anyway. I bet the devils will find ways around it once they catch on."
"Anyway..." The Doctor adds with a slight frown, glancing around, "The fear aura of that devil caused me to mess up." His frown deepens, his voice lowering, "I believe that Sorel died while I was under its effect. I don't know how he came back to life but I'm certain it was not a good expeirence. I don't know how he came back to life but I'm not the best person to provide him support." He crosses his arms, "I tried in my own way but... I'm just not good at this sort of thing." His eyes meet Ombligo's, "You are."
"Sorel died?!" Ombligo says in shock, his form ruffling out like feathers, his tentacles flailing wildly.
"So much for tact..." Coventry mutters drily, then sighs, "I think so but I don't know for sure, the fiend had compelled me to flee by that point."
"You're not kidding, are you? Because I swear, I'll hurt you if you lie about such things!" Ombligo responds, a mixture of anger and sadness in his voice.
"Are you dense or something?" The Doctor's eyes narrow for a moment, "Do I ever lie about something important and not make it blatantly clear that I'm lying?"
"Shut up!" Ombligo replies, bluntly. He almost wishes Coventry were lying - not so he could shoot him, but rather because he didn't want Sorel to have died. "Look...I know you're not lying...It's just hard to believe that Sorel died when he's alive now. But he doesn't look very well, does he?" Ombligo's form slouches downward.
"It takes a lot of effort for me to be sincere..." The Doctor replies distantly, glancing in the general direction of the druid, "Just forget that I called you dense..." He shakes his head, "He does look frail. If he was resurrected somehow, his body would be weaker for it. As for his mind and soul, that depends on what he saw on the other side." He turns and sighs, "Help him out, I can't."
"But what can we do? He looks so sad. Do you think he saw something bad on the other side?"
"Perhaps it was something he didn't see..." The Doctor muses, then shakes his head, "I have no idea, I've never passed through the gates of death. All I know is that it is unique and often terrible experience."
"I don't think Sorel will talk to me about it, either. He takes me more seriously than anyone else does, but he obviously didn't want to talk about it when I asked him what was wrong before..."
"I was afraid of that... Tried to do something about it but I'm not skilled in that way." The Doctor says quietly, then shakes his head, "Friend to all but who is his friend?"
"Maybe it's just too soon. I know sometimes when I feel sad I'm reluctant to talk about it at first." The magic creature speaks while moving his tentacles about.
"Some people never talk about what makes them sad." The Doctor replies quietly, "You're the closest thing he has to a family, I trust you'll find out what he needs." He then turns and walks away.

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sat Nov 18, 2006 10:50 am
"Yes?" Sorel turns to the Ancient as the others depart. "You were speaking to Astrid earlier about the child. It got a little loud, I couldn't help but overhear parts of it. What exactly is your stance?" Gilliam asks. Sorel's shoulders sag slightly, but his voice is firm. "My... stance, is that good and evil are not commodities, not objects, not things to measured and weighed, against reality or against one another. A thing that is neither fully good nor fully evil is a thing that is composed of constituent parts, each of which is fully good or fully evil. It is possible for a good person to do evil and to feel justified in doing it, if he sees in it a good he thinks is larger. I cannot."
"Interesting. So what would you have done with the 100 lives versus a child?" says Gilliam.
"I would have saved the hundred." Sorel says after a long silence. "But I would consider my crime equal to whatever good I had done. The destruction of innocence is evil, whether it is made manifest in one child or a million."
"I expected better from you," Gilliam says with a sigh. "There was a question you truly should've asked."
Another conversation, another disappointment. Sorel sighs heavily. "What is the question."
"Who are you saving? Some lives are worth more than others, you know," Gilliam replies.
"No they aren't." Sorel says weakly.
"A single innocent child would have more worth than a hundred wanton rapists, but not as much as a hundred more children," Gilliam states. "Oh? They're not? Explain."
"Life is no more a commodity than good or evil. It is a state, just as they are. It exists irrespective of all external influences. If you are willing to take one life given certain conditions, then given other conditions you would be willing to take any other life. Someone who can be driven to kill a murderer or a rapist can be driven to kill a child. The taking of life, any life, is born from the same seed." says Sorel.
"Under the right conditions, anyone can be driven to kill anyone else. That does not affect the worth of the person's continued existence on this plane," Gilliam says. "Lives are a commodity, though... One that all nations trade in, right or wrong. War is simply an exchange bought with blood in that view. This is all semantics, anyhow."
"They do not trade in lives, they trade in money, in power, in glory, in strength. They do so evilly. Death is made manifest in that evil. It is not semantics," Sorel states more forcefully. "It is the source of all action, all reaction, all inaction. To claim otherwise is... delusion, or worse." He heaves a shaky sigh. "I do not expect you to agree with me. I do not expect Astrid will ever respect me again. I do not even fully expect that I am right. But if I am wrong, then I have no reason to go on. There was no reason to bring me back from that dim gray sea." says Sorel.
"Oh? It would be so bad to admit your error? That life has variable value?" Gilliam tilts his head. "How far do you take this? Do you equate animal life the same worth as human life?"
"All life." answers Sorel.
Gilliam chuckles. "Even fiends?"
"All life." Sorel repeats.
"Explain to me how you can do so again." says Gilliam.
"Life is a state, a property of a thing, irrespective of all other attributes of it. Life is distinct from action, from choice, from past. It simply is, or is not." says Sorel.
"Life is the force that animates a being. Without it, it ceases to exist on this plane. So I ask you the same question, substituing life for existence on this plane." says Gilliam.
"Evil is that which wills existence into nonexistence. It is the spirit who says no. Making what once was cease to be is evil." says Sorel.
"Some things do not deserve to exist, or would improve things did they not. How could it be evil to remove them from this world?" says Gilliam.
"A thing cannot deserve to exist or not. A thing's nonexistence cannot improve the universe, because the universe is less for it." says Sorel.
"Not at all. Don't you know the concept of the negative? Things exist that detract from all around them. Removing them is equatable to a marked increase. And why cannot a thing deserve existence? We all have things which we may or may not deserve. Why not being among them?" says Gilliam.
"A thing cannot detract because it is a positive by virtue of its existence. The only negative is the absence thereof. Being is not a thing, an object. It is the premise upon which all things are objectified." says Sorel.
"But it can. A tyrant detracts from the country he rules because he suppresses the freedom, progress, and happiness of his people. Killing him enables a rise in these things that far outweighs the departure of his existence. Or, if you want something more tangible, the population rises because he stops executing more people. More into this world. Less out of. Also, I find the concept of placing animal life on the same level as sentient life ludicrous." says Gilliam.
"Tangibility is the problem. You are using objects to quantify something that is not quantifiable. Using specific examples to refute a thing that exists outside of their scope. Rendering unlikes equal and equals unalike. You continue to miss what I am trying to say." Sorel shakes his head. "If your sleep is untroubled, then you need think no further on the matter. Consider yourself right."
"You continue to miss what I am saying. Who cares what the ethereal nature of a thing is? If it's causing harm, remove it. Results are what matters." says Gilliam.
"Results do not exist without the nature of the thing. The nature of the thing can and does exist regardless of whatever result you desire. The only true harm is the removal you advocate. The only true evil is the destruction the forces we call good and evil perform on each other." says Sorel.
"So you're arguing just because something exists it has the right to exist no matter what actions it takes?" says Gilliam.
"No!" Sorel cries, exasperated. "There are no rights. There is no deserving. There is only being and nonbeing. At the universal level, being is good and nonbeing is evil. You do not have to live by that. No one does. But the meanings you carve into the universe are ephemeral. They will fade, and they will die. The only constants are being and nonbeing."
"Are you so certain of that?" asks Gilliam.
"I am now." says Sorel.
"Pfah. So you fight now to prevent greater destruction overall, eh?" says Gilliam.
"No," Sorel says in a small voice. "I fight for the same reasons you do. I simply cannot call what I do good."
"Being and nonbeing are not good or evil," Gilliam states. "Not until applied to a thing."
Sorel pauses for a moment, and then shakes his head. "No," he says. "It cannot be so."
"And why not?" says Gilliam.
"Because being and nonbeing are the only two constants in the universe. If one is not evil, and the other not good, then the good and evil we create are complete illusions, rather than false imaginings. An entire cosmos of sentient beings, lying to themselves. No. It cannot be so." says Sorel.
"Are you sure those are the only constants?" Gilliam asks. "Are you so wise that you claim to know all the constants of creation? And that there are but two?"
"I claim what I claim as the limits of my knowledge. I cannot operate on the assumption that I am wrong. I could not function." Sorel shakes his head. "Neither of us can accept what the other is saying."
"Why can't you accept the concept of being wrong?" Gilliam asks. "Answer that and we'll end it here for today."
"Because if the way I see the world is not as it is, then everything I believe, everything I say, and everything I do, loses whatever shadow of meaning it may once have had." responds Sorel.
"How inflexible," Gilliam shakes his head. "Change is another constant, you know. I'd think hard on how much your meaning would change if even you were the slightest bit wrong. Because if and when you are proven so, it would be a pity for you to come crashing down."
"I would not be so quick to mark that when as a point in the future," Sorel says, before turning and walking slowly away.
"Oh? Even more reason for you to come to terms with your fallibility... I had to take a century or two for mine. You may have less time." Gilliam says to Sorel's retreating form.

Posted by: Alpha Sat Nov 18, 2006 11:58 am
Tanis looks around at the group, seeing a few looking contemplative. Or just down in spirits still from the recent battles. Shaking his head slightly, he moves over to the aged druid to speak with him, something he had been meaning to do since they'd left the field in Yeel. "Sorel," he says. "May I speak with you?"
"You may," Sorel says quietly.
Tanis hesitates, not really knowing how to appropriately voice what he wanted to say. “Um…I wanted to know how you’re doing after what happened on the field outside Yeel,” he asks, feeling extremely uncomfortable as he does so.
Sorel's silence stretches out uncomfortably. "I am doing fine."
Almost laughing at how awkward he felt, Tanis attempts to continue. “I just wanted to say, if there’s anybody you want to talk to about what happened, you may speak to me. I won’t presume to say that what happened or what you may have glimpsed was similar to my circumstance…but when I died…you were the one who helped me through a decent portion of it. If possible, I’d like to return the favour.”
"What did you see?" Sorel asks.
Tanis visibly shudders here. “I saw several things,” he says. “First, I saw my family and tribe in one of their favoured camping ground around Pangoat valley. Then, I saw my warmage college from above, as a bird might see it. After that came images of those I knew at the time in our group.” He pauses for a moment, before continuing. “I do not why I saw these things, and have not been able to deduct if there’s a particular meaning for it. I just know that what I saw where things that had meaning to me in life. And that I felt a bitter sense of loss with the knowledge that I was leaving it all behind, due to an act of stupidity on my part,” he finishes.
Little by little, the color drains out of Sorel's face. One hand tightens, white-knuckled, around his staff. The other trembles. "I... see..." he says with great difficulty.
Tanis quickly interrupts, seeing how hard it was for the druid. “You do not have to talk about it now, Sorel,” he says, kindly. “I just wanted to tell you that if you need to, or want to talk, I will listen.” He looks down at the ground. “I apologise if I came to you too soon.”
"There's nothing to talk about." Sorel says flatly. "Nothing... nothing at all.
Tanis nods, suspecting otherwise, but not daring to voice it. “Well. Ok then,” he says, the awkwardness making another great entrance. “Thank you for you time,” he says. He opens his mouth to say something else, but instead moves away, leaving the druid to his thoughts.

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sat Nov 18, 2006 5:52 pm
Kayla walks along with the others in silence, thinking about her failure in the last battle. If not for Max, her mother would be dead, and the thought upset her even more. Shera notices that Kayla seems to be upset, so she quickens her pace. Once she catches up, she falls into step next to her daughter. "Is something wrong, Kayla? You seem...melancholy."
"Melancholy?" Kayla raises and eyebrow. "No, not at all." She tries to keep her voice even and her face like a stone slate.
"Liar," Shera says sternly. "You should know by now that you can't get a lie past me."
"I can't seem to get a lie past anyone these days," Kayla mutters.
"Why don't you try being a little more honest, then?" Shera asks.
"With what I do for a living, lying gets me out of trouble." Kayla crosses her arms over her chest.
"Oh yes, that..." Shera says plainly. "I was in denial about that for a while."
"So you've finally accepted it, then?"
"Yes, I have accepted it, but I do not agree with it. However, you are not a child, and I can no longer tell you what to do. All I can do is offer advice."
"Let me guess, your advice would be 'switch to another profession before it's too late'. Am I right?" Kayla asks with a smirk.
"You hit the nail right on the head time," Shera replies, a little bit flustered. "You've always been intelligent, just not...wise... You're far too brash at times, Kayla."
Kayla looks away, a blush crossing her cheeks. "Mother, you're embarrassing me..."
"It's in a mother's nature." Shera slows down a little bit.
"Are you alright?" Kayla asks, suddenly a little worried.
"I may be pushing forty, but I'll be fine."
"Are you sure?"
"Of course I am."
Kayla frowns and places her hands on her hips.
"You seem to be reluctant to talk to me." Shera sighs. "Why don't you talk to one of your friends?"
"Friends?" Kaylas seems puzzled, and then replies in a low tone. "I have no friends. You of all people should know that."
"Have you ever tried making friends? Or are you worried that they'll be just like everyone else you've met?"
Kayla remains silent.
"If they were like that, you wouldn't still be here, would you?" Shera smiles gently and rests a hand on Kayla's shoulder. "I won't be around forever, and I know you hate being alone...even if you won't admit it."
"I'm not good with words," Kayla admits.
"You don't need to say anything. Just mingle with them and I'm sure they'll get it."
"I guess you're right..." Kayla waves and quickens her pace in order to catch up with Astrid. She glances at the Wizardess, but can find no words to say. So she just walks, and tries to smile to best she can.
[RP session to come soon, hopefully... ]

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sat Nov 18, 2006 10:29 pm
The march to Granseal isn't long at all, but it seems so to the exhausted and weary troops of the group. In only a day, they manage to return to Granseal as night falls.

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sun Nov 19, 2006 12:28 am
Sorel has no trouble in acquiring the staff. Using it as a focus, he is able to scry upon the monk training in the midst of a large base, in the middle of a forest. Fiends and cultists mill about with monsters. Dam is nowhere to be seen. Encouraged and disheartened by this information, he seeks out Max.
: "Max," Sorel says, "I believe I know where Graigus and Dam are being held."
: "Where?"
: "They are in the middle of an enormous base occupied by fiends and cultists, which is itself in the middle of a vast forest. Do you know of any such areas on the island?"
: "It might be the main Cultist base that we discovered."
: "How far?" Sorel asks.
: "North of Galam, in the forest. A little over a week, maybe a week and a half."
: "I do not believe Graigus is in any immediate danger," Sorel says. "He has been possessed. However, I do not know the condition of Dam. Do you know of any means that could shorten our trip?"
: "Yes. I can Egress everyone back to Galam. That'll cut it down to a few days."
A glimmer of a smile crosses Sorel's face.
"Excellent. We will rest the night here to restock, and then begin our journey at dawn."
: "Very well."
: "Are you alright?" Sorel asks, concern etching into his tired face. "You seem troubled."
: "I am, but I'm fine. I've just been mulling over a few things," Max says with a small smile. "You yourself haven't been looking too well either."
Sorel seems to ignore the second half of Max's statement.
: "I cannot claim the wisdom to counsel heroes, but should you ever need to talk I am always willing to listen." he says, turning to depart and gather the others.
: "I'll keep that in mind. Just be sure to talk to someone you can trust if something is bothering you as well."
Sorel stops for a moment, but doesn't speak.
: "I shall," he finally manages to get out before he continues to walk away.
Later in the day he assembles the group in a private room of the tavern.
: "I believe Dam and Graigus are being held in the main devil encampment on the island, in the forest north of Galam. We will rest the night here and Max will take us as far as Galam with his Egress spell. From there, it is only a few short days' journey to the base." His expression, already gloomy, darkens considerably. "There is a more can considerable chance we may have to face warriors who are possessed, including Dam and Graigus themselves. I will speak with Max about the process of exorcism, but be aware that the care you take to keep them from dying may not be met in kind. They may earnestly attempt to kill you." Sorel sighs.
"Questions?"

Posted by: Kaihaku Sun Nov 19, 2006 1:22 am
"It could be argued that they already attempted to kill us..." Coventry replies innocently, looking to the side.

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sun Nov 19, 2006 1:41 am
: "They will attempt to kill you again. Better now?"

Posted by: Kaihaku Sun Nov 19, 2006 2:22 am
"Is there a chance we can get some equipment enchanted in Galam?" Coventry questions with a frown, "It might several days but can you ensure that, unless something major occurs, we'll return once we save the duo from themselves?"

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sun Nov 19, 2006 2:27 am
: "I can assure you we will return here. However, this is the heart of operations on the island and I cannot give my assurances the weight I otherwise could. If we succeed, we shall return to Galam.

Posted by: Kaihaku Sun Nov 19, 2006 2:30 am
The Doctor shrugs, "Sounds good to me then, shall we be off?"

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sun Nov 19, 2006 2:47 am
Sorel shakes his head. : "The group is exhausted, and it is already dark. We will stay here for the night, and set off at dawn."

Posted by: Aldur Sun Nov 19, 2006 2:57 am
Kria frowned, as she ran the location over in her head. She blinked suddenly, and gasped. "Um Sorel. Do we know exactly where in this forest it is? Because like...my evil tribe hangs around that area. And um yeah, they'd enjoy attempting to slaughter us all."

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sun Nov 19, 2006 3:02 am
: "Wonderful news." Sorel says bitterly. "I believe Max knows where it is more precisely. In any event, attempting to slaughter us appears to be the fashionable thing to do these days."

Posted by: Kaihaku Sun Nov 19, 2006 3:08 am
"Great, I was hoping I'd get to meet your family." Coventry says happily, then he frowns, "Actually... I think I'll just waste the money and get better equipment here..." Coventry leaves... Coventry sells his +1 Mithral Chain Shirt and his +1 Mithral Heavy Shield.
Coventry purchases a +3 Mithral Chain Shirt, a +2 Mithral Heavy Shield, gloves of dexterity +2, and an amulet of natural armor +1.
Astrid makes a few purchases as well, obtaining material to create potions, some incense of meditation, special geometer ink and paper, and a few scrolls to increase her spell base.

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Sun Nov 19, 2006 3:35 am
Folding his arms about the pine green of his tunic, Langston listened patiently as Sorel spoke during the "briefing." It all seemed well and good to him as he nodded on several occasions. Then as Kria spoke, an image of their march flashed into his mind and hung there like the stench of rotten cheese, lingering uncomfortably until he blurted "Wait, more flamin' flyin' cats? Oh man."
Catching himself, he returned to thoughts he was tossing about before Kria spoke. "So...we just gonna march straight in or do we know 'nuff to come up with some kinda crafty strategy or somethin?" He scratched at his nose. "'cause they gotta be expectin' us right?"
Langston shrugged. Maybe he hadn't been paying as sharp attention as he should have. "Er..."

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sun Nov 19, 2006 4:46 am
: "We will discuss tactics during the journey. If there is nothing else, I suggest everyone get some sleep."

Posted by: Kaihaku Sun Nov 19, 2006 5:16 am
"Back when Tanis first died, Dicem told us we should sleep together." Coventry comments as he sets up his hammoc in the girl's quarters, "I always think one should respect the wishes of the dead..."

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sun Nov 19, 2006 12:00 pm
[Kayla sells her +1 Mithral Chain Shirt and buys a +3 Mithral Chain Shirt. I'll add a post of some sort tomorrow, maybe.]

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sun Nov 19, 2006 2:04 pm
Later that night, before Gail had retired, Sorel sought her out. : "Gail, I need to speak with you." Gail turns to her companion, a melancholy frown appearing on her face. : "If this is about what has occured earlier today...I believe I already know what you're going to say."
: "Is that so?" Sorel asks quietly. "What is it that I am going to say?"
The maiden draws a breath before she continues.
: "That I should seek out Astrid and talk to her. That I should not give up so easily on the ties that bind...friends." She speaks the last part softly, eyes drifting away from the old man.
: "I don't expect Astrid will be able to forgive you for a long time," Sorel says. "But then, I don't expect you want to be forgiven in the first place."
Clear blue eyes return to look into the druid's own.
: "I...We had done what we needed to do. The child was safe; there wasn't a reason to continue fighting, we would have just lost others, and-" She cuts herself off, obviously remembering something before she continues. "However, my motives do not excuse my actions, however well-intented they may have been. I must take responsibility as such, no matter the consequence."
Sorel is silent for a long moment after Gail speaks, studying her eyes.
: "Your actions do not need to be excused." Sorel says. "What you did caused a great deal of harm, and created a rift between you and someone you once called a friend. There is no doubt of that. However, to labor under the guilt of your sins is itself a great sin. Accept your mistakes. Learn from them. Over time, they will become part of you, for good or ill, as each soul bears upon it the imprint of its accumulated deeds. To refuse to forgive yourself for those mistakes is to inhibit that growth. It is to burden yourself with shame, and to drive you ever downward. There is no redemption from it. There is no meaning to it. It is self-harm. No sin is so great as to merit the guilt that slows you more every day. Is it?"
Gail stares as Sorel finishes his speech, eyes widening as if she had been struck. After a time, she regains her composure, closing her eyes as she thinks; it is a long while before she responds.
: "I apologize, Sorel...but I cannot accept that I can forgive myself so easily for the harm I have caused. Perhaps, in time, my answer will change...but not now. Not here."
: "That is more than one can hope for," Sorel says. His voice is heavy with exhaustion and sadness. "In time I will speak to you on this again." The old man bows his head before departing.
Gail merely stares after the druid, before sighing deeply and likewise departing for her own chambers.

Posted by: Kaihaku Sun Nov 19, 2006 3:17 pm

QUOTE (VoxPVoxD @ Sun Nov 19, 2006 8:04 am)
Gail merely stares after the druid, before sighing deeply and likewise departing for her own chambers.

QUOTE (Kaihaku @ Sat Nov 18, 2006 11:16 pm)
"Back when Tanis first died, Dicem told us we should sleep together." Coventry comments as he sets up his hammoc in the girl's quarters, "I always think one should respect the wishes of the dead..."

The Doctor sleeps peacefully in his hammoc, while Kayla ignores him completely in favor of drooling over her new armor, Astrid reads a book with a scowl in a corner also ignoring the intruder (seems popular), and Kria is off doing who knows what the hell.

Posted by: Aldur Sun Nov 19, 2006 5:10 pm
Kria meanwhile, was not in the ladies quarters, instead staring up at the stars on the roof, her mind mulling back to the old days, and just what she'd do if they did happen to bump into her tribe.

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sun Nov 19, 2006 10:27 pm
[Stop being such a dork, Kai. Kayla drools over only one thing, and that's tons of money. And even then it's not literally, even though I don't think that's what you meant anyway. ] Kayla glares at the sleeping Doctor for a moment, but chooses to ignore him. After all, so long as he didn't try anything, which she was confident wouldn't happen; she would tolerate his presence. Kayla looks at Astrid, the chance to speak to her on the road having passed the Rogue by.
"Astrid?" she says quietly.

Posted by: Kaihaku Sun Nov 19, 2006 11:08 pm
Astrid arches an eyebrow and glances up from her book, "Yes?" She slowly sets her book to the side, "Where is your mother, I thought you would be spending time with her."

Posted by: Alpha Mon Nov 20, 2006 1:13 am
After gazing at the stars for some time outside, Tanis heads into the inn to find Doctor Coventry. Surprised not to find him in the male quarters, he inquires of his whereabouts. Upon discovery, he smiles and make his way upstairs, attempting (but failing in the process) to be as quiet as possible. Moving over to the Doctor’s hammock addresses the still form. “I’m going to be honest Doctor, this is not where I expected to find you,” he says softly, so as not to wake him if he was actually asleep.
Astrid glances up as Tanis enters the room, a welcoming smile forming on her face only to be replaced by a scowl as he address the idiot.
"Now that Dicem is gone, the girls are in less danger but I still thought it might be a good idea for someone to keep an eye on them." The Doctor replies quietly, his eyes remaining closed.
Glancing over at Astrid, Tanis offers a quick nod back, before addressing the Doctor once more. “Are you in the mood to talk?” he asks, in similar tones to that of Coventry. “Or would you prefer a different time?”
"I'm always in the mood to talk." The Doctor replies, opening his eyes and sitting up. His hammock shifts uneasily but he manages to get up without flipping it.
“Good to know,” the catfolk says. Then, “Much happened in our last battle, and in the one the other grouped faced. And most of it not good,” he says. “And I wanted to ask your opinion on what occurred.”
The Doctor frowns slightly, his eyes growing serious for just a moment, "My opinion..." He crosses his arms, glancing at the floor, "Dicem let his success go to his head, thought he could outwit that devil and it ended up backfiring. Least...that's how it seems to me..." He looks up, "I suppose something similar happened to me, I let my guard down and that devil took full advantage of it." He frowns, his voice lowering, "Did Sorel fall?"
Tanis looks at the ground. “Yes he did, though I was unconscious when he did. He was brought back just in time though,” Tanis replies. “And, as a matter of fact, so did I nearly. I could feel myself slipping away…” he says, his words slightly marked with pain. “I want to thank you for saving me.”
"There's nothing to thank me for..." The Doctor replies with a frown, "I'm here to keep you alive but I failed Sorel." He shakes his head, then sighs, "Nothing to be done about that now... What were your thoughts on the battle? I fear this rescue will be difficult."
“I know I don’t need to thank you,” Tanis says. “But I feel like thanking you none the less.” Thinking for a moment, he continues. “It felt so uncontrollable. The combat erupted so quickly, and so many things happened in a similarly short time. My thoughts?” he says. “I think it was the worst battle we’ve fought yet. And considering what’s happened to me in some battles, I think that’s saying something.” He pauses again shortly. “I think you’re right. I’m not looking forward to the prospect of ambushing a devil army headquarters. After all, no matter how organised invaders are, they always suffer casualties. And there’s Kria’s tribe to take into consideration. Should we come across them, things could turn very nasty,” he finishes.
"I hope that Sorel is up to the task..." Coventry comments distantly, slightly concerned, "For too long, he's been taking on the burdens of others and refusing any aid for himself. Now, he's been killed and resurrected, only to find himself in the role of leader." The Doctor looks up at the catfolk, "I'm more than a bit worried about what will happen when we find Dicem. Not to mention Kria's family..."
Tanis nods his head. “I offered to talk to Sorel about what happened, as I’ve been there. But he said there was nothing to talk about,” he says sadly. “I’m worried about him. A sudden, extra load of stress has been placed on him, something somebody can only cope with for so long, even somebody like Sorel. But I don’t think he’d ever willingly give up.” Frowning for a moment, he carries on. “Perhaps Kria should be consulted on what to expect from her tribe. It might be difficult to get her to talk about it, but I’m sure it would be worth it.”
"I'm more concerned about the old man but..." The Doctor replies, "Getting more information on Kria's tribe is something we can actually do." He frowns, "Perhaps...she could arrange for a diversion or something of the sort. If this indeed her home, she should know its weaknesses." He chuckles, "Perhaps we could set their dark temple on fire."
Tanis smiles. “That would be quite the diversion. Burning their place of worship.” He contemplates for a moment. “Though it’s possible her tribe may be nowhere near where we’re going. I can make a guess that they’re very unlike my tribe, but catfolk tribes tend to wander around a certain area. Or, at least, mine does,” he says, almost lamely.
"That certainly would be true most of the time..." The Doctor replies with a slight frown, "...but our luck lately has been abysmal."
“True,” the catfolk responds. “Best not to trust in it then. Thorough planning will be needed then,” he says. “With contributions from those in the know, we may stand a good chance in rescuing Dam and Graigus.”
"We are traveling with a great hero, not that it seemed to help us much in this last encounter..." The Doctor comments wryly, then shakes his head, "I hope the cleric has some counter to possession prepared. I decided to leave the matter to him but I'm a bit worried on the matter."
Tanis nods. “Well, it’s something to think about.” Turning to go, he says, “Thank you for you time Doctor. Apologies for disturbing your ‘sleep’” he finishes with a smile.
"My pleasure..." The Doctor remarks with a weary smile. He lays back down on the hammock.
Then, turning to go over to speak with Astrid, Tanis notes that she’s already engaged in conversation. Shrugging, the catfolk heads out of the room, deciding to speak with the mage another time.

Posted by: Dark Maiden Mon Nov 20, 2006 2:11 am
Kayla glances at Tanis as he enters and manages to smile. As he addresses Coventry, however, she turns her attention back to Astrid and sighs. "I really should be spending time with her, huh? This will be the last time I see her for a while, or it could be the last time...period. For all I know, I could... No, I'll jinx myself thinking like that..." She pauses for a moment before she speaks again. "Anyway, I just wanted to apologize."
The wizardess wrinkles her brow slightly, looking somewhat perplexed, "For what?"
"For what happened on the way here. I was silent when I should have said something. I thought that I may have offended you."
Astrid grows silent, a dark frown crossing her face for just a moment, then, with effort, she smiles sadly, "The offense was not yours..." She shakes her head, speaking quietly, "I would rather put the event behind me. It was made perfectly clear that my rationalization is considered by some in the group to be...less than pure. I'm tainted by evil because I'm willing to make difficult decisions." Her smile fades, "It's not something that I wish to dwell on. My art is increasing in power, I shall focus on that."
"Very well, we shall speak of it no more." Kayla manages a weak smile with some effort. "I'm sorry if I'm not a good talker, but I'm an ok listener. Is there anything else you wish to talk about?"
Astrid smiles distantly, then shakes her head, "Perhaps...but not at the moment, I...just need some time to think..."
"I shall leave you to your thoughts then, Astrid." Kayla smiles reassuringly before she leaves.
Kayla finds her mother outside of the inn, staring up and the sky.
"Mother?"
Shera holds the shawl that she is wearing close to her form, and tilts her head. "Kayla, you're still awake?"
"I am surprised that you are still awake too. Are you not also departing tomorrow?" Kayla looks sad when she mentions this.
"Yes, but I thought some air would help." Shera sighs. "This will be the last night I see you for a long time, and it upsets me."
"I know...I'm going to miss you too, but this is for the best. I want you to be safe..." Kayla moves closer and drapes her arm over her mother's shoulders.
"I know, Kayla." Shera hugs her tightly. "I probably will not be able to see you off in the morning, so I should tell you this now. I love you Kayla, and I'll miss you..." Shera reaches into the belt pouch at her side and pulls out a very plain looking silver locket. "I have been meaning to give this to you. I know it is not much, but perhaps it will bring you luck." Shera puts it on Kayla.
Kayla looks at it and smiles. "Thank you. I'll take good care of this."
"You had better come back from this war alive. Do you understand me?" Shera asks with mock anger.
"I understand. Don't tell anyone where you're going, ok?" Kayla hugs her mother back tightly, tears welling in her eyes. "I love you too mother... Be safe."
The two then head to bed shortly after.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Mon Nov 20, 2006 2:12 am
The night passes slowly but surely, doubt wracking the minds of certain members of the group even as they steeled themselves for what lie ahead. The next morning, after breakfast, the group gathers once more as Max casts his Egress magic... and then you are in Galam.

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Mon Nov 20, 2006 2:42 am
((Final Gear Tally: Cloak of Charisma +2: Gorrik Hood of Wisdom (+4 Wis, +4 Int, +10 to one Wisdom-based skill check per day): Coventry Large Steel Shield +5: Gail 3.14 gold: party fund
170 platinum pieces: party fund
a wand of Ghoul Touch with 24 charges: sell
Ring of Protection +1: Kayla
Adamantine Battleaxe: sell
Headband of Intellect +2: sell))

Posted by: Kaihaku Mon Nov 20, 2006 2:47 am

QUOTE (VoxPVoxD @ Sun Nov 19, 2006 8:42 pm)
((Final Gear Tally: Cloak of Charisma +2: Gorrik Hood of Wisdom (+4 Wis, +4 Int, +10 to one Wisdom-based skill check per day): Coventry Large Steel Shield +5: Gail 3.14 gold: party fund
170 platinum pieces: party fund
a wand of Ghoul Touch with 24 charges: sell
Ring of Protection +1: Kayla
Adamantine Battleaxe: sell
Headband of Intellect +2: sell))

((What of the Shadow Plate? I believe the Shadow enhancement just adds a bonus to hide checks so I see no reason not to use or sell it.)

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Mon Nov 20, 2006 2:57 am

QUOTE (Kaihaku @ Sun Nov 19, 2006 8:47 pm)
((What of the Shadow Plate? I believe the Shadow enhancement just adds a bonus to hide checks so I see no reason not to use or sell it.)

((VoxPVoxD (8:49:48 PM): TUM when you said "shadow plate" you didn't mean "plate with the shadow enchantment" right
VoxPVoxD (8:50:19 PM): you meant "mysterious shadowy plate"
TheUnknownMarine (8:50:45 PM): Yep
Sorel is turning said plate over to local clerics to see if they can uncurse and then make use of it.
After Gail sells all the items, the final party fund tally is 6288.14 gold. When it cracks 10k Sorel will divide it up))

Posted by: Kaihaku Mon Nov 20, 2006 10:43 am
It is a short time after the group has arrived in Galam. The atmosphere in the city is still heavy, the long siege draining even the most stalwart wells of hope. While the grand heroes and the wise old druid work up a plan of action to assault the infernal base and liberate those enslaved to darkness, their comrades who were deemed unworthy of taking part in this scheming are left to their own devices. However, great minds thrive in the face of exile and other plots...darker, more whimsical, oh so sinister...are afoot.
Noting that Gail and Ombligo standing listlessly, the Doctor steps over to them with a kind smile, "Care to join me for a spot of tea?"
The paladin furrows her brow, sure that there some ulterior motive to all this. "How generous...Any particular occasion?"
"Tea?" Ombligo curiously moves over to them, looking at the tea attentively, "What kind of tea is that?"
"Does one need an occasion to enjoy some tea?" The Doctor replies smoothly, then nods to Ombligo, "Only one way to find out, try some." He steps back over to the table set with a pot of steaming tea, gesturing for the others to follow, then takes a seat.
"Okay!" Ombligo sniffs the tea first, then takes the cup in both tentacles, drinking a bit of it.
The paladin glares at the scene before her for a moment, still suspicious of the doctor's motives, before watching Ombligo float over and take a seat. Sighing, she reasons, "I suppose there's nothing wrong with enjoying the moment," before taking another empty seat and pouring her own cup.
The Doctor chuckles lightly, then pours some tea for himself and drops in a cube of sugar. As he stirs it idly with a spoon, he begins whistling a lacksidasical tune.
Ombligo watches the cube fall excitedly, "Could I have one of those?"
The Doctor nods and slides the bowl of sugar cubes to the magical creature.
Ombligo takes one of the sugar cubes from the bowl, letting it dissolve in his tea before taking another sip. He bubbles with joy at the sweetened flavor, "Hehe! This stuff's good."
The Doctor finally takes a sip of his tea, nodding in agreement, "Indeed, it certainly is..." As he sets down his cup, he looks at Ombligo curiously, "Do you enjoy sweets then? I've never really thought about it before but what do magical creatures like to eat?"
Gail chuckles at the Magic creature's antics before taking a sip, stopping wide-eyed as it hits her tounge. She then stares at the liquid within before muttering, "Just the way mother used to make..."
"Now you know my dark secret..." Coventry replies, reaching up and pulling off his face to reveal Mother Gail.
...
"Oh, really?" The Doctor replies to Gail as if surprised, he looks down at the tea, "What an odd coincidence..." He then shrugs slightly, "Must be a popular tea."
"Oh, I love sweets. I eat all sorts of food. Mahler and Sorel don't tend to eat anything, though. Come to think of it, I don't think I've ever really seen them eat anything. Ever."
He turns back to Ombligo, "Indeed, they don't seem to indulge themselves much...in any way."
"I mean, I understand Mahler wouldn't need to eat. But what about Sorel? Isn't he human? Don't humans need to eat?"
"Sorel is hardly a typical human." Coventry comments thoughtfully, fingering his cup, "It would be nice to see him eat something just once..." He then takes another sip of his tea.
Walking through the streets of Galam, taking in the sites, Tanis happens to come across the trio sitting at a table. Well, two of them were sitting anyway. Smiling as he approaches, he asks, "Mind if I join you?"
"Hey, Tanis. Sit down!"
Gail quirks a brow at the Doctor's performance. "Really? I've never heard of anyone else preparing it this way..."
"How strange..." The Doctor comments as if mildly curious with the situation.
"Of course," Gail responds, motioning to the other unoccupied charis surrounding the table before turning to the doctor. "Unless our gracious host disagrees as such?"
With a smile crossing his face, the Doctor turns to the catfolk, "You need ask? Of course, take a seat."
Tanis nods and takes a seat next to Ombligo. "How are you today?" He asks the magic creature.
"Good, all things considered." He takes another sip from his tea, giggling to himself, "You?"
"I'm doing just fine," the catfolk replies. "In fact, I picked up something that would likely entertain you." With that, he takes out a deck of cards, showing them to Ombligo.
Gail gives Coventry an analytical glare before it drops, her attention returning to consuming a childhood treat. She smiles as she takes a second sip, obviously pleased with it.
"Ah, that's right. You have one too. Want to have a game, then?" The magic creature says, a gleam in his eye.
Tanis laughs. "Of course. We agreed to play a while age, as I'm sure you remember."
"Yeah, I remember." Ombligo responds, cheerfully, "Anyone else in?"
The Doctor chuckles lightly under his breath, then tents his fingers looking at the cards curiously, "What would the game be?" His eyes grow slightly distant, "When I was still a young man I often played bridge...with..." His voice fades away and he stares at the cards distantly for a moment, then he smiles, "No, I think I'll just watch for now."
Gail raises a brow as she spies the cards, but shuffles away the thought that the creature would gamble. "Sure. I don't see the harm."
"We're not playing for money or anything, if you're afraid of that, Coventry." Ombligo smiles as only a magic creature could.
"As if I was afraid of that..." The Doctor replies with a smile, adjusting his glasses, "No, I'll sit this one out. Please, go ahead."
((I had to go to Cambodia to get an AIM connection as bad as Rusty's. Th

Posted by: Rusty Mon Nov 20, 2006 12:15 pm
((Tanis's color is Sorel's for ease of eyes.)) Assuming that Gail knows how to play poker, Tanis shuffles the cards agilely, and deals out five to Gail, Ombligo and himself. Gail gives a non-plussed look to each, but sighs. "If it isn't for money, I suppose it doesn't count as gambling..."
Ombligo: "You were hoping to gamble?" *Ombligo looks at his hand.*
((Result of first game:
Ombligo: 12.
Tanis: 42. [Natural 20.]
Gail: 24.))
*Ombligo eyes Tanis suspiciously.*
"That's exacting what I wasn't hoping to do," Gail comments, perusing the cards handed to her.
Tanis looks guardedly at his cards, doing his best not to reveal anything.
*Ombligo sets his cards down, face down.* Ombligo: "I fold. Mind if I deal next turn?"
Gail looks at her opponents icily, watching as Ombligo folds and Tanis keeps his hand. "I've no problem with that."
Still holding his cards, Tanis tells the magic creature that he may deal if he wishes to. Then, "Still in Gail?" he asks.
"Seems so," the paladin answers, eyes focused on her own hand.
"Right then," the catfolk says. "Seeing as there's no betting involved...may as well just show each other what we have." He then lays his cards down, showing a straight flush.
Gail sighs as the warmage shows his hand, laying her own on the table; a full house. "Looks like I should've followed Ombligo's example," she muses.
Smiling, Tanis puts the cards together, and slides the deck over to Ombligo.
Overhead a whoosh and a soft hooting can be heard. Lunauga lands lightly in the space where the Doctor had been a moment before. "Hey guys!" the bird says cheerfully.
Still smiling at his victory, Tanis greets the owl. "Hello Lunauga." he says.
"How are you guys doing?" he asks.
"Well," Tanis says. "These two have just been thrashed in our first round of poker. Though, of course, I could be the one being thrashed next."
"Poker? Sounds painful." Lunauga says warily.
"Good morning," Gail says, glowering at her cards before turning Lunauga. "We're just playing a game...The doctor was with us, but he must've run off, it seems..." She mumbles, momentarily looking around for him.
*Ombligo casts a spell, letting the cards shuffle themselves since the magic creature would have great difficulty otherwise in the task.*
"Maybe he went to go talk to Sorel." Lunauga says.
Ombligo: "You could play, too, Lunauga."
Lunauga shakes his head. "No thanks."
((Results of second game:
Ombligo: 29.
Tanis: 26.
Gail: 22.))
She chuckles at the owl's joke, looking at the scene in front of them. "It can be, apparently." She frowns at the mention of Sorel, but covers it quickly. "Perhaps...I haven't seen him since we came here, though..."
"I haven't either..." Lunauga says. "Oh well. I'm sure he's fine. Sorel's always fine."
Eyes widening slightly at another good hand, Tanis says he's not folding.
"Yes...he's always fine," she repeats, taking her hand absentmindedly before scanning it, slightly distracted.
And then Tanis said to the owl, "I'm not so sure. I tried to talk to him yesterday, but didn't have much luck. A lot of stress has just been placed on him."
Ombligo: "Anyone going to swap in any cards?"
"No," Tanis says. "I'll stick with what was dealt."
Gail shakes her head, seemingly preoccupied.
"What kind of stress?" Lunauga asks absently, mesmerized by the moving cards.
*Ombligo tosses down two cards, drawing two in place of the discarded cards. Though actually very excited, his features don't show it in any way as he remains calm.*
((Ombligo bluff: 3 + 16 = 19.
Gail's sense motive: 13 + 13 = 26.
Tanis's sense motive: 14 +1 = 15.))
"Well...he died," Tanis says quietly. "That's a lot of stress, I know. And now he has taken the role of leader too."
Gail quirks a brow as the magic creature jitters slightly, obviously trying hide something, She puts her cards face down on the table. "I fold."
Not noticing the magic creature's excitement, Tanis says he's still in.
*Ombligo sets down his cards face up. Three kings.*
Tanis shakes his head, and places down his card. "Two pairs. Queens and sevens. You win."
The novelty of the cards long gone, Lunauga looks up from the table, at Tanis. His voice is slightly annoyed. "Well, if you're not going to answer me, I'll just go look for him." the owl says, flying off in a huff.
Looking slightly confused, Tanis says "Did I miss something there? I thought I answered his question."
Gail looks after the owl, wondering. "Perhaps he was looking for a different answer..."
Tanis frowns, but says nothing.
*Ombligo blinks before turning to face Tanis. He wanted to keep his mind off such thoughts for the time being.* Ombligo: "Maybe...Umm, it's your turn to deal. Unless Gail wants to."
It takes Gail a small while to register that she's being spoken to, but she realizes, looking to the magic creature. "Yes, of course," she says, taking the cards and shuffling them by hand before dealing.
((Results of third game:
Ombligo: 40. [Yes, a second natural 20.]
Tanis: 16.
Gail: -3. [Natural 1.]))
Sighing almost immediately at his change of luck, Tanis promptly folds.
Gail glazes over her cards, her attention obviously elsewhere.
*Ombligo keeps his hand as it is, watching Gail closely. Ombligo: "You in, Gail?"
"Hmm?" Gail asks before realizing what was asked, nodding as if in a daze.
*Ombligo takes another sugar cube, mixing it into his tea, before taking another sip. Ombligo sets his cards down, a Full House of three Aces and two Jacks. He seems to be shaking energetically, possibly from the sugar.*
Gail follows suit without comment, placing down an utter mish-mash of cards, the high card being a 9.
Laughing, Tanis congratulates Ombligo on a second win. "Now, if you'll excuse me," he says. "I need to find Kria. Thank you for the games." With that, Tanis collects his cards up, and heads off in search of the other catfolk.

Posted by: Cyrus Mon Nov 20, 2006 12:54 pm
[During the (previous) night] The room had faded into a sparse black and white expanse as the lights were winked out, Gail unable to shut her eyes with their passing as the others had done so. How long she had lay there, she hadn't known. It hadn't really mattered to her much to count the seconds and minutes she was wasting staring at the ceiling; she was absorbed in what the day had presented to her. Sorel's words echoed through her head as she thought on her actions and the ripples that they had had on the group. The maiden had come to a simple conclusion: As long as I continue to place such guilt upon myself, I harm not only myself, but those around me. And yet...I am to blame for what has transpired, and thus, I am more than deserving of the guilt that I bear on my shoulders.
So am I supposed to simply discarded such guilt? Toss it to the winds, let it fall somewhere else where it can grow and fester outside of my view? That would simply cause more harm for all involved...A quick fix, reliant on blinding myself to the effects of my actions. She shifted under the blankets, gazing at the callouses and scars on her hand that had become familiar to her. I've come too far to even give thought to such a method...to cheapen what I've been taught.
Her blue eyes next fell upon the still form of Astrid, turned away from her though she was an entire room across from her. It was a long time before her thoughts came to her. She never trust my words again. None of them will. Astrid sees me as less than a devil, a traitor to my own...Sorel sees me as a weak masochist, crumbling where I stand and happy to let myself do so. The others probably think less of me than they do. They'll never trust my words, and I cannot blame them. My tongue has caused more harm than any other in this expedition. She then remembers the intruder in her space, shooting a scowl over to the Doctor, curled smugly in his hammock...and the scowl fell. Yes, especially him. Even he knows what to say to others when it truly matters: I either keep my silence or tear into them when they present me their weakness and expectations. They reach to me, and I stab and bite their hands.
They may not trust my words...but they can still trust my actions, she reasons, furrowing her brow. Sorel will need aid; leading an expedition of this size, of this importance is too much for one person, no matter how great and true they are. And the fact that...he...he...she stopped as she noticed her cheek was wet, glistening tears running down to rap upon the pillow beneath her. She wiped them away, tried to stop herself, but the tears failed to stop. Her throat tensed, strained as she buried herself in thick covers and curled as tight as her body would allow. She shook, silent sobs escaping her as smothered her face in her pillow. She sobbed until her throat was a raw wound, until she dug into the bedding with umkept nails, until her silver hair lay tossed around her flushed face.
Then, it disappeared, ebbing as quickly and calmly as a spring flood. Shaky breaths became smooth, long draughts, soothing her torn voice and causing her to relax, to unwind, to let go. A single thought ran through the maiden's mind as she lay there, drinking in cooling gasps of air: I can't do this to myself any longer...I have to change. Nothing else came, and nothing else needed to. As she accepted what she had come to, she felt her eyelids close, a dark shroud falling over her; within minutes, she was asleep.

Posted by: Kaihaku Mon Nov 20, 2006 2:57 pm
The Doctor walks down the street whistling a merry tune, at his side he carries a small tray of pastries including some rather delightful looking scones. As he rounds a corner his whistling takes on an abrupt shrill note before ceasing. He stares quietly at the now empty table where he had left his companions only a short time ago. After a long moment, he lets out a weak chuckle and turns away walking back the way he had come. He comes upon a group of children sitting around at the entrance to a narrow alley. A scattered few of them are slowly finishing off pieces of pastry while most are licking their fingers and picking at scattered crumbs. All of them look up as the Doctor stands before them. "I know I told you only one...but..." He shrugs with a rueful smile, "Well, lady luck has smiled on you today, I won't be needing the rest of these after all." He chuckles, "My esteemed company had more important things to do." With a great deal of pomp and circumstance, he hands out the pastries to the children.
Later...
His plotting and scheming having gone awry, the Doctor instead spends the remainder of the morning tending to the needs of the community. His skill at tending to the sick and wounded is immediately evident, though in this worn and weary city he charges only a copper per patient.
[Profession(Healer): 13 + 12 + 10 = 35]

Posted by: Dark Maiden Mon Nov 20, 2006 6:55 pm
A short time after they arrive, Kayla is wandering the streets of Galam, and she notes that nothing has really changed. She walks around with a sad look on her face, the events that transpired outside of Yeel still weighing heavily on her. Seeing the suffering around her does not do wonders for her mood, either. Kayla enters the tavern a short time later and orders some tea. When it is brought to her, she lifts the cup to her lips and takes a sip - her eyes downcast.

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Tue Nov 21, 2006 5:52 am
*Ombligo happily floats about through the town, watching the random villagers in their daily affairs. Most don't seem to notice him, but as usual those that do become particularly curious in the magic creature. However, floating past them all, Ombligo sees Sorel. A chill phases Ombligo momentarily. As it ceases, he approaches the druid, making eye contact with him while floating to him.*
: "Sorel..."
Sorel is taken aback by the solemnity of the usually upbeat Ombligo.
: "Ombligo?"
*The magic creature responds flatly, wasting no time in getting to the point.*
: "I know you died."
What little color was in Sorel's face drains out. He trembles silently for a moment.
: "Yes," he says finally.
*Ombligo trembles in air for a minute, the truth having been verified. His voice sad, he speaks again.*
: "Is that why you're sad and worried? Did you see something disturbing on the other side?"
Sorel bows his head, walking slowly past the magic creature.
: "Walk with me, Ombligo."
*A comment comes to Ombligo, but decides now is definitely not the best time to say anything silly. He floats next to Sorel, staying with him.*
: "Did the person who told you that I had died tell you how?" the old man asks.
: "They weren't really very specific. I think they said you were fighting devils or something. I heard it was bad..."
: "We were vastly outnumbered and overpowered, and it was only through the skill of Max that Shera was saved. It was only through luck that I was the only one to die." Sorel says, letting a pause hang before the last word. "By all accounts, the mission had succeeded. Shera was safe, almost no casualties. But I do not think any of us had ever felt as useless as we did right then. As helpless. That was the last thing, you know. The last thing I'd felt before I died. That utter helplessness. When I was risen, I found the others sitting around the battlefield licking their wounds. The Doctor was gone. The cleric, Amelios, lay dead on the ground. But none of that mattered, you see. Oh no. All I could do was lead. So lead I did. Every step I took towards Yeel was a step of gratitude that soon the burden of leadership would be someone else's. But it was not. Dam and Graigus were gone. Gail was sinking deeper and deeper into despair and guilt. There was no one. I, who mere hours ago had been a corpse, broken on the ground, now had to lead these people. Lead you. That is why I worry, Ombligo. But I would be lying if I did not confess that it was what I saw on the other side that so saddened me, and instills in me something worse even now."
*Ombligo shivers as Sorel speaks. He stumbles, almost unable to ask the question.*
: "W...what did you see on the other side, Sorel?"
Sorel doesn't answer for a long time, keeping silent as he leads Ombligo weaving through the streets and crowds of Galam.
: "What would you expect that I saw?"
*Ombligo ponders for a moment what it could possibly be. If it's true that even the highest of powers are endangered by the Strife Lords...*
: "Did you see...nothing at all?"
: "Yes... and no. It was nothing total nothingness I saw. If I had seen nothing at all, I could have dismissed these concerns as a failure of my perception. No... I saw something." The druid clears his throat. "Imagine yourself floating in a sea, endless on all sides, not of water but of some dimly lit gray ephemera, like moonlight or morning mist. Imagine being dwarfed by a sense of peace and tranquility you have never experienced before. Imagine, that above you there is a source of bright light in the distance. Being the only distinctive thing about this place, naturally you would float or swim towards it, no? Imagine never getting there." Sorel says, his voice choked with emotion. "Imagine exerting yourself for eternity snd never coming any closer." Again he is silent for a long time. "That is what I saw."
*Ombligo's voice shows concern, but his lack of facial features might betray that. His eyes, at least, show the truth.*
: "Is it unreachable, or do you think it's because you were somehow revived and thus pulled from it?"
: "I moved very quickly," Sorel says. "There was no change. It was as if even movement was an illusion, a trick there to taunt you like that distant light. Like the feeling you carry in the pit of your heart that everyone you had lost will be waiting for you on the other side, with arms and hearts open. Baseless. Illusory."
: "...So there's nothing after? It's all just a big trick?! How horrible!"
: "I do not know," Sorel says, "how well my experience can translate. Tanis spoke of many visions of his friends and family. Perhaps, in the distant future, your end will mimic his and will have more meaning."
: "But why would you get nothing? You're the best human I know!"
: "No I am not." Sorel says.
*Ombligo responds angrily, flailing his tentacles wildly as he floats in front of Sorel.*
: "You can't argue with me on that, Sorel! You're the best human I know, and the only way you could change that is by changing at all! Maybe you don't think you're good, but I think you are!"
: "Ah, but I have changed," Sorel says, his voice swelling with bitterness. "I have died a seemingly meaningless death, and been reborn into burdens I had never once shown myself worthy to bear. Through it all..." The old man trails off, his walk becoming progressively slower, his breathing more ragged. "I care about you, Ombligo. About Mahler. About Gail. About Astrid, Langston, Gorrik, Alastor. All of them. Everyone. Everything. If you were to reduce my being to one act or state, that state would be caring. Every since I died, I have cared less and less. What once was doubt and frustration about evil in the world have morphed into apathy. I just... I fight now only because I know I must, because of the reliance you all have upon me, because despite my weakness I have the power to serve you. Good and evil seem distant, implacable things. I have ceased to care about them beyond a philosophical interest. I have ceased to feel them. If caring is what I am, then I am less every passing hour. I am wasting. I can no longer counsel as once I could. Where before I might have been heard, I am called deluded, inflexible, heavy-handed. I am brushed off by people who would seek total seclusion to hurt themselves. I cannot care as once I did when someone who had once given me a great deal of respect leaves my company in tears because of what I have said. It is that which distresses me most."
*Ombligo struggles with his words, horrified to see that Sorel is struggling with his feelings. Ombligo never had a father, a grandfather, a brother, or anything like that - he had no family, just like Sorel. Sorel was all this and more to the magic creature. And so, Ombligo struggled with his words.*
: "Th...th...then..."
*Shaking, he finally bursts them out, sheer determination carrying them.*
: "...We need to fix you, Sorel!"
Sorel laughs. When he speaks, it is clear despite the sadness in his voice that he's the better for it.
: "Fix me? How would you propose to do that?"
: "I um...I don't know yet. But I'll find a way. Others might give up, but I won't!"
For a moment, Sorel's face lights up in a smile, and some of his worry seems to wash away with it.
: "You are a better man than I, Ombligo."
*Ombligo giggles.*
: "I'm technically not a 'man'...and no I'm not better than you! I'm just doing what you would do if I were you and you were me." *Ombligo rubs his shell at the thought, a confusing, but amusing image crossing into his mind.*
: "Perhaps that is what I need," Sorel says. "Perhaps I need someone to do for me as I have done for so many others." He stops, and he and Ombligo find themselves in the place where they had run into each other. "I will think in this." The old man takes Ombligo's tentacles into his hands. "Thank you," he says, hoarsely.
*Ombligo bubbles happily. Wow! I'm really cheering him up! I guess Coventry was right.*
: "Heehee, no problem, Sorel! I'm glad you take me seriously, unlike practically everyone else. Anyway...I'm just glad to help."
: "I am glad that you do not take me quite as seriously as everyone else does," Sorel says, smiling. "I have to go speak to Max. Enjoy yourself, the battle ahead will be hard. Encourage others to do the same. Perhaps you could go cheer up Gail?"
: "Well, I had a game with her and Tanis before, and she did seem kind of down. Maybe it didn't help that she didn't win at all...But I'll do what I can!"
: "That is all any of us can do." Sorel says. "When what needs to be done is outside of your reach, know that you are surrounded by friends more than willing to help you. I had forgotten that, myself." He bows to Ombligo. "Farewell," he says, turning to depart.

Posted by: Rusty Tue Nov 21, 2006 12:19 pm
*Ombligo twirls in a circle as he floats about in the town, his meeting with Sorel - despite ill news - putting him in a better mood than usual.* Gail, apparently looking intently for something, stops as she spots Ombligo a short ways away. Seeing his obviously happy state, she in turn smiles lightly as she approaches him, not wanting to diminish his good mood. "You seem cheerful as ever, Ombligo."
Ombligo: "Oh, Gail! How funny, I was just looking for you, but you found me!" *The magic creature giggles.*
"Yes, that is quite funny," Gail says, her smile brightening. "Why were looking for me, if I might ask?"
Ombligo: "Before I can answer your question...I have one of my own." *Ombligo observes her face, noting the smile. She's sad? She sure is good at hiding it... He looks at Gail, his demeanor significantly changing to what Gail can only recognize as his 'professional mode', a demeanor he always saves for the meetings, which is actually still very much like his regular self.* Ombligo: "Gail, can you take me seriously?"
Gail is surprised by the question, brows raised and eyes blinking before her smile returns. "Of course, Ombligo. Though you're young, you have an obvious intelligence, and normally give others a great deal of respect." She then waits for the magic creature's reply, slightly confused about where this was going.
Ombligo: "Contrary to what your face says, I hear you're sad." *He says, carefully watching her reaction.*
Gail is stunned by the creature's bluntness, simply staring at him before a small chuckle arises from her. She shakes her head slowly and closes her eyes; when she looks back at Ombligo, her expression is much more melancholy. "You don't have to look far to see that, Ombligo, much less so to hear it."
*The magic creature responds sincerely.* Ombligo: "I just wanted to verify it. I'd like to help, Gail. I know I'm young in human years, but I do have experience in cheering people up!" *Ombligo giggles again with a wink.*
Another chuckle is teased out of Gail before she responds, the smile more sincere but otherwise unchanged. "How do you propose to do so, then?"
Ombligo: "Well, I don't know yet, but even so you're smiling more than you were yesterday!" *He bobs up and down, chuckling.* Ombligo: "But if you think talking about it is good, then I'm free to listen. Sorel has other responsibilities now, and I don't know if I can make you feel better, but I'm definitely going to try and keep trying!"
At the mention of Sorel's name, Gail's smile drops, eyes moving to the ground. "I see...," she whispers, staring at the dusty streets before lifting her head, the smile smaller now. "I'm not sure how much I wish to talk about it, but...I suppose I can try, if you're willing to."
Ombligo: "Just take it at your own pace, Gail. Tell me what you're able to...Hehe, sorry, I don't mean to laugh. It's just that I sound like Sorel." *Ombligo is clearly amused with himself, but still quite sincere about listening to Gail and trying to help her.* Ombligo: "And don't worry, I can keep secrets."
"Thank you," she whispers, pausing to collect her thoughts prior to beginning. "I just feel that...everything I do ends up harming someone. When I ordered us to retreat, I had reasoned that the losses would far outweigh any illusionary benefits, and turned a friend into an enemy...an enemy who may very well never speak to me again. Sorel spoke to me, asked me a question of importance...and yet, when I answered truthfully, I feel I only added to his burdens. I'm supposed to be aiding him, making decisions with him, but...I do not lead, and thus hamper our leader and the group as a whole. I've worried him to the point where he shall no longer trust what I say...and neither will Astrid," the paladin explains, the smile running away from her face.
Ombligo: "Don't worry, Gail. I talked to Sorel. I think it's his experience with death and sudden workload that has him down. I cheered him up a little today and I'll continue to do so...somehow. You can't always blame yourself when things don't go right. Dicem and Graigus made those choices themselves. Anyway, who said retreating was a mistake?? Maybe it could've gone worse."
"Sorel's work is something that I believe I am supposed to be helping with, even if he himself feels he can handle it alone. And yes, the battle would have become worse, and yet, even though I realize that..." She stops herself, sighing as she reasons that arguing with the sorceror will only yield negative results. "Still, I know I have to change if I am to regain their trust."
Ombligo: "That's not necessary. I think you're just fine the way you are, and if they don't like it, too bad for them." *Ombligo chuckles happily, despite Gail's worsening mood.*
Gail stares at Ombligo for a while, a small smile forming on her lips as she contemplates what to say. "Thank you, Ombligo...That's kind of you. However, I believe it is something I must do for myself, if no one else. Not all change has to be bad, you know." The smile fades again as a concerned look forms on her. "You said Sorel was feeling better?"
Ombligo: "I'm not going to force you not to change. If you are to change, then it'll happen. If not, you'll go back to your old ways - things will work out eventually, however they're supposed to. That's what I think anyway. Anyway, I think I cheered Sorel up a little, but I'll need to keep at it to keep him smiling. Not sure how I'll do it...but I'll think of something."
The paladin grins slightly, relieved at even a small bit of good news such as that. "I'm sure you will; If anyone can cheer Sorel up, it would certainly be you."
*Ombligo bubbles with excitement, a hue of red coming over his form.* Ombligo: "Coventry said the same thing!"
The maiden is taken aback by Ombligo's outburst, confused as to what he was trying to get across. "I...apologize?" She says, wondering if the connection somehow insulted him.
Ombligo: "What for?" *Ombligo says, rubbing his shell in confusion.*
Gail blinks for a short while before she responds, putting her hands down from in front of her. "I had thought I somehow incited you..."
Ombligo: "Oh, no. Not at all! It's just the second time I heard that in such a short amount of time, so I was a little flushed is all." *The magic creature explains.*
"Oh...that makes much more sense," Gail muses, making a mental note to learn more about reading magic creature expressions. She takes a second to regain her composure before continuing. "You're welcome, then. Also, do you know where I could find Coventry? I have something to ask him."
*Ombligo shrugs his tentacles.* Ombligo: "No, sorry...The last time I saw him he was watching our game of poker. He disappeared then, right? I haven't seen him since."
"I see...anyway, thank you. At least I know where not to look, now," she comments, smiling politely.
Ombligo: "That's thinking positive!" *He giggles, noting the optimism.*
Gail covers her mouth as she chuckles this time, obviously in brighter spirits. "Was there anything else you needed of me?"
Ombligo: "Nope! Just be sure to talk to me whenever you need to. And know that I'll be around to make sure you're okay, too." *He winks at her.*
"I will, don't worry," Gail replies, waving happily as she walks away.

Posted by: Aldur Tue Nov 21, 2006 1:22 pm
((OOC: Gail. I know I'm young in human years, but I do have experience in cheering people up!" *Ombligo giggles again with a wink.* ^ HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA. Oh god, that had me laughing so hard. Curse my pervy mind.))

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Tue Nov 21, 2006 1:38 pm

QUOTE (Aldur @ Tue Nov 21, 2006 7:22 am)
((OOC: Gail. I know I'm young in human years, but I do have experience in cheering people up!" *Ombligo giggles again with a wink.* ^ HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHA. Oh god, that had me laughing so hard. Curse my pervy mind.))

((Rusty has to say a number of those things every day as per his Hilarious Awkwardness quota))

Posted by: Cyrus Tue Nov 21, 2006 1:40 pm
[It's the winking that makes the scene.]

Posted by: Alpha Tue Nov 21, 2006 8:32 pm
After leaving the table where he, Ombligo and Gail, Tanis walks through the Galam streets looking for Kria, still taking in the sights as he does so. In his left hand he still holds the deck of cards, and he skilfully flips them around in his hand.
After wandering around the city for a while with still no sign of her, he heads in the direction of the castle. Walking past the entrance, he sees his friend sitting by a fountain. Heading past a statue of a warrior, he moves over to her, cards still in hand.
: “Heya,” he says. “How you doing?”
Kria turned away from the water, waving to Tanis. She smiled widely as he approached her, the lithe catfolk getting to her feet and dusting herself off, look at the cards for a moment and then back to Tanis. She put her hands on her hips and raised an eyebrow at him.
: "And to what do we owe the honour?"
Tanis shrugs.
: “No honour really. I just wanted to come and find you. I’ve noticed recently that we haven’t been talking as much as we used to.” He smiles. “Didn’t want to make it a habit.”
: "Recently? Try since like...Hassan." Kria snorted, tossing her hair and relaxed sitting down again, putting her legs into the water, idly swirling the ripples around as she did so. "Wow. Galam again and Dam and Graigus gone. Ah well!"
: “Oh,” Tanis says, put out. “I’m sorry. I didn’t realise.” He looks at the ground, feeling guilty. Then, looking up again, he says quietly, “You don’t seem to be too bothered that they’re gone.”
: "Well, why? I mean, the whole reason we're going back this way to assault the cult base and get them back right? So like, no worries!" Kria nodded, turning to smile at Tanis, patting the space next to her, the purple kittycat bubbly as usual.
Smiling again, Tanis sits down in the offered position, though sitting slightly sideways, so as not to get his legs wet. As he does so, he realises he’s still holding the playing cards in his hand.
: “I challenged Ombligo to a friendly game of poker earlier,” he tells her. “Luckily, we didn’t play for any material possessions,” he says, as he puts the deck into one of his pockets.
: "Oh. Did you lose?" Kria looked down at the deck of cards and then back to Tanis, her face curious.
: “Well, I won the first one,” he replies. “But Ombligo folded. So in a real situation, I wouldn’t have really gotten much out of him. Then he won the next two hands. Gail didn’t win any though; she seemed really out of it. Moreso as the game progressed.” He shrugs. “I guess she must have a lot on her mind.”
Kria nods at this, tilting her head to one side as she lay back on the ground, the hard surface obviously not bothering her. She tutted a little.
:"I wonder why..."
Tanis frowns slightly.
: “I couldn’t say for sure. I suspect it’s likely to do with something about her being second in command of Dam’s group. Things didn’t go at all well for them,” he says.
:"Like they did for us? Wow. Luckily I did that thing before passing out though..." Kria nodded to herself, looking rather pleased with herself.
Tanis nods.
:"Well, we had it pretty badly. But we didn't lose two party members." Then, considering what she said, he replies, "Why, what did you do? I probably didn't see as I was unconscious for the latter part of the battle."
: "Oh? Just a little something..." Kria giggled, obviously enjoying herself, and then pouted. "Yeah. Kinda disappointing when you use your super ultimate technique and no one is around to watch..."
: “Oh,” Tanis says. “Is that why the battlefield looked like a tornado hit it when I woke up?” Shaking his head, he apologetically says, “I’ll try my best to be conscious when you next do it.”
:"Nah. That was Sorel doing his thing. I just basically destroyed a mage. No biggie. And yeah. You should! It's pretty. And flashy."
Tanis smiles. Then, changing the subject, he asks,
: “Do you have any idea when we’re going to head off to find Dam and Graigus?”
Kria blinked in surprise.
: "None at all. Ask Sorel or someone like that."
: “Hmm. I’ve talked to Sorel recently. He didn’t want to talk much, though it was a completely different subject.” Sighing, he says, “Do you think we’ll run into your tribe whilst carrying out the rescue?”
Kria shrugged her shoulders in response.
:"Dunno."
“Well, will we be near their territory at all?” he asks. “I’m sure it’d be helpful to know. No offence, but I’d rather stay clear of them.”
: "Well I dunno. They do tend to wander those woods. We do have a central shrine, but that's only for special times. Which I don't think are soon...unless they changed things! Ah well, uncertain things lead to fun anyhow!"
Tanis sighs.
: “Well, I suppose we should be wary then. If we go through woods they roam, it’s likely the outriders will pick us up.” Considering for a moment, he asks, “If they found us and saw you with us…what would they do?”
:"Hmm...Well, I am the daughter of the High Priestess. And well...I left one day without warning. They may not recognise me, though my fur colour is kinda Mother's trademark. I have no idea to be honest! However, I'd say we'd have to fight eventually. Be it a duel to pass or mass battle!"
: “I expect they probably would recognise you Kria,” Tanis says. Frowning, he continues. “This could complicate things. I think one of us should tell Max or Sorel about it. What do you think?”
: "Well...I'll do it later on today then. May as well let them know...Hm." Kria pouted, not relishing the prospect.
: “That’s good,” he replies. “Whilst it would be nice if we bypassed them altogether, I don’t think we can rely much on luck. We haven’t had much of it recently, as I’m sure you’ve noticed.”
: "Well...Maybe it's better to make your own luck ya know? Blaming everything on luck or fate is kinda irresponsible to me." Kria sighed, getting to her feet, and then up at the sun, smiling. "I think I'd better go find Max or someone now."
: Tanis nods. “I suppose. It’s been nice talking to you,” he says. “I’ll catch you later.”
: "You'd better! Or I'll kick your ass!" Kria shakes her fist at Tanis as she moves away, mumbling about Shrines and stupid tribes.
Tanis remains sitting down, believing Kria’s words. He remains sitting for a while, soon becoming lost in thought.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Wed Nov 22, 2006 2:33 am
((RP XP Totals: Gail: 1,100, Farain: 100, Kayla: 900, Coventry: 800, Ombligo: 800, Dam: 600, Sorel: 1400, Graigus: 300, Kria: 300, Gorrik: 200, Astrid: 600, Langston: 400, Tanis: 600, Mahler: 100.))

Posted by: Rusty Wed Nov 22, 2006 3:50 am
((POWER UP! Ombligo gains: 5 HP 5 skill points (1 put it Concentration, Knowledge (Arcana), Spellcraft, Profession (Gambler), and Listen) Shield of Winds 1/day (wind wall for one round as an immediate action)
The feat Storm Bolt (as long as I have an electricity spell of at least 3rd level or highest available, I can channel 1d6 of electricity damage per the highest available spell level - this doesn't use up any spell slots. Also, +1 competence bonus CL to electricity spells/spells with the electricity descriptor)
Learns the cantrip Chalkboard
Learns the spell Alef's Lightning Lance
Gains one more 3rd level spell slot
Mmm.))

Posted by: Alpha Wed Nov 22, 2006 9:06 am
((Level up! Tanis gained a level in Fatespinner! Tanis can now cast level 4 spells! Max HP increased by 5! Will increased by 2! Gained 1 skill point in: Appraise, Concentration, Knowledge [Arcana], Profession [Gambler], Spellcraft
Gained the class ability Spin Fate!
Gained one extra 3rd level spell slot, 3 extra 4th level spell slots))
((Level 4 warmage spells: Blast of Flame, Contagion, Black Tentacles, Orb of Acid/Cold/Electricity/Fire/Force/Sound, Phantasmal Killer, Shout, Wall of Fire
Spells per day:
Spell Slots (Lv 0: 6/6; Lv 1: 8/8; Lv 2: 8/8; Lv 3: 7/7; Lv 4: 5/5)
((Hehehe....oh yeah))

Posted by: Cyrus Wed Nov 22, 2006 10:35 am
Max and Ian stand in a large stone chamber cluttered with maps and papers. Adam stands mute in a corner. Sorel stands off to the side, studying the maps intently. : "Where is Gail?" Max asks. "Isn't she also part of your command?" Sorel frowns.
: "I cannot say for certain. She has not recovered well from the debacle with Aelisnyx."
Max sighs. "Perhaps we'd best start without her."
: "I've spoken with the King," Ian says with a nod. "I know you mainly want to find your friends, but when you hit the base, Max will try and find the devil's leader. Sha-whatever his name was."
: "I'll find and kill him," Max says with a grim look. "And try to take as many command staff down as I can. Disrupt their command."
: "Right. While he does that, we'd like your group to both cover him... and to sabotage the Devil Army's defenses," Ian says, looking at Sorel evenly. "Think you can manage to have more than one objective?"
Sorel tilts his head.
: "Provided we can address them as one unit, we will be able to handle it." A thought occurs to the druid. "What resources need we prepare for possessed prisoners? Can the local clergy provide us with any tools? And what of Zassahd?" he asks. "What do we know of his capabilities? Will we have to deal with traps? Illusions? Hordes of summoned guards?"
Ian shrugs. "I dunno. lol"
-----
: "Possession can be tricky. It depends on what is possessing them. If it's just a Gizmo or the like then just drag them back here and we can handle it...But we've been hearing weird things about a new type of possessor lately," Ian shakes his head. "If it's one of them, you're out of luck. We don't know how to cure it." Ian grins slightly. "As for Zassahd, we'll let our premier spy fill you in."
A shadowy figure drops from a window, gracefully landing on his feet and standing. A man just out of his youth with pinkish red hair tied back into a ponytail and a roughish grin.
Sorel watches Ruburan's entrance with a stony expression. "Well?" he says.
: "So you're Sorel, eh? Impressive for an old man," the man says with a smug grin. "I guess looks really are deceiving."
: "You look as if you know something of use," Sorel says. "I pray you are not being deceptive."
: "Clever!" the man says with a laugh. "Yes, I've been spending my time ferreting out the secrets of the Devil Army. You want to know about the base or the boss first?"
: "Tell me about the base," Sorel responds.
: "The Devil Army's base is set up deep in the woods, protected by a layer of enchantments designed to turn away the average passerby or scout team. The spells make them subtly feel like they're looking in the wrong place, getting lost, that sort of thing. Doesn't have too much effect on the strong willed, but it's very effective on the rank and file."
Sorel nods. "Go on."
: "The base's defenses consist mainly of its troops, but palisades and infernally enchanted siege engines and the like also provide key support. Not to mention the portals. I'd also expect traps... It's a real shame my protege got himself captured. He'd have come in handy for that."
: "Portals to where?"
: "Hell of course. The Evil World. The smoky, lightless void where the bulk of the Devil Army lies imprisoned."
: "Why are they there? What blocks the bulk of the army from being brought to this dimension?"
: "I'm not too sure on how they work, but a few Cultists operate the device and pull Devils through the barrier, granting them access to this world in return for service. The portals are small. The barrier is huge, comprised of the stronger Ancient sorcery. The best the portals can do is pull one devil through every day or so..." the man grins. "And even then...The Cult has to find devils willing to abandon Zeon and take their banner. This cuts down on their selection a bit, as many devils would not risk the King of Devil's wrath. Not even for freedom."
: "Zassahd is the commanding devil on the island. Is he also behind the Cult?"
: "What do you mean?"
: "It is clear that there is an intermarriage between the Devil Army that has been brought over and this Chaos Cult. I know little of the forces behind the Cult; is Zassahd a figure of importance within it?"
: "No. He is only the Devil Army's leader here."
Sorel leans his head forward.
: "I assume that prisoners do not stay prisoners very long before they are possessed or disposed of. How many possessed can we expect to encounter?"
: "Tell us about Zassahd now," Max asks as Gail bursts in. Nodding to her, Max speaks. "Ruburan was just about to inform us of the nature of the Devil Army's local leader."
: "Yes. Zassahd is a snake demon, lower half of a snake, upper half scaly humanoid with a snake head. He likes poisons and fellow snake creatures, you can expect lots of reptiles if you assault him. However, his preference extends to his private sanctum only, the base itself is occupied by varied devils. Be warned that any in the base may use poison, though."
: "Then we should make sure we have counter-measures prepared, for those who would expect to face him and his pets head on, if no one else," Gail comments. "Does he have any known weaknesses?"
: "Holy of course," Ruburan says. "Also, his magic resistance is lacking... If you can call lack of a strength a weakness. His melee ability is top notch, though. He's both swift and armored thanks to his scales. You can also expect to run into Aelisnyx if you're going there."
: "I wouldn't expect any less," the paladin says, a scowl running over her face as she remembers all the devil lieutenent had put them through. "Facing both of them at once would prove daunting...but it may be inevitable, especially if we head straight for Zassahd himself."
:"Aelisnyx and Zassahd might be split up..." Max muses. "In case one falls, the next in command can escape."
: "True...without either of them, the lines would fall into chaos. However, preparing for the worst-case scenario would be worth-while, just in case we do ending up facing them together," Gail reasons.
: "Anything else?" Ruburan asks.
Gail pauses for a bit, trying to recall any important business, then shakes her head when nothing comes.
: "Then I suggest you make preparations," Ian nods. "When you've killed Zassahd and sabotaged the defenses, Max will give the signal and the Galam Army will attack in force."
: "Yes, sir," Gail says as she bows militarily. "We will not fail you."
[Oh, and, uh...Gail levels.
Gail Haubrekt progresses to a level 8 Paladin(ECL 9)!
Gail receives 9 HP!
Gail takes the Extra Smiting Feat! Gail receives 3 more Smite attempts!
Gail gains 4 skill points to spend!
Gail receives +1 to BAB (+8/+3)!
Gail's Fort save increases by +1 (+20)!
Gail is now gifted with the ability to cast 2nd level spells!]

Posted by: Alpha Thu Nov 23, 2006 12:48 am
((Before I forget about it: http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a51/Thaziax/Tanis.png I think it's right.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Nov 23, 2006 4:47 am
((You have until Saturday for whatever business you have left. Then I'm moving things along.))

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Thu Nov 23, 2006 10:33 am
: "Gail." Sorel says as the meeting concludes. "I need to speak with you." Gail stiffens slightly at Sorel's words before she turns to face him, a melancholy smile on her face. : "I worry you that much, do I?" Sorel's face is stern. He does not answer.
: "Come with me," he says, leading her out of the chamber and into the city.
Gail frowns as Sorel walks off humourlessly, then sighs, following him.
Sorel walks swiftly, leading Gail to a relatively secluded area. He turns around to face her.
: "Why are you here?" he asks, his green eyes burning into hers.
This time, the paladin's expression does not change, and she does not hesitate to answer.
: "Because this is the path I have chosen to walk, and I shall see it through to its end or my own."
Sorel closes his eyes and shakes his head.
: "I did not bring you out here to hear platitudes. I need to know why you continue to fight, and why you continue to lead."
Gail is silent for a long while, eyes closed, as if truly considering the reasons that had brought her this far. Finally, they open, but fail to raise to meet the druid's own.
: "I don't know. I have made fighting my life, and yet, all the reasons that were good enough now seem false or foolish. To lead...I never thought I was a leader in the first place. I only kept the position as I thought I was needed, but that is not the case."
Sorel takes Gail's gauntleted hands in his own.
: "Look at me," he says softly. "We need you, Gail. We would not be here but for you. But we need you -- I need you -- to do what is best for us. You see the wounds you have inflicted on yourself. You feel the pain they cause in you. I think you can sense the pain they cause in those around you as well. I cannot ask you to do the impossible, to set aside the burdens you have taken upon yourself over the course of years. I cannot expect you to forgive yourself immediately of whatever sin has started you on the paths you have chosen in service to good and in opposition to your own well-being. I cannot ask that of you. But I must ask you to search within yourself with some haste. You are, whether you realize it or not, a leader. Your words carry weight, and so do your decisions. If you cannot act in that capacity without continuing to inflict upon yourself and upon those around you the harm of your guilt, then I must ask you to relieve yourself of those responsibilities." The old man's voice softens as he too casts his eyes downward. His grip weakens considerably. "I am a weak, foolish old man. Everything I do is a flower on the grave of a loved one who is lost to me forever. I am not a leader of men. Please," Sorel says, "Do not leave. I need your youth, your strength. I can offer nothing in return except my counsel, my respect, and my admiration. Know that whatever you do, you will forever have those."
Gail complies with Sorel's wish, staring into his vivid forest green eyes with her own ocean blue as he speaks. The maiden's eyes keep steady throughout, though by the end they shimmer and glisten wetly, obviously moved by the plea. Still keeping the druid's hands in her own, she tightens her grip, bringing the old man's weathered palms together as she clasps her own hands around them.
: "It is far more than I could ever ask you to give, Sorel," she says, a smile showing through despite the wetness in her eyes. She shakes her head. "I have always seen you as a strong person. To give so much, to always be there when others need you - to carry the burdens of many, no matter the reason - takes a resolve and sense of purpose not found often on this earth. If they need me, then they - we - just as surely need you." She blinks, brights thin streams running down her cheeks. "I shall not leave you to stand alone, Sorel...as long as you remain to guide me."
Sorel closes his eyes, biting down on his lower lip. He heaves a hoarse, shuddering sigh.
: "Thank you." he says in a voice barely above a whisper.
: "No," the paladin responds, the light of the setting sun turning her tears to gold, "Thank you."

Posted by: Aldur Thu Nov 23, 2006 12:53 pm
Kria meanwhile was getting mildly annoyed. She had been looking for awhile and hadn't been able to find anyone important. She frowned, and then giggled; snapping her fingers as she had the perfect idea. She inhaled deeply and then began to shriek at the top of her lungs...
"GAIL! SOREL! MAX! IAN! GAIL! SOREL! MAX! IAN!"

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Thu Nov 23, 2006 8:29 pm
((^^^^ This poster is dumb vvvv))

Posted by: Aldur Thu Nov 23, 2006 8:40 pm
Sorel strides purposefully in Kria's direction upon hearing the shout. "What's happened?" Kria stops shrieking as Sorel comes along, a wide smile on her face as the old man approached. She blinked. "Happened? Nothing. I just couldn't find anyone important so...I screamed. Usually worked!" Kria giggled at this a little. "Well, it's kinda about my tribe."
The line of Sorel's mouth hardens and his eyes flash dangerously, but he says nothing about the warlock's childlishness. "What do you mean about your tribe?"
Kria frowns, tilting her head to one side, leaning in and then shakes her head, deciding to not say anything. Man, is he about to burst a vein? Eww... She takes a deep breath, proceeding to speak about things. "Well...There is a chance, well...maybe more than a chance we may bump into them. It is the roaming period. But like, I could kinda been able to talk our way past them...except..." She hesitated a little. "If any of them kinda like see Max or a robot they'll go crazy all out."
Sorel blinks. "How large is your tribe?"
"Good question. But let's see...they did kinda like, wander around in packs, coming together for...um, lets just call them holidays or when Mother says...or if they spot people that shouldn't be around. I kinda don't know. Largish I'd guess!"
"Are they all warlocks?"
"Like...I wish! Nah. Only the priesthood! So like...around a third or so of the tribe! Rest are a big mix! No clerics though...for obvious reasons! Most are fighters or archers." Kria frowned, wondering about something. "But like...there is a way to avoid fighting them. We respect strength, so if someone challenges the leader of the tribe...they can usually like, make them go away..." She faltered a little, mumbling. "But...you need to be a tribe member for that..."
"So you will need to challenge your mother to a duel to grant us safe passage," Sorel says, raising a hand to his head. He groans. "Why does this sound painfully familiar?"
"Um! We don't HAVE to. We could just sorta attack them and make them run away. Ah course...that's if we're the bigger party, not the mention the tribe know the forest like the back of their paws...but something bothers me. Why would Mother let something like a cult base be built in like, HER forest? It doesn't make sense kinda..." Kria frowned, thinking about this.
"Perhaps a deal was made," Sorel says. "The Castle of the Ancients was risen from the sea, and your tribe worships Dark Dragon. It is feasible to imagine that certain promises could have been exchanged. Still, I cannot say for certain."
Kria sighed, stamping her foot into the ground. "Nothing is ever easy...but even so, I doubt Mother would make a deal. She's more of the slaughter first, bargain later type."
Sorel is silent for a moment, considering this. "Perhaps she has been deposed?"
Kria frowned, thinking this over. "I wonder who by...because..she was really strong. And the tribe would fight to avenge her if it wasn't a clan member." Kria stopped, and blinked with her eyes wide. "Maybe...they're all dead?"
"It is certainly possible," Sorel says after a short silence. He studies Kria intently. "Kria?" he asks. "Are you alright?"
"Me? Excellent! Grand! Why do you ask?" Kria grins at Sorel, curious about the sudden change of subject. At least he isn't doing the scary vein popping thing...
"You seem far less calm than your behavior would suggest," Sorel says.
"Says you!" Kria glared at Sorel. "And who are you to analyse me? You crazy old man!" She stopped, and grinned sheepishly. "Oops! Sorry about that. Temper temper Kria dear..."
The catfolk's outburst confuses the druid even more. "What's going on?"
"Well, I think we're all waiting around for the orders to move and then we go storm the cultist base, rescue our friends, and hope to Volcanon we don't run into my tribe?" Kria blinked, confused by the question.
"I... you just acted like a radically different person." Sorel says, eyes narrowed slightly.
"Well...yeah. Doesn't everyone?" Kria smiled at Sorel.
"Doesn't everyone what?"
"Act like a radically different person from time to time. I mean, you're not exactly doing the nice old man routine...etc." Kria nodded, her logic flawless. In her opinion at least.
Sorel frowns as he considers Kria's words carefully and dismisses them. "Not like that..." he murmurs. "Even a child's moods do not shift so quickly."
"Well, I'm sure you'd agree I am quite a unique person. Like...really, unique. But yeah, are you kinda like...going senile? Because I don't get what we're talking about!" Kria smiled, and moved back a little, incase her last comment offended.
Sorel doesn't let his eyes leave Kria's, but they flick back and forth slightly, as if searching for something. "Very well..." he says.
"Alrighty! Oh! Did I tell you? In that last battle...oh. Well, no you wouldn't have...Sorry!" Kria's smiled wilted as she accidentally brought up Sorel's death. She cleared her throat delicately. "Heh...but I did this really cool attack!"
Sorel doesn't react to the mention of his death. "Oh?"
"Yep! I landed, and liked asked for help! And fired my eldritch blast...but it was like something opened up inside me, and it just clicked...and it was huge! It like...made a mage go BOOM! Instantly!" Kria smiled widely at this, doing a little twirl. "Well naturally something clicked."
"Who did you ask for help?"
Um, the spirits really!" Kria snorted. "Spirits. Ha. Half of a person can't do as much as one person." Kria nodded. "Well...that could be true. Anyway. Stop talking. You know the deal!" Kria's face sighed and she nodded. "I know. I don't get to do anything for another while." She frowned. "How'd I get into this?" Kria giggled. "You lost fair and square so until the next time...I'm in control!" Kria then rolled her eyes. "Maybe so, but honestly...bangle empires? Might I enquire as to what the heck?"
Sorel raises a hand to calm the Krias. "Silence! Just how many people live in that body?"
Kria pouted. "Like...one." She sighed, rolling her eyes. "Idiot. We are the same person. But in your eyes it's two. She's the bubbly one...and I'm the...serious one? That would indeed be a way to put it. I manage to speak now. Mayhap that special move she's raving about had something to do with it. Anyway. Pleased to meet you Sir Sorel." Kria giggled, her eyes shining. "You talk so funny! But yeah...used to be more, but then we kinda teamed up and made the other personality thingies go back into us! Not sure how to link us together though!" Kria frowned. "Not sure why she's talking now! She shouldn't be able to! I mean, I'm central at the moment!"
Sorel rubs his temples slowly. "Let me see if I understand this. There are two distinct personalities in your mind. One of them is sensible and cold... and the other is you. There were several more, but the two that remain managed to extinguish them. The personality's resurfacing may be related to an upsurge in power you experienced in the previous battle." The old man exhales. "Is that correct?"
"Well, your analysis is correct for the most part Sir Sorel. However, we did not...extinguish them. We...added them to us? We used to be a heavily fragmented person. Now we are merely split into two parts. Not that it's that large a burden, but if I hear bangle empire again...I'll end up hurting her." Kria pouted. "You meanie! Cmon! It's a sound idea!"
"Why is your mind sundered this way?"
"Well...I dunno!" Kria giggled, and then abruptly sighed. "Intense trauma as a child as I came to realise my tribe was evil? And my mother was hell bent on annilating everything in sight? Not to mention the various scenes of carnage of the tribe? All I can think of certainly. Unless we don't know about it? But that doesn't make sense. Who'd sunder a mind for no apparent reason?"
"I can think of any number of reasons someone might split the mind of another, none of them particularly good omens," Sorel says. "However, it seems as likely as anything else your mind split itself as a reaction to whatever evils your tribe committed. Perhaps if we do encounter your tribe, you may gain some semblance of peace from the meeting."
"Booooorrrrriiiiinnnnnggggg!" Kria nodded. "Well...no sense in worrying about that now. I'll deal with it when it happens. Sir Sorel, might I borrow from the party fund? I do understand it's not very large and I'll pay it back later...however. I do require two thousand gold coins."
"What do you need the money for?"
"To purchase a new blade that should be more effective against our evil foes. I would prefer to just have it enchanted, however, that would take far too long..." Kria hesitated. "And like...I only have twenty thousand, and after selling my two old swords I need two thousand more still!"
"You will need to speak to Gail. She is handling the party finances. However, I have no opposition to this expenditure and you may tell her so."
"Yay! Thank you Sorel! You're a pet!" Kria grinned, smiling widely at Sorel. "Well then, I shall depart and attempt to find lady Gail, and see if I can manage to get a loan of the required money. I shall see you later Sorel." Kria bows politely, and walks off in search of Gail. Like...why the bow? It was so...weird! Kria sighed and then began to giggle in amusement.
The old man smiles warily. "Farewell..."

Posted by: Dark Maiden Fri Nov 24, 2006 9:24 pm
Kayla thinks to herself as she drinks her tea. ~Why did I accept that offer in the first place? I came here for gold and all I've gotten is trouble. My luck has gone from being really good to being horrendous even since I joined them. I've been put on death's door more times than I can count by devils... Before all of this, I was always sure of myself. I had no fear, and no doubts... Our last mission technically succeeded. We saved the hostages, but how many of us nearly died in the attempt? I've never felt so helpless, so useless, or so worthless in my entire life...~
A single tear rolls down each of the tiefling's cheeks, and fall into her now empty tea cup. She closes her eyes and chuckles.
~I promised myself that I would never cry no matter what, but it looks like I've broken that promise, doesn't it? Perhaps it would have been best if I never joined this group. That night, when Max asked us to join him, and I got into an argument with Alastor, I was sincerely tempted to kill him on the spot... How can I expect them to trust me when the evil blood inside me tries to make me do horrible things? How can I trust myself?~
Kayla stands up and as the woman that served her comes by, she tosses a few gold coins onto the tray.
~I suppose now is as good a time as any to go and talk to the Doctor. After all, this could be my only chance.~
With that, Kayla leaves the tavern in search of him, sticking to the shadows.
[Kayla buys two Potions of Cure Moderate Wounds, and three Potion of Cure Serious Wounds.
Total Spent (Including the tavern): 2855 gold
Funds Remaining: 7803 gold, 10 silver]

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Fri Nov 24, 2006 11:47 pm
((Langston gains a level! HP increases by 8! BAB increases by 1! REF save increases by 1! SLOW FALL ability increases to 30 feet!
AGILE FIGHTING ability increases to +2/+3!
Climb/Jump/Balance/Tumble/Hide/MoveSilently/Search/Use Rope increase by 1!
Disable Device increases by 2!
QUICKER THAN THE EYE learned! ))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sat Nov 25, 2006 1:51 am
[Here is some information for our leaders. Kayla is a Rogue, therefore she is a skill monkey. Since this may come in handy, she can disarm traps, and she can pick locks. Just assume she mentions it if those in charge don't already know. She should also be flanking whenever possible, since base Rogue damage stinks. ]

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sat Nov 25, 2006 8:01 am
The next morning, the group stands assembled at the imposing and fortified Northern Gate. As they arrive at the structure and the guards begin to pull the massive portcullis upwards and the doors outwards, a lone figure approaches the group. An old and familiar face.
((Take it away, Morgan. Whenever you get on, anyway.))

Posted by: Lord Oddeye Sat Nov 25, 2006 8:22 am
A hooded figure in mage robe is standing a few feet away from the north gate of Galam, back against a wall, loosely leaning on a fine wooden quarterstaff. The expression on his face, though hidden by the black hood, is stern and thoughtful. And by the look of his posture, one could assume this person was somewhat wearied at the moment.
Morgan had remained here for most of the morning, undecided on what to do next and still looking for a way to get back to Rune. He was expecting the situation in his homeland to be direr than the last time he had been there, weeks ago. But did he have any choice? He had escaped what was remaining of his home thinking he could find safety here in Parmecia and he ended up in a similar danger. He didn't want to stay in a small village, idle, in a land surrounded by devils and ever since he had left Rune, thoughts of the empty ruined town of his childhood were tormenting his mind like the ghost of a too recently buried past, not much because of the terrible facts but for the enigmas they had left behind. He needed answers. He needed to discover what had happened to his home. But he didn't know what he would do after returning to the collapsed village, supposing he could find a way to get there alive. So he thought about the situation again and again… If only the fate could lend him a hand.
As the group of warriors approaches the gates, the young man looks up at them and remains silent, that is until he recognize the face his former comrades among them. Comrades he had forsaken before the end of their quest for reasons that were beyond him.
Quietly, he walks away from the wall and goes in their direction.
"So, we meet again. This must be the sign I was hoping for…"
In a slow motion, he lifts up his hood, revealing his dark brown hairs, a faint smile coming across his face.
: "You can’t imagine how nice it is see familiars faces again when you've been roaming around a mutilated land for days." He adds.

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sat Nov 25, 2006 8:27 am
Sorel studies Morgan intently. He looks questioningly at Gail and Gorrik before stepping forward. : "Morgan, what are you doing here?" ((I want one of the Paladins to detect evil on him thanks))

Posted by: Lord Oddeye Sat Nov 25, 2006 9:27 am
He turns his gaze to the old man and answers him frankly. : "Well, after leaving the group I remained in Ribble for a few days. Then I realised how rash it had been of leaving Rune so hastily, leaving a danger to enter another... So I decided to return there for... many reasons.
I asked for a raft to get back to Hassan but they wouldn't accept, saying that the way there was becoming too dangerous. So I headed for those mysterious tunnels south of Ribble and after a few days of traveling, I eventually made my way to another small village called Roft. There, I stayed one night at the inn and the next day tried to collect some informations about this country. I'm not quite familiar with the place. That's when I've heard about the city of Galam and decided to travel there, thinking the biggest town in the area could provide some help about my situation. I only arrived here yesterday but... seeing the condition of this land and the atmosphere in town, I'm having some doubts about it now. And now I'm stuck here without much of a choice and... I'm lost in thought." He stops, looking at the other people around Sorel and waiting for him to reply.

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sat Nov 25, 2006 9:28 am
Kayla stares at the gate for a while, quite disappointed that she could not find Alastor the day before. ~I'll talk to him after we've rescued Dicem and Graigus...if I'm still... Sheesh, there I go again, jinxing myself with such thoughts!...~
As she is staring at the gate, a familiar looking figure approaches them. The tiefling turns her gaze to the Necromancer, but she does not say anything.

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sat Nov 25, 2006 9:46 am
The old man is silent as he considers Morgan's story thoughtfully. : "I cannot offer you an easy path home. We are en route to carry out a difficult and dangerous mission. If you wish to lend your talents, I would be most grateful. Perhaps, when it is done, there will be safe passage once more, to Rune or to wherever you desire to travel."

Posted by: Lord Oddeye Sat Nov 25, 2006 10:05 am
: "Really? Well, considering the way things are, I might as well come along with you all. What is this mission you are talking about? Are you still looking for this hero, Max?" He stops, realizing that he wasn't recognising some people in the group and that some others were missing.
: "And where is Dam Dicem?" He just adds, frowning, "I don't see him among you."

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sat Nov 25, 2006 10:14 am
Sorel sighs deeply. : "Our quest for Max has ended, in fact he is among us even now. As for Dam... that is a tale long and painful in the telling, one which I have no doubt you will feel less intelligent for having heard. Suffice it to say a few... unorthodox tactics on his part forced him and Graigus into captivity with the Devil Army."

Posted by: Lord Oddeye Sat Nov 25, 2006 11:10 am
The young man looks troubled by the news. : "Unortodox tactics? That... It sounds somewhat different from the Dicem I remember meeting in Hassan..." He pauses, looking back to Sorel, "I don't think I want to know the whole story of his capture either... Do you have any clue on him and Graigus' whereabouts?

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sat Nov 25, 2006 11:12 am
Sorel extends a staff down the path out of Galam and towards the forest. : "We are headed there presently. Would you like to follow?"

Posted by: Lord Oddeye Sat Nov 25, 2006 11:24 am
Morgan looks in the direction Sorel is pointing. He turns back to the druid and nods deeply. : "As I said, there is not much I can do now and insisting in an uncertain direction won't lead me anywhere but to a certain peril." He looks at the everyone else, "And If peril there is, better fighting it together. Since the fate gathered us here in Galam, I'm not going to decline your offer."

Posted by: Aldur Sat Nov 25, 2006 1:30 pm
((Just for the Record, Kria now has a Holy Bastard Sword of Deflection. )) Kria tilted her head, looking at morgan for a moment and shrugged. More firepower was always a good thing. Especially as we are about to storm a cult base, however...it seems almost too good to be true. I shall watch him.

Posted by: Alpha Sat Nov 25, 2006 1:52 pm
Tanis moves over to the young wizard, and claps a hand on his shoulder. It was good to see him again, somebody who'd been around at the beginning of their journey. "Welcome back, my friend. Though I fear you rejoin us at a difficult time."

Posted by: Lord Oddeye Sat Nov 25, 2006 2:58 pm
He turns back to Tanis and smiles wearily. : "I realize that, friend." He replies to the catfolk, "But can you think of one area that isn't encountering difficutlies? I witnessed disasters or their repercussions in almost every places I visited so far..."
He shakes his head.
: "And running away is not a solution. That, I learned it too well." He adds.

Posted by: Rusty Sat Nov 25, 2006 11:08 pm
*Ombligo floats forward, waving to him.* : "Hey, welcome back, Morgan! It's a good thing you showed up, since we're short two men now. After the last couple of battles, it's clear we could use all the help we can get."

Posted by: Nightmare Sat Nov 25, 2006 11:16 pm
Gorrik looks towards the old ally suspiciously, but remains silent. ((Detect Evil. No evil detected.)) The dwarf turns to Sorel and nods with a smile, letting the old druid know that everything is alright.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sun Nov 26, 2006 1:49 am
Max and Adam meet the group at the gate, Max now clad in blue and white full plate. : "The King presented this to me before I left... A replication of the armor I lost. Should serve me well in the battles ahead." Max then approaches Sorel. "When we make camp tonight, we should talk of what I learned from Hawell. I managed to speak with him before we left Yeel, but with all the commotion, I forgot to bring it up."
: "If there are no objections, let's be off."
The group passes through field and wood ravaged by war, the slain corpses of Galam patrols and offensives occasionally appearing alongside piles of ash that were once devils, bones that were once undead, and monstrous corpses.
It's as night falls, the moon high in the sky when you come upon a large clearing, suitable for making camp. But before you can stop to rest...
*Ombligo whispers softly to the group, mostly to the leaders.* Ombligo: "Did you see that? They're in the trees and sky. Is it another ambush?"
Kria frowned, thinking about this. "Like, probably!"
"I see it too," Gilliam says as Max and Adam nod.
Kria looks around, frowning as she looks through the trees and at the shadows. "This is troubling. I do not see anything..."
Ombligo can see the shapes glide closer, still mostly hidden... But he can clearly mark them as catfolk in robes.
Farain was quietly standing behind Kria, looking through the trees. "Don't feel bad. I don't see anything, either."
*The magic creature continues to speak in a whisper.* Ombligo: "Wait, they're not devils. They're...catfolk?"
Kria freezes, turning around and looking at Ombligo. "What? You are certain?"
Ombligo: "Yeah. They're in robes, too. Is that common for catfolk?"
Ethereal fires light the night as a rain of eldritch energy streaks towards the group.
"Incoming!" Gilliam yells
Ombligo: "They're attacking!!"
"Then we attack back!" Gorrik shouts to thwe group as he readies his axe and shield.
[detect evil.]
((Gorrik detects the presence of evil.))
Max, Adam, Gilliam, Kria, Sorel, Langston, and Tanis manage to dodge the rain of Eldritch Blasts. Arbeiten, Gorrik, Gail, and Ombligo are struck with blasts of energy.
((12 damage to Arbeiten, Gorrik, Gail, and Ombligo.))
"Nothing is ever easy..." Kria sighs, taking out her Sword, and firing a warning shot back at the catfolk in the trees. "Come out! Now! I am Kria Krystalpaw! Where is Mother!?"
"So, it is true. I had to see it with my own eyes," a female voice purrs. "My daughter's betrayal is complete."
"Kria, be careful, their intentions aren' honerable in the leas'!" warns the dwarf.
"I gathered." Kria tilts her head to one side. "So Mother, been hugging the like, icky statue again?" She sniggered, raising her blade. "Why don't you come give me a hug?"
Hand lit with eldritch fire, Amelia Krystalpaw floats in the air, the arcane fire casting a demonic light on her features, ever so similar to Kria's.
"So, a family reunion. Touching," Gilliam chuckles.
Kria frowns, hesitating for a moment, before grinning at her mother. "So. What do you want exactly? And I'm curious. Like, why did you...let them build in what you like to think of...YOUR forests?"
"Silence, machine. As for you, daughter, the minions of the Holy Dragon can build where they like. It was an honor of the highest degree that they chose to shelter themselves in our forest."
Ombligo: "Kria did well leaving you losers! We don't want to fight you, and you don't stand a chance against us, so why don't you just leave?"
Kria blinked, casually ascending into the air, her own set of dark shadowy wings extending as she met her mother on an equal footing. "Who? Do you mean the Chaos cult? They don't worship the dragon! They worship themselves!"
Ombligo: "Okay, that's it! You're as good as dead!!" *Ombligo yells in anger, casting a new spell.*
"Can't we even talk anymore? Honestly. The way you treat guests." Kria pointed then at her mother. "Yeah! That's like...really mean!"
Theme: Warlock's Battle http://gh.ffshrine.org/soundtracks/411/14
((All enemies are 30' in the air.))
Map:

Posted by: Aldur Sun Nov 26, 2006 2:18 am
"There's a difference between guests and intruders!" Amelia snarls at Kria. "I am an intruder?" Kria raises her brow in defiance, eyes narrowing. "Seeing as I managed to leave successfully, despite the obstacles...but like, whatever! You're being used! By a cult! That don't worship the dragon! Like hello!"
"They raised the Castle from the depths!" Amelia shouts. "What more proof do I need? Even if they are foolish enough not to worship the Holy Dragon, they serve him all the same in the end!"
"Argh! That's so not the same thing! You're just as stubborn as ever! You sad, ignorant...OLD HAG! I'm telling the truth! They want to enslave everything! Including the dragon that empowers us! How are you serving him, by helping THEM!?"
"Old hag??? You insolent little wretch!" Amelia roars. "Why should I trust a thing you say?? You who abandoned us after all we did for you! Who abandoned your own PEOPLE!"
Kria snarls at her mother, eyes beginning to glow dangerously as she let the eldritch power flow, a dark menacing aura emanating from Kria. "Look well Mother. I have left our people. And I have learned many things. You're on the wrong side!" She ascended higher, raising her sword as she burst into flames, pointing the blade at her mother. "I will...sacrifice everything I once loved...to clear my Conscience! Forgive me, I must make you believe me by Force! Why? Why don't you see that the intruders are those that have built in your forest! You should...join with us and cast them out!"
((Flamewreath activated. Ascend 30ft. See the unseen Cast in case anything invisible happens to be around.))

Posted by: Rusty Sun Nov 26, 2006 2:27 am
((Ombligo's new spell misses. Won't happen again.))

Posted by: Aldur Sun Nov 26, 2006 2:30 am

QUOTE (Rusty @ Sun Nov 26, 2006 2:27 am)
((Ombligo's new spell misses. Won't happen again.))

((action plz))

Posted by: Rusty Sun Nov 26, 2006 2:31 am
((I took it lolz))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sun Nov 26, 2006 3:33 am
: "Warlocks! Watch out for their blasts, they can enchant them with additional effects! Stay sharp!" Max calls out, his words and demeanor not only inspiring caution in the group, but speed as well. ((Watchful Eye and Motivate Care used. All allies gain +10 to Reflex saves, and +2 dodge bonus to AC. Grant Move action used. All allies within 30' of Max gain an additional move action.))
Adam stands still, apparently searching for something.
"Pfah! Worshippers of the Dragon are all the same! Perish in fire!" Gilliam shouts as he fires his laser at the nearest of the flying catfolk, the agile feline dodging with ease.
"Pathetic attack. No wonder your kind was easy prey for the Holy Dragon!" the catfolk responds as Gilliam growls.

Posted by: Tarethen Sun Nov 26, 2006 5:46 am
Farain's bow was at the ready. His eyes wandering to each of the floating catfolk, trying his best to find a good target. "Here we go..." ((Attacking the one to our right. First attack deflected. Second attack critical. Confirmed critical. 36 damage in total. ))

Posted by: Alpha Sun Nov 26, 2006 11:31 am
Tanis frowns heavily at the current circumstances. He'd gone willingly into battle against evil creatures and men, but he'd never raised arms against his own race. And having to do so disconcerted him. Shaking his head sadly, he casts a spell at four of the enemy catfolk who are fairly close together.
[Cast Empowered Blaze 2. It should be able to be targetted to hit four of them. If not, aim to hit as many as possible, including Kria's mother in the targets
Damage: (8d6)x1.5 + 4 = (3 2 4 5 6 6 2 4)x1.5 + 4 = 52 damage...I think that qualifies as massive damage
Reflex save DC20 for half]
Smirking at their current situation, Coventry weaves his hands in the air, and chants words of power, his spell filling the Force with energy.
[Cast Elation. +2 Str, Dex. +5' to move]
[Tanis' AC: 25
Coventry's AC: 30]

Posted by: Lord Oddeye Sun Nov 26, 2006 11:43 am
Morgan keeps his position and, without a word, turns to the catfolk the centaur attacked earlier. He lifts his left hand as if aiming at the warlock, 2 fiery rays bursting out of it and flying towards the wounded catfolk at high speed. ((Scorching Ray on the same catfolk.
Ranged touch attack
Ray 1 : 1d20 + 6 = 10 + 6 + 1 elation = 17.
Ray 2 : 1d20 + 6 = 16 + 6 + 1 elation = 23.
Damage
Ray 1 : 4d6 = 2 + 1 + 2 + 6 = 11
Ray 2 : 4d6 = 2 + 2 + 6 + 1 = 11
22 damage total. No save.))

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Mon Nov 27, 2006 12:09 am
Annoyed more than anything else at the intrusion of these warlocks, Sorel raises his hand to the heavens and brings it down forcefully. Immediately thereafter, a huge gust of air knocks Kria's mother and four of her attendants out of the sky.
((Downdraft cast. Reflex save DC 21 or fall 100'. If the save passes, they only fall 50'. If they hit the ground, they take 1d6 points of damage for every 10' they fell))

Posted by: Rusty Mon Nov 27, 2006 1:03 am
*Ombligo moves further away from the group, snarling at the enemy with bitter emotions.* ((Even if it's a 5' down, move me away from others. I'd move further if the map were larger. I'd like for us to SPREAD OUT if at all possible. It's not like standing next to me will protect me here.))

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Mon Nov 27, 2006 1:37 am
"Geez, if these guys start flamin' and turnin' invisible, I'm going back to the circus," Langston muttered, breaking into a dash as Sorel's Downdraft brought the right side down. With Max's help the rat's run was simple enough, and he executed a simple somersault over the warmage before lunging forward with trusty Broderbund.
((Move action used to strike at the lower right foe, tumbling through (7+20) to be behind the fallen dudex0rz.))
Attack Roll: 13 + 6(BAB) + 6(Dex) + 1(Wpn) + 1(Elation) = 27
Damage: 2 + 1(Wpn) + 1 (Elation) = 4
Sneak Attack: 13
Total: 17
Dodge to Kria's mother.
AC: 26 + 1(Elation) +2 (Max) = 29))

Posted by: Cyrus Mon Nov 27, 2006 7:33 am
Gail, frowning as the situation degrades, spots Langston rush off on his own and strike one of the fallen catfolk. Remembering how the last battle they fought together played out, and inspired by a sense of confidence and euphoria, the paladin rushes forward and strikes the ratfolk's target, hoping to draw attention away from him.
[Double move to Langston's warlock, attack. Divine Might active.
Attack: 1d20(17)+8(BAB)+5(STR)+5(weapon)+1(misc)=36.
Damage: 1d10(6)+5(STR)+5(weapon)+8(Might)=24.]

Posted by: Kaihaku Mon Nov 27, 2006 9:43 am
((I don't have character sheets, books, or anything really. Haha... I can say that you people take a long time, a week and you're only on the first round of the next battle? Nice entrance Alpha. )) Throughout the long journe, Astrid did little but frown grumpily and glare at Gail. Now, she speaks a few words of power and weaves magic in the air.
[Resilient Sphere - Kria's Mother]
[Reflex Save: 18]

Posted by: Nightmare Mon Nov 27, 2006 5:52 pm
Gorrik, puts Max's ability to use, moving towards one of his foes, and attacking relentlessly. ((Gorrik moves 4 squares NE and full attacks the warlock there thanks to his extra move action. Note: Gail can do this as well Cyrus. Attack Axe1: D20(4) + 9(BAB) + 5(STR) + 2(Axe) +1(Elation) = 21
Axe2: D20(10) + 4(BAB) + 5(STR) + 2(Axe) +1(Elation) = 22
Damage
Axe1: D10(9) + 2(Axe) + 5(STR) + 1(Elation) D6(Electric)(2) = 17 + 2(Electric)
Axe2: D10(7) + 2(Axe) + 5(STR) + 1(Elation) D6(Electric)(4) = 15 + 4(electric)
Yeah, I forgot to call PA or anything, and I'm too lazy to roll again.))

Posted by: Cyrus Mon Nov 27, 2006 10:49 pm
[She would have, if she didn't need the extra move action to actually reach her target.]

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue Nov 28, 2006 1:49 am
The fireball detonates in the midst of the group, but Amelia easily dodges, the fire not even scorching her. Another warlock is able to avoid most of the blast, but the other 2 are caught full on. Despite this, none suffer as much damage as you'd expect... They seem to be resistant to fire. Morgan's Scorching Ray meets with limited sucess for the same reason.
Langston and Gail move swiftly, and are able to slay the downed Warlock before he can recover.
Kayla dashes forward, unsure of what to do. Mahler follows after her.
Amelia avoids the sphere of force as easily as the ball of fire, but is pulled to the ground nonetheless. She glares at the druid and those around him.
"Interrupting a conversation and striking a holy prophet of the Dragon? Blasphemous and rude at the same time! Feel the touch of oblivion! Utterdark Blast!" Amelia roars as a lance of purest black energy shoots from her hand to impale first Sorel, then twists in the air to touch Max, Coventry, and finally Astrid. She gracefully flips to her feet after sending the energy lancing out.
((Utterdark Blast. Max, Coventry, Sorel, and Astrid take 33 damage. Fort save DC 24 or gain 2 negative levels.))
A large number of the feline warlocks suddenly produce and drink vials rendering them invisible. Kria, due to her unnatural sight, can still see them.
((Anyone with a gray line next to them is invisible. Gorrik has an AoO on the warlock near him from drinking the potion. IIRC, Kria's Devil Sight or whatever lets her see invisibility. I think she has it up. If not, then she doesn't see them on the map.))
Arbeiten casts a blessing upon the group, calling for Mitula's favor.
((Bless cast.))
The remaining warlocks ascend another 30' feet, then send a barrage of icy blasts at their foes. Adam is coated with a layer of ice, his body moving with less precision as a consequence. Gilliam too, is struck with one of the blasts, as is Farain.
((Hit, Hit, Hit, Hit. Adam takes 30 damage, -4 to Dex. Gilliam takes 22 damage and -4 to Dex. Farain takes 22 damage, Fort save DC 16 or take -4 to Dex for 10 minutes.))
Next turn!

Posted by: Rusty Tue Nov 28, 2006 2:19 am
*Ombligo mutters under his breath as he misses the first time, but immediately attempts the same spell as before, this time hitting both targets with ease.* ((Moving as far as I need to west to see 'em or something. Also, for the love of all things shining, spread out.
Hitting the two left-most Warlocks, the ones near Gilliam.
Alef's Lightning Lance!
Lance #1:
Roll to hit: 16 + 4 [BAB] + 3 [DEX + Elation] + 1 [Size] + 2 [Feat] = 26 touch.
Damage: (4 5 1 = 10 untyped damage) + (2 4 6 6 4 4 6 2 3 5 = 42 electric damage)
Lance #2:
Roll to hit: 19 + 4 [BAB] + 3 [DEX + Elation] + 1 [Size] + 2 [Feat] = 29 touch.
Damage: (4 6 6 = 14 untyped damage) + (6 2 1 6 5 3 3 3 3 4 = 36 electric damage)
FORT save of DC 21 to halve the electric damage only.*
*The impact damage is not subject to being reduced by protection from the elements (electricity), spark shield, and similar magic or effects, but the target is entitled to a Fortitude save to halve the electricity damage.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue Nov 28, 2006 2:40 am
One of the warlocks is struck dead on by Ombligo's lightning, staggering in the air only to scream and crash as Gilliam empties round after round into his body. ((Save failed. Hit! 40 damage. Warlock is dead.)) The other warlock twists in the air, managed to avoid most of the damage. However, Adam levels his cannon arm at the catfolk and a blinding burst of light sears the warlock in mid air. The catfolk's corpse falls to the ground.
((Hit! 55 damage. Leftmost warlock killed. Armor damaged to scrap.))
Ombligo is forced to move to the left in order to better see his targets.
Max moves forward, halting in front of Amelia as he draws the Chaos Breaker, the magical artifact humming to life as its green blade of energy blazes in front of the corrupt catfolk. Amelia hisses.
"I should thank you daughter..." Amelia says. "Here I now have a chance to kill the great enemy himself, the so called 'hero' Max!"

Posted by: Tarethen Tue Nov 28, 2006 2:46 am
Watching one arrow become deflected by a strange barrier and the second arrow hitting his target, Farain felt somewhat relieved he managed to at least get one successful blow in. Farain, however, was caught off guard by the surge of ice that engulfed him. He withdrew slightly, curling his arms around himself as to not feel as if he was freezing to death. When the sensation finally faded away, he felt a little disoriented, but managed to launch two arrows in the direction of a visible catfolk, though unsuccessfully hitting it.
((Fort save total: 12. - 4 dex, then. Target irrelevant, thought it was the cat 30' to Mahler's left.
Two hits: First was a 27, second was a 19. First one had a chance of hitting, but was deflected. Stupid cat. Then the second one missed. Boo. ))

Posted by: Nightmare Tue Nov 28, 2006 5:48 am
Gorrik makes a quick chop at his now invisible opponent. Having no visible enemy to attack in front of him, he charges at the closest one that he can see. Kria's mother. ((AoO: 1 + 5(STR) + 2(Axe) + 1(Elation) + 5(Elec) = 9 + 5(Elec) Charge: D20(17) + 9(BAB) + 5(STR) + 2(Axe) + 1(Elation) + 2(Charge) - 5(PA) = hit
Damage: D10(6) + 5(STR) + 2(Axe) + 1(Elation) +5(PA) + 6(Electric) = 19 + 6(Electric)))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Tue Nov 28, 2006 6:04 am
Kayla draws her bow as she moves to the left and then forward to get a clear shot. The tiefling Rogue utters something in another language and then opens fire on the catfolk Warlock. [Attack 1d20 + 13 > 2 + 13 = 17 Damage 1d6 + 2 > 5 + 2 = 7
My action for last round, as Kayla would never stand by and do nothing. Not like it matters, she most likely missed anyway.]
Kayla fires another arrow at the Warlock even as it ascends.
[Attack
1d20 + 11 > 7 + 13 = 18
Damage
1d6 + 2 > 2 + 2 = 4
For your information, first round, Kayla moved 1 space North, and 4 spaces West, putting her in the square in front of where Adam was. She attacked the Warlock that is strait across from her on the map.]

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue Nov 28, 2006 7:51 am
Ignatius fires a fiery blast of energy at the nearest Warlock. It singes the catfolk, but fails to do any significant harm. ((Hit. 7 damage. Ref save passed.))

Posted by: Alpha Tue Nov 28, 2006 3:20 pm
“What fun,” the Doctor says dryly, his smirk diminishing to a frown as Amelia’s dark energy strikes at him. “It’s a shame our mighty leader isn’t here to enjoy this.” [Fort save: 1d20 + 6 = 25…pass] Quickly taking a sidestep, he traces lines in the air, his spell causing healing energy to surge through Astrid.
[Move to the square on Astrid’s left
Cure Serious Wounds: 3d8 + 9 = 21 hit points healed for Astrid]
After healing Astrid, Coventry looks around, still frowning. Noticing the wounds on Sorel, he quickly utters a word of power, and the druid’s wounds closing somewhat.
[Immediate action: Close Wounds on Sorel. 9 hit points healed]
Frowning in annoyance at how little effect his spell had, Tanis decides to cast what had become his favourite spell next. Thinking Max perfectly capable of dealing with Amelia, he turns his attention to one of the still visible enemy warlocks. Quickly chanting his spell, he outstretches a hand, and a lance of sound roars forth.
[Cast Sound lance at one of the warlocks on the left. Whichever one deserves a beating.
Damage: 8d8 + 4 = 5 7 6 5 6 3 7 2 + 4 = 45
Fort save DC20 for half]
[Tanis' AC: 25
Coventry's AC: 30]

QUOTE
TheUnknownMarine: Kai's luck affects his characters even when he's not here...

Posted by: Lord Oddeye Tue Nov 28, 2006 4:05 pm
Morgan groans slightly seeing his spell had little effect on the warlock, then frowns when half of them vanish into thin air. He then turns his attention to the other part of the battlefield where the other warlocks are still visible. In a swift motion, the wizard points his finger at one of them and mutters a short spell, 4 bright projectiles of pure magical energy flying towards the targeted catfolk.
((Magic Missile on the same warlock Tanis attacked.
Damage : 4d4 + 4 = 10 + 4 = 14 damage.
EDIT : Almost forgot. Move 1 square north-east too.))

Posted by: Aldur Tue Nov 28, 2006 9:12 pm
Kria frowned, shaking her head, listening to the agonised screams of her kin, her...family. The people she had grown up, learnt with...and ran away from. Fate was a bitch. Kria sighed shaking her head, beginning to tantrum to herself. "Ugh! You won't listen no matter what. Fine. I'll let him butcher you! Like he did the holy dragon! Slice slice slice! Hack, hack hack! Some holy dragon! Can't even stop one human!"
She looked around, her companions being hurt, her family battling them. And simply shook her head, attempting to dispel the invisibility of the...enemy.
((Dispel Check: 25 30 radius centred near Gail and Mahler. I want to get all three if possible.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Wed Nov 29, 2006 3:22 am
((Area Dispel: When dispel magic is used in this way, the spell affects everything within a 20-foot radius. For each creature within the area that is the subject of one or more spells, you make a dispel check against the spell with the highest caster level. If that check fails, you make dispel checks against progressively weaker spells until you dispel one spell (which discharges the dispel magic spell so far as that target is concerned) or until you fail all your checks. The creature’s magic items are not affected. ))
A warlock who had just gotten to his feet appears to the left of Mahler and Kayla, his eyes widening as his protective invisibility vanishes.
((Leftmost invisi-warlock is now visible. He's still on the ground.))

Posted by: Cyrus Wed Nov 29, 2006 5:15 am
"Langston! Follow me!" Gail calls as the warlock guard shimmers into view, gesturing to their new target before running off to set up the attack. Using her enhanced speed, she makes it over to the enemy's far left side, striking a single time as she waits for her impromptu partner to show up...only to blink as the warlock falls to the ground, cold. Seems I don't know my own strength anymore, she muses, sighing.
[Move 5W, 1NW. Attack visible guard. Divine Might active.
Attack: 1d20(9)+8(BAB)+5(STR)+5(weapon)+1(Misc)=28.
Damage: 1d10(9)+5(Str)+5(weapon)+8(Might)=27.]

Posted by: Knight_019 Wed Nov 29, 2006 5:28 am
*Mahler plods through the undergrowth toward the newly visible warlock and proceeds to smash it to the ground. ((5' step, full attack, PA 5 1d20 + 15 - 5 = 8 + 10 = 18. 1d20 + 10 = 16 + 10 = 26. Damage
2d8 + 9 + 5 = 2 + 8 + 14 = 24.
2d8 + 14 = 4 + 5 + 14 = 23.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Nov 30, 2006 6:14 am
The Warlock manages to dodge Tanis' spell mostly, taking only slight damage even as Morgan unleashes a rain of magical missles on him. Mahler moves towards Amelia, but his fists fail to strike the catfolk. ((AI activates! The following AFK players come to life!))
Arbeiten casts a powerful spell of restoration over Astrid, bringing some of her strength back even as Sorel seals some of his wounds. Astrid in turn, casts a minor spell, flinging arcane darts at her opponent.
((Arbeiten casts Restoration! Astrid loses on negative level. Sorel casts a healing spell that Vox will select later. Astrid casts Magic Missle! Warlock2 suffers 11 damage.))
Gorrik charges Kria's mother, swinging his axe and causing the catfolk to yowl in pain.
Kria's mother flies back up into the sky, even as Mahler and Max both swing at her. The golem misses, but Max manages to wing the warlock a little as she ascends. Laughing madly, the catfolk turns in the sky.
"Pfah! This human couldn't do a thing without that damn sword!" Amelia counters even as eldritch energy gathers in her hand again. "Now watch your comrades suffer and die!"
Another blast of dark energy zig zags around the group, striking Ombligo, Sorel, Morgan, and Tanis this time.
((All listed targets take 23 damage and must make a DC 24 Fort save or gain 2 negative levels.))
Invisibly, the warlocks ascend, quaffing more potions.
Of the two visible warlocks, one strikes Kayla with a freezing blast of cold while the other drinks a potion. Both ascend slightly higher as they do this. The potion-drinking warlock's wounds suddenly don't seem so bad.
((Kayla takes 21 cold damage and must make a DC 16 Fort save or take -4 to Dex.))
Next turn!

Posted by: Rusty Thu Nov 30, 2006 6:35 am
*Ombligo cries out weakly, but angrily.* ((At 2 HP. If someone could please heal me so I don't die, I'd be much obliged. And ombligo'd. Thanks.)) : "Some healing would be nice right about now!" ((Losing two level 3 spells to gain a level 4 spell.))
*Ombligo surges with electricity, shooting out another Lightning Lance at Amelia. A second fires, but it is wild and doesn't seem to go near anything.*
((Alef's Lightning Lance!
Lance #1: (on Amelia)
Roll to hit: 17 + 4 [BAB] + 3 [DEX + Elation] + 1 [Size] + 4 [Feat] = 29 touch.
Damage: (5 6 1 = 12 untyped damage) + (6 4 6 5 1 5 5 3 6 6 = 47 electric damage)
Lance #2: (doesn't matter)
Roll to hit: Natural 1!
Confirm: 18 + 4 [BAB] + 3 [DEX + Elation] + 1 [Size] + 4 [Feat] = 30 touch. No crit miss. Or Christmas. D:
FORT save of DC 21 to halve the electric damage only.
If failed save, it's over 50 damage, so...))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Nov 30, 2006 7:31 am
Adam moves to Max's side as Gilliam fires his minigun again, targetting the leftmost Warlock. However, the burst strikes a barrier of chaotic energy. Gilliam roars in frustration. ((Hit. Deflected by entropic barrier, no damage to Warlock.)) Amelia shrieks as Ombligo ravages her with electricity, a grim faced Max adding his own Bolt spell to the assault. The sounds of her mother in terrible pain ring in Kria's eardrums, then cease as the lightning stops.
(( Max casts Bolt 1, 45 electrical damage to Amelia.))
Amelia's eyes glow crimson as she shakes and looks over her foes. Wordlessly, she descends into the treetops, vanishing into the shadows.
((Amelia is no longer visible or location known.))
Ignatius yells a vile cuss word, then frowns at himself as his blast of eldritch energy misses yet again the warlock it was aimed at.

Posted by: Lord Oddeye Thu Nov 30, 2006 1:41 pm
Morgan takes a defensive stance as Amelia's blast is about to reach him. Upon being struck by the bolt of dark energy, the young wizard is knocked down. He shakes under the pain and feels like part of his vital energy is being striped out of him. So he remains curled up on the ground, eyes closed, until the uncomfortable sensation in his body fades away.
((Fort save failed. +2 negative levels. Lost the 2 following level 4 spells : Ghoul Touch (Heightened) and Ghoul Touch (Heightened).))
When he finally reopens his eyes, he gets up leaning on his staff and realizes that the powerful warlock has now vanished from sight.
But he doesn't dwell upon that single detail and rather focuses on the battle that's still raging on.
Despite his weakened condition, he attempts to dispel the remaining warlocks' invisibility but the result is less than efficient due to his lack of energy.
((Dispel Magic on the 2 invisible catfolks on our right.
Dispel checks :
Warlock 1 : 1d20 + 8 - 2 (negative levels) = 2 + 6 = 8
Warlock 2 : 1d20 + 8 - 2 (negative levels) = 2 + 6 = 8
Utter phailure.))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Thu Nov 30, 2006 3:03 pm
Kayla hisses in pain and yells out a cuss word in another language. The numbing cold threatening to stop her dead in her tracks, but she is able to muster up enough strength to avoid such a fate. Kayla quaffs a potion and says on the defensive for now.
[Fortitude Save
1d20 + 4 > 20 + 4 = 24. Passed.
Now if I could get that on attack rolls, I would be happy.
Kayla drinks a Potion of Cure Moderate Wounds.
2d8 + 3 > 13 + 3 = 16 HP restored.
Dodge to the Warlock that attacked her.]

Posted by: Aldur Thu Nov 30, 2006 5:06 pm
Kria shuddered, wincing as her mother's shrieks of pain echo around the forest. Her eyes began to water, memories of times past flitting through her memory, of the times with her tribe...and her gradual awareness that what they planned was wrong. Not right, and then she froze, shaking her head. She looked around and sighed as it appeared her mother had disappeared for now. She looked around, aiming for one of her brethen, a small part of her hoping she'd miss.
((EB on far right Catfolk.
Attack: 11+7+6 = 25 ranged touch.
Damage: 10.))

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Thu Nov 30, 2006 5:49 pm
((CLW cast. 10 HP restored. You know Restoration dispels all the negative levels on a person right))

Posted by: Alpha Fri Dec 01, 2006 12:26 am
[Fort save: 1d20 + 5 = 15…fail. And he loses two 4th level spells.] ((It seems I have better luck rolling for characters that aren’t my own. So… 2 negative levels. Leaves him on 9/42.)) Tanis’ eyes widen as the fell energy assaults him. Unable to resist the dark powers, he almost staggers as his energy seems to be…stripped away. Shaking his head and trying to reorient himself, Tanis quickly launches some more offensive magic, stronger this time, hoping to lower the enemies numbers.
He begins to cast, one arm outstretched, and palm facing towards his target. As he casts, a small sphere appears, electricity crackling around it, causing Tanis’ fur to stand on end. As the spell nears completion, those near the warmage can smell a strange scent coming from the sphere. It soon disappears as the orb shoots from the catfolks hand to shoot towards one of the enemy warlocks.
[Cast Orb of Electricity
Ranged touch attack: 1d20 + 3(bab) + 3(dex) + 1(bless) + 1(elation) – 2(negative levels) = 20…hit
Damage: 8d6 + 4(edge) = 6 6 5 5 4 5 3 1 + 4 = 39 damage. No save.
Fort save DC21 or be entangled for 1 round]
Hearing Ombligo’s request, Coventry turns around, and quickly draws some symbols in the air, chanting all the while. Placing a hand on the magic creature’s shell, healing energy washes over Ombligo.
[Cure critical wounds: 4d8 + 9 = 1 1 5 3 + 9 = 19hp healed for Omligo. And yes. I hate AIM.]
"You know,” he says. “Sometimes I think I'm wasted, just rushing about saving lives. With talent like mine, I might have been a great track star.” Noticing Morgan’s condition, he outstretches one hand, quickly mutters a few words and some of the young mage’s wounds close.
[Close wounds: 1d4 + 5 = 9hp healed for Morgan]
He then continues. “Well, it's for the best I suppose; one can never beat those damn Centaurs in any event but the pole vault anyway."
((Just realised Tanis is on 9hp. Some Arby heal would be appreciated.))

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Fri Dec 01, 2006 12:31 am
Sorel is able to endure this burst of fell energy, and swiftly takes batform, ascending rapidly. ((Wildshape into Hunting Bat, healing me of 14 HP HP 30 AC 34 Ascend 30'))

Posted by: Tarethen Fri Dec 01, 2006 2:04 am
Farain spots a visible warlock and shoots it. ((Attack 1: 1d20: 17 + 6(bab) + 4(dex) + 1(elation) = 28. Attack 2: 1d20: 18 + 1(bab) + 4(dex) + 1(elation) = 24.
Damage 1:
2d6: 4 + 1 + 6(str) + 1 (magic) = 12
Damage 2:
2d6: 2 + 2 + 6(str) + 1(magic) = 11. ))

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Fri Dec 01, 2006 3:29 am
Langston scoffed and moved closer to Gail. He paused in the midst of the field carefully, waiting for a chance to strike. ((Move to two squares right, one square south of Gail. Full defensive, making his AC 33. Dodge to the closest catmandu.))

Posted by: Nightmare Fri Dec 01, 2006 3:33 am
Having nothing around to attack, Gorrik rushes back to the group of casters, placing his hand on Tanis' shoulder. : "Ye look like you're in bad shape lad." The power of The Light slowly flows through the catfolk's body. "I's no' much, bu' i's the bes' tha' I can do for ye righ' now."
((LoH to Tanis, +15 HP))

Posted by: Wandering Dezorian Fri Dec 01, 2006 4:57 am
Arbeiten hurries over towards Tanis as well. Wordlessly, he lays a hand on the cat's shoulder, eyes closed in prayer. Moments later, vitality seems to flow back into the caster. ((Cast restoration- all negative levels restored. I could be wrong, but I think you'll get back the hitpoints you lost from the negative levels as well.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sat Dec 02, 2006 5:14 am
Invisible to all but Kria's sight, most of the warlocks drinking potions. One of the visible warlocks is struck both times by Farain's arrows, then nearly drops from the sky as Tanis adds his lightning to the fray. With a grimace, the catfolk produces a vial and imbibes it, becoming invisible like most of his comrades.
The remaining warlock in sight fires ice at Ignatius, who grunts in pain, but doesn't appear to be otherwise affected.
Next turn!
((Map won't be up for a long while, go ahead and take your actions. It didn't change much, anyway.))

Posted by: Wandering Dezorian Sat Dec 02, 2006 7:00 am
Arbeiten hurries over to Sorel's side, repeating his spell once again to aid the old druid. (Restoration cast on Sorel. And that's my last restoration. So stop dropping levels, folks!)

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sat Dec 02, 2006 8:00 am

QUOTE (Wandering Dezorian @ Sat Dec 02, 2006 7:00 am)
Arbeiten hurries over to Sorel's side, repeating his spell once again to aid the old druid. (Restoration cast on Sorel. And that's my last restoration. So stop dropping levels, folks!)

Sorel is flying 30' off the ground, sorry.

Posted by: Wandering Dezorian Sat Dec 02, 2006 8:19 am
Arbeiten stands on the ground and shouts up to the hovering druid, "Would you mind landing long enough for me to heal you?"

Posted by: Rusty Sat Dec 02, 2006 9:36 am
((If he would, I wouldn't. heh))

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sat Dec 02, 2006 3:08 pm
Silently Sorel descends, while his skin toughens. ((Land and cast Barkskin, +3 AC. AC 37))

Posted by: Alpha Sat Dec 02, 2006 4:19 pm
Coventry continues tending to the needs of the Force, closing some of Morgan's wounds before turning his attention to Ombligo, and further healing the Magic Creature. [Close Wounds: Morgan: 1d4 + 5 = +7hp.] [Cure Serious Wounds: Ombligo: 3d8 + 9 = +22hp.]
Tanis turns his attention to the last visible warlock, launching a powerful lance of sound at him.
[Sound Lance
Damage: 8d8 + 4 = 7 8 2 8 7 4 8 2 + 4 = 50 (massive damage again...WOO!)
Fort save DC20 for half damage]
((Once restored, do we get the spells we lost back? Oh, and it seems Tanis' hp wasn't as low as I thought. I took 20hp off from negative levels, rather than 10))

Posted by: Nightmare Sat Dec 02, 2006 7:52 pm
Having used up all his healing powers for the day, Gorrik moves away from the rest of the group going on full defense. ((Move to spread out somewhat, AC is now 34 (35) Dodge to the closest warlock.))

Posted by: Rusty Sun Dec 03, 2006 1:18 am
: "Thanks, I'm fine now." *Ombligo, with renewed vigor, fires a Lightning Bolt into the only visible catfolk.* ((3 5 5 4 6 3 2 6 1 6 = 41electric damage. REF save DC 20 for half. Catfolk rolled a 1. ))

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Sun Dec 03, 2006 1:25 am
Full Defense. Repeat First Down.

Posted by: Aldur Sun Dec 03, 2006 1:35 am
Kria shivers a little, blasting at the same warlock as before, her blast spiralling into the warlock. ((Hit. 17 damage.))

Posted by: Wandering Dezorian Sun Dec 03, 2006 4:23 am
And now Arbeiten casts restoration.

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sun Dec 03, 2006 3:45 pm
[How far up are the visable catfolk? 60'?]

Posted by: Alpha Sun Dec 03, 2006 3:59 pm

QUOTE (Dark Maiden @ Sun Dec 03, 2006 3:45 pm)
[How far up are the visable catfolk? 60'?]

((Yeah. Started at 30' and ascended another 30'. Though it's very likely the last visible warlock is dead, after eating either 91 or 66 damage ))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sun Dec 03, 2006 6:46 pm
Kayla frowns and mutters a curse under her breath. Her bow seems to be doing her no good now, so rather than stand there, she moves over to Coventry and hands him a potion. "Might want to drink that the next chance you get, Doctor. You're not looking so good."
At first, it seems that Kayla is teasing him, but she is actually concerned.
[Kayla handed over a Potion of Cure Serious Wounds. She's in the square right in front of Coventry, and goes on Total Defense if she can.]

Posted by: Lord Oddeye Mon Dec 04, 2006 10:27 am
Morgan can't target the remaining foes with most of his spells so he just heads for the northern forest in Max and Adam's direction and casts a defensive spell. ((Casts Protection from Evil on self and moves as far north of Coventry's current position as I can. AC is now 18.))

Posted by: Kaihaku Mon Dec 04, 2006 11:06 am
(I'll leave the response to Alpha but I'm expecting something nice from Coventry for my birthday.) Astrid mutters something under her breath, then proceeds to cast a spell. [Wall of Flame, in a line in front of the furthest ally. Heat directed towards the woods.]

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Mon Dec 04, 2006 11:35 pm
Kria's blast strikes a hiding warlock even as Tanis' spell rips apart the other enemy. Ombligo, seeing Kria's attack strike, sends a bolt of lightning into the area. He is rewarded by a pained shriek. Kria sees the invisible warlock floating backward, hastily drinking another potion.
Seeing no enemies in range of his weapons, Adam's hand opens up to reveal a large number of tools and devices. The hand goes to work, repairing the damage to the robot's armor with a supply of parts procured from a box the robot ejects from its bulky back.
((Adam has been healed for 30 HP. Repair kit used.))
Max takes a defensive stance.
The forest erupts into flames as Astrid finishes her spell, a wall of fire preventing the party from moving forward any further. In addition, the trees touched by the wall begin to ignite in places, and that section of the forest is soon part of
"Astrid you dunce!" Gilliam bellows. "THEY CAN FLY! WE CAN'T!!!"
Three warlocks burst out of invisibility, now behind the flames, blasting fiery bolts at Astrid, Arbeiten, and Gail. Immediately as they appear, Gilliam opens fire. The rounds miss.
((All Ref saves passed, no catching on fire. 22 damage to Gail, 20 damage to Arbeiten, 14 damage to Astrid.))
Gorrik finally lays hands on Tanis.

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Mon Dec 04, 2006 11:50 pm
Sorel ascends rapidly, as a storm swirls around the forest, and a heavy downpour begins to fall. ((Ascend 30' again. Cloudburst cast. All fires put out. -2 to ranged attacks))

Posted by: Aldur Tue Dec 05, 2006 12:07 am
Kria frowns, looking at Astrid. "Alas, you stupid wench! They are resistant to flame and can fly! Like, totally! You're silly!" She sighed, activating her flamewreath, so the flames would do little to affect her. And then screamed in surprise as the rain began to fall, putting out her flamewreath and drenching the poor Kria to the bone. She pointed at one of her kin, willing it's enchantments away.
((Dispel on Furthest right Catfolk. Dispel check: 23. Remember that it takes damage total to the spell level of the spell, and takes damage for EACH enchantment on it.))

Posted by: Lord Oddeye Wed Dec 06, 2006 1:07 am
As soon as the warlock loses his magical cover, Morgan fires a squall of bright projectiles at him. ((I WANT TO CAST... MAGIC MISSILE! 4d4 : 9 + 4 = 13 DAMAGE TO THE DARKNESS!))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Wed Dec 06, 2006 2:32 pm
Rather than call Astrid on her stupid move, Kayla merely rolls her eyes. She moves forward and fires an arrow at the visible Warlock. [Kayla moves 3 squares north, 3 squares east. Attack 1d20 + 13 > 10 + 13 = 23 Damage
1d6 + 2 > 6 + 2 = 8
I also declare Dodge to that Warlock.]

Posted by: Wandering Dezorian Thu Dec 07, 2006 1:51 am
Who wants healing?

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Dec 07, 2006 3:57 am

QUOTE (Aldur @ Tue Dec 05, 2006 12:07 am)
Kria frowns, looking at Astrid. "Alas, you stupid wench! They are resistant to flame and can fly! Like, totally! You're silly!" She sighed, activating her flamewreath, so the flames would do little to affect her. And then screamed in surprise as the rain began to fall, putting out her flamewreath and drenching the poor Kria to the bone. She pointed at one of her kin, willing it's enchantments away.
((Dispel on Furthest right Catfolk. Dispel check: 23. Remember that it takes damage total to the spell level of the spell, and takes damage for EACH enchantment on it.))

The last remaining invisible warlock does indeed lose his magical concealment at the behest of Kria's power, eldritch energy crackling over him as he screams.

Posted by: Rusty Thu Dec 07, 2006 4:14 am
*Ombligo, fed up with the foes going invisible, immediately shoots another Lightning Bolt at a warlock.* : "Don't worry about the fire. Sorel's got it under control. Just get the warlocks!!" ((Move north 20'. Fire Lightning Bolt at the Warlock Kria made visible.
Damage: 6 5 3 4 5 5 1 4 2 2 = 37 electrical damage.
REF save DC 21 for half.))

Posted by: Alpha Thu Dec 07, 2006 11:46 pm
((Apologies to you Kai if this isn’t Coventry material.)) As he is handed the potion, Coventry frowns, and looks down at it. Then suddenly his eyes widen slightly in surprise. “What do you mean?” he inquires. “I always look good.” Then he begins muttering to himself. Those nearby can hear snatches of phrases from him about possible causes for Kayla’s sudden deteriorated mental health. Despite himself though, he downs the potion instead of using up any more spells, its healing properties binding his wounds.
[Potion of CSW: 3d8 + 3 = 5 1 6 + 3 = 15hp healed]
He then casts another quick spell on Astrid, healing her wounds from a distance.
[Close Wounds: Astrid: 1d4 + 5 = 7hp healed
Glad that the warlocks were now back in sight, Tanis casts one of his lesser spell, thinking to save his more powerful ones for now. Upon finishing the spell, a shard of ice blasts from his hand, and speeds towards one of the enemy catfolk.
[Cast Ice Knife at one of the Warlocks
Ranged touch: 1d20 + 3(bab) + 3(dex) + 1(bless) + 1(elation) + 8(spell) = 30
Damage: 2d8 + 4(edge) = 17 cold damage
Fort save DC19 or take 2 points of dexterity damage]

Posted by: Knight_019 Fri Dec 08, 2006 1:34 am
*Mahler crosses his arms and looks up at the rain as it begins to pour. He could only hope he wouldn't erode.* ((All out defense))

Posted by: Tarethen Sat Dec 09, 2006 2:29 am
As a Warlock appeared, Farain shot at it. ((Attack 1: 18 + 6(bab) + 4(def) + 1(elation) -2 (rain) = 27. Hit. Attack 2: 7 + 1(bab) + 4(dex) + 1(elation) -2(rain) = 11. Miss.
Damage 1:
5 + 5 + 6(str) + 1(magic) = 17. ))

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Sat Dec 09, 2006 2:57 am
Langston, growing impatient with his inability to do anything, snaps into action as he unfurls the rope from about his body. Taking hold of the grappled edge, he hurls it toward the body of the closest warlock. Either I lose the rope or I bring someone down, he told himself.
((7 + 6[BAB] + 6[DEX] = 19 + any buffs = ? - 4 = Total. For reference.))

Posted by: Nightmare Sat Dec 09, 2006 4:00 am
Gorrik whistles as he's got nothing else that he can do.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sun Dec 10, 2006 5:23 am
The heavy rain begins to fall, putting out the fires around the wall of fire, but not the fire itself. Steam begins to roil around the area as water and fire meet. Morgan's magic missle slams into the newly visible warlock, causing him to growl in pain. Kayla's arrow strike increases the growling. Then Ombligo's bolt slams into him and he growls no more, collapsing to the ground.
Tanis' spell hits a different Warlock, causing him a minor wound. An arrow soon buries itself into that Warlock's side as Farain supports his friend.
Langston hurls his grappling hook, but the heavy rain makes him misjudge the distance. The hook catches a piece of cape on one of the warlocks and then rips through it to fall to the ground below. ((Good idea, though. Gain 150 bonux XP.))
Gilliam fires his gun as he charges through the rain even as Ignatius fires off blasts that don't hit anything, then flies into a tree. The half Vandal hovers in place groaning as he rubs his head.
((Miss for Gilliam. Critical Miss for Ignatius. He takes 6 nonlethal damage.))
Max intones words of power and waves his free hand in the air. Lightning bolt flash around two of the warlocks, electricity causing their fur to poof out and their mouths to scream.
((Bolt Level 1 cast. 31 damage to the 2 rightmost warlocks.))
Icy beams lash out at the group as the remaining warlocks begin to fanantically chant prayers to Dark Dragon, invoking the triple headed horror to devour their enemies. Kria is struck first, her fur getting coated in frost as Ignatius yells in pain and Gilliam stoically moves forward despite cracks in his armor appearing.
((Kria, Ignatius, and Gilliam are hit for 21, 20, and 20 cold damage, respectively. Kria takes a -4 to Dex as the ice makes it hard to move.))
Next turn!

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sun Dec 10, 2006 5:36 am
Sorel streaks forward, lightning crackling between the three visible warlocks even as thunder booms out overhead. ((Move 30' forward, 30' up. Arc of lightning cast, hitting all 3 warlocks on the map. 30 damage. REF DC 22 for half))

Posted by: Alpha Sun Dec 10, 2006 7:52 pm
Moving up the field to bring himself within range of the enemy warlocks, Tanis begins casting a spell. Upon completion, a bright blue ray leaves his hand, and the warmage shudders slightly from the cold of it as he does so. [Cast Ray of Ice Range is 45’, so move him up the field as is necessary
Ranged touch attack: 1d20 + 3(bab) + 3(dex) + 1(bless) + 1(elation) = 25…hit
Damage: 4d6 + 4(edge) = 2 2 4 1 + 4 = 13 cold damage
Reflex save DC19 or be frozen to the ground…lol]
((I'll post Coventry's action later))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Mon Dec 11, 2006 2:42 am
Kayla moves across the field to close the distance between herself and her enemies. She draws an arrow from the quiver slung over her shoulder, and loads it into the bow. She pulls back the string, takes aim, and fires. [Kayla moves 2 spaces east, and 1 space north, and then fires at the same Warlock that Tanis attacked, if it still lives.
Attack
1d20 + 13 > 18 + 13 = 31. Hit.
Damage
1d6 + 2 + 1d6 (Electric) > 3 + 2 + 6 = 11 (5 normal, 6 electrical)
Kayla fired off a Shock Arrow, hence the electrical damage.]

Posted by: Rusty Mon Dec 11, 2006 3:17 am
*One last foe in view, Ombligo yells out wildly as he unleashes a strong Lightning Bolt into the warlock, felling it.* : "CHUUUUUUU!!!!" ((4 6 5 5 6 1 2 5 4 2 = 40 REF save DC 22. It failed. It died.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Mon Dec 11, 2006 3:23 am
Kayla's arrow combines with Ignatius' Eldritch Blast to finish off a Warlock even as the previous one falls to Sorel and Tanis' magical might. Ombligo launches a lightning bolt followed by a gunfire blast from Gilliam to fell the final visible Warlock. When the smoke clears, all that's left is the rain, fiery wall, and the steam wafting from the combination of the two.
The final warlock twitches in the dirt, fixing Kria with one bloodied eye.
"Traitor..." he spits before going still, his last words said.
((Victory! Everyone gains 3000 XP if they're level 9, 3600 if they're level 8.))

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Mon Dec 11, 2006 3:33 am
((Treasure: 12 Amulets of Natural Armor +1 12 Boots of Elvenkind. 12 Daggers +2 12 Mithral Chain Shirts +1
3 potions of invisibility
45 potions of Cure Critical Wounds
12,000 gold coins total
If you want any of it, go ahead and take it. Except the potions of invisibility. Since there aren't a feckton of those we're going to need to be more careful.
Limit 3 CCW potions))
Sorel descends to the ground, the rain lightening to a dull patter. As the warlocks' corpses are looted the old man orders them thrown one by one into the wall of flame Astrid had conjured, turning it into an impromptu funeral pyre.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Mon Dec 11, 2006 5:55 am
"We need to move on," Max says. "The leader escaped and will probably try to rally the entire tribe, not just the elites. Let's try to get through their territory." Sorel watches Max for a moment, before turning and beckoning the others onward. "We cannot afford to stop now," he says.
"Agreed, we can't stop here..." Gilliam says, looking around. "This is cat country."
Gail looks the dying pyre, bowing her head and whispering a quick prayer before she joins the others.
=====
The group moves on, trudging their way deeper into the forest. Gail sees a blue light flickering in the distance, a little ways down the trail.
Sorel raises a hand, halting the group. He motions to Gail. "Do you see that?" he asks. Those with the ability to detect evil do so, even as the druid attempts to detect whether there is a magical aura present; he is overwhelmed, because rather than finding an intensely powerful magical item, he finds a great number of lesser magical auras.
The source appears to be magical fire; as they neared it, they could tell it was a large torch set in a metal stand, giving off a blue flame. A heavily cloaked and burderned figure stood by the torch.
*Mahler regards this magical phenomenon with wonder. He had not seen anything such as this blue flame before.*
Sorel looks questioningly at Max. "Have you ever seen anything like this before?"
"No... never," Max replies.
Sorel walks forward, calling out clearly in Common. "You have attracted our attention, as it appears you intended to do. What do you want?"
The figure turns. In an odd accent he begins to speak, nodding to Sorel. "Evenin' strangah. Got some things that might interest you..."
Listening closely, Sorel knows he's heard the man's voice before, but he's doing a very very good job of masking it.
Sorel's eyes narrow in vague recognition, but he says nothing of it. "What are you selling, stranger?" he asks.
"Got a lot of good things on sale, strangah," the figure says as he opens his cloak to reveal a multitude of pockets and pouches, a few items strapped openly to the inside. "Whaddya buyin?"
"My stock is considerably smaller, but I still have most things... Ask and I'll see if I have it," the figure says. "Where's your leader, anyway? I see you found Max."
"Derrik?" Sorel asks, stepping closer. "What on earth happened to you?"
Derrik pulls down the purple scarf hiding his face. "Of course me. Who else? But keep it down. The torch blocks me from scrying, but I'm still wary of spies."
"Who are you hiding from?" Sorel murmurs.
"I had to disguise myself as an underling... The Strife Lords came a calling, and then my house she was a falling," Derrik shakes his head. "Ninety percent of my stock is now gone."
Gail blinks a little, not one to point out the fallicy of hiding under a torch so openly.
"The Cult?" Sorel asks. "What did you do to get on their bad side?"
"Oh, nothing much... Supplied some weapons and items to a few groups they didn't like, sold some information..." Derrik winces. "Tried to infiltrate their headquarters..."
"Was this before or after you realized how powerful they were?" Ombligo asked.
"I always knew how powerful," Derrik says with a frown. "Anyway, I finally managed to track you down and check up on you."
"You are not dead, at the very least." Sorel says. "Why here? Why now?"
"This is the first time I could do it, too busy running and hiding until now," Derrik says.
"What was the purpose of the orb?" Sorel asks.
"Tracking so I could find him," Derrik says, hooking a finger at Max.
"I see," Sorel says. "You have found him. Found us. I doubt you would have gone to such trouble for no reason. What do you need from us?"
"Well it was for a different reason originally, but plans have changed. Significantly."
Sorel is silent, waiting for Derrik to go on.
"Would you horribly mind annihilating the Chaos Cult and their allies and leaders? I was going to do it myself, but that's a tad unworkable now," Derrik says with a smile.
"Of course..." Derrik continues. "I had expected Max to do something like this anyway, but I needed to find him so that I could supply him with various information and... well, supplies."
Sorel raises a hand to interrupt the merchant before he can make his offer. "What happened to the other groups you mentioned? Have they all been defeated?"
"No. Would you like me to list your allies?"
"Yes."
"All right... Well let's see," Derrik says. "There's the Guardiana Resistance of course, led by General Mae."
Max breathes a sigh of relief. "So she's alive then?"
Derrik grins. "The daughter of Varios isn't an easy mark. She's taken everything they've thrown at her so far. She's managed to rally some of the original Force and soldiers."
Max's face twists for a moment. "What about... No... No time. I'll ask later."
"There is also a group of Guardianian Knights currently travelling abroad. They used to be Queen Anri's bodyguards, but now they're searching for a way to combat the Strife Lords. They're led by Ivellas, a centaur knight."
"Do you know where they are now?"
"They're small in number, but very strong. When last I checked, they had taken shelter in Thornwood, but that was at least a month ago. They've no doubt moved on by now."
"There's the rest of the Runic Alliance of course, Manarina and Bustoke are begining to fall, but that still leaves Uranbatol and the Pao Caravan on the continent. Not to mention Prompt and Rudo to the east."
"Dragonia is still recovering from the last war, though. Beyond acting as a safe haven, they've no strength to give."
"The Kingdom of Cypress has little to spare after purging the Cult from its borders, but they still have strong ties with the Runic Alliance. A group of Cypress Knights led by the Holy Knight of Mitula Cedric also seeks the Cult's destruction. They are few but strong, as with the other group I mentioned."
"Oh, not so few now though. The tinker of theirs has gained a following from Hassan."
"When last I saw them, they were crossing the desert of Hassan."
"In which direction?" Sorel says. "Towards Hassan or towards the mountains, Devil's Tail and the Fairy Woods?"
"Towards the mountains. There are more groups, but I have little information on them," the merchant said. "What happened to Dam, anyway?"
"He challenged an Erinyes to an archery contest." Sorel says bitterly.
Derrik laughs. "Oh that's good. A man after my own heart... Now seriously, what happened?"
*Mahler grumbles.* "That really is what happened, sir."
Sorel's face is stony. "I am not prone to jokes of that nature."
"You're serious?" Derrik asks, his eyes widening. "Oh, wow. Boy did I bet on the wrong horse."
"That is perhaps a more delicate turn of phrase than I might favor in your position," Sorel says without a trace of humor. "In point of fact we are headed to the devil encampment where he is currently held. Speaking of which, do you know anything about the devil army on Grans?"
"The devil camp? Already?" Derrik frowns. "You're going to need to kill a lot more kitties first. These woods are crawling with them. Not so much this area for some reason. But you're going to run into more before you get close to the camp, I guarantee it."
Then, answering the druid's question, he said "A few things, why?"
"We beat back the warlock's high priestess and her elites," Sorel says with the hint of a hard smile. "I do not think what remains will pose a threat." The old man tilts his head. "Knowledge is power."
"Perhaps not, but they'll fight you anyways. This tribe's leader is stubborn."
"I don't suppose you have any suggestions to get around them?"
Derrik shrugs. "Sorry. Fight them and don't die, heh."
"We've had almost perfect success at that objective," Sorel notes. "Do you know anything about the new posession tactics the Devil Army is using? How to combat them?"
"The Shadow Demons?" Derrik asks. "They're a Cult monster, not of the Devil Army. They're on loan, so to speak. Removing one is impossible with convention means. I have a few unconventional things that will get the job done, though."
"Such as?" Sorel asks. "And why are the Cult and Devil Army working together? It would seem that they are at cross-purposes."
"The Devil Army has no dealings with the Cult."
"What you're fighting is a rogue faction of the Devil Army, one that was granted freedom from the Seal in exchange for their allegiance."
"They can pierce the Seal?" Gilliam asks with shock.
"Yes, but only with..."
"Oh... You mean the portals. Yes we know of those," Gilliam replies, calming.
"For a moment, I thought you meant the Strife Lords opened the Seal all at once."
"That would most certainly be a cross purpose," Sorel says. "Unless they also had the Devil King under their control."
"Anyway, there's a type of magical item, special enchanted crystals that will purify the demons from the body," Derrik says. "No, Zeon is beyond their power for the time being.
But they grow stronger and stronger."
"Anyway, I'm afraid I can't be half the help I was to the others in my current state, but I can still buy and sell."

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