Project Apocalypse RPG Session 5 Log Session Start: Sat Jun 19 20:46:33 1999 ============================================================================ Cast of Characters: Dragonmaster Lou as Gamemaster, Person behind desk, Person entering, Dominic, Helmsman, Science Officer, Chief Engineer, Large man, Barret, Chef, Shaft, Hammerman, Grim Rapper Aerian as Xorn Bryann as Dragoona Lucia as Rista Mark Kroush as Cain (Dragonmaster Lou as ~Cain) Scott Kroush as LeBeau Seath as Ashmodeel ============================================================================ ===GAME ON=== ===BEGIN CUTSCENE=== --It is a small, dark room, although the sun is streaming in through the windows... Sitting at a desk is the shadowy silhouette of a person. A second silhouette walks in...-- Person behind desk: "Do you have today's report?" Person entering: "Yes, sir. Would you like me to read it to you, or would you prefer to peruse it yourself?" Person behind desk: "Just summarize it for now. I'll read it over more carefully later." Person entering: "Yes sir. Where should I begin, the report on 'Antonius' or the report on the current state of 'Project Apocalypse'?" Person behind desk: "'Antonius,' assuming it is the shorter of the two reports." Person entering: "It is, sir. Anyway, our research group hasn't been able to get much information on 'Antonius,' for obvious reasons. However, they did manage to learn that at one point he served as some sort of guardian or warrior of a god or goddess on his home world, fighting for his or her protection." Person behind desk: "Really? How ironic." Person entering: "Ironic, sir?" Person behind desk: "Ironic given our plans for him. A servant of a god... Almost like an... Hmm... Anything else on him?" Person entering: "No, sir." Person behind desk: "Very well then, on to the 'Project Apocalypse' report." Person entering: "Yes sir. The first report comes in from the front. Apparently our plans are working better than expected. Savanti is experiencing little resistance and has managed to collect one third of the 'Dark Mana.' We feel that it will not be long until the location of the 'Blood' will be discovered. There have been some minor losses in our advanced forces, however." Person behind desk: "You mean the 'first one'? He was worthless, anyway. There are superior ones waiting in the wings for their chance." Person entering: "Speaking of that, sir, the rest of the report concerns 'Subproject Tenshi.'" Person behind desk: "Good, this is what I wanted to hear about. Continue." Person entering: "Repairs have been completed on 'Zais,' and it should be ready for your tour momentarily. The damage was traced to a faulty power conduit that has since been replaced." Person behind desk: "Excellent. What about 'Model 00'?" Person entering: "'Model 00' should be ready for service once the test armor is replaced with the final version. You may also be pleased to find out that the remainder of the 'Four Horsemen' series of 'Tenshi' have been completed based on Model 00's design. We now have parity as far as maximum power output is concerned." Person behind desk: "Excellent. Who were they assigned to?" Person entering: "Kylia, Krieger, and Betholz, sir." Person behind desk: "Interesting combination there, but they should be quite effective as a team. What's the status on 'Model 01'?" Person entering: "Well, the group working on 'Model 01' have requested that you halt the project." Person behind desk: "On what grounds?" Person entering: "A dozen deaths and three dozen confirmed cases of insanity, sir..." Person behind desk: "Are they having that much difficulty building a mana drive unit?" Person entering: "Actually, the mana drive group has had no problems other than the research going slow, although acquisition of the 'Blood' will speed the process considerably. It was the construction and testing group that is having difficulty." Person behind desk: "What kind of difficulty?" Person entering: "According to the report, and my observations of the project, the modifications of the matrix have resulted in a creation that's too powerful, too unpredictable, and too difficult to control. Sir, 'Model 01' is vastly different in design and construction than the earlier models. As the first 'Tenshi' controlled by mental synchronization with the pilot, testing it has proven to be a lot more hazardous than expected." Person entering: "The deaths were caused when 'Model 01' went completely out of control -- only the fact that it's on external power until the mana drive is completed prevented more deaths. As for the cases of insanity, those were pilots who could not survive the intense psi-field generated by the 'Tenshi.' Sir, 'Model 01' is something terrifying to behold. I feel fear deep down to my soul whenever I am in the same room as it." Person entering: "We are dealing with forces we do not understand here, forces man was never meant to deal with... I have to agree with the recommendation to halt the project..." Person behind desk: "Nonsense... There is always some danger involved when doing something this ambitious." Person entering: "But sir, there is a difference between ambitious and suicidal... We are altering an already dangerous alien matrix to a point never before even conceived of, sacrificing ease of control for increased power, and on top of that attempting to control it with via mental synchronization. These are all technologies that we know very little about -- that we have no right to know anything about... Such knowledge was never meant for mankind..." Person entering: "Not even the Espers themselves dared to enter such areas..." Person behind desk: "Silence! Now drop the report on my desk and leave. The doctor is due to see me soon, and I'd prefer to be alone..." Person entering: [terrified] "Yes, sir." --The second person leaves, and the scene fades...-- ===END CUTSCENE=== --Meanwhile, the party stands on the desk of the airship, Arcadia, the flagship of the Technomage fleet... Dominic is also standing nearby, enjoying the wind rush past...-- * Dragoona is at the front of the airship, hair flapping in the wind. * LeBeau is watching the world go by underneath. Dominic: "Ahh... You know, I never get tired of traveling on an airship like this... It's just so exhilarating and refreshing..." * Cain leans over the side vomiting wildly. * Ashmodeel stands silently at one of the rails. Dominic: "Umm, Cain, maybe you should see the ship's doctor? He may be able to help you with that..." * Rista stands on the deck looking out at the view... "This... is incredible..." Cain: "It's motion sickness. It will pass ." * Dominic nods. LeBeau: "Ya got 'dat right, Rista." Dominic: "So, let's see... Where did you guys want to go again? I heard something about either going to Iria or Savanti, but I can't seem to remember which it was..." Ashmodeel: "Savanti, we must get to Savanti." LeBeau: "W'erever 'dat Dark Mana is." Dominic: "Hmm... Savanti is a safe call... By now they must have a large supply of it..." LeBeau: "A'ight... le's go." Ashmodeel: "It would not be wise to head for Kathmandu in this ship. We'll have to land in a secluded area. Dominic: "Helmsman, set a course for the Savanti border! Remember though, we should land just outside it in either Dragonia or Ustvestia... The last thing we need right now is for a Technomage airship to violate their airspace..." Cain: "Just put this thing down soon before I dehydrate." Helmsman: "Aye-aye, sir!" Dominic: "Hmm... Ustvestia may be the wisest location, then... They aren't currently at war with Savanti, as far as I know, so the border probably will not be as heavily guarded. Do you agree Ashmodeel?" Ashmodeel: "Yes, that would be wise." * Dominic nods. "Helmsman, set the course so we land just inside the Ustvestia side of their border with Savanti!" Helmsman: "Aye-aye!" Cain: "Where we goin' now?" Dominic: "We should be there in a few hours, weather permitting..." * LeBeau puts an arm around Rista. "Le's j'est 'ope we don' run inta trouble 'dere." Dominic: "We're headed for the Ustvestia/Savanti border. We should be able to land there safely without arousing any suspicious from Savanti's defense forces." * Rista blushes and leans against Henri. Cain: "So we're going to sneak in to Savanti." * Xorn stands quietly, watching the scenery as we fly by. LeBeau: "Yep." LeBeau: "Brin's back mem'ries of w'en Ah was a t'ief." Science officer: "Captain Dominic, could you please come here and look at this?" Cain: "Thief. I thought you were in politics. I can see it now." Dominic: "Oh, umm, excuse me..." * Dominic walks over to the science station... Science officer: "I started picking up some unusual readings on the sensors... I can't seem to figure out what they are. They have minuscule radar signatures and barely standout from the background on infra-red." Dominic: "That's unusual... You sure it isn't a flock of birds or something?" Science officer: "No, sir... They seem a little too big to be birds... They also don't seem to be moving in a known flock pattern." Dominic: "How soon until we can get a visual on them?" Science officer: "We should be in range in about thirty minutes for visual." LeBeau: "A'ight..." Dominic: "Very well, keep me informed then. If you see anything else unusual in their behavior, let me know..." Science officer: "Aye-aye." * Dominic walks back to the group. LeBeau: "W'at's 'appenin?" Cain: "Hey, Dom 'splain what's going on." Dominic: "Nothing to worry about, I hope... Our science officer saw some unusual readings on the sensors. They're too far away for us to see them on visual, however." LeBeau: "'E." Cain: "Are they a threat?" LeBeau: "Le's j'est 'ope it's nothin'." * Rista nods. Dominic: "I don't think they can be... Most animals don't fly this high, and flying machines aren't particularly common outside of us Technomages. Besides, if they were flying machines, they'd have a larger radar and infra-red signature. It's probably a glitch in the system." Cain: "If you say so." Dominic: "Let's double check our course though... Activate the holographic view." Xorn: "Which direction are they coming from?" --Suddenly, a three-dimensional translucent image appears in the center of the bridge. There is a globe, zoomed in to the current location of the airship, in this image... as well as several marks representing the mysterious flying objects...-- Cain: "Our luck straight in front, Xorn." * LeBeau watches the display. Dominic: "The north west... Looks like from northern Dragonia... Which by the way does overlap our current course. Weather is keeping us from traveling directly to Ustvestia." * Xorn turns to watch the direction that the objects are coming from. Science officer: "Captain, we have entered visual range. We may not get a clear picture yet though." Dominic: "Put it on the holographic display..." --The image on the display changes. It is now that of a blue sky with several dark lines on it, slowly getting larger as they get closer.-- Dominic: "Interesting..." LeBeau: "W'at is it?" * Dragoona is asleep in a corner FYI. ;P * Xorn looks out towards the objects. Dominic: "I'm not sure yet... I don't think they're animals though... That's certain. The dimensions of the objects, even from this distance, just don't look right... They almost look like their wings are on their stomachs instead of their backs..." Cain: "If these things ain't friendly I'm whoopin' your ass, Dom." Dominic: "If they're not friendly, I think you have worse things to worry about than 'whoopin' my ass,' as you put it..." * Dominic stares at the display some more... as the objects get closer... Dominic: "Wait... I think I've seen these things before... Somewhere... but where..." * LeBeau watches the display... trying to make out what those things are. Cain: "What are they?" Science officer: "Sir, the objects have picked up speed. They will intercept us in fifteen minutes..." Dominic: "I'm trying to remember... Where... have I... seen..." LeBeau: "Try an' 'member faster, Dom. 'Dey're comin' at us faster now." Dominic: "My God... HELMSMAN, EVASIVE MANEUVERS! ALL HANDS TO BATTLE STATIONS! MAN THE ANTI-AIRCRAFT GUNS!" Ashmodeel: "What is it?" LeBeau: O_o; Cain: "Oh s***." Dominic: "The Savanti Flying Carpet Air Force..." LeBeau: "Hehehe..." Ashmodeel: "Oh them, then you have right to worry." * Dragoona leaps up after hearing all the Dominic shouting. LeBeau: "Le's take 'em out 'den." Cain: "Flying carpet air force?" Dominic: "No kidding... This ship isn't geared to deal with flying objects their size... It's an exploratory vessel, not a battleship..." Ashmodeel: "It is no laughing matter, LeBeau. Some of the most powerful mages are flying on those carpets." Science officer: "Incoming magic attack!" Dragoona: "S***!" * Xorn pulls out his gatling gun and stands on the side of the deck facing where the objects are coming from. Dragoona: "DUCK!" --The Arcadia is rocked by a hit do the port side...-- * LeBeau tries to maintain his balance while supporting Rista. --Soon, the flying carpet air force is close enough that they can be seen without fancy sensors...-- Rista: "....." Dragoona: "Great." Dominic: "Fire all guns! Divert engine power to the anti-magic shielding!" * Dragoona pulls out her sword. Cain: "We're about to get whacked by guys on rugs. Typical." Dragoona: "Looks like I have no choice..." Ashmodeel: "Hmm, I never thought I'd be on the receiving end of their attack." * LeBeau gets out his quarterstaff. --The Arcadia fires its guns, trying to defend itself from the onslaught...-- Ashmodeel: "There must be a way for me to talk to them." --The entire ship is rocked from an explosion after a direct hit to one of the anti-gravity engines...-- LeBeau: "if 'dey're magicians... 'den le's try to 'it 'em wit' normal 'tacks." * Rista suddenly begins feeling ill... and turns a pale shade of green. Chief Engineer: "Captain! We've lost half our anti-gravity system! We can't stay in the air much longer!" Dragoona: "S***!" Cain: "Anyone mind if I try something incredibly stupid?" Ashmodeel: "LeBeau, they are taking out this ship, do you think that we can possibly take them?" Dominic: "All hands, brace yourselves for a crash landing! Helmsman, try to steer us into some heavy forest... Maybe if the foliage is thick enough, they won't bother trying to finish us off..." LeBeau: "Always a chance, Ash." Dragoona: "Anyone here know how to fix an AGS in about 5 minutes?!" * Ashmodeel says in a matter of fact voice, "They're ruthless." --The Arcadia enters a steep nose dive, as the Savanti Air Force continues its attack...-- * Rista clings to LeBeau. * LeBeau holds onto Rista. Dominic: "Brace yourselves, this is not going to be a smooth landing!" * Dominic hits the deck... * Cain sticks head between knees to kiss ass goodbye. * Xorn braces himself against something. Dragoona: "Uh." Dragoona: "Do you mind, Ash?" * Rista remains paralyzed with fear... * LeBeau braces himself against a pole, and holds onto Rista. --The Arcadia plunges through the canopy of a thick forest... The trees managing to cushion its fall before collapsing on top of the ship... The mages still flying overhead...-- Dominic: "Is everyone all right?" * LeBeau stands up. "Ah t'ink so." Cain: "Yeah I'm fine." LeBeau: "W'at 'bout you, Rista?" * Cain gives the flying mages the finger. * Ashmodeel dusts himself off, "I am all right." Rista: "I..." * Rista is white with fear. Dominic: "Sorry about the landing... I just hope the mages don't bother searching for us now that we crashed..." * Xorn straightens out his cloak and stands up. --The squadron of flying carpets circles overhead, almost like a flock of vultures, waiting to see if their prey was dead...-- * Rista doesn't move... Cain: "Them bastards..." Xorn: "... Are all mages this nice..?" LeBeau: "Ah 'ope not." * LeBeau picks Rista up. --After several minutes the circling stops, and they seem to fly away unwillingly, almost as if they had just received a change in orders...-- Cain: "If so we'll be pissing everyone off." * Ashmodeel shakes his fist and says in an outburst unusual to him, "I'm going to have every bit of mana drained from their worthless bodies when I get to Savanti!" * Rista blinks at Ash... * Dominic runs off to check on the rest of the crew and the ship... LeBeau: "Ah guess we be pissin' ever'body off anyway." * Dominic returns. LeBeau: "Can' go mor dan a coupla hours wit'out a fight." Dominic: "Okay... I have good news and bad news..." * Rista clings to LeBeau still... still shaken... Cain: "Doubt it." LeBeau: "An dat is?" Cain: "Bad news first." Dominic: "The bad news is that the quantum singularity drive and anti-gravity system is severely damaged. It will take at least a full day to repair it." Cain: "The good news might just brighten our day." Dominic: "The good news, well, no one was injured, we have enough spare parts on board to make the repairs, and there seems to be a village within walking distance of here..." Cain: "Lovely." LeBeau: "'Den le's get goin ta 'dat village." * Rista nods... Cain: "and about the upset carpet guys above us?" LeBeau: "Ah t'ink 'dey're gone." Dominic: "However, we know very little about it. Technically, we're in Dragonia, but very close to the Savanti border. We don't know where the people of this village side... We never even knew it existed... It doesn't appear on any of our maps..." Dragoona: "..." Cain: "Well let's at least stay close to cover just in case someone is watching with bad intentions." Dominic: "We are in a very remote area of Dragonia, however... It could be that this village belongs to a lost tribe of some sort..." Cain: "Lost tribe or forgotten inbreds?" Ashmodeel: "Then we must endeavor to find out. Shall we be off?" LeBeau: "Los' tribe?" LeBeau: "Ah agree wit' Ash." Dominic: "No idea... You guys can check it out if you want -- I have to stay behind and help with the repairs..." Cain: "Let's go." LeBeau: "OK." * LeBeau jumps from the ship, still carrying Rista. * Ashmodeel starts walking in the direction of the village. * Xorn follows LeBeau and Ashmodeel. * Cain follows close behind, still waiting for the other shoe to drop. --As the group approaches the village, they meet up with a large, dark-skinned man, armed with some sort of machete...-- * Dragoona follows behind, sword drawn. Cain: "Hey pal how's the hammer hangin?" LeBeau: "'Ey!" Large man: "Hey, who do yuh th'o't yuh are?" Ashmodeel: "Good day, sir. May I inquire as to what village this is?" LeBeau: "'Dis guy's accent's thicker 'dan mine." Dragoona: "Accent?" Large man: "Dis be de village o' Compton." Dragoona: "Sounds more like inbreeding." * Rista puts her arms around Henri. Cain: "Well someone told me incest is best." Large man: "Muh name be Barret, an' ah'm their chief o' security." * Ashmodeel mutters, "Oh gods, a village of idiots." LeBeau: .oO('Dis guy's gotta be inbred.) Barret: "What brings yuh here ta Compton?" Xorn: "What an odd dialect..." Dragoona: "Nothing that you can help with, apparently." Cain: "No Ash, their daddy is also their uncle. This kind of thing is not uncommon." Barret: "Don' yuh be dissin' muh peeps!" LeBeau: "'Specially in 'dis parta da country..." Dragoona: "You better not be saying something about Dragonia in general, LB..." Barret: "Maybe Ah should take yas ta our chieftain." Ashmodeel: "I think I'd rather go back to the flying carpets." * Rista stays silent... Cain: "Bro, I suggest you just know your role and shut your mouth. We just recently crashed in the woods and I'd hate to have to break my foot off in your ass." LeBeau: "Not in gen'ral, Dragoona. J'est 'dis parta Dragonia..." * Dragoona glares at LeBeau. "This part?" LeBeau: "Look 'roun' us, cere..." Barret: "Don' worry 'bout it. Why don' yuh visit our village an' relax uh bit. We haven't had visitors in ages." Ashmodeel: "I can see why." Cain: "That's more like it. Where can we get some chow?" Barret: "Chief Shaft would be very pleased ta meet you." * LeBeau checks out this joker's features... .oO(Missin' a few teeth... no IQ, obviously.) LeBeau: .oO('Hick town if 'dere ever was one.) Ashmodeel: "I'm willing to wager that your gene pool is as clouded as the sewers of Kathmandu." Barret: "Chef will cootay somethin' fo' yuh pimpz." * Barret walks off towards the village. --The village of Compton seems to be filled with other people of Barret's coloration... It seems to be pretty lively, if secluded...-- --The party is greeted by a man in a white chef's hat...-- Chef: "Hello... I'm Chef, the official chef of Chief Shaft. Welcome to Compton." Cain: "How's it hangin, Chef?" Chef: "Pretty well... Chief Shaft is a great leader as well. You know, he's one bad mutha..." Cain: "Shut yomouth." Barret: "Yo, Chef, Ah gots to be goin'. You take care o' deese pimpz." * Barret walks off. * Ashmodeel forces out, "Good day, Chef Shaft." LeBeau: "An 'dey say mah accent's t'ick." Chef: "Don't mind Barret... He's seen a lot of less of the outside world than others in the village... That's why his accent is so thick..." Chef: "Excuse me, but I'm Chef, not Chief Shaft." Ashmodeel: "My apologies." Dragoona: "Don't mind Ash. He's a little confused." Chef: "It's okay... I'll take you to the chief... I hope he's not busy... You know, he's a complicated man, and no one understands him but his woman." Chef: "Still, he's more than willing to risk his life for his brother man." * Chef leads the party to a large hut in the middle of town. It seems to be much sturdier and more elegantly decorated than the others. LeBeau: "T'ank 'de founders Ah've only gotta come through 'ere once." Chef: "This is Chief Shaft's house... Just head on inside... He doesn't mind visitors at all..." Chef: "Well, what are you waiting for?" * LeBeau goes on in. Ashmodeel: "I'm trying to rain my sanity it, that's all." --The inside of the house is very well decorated, if not very tastefully decorated... A lot of red leather here and there... On a large throne-like chair in the middle is Chief Shaft, dressed fully in leather, a scantily clad woman on either side...-- Cain: "Don't start that now Ash. We're going to see the chief and if this place stays true to form this could get interesting." Dragoona: "...." LeBeau: "...." Shaft: "Greetings, my brothers! Oh, and my sisters as well. Welcome to my home of Compton. What brings you here?" Cain: "Hey chief." LeBeau: -_-;; Dragoona: "Uh..." Dragoona: ^^; LeBeau: .oO(Ah don' wanna know.) * Ashmodeel looks like he's about to have a breakdown. Rista: "...." Shaft: "You guys don't look so good. Were you just shot at or something?" Ashmodeel: "Among other things . . ." Cain: "Breakdown, try a shoot down. The Savanti Flying Carpet Air Force did a drive by on us." Dragoona: "That's putting it mildly." Shaft: "I can tell... I know that look all too well... A drive by you say? Yeah, that certainly does make sense..." Shaft: "I know the look of drive bys all too well..." Shaft: "Why would the Savanti be after you? I thought they were trying to conquer our Dragonian neighbors." * Dragoona keeps silent. Cain: "We've just been pissing everyone off lately." Shaft: "I see... What I don't get is why they invaded Dragonia... We may be isolated, but word does get here..." Dragoona: "They invaded Dragonia because they're a******s." Dragoona: "Plain and simple." Cain: "Chief, those brothas have lost their mind." Shaft: "I can tell... Those muthas are quite whacked... Any idea what the hell they want? Dragonia doesn't exactly have a lot in the way of loot that would interest a mage." * Ashmodeel clears his throat, "We have yet to ascertain while they have taken this course of action." Dragoona: "I think with what's happened these past weeks it's quite obvious, Ash. Shaft: "I see... So, how did you get mixed up in this?" Cain: "Just flexin' their muscle I guess." Dragoona: "Especially for someone as smart as you..." Dragoona: "How'd we get mixed up in this? The same reason most of Savanti's gone nuts..." :\ * Ashmodeel whispers to Dragoona, "The wanton sharing of information is not a good idea." Shaft: "I wonder if it has to do with this 'Dark Mana' we've been hearing so much about recently..." Dragoona: "....." LeBeau: "More 'den likely." * Cain slaps Ash in the back of the head. "This guy might be able to help us; be courteous." Shaft: "As I said, we may be remote, but we do hear what's going on in the outside world..." Cain: "You know about the Dark Mana?" Ashmodeel: "Do that again, Cain, and you will be without a hand." Shaft: "And yes, I may be able to help, but you gotta be frank with me... If you want me to trust you, you have to trust me first..." Dragoona: "I trust you." Cain: "Want some, come get some." Shaft: "Not only have we heard of it, we have some of it here in the village. Not much, though..." LeBeau: "Ah trust ya." Rista: "I trust you..." Dragoona: "... God..." Shaft: "If you trust me, then tell me, how exactly you guys are mixed up in all this..." Cain: "Yeah brotha I trust ya." * Shaft nods at his homey Cain. Dragoona: "Who shall start us off?" Dragoona: "LB, you're the one with the leadership skills... Why not you?" ^_~ LeBeau: "Ah'm de cap'n of Iria's guard. Ah was on a diplomatic trip ta Dragonia w'en we got 'tacked by some kinda dark angel." Ashmodeel: "Please pardon me while I step outside." Shaft: "Very well..." * Shaft listens to the story... Shaft: "Go on, please..." LeBeau: "Ash was wit' me. Somehow, we woun' up in 'de middle of one 'ellova mess an' got 'de lowdown on 'dat Dark Mana from 'de Technomages." Shaft: "I see... and what is the deal with the 'Dark Mana'? None of our priests can seem to figure it out." Dragoona: "It seems to have something to do with the Destroyer... That's all we know about now..." Dragoona: "Or at least, all I know." Shaft: "Did you say the Destroyer!? Now he's one bad mofo..." LeBeau: "Ah seem ta 'ave over'eard 'dat it's got 'de power to break magic barriers... an' dat it could break 'de seal on 'de Destroyer." Cain: "Chief, best we can figure. The Dark Mana is key to releasing the Destroyer. Thus causing the end of life as we know it." Shaft: "That would not be cool, brothas... So, I take it you homies are trying to stop this, right?" Cain: "If we can." * LeBeau nods. Shaft: "I see..." * Rista nods... * Shaft snaps his fingers... Another scantily clad woman walks in carrying a small chest. * Shaft opens the chest. Inside is a small fragment of Dark Mana. Cain: "How did you? Oh never mind it's not important." LeBeau: "'De Dark Mana..." Rista: "....." Shaft: "I'll tell you what I'll do. This piece of Dark Mana probably isn't safe here... I still remember when it fell to the village on the Night of Falling Stars..." Shaft: "I have a feeling that Savanti may attack the village to acquire it if they ever hear about our possessing it... Therefore, I'm going to let you guys have it. It's useless to us anyway, and by getting rid of it, I'm safeguarding my peeps..." * LeBeau closes his eyes. "Night o' 'de Fallin' Stars. 'De night Ah fought Bray." Cain: "You're right, it is not safe here. The Savanti will come and try to take it. When they do they will do whatever necessary." * Shaft tosses Cain the fragment of Dark Mana. Shaft: "Take it... Oh, and I have some more information for you that you may find interesting..." Cain: "Thanks, chief. We'll keep a close eye on it." LeBeau: "An' Ah t'ought 'e wasn't much of a diplomat." Cain: "As a token of good faith take this fine cigar. It's not Cuban but it's all I got." * Cain hands Shaft his last smoke. Shaft: "Thank you..." Shaft: "Anyway, are you peeps familiar with the Founders?" LeBeau: "Somewhat... read a bit 'bout 'dem in 'de Technomage city." Cain: "Heard bout 'em." Shaft: "Well, there is a cave near here... Legend has it the power of the Founder who protects our village is kept there..." LeBeau: "'Den we'd better check it out, right, mes amis?" * Rista nods. Cain: "We ain't doing anything else. Plus the chief wouldn't lie to us. Let's go." Shaft: "Just one word of warning... The cave is protected by a being we call a 'Keeper.' You'll have to get by him before you can get the power. No one ever has." LeBeau: "Le's j'est check it out." Shaft: "Good luck... May you free the power of our Founder..." Cain: "Thanks chief. By the way, how many of them fine half naked women you got round here?" Shaft: "Oh, I say about two dozen... They work different shifts..." Shaft: "The cave is located to the west. Farewell..." LeBeau: "T'anks, sir." Cain: "A'ight chief. See ya when this thing is done." * Shaft nods before returning his attention to his harem... Cain: "We'll burn one and tell tales bout wine women and trouble." * LeBeau heads to the cave. * Rista follows Henri. * Xorn follows LeBeau. * Cain follows Henri to the cave. --The cave is only several minutes walk from the village... It appears to be quiet and peaceful inside...-- LeBeau: "Ah don' like 'dis..." LeBeau: "'S too quiet." Cain: "I like quiet. Maybe the keeper is taking a coffee break." --The inside of the cave seems to not be too dark, almost as if there is a source of purple light coming from the inside...-- Ashmodeel: "I doubt this 'Keeper' is taking a break. I happened to overhear everything in the tent." Cain: "One can hope." --There is a natural stairwell leading deeper inside the cave in front of the group...-- LeBeau: "Tell me 'bout it." * LeBeau heads downstairs. * Rista follows... * Cain pulls his pigsticker and follows. * LeBeau pulls out his quarterstaff from under his trench coat. --The bottom of the stairwell opens into a large room. At the opposite end of the room is a purple altar from which the light seems to be emanating from. Upon the altar is a small, black crest, shining as if it was made from pure obsidian...-- LeBeau: "W'at de..." Rista: "......" Cain: "This seems to be too easy." Ashmodeel: "It seems to be an essence of sorts." --Suddenly, the exit closes behind them!-- LeBeau: O_O;;; Cain: "Oh s***." LeBeau: "Aw s***." * Rista turns around... "What the?!" Rista: "... Oh no..." --Emerging from a shadowy corner of the room is a large man, similar in appearance to the residents of Compton, wielding a large hammer in one hand...-- Xorn: "Hmm... that's probably not good..." LeBeau: "Really not good." Ashmodeel: "I would tend to agree." Hammerman: "Ha ha ha, so you weaklings think you can take the Ebonic Crest from here on my watch? Not in this lifetime..." Cain: "I take it he is the 'Keeper.'" * Rista stays silent... Hammerman: "If you want that crest, you're going to have to go over my dead body! I gave my word that the power of the Founders would never be used again!" Cain: "That can be arranged." * Hammerman taps his large hammer on the ground. "Very well... Let's end this, once and for all..." ===BOSS COMBAT! HAMMERMAN!=== * LeBeau pulls out a card from his deck. "Looks like jokers're wild today!" ===ROUND 1=== Cain casts Air Juvi on Hammerman! * Cain me uses LeBeau as a springboard and launches himself at Hammerman in a suicide dive. Hammerman is hit for 190 damage! Dragoona casts Sword Throw! * Dragoona channels fire magic into her sword, chanting what seems to be complete gibberish, and when , and the party, least expects it, she throws it at ludicrous speed straight at Hammerman's body! The sword explodes on impact, and reappears then in Dragoona's hand. Hammerman is hit for 198 damage! LeBeau casts Winning Hand! * LeBeau channels his light tech into the card in his hand and throws it at Hammerman. "Looks like AH GOT DA WINNING 'AND IN 'DIS GAME!" The card explodes into a shower of light upon impact. Hammerman has critical weakness to light attacks... 196 damage... Hammerman casts Can't Touch This! Hammerman does a goofy dance... Hammerman's Dod% up 5! Hammerman attacks LeBeau! Cain: "That's nice. He's gonna kill us with cheap ass dance moves." * Dragoona laughs. * LeBeau tries to dodge. LeBeau is hammered (literally) for 28 damage. Hammerman attacks Xorn! Xorn is hit by the big hammer for 15 damage. Xorn attacks! First attack... 18 damage... Second attack... Miss! Ashmodeel casts Pulse Beam on Hammerman! Hammerman has critical weakness to light magic. 146 damage... Rista casts MindBend on LeBeau! LeBeau's Def and MgD up 9! ===ROUND 2=== * LeBeau pulls out another card... Dragoona attacks! First attack... Miss... Second attack... 22 damage! Cain casts Air Juvi! * Cain uses LeBeau as a springboard and launches himself at Hammerman in a suicide dive. Hammerman is hit for 186 damage! LeBeau casts Winning Hand! * LeBeau channels his light tech into the card in his hand and throws it at Hammerman. "Looks like AH GOT DA WINNING 'AND IN 'DIS GAME!" The card explodes into a shower of light upon impact. Hammerman has critical weakness to light attacks. 226 damage. * Rista closes her eyes and begins chanting softly... Hammerman casts Stop, Hammer Time! The entire party is momentarily paralyzed as Hammerman hits them with his large hammer... Cain: "This sucks." Rista: "...." LeBeau: "... Ah'm dead." Dragoona: "Ow." Dragoona: "Ow ow ow ow ow." Ashmodeel takes 14 damage... Cain 21. Dragoona 14. LeBeau 10. Rista 28. Xorn 14. Hammerman attacks LeBeau! LeBeau: "Ah'm toast..." LeBeau blocks the attack... Rista: "HENRI!!" Hammerman attacks Dragoona! * LeBeau is too wobbly to defend. Dragoona: "Ah!" * Dragoona pulls up her sword in an attempt to block. Dragoona is hit for 14 damage. Xorn attacks! First attack... 23 damage... Second attack... 19 damage... Rista casts Chaos! The waves of chaotic magic swirl and home in on... Hammerman! * Rista concentrates... Chaos effect... Lower Defense... Hammerman's defense down 9. Ashmodeel casts Grey Lightning! Cain: "Ack." Hammerman has critical weakness to Grey Magic's light-attribute... 502 damage. ===ROUND 3=== * LeBeau pulls out his card again... * Dragoona pulls out her sword again... Cain casts Air Juvi! * Cain: uses Xorn as a springboard and launches himself at Hammerman in a suicide dive. Critical hit! Hammerman is hit for 371 damage! Dragoona casts Sword Throw! * Dragoona channels fire magic into her sword, chanting what seems to be complete gibberish, and when the party least expects it, she throws it at ludicrous speed straight at Hammerman's body! The sword explodes on impact and reappears then in Dragoona's hand. Cain: "That would have been messy had I missed." Hammerman is hit for 201 damage! LeBeau casts Winning Hand! * LeBeau channels his light tech into the card in his hand and throws it at Hammerman. "Looks like AH GOT DA WINNING 'AND IN 'DIS GAME!" The card explodes into a shower of light upon impact. Hammerman has critical weakness to light-based attacks... 218 damage. Hammerman casts Spinning Dance Attack on Cain! Cain: "Sorry pal, I don't dance." * Cain attempts to dodge. Hammerman does a spinning dance, his genie pants poofing out, as he delivers a blow with his hammer to Cain... 27 damage... Hammerman attacks Dragoona! Dragoona: "Hey!" Dragoona: "Stop that!" Dragoona parries with her sword... Hammerman attacks Xorn! * Dragoona pulls up her sword and blocks right this time. Xorn is hit for 14 damage. Xorn casts Auto-Repair! Xorn's combat repair systems kick into action, repairing his frame... 40 HP restored. Xorn: "Mm... much better." Ashmodeel casts Grey Lightning! Ashmodeel: "Allow me to show you how it is done, dear Cain." Hammerman has critical weakness to Grey magic's light-component... 520 damage. Cain: "Never one to get your hands dirty were you Ash?" Rista casts Heal Blessing on LeBeau! * Rista raises her hands and chants in a hushed voice... A green-gold glow surrounds her. She sends the glow to surround Henri. Ashmodeel: "Why should I, when I do not have too." LeBeau regains 36 HP. ===ROUND 4=== * LeBeau pulls out his Quarterstaff and readies himself to attack. Dragoona attacks! * Dragoona pulls out her sword and delivers the whup ass to Hammerman! * Cain pulls his blade First attack... 33 damage... Second attack... 32 damage... Dragoona: "Too legit to quit, baby!" Cain casts Quick Slash! Hammerman is quickly sliced for 37 damage! LeBeau attacks! * LeBeau rushes in, wailing away with the Quarterstaff. Hammerman is hit for 18 damage. Hammerman casts Can't Touch this! Hammerman does a goofy dance, increasing his Dod% by 5! * Cain vomits. Hammerman attacks Xorn! Xorn is hit by the hammer for 14 damage... Hammerman attacks LeBeau! LeBeau: "Will 'dis goofy sonuvabitch ever die?" Rista: "Henri... Look out!!" LeBeau is hit for 10 damage. * LeBeau tries to dodge this time, but gets smacked upside the head with that hammer. Xorn attacks! First attack... 32 damage... Second attack... 30 damage... Rista casts Drain Litany! Hammerman loses 21 HP. Rista regains 21 HP. Ashmodeel casts Grey Lightning! Hammerman has critical weakness to Grey Magic's light component... 534 damage... ===ROUND 5=== Cain casts QuickSlash! * Cain rushes in and unseams Hammerman from a****** to appetite. Hammerman is hit for 24 damage... Dragoona casts QuickSlash! * Dragoona Quickslashes Hammerman, slashing him... uh... quickly! ^^; Hammerman is hit for 31 damage... LeBeau casts Pulse Ray! * LeBeau holds out a hand as a pulse of light shoots from the skies to hit Hammerman. Hammerman has critical weakness to light-based attacks... 30 damage. Xorn attacks! First attack... 32 damage... Second attack... 27 damage... Ashmodeel casts Pulse Beam on Hammerman! Hammerman has critical weakness to light magic. 130 damage... Hammerman collapses... VICTORY! 50 XP, 200 MXP, 500 Cira acquired * LeBeau collapses to the ground... * Cain walks over and chops Hammerman's head off for good measure. * Dragoona kicks Hammerman in the nuts for good measure. * Rista drops to her knees... Ashmodeel: "Are you going to put a piece of garlic in its mouth and burn the body too?" Xorn regenerates 20 HP... Cain: "If I had garlic, maybe." --The black crest remains on the altar... Waiting to be claimed...-- * Dragoona claims it. Simple, no? ;) -Dragoona acquires Ebonic Crest (Wis + 25 w/ Darkness, Summons ??? L1 10 SP) --The doorway out of the cave is still blocked...-- Dragoona: "Hmm." Dragoona: "Maybe I should try to use this thingy to open the doorway?" LeBeau: "J'est great..." * Rista takes a deep breath and forces herself to her feet... Cain: "Who brought the garage door opener?" * Rista offers her hand to Henri. * Dragoona tries to use this thingy to open the doorway. --The door does not move. There doesn't seem to be a keyhole for the crest...-- * Dragoona kicks the door. * Dragoona kicks the door again. * Dragoona kicks the door a third time. --The door does not budge...-- Dragoona: "STUPID DOOR!!!!" Dragoona: ;_; Ashmodeel: "Yelling at it will not help any." Dragoona: "So?" Dragoona: :P Ashmodeel: "Stand back." * Ashmodeel casts Pulse Beam at the door. * Dragoona stands back because Ash have MAD SKILLZ. * LeBeau casts Thunder Bolt at the door. Door has critical strength against light magic. 1 damage... Cain: "Maybe we could blow it with this stuff Shaft gave us?" Door suffers 2 damage... Dragoona: "Hmm." Dragoona: "What stuff?" LeBeau: "That Dark Mana?" Dragoona: "The Dark Mana?" Dragoona: "You sure that's safe?" Rista: "......" Rista: "I wouldn't... but... it just might work..." Cain: "No. But it beats staying here rottin' in a sealed cave." Dragoona: "What is this thing anyways, Ash?" *indicating the crest* Ashmodeel: "Basically, it is the essence of the power of a Founder. In this case, the Founder that supposedly protects this village and is aligned with the dark." Dragoona: "Okay, so what does it do? How do I use it and stuff?" Ashmodeel: "It allows you to summon the Founder into this world for a short period of time." Ashmodeel: "One moment please." * Ashmodeel casts Dark Beam at the door. Door suffers 2 damage from the dark beam... Cain: "What are our options as to getting out of here?" Dragoona: "So Ash..." Dragoona: "How do I summon this thing?" ^^; Ashmodeel: "You just do, Dragoona. I don't know how to explain it better than that. Since you lack skill with mana, its hard for me to explain." * Dragoona just does. She summons the thing, whatever it is. Or at least tries to. Dragoona is unable to summon (not enough SP) Ashmodeel: "Allow me, Dragoona." Dragoona: "Sure. Try." * Dragoona hands the crest to Ashy. * Ashmodeel equips the crest and attempts to summon its founder. Ashmodeel casts Summon Grim Rapper level 1! The entire cave turns dark... Suddenly, a tall figure wearing a dark, hooded cloak appears. He is carrying a long scythe in one hand and a boom box in the other... Dragoona: "..." Grim Rapper: "Yo, don' worry homies, I'll have you pimpz outta here in no time!" Dragoona: "I think I'm going to puke." * Ashmodeel cringes. * LeBeau gets a sweatdrop. * Grim Rapper casts Hard Core Hip Hop! Door suffers 999 damage... Door is obliterated! * Grim Rapper vanishes... Ashmodeel: "Here Dragoona, you can have it back now." Dragoona: "Keep it." Dragoona: "You use it better." Ashmodeel: "But I insist!" Dragoona: "..." Ashmodeel: "Anybody?" Dragoona: "I don't want it though." ^_^ Dragoona: "Oh whatever." ~Cain: "I'll hold on to it for now. I might be able to use it..." LeBeau: "Not me..." * Ashmodeel gratefully gives it to Cain. * ~Cain equips the Ebonic Crest * Ashmodeel looks somewhat relieved. ~Cain: "Now, if you don't mind, let's get out of this cave!" * LeBeau makes tracks for the exit. Rista: "I for once agree with you..." * Rista follows Henri. * Xorn follows. * Ashmodeel departs this cave of evil. --It is a short walk to the village of Compton, which is still bustling with activity...-- * Dragoona wishes she could depart from the area of this Cain of evil. :P * Shaft walks out from his hut. "Yo, brothas, how did it go?" Dragoona: "I think I'm gonna be sick." Shaft: "What happened? The 'Keeper' hurt you badly?" Ashmodeel: "Worse." Shaft: "What could be worse than that?" Dragoona: "Much worse. We defeated him and got the crest." LeBeau: "Ah t'ink ah'm gonna 'ave a 'eart attack 'ere." Shaft: "You got the crest!? That be bitchin'! That means you have our Founder, the Grim Rapper himself, on your side!" Dragoona: "I don't rightly think you people from Compton could understand..." * Ashmodeel cringes again. Shaft: "I think you do not understand the nature of our culture here... The Grim Rapper is not only our protector, but a cultural icon to our people..." * Ashmodeel mutters, "Time for a new icon." Shaft: "He sacrificed himself during the Great War to save our village from the Destroyer..." * LeBeau has a massive coronary. "Ah can' take it no more." Shaft: "Ever since then, we have tried to lead a lifestyle he would approve of in his honor..." * Rista massages LB's shoulders... Shaft: "Oh well... I guess you outsiders wouldn't understand. Anyway, a brotha from your ship stopped by the village a few minutes ago. He said repairs are complete and they're ready to go underway..." Dragoona: "Okay... but many people aren't used to the Grim Rapper's... likes and dislikes." Dragoona: "Well, isn't that convenient?" ;) LeBeau: "T'ank 'de Founders..." Shaft: "That's understandable. He was a 'unique' Founder... But despite his eccentricity, he did save our village all that time ago..." * LeBeau cuts a high trail for the ship. * Ashmodeel follows LB and passes him. * Rista catches up to Henri and attaches herself to his arm. --When they return to the ship, they find Dominic waiting for them. The Arcadia looks almost good as new!-- Ashmodeel: "Take off, now!" Dragoona: "Hi Dominic!" :D Dominic: "Umm, sure... How'd it go in the village, though? Find some new allies?" Dragoona: "Take off so we can get away from the scary rap people." @_@ LeBeau: "Le's get de f*** outta here.... NOW!!!!!!!!!" * Dominic walks aboard the ship with the rest of the party... Rista: "Get us out of here..." Dominic: "Helmsman, resume course and speed!" Helmsman: "Aye-aye, sir!" --The Arcadia takes off...-- Dominic: "So, just what happened to you there? Were they enemies?" Dragoona: "No... worse." Dragoona: "They were friends." ^^; Ashmodeel: "If the Destroyer himself appeared before us, I would feel better than if I were back at that village." Dominic: "Then why are you in such a hurry to leave?" LeBeau: "A bunch of rapping ebonic speaking... ah don' know w'at 'dey were." Dominic: "Must have been a strange experience..." Dragoona: "Yes. Now excuse me, I have needed to puke for some time now..." Dominic: "Rapping? Ebonic speaking? By the Founders, you found the lost 'G' tribe!" * Dragoona goes to the edge of the ship. Ashmodeel: "I think I found a people that I dislike more than Technomages, as hard as that seems." Dominic: "That may be true, however, supposedly they had their own Founder that protected them? Did you learn anything about that?" * Dragoona pukes twice as hard as before. Ashmodeel: "Unfortunately, yes." LeBeau: "Ah need a drink..." Dominic: "Are the legends true? Are you able to summon a Founder to come to your aid?" Dominic: "There's a small bar next to the mess hall..." Dragoona: "Yes. It's not a pleasurable experience." * LeBeau finds his Irian Rum. "Ah... dis is j'est w'at Ah needed..." He takes a long swig. * Dragoona resumes puking. * Rista glares at LeBeau. Dominic: "Something tells me I should not ask any more questions..." * Ashmodeel looks around for the characteristic blue color of Savantian Ale. LeBeau: "Savantian Ale ain't nothin, pal. Try 'dis. Beutlian Tequila... 'de best in 'de world." Dominic: "Anyway... We should be arriving at the Ustvestia/Savanti border within several hours. We also recalibrated the sensors to better detect flying carpet attacks..." * LeBeau hands Ash the Tequila... No worm, mind you as a good Tequila needs no worm. Dragoona: "I think I could use some of that tequila as well, LB." * Ashmodeel chuckles, "My dear LeBeau, you've only had the ale that we export. The casks that we keep are far too strong for non mages." Dominic: "I prefer Technomage Vodka myself, but that's just me..." * Rista shudders... LeBeau: "Ah much prefer Irian Rum, anyway." Rista: "I'll stick to my herbal teas... Thank you very much..." Dragoona: "Herbal teas don't make you pass out after an episode with *cough* that." Rista: "Why would I want to pass out..." Dominic: "Anyway... Don't drink for too long... We have a mission to undertake as soon as we land..." LeBeau: "Right now, 'dat's 'xactly w'at Ah wanna do." Dragoona: "So you wouldn't have to remember *that* in the morning." * Rista looks at LeBeau. "Then you'll be sleeping alone for a few nights..." --As the Arcadia speeds off towards the Ustvestia/Savanti border, well, let's just say that the Grim Rapper's appearance may end up increasing membership in AA by the time this is all over...-- ===SESSION END===