Lunar: Middleground IRC RPG Session 4
Session Start: Sat Jun 29 20:00:57 1996
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Characters:
Cast Of Characters:
Hahn as "Gamemaster, Ilsi, Merchant, Clothier, Man, Chief, Girl,
Azura, Soldiers, Vulture A, Althena"
Nall as "Bulix"
Kenshiro as "Thesian"
Iceberg a "Iceberg"
Dragonmaster Blake as "Ebony"
Dragonmaster Lou as "Lou" (True Blue as ~Lou)
Vecna as "Eomar" (Luna as ~Eomar)
Miko as "Miko"
True Blue as "Sicko, Anti-profit Fanatic"
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---You are all peacefully sleeping and recuperating in Ilsi's home.
It's in the middle of the night.---
* Thesian is sleeping soundly.
* ~Eomar is snoring loudly
* Iceberg is dreaming with Vanes' gym...
* Ebony sees Forbarus lift his sword and say, "I will kill you and
all your friends! Ah ha ha ha!" Ebony wakes up as the sword
swings down towards him. He yawns and glances around, not
tired anymore. Ebony is drawn to the ring being worn by Lou,
which seems to be glowing.
* Thesian tosses in his sleep, his hand clutching his chest.
* Iceberg feels the silk robe very confortable... Yammmhhh....
* Ebony sees everyone else is asleep, hops over Iceberg with a flap
of his wings, and walks over to Lou.
* Iceberg feels a winged cat passing over him.
* Ebony pauses, cocks his ears, listening... Ebony says quietly,
"Who... are you?"
* Ebony looks around. "I am? We are? I am... What is my kind?"
* Iceberg is beginning to listen to some voice in his dreams...
* Ebony continues talking to nobody. "Please, who am I?"
Ebony: "I... will." Ebony returns to sleep near Miko.
---The hours pass... and you all rest up from your previous
ordeals. The sounds of a spoon stirring in a bowl awaken all
of you.---
* Thesian stirs.
Iceberg: Hey! Mom, a little more please. Rizmol is not yet time to
have breakfast...
* Davis gets up yawning.
* Davis yawns.
* Thesian yawns and stretches. "Wow, what a weird dream."
* Miko awakens, yawns, streaches, and looks about for Ebony.
* Ebony was up late, still asleep.
Ilsi: "Ahh! Hi there, blue eyes. I'm making some slop for you and
your friends!"
* Miko says to Ebony, "Ebony, how did you sleep? That was some day,
yesterday."
Davis: Miko, I would agree with that.
* Ebony blinks and looks up. "Huh?"
* Thesian notices Eomar is sleeping on his bow again... Rolling his
eyes, he pushes Eomar over on his side.
* ~Eomar stops snoring and grumbles.
* Ebony yawns and stretches like only a feline can.
Iceberg: "Hi, nut... er... Ilsi! How is Breakfast?"
* Ilsi draws open the shades and lets in some light as the sunrise
approaches...
Ilsi: "Hi, you guys! Eat up this slop quickly, because I think the
chief wants to talk to you. The people have been really busy
all night. I couldn't sleep what with all the racket going on,
but I guess you had no trouble resting..."
* Miko says to Ilsi, "Ilsi, I was never so tired in my entire
life. I really slept."
Iceberg: I even had a dream about some odd flying lions...
~Eomar: "Hey Ilsi, You got any oyster crackers for this stuff?"
Iceberg: "Ilsi, you have to give us some of your herbs before we
part... hint, hint..."
* Ilsi turns to Iceberg. "Why? You'll be back in your land of
herbs in no time!"
* Davis notices the huge person just waking up.
* Ilsi goes around, handing everyone a small bowl of white,
odorless slop.
* Miko looks at Ilsi's 'slop' and decides she's hungry enough
to eat it. She thanks Ilsi and begins eating.
* Bulix looks down at the slop, sighs, and starts to eat.
* Iceberg doesn't know what slop is, but I'll eat it...
* ~Eomar sticks his finger in it and wiggles it around, then eats it..
* Ebony watches Eomar bite his finger off.
* ~Eomar gives Ilsi a thumbs-up sign and winks. "Ilsi, this is A-OK !"
* Davis just eats the stuff and thanks Ilsi.
* Ebony sniffs a bowl of Slop(TM). "No fish?"
Miko: "Ilsi, thank you. This is wonderful. What is it?"
* Davis bumps Miko and whispers, "I doubt we'd want to know."
* Ilsi turns to Miko: "Umm... it's better you not know, lass. There
isn't much to cook with out here..."
Iceberg: "Now that I know what slop is, I don't know if I had to eat
it..."
Ebony: "Fish?" Ebony pulls out the 'big kitty eyes'...
~Eomar: "Ebony, how about stewed liver?"
* Thesian looks around... Seeing no one has choked on the slop
yet, he shrugs and digs in.
* Ebony sighs and eats some slop.
---You all hear some talking and bustling outside. You've never
heard this village so active... As the slop is finished up, the
bustling outside becomes louder. There appears to be people setting
up what looks like merchant stalls, unpacking all of the boxes they
had prepared for Forbalus.------
* Davis goes to take a look, but not too far, just inside the house.
* Miko follows Davis over to the window and looks outside. "Davis,
can we go outside and see what they're doing?"
Iceberg: "The whole town wants to give something to us!!!!"
~Eomar: "Iceberg, what? A big whap on the head?"
Bulix: "Iceberg.. give us what?"
Iceberg: Some present! We're their saviors!
* Bulix doubts this town would have mush to give..
* ~Eomar hopes they DON'T have mush to give... Yuk.
* Ebony looks at Iceberg. "Think they have fish?"
Ilsi: "Fish? Oh, no little Puffy Puff. I have something special
for you!"
* Ebony winces at "Puffy Puff".
* Davis giggles at the name, and avoids the swipe.
Iceberg: "She has called him.. Puff... Hear the answer and cower
in fear!!!"
* Ebony is being nice in the hopes of 'something special'.
* Miko looks at Ilsi, "Ilsi, I've been wondering... What do you call
your village? Does it have a name like the other places Davis
tells me about?"
Ilsi: "This village? We call this place Marke."
* Thesian wanders over toward the window.
Iceberg: "Why don't just open the door?" Iceberg opens the door and
see outside.
* Miko looks at Ebony. "Ebony, do you want to go outside with me?
I want to see..."
Ebony: "Um... Okay, Miko." Ebony flutters up and lands on one of
Miko's shoulders.
* Davis follows Ebony and Miko to the door.
* Bulix decides to head out, too.
* Thesian follows Bulix.
---Some people wave to you. A man speaks. "Hey, heros! We don't have
to give this stuff away anymore, so we put up some shops last night!
Pretty clever, huh? Now we can keep our own silver!" There appear
to be a few merchant stalls across the path from Ilsi's house.---
* ~Eomar runs over to see the wares..
Iceberg: "No... no... now we have to discuss about equipment!! Let's
go quick!"
* Miko and Ebony and Davis walk across the street to a merchant stall.
* Ebony wonders if they have a starlight store...
* Thesian eyes the stalls appreciatively.
* Bulix glances at the stalls with mild interest.
---There are two merchant stalls in sight. One sports some crude copper
items. The other appears to be a clothing store. There is also a
stall in town square. The owner of the copper stall calls you. "Over
here, outsiders! Look at my stuff!"---
* ~Eomar glances at the copperman then goes over to the clothing stall.
* Davis checks out the stuff at the copper stall.
* Miko walks over to where the copper items are being sold. She picks
one item up and begins looking at it. Miko says to the copper
merchant as she handles the trinket, "This is beautiful. Did you
make this? Can I have one?"
* Ebony glances over the stuff, nothing really interesting him.
* Iceberg is looking for an Ice Staff... but no luck...
* ~Eomar feels like he's at a flea market.
---The owner offers this list:---
Dagger 3s.
Short Saber 3s.
Copper Cane 5s.
Short Sword 10s.
Sling 10s.
Copper Axe 10s.
Copper Knuckle 10s.
Hunting Bow 15s.
---The group carries 98 silver.---
* Ebony notes there's not a thing for him.
* Thesian looks through the goods, but decides he is better off with
the stuff he has already. Thesian is not going to buy anything
here. "Anybody else? Don't be shy."
* Iceberg is served with his frost cane and robe...
Ebony: "Look at that one in the middle of the town Miko, I wonder
what they sell..."
* Miko looks at Ebony. "Ebony, can I just take this? The man is
ignoring me..."
Ebony: "You have to pay, Miko."
Miko: "Ebony... Pay?"
Ebony: "Those little silver coin thingies we've been getting...
We give a certain amount to him for a certain item."
Merchant: "Yes, I prefer all payment in silver... So, what will
it be?"
* Miko looks confused, but nods to Ebony. "Okay... I guess I
understand..."
* Davis checks out the Short Sword. "Looks better than this," as
he looks down at his sheathed dagger.
* Bulix looks at the copper knuckle with interest..
Ebony: "You punch people don't you Bulix? Why don't you get that
thing?"
* Bulix shrugs. "I dunno, Ebony... Maybe I should."
* ~Eomar chuckles.
---The merchant appears to be getting a zealous grin at
seeing so many wealthy outsiders.---
* ~Eomar thinks about just slicing the guys head off with one of
those nice copper swords..
---The merchant becomes wary of Eomar...---
* ~Eomar isn't going to do anything drastic...
* Davis talks to the merchant. "I would like to buy this sword,"
pointing at the Short Sword.
---The merchant hands a short sword to Davis. "Quite a beauty she is!
10 Silver please!"
* Davis purchases the sword.
* Miko wanders over to look at the clothing.
* Ebony is on Miko's shoulder, therefore is going to look at
clothing, too.
* Thesian follows Miko and Ebony.
* Iceberg goes to see some magic items, perhaps from the mine... "I
just want a dagger to hide it on my sleeve as any good
wizard... How much is a dagger?"
Thesian: Iceberg, it's only 3s. Go ahead!
Iceberg: "Well, copper dealer, gimme that dagger... I'll convert it
in an ice dagger, of course..."
Ebony: "What is it with you and ice, pointy ears?"
---The clothing store seems to specialize in heavy adventuring gear.
These items are offered:---
Heavy Clothes 1s.
Hardleather Vest 10s.
Hyena Wrap 10s.
Hardleather Armor 15s.
Headband 5s.
Leather Armbrace 10s.
Leather Buckler 15s.
---The group has 88 silver.---
* Thesian looks at the Hardleather Vest with interest.
Clothier: "All items top quality! Satisfaction guaranteed! If
you're not satisfied within 30 days, we'll apologize!"
Thesian: "I'd like to buy that Hardleather Vest, please."
---The man takes down a Hardleather Vest for Thesian.---
* Thesian hands over the cash and looks at the Heavy Clothes he was
wearing. "I don't suppose I could get any silver for these..."
Ebony: "Well, since he's selling them for 1s, maybe you can get
a half."
---The clothier turns to Thesian: "Sorry, my friend. I'm overstocked
as it is."---
* Thesian decides to advertise for the proprietor. "Buy! Buy! Buy!
I invested in a vest, and just look where I am now!!"
---The clothier pats Thesian on the back. "You've got a golden
voice, my boy!"---
* Bulix calls over from the copper shop. "Anyone mind if I buy this
knuckle thing?"
Thesian: "Bulix, just go ahead. Everybody, go ahead and buy!"
---The copper dealer seems excited: "All items top quality!
Pure grade A copper right here!"---
* Bulix turns to the deal. "The knuckle, please."
---Bulix obtains a Copper Knuckle.---
* Bulix looks down at his old leather glove and idly wonders if he
could sell it.
Thesian: "Hey, is anyone else gonna spend some silver or what?"
* Thesian loves money...if no one spends it, he will!
* Bulix walks over and joins the rest of the group at the cloth place..
* Thesian spots a leather armband and looks over it with interest.
Clothier: "Ah yes! This sturdy armband can block attacks well, so
you can survive those fights with your wife! Ha ha ha..."
Thesian: "Not to mention that cat..."
* Thesian wonders if anyone would miss the 10s this armband would
cost..."
Ebony: "Just buy it. Dern it, Thesian."
Thesian: "I'll take this armband, too, please."
---Thesian buys a Leather Armband.---
* Miko looks at the Hyena Wrap and wonders what it is...
* Ebony decides to be difficult. "What, not a single collar?!? You're
missing out on the whole flying cat section of customers!"
* Miko giggles at Ebony and asks the clothier about the hyena wrap.
"What is this?"
Clothier: "That is a special costume made of hyena hide! It features
excellent flexiblity!"
Iceberg: "Has the Hyena Wrap any hidden power to make enemies laugh?"
* Miko says to Ebony, "Ebony, do you have any of those 'silver
coin thingies'... All I have is that rock you asked me to hold."
Ebony: "I'm not carrying them. Someone else is."
* Miko looks for Davis... "Davis! Do you have any 'silver coin
thingies?'"
Davis: "Miko, yeah. Hold on a sec..."
* Davis asks Eomar who has the money.
~Eomar: Look, uh.. I'm just going to go for a walk for a while..
To think about things..
* ~Eomar goes walking off on a trail into the nearby woods..
* Miko wants a Hyena Wrap. She thinks it's far more interesting than
what she is wearing now. "Davis, please give him silver so he'll
give me this.. Please?"
---You notice a crowd of people moving toward town square...---
* Ebony wants to see what they are selling in the town square.
* Miko looks impatient. She looks back and forth from Ebony to
Davis...
---You hear excited 'Ooos' and 'Ahhhs' from town square.---
Ebony: "Miko, hurry up! I wanna go see that stall!"
Miko: "Ebony, I'm trying to hurry! Davis is still looking for his
silver coin things..."
* Davis realizes that he already had some. "Doh."
* Davis asks Miko how much the merchant is asking and pays him
10 silver for the Wrap.
* Miko is excited and waits for the merchant to hand her the wrap.
"Thank you, Davis!"
Ebony: "Miko, put it on!"
Miko: "Ebony, here? Everyone will see!"
* Miko walks back to Ilsi's house to put on her wrap in private...
* Sicko in the crowd whistles. "Hey Lady, can I watch you put that on?"
* Miko peeks out of Ilsi's window to make sure no one is watching...
* Sicko looks through the window after Miko puts her head back down.
* Davis quard the door so no one other that Ilsi comes in. Davis
doesn't look either.
Sicko:
* Ebony flutters into the Sicko's view. "Hey Buddy, give her some
privacy!"
* Sicko runs away from the flying demonic feline.
* Ebony flies up a few feet, trying to see into the town square.
---At town square, there appears to be a large stall surrounding a
hole in the ground. People lavishly swallow jugs full of crystal,
clear water. You hear a loud voice. "Fresh water! Get your fresh
spring water here! No more bandits! No more Forbalus! This water
is MINE! Hee hee..."
* Ebony looks down at the gang. "It looks like they are selling water.
Why don't you go and see?"
* ~Eomar comes out of the woods. "Hey, I... uh.. thought about stuff."
* Miko is now dressed and runs back out into the street. "Hi, Davis!
Do you like it?"
* Davis checks out the wrap on Miko. "Miko, it looks great!"
* Ebony lands on Miko's shoulder. "I like it Miko!"
* Ebony looks at Davis. "Your mouth is hanging open."
Davis: "Ebony, No it's not. Is it?"
~Eomar: "Hey Miko, nice wrap.."
* ~Eomar gives her a thumbs-up sign and winks.
Miko: "Thanks, Eomar!"
* Sicko looks at Miko and wonders how quickly she could take off the
wrap.
* Bulix offers to take the Sicko's head and turn it into a frisbee
for Miko...
Davis: "Ebony, it looks good on her... from what I heard."
---Miko appears in a scraggly hide, wrapped loosely around her body.
It looks like a combination of ridiculous and exotic.---
* Miko smiles at Ebony and Davis and walks over to the man with the
water.*
---The man in town square is attracting quite a crowd for such an
early hour. He is passing out small jugs of clear water,
apparently for 5 silver a piece.---
Ebony: "Water is really that hard to get here that it has to be
sold?"
Anti-Profit Fanatic: "No, you silly cat! That man just want to
make a lot of money!"
* Iceberg feels some healing power in the water. "Let's buy some."
---People madly spill silver all over the man's table to
get water... Some people appear as though they haven't had a drink
in weeks.---
Ebony: "That's sad."
Man: "Alright! Alright! Who wants this crisp, clean refreshing spring
water?!"
* Iceberg wants to buy some water for the long way it waits...
* Thesian saunters over toward the man selling the water.
* Miko leaves the spring water and looks about for something
interesting... She begins looking for more people with animal
features like Ilsi...
---All of the people in this village appear to have animal-like
features.---
Ebony: "Where you going, Miko?"
Miko: "Ebony, I'm bored..."
Ebony: "It's kind of a nice chance of pace."
Man: "Last chance for some water! Who wants some?!"
---The chief approaches your group.---
Iceberg: "Well, at least a wise man in a nuts town."
~Eomar: "Whaddya want, buddy?"
Ebony: "Look Miko, it's the Chief with the bad interior decorator."
* Miko goes over to the chief, who is always so nice to her.
Chief: "Ah! Up so early? Have you had a chance to look around? Now that
Forbalus is no more, this village can finally afford to descend into
the black pits of greed and capitalism! Isn't it great?!"
Miko: "It's wonderful. Everyone seems so happy now."
* ~Eomar cheers.
* Thesian snickers at the black humor.
Anti-Profit Fanatic: "Greed and capitalism will be your downfall!"
Iceberg: "Goddess is a capitalist."
Ebony: "Hey, shouldn't we be getting to that tower?"
* Ebony really doesn't want to hang around here..
Chief: "Ah, yes little one. You still have quite a bit of time
before the sun reaches zenith, so you should be able to make it.
Once you finish up here, you better get a move on!"
Davis: "Ebony, ummm, could you remind me of what tower?"
Miko: "Ebony, yes. So much has happened, that I don't even
remember why we were supposed to go to the tower..."
Ebony: "So we can get back to OUR place. The tower is our only
way to get out of the frontier!
Davis: "Ebony, Oh yeah. I think that would be a very good idea."
Ebony: "A few battles and you all forget everything!"
* Iceberg wants to 'net'scape from the frontier as quick as we can...
---The man selling water appears to be making preparations to close
down shop.
* Thesian catches the man's attention. "Hey, how much is that water?"
Eomar: "5s!"
* Thesian thinks to himself, "We could use some of that..." Thesian
digs around in his pocket for 5s.
Iceberg: "Thes, buy two! They will be useful!"
Chief: "I see you've seen the spring. We had to hide it from
Forbalus. If he knew of it, he would just steal that from us too."
* Thesian shrugs. "Sure, I'll take one."
* Davis buys a Hardleather Vest from the clothier and tries to sell
his heavy clothes...
---Thesian buys Spring Water. Davis buys a Hardleather vest.---
Chief: "Well, are you all set? I want to thank you deeply for
everything you've done here."
* Miko says to the Chief. "It was the least we could do.
You saved our lives, after all."
Iceberg: "And the villagers weren't sure of our victory..."
* Thesian looks at the water he bought.
Ebony: "Letsgoletsgoletsgoletsgo!!!!!"
---The chief moves toward Miko.---
* Ebony pauses as the Chief moves towards Miko and he.
Chief: "And I want to especially wish you luck, dear. It was you that
let us out of this dark time. I see that now. I want to give you
something."
---The Chief takes out a crude tan stone, strung inside some
green yarn.---
Ebony: "Another rock for you to hold, Miko."
Chief: "This is a Hope Stone. Keep it always, believe in your
friends, and it will keep you out of danger."
Iceberg: "In the Darkest hour, Hope springs Eternal."
* Miko looks at the stone. "I.. I'm flattered. Thank you. I don't
know what to say..."
* Ebony whispers to Miko. "Try 'thank you'."
---The Hope Stone fills you all with a sense of well... hope. As you
all look at each other, you realize that you may have a chance at
getting home. The hope stone inspires you all to work together.
The group has gained the ability to peform team skills!---
Iceberg: "We are now a REAL party..."
* Thesian looks around at his comrades.
* Ebony sniffs. "I love you guys!" (he he)
* Miko thanks the Chief and smiles. She feels hope again for the
first time since her arrival... "Ebony... I think you're right.
We *are* going to go home."
* Thesian feels a new awareness of himself and his new friends.
---The Chief wishes you all hope as a tear comes to his eye.---
* Iceberg pointing to the wise man, "Don't cry venerable man.
You are free now!"
* Miko turns away so that nobody can see her getting all sentimental
over the Chief's tear...
* Ebony sees Miko getting all sentimental, but doesn't say anything.
Ebony pretends to look somewhere else.
Chief: "Ah... you're a bunch of good kids. You better get a move on.
The sun is rising!"
---You all see a sliver of sunlight peek over the horizon.---
* Davis gets going and encourages everyone else to as well.
* Miko looks to wave goodbye to Ilsi...
---The procession around the spring stops to give you all a solemn
farewell. Lou gets his things together and joins the group.---
Davis: "I will be a front man."
* Miko is enthusiastic, so she will travel in the front of the group
with Davis unless someone pushes her out of the way...
* Ebony feels a pang of worry for Miko "Ok. Ok. Front."
Iceberg: "Ebony, you can be on my shoulder if you want..."
Ebony: "Sorry, Iceberg. I just can't stay away from Miko...
Specially with her new duds!"
* Miko says to Ebony, "Ebony, don't worry about us being in front.
If something goes wrong like before and you get hurt, I'll just
make you better again. It worked last time..."
Ebony: "I somehow feel as if my collar will protect me, Miko."
Bulix: "Well, I think I'll.. Hmm.. Tough choice.. Back? Front? Back?
Hmm.. I think I'll go with the front."
* Thesian will take the front row.
Iceberg: "Back as always..."
* Davis notices almost all the people are in the front.
---The stone arch leading to the mountain pass beckons... The path
leads high up into the hills outside Marke... You can all see the
path stretch high up, it's quite an incline.---
Iceberg: "We're young and healthy, no problem with the incline..."
* Ebony flutters a little ahead. "Onward!"
* Thesian looks at Bulix. "Lead the way, Arnold."
Bulix: "What? Arnold? Where?"
---The sky seems empty and the path seems rocky and barren. Before long,
the group is high enough to see all of Marke from above. The climb
is somewhat grueling, though.---
* Ebony isn't being grueled. Ebony thinks wings are great.
* Miko studies the barren environment closely... She has never seen
anything like this before...
~Lou: Wow.
Iceberg: "Marke, nice to have meet you. We'll return someday... With
Althena's light..."
---The path reaches a small summit. Over the summit, you can see
endless expanses of moutain and sand. It appears to go on
forever... it's very beautiful in a desolate way.---
Ebony: "This is depressing."
~Lou: "Ebony, you get a free ride."
Bulix: "This place sure is alive..."
* Miko sits down and rests at the summit, taking in the scenery.
---The frontier is laid out before you. It's a huge region, devoid
of life and light.---
* Iceberg is sad thinking in the black dragon firing all this
beautifuliness...
* Thesian gazes across the landscape. Somehow, he feels right at
home...
---The path continues across at a slight decline. You can see that
it reaches another small summit in about 1000 yards. The path
appears covered with small rocks and sand.---
* Ebony is still flying slightly ahead of the group.
* Miko stands up and heads toward the second summit.
---The group nears the second summit. You can hear faint, low
grumbling noises.---
~Lou: "Ahhhh... What's that?"
Ebony: "Uh oh, noises..."
* Miko strains to hear better... She looks about carefully...
* Bulix tightens his hands into fists. "What's..?"
* Davis wonders what the noise is. "Must not be friendly, though."
* Thesian sneezes suddenly.
---The noises appear to be grumbling voices...---
* Ebony goes back to Miko.
* ~Lou draws his sword.
* Davis pulls out his new sword he bought.
Iceberg: "My seventh sense fears for the danger of enemies..."
--- As the group approaches the summit, they see a gang of
black-skinned monstrous soldiers surrounding what appears to be a
pile of meat and other food. The creatures rip at the bones and
meat zealously.---
Ebony: "Someone hasn't heard of table manners."
~Lou: "Should we attack?"
* Thesian sneezes again.
Bulix: "How many are there?"
~Lou: "Maybe we should go around?"
---Their little picnic is right in the middle of the wary path.
There are four soldiers with small copper axes and three soldiers
with hunting bows The group is about 200 yards away.---
* Thesian thinks he could sneak up on them. "Provided...that...I stop sneezing...soon...WaaCHOOO!"
Davis: "Well, should we either wait it out, or do what Thesian says?"
Iceberg: "If we attack him, before long range spells and then the
battle..."
Ebony: "You all think too much."
* Miko tries to be quiet and unobtrusive until the others make a
decision... She attempts to remain hidden...
* ~Lou moves forward.
Ebony: "Maybe they aren't mean...?"
Bulix: "Great.. Why don't we just.. talk to them, or beat the snot
out of them?"
* ~Lou moves closer. "Come on, guys."
Iceberg: "Maybe they're friendly..."
* Ebony takes matters into his own hands. "HEY YOU GUYS, WHAT'S UP?"
---One of the grunts looks up at the group. "Urnnghhoo?" The grunt
points at the group. His friends seem confused. He points at the
meat, then points at the group. Now they understand.---
Soldiers: "Grooo!"
Thesian: "Uh oh. Looks like GQ man and his friends are hungry!"
* Davis wonders if they wonder what we taste like...
* Thesian steps into a fighting stance.
* Bulix falls into stride with Lou.
Iceberg: "Frost Dagger!!!!"
* ~Lou runs into combat. "Aaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"
---The soldiers all stand and march toward the group.------
Ebony: "Oh great. Vile Grunts and Vile Archers. Watch yourselves."
-------------------COMBAT--------------------
Ebony charges into the fray, slashing and scratching.
3 damage. Second attack.. 5 damage.
Bulix charges the Vile Grunts, punching.
Critical Hit! 38 damage. Vile Grunt A is defeated.
2nd attack... Critical Hit! 44 damage.
Vile Grunt B is defeated.
3rd attack... 28 damage.
~Lou: "Wow!..."
* Davis watches them all fall.
* Miko pauses to stare in amazement at Bulix!
* Thesian marvels at Bulix's brute strength.
Iceberg: "Bulix three birds in a shoot!!!"
Ebony: "Told you to buy that thing!"
* Bulix thanks everyone kindly..
Thesian ducks under Vile Grunt C's axe,
then knocks it out of his hands with an elbow smash.
Vile Grunt C's attack power is reduced by 30.
Davis slashes with his sword...
Vile Grunt D suffers 15 damage.
Vile Grunt C, frustrated, punches Thesian.
Thesian's armband blocked the attack.
Vile Grunt D hacks at Davis. Davis suffers 14 damage.
Vile Archer A fires at Ebony... Ebony suffers 3 damage.
Vile Archer B fires at Miko... Miko suffers 7 damage.
Ebony: "Argh!"
Vile Archer C fires at Bulix... Bulix suffers 2 damage.
Lou dashes at the enemies, and disappears with supersonic
speed. He reappears and cuts Vile Grunt C. 14 damage.
Defeated!
~Lou: "Yeah!"
Thesian: "Nice work, Lou."
* Bulix watches what Lou just did with mild shock. "How..? Whoa."
Miko bites her lower lip, then puts her fears aside and slashes
outward.. She just barely nicks, 9 damage.
Iceberg closes his eyes and taps his cane on the ground.
Iceberg: "~Hielo ast Fryo Zratohs~"
A shaft of ice falls from the sky and pins Vile Grunt D.
31 damage. Vile Grunt D is defeated!
The front row is defeated.
The enemy back row becomes the front row.
Ebony raises his paw to the sky, then lunges at Vile Archer A
with a vicious claw attack... 22 damage.
* Thesian stares in awe at the ferocity of Ebony's attack.
Davis: "That had to hurt."
~Lou: "The cat has claws!"
* Bulix wows. "Ebony can sure whack those things.."
* Ebony grumbles because he didn't kill him.
Bulix runs after the archers, punching wildly. 18 damage.
Vile Archer A is defeated! 2nd attack... Critical Hit!
44 damage. Vile Archer B is defeated. 3rd attack... 18 damage.
* Thesian cheers on Bulix.
Vile Archer C fires at Iceberg... The arrow misses.
Thesian swipes at the final foe with his saber...
12 damage. The Archer is defeated! Victory!
Each player present earns 4 XP. The party earns 21 silver,
for a total of 44, and 105 MEXP, for a total of 115.
* Miko rushes over to Davis, favoring her wounded leg... "Davis, are
you all right? How badly are you hurt?"
Davis: "Miko, not real bad."
* Davis "Oofs" as he moves. "Miko, it wasn't that bad, but it didn't
exactly feel good either."
* Ebony flutters over to Miko, ignoring his scratched wing. "Miko,
you're hurt... You too, Davis."
Miko: "Thanks, but I'm okay, Ebony... It just hurts... a lot."
Ebony: "Heal it, Miko."
* Miko shakes her head at Ebony. "Davis is hurt worse than I am.
I want to save it for him."
Ebony: "Davis can heal himself."
* Davis starts to look after his injuries and begins casting a spell.
---Davis holds his hand to his chest and his body glows a pale
blue... Davis recovers 8 HP. The black bloodied corpses loom
before you. Their picnic really reeks... The path continues on
into the distance... The rocky path goes at a slight downward
angle..."---
* Ebony flies next to Miko, looking worried. "See? Davis healed
himself."
* Miko shakes her head at Ebony and smiles. "Ebony, don't worry.
I'm fine."
Ebony: "I HAVE to worry. I care."
Iceberg: "Let's going!"
Thesian: "Okay, then. Let's get going."
* Davis gets going.
Ebony: "So let's get rolling, rolling, rolling!"*
~Lou starts walking.
* Bulix heads to.. wherever.. On the other hand, follows Lou.
* Iceberg goes where all people goes... "Where is that Spire?"
---The path continues, rolling up and down as it goes. The magestic
scenery continues, but with it a realization that this land is
completely empty. The mountain path then takes a very steep
incline. You cannot see past it.---
~Lou: "Left!... Left!... Left! Right! Left!"
* Thesian carefully picks his way across the path.
---The incline gets progressively more steep... It appears difficult
to make it on foot. You may have to climb...---
* Davis assists Miko up the incline.
Miko: "Thanks, Davis."
Davis: "Miko, you're welcome."
Iceberg: "Bulix, help a little to climb... please..."
Davis: "Doesn't anyone have a rope?"
* ~Lou sheaths his sword and wraps his hands in a bit of loose cloth.
---The stone is rough, and the climbing in the growing heat is
difficult. Once you pull yourselves over the summit, an awesome
sight meets your eyes. In the mountains, there is an enormous
valley. The valley stretches for hundreds of yards across...---
~Lou: "Oh!..."
Iceberg: "Who would know that a valley would be here..."
* Thesian pulls himself up, then stares out across the valley.
* Miko sits down again on top of the summit. She looks across the
valley.
* Davis keeps an eye on Miko to make sure she doesn't slip or
anything.
* Ebony stays near Miko, looking worried.
---The valley appears very unnatural. The sides are perfectly vertical,
and the floor of the valley is covered with deep, regular ridges.
The ridges on the valley bottom are very strange and in a perfect
pattern. The perfect vertical sides of the valley appear very
strange too. The ridges also form a path that extends into the
plains beyond the valley. It's as if a perfect square chunk of
mountain is missing...---
* Bulix looks down into the valley. "Whoa.."
* Thesian suddenly feels a small shiver run down his back.
* Miko says to Davis, "Davis, that valley doesn't look natural...
What would make it look like that? Have you ever seen anything
like this before?"
* Davis replies to Miko, "No, I haven't. It seems a little too weird."
~Lou: "It isn't a valley..."
* Davis wonders what it is.
* Ebony looks around. "This is weird."
* Davis is worried.
Thesian: "This place...it's almost as if something...well, plowed
its way through here."
Ebony: "Plowed? Didn't the chief talk about the Magic Emperor's
machine going by here?"
Iceberg: "Well, damn grindery! Let's go down quick..."
Bulix: "How are we supposed to get down, exactly?"
~Lou: "That's what I want to know."
Ebony: "Well, sitting and staring isn't going to accomplish anything."
* ~Lou looks for a way to climb down.
Ebony: "There's a path right there. Let's use it."
* Bulix looks for what Ebony is talking about.
~Lou: "Ebony, why don't you just fly?"
Ebony: "Because then I would leave all of you behind."
---The valley descends sharply below you. You stand high atop the
mountain, it's a good half-mile drop. About 100 yards to your
right, you notice a large wooden post. The drop-off is a sheer
vertical drop. The post is stuck into a softer clump of earth.---
* ~Lou goes to the post.
* Thesian spots the post and heads toward it.
* Miko sighs heavily, stands up, and walks over to the post...
* Ebony lands on the post.
* ~Lou pulls on the post.
---From the post you can see a thick sturdy rope that is tied securely
to the post and extends horizontally off into the distance. The
rope is about 2 inches thick. It extends beyond your sight, but
seems to go in the direction of the other side. A deep emptiness
fills your stomach as you gape into the deep, deep chasm.---
Ebony: "A rope huh? Have fun guys."
* Davis is tempted to smack Ebony, until he notices Ebony already
flying to the other side.
* Thesian eyes the rope. "It looks sturdy enough."
Bulix: "Well, what do we do? hand over hand?"
Thesian: "We should probably cross one at a time."
Davis: "Thesian, yeah. These ropes aren't really known for their
sturdiness."
* Bulix nods to Thesian. "Who knows how many of us it can hold at
once?"
Ebony: "It's a big rope. It can hold you."
* Davis attemps to instruct Miko on how to cross.
Ebony: "Miko, can you do this okay"
Miko: "Ebony, I think I have to."
Ebony: "I'll um... fly across with Miko."
Davis: "Ebony, I was just about to suggest that."
---The rope appears very thick and sturdy. You imagine the Marke
explorers probably used it.---
* ~Lou ties the cloth around his hands again and starts to climb down
the rope. "Let's go..." Lou is on his way across the rope.
* Thesian waits for Lou to finish crossing.
~Lou "Wooooaaah!" Lou keeps going.
Thesian: "Lou? How far is the other side?"
~Lou: "Eeeeeechooooo...? Ahhhh... Far."
Ebony: "You're thinking too much again! See, the 'Wagonmaster" has
the right idea. Let's get moving. It's starting to get hot. You
know what happens if we are in the opening when the sun's high..."
Davis: "Ebony, yeah, all nice and really toasty."
* Miko follows Davis' instructions and climbs onto the rope.
~Lou: "Hey, stop shaking it!"
* Ebony is flying near Miko.
---The people who are crossing eventually reach the middle of the rope.
It sags downward a bit, but appears to be able to hold enough
weight.---
* Bulix hasn't gotten on it yet..
* Iceberg is still on the other side, praying for the rope not to
break... "When the first one arrive, I'll climb too..."
* Bulix turns to Iceberg. "Can you do this okay?"
Iceberg: "Well, I haven't worked in the circ... but I'll try..."
* Miko is hanging securely from the the rope. She crosses steadily,
looking occasionally up at Ebony.
* Ebony doesn't distract Miko by talking to her, just keeps an
eye on her.
* ~Lou keeps going.
---The rope appears to slant upwards once you pass the halfway
point.---
* Miko picks up speed, anxious to cross and see what awaits.
* Ebony looks a little anxious. "I... hear something..."
Miko: "Ebony, you do? What do you hear? More creatures?"
Ebony: "Something's coming... Miko, hurry!"
---All of a sudden, a gang of large birds flood into the area! The
birds caw madly as they flutter around the group! They are very
strange birds, with red bald heads and large, sharp beaks! They
make small dives, pecking at various people!---
~Lou: "Aaaaah! Get away!"
* Ebony bats birds away from Miko. "Get away!"
* Miko grabs onto the rope with both arms and legs and hides her
face and eyes from the mad onslaught.
* ~Lou keeps moving!
* Ebony flies around Miko, hissing and batting at birds. "Miko,
keep going!"
* Miko keeps going at Ebony's request, much more quickly now.
~Lou: "Heeeeeeelp! I don't wanna fall!"
* Thesian looks around. "Can't we help them somehow?"
--------------COMBAT-----------------
(Only people with 17+ dexterity or wings may fight.
Others must grit their teeth and hold on.)
* ~Lou grits his teeth and holds on.
* Miko hangs on tightly and concentrates...
Ebony: "Only 3 Frontier Vultures? I'm not letting you get Miko!"
* Miko doesn't respond to Ebony... She's concentrating...
* Davis wonders if he can get a good look at the vultures.
* Bulix looks out across the rope at the battle. "Good luck, Ebony..."
Ebony spits a loogie at Vulture A! 7 damage.
Vulture A is blind.
Vulture A dives at Thesian!
Thesian is gored for 12 damage... ... ...
And maintains his hold.
Vulture B dives at Ebony!
Ebony swiftly sidesteps the attack.
Ebony: "I'll show you buzzards who's the boss in the air!"
* Thesian gives the vultures his most intimidating glare...Well, considering he is
praying for his life right now!
* Iceberg keeps praying to Althena... "Give us a web in the bottom
of the valley...!"
Vulture C dives at Lou!
Lou is poked for 11 damage.
Miko concentrates... Her form appears to shimmer and fade...
~Lou: "Don't leave meeeeeeeee!"
Ebony: "Time to use my gift from the dragon!"
Ebony covers his eyes with his paws and mutters some arcane
mewlings...
A collection of stone is gathered from a nearby cliff face
and falls on Vulture B... 11 damage.
Vulture B is killed and spirals downward,
IMPALEd by the shaft of stone...
* Ebony is quite miffed. "Okay, who's next!"
Vulture A attempts to charge Ebony...
In his blind state, he charges in the opposite direction!
Vulture C charges Miko!
The Vulture swipes by her body, barely missing.
* Ebony growls at this attack on Miko.
Ebony flies at Vulture C and attempts to tackle him in a
midair dogfight... 6 damage
2nd attack... 4 damage. Vulture C is killed!
Victory! Ebony earns 6 XP! The group gains 9 silver,
for a total of 53, and 45 MEXP, for a total of 61.
---The Vultures' bodies plummet downwards... Vulture A is violently
stabbing a rockface with his bloodied beak...---
Vulture A: "Geez.. They sure make flying kitties rock hard nowadays..."
* Ebony kicked bird butt without a scratch to himself and is quit
proud of himself.
* Iceberg catches a feather from Ebony's body... A vulture's feather,
of course...
* Miko hopes Ebony is okay... Her eyes are still closed...
* Ebony turns and flies back to Miko. "Miko... Miko!"
* Miko says to Ebony, "Ebony... Is it over?"
Ebony: "It's okay. We won."
* ~Lou keeps moving.
Iceberg: "Should we cross now?"
* Bulix shrugs to Iceberg. "I suppose so.. Let's start, anyway."
* Davis thinks Iceberg's idea is good and forrlows Iceberg's lead.
* Bulix grabs onto the rope, and starts across.
* Thesian follows, hand over hand.
Ebony: "It's over."
---The group proceeds along the rope... The rope's angle heightens
as it approaches the opposite side...---
* ~Lou scurries up the rest of the rope.
* Bulix tries to hurry across the blasted rope.
* Miko continues along until she reaches the other side.
* Ebony lands on Miko's shoulder as she reaches the other side,
smiling.
* Thesian finally reaches the other side.
* Bulix makes it to the land on the other side.. Whee.
Iceberg: "I feel proud of being all in the other side... We really
work well together..."
~Lou: "Terra firma..."
Iceberg: "Tierra firme al fin."
* ~Lou looks around.
---Another curious sight greets the group as they meet the other side.
About 100 yards from the end of the rope, you see a large screen,
or panel of glass embedded in a rock face. You see a tall blue
stone structure. It raises about 50 yards into the sky. Assuming
you're on top of a mountain, you assume this is the top of a
large tower. The tower appears embedded in solid rock, probably
jostled by the recent mountain acitivity.---
* Thesian pulls himself to his feet. "Finally! We've reached the
spire."
* ~Lou walks toward the structure.
Ebony: "We've reached the tower!"
* Ebony looks around for a nice HP/MP filling statue of Althena...
* Thesian is painfully reminded of the wound in his side and winces
a little.
* Miko was about to sit down again, but now runs over to the blue
stone structure. She touches the glass wall. "Davis, look at that.
Have you ever seen blue rock before?"
Iceberg: "Blue? I like blue!"
* Davis says to Miko, looking at the wall, "No I haven't. There seems
to be a lot of stuff I've never seen before here."
Ebony: "It's pretty, don't you think, Miko?"
Miko: "Ebony, it's amazing!"
* Thesian wanders over to Miko and Davis. "This scratch...Would you
mind healing it, if it's not too much trouble?"
Miko: "Thesian, I'm sorry. I didn't know you were hurt."
Thesian: "It's all right, Miko. One of those birds gouged me pretty
well, though."
---Miko casts Heal Litany level 2 on Thesian... Thesian recovers
8 HP.---
* Thesian sighs. "Ahh, thank you, Miko. That feels much better."
Miko: "You're welcome, Thesian. Next time, say something sooner."
---The large glass wall is before you... Through it you can see walls
of beautiful blue marble. There are statues and vases... It's a
very elegant place. It's hard to imagine an ancient ruin being so
regal...---
Bulix looks at the wall. "How do we get in? just knock a hole in
the glass?"
* Davis thinks that for Bulix, knocking a hole in a glass wall is
pretty easy.
---Bulix yelps as his ankle is thrust into pain as he kicks the
wall... The glass appears very hard, and strangely
unscratched... The mountain seals the path leading around the
tower. The tower domes over at the top. This glass wall is the
only way you're getting in. It's a window that composes the
entire wall of this level of the tower...---
* Ebony flutters over and places a paw on the glass. "I think
it's magic."
Iceberg: "An antimatter spell could help? Are you with me, Ebony?"
Ebony: "It wouldn't be right to destroy this. Maybe that Diamond we
picked up? Or that Hope Rock? Those are magic, too."
Iceberg: "Yeah, I forgot.."
* Ebony decides the direct approach. "Um... Can we please be let in?"
* Miko walks around the front of the tower, looking up and down
in amazement...
* Thesian taps the glass thoughtfully, and looks for a way in.
Iceberg: "Should we look for a door?"
* Davis looks for a way in.
* ~Lou looks through the glass for a way in, and winces as he bumps
the bite in his side. Lou sits on the ground, holding his side.
"Could somebody fix this hole in my side?... It really hurts."
Iceberg: "Someone help Lou, quick!"
* ~Lou is sitting on the ground clutching his side.
* Davis goes ahead and tends to Lou's hole.
---Davis casts Heal Litany level 2 on Lou... Lou recovers 9 HP.---
* ~Lou gets up. "Thanks, Davis."
* Davis, after tending to Lou, tries to cut a square hole in the
glass wall.
Ebony: "Hey, a sword isn't going to do anything!"
Davis: "Miko, you still have that diamond?"
* Miko looks for Ebony's rock. "Davis, this one?"
Davis: "Miko, yeah."
Ebony: "Ohhh, the diamond... Sure, try that."
* Miko hands Davis Ebony's rock.
---The diamond makes deep scratches in the glass, but is too rounded
to cut through it. The diamond appears to be made of the right
stuff, but is just a round stone. It doesn't have a cutting
edge.---
~Lou: "Can we get the diamond cut?"
Ebony: "I don't think there's any gem cutters around... and it's
still getting hotter."
Bulix: "Maybe we could smash the diamond through it?"
~Lou: "Bulix, I like the way you think."
Ebony: "The diamond was supposed to activate the telepad. I guess
it won't help with the door..."
* ~Lou looks for a hole in the wall. "Maybe it fits in a hole
someplace."
Bulix: "I still say we try to smash the diamond through the window."
* Davis highly does not recommend that. "Usually those will fit
through something."
* Thesian watches the proceedings with interest.
* Ebony is hot. Having fur isn't all it's cracked up to be.
* ~Lou kicks the ground.
Ebony: "Hey!"
* Ebony looks at the neat (black rock) claws he picked up in the
dragon's cave.
~Lou: "Ebony, try those!"
* Ebony scratches at the window with a claw.
---Ebony's talons slice a nice section out of the glass easily.
There is a nice, cat-sized hole in the window now.---
Iceberg: "Well, now the man sized..."
* Ebony flies through. "Look!"
* Bulix looks at the hole doubtfully. "I don't think.."
~Lou: "Make a bigger hole! I can't even fit in there."
* Davis says, "Oh well," and tries to cut it with his dagger to
give it somewhat of an edge.
---Davis' dagger is dulled as it scrapes off onto the glass.---
Ebony: "Oh... You all need a bigger hole, huh?"
* Ebony starts at the ground and flies up, cutting a bigger hole.
---The group wonders if Ebony is feeling nice...---
* Ebony does a U and reaches the ground again.
---There is now a large, clean hole in the window.---
* Thesian climbs in.
* Miko goes inside.
* ~Lou goes through the hole. "Thanks, pal."
* Bulix follows everyone in.
Davis: "I hope it's not hotter in there."
---The tower is stunning. This particular level appears to be in a
ring shape. There are elegant marble pillars and statues. There
are a set of stairs leading down, but it is completely caved in by
a rockslide. There is a hallway leading to the left...---
* Ebony says quietly, "Wow..."
Iceberg: "Sounds greenhouse to me so much glass..."
* ~Lou looks around for stairs.
Iceberg: "Looking for some statue..."
~Lou: "What about a statue?"
---The statues appear to be of a vague female figure holding an
orb...---
* Miko studies the statues inside. "I wonder who this is supposed
to be..."
Ebony: "Althena?"
* Iceberg continues amazed about the beautiful Statues...
Ebony: "Well, let's go look for that telepad!"
* ~Lou goes in the hallway.
* Miko wanders over toward the hallway.
* Ebony hurries after Miko. "Hey, wait up!"
* Thesian follows the party
---The hallway leads around in a loop and ends at the center of
this floor. There is a marble stairway leading up through a
tunnel....---
* ~Lou goes up!
* Miko reaches the top of the stairs and looks into the room.
Iceberg: "What is here?"
---The room at the top of the stairs is even more strange... There is
a small chamber at the top of the stairs. A huge marble arch
covers the room. There is a red, spinning crystal, about 8 feet
tall, hovering beneath the arch, spinning slowly and weakly. The
crystal seems to be rotating in a particular pattern... The
chamber has a pathway leading up to the crystal, decorated. The
crystal appears to be slightly etheral... as if it is weakly and
barely held in existence...---
Iceberg: "Althena's power!!"
* Ebony flutters up to the crystal. "Wow, cool."
* ~Lou walks up to the crystal. "Cool."
* Thesian walks slowly around the crystal, watching in awe.
~Lou: "Touch the diamond to the crystal."
Ebony: "It's got lots of magic. I can feel it."
* Miko approaches the crystal. "Ebony, what is it?"
---The crystal appears to become more solid and vigorous as Miko
approaches... A loud noise fills the chamber... A resonant
humming... like a thousand crystal glasses chiming in
unison...---
* Ebony flattens his ears as the noise sounds.
* Thesian breathes "What's happening?"
~Lou: "Miko... What are you doing? How are you doing that?"
* Miko stops and stares uneasily at the crystal and then at Lou.
"I... I didn't do anything."
Ebony: "Miko, you've got the diamond. It must be doing this."
Miko: "Ebony, do I still have it? I thought I gave it to Davis..."
~Lou: "Davis has it.
Ebony: "Davis? Well, get up here, man!"
* ~Lou touches the crystal.
---Lou's hand is violently rejected by the crystal. His hand flies
away abrubtly.---
~Lou: "Ouch!"
Miko: "Lou, what happened? Did it hurt you?"
~Lou: "I... don't... think so."
Iceberg: "What you felt, Lou?"
~Lou: "I think... it just didn't like me..."
Bulix: "It didn't like you? It's a.. rock! Oh.. more of this magic
stuff, huh..?"
~Lou: "I don't know!"
--- The crystal's humming appears to be crying out for power... for
magic...---
~Lou: "You touch it Miko... It didn't hurt."
* Ebony lands on Miko's shoulder.
* Miko approaches the crystal once again, with caution. She can't
control her fascination.
---The crystal's high pitched humming gets louder...---
~Lou: "Whoooah!"
Ebony: "It IS you, Miko."
* Thesian's hand strays to his chest.
* Miko touches the crystal.
---Miko's hand passes through the crystal...---
Ebony: "Miko..."
* ~Lou touches Miko's shoulder. "Hey, Miko?"
* Miko is completely entranced by the crystal... "It's amazing..."
* Thesian stares, enchanted.
* Bulix just watches, in.. awe, I suppose.
* ~Lou will grab Miko if she moves in any more.
Iceberg: "Do you see or feel something, Miko?"
* Miko isn't listening. She pushes her hand more deeply into the
crystal.
Ebony: "Miko... You don't know what will happen!"
Thesian: "Miko..."
* ~Lou tugs on Miko's shirt. "Miko?!"
Iceberg: "If Miko is confident, I am with her choosing..."
* ~Lou pulls on Miko... Hard! "MIKO?!?!"
* Ebony walks down Miko's arm to the crystal.
* Iceberg is going to touch the crystal too...
* ~Lou keeps pulling on Miko. "Stop it!"
---The black diamond begins to glow and hum in unison with the
crystal... The diamond hums louder and louder... Miko's body
is slowly and easily drawn into the large crystal... The crystal
glows brightly! A huge white flash! Miko and the diamond appear
to merge into one unit of energy... Her body slowly glows
brightly! Miko transforms into a globe of energy, then quickly
zips into the ceiling! The light dims down and Miko and the
diamond are gone...---
Ebony: "Miko!!!"
Thesian: "Ahhh! What the..."
~Lou: "Oh no..."
Bulix: "Holy.."
Thesian: "Miko!!"
~Lou: "Hey! What happened?"
Iceberg: "Whoa! Way home?!"
* Bulix just stands there staring at the crystal.
* Ebony just assumes the crystal didn't like him...
* Davis wonders what's going on...
Ebony: "Where's Miko!?!"
----------------------------------------------------------------------
---Miko falls violently 10 feet from the air... She appears to feel
things again... She slams into a blanket of snow... it feels so
cold...---
* Miko gets up slowly and looks around. "Ebony? Davis?"
---This place appears desolate...---
* Miko looks around and wraps her arms about her. "Is anyone here?!"
She stumbles about in the snow, adjusting her hyena wrap for optimum
protection from the frigid wind, looking about for any sign that her
friends might be near...
----------------------------------------------------------------------
---Back in the chamber, the crystal spins faster... and begins to
bathe the chamber in red light... Everyone feels a strong
tingling sensation... Your very bodies appear to be losing
cohesion... Everyone's vision is eventually blinded by white
light...---
~Lou: "I don't like this... I *really* don't like this!"
* Iceberg feels his atoms out of his body....
* ~Lou grabs for the nearest person.
---You all appear 20 feet above a desolate, snow covered field...
and fall!---
~Lou: "Aaaaaaaaaaaah!"
Davis: "Waaaaahhhhhh..."
---A black cat falls on Miko's head.------
Miko: "Ebony...? Please answer me--- Ahhh!!"
* Ebony falls... onto Miko. "Oh... Hi, Miko."
Miko: "Ebony!!"
---You all slam into a blanket of snow... The snow instantly chills
your skin... You all hear shrieking winds... The violent snowy
winds appear to blind your vision. You can't see very far.---
Thesian: "Oof! What the...?"
Iceberg: "Faaaaaaalliiiiiiiiiiiiiing!!!!!!!!"
* Ebony is hit by a falling Iceberg. "Ack!"
Iceberg: "Sorry, Ebony..."
* Davis feels cold.
* Thesian shivers violently.
Iceberg: "Happy, happy!!! Snow!! Snow! Cold!!"
* Ebony looks around. "Great. First hot, then cold..."
* ~Lou looks for something to light on fire.
* Ebony smiles at Miko. "I was worried."
* Miko hugs Ebony. "Ebony! I was so scared! What happened?"
Ebony: "We got teleported... somewhere."
Davis: "Well, we can't stick around here, unless we want to freeze."
* ~Lou takes the two pieces of cloth that were tied around his hand
and ties them close to his eyes, leaving just a small slit.
* Ebony looks at the sky. Ebony is expecting to see the Blue Star...
* ~Lou looks up, too.
* Ebony can't seem to see through the storm.
* Iceberg is feeling a force that makes me walk... And walk...
And walk...
~Lou: "Ice?" Lou follows Iceberg.
Ebony: "Hey, Pointy Ears, where ya going?"
---Iceberg is heading to a slight incline... The howling winds
mercilessly punish the group...---
* Iceberg is like blinded by a powerful calling... "There's something
that must be important..."
* ~Lou grabs onto Iceberg so as to keep with him.
* Ebony tries to fly, but is being blown by the winds. "Ack, help!"
Ebony is blown into Miko.
* Miko holds Ebony close to her body to keep him safe and warm and
walks so that Bulix acts as a windbreak.
* Ebony smiles at Miko, says quietly, "Thank you."
* Davis follows behind anyone (so as not to be blinded).
* Thesian trudges through the snow.
Iceberg: "Why is this happening? I have to see what happens! My
seventh sense tells me to come here..."
---Iceberg eventually reaches the top of a small hill. In the distance,
you can make out a tall, shiny... structure or object... It appears
to be the only thing you can see in this low visibility... The sky
cannot be seen, only this shining beacon...---
Iceberg: "The shinning building... My dreams..."
* ~Lou starts to run toward the building.
Ebony: "Miko... this place feels funny..."
* Miko says to Ebony, "Do you have any idea where we are? Is this
another part of the Frontier?"
Ebony: "Something tells me we are farther from home than we were
before."
* Thesian peers through the blinding snow.
* Davis tries to look but covers his eyes again, being blinded by
the snow once more.
* Ebony shivers... from the snow or something else?
* ~Lou keeps running toward the building. "I'm not getting any
warmer!" Lou moves as fast as he can... He has decided he
hates the cold.
* Thesian keeps plowing toward the structure stubbornly.
* Miko trudges toward the shining structure.
Iceberg: "Yes, we are in this to the end!"
* Davis is following behind Iceberg.
---The group trudges through the deep snow... As the group surmounts
the hill, the winds don't seem to be affecting them as much. You
all suddenly feel a presence in front of you!---
* Ebony turns and looks.
* Thesian turns slowly, his mind numb from the cold.
* Davis looks and regrets it again.
---A loud growl and you see a large, white figure! "GRAWWWR!"---
* ~Lou runs right into it. "Ooops?"
---There appear to be large beasts in front of you! And smaller
beasts behind them!---
Iceberg: "Ahh!! The abominable snowmen!!!"
* Miko fumbles for her weapon and hopes the beasts are docile...
* Ebony flutters up as Miko grabs her weapon and isn't holding him
anymore.
* ~Lou points one of his hands at the beasts and pretends to flick
a lighter and draws the sword with the other.
* Thesian draws his sword.
* Davis wonders how bad the blowing snow is now and looks.
---The creatures approach with hositiity!---
Ebony: "Look out everyone! It's Snow Beasts and Ice Pups!
Be careful!"
Iceberg: "Can't they become friends with this chilly
Elementalor?"
* Thesian mutters "They certainly aren't giving us a warm welcome."
* Davis mutters something about giving warm, very warm, welcomes...
~Lou: "Damned cold!"
-----------------COMBAT----------------
Ebony points his paws outward at Snow Beast A
and makes some bizarre sounds...
A black beam is projected at the beast... 7 damage.
Ice Pup A casts Frost Dagger! Lou is shot for 14 damage!
Ice Pup B casts Frost Dagger!
The spell fizzles on Iceberg. His robe negates the spell.
Iceberg: "Hey! They copy my spells!!!"
Thesian slashes! Snow Beast A suffers 8.
Ice Pup A casts Frost Dagger on Lou, inflicting 12.
Ice Pup B casts Frost Dagger, and it fizzles on Iceberg's robe.
Davis finishes Snow Beast A with a Fire Arrow, inflicting 34.
* Miko feels something new welling up inside her... She concentrates
and tries to focus all of her energy on the creatures....
Miko hits Snowbeast B with a fire arrow for 32, killing it.
Iceberg mutters some words, then points his cane at Snow Beast C!
Iceberg: "~aroems nok desintegratiod~"
A black beam of energy hits the creature. 24 damage.
Snow Beast C tackles Miko, mauling her viciously!
Miko suffers 15 damage!
* Ebony is angry at Miko being hit like that.
Ebony rages at Snow Beast C and brandishes his
sparkling claws! 23 damage. Snow Beast C is defeated.
* Ebony may be hurt, but he killed the creature that hurt Miko.
The Ice Pups move to the front.
Ice Pup A casts Frost Dagger! Ebony suffers 12 damage!
Ice Pup B casts Frost Dagger! Davis suffers 9 damage!
Thesian dashes at Ice Pup A quickly.
He disappears and cuts quickly... 14 damage.
Davis follows suit and performs a very quick attack...
12 damage.
Lou casts Fire Arrow! A flame is shot at Snow Pup A.
18 damage. Ice Pup A is killed!
Miko holds her hands to her chest. Her body glows a faint blue.
Miko recovers 7 HP.
Iceberg points his cane at the remaining enemy and shouts.
Iceberg: "~reduquiod au quantum~"
A black beam tears at the creature... 24 damage.
Ebony rushes at the final enemy... 3 damage.
2nd attack... 4 damage.
Thesian swipes at the creature... 9 damage.
The creature is killed.
Victory! Each player earns 5 XP.
The party gains 25 silver, and 125 MEXP.
---The creatures lay frozen in the fierce winds... The shining building
appears to be not far away... The winds appear to be picking up
again. You surmise it isn't safe to stay outside too long.---
Iceberg: "Let's keep it going to the shining building!"
* ~Lou collapses into the snow, the ice dagger embedded in his chest.
* Ebony is on the ground since one of his wings is now inoperable.
"Hey Davis... Some healing would be appreciated."
* Davis heals Ebony.
---Davis casts Heal Litany level 2! Ebony recovers 6 HP.---
* Ebony flaps his wing experimentally. "It works... but not great."
Ebony hurries back to Miko, a wing dragging in the snow.
* Davis gets moving with Ebony and Miko after healing Ebony.
* ~Lou starts moaning in agony.
* Miko moans in agony and harmonizes with Lou.
* ~Lou starts screaming! "It hurts! Get it out!"
Thesian: "Lou doesn't look so hot."
~Lou: "Just get the damned ice chip out of my chest!"
* Davis tries to pull out the dagger
~Lou: "Ouch!"
* Iceberg looks at Lou's wound... "Take this anti-ice cloth. It
will help a little."
* ~Lou tries to bandage himself.
* Miko looks up at Ebony. "Ebony, this isn't fun anymore..."
She is bleeding profusely...
Ebony: "Miko... Use your magic, Miko."
* Miko attempts to heal herself so that she can stand in a
quasi-upright postion.
---Miko casts Heal Litany level 2! Miko recovers 9 HP.---
* Miko gets up slowly and looks to see if anyone else is mortally
wounded.
* Ebony follows Miko around like a... well, lost kitten. His wing
still hurts so he's walking.
* ~Lou gets up, using his sheathed sword as a crutch. He is clearly
in a great deal of pain.
* Iceberg cast Heal over Lou.
---Iceberg casts 'Heal Litany' level 1! Lou recovers 13 HP.---
~Lou: "Much better."
Iceberg: "Lou, you're a good patient!!!"
Ebony: "So let's go. There's a blue spire to reach... Didn't we just
leave it?"
* Iceberg is still going to the Building, called by a Mystaria®
force...
---The shining builiding appears to be very close now...---
* ~Lou walks toward the building, following Iceberg.
* Ebony flutters up with a wince, lands on Miko's shoulder. Ebony is
favoring his recently broken wing, which is better, but not good.
* Miko follows Lou to the tower of ice. She looks at Ebony with
concern... "Ebony, are you all right?"
Ebony: "Oh yeah. What about you, Miko?"
Miko: "Ebony, I feel fine. I must be getting better at this.
I'm just worried about you."
* Ebony gives a small smile. "Well, I worry about you, you worry
about me. I guess that's how it works."
---You eventually make out the structure to be a huge tower of
ice... or crystal, or glass. It consists of a tall spike
shooting out of the ground... massive in size. There are other
piers, or juts of ice sticking out an angle. There is a small,
indiscreet walkway at the base of the structure. The walkway
appears miniscule compared to the rest of the structure. The
walkway is lined with a smooth, blue surface.---
Iceberg: "Where's an Althena's statue!!?"
* Thesian heads toward the walkway.
Iceberg: "Onto the walkway, as we don't have wings..."
* ~Lou looks for a door.
---As you walk inside, the sound of the howling winds dies down.---
Iceberg: "Well now, the sound is something mystic."
Ebony: "Good, it's warmer in here."
* Miko is relieved to be out of the cold.
* ~Lou brushes all the snow off and follows Iceberg.
---The tunnel eventually leads to a larger chamber. The inside
appears to be warmer, but still pretty cool. There is a tall
pipe-like structure leading high up. The pipe quickly ascends
into darkness. You cannot see the ceiling.---
* Miko wanders into the chamber and looks about.
* Davis walks into the area.
* Thesian stares up into the darkness.
* Ebony looks up and mutters, "I'M not flying up there"
* Miko asks Iceberg, "Can you see anything up there that we can't?"
* Iceberg says to Miko, "My elven vision only tells me that the ceiling
is lots of yards high..."
* Ebony looks at carvings on the walls.
* ~Lou tries to climb the pipe.
---There are also four other doors leading out from this chamber.---
Ebony: "Great. Choices... I guess this means you all will be talking
for the next half hour."
---Thesian and Ebony disappear in a flash of light! SHAZZAM! There
is no trace of Ebony and Thesian!---
Ebony: "Mik..."
Miko: "Ebony?!"
* Ebony is gone.
* Miko goes right to where Ebony was last hovering.
Iceberg: "Ebony!!! Thesian!!! What the...!!!¿¡¡¡"
* Davis wonders what has happened??!!?!
Iceberg: "Thesian is not here!!! I can't feel his presence..."
* Miko investigates the immediate vicinity. "Ebony?!"
* Davis looks for Ebony with Miko
* ~Lou is still trying to climb up the pole.
---Iceberg disappears in a flash of light! Boom!---
Davis: "What the?!?!?!"
* Davis invetigates the diappearance of Iceberg.
~Lou: "Um... Where is everybody?" Lou walks out the northern door.
Miko: "Davis? Are you used to this kind of thing?"
Davis: "Miko, no way... I have no clue what's going on..."
* Miko stays close to Davis and wonders if they'll disappear as well...
* Davis looks around.
* Miko wanders around the room and reaches out into the empty air...
"Ebony? Can you hear me?"
---Miko is swiftly jerked upwards! She is pulled upwards extremely
fast by some unknown force!---
* Miko shouts, "Davis!"
* Davis tries to grab Miko.
Davis: "Miko?? MIKO?"
* Lou turns around. "Huh?!... What happened?!... Miko! Iceberg!
Ebony! Thesian!"
* Davis stays next to Lou. "I don't know, but it's probably not
good."
* ~Lou looks up... "Do you have any rope?"
Davis: "Nope, at least I don't think so," as he checks around with his
other hand.
* ~Lou holds onto Davis. "Hold onto me. If something happens..
We are both going."
* Davis follows Lou's suggestion.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
---Miko stops her violent ascent upwards. She is high, high above
where she was. She is now on a small platform at the top of the
structure. There is mystical piping and crystals everywhere.
She sees a red crystal very similar to the one they found earlier,
but this one is occupied... A small girl about 9 or 10 years of
age is standing silently in the crystal.---
* Miko approaches the crystal warily... "Hello?"
---Miko gets no response. The crystal is about 50 yards away.---
* Miko surveys her new environment. She wanders around the chamber
and tries to figure out where the music is coming from. She then
approaches the crystal until she is up against it. Miko walks up
to the crystal, stopping just short of touching it. She peers into
the crystal, trying to see if the girl's eyes are open...
---The girl wears nothing, and has long blue hair. She appears very
asleep. her eyes are closed and she doesn't make a breath. She
appears to not even move... Almost a statue... but she appears so
real...---
* Miko waves her hand back and forth in front of the crystal. "Hello?
Hello? Can... can you hear me?"
---The girls eyes roll beneath her eyelids... The eyelids open
weakly... then close again...---
* Miko taps lightly on the surface of the crystal and then backs up
a few steps... Regretting her action.
---The girl's eyelids slowly raise... She looks as though she's been
sleeping forever...---
* Miko backs away... "Can you understand me? Do you need help?"
---The girls eyes open wide. She stares at you as if she's trying
to wildly understand what is going on.
* Miko stares at the girl with concern. "Are you all right? I'm...
I'm sorry. I hope I didn't frighten you!"
---The girl holds a finger to the inside of the crystal. Sonic pulses
make a mysterious ringing sound throughout the chamber.---
* Miko backs away farther. She doesn't sense that the girl is hostile,
but she is disconcerted nonetheless...
---The pulses continue...---
* Miko looks about the chamber. "What's happening?" She stops and
watches the girl carefully, awaiting the girl's reaction to her
presence in the chamber.
---She slowly floats forward...---
* Miko continues to back away. "I'm sorry... I don't know how I got
here. It was an accident. I'll go if you can tell me how..."
Miko looks about in confusion, wondering if there is any way out of
this chamber. She moves out of the young girl's path.
---She continues to float forward, a hand pointed outward, so
slowly.---
* Miko says desperately, "Can you hear me? What's happening? Did I do
something wrong?"
---The young girl stops, then floats down to the platform, then turns
to Miko. Her eyes open wide with intensity.---
* Miko stands silently, staring into the young girl's eyes.
Girl: "Welcome, sister. Why have you come?"
Miko: "Hello... My... my name is Miko. I don't know why I've come.
I'm lost."
Girl: "What is your age. How many years have passed since your birth?"
Miko: "I... I'm not sure... I don't know. Twenty maybe?"
Girl: "And you have come on no matter of importance? That is not wise."
* Miko is becoming nervous... "I was with my friends. We were in a
place called Marke. I'm trying to get home, but I don't know where
it is anymore. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to wake you up."
Girl: "I want to speak with you. You are with others? Are they all
of us?"
Miko: "We were in a tower of ice, but now I don't know where they
are... They just started disappearing. I don't know what happened...
Do you know where my friends are?"
Girl: "I see you here. Who are the friends you are with? Are they
also from our people?"
Miko: "I don't understand. What do you mean 'our people'? I...
I don't know. One is a magical cat..."
Girl: "You and I. Are the others with you like us? I need to know
why you have come here. I cannot afford to be awake for long like
this. This place needs me."
Miko: "I'm sorry. They look like us. Well, they're male. One has
long ears..."
Girl: "You are so young. You must not be able to focus your mind
well."
Miko: "I'm trying to help you understand. I just don't know what
to say..."
Girl: "I will bring your friends here. They are in this palace?"
Miko: "My friends are in the Ice tower... I think they are..."
Girl: "I will concentrate and bring them here. Be patient."
Miko: "Can you bring them here? Would you? Please..?"
---The small girl closes her eyes.---
* Miko backs away from the young girl and remains silent... She waits
anxiously, hoping to see her friends magically materialize as she
did...
---This place seems so bizarre... runes and mystical devices
everywhere...---
* Miko backs away from the girl to get a better look at the walls
of the chamber. She studies the runes carefully. Miko would like
to ask the young girl about the chamber and her friends, but
refrains... She tries to be patient as the girl suggested.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
---Davis and Lou hear a high humming coming from above...---
* Davis looks around.
* ~Lou looks up... "What is that noise?!"
* Davis grabs Lou and rushes out of the way.
* ~Lou clutches Davis like a vice grip... "Davis... Don't...
let... go..."
* Davis doesn't let go.
---The humming continues... You hear eerie sounds coming from
above...---
* ~Lou looks up!
Davis: "Lou, well, if we do go, we may find the rest of them."
---------------------------------------------------------------------
---Iceberg realizes he is in a large chamber. There are huge statues
here. The one in the center is a huge statue of a goddess figure.
He recognizes it as Althena. The others are large, godlike
figures. He sees a woman figure wrapped in fire, a solid looking
god, and other huge statues of godlike people.---
* Iceberg is dizzy and tries to recognize the statues... Maybe the
other Elementalors of Earth, Wind, and Fire?
---A soft voice fills his mind...---
* Iceberg falls on his knees as the voice enters his mind... "Goddess
Althena, I apologize for invading your holy sanctuary."
Althena: "Iceberg... You have made it here. Why have you come?"
Iceberg: "Althena, I only was looking for my world.."
Althena: "You have come for some reason? I would like to know."
Iceberg: "Vane fell! And I was teletransported here!
Althena: "Iceberg... Is that why you came to this place?"
Iceberg: "This land is cursed for years... The Frontier needs your
light! Why did you leave them? I don't know how I come here, but
destiny made us help these people."
Althena: "You pity those I sealed?"
Iceberg: "Yes, they live in fear of the sun, and we are so lucky in
our world... They have paid with interest all things he could have
done...
Althena: "And you came to seek my power? What can I do for you,
Iceberg?"
Iceberg: "Free them! Please! I beg you!"
Althena: "You wish to make this your fight? This is what you want?"
Iceberg: "Yes, I want people to be happy, and I'll do whatever they
need.... They help us, and they didn't wanted anything from us in
change... I'm impressed for that..."
Althena: "You know, Iceberg... I am only an essence of Althena, but I
can help you if this is what you want."
Iceberg: "Your power shines over me. Please do it, if you really care
for the people in the Frontier..."
Althena: "Iceberg, you impress me. You did not always have this love
for others. You never used to care... You have this warmth that
humans possess. I am happy with you, Iceberg."
Iceberg: "My heart is now beating strong... I see in you the power
of Althena..."
Althena: "By showing your warmth, your compassion... You are making
progress toward reclaiming your position as the Elementalor of
Water."
Iceberg: "Thanks, Essence of Althena, I'll prove myself to be worthy...
I have grown these days more than in years of study... I know that I
was blind in Vane with only wizards around me..."
Althena: "Step forward. Go to the Elementalor of Water statue."
* Iceberg is going to the Water Elementalor Statue... "My frozen Heart
is becoming water... My heart was like ice, so cold..."
Althena: "Place your cane and robe on the statue."
Iceberg: "They are now in the estatua..."
---The Water Elementalor statue glows faintly... It becomes
warmer...---
* Iceberg feels the warmth in his heart, not his skin...
---The Frost Cane has become the Chill Cane! The Frost Robe has
become the Chill Robe!---
Iceberg: "Thanks for the presents, Essence of Althena, my mind is
only devoted to you!"
Althena: "You must now use this strength to fight for your cause."
Iceberg: "What will be my cause? Will I be still being chaotic good?"
Althena: "Go now. Be with your friends again."
---Iceberg disappears, then reappears in the main chamber with Davis
and Lou in a flash of light!---
~Lou: "Iceberg!"
* Davis rushes with Lou towards Iceberg.
* ~Lou hugs Iceberg. "Where did you go?!"
Iceberg: "Hi! Friends! I have been with the esence of Althena!!"
* Davis checks to make sure that Iceberg is paying attention. He
waves his hand in front of Iceberg. "Hello?"
Iceberg: "Hi, Davis!"
~Lou: "Althena? Where?"
Iceberg: "She transported me to her Chamber of Elementalors!"
Davis: "Iceberg, huh?"
~Lou: "Where did everybody else go? What about Miko?... And Ebony?...
And Thesian?..."
Iceberg: "I haven't been with them... I don't even know a thing..."
Iceberg: "Did you disappear too?"
~Lou: "Me and Davis were right here...
Davis: "Iceberg, all the time."
* ~Lou hollars, "Miko!... Ebony!... Thesian!..."
Iceberg: "They have to come again... This is a holy place..."
~Lou: "Miko did that crystal thing... Thesian did that lightning
thing... And Ebony just looked funny..."
Iceberg: "Funny? Why?"
~Lou: "Ice, you know what I meant."
Iceberg: "Don't worry... They have to be safe..."
~Lou: "Hey.... Iceberg is a mage... Davis... I think we didn't go
anywhere 'cause we aren't special like the others..."
* Davis looks at Lou. "Hmm, well you might be right. I don't know.
I don't understand this either. If I did I'd probably know what
to say."
Iceberg: "Althena is with you too... She'll help you in your fights
as she always do.."
~Lou: "When has she ever helped me?... Or Davis?..."
Iceberg: "She now protects the party..."
---Thesian and Ebony appear from one of the doorways!---
* Thesian enters the room.
Iceberg: "Thesian! Ebony!!! Where did you go!?"
~Lou: "Where in the heck were you?! Somebody explain what is
happening here!...""
Davis: "Ebony!!"
Ebony: "Hi..."
Davis: "Where's Miko?"
~Lou: "Where is Miko?!"
* Ebony looks around "Where's Miko?"
Iceberg: "Miko is not with us, but I'm sure she'll return..."
---A small bright blue flying kitty tails Ebony.---
* Davis is too confused.
Ebony: "Princess Azura, here."
Iceberg: "Princess Azura?"
Azura: "Hey! you didn't tell me other people were here! Come on! Come
on! Introduce me!"
* Ebony thinks Azura is kinda cute when she's annoyed.
* Thesian shrugs. "Well, this is Princess Azura."
Ebony: "Princess... Davis... Iceberg... Lou... Everyone, Princess
Azura."
* Davis just goes along with it. "Hello, Princess"
* Azura blushes. "Well, actually, I'm not the princess around here.
I just like to call myself that. Tee hee!"
* Iceberg kisses princess' hand. "My pleasure."
Azura: "Huh...? Oh.. The princess is calling us. Everyone get
near me."
* Thesian huddles near Azura. He still looks kinda dazed.
* Davis just follows suit (confused as he is).
* Iceberg goes near Azura.
Azura: "Come on, guys! She doesn't like waiting!"
---The entire group is slowly lifted upwards...---
Ebony: "Wow, no wings."
* Iceberg wants a levitation spell!
---The group ascends along the piping, high up through the tower. It
is a very long ascent. Eventually the group reaches the top of
the tower and comes to a small platform. On the platform is a
red crystal, much like the one earlier. There is also a young
girl, about 9 or 10, who wears nothing. She stares at the group.
Miko is at the opposite end of the platform, examining the runes
and walls. Miko turns as she sees her friends along with a small,
shiny blue creature very similar to Ebony levitate up magically
to the platform.---
Thesian: "Miko?"
Ebony: "Miko!"
* Davis talks to Miko. "Hello, Miko!"
Miko: "Ebony!! Davis!!"
* Miko runs over to Davis. "I was absolutely terrified. What
happened?"
Davis: "Miko, I don't have any clue what happened."
* Ebony hurries over to Miko after a glance at the girl.
* Iceberg approaches the crystal to study its magical powers...
---The girl eyes open wide as she examines you.---
Girl: "You people. Why have you come? What matter is so important
as to summon me?"
* Ebony walks up to the girl. "It was an accident. We were trying
to get out of the frontier, and poof. We would appreaciate any
help in getting home."
Girl: "There are males among you... I ... I don't understand."
---The girl turns to Miko.---
Girl: "Why have you brought these people here? They don't belong
here."
* Miko looks at the girl. "I- I'm sorry... I don't know how it
happened..."
* Davis says to Miko, "Is there something we're missing?"
* Miko looks at Davis but remains silent, waiting for the young girl
to speak.
Iceberg: "We were just looking for our world, where Althena's light
shines..."
Girl: "I see. You did not mean to come here. This is not good."
Ebony: "Well, where is "here" that it's so bad?"
* Miko looks at the tiny blue cat in fascination and then back at the
young girl. "We could leave if we only knew how... We didn't mean
to cause trouble."
Azura: "So you mean ALL of you guys didn't mean to come here? Oh,
brother..."
* Ebony looks at Azura. "It was an accident."
* Miko approaches the Blue Creature and studies her carefully. She
looks like Ebony...
* Thesian remains quiet, his head spinning with confusion.
---The girl maintains an air of dominance over all of you despite her
size.---
Girl: "So you come seeking my power to send you back to your world?
Is this correct?"
Ebony: "Our... world? Like... We're not there anymore?"
Miko: "You can send us home?"
Iceberg: "Could you help us going to Meribia or Vane?"
Ebony: "Um... Iceberg... Vane crashed, remember?"
Davis: "Iceberg, or did you forget?"
Iceberg: "Well, where Vane is here now..."
Girl: "This place is not ready for your people yet. I am the one
assigned to watch over this place. I can return to the point at
which you transferred here. Is that adequate?"
Ebony: "Well... actually... We were kinda hoping not to be in the
Frontier anymore. That's what got us into this mess."
Girl: "Frontier... I am not familiar with the current state of your
world."
Ebony: "Well, could we point at a map or something?"
Azura: "Ah, I get it. You guys want to get back to our world, but not
in the Frontier, right?"
Ebony: "Yes, that is right."
Azura: "How on earth did you even get here? Did you guys get here
from the Blue Spire or something? I don't know of any other way..."
Ebony: "Well, it was a blue tower..."
Girl: "To transfer between our worlds is no easy task. I can use my
power to take you to the Blue Spire."
Ebony: Well, is the um... Blue Spire the best you can do?
Davis: "Ebony, ummm, I doubt if arguing is a good thing right now..."
* Ebony is the official flying cat, therefore the only one with enough
audacity to argue with goddesses.
* Davis takes the hint.
Iceberg: "Could you transfer us to a Shrine of Althena?"
Girl: "I have not seen your world. I do not know what is there or the
current balance of good and evil, but you do need to get to where
you came from. You do not belong here."
* Ebony points at Azura. "SHE'S here."
Girl: "Azura is here because I brought her here after her sanctuary
on your world was usurped by someone more powerful than her."
* Thesian comes out of his trance. "Who? Who took over the
sanctuary??"
Ebony: "More sanctuary talk..."
Girl: "I do not know who has invaded Azura's sanctuary, but she will
be safe here. I have created another guardian for her here to
replace the one that someone from your world defeated. Forgive me,
but Azura is much more knowledgeable about your world than I am."
Azura: "Yeah, Ebony. Why aren't you in your sanctuary in the Frontier?
What are you traveling around with these people for?"
Ebony: "That pretty place? With the black walls?"
* Miko looks at the Blue Creature named Azura. She is almost as
beautiful as Ebony... "Azura, are you from the same place we are?"
* Azura turns to Miko. "Yep! At least, I think so."
Thesian: "Azura, please help us get home. Perhaps we can help you
reclaim your sanctuary."
Iceberg: "May we help you, blue one? We want to help people in need."
Ebony: "Yes Azura, come with us."
Azura: "Well, I can get you guys home! I know all about the way
between the Frontier and Stadius."
---The girl turns to Azura---
Girl: "No, Azura. You will not be safe with these people. I have
created a guardian for you here. There is no need to leave this
place."
Ebony: "Well, if she wants to stay, fine, but my friends are good
people. Don't put them down."
Azura: "Awww, come on! I can go with these guys, can't I?"
* Thesian suddenly feels an overwhelming urge to protect Azura. "No!
You must stay here. If anything happened to you, Azura, I'd..."
Miko: "Azura, you can come back to my village. You'll be safe there."
Girl: "You people should not have come. You are only adding an
additional problem."
* Miko hangs her head and looks... well... as if she has done
something wrong.
---The girl turns to Ebony---
Girl: "You are away from your home as well. You two do not understand
what is at stake here. We cannot afford to lose either of you!"
Ebony: "I have no idea what, or where my home is or for that matter,
what I am."
Girl: "Do you not understand the importance of your safety? The white
one is the oldest among you, and he has not even reached full
maturity! You both are young and weak, and the red one is not even
born yet! What is so important that you two must be active like
this?"
Ebony: "Active? I'm just living my life... How would you like to
be cooped up?" Ebony pauses, looks around small room. "Um...
That is..."
* Iceberg thinks... "White, red, blue, black... dragons?!"
* Davis is starting to think the same thing as Iceberg...
* Miko is trying to imagine a flying, red kitten...
* Lou remembers seeing a white flying kitten as a child...
Girl: "What is the purpose of your travel? What do you seek to
accomplish?"
* Azura turns to the girl, whining. "Come on! If I don't go with them,
they'll be trapped in a poopy place on our world forever!"
---The girl awaits Ebony's response.---
Girl: "What is your mission, Ebony?"
Ebony: "Accomplish? Well, first we helped some people in a small
town... Then we were trying to get home... But I hope to relax, make
new friends... Spend time with the ones I have... Enjoy life."
Girl: "Enjoy... I... don't understand. How will that be more imporant
than protecting your world from evil?"
* Ebony glances at Miko.
* Miko smiles at Ebony.
Ebony: "... and if we run into weak and opressed on the way... we
don't mind lending a paw. Right, guys?"
Girl: "So, you travel to help the weak and oppressed?"
---The girl appears to be calming down a bit.---
Iceberg: "There's BIG trouble in our world. Vane fell and that is
a GREAT threat to our safety!"
Girl: "So you are fighting the evil in your world now?"
Ebony: "Sure. Someone shot Vane out the sky. I doubt he will stop at
that. Someone has to look into it."
Girl: "I think I see. You are confronting the wrongs in your world
now rather than sleeping and allowing both you and the evil to
grow?"
Ebony: "Right."
Iceberg: "Yes, you get the idea!"
Azura: "Right on, my man! Don't you see it now?"
* Miko shakes her head and mumbles quietly... "There is no evil where
I come from..."
* Ebony looks at his friends. They've never really said they would
stay together after they got out the Frontier. "Well, guys...
What do you think?"
Lou: "Well, I'm willing to stick with ya, Ebony. I guess it's sort
of repayment for this cool ring you got me, plus I like a good
adventure as much as the next guy."
* Davis is the 'next guy'.
Lou: "Cool, Davis."
Girl: "I understand your motive, but my duty to protect and uphold
you is too strong. I have an idea. If you can defeat the guardian
I have created for Azura, you will prove that your combined efforts
can protect her more than I can. If that is proven, than I am
willing to give you the responsibility of protecting her. If you
fail, then I will know that you are not fit to protect her. Will
you submit to my test?"
* Ebony looks at his friends. "Well?"
Iceberg: "Yes we do!"
* Miko looks at her companions and then nods.
* Thesian straightens up and steps forward. "I humbly accept as well.
We must protect Azura at all costs."
Lou: "I agree with you there, Thesian." Lou wonders if anyone has a
spare starlight...
* Davis talks to everyone. "Well? I say yeah."
Ebony: "Um... Would you mind if we rested first...? It's been a long
day. We're not at our best..."
---The girl closes her eyes and points a palm at the group. A globe
of light encompasses the group.---
----recover HP/MP----------
Girl: "Azura will take you to her chamber here. The guardian awaits
you there."
Ebony: "Let's go."
Azura: "Come on, you guys! I would rather be protected by Thesian
than that dumb monster anyway!"
Thesian: "We will ensure that that happens, Azura. Let's go!"
Ebony: "Thesian... What about me? I protect Miko!"
* Azura floats to the end of the platform. "Huddle around, all!"
* Davis follows Azura.
* Miko follows Azura.
* Ebony follows.
* Thesian stands next to Azura.
Iceberg: "Well, let's go to the dumb monster.. I hope..."
---The group swiflty descends down the long shaft. After a while,
you all softly land on the ground. Azura flutters to the door
that Thesian and Ebony came out of.---
* Davis looks around and continues to follow Azura
* Lou follows as well, and pulls out his sword.
* Ebony goes to follow Azura... but stays with Miko.
* Miko looks about in all directions.
* Iceberg is preparing his spells on his mind...
* Davis is thinking about plans for the upcoming battle
* Thesian is prepared.
Azura: "That dummy's in there. He's not much for conversation.
I've been so bored since I got here, I've had to check my pulse
every hour!"
* Azura leads you into a large, crystal chamber with a large
fountain in the center.
Lou: "I got a bad feeling about this..."
Thesian: "Yes Lou."
* Azura flutters toward the door. "Good luck, you guys! MWA HA HA
HA HA!" Azura exits the door and you hear it slam shut.
Ebony: "Hey!"
Iceberg: "HAHAHA?!?!?"
Ebony: "Geeze.."
Lou: "This is not cool..."
Ebony: "Okay, MONSTER... Hello MONSTER?"
Lou: "Ebony, I never knew shouting for the monster to come out was
a good battle plan..."
Ebony: "Listen. You fight your way. I'll fight mine."
Lou: "Well, I thought the element of surprise would have helped.
Your call, though. You're the flying cat here that Azura seems to
be interested in..."
Ebony: "Interested... huh?"
---The fountain's waters stir briskly.---
* Miko stares at the fountain.
* Ebony is at Miko's side. "Ready, Miko?"
* Miko hopes she can do that magic thing again...
---The fountain's waters appear to be moving in a swift cyclonic
movement. The water level rises... A small dome of water emerges
from the water level in the fountain. The dome rises upwards,
slowly forming into a large humanoid figure of water! The figure
completes its formation and moves its head-appendage toward the
group.---
Ebony: "Uh oh, it's the Blue Guardian!"
Lou: "Oh great, a water elemental. Just perfect..."
* Davis pulls out his sword and hopes for the best.
Iceberg: "Time for ACTION!!"
* Miko gasps in astonishment as the eerie figure approaches...
* Thesian grasps the pendant around his neck with one hand, closes his
eyes, and begins to hum an ancient melody.
* Iceberg concentrates the spell along with Thesian...
--------------COMBAT----------------
Ebony reels his head back, then emits a wide stream of acid
from his mouth at the beast! 22 damage!
Lou: "Go, Ebony!"
Davis disappears in a sliding slash,
then reappears and cuts the creature! 15 damage!
Lou rushes the creature with his blade!
Lou slides past the creature cutting it. 12 damage.
Miko points her palms at Ebony and mumbles some
obscure words...
Ebony's image appears blurred and hazy...
Ebony's Dodge% increases by 13.
* Thesian concentrates harder and begins to chant softly. The pendant glows blue,
then flares to a bright white.
Iceberg: "My cane glows blue with Thesian's pendant..."
* Thesian shouts "Shiroi Denkoo!"
Iceberg: "~eqüitoe antiaiuda~"
Thesian and Iceberg point their palms at the creature.
A blue arc leaps from Thesian's hands into the air above him.
A black arc leaps from Iceberg's hands and joins with the
blue arc...
A stream of crackling black energy is launched and assaults
the creature... 77 damage!
Blue Guardian casts 'Water Wave'!
A violent cascade of water washes over the front row!
* Ebony knew the front row was a bad idea...
Lou suffers 10 damage!
Davis suffers 9 damage!
Ebony suffers 17 damage!
Thesian suffers 7 damage!
Miko suffers 3 damage!
* Ebony glares at Iceberg who seems to be the only guy to stay dry.
* Iceberg isn't affected by water. Wait until fire...
* Thesian grasps the pendant and begins humming again.
The soaked kitty flutters away to the back row...
Davis fires a blast of flame at the creature!
The fire fizzles slightly when it hits the water. 6 damage
Lou whips out his saber and slashes! 10 damage!
2nd attack... 9 damage!
Miko holds her palms together and closes her eyes,
then points at the creature.
A bolt of flame is shot! 9 damage
* Thesian increases the humming to chanting. Once again, the pendant
flares from blue to a bright bluish-white.
* Iceberg is near Thesian concentrating in their new attack!! "Now,
all my robe is glowing bright!!"
Thesian and Iceberg prepare another team skill!
* Thesian shouts "Kuroi Denkoo!"
A bolt of sizzling black energy slams into the creature.
Blue Guardian suffers 78 damage!
The Guardian raises one of its water limbs.
He points at Iceberg and a bolt of magic is shot out!
Iceberg feels his muscles go numb... Iceberg is Paralyzed!
* Iceberg is paralyzed and now only praying Goddess Althena...
Ebony does 30 damage.
Thesian cured Iceberg's paralysis.
Davis does 6.
Lou does 5.
Miko restores 18 HP for Ebony.
Iceberg is stuck.
The Blue Guardian casts 'Water Wave!' Davis suffers 8!
Lou suffers 9!
Thesian suffers 6!
Miko suffers 2!
Davis glides forward with his blade! 17 damage!
* Lou begins to concentrate his power in his sword.
Lou does the exact same thing!
Dashing past the creature with a slice! 19 damage!
Miko points her palms at Davis.
Davis's image become distorted and muddled...
* Davis likes the distorted look.
Thesian: "That's a cool spell, Miko."
* Miko takes a moment to smile at Thesian.
Lou: "Yeah, wish I could learn it sometime, hehe."
* Thesian chants, and the pendant flares white again.
* Iceberg continues Thesian's chant and looks to him in
gratefulness... "~disfofdoe fou out~"
Thesian and Iceberg join together to create a bolt of
black lightning! 82 damage!
Thesian: "Surprise!"
Ebony prepares a final loogey!
Ebony strains his head forward and emits a stream of acid!
22 damage!
The group hears a loud pop. The creature glows bright white!
It is surrounded by mutliple explosion until a shock wave fills
the entire chamber, knocking everyone over!
When the bright light fades, the creature is no more.
Victory! Each player gains 8 XP.
The party gains 20 silver and 30 MEXP.
Iceberg: "E-b-o-ny!!!"
Ebony "Ha! Killed by bad breath!"
Lou: "Hear that everyone? Save some silver for breath mints,
just in case! hehe."
* Thesian is laughing so hard tears are coming out of his eyes.
Ebony: "Hey, it's not THAT funny!"
* Miko laughs and runs to Ebony. "Ebony, you did it!"
Ebony: "Miko, WE did it!"
Lou: "All right, Ebony! Woo hoo!"
Davis: Woohoo!!!! Yeah!
* Lou sheathes his sword and high fives the party.
Iceberg: "Ebony is now our hero! Let celebrate it!"
* Azura flutters into the chamber: "Umm... why are all you guys
on the ground?"
Thesian: "Azura, we're sleeping."
* Azura chuckles at all of you strewn across the ground. "Get up, you
sillies! I think you did it!"
Ebony: "Think"? Of course we did it! Didn't I tell you?
* Thesian thinks Ilsi's place would be pretty comfortable right about
now.
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