Project Apocalypse RPG Session 4 Log Session Start: Sat Jun 12 20:49:39 1999 ============================================================================ Cast of Characters: Dragonmaster Lou as Gamemaster, Dominic, Guard, Weapons Clerk, Armor Clerk, Shop Bunny, Shifty Man, Shifty Sam, Computer Terminal, Card Shark, Bartender, Receptionist, Woman, Emily Aerian as Xorn Bryann as Dragoona Lucia as Rista (Dragonmaster Lou as ~Rista) Mark Kroush as Cain Scott Kroush as LeBeau Seath as Ashmodeel ============================================================================ ===GAME ON!=== --The party stands just outside the transparent dome of the city of Torvalds, the Technomage capital.-- Dominic: "Well, here we are... Home sweet home!" LeBeau: O_o; "Amazin'." Ashmodeel: "Hmmpf." Dragoona: "If you say so." Cain: "Nice now where's the doorbell?" Dominic: "Legend has it that it took nearly two hundred years to construct the great dome." Dominic: "Follow me..." * Dominic walks off, presumably to the entrance... Cain: "Sounds like the contractor screwed you on labor." Dragoona: "Would probably take two minutes to destroy it, half that if 'Antonius' wakes up." * LeBeau follows Dominic... still amazed at the size of this domed city. Dominic: "Well, it's not easy building a 25 mile wide dome..." * Cain follows --As the group reaches the entrance to the dome, they are accosted by a guard.-- Guard: "Halt! Who goes there!?" Cain: "Who's business is it." Dominic: "It's just me, and some friends of mine..." * Xorn watches the guard. Guard: "Oh... Dominic. Please, excuse me. You and your friends may enter..." * The Guard steps out of the way. * Dragoona smiles. * Dragoona follows after Dominic, into Torvalds. * LeBeau takes his cards out of his pocket, and starts drawing out one card at random from the deck. * Cain follows into the city. * LeBeau follows everyone into Torvalds. * Ashmodeel hangs back for a second, and then follows the rest. LeBeau: "Now 'dis is what Ah call impressive. " Dragoona: "Big city." :D --The city of Torvalds is an amazing structure. Metal and glass building stretch hundreds of feet into the air, all of them glowing with various lights. The streets shimmer, as if they are paved with metal. Scattered between the buildings are lovely gardens growing many rare plants. People are walking all over... Many are Technomages, many are just immigrants to the city -- refugees, the persecuted, etc. All hoping to find peace and a new life here...-- Ashmodeel: "I've seen better." LeBeau: "Eve bigger 'den Port Town..." Cain: "Uh uh uh s***. Forgot what I was thinkin'." Dominic: "Why thank you... At the last census, Torvalds's population was measured to be in the vicinity of twenty million." LeBeau: O_o. "Twenty Million?" * Xorn looks around, smiling at city. Cain: "And how many homeless, crack heads etc?" Dominic: "Well, Torvalds is also one of the oldest cities on Mirzha as well. It was built right around the time that the Gineyres civilization vanished." Dominic: "Actually, poverty is non-existent here. Our technology has managed to find productive ways for everyone to live." Cain: "No s***." Dominic: "Torvalds was founded with the hope of becoming a true utopia, and I think we've done a very good job of achieving that hope." Dominic: "Excuse me for a second..." * LeBeau is silent... still shocked from the sights around Torvalds. * Dominic walks over to a strange electronic machine in a wall... He slides a card in it, punches in a few numbers on its screen, withdraws his card, and then returns. Ashmodeel: "There is no such thing as a true utopia. There will always be somebody with evil festering in their heart." LeBeau: .oO(Wonder if 'dere's any good card games goin' on 'roun' 'ere.) Dominic: "Here, take this, you may find it useful." Cain: "Glad to see we think a touch alike Ash." * Dominic hands the party 1000 Cira! Dominic: "Now, I have to run off again. I'll be in the large building in the center of town. You can't miss it. I need to visit my uncle, Dukhat, as well as start analyzing the Dark Mana at my lab. Until then, feel free to take in the shops, the library, and the various amusements here. Take care!" * Dominic splits! --There are weapons, armor, and item shops nearby, as well as restaurants, video arcades, and a building curiously marked "One Eyed Jack's."-- * Ashmodeel looks around, "This place . . . unnerves me." LeBeau: "One Eyed Jack's... Now 'DAT looks like my kinda place." * LeBeau draws the king of spades out of his deck. " Cain: "Now that's either a dive bar, casino, cat house or other place of ill repute. Wouldn't go in there alone if my life depended on it." Dragoona: "You aren't the only one... it looks like this place comes out of a badly written story, Ash..." LeBeau: "Yer not 'de card shark either, Cain." ~Rista: "Maybe we should visit a shop first?" Dragoona: "Sounds good to me." :D Cain: "You ain't seriously considering walking your ignant ass in there are you?" * Xorn wanders off towards the weapons shop. "Perhaps they sell firearms here.." Cain: "Weapons? Can't never have enough." LeBeau: "An w'y not? Y'can always git 'de best info from 'de bars 'round 'de worl'. All kindsa traders, travelers, and other sorts 'round 'dere." --The weapons shop seems to have both "modern" and "antique" weapons available - AKA weapons for everyone!-- Dragoona: :D * Cain meanders into the weapons shop. * Dragoona looks at the swords... oooo... :D Weapons Clerk: "Greetings! Welcome to Dave's House of Destruction, the finest weapons merchant this side of Gineyres. How may I help you?" * LeBeau follows the party, still with a major urge to hustle some poor drunk son of a bitch in "One Eyed Jack's." Cain: "We're beyond help. What you sellin' dude?" * Dragoona chuckles at Cain's comment Weapons Store Inventory: -Barbarian Sword (Atk + 15) [75 Cira] {Dragoona} -Quarterstaff (Atk + 7) [50 Cira] {LeBeau} -Seidou Katana (Atk + 7) [50 Cira] {Cain} -Bronze Knife (Atk + 7) [50 Cira] {Rista} -Gatling Gun (Atk + 18) [75 Cira] {Xorn} LeBeau: "Ah t'ink Ah'll take 'de Quarterstaff." * Xorn grins at the Gatling gun. "Hmm... I want one of these..." Weapons Clerk: "One Quarterstaff, coming up." -LeBeau acquires Quarterstaff. Weapons Clerk: "Did someone mention buying this fine Gatling Gun?" Cain: "I guess the Seidou Katana will suit my needs for now." Xorn: "That would be me..." Weapons Clerk: "Let me get it off the shelf..." * Dragoona picks up the sword and weighs it in her hands to see how it would fit her... -Xorn acquires Gatling Gun. Weapons Clerk: "Now, who wanted the katana?" Cain: "Right here. Fella." LeBeau: "Monk boy, 'dere..." *Points to Cain* Weapons Clerk: "Let me wrap it up..." Cain: "Hey coon ass. Bite me." Weapons Clerk: "Sorry, you'll have to go to 'Pussy Galore's House of Ill Repute' in the red light district if that's what you're after." -Cain acquires Seidou Katana Weapons Clerk: "Next?" Cain: "That's down at the corner of Know Your Role Blvd. and Candy Ass Lane is it not?" Dragoona: "I wanna buy this. How much is it?" Weapons Clerk: "Yes... Have you been there before?" Cain: "I'll take the fifth." Weapons Clerk: "Ahh, I can tell you want the sword... It's in the back, let me get it for you..." -Dragoona acquires Barbarian Sword Weapons Clerk: "You all set now?" LeBeau: "Ah t'ink so." Dragoona: "Yeah... can I sell this?" Weapons Clerk: "Thanks for shopping! Have a nice day!" * Dragoona holds out her Bastard Sword. Weapons Clerk: "Wait, you want to sell that?" Dragoona: "I don't need it anymore, obviously..." Weapons Clerk: "19 Cira. Take it or leave it." Dragoona: "I'll take it." -Bastard Sword sold. Dragoona: "Thanks!" ^_^ Weapons Clerk: "Now, you all set here? If so, I do recommend you visit the armor and items shops next door. The owners are close friends of mine..." LeBeau: "A'ight. T'anks, sir." * Weapons Clerk nods. * LeBeau heads on to the Armor shop. * Dragoona heads over there too. --The armor shop also seems to be loaded with armor suitable for the entire party, well, except for Ashmodeel...-- Armor Clerk: "Greetings! Welcome to Arnie's Armor Emporium! Anything here look good to you?" LeBeau: "Le's see w'at ya got first." * Dragoona looks at the Armors... Armor Store Inventory: {Dragoona} -Tin Armor (Def + 10) [75 Cira] -Bronze Shield (Dod% + 8) [50 Cira] -Tin Helmet (Def + 5) [35 Cira] {LeBeau} -Leather Vest (Def + 7) [50 Cira] -Bronze Bracer (Dod% + 5) [35 Cira] -Polymer Cap (Def + 4) [25 Cira] {Cain} -Bronze Guard (Dod% + 5) [35 Cira] -Denim Headband (Def + 4) [25 Cira] -Denim Wrap (Def + 7) [50 Cira] {Rista} -Denim Dress (Def + 7) [50 Cira] -Indigo Sash (Dod% + 5) [35 Cira] -Purple Ribbon (Def + 4) [25 Cira] {Xorn} -Alloy Armor (Def + 10) [75 Cira] -Aluminum Gear (Def + 5) [35 Cira] -Deflector Dish (Dod% + 8) [50 Cira] Dragoona: "I'll buy the Tin Armor, Helm and shield!" :D :D Armor Clerk: "One second..." LeBeau: "Ah'll take 'de Leather Vest, Bronze Bracer an' Polymer Cap." -Dragoona acquires Tin Armor, Tin Helmet, and Bronze Shield. Armor Clerk: "Coming right up..." -LeBeau acquires Bronze Bracer, Leather Vest, Polymer Cap. Cain: "Bronze Guard, Denim Headband, Denim Wrap, please." Armor Clerk: "Coming right up..." -Cain acquires Denim Headband, Denim Wrap, and Bronze Guard. Dragoona: "I'd... like to sell these, by the way..." *holds out the Leather Hat and Armor, and her Wooden Shield* Dragoona: "Better to keep my backpack uncluttered with useless armor, as the captain always told me." :) Armor Clerk: "Let me see... 41 Cira, okay?" LeBeau: "An Ah'd like ta sell my ol' staff, coat, bracer an' staff." Dragoona: "Sure!" ^_^ Cain: "And these?" Armor Clerk: "All your old stuff?" LeBeau: "Yeah..." Dragoona: "Sure." ^_^ * Cain holds out Leather Guard, Cotton Wrap, and Linen Headband. Armor Clerk: "28 Cira, okay?" Cain: "Cool. I don't need it anymore." Armor Clerk: "Who's next?" Xorn: "I would like to buy some Alloy Armor, Aluminum Gear, and a Deflector Dish once everyone else is done..." ~Rista: "I'll go maybe later. You go ahead, Xorn..." * Cain notices the no smoking sign and promptly steps out to fire up a cigar. -Xorn acquires Deflector Dish, Alloy Armor, and Aluminum Gear. Armor Clerk: "Any way else I can help you?" LeBeau: "Ah t'ink 'dat'd be it." Xorn: "I'd like to sell my old equipment..." LeBeau: "Oh... wait a min." Armor Clerk: "That'll be 41 Cira, okay?" Xorn: "Okay." LeBeau: "Le's fin' Dom b'fore we win' up in mo' trouble 'den we can get outta." Armor Clerk: "Oh, wait, forgot... Do you want to sell your old gun too?" * Xorn nods. Dragoona: "Naw, we need to stock up on provisions first, LB." Armor Clerk: "19 Cira, okay?" * Xorn nods again. Armor Clerk: "Sold!" Armor Clerk: "Anyway, visit the item shop next door, if you can... Trust me, it'll be worth your while..." Cain: "A'ight." * Cain extinguishes cigar and enters the item shop. --The item shop is a bit different from the other shops... It is well stocked, sure... However, working behind the counter is a very scantily clad shop bunny. There is also a shifty-looking man standing in the corner...-- Shop Bunny: "Welcome to Ramus of Monteco's! How may I help you?" Cain: "Well sweetcheeks what ya got in stock?" LeBeau: "W'y ain' I su'prised? " Shop Bunny: "Oooh... Let's see..." Shop Bunny: "Darn it... Blonde moment... Forgot the inventory in the other room. I'll be right back..." * Shop Bunny runs off... * Ashmodeel tries to avert his eyes from the Shop Bunny, but they seem to keep finding their way back to her. --The shifty man approaches Ashmodeel...-- Shifty Man: "Psst... Hey, you look like someone with exquisite taste in weapons and other equipment..." Shifty Man: "Hey, you with the hood, are you deaf or something?" * Ashmodeel looks over the shifty man, "From your appearance, I can tell you are the type of man I do not associate with." * LeBeau nudges Ash in the ribs with his staff. "Listen to 'da man will ya?" Shifty Man: "Perhaps not... However, looking at your threads, I think I have some stuff you may be interested in..." * Ashmodeel looks at LeBeau, "I have my standards." Shifty Man: "I have some contacts that smuggle this stuff into here every so often... It's usually contraband in these parts because of the paranoia of the local government... However, I think you may appreciate it..." --The shifty man seems to resemble a used-car salesman, for some odd reason...-- Cain: "Fella, if you have Cuban cigars I'm your best friend." Shifty Man: "Hmm... Cuban cigars... Right here... 1 Cira a piece!" Cain: "A'ight I'll take two." -Cain acquires 2 Cuban Cigars. * Ashmodeel looks at the man, "Fine, I'll look at what you have if it means you leaving me be." Shifty Man: "Thanks... By the way, the name is Sam..." Shifty Sam's Inventory: {Ashmodeel} -Mage Cane (Atk + 5, Wis + 10) [50 Cira] -Acolyte Robe (Def + 5) [50 Cira] -Silver Amulet (Dod% + 3) [30 Cira] -Wizard Hood (Def + 2) [20 Cira] Cain: "Sam the Sham... complete with the Pharaohs." Shifty Sam: "Anything interest you?" * Ashmodeel looks closely at the items, but is hesitant. Shifty Sam: "Trust me, this stuff is brought in from my contact straight from Savanti... And I'm charging you only wholesale!" Cain: "Ash, it may be hot. Check for serial numbers." * Shifty Sam thinks... "I hope this goes better than the time I tried to sell those used hovercars..." LeBeau: "J'est take it, Man... ye' need 'de equipment anyway." Shifty Sam: "Don't worry, this stuff is backed by Sam's 100% satisfaction guarantee!" Cain: "If it's stolen we can always fight our way out of jail. Done it before." Ashmodeel: "Savanti? Just who are you getting these from . . . Never mind, since they are from Savanti, I shall just be returning them anyway." Shifty Sam: "So, you'll buy them, right?" Ashmodeel: "I'll take a Mage Cane, Acolyte Robe, Silver Amulet and a hood." * Dragoona has wandered her way out of the store and into one of the arcades... Shifty Sam: "Let me get them out of my bag here..." LeBeau: "Naw, ya dumb sonofabitch. E's j'est pullin y'er leg." Cain: "Hey, Hank if he goes for a piece knock him in the head with your stick." LeBeau: "Gotcha." -Ashmodeel acquires Mage Cane, Silver Amulet, Acolyte Robe, and Wizard Hood. Shifty Sam: "Thanks for your business, it's always nice finding a new pigeo--er, customer!" * Shifty Sam runs off! Cain: "I got a really bad feeling about that Sam gentleman." * Shop Bunny Returns * Dragoona wanders back in the store Ashmodeel: "I feel . . . dirty." Shop Bunny: "Sorry I took so long, here is our inventory list!" Item Store Inventory: -Poison Balm - 1A: Cures POISON [5 Cira] -Smelling Salts - 1A: Cures DAZE [5 Cira] -Caffeine Water - 1A: Cures SLEEP [5 Cira] -Life Essence - 1A: Cures DEAD and restores max HP [500 Cira] -Lozenge - 1A: Cures MUTE [5 Cira] -Eye Drops - 1A: Cures BLIND [5 Cira] -Gargoyle Powder - 1A: Cures STONE [5 Cira] -Sacred Incense - 1A: Cures PARALYZE [5 Cira] -Tamago - 1A: Cures CHICKEN [5 Cira] -Calm Herb - 1A: Cures ENRAGED [5 Cira] -Joyous Fruit - 1A: Cures DEPRESSED [5 Cira] -Sanity Nut - 1A: Cures PSYCHO [5 Cira] -Vigor Seed - 1A: Cures DRAINED [5 Cira] -Holy Water - 1A: Cures POSSESSED [5 Cira] -Lunar Mist - 1A: Restores 30 SP [50 Cira] -Mountain Dew - 1A: Restores 50 HP [20 Cira] * Dragoona is tempted to buy a Life Essence, but buys 2 Mountain Dews and some Eye Drops. LeBeau: "Nothin' fer me... thanks." -Dragoona acquires 2 Mountain Dews and 1 Eye Drops Cain: "I'm fine. Think I'll find that Sam character and rip him off." LeBeau: "Ah t'ink Ah can hustle 'im outta some stuff fer us at 'da card table." Shop Bunny: "Thanks for shopping at Ramus's!" Dragoona: "No prob!" :D LeBeau: "It's been our pleasure, Chere..." *eyes her real quick and grins.* * Shop Bunny eyes LeBeau flirtatiously back... ~Rista: "Where to now?" * LeBeau walks out of the item shop. "'DIS shop is w'at I call worth comin' back ta." * ~Rista hmphs. * Dragoona looks at LB oddly. Cain: "Hank's diggin' himself a hole." Dragoona: "Who's Hank?" LeBeau: "Pro'lly a grave if Ah'm not careful." --There are still, within walking distance, "One Eyed Jacks," a video arcade, and the central library.-- Dragoona: "You guys's choice. Where to?" ^_^ Cain: "I need a drink. I guess Jack's." Ashmodeel: "Hmm, a library. That looks like the only decent place in this city." LeBeau: "Ah woul love ta hustle somea da local drunks at "Jacks." Xorn: "I would like to visit the library eventually, perhaps they will have some information about androids..." Dragoona: "I think a strong cup of ale would help right now..." Cain: "Ale, hell I need tequila." Ashmodeel: "Ah, there is at least one person, er android, with some sense." LeBeau: "Ah'm goin' to Jacks." Xorn: "I'll be in the library..." * Xorn walks off towards the library. Ashmodeel: "I'll be with Xorn." * Ashmodeel follows the android. * LeBeau wanders into Jack's. Cain: "I'm going to get drunk and that can't be done in a library." * Cain steps into Jacks. Dragoona: "Yeah." :D --The Torvalds Library is an all-electronic collection of the collected knowledge of the Technomages. All the materials can be viewed on computer terminals, or, optionally, copied onto optical chip or printed out.-- Ashmodeel: "Well, my shiny friend, shall we see if these Technomages have anything interesting in their library?" Xorn: "Indeed..." Xorn: "I was hoping to learn more about my past, if possible." Ashmodeel: "As much as I dislike Technomages, they have a repository of knowledge rivaling that of Savanti." * Xorn sits at a computer terminal, searching through the database for androids. Xorn: "Why is there such a rivalry between the mages and the Technomages?" Computer Terminal: "Android: A humanoid mechanized automaton. None have been built since before the time of the Great War. It is unknown as to whether or not the Gineyres civilization had the knowledge to build them or not, but the ancients did. Technomages have been trying, unsuccessfully, for centuries to build their own." Ashmodeel: "I can't speak for all mages, but I personally do not care for Technology, no matter how powerful, to be called magic." Ashmodeel: "Magic is something totally different, It is to be respected." * Ashmodeel starts pushing buttons on the terminal, not ever having used one before. --The terminal beeps... Apparently Ashmodeel hasn't entered valid commands...-- * Xorn looks oddly at Ash. "Technology is to be respected as well." Ashmodeel: "Argh!. Why can't these people have books?" * Xorn continues searching for references to androids and the Great War Xorn: "This is much faster than flipping through hundreds of pages of written works..." Ashmodeel: "I have nothing against technology itself. It has proven useful and as we have seen, can be combined with magic." Ashmodeel: "There is something special about books, especially those imbued with magic." Computer Terminal: "Androids formed part of the Armies of Darkness during the Great War. The other parts consisted of genetically engineered monsters and bio-mechanical creations collectively known as 'Tenshi.'" * Ashmodeel presses a button labeled "help." Computer Terminal: "To access the library search engine, please touch the red button on the screen to activate it, then type in the topic you search for... -- LCARS 4.01 help system." * Xorn looks saddened "Hmm... as I suspected, I was created for war..." Ashmodeel: "Do not feel too bad, my friend. Magic has been used for war as often as technology, and sometimes with worse effects." Xorn: "Yes, but magic was not created for the sole purpose of war..." * Ashmodeel presses the red button and then types in search and peck mode, "Gineyeres and Grey Wizards." Computer Terminal: "That information is confidential. Please enter the correct password to access it." * Xorn looks at Ash's screen. Xorn: "Odd..." Ashmodeel: "Password? By the maker . . ." * Ashmodeel types in "secret." Xorn: "We must ask Dominic about this..." Computer Terminal: "Invalid password..." Ashmodeel: "Wait, I want to try one more thing, how do I reset this thing to do another search?" * Xorn points to the cancel button. Ashmodeel: "Perhaps only one of the topics is confidential." Ashmodeel: "Oh." * Ashmodeel hits cancel, and types in Grey Wizards when the screen reappears. Computer Terminal: "That information is confidential. Please enter the proper password to access..." Xorn: "I have an idea, Ash... move." * Ashmodeel gets up and lets Xorn sit down. Ashmodeel: "How can information on Grey Wizards be confidential to Technomages? They can't know that much about them." * Xorn sits at Ash's terminal and starts typing in passwords at great speeds "... You never know..." Computer Terminal: "Password confirmed... Two articles have been located on your search topic. 1. 'Grey Wizards during the Great War.' 2. 'Gineyres after the Great War.'" * Ashmodeel looks at Xorn surprised, "Um, ... thank you. let's see the first one." * Xorn grins to himself "I am glad these were not designed to keep things that no longer exist out..." * Xorn nods and loads the first. Computer Terminal: "Very little is known about the Grey Mages... They fought as part of the Army of Light during the Great War. Their tremendous powers were believed to have been bestowed upon them by the Espers, although the process through which this was accomplished is not known. It is rumored, oddly enough, to be technological in nature..." Ashmodeel: "What?!" Computer Terminal: "After the Great War, the Grey Mages slowly started to die out due to a mysterious illness. In their honor, the half of the Gineyres ruling body consisting of other mages named themselves the 'Grey Council.'" * Dragoona walks into the library just in time to hear the word "Council." Dragoona: "Hi guys! Anything interesting over here?" * Ashmodeel doesn't hear Dragoona, being too interested in the screen. Dragoona: "Fine then. Ignore me." Xorn: "It seems Ash... the Grey Mages owe their power to technology..." Dragoona: "... Really." Ashmodeel: "That cannot be . . ." * Dragoona chuckles, "Ironic." Meanwhile... --"One Eyed Jacks" is quite a busy tavern, with a lot of blackjack being played on one side... It seems to be both a bar and casino at once... At the bar is Shifty Sam...-- Cain: "Hey Sam's buying. I can guarantee it." * LeBeau walks up to one of the tables, sits down and starts to shuffle his cards, eyeing the games going on. --Blackjack appears to be the most popular game here.-- * Cain walks up to the bar beside Shifty Sam poking him in the ribs with his pig-sticker. Shifty Sam: "Hey, what the!? Oh, it's you! What do you want? More Cubans? Hehehe, I also have some other interesting items if you wish..." LeBeau: "Ahh... blackjack. Popular in Monteco. Ain't been in a while..." Cain: "Bartender this round's on my good friend Sam." Cain: "Those cigars were no more Cuban than the pope you bastard." * LeBeau walks up to one of the games. "'Ey, mes amis. 'Ow's the cards playin' today?" Shifty Sam: "Okay, okay, so they were Irian... Cuban cigars are hard to find these days seeing as how Cuba doesn't exist on this planet!" Card Shark: "Just fine... These drunks really don't know how to play a good game of blackjack." Cain: "Just buy me and my friend a drink and we'll call it even." * Dragoona steps up to the bar "Make that 'friends', Cain." Shifty Sam: "Very well... Buy each of these guys a drink." Shifty Sam: "It'll be on me." LeBeau: "J'est like the bars in Port Town. Maybe Ah can get in on 'da action myself." *Eyes a bunch at a different table.* "'Dis'll be fun." * Cain puts his blade away. Card Shark: "Good luck!" Cain: "It wasn't subtle but it got us the first step in a good buzz." * LeBeau walks over to a different table, but not before nudging Cain and Dragoona with his staff. "Get a loada 'dis." *points to the drunks at the other table* Cain: "We could use the cash. If you can take them to the cleaners." * Dragoona watches LB. * LeBeau shows Cain his cards. "An' Ah've a few other tricks up mah sleeve." Cain: "You are the man." Cain: "Bartender!!!!" * Cain notices LeBeau has marked cards. * LeBeau cases the locals. "W'ich ones ta' 'ustle." LeBeau: "'Ey, Dragoona, W'ich ones da ya t'ink're prime fer da' 'ustlin'?" Cain: "Bartender. Jose Cuervo for me and my friends. Leave the bottle." * Bartender nods and gives 'em a bottle. Bartender: "Complete with worm." Cain: "Thanks." LeBeau: "Ya know yer stuff, Cain. But Southern Iria's makes a bettah gold, true gold, tequila." Cain: "Trust me coon ass. This stuff will put hair on your chest. And parts you'd rather not talk about." * LeBeau continues to case the place. "'De ones not playin' look like 'dey ain' got a bita cash on 'em... Prolly runnin' up a 'elluva bar tab." * Dragoona looks at Cain "I'd rather not have hair on my chest, thank you. That's disgusting." Cain: "Sorry. I'd rather you not have hair on your chest either." * LeBeau downs his shot, then pours himself another. "Dis crowd's pathetic." * Cain takes a shot. looks for the jukebox and pours another shot. * Dragoona wanders out of the bar and into the Library, extremely bored. LeBeau: "'EY, BARTENDER! 'Ow 'bout some Irian Rum 'ere?" LeBeau: "Aw 'ell... Ah'm gone too." Bartender: "My pleasure..." * LeBeau follows Dragoona. * Bartender returns with some high-quality Irian rum. * Cain takes the bottle and staggers out of the bar after Dragoona and LeBeau. * LeBeau takes the bottle with him. * LeBeau takes a swig then hands it to Cain. "'Ere. now 'Dis is da good stuff." --The scene changes back to the library, as the whole party is reunited...-- Ashmodeel: "Xorn, try the next topic." * Xorn loads the second article. Cain: "Uuh uuh Hey fellas what cha doin'?" Xorn: "I would think that would be obvious, Cain..." Dragoona: "Turns out Ash owes more to the Technomages than he'd like..." *chuckles* Cain: "Smart ass." Computer Terminal: "After the Great War, the Gineyres civilization, which was founded to combat the Armies of Darkness, still lasted strong for some time. A fundamental belief of the civilization was that two forms of magic existed -- magic of the soul, and magic of the hand. Those that possessed the first kind of magic were known as the 'Grey Council,' in honor of the Grey Mages, in Gineyres's ruling body. The others were called the 'Blue Council.'" * Ashmodeel shoots a very serious look at Dragoona, "Shut up." Xorn: "Maybe not the Technomages themselves, Dragoona, but technology itself." Dragoona: "Same thing, aren't they?" Cain: "Roughly." Computer Terminal: "Throughout most of this time, the Blue Council had the majority position in the government as magic of the soul was much rarer than magic of the hand, also known as 'technology.'" Xorn: "One can use technology without being a Technomage... Am I a Technomage? No, yet I am the embodiment of technology.. Computer Terminal: "However, despite this difference, the society held both types of magic in equal esteem, much as the Espers had." Cain: "Don't get philosophical." LeBeau: "Foun' any't'ing out 'bout 'dose 'Chariots' 'dat 'de bard spoke of?" Xorn: "I will look for those next, LeBeau." Computer Terminal: "However, there was a catastrophe caused by the accidental activation of an ancient weapon that belonged to the Armies of Darkness, rendering most technology useless." Computer Terminal: "This resulted in the crumble of the Gineyrean civilization, and civil war broke out between the now powerless 'Blues' and the more powerful 'Greys.'" Computer Terminal: "The people, even those without magical ability, aligned themselves with the 'Greys,' who now called themselves the 'Savanti,' as they sought to take power over from the 'Blues.'" LeBeau: "'Dose who don' learn from 'istory're doome ta repeat it." Computer Terminal: "The Savanti won the war, and laws were passed banning the repair of any technology. After this, the Savanti, driven insane by their newfound power over their former rivals, launched an attempt of the 'ethnic cleansing' of the remaining Blues, who had started calling themselves 'Technomages.'" Cain: "I guess the Savanti never liked BB King, Bobby 'Blue' Blann and others." LeBeau: "'Ence de constan' fightin' 'tween 'de Technomages an' Savanti." Cain: "Something like that." Computer Terminal: "The Technomages fled, and hid in the far corners of Mirzha, establishing their capital in the unsettled and unforgiving land of Betulia. However, they still dream of the age when they will be viewed as equals with the mages of Savanti, a day that may come soon as the population of Savanti has been declining steadily over the past few generations... End of file..." * Xorn sends the command to have the last two articles printed to optical chips. Computer Terminal: "Articles printed." * Ashmodeel silently walks away from terminal and find a seat in a dark corner. LeBeau: "Now, 'bout all 'dat Kermit tol' us 'fore comin' 'ere." * Xorn wonders where they printed to." Cain: "Ash, is there something we didn't see on that terminal?" --The terminal spits out an optical chip containing the articles from a slot on its side.-- Xorn: "Ah!" * Xorn takes the chip, and puts it in a good safe spot. Xorn: "The first article said that the Grey Mages were given their magic through a technological means." Dragoona: "Something Ash didn't like." Dragoona: "Let him sulk for a little while, he'll be fine." ^_^ Cain: "Apparently." * Xorn enters a search into the terminal to find information on these "Chariots." LeBeau: "Anyt'ing ya can fin' out'll be a big 'elp, Xorn." Computer Terminal: "The 'Espermechs,' also known as the 'Chariots of God' by various Esper-worshipping peoples, were giant battle machines wielded by the Espers during the Great War. They were the only weapons that could defeat the Army of Darkness's 'Tenshi.'" Dragoona: "Chariots of God..." LeBeau: "Espermechs..." Dragoona: "Didn't we hear something like that in Lymon?" * Xorn checks to see if there is any information on where they might be. Cain: "God. Wait a minute. We ain't s'posed to mess with the almighty." Computer Terminal: "The 'Espermechs' were lost after the Great War after their makers, the Espers, were all but exterminated by the 'Tenshi.' No one knows where they are hidden, although legend has it records are kept on the island of Gineyres." LeBeau: "We may 'afta, Cain. If 'de situation gets bad 'nuff." LeBeau: "'Den we'd bettah be goin to Iria. Ah can get us a ship to Gineyres." Cain: "Look I don't want to step up to the Pearly Gates with the almighty pissed off." Cain: "But s***, he's got a long enough list of stuff I ain't confessed yet why not this." Xorn: "It's either that or the entire population of this planet visits the 'pearly gates', as you say." Dragoona: "Good point, Xorn." LeBeau: "Xorn's right, Cain." * Xorn searches for information on the Destroyer. * Rista nods... Cain: "Well confession's going to be interesting, forgive me father for I have really f***ed up." Dragoona: "Try 'Antonius;, Xorn." Xorn: "It hasn't returned this search yet... one at a time." Computer Terminal: "The 'Destroyer' was given the name 'Antonius' when he arrived to our world. He is believed to have come from the same world as some of the Founders and has powers similar to, but apparently much greater, than they. The Army of Darkness had apparently wanted to use the Destroyer as an ally, but he did not want to join them." Cain: "Check under George Thorogood and the Destroyers." Computer Terminal: "It was believed that upon his defeat, the war would finally end, but then the war escalated, with the arrival of the Army of Darkness's newest weapons, the 'Tenshi.'" Dragoona: "Let me guess. He destroyed them, right?" Xorn: "Apparently not..." Cain: "Now it's settled we must whoop someone's ass to keep this Destroyer from coming back and really making a mess of things." Computer Terminal: "It took the combined might of the Founders and the Espers to imprison him. However, it is believed that it is possible to free him again..." Computer Terminal: "End of file." LeBeau: "An 'dat's w'ere dat Dark Mana comes in." Cain: "Now who needs an ass whoopin?" * Ashmodeel looks up, "You do, if you don't shut up." Xorn: "Is there anything else we need to search for?" LeBeau: "Any other info on Gineyres." * Xorn searches for Gineyres. Computer Terminal: "You have already accessed all articles containing the word 'Gineyres' in the data bank. Redisplay?" LeBeau: "Not if we've seen ever't'ing." * Cain exits the library sits on the front steps and lights a cigar. LeBeau: "Ah can get us a ship to Gineyres from Port Town in Iria. Gettin back? Now dat's another story." * Xorn cancels it. "Anything else?" Dragoona: "Uh." Dragoona: "LB." LeBeau: "Not 'dat Ah know of." LeBeau: "Yeah?" Dragoona: "I thought no one knew where Ginreyes was.." LeBeau: "'Dere're explorers settin' sail, lookin' fer Gineyres, every week in Port Town. We can get on wit' dem." LeBeau: "Maybe luck'll be wit' us an' we'll fin' it." * Xorn quits out of the library search and stands up. "If there is nothing else, perhaps we should meet with Dominic..." LeBeau: "Good idea." Dragoona: "Very good idea." * Xorn walks out of the library. * LeBeau follows Xorn. --The group is only a few city blocks away from the large central building Dominic said to meet him at. It has a sign on it saying, "Government Center."-- Cain: "Talk about big government." * Dragoona chuckles. * Xorn walks towards the centre. --Inside the center (or centre, if you prefer :P), there is a large desk with a receptionist sitting at it...-- * Xorn walks up to the receptionist. Receptionist: "May I help you?" Dragoona: "Hi! We're looking for Dominic!" :D Xorn: "Do you know where we might find Dominic?" Receptionist: "Oh, Dominic? He mentioned that he was expecting you. Please, stand on that platform over there." * LeBeau stands on the platform. * Receptionist points to a platform across the room. Cain: "A'ight." * Xorn stands on the platform. * Rista goes to stand next to Henri. * Ashmodeel stands next to Xorn. * Cain stands on the platform. * Dragoona does too.. --When all the party stands on it, the platform lifts up off the floor and carries them up through a doorway that had just opened in the ceiling. It stops inside a modest-size lab. Dominic can be seen working at a station in this lab...-- * Xorn steps off the platform and approaches Dominic. Dominic: "Oh, hello. Did you enjoy Torvalds?" * Rista attaches herself to Henri. Dragoona: "It was weird." * Xorn nods and points to his new gun. Ashmodeel: "It was . . . interesting." LeBeau: "De town 'as it's charms. Ah'll admit dat 'dere was 'ardly anyone to 'ustle in cards 'dat wasn't already in a game." Dominic: "Ahh, I see... Looks like you guys upgraded your equipment. That's good..." Cain: "Thanks." Dominic: "Sorry... The casinos tend to be almost overloaded this time of day..." Cain: "Now what have you found out while we've been runnin round your town?" Dominic: "Anyway, I've finished my analysis of the Dark Mana fragment..." Ashmodeel: "And?" Dragoona: "And?" LeBeau: "Always preferred a more casual game anyway." * LeBeau listens. Dominic: "Apparently, it is capable of destroying barriers... As we suspected. However, it is very similar in composition to mana eggs exported from Savanti." LeBeau: "Hmmm?" Cain: "Very interesting." Dominic: "At least, in how the molecular structure is arranged. The materials that make it up aren't even native to our world..." Dragoona: "Mana eggs?" Ashmodeel: "But it is definitely not of Savanti design." Dominic: "No, it is completely alien..." LeBeau: "Den it can be used ta break de seal on de Destroyer, Antonius?" Ashmodeel: "Mana eggs give non magic users the ability to use weak forms of magic, Dragoona." Dominic: "It also seems to be able to increase its power when combined with other fragments, hence Theran's quest to locate all the pieces. And yes, if enough is gathered, I think it could break Antonius's seal." Dragoona: "Neat!" :D Dragoona: "..." * Dragoona sobers up. Dragoona: "Any idea how much is out there?" Ashmodeel: "He would never plan something like that!" Cain: "And how much it would take to accomplish that task?" Dominic: "Well... I did a quick scan... It's not that accurate, but I believe there could be as much as several hundred tons of Dark Mana scattered throughout the planet..." LeBeau: "W'at makes ya t'ink dat, Ash. Y'er no telepath." LeBeau: O_o" ... Several 'underd TONS?" Ashmodeel: "I know my uncle quite well, LeBeau. He may seem harsh and arrogant, but his soul is not a slave to evil." Dragoona: "TONS?!" Rista: "T... tons?" Xorn: "But is he a slave to power..?" Dragoona: "Ash... power corrupts." * Rista looks a little faint..." Dominic: "It must have taken a lot to break the barrier that protected us that was generated near Lymon... Most of it probably burned up in the atmosphere, though." Dominic: "Either way, there is quite a lot scattered on the planet, and it is highly dangerous..." Dragoona: "But... several hundred tons?!" * Dragoona sweatdrops. Ashmodeel: "The high mages of Savanti have gone in a straight path for centuries." * Rista teeters a little... Dominic: "Well, that probably includes atmospheric remnants... How much of it is in useable form, well, I have no way of telling." Cain: "Sounds like a straight path to hell." Ashmodeel: "If the war is his doing, then I think he is doing it to gather the Dark Mana to prevent others from using it." Ashmodeel: "However, I believe that others things are afoot in Savanti." LeBeau: "If it burned up in de' atmosphere, coul' what burned up in de' air be harnessed to break 'de seal?" Dominic: "Perhaps, although we have no way of knowing for certain." Xorn: "Dominic... out of curiosity... why is all the information about the Grey Mages in the library marked classified..?" LeBeau: "Traces of it coul' still be up 'dere in small particles." Dominic: "I don't believe so... The Dark Mana seems to lose its power after its molecular bonds are broken. What is in the atmosphere are merely trace elements that are unbonded." Ashmodeel: "Xorn . . ." Dominic: "How would you know what's classified in the library, only my uncle Dukhat has access to those files?" Cain: "Therefore you say there is not enough to break that seal and cancel Christmas for everybody?" Dragoona: "Someone's a hacker, apparently." Xorn: "it asked for a password... said they were classified..." Ashmodeel: "We did a search, but we were not allowed in." Xorn: "That is how I knew." Dominic: "I'm not sure... The only way I can detect the Dark Mana is by searching for its trace elements. I have no way of knowing how much is in the atmosphere and how much is still in solid form on the ground." * Xorn gives Dragoona a look. Dominic: "I see... Well, at least you didn't read those files... Whoever does, other than the Technomancer, is subject to the death penalty... It's our only remaining death penalty." Dragoona: "... Whoa." Dragoona: "Harsh." Dragoona: "You're lucky you couldn't get in you two..." Ashmodeel: "Information should be available to all." Cain: "That's a damned shame." Dominic: "Yes... Supposedly the information in those files is so volatile it could do great damage to our civilization." Xorn: "Seems a harsh penalty for knowledge... but it is not my place to question." Dominic: "At least that's the reasoning behind protecting them." Cain: "But that is no reason to have a harsher penalty for information than for murder." Dragoona: "Information can kill sometimes, Cain." Ashmodeel: "The information in the libraries in Savanti is available to all, there is just a matter of understanding that information." Dominic: "Well, our penalty for murder consists of something nearly as harsh - personality reprogramming..." Dominic: "The original personality is all but destroyed and replaced with one created to serve society, instead of harm it." LeBeau: "Look, do 'de Technomages know of any way to get to Gineyres. Sailors've been lookin' fer centuries, but 'ave had no luck. Ah've a feelin' dat we'll win' up goin 'dere." Cain: "People have been killed for what they know not by what they know. There is a large difference." Ashmodeel: "That is the equivalent of the death penalty." Dominic: "Hmm... We've never found it, although I do believe we may be able to reach it if we ever could find it..." Dominic: "Exactly..." Dominic: "Fortunately, there hasn't been a murder here in over five hundred years." Dragoona: "Death... reb...ir...no, it's not the same." Dominic: "Anyway, I think we should try to attempt to collect as much of the Dark Mana ourselves as possible, at least until we know what Theran's motivations truly are." Cain: "That's reassuring." LeBeau: "Okee.. Where do we start?" Ashmodeel: "I believe it would be more to our advantage to find a way into Savanti itself and confront my uncle." Dominic: "My sensors detected potentially large deposits at a remote region on the borders of Betulia, Ustvestia, Dragonia, and Savanti. That might be a good place to begin." Cain: "And what do we do with it when we acquire it?" Dominic: "We could do that as well..." Xorn: "Destroy it." Dragoona: "Destroy it quickly." Dominic: "Cain, well, we'd try to destroy it if possible... If not, well, we just try to keep it out of anyone's hands." Cain: "You make it sound so simple." Dominic: "Well, we do have the technology to launch it into deep space if need be." Ashmodeel: "It came from deep space, I believe that it would be able to find its way back here. Dominic: "Well we could try launching it into the sun or something. The sun's heat may be able to vaporize it much like it was upon entry into our atmosphere." Cain: "We locate a potentially volatile substance, gather it up and dispose of it before we die from it of someone else gets a hold of it and turns the Destroyer loose. Ashmodeel: "For your simple mind, Cain, that explanation of things will suffice." Dominic: "For this mission, I did manage to get us use of Expeditionary Council's airship, 'Arcadia.'" Cain: "Simple mind my ass. Let me explain life my friend. We are working solely on assumptions made by people who kill their own for having information." Dominic: "Ahem... You do realize that we're not the only ones who do that. Other nations have similar penalties for spying." Cain: "Selling to the enemy is treason, always a crime punishable by death." Ashmodeel: "Cain, yet another oversimplification." Cain: "You can go to hell." Dominic: "Anyway, I don't think we'll get anywhere by fighting amongst ourselves..." Dragoona: "Yeah. I agree." --Suddenly, a young Technomage woman walks into the lab...-- Cain: "Here's how the cow ate the cabbage. You want some come get some." Woman: "Dominic, are you here!?" * Dominic gets an anime sweat drop... "Em... Em... Emily!?" LeBeau: "Le's take care of 'dis b'fore Theran releases Antonius." Emily: "Dominic! There you are!" Dominic: "Umm, excuse me..." * Dominic walks over to talk to Emily... * Dominic and Emily return..." Dominic: "Umm, everyone, I'd like you to meet Emily... My fiancee..." LeBeau: "Fiancee?" LeBeau: "Congrats, Dom." Dominic: "Thanks..." Ashmodeel: "A pleasure." * Rista smiles. Emily: "Pleased to meet you, all... So you're the guys that have been keeping my Dominic away from me, huh?" *giggle* Cain: "How you doin'?" Emily: "Very well, thank you..." * LeBeau eyes Emily for a sec then nudges Dominic in the ribs. "You got yerself a keeper here. Don' let 'er go, Man." Emily: "Though I do have to study for that particle physics exam tomorrow morning... It's not easy being an apprentice Technomage some times..." * Dominic gets another anime sweat drop... "Thanks..." * Rista overhears... and glares at LeBeau. Dominic: "Anyway, Emily, I don't think I'll be able to help you study tonight..." Emily: "Why not!?" LeBeau: "What? Was j'est givin' ol' Dom abit of advice, man to man." Dominic: "You see... I sort of have a mission..." Rista: "Uhhh huh." * Cain elbows LeBeau. "Boy if you don't keep your foot out of your mouth." Emily: "Oh, not that old story about the 'fate of the world being on the line' again..." Dominic: "But it's true this time! I mean it!" Dragoona: "But this time it's true, miss." Cain: "Something like that." LeBeau: "It is... dat's w'y we're 'ere." Dragoona: "Otherwise why would she have brought us?" * Rista looks at Cain.. "Why thank you for knocking some sense into him." * Rista nods. * LeBeau nudges Dragoona. "Dat's a he." Emily: "Whatever... All right, since your friends seem to be agreeing with you on this one, I'll let you go... However mister, you'd better not try to pull this stunt again the next time I need you to help me study!" Dominic: "Thanks Emily, I promise, next time I'll make it up to you, I swear!" * Cain looks at Rista, "Least I could do." Emily: "You'd better! Anyway, I need to get back to studying... Later everyone, and good luck on your mission!" * Emily walks off... Cain: "And if he don't call me." Dominic: "Anyway, I'll meet you guys at the airport. You'd better take care of any shopping you need to do while I finish up preparing the Arcadia, okay?" * Dominic split! * Rista attaches herself to Henri. * LeBeau looks down at Rista. "Le's get you somethin' decent to wear on dis trip, eh?" * Rista blinks... and looks down... "And just WHAT do you mean by that?" Cain: "Son do you want bbq sauce with that boot?" LeBeau: "Ah was talkin' bout gettin' you some new armor and such, Rista." --The levitating platform is ready to take you to the exit... :)-- Rista: "Oh..." * Xorn stands on the platform again. * Cain gets back on the platform. * LeBeau stays silent as he gets on the platform. * Ashmodeel gets on the platform. * Dragoona gets on. --Once the whole party steps on the platform, it descends back down to the lobby.-- * Rista is still attached to LeBeau... even after his remark. Cain: "That was interesting." Receptionist: "Ahh, I hope your meeting with Dominic went well. He said he'd meet you at the airport located at the western end of the city. You should be able to get there by monorail. There is a station just behind the item store." * Xorn walks out of the building. --The stores are still open!-- Cain: "Like WalMart, open 24 hours." Ashmodeel: "Wal-what?" LeBeau: "Ne'er min', Ash." Cain: "You wouldn't understand." * Ashmodeel nods at LeBeau. --There are still weapons, armor, and item stores with useful stuff to buy. :P-- * Rista wanders into the armor shop. Armor Clerk: "Greetings, how may I help you?" Rista: "Just seeing what you may have in my size..." Armor Store Inventory: {Dragoona} -Tin Armor (Def + 10) [75 Cira] -Bronze Shield (Dod% + 8) [50 Cira] -Tin Helmet (Def + 5) [35 Cira] {LeBeau} -Leather Vest (Def + 7) [50 Cira] -Bronze Bracer (Dod% + 5) [35 Cira] -Polymer Cap (Def + 4) [25 Cira] {Cain} -Bronze Guard (Dod% + 5) [35 Cira] -Denim Headband (Def + 4) [25 Cira] -Denim Wrap (Def + 7) [50 Cira] {Rista} -Denim Dress (Def + 7) [50 Cira] -Indigo Sash (Dod% + 5) [35 Cira] -Purple Ribbon (Def + 4) [25 Cira] Armor Clerk: "Anything that interests you?" Armor Clerk: "Well? Are you going to buy something or not?" Rista: "Yes actually... that dress looks like it would fit wonderfully... and I KNOW I look good in violets... so I'll take the ribbon and the sash as well." Armor Clerk: "Let me wrap that up for you..." Rista: "Thanks..." -Rista acquires Denim Dress, Purple Ribbon, and Indigo Sash. Armor Clerk: "Anything else?" --There is a dressing room in the back...-- Rista: "No, thanks sir... I'm just going to change into this." Armor Clerk: "Very well, thanks for shopping here." * Rista changes into her new outfit, and then wanders into the weapon shop. Weapons Clerk: "Hello, what would you like today?" Rista: "Do you have any daggers?" Weapons Clerk: "Let me see..." Weapons Store Inventory: -Barbarian Sword (Atk + 15) [75 Cira] {Dragoona} -Quarterstaff (Atk + 7) [50 Cira] {LeBeau} -Seidou Katana (Atk + 7) [50 Cira] {Cain} -Bronze Knife (Atk + 7) [50 Cira] {Rista} -Gatling Gun (Atk + 18) [75 Cira] {Xorn} Weapons Clerk: "Knife, dagger, what's the difference, right?" * Rista nods... "I like that knife... I'll take it." -Rista acquires Bronze Knife. Weapons Clerk: "Anything else?" Rista: "No, sir, I think that will do it, thanks." Weapons Clerk: "You're welcome. Please shop here again." * Rista wanders over to the item shop... and looks around. Shop Bunny: "Hi again... What brings you here?" * LeBeau keeps his big mouth shut this time... Item Store Inventory: -Poison Balm - 1A: Cures POISON [5 Cira] -Smelling Salts - 1A: Cures DAZE [5 Cira] -Caffeine Water - 1A: Cures SLEEP [5 Cira] -Life Essence - 1A: Cures DEAD and restores max HP [500 Cira] -Lozenge - 1A: Cures MUTE [5 Cira] -Eye Drops - 1A: Cures BLIND [5 Cira] -Gargoyle Powder - 1A: Cures STONE [5 Cira] -Sacred Incense - 1A: Cures PARALYZE [5 Cira] -Tamago - 1A: Cures CHICKEN [5 Cira] -Calm Herb - 1A: Cures ENRAGED [5 Cira] -Joyous Fruit - 1A: Cures DEPRESSED [5 Cira] -Sanity Nut - 1A: Cures PSYCHO [5 Cira] -Vigor Seed - 1A: Cures DRAINED [5 Cira] -Holy Water - 1A: Cures POSSESSED [5 Cira] -Lunar Mist - 1A: Restores 30 SP [50 Cira] -Mountain Dew - 1A: Restores 50 HP [20 Cira] * Cain drags LeBeau away from the item shop to curb trouble. Shop Bunny: "Ramus's of Monteco guarantees to meet or beat the competition's prices!" Shop Bunny: "Anything here that interests you?" Rista: "Uhm.. yes. I'll need 2 Poison Balms, please." -Rista acquires 2 Poison Balms Shop Bunny: "Anything else?" Dragoona: "I want a Sacred Incense and a Gargoyle Powder. Can never be too careful." ^_^ Ashmodeel: "I'd like to procure something." Ashmodeel: "One Lunar Mist please." Rista: "She's right, you can never be too careful... 2 Mountain dews as well." Cain: "And you sweetheart. Or can we not afford it?" * Rista blinks at Cain. -Dragoona acquires Sacred Incense and Gargoyle Powder -Ashmodeel acquires Lunar Mist Shop Bunny: "All set?" Dragoona: "I think so." ^_^ Cain: "You busy, babe?" Shop Bunny: "Umm, yes, and I also have a boyfriend..." Shop Bunny: "Thanks for shopping at Ramus's! Have a nice day! Sniff, sniff, snarf!" Cain: "That does not matter. You may need to trade him in on a better model." LeBeau: "Le's get goin, Cain." * LeBeau drags Cain out of the item shop this time. * Ashmodeel leaves the shop. --There is conveniently a monorail waiting at the stop.-- * LeBeau tosses Cain into the monorail and then enters the train himself. Shop Bunny: "Wait! You forgot this!" * Rista climbs aboard a little more... ladylike. Dragoona: "What?" LeBeau: "Eh?" * Dragoona turns around. Rista: "Eh?" Cain: "Huh?" Ashmodeel: "Yes?" * Shop Bunny gives Rista 2 Mountain Dews * Rista slaps her forehead... Dragoona: "Oh. Sorry." ^^ Rista: "Thank you... with these two... males around it's easy to forget." * Dragoona steps on the monorail. Shop Bunny: "Believe me, I understand! See ya!" * Shop Bunny runs off. --The monorail speeds off towards the airport...-- --As the monorail nears the airport, the sounds of screams of terror and battle can be heard...-- Dragoona: "What the?" --The monorail comes to a stop and opens its doors...-- Rista: "...." * Xorn steps out. * LeBeau leaves the monorail. Xorn: "That's not a good sound..." --As the party approaches the tarmac, they can see that the airport seems to be overrun with robots!-- Dragoona: "What the?! * Xorn pulls out his gat. Dragoona: "Looks like it's party time, guys!" LeBeau: "Hmmm?" * Dragoona pulls out her sword. * LeBeau grabs his staff. Ashmodeel: "Bother." Xorn: "I was made to kill... I guess that's what I'm best at..." Dominic: "Hey, give us a hand here! We're overrun by strange robots!" LeBeau: "A'ight..." --The party is approached by a pack of six 'bots...-- ===COMBAT!=== Three WinBot98s in front, three WinBot 2Ks in back... ===ROUND 1=== * LeBeau 's fist crackles with lightning as he gets ready to unleash his magic. Cain casts Air Juvi on WinBot98 A! Cain leaps off of LeBeau and delivers a devastating suicide drop kick to WinBot 2K A! WinBot 2K A is hit for 198 damage. WinBot 2K suffers a blue screen of death! Dragoona casts Sword Throw on WinBot 2K B! * Dragoona channels Fire Magic into her sword, and throws it at ludicrous speed at the WinBot 2K, when it quickly explodes, and reappears in Dragoona's hand. WinBot 2K A is hit for 212 damage and has a blue screen of death! Dragoona: "Hah... too easy." LeBeau casts Thunder Bolt on WinBot 98 A! * LeBeau puches at the WinBot, releasing the lightning that rockets toward its target, slamming into the robot with deadly precision. WinBot 98 A has critical weakness to thunder magic... 56 damage. WinBot 98 A attacks Dragoona! LeBeau: "LOOK OUT, KID!" Dragoona: "Hey! Get away from me you stupid bug!" Dragoona blocks with her shield! * Rista bows her head and begins chanting... WinBot 98 B attacks LeBeau! LeBeau: O_O;;; * Rista looks up.. "Look out Henri!" LeBeau: "Uh oh." LeBeau is hit for 23 damage. Dragoona: "LB!" Dragoona: "Oh god..." * Rista gasps... glares at the 'bot... and begins chanting... this time in rage..." WinBot 98 C attacks Cain! Critical hit! Cain is hit for 43 damage. WinBot 2K C trains its gun on Rista! Dragoona: "Rista!" LeBeau: "RISTA!" * Rista doesn't notice in her fervent concentration. Rista is hit by the projectile for 26 damage. * Dragoona jumps in the way, trying to take the shot. Dragoona: "Rista!!!" * LeBeau pulls the 2 of spades out of his pocket. "Looks like deuces are wild... time to ANTE UP!" Xorn attacks WinBot 98 A! First attack... 21 damage... * Xorn lets loose with his gat Second attack... 19 damage... Ashmodeel casts Grey Lightning on WinBot 98 B! Dragoona: "You sure that was smart, Ash?" WinBot 98 has critical weakness to electrical attacks... 518 damage. Dragoona: O_o * Dragoona sees the 'bot be fried 5 ways to Kamelat... Dragoona: "Whoa!!!" Correction... All the WinBot 98s are hit for 518 damage... All get Blue Screens of Death! * Dragoona sees the bots be fried 5 ways to Kamelat... Dragoona: "Ho...ly... s***!" Rista casts Chaos on WinBot 2K C... Dragoona: "How the he... no, I shouldn't ask." Waves of chaotic magic circle overhead... * Rista points toward the enemy 'bot... and crosses her fingers... The magic homes in on... Cain! Rista: "OH... s***..." Chaos effect: Auto-death. Cain is knocked unconscious... Dragoona: "S***! Cain!!!" Rista: "... NO!!" LeBeau: "Oh s***..." ===ROUND 2=== * Rista takes a few steps back... * LeBeau keeps his card ready as it begins to emit a bright glow. Dragoona casts Sword Throw on WinBot 2K C! * Dragoona channels Fire Magic into her sword, and throws it at ludicrous speed at the last spawn of evil. It explodes. So does the 'bot. * Dragoona calls her sword back to her hand. WinBot 2K C suffers 226 damage and a blue screen of death! VICTORY! 25 XP, 250 MXP, 500 Cira acquired... * Rista takes a few more steps back... Dragoona: "Yatsa!" :D Dominic: "Wow... I'm impressed. You really took care of those 'bots!" Dragoona: "Thanky." ^_^ Xorn: "Why were they attacking?" * Rista keeps silent... trying to slip into the shadows... Dragoona: "But it was mainly Ash's doing..." ^_^ Dragoona: "Anyways." Dominic: "We don't know... We've never seen anything like them before... They also seem to be brand new..." * Dragoona tries to get Cain back up... Dominic: "Ash? He did this?" Dragoona: "He fried more than half of them with one spell!" Ashmodeel: "They had a particulate weakness to lightning, I exploited that." Dominic: "I'm very impressed..." *looks somewhat embarrassed* Dominic: "That is true... We also did the same thing... A few 'Power Surge' spells was all it took to eliminate the rest..." Cain wakes up with 1 HP... Dragoona: "There. Better? Good." Dragoona: "Rista..." Dragoona: "What's wrong?" Rista: "...." Dragoona: "You couldn't have known that was going to happen..." Dragoona: "That's the reason it's called 'Chaos' magic..." Rista: "It doesn't matter... He still fell because of me..." Dragoona: "Listen... it's not your fault!" * Rista stares down at her hands... LeBeau: "'Dat magic is as much a crap shoot as my cards. Don' worry 'bout it, Rista. Yer luck'll improve." * Rista continues staring down... "It hasn't improved in all these years..." Dragoona: "Yeah... listen to LB... I mean, his words mean more to you than mine do." * Rista shakes her head sadly... Dragoona: "... Nothing I can do to help if you don't want it..." LeBeau: "T'ink I was a shark wit' de cards w'eh I firs started? Naw... my luck improved... an' I learned a few tricks from other sharks... but still. Yer luck will get better as you learn more about it, Rista." * Rista lookst up at LeBeau, a single tear streaking from one eye. * LeBeau takes the tail of his trench coat and wipes Rista's tears away. He gives her his usual smile, trying to be reassuring. * Dominic yells out from further down the tarmac... "When you guys are ready, come over here, I want you to see something!" LeBeau: "Le's join Dom ov' there." * Dragoona goes over to Dom. * Ashmodeel goes over to Dominic. * LeBeau picks Rista up and carries her over to where Dominic is. Rista: O_o Dominic: "Just stand right here, and watch the ground..." --The ground about one hundred feet in front of the party opens simultaneously with a large window in the dome overhead...-- Dragoona: O_o LeBeau: "Eh?" --The top of what appears to be a mast of some sort slowly emerges from beneath the ground...-- Dragoona: o_O Rista: "....." --The rest of the object comes into view... The mast is attached to a large ship, complete with anti-gravity engines mounted on the sides... On the bow is painted the word, "Arcadia..."-- Dominic: "May I present to you the airship, 'Arcadia'!" Dragoona: "Whoa!" Dragoona: "Sweet!" Ashmodeel: "Interesting." Dominic: "This is the pinnacle of Technomage technology... It's powered by four large anti-gravity engines, each of which getting power from a first-generation quantum-singularity drive system..." Dominic: "It's not quite up to the mana-drive technology of the ancients, but it does the trick!" --The gang-plank of the Arcadia lowers to the ground...-- Dominic: "The 'Arcadia' is the flagship of our airship fleet." Xorn: "Quite nice, Dominic..." Dragoona: "Whoa." :D Dominic: "Thank you." :) LeBeau: "Mean..." * Dragoona hopples onto Arcadia... Yayayayayaya :D :D * LeBeau strolls onto the Arcadia, still carrying Rista. Ashmodeel: "This will have to do . . . I really need to get some of the mages of Kathmandu to teach me how to Travel." Dominic: "Actually, though, we are planning to swap out the quantum singularity drive with a more advanced tachyon drive as soon as its developed... It' s much more efficient and powerful..." Dominic: "All aboard!" --There is a small, but functional, blue dragon statue on the deck near the gang plank.-- * Ashmodeel touches the statue * Dragoona touches it and feels refreshed, like a million Cira, even! :D Everyone regains max HP/SP/skills... Dominic: "Is everyone ready to take off?" Dragoona: "Yeah!" :D Xorn: "Sure." * Dominic signals the captain to launch..." --The Arcadia levitates smoothly, but rapidly, through the overhead window for a flawless takeoff. The window closes behind them as they set course to Kathmandu, wondering what to expect when they arrive in Ashmodeel's homeland...-- ===SESSION END===