~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lunar: Middleground IRC RPG Session 15
Session Start: Wednesday, 11, September, 1996, 17:29:52
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Cast of Characters:
Hahn as "Gamemaster, Luna, Girl, Female Figure, Diana, Man, Mr. Okita,
Clerk, Woman, Merchant, Old Mage, Male Figure,
Boogie Monster, GM God, Masked Figure/Grimzol, Red Guardian"
Vecna as "Eomar"
Kenshiro as "Thesian, Nall"
Luna as "Isis"
Davis as "Davis"
Miko as "Miko"
Dragonmaster Blake as "Ebony"
Dragonmaster Lou as "Lou"
Rasis as "Bulix"
Iceberg as "Iceberg, Lemina"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~Luna's mesmerizing song reaches a conclusion... the crowd
surrounding her is completely transfixed.~~~
Luna: "Laaaa.... la la la LAAAAAAA!"
* Ebony sniffs... the words as so... meaningful.
* Lou is mesmerized by the song... such wonderful lyrics...
~~~The cool autumn breeze flows through this quaint little village.
The song is gleaming with the tradition of Burg. Luna steps off
the platform, giving way to an uproarious applause.~~~
* Ebony claps his little paws together.
* Iceberg has his hands red clappin'.
* Lou cheers, then starts to look for Diana again. "Diana??? Where are
you?"
~~~The crowd is shifting with applause and excitement. From behind
you, you hear a girl scream, not of praise, but terror!~~~
Girl: "Ayyiieeeee!"
* Ebony whirls.
Iceberg: "What? Who's yellin'?"
* Lou runs to investigate the scream as fast as he can. "Who's
there???? What's wrong???"
* Iceberg prepares some healing spells and follows Lou...
* Ebony fies up and hovers to get a look over the crowd.
~~~The crowd quickly moves away from the area where the scream came
from. Near the wall of bushes lining the east area of town, you see
an extraordinary figure. There is a tall female figure standing
here. Her hair is only on one side, a shimmering gold. Her body
appears to be more metal than human. Shining white plates of armor
are grafted all over her body. The girl scuttles away from this
figure.~~~
Lou: "What the..."
Iceberg: "Who, by Althena's sake, are you?"
Ebony: "Points... I think 'what' is a better question..."
Iceberg: "Ebano, so you're 'what', too..."
Lou: "Who are you? Why are you here?"
~~~One of the figure's eyes to be made of glass and glows with a
baleful green.~~~
Figure: "This appears to be some sort of primitive civilization. Find
the girl named Semila Ausa and terminate her. Kappa Division,
neutralize any opposers."
Ebony: "Terminate?"
Iceberg: "Little Semila? Primitive?"
Lou: "Semila Ausa? I don't think so..."
~~~A thin wire raises from her back and a loud hum fills the air.
From the bushes appear countless masses of moving metallic
objects! She raises her hand and a quartet of flying bird-like
objects fly at the group in perfect formation! Their heads perfect
spheres of metal, adorned with metallic scales on their wings!
They bear shining metal claws and attack! Two in front and two
in back.~~~
Ebony: "Those are um... um... Aero-bots... yea..."
~~~The sounds of screaming and metallic clanging surround the group as
your peripheral vision sees several more figures rushing into the
village!~~~
* Bulix looks around and is completely and totally confused.
* Ebony lays it out for Bulix. "Whatever they are, they aren't
friendly. Kick their metal butts!"
----------COMBAT---------
Ebony wields his shining claws and attacks! Ebony misses.
Iceberg: "Great, as it wasn't enough with one Goddess here, there's
another one from who-knows-where..."
Lou: "Figures, huh?"
Ebony: "Shhh! I'm trying to attack here!"
Second attack! Hit! Aero-Bot A suffers 21 damage.
Bulix attacks! Critical Hit! 58 damage.
Second attack... Hit! 15 damage.
Third attack... Hit! 16 damage.
Aero Bot A slumps the ground in a sparking mass of wires.
Aero Bot B slashes at Lou! Hit! 22 damage.
Second attack... Hit! 19 damage.
* Ebony winces. "Looks painful..."
Iceberg: "Are you seriously hit, Lou?"
Lou: "Yes, I am, Ice.. Very, very badly..."
* Iceberg reminds the group that the poster "Healings accepted" is
written on his forehead.
Aero Bot C fires a Spark Ray at Bulix!
Bulix resists the shock.
* Bulix glances down to where that ray hit him, rolls his eyes, and
shrugs.
Aero Bot D advances into the front row.
Lou grips his sword, then rushes at the enemies!
Blade Anger level 11!
Aero Bot B suffers 28 damage.
C suffers 31 damage. D suffers 27.
Iceberg casts Ice Sheet level 9!
A wall of ice slams into Aero Bot B and shatters. 59 damage.
* Ebony cracks his knuckles (or would if he had some). "Okay, time to
take off the kitty gloves! Let's see how those wires and stuff react
to acid..."
Ebony shapes his mouth strangely, then spits a thin wave of
corrosive liquid over the front row!
Aero Bot B suffers 29 damage. D suffers 25 damage.
* Ebony hacks coughs and wheezes... "You try spitting acid. It burns."
* Iceberg idly thinks that science would like to open a flying cat to
know about anatomy, fire, and acid...
Bulix steps up to plate and attacks! Critical Hit! 49 damage.
Second attack... Hit! 14 damage. Aero Bot B collapses.
Third attack... Hit! 17 damage.
Aero Bot C fires a Spark Ray at Iceberg!
* Iceberg covers using his robe....
Iceberg has critical weakness to Thunder attack.
Auto success. Iceberg is starting to become stiff...
Lou: "Ouch... Ice, you okay???
Ebony: "I think he's paralyzed, Lou."
* Bulix glances back at Iceberg. "Uh-oh.. looks like that ray thing
does mess with you.. Ice? Ice?"
* Ebony shakes his head. "You'd think these guys had never seen a
battle before..."
Lou uses Blade Anger level 11!
Aero Bot C suffers 28. D suffers 27. Aero Bot C is defeated!
Lou: "Yes!!! Another one down!"
Ebony: "That'll show you, you... um... metal... flying... thing!"
Iceberg casts Recovery Litany level 7!
* Iceberg is stiffed badly... It hurts...
Lou recovers 53 HP.
Lou: "Thanks, Ice, I'll now avenge your paralysis!"
* Iceberg uses his mental powers to ask desperately to the group
about Soul litanies.
* Bulix gets a headache. "Ow.. Ice.. Don't do that.. ow.. Ice.. ow.."
Ebony: "Sorry Points, not me."
Lou uses RapidCut level 11!
Lou springs forward and slashes the robot. 28 damage.
Second attack... 24 damage.
Third attack... 30 damage.
Aero Bot D is *severely* trashed!
Iceberg becomes paralyzed.
Victory!
Each player earns 8 XP. The group acquires 200 S and 200 MXP.
* Ebony does the 'Victory Dance'.
* Bulix glances around at all the scrap metal. "What is this, anyway?"
Lou: "I don't know. I've seen machines before, but never like
this..."
Ebony: "Where's the robo-chic? Hell-ooooo, weird metal woman?"
~~~You see the entire population of Burg and all visiting fiercely
defending the village! You hear deafening metalic clangs as the
robots are mercilessly pummeled with weapons, and even farming
equipment.~~~
* Lou is worried about Diana with all this battle. "Now, where is
Diana..? Diana????!!!"
Ebony: "Diana... paging Diana..."
Lou: "What the heck is going on here??? This is crazy...Guys, we gotta
find Diana... before she gets hurt!"
Bulix: "Not to mention everyone else here, Lou.."
Lou: "True..."
~~~Luna stands atop the platform.~~~
Luna: "Citizens! With Alex away, we must defend Burg!"
~~~Luna turns to a skirmishing group of robots and annihiliates them
with a forceful song.~~~
Lou: "Nice to see Luna still has her touch... Guys, we gotta do
something here..."
Ebony: "We are, Lou..."
Diana: "Lou! They're... they're... just around the corner! Help me!"
~~~You see Diana around the corner of a nearby barn.~~~
Ebony: "That's our cue! Charge!"
* Lou runs after Diana's voice. "Diana!!!! Diana, I'm coming! Just
hold on!"
* Bulix sprints after Lou.
* Lou turns around the corner to see...
~~~Diana scuttles behind Lou into the back row as a group of robots
attacks!~~~
Ebony: "Oh no, 3 more Aero-bots and uh... a um... 2 Laser Mechs in
back!"
Lou: "Not more of these things... Dammit... Don't worry, Diana. I'll
protect you!"
------COMBAT-------
Diana holds her hands together and closes her eyes,
whispering under her breath...
Ebony closes his eyes and points his paws at Laser Mech B!
Dark Impulse level 5!
Laser Mech B starts sparking and it malfunctions!
Laser Mech B is dazed.
Ebony: "Ha!"
Bulix attacks Aero Bot A! Critical Hit! 54 damage.
Second attack... Critical Hit! 56 damage.
Aero Bot A collapses into a smoking heap!
Lou: "Go, Bulix!"
Third attack... Critical Hit! 49 damage.
Lou: "Bulix, very Impressive! Very impressive indeed!"
* Bulix listens to his iron fist clang off of that Robot. "Thanks,
Lou."
Lou: "No prob..."
Aero Bot B slashes at Bulix! Bulix is hit for 17 damage.
Second attack... Hit! 16 damage.
Aero Bot C uses Spark Ray! Lou resists the attack.
Lou: "Whew...."
Laser Mech A locks on target...
Laser Mech A fires a red stream of laser light at Lou!
The beam is reflected...
Laser Mech A suffers 41 damage.
Lou: "Nice shooting there, Laser Mech!"
Ebony: "Yeah! Good thing you bought that shield!"
Lou: "No kidding! I think I may hang onto it for a while."
* Bulix glances back at Lou. "That is one cool shield."
Lou: "Thanks, Bulix. Thank Ramus, though. I got it at his place."
Bulix: "Thank Ramus? Him? Nah."
Lou: "Hehe..."
Laser Mech B fires at Aero Bot C!
Ebony: "Even better shooting."
The beam misses.
* Ebony does the 'I didn't get attacked' boogie.
* Lou does the 'I got attacked but it backfired' boogie!
Lou uses Blade Anger level 11!
Aero Bot B is hit for 34 damage. C suffers 36.
Laser Mech A suffers 24. B suffers 27.
Diana ceases her chanting. Diana casts Fusion Litany level 2!
White sparkles adorn Iceberg. Iceberg's paralysis is cured!
Ebony: "Wow, Diana... Who'da thunk...?
* Lou smiles at Diana. "I didn't know you knew that trick!"
* Iceberg thanks Diana with an unique gaze!!
Iceberg shakes his arms, then eyes down Aero Bot B.
Shadow Ray level 5! Aero Bot B suffers 103 damage.
Aero Bot B disappears from existence.
Lou: "Nice shot, Ice!"
Ebony: "Wow Points... That's why I say, 'Hey man, nice shot!'"
Diana reaches behind her and whips out her bow.
* Ebony rubs his paws together "He he, who wants to see a new trick?"
Ebony casts Stone Glare level 5!
Laser Mech A is transformed into a rigid form of stone and
ceases all functioning.
Ebony: "Pretty neat, huh?"
Lou: "Heheeh, all right, Eb! Very neat!"
Bulix attacks! Hit! 15 damage.
Second attack... Hit! 14 damage.
Third attack... Hit! 17 damage.
* Bulix does a double-take at the Mech.. "Huh?"
Aero Bot C slashes wildly at Ebony!
Ebony is struck for 11 damage.
Ebony: "Owee."
* Lou winces at the sight.
Ebony: "You... stupid... blender!"
Second attack... Ebony quickly swoops over the bot's attack.
Lou: "Whew..."
Laser Mech B fires at Aero Bot C!
Lou: "Wait a sec, Eb... Looks like your blender may get some
fireworks soon!"
Aero Bot C suffers 47 damage and is shot out of the ground!
Aero Bot C is defeated.
Lou: "All right, Laser Mech B! Way to kill your teammate!"
Diana fires at Laser Mech B! Hit! 5 damage.
Iceberg casts Shadow Ray level 5! 114 damage.
Laser Mech B is defeated!
Lou: "Haha, another one bites the dust!"
Ebony: "That spell's gotta take a lot away..."
The group finishes the helpless Laser Mech A with a cruel blow
with a sculptor's hammer. Victory!
Each player earns 10 XP, the group earns 250 S and 250 MXP.
Ebony: "What the heck is going on here? Metal things, some half
metal woman..? It's like a bad sci-fi flick!"
Lou: "You okay there, Diana? Did those things hurt you at all?"
* Diana pants and nods to Lou, eyes closed. "Yes... I'm fine..."
Lou: "Whew, I'm glad to hear that. What happened, Diana? Did you see
where those things came from?"
Diana: "Look... over there! They're headed for the children! Lou,
come on! We have to help protect them!"
Lou: "I'm on my way Diana!"
Ebony: "Attacking little kids!?! That's low!"
Lou: "Ebony, enough with the wisecracks! We got kids to save!"
Ebony: "Then move your tail!"
* Lou follows after Diana to protect the kids.
* Diana runs enthusiastically.
* Iceberg follows Diana, praying for little more fights now..
* Ebony flies along after. "Get a move on, Ice!"
* Bulix sprints.. the wrong way.. Turns around, and follows Lou..
quick-like.
~~~It appears that the villagers are holding off well. The east and
north edges of the town have been secured.~~~
Diana: "Lou! Over there! I think it's the last of them. Let's destroy
those terrible machines!"
Lou: "I'm there Diana! Let's rock, guys!"
Diana: "No! Iceberg's down!"
* Bulix glances back to where Iceberg has his face stuck in the dirt
and helps him up. "Come on, Come on!"
~~~Diana casts Resurrection Litany level 30!~~~
* Iceberg is a pet for Diana's litanies.
Ebony: "Oh no! Look out, guys! 4 more Aero-bots and 3 Laser Mechs!"
Lou: "Here we go again... You ready, Diana?"
* Diana loads an arrow into her bow and stands firmly behind Lou...
* Ebony mutters some dark sounding words.
Bulix: "Okay, guys.. Let's waste these buggers!"
----------COMBAT-----------
Ebony casts Dark Impulse level 5!
Laser Mech C is surrounded with shadow spirits...
Laser Mech C is dazed!
Ebony: "You know, guys... Running by the Althena statue might not have
been a bad idea..."
Lou: "Umm, kinda late now isn't it? besides, not sure if we would
have made it in this mayhem..."
Iceberg: "We can run after this combat.. Quick!"
Bulix holds his hands down, and closes his eyes,
and a shimmering blue force surrounds him!
Bulix's #attacks is boosted by 1!
Aero Bot A slashes at Ebony! Miss!
Second attack... Miss!
Ebony: "Neener neener neener..."
Aero Bot B attacks Bulix! Hit! 12 damage.
Second attack... Bulix sidesteps the attack.
Aero Bot C slashes at Lou!
* Lou tries to block with his shield.
Hit! 16 damage.
Second attack...
Lou instincitvely raises his shield and feels the sharp
rakings against it...
Lou: "Whew..."
Laser Mech A fires at Iceberg!
* Iceberg prays to Goddess Althena...
Hit! 34 damage.
Iceberg: "Ouch!!!!!!!!!!"
Laser Mech B fires at Ebony! Hit! 13 damage.
Ebony: "Ow! It burns! What is this, magic?"
Laser Mech C fires at Laser Mech A!
Critical Hit! Laser Mech A suffers 121 damage.
Lou: "All right, Laser Mech C! Way to help us out!"
Ebony: "Hey, thank me!"
Lou: "Thanks, Eb."
Ebony: "That's better."
Diana fires at Aero Bot A! Hit! 17 damage.
Lou: "Nice shot, Diana!"
Lou uses Blade Anger level 11!
Aero Bot A suffers 33. B suffers 36. C suffers 29. D suffers 33.
Laser Mech A suffers 21. B suffers 25. C suffers 24.
Laser Mech C recovers from Daze condition from the blow.
Iceberg casts Ice Sheet level 9!
Iceberg: "<>"
A thin wall of ice slams into the Laser Mechs!
Laser Mech A suffers 59 damage. B suffers 54 damage.
C suffers 63 damage. Laser Mech A is destoyed!
Lou: "All right!"
Ebony casts Stone Glare level 5!
Aero Bot D is transformed into stone, falls to the ground,
and shatters into fragments.
Lou: "All right, Eb!"
* Bulix does yet another double take. "How did.. how.. geez.."
Lou: "You okay there, Bulix?"
* Bulix nods. "How'd he _do_ that?"
Ebony: "Magic."
Lou: "He's a Black Dragon. 'Nuff said."
Bulix uses Anger Punch level 8!
Critical Hit! 63 damage. Aero Bot A is destroyed.
Lou: "One more down! Yes!"
Second attack... Hit! 19 damage.
Third attack... Hit! 21 damage.
Fourth attack... Hit! 19 damage.
Fifth attack... Critical Hit! 70 damage.
Aero Bot B is destroyed.
Lou: "Nice moves, Bulix!"
Aero Bot C attacks Lou!
* Lou raises his shield, trying to block.
Hit! 17 damage.
Second attack... Hit! 19 damage.
Laser Mech B fires at Diana!
Lou: "Diana!! Look out!!"
Hit! 34 damage.
Lou: "That does it! Now I'm p.o.'d!"
Lou uses Blade Anger Level 11!
Aero Bot C suffers 33 damage.
Laser Mech B suffers 23. C suffers 26.
* Diana gets up weakly and tries to load her bow with jittering arms.
Lou: "Diana, are you okay???"
Diana uses Spread Shot!
Diana loads a pair of arrows and fires at the Laser Mechs.
Diana: "Take.. this!"
Laser Mech B suffers 9 damage. C suffers 11 damage.
* Lou's eye pop open at Diana's skill with a bow. "My, you have
been practicing..."
* Diana gives Lou a wild stare. "You think my bow practice is the
most important thing right now?!"
Lou: "No, second to the payback that Laser Mech is gonna get in a
sec, Diana!"
* Bulix nods. "Yeah, Lou.. Focus on the metal things."
Iceberg casts Ice Sheet level 9!
A thin wall of ice slams into the Laser Mechs and shatters.
Laser Mech B suffers 57 damage. C suffers 60.
Ebony uses Spin Gash level 9!
Ebony swings around a slashing attack across the back row!
Laser Mech B suffers 27 damage. C suffers 23.
Laser Mech B seems *very* damaged...
Bulix attacks! He misses the rapidly fluttering Aero Bot.
Second attack... Hit! 20 damage.
Third attack... Hit! 18 damage.
Fourth attack... Hit! 21 damage.
Aero Bot C is swatted to the ground in a broken, mangled heap.
Lou: "Another one down!"
* Iceberg is too wounded to notice the dead monsters...
Laser Mech B fires at Bulix!
Bulix narrowly dodges the gleaming red beam.
Laser Mech C fires at Diana!
Lou: "Diana!!! Watch out!!!!"
Diana holds her head and crouches out of surprise.
The beam flies over her head.
* Lou sighs relief.
Lou uses RapidCut level 11! 24 damage.
Second attack... 27 damaeg.
Third attack... 25 damage.
Laser Mech C is reduced to four clearly identifiable cleaved
sections, each sparking.
* Ebony thinks Lou overkilled again.
* Bulix watches Lou beat the living FS out of the robot. "Go Lou!"
Lou: "Thanks, Bulix. That's what you get for firing at Diana! Okay,
who's left to pound on?"
Ebony: "One laser mech! Can't you see?"
Lou: "Sorry, got all this shrapnel from the last one in my face..."
Diana defends.
Iceberg casts Drain Litany level 7!
Iceberg robs Laser Mech B of its last 5 HP.
Laser Mech B is destroyed! Iceberg recovers 5 HP
Victory!
Each player earns 12 XP. The group gains 300 S and 300 MXP.
Lou: "Yes!!!!!!"
Ebony: "Wee! Did we save the kids?"
* Lou quickly runs over to check on Diana. "You okay? Hope that thing
didn't hurt you too badly..."
* Diana slumps to the ground, taking deep breaths. "Lou... hold me..."
* Lou kneels down next to Diana, holding her tightly "It's okay. I'm
here..."
~~~The group of children the villagers were defending seem to be
unharmed. The last of the skirmishing force is being driven from the
town by the flamboyantly enraged villagers.~~~
Iceberg: "This town has been attacked twice in the last ten years..."
* Ebony looks around. "Is that it? Did we win?"
* Bulix cracks his knuckles, and breathes a sigh of relief. "We did
it.. I hope."
Ebony: "Where's Luna?"
* Luna strikes down straggling robots with her booming voice.
Ebony: "Wow... Luna's pretty cool."
Figure: "It appears Semila is not here, and this scouting force has
been exhausted. I shall return to the portal and retrieve a new
force. Tomorrow I will continue the search in the small coastal
civilization nearby."
~~~The woman figure clenches a fist and a beam of green light engulfs
her and she disappears.~~~
Ebony: "Small coastal..."
Lou: "Small coastal civilization... That's... that's SAITH!!!!!"
Iceberg: "Lou, Saith!!!!"
Ebony: "Lou, she's talking about Saith!"
Lou: "No way she's going to hurt Saith! We gotta get to the statue
and get back to Saith to warn everyone!"
Ebony: "But... what about... Alex?"
* Lou is so confused, he doesn't know what to do...
Ebony: "If we could find him first, he can wipe the floor with
those flying toasters!"
Diana: "Lou... There were many soldiers here because of the festival.
Everyone was here, but if this happened to Saith..."
Lou: "Diana, I know, and it looks like they're going to Saith next..."
Diana: "No way could we hold out. Saith would be ransacked."
Lou: "Diana, we gotta go home... I gotta protect our home..."
* Iceberg points out that we should use the statue now.
~~~Many crowds of fighting men and women flock to the Althena's
Statue.~~~
* Lou lets a small tear drip from his eye in response to Diana's
injuries. "Diana, can you make it to the Althena's Statue on your
own, or should I carry you?"
* Ebony flutters over, smacks the Althena statue, and swings around.
* Lou carries Diana to the statue and touches his hand and her's
to it. "I don't know what to do, saving Alex on one hand, saving
Saith on the other..."
* Iceberg believes Alex could be useful to recover Saith...
Ebony: "If we can get Alex, he can help us save Saith."
Lou: "Ebony, do you think we can do it by tomorrow? We have a
deadline..."
Ebony: "I don't know..."
Diana: "Lou, we don't even know that Alex is in trouble. Saith is a
real problem we need to worry about..."
* Lou is leaning kinda heavily towards Diana's side right now...
Diana: "Wherever Alex is... I'm sure he can hold out longer than our
hometown!"
* Lou gets down on one knee and prays "Goddess Althena, please, help
me choose what I must do..."
* Ebony wonders if he should suggest that sacrificing Saith might be
required to save the planet.
Diana: "Lou, look at us. We have no idea what's up in the snow
mountains where Alex and Nall went. We aren't prepared for that.
Perhaps if we saw Mr. Okita or some other adults..."
Lou: "Diana, I know... If only... if only the rest of the four heroes
of old were here... They could find Alex or protect Saith or both..."
Diana: "You mean Jessica, Nash, and Mia? Those people you're always
telling me about?"
Lou: "Diana, yes. They would be able to at least help Saith hold out
until more help arrives, if not defeat the enemy totally..."
* Ebony thinks of the poor people and sighs. "We can't leave Saith
unprotected."
* Iceberg decides watching Diana's face... "Let's go to Saith to
prepare the city!!!"
* Diana tries to get up and dust herself off. "Oh no! Those things
singed the flower out of my hair! That one I crouched under!
Grr..."
Lou: "You feeling better, Diana? Are we going to Saith now?"
Ebony: "Wait..."
Lou: "What, Ebony?"
Ebony: "We should talk to Luna first. Maybe someone from Burg can go
find Alex and tell him what's going on."
Lou: "Ebony, okay, good idea. Hey, anyone see Luna? Maybe she can give
some advice, or perhaps rally troops to help defend Saith."
* Luna steps off the platform, visibly exhausted by the ordeal. Still,
her feats were impressive for a pregnant woman.
* Ebony flutters over and hovers near Luna.
* Lou slowly walks up to Luna. "Excuse me, Luna."
Iceberg: "Luna!! Do you know something about what happened here?"
Luna: "I... I have no idea. They came from the east... the snow
mountains..."
Lou: "What did, Luna? Those monstrous machines?"
Luna: "Yes, those machines. They weren't like any I saw in the
slave camps at Ruid all those years ago... I am puzzled! Lou, I
think she intends to advance across our world, slowly 'searching'
each civilization."
Lou: "I also think Saith is next. Luna, what can we do?"
Ebony: "Wait... the east... That's where Alex went.."
Lou: "Uh oh..."
Ebony: "Do you think they..?"
Lou: "Ebony, don't say it... please don't... Luna, Saith is totally
unprotected... I'm not sure how they could last against these
machines..."
Luna: "Lou, if you care at all about your dear Saith, go there now!
I'm sure those capable of fighting will accompany you and help
defend it! They have no idea of what happened here. Someone must
inform them."
* Iceberg volunteers and asks the people to join us in the rescue
movement...
* Lou shouts out, "Everyone here! Saith will be attacked by these
monsters tomorrow! I could use some volunteers to help defend it!
Please help us!"
~~~Several hardy looking men raise their arms and shout in
agreement.~~~
* Lou shouts back "Thank you all!"
* Bulix claps Lou on the shoulder. "I'm with you."
Lou: "Thanks, Ice and Bulix. Thanks for the advice, Luna."
Ebony: "We will go to Saith, lady, but perhaps you can send a group
to find Alex... It's important.."
Luna: "With the current goings on, it's best that Alex return here
immediately. Don't worry, I'll send some people familiar with the
area to fetch him."
* Luna takes deep breaths and slowly tries to walk back to her home.
Lou: "Farewell, Luna... and once again, thank you!"
~~~Several dozen men approach Lou.~~~
Man: "You're the kid from Saith?"
Lou: "Yes, you're coming with us to help, right?"
Man: "Yes, sirree! Let's get a move on! We'll need to organize and
rally the defense force."
Lou: "Okay, you heard the man! Everyone ready to go?"
Ebony: "I'm ready, Lou... Someone has to take care of you all."
Lou: "Thanks, Ebony. Okay, let's go."
~~~With the group of dedicated defenders, the group expediently
returns to Saith. The heavy atmosphere seems to have already
penetrated this town. The clouds have become grey and
overcast...~~~
Iceberg: "A battle in the rain... Not very cool... "
* Diana holds her arms around her body. "It's chilly."
* Lou wishes he had something he could put on Diana to keep her warm.
* Ebony works on his sculpting skills.
~~~The men immediately break off and survey the town, looking for
its strengths and weaknesses.~~~
Lou: "Okay, next stop, Mr. Okita's, right guys?"
Iceberg: "Mr. Okita, right."
Ebony: "Right! Let's get a neato sword!"
* Iceberg tells Lou that being a friend, he could make some
discount... Hint, hint...
Mr. Okita: "Ah, Lou! Back from the festival? How was it?"
Lou: "Mr. Okita, it was wonderful until it was attacked by strange
machines! Even worse news, the machines are going to attack here
tomorrow!"
Mr. Okita: "Machines...? On Caldor? The only thing I've heard are
Alex's stories from the Frontier."
Lou: "Mr. Okita, they're no longer just on the Frontier. Something has
brought them here now!"
Ebony: "Yeah, and they are coming here next!"
Mr. Okita: "Well, I trust the proper precautions are being made!"
Diana: "Yes, by nightfall Saith should be completely secure. We have
plenty of able bodies here now, I believe."
Lou: "I have a bunch of volunteers from Burg that I brought back to
help us, and I'd like new weapons to help defend us, too."
Ebony: "Yes, we need to get better weapons and maybe... a discount?
Since we're going to save the town and all..."
~~~Mr. Okita flashes his selection.~~~
Tinplate Armor 300s
Chain Cowl 75s
Tin Shield 250s
Kenji Sleeve 250s
Wolf Wrap 250s
Long Sword 500s
Scimitar 2500s
Flame Sword 1000s
Steel Mace 750s
Iron Axe 500s
Steel Knuckle 500s
Long Bow 500s
* Iceberg wonders what could he use.
Ebony: "We can get Lou a new sword and Bulix a new knuckle."
* Bulix glances at his hand. "My knuckles? What's wrong with my
knuckles?"
Ebony: "They aren't steel."
* Bulix moves each finger in turn. "They work.."
Iceberg: "I always have wanted to see a Flame Sword... How does it
work?"
Mr. Okita: "This little beauty has spent some good time in the forge.
It still has the dormant heat inside it. It's not as sharp or heavy
as the long sword or scimitar, but it can melt things it slices
through."
Iceberg: "So, Lou, keep that sword away from my Glacier robe..."
Lou: "It's okay, Ice. No problem. Can I have a flame sword please?"
* Okita chuckles. "Sure, Lou. You know if you stayed here as my
apprentice instead of galavanting around like an adventurer, you
would know how to make these!"
Lou: "True, but I wouldn't meet cool people on the adventures."
Ebony: "Like me."
Diana: "But you wouldn't be with me! ..."
Lou: "Oh, sorry, Diana... Well, next time I'm taking you with me!"
* Lemina appears. "Yes, yes, Mr. Okita, and who would have bought
this expensive weapon, simpleton?!?"
* Bulix strangles Lemina. "Simpleton? Shaddup.. Shaddup.."
Lemina: "You don't know how to send dumb apprentices to the death,
and then rip them off with your expensive weapons?"
* Lemina disappears.
Iceberg: "Did you know Lemina will be one of my great-great-great-
grand-daughters?"
Diana: "By the way, Mr. Okita, that new cord you put in my bow really
works great. It doesn't snap anymore."
* Lou smiles at Diana for no apparent reason.
* Iceberg wonders what spell Diana cast over Lou...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~Elsewhere, the loud sound of the wild, rushing river at the bottom
of the Blue Waterfall Cavern can be heard. Tiny water drips hit the
floor around Thesian, Isis, and Eomar. There is an uncrossable
chasm, and a plate of runes and carvings, the only link to which is
Thesian's uncle in Tamur...~~~
* Thesian looks around. "Azura? Are you here?"
~~~Thesian's voice echoes throughout the slick passage... There is no
response. Another arc of electricity zips over your heads into
the opposite wall as more bright sparks intermittenly fill the
passage... Almost creating a light show of sorts...~~~
Isis: "I didn't do it!"
Eomar: "If Ebony were here, perhaps he could find Azura without us
needing to get across the chasm."
* Isis sticks her tongue out. "But Eb isn't here."
Eomar: "Thes, any ideas about the chasm?"
* Thesian stares hard at the runes and carvings, trying to decipher
them...
~~~The runes seem to depict a crude sketch of the chasm, surrounded
by symbols of a bizarre language. There seem to be writings in one
corner, and symbols surrounding the frame of the carving. The
writing may hold instructions or clues...~~~
* Thesian looks from the chasm to the drawing and back again,
thinking. "This looks familiar...Damn, I wish I studied this
harder when I was growing up."
Isis: "Do you think anyone in the town would know this type of
language?"
* Thesian turns to Isis. "I think we'll have to head back to
Tamur. I know it's a hike, but I'm sure we can decipher these
with some of the books that are at home."
Isis: "Well, Thesian, whatever you think is the best idea.."
* Eomar is all for going back.
* Thesian peers down into the craggy chasm, wondering if there
are man-eating rabbits at the bottom...
* Isis thinks about the possibility of climbing down it..
* Thesian shrugs. "I could use the exercise..." and heads back
toward the underwater passage.
* Eomar lemmings.
* Isis thinks about just waiting here in the cavern while
the guys go back.
~~~The knowledge of the way here alleviates some of the fear of
the trip...~~~
* Thesian plunges into the water.
* Isis lemmings.
~~~From below the water, you can hear the crackling arcs of
electricity from above... You re-emerge in the main entry chamber,
with a bright portal to daylight visible. The group exits the Blue
Waterfall and expediently returns to Tamur...~~~
Thesian: "Wow, that was fast..."
Isis: "We move at lightning speed now!"
~~~It appears to be business as usual in the late morning of this
quiet village.~~~
Isis: "Geeze, we keep on ending back up here..."
Thesian: "There's a small council hall over near Danyen's. They have
books there that we can look at."
Isis: "Well, Thesian, you know the people.. Alrighty. Let's head over
there."
~~~The group approaches the council hall.~~~
* Thesian opens the door to the hall and enters. "Hello? Anyone here?"
~~~A bored clerk eats an apple while looking out the window.~~~
Isis: "Hello?"
Clerk: "Yeah?"
Isis: "We need a book with some weird text in it."
Clerk: "Yeah, what kind? Science fiction is over there. The
tabloids are in the other corner."
Isis: "Nononono.. Thesian, you explain it."
* Thesian doesn't recognize the clerk. "Umm, we just need to take a
look at some of the books on Por'tagrit."
Isis: "Huh?"
* Eomar stands beside Thesian, looking important.
Thesian: "So... Ah, where are they?"
~~~The clerk doesn't bother to swallow before speaking.~~~
Clerk: "What is it that you need in particular? You're certainly
being vague."
* Thesian stares at the clerk with growing impatience. "B-O-O-K-S.
On a language. It's called Por'tagrit. Some ancient, mumbo-jumbo
that people used to speak 10 centuries ago..."
~~~The clerk stares at Thesian with a blank expression and some
apple juice running down his chin.~~~
Thesian: "Or maybe it was 100 years...I was never too good
with history..."
Clerk: "Oh, yeah. I forgot. All our foreign language books are on
loan to the magic council of Lyton. They'll be back in three
weeks."
* Eomar rolls his eyes.
* Thesian tries hard not to strangle the clerk.
Isis: "Hey.. We're in Tamur? Lyton is... not too far, if I
recall correctly."
* Thesian looks resigned. "Maybe we should head over there and
see if they can help us out."
Clerk: "Yeah, Lyton's just over the northwest field. Not too far,
but lots of bugs."
* Eomar does not like bugs. He does, however, like exterminating bugs.
Thesian: "Bugs? What do you mean?"
Clerk: "Yeah, the fields are always plagued with insects this time
of year. Used to be a farmer's kid."
Thesian: "Well, I guess we have no choice but to go. Thanks
for your help..."
~~~The clerk goes back to his disinterested gazing out the
window.~~~
Isis: "Well, I guess we head to Lyton..."
* Thesian heads out.
* Eomar and Isis head out.
~~~The group exits Tamur and heads northwest. You shuffle through low
grass and stray brush and weeds, heading off towards Lyton...~~~
* Thesian hears some familiar music drifting across the overworld
map...er, the channel... erm....
~~~Suddenly, there are three stag beetles in front of you and one
giant spitter bat in back!~~~
--------SENSLESS COMBAT!----------
Thesian: "Oh My Goddess!! This combat appeared so... senselessy!"
Giant Spitter fires a glob of goo at Eomar!
The goo slams into Eomar's raised buckler.
Stag Beetle A attacks Isis with a sharp horn! Hit! 10 damage.
Stag Beetle B gores Thesian!
Thesian: "Ahh! I'm being gored!"
Hit! 16 damage.
Stag Beetle C IMPALES Isis!
Isis quickly sidesteps the violent insect.
Thesian raises an arm to the sky and shouts...
A bolt of electricity lances down from the sky and assaults
the Giant Spitter! 45 damage.
Isis springs forth with her blade in hand! QuickCut!
Stag Beetle A suffers 42 damage.
Second attack... 38 damage.
Thesian: "Nice one, Isis."
Eomar closes his eyes, bows his head down, and points his
palms at the enemies... A tall wall of water rises up from the
ground and washes over the Stag Beetles in a ravaging assault!
Stag Beetle A suffers 29 damage. B suffers 32. C suffers 30.
Stag Beetle A is defeated!
Eomar: "Woo-hoo!"
Thesian: "Cool, Eomar!"
Giant Spitter fires icky goo at Eomar!
Hit! Eomar suffers 9 damage.
Eomar resists the venom.
Stag Beetle B attacks Thesian!
Eomar: "Watch out, Thesian!"
Thesian dodges the attack.
Stag Beetle C rams Isis! Critical Hit! Isis suffers 23 damage.
Thesian raises his other arm to the sky and calls down a
vicious thunderbolt! 41 damage to giant spitter!
Isis uses QuickCut level 8!
Stag Beetle B suffers 40 damage.
Second attack... 37 damage.
Stag Beetle B is diced into three clearly recognizable
portions... defeated!
Eomar points his palms toward the spitter bat and emits a
forceful jet of intense water! 51 damage.
The bat is shot the ground with this assault. Defeated!
Thesian: "Hah! Nice one, Eomar!"
Eomar: "Heh.. That was one tough bat."
Thesian: "Yeah, I hate Spitter bats, too."
Stag Beetle attacks Isis! Hit! 9 damage.
Thesian walks up to the creature and takes a swing!
A stream of yellow light rakes the creature. 25 damage.
Isis grips her sword and brings it down on the beetle..
Hit! 33 damage.
Eomar loads an arrow in his bow, takes aim and fires...
Hit! 28 damage.
Stag Beetle C is defeated!
Victory!
Each player earns 8 XP. The group gets 200 S and 50 MXP.
~~~The last beetle lies on the ground, barely alive, making a
bizarre, scuttling hum noise...~~~
* Eomar lops off its head with Isis' sword.
~~~The beetle's noise is still heard echoing through the field,
though... traveling behind you...~~~
* Thesian looks around cautiously. "Careful...this might not be
over, yet"
~~~Back attack! Three dragonflies lunge up from the grass and
attack! Rows are switched...~~~
-------EVEN MORE SENSELSS COMBAT-------
Thesian: "What?? Even more senseless combat?? This RPG is really
pushing the MA-13 rating with all of this sensless violence!
Where's my Senator?? Call my Senator, somebody, please?"
~~~Thesian's senator's body is strewn about the field, mutilated
by dragonfiles.~~~
Thesian: "Hmmm...guess we'll have to be mature and DEAL WITH IT."
* Eomar deals with it.
* Isis deals with it.
* Thesian deals with it, wondering what all the fuss was about in
the first place.
Thesian casts Thunder Wave level 10!
The dragonfiles are assualted with a thin sheet of crackling
electricity. A suffers 42 damage. B suffers 47. C suffers 45.
Isis casts Spark Stun level 6.
Isis points a hand out and assaults Dragonfly C with a shock of
electric impulse...
Dragonfly C is paralyzed and flutters to the ground...
Eomar loads his bow with three arrows, not daunted by the
close proximity of his targets... Spread Shot level 7!
Dragonfly A suffers 37 damage. B suffers 34. C suffers 40.
Dragonfly A attacks Eomar! Miss!
Dragonfly B attacks Eomar! Eomar is hit for 26 damage.
Thesian advances into the front row...
Isis casts Spark Stun level 7!
A bright shock paralyzes Dragonfly B!
Dragonfly A attacks Thesian!
Thesian is hit for 19 damage.
Dragonfly C fails to recover from Paralyze.
Eomar uses Spread Shot level 7!
Dragonfly A suffers 32 damage.
B suffers 36 damage. C suffers 35 damage.
Dragonfly A is defeated!
Dragonfly B is defeated!
Dragonfly C is defeated!
Victory!
Each player earns 6 XP. The group gains 200 S and 50 MXP.
Eomar: "Woo-hoo!!!!!!!!"
* Thesian dances the happy dance.
* Eomar wiggles his genit... "Uh, never mind."
~~~You are now completely surrounded by stinky fuming insect
corpses.~~~
Thesian: "Phew! This stinks! Let's keep going..."
Eomar: "Yes... away from the stinky insects."
~~~The group continues its journey to the village of Lyton...~~~
* Thesian starts to hum. "No, wait! Not that spell!! Dammit,
thinking of Lyton puts music on the brain..."
~~~You see a small community in the horizon...~~~
Eomar: "I can see it in the distance! It can't be too much farther...
* Thesian picks up the pace a little, encouraged.
~~~Eventually the group arrives in Lyton. Even before entering, you
hear faint speech, but it is all melodic and in harmony. Everyone
speaking here seems to sing what they say. It can be pleasant if
not a bit annoying.~~~
* Thesian fights to keep from humming himself, so as not to
electrocute the party by accident.
* Eomar looks around for the magic council.
~~~This village seems a bit eccentric. The people are amazingly
short, and wear large colored hats, almost comical. The huts here
are all short. You can see over the roofs merely by standing on
your toes.
* Thesian leans down, trying to catch a villager's attention. "Hey,
where's the magic council around here?"
~~~A woman with long red braids looks up at Thesian.~~~
Woman: "Well, aren't you a tall fellow? Come to sample the herbs of
yellow? If the magic council is what you seek, you need merely go
north and take a peek!"
Eomar: "North, huh? Well, then! But, we should heal first, just
to be prepared..."
Thesian: "Yellow herbs? What are those, young woman?"
~~~The woman is carrying a basket of pleasantly smelling yellow
herbs.~~~
Woman: "Herbs from the eastern market. My horse, near where I
parked it. If you wish for these herbs to heal, all you need do
is feel..."
* Thesian winces. "We could use some of those herbs..."
~~~The woman appears to come up with rhyming melodic speech
without any effort...~~~
Woman: "Nay, fellow. These herbs are mine! Go buy your own
before they run out for you haven't much time!"
Thesian: "Well, I guess we'd better go, fast! Those yellow
herbs aren't sure to last..."
* Thesian smacks his forehead. "D'oh! Now I'M doing it!!!"
~~~The woman gives Thesian an excited smile.~~~
Woman: "Ah... how you sing. Your voice does ring!"
Thesian: "Let's go, before I go insane!! No more rhymes, now,
I mean it! ... Anybody wanna peanut?"
* Eomar laughs.
* Thesian laughs until snot runs down his face. "Sorry."
~~~The market she refers to is clearly visible from here, across a
dirt path. It is a simple cloth stall with a small supply of
herbs similar to the ones Danyen received from the caravans.~~~
* Thesian glances around the herb shop.
Merchant: "These herbs I am giving away for 50 silver. You had
better pay and not be a pilferer!"
Eomar: "Are these just normal healing herbs?"
Merchant: "Aye, yes they do heal, but there is nothing normal
about how they feel!"
Eomar: "All right, well, how many do we want??"
Thesian: "Ten? We've got enough cash."
Eomar: "That'd be 500 silver... Um..... sure, that's fine with me."
Thesian: "We'll certainly use them."
Merchant: "And then how will you be splitting those up? 3 to each
fellow and 4 to the pup?"
Isis: "Uh.. er.. the PUP?? I do hope for your sake sir, that you are
not referring to me.."
~~~The merchant looks nervously at Isis as he realizes his joke
has backfired.~~~
Merchant: "Good prices I can give you for these herbs: 100 a
pair. The bandits with that crate that sold here were very fair."
Thesian: "These herbs...were stolen?"
* Eomar thinks back. "Hmmmm... Bandits? Crate?"
Thesian: "These... were stolen from the caravan??"
Merchant: "I ask not how these wares are obtained, for the sick
and injured lives are retained."
Thesian: "We should try to bring some of these back, if we
can."
Eomar: "We'll buy 10. Um, 3, 3, and 4 for the pup."
~~~Thesian takes 3. Eomar takes 3. Isis takes 4.~~~
* Eomar is smoking a candy cigarrette.
* Thesian is trying to quit.
* Eomar, in a bizarre burst of independant thought, tries to find the
book!!! "To the magic council!!!"
~~~There is a small buliding in the north section of the village with
a blue starred carpet outside the door.~~~
* Thesian heads in.
* Eomar and Isis approach and enter.
~~~There is a short, old white haired figure categorizing a
bookshelf in the back of the small charming buliding. The old man
seems to be muttering rhyming things to himself while fiddling with
the books, which don't quite fit in the bookcase.~~~
* Thesian greets the old man. "Hello."
~~~The old man spins around.~~~
Old Mage: "Ahh! You tall fellows gave me quite a scare! What is it
that you are doing there?"
* Thesian smiles. "Do not be alarmed, friend petit! We seek books
of Por'tagrit."
Old Mage: "Ah! Then in luck you may be! New books arrived
from Tamur, you see!"
Thesian: "Yes, those are the books we seek! Might we all just
take a peek?"
~~~The old mage bends over and thumbs through a small bookcase
on the floor. He mumbles something about each book he picks up
and eventually throws over his shoulder. The old man jerks up
excitedly.~~~
Old Mage: "A ha! This is the one with the binding of velvet blue.
I do acknowledge this may be the one for you!"
* Thesian takes the book and looks through it.
Old Mage: "Now take care with that one for the pages are quite
brittle. The mangling and handling of that one should be very
little!"
Thesian: "Yes...this is definitely Por'tagrit."
Eomar: "Damn.. we should've written down the symbols before we came
here."
* Thesian smiles. "It's portable. Let's see what we can do with it."
Old Mage: "Now do what you will that book. Just bring it back
here so all may take a look!"
~~~The old mage goes back to his categorizing. His tiny frame makes
reaching high books difficult.~~~
* Thesian plucks one of them off the shelf for him. "Thank you,
sir... We'll return the book soon. Don't worry. Shall we go?"
~~~As you exit the small cabin, you notice right away that something
is very different...~~~
Thesian: "Hmmm, something is very different...:"
Isis: "Yes, indeed. So very different.... but.. how?"
~~~The ground seems a lot more dim. You look up and see a dark
cloud cover that was most definitely not there when you
entered.~~~
Thesian: "Hmmm...It looks like there is a dark cloud cover that
was most definitely not there when we entered."
~~~Suddenly, a flash of lighting descends and strikes the center of
the dirt path. There is a figure in the path... a menacing figure
in a dark blue robe. He seems to have suddenly appeared.~~~
* Thesian jumps uncharacteristically in surprise, suddenly feeling
his hair stand on end. "YOU...." His hand instantly speeds to his
sword handle.
~~~The figure slowly gets up from a bending position and looks
around the village. The villagers aren't anywhere in sight.~~~
Figure: "Ahh... yes. This will be a good testing grounds. Now
that I have sensed that my new sanctuary has been penetrated,
it's time I re-assure myself of my abilities to summon my loyal
followers..."
~~~The man slowly reaches his arms out into a raised position on
either side of him. His feet slowly pick up and his entire
figure raises from the ground... His baleful blue robe flaps in
the winds that are gradually picking up...~~~
* Isis gets into battle stance, prepared to dodge.
* Eomar is now poised for anything...
Thesian: "You...fiend! What have you done with Azura??"
~~~Thesian's shout goes unanswered. He swiftly rises above the
village and claps his hands together. A spark blasts between
his hands.~~~
Figure: "Ah... yes... I do like this power. I think I could get
quite used to it."
* Thesian feels a sudden rush of power. "This power is not yours
by right!"
Figure: "Now... let's see if my friends back home will come
when I really need them. Come, creatures! Come into this world!
Wreak havoc! Create chaos! Create destruction! Create nothingness!"
~~~The figure floats up into a nearby thunderhead and glows with a
sickly dark blue electricity. You hear a faint shrieking from
above... Doors slam closed all over the village... The winds howl
through the alleyways... The shrieking grows louder and louder as
you see faint dots appearing from the thunderhead... They grow
closer and closer... You see wretched little black demon figures
flying down to the village!~~~
* Thesian draws his blade slowly, holding it at the ready. "Peons!"
Eomar: "Argh..."
* Thesian begins to drift thru several practice forms with his blade
in sequence, faster and faster.
~~~Small scattered bolts of lightning slam down from the cloud and
form into independent forms of electricity! These forms stand up
and move around, scattered fragments of sparks and energy...
vaguely humanoid. One of these forms accompanied by one of the
flying demons assualts the group! One thunder knight in front, one
dark imp in back.~~~
-------COMBAT--------
* Thesian jumps in surprise as Nall suddenly appears.
Nall: "Be careful on this one!"
* Nall winks back out of existence.
Isis springs forth with QuickCut!
She rakes across the Thunder Knight... 34 damage.
Second attack... 37 damage.
Thesian grips his blade and makes an incredibly fast dashing
attack!
Thesian: "Shinei!!!"
Thunder Knight suffers 29 damage.
Second attack... 27 damage.
Third attack... 32 damage.
The Thunder Knight is defeated!
He dissipates into electric energy and diffuses into the ground.
Dark Imp casts Anti Matter level 3!
The imp opens his mouth and emits a ray of black energy at Isis!
Isis suffers 17 damage.
Eomar casts Aqua Pulse level 8! Dark Imp suffers 40 damage.
Isis uses QuickCut level 8! Dark Imp suffers 34 damage.
Second attack... 36 damage.
Thesian *runs* up to the Dark Imp and rakes diagonally across
the creature with his blade. Hit! 24 damage.
Dark Imp is defeated!
Each player receives 4 XP. The group gets 100S and 25 MXP.
* Thesian watches Nall appear again, say "Those were easy pickins!"
and disappear.
~~~The swarm of creatures is assaulting various bulidings. You hear
the bizarre hum and crackle of electricity as the thunder knights
stalk the village... You see the dark blue-robed figure high up in
the clouds with his arms outstretched. It's hard to see any more
detail from here. You hear the impassioned screams of a woman trying
to hold her door shut while two flying imps try to pick it open with
their jaws.~~~
* Thesian watches at the army of enemies in despair. "They'll
destroy the village!"
~~~The imps immediately turn on the group with their baleful, piercing
red eyes. They hover in the air, just staring.~~~
* Thesian rushes after the imps. "Stop it, you fiends! You want to
fight? Try us on for size!"
~~~The two imps take up horizontal position as two small bolts of
lightning strike the ground between you and the imps, forming
into thunder knights! 2 thunder knights in front, 2 dark imps in
back.~~~
--------COMBAT--------
Isis uses QuickCut! Thunder Knight A suffers 35 damage.
Second attack... 38 damage.
Thesian uses Flip level 5!
Thunder Knight A lashes out with a crackling limb at Isis!
Hit! Isis is shocked for 18 damage.
Thunder Knight B moves a mass of electricity over to Thesian!
Hit! Thesian suffers 25 damage.
Eomar holds his bow horizontally, and loads two arrows,
firing at the Thunder Knights!
Thunder Knight A suffers 32 damage. B suffers 28.
Dark Imp A casts Dark Impulse level 3!
Small shadow spirits circle Eomar's head... Eomar is dazed!
Dark Imp B casts Anti Matter level 3!
Isis is jolted by a beam of negative energy. 15 damage.
Isis uses QuickCut level 8! Thunder Knight A suffers 37 damage.
Second attack... 32 damage.
Thunder Knight A is defeated!
Thesian holds his sword in hand and slashes across Thunder
Knight B's form... Critical Hit! 67 damage.
Thunder Knight B attacks Thesian! The attack misses.
Thesian grabs the Thunder Knight and flips him. 16 damage.
Thesian: "Finish him!!!!"
Eomar loads an arrow and fires at Isis!
Isis is hit for 4 damage.
Thesian: "Eomar, snap out of it!"
Dark Imp A casts Anti Matter level 3!
Thesian is blasted with dark energy for 19 damage.
Dark Imp B casts AntiMatter level 3!
Eomar is hit with a black energy beam. 20 damage.
The assault jolts Eomar out of Daze condition.
Eomar: "Eomar is back, and badder than ever!"
Thesian: "Show 'em you ain't messin, Eomar!"
Isis lashes forth with a QuickCut! 38 damage.
Second attack... 35 damage.
Thunder Knight B is defeated!
Thesian: "Woohoo! Waydago Isis!"
Thesian uses RapidCut level 5!
Thesian glides past Dark Imp A in a blindingly fast rush
maneuver... 29 damage.
Second attack... 32 damage.
Third attack... 25 damage.
Eomar loads his bow with a pair of arrows and 'dark imp'
written all over them. Spread Shot!
Dark Imp A suffers 34 damage. B suffers 30 damage.
Dark Imp A is defeated!
Dark Imp B casts AntiMatter level 3!
Eomar is jolted with a ray of black energy. 22 damage.
* Eomar is getting beat up....
Thesian: "Come one, Eomar. Pull thru this and we'll have an
herb or two..."
Isis uses QuickCut level 8! 39 damage.
Second attack... 34 damage.
Thesian *sprints* up to the hideous flying creature and swats
at it with his blade... Hit! 26 damage.
Eomar pinches a tiny vial over the tip of an arrow and fires!
Dark Imp suffers 29 damage. Dark Imp is poisoned.
Dark Imp is defeated!
Each player gains 8 XP. The group gets 200 S and 50 MXP
* Thesian pulls out an herb...
~~~Thesian recovers 14 HP.~~~
Thesian: "Geez, guess I better use another one of those..."
* Thesian pulls out another herb and uses it.
~~~Thesian uses a second herb and recovers 14 HP.~~~
* Isis uses one as well.
~~~Isis recovers 16 HP.~~~
~~~There appears to be a noticably larger group of extra-
dimensional demons gathering near the south of the village;
however, they do not seem to acknowledge you yet. If there are
any preparations to be done, now is the time.
Eomar: "Who needs to be healed? Thes, how bad are you hurt?"
* Thesian thinks he will use oooone more herb...
~~~Thesian recovers 14 HP.~~~
Eomar uses an herb...
~~~Eomar recovers 12 HP.~~~
* Isis and Eomar use another herb each.
~~~Isis recovers 16 HP. Eomar recovers 12 HP.~~~
Eomar: "Well, shall we attempt to use the element of suprise?"
* Thesian squints at the group near the south end of the village.
"That looks like the main force, there."
~~~The ravaging electical storm continues on, and it's hard to
stand still with the shrieking winds blowing across the small
village. The swarm of dark imps continues to circle above the
town, eyeing potential areas to cook up some mayhem.~~~
Thesian: "Let's drive them out of here for good."
Eomar: "Okay, let's go men! "
~~~The dark clouds have become a dreadful black, and seem in a
constant state of unrest.~~~
* Thesian follows Eomar's lead and attempts to sneak up on the
group.
* Eomar puts on his patented bad-ass sunglasses and prepares to
get medieval on some demon flesh.
Thesian: "Well, these guys are medieval... Maybe we should get
20th-century on them, instead!"
Eomar: "Heheh..."
* Thesian pulls out an AK-47. "Er, how about a lightning gun,
instead??"
Eomar: "Hehehe....Demon ate two loads of Thesian's buckshot!"
Thesian: "Demon accepts Thesian's shaft... Lightning, that is!"
Eomar: "Thes, don't say that! 40 thunder knights will spring on us!"
~~~The creatures become tired with your silly mumblings and turn
around to engage you! Three thunder knights in front, two dark imps
in back, and they don't look friendly.~~~
Eomar: "Boy, did I call it or what?
* Thesian sheathes his sword, clasps his hands together, and
begins to pray in a singsong chant.
------COMBAT---------
Thesian's melody become increasingly passionate and
forceful... He raises his soul to the heavens as a huge
thundering bolt of lightning is called from the black
thunderhead above and absorbs into Thesian...
Thesian is transformed into a living being of electricity!
Isis quickly jerks her sword into her scabbard while
simultaneously twirling out her mace with the other hand.
Thunder Knight A attacks Thesian!
Hit! Electric attack is ineffective against Thesian. 1 damage.
Thunder Knight B attacks Isis!
Isis's buckler conducts the electrical blow.
Thunder Knight C attacks Isis!
Isis dodges the sizzling attack.
Eomar raises his palms as a gushing forceful wave of water
rises from the ground and ravages the Thunder Knights!
The water is electrolyzed as it hits the enemies.
Thunder Knight is resistant to water attack. 15 damage.
B suffers 18 damage. C suffers 16 damage.
Thesian: "Uh oh."
Eomar: "It's supposed to short circut them or something!!!"
Dark Imp casts AntiMatter level 3!
Isis is hit with a black beam for 12 damage.
Dark Imp casts Dark Impulse level 3!
Little fiendish shadow spirits circle Isis's head...
Eomar: "NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!"
Isis maintains her concentration and shatters the spirits.
Eomar: "Whew...."
Thesian raises his arm, coursing with crackling blue energy,
and swipes across Thunder Knight A.
Electric attack is ineffective against Thunder Knight. 1 damage.
Isis holds her mace at an odd angle, then lunges at Thunder
Knight A, bopping it on the head just so...
Thunder Knight suffers 26 damage. Thunder Knight A is dazed.
Thunder Knight A attacks Dark Imp B. Hit! 45 damage.
Thunder Knight B attacks Isis!
Isis blocks the crackling thunder knight's attack.
Thunder Knight C attacks Thesian!
Hit! Electric attack is ineffective against Thesian. 1 damage.
Eomar loads his bow with three arrows and fires at the Thunder
Knights! Thunder Knight A suffers 32 damage.
B suffers 28. C suffers 30.
The blow jerks Thunder Knight A awake from Daze condition.
Dark Imp spits antimatter at Thesian!
Thesian is blasted for 18 damage.
Dark Imp B casts AntiMatter level 3!
Eomar is jolted with black energy. 20 damage.
Thesian: "Since I can't hurt the Knights... I'll just help you out,
Isis!"
Thesian uses Decoy level 5!
Thesian hops around in front of the enemies making rude
comments and insulting, obnnoxious gestures.
Thesian: "Your mother was a hamster, and your father smelt... of
ELDERBERRIES!!!!"
Thesian's Dodge% is boosted by 22. Thesian is attracting all
enemy attacks.
Isis uses Hammer Swing level 7!
Isis hurls her heavy mace around in a wide arc and smacks the
Thunder Knights! Thunder Knight A suffers 26 damage.
B suffers 29. C suffers 27.
Thunder Knight A attacks Thesian! Hit! 1 damage.
Thunder Knight B attacks Thesian! Hit! 1 damage.
Thunder Knight C attacks Thesian! Critical Hit! 1 damage.
Eomar fires a spread of three arrows at the thunder knights!
Thunder Knight A suffers 32 damage.
B suffers 28 damage. C suffers 35.
Eomar: "Jejejeje..."
Dark Imp A casts AntiMatter level 3!
Thesian is jolted for 17 damage.
Dark Imp B casts AnitMatter level 3!
Thesian is assaulted with black energy. 15 damage.
Thesian: "Hey, this isn't funny anymore..."
Eomar: "Thes, are you hurt bad?"
Thesian: "We need to finish this! Shinei!!!!"
Thesian dashes at Dark Imp B! Dark Imp B suffers 30 damage.
Second attack... 29 damage.
Third attack... 34 damage.
Dark Imp B is defeated!
Isis uses Hammer Swing level 7!
Thunder Knight A is bonked for 27 damage.
Eomar: "BONK!"
B suffers 30 damage. C suffers 31.
Thunder Knight A attacks Thesian! The attack misses.
Thunder Knight B attacks Thesian!
Critical Hit! Thesian suffers 1 damage.
Thunder Knight C attacks Thesian! Hit! 1 damage.
Eomar loads another trio of arrows and fires at the thunder
knights...
* Eomar wonders where all these arrows mysteriously come from...
Thunder Knight A suffers 35 damage.
B suffers 31. C suffers 36.
Thunder Knight A is defeated!
Thunder Knight B is defeated!
Thunder Knight C is defeated!
Eomar: "Yeah! They're not invincible!!! Woo-hoo!"
Eomar: "Thesian, your situation is no longer to your advantage."
* Thesian braces himself for the oncoming attack
Dark Imp A casts Dark Impulse level 3!
Thesian is surrounded by a ring of shadow spirits...
Thesian is dazed!
* Thesian mutters. "Toto! Auntie Em!! We're not in Kansas
anymore, are we?"
Eomar: "Uh oh...."
Thesian holds his coursing electric limbs to himself then
raises them to the sky!
A bolt of lightning descends and electrocutes Isis!
22 damage.
Thesian: "Mom? Is that you???"
Isis uses Head Smash level 7!
Isis drives her heavy mace down on the hideous black flying imp.
Dark Imp A suffers 33 damage. Dark Imp A falls asleep.
* Thesian continues to mutter nonsense "...But Alshline can
cure...<> use combination attack..."
Eomar uses Venom Arrow. Eomar fires!
Thesian: "...with raiiiiisins...mmmm..."
The shot jerks Dark Imp A awake. 113 damage.
Eomar: "Holy...."
Dark Imp A quickly goes back to sleep.
Victory!
Each player gains 12 XP. The group gains 150 S and 75 MXP.
* Thesian squints up towards the clouds, badly wounded and
clutching his side.
~~~A booming voice comes down from the dark thunderhead.~~~
Figure: "Enough! That will suffice. Minions, return to the dust
from where I summoned you."
~~~You hear a loud booming from within the thunderhead and watch in
amazement as all the flying imps suddenly slam into the ground,
crumbling into black dust.~~~
Isis: "Sure wish *I* could do that..."
Figure: "Now I know I can call you when I need you... Thank
you, creatures. I had best not overstay my welcome here. This
civilization has served its purpose."
~~~The figure motions his arms outward and floats horizontally
towards the blue mountains.~~~
* Thesian watches him go, relieved.
Isis: "Whew..."
~~~The black thunderhead appears to be clearing by the north
wind and actually seems to be following the sorcerer... A
piercing ray of sunlight hits the ground as the black cloud
begins to pass over the village. Bold villagers slowly emerge from
their shelters to survey the damage. Through the whole encounter,
the wizard seemed not to notice you or anything else in the
village.~~~
Thesian: "A powerful mage, that one..."
Isis: "Indeed.. I'd really not like to get into battle with that
vile man..."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~Elsewhere, while Davis and Miko lie asleep within the shrine, The
boogie monster attacks!~~~
Davis: "ACK!"
* Miko befriends the boogie monster.
~~~The boogie monster shakes Miko's hand...~~~
* Miko offers the boogie monster a slightly-eaten pear.
Boogie Monster: "Thank you, I... huh? Who took a bite out of this
pear?! It will die!"
~~~The boogie monster fades and shatters. You awaken.~~~
* Miko jolts awake. "Wha-- Oh. It was a dream."
~~~Miko realizes she has been sleeping for a couple of hours. The soft
pillow poofs up as she rises, The petrified old woman remains
still.~~~
* Davis gets up and yawns.
* Miko rubs her eyes and looks over toward Davis. "Davis? I fell asleep?
I had a weird dream... I must have been asleep for a long time... Oh
my gosh! We have to go!" She immediately jumps out of the bed and
gathers her things together.
~~~You notice the bright white linens on the bed are soiled with the
blood and soot of your outfits.~~~
Davis: "Err, I should've changed? Oh well."
* Miko covers up the stains discreetly and looks about for the woman
before they depart.
~~~The woman is sitting completely still behind the altar, smothered
in her crinkly purple robe.~~~
* Miko looks back at her. "Thank you for everything, but we have to go
now."
~~~The woman is silent.~~~
Miko: "Hello..? Davis, do you think she's okay?"
Davis: "I think so. She is probably just pondering her own thoughts."
* Miko approaches the woman slowly. "Are you okay? We're leaving
now.."
~~~The woman remains silent.~~~
* Davis suggests to Miko that they leave.
* Miko seems oblivious to Davis and gets closer. She gives the woman a
little nudge and looks for a response.
~~~The woman resists Miko's nudge, indiciating life. She just seems to
be in a state of absoulte tranquility.~~~
* Miko turns and walks out of the temple.
* Davis walks beside Miko towards the exit.
Miko: "I'm sorry, Davis. I just wanted to be sure she was okay before
we left. I'm a little jittery lately with everyone falling sick all
around us."
~~~You leave the shrine of clean air and re-emerge in the black beach
of ash. The dark forboding cavern entrance is not far, beset by
flowing rivers of glowing red magma...~~~
* Miko coughs upon emerging and looks toward the entrance. She jogs
eagerly forward. "Come on, Davis! Let's hurry!"
* Davis coughs away from Miko. "Yes, we should hurry."
~~~You make it to the entrance swiftly, and see a glowing chamber down
the long tunnel...~~~
Miko: "Look! I see something already! This was easy! That has to be the
flame!"
* Davis wonders about the _easy_ part.
* Miko runs down the tunnel.
* Davis follows right behind Miko.
* Miko looks carefully around. "Davis, do you know what this looks like
that we are looking for? What if this 'flame' isn't a dragon? There
are flames everywhere!"
~~~You make it to a tall dome of igneous rock. It glows with a pale
red near the top and a lake of bubbling molten stone is at your
feet. A narrow bridge of cool rock extends across to another
tunnel. The tunnel at the end of the bridge is dark.~~~
* Davis looks at the narrow bridge. "Ugh, that looks pretty narrow."
* Miko steps onto the bridge. "It's easy. See?" She starts across,
perfectly balanced.
* Davis crosses the rock bridge as well.
~~~You make it to the dark passage in the far wall and see a crude
winding set of stairs going deeper into the earth.~~~
Davis: "Well, I guess we'll have to go down there."
* Miko heads down the stairs. "Davis, it doesn't look like anyone else
is in here. I guess that means no more fighting. This is great.
Everything is really looking up!"
Davis: "I certainly hope nothing is down here..."
* Miko peers carefully down the stairs. "It doesn't look like it,
Davis."
* Davis goes down the stairs.
~~~The stairwell is cramped with jagged rock. When you reach the bottom,
you see a magnificent chamber of rock and fire ahead.~~~
* Davis heads towards the chamber.
* Miko quivers with anticipation. "This is it! I know it!" She catches
up to Davis.
~~~The ceiling is way above you. You surmise you are deep into the earth
now. Rivers and subterranean lakes of fire stretch endlessly before
you.~~~
Davis: "Eeesh."
Miko: "You know... It's really pretty, don't you think? Who would have
ever thought that such a thing could exist! I can't wait to tell
everyone back home."
* Davis looks for a way across.
~~~There are winding arcs of stone to walk across, making a web of
pathways. There is a smaller hallway heading to the left, and a wide
pathway leading straight ahead. With each gush of lava that leaps up
from the lakes, you feel a wave of heat accost you.~~~
* Davis crosses the pathway ahead. "Hot."
* Miko shouts, "Atsui! Yogan mitai!" and informs Davis that in the
ancient Esperian tongue, that means, "Ayee! Hot as molten lava!"
~~~You carefully step your way across the treacherous path...~~~
* Miko actually seems to be handling the extreme temperatures
relatively well. Far better than in the last heated cave...
"Davis, are you certain this is the path we should take? They
all look the same to me... How do you know this one is the
right one..?"
* Davis looks at the end of the pathway. "Hmm..."
* Miko just follows Davis for the time being, seeming as usual to
have a poor sense of direction...
* Davis just goes forward.
~~~The searing on either side seems dangerous... You quickly see the
two great walls on either side curve in to form a rounded dead end
ahead. Something sparkles in the wall... It's very faint...~~~
* Davis goes forward to examine. "What is that?"
* Miko runs forward as well. "Look! It shines like the magic rocks
in the other cave."
* Davis examines closer.
~~~There appears to be a faint blue shine, slightly embedded in the
rock.~~~
* Miko reaches out and touches the area. "I wonder what it is..."
~~~A rock crumbles away from the wall as Miko touches it.~~~
* Davis backs up as the wall tumbles.
~~~A tiny sphere of thin glass falls out and rolls toward the magma
pit...~~~
* Davis stops the glass from rolling in.
* Miko pulls her hand back from the wall. "That was strange..." She
bends down and picks up the sphere, peering into it. "Is it some
kind of magical rock..?"
~~~It has a faint blue glow coming from inside of it. 'Star Light'
acquired.~~~
Miko: "It looks like those things we got on the Blue Star, Davis!
Do you want me to carry it, or do you want to?"
* Davis asks Miko if she would hold onto the rock. "Yes, you can
carry it."
* Miko holds onto it. "Okay." She puts the starlight in a safe place
with her other items and continues moving along the wall, looking for
more of the spheres.
Davis: "Well, I guess we will have to go back and take the other
direction. This appears to be a dead end."
* Miko stops examining the wall. "Oh, yeah. Sorry."
~~~You carefully tip-toe your way back to the area near the stairs.
Halfway back, you hear a deep movement beneath you.~~~
* Davis pauses.
* Miko jumps back and looks at the ground. "What was that?"
~~~A huge geiser of flame shoots up as a form of pure blazing heat
emerges from the pit in front of you! Flame elemental.~~~
* Davis returns to the walled end. "Well, time to use some tactics
I've learned. If you can't beat them, become them."
Miko: "Huh? Become them..?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~COMBAT~~~~~~~~~~~~
Miko holds her palms to her chest and closes her eyes...
A blue ribbon of energy engulfs her. Defense up 14!
Davis casts Fire Soul level 9!
Davis closes his eyes, raises his arms, and surrenders his soul
to the heavens... Two arcs of fire leap out from either side
and engulf his body. Davis's form is wrapped in wreathing
flame and his arms become sweeping arcs of fire.
* Miko backs away from Davis. "Davis..? What are you doing..?"
Flame Elemental casts Flare Blast level 5!
Three solar rays converge on Davis, engulfing him in flame.
Fire attack is ineffective against Davis. 1 damage.
Davis uses QuickCut! Davis streaks past the creature...
Fire attack is ineffective against Flame Elemental... 1 damage.
Second attack... 1 damage.
Miko casts Iron Wolf level 10!
Davis's weapon is tempered with a wild animal spirit...
Attack up 15.
Flame Elemental attacks Miko! Miko is hit for 10 damage.
Miko casts Iron Wolf level 10!
Miko's attack power increases by 14.
Davis defends Miko...
Flame elemental attacks Miko!
Davis steps in...
Fire attack is ineffective against Davis. 1 damage.
Miko throws her boomerang!
It spins around and slashes the being... Hit! 38 damage.
Davis defends Miko...
Flame Elemental casts Flare Blast level 5!
Davis suffers 1 damage.
Flame Elemental attacks Davis! Hit! 1 damage.
Miko attacks!
Her boomerang slashes the creature... Hit! 42 damage.
Flame Elemental casts Flame Sweep level 5!
A wave of flaming pellets rake across the front row...
Miko is burned for 13 damage. Davis suffers 1 damage.
Miko throws her boomerang! Hit! 35 damage.
Davis defends Miko... Flame Elemental attacks Davis!
The attack misses.
Miko throws her boomerang again! Critical Hit! 92 damage.
The Flame Elemental collapses and dissipates into nothingness.
Victory! Each player earns 5 XP. The group gets 50 S and 50 MXP.
The flames retreat from Davis and sink into the fiery lake...
The whistling boomerang returns...
* Miko catches it and jumps up and down. "I don't believe it! Davis,
did you see that?"
* Davis tries to act as if nothing happened. "Well, shall we go on?"
* Miko follows Davis, deciding not to say more about the incident.
* Davis goes back across the passageway, then to the other direction.
~~~You finally make it across the magma lake to where you first
descended into the level. ~~~
* Davis enters the passage to the left.
* Miko continues to silently follow Davis.
~~~The passage grows dim as you walk away from the flaming lake...
You notice this passage becomes a downward decline...~~~
* Miko makes her way along the darkening passageway.
* Davis gains some better footing.
~~~You notice black flakes of ash being kicked up from the red ground
by your feet movements.~~~
* Miko is still very quiet. Davis must be getting used to her
inexplicable mood swings by now.
~~~The decline increases gradually in steepness. Eventually the passage
narrows and becomes another set of descending stairs.~~~
* Davis walks down the stairs.
~~~The stairs seems dark, but there is a hint of a faint red glow
in the walls.~~~
* Miko looks for the source of the glow in the walls as she walks
behind Davis.
~~~This deeper level appears to have been burned out already. The
surfaces are composed of flaky black ash, with smoldering red
sparks flickering in them... A long forboding tunnel lies
ahead...~~~
* Miko continues along the tunnel, lost in her own thoughts and still
strangely quiet.
~~~The floor appears to be made of a cooled lava flow. It has an
interesting smooth texture and yields softly to your footsteps...
One can only imagine the volcanic activity that took place in this
corridor.~~~
* Davis walks softly. "Miko, be careful, _very_ careful."
* Miko cannot begin to understand anything of what is going on and
merely continues along.
~~~You detect a bright red glow near the ceiling of either side of
you...~~~
* Miko notices a glow above her head and looks up.
~~~There appear to be tiny flames burning through the wall in two
places... The floor ahead glows a faint orange...~~~
* Davis looks up temporarily, then looks back at the ground, being
careful. "Err, this doesn't look good..."
* Miko continues onward. "We have to get through, no matter what's
happening. This has to be the right way."
* Davis continues across the floor, staying on the darker parts.
~~~Two streams of flame shoot out of the wall and land in front of
you! A large geyser of ash shoots up from the floor behind them
and spawns a familiar flame elemental! The flames take serepentine
form! Two flame serpents in front, one flame elemental in back.~~~
* Davis says in sarcastic mode, "Oh, joy... Mind if borrow something,
namely, your source?"
~~~~~~~~~~~COMBAT~~~~~~~~~~~
Davis casts Fire Soul!
Flames burst out of the wall and surround Davis...
Miko throws her boomerang!
It zips around the chamber and slices across the serpents...
Critical Hit! 38 damage. Critical Hit! 42 damage.
* Davis notes that he can't wait to get out of here...
Flame Serpent A attacks Davis!
Critical Hit! Fire attack is ineffective against Davis. 1 damage.
Flame Serpent B attacks Miko!
Miko is burned for 21 damage.
Flame Elemental casts Flame Sweep level 5!
The being emits a wave of tiny fire projectiles...
Miko suffers 11 damage. Davis suffers 1 damage.
Davis defends Miko...
Miko casts Drain Litany!
A pale sphere of blue energy emerges from Flame Serpent A and
absorbs into Miko...
Flame Serpent A suffers 25 damage.
Miko recovers 25 HP.
Flame Serpent A attacks Miko!
Davis steps in... Hit! 1 damage.
Flame Serpent B attacks Miko!
Davis steps in... Hit! 1 damage.
Flame Elemental casts Flare Blast level 5!
A triangle of searing solar rays converge on Miko and engulf
her in flames! 31 damage.
Davis defends Miko...
Miko casts Drain Litany!
Flame Serpent A suffers 22 damage.
Miko recovers 22 HP.
Flame Serpent A attacks Davis! Hit! 1 damage.
Flame Serpent B attacks Miko!
Davis steps in... Davis blocks the attack...
Flame Elemental casts Flame Sweep level 5!
A wave of tiny flames accosts the group.
Miko suffers 14 damage. Davis suffers 1 damage.
Davis defends Miko...
Miko casts Mystic Defense!
Miko closes her eyes as a swirl of violet light encases her...
Flame Serpent attacks Miko!
Davis steps in... Hit! 1 damage.
Flame Serpent B attacks Davis! Critical Hit! 1 damage.
Flame Elemental casts Flare Blast level 5!
Three beams of atomic fire engulf Miko!
Miko suffers 13 damage.
Davis valiantly defends Miko...
Miko clenches her teeth together as blood runs from her nose
into her mouth... She forms a fist over her heart... She
shoves her arms up into the air and a hail of bright blue
sparkles descend upon her, seeking out her wounds and
sealing them... Miko recovers 51 HP.
Flame Serpent attacks Miko!
Davis steps in... Davis dodges the attack
Flame Serpent B attacks Davis! Critical Hit! 1 damage.
Flame Elemental casts Flare Blast level 5!
Three rays of searing solar fire assault Davis... 1 damage.
Davis defends Miko...
Miko grips her boomerang, then lets it fly...
Critical hit! 43 damage. The attack misses Flame Serpent B.
Flame Serpent A is defeated!
Flame Serpent B attacks Davis! Hit! 1 damage.
Flame Elemental casts Flame Sweep level 5!
A barrage of flaming pellets bombards the front row...
Miko suffers 1 damage. Davis suffers 1 damage.
* Davis feels a slight repulsion from his blade.
Davis holds his sword, engulfed in flames, high in the air.
After a few moments of all combatants staring in awe...
Nothing happens!
~~~The great cosmic force of GM from the sky descends...~~~
GM God: "No! You may NOT use items for free spells in Middleground!
That's tacky!"
* Davis smacks himself. "Okay. Okay."
* Miko looks confused.
* The GM God vanishes.
* Davis puts the sword back, and decides to defend Miko.
Miko throws her boomerang!
Hit! Flame Serpent B suffers 15 damage.
Flame Serpent B attacks Miko! Hit! Miko suffers 18 damage.
Flame Elemental casts Flare Blast level 5!
Davis suffers 1 damage.
Miko attacks! Her boomerang flies...
The attack misses the serpent.
Davis defends Miko...
Flame Serpent B attacks Davis! Hit! 1 damage.
Flame Elemental casts Flare Blast level 5!
Miko is accosted with blazing rays of flame. 18 damage.
Davis defends Miko...
Miko attacks! Hit! 17 damage.
Flame Serpent B attacks Miko! Davis steps in...
The attack misses.
Flame Elemental casts Flame Sweep level 5!
The spell fails. MP exhausted.
Davis defends Miko...
Miko attacks! Critical Hit! 38 damage.
Flame Serpent B attacks Davis... Hit! 1 damage.
Flame Elemental retreats into the ground...
Flame Elemental got away!
Davis defends Miko...
Miko attacks!
The boomerang slices across Flame Serpent... Hit! 13 damage.
Flame Serpent is defeated!
Victory!
Each player earns 11 XP. The group gains 300S and 75 MXP.
* Miko is relieved and falls to the ground... Weak from the trauma of
her near-death experience...
* Davis continues to cross... carefully.
* Miko's legs are still shaking, but she stands and follows.
Davis: "Are you okay, Miko?"
* Miko looks suddenly healthy and stronger to Davis. "Yes... it's
funny, but I feel suddenly refreshed for some reason..."
~~~"That's the rejuvenation you can feel with a 'Level Up'! Just
$19.95! Only $14.95 with mail-in rebate!"~~~
* Davis crosses the solidifing floor.
* Miko hurries along. "I hope Sebastian is doing okay..."
~~~You head for the inky blackness in the distance... The heat
increases as you proceed.~~~
* Miko wipes the sweat from her forehead with her sleeve and feels her
way through the darkness. She strains to see something... anything up
ahead. "We've been gone a whole day... I didn't think it would take
this long..."
* Davis looks ahead.
Miko: "Davis, are there lots of places like this in the world? Fire
mountains?"
Davis: "Miko, not that I've heard of."
Miko: "Oh, then you've never seen one, I guess... I thought before that
you had seen everything."
Davis: "Well, I haven't seen _everything_."
Miko: "Did I ever ask you why you travel all the time? Are you looking
for someone or something? Don't you ever get homesick? I don't want
to ask personal stuff, of course... I just can't imagine traveling
forever... I mean, it's great for a while, but I know now that I could
not stay away from home for as long as you have."
Davis: "Um, well, I do get feelings of wanting to return home, but that
was the past, and unfortunately, I cannot return there."
Miko: "'Cannot?' It... it's still there, isn't it?"
Davis: "Yes, but, well, I just can't..."
* Miko eagerly awaits Davis' reasons and hangs on his every word. "But
that doesn't make sense... Are you lost? I don't understand. If
Meribia is so nearby, and it still exists, why can't you go back?"
Davis: "It's a very long story."
Miko: "Well, you can tell me while we walk... Maybe I can help you go
home if you want to."
Davis: "Well, I don't think you'll understand, but I'm going to have
to get this off my chest somehow..."
* Miko looks as if she does not want to intrude upon Davis' private
matters if that is not what he truly wishes.
Davis: "Honestly, I really think it's too long. We still need to find
that flame, remember?"
Miko: "Of course, Davis. Sebastian is the only thing that really
matters to me right now... More than anything... I just want you to
know that I will help you go home if I can. You've done the same
for me and more."
* Davis continues walking.
* Miko shuts up and follows.
~~~You eventually come to a dark, sooty tunnel leading down a steep
decline.~~~
* Davis walks downward.
* Miko follows through the tunnel.
~~~As you carefully step your way down the tunnel of soot and ash,
you kick up bright glowing brazen red embers from beneath. Each
tiny one stings the skin they land on.~~~
* Davis tries to avoid kicking up embers. "Oh, ouch."
* Miko kicks up some more, thinking it is rather pretty. "This is
amazing. I wish Ebony could see this cave."
~~~The reflections on the red rock below indicate that the lower
level is much brighter. You must proceed carefully as not to slip
and slide down the hot ashes.~~~
* Davis is careful and keeps a constant lock on his footing.
~~~The heat quickly becomes more intense against your skin as you
approach the bottom.~~~
Miko: "Davis... Maybe you were right about the dragon... Ebony and
Azura came from caves... Maybe this cave is a 'sanctuary', too."
Davis: "A HOT one, though."
~~~You finally reach the bottom of the tunnel. This level is amazing.
The walls are made out of pure shining flame. Towering infernos
surround you on all sides. The stone floor and ceiling reflect the
flickering red light.~~~
* Miko stops at the bottom and looks around. "Wow... Look at this...
Where does this fire come from..? How does it keep burning..? It's
magic!"
Davis: "Miko, of course. I don't think it's possible any other way."
~~~The heat licks up either side of you, violating you with its raging
heat.~~~
* Miko draws back. "Ahh!"
* Davis looks around, avoiding the flames.
* Miko becomes antsy... "I don't see a dragon, Davis... What now..?"
* Davis continues to look for the the thing in the stone tablet.
~~~The blazing walls continue ahead, then turn left.~~~
* Miko sees the passage beyond the flames. "Oh." She hurries onward.
* Davis follows behind Miko, trying to ignore as much of the heat as
possible.
~~~The biting heat from all sides becomes unignorable.~~~
Miko: "This is terrible. How big is this place anyway..?"
Davis: "I'm not sure. I wish I knew."
Miko: "Well... I don't think it could get much hotter... or go on much
farther..."
* Davis pushes himself on further. "This heat is really starting to
get unbearable."
~~~You turn the corner and see something on the floor ahead.~~~
* Miko runs ahead. "Look! What is that?"
Davis: "I have no idea. I should check it out."
~~~It takes a while to comprehend this color in such contrast... blue.
There is a small glass vial on the ground ahead inside a tiny
puddle. It is collecting little droplets of water from a stalactite
above.~~~
Davis: "What IS this?"
Miko: "Oh wow... It looks like the one in the other cave! Ebony and
Azura drank it and felt lots better!"
* Davis looks up above for any unusual things.
* Miko kneels beside the glass vial.
~~~This water seems very different. It doesn't seem quite natural.~~~
* Miko sniffs the water. "Well... maybe not... This water seems...
strange..."
~~~There is a tiny panel engraved on the floor beside it.~~~
* Davis hears Miko, then notices the engravment.
* Miko notices the panel and looks at it closely. "Davis! Look at this
panel! Do you understand it?"
Davis: "I'm trying..."
~~~Miko recognizes it as an old Esperian dialect her grandfather
studied. He taught her quite a bit of it.~~~
Miko: "I know some of this, Davis... My grandfather taught me... It's
in an ancient dialect barely used in my village now... Hmm... He
taught me, but I've forgotten... Have you ever seen these symbols
before..?"
Davis: "I'm sorry, I don't understand it. Just like I couldn't
understand what was put on those tablets at your home, Miko."
* Miko studies the panel closely, trying to remember. She reads,
"Here... Ummm... Here the... Goddess weeps..."
* Davis waits patiently while Miko attempts to translate.
Miko: "It's amazing. It's all coming back to me! 'Here the Goddess
weeps... for her slain.. serpent'..."
Davis: "Maybe it's referring to the Black Dragon that Dyne killed?"
* Miko points proudly at the symbols as she speaks. "See! Serpent...
Umm... No, wait... I take that back..."
Davis: "Hmm, maybe not..."
Miko: "It says... Umm... 'Here the goddess weeps for her slain
SERVANT... and the ... successor who has yet to be born!'"
* Davis listens with both ears open.
* Miko nods. "Yes. I'm certain of it. That's what it says."
Davis: "Umm, that I don't understand, unless it is referring to
Dyne, or one of the dragons."
* Miko stands... "Well... Maybe... Didn't you say we were looking for
an egg..? Maybe that's what has to be born..."
Davis: "Possibly, you might be right about that."
* Miko shrugs. "Anyway, I'm not done yet... " She kneels before the
panel. "Okay... This part is important... May the traveler who finds
her tears... Use them to avoid the same fate!"
* Miko seems very elated over having found the plate and successfully
translating it. She looks up at Davis and smiles, apparantly
expecting approval of some sort.
* Davis giggles slightly and ponders whether or not the engravement
pertains to them.
Miko: "This is amazing, Davis! After all this time, I've found the
first indication of my people outside of my village!"
Davis: "Do you suppose this means we should take this? I'm not sure
exactly."
* Miko looks at the water... "I... I... don't know... What was the fate
of the Serpent? I mean, servant? Do you know?"
Davis: "Well, the Dragons and Dragonmaster are Althena's servents,
so it must be referring to one of them."
* Miko eyes the container with superstitious awe... unsure as to whether
she wants to be the one to disturb something so sacred.
* Davis examines the water carefully.
Miko: "How about the red dragon you were talking about? How did...
was he slain? Do you know that story..?"
Davis: "Maybe. Let me think... Nope, nothing..."
* Miko looks around the chamber for additional passageways.
~~~The passage continues on past the vial of water.~~~
* Miko looks confused. "Well, it says that if we use this... It might
help us from being slain, right?"
Davis: "That would be my guess"
Miko: "But how do you use the Goddess' tears..?"
* Davis decides to reach for the vial, wondering if something will
happen.
* Miko backs away from Davis.
* Davis puts a hand around the neck of the vial, then the other hand.
He lifts the vial slightly, then some more, then to chest height.
* Miko watches with anxious anticipation.
~~~Nothing out of the ordinary happens. 'Angel Tears' acquired.~~~
* Miko notes that the turbitidy and consistency of the liquid exactly
match that which she has been carrying since they left the Blue
Star...
~~~It sloshes around like normal water, but glows with a pale blue
iridescence.~~~
* Miko looks excited once again. "Okay! Let's go! I'm ready!"
Davis: "Yes, let's."
~~~The path continues on... The walls of flame become narrower,
reducing the distance between them and your flesh...~~~
* Miko squeezes through the narrow corridor. "Davis, now I really
know everything is going to be all right. You can feel it, too,
can't you?"
Davis: "Yeah, I know what you mean."
Miko: "I mean, everything is beginning to look up now! Soon, we'll
find this magic flame... and Sebastian will be all right... and we
can see Ebony and Azura again!"
~~~The passage curves its way around to the right and seems to be
straightening out now... heading for several hundred yards at a
slight upward incline.~~~
* Miko sighs as she sees the incline, but maintains a cheerful
demeanor and starts up briskly.
* Davis continues to remain in front of Miko, in spite of her pace.
~~~The red stone above and below shines with a flickering radiance
from the searing flames. The incline seems to go on for quite a
while... but you can make out a flat area ahead...~~~
* Miko moves ahead toward the flat area. "I hope that's something
important..."
Davis: "Me too, Miko, me too..."
~~~Davis reaches the top of the incline first, and ponders out over
the top ridge...~~~
* Davis looks around.
~~~The walls of flame wrap around to make a huge perfectly circular
chamber. There is a deep pit as the floor slides down from all sides
to make a floor deep in the center. The incline down isn't too steep,
however.~~~
* Davis looks at the center of the pit.
~~~In the center of the huge chamber lies a spectacle... There is a
burning red flame, suspended in mid-air... Within the flame, you
can barely make out a egg made of red crystal. Beneath the flame is
a pool of molten lava, swirling in red patterns. There is a tall
figure behind the flame, looking at it, who doesn't notice you.
This figure is absolutely dreadful...~~~
Miko: "It's an egg, Davis! You were right! Look!"
* Davis stares at the center of the room.
* Miko ducks to the ground and tries to avoid being seen. "But who
is that down there?" she whispers.
* Davis follows Miko's reaction.
~~~The figure is absolutly ghastly. It is a tall barely humanoid
figure, with four long arms, each gripping a crystal ruby sword.
It wears an enormous mask that shows a hideous face carving,
encrusted with gems in red porous stone. The mask nearly covers
his entire head and torso.~~~
Miko: "Davis, no! He's going to take the egg! Remember what the
woman said? We have to stop him now!"
Davis: "But how?"
* Miko becomes extremely upset. "I... I...don't know! Anything! We
have to fight him! We can't let him take it! No matter what!"
* Davis hopes this is but a henchman, because he's tempted to take
this person on. He whispers to Miko, "If we try to, what do we do?"
~~~You hear a baleful, sickly voice speak as the mere appearance
of him paralyzes you with fear.~~~
Figure: "Yes... yes... the flame, burning with eternal life. This is
the crowning pinnacle of achievement. I smite this budding life,
and this world, left without one of its guardians, soon falls into
decay, all life dying! Death... disease... I despise life! Loathe
it! I now see how sweet my deal with Ordak was... I help him gain
the power he needs, and in exchange I come to the distant future,
where I can use my own power for optimum decimation of life...
How wonderful..."
~~~His voice scratches with seething evil...~~~
* Davis almost shudders everytime the person speaks.
~~~Two of his hands drop swords and point their palms at the burning
flame. The flame jitters slightly, wiggling with faint
movements...~~~
Figure: "No! I will not let you be born yet! I must kill you first!
I will not allow you to be born!"
Miko: "What's he doing..? Davis, I'm going to stop him!"
Davis: "Oh, great, this is going to be the icing on the cake..."
* Miko jumps up suddenly and screams, "No! Stop!"
~~~The flame spins around, sweeping the area with a blinding yellow
beam! The egg casts Birth Force! Miko and Davis are blown back by
this forceful yellow ray.~~~
Miko recovers 781 HP. Davis recovers 826 HP.
~~~The figure exudes a sickly red gas from his palms and it calms
the flame...~~~
Figure: "There... there... be still. This will all be over soon."
Davis: "For you maybe..."
Figure: "This world, teeming with life. There is much here to slay,
to kill, to see perish. It is delightful. The ultimate offering to
me! The holy god of Plague!"
* Miko is still prostrate on the floor, unable to rise and confront
the creature.
* Davis tries to get up. "Darn legs, do something for a change"
~~~The red gas fills the egg inside the flame with blotches and
lesions... cracking away some of its luster. You feel your
strength slowly returning...~~~
Figure: "Yes... annihilating life at its very birth... how beautiful."
~~~The figure's mask has a permanent fixed smile of unholy glee on
it.~~~
* Miko crawls onto her knees and pleads with Davis, "Davis, we have to
stop him... If he kills it, then..."
~~~You feel suddenly rejuvenated. The ray has filled you with
incredible health and vigor.~~~
* Miko leaps to her feet and runs toward the figure. "I said stop
that! Now!"
* Davis goes after the figure.
~~~The figure picks up its swords and watches the egg. The mask
turns up slightly.~~~
Figure: "Whu...? Who are you? What are you mortals doing here?"
Davis: "Reality check here, you aren't destroying anything."
Figure: "You tell me what I can and cannot do? You fools have no
idea who you confronting, do you?"
Miko: "I don't care. Get away from that egg! What do you think
you're doing? You're insane! Davis, take the egg from him!"
* Davis decides what to do.
Figure: "Leave immediately or else feel the wrath of Grizmol, holy
god of Plague! This is my new sacred sanctuary! Begone!"
* Davis feels sarcastic today. "Uhh, yeah, whatever."
Miko: "We don't care who you are, Plague god! Davis, what are you
waiting for? Get the egg!"
Davis: "Miko, how do I get that thing?"
Miko: "I don't know! Just do it!"
~~~The pool beneath the eternal flame swirls steadily...~~~
* Davis goes for the egg. Big mistake, but doing it anyhow...
~~~The burning flame begins to die down a bit as the red gas
violates it. Davis's hands clutch around the egg, his hands
burning in the eternal flame of life...~~~
* Davis feels pain, but ignores it.
~~~The red gas falls to the pool beneath the flame.~~~
* Davis continues in the other direction, not slowing down.
* Miko begins to run out with Davis at breakneck speed. "If we can just
get out of here with it..! We can worry about this plague god later!"
Grizmol: "You... you... imbeciles! You are not going anywhere! You will
feel the full force of my fury right now!"
~~~Walls of flame completely encircle the chamber. Grizmol chants low,
baleful tones and you are sealed in helplessly.~~~
Davis: "Helpless my butt"
* Miko looks about nervously and considers running through the flames...
Grizmol: "Those that would deny me the pleasure of extinguishing the
eternal flame of life will not escape my wrath..."
~~~Grizmol scrapes his swords together.~~~
Grimzol: "Come, let me extinguish your lives right this instant."
--------COMBAT-------
Miko casts Illusion Litany level 11!
A vertical field of visual distortion engulfs the front row.
Miko's Dodge% is up by 31. Davis's Dodge% is up by 34.
Davis uses Kiai Slice level 9!
Davis's Hit% is sharpened by 25.
Grimzol attacks! Miko is slashed for 11 damage.
Second attack... Davis dodges the attack...
Third attack... Miko dodges the attack...
Fourth attack... Davis is sliced for 10 damage.
The pool beneath the flame stirs faster...
Davis springs forth with QuickCut!
Davis's sword meets the raw power of this demi-god creature...
1 damage.
Second attack...
1 damage.
Davis: "Well, that didn't work..."
Miko retreats behind Davis into the back row...
Grimzol casts Unholy Contagion!
A sickly, dreadful red gas engulfs the group!
Miko is poisoned. Davis is poisoned.
* Miko coughs and falls to her knees.
* Davis hates this, he really does.
The pool of molten lava swirls very fast as the red gas hits it.
Miko suffers 1 damage from venom.
Davis suffers 1 damage from venom.
Miko casts Mystic Defender level 11!
Davis's Defense increases by 17.
The liquid fire in the pool rises...
Davis squeezes a purity herb over his wounds...
Davis is cured!
The liquid fire takes humanoid shape...
Grizmol raises his voice to an evil incantation...
The voice inspires fear in your very souls...
Grizmol casts Solar Flare level 25!
Intercepted by spell "Red Dragon Anger"!
Grizmol is showered with flame bombs from above!
Anti-Hero has critical weakness to Dragon magic. 724 damage.
* Miko scampers backward. "Davis..? What's going on..?"
Red Guardian: "You are going nowhere with her."
Grizmol: "What's this... I've been... harmed?!"
Red Guardian: "Your hideous plague has infected her. I will allow no
harm to come to her."
* Miko looks around. "Her..? Who..? Who is 'her'..?" She looks back at
the egg and wonders...
* Grizmol slinks back. "Ack... no! I can't be thwarted again! I had a
plague going... It would have slain every form of life in this
world... but that fool from this century couldn't even hold onto
Vane long enough for it to complete its course... Blast! That's what
I get for designing it to affect wretched humans from my time... No!
I cannot be defeated here. I have so much to gain. I must retreat!"
~~~Grizmol shouts to the heavens and disappears in a blinding white
light. The tall humanoid form of lava turns into your general
direction.~~~
Red Guardian: "You are not going anywhere with her, either. Not unless
you can prove you are stronger, and can protect her better than I
can."
Miko suffers 2 damage from venom.
Davis squeezes a purity herb, turns around, and rubs it into
Miko's injuries. Miko is cured!
Miko casts Mystic Defense level 11!
Miko is surrounded by a shimmering violet shine.
Magic Endurance up by 15!
Red Guardian casts Fast Litany level 5!
Reaction up by 22.
Davis casts Convalescence Litany level 9!
Davis is surrounded by a persisting faint blue glow...
Red Guardian casts Fire Blast level 10!
Davis is burned for 24 damage.
Miko casts Iron Wolf level 11!
Davis' Attack Power is boosted by 18!
Davis recovers 4 HP.
Davis uses QuickCut! He disappears as he glides toward the being.
Red Guardian has critical weakness to water attack... 64 damage.
Second attack... 58 damage.
Red Guardian casts Fire Blast level 10!
Miko is burned for 2 damage.
Miko casts Iron Wolf level 11!
Miko's Attack is boosted by 17!
Davis recovers 4 HP.
Davis uses QuickCut!
Red Guardian has critical weakness to water attack.
60 damage.
Second attack... 66 damage.
Red Guardian casts White Heat level 10!
The group is entrapped in a sphere of solar temperature...
Davis suffers 20 damage. Miko suffers 3 damage.
Miko casts Fast Litany level 11!
Davis's Reaction is boosted by 32.
Davis recovers 4 HP.
Davis grips his blade and rakes across the massive being...
Red Guardian has critical weakness to water attack. 51 damage.
Red Guardian casts Flame Wall level 10!
A giant column of flame shoots out of the ground, spreading
burning flames across the back row.
Miko suffers 2 damage.
Miko throws her boomerang...
The object swooshes past the guardian and returns.
Miko. "Oops. I guess I should have practiced more..."
Davis recovers 4 HP.
Davis leaps up, and crashes his sword down on the creature...
Hit! 48 damage.
Davis: "I don't feel I can use that better attack anymore. I just
don't have the strength, Miko."
Miko: "Davis, me either... But I do have this magic rock if you think
you need it. I saw it help the others before."
Red Guardian casts Smoke Screen level 10!
A great burning fire is generated, panning a wave of black,
acrid smoke over to the back row...
Miko is suffocated into unconsciousness.
Miko is asleep.
* Miko falls to the ground and begins dreaming once again of half-eaten
pears and boogie monsters...
* Davis knew that would happen. "Damn!"
Davis recovers 4 HP.
Davis grips his sword and swipes at the guardian!
Hit! 54 damage.
* Miko rolls over in her sleep and begins to mumble.
Red Guardian casts White Heat level 10!
A wave of incredible heat washes over the group....
Davis suffers 23 damage.
The attack jerks Miko awake.
12 damage.
* Miko jolts upward and gasps. "What happened..?"
* Davis looks charred. "He used that thing I usually use."
Davis recovers 4 HP.
Davis swings at the guardian!
Critical Hit! Red Guardian suffers 121 damage.
Red Guardian casts Fire Blast level 10!
* Miko holds up her arms to shield her face.
Miko is assualted with a spurt of flame. 3 damage.
Miko grips her boomerang, then lets it fly!
Critical Hit! 57 damage.
Davis recovers 4 HP.
Davis slashes across the creatures form...
Hit! 60 damage.
Red Guardian casts Flame Wall level 10!
A pillar of flame shoots up beneath Davis, spreading flames
among the front row. Davis suffers 25 damage.
* Davis stops and drops, but no roll.
Miko throws her boomerang! Hit! 21 damage.
* Davis just lays there
* Miko wonders if Davis is alive...
* Miko checks for a pulse.
* Davis has a faint pulse.
Red Guardian casts White Heat level 10!
A wave of solar heat washes over the group...
Miko suffers 1 damage.
Miko delicately lifts the top off of her blue vial and spills the
liquid contents into Davis's throat.
The cool, clear liquid awakens Davis with a jolt.
Davis recovers 1 HP.
Davis recovers 4 HP.
* Davis gets up and coughs slightly.
Davis grips his sword with both hands, then strikes down upon
the Red Guardian. Critical Hit! Red Guardian has critical
weakness to water attack! 132 damage!
~~~The chamber shakes violently...~~~
* Miko avoids the falling rocks.
* Davis watches for falling rocks and flames.
~~~The lava figure begins to retreat into the pool... It collapses
in a very similar manner to the water being in the fountain in the
Ice Tower.~~~
Victory!
Each player earns 20 XP. The group earns 5000 S and 250 MXP.
* Miko looks into the pool... and awaits the voice once again...
~~~A fading voice is heard beneath the lava pool.~~~
Red Guardian: "She... she... is the one not yet born, yet she is just
as vital as the others. Protect her... I am gone, and you have...
have... proven that you are more fit to protect her. Give her
hope..."
Miko: "Is she a... a dragon..?"
~~~The lava stops swirling.~~~
* Davis sighs. "So many questions, so few answers"
* Miko approaches the egg and continues speaking to the now-gone
voice. "I will try... I promise..." She picks the egg up carefully.
~~~The eternal flame of life absorbs itself into the red crystal egg,
keeping it warm.~~~
Miko: "Davis, you carry those thousands of silver pieces. I'll carry
her."
* Davis begins to wonder how he will carry all the silver... He tries
to fit some into the places where he had previously stored other
items.
Miko: "I hope she, and Sebastian, and Urashima... will be all right
until we do all this..."
~~~The walls of flame collapse around the depressed chamber. All of
the flames in this area yield to you.~~~
Miko: "Davis, look at the flames! Come on. Let's hurry before that
plague god comes back..."
Davis: "Yeah, we should get going quickly."
* Davis begins to walk out with his backpack fairly full. "I don't
think it'll do anyone any good just being here."
~~~Miko clutches the warm egg, careful not to scrape away any of its
surface from the damaged shell.~~~
Miko: "He said his name was... Grim-zol? Lou knows about him. I
remember him saying stuff in that hot cave. Remember? Maybe he knows
how to stop him."
Davis: "I sure hope so, Miko. It sounded like he plans on destroying
all life on Lunar."
* Miko cradles the egg as if it were the most precious thing in the
world, which is exactly what it is to her right now...
~~~Carrying the precious symbol of life yet to be born, and harnessing
an awesome power of life force, Miko and Davis expediently return
to Esperia...~~~
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