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Posted by: Rusty Sat Feb 19, 2005 10:44 pm
((Another topic, yes. My healing's pretty useless, but I'll see what I can do. I guess in some cases every HP counts.)) *Prestle hears the cries of his friends and his brows grow heavy as he hurries over to their aid. As incapable a healer as he is, he knows he must try and do all he can to help. Seeing multiple allies in danger, he hurries towards who he believes needs his healing most: Kyuu. Prestle abandons Protection from Evil for Cure Light Wounds!*
((1d8 = 5...+3 = 8.))

Posted by: Knight_019 Sat Feb 19, 2005 11:16 pm
((Since Kyuu acts before Prestle, this is going to read funny. I apologize ahead of time. I'm also not sure how the Vrock did 19 damage without a full attack)) *Feeling ready to fall over, Kyuu again moves away from the Vrock and does what he should have done before, though he was also forced to wonder where some of his allies had been when the demon had been chasing him around the battle field. Exasperated and tired, Kyuu fired another bead of fire off, this time toward the Vrock, who was fortunately now away from everyone else, and he could do so without hurting any of his friends. Just then, he gasped as the light faded in front of him and he felt his energy dissipate. Kyuu fell over on the ground, unmoving*
((Fireball on the Vrock.
SR check: 1d20+10 = 14
8d6 = 32 damage.
Reflex DC 17))
~~~
*With the wave of healing energy coming over him, Kyuu again stands and regains his composure. Seeing that Prestle had been his benefactor, he thanks him for his aid, and lets him know that his help is appreciated*
~~~
*With little else to do now, Ivellas stood toe to toe with what could be considered an apparition of death itself. He stood steadfast and unwavering, showing no sign of fear against this. Even if his life were to end now, it would be a noble sacrifice along the path of preventing world destruction. Ivellas called out to Earnest, suggesting a course of action before taking on the Death Knight. Now it was time to show his true mettle against this undead fiend.*
: Sir Earnest! It may be wise to usher forth to the queen. Your words would doubtless have more weight than any of ours. Give this infernal thing a good swipe on the passing, if you don't mind?
((Ivellas is suggesting that Earnest run up to talk some sense in the queen and charging + ride by attack on the death knight as he goes))
: Foul mockery of life, let's see the stuff you're made of!
*With little else, as his calling out would be pointless, anyway, Ivellas thrust forth quickly with his lance, hoping to score whatever damage he could on the unliving thing, hopefully putting it down for good.*
((Attack 1
1d20+16 = 25
Damage 1
1d8+9 = 12
Attack 2
1d20+16 = 30
Damage 2
1d8+9 = 15
Attack 3
1d20+11 = 19
Damage 3
1d8+9 = 13
Edit: Dodge to Death Knight... unless it's dead, in which case, Dodge the other death knight))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sat Feb 19, 2005 11:22 pm
((You're doing the best you can Rusty. It’s just that so many of the people we need aren't posting or haven't been here in ages)) Myala is utterly horrified by the cries of pain from her friends. Seeing that Prestle is taking care of Kyuu, she decides that healing Ivellas is a priority. She rushes over to him and lays her hands on his body. As she chants, a white light spreads from her fingertips and over his wounds, healing them to a degree.
Myala abandons Inflict Serious Wounds and casts Cure Serious Wounds. Ivellas regains 33 hit points.
((You're lucky I rolled an 8 Kev ))

Posted by: Wandering Dezorian Sun Feb 20, 2005 3:22 am
((I would be patient with them, DarkM. Sometimes life takes a priority over games, no matter how much fun the games might be.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Mon Feb 21, 2005 1:36 am
Daran finally snaps out of whatever mental state he was in, and rushes to help Solomon, bringing out his tools on the way as he makes emergency repairs. ((Solomon heals 8 HP!)) Solomon's blast burns away one of the death knights as it hits, while the other is finished off by Ivella's lancework.
The Vrock is unharmed by the fireball as the fires wash over the demon harmlessly, and it swoops down on the young mage once more. The vrock lunges at Kyuu once more, but the mage manages to dodge.
Anri's chanting reaches a crescendo as a look of apprehensive hope fills her face. Felix is chipping away at the ice, but does not have enough chipped off to break free yet.
"Right!" Earnest nods to Ivellas as he gallops forward.
A slightly shrill, mocking laughter echoes around you as a chill runs down your spine.
((DC: 15 Listen check to recognize the laught as Shailtor's. Even if you fail, you know it's familiar.)
Dark orange pentagrams of fire erupt from the ground in four places as four huge, spider like things begin to take form.

Posted by: Dark Maiden Mon Feb 21, 2005 2:12 am
((Listen Check: 13 + 6 = 19, success!)) Myala's ears twitch at the irritating sound of Shailtor's laughter. The young cleric grits her teeth and clenches her fists. "Not him..."

Posted by: Kaihaku Mon Feb 21, 2005 5:14 am
((Listen: 9 + 2 = 11)) Felix glances around at the sound of the strangely familar laughing, his eyes puzzled. Then he shakes his head and looks at Anri for a moment, before releasing his sword which floats in the air beside him and swiftly drawing his bow and fitting a red arrow to it. For a moment, the arrow point is directed at the Princess, but then Felix lowers it and points it downward at the ice encasing his feet.
(([Quick Draw]
This could hurt my poor little halfer feet...
[Attack]
18 + 15 = 33 Why did I have to release the sword... Why? Grrr...
[Damage]
1 + 2 = 3 + [Fire Damage]
After firing the arrow, Felix will attempt to free his feet via a strength check.
[STR Check]
6 + 1 = 7 This just isn't my day...
))

Posted by: Knight_019 Mon Feb 21, 2005 9:51 pm
((Editted now that I've talked to TUM Kyuu Listen: 18+ doesn't matter = recognized Ivellas Listen: 7 + 2 = 9)) *Suddenly, Kyuu becomes markedly aware of what just happened, and he is severely taken aback by the implications. Moving away from the Vrock yet again, Kyuu shouts out to his allies.*
: Those are retrievers! They're demonic constructs known for their eyebeams! We need to take them out now!
*Kyuu knew the Vrock was still close on his heels, but it was moot now. The retrievers were far more dangerous, as they were surrounding the group. Mustering his spellcasting ability to do as much damage as he could, Kyuu unleashes another fiery inferno upon the furthest Retriever he could, as he didn't want the group to have to back track now.*
((Spell Slots before 6/7/7/1/2
Blaze 3
8d8+8 = 48+8 = 56 damage.
REF DC 18
TheUnknownMarine: 3
Spell Slots after 6/7/7/1/1))
*With the Cornugon down, but now the sudden appearance of these retrievers, as Kyuu had revealed, Ivellas knew the group's danger was evident. As their leader, he felt it was his duty to ensure their safety above all else, even if it meant putting himself in danger. Readying his lance in front of him and pulling it back to his side, Ivellas made a beeline rush for the retriever closest to Anri, hoping that Garudaos, Solomon, and that group could take the one in their corner out, and that Daran, Nortiln, and possibly Prestle could finish the other one. With as much force as he can put behind his lance, Ivellas rams full speed into the retriever. Seeing it badly damage, but still standing, Ivellas makes another attack, albeit cautiously, as he didn't know how the others would fare.*
: TAKE THE RETRIEVERS OUT AT ALL COST! I'LL NOT LOSE A SINGLE ONE OF YOU!
((Attack 1
1d20+16+2-5 = 15+13 = 28
(1d8+9+5)*3 = (5+14)*3 = 57
19+11-4 = 26
1d8+14 = 8+14 = 22 damage))

Posted by: Rusty Tue Feb 22, 2005 10:54 pm
((Listen check...17+ doesn't matter.)) *Prestle eyes the Vrock, eagerly awaiting an opportune moment to strike. However, upon hearing his friend's cry, Prestle turns and charges towards the nearest Retriever.* ((Using a charge attack...Roll to it...19 base, hit! Damage: 7+8 * 2 = 30!))
*He slams his lance firmly at the Retriever, putting a good solid mark on it.*
: Retrievers, huh? I don't like them...
((Oh, guys...This looks like it'll be murder. We need everybody to be active here for this to stand a chance. We're hurting bad enough as is from lack of activity. If you can, find a good 10 minutes of your time to dedicate a post here...If even just a quick action. We need it x_X))

Posted by: Wandering Dezorian Wed Feb 23, 2005 12:21 am
Solomon ignores the retrievers, and ignores Shailtor's laugh, knowing that with his primary weapon malfunctioning and unlikely to last another two shots, his ability to assist in the fight with the retrievers is small at best. The lady Anri, however...
The halfling's pendant has unusual powers, but he is trapped and helpless against her next attack. His freedom and his survival may be necessary to release the Queen from her affliction.
Mine is not.
The android moves swiftly towards the queen, twin arms lashing out with stunning force.
"You betray his memory." the android says, trying to use her words to shake her up, or at least attract her ire and make her forget the halfling, even as he strikes.
((Action: Attack queen, using subdual force.))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Wed Feb 23, 2005 1:09 am
Myala prepares to cast another healing spell until she hears Kyuu's words, "We need to take them out now!" She then forgets about that and begins to chant in an unknown language while tracing symbols in the air with her fingers. A reddish gold aura surround her small body and the holds forth the holy symbol of her God while continuing to chant.
"Feel the wrath of Volcanon, beasts! Flame Strike!"
((Myala will cast it on as many as she can without hurting her allies. All affected take 27 fire damage and 27 divine damage. Reflex Save DC 19 to halve the damage))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Feb 24, 2005 3:15 am
Although, the ice has almost melted away, Felix finds that the cold has sapped his strength and he cannot break free right away. The combined strikes of Prestle and Kyuu dismantle one Retriever, while Ivellas destroys his with two mighty blows. Myala severely damages one, then it is finished off by a shot from Daran, leaving one still operational.
However the single Retriever left standing fires a blast of electricity at Myala.
((60 damage to Myala, Ref save of DC 16 for half. I need spot checks from everyone that attacked a Retriever.))
Anri whirls to regard Solomon as the blow strikes her.
"You... How DARE you judge me! I'm not the one betraying his memory, every single last citizen of this kingdom that never lifted a finger to help find him betrayed his memory! How many times did I have to defend the deployment of search teams to the nobles? How many times did my ministers try to convince me he was dead? How many people were content to think him drowned in that horrible prison?" Anri shouts as she hurls a small ball of lightning at Solomon.
((Solomon takes (14x1.5) 21 points of electricity damage.
:"Anri, this is madness!" Earnest breaks in, reaching the cliff's edge. "Listen to reason! We searched high and low, but the simple fact of the matter is that Dark Dragon took Max with him! Everyone mourned him, but he's gone! I don't know what you intend to do, but look at what's happening!"
An intense gleam comes over Anri's eyes as she speaks.
"You're WRONG. Alive or dead, he's there... Waiting for me in the castle. I'm powerful now... So much more powerful... I can save him, I can bring him back to life and get him OUT of that watery hell..." Anri says.
:"At the cost of your kingdom?" Earnest counters. For a moment, Anri seems at a loss. Then she blinks hard and shakes her head.
"No... I'll build a new kingdom, one where heroes are rewarded and not cast aside... One where everything will be... perfect..." Anri says, a distant look in her eyes. "They've shown me things... They showed me what was going on right under my nose... I never saw it... Never believed it... But I have the power now, I can make it all right..."

Posted by: Wandering Dezorian Thu Feb 24, 2005 3:26 am
(OOC What was the x1.5 damage for? Androids don't have a weakness to lightning written in the char design sheets... Anyhoo, if the damage is x1.5, then I'm dead. Otherwise, I've still got a point left. If I could find out in time to use my action, I'd appreciate it.)

Posted by: Kaihaku Thu Feb 24, 2005 3:29 am
(([STR Check] 6 + 1 = 7 >.< )) Felix struggles to free his feet but in the process falls forward prone. The halfling lays there, freed but with the wind knocked out of him. ((Grrrrr.... STUPID TRAITOR DICE!!!))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Feb 24, 2005 3:29 am
((I thought I said... Meh. I'll say you're special then, and have extra grounds... or something. 14 damage then.))

Posted by: Rusty Thu Feb 24, 2005 7:10 am
*Amidst the battle, something catches Prestle's attention. Despite being in the thick of battle, Prestle keeps his focus on what caught his attention, deciding this may be of great importance.* ((Spot check = natural 20! I can't waste this roll...I'm going to take my full action later, that is if I can do anything beyond this. In the meantime, what's got Prestle's attention? lol I want him to examine whatever it is to the best of his ability. Will I have to make more rolls for that?? Yeah, I know he's in the middle of a battle, but if it's important and he can tell it is, he's going to be concerned and hone in on it.))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Thu Feb 24, 2005 8:39 pm
((Reflex Save: 11 + 7 = 18, success)) Myala's eyes widen with fear and she jumps to the side in an attempt to avoid the blast of electricity. While she avoids getting hit full on by the blast, she still gets him. As the electricity courses through her body, she screams in pain. After the pain subsides, she staggers back to her feet and looks about for someone who needs her healing.
((Anyone close to me that needs healing?
Spot Check: 13 + 3 = 16))

Posted by: Rusty Thu Feb 24, 2005 11:17 pm
*Prestle steps back a moment in horror before crying out to his friends and allies. He points as the Retrievers as he yells.* : Everyone, look! These fiends recover from their wounds, even the magic wounds. But they cannot heal from Myala's magic. Let us put our strength in faith! Only with holy magic will we strike down these enemies for good!
((They're just going to keep recovering unless we inflict lots of attacks on 'em with holy attributes. I'll see what I can have Prestle do. Need more active players for it to work, though.))
*Still holding his lance sturdily, Prestle's hands noticeably glow as he calls out once more, his speech similar to the one he gave at the start of the battle.*
: Light, grant our weapons the ability to once more smite our enemies! Darkness cannot win when Light is on our side!
((Prestle uses Glorious Weapons again. Sorry, forgot to mention that x_X K, I CAN'T take an action, after this but yeah.))
*As he hears Anri and Earnest speak, he grows a bit angered at her words and misguided judgment, but decides it best not to say anything. Earnest has a better chance of calming her, and he still believes they can win the fight regardless. However, if her words do not stray from her current confused state, he may not bite his tongue next.*

Posted by: Wandering Dezorian Thu Feb 24, 2005 11:29 pm
((Thanks. Woot, I've got... 1 hp.)) ((Time to do something stupid)) Solomon looks out to the sea, trangulating his coordinates, and realizes what castle the two are speaking about. And what was sealed there, mere months before his own early slumber.
"Why is he there, Anri?" the android asks with a surprisingly human tone to his voice. "What lies there that is so vital, that he was willing to stand guard against it ever being broken? What would happen if that seal were truely shattered, Anri?"
"If you take him away from the seal, it will lie unprotected. He stands there, guarding against the evil that seeks desperately to break it. And if you raise that castle, you will lead his enemies to him."

Posted by: Knight_019 Fri Feb 25, 2005 1:46 am
*Noticing that the retrievers were beginning to reassemble after their onslaught, and also noticing that the retriever in front of him was nearly reassembled, Ivellas knew the unholy construct could not be allowed to recover and unleash devastation as it had on Myala. Hearing Prestle's words of warning, Ivellas felt that it may be possible to severely prolong the amount of time it takes for the retriever to reassemble. With the retriever in a helpless state, Ivellas lashed out with his lance, giving it no reprieve. Feeling that he had sufficiently disabled it for the time being, Ivellas then turned his attention to the remaining retriever and charged it, thankful for Kyuu's spell from earlier. Ramming his lance full force into the foul monstrosity, Ivellas watches as it disintegrates into ashes and brimstone.*
: Finish these things at all costs! Heed Prestle's advice!
((Due to the amount of penalties the retriever is taking and the bonuses Ivellas will get on the first hit, as long as he doesn't roll a 1, he hits
12
Damage with +5 for PA
1d8+9+5+2d6 = 6+4+6+14 = 30
Charge standing retriever
1d20+16+2-5 = nat 20
No crit (construct)
(1d8+14)*3 + 2d6 = 7+14 = 21*3 = 63 + 2d6 = 69))
*Kyuu, too, notices the reassembling constructs, and is at a loss for words. His insight tells him that his magic will do no good, and that only the holy magic that Prestle had bestowed upon his allies weapons could fell the Retrievers. Torn between aiding his allies so they may do so and limiting the retrievers' abilities to further reassemble, Kyuu opted to delay the what he felt to be the most reconstructed retriever by conjuring up a minor blaze spell. Hopefully they wouldn't have to deal with any more eye beams this battle*
((Spell Slots before 6/7/7/1/1
Blaze 1
1d6+8 = 14
Spell Slots after 6/6/7/1/1))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Fri Feb 25, 2005 2:22 am
: "The seal..." Anri says, as she blinks hard and holds her hands to her head. "I can't..." "The robot lies to you, o Queen..." a whispering voice comes. "The seal can remain strong with your magic... All you have to do is raise the castle... You alone can save him... He's waited so long..."
: "That's a lie, robot!" Anri says. "I can get him out and leave the seal intact, I know I can! This is the right course of action. It HAS to be... Alat Quarth Meaget Soris..." Anri resumes chanting as an aura of intense power emanating from a pouch on her belt appears. Shrill laughter echoes around you.
"See? She's ours now. She's beyond even your extended reach, mechanical man from the past..." Shailtor says as Anri pulls out a black link of chain from the pouch and holds it high above her head.
: "Anri, NO!!!"
: "ENTROPIS!!! ARISE! ARISE!!! I CONJURE THEE! ARISE!!!!" Anri shouts as the waves churn and a giant column of water shoots into the sky as water begins to slide off a silvery dome and three towers...

Posted by: Kaihaku Fri Feb 25, 2005 2:38 am
Felix gets to his feet slowly, a hard light glimmering in his eyes. No...no...no... Talking was no good, it didn't work for the others and it wouldn't work for Anri. The Halfling fits an arrow to his bow grimly, aimming it at Anri. His eyes narrow and the arrow sings through the air towards the black chain in Anri's hand.
(([Disarm Attempt]
19 + 15 = 34))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Fri Feb 25, 2005 2:52 am
Anri yells in pain as the arrow strikes her hand, forcing her to drop the link of chain, which by a suspicious stroke of luck falls back into its open pouch. Anri turns in fury and hisses a few words of magic at Felix, who is instantly buffeted by shards of ice and subzero winds. Earnest too, is struck by the ice magic, even though he manages to dodge the worst of it.
((Felix takes 40 points of cold damage, Earnest takes half. Solomon may make a Spot check to see something.))
: "I... I can't hold out much longer... Anri... please..."
: "Now all that's left is to..." Anri begins, but is interrupted as a flash of light bursts from the center of the battle-scarred cliff and out steps a very welcome sight.
: "The Castle... I'm too late... Anri, what have you done?" Otrant asks sadly as he strides forward with a purposeful air.
:"What no one else had the courage to do... Sometimes... Sometimes to have to force your OWN will on fate..." Anri says with conviction. "Will you stand in my way as well?"
: "I've never stood in your way... I've always tried my best to guide and teach you as your father, the king, wanted me to..." Otrant says softly. "Even now, I wish only to guide you out of this self made hell..."
:"Father..." Anri falters for a moment, before her tone turns back to iron. "No, I'm doing the right thing. The Dragon cannot be revived by merely raising the Castle, I'm sure of it."
: "Anri, you're smarter than this! There are other things in the castle besides the Dragon, you know!" Otrant says in a rebuking tone, then his tone becomes softer, sad. "What have they done to you... I can see the change in your eyes..."
:"My eyes? Of course my eyes have changed, they've been opened! I never WAS a good queen, that hermit in the ruins was right! I never had enough power to protect my people, never had enough courage to change what I knew was wrong... I was nearly defeated at the ruins, I was kidnapped by Woldol, I was WEAK! But that's all changed! I have power now, power enough to lift this world from the depths of HELL and into heaven..."
: "Or destroy it," Otrant grimly replies. Both pause for a moment. "Anri, come with me, I can help you. I can cast off those chains around your mind..."
:"You'll just offer more lies and more deception. Then nothing will change," Anri says, stiffly. "Go back to Manarina, old mage. There is nothing for you to do here."
:"I disagree..." Otrant says sadly, before he brings his hands up. "Must it come to this? You are not yourself, I will restore you by force if neccessary..."
:"Then you'd better do it," Anri says coldly as ice swirls around her.

Posted by: Rusty Fri Feb 25, 2005 3:18 am
((Not taking another action or anything, just speaking - if that's okay? I'll edit out if it's not.)) *Prestle's anger becomes apparent as he now yells at Anri in frustration.* : You fool! Do you truly believe Max risked his life to save the kingdom of Guardiana and all of Rune so you could simply destroy it and replace it with your own twisted version?! How shameful that you destroy the very thing Max fought to secure! I couldn't begin to understand his disappointment for what you have just done, were he here to witness this...You're not going to save him by doing this; you're merely going to destroy what he fought so hard for!
*Prestle's face is red with anger. Queen or not, she may have just doomed them all. He knows he is to try and stay calm and in good composure, but this...He couldn't help but let it out.*

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Fri Feb 25, 2005 3:20 am
((XP gained for this battle: 11440 XP for level 8 characters, 8295 for level 9.))

Posted by: Wandering Dezorian Fri Feb 25, 2005 6:21 am
((Can you roll my spot for me? 1d20 + 1))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Fri Feb 25, 2005 9:05 pm
Anri seems not to hear Prestle's shouts as a series of rumbles shakes the cliff. Otrant turns to the heroes, swiftly as Anri begins to chant. : "You must leave this place at once. Get to Manarina, tell them what happened here. My magic can carry you to the very edge of the desert, you must make it to the city from there."
: "Delaying the inevitable Otrant? Come now, I am a merciful Queen still. Admit your error and join me, with your help we can bring a golden age to Guardiana, no, all of Rune!" Anri says, magic swirling around her.
Otrant does not respond, begining a magical spell in an oddly resonant voice. The group feels themselves locked in place with magic as they glow blue. Power wells within each of them as they see Otrant cast another spell of fire that splashes harmlessly against the magical wards Anri had set up. The mage queen utters a single command word and gesture, and Otrant is beset upon with huge icy shards. The reknowned seer counters with a quick chant and a hand slashing downward, and a rain of fireballs hurls down from the sky, smashing into his opponent with great force. Anri stumbles, then shrieks out a power word and a gigantic block of ice slams into Otrant. The duel rages on even as you begin to vanish, one by one, to reappear in the desert just outside of Manarina, the city's lights visible in the oddly calm night.

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sun Feb 27, 2005 3:11 am
Myala slowly looks around as she reappears within the desert, a soft sigh escaping her lips. She looks to her other comrades one by one and a somewhat bitter smile crosses her lips. "We're...we're home..." ((You're evil TUM... J/k man ))

Posted by: Kyosokun Sun Feb 27, 2005 7:20 am
Appearing in the desert, Marcus sags slightly as the magic releases him.... Looking towards the city, Marcus just stares for a second 'Manarina.... my second home....' With a slight shake, Marcus takes a breathe and stands tall. He quickly looks over the group to make sure all are accounted for, secretly hoping to see Otrant among them.
As Myala speaks, Marcus looks to her. "Home? Maybe.... But it is not happy home coming." Looking once more towards Manarina, a feeling wells up in Marcus, and he nods to himself, coming to an inner decison.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Sun Feb 27, 2005 7:38 am
"I had hoped that when I next returned here, it would be under better conditions. But again, I have arrived here only after tragedy..." For all my strength, I have again failed, the dragonman thought, roughly sheathing the greatsword. I have failed the Queen, and in the process I may have doomed the rest of Rune.
"What will we do now?" Garudaos asked, truly at a loss. "What other recourse is there, now that the Tower has again risen from the sea? And what did Otrant mean when he said that far worse things remained within those sunken halls?"

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sun Feb 27, 2005 9:11 pm
Myala turns to the dragon man and looks upon him with sad and weary eyes, the bitter smile still across her lips. "I had hoped this would be a more...happy homecoming..." Her expression that becomes completely bitter. "Far worse will happen, I am sure, but as of now I doubt we are strong enough...or ready...to face it..."
The young priestess stares at the far off city for a little while before turning her gaze back to him.
"We must regroup, rest, and form a plan. Training might not hurt either. Do you not agree?"

Posted by: Knight_019 Tue Mar 01, 2005 4:17 am
*Ivellas watches the battle between Otrant and Anri transpire, and every muscle in his body yearned to move forward and intervene, preventing Anri from continuing this insane course of action. However, the magical aura shimmering around his body prevents him from doing so. As everything in his vision fades away, he feels uneasy, as if being thrown or pulled quickly. The bonds restraining his movement weaken as his vision begins to come back. Everything is bright at first, and he rushes forward a few steps in a charge, only to realize there is sand underhoof. Looking out at the vastness of the desert, he sees Manarina, and can only do one thing. He collapses down to his knees, jamming his lance down into the desert sand, and screams.*
: DAMNIT! NOOOOO! *Ivellas grunts in anger* WE WERE SO CLOSE!
*Shaking his head around a few times, Ivellas regains his composure after a few moments. He was upset at his failure to save the queen, and his inability as a leader to allow his group to do so, either. However, there was always hope that she wasn't gone yet. Otrant was no pushover, as evidenced. Ivellas shuddered to think of the pain and damage Anri was meting out, and at the same time Otrant gave it back in the form of flames. Rising again, he realized the need to address the group and make them act expediently. Time was certainly not on their side.*
: Group, attention! Listen up. Don't think of this as a failure of any sort. Though we may not have achieved a primary objective, the world is not lost, and we'll have another go at the Strife Lords again, eventually. We must make haste to Manarina and warn them of the impending danger as well as inform them of what transpired during the battle and between Anri and Otrant. Hopefully, Tao will still be in Manarina, and with what she has learned from the ruins she may have a great deal of insight on the matter and advice. Let's hurry on, then, since it's probably best we find ourselves inside city walls as soon as possible.

Posted by: Rusty Tue Mar 01, 2005 4:38 am
((I'll have to get Prestle a helmet of ventriloquism or something for the future )) *After being magically transported back to Manarina, Prestle makes a tight fist, closing his eyes and bowing his head in defeat.* : That delusional fool...Is her mind really that confused by the Strife Lords?
*Prestle stays there in deep thought, thinking about all that has just transpired.*

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue Mar 01, 2005 4:45 am
: "This can't be happening... This... This must all be a nightmare..." Daran mutters. The city of Manarina lies before you, though an air of tension permeates the place. Daran wanders off, muttering about weapons upgrades needed. ((You have some time.))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Tue Mar 01, 2005 7:33 pm
Myala seems to pay no need to the somewhat encouraging words as she walks away. "So much death...needless death... Will it ever stop?"

Posted by: Kaihaku Wed Mar 02, 2005 2:37 am
Felix stops. The halfling stands where he appeared, one hand holding his crystal tightly the other loosely gripping his bow. As the others exclaim and speak, he stares into the distance blankly. Eventually the blade floating at the halfling’s side shudders and falls to the ground.
Finally after several moments, as the others begin to wander towards the city, the Halfling slowly lowers his hands dropping his bow to the ground. Staring at the sand at his feet, he then collapses to his knees, pressing his hands into the sand. Tears fall from his face to the thirsty soil.

Posted by: Kyosokun Wed Mar 02, 2005 7:27 am
As they are started to move towards the city, Marcus could help but notice the small lack of one... Turning back, he seeing Felix, kneeling on the ground. Filled with sympathy, he slowly approached the halfling and knelt by him. Gently, he spoke. "While I'm sure the desert appreciates the watering, tears do little good out here. Come, let us go to the city, we can drown out miseries there as well as out here. I'll even buy you a drink." He rises, offering a hand to the halfling....

Posted by: Wandering Dezorian Wed Mar 02, 2005 5:22 pm
Solomon stands, watching the group impassively, but not moving to follow them.

Posted by: Knight_019 Thu Mar 03, 2005 4:33 am
*Ivellas gazes at the entrance to Manarina. So familiar, and yet so distant all the same. He moves to enter the city, but is held back for a moment* : *sigh* "None of you are failures... none of you, *Ivellas speaks under his breath. He's at a loss for what to do. The group is breaking down. Some have hope, but are burdened heavily and it is showing. Others have literally broken down, as Felix has now. Solomon stood, unmoving. It seemed as though his words failed to impact his group. If this were the case, where had he gone wrong? With another heavy sigh, he speaks and enters the gates of Manarina, hoping to instill something into them to cause them to press onward even in the face of great peril and the prospect that the world might be doomed.*
: I know this has been a terrible burden for all of you, and the outlook seems grim, but we must press on. Stopping now will only ensure our own defeat. We must alert the council in Manarina and Tao as to what has happened and for help. We can recover and regroup inside.
*Without much else, Ivellas moves into the city, accompanied or not. Even if he would be the only one to continue the quest while the others slowly gave up, then so be it.*
~~~
*Excited to be at the city of magic again, Kyuu had questions he needed answered. Daran had also mentioned something that reminded Kyuu of an idea he had and needed to mention to Daran. However, before he could go Solomon's lack of movement disturbed him, and he couldn't just leave the ancient robot behind. Before going, he tried to tell Solomon to follow the group inside and usher him in, and then went on his way.
Before Daran can get too far ahead of anyone else, Kyuu rushes up to him, yelling his name and trying to get his attention by mentioning that he has an idea.*
: Daran! Daran! OOOOH Daran! I've got an idea you might like to try! Ok. You know I like fire and all, and, well, I was thinking we could concoct some alchemical bullets for your rifle or something of the sort so that when they hit they'd explode, making them pack some extra punch. What do you think? I'd be willing to help you out, too, since I know a thing or two about making things like that.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Mar 03, 2005 4:50 am
: "It won't matter... You saw what happened when I shot them... The bullets just bounced off. They just... bounced off. Not a scratch. I... I've never seen anything like it..." Daran says, almost in a daze. Ivellas manages to find Tao in the Meeting hall, talking to a large number of mages. When Ivellas enters, her face brightens.
: "Hey, I know you! You were part of Anri's guard! What's going on? We've received scattered rumors and stuff, but we've got nothing to go on. Even our divinations are being blocked! We know SOMETHING's happening in Guardiania, but we can't figure out what... Did you bring word from Anri? Otrant? Somebody?" Tao says, standing up.

Posted by: Knight_019 Thu Mar 03, 2005 5:31 am
*Tao's bright mood makes the news all the more difficult for Ivellas to relay. Trying to keep a straight face, while his eyes are still sullen, Ivellas finds the heart to speak.* : I'm afraid the news is quite grim. Guardiana burns once again. The strife lords turned the queen's very advisors against us while they worked to steal away the queen. Sera Moonflow attacked us and warded us out of the queen's chambers until it was too late. We tried to stop the Strife Lords, who had made their way into the queen's very room, but they proved far too formidable for us, and they teleported the queen away after brainwashing her right in front of us. We were forced to escape from some incredibly high powered magical attacks, and on our way out, we ran into Jerrik again. However, he was no longer the man he was, as they had turned him into some kind of undead minion.
Otrant found us and helped us escape, and afterward we soon found out what the Strife Lords had planned - They used Queen Anri to open the Gate of the Ancients. We found Sir Vankar and Sir Earnest along the way, the latter helping us to fight in a battle which we just recently arrived from. Demons of all types, hydras, necromancers, and undead knights abounded the scene... the undead acting as Anri's personal body guards. Near the end of the battle, a number of demonic constructs appeared, capable of firing beams from their "eyes." It was all a distraction in the end, though, as Anri succeeded in raising the Castle of the Ancients. You heard correctly... The ancient castle has risen again! You and I both know this definitely does not bode well. Otrant, Earnest, and the rest of us all attempted to make Anri see her fallacy, but it didn't work. She was determined to raise the castle to save Max, and she also believed she could hold back whatever evils lurked inside. She believes everyone to be fools for forsaking Max inside. When things became heated between Otrant and Anri, and degraded into a spellcasting duel between them, we were teleported out and left in front of the city here. What happened to Earnest, Vankar, Otrant, and Anri, I cannot say. I can only hope any research you have done can shed some light on this dark time.
~~Meanwhile~~
*Kyuu looked at Daran with an inquisitive look on his face, then had a thought. Holy things hurt the demons. What if.....*
: Hmmm... how about... holy water bullets! Maybe that'd work? We could enchant your rifle, too.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Mar 03, 2005 8:39 am
: "Holy... bullets... yes... yes, and with a slight modification of the firing pin to shunt blowback to the front, recycling it for ignition sequencing... Yes, yes, I can see it!" Daran says, his expression brightening. "Yes, this project will have to begin posthaste!"
--------
: "Anny... Lord Otrant... Are... Are you.... Yes... Of course you're sure. Excuse me... I need to think..." Tao says in a shaken manner, getting up and heading for the door.

Posted by: Dark Maiden Thu Mar 03, 2005 8:09 pm
Myala wanders around the magic city for a little while; still hurting pretty badly from that nasty shock the demon construct gave her. Intense pain courses through her veins every so often, causing her to slow to a staggering pace. "D..Damn it..."
The young priestess clutches at her chest a bit but her eyes light up when she sees Kyuu and Daran in the distance. She staggers towards them but tries to act like nothing is wrong.
"Hi you two... I'm not...interrupting...am I?"
Despite her act, they can both tell she's still in a great deal of pain. Before she can say anything else, she sinks to her knees and keels over.
"Why...won't it stop?"
By this point, Myala seems to be talking to herself.
"How could something like this happen? How could Anri let them do this to her? All of our hard work...all of our sacrifice... Has it been in vain?"
((She'd listen to Kyuu, I'm sure ))

Posted by: Kaihaku Thu Mar 03, 2005 8:46 pm
Felix stares at the sand for a long moment before looking up at the woodsman slowly. His pained eyes stare into Marcus' for a long moment, then he softly smiles, "Thank you...but...there can be no escape..." The smile fades as the halfling slowly stands and begins gathering his equipment, "I failed a scared oath...all of us who you now travel with have..." He blinks and looks up at the moon, "The...queen has been lost..."

Posted by: Wandering Dezorian Thu Mar 03, 2005 10:53 pm
"I watched the fall of civilization from its peak." the android speaks up for the first time. "I saw heaven on earth, a land where man was freed from daily constraints by his tools, tools who served willingly and with purpose. I remember my original purpose... And man, though his history was filled with strife and warfare, had moved to a point where they understood how to find the wisdom of the past, and lived in peace. Where there was discontent, there were ways to discuss it peacefully, and places set aside for those who wished to leave civilization and strike out on their own. And I saw it fall."
"I saw the darkness rise. I saw seven cities burn- Cities such as you could never imagine, millions dying by flame and sword. Other servents and I were reprogrammed, willingly abandoning our peaceful purpose and being reforged into tools of war, to save those we could. We fought alongside our makers, and died even as they did. And when all seemed lost, we triumphed. And though I soon fell, lost with my city as the demons tried desperately to turn the tide of their fate, I knew as they did that the war was won. Though I died, the children of my makers would live free of the fear of the darkness."
"In our darkest hour, my captain spoke to the living people there. I have lost the text of his speech to my faulty memory, which pains me more than you can know. But I remember the essence of what he said."
The android turns his unblinking stare to the two standing before him, and continues.
"The darkness is just that... shadow. It lives on illusion and fear, looming over us, seeming darker, larger, more deadly that any could believe. But in reality, they are always fewer, their power, though fearsome, is spread too far. Their only hope lies in shattering our spirits. If we allow their gloom over our souls, if we believe the lies they whisper to us, if we flee the illusion of power, never seeing through the veil to the weakness beyond, they will triumph. In dark days such as these, faith and courage are your strongest weapons. Hold on to them against the defeats you will surely face, and know that the dawn is coming."
The android watches for a moment more, then turns and strides into the town.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Fri Mar 04, 2005 2:24 am
Daran's expression falls again. : "I... I don't know..." Daran says, looking down. "But... But what else can we do? We can't give up..." ----------- After about twenty minutes, Tao somberly re-enters the room, having composed herself. : "Ivellas, I know you've been through a lot, but there is still more to be done... If there were survivors, they'd have fled to Alterone, and I'm sure that's where Mae would have regrouped. We've got to get there and help. If we act quickly enough, we can retake the gate, and if its been taken, the capital as well. We found things in the ruins. More clues. I'll tell you what I can when your team is reassembled. Listen, I'm... After going through all that, I'm hesistant to do this, but when we leave, you'll be one of the units that takes point with us. I'm sorry, but we simply don't have as many veterans as we should, and decisive action is needed... I'm sure that's what Mae would say," Tao says as she pulls out a sack of coins. "This is a bag of gems and coins, partially from the treasury, partially from my pocket. Get yourself fixed up at the healers and use whatever's left in here to take care of any equipment issues. Have your team meet here at this time tommorrow, I'm going to send messengers to Rindo and Shade Abbey to have as many troops as we can waiting for us when we return... I also need to discuss this with everyone else. I think... I think that's all I can do just yet... But... But don't you worry. Those demons haven't tasted hellfire like the kind I can summon up. We'll show them not to mess with the Runic Republic!"

Posted by: Kaihaku Fri Mar 04, 2005 9:49 pm
Felix stares after the android quietly, then looks up into the sky taking a deep breath. Finally, he turns and walks slowly towards the town, his steps slow and weary.

Posted by: Dark Maiden Mon Mar 07, 2005 7:21 pm
((*Bump*))

Posted by: Knight_019 Thu Mar 10, 2005 1:41 am
*Ivellas looked at Tao with a somber look on his face, knowing full well that the knowledge of his report must pain her in ways he couldn't begin to imagine. However, he took her instructions and the funds with a smile.* : I don't see it as a burden one bit. I'm sure my group will see it as a godsend that they may fight once again against the Strife Lords and get another chance to save the queen, as many are worried that they have failed. This should put a new wind behind their sails. As always, I am honored to fight for the good of the kingdom. I appreciate your funding, and I will assemble the group at once to alert them that they must be prepared to meet here tomorrow.
*With a preconditioned salute, whether it was necessary or not, and a newborn pride, anticipation, and desire to serve his country once again, Ivellas turned to walk off and assemble the group. Finding a number of couriers to get the message delivered as quickly as possible, Ivellas sent the word out to gather at HQ as soon as possible.*
~~~Meanwhile~~~
: Oooh, sounds like such a good idea! If you need a hand, I plan on doing some studying, but I'm willing to help out as well. I didn't like those demons much, and...
*Getting ready to ramble on about how he was going to devote time studying the planes, especially the one of fire to understand the burning call that had grown inside him, and his distaste of demons for resisting his spells, Myala comes up looking pretty banged up and seeming as though she has lost all hope. Feeling that Myala's feelings toward him may make her feel better to hear from him, Kyuu decides to do the manly thing for a change and step up.*
: Oh, hi Myala. Daran and I were just discussing an invention for him to work on, but you look pretty banged up. Are you ok? Do you need any help? You know, as a priestess, I would think you would be the last of all of us to give up hope. Things look bad, but Ivellas is probably right... we'll have another chance. The queen probably isn't dead, since Otrant wouldn't kill her, and the Strife Lords probably still have a use for her, even though that's the worst case scenario. At least she'd still be alive though, in that case, and that means we still have a shot to save her.
*With a toothy grin, Kyuu hopes he's making Myala feel better. He felt flustered inside, and it was starting to affect him now, because of what he was about to say to her. He hoped it would be the finishing touch and get her out of the rut. It was strange. Before he had been nervous, but people seemed to notice him anyway. Now he was willing to talk to people and even try to affect them. Had their journey affected him that much?*
: You know, I was going to be spending some time studying and I was wondering-...
*Kyuu never got the chance to finish his statement. At that moment, one of the couriers Ivellas had sent out came up to Daran, Kyuu, and Myala to relay his message to meet at HQ as soon as possible. Not wanting to delay, Kyuu mentioned it would be a good idea to go now, getting completely sidetracked from his original train of thought. Upon their arrival, Ivellas was ready to address everyone when they all arrived, and a large bag on a table in front of him.*
((After everyone arrives, this will occur, so I'm not forcing you to move ahead right away. Also, NSG, feel free to continue at any time. It wasn't supposed to be a cop out, so if it would bother Myala to find out what was really going to be said, feel free to bug Kyuu about it later ))
: Group, attention. Having conversed with Tao, we're getting another shot at the Strife Lords, so all hope isn't lost just yet. (If anyone actually finds this news worth getting happy over) *Yes, contain your excitement* Well be taking point with Tao in Alterone. However, this is being done because forces have been spread thin, so it'll be us and not much more in the way of help. Reinforcements are being called from Shade Abbey and Rindo, but it's doubtful that there will be too much additional support. However, we have been given funds to equip ourselves, and it totals in the range of around 15,000 gold pieces. Given our numbers, it may be spread thin, however. If you have any ideas for what you would like to do with it, I'm willing to listen, though I suggest we find shops to check what we can get. We may even get special treatment out of necessity, but that's being hopeful at this point.
The last issue in the way of business is assembly for moving out. We will meet tomorrow around this time at the meeting hall to see Tao for further information and instructions regarding our departure and what plans she has come up with after discussing the issues at hand with some others. I'm sorry you won't have much time, but I'm sure you all understand the necessity of making haste in this dire time.
If you have any questions, now is the time to ask them. Otherwise, I suggest we begin making preparations and re-equipping ourselves for tomorrow.
...
*In a loud, stern voice, hoping to raise everyone's hopes, Ivellas finished his preparation speech to his comrades*
Remember, the queen is not lost until we stop our efforts. *Slamming his hand down on the table* We'll show those heartless bastards what happens when you mess with the Runic Republic!

Posted by: Dark Maiden Thu Mar 10, 2005 2:12 am

QUOTE (Knight_019)
: Oh, hi Myala. Daran and I were just discussing an invention for him to work on, but you look pretty banged up. Are you ok? Do you need any help? You know, as a priestess, I would think you would be the last of all of us to give up hope. Things look bad, but Ivellas is probably right... we'll have another chance. The queen probably isn't dead, since Otrant wouldn't kill her, and the Strife Lords probably still have a use for her, even though that's the worst case scenario. At least she'd still be alive though, in that case, and that means we still have a shot to save her.

Myala is quite frankly taken aback by Kyuu's courage and forwardness, seeing as how he had always been so shy before. The young elf blushes slightly and she keeps fidgeting despite her efforts not to. She also has trouble keeping her gaze from wandering about frantically. It seems that she's acting more like he used to.
"Kyuu... Kyuu, you're right. We have to keep trying. Giving up now will only make things worse."

QUOTE (Knight_019)
: You know, I was going to be spending some time studying and I was wondering-... *Kyuu never got the chance to finish his statement. At that moment, one of the couriers Ivellas had sent out came up to Daran, Kyuu, and Myala to relay his message to meet at HQ as soon as possible. Not wanting to delay, Kyuu mentioned it would be a good idea to go now, getting completely sidetracked from his original train of thought.*

Myala flashes him one of her cute little smiles back and her amber eyes light up. After the courier shows up and cuts Kyuu off before he can finish, she crosses her arms over her chest and pouts. Despite that, she follows Kyuu to HQ.
"I'll just ask him later."

Posted by: Wandering Dezorian Thu Mar 10, 2005 5:46 am
The android Solomon finishes his repairs and upgrades just in time for the runner to find him, standing silently outside the main wall of the city. As Ivellas gives his speech, the mechanical man stands in the rear. With its conclusion, he leaves just as swiftly, heading towards the nearest mapmaker he can find.
This is the wrong plan. They have forgotten the lessons they learned in the latest war. The shadow has penetrated us, and reads our movements. Large armies move slowly, and it is easy for them to prepare for our arrival.
A small group has a chance of moving undetected. We must move quickly, silently, and strike where they do not expect us. Only then will we hurt them.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Mar 10, 2005 6:36 am
"Greetings, wha... Eh? A golem? Running an errand fer yer master, ah? Whaddya need?" a gruff short man asks of Solomon at the mapmaker's.

Posted by: Wandering Dezorian Fri Mar 11, 2005 6:07 am
"I ask only to see your most current maps of all areas of the world. In fact, I would like to see all the maps you can assign a date to, from here to the far seas. Just to see, not to buy. For this, I will pay 1 silver piece." The android answers without hesitation.

Posted by: Kyosokun Fri Mar 11, 2005 6:55 am
Marcus trails the halfling, silently, thinking on what he said. As they enter the city, he steps in the front of the halfling to give a few brief words of hope. "Oathbreaker, you call yourself. But remember 2 things. You gave your best effort, and intent counts for much. You did not willingly lapse apon your oath. Second... As hard as it seems, there is still yet oppertunity to mend your oath. You can give up hope, and live a broken man, or you can strive to fulfill your vow yet. That too, speaks to one's integrity. Give it some thought. Given your chosen friends, I doubt not you'll choose the right path....".
Marcus then sets out into the city on his own, only thoughts being 'Now if only I knew what path I am to walk...'
~later~
The runner finally found the tall Woodsman in a bar, quietly sipping at an Ale. He handed him a short message. Reading it with some small surprize, he rose and left, leaves a few coins on the table.
It didn't take him long to reach the meeting. He listened to Ivellas' speech with a mixed heart. For once unable to choose decisively, he decided to later speak in private with Ivellas....
OOC: Knight, grab me sometime when you see me online, if you could?

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Fri Mar 11, 2005 7:22 am

QUOTE (Wandering Dezorian @ Fri Mar 11, 2005 6:07 am)
"I ask only to see your most current maps of all areas of the world. In fact, I would like to see all the maps you can assign a date to, from here to the far seas. Just to see, not to buy. For this, I will pay 1 silver piece." The android answers without hesitation.

The man raises an eyebrow. "One gold piece," he offers.
((Where did Solomon get the money?))

Posted by: Wandering Dezorian Fri Mar 11, 2005 5:32 pm
((Earlier, he bought magically enhanced gloves as weapons, using group funds. He also has had to buy parts for upgrades, and I'm assuming he's helped out Daren. I assumed there would be some pocket change, and that Solomon, recognizing how vital money is in this society, would hang onto at least a gold piece's worth of spending money.))
Solomon does not move at all, remaining as eerily still as a golem would. "I am instructed to offer one silver piece at most. This is food for you and your family for at least a week at current rates, if you are frugal. If not, then I will look elsewhere."

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Fri Mar 11, 2005 5:38 pm
"A week? Please. Prices haven't been that low in a while. Go tell your master I don't mind him looking at my maps, but a single silver as compensation is insulting. One gold is what you'll need. When you're willing to part with it, I'll readily display my maps and you can find whatever you're looking for," the short man finishes.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Fri Mar 11, 2005 6:49 pm
"Here is your gold piece," a familiar voice said, placing a single golden coin down on the table. "Please, allow my friend to view what he has come to see." "I came in not too long ago," Garudaos said, this time in draconic to the android before him. "While he may indeed be overpricing his wares at the moment, we can ill afford to haggle over money. Worry not about a single gold."

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Fri Mar 11, 2005 7:46 pm
"Of course," the man says as he walks back into his store, motioning for you to follow. Inside are a vast amount of charts and maps, some on display, some rolled up, some on tables and desks. "Take your time," the man says as he picks up the gold piece and keeps one eye on you, and one eye on the storefront.

Posted by: Wandering Dezorian Sun Mar 13, 2005 3:53 pm
"I thank you, friend and ally. My knowledge of geography is limited to the ancient days, and I would learn how the lands have changed during my long sleep." the android replies in the same language. Solomon then follows the shopkeeper, looking at each map only long enough to store it in internal memory.
((TUM, with your permission, I'm going to use this to allow his 'knowledge: geography' skill to include modern geography. I think I also need to level him... He's currently level 8. What level am I supposed to be at?))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sun Mar 13, 2005 9:59 pm
((That makes sense. You're supposed to be level 10.))

Posted by: Knight_019 Mon Mar 14, 2005 10:54 pm
((Sorry, Kyoso. I'm being urged to move this forward. We can take care of it at any time and interject it back so that it falls right after the meeting.)) *The next day, with little time to spare, Ivellas, Kyuu, and whoever decided to go with them move out in search of stores. Hopefully they would find something of interest to aid them in their quest against the unholy, destructive forces threatening to reshape all of Rune.*
As Ivellas wanders around, he hears a familiar voice speak, right next to him.
"Looking for something?" the voice inquires.
*Before answering, Ivellas turns to see who the voice belongs to. It seems familiar, but he can't quite place it*
Wearing his trademark grin, Derrik Swiftjoke stands to Ivella's left.
: "That I was... do you have an offer of your own for what I might 'need,' or did you have something else in mind?" *Ivellas inquires, a bit wary of Derrik's intentions. He had helped them previously, but his mysterious nature caused Ivellas to remain on guard*
Derrik laughs and bows at the hip, slightly. "Ah, but I am just a mere vendor of exotic goods, a merchant that trades in the mystifying, mesmerizing, and some times terrifying!"
: "If you have anything 'terrifying' to the forces of profound evil, then you have my ear," *Ivellas says with a bit of interest*
He looks up with a grin. "Well, then, it becomes a matter of funding, of monetary compensation, of bankrolls and bills, of coin and tender..."
: "I happen to have just that. Is there anything in particular you're willing to show me?"
"Well, of course, of course," Jerrik says as he exposes a fold of his cloak, revealing a selection of items strapped to the inside.
"Here is a ring that will protect your mage friend from anything that might come his way, it's a high quality defensive magic," Derrik says. (Ring of Prot +3)
"Here's a belt that increases the strength of the wearer tenfold!" Derrik says, pointing to a belt looped on a strap. (Belt of Giant Strength +4.)
"Here are arrows enchanted to fight fiends," Derrik says, pointing to ten arrows of silver. (Holy arrows+3)
"Finally if that's not going to tempt you, I have these," Derrik says, letting his cloak fold fall back and producing an odd case with a handle that he opens to reveal a selection of wands and rods.
((Rod of metamagic: Maximize lesser, Rod of Wonder, 2 Wands of Unknown Spells.))
: "Interesting selection you have there. You've certainly peaked my interest. What do the rods do, and how much for each of the items you've shown?" *Ivellas shows much interest in the wares Derrik has shown, and believes that this may be the answer. However, the alienation of some of the others, such as Myala, Daran, and Solomon troubles him*
"This rod allows the wielder to cast spells of middling to lesser power to their utmost potential, while this one has a random effect each time it is used. Each is 15,000 gold coins," Derrik says. "The belt is 16,000, the arrows are 200 a piece, and...well, I forgot. I have one more ware to show you..."
Derrik then withdraws another case, opening it to reveal a pair of ornate arrows. "These arrows were made by the ancient elven bowmaster Aerkatan. He used them to destroy the demons that threatened his city in the Ancient Wars. They're said to kill demons in a single strike... three thousand for one, six for the pair."
*Ivellas rubs his chin for a few seconds, then makes a motion telling Derrik to give him a moment. He turns to Kyuu, and speaks a few words to the kitsune, telling him to have a few words with Derrik, as he may be a bit better in the words department. Kyuu takes a deep breath, steps forward, and addresses Derrik.*
: Well, Mr. Swiftjoke, you certainly have a fine assortment of goods to choose from. However, it seems that your prices may be a bit steep. I'm sure you could make exceptions for us, since we're looking to save all of Rune, and your wares will allow us ot do just that. After all, what good are your items if there's no one to take them?
((Diplomacy: 1d20+14 = 25))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Mar 17, 2005 5:37 am
Derrik's grin widens. "I knew you'd say that. No, I mean that literally, I KNEW that... Nevermind," Derrik says as he opens his cloak fold to expose his wares , withdrawing them one by one and putting them into the case that holds the other items for sale. The case never seems to get bigger, but each item somehow fits perfectly. "Of course, I suppose the Strife Lords are good for business..." Derrik says with a drawl. "I'm selling record amounts of military goods at record prices. Looking to be quite a financial quarter..." Derrik trails off as he suddenly fixes Ivellas and Kyuu with a sly, calm, and knowing gaze that makes the young man seem far, far older and wiser. "Then again, there are higher ideals than business, neh? Take your pick."

Posted by: Dark Maiden Wed Mar 30, 2005 2:04 am
((*BUMP* ))

Posted by: Kaihaku Fri Apr 01, 2005 4:16 pm
Felix walks down an alleyway quietly, his eyes on the ground. He pays little heed to the two gentlemen walking down the alleyway in the other direction until one of them steps on the little halfling, completely crushing him. The man pauses, glancing down in disgust, "Uh... I got halfling all over my shoe..."
The other sighs, "You should have looked where you were going."

Posted by: Rusty Fri Apr 01, 2005 5:33 pm
*Prestle stays to himself, unaware to what's currently happening, in deep thought. Anri...How could you? You're betraying everything Max fought for. Are they really controlling your mind, or are they merely manipulating you through your emotions? I always thought you were stronger than that...But I guess you loved Max and the very mention of his name means more to you than the world. Foolish queen...You're jeopardizing everyone's lives for Max. He did the very opposite. He's a hero...You're just a sad queen clinging for hope that he's still alive. What if we go and find where he had stayed before and found him dead. What then? Or what if he's not even found? Then we would be back to square one AND have many pointless deaths and other problems in your name. If you truly love Max, you would respect his decision to stay as he sealed Dark Dragon...Not to go off and endanger the very world just to see if he's still alive. Blast you, Anri...Let go of the past. Until you do, our futures may crumble. Prestle holds his hand on his forehead, just shaking it.*

Posted by: Dark Maiden Fri Apr 01, 2005 7:41 pm
(Smooshed halfling? Ouch ))

Posted by: Knight_019 Fri Apr 01, 2005 11:56 pm
*Kyuu nods, and turns the discussion back over to Ivellas after giving him a few words of device. The decision was difficult... a number of things could help the team. The belt of strength could improve any of the frontliners' offensive capabilities, and the rod of maximization would surely improve their offensive capabilities as well. Tactically speaking, Ivellas felt that the versatility of the rod, even if there is only one of them, would greatly improve their abilities in combat. The demon destroying arrows also seemed to be a rather viable option... who knows what the Strife Lords were, but if they were demonic, surely they would help them greatly. If one thing was certain, they weren't human*
: Well, I'll take the Rod of Maximization. I'll also pay for the holy arrows and demon slaying arrows. That leaves me with slightly over 7000 gp, though your items seem to be out of the reach of that amount. Our group consists of 3 melee fighters - myself, a dragonman, and a halfling - one archer, three priests - an Elf, a Centaur, and a Kyantol - two mages - Kyuu here and a human - and a human rifleman/inventor. You wouldn't have an item or items that would greatly benefit the party in some way, though in that price range, would you?

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sat Apr 02, 2005 12:54 am
"Well, well now... I happen to have something that may benefit your friend Daran..." Derrick says with a grin as he motions for the gold, then points behind you. Though you're sure it was not there before, a huge crate now stands behind and to your side, a wheeled platform with a handle allowing it movement. "Take that to your tinker friend. It's the parts and blueprints for an item that will make him the happiest machinist in Manarina... Some assembly required, but that's why you're getting it so cheap!"
Derrek laughs lightly and also hands you a wand.
"This wand has a single charge left on it, but it's simply the most broken spell ever devised by mortal minds. Sorry, but it can't be recharged by the means here. Cast it on a bladed weapon, slashing specifically, when you face something you think will cause you too many problems to take down normally," Deck says. He then grins, withdrawing his hands into his cloak as soon as you take the items. "Anything else?"
((Gained item: Wand of Shadow Strike: 1 charge.))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sat Apr 02, 2005 10:36 pm
((Shadow Strike sounds sweet ))

Posted by: Kaihaku Tue Apr 05, 2005 5:18 am
Felix slips away from the others and walks slowly to the edge of the city, standing atop one of the walls he stares out into the darkness. His eyes waver in the pale light, then he sighs and pulls out the crystal that hangs around his neck, examining it quietly.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue Apr 05, 2005 5:24 am
The crystal seems to shimmer in the dim light, the faint glimmering somehow reassuring the halfling.

Posted by: Kaihaku Tue Apr 05, 2005 5:26 am
The halfling smiles slightly, then looks up into the sky, his fist tightening around the crystal, "I'll bring her back..."

Posted by: Knight_019 Wed Apr 06, 2005 5:53 pm
((I hope you guys don't lynch me for using the funds this way. I did ask for opinions, afterall Sorry about inactivity, too, but I'd need a video to explain everything)) *Hoping he did the right thing, Ivellas hands over payment to Derrek, and Ivellas takes his goods.*
: I hope these wares prove to be extremely useful. Your flexibility, however, is to be duely noted. I greatly apprectiate your business.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Wed Apr 06, 2005 6:04 pm
Derrek laughs lightly as he pockets the gold. "Oh, but you should. In any case, fare thee well, I've other matters to attend to for a while, as I believe, do you. One final word of advice. It is sometimes more effective to destroy the weapon of your opponent rather than him directly... And weapons can take oh so many forms... Keep that in mind, eh?" Derrek says as he turns and walks off, vanishing into the crowd.
FAIR WARNING!!!
The game will moving to the endgame battles shortly. You have a short period to do whatever, then your characters will be busy up to the end.

Posted by: Kaihaku Wed Apr 06, 2005 10:04 pm
((Excellent, soon, very soon, I'm expecting the apperance of a Paladin.)) Felix sighs, his eyes shining in the dim light, "I failed to save the others... The elf... The knight..." His voice cracks and he swallows, "I have to save her..."

Posted by: Dark Maiden Thu Apr 07, 2005 2:28 am
Myala remains in her room for the a better part of the morning, meditating or something of the sort. After a little of an hour of stillness, the elven priestess rises. Her gaze shifts to the window slightly as she picks up her gear, and a soft sigh escapes her lips.
"I must find Kyuu. Something tells me that if I have something to say to him, I should say it now."
She brushes stray strands of her hair off of her shoulders and leaves the barracks. Being sharp of wit and one to pay attention, she remembers where they had planned on going and wastes no time finding them. When she does finally find them, she takes a deep breath and walks over.
"Excuse me, Kyuu. May I speak to you for a moment?"

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Fri Apr 08, 2005 2:00 am
The day passes... When the crate is delivered to Daran, he immediately has a look inside, rummaging around the parts to find the blueprints. After a few moments of gawking at the designs, he finally manages to speak. : "Where did you get these? The pride of Dr. Crock... I... I never dreamed I'd get my hands on a copy of his work much less a set of the parts... I'm working on this right away!"
Daran receives the crate bought from Derrik with much joy and spends the entire day and most of the next working on it, not even stopping for sleep or food. He seems a man possessed with glee and renewed hope. He is the only one absent when Tao meets with the group for the briefing.
: "All right, it's time to get moving. We're all moving to Alterone to regroup there. I'm leaving a small guard here to protect Manarina, but most of us are moving out. I want your group at the fore, with me. I sent messengers, and we can expect some reinforcements from Shade Abbey as well as some from Bustoke to meet us at Rindo, but everywhere else is simply too far away to wait for. The key here will be to move quickly, we don't want the enemy to have time to dig in and consolidate anymore than we have to... That's all, really. Except a few things I think you should know. I did find more clues... The ruins... Different sections were built by different people at two different times. The outer ruins were built by the Ancients and the age indicated it wasn't a new facility before everything was destroyed by the Dragon. However, the core ruins... The temple that Forgotten guarded... We couldn't tell how old it was, it simply was too old for our spells to work. We estimate that would place it at being many millions of years old, but we simply don't know... And whoever built it certainly was NOT the ancients!" Tao states. "We found a few more clues, ancient writings mostly... We will still putting the pieces together, but apparently the Ancient ruins were built to study the core ruins, and to protect them. Apparently whatever that link was, it was very, very important somehow. If we find anything useful, I'll forward it to you, I'm keeping in contact via magic with Manarina. Dismissed."
"Hey guys! Look at this!" a familiar voice yells as you exit the Mage Academy and re-enter the town proper. Twin contrails of steam are what you see first, as what looks like a gigantic boxy suit of armor with a number of odd protrosions lumbers forth from the crowd. Its booming footsteps are matched only by the constant hissing of steam from the two exhaust pipes on the backside.
: "It's Steam Armor! I based it off of the blueprints! They were of an improved model that Dr. Crock made later in his career! Runs off a series of enchanted crystals and water! I just finished assembling it! Isn't it awesome? I even added some of my own modifications to it!" Daran says, excitedly, his eyes barely visible through the heavy armor's helmet. "I added a multibarrel automatic action firearm to the right shoulder and a debris fragmentation shooter to the left! And I came up with a bunch more stuff, too! I spent the last of my savings to get the parts, I'm going to assemble it on the way to whereever we're going! I really do think that if the hydrodynamic pumps are refitted I can..."
Daran trails off in a jumble of technological jargon that only Solomon can really understand, but it's obvious he's excited beyond belief.
Tinker (TNKR) DARAN has been promoted to...
Tech Knight (TKKT) DARAN!

Posted by: Kyosokun Fri Apr 08, 2005 4:10 am
Marcus views Daran's excitement with a small smile, but a number of doubts to the actual worth of the lumbering hunk of metal. Shaking his head, he merely goes off to tend to some last business, before everyone had to head off.

Posted by: Wandering Dezorian Fri Apr 08, 2005 5:35 pm
"A brief analysis would indicate pneumatic pressure in the left knee joint should be reduced. There are visible stress-marks in the tubing there." Solomon states calmly, adding "It is well built. A worthy testament to your skills, tinker."

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Fri Apr 08, 2005 7:10 pm
His skills have improved greatly since first we met, Garudaos thought, as silent as he had been pretty much since the group got to Manarina. Not only that, but his newest invention reminds me of what I heard of Guntz of the original heroes. I only pray that it is enough to save Lady Anri, before she too faces the same fate as Lady Sera...

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sat Apr 09, 2005 8:24 am
Daran's suit shifts as he tries to look as he leg without exiting. : "Blast it, I can't see... Is there too much stress? Blast, I'll have to fix that... I'll have to rig some sort of fine dexterity handling system too... That way I can repair things without getting out... Yeah, that'd work... Thanks! Thanks Solomon, thanks everyone! I know I won't let you down with this!" Daran says, his voice brimming with determination and hope. "I'll be waiting at headquarters!"
A quarter hour passes before everything is ready for the departure. The group stands at the city gates, ready to move out. Tao, accompanied by her troops, is also standing by. With a last, wistful look at the city, Tao and her guard begin to move out.
The journey to Rindo is surprisingly uneventful, and you arrive at the harbor town soon, with no difficulty. A large army is present when you reach the town, at its head are a few familiar faces which Tao goes to meet with a mixture of joy and sorry. Present are the Wolf Warrior Zylo, the Sky Warriors Amon and Balbaroy, and finally, Hans and Diane, the Bowmasters of the Shining Force. Tao informs them of what you told her and the reunion, joyful at first, swiftly becomes sorrowful. The Shining Warriors speak in hushed tones and Diane nearly breaks to tears at one point. It is nightfall and Tao orders that her troops take the night to rest, because the next morning will be a force march to Guardiana nonstop.

Posted by: Wandering Dezorian Mon Apr 11, 2005 4:00 pm
Solomon slips out of camp as the sun sets, making his way at a tireless run towards Guardiana, slowing only as he nears the city. The android spends the full night making his way through the lands surrounding the city, using his solid knowledge of the local geography to scout out enemy locations from a distance.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Mon Apr 11, 2005 6:07 pm
The next day, the group sets out, despite Daran's protests that he can't find Solomon anywhere, and they shouldn't leave without him. Tao overrules him on the grounds that the attack's timing is too important. The group marches forward, making it to Alterone by mid-day. Despite her previous command, Tao orders a short stop while she checks for information. This break proves very fortunate.
Alterone is a city on edge, the populace nervously milling about while soldiers constantly patrol the hastily erected barricades. Everywhere, wounded remnants of Guardiana's army that managed to escape are found, recovering from their injuries.
Tao manages to find General Mae at Alterone's castle, and hastily brings her out to talk with the troops.
: "I knew it! Mae regrouped here! With her and her army, we can do this! See? Ha!" Tao says triumphantly as Mae looks at the troops with an air of command, belied by great weariness.
: "I wish I could say I was glad to see all of you, but I cannot, for the circumstances of our meeting are too dire. The capital is under the control of Queen Anri still... But it's not the same queen we knew. I don't know what they did to her, but the Cult has dominion over our city now. The last reports from our scouts... before they stopped reporting... was that there was some sort of massive project or ritual begin prepared at the city's center. In addition to that, Fort Tacitus has fallen, and with it, our control over this side of the Seal of the Ancients. The situation is dire. We cannot be sure of what we'll find in Guardiana, so be prepared for anything... We'll peform a pincer attack, sieging the city from two directions. Tao will take her troops and attack the front while I take what remains of my knights and move around to the back. With a little luck and skill, we'll overwhelm their defenses in time to stop whatever they're planning..." General Mae looks around one last time before continuing. "There is one last thing... We've been raided several times here by an unknown force that is seemingly in league with the Cult. It's a force of undead, but what makes them unique is that they bear Ancient weapons and apparently are sentient... No necromancer is ever present to direct them... We do not yet know anything substantial about this new threat, but we know they're dangerous. Watch out for them. If there are no questions, you will resume your march as soon as the ranks form up again. Go with the Light."
The troops begin to form up again, taking swigs from their canteens and last bites of food as they get ready to march once more. Tao and Mae talk for a little while longer as they wait for the soldiers to get ready.

Posted by: Dark Maiden Tue Apr 12, 2005 12:39 am
((It seems we aren't going to have time for that big conversation like we planned Kev, so I'll just get all this stuff off of Myala's chest, and you can respond. I want to get this done at least)) Myala makes her way through the crowd of soldiers and towards Kyuu. The elven priestess bites her lip nervously, and takes a deep breath. 'Now or never,' she thinks to herself as she makes her way towards him.
"There is something I need to say."
With no further words, the young elf gently grabs his shoulders and leans in close, her lips pressing softly against his. The kiss lasts a little bit longer than she intends it to, and after a few minutes, she pulls back. Her pale cheeks have flushed pink, and her ears are drooping slightly to further indicate how flustered she is.
"Forgive my boldness Kyuu, but I had to show you. I had to let you know my true feelings for you, while I still had the chance. I love you, but if you don't feel that way about me, I'll understand."
((Oh come on, you all knew this would happen!))

Posted by: Knight_019 Wed Apr 13, 2005 4:43 am
((I promise to get a post in on this, but my situation has been really bad, since I don't have a computer of my own to post on at the moment, and my schedule is hectic (I spent a number of hours doing math homework today, for example, and I've got a fair amount of writing to do for the rest of the week, but that shouldn't be too bad). However, I will get to this))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sun Apr 17, 2005 1:12 am
((No computer at home? That blows. I hope that gets fixed soon ))

Posted by: Kaihaku Sat Apr 23, 2005 1:32 am
The brave little halfling draws his blade, "Enough of this! Enough of this I say! We must sally forth and vanquish evil!"

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sat Apr 23, 2005 5:01 am
((How rude of him. Not like Myala is paying attention to anyone but Kyuu now anyway. I respect Knight's situation, but I hope he posts soon))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sat Apr 23, 2005 7:23 am
The time passes all too quickly and the march resumes. Dark stormclouds obscure the sun as the army marches forth, the group in front as you approach Guardiania. The city looks in remarkably good repair as you near it, the city walls intact and manned with guards. Mae gives the command and catapults are loaded and mages begin to cast powerful assault spells as a centaur runner gallops out to meet General Mae.
"I bear a message from her Highness. Your treasonous conduct will be forgiven if you lay down your arms now," the centaur says, stamping at the ground. "This will be your only warning."
"It is not treason to attempt to save someone you call friend from insanity. Go tell Anri to tell her masters that we're not going to let them take her so easily," Mae retorts, the centaur grimacing.
"We have powerful allies. Your coming here was futile. The Ancients have returned, and they've sided with us!" the centaur spits as he turns and gallops away.
""Mae, there's powerful magic in the air... Something's up. Those aren't natural stormclouds either..." Tao says.
:"There's nothing left now but to begin..." General Mae says, sadly, turning to Ivellas. "We're going to begin the attack now. I want you and your men to advance ahead and attempt to find out what's going on in the city. I suspect that something is amiss. Report back if you can, but if you have to press the attack, my prayers go with you. Time is of the essence now. Good luck!"
With those words, Mae, raises, then drops her hand, and a volley of magical fire and catapult propelled stone throws itself at the city walls as the attack begins.
Final Battle: A Symphony of Sword and Sorcery. Part A
Battle Map: Unavailable.
Current Position: Fields outside Guardiana.
Theme: http://www.vgmusic.com/music/console/sega/genesis/wstitle.mid

Posted by: Kaihaku Thu Apr 28, 2005 2:59 am
Felix Dale stares towards the dark billowing clouds far above, a frown on his face as he slowly tightens a fist around the crystal at his neck. “This is it…” He glances at the big people near him, “We have to save the princess, if we had been stronger this never would have happened.” His gaze slowly moves towards the city laying before him and he takes a deep breath. Sliding the crystal back beneath his armor, the Halfling draws his blade and begins moving towards the city.

Posted by: Rusty Thu Apr 28, 2005 3:27 am
*Prestle catches Felix approaching the city out of the corner of his eye and decides it would be a good idea to follow the halfling. If Felix were to get into trouble, he would need an ally nearby to aid him - and if no one were to follow him, he could not be saved.*

Posted by: Knight_019 Thu Apr 28, 2005 5:49 pm
((Ahhh, I have time to end this hiatus now. Computer came back last week, but it came back right before I had to go away from Thursday - Sunday evening. Then, I got bogged down with school work. Sorry about all of this, but let's push this to the end and kick the ass of that which is evil, shall we?
PS: I owe a level up for Kyuu, but I don't have my books on me atm, so I can't do that just yet.))
*Kyuu can only look at Myala but say nothing. His heart sank, though not because she had declared her love for him. Instead, his heart sagged heavily in his chest fearing that all such feelings would be wiped out, including hers. His death, her death, any or all of their deaths could be coming now. Before he could collect his thoughts into words, and explain the complexity of his feelings for her, and his appreciation of her friendship and possibly even his own desire to return her feelings, they are interrupted and forced to move on, rank and file, and head for the city. His eyes turn toward Myala at first, then his head turns in her direction, and he sighs. Slightly do his eyes moisten, and he turns to look toward the city once again.*
: *Thinks* ~If only she knew how I feel... if only she knew...~
~~~
*The day of judgment had come. Everything had been turned upside down. The city they had been sworn to protect, and in which they had received such honor and had been called heroes they now sought to attack, besiege, and overrun. Raising his lance to his side, Ivellas tightend his grip upon it. The magical arrows had been provided to Marcus, and he had been instructed that if he felt another member of the team could aid his archery talents, then he could distribute the arrows as he wished. Ivellas felt Felix could provide wonderful support to Marcus, and that it would do his morale much good, but the fact remained that Marcus was the superior archer of the group, and if he felt he could handle the responsibility, then so be it.
With Mae's commands, Ivellas nods, salutes, and readies his troops to leave, appreciating Felix's anxious gesture to begin. However, he would not let him leave on his own. Moving the troops out and toward the city, Ivellas prepares their mettle to match their strength in arms.*
: All of you have done well to make it this far. You have served your country to the best of your abilities, and you have weathered treason, fatigue, and sights which were beyond the dreams of any mortal man, woman, or child. Yet here you stand. You may look upon this day from every day hereafter as a bitingly bitter day in which you marched upon your home and the seat of the country's power. You may feel past errors have led us to do so. I tell you now, however, that this is the day in which you fulfill the oath you made so long ago to defend your country. You are here to liberate this city and all left inside from the dark cloud settled over it. In this day we shall shine like a beacon of light to drive out all darkness. You all have become part of the Shining Force as its next generation! Now, let's finish what the original group started!

Posted by: Dark Maiden Thu Apr 28, 2005 7:28 pm
Myala looks upon the city that she had sworn to defend, her eyes glistening with tears. She draws her bow and grips it tightly in her hands, a soft sigh escaping her lips. Her gaze turns to Kyuu for a moment, her amber eyes shining with a sort of sad light. Despite the distress, there is love there as well. A slight smile creeps across her lips and she turns to Ivellas, but speaks to the whole group.
"He is right. Let us vanquish evil and reclaim our home. I've learned so much from all of you, and I value all of you as close friends. By the gods above, I swear that I will fight my hardest to reclaim that which was taken, and to keep all of you from death."

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Apr 28, 2005 10:19 pm
: "I know I haven't been much help throughout this thing... I meant to be better, I really did... But don't worry! With this SteamArmor, I'll finally be able to lend a real hand in the fight! You've all been just great throughout the entire time I've been with you, you've made me glad I decided to join up!" Daran says as he moves his Steam Armor after Prestle and Felix. "Don't worry, I'll give you all the support fire you need with this thing!"
----------
"The crystal is approaching," Shailtor announced as he looked around at the circle of spellcasters as they moved away from the immense structure they had conjured. Jutting up from the town square was a massive dark crystal spire with two formations of crystal branching off at the midway and near top points. However, unlike natural crystal, this was carefully faceted and the 'branches' were at precise angles. It stood mute, seeming to challenge the sky itself.
"The fools think there's still hope for them," Xadoss rumbled, amused. "I'll enjoy putting them in their place..."
"General Mae has arrived. So have the remnants of Marine Command," Erebeus said, looking to the sky. Xadoss chuckled.
"The Tech Knights... Most of them don't even remember why their vaunted fortress is named so. Watching them fight is like watching a monkey toy with an artillery cannon. Oh wait, not like, IS," Xadoss said.
"When it rains, it pours, as the denizens of this delightful little plane once said," Shailtor stated, an odd gleam in his spider-like eyes. "Care to guess whose advance elements have finally made an appearance according to our scouts?"
"We already know. Enough talk and enough overconfidence. We are close after nigh a millenia of searching, and I'm not going to have this fouled up by your brashness, Xadoss," Erebeus said, sharply, his deep voice echoing eerily from the empty armor that was his shell. "Shailtor, go and find her highness. It is time we performed the ritual. The Drowned Eye and Cult will provide for our defense."
"But of course, dear brother," Shailtor said mockingly as he vanished in a whirl of darkness.
-------------
On a hill overlooking the city...
: "I never thought this would ever happen, Tao..." Mae said sadly as troops marched forward and fire struck her home. "We're fighting one we swore to protect, one who we fought beside time after time... How could this have happened? How could we have let this happen?"
: "It doesn't matter now, only that we make things right," Tao says, firmly.
: "Ken's still in there somewhere too..." Mae says, suddenly, her voice becoming strained for a moment. "At least... at least Apis is away... Well..." Mae's tone and visage instantly revert back to steel as she raises her lance. "This ends here. We're going to take back our city, our friends, and I'm taking back my husband. The forces of evil killed my father, they're not going to take away what I built up after his death."
: "You remember what I said when I first met you at the Force HQ? Hee hee... I'll say it again. 'I can't wait to toast some monsters!" Tao said, fire blazing around her hands. Mae nodded, a grim smile on her face.
: "Come on, Tao. It's time we lent our personal touch to this fight," Mae said, her smile widening.
-----------
As the group approaches the city, spell and stone slam into the walls, creating widespread damage and the occasional breach.
: "Hey guys! There's a breach over there, away from the main gates that looks big enough to get through!"
As Daran points out his suggested entryway, the gates to the city open and spew forth an army to oppose the force led by General Mae. Led by centaurs in armor, both forces charge at each other, one bearing the banner of the Runic Army, the other bearing the banner of Anri's Royal Guard.

Posted by: Kaihaku Sat Apr 30, 2005 5:21 am
Felix darts to the side, moving as quickly as his short legs can carry him towards the hole in the defenses. He holds his sheild at the defensive and braces himself for the attacks to come. ((moving as defensively as possible.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sat Apr 30, 2005 5:33 am
Felix moves into the city, taking point as Daran follows in his bulky armor, periodically letting out bursts of steam. No attacks are immediate as you file out into a deserted street. However, shortly after you enter the city, a number of soldiers in the plate armor of the royal guard arrive, taking up defensive positions down the road and shouting out to you. They are armed with mostly halberds, but a few wield swords, and two dwarves are armed with axes. There are twelve soldiers in total.
: "In the name of the Queen, I command you to lay down your arms and cease this traitorous action!" their leader shouts. "Surrender and submit to her mercy! Resist and you will met with force!"

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Sat Apr 30, 2005 6:17 am
"We have no desire for anyone present to come to harm. Please, if you will not aid us, at the least let us pass unhindered," Garudaos said, drawing his greatsword. Please... if ever a potential foe would listen to reason, let this be the time, the dragonman thought, looking about at the allies led astray by the corrupted queen's influence. I want nothing more than to avoid battle with the people of Guardiana...

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sat Apr 30, 2005 7:20 pm
: "We'll not you invade our fair city!" the leader counters. "You think we'll just let you pass? This is your last chance, surrender! Now!"

Posted by: Kaihaku Sun May 01, 2005 1:29 pm
Felix stares at the leader, his eyes drifting to the newly formed crystal tower and back again, then he speaks in an angry tone, "You're the traitors!!! You've betrayed the light!" Then he swallows, "But...its not your fault...your minds are no longer your own..." He glances at the others, "Please spare as many as you can!!! I don't want to kill our countrymen just because some demon is controlling them."
((Full out defense, dodge to leader.))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sun May 01, 2005 7:13 pm
Myala sighs heavily as she looks upon the leader, sorrow evident in her eyes. She slings her bow back over her shoulder and slowly draws her mace from its hiding place. "You are the traitors, not us. Queen Anri has lost her senses, as have all of you. It is truly a pity that things have turned out this way. Felix, I understand how you feel, but if killing them is the only way to liberate them from the darkness-"
The priestess' eyes narrow, and her expression now shows her grim resolve. She lifts her arm and holds the mace close to her heart, gripping it tightly in her hand.
"-so be it."

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sun May 01, 2005 7:16 pm
: "Rush the enemy positions," the leader utters coldly as his troops charges towards the group. COMBAT!!! Anri Guard: 11 Royal Knight: 1

Posted by: Kaihaku Tue May 03, 2005 1:11 pm
The halfling looks at Myala with shock, "What... How...could you say that of anyone?! You know what its like to have your will taken!!!" Felix then has no choice but to note the approaching guard and raising his sheild prepares himself for their onset.
((Full-D : Dodge to whichever soldier seems to be charging him.))

Posted by: Rusty Tue May 03, 2005 5:39 pm
: Blood will have blood...Oh, why must we fight amongst ourselves like this? Maybe if they could have seen the events we had, they would know that we are doing the right thing... ((Dodge to Felix. I'm obviously not pursuing an attack - I'm just making sure I can go with him in case he needs backup and all.
Marine, I'm assuming I need to memorize spells again? Or am I still going off the last few remaining ones that I have?))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Tue May 03, 2005 5:42 pm
"Don't lecture me, Felix! Why don't you try to remember what is at stake here? The only way they will be free is by killing those responsible, but we can't do that if we die here! Believe me Felix, killing them is the last thing I want to do...but... We might not have a choice! Don't you understand that?!"
Myala bites her lip hard, drawing a few faint drops of blood. The priestess is clearly having an inner conflict about this, but her logic begins to take over. Rather than attacking, however, she assumes a defensive stance, bringing up her shield and weapon in front of her body.
((Full defense))

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Tue May 03, 2005 6:25 pm
"If there is no other alternative, I will make another," Garudaos said calmly, preparing for the onslaught as he moved to the forefront of their lines. Taking a deep breath, he awaited the first strike. ((Attacking only as a reaction, else full defensive. If I can do that.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Fri May 06, 2005 3:00 am
((You're at full spells, Prestle.)) The line of soldiers rushes you as Daran futilely calls out for the opposing force to surrender or stand down. As the line of troops nears the group, Daran moves forward, to the front, a large tube on his armor's right shoulder swiveling towards the soldiers before discharging a large belch of steam along with a barrage of some sort of flechette projectile. The flechette rip into five of the approaching soldiers, tearing into their flesh and leaving numerous, though not very deep, wounds.
((One of the soldiers took 12 damage, the rest, 6. Not the best rolls ever.))
Garoudaos barely dodges an assault on him by one of the soldier before countering with a sword slash that seperates his assailant's arm from his body, causing him to fall to the ground, bleeding and writhing in pain.
Everyone is set upon as the soldiers close to melee and begin fighting. However, most of the group is able to evade the attacks, albeit with some difficultly. The swords and axe merely clang off of Daran's Steam Armor.
COMBAT!!!
Anri Guard: 11
Royal Knight: 1

Posted by: Dark Maiden Fri May 06, 2005 8:44 pm
"Naur." Myala holds her ground against her foe and strikes with two blows in quick succession. [Attack #1: 1d20 + 9 > 10 + 9 = 19] [Damage: 1d8 + 3 > 6 + 3 = 9 physical, 1d6 + 0 > 5 + 0 = 5 fire] [Attack #2: 1d20 + 4 > 12 + 4 = 16]
[Damage: 1d8 + 3 > 6 + 3 = 9 physical, 1d6 + 0 > 4 + 0 = 4 fire]
((Sorry if something is wrong but I don't have my sheet with me, and I'm using a 'net dice roller. They suck!))

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Mon May 09, 2005 2:22 am
"Very well... I will do what I must," the dragonman said, his heart heavy as he raised his blade against his former allies. Hesitation dulled his senses, though, and his attack was much weaker than normal; despite the fact that his target was already injured, he wasn't sure he had the heart to finish the task.
If only, he thought, if only there were another way...
((Attack: 1d20 + 13 = 20...
Damage[not that it'll do that anyway...]: 2d6 + 1d8 + 8 = 22 ))

Posted by: Kaihaku Tue May 10, 2005 4:36 pm
Felix avoids the thrust, a deep frown on his face as he does so. Slipping to the side, he looks at the face of the soldier who just attacked him, "I will not kill the people I'm trying to protect so they won't die!!!" (Grapple: Touch Attack -> 18 + 1 + 9 = 28
Opposed Strength - > 17 + 1 = 18
Dex Check -> 6 + 5 = 11)
Felix drops his sword and leaps at the soldier. As he gets a secure hold on the soldier, he presses his crystal against the man's flesh.
[Dodge to grappled soldier]

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue May 10, 2005 9:50 pm
The soldier struggles greatly but cannot break the grapple as Felix touches his crystal to his flesh... and nothing happens. Garoudaos gravely wounds another of the soldiers as Daran backhands one that nears him with a blow from his mechanized arms. The soldier reels back with a broken jaw. Myala damages another soldier as they press the counterattack.
Felix, your soldier breaks his grapple as Garoudaos and Myala suffer wounds from a multitude of hits.
((Garoudaos takes 11 points of damage and Myala takes 9 points.))
: "Keep them at bay! The Queen's ceremony must not be interrupted! Remember, men! A golden age if we can but fight long enough to allow the Queen to work her new magic!"

Posted by: Dark Maiden Wed May 11, 2005 2:16 am
Myala winces slightly from the pain caused by the blows, but compared to wounds she has suffered before, these are nothing. Her amber eyes widen at the sight of Felix grappling one of the enemy soldiers, and they widen further when the crystal has no effect!
"They...are not possessed..."
With that knowledge comes a sad light in her eyes, but despite this she does not relent. Again, she strikes back at the soldier in front of her.
[Attack #1: 1d20 + 9 > 18 + 9 = 27]
[Damage: 1d8 + 3 > 5 + 3 = 8 physical, 1d6 + 0 > 5 + 0 = 5 fire]
[Attack #2: 1d20 + 4 > 17 + 4 = 21]
[Damage: 1d8 + 3 > 8 + 3 = 11 physical, 1d6 + 0 > 2 + 0 = 2 fire]

Posted by: Knight_019 Fri May 13, 2005 3:23 am
*Ivellas shakes his head at the situation. His men had lost all compassion for the enemy... too long had they fought heartless demons and mindless undead minions and monsters of all kinds. Ivellas notices a distinct lack of any cult symbols emblazoned on their uniforms. Instead, they carry the symbol of the royal guard. Trying as he can to display an air of confidence and authority, Ivellas' voice booms out through the heat of battle, sounding agitated, yet forceful.*
: Do you not see that we should not be enemies? You are of the Royal Guard of Queen Anri, yet you attack us though our grudge is not with her! If your only loyalty is to the Queen, then you should be coming with us, not standing in our way.
*Ivellas patiently awaits the response of their commander, but stands ready for an assault. His shield in front of him, braced firmly with the power of his taut muscles, he prepares to intercept any who dare come his way after attempting to parley with them.*
((Diplomacy: 1d20 = 18 *happy dance*
Ivellas is fighting defensively (+2 AC, -4 to hit) and readying an attack action against anyone who attempt to attack him.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Fri May 13, 2005 3:33 am
Myala knocks a soldier unconscious as the fighting escalates, though she takes another wound. ((6 damage to Myala.)) Everyone else manages to parry or dodge, their level of skill far exceeding the soldiers they now face. : "Don't try and beguile us with your lies! You're part of the force General Mae arrived with in her attempt to usurp the throne! We'll fight you to the last! Unless you care to surrender, that is!"

Posted by: Knight_019 Fri May 13, 2005 3:38 am
: General Mae has no intentions of overthrowing Anri. Hers and our interests are with the Three who reside in the Crystal Tower. The only throne Anri has interest in is the one in the Castle of the Ancients. Standing in our way will only lead to the destruction of this city and all of Rune, and I mean with all sincerety that it will not be by our hands.
((Continue actions from prior round))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Fri May 13, 2005 5:41 am
"No one resides in the tower, it is merely a focus for the ceremony!" the Royal Knight declares. "Queen Anri will use magic she discovered to connect our kingdom to heaven itself!"

Posted by: Dark Maiden Fri May 13, 2005 6:23 pm
Myala winces slightly from the pain caused by the newly inflicted wounds, but she gets over it rather quickly. Her gaze shifts to the unconscious soldier at her feet, and tears well up in her amber eyes. The priestess' hands begin to tremble, and the mace falls from her hands, the fire dying out as it hits the ground with a clank.
"My training tells me one thing, but my heart says another. I...don't know...what to do..."
The slim elf sinks to her knees beside the soldier, tears streaming down her pale face now. She rests a hand on his back and it begins to glow white. Though the soldier's wounds remain, he stops bleeding and looks a bit more stable now.
((Myala was dealing lethal damage, TUM, so she cast Cure Minor Wounds on the soldier. He won't die, but he won't be getting up for a while either. I love drama, forgive me))

Posted by: Kaihaku Sat May 14, 2005 1:41 pm
Felix's eyes grow cold, "Fools... You ally with the very forces that set this city a fire and filled it with the walking dead!!!" Rolling backwards, the halfling snatches up his sword and stands ready, "All for a promise of heaven? Wasn't peace enough?"
((16 + 5 = 21 -> Tumble
Dodge to soldier grappled
Full Defense))

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Tue May 17, 2005 8:39 pm
"May I be forgiven for what I must do," Garudaos whispered in draconic, before raising his blade. He again lashed out at the soldier which stood before him, his anger now kindled at the men who had willingly chosen the demise of their kingdom.
((Attack: 1d20 + 13 = 27
Damage: 2d6 + 1d8 + 8 = 15...))

Posted by: Knight_019 Tue May 17, 2005 10:14 pm
*Placing emphasis on some key words, Ivellas continues to reason verbally with his assailants. He would have to have words with his army after this is over. His comrades' physical assaults were neither helping his or their cause* : Our queen is being controlled by those who would use her powers to open the gates of hell itself... and they've already begun. Have you not seen the demons and devils wandering the countryside, or the hordes of undead marching under her banner? We do not march against the queen... instead, we march against the lords of evil who have dominated this city. Our qualm is not with the people inside, only the unholy spawn that have taken yours and our fair city and ruined it!
((Diplomacy: 1d20 = 19))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Wed May 18, 2005 4:21 am
: "You'd rather risk the lives of our soldiers in this meat grinder than mere bits of flesh and magic? It's disturbing, but this way the lives lost in the defense of the city will be dramatically lessened!" the knight retorts, as the soldiers continue to clash with Ivellas' forces. ((Garoudaos and Myala both take 10 points of damage even as Garuodaos severely wounds another soldier.)) "I do not know of what darkness you seek in this city... But if you truly are not against us, then I will allow you to leave now if you wish."

Posted by: Dark Maiden Wed May 18, 2005 6:47 pm
Myala grits her teeth as the soldier strikes her, and turns to face him. She picks up her weapon and stands shakily, tears in her amber eyes. "Please stop this," she begs. "I do not wish to use this against you! We are here to save our home, not to destroy it..."
((Diplomacy: 22 (20 + 2). Dice are loving me today, but I have a feeling it won't matter. I'm also on Full Defense, if that is even possible))

Posted by: Kaihaku Sat May 21, 2005 12:55 am
Felix pulls back, holding his blade at ease while the large folk attempted to reason with the leader. ((Dodge to nearest, Full Defense.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sat May 21, 2005 1:21 am
: "Pull back," the knight orders suddenly. The troops comply, falling back behind the royal knight and ceasing their attacks. "I recognize you now as the troops that helped to guard the Queen. If you truly do remain loyal to her, then why do you arrive backed by this insurrection of the General's?"

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sun May 22, 2005 4:33 am
A sigh of relief passes Myala's lips as she puts her weapon back where it had been a few minutes ago. She brushes stray locks of her green hair away from her eyes, and kneels down beside the soldier she had nearly killed. Her gaze remains on him for a moment, before it turns to the royal guard and Ivellas.
"He'll be all right, with some rest." Sigh. "About the queen... Some of us believe something is wrong with her, though we cannot be sure what."

Posted by: Kaihaku Mon May 23, 2005 11:55 am
Felix stares at Myala in shock for a long moment and cannot keep himself from speaking, "Wha... what?! Not sure what? She's been brainwashed by demons!!! We WERE STANDING THERE WHEN IT HAPPENED!!!"

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Mon May 23, 2005 1:47 pm
"There is no need to choose words here, Myala," Garudaos said, his greatsword's tip resting against the ground as he warily watched the other soldiers. "The Queen has been blinded by fell creatures, promising the one thing she may value above Guardiana. Even so, she would not have chosen this path, had they not cast spells upon her and poisoned her mind."
"If we can disrupt the ceremony in time," the dragonman continued, "we may yet be able to save her from the guilt of an action she may not be able to reverse. But we will need your aid as well, if we hope to do so without slaying our fellow countrymen."

Posted by: Dark Maiden Mon May 23, 2005 5:22 pm
Myala turns to Felix, her tear filled amber eyes narrowing at the halfling. "There is truth to your words, but I would appreciate it if you remained civil while speaking to me. Your outburst just now was totally uncalled for." She sighs heavily and stands up, dusting off her robes.
"Queen Anri was manipulated, but her desire to see Max again made it easier. I just pray we're not too late to help her."
((Felix is pushing it Kai, seriously. Myala's patience with his outbursts will only stretch so far))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Mon May 23, 2005 6:38 pm
In a stroke of amazing luck, almost as if some otherwordly force was impatient for the group to move on, the commander believes in the group's good intentions. : "What you say is troubling, but from the looks in your eyes, you believe it to be true at least... If you have no intention of harming the queen, then move on ahead. We won't stop you, but neither will we lend you aid. Leave now, before I change my mind."

Posted by: Kaihaku Mon May 23, 2005 8:53 pm
((Myala's patience is hardly Felix's primary concern at the moment. Neutral Good is Neutral Good, bloodshed is always a last resort.)) Felix pauses and for the first time since any of you have known him he glares at a comrade, "I'm a simple woodsman but I know what a priestess should be concerned with and what one shouldn't be. You've always been more concerned with killing than saving lives. I'm going to save the queen without killing my countrymen, you can do what you want." He starts forward, grumbling, "So eager for blood... Glad the shadows didn't take me, who knows what she would have done in my place..." Dashing as quickly as his short feet can take him, Felix makes his way towards the massive tower where Anri is said to be.

Posted by: Dark Maiden Mon May 23, 2005 10:53 pm
Myala stares blankly at Felix as he speaks, his harsh words hurting her heart more than any wound from a weapon or spell could cause. However, even though it hurts, she cannot deny it being the truth. Ever since the terrible day she lost her parents and almost died herself, thoughts and feelings of anger, hatred, and revenge consumed her. Once she started training as a priestess, she thought she could simply cast these thoughts aside without coming to terms with it first. She had always thought that she could leave it locked up and that it would not affect her, but she realizes now that she had been wrong. These feelings have manifested in her demeanor and behavior throughout the adventure, and up until now she refused to admit it. Her lips tremble and tears roll down her pale cheeks. She slowly wraps her hand around the holy symbol around her neck and yanks on it, the chain snapping. Her small hand begins to shake and she drops it on the ground, then crumples to the dirt herself.
"My...humanity...is indeed...leaving me... I no longer...have the right...to serve you..."
Myala chokes out the words, her voice strained by pain and tears. Though she appears to be talking to herself, she is indeed talking to her god.
((It is going to take some REALLY good lines to get her to snap out of this. Sorry to do this, but given Felix's reaction and her frame of mind, I didn't have much choice))

Posted by: Rusty Tue May 24, 2005 4:39 am
*Prestle shakes his head and moves towards Myala, and speaks somewhat angrily.* : Myala...Your 'humanity' isn't leaving you. Your soul is very much still your own! Tell me, what oath is it that you took when you became a priestess, to give up on it so easily? Were you ever sincere with that oath in the first place? I am not certain what deity it is that you worship, but I can safely assume that your code is supposed to be something similar like this, which happens to be rules I try my best to follow: at all times be strong, be vigilant, be humble. Protect the innocents, fear not death nor care when you do stumble. Faulter not when things seem bleak, press on though you may be full of grief. But most of all be asolutely sure that nothing shakes your belief.
*Prestle pauses for a moment, looking down at the ground, slowly rising his head as he speaks and looks into Myala's eyes directly.*
: Things won't always be easy. We won't always be right. We won't always do the right thing, even if at heart we want to. Nobody is perfect. However, as a fellow holyman, I must say that if anything should not happen, it is that you should not give up. Your deity must come first, and you must never disappoint that deity, or deities. Giving up would be the worst thing to do. As holymen, we serve the deities directly, and they grant us power to do their will. Should we deny their will and ignore our powers? Myala, your actions should follow whatever your code is. I shall not lead the charge. No, that is not my place. I am a healer now. I am no leader. I am a protector. I am there for those who are weak, and I will do my best to ensure no one perishes. Healers are not wizards. They should focus most on the well-being of their comrades, not on finishing off the enemy, unless the enemy would thus meet certain defeat and said comrades could afford to wait.
*Again, Prestle pauses.*
: What I am saying, is that yes...You have made mistakes. You haven't presented yourself in the fashion you should have, and you have made some rash, and foolish decisions in the past that have not helped the group for the best. However, should that mean to give up? No. That should only make you strive harder to do your best, and focus on your powers as a healer. We have plenty of great warriors and wizards here already. What we really need now is a great healer to complete that army.
*He looks at various members of the group as he continues.*
: Everyone has their own part in an army. The warriors lead the front line. The archers give support and concentrate on other archers. Wizards use their magic, and healers...they heal. The victory of battle should not be for personal glory, or for 'improving one's self-worth'. The victory should be for the army and its people. For if we don't fight for the people, then why do we fight? I myself admire Queen Anri for her past efforts, but now that she has been corrupted, I feel it is not in the best interests of the people to let her continue working along with those fiends. That is why I continue to fight. That is why we all continue to fight, is it not? Then why...why so easily would you decide to give up? Weak or not, you should never lose the trust your deity, or deities, has given you. Go forth and live through the shame of your past actions - because the present and the future matter a great deal more. Continue serving in the way a true holy person would serve, or pray that you are forgiven for never taking the vocation of a holywoman seriously...

Posted by: Dark Maiden Tue May 24, 2005 5:48 pm
((Prestle has a way with words)) Myala's gaze locks with his, and shock is evident in her eyes. She had never expected for anyone to repeat the oath she had taken before her god, and to her no less. Though she is silent for some time, her lips tremble and she softly says the oath to herself, though Prestle can faintly hear it. It is mostly the same, but worded a little differently.
"At all times be strong, vigilant, and humble. Protect the innocent, and those that cannot protect themselves. Do not fear death, nor care when you stumble. Do not falter even when things seem bleak, and press on though you may be full of grief. But most of all, let nothing shake your faith."
There is a brief silence after this, before the elf stirs. She reaches down and picks up the necklace from the dirt, cleaning it with her tunic until it has returned to its silver and red color. Her hand grips tightly around it, and slowly but surely she stands, her eyes filled with determination.
"You're right. I can't give up, and I can't dwell on the past. I will admit that after my parents were murdered, thoughts of revenge lingered in my mind. At times, they still do, but you all have helped me realize something. Revenge is not important, but justice is. I must take comfort in knowing my parents are in a better place, and the people who took their lives will be punished. Wallowing in self pity will not help me either. I have made mistakes, but we are only mortals. We are not perfect. I do swear this one thing; I will learn from my mistakes, and strive not to repeat them. I will do my best to protect all of you, my dearest friends. Now let us go forth and reclaim our home from these demons!"

Posted by: Rusty Tue May 24, 2005 8:22 pm
((>.> It's just something he feels strongly about.))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Tue May 24, 2005 8:32 pm
((He also seems to know how to "pick" Myala up when she falls. She's a troubled person <.< Err, anyway, let us be off to vanguish evil! ))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Wed May 25, 2005 5:14 am
Explosions and the sound of steel on steel rock the streets of Guardiana, punctuated by the long unheard sound of Ancient firearms chattering away, spitting death at their targets. High above the black, stormy skies of Guardiana, dark shapes move through the air, some slow and large, some smaller and extraordinarily fast. Despite the chaos, the group manages to penetrate into the very heart of the city, the town square near the Shining Memorial to the hero Max.
The town square has been radically altered. At the center, where once stood a pure and beautifully carved stone fountain of water erupts a massive crystal ediface that seems to point at the angry heavens like a dagger made of diamonds ready to stab. Demons fly lazily around the tower as four figure pulsate with energy around the structure. Floating in the sky are the Strife Lords, surrounded by dazzling auras of energy as Anri stands on the ground at the north point, chanting loudly as energy surrounds her as well. A line of skeletons in ragged uniforms, carrying what you've come to know are the weapons of the Ancients surround the tower. A small number of robots accompany them. Shortly after the group has the tower in view, two shapes zoom over ahead in the air, and the ground shakes as a small number of massive explosions rocks the area. Five figures descend from the sky, firing guns as they float down, courtesy of great white sails billowing from packs on their backs. In addition to that, on the opposite side of the tower the sounds of gunfire echo as the skeletal defenders rush to confront a foe out of the character's view. However, the smoke clears far over to the left as a group of soldiers bearing Ancient weaponry and clad in odd armor and strange uniforms rush forward at the undead.
: "Go go go!"
Elsewhere, General Mae leads her advance element, driving through the enemy forces to reach the statue of Max himself.
: "We're almost to the tower! Keep fighting! If we can take the square, we can take the city!" Mae shouts as her troops and herself gallop forward.
:"Halt, in the name of the Queen!" shouts an all too familiar voice as a troop of centaurs clad in the Royal Guard uniform trot forward to bar the way of the General.
:"K... Ken..." Mae says as she takes in the dark glaze over her husband's eyes with dread.
Meanwhile, the group sees a centaur trots forward, past the undead and towards them, face hidden by a hood. Ivellas hears a dark voice boom in his head.
"I appreciate the amount of effort you're willing to expend on us boy. I thought it would be remiss to let such hard work go unrewarded... So I did a favor for you..." Erebeus chuckles as the centaur lowers its hood revealing a face very well known to Ivellas... It's his father. But where he can remember love and kindness, only an expression of hate remains, carved into a face now pale with eyes burning red. "I found your father for you. Enjoy the reunion... For the short time it will last... Heh..."
Far above the fighting, Xadoss snorts as Shailtor laughs.
Final Battle: A Symphony of Sword and Sorcery: Finale
Music:
http://perso.club-internet.fr/beaugran/cd/sf1_ost/26%20-%20Dark%20Dragon%20Battle.mp3
Enemies:
Drowned Eye Soldier: 15
Drowned Eye Commander: 1
Liches: 2
Balors: 2 (Represented by Lesser Demons)
Cornugons: 6(Represented by Gargoyles)
Torch Eyes: 2
Plasma Eyes: 2
Allies:
Daran (in Steam Armor)
???
Note: The colored circles mark the Strife Lords. The white the paratroopers.

Posted by: Dark Maiden Wed May 25, 2005 5:49 pm
Myala's eyes go wide as she surveys the battlefield, their foes clearly outnumbering them. Her heart pounds against her rib cage and sweat forms on her brow. She holds her deities symbol close to her heart and narrows her eyes. "This is it... It's all or nothing. They outnumber us, but if we have faith, we can win. I know we can. I suggest going forward as a group, since we'll be able to support each other that way, and I'll be able to reach the wounded quickly. Ivellas, is this an acceptable course of action?"
((Readying bow, full defense))

Posted by: Alexander_13 Wed May 25, 2005 11:07 pm
Shining Force: The Chaos War where did you download this game is what page tell me please

Posted by: Rusty Wed May 25, 2005 11:37 pm
((Number A, don't quote Marine's entire post. It's too long to quote and really quite unnecessary. Number B, this is a Role Playing Forum. Got it? Marine made that picture by editting pics, to represent the battle of this Role Playing Game. See, you ventured in the Role Playing Gallery. What we do here? We role play. That is, no video games are created here - only fantasy games that are kinda done through our heads. In other words...There is no video game: Shining Force: The Chaos War, and you're an idiot and need not post in this topic again, else I'll up your warning level for interferring with the game. K?))

Posted by: Critical Mass Thu May 26, 2005 12:52 pm
"By the light.." gasps Thaske, in complete awe of the power of the forces assembled to stop them. They were so close.. everything they'd been struggling towards for so long, which he had totally been there for regardless of how it might have seemed to everyone else, was so close at hand. It was all he could do to stand his ground and not rush straight towards the queen. But the sheer numbers of the horde between them.. how could the few of them hope to survive against such power? His hand unconsiously drifts upwards to the holy symbol around his neck and a feeling of calm suddenly overcomes him. They would save the queen. They would stop the Strife Lords. It was not a matter of trying their best.. failure simply was neither an option nor a possibility. He would fight until his last dying breath against these powers of darkness and so be it if he didn't live to see out the day, but they would be successful. This he swore to the Light as the formations broke and the lines of battle were established, preparing to add his own arcane abilities to the fray.
The mass of skeletons weren't the strongest things on the field, but their superior numbers would allow them to easily tie up the group long enough for the liches and devils to seal their fate with their magics. Best to take them out of the fight as quickly as possible, even if just temporarily. The strange centaur at the lead looked like a formidable foe as well, and if anything Thaske knew from Ivellas and Prestle just how powerful their kind could be in combat. With a word of command and a quick motion of his hands Thaske's first spell is cast, and a faint glimmer of eldritch power momentarily flickers around him as the Haste spell distorts and extends the flow of time around him. He takes immediate advantage of his new speed to fire off another spell, this time pointing directly at the skeleton in the middle of the group south of the tower. Thick, rubbery tentacles suddenly spring up from the ground and grab at the skeletons and centaur, trying to mindlessly tear everything within their reach to bloody shreds. Confidant that they'd at least be slowed down, Thaske turns and runs southeast to put some distance between himself and the rest of the group. He didn't exactly feel comfortable being bunched up like that with those two liches around.
((I don't want it to look like I'm just jumping back in for the final battle, it just happened to time itself like that. It looks like we're gonna need all the help we can get anyway. I've got a constant Magic Circle vs Evil surrounding myself thanks to the Celestial Mystic PrC, but with 47 hitpoints and a 18 AC don't expect me to follow Ivellas & Co into melee range. Just remember the +2 deflection to AC, +2 to saves, and immunity to mind affecting effects if you're within 10 feet of me. As for my action: Initiative 22, haste on self, evard's black tentacles on all the skelletons in the southern group except the north-most one plus Ivellas' father (grapple bonus +17), and move 30ft southeast off the map (or just stand there if that's not possible). Sorry Kev, but to Thaske he just looks like another undead who's pizza face needs messing up.))

Posted by: Alexander_13 Thu May 26, 2005 3:02 pm

QUOTE (Rusty @ Wed May 25, 2005 7:37 pm)
((Number A, don't quote Marine's entire post. It's too long to quote and really quite unnecessary. Number B, this is a Role Playing Forum. Got it? Marine made that picture by editting pics, to represent the battle of this Role Playing Game. See, you ventured in the Role Playing Gallery. What we do here? We role play. That is, no video games are created here - only fantasy games that are kinda done through our heads. In other words...There is no video game: Shining Force: The Chaos War, and you're an idiot and need not post in this topic again, else I'll up your warning level for interferring with the game. K?))

SORRY!! you don't need to be angry is bad for your health lol

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu May 26, 2005 7:42 pm
((CM, you get your second action next round, not this round. You took your turn to cast haste, Evard's isn't up yet.))

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Fri May 27, 2005 5:51 pm
((Anyone else hate Torch Eyes? Just checking...)) "Lady Anri... please, stop what you are doing! Separate yourself from those foul fiends before it is too late!" the dragonman yelled over the sounds of battle, hoping against hope that his words would do some good. Knowing, however, that words alone would not halt the impending doom ready to engulf all of Rune, Garudaos made his way towards the orb-topped machines, ready to destroy them as soon as he could.
((Heading towards the TE's at normal speed. No need to rush death...
EDIT: Apparently I can get them if I charge, so...
Attack: 1d20 + 14 = 27
Damage: 2d6 + 1d8 + 9 = 22 ))

Posted by: Knight_019 Fri May 27, 2005 6:00 pm
((I've got a post coming, but I've got some major levelling to finish up (I had no clue we were level 10), so spell selection for Kyuu, and it's a doozy. Until an actual post occurs, assume Ivellas tells you to ignore the leader of the undead (centaur), because he'll take care of it himself.
PS: Torch Eyes suck))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Fri May 27, 2005 6:29 pm
(We're supposed to be level 10? Who told you that? I'm only level 9)

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Fri May 27, 2005 6:44 pm
((I did. Everyone is supposed to be level 10 at this point. Level up if you haven't.))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sat May 28, 2005 5:06 pm
((Ok, thanks! I shall PM you my level up later))

Posted by: Rusty Sun May 29, 2005 8:07 pm
*Prestle turns, putting his hand on the right shoulder of Ivellas. His hand begins to glow as he starts to speak.* : Lord, grant this hero the strength of a bull, so he may strike down his foes with ease! *Prestle casts Bull's Strength!* ((Roll 1d4+1...4 + 1 = 5! ^_^))

Posted by: Knight_019 Mon May 30, 2005 3:44 pm
((Ivellas reaches level 10! HP increase by 13! BAB increases +1! Fort increases +1! Sense Motive increases +1!
Ivellas learns the feat Powerful Charge!
(2 levels for Kyuu, since I never did post the level 9 one, which will explain why the numbers look funny)
Kyuu reaches level 10!
HP increase by 8!
BAB increases +1!
Fort increases +1!
Ref increases +1!
Will increases +1!
Knowledge (The Planes) increases +4!
Kyuu learns the spell Resistance!
Kyuu learns the spell Earthen Grasp!
Kyuu learns the spell Bands of Steel!
Kyuu learns the spell Lower Spell Resistance!
Kyuu learns the spell Arc of Lightning!
Ivellas has an effective strength of 30 (+10) due to the Bull's Strength.
I'd also like to remind everyone that we have a Wand of Shadow Strike, 2 demon insta-slaying arrows, and 10 silver Holy Arrows +3. Kyuu has the Rod of Maximization (Lesser), though if one of the healers wants to use it to maximize a healing spell, you can get it from him (consider it discussed before the battle). I don't know if TUM will allow it to be a free action by moving past his square or a move action, though. My guess is move, but he might be nice I don't care who has what other items as long as they're active. Also remember that the Wand of Shadow Strike can only be used on a slashing weapon.))
*Nodding in appreciation to Prestle for his greatly beneficial spell, Ivellas feels the need to address the group before they move into this battle, which would surely try them in ways they had never known. All his fears were now brought to a head. His father, a man he had revered and admired through his life - everything he had strived to be - was now destroyed by the will of the Strife Lords. They would pay dearly, but first he had something of his own agenda. If they would take his father from him, then he would have to take his father back in the form of granting him eternal piece. He wanted to show his father how much he had learned, and now was his chance.*
: I'm sorry, Myala. Though it would certainly make healing easier, we'll have to rely on tactical prowess to keep ourselves alive in this one. We've seen what those Cornugon devils can do, and they seem to have brought some larger company
: Those new demons rank just below the highest ranking generals in the demon army! We need to be careful
: You heard Kyuu. If we're going to get through this, we need to keep our distance. We can't bunch up, however, unless we all want hit with a large fireball or lightning bolt.
*Ivellas stands silent for a moment*
: One last order... no, not an order. A deep request from someone I hope you all consider a friend by now... Leave the undead general to me. I will handle him... personally. If you want to help, then keep their soldiers off of me. Myala, you can turn the undead; Kyuu, you can blast them. Just whatever you do... *he smiles* Stay alive. You've done well with it this far.
*Ivellas' words are slightly pained, but he gallops off as Kyuu prepares an arcane incantation, unleashing fires rivalling hell itself down upon the undead soliders behind what unbeknownst to him was Ivellas' father. The ground cracked with firey chasms as the undead soldiers were engulfed in the flames. Though he was sorry for it, he could not exclude the general as Ivellas had asked, but hopefully he would understand.*
((Spell slots before:
6/7/7/7/6/3
Blaze 3
10d8+10 = 67 * 1.5 = 101 damage.
Reflex DC 18 for half (51)
Spell slots after
6/7/7/7/5/3))
*Ivellas reaches the scene as Kyuu's hellish fires die down, ending his full out charge with the point of his lance and the words, "Hello... father"*
((Charge, Power Attack 2
1d20 + 20 + 2 - 2 = 30
Damage
(1d8 + 12 + 2)*3 + 2d6 = 21*3 + 11 = 74 damage.))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Mon May 30, 2005 8:32 pm
"May the gods be with you, Ivellas." Myala takes a deep breath and steps forward, into the view of the undead. She holds forth her holy symbol and her eyes glow with a strange light. Her presence is much more powerful than before, as if the power of the gods is flowing through her in this moment.
"Vile servants of evil, be gone!" she cries in Celestial.
((30 foot move, and Turn Undead
Turning Check: 13 + 2 = 15
Turning Damage: 9 + 10 + 2 = 21))

Posted by: Kaihaku Fri Jun 03, 2005 4:02 pm
((+ 8 HP + 1 Fort Save + 1 BAB + 1 Climb + 1 Jump
Learns Power Attack as Bonus Feat))
((I’m assuming that Felix as one of two archers in the group got at least a few of those holy arrows. Please let me know how many.
18 Spot))
Felix stops as he reaches the square, staring at the crystalline tower and the woman standing before it. His eyes waver, then harden, “Last…chance…” Sliding away his short sword, the Halfling pulls out his bow swiftly. For a moment, he is distracted by Ivellas’ words then he takes a deep breath before whispering a quiet prayer, “Use us light… Our will and yours is one, let us save them.” He pauses, “If need be take my life but let it save theirs…”
Felix begins moving to the north towards the torch eye and the Lich. As he notches a holy arrow to his bow, he whispers once more, “Father, forgive me… You raised me like a son but I don’t think I’ll be coming home…” Slowing, he edges up beside the wall. Pulling back the arrow, he pauses for a tense moment then unleashes the holy bolt which sings through the air unerringly towards the Lich.
((Attack: 8 + 17 = 25
Damage: Unknown
Dodge to Torch Eye))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Fri Jun 03, 2005 9:47 pm
((You have four, well three now, of the holy arrows, we'll say, and one of the demon-slaying kind.)) Felix's arrow soars through the sky, striking the lich and sending holy power coursing through it. The undead wizard screams as he plucks the arrow out with a bony hand.
((17 damage to the lich.))
Kyuu's spell of fire washes over the undead, but he notes that rather than affecting the monsters more, the magical fire seems to have a reduced effect. Steam rises off the bones of the skeletons and as Ivellas draws closer, he sees that each skeleton looks drenched in water. Furthermore, the biggest of the skeletons and those closest to him, manage to dodge the worst of the blast.
Ivellas' father takes the blow, the lance driving through his body with effort, but he seems to not notice the pain.
"Son..." he hisses, moving back five feet and jabbing at Ivellas with a lance made of carved bone with a series of skillfull strikes. Each blow is powerful, what's more, each strikes sends negative energy coursing through Ivellas, seemingly sucking the life from his body.
((Hit, miss, hit. 38 points of damage total.))
Much to her amazement, Myala's attempt to bring the power of her diety to bear on the undead before has no effect whatsoever. The apparent leader of the undead, a large skeleton with a bulky equipment backpack and numerous cybernetic devices attached to its bones laughes.
"We are the Drowned Eye, foolish girl! The gods left our kind alone when we were at our height! Your plies to them will have no effect on us!" the commander laughs chillingly. "We've waited centuries to have our revenge on the descendants of those who betrayed us... Your pitiful faith will not stop us now that we are so close!"
Daran stomps forward, the massive multiple barrelled gun on his left arm slowly whirling to life as it fires a burst of shots in rapid succession at the nearest undead creature. Half the shots miss, but the rest impact on the already badly burned creature, blast apart bones and odd machines connected to the creature.
(( Two hits, 25 damage.))
: "Scatter! Don't let the Plasma Eyes get a lock on a group! Break through their lines! If we don't, this battle is over!" one of the men in Ancient armor calls out to his men as the soldiers move forward.
Anyone close enough sees that each soldiers bears an insignia of a gear, a sword, and the letters "TK" emblazoned on their shoulder armor. Two of the soldiers in heavy armor open fire with chainguns identical to the ones some of the skeletons carry. The massive weapons' multiple barrels twirl with a high pitched whine before spewing lines of fire into the enemy groups. The commander rushes forward, firing bolts of light from his gun as the rest of his troops follow him, firing bursts from their weapons as well.
((Tech Knight Commander: Fires on Plasma Eye. Hit! 33 damage! Tech Knight Sergeant 1: Chaingun Autofire on the Cornugon group and Plasma Eye. Miss, miss, Hit! 25 damage to the Plasma Eye! TK Sergeant 2: Autofire on Drowned Eye skeletons. Miss, hit, hit! 15 damage to the two leftmost skeletons! Tech Knight 1: Miss on Cornugon. Tech Knight 2: Hit on Plasma Eye. Tech Knight 3: Hit on Drowned Eye skeleton. 10 damage to Drowned Eye!))
The 'Plasma Eye' takes a shot from the leader of the group that blasts a mechanical leg clean off, then has several shots from the chaingun pierce its firing sphere. The Cornugons gracefully fly out of the way of the stream of bullets aimed at them, while a few of the skeletons suffer broken bones as stray shots blast through them.
To the north, the paratroopers near the ground, still firing with one hand at the demons around them. Though most of the shots miss, one spectacular burst cuts right through one of the Cornugons as it wheels around in the air. The demon is forced to land, its left wing completely blown off.
Unseen by the battlers, two snipers take careful aim, one at a lich, and one at a Balor.
((Lich, hit! Lich 1 takes 25 damage! Balor, critical hit! Balor takes 120 damage!))
The lich hisses as part of its body is struck by a powerful force.
The rightmost Balor howls in pain as a bullet blasts through the center of its chest, then the wound begins to glow white, seemingly eating away at the demon's body.
Two soldiers in bulky, mechanial armor stride forward, their forearms shooting out waves of fire. The Cornugons and Balor simply ignore the burning fire as it surrounds them.
((40 damage to each of the Drowned Eye near the north.))
The man dressed in black leading the northern force raises his arms at the Balor and gestures. A blast of silvery fire leaps at the powerful demon, wrapping around its and constricting as the demon howls, terribly.
((Unknown ability: 25 points of damage to the Balor.))
When the fire dissipates, the demon is left mostly intact. The man frowns, as if expecting the attack to do far more.
A salvo of gunfire is directed to the paratroopers by the Ancient undead to the north. The soldiers in the air take numerous wounds and their parachutes become severely damaged, one ripping apart and causing its wearer to fall to the ground, dying from the combination of impact and bullet wounds.
A Cornugon soars over to one of the paratroopers and gleefully shreds his parachute, laughing as the soldier falls screaming to his death.
The Balor near the black dressed man glares at his opponent and concentrates. The man gasps and holds both hands to his head, but seems to resist whatever the powerful demon had tried.
((Balor cast Implosion. Save made.))
The Cornugon that was badly wounded by the gunfire spits a magical spell out and arcane fire washes over the remaining paratroopers.
((Fireball. 30 damage to the two paratroopers closest to the Tower.))
The Balor that was hit by the sniper attack roars out a command word in rage. Yet more fire washes over the paratroopers and the rest of the them hit the ground, ammunition cooking off and turning their charred corpses into a minature fireworks display.
((Fire Storm. 70 damage to all paratroopers save for the lucky stiff that was out of range.))
The two Drowned Eye undead in combat with the flame-wielders to the north fire on their opponents. One burst does nothing but richochet off the heavy armor, but the second manages to find a weak spot and do some damage.
((15 damage to Heavy Trooper 1))
Three Cornugons wheel over the rushing Tech Knights and speak the language of magic, raining fireballs down on the determined soldiers.
((Total of 90 damage on the Tech Knights, Sergeant 1, and the Commander. Saves made for the Commander and Sergeant, plus one of the Knights. Two Knights die.))
Two of the charging soldiers scream in pain as flames consume their bodies, then their corpses explode as the fire reaches the munitions in their backpacks. Before he dies, one of them manages to throw a bulky satchel clear of the fire.
: "Harrison! Pick up the demolitions pack! Our lives are secondary, protect the pack!"
The remainder of the Drowned Eye undead open fire with their guns, the air is filled with bullets as rounds clink off the heavy armor of the Tech Knight commander, tear apart the remaining Knight, and wound the Sergeants as well as Myala. Felix narrowly avoids a burst of fire from the undead next to the Plasma Eye.
The Plasma Eye's firing sphere are slowly surrounded by ethereal fire as a mechanized voice warns, "Plasma Eye targeting locked. Begining energy buildup sequence. 10 seconds to firing. 9... 8..."
The liches chant and waves their arms. Prismatic globes come into being and encompass each of them.
((Liches cast: Prismatic Sphere.))
((15 damage to the Sergeants and Myala.))
The two Torch Eyes near Garoudaos fire their lasers at the dragonman.
((Hit, hit. 40 damage total to Garoudaos.))
Green energy forms around the Crystal Tower and begins to swirl across its surface along with crackling electricity.
----------------
Meanwhile, out of sight of the rest of the battle, General Mae Lanceres stands across from her husband, Captain Ken Brighthoof of the Royal Guard. The statue of Max, the Shining Memorial stands to the side, between them.
: "Ken... They... They got you too..." Mae whispers as she notes the look present on the faces of Ken and his knights.
: "They did not 'get' me... They showed me things... Wonderful and terrible..." Ken says with a smile. "Mae, my wife... Join me. The Queen is merciful yet. Throw down your arms and give the command for this rebellion to cease and everyone will be like it was before... Only better..."
: "Ken, what are you talking about? The Strife Lords and their Cult are controlling things, and what good could they possible accomplish?"
:"The Strife Lords..." Ken says with reverence. "I was stubborn... I was so foolishly stubborn. I refused to see the truth for so long... But then I saw it. Paradise. The tower will open the pathway to Paradise, will transport this city to a land where everything will be perfect..."
:"Ken... You're not yourself..." Mae says. "Don't fight... Come back with me, you can get help..."
: "I AM MYSELF!!!" Ken roars back. "It's YOU who were always trying to make me be something I wasn't. Always prodding, always pushing myself to train harder, I remember those days all too well! And you still do it! You still insist you're always right! You think you can lord it all over me, don't you? You were always the bigger legend, always the better fighter, always the more worthy knight! My father died without fanfare in a raider ambush, your died defending the King against Kane and was immortalized! You become general of the army, become one of the most well-known figures in the restoration, your name is known by everyone! I become Captain of the Royal Guard. I just can't do anything to top you, I can't do anything to impress you! Nothing I ever do, EVER, is good enough for you, is it??? No matter how hard I try!!!" Ken's face twists into a parody of its calm and good natured self, smiling with delight. "Well, the Strife Lords have shown me a way to power... I'll show you this way as well, then you'll see who's better than who! Then I'll be teaching you, not the other way around! Then you'll see I'm capable of being just as skillful as you... No... no, even more so!"
: "I'm... I'm sorry... but... No... No. I'm going to get you out of here whether you like it or not. Whether I have to beat you unconscious or not," Mae says, her old fire returning to her. "I'm not letting them take you too!"
Ken howls a feral cry and charges with his men as Mae and her troops do the same.
((Map may need you to clear your internet cache to show up right, or it'll look like the same map from before.))

Posted by: Kaihaku Sat Jun 04, 2005 4:37 am
(Int Check: 19 + 0 = 19 Spot: 18 + 2 = 20) Felix leaps to the side narrowly avoiding the burst of fire and his eyes snap, "Why... Why did it have to be this way..." His eyes turn towards the massive tower as it sparkles with energy, "No..." Turning his attention back to his attacker, Felix's eyes narrow for a moment then he starts forward notching a shock arrow to his bow. Still sticking close to the wall, he lets the arrow fly towards his undead attacker.
(Attack: 4 + 17 + 1 [PBS] = 22
Dodge to TE)

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sat Jun 04, 2005 7:13 pm
Myala yelps due to the pain of the wounds inflicted upon her, and staggers back due to the force of the blows. The elven priestess moves away from them, her eyes wide with horror, and muttering in disbelief. "That...cannot be... My powers...have no affect?"
Hurt pretty badly, she calls upon the powers of her god once more to heal her wounds. Energy flows through her body, and the sickly wounds close.
((30 foot move backwards, and Cure Serious Wounds. 34 hp recovered))

Posted by: Rusty Mon Jun 06, 2005 4:00 am
*Prestle, seeing his ally Garudaos in dire need of assistance, hurries over to his aid. Prestle casts Cure Moderate Wounds on Garudaos!* ((Sorry, Arc. >_< 2d8 + 5 = 10 ;_;)) : Someone, please! Help us! We need to take down these metal fiends! My healing will not alone save Garudaos!
*Prestle pleads, hoping others will come to their aid. He would rather not see any allies fall this battle, and keeping the front lines alive is absolutely vital to victory.*

Posted by: Cyrus Mon Jun 06, 2005 7:58 am
Rue muttered under his breath as he cased the deserted merchant district of Guardiana. He had berated himself many times as such since he had become lost. How does this happen, he thought to himself. You don't simply lose an entire group from right under your nose...especially not when they're among the only people there. Looking through the desolute stands wearily, he began to feel his task, which should be easy all things considering, was hopeless, and turned back to seaqrch another sector. Then, a single voice pierced through the dead calm of the streets, with a simple question.
"Interested in buying something?"
Rue, startled, whirled around to face one lone shopkeep, and a stand he was sure hadn't been there before. He looked over the rather ordinary stall, whose banner simply read "Derrik Swiftjoke," in large, golden letters. The man himself, though smug and casual, looked much the same. The cleric said simply, "I doubt you have it. What I seek is not a thing." The merchant seemed unfazed, returning "Well, everything has its price..." winking as he puts his feet on the stall top and leans back in his chair. "What are you seeking?" Rue sighed. What did he have to lose? "I'm looking for my friends," he informs the peddler. "They were a military contingent that was stationed here. Haven't seen them in a while though..."
Rue's eyes widened at the next sentence that came out of his mouth. "You mean the group led by that Ivellas fellow? Why they're busy fighting the Drowned Eye guarding the Strife Lord's latest weapon," The man named Derrik said, completely casually. "Quite a struggle. The Tech Knights, General Mae, the Drowned Eye, the Strife Lords, the crew of the Shadow Blade... They're all there. Quite a party." This left the kyantol utterly stunned; not only had he gotten a clear answer, he couldn't make out half of it. But that wasn't important now. They needed him. Throwing himself forward, he looked straight in Derrik's eyes and asked, "What's the fastest transport you have for sale?"
"Oh, I can get you there... but how will you pay? How indeed..." A grin came over his face as he stroked his chin. He then returned the Kyantol's stare and said, "I'll get you there... But you have to get me a shard of the Crystal Tower. You'll owe me that. Understand?" Rue simply nodded, wanting to get there as fast as possible. Smirking, Derrik winks at Rue, one hand formed into a "pistol" gesture. The thumb closes down to touch the rest of the hand as a real gun does when firing... And Rue finds himself beside a massive green dragon-man on a field of utter chaos.
He blinked a couple of times to make sure this wasn't some crazy illusion, Rue was taken aback as he realised he was really there. More over, he was shocked that this was a companion of his, Garoudaos, and that the two puncture holes in his body spoke of dire straights. Calling upon Mitula's mercy, he wove positive energy through his friend's body, mending the torn flesh and bone with ease.
[Cast:Cure Critical Wounds. 25 HP healed.]
[What plot holes? I don't see any plot holes.]

Posted by: Dark Maiden Mon Jun 06, 2005 2:53 pm
((Arc was hurt? Oh shit, I didn't notice! Sorry! )

Posted by: Wandering Dezorian Tue Jun 07, 2005 4:22 pm
Solomon breaks into a sprint towards the plasma eye. ((Solomon is doing two things this round for his actions. One, a history check to determine what he knows about the drowned eye, how they were defended against, weaknesses, strengths, etc.))
((Secondly, he is assessing the plasma eye. His original purpose was as an interface between machinery and humans, so he should be able to control/reprogram any weapon with as limited an AI as the plasma eye seems to have, given time. If he knows any schematics for the weapon, obviously those would help. Failing reprogramming it, he wants to sabotage it when he gets there, and is preparing for that as he runs.))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Tue Jun 07, 2005 6:52 pm
((Now I really feel like a dumb ass Is there anyone that needs healing next round?))

Posted by: Knight_019 Wed Jun 08, 2005 10:33 pm
((First post from Maryland after sorting out internet issues Ivellas has 38 points of damage, by the way, and chances are it's going to increase after this. I was also stupid and forgot to declare dodge last round)) *With a "hmph!", Kyuu moves around Daran to get into the perfect position to light up some of the drowned eye folk.*
: "Teach them to shrug off my spells... let's see... sizzling, ah yes..."
*Kyuu thinks as he moves into position. Waving a few gestures in the air, the plasma eye and the Southeastern drowned one begin to glow, and soon after a bolt of lightning jumps between the two as their conductivity peaks, striking three of the drowned eye soldiers, their leader, and the plasma eye.*
((10' behind Myala's original position unless there is another spot Kyuu can be in that I missed and would be safer.
Spell slots before:
6/7/7/7/5/3
Arc of Lightning
Originates from chosen corners. Use the bottom left corner of the plasma eye and the bottom left corner of the most SE drowned eye soldier
10d6 = 36 * 1.5 = 54 damage.
Reflex DC 19 for half (27)
Spell slots after
6/7/7/7/5/2))
*Ivellas stares starkly into the menacing eyes of what was once his father. This shell of his father obviously still remembered him, but there was no doubt that Ivellas would be unable to reason with him or cause him to regain any semblence of his humanity. His father was now being controlled by means no mortal should ever tamper with, so the only thing Ivellas could do would be to release him. With a few calculated lance strokes meant to leave few openings in his defense, Ivellas struck out at his father, but decided to banter between each thrust. Though the situation was grim, this would be his last chance to talk to his father, even if not on the best of terms*
: Just like old times, when we used to spar with sticks when I was a lot younger. How could they do this to you, and how can you serve them? Is this what you think mother would have wanted? Do you think I want to stand against you now? I've done my best to live and follow in your footsteps as a great warrior and protector of Guardiana. You would be proud of me I hope, and I'm going to use what I've learned to release you from this horrible mockery they have turned you into.
*The words come out strained - Partially from exertion, and partially from the sinking, heavy feeling in his chest. No child should ever strike down a parent, but to be forced to do so is utterly unimaginable. Ivellas certainly hoped everything they were doing was the right thing.*
((Dodge to daddy, fighting defensively
17+20-4 = 33.
17+15-4 = 28.
Damage
1d8 + 12 = 14
1d8 + 12 = 20
Effective AC: 28))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Jun 09, 2005 12:52 am
Felix's arrow strikes the undead attacker, causing sparks to shoot from the skeleton. ((20 damage to Drowned Eye.)) Three of the Drowned Eye fall to Kyuu's spell, while the leader and the Plasma Eye skitter out of the way, taking only partial damage.
Daran fires a broad barreled cannon on the shoulder of his armor as he rumbles forward, and a hail of flechettes burst forth to shred the two skeletons in front of him. The creatures stand only with immense effort, their cybernetics smashed and sparking.
((18 damage to the two Drowned Eyes nearest to Daran.))
Thaske casts Evard's Black Tentacles at this point, and all the Drowned Eye south of hte tower are entangled, unable to act. Unfortunately, both Ivellas and his father are entangled as well.
((I didn't roll higher than a 5 for any of their efforts to break free... Everyone in the circle is grappled save for Ivella's dad, who broke free, and Ivellas, who needs to make a grapple check.))
A hail of laser and gunfire comes from the Tech Knights, and combined with Kyuu's spell, the left Plasma Eye explodes in a shower of sparks and shrapnel.
(( 78 damage to the Plasma Eye, Plasma Eye is destroyed.))
The Cornugons fire bolts of lightning from their palms at the Tech Knight rushing to the tower. Despite his best efforts to dodge, he is struck several times by the lightning. In the end, when he reaches the tower, he appears to be barely hanging onto life. Then the lich speaks a spell and the Knight collapses in the midst of withdrawing a boxy device from a satchel.
: "Damn! The bomb is down! Jack, cover me!"
I will assume that Garoudaos takes a five foot step and attacks, destroying one of the Torch Eyes. His blade cleaves to the second robot, but fails to penetrate the armor.
Meanwhile the Drowned Eye soldier struck by Felix retaliates with a stream of gunfire that rakes across the street, barely missing the agile halfing. At the same time, the Halfing feels a cold chill around his heart, but it fades rapidly, the second lich's spell failing to affect Felix. However, he still feels weak despite that.
((Finger of Death, save made. 20 damage.))
Another three white-glowing shots from one of the snipers slams into the rightmost Balor, causing it to scream, then explode in a maelstrom of flame and unholy light that washes over all near it.
((40 damage to Balor2, Balor2 defeated! Death Throes: 50 damage to everything within 100'. Ref save for half. OK... everyone save Thaske is in the area of effect. All the Cornugons, Felix, Garoudaos, Prestle, Ivellas, the man in black, one of the Heavy Troopers, the Tech Knights, manage to save for half damage and take 25 damage. The liches take no damage, being protected by Prismatic Spheres, and the Strife Lords and Anri seem not to be affected. Daran manages to use a speed boost to get out of the way entirely. (Evasion) the Mae/Ken fight is shielded by the building, as is the Paratrooper, so they take no damage. Everyone else takes 50 damage.))
Most of the Drowned Eye on the south side of the tower are blasted to bits by the immense explosion that accompanies the Balor's death, leaving only the leader.
To the north, the two Heavy Troopers open fire with large guns similar to the kind carried by the Tech Knight leader to the south. A flurry of energy blasts from these weapons fell two of the already damaged Drowned Eyes. The Cornugon in melee combat with one of the armored soldiers tears against his armor, but fails to inflict any serious damage to the suit. The sniper in the alley takes aim and manages to wound a Drowned Eye with a few shots.
Meanwhile, one of the Cornugons spies the rooftop sniper that felled the Balor and swoops down on the soldier, rending him with claws.
((30 total damage to Sniper 1, and spot revealed.))
Energy flares around the remaining Plasma Eye.
"Energy cells charged. Plasma generation and agitation commencing. 7...6...5...4..."
The remaining Balor continues to concentrate, shifting his gaze to one of the soldiers in the heavy armor. The soldier gasps, then lets out a pain-filled scream as inside the armor his flesh collapses in upon itself until the airtight suit contains naught but liquid. The suit falls over, the remains of the soldier sloshing within it.
((Implosion maintained. Failed save.))
Ivellas hits home with both strikes. Ivellas' father looks as if about to respond, but then the Balor explosion hits and he occupies himself trying to break free of the tentacles currently holding him fast.
Ken and Mae's forces surge around them as the couple struggle, lunging and parrying with their lances, each trying to subdue the other.
: "You'll be unconscious for a bit after I'm through... But when you awaken you'll awaken to the truth as well... Then we'll be together again and you'll thank me..." Ken says, parrying a lunge and swiping with the side of his lance to bash Mae on the side of the head.
:"You've got it mixed up as to who will rescue who..." Mae mutters as she lunges again, this time catching Ken in the side and inflicting a minor wound.

Posted by: Kaihaku Thu Jun 09, 2005 1:05 am
Nimbly avoiding the Drowned Eye's counter attack and is reaching for another arrow when he stumbles, his eyes wavering for a moment as an evil power strikes at him. Recovering, the halfling blinks and rolls to the side as a fiery blast covers the battlefield. In this manner he avoids the burnt of the force of the blast, noting that the drowned eye has fallen, the halfling draws a silver arrow and fits it to his bow.
(([Attack] 10 + 17 = 27
Holy Arrow
Damage - Unknown))
The arrow glows white before Felix releases it at the liche, "Return to death... Leave us in peace." His eyes drift to Anri and he runs from the wall in a curve circling the undead wizard and moving closer to Anri.
(Dodge to TE or liche if TE is no more.)

Posted by: Knight_019 Thu Jun 09, 2005 1:43 am
*Kyuu goes down under the balor's death throe, but a faint spark of life remains in him.* ((Somehow I managed to get him to stabilize on -10, so he's still healable FAO: HEALERS I am keeping the HP total in my sig updated)) *Ivellas breaks free of the tentacle's grasp, but instead of swinging into an attack on his father, he stands impassively. Striking at him now would be dishonorable, as his father had held off. He had also noticed he was beginning to say something, and he wanted to hear it. He stands at the ready, prepared to retaliate in the event of an attempted lance thrust, but also ready to receive an incoming attack*
: You have something to say, father, and I'm willing to listen...
((Grapple check: nat 20
Continue dodge to dad after broken grapple. Second attack is being readied in the event Ivellas' father attempts to attack him again. However, it is to be treated as though attacking defensively.
Effective AC: 28))
((Stuff for next round:
"You can't win... Our forces our too numerous and powerful... What do you think you will accomplish?" Ivellas' father rasps as he tries to break free of the tentacles.
: "To pick up where you left off... has the Strife Lords' transformation clouded your mind this much?"
"Has your lust for glory and honor clouded your sense of tactics this much?" Ivellas' father retorts.
: "It's down to you and me now. The others can handle themselves, and what do tactics matter if we're destined to lose?"
Ivellas assesses that his father is pretty well beat up and could possibly go down.
26 to hit
20 damage
27
20 damage
He can barely stand at this point.
Grapple check for next round
12 + 22 = 34
Ivellas and dad make it))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Thu Jun 09, 2005 2:42 am
Myala screams in pain, the brutal assualt of the balor's death throe taking it's toll on her somewhat fragile elven body. She faulters and nearly topples over, but stays standing by sheer force of will alone. Every muscle and bone in her body hurts, and her life force has been greatly drained. Her eyes widden with horror and the sight of Kyuu's crumpled body on the floor.
((I shall edit the rest back in when Cyrus and myself know if anyone else aside from Kyuu is down. I think Garoudaos is down too, but I'm not sure...))

Posted by: Knight_019 Thu Jun 09, 2005 7:29 pm
((Since Kyuu is down, I'd suggest one of the healers grabbing the Rod of Maximization on their way to their target. It works all the way up to CSW, and maximizing 3d8+10 is 34 HP))

Posted by: Kyosokun Fri Jun 10, 2005 3:06 am
Assessing the situation, Marcus deems the situation a grim one, but hardly a lost cause. Moving to take a better position to shoot, he's caught it a sudden blast. gritting his teeth against the pain, he dives, trying to clear the flame. He rises, still moving with urgecy, to see the Tech knight collapse after releasing an agonizing cry. He sets himself, and reaches back to draw the lone arrow of slaying he has. He knocks it and lets fly, praying his aim remains true.
Attack: 1d20(14)+14 = 28
(I don't have my books, so I forget what the effects of an arrow of slaying are. I'll update as soon as I can get that info. Gomen nasai)

Posted by: Rusty Fri Jun 10, 2005 7:07 am
((Thaske may be down, too. I'm not sure, though. I don't think Garudaos is down, actually, but probably hurting quite badly. My best healing spell is a Cure Light Wounds spell, so if my healing is needed, then it should be on someone not in the negatives, of course.))

Posted by: Knight_019 Fri Jun 10, 2005 1:19 pm
((Thaske was out of range))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Fri Jun 10, 2005 1:30 pm
((Well, we need TUM to tell us for sure who is down))

Posted by: Wandering Dezorian Fri Jun 10, 2005 2:34 pm
Solomon reaches the plasma eye and begins to sabotage it as quickly as he can, ignoring the undead threats nearby except to defend againts them, trying to keep the plasma eye's bulk in between him and the two enemies as best he can. As he works, he shouts out over his head, "Guardian Eyes, have you so completely forgotten your purpose? You strength? That powerful will to preserve us all from the seal you guarded that made you the idol of your nations and the stuff of legend?"

Posted by: Critical Mass Sat Jun 11, 2005 2:07 am
((Holy crap! I don't even have fifty HP.)) Thaske cries out as the sheets of flame roll accross the battlefield, consuming friend and foe alike. It's all he can do to prevent himself from lashing out directly at the other Balor; killing it now would only assure the death of all his friends, and he doubted he'd be able to pierce through its natural magical barriers anyway. The liches though.. they were something he could deal with. Devoted as he was to the church and to the Light, his powers were still arcane in origin and if there was one thing he knew it was magic. Prismatic spheres were probably the strongest defensive spell ever created, but even they weren't foolproof. The shimmering opaque spheres not only blocked all spells and sight from without but also from within. With a few words of power two more fields of the thick, rubbery tentacles sprang up from the ground, each surrounding one of the spheres. Oblivious in their isolated spheres, the liches wouldn't even know what was happening until they were already in the thick of it, so to speak. He then hurries further south, intending on fully using the full range of his spellcasting abilities... especially with that other Balor still running around.
((First EBT targeted directly above the lich on the right, hitting the skellie and the eye and tagging the lich if he comes out of the sphere to cast. Second EBT targeted directly to the right of the lich on the left, tagging him if he pops out and hopefully covering that line of approach a bit. 30ft move directly south.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sun Jun 12, 2005 1:56 am
((It's very hard for me to get online right now, so this may be tricky. Solomon knows that the Eyes don't have the intelligence neccessary to converse. Their AI is very rudimentary. Kyo, I need to know who you're shooting at.))

Posted by: Wandering Dezorian Mon Jun 13, 2005 4:05 am
((The Undead unit, the Guardian Eyes? I wasn't talking to the plasma eyes.))

Posted by: Rusty Thu Jun 16, 2005 2:18 am
*Prestle stays by Garudaos's side, healing him once more.* ((8 + 5 = 13)) : Hang in there, friend. We need you.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Jun 16, 2005 3:44 am
((Bah, I got confused. : P )) Felix finds that his magical arrow is deflected by the prismatic sphere around the lich. In addition, as soon as his arrow strikes the barrier, a gout of acid spurts forth at him. ((40 points of damage to Felix, Reflex save DC 22 for half damage.))
Rue reaches over to touch Kyuu, filling him with holy light to heal his wounds.
((Rue uses Sacred Boost and maximizes all cure spells within 60' of him for this round. Rue heals Kyuu of 36 HP.))
Myala takes her time figuring what's going on.
((Refocus))
((Kyo, you were unclear as to where you were moving, so I took your mention of the Tech Knight to mean 30' in that direction.))
Marcus rushes forward and fires his bow. The magical arrow streaks towards one of the circling Cornugons, dissolving into white light as it is released from the bow. The light slams into the nearest Cornugon, causing it to shriek in pain and disintegrate into nothingness. As he does so, the downed Tech Knight near the tower manages to speak.
"Take... take the bomb..." he gasps, gesturing to a brown satchel. "Place it on the tower... Press the red button to start countdown... Must... destroy..."
The Tech Knight is unable to speak further, as he slumps down, dead.
Meanwhile, the Tech Knight Commander stands his ground and fires a devastating stream of energy at the Cornugon facing him. The demon is sliced apart by the focused light emitting from the Tech Commander's weapon, its supernatural resilience simply not enough to save it.
((Critical hit and two normal hits with a Laser Cannon, plus dice that rolled near maximum damage equals a dead Cornugon.))
The southern Cornugon throws a bolt of lightning at the remaining Tech Knight Sergeant that fells the already wounded warrior without fanfare.
Solomon manages to damage the Plasma Eye while the skeleton replies.
"Flattery won't bring back the dead... But revenge will," the undead soldier rasps. "We guarded the Dark Dragon's resting site faithfully... Until the thrice damned mages sank the Castle into the sea trying to strengthen the Seal. All of us... ALL of us drowned alive as the base sank below the waves while the mages simply teleported out. The world left us there at the bottom of the ocean to die, left the remnants of our civilization to crumble... We're simply going to return the favor. This imposter world will be destroyed as ours was. You can't stop us."
The skeleton is about to attack then, when Thaske's spell erupts underneath him, binding his arms with many tentacles.
((15 damage to Plasma Eye.))
Daran strides forward, launching an explosive shell at the Plasma Eye. The robot explodes, much to Daran's delight. He cheers as half the robot is blown away, then screams as a rocket slams into his Steam Armor, causing smoke and steam to rise from the mechanical device as Daran slowly turns to see the Drowned Eye commander, free of the tentacles and bearing a large rocket launcher.
(( 27 damage to Plasma Eye, which failed its Ref. save. 2 damage to Solomon and the Drowned Eye from the blast. Plasma Eye destroyed. 23 damage to Daran (after damage reduction), who failed his Ref. save.))
The paratrooper takes cover behind one of the building, leaning out to rake one of the Cornugons with automatic weapon fire.
((Hit. 40 damage to the Cornugon.))
The sniper on the roof is torn apart by his demon foe, not even managing to bring his heavy rifle to bear as unnatural claws and fangs slice into him. The marksman lets out a scream as he pitches off the roof.
((35 damage to the Sniper. Sniper killed.))
The remaining sniper targets one of the Drowned Eye and scores a minor hit.
((Hit for piddling 7 damage. : P))
The Balor glares at the remaining Heavy Trooper, who stiffens and falls over as the same fate that befell his companion befalls him.
((I rolled a friggin 5...))
The rightmost Cornugon laughs as he wheels around in the sky and throws a lightning bolt at Felix and Daran. Daran manages to move out of the way, however.
(( 20 damage to Felix, save made. Daran made his with Evasion and took no damage.))
The liches cast some sort of spell, but no one can tell what it is.
The last Cornugon swoops down on the last paratrooper, wounding him terribly but not killing him.
((Hit, miss, hit. 23 damage to the paratrooper.))
Miniguns roar to life as the northern Drowned Eye move southward, their weapons spitting an advance wave of lead at the heroes.
((Hits on the Tech Knight Commander, Solomon, and Daran. The TKC takes 20 damage, Solomon takes 10, and Daran takes 12.))
The man in black takes a five foot move back and clenches his fist. Cords of silvery fire materialize and encircle the Balor, effectively binding it for the time being.
((Unknown Effect used on Balor. Balor is grappled.))
Meanwhile, several knights fall as the struggle between Mae and Ken begins to build.
The energy around the tower intensifies.

Posted by: Dark Maiden Thu Jun 16, 2005 6:19 pm
((All Cure spells for this round? Sweet!)) Myala sighs with relief when Kyuu is healed and begins to stir. Though she says nothing to Rue, she nods her head and smiles. Trusting he will watch over Kyuu in her absence, she rushes to the side of her closest and possibly worst wounded companion, Garudaos.
"Prestle, I will take care of this. Please aid the others."
Despite being badly wounded herself, she lays her hands on the dragon man's heavily wounded body and begins to chant, calling upon her god's power to heal her friend. A white light spreads from her fingertips and over his body, seeping into the wounds and closing them. He also finds that his strength is coming back to him quickly.
((Maximized Cure Serious Wounds spell should bring him up to full. If not, he has regained 34 HP. I dropped a spell to cast it, but I don't have my spell list on me now. I'll edit in what I dropped later))

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Thu Jun 16, 2005 9:59 pm
((From last round...)) His strength fading, the dragonman nonetheless stood his ground and attacked the remaining Torch Eye. His edge passed over its orb, his first attack missing; however, taking another swing, he felt the electrified blade of his greatsword cleave cleanly through the metal monstrosity, leaving it a sparking pile of scrap metal even as Prestle healed some of the wounds the Balor's death had inflicted.
"Thank you, friend," the scaled fighter said, placing a hand on the centaur's shoulder, "but do not neglect to care for yourself as well. I will not fall so easily, and I could not bear it if you or the others did."
((For this round...))
Looking around, Garudaos watched as allies and enemies alike fell under heavy attacks. With the flying monster the closest foe aside from those enveloped in the mass of black tentacles, he prepared to head in that direction but halted as Myala laid her hands on him to heal the balance of his injuries.
"Thank you," he said, pointing his blade at Prestle. "If you cannot reach Kyuu's side, heal him; Prestle's lance arm is needed as badly as my blade, if not moreso." Foolowing those words, the dragonman marched towards his target with the intent to remove it from battle.
((If I can reach the nearest Cornugon, launching an attack. If not, full defensive.
Assuming the attack goes through...
Attack: 1d20 + 14 = 28
Damage: 2d6 + 1d8 + 9 = 25 ))

Posted by: Knight_019 Thu Jun 16, 2005 10:28 pm
((I wish I would've done this at the beginning of the Ivellas 1-on-1. Theme for Ivellas fighting his father: http://magic19.homestead.com/files/Castlevania_LoI_-_Dark_Night_Toccata__Walter_s_Theme_.mp3 Actions to be withheld until TUM comes on))
*Backlashing against his sons onslaught of attacks, Ivellas' father strikes with a flurry of lance blows, landing two and severely injuring his son. Both warriors seem exhausted. Ivellas' body was bruised and bleeding, and his father's undead body seemed to be failing him at this point. The next few lance strokes could ultimately decide their fate. Ivellas would not back down from his promise of releasing his father's soul from this infernal servitude. He knew that deep down it is what his father would want.*
((2 hits for 35 damage.
IVELLAS IS CURRENTLY AT 20 HP))
~~~
*Kyuu stirs from his comatose state having looked death directly in the eye. Brushing his robes of dust and looking to see Rue by him, and Myala's concerned expression, he nods to both of them. With a steadfast, resolute gaze Kyuu eyes the battlefield to determine his next course of action.*

Posted by: Rusty Fri Jun 17, 2005 4:52 am
*Prestle realizes he has been focusing too much attention on guarding Garudaos, and sees his commander Ivellas in dire need of healing.* : I understand, Myala, but Garudaos will be fine now. Come with me! Ivellas is in danger! *Prestle moves towards Ivellas, casting Cure Moderate Wounds on him!*
((Dropping Aid for Cure Moderate Wounds. Maximized, so it's 16+5 = 21
Ivellas is in big trouble. On the front lines and with so few HP, that's a major problem! That'll probably be my last CMW spell, too.))

Posted by: Knight_019 Fri Jun 17, 2005 5:35 am
: This is for mother, for me, the memories, and the kingdom you once stood for. In the name of the man you once were, and in the name of the light, I release you! *Though he had made it seem easy to fight his father, the moments leading up to this one were the hardest times he had ever faced. Each one ticked by like an eternity, and in each one Ivellas hoped ever more that his father would grab onto some last shred of his humanity that might lurk deep within that corpse-like body and behind the blazing red eyes. Ivellas had put down a legend in Galdius Darkhoof, his mentor in Jerrik, but now his own father. With each one he had used the same reasoning... that he was releasing them from the curse that had been placed upon them. He had tried to spare Galdius, but it was to no avail. Jerrik had come at him and his group with the same blazing look on his face Ivellas' father now carried.*
: ... Good bye... dad...
*With every last bit of effort he could muster after the assault laid upon him from all ends, Ivellas lunged forth with his lance, puncturing through his father's defenses and striking a solid blow. Whatever infernal force held "life" within the body lost its hold upon it, and the body of Ivellas' father lost its grip on its belongings and slid to the ground. As Prestle approached him to administer his healing touch, a tear fell from Ivellas' eyes to the ground. For all he knew, this really was goodbye.*
((Attack. Fighting Defensively + Power Attack for 2
1d20 + 20 - 4 - 2 = 16 + 14 = 30.
Damage
1d8 + 12 + 2 = 3 + 14 = 17.
Switch dodge target to undead commander. Next dodge target after commander (in the event it goes down): Cornugon))
~~~
*With no hope of possibly shielding the group from the blast of the remaining Balor's death throes, and no access to any of the spells Anri had used so long ago to remove the Prismatic Wall standing in their way when they had once stood side by side, Kyuu saw one option. Moving to Daran's right side, Kyuu used his regained energy to conjure the same electrical spark from earlier, though he noticed one problem... Solomon was in the way. With no time to waste, Kyuu yelled out to Solomon.*
: Solomon! If you value your existence and want to be of use to us, move back a bit or something!
*Having noticed Solomon responded to threats to humanity and on occassion threats to himself, he hoped the logic he used would work. If anything, Solomon noticing Kyuu moving to cast a spell and the increasing electrical charge density in the air would alert him something was amiss and Kyuu was indeed correct. The undead soldier behind the plasma eye and the undead commander begain to glow as the electricity coursed through the air around them until it peaked, releasing a powerful static discharge between them, catching both them and the plasma eye in its wake.*
((Spell slots before:
6/7/7/7/5/2
Arc of Lightning
Bottom left corner for Drowned Eye Commander, top right for Drowned Eye Soldier
10d6 = 43 * 1.5 = 65 damage.
Reflex DC 19 for half (33)
Spell slots after
6/7/7/7/5/1))

Posted by: Wandering Dezorian Fri Jun 17, 2005 2:50 pm
System> Warning! Increase in electrical potential noted in area. Voltage approaching breakdown voltage of air. System> Auditory order issued by Spellcaster, Animan, Kyuu. Ordered to move backwards. Movement would place [*self] outside area of rising electrical potential. Aligns with all prime directives.
System> Obey auditory order issued by Kyuu. Initiallize laser system.
Solomon quickly dances away from the spell's area, dancing backwards while still keeping the drowned eye in line with the plasma eye. Bringing up his arm, the android fires his primary laser system, flooding the enemies of the light in its cleansing brilliance.
(Damage and roll will be posted this afternoon, after I get access to my Solomon statistics for the new level)

Posted by: Dark Maiden Fri Jun 17, 2005 6:15 pm
((I will heal Ivellas next round, don't worry! I still have a CCW spell or two. And I don't mean to sound whiney, but if someone could spare a healing spell or a potion for Myala, I'll appreciate it. I can't exactly heal myself right now and if I get hit, I'm probably dead ))

Posted by: Knight_019 Fri Jun 17, 2005 10:01 pm
((The best Ivellas can offer is a Protection from Evil potion he has on his person. Also, just to make sure everything's clear: WD, All you'd need to take is a 5' step, so you can full attack if necessary. I wouldn't have made the attack if it would've greatly inconvenienced you))

Posted by: Kyosokun Sun Jun 19, 2005 1:40 am
Hearing the dying tech knight's last words, Marcus's world narrows. Given a set objective he feels is within his capabilities, he leaves the fighting to those better suited, he rushes to grab the satchel, pulling a potion off his belt and guzzling it down on his way.
((Drinking potion of Cure Mod. Is this effected the the Maximize? If so, then Marcus gains back 19, if not, then 14. This leaves him at either 74 or 69, respectively. In fairly good condition either way))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sun Jun 19, 2005 6:55 am
Ivellas' father is felled by his attack, sliding to the ground, whispering something as he does. Solomon unleashes his laser, the light searing away at the undead and robot, and moves out of the way just in time for the arc of lightning to blast apart the enemies in its area of effect. The Plasma Eye's containment systems rupture and it immolates itself in a gout of fiery star material.
Marcus grabs the satchel no problem, but he notices the eyes of the rooftop Cornugon are upon him as he does this. The devil lets out a horrible shriek as it swoops across the sky to cast a lightning bolt at the archer.
((28 damage to Marcus. Reflex save DC 15 for half. Potions are not affected.))
Rue moves to Ivellas and heals him.
((Sacred Boost and CCW for another 34 points healed to Ivellas.))
Garaoudaos cannot hit the flying devil as it is out of his range, flying overhead. It chuckles malevolents as it casts a lightning bolt at the last remaining Tech Knight. The warrior manages to dodge the worst of it, but it looks like he's on his last legs.
: "Damn... devils... You're not... Coming back... Again..." the Tech Knight Commander hisses, stumbling along after the latest attack. The powerful armor of the Ancients that protects him is looking battered and damaged, sparks flying off it as the commander moves, locking his large weapon into a firing position.
:"Frag you."
Three brilliant bursts of light shoot from the commander's weapon. One of the bursts misses, but the others connect, burning holes in the devil's body. It shrieks with rage.
((30 damage after DR to the Cornugon near Garoudaos.))
Daran takes aim at the Drowned Eye leader, and fires!
((1. Confirming Malfunction: 23. Normal miss.))
The shell goes wide, though, impacting and destroying a small patch of tentacles far to the side of the skeleton.
To the north, the sniper's rifle jams, much to the disgust of the sniper.
((Critical miss.))
The remaining paratrooper takes a five foot step back and hoses the Cornugon with burst fire from his weapon. The shots tear through the devil, but it remains flying, albeit with numerous holes through it. The devil lands in front of the soldier, drawing a cruel chain whip and lashing the trooper with it. Horrible wounds are opened by the weapon, the soldier looks like he's about to fall.
((40 damage to the Cornugon. 20 damage to the paratrooper.))
The liches cast another spell within their spheres.
The Drowned Eye commander fires his rocket launcher twice more, managing to keep himself free of the tentacles. Daran evades the first, but not the second rocket. The Steam Armor screeches in protest as it begins to smoke once more. Daran cries out something about overheating as the armor moves.
((Kyuu takes 36 damage. Daran takes 15.))
The man in black strides forward, his eyes searching for something, then locking onto Anri. As he walks, he casually waves a hand and the two Drowned Eye nearest him are suddenly awashed in silver fire, crumbling to ashes underneath the onslaught.
The Balor struggles against his fiery bonds, but fails to break them.
The remaining three Drowned Eye open fire on the man in black. Bullets tear through him, but someone he remains standing, teeth grit and blood leaking from his mouth.
((64 total damage on the man in black.))
The remaining Cornugon flies forward, casting a lightning bolt at Marcus.
(( 35 damage to Marcus, Ref save for half. DC 15))
Two things happen simultaneously, then. An extremely tall and muscular man appears to the south, and the crystal tower begins to shine with energy. A tear in the sky opens near the tip of the tower. Reddish orange lights flare as a wave of new combatants enters the fray. Tall, beings clad completely in demonic armor materialize around the tower and stride forth, bearing wicked longswords and shields bearing the faces of snarling demons.
--------------------
The combat continues between husband and wife to the north, both parties looking severely wounded.
: "You look... Pretty beat up... Why don't you give up? Make it easier on both of us? I don't like hitting you anymore than you like getting hit. Just surrender now. It's so much better when you don't struggle..." Ken says, parrying a lance thrust.
: "Eighteen years of marriage and you haven't noticed I don't give up?" Mae counters as she thrusts forward, scoring a minor hit on Ken. "Look around you! The city in flames, demons prowling the streets, this is your paradise?"
: "None of this would've happened were it not for your stubborn disloyalty!" Ken retorts, jabbing at Mae again. "But you'll see... You'll see..."
: "I already see. It is you who do not... How could they do this to you..." Mae says, her tone softening even as the combat intensifies.

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sun Jun 19, 2005 8:06 pm
Myala's eyes widen with horror when she sees Kyuu go down again. "NO!" She moves towards him as quickly as she can. but finds that she cannot get close enough to heal him. However, an idea pops into her head and she begins to chant in celestial. An aura of light glows around her body and a spreads out over the others near her.
((Myala moves 30' towards Kyuu via the fastest route possible to get close to him, and casts a maximized Healing Circle. Everyone in a 20' radius, herself included, regains 18 HP. I think that skeleton will get hit too, but it'll harm him))

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Tue Jun 21, 2005 2:59 am
((Rolled successfuly for the check, so...)) With the Cornugon still too far above to be struck and none of his other foes in range, the dragonman tossed his blade over his shoulder and hustled towards Daran's position, careful to avoid the tentacles. Out of the corner of his eye he saw what he thought was a mirage, yet the appearance seemed somehow familiar.
"That... that's Gong, of the original Force!"

Posted by: Kyosokun Tue Jun 21, 2005 3:38 am
Grabbing the Satchel, Marcus rushes forward to reach the tower. Hearing a savage cry, he barely manages to evade a lightingbolt directed at him. ~something will have to done done about those demons, and soon...~ Now aware he is a target, Marcus redoubles his speed, Evading a second bolt on the way. Reaching the tower, he presses the red button on the device, and places it up against the tower, and watches to defend off any threats.
((I'll be on full defense if possible, Gauarding against any of those who attempt to take action against me of the bomb.))

Posted by: Rusty Tue Jun 21, 2005 3:46 am
*Prestle feels much better after Myala's spell, and realizes that one of the Drowned Eyes has been weakened from it as well. Taking advantage of the opportunity, he hurries over to it and drives his lance home into its ribs.* ((Roll to hit...18+12 = 30. Hit? Damage: 7 + 8 = 15!))
((And if it's still alive, he's gonna try and jab it again. 16 + 8 = 24...Not sure if that's a hit? Damage: 7 again + 8 = 15. I can do it. I can do it nine times.))

Posted by: Wandering Dezorian Tue Jun 21, 2005 5:25 pm
((Don't worry about Kyuu's spell inconveniencing me. My laser does significantly more damage than my regular attack.)) System> Tactical analysis: Enemy western flank exposed. Lich effectively eliminated by spells. Path open to mission objective, Spell Caster, Human, Anri, Queen for majority of uncommitted allies.
Warning! New combatants have been teleported in, surrounding mission objective. Ally halfling is in danger. Protect halfling.
Moving with silent and eerily perfect machine precision, Solomon steps up his speed stand beside his halfling ally, ready to attack anyone who threatens them.
((Move next to ferris, ready action- Attack any enemy that approaches. Use fist for the flying guy, laser on the demon-soldiers if I can line two of them up, otherwise just use fist.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Tue Jun 21, 2005 9:01 pm
((Errr... That lich is surround by a prismatic sphere AND an Evard's Black Tentacles spell... Are you sure that's your action?))

Posted by: Wandering Dezorian Tue Jun 21, 2005 9:34 pm
((Oh.)) ((Post edited.))

Posted by: Knight_019 Tue Jun 21, 2005 10:10 pm
*Seeing that Felix is in much danger now, Ivellas feels that he'll need as much backup as he can to ensure survival out of this place. Not wishing to endanger himself needlessly with these new demonic foes, Ivellas aims for the cornugon, since he knows what it is capable of. Ivellas charges to the side of conugon, thrusting his lance at it with all his might as he goes past. He inflicts a terribly grievous wound on the beast, but he is unsure if it will go down. He stops as far from the Cornugon as possible, but makes sure to stay out of the magically summoned tentacles. As he turns to face his foes again, he notices Gong, as Garudaos had yelled to everyone. Ivellas wonders what Gong has planned, but whatever it is he hopes that it will allow them to survive this new wave of enemies.*
((Charge, Power Attack for 5, Ride-by Attack.
1d20 + 20 + 2 - 5 = 13 + 17 = 30.
Damage: (1d8 + 12 + 5)*3 + 2d6 = (7 + 17)*3 + 8 = 80 damage.))
~~~
*Knowing that he would be in further danger if he did not retreat from his current position, Kyuu moves as far away as possible back toward where they had entered the field. However, as he gets away, he also knows that the others will need help to finish this battle. Having seen the power Daran had in his new steam armor, he felt that increasing his potential would be the best course of action. With a few gestures and phrases, Daran's armor appears to speed up its actions and processes.*
((Spell slots before:
6/7/7/7/5/1
Haste on Daran
Spell slots after
6/7/7/6/5/1))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Wed Jun 22, 2005 8:56 pm
Between Prestle's charge and Myala's spell, the Drowned Eye leader collapses into a pile of bones. Ivellas' luck holds out as the Cornugon lands to reach Marcus just as Ivellas is about to charge, granted the centaur his opportunity to attack. The lance slams into the beast, gravely wounding it.
Marcus does as the soldier instructed him and a female voice blares from the bomb.
"Detonation in five minutes. Please clear the area of effect."
Up north the remaining paratrooper fires again, but his shots go wide and the demon finishes the job by blasting the poor trooper with lightning. The soldier dies, instantly.
The sniper misses again as the man in black turns and makes a gesture. A blazing inferno of silver fire envelops the two undead Ancients that fired on him.
The two liches fly out of their spheres and above the tentacles, begining to cast spells. One dispels the field of black tentacles around him, the other casts something at the man in black, but he shrugs off whatever the effect was to be.
Gong moves forward and mutters holy words, gesturing to the Cornugon nearest to him. The creature shrieks and vanishes in a burst of brimstone.
The Tech Knight Commander fires off a last burst of laser fire at one of the massive demon knights before the Cornugon directly to the north of him launches a blast of lightning at him that causes him to fall over.
((60 damage to the Shadow Knight 3. 30 damage to the TKC. TKC dies.))
: "Im... Impossible... We were... the best... of the last..." the last Tech Knight mutters just before he dies.
One of the Shadow knights advances towards Felix, taking a nasty hit from Solomon as he does so, but manage to knock the poor halfling aside and face down the robotic foe.
((18 damage to Shadow Knight 4. Shadow Knight 4 attacks! Miss, hit miss. 18 damage to Felix+swept aside.))
Another of the demonic knights moves to attack Marcus, but only lands a single hit.
((Miss, hit, miss. 15 damage.))
The remaining two Shadow knights move to flank the man in black, attacking with a series of devastating blows that rip apart the lone warrior. Amazingly, the man still stands, but barely, blood pouring from his body.
((Critical hit, hit, miss. Hit, miss, miss. 70 points of damage to the man in black.))
The remaining Drowned Eye fires, but misses at the man in black, unable to get a clear shot.
Daran, speed enhanced by Kyuu's spell, zooms forward. He flexes the right "hand", which consists of a series of four rune-marked blades attached to a few salvaged robot servos, and claws at the wounded Cornugon. The agile demon is able to evade his attacks, all except for the last. The last attack catches the demon in the belly, slicing it open and causing it to disintegrate into ash.
((Miss, miss, hit. 10 damage.))
Meanwhile, the struggle to the north begins to die down a little as both sides are whittled down.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Wed Jun 22, 2005 9:59 pm
((The moves we make here will be of the utmost importance. Granted, Knight's leading things, but I'd like it if no one posted until he got some time to think about it. It shouldn't take too long.))

Posted by: Wandering Dezorian Wed Jun 22, 2005 11:18 pm
((Very well. I'd just point out that if we manage to take down the knight facing Felix and me, we've got pretty much a free path to Anri. We can't win this in a straight-up, kill everything that moves fight. We need to focus on completing the objectives, instead.))

Posted by: Cyrus Wed Jun 22, 2005 11:56 pm
(Agreed. Though, even if we take down one knight, there's nothing saying the others won't kill thier targets and come after us. Marcus is the only one facing the southwest knight unless he gets help quickly, and the northeast knight could easily ignore the man in black and block us, prolonging the battle and allowing the crystal to do god knows what. I have two Hold Persons mem'd, but I'm not sure how well that would work...)

Posted by: Knight_019 Wed Jun 22, 2005 11:58 pm
((A plan has been been devised, and I think we're set on going for them. Waiting for NSG, since she's the wild card atm))

Posted by: Kaihaku Thu Jun 23, 2005 2:31 pm
((Somehow, I missed the casting of the Prismatic Spheres. Sigh... reflex save 11 + 10 = 21 Just missed it...I'm at 30 ft if that makes any difference. -40 Acid -20 Lightning Bolt
-18 Shadow Knight
-78
- 29 HP
Should have invested in evasion. Its been a good campaign folks and I shall have my revenge in the sequel. That I promise. Good fortune.))
Felix blinked as what he assumed to merely be a colorful distraction spewed acid towards him. Rolling to the side, he is a fraction of a second too late and the his flesh is covered with vicious burns. As he regains his feet, the foul Cornugon unleashes a bolt of lightning towards him. Side stepping, the halfing avoids the brunt of the blast but is unable to fully escape harm. As he is still staggering from this blow, a powerful dark knight charges towards him and with a single blow sends the halfling flying.
Landing in a heap, Felix struggles to regain his feet even as his life blood leaks from him. His strength fading, his eyes grow dazed as his body refuses to acknowledge his will and he drifts to the ground. Laying in a puddle of his own blood, his last thought is for his queen and his allies.

Posted by: Dark Maiden Thu Jun 23, 2005 5:44 pm
((Here I am! So, um, what is the plan Knight?))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Jun 23, 2005 7:39 pm

QUOTE (Kaihaku @ Thu Jun 23, 2005 2:31 pm)
((Somehow, I missed the casting of the Prismatic Spheres. Sigh... reflex save 11 + 10 = 21 Just missed it...I'm at 30 ft if that makes any difference. -40 Acid -20 Lightning Bolt
-18 Shadow Knight
-78
- 29 HP
Should have invested in evasion. Its been a good campaign folks and I shall have my revenge in the sequel. That I promise. Good fortune.))
Felix blinked as what he assumed to merely be a colorful distraction spewed acid towards him. Rolling to the side, he is a fraction of a second too late and the his flesh is covered with vicious burns. As he regains his feet, the foul Cornugon unleashes a bolt of lightning towards him. Side stepping, the halfing avoids the brunt of the blast but is unable to fully escape harm. As he is still staggering from this blow, a powerful dark knight charges towards him and with a single blow sends the halfling flying.
Landing in a heap, Felix struggles to regain his feet even as his life blood leaks from him. His strength fading, his eyes grow dazed as his body refuses to acknowledge his will and he drifts to the ground. Laying in a puddle of his own blood, his last thought is for his queen and his allies.

((Kai, Felix would know what the sphere was considering that during the Forgotten battle he was THROWN INTO ONE. Because of the fact that you've been an upstanding RPer and the fact that it's obvious you were simply forgetting what was going on, I will allow you to retroactively change your attack on the lich to a full defense move. Felix was about to attack, then remembered the battle where he was thrown into a spell like that. However, his time thinking cost him his turn we'll say.
Of course if you want him to die, I can't stop you.
))

Posted by: Kaihaku Fri Jun 24, 2005 3:39 am
((Heh... I'd forgotten that... Well, I am rather fond of the halfer and as I would hate for him to die unless it was in a noble sacrifice I will most certainly take this second chance. Many thanks and I shall have to read more carefully in the future.))
Actually...Felix almost released his arrow before a bitter memory flashed through his mind. Hesitating, he remained standing and slowly lowered his bow. As the foul demon unleashed the bolt of lightning, the small halfling regained his wits and stepped to the side avoiding the brunt of the blast. But the blow from the powerful Dark Knight send him flying, rolling across the ground.

Posted by: Knight_019 Sat Jun 25, 2005 1:22 am
((Battle Plan: Kyuu & Thaske: Haste on Ivellas and Garudaos Prestle: Glorious Weapons Rue: Prayer Myala: Drop a spell to cure Felix. I suggest one of the inflict spells *cough cough*
Felix: Demon Slaying arrow to NE shadow knight
Daran, Solomon, Marcus: Attack SE shadow knight
Garudaos & Ivellas: Charge SW shadow knight
That should be everyone))
((Mood Music
http://magic19.homestead.com/files/sfcw.wma ))
*Ivellas surveys the situation again, and begins to think of how he can lead the group to victory against odds that would otherwise be insurmountable. Realizing the amount of holy power this group had with 3 healers, he felt now would be the time to put it to use. A number of Myala's spells had been used for healing, but with Felix's current situation, she would have to afford to lose another one. Recalling that Derrik had made it sound like a powerful gift, he felt now would be the time to use it. If they were doomed to fail here, then they would make a glorious end. If they could succeed, then Ivellas would urge his group of friends on in such a way to show that light and justice will prevail even in the darkest of time. They have 5 minutes before the bomb explodes, meaning 3 1/2 - 4 of those minutes were useable, with the remaining time necessary for their retreat. It was time to unleash this band of friends' power and show the Strife Lords they were more than a bunch of "kids."*
: Squad, listen up! I've got a plan to get us through this. Myala, Felix needs tending to. Take care of him. Garudaos has the biggest we have, use it on his sword. Rue, aid us in whatever way you can. You've been a boon to us thus far, I'm sure you've got some idea in mind for allowing us to make more of an impact, even if it's a well worded prayer. Prestle, that holy energy you imbued our weapons with the last time was incredibly helpful. I'm sure it will be no less so now. Daran and Solomon, keep this shadow knight busy, you'll have help. Felix, I know you're hurt, but you've got the last demon slaying arrow. I don't know if it'll work on these monstrosities, but they look demonic and they were summoned. Use it on the one to the North of us. Garudaos... follow me.
*Kyuu, heeding the actions and knowing well the devestation both Ivellas and Garudaos could bring, proceeds to use the familiar arcane gestures to imbue Ivellas with magical speed. Thaske would be doing the same to Garudaos as well.*
((((Spell slots before:
6/7/7/6/5/1
Haste on Ivellas
Spell slots after
6/7/7/4/5/1))
*With no hesitation beyond the buffing actions, Ivellas races off into a charge after giving his order. Shouting, "FOR THE LIGHT!" as he galloped toward the shadow knight on the other end of the tower, he hoped to inspire his allies to further greatness. Placing as much power behind his lance as he could, Ivellas strikes home to deliver a powerful blow to the Shadow knight. He then follows up his attack with another lance stroke to sweeten the deal, puncturing the shadow knight's defenses evermore.*
((Charge, Power Attack for 8
1d20 + 20 + 2 + 1 - 8 = 1d20 + 15 = 20 + 15; THREAT
1d20 + 15 = 15 + 15 = 30 (Possible confirmation)
Charge Damage
(1d8 + 12 + 8 + 1)*5 + 2d6 + 2d6(holy) = (2 + 21)*5 + 8 + 9 = 115 + 17 = 132 damage.
Haste Attack
1d20 + 15 = 18 + 15 = 33
Damage
1d8 + 21 + 4d6 = 8 + 21 + 2 + 9 = 40.
Dodge in the following order.
- Attacked Knight
- NW Knight
- Cornugon))
Lances
Prayer
Glorious Weapons
Rusty and Cy))

Posted by: Cyrus Sat Jun 25, 2005 1:57 am
Rue nods as he recieves his orders, then searches his mind for anything that would aid them in any possible way. Then part of Ivellas's speech hit him. Prayer. Clasping his hands together, he mutters a short ply to Mitula, his voice growing in power as he chants the spell: "Mitula, as we charge into this darkest night, may the blades of our enemies falter as we prevail with your Light!" As he ends his prayer, he feels that his motions came with more grace and power, if only slightly.
[+1 to all damage rolls, saves, attack rolls, and skill checks to all allies, and -1 on same to all foes within a 40' radius.
*cackle*]

Posted by: Kaihaku Sat Jun 25, 2005 2:17 am
Felix nods, sliding away the holy arrow and pulling out the special arrow delegated for the task at hand. His eyes narrowing, he whispered a silent prayer thanking the light for Ivellas's leadership before letting the arrow fly. Felix had flighted better shots but few could surpass this one as it sung through the air towards the Dark Knight to the north.
((Now I get good rolls...
19 + 17 + 1 = 37
Dodge to nearest Shadow Knight.
As full defense as possible after actions.))

Posted by: Rusty Sat Jun 25, 2005 5:05 am
((^_^ Using Glorious Weapons...Nice feat it is.)) *Prestle raises his arms into the air, nodding in response to the commands of his leader. He looks up towards the sky, calling out to the Light amidst the battle. Prestle uses Glorious Weapons!*
: The darkness falls to the might of the Light! May the Light empower our weapons to slay the evil demons before us! May the Light guide us to victory!
*With these words spoken, a white glow encircles Prestle's lance, as well as his allies' weapons, briefly.*
((I get the bonus next round, but you all will have a 2d6 bonus to attacks on all evil demonic creatures. >:D))

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Sat Jun 25, 2005 6:16 am
((MAJOR EDIT: Don't use the Wand, DM. Heal Felix.)) ((Hell... after this round, you better me too...)) "Ivellas... aim true, my friend," Garudaos said silently, hustling after the centaur with his blade low. Even as he moved, the Haste and the Prayer combined left the dragonman feeling as light as Felix.
I have never been one who praised gods, the scaled fighter thought, but at this time, I ask that all those who care for the safety of Rune guide my hand and my blade.
And then, stopping in front of the Shadow Knight, he attacked. The electrified greatsword, edged with holy magic, rose upwards in a diagonal line as if to bisect the dark warrior. Letting his weapon reach its apex, he dragged it back down the way it had come, his intent to utterly rend the already weakened creature to pieces.
((Attack: 1d20 + 14 (+1 from Prayer) = 29
Damage: 2d6 + 1d8 + 9 (+ 2d6 from Glorious) = 18 (+8)
Haste Attack: 1d20 + 14 (+1 from Prayer) = 30
Damage: 2d6 + 1d8 + 9 (+ 2d6 from Glorious) = 21 (+9)
Ehh... don't get me wrong, that's a good roll, but I wanted more. Cause... y'know, it's kinda hard to look good after having the guy next to you deal a total of 172 damage. Damn you, Knight. Damn you and bless you at the same time...
But Bless you until the end of the game... ))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Sun Jun 26, 2005 12:32 am
Myala says nothing to Ivellas, but does nod and rushes to Felix's side. The obviously taller elf leans down and rests her hands on his shoulder. *In Celestial* "Volcanon, God of Fire, please lend me your power to heal this brave warrior's wounds."
As she says this, a glowing nimbus surrounds the priestess. After a few seconds, it surrounds him as well, and begins to mend his wounds. Though not sure they have healed all the way, she is confident that it will get him through this. Though tired and a bit weak, she smiles.
Myala abandons Inflict Serious Wounds and Casts Cure Serious Wounds. Felix regains 31 hit points.

Posted by: Kyosokun Sun Jun 26, 2005 1:46 am
Marcus quickly intones a phrase under his breath before raising his bow, and quickly releasing a pair of Holy arrows into the knight standing before him, hoping that his efforts will help quickly fell the grim being before he could win pass to the bomb.
((Cast Arrows Mind as an immediate action to prevent the AoO for using the bow, then plug 2 holy arrows into the knight
Arrow 1: 1d20(19)+14 = 33
Dam: 1d8(5)+2d6(10)+1+1+1= 18
Arrow 2: 1d20(13)+14 = 27
Dam: 1d8(2)+2d6(8)+1+1+1=13))

Posted by: Critical Mass Sun Jun 26, 2005 5:31 am
((Sorry< just started summer school and a new job< don"t have a lot of time on my hands)) *Thaske grabs a handfull of liccorice root from his component pouch and tosses it in the air< pointing first at Guarudos and then at Gong> A faint nimbus of golden light momentarily surrounds them as the power of the spell partially removes them from the standard flow of time< making their actions seemingly supernaturally fast>*
((Haste on the two of them))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Sun Jun 26, 2005 8:31 am
Already badly wounded by the weapon of the leader of the Tech Knights, the Shadow Knight attacked by Ivellas and Garoudaos falls to their mighty blows, its body consumed by a small maelstrom of fire as it dies. ((Ivellas and Garoudaos take 4 damage each as they are scorched by the flames.))
Daran's multibarreled gun whirs and fires off a barrage of five shots at the closest Shadow Knight.
((Hit, Critical hit, Hit! 110 total damage.))
The shots blaze with white light after being affected by Prestle's action, then slam through the Knight targeted, making several holes clean through the monster.
Solomon attacks, his long arms shooting out toward the nearest Shadow Knight.
((Acting on 'AI script'. Hit! Miss! 21 total damage to Shadow Knight.))
Marcus' arrows bury themselves deep into the armor of the Knight being assaulted by Daran and Solomon.
((Just a note for myself: 44 damage to Shadow Knight.))
The sniper dislocates from his position and moves up, lurking in the shadows as he takes aim and fires off a shot at the flying Cornugon.
((Hit. 15 damage.))
Unfortunately the shot does only minor damage.
Gong nods to the magic users in apprection, then the laconic monk rushes forward towards the battle, stopping short to cast a spell aimed at the lone remaining undead. A number of shining blades of energy materialize and shred apart the last Drowned Eye on the field as Gong calls down the power of Ultimate Blast on the abomination's head. ((Blast level 4... Or as it's known in D&D, Blade Barrier with an instantaneous duration but FF targeting and no save.))
One of the liches casts a cascading stream of dark lightning at the man in black, but the man merely holds up a hand. The lightning vanishes as it touches the man's hand, pulled into it in a minature whirlpool of energy. The man seems revitalized as this happens.
((Spell absorbed and redirected. 28 HP healed.))
The other lich hisses words of power and gestures at Ivellas. A ball of fire streaks from the lich's skeletal hand and explodes as it hits Ivellas.
((Maximized Fireball. 60 damage to Ivellas, Prestle, Marcus, and Gong. Ref save DC 16 for half. Garoudaos is immune to fire and takes no damage. Gong evades and takes no damage.))
The Balor continues to struggle with its bonds.
The northern Cornugon flies back towards the tower, landing next to the man in black to engage him in melee, lashing out with a wicked chain whip and its own fangs.
((Miss, hit, hit, hit, miss. 19 total damage.))
The Shadow Knight next to the man in black slashes the mysterious warrior apart with its massive sword, the blade cleaving through the warrior in a gory shower. Amazingly the warrior has enough life left to speak before he dies.
"Found... you... I failed... but others... There will be no escape," the man horsely threatens, glaring at the three figures floating around the tower, still chanting. Erebeus' mental voice chuckles.
"The ones they send after you will fail as well. So will the ones they send after that. And the ones after that. And we will grow stronger the more you send, for they are just more souls to feed on," Erebeus says from his flight. The man in black grimaces, and dies, his body bursting into silver fire soon after his last words.
------------------
The numbers on Mae and Ken's side of the battlfield have shruken down to the two renowned Shining Warriors and one each of their knights. Ken whirls around to impale Mae's allied knight while Mae throws her Valkyrie at Ken's minion, the magical spear jamming through the enemy soldier and then returning to Mae's hand while the foe crumpled.
:"Alone again together. A proper way for marital disputes to be settled, don't you think?" Ken says with an evil grin as blood drips down his lance and face, a large cut on his forehead. "You think yourself such a grand leader... Had you surrender at the outset, all your men would still be alive."
: "It is time to end this," Mae murmurs as she and Ken circle each other, lone combatants on a once crowded battlefield.
--------
The tear in the sky widens and the wind picks up, howling a battle hymn of anger as it batters the combatants. The tower crackles with even more energy.
"Four minutes to detonation," the bomb calmly announces.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Sun Jun 26, 2005 9:37 am
The Shadow Knight staggered and shifted, its appearance not nearly as menacing by the time the draconic fighter arrived. Ivellas' stunning blow had ripped a huge gash into its side, and thought it seemed to be only a step away from death. Blade shimmering with light, his muscles enhanced by his allies prayer, Garudaos cut clean through the Shadow Knight on the first strike, before doing so again before the creature hit the ground. Unexpectedly, there was a burst of fire which caught both the scaled warrior and the valiant knight besides him, but both seemed to take minimal damage.
And then, out of nowhere, a fiery orb touched down in the midst of the dragonman, the centaur, and the half-giant. The flames burned intensely, but from them Garudaos stepped unharmed, albeit angered.
"Enjoy your time, while it lasts," Garudaos said, pointing his blade at Xadoss as he spoke. "When the other threats are removed, you three will release your foul hold on Lady Anri, before your tyranny is brought to an end once and for all."
((EDIT: Black Tentacle can kiss my scaly ass...))
Just as the dragonman was preparing to move to the next nearest Shadow Knight, however, one of the obsidian tentacles reached up to grab at his throat. He ducked, and in the process moved closer to one which sought to wrap around his torso. Slapping it away with a backhand, the dragonman was caught unawares as a third slithered around his leg and held firm. That momentary distraction was all the rest of the writhing magical extensions needed, and one by one they each grabbed onto his arms and legs.
No... the others need me, Garudaos thought frantically, his struggle more frenzied as the realization of his predicament hit. I'm so close...
Frustrated, the large draconic humanoid let out the first bone-rattling roar since the one he'd made in the same city he'd been forced to infiltrate only a short time before, still struggling even as the black bonds tightened their hold.

Posted by: Critical Mass Sun Jun 26, 2005 9:45 am
Thaske points a finger at Ivellas and utters an incantation< building upon the haste spell Kyuu had placed on him> Ivellas suddenly grows to a larger size< his already considerable frame now becoming quite huge> Thaske then unfurls a scroll and points at Guarudos< whose body quickly fades from view>
((Delay action to after Myala and before Ivellas< cast Enlarge Person on Ivellas< and Greater Invis from scroll on Guarudos))

Posted by: Kaihaku Sun Jun 26, 2005 11:21 am
((I'm leaving today for North Carolina to see my brand new baby niece. If I am unable to get online down there, apply dodge to the greatest threat to Felix and assume that he follows any orders given him. Good fortune.))

Posted by: Rusty Tue Jun 28, 2005 5:45 am
((Save...14+7 = 21. Saved.)) *Dodging the brunt of the lich's fireball, Prestle charges at the nearest Shadow Knight, with hopes to take it down and take it down swiftly.* ((Charge...1d20 + 15 + 1 + 2 = 32...Hit! Damage: (1d8 + 8 + 1)*2 + 2d6 = 39))

Posted by: Kaihaku Tue Jun 28, 2005 6:32 am
Felix chuckles smugly, fitting a holy arrow to his bow, "I make the undead redead..." Erh... I mean.. Felix glances at Myala, a disturbed look on his face as he nods, "Thank you, priestess." The halfling draws the holy arrow once more. His eyes narrowing, he fits it to his bow and sends it flying at the vile undead wizard which he had struck before.
((11 + 18 + 1 = 30 [Attack Roll]
1 + 2 + 4 + 2 = 9 [Damage Roll]
Dice love me, dice hate me, dice love me, dice hate me, dic....
Dodge to the vile hideous disgusting undead wizard of death and destruction who also smells like week old road kill))
The halfling then moves back behind the massive metal bulk that is now Daran.

Posted by: Wandering Dezorian Tue Jun 28, 2005 3:39 pm
((Take out the left-hand litch and we can flank Anri and her defending knight.)) Solomon doesn't say anything, just retracts his hands and jabs them once more at the attacking knight.

Posted by: Dark Maiden Tue Jun 28, 2005 5:35 pm
"You are most welcome." Myala pauses for a moment afterward and notices the disturbed look on his face. There is an awkward silence for a few moments before she speaks again. "Umm, was it something I said?" *Sigh* "You're still mad at me. I can't say I blame you, but- Oh heck, now isn't the time to think about that. We've got a kingdom to save and some demons to kill."
That said, she straitens herself out and looks around, trying to locate anyone close to her that might need some healing.
((Anyone worse off than me in range, or can I heal myself this turn? I'll admit that I have no desire to go down, but losing a healer in this situation is BAD for everyone))

Posted by: Knight_019 Wed Jun 29, 2005 12:05 am
((Wand of Shadow Strike needs used this round. If you definitely need healed Cyrus can cover you. Use it on Garudaos)) ((Reflex: 1d20 + 10 = 8+10 = 18)) *Ivellas narrowly escapes the full brunt of the fireball, but still leaves it a bit worse for wear. Moving toward the knight, he puts away his tower shield, gripping the hilt of his lance with both hands. He notices he begins to grow as Thaske's spell completes, and knows that this blow would certainly count. With all his might, he strikes at the shadow knight.*
((Attack
1d20 + 21 = 31.
Damage
2d6 + 19 = 30 damage.
Now, assuming Solomon also hits))
*Taking advantage of his advanced speed, Ivellas has just enough time to break into a quick, headlong rush at the flying lich. Thanks to his increased size, he is able to reach it with his lance and jams it into the undead creature with a some extra emphasis behind the blow. After slamming the lance into the foul, skeletal creature, Ivellas focuses his attention on the closer shadow knight*
((1d20+23-2 = 9+23-2 = 30
(2d6 + 19 + 2)*3 + 2d6 = (12 + 21)*3 + 4 = 103 damage
Dodge to N shadow knight))
~~
*Knowing the threat the liches possessed, Kyuu proceeded to pull out 3 interlocked steel rings. Moving his hands in arcane gestures, he unleashed a spell the group had not yet seen. Suddenly, the Westernmost lich was surrounded by 3 steel rings that suddenly closed in on it as Kyuu's miniatures disintigrated.*
((Spell slots before:
6/7/7/5/5/1
Bands of Steel on Western Lich.
DC 17 Reflex save or become immobilized. Else, become entangled.
Full round action DC 18 STR check or Escape Artist check to escape if immobilized.
Else, DC 13.
Spell slots after
6/7/7/4/5/1))

Posted by: Cyrus Wed Jun 29, 2005 9:03 pm
Rue once again prays for aid in their fight against evil, bringing Mitula's blessing to all his companions. [Casting Bless.]

Posted by: Dark Maiden Wed Jun 29, 2005 9:08 pm
((I'm not sure what the damned wand does, but I'll move over to use it on whoever I'm supposed to use it on *Is stupid today*))

Posted by: Knight_019 Wed Jun 29, 2005 9:29 pm
((Trust me. It's worth it, and it gets used on Garudaos (slashing weapon required)))

Posted by: Kyosokun Wed Jun 29, 2005 10:12 pm
Seeing the Knight in front of him felled by the combined might of Ivellas and Garudaos, Marcus turns his attention to the remaining Curnugeon. Switfy he sends 2 of his remaining Holy Arrows to the creature, along with a simple normal arrow, hoping they may be enough to fell the beast.
((Arrow 1: total 25
Arrow 2: Total 26
Arrow 3: total 12
Dam1: Total 18
Dam2: Total 10
Sorry for the lack of numbers in my math. I'm doing from work, very quickly and without a CS. >_>))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Wed Jun 29, 2005 10:52 pm
Garoudaos and Prestle are held fast by their allies' spell, much to the amusement of Shailtor, whose shrill laughter echoes across the battlefield. The lich affected by Kyuu's spell manage to shake off the bands, but it takes his action to do so.
((Made the saves. Sorry. At least you forced him to burn a turn.))
Marcus shoots at the remaining Cornugon, dealing a small amount of damage.
Daran fires once with the shoulder bazooka, then wades into melee combat with the Shadow Knight even as Solomon jabs at it once more.
((Solomon hits once, Daran twice, total of 40 damage.))
The remaining Sniper takes a trio of shots at the Cornugon, dealing a fair amount of damage to the beast from the single shot that hit.
((20 damage.))
Between the sniper and Marcus, the demon simply cannot take anymore and spirals down to the ground, disintegrating as it crashes.
The lich too, crumples to the ground, vanishing beneath it's minature Prismatic Sphere as it falls.
The Shadow Knight fighting Solomon and Daran slashes once at Daran and twice at Solomon. He lands a blow on each of them. Daran's Steam Armor lets out a gout of steam and reels back as Daran yells out that he has to exit the armor and effect emergency repairs to get the war machine operational again.
((25 damage to Daran's Steam Armor. 18 damage to Solomon.))
The Shadow Knight facing Ivellas drives his sword through the centaur before reaching out to attack Gong.
((Critical hit on Ivellas, 53 damage. Ivellas is at -8. One hit on Gong for 22 damage.))
Gong ignores his own wounds and reaches over to touch Ivellas, healing power flowing from his hands.
((Heal on Ivellas. Ivellas is back to full HP, but is prone.))
Gong and Ivellas immediately are forced to endure a hellish explosion of flames as a fireballs explodes around them.
((Ivellas takes 19 damage, save already calculated. Gong takes no damage because of Evasion.))

Posted by: Kaihaku Thu Jun 30, 2005 12:52 am
Felix frowned, his store of magical arrows was almost exhausted and drew a shock arrow. Fitting it to his bow, he paused for a moment before moving to the side of Daran and letting it fly towards either the Cornugon (If it lives) or Shadow Knight (If the Cornugon is gone) facing the commander.
((20 + 19 = 48 [Critical Threat]
18 + 19 = 36 [Critical Threat]
6 + 2 + 4 + 2 + 5 + 2 + 1 [Shock] = 22 [Damage Roll x3]
Now...the dice love me... If only it had been my short sword.))

Posted by: Critical Mass Thu Jun 30, 2005 1:09 am
((I"ll fill in the flavor text when I get back from school< but I use my two actions to dismiss the EBTs and cast Freezing Fog over the Balor))

Posted by: Rusty Thu Jun 30, 2005 1:20 am
*After the tentacles release Prestle, he stands firm, regaining his composure, and charges towards the Shadow Knight once more. Prestle ignores the evil, taunting laughter from Shailtor. Aiming carefully, Prestle drives his lance hard into his enemy.*
((Attacking the SE Shadow Knight/closest one to Prestle.
Roll to hit...natural 20! Confirming critical...
1d20 + 15 + 1 + 2 = 35...Critical hit!
Damage:
(1d8 + 8 + 1)*4 = 56
...^_^))

Posted by: Knight_019 Thu Jun 30, 2005 2:38 am
*In a quick turn of unexpected events, the shadow knight's sword came crashing into him, catching him unprepared to receive the blow. As all light faded out from view, Ivellas thought he might be joining his father, after all. As thoughts of catching up with his dad in the afterlife began to permeate his thoughts, and he felt his life force slipping away with his consciousness, a sudden light flashing through his eyes caused him to awaken. At first he thought he would see Elysium, but instead the hell he had begun to leave greeted him yet again, only this time Gong stood over him, as did the shadow knight. With a smile and a thank you, Ivellas quickly regained his standing position with some fudging of his hooves and a push from his arms.*
: Let's clean up this mess, shall we?
*Ivellas' words were slightly echoed with spite, which he felt ashamed of for a moment. But why shouldn't he feel angered by these demons, the strife lords, and the undead that had surrounded him? They had taken friends, family, his own father, and the lives of countless innocents away, and now nearly his own life. He had every right to be angry with them. Not only should he feel anger, he should hate them. The destruction they sow and reap should be recounted upon them a thousand fold.
"But where do these thoughts lead, Ivellas?"
The childhood memories had come back to him in his brush with death. Memories of his father teaching him how to protect himself and playing with him like they were warriors. Ivellas would get angry sometimes. Sometimes because he wasn't doing as well as he felt he could, sometimes because of others, but always his father asked the same question: "Where do these thoughts lead?" The answer was always obvious. Hate was the thing the kingdom stood against. Hate was the thing separating him and his friends from the Strife Lords and demons they were fighting against. His enemies may not necessarily hate the people they ride against, but they hate what they fear. They hate not having power, they hate not having dominion over all. They are selfish, they are cruel, and they are spiteful. These are feelings his father would have never upheld or fought for willingly. His tone of thought and action became more passive in nature. He would fight, yes. Galdius Darkhoof had chided him on being just like what he supposedly fought against long ago, back at the beginning of their career. He knew now what the difference was. Whereas the Strife Lords seek to dominate the lesser folk, Ivellas would stand in their way and protect them. Where the Strife Lords would kill those who were not strong, Ivellas would fight for those who could not fight back. Ivellas' anger had subsided and been redirected. His spite channeled into a greater emotion. The power set behind his lance would not be channeled for the purpose of destroying his enemies. Nay, it would be used as a fostering bulwark set against the tide of evil permeating the land. Gripping his lance tightly, Ivellas struck with all the care for innocents and deadly precision he could.*
((Haste Partial = Move to get up
Full Attack, 2-hand the lance
1, Power Attack 2
1d20 + 22-2 = 10 + 20 = 30 to hit
Damage
1d8 + 21 = 5 + 21 = 26 damage
2, Power Attack 2
1d20 + 15 = 30 to hit
1d8 + 21 = 4 + 21 = 25 damage))
*Kyuu let out a quick gasp as Ivellas went down. Ivellas had gone to great lengths to act as a friend toward him, and all of a sudden it could have been taken away by the very things he had sought so far to stand against. Relief came soon, however, as Gong laid his healing hands upon the gravely wounded centaur, setting him back on his feet not a moment too soon. Noticing the Lich had escaped the bonds Kyuu had set upon it, he huffed and again withdrew three, small, interlinked steel hoops. He raised them in front of his face, gesturing with them, and pulling them taut as they came apart due to the spell's use of the material components. The Lich would have to try its luck escaping yet again.*
((Spell slots before:
6/7/7/4/5/1
Bands of Steel on Lich.
DC 17 Reflex save or become immobilized. Else, become entangled.
Full round action DC 18 STR check or Escape Artist check to escape if immobilized.
Else, DC 13.
Spell slots after
6/7/7/3/5/1))

Posted by: Cyrus Thu Jun 30, 2005 4:13 am
Seeing his leader fall, Rue begins to run his side, chanting and weaving a healing spell as he dashes. As Gong aids him, he stops, relieved, but his senses settle on a new focus...the hideous laughter of Shailtor. Furrowing his brow at the sound, he decides it's about time it stopped. As he completes his spell, he adds in a quick "Shut up," then draws a viel of silence over the tower and hopefully, the inhabitants inside.
[Silence on the tower. Probably do nothing, but I can hope it works.]

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Fri Jul 01, 2005 6:27 am
Panting from the effort, Garudaos again attempted to free himself with a mighty tug - only to find the tentacles had been dispelled. Now free to attack, he wasted no time in assaulting the nearby Shadow Knight's defenses with a pair of blows.
((Attack: 1d20 + 14 (+1 from Prayer & +1 from Bless) = 31
Damage: 2d6 + 1d8 + 9 = 25 (+33 from Shadow Strike)
Haste Attack: 1d20 + 14 (+1 from Prayer & +1 from Bless) = 22
Damage: 2d6 + 1d8 + 9 = 16 ))
The attack landed hard, and in a shower of black the Shadow Strike hit. The shards of shadow criscrossed the creature, shredding it inside and out until it fell. However, the dragonman had stepped just a bit too close, and took the force of the explosion which followed.
((Took 6 damage. But that should be all the Shadow Knights accounted for.))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Fri Jul 01, 2005 6:20 pm
Myala decides that Flexi once again needs healing and reaches out to touch him. Healing energy flows forth from her body to his. His wounds begin to heal and the pain fades away. ((Myala dropped her last spell to cast CSW. Felix got 28 hit points back))

Posted by: Wandering Dezorian Fri Jul 01, 2005 7:27 pm
And Solomon continues his methodical attempt to remove vital sections of the demonic knight facing him. If, by some completely odd coincidence, the demonic knight should fall before Solomon can act, the android will charge the remaining knight, avoiding the sphere 'o colorful death surrounding the lich.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Fri Jul 01, 2005 11:30 pm
Prestle's and Garoudaos attacks fell the Shadow Knight attacking Daran as the tinker exits his vehicle and begins to make swift repairs to the massive armor. ((Craft check:5+17= 22. Steam armor partially repaired. 22 HP restored and fully functional.))
Felix's arrow strikes the remaining Cornugon to serious effect, the arrow piercing to the fletching.
((Thank my dice, for the Lich rolled a '1' for his save.))
The Lich is taken offguard by the steel bands and swiftly immobilized, hanging in midair. Struggling, he cannot break free.
((And another '1' for the STR check.))
The Silence spell has no effect whatsoever.
((And there I got a '19'.))
((Aaand a nat 20 critical for Solomon, which means the following happens.))
Solomon charges, raising his laser arm and discharging a beam that burns the Knight and his Cornugon ally.
((28 damage to both of them.))
The sniper opens fire again, landing two shots to the head that fell the last Cornugon.
((Two criticals in a row. You can't see me, but I'm shaking my fist at all of you behind my screen.))
Thaske's Freezing Fog affects the Balor.
((Rolled a 19 for penetrating SR.))
The last remaining Shadow Knight slashes at Gong, who is hit hard, but simply negates the damage by healing himself with a spell.
((25 damage, healed by a C.C.W.))
The bomb says, "Two minutes remaining."

Posted by: Rusty Sat Jul 02, 2005 11:31 pm
*Prestle heads over towards the remaining Shadow Knight and attacks. However, his exhaustion gets the better of him and he takes a bad step, falling just before he even gets a chance to strike.* ((Roll to hit...1 -_- Confirmation: 2. Critical failure. -_-
Takes 4d6+7 damage due to counter-attack: 19 damage.))

Posted by: Kaihaku Sun Jul 03, 2005 4:23 am
Felix frowns, looking around the battlefield. The remaining Shadow Knight was surrounded, the Queen was close and for a moment he was tempted to try and slide his magic bag over her and carry her away...then he decided to leave the task for larger warriors. Noting the bond Lich, he drew an arrow and let it fly, before following up with his final magical arrow, one of shock.
(Attack 1
11 + 17 = 28
Damage
5 + 2 = 7
Attack 2
9 + 17 = 26
Damage
4 + 2 [Normal] + 5 [Shock] = 11)

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Sun Jul 03, 2005 2:04 pm
((Two can play that game, Kai...) Only a few more to go, Garudaos thought, his thoughts focused on defeating the remaining Shadow Knight. The electrified blade, which he'd heft his blade over his shoulder as he ran, soon raised into the air and came down with a heavy slash. Careful to keep his allies out of the way of his next attack, he dragged the greatsword skyward once more in a vicious cutting arc, even as his centaur ally stumbled and fell.
"Damn, Prestle... you got knocked the hell out..."
Err... rather...
((Attack: 1d20 + 14 (+2 from Prayer & Bless) = 33
Damage: 2d6 + 1d8 + 9= 27
Haste Attack: 1d20 + 14 (+2 from Prayer & Bless) = 26
Damage: 2d6 + 1d8 + 9 = 18
EDIT: Don't mock me, boy. I know that; what you just saw were the dangers of copy + paste. Though it could be worse... I could have tripped. ))

Posted by: Rusty Sun Jul 03, 2005 6:17 pm
((...I'm gonna have to Volt Absorb you, Arc! But seriously. Glorious Weapons wore off. No bonus on that front. Sorry!))

Posted by: Dark Maiden Tue Jul 05, 2005 6:19 pm
((Should I heal again? o.o;; ))

Posted by: Wandering Dezorian Tue Jul 05, 2005 9:07 pm
Seeking to save time, the androids twin arms snake out and seek to grapple the queen. Grappling Anri (at a distance if I can).

Posted by: Dark Maiden Wed Jul 06, 2005 7:17 pm
Myala makes her way towards Prestle to heal him, but cannot get close enough. This being the case, she takes the time to heal herself. ((Myala casts CMW on herself and regains 26 hit points))

Posted by: Knight_019 Wed Jul 06, 2005 9:43 pm
*With no room for toying with the Shadow Knight and a sense that this could all be over soon, Ivellas plunges his lance into this final adversary with a furious series of blows* ((1d20 + 22 = 8 + 22 = 30. 1d8 + 19 = 5 + 19 = 24 damage. 1d29 + 17 = 14 + 17 = 31.
1d8 + 19 = 3 + 19 = 22 damage.
If it's dead after that Ivellas takes his action to tell the others to withdraw. Otherwise Ivellas will attempt to finish the knight off. If Mae can be told to leave due to the explosion without alerting everyone else then it should also be done. Ken should also be spared, since he can be de-brainwashed.
1d20 + 22 = 11 + 22 = 33.
1d8 + 19 = 5 + 19 = 24 damage.))
*The battle was almost within their grasp, and only the lich truly stood in their way. Hopefully he and the others could withdraw quickly from the city. Not wanting the lich to escape, Kyuu felt that it should be dealt with here and now. Raising the Rod of Maximization in front of him, Kyuu weaved the familiar motions to produce a fireball. It burned larger and hotter than normal as it streaked from the tip of the rod and carreened toward the lich*
((Spell slots before:
6/7/7/3/5/1
Maximized Fireball
60 fire damage (90 if the 1.5 is in effect)
Reflex Save DC 17 for half, though with an effective DEX of 0 (-5 DEX mod) and the -1 to saves from prayer, something tells me a snowball might have a better chance getting away from this
Spell slots after
6/7/7/2/5/1))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Jul 07, 2005 10:07 pm
Daran climbs back into his armor as the fireball slams into the right hand lich at full force, causing serious damage to the creature. Followed by Felix's shock arrow, the creature looks, miraculously enough, even closer to death. Meanwhile, the Shadow Knight looks weak after withstanding the combined attacks of its foes. It retaliates by lashing out at Gong, who takes several nasty hits without a word, then retaliates in a dazzling flurry of blows that finishes the job Ivellas started and rends the demonic armor apart.
The lich manages to break free of the bonds, but floats back into his minature prismatic sphere instead of attempting to attack.
The last sniper takes a potshot at the last lich, but misses. He then takes a look at the Crystal Tower, now afire with green energy, and begins running from it, north.
"It is done!!!" Shailtor cries in triumph as Anri finishes casting and falls back, exhausted, easily grappled by Solomon's attack. Magical energies crackle around the tower, wildly swirling and circling around the spire. Bolts of green lightning arc from the tower into the sky, which begins to bulge and shift in a disturbing manner.
"This land will be enveloped into ours and our kind will have it to feast upon always!" Xadoss booms with a sort of malevolent excitement.
"Forty seconds remaining," is all the bomb says in reply, but the Strife Lords seem not to notice, each one wreathed in magical power, laughing in dark ecstasy as their plan comes to fruition.
---------------------
The combatants circled each other warily. Each one was bruised and bloodied, several wounds opened on each, neither at their best after a long and horrible combat. Then the sky began to roil and Ken grinned.
: "You see how the sky whirls???" Ken shouted, raising his arms for a moment to the tortured heavens. "It is coming! The gateway to our promised land! You failed to stop it! My wife, Mae... Soon you will see..." Ken said as he charged suddenly, aiming his lance. Mae began to dodge, then to her surprise, caught her foot on a crack in the pavement and fell over, Ken still barreling at her.
The lance grew nearer and nearer until...
Mae shouted a war cry, drawing on her last vestiges of strength and the willpower that had made her a legendary captain of the Shining Force and later a legendary general. With all her might she threw her chosen weapon, the Valkyrie forward.
The magical spear hit dead on, knocking the lance away as Mae hastily spat the command word for it to return to her hands. It did, magically reappearing just as Ken closed to melee, his lance knocked away. Mae swung the spear around to its butt end and used it like a staff, catching the charging Ken on the jaw with the weapon. The impact caused the already weakened warrior to stagger back, then fall as Mae hastily got to her hooves and whacked Ken across the face with the artifact's supernaturally strong back end. Ken crumpled as Mae panted.
: "I... I never thought I was better than you..." Mae whispered as she embraced her unconscious husband. "You should've told me, you idiot... Let's... Let's get out of here..."
Mae pulled a potion Tao had made in case of Ken going unconscious, or any other centaur for that matter, and drank it. The strength of the bull flooded Mae's muscles and enabled her to drag her led astray husband along as the two limped away from the battlefield.
---------------------
Battle complete! Automatic level up!

Posted by: Wandering Dezorian Thu Jul 07, 2005 10:12 pm
With the queen in his arms and unconcious, Solomon immediately began to sprint away from the tower, his head swirling around on his neck to analyze the energy signatures of the tower. ((Knowledge- whatever you need from me check)) Analyzing the energies, and realizing their similarity to an event he had witnessed long ago...
"A dimensional portal is opening." Solomon comments conversationally in an amplified voice as he runs, only the slightest edge of urgency to his voice. "This bears a remarkable resemblance to the portal that first brought the demons to our world in ancient times."

Posted by: Knight_019 Thu Jul 07, 2005 10:53 pm
*Ivellas lets out a sigh of relief, but not because it was over. Instead it was because they could regroup and because they had put down a great evil... though something told him there was more to come.* : Group! We need to leave now and at full haste! If you think you may be unable to keep up one of us may be able to carry you, myself included and willing to do so. Something tells me sticking around won't be the best idea, and not just because of the bomb.
*Kyuu comes running at full speed near everyone and nearly keeps on going*
: Guuuuuuyyyyys... we need to leave a minute ago!
((Couldn't resist one last time))
: That's one yay, do we need a second?
*For a moment, Ivellas has a thought and turns to Gong.*
: It's best we leave now. Your help is most greatly appreciated, but what do you plan to do? Nothing more that I know can be done, and you can make your escape with us.

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Thu Jul 07, 2005 11:06 pm
: "I intend to return to Alterone and inform them of what I find here. Fare thee well, where ever you fare. I have other things to attend to," the old master monk says in a deep voice.

Posted by: Knight_019 Thu Jul 07, 2005 11:20 pm
*Ivellas nods, and says thanks once more before ushering everyone out of the place where big, nasty demons and a giant explosion are about to occur*

Posted by: Critical Mass Thu Jul 07, 2005 11:46 pm
Recognizing the massive portal for what it is and hearing the warning of the bomb< Thaske turns and runs full speed for the city limits> He wished there was more he could do for his friends< but his casting abilities were near exhausted and he didn"t exactly have the strength to carry anyone else out> He gasps out a prayer as he runs< begging the Light for one last gift of help>

Posted by: Rusty Thu Jul 07, 2005 11:49 pm
*Prestle makes it to his hooves, stumbling a bit from exhaustion and he appears a bit flustered as well after such a sad attempt at an attack. Knowing nothing need be said, Prestle nods to his commander and charges forward, reaching out towards Felix on his way, knowing the halfling isn't quite as quick as he is.*
((Assuming I can, I'll try and carry Felix out, too. I can move 40 ft. while he can only go 20.))

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Fri Jul 08, 2005 12:03 am
The rift in the sky widens, revealing a blood red sky behind it. Lightning crackles all around the storm clouds as the dimensional gate grows larger and larger. "This is it! We have the link, we have this town, we have the POWER!" Xadoss exults. "We have won!"
"Wait..." Erebeus rumbles, coming out of his magic-induced trance/haze. "Where is the Queen? She has the..."
Erebeus' inhuman eyes rest on the bomb attached to the Tower's base.
"NO!" he roars.
The Crystal Tower becomes a beacon of blinding radiance as magical power reaches a peak.
"Detonation commencing," the bomb reports.
A thundering crash and explosion tear apart a large chunk of the Crystal Tower's base, but it fails to fall, leaning on its side.
: "The bomb didn't blow it up! It..." Daran begins to say, but is interrupted.
The blinding arcane power stored in the tower is let free moment after by the explosion. With the tower no longer in its perfect, precise crystalline arrangement, the immense magic spell contained in the spire is released all at once. The titanic force rips apart the magical structure and causing a huge column of light to shoot into the sky before a shockwave spreads over the city, levelling the building closest to it and sending tremors throughout the area.
Everyone is temporarily knocked to their feet and Anri falls from Ivella's back, a pouch on her side opening and letting a black link of chain roll out, away from the group. The link disappears amidst the chaos that is to come, as a massive earthquake hits the city, sending chunks of earth jutting through the ground at some places, opening crevices in the streets in others. The powerful magic even affects the sky, causing it to roil and bend like taffy. Indeed, the entire city begins to act like it was being twisted and mashed as space-time loses any sort of sanity it had.
But just as all hope seems lost, you reach the city wall, and find a large breach you can use to exit the fate-cursed capital.

Posted by: Dark Maiden Fri Jul 08, 2005 12:43 am
((Level up, eh? Ok, here you go * Max HP increases by 6 (now 80) * BAB increases by 1 (now +8/+3) * MAB increases by 1 (now +10/+5) * RAB increases by 1 (now +12/+7)
* Concentration skill increases by 4 (now 14)
I think that's all...))

Posted by: Wandering Dezorian Fri Jul 08, 2005 12:43 am
Solomon swipes at the link as it drops, but misses, and for the slightest moment, considers running after it into the maelstrom. But the probability of survival is slim, and he still carries the Queen. Survival of the race, survival of the individual, survival of himself, and only then could he consider his own course.
So instead, Solomon follows the team as they find a large breach they can use to exit the fate-cursed capital.

Posted by: Arcdragnbreth Fri Jul 08, 2005 1:34 am
Tossed from side to side in the rumbling chaos left in the wake of the destroyed tower, Garudoas barely kept his footing as he stumbled after the group. So much destruction... what would have become of the world, had those three succeeded? What else, besides those fearsome dark knights awaited the unfortunate on the other-
The ground underneath the dragonman roiled and sqirmed, dragging his attention away from the waking nightmares invading his thoughts. Albeit still worried at the thought of what else might lay in store for them all, his focur returned to escaping the crumblingb city alive.
EDIT: Level-up time...

CODE
Name: Garudaos Race: Dragoon (dragonman - half Gold Dragon, half Human) Class: Level 7 Fighter Alignment: Neutral Good Size: Medium
Age: 19
Gender: Male
Height: 5'7"
Weight: 184 lbs
Eyes: Blue
Hair: None
Skin: Gold scales
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
HP: 67
AC: 23
INIT: 3
FORT: 9
REF: 6
WILL: 4
Base Attack Bonus: +7 / +2
HD: d12
Base Movement: 30
== Abilities ==
STR: 24 (+7)
DEX: 16 (+3)
CON: 18 (+4)
INT: 19 (+4)
WIS: 15 (+2)
CHA: 15 (+2)
== Skills ==
Climb + 6
Diplomacy + 10
Escape Artist + 10
Jump + 5
Swim + 5
== Feats ==
* Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Bastard Sword)
* Weapon Focus (Bastard Sword)
** Power Attack
*** Cleave
**** Great Cleave
***** Dodge
== Weapons ==
<e> Shocking Greatsword of Wounding, Undeadbane(2d6, crit 19-20/x2; +2, 4 against undead; 1d8 elec damage)
<> Bastard Sword (1d10, crit. 19-20/x2 )
<> Shortbow (1d6, crit. x3)
== Armor ==
<e> Breastplate (AC + 5, MAXDEX + 3, CHKPEN - 4)
<> Scale Mail (AC + 4, MAXDEX + 3, CHKPEN - 4)
== Shield ==
<e> Large Wooden Shield (AC + 2, CHKPEN - 2)
== Natural ==
Darkvision (60ft)
Natural Armor (+4)
Bite (1d6 damage)
Claw (1d4 damage)
Breath (30 foot long Cone of Fire, 6d10 damage, useable once a day)

Posted by: Rusty Fri Jul 08, 2005 2:51 am
((Weeee! ))

Posted by: Kaihaku Fri Jul 08, 2005 4:28 pm
A simple halfling, nothing but a woodsman, listened to the call to retreat and instead notched an arrow to his bow and leveled it at the foul beings high above, "Long live the queen..." His eyes narrowed with hate for the first time as he prepared to release the arrow at the vile creatures that had caused so much misery.
However, it was not to be, as the brave knight Prestle swipes by and with one hand scoups the halfling onto his back. Felix blinks, then takes a deep breath, "Well...guess I'm not meant to die today after all..." As Prestle races through the city, reality warping around him, Felix slides his bow away and remains silent.
When the blast comes, Felix is thrown forward by the force, however he rolls into a kneeling position smoothly. Slowly standing, he looks at Prestle, "Are you alright, milord?" Then the halfling looks forward, a distant expression on his face, "Where do we go from here?"
[Tumble: 17 + 5 = 22]

CODE
Name: Felix Dale Race: Halfling Class: Fighter Lv. 11 Age: 21 Height: 2'7"
Weight: 57 lb.
Hair: Dark Brown
Eyes: Dark Green
Exp: 38,295+
12 STR + 1
20 DEX +5
14 CON + 2
10 INT +0
14 WIS + 2
10 CHA + 0
HP: 102
AC: 10 + Armor + Shield + Dex + Size + Misc : 10 + 5 + 3 + 5(-1) + 4 + 0 = 27
Initiative: +5
Speed: 20 ft
Base Attack: +11/+6/+1
Melee: +12/ +7/+2
Ranged: +16/+11/+6
Fort: 7 + 2 = +9
Reflex: 5 + 5 = +10
Will: 5 + 2 = +7
Weapons:
Dancing Short Sword of Construct Bane + 1: (+19/+14/+9, 1d6 + 5, 17-20 : x2)
1d6 + 3, x2 critical, piercing
Short Sword: (+17/+12/+7, 1d6 + 3, 17-20 : x2)
1d6 + 1, x2 critical, piercing
Magical Short Bow +2 (+18/+13/+8, 1d6+2, 20 : x3)
1d6+2, x3 critical, piercing
Armor:
Chain Skirt +1: + 5 AC, Max Dex + 4, Armor Check - 4, ASF 25%, Speed 20, 30 lb
Buckler +1: +2 AC, - - - - - -, Armor Check - 1, ASF 5%, - - - - - - -, 5 lb
Buckler +1: +2 AC, - - - - - -, Armor Check - 1, ASF 5%, - - - - - - -, 5 lb
Gear:
Woodman's Clothes
Amulet(Crystal)
Quiver - Arrows (25) - Shock (0) - Holy (0) - Demon Slaying (0)
Bag of Holding (Type 3)
Money:
GP: 515
SP: 32
CP: 14
Skills: (2 + Int per level)
Climb STR: 10+ 1 = 11
Handle Animal: 2 + 0 = 2
Jump STR: 11 + 1 = 12
Special Abilities:
Fighter:
Extra Feats( Six )
Halfling:
+ 2 Saves Vs. Fear
Feats:
Blind-Fight
Dodge
Weapon Finesse(Short Sword)
Weapon Focus(Short Sword)
Weapon Specialization(Short Sword)
Point Blank Shot
Mobility
Spring Attack
Quick Draw
Improved Critical (Short Sword)
Power Attack
Spells: None

Posted by: Knight_019 Fri Jul 08, 2005 9:42 pm
(("Ivellas can be promoted to the a fighting class. Ivellas can be promoted to PLDN. Do you accept" "I have no clue who you are, but it sounds good" "The light blesses KNTE Ivellas with the class of PLDN!" IVELLS BECOMES LEVEL 11! HP INCREASE BY 15!
JUMP INCREASES +2!
FORT INCREASES +2!
WILL INCREASES +2!
IVELLAS LEARNS THE FEAT TRAMPLE!
IVELLAS LEARNS THE FEAT SHOCK TROOPER!
IVELLAS GAINS THE ABILITY HEAVY LANCE BONUS +1!
IVELLAS GAINS THE ABILITY JAVELIN CHARGE!
"Kyuu can be promoted to the a fighting class. Ivellas can be promoted to FRSV."
"... Does this mean I get to burn things good? If so, I'm so in."
"The light blesses MAGE Kyuu with the class of FRSV!"
KYUU BECOMES LEVEL 11!
HP INCREASE BY 3!
CONCENTRATION INCREASES +1!
KNOWLEDGE (ARCANA) INCREASES +1!
KNOWLEDGE (THE PLANES) INCREASES +1!
SPELLCRAFT INCREASES +1!
KYUU GAINS THE ABILITY FIRE SPECIALTY!
KYUU GAINS THE ABILITY FIRE RESISTANCE 5!
KYUU LEARNS THE SPELL SCORCHING RAY!
KYUU LEARNS THE SPELL BOLT!
KYUU LEARNS THE SPELL POLYMORPH!
KYUU LEARNS THE SPELL TELEPORT!))
*They had made it beyond the city. Ivellas looked around eyeing up the destruction around. So much had happened. So much time had elapsed since their first duty guarding the city from goblins and other wild, uncivilized invaders. They had seen the wonders of the ancients, fought legends, unwittingly aided in and stood against treason, both fought and saved the queen, and here they stood. Ivellas looked for a moment, saw a small piece of the tower the size of his normal-sized fist, and knelt down to pick it up. Still enlarged by Thaske's spell his voice should carry more easily to everyone around*
: Everyone gather around...
You've all done well for some of Guardiana's newest recruits. *Ivellas smiled* You all very well may have prevented the destruction of all of Rune itself. I'd love to tell you that you're all on extended leave for the time being, but you all know that there's no time to rest just yet. We need to prepare for the future and secure what little peace and goodness we can before the Strife Lords can begin again and wipe it out with another tower. We should regroup in Alterone with whatever forces are remaining and plan our next moves, as they'll be most crucial.
All of you... I'm proud of you
*With that, Ivellas looks off into the distance, looking as if trying he is trying to see what the future may hold.*

Posted by: TheUnknownMarine Fri Jul 08, 2005 10:12 pm
((I am not recording these last level ups. It is up to all of you to keep these records until you meet these fine fellows again.)) Ending Music: http://magic19.homestead.com/files/29Ending2.mp3 The heroes move on, away from the terrible storm engulfing the city, their precious passenger secured for the moment.
However, although a terrible blow has been struck against the forces of darkness, troubling questions remain... What exactly ARE the Strife Lords? What is this mysterious Link they seek? Why are devils and demons, traditional rivals, doing working together? What is behind this "Drowned Eye", the arisen Ancient undead?
And what is going on in the other parts of the world as this calamity strikes Rune?
The heroes prepare themselves, for they know that though the battle is won, the war has only begun...
But for now, they've earned their respite.
The tattered remains of General Mae's army limps from the decimated capital, their leader bearing the unconscious body of her ensorcelled husband.
The strike team of the mysterious 'Tech Knights' was annhiliated to the last man, but their lives ensured the destruction of the Tower, their powerful explosive being the thing that the heroes needed to ensure victory. Their spirits at least, may rest in peace.
As for the third faction that attempted to intervene, there is no trace save for the bodies and broken equipment that were near annhiliated by the explosion of the tower. Some of the heroes know they saw at least one soldier from this group survive and leave the area... but little else is known.
But the future is always willing to reveal its secrets to those who are patient.
Credits:
Mapping and Battle Design: TheUnknownMarine
Game Design and NPC Design: TheUnknownMarine
Rules Adaptation: TheUnknownMarine, Knight_019
World Adaptation: TheUnknownMarine
Rules Tutoring and General Aid: Knight_019
Music Ripped by Grom.
Music Hosted by Shining Series Music Collection
Maps and Secondary Music Hosted by: Arcdragnbreth, Kaihaku, Knight_019, Rusty.
Cast:
Ivellas: Knight_019
Kyuu: Darkfox and Knight_019
Daran: TheUnknown Marine
Myala: Dark Maiden
Prestle: Rusty
Thaske: Critical Mass
Felix: Kaihaku
Solomon: Wandering Dezorian
Rue: Cyrus
Marcus: Kyosokun
Garoudaos: Arcdragnbreth
Thank you for playing.
The End.
Music: http://perso.club-internet.fr/beaugran/cd/sf1_ost/03%20-%20Simone%27s%20Theme.mp3
Simone: "That's the end of part one..."
Simone: "Thanks for reading with me so far! I hope you enjoyed it! Now... To begin part two..."
Loading Screen: http://magic19.homestead.com/files/discmusic.mp3

Posted by: Rusty Fri Jul 08, 2005 10:30 pm
((Great game))

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