Lunar: Middleground IRC RPG Session 6
Session Start: Sat Jul 13 19:43:31 1996
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Cast of Characters:
Hahn as "Gamemaster, Azura, Woman, Man, Guide, Clerk, Dealer, Armorer,
Jean, Clown"
Dragonmaster Lou as "Lou"
Dragonmaster Blake as "Ebony"
Ronfar as "Davis"
Nall as "Bulix"
Luna as "Isis" (Hahn as ~Isis)
Vecna as "Eomar"
Kenshiro as "Thesian"
Miko as "Miko"
Iceberg as "Iceberg, Rockefeller"
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---The cool rain continues to fall steadily, washing over all of you
with a clean coolness.---
* Ebony lays on his back with his mouth open.
* Eomar suddenly comes alive, as if he hasn't been paying attention...
---After the initial shock of reappearing through transfer magic, you
notice a pair of picnicers about 100 yards away, swiftly packing
up their things to avoid the falling rain.---
* Iceberg enjoys the cool rain while looking at the picnicers with
curiosity..
* Miko is still confused and shaken. "Ebony? Where are we? What
happened to the cave?"
* Ebony is busy drinking. "I don't know, but there's water!" Ebony
wishes he had a funnel...
* Miko looks around and notices the picnicers fleeing... She turns
and looks about for Davis. "Davis? What happened to the cave? I
don't remember."
Davis: "Miko, I don't know. I wish I did."
* Davis looks for a tree to stand under so he doesn't get drenched.
* Ebony stops drinking and thinks, "Miko... Azura... You two all
right?"
---The picnicers climb into a nearby horse wagon.---
* Miko hurries to catch up with the picnicers. "Wait! Wait! Don't go!"
* Ebony looks around. "Miko, don't run off!" He hurries after Miko.
* Eomar, with an overwhelmingly lost look on his face, lemmings.
Iceberg: "Hey, men! Where are you going!?"
---A woman turns to the group.---
Woman: "Hey! Where did you guys come from? You're gonna get soaked!"---
* Davis looks around for who spoke.
* Ebony skids to a stop at Miko's feet.
* Miko asks the woman, "What is this place? Is this the... Frontier?"
Woman: "Hey! Where on earth... well, come on! Hop on our carriage!"
Ebony: "Earth?"
Iceberg: "Well, a dry carriage is better than a wet spring in
who-knows-where..."
* Davis goes to the carriage
* Miko looks toward the nearby thicket of trees and back to the
carriage... She seems reluctant to head into the carriage but
follows Davis...
* Davis is getting on the carriage.
* Ebony looks around for Azura. "Azura?"
Woman: "Where are y'all headed?"
* Iceberg saying to the kind woman who let us go with her, "Meribia
sounds good for you?"
* Miko says to the woman. "Can you take us to..." She looks at Davis.
"Davis? Where are we going? Meribia? Vane? Which is closer to my
village?"
Davis: "Meribia, I believe."
Woman: "Well, we're heading to Pao. There's caravans there that can
take you anywhere in the world. Hop on, we'll give you a ride! I
think this rain is increasing..."
Iceberg: "Pao!! Wow, we could met Great heroes Tempest and Fresca!"
* Eomar comments, "Pao, interesting. Pao is a place of great magic
and history."
* Miko looks for Ebony and Azura.
* Ebony is not in the carriage, looking around for his 'sister'.
"Points, where's Azura?"
* Miko steps once again out into the rain, looking about. "Ebony,
where is Azura?"
Ebony: "Miko... I don't see her."
* Ebony starts to look worried, calls her name louder.
* Iceberg begins to look worried too... "Isn't Azura with us,
Thesian?"
* Azura shakes herself dry and reappears from a nearby thicket.
"Wait for me!"
* Ebony sighs. "Don't DO that!"
Azura: "Well, I can't go on all wet, can I?"
* Miko waits for Azura before climbing back onto the carriage.
* Ebony hops in after Miko.
* Eomar lemmings Miko.
---The woman and her husband usher the group into the roomy rear of the
carriage.---
Ebony: "Miko... where are we?"
* Miko seats herself in the roomy end of the carriage. "Ebony, I don't
know. The woman never answered me..."
* Ebony hops into Miko's lap and looks out a window. "It's pretty."
Woman: "So where d'yeach plan on goin' once you get a caravan?"
Iceberg: "I have to go to Vane and find out what happened with the
flying citadel! Rizmol..." (sob)
Davis: "Well, me and her (points to Miko) were headed to Meribia. I'm
not sure where everyone else is going."
* Ebony puts in, "I'm staying with Miko."
* Bulix just shrugs in response to the question.
Ebony: "I though we were going to stay together. All for one, and all
that stuff..."
Woman: "Meribia? That's quite a stretch! Is that where you're all
goin'?"
* Miko replies to the woman. "How far is Meribia? Can we get there
tonight?"
* Davis turns to Miko. "I doubt it. Meribia's too far away."
* Eomar suddenly takes off his shoes and starts clipping his toenails!!
Iceberg: "Woman, how far is Pao from here, and how are things in this
part of the world?"
Woman: "Things? Well, they're all right I guess, 'cept for some big
hooplah about the world's magic going all screwy or something."
Ebony: "Screwy?"
Miko: "Magic is going 'screwy'? Is that why everyone seems to be
able to do magic by will alone, with as little effort as breathing?
I keep wondering about that..."
Ebony: "Little effort?"
Davis: "Miko, it isn't no little effort for me."
* Miko looks at Ebony and Davis, but keeps her thoughts to herself...
---The woman turns to Miko.---
Woman: "Yeah, I don't know much about it. All the elders in Pao
are raising a ruckus, though."
Ebony: "Maybe we should talk to those elders before separating..."
* Iceberg hopes our magic would be alright, by the moment...
Ebony: "We needa find out what happened to Vane."
Woman: "Vane, eh? Who are all you folks?"
Iceberg: "Kind woman, we are a party of adventurers who come from
Vane, Meribia and Saith..."
Ebony: "...And who-knows-where..."
* Miko introduces herself to the woman. "My name is Miko. I come from
a small village near Meribia."
* Ebony chips in, "Ebony!"
Iceberg: "The name's Iceberg, student under master Rizmol in Vane, and
yours, woman from Pao?"
---The horses pick up in a canter and head down the road.---
Woman: "Well, once we drop you off in Pao, you can get a caravan to
wherever you need to go."
* Ebony wonders what a caravan is... He wonders if it's like a
mini-van...
Woman: "Yeah. You folks do have plenty of money to rent out a car for
y'all, don't you?"
Man: "Pipe down, dear. These folks don't want to hear your blabbing."
* Ebony mutters, "Hey, telling strangers how much money you have isn't
always smart!"
* Miko moves to the rear of the carriage and silently stares out the
opening in the back.
* Ebony watches Miko.
* Davis watches the humor go around.
* Ebony walks to the back and sits on a chair near Miko, watches her
quietly, wondering if somethings wrong.
Iceberg: "Woman, what do you call plenty of money? 123 silver?"
Woman: "Dear me, ho ho! No, funny little animal, a caravan car costs
in the neighborhood of 1000 silver. You can fit about 10 people in
it if you try real hard, though."
Iceberg: "If we want to know how much is a caravan... 1000S!!! How's
that in Spitter Bats killed? Woman, you haven't told us your name.
How could we get some silver in Pao? Is it any problem or hard work
we could do?""
* Ebony misses the "funny little animal" comment since he's in the
back with Miko now.
* Miko looks at Ebony and smiles. She looks outside once again. "Ebony,
I can't believe we're almost home. Even here, it's beautiful. If
there's one thing that I've learned on this journey, it's that the
world is far bigger than I've ever imagined."
Davis: "Yes, Miko. It is fairly big."
Ebony: "Yes, I've noticed that too, Miko. It can be a scary place,
too." Ebony looks at Miko, then out the window. "...But it can also
be nice."
* Miko nods to Ebony and Davis and continues to look outside.
* Ebony stands on his hind legs and puts his fore legs on the window
and watches the road go by.
---The carriage approaches a small cavern dug into the flat ground
ahead. The carriage slows down as it enters the dark tunnel. The
carriage enters a dark cave. There is a wooden drawbridge extending
over a deep, dark chasm.---
* Ebony mutters, "Geeze, Just how many caves are there?"
Davis: "More than you've been to, Ebony. At least, I think."
---The carriage stops as a man steps forward and speaks quietly to the
man in the carriage. The man shows the soldier a parchment.---
* Miko looks out at the soldier and wonders why he stopped them...
Eomar: "Okay, who has any ideas on how in the world we're going to get
1000s?"
Ebony: "Why do we need to buy a car anyways? We've been doing fine
on foot so far."
Emoar: "Ebony, that's easy for you to say, you FLY."
Ebony: "You think flapping is easy?"
---The soldier nods to him and the carriage begins to move again.
The horses' hooves make a loud noise as they canter across the
wooden bridge. Eventually, the horses reach an incline and
daylight once again shines ahead. The horses resurface. Before
you, you can see a vast, open field. The plains appear to stretch
on forever, being lightly drenched in the rain. The rain appears to
be decreasing a bit... The plains are almost as vast as the deserts
of the frontier, except that these fields appear green and
healthy.---
* Ebony looks back out the windows. "This is a lot of space."
* Davis begins to look out the window.
* Miko is with Ebony, staring out across the plains, looking for 'Pao'.
* Iceberg is looking for the village of Pao anxiously, as maybe the
heroes from legends would be near...
* Eomar is eager to get to Pao. He's heard a lot about it. So close
to the frontier, Miriage water, Inca gods.. there must be a strong
magical presence there."
---A small cluster of huts is seen ahead. The carriage slows as it
nears this small town.---
Ebony: "Is that Pao?"
Woman: "Yep, there's are big hometown! S'posed to be a big happy party
tonight or something."
Ebony: "Finally, a town that isn't being plagued by troubles."
Iceberg: "Pao houses are cute, don't ya think? That big one has to
be the one from Tempest and Fresca!"
Ebony: "Who and who?"
Iceberg: "Ebony, friends of Dragonmaster Alex..."
Ebony: "Oh, that guy. I heard about him. He did something big,
right?"
* Iceberg will tell you some stories about Lunar in next campfire at
night... So anyone would know about our history.
---The carriage stops at the entrance.---
Woman: "Well, this is the end of our bargain. Me and the big man
have some important stuff to do today. I wish you people luck in
wherever you're goin'!"
* Ebony hops to Miko's shoulder with a flap of his wings. "Thanks,
lady."
* Davis disembarks from the carriage. "Thanks, you kind people."
* Miko thanks the woman and hops out of the carriage.
* Iceberg jumps over the grass, feeling the fresh air on his face.
---The man gives a command to the horses and the carriage quickly
slips into the cluster of huts.---
* Ebony hopes Azura got out the carriage.
* Eomar looks around for some shops or something...
Iceberg: "May we go in the town and introduce ourselves to the chief?"
Azura: "Hmm... this is Pao. We should be able to get a caravan car
here. We should go book one as soon as possible."
Davis: "Agreed, Azura."
Ebony: "Azura, we don't have the silver."
Iceberg: "Azura, have you got a "Make money" skill on level 10?"
Azura: "Well, I'm sick of having to drag you guys around by the ears.
You're so pathetic, all of you! Just go find some silver, then."
Iceberg: "Now the blue cat would ask about what is silver..."
* Azura flutters around happily.
Bulix: "How are we supposed to just find some silver? Kick rocks around
until we find some hidden there? Geez.."
Eomar: (With sarcasm) "Ah yes, the ground is just covered in silver.
Can't you see it?"
* Bulix gets a puzzled expression on his face, kicks a small rock,
looks where is was, and breathes a sigh of relief.
Ebony: "Listen, why don't we ask the elder guys if we can do SOMETHING
ELSE to get a ride? And ask about what's wrong with the magic, too."
Iceberg: "As I said, let's meet Tempest and Fresca, chiefs of Pao
village.."
Ebony: "We needa get an update about the "screwy magic" buisness."
Davis: "Well, I guess you've got an idea, Ebony. I sure don't."
Azura: "Well, I'm sure there's some way to score some silver around
here. Let's go over to there to those mercantile huts."
* Miko walks happily after Azura. "Come on, Ebony. Let's go look
around."
* Ebony stays with Miko. "Wow, new equipment? Let's go see what they
are selling."
* Davis follows Ebony.
* Bulix looks confused. "I thought we needed more silver, not to
spend it?"
* Eomar agress. "We need to GET silver, not spend it."
* Ebony says logically, "If we are going to make more money, we
need to be as prepared as we can be."
Iceberg: "Bulix, this is just an investment of silver... Silver
produces silver, if spent correctly."
* Bulix turns to Iceberg. "Silver produce silver? That must be an..
intersting sight to see.. I think."
* Eomar chuckles. "Silver has sex?"
---Rockefeller shows up.---
Rockefeller: "Yes, Bulix! Inside banks, silver produce silver!
You'll see!!"
---Rockefeller disappears... ---
Bulix: "Oh, so Silver tends to only do.. um.. 'it' in the privacy
of a bank?"
---There is a friendly-looking man near the market area.---
Guide: "You look like travelers. Can I help you folks? I'm a civic
guide."
Ebony: "Sure, if you guide us for free."
Iceberg: "Hi, man! We are looking for a way to get money quick
and easy... well, with some monsters, I guess.."
Eomar: "Are there any .. big jobs available? That we might be able
to get a large reward or treasure for?
Guide: "Well, I must say this is an unusal town. The only real jobs
around here are rather... unreputable. Nothing here can get you
quick silver around here quite like the bounty office, sorry to
say."
Eomar: "Well, I think we've got a pretty substantial party here.
Why not see if there are any bounties available?"
Iceberg: "Bounties! Like pursuing bad guys and taking them to the town
and then earn the reward..."
Guide: "Well, if you really want to engage in bounites, I can lead you
to the office."
* Miko would rather eat and rest than make 'silver'. She looks around
the village and wanders off...
Davis: "Where did Miko go?"
* Davis looks around for her.
Ebony: "Hey, you think you could take us to the leaders of this little
village?"
Guide: "The chieftain Tempest is busy preparing for tonights
festivities. I'm afraid he can't help you."
* Ebony thinks, "How about a place to rest before we get into any more
fights?"
Davis: "Good call, Ebony."
Guide: "You need rest? I can take a detour and lead you to the town's
Althena Statue on the way, if you like."
Ebony: "Althena's statue? Um... sure, lead on."
Eomar: "Yes, that'd be nice. Take us to the Statue and then to the
bounty office."
Iceberg: "Well, all agree, first some place to rest and then the
bounties."
---The guide walks down the pathway.---
* Ebony mutters, "You can't eat a statue..."
* Eomar mutters "Ebony, how much could you possibly eat? Find
yourself a grasshopper or something..."
Ebony: "Hey, you can eat bugs if you want."
* Davis follows the guide.
* Miko follows the guide.
* Ebony is on Miko's shoulder, therefore, goes along.
* Iceberg follows the party, a prayer in his mouth to Althena to
thank her for our healing and rest...
---Many huts and stalls goat you on to buy their wares. Some of
them have strange appearances and/or odors.---
* Ebony looks for some weapons and armor.
Guide: "When you're done with your bounty business, perhaps you
could visit one of our fine market establishments!"
Miko: "Ebony, look. There's a pond in the center of the village.
Maybe there are fish in it."
Ebony: "Fish! Um guys... Do you need me for this bounty thing?"
Iceberg: "Sure! Ebony! We need you and your magic, and Miko would be
worried if you aren't with us... You should protect her and Azura."
Davis: "After all Ebony, you did kill that thing."
* Ebony looks proud of himself. "Oh, of course I'll come along. I mean
to sign up or whatever. I needa eat something before saving the
world again."
Guide: "Actually, this town has been going to pot recently. It's become
too touristy. Travelers from all over come here. We're beginning to
lose our sense of authenticity."
Miko: "Touristy"?
---The guide eventually arrives at a small fountain, gushing crystal
blue water and a beautiful marble statue of the Goddess Althena
nearby.---
* Ebony flies over and lands on Althena's head.
* Miko is sitting on the edge of the fountain, making waves in the
water...
Iceberg: "I'll pick some water from the fountain for some holy cure."
Ebony: "Nothing to hold it in, Ice."
Iceberg: "Hey! We have five bottles of water bought in Marke! Some
of those are empty, I'm sure..."
Ebony: "We only bought one, and Thesian has it."
Iceberg: "Are there any fishes in the fountain?"
---There are no fish in the fountain.---
Guide: "Rest here as long as you like, then I can take you the
bounty office. It's so sad that's the only way to make money
anymore...."
Ebony: "I'll meet you at the bounty place... I'm going to look
for fish. Wanna come, Miko?"
Miko: "Ebony, I'm staying with you and Azura."
* Ebony grins. "I'm sure she wants fish, too. C'mon, you two. I trust
you guys can handle the bounty office without me."
* Miko stands up and follows Ebony.
* Ebony flutters off to the pond.
Iceberg: "Well, let's continue... Althena, thanks for the presents..."
* Bulix looks down at the 'flame fist' he's wearing on his hand. "Yeah,
thanks a lot." Bulix grins.
Lou: "So, when do we get to kick Vile Tribe butt?"
Eomar: "Well, let's head down to the bounty office..."
Guide: "Now, are you sure you want to associate with something like
a bounty office? Money isn't everything, you know."
Eomar: "Well, in our case, money is everything."
Guide: "Well, I can take you to the bounty office now. Ready?"
* Iceberg hasn't ever been in a bounty office. "I feel thrilled by
the idea."
* Eomar is ready to go to the bounty office..
Iceberg: "Guide, take us there..."
---The guide walks down a different path.---
* Ebony lands on the edge of the pond and looks into the water.
* Miko kneels at the edge of the water and looks into it. "Ebony, I
don't see any fish here, either..."
* Ebony sighs and sits at the edge. "Yeah. Last thing I ate was
that... stuff at Ilsi's."
Miko: "Ebony, I didn't want to go with them to the 'bounty office',
either. It's not right to deliberately inflict harm just for silver,
is it? Is that what they're talking about doing? Can't we just stay
here until they get back?"
Ebony: "Miko... it's not hurting... it's capturing bad people and
putting them in jail. People like... Fourballs."
Miko: "Oh... Okay, Ebony. I suppose I understand..."
* Ebony looks into the water. "Miko, I don't like all this violence
either. I wish I could just stay with you... and we could relax...
but right now the world needs us to put forth a little effort."
* Ebony pushes Azura in the water.
Miko: "Ebony, it's just that the 'Old Powers' are so rare... I don't
feel right using them for violence, and death, and... Well, all the
things I've been using them for."
* Ebony looks up at her. "Old powers?"
* Miko looks at Ebony suddenly and then appears as if she said
something she didn't mean to... "Well, you know what I mean, Ebony."
Ebony: "Magic?"
Miko: "Ebony, yes. Magic."
* Ebony puts a paw in the water and makes ripples. "You shouldn't think
of it as hurting, Miko. Think of the people we are helping."
Miko: "Ebony, you are so much wiser than me. You're right, of course.
Things just aren't as simple as they were back in the Forest..."
* Ebony smiles. "Wise? Me? I guess I'm just not as nice a person."
Miko: "Ebony, yes, and you have been nicer to me than anyone! Don't
be so hard on yourself."
* Ebony continues making ripples in the water. "You... you've changed
me, Miko."
Miko: "Ebony, you've taught me so much. All of this hardship has
made me forget what's really important... What I really set out to
accomplish... Thank you."
* Miko stands up and prepares to catch up with the others on their way
to the 'bounty office', inspired by Ebony's words.
Ebony: "Miko... Do you remember anything from the cave?"
* Miko talks to Ebony while walking to the 'office'. "Ebony, I... I...
The last thing I saw in the cave was... my... um... and, and then
we were here in this place. I guess I thought I had died."
* Ebony pads alongside of Miko. "Miko?"
Miko: "Ebony, I still don't know how we even got here... What do you
mean? What happened to you in the cave?"
Ebony: "...But... I remember saying... Do you remember talking?"
* Miko is trying to remember the cave. She shakes her head. "Ebony, I
can't remember much of anything... I'm sorry."
Ebony: "Um... Okay, Miko."
* Ebony hops to Miko's shoulder. He remembers saying it, and he still
feels it.
* Miko and Ebony catch up to the others.
Iceberg: "Miko, Davis, should we go buying some food? I am very
hungry.. A little fish too, Ebony."
* Davis is going to go to the bounty office after eating.
---The guide eventually leads you to a large tent.---
Guide: "This is where the bounties are registered. This is where you
can come if you need some quick, dirty money."
Bulix: "Dirty money? Dirty money?"
* Ebony smacks Bulix for saying stuff like that when he just convinced
Miko to come along.
* Bulix looks confused after being hit by the cat. "Hey.. um..?"
Miko: "'Dirty' money? Why would we want 'Dirty' money?"
Eomar: "Don't worry, Miko. I have some cloth. We can clean up the
money.. "
Guide: "Are you people all right? I have some other business to
attend to."
* Miko says to the Guide, "Thank you, sir. I'm fine."
Azura: "Come on, guys. We can score some quick cash here."
---As you approach the office, you see a woman exit.---
Isis: "Stupid tourists.. Taking all my money.."
* Miko is watching the woman, who is the second person today to use
the word 'tourist'.
* Eomar glances over Isis and smiles...
Isis: "What're you smiling at?"
Eomar: "Ah... er, nothing. Just thinking of money. Yeah, that's it."
* Davis notes Eomar always thinks about money.
* Eomar chuckles at Isis. "Where are you going?"
Isis: "Out..."
* Eomar enters the office.
---The clerk turns up to the group.---
Clerk: "Ah! Travelers, what brings you here? Can I help you guys
with something?"
Ebony: "Yeah, what do you have for 1000 or more silver?"
* The clerk stares strangely at Ebony. "Hmm... interesting.. Um...
What do you mean 'what do I have'? These clothes cost me 3 silver."
* Ebony chokes off an insult. "Jobs... We need to earn some silver
quickly."
Clerk: "Jobs? Sorry, little one. It's been a slow day and that lady
you saw walk out took my last one. It's a 2k job. Perhaps you could
split it with her? Then you would have 1000. That's enough for a
caravan car, right? You better hurry if you want to catch her, but
sorry, I have nothing more today."
---The clerk apologizes and goes back to his paperwork.---
Ebony: "2k?!?"
Davis: "Well? Shall we?"
* Miko shrugs toward Davis and looks for the woman.
* Ebony turns. "Hey lady, wait up!"
* Davis follow Ebony who is chasing the lady.
Azura: "Hmm... things are starting to get interesting."
Iceberg: "You, lady, wouldn't it be dangerous, so much work (and
silver) for you alone?"
Ebony: "Look lady, why don't we team up?"
* Eomar looks stunned. "Hey, uh.. .lady, What's your name? About that
job..."
Isis: "My name is Isis. I am a 'professional' bounty hunter.. I need
the money.. at least a good portion of it to get a caravan.. so if
you want to talk about sharing the job, speak up quickly, okay? I
have limited time.."
Iceberg: "Where to, Isis?"
Ebony: "WE need a caravan, too. Where are you headed? Maybe we
could share a job and a car... Save us all money..."
Isis: "Well, did you read over the job yet?
Ebony: "Um... no... but we've beat lots of bad guys already."
* Azura tries to stay out of the way and listens.
* Miko backs up and stands beside Azura.
Isis: "Well, I guess we should all go back to the clerk so you can all
sign the parchment that says you'll get some of the money, too..
Also so you can know what the job is.."
* Bulix sighs, rolls his eyes, and wonders what we're getting into.
* Miko walks back into where the clerk had been and looks for a
parchment.
* Eomar heads to the papers. "Great. Legal crap."
* Ebony lands on the desk and looks for the paper.
Clerk: "Eh? What do you want, animal?"
Ebony: "What's the job...? And try and be more polite."
Clerk: "Job? I told you I have no more jobs. Shew."
Ebony: "What's HER job, Dim-wit?"
Clerk: "Oh, Isis'? That's her business. I'm not allowed to divulge that
information."
* Ebony turns to Isis.
Iceberg: "Isis! Tell this clerk-jerk you're with us!"
Isis: "It's okay. I am letting them in on it.. Show 'em the form.."
Clerk: "Isis, you've already signed it. The contract belongs to you.
What you do with the money is your business, you know."
Isis: "Okay, well, give me the form so I can have them look at it and
everything.."
Clerk: "Well, okay, but only for informative purposes."
---The clerk hands the contract to Isis.---
Iceberg: "Isis, what is the contract about? Who is the monster or
bandit?"
Ebony: "C'mon, c'mon. What's it say before we all die of old age."
* Davis looks at the parchment.
* Miko looks briefly at the parchment and returns to Azura's side,
remaining unobtrusive.
---The contract involves the recovery of an item for a certain "Sir
Felgar, self-appointed traveling hero."---
Isis: "Well, there was this knight and he had a special sword called
a 'Prism Blade', and this wizard stole it from him.. We need to find
the wizard, the sword, and possibly expire the wizard if need be."
* Bulix snorts. "Expire? How.. delicate a term."
Ebony: "Um... where do we start?"
Iceberg: "No problem. Wizards are no match for us! Right, Miko?"
* Miko seems to have been temporarily distracted... "Oh, Iceberg...?
Umm... I guess not."
Ebony: "Leave her alone, Points... She doesn't have to fight if she
doesn't want to..."
Iceberg: "Well, if you want, you could try your Darkness magic
on the wizard, Ebony..."
* Isis is always up for a good fight.. Especially for 2000 silver..
Lou: "Did someone mention a fight?"
* Bulix nods. "We need to *cough* 'expire' a wizard."
Davis: "Bulix, if it comes to that."
* Bulix shakes his head, clearly unhappy about the 'wizard' bit, but
sighs, "I'll go."
Davis: "Well, whoever wants to go raise their hand?"
* Davis does.
* Eomar raises his hand.
* Iceberg raises both!
Lou: "Hey, I'm game for this."
Iceberg: "What's the name of the bad wizard. Maybe I know him?"
Isis: "Kazan."
Iceberg: "Kazan, one of the renegade wizards! Tough one, though...."
Davis: "Iceberg, have you heard of this Kazan?"
Iceberg: "Only from Rizmol's stories, but I can remember he was mad
about light... Kazan hates one thing over all: Eclipses!
He wants light to shine over Lunar all time!
Lou: "Rimzol... Hmm, Ice, you gotta show me Vane sometime. Alex told
me so many wonderful stories about it."
* Bulix winces at the word wizard again. "Any chance this'll go
peacefully?"
Ebony: "Hey, we beat Forballs and that water thing. We can take him!"
Lou: "I agree, Ebony."
Bulix: "Great.. Well.. Let's go find this.... wizard."
Ebony: "Where do I sign? C'mon, time's a wasting! Let's get this
over with so we can see this festival tonight!"
Azura: "Yeah, Ebs! Aren't you excited?! I looooooooove festivals!"
Ebony: "I've never been to one."
Clerk: "Well, whatever you do is your business, Isis, but know that
contract is your responsibility now."
Isis: "All right.. See these lines here underneath mine? Sign
there.. This is under the understanding that I get 1000s and you
all get 1000s.."
* Ebony dips a claw in ink and signs the paper. He wipes the ink off
his claw on the clerk's shirt and returns to Miko's shoulder.
* Davis signs.
* Lou signs the paper as well.
* Eomar signs the paper too, right next to Isis' name.
Miko: "Ebony, what are they doing? I don't have to do that, do I?"
Davis: "You don't have to, Miko."
Miko: "Oh. Good. Thank you, Davis."
Davis: "Miko, unless you're going, then I don't know..."
Ebony: "It's just to show that we will get some of the money for
doing this."
Davis: "Ebony, do you know if Miko has to sign or not if she's going?"
Clerk: "I only need Isis' signature. What you do from here on out is
your own business."
Isis: "Miko, you pansy. Stick up for yourself. Don't be afraid to face
the unknown."
Ebony: "Hey, Lady, leave Miko alone."
* Isis gives Ebony a big kiss.
Ebony: "Ick! Hey!"
---Isis obtains "Hair Ball."---
* Ebony looks embarrased.
* Miko appears as if she has been misunderstood. "Isis, I'm not
afraid. I want to go with you."
Isis: "Good. I'm looking forward to your companionship."
* Miko seems happy that Isis has paid her a compliment.
Ebony: "Well, let's get going before we miss the festival!"
Clerk: "All set? Good."
* Bulix starts out. "Shall we get this over with?"
Iceberg: "Unless we get a Eclipse Litany, we have very little
possiblities to beat that Kazan, but we'll do our best!"
* Eomar shuffles around his spellbooks for 'Eclipse Litany'.. "No,
can't find one..."
Davis: "Well, Iceberg, you have the next best thing. Oh, you, too,
Ebony, if the darkness set will work."
Iceberg: "An ice spell will shut him down, too, Davis. Yea!"
Ebony: "Why are we standing around gabbing?"
Isis: "So, shall we head off? I haven't got all day."
Davis: "Yeah. Let's go."
* Bulix shrugs, and leaves the.. hut? tent? Whatever...
---The merchant stalls outside the bounty office scream merciless,
frantic sales pitches at the group. "Buy my stuff! For the love of
Althena, BUY MY STUFF!" The plains outside of Pao stretch on
forever. They seem inviting in a calm, placid way. Both the
merchant stalls and the town exit seem attractive.---
Azura: "Hmm... what a beautiful day."
* Miko walks over and stands near Isis. She will travel in the front
of the group if Isis does.
* Isis will be in the front.
Iceberg: "Who said that women were the weak sex?"
* Ebony thinks Isis has a groupie.
Lou: "Hehehe."
* Ebony stays with Miko. He looks over the... Ahem... "Professional
Bounty Hunter"...
Davis: "What, Ebony?"
* Ebony wants to protect Miko.
* Davis will hang in the front. Lemming style, of course.
Lou: "Well, I am a fighter. I don't think I can do much good in the
back."
* Eomar will go where people want him. "Do you guys want me in front
or back?"
Iceberg: "Everyone on front, and only me on back... You are very
brave! I could be on front, too, if you want... My cane can attack
well, too.."
* Eomar will join Iceberg in the back.
Davis: "Hey, I can go in the back then. It not like I'm using front
row attacks."
Lou: "Okay. Cool, Davis."
Bulix: "Geez.. What? You expect ME in the back? Geez.."
Iceberg: "Not so many people now on back. I liked when desolated..."
* Miko whispers to Ebony as everyone is moving about, "Ebony, those
strange symbols on that parchment? How could they mean all of those
things? I didn't recognize any of them... What kind of language is
it?"
* Ebony whispers to Miko, "Can you keep a secret?"
* Miko whispers back, "Of course..."
* Ebony whispers to Miko, "I can't read."
* Miko whispers to Ebony, "Oh, good. I feel much better! I thought I
was the only one who didn't understand it."
* Ebony says lowly, "Well... Where I've been, no one taught me."
* Miko whispers to Ebony, "I'm a great symbol-maker, though. I'll show
you some time."
Ebony: "I'd like that, Miko."
* Ebony says louder, "Let's look at what's being sold. Wagonmaster
hasn't gotten a new sword in ages."
* Iceberg whispers to the group, "I'll teach anyone to read, when we
arrive home.."
* Ebony glares at Ice for listening to his and Miko's conversation.
Iceberg: "Ebony, my pointy ears let me hear everything..."
* Ebony mutters to Ice, "Then you will keep what you heard to
yourself."
---There are weapon and armor stalls before you. Also, many rare
trinket and fine food markets abound.---
* Lou would really like a new sword. "I say merchant stalls."
* Eomar is still using his old sword, too. He would like a good sword
or bow, or perhaps better armor.. All of his stuff is old.
* Miko says to Lou and Eomar, "I have an old short sabre that you can
have for no silver if you want it. I don't want to carry it
anymore."
Lou: "Miko, I got one, too. That's why I want a new sword."
Davis: "Yeah, a better weapon might be nice."
Ebony: "Weapon shop."
* Davis checks out the weapons.
* Lou looks over the swords.
* Miko looks at all the merchants' items.
* Bulix follows suit and stares at the stuff.
Iceberg: "Merchant, what goods do you sell?"
---The weapons dealer has a fine array of various battle weapons for
sale. His stall offers these items:---
Short Sword 20s
Hunting Bow 30s
Iron Dagger 40s
Copper Axe 40s
Cutlass 50s
Flame Wand 50s
Imp Wand 50s
Priest Wand 50s
Iron Sling 60s
Light Crossbow 60s
Saber 100s
* Ebony shakes his head. "Doesn't anyone sell stuff for cats?"
---The grizzle-toothed dealer stares at Ebony.---
Dealer: "No! We don't sell cat weaponry! Not much of a populace
to serve... "
* Ebony sticks his tounge out at the dealer.
* Bulix looks over the items. "Nothing for me here."
* Miko does not appear to want to buy anything, but she looks
curious to see if Isis is going to purchase any of the weapons.
* Isis looks happily over her current equipment.
* Ebony feels a little jealous at the attention Miko is showing
Isis...
* Eomar wouldn't mind buying a new bow since he'll be in the back.
* Davis checks out the Iron Dagger.
Lou: "Can I have a saber? Probably not..."
Davis: "You wish, Lou."
Lou: "You bet I wish, Davis. Can't we roam around and fight wimpy
monsters for more money?"
Ebony: "Sell our old stuff first so we can see how much silver
we've got."
Lou: "Gotcha.
Eomar: "Ebony, but then what if we can't replace all our stuff?"
Ebony: "I mean the stuff we aren't using, like Miko's old sword."
Lou: "I'll sell my old sword, too, once I get the new one."
* Davis asks how much the merchant will offer to buy his Short Sword.
"How much are you willing to pay for this Sword?", as he shows the
merchant his Short Sword.
Dealer: "Short Sword? I'll pay 10 silver for such a thing."
* Davis will keep his sword.
* Miko puts her old short sabre up on the counter. "Davis, you can
give him mine, too, since you know how to do it. I don't want any
of the silver."
Lou: "Hmm, that cutlass looks nice... How much for my short saber?"
Dealer: "A Short Saber? That item is worthless."
* Eomar asks how much for his old Bow.
Dealer: "Short Bow? That item is very crude and worthless."
* Eomar curses under his breath.
* Davis returns the Short Saber to Miko. "Sorry, no luck in selling
it."
* Miko doesn't accept the short sabre from Davis. "Well, maybe he'll
take it for free. I don't want to carry it anymore..."
Davis: "Well, I'll hold onto it then, Miko."
Miko: "Thank you, Davis."
Lou: "Hey, Ebony, where's Azura?"
Ebony: "Following us."
* Ebony indicates the silent blue kitty.
Azura: "I'm right here, Lou. What, you want a kiss or something?"
Lou: "Just wondering, Az."
Azura: "I'm just happy to be in this neck of the woods. I don't say
much when I don't have anything to complain about."
Ebony: "Okay, how many people want something? Raise your hand."
* Lou raises his hand.
* Davis raises a hand.
* Iceberg has enough equipment for now..
* Bulix heads out of the shop and wanders around outside, waiting
for the others.
Ebony: "Okay, now what do you want?"
* Eomar wants that Hunting bow.
Lou: "I would like that cutlass."
Davis: "Well, so would I, Lou."
Dealer: "Cutlass? Hunting Bow? That will cost 80 silver."
Ebony: "If you 3 get the weapons you want, we won't have cash for
armor, but if Eomar is going to be in the back row he should have
a range weapon."
Davis: "Ebony, you have that right."
Lou: "Okay, how many people are buying stuff? We'll divide the
silver equally."
Ebony: "Davis wants the Iron Dagger, I think..."
* Davis will be partially smart and go to the armor shop instead.
Eomar: "Ebony said he thinks I should get my Hunting Bow since I'll
be in the back.."
Ebony: "Okay then, anyone against Eomar getting a bow and Lou getting
a new sword?"
Iceberg: "If no one is against it, I agree..."
Ebony: "But you guys got to sell your old weapons once you get these."
Lou: "As soon as I get a new weapon, I'm trading my sword in."
Davis: "I didn't sell my sword, I just asked how much for it."
Lou: "Hey, even if we can't get all the stuff we want now, we can
stop back after our mission and get new toys."
Ebony: "Yeah... Maybe Isis will share some of her 1000 if we let her
hitch a ride in our car."
* Isis says to Ebony, "I'll buy ya a subway."
Ebony: "C'mon, time's a wasting! Hurry up!"
Lou: "I agree with Ebony there."
* Eomar agrees with Ebony fervelently.
Azura: "Geez, Ebony! You're so... impatient!"
Ebony: "Well, I want to get back for the festival... okay?"
Lou: "I would like a Cutlass."
* Eomar wants a Hunting Bow.
---Lou purchases a Cutlass. Eomar purchases a "Hunting Bow".---
* Davis looks around the armor shop.
* Davis really wants to see the stuff here.
* Davis ponders the armor merchant's awareness. "Hello?"
* Davis forgets it and goes back to the weapon shop.
---The armor merchant welcomes potential customers.---
Armorer: "Buy my stuff!"
Davis: "Now he says something."
Armorer: "Here it is:"
Headband 5s
Hardleather Vest 10s
Leather Armbrace 10s
Leather Helmet 15s
Hardleather Armor 20s
Leather Buckler 20s
Purity Gown 30s
Carapace Vest 40s
Buffalo Wrap 50s
Carapace Armor 50s
Luck Ring 50s
* Davis decides that he will be better off getting some armor. He
wants to buy a Carapace Vest.
Eomar: "Does Miko still have that Hyena wrap?"
* Miko is still wearing a hyena wrap. It is a "combination of the
ridiculous and exotic"...
Lou: "I'll take a helmet for now."
Iceberg: "Anything for a wizard? (I guess not...)"
Lou: "Well, you can get the armor you want, Davis, if we agree to
stop back here later to see if we can get more stuff."
* Ebony doesn't care if Davis wants to use the rest of their money.
"Lou already got something. Davis should get first dibs."
Lou: "Oh, Davis didn't get a new sword?"
Ebony: "We have to come back."
Lou: "Gotcha."
---Davis purchases a Carapace Vest.---
* Miko wanders out the door, wondering if Bulix went to the pond...
* Ebony heads after Miko, nothing interesting in there...
* Eomar and Isis walk out of the shop as well.
* Miko sees Ebony and waits up for him before proceeding to the pond.
They walk over to Bulix, who is standing near the pond.
* Bulix discovers that he is standing near the pond.
Miko: "Ebony, what if they go somewhere else? Do you think we should
go back?"
Ebony: "They are still bickering over the weapons and armor. We can
wait for them... unless you want to buy something."
Miko: "Oh. Never mind then. I like it here better. More peaceful..."
Bulix: "I agree, Miko.. I personally hate those shops.. Too.. I
dunno.. hectic."
Ebony: "Miko... you... care about me, right?"
Miko: "Ebony, of course I do... Why would you have to ask such a
thing?"
* Ebony looks at her. "... But... how?"
Miko: "Ebony... I don't know. I just do. I... Nobody has ever asked
me anything like that."
* Ebony looks at the ground. "There's different ways Miko. There's the
way you love a friend, the way you love a... sister..."
Miko: "Well, Ebony. I've never had a friend or a sister..."
Ebony: "You've got lots of friends, Miko... and a brother."
Miko: "Ebony, yes, I do have a brother. I'd be great to have a
sister, though. You know, like you and Azura."
* Isis quietly whispers to Miko that she has a friend and that she can
'take a chance on me'.
* Ebony is looking anywhere but Miko. "It's just that... um... I care
about you..."
* Miko looks between Ebony and Isis and beams happily, then looks back
toward the others, who look as if they are about to leave.
* Ebony guesses he has to be delirious to be brave enough to admit how
he feels...
* Isis looks eager to move on.
Ebony: "We can talk while walking. C'mon."
Bulix: "Let's go, then."
* Ebony has NO idea where they are going...
Davis: "Well, we might as well get going."
Lou: "Let's hit the road."
* Miko follows Isis.
* Davis follows Isis, lemming-style, in back, though.
* Ebony is, as usual, on Miko's shoulder, wonders if she'll ever get
sick of him being there...
* Lou follows the rest of the party.
---The exit to the plains lies before you... The group walks while
talking. Isis leads the group to a high wharf. Many aspiring
Dragonmasters plummet to their deaths. Lou feels compelled to
follow...---
Lou: "Whoa... Nice view."
---The plains stretch far off into the visible distance, the horizon
only broken by the chain of mountains that surrounds this
prairie.---
* Lou shades his eyes from the sun and looks around. "Whoa, it's
beautiful out here..."
* Eomar takes a deep breath of fresh air. "Nice change from pushy
storekeepers..."
Lou: "I agree, Eomar..."
* Miko looks out across the prarie. Her mood has lightened
significantly in the past few hours.
* Bulix trudges along, anxious to get this 'wizard' thing done with.
* Lou is amazed at Bulix's unlimited amount of bull-headed courage.
* Ebony wonders if they should have looked for an item shop...
Hopes there aren't anything poisonous around...
Miko: "Isis, have you been to many different places? You seem to
have traveled a lot like Davis."
* Isis says to Miko, "Yes.. especially around here.."
Iceberg: "Where are we going to? Kazan's fortress? Isis, enlight us
with your knowledge about the region..."
* Ebony cocks an ear towards Isis.
Isis "Well, just beyond that small hill to the east lies some caves
deep in mountains.. His lair resides in there.. I will show you..
Come.."
* Bulix stops to try to figure out which way is east, but then just
follows Isis.
Lou: "So, anyone know how far away this fortress is?"
Isis: "It isn't too far..."
Lou: "Thanks, Isis."
Iceberg: "Caves! No, why not a little cute castle?"
Ebony: "Hey Isis, any monsters between here and there?"
Lou: "Ebony, you had to say that! Now we're gonna be jinxed!"
Isis: "There are some monsters.. They come from the frontier, I
think.. They frequently plague Pao.."
Miko: "The Frontier..? Oh..."
Ebony: "Cave... east... plague... Why does all this ring a bell?"
* Ebony hates when he half remembers stuff...
Lou: "Don't bring up that Goddess awful place again..."
Ebony: "Hey, *I* asked you!"
Lou: "Uh oh, wait a minute. Cave... I got a bad feeling about
this... Cave east of Pao??? This is not good..."
* Ebony notices as it clicks for Lou.
Lou: "Ebony, you wanna know the bad feeling I got? I think Alex
mentioned a cave east of Pao... There was a horrible monster named
Grimzol that lived in it."
Iceberg: "Northeast, to be more exact..."
Lou: "Lemme guess, Ice, Nash told you, too, huh?"
Iceberg: "No, Lou, I go on forbidden hours to Vane library and read a
lot..."
Lou: "Gotcha, Ice."
* Ebony doesn't know anything about it except for that strange
knowledge that just seems to come to him...
Isis: "We must be brave.. Now come, we must leave to get there before
the eclipse!"
Iceberg: "Is there going to be an eclipse soon?!?!?!?!?"
---The mountains Isis is instinctively heading to get closer and closer
as the group marches over the soft prairie grass.---
* Miko strides confidently onward. She is trying to match Isis' pace,
but it's not easy.
* Eomar watches Isis' butt.
* Isis turns around to give Eomar a stare of death.
* Iceberg is trying to remember all info concerned to Kazan...
Craps it would be useful...
---Soon, the group approaches the hills to which isis referred to. A
strange sight meets the group.---
* Ebony comments, "Now that's a strange sight."
---Over the top of a respectable hill, you can see the large entrance
to a dark cave within the mountain side. Inside the cave entrance
is a strange sphere of light, just hovering above the ground. It is
about a foot in diameter. The entrance is still about 200 yards
away.---
* Isis hisses, "There it is."
Lou: "Guys, we'd better watch it in here. Alex didn't have an easy
time and he was already 3/5 of the way to becoming a Dragonmaster
when he visited this cave."
Ebony: "Hey, we've got you, right?"
Lou: "Thanks for the vote of confidence, Ebony. I'll do my best."
Iceberg: "I could feel Kazan's magic and evil, from this far... He
REALLY give me creeps..."
Lou: "What if Kazan is really Grimzol reborn?"
Iceberg: "Lou, I don't think so. I know Kazan is a wizard from Vane.."
Lou: "That's a bit of a relief."
Ebony: "What's Grimzol?"
Lou: "Grimzol was a monster that used to live in a cave around here,
maybe even this cave. Alex defeated him on the way to becoming a
Dragonmaster. He had cursed Pao with a plague."
Ebony: "I thought Alex defeated the Inca God?"
Lou: "Grimzol was the Inca God's name."
* Ebony blinks. "Ohhh... I hate when I do that stuff... What the heck
am I saying?"
Lou: "It's okay, Ebony..."
Ebony: "I feel like I should KNOW stuff... Then it all goes away..."
Lou: "I betcha it'll all come to you one day, Eb."
---The sphere emits a long, slender ray of light and this ray traces
the surrounding area in a methodical pattern.---
Ebony: "Hey, what's with the glowing ball? Maybe we shouldn't let
that light touch us..."
Lou: "Good idea, Eb."
* Eomar tries to dodge the beam.
* Lou hits the dirt.
* Miko approaches the entrance and sphere of light curiously.
Lou: "Careful, Miko!"
Miko: "Lou, why? I don't see anyone..."
Lou: "Who knows what that sphere is made out of though, Miko!"
Miko: "Lou, it's just light..."
Lou: "You sure about that, Miko??? Evil wizards can't be trusted.
It's in their contract..."
* Miko looks back at Lou and considers his words.
Ebony: "Are we so sure this ball is harmful?"
Lou: "I don't think we can be sure of anything with that thing... It
could be a trap by Kazan."
Iceberg: "What kind of magic is this Sphere?"
* Eomar examines the Sphere, and tries to sense the nature of it's
magic.
Isis: "Maybe there is a smaller entrance more into the mountain.."
Iceberg: "You're the guide, Isis. Where is another entrance...?"
---The ray makes circular movements, scanning the field in front of
the cave. The group is still out of its boundaries.---
Ebony: "Hey, Eomar, try shooting that thing with an arrow. See what
happens. When all else fails, violence."
Bulix: "Yeah.. maybe we can smash the sphere?"
* Eomar tries to hit the sphere with an arrow. "Ebony, if this
doesn't work, I'm charging you for the arrow."
---Eomar nocks an arrow and pulls an arrow back along his arm...
tenses, aims, and releases.---
* Lou hits the dirt, just in case.
---The arrow files through the sphere of light.---
Ebony: "That was... unimpressive."
---The sphere of light grows in intensity. It becomes slightly larger.
The sphere of light swiftly moves out of the entrance and straight
at the group! The sphere approaches the group very quickly and
shines with a glaring brilliance! It appears almost... hostile!---
Ebony: "Ack! Look out, attack of the shining basketball!"
Lou: "Oh, crapola..."
* Eomar tries to avoid the sphere.
Ebony: "It's... It's... The Photon Globe!"
Lou: "Now you tell us, Ebony!"
* Ebony is too surprised to guess the group's chances.
Bulix: "Iceberg.. Can't you do Darkness stuff?"
Iceberg: "I guess my Dark magic..."
* Ebony forgets his own darkness magic... "Do it, Points!"
* Bulix restrains himself from grabbing Iceberg by the neck and
_making_ him do it. "Iceberg! Hello? Give it a shot! Dark! If it's
light, dark it or something!"
* Iceberg prepares to cast Darkness over the sphere!!! "*osuristas*!"
Bulix: "Well, lets take this overgrown disco ball down, huh?"
* Miko repeats, "Disco..?"
* Ebony flutters off Miko's shoulder.
------------COMBAT-------------
Ebony points his paws toward the creature and gives off some
bizarre meows...
A black beam of energy is emitted from between Ebony's paws.
Darkness attack is ineffective against Light.
The black beam shatters and disperses instantly upon contact
with the brilliant light.
Lou: "Doh!"
Ebony: "Ahhh... It... it repelled my magic!"
Bulix stares at the phenomenon, then punches wildly
at the globe, but his hands do not seem to take any effect.
Lou: "This is not good."
* Bulix mutters something very obscene about magic.
* Ebony mutters something about nothing ever being easy...
Bulix: "Can't we hurt this stupid thing?"
Ebony: "Hey... maybe this thing is solar powered! How do we block
out the light? Points said this guy hates eclipses!"
Lou: "True, but we got no eclipse magic."
Iceberg: "Ebony, if we unite both Dark Magic?"
Eomar: "Dark had no effect on it."
Ebony "Not on IT, but it might be getting its power from elsewhere."
Lou: "That's Dark Magic. Perhaps it would if we cut it off from it's
source of power..."
Lou: "Everyone, look around for something that could be powering it!"
* Bulix holds up a finger to the disco ball. "Hold on just a second,
okay?"
* Ebony points up. "How about the sun?
Lou: "Okay, now we need something to block the sun out from it."
* Iceberg is NOT going to destroy the sun with ANY magic...
Bulix: "Get it into the cave somehow?"
Iceberg: "Maybe we could throw it our water?"
Ebony: "Isis said there would be an eclipse... Isis, WHEN is that
eclipse?"
Isis: "I'm not positive on when, but that's why the wizard took the
Prism Blade.."
Bulix: "The Cave! If we get into the cave, can it follow?"
Lou: "Who knows...?"
Ebony: "But we'd have to get BY it first!"
Iceberg: "Run to the cave?"
Lou: "Hey, we don't have much choice. Let's make a break for it!"
Iceberg: "Everyone agrees?"
Ebony: "It's between us and the cave..."
The globe becomes large and enflared!
Photon Globe casts "Pulse Laser" Level 5!
Iceberg is slammed with four flashing rays of intense light!
Iceberg suffers 13 damage.
Ebony: "Points!"
Lou: "You okay, Ice!?"
* Bulix glances back at Iceberg. "Crud.. you okay?"
Iceberg: "Not even now... Ack!"
* Miko would look, but she is concentrating...
Davis holds his hands above his head, mutters some low words,
then points his hands at the globe.
A roaring jet of flame is shot from Davis's hands and
encompasses the globe! 2 damage.
* Lou begins chanting.
Lou holds his blade to himself and closes his eyes...
Lou's Hit% has increased by 11!
Eomar defends, holding his bow in front of himself...
Isis strikes out at the light with a heavy iron mace,
but the large weapon passes through.
Miko stares at Lou and concentrates...
Lou's Dodge% has increased by 13!
Iceberg casts "Ice Knife" level 3!
A few large shafts of ice are propelled at the globe. 3 damage.
Ebony: "Wow, we can hurt it... just not very much."
Lou: "I guess not. I just hope my sword can have some effect on it."
Ebony: "I doubt it, Wagon. Bulix and Isis didn't have much luck."
* Bulix cracks his knuckles in frustration.
* Lou starts chanting quietly to himself.
Iceberg: "The earth!! I only can see the earth eating the light!!!!"
* Ebony begins muttering lowly.
Ebony floats high above the globe of light and holds his paws
over his eyes...
Ebony flaps his wings quickly while making some strange,
mystical sounds.
Miko stumbles and falls to the ground as the earth beneath
her shakes and cracks.
Lou: "Miko!!!!"
Ebony: "Oops... sorry, Miko..."
A large shaft of stone rises up into the air,
then falls on the globe, blocking it's light.
Photon Globe has critical weakness to earth attack. 34 damage.
Photon globe is defeated. Victory!
Each player present earns 1 XP. The group gains 20 S and 30 MEXP.
* Miko looks around. "Ebony... Ebony? Did you do that?"
Lou: "Smooth move, Ebony!"
Bulix: "Nice job!"
Azura: "Ebony, that was pretty cool. Did you just create your own
mini-eclipse?"
Ebony: "Yes... I guess..."
Lou: "Weird... Ebony, you gotta show me that trick sometime."
* Isis congratulates Ebony on his skill.
* Ebony looks embarrased by all the praise. He doesn't mention he was
just doing that because he didn't know what else to do. "Um..
thanks... I didn't hurt you, did I, Miko?"
* Miko stands up and straightens herself out. "Ebony, I'm fine, but
wow. I didn't know you could do anything like that..."
Ebony: "Miko, the dragon let me know how."
Lou: "The one in the cave, Ebony, that had you give me the ring?"
Miko: "Ebony, I hope I can see a dragon before I get home..."
Ebony: "Me, too, Miko...
Lou: "Me, three."
---No trace of the light phenomenon remains. Only the beckoning cave
entrance...---
Iceberg: "Well, the cave awaits us..."
* Isis leads the group into the cave.
* Bulix rolls his eyes. "Great, another cave."
* Miko runs to catch up with Isis.
* Ebony hurries after Miko and returns to her shoulder.
Iceberg: "Anyone needs healing?"
Lou: "Nope, I'm fine."
Ebony: "Only you got hit, Ice."
---The cave is unusually bright inside. The walls flicker brilliantly
as if the cavern were filled with dozens of torches. The cave
seems so radiant. You all think it is rare to see the internal
features of a cave so well. The cavern is fairly large and the
passages wide open.---
Ebony: "Whew, no more stinky torches."
Iceberg: "No, bad smell torch yupi!"
Miko: "Where is all this light coming from..?"
Lou: "Kazan???"
Ebony: "Magic..."
Iceberg: "Light magic feels powerful to keep this cave with light at
any time, as Vane is on the air..."
* Bulix looks around. "Great. A cave and magic. Just great. Well..
Let's try and find our way through this place.."
Lou: "Good idea, Bulix. I'm all for that. This place gives me the
creeps."
* Ebony doesn't care as long as it isn't hot... "Guys... Can we talk
and walk at the same time?"
Miko: "Ebony, what do you want to talk about?"
Davis: "Ebony, it may not be a good idea."
Ebony: "Okay fine, Davis. We walk and talk... Carefully.
Iceberg: "Quick step, careful talk..."
Bulix: "This cave is worse than the other one.. I really hate it
here.. Let's get this over with, huh?"
* Davis agrees with Bulix.
Ebony: "Well, everyone's just standing around talking. Let's
move 'em out."
* Bulix starts walking, hands clenched into fists, just in case.
Iceberg: "Just walking is kinda boring. Let's sing, too!"
Lou: "When, I was alone as one..."
* Isis bursts out singing, "Gimme Gimme Gimme..."
* Miko joins Isis. "... a man after midnight..."
Ebony: "You sing real pretty, Miko."
* Miko laughs quietly. "Thank you, Ebony. Isis and I know the same
song. Isn't that neat?"
--- The group notices that Miko is actually quite a talented, or
else skilled singer. Her voice rings out as unusually beautiful
when she is singing.---
Lou: "Nice, Miko. Reminds me of the Goddess festivals back home."
Davis: "Wow, you sing real well, Miko."
* Ebony noticed it before anyone else, ha ha!
* Bulix listens to pleasant singing, but feels uneasy.. too peaceful
here.
* Miko seems embarassed by all the attention.
Iceberg: "There was something in the air that night. The stars were
bright, Fernando..."
Isis: "They were shining down for you and me, for liberty,
Fernando..."
Miko: "Though we never thought that we could lose, there's no
regret..."
Iceberg: "There's no regret..."
* Ebony winces, decides not to comment on Ice's singing...
Azura: "Why are you guys acting all weirded out?"
Ebony: "Don't ask ME, Azura."
Miko: "Azura, don't you like to sing? I love it."
Azura: "Singing's okay. I like it, but I can't do it myself. In case
you haven't noticed, I'm a cat."
Ebony: "Cats can't fly, either."
Azura: "Well, okay, so I'm a damn talented cat, but I can't sing."
Eomar: "Azura, cats can't talk either, but you can. Ever tried
singing?"
Azura: "La! La! La! Blah! Blah! Blah! Hee hee. How was that?"
* Ebony winces. "No comment, Azura."
Azura: "Ebony, you're s'posed to compliment me no matter what I do.
Sheesh. You sure are blowing your chances with me, Mister!"
Miko: "Azura, I thought it was wonderful. Singing is beautiful coming
from anybody."
Ebony: "It's wonderful when it's you, Miko..."
* Bulix makes a mental note never to sing around Miko, not wanting
to disillusion her.
* Davis still remembers that person from that one town. (Shudder)
"That person is an exception, Miko."
* Iceberg continues singing... "Chiquitita, dime porqué.."
Ebony: "Ahh, my ears are bleeding!"
* Bulix wonders why everyone doesn't just scream, "Hey! Monsters!
Over here!"
Lou: "Watch, Bulix, or he just might do that."
Miko: "Ebony, isn't music so wonderful? We don't even read the same
languages, but we can sing the same songs."
Lou: "We hate caves, remember?"
* Bulix really hates caves.. and magic. Hates caves and magic.. Great
place, this.
---You can see that the passage, about 200 yards from here, takes a
sharp left turn. The cave is about room temperature. The group
eventually reaches the corner. The passage appears relatively
straightforward, and there appears to be a pathway of brighter
light along the ground the guide you.---
Lou: "Shall we follow the path?"
Isis: "Yes, we follow the path..."
Ebony: "As opposed to walking through the walls?"
Davis: "Ebony, hey, it may be possible, but I'd probably take the
passage."
* Miko continues to walk along while singing.
* Ebony enjoys Miko's singing.
* Isis starts to move on to 'Dancing Queen' and looks to Miko
for back-up..
* Miko harmonizes eagerly with Isis. She is very flattered.
Iceberg: "Hey! I just listened to the Dancing Queen this morning..."
Lou: "Hehe, ABBA?"
Davis: "Lou, I believe so."
* Iceberg needs a pixie for my CDs to be ordered...
* Davis misses out on the wonder that is ABBA...
Isis: "I'll do my very best and that ain't no lie. If you put me to
the test, if you let me try.. Take a chance on me.."
* Miko sings backup for Isis once again. "Take-a-chance, take-a-chance,
take-a take-a chance-chance..."
Azura: "You guys are good."
* Isis is glad that everyone is being in better spirits, but thinks we
must not get distracted from the task at hand..
Ebony: "Huh? Wait a second...! Everyone, quiet! I hear something...
I think... Sounds like... growling..."
Iceberg: "r.r.r.r..r.r.r.r.r.r..r.r.r.r.r.r."
* Miko stops singing. "Ebony?"
* Lou quiets down.
* Davis shuts up.
Lou: "So, shall we check out that growling or what?"
* Ebony looks at Miko for a few more seconds before switching back into
bossy mode. "Well, let's be quiet and sneak up..."
* Lou whispers back to Ebony, "Okay, let's go..."
---You can make out a soft, low voice from around the corner. "Hmm...
Hmm. Hmm..."---
Lou: "Uh oh."
* Isis waves everyone on. "We must finish this."
Lou: "I know, Isis... Let's get it over with."
* Miko quietly moves toward the low voice.
---You can make out human speech, but not exact words from this
distance. "I.... grumble grumble... with this.... grumble
grumble....."---
Iceberg: "At least is human..."
* Miko whispers, "It sounds like a person..." Her hand moves off of
her weapon.
* Ebony whispers, "Miko, humans can be evil, too."
Davis: "Miko, it's probably that guy."
Iceberg: "Should we attack by surprise or talk with the renegade
before?"
Miko: "Iceberg, no. What if it's not that man?"
Ebony: "We should avoid a fight if we can."
Lou: "I agree with Ebony.."
Isis: "Definitely try to avoid.."
Davis: "Yes, I'd think not having a battle is probably better off
for us."
Iceberg: "No fight, no silver, but if that's what you want, I
surrender..."
Ebony: "Well, maybe if just one of us goes, we can keep the element of
surprise while still talking to him. If he's bad, the rest can
jump out."
Davis: "Ebony, won't he get suspicious, though? I would..."
Azura: "You guys aren't going to do anything stupid, are you?"
Iceberg: "I know a little of him. I can talk with him..."
Lou: "I'll volunteer to go."
* Miko quietly awaits the decision of the others.
Lou: "I think it's either me or Ice that will go."
Ebony: "Points, if this is the wizard, you know the most about him."
Iceberg: "I know a little of him. I can deal this..."
* Davis still thinks that sending one out will draw suspicion.
Iceberg: "Both? So he doesn't think we are idiots for facing him
alone...?"
Lou: "Sure, why not, Ice?"
Iceberg: "The Iberian pair will deal with the wizard..."
Lou: "Yep. Let's get to it... The rest of you, hang back just in
case."
* Ebony pauses. "I'll go, too. He wouldn't know I'm anything more
than a pet."
Lou: "Sure, I have nothing against that, Ebony."
Iceberg: "Neither me... Ebony just a pet, but fire at him if he does
something improper..."
Davis: "Iceberg, like what?"
Iceberg: "Like casting another light ball..."
* Davis says, "Never mind. I know what you mean, Iceberg."
Miko: "Be careful, Ebony..."
Ebony: "I will, Miko."
Isis: "Good luck, Ebony."
Davis: "Ebony, you sure? He might have seen you with that ball.
* Davis thinks that thing might have been a seeing type thing.
Ebony: "Then he would have seen us all, Davis, and none of this
matters."
Davis: "Ebony, true..."
Lou: "Don't worry, Davis. I have my lucky ring here that Ebony gave
me."
* Ebony thinks its weird that everyone is worrying about him, but not
Lou or Ice... Ahh well... Ebony hops to Lou's shoulder. "Get ready...
We don't want to fight a wizard by ourselves."
* Davis is ready.
---"That big blue planet thinks it's something special... coming
between me and that great powerful light... Well, it won't daunt
me this time! BLA HA HA HA HA HA!"---
Lou: "Uh oh. Does he mean the Blue Star???"
* Ebony mutters to Lou, "The eclipse, remember?"
Davis: "He is definately NOT going to destroy the Blue Star.
Lou: "Not on my watch!"
Davis: "I won't let him if it comes down to that."
Lou: "I'll stop him if I have to die trying."
Ebony: "We still want to try and talk to him first."
Davis: "Ebony, yeah."
Lou: "So, shall we go in, Ice and Eb?"
Ebony: "C'mon, Wagon, Points... and I'm just the stupid weird cat..."
* Lou starts off towards the voice. "Let's go!"
Iceberg: "So, go on.."
* Ebony glances back at Miko.
---"Tee hee! This pretty little sword just might give me all the power
I need..."---
Miko: "Isis, I think we should help them. Did you hear him say
something about a sword. It might be him."
Davis: "Miko, I wouldn't doubt it one bit."
Isis: "It's definitely the wizard.. "
Lou: "You say something, Isis?"
Isis: "Just that we better stop him before he carries out his devious
scheme.."
Lou: "Let's get to it, then."
* Lou says a quick prayer to Althena and continues on."
---You see a stone staircase leading up to a raised platform. On the
platform stands a tall, slender figure in an elegant white robe. He
holds a very beautiful clear crystal sword in both hands, admiring
its shining elegance.---
* Miko suddenly runs after the others instead of waiting.
Davis: "Miko, no!"
* Davis tries to hold Miko back.
* Miko eludes Davis' grasp.
Davis: "Darn! Now what?"
* Isis grabs her weapon in case..
* Ebony glances back. "Miko... er... meow..."
* Davis wonders where Miko is.
---The wizard looks up at you.---
Kazan: "Uh...? Who are you? Didn't my security globe detect you
people? What is this?"
Lou: "Ice, I think you'd better handle this for now."
Iceberg: (When we arrive the platform) "I salute you, great wizard."
* Kazan stares at Iceberg. "You. That robe... You're a miserable
wizard of Vane! You people already banished me! What else do
you want? Just leave me and my experiments to myself!"
Iceberg: "We... er... come to stop that evil plan to explode the
Blue Star..."
Kazan: "Explode the... you're talking nonsense, boy! My god, on what
pathetic excuse have you people come to waste my time?"
* Davis doesn't think the wizard is in a very talkative mood.
Iceberg: "Uh..oh... He is NOT in the talkative way..."
Lou: "I guess not, Ice."
* Ebony gets the feeling they won't be talking him out of it...
Miko: "Ebony, maybe he's not really bad... He says he just wants to be
left alone..."
* Ebony says quietly, "That sword doesn't belong to him, Miko. We just
want it back."
* Miko whispers to Ebony, "Ohhh, then he's one of those 'crooks' you
were telling me about?"
* Ebony tries to look... like a cat to avoid notice of the wizard. He
whispers back, "Yes, he is. He's also a nut."
Isis: "You took something that most certainly wasn't yours to have
Kazan! We have come to get it back and return it to it's rightful
owner!"
* Ebony sighs about his great plan that no one listened to...
Kazan: "The rightful owner of this powerful sword is the one who can
use it to it's maximum effectiveness. That silly adventurer is just
a layabout who shows this sword to impress people."
Lou: "What adventurer, Kazan?"
Iceberg: "What are your plans with that magic sword, Kazan?"
Kazan: "I plan to use this sword to block the forthcoming eclipse.
That way, my peak level of light magic can be obtained without
the shackles of the guild's regulations! You people disgust me!"
Iceberg: "Magic, MUST be regulated... "
Lou: "Something tells me this guy has an attitude problem..."
Iceberg: "Kazan, you are a danger for society..."
* Davis wonders if Iceberg can get out of this one... Davis thinks
that neither person said anything helpful.
Iceberg: "Wait! Are we going to kill a wizard for a sword?!?!"
Ebony: "We don't want to kill him, Ice..."
Kazan: "Why do you stop magical progress? Why do you hinder those that
seek omnipotence?!"
Isis: "Because Kazan, you seek it unfairly and for complete injustice!"
* Ebony glances back at Miko and Isis. "Don't you remember the plan?
Element of surprise? All that?"
* Miko wonders if it she should have listened to Ebony and waited
outside...
Lou: "Well, there is no surprise anymore. Let's stop second guessing
ourselves. We may have a battle here."
* Ebony mutters, "Oh yeah, that's it, time for a fight..."
Davis: "Ebony, Yep."
Kazan: "You people! Argh! Don't you know how beautiful it will be?
Eradicating everything in sight with pure shining brilliance. A
flashing shine that will clean this miserable world and its corrupt
magic guild. Magic regulation... ...."
Iceberg: "Only greed guides your steps, Dark Wizard!! The guild is
not corrupted, you are, Ghaleon expulsed you from the Guild and he
was right! You must be decimated!"
Eomar: "All right, I think we've determined hes definitely not into
humankind's well-being.. In my humble opinion, he has to go.."
Kazan: "Ghaleon didn't know what he was doing! I could have benefitted
the guild with my omnipotence! Enough. I have decided that you are
not here to help me and must therefore die... Hmm hmm hmm... Mwa ha
ha ha.... BLA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA! WHOOOOOOO! MOOPY LOOPY
DOOPY FROPPY NOOPY BOOPY POOPY POOP! I'M CUCKOO FOR COCOA PUFFS! BLA
HA HA HA HA HA! YOU ALL GO BYE BYE DIE DIE NOW!"
Lou: "Cuckoo for cocoa puffs is right."
Iceberg: "You took your chance to redeem you! Now feel the warth of
the guild!!"
* Lou starts chanting quietly.
* Isis holds up her weapon.
* Ebony hopes everyone that DID stay back runs up to join us now.
----------COMBAT----------------
* Ebony starts mutting under his breath.
Ebony holds his paws together and closes his eyes...
A sharp chunk of earth is lifted from a nearby rockface
and is driven into Kazan, IMPALEing him...
Kazan has critical weakness to earth attack. 28 damage.
* Ebony thinks this Earth stuff isn't easy... He lands protectively
near Miko. "Miko, be careful!"
Davis uses Fastcut!
Davis dashes past the wizard with a gliding slash.
Kazan suffers 11 damage.
Isis uses Quickcut! Isis slashes past Kazan. 13 damage.
Isis turns around and slashes again on the return. 14 damage.
Lou uses Kiai Slice!
Lou holds up his sword, closes his eyes, and concentrates.
Lou's Hit% is boosted by 11.
Miko uses Blur Litany! Lou's Dodge% is boosted by 13.
Iceberg: "*fryositash sone magius*"
Iceberg casts Ice Knife!
Several sharp shafts of ice fall on Kazan. 61 damage.
Eomar aims his bow at Kazan...
Kazan begins to glow brightly!
Lou: "Oh crapola."
The Prism Blade appears to give him strength...
and he glows brighter!
Kazan casts "Shining Summonation".
Two Photon Globes have appeared!
Lou: "Double oh crapola."
Iceberg: "That is was I called improper..."
Lou: "Eb, you know how to deal with the globes!"
* Ebony doesn't respond. He's busy concentrating.
Ebony casts Rock Javelin level 1! Kazan suffers 29 damage.
Davis slices past Kazan at blinding speed! 10 damage.
Isis uses QuickCut level 3!
Isis dashes past Kazan, her blade gliniting in the light.
12 damage. Second attack... 15 damage.
Lou whips out his new cutlass and swipes at Kazan...
Critical Hit! Kazan suffers 49 damage.
Second attack... Hit. 15 damage.
Miko casts "Fast Litany" level 3!
Ebony's reaction increases by 20.
Iceberg holds his cane high up in the air and shouts a loud
arcane word.
Iceberg: "*>FRyo>>*"
A few sizable projectiles of ice are shot at Kazan... 63 damage.
Eomar fires his well-aimed bow at Kazan...
Critical Hit! Kazan suffers 39 damage.
Ebony: "Points, you are the one that is hurting him the most."
Photon Globe B casts Pulse Laser level 5!
Lou is struck with flashing beams of light! 17 damage.
Lou: "Ouch!"
Kazan casts Laser Wall level 10!
Shining beams of light scatter around the chamber,
reflecting at perpendicular angles, blasting through the rear row!
Lou: "Look out!"
Eomar suffers 20 damage.
Davis suffers 14 damage.
Iceberg suffers 1 damage.
Davis: "Ouch!"
Eomar: "Oww..."
Lou: "I just got hit by the pulse laser..."
Iceberg: "Eomar, let me heal you!"
Lou: "Anyone have any group healing?"
Ebony makes pulling motions with his paws as another shaft of
stone is summoned from the rock face...
The stone sliver falls and IMPALEs Photon Orb B.
Photon Orb has a critical weakness to earth attack. 31 damage.
Defeated!
Davis rubs his hands together as they begin to glow a blazing
orange...
Davis leans forward and points his palms at the wizard.
A roaring blast of flame is ejected and engulfs Kazan!
Kazan suffers 35 damage.
Isis uses Quick Cut level 3!
Isis dashes quickly and runs past Kazan with her blade in hand...
16 damage.
Isis turns around and rushes past him on the other side...
11 damage.
With that slice, Isis sends the wizard screaming down the
stone stairs, sliding on his face...
Kazan eventually stops and lets out a pained groan...
Kazan is defeated. Victory!
Each player receives 5 XP. The group receives 30 S and 50 MEXP.
Ebony: "Give up?"
Lou: "Yes!!!! Nice slice, Isis!"
Eomar: "Yay, Isis!!"
* Ebony killed a photon orb...
Miko: "Isis, that was incredible! Ebony, you were incredible, too."
* Ebony looks rightfully proud. "Thank you, Miko."
* Miko smiles at Ebony. "Ebony, you're always doing something
incredible... I'm getting kind of used to it."
* Ebony smiles at Miko. "Don't start taking me for granted now!"
* Isis blushes. "I couldn't have done nearly as well if I didn't have
everyone to help, too.. I'm glad you all came along.. We make a
good team!"
Lou: "I agree, Isis."
* Iceberg is imagining how little Isis would have done she alone...
Better in party!!!
* Ebony thinks "little Isis" wouldn't have gotten past the Photon Orb.
Azura: "You guys kick ass. Why don't you go take over the world or
something?"
Ebony: "Because Azura, that would be wrong."
Lou: "It's not our style, Azura."
* Davis thinks that then someone like us would look for us.
* Miko looks around to see if she missed someone being gravely
injured...
Lou: "Well, I'm a bit hurt, but I'm in okay shape, Miko."
Ebony: "We can pass the Althena statue when we get back to Pao."
Davis: "Ebony, yep."
Lou: "True, Ebony.
* Iceberg casts Heal over Lou.
Lou: "Thanks, Ice."
* Lou is relieved that the battle wasn't that bad.
---"Prism Blade" gained in combat! (atk + 120/wis + 30 with
'light'/light/enables 'Holy Light')---
* Eomar retrieves the Prism Blade.
Ebony: "Without the sword, he probably can't do any harm, and that's
all we were supposed to do was get the sword."
* Davis notes that we don't get it for long.
Isis: "Money money money.... must be funny... in a rich man's world..."
* Davis notes someone's singing.
Eomar: "Heh.. Maybe we should KEEP the sword and just screw the money,
eh? Just kidding..."
Ebony: "The sword won't do any good if we're stuck here. We have to
turn it in... Besides, it's not ours. Keeping it would make us as
bad as Kazan."
Lou: "True, Ebony, but a guy can dream, can't he?"
Iceberg: "But as we can't keep it, because other adventurers looking
for us, we could sell it for far more than 1000S!"
Miko: "Ebony, is Kazan so evil..? He seems... sick... Perhaps I can
heal him..?"
Iceberg: "Heal, right, but first tie his hands..."
* Iceberg ties Kazan's hands before Miko heals him...
Lou: "Go for it, Miko."
---Kazan lays still on his face at the bottom of the stone
stairwell.---
* Isis wants to know what we should do with Kazan now...
* Miko looks at Kazan to see if he is all right.
Ebony: "Hey Muttonhead... You promise to be good now?"
* Kazan coughs.
* Ebony looks at Kazan. "Well, what about it?"
Kazan: "....cough... hack hack...."
Ebony: "Think you can be a good boy?"
* Miko kneels close to Kazan.
Kazan: "What the... what are you .... OW! ... *cough* people doing
still he... here...?"
Ebony: "You slow? We're not just going to let you die. We're the good
guys."
Lou: "Good way to put it, Eb."
Kazan: "Goo... good? If you take .... *cough*... hack...."
Ebony: "Miko... think you could help him a little?"
Miko: "Ebony, I want to try..."
Lou: "Miko, looks like you're work's cut out for you."
Kazan: "If you take that Prism Bla.... OW! *hack* "If you that that,
there is not more reason for me... to ... to ... live. Just go..."
Ebony: "Listen, there's more out there than world domination."
Kazan: "I... I... you... you bounty hunter! You... *cough* cut me
so.... so... badly... I ... *cough*"
* ~Isis stares silently at Kazan.
Kazan: "Just... just... get out of here. There's nothing for ...
*hack*"
Ebony: "It doesn't sound like he's going to make it..."
Lou: "I guess not..."
* Miko would like to help Kazan... If only she knew how...
* Kazan's face slumps into the ground and his tensed arms relax...
Lou: "Oh no..."
Iceberg: "Kazan, your power is great. Vane's doors will be always
opened for you."
Kazan: "......."
Lou: "Ice, I think Kazan is beyond our help."
Iceberg: "Lou, Hope springs eternal!"
Lou: "True, Ice... true.."
* Ebony sighs, "What a waste", turns, and walks slightly off.
* Lou follows after Ebony.
* Ebony flutters up and alights on Miko's shoulder, quiet.
* ~Isis takes the Prism Blade. "Well, with this my assignment is
complete. It's up to me to retreive the bounty money. Let's go."
* Miko steps away from Kazan's body and walks toward the entrance
to the chamber.
* Davis leaves as well.
---The cave becomes very dim...---
Lou: "Torch time? Hehe."
* Davis doesn't want to smell any of Lou's make-shift torches
Lou: "Hey, is it my fault the only stuff I can find to torch smells
bad?"
---The walk out is not difficult, but the visibility is not as bright.
Eventually, the group reaches the exit to the cave and is greeted
with the amber light of a setting sun. The prairie has a very
peaceful beauty to it at this time... The setting of the sun and
the dimming of the daylight seem symbolic with the defeat of
Kazan.---
* Miko stares silently at the sunset.
* Ebony says quietly, "I wish we could do this without the killing."
Lou: "I agree, Ebony... Killing mindless monsters is one thing, but
people..."
* Davis agrees that there is too much killing as it is.
Miko: "Ebony, yes... I didn't want him to die. I didn't see any 'evil'
in him at all..."
Ebony: "He was crazy, Miko. His mind didn't work right."
Lou: "Some may say we put him out of his misery."
---Pao sits off in the distance, somewhat brighter than the darkening
sky around it. The journey from here to Pao doesn't seem to far
off.---
~Isis: "Come on, I can lead the way."
* Miko follows Isis, more solemnly than before.
* Davis doesn't know what to say to Miko to help her out of this
solemn feeling.
* Ebony lets Miko work it out herself.
Iceberg: "I don't think correct going to the reward now, with the
solemnity... Do you think it's time now to go to the tavern...
hint, hint.."
* ~Isis appears unfazed by the recent incidents, as if she does this
every day.
* Davis just follows Isis.
* Ebony asks quietly, "Miko, will you be alright?"
Miko: "Oh, Ebony, I'm just very sad. Maybe soon, I will learn to be
as... strong... as Isis about things like this..."
Lou: "Even I'm feeling a bit down right now..."
---As the group approaches Pao, it seems brighter and louder than it
did earlier in the day. The town entrance is before you.---
~Isis: "Hmm... it appears the festivities have begun already!"
---As the group enters Pao, a very joyous sight meets them. Everywhere
you look, you see happy children, playing games. There are couples,
families, children, elders, all running around, playing with
colorful flowers. There are some people here in strange outfits
and face paints. No area of town in unaffected by this boisterous
happiness. People are dancing and singing in the twilight.---
* Ebony looks around. "So this is a festival..."
Iceberg: "Is there any singing contest? Miko should join it.."
* Davis wonders if the festival will at least make Miko somewhat forget
what happened today. He doubts it though.
* Miko looks about the festival and her mood seems to lighten almost
instantly.
Davis: "I guess I'm corrected."
* Ebony can't seem to stay depressed in this atmosphere.
* Lou is cheered up as well. He smiles at the children... "Reminds me
of home..."
Miko: "Lou, it reminds me of home, too... It's almost like an equinox
festival..."
* Lou smiles warmly. "Yeah, this reminds me of the Goddess festival
myself, Miko."
Ebony: "I promised to get you home Miko, and I will."
Miko: "Ebony, I know. Thank you."
Iceberg: "We have festivals in Vane, too... We even see then on
telev... er... crystal orbs..."
Lou: "Where is your home again, Miko?"
Miko: "Lou... um... well, near Meribia, I think... Right, Davis?"
Davis: "Miko, yeah."
Lou: "Meribia huh? Just across the sea from me."
---All of the happy people seem to be heading toward the center of
the town. There is beautiful music in the air. Voices laughing and
cheering...---
Ebony: "Why don't we pick up our silver later? We can have some fun
first."
Iceberg: "Happy, happy, fun, fun" remember?"
* Davis goes to check out the center of town
---As you approach the center of town, you see the source of all the
merriment: a chain of brightly colored carraiges. There are people
from these carriages leading the singing and the games. Never has
Miko seen so much joy and happiness with so many people. There
appears to be a multitude of things to do and to see here. Miko's
spirit is lifted with joy instantly.---
* Miko releases a flood of joyous laughter as the burden of the
perilous journey dissolves almost instantaneously in the excitement!
* Ebony wonders if Jean is going to pop up again...
* Jean appears... "Isn't this great?!" ... and leaves.
Lou: "Who was that black-haired babe?"
---People in the colorful costumes and fascinating face paint emerge
from the carriages. They appear to be setting up games, songs,
dances, food and such. They seem like outsiders. One such fellow
walks up to the group.---
Clown: "Hi! How are you fine folks?"
Ebony: "Oh um... fine."
Miko: "Davis, this is wonderful!"
* Davis watches and enjoys himself.
* Lou takes in all the fun and merriment.
Clown: "Ah, what fine words! You think this is wonderful! Well, pretty
lady, I'm glad that our circus has brought you so much happiness and
joy!"
Iceberg: "Clown, you said the forbidden word..."
Clown: "You must really enjoy circuses, am I right?"
Iceberg: "Twice..."
Lou: "Uh oh... Hey Clown, sorry, don't know your name, don't use the
C-word."
* Davis tries to get Ebony to not hear the word and Miko, too...
* Miko looks confused... "C... circus? This... is a circus?"
Ebony: "You don't... have any... animals in cages do you?"
* Davis just gives up. "Oh great."
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