Project Apocalypse Session 9 Log Session Start: Sun Feb 06 19:36:03 2000 ============================================================================ Cast of Characters: Dragonmaster Lou as Gamemaster, Silhouette, Gabe, Emperor, Dominic, Comm. Officer, Helmsman, General Leo, General Theo, Weapons Clerk, Armor Clerk, Magic Clerk, Relic Clerk, Vinny 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!=== ==ANIME CUT SCENE=== --A familiar silhouette of a person can be seen just below a view panel. The view panel activates and a picture of Demonmaster Gabe comes into focus...-- Silhouette: "Gabriel, report." Gabe: "Yes, my Emperor. The situation is going mostly according to plan. One of our potential threats, the Savanti mages, are currently under our control. With the assistance of some of our own forces, they've made significant inroads in conquering their neighbors. They have no idea that their war against extinction is actually a plot to keep them out of our way while wiping out any other potential enemies." Emperor [Silhouette]: "Speaking of enemies, what about the Technomages?" Gabe: "Currently the Savanti armed forces are laying siege to their capital city. However, they have a quite powerful anti-magic barrier up that seems to have halted their advance. The battle is currently at a stalemate." Emperor: "Don't worry... I have dispatched Sephirot to be of assistance." Gabe: "Sephirot?" Emperor: "Sephirot is one of the newest Siege-Tenshi. He was created to test a new AI Module for use in other models. I figure the best way to test it is to put it in a true combat situation." Gabe: "Begging your pardon, my Emperor, but isn't it dangerous to release a Siege-Tenshi with an untested control module?" Emperor: "They said the same thing about you, a the first true Arch-Tenshi, one with more power than a Siege-Tenshi. However, I think you'd agree you've worked out quite well for us..." Gabe: "You honor me greatly by saying that, my Emperor..." Emperor: "You're welcome. Anyway, there is no need for you to be be concerned, Gabriel, Sephirot isn't quite as powerful as Azrael, and I'm sure you can handle him if he should get out of hand..." Gabe: "Azrael? The 'Angel of Death'?" Emperor: Yes... Currently we have several lower-level Tenshi and groups of droids searching for Azrael's body for re-activation. Once located, and if all tests with Sephirot go well, we will replace Azrael's old AI with the same model used in Sephirot. Azrael will the be re-awakened to complete the decimation of all opposing forces as well as begin extraction of the 'blood.'" Gabe: "An excellent plan, my Emperor, and these primitives will never suspect it. Do not worry, sire, the remaining fragments of the Dark Mana used to shatter the barrier shall be recovered before too long, and the gateway to the 'blood' will be opened." Emperor: "Excellent, Gabriel. Do you have anything else you would like to report?" Gabe: "Well, sire, there is one last force that may be able to slow down your plans... Apparently, not all the Espers were wiped out at the end of the war. I encountered one, complete with Espermech." Emperor: "WHAT!? I thought we had wiped them out eons ago." Gabe: "Apparently, some have slipped through the cracks, sire..." Emperor: "Apparently so." Gabe: "Sire, do you think something should be done about the remaining Espers, or do you fell they are no longer a threat?" Emperor: "Oh, they are a threat. They always have been and always will be." Emperor: "However, I will be sending you some assistance to deal with them soon. Your younger brothers, the two remaining Arch-Tenshi, have finally grown old enough to join our forces." Gabe: "Raphael and Uriel?" Emperor: "Yes, as soon as they have been briefed and prepared I intend to dispatch them to assist you... You three should be quite capable of taking care of any Espers that may appear..." Gabe: "Yes, my lord, and what should I do if I come across any?" Emperor: "Wipe them out. All of them." --The picture fades out...-- ===END CUT SCENE=== --The scene now changes to the outskirts of the Betulian town of Founders crest, where our party had just recovered the Flora Crest...-- Dominic: "So, is everyone all set to leave?" LeBeau: "Ah T'ink so, Dom." * Xorn nods. Dominic: "Looks like that rest also did Cain a world of good..." * Rista nods... but says nothing. Dominic: "Anyway, let's get back to the Arcadia right away! We have no idea how much longer Torvalds can last against Savanti's siege!" * LeBeau keeps his trap shut. * Dominic heads off back to the airship LeBeau: "A'ight." * Xorn follows Dominic. * LeBeau follows Dominic. * Rista follows silently. --The Arcadia remains where you left it, ready for take off!-- Dominic: "All aboard!" * LeBeau heads aboard the Arcadia. * Dominic boards the Arcadia. * Rista climbs aboard, still quite silent. Dominic: "Communications officer, any word on the battle?" LeBeau: "You a'ight, Rista?" Comm. Officer: "Yes, sir... The anti-magic barrier is still holding up, but the city is surrounded." * Dominic ponders what to do... * Rista nods softly to Henri. "... I'm fine..." Dominic: "Helmsman, set a course for Torvald's secret entrance!" Helmsman: "Aye aye, sir!" --The Arcadia takes off, heading for the Technomage capital at top speed!-- LeBeau: "Secr't entrance?" Dominic: "Yes, Torvalds was build with a secret entrance/exit for just these situations... It is completely unreachable other than by airship or various other Technomage vehicles." Rista: "..." Dominic: "Rista?" Dominic: "Are you sure you're all right?" * LeBeau starts back shuffling his lucky deck of cards as he looks over at Rista. "W'at's wrong?" Helmsman: "We'll be approaching the entrance within five minutes." * Rista nods... "I'm fine... really," she smiles slightly. Dominic: "Good... Activate the shield!" Helmsman: "Aye, aye." --A strange light begins to appear around the edges of the airship...-- --The light soon starts spreading over the upper part of the ship, covering it with a glowing dome...-- LeBeau: "Eh?" * Rista widens her eyes. LeBeau: "W'at's 'dis?" Dominic: "That's a special shield we have, it's designed to keep a bubble of air for us to breath on deck." Ashmodeel: "Why would we need that . . . are we going underwater?" * Dominic points over the side of the ship... You can see that you're over the ocean... * Dominic nods. Dominic: "The secret entrance extends far from the heart of the city to the ocean... That way, it minimizes the chances of it being discovered." Dominic: *to the helmsman* "Dive!" --The Arcadia goes into a near nose-dive and plunges below the water!-- * Rista shrieks softly, and clutches a rail. --A light at the front of the ship illuminates the way ahead to a long underwater cave.-- * LeBeau stands there and thinks. "'Ey, Dom. Ah t'ink someone in Founder's Cave mention'ed a 'Chariot o' God' near 'dat town. Ya t'ink 'dat may be one o 'dose Espermechs?" Dominic: "Possibly... The Espermechs were also known as 'Chariots of God.'" --The Arcadia enters the cave, it is long and dark, but at least the water is clear.-- Dominic: "It'll take a little longer to reach the city this way -- the Arcadia obviously can't travel as fast underwater as through air." * Dominic sits down as the Arcadia slowly approaches his home town... Helmsman: "Approaching the underground port... Initiating surfacing procedures." --The Arcadia pulls into a large underground pool with overhead lighting... It comes to a stop then slowly begins to surface... Once above the water, you can see you're in a large underground submarine base of some sort...-- --The air-shield dissipaittes soon after surfacing.-- Dominic: "We're here!" --A gangplank is brought to the Arcadia from the dock by some of the workers.-- * LeBeau picks up Rista and walks off the Arcadia. * Dominic walks off the ship. * Xorn idly examines the area, following Dominic. Dominic: "We should probably head to the War Room and see how the defense is holding up." * Rista flashes Henri a grateful smile. * LeBeau gives Rista his usual charming grin. * Dominic approaches an elevator, presses the button, and the door opens. Dominic: "This way, please." * LeBeau steps into the elevator, still carrying Rista. * Dominic steps in the elevator * Xorn follows * Dominic presses a button, the door closes, the elevator rises and stops a quite a few floors above... --The door opens and you find yourselves in the War Room-- General Leo: "Dominic! It's good to have you back!" Dominic: "Leo! How are things holding out?" General Leo: "Not so good, I'm afraid... The magic barrier is holding up, but our forces are greatly outnumbered." Dominic: "What about the siege cannons?" General Leo: "The enemy is staying just outside their range... It's a stalemate right now..." LeBeau: "'Ow 'bout 'de Arcadia's cannons?" Dominic: "The Arcadia wasn't designed as a weapon -- it's weapons systems are meant for self-defense only... It couldn't battle such a large enemy force... Remember what happened with the Magic Carpet Air Force?" * Rista mutters something inaudible. General Leo: "Sir, we're detecting something unusual on the sensors! It's quite large and heading this way. Not quite in visual range yet..." LeBeau: "W'ich d'rection?" Dominic: "What the hell?! Let me see the readings... Put them on the main screen!" * Rista clings to Henri just a little tighter. --A large screen in front of the party lights up with various hieroglyphics that apparently only the Technomages can understand...-- * Dominic looks over the readings... LeBeau: "'Kin anyone decipher 'dat?" * Xorn studies the screen curiously. Dominic: "Run the readings through the bio-spectroscope." General Leo: "Yes, sir..." --The pictures on the screen change... The new design is a rainbow-colored pattern of some sort... However, one of the lines, in the blue section, has the tell-tale signature the entire party has seen before...-- Dominic: "My God! It's a Tenshi!" Rista: "What?" LeBeau: "'OLY S***!" Dominic: "Remember when the blue line we detected in Gabe's presence? The same line is appearing for this large object heading towards us!" General Leo: "Red alert! All hands to interior battle stations!" ===ANOTHER ANIME CUT SCENE :)=== --The scene is that of a military camp... Demonmaster Gabe is here along with one of Savanti's Generals.-- General Theo: "Lord Gabe, we still seem to be unable to penetrate the enemy's anti-magic shields." Gabe: "I noticed... Don't worry, I'll get us through... I've brought a little help with me this time." General Theo: "Help?" Gabe: "A 'friend' of mine, of sorts, named Sephirot..." * Gabe closes his eyes, almost as if he's issuing some sort of telepathic signal... --Suddenly, the ground begins shaking as a huge shadowy figure, the size of an Espermech, walks out of the woods...-- --When it's in the clear, it appears to be a some sort of giant, living humanoid creature clad in skin-tight metallic armor.-- General Theo: "By the Founders, it's some sort of Demon!" Gabe: "Well, I am called a 'Demonmaster' for a reason, although, technically, 'demon' isnt' the word for it. We prefer the term 'Siege-Tenshi." General Theo: "Whatever it is, I hope you can control it." Gabe: "Trust me, I can... Sephirot, attack the Technomage city!" ===END CUT SCENE=== --The scene switches back to the Torvalds war room...-- General Leo: "The target's in visual range..." Dominic: "On screen." --The horrifying image of Sephirot, the Tenshi, appears before the party.-- Dominic: "Look at the size of that thing!" LeBeau: "'Oly sh***. 'ow do we fight 'DAT T'ING!" * Rista shivers... "I ...." Rista: "Oh gods..." Dominic: "I... I don't know..." Ashmodeel: "I have a feeling that a strategic retreat might me in order." LeBeau: "We'd need an Espermech ta fight 'dat...an' we ain't got one. J'est perfect." --On the screen, Sephirot's eyes begin glowing and it begins to growl. Sephirot starts attacking the barrier with everything it's got -- a combination of ultra-magic and physical attacks!-- * Rista starts shaking... then promptly faints. Dominic: "Retreat where? The city's surrounded? We can't evacuate everyone through the secret exit in time..." General Leo: "Anti-magic barrier down to 13%!" LeBeau: "Looks like we gotta fight..." LeBeau: "But we can't fight 'dat t'ing." General Leo: "Training city siege cannons on the Tenshi as soon as it enters the minimal defense epriperimeter... Defense grid charged and activated." Dominic: "We have to try..." General Leo: "Anti-magic shield has failed! Firing all defense grid siege cannons!" --Sephirot punches through the remnants of the anti-magic barrier and just brushes off the fire of the siege cannons!-- LeBeau: "'Dat t'ing mus' be a demon." General Leo: "Siege cannons ineffective! Defense grid destroyed! He's within the red zone!" Dominic: "We have no choice... Leo, scramble the Metal Golems." General Leo: "But they have never been tested in combat yet!" Dominic: "I think that's the least of our worries at this point, just launch them!" General Leo: "Yes, sir..." * Dragoona blinks "Metal Golems? Dominic, what the hell are..." --Several large, metallic, Espermech-sized humanoid machines appear on screen, standing between the city and Sephirot.-- Dragoona: "... I see. Dominic: "The Metal Golems were our attempt at creating our own Espermechs... They are no where near as advanced or as powerful and are still highly experimental, but we don't have much choice but to use them at this point." LeBeau: "A Technomage machine 'de size of a Espermech." General Leo: "The Metal Golems are engaging with the Tenshi!" Dragoona: .oO(Damn it... if I was just a little better with a sword, I could help against the Tenshi...) Ashmodeel: " . . . . Huh?" * Dominic doesn't notice Ashmodeel, he's too busy trying to decide upon strategy... Ashmodeel: "Did anybody hear that?" * Dominic pauses... "Someone! Help Rista, she fainted!" LeBeau: "'Ear what?" * Dragoona blinks "What?!" * LeBeau is still carrying Rista. * Dragoona just now notices. ^^; * LeBeau pats Rista on the cheek. "'Ey, Rista, wake up." General Leo: "Contact has been made between the Metal Golems and the Tenshi!" * Xorn watches, a look of utter boredom. * Ashmodeel is too distracted to notice everybody gathering around Rista. --Sephirot engages the Metal Golems in combat! He grabs the first by its arms, and rips them off easily, like pulling wings off a fly!-- * Dragoona facefaults. * LeBeau keeps trying to wake Rista up. "Wake up, 'Chere...come on, Rista. Wake up." * Rista just kinda... lies there. "Mmmrh..." --Sephirot then grabs the second by its head, and crushes it with a single hand, plunging the other hand through its chest and pulling out all its circuitry!-- Dragoona: .oO(Maybe not. I think one of the prereq's for being cannon fodder is you gotta be half-way useful.) Dragoona: "Dear God..." O_o Ashmodeel: "Come on, somebody else has to be hearing it. It's getting louder." LeBeau: "Hear what, Ash?" Dragoona: "... Hearing it", Ash? All I hear is our side getting our asses kicked." * LeBeau keeps lightly tapping Rista on the cheek, trying to wake her up. --Sephirot then grabs the third by its shoulders, then kicks at its ankles, literally kicking its legs out from underneath it, tossing what's left of the body aside.-- * Rista 's eyes flutter open slowly... "W... what's goin'... on?" * Ashmodeel shakes his head a bit. LeBeau: "Ya don' wanna know. General Leo: "The Metal Golems have been destroyed! The Tenshi is now attacking the citadel dome!" --All the buildings begin to shake with every blow delivered by Sephirot against the protective dome!-- Dragoona: "... Oh, hell." * Rista snaps awake at hearing Leo's report... "Oh... gods..." * Dragoona tries to keep her balance with all the shaking, but ends up finally landing on her ass. ^^; Dominic: "Dammit, we can't stop that thing! General Leo, begin procedures to evacuate as many as possible from the city..." * LeBeau lands flat of his back, and I think you know where Rista's gonna land, since he was carrying her. General Leo: "Yes sir, beginning to ev... wait... Sir, I've detected a very unusual energy surge coming from deep beneath the city!" Dominic: "What the hell!? Is it another weapon!?" General Leo: "I don't know, but it seems to be surrounding us and rising to the surface..." * Ashmodeel sinks to his knees and grabs his head. --Suddenly, a burst of energy emerges from below the ground, surrounding the city... It forms an impenetrable barrier between the dome and Sephirot!-- Dominic: "Ashmodeel! Are you all right!?" LeBeau: "Eh? W'at's 'dat?" --Sephirot launches everything he can against the barrier, but nothing seems to be affecting it!-- Ashmodeel: "Eaaaahhhh!" * Dragoona looks at the viewscreen, then to Ashmodeel, then back again. Dragoona: "Could... something in that barrier be tied to Ash?" General Leo: "I've never seen anything like this... This energy... Nothing like it is on our records..." Dominic: "I don't know... I've never seen anything like this before..." LeBeau: "'Ell if Ah know w'at it is." --Now, the ground beneath the city begins to quake!-- General Leo: "I'm detecting another large object coming up from the source of the energy! It's roughly the same size as the Tenshi!" Dragoona: "..." O_o Dragoona: "It... couldn't be." LeBeau: O_O Dragoona: "Not another one..." LeBeau: "Ya t'ink it coul' be?" --A strange light surrounds Ashmodeel...-- * Ashmodeel is on the ground, writhing in pain. * Dragoona stares at Ashmodeel and his... glowingness. --The ground bursts open near Sephirot... Emerging from beneath the ground is a large, bright red, elegantly styled machine...-- LeBeau: O_O "W'at 'de 'ell's goin' on?" --Sephirot stares at the other machine on screen, not sure what to make of it.-- Dragoona: "Yanno, Hell if I know, LB." * Ashmodeel slowly comes back up to his knees. Ashmodeel: "Oooohh . . ." Dominic: "By the Founders... could it be?"" LeBeau: "'Dat mus' be an Espermech..." * Ashmodeel shakily gets to his feet and looks at the screen. Dominic: "I think you may be right LeBeau..." Ashmodeel: "What . . . What is happening?" Dominic: "I honestly have no idea..." LeBeau: "Ah t'ink ya j'est 'wakened 'dat Espermech, Ash." Dragoona: O_o Dragoona: "Espermech?!" * Ashmodeel looks at LeBeau questioningly. --The large machine turns towards the camera on screen, almost as if it was looking at Ashmodeel... it then turns towards Sephirot, its eyes glowing!-- General Leo: "Sir, the computer has just identified the object... It matches descriptions of the legendary Espermech known as Alseides... The Espermech of Magic..." Dragoona: "Oh my God, it is." Ashmodeel: "Espermech of Magic?" General Leo: "Yes, this Espermech was known to use primarily magical attacks in combat." ===ESPERMECH COMBAT! ALSEIDES vs. SEPHIROT!=== ===ROUND 1=== Sephirot attacks! Alseides dodges easily... Alseides begins charging power... ===ROUND 2=== Sephirot casts Nova Burst! Intense fireballs bombard Alseides! Alseides suffers 150 damage... Alseides attacks! Sephirot is hit for 3500 damage! Alseides continues charging power... ===ROUND 3=== Sephirot casts Black Flare! A vortex of dark magical energy bombards Alseides! Alseides is hit for 143 damage... Alseides casts Gray Nova! Alseides raises its arm into the sky, summing forth waves of gray magic from the heavens... It then turns its arm towards Sephirot sending the intense burst of energy towards the Tenshi! Sephirot is hit for 24,957 damage! Sephirot is destroyed! VICTORY! * Ashmodeel is held captive by the images on the screen. Dragoona: O_o "Holy s***." --Alseides's eyes stop glowing, and it returns to its underground dormancy...-- LeBeau: "'Oly..." General Leo: "The protective barrier around the city has shut down... However, the enemy is retreating!" Dragoona: "Gee, I wonder WHY, General. :P" --The screen shows images of armies of Savanti mages fleeing from Torvalds any way possible!-- Dominic: "I... I don't believe it... We WON!" * Ashmodeel murmurs, "I must get to that Espermech." * LeBeau is lying there slackjawed... * Dragoona just keeps looking between the viewscreen and Ash, disbelieving. * Ashmodeel shakes his head as if he is awakening from a trance. General Leo: "Apparently, Espermechs often will go 'beserk,' for lack of a better term, if their pilots are in danger nearby... Even if the pilot isn't ready to control it, they will come to his or her aid..." * Rista lies a few feet away from Henri, out... again. LeBeau: "Is 'dere a path open ta 'dat one?" Dragoona: "Pilots? O_o You mean that thing follows Ash's orders now?" General Leo: "If there was, we can't detect it... I can only assume that Ashmodeel, if he's the pilot this Espermech chose, isn't ready to take full control of it yet..." Ashmodeel: "I did no such thing." Dominic: "Well, someone or something woke that Espermech." Ashmodeel: "After the barrier went down, some kind of noise kept building up in my head." Dominic: "Maybe it was calling to you?" LeBeau: "Hoo boy. 'dis is gettin' confusin'." Ashmodeel: "I don't know. I've never experienced anything before like it in my life." Dominic: "I doubt that many have..." LeBeau: "Ah doubt anyone 'as." General Leo: "Sir, repairs are underway on all the defensive systems... They should be up to minimal functionality in 24 hours." * LeBeau kneels beside Rista and starts attempting to wake her up again. * Dominic wipes the sweat from his brown, sighing with relief. * Rista mms... "... What now... five more minutes, Father... please?" * Dragoona is still kind of shocked about everything happening still. LeBeau: "Uh...Ah'm not yer father, Rista... Dominic: "Is everyone all right?" LeBeau: "Ah t'ink so...though Ah dunno 'ow Ah'm gonna wake up Rista." Dragoona: "What..the F*CK** JUST HAPPENED?!" O_o General Leo: "Have you considered a bucket of ice water?" Dominic: "I don't think any of us knows for sure, Dragoona..." Ashmodeel: "i feel remarkably well, considering what just happened." Dragoona: "I mean, I know what happened, but I mean it..." Dragoona: "Well..." Dragoona: "It just happened." Ashmodeel: "I thought knights had . . . cleaner mouths." LeBeau: "Ah t'ink we all needta clear our 'eads, 'ere." * Rista snaps awake.. "What what?!" She blinks a few times... and puts her hands to her head... "Ohhh... my head..." Dragoona: "I thought mages were halfway sane. Looks like we're all wrong sometimes." Dominic: "Let's see you act sane when some 10,000 year old Espermech starts trying to form a telepathic link with you." Ashmodeel: "Don't tempt me Dragoona. There is much that you don't know, and more that you don't want to know." LeBeau: "You a'ight, Rista?" Dragoona: "You think I don't know that?" Rista: "... Yeah... I... wh... what happened?" Dragoona: "I mean, God! I would've been just as happy STAYING in Dragonia, thankyouverymuch!" LeBeau: "Ah dunno." Dominic: "We won, somehow..." Rista: "......" LeBeau: "T'ink ya can track down 'de Espermechs by 'dat energy readin' ya got w'en 'dat one 'wakened, Dom?" Dominic: "I don't think so... It apparently seems to originate from a different source than the mech itself... Both are obviously Esper in origin, but not the same... Perhaps our ancestors who built this city knew something about it we don't way back when..." LeBeau: "Mebbe..." Dominic: "Anyway, we need to figure out what our next action will be... We're on the advantage for once -- Savanti's forces have to regroup after seeing what just happened." LeBeau: "Well, we kin try to locate 'de resta de Founders..." Dominic: "That's what I was thinking... If everyone's in agreement, however, where should we go?" LeBeau: "'Ow bout Iria's Founder..." * Rista nods silently. Dominic: "So far we have the Founders of Wind, Plant, and Darkness." Dragoona: "Iria, or Dragonia... really, those are our closest choices." Dominic: "Iria's Founder, any objections?" Dragoona: "Not here." Ashmodeel: "It is as good a place to start as any." Xorn: "I have no preference." Dominic: "Anyway, shall we get back to the Arcadia? It's already been transferred to the main airship port from the submarine base." LeBeau: "If we in 'greement, 'den we shoul' 'ead out..." * Dominic nods. Dragoona: "The sooner the better... It's best to move while Savanti's regrouping their forces... We have less chance of detection." * Dominic heads for the elevator. "By the way, where in Iria should we head? It is a fairly large nation." LeBeau: "Ah dunno.....though 'dere shoul' be info in 'de capital." Ashmodeel: "LeBeau, are there any legend in Iria about a mystical cave, rock, etc.?" LeBeau: "Let me t'ink fer a minute." LeBeau: "Ah ded 'ere of a supposedly lucky rock near Monteco... but 'dat's j'est ol' gam'ler's tales." Dragoona: "Well..." * Rista 's eyes widen at the mention of Monteco... "I remember that legend..." Dragoona: "It's a better lead than none at all, isn't it?" Dominic: "Shall we head to Monteco then?" LeBeau: "Good a place as any t' start." * Dominic heads to the elevator and presses the "Airship Port" switch. LeBeau: "Don' you t'ink, Rista, Cain?" Dominic: "Going my way?" * Dominic taps his foot, waiting for the party to join him. :) * Ashmodeel follows Dominic. * LeBeau heads into the elevator. * Rista follows Henri. * Dragoona is already in the elevator. * Cain walks into the elevator. --Once everyone's in the elevator, the doors close and it begins moving... Stopping at a building at the airship port.-- --The Arcadia is ready to take off as Dominic steps aboard...-- Dominic: "All aboard!" * Dragoona steps on board right behind. * LeBeau steps aboard the ship. * Rista follows the others, and clings to a railing. --Once everyone's aboard, the Arcadia lifts off and flies through the gate in the roof of Torvalds's dome...-- Dominic: "Set a course for Monteco, Iria!" Dominic: "We should be arriving at Monteco within the hour..." Dragoona: "Good." * Rista stares out at the scenery. LeBeau: "Perfec... wanted ta try 'de gam'lin in Monteco... Never got ta go 'dere." Cain: "Been evicted from all the gamblin' halls in Monteco." --The weather progressively changes to that of warmer, drier climate, like that of the Mediterranian...-- Dragoona: "LB... Is that all you can think about? Gambling and women?" Cain: "And cold beer." LeBeau: "'Ey, Ah'm a gam'ler by nature, Dragoona." * Rista turns around at this statement, suddenly interested in the conversation. Dominic: "We will be setting down in Monteco bay in a few minutes." * Rista hrmphs, and turns back around, again watching the scenery. --The Arcadia soon begins landing procedures and lands in Monteco's harbor, which is loaded with mostly pleasure and passenger ships...-- Dominic: "Here we are..." Dragoona: "Geez. What gives with all the tropical climates?" Dragoona: "It gets more and more difficult to wear a suit of armor in this weather." -_- Dominic: "I don't know... The fact that most of our journey happened to be in the southern part of the continent?" * LeBeau steps from the Arcadia. "Now 'dis is w'at Ah call 'eavenly. Ah always did love the sea air." Ashmodeel: "Too wet and too warm." LeBeau: "'Dis is a beach and gam'lin resort town. The usual dress for 'de occasion is a tank top an shorts, or a bathin' suit, if'n ya go to 'de beach." * Rista looks down at her attire... and shrugs. * Dragoona takes off her damn armor and stuffs it in her pack. Dominic: "I'll stay here... Some of these gamblers are quite superstitious, and seeing a Technomage is bad luck to them." Dragoona: "Seeing a Technomage is bad luck to a lot of people, Dom." LeBeau: "'De story is 'dat 'dere's a rock 'dat's supposeta give ya luck gam'lin if ya kiss it." * Xorn conceals his rifle under his cloak. Cain: "That's the wisest thing you've said in a while." Dominic: "True, but these gamblers are more likely than most to cause trouble over it." * Rista rolls her eyes. Dragoona: "Point." Ashmodeel: "I hear they don't particularly like mages either." LeBeau: "Good point..." Dominic: "That's cause the last mage in this town was caught using magic to cheat." * Dragoona chuckles. Cain: "And got his ass kicked..." Cain: "These casino and gambling hall guys are not nice characters." LeBeau: "'Dat's one reason Ah've not come 'ere...though ah've always wantedta." * Rista mumbles at Cain "What gave you /that/ idea?" Dragoona: "Heh, that's one of the main rules of gambling, though... if you're caught, get in the first punch." ^_- Dominic: "Anyway, as I said, I'll wait for you guys here..." LeBeau: "Now, w'at say we fin' 'dat rock?" Cain: "Well I wasn't always a priest." Dragoona: "I say that's an idea. ^_^ But what says we don't do some shopping first?" ^_^ LeBeau: "Anothah fine 'dea, Dragoona." * Rista stretches... and looks around. * LeBeau browses around Monteco. * Cain hangs close to LeBeau. Hate for the coon ass to get stuck 'tween the ribs in this town. --There are casinos, restaurants, beaches, weapons, items, armor, magic, and relic shops.-- * LeBeau heads into a weapons shop. * Xorn follows Weapons Clerk: "Aye matey, what brings ya to me fine establishment?" * Rista heads for the weapon shop. LeBeau: "'Ey. Ah'm lookin' ta r'place 'dis." *sets his uQauatarterstaff down on the counter.* Cain: "Bored stiff pal. Got anything nice." * Rista stays quiet, and eyes the displays. Weapons Clerk: "Matey, if that be ya problem, might I suggest you visit 'Alotta Fagina's House of Ill Repute' on Elm St." * Dragoona chuckles. "Wasn't there one of those in Torvalds? What is it, a whole enterprise?" LeBeau: "Ah 'ear 'dat place's a real nightmare." Cain: "Look man I was there in my wild and worldly days. Just show me what nice ass whoopin' tools you have." Weapons Clerk: "Nay matey, that one was 'Pussy Galore's House of Ill Repute.'" Weapons Clerk: "Aye me lad, just one second." Weapons Store Inventory: -Claymore (Atk + 25) [100 Cira] {Dragoona} -Battle Staff (Atk + 14) [75 Cira] {LeBeau} -Tetsubun Katana (Atk + 14) [75 Cira] {Cain} -Iron Knife (Atk + 14) [75 Cira] {Rista} * Dragoona whistles. "Nice swords you have here." LeBeau: "Ah t'ink Ah'll 'ave the Battle Staff." Weapons Clerk: "Aye... Cap'n Jack's only carries de best m'lady." Weapons Clerk: "Do all ye mateys agree?" Cain: "Is anything in here hot?" Dragoona: "Fine by me..." Weapons Clerk: "Nay matey, Cap'n Jack has retired from his days of buccaneering..." -LeBeau has acquired "Battle Staff." Dragoona: "But I'd like to swap this..." *takes the Barbarian's Sword out of its scabbard and puts it on the counter* "for one of those Claymores you got back there..." Cain: "Just wanted to make sure some Jack leg won't knock me in the head over his s***." Weapons Clerk: "Be that okay with ye mateys?" Weapons Clerk: "Mateys?" Cain: "Well the Tetsubun Katana looks nice what will you trade for?" LeBeau: "Fine by me." * Rista snaps out of whatever daze she was in... "Huh?" Weapons Clerk: "One second my kung-fu matey, I work alone here." -Dragoona sells Barbarian Sword and acquires Claymore. * Xorn wanders off, finding nothing to his liking. Cain: "Well hire some help my friend." Weapons Clerk: "The Cap'n's on vacation, matey... So, about that Katana?" * Dragoona sheaths her sword and smiles. "Thanks!" ^_^ Cain: "Yeah what will you trade for?" Weapons Clerk: "I'll give ye 38 Cira for that sharpie ye gots now in trade." Cain: "Well you have a deal." Weapons Clerk: "Just let me get you your new sword, matey..." LeBeau: "W'at'll ya give me for 'dat ol' Quarterstaff?" -Cain acquires Tetsubun Katana and sells Seidou Katana. Weapons Clerk: "38 Cira, matey." LeBeau: "Ya got yerself a deal." * Rista's eyes spot the Iron Knife... and she looks at her Bronze one... "Hmm..." -LeBeau sells Quarterstaff. * Rista draws her Bronze Knife out, places it on the counter, and speaks timidly. "I'd like to sell this, and purchase the Iron Knife." Weapons Clerk: "Aye, lassie... 'Tis a pleasure." -Rista sells Bronze Knife and acquires Iron Knife. Weapons Clerk: "Will that be all, mateys?" LeBeau: "Ah t'ink so." * Rista thanks the clerk and sheaths her new knife. * Ashmodeel heads outside and waits for the rest of the group to come out of the shop. --There are still armor, item, magic, and relic shops...-- * LeBeau puts his new staff in it's hiding place inside his treanchench coatnch coat. * Ashmodeel heads for the magic shop. * Rista looks at Henri, then starts outside. * LeBeau follows Rista outside. * Rista looks around, and heads for the armor shop next. * Dragoona looks around and heads for the relic shops... content with her armor at the moment... * LeBeau follows Rista to the armor shop. * Dragoona then sees everyone going to the armor shop and rushes after them. ^_^ Dragoona: .oO(Oh well.. maybe they have lighter stuff in there, anyways.) Armor Clerk: "Welcome to Jaques's Armor Shoppe, monsiers et madames." LeBeau: "'Ey. Watcha got?" Armor Store Inventory: {Dragoona} -Bronze Armor (Def + 15) [100 Cira] -Iron Shield (Dod% + 12) [75 Cira] -Bronze Helmet (Def + 8) [60 Cira] {LeBeau} -Tin Vest (Def + 12) [75 Cira] -Iron Bracer (Dod% + 8) [60 Cira] -Shark Cap (Def + 6) [50 Cira] {Cain} -Iron Guard (Dod% + 8) [60 Cira] -Leather Headband (Def + 6) [50 Cira] -Shark Wrap (Def + 12) [75 Cira] {Rista} -Leather Dress (Def + 12) [75 Cira] -Vermillion Sash (Dod% + 8) [60 Cira] -Magenta Ribbon (Def + 6) [50 Cira] * Rista stays silent, and looks around. LeBeau: "Ah t'ink Ah'll 'ave 'de Tin Vest, Iron Bracer and Shark Cap." LeBeau: "An sell all my ol' stuff." * Dragoona sighs. "Bronze? ...not exactly tropical wear, do you think?" -LeBeau acquires new stuff and sells old stuff. :) Dragoona: "Oh, well." Armor Clerk: "Anyzing else?" * Rista eyes the leather dress... looks at LB, and then down at her outfit. * LeBeau looks at Rista. * Dragoona places her current shield, armor, and helm on the counter. "Trade these for what you got." Armor Clerk: "Oui, madame..." -Dragoona sells her old stuff and acquires new stuff! Rista: "I'd like to purchase that leather dress, the sash, and the magenta ribbon..." Armor Clerk: "Eet eez a pleazure, madame!" LeBeau: "'Dis guy's got a t'icker accen' 'dan me." * Dragoona rolls her eyes. "I think some of you should talk normally." -Rista acquires new stuff and sells old stuff! Dragoona: "Oh well... can't change yer voice..." Armor Clerk: "Mais madame, I am talking normally." Armor Clerk: "Next, s'il vous plait?" * LeBeau looks Rista over. "Ya look great, Rista." * Rista looks at herself in a mirror, turning a bit to admire the new dress. "Thanks Henri..." she blushes. Armor Clerk: "Next?" Dragoona: "Uh..." Dragoona: "I think we're the only ones here." Dragoona: "Unless people are behind us and not talking..." * Armor Clerk munches a croissant while waiting. * Ashmodeel starts tapping his fingers. Ashmodeel: "Well, I'm heading for the magic shop." * Ashmodeel strides out of the store. --The magic store is still open, fortunately. :)-- Dragoona: "What the hell is a 'magic shop?' O_o I thought people were trained in magic, not that you could just buy it..." * Rista nods. "I agree... but I have to say that my curiosity is piqued..." Ashmodeel: "Items can be infused with mana." Magic Clerk: "Welcome to Copperfield's. How may I help you?" Dragoona: "Whatever." Ashmodeel: "What have you in stock my good man?" * Dragoona walks in the door. Magic Clerk: "Only the best in all Monteco..." Magic Store Inventory: -Wisdom Cane (Atk + 7, Wis + 12) [75 Cira] -Elven Robe (Def + 9) [75 Cira] -Gold Amulet (Dod% + 5) [55 Cira] -Elven Hood (Def + 3) [45 Cira] Dragoona: "Bleah. Nothing worth a simple knight's time, here." * Ashmodeel ignores Dragoona. Ashmodeel: "I'll take one of each, and trade in all of my old items." Magic Clerk: "Ahh, I can see you are indeed a mage of excellent taste... It is a pleasure doing business with you." * Rista, who has followed Ashmodeel and Dragoona, looks around... but finds nothing that interests her. She walks back out and looks around. -Ashmodeel gets new stuff and sells his old stuff! Magic Clerk: "Please feel free to visit my humble store again." Ashmodeel: "Thank you." Dragoona: .oO("Humble" is right...) Magic Clerk: "No, thank you for your business." * Dragoona walks out quickly and waits for the others. --The item and relic stores still remain.-- * Rista looks over at the Relic shop, curiously. * LeBeau follows Rista. Dragoona: "Wanna go check, Rista?" --From the window, you can see all sorts of strange machines inside the relic shop...-- * Rista nods. "Yes... it looks interesting... to say the least." * Dragoona blinks "Looks like Xorn's type of place... Oh, well... should we go look inside?" ^_^ * Xorn wanders into the Relic shop. Relic Clerk: "Yo, welcome to Vinny's Relics. How can I help yous?" Dragoona: "Uh, yeah. What exactly do you have here...?" ^^; LeBeau: "an' y'all say Ah got a strange accen'." Relic Clerk: "Yous ain't with the feds, are yous?" Relic Clerk: "Look, the Don just sells relics, that's all!" Dragoona: "Uh... no..." O_o Cain: "well actually..." Ashmodeel: "The who?" LeBeau: "'De w'at?" Dragoona: "The law, Ash, LB." * Rista raises an eyebrow at the clerk. Relic Store Inventory: -Grenade Launcher (Atk + 28) [100 Cira] {Xorn} -Carbon-fiber Armor (Def + 15) [100 Cira] -Steel Gear (Def + 8) [60 Cira] -Pin-point Barrier (Dod% + 12) [75 Cira] Cain: "Well tell the godfather that we ain't with the feds." * Xorn grins. Relic Clerk: "Good... Yo Vinny, these guys aren't feds..." * Xorn chuckles dryly. Xorn: "Would anyone be drastically upset if I bought everything?" Cain: "No go ahead dude." Dragoona: "Nope, we've all had a chance to buy our stuff..." Relic Clerk: "Yous are paying with cash, right?" * Xorn nods. Xorn: "Yes..." Relic Clerk: "Unmarked coins, I hope..." LeBeau: "Ah'll bet all sales're final." Xorn: "And, I'd like to trade these in, if possible." * Xorn motions towards his current weapon and armors. Relic Clerk: "Interesting... Vinny, we got some new ones coming in... Yous got a deal." -Xorn sells his old stuff and acquires new stuff! * LeBeau looks around. "'Ow much ya wanna bet a lotta 'dis is stolen?" Relic Clerk: "Look, I told yous... The Don's an honest businessman! He's in the relic business!" * Rista jabs her elbow into LB's ribs. "Hush." LeBeau: .oO(If'n 'e only knew who Ah was. ^_^) Cain: "Hey he's from the bayou... The boy ain't right in the head. Daddy was an alligator." * Dragoona chuckles. LeBeau: "'Ey, dat ain' true. Ah'm from Port Town." Relic Clerk: "Port Town... They gots great calzones there..." LeBeau: "Ain' tried 'em. Not a lotta free time, w'at wit 'de job an' all." Cain: "You gonna get us whacked if you don't quit accusing this nice gentleman of shady business." * Vinny stands in the doorway to the back room, not looking very happy... * Ashmodeel edges his way to the door. LeBeau: "Ah t'ink Ah'll wait outside." * LeBeau heads outside. Cain: "Mr. Vinny how's the wife and kids?" * Xorn packs the grenade launcher under his cloak and walks out. Dragoona: -_- * Rista follows LB outside. Vinny: "Theys be just fine... Matter of fact, I'm looking forward to some of her famous lasagna later tonight..." * Dragoona sweatdrops and exits the shop. Cain: "She a good cook?" --There is only an item store left, although there still are shops, bars, casinos, and restaurants.-- Vinny: "She makes the best pasta in all of Iria!" * Rista smiles... "What say we all hit the bar, ne? I need a drink." * LeBeau drags Cain out of the shop. LeBeau: "Ah'll join ya 'dere, Chere." Dragoona: "Hmm. Let's go to the item shop and then we can split up from there..." * LeBeau walks into the tavern. --The tavern is full of your usual mix of gossipers, drunkards, and any combination thereof.-- Dragoona: "Oh well... whatever." * Cain storms into the bar looking for cheap liquor." * Dragoona enters the tavern. * LeBeau orders up a bottle of the finest Rum. Bartender: "That will be 5 Cira." Cain: "Bartender!!!!!!" Bartender: "Yes?" * Rista walks into the tavern, and pulls the hem of her dress down a little farther, just to be safe. * LeBeau pays the Bartender 5 Cira for the Rum. * Dragoona gets what LeBeau's getting. ^_- Cain: "MadDog 20/20." * Dragoona pays too. --Various drunkards whistle as Rista walks in.-- * Rista orders something... strong... very strong. Bartender: "MadDog's 1 Cira." * Cain pays the barkeep. Bartender: "High-quality moonshine... 3 Cira, will that do?" Ashmodeel: "A glass of Savantian Merlot." * Rista nods. "That will do just nicely, thank you." She puts 3 Cira on the bar. Bartender: "Savantian Merlot... That's quite expensive stuff... 8 Cira for a glass..." * Dragoona whistles "Hey! I ordered what the cajun did! ^_- And I paid, so where's my rum?" Cain: "Can I get this in a nice bucket preferably 5 gallon?" * Bartender gives Dragoona her rum. Ashmodeel: "You get what you pay for." Dragoona: "That's better. ^_^ Thanks!" Bartender: "Very well then... And it'll be 4 Cira for 5 gallons of MadDog." Dragoona: O_o * Cain forks over 4 Cira. Dragoona: "Dear GOD, I worry about that boy, Rista. You remember why we even keep him along?" ^^; * Rista sips at her moonshine... "No idea... comic relief?" She proceeds to get sloshed. --The party enjoys their drinks, relaxing before the next stage of their adventure...-- ===SESSION END===