Project Apocalypse RPG Session 8 Log Session Start: Sat Jul 24 20:18:01 1999 ============================================================================ Cast of Characters: Dragonmaster Lou as Gamemaster, Dominic, Helmsman, Navigator, Science Officer, Computer Terminal, Villager, Elysa, Weed-Creature, Vampeel, Thunder Mage 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!=== --The Arcadia continues speeding across the skies of Savanti, heading towards Betulia...-- Dominic: "We should be crossing the Betulia border within a few minutes..." Ashmodeel: "Good." Dominic: "However, we won't be landing that close to Founders' Cave. It's still too close to the battlefield near Torvalds to be worth the risk. We'll be landing slightly to the north." Rista: "How much will that throw us off?" Dominic: "It'll be a little bit of a walk... Maybe a couple hours, tops." Rista: "That's not too bad then..." Helmsman: "We have just entered Betulia airspace." Dominic: "Good... Keep the cloaking device on, though, just in case..." Helmsman: "Aye-aye!" Navigator: "Landing site in visual range." Dominic: "Put it on the holographic display." --The landing site appears on the three-dimensional holographic display in the middle of the bridge. It appears to be much like any other part of Betulia, except for a large hole in the ground...-- Dominic: "That's odd..." Ashmodeel: "I'm guessing that hole should not be there." * Rista blinks. Xorn: "Perhaps a battle took place there." Dominic: "No, it shouldn't... I've been in that area before and the hole wasn't there. Also, the geology of Betulia doesn't lend itself to the appearance of natural sinkholes." Dominic: "Perhaps, Xorn... Though all our reports showed the battles were taking place much more to the south." Xorn: "Reconaissence does not always see everything." Dominic: "That is true..." Science Officer: "Captain... I'm detecting strange energy readings from the hole near the landing site..." Dominic: "Energy readings... Now this is bizarre..." Rista: "...." Xorn: "Perhaps we should go down to investigate." Dominic: "I agree..." Helmsman: "Commencing landing procedures..." --Within a few minutes, the Arcadia touches down gently on the ground near the mysterious hole...-- Dominic: "The hole looks ordinary enough from here... I'm checking it out. You with me?" * Xorn nods. Xorn: "I'll go with you." Ashmodeel: "Are you certain its safe?" * Rista nods. "I'll go..." Dominic: "Safe or not, the energy readings could merit investigation. What if it turns out to be some other shield generator like the one that nearly exploded last time we were in Betulia?" Ashmodeel: "I suppose I have little choice but to go." * Dominic nods and disembarks the Arcadia. * Xorn follows Dominic. * Dominic inspects the hole... * Rista eyes the hole warily. Dominic: "Hmm... So far nothing too unusual... Looks like just a hole that collapsed into an underground cavern... Hey... Wait a minute..." Rista: "Hmm?" * Dominic knocks off a dirt clod with his staff... revealing a metallic wall with a metallic ladder attached to it... Dominic: "I had a feeling this hole could be artificial in some way..." Xorn: "Indeed." Rista: "Okay... so do we go down there?" Dominic: "That's what I would do..." * Dominic starts climbing down the ladder. Xorn: "Lets go, then." * Xorn climbs down the ladder. * Rista follows Dominic. * Ashmodeel brings up the back. --As you get deeper and deeper down the hole, the dirt-lined walls turn to pure metal... Then metal laced with various electronic lights...-- Rista: "......." Dominic: "Amazing... Obviously whoever built this had tried to bury it before it was abandoned... Assuming it was indeed abandoned..." Xorn: "We will see, I guess." * Dominic nods and continues down the ladder. --Eventually, you reach the bottom of the ladder... It opens into a large metal lined hallway with an elevator at the end...-- * Dominic looks around, a look of unfamiliarity on his face... Ashmodeel: "Is there a problem, Dominic?" * Rista looks around half in awe, half in fear... Dominic: "All this technology... I don't recognize any of it... It doesn't seem to be of Esper, Gineyres, or Technomage origin." Rista: "....." Xorn: "You must admit Dominic, I doubt anyone has seen all the technology the Espers or gineyres have." Dominic: "True, Xorn... However, their technology all seemed to have a common 'style' to it, for lack of a better term. This technology seems to have a vastyly different style..." * Dominic pulls out a small sensing device... Dominic: "Hmm... This is extremely unusual..." Xorn: "What?" Rista: "What is it?" Dominic: "This facility seems to be powered by a magnetic-monopole based energy source." Ashmodeel: "I am sorry Dominic, but not all of us are learned in the language of technology." * Rista nods. Dominic: "Let me explain... The Espers used mana as their primary power source. Gineyres used tachyon particles. We use artificial quantum singularities. This facility uses an energy source completely different from anything I've encountered before." Xorn: "Is a single poled magnet possible?" Dominic: "Apparently so... It was conceived of theoretically... but has never been proven. However, the sensor was never tuned to detect energy sources of this pattern. It could be mistaking whatever this thing runs on for magnetic monopoles. Either way, it is an completely alien energy source." Dominic: "Its efficiency, however, seems to be on a par with Gineyrean technology." * Rista remains silent... * Dominic walks slowly towards the elevator at the end of the hall. * Xorn follows. * Dominic presses the button, opening the door to the elevator. * Dominic steps inside cautiously. * Ashmodeel walks in, "Hmmpf, another one of these things." * Rista eyes Dominic and the elevator... Dominic: "It beats stairs..." * Xorn examines the interior of the elevator. --The interior of the elevator seems to be made of the same metal as the rest of the facility.-- Dominic: "Going down, I guess..." Dominic: "Are you joining us, Rista?" * Rista steps in cautiously... * Dominic waits for Rista to enter, then presses a button on the control panel. The doors close and the elevator descends smoothly to a lower level before the doors open... Rista: "These things give me the creeps..." --On the wall just outside the elevator door there is a plaque that says, "GERG Facility Alpha-Omega."-- Ashmodeel: "GERG?" Rista: "........?" Dominic: "It looks like some sort of acronym... I've never seen it before though..." --There are various doorways and hallways on this level of the complex.-- Xorn: "If we find a computer terminal, we may be able to find out." Dominic: "This level gives me the impression that this may be some sort of research facility... They layout is similar to the laboratories back in Torvalds..." * Dominic nods to Xorn. * Dominic heads to the nearest door, opens it, and enters... * Xorn follows. * Rista follows cautiously. Xorn: "Perhaps it's a research facility to observe humans, that would explain why it was hidden so." Rista: "......" --There are various objects inside this room. Several computer terminals are present, but not functioning. There are also various laboratory stations with various experimental equipment on them arranged neatly in the room.-- Xorn: "Or more specifically, study the Technomages." Dominic: "Perhaps..." * Xorn approaches one of the terminals, examining it, wondering why they're not functioning. --The terminal appears to be ancient... Its internal wiring is covered with dust.-- Dominic: "Xorn, any idea what's wrong with the terminal?" Xorn: "Nothing very obvious, they look quite old." Dominic: "Hmm... Okay... How about we investigate one of the other rooms in this facility? It may have more clues in it." * Xorn examines the wiring for any problems. --The wiring appears to be shorted.-- Xorn: "Hmm, that would cause problems." Dominic: "Excuse me, Xorn?" Xorn: "The wirings are shorted out." Dominic: "That would explain why the terminals don't work all right..." * Dominic exits the room and enters another down the hall. Dominic: "You going to join me?" * Xorn watches Dominic leave, and walks over to the experiment tables, taking a look at them first. * Rista follows Dominic. --This room seems to be some sort of medical or biological research lab. Various equipment for taking and analyzing blood and DNA samples can be seen in this room. There are also human-sized glass structures, cloning tubes, if you will, in various places throughout the room...-- * Dominic gasps! Rista: "......... Dear gods above........." Ashmodeel: "Disturbing . . ." Dominic: "Cloning tubes... I don't believe it... Cloning tubes..." * Xorn walks into the room, hearing Dominic gasp. Dominic: "Xorn... Would you agree that those glass structures are cloning tubes?" Ashmodeel: "Clone?" Dominic: "A 'clone' is a copy made of a living creature. It could be an exact copy or one that has been modified in some way." Rista: "......." Xorn: "They look that way, either that or they were experimenting on people." Dominic: "I'm afraid that too could have been a possibility Xorn... Human experimentation..." *shudders* Dominic: "Whoever built this facility had no respect for the sanctity of life..." Xorn: "There are a few things I could see such tubes being used for..." Dominic: "Such as, if I may ask?" Xorn: "Cloning, human experimentation, or perhaps to create androids like myself." Dominic: "True... A facility like this could have been used to create your organic components, Xorn..." * Dominic bows his head and exits this room, entering another one down the hall... * Xorn looks around once again, and follows Dominic. * Rista shudders and follows Dominic. * Ashmodeel follows the others. Dominic: "My god!" --Inside this room is 3 giant glass cloning tubes... Each of which seems large enough to hold something the size of an Espermech...-- Xorn: "Hmm..perhaps this is an Esper facility." * Rista stares.... her eyes wide with fear... "What... are those?" Dominic: "I would think that... Except this place doesn't use Esper technology to the best of my knowledge..." Dominic: "I don't know, Rista..." Dominic: "They look like giant cloning tubes..." Ashmodeel: "Could it be possible to have a race even more advanced than the Espers?" Xorn: "Anything is possible, Ashmodeel." Dominic: "It's also possible that whoever built this facility was a rival of the Espers..." * Xorn nods. * Xorn looks up at the tubes. Xorn: "Experimenting to create something to rival the Esper's Espermechs." * Dominic nods, then exits and enters the final room on this level... * Xorn follows. --This room appears to be a computer machine room. The large central terminal in here seems to still be functional.-- * Rista follows Dominic. Xorn: "Hmm, great." * Xorn walks over to the terminal and activates it. --The terminal activates. A listing of files appears on the screen. Many of which seem to be garbled or damaged in some way. One file that appears almost intact is named "PAFinal.rep."-- * Xorn tries to access the file. --The file is displayed on screen...-- Computer Terminal: "NeoTech Genetic Engineering Research Group (GERG)" Computer Terminal: "Subject: Final Report, Project Apocalypse, Tenshi creation" Xorn: "Hmm... Nanotechnology." Computer Terminal: "GERG became part of Project Apocalypse soon after the first unsuccessful test of the Quantum Shredder and the creation of Mirzha." Computer Terminal: "While the test-type Quantum Shredder did not have the anticipated effects of shattering an asteroid at the subatomic level (scalable to planet-sized bodies), it did have the side effect of temporarily tearing a barrier between alternate quantum realities. This allowed beings, such as the race known as 'Espers,' to enter our world." Computer Terminal: "One of these beings, codenamed 'Antonius,' was brought to our world and proceeded upon a path of destruction. Even though he appeared human, his power was beyond belief compared to that of native humans. As a matter of fact, his powers seemed similar to that of some of the so-called 'Founders.'" Computer Terminal: "The combined might of both the 'Espers' and the 'Founders' were unable to stop him -- they were only able to contain him, through a process combining carbon freezing and magical binding." Computer Terminal: "However, his power was deemed useful to the Empire. While it was theoretically possible to approach the technological advantage the Espers had on our own, it was their 'magical' abilities that concerned us the most as native humans lacked these abilities." Computer Terminal: "An offer was made to have Antonius join us, but he refused. Afterwards, an attempt was made to capture him. This failed miserably and cost the Empire hundreds of lives. During this battle, though, Antonius was significantly wounded, and samples of his blood were collected and purified. These samples were then passed on to GERG to establish a new research project under the funding of Project Apocalypse." Computer Terminal: "Project Tenshi was established primarily to genetically engineer an army whose powers were similar to that of 'Antonius' in order to combat the combined might of the 'Espers' and 'Founders.'" Computer Terminal: "The failed attempt at capturing him resulted in blood samples of high enough quality and quantity to allow us to replicate nearly infinite amounts of his genetic material as needed for the project." Computer Terminal: "The Emperor himself ordered that the genetic material of Antonius be used in the creation of this army and established the project with his personal authority. He also request that research be conducted into 'transplanting' 'Antonius's' abilities to living hosts, similar to how the 'Espers' were able to grant volunteers magical abilities similar to their own." Computer Terminal: "This was far more complicated that simple cloning, however, and therefore was assigned to another subproject within GERG, designated as Subproject Kamisama." Computer Terminal: "The project's requirements were simple:" Computer Terminal: "1. Create both males and females based on the original genetic material to facilitate possible future breeding." Computer Terminal: "2. Modify the genetic code to allow the clones to be controlled by the Empire without any resistance on their part." Computer Terminal: "3. If (2) cannot be achieved, also work on bio-mechanical integration of the clones to facilitate control." Computer Terminal: "Our first attempt at the process was to create two clones, one male, the other female. Both had slightly modified genetic material to allow the Empire to control them -- however this was highly experimental and it was unknown if this would work." Computer Terminal: "The male died while still gestating, but the female survived. As she matured, we realized that the process was not completely successful. She showed few signs of the kind of power 'Antonius' exhibited and we were unable to directly control her. She was discarded." --An image appears. The image is barely, but noticeably, similar in appearance to Rista.-- LeBeau: "Eh?" Rista: "..... Ih... gods..." LeBeau: "'Dat looks like you, Rista." * Ashmodeel does a few takes from Rista to the image. Computer Terminal: "After that failure, it was decided that requirement 3 would be easier to achieve in the short term, especially as organo-mechanic integration had already been achieved in several experimental android models. Our next project involved heavily modifying certain aspects of the genome to allow easier bio-mechanical interfacing. It also involved other modifications of the genome to allow these creations to reach Espermech size, resulting in a new class of Tenshi known as 'Arch-Tenshi.'" Computer Terminal: "This resulted in the 'Death Angel,' a resounding success that the Empire is currently planning to employ in combat shortly." Computer Terminal: "Our next creation was... #!@#$%^@$&%#%&%@%@$&*$%@#$%$&&%$#%@#" Computer Terminal: "*GENERAL FAILURE READING RECORD - ABORTING DISPLAY*" Rista: "............." * Dominic stands back... Unable to speak on what he just saw... Xorn: "Hmm, seems time has ruined most of the files here." Dominic: "Apparently so..." * Rista stands still staring at the screen, unbelieving what she saw.... her eyes wide with shock..." Xorn: "I wonder who the empire was... and who these people were." * LeBeau holds Rista close to him. "It'll be a'ight, chere." Xorn: "They created the Tenshi." Dominic: "The 'Empire' could have been the ancient enemy of the Great War..." Dominic: "And created them from the blood of the Destroyer no less..." Ashmodeel: "What about the 'creation of Mirzha' that was mentioned at the beginning of the file?" Dominic: "I don't know what that means..." Rista: ".... No... it... it won't be all right..." Ashmodeel: "Oh what a tangled web we weave." * Dominic hands Xorn an optical storage chip. "I think this may be compatible with the technology used here. See what else you can recover and store on this, please." * Dominic nods and sighs... Xorn: "I suspect Mirzha was created by the 'Founders' who were probably originally from another world." LeBeau: "W'en first we trifle to deceive. Ah know 'dat sayin'." Dominic: "That would make sense..." * Xorn nods and takes the chip, trying to copy the files to it. LeBeau: "But explain 'de link 'tween all 'dis and Gineyres." --The files, including the report and some more information on the Tenshi, are copied to the chip.-- Dominic: "I'm not sure, but I believe who built this facility was the ancient enemy of Gineyres during the Great War." LeBeau: "Ah t'ink we'd bettah take a look at ever't'ing we've learned so far." Dominic: "They were the creators of the Tenshi..." Ashmodeel: "But apparently it seems that Gineyres, the Founders and the Espers, were the outsiders to this world." Dominic: "Agreed." LeBeau: "An d'ose "death angels" were created to get up ta Espermech size... so..." Dominic: "Yes, LeBeau?" LeBeau: "J'est wonderin' 'ow we're gonna fight somethin' 'DAT BIG." Xorn: "Espermechs." Dominic: "I don't know... I honestly don't know... Unless somehow we can get our hands on some Espermechs." Ashmodeel: "And just where do you expect to get Espermechs?" Dominic: "That's the problem right there... Very, very little is known about them." Xorn: "That's our problem." * Xorn nods. LeBeau: "T'ink 'dere's any way we kin fine tune 'de Arcadia's radar and sensors ta look fer 'dem?" Dominic: "Perhaps, if we knew what we were looking for... We never were able to get any readings on an Espermech with the Arcadia's sensors." * Rista stays silent... still in shock. Dominic: "Without those readings, we probably won't be able to tell the difference between an Espermech and a large boulder." Dominic: "Rista, are you all right?" LeBeau: "Rista?" Rista: "No... I'm not all right... This all has something directly to do with me... I just know it..." Rista: "It's what I saw in my dream... I'm going to be the one responsible for the destruction of the world..." LeBeau: "Ya don' know 'dat, Rista." Dominic: "Rista, now calm down now... There is no reason to believe that will happen." * Xorn looks at Rista. "Perhaps you might have been created by these people for that purpose. But it is your choice if you will follow that purpose." Rista: "....." * Rista lowers her eyes... and whispers... "I'm starting to wish they'd let me die..." Dominic: "Xorn, it may even be more remote than that... I think it's more likely that one of her ancestors may have been created by this Empire... Not Rista herself. That's in all likelihood 10,000 years of genetic dilution right there." Xorn: "It said in the file that the one which seemed like you they could not control." * Xorn nods. Xorn: "But, the file is incomplete, it said they had created something else." Dominic: "The question is what else they completed... and what they were leading to with this project..." LeBeau: "Coul' 'dat info be in 'dat terminal?" Dominic: "Xorn, can you check what data you recovered on the optical chip for more information?" Xorn: "The title of the project gives an insight to that, Dominic... Project Apocalypse." LeBeau: O_o; Dominic: "'Apocalypse,' an attempt to bring about the end of the world... Or something similar." LeBeau: "Projec' 'Pocalypse?" Xorn: "They probably wished to destroy the Founder's world." LeBeau: "Now 'DAT don' soun' like somethin' ah wanna see 'appen." Dominic: "Yes. Apparently, LeBeau, the Tenshi were created as part of a much bigger project, although I suspect they became more and more important to the project as time progressed." * Xorn nods and checks the ship for more information. Xorn: "Hmm... the files on the chip are too damaged to be much use." LeBeau: "Well, w'atevah it is, it sure don' soun' too 'ealthy. An' if it's startin' back up, we'd bettah try our damnest to stop it." Dominic: "Did you get anything at all useful, however?" Dominic: "Or is it a total loss?" * Dominic nods to LeBeau. Xorn: "No... there were a few references to god, godhood, evolution and creation... but the data is too damaged for me to get any information." * Dominic attempts to digest this tidbit of information. Ashmodeel: "Godhood . . . History has shown that men striving for godhood have always met with failure." LeBeau: "Is it possible 'dat 'de enemies of 'de founders wanted ta become gods 'demselves?" Dominic: "It is entirely poisssible... That may in fact have even been what sparked the Great War." Xorn: "They were already play god, LeBeau...They were using nanotechnology and cloning to create life." Dominic: "That 'Quantum Shredder' device as well could be seen as a way of playing god... It was able to tear the fabric of space and time from what I could gather." Dominic: "Creation and destruction, all in one package..." Xorn: "They were originally designing it to totally destroy planets, however... that was a side aeffect." Dominic: "Either way, it is a heavily destructive force..." LeBeau: "'Dat magic pool in Savanti, all 'dis information we've got 'ere. Somethin' tells me 'dat we're j'est pawns in someone's 'tempt 'ta do w'at d'ese enemies of 'de Founders couln't..." Dominic: "Or, perhaps, these enemies of the Founders are still trying? What if the reappearance of the Tenshi are the result of that?" LeBeau: "Good point, Dom. W'at if 'dis empire is still kickin' somew'ere on 'dis world." Dominic: "It puts the name, 'Tenshi,' in a whole new light now that we think their creators may have had a god complex." Dominic: "Anyway, I don't think we're going to learn much more from here. I suggest we continue with our mission?" * LeBeau nods as he picks Rista up. Dominic: "Will you be okay, Rista?" Xorn: "I wonder why they left." * Dominic turns to Rista as he walks out the door and towards the elevator. * Dragoona blinks a few times. * LeBeau follows Dom, carrying Rista. * Rista blinks a few times... and realizes where she is... "What?" * Dragoona follows Dominic. * Xorn looks around one more, putting the chip where the other is, and follows Dom." * Dominic reaches the elevator, pushes the button, and steps inside. * LeBeau steps into the elevator. * Xorn enters as well. Xorn: "Any idea why these people would abandon this facility, Dominic?" Dominic: "Perhaps they were exiled from Mirzha after the Great War?" --The elevator stops at the top floor.-- * Dominic exits and heads towards the ladder. * Xorn follows Dominic. * LeBeau follows... * Dominic climbs up and emerges at the surface. LeBeau: "Ya gonna be a'ight, Rista?" * Dragoona follows too. Rista: "I... th... think so..." * LeBeau sets Rista down and lets her go up the ladder before him. * Rista starts up the ladder... * LeBeau follows Rista. Dominic: "Xorn, may I have the optical chip with the data from that terminal? I'm going to see if any of the data recovery software on the Arcadia can repair the files." * Xorn nods and hands the chip to Dominic. LeBeau: "Le's get ta 'de Arcadia." Dominic: "Thanks... Okay, I'm heading back for the ship. You should find the cave a little ways to the south of here." LeBeau: "A'ight... le's go." * Dominic returns to the Arcadia. --The jungles of Betulia appear the same as they were the last time you were here... Just ahead, however, a small village can be seen...-- LeBeau: "Le's check out 'dis town." Dragoona: "Yeah." --The town seems to consist of several huts. Just past the village, a cave can be seen...-- * Rista says nothing but looks around her... --As they enter the village, they are greeted by a local.-- Villager: "Welcome to Founders' Cave, travelers!" Ashmodeel: "You openly advertise that the cave over there is the Founder's Cave?" LeBeau: "'Ey!" Villager: "Of course... Why not? It's not like people are going to attack us. We just live quietly here and we have nothing much of value." Ashmodeel: "Um, you certainly are quite oblivious to the activities in the rest of the world, aren't you?" Villager: "Well, we do know of a war going on... However, Betulia has always remained neutral in these wars as long as we've been ruled by Elysa, the Ancient One." Ashmodeel: "I very much doubt that Betulia will be neutral for much longer." Villager: "Is the war getting that bad?" Dragoona: "Worse." Ashmodeel: "The Savanti army will be here any day now." Villager: "I see... Perhaps you should speak to Elysa about this... She lives in the hut in the center of the village..." LeBeau: "A'ight." * LeBeau heads to the center hut. * Dragoona follows. --The central hut is larger than the others, but still modest in appearance... Inside is a kind-looking elderly woman.-- * Elysa smiles. Ashmodeel: "Please excuse our intrusion, Lady Elsya." Elysa: "It's all right, my children. I always like being visited, especially by outsiders. What brings you to our land?" * LeBeau nods to Elysa. Ashmodeel: "We bring grave news." LeBeau: "'Dat's a long story." Elysa: "Oh? Please. Do tell." LeBeau: "We got reason ta b'lieve 'dat 'de Savanti army's 'eaded 'dis way." Ashmodeel: "In short, the Savanti army is approaching this area and we believe that they are after the crest of the Founder." Elysa: "I see... Hmm... Even if they did try to take it, they would never survive... Only the righteous may acquire the crest..." Dragoona: "Excuse me?" LeBeau: "Eh?" Ashmodeel: "Are you referring to some kind of magical barrier?" Dragoona: "Then how..?" Rista: "...." LeBeau: "So 'dis ain' like 'de last coupla crests, w'ere we 'ad ta fight a guardian." Elysa: "There is no magical barrier, even though there is supposedly a keeper as well. However, Betulia is holy land... Evil is not allowed to defile it and take its treasures, including the crest." Dragoona: "Then how could Savanti even get here?" LeBeau: "We're fightin 'gainst 'de Savanti..." LeBeau: "Y'a'ight, Rista?" Elysa: "Savanti will get what it deserves eventually... The gods are slow sometimes, but their justice is swift when it comes..." Ashmodeel: "Unless there is something physical or magical blocking the 'unholy,' I do not see how Betulia is protected." Elysa: "In ancient times, six Chariots of God protected the entire world from evil. When the threat was defeated, the Chariots slept, awaiting the time when their new masters would be born and they would be needed again. One of the Chariots is asleep in Betulia..." LeBeau: "Eh? W'ere?" Elysa: "That Chariot will awaken should we ever need it to defend ourselves." LeBeau: "'Dat soun's like one of 'de Espermechs." Elysa: "Alas, I do not know. All I do know is that when its new master approaches it, it will awaken again, and one day, it will allow its new master to control it when he or she is ready." Elysa: "'Espermechs?' I know not of this..." Ashmodeel: "Then that master must appear soon for now Betulia is in great danger." LeBeau: "Mebbe 'de Founder's cave'll tell us more." Elysa: "Have faith in the gods, my child. The stars are aligned in such a way that I know the master will be arriving soon. If Betulia is in as much danger as you claim, then we do not have long to wait." Elysa: "So I take it you're here to visit the cave, my children?" Ashmodeel: "Lady Elysa, may we have your permission to explore the Founder's cave?" LeBeau: "Madam Elysa, we t'ink 'dat obtainin' 'de founder's crests is one of 'de only ways ta stop 'de Tenshi. Do we 'ave yer blessin' ta go to the cave?" Elysa: "You do. I can tell you are truly good people... You are welcome to visit the cave and try to defeat the keeper. Good luck." * Elysa smiles as the party leaves her hut... Ashmodeel: "Oh, these poor innocent people. I pity them." ~Cain: "Eh?" Dragoona: "Eh?" LeBeau: "Hm?" Rista: "Huh?" Ashmodeel: "I have seen it before, they feel protected by their blind belief in religion." Dragoona: "Better than your blind belief in your abilities." LeBeau: "Well, if 'dere's an Espermech 'roun' 'ere, mebe we'll be able ta 'waken it." Dragoona: "What happens if you can't use your magic, Ash?" Ashmodeel: "I rather believe in something tangible." Ashmodeel: "Then I still have my hands which is still better than belief." --Soon you reach the entrance of the cave... A green glowing can be seen coming from deep inside...-- * LeBeau takes a step into the cave. Dragoona: "As you get ripped apart by whatever." Dragoona: "You can't put all your trust in any one thing, Ash." LeBeau: "Well, ah b'lieve ah'll go on inta 'dis cave and let y'all argue out 'ere." Rista: "....." Dragoona: "Let me? Why? I'm coming with!" Ashmodeel: "If I am killed, then so be it." * Rista goes with Henri. Dragoona: "The world would be a better place." --You reach a stairway leading deeper down into the cave...-- Ashmodeel: "Your attempts at angering me, little knight, are quite amusing." Dragoona: "Your attempts at wit are also amusing." * Dragoona goes down first. * LeBeau follows Dragoona. --The stairwell leads into a large cavern... There is a large hole in the roof of the cavern letting sunlight in. The sunlight shines down on a ros e bush in the center. On a pedestal in the center of the bush is a small, green crest.-- Rista: "......" * LeBeau gets out his quarterstaff. --A small weed sprouts from the ground in front of the rose bush...-- Dragoona: "..." Dragoona: "What's this?" --The weed soon takes upon a humanoid shape!-- LeBeau: "Eh?" Dragoona: "Uh..." Weed-creature: "Vampeel!" Rista: "Uhh..." ===BOSS COMBAT! VAMPEEL!== ===ROUND 1=== Dragoona: "What the hell?" * LeBeau pulls out a card from his lucky deck. "Looks like joker's're wild in 'dis game." * ~Cain prepares to "pop" the crest. Cain summons the Grim Rapper! * Dragoona covers her ears and waits for the attack to finish The cavern darkens as the image of a tall man in a hooded cloak with scythe and boombox appears overhead. Grim Rapper casts Hard Core Hip Hop! Vampeel is bombarded by intense, darkness-enhanced sound waves! LeBeau: "Ah t'ink ah'm gonna need 'dat rum later." * Dragoona takes her hands off her ears. Rista: "...." Vampeel has critical weakness to darkness magic. 1890 damage. Dragoona: "It's not that bad if you don't pay attention to the actual noise, LB." Dragoona casts Bahamut's Fang! * Dragoona pulls out her blade and starts channeling energy into it. After a few seconds, Dragoona cries out "By the power of Bahamut, let thy foes fall! Bahamut's Fang!" and flies towards the Vampeel in a streak of fire, ending in an explosion that, while messing up the Vampeel, leaves Dragoona unscathed. Vampeel suffers 254 damage! LeBeau casts Winning Hand! * LeBeau infuses his card with his light tech and tosses it at the Vampeel. The card explodes upon impact into a shower of light. Vampeel suffers 232 damage... Xorn attacks! First attack... 25 damage... Second attack... 26 damage... Vampeel attacks Dragoona! Vampeel: "Vampeel!" * Dragoona brings her sword up, trying to block the thing. Dragoona is hit for 10 damage. Vampeel attacks Cain! Vampeel: "Vampeel!" Cain is hit for 14 damage. Vampeel casts Energy Drain on Rista! Vampeel: "Vampeel!" Vampeel hits Rista with an extended arm and sucks some of her life force away. * Rista shrieks... Rista loses 25 damage. Vampeel gains 25 HP. Rista: "...." * LeBeau tries to bat the enemy away with his quarterstaff. Rista casts Chaos! * Rista chants in a low voice... and concentrates.. * Dragoona ducks and covers! The waves of chaotic magic swirl and home in on... Ashmodeel! * Dragoona blinks. Dragoona: "Watch out Ashie!" Rista: "... Please do something good..." Chaos effect: Lower Def! * Ashmodeel gives Rista an evil look. * Rista looks at Ash apologetically... Ashmodeel's Def down 2 * Ashmodeel says with dead seriousness, "I intend to show you a thing or two about magic one of these days." Ashmodeel casts Grey Lightning! * Rista takes a few steps away from Ashmodeel. Vampeel has critical weakness to Grey magic. 486 damage. ===ROUND 2=== Vampeel: "Vampeel!" Ashmodeel: "Oh shut up!" Vampeel: "Vampeel!" Dragoona casts Bahamut's Fang! Vampeel is hit for 226 damage. * Dragoona pulls out her blade and starts channeling energy into it. After a few seconds, Dragoona cries out "By the power of Bahamut, let thy foes fall! Bahamut's Fang!" and flies towards the Vampeel in a streak of fire, ending in an explosion that, while messing up the Vampeel, leaves Dragoona unscathed. * LeBeau pulls out another card. "A'ight... Deuces're wild dis 'and." Cain casts Air Juvi! Vampeel is hit for 199 damage! * Cain uses LB for a springboard and nails Vampeel with a suicide dive drop kick. LeBeau casts Winning Hand! * LeBeau charges the card again and throws it at the Vampeel, causing the card to explode upon impact. Vampeel is hit for 257 damage. Xorn attacks! First attack... Critical hit! 48 damage! Second attack... 19 damage. Vampeel attacks Dragoona! Vampeel: "Vampeel!" Dragoona: "Dammit!" Dragoona: "Not again!" * Dragoona tries to block AGAIN. Dragoona is hit for 13 damage. Vampeel attacks Xorn! Vampeel: "Vampeel!" Xorn is hit for 1 damage. Vampeel: "Vampeel?" Vampeel casts Thorn Shower! Vampeel: "Vampeel!" Various vines burst forth from the ground and into the air before showering the entire party with thorns! LeBeau: "Ah never liked 'dese things." Ashmodeel suffers 1 damage. Cain 14. Dragoona 15. LeBeau 14. Rista 6. Xorn 6. Xorn suffers 9. * Dragoona finally shrieks from the pain. Rista: "...." Rista casts MindBend on Ashmodeel! * Dragoona is bleeding. Very well, I might add. Rista: "Here, Ash... to make up for my chaos effect..." Ashmodeel's Def and MgD up 12! * Ashmodeel picks out the tiny thorn in his hand and tosses it back at the Vampeel. Vampeel: "Vampeel?" Ashmodeel casts Grey Lightning! Vampeel has critical weakness to Grey magic. 590 damage! ===ROUND 3=== Dragoona uses a Mountain Dew! * Dragoona does the dew, baby! :D Dragoona regains 50 HP! Cain casts Air Juvi! Critical hit! Vampeel suffers 404 damage! LeBeau casts Winning Hand! * LeBeau charges the card again and throws it at the Vampeel, causing the card to explode upon impact into a shower of deadly light. Vampeel suffers 257 damage. Xorn attacks! First attack... 27 damage... Second attack... 21 damage... Vampeel attacks LeBeau! Vampeel: "Vampeel!" Rista: "Henri! Look out!!" Dragoona: "LB!" * LeBeau tries to dodge. LeBeau is hit for 19 damage. Vampeel attacks Cain! Vampeel: "Vampeel!" Cain is hit for 10 damage. * Rista glares at Vampeel.. "Say it again, and I'll slap you silly!!" Vampeel casts Vine Flail on the front row! Vampeel: "Vampeel! Vampeel!" Vampeel takes out a thorny vine and whips the entire front row with it... Cain suffers 12 damage. Dragoona 18. LeBeau 12. Xorn 17. Ashmodeel casts Grey Lightning on Vampeel! Vampeel has critical weakness to Grey magic. 554 damage! * Rista runs to Henri's side... and glares at Vampeel... Vampeel: "Vampeel!" Rista casts Drain Blessing on Vampeel! Dragoona: "Do you say ANYTHING else, you stupid weed?" Vampeel loses 26 HP. Rista regains 26 HP. * Rista bitchslaps vampeel, sucking out his life force... and replenishing her own... Vampeel: "Vampeel!" Rista: "Shut UP!" Vampeel: "Vampeel?" ===ROUND 4=== Cain casts Air Juvi! Vampeel is hit for 204 damage! Dragoona attacks! * Dragoona decides to try to cut the damn thing's vocal cords... or whatever the hell it uses... out. First attack... 25 damage... Second attack... 25 damage. LeBeau casts Fire Dart! * LeBeau shoots a shaft of fire at that little viper bitch. BURN BABY BURN! Vampeel suffers 19 damage. Xorn attacks! First attack... 20 damage... Second attack... 23 damage... Vampeel attacks Cain! Vampeel: "Vampeel!" Cain is hit for 14 damage and is defeated. :( Rista: "... Cain!!" LeBeau: "Aw s***." Vampeel: "Vampeel!" Dragoona: "Bite me!" Vampeel attacks Dragoona! Vampeel: "Vampeel!" Dragoona: "Dammit! That's not what I meant!" * Dragoona tries to block again. * LeBeau is rather wobbly on his feet. "Ah can't take 'nother 'tack." * Rista pushes LB down to his knees... "Stay down... it may not attack you." Dragoona is hit for 7 damage. Vampeel casts Energy Drain on Ashmodeel! Ashmodeel suffers 1 damage. Vampeel regains 1 HP. Vampeel: "Vampeel?" Ashmodeel: "Vampeel." * Rista smiles... "It worked!" 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. {Health Blessing} LeBeau recovers 39 HP! * LeBeau stands. "T'anks, chere." * Rista smiles... and stays where she is... Ashmodeel casts Dark Beam on Vampeel LeBeau: "Ash, Ah'd suggest usin' 'dat crest, pal." Vampeel has critical weakness to Darkness magic. 60 damage. ===ROUND 5=== Dragoona casts Bahamut's Fang! * Dragoona pulls out her blade and starts channeling energy into it. After a few seconds, Dragoona cries out, "By the power of Bahamut, let thy foes fall! Bahamut's Fang!" and flies towards The Vampeel in a streak of fire, ending in an explosion that, while messing up The Vampeel, leaves Dragoona unscathed. Vampeel suffers 249 damage. LeBeau casts Fire Dart! * LeBeau shoots another shaft of fire at the Vampeel. "DEI DAMMIT!" Vampeel suffers 18 damage... Xorn attacks! First attack... 21 damage... Second attack... 20 damage. Vampeel defends... building up his strength... Vampeel: "Vampeel..." Dragoona: "Oh crap..." LeBeau: "Aw s***." Rista casts Chaos! Dragoona: "500 cira says that thing is going to kick our asses soon..." Dragoona: "We might want to be careful..." The waves of chaotic magic home in on... Vampeel! * Rista concentrates. "Come on..." Dragoona: "Yeah! Go Rista! Way to aim!" ;D Chaos effect: Lower Wisdom! Vampeel's Wisdom down 5. Ashmodeel casts Dark Beam! Vampeel has critical weakness to Darkness magic. 60 damage. ===ROUND 6=== Dragoona attacks! * Dragoona beats the s*** out of the Vampeel. First attack... 25 damage... Second attack... 31 damage. LeBeau casts Fire Dart! * LeBeau does the fire thing again. Vampeel is hit for 21 damage. Xorn attacks... First attack... 24 damage... Second attack... 20 damage... Ashmodeel casts Summon annett Annette L1! The image of a beautiful young sorceress appears above the party... Annette casts Gale Force on Vampeel! Vampeel is shredded left and right by severe forces of wind strong enough to tear apart anything in their way! Vampeel suffers 995 damage. Vampeel: "Vaammmmmpeeeeeeeeeeeeeeellllllllllllll..." Vampeel is moon dust! VICTORY! Dragoona: "Yeah!" Dragoona: "Go Ash!" LeBeau: "'Bout time 'dat t'ing died." Dragoona: "Sorry bout what I said before." ^_^ Rista: "THANK YOU!! ... If I had to hear it yell again I'd going insane!!" * Ashmodeel seems rather distant from the others. * Dragoona goes over to Rista and whispers in her ear, "Vampeel!" 35 XP, 100 MXP, 4 SXP, 500 Cira acquired. Rista: "GRRRAAAAAHHH!!!" * Rista slaps Dragoona! * Dragoona busts out laughing. Dragoona: "Hey!" * Dragoona pulls out her sword. "You should be lucky we can only do this as a team. You would've been gutted faster than you could blink otherwise." * Dragoona resheathes her sword and claims this new crest... * Rista glares at Dragoona... "You don't have the balls to gut me." * Dragoona chuckles. * Rista turns her back and walks over to Cain, kneeling down. * ~Cain is still out cold. --The crest remains on its pedestal, waiting to be claimed...-- -Dragoona acquires Flora Crest (Summons ???, Wis + 25 w/ Plant) * Dragoona closes her eyes, expecting a wall to close them in the room. --The wall doesn't close...-- Dragoona: "Hmm..." Dragoona: "Odd..." Dragoona: "You'd think, after the past Founder's Caves..." Dragoona: "Oh well. Let's go guys!" LeBeau: "'Den use 'dat crest 'an get us 'de 'ell outta 'ere." Dragoona: "Uh..." --The exit out of this cavern is wide open...-- Rista: "Why would she use the crest?" Dragoona: "Exactly." Dragoona: "I don't rightly trust this..." * LeBeau gets the hell out of the cave. * Dragoona makes her way out of the cave. * Rista shakes her head.. "Ash... give me a hand with Cain, will you?" --The exit of the cave is blocked off by a force field made of electrical magic! Outside is a member of Savanti's army, gloating...-- Thunder Mage: "Well... I was given orders to put a barrier up on this cave to keep anyone out... Looks like I've managed to trap a few inside it as well, heh..." * LeBeau taps his fighting staff against the barrier. --The barrier doesn't budge, and LeBeau feels a noticeable electric shock.-- * Ashmodeel steps forward, "Hmm, apparently they didn't think much of this cave to send such a low level mage as yourself." Thunder Mage: "Ash... Ashmodeel! What the hell are you doing here!?" Dragoona: "Hmm." Dragoona: "Electric." Ashmodeel: "Fool. I'm here to retrieve this crest for Theran!" Dragoona: "And if we ground it... hmm." Thunder Mage: "Hah... Theran already told us about your treachery..." LeBeau: "Hmm... thunder... weak ta plants..." Dragoona: "Yeah." Dragoona: "You mean this?" Thunder Mage: "This barrier can only be broken by the creator or by magic so intense, not even you can get through it..." LeBeau: "Den... Founder time, Dragoona." Thunder Mage: "Founder? What Founder?" Ashmodeel: "Well then, Dragoona, if you please." * Dragoona brings out the Flora Crest and attempts the summoning! Dragoona casts Summon ??? L1! Suddenly, a red streak flies through the air and impacts at the feet of the thunder mage... It turns out to be a rose... A man dressed in a tuxedo can be seen on top of a nearby hill side! Tuxedo Kamen casts Fragrant Memory! Tuxedo Kamen pulls out a pink rose from his jacket, then flings it towards the electrical barrier, shattering it! Tuxedo Kamen vanishes... Thunder Mage: "What... What the... Ahhhh!" * Thunder Mage runs off in absolute terror! LeBeau: "Outta yer league, eh?" * Dragoona chuckles. "That was cool." * Ashmodeel yells, "Come back, little mage, let me show the meaning of thunder and lightning!" * LeBeau steps from the cave, back into town. --The town seems to still be at peace.-- Villager: "Welcome back! How did it go?" * LeBeau goes back and helps Rista with Cain. LeBeau: "'Dis ol' boy kin afford ta go on a diet." Rista: "Ya think?" LeBeau: "Yeah." Villager: "By the gods? What happened to him?" LeBeau: "'De keeper of 'de crest." Ashmodeel: "He got pricked by a rose." Villager: "I see... This should help..." * Villager pulls out a small bottle of Life Essence and pours it on Cain's forehead. Within moments, he is conscious again." Villager: "That should do it..." Dragoona: "Hmm..." Dragoona: "Do you have any more of that stuff to spare?" Villager: "Sorry... We won't be getting any more for a few days... That was reserved for emergency use..." ===SESSION END===