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

Posted by: Rusty Fri Jan 18, 2008 11:20 pm
((From 192,992.5... Hal: 3,425 Alex: 9,567.5 Enrick: 0 [got stuff and money from Alex] Caius: 0 [inactivity]
Eve: 0 [inactivity]
Everyone else: 30,000
Yup. Enjoy yourself 30,000 gold.))

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Sat Jan 19, 2008 12:01 am
((If no one objects, I'd like to get to a little bit later, where I can actually get to some real role-playing. Dunno what time it is, but I'd be happy with a six-hour jump.))

Posted by: Kaihaku Sat Jan 19, 2008 12:05 am
Cedric leads the team to rest as the goddess suggested, though he has a messanger sent to the stronghold to inform Zook and the others of the victory. Times flows swiftly and soon several hours have passed.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Sat Jan 19, 2008 12:29 am
The sun had not yet dipped below the horizon as the young man awoke, though the sun had begun to take on the same hues as his hair. Looking about, he did not recognize the bed or the room in which he lay, though it all had an almost fuzzy appearance, as if his mind was trying to overlay an old vision of his surroundings on the current.
The thick blanket covering his torso fell away as he sat up, looking more closely at his surroundings; a set of clothing was laid out on a chair, next to a lone table. Dressing as quickly as he could, he moved to the windowsill and stared at the setting sun, it's dying glows illuminating his hair with highlights that seemed to turn it into a molten, flowing pool of magma.
"A fine life you've lived," he muttered to himself, the light gradually diminishing. "All you're known for is being a robber and a liar. Maybe it's better that you had let her finish you off."
"Who am I kidding?" he asked, turning his back to the sky as he leaned against the bottom edge of the window. "Ah... it was better when they first brought me back; at least then I didn't remember anything, and I could have tried to start fresh."
As the last ray illuminated the far edge of the horizon, Dam Dicem straightened up and shook his head. With no possessions to secure and nothing else to do, he headed for the door and, hopefully, the rest of the group.
"I miss being able to lie to myself..."
Keeping his head low, the rogue made his way carefully but purposefully towards the orphanage. Though it had been affected by time, as the whole town had been, he instantly recognized it for what it was.

Posted by: Alpha Sat Jan 19, 2008 12:51 am
[Laeral sells his Crimson Dragonhide Bracers for 2,750 He can now afford Lens of Intellect +6, which cost 32,400 Woop Not sure what to get for Tanis yet]

Posted by: Kaihaku Sat Jan 19, 2008 1:47 am
Cedric gives Damas 5,001 gp for the purchase of a +6 Cloak of CHA. This comes from his current personal savings, not the money donated earlier to the building fund.

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sat Jan 19, 2008 3:13 am
Damas sells his Cloak of Charisma +2 (2,000 + 10% = 2,200 gold), and purchases a Cloak of Charisma +6 (36,000 - 10% = 32,400). He has no gold left, and owes Cedric 5,001 gold. Kethra sells her Amulet of Natural Armor +1 (1000 + 10% = 1,100) and her Ring of Protection +2 (4,000 + 10% = 4,400), and purchases an Amulet of Natural Armor +2 (8,000 - 10% = 7,200) and a Ring of Protection +3 (18,000 - 10% = 16,200). She has 7,823 gold left.
Merla sells her Headband of Intellect +4 (8,000 + 10% = 8,800), and purchases a Headband of Intellect +6 (36,000 - 10% = 32,400). She has 6,583 gold left.
That's all for now.

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sat Jan 19, 2008 4:23 am
When Dam comes within sight of the orphanage he sees a tall, straight-backed man with hair that almost matches his own. He peers through the windows of the building, and Dam can see the tired careworn guardians of the orphanage excitedly counting and recounting enormous stacks of gold. If the man hears Dam approach, he makes no sign.
"Still at it, old man," the rogue said, only loud enough to attract the druid's attention. "I thought you would have learned better than to be charitable from my silly mistake."
"The lesson of your...mistake," Sorel responds, not turning around, "Is that none of us is quite as clever as we think we are."
"The lesson of my mistake was that you shouldn't put yourself in a position of power if you're halfway suicidal," the man retorted.
Sorel is silent for a moment, before starting to laugh. "That...that..."
"That's the truth. I'm surprised I haven't passed out from just thinking it," Dicem said. "If I had known death worked wonders like that, I would have done it a long time ago."
"What wonders does death work, Dam Dicem?" Sorel says, turning around. "I feel I have been...shorted, in some way."
"It forced me to deal with my own lies," he said crossing his arms as he leaned on a tree. "If you had told me months ago that I'd be in my hometown, yelling out my name in the middle of Mitula's temple, I'd have thought you mad."
"You did not need to go into the gray wastes to face yourself," Sorel says quietly. "The solution is never as drastic as that."
"Another truth," Dam said. "A currency I refused to deal in. Some children get the idea if you yell at them, others need to lose their favorite toy... but some need a spanking to get the point across. And I, apparently, am the latter."
"Really?" Sorel asks. "What are you--what were you, if not a child whose favorite toy is deception?" He shakes his head. "You are mistaken. Death works no wonders. It offers no solace. It takes and gives nothing in return. There is no meaning, no measure, no purpose to death."
"Well, I never said I couldn't be wrong," Dam said, shrugging. "But I apparently interrupted a great joke... what made you laugh before?"
"'The lesson of my mistake was that you shouldn't put yourself in a position of power if you're halfway suicidal'," Sorel repeats, chuckling again. "It...reminded me of something someone else said not long ago."
"Something I can be made privy to?" the rogue asked, an amused look on his face.
"I was called suicidal recently," Sorel replies. "For reasons passing understanding. How many times does someone have to die before they are quite tired of dying?"
"Well... if all death does is take, then it only makes sense that the answer be 'until you don't have anything left to take.' Or something along those lines," Dam said, shrugging. "I'm new to the dying business... I'll let you know after the next time."
"What makes you think it stops then?" Sorel says quietly. "It is not as difficult as you would think for what you lack to be taken...for you to lose what is already missing from you." He shakes his head. "No matter. Have you spoken to anyone else?"
"No... I just woke up," Dam said, quietly. "Just before the sunset... just like I did, the first night I was here."
"The first night?" Sorel asks. "You weren't born here?"
"Moun," Dam said. "No... when they had to leave, I headed here instead. It's a wonder I even made it; between hunger, fatigue, and just being young and stupid, I was barely conscious when I staggered in here."
"But you made it," Sorel responds. "You survived."
"I didn't die and get eaten by the scavengers," the rogue corrected. "As for 'making it,' I might want to argue with you on that one; the stepping stones that led to me joining Ruburan's Gang. He always looked out for us, but I can't say that it was the best decision of my life."
"Ruburan is a decent man," Sorel says. "You could have done much worse, as guardians go." He smiles thinly.
"It didn't have as much to do with him as it did with her," Dam said, quietly. "She was both the best and the worst thing that happened to me."
"Kysha?" Sorel asks quietly.
"Killer Kysha, to you... she had a thing about people she didn't know using both names," Dam said, shaking his head. "Yeah... I wouldn't have had any reason to know her if it wasn't for being with him."
"Would you rather have never known her?" Sorel asks quietly. "Would you rather have lost what you never had?"
"I haven't figured that out yet," Dam said. "Do you know what the hardest part of her death was, Sorel?"
"What was it?"
"Knowing that it wasn't my fault," Dam said.
"No matter how much you want it to be..." Sorel whispers.
"You know..." Dam began, then shook his head. "Nah... nevermind."
"What is it?"
"I have no idea how many times you've died," Dam said. "The last time I was with the group - the last time I saw you - everyone was alive and kicking. No one was sad. There wern't a hundred other people telling me that they've formed a coalition to turn Xadoss into a giant sculpture of Coventry."
"You're young, and I'm the old man, well past his time," the rogue said.
"Much has happened," Sorel says. "And much has yet to happen. What questions do you have?"
It is a few minutes before Dicem can speak, laughter preventing any other forms of communication. Finally, when the humor had run it's course and he could again speak, he looked at Sorel with a smile.
"Is the kid okay?"
"Yes," Sorel replies. "The child and Shera both survived. There was only one casualty between both missions, not counting your...excursion."
"Who was it?"
Sorel offers Dam a thin smile. "Me."
"Has anyone leading our group not died?" Dam asked, chuckling slightly.
"I have died more than enough for all of them," Sorel replies, biting his lip to suppress a chuckle of his own.
"Did we get anything done after the fortress was attacked?" Dam asked.
"We killed Aelisnyx, though you and I and Astrid all perished. Then we entered the fortress and destroyed Zassahd, the leader of the devils on the Island. I destroyed a portal behind him, hoping to halt his retreat. Instead, we were pushed through another dimension and ended up in Guardiana, where we met Queen Anri, as well as Shailtor and Erebeus, the two Strife Lords that remain. Erebeus killed me, and we escaped to Devil's Tail..." Sorel goes on like this for some time, recounting the battles and encounters since Dam's death, and the meeting of the forces, and the construction of the headquarters.
"Huh," Dam said. "In that case... we ought to get the kid back to his temple, sooner than later. I bet it hasn't even crossed his mind, what with all of this stuff going on."
Sorel winces when Dam uses the word 'we'. "I have a request."
"Which is?" the rogue asked.
"I am not a leader," Sorel responds. For just a moment, some of the old tiredness enters his voice, and he's once again the man who faced death three times. "I am not a shepherd, I am not a hero..." his voice fills with disgust. "I am barely a father. Please, let this cup pass from my lips. Lead them. I cannot."
"Are you asking because you believe I can," Dam said, "or because you believe you cannot?"
"I know I cannot, and I have no more growing to do, no more of myself to mold. What little is left I must give to...to someone else. You may not have been fit before, but you are not the man you were when last we spoke. And you are not the man you will be when we speak again. You can grow into a leader. You can become more than you are."
"You're a strange man, Sorel," Dam said, after a moment of silence. "Well, I guess I don't have much of a choice, do I? After all, now that I've died and come back, I really don't have much else to do, and it might be nice to be high up on someone's hit list again."
Sorel smiles. "You should do what you did when we first came together, if you can manage it. Speak to as many of the others you can find as you can. You will learn a great deal. It is quite the group, we have assembled."
"Space men and people who have danced with Strife Lords... sounds like a party," Dam said. "I don't suppose you know what happened to my things, do you?"
"I do," Sorel says. "They were lost. Buried or given away when your body was disposed of at Grans."
"Huh," Dam said, glancing at the druid. "Well... dunno what I expected, coming from you, but I suppose that there's a kid with two holy daggers who's really, really happy right now."
Sorel frowns. "We were unable to retrieve your body because of the mishap with the portal."
"Well... at the very least, I ought to squeeze in some time to see if I warranted my own grave," Dam said, "but for now, I suppose I should see about purchasing some new equipment."
Sorel nods. "Do you have any other questions?"
"Why do it?" Dam asked. "Gail's proven she could take the reins, and I have so much catching up to do that I'd want to curl up in a ball and die if I hadn't already. Why bring me back?"
"Gail wants to lead even less than I do," Sorel responds. "She will be far more grateful for your return than I. She has other things to look forward to. You are also better equipped to lead, with a stronger grasp of tactics and logistics than either of us. But none of that matters. I abandoned you, Dam Dicem. I made a mistake and left you alone and isolated and unprotected. You and the Doctor and--" he shakes his head. "I brought you back because I left you behind, and for however long I have left I will never do so again. I promise you that."
"Worry about the orphans," Dam said as he turned, raising a hand dismissively. Walking away, he said "I've got the voices in my head to keep me on the crooked path to hell."
"You have voices around you as well," Sorel says quietly. "Do not...do not stay inside yourself."

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sat Jan 19, 2008 6:46 am
“So, does the ring make it official?” The Doctor asks with a smile as he hops down from balancing atop a stone wall, "You're a follower of Mitula now? Pretty serious commitment, how big is the rock on that thing?” He leans over trying to catch a glimpse of the rogue's finger.
Kayla holds out her hand so he can get a better look. It appears to be a simple silver ring, but it is actually far from simple. "I still don't get it... Why did that Paladin decline his blessing, and instead ask that it be given to someone like me?"
"Well, it's a nice change from the standard conversion... Here, have an artifact, not a bad introduction to a religion." The Doctor shrugs, looking at the ring intently, "Though, there’s no rock so I don’t know how committed of a relationship it’ll be…” He straightens and chuckles, “Who can say what passes between a paladin and his goddess?”
"I doubt that he was trying to convert me or anything..." Kayla leans against the wall and looks at him. "As far as what passes between a Paladin and his Goddess, I really cannot say for sure... It seems to be something of a Mother and Child relationship as far as I can tell."
"That's a less cynical response than I expected..." The Doctor says with a smile, leaning against the wall in kind, "You've changed since we last chatted."
"You think so?" Kayla blushes slightly. "I'll take that as a compliment."
"I wonder what it says about me though..." The Doctor smiles wryly.
Unsure of what to say to him, Kayla doesn't speak.
"Righto..." The Doctor straightens with the same smile, "Maybe we should check out those island ruins or whatever Mitula was talking about, I would go myself but can't hurt to have a stealthy person along." He frowns, "Speaking of which... Where's Langston? I haven't seen him since I returned..."
"From the way Mitula talked about it, it would be dangerous to go in alone..." Kayla sighs. "Langston was at headquarters the last I knew."
"So, the less people the better." The Doctor smiles innocently, "We wouldn't get our friends in danger..." His voice lowers, "...or rather, get into a huge battle when all we really need to do is slip in and root around the ruins looking for some old tome." He frowns thoughtfully, "So, we'll need a magician I suppose, just to be on the safe side...what else..."
Kayla crosses her arms over her chest. "I may be good at sneaking around, but I doubt that I'm good enough to sneak through and entire forest of monsters or whatever roams around it."
"Oh, well, if it makes you feel better..." The Doctor replies with a frown which swiftly becomes a smile, "I'll check it out first on my own."
Kayla frowns. "Are you crazy?"
"So I've been told." The Doctor smiles.
"Look, I just think that it would be a bad idea. Besides..." Kayla cuts herself short before she finishes what she was going to say.
"Besides?" The Doctor questions.
"I would get worried."
"No need to worry, I've died lots of times." The Doctor says with a grin, "...or at least once."
"I know." Kayla smiles. "It's good to have you back."
"Thanks." The Doctor smiles, "I missed the group of you, even Dicem..." He frowns, "...or Coolios or whoever..."
"I sure hope he gets well soon." Kayla tilts her head slightly. "So...does this mean you're not mad at me anymore?"
"I'm not one to hold that kind of a thing against someone." The Doctor shakes his head with a smile.
"I wouldn't have blamed you if you did. There was no excuse for me to be such a...bitch." Kayla pauses for a few seconds, and then she continues. "I know it's done and over with, but now that I have the chance to say it... I'm sorry."
"You don't need to be so hard on yourself; I mean come on, if you apologized for that, think of all the things I need to apologize for." The Doctor replies, "Clashes are part of relationships, there's nothing wrong with that..." His smile fades slightly, "Though, for my part, I was too harsh... It's a personality flaw of mine."
"What was that you said about me being too hard on myself?" Kayla chuckles. "Don't worry about it, I forgive you."
"No worries then." The Doctor chuckles.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Sat Jan 19, 2008 8:17 am
The rogue spends a great deal of time walking, but eventually he locates a figure perched in a nearly leafless tree, looking over the vast expanse of night so well visible at that height. "Always with the trees and the climbing," Dicem said, coming closer.
"Mr. Dicem," the monk said, not looking down. "I'm glad that you're back."
"No need to be kind, kid... I haven't had anyone glad to see me in years," Dam said. "Well, maybe there was that one time, with the fizzle ball, but then again it was probably more joy to see you than me."
"Why do you do that?" the monk asked, finally turning to look down at the rogue.
"Well, to be honest, I show up because I really don't have anything better to do," the man said, crossing his arms as if in thought. "But, come to think of it, I really don't need to stay now that Max is back, do I?"
"That's not what I meant," the monk said, sighing.
"Then you want to know why I use sarcasm as a blacksmith uses an anvil? Might have something to do with keeping my rapier wit sharp."
"Why do you keep trying to make people hate you?" Graigus asked, slipping down from the tree. "You're a good person on the inside."
"Only because I ate one yesterday. Kinda salty, but otherwise well-seasoned," Dicem said.
"Nothing's changed, has it?" the monk asked. "Are you any different than before you were captured?"
"Sadly, yes," Dam said, his tone more serious. "You know... I never got to thank you for your extremely foolish attempt to undo my foolish attempt to not be a complete fool."
"I only did what you tried to do..."
"And it worked about as well," Dam said. "Sorel filled me in on some of the details about what happened when I took my little leave of absence. Congratulations on not dying... apparently it's not as easy to do as one might think."
"Sorel's been... very, very depressed since the first time," the drunken boxer said, taking up and leaning on the staff which he had left at the base of the tree. "It's gotten better, but... it did something to him. I don't know what he saw, but whatever it is wasn't... wasn't nice."
"It's probably about what he didn't see," Dam said. "I expected to see Kysha, or some of the old gang who died before their time... I even thought I might see the Strife Lords or some of our other enemies, as I was being tortured."
"And what did you see?" Graigus asked. "Or not see, I guess?"
"I didn't see anything," Dam said. "There wasn't anyone but me out there. Which, I guess, explains why my mind fractured in half and the fragments took turns torturing each other; kinda hard to find someone to lie to when there is no one else to lie to."
"And where are those pieces now?" Graigus asked. "Are they still fighting each other?"
"No... I think, for the moment, they've reconciled, and coem together to form Dam Dicem, bastard of the ages," the rogue said, smirking. "Even if they're still waging a war in my head somewhere, I could care less so long as they keep it down at night."
"This is serious, Mr. Dicem... you died, and your mind isn't steady, and you're acting like you just took an afternoon nap!"
"Ahh... amusement, how I missed thee," Dam said. "Kid... I spent what felt like centuries with my spirit pretty much at war with itself. You think I'm really going to sit around "
"But aren't you worried one bit?" the monkey shen asked. "You don't have any of your things, you haven't fought in a while, and comparing our old enemies to our new enemies would be like comparing bushes to trees."
"Didn't you know, kid?" Dam said, taking a fighting stance. "You're going to make sure I'm all brushed up and ready to go."
"You really have lost your mind," Graigus said. "I could really hurt you, Mr. Dicem..."
"Fine... if you're worried about me being unarmed, give me your staff," the rogue retorted. "And if I think I'm in trouble, I'll say when."
"No... I don't like this idea," the monk said.
"Kid, last I checked, I was appointed leader. Now give me the staff and show me if you've been doing anything else besides getting drunk off your dwarven ass."
"Fine," Graigus said, handing the human the staff. "But don't say that I didn't warn you, Mr. Dicem."
But if Dam Dicem heard the last words before he launched his attack, he didn't make any motions to indicate it. Indeed, the speed of his strike was so great that it even threw him off, and he nearly fell over with the power of the blow. The second missed as well, falling well short of the nimble monk.
"Guess I should probably work on that first strike a little bit, shouldn't I?" Dam said.
"Mr. Dicem... don't make me hit you," Graigus said, shaking his head. "You're not going to hit me - it would be hard enough with your daggers, but without them you don't have a chance," Graigus said, backing away.
But stepping forward, relentless, the rogue again launched a pair of strikes. This time, he came dangerously close to landing a blow, though the staff was batted away before it could do any harm.
"You're not even trying to hold back!" Graigus said. "That would have actually hurt!"
"And I'll keep aiming to kill, until you actually man up," Dam retorted. "I mean, really... here I thought you had finally become a student worthy of Chu Rao and Quialis, and all they did was raise a small child to be a big child."
"Fine... I hope you're happy with your decision!" Graigus said, leveling two heavy blows to the rogue's chest and nearly connecting with a third.
"I've been killed, kid... you're going to need to do a little more than flick me," Dam said, striking with his first hit and barely missing with the second.
The monk reared back, ready to deliver a stunning blow, then stopped and shook his head. "No more of this, Mr. Dicem... this isn't going to prove anything. I know what I can do, and I also know that even if you were to beat me, it wouldn't matter compared to what else we have to do."
"Well, when you put it like that," Dam said, tossing the monk's staff back to him, "I kinda feel bad about not just telling you that I wanted you to go visit your old temple."
"Mr. Dicem..."
"Don't get sappy with me, and don't go proclaiming my goodness to the world or anything silly like that," the rogue said, rubbing his chest. "I'd hate to be on the receiving end of that fist when you're actually aiming to kill."
"You didn't need to do all that," Graigus said. "I don't understand what it was all for, Mr. Dicem."
"Call it my own piece of mind," Dam said, bowing slightly before he turned away. "Enjoy your sky, kid... I've got a couple more rounds to make."
The dwarf simply watched the man walk away, confused as to what he was trying to prove, and as to how someone could go through so much and still be so much the same as he was.

Posted by: Knight_019 Sat Jan 19, 2008 4:32 pm
((I'll try to find time to post, since I'll be gone to a conference soon. I'd like to note to all that while Merkass did get the HOLY BOW OF MITULA, it was a trade moreso than a gift. He gave up his old bow, which was a Holy Compound Longbow of Exit Wound +1.))

Posted by: Kaihaku Sun Jan 20, 2008 1:15 am
((Does that you bring you up to two or three artifacts?))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sun Jan 20, 2008 1:21 am
[Who knows? Kayla got an artifact too, as did Telanna, and they didn't get any share of the loot.]

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Sun Jan 20, 2008 1:36 am
((I think his point was that Merkass got an artifact and also lost an existing item, which means he might be deserving of at least a reduced share of money It's not a totally unreasonable stance))

Posted by: Knight_019 Sun Jan 20, 2008 2:05 am

QUOTE (VoxPVoxD @ Sat Jan 19, 2008 8:36 pm)
((I think his point was that Merkass got an artifact and also lost an existing item, which means he might be deserving of at least a reduced share of money It's not a totally unreasonable stance))

((As always, Vox's cerebellum works.
Reduced is all I'd ask, considering Merkass has zero gold, as he just spent all his money to upgrade his bow to holy, then it's gone one battle later.
If not, whatever.
Just remember that Ivellas will be back and in command of your characters at some point ))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sun Jan 20, 2008 2:13 am
[Well now that you put it that way, I understand. It does suck to dump all your gold into an item only to lose it. ]

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sun Jan 20, 2008 2:42 am
((I shall now point out that Merkass has two artifacts: the bow, and the orb.))

Posted by: Knight_019 Sun Jan 20, 2008 2:52 am
((And I paid my due on the orb. Your point, sir?))

Posted by: Aldur Sun Jan 20, 2008 3:18 am
"Hello Doctor." Michael said softly as he descended from the air, landing and approaching the medic. "Hey there flyboy." The Doctor responds with a grin. "So. What's the deal with the random guy Goddess Mitula revived?" Asked Michael with a grin.
"Coolio?" The Doctor rubs his chin, "Well, I'm guessing he's one of those rebellious nobles trying to be cool and counter cultural, so he ran around acting like a sleazy thief but, now, he's decided to come out and let us all know that he was born better than us." The Doctor pauses for a moment thoughtfully, "Or something like that... By all of that, I really mean, we were assembled under his leadership but then he lost a gamble with a devil and sold his soul. I don't know what happened after that..." He chuckles ruefully, "I was kind of dead."
"Wow. You all have some serious issues going on, don't you? And that sucks quite badly. Geeze, I thought I had problems. Next toyour group I'm normal!" Michael chuckled at his, shaking his head...those fabulous white locks billowing in the aptly timed breeze.
"I don't know..." The Doctor replies, "It might not be that we're so bad, just that you've actually tried to deal with your issues while we've blamed other people and gone around being asses about it."
"So why am I the teenager and you the adult then?" Michael quipped with a twinkle in his eye.
"Who said maturity had anything to do with age?” The Doctor rejoins, “Why, just look at Sorel, running around in rags moping… Condemning, questioning…” He chuckles.
"Stir, stir, stir the pot Doc." Michael shook his head ruefully. "Mitula was a beautiful as they said ya know."
"Is beauty that impressive of a feat?" The Doctor asks with a smile, "I don't know that it really says much about her character..." He frowns, "Nice finishing blow on the high priest, smote him royally." He tilts his head, "How offended would you have been if I had undone your hard work and brought him back to life?"
"What is beauty?" Counters Michael as he snorts. "I'd not be too bothered. Not like Cedric wouldn't have smashed his face in."
"You brought it up, you tell me." The Doctor replies before contiuning, "I figured the goddess of mercy would take the same view, so I didn't bother." The Doctor shrugs, "It just seems a bit...short sighted...to learn that there are, what, two more high priests or whatever, but not use the one we have in our hands, so to speak, to learn everything we can about them."
"He didn't have very nice teeth though." Michael shook his head. "We'll take the one from Volcanon's place. And compare. Whoever has the nicer teeth we'll revive and question." The angelock kept a serious face as he said this
"All the better to bite you with, my pretty." The Doctor chuckles, "That and frame the wads of spit and lies."
"I was never really into biting. What about you?" Michael asked.
"Depends on what I'm biting..." The Doctor replies with a grin, "...but not so much..." He glances up at the temple, "So, the goddess impressed you much?"
"Hm? She's certainly majestic and seems up for a little banter but...aheh, deity wise, she's not the one I worship." Michael nodded, his shining bright white wings appearing. "The Light has my full attention in that area."
"Ah, so, you serve the creator..." The Doctor looks up with sudden interest, "Any particular reason why?"
"Well, It's kinda personal but...I'm warlock yeah?" Michael gestured idly, his eldritch power appearing, a bright white compared to Kria's deep Purple. "I wasn't exactly a...nice person when I was younger. Orphanage we stayed in...there was a girl. She was devoted to the Light. I liked her, so got into it originally to get closer..." Michael sniggered, shaking his head. "Eventually people began to see what I could do, and well..." His expression become sombre. "You know how kids are...Eventually, I bad stuff happened...I was chased by adults, and flew...like kria does. But I got arrowed. I began to fall from the sky, screamed for help...and I was changed. My wound healed and the essence of my power flipped. Crying out to the Gods appears to work every now and again." Commented Michael dryly
"Interesting..." The Doctor replies, looking at the young warlock intently, "I didn't think the Light worked like that... Hadn't been my experience, but..." He shrugs, "I'm glad, someone's watching out for you. Must be a nice feeling."
"Well maybe it was a passing cleric? Or a fairy? Who knows? Either way, I kinda like how the Light is compared to the other two anyway...ya know?" Michael gestured with his hands. "God Volcanon and Goddess Mitula have a code of what you need to do to worship them. So does the Light, but it's a bit more general and gives you room to do good in your own way."
"How about Zoddie?" The Doctor chuckles, "...or Voltron?"
"Who?" Michael tilted his head to one side. "There's Elbesem as well but that's also not my style."
"If it works for you and doesn't hurt me..." The Doctor chuckles, "...whatever suits you."
"You know, you need to be careful with statements like that Doc. Could lead a guy on..." Michael laughed.
The Doctor laughs, "I'm a notorious flirt.”
"Nah, you're just DC." Michael winked, and took off. "Well, I'm away to explore this quaint little town. Seeya around Doc!"
"Later." The Doctor waves.
**
"Hey! You! Like...Alex!" Kria waved as she ran over to the Hero.
*Alexander looks at Kria as he waves back, a little confused.* "Hello. Why are you so excited?"
"Huh? I'm excited?" Kria blinked, tilting her head to one side. "What am I excited about?"
Alexander: "Well, you ran over here. I thought you were excited about something."
"Oh, that's just me." Kria grinned and nodded in emphasis. "But you're the guy who tells Some people what to do yeah?"
Alexander: "I have followers, if that's what you mean. Whose group are you with? I'm sorry that I'm not more familiar with everyone."
"Me? I'm with everyone! But I came with Sorel and like, Dam. Or Cerdic. Cerdic? That's not it...Cedirc? That's more like it!" Kria grinned. "I saw you and figured I'd say hello."
*Alex smiles.* "Sorel's group, then? Hello. I'm sorry to say that I haven't learned your name, though you know mine. May I have yours?"
"You like, SO can! I'm Kria! Kria Krystalpaw! Currently High Priestess and last surviving member of the Dark Dragon Clan!" Kria paused..."Though it's kinda funny..."
*The hero's eyes widen in surprise.* "Dark Dragon Clan?"
"Yup!" Kria looked sad for a moment. "Unfortunately, I'm really just a heretic..."
Alexander: "Well, that's good. That means there's no Dark Dragon Clan anymore, then. That any group could support such a wicked beast...But were you seriously a member of such a clan?"
Kria's face became serious. "You think young children burning to death in a forest is good? Merely because of like, their parents belief system?" She snarled slowly and sighed. "Like sorry, you weren't there. Not your fault. And yeah, born and raised to worship."
*Alexander responds very seriously.* "I never said the existence of that group is good. In fact, I'm saying the exact opposite. I'm sorry to hear that you were raised into that, though...I'm glad you're out of that now."
"I find you missed my point Alexander." Kria responded. "The group is gone now yes, mostly all by my hand. But this includes poor children. Innocent kittens...what did they do to deserve it? And it's so easy to judge it as evil...but how are we to know evil except to use what lessons and moral's we've been taught..." Kria sniggered darkly. "To them, you would be evil. So like...what makes us right and them wrong...ya know?"
*Alexander folds his arms.* "Clearly I was not given full insight on the situation and missed some details. There is good and evil, Kria, and it is not determined by definition, but by the laws of the gods. But who do you trust? That is the great, difficult question. However, when you compare Mitula, for instance, to a devil like Zeon, there are clear differences. I do not decide what is right nor wrong, but I do decide to walk a path which I find best suited for others and my gods. Indeed, to them, I would be evil. However, I only care what the gods think of me. I hope that makes a bit of sense, and I am sorry if it does not."
"Huh...I never really liked the thought of living for another being unless it was my soulmate..." Kria shrugged. "Each to their own! But yes, That's me. Ex High Priestess, Warlock, Bangle trader..."
*Alexander smiles.* "Bangle trader? That's interesting. By the way, can you always fly? I noticed you flying in battle, earlier."
"Warlocks get much fewer spells, but they're far more potent and tend to last far longer. As such, I like can see invisible things, Fly and generate flames at will for as long as I like really." Kria grinned brightly and winked. "We're handy!"
*Nodding, Alex responds with a grin.* "Sounds very useful indeed. If we fight together again, I'll trust you to warn me of any invisible opponents sneaking up on me."
"No worries! I can turn invisible as well..." Kria frowned. "And I can summon up tentacles of freezing cold to hold people. But that's kinda...ick."
*Alex shudders.* "Yeah, I'll keep that in mind and stay in the air. I gained a magic item recently that allows me to fly, though I haven't used it too much just yet. Well, hopefully when we get around to going to Bedoe, we'll be very successful there. It'll be a key victory that will be just as rewarding, I'm sure. When we get to it, of course."
"Yeah! So like...who all can fly?" Kria frowned. "You, Me, Michael, Ignatius, that like dragon you have..."
Alexander: "My brother Hal can cast a spell that grants flight. I also have a birdman named Thavon who can fly, and there's a Pegasus Knight named Eve who can fly, though she's not been the same since our groups came together. She's probably just shy."
"Ah! That's cool. Hopefully We'll get a good force together! You should like, Invite...the ones from Shade Abbey that you went to see. Amir and Balboary?" Kria frowned, attempting to remember the birdmen of the original Shining Force and failing.
*Alexander nods, correcting her.* "Amon and Balbaroy. Unforunately, they could not teach me any techniques, since I need to be able to fly naturally. Perhaps it would be a different story for Thavon, or Michael, or maybe even you? I'm not completely sure how your flight abilities work, but perhaps."
"Maybe. I've like had these awhile. They're kinda artificial but I can do nifty rolls and stuff! And I like meant, invite them along on the assault, not just like training!" Kria nodded her head vigorously.
*Alexander nods again.* "Hopefully they'll be able to join us. They usually are needed for scouting in Shade Abbey, though, so I can't guarantee they'll say yes."
"So like...give them Merkass in exchange! or some of our forces that are staying behind to compensate..." Kria giggles. "Not everyone is good at mountain assaults!"
Alexander: "We'll see. In the meantime, let's just enjoy the victory we have here." *Alexander smiles.* "Things are finally starting to turn around."
"One down and two to go!" Kria smirked.
Alexander: "Indeed! Our victories will not end here."

Posted by: Kaihaku Sun Jan 20, 2008 1:36 pm
"Merkass, it is I, Oddtula, you must go to Zanzibar at once."

Posted by: Lord Oddeye Sun Jan 20, 2008 1:51 pm
: "Don't listen to her!... Him! Whatever! Merkass! This is a trap to deprive you of a powerful quest item! I, Emperor Pellroye, asserts so."

Posted by: Cyrus Sun Jan 20, 2008 8:05 pm
"Merkass...It is I, Aaarthur, He Whose Likeness Cannot Be Captured Inside of an Avatar Window. These liars merely want to remove you from this mortal coil...They would kill you, because they are frightened of you. Move yourself to Alm, fair traveler...it marks the beginning of a quest for which you will attain the power to smite these imposters.
Oh, and, uh, if you could pick me up a bear claw on the way back, that would be fantastic. I'll give you an artifact or somethin'. You like those, don't you?"

Posted by: Wandering Dezorian Sun Jan 20, 2008 10:45 pm
And the gnomes continue to quietly plot their impending takeover of the world.

Posted by: Kaihaku Mon Jan 21, 2008 2:13 am
"Merkass, I've seen the future and you're not in it."

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Mon Jan 21, 2008 6:43 am

QUOTE (Wandering Dezorian @ Sun Jan 20, 2008 10:45 pm)
And the gnomes continue to quietly plot their impending takeover of the world.

((Don't you have a Destonia to takeover first? : P))
The city of Tristan is somewhat chaotic after the battle, but not half as much as it should be thanks to the swift retreat of the enemy forces. A few blast marks or gouges in the city's standing buildings are all that remains of the battle, with a miraculous zero civilian casualities.
When the merchant shows up, Jim hammers out an agreement to purchase materials from him in order to give to the erstwhile engineers and technomagi of the Vagabond for GDO upgrades.
-----
Gilliam stood in the corner of the tavern, brooding, his mind endlessly replaying the events at the Shrine over and over again.
Gilliam was floating in an endless expanse of light. He felt...
felt
...warmth all over him, gentle and reassuring. He blinked once, then twice.
blinked
Gilliam brought his hands in front of his face and saw not mechanical gauntlets, but flesh and bone hands. His hands. His real hands.
"I'm dead," Gilliam said, at last. "After all that... I'm dead."
"Yes," a voice said, quiet, gentle, and feminine. "But you can go back."
"Go back?" Gilliam said, tiredly. "I'm more machine than man, ressurection..."
"...is not impossible for a goddess," the voice said. Comprehension dawned on Gilliam's face.
"...Mitula," Gilliam said, quietly. The shining form of the goddess appeared before him, somehow shining brighter even than the expanse of light. "So... it's true then."
"Yes," Mitula said, simply.
"Why?" Gilliam asked.
"They need something to believe in. Something more... human than Volcanon and his fiery rumblings, or the Creator's aloof observance," Mitula said. "Something closer to their understanding."
"So..." Gilliam said, eyes half closed from weariness. "That's why you appear as such?"
"It couldn't be helped. Elbesem too, is now worshipped as a deity," Mitula says, quietly. "Our powers are such that ordinary mortals can't help but think of us as anything but."
"Is it right?" Gilliam asked. Mitula closed her eyes.
"It is... I believe so. The truth is veiled in the scriptures of my church, but it's there for those who look. I perform the duties of a deity as best I can. I grant spells, I appear in visions, and I tend to my followers. Most importantly, I act as something they can aspire to," Mitula opens her eyes and looks at Gilliam. "And mortals need an ideal to aspire to."
Gilliam chuckled.
"An ideal... Aspire to be like the goddess..." Gilliam shook his head. "They'll never know how right they are, will they? Never know just how much they can aspire to be like you."
"Some might," Mitula replied, evenly. "Some will."
Gilliam was quiet then, for a long time.
"So... In the end we all gave up our humanity," Gilliam said, quietly. "Orin and Fasher to become undead. My life for a metal shell. And you... you acheived the goal of thousands of years of civilization's reaching. There is no one left."
"That's only true if you truly believe that the body you inhabit makes you human... or inhuman," Mitula replied, gazing at Gilliam with a hint of sorrow. "Or that in becoming more than human you lose all touch with your core... last of the Ancients."
"Yes..." Gilliam says. "I really am the last, aren't I?" Gilliam's face tensed, sorrow washing over his features. "I've been lying to myself for a very, very long time. Hoping that somehow I could bring back the past. Or at least live in it for a while. But there's no use. Even if I do get my body back... even if I do get my body back there's no use. Everything has changed. My world is dead. My world is dead, and I have to accept that." Gilliam shook his head. "More than that... I have to accept the world as it is now. I have to move towards the future that includes my world as only a chapter in its history."
"You're still making a mistake, Gilliam," Mitula says, quietly. "You're still a part of this world too."
"I am... aren't I..." Gilliam mutters. "I think... I think a lot of them tried to make me realize that... I was just too stupid... or proud... or sad to let them."
"Do you want to go back?" Mitula asked.
"Yes..." Gilliam said. "But... not in my body. Not yet."
Mitula tilted her head.
"I've forgotten how to fight in anything but that metal form. There's still much struggle to be had," Gilliam shakes his head. "I'll return... when this is all over."
"I understand," Mitula said, nodding. "I will grant you what you seek then."
Gilliam ran his hands over his face, his head, his arms, and sighed. "Still... It was nice to be reminded of who I was."
Gilliam closed his eyes.
"All right. Return me now, before I change my mind."
And then he appeared before the group, armored and armed as he had always been.

Posted by: Cyrus Mon Jan 21, 2008 6:47 am
[He has a Destonia to take over and an artifact to reforge. *hinthint*] "It's usually a pretty quiet place... don't expect to find a lot of people out and about," Dam said, approaching the paladin. Gail turns to the rogue quicker than one would expect, smiling slightly at his greeting.
: "It's the quiet that brings me out here. Such peace...one could hardly tell that hours ago, an army marched through here." She pauses for a moment, apparently admiring the silence, before her smile drops and she focuses on Cedirc. "How are you feeling?"
: "Like a bastard, which probably means I'm as good as new," the rogue said. "And you?"
"Exhausted, worried, and lost," she says with a perfectly straight face, before a grin slips through. "Then again, that seems a perfectly normal mood these days, so I guess that means I'm fine."
"Well, it makes sense," Dam said. "Anyone who can finish off a Strife Lord is a pretty popular person; I, myself haven't been that popular since I took too many arrows to the chest."
The paladin sighs deeply at the comment, eyes falling to the street below. "That...That's not a feat that I can claim...No more than anyone else who fought against him, anyone else who died against him. Some don't seem to understand that. Who told you that I...?"
"Sorel," the rogue replied. "Whether it was just you or three hundred other people and you, it's you they're going to be aiming for."
"That wasn't what I was worried about," the paladin notes, "And it's not what I believe, considering the battles we've fought since then. Our enemies seem more concerned with the star people, if they show any concern at all."
: "What are you worried about, Gail?" Dam asked. "Sorel said that you wouldn't want to take up leadership of the group... why is that?"
The paladin bows her head at the question, failing to suppress the grimace that appeared. "I'm not sure it's a question of want...but a question of ability. Since you've been...gone, I've proven...unable to live up to expectations. I proved that I couldn't lead, and so, Sorel took that in your stead...Then, he asked me to support him, to keep him able to lead...and in that, I failed him." She stops her explanation, a sigh interrupting her. "I found no way to help him...Only added to his burden. What right do I have, to lead, when I cannot aid those who do so? Who would listen to me when I've shown I should not be listened to?"
"I would, actually, but I've got warring personalities in my head," Dam said. "Both of them think you ought to try thinking that you can, and see where it takes you."
Gail tenses at the encouragement, her eyes closing while a slender finger presses against her lips. She is silent all the while, deep breaths coming and going, until she opens her eyes once more and clenches her fist.
: "I thought that I could. I...I truly thought that I could help him. I thought that I would be able to strengthen him to see this...this chaos through." She stares straight into Cedirc's eyes, her own shining. "He made me promise not to leave him...but I couldn't stop him from leaving...again...and again. I thought I could do it...and I know what happened because of it. Please...don't ask me to do what I know I cannot."
"For all your 'terrible leadership,' I've noticed that the group continues to be rather lively. Probably moreso than a lot of people would like," Dam said, folding his arms. "If I made any mistake, it was picking two people who can see
everything in others, but absolutely nothing in themselves."
"That's credit to the group themselves...much as I'd like to say it was us, they just won't listen," she explains, a small smile coming through. "Sorel and I told them to run away, once, when Xadoss first attacked us. They out right disobeyed us," she says, not without a small modicum of relief in her voice.
: "They wouldn't come back for you if you weren't a good leader," Dicem said quietly, before his tone returned to its usual sarcastic pitch. "Of course, they've been known to make mistakes, but I like to think of mine as an isolated incident."
Gail stares at the man appraisingly, as if she saw him in some new light, before she speaks softly.
: "Why are you asking me this?"
"I asked the old man whether he wanted me to lead because he thought I could, or if it was because he thought he couldn't," Dam said, his arms loosening and falling to his sides. "I was curious as to whether you felt the same way he did."
Gail doesn't take her eyes of Cedirc, but her face twists in pain, in spite of the smile still present on her lips. "Wha...what did he say?"
"Doesn't matter," Dicem said, waving a hand dissmissively. "But I'm running the show again, so I order you to get some rest. Being out and about at night hasn't been all that great for us."
Gail chuckles at the order. "I was expecting to have to tell you to rest up...which I still am," she says with a slight half-smile. "I'm sure a leader like yourself doesn't need to be told that, though."
"I'll have time to rest when I'm dead again," Dam said, waving a hand dismissively.
Gail's good humor drains at the comment, the beginnings of a hawkish glare forming on her face, but she suppresses it. "I see," she says simply, smiling politely at her leader. "I think I'll take in a few more sights before I retire. Good night...sir," she says, walking away at a peaceful pace to drink in the stillness of the night.
: "The end is going to be the long stretch, isn't it," he muttered to himself, turning in the opposite direction. "I get the feeling I'm going to miss being dead soon..."
Moments later...
The soft thud of foot steps announces Gail's presence before she does, a kind of greeting in itself, as the paladin approaches Sorel, still looking out the window of the orphanage. "Mind if I join you?"
:
"Of course not," Sorel responds. "Although I wonder what would interest you about this."
: "I'm not sure...it's part of the reason why I asked," she answers simply. "I wanted to see what interested you so." Her eyes wander away from the druid. "If you'd rather I didn't, though..."
Sorel points at the window, and the scene inside. "What do you see?"
Gail stares at Sorel for a moment, then moves to the window, looking to the scene that captured Sorel's attention so.
Gail sees two people, a man and a woman, seated at a small table piled high with coins. The woman holds a sheaf of parchments and sorts through them pointing violently at the gold pile and speaking very fast. The man looks exhausted and put upon but happy nonetheless.
Gail's eyes widen at the sight, watching the two caretakers of the orphanage discuss what they're going to do with the charitable donation. She turns to the druid, failing to disguise any amazement at the act. "You...you gave them all of that?"
Sorel waves his hand dismissively.
: "That is not important. Look closer. Their fingers, there are tan lines on their ring fingers. They are married, and they sold their rings to cover the cost of running the orphanage." He tilts his head. "One of those pieces of paper is a receipt from a jeweller. Tomorrow one of them is going to get those rings back, and cover however many other debts besides. Imagine it," he continues. "A husband and wife. They decide to spend the rest of their lives raising the children this city has lost or forgotten. In all their hardship, there was no hint that help would come." Sorel smiles. "It is not often in wartime that the good deed is so clean and apparent."
Gail turns back to the sight, watching the woman frantically run through paper after paper while the husband takes everything in. A hand hovers at her mouth as she, too, learns the tale and continues to watch. "I...I can't...," she begins, but can't find the words, simply letting her voice fall while she continues to watch. A moment passes between them before she finds something to say. "How did you know?"
"You can see where the rings should be from here. You can see the letterheads. If you give yourself some patience, you can read their lips as well."
"That's not what I meant," the paladin says, looking to her friend. "How did you know to come here?"
"I grew up here," Sorel replies.
Gail stares at Sorel after his answer, as if trying to see something before turning back to the window. "So this...this was your home, once."
Sorel shakes his head. "Home is a person. I spent my childhood here."
Gail watches the scene for a moment, then another, then a moment longer. Finally, she turns her gaze to Sorel again, smiling. "Thank you."
Sorel looks at Gail, raising an eyebrow. "For what?"
: "For letting me see this. It reminds me of something...something I have yet to do, something I shouldn't have waited so long to do."
Sorel doesn't reply, but he smiles. "Have you spoken to Dam since he awoke?"
"Yes," the maiden replies, her smile falling, "And that brings to something I wanted to ask you." She sighs slightly, wondering if the question she was about to ask really needed to be. " Why did you ask to bring him back?"
: "Because we were one bastard short of a Shining Force."
VoxPVoxD: or not
: "Thirty years ago, I left my only child alone and orphaned. One month ago, I abandoned my watch, leaving the Doctor to die, defenseless. The very next day, I blundered us halfway around the world, leaving Dam to be buried or burned in obscurity. I abandoned them, Gail. Each one, left alone in the world because of me. I cannot...undo what I have done. But I can give what little life I have left to make amends. That is why I asked to bring him back."
Gail is silent at Sorel gives his accounts, and continues to be so after he is finished, simply staring at him. The moment passes, though, and she breaks in a morose smile, her eyes not longer meeting his. "Yes...of course, that's..." She cuts off her thought, returning to the druid. "I...I don't know why I asked that...something must've come over me. I...guess I'm more tired than I thought." She begins to move away, offering another, stronger smile to her friend. "Have a good night, Sorel." With that, she walks off.
VoxPVoxD: wtf
cyrus v 2877: Ask her that, then.
VoxPVoxD: "wtf"
"What's wrong?" Sorel asks after her.
Gail stops at the question, tensing slightly before she turns back.
: "I doubted you, Sorel. Dam spoke to me, and he asked me to why I didn't want to lead...when I asked him why, he said it was because you asked to lead. From that moment, I doubted your intentions...thought that might be the reason you asked for him to return....that you knew you couldn't trust me to do so. It...it was foolish and wrong for me to think so. I don't know why I didn't know that in the first place." She tries to continue, but stops herself, unable to look Sorel in the eyes any longer.
Sorel steps forward. His voice is soft.
: "Leadership is not a burden anyone should bear unwillingly." He sighs. "And you should never be afraid to look me in the eye."
"It's not fear," Gail says, eyes slowly returning to lock with Sorel's. "...and I know you're right. I just wonder...is he willing?" She pauses, pondering something before she speaks again. "I should really get going. We'll need to leave early tomorrow." She presents a small smile as she leaves. "Good night, Sorel."

Posted by: Lord Oddeye Fri Jan 25, 2008 8:36 am
“If it’s not Alexander the Brave!” Enrick exclaims, wandering over to the paladin and smiling courteously, “How’s your day coming along, dear friend?” *Alexander smiles.* "No problems here today, so I can't complain. How has your day been?" “Uneventful so far I’m afraid. Trying to kill some time here and there until I have to pay a visit to His Imperial Majesty.” Enrick sighs, “It’s not like it’s out of the ordinary either, what’s with all the formalities and so on?” He chuckles lightly, “Nevermind that. Boredom will get me one day, I’d swear. Hmm… At least I dare hope I’ll enjoy my return to the country some.”
*His smile fading, the paladin responds.* "I know you live for excitement, Enrick, but it is important to be able to appreciate 'boring' times, as well. We fight so that we might see peace and quiet again, right? Don't worry, though. I'm sure we have plenty of exciting times ahead of us. But for now, what do you plan to do to cure your boredom?"
The quirky noble thinks it over.
“Well, let’s see… Apart from sitting all day long waiting for something to happen, I could surely go on a round and have a talk with my fellow partners. Besides, I swear I’ve missed a few names back when we met the new crowd. We’re forming such a fine team presently! A wide assortment of divine warriors from all over the world! So wide it gets hard to keep track of everyone.” He frowns thoughtfully, “Actually, I’ve been wondering a few things lately. Kept my mind entertained enough up until now.”
Alexander: "Anything I can help you with?"
“Well, an objective sight on the matter would be appreciated… Have you met the newcomer yet? Last time I saw him, he was completely out of his mind.”
*Alexander shakes his head.* "No, I thought I would give him some space for the moment - or at least, wait a bit before speaking to him. After all, he has many comrades to speak to first, and I thought it would be best to give them the first opportunity."
“How do you feel about all this?” The treasure hunter asks, meaning the aftermath of Nearth’s defeat, “It was much to my surprise when the goddess brought him back on the druid’s behalf, but I was told he used to take up on a leading role in the past? It’s to wonder how the lot of his allies are still among us to bear witness of his trials!”
*The paladin folds his arms.* "It is to my understanding that Sorel was acting as leader in this fellow's absence. Sorel is not a weak person, and he played his part in keeping the force going. They have an interesting group, and it does not surprise me that when one falls, another takes his place to keep the fire burning strong. Indeed, should I fall, I know someone will take my place, for it is the will of the gods, and of the people, that we overcome this."
“Let’s hope this day doesn’t happen too prematurely, that would be such a waste of a character! Nevertheless, if it comes to that, I’m first in line to bear the cross of leadership! *chuckle*” He changes subject instantly, “It’s true, Sorel is very dependable from what I gather of this whole reunion. Although now that the other is back on his feet safe and sound, who is taking the lead of our new allies? Since he was their former leader, you would think they will be entrusted back to him… much to my slight apprehension.”
Alexander: "Does Sorel want to be leader? Or perhaps is he willing to let their former leader take the lead again? Sorel seems like the kind of man that would be happy to take a more behind-the-scenes role. I'm sure he won't be opposed to letting the former leader take charge again, even if he himself would want to be leader. So long as we remain allies, I do not care who leads them, though. Still, if he's to be the leader again, I will definitely have to speak with him."
Enrick supports the knight’s words with a clear nod.
“At least that’s one way to ensure it will be any different from when he failed this eh… gamble.” He shrugs, “So long as the others don’t suffer the consequences, I’m fine with whoever takes the lead of their party. I’m just worried about this one’s ability to not get them killed altogether. Last time I checked, he was insane to the point he passed out. This doesn’t bode well whatsoever huh… I might drop by his quarters someday that isn’t too late, if only to get this poor vision of him off my mind.”
Alexander: "Well, I'm sure returning from the dead is a great ordeal, and he surely wasn't himself initially. I'm sure once he pulls himself together again, things will start to move smoothly for him again. Give him a bit more time if you can, just in case. But do try and get that image of him out of your mind. We do barely know the man, after all."
“Very true, very true! I’d rather not mistake him for a fool before we have been properly introduced.”
He pauses a moment.
“Know what? I’ll go inquire of his condition to his former comrades beforehand. If they used to travel together, one necessarily knows him well enough to tell whether he is the kind of man. *chuckle*”
*The paladin nods.* "Also be aware, though, that death can probably change a person. I doubt he'll be insane from it, but depending on the circumstances of his death, perhaps he has learned something from it and matured. Regardless, it sounds like a fine idea to speak with the others."
“I’d never miss an occasion! It’s all about friendship! Who knows? I might get to talk to someone that isn’t unlike me.”
He laughs loudly.
“Anyways, there is another thing that’s worth a mention. What do you think of Jim and his followers?”
“Those guys sure have an untypical fashion taste.” He adds with a grin.
Alexander: "Jim? Um...Well, they're all fine to me, though Sheila can be a bit...brash. They certainly have interesting weapons. I am very happy to have them as allies, though - especially that Pantherath, who has saved at least a few people now with his abilities."
“Indeed, he certainly got my whole appreciation after this one time! Ahh, Pantherath. Such a nice fellow with outstanding qualities, but not as uncommon a wardrobe!” He laughs and raises an eyebrow, folding his arms, “Seriously, don’t you find them the leastest bit curious? Makes me wonder what kind of foreign nation holds inhabitants such as those… I guess I have some catching up to do on my worldly travels. There’s so much to see outside old Destonia!”
Alexander: "They are...different. But I find the other groups just as curious and varied. It's sad to think that without these atrocities, we probably would have never met."
Enrick shakes his head.
“No, I don’t think so. You see, it’s not like they wouldn’t have shown up sooner or later. What with ethnical diversity and all? I can tell from experience how easily different populations get mixed altogether between two regions over time. Traffic between countries grows constant nowadays and foreigners of all race aren’t uncommon. Just go on a visit to the first local inn and you’re bound to run into one such person from an outer land! Trust me, even isolate areas can’t remain so eternally, although it is indeed all the sadder that this ‘chaos war’ tends to fasten the process… All the more reasons for us to save the day!”
*Alexander shakes his head in response.* "All I'm saying is that there's no way to know who would've met up and when. But that doesn't matter, because we have all met, and we're here now. We've gotten this far, and we can only go forward. I'm glad that forward is starting to look more promising, with our victories. The path we have all endured has been a difficult one, but we're making a real difference."
“I’m glad to be of those who partake to the struggle for a happy outcome! Hm, thinking about it this doesn’t feel too far off from treasure hunt in essence… Only there’s more than jewels at stake as it happens! And well, there is a catch, though the consequences won’t be nearly as bad at this rate.”
*Alexander nods.* "Indeed."

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sat Jan 26, 2008 12:36 am
[I'm working on a scene with Kai right now. Hopefully we can get it done soon. ]

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Sat Jan 26, 2008 5:43 am
"You're still alive?" Dicem said, approaching the half-Vandal with amusement on his face. "I would have thought you'd have gone after your father and been shown the interior of a coffin by now." "Thanks for the vote of confidence," Ignatius says, frowning. "I can't go after... my father until I can convince everyone to help. Right now it looks like we have other things to worry about."
"That's a winning attitude," the rogue noted. "Not like mine, obviously."
"Meh. We all make... mistakes," Ignatius says, quietly.
"Looking out for others isn't a mistake, it's a life-threatening illness," Dicem countered. "Of course... I suppose that if you come across enough people with it, it's not so bad, is it?"
"No, no, not that you looked out for others, that you tried to look out for others by getting yourself killed in a stupid way," Ignatius says with a frown. He winces as soon as the words are out of his mouth. "Sorry. Shouldn't have said that. We all make mistakes."
"Like I said... not a mistake," the rogue said, winking as he tapped his temple. "Ignatius... how have you been, since the last time I saw you?"
"Well that highly depends..." Ignatius says, sitting down in one of the inn's chairs. "When last you saw me."
"You died..." Ignatius furrows his brow. "At the fort, but you got captured before that. How much did you see?"
"I didn't see much... too busy dying, ifyou'll recall," the orange-haired youth said. "Did something happen that I should be aware of?"
Ignatius frowns. "You... You were part of the Devil Army for a time. Possessed. You recall nothing?"
"No, although I'd love to know what an evil version of myself would do," Dam said. "I'll have to look into that the next time I'm brainwashed..."
"So I guess you wouldn't know anything that..." Ignatius shakes his head. "Didn't Sorel tell you? Or Gail? Or Kria or Tanis? About what happened after you left?"
"He mentioned that there was some unpleasantness, a skirmish with the locals, Kria killing her mother in battle. Was there more than that?" the rogue queried.
"Yes..." Ignatius says. "A lot more. Kria... Kria took me, Tanis, and Gilliam to try and convince her tribe to cease supporting the Devil Army after we... after her mother was defeated."
"She tried to claim her right as ruler of the tribe, but Aelisnyx showed up and..."
Ignatius shook his head. "They fell upon us. Gilliam went berserk, Kria got knocked unconscious by poison, I got cut off from the others for a bit..." Ignatius closes his eyes.
"And what happened?" Dam asked.
"You did something stupid, but Tanis... We... We all make mistakes..." Ignatius trembles a little. "Tanis... Tanis thought that maybe the poison could be cured if he put Kria on the altar... The tribe's altar to Dark Dragon."
"Kria... Kria did wake up..." Ignatius shakes his head. "But it wasn't Kria anymore."
"I'm sure that ended well," the rogue said quietly.
Ignatius looks at Dam with anguish in his eyes. "Even now? Even now you're still like that?!"
"No... No it did not end 'well," Ignatius says, looking away. "Kria burnt the village down and slew the villagers. All of them. Even the children as the demon possessed her. I tried... I couldn't stop her."
"She and the rest of the devils took us all prisoner. Devils possessed Tanis and the necromancer," Ignatius says, distantly.
"And you? What happened after you were taken prisoner?" Dam asked.
Ignatius is quiet for a long time. "You tortured me."
"So that's what I'm like evil," the human said. "I always saw myself as the puppy-kicking type..."
Ignatius doesn't respond.
"I suppose this is the part where I'm supposed to apologize, and you continue to hate me," Dicem said. "Does that sound about right?"
"No."
"Then you've got more common sense than a lot of people here," the rogue said. "And judging by your people skills, I'm also going to make the leap and say you haven't told anyone else this."
"Why would I?" Ignatius asks. "You... You weren't the only one."
"Well, I could see Graigus slapping people around in a drunken rage, and Kria pratically tortures people normally..." Dam begain.
Ignatius is silent. "Don't tell her," he says after a long pause.
"As long as I can tell Graigus," Dam offered. "I don't think he gets enough opportunities to guilt himself."
"Graigus wasn't part of it."
"Then where was he?" the rogue asked.
"I don't know, I never saw him," Ignatius says. "The only people that... 'visited' me were you, Kria, and on occasion, Tanis."
"I see..." the human said, thinking for a moment before turning back to the warlock. "Were they - we, I guess - torturing you for any information?"
"Sometimes you asked questions..." Ignatius says, distantly, his eyes far lost. "Sometimes... Sometimes you didn't."
"What kind of questions?" the rogue asked.
"About the party. About Max. About Galm," Ignatius shakes his head. "I don't know."
"I won't push it," Dam said, "But if you remember the questions, and your answers, I need to know. I want to know what they know, and try to figure out why they wanted to know it."
"They're already dead anyway, what's it matter?" Ignatius asks. "We won. It.. It was terrible. But we won. The Devil Army in Grans was wiped out."
"Maybe... maybe not," Dam reasoned. "I highly doubt we killed every devil, and even if we did, there's no way of knowing whether that information was sent to others. The last thing we need is to have more people's parents kidnapped and held hostage."
"I don't think I'd survive that many deaths," Dicem added, with a thought.
Ignatius is quiet for a while. "They asked me a lot of questions about my powers. Other than what I've said, that's all I can think of."
"I'll keep that in mind," the human said, nodding. Then, his tone becoming more serious, he added, "With a new set of allies and more resources, it'll be somewhat easier to keep tabs on Galm. I haven't forgotten what you joined us to do."
"Thank you," Ignatius says, quietly.
"I need to make a few more people wish I'd stayed dead," Dam said, turning. "You should spread the word about my dark side... maybe it'll help keep the new people in line."
Ignatius looks at Dam with disgust. "You... You're..."
"A bastard, I know," Dam said, not turning around. As he walked away, he added, "I never claimed to be otherwise."
"You're stupid! That's what you are!" Ignatius roars. "Blind and stupid! And if death can't change that, nothing can!"
But the rogue said nothing, simply heading up the stairs as the front door creaked open.
"Ignatius?" Graigus asked. "What happened?"
"You're wasting your time with Dicem. He's a lost cause. Choose someone else to try an' help," Ignatius grumbles, sitting back down.
The dwarf sighed, laying his staff against a chair near the half-Vandal, before seating himself in it. "I wanted to talk to him about what he said a little while ago, and I thought he might be in here talking to other people." Wincing, he added, "I guess I was right..."
"I'm not kidding. He's not going to change. Why do you even bother?"
"He's a good person," Graigus said. "He... he just tries really hard to make everyone think otherwise."
"How do you know?" Ignatius asks. "How do you know, really? Being not evil doesn't mean someone is good."
"He hasn't forgotten why I joined in the first place," the monk said. "As soon as he found out what happened to Master Chu Rao, he told me. And even just now, he told me that he wants to make sure I see Master Quialis."
"But instead of just doing the nice things, he always does something else. Like challenging me to a fight earlier," the dwarf noted. "What did he say to you?"
"I don't want to say," Ignatius says, simply.
"I didn't mean to pry," Graigus said, nodding. "But didn't he ask how you were doing, and then say something really terrible right afterwards?"
"Something like that."
"That's what I want to undo, if I can," Graigus said. "It's no good doing good things, if no one's going to see the good in them."
"No good for him, anyway," Ignatius says with a snort.
"I'm really sorry about whatever he did," Graigus said. "Just... just try to be patient with him."
"Patience..." Ignatius mutters. "Is something I always seem to need more of these days."
"Did something happen?" the drunken boxer asked.
"Yes. Nothing you need to worry about," Ignatius says.
"If you want, I can leave you alone," Graigus said, looking to the stairs. "Mr. Dicem's not going anywhere, and I don't know if anything I could tell him would change him between now and tomorrow; all of us should probably get some rest."
"Yeah... Yeah that sounds nice," Ignatius says. He turns to Graigus. "Hey, if you see Kria, tell her... No... No, nevermind."
"I don't mind, if that's what it's about," Graigus said.
"No, it's nothing," Ignatius says, shaking his head. "Nevermind."
"Alright," the monk said, looking at the half-Vandal for a moment. "Well... I guess I should get some sleep, at some point. I'll talk to you later, Ignatius."
"Talk to you then," Ignatius says.
=====
"Anyone home?" Dicem asked, knocking on the door.
The room door opens, revealing an unmasked Jim in otherwise full battle gear. "Yes?"
"I wasn't aware you were ready for war, else I'd have had Sorel resurrect me in full battle dress," the rogue said, smirking. "I feel so... so underdressed."
Jim smiles. "I haven't had time to change since the fight. Been busy overseeing after combat operations."
"It's not a competition; if you want your group to win the title of most active, you won't find any arguments from my side," Dam said. "But, if you're done plotting such conquests, I'd like to have a discussion with you."
"Certainly," Jim says. "Here or shall we move down to the tavern area? My room is a tad cramped I'm afraid."
"I prefer intimacy," the orange-haired youth said. "Besides... I don't intend to take up too much of your time."
Jim raises an eyebrow, but it soon lowers. "All right then."
Jim opens the door wider and gestures to a chair by a desk. "You can have a seat if you want."
Though the room was obviously of a good size before, much of it is now cluttered with papers, cases, and machines.
"I wouldn't have taken you for a tinker, had I met you in another place," Dam said, shaking his head at the offer of a seat. "Like I said... I don't intend to be long."
"All right, say what's on your mind," Jim says, leaning against a wall.
"That, actually, is what I hoped to hear from you," the rogue countered. "I prefer to know something about those people working with me."
"As do I. I don't know that much about you, Mr. Dicem," Jim says, smiling a little. "So this will be introductions, yes?"
"If you want to call it that," Dicem said. "Who are you, and where are you from?"
"Field Commander Jim Radford, Guardians Defense Organization. No set home, I move a lot," Jim says, outstretching his hand.
"Same here," the orange-haired youth said, taking his hand. "I've never herd of the Guardians Defense Organization."
"Doesn't surprise me, we tend to keep it very low key until there's no other choice left," Jim says, shaking Dam's hand.
"Why don't you tell me a little bit about yourself?" Jim asks.
"I like long walks on the beach, dirty lies, and hiding as much about myself as possible," Dam replied. "I suppose it explains why I haven't been able to bring a nice girl home to meet my mother."
Jim shakes his head. "Interesting."
"And yourself?"
Jim grins. "Well I'm just the happy go lucky commander of a military expedition whose mission is turning out to be 'help save the world'. Nothing much else to say, I suppose."
"Your combat style?" the rogue asked.
"I issue orders, throw grenades, and shoot a whole lot," Jim says, shrugging. "You?"
"Same, except I prefer to exchange the grenade throwing and shooting with twin daggers and a lot of wounds," Dam said. "I like to get to know my dates well - up close and personal."
"How Freudian," Jim doesn't say.
"Your dates?" Jim asks, raising an eyebrow. "I hardly think that's what the term 'Ladykiller' is supposed to refer to."
"I'm sure that there are a few erinyes who would disagree with you there," Dicem retorted.
"Touche," Jim says chuckling.
"Granted, you are the leader, but I should ask the question anyway... how are your social skills?" the orange-haired youth asked.
"I can keep my troops in order and am used to negiotiating with officers and authorities if that's what you mean," Jim says.
"I suppose that works, for the time being," Dam said. "But how are you when it comes to talking to the housewife next door, or the lazy drunks at the tavern?"
Jim grins. "I haven't lost touch with the common man yet."
"Good, good," Dicem said. "They enjoy our company just as much as we enjoy each other, and I find we enjoy the information a loose tongue provides."
"I take it yours are up to par as well?"
"Are you kidding?" Dam said, stifling a laugh. "I'm the man everyone hates; it's a wonder I wasn't killed by one of my own. Sure, I can lie, and make people believe just about anything I'd like half the time, but in reality I have a knack for saying inappropriate things."
"Social skill doesn't neccessarily mean making people like you, but that answers my question well enough."
"Is that all you wanted?" Jim asks.
"That works, for now," Dicem said, nodding. "I'm sure we'll have time to talk in the future... no need to count every hair on the lion's mane, so to speak."
"Right. See you later, Mr. Dicem," Jim says, nodding.
"So formal," the rogue said, chuckling as he departed. "Mr. Dicem..."

Posted by: Dark Maiden Mon Jan 28, 2008 5:09 pm
An hour after the group settles down in the town, Merla decides to seek out Sophia. She figures that now is as good of a time as any to talk to her about something that has been on the Wizardess' mind for quite some time. When Merla finds the Priestess, she smiles slightly. "Hello Sophie. There is something I really need to talk to you about, if that's ok."
"That's fine..." The priestess answers with a tired smile, though her eyes show some concern, "What's bothering you?"
"Sophie..." Merla looks up at the Priestess and frowns. "You look tired. Maybe I should come back later..."
"I'm sure we're all tired today. What did you want to talk to me about?"
"Actually, it is more or a question and a request than anything else. I was wondering if you have access to divination spells. More specifically, spells that can be used to locate people."
"I do..." Sophie replies quietly, looking at the Halfling intently, "Who do you want to find?"
"You remember Hassan, right? The town that was abandoned. The place where I first met all of you. That was my hometown... I am worried about my family, and I want to know where they are, or at least what happened to them." Merla sighs. "I have been under a great deal of stress, and I believe that knowing their fate will help to alleviate much of my anxiety." The Halfling looks at Sophie with sad eyes. "I know that this might be a selfish thing to do, but would you please help me?"
"Oh Merla, of course I'll help..." Sophie says with sorrow in her voice, "You should have asked before, there...there was no reason to suffer for it." She raises a finger to her lips thoughtfully, "I'll need to prepare the spells... Tomorrow morning...unless our leaders have us assault the Ur-priests again to free Volcanon."
"Thank you Sophie," Merla says as tears well up in her eyes. "Thank you so much."
Sophie immediately steps forward, wrapping her arms around the crying Halfling and speaking quietly, "Merla... We're friends... You don't have to be afraid to ask for my help, ever..."
Merla hugs Sophie gently. When the Wizardess hears the word *friend*, she smiles, for the first time in a long time. "That goes for you too Sophie."
"Thank you..." Sophie nods.
[As a note, we will be doing this as soon as we have the chance. We just wanted to wait to see what was going to happen the next day before we did anything else.]

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue Jan 29, 2008 8:56 pm
The night passes without incident. In the morning, when everyone is awake, a soft voice echoes in their heads to return to the Shrine of Mitula.

Posted by: Lord Oddeye Thu Jan 31, 2008 10:45 am
On his way to nowhere in particular, Enrick caught sight of a certain green catfolk. His natural grin widenned and he waved a hand energically. “Why, hello there!… Tanis was it?” He called out to him, headed his way with the expression of a man who is about to ask a favor out of someone. He cleared his voice as he reached the warmage.
“Ah, pardon me for being so direct but I believe you are one of those who are well placed to confirm or deny a few things about a certain individual and well, I won’t hide you that I’ve been looking for such persons lately.”
Staring at the ground in contemplation, it takes Tanis a few moments to realise he's being addressed. Turning to face the newcomer, he absorbs the incredible mass of words. "I'll try to answer your questions as best as I can. And yes, I'm Tanis."
“I thought as much!” Enrick replies excitedly. His eyes narrow with curiosity as he carries on, “So... In all honesty. Without prejudice. Between the two of us.”
He paused a moment before finally asking.
“How experienced a leader is… Dim?… Coolio?… Ehh…Whichever name is his at the first place.”
"Mister Dicem led us well, the time we travelled with him," Tanis responds. "His attitude can be hard to deal with though, and yes he made mistakes. But I am in no position to judge on those he made."
“Dicem.” Enrick repeats the name simply, “So I take it his leadership didn’t have as much impact on yourself then? The thought would make me more comfortable… How would you compare him to your druid fellow on the trustworthiness question?”
Tanis' expression reveals his dislike to where the conversation was going. "Both Sorel and Dam Dicem were good leaders, both guiding us as best as they could, despite how different they are. If you're looking for a critic's answers though, I'm not the right person to ask."
“An objective point of view would suffice to clear up any misunderstandings.” The treasure hunter states with a weasely smile, “Ah well, who doesn’t make mistakes sometimes? I, for one, am trying to amend for a premature judgement. I wish I would simply erase some events from my mind but it feels a little forced and just wrong and well, this is so unlike me!”
He runs a hand through his blond hair gingerly.
“So… All in all. He used to be nothing like the man from the shrine?”
Once again Tanis doesn't take in all the words - he's losing attention to the extravagent man before him. As such it's another few moments before he answers. "No. Dam Dicem did not ever act like that in the time I travelled with him. But then, he has been dead for a while now - that tends to cause internal strife in most people."
“So I was told.” Enrick answers lightly, rubbing his hands satisfied, “Well well, this certainly goes to explain a few things… Ah, but time runs by quickly doesn’t it?” He adds casually after pulling out his golden pocket watch to take a look, “I’m not going to abuse your patience any longer. Thanks for your time, feline fellow!”
He puts back the timepiece into the inner pocket of his shirt and begins to move away. However, the noble stops in his motion no sooner, turning back again slowly to face Tanis and staring at him thoroughly.
Tanis nods. "Glad I could help," he says, turning away. "Oh, and anytime," he adds absently, not even noticing he's being stared at.
After a moment of reflective silence, Enrick speaks up again.
“You know, I couldn’t help but notice how grim you turned moments ago. How is it you look so down? May I be of assistance?”
Tanis turns back slowly. "Oh, there are just several things that have been on my mind for a while now. A couple have been resolved, but I need to ask Mitula about one of them still." He pauses. "It's one of those occasions where you can't forgive yourself until you've done as much as you can to atone for your mistakes."
The noble frowns.
“I don’t want to sound tactless but… What sort of ‘mistakes’ can strike a warlike mage such as yourself into this state of mind? Did you fail on duty or is it something more… personal?” He shakes his head and adds, “I won’t force you to answer this if you don’t wish to.”
Tanis returns the frown and tries to hide a slight wince. "I'm sorry, but I'd rather not talk about it right now. I just need a little more time to sort things out. Maybe then I'll relate the story to you." He pauses again. "Or, you could ask somebody else from my group to tell you."
“Hmm, fine then. I’m not one to force concerns out of people’s mind if they’re unwilling to phrase them." Enrick says, "I will be at the inn if you change your mind, though. Have a pleasant day.”
The noble waves him goodbye with a straight face and turns away to leave.
Tanis nods again in farewell, and moves away.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Enrick was pretty pleased to find another person from Sorel’s group no sooner he was done talking to Tanis. With his usual nonchalant demeanour, he went to meet Gail. He waved a hand jollily as he drew nearer to the paladin.
“Hello there milady! Would you happen to be another friend of Dim Dice’im’s?”
Gail turns at the unfamilair voice, realizing who it was after a moment's confusion, and returns the jovial greeting. "Good day, I am one of...Mr. Dicem's friends, yes." She then tilts her head, recalling who exactly this person was. "You're Enrick, correct? What did you want to speak to me about?"
“Indeed!” The dandy noble replies with a flashy smile, “Enrick! Enrick van Maerglecrow! Glorious worldly traveller and hunter of all praised goods that lie deep below!” He bends down in the fashion of an actor at the end of a play, “Pleased to meet you too… Gail was it?”
Gail smiles politely, fighting the urge to chuckle at the treasure hunter's display. She then nods as he asks about her own identity. "Yes. Gail Haubrekt, to be exact. It's a pleasure to meet you."
“So, Lady Haubrekt.” Enrick starts neutrally, though it’s hard to tell since a small grin remains. He joins his hands together and stretches them downward before continuing.
“Well, watching you battle the hordes of Ur certainly taught me one thing : you must be truly blessed by the gods and a skilled warrior at that!” He pauses a moment before asking, “Are you so well versed in the field of leadership?”
Gail's face falls at the question, a pensive look passing her face before she answers, forcing a small smile. "I...have some experience, if you could call it that. I aided Mr. Dicem when he lead us to find Max. When he...left...I helped Sorel when he took the role upon himself, and drove us to assail the Devil fortress on Grans and, then, Xadoss. What I learned of myself then shows that I am not suited to lead." She then shakes her head, a more musing grin appearing. "The compliments are appreciated. I thought that there were those who had fought better than I, though."
“We are all needed in some way for what talent we have. *chuckle*” He answers back reassuringly, tilting his head, “Dicem. Precisely. How would you rate him on the leadership scale? Is he fit to be in command of an heroic army?”
A short sigh drifts from Gail's lips. "He's made some...mistakes, in the past. However, he's far more tactical than Sorel or I. He knows how to obtain victory on far surer footing than either of us. He wasn't very...experienced at speaking to his troops, though. That sometimes lead to...conflicts."
Enrick shrugs.
“Well, there’s no wrong at being a little snappy at times. But conflicts? How is that? Nothing too bad I hope.”
"They varied," Gail notes, grimacing at the memory. "He berated Tanis once for perishing, during the first time we were ambushed in Hassan. Mr. Dicem thought the fault in that was entirely his...if it hadn't been for the intervention of a stranger, he might have been lost forever. The others have been more...serious...but it's been a long time since they took place. I shouldn't be negative." She shakes her head. "What I'm most concerned about is if he'll have the time he needs to recover from his ordeal. This victory will only quicken our efforts; There won't be much time for him to rest."
The swordsman frowns at the end of her narration.
“Indeed… It looks as if you people had a rough time back when. His methods quite differ from Alexander’s in any case, bless this man.”
He pauses thoughtfully and finally asks.
“Do you believe this is one of the things death can teach in return?”
"How do you mean?"
“Well, he underwent some change when he found death, that much is sure. The event in the shrine clearly confirm this from what I already understand of the lad… but to which extent did it affect him? They say one learns from death more than their own mistakes. But I dunno… I never went so far as to see for myself. *chuckle* Tanis seemed to know a great deal more about this than I do, though… Do you?”
"I haven't...My own life has never left me, through all that we've been through." The paladin hangs her head in silence, pausing in thought. "I cannot see what one could gain from it, though. To be ripped from life, often so senselessly...I cannot imagine a lesson that would require such a morbid teacher. What lesson is so difficult, that it cannot be taught to the living?"
“I don’t have the leastest clue, milady, but I do hope that it did not turn him into the tormented madman from before. How it would help make him better suited for a leading role is beyond me, but I know next to nothing about… well… what lies beyond.” He looks tense but soon shrugs off the feeling, “…And I don’t plan to find out anytime soon! What is death in action if not the result of a mistake?”
"I don't think it's so simple as that...it blames the person for their own death. To think that the only thing that judges whether someone lives or dies is ability...It's something I can't accept."
“Well unless you take someone like me who lives by wit and guts, this is only partially true. Ability is one thing, but a mistake doesn’t necessarily come from the dying one’s lack in some aptitude. Of course, some mistakes are unavoidable without the proper elements to back up one’s personal judgement and well, there is always the hazard factor.”
He shrugs indifferently.
“Eh… At the end, just do your best! That’s how I roll and I cheat death many a day. *smirk*”
Gail studies the man with a furrowed brow for a moment. "How long have you been a treasure hunter?"
“Hmm… ‘Tis hard to tell when it really started…” He looks up at the skies pensively, “Looking back to my childhood moments, I have vague remembrances of doing this in my spare time… Not to the same extent obviously! *chuckle* Ah, nevermind that. This hardly counts as such. No, no… The day I really stepped into the grand family circle of treasure hunters happens to be the day my father passed away. And that would be… over 10 years from now already!” He looks back to Gail, “My, my! Time flew by at such a speed!”
"10 years," the soldier repeats, struck by the length of time the noble had served such a hazardous path. "What makes you stay with such a path? Spending a decade chasing artifacts...one could have a small fortune , I would think."
"I spent it all on gear upgrade." Enrick mourns.
"I know how that feels...This new cape means I won't be eating for a week. I think it matches my eyes nicely, though."
((Equipment : serious business. *scratch noise*))
“Oh but I do!” Enrick states radiantly, “My activities serve a living that’s for certain, though this isn’t necessarily a stable source of revenue. More often than not, by the time such a hunt comes to an end, some of the loot goes to the fellow partners of mine that also risked their life to bring it back. Oh, of course each part is consequent enough as to serve several great purposes. Most of the gold however, I invest into my dear mansion! I have to keep up good maintenance there, ya know? And well, father’s old staff do that just fine, as well as other members I hired at the time. You know how this is : towns to visit, places to go, roads to walk… and people to pay to keep your place neat while you’re away. It’s not like it doesn’t happen often too! *chuckle* As for the other valuable goods well, I sell them to the black market unless I find some other use for them or hold onto them when they carry a symbolic value. Then it’s back to hunting and finding! There is no way I could live otherwise! When adventure calls out to you, you just cannot resist : you step in and shine on for the time it lasts! Oh and there is also all the people you would not have met otherwise! Many a new face every passing day… Eventually, you find the world so ridiculously small because you met all the locals and you even end up crossing the path of those like you who share a similar thread on a regular basis! Be it by vocation or convenience, we’re all on the same boat! Travellers that seek valuables, knowledge, friendship…and well, adventure! Naturally!”
Lord Oddeye 23: *Pants*
cyrus v 2877: ["No need to breathe, unhealthy obsession with death, unflaggingly optomistic...yep, undead." *shing*]
Gail nods at the noble's tirade, attempting to keep herself above the sea of words that tumbles out of his lips. When it ends, it takes a while before she takes in the gist of the conversation; when she does, her brow lifts in surprise, and her voice is a whisper. "A mansion...I can't imagine how much it must cost to clean, much less build. A shame you don't get to spend more time there...sounds like you don't mind, though. Do you have any family living there?"
The lord adventurer shakes his head smugly.
“No, not anymore!” He answers her casually, “What relatives I had left went off to feed the roots of the family tree, most of them long before I was born. Father was the last of them but he bit it sooner than most. Not surprising, he was always so… bleak.”
"Ah...," Gail sighs, a grimace showing through. "You have my condolences...the house must seem very empty, with their passing." She pauses for a moment, a thought calling itself to mind. "You wouldn't happen to be the one who has offered to house those going to Destonia, would you?"
Enrick straightens up proudly and nods.
“Yes I am. The one, the only, the host of these gentlepeople! But the mansion is far from empty, you know? The people father hired do take care of the place as I said, but they also feel like a family to me because they were part of my childhood. Some even served under my grandfather’s!”
Relief slips into Gail's smile. "That's good to hear. Having a family to turn to must be a weight of your shoulders especially with your occupation. It...must worry them, though." Her eyes take a far off look as she speaks, falling to the side in distraction.
“Oh, don’t worry about it. They’re accustomed to my wandering the world business at this point.” Enrick nods, “I trust them with my mansion as they trust me with, well… my life. *chuckle*”
Gail stirs out of her reverie, nodding at the statement. "Yes, I suppose they would get used to it...it's been a decade since you started traveling." She hesitates for a moment, reflecting on something. "You must have hundreds of stories to tell."
“You have no idea. *smirk* It is possible to faultlessly entertain an entire generation, all you need is no more than one year’s worth of Enrick’s trials!” He laughs at this. “I would keep a diary but writing not being my thing, I prefer to live by reputation alone. This way I’m ensured to have the gist of my greatest deeds sung and praised by bards and minstrels later on.” He adds half-jokingly.
"If it's not too forward of me...I'd like to hear some of them," she says with a beaming smile. "My mentor told me the most amazing things of his adventures, when he was still teaching me; I've grown a fondness for such tales since then. Though I don't know many bards...and I'm not known for my singing," she chuckles.
The prissy noble lets escape a faint chuckle and peers into Gail’s eyes intently, joining his hands. He looks radiant.
“Ahh… How could I ever refuse when it is asked so nicely?” He answers in a dreamy voice, running a hand through his hair with a flashy smile.
“Well then! Let me tell you about the first time I traversed the wasteland leading to the mountain range that supposedly connects the Odegan plain to the western edge of Parmecia! Oh, the attempt itself wasn’t exactly fruitful since I never got to see the other side of the range, but what happened during my quest broadly made up for my lack of fortune. It all started out in the local inn where some shifty gentleman whose name escapes me taught me of the existence of an ancient series of tunnels dug into the mountain range located directly to the south of Odegan. All throughout the trivialness of the daily gossip! Who would’ve known? Anyway, my treasure hunter senses sniffed out the good deal and I showed wide interest on the matter. He went on and told me how those tunnels, once used in ancient times, were completely given up to wilderness after some obscure incident that was lost in ages took place and resulted in their forced lock down. Dwelled by the resident monsters for the most part, they are a dangerous place, a canny trap indeed for the curious and unwary traveller, not that it was easy of access... In fact, a perfect way to keep up with my adventurous standards. *chuckle* Supposedly, the tunnels are linked to the Sand Labyrinth that lies southeast in some way, though I have never been able to uncover the least evidence of this relation.” He shakes his head, “Ah, but I’m drifting away from the main story. Juicy details aside, our conversation lasted ‘til the end of the afternoon and I called it a day, thinking I would go visit the rest of the Parmecian landscape by following the route through the mountains. I departed alone the following morning and…”
Enrick goes on in length, taking about as much time he needed to relate his trials long past in the most verbose way as to bestow the fittest effect to the words he offered to his lone audience.
Among the epics described by the witty lord, Gail can hear about his going to a certain southern volcanic plateau, the arrival at the cave that held those tunnels underneath it and the beginning of an eventful descent, an entrance concealed from sight because “there was so much sand down there!”, the discovering of the actual tunnels where all kind of creatures crept into wait. Namely the so feared, three-headed, poisonous, feral… undead sandworm.
“-I seldom had to bear with such a vision of awe!” He explains, “It’s like a scorpicore, a cerberus and an oversized broken spine all rolled into one, ugly hellspawn that they were! Needless to say the match was rough. But it’s not too hard to outwit the unwitty. *smirk*”
…numerous (not so) epic battles against all sort of other (not as unheard of) creatures from below, natural layers of rock turning into handcrafted labyrinthine corridors, ancient writings carved into walls, empty rooms, an uncommon encounter with a very quiet rogue, a long round into the tunnels, empty rooms, some treasures but “not nearly enough shinies.”, combat against swarms of venomous spiders, empty rooms, hours of uneventful exploration, more empty rooms, ruined corridors… dead ends.
“-Everywhere else! Everything had collapsed! There wasn’t much else to do at this point but to turn back. Such a pity! I wish I knew what lied beyond the cave-in.”
More exploration, empty rooms, combat scenes, secret paths, blocked rooms, finding a way out of this maze… All in all, the story is rich in overworked details and Enrick, an entertaining storyteller. The noble was done narrating about an hour later. And yes, he did breath between each succession of sentences when the need was called for.
“-there wasn’t anything to loot there either but the epic factor wasn’t at a loss, that’s for sure! *chuckle* Eventually, me and my untalkative associate found a shortcut through the cave and appeared back in plain daylight as surprising as it was. We parted ways without much a word and I returned to Odegan in no time thanks to the Angel’s Wing. Good lord was it an interesting trip nonetheless!”
Gail watches the storyteller, attentive in absorbing what the adventurer had to say about on of his past escapades. Her face is nearly as animated as the story, chuckling and gasping and nodding as the mood called for it. Finally, the epic tale ends, leaving a gap of silence before the paladin gives her critique. "That was...I've never heard such a long tale. And you kept such a measured pace...you are a storyteller." She lays a finger to her small lips, which pull into a grin. "I feel like I should tell you one of my mentor's stories...but I wish what I should choose. One to match that, surely, but it's just...choosing what is right, I suppose."
The noble nods and smiles benevolently.
“No hurries… You can use the time to choose and choose well, and we can resume storytelling some other time if necessary. It’s not like there won’t be more, and possibly crowded, occasions.“ He pauses, “Who would your mentor be? A great man, that I’m sure, for it seems the result of his teachings influenced your path in a good way.”
Gail pauses for a moment. "His name was Kaizl. And yes, he...he was a good man. I hope to make him proud."
“Oh I’m sure you already do a great job to live up to his expectations.” Enrick says.
"Thank you," Gail whispers, "But I know I could do so much more than I do now. As long as I know that, I can't feel worthy of such praise."
Enrick thinks over what she said for an instant before answering in the most straightforward way.
“Then how about you best your actual worth, starting by performing deeds of epically equal greatness?”
"But how does one do that? How can I achieve such heights when I...barely reach what I was taught should be expected of me?" The maiden falls silent, her gaze distant before she shakes herself out of her stupor. "I'm sorry. This isn't...I shouldn't be putting something like this on you."
“No, no, it’s all right!” Enrick replies understandingly, “I’ve had to deal with much worse than a little lack of confidence.” He smiles, “That’s easily fixed. Anyway, I have been meaning to depart on such quest after the Destonia meetings unfold. Are you willing to join the restlessly audacious treasure hunters?”
Gail stares at the treasure hunter. "I never expected to have such an offer...but yes, I'd be glad to accept."
“Perfect then!” Enrick rejoiced, “This will be a perfect opportunity for you to prove yourself that you’re worth a great deal more than your humble estimates.”
Gail backs in surprise at the nobleman's yawp, but recovers, a polite smile showing through. "I guess we'll have to wait and see, then, if it affects me so."
“That’s the spirit.” He smiles gently.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Enrick was taking a stroll outside when he stumbled upon Faralon. Remembering him from back in Elven town, he walked over to the elf to initiate conversation.
“Greetings, fellow crusader!”
*Faralon turns to face Enrick.* "Hello. I've seen you around...You're with Alexander, aren't you?"
The dashing swordsman nods with enjoyment.
“Yes! Yes I am. Such an admirable man, is he not? I don’t regret to have joined his group of warriors back when!”
He extends a warm hand to the elf.
“Enrick van Maerglecrow! That’s who I am.”
*Faralon's eyebrows lift up.* "You wouldn't happen to be one of the nobles from Destonia, would you? I've heard that name in passing before and I recall it being mentioned from someone that traveled the area."
Enrick’s expression brightens up.
“Why, yes! I have spent the most of my life in old Destonia and still drop by my home back in the countryside occasionally. It’s nice to see that my reputation seems to precede me. *chuckle*”
Faralon: "Indeed, though admittedly I've not heard of you specifically. So, what brought you here? Fed up with the way the Empire's been?"
Enrick shakes his head and looks at the sky, hands raised.
“Ahh… if it was that simple! No, no… Destonia is a nice place to live, though the ambiance there gets tiresome at times. Dear no… The reason why I’m here today is because I accepted to join this divine army. It is all thanks to Alexander! He offered me quite an opportunity there, I couldn’t possibly decline it! *smirk*”
*Faralon tilts his head.* "What did he offer you? If you weren't unsatisfied with the Empire, why did you go with Alexander?"
“Because this is a wondersome way to visit another face of this world, of course!” Enrick answers, looking back to the bard with glee, “I never remain in Destonia for very long anyway, you know? I am not even there half of the time. Hitting the road first occasion, you know how that is...”
Then realizing, he slaps his forehead.
“Ah, silly me. Of course not. You wouldn’t know that I lead such a thrilling life because I am no other than the famous Destonian treasure hunter who travels lands for fame and glory.” He displays a flashy smile, “Well, now you do! *chuckle*”
*Faralon's eyebrow quirks up.* "Treasure hunter, eh? You sound a lot like I was before I joined up for this whole thing. I used to search for fame and glory - I have it now that I'm not even looking for it. All I want now is for this whole mess to be over so I can be with Kethra peacefully. I do intend to keep performing, of course, but...I'm not sure I'll be doing much treasure hunting after this. Still, I'll admit I know that thrill all too well."
“You are a treasure hunter?” Enrick asks rhetorically without taking much else of the elf’s reply into account. His mouth opens wide and he looks very pleased by this revelation, “Oh my! What a fortunate encounter this is! I should have guessed it right away from your stance, the way you behave, and this I don’t know just what that makes every adventurer unique!” The noble exclaims with a beaming grin, “I bet your adventures would be worth a listen! What kind of grand stories would one such as you have to relate?”
Faralon: "I only originally signed up for the task of searching for King Nick of Cypress for treasure, I mean. I don't know if I'd call myself a treasure hunter, necessarily - not that I'd be opposed to looking for treasure, mind you. The only stories I really have are of those battling the Strife Lords and their followers. Any treasure we found we happened to find along the way."
“Ah yes, it seems we all do have our own share of stories in relation to those Lords of Strife.” Enrick states, “They’re posing quite a threat now, them and their Ursome friends, don’t they?”
Faralon: "They still pose a great threat, it's true. But now that we've managed to free Mitula, our morale is at an all-time high. It can only go higher when we free Volcanon, and then it will only be eastern Parmecia and Rune in harsh struggles."
“Indeed. Rescuing the gods is such a gratifying work! I am pretty pleased to partake to this reverent mission. We are all holy crusaders in some way, aren’t we?”
He laughs a little.
“Ahh… This will have to be set into stone the day we achieve this monumental task.” He pauses a moment before asking, “You’re a talented singer, right? Your display from before inspired my every move while the lot of us were fighting our way through the hordes of Ur. Divinely grandsome!… How would you like it to immortalize those grandiose moments?”
Faralon: "Well...they will no doubt be written down and sung by many to come. I intend to make a song about our adventures, assuming I live through it. But luck's been rather kind to me, and I haven't seen my demise just yet." *He finishes with a grin.*
The quirky adventurer joins both hands in sign of praise.
“There is no reason why it wouldn’t last! We’re not just all luck after all! There is a good dose of competence involved, and well, teamwork further down the line. Luck is arguably better a safeguard. There’s a great deal more than sheer luck involved, though. *smirk*”
*Faralon nods.* "Of course. And, I have learned a thing or two in my travels with the Shining Force from Cypress. I think any user of magic would be well-suited to speak with Yeesha."
“Ah, the Shining Force! Those fine heroes too are famous for their legendary prowess!” Enrick flatters.
After a short pause, the swordsman speaks up jovially.
“You know, all the epic talk gave me an idea… Since I will depart for my hometown soon and shall remain their for the next few days with the other chosen ones, why wouldn’t you tag along? Aside from the main mission, there will be plenty much else to do, I’m sure! Truth be told, I will certainly prize what time we’ll have off duty. It’s been a while since I had a proper dungeon crawl. *smirk*”
*Faralon rubs his chin at the thought.* "It's intriguing, but obviously my focus right now are on the main tasks. I'm not sure Cedric would be okay with me going on a detour. Maybe you can try and gather some information regarding locations now so we can save time later. But then, I don't know when we're going to try and free Volcanon. Well, if you can remain in contact with at least someone, I'm sure it'll get sorted."
"I'm sure Cedric will agree!" Enrick retorts with shifty eyes.
((Metagaming to the Xtreme!!!))
Faralon: "We'll see. With Mitula freed, he's sure to be more light-hearted than he was not long ago."
The swordsman nods approvingly.
“Very well! In any case, you’re welcome to join my crowd should you feel in the mood. I don’t plan to invest too much time into this until after the Imperial meeting is settled. That leaves us plenty of time!”
*Faralon nods and smiles.* "Let me know who else is going if and when you throw an entourage together."
“As soon as I pick a destination, then sure! Until then, I will stay on schedule and get all this Imperial business out of the way. The sooner, the better! And when this gets decided, I will call back to you first occasion. How is that?”
*Faralon nods and smiles.* "That sounds good to me. Hopefully I won't be busy at the time."
“And neither will our fellow comrades!” Enrick adds with an optimistic smile, “Then we can head off to whichever place will offer a suitable adventure to the chosen ones. And of course, a greatful reward awaits every one of us!”
~~~~~~~~~~~~
“Having good time Sir Dwarf?” Enrick calls out jovially to the bearded warrior, taking place to his table with a mug of wine.
"Well, the ale coul' be a bi' better." Gorrik replies with a shrug. "Bu' I'm still here te figh' another day."
The dandy rests his back against the seat, takes an appreciative sip of his drink and grimaces a little, then replies smugly.
“Doesn’t stand for ale alone.” He replies with a little laugh, “Ah well. Needless to say, this doesn’t make this day any less glorious. That’s some battle of epic proportions we’ve had!”
"Aye, i's no' every day ye ge' te rescue a godess." The Dwarf says with a good laugh, as he finishes off his mug.
“Indeed, indeed!”
The dandy takes a moment to drink some of his wine and observes the room quietly. Then he speaks again.
“So I wonder, how do you feel about this Dicem fellow? Does his return mean much to you?” He asks.
"Aye, Dam go' us through a couple a close calls." Gorrik nods slowly before continuing. "I jus' hope he can return to his regular sel soon enough, an' no' some deeply disturbed version tha' ye saw first."
“Ah yes, that sad story. It seems I have misjudged him back then. I’ve heard good and bad things about him from other fellow heroes that were in his charge, of course, but all evidences demonstrate that he’s not insane.” He says, about to drink some more.
"Well, as far as his sanity before comin' back is concerned... From wha' I understand he challenged an Erinyes to an archery contest." Gorrik held his breath momentarily, tapping a finger on the table pondering it again himself. "I'm pretty sure ye can tell how tha' turned ou'..."
The man breaks his motion before the edge of the mug reaches his lips. He puts back the mug on the table heavily, a consternate look on his face, figuring out the outcome by how the dwarf sounded.
“Wait, wait now… Are we talking about the same man? I was never told about that! He is supposedly… oh was he prepared at least? Why, oh why would he even do that?”
He folds his arms and brings a hand to his cheek pensively.
“I take it he’s a talented marksman too confident of his skills?”
"Well, I wasn' there personally, so I can' say for certain. Bu' one thing I know is I had never seen Dam use a bow before."
Enrick is left speechless, and that means something for one such as him who is never at a loss for words. He grabs the mug and drinks in silence, only resuming when the mug is completely empty.
“Well, I suppose that even the best leaders can make dire mistakes sometimes. I won’t hold this one against him just because it seems uselessly reckless. I’m certain he has several other great qualities that widely make up for his misjudgement. Why else would you lot entrust your lives to a man whose sanity is questionable at best?”
"I can tell ye tha' Dam lead us through far too many situations where i' didn' look like we'd survive. So sane or no' I owe tha' man a lo'."
“Ah but of course” Enrick answers with a thin smile, “If he is the fine tactician some pretend him to be at the first place, it is only natural that he managed to lead you all to victory against all odds!… Hmm, I think my opinion of him underwent an interesting shift. I’d better pay him a visit before I change my mind. *chuckle*”
With that, the noble straightens up and moves from his chair.
“For now though I will simply take another walk before nightfall. See you later, Sir… Dwarf.”
And then Enrick exits the tavern.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Back from his town walk, Enrick returns to the inn to go about his own business for the rest of the evening. However, when he gets to the corridor where the rooms are, he can’t help himself and decides to pay a visit to this lad he had heard so much about this whole day and whom he couldn’t wait to meet any longer despite Alexander’s advice.
Three brief knocks are heard at the door of Dam Dicem’s room.
"Come in," Dicem said, seated on the edge of the bed.
Enrick opens the door lightly and walks inside. Waving at the man he had only learned about from his friends thus far, he stares at him intently whilst trying to chase the events from Mitula’s shrine that his face inspired away from his train of thought.
“Dam Dicem?” He asks.
"I've been called that," the rogue said. "And your name?"
For once, Enrick didn’t seem too terribly cheerful, partly due to the fact he realized he knew next to nothing about this man he thought insane before, and the scene that persisted to remain first in his mind didn’t help further his appreciation. The prissy dandy selects each word with great care.
“Enrick.” He states simply, not turning his gaze away from the man a single instant.
“So how are you… feeling?” He carries on slowly to make sure what he has just said is clear enough even to the most inattentive ear, his expression inquisitive, uncertain and a little haughty.
"I'm... I'm cold," he said, shivering slightly.
“Uh…” Enrick hesitates before continuing, “I’m awfully sorry. Maybe you should… lie down a little?” He suggests amicably, “I would understand if you don’t wish to discuss now... I don’t mean to be an obstacle in your… recovery.”
"It... it would really help if you sat next to me," Dicem said, shivering a little more.
“Oh, certainly!” The noble exclaims, hurrying himself to Dam and taking place to the man’s side to help him.
"Closer, please," the rogue said, inching a little bit closer.
The dandy nods and does just that, offering his arm. “There, don’t strain yourself too much.”
"Tell me about yourself," Dam said. "Who are you here with? What do you do?"
“I’m from Alexander’s team of warriors.” Enrick explains consciously, “I should have listened to him, he didn’t expect you to be in pretty good shape so little time after… well…” He interrupts himself, not wishing to bring that up again now that the thought felt less awkward, “Have you heard of Alexander yet?”
"No... I've only been alive again for a short time, so I don't really know anything about him," Dam said.
“Ah… Yes, of course. Well he’s the one who led the assault against some ancient ruin called Megiddo that was used by the Cult as a base of operations.” The noble carries on, “Long story.”
"He sounds strong," Dam said, shivering slightly. "Are you strong too? I hope you're strong... it would make me feel better..."
“Hmm well…” A grin begins to form in the right corner of his lips. He looks down to the floor, “I don’t claim that I’ve got the wit to outdo Alexander’s divine strength… However I am about as heroic and skilled when we battle side by side.”
He turns his head to face the rogue with a concerned look.
“Are you sure you don’t want to lie down?”
"I... I have nightmares," he said, shaking his head. "I'm... I'm... I don't want to close my eyes."
“It’s alright, I understand…” Enrick says quietly in a reassuring tone, “I’m aware of the trauma you-know-what leaves in its trail for having experienced death many a time before... Nothing truly pleasant.” He winces slightly, “Believe me, I share your disquiet.” He adds darkly.
"What was that?" the rogue said, snapping up while nearly shoving Enrick off the bed. "Something's outside... please, find out what..."
At the rogue’s first words, Enrick leaps off the bed to his feet with reflex and glances around the room swiftly. His eyes shift from the door to the window where the land is nearly dark at this hour.
“Did you hear something?” He asks alerted, staring at him.
"No, but it's fun watching you squirm," Dicem said, laying back comfortably as his voice resumed its usual tone. "Tell me, Enrick... is it usually that easy to make you jump through hoops?"
Enrick closes his eyes but remains up immobile, unreadable for a moment. He then walks up to the window and opens it to let some of the nightly air into the room.
“Well, you know… Exciting times ahead. Can’t afford to lower your guard and all that.” He says with a smirk, peering outside, “But I can’t blame you for trying to make a fool out of me. Can’t say I didn’t enjoy to play along, though.”
He turns around to face him again.
“Nicely done, Mr Dicem. Hiliarious!” He claps his hands together slowly. Surprisingly, he doesn’t sound contemptuous, nor vexed. In fact, he even sounds somewhat admiring.
"Well, thank you, but you shouldn't be that proud," Dicem said. "Whether or not you saw what I was doing, you're obviously too cocky for your own good. It's a wonder no one fed you to a blue dragon already, and that means a lot, coming from a guy like me."
“Whatever you say. *chucklesmirk* I still got to learn what I wanted out of this.” He shakes his head amused, “So back to business it is?”
"Something like that," the rogue said. "Are we done here?"
“*chuckle* Not quite.” The colourful dandy retorts with great nonchalance, clucking his tongue, “Oh, there is no doubt you’ve got the skill to back up your words. What I’m still wondering however is how fit a head you are for the task at hand.”
"That's a question you should ask the old man, or one of the others from my group," Dam said, simply. "I've never been one to toot my own horn, unless I've already shoved my blades between your ribs."
“Don’t sell the bear’s skin before you’ve caught the beast eh?”
He closes the window and glances back at the rogue.
“I’ve made a few good friends out of your crowd. They weren’t overly descriptive about your… aptitude, though. And I’ve heard nothing too flattering either. Hence my presence here tonight.” He folds his arms and looks up at the ceiling, “Guess I have nothing to worry about if half the things I was told have only to do with the past at this point.”
"Well, then... you'll just have to wait and see me in action, won't you?" Dicem said, folding his arms. "Until then, you should go back to your room, perhaps dream about the many chances you'll have to see me in action between now and the time the Strife Lords stop breathing."
“Oh I’m fairly certain those actions will transpire better in plain daylight, when I’m full awake and about as dashing, if I might say.” Enrick says smugly, “Well then, off I go. I’m not one to harass people of the sort. I’m sure your night will be eventful enough as is... Peace.”
He waves the rogue goodbye and walks towards the door gingerly.
"One thing, though, Enrick," Dam said, crissing his feet as well.
“Yes?” He asks, looking back over his shoulder.
"What weapon do you use, by chance? Sword? Lance? Magic, even?"
The noble freezes for a moment. He turns back completely to face Dam Dicem with a thin smile. He soon brings a hand over to his side and opens his palm wide. Part of a gleaming thin blade that looks like it’s elven crafted slides out slowly without a touch as if an invisible force pulled it out. It remains as such long enough for the rogue to see that it is indeed some kind of rapier. The noble then withdraws his hand and the weapon falls back into its sheath. He looks at the man intensely.
“But be aware, Mr Dicem, that if I have such a weapon in my possession, it is only there to back up my true greatest weapon, the only one I need, be it to defeat, lure or convince.”
His smile broadens.
“And this weapon, you see, is my wit.” He winks at the man and turns away once more to leave. He exits the room before anymore was said.

Posted by: Dark Maiden Mon Feb 04, 2008 5:10 am
Later in the evening, while most of the others are probably inside or sleeping already, Damas is not. The elven Sorcerer leans against the wall outside of the inn, arms folded over his chest. He watches the sky with a thoughtful expression on his face.
"Looking at the stars? I didn't know you were so interested in them." *Faralon says, approaching Damas from the side.*
Damas turns his head in the direction the voice came from. "Good evening Faralon." The Sorcerer tilts his head back up towards the sky. "I do not know what it is about it, but gazing at the night sky is comforting to me for some reason. I was mostly just thinking though." Damas turns back to the Bard. "What about you Faralon? I didn't think you'd be up this late."
*Faralon smiles, looking to the sky.* "You know me as a bard, but I am also an astrologer. When I can find the time, I like to watch the stars. Sometimes they can give you little signs of things to come." *Turning his head, he looks at Damas again.* "And what were you thinking about?"
Damas is silent for about a minute before he finally replies. "A lot of things."
"Anything you're willing to talk about?" *Faralon asks, bluntly.*
"I guess I have just been under a lot of stress lately, so I wanted a little time to myself to think and try to sort it all out." Damas sighs, his thoughts drifting slightly for a few moments. "Not to mention the problems I've been having with...someone."
*Faralon frowns.* "You mean even after all we've been doing, meeting Mitula and fighting the Ur Priests, your mind is still on her?"
Damas glances at Faralon for a moment but says nothing.
Faralon: "There are more important things at stake here, Damas, and you and I both know that. I know this will sound hypocritical of me, but the circumstances were a bit...different in my case. If you can, try and put this on hold until we've finished this war with the Strife Lords. I know you're struggling with this - with her, but it's best to let things be right now."
"You're the last person I expected to here that from..." Damas sighs and shakes his head. "As far as putting it on hold until this war is over, that's if we even live that long." The Sorcerer sits down. "Sorry for being so negative, but I'm not sure about our chances."
*Faralon answers, shocked.* "We just had two huge victories - why are you so gloomy NOW?"
"We also lost several people in the process." Damas stands up again and puts his hands over his face for a few minutes. "I'm sorry...I don't know what's wrong with me... Maybe I'm losing it."
Faralon: "We have them back. The Strife Lords, the Ur Priests, and their followers have lost many, many more. We've taken down a Strife Lord. We've taken down one of their generals. We've freed Mitula. We're achieving some of our greatest victories yet and you're worrying over a girl. You need to open your eyes so you can fight better and more clearly. You're too distracted by her, and quite frankly I'm a bit worried that could get your hurt in combat. I know it's not easy, but you have to grin and bear it right now. This is where we need to take the initiative, so it's more important than ever to stay on top of things."
"I know Faralon, I know..." Damas looks back to him. "I just have so much trouble keeping a tight reign on my emotions. It's always been my biggest character flaw."
*Faralon nods.* "Well, then try and speak to people and get your mind off things. Hanging around alone like that will only make your emotions have a stronger hold on you since you'll have more time to focus on them."
"So you think that I should forget about her too?" Damas shakes his head and looks up at the sky once more. "Love is blind... I suppose that saying proves true in this case. Maybe I was so blinded by my feelings to see straight. Perhaps I should just give up and move on."
Faralon: "Maybe it's for the best that you do. Think of it this way, Damas. At least, if you're a believer of fate. If fate wants you to be with her, you will be, regardless of what happens. If not, you will not be with her, regardless of what happens. When you put so much focus on a decision that is not entirely yours, you drive yourself mad. It's not that love's blinded you - it's that you can't deal with so many emotions at once...No doubt she stirs some of the most extreme emotions inside of you. She can probably make you angrier than anyone else and happier than anyone else - at least, as long as you see her the way you do. What I'm saying is don't worry about it. If you want to take that as giving up, then take it as that, but the message is the same: we've more important things to worry about right now, and you and I both know that."
Damas takes a deep breath of air. After a few more minutes of silence, the Sorcerer speaks again. "You're right Faralon. It's best if I don't let my thoughts dwell on her right now. Not with everything that's going on. Maybe I could try talking with some of the new people."
*Faralon nods.* "They're certainly an interesting lot." *He puts his hand on Damas's shoulder for a moment.* "Take it easy, Damas. We need to stay in tip-top shape for battle, and not just in body. I'm sure you'll find talking with the others a refreshing change of pace. Who knows, maybe before long you'll forget about your infatuation altogether."
"Maybe. Only time will tell." Damas is about to say something else when he feels something rubbing up against his leg. The Sorcerer looks down to see a gray black-striped tabby cat standing there. "Oh, hello there kitty." He leans down and picks up the cat. "You must be that halfling Merla's familiar... Atala, right?"
Atala nods and meows.
"Hehe, how cute you are." Damas starts scratching her under the chin, which makes the cat begin to purr loudly.
*Faralon looks surprised.* "I see you've already spoken with a few of them, then?"
"A little bit. I hope to get past the Wizards vs. Sorcerers thing and get to know Merla a little better. I think we may have some things in common, and it's always nice to have a fellow magic user to chat with. On that note, perhaps I should speak to that magical creature Ombligo too. He seems like and interesting person."
*Faralon nods.* "I haven't spoken with, er...it much, but it has some interesting spells. I'll have to speak with Merla and the others too. There are so many I still need to talk to."
"Merla is totally different from most of the halflings I've met in my life time. She is wound way too tight. She could afford to loosen up a little bit, I think. Then again, I don't know her that well yet, so it's too early to really judge."
Faralon: "Indeed. But while it's early, it's also late." *Faralon yawns, covering his mouth.* "I need to rest. I hope you're feeling a bit better now, though, Damas."
"I am thank you. Talking about it made me feel a lot better." Damas smiles. "Rest well."
*Faralon smiles and nods.* "Good. Will do. Good night, Damas."
"Good night Faralon." After Faralon goes inside, Damas looks down at Atala. "Now let's find your owner, shall we?"

Posted by: Rusty Mon Feb 04, 2008 5:38 am
[Placeholder, just in case.]

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Mon Feb 04, 2008 6:22 am
The Shrine of Mitula is far more beautiful now that the battle damage has been repaired by the touch of the goddess, which help from a single batdruid. No longer do corpses float in the tranquil waters or screams of pain shatter the still air. There is only the delicate growth of plants, the gentle scent of flowers, the soothing sound of water flowing, and the sight of majestic ivory pillars around the main temple.
A whispering voice seems to guide the long line of soldiers, adventurers, wizards, priests, druids, warriors, rogues, and others, quietly nudging them where to go. A small collection of priests and temple guards has already returned to the temple, where they work inside to catalogue the extent of the damages. As the heroes approach, they drop to their knees and look down in reverence. Kria recognizes a lot of them from her rescue attempt.
The voice finally leads the group to a large double door, which slowly opens of its own accord. Within the room are risen stone platforms, each cradling a stone statue of an old man in robes. The stone appears in perfect detail, the tiniest imperfection in the skin captured in granite to create an inhumanly accurate sculpture. Water flows gently around the outside of the room in a small canal. When the last person has entered, the doors gently close, and a luminscent form begins to appear in the center of the circle of statues.
Mitula: http://www.shinola.radh.com/guest/Vox/30%20-%20Mitula.mp3
: "Welcome again heroes, to my temple. This is the chamber of the Storytellers. The legends of the world are collected here, and protected for future generations to learn from. You too, must learn from the ancient legends if you hope to have a chance against the evil threatening all creation. You must have many questions, about your foes, about your allies, about your quest. Ask them. I and my Storytellers will answer. But we will not reveal the future, not even to prevent death. Now then, please begin for time is precious."

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Mon Feb 04, 2008 6:27 am
"We've managed to make a lot of enemies... I don't suppose you've been doing a better job than I have of keeping track of them all?" Dicem asked. "Sure, perhaps the Devil Army's not so hot, what with their leadership as lively as I was two days ago, but there's still the Cult and a lot of others we don't know nearly enough about."

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Mon Feb 04, 2008 7:02 am
: "Of course your main opponents are the Chaos Cult, headed by the two remaining Lords of Strife. The Devil Army forces that joined with the Cult have ceased to exist as a seperate entity and have been absorbed into the Cult forces since you decapitated their leadership. There still remains a contingent of Demon Horde forces launching assaults on Prompt from occupied Protectoria. Of course you've encountered the Ur Priesthood that has allied with the Cult, and the Drowned Eye forces which had been raised to fight for them. The Drowned Eye forces have been almost completely annihilated by your efforts, what little they have left now acts as the bodyguard to the last two leaders they have. The Swarm and the Shade. They are compelled to continue serving the Cult."
Mitula looks away, as if far into the distance.
: "Some of you have also met the archlich Moritae... His forces are small, but he acts as an effective raiding force as you may have noticed. He has pledged aid to the Cult in return for the resources they can give him to aid his centuries old research."
: "There are yet more factions beyond the Cult and their allies that you may run into conflict with... The Destonian Empire, the Vandals Galm and Elise, the keepers of the Vault, and those chained to the Link. You might encounter any of these, for your goals are assuredly opposed."

Posted by: Rusty Mon Feb 04, 2008 7:06 am
: "Can you give us any information or hints on how to stop Moritae and The Shade for good? We've defeated them both at least a couple of times now, and they keep returning. It's bothersome to have such powerful foes return time and time again."

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Mon Feb 04, 2008 7:19 am
: "As with all liches, Moritae possesses a phylactery which so long as it exists, can restore his body even from dust. To slay Moritae, you must find his phylactery and destroy it. Moritae's own sense of inflated worth will save you time with this... Many liches choose phylacteries that are hard to identify as such, or easy to hide. Not so with your lich. For his phylactery, he has chosen the shattered vessel of a once great power that was brought low long before even the time of the Ancients. Making it into his phylactery no doubt appealed to his ego. It is a great golden cube, with writhing, agonized faces carved into it. You will know when you see it."
Mitula closes her eyes.
: "The Shade... For the Shade to be put to rest, one of two things must occur. The defeat of both Strife Lords that bound him to this plane once more, or the blessing and reburial of his remains by a holy priest. You should know where his remains are... They have not been moved since his death."

Posted by: GOD*JESUS Mon Feb 04, 2008 7:20 am
: "What can you tell us about the other Ur Priests? Are there any known weaknesses for us to exploit? What should we be expecting when we try and take them down?"

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Mon Feb 04, 2008 7:30 am
: "There are two remaining priests of the Ur order. One is a dark elf that seeks complete mastery of magic both divine and arcane. Beware her magic and your own magic when confronting her... for she herself has developed a resistance to magic and the ability to twist spells targeting her." Mitula opens her eyes again. "The second is a lizardman who considers himself somewhat of a devious rogue. He will attempt to steal not only your lives and treasure, but your spells as well."

Posted by: Cyrus Mon Feb 04, 2008 7:54 am
: "What about the Devil Kings the other Shining Forces have defeated? Iom, Zeon, the Dark Dragon...are the Strife Lords moving to release them?"

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Mon Feb 04, 2008 8:07 am
: "The Strife Lords do not want to share this world with anyone, and that includes the sealed Devil Kings, Iom, and the Dragon," Mitula says.

Posted by: Rusty Mon Feb 04, 2008 8:16 am
*Alexander steps forward, bowing his head before speaking.* : "What is the Link? Who are chained to it?"

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Mon Feb 04, 2008 8:27 am
There is a faint buzzing sound, and Zook flickers into existence at the front of the group. His form is slightly transparent, and he hovers a few inches off the ground. He is still in his pajamas, blue and white vertical stripes with a dark blue cap. He looks around before looking up at Mitula.
"So you're going to answer questions? As in, actually answer them? Instead of just giving cryptic hints about where to go next?" He grins. "I must be dreaming."
Zook begins speaking rapidly. "What are the Strife Lords, exactly? Do they have any kin? Are there other members of their race? Where did they come from? Where is their Citadel? How does Shailtor move so quickly? Why does Shailtor have so many eyes? What're the Vandals up to? How does the Empire fit into all this? Who did Derrik sell that combat armor to? Where is the Swarm and how do we defeat him? What part does Simone play in all this?" He blinks at Dam. "Who's the new guy?"

Posted by: Cyrus Mon Feb 04, 2008 8:35 am
Gail sighs in relief at the Goddess's answer. : "Where are the other two Ur-Priests, then? What deities are imprisoned by them?"

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Mon Feb 04, 2008 10:21 pm
"I can answer that one myself," Dam Dicem said. "I'm Colios, the liason to the Strife Lords; nice to meet you, newcomer." ((Bluff: 21))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Mon Feb 04, 2008 10:58 pm
Merla looks at the Rogue from the corner of her eye. "That is not funny."

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue Feb 05, 2008 12:46 am
Mitula frowns. : "Not who... What. Those chained to the Link, the creatures some of you know as 'Tideforms', are the barest wisps of essence from the artifact given form. They seek out the Link, they seek out all of the fragments in order to reunite. They will be drawn here from the vast reaches of the cold void and not even the barrier that Erebeus has created will be able to stop them. So long as the Link remains unsealed, they will sense it, and congregate on this world to find it," Mitula says. "But do not lose heart, for they are few in number and scattered. They will arrive one by one over a long time. But be warned that as more time goes by, the more frequently they will appear... and the more the Link's power is used, the more clearly they will hear its call."
: "Algol..." Jim mutters. "That place..."
: "That is right," Mitula turns to Jim, giving him a nod. "That world too, held a fragment. An artifact identical to the Link. In that world's death throes, the call sent by the artifact was magnified a thousand fold, and Tideforms swarmed the land, appearing everywhere. It is not only the Link that calls them. They are drawn to death, suffering, insanity... for they are the elemental incarnations of those things. You've seen what will happen if you fail. That world's fate could be this world's fate... if you do not succeed."
Jim's expression is largely unreadable thanks to his mask, but visible through the eyepieces, are his eyebrows lifting.
: "How... You... know about that?" Jim mutters, surprised. Mitula doesn't respond, continuing to answer Alex's question.
Past Revealed: http://www.shinola.radh.com/guest/Rusty/29-key_of_the_dawn.mp3
: "The Link itself is a fragment of an unbelievably powerful being that existed eons ago, long before even this planet was made. An intelligence of the darkest nature, the most twisted desires, the being was defeated in a titanic battle between good and evil in a time lost to even the memory of most deities. At the height of this battle, one of the heroes of light channeled the combined power of all good in order to deliver a blow that crushed the dark one's spirit and shattered his body. As the battle ended, those present at the battle each took responsible for keeping safe one of the shards of that terrible being.The Creator was among those that helped cast the being down, and it was he who took a piece of that being to be entrapped deep within his world..." Mitula closes her eyes again and sighs. "You see... The being was shattered into pieces. Fragments. Some so small as to not be visible to the naked eye. But each piece still held a portion of his terrible power. A power so potent that even a tiny fragment as big as your fingernail could have the potential to cast a world into hell. The largest of these pieces was a single link of chain from the being's armor-like body..."
Mitula opens her eyes and looks at Alexander.
: "That Link was taken deep underground in the new world that the Creator was making. There it was sealed with the most powerful of spells, and placed under the care of one of the most powerful magi in existence. This final tomb for the largest piece of an abomination against all creation would be known as the Vault. A tablet of pure diamond inscribed with a spell of tongues was placed within. It told the tale I just related, a dire warning to leave the ruins be. But of course, no one would be that lucky. The Vault was discovered by the Ancients..."
: “Thanas! That's... You're talking about the Thanas Ruins!” Gilliam shouts in shock. "That... that place was one of the greatest mysteries of our age... It held secrets within, evidence of an ancient civilization predating even our own, with secrets we only began to comprehend..."
: "You are correct. Thanas... One of the word's many meanings in the Ancient tongue was 'terrible secret.' No title could be more fitting. The Ancients explored and studied the ruins, erecting a military base around it as they derived secret after secret from the Vault, and battled some of its awakening guardians. The base's name was Fort Granger, after the man who discovered the ruins. Then, shortly before the Apocalypse caused by the tampering of the Vandals, the Ancients shut down the base and sealed the ruins," Mitula says.
"Why?" Kyoji asks.
: "The Ancients loved knowledge above all other things, but even they stopped once they realized just what it was they were studying, and what they had come close to releasing. They left the base before their tampering could critically weaken the sealing spells within the Vault, but not before attempting to repair the damage they'd done. The guardians they had defeated were replaced as best they could be with the deadliest robotic weapons they had available to them, and the spells were shored up as best as their mages could handle."

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Tue Feb 05, 2008 1:03 am
"You can't gather around what's dead, or broken, or flat out doesn't exist" Dam stated simply, crossing his arms. "So how do we get the Link to not exist?"

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue Feb 05, 2008 1:12 am
Mitula shakes her head. : "I don't know."

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Tue Feb 05, 2008 1:25 am
"Alright, then... plan B," Dicem said, sighing. "If it's been sealed before, then it can be sealed again. So all we need to know is where the Link is, who's guarding it, and where we can find a spellcaster - or a god, even - powerful enough to re-seal it."
"Here's where I hope that the answers to the this line of questions are more descriptive than the last answer."

Posted by: BLT Tue Feb 05, 2008 1:27 am
Caius shuffles into the shrine, obviously following the voice from wherever he's been for so long. He doesn't mention where that's been, but his clothes are dirty from travel and his hair full of leaves and tangles. ((Let's see if I can get back into this >_> <_<))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue Feb 05, 2008 1:44 am
: "The Link was removed from the Vault by Queen Anri and her bodyguards just before this war broke out. They had been deceived by the Cult into acquiring the artifact and bringing it back to Guardiana for safekeeping. Of course, you know that the Strife Lords then brainwashed the Queen... But even then they were not able to obtain it from her until just about a month ago. The Strife Lords are powerful, but with the Link in their possession they have grown enough to be a serious threat to myself and Volcanon... And as time passes, as Erebeus studies the Link and its powers further, learns how to better tap the immense reservoir of corruptive, malign power that is the Link, he may even become a threat to the Creator himself," Mitula says. She is silent for a while.
: "To obtain the Link... You will have to slay the Strife Lord Erebrus and take it from him. Should that time come, beware of touching the dread artifact, its mere contact with it can drive men to madness," Mitula sighs. "As for how to reseal it... Again, I don't know. But I know a place where you might find that answer."
: "In the desert mountains of Manarina lie the ruins of Thanas, the Ancient Fort Granger. Though much of it is now collapsed and inaccessible, within its maze like corridors still lies one last path into the inner ruins, the Vault. There, you might find some lost secret or piece of lore to deal with the Link."

Posted by: Cyrus Tue Feb 05, 2008 4:48 am
Zombies make twice as much as you do.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue Feb 05, 2008 5:44 am
: "One of the remaining two Ur Priests, the lizardman rogue Resheth has taken up residence in Bedoe and is monitoring the seal on Volcanon. The other... The other has blocked herself from my sight. I can only sense that she is in the far north... but to accomplish such a feat, she'd need access to a great amount of dark power, far more than she should be able to summon on her own... Seek such a source in the north and you will find her there," Mitula replies to Gail. She then turns to Zook.
: "The Strife Lords, as you should know from reading the logs of the crashed ship, are beings of pure negative energy. The two that remain are the last of a race of such beings that though never numerous, was spread across all of creation. They are much like Vandals in power and appetite, for like Vandals they feed on negative energy... hate and strife, hence the name. Even I cannot say for sure where exactly their kind came from originally," Mitula closes her eyes again. "Their Citadel... Well, some of you have visited it, or at least the outskirts of it. The ruins of Castle Guardiana are being twisted and remade to suit its new occupants. It is there that you will find the two remaining brothers."
Mitula's eyes open.
: "Shailtor, and his brother Erebeus, were powerful to begin with, and have had time to leech the power of the Link. That they can teleport with near impunity should be no surprise. Most beings of power can do this," Mitula turns her head, as if gazing to the east. "The Empire is as it always was, opportunistic, expansionistic, and greedy. All the Strife Lords had to do was see to it that word reached Emperor Domaric's ear that the Innovator Gracia had lost his powers. When he learned the one thing that had been keeping him in check was no longer a threat, he rallied his army and set about expanding his borders once more. There is no alliance between the Cult and the Empire, but it would come as no surprise if it turned out that the Cult had heavily infiltrated the Imperial Army. Information, at least, is being leaked to both of them."
Mitula returns her gaze to you.
: "Galm and Elise have concealed their plans very well from Volcanon and I... The master of schemes no doubt is somehow involved in what is transpiring, but as always, he is difficult to read. It is possible that he too seeks the Link, or perhaps Simone, but for what purpose I cannot say. Whatever his goal is, he assuredly senses the import of this war wracking the globe. He may not be content to simply work behind the scenes this time."
Mitula sighs.
: "The Merchant Lord has sold the hardsuit to the Imperial Engineering Society," Mitula says. "As for the Swarm, he travels the globe doing the bidding of his infernal masters. Defeating him is a straightforward manner of annihilating his body to the last insect to set his mind and soul free."

Posted by: Lord Oddeye Tue Feb 05, 2008 4:23 pm
"That could become compromising, indeed..." : "*sigh* Is there any mean to differenciate the Cultists from my brotherly Imperials at this point, I wonder?" Enrick's voice perks up from the group that remained aback, "I'll be having business with my homeland later on and I can't say that I kept myself up to date with the hirings and firings that occured back in Imperial offices for the last... decade. What does Domaric know of the infiltrates and their infamous leaders? To which extent do they 'get in the way'?"

Posted by: Alpha Tue Feb 05, 2008 5:29 pm
Tanis opens his mouth to ask Mitula something, but closes it again after a few moments. As what he was going to ask about Morgan, something important to him but not to the current discussion at hand, he opts to wait until the current talk finishes.
: "Can you tell me anything about Stamp Village?" Laeral asks. "I know the Imperials have it surrounded, but is there any indication they're going to move in soon?"

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue Feb 05, 2008 10:03 pm
: "I'm sure the Emperor believes he is using the Cult to acheive his own ends just as the Cult believes they are using the Emperor to acheive theirs. Who will come out on top is a matter of chance and time," Mitula says to Enrick. "The specifics you must find out for yourself."
Mitula turns to Laeralas.
: "I can tell you only that the village is safe for now. The Imperials have no real reason to attack it yet, but the Cult does. Whether or not they'll take the time to influence matters heavily enough in that regard is another matter."

Posted by: Cyrus Wed Feb 06, 2008 11:53 pm
: "Are there any resistances forces in Rune that we do not know of? Shade Abbey, Manarina, and Prompt all fight the Strife Lords in thier home land...are there any others that we could use our aid?"

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Wed Feb 06, 2008 11:57 pm
((Sense Motive: 7 + 10 = 17. Can't see through the lie, but don't necessarily buy it either.)) Zook looks genuinely surprised at Dam's declaration. "Huh. How're the benefits?" he asks.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Thu Feb 07, 2008 12:16 am
"Not bad," the rogue said, nodding. "The work can be killer, but nothing beats the feasts with the erinyes. They really know how to get things going." ((Bluff: 17))

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Thu Feb 07, 2008 12:20 am
((Sense Motive 18)) "So did we kill all the clever ones?" Zook asks dryly.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Thu Feb 07, 2008 12:22 am
"Tough crowd," Dicem said, shrugging. "I'm Dam Dicem. We'll talk more later, once I'm done endearing myself to the goddess here the way I did with the Devil Army."

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Feb 07, 2008 1:43 am
: "You will meet all that need your help in time," Mitula replies to Gail. She then turns to Zook. : "Simone... is not a true Innovator. The others believe her to be an Innovator that spontaneously grew into power without the need for a catalytical Spirit. This is close to the truth, but not the whole truth. It is however, enough to make all those factions at war search for her. If her abilities could be harnessed, it would mean the birth of a new power in the world. Beware, for the Cult, the Vandals, the Empire, the merchant lord, the resistance forces, the Devil Army, the Demon Horde... all seek her. None of them must ever claim her. Not even the forces you ally with," Mitula says. "Most of all, the Priesthood of Ur will seek her... For she is exactly what Ur sought before his decline into depravity. The intermediate step between god and mortal, a superhuman created not by the will of the gods, but by simple nature. She is linked to the fate of this world forevermore."

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Thu Feb 07, 2008 1:44 am
"What about Shailtor's eyes?" Zook repeats.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Thu Feb 07, 2008 1:49 am
"Let's say that I was oh, say, interested in finding weapons, scrolls, and or other things that would assist me in removing vital organs from said Strife Lords," Dicem proposed. "Where would I go about finding such slaying implements?"

Posted by: Knight_019 Thu Feb 07, 2008 1:59 am
*Merkass stood behind the others, solemnly silent in the presence of the goddess once more. He still awed at her grace and her generosity toward them in this time. The Strife Lords would soon be no more. He knew it in his heart and his soul that they would vanquish these fiends of evil once and for all. However, another matter tore at his thoughts. He had seen much in his journeys. He had met members of the previous Shining Forces. He had also watched them die. Merkass had even broken news of their passing to others who had lived. Merkass also understood well the loss close friends and family. Tremendously out of his nature, Merkass steps forward boldly, ready to speak his mind.*
: Goddess, I have witnessed the ignoble deaths of this land's heroes. Can they be saved from corruption or destruction as I was? Can they be returned to this world?

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Feb 07, 2008 3:18 am
Mitula turns to Zook. : "The same reason you have two eyes." Mitula then turns to Merkass. : "There is yet still hope for those that live, but live under the mental thrall of the Cult. Those that have passed on are lost to this world forevermore. But despair not, for though they have died, they died for their beliefs. They died as they lived... heroically. And those that die heroically feast in heaven with all the heroes of ages past."
Surprisingly, Dam is answered by a chorus of voices that echo from the statues.
"Weapons of legend, items of power, all are scattered across the globe... You have already found some of these. Others still lie in forgotten tombs or ruins... Others are in the hands of heroes that fight even now against the encroaching darkness. Yet more are in the hands of heroes that have fallen to said darkness... Others languish unused in places of power. Seek them in lands of legend and they will aid you," one statue says.
"The great Vault under the Manarinan Mountains... The shrine at Godspeak... The domain of the Fey Queen, the battlefields of Rune, the foul armories of the Citadel of Strife, the ruins of Dava's Mansion... These are just a few places that still hold power within them," another statue states.
"Visit the places of legend and find your treasure. Seek out the champions of both light and darkness to gain their armaments, by speech or sword. Explore the lost lands to discover your weapons," another murmurs.
"Some of you have already begun to search, though they may not know it," another whispers.

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Thu Feb 07, 2008 3:25 am
"Huh," Zook says, silently amazed. "That's actually a really good question. One of those things you always mean to ask the gods and then forget to when you get the chance, I guess. Why do I have two eyes?"

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Feb 07, 2008 3:38 am
Mitula looks at Zook curiously for a moment, then begins speaking in a dry, scholarly tone. : "The evolution of twin eyes came about due to environmental influences in the early stages of the proto-humanoid. Dual eyes provided an excellent amount of detail and depth perception which..."
Mitula speaks for a few minutes detailing the advantages of possessing two eyes and going on about the development of eyesight in humanoids over time. She uses a lot of big words that a good deal of the Force simply doesn't know, and it's rather hard to follow for those unused to academics, and even for those who are used to it, it's not a walk in the park.

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Thu Feb 07, 2008 3:41 am
Zook marvels at the goddess's depth of knowledge. "Absolutely fascinating. The evolution bit reminds me, you took over so to speak after the nuclear holocaust. How did it work? How did you become a goddess?"

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Feb 07, 2008 3:47 am
Mitula shakes her head. : "I didn't take anything over after the apocalypse. I merely healed what I could and guided others to do the same."

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Thu Feb 07, 2008 3:48 am
"Uh-huh," Zook says. "You didn't answer my question, though. Where'd you come from?"

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Feb 07, 2008 3:51 am
Mitula smiles. : "Ages ago, at my begining, I too was given form by the Creator. As were all things that originated in this world," Mitula says.

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Thu Feb 07, 2008 3:52 am
"The Creator can create gods?" Zook asks. "So the Creator made a goddess to help heal the world after the apocalypse?"

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Feb 07, 2008 4:03 am
: "In a manner of speaking, yes," Mitula replies to Zook.

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Thu Feb 07, 2008 4:03 am
"What does that mean?" Zook asks eagerly.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Feb 07, 2008 4:17 am
: "It means that the Creator made me, the world I lived in, the circumstances that shaped my fate, and the powers I was given. Everything that is a part of this world can be said to have been made by him, everything that is a part of this world leads back to him. The most intricate of clockworks is the interaction of time and space, and here he is responsible for nearly all that began with this world," Mitula replies.

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Thu Feb 07, 2008 4:22 am
"The circumstances that shaped your fate?" Zook asks, hovering a bit closer. "That's awfully vague. Was there more to it than the Creator deciding there needed to be a new goddess for Rune?" Another thought strikes him. "What does the Creator look like? Where is the Creator? Why isn't the Creator handling all this?"

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Feb 07, 2008 4:36 am
Mitula shakes her head. : "It is vague because the details would take an age in the telling. You have time... but not that much time. There is indeed more to be told about my... story. You'll find out more when you are ready to," Mitula says. The statues then speak again.
"Mortal minds cannot comprehend what the Creator looks like... I do not say that to be rude, but your consciousnesses simply aren't capable of perceiving correctly his true form," one rasps.
"The Creator's presence is everywhere in this world, and even we do not know where his sight currently lingers... Nor does anyone else. Even Galm, who has made it his life's mission to unravel the plans of the Pantheon Father knows only the smallest hint of his doings," another quietly says.
: "As for your final question... Who's to say the Creator isn't handling it? Did he not create most of you? Were not the others drawn here or created by things he did create? Perhaps each and every one of you is his way of handling it."

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Thu Feb 07, 2008 4:38 am
"Wait," Zook says. "Most of us?"

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Thu Feb 07, 2008 4:54 am
"Most, Zook," Ash whispered. "The Shadowblade ring a bell?"

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Thu Feb 07, 2008 4:59 am
Zook waves Ashathel off without lowering his voice. "If the Creator only created us and not the space people, then we'd have to outnumber the space people for us to be the majority of the Creator's creation and for that to be valid. Given the variety of the space people, I doubt this is the case. So unless you meant the Shadowblade was a special contingent of non-Creator-created-creations, I'm not sure what your point is."
He shrugs. "Besides, even then, the question's begged. How many Creators are there?"

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Feb 07, 2008 5:18 am
: "But you do outnumber the...'space people'. There are eight of them in your group versus the others. While there are other 'space people' present here, their numbers do not exceed a few hundred as opposed to the thousands of troops fighting for other, native nations," Mitula says. "...and I have no idea how many creators there are in all of existence."

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Thu Feb 07, 2008 5:20 am
"He's hardly a Creator if he didn't create everything," Zook says. "Who created the Creator? How do you know the Creator created what he said he did?"

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Feb 07, 2008 5:32 am
Mitula sighs and shakes her head. : "I know. The Creator created this world and everything in it. It is his domain. Neither he nor I have claimed he created everything. For creating this world, the beings within it have titled him 'Creator'. It is true that there are other worlds not of his making, worlds like the Dark World from which the demons and devils launched their invasion, or the world that was lost to the Dark Tide. That does not change the fact that this world in which you live was made by him."

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Thu Feb 07, 2008 5:34 am
"How do you know?" Zook persists. "And who created the Creator? Surely that's the kind of thing he'd share with gods he creates."

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Feb 07, 2008 5:37 am
The corners of Mitula's mouth pinch upward in a slight smile. : "You love of knowledge does you credit... But I cannot reveal those answers to you. You are not yet ready to hear them."

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Thu Feb 07, 2008 5:41 am
Annoyance creases Zook's face slightly. "What? Who's to say what I'm not ready to hear?"

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Feb 07, 2008 5:48 am
: "I've watched humanity for countless milennia, Zook Jimbeddo Bollynock Frenkalter Steamwhistle Skydelver Aleslosh. I know how they act on, and react to certain kinds of knowledge given to them. I know what they can understand and what will puzzle them. I will judge what you need to hear, and what you are ready to hear," Mitula says. "But I will give you a hint. In the course of your journey you will find a place that answers one of those questions."

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Thu Feb 07, 2008 5:50 am
Zook shakes his head rapidly. "Nonononononono. You said you weren't going to do the cryptic thing. None of this 'all will be made clear in time' stuff, you pulled me out of bed halfway around the damn world so I could ask you questions. If you're not going to answer them directly, you really ought to at least tell me how to answer them. What is the name of the place where one of these questions will be answered?"

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Feb 07, 2008 5:52 am
Kyoji whispers quietly to himself, "He was in bed in the middle of the day?" : "I said I wouldn't be cryptic. I also said I wouldn't tell you what you weren't ready to hear," Mitula gently corrects.

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Thu Feb 07, 2008 5:53 am
"'But I will give you a hint,'" Zook repeats, still shaking his head like a wet dog. "You told me there'd be a place where I would hear it. Where is this place and which question will it answer?"

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Feb 07, 2008 5:56 am
: "Sorry, but I won't answer that. I have my reasons," Mitula says, shaking her head.

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Thu Feb 07, 2008 5:57 am
"What are your reasons?" Zook asks, looking more annoyed than ever.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Feb 07, 2008 6:00 am
: "The answer will affect your actions in a manner that will not be good if you learn it now. Simply be patient, you'll find out soon enough," Mitula says.

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Thu Feb 07, 2008 6:04 am
"It's going to affect my actions anyway now!" Zook shouts. "You can't tell me you didn't see this coming, if you can predict people so well. What the hell'd you bring me here for, then? To annoy me?"

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Feb 07, 2008 6:16 am
: "Did I not just answer a great deal of questions for you? Perhaps you should think on what you did learn rather than what you did not," Mitula says, closing her eyes.

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Thu Feb 07, 2008 6:25 am
"You're doing it again!" Zook snaps. "You. You pulled my spirit out of my body during the one real break I've taken since Light-knows-when to ask you questions and now you're telling me to shut up? Who the hell do you think you are?"

Posted by: GOD*JESUS Thu Feb 07, 2008 7:48 am
: "I'm going to take a shot in the dark here, but probably a goddess." Thavon states bluntly, trying his best not to start laughing at the situation.

Posted by: Lord Oddeye Thu Feb 07, 2008 11:46 am
Enrick giggles quietly, half-amused and half-... amused.

Posted by: Dark Maiden Thu Feb 07, 2008 8:18 pm
"Oh for goodness sake..." Merla sighs and shakes her head, clearly not amused by the situation. After a few minutes, she opens her mouth to speak again. "Goddess?" Merla remains silent for a few long moments before she speaks again. "No...I would be wrong of me to ask such a pointless question. Forgive me."
The halfling sighs and bites her lip. Even those that are not good at reading people can tell that she is fretting over something.
[Bluff: 1]

Posted by: Aldur Thu Feb 07, 2008 11:18 pm
"Like, That's enough!" Kria sighed, stepping forward, waving at both the Goddess and Zook, arms akimbo as she growled as only a purple kitty catgirl can. "I wanna know somethings. Are there any survivors of my tribe? Did anything happen to our sacred treasure chamber? And um...Is the statue still there?"
Kria smiled, looking at Zook. "You can go back to sleep if you really want to Zookie!"
**
Michael nodded, also stepping forwards.
"Good. Now that the limelight is up for grabs. Three things. Why did my powers change? It's obviously more than just me being good, else Kria'd be the same. What did Naerth mean about that coin stuff? And finally...If you can read minds, you'll know what else I need to know."

Posted by: Knight_019 Thu Feb 07, 2008 11:22 pm
*When Mitula answers Merkass' question, Dagron chimes up in an excitedly frenetic tone.* : There are members Shining Force captured by the Strife Lords!? Where are they, Mitula!? What happened to them? We have to find them and help them! And what about Bleu? Is he captured? Where is he? I need to meet him! He can't be gone! He's the only other dragon I know about, and he's famous!
*Just then, Dagron's stomach rumbles violently. He looks about shiftily for a moment, then asks another question.*
: Oh, um... is there any food?
~~~
*Dagron takes the wind from Merkass' sails as he asks the questions that Merkass would have continued with. However, another thought struck his mind. He owed someone.*
: We also had one of our own taken by a duty she felt necessary. A human crusader, Sulia. She was married to the priest Amelios before he turned to evil and was slain. What has happened to her?

Posted by: Rusty Thu Feb 07, 2008 11:40 pm
*Finally managing to speak, Ombligo asks questions on top of the already great amount of questions being asked, but he didn't feel it rude since the gnome had asked many already.* : "When can I or will I meet other magic creatures? Is there anyone that can better help me hone my magic?"
---
: "When you're finished with all of the questions, I have just one simple request that I hope you'll grant."

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Fri Feb 08, 2008 12:56 am
Mitula looks at Zook steadily for a moment. : "I suggest you calm yourself. I did not forcibly drag you here, neither have I told you to shut up. I merely told you that I will reserve judgment on which questions to answer. So far that has amounted to only two questions out of the dozen or so I have answered. Who do I think I am... Who do you think you are?" Mitula shakes her head. "If you truly feel that this a chore for you, as Kria says, you can return at any point to your rest."
Mitula turns to Kria.
: "There are a few survivors of your tribe scattered across the forest. The statue and treasure room remain intact," Mitula says before turning to Michael. "Your powers were the result of divine intervention, shall we say. Naerth was speaking about the nature of the Doctor's innate magic and your own. Warlocks are a sort of proto-Vandal, you see. An intermediary step between a proper Vandal or half Vandal's power and ordinary humans, but one that doesn't require a Spirit. Mystics are the same, but for Innovators. Two sides of the same coin. Vandal and Innovator. Do you see now?"
: "Sulia went off to try and atone for what she felt was the sin of letting her husband die... However, she was followed by an incubus who used her guilt to ensnare her and bring her before the Strife Lords. She is now under their thrall as her husband was before her," Mitula replies to Merkass, while a cornucopia appears in front of Dagron. "Take that and pour it on an empty table. It will provide a feast for your warparty the likes of which haven't been seen for centuries. As for the missing Force members, speak to General Mae about it."
: "Ombligo, continue to do as you have always done and you'll find out," Mitula replies with a smile. "Don't worry about such things. "
Merla feels a gentle mental message that she can ask in her mind if she wishes.

Posted by: Dark Maiden Fri Feb 08, 2008 4:35 am
Merla looks up at the Goddess Mitula, but no words pass her lips. From the mental message she received, the halfling assumes that Mitula can read thoughts. "I have been fretting over this for quite some time, since I joined Alexander in fact. When I came home to Hassan to visit my family, it was abandoned. In the time since then, I have wondered about their fate, and it had caused me much unneeded stress..."
There are a few moments of silence.
"Goddess, I wish to know what became of my family."
Tears start to come to Merla's eyes.
"Whether they still live...or...if they have passed from this world... I have to know for sure... I just have to..."

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Fri Feb 08, 2008 4:53 am
"Do not worry, they still live. The village of Hassan was evacuated when the Devils attacked, but they are still unharmed."

Posted by: Dark Maiden Fri Feb 08, 2008 5:37 am
Merla lets out a sigh of relief. "It makes me feel much better knowing that they are safe. I wish I could see them, but that can wait I suppose... Thank you so much."

Posted by: Cyrus Sun Feb 10, 2008 6:54 am
Gail remains silent for a good while after the tinker and the goddess have their row, not because of the conflict itself, but of the questions raised by the answers presented. Her mind shifts to another topic, though, something she had been wondering ever since they came back to Parmecia.
: "What...What about the Island of Grans? What has happened to the people of Galam and Granseal since we've left? Has the Devil Army disperse?"

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sun Feb 10, 2008 8:06 am
: "Since you destroyed their headquarters, the Devil Army was routed by the Galam and Pacalon forces that fought them. Only a few remnants on Grans remain, but Galam is dealing with them. They're no longer a threat and more of a nuisance, the island can be considered as safe as anywhere else now," Mitula says.

Posted by: Alpha Sun Feb 10, 2008 8:08 pm
It's now that Tanis decides to speak his mind, more for fear he won't get the opportunity again than anything else. : "Goddess Mitula, I'd like to ask something. Something that's been on my mind for a while now... there was another of our group that fell when Mr Dice...Colios did. His name was Morgan, a necromancer from Manarina. Is there anything you can do for him?" he asks.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sun Feb 10, 2008 8:51 pm
Mitula shakes her head. : "Not really. There's not much to be done with him for now."

Posted by: Alpha Sun Feb 10, 2008 9:01 pm
: "Oh...I see," Tanis says, obviously downcast with her answer. "Does his spirit not want to come back then? Or is it something else?" he says.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sun Feb 10, 2008 9:04 pm
: "His spirit does not wander the paths of the dead," Mitula replies.

Posted by: Alpha Sun Feb 10, 2008 9:18 pm
Tanis blinks slowly. : "I see. My thanks Goddess Mitula," he says, before stepping back.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Mon Feb 11, 2008 3:47 am
Mitula looks over the group. : "I'm afraid I have no more time for questions... A great many things need my attention, and I have some things of my own I need to say before I leave," Mitula says, frowning for a moment, then smiling slightly. Michael smirks, and winks. "We're listening."
: "You are a Shining Force. You have earned that title, all of you... All of you are Shining Forces. Those chosen by fate or by their own will to band together to stop the coming darkness. Do not ever doubt this." Mitula closes her eyes. "As a Shining Force, you have earned the use of a special set of items... Do you know of the Medallions of Mitula?"
Dam, Ash, and Dagron recall the Medallions were items connected to the first Shining Force, credited for the fact that they did not suffered a single casualty during the whole war. Michael, Alex, and Aurik remember that, plus the fact that the Medallions are said to protect one's body and life force if a killing blow is struck, allowing for revival by a priest.
Michael raised an eyebrow stepping forwards, with his arms folded. "You're going to give us them? They like, protect you from death don't they?"
: "In a way," Mitula says. "When a killing blow is struck against a wearer of the medallion, their body and soul is sheathed in a holy flame that protects them from any further depradation."
Aurik rubs his chin pensively, realization dawning on him. "You spoke of a world between here and the afterlife that those who died while here were saved in. These medallions will send them there and keep their souls from being tainted by the Strife Lords?"
: "No, though the effect is similiar," Mitula replies to Aurik. "The medallion effectively creates such a space, allowing for the revival of the wearer with little ill effect later."
*Aurik nods, but another thought crosses his mind.* "Can anything interfere with their effects?"
: "My priests will teach the ritual to the healers among you," Mitula says. "You will receive the set of twelve."
"Like a Phallacterie?" Asked Michael curiously.
Dagron tiltes his head. "Hey that's great, but is there anyone it won't work on? I mean, we're travelling with a golem, and a robot, and space people."
: "Yes, like a phylactery, though far more sophiscated," Mitula says. "And no, nothing can interfere with their effects... Though they bear my name, each of the medallions was made long ago by the powers of Volcanon, the Creator, and myself. If you have a soul, it will work..." Mitula shakes her head. "Speaking of the Creator, there is something you should know about the Vault. It's more than just a prison for an artifact, however terrible. It was said that the Creator himself manifested their at times... It is said to be a sanctum, one that watches the whole world."
Mitula shakes her head again.
: "Faralon, you had a request?" Mitula asks, turning to the bard.
*Faralon nods.* : "Would you mind if I played a song for you? It won't be long, as I know you've things to do."
: "Please," Mitula says with a nod.
*Faralon begins to play on his lute, his nerves getting the better of him. After all, he was playing for a goddess. Still, he kept to the song, and the acoustics in the temple helped to keep the piece beautiful.*
Mitula smiles.
: "That was very nice. You're an excellent musician. In a more peaceble time, you could've made your fortune that way, I think."
*Faralon nods and smiles.* "Thank you."
Mitula closes her eyes yet again.
: “You will gain strength through the ordeals you face... Surely you have noticed how dramatically stronger you've gotten over the course of your journey? You gain power as you defeat foes and learn secrets. This power will help you overcome nearly all of the trials you will face... But it will not help you in your final confrontation. You will need a different sort of strength for that.”
Silence settles over the force for a while. Mitula's eyes open.
: “I have faith it will come to you in time.”
"How will we know when we've attained this...much-needed strength?" Gail asks.
Mitula looks over the group one last time as her form begins to grow translucent.
: "I don't know," Mitula says. "It's different for each of you... But I have faith in you... as do others. You've been guided by forces that have watched and protected you since you began your travels.”
Jim chuckles, Mitula looks at him.
: “Even you.”
Jim raises an eyebrow, looking rather confused for a moment.
: "Farewell all of you, until we meet again," Mitula whispers, slowly fading from sight until she is gone.
((Mitula's priests begins preparing the Twelve Medallions of Mitula, which lets the bearers be resurected for no penalty by any priest that knows the ritual. Materials cost for ritual: 500gp/level. Bearers can be ressurected even when slain by an effect that normally prevents ressurection. The Medallions are worn around the neck, but do not occupy an item slot.))

Posted by: Knight_019 Tue Feb 12, 2008 1:09 am
((THIS! IS!... Maybe something, lol))

Posted by: Alpha Tue Feb 12, 2008 1:46 am
((In the spare time the CW1 d00dz have, Septimus finally makes use of his Brew Potion feat. He brews the following potions: 3 Heroism, 3 Blur, 3 Keen Edge, 3 Invisibility, 2 Mirror Image. It'll cost 3,450 gp and 276 exp. He'll leave it up to Ivellas to distribute them))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue Feb 12, 2008 3:51 am
The group makes it way out of the temple, the new knowledge weighing on their minds, but the prospect of divine help lightening the burden. "Excuse me?" a priestess in white robes asks, approaching Kria as everyone else continues to leave. "Can I talk to you?"
----------
Outside...
: "What?! Whaddya mean I'm off active duty?!"
: "It's temporary until I have a better idea of what's going on," Jim says, quietly and sternly. "What you did... I don't know what it was, but I don't like it. It shouldn't have been possible, your GICS body isn't made for that sort of thing and... Well, I don't like the idea of you turning into... that."
: "I don't know what you're talking about..." Sheila says, grimacing. "I... I can't remember anything after..."
: "Trust me on this, what happened was big enough to warrant an investigation..." Jim sighs. "Just go back and guard the base for now. I'll have someone look at you from the ship, and if they can't find anything maybe a magical healer can... But for now I want you relatively out of harm's way."
: "Jiiiiiim..." Sheila whines.
: "My decision is final," Jim says, looking down.
: "Yes, sir..." Sheila mutters unhappily, turning to walk off.
Jim remains in the street, thinking.
((Well you've all time to RP and what not. Anyone who's not doing anything else I assume is heading back to base. Feel free to start your sidequests whenever.))

Posted by: Aldur Tue Feb 12, 2008 1:53 pm
Kria nodded and smiled at the priestess, tilting her head to the side a little. "Alrighty! What can I do for you?"

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Wed Feb 13, 2008 1:17 am
"Um... Well, since you saved us and all, the priesthood thinks I should accompany your group as a healer," the priestess says. "My name's Elaine... I'm not much use in a fight, but I can help with the wounded afterwards..." Kria giggled at this. "Thank you Elaine, and don't worry. We like, have tons of people who can slaughter, but not so many that can heal. It's good to have you along. I'll just tell Sorel and that should be that. You're coming back with us...like now? Or do you need to get stuff?"
"Aside from my pouch of supplies, I don't have any stuff to get," Elaine says, holding up a large travelling pouch hanging off her.
"Coolies! You can like come back to our castle...fort...thing!" Kria grabs Elaine by the hand suddenly and begins pulling her towards Sorel.
The two veer suddenly as Kria remembers Dam is alive, giggling wildly.
"Fo-Fort?" Elaine says, nervously as Kria drags her.
"It's our stronghold! It's in Cypress! You'll love it. The decor needs work but it's otherwise good."
((SFCWIII force has gained an Honor Guard unit: Healer of Mitula.))

Posted by: Kaihaku Sun Feb 17, 2008 2:23 am
Coventry purchases... Armbands of Maximized Healing: 7,200 gp Ring of Mystic Healing: 3,500gp Amulet of Retributive Healing: 2,000gp Gloves of Dexterity +4 and Prestidigitation: 17,500gp
(Takes an extra day and a half to add prestidigitation.)
Total: 32,000gp - 10% = 27,000gp
Coventry sells...
Bracers of Natural Armor: 1100gp
Ring of Counterspells: 2200 gp
Gloves of Dexterity +2: 2200 gp
Boots of Striding and Springing: 3,025gp
Total: +8,525gp
Coventry upgrades...separately...
Upgrade to Boots of Striding, Springing, and Teleportation: 8,250gp
"Hey Sophie!"
"Yes, Alastor?"
"Can you upgrade my boots?"
"...sure..."
"Thanks."
"No problem."
Over the next eight days, Sophie spends her time upgrading Coventry's boots.
[Sophie expends 330 exp]
[Sophie gains 8250 gp]
((Sophie now officially has a lot of money))

Posted by: Aldur Sun Feb 17, 2008 9:30 pm
((So yeah. Who came along?)) Kria turns to her small assembled group as they teleport to the outskirts of the forest, she nods and then starts walking, gesturing the others to follow as she moved quietly throughout the forest she once called home.
"So...come on then. You'll like know we're getting close when the forest around us is dead or like, dying."
And so begins Kria's Chapter. I mean, yes.

Posted by: GOD*JESUS Sun Feb 17, 2008 9:47 pm
Laika looked breifly at his new surroundings, sniffing at the air. : "What exactly is it that we're looking for?" The werewolf asked as he ducked underneath a low branch.

Posted by: Rusty Mon Feb 18, 2008 3:32 am
"As for what we're looking for, it's just the remains of my village Laika. So like, lets keep it moving people." Kria said, humming to herself as she marched onward. *Ombligo floats along, keeping alert.* The woods seem oddly lighter, no menacing presence or stalking terror present in the tree or underbrush. Instead, there is only the wind whistling through the empty branches, and the crunch of dried leaves underfoot.
Kria walks onward, not overly worried about anyone finding them. "So guys, like...why so quiet?"
"I'm thinking," Gilliam says, quietly. "And just... enjoying a nice walk."
"Well, like the scenery won't be so nice for long Gill." Kria giggled darkly.
Ombligo: "Sorry, Kria. I was just trying to listen. I guess I've become a little paranoid since we've been dealing with devils so much..."
"That's why I'm soaking it up while I can," Gilliam says, quietly. "Are you... Are you sure you're ready for this?"
*Rhizor huffs haughtily.* "So it seems nature has yet to bend to whatever the Lords of Strife have done."
"This area has more like, been bending to my tribe's will than anyone else's...and yeah, don't worry. I'm good." Kria turned her heard around and smiled brightly at everyone.
"Are you sure?" Ignatius asks.
*Rhizor looks at Kria with his piercing, beady eyes.* "Nature bends to no one."
"Like yeah." Kria rolled her eyes at the druid. "Well, like...you'll see what I mean shortly."
*Rhizor then continues on, looking over the forest.*
The group continues onward and as time wears on the trees seem to wither, growing gnarled, twisted, and bent.
"Ah, home." Kria smiles brightly, as she surveys the area. "So like yeah, I grew up here, the place we're going is further on a little though. It's not like it's doing any good just sitting there..."
*Rhizor's eyes narrow.* "So, catwoman, how has your tribe perverted this forest, so?"
"I never really asked, and the ones who could tell you have all been burned horribly to death by a possessed demon warlock." replied Kria.
"It seems far too fitting for evil to call this place home." Laika muttered to himself.
"Mmm, evil? Well, like that's one way to look at us I suppose." Kria mused, her voice trailing off as she stepped ahead, obviously thinking about things.
*Rhizor muses, oblivious to the true nature of Kria's statement.* "A warlock? Interesting... your people seem to attract them."
"Well, the majority of my people were either Warlocks or attuned to things like that..." Kria replied.
Rhizor: "How many?"
The trees grow ever more twisted and corrupt as the group goes deeper into the forest.
Kria: "Hmm...Well like, I know we had the council, me, mother, all of the clergy, because to like, join the clergy you need to be one...So like...around said a third of us? The rest were normal."
At long last the group enters a large clearing of burnt and twisted trees, huts, and the crumbling remnants of huts in the trees.
Kria pauses, surveying the damage and then sighs, shaking her head. "Like, what a waste. Cmon." Kria leads them into the clearing, towards the very large statue of Dark Dragon, it's a very life like piece, and quite intimidating.
*Rhizor is aghast upon seeing Dark Dragon, destroyer and defiler of the world in monument form here.* "And why is THAT here?"
Kria frowned. "Like, didn't I say? Oh, well my tribe worshipped Dark Dragon."
*Rhizor looks over to Laika to gauge the wolfman's reaction. He knew that Laika would most likely not stand for it, and if things were to get messy, he wanted to move away.*
"It appears evil does call this place home." Laika says will a growl.
"But yeah, I'm the daughter of the High Priestess. I'm the heir to the title of being the Dragon's handmaiden, and like, to wait for his return and kill Max, blah blah blah." Kria rolled her eyes.
"Yeah. Kria's over that now." *The magic creature says, simply.*
Rhizor: "That certainly is quite a high expectation to live up to."
Kria: "I'm like, good at under achieving."
Rhizor: "I suppose we can count ourselves fortunate your tribe failed."
"Yup." Kria replied simply, closing her eyes for a moment, thinking back over the battles, with her mother, with her old friend and the ensuing possession.
The shrine is replete with unholy symbols and runes, all relating to the worship of evil.
Kria sighed. "Being possessed...it's like, really odd. You're there and can see it all. But you're all like shoved to the side, ya know?" Her fist clenched. "Tanis, is like such a silly kitty."
Rhizor spies what appears to be a hidden button set into the statue in the form of a gem.
*Rhizor flies toward the statue, but talks on the way* "Possessed? What do you know of being possessed?"
"Anyway. Time to go raid the treasure room." Kria unfurled her shadowy wings and flew up the statue, poking the statue in the eye, an audible click being heard by everyone.
Rhizor: "And so that's what that button's for."
Kria: "Well, like, Tanis and Morgan dropped me on an altar of ancient evil assuming it'd heal knocked out me. I got a possession instead. Hence like, the burninating."
A hidden compartment in the base of the statue slides open, revealing an iron bound chest.
*Rhizor stops in midair, then turns to Kria.* "So YOU did this!?"
"And there we go! It's not huge but...every little helps right?" And Kria nods at Rhizor. "Indeed I did my druidic buddy." She descended, smiling at the chest. "Who wants the honors?"
*Ombligo floats forward.* "She was possessed! She couldn't control herself."
*Rhizor sighs.* "That as it may be, I expect she will atone for her transgressions."
"If she does, you won't be the one to oversee it," Gilliam says, quietly. "Her sins are hers alone. Leave them be."
Rhizor: "Is that a threat, machine?"
Gilliam arches an eyebrow. "I've heard the expression blind as a bat, but this is a new level of... Do I look like a machine right now?"
"Transgressions? Like, that's kinda funny." Kria began to laugh geniunely amused. "Didn't you say it was good that they failed? Some people are so wishy washy..."
"Hey, no one's making any threats, I'm just saying that if you touch my friend, I'll touch you. With arcane blasts of energy. Repeatedly. Until you fall unconscious," Ignatius says offhand.
Rhizor: "You assume I refer to your tribe."
"Well what else did you mean?" Kria asked, tilting her head to one side.
*Rhizor then looks at Ignatius, who had been mostly silent up to this point.* "Did I say I would harm her?"
"No, I'm just saying is all," Ignatius says.
Ombligo: "Everyone, quiet for a minute. I think the chest has a magical trap on it."
Rhizor: "What I meant, for those with ears, is the forest can be returned to its natural, pristine state. Well, in that case, Magic Creature..."
"Well I fail to see how it's my fault the forest is this way..." Kria stated.
*Rhizor awaits the results, but prepares to dispel it.*
Kria grinned. "Like, easy, I can just keep casting dispel magic over and over until it works!"
Ombligo: "Okay, it's definitely a trap. It looks like...something might appear if we open it?"
"Like...Dark Dragon?" Kria giggled, looking around her. "What? I was kidding."
"Summoning spells don't seem to work anymore now that we've been plane shifted. However, to be safe, I suppose we could remove the enchantment," *Rhizor muses.*
((Rhizor casts Greater Dispel Magic, but it failed.))
Rhizor: "Hrm. Kria, how powerful were your mages?"
Ombligo: "Maybe her mom put this one up..."
"I'm not too fond of the idea of 'something' being summoned to an altar of Dark Dragon when we know someone has been possessed here before..." Laika says, being prepared to fight or run if need be.
"Um, kinda...normal? Like ours? Aside from a couple of the old ones but...oh yeah! Mother was a very very strong caster!" Kria smiled. "But don't worry. I stabbed her good." Kria nodded. "My tribe are all but gone...Killed mostly by me...isn't that ironic?"
"The problem isn't if they're alive right now." The werewolf mutter quietly to himself.
Ignatius quietly elbows Laika in the side after he says that.
Kria: "But yeah, the only people allowed to know about this were the council and the High Priestess as well as her heir. So like, me. But...I never heard about this." Kria sighed. "But like, let's just open it. Not like we can't handle anything...yeah?"
Ombligo: "Okay...stand back. Let me try this!"
((Disintegrate))
Laika's head turns to the sky as he mutters something.
((Nightmare0829 (5:55:11 PM): [cast prayer]))
Kria raises an eyebrow as Ombligo does his thing, letting out a low whistle as the chest crumbled to nothing.
The chest falls to powder, revealing a modest pile of gems, gold, and trinkets. Arcane power immediately begins to crackle in the air.
"Oh dear..." Kria says, drawing her sword and taking to the sky.
*Ombligo bubbles up and down, almost forgetting about the trap.* "Haha!"
"Ruh roh..." Laika says in a comedic fashion.
((Wut))
A great groan sounds through the burnt grove as the gem eyes of Dark Dragon suddenly light with crimson flame. The great statue suddenly begins to move, uttering an unholy howl to the sky above as it leaps off its pedestal and starts towards the heroes.
"I picked a hell of a day to not have a laser built into my chest," Gilliam mutters as he draws his pistol and begins to take aim.
"For the love of the Light!" Kria snarls as she points at the statue. "Ombligo! It's a statue! Like, make it turn into powder!"
Laika scratches off some of the stone dragon's form. Meanwhile, Ombligo blasts off a huge chunk of the beast's side, causing it to roar violently. The stone dragon counter attacks, biting at Ombligo with its three heads. Ombligo falls to the ground barely alive.
"Someone give me a potion! I can heal him at least," Gilliam shouts.
"Like, I would but I don't have any! Damn you mother...even after death you're still hurting the innocent! No more! It all ends here! Watch as I tear down this statue from whatever hell you're in!"
Kria points at the Monster, her eldritch blast slamming into the Statue monster.
Rhizor: "He appears to have healing drops on him."
Gilliam reaches down to Ombligo and removes a potion from the creature's bandolier like belt, pouring the liquid over the magical creature. "Yeah, just saw that. Hang on, buddy, you're gonna be fine," Gilliam mutters as he treats the magic user's wound.
"Such a rendition of evil and this is it? Pfah! Hold where you are!"
*Rhizor hovers back a bit, then raises his wings. A brownish haze comes over the golem, and while it doesn't seem to change in any way, it moves obviously slower.*
*Ombligo stirs from unconsciousness, still feeling a little dizzy.* "Now I'm glad Mahler never hit me..."
"Back off, you stone freak! You're nothing compared to what we've already fought!" Ignatius shouts, adding his own blast to the assault.
Kria's and Ignatius' blasts combine to blow one of the creature's foul stone wings off as Rhizor's spell grips the foe in slow motion.
*Ombligo floats away from the big stone monster, eager to keep his distance.* "That thing really hurts!"
Laika rakes his claws more forcefully against the stone monster, leaving deep gouges in the golem's granite hide. The beast whirls and bites at the wolfman with one of its heads, but Laika evades! Ignatius lashes out with another blast of energy, this time causing cracks to appear in the statue's other wing. Kria then follows up Ignatius' attack with a blast that shatters the other damaged wing.
"So Kria, when was this statue last polished?" *Rhizor asks devilishly. While waiting for a reply, Rhizor hover up higher in the air to get over his allies' heads. He then flaps his wings forcefully a few times, creating a strong gust. Suddenly, dust and particles gather, condensing into sand, blowing them at the golem.*
Gilliam fires a trio of shots, the rounds plinking harmlessly off the magical construct.
The blast of sand strips away and pits the stone on the golem's backside, causing a huge chunk to be torn away and crumbled into dust. Laika rakes the stone statue, but does little damage. Ombligo lets loose a mighty blast of electricity that strikes one of the golem's heads dead on. The head shatters in a rain of stone chips and the long neck attached to it crumbles to dust. One of the remaining heads rises up towards Rhizor and spits out a line of pulsating dark energy. Rhizor is struck dead on by the beam, the malevolent magic sucking his life force from his body. Rhizor is otherwise unaffected by the beam.
Kria fires off another blast, a grin on her face. "Nice shot Ombligo! It's my turn now!"
Ignatius sends another blast of energy at the same head Kria targetted, the twin blasts blowing off the carved visage, and shattering its neck.
*Rhizor stretches out to get blood flowing again after the fell blast. He again flaps his wings quickly, and sends another searing blast of sand toward the draconic animated statue.*
Rhizor's sand strips away yet more of the creature, then Laika charges in, taking advantage of the many gouges in the creature's last head to tear it off from the statue. The golem shudders, then falls to dust.
((Level 16s get 1440
Level 15s get 1800
Level 14s get 2520
We find...
2,500 platinum
16 gems worth a total of 2,000 gold
And the following magic items:
Tome of Leadership and Influence +2
Ring of Greater Electricity Resistance
Scarlet and Blue Sphere Ioun Stone))
Kria smiles, moving towards the treasure and grins. "Well, looks like we earned our pay." She picks up a book, a ring and a stone. "These were kept here because they were like uber rare."
*Ombligo eyes all three magic items, bubbling excitedly.* "Wow! It was definitely worth coming here. All this gold and treasure...hehe!"
"Yeah, though I dunno what the stone does." Kria comments.
*Rhizor sighs, coming back down to the ground and over to the others.* "Since, by all rights, this is Kria's stash, I have no use for any of it. If she would like to reward us for our help, so be it."
"This book is all about...well, something." Kria shrugs, holding it out to Ombligo. "Sorel says kids should read so...here ya go Ombligo."
*Rhizor turns and exits the area, looking back over the withering forest and examining it.*
"I dunno who needs the stone...we'll take it back with us." Kria nodded.
*While waiting for the others to continue on, Rhizor begins chanting incantations in order to bring the forest back.*
((Rhizor casts Plant Growth - Enrichment))
*Ombligo blinks.* "Really? Thanks, Kira!" *Ombligo says, hovering
up and down.* "Should we split the gold with the small group here or with everyone else?"
Kria: "Well, We'll bring the gold back as we're all organised and one big massive army thing I think. Like, we can use it to assist making the base better, ya know?"
Ombligo: "Yeah, that makes sense."
"Then...let's gather the stuff up. Um, anyone want the ring?" Kria asks looking around.
*Ombligo examines it.* "I have no use for it. I've already got two rings, and this thing won't really help me. Maybe he'll want it." *Ombligo says, pointing to Laika with his tentacle.*
"Alright then. Here ya go Laika!" Kria smiles, putting the ring into the hands of her companion. "And that leaves the stone...but we'll see if anyone else wants it. So anyone got something to put all this in?"
"My backpack is enchanted," Gilliam says, shrugging off his haversack. "You can put it all in there."
Ombligo: "Hehe! Good thing a lot of it's platinum."
"Alright, lets pile it in! So how's it feel to be all human and working those muscles Gill?" Kria asked as she began to collect the various gems.
"Oddly nostalgic," Gilliam says with a chuckle.
"Good." Kria walks over to Gilliam and begins to prod him in the side, giggling.
"Even when I feel tired I find I don't mind. Just because I've missed that feeling too," Gilliam says, scooping coins into his pack. Then Kria begins poking him. "Hey come on, don't you have any respect for your elders?" Gilliam says lightly.
"Well I've wanted to annoy the hell out of you like this for awhile, so like...no." Kria says, emptying jewels into the magical backpack of Gilliam.
Ombligo: "I have to be honest, Gilliam. You don't look as old as I
thought you would! Hehe!"
Gilliam chuckles. "I don't look much like my real self right now. This is just what Coventry thought I'd look like. But since I was put in that shell when I was still in my late twenties, I shouldn't look that old either," Gilliam says with a grin.
"The doctor is even molding people to his ways?" Kria sighed, shaking her head. "He really is becoming Doctor Doom..."
"Regrettably I wasn't quite this... fit," Gilliam says, pinching his arm. "But exercise will fix that." Gilliam finishes loading the treasure. "Why do you say that, Kria?"
"Well I could wake up a frog some morning!" Kria exclaims.
"I'd think he'd give you a form that retains your fur, given how much he seems to enjoy commenting on it," Gilliam comments, closing his pack. "I think that's the last of it..."
Kria: "Well, I guess we should head back now..."
Ombligo: "Indeed! Let's go!" *Ombligo says, excited to return to headquarters.*
"Do you... want to take a moment?" Ignatius says, inclining his head towards the ruined village.
"A moment? This is a ruin." Kria sighed, and shook her head. "When this is over, I will return. When this is over, I shall set things right...and when this is over I shall mourn, doubt and grieve..."
"All right..." Ignatius says, looking away, towards the burnt ruins once more.
"Besides! If I went all to pieces now it'd mar my beautiful face. And you're all hopeless without me!" Kria declared.
Everyone is quiet for a while, prompting Gilliam to speak up. "Ah, I guess we'd better get going then."
"I guess so..." Kria says as she turns and walks away from the deserted ruins.

Posted by: GOD*JESUS Mon Feb 18, 2008 5:21 am
((Laika now has a Major Ring of Energy Resistance (Electricity) if anyone wants it. Otherwise he's going to sell it. So either place dibs on it here or IM me about it. Laika gained a level! Laika is now Werewolf 4/Barbarian 2/Fighter 2/Champion of Gwynharwyf 7/Frenzied Barbarian 1
Laika gains 10 HP!
Laika gains 1 STR!
Laika gains 1 BAB!
Laika gains 2 FORT!
Laika gains Frenzy 1/day!
Laika gains John McClain! ... errr Diehard!
On a side note, Castor has given Gorrik the Atlas axe. This way it's actually noted somewhere. As a result Gorrik's +2 heavy steel shield is up for grabs, or else it's sold. Either post here saying you want it, or IM me.))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Mon Feb 18, 2008 7:55 pm
[Merla gains 6 HP from the cheerful bread. Also, Kethra will be going with Graigus on his "side quest". I have nothing planned for the rest of my characters, but that is subject to change.]

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Wed Feb 20, 2008 3:37 am
(( -= Equipment Purchased =- Graigus: - Ring of Lion's Charge, continuous effect (16k gp) - Increase Bandanna armor bonus to +4 (12k gp) Dicem (12k borrowed to cover the purchases):
- Ring of Shield, continuous effect (2k gp)
- Cloth Vest of Armor +3 (9k gp)
- Ring of Protection +2 (8k gp)
- Amulet of Natural Armor +2 (8k gp)
- [2] +1 Drow Long Knives (2315 gp each, total 4630 gp)
- [2] Blackjacks (1 gp each, total 2 gp)
Everyone else's purchases will be determined at a later time.))
The group landed in a clearing, snow crunching under their feet as they touched down. The bulk of the great mountan lay below them, they realized, walking a short distance to the plateau-like edge. Looking up, it was obvious that a considerable amount of distance still lay above them, and as the peak seemed to narrow impossibly near the top, where the path would take them was a guess at best.
"Why can't you people have your monasteries in a normal place?" Dicem asked, white-tinged wind whipping around him. "And where the hell are we going? Up? Down?"
"The further we are from the outside, the easier it is to focus within," Graigus said cheerfully, his cheeks reddened by the cold of the environment around him. "Besides... it's not far now. The tunnels aren't nearly this bad, and once we're inside the temple, there'll be warm food and drinks."
"Alright, then, kid... let's get this going," Dam said, pulling his cloak more closely around him.
Nodding, the dwarf immediately started heading north, poking around a snowpile with his staff. Raising it triumphantly, he caved out the rest of the opening with a few well-placed blows, and beckoned for the group to follow him inside.

Posted by: GOD*JESUS Wed Feb 20, 2008 5:09 am
: "It's nice to get out of the wind." Laika stated before he shook off any snow from his body. "This fur can only do so much to protect against the cold."

Posted by: Rusty Wed Feb 20, 2008 6:09 am
The snow has stopped falling on the mountain pass. How long it will last is anyone's guess, but the workers of the fort are swift to take this opportunity to double their efforts on raising the shelters up. Among them, the hero Max puts his strength to use by hauling piles of stone from the supply piles to the masons. The Queen of Guardiana herself uses telekinesis spells to raise and lower mighty support beams into place nearby.
: "Hard at work, I see!"
*Alexander calls out to the two, heading over to them specifically.*
"Gotta do something to pass the time!" Max responds, setting down a load of bricks next to a portion of unfinished wall and walking over. Anri sets her beam in place and dismisses her spell, turning to face the hero.
*Alexander nods.*
: "Indeed, though there are other things you could be doing right now - not that I'm complaining about you doing something productive, mind you. Can I ask you something, though?"
"Sure, go ahead," Max says, amiably.
: "Why haven't you returned to your allies after defeating Dark Dragon? Surely you've had at least a couple of opportunities by now."
The good cheer leaves Max's face. "I... couldn't. I was tracking down Mishaela."
*Alexander shakes his head.*
: "No, Max. I don't just mean then. I mean now as well. I realize setting the base up is very important, but you're not the only ones suited to the task, and I know that a number of us are willing to fill in for you so you can meet them. So, I ask again, why haven't you returned to them?"
Anri and Max both look away, but Max is the one who speaks. "We're not ready yet," he says, quietly.
*Quirking a brow, Alex folds his arms.*
: "Not ready? What is so difficult about facing your allies and friends? You've faced demons - devils - the most vile of foes in existence - yet you do not feel ready to meet those that would greet you in open arms?"
Max shakes his head at Alex. "It's not that easy... Do you even know what happened... Anri was brainwashed and fought against them, she was forced to do terrible things to them. We can't just walk up like nothing happened."
: "Do you think they're not understanding? I spoke with them myself."
"It's not only about how they might react..." Anri says, softly. "I need... I need to think about what to say... how to say it... what to do... how to do it..."
"We will see them again. Soon. But not now," Max says, firmly. "Not just yet."
((Epic fail on the diplomacy check. Only a 29 ))
: "You're rather stubborn. I thought you would've been overjoyed at the opportunity to meet them. What am I to tell them when I speak to them next? That you're not 'ready'? How would that make them feel?"
Max frowns at Alex. "Don't get me wrong... I'd very much like to see my old friends again. But I've been away long enough that it's no longer a simple matter of getting there anymore. If it were only me, I might consent, but..."
: "...They know you're alive. I told them. And, the first thing I can remember Mae saying to that was 'that changes everything...'"
*Alex falls silent after admitting this.*
Max looks at Anri, still looking away. His voice drops to nearly a whisper. "Tell them... Tell them I'm seeing to another friend that I've neglected for too long. Tell them that when I've finished healing a wound I helped cause, I'll return. I think they'll understand that."
*Alexander frowns and nods.*
: "They will be disappointed. Hopefully they do not doubt that I know you thus...Is there any way I could clearly and completely identify that I do in fact know you and that you are in fact alive? An item or some sort of secret to share? I don't want to shake their trust, as I said I'd do everything I could to get you in a reunion with them..."
Anri pulls a ring off her finger and hands it to Alex. "It's the royal signet ring... That should let them know you weren't lying."
"If that's not enough..." Max says, quietly. "Tell Lowe I still remember the noodle incident."
*Alexander nods to Anri, taking the ring. He then nods to Max.*
: "Thank you. I apologize if I came out rude just now. I don't know all the facts, though I can understand why it might be hard to face them after all of this. If it came out negatively, know I'm only trying to help."
"We know," Max says, sighing. "We know."
*Alexander nods again, smiling.*
: "I just wanted to verify that for myself. Well, I'll let you get back to work. Thank you for the proof. I'll let you two decide when is best to meet them, as you wanted it."
"Thank you," Anri says, nodding.
*Waving, Alex turns and leaves the two to work once more.*

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Wed Feb 20, 2008 7:07 am
"It's much nicer in the summer," Graigus said, nodding, before leading them into a small passageway. Practically turned sideways in order to get through it, the monk continued, "That's when I had gotten here, in the summer. Winter's bad at home, too, but I always feel like it's colder and windier here. "

Posted by: GOD*JESUS Wed Feb 20, 2008 9:09 am
((Since no one's said anything about the ring, Laika sells it, and also sells his Belt of Ogre Power (despite that item not actually existing, it's probably supposed to be gauntlets, so we'll sell them as if they are) and buys a +6 Belt of Giant Strength.
Laika's prepared spells
1) Bless, Divine Sacrifice, Magic weapon
2) Bull's Strength, Bull's Strength
3) Cure Moderate Wounds, Cure Moderate Wounds, Prayer))

Posted by: BLT Wed Feb 20, 2008 3:48 pm
"And here I was just feeling better for being out in the open, now we're right back inside." Caius followed Graigus inside.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Thu Feb 21, 2008 3:46 am
"You'll be able to see the outside, if you want," Graigus said, even as the howl of the wind increased. "In fact, we're almost out of the tunnels now. Watch your step on the ledge there, it's kinda slippery in the winter." And sure enough, after a small climb and a little walk, the group was once more out in the open. A thin trail wound a short way upwards, a portion of a building barely visible just at the edge of your visual field. Moving up the snow-covered path, it is not long before you pass that initial point, and the grandeur of the temple proper presents itself to you.
Sitting almost perfectly in the slope of the mountain, it was evident that a great swath of the side had been carved away to form a plateau upon which to build it. Trees covered the lower part of the valley, forming a green-and-white cloak for the otherwise bare, wind-worn stone. Towers rose on either side, giving the otherwise mansion-like expanse a more fortress-like feel, though it definitely retained a homely feel in the midst of an otherwise inhospitable place.
"This," the monk said proudly as they approached, "Is the Temple of the Stone Leaf... my home for years. The lookouts probably let everyone know we're coming, so there should be a reception waiting."

Posted by: BLT Thu Feb 21, 2008 4:01 am
Caius stretches as they get out of the tunnels, watching the trees and not the building. "Well a reception, even one from monks and hermits who live this far removed, is always a nice thing. What are we here for anyways? I never heard, I just needed to get out of that fort."

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Feb 21, 2008 4:16 am
Shortly after saying this, a pair of monks emerge from some nearby trees. Both appear to be short, human men, their heads covered with thick cloth wrappings. They are further clad in thick white robes, that though made to shield the wearer from cold, don't seem to impede their movement much. They bow once to Graigus in greeting.
"Welcome home again, Graigus. Master will be glad to hear of your return," one of the monks says. He looks over Laika, Caius, and Kethra. "Are these friends of yours?"
"There is one question I think we should ask though," the other monk says, cutting off his comrade's niceties. "Graigus, have you returned for good? Or have you just come to compete in the tournament?"

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Thu Feb 21, 2008 4:41 am
"Hale! James!" the dwarf said, obviously pleased. He looked ready to say more, but the other monks' rapid speech silenced him. As realization dawned on him, he replied to the speaker "James, I... I forgot all about it! It's been so long since I watched it, I haven't even thought about it!"

Posted by: Cyrus Thu Feb 21, 2008 4:45 am
Gail quirks a brow at the mention of a tournament, but she dismisses the thought, waiting until Graigus and the monks finished...It'd be rude to do otherwise.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Feb 21, 2008 4:47 am
James seems pleased, smiling at Graigus' reply. "You didn't remem... Aha! Then you ARE returning to us! Master Quialis will be most pleased to hear that!"

Posted by: Tarethen Thu Feb 21, 2008 4:49 am
Farain leaned in closer to Gail for a moment. "Did he say anything about a tournament before?" he asked in a quiet whisper. Before she could reply the centaur straighed up again, watching the exchange between Graigus and the monks before them.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Thu Feb 21, 2008 5:03 am
"Wait, wait," Dicem said. "Look... this reunion is great, and all, but can we go inside, where it's a little bit less deathly cold?"

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Feb 21, 2008 5:05 am
"Ah, of course," Hale nods. "Let us guide you inside." With that the two monks head towards the temple.

Posted by: Cyrus Thu Feb 21, 2008 5:19 am
Gail throws a glance at Farain, then watches the proceedings for an opening to spring on. When Hale leads them inside, she glances at Farain again, waving him closer. "He's must've forgotten...he's been away for a very long time, so it's natural that'd he be focusing on other things. Sounds exciting, though...I wonder if we can enter?"

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Thu Feb 21, 2008 6:15 pm
Apparently carved more deeply into the mountain than could be seen from the outside, the interior of the monastery proved to be deceptively spacious. All around the entryway, simply dressed men and women stood and waited, some glancing around anxioiusly, while others looked bored. Even more seemed to move to and fro with a purpose, and it was the great majority of those who smiled or waved at the dwarf before continuing on their way.
The supporting pillars were covered with engravings of various animals and legendary beasts, ranging from wolves and tigers to dragons and phoenixes. Under each was an inscription in common, as well as a few other languages; each described a short description of its meaning, and what attributes each creature represented.
"Graigus!" a halfling said, bounding towards the monk with such abandon that it seemed like he could fall on his face and slide the rest of the way at any moment. Reaching the group, he said "Graigus! You're back! And just in time, too... they're about to start the ceremonies."
"Bowen... I didn't really come for-" the drunken boxer began, but the other monk's exuberant reply cut him off almost instantly. "You're back for good? The Master's gonna be so happy! Come on, let's go!"
And with that, Bowen dragged a stammering Graigus towards what seemed to be the main meeting hall, leaving the rest of the group alone.
"I think it's safe to say that he was missed," Dam said, crossing his arm as he smiled in amusement. Starting after the monkey shen, he said "Come on... let's not get split up."

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Feb 21, 2008 7:12 pm
A wide variety of brawlers fill the meeting hall. Humans in loose fighting robes, elves in close-fitting combat clothes, half-giants in odd toga-like garments, and more all fill the large room. One figure in particular stands out, a menacing figure with an odd mask on and strange clothes that look partially armored. Many people appear to be keeping their distance from this dark newcomer.
Laika hears two monks whispering nearby.
"So is he from that cult?"
"Yeah, but under the rules of the tournament, anyone from any order can participate so long as they follow the rules... and he has."
"I suppose if Master Quialis allows it there's nothing we can do... but that guy creeps me out!"
"He doesn't talk much... but I saw him talking with one or two others earlier. Something about seeking power."
"Well I'm sure Master will beat him. That's a sight I'd love to see!"
"Yeah!"
A current of whispers rolls over the crowd as another fighter enters the room. This one appears to be an old, but muscular man. He is clad in a simple purple monk fighting robe, and his eyes trail over all those assembled with a confident smile.
Dam and Laika manage to catch a name repeated over and over when the old man appears. "Master Parmecia."

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Thu Feb 21, 2008 8:43 pm
As the group enters, just after the monk is pulled inside, they see an aged man standing next to a beastman, one who is undoubtedly unhappy. He turns his glare on the assorted men and women, before returning the steely gaze to Graigus. "So you've finally sobered, I see, and brought more of your drunken friends," the hairy man said, his tone almost savage now. Turning his attention back to those assembled, he said "This is a private meeting; you can wait outside like the rest of the guests."
"Calm yourself," the aged man said, smiling. "It was not expected that our little monkey would return, Razahr; that he has brought friends is only an added blessing."
"Bah!" the larger monk said turning away in disgust. "Let him tell you why he returned, then, Master. Let the words come off his lips. Tell us... why did you come back here, Graigus Stonemead?"
"It might have something to do with the fact that we've all been pretty chummy with death lately," Dicem said, smirking as he crossed his arms. "But I'll let him explain."
"After... when... Master Chu Rao is dead, Master," Graigus said. "I wanted to see how everyone was doing when we first arrived at Roft, but I never got a chance. But then, I found that out, and since then I've wanted to come back so much..."
"The fact that he didn't go as soon as he mentioned it in Roft is my fault," Dicem said. "But the decision not to release him from service proved to be a good one, because he's been more of a help than some people's armies."
"And who are you?" Razahr asked, looking at the rogue carefully.
"Dam Dicem, though I've been called other things," the rogue said. "I'm the leader of the group he's part of - the one he started with, anyway. With us are a few other people of that force, plus a few from other forces we're working with. We all decided to accompany him, in between missions, to see the master he's been yammering about since we first joined up together."
"You have made no shortage of friends, my child," Quialis said, nodding with approval. "I am Kensedai Quialis, the current leader of this monastery. Please... if you do not mind, I would like to speak with Graigus privately for a few moments. Later, when time allows, I would speak with you all as well."
"The opening ceremony is soon," Razahr warned, his voice nearly a growl.
"Which is why you will escort these men and women to lodging that befits guests of honor, Razahr. Afterwards, if I am not already present, you are to begin without me."
Glaring at Graigus, then at the group, the beastman bowed at the aged leader, then gestured for the group to follow him. "Come with me, then... I'll find you a place to sleep."

Posted by: Tarethen Fri Feb 22, 2008 2:59 am
Farain watched the exchange between Graigus and the others, staying silent at the back of the group. He couldn't say he was too fond of the beastman's attitude, but it wasn't his place to judge anyone. Instead, he just looked away after a few moments and took in the sights of the monestary. His attention was drawn back to the ground at the mentioning of rest, of which he was ready for. When the beastman glared at the group before turning, Farain just gave him a friendly smiling, all the while thinking to himself.
"Well, isn't he just a lovely ray of sunshine..."

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Fri Feb 22, 2008 10:02 pm
"Let's go," Razahr said, obviously unmoved by the centaur's smile. "I'll show you to the sleeping quarters." However, as they exited the room and walked back towards the throng, the monk sighed. Stopping just before they were in the midst of the group of people, he said "I apologize. Things at the temple have been hectic this year; we do not often hold the tournament here, and the number and quality of our participants is not what it has been in the past, due to the events around the world; we do not even have the full number of participants. I have dealt with many uncouth fighters who obviously have not tempered their skills with wisdom, and the idea that one of our own had become as such is unbearable."
"Hey... don't worry about it. If it makes you feel better, we can tell you for a fact that it's better in here than it is out there."
"As I have heard," the beastman said darkly. "But no matter... that may be discussed later. You may ask questions as we move; as you heard, we are to begin the opening ceremonies soon."

Posted by: Cyrus Sat Feb 23, 2008 1:30 am
"What is the tournament for," Gail asks on the way to their rooms. "We haven't heard anything about it until now...Can anyone participate? Perhaps some of us could help you reach the full number of applicants for the event."

Posted by: GOD*JESUS Sat Feb 23, 2008 1:50 am
: "What are the rules for this tournament?" Laika asked, hoping he may get a chance to show his skill in battle.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Sat Feb 23, 2008 2:18 am
"It is a martial arts tournament, meant to showcase the physical achievements which can be obtained from inner balance," Razahr explained. "We allow all combatants who wish to enter, though we have rules in order to protect them. First... no weapons are to be used - only those gifts given at birth and honed through training are allowed. Second... there is to be no magic; combatants will be healed of their ailments in between rounds, should there be any, negating any need for additonal items. Third... all strikes are meant to subdue; those with killing intent are immediately removed."
"We are currently short two participants," the monk said, looking at those assembled. "If any of you are willing to abide by the rules, you may fill those positions. You may wish to speak with Graigus, when he is done speaking with Master Quialis, before you make your decision."
"And this," Razahr said, with a note of finality, "Is where you will sleep. Inside are a half-dozen prepared beds; another group was meant to attend, but this morning we received a letter saying that they could not. Graigus will bed as he did before, with his fellow brothers; I will let him know you are here."

Posted by: GOD*JESUS Sat Feb 23, 2008 4:09 am
Laika steps forward looking to the Beastman. : "I would like to sign up if I could." The Werewolf said with a nod. "I'm sure my friends here can vouche for my skill in unarmed combat."

Posted by: Kaihaku Sat Feb 23, 2008 6:16 am
Fortunately, the Doctor was not present to PAO the noble Laika into an even nobler armless Laika.

Posted by: BLT Sat Feb 23, 2008 6:44 am
"Unarmed? How boring..." Caius looks around at all the commotion surrounding the upcoming fighting tournament, his interest waning quickly in the contest. His own limited experience with unarmed fighting didn't extend much past youthful fist fights with other boys from his home and what he remembered of that didn't allude to much skill needed for the tournament. He expected it would be full of huge brawlers and that interested him very little.
"Anyone have any wine handy? I think I'm going to need some very soon."

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sat Feb 23, 2008 6:53 pm
Kethra cannot help but laugh at Caius' comment. "A martial arts tournament... I might just sign up for this. It will be a good opportunity to meet new people and to test my skills."

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Sun Feb 24, 2008 12:09 am
"I am in charge of registration; f you so wish, I will take you to the hall now," Razahr said. "What order are both of you from?" ===== "Graigus, my child," Quialis said, "It is good to see you again." "I... I still have your staff, Master," Graigus said. "Although... I have had to get it enhanced since you gave it to me, in order to fight..."
"It was expected to be such, my son," Quialis said, nodding. "Please... tell me of what happened since you last left here."
"Well... I met with the group in Hassan, and then we found out that we would be looking for Max," he began. "From there, we were assaulted by devils almost immediately, and we have been ever since. We went to Ribble from there, when we heard that the Devil army would be heading to Hassan; along the way, some of them caught up to us anyway, and we lost a birdman. After that, we travelled to ruins near Ribble, and ended up in Roft. We made it to Galam after that, and then things get a little hazy..."
"How so?" the elderly monk asked, attentively.
"Well... we found Max, but the Devils held both a child and the Kayla's mother - Kayla's one of our group, but she's not here right now - hostage. Half the group went with Max to save her mother, and the other half of us went with Mr. Dicem and Adam to save the child. Mr. Dicem... he didn't do so well when he tried to save the child, and made a bet on an archery competition. He lost, and then I tried to do the same thing, and also lost... and we got captured."
The human said nothing, but simply nodded.
Continuing, Graigus said, "I... we... got possessed, then they made us fight for the Devils. Sorel was leading after Mr. Dicem got captured - he's really nice, you'd like him, I think - and then freed me. Afterwards, a lot of people died in a lot of fighting, but we stopped the Devil Army at their fortress, only Mr. Dicem died..."
"And yet, he is back with you," Quialis noted.
"He's only been alive again for a couple days... Sorel asked Mitula to bring him back when we freed her temple," Graigus explained. "After we stopped the Devils, we ended up getting transported to Rune. We fought all three of the Strife Lords, but we saved Queen Anri before someone teleported us back to Devil's Tail. Creed - he's a retired Devil, I think - helped us out. Eventually, we found another group - the one Laika's part of - and we got together and went after a mountain fortress the Strife Lords were using. We ended up fighting and killing Xadoss, and Gail - she's the one with the white hair who was here before - made the final attack. Afterwards, we met another two groups - the one Caius is part of, and another one - and we stopped the stuff they were doing at the base. After that, we got together, decided to build a base, and the first thing we did as a really big group was free Mitula's temple."
"Never did I think you would go on quite such an adventure," Quialis said, chuckling slightly. "You have done great things, my little monkey."
"I really just want everything to be done," the dwarf admitted. "I miss it here. Oh, right... I wanted to give you something."
"No gifts are necessary," the aged human began, but Graigus quickly placed the staff and a sack of coins in Quialis' hands.
"Please... please take it," the drunken boxer said. "I know things are hard now... you can use the money more than I can, and I always said that I would return the staff when I came back."
"Very well," the aged monk said, nodding as he took both. "I wish you had come earlier... Razahr did not like it, but none of our group besides he and myself were skilled enough to enter this year's tournament, and one of us had to oversee the preparations. Had we expected your arrival, I would have entered you as the temple's representative."
"Me?" Graigus asked, his jaw dropped in disbelief. "No, Master, I could never-"
"Never what, my son?" Quialis asked, rising from his seated position. "Never strike a blow against the Devil army, which would have headed here? Never have taken a stand against the Cult, which even now seeks to corrupt the world? Never have stood toe to toe with the greatest evil this world has seen, and not only survive but strike down Xadoss?"
"Master..."
"It seems to me," the aged monk said, continuing, "That of all of the students at the Temple of the Stone Leaf, none is better prepared for this tournament than you have become. It is a shame, indeed, for you yourself have the best chance of all of us to win. You, alone have taken on the farce of a religion represented by one of the entrants, and continue to do so with your allies. Indeed, it is a shame that you are not entered in the tournament."
"Maybe, next year, Master, I can come back."
"Maybe," Quialis said, looking past the dwarf's eyes and into his mind, his very soul. "Maybe, indeed..."

Posted by: GOD*JESUS Sun Feb 24, 2008 1:55 am
: "Well..." Laika said, reluctant to give a response, the last thing he wanted to do was to be disqualified before he even entered. The Wolfman thought quickly hoping he could catch Dam's eye, as the rogue had proved to be quite good at misleading people. "I'm mostly self taught." Laika slowly continued, deceiving people obviously not his strong suit.
: "Don't suppose that you'd believe that he's part of an original order, would you?" Dicem said hopefully.
"No," Razahr said sternly.
: "Well, technically he is," Dam said. "Our little combined groups here may not be the most ideal, but we teach each other on a daily basis. And when we get right down to it, we each get better day after day. If that's not an order, I don't know what it is."
Razahr pondered this for a moment, then said "Very well... it is as you say. But the other woman would need to be of another order... only one person is allowed to enter from each order."
: "Thank you." Laika said with a nod. "I greatly appreciate being given this oportunity."

Posted by: Wandering Dezorian Sun Feb 24, 2008 8:47 pm
((I wonder if I could enter Holzgeist...? Against unarmed and unarmored humanoids, I'd imagine he'd do OK...))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sun Feb 24, 2008 10:09 pm

QUOTE (Wandering Dezorian @ Sun Feb 24, 2008 8:47 pm)
((I wonder if I could enter Holzgeist...? Against unarmed and unarmored humanoids, I'd imagine he'd do OK...))

((You're not there, you're getting drunk.))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sun Feb 24, 2008 11:41 pm
((The sad thing is that I don't even know the name of Kethra's order. If our dear DM would be so kind as to enlighten me, I would appreciate it. Unless he just wants to, or wants me to make something up. ))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Mon Feb 25, 2008 12:09 am
((Just make something up, it's your character.))

Posted by: Wandering Dezorian Mon Feb 25, 2008 1:33 am
**A story that has gone on in the background for quite some time, now.** The eve of the Tristan battle... Gail, carrying a badly overstuffed backpack, smiles in weary relief when she spots the gnome seer and his sneaky companion, a light rhythmic clinking following her while she approaches. "Excuse me, Johann," she says lightly, "Could I speak with you for a moment?"
Johann looks up from where he had been engaged in a rather noisy debate with his short companion, turning around with a long-suffering expression. His face quickly relaxes into a smile as he sees the paladin, and he grins cheerfully. Sha'aasta, now standing behind the diviner, takes advantage of the opportunity to stick her tongue out unnoticed at Johann's back.
"Of course." he chuckles. "When a lady asks so gently and politely, how could I refuse her request?"
"Hi, Gail!" Sha'aasta takes a break from making faces at the other gnome to greet the woman, and just in time, too, as Johann turns around to look meaningfully at Sha'aasta as he accents his last words. He turns back towards the paladin, waiting for her to continue, and Sha'aasta quickly sticks out her tongue once more, waggling her fingers in front of her nose for emphasis.
The paladin pauses before continuing, quickly scanning the area for anyone who might be listening. Satisfied with the search, she turns back to Johann...and sighs heavily. "I can't wait any longer. I've...felt that way ever since you've come to me with this, but now I...I know how little time we have," she says, lifting the bag from her shoulders to hold in her hands, pensively. "I need to see what can be done. Please."
Johann nods calmly. "Let's not waste time, then." he says as he begins to cast a spell. The lights grow grey and dim around the trio. "Hold my hands, and don't let go." he warns as the lights continue to fade.
Gail wraps her left hand around Johann's right, forcing her breath from her lungs and tensing, as if expecting some jarring shock to hit her. When the jolt fails to arrive, she opens her eyes, watching the light slowly dim around them and eventually vanish. She relaxes her grip, content that the experience would be unlike the others she had come to expect.
"I wonder if anyone's going to notice we're gone... hope we don't raise a ruckus with folks trying to find us. Maybe they'll even start a leadership committee to appoint a rescue team." Sha'aasta notes conversationally even as she grips the gnome's left hand. "It would be an emergency, so they'd move extra fast. I bet the team would be put together lickety-split, ready to go inside one or two.. weeks, tops."
Gail stares at the gnome thief while she tells her sarcastic joke, a distant frown on her face as she recalled the meetings a few days earlier.
Johann rolls his eyes as he begins to walk. "Nice to see you have so much faith in our leaders. So what happens when we walk in on their committee to plan our rescue?" he asks.
"We couldn't do that!" Sha'aasta says, eyes wide with feigned shock. "We'd be totally out of order, ruin the whole process. We aren't on the agenda, you see, and you have to wait your turn to speak at these things. How did you get to run a town without understanding these things? We'd have to wait until they appoint a committee to elect us to be members of the committee to plan our rescue. Then we could point out that we didn't need rescuing, and they should get on with appointing a committee to disband the committee to prepare a rescue team for us. And elect a second committee to prepare for the defense of the members of the first committee from me when I try to beat their noggins in with their own gavel!"
"Did you follow that?" Johann asks Gail blankly.
"I was hoping you had," Gail admits, seemingly just as lost. "Though...I can't approve of hitting anyone in the head with a gavel, much less any leader. It could serve to knock the sense out of them, rather than in, couldn't it?" She shows a good natured smile to Sha'aasta, hoping her joke would make up for the fact that she had caught very little of the bandit's meaning.
"I just think we've got too many generals, and not enough privates. The sooner we go back to small teams, or at least having an understood purpose, the happier I'll be." Sha'aasta grumbles sourly.
Johann opens his mouth to reply, then looks around. "We're here." he says instead
The colors around the team grow brighter and more vibrant, as the trio find themselves standing beside a babbling brook hidden deep in a secluded forest glen. Johann looks around, then breaks into an intricate birdsong. Moments later, another birdsong echos back, followed quickly by a third. The three voices chirp back and forth at each other, before falling silent.
"Two?" Sha'aasta asks curiously.
Johann shakes his head. "Nope, the other was an actual magpie. She was just feeling a bit chatty, wanted to know what the news was. We've gotta be neighborly, don't we?"
Around them, the forest seems to come alive, as dozens of neigh invisible gnomes surrounding the group make their presence known. Voices begin to call out in common as the townsfolk hurry towards the newcomers, "Ho, Sha'aasta!" "Howdy, Boss!" "No blood on your dagger, Sha'aasta?" "She didn't stab Johann yet? She's getting mellow in her old age!" "Who's the giant?" "Is she the one?" "It'd be about time." "She's right pretty, ain't she?" "Yeah, and you come up to her kneecap. Dream on, Jacob!" "Hurry up, you're in time for seconds, but the stew's getting cold!"
Johann holds his arms out for quiet. "We can't stay long, but Gail asked to come. Yes, she's the one we were looking for." Turning back to face the paladin, as the townsfolk murmur back and forth amongst each other, Johann smiles warmly. "Gail, these are my people, and we are at your service. How can we help?"
At first, Gail can only stare out at the crowd of gnomes who poured from the woodwork, eyes widening in shock at the number as a hand disguises her open mouth. So many of them, all who had left their homes behind and defenseless...just to fulfill this vision and aid her. However, Johann's question causes her to recover, wordlessly lifting the threadbare pack from her shoulders to set it on the ground. Kneeling, she pulls out the silvery plate mail, a cruel angle crushed into its chest. She traces one of the rends that runs down the crumpled plate, sighing softly before returning her eyes to the seer. "I was hoping you could tell me that. All I know is who it was made for and how it served her…I don’t even know what it’s made of,” she admits with a melancholy smile. “Sophia…managed to see how it was made…but I’m not sure that would be of much use, other than the fact great care was taken in its creation. However…I’m sure you all will be able to accomplish the task.”
The gnomes begin to crowd in around the paladin, miniature hands running over the damaged armor in a sure way, small fingers feeling expertly for imperfections and keen eyes assessing the damage. "Odd feel to it." "Softer than steel, but harder than anything else I've felt." "No nicks, but for the battle damage." "Deep enchantments." "I've never felt anything like it!" The various masters, sages and smiths quickly fall to discussing the armor's characteristics, physical and metaphysical, as Johann listens with a wide grin. Sha'aasta sighs and turns to the warrior towering over her.
"Look at them." she snorts, "Give Johann a puzzle, and he's like a kid in a marketplace in front of a sweetmeat stall. He'll stand there and focus on it 'till the stars die and wouldn't notice if a mountain fell on him, and those idiot villagers of his idolize him for it! They want to be just like him!" she says with a shudder. "Come on," she adds, turning away from the huddled craftsmen to head towards the camps, where more gnomes could be seen bustling around, "I heard one of them mention stew. I'm hungry, and we're likely to be here a while."
Gail gazes at the analytical shouts of the gang of wisemen, fingers and eyes clamering over each piece of strong silver. She turns to the rogue, frowning at Sha'aasta's derision, and returning to the sight while the rogue begins to walk away. The paladin watches the union do their work, directed by the invisible pull of their overseer, and sighs to herself. Gail then follows after the gnome, soon walking side by side with her, continuing in silence before deciding to speak. "How long have you known Johann?"
Less than an hour had gone by before Johann and his chief craftsmen found Sha'aasta and Gail. "It can be done," he said with a wide grin, "though it may take time. How much time depends on whether or not I can find some things out. The repairs will also require some of the same material the armor was made of - otherwise the plating would be as thin as paper around the damage. If we can find this material, and if we have the time to work, this armor can be remade. Would you like us to try?"
Gail nods without hesitation, smiling at the gnome's offer. "If it can be done, then yes, we should try. I'm not sure if where we could gather some of what it's made of, though - the place the metal came from is...gone. However, if we found those who made the armor for her, perhaps they would have some stores we could use." Gail pauses, tapping a finger to her lip absentmindedly. "Sophie said that the person who wielded it was saved from death by a group of men in black clothing...much like Sheila's, though that's a weak link to follow," she admits.
----------------------------
After the battle of Mitula's shrine had ended and the team departed, two small figures remained. They turned back into the shrine in search of the Goddess, hoping to enlist her wisdom in a task that had been assigned to them.
As Sha'aasta stood in the entryway, Johann approached the Goddess. "Holy Mitula, I hope you can forgive me. I'm not used to talking to divinity directly, and just don't know what I'm not supposed to say. So if I give offense, I swear, I didn't mean it."
Sha'aasta pipes up, unable to resist, "You could always just kill him quickly and painlessly. That's about as merciful as he could ask for."
Johann continued, ignoring the peanut gallery, "The seer Ortrant laid a task on me and mine. We seek to repair a suit of armor that belonged to an ally who fell in this war, and now belongs to the paladin, Gail. I have it here with me now," he adds, reaching into his belt pouch and pulling out a silvery greave. "To make these repairs," he continues, "we need to find a metal to patch the damage. But none of my smiths have seen this material before, nor can we find any reference to its like in our village's notes. Would you know what this metal is, or where to find it?"
"That material is all we need to make functional repairs, but two things could also speed our work. First, a knowledge of how to work the metal. We can learn in time, but the Strife Lords may not give us that time. Second, I believe the armor's true power could only be recreated if it were reblessed, or resanctified as it was when it was first made. I do not know what that ritual was, and so I ask your help."
Sha'aasta walks up next to Johann, and for once her voice is neither flippant nor bantering. "My friend is too modest and diplomatic to say this. I, fortunately, have had a less savory upbringing. He has traveled this world, brought his village out of safety and into mortal peril, and fought alongside these warriors who you just met, seeking to repair this armor. Not for any personal gain, or glory, or advantage. Not for revenge, or because his lands were in danger. Only because Ortrant said it needed to be done, and Johann agreed. And because he is the only one in a position to do it. I may still be trying to figure out this 'morality' Johann keeps trying to teach me, but I can see how unusual that sort of dedication is. So for his sake," she finishes, "I ask that you consider helping him, though I know how irksome it must be when people like us continue to pester you with simple questions."
Mitula shakes her head as if in a gentle rebuke to Sha'asta, but smiles nonetheless, her words calm and friendly.
"Do you really think I didn't see that? That I would need to be told when help is deserving?" Mitula laughs lightly, not in scorn or derision, but in simple amusement, the sort of laugh a friend might make when another friend stumbles on his words and says something funny. "Your concern for your friend is commendable, but unneccesary. I have already decided to aid you."
Mitula grows serious, looking at the greave in Johann's hands.
"The metal you have there is laconia, a type of silver similar to mithril that does not exist on this world naturally. Laconia is very resilient and extremely receptive to sacred enchantment. To find the small amount you need to repair it, seek out places or people touched by worlds other than this one. You will only find laconia where you find strangers to this world, for they are the ones who brought the metal here."
Mitula closes her eyes.
"To learn how to work the metal fully requires three pieces of knowledge. Acquiring any of the pieces will speed your discovery, but only with all three can the armor be renewed as it was before. Those who brought the laconia here know much of the metal, but are unfamiliar with how to forge it in the correct manner. Their basic knowledge will form the foundation. To build up towards your goal you will need the secret knowledge that can be found with the spirits of those who once worked with the metal. Bring all this knowledge to an experienced worker of mithril and he will be able to piece it together and deduce the process in its entirety."
Mitula opens her eyes again.
"The secret of the blessing is held by the dead, and to the dead you must speak if you hope to restore the armor's power. Those who were bound to the sacred sword now find refuge in a new home, and contact with them is possibly through the medium of the wielder."
Mitula looks at both gnomes.
"Do these things and you will discover how to restore the shattered armor of Landale."
----------------------------
Later that evening, the trio sought out the leader of the GDO. A few queries around the tent city quickly revealed that Jim was to be found inside his tent.
The trio approach the tent, and finding the flap closed, scratch at the edge to indicate the GDO commander has visitors.
"Enter," Jim says from within.
The flap is pushed aside, revealing the diminuitive duo and their lupine friend.
"Howdy, boss-type." Sha'aasta waves cheerfully.
"Hello," Jim says with a smile. "What can I do for you?"
Johann smiles. "We wanted to see if we could tap your mind. You and your folks seem to know quite a bit about some things we don't, and we needed to find out something."
"Specifically," the gnome added, "we need to find out about Laconia."
"Laconia?" Jim says, the smile dropping from his face. "How do you know about that? That metal's not supposed to exist here, neither should knowledge of it."
"Exactly. But something made of it was brought here, and I've been asked to repair it. And the knowledge would help," Johann says.
Sha'aasta chuckles wryly. "And the chance to learn something no one else in the world knows isn't motivating him at all. Trust me. Do I look like I have a face that could lie?"
Jim arches an eyebrow at Sha'asta. "Do you really want an honest answer to that?" Jim chuckles and shakes his head. "Laconia is a form of silver that's extremely receptive to holy enchantment. To my knowledge it was only ever found in a particular sort of world, no where else."
"What did you find that would be made of Laconia?" Jim asks.
"That secret is not mine to tell." Johann says with an apologetic shrug. "You can ask others in the camp, if you wanted. What do you know of it's forging? It seems to hard for usual techniques, and we don't want to risk weakening it through our own experiments."
"I don't know anything about it, you'd probably have to ask one of the... No, come to think of it, our technomagi might know, they deal with things of that sort," Jim says, rubbing his chin.
"If not firsthand, almost certainly have it on record. I'll find it and get back to you when I do."
"That would be a tremendous help." Johann says with a relieved grin. "One other question- we need a small stock of laconia to make our repairs. As you said, there's none of the material to be found in our world. Would your own people be willing to put us in contact with a merchant in this other world you spoke of, to purchase what we need?"
Jim looks at the gnome for a long moment.
"Did you miss the fact that the world has been planeshifted into some sort of prison that doesn't allow any travel to or from it?" Jim asks.
Johann looks blank. Sha'aasta just laughs. "And these words are supposed to mean something to us? You'll have to speak our language."
Johann frowns. The concept of planeshifting didn't make much sense to him- A plane was a plane, a universe unto itself, and shifting it wouldn't alter what it was. Shifting it inside of what? There was nothing but ether beyond the planes, and distance and motion meant nothing within the ether. But no matter... "If you can't, then do you have any ideas where we could find some? We don't need much, less than half the size of your fist at most. Do you have any supplies, or spare parts we could smelt down?"
"To make it short, the planet, which is effectively your entire world, has been utterly cut off from all others," Jim says, quietly. "No transport to any other plane of existence. No parallel worlds or even heaven or hell."
"Ick." Sha'aasta makes a face, "So all the ghosts can't go anywhere anymore? This place is gonna get awfully full, awfully fast. Especially with the way everyone keeps dying."
"Yes, that's one of the problems," Jim says with a nod. "As for laconia, we don't have any 'spare supplies'. It's an extremely rare and valuable material."
Jim suddenly frowns. "We... do have a soldier with weapons of laconia... But the weapons are also a memento of her dead home. I won't order her to surrender them, but I will let you make your case to her."
Sha'aasta starts to speak, but Johann shakes his head. "We can't ask for more than that." he says instead. "Should we speak with her in the morning, then?"
"Yes..." Jim's face becomes stern for a moment. "Whose secret is it to tell? I'm not going to expose one of my soldiers to potential trauma for something I know nothing about. I respect if you can't say, but I will ask to speak with the person that can."
Johann doesn't hesitate before saying, "The secret belongs to Gail and to Ortrant. I will say that it poses no danger to you, but before you dig deeper, remember this- the enemy has already demonstrated a tremendous capability to root out our secrets, through spies and through spellwork. The more who know of this, the more danger we put ourselves in."
"And I'm not just speaking of the global team's danger." the diviner adds, "I have no wish for Sha'aasta or myself to be targeted, as I feel we would be if this became general knowledge. We would not live any longer than the other diviners of this world."
"It won't go past me, and past the soldier you'll speak to," Jim says, quietly. "And if the enemy has begun to successfully spy on we leaders, you'll have more to worry about than this secret."
"No we won't." Sha'aasta points out flippantly. "We'll be dead, and won't be too worried about much of anything at that point."
"Our foe makes that assurance questionable," Jim says with a frown. "But it doesn't matter. I'll speak with Gail, and we'll see how that goes."
"Then we'll see you in the morning." Johann says. "Thank you, and good luck in your work."
---
The next day, after speaking with Jim, the two gnomes sought out Aisha, to plead their case. The conversation was difficult for both sides, but in the end, the young woman saw fit to give a fragment of her ancestral weapon to aid in the reforging of Alisa's Armor. Afterwards, Johann did his best to ensure that her family's contribution in the long history of the Armor would never be forgotten.
Cederic likewise did his part to see Lisa's armor reforged. Once the gnomes had discovered Lisa's history in their world, and discovered what had happened when she fell, they sought out the paladin to ask permission to examine his hammer. When the paladin laid the hammer on the ground between them, the gnome paused for a moment, unsure of how to continue. "Will you speak with me?" he asked the hammer aloud, feeling foolish.
When there was no reply, he reached out a hand and grasped the haft. Immediately, he felt a presence around him. Feeling reassured that the stories were true, he spoke again.
"My name is Johann, and I am an ally of Cederic and Gail, who were companions of Lisa. I need your help, if you will give it. Can you speak with me?"
The world fell away from Johann, and he stood on a featureless expanse. One by one, a great number of people in various strange garments appeared around him. Most were armed. Their leader appeared to be a woman in plate armor, pink clothes underneath.
"I am Alisa, known here as Lisa," the woman said, quietly. "What do you want?"
"Alisa, I am a diviner who was summoned by Ortrant, one of the great leaders of our world. He showed me a little of your struggles, and the fate you suffered. Let me thank you for what you sacrificed on our behalf." the gnome said, unsure of how to put his deep respect into words that didn't sound... [i]trite[/].
"Your weapon was shattered beyond repair," he continued, "but your armor, while badly damaged, was passed to the paladin Gail. Ortrant asked me to bring my people, and seek out your allies. The armor is badly damaged, and has lost much of its power. We hope to restore it, that it might once again be a bane against the Strife Lords."
"You want our help," Alisa stated.
"I do, if you will help me." Johann responded.
"Before you answer, let me add this. The armor is yours in the end, and the decision to repair it, to leave it, or even to destroy it is also yours. I ask your help, and I ask your permission, but I will not go against your wishes."
"If it will help bring those murdering monsters known as the Strife Lords down, how can we not?" Alisa asked. "Noah, Rune. Share your knowledge." she ordered, as two blue haired men in white robes stepped forward.
----------------------
Mithril is rare, and those with experience in crafting of mithril artifacts are equally rare. But Ortrant had not chosen gnomish village lightly when he laid his task before them. Of the many craftsmen Johann had brought with him, three had worked the precious metal before. With their skill, with the knowledge of the spirits and with the gifts Aisha had given, the Armor of the Stars was soon ready, needing only the final blessing.
Johann was a rare breed- knowledgeable of craftsmanship and of the theory of magics, both arcane and divine. He knew, and the spirits confirmed, that the strength of the blessing would determine the armor's final power. Ritual magic is odd, even to most students of the arcane, but Johann knew what was needed as he sought out specific people to assist in the circle. The Cleric Sophie, a dedicated healer who had lived among the people, and whose personality and ideals embodied Mitula's mercy. The Cleric Arbeiten, who had not lived among the people, but had spent his life in cloistered contemplation of the deeper mysteries. The Paladin Cederic, closest companion of Lisa on this world, of a mind, strength and will akin to her own. The Paladin Gail, worthy inheritor of the Armor. The clerics, wizards and druids of the gnomes themselves, who had made crafting the armor their entire villages' sole purpose for over a year, led by Johann himself. Clerical, Paladinic, Druidic and Arcane magic, spirits of knowledge, discipline, sacrifice and wisdom, would all be available in plenty for whoever led the circle. And to make the armor as powerful as possible, Johann knew exactly who to ask to lead them all.
-------------------------
The two gnomes entered the main hall of the temple, with their lupine companion trotting behind, and looked towards the high priestess who was the sole occupant of the room.
"Yes, my children?" the high priestess asked, smoothly. "What can I do for you?"
"Priestess, I do not know if you know us, but we are members of the Shining Force and fought to cleanse this shrine less than a fortnight ago." Johann states. "We have completed a task Mitula set for us, and need to speak with her again. Is there a way to speak to her here?"
"Are you sure?" the high priestess asked. "I don't recall seeing you here..."
"I was here." Johan replied simply. "If you wish, I will submit to a zone of truth spell, or with your permission, I will cast a detect thoughts spell upon you and let you see my memories of the fight. Or you could ask another priestess who was here, if you wish."
"I will ask the goddess herself," the priestess said, closing her eyes and chanting softly. After a few moments of silence, the priestess nodded, eyes still closed.
"You are telling the truth, I apologize for doubting you. As keeper of the Shrine, I am in constant contact with the Healer of the Earth. I can only ask that she make herself present though," the high priestess said.
"Of course. One cannot do more than ask, and I thank you for asking on our behalf." Johann said with a relieved smile.
"Why do you wish to see her?"
"The armor we spoke of with Mitula is repaired, and the spirits were willing to instruct me in the final ritual to bless it. The armor's strength will depend on the strength of the blessing, however. Given the war we are in, we wished to ask Mitula herself to lead our circle of casters in the blessing," Johann said, unsure of how the request would be taken.
"Of course I will aid you," a beautiful female voice echoed from the statue of Mitula. "But you will need to perform for me a service later on."
"That which I can do, I will." Johann vowed. "We have sought to repair this armor for more than a year, and it will be difficult to find our role in this war once we have finished. A new task may be more blessing than burden."
"Then you three swear to me before this altar that after your Armor of the Stars is repaired, you will aid me in return," Mitula said.
"I swear, once my current onus is abated, I will strive to complete whatever task you set before me, without reservation in word or deed." Johann said without hesitation.
Sha'aasta paused for a moment, unwilling to make the commitment lightly, but soon announced in a clear voice "By whatever name and reputation I have forged for myself, despite my race, and by my hope to hold firm against blood, I swear I will aid you."
In his own tongue, once Johann explained to him what Mitula has asked, Holzgeist swore as well, "Your will before mine, packleader, at any cost.
The three were enveloped by a blue glow for a moment, then Mitula spoke again. "Then I too will lend my power to your task."
"Let the others for the ritual be gathered within the week."

Posted by: Dark Maiden Mon Feb 25, 2008 2:20 am
Kethra steps forward towards Razahr, and bows before the elder monk. "My name is Kethra Stormwind. I am of the order of the Steel Dragon." ((Yes, I know it's lame, but please don't kill me. ))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Mon Feb 25, 2008 3:45 am
((No need, the tourney fighters should take care of that for me. : D Material components for the ritual costs a total of 5,000 gold, by the way. Who's paying?)) The half giant cleric-hermit Arbeiten, Sophie Alfort, the diviner of the Light, the forest gnome sage Johann Leafdancer, Cedric Theodric, the Hammer of Mitula, a hand picked group of gnomish seers and spellcasters, and finally, Gail Haubrekt, the Slayer of Strife. All stood in a circle around the altar of the Shrine of Mitula, on which rested the pristine newly reforged and repaired armor of Alisa Landale. They were garbed in the finest ceremonial robes of purest white, provided by the Shrine expressly for this one ceremony. Priests, monks, wardens, and acolytes, all those clergy of Mitula within the temple stood in attendance to watch this ritual.
Johann and the gnomes carefully dusted the armor with powdered platinum, forming a circle around the altar with what was left over while chanting a carefully scripted invocation over the armor. The gnomes begged of the spirits of the world to bless the armor and its bearer, called out to all those beings not born of evil to help the armor's owner in her task. The platinum circle flared brightly and vanished, the platinum dust on the armor forming into tight runes that etched themselves into place. The gnomes returned to the circle, continuing their chant.
Sophie stepped forward as the gnomes went back, bearing in her hands a trio of carefully faceted and worked gems. One was a glittering diamond that glowed with inner power. One was a deep green emerald that almost seemed to have its hue grow lighter and darker in a cycle. The third was a pale blue sapphire that sparkled and caught the light like an icicle catching sunlight. All three were cut in a hemispherical shape, and no bigger than a grown man's fingernail. Sophie sung a hymn to the glory and mercy of good, of the ideal behind angels, saints, and even some everyday men. As she sung, she carefully inserted the three gems into three sockets carved into the left besagew of the plate armor. The sockets completed an intricate triple sphere and triangle symbol emblazoned on the besegaw. When the final gem is put into place, the final refrain is sung, and Sophie returns to the circle, only to start her song again.
Arbeiten steps forward, kneeling before the altar and offering a simple prayer. That the wearer might not stray from her path, that she might not know terror or pain, that she might not know despair or burning hatred. That all might be in balance and the wearer able to accomplish her duty without needless sacrifice from her or others, and that the armor would help to accomplish this. The prayer complete, Arbeiten takes a simple aspergillum and uses it to sprinkle holy water over the armor. Arbeiten returns to the circle when this is done, and clasps his hands in silent prayer. The holy water evaporates over the armor in a matter of seconds after Arbeiten is finished.
Cedric steps forward, his massive Hammer in tow. He kneels before the altar as well, placing one hand on his hammer and one hand on the armor. Closing his eyes, he offers a heartfelt eulogy for Lisa, and a short history of the armor, including the reforging culminating in this ceremony. The recitation completed, Cedric asks for the spirits within his hammer to bless the armor as they did before. A warm, white glow suffuses Cedric as he acts as a conduit for the spirits to bestow some of their power upon the armor once worn by one of their number. When the glow fades, Cedric gets up and returns to the circle, closing his eyes and leaning on his weapon.
Gail steps forward, kneeling before the altar and repeating the same vows she made long ago when she began her path... repeating the vows of a paladin. When the recitation of her vows are completed, she stands in silence for a few moments. She then vows to uphold the charge of the armor, to take care of it as it takes care of her, to act as armor for those who have none, to protect others. Finally, she vows to accomplish what the previous wielder could not, to be among those who finally cast the remaining Lords of Strife down.
With the vows taken, Gail remains kneeling. A cloud of glowing golden luminiscence forms above the altar, and Mitula appears from it in all her glory. The full grandeur of the goddess is awe-inspiring, a sense of peace, of mercy, of tranquility fills the hearts of all those who stand around her. The goddess descends and touches the armor, speaking words that no mortal can understand. Golden runes flare to life along the seams of the armor, then fade. The flowing water within the Shrine of Mitula runs faster and columns of holy water blast up from the canal around the altar. A gentle shower of holy rain falls on the armor, washing over it and leaving it gleaming behind. The armor then floats off the altar and assembles itself in front of Gail. Mitula stands beside the armor, before the kneeling paladin.
"Do you accept the Armor of the Stars, as it has accepted you, Gail Haubrekt?" Mitula asks, softly.
The paladin doesn't hesistate with her answer. "Yes."
The armor then floats over Gail, unseen forces putting the mail together on the maiden warrior piece by piece, until she stands fully armored in the restored plate mail.
"The ceremony is completed!" Mitula says. "Fight with honor, valor, and above all mercy, young paladin. You bear the weight of a world on your shoulders now... but that burden itself will help you carry it."
The goddess vanishes in a flash of light and the acolytes and priests of the temple that had been watching burst into applause.
((And for getting a 100% completion rate on this sidequest, you get the most potent version of the reforged armor. Congratulations on receiving your endgame armor, Gail. Armor of the Stars: Full Plate+5. No Armor Penalty. No Max Dex. No Movement restriction. Provides DR 3/-. Resist acid, cold, fire, electricity: 10. Spell Resistance 25 to hostile spells. Boosts Charisma by 4, and Wisdom by 4. Evil creatures suffer 1d6 points of holy damage from coming into contact with the Armor of the Stars.
No Spell Failure Chance. ))

Posted by: Cyrus Mon Feb 25, 2008 3:48 am
[the money will come out of Gail's pocket. It's only fair.]

Posted by: Dark Maiden Mon Feb 25, 2008 4:06 am

QUOTE (TheUnknownMarine @ Sun Feb 24, 2008 9:45 pm)
No need, the tourney fighters should take care of that for me. : D

((You're mean. Oh, and congrats Cy. ))

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Mon Feb 25, 2008 6:30 am
"Your temple is known; indeed, they did decline this year's invitation, due to the troubles abroad," Razahr said, nodding. "Come, then... I shall announce you during the ceremony, and it is only proper that it should begin now." Razahr led the group back to the main hall, where many a fighter waited anxiously for the start of the tournament. True to his word, as the dwarven monk took his place with the rest of his allies, Razahr spoke briefly with Quialis, before beginning the passages which were always read before the start of the competition. Then, one by one, he named each of the contestants.
As each name was called, the combatant stood, bowing respectfully to the aged master of the Stone Leaf temple, even those who accompanied him or her cheered. Finally, as the rest of the names were called, Razahr paused briefly.
"At first, it did not seem that we would be able to have a complete tournament this year," the beastman said, his steely gaze passing over the crowd. "But, indeed, one of our own monks has returned for a short visit, forgetting the tournament itself in his long absence. Bringing allies from different orders, we have found our missing pair."
"And so," he said, "I present Sir Laika, of the Knights of Cypress. With him, though from the order of the Steel Dragon, is Kethra Stormwind. And now, Master Quialis will announce our temple's participant."
Sure enough, Razahr stepped back, allowing the older human to move to the forefront. His aged eyes scanning the crowd, he winked as they met the dwarf's, then he began.
"This year, as Razahr has mentioned, has brought many hard times. Indeed... some who were with us in this place last year live no more... some, though they do not frequent the competions, and do not ask for fame, have still been sought out, to be bested in dishonorable combat. Chu Rao is one of the latter... and though we may have differed in methods, he strove to better himself, as we all have."
"This decision has been difficult for me," the human continued. "I have not participated in more than instruction in many years, I do freely admit. And yet, because we had none worthy, I have been placed in a position where I must now do so, for the honor of my temple."
"But each day brings new enlightenment," he said, smiling. "And new opportunity. This year, the champion of the Temple of the Stone Leaf is the drunken master Graigus Stonemead, a diciple of both the temple and of the late Chu Rao. He thought himself too late, but I can see none finer to represent us. Please rise, my son."
Graigus, who had been beaming at the proclamation of his two allies, keeled over at the elderly monk's words, flat on his back in surprise. Not knowing what else to do, he quickly rose himself up on a bridge, then flipped up to a one-handed handstand before coming to his feet. Bowing respectfully to both Quialis and Razahr, he turned to face the crowd, before sitting, wide-eyed.
"For those who do not know the rules," Razahr said, his words a growl as he singled out a few people in the crowd - namely, the one Dam and Laika had noted before - "I will repeat them. No weapons are to be used. No lethal blows are to be struck. And to clarify, for those monks whose orders worship certain... deities, no spells which affect your opponent or restore damage dealt by your opponent are allowed, neither may spells be cast by anyone else upon a combatant."
"And now... let the first match begin!" Razahr declared.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Mon Feb 25, 2008 6:52 am
The spectators for this event are mostly other monks and martial artists, but there are a small selection of locals and even some nobles onlooking the battles with rapt intensity. Many cluster around a small stand set up by a scruffy looking gnome that handles bets. Apparently there is a lot of side-betting going on this year...
The first half of the tournament is fast and fierce, many different monks and brawlers duking it out for the honor and glory of being the best of the best. The three combatants from the Shining Force plow through their opponents with great ease and consummate skill, their hard months spent fighting a war lending strength the cloistered monks cannot hope to match. The first half of the tournament weeds out the untalented, unexperienced, or careless, leaving only the best behind. The few rounds after that weed out those who were good... but not good enough.
Of the 64 fighters that began this tournament, only 24 now remain... 21 opponents and three Shining Warriors.
Fight!: ftp://ftp.slclan.net/srw/down/music/single/P1/gdg4.mp3

Posted by: Cyrus Mon Feb 25, 2008 6:59 am
Gail beams as the aged master calls out Graigus to represent the honor and skill of the order, knowing what it feels like to be validated by a mentor that one strives to make proud. She then leans forward and takes in the proceedings, rapt in her attention as she winces and cheers for her friends fighting in the tournament's dirt circle.

Posted by: GOD*JESUS Mon Feb 25, 2008 8:20 am
A dwarf in formal clothing stands up on a pedestal and shouts, his voice extremely loud and deep. "Spectators aaaand fellow fighters... Laaaaadies and gents! On the right hand side, the fierce, fanged, and furred fighter... Hailing all the way from Cypress... You've seen him fight the appetizers, now let's see him tackle the main course.... Sir Laika!!!" the dwarf shouts.
Laika stands up letting out a piercing howl as his name is called.
The crowd cheering in response, but his opponent seems unimpressed.
"And in the left side... The king of Karatos-style.. Hailing from Hapon, Shinjis Lee!" the dwarf shouts as a thin man wearing only black pants climbs into the ring. The man bows to Laika. "Let's start the match! Ready! Too bad! Fight!" the dwarf shouts.
Laika bows in return, keeping his eyes focused on his opponents face. The wolfman sprints forwards the moment the word "fight" is shouted out. The werewolf connecting a solid right hook to the foe's jaw.
((1 hit, 20 damage)
The monk flinches, but responds with a roundhouse kick, a right hook, a left hook, a scissor kick, and a hammerblow, all delivered in lightning succession. But Laika masterfully blocks and dodges each and every one of the monk's attacks. The audience "ooohs" at this impressive feat.
((5 misses))
Laika shows no signs of slowing as he pummels the man's gut.
((1 hit, 1 crit, 58 damage))
The monk grunts as more blows land, then raises a fist, forming it into a palm. He shouts some words in a language Laika can't understand, then slams him with a palm heel strike. The monk's palm strikes Laika in the chest, pushing him over and causing him to spasm uncontrollably. The crowd goes wild, and the dwarf shouts over the din.
((1 hit, Laika's FORT save failed, 156 damage, Laika drops to 0))
http://www.shinola.radh.com/guest/Vox/07%20Welcome%20to%20Bangkok.wma
"And the winner is..." Laika immediately jumps back to his feet, much to the shock of Shinjis Lee. "What's this?! Laika is still up!" the dwarf shouts. The crowd erupts in cheers.
: "Now that's one hell of a bluff," Dicem said, smirking.
: "Not yet!" The mighty wolfman growls out, "It takes more than one shot to take out a warrior of Volcanon."
Gail covers her mouth in shock as Laika pitches to the ground, eyes wide with concern...and her brow lifts more when the wolfman simply leaps back up. She then leans forward, watching the proceeding on the edge of her seat.
Shinjis Lee drops his jaw as Laika rises, unable to believe that his technique failed. He's so stunned he doesn't even take a defensive stance as Laika bears down on him. Laika manages a right hook, then a left hook to Shinjis' face. The monk spits out blood, then collapses, unconscious.
((Rage, Lee's WILL save failed, Lee is shaken, 2 hits, 41 damage.))
: "Woooo!" Shouts Gail from her spot in the crowd.
"The winner is... Laika!!!!" the dwarf shouts.
The victor stands over the now bloodied combatant, breathing heavily.
Temple healers immediately see to Laika's wounds as Shinjis is carried out of the ring.
Unaware of the healers around him, Laika stands in the ring, starring at the blood pooling on the ground until he's lead out of the ring.

Posted by: Tarethen Mon Feb 25, 2008 3:00 pm
Farain watches the fight with baited breath. His excitement died when Laika fell the first time, but it returned once the warrior got back to his feet to win the match. He let out a loud yell along with Gail and clapped for his comrade.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Tue Feb 26, 2008 12:40 am
"Next up! The drinking dwarf that destroys dark! A man after my own, ale besotted heart! Our own hometemple hero! Graigus! Stooonemeeead!"the dwarf shouts. "Hey, kid," Dicem said, grabbing Graigus' arm. "WHat say we make a little trade?" "What do you mean?" the monk asked, confused.
"Trade rings with me. Think of mine as a good luck charm, and yours as a reason for me to behave," the rogue said.
"Alright, I guess," the monk said, seeing no deception. He takes off the ring, and accepts Dicem's before heading into the ring.
"Is it really lying if I leave things out?" Dam whispered to Gail.
"Yes...yes it is," Gail says, shaking her head. "What did you give him, anyway?"
"Let's just say that that he's going to need more protection than usual," Dam said, sighing with relief. "I'm glad, for a second there I thought I was slipping back onto the right track..."
"Opposing our doughty dwarf is a doughty man! Jelit Lanster, the four hundred pound human rhino!" the dwarf yells.
Facing his much larger opponent, he bowed in respect, waiting for the call to begin.
An immense and somewhat fat man climbs into the ring and bellows to the cheering crowd. He bows before Graigus, then gives him a mocking grin as he settles into a fighting stance.
The huge man bounds across the room before Graigus can act, flying at the dwarf in a tackle. The fat fighter grabs Graigus and puts him in a hold, but the agile dwarf manages to squirm out of his arms.
Graigus pounds on Jelit, but his blows seem to have no effect, landing on skin rough enough to be hide.
"That's... pretty wrong," Dicem said, shaking his head. "That guy's big enough to be Mahler."
"Come on, twerp, let's see you take this!" Jelit roars, rearing back and lashing out with a pair of blows.
Graigus dips low, bobbing beneath the blows. Shaking a finger, he says "Are your fists too heavy?"
"It...looks like it's a stalemate, so far," Gail notes, watching as each trade blows to no effect. "I don't like the way he shrugged off those blows, though..."
Laika returns to his seat next to his friends, doing his best to duck under people's line of vision until he sits down. The wolfman leans over to Gail and asks, "How's he doing?"
The fighter shakes his head as Graigus lands a pair of punches on him. "Shut up, kid!"
Jelit lashes out again and again, but fails to strike Graigus each and every time. The monk simply continues to dodge aside.
"It's a tie so far...most of Graigus's blows aren't phasing him, and the other man has only missed so far."
"Whatsa matter, yer fists too heavy?" Jelit jeers as he takes another pair of swings at Graigus. "Stand still!" Jelit roars as Graigus dodges again.
"Your belly keeps getting in the way," the monk said, sticking a tongue out. "Just need to get it out of the way," he muttered, flailing ineffectually at his opponent.
Jelit makes a grab at Graigus, but the dwarf ducks under the massive arms.
"Let's try this again!" the dwarf declared, leaping into the air. Both feet made a tight arc across the air, tapping the larger man on the cheek. Graigus attempted to finish with a third blow to the chest, but found his attack once more useless.
"HORN OF THE RHINO!" Jelit shouts, headbutting Graigus in the face.
The monk's head snapped back, bobbing forward as his legs seemed to collapse under him. Just as it seemed he would fall, however, he bobbed upwards, his hands held as if clutching an invisible pair of bottles. He leaned almost lazily to the side, before lashing out at Jelit.
Reeling, as if he'd taken a long swig of strong dwarven ale, the drunken boxer smiled, leaning as if ready to fall over, only to spring up again suddenly.
Jelit shakes his head as the blows fall on him, blinking several times to clear his head.
"Drunken style," Dam said, smirking. "About time he did that."
Wordlessly, Jelit lashes out again. Jelit's first strike catches Graigus in the chest, giving him a nasty bruise. The second fist misses its mark, though.
Graigus leans back impossibly, leveling a kick as he descends. Snapping back like a bent tree branch, his head whipped forward to slam into the larger man's chest. Still cupping his imaginary bottles, the monk swayed to the side, as if intoxicated so badly he would drop at any moment.
Jelit coughs, a little blood flying out as he is struck. "Tw...Twerp! C'mere!" the large man mumbles, swiping at Graigus. Jelit grabs Graigus in a bear hug. "I'll squeeze you like jelly, boy!" Graigus squirms, but can't get free.
"Let go! This is a tournament, not a buffet!" he said, muffled by the man's ponderous body.
"Ouch... that really isn't right at all," Dam noted. "He's... jeez, do people really get that big?"
Summoning a surge of strength, the monk's arm's shot out, breaking the hold and allowing him to drop down to the ground again.
"Yes," the paladin whispers excitedly when the monk breaks the hold on him.
Graigus lets a leg fly far off course, before stepping forward with two solid shots to the chest. Jelit begins to sway in place, his breathing hard. Leaning back, his hands once more cupped mugs that wern't there, while Griagus too swayed, drunk off alcohol he never drank.
"Rhi... Rhino head... butt!" Jelit mutters slowly as he launches himself at Graigus, connecting with his head.
Before the larger man could withdraw, however, Graigus landed two heavy swings on the very same head that struck him.
Jelit slumps down, hitting the floor with a thud. "Graigus is victorious!" the announcer shouts.
"Too much food," the monk said, shrugging. "All he needed was a drink..."
Graigus is escorted down for healing as Jelit is carried out of the ring... Or at least, they TRY to carry him out. In the end, the healers are forced to revive him in the ring so he can get up and walk out.

Posted by: Dark Maiden Tue Feb 26, 2008 6:32 am
((Kethra's 1st fight. I changed a few words here and there, and prettied it up with a little bit of detail. I hope that's ok. )) "Next up, the Steel Dragon dame! The femme fatale from far away! Kethraaaaa STOOOOORMWIIIIIND!" the dwarf shouts. The audience cheers as Kethra enters the ring.
"Versus! The upstart from Uranbatol! Kurlok the Tusked!" the dwarf shouts. A large half orc in monk robes enters the ring and bows stiffly before Kethra.
"Let the match begin!" the dwarf calls.
Kethra bows down before Kurlok. When the dwarf announces that the match has begun, Kethra charges at the half-orc Kurlok to close the distance between them.
Kurlok shakes his head as Kethra connects, and then strikes at the other monk with a flurry of clumsy but powerful blows.
Kethra easily dodges all of the punches, drawing cheers from the crowd.
Grognag the heckler quickly puts away his foam finger, and then begins to cheer on the female half elf fighter. "KETHRA! KETHRA! WOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!," he shouts.
Kethra quickly retaliates with a well placed karate punch, and follows up with a right hook, a roundhouse kick, and a karate chop.
The devastating four hit combination attack leaves her opponent reeling. The half orc roars and takes a pair of swings at the other monk, but both miss wildly.
Grognag lets out an enormous raspberry at the TUSK. "YOU SUCK!" he shouts at the rather oafish oaf.
Kethra frowns after Kurlok attempts to attack her, and the female half-elf responds in kind. She connects with a chop, an uppercut, and a side kick.
With a final flurry of blows, Kurlok hits the ground hard.
"Well that was quick, folks!" the dwarf says. The healers carry Kurlok off the ring.
*Grognag throws a piece of his meat off the bone out into the arena.* "THAT WASN'T A FIGHT! THAT WAS A MASSACRE! WHAT KIND OF GREEN GOBLIN CHUMS ARE YOU PUTTING IN THIS RING, ANYWAY!?"

Posted by: GOD*JESUS Tue Feb 26, 2008 7:00 am
"Laaaaaika! Let's hear it for our wolfman warrior!" the announcer shouts. "You'll be facing... The furious faux flying fighter! Captain Eagle!" A man in a gray and white suit leaps on stage wearing a stylized helmet that looks like an eagle's head. "Yessss!" he shouts to the crowd. He whirls around to Laika, grinning. "Show me your moves!"
"Fight!" the dwarf shouts.
Gail blinks at the spectacle Laika's opponent makes of himself.
: "They...I guess they really were having problems finding applicants..."
: "It's gotten really bad," Graigus agreed, wincing. "Now I know why Razahr was so angry..."
"You think that was bad?" one of the older monks spectators says. "Just look at the announcer... In my day we didn't have bellowing dwarves at dignified tournaments..."
Instead of charging into battle first, this time Laika can be heard whispering for assistance from Lord Volcanon.
((Cast Prayer))
Captain Eagle leaps into the air. "Ea-GLE KICK!"
((1 Miss))
Laika grinned slightly as the eagle man landed next to him.
: "I'll show you my moves alright." *WHAM!* *POW!*
Captain Eagle appears somewhat dazed as Laika manages two powerful blows on him.
((2 hits, 41 damage))
"EA-GLE PAUNCH!" Captain Eagle yells as he punches Laika right in the chest.
((1 miss, 1 hit, 10 damage))
Laika plants his feet and swings away, his foe ducking under one strike, but getting caught in the shoulder with the second.
((1 miss, 1 hit, 19 damage))
"Urgh!" the flamboyant fighter shouts as he is struck. He grins and retaliates with a flurry of blows. "Hya!HUHUHUHUHUUHUHU!" Laika simply jumps a few feet back at the start of the flurry, rendering the attack useless.
((4 misses))
: "He's so... wow," Dicem said, shaking his head. "It's... really, that's not right at all..."
Laika attempts to take advantage, but fails leaving himself vulnerable to a counter.
((2 misses)
Captain Eagle dodges each attack with surprising speed before counterattacking. "EA-GLE PUNCH!" Laika's opponent shouts, driving his fist hard into the wolfman's gut. He then leaps into the air and hits Laika with a flying kick. "FALCON KICK! Shit. Whoops... EAGLE KICK!"
((1 hit, 1 upgraded crit, 45 damage))
Gail furrows her brow in suspicion, attempting to judge something...before the foppish fighter lashes out at Laika with a terrible one-two assault, and dispels whatever thought had kept her occupied with shock at his sudden competence.
Although hurting slightly, Laika still wasn't too worried and struck back wildly, missing his mark yet again as the Captain dodges.
((2 misses))
The Captain smashes his knee into Laika's jaw with a jumping attack.
((1 miss, 1 hit, 16 damage))
Laika wasn't liking this new turn of events, and instead of relying on assistance from a God, he decided to take matters into his own hands and use his own strength. The werewolf growled as he snapped his jaw menacingly.
((Rage))
Laika roars at Captain Eagle, a mighty sound that terrifies half the audience into silence and causes the announcer to shake with fear.
Captain Falcon just shakes his head, wags a finger, and repeats himself. "Show me your moves!"
Laika smacks Captain Eagle in the jaw and he spits out blood.
"Nice moves." The Captain comments.
((1 miss, 1 hit, 23 damage))
Laika responds only in the form of a growl.
Gail's eyes narrow again at the captain's bravery in the face of such terror...and the blood drains from her face, realizing what kind of man Captain Eagle was.
Captain Eagle retaliates with a pair of swift punches to the chest.
((2 hits, 15 damage))
: "What is it?" Dicem asked, trying to get over his fear as he looked at Gail. "What do you know?"
Laika's fist collides with the holy warrior's chest where a bruise will surely appear tomorrow.
((1 miss, 1 hit, 22 damage))
Captain Eagle wobbles where he stands, but manages to lash out one last time. Laika manages to dodge out of the way barely in time, though.
((1 miss))
The savage wolfman spots an opportunity and tries to capitalize.
((1 miss, 1 hit, 20 damage))
Gail turns to Dam with a grimace, then turns back to the fight, pointing at center ring showstealer.
: "That man, he...he's a...," A small shudder runs down her spine before she admites what she's deducted, "A...paladin."
"Oooouwagh!" Captain Eagle gets out as Laika decks him in the jaw. The helmet falls off his head and the Captain falls to the ground.
Some youth in the audience yells out, "CAPTAIN EAGLE!!!"
The crowd goes wild "And the winner is Laika!" Healers carry off Captain Eagle and treat Laika as the ring is made ready once more.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Tue Feb 26, 2008 7:12 am
"And now! Graigus Stonemead veeeersuuuus..." A young man in white robes jumps onto the ring. "Geith Gillis!" "Of the Smoke Mountain order of southern Parmecia!" The young man bows to Graigus, then falls into a fighting stance. "OK come on, let's try our best!"
"Fight!"
"Wish me luck," Graigus said, standing, but Dicem again stopped him. "You don't really need that other ring, do you?"
"Not really... why?" the monk asked.
"Wanted to take a look at it... you might as well put back on your other ring, too."
"Alright, I guess..." Graigus said, swapping rings once more, before bounding towards the ring. With a tumbling leap, he rolled to his feet, and prepared to fight.
"Kyaaaa!" the young man yells charging at Graigus with a flying kick.
The monk tries to backhand his opponent, bringing the fist back for a punch before missing with another backhand.
Geith shakes his head after Graigus strikes him, countering with a form series of strikes. None of the blows strike the mark, though.
Graigus' foot crosses the air three times in response, though only one kick landed on the other young man.
"Oww!" Geith shouts as the kick strikes him in the side. He bites his lip and lashes out with another series of three swift strikes.
Not only do all the blows fail to hit, the young monk managed to overextend himself and fall over on the last kick.
Seeing it as his chance to go all out, graigus fires off a blistering number of attacks on the prone Gillis.
"Huh... that's... huh," Dam said, awed by the speed and ferocity of the attacks. "This whole... huh."
Graigus descends on the downed monk like a raptor on prey, beating the floored youth mercilessly and leaving him a bloody mess. The crowd erupts into a chorus of boos as Graigus lays into the prone fighter.
When Graigus withdraws, the monk opposing him doesn't move.
"The winner is Graigus!" the dwarf announces as healers rush to the ring with a bit more urgency than usual.
"I... is... is he okay?" Graigus asked, worried.
The healers examine the monk and one of them winces.
"Wow, you really did a number on this poor kid... He's badly hurt, but should be fine after we've treated him," the healer responds.
"I didn't... I didn't know," Graigus said.
"Well try and let the rookies down easily," the healer says. "You don't need to pummel them into pulp, that kid couldn't lay a finger on you."
"And you didn't exactly win favor with the crowd for beating on him when he was literally down," the healer says, hooking a thumb at the crowd, some of whom still boo.
"I'll try to be more... more careful in the next round," Graigus said sadly. "Can... can I do anything for him?"
"No, we've got it, but if you fight another opponent that isn't close to your skill level, for the love of Light, go easier on him..." the healer says. "If you don't you might end up killing someone!"
"Come," Razahr said roughly, moving to the dwarf's side. "The last of the matches will be in the coming days, and you have no more opponents tonight. We will talk, before your next... exhibition of skill."
Nodding wordlessly, the dwarf followed, leaving the arena as quickly as his feet would allow.
-={^}=-
"What was that?" Razahr demanded, as soon as they were behind closed doors."He was barely more skilled than you when you left, and you tore him asunder as if he were a monster? What were you thinking?"
"I... I..." Graigus stammered, his face red. "I... I didn't know... I thought..."
"You thought what?" the beastman said, throwing his hands up in exasperation. "Graaah! Damnit, Graigus, this isn't war! The entire purpose of this tournament is to display skills without causing serious injury!"
"Jelit... I tried holding back against him, and I almost lost. I just thought that it would be better if I treated it more like I did when I was outside, but I... I didn't balance myself," the dwarf said, his head bowed low. "I will withdraw from the competition."
"And what will that solve?" Razahr shouted, before turning away. The pair stood in silence for moments that seemed to stretch for days, until the beastman turned back to the drunken master. "Graigus... rest for now. You have great wisdom... just... just use it better in the next rounds."
"Yes, Razahr," the monk said, departing for his shared quarters.
Razahr simply turned away, standing in silence until the opening and closing of a door alerted him to another presence.
"He is still young at heart, you know," Quialis said, now holding the staff the monkey shen had used in countless past battles. "At times, youthful excitement can cloud one's judgement."
"If he had hurt Geith Gillis any worse, Master, we would have more issues than just displeased spectators," Razahr said, his voice almost a snarl. "I thought he had learned some great lesson of import out there, but it is as it has always been... death, destruction, turmoil. Letting him go out on that expedition was a mistake. If he had stayed here-"
"If he had stayed here, Razahr, there is a possibility that neither you, nor I, nor this very building might still stand intact," the human said, winking. "There is much that you too must learn... and I believe that none besides our little monkey would be best to teach you. Give him time, Razahr... you will see."
"You have too much faith in him," the beastman retorted, his anger not yet subsided.
"Perhaps... and perhaps, you do not have enough," Quialis replied simply. "Simply watch his progress from now on... you will see what I mean."

Posted by: Dark Maiden Tue Feb 26, 2008 7:32 am
((Kethra's 2nd fight.)) "Next up is Kethra versus... Muheen Muhadeer! Hermit of Hassan!" the announcer says. A man in loose fitting robes and a turban takes the ring and gestures towards Kethra. Kethra merely smiles at Muheen's gesture and charges at the other monk.
Muheen grunts as Kethra begins the fight with a blow to the gut, then raises his hands and cries out in a strange tongue.
Kethra quirks a brow and sends two right hooks, a left hook, and a chop Muheen's way.
Muheen appears dazed by Kethra's attacks, but manages to respond with a kick and a punch
Kethra blocks both of his blows, though one comes perilously close to striking her. She shakes her head and strikes at Muheen with a right hook, a left hook, a scissor kick, and then finishes it all over with an uppercut that lifts Muheen off his feet and collapses him on the ground.
"The winner is... KETHRA!" the dwarf shouts as the audience cheers again.
Healers drag away Muheen as Kethra is led from the ring.
Laika stands up clapping proudly as the third member of the force enters into the top 8.
Gail hardly had a chance to cheer before the fight was over, leaving her wide-eyed at Kethra's prowess. "I...I didn't know she was so skilled."

Posted by: GOD*JESUS Tue Feb 26, 2008 8:19 am
((Round three, FIGHT!)) "Laika versus Holsenkurz!" the dwarf says, hoarsely, his voice mostly gone. "Fight or somethin'!" A huge minotaur leaps onto the stage and bows before Laika, immediately breaking into a charge. Laika is struck full on by the horns of the minotaur monk, which he notes have been covered by padding.
The wolfman is sent into the sky as the minotaur flips his head up. In midair, the minotaur executes a flurry of blows.
((2 misses, 2 hits, 15 damage))
Laika lands with a thud, holding himself up by one hand as his other clutches his ribs. He launches up into an uppercut, but inexplicably misses the massive creature next to him.
((2 misses))
The minotaur brutally pounds on Laika with lightning fast, devastating blows with little finesse behind them.
((2 misses, 2 hits, 29 damage))
: "This is not the way I intended starting things out..." Laika mumbles as he wipes some blood away from the corner of his mouth. Laika lands his first blow into the minotaurs side.
((1 miss, 1 hit, 19 damage))
The minotaur bellows in pain and lashes out with a trio of blows that Laika easily evades. The crowd cheers.
((3 misses))
Laika uses his momentum from dodging and swings a backhand at the side of the opposing beast's face, following up with a quick jab to the chest.
((2 hits, 32 damage))
Holsenkurz glares balefully at Laika before launching into another flurry of blows. Again, two devastating punches pummel Laika's gut.
((2 misses, 2 hits, 26 damage))
Laika lets out a pained grunt as he's struck with such brute force, but he doesn't let up. The Wolfamn pulls back and smokes the minotaur with a ferocious haymaker, but throwing himself off balance so that his second strike was ill fated.
((1 miss, 1 crit, 30 damage))
"Dog!" the Holsenkurz roars as Laika strikes him. Holsencurz uppercuts, then hammerblows Laika, finishing it off with a spinning hooved kick. The blows feel like freight trains.
((1 hit, 2 crits, 61 damage))
Despite the pain from such brutal strikes, Laika looks unphased, merely glarring into his foe's eyes breathing heavily as he snarls.
Holsenkurz just stomps his hooves in response.
Laika strikes again, yet his attacks appear to be mostly ineffective.
((Rage, WILL save passed, 1 miss, 1 hit, 18 damage))
Holsencurz grabs Laika and slams him into the ring's floor in a devastating bodyslam, the minotaur not letting up. After the bodyslam, Holsencurz deals another two heavy blows to Laika.
((4 hits, 56 damage))
The crowd cheers loudly when it sees Laika still up after the devstating combo.
Laika, although standing, is in obviously rough shape. He barely manages to put force behind another attack which he can't help but feel may very well be his last of the competition.
((1 hit, 24 damage))
The minotaur stumbles, then falls over like a log. "THE WINNER! LAAAAAAAAAAIKA!!!" the dwarf roars as the crowd stands and applauds, cheering.
Gail gives a standing ovation to her ally, periodically yelling down a rousing cheer that gets lost in the sea of adulation.
Laika falls to his knees in disbelief. The world around him now a total blur and spinning. Adrenaline the only thing keeping him from passing out. His claws start glowing a pale red as he holds them up to his chest.
Now with enough strength to stand on his own Laika turns to the crowd, holding his hands to the sky, they burst out in flame with a howl.
Kethra rises from her seat, clapping and cheering for Laika.
The victorious barbarian walks out of the ring and towards the healer's area, proud of coming back when he easily should've been put down twice now.

Posted by: Dark Maiden Tue Feb 26, 2008 8:54 am
((Kethra's 3rd and last fight. )) "Kethra Stormwind, the graceful guardian of Cypress' honor! Versus! The dread master Wrath, of the Chaos Cult!" A red cloaked figure in an odd, sinister looking helmet walks into the ring. "BOOOOOOOOO!!!!!" quickly becomes the only noise that can be heard in the stadium as the cult member enters the ring.
"I have heard of you, warrior of Cypress..." the cloaked figure says. ”Show me the skill that slew so many of my brothers on that island nation of yours."
"As you wish," is Kethra's reply.
"Fight!" the dwarf shouts once he realized Wrath has no intention of bowing.
"My fist is the center of destruction!" Wrath shouts. "Taste my power!" Crimson light flares around the warrior's fist as he charges forward. The fist connects with Kethra's shoulder and crimson light plays over Kethra's body, sapping her energy.
Kethra winces in pain from the blow. Nonetheless, she strikes back.
The dark monk glides away from each strike.
"What's the matter? Do you quail before a real challenge, woman?" Wrath asks, mockingly.
Wrath delivers a lightning fast sequence of fist strikes on Kethra, but the Cypressian is able to block all but one of them.
Kethra narrows her eyes at the other monk. "You wish," is the half elf's curt reply. She strikes at Wrath again with a karate punch and a roundhouse kick.
Wrath grunts as Kethra strikes him, looking at his opponent with red eyes glowing from his helmet. "Better... But not good enough." Wrath delivers a perfectly executed punch and kick combination on Kethra that batters her from all sides.
The force of the blows is too much for Kethra's body to handle, and the half elf slumps to the ground, unconscious.
"The winner! Wrath!" the dwarf announces as Kethra is taken from the ring.
This news is received with a mixture of polite applause and some boos.
Dicem only narrowed his eyes, focusing on Wrath.
Gail stares at Kethra's still form as she's taken from the ring, before her eyes set on Wrath, her brow furrowing at the culstist's arrogant performance.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Tue Feb 26, 2008 5:32 pm
"Next up! Graigus Stonemead! Versus! Master Kukul Kan, of the Feathered Serpent order!" the dwarf announces. "Did you want to swap rings again?" Graigus asked immediately, as he stood. "Or are you done trying to help?" "Not yet," he said, pulling a ring off Graigus' finger, only to replace it with his own. "There... you've got all mine, and I've got all yours."
Shaking his head, the monk made his way into the ring.
A deeply tanned man wearing nothing but a number of feathered armlets and necklaces along with a multilayed loincloth enters the ring.
"May we have a good fight," Graigus said, bowing.
"Agreed. May the luck of the serpents be with you, young one," Kukul says, bowing to Graigus.
"Fight!"
The monk zips into range, swinging a leg out in a missed attempt to knock his foe to the ground.
"You move too shakily. Be sure of your strikes and they will land," the man comments, erupting into a blur of motion. Graigus dodges and weaves only a single blow landing on him. "Your defenses are very skilled," Kukul comments.
"Better..." Kukul mumbles as Graigus lands two blows on him.
"Will you give him anything before his final match," Gail says, looking at Dam coolly.
"I'm thinking about having a celebratory drink," he said, his eyes on the fight. "And you?"
Gail smiles at the comment. "I hadn't thought about it...I suppose my best wishes for his match are all I can give him, right now."
"I hope you like my offense just as much!" the monk replied, the pair of hits landing.
The monk executes a skillful circle-form attack, weaving around Graigus with a barrage of punches and kicks. Again, only one gets through. "Impressive."
Hoping to land more hits, the monk's leg flails wildly against Kukul's defenses.
The master monk merely sidesteps Graigus's blows. "Second strike of the windborne serpent!" he calls out, twisting his body into an unnatural position. "The fang of Hokutos!"
Kukul lands a heavy blow dead center to Graigus' chest. Graigus feels numbness begining to creep over him.
"Focus, kid, focus!" Dicem yelled. "Treat him like Jarlinith!"
Still shaking off the effects of the heavy blow, Graigus' blows come slower than he would have expected.
Kukul wordlessly takes the hits before twisting his body into another unnatural and painful looking position. "Third strike of the windborne serpent!" he shouts. "The bane of Azwosh!"
Kukul strikes Graigus in the forehead and the dwarf's vision gets blurry, blood streaming from his nostrils as he feels cold and weak.
With little choice left, the monk kept an eye on the other man as best he could, even as hair began to sprout from his body.
The other monk dashes forward and strikes, the monkeyman dodging aside. The crowd "ooohs" at this.
"When did he learn that trick?" Dam asked, his eyebrow raised.
Rolling away from the other monk again, he soon returned to his original appearance by the time he came to his feet again. But no sooner did he stop, than the fur once more covered him, turning him into a dwarf-sized monkey.
"I remember him using it in the fortress...that's the earliest I can recall him doing so. He must have learned soon before the...the attack..."
Razahr, who has been watching silently, immediately looked back at the aged leader of the temple. Quialis nodded, leaving Razahr to turn back to the fight with a satisfied smile on his face.
"Interesting..." the other monk mutters, leaping up and striking at Graigus with a drop kick. The other monk's kick is so close as to brush the hair on Graigus' cheek, but even so, he rolls out of the way in time.
Moving back only a few steps, Graigus again dropped his simian mantle, only to take it up again.
Kukul charges forward, but his assault meets nothing but air.
With stunning efficacy, the monk jumps up, slapping his feet against Kukul's head like he was banging cymbals together.
"Grah..." Kukul reels from the attack. He responds with a flurry of blows. Though many of the blows come periously close, Graigus is able to avoid all of them.
Still as cautious as possible, the drunken boxer swiped carefully at his opponent.
The master monk dodges both blows, again responding with a barrage of his own attacks. Graigus continues to dodge aside, much to amazement of the crowd.
The dwarf's need for caution also causes his blows to go far from their intended target.
"So fast..." Kukul hisses as he fails to land a blow on the monk once more.
After a long and dazzling display of prowess, Graigus manages to land a few hits on Kukul, while the master monk responds with a single blow to the monk's head.
Kukul is now bruised in several places, reacting slowly. "You have... much... much, talent," he mumbles as he lashes out. "It is a pity you did not join the Feathered Serpent order, I am jealous of your master..."
Another dazzling flurry of blows by Kukul turns out to be nothing more than a series of feints for a single powerful blow that hits Graigus in the gut.
Finally, sensing an opportunity, Graigus slammed his fist into the monk's torso. Then, leaping into the air, he dragged his fist up and across Kukul's torso, until it connected with the man's chin. Staggering backwards, the dwarf's opponent wordlessly collapsed, even as the drunken monkey master also dropped to his knees, panting.
The crowd goes wild. "The winner! Graaaaigus!" Healers drag Master Kukul Kan off as others tend to Graigus.
"Now that kid... he's something," Dam said, catching the monk's eye. Nodding with a smirk, he simply crossed his arms and took the scene in.
The dwarf turns to the audience. "That's it for today, folks! But tommorrow is the final four, then the big showdown the day after!"
"It's Graigus versus Laika! And Master Parmecia, the Undefeated of the East versus Wrath, the dread master!"
Gail does not reply, instead opting to give the young man a standing ovation, a radiant smile as she watches the monk leave the arena in triumph.

Posted by: BLT Wed Feb 27, 2008 4:49 am
Caius yawned in the stands, stretched and reajusted for a more comfortable position before closing his eyes once more to wait out the tournament. The noise actually helped Caius nap, since it was rarely quiet back when he lived with his family. As the third round ended a lull in the noise woke the snoozing dervish. Seeing Graigus would be up against the wolfman, Caius figured it was a good time to pick a side and marched over to the gnome taking bets.
"So what are the odds on the Graigus-Laika match?"

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Wed Feb 27, 2008 5:42 am
"Two to one favoring the wolfman," the gnome says. "Betting caps at one gee gees."

Posted by: BLT Wed Feb 27, 2008 6:19 am
"Two to one, huh?... fine, put 100gp down on the wolfman. He better win or I'm gonna show him the advantages of ARMED combat later," Caius said, holding his scimitar hilt.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Sat Mar 01, 2008 9:54 am
After the announcer introduced both the dwarf and the wolfman, Graigus hopped into the circle, nodding at Laika. "Hey... no matter what, one of us wins the competition, right?" "I'm going to hold you to that." Laika says, extending his hand to the dwarf. "The best of luck to you friend."
"Same," the monkey shen said, shaking hands with his ally. Then, stepping back, he smiled and said "That doesn't mean I'm going to take it easy on you, thougth!"
"I wouldn't expect anything less. As I refuse to hold back a single punch." The werewolf said with a grin as he steps back into a fighting stance. Motioning for the monk to start his attack first as Laika's body glows a pale red temporarily before returning to normal.
[Cast Prayer]
Graigus immediately went on the offensive, meaning to start strong. Rolling forward, he aims two stiff palms at the wolfman; however, he overestimated how close he would be, and the blows came up short.
(2 misses)
Laika counters with a quick jab to the gut and a left hook that Graigus was easily capable of ducking underneath.
(1 hit, 1 miss, 15 damage)
Rolling backwards with the blow, the monk stopped just far enough away that the wolfman could only manage a single strike, then quickly shifted into his simian form. All the while, he prepared for Laika's next attack.
(Back 10', Hybrid Form)
Laika holds back on attacking, preparing for the monkey-man's next attack.
[Cast Magic Weapon]
The monk rolled forward, arms and legs flying everywhere. Even with the blistering barrage, however, only a single shot managed to catch the wolfman in the chest.
(4 misses, 1 hit, 13 damage)
Laika swings away, but Graigus proves to swift and avoids both shots with ease.
(2 misses)
Graigus attempted a trifecta of thrusts to the torso, but only the middle managed to make it's way through.
(2 misses, 1 hit, 13 damage)
Laika, still not able to keep up with the monk, is thwarted in his attempts of striking his opponent.
(2 misses)
Ducking under a pair of swipes, Graigus somersaulted in place, hitting with both of his feet as he went up, although the follow-up kick he tried when he landed came nowhere near touching the holy barbarian.
(1 miss, 2 hits, 26 damage)
Getting frustrated, Laika begin letting loose a fierce growl. Laika's rage, allows him to get closer, yet he's still blocked.
[Rage, Graigus is shaken]
(2 misses)
Meanwhile, the monk finds himself deeply shaken by Laika's intimidating presence, his previous exposure to it not helping him at all. However, he manages to catch the wolfman with a swing from his left, purposely missing with a low kick to set him up for a direct attack on Laika's jaw.
(1 miss, 2 hits, 16 damage)
The werewolf, fully enraged manages to finally connect with a blow to Graigus' ribs, yet fails to connect with his second punch.
(1 miss, 1 hit, 16 damage)
His eyes widening as he realized that the wolfman's power only dropped enough to allow him to control his damaging blows, the monk attempted to launch a rapid counterattack in hopes of undoing it. However, still affected by his opponent's daunting presence, he couldn't help but miss all but once.
(2 misses, 1 hit, 14 damage)
Laika's luck finally pays off, as his blows land powerfully into Graigus' stomche, followed by a shot to the mouth.
(2 hits, 32 damage)
Letting the momentum of the strike spin him around, the drunken master let his fist swing out close to the werewolf's face, before kicking him under the arm and missing with a follow-up kick.
(1 miss, 1 hit, 8 damage)
Laika falls back to his old ways, as Graigus demonstrates speed's superiority over strength yet again.
(2 misses)
Twisting his body to the left and then to the right to avoid the wolfman's blows, Graigus followed up with two hard punches to the chest and a third hook that cleared the air only halfa foot short of hitting Laika's side.
(1 miss, 2 hits, 21 damage)
Although remaining mostly unsuccessful, the barbarian continues in his frustrating attempt to knock down the swift monkey. Once well placed punch helps in this goal, but the second one falls to the fate of almost all of his other attacks so far.
(1 miss, 1 hit, 13 damage)
Still unable to shake the fear of the barbarian from his mind, Graigus is temporarily distracted and misses again and again.
(3 misses)
Laika seizes an oportunity, and brings a clawed fist into the side of Graigus' temple.
(1 miss, 1 hit, 20 damage)
The tide seeming to turn against him, the monk tries and fails to kick Laika's ass. Literally... three blows, all aimed at the uppermost part of his quad.
(3 misses)
Laika's fists drop like hammers to the dwarf's back as he slams them to the ground.
(2 hits, 33 damage)
Rolling backwards with the blows, Graigus' hairless dwarven face was once more visible. Then, as quickly as it was, the monkey-like features of his hybrid form once more took over.
(Move back 20, drop and pick up hybrid form, defensive stance)
Knowing his anger can only fuel his body for so long, Laika darts forewards, swinging wildly over the agile monk's head.
(Charge, 1 miss)
Seeing that the barbarian was losing his steam, the simian shen rolled away again, as prepared to avoid his blows as he could possibly be.
(Move 20', Defensive Stance)
Breathing heavily, Laika doens't chase after Graigus, but instead rips his claw across his chest. The werewolf smiles sadistically and licks the blood dripping from one of his fingers.
[Cast Divine sacrifice, -10HP(lethal)](Laika is fatigued)
Wary of the barbarian, the monk simply rolls away again, dropping and re-assuming his shen form while remaining on the defensive.
((Move and drop/use hybrid form, defensive stance)
Laika stays where he is, fighting just to avoid collapsing. the werewolf uses the last of the help he can get from Volcanon.
[cast bless]
Graigus simply maintains his defensive stance, preparing for the coming onslaught.
(Defensive stance)
Laika walks up to the dwarf slowly, as the blood drips from his self inflicted wounds to the ground. The battered warrior takes a sluggish swing and is terribly off target.
(Move to Graigus, 1 miss)
Graigus merely continued to avoid the barbarian, until the dangerous gleam in his eye subsided.
((Roll away 15', defensive stance))
Laika continued to play the game of cat and mouse, no matter how much he disliked being considered a cat for anything. Laika missing yet again.
(Move to Graigus, 1 miss)
Graigus merely continued to avoid his pursuer, deadly serious about not being hit.
(Roll away, defensive stance)
Getting tired of this, Laika swings with no accuaracy nearly taking himself out in the process.
(Move to Graigus, 1 miss)
[color=teal]Graigus easily bypassed the sluggish attack, preffering to remain on his guard despite the increasing number of boos from the crowd. Once more, he rolled away from any attempt to hit him, and once more ignored the jeer from people who were upset that the pace of the match had slowed.
Graigus simply bided his time, then waited for one last tired swipe before unleashing a trio of attacks. Still, after defending for so long, only a single one of the strikes managed to find it's mark.
(2 misses, 1 hit, 11 damage)
Laika grunts, and returns fire with a few punches of his own, but unsurprisingly fall off target.
(2 misses)
Graigus only fared marginally better, but he hoped that the blows were going to continue to chip away at the wolfman's stamina until he was unable to strike anymore.
(2 misses, 1 hit, 6 damage)
Showing his resolve, Laika remained standing, and continued swinging away at the monkey to no avail.
(2 misses)
Not ready to quit just yet, the monk opened up with a right hook, then purposely missed with a jab to set up for another.
(1 miss, 2 hits, 20 damage)
Even as he was barely able to remain on his own two feet Laika wanted to prove he still had fight in im, and managed to do just that by connecting with a well placed uppercut.
(1 miss, 1 hit, 13 damage)
Graigus staggered back a step, locking eyes with the barbarian. Then, with a yell, he jumped up and planted his foot squarely in Laika's chest.
(KO)
As the dwarven announcer raved about how the hometown hero was going to the finals, Graigus simply watched as the healers took his friend off. Bowing in deep respect, he headed off to his quarters, and prepared for the next day - and what would be the final fight in the competition.
((As a note, to clarify the bracketing system:
Day 1: Opening Ceremony, [64]->[32]; all PC's are assumed to have won
Day 2: [32]->[16] & [16]->[8]
Day 3: [8]->[4]
Day 4: [4]->[2]
Day 5: [2]->[Champion]
Day 6: Post-tournament festivites
Currently, the last match is Graigus and either Wrath or Master Parmecia.))

Posted by: Alpha Sat Mar 01, 2008 10:23 pm
Sophie wraps her robes tighter around her, her breath coming in puffs of mist as she walked along in the frigid morning air. The layer of frost covering the ground crackled as her feet crushed it, patches of color amongst the silver landscape marking her progress.
She pauses, rubbing her hands together to gather some warmth, then blinks as she notes another figure out in the early morning chill, she asks, "Laeral?"
Though out enjoying the crisp weather and early morning, Laeral expression betrays contemplation. His thoughts are broken however as he hears his name being called. Looking over and identifying Sophie, he smiles warmly at her.
: "That's my name!" he says brightly. "But don't worry. It can't be worn out," he continues, smile growing to a grin. "What brings you out on this fine morning?" he asks, as the cold winds cause his long hair to whip around his angular face.
The priestess smiles, stepping over to the elf, "I often talk a walk after I finish my morning prayers..." She looks at him curiously, "...and you, you look liked you were mulling over something?"
Laeral's smile falters slightly, and he gives a slight shrug.
: "Oh, I was," he replies. "Just thinking about my visit home. I didn't like what I saw."
"Oh..." Sophie frowns sadly, reflecting back on her own recent visit home and thinking how forunate she was, "How are things?"
The elf sighs.
: "Destonia soldiers have the place surrounded," he says sadly. "As such, the forest clearing has been abandoned and my friend nearly shot me as I climbed one of the few remaining ladders to the first set of platforms." The elf then sighs again, but this time it's much more melancholy.
"Have you told the leaders..." Sophie says in a worried whisper, "Maybe we can do something to help."
: "No, I haven't yet. People here are increasingly busy, and should the Imperials move in, the villagers are certainly capable of holding out for a while." For a third time, the elf sighs. "It saddens me that we live in such times," Laeralas says, his smile fading.
"Yes, the times are troubling, but at least we are alive and we can do something about it." Sophie says hopefully, looking at the elven warrior with sympathy, "I appreciate your...sacrifice but please don't hold off on asking for help just because it's a personal concern." She places a hand lightly, reassuringly on the elf's shoulder, "We need to pull together, even if we can't do anything right now, the others need to know that this is important."
Laeral nods at Sophie's words though his troubled expression remains.
: "Yes, you're right," he replies heavily. "I had in fact told Alexander that I'd inform him of my visit when I got back, but..." and the elf shrugs, pausing momentarily, looking away. "I'll go tell him soon," he decides. "I should also ask him to tell the other leaders and Forces to look out for my brother," and he looks back to Sophie. "My father told me he'd left Stamp to come look for me," he says. "It will be truly good to see him again," and hints of a smile begin to form on Laeral's face once more.
"Your brother..." Sophie repeats softly, "Is he close to you, then?" She looks at the elf with a strange emotion, "He must be, if he set out to find you."
The elf nods again, and the smile takes over once more.
: "Yes, we are close. Talacre is many years younger than me, but we get on extremely well," he says. A slight look of pain washes over his features, and he continues. "Not all his life, but for a long time now," he adds.
Sophie nods quietly, a troubled expression on her face, "Is he..." She lowers her head, "You must be worried about him, traveling alone in these dark times."
: "Is he what?" Laeral asks inquisitively, ignoring the latter part of what the priestess said.
I was wondering if...he could take care of himself..." Sophie admitts, "I didn't want to insult him but it's dangerous to travel...esspecially alone."
The expression of pained memory fades, and the corners of Laeralas' mouth turn up again.
: "Talacre is a finer fighter than I am, Sophie," he tells her, some measure of pride in his voice. "Though he doesn't quite have the knack for magic that I do," he continues with a slight smirk. "Still, he has some limited arcane powers. So yes, he's certainly able to take care of himself. My thanks for you concern though," he adds slowly, still smiling.
Sophie looks relieved, though there is a hint of doubt on her face, "He must be an amazing fighter then..." She shakes her head, "Do you have any idea where he might be, we could certainly use another skilled warrior and I'd feel better if he were with us...skilled or not, traveling alone is dangerous."
Laeral lets out a long drawn out sigh, hints of helplessness in it.
: "I'm afraid I do not know, and I wish I did know where he was now. Our father said he left our village two weeks ago...but it is a long distance from Stamp to here...many hundreds of miles." A look of frustration takes form on his face. "I think without aid, be it magical or otherwise, the chances of him actually finding us are slim."
"Well..." Sophie holds a finger to her lips with a smile, "Maybe we could scry his location? That could be warded off but then...does he have any items that you are familar with?"
Laeral's mouth drops open slightly, and for a couple of moments he blinks slowly. Shaking his head, he speaks.
: "Now why didn't I think of that? Probably because you're no good at it, that's why," he mumbles. Looking up again, he continues. "His courtblade," the elf says. "Father bought and enchanted one and gave it to him as a present, just like he did with one of my daggers. Talacre actually gave it a name," he adds, smirking slightly. "Yes, I'm very familiar with that item."
Sophie nods, "I'll need to prepare spells for this, but tomorrow we can look for him." She frowns, "We'll need someone who can teleport though..."
Laeral lets out a chuckle, his smile quickly taking place once more.
: "Then look no further, Sophie," he says, bits of energy shown at the start of their conversation coming through again. "I'm very familiar with that spell, and have been many places."
The priestess laughs, "Excellent... I'm glad we met this morning..."
: "As am I," the elf replies. "My thanks for letting me realise that I should tell Alexander...and for the aid you're offerering to find Talacre." A content smile now in place, the elf tilts his head slightly, and appears to think for a second or two. "Tell me Sophie, do you have a brother? Or sister?" he asks. "I didn't notice before, but now that I think about it, you reacted slightly oddly when I first mentioned my sibling," and he smiles warmly at her, trying to show he's only being inquisitive, not intrusive.
"I have…two brothers and three sisters…" Sophie says with a weak smile, "One of the healers traveling with Radford's team is my brother." She hesitates, "I…I thought he was dead, until we met him..." She explains quietly, "He disappeared three years ago..."
: "Are you glad to see him again?" the elf asks simply.
"Of course..." Sophie replies quickly before adding quietly, "I was...angry too..." She pauses then shakes her head, "It's...not important... He's alive..."
: "Being alive is generally important," Laeral says. "But other factors are generally present. Can I guess that relations haven't always been smooth?"
"I guess we have that in common." Sophie says with a sad smile, then nods, "Tomorrow then?"
Laeral sighs and nods.
: "Ok then. Yes, tomorrow. Thank you Sophie," he offers with a smile, and heads away, the elf somehow managing to not make a sound on the frosted grass.
===================
Later on that morning, Laeralas decides to set out to find Alexander, and then get some lunch. Climbing down from his tree, he drops the last ten or so feet to the ground, falling into a roll to absorb the impact. Standing up and pulling back his hair, he sets off to find the Hero. After a fairly short time searching, he comes across him.
: "Hello Alexander," he says. "Might I have a word with you?"
*Alexander nods, simply.*
: "Of course. What do you need?"
: "Well, more than a word," the elf says. "I met Sophie earlier on my morning walk, and mentioned my visit home. Although I didn't want to at first because everybody's so busy right now, she convinced me that I should tell you." The elf pauses for a moment, before carrying on heavily. "The Imperials have surrounded the village and have taken a couple of elves captive. They haven't moved in yet, but it could happen at any time." He stares at the Hero, sadness creeping into his expression.
*Alexander frowns, putting his hand on the elf's shoulder.*
: "I see. I'm sorry to hear that, Laeralas. Some of the Imperials are no better than devils, and those that allow them to act the way they do are no better...I'm sorry of this is a difficult question, but is there any indication on why they haven't moved in yet?"
: "Not so difficult a question as a difficult answer," Laeral replies. "To be honest, I don't know. Neither does my father, who's been helping with village management. However, I suspect that the reason why is because of the help David and Hedoba gave Prince Medion during the Bulzome War. It makes sense, considering they've marched on many Aspinian lands by now."
Either that of they just don't want to take on a village of skilled rangers and warriors and powerful wizards the elf thinks but doesn't say, not really in the mood for jesting right now.
*Alexander nods, removing his hand. His face shows genuine concern as he responds.*
: "It's possible, and it does make sense. Let me guess...you want to go back there?"
: "Actually, no. Not now anyway. I have my duties here with you, and as my father pointed out, they're fine as long as the Imperials don't move into attack. And even should that happen, the village would be able to hold out for some time." The elf falters for a moment. "I just thought that...if the situation hasn't been resolved by the time the current crisis has been averted, maybe we could do something to help? I...I hate seeing the village as it is now," he says, looking more crestfallen.
: "Yes, of course. Though how much we can help obviously depends on the severity of other situations also, we'll definitely help, and soon. Even if it's just a handful of soldiers, we'll help."
: "Thank you Alex," Laeral says, smiling gratefully. "It means a lot to me." The elf then pauses for a moment, and his whole demeanor changes, the crestfallen expression disappearing. "Something else I wanted to ask. My brother, Talacre, is supposed to be searching for me. I'd ask if you could relay to the other Forces through their leaders to keep an eye out for an elf with similar looks to me who wields a two handed sword. Though Sophie and I plan to scry for him tomorrow, if we can."
*Alexander nods.*
: "I'll do just that."
Returning the nod and smiling once more, the elf replies.
: "My thanks again, Alex. I'll report to you tomorrow if Sophie and I find anything." And with that the green haired elf walks away, already pondering events.
[Divination - Where are can we find Laeral's brother?]
[Divination - Is Talacre in danger?]
[Greater Scry: ] [Will Save: DC 24 : Three attempts to scry on Talacre.]

Posted by: GOD*JESUS Sat Mar 01, 2008 10:25 pm
The morning after his meeting with Sophie, Laeral is on his way to meet the priestess. Trudging through the forest to the appointed spot, he peers around as he goes. : "Hey Laeralas!" Shouts a voice from above the Elf, which can easily be identified as Thavon's. "What are you doing out here in the woods?" The Birdman asks as he lands on a large branch from a towering oak tree.
: "Well, I am an elf you know," Laeral replies, staring up at the birdman and crossing his arms. "We are known to like forests and such." The charade doesn't hold, and he grins. "Nah, I'm on my way to meet Sophie. We're going to try and find Tal today."
: "Just the two of you?" Thavon responds, "You don't think you're brother's capable of getting into more trouble than you can handle?"
: "Well, we're going to scry on him. If he's not in trouble, then we'll go get him. Apparently he's been searching for me. And if he is in trouble, then we'll go and help him, or at least grab him and teleport out."
: "You better hope he's not changing when you start scrying." Thavon says with a chuckle.
: Laeral laughs at this. "I wonder how many times that actually happens to scyers," he wonders. "Imagine the ebarassment," he says, still chuckling. "Anyway, would you like to come along? An extra fighter and wizard would be useful if there's a fight on our hands." He pauses. "Oh, and also because your my friend," he adds with a wry grin.
: "Flatery gets you everywhere in life, as a result." Thavon hops down from the tree branch he was on before continuing. "I'm in."
: "Glad to hear it," Laeral says, still grinning. "To both your comments."
Continuing on with his winged friend to the appointed meeting place, Laeralas greet the priestess and information about Talacre's sword and describes his physical characteristics.
: "Good morning Sophie," Laeral says, smiling. My thanks again for aiding me with this. I ran into Thavon on the way here, so invited him along. An extra warrior and wizard brings us up to one warrior, one rogue, one priestess and two wizards," he says with a grin.
: "Anyway, on to the task: his courtblade is about the size of a greatsword, though one of the edges is only sharpened on the final quarter. The hilt is fashioned to resemble leaves, and has a hair braid woven through it, much like this," and the elf displays the green braid wrapped around the hilt of the dagger his father had given him.
: "Talacre himself is the same height as me, and weighs about the same too. Same green hair, though he doesn't keep his so long." Laeralas pauses for a moment, hand on chin in thought. "He sometimes has flecks of blue in his hair too - dyes it with who knows what," he adds with a grin.
Held in trembling hands of the priestess, the shard of pink crystal begins to glow as she whispers the words of a sacred prayer again and again. Faint images swirl in the depths of the shard, in response the eyes of the priestess widen...seeing clearly across the distance. Then she lets out a gasp and looks up, her eyes filled with a deseperate concern, "I found him! But he's being attacked!" She glances around in a frantic moment, "We need to reach him..."
Laeral remains calm, despite the news that his brother is in danger. Taking the area description from the priestess, the daggerspell begins chanting. After a short while, he reaches out to touch both Sophie and Thavon and the trio simply disappear. The last image the priestess is able to see is Talacre take a seemingly impossible jump into the air, right up to the tree boughs...
[Cast Greater Teleport]
….hundreds of miles away, in a secluded forest clearing in central south Parmecia, the three adventurers reappear. Across the clearing, two massive hulking beasts stand, growling loudly. One appears to be gazing about, the other moving towards one of the trees. They do not seem to have noticed the newcomers…yet.
: “I hope you’ve got spells prepared,” he says, mainly to Thavon but also Sophie. “Looks like we’re in for quite a fight here.” He pauses for a moment. "He's up in that tree there," he points out, indicating with a hand.
[Roll initiative. Also, roll spot, if you beat 11, you can also spot Talacre in the tree.]
[Laeral’s spot check: 35
Thavon's spot check: 23
Sophie's spot check: 15
Initiative
Laeral: 24
Truly Horrid Umber Hulk (THUM) 1: 18
Sophie: 16
Thavon: 12
Talacre: 11
THUM 2: 9]
http://www.alphaalec.com/chaoswar/BoB-1a.png
"I see him..." Sophie replies in a worried voice, "...but what about those...bugs?"
: “They look like umber hulks,” Laeral says. “But they’re much larger than ones I’ve seen before. Watch out, not only are they extremely strong, their gaze can induce magical confusion!
The daggerspell then utters a single word, and the trio’s movements are quickened. He then moves north and launches a spell at the umber hulk closer to Talacre, aiming to get its attention.
[Quicken cast Haste. Then move 7 spaces up, 1 left and cast Ultimate Blaze on the top umber hulk. 73 damage]
The umber hulk roars in anger and pain as the magical fires burn at it, but its focus remains on the closer elf. It moves forward and using its tremendous reach takes a swipe at Laeral’s brother. The attack falls short by centimeters however, and the aberration’s growls of anger increase.
[Move 4 spaces right, attack. Miss]
"Oh no!" Sophie exclaims as she moves closer, then shouts out a prayer.
[Move 30 feet closer]
[Cast Bless]
Thavon takes off to the sky, taking the high ground as he usually does. The birdman lobs a glob of glowing purple goo at his foe's face.
[5 Squares North, 4 Squares West, 45' in the air. Cast Orb of Acid at topmost THUM, 38 damage]
Talacre wasn't too impressed. Of course, he could likely outrun these...monsters, and with ease, but he also knew just leaving them here could cause problems for any living nearby. Still, fighting them alone would be - he turns as a fiery storm engulfs one of the creatures, with an orb of hissing energy following closely behind. Looking to the source of these magical attacks, he almost falls out of the tree (lol Kyoji), but keeps his balance. Smirking, the blade dancer leaps into the air, jumping ten feet straight up. As he decends, he lines up his courtblade with the umber hulk's head. Though not completely on target, the sword cuts deeply into the beast's shoulder. Landing nimbly, the elf tumbles around, throwing his wieght behind three more attacks before moving over to join the newcomers.
: "Hello big brother," he says to Laeral as he nears him. "It's good to see you."
[Dervish Dance. 4 attacks, 3 hits, one of them a critical. Total damage: 122
With tumbling and jumping and attacking, he ends up 2 spaces north and 3 spaces west of Laeral]
Before Laeral can answer however, the remaining umber hulk lets out an almighty roar and moves closer to the out of reach group. Instead charging forward however, it looses its confusing gaze at Thavon.
[Move 4 spaces east. Confusion on Thavon. Will save DC22 or be confused]
Round 2!
http://www.alphaalec.com/chaoswar/BoB-1b.png
: "Hello little brother," Laeral replies calmly. "Getting yourself into trouble I see," he says with a laugh as he looses a trio of flaming rays at the mortally injured umber hulk. Two rocket into the creature, but one goes seriously wide, almost catching Talacre in the head.
: "Damn," he curses, wincing. "Sorry Tal. My aim's off, it seems."
: "I'd hardly call that an appropriate way to greet the brother you haven't seen for oh-so-long," Talacre retorts, smiling somewhat though.
[Cast Scorching Ray. 2 rays hit, 1 a potential crit miss, though it turns out to only be a normal.
Damage: 33]
The heavily wounded abberation moves forward again, but without much energy - it's obviously near death. Still, lurching forward it manages to swipe once more at Talacre with the last of its strength.
[One step south, one east. Attack Talacre. Hit, 19 damage. 14 after DR]
"Be careful, Laeral." Sophie says with a faint smile at the reunion, "I can restore health, not hair."
The priestess takes a few more steps forward, the hint of humor in her eyes vanishing as Talacre is attacked, "Come to me and keep your guard up, Thavon and Laeral can take the beasts." She speaks the words of a prayer, calling blessing upon the group, "I'll close your wounds."
[M - 10 ft forward]
[Cast Prayer]
Thavon easily shakes off the gaze.
: "She's right you know." Thavon sais with a mild chuckle, "Allow me to demonstrate." The Birdman then proceded to rip through the air, speeding down the battlefield at his foe.
[Divebomb hit, 111 damage, Heroic Surge hit, 33 damage, total 144. Thavon is now 8 squares west and at 20' in the air, THUM gets 1 AoO I think.]
At first Talacre looks as if he won’t do as Sophie says, but after a moment he shrugs and backflips out of the monster’s reach to stand in front of the priestess.
: “Healer’s orders I guess,” he says with a smile to her. He then raises his courtblade in a defensive position before him.
[Move 3 spaces right, 1 space down. He auto passes the tumble check. Full defence]
The truly horrid umber hulk Thavon attacked seems to merely shake off the powerful strike. Taking a small (relatively) step forward, it launches a series of powerful attacks back at the birdman. Each one hits, and the birdman is left reeling from the monster’s strikes.
[AoO. Hit. 24 damage.
5’ step left, full attack. 3 hits, one a critical. 92 damage.
Total damage: 116]
: “Thavon!” Laeralas calls out in alarm as he sees his friend get hit again and again. Scowling, the elf jumps forward and raises his arms to the sky, chanting a spell. “Take this you bastards!” he yells at the umber hulks. Sparks of electricity dance around his daggers and clouds gather around the small forest clearing. Soon, two bolts of lighting shoot up from his weapons into the clouds and then rocket back down into the monsters before him. They are both hit full on, and the already injured umber hulk drops dead to the ground, electric energy crackling around its carapace.
[Move 1 space down, 6 spaces left. Cast Bolt 2. 49 damage to the left THUM, 34 to the right one. Right one’s dead.]
Round 3!
http://www.alphaalec.com/chaoswar/BoB-1c.png
"Thavon!" Sophie exclaims as the birdman is struck with a powerful blow, "Oh no!" She glances at Talacre, clearly distraught, and grasps at her holy symbol, mumbling a quick prayer. Instantly, the wounds of the nimble fighter are sealed.
[Divine Metamagic: Quicken Spell]
[Heal: +140 HP : Talacre]
The priestess then breaks into a run towards the remaining insect and the wounded birdman, stumbling over the rough terrain.
[M - 30 feet towards Thavon]
"Thavon! Hold on!" She calls out as she nears Laeral, breathing heavily from the dash as she shouts out the words of a prayer.
[Mass Cure Moderate Wounds: + 31 HP : Thavon, Laeral, Sophie]
: "Well that wasn't quite as I expected." Thavon said, barely managing to cough out his sentance. "Looks like I'm going to have to return the favour you giant oaf."
[1 miss, 2 hits, 1 crit, 164 damage total, 82 healed.]

Posted by: Alpha Sat Mar 01, 2008 10:29 pm
With Thavon's final flurry of blows, the second umber hulk falls to the ground, the birdman's wounds healing due to his weapon as he deals out the powerful strikes. Sophie quickly steps up to the birdman, looking at him worriedly, "Are you alright?" She holds out a hand, "Let me heal you."
"No need." Thavon states with a smile, "This little thing's got my back." The birdman says holding up his ranseur to draw attention to it.
"Good thing our village gifted it to you really, isn't it," Laeral remarks with a grin.
The priestess looks skeptical but lowers her hand, glancing back at Talacre, "I'm glad we found you when we did, just in time...thank the Light."
Talacre smiles, and bows at Sophie. “Yes, things certainly turned out much easier than I expected. How did you find me, though?” he asks.
Hey, your village only supplied the weapon; I paid for those upgrades on my own." Thavon said defensivly.
"The Light helped us." Sophie responds with a smile, then a thoughtful expression crosses her face, "You went searching for your brother but he found you." ...just like me.
Laeral merely laughs at Thavon’s reaction. “True, true,” he agrees. “Still, it came from us. Good to know it’s gone to good use.”
“Ah I see,” Talacre replies, and bows again in thanks. “And who might you be? I know Lar and Thavon of course. Perhaps you’re part of that group my brother went gallivanting off with?” he asks.
"I...I suppose I am..." Sophie replies uncertainly, a bit surprised at the elf's candour.
Talacre continues to smile. “Pleased to meet you then,” he says.
“Eh, ignore his attitude Sophie.” Laeral says with a grin. “He’s always so outspoken like this around attractive women.”
"I don't suppose you'll be trying to join our little quest we have here now, will you?" Thavon asked the dervish. "An extra sword... or two always come in handy."
Sophie flushes, looking away with a frown.
Talacre doesn’t notice Sophie’s discomfort as he turns to Thavon. “Depends what we’re doing,” he says. “I was looking for Laeral to help us out back home.”
“I’ve been back,” Laeral replies. “It’s how I found out about you looking for me. Anyway, if doesn’t seem the Imperials are going to attack any time soon. Goddess Mitula herself assured me,” he says.
“Wow,” Talacre says, obviously surprised, though not questioning his brother. “Well, ok then. What’s this quest of yours?” he asks.
Sophie glances at Thavon, recovering her composure swiftly, and shrugging slightly as if to say brothers are brothers.
Right now, we're planning an assault on Bedoe." The birdman responded in a serious tone, unlike his usual sarcastic self.
“I…see,” Talacre continues uncertainly. “I suppose there’s a decent reason why.”
"Well, aside from the fact that their ignorance lead to my expulsion from the city..." Thavon said with a shrug. "I suppose you could count the fact that Volcanon is most likely being kept in check by evil priests draining his power and making sure he can't help anyone."
“Jeeze,” Talacre says, eyes wide. “I thought things were bad back home. I had no idea of what was going on out here.” He shrugs. “Sure, if Stamp is safe for the time being, I’d be happy to lend a hand.”
Sophie glances at Thavon in surprise, her eyes widening, "You were expelled from Bedoe?!"
"Errrmm... yeah." Thavon says while scratching his head. "I kind of.... well gave an uppercut to one of the King's advisors..."
“Fortunate really,” comments Laeral to Sophie. “He saved my life before doing so.”
"What?!" Sophie exclaims, "You...you struck one of the high court?"
"It's not MY fault they wouldn't believe me that the cult were a threat to the city." Replied the birdman casually. They refused to help out when Larry here got himself into a losing battle with some of the cult just outside the city."
"They refused to help out when Larry here got himself into a losing battle with some of the cult just outside the city."
He was fourtunate there was one Birdman that wasn't afraid to come and bail him out of that mess." Thavon made a fake cough as he shot a glance over to the elf.
Laeral sighs. “Please don’t call me that,” he says to Thavon with exasperation.
"Maybe not..." Sophie replies with a frown, "But it seems...kind of a rash thing to do..." Then her frown deepens, then she laughs, "It should make the liberation of Bedoe an interesting affair."
"Getting us inside should be the interesting part." Thavon said with a chuckle. "Aurik got a bunch through from being a cleric of Volcanon. Although I don't think he can convince them to let our entire force through..."
“So Tal, those were the only monsters around, right?” Laeral asks, turning the subject in a different, yet more immediate direction.
“Oh, right!” the other elf replies. “There are more, but they’re holed up in a cave nearby. It must be their lair, which of course I didn’t realise at first.”
Laeral sighs. “Nice of you to tell us now.” He looks to the other two. “What do you want to do about the other monsters? Umber hulks are evil by nature, so it may be worth dealing with them.”
Sophie frowns, "Should we call the others or are we enough?"
Thavon looks down at himself, checking for any wounds. "Well, I seem to be in one piece, and I've got plenty of spells left. I'm up for a fight if you are."
The priestess frowns thoughtfully, "If...if these two are the alpha ( :-) ) male and female, if we show the others that we defeated them..." She glances at the two corpses thoughtfully, "...maybe we can frighten them off without a fight..." She pauses, "...but if they are innately evil, is it right to spare them?"
“If they end up leaving the area, that’s good enough for me,” Laeral says. “And anyway, there will always be beings such as them around. Plus, there’s a lot worse evil things out there we’re having to deal with.” He pauses. “Still, it’s your idea, so I say it’s your call,” he adds.
Talacre merely shrugs and nods in agreement.
"That's true..." Sophie says with a frown, "...but the thought of them someday attacking a village..." She looks down torn, "We can give it a try and if it doesn't work, take it as a sign to try to end their evil."
Laeralas nods. “That work with you?” he asks Thavon.
"I have no problems with that plan." Thavon states with a nod.
"Well, the most intimidating of us should lead the way..." Sophie replies, adding for measure, "That's not me."
“Right then,” Talacre says. “I’ll show you where the cave is. But first…” and the dervish unsheathes his two handed courtblade again, and moves to the two massive umber hulks. With a few well aimed slices, their mandibles come free. He tosses two to Thavon and one to Laeral, holding onto the last himself.
The dervish then proceeds to lead the short distance to the aforementioned cave. It’s an easy walk and only takes a few minutes. Upon entering the gloom of the cave though, growls can be heard nearby. The other umber hulks are close. After a few moments, several appear before the four group members, more obviously behind. The fact that they haven’t yet loosed their confusing gaze or charged shows their apparent hesitation.
"Would you like to be added to our collection?" Thavon shouts out holding up the severed teeth for the hulks to see.
Sophie frowns, glancing at the surrounding beasts with an attempt to look threatening.
Despite the not so impressive attempts of being threatening from Thavon and Sophie, Laeral and Tal succeed by both throwing the mandible they’re holding towards the hulks. They slide across the floor and come to rest before the group, who immediately start to shift uneasily. After a moment, half of them move away with speed and fear, before long disappearing into darkness. The others remain for a few more moments, eying the group, before they proceed to follow the others.
“I guess running in, weapons slashing isn’t always the way to win,” Talacre says contemplatively.
“Indeed,” agrees Laeral. “A fine idea, Sophie,” he congratulates.
"Thank you..." Sophie lets out a sigh of relief, "Can we seal the cave?"
That definitely wasn't a way I would have approached the problem." Thavon said, impressed by the healer's plan. "But it was a lot less reckless, and possibly more effective too."
“I don’t have any spells that will shape stone,” Laeral answers. “Though Thavon and I could simply blast the entrance.” He pauses for a moment, his keen elven eyes spotting something. “It seems they’ve actually hoarded some treasure here,” he says, moving over to the pile.
[Treasure!
Dust of Dryness, Dust of Illusion, Circlet of Persuasion, Gloves of Storing, Stone Horse [Courser], Manual of Gainful Exercise +1, Tome of Clear Thought +4
7000 gold coins, 9000 gp worth of art, 5000 gp in gems
Thavon's getting the Tome, Talacre the Manual. The rest will be sold. 47,550 gp total, 11,887 each
EXP from the encounters
Sophie: 3,150
Laeral: 1,800
Talacre: 1,800
Thavon: 2,250]
After sorting through and identifying the treasure, the group proceed back outside. Working together, Laeralas and Thavon bring down the cave entrance with a myriad of destructive spells. It takes a few minutes, but after a particularly powerful blaze spell from Laeral, the entrance way stones finally give into arcane assault and tumble down with a resounding crash. That task done, Laeral repeats and earlier spell, and teleports the group back to their HQ. Arriving, Laeral turns to his brother.
: "Welcome to Cyrpess, little brother," he says. "Come on I'll show you around."
Talacre nods slowly, looking around at the area spread out before him.
: "It needs more trees," he responds with a grin to his brother and a look at the barren openess before the headquarters. He shrugs though and starts to follow his brother. After a few paces, he stops and turns around.
: "Thank you for coming with Laeral," he says to Sophie and Thavon, offering a bow to the former. "We should spar sometime Thavon," he continues. "I hope you haven't grown slow on me," he finishes with a grin, before contiuing after Laeral.
: "My speed is irrelevant, what matters is how high you can jump." The birdman retorts.
Talacre merely laughs in reply.
: "You forget I can walk through the air," he replies with mirth.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sat Mar 01, 2008 11:36 pm
"Ladies and gentlemen, the main event!" the dwarf cries from his podium. "The dread master, the dark caller, from the Order of Chaos, Wrath!" Some scattered applause, a few cheers, and a few boos meet Wrath's entry into the ring. "And his opponent! The Undefeated of the East! The founder of the Burning Hand School, Master Parmecia!"
An elderly, but strong looking man with a mustache and a braid enters the ring. A simple purple and black outfit is all he wheres compared to Wrath's intricate cloak and partial armor.
"Hmph. Old man, let's put talent versus experience to the test," Wrath says, falling into a fighting position. Master Parmecia grins, bows, and does the same.
Wrath immediately utters an angry roar, crimson fire licking around him.
TheUnknownMarine: Master Parmecia immediately twists his body into an intricate stance, golden light begining to shine from him.
: "Do you perhaps mean rage versus calm?" Parmecia says.
Wrath doesn't respond, instead charging forward with a howl, his fist on fire.
The blow catches Master Parmecia in the gut, causing the older monk to stumble back.
: "Seven Isle Strike!" the old man shouts, turning into a whirlwind of kicks and punches as Wrath enters his reach.
Only two blows land on Wrath, but they are powerful, causing the dark warrior to grunt in pain.
"Smothering Darkness of the Long Night!" Wrath screams, black motes of energy surrounding his palms as he slams them towards Master Parmecia.
Master Parmecia grunts as one of the palms strikes him, dark lightning playing over his body.
"Not bad, but you haven't won yet," the older man says, holding up a single hand. Golden light begins to play about it. "SHINING HAND STRIKE!"
Master Parmecia connects, the shining fist erupting in light to blow Wrath across the ring. The dark monk falls at the other side, getting up with a growl.
"The Skull's Glare of the Setting Sun," Wrath growls. "Death Hand Blow!"
Wrath charges and leaps into the air, his hands clasped together for a double hammer strike. Master Parmecia rolls out of the way and the blow hits only the ring. The older man shakes his head.
"The Ravages of Time! Ancient's Palm!" Master Parmecia shouts, lashing out at Wrath. The dark monk deflects the attack with a hand.
Wrath explodes into a storm of punches and kicks.
Master Parmecia skillfully evades them all, save for a single punch to his cheek.
The older monk counters with his own flurry of blows, four strikes landing instead of one.
"Quake with fear!" Wrath howls, slamming his palms to either side of Master Parmecia's head. The master monk's nose spurts blood as his body begins to shake uncontrollably.
Master Parmecia stomps a foot on the ring and his body reasserts control of itself. Glaring at Wrath, he draws back a fist.
"Secret technique! Wrath of the King's Henchmen!"
Master Parmecia throws a punch crackling with purple energy, but Wrath deflects it with his own.
Both combatants become blurs of motion as the fight drags on. Kick after kick, punch after punch lashes out amidst what becomes a storm of combat.
Finally, both combatants stand panting, bruised and battered. With a howl, Wrath charges forward at the same time Master Parmecia does. Wrath throws a powerful blow at Master's head.
But Parmecia ducks under it by the slightest of margins and delivers an uppercut to the dark monk.
Wrath is knocked back and off his feet, hitting the ground with a loud thud, unmoving.
"THE WINNER! MASTER PARMECIAAAAA!" the dwarf howls with delight.

Posted by: Rusty Sun Mar 02, 2008 5:14 am
*Alexander, along with Laeralas, returns to Shade Abbey, heading to the place he met Mae and the others for a meeting before.* "It's not much further." Laeralas merely nods. He's looking around at the sights he hasn't seen for many years. "It's been a long time since I was last here," he tells the hero.
The gate guards nod to the hero and let him in.
"What exactly are we going to be talking to the General about?" the elf asks Alex.
Alexander: "A few things. Mitula told us we should ask Mae about the whereabouts of other Shining Force members. Also, I need to tell her something else." *Alex nods to the guards before entering.*
The elf nods. "Fair enough."
The war room is much as the same as they left it, with Mae standing over a detailed map. She looks up. "Ah, greetings. Good news, I hope?"
*Alexander nods.* "Some. Though I can't guarantee a meeting with Max anytime soon, I did get in contact with him. He's...helping a friend he's neglected for a long time. I'm sorry that I can't give a definite date on that."
Laeralas sighs and nudges Alexander with his elbow. "Going to make introductions? I wasn't here last time," he reminds his leader.
"I am General Mae Lanceres of the Guardiana Resistance. You are?" Mae asks Laeralas.
*Alexander frowns.* "I'm sorry, Laeralas. I'll admit I was rather nervous to say that, so I guess I was anxious to blurt it out."
Laeralas shrugs. "Eh, that's fine." And he turns to General Mae. "Laeralas, or Laeral if you prefer, daggerspell mage of Stamp Village, far east in Parmecia. I've been travelling with Alexander for quite some time now."
"Pleased to meet you," Mae says, nodding.
"And you," Laeralas replies with a smile. "Always a pleasure to meet such legendary warriors." He turns back to Alexander. "In fact, isn't that why we've come?" he asks.
Alexander: "Indeed. We spoke with Goddess Mitula after we freed her from the clutches of the Ur Priests. We intend to help Volcanon in the same way, though we fear it'll be much more difficult. Mitula told us that you, Mae, would know more about the other surviving Shining Force members and their whereabouts."
Mae frowns. "We know of... most of their whereabouts."
*Alex nods.* "Any would help."
"Most of the remaining Shining Warriors are here, you've met them," Mae says. "Across the sea, some aid Prompt. Bleu, Alef, Torasu. We don't know where Hanzou or Mushashi are, nor Lyle," Mae says.
"Dagron has expressed much interest in meeting Bleu," Laeralas points out. "I've been to Prompt before, so I could take us at some point."
"We do know that Luke, Lowe, Earnest, Pelle, and Vankar were still in the Guardiana area when it fell... and they never made it back here," Mae says, quietly.
*Alexander frowns and nods.* "So...other than here and our own headquarters, the only place you know of for sure with any Shining Force members are is Prompt?"
"That is correct," Mae says.
"Do you know where Arthur is?" Laeralas asks, interest in his voice.
"Last I heard he was travelling to Saraband," Mae says. "But that was some time ago."
Laeralas nods in thanks and makes a mental note about that piece of information.
"Is that all?" Mae asks.
Alexander: "We definitely should head to Prompt. Thank you, Mae. Oh...and, I should give you this." *Alex says, stepping forward. Alexander pulls out Anri's ring.* Alexander: "I think you'll recognize this. Anri...who was under the Strife Lord's control - we rescued her and she is safe at our headquarters also. This is proof of this. I asked for a form of identification, because I realize my story lost credibility when I failed to set up the meeting."
Mae takes the ring and stares at it. Emotion flickers across her face for a moment before returning to the stoic mask that she usually wears. "Yes... This is her ring. How... How did you undo their control?"
*Alexander frowns, shaking his head.* "I was not present myself, so I don't know. I would have to ask those that were, which I unfortunately failed to do before coming here."
"Please ask next time," Mae says.
"We'll be sure to," Laeral assures the General.
Alexander: "I will. All that matters, though, is that she is no longer in their pull and is now with us." *Alex smiles at this.* Alexander: "It's really exciting, getting all these new allies. It's been doing a lot for our morale."

Posted by: Kaihaku Mon Mar 03, 2008 2:32 am
Jim advises freeing Volcanon, Dicem is neutral... Cedric and Alex discuss the situation in Rune and determine that there's nothing that can be done there currently. Therefore, it is agreed to head to Bedoe. [It is a week after Mitula is freed. Most upgrades should be complete.]

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Mon Mar 03, 2008 2:41 am
One week passes quickly, and the decision is made to head to Bedoe and free the god-bird Volcanon. The only thing now is how to do it... Resources to be assigned: 12 Medallions of Mitula. Leaders, please select a team and a plan. The restored Fort Ordalia stands with an additional two stories atop the barracks that had at one time comprised the entirety of the fortress... A good week's work. The tent city lessens dramatically as all of the soldiers and most of the workers are able to find a bed within the completed residence, away from the howling mountain winds.
((Construction completed: Minion barracks. Chapel. Armory. Brig. Mess Hall.))
Meanwhile...
Across the sea in the Bustoke region, the former Royal Guard wait anxiously for their leader to decide on a course of action.
((Ivellas, you're up to bat.))

Posted by: Alpha Mon Mar 03, 2008 3:39 am
Laeral and Talacre are walking through the various areas of headquarters, the older elf in the process of showing his brother their base of operations. On their way, they happen to bump into Alexander. : “Hello Alexander,” he says with a grin, and drapes his arm over his brother’s shoulders. “Look who I found.”
*Alexander smiles, nodding to the two elves.*
: "Ah, good! So you did meet up."
Laeral nods in reply.
: “Of course, we had to pull him out of a bit of trouble,” he says. “But I’ve come to expect that over the years.” And he elbows his brother good naturedly in the side. “Anyway,” he goes on. “Tal, this is Alexander, the leader of our Force.”
Talacre nods and smiles at Alex and extends his hand, ignoring the ribbing from his older sibling.
“Pleased to meet you,” he says.
*Alex leans forward and shakes Talacre's hand firmly, looking him in the eye and nodding yet again before breaking the handshake and standing full again.*
: "Likewise, Tal. I'm assuming it's all right if I also call you Tal?"
The younger elf smiles brightly at this.
: “Of course,” he says. “Not many do, but go ahead. My full name is Talacre though, just in case Laeral didn’t mention that,” he adds, shooting a glance at his brother who merely grins innocently.
*Chuckling, Alex responds.*
: "Oh, he did, but I've grown accustomed to nicknames. You see, I'm not that great with names."
: “Oh…” the elf responds. “Um…any particular reason why? If you don’t mind me asking, that is.”
*Alex shrugs.*
: "I don't know why. It's just how I work, I guess. I'll recognize people's faces and who they are and what they stand for, but sometimes I'll forget their names. It's not an everyday occurance or anything, mind you."
Talacre nods again in easy acceptance.
: “Fair enough,” he says. He pauses for a moment uneasily before continuing. “So, is there anything you’ll be wanting me to do around here, Alex?” he asks.
: "Well, what are your areas of expertise?"
The elf puts his hand to his chin for a moment, thinking contemplatively.
: “Well, besides the chores that almost anybody can do…I’m quite skilled in combat.” He looks back at the Hero. “Know what a dervish is?” he asks.
*Alexander shakes his head.*
: "I'm afraid I don't. Enlighten me?"
: “He means like Caius, Alex,” Laeral puts in. “He’s a dervish too, though they are fairly different.” He looks to his brother, asking silent permission to explain, to which Talacre nods. “He can move and fight around the battlefield in the same way. But I’ve never seen anybody who can move faster or jump higher than my brother,” he goes on with a proud grin. “Not without the aid of spells, of course.”
*Alex puts his hand to his forehead, shaking his head slowly in embarrassment.*
: "Ah, right! Sorry. I never really heard the term dervish, is all. Well, I've seen Caius on the battlefield, and he is a very strong ally, so I'm sure I can expect no less from you."
Talacre nods and smiles again.
: “I hope to do so. Perhaps I could join you in the quest at Bedoe I’ve heard about?” he asks. “If there’s fighting, I’m sure I could be a valuable asset.”
*Alexander lifts his head from his hand again and looks at Talacre as he responds.*
: "We'll gladly accept all the help we can get. Though, Mitula only gave twelve medallions, so it's likely we'll decide on twelve people to take on the most dangerous part of the mission."
The elf gives another nod, one of satisfaction.
: “Well, that’s what Laeral brought me here for, to help,” he replies.
: “And to keep you out of your own trouble,” the older elf says facetiously. Like before though, the comment is ignored. “Anyway Alexander, will you excuse us?” Laeral asks. “I’ve the rest of HQ to show Tal before we’re called upon to do something.”
*Alexander nods. He then extends his hand to Talacre again.*
: "Of course. It was nice meeting you, Tal. I'm sure we'll speak again soon."
Talacre takes the proffered hand and shakes it again.
: “Thank you, Alex,” he says. “I look forward to it.” And he begins to walk away with his brother.
: “Later, Alex,” Laeral calls back as the brothers move away.
*Alex waves, smiling.*
((With their newfound money, Talacre and Laeral buy some stuff.
Talacre: Amulet of Natural Armour +2, Dusty Rose Ioun Stone. Cost: 11,700
Laeral: sells Cloak of Resistance +1, borrows 563 off his brother, buys Cloak of Resistance +4 for 14,400))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Wed Mar 05, 2008 1:56 am
((SFCW1 has four days to at the very least come up with a plan of action. Other SFCWs, please have the plan for the Bedoe raid ready by next Tuesday. Edit: It has come to my attention that the people of SFCW1 do not want to do anything yet. Fine. Bedoe's schedule is moved up, we'll do the SFCW1 portion after that when hopefully people feel like it.))
Week One: End.
Shining Force: End turn.
Cult Actions
>Battle on the Pao Prairie: Chaos Cult vs. Pao Defenders.
Result: Pao holds off the invaders, equivalent casualities on both sides.
Guardiana Resistance Actions: Fortify keep.
Kingdom of Prompt Actions: Fortify Line
Destonia Empire's Actions:
>Battle at Malorie: General Eredium's Army vs. Malorie Army.
Results:The Republic repels the Imperial Army detachment commanded by General Eredium. Malorie takes light casualties. Imperial Army takes moderate casualities.
Tristan reverts from neutral to friendly.
New week begun. Map changes insufficent to warrant reposting.
Fort Ordalia construction priorities for Week 2: 1.) Finish Servant Dorms. 2.) Complete Tinker Labs. 3.)Work on Force Dorms (30K/100K first floor)

Posted by: Cyrus Thu Mar 06, 2008 8:11 am
There's going to be something here. This won't be a complete waste of space and your time. I'm going to do something with this. God, why am I always like this?

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Mar 06, 2008 8:21 am
The dwarf announcer wearily takes the stand, his voice a hoarse croak. "This fight... Master Parmecia, Undefeated of the East... versus Graigus Stonemead, Hometown Hero." The dwarf begins to take a long drink as Master Parmecia enters the ring and bows before Graigus.
Graigus stepped forward, bowing in respect.
"Fight!" the dwarf rasps.
"The winds of the king!" Master Parmecia shouts out. "Howl before me!" A gust of wind picks up from nowhere and swirls around Master Parmecia, his movements becoming swifter.
The monk stepped forward, delivering a strike with stunning speed and power. However, his skilled opponent stepped away, letting the attack blow past,
"Don't hold back, this is the final battle!" the Master chides, his fists lashing out in a storm of blows.
A punch lands square to Graigus' jaw as a kick gets him in the side.
Wary of the master monk before him, graigus rolled backwards and away, his form becoming more simian as he did so.
Master Parmecia raises his hand to the heavens. "The east burns with fury! With passion!" His hand immediately begins to glow red.
Knowing all too well how easily the monk could deal a single, destructive blow, he kept his distance and prepared to dodge the coming attack.
"HAAAAAAAAAAAA!" Master Parmecia howls, charging forward with a burning hand. Graigus manages to leap out of the way, however. "What?! You dodged my attack!"
The monk feinted with a backhand, bringing it back for a hook before again missing with the backhand.
"Thousand Hand strike!" Master Parmecia shouts, his hands a blur of motion.
Master Parmecia lands a light punch to Graigus' ribs, then a devastating uppercut that knocks a tooth loose from the dwarf. Graigus is left reeling, seeing stars.
The monk again retreated, having taken two savage shot from Parmecia. With no other options, he rolled away, dropping and re-assuming his hybrid form.
"If you can do nothing but dodge you've already lost!" Master says, charging forward with a punch. The punch barely misses, Graigus' hair moving at the speed of the passing fist.
The monk again attempted to halt his opponent with a stunning strike, but missed completely as he tried to watch for more attacks. Rolling away, Graigus again put distance between himself and the martial arts master.
: "The fury of the dragon! Bare the fangs of the sky!" Master Parmecia shouts, his eyes shimmering gold as energy dances around him.
Wary of another powerful strike, Graigus prepared for the worst.
Master Parmecia charges forward, but his fist meets only air. "Dodged the fangs... Impressive!"
The monk drove a quivering fist home, attempting to pass the same shaking through Parmecia's body. But when it became apparent that it had no effect, he simply rolled away again, sticking to his hit and run tactics.
Master Parmecia leaps into the air and performs a flying kick on Graigus, the blow catching his side.
Holding his hand as if cupping an invisble mug, the dwarf pounded Parmecia's side stiffly, before again moving out of easy reach.
"Charging Hand of the Chained Beast!" Master Parmecia shouts, glowing runes swirling in the air around him as power crackles around his fists.
The monk braved himself for this next strike, prepared for the worst.
Master Parmecia lashes out only to hit air once again, though as before, the strike is dangerously close.
Missing with yet another stiff strike, the monk bounded away, to prevent another dangerous string of strikes.
Master Parmecia mutters a quick chant.
Graigus remains fully on the defensive, prepared for the master monk's next trick.
Master Parmecia leaps forward like lightning and lands a single blow on the monk with supernatural accuracy.
Knowing that he was nearing the end of his ability to win, the monk retreated, using the last of his ability to morph into his simian form.
Master Parmecia charges forward again, fist raised. The fist hits only air.
Graigus slammed a foot into Parmecia's side, just under the outstretched hand. Not taking any chances, the monk again moved away, his stamina still low.
Master Parmecia charges forward again only to strike air, the winds around him fading away.
Graigus also missed, then departs like the scattering wind.
Master Parmecia chants softly.
Graigus again went on the defensive, though he realized his time was running short.
Master Parmecia strikes like lightning once more, his fist catching Graigus in the gut.
His body tired and feeling the effects of the numberous blows, the monk swung his leg feebly and missed. Retreating a short distance, he stood at defense, panting.
Master Parmecia charges again with a flying kick.
Graigus dodges once more.
With a sudden burst of strength and speed, Graigus backflipped away, catching the master monk squarely in the jaw as he went.
Master Parmecia growls with frustration. "Why not simply stand your ground?! Fight with honor!" The master monk softly chants to himself.
"Why not quit using your spells as a crutch!" Dicem yelled. "Or do you prefer to win by employing spells that make it nearly impossible to miss?"
Graigus waved the rogue away, and simply prepared for the next strike.
"My techniques are part of my fighting style, or would you like to come down here and fight me without blades?" Master Parmecia shoots back.
Master Parmecia charges and deals a moderate blow to Graigus' thigh, of all places.
The monk swings weakly, hobbling back as he attempts to ignore all of his aches and pains.
Arcdragnbreth: ((back 15, still defensive fighting. ac 39.))
Graigus slugs Master Parmecia in the gut, but the Master's fist whirls around and catches him in the side of the face, knocking him out at last.
"The winner! Master Parmecia!" the dwarf gets out as the crowd applauds. Graigus feels a healing warmth spread through his body and finds the Master standing over him, hand on his head.
"You had me on the run for some time there..." the master monk says. "Literally, given the way you made me chase you!"
The master monk offers his hand.
The monk nodded weakly, taking it as he stood shakily.
"I'm impressed you lasted as long as you did, you even managed to land quite a few solid hits on me," Master Parmecia says.
"I noticed you talking with the elf girl and the wolfman earlier. They friends of yours?"
"Yes... I met them recently. We've all been fighting a lot... Wrath, and others from the Cult," he said.
"Well, then... I have a secret technique that I haven't used yet... one that I've been looking for some worthy students to pass it on to," Master Parmecia grins.
"A devastating attack designed to be executed by two martial artists on the same opponent."
"Before I go, I can teach the basics of it to you and your friends. Consider it a gift from me to you on account of showing this old man that there's still some fight in the world."
"I... I don't think I'm ready for something like that," Graigus said. "It's obvious that I still have a lot to learn."
Master Parmecia's eyes gleam. "I'm Master Parmecia! Undefeated of the East! If I say that you can learn my secret technique, then you and your friends can learn my secret technique!"
"I guess.. I guess I can try," Graigus said.
"Of course you can," the monk claps Graigus on the back. "Meet me after the awards ceremonies are over, tedious things that they are... But I don't want to disrespect Master Quialis by skipping them."

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Fri Mar 07, 2008 6:14 pm
After a sound rest, and a hot meal for lunch, all once more reconvene in the great hall of the temple. One by one, accolades are handed out to the participants, most of all Parmecia and Graigus. Special note is given to Laika and Wrath, the latter being conspicuously absent.
"Finally... Master Parmecia, Graigus... step forward and receive your prizes," the dwarf rasped, gladly relinquishing his role as announcer with the words, "This marks the end of the tournament... we hope to see you all next year."
"Our temple has been honored by all of your presences," Quialis said, smiling as he looked across the crowd. "It is our custom to hold festivites the day after the tournament, and tomorrow will be no different; however, what shall be outside the norm is an exhibition match... if the other party agrees, of course."
"As Master of the Stone Leaf temple, I challenge Graigus Stonemead," he said, his voice deadly serious. His tone lightening, he added "I invite you all to remain here another night, and sup with us until tomorrow. Good day to you all."
Razahr smiled, looking at Graigus with an almost predatory grin; the dwarf, for his part, did not notice anything besides the ground as he headed for his room.
=====
"You don't want to do it," Dam said, waiting outside of the monk's door. "You're not up to facing off against your old man."
"Should I be?" the drunken boxer said. "He's... he's..."
"He's what? Are you telling me that you've never trained with him? You've never had to level a blow against him?" the rogue said, folding his arms across his chest. "Or do you think you'll lose, and get embarrased?"
"I came back here to visit, not to beat my master to a pulp!" Graigus said, looking the human squarely in the eyes. "Why would he challenge me to a fight?"
"Look... he has his reasons," Dam said, putting a hand on the dwarf's shoulder. "Just... just go with it. And I'll give you back your rings, to make it fair; I'm glad mine helped, but I think this one ought to be on your own terms."
"Keep the other one," Graigus said, only taking back the lion-shaped ring. "And I never said I'd take his challenge,"
"Kid... every master - every good one, anyway - hopes that one day, his students will be as good as he is, if not better," the rogue said, taking a step towards the hallway. Turning back for a moment, he added "Don't deny him that much."
Looking down the hallway at the departing rogue, the monk only shook his head and entered the room.
=====
"Come in," Quialis said, knocking on the door. Noting the entrant, his eyebrow raised and a small smile spread across his face. "I did not expect you to come here, Dam."
"That makes two of us," the rogue said, closing the door behind him. "Interesting announcement you made there, Quialis... and reason in particular for it?"
"There is," the aged monk said, nodding. "You know... I did not expect you to be so caring. It is a pleasant surprise."
"I'll agree with you on the surprise part," Dam said, crossing his arms as he leaned against the door. "All in all, though... I think I qualify as a less than decent person."
"I see," the monk said, his smile deepening. A flash of something less - or more - than human crossed his eyes for a moment, and the older man said, "We all have our secrets, Dam. But tell me, the woman... Gail? Where is she?"
"Had to leave; we're gone, after the tournament ourselves," Dam said, nodding. "Is it safe to assume that the kid gave you the full story?"
"He indeed informed me of much," Quialis said, nodding.
"Well, then... you know why we can't stay, then," Dam responded. "Gods to liberate, Strife Lords to slay, a world to save... all that stuff takes more time than I'd personally like, but it really can't be helped."
"Yes, yes," Quialis said. "At the end of this period, we must ourselves once more enclose ourselves; those of this order still know the more secret paths in, but the main entrance must be shut. By allowing Wrath into our home, however justified, we have exposed ourselves to danger."
"Which is why you ought to hang on to this," Dam said, tossing the ring to the monk. Quialis caught it easily, as the rogue continued, "The kid gave it to me, but I'm not much for keepsakes; I figured you ought to have it more than I should. Plus... you never know when Wrath will be back for a rematch."
"You are a strange man, Dam Dicem," Quialis said simply still smiling.
"So I've heard," the rogue said, departing.
Looking at the ring, the master monk slipped it onto his finger and smiled.
=====
Sunlight streamed in, the dirt arena filled with it's final two combatants for the tournament's duration. Graigus stood nervously, his eyes locked onto his master.
"As before," Razahr said, "this exhibition match will follow the rules of the tournament. Now... begin!"
As if made of pure lightning, the dwarf shot off towards the aged monk. He snapped off three attacks in rapid succession, his form blinking in and out of existence like a specter. Even so, only the first of his attacks landed, and his eyes widened slightly as he missed.
"My student," Quialis said, retreating backwards a step, "if you do not fight me with the same determination you had yesterday, you will fall before me!"
As the human spoke, a hush fell over the crowd. Gone were his wrinkles, the soft undertones in his voice; instead, aged skin was replaced with ebony fur, and his kind tone was replaced with a feral growl. A long, black tail whipped around his back, and the panther shen waited for Graigus' own action.
Shaking his head, Graigus stepped forward with a blistering set of attacks. Even so, Quialis dodged all but the last, and even that seemed not to faze him.
Replying rapidly, Graigus almost didn't see his master's foot shoot out, and were it not for his dwarven heritage, he would have been on the ground. Indeed, the next swinging leg came much too swiftly for the monk to evade, and he soon found himself being kicked in the side. Another would have landed, had he not blinked at that exact moment.
Attempting to stand, he was lifted half the way by a rising kick from the panther shen. Weakly, he tried to punch Quialis in response, but met only air.
"Fight me, Graigus!" Quialis demanded, peppering the air with sweeping kicks. He feinted with the first, before bringing his heel across the dwarf's face twice.
Reeling, the dwarf saw stars. I... I didn't know he was so powerful...
Attempting to recapture the momentum, he lashed out with his own trio of attacks. Even with his skill, the monk still had a hard time landing a hit, and the older monk remained unfazed at the lone kick to the side.
"You continue to insult me," Quialis said, his eyes narrowing as he planted a kick firmly in the monk's chest.
Frustrated, the monk finally stepped forward, hands and body swaying in the drunken boxing form. With almost seamless ease, he slammed his fists into quialis' chest three times, moving and swaying like a thing gone mad.
Borrowing a move from the dwarf's own repetoire, Quialis swiftly moved away, his human form returning for only a moment before he once more stood in his panther-like shape, prepared for the monk's next attack.
Squatting low, Graigus' own form also became more hirstute, as he unleashed the inner simian boiling under the surface. His eyes locked with the panther shen, he waited to see who would make the first move.
But Quialis only repeated the maneuver from before, undoing that damage that had been done in the process.
Charging, Graigus took off at full speed for his black-furred opponent; even so, his swift strikes met nothing but air.
Quialis, however, launched a trio of punches, the last one missing only because Graigus' legs nearly gave out on him. "Stop holding back, Graigus, or you will lose!"
Rolling away, the monk dropped his shen form, taking it up again as some of the injury washed away. Quialis simply watched, waiting for the next attack to come in.Graigus kicked wildly, though all of his attacks missed; for his part, however, he also managed to avoid the punishing blows aimed at him.
Finally, the monk landed a blow that looked as if it would topple the panther shen. But he failed to follow up, though Quialis too missed, his blows slowing.
"If you still have fight," the master monk said, "then finish me. But if you have not the mettle, than I will punish you soundly!"
Striking carefully, Graigus hit only once, his eyes widening as his master remained standing. He barely dodged the coming attacks, unsure of what to do.
"Do it!" Quialis demanded.
Yelling, the monk took a step forward, jumping and corkscrewing in midair as he delivered a headbutt that left Quialis stunned and shaking in place. Stepping away, Graigus waited, until Quialis' shen form fell away, and he dropped to his knees, panting.
"The winner... Graigus Stonemead!" Razahr declared, before quickly coming over to Quialis' right side. Graigus' furry visage became distinctively less so as he returned to his normal shape, propping his master on the left. Together, amid a hail of applause, they both helped the aged human back to his room.
=====
"Master-" Graigus began, once they'd returned the old man to his private room, but Quialis quickly cut him off.
"I did not challenge you to have you apologize," the monk said, sitting in the middle of his bed, propped up against the headboard. "I... it has been long since I've fought, yes, but my bones are not yet so stiff that I cannot teach you a lesson, my son. Nor would I have been ready to part with what I want to give you if I had not seen your preparation with my own eyes."
"What do you mean?" Graigus asked.
"Razahr... underneath the bed, search for loose stones in the middle. You will find a box there... I must have it."
"Yes, Master," the beastman said, finding exactly what the human had said. As the dwarf looked on, Razahr blew dust off the top of the box, before handing it to Quialis.
"This," he said, taking the cover off the long, slender box, "was given to me some time ago. It was said that there was a great monkey shen who once used it to fight the forces of evil, and he had so imbued it with power that the staff's blows were as sharp and devastating as his own unarmed attacks."
"This," Quialis said, taking the quarterstaff out of the box, "will be yours. Whether you return it after the Strife Lords are defeated or you keep it until the end of your days is your choice; I now entrust the Staff of the Monkey King to you, my little monkey."
"Master... I... I don't know what to say," Graigus said.
"You say thank you, and agree to stop being so shy and fussy when people give you what is your due," Quialis said, swiftly tapping the monk on the knuckles with the weapon, before holding it out for him to take. "You are powerful, Graigus... you nearly defeated Parmecia, and he is called Undefeated for a reason. Be strong, my child, and trust in your abilities; you have the will and the power to do that which is right."
"Thank you, Master," Graigus said, taking the weapon. "I... I don't..."
"You have to leave now... I know," the aged monk said. "Both of you must; Dicem has informed me of what lies ahead."
"Both?" Graigus and Razahr asked, simultaneously.
"Indeed... you are to accompany him, Razahr," the panther shen said. "You, too, have much to learn - things the walls of these temples cannot teach. Go with him, to the end of his journey, then tell me if the world truly is as it was when you left it."
"Y...yes, master!" the beastman said, nodding. "I have need of nothing, save a few clothes; wait for me at the entrance, Graigus!"
"Both of you, go now; this old man needs his rest," Quialis said, winking. Nodding, the non-humans left, and Quialis looked at the ring on his finger for a moment, before settling into sleep with a pleasant look on his face.
=====
"All aboard," Dam said, shivering as the group returned to the place they'd started from. "Love that mountain frostbite... don't you?"
"A little cool air will do your lungs well," Razahr said, very matter-of-factly.
"Glad we brought you, bucket of sunshine!" Dam said, his smile and tone clearly sarcastic. "Come on... let's get back. We've got a self-cooking bird to free."
And with that, the group teleported back, though not before Graigus nodded at a black, catlike form hidden in the cave's mouth.
((Razahr Garad (Monk of the Stone Leaf Temple) joins the party!
Graigus gains a Ring of Blink for coming in second place!
Graigus gains the Staff of the Monkey King!))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sat Mar 08, 2008 3:47 am
The majestic mountain city of the birdmen rests on a squarish mountain that juts out of the side of Mt. Volcanon, the towering volcano that dominates the ground for miles in all directions. Towards this stone pillar stabbing towards the sky, a group of spellbound soldiers fly, as Sophie begins to cast her spell, guarded by Hale and his troops.
The runes are traced, the incantations chanted, and slowly but surely, birdmen fly from their aeries to congregate in the enchanted area. Though some are a bit confused, most simply write it off as a somewhat common urge to stretch their wings and fly, chatting with their neighbors happily when they noticed them sharing the same thought. As time passes, an impromptu party begins to be held in the area, the birdmen bringing out what passes for snacks to them and making merry. It is a cheerful scene indeed.
Cedric and his team begin towards the city when it becomes apparent that the spell has attracted all it will attract.
Meanwhile, Dam and the others fly towards the very top of the mountain, seeking out the shrine of the fire god...

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Sat Mar 08, 2008 4:26 am
Isyndel Rhoe'wyn stood casually upon a precipice as her cool, sapphire eyes watched as the birdmen so idly flew together. Her arm, bent at the wrist, lay softly upon the ivory fabric of her robe as her other dangled loosely at her side. The look adorning her face was almost serene as she waited quietly far from their gathering, and she allowed herself a small smile to play across her lips as a gust of wind tussled her ponytailed hair, ruffling her garments. That so many would be spared of any incident they could be involved in was enough to settle her nerves somewhat; that those assembled were full of such contentment, even if not under a reason they could necessarily determine, filled her insides with warmth.
She had anticipated her first foray back into the fold to be filled with more apprehension than this. The wizardess had fretted over it a great deal in the days leading up to it, the events of their foray into the huge ship having finally left her behind. Truth be told, sealed in various rooms reading and researching and harassing the all-too-often wandering workers had by no means gotten dull -- she had admitted to herself all too long ago that a life of research had in fact made her quite happy. And it wasn't as if her body and nerves could not have done with the break; for her, after having been through so much she felt it both needed and deserved.
But her failure to correctly anticipate how she would feel today stemmed from another failure of anticipation she had made before and only recently had acknowledged -- the nagging feelings of guilt that had crept into her since seemingly turning her back on the adventuring life were something she had not prepared herself for. At first it was simple to ignore, there were simply so many new people to assist after all, and so much good she could do staying behind. She sought solace in Sleet, her feline companion, but found the effect she had simply diminished since being separated from Teth'in. She began losing herself in her work and research, only to find her feet digging about furiously under desks and tables as she did so, restlessness prickling about her nerves, and she could not comprehend why.
For all her intelligence and skill, she had once again failed to understand the simplest, most rudimentary facts about intelligent, emotional beings. About herself. And when it finally became clear, she slammed a text into a table, rose to her feet, and sought out those who could put her where her conscience could be at ease.
And so Isyndel ended up on that precipice, watching the birdmen idle about with few cares in the world. She glanced over her shoulders at the others, some familiar and some not, and steeled herself for whatever challenge rose to face them today. And when the call came to set out, it took only a deep breath for her to fall into step.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sat Mar 08, 2008 7:22 am
As Dam's group approaches the temple you see a group of what appear to be soldiers march out from the inside and form a defensive line across the path towards it. The thick trees prevent landing in any area except for the path, but there's a spot a good distance from the soldiers. Dam directs everyone to land there, Jim, Maria, Melissa, and Jessica appearing at the spot by psionic teleportation when everyone is in place.
A lone lizardman takes his place on the stairs to the shrine. He looks at the Shining Force with something akin to disdain and shouts out to them.
: "Well don't just stand there, are we going to fight or what? I don't have all day!" the lizardman shouts, then immediately goes into casting a spell.
The very air shudders around the mountain as the spell completes. Those with magical ability feel suddenly as if a great hand pressed itself on their chests, and those with enchanted gear suddenly find the gear heavier and harder to handle. The lizardman laughs as his troops finish filing out and forming up.
((Resheth burns all his ninth and eighth level spell slots to cast Dead Zone. The battlefield is affected by an Anti-Magic Field, all magical items and effects are suppressed, all spells unable to be cast, all spell like and supernatural abilities unable to be accessed. Artifacts such as Alisa's Legacy, Mitula's Bow, and the Orbs are not affected by this mortal magic. Those who have the skill, please make Spellcraft checks.))
Charge of the Force: http://gh.ffshrine.org/song/1780/46

Posted by: GOD*JESUS Sat Mar 08, 2008 7:49 am
: "Fu cking hell! That bastard was waiting for us!" Thavon shouts in a combination of anger and frustration, as half of his strengths have become useless. "Too bad he can't use his own magic and has to steal from someone else, becuase there's no way this thing is going to last more than a couple of seconds."
The birdman clinched his beak and looked over to his elven friend taking in a deep breathe, his fists gripping tightly around his weapon.
: "Let's wreck this fu cking prick." The birdman says in an eerily calm manor as his upper body shakes with anger.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Sat Mar 08, 2008 8:02 am
"Well, that's not good," Dicem said, the only defenses remaining to him being the ones that he was born with. "I'm going to have to take a step back, what with the not really wanting to die." "Get ready to hold your position," Dam said, his eyes focused on the string of soldiers before. "As soon as they get within range, cut them to ribbons. Ranged attackers, open up with what you've got to thin the lines."
((Spellcraft: 1d20 +4 (ranks) +5 (int) = 12
Back 5', full Comb. Exp, and Dodge to the first thing to attack. AC 26.
Dicem's going to wait until someone gets close enough to attack, then attack once. Taking 10 on Bluff; target must beat the DC or become flat-footed.
Bluff (take 10): 10 + +13 (ranks) +1 (trait) = 24
Atk: 1d20 +8 (bab) +4 (dex) +1 (w. foc) +1 (wpn) -5 (comb. exp) =19
Dmg: 1d6 (wpn) +4d6 (sneak) +1 (str) = 11 ))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sat Mar 08, 2008 8:11 am
Jim looks around the battlefield and begins issuing advice. : "IF they've put up an AM Field, they're probably prepared for it... but we aren't! All your gear is a lot heavier now, armor harder to move around in. Be careful of your moves and try to stay on your feet! Your armor isn't half as strong as it was a few seconds ago!" Jim says, plucking a metal cylinder from his vest. "But they're not expecting area of effects if they're crowded around like that!"
Jim pulls the pin and hurls the grenade far away from him, the innocous bit of metal rolling past the heavily armored line to detonate in a ground shaking explosion that throws bits of earth and stone everywhere.
((Tactical Aid: Everyone gets +4 dodge to AC. Heroic Surge! Antimatter grenade! All foes except for the birdmen and Resheth take 37 damage. The Ur Priests, one Cult Sniper, two Forsakers, and one Cult Paladine make their saves for half damage. Resheth evades.))

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Sat Mar 08, 2008 8:26 am
((Due to Tactical Aid, Dam's AC rises to 29, 30 with Dodge.)) "I'm going to go out on a limb and say I can do that," Ashathel said, his Force Blade drawn and still potent. Also waiting for the soldiers to advance, he prepared to cut them down as quickly as they came towards him.
((Ashathel also applies Dodge to the first enemy to come after him, and readies a full attack against whatever comes to him first. AC 33, 34 with Dodge.
Atk1: 1d20 +14 (bab) +4 (dex) +10 (wpn) -5 (comb. exp.) = 36
Dmg: 7d6 (wpn) +2 (str) +5 (int) = 35
Atk2: 1d20 +9 (bab) +4 (dex) +10 (wpn) -5 (comb. exp.) = 36
Dmg: 7d6 (wpn) +2 (str) +5 (int) = 35
Atk3: 1d20 +4 (bab) +4 (dex) +10 (wpn) -5 (comb. exp.) = 18
Dmg: 7d6 (wpn) +2 (str) +5 (int) = 26))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sat Mar 08, 2008 8:26 am
((Marine, can my Psion still use her powers? Since psionic powers are not considered to be magic, I just want to be sure. ))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sat Mar 08, 2008 8:28 am

QUOTE (Dark Maiden @ Sat Mar 08, 2008 8:26 am)
((Marine, can my Psion still use her powers? Since psionic powers are not considered to be magic, I just want to be sure. ))

((Yes, psychic powers still work.))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sat Mar 08, 2008 8:59 am
((Ok)) "Shit, this is bad," Jessica says under her breath. "If our magic has been suppressed, that means that they'll be depending on me now more than ever. I can't let them down. DEBAN!" ((Deban [7 PP | Lasts for 16 rounds | Damage Reduction 5/- for everyone]))

Posted by: Kaihaku Sat Mar 08, 2008 9:26 am
The Doctor staggers uneasily as the wave of…nothingness courses over him. The innate power flowing through his veins is cut off, leaving him nothing more than a normal man with glasses. He lets out a worn sigh, "...this song and dance again…" He glances at the others, nodding at the advice of the rogue, "We need to stick together if we're going to get through this."
[THIS IS A PREPARED ACTION WHICH TAKES PLACE IMMEDIATELY AFTER MELISSA TAKES HER ACTION]
"Clever…" Maria comments softly, nodding in deference to the Ur-priest, "However, you neglected one key factor." She smiles confidently, nodding to Jim, Jess, and Melissa, "We're here."
The psion vanishes in a blur, an instant later chaos erupts across the battlefield.
[Augmented Temporal Acceleration: 15 PP]
Twin walls of energy spring into being, trapping the footsoldiers between them and bombarding the foolhardy traitors to the gods with waves of frigid cold and blasts of crushing sound.
[Energy Wall: Cold 5 PP]
[Positioned at the line between M and N, directed north]
[Damage: 2 cold to all within 10 ft, 1 cold to those within 20 ft, 2d6 + 16 to any passing through]
[Energy Wall: Sound 5 PP]
[Positioned at the line between I and J, directed south]
[Damage: 5 sonic to all within 10 ft, 4 sonic to those within 20 ft, 2d6 + 16 to any passing through]
The psion reappears in a blur behind the pillars [h5] supporting the temple. She shakes her head, muttering, "Ah…what a trip…"
[Maria is now shaken]
She points a palm, at the lizardman, shrugging her shoulders with a smile, "Why hello there!" Thousands of tiny crystals erupt from her outstretched palm, arcing forward and striking the lizardman, tearing into his scaly hide. The crystals also slash into the central knight to the south.
[Maximized Empowered Augmented Swarm of Crystals 16 PP]
[Damage: 84]
[No saving throw, No power resistance]
[Strikes the center centaur and the Lizardman]
The psion vanishes with a smile, reappearing with the group [s5].
[Augmented Psionic Dimension Door: Move Action 11PP]

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sat Mar 08, 2008 10:00 am
((Deadline is Sunday, but I'd prefer it to move sooner.))

Posted by: Alpha Sat Mar 08, 2008 8:48 pm
((Suckage how TUM's made practically all of Tal's PrC useless Oh well)) Even as the dead zone hits him and Talacre slows down to a pace he hasn't been in years, the blade dancer rushes forward, intent on rushing right past the axe wielding soldiers. He changes his momentum last moment however switching his stance to one of seeming defence, but then pivots right, jumping and slashing at the soldier before moving on, throwing his weight behind several seemingly reckless attacks.
[Activate Dervish Dance which lasts 9 rounds
Combat expertise 2, Power Attack 5
Auto pass all jump and tumble checks, so no AoOs
Move 4 spaces up, attack N9, N8, N7, N6 then end up at O7
Attack 1:
1d20(3) + 16(bab) + 5(dex) + 1(weapon focus) + 1(master work) - 1(trait) + 3(dervish dance) + 2(acrobatic attack) - 2(combat experise) - 5(power attack) = 23
Damage: 1d10(9) + 6(x1.5 str) + 4(int) + 1(trait) + 1d6(3)(deadly defence) + 10(power attack) + 3(dervish dance) + 2(acrobatic attack) = 40
Attack 2:
1d20(20)...
confirm: 1d20(5) + 15 = 20...probably normal hit
Damage: 1d10 + 1d6 + 26 = 36
Attack 3: 1d20(17) + 10 = 27
(potential crit, but AIM's a bastard)
Damage: 1d10 + 1d6 + 26 = 40
Attack 4: 1d20(13) + 5 = 19...probably a miss]
[HP: 165/165
AC: 28]

Posted by: GOD*JESUS Sat Mar 08, 2008 11:14 pm
Thavon didn't hear the rogue's advice, instead he launched into the air at the same time as the dervish ran forth. The clanging of metal on metal contact inaudible as the wind whipped past his ears. The birdman's keen eyes focus on the lizard below as Thavon's ranseur was guided straight towards the scaley beast's heart.
((Use Heroic Surge, Dive bomb Lizardman, end on G7 10' in the air.
Hit: 4(d20) + 16(BAB) + 6(STR) + 1(Ranseur) + 2(Charge) + 1(High Ground) - 5(PA) = 25
Damage: [1+4(2d4) + 9(STR) + 10(PA)]*2 + 1(d8 Powerful Charge) = 49
AC: 15
HP: 153/153))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sun Mar 09, 2008 2:01 am
Meanwhile... The entrance to Bedoe seems to be undefended, the guards partaking in the party. Aurik leads on, his holy symbol clearly displayed for all to see. The rest of the group follows him. After a few minutes of walking, they arrive at a set of wide, well carved stone steps with two birdmen still at their stations. They immediately form up to block the party's advance.
"Halt!" one forcefully says. "This passage goes to the Throne and the Shrine. State your name and business!"

Posted by: Aldur Sun Mar 09, 2008 10:53 pm
Kria smirked. "So, like...you think that...just because I can't blast you into itty, bitty pieces we're going to lose? Then let me like...educate you. And hey, my nifty orb still appears to be working. Looky that." Kria let out a roar, leaping forwards, her bastard sword sweeping through the air, at the enemy before her, the catfolk showing the newcomers she knew how to wield a blade as well as blast things to smithereens.
((
Attack M12 from N12
Hit: 14+4(STR)+9(BAB) = 27 touch.
Damage: 17.
AC: 25.))

Posted by: FreedomJu Sun Mar 09, 2008 11:05 pm
Melissa had hardly a clue as to what an anti-magic field was, but it was easy for her to figure out that it wasn't a good thing by the way the others were talking. However, that didn't distract her from the matters at hand as she swiftly tossed a grenade at the enemy forces.
((Melissa tosses an HE grenade to a spot between the front rank of enemies and the archers/centaurs, something like spot K5.
Grenade Hit: 1d20 + BAB + DEX
12 + 12 + 8 = 32
Grenade Damage: 10d6
1 + 3 + 5 + 2 + 5 + 3 + 2 + 3 + 2 + 4 = 30
REF DC 19 for half damage
Dodge to the first thing that attacks her.
Normal AC: 24, 28 with Tac Aid
Dodge AC: 25, 29 with Tac Aid
Total DR with the Deban: 10
HP: 155/155
Shield: 30/30))

Posted by: Cyrus Sun Mar 09, 2008 11:37 pm
Gail gasps as the full weight of the spell falls upon her, cutting from her being the presense of the divine. Its protection, from the dread spears of battle and fear, no longer reaches her...her heart races when her eyes glimpse the line of faceless soldiers that stood to meet them, and her arms struggle under the new weight of her weapons, barely saving them from clattering to the ground. Even as others charge the line, she finds her legs like stone, unable or unwilling to gain the courage to move...then, she marches forward on shaking legs, shield raised high as she joins the few allies braving the front.
[move 20' up, attack. Fighting Defensively.
Attack Roll: 1d20(15)+13(BAB)+3(STR)-4(defense)=27.
Damage Roll: 1d10(4)+3(STR)=7.
HP: 151/151
AC: 35
DR 8/-
All class abilities suppressed.]
Anthem, no longer a divine servant of the Light's whims, nor a guardian to the angel-born, shrieks in confusion and takes flight away from the conflict.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Mon Mar 10, 2008 12:50 am
Twin grenades sail through the air and detonate behind the enemy line, opening painful wounds, but not quite as bad as they should be for the troops. A stroke of luck and Resheth is unable to avoid Melissa's grenade, the Ur Priest taking another heavy wound. The psychic walls of energy then burst from the ground and crystals then swarm the leader, one of the front axeman howling.
"What trickery is this?! You said that your workings would undo all magic in the area!" the axe-wielder shouts.
: "It does! This... This is some new form of it. But do you mean to tell me that two odd mages out of fourteen depowered magic wielders can stop you?" Resheth replies.
"Nonsense!" the axewielder shouts back. "The Forsakers of Feroduin crush all magic before them! Watch us work, weakling!"
Talacre becomes a blur of motion as he dashes forward, but only a single one of his sword blows bypasses the heavy armor and skillful defense of the line of soldiers. Thavon dives towards Resheth only to miss by a hair. Merkass fires a line of arrows only to see them bounce off thick adamant plate, a single arrow striking the Forsaker attacking Talacre.
((Today's lesson... All the tohit bonuses in the world don't help you if you roll as terribly as I do.))
Faralon takes a defensive stance as Gail charges forward, her sword arm shaking as it lands against the shield of her opponent.
"FORSAKERS!" the center axeman shouts. "PREPARE FOR GLORY!"
With that the front line of axemen charges forward like a black armored wave.
Dam's dagger clanks off the opponent's shield as he meets him in battle, while Ashathel manages to rip two large gashes in his Forsaker's side, though his last strike misses.
The Paladines charge forward, galloping through the walls of frost and sound, heedless of their own injuries. One stops short of the cold wall, reaching his lance through it to strike at Talacre. With the momentum slowed, it doesn't deal hardly as much damage as it should. Ashathel leaps aside as another knight plows its lance into the ground where he had been standing minutes before. Finally, Melissa is caught dead center in the chest by the centaur's charge, the lance breaking through her shield and armor to dig into her chest. Fortunately the Deban technique shields her from the worst of it.
((Hit, Critical Hit! Miss. Talacre takes 13 damage. Melissa takes 70-30(shields)-12(DR)= 28 damage. Melissa's shields are down.))
Gail's armor is proof against her opponent's blow, the crazed man raining axe strikes on her to no effect as the armor clangs loudly with each attack deflected.
((All miss.))
"You're weak, cat," the Forsaker dueling Kria hisses. "Without your powers, you're nothing but fodder for the truly strong."
He then lashes out with a trio of axe chops, two of which catch the cat in the sides.
((Hit, Hit, Miss. 11-5+13-5= 14 damage total to Kria.))
"Aw, poor little kitty got hurt?" another man asks, this one bulky looking under the armor. "Your momma ain't here to kiss it and make it betta, girl."
((Hit, Hit, Hit. 24 damage total to Kria after DR.))
"Stop dodging!" another Forsaker roars, only able to land a single blow on Talacre. "Just take what's coming to you like a man, elf!"
((Miss, Hit, Miss. 8 damage to Talacre after DR.))
The other Forsaker lay into the others, landing powerful axe blows that are all partially softened by Jessica's Deban, though Kayla and Jim are able to dodge the attacks aimed at them.
((Damage after DR: 17 to Faralon, 16 to Kayla, 18 to Dam and 15 to Ashathel.))
The Snipers move out of the energy field, half concentrating their fire on Maria, half on Jessica. A hail of arrows clashes against their defenses, though Jim's advice allows them to dodge a few.
((4 hits on Maria. 43 damage probably against her field, so no DR. 3 hits and a x5 upgraded crit on Jessica... that I rolled a 1 on damage for. Crit: 40 damage. Hits: 12, 12, and 10 damage. All before DR.))
The moment Thavon had approaching Resheth, the four birdmen Skywarriors fell into formation. The four warrior dove down at Thavon with tremendous speed, rapiers thrust outward as they flew past their fellow to each deliver a powerful jab with the pointed blades. Thavon is skewered on four sides as the birdmen fly past him to new positions.
((Divebomb/Flyby attack. 2 hits, 2 crits. 76 damage to Thavon after DR.))
Next turn!

Posted by: Kaihaku Mon Mar 10, 2008 1:40 am
[Maria is no longer shaken] Maria smiles as the force field surrounding her negates the ranged assault, "My, my…aren't you such brave boys…" She chuckles, "…but, come on, you don't need that trick to dance with us, show some self-confidence…"
[Augmented Temporal Acceleration: 15 PP]
[Bend Reality: 15 PP: 300 XP : -1 Round]
[Bend Reality: 15 PP : 300 XP: -2 Rounds]
The psion blurs for an instant, accompanied with flashes of light, then she returns to normal. Maria pauses to rub her head, "Ah…I just can't get use to that…"
[Maria is now shaken]
She lets out a breath, power coursing over her, "It was an impressive attempt…" Her eyes flash with light, "You just neglected a few key factors."
[Bend Reality: 15 PP: 300 XP: -1 Round]

Posted by: Alpha Mon Mar 10, 2008 3:24 am
Barely hearing the forsaken attacking him, Talacre focuses on Thavon's dire predicament. Jumping over those closest to him, he moves forward. “Maybe next time,” he says, as he jumps, then sprints forward. Rushing through both psionic walls, the dervish reaches the lizardman responsible for the deadening of all magic within this area. Jumping forward with the initial slash, he sidesteps left for another hit. He then executes a powerful side flip, slashing a he lands before adding another sidestep and attack. The flurry of strikes laid out, he moves back slightly.
[6 squares up, attack. 19 cold and 20 sonic damage from the walls.
Step right, attack. Jump two squares left, attack. Step right, attack. Finish at I7.
All are power attack 6. All jump and tumble checks are auto passed.
4 attacks: 1 critical hit, 2 hits, 1 miss
Damage:
Critical: 54
Hit 1: 38
Hit 2: 38
Attacks ignore up to 5 points of DR]
[HP: 102/165
AC: 26
DR: 5/-]

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Mon Mar 10, 2008 7:09 am
((Deadline set to Tuesday night, I'll give EVERYONE bonus XP if we're ready to move Monday night.))

Posted by: Kaihaku Mon Mar 10, 2008 7:57 am
The Doctor winces as first Thavon and then Talacre dash recklessly forward, "...great, two Nails for the price of one." He breaks into a sprint, nimbly rolling around the various warriors and leaping through the walls of energy. He jumps onto the platform, slipping between the pillars [I10] and pausing to catch his breath.
[Full Move w/ Tumble]
[I don't have dice on me at the moment but I think Coventry passes all the necessary Tumble checks to avoid AoOs...even on a 1. I'll retro-roll them when able. He takes full damage from the walls and I'll roll that up as well.]
((Hope that helps us all get that exp bonus. Now off to work.))

Posted by: Knight_019 Mon Mar 10, 2008 2:02 pm
*Merkass quickly erupts into a leaping corkscrew, back handspringing away from the nearby fiend and to Ashathel's other side. From there, he unleashes a quartet of arrows at the flailing axeman, sticking him with venom, though his arrows have a much lessened impact than they might otherwise.
As he fires, Merkass' thoughts wander to the despicable lizardman, who as Naerth once had, was feeding from the holy energies of Volcanon. His bow would avenge the creator god and allow him to ascend once more to his mountainous throne. Anger surges in his veins, and his final arrow flies errant. Merkass' eyes narrow and blacken, and he hisses at his foes, ready to pounce.*
((Tumble: 1d20 + 28 = 12 + 28 = 40. 10' as 5' pass.
Move S12.
As a note, I would have moved down save for there being no map.
Unfortunately, Nemesis and Rancor are Su abilities. I guess I can only hate things MAGICALLY. *shrugs.*
Rapid Shot axe dude at R10.
1d20 + 27 + 1 - 2 = 14 + 26 = 40.
1d20 + 26 = 16 + 26 = 42.
1d20 + 21 = 15 + 21 = 36.
1d20 + 15 = 1 + ... lol.
DAMAGE
1d8 + 20 + 1 (PBS) + 2d6 (holy) + 1d6 (skirmish) = 6 + 5 + 6 + 3 + 21 = 41.
1d8 + 3d6 + 21 = 5 + 5 + 5 + 6 + 21 = 42.
1d8 + 3d6 + 21 = 5 + 3 + 2 + 3 + 21 = 34.
And -1 CON/shot (3 total).
Just redirect to the centaur should any of this drop him before the last shot.))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Mon Mar 10, 2008 6:32 pm
((Jessica has a Force Field that absorbs 40 damage every 10 minutes, and I'm pretty sure DR granted by Deban applies for every attack aimed at the character. So if I'm right, Jessica only ends up taking 19 damage. Please do correct me if I'm wrong Marine.))
Jessica moves to where Coventry had been standing only moments ago. She holds out her hands and wills healing upon her allies.
"Gisar!!!"
((Jessica moves to S-8
Gisar [25 PP | + 42 HP to everyone within 30 ft.]
HP: 117/117
AC: 18
DR: 5/-))
Kayla takes a moment to access the situation before she springs into action. In almost the blink of an eye, the tiefling moves across the battlefield and comes up behind the Forsaker that has engaged Ashathel. Without warning, the devilish assassin thrusts her swords into the enemy warrior's back, or at least she tries to.
((Kayla moves to R-9.
Tumble: 20 + 18 [Ranks] + 9 [Dex] - 10 [Moving at more than half speed] = 37
Attack 1: 17 + 10 (BAB) + 9 (Dex) -2 (TWF) + 2 (Flank) = 36
Damage: 5 + 1 (Str) + 26 (Sneak Attack) = 32
Attack 2: 12 + 10 (BAB) + 9 (Dex) -2 (TWF) + 2 (Flank) = 31
Damage: 6 + 1 (Str) + 31 (Sneak Attack) = 38
Damage is before DR, if the attacks hit.
HP: 114/114
AC: 25
DR: 5/-))

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Mon Mar 10, 2008 11:57 pm
"I do so love it when you underestimate us," the bladesinger said, his glowing blade cutting through his foe's defenses. ((Dodge to Paladine. AC 33, 34 with Dodge. Atk1: 1d20 +14 (bab) +4 (dex) +10 (wpn) -5 (comb. exp.) = 39 Dmg: 7d6 (wpn) +2 (str) +5 (int) = 30
Atk2: 1d20 +9 (bab) +4 (dex) +10 (wpn) -5 (comb. exp.) = 25
Dmg: 7d6 (wpn) +2 (str) +5 (int) = 28
Atk3: 1d20 +4 (bab) +4 (dex) +10 (wpn) -5 (comb. exp.) = 29
Dmg: 7d6 (wpn) +2 (str) +5 (int) = 29
If any of the attacks brings the Forsaker down, redirect to the Paladine.))
"Damnit! What is it with birdmen and flying to their deaths?" the rogue said, before turning to the foe in front of him. "Say... nice day, isn't it?"
((Dam moved back 5' last round, so the Forsaker should be where he is. He moves 5' to the NE to flank with Jim, then attacks.
Comb.Exp. 2, dodge to forsaker. AC 26, 27 to Forsaker.
Bluff (take 10): 10 + +13 (ranks) +1 (trait) = 24
Atk1: Nat. 20; crit threat
Conf: 1d20 +8 (bab) +4 (dex) +1 (w. foc) +1 (wpn) +2 (flank) -2 (twf) - (comb. exp) = 1
Dmg: [1d6 (wpn) +1 (str)] +4d6 (sneak) = 23 (14 + 9 sneak)
Bluff (take 10): 10 + +13 (ranks) +1 (trait) = 24
Atk2: 1d20 +8 (bab) +4 (dex) +1 (w. foc) +1 (wpn) +2 (flank) -2 (twf) - (comb. exp) = 25
Dmg: 1d6 (wpn) +4d6 (sneak) +1 (str) = 13 (5 + 8 sneak)
Also... Dam: 68/68 HP))

Posted by: Rusty Tue Mar 11, 2008 1:26 am
((Faralon misses with his Rapier. On the plus side, super BK for the win.)) *On their call and charge, Faralon finally recognizes the forsakers.* : "Those are...the Forsakers of Feroduin from the Destonia region. They despise magic and will do anything they can to destroy all traces of it. If you have magic, don't let them get to it! They'll even target weapons and items!"

Posted by: Cyrus Tue Mar 11, 2008 1:27 am
Gail watches while Talacre vaults over the wall of enemies and the wall of psychic ice, leaving the soldier of Light up against the remaining soldiers. Throwing a look back to the gathered forces, she sees the forsakers converging on her allies, and she furrows her brow, summoning her resolve and stepping between them and the paladine. She then lays into the soldiers around her, striking the centaur and following through to try and draw their attention.
[Move 5' left to N-7, Full Attack action to attack M-7, N-6, and O-6.
Attack roll 1: 1d20(15)+13(BAB)+3(STR)+1(MWK weapon)+1(Heroic Skill)=33.
Damage: 1d10(1)+3(STR)=4.
Attack roll 2: 1d20(6)+8(BAB)+3(STR)+1(MWK weapon)+1(Heroic Skill)=19.
Damage: 1d10(7)+3(STR)=10
Attack Roll 3: 1d20(2)+3(BAB)+3(STR)+1(MWK weapon)+1(Heroic Skill)=Are you even trying?
Damage=1d10(8)+3(STR)=11.
HP: 151/151
AC:33
DR: 8/-]

Posted by: FreedomJu Tue Mar 11, 2008 1:39 am
Spartan-117 didn't have time to grunt in pain before the GiSar healed her injury, but the rapid healing didn't even register in her mind has she raised her Gauss Rifle and opened fire into the centaur's gut. The 15 hyper-accelerated metal spikes fired at such short range cut the enemy's torso in half, killing it almost instantly.
((Melissa is healed back to full and opens fire at the centaur dead in front of her. Precise Shot means no penalties of any kind, plus Point Blank Shot adds to hit and damage.
Gauss Hit: 1d20 + BAB + DEX + Weapon Focus (Gauss Assault Rifle) – Burst Fire + PBS
Attack 1: 1d20 + 12 + 8 + 1 + 1 – 4 + 1 = 18 + 18 = 36
Attack 2: 1d20 + 7 + 8 + 1 + 1 - 4 + 1 = 11 + 13 = 24
Attack 3: 1d20 + 2 + 8 + 1 + 1 - 4 + 1 = 20 + 8 = ….
Confirm: 1d20 + 2 + 8 + 1 + 1 - 4 = 10 + 8 = 18, regular hit
Gauss Damage: 3d10+3 + Weapon Specialization (Gauss Assault Rifle) + 2d10 (Burst Fire) + PBS
Attack 1: 5d10 + 3 + 2 = 10 + 3 + 3 + 10 + 4 + 5 + 1 = 36
Attack 2: 5d10 + 3 + 2 = 6 + 1 + 10 + 8 + 3 + 5 + 1 = 34
Attack 3: 5d10 + 3 + 2 = 5 + 1 + 2 + 8 + 6 + 5 + 1 = 28
Centaur is dead.
Dodge to next thing to attack Melissa))

Posted by: GOD*JESUS Tue Mar 11, 2008 3:43 am
Gritting his beak in pain, the birdman strikes in self defense as the first of his former townsfolk use his own tactic against him. ((AoO to the one he doesn't recognize. AoO: 18(d20) + 13(BAB) + 1(Ranseur) + 6(STR) - 5(PA) = 33 Damage: 1+3(2d4) + 9(STR) + 10(PA) = 23))
Thavon's mood lighten's up mildly as he feels blood splattering his feet from bellow
: "Good riddance..." Thavon mumbles as he watches Tal slice up the lizardman to his death. The birdman then turns his attention to more pressing matters.
: "I don't want to have to hurt you anymore than I already have. But damnit, I've done a lot worse to people, and I don't have a problem doing it again." Thavon said looking back and forth to his fellow birdmen. "Your city's inaction caused this place to be overrun with evil once before by not listening to me. You don't want to make that same mistake again."
((Ready action, if any one of the birdmen make any sort of threatening move, towards Thavon or the rest of the force, then he full attacks and uses Heroic Surge for an extra attack, otherwise, he holds position in the air.
Attack
Attack1: 7(d20) + 13(BAB) + 1(Ranseur) + 6(STR) - 4(PA) = 23
Attack2: 6(d20) + 8(BAB) + 1(Ranseur) + 6(STR) - 4(PA) = 17
Attack3: 9(d20) + 3(BAB) + 1(Ranseur) + 6(STR) - 4(PA) = 15
Surge: 10(d20) + 13(BAB) + 1(Ranseur) + 6(STR) - 4(PA) = 26
Damage
Attack1: 2+3 + (2d4) + 9(STR) + 8(PA) = 22
Attack2: 3+1 + (2d4) + 9(STR) + 8(PA) = 21
Attack3: 4+1 + (2d4) + 9(STR) + 8(PA) = 22
Surge: 3+2 + (2d4) + 9(STR) + 8(PA) = 22
AC: 17
HP: 77/153 ))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue Mar 11, 2008 5:11 am
((Kria goes full on the defense, everyone gains a bonus 100 XP.)) Talacre charges forward, leaping over the line of soldiers to land in front of Resheth. Before the lizardman can respond, the elven swordsman executes a daring triple slash with lightning speed that opens up three horrific gashes in Resheth's body. The lizardman looks up in disbelief as his life bleeds from him.
: “Thisss tactic... failed as well? Eth... Ethuri! Be... Be careful...”
The Ur High Priest then goes still.
Dam manages to score a light wound on the Forsaker in front of him, though his second attack deflects off the warrior's shield.
"Puny!' the warrior booms. "That's what happens when you rely on magic! You become weak!" the Forsaker raises axe. "Here's how a real man fights, fool!"
The axe descends, two blows cutting deeply into Dam, though he manages to evade a third.
((Hit, Hit, Miss. 32 damage to Dam after DR.))
Merkass pierces the axeman with three arrows, blood pouring from him. Though heavily wounded, it looks as if the hearty warrior will survive, howling a battle cry as he raises his axe at Ashathel...
...then pitches face into the dirt as Kayla pulls her twin blades from his back.
Ashathel gets in a pair of deep slices on the Cult Paladine, his force sword only being parried by the knight's lance once.
Jim raises his GSAW to fire, the Cult knight and Forsaker near him taking the opportunity to lash out at him. The lance deflects off Jim's blast armor, while the axe finds a weak spot and leaves a bloody gash in his side. The wound soon heals though, thanks to Jessica.
Jim glares at the Forsaker in front of him and levels his GSAW at him, firing until his weapon runs out of ammunition. The bullets rip through the Forsaker and leave him weakened... but to Jim's amazement, still standing.
((Heroic Surge! Hit, Hit, Hit, Miss. 103 damage to the Forsaker in front of Jim.))
One of the Forsakers slices Jessica's side with his axe in an opportunistic blow as the psion leaves the immediate area. The damage is wiped away a moment later by Jessica's Gisar, though.
((AoO: Hit. 17 damage to Jessica.))
The line of Cult Snipers release another hail of arrows that pierces through the pair of psions. A particularly well aimed arrow goes through Maria's chest, causing pain to lance through the psychic's formidable mind.
((30 damage to Jess, 43 damage to Maria, all after DR.))
Gail batters away, but her attacks all either clank off armor or are unable to pierce the thick adamantine. The centaur laughs. "What? I should expect such might from a woman!"
((Hit, Miss, Miss. 1 damage to Cult Paladine.))
The knight in front of Gail suddenly turns around and gallops away from the paladin, allowing her to cut a light wound on his backside. The Cult knight picks up speed, charging towards Talacre and burying his lance in the swordsman's side. Gail turns to find a lance of her own embedded in her torso, another knight taking advantage of the distraction to charge her.
((Hit. 33 damage after DR to Talacre. AoO hit. 10 damage to Cult Paladine. Hit! 30 damage to Gail after DR.))
"We'll decide how to best serve our city, traitorous scum," one of the birdmen squawks. "You no longer have anything to do with this land! Begone!"
With that, the four birdwarriors dance around Thavon in a glittering whirlwind of blades, nine new shallow cuts opening on the spellcasting soldier.
((9 hits, 3 misses. 37 damage after DR to Thavon.))
"So you know a little swordplay, huh?" the Forsaker in front of Kria taunts. The warrior brings his axe suddenly down on Kria, the warlock blocking with her blade. The axe alters direction in midswing, though, coming down on the sword and cleaving through it. The weapon snaps in two as the Forsaker laughs. "Not nearly enough!"
"Whatcha gonna do now, freak?" the other Forsaker says with a grin, grazing the catfolk with his axe as she leaps aside from his other blows. "You're out of weapons... Unless the little kitty has claws..."
((Sunder: Success. 17 damage dealt to Kria's bastard sword. Kria's bastard sword breaks! Hit! Miss, Miss. 10 damage to Kria after DR!))
One of the Forsakers howls a battle cry as he lays into Gail with his axe, scoring deep wound after deep wound with the weapon. The other looks the paladin over for a moment, a menacing light in his eyes as he hefts his axe.
"You're a fair one... Perhaps I'll loot your body instead of your corpse, take you with me..." the Forsaker says with a sinister grin. He lunges forward, bringing his axe down on Gail's weapon and snapping it in two. "You won't be needing swords in the kitchen, dear."
((Sunder: Critical Success! Gail's bastard sword breaks! 3 hits, one crit. 41 damage to Gail after DR))
"Ya think cuz yer in arma that ya can take us? Whadda joke!" Melissa's opponent snarls, beating at the Spartan with his axe and only inflicting minor wounds, his words hardly prophetic.
((Hit, Hit. 15 damage to Melissa after DR.))
"I'll pay you back for that," the Forsaker Jim shot snals, chopping his axe at the commander. Jim jumps back, ducks under, and then dodges aside the blows, the axe never once coming close to hitting him. "STOP DODGING LIKE SOME KINDA ELF!" the Forsaker roars.
((Miss, Miss, Miss.))
"Think yer betta than me, longears? Come on, pretty boy," the Forsakers in front of Faralon grunts, whirling his axe around and burying it deep in the elf's gut. "Hah! See? Die there, like a good dog!" The axeman fininshes his assault with a pair of blows that cut open Faralon's shoulders.
((Critical Hit! Hit! Miss. 64 damage total after DR to Faralon.))
Those with magical items and powers feel energy course through them as the field fails and magic returns.
Next turn!

Posted by: Cyrus Tue Mar 11, 2008 5:38 am
Gail stares at the shattered gift in shock, then to the looming warrior jeering at her with his lecherous smile. She shuffles back, putting distance between her and the magic hater...before her shield slides into both hands, her face settling into a glare and her voice a harsh whisper.
: "Why would you want a wife to cook for you, when you don't have a jaw to eat with?"
She then lunges forward, her skin turning alabastar while the shield slams point first under the man's chin, then wheels around tp clatter against both temples, all the while glowing with holy radiance.
[Strength of Stone, then FA on the lech. Divine Might, Smite on all.
Attack roll 1: 1d20(20).
Confirm: 1d20(13)+13(BAB)+7(STR)+5(weapon)+10(Smite)+1(skill)+10(music)=59.
Damage: 1d6(6)+10(STR)+5(weapon)+10(Might)+13(Smite)+10(music)=54*2=108.
Attack roll 2: 1d20(15)+8(BAB)+7(STR)+5(weapon)+10(Smite)+1(skill)+10(music)=56.
Damage: 1d6(4)+10(STR)+5(weapon)+10(Might)+13(Smite)+10(music)=52.
Attack roll 3: 1d20(10)+3(BAB)+7(STR)+5(weapon)+10(Smite)+1(skill)+10(music)=46.
Damage: 1d6(6)+10(STR)+5(weapon)+10(Might)+13(Smite)+10(music)=54.
Total damage: 108+52+54=214 damage.
Oh, by the way...
HP: 106/179
AC: 42
All class abilities restored.]

Posted by: Rusty Tue Mar 11, 2008 5:45 am
((Faralon moves 5' off the map and sings safely. Sure. Special. 2 rounds: +10 to attack and damage.))

Posted by: GOD*JESUS Tue Mar 11, 2008 6:22 am
((Please note, everyone in the group now has Bear's Endurance and +9 AC(Armor) from Mass Mage Armor. Dam has Indomitability again.)) : "You know, suddenly four on one seems like a really unfair fight for you guys." Thavon says with a chuckle, "Allow me to show you what your ignorance has brought you." Thavon's ranseur continues the conversation for him, as it finds a way through feather and bone. "So, care to surrender yet?" The flying knight says with a wink to the remaining birdmen.
((Full attack and Heroic Surge, continue attacking the wounded one until he drops and move on from there. Wrathfull Healing is back, so let me know how much damage was actually done.
Attack
Attack1: 14(d20) + 13(BAB) + 1(Ranseur) + 9(STR) + 10(Music) - 7(PA) = 40
Attack2: 2(d20) + 8(BAB) + 1(Ranseur) + 9(STR) + 10(Music) - 7(PA) = 23
Attack3: 12(d20) + 3(BAB) + 1(Ranseur) + 9(STR) + 10(Music) - 7(PA) = 28
Surge: 12(d20) + 13(BAB) + 1(Ranseur) + 9STR) + 10(Music) - 7(PA) = 38
Damage
Attack1: 3+4(2d4) + 13(STR) + 1(Ranseur) + 10(Music) + 14(PA) = 45
Attack2: 3+3(2d4) + 13(STR) + 1(Ranseur) + 10(Music) + 14(PA) = 44
Attack3: 3+3(2d4) + 13(STR) + 1(Ranseur) + 10(Music) + 14(PA) = 44
Surge: 4+1(2d4) + 13(STR) + 1(Ranseur) + 10(Music) + 14(PA) = 43
AC: 35
Miss: 20%
Fortification: 75%
DR: DR5/- or DR10/Adamntine, whichever is more effective.
HP: 132/179 after BE and Wrathful Healing))

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Tue Mar 11, 2008 8:13 am
"You all are absolutely right," Ashathel said, rolling his eyes as he quickly cast a spell before taking off towards the north. "After all... it's not like my magically enhanced blade is jutting out of your chest or anything, right?" As if to punctuate his point, he made sure he did just that to one of the Forsakers attacking Kria, driving his force blade home with authority.
((Using Song of Celerity to cast Blur on Ashathel. 20% miss chance.
Charge directly north. Dodge to the same Forsaker he's attacking, plus full Comb. Exp. AC 32 (33 with dodge), 36 (37 with Dodge) if the Mage Armor bonus supercedes the existing armor bonus.
Dropping a 4th level spell for Arcane Strike.
Atk: 1d20 +14 (bab) +4 (dex) +10 (wpn) +10 (bardic) +4 (arc. str.) +3 (greaves) +2 (charge) -5 (comb. exp)= +42
Dmg: 7d6 (wpn) +2d6 (holy) +4d4 (arc. str.) +5 (int) +3 (greaves) +2 (str) +10 (bardic) = 60))
"That's going to leave a mark," the rogue said, nodding as the lizardman was felled. He then noted the devastating shield strikes leveled by the paladin and winced, adding "Not as much as that - no, not by a longshot. You really, really shouldn't have said that..."
"And as for you... I dunno, I happen to think that I'm happier with my magic," Dam said, grinning devilishly as his form again skipped like a broken record. Turning to face his attacker, he continued, "Now... what was that you were saying? Nevermind... it's kind of hard to talk with holes in your lungs."
((The ring of Blink activates once more, as does all the rest of the magical items Dam has, plus. AC jumps to 33 (34 with dodge), 38 (39 with dodge) if the armor bonus for Mage Armor supercedes that of his vest.
The effects of blink deny the target their dex mod to ac and grants a +2 bonus to hit, so Dam gets his sneak attack damage. I requested Ghost Touch or something to negate his 20% miss chance while blinking (due to ethereality), but if for some reason that wasn't possible, I also included miss chance for each of his hits.
Miss chance: 62
Atk1: 1d20 +8 (bab) +4 (dex) +1 (w. foc) +1 (wpn) +2 (flank) -2 (twf) +10 (bardic) +2 (blink) = 42
Dmg: 1d6 (wpn) +1 (str) +4d6 (sneak) +10 (bardic) = 30 (11 + 19 sneak)
Miss Chance: 16
Atk2: Nat. 1.
Miss Chance: 81
Atk1: 1d20 +8 (bab) +4 (dex) +1 (w. foc) +1 (wpn) +2 (flank) -2 (twf) +10 (bardic) +2 (blink) = 32
Dmg: 1d6 (wpn) +1 (str) +4d6 (sneak) +10 (bardic) = 26 (11 +15 sneak)
After the attacks, he'll move 5' North, so Kayla can step up and super-shank him.
Dam: 56/88 HP))

Posted by: Alpha Tue Mar 11, 2008 1:58 pm
As his attacks fell the lizardman in seconds, Talacre opens his mouth to shout out and taunt the remaining foes. The attack from the paladine however causes his cry to come out nothing more than a weak cough. Satisfied that Thavon should now be able to handle himself, he spins around, the blade dancer eyes the centaur dangerously, and with his magical speed and items back, goes to work.
First, he holds his sword up before the knight, and it erupts into flame. Then with a an impossible jump, he rises twenty feet straight up into the air, over the psionic wall and comes down with an extremely powerful attack on the centaur.
[Fail the intimidate check. Activate Enchanted Blade. Tal’s weapon gains Flaming for 16 minutes as a free action. Auto pass all jump and tumble checks – yes, his jump check is that high.
Jump 20’ up and 20’ down over the wall, and down to K7.
Attack 1: 1d20(16) …critical threat (to hit would be 47)
Confirm: 1d20(17) …upgraded critical threat (to hit would be 58)
Confirm: 1d20(14) + 16(bab) + 7(dexterity) + 3(enchantment) + 1(weapon focus) - 1(trait) + 3(dervish dance) + 2(acrobatic attack) + 10(bardic) + 2(heroism) – 10 (PA) – 2(combat expertise) = 45. Probably an upgraded critical
Damage: [1d10 + 9(x1.5 str) + 3(enchantment) + 6(int) + 1(trait) + 3(ddance) + 2(acrobatic attack) + 10(bardic) + 20(PA)] *3 + 1d6(deadly defence) + 1d6(flaming) = 180 damage, 3 fire damage]
Not even stopping at his blade plunges through the paladine, Talacre tumbles down, rolling across the equine body until he touches down on the ground once more. Continuing his momentum, and noticing the damage the Ur Archers were inflicting he spins right. Taking a few quick steps, he reaches them with blinding speed, running around the pair, delivering two attacks to each. It is possible they don’t even see the elf, as he’s moving so fast.
[Move up and around the 2 archers on the left of the map, ending up at L4. Using my Bracer of Quick Strike’s single charge to get an extra attack in. Again, auto pass all jump and tumble checks
Attacks on the K3 archer
Attack 1: 1d20(17)… critical threat (to hit would be 43)
Confirm: 1d20(6) + 11(bab) + 7(dexterity) + 3(enchantment) + 1(weapon focus) - 1(trait) + 3(dervish dance) + 2(acrobatic attack) + 10(bardic) + 2(heroism) – 10 (PA) – 2(combat expertise) = 32
Damage: [1d10 + 9(x1.5 str) + 3(enchantment) + 6(int) + 1(trait) + 3(ddance) + 2(acrobatic attack) + 10(bardic) + 20(PA)] *2 + 1d6(deadly defence) + 1d6(flaming) = 130 damage, 2 fire damage if a critical. 66, 2 fire if a normal hit
Attack 2: 1d20(11) + 6(bab) + 7(dexterity) + 3(enchantment) + 1(weapon focus) - 1(trait) + 3(dervish dance) + 2(acrobatic attack) + 10(bardic) + 2(heroism) – 10 (PA) – 2(combat expertise) = 32
Damage: 1d10 + 9(x1.5 str) + 3(enchantment) + 6(int) + 1(trait) + 3(ddance) + 2(acrobatic attack) + 10(bardic) + 20(PA) + 1d6(deadly defence) + 1d6(flay foe) + 1d6(flaming) = 63, 5 fire
Attacks on the K2 archer
Attack 1: 1d20(4) + 1(bab) + 7(dexterity) + 3(enchantment) + 1(weapon focus) - 1(trait) + 3(dervish dance) + 2(acrobatic attack) + 10(bardic) + 2(heroism) – 10 (PA) – 2(combat expertise) = 20
Damage: 1d10 + 9(x1.5 str) + 3(enchantment) + 6(int) + 1(trait) + 3(ddance) + 2(acrobatic attack) + 10(bardic) + 20(PA) + 1d6(deadly defence) + 1d6(flay foe) + 1d6(flaming) = 66, 1 fire
Attack 2 [quick strike]: 1d20(15)…crit threat (to hit would be 46)
Confirm: 1d20(14) + 16(bab) + 7(dexterity) + 3(enchantment) + 1(weapon focus) - 1(trait) + 3(dervish dance) + 2(acrobatic attack) + 10(bardic) + 2(heroism) – 10 (PA) – 2(combat expertise) = 45
Damage: [1d10 + 9(x1.5 str) + 3(enchantment) + 6(int) + 1(trait) + 3(ddance) + 2(acrobatic attack) + 10(bardic) + 20(PA)] *2 + 1d6(deadly defence) + 1d6(flay foe) + 1d6(flaming) = 120, 3 fire]
[HP: 101/197
AC: 41
DR: 5/-
((I know the rolls seem absurdly high, I know, But I can show you the AIM chat log if you like :/))

Posted by: FreedomJu Tue Mar 11, 2008 6:32 pm
Melissa barely pays the light wounds any attention as she repeats her tactic from a few moments ago, pointing her rifle's barrel at the enemy's torso and letting them have it at point blank range. Unlike the centaur, the Forsaker remains standing after the barrage, but just barely, the gaping hole in his gut making it rather obvious that he was on his last legs.
Annoyed by her foe's survival and acting on reflex, the Spartan swiftly lowered her rifle and with her left hand punched the Forsaker in the face, the powerful blow crushing the warrior's nose and causing him to fly backwards onto the ground where he soon gave up and stopped breathing.
((Full Attack on Forsaker dead in front of me, followed by a fist to the face via Heroic Surge to kill it.
Gauss Hit: 1d20 + BAB + DEX + Weapon Focus (Gauss Assault Rifle) – Burst Fire + PBS + Music
Attack 1: 1d20 + 12 + 8 + 1 + 1 – 4 + 1 = 18 + 18 + 10 = 46
Attack 2: 1d20 + 7 + 8 + 1 + 1 - 4 + 1 = 19 + 13 + 10 = ….
Confirm: 1d20 + 2 + 8 + 1 + 1 - 4 = 15 + 13 + 10 = 38
Attack 3: 1d20 + 2 + 8 + 1 + 1 - 4 + 1 = 8 + 8 + 10 = 26
Gauss Damage: 3d10+3 + Weapon Specialization (Gauss Assault Rifle) + 2d10 (Burst Fire) + Holy + Enchantment + PBS + Music
Attack 1: 5d10 + 3 + 2 = 3 + 2 + 9 + 8 + 3 + 4 + 5 + 5 + 3 + 1 + 10 = 43
Attack 2: 5d10 + 3 + 2 = 3 + 2 + 8 + 6 + 2 + 4 + 5 + 5 + 3 + 1 + 10 = 49 x2 (crit) = 98
Attack 3: 5d10 + 3 + 2 = 10 + 5 + 2 + 6 + 6 + 6 + 3 + 5 + 3 + 1 + 10 = 57
198 damage total from rifle. Melissa's fist to face finishes off the Forsaker.
Dodge to the next thing to attack her))

Posted by: Knight_019 Tue Mar 11, 2008 6:34 pm
: You should not speak to a lady like that. *Merkass does another elaborate flip through the air, then prepares to fire through the forsaker's now exposed throat after Gail beats him terribly with her shield. However, as he prepares to fire, the axe-wielding forsaker instead drops to the ground, lifeless. In the blink of an eye, he turns to the centaur and begins firing arrows in its direction. The arrow flies true, piercing through its throat with the holy light ray instead, dropping the foul, magic destroying god usurper to the ground to bleed out and meet whatever horrid god it does or doesn't worship.
Merkass then turns his attention with his remaining arrows to the axeman near Gail and hopes to clear the enemies from the now mostly-defenseless paladin.*
: Better?
((Tumble: 1d20 + 30 = 17 + 30 = 47. 10' as 5' step pass.
Merkass moves to Q10. Rapid Shot.
1d20 + 42 + 1 - 2 = 16 + 41 = 57. This is on the centaur by Gail.
1d20 + 41 = 16 + 41 = 57. This and the following are on the Forsaker at O6 (or if that's the one Gail killed, the one above him). Add rancor to this.
1d20 + 36 = 7 + 36 = 43.
1d20 + 31 = 4 + 31 = 35.
Damage
1d8 + 2d6 (holy) + 1d6 (nemesis) + 1d6 (skirmish) + 20 + 1 (PBS) + 1 (FE) + 10 (BM) = 7 + 5 + 3 + 6 + 6 + 32 = 59. DEAD.
1d8 + 4d6 + 4d6 + 32 = 1 + 1 + 1 + 4 + 5 + 3 + 6 + 6 + 4 + 32 = 63.
1d8 + 4d6 + 32 = 1 + 5 + 3 + 3 + 5 + 32 = 49.
1d8 + 4d6 + 32 = 5 + 6 + 3 + 4 + 3 + 32 = 53.))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Tue Mar 11, 2008 6:55 pm
Jessica grunts in pain as the arrows sink into her flesh. The Psion shakes her head and holds out her hands as she cries, "Gisar!" ((Jessica uses Gisar. Everyone south of the blue line with the exception of Kria regains 33 HP. Hit Points: 147/147
Armor Class: 28
Damage Reduction: 5/-
Power Points: 203/267))
Kayla looks over her shoulder and a smirk slowly spreads across her face. She steps up behind the Forsaker and thrusts her holy enchanted sword deep into his back. She pulls the blade from his back and then thrusts both of her swords into his back at once. However, even after the vicious assault on the female assassin's part, the Forsaker is still standing.
((Kayla moves to R-8 and attacks the Forsaker.
3 hits, 167 total damage. Still standing, but severely wounded.
Hit Points: 144/144
Armor Class: 35
Damage Reduction: 5/-))

Posted by: Knight_019 Tue Mar 11, 2008 9:16 pm
~~~ MEANWHILE ~~~ *The city of Bedoe had changed little since they had last been there. Fortunately, Aurik was able to be glad that he could move through the city unimpeded for the most part. Before entering, he had asked god Volcanon for success in their mission and the splendor to capture the attention of his subjects. So far, it was working, and now they had finally been stopped at the entrance to the king's chamber.*
: I am Aurik Sentol, priest of Volcanon, and these are my traveling compatriots. We seek an audience with your king to report news and proposition his majesty regarding recent developments in the outside world. In Volcanon's name, may we please be granted this audience?
((Aurik cast Divine Insight on himself for a sudden +15 to a skill check. He also has Eagle's Splendor up to boost his CHA.
Before leaving, he requisitioned Rhizor for an Owl's Insight, giving him another +8 to WIS.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue Mar 11, 2008 10:18 pm
"Certainly, come this way," the birdman says, leading the group up the stairs and to a modest throne room decorated with bas-reliefs of birds, birdmen, and great phoenixes. Two rows of Skywarriors line the walls, swords and shields at their sides.
On a gold and obsidian framed throne is an elderly birdman with gray feathers, wearing a light golden crown with thin golden wings, set with mainy rubies. The king turns to the group, tiredly speaking.
"Yes? Who are all of you?"
------
((Partial update.))
Gail's first blow breaks the man's jaw, the second and third caving in his temples with incredible force. The lustful man collapses into a pile, twitching wildly for a few moments as his life flees from him.
“Gordos!” one of the Forsakers yells in shock. He turns to Gail with fury in his eyes. “You... You die now, witch!”
The two Forsakers around Gail launch a powerful trio of attacks each, but the paladin brings up her shield to block them each and every time.
((Miss, Miss, Miss, Miss, Miss, Miss.))
“Melissa, do remind me to tell Adam to... refrain from being his usual... carefree self while here,” Jim comments as he winces at the sight. “It might be in his best interest.”
Thavon rips apart one of the birdmen, his polearm's blade slicing through flesh and feathers like a butcher rips the wings off a chicken with his oversized knife. With a sickly caw, the skywarrior falls, a rain of blood falling to the ground below.
“Fedismir!” one of the birdman gasps, seeing his friend fall lifeless to the ground below. He turns to Thavon with rage in his eyes. “You... You....”
The birdmen launch into a series of precise and skillful cuts, but their rage blinds them and Thavon is able to avoid all but a single, minor cut.
((Miss, Miss, Miss, Miss, Miss, Miss, Miss, Miss, Miss, Miss, Miss, Hit. 2 damage to Thavon after DR.))
Ashathel charges, leaving a devastating slash on his target that pierces past the adamantine plate protecting the barbarous fighter.
“Argh! What?! Is that it, treelover?” the Forsaker growls, whirling to face the swordsman. “Come on, we'll see if I can't smash up that face... or that infernal sword!”
The Forsaker takes a swing at the energy blade, but only strikes the shimmering energy field that makes up the blade portion of the sword, the invulnerable part.
“Blast it! How is such a weapon possible!” the warrior curses.
((Sunder: 38 vs. 44. Ashathel wins. Sunder failed.))
Dam scores two hits on his foe, but the attacks do far less damage than normal, the daggers only managing to partially pierce the unnaturally thick skin beneath the plate. The Forsaker laughs at the shallow cuts inflicted by the rogue.
“Hahaha, you've been hitting me, but you haven't been hitting me!” the Forsaker says. “Let me show you how it's done, whelp!”
Jim removes the spent magazine and begins to reload his GSAW as fast as he can, but is once more is forced to dodge a trio of opportunistic swings. The final blow hits home, but scrapes against his matte-black blast armor, only able to leave a slight cut when it chances on an unarmored portion. With a clicking sound, the firing mechanisms are readied and the GSAW is fully loaded once more. Jim looks up, glaring at the Forsaker in front of him, and thrusting his GSAW forward to impale the weapon's bayonet through the solder's chest. The Forsaker looks down at the blade sticking into his chest with surprise, then Jim fires two bursts from the weapon, the foe still impaled on the bayonet. The rounds burst through the Forsaker and he begins to slump down, Jim planting his foot on the enemy's chest and kicking him off the gun.
((Heroic Surge: Jim reloads. AoO: Miss, Miss, Hit. 5 damage to Jim after DR. Jim attacks: Critical Hit, Hit, Miss. Forsaker is slain.))
“Maria! Take out their spellcasters! With the AMF gone, they're a threat again!” Jim shouts, pointing to the robed men lurking around the temple.
Talacre decapitates first the Paladine in front of him, then the first Cult Sniper, then the second with startling swiftness. The heads roll on the ground, expressions of shock forever plastered on their faces... at least until the worms get to them.
Merkass kills the Paladine near Gail as his arrows rip through the remaining Forsaker, though he doesn't slay the warrior.
“Have to... Have to do better than that, cat!” the Forsaker growls as he gasps for air, shield hand clutching the poisoned wounds shot by the feline fighter.
Jessica calls out her technique again and everyone's wounds seal.
“Gragh! Wench! Learn your place!” the Forsaker snarls as Kayla as he swings at the tiefling, the wounds inflicted by the assassin flowing freely with forsaken blood. The adamant axe of the warrior swings down at Kayla's blade, but she pulls it out of the way in time.
((Sunder roll: 45 total. Opposed attack: 45. Tie goes to defender, Sunder fails.))
“Stop runnin' away!” one of the Forsakers cries, pursuing Faralon and hitting him with a single powerful axe blow.
((5' step. Hit, Miss, Miss. 15 damage to Faralon after DR.))
Melissa finishes off her foe only to have another howl a battle cry and bury a battle axe in her shoulder.
“That's for Hesshik!” the Forsaker howls, as sparks fly from where the massive axe cleaved through the powered armor.
((Upgraded critical hit! Miss Miss. 55 damage to Melissa after DR.))
“You and your magic!” the Forsaker howls as Kria's many protective items flare to live and shield her from the warrior's attacks. “Take all that junk off and fight me man to cat!”
Another hail of arrows falls on Jessica, one arrow striking her dead in the chest.
((Hit, Critical Hit! Miss, Miss, Hit, Miss, Miss, Miss. 51 damage total to Jessica after DR.))

Posted by: Knight_019 Wed Mar 12, 2008 2:33 am
((THIS IS A SPACER OF EPIC SPACE MANAGEMENT!))

Posted by: Alpha Wed Mar 12, 2008 2:33 am
WOOP

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Wed Mar 12, 2008 3:20 am
Maria teleports up and lays a friendly hand on the back of one of the Ur Priests... only to have that priest gurgle and twitch as its brain stem is teleported away. ((Quickened Dimension Door followed by Decerebrate. Save failed. Ur Priest is incapacitated.))
Kria flies up and out of the reach of the Forsakers beneath her.
((Disengage, fly 30' up.))
The leftmost Ur Priest struggles through the wall, moving up to cast a single spell. Smothering darkness floods the battlefield over the main group, choking and draining them of their health. The other Ur Priest also comes through the wall.
Jim is caught off guard by the very threat he just warned about. The darkness roils around him, lashing him with tendrils of utterdark. When it leaves, he is left on one knee, gasping for air and shakily leaning on his GSAW.
"D... Damn..." he mutters, pulling himself to a standing position with effort.
((Both Ur Priests suffer 20 points of damage from passing through the wall. Mass Harm on Melissa, Jim, Dam, Kayla, Jessica, and Merkass. Fort save DC 25 or suffer 150 points of negative energy damage. Making the save means you only suffer 75. Cannot drop you below 1 HP. Jim fails his Fort save by rolling a nat 1 and is at 1 HP.))
Shortly after this, columns of fire rock the battlefield, one of the Ur priests channeling blasphemous powers against the Shining Force. Weakened by the dark spell before it, Jim is caught by the flames.
: "No!..." Jim gasps out, falling to a knee once more. "I... I have to... protect... my squad..."
Unable to withstand his injuries a moment longer, Jim collapses with a groan, his breathing ceasing soon after.
((Firestorm. Everyone except Maria and Kria take 65 fire damage, Ref save DC 24 for half. Jim fails his save by rolling a nat 1 and dies.))
Thavon feels an uncontrolled rippling through his body as his insides twist and bend.
((Implosion. Fort save DC 25. Save made: 25 on the dot.))
Next turn!
>>Doc Coventry gains one retro action since I didn't know what to do with him.<<

Posted by: FreedomJu Wed Mar 12, 2008 3:58 am
Melissa staggered back a step to steady herself as the Harm spell sucked the life out of her, but a quick glance told her that Jim had suffered worse than she had. Seeing a column of fire swiftly approaching her commanding officer, the Spartan, despite being weakened from the foul spell, puts herself between the fire and Radford.
This effort was for nothing though as the fire poured through the gaps in her armor and cooked the brave soldier alive even as the fiery storm passed by her to cook Jim as throughly as it had done to her. The MJOLNIR armor spasmed slightly as Melissa fell to the ground in her death throes. Her last thoughts were not of despair, sadness, or anger, but rather pride that she fought to the very end against overwhelming odds.
((Passed the save versus Harm, but failed against Firestorm. Had burned an Action Point already this turn so can't use that to bail me out.))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Wed Mar 12, 2008 4:44 am
Jessica cries out as the dark energy courses through her body. In spite of the immense pain that she is in, she manages to avoid the brunt of the Firestorm and stay alive. Her eyes widen as Jim slumps to the ground and goes still. "Damn it Jim..." Jessica holds out her hands and cries, "Gisar!!!"
((Jessica uses Gisar, again. +42 HP to everyone south of the blue line but Kria.
Hit Points: 45/147
Armor Class: 28
Damage Reduction: 5/-
Power Points: 178/267))
Kayla growls as the dark energy courses through her body. As the Ur Priests call flames down upon them, the assassin does not react quickly enough, and she takes the full brunt of the flames. Even with her resistance to the element, she is still badly wounded. Then the healing energy of Jessica's power washes over Kayla, and she starts to feel better. Kayla glares at the Forsaker before her and hisses out her words angrily.
"Learn my place? Well since we're on the subject, perhaps I should teach your where your place is. Your place is on the ground at my feet you f***ing chauvinist PIG!!!"
Kayla makes her point by thrusting her sword into his gut. She pulls it out and then drives the blade through his chest. Kayla pulls the sword out of the Forsaker's chest, and he slumps to the ground lifeless. The female assassin sighs and shakes her head.
You brought this on yourself...
((Kayla moves to S-7 and attacks the Forsaker again.
100 damage from 2 attacks. Forsaker dies.
Hit Points: 51/144
Armor Class: 35
Damage Reduction: 5/-

Posted by: Kaihaku Wed Mar 12, 2008 5:49 am
((Wow, this has been moving fast... Looks like I missed all the fun. I brought the Doctor up to that location to heal our two Nail wannabes. I didn't expect things to move so fast but I'm going to assume that I carried out with the planned Maximized Mass Cure Critical Wounds (+48 HP). So, yeah... :/ ))
"Ji...jim... Melissa..." Maria gasps, her eyes widening as two of her fellow comrades fall dead, then she blinks...out of existence.
[Augmented Dimension Door]
The Doctor shakes his head sadly, the battle behind him going unnoticed as he watches birdman slaughter birdman, "...why does it always have to come to this?" He raises a hand, opening his mouth to speak words of power.
Then Maria appears directly in front of him, a desperate light in her eyes, "You! You have to save them!"
"Wha..." The Doctor begins, startled.
The psion latches onto his arm, pulling him across the space to the side of the newly fallen warriors, "Help them! Like you helped me!"
[Psionic Teleport]
The Doctor doesn't hesitate once he sees the fallen bodies, instead he reaches into a pouch at his side and withdraws a single perfect crystal. He holds it over the body of the GDO commander, speaking words of power...the crystal begins to darken, burning away into ash... As this occurs, the Doctor reaches down and touches the corpse, calling back the spirit before it fully leaves the body.
[Revivify: -1,000 gp of crystal]
[Jim is at 1 HP and stable. No CON, level, or spell loss.]
The Doctor then steps over to the armored warrior, laying a hand on her still form and closing his eyes.
[Coventry Special: Melissa is restored to full health as a free action. No CON, level, or spell loss.]
The Doctor lets out a tired breath and stands back to his feet, snapping a finger in the direction of the recovering GDO commander.
[Close Wounds: +7 HP : Jim]
[Healing Kicker Aid: +13 Temp HP, etc, etc]
((If I'm wrong, I'll edit but I think that I qualify for revivify - "However, the spell must be cast within 1 round of the victim’s death"))

Posted by: GOD*JESUS Wed Mar 12, 2008 6:53 am
: "Yes, me, me, me. I killed your friend, blah, blah, blah. It's not like I didn't give you a chance to surrender." Thavon says mockingly, as he returns to his usual self. Retaliating with a great combination of skill, strength and magic another birdman plummets to the ground next to their former leader. "When will you realize I'm just going to cut each of you down one by one until you drop your weapons. The times in Bedoe are changing, and you're on the losing side. Don't be a fool and die for a worthless cause."
((REF passed, 33 damage taken.
Keep attacking the most damaged bird and move on when he drops. Use Heroic Surge.
Attack
Attack1: 9(d20) + 13(BAB) + 1(Ranseur) + 9(STR) + 10(Music) - 7(PA) = 35
Attack2: 14(d20) + 8(BAB) + 1(Ranseur) + 9(STR) + 10(Music) - 7(PA) = 35
Attack3: 2(d20) + 3(BAB) + 1(Ranseur) + 9(STR) + 10(Music) - 7(PA) = 18
Surge: 16(d20) + 13(BAB) + 1(Ranseur) + 9STR) + 10(Music) - 7(PA) = 42
Damage
Attack1: 4+2(2d4) + 13(STR) + 1(Ranseur) + 10(Music) + 14(PA) = 44
Attack3: 1+1(2d4) + 13(STR) + 1(Ranseur) + 10(Music) + 14(PA) = 40
Surge: 3+2(2d4) + 13(STR) + 1(Ranseur) + 10(Music) + 14(PA) = 43
AC: 35
Miss: 20%
Fortification: 75%
DR: DR5/- or DR10/Adamntine, whichever is more effective.
HP: 179/179))

Posted by: Alpha Wed Mar 12, 2008 11:37 am
Talacre subtly shifts his body as the fire rains down, and the ring on his left hand glows briefly. Thanks to its magic, the elf is able to completely avoid the firestorm. [Reflex save: 1d20(5) + 10(base) + 7(DEX) + 1(grace) + 2(vest) + 2(heroism) = 27. Pass]
He then shakes his head, wondering why the priest would have come so close to his position after he must have seen Talacre dispatch at least two of his allies with utter ease. Shrugging, he executes another flying leap, strikes the priest twice, before racing across the field to take care of the other.
[Jump to L1, attack the M2 priest and attack it again whilst moving right. Then move to L9, attack the K10 priest and attack it again whilst moving up. End up at K7. Autopass all tumble and jump checks
Combat expertise 3, power attack 8
Attack 1: 1d20(9) + 32 = 41
Damage: 1d10 + 50 + 2d6 + 1d6(fire) = 65 + 6 fire
Attack 2: 1d20(15)…critical threat (to hit would be 42)
Confirm: 1d20(7) + 27 = 34
Damage: [1d10 + 50]*2 + 3d6 + 1d6(fire) = 122 + 4 fire
Attack 3: 1d20(3) + 22 = 25
Damage: 1d10 + 50 + 2d6 + 1d6(fire) = 61 + 5 fire
Attack 4: 1d20(2) + 17 = 19. Probably a miss.
HP: 149/197
AC: 42
DR: 5/-]

Posted by: Kaihaku Wed Mar 12, 2008 12:36 pm
Meanwhile... The reservists are gathered together, bracing themselves for the call of duty...or rather, they would be, save for the distraction provided by a certain priestess of the Light... Sophie sits staring at her brand sparkling new crystal ball, displaying the sights and sounds of the battle for all assembled to see.

QUOTE
Gail stares at the shattered gift in shock, then to the looming warrior jeering at her with his lecherous smile. She shuffles back, putting distance between her and the magic hater...before her shield slides into both hands, her face settling into a glare and her voice a harsh whisper.
: "Why would you want a wife to cook for you, when you don't have a jaw to eat with?"
She then lunges forward, her skin turning alabaster while the shield slams point first under the man's chin, then wheels around to clatter against both temples, all the while glowing with holy radiance.
Gail's first blow breaks the man's jaw, the second and third caving in his temples with incredible force. The lustful man collapses into a pile, twitching wildly for a few moments as his life flees from him.

Sophie grimaces at the brutal sight of the man being beaten to death, though she adds softly after a moment, "Well...given her cooking, he's probably better off..."

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Wed Mar 12, 2008 12:55 pm
Hal is busy looking at a few minor wounds on some of the fort workers. He looks up when he hears Sophie's voice, not far away. "Sophie, I could really use your--" he stops. "What is that you're doing?" He finishes bandaging a bruised hand and walks over to peer at the crystal ball. He sees Coventry and Jessica frantically scrambling to seal wounds faster than the Ur open them, and having great difficulty.
"Sophia, they need us. Take my hand."
((Taking Sophie's hand and casting a DMM Quickened Teleport, using the crystal ball to pinpoint the location down in the midst of the most heavily wounded. Depending on the degree of success I will then take the rest of my action.))

Posted by: Kaihaku Wed Mar 12, 2008 1:39 pm
"Wha..." Sophie begins in a startled voice, "But Alex told us..." She hops to her feet, taking the hand of her mentor and gesturing to the others, "Watch my crystal ball!"

QUOTE (TheUnknownMarine @ Wed Mar 12, 2008 5:18 am)
"Certainly, come this way," the birdman says, leading the group up the stairs and to a modest throne room decorated with bas-reliefs of birds, birdmen, and great phoenixes. Two rows of Skywarriors line the walls, swords and shields at their sides.
On a gold and obsidian framed throne is an elderly birdman with gray feathers, wearing a light golden crown with thin golden wings, set with mainy rubies. The king turns to the group, tiredly speaking.
"Yes? Who are all of you?"

[Detect Evil]
[Sense Motive: 10 + 23 = 33]
((If my sense motive/detect evil reveals that the king is doppleganger, or under a spell, or something along those lines... This speech may go a bit differently.))
[Diplomacy: 11 + 31 = 41]
The silver holy symbol of the Goddess clearly displayed, a tall worn human steps to the forefront of the assemblage, directly facing the liegelord of the birdmen. The faintest of auras surround him, marking him as a servant of the highest good. His eyes are tired, far more tired than one would expect to find in one his age.
"We are warriors assembled from throughout the world, opposing the growing strife and seeking to prevent further destruction. I lead a portion of this greater force."
"I am Cedric Theodoric, a Champion of the land of Cypress and Sworn Knight of the Goddess Mitula." He begins without hesitation, "Once proud comrade in arms of the martyr Kanmeshi, warrior-priest of Volcanon, who fell in the great desert of Hassan against the fiends which covet this world. I have long fought alongside members of your proud race in these dark times and found them among the most noble of companions."
"I have heard rumors that the legendary courage of the proud birdmen of Bedoe has faltered. If such is the truth, so be it, we have not come here to question your sovereignty or your resolutions. There is no lack of respect for your proud people among those of Cypress; though I cannot speak for other lands. Fresh in our minds is the kinship we bear with members of your ilk and feather, the sacrifices we have made together in order to preserve what is light and good in this world will not easily be forgotten."
"However, we are charged by the counsel of the Goddess Mitula herself, the King of Cypress, and the King of Enrich that we must address the vile deeds of the cult of Ur. Those lost souls who usurp the powers of the divine and turn that power aganist its rightful bearers in order to play at godhood. The Master of the Skies, Volcanon must be freed from the insidious scheme which ensnares him. For the sake of the world."
"In this endeavor, we would be honored for your aid or ask that you continue a path of neutrality... Irregardless, we will not be diverted from this sacred mission. I speak plainly out of respect for you; I have no desire to deceive you or your proud people. Even now, guided by one of your kin, warriors seek to unravel the sinister devices that ensnare your mighty Lord."

Posted by: Knight_019 Wed Mar 12, 2008 2:24 pm
((Because some people just won't believe me, Merkass passed both saves three times. He takes 75 damage from the Harm and evades the firestorm.)) *Merkass withstands the life draining negative energy of the priest of Ur, then leaps into the air, spinning through and up the firestorm, coming down nimble once it is finished to avoid completely the torrents of fire. The ground scorched and burned in front of the shrine of a god. This sight he had seen before.
Waves of rejuvenating psychic energy wash over him, a feeling he had difficulty becoming used to, even as time passed since he first met these psychics, but he felt better all the same. Through the walls of energy, Merkass spots an Ur Priest standing far to the back, near Volcanon's sanctum. No evil should be allowed to stand so close, lest they seek redemption.
These did not.
Never would they willingly relinquish their power. Even with their leader perished early in the fight they resisted. Now they most certainly deserve their end. Feasts of divinity are to be granted, not taken.
He draws back the ever-light string on the holy bow of Mitula, summoning forth three knocked arrows stacked one above the other. In Mitula's name, and for the sake of the bird-god Volcanon, Merkass fires the bow, sending the arrows of brilliant energy careening through walls of energy. They spin rapidly until they ultimately drill their brightness straight through the sternum and ribcage of the unholy doom priest. Merkass watches but a moment, then moves to the treeline.*
((Manyshot, then move to Q12 to gain +1 AC from Skirmish.
http://magic19.homestead.com/files/becausesomepeopledontlisten.png
http://magic19.homestead.com/files/becausesomepeopledontlisten.png
http://magic19.homestead.com/files/becausesomepeopledontlisten.png
http://magic19.homestead.com/files/becausesomepeopledontlisten.png
http://magic19.homestead.com/files/becausesomepeopledontlisten.png
197 damage. -3 CON.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Wed Mar 12, 2008 5:57 pm
((Cedric detects nothing amiss.)) The Bedoe king bristles the moment Cedric calls his people's courage into question, but calms when the paladin states that he himself had no such doubts. When the paladin finishes, he leans forward on his throne.
"What do you mean, priests of Ur? What schemes could possibly threaten Lord Volcanon?" the Bedoe king laughs. "Why the Lords of that infernal Cult assaulted him a month ago and he sent them fleeing back to their twisted citadels. Even now he plots his vengeance from within the safety of the Volcano Temple."
The king shakes his head. "I'm afraid that I'll have to ask you to expla-"
BOOM!
The throne room shakes slightly as an explosion is heard from a distance away. The king sits up in alarm.
"What was that? Are we under attack?!" he shouts, looking around.
------------
((Partial update so people know what's dead.))
Kayla slays her opponent with the consummate skill of an assassin, her blades deadly dancing as she takes the Forsaker's life.
((Kayla's target dead.))
Thavon butchers the birdman assaulting him, one of his strokes opening up his chest while the other two sever the wings from his body. The skywarrior falls to the ground with an unceremonious thump.
((Thavon kills another birdman.))
Thud! Thud! Thud!
Mouth fixed open in a wordless scream, the Ur Priest near the back falls, one arrow through his forehead, another through his throat, and a third in his heart.
((Merkass' target slain.))
Talacre moves across the field of battle like a sword demon, his blades flashing and whirling through the air like lightning amidst stormclouds. The leftmost Ur Priest falls dead, his torso a gory mess of slash wounds, as Talacre grievously wounds the last Ur Priest, but leaves him barely standing.
((M-2 Ur Priest slain, K-10 priest heavily wounded.))
Jim stirs as life pours into him once again. The field commander opens his eyes with a start.
: "I'm... not dead..." Jim murmurs the barest hint of surprise in his voice. He looks up, sees Coventry reviving Melissa and nods to him, gratefully before grabbing his weapon and continuing the assault.
Not bothering to stand, Jim merely rolls over, bracing his GSAW's bipod on the ground and firing a deadly three round burst, two at the Ur Priest, one at his attendant archer. The first shots go wide, but the second explodes through the priest's chest, causing him to slump down in death. The third burst catches the archer in the thigh, rending his leg and causing him to scream in pain.
((Nat 1. No malfunction. Hit, Hit. Ur Priest slain. 57 damage to left archer.))

Posted by: Cyrus Wed Mar 12, 2008 6:00 pm
Gail turns to the remaining forsakers, diverting each of their rage driven blows, before a familiar voice calls out, shafts of light driving one of her assailants to the ground and digging through the flesh of another. The paladin whirls to its source and finds Merkass had come to her aid. Why he had chosen her when so many others needed help? She shook the thought from her head, though...it wasn't the time to be so distracted. "Much...thank you." She doesn't finish her thought, though, as her eyes catch sight of a slaughter.
Consuming blackness envelopes the force, sending most of her allies to the ground, then lances of flame pour over the sacred courtyard of the sealed god. Gail herself is struck dead on by one of the raining spears, her concern for her comrades superceding the concern for herself, and the fire engulfs her, burning the air in her lungs and pushing her down. Struggling to her feet, she scans the grounds for the ur-cultists who called such power, only to find them all laying lifeless. Unable to go to the aid of others without dragging her other foes with her, she simply continues her assault against the forsakers near her. A sickening crack is heard as the shield impacts the first man's chest and he topples back, while the second receives the flat of the shield to his cheek and the point in his gut.
[Stay, Full Attack forsakers nearby. Divine Might, Smite on first.
HP Calculator: 106/179.
Gisar: +33 (139/179).
Ref save vs. columns of fire: 1d20(2)+20=22. Failure. 65 damage. (74/179).
Gisar: +42 (116/179).
Attack roll 1: 1d20(20).
Threat!
Confirm: 1d20(1)+13(BAB)+3(STR)+5(weapon)+1(skill)+10(music)+10(Smite)-10(natural 1)=33.
Auto-failure? Failure? Success?
Damage: 1d6(2)+4(STR)+5(weapon)+10(Might)+10(music)+10(Smite)=41*2=82(?).
Attack roll 2: 1d20(8)+8(BAB)+3(STR)+5(weapon)+1(skill)+10(music)=35.
Damage: 1d6(4)+4(STR)+5(weapon)+10(Might)+10(music)=33.
Attack roll 3: 1d20(16)+3(BAB)+3(STR)+5(weapon)+1(skill)+10(music)+=38.
Damage: 1d6(1)+4(STR)+5(weapon)+10(Might)++10(music)=30.
Total damage: 41(82?)+33+30=104(145?).
HP: 116/179
AC: 42.]

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Wed Mar 12, 2008 6:57 pm
Hal and Sophie arrive immediately thereafter, in the middle of the southern group. Hal instantly raises his hands into the air, and warm white light washes over them. ((Mass Cure Critical Wounds cast. Automatically maximized and empowered thanks to SUPREME HEALING. Everyone at the bottom between (and including) FARALAME on the left and Kayla/Jess on the right gains 75 HP. This goes as far north as Dam.
Hal is in the square south of Jim. Sophie is on whichever side Kai or expedience wants))

Posted by: Rusty Wed Mar 12, 2008 9:41 pm
*Faralon steps away from the Forsaker again.* : "That barely constitutes as running!" *He then tosses up a pinch of dust as he casts a spell, covering himself in a magical cloak of stars.* ((5' east. Starmantle [BoED] cast on self. And yes, I am aware of its 20 gp material component.
Starmantle
Abjuration
Level: Joy 7, sorcerer/wizard 6
Components: V, S, M
Casting Time: 1 standard action
Range: Touch
Target: One living creature touched
Duration: 1 minute/level
Saving Throw: None
Spell Resistance: Yes (harmless)
This spell manifests as a draping cloak of tiny, cascading stars that seem to flicker out before touching the ground. The cloak forms over the target's existing apparel and sheds light as a torch, although this is not the mantle's primary function.
The starmantle renders the wearer impervious to nonmagical weapon attacks and transforms any nonmagical weapon or missile that strikes it into harmless light, destroying it forever. Contact with the starmantle does not destroy magic weapons or missiles, but the starmantle's wearer is entitled to a Reflex saving throw (DC 15) each time he is struck by such a weapon; success indicates that the wearer takes only half damage from the weapon (rounded down).
Though, IIRC, Marine downgraded the spell slightly, making the magical weapon benefit only last a few times.))

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Wed Mar 12, 2008 10:32 pm
"Now, this is what I call a fine day... don't you?" Dam said, his blades slipping past armor to find the Forsaker's tough flesh. "Also... could you do me a favor and avoid bleeding too much? It's getting messy out here." ((Targets are flat-footed due to Blink.
Dodge to target, or the other one if he's dead. AC 38 (39 dodge), 50% miss chance.
Miss chance: 12
Atk1: 1d20 +8 (bab) +4 (dex) +1 (w. foc) +1 (wpn) -2 (twf) +10 (bardic) +2 (blink) = 37
Dmg: 1d6 (wpn) +1 (str) +4d6 (sneak) +10 (bardic) = 25 (14 +11 sneak)
Miss Chance: 39
Atk2: Nat. 20
Conf: 1d20 +3 (bab) +4 (dex) +1 (w. foc) +1 (wpn) -2 (twf) +10 (bardic) +2 (blink) = 26
Dmg: 1d6 (wpn) +1 (str) +4d6 (sneak) +10 (bardic) = 46 crit (32 +14 sneak), 30 regular (16 +14 sneak)
Miss Chance: 53
Atk1: 1d20 +8 (bab) +4 (dex) +1 (w. foc) +1 (wpn) +2 (flank) -2 (twf) +10 (bardic) +2 (blink) = 40
Dmg: 1d6 (wpn) +1 (str) +4d6 (sneak) +10 (bardic) = 27 (15 +12 sneak)
Dodge to the Forsaker in front of him.
Dam: 88/88 HP))
"Yeah, it's a pretty tough weapon... see for yourself!" Ashathel said, the magic-user seeing much irony in his laceration of the magic-hater.
((Dropping a 4th level spell for Arcane Strike on the last attack.
Dodge to target, or the other one if he's dead. AC 36 (37 dodge), 20% miss chance.
Atk: 1d20 +14 (bab) +4 (dex) +10 (wpn) +10 (bardic) +3 (greaves) -5 (comb. exp)= 45
Dmg: 7d6 (wpn) +2d6 (holy) +5 (int) +3 (greaves) +2 (str) +10 (bardic) = 61
Atk: 1d20 +9 (bab) +4 (dex) +10 (wpn) +10 (bardic) +3 (greaves) -5 (comb. exp)= 34
Dmg: 7d6 (wpn) +2d6 (holy) +5 (int) +3 (greaves) +2 (str) +10 (bardic) = 45
Atk: 1d20 +4 (bab) +4 (dex) +10 (wpn) +10 (bardic) +8 (arc. str.) +3 (greaves) -5 (comb. exp)= 40
Dmg: 7d6 (wpn) +2d6 (holy) +4d4 (arc. str.) +5 (int) +3 (greaves) +2 (str) +10 (bardic) = 52
Ash: 112/177 HP))

Posted by: Kaihaku Wed Mar 12, 2008 11:12 pm
The Doctor glances up at the newly arrived healers dully, his eyes empty after the draining exercise of pulling a soul back into its mortal vessel. His work complete, he turns to look at the young holy knight battling on with only a shield with which to punish the wicked. Then his eyes drift on, pass her, to the entrance of the temple.
"Wait..." He frowns, struggling to understand the thought nagging him in the back of his mind, "Wait..."
"The...Ur..." He rubs a hand over his forehead, "...the...Ur..." He looks up at the sky, "Where...is Volcanon?"
Sophie appears in the midst of the carnage with a worried frown, moving swiftly forward and chanting a quick prayer.
[Mass Cure Moderate Wounds: +18 HP to everyone in the south]
The Doctor looks back down at the shrine, "Something's wrong..."

Posted by: Rusty Thu Mar 13, 2008 12:36 am
((Diplomacy: 4 + 38 = 42.)) : "Even as we speak, a battle rages outside the Volcano Temple. The priests of Ur, and their followers, have been stealing your God's power. Perhaps you were led to believe otherwise, but know it is true. You need only fly there and see with your own eyes what is happening. We're not seeking to endanger anyone other than the priests of Ur, the Chaos Cult, and the fiends and other ruthless monsters working with them. But we can't waste precious time. We split our forces so we could accomplish two goals at once, which is alerting you of this situation, as well as fighting the priests of Ur. I pray they're doing well out there..."

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Mar 13, 2008 12:53 am
Melissa, before her mind can register the fact that she just died and was ressurected, before she can think about her glimpse of the afterlife, finds her combat training overtaking her. She immediately rolls five away, standing up to full fire the Forsaker in front of her. The axewielder goes down like a sack of adamantine bricks as holes appear all over him.
((Heroic Surge: 5' step, stand up. Full attack: Hit, Hit, Hit. 177 damage. Forsaker dies.))
Ashathel manages to badly wound the Forsaker as Dam only manages to scratch his.
The archers take aim at Kria, seeing as she's the only one not being healed. A hail of arrows flies, piercing the catfolk, but evoking her ire. With a howl of rage, Kria channels a gigantic blast of energy towards the nearest Forsaker, reducing him to goo. She soon falls unconscious afterward.
((30 damage to Kria after DR. Kria lands and uses Eldritch Elimination! Forsaker dies, Kria falls unconscious.))
Everyone else misses. Yes. EVERYONE ELSE. I rolled that poorly. Not a single hit.
Next turn.
-------
The king of Bedoe stares incredulously at Alex for a while.
"You... You dare... You're attacking our holy shrine?!" the king thunders as the birdmen guards in attendance unsheath their swords and fall into combat formation, eyeing the newcomers suspiciously. "Explain now this madness of Priests of Ur, and the stealing of power!"

Posted by: Rusty Thu Mar 13, 2008 1:17 am
((Diplomacy: 14 + 38 = 52.)) : "We are not attacking you or your temple. We are attacking the Ur priests, and we're doing so outside of the temple. I understand your concern and anger, and I sympathize with your situation. Believe me, I'd surely be just as outraged were I in your situation. Still, you must calm yourselves and listen, if you can. The Priests of Ur steal power from deities, like Mitula and Volcanon. They carefully plan and draw the power away at the best opportunity, feeding on the power and consuming it, claiming it as their own. They are selfish, prideful people, trying to place themselves above gods in this way. I have witnessed their power firsthand when we fought Naerth to free Mitula."

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Mar 13, 2008 1:23 am
"And you claim that these Ur Priests have been stealing from Volcanon?" the King asks. "Where is your proof?"

Posted by: Knight_019 Thu Mar 13, 2008 2:18 am
*Merkass sensed the battle's close drawing near. He wheels around once more, spinning wildly behind Ashathel's left, then unleashes a barrage of arrows into the two remaining archers behind the brilliant wall of energy. For each two arrows he fires, an archer goes down, removing the remaining two from the inside the confines of the walls.*
((Tumble: 1d20 + 30 = 16 + 30 = 46. 10' as 5' to P9.
Rapid Shot. Hit the archer on the right until he dies, then hit the other one.
1d20 + 41 = 6 + 41 = 47. This takes Rancor.
1d20 + 41 = 14 + 41 = 55. This kills the right archer.
1d20 + 36 = 7 + 36 = 43.
1d20 + 31 = 4 + 31 = 35. This kills the other one.
DAMAGE
1d8 + 8d6 + 32 = 1 + 2 + 2 + 6 + 4 + 6 + 5 + 1 + 5 + 32 = 64.
1d8 + 4d6 + 32 = 1 + 3 + 5 + 6 + 6 + 32 = 53.
1d8 + 4d6 + 32 = 4 + 2 + 1 + 6 + 5 + 32 = 50.
1d8 + 4d6 + 32 = 4 + 3 + 5 + 3 + 3 + 32 = 50.))

Posted by: Cyrus Thu Mar 13, 2008 2:33 am
Gail presses the attack, slamming shield strike after shield strike into the self proclaimed superior humaniod. [FA on the forsaker due to the fact I can't just say he's dead. Divine Might, Smite on last two. Attack roll 1: 1d20(18)+13(BAB)+3(STR)+5(weapon)+5(music)+1(skill)=45.
Damage: 1d6(3)+4(STR)+5(weapon)+10(Might)+5(music)=27.
Attack roll 2: 1d20(9)+8(BAB)+3(STR)+5(weapon)+5(music)+1(skill)+10(smite)=41.
Damage: 1d6(1)+4(STR)+5(weapon)+10(Might)+5(music)+13(smite)=38.
Attack roll 3: 1d20(10)+3(BAB)+3(STR)+5(weapon)+5(music)+1(skill)+10(smite)=37.
Damage: 1d6(4)+4(STR)+5(weapon)+10(Might)+5(music)+13(smite)=41.
Total damage: 27+38+41=106.]

Posted by: Wandering Dezorian Thu Mar 13, 2008 3:07 am
Johann and Sha'aasta continue to stand, silently watching the three leaders conversing.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Mar 13, 2008 4:06 am
The Forsaker takes a swing at Faralon, gaping as his axe crumbles away once it strikes the elf. Cursing in a number of languages, the Forsaker turns and runs into the trees, fleeing the battle. ((Hit. Weapon breaks lol Starmantle. Move action: Run away.))
One of the wounded birdmen engaging Thavon looks around with a curse and flaps his wings, turning around and soaring away, down the cliff. The remaining birdman screams at the fleeing one.
"Coward! Die in the sky! Die for Bedoe!" the birdman shrieks.
Gail bashes the Forsaker near her good, but it takes a double burst from Jim's gun to finish the warrior off. Meanwhile Thavon slices into the last birdman flying twice, opening deep cuts in the Skywarrior. The warrior looks like he would continue living until Talacre leaps up and delivers a final blow that severs a leg from the flying soldier. The birdman falls, dead from blood loss.
A silence falls over the battlefield.
XP gains:
Level 10: 20,000
Level 14: 10,000
Level 15: 7500
Level 16: 5500
Sophie, for healing and luring birdmen away: 1,000
Hal, for healing: 500
The dead soldiers had on them...
Forsakers (x10):
Masterwork Large Steel Shield. Masterwork Adamantine Plate Armor (DR 3/-). Masterwork Adamantine Battle Axe (ignore hardness less than 20).
Cult Paladine (x3):
Adamantine Full Plate armor, Large Steel Shield, Masterwork Heavy Lance.
Bedoe Skywarrior (x2):
Breastplate, Large Steel Shield, Masterword Rapier.
Cult Snipers(x4): Full Plate, Masterwork Composite Longbow.
Resheth: Adamantine Battleaxe, Reinforced Mithral Breastplate.
Bedoe Temple Spoils:
30,000 gold coins.
10,000 platinum coins,
58,000 silver coins.
5 amethysts worth 400 GP each.
10 topazes worth 100 each.
2 diamonds worth 5K each.
1 golden sword (2K)
1 golden lamp inlaid with runes (2K)
5 sapphires worth 4K each.
4 emeralds worth 4K each.

Posted by: Kaihaku Thu Mar 13, 2008 8:07 am
Maria shakes her head at the departing figures and dispels the two walls of energy. Only after the wall of sound falls can silence truly be said to fall over the battlefield. The Doctor stands dully for a moment, collecting his thoughts, then he lets out a tired sigh and walks through the carnage to the small shrine.
Sophie glances after him with a frown, then returns to healing the group.

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Thu Mar 13, 2008 8:11 am
Hal gathers everyone together, two massive waves of white light spreading from him to seal everyone's wounds. Then he looks after the Doctor, then back at Sophie, sighs, and heads into the temple. ((Two more Domain Mass Cure Critical Wounds (for a total of 150 HP healed) ought to do the trick))

Posted by: Kaihaku Thu Mar 13, 2008 8:43 am
On a great stone dais in the center of the shrine is a gigantic statue of a majestic bird, a roc. The eyes are set with twin fire-rubies, but they seem unnaturally dull in the light. An altar shaped like a giant bowl is before the statue, a stone egg shattered within. Two candlesticks set with glowing sapphires instead of candles flank the altar.
Statues of birdmen surround the dais, and the walls are covered with carvings of fiery birds.
Looking more uncomfortable than customary, the Doctor steps into the small shrine with a worried frown. He pauses inside, looking around the rows of relics and precious artifacts. Then his eyes drift up to the massive statue standing over the chamber.
He speaks the words of a spell and magic flashes over his eyes, his vision widening to include another spectrum.
[Detect Magic]
A tremor runs through him, his eyes widening… For a long moment, he can do nothing but stand there, staring blankly up at the great statue.
Master Hal enters the shrine, looking for all the world like fuddy duddy mark II. A great weight hangs over him, the weight of not being cheerful enough for his own good.
The Doctor recovers with a gasp, staggering back a few steps and turning his eyes away from the dull statue uneasily, “…great…” He shakes his head, “Just great…”
He turns and walks from the shrine back into the light outside. There, he pauses, turning to look up at the sky above.
...
“Surely few powers can stand against the might of Volcanon, there is no question of his greatness.” Cedric answers firmly, “However, through fiendish devices, he is imprisoned by one of the few powers capable of such a feat…his own might.”
“The Ur once plunged the land of Enrich into chaos, twisting divine power and turning it against the gods. You are right to doubt…but I swear to you that not one month has passed since I saw with my own eyes a high priest of this foul cult standing in authority over the temple of Tristan, holding the artifacts of the Goddess as if they were his playthings.”
“If the power of Mitula could be so usurped, how much more if the even greater might of Volcanon were to be wielded against him. However, despite this scheme, the Ur remain mortals and they can be slain. All Tristan was under the spell of this…Naerth who slew and imprisoned the priesthood, replacing trusted face with foul dopplegangers.”
“For that reason, we decided upon this course of action, if we have done evil in this… Let Volcanon judge us.”

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Mar 13, 2008 8:50 am
"Then judge you he shall," the king says, gravely. He stands and motions, his royal bodyguard falling in behind him. "Come, we take a walk... to the Shrine you attack without warning." The king begins towards the stairway, his guards between him and you at all times.

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Thu Mar 13, 2008 9:07 am
Hal looks at the Doctor, and then at the Volcanomelette. "What happened?"

Posted by: Kaihaku Thu Mar 13, 2008 9:28 am
"Volcanon is sealed." The Doctor replies, "...by a spell of immense power." He turns to look at the priest, "You like groveling, why don't you go ask Mitula to free him?" ...

QUOTE (TheUnknownMarine @ Thu Mar 13, 2008 3:50 pm)
"Then judge you he shall," the king says, gravely. He stands and motions, his royal bodyguard falling in behind him. "Come, we take a walk... to the Shrine you attack without warning." The king begins towards the stairway, his guards between him and you at all times.

Cedric nods respectfully and follows after him.

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Thu Mar 13, 2008 9:38 am
Hal ignores the Doctor's insult, looking up at the great, majestic statue. "A... great seal? Surely there must be something we can do, some spell that can shatter seals... or an artifact that can break magical barriers."

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Mar 13, 2008 9:42 am
The King and his guard emerge on the scene and take in the battlefield with a sort of grim surprise. "The bulk of these troops certainly do not have anything to do with my army..." the king mutters, looking around. "Then we shall inspect the shrine."
The king moves up with his guards, entering the shrine and looking at the statue with shock.
"The eyes of Volcanon are no longer upon us!" the king shouts. "What... What madness..." the king cuts himself off and turns to Cedric and Alex. "All right, assuming your story is true, how do we free the god-bird?"

Posted by: Kaihaku Thu Mar 13, 2008 9:42 am
"Are you a diviner?" The paladin smiles slightly, looking at Hal, "Or just well informed?" He turns around, "Isyndel?" The Doctor looks at the paladin, then back to the amazingly talented wizardess.

Posted by: Lord Oddeye Thu Mar 13, 2008 10:13 am
((Heh. So much for taking part to all high priest battles. Anyway when the spoils get shared, Enrick will request a single emerald. Same reason as last time, only he'll let people know before picking it up.))

Posted by: GOD*JESUS Thu Mar 13, 2008 6:27 pm
After the battle calms and the group assembles to enter the shrine, Thavon stays outside. Coming face to face with something he tried to prevent was not going to be easy for him to hold his anger back. It became even more difficult not to shout out a well deserved "I told you so." as the king passed by, ignoring him. He was obviously too preoccupied with what was going on with the temple to notice Thavon. The birdknight merely chuckled wiht a small shrug and sat down against a wall next to the entrance.

Posted by: Dark Maiden Thu Mar 13, 2008 7:49 pm
((Does everyone get XP like in the last temple battle? Or is it only for the people that fought this time? For now, here is my Psion's level-up.))

QUOTE
Jessica gains a level in Psion! [Egoist Psion 16]

- Max HP +6
- Intelligence +1
- BAB +1
- Will save +1
- Autohypnosis +1
- Balance +2
- Concentration +1
- Heal +1
- Knowledge: Geography +1
- Knowledge: Psionics +1
- Psicraft +1
- PP +22
- Learns powers: Temporal Acceleration & True Metabolism

((This is it for now. I need to take a nap.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Mar 13, 2008 8:22 pm
((Only the people that fought.))

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Thu Mar 13, 2008 8:24 pm
Isyndel stepped forward at Cedric's call, clutching the Psychowand closely to her body with both hands as she did so. She carefully examined the statue of the Bird God for a moment in silence giving both her known methods careful deliberation, deciding to wield the artifact first.
The wizardess raised the staff to the sky, eyes closed tightly in concentration, before slowly lowering it before her. Then with a subtle shift of her weight she thrust it forward, the staff head levelled at the statue, and called its power to bear.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Mar 13, 2008 9:55 pm
The staff crackles with power and instantly a hazy mist becomes visible all around the shrine's interior. With a sound like thunder, cracks appear through the mist and it becomes solid, shattering like glass before disappearing altogether. A great roaring wind blasts around the entire mountaintop, shrine and all, causing hair, cloaks, and anything loose to fly about wildly. As this occurs the dull rubies in the statue's eyes begin to shine with a fierce light.
"I am free once more!"a booming voice echoes from the statue, as a powerful presence fills the room. "And those that dared imprison me are slain! My thanks, adventurers. You have my gratitude."

Posted by: DragonmasterDon1 Thu Mar 13, 2008 10:01 pm
Isyndel shifted her grasp on the Psychowand in such a fashion that she would be able to tug the sides of her robes as she lowered herself in a curtsy to Lord Volcanon, before subtly shifting herself back amidst the group.

Posted by: VoxPVoxD Thu Mar 13, 2008 10:07 pm
Hal bows his head reverently at the thunderous voice of the Sky King. He waits for Alexander to step forward and speak.

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