Interlude C - "Enter Adam"
New Cast Appearing:
Storen as TheStoryteller, Corporal Smyth, Various NPCs
Criz as Adam
Lucca as Private Nicolette
DNW as Private Turless
TheFreak as Private Joe
Popoi as herself. :)
Session Start: Thu Sep 30 23:55:08 1999
<TheStoryteller> The 13th division of Virtue's Guard.. pride of the Queen herself. They have been dispatched on an urgent mission to recon the Zaback area.. under the lead of Adam.
Minea Sea, Raculi Bay
<TheStoryteller> We find the setting sun glinting off the titanium frame of the hover craft, as it speeds along the river to the Minea Sea, after stopping for fuel at Dalton.. Raculi is coming up in the distance on the starboard side, where Adam looks out over the landscape pensively. The rest of the troop is down below finishing up in the mess hall. :)
* Adam looks over the side of the ship as he feels the wind hit his face. "Raculi..."
<TheStoryteller> His blue-green hair blows in the fresh breeze, very similar to the water...
* Nicolette eats her stew quietly, looking out over the ocean.
<Adam> (I wonder how much longer till we reach the docks.)
* Turless steps out onto the deck, holding his hat with one hand. He scans the area rather grimly, and pops a new toothpick in between his teeth.
* Adam notices Nicolette eat. "Hmm, one of the few with actual manners on board."
* Private Joe is asleep on duty.
* Nicolette winks at Adam, and adjusts her glasses.
* Turless notes Adam and stands beside him, "So, beggin' your pardon there boss, but when exactly ARE you going to tell us what this little jaunt is about?"
* Adam ignores the wink and turns around looking at over the ocean once more.
<TheStoryteller> Adam hears a shrill whistle from up above.
* Adam looks up.
* Private Joe is shocked from the whistle. "How! Who! Whassamatta!! Yessir!??"
* Smyth signals down from the bridge. "Sir! Raculi at 7 o'clock. Shall we dock, or continue on overland?"
<Adam> And what jaunt may that be Private...?
<Private Joe> Uh...Nothing Sir....Yeah that's it... ^_^;
<Adam> Hold that answer...*looks up*
* Private Joe *Gulps*.
* Nicolette finishes her meal and puts the soup bowl down.
<Adam> Dock, we have no time to waste. We've wasted enough already!
* Turless raises his hat slightly, looking out to the horizon, "You know what I mean, Sir."
<Smyth> But sir, don't forget we have landroving capabilities. This is Sinel's latest model..
* Adam looks at Turless's stance in front of him, and snickers as he looks back up at the helm.
<Adam> And when was I going to be told this?
<Nicolette> Sinel....
* Nicolette smiles. ^_^
<Private Joe> You weren't, sir?
<Smyth> If I may speak, it would be fastest to bypass the city and waste no more time. We have plenty of fuel. ^^
<Adam> We are not going to be using what "Sinel" has made for us. We can quite as easily troop it as we can with landrover!
<Nicolette> He promised me he'd show me more of his inventions...I hope I become his disciple. *Dreamy sigh*
<Adam> Very well then, for this once I'll use his invention.
* Turless smirks slightly, "Heh, off on a mission without a briefing. No suprises there..."
<Smyth> Roger!
* Adam cocks his head towards Turless.
<Adam> It's called patience, Private!
<TheStoryteller> You all feel a slight lurching as the craft slows down dramatically, braking for a right turn to the north of Raculi.
<Turless> Hrmph.
<Turless> Call it what you like.
<Adam> We are on a mission to find the whereabouts of the Rancor's Fang by order of the Queen herself. That is all you need to know.
<Private Joe> Oh good...I don't like thinking too hard...^_^
<Nicolette> Ah. :p That. Nothing big, eh Captain. It's not like they're not the most feared gang in existance.
<TheStoryteller> You pass by the city, seeing beastmen mill about the last of the evening chores before settling in...
<Adam> Sergeant, not captain, miss...?
<TheStoryteller> A couple look up and wave in awe of the ship. ^^
* Private Joe waves back! "I LOVE YOUR HAIR!!!"
* Turless slips the tothpick to the other side of his mouth, ignoring the citizens.
<Smyth> I need to set her down to the north of the city.. the port isn't made to handle a ship of this size..
* Adam quickly cocks his head to Joe. "A Virtue soldier has class, Private!"
* Nicolette moans.
<TheStoryteller> [Person] Oh! I just love men in uniform! ^^
<Private Joe> Yessir. Sorry sir..
<Adam> Then do so without furthur questions!
<Nicolette> . o O ( I just want to be back in the lab doing inventing. Why am I with this motly crew? )
<TheStoryteller> The girl waves as you pass on through, leaving the city soon afterwards. :)
* Adam turns back to the woman. "Do you not have a name miss? You are part of my force, even though your gender is not...that quite seen in the Virtue guard."
<Nicolette> Eh? Oh!
Minea Sea, Raculi Bay Shore
<TheStoryteller> The craft comes up to rest on the small bay shore to the north... engines powering down.
<Nicolette> Sorry, I'm Nicolette Morstein.
* Turless turns away from the crowd and gets ready to disembark.
<Smyth> Landing confirmed. We're ready to debark at any time, Adam. :)
* Adam eyes Nicolette. "Welcome to the 13th Regiment of the Virtue Guard, Morstein...now let's see if you can survive the experience."
* Adam turns away from her as he walks towards the exit of the ship.
<TheStoryteller> The cusion of air the hovercraft was riding on ceases to be, and there is a gentle thump as terra firma comes in contact.
<Nicolette> ...Thanks for the optimistic greeting there. ^^;
<Private Joe> Uh...Where are we again?
<Nicolette> Raculi.
<Adam> I will take a selected few with me at first...and if we are in need of back up. I will radio it in.
<Private Joe> Raculi? Don't know if I heard of it....
* Turless spins around to face Adam, awaiting orders.
<Smyth> It's a small town here of mostly beasts and half-breeds... simple people. They are known for their farming and herding skills, too.
<Adam> Private Turluss!
<Turless> Sir!
<Adam> You will accompany me.
<Turless> Yes sir!
<Private Joe> Just be a buncha nice folks. *Smiles*
* Nicolette blinks and thinks Turless needs to cut down on the prozac.
<Adam> I will take three more...
<Smyth> Serak Laboratory is also to the north... that's where this ship was conceived! ^_^
* Smyth smiles proudly at the helm, loving his work.
* Adam eyes the troops as he spots Private Joe picking his nose. "Joe, right here next to me!"
<Private Joe> Ohh!! Ah! Yessir!
* Private Joe flicks the booger away.
<Adam> And of course how can we forget the only different gender of the force...
<Adam> Morstein and Popoi!
<Nicolette> Yes sir!
<Popoi> Yes sir!
<Adam> You four will be my group, now proceed down.
<Nicolette> . o O ( Did he just say 'gender'? Oh by Althena... )
<Nicolette> Yes sir.
* Turless grins, and heads down the gangplank.
<Popoi> Yes sir.
* Private Joe starts marching. "Hup, 2, 3, 8, Hup, 2, 11, 6......"
* Adam snickers. (Now we can see if these four actually do have what it takes to be in the guard, by the time we get back. They'll want to go back home.)
* Popoi follows the rest of the troop.
<Smyth> I'll watch the craft here, sir. leave it to Corporal Smyth. :)
* Nicolette marches with the others, actually keeping up. ^_^
<Adam> Very good, I will radio in for assistance if required.
<TheStoryteller> Smyth salutes, as you make your way off the craft onto the rocky beach.
* Adam proceeds off the ship.
Minea Sea Plataeu
* Turless looks the area over, not overly impressed thus far.
<Adam> Turluss, take the rear. I don't want any of the females behind all of us. We can't let them be hurt.
* Popoi continues to follow.... and then trips on rock. "Oof! Heh... excuse me! ^^;"
<Turless> Psh...you're the boss.
* Adam looks at Popoi. "You see, they hurt themselves as easily!"
* Turless takes position at the rear of the troupe.
* Nicolette sighs
* Private Joe helps Popoi up. "You okay?"
<Nicolette> . o O (Of all the luck, I get stuck with someone who gives females a bad name ^^;)
* Popoi looks embarrased. "Sorry..."
<TheStoryteller> Turless spots mostly a semi-barren plateau.. just some grasses and shrubs. In the distance is many mountains, reddish in the evening sun.
<Adam> We're heading towards the Zaback pass, so be on your best lookout.
<Popoi> I'm fine. Thank you Private Joe. ^_^
* Adam walks west.
<Private Joe> It's alright! I fall all the time. *Smiles*
* Nicolette follows, punching in a bunch of numbers on a small keyboard.
* Popoi chuckles. ^^
* Turless faithfully keeps up with the rear guard, one hand on his weapon and all his senses alert for danger.
<Private Joe> Hup, 2, 7, 13....
* Adam notices Turless. "Good...you actually look like a Virtue soldier there. Keep it up!"
<Adam> And please Private Joe, say the march to "yourself".
<Private Joe> Oop! Sorrym sir!
* Turless narrows his eyes at Joe. . o O (Psh...about as sharp as a bag of wet mice.)
<Private Joe> (Thanks!)
<Adam> So, what made you two females join the force?
<Adam> The Virtue Guard obviously doesn't give you life time supply of cooking utensils or make up.
<Adam> So, there actually should be a good reason.
<TheStoryteller> You see a herd of woolly sheep grazing nearby, bahhing methodically..
* Private Joe winces at that statement. "(M) Ouch..."
* Nicolette growls a bit, but keeps it to herself. "I joined because of an intership and learning the ways of ground combat, Sir!"
<Adam> Ground combat? Aren't you afraid of getting hurt?
<Adam> You look type...fragile.
<Popoi> Yeah... What she said sir! I'm not exactly the best with words. ^^;;
<Nicolette> Perhaps, but I'm learned in magic. I'm not as fragile as I seem. :)
<Popoi> .oO(Why is Adam so mean about the whole female thing. Sheesh.)
<Adam> Very interesting...an actual reason. *claps and snickers*
* Private Joe is transfixed on the sheep.
<TheStoryteller> There's a beast woman with red hair and a horn jutting out of her forehead in a cute fashion watching the herd, leaning sleepily on her wooden crook.
* Turless ignores the small talk, intent on his surviellance.
* Adam notices Joe. "What's the matter Private? Opposites attract?"
* Nicolette snickers. ^^;
<Private Joe> Um....Was that a compliment, sir?
* Popoi tries to stop herself from laughing to loudly.
<TheStoryteller> The woman blinks as you pass by.
<Adam> Take it as you will, though you seem to be doing nothing of importance. Go and ask that woman there her reason for being out here.
<TheStoryteller> [Beastwoman] Woah.. there a war or somethin'? ^^
* Private Joe salutes.
<Private Joe> Um....I was asked by the big guy over there why you're here?
* Private Joe points to Adam.
<Adam> So Turless, what's your reason. Hope it's not for the "ground combat" as well.
<TheStoryteller> [Beastwoman] I'm always here.. got to tend the sheep.
<Turless> Its a tradition in my family.
<Private Joe> Those're some mighty fine sheep!
<TheStoryteller> She straigthens up, fixing her multiclored dress.
<TheStoryteller> [Beastwoman] Why thank you. These are the pride of Raculi.. ^^
* Adam screams out. "Joe!"
<Private Joe> Uhh!! Yessir!?
<Adam> She seems of no importance, lets proceed.
<Adam> So tell me Morstein, how good are you in "ground combat"?
<Private Joe> Uh, Okay sir. Pleasure to meetcha, ma'am....
* Adam proceeds walking west.
<Nicolette> Very good, sir.
<Adam> And you, Popoi?
<TheStoryteller> [Beastwoman] Nice ta meetcha, son... good luck wherever you're headin'. :)
* Private Joe bows at the beastwoman, then runs to his group.
<TheStoryteller> [Beastwoman] Just don't bring no monsters with ya.. ^^
<Popoi> Uhmm... not very good.. I'm not so sure why I was told to come here. Just following orders, sir.
<Popoi> .oO(That was a dumb thing to say!)
<TheStoryteller> The woman walks off, the herd very surprisingly following her.
<Popoi> Whoa. That's cool! The herd just follows!!!
* Popoi is amazed.
<Adam> Yes, that's her job, Popoi.
<Private Joe> She's got a talent there...
<Popoi> Oh... right... Yes sir. It sure is.
<Turless> ...
<Adam> A little quiet back there, aren't we Turless? I like that in a soldier...only talks when he is spoken too.
<Turless> ...
<Private Joe> Um...Where're we headed, sir?
<Adam> Towards Zaback pass, I heard from a leak from the Rancor's Fang. That some of them usually hang out around there or in Zaback.
<Adam> And the only way to find out if that leak was right... is to go and inspect it ourselves.
<Popoi> Uhmm... Sir, we should be careful. There have been reports of wolves in this area recently.
<TheStoryteller> Heading west, you eventually pass an old cavern.. the entrance has been sealed by a cave-in, however.
<Adam> Wolves? I can take on monsters and give Zlyk a good battle. You think I am afraid of wolves?
<Private Joe> No sir...But I am...
<Popoi> I'm just telling you what I know, sir.
* Turless rolls his eyes.
<Popoi> And advising that we should be wary of them, sir. That is all I'm trying to do...
<Adam> Point granted.
<Nicolette> You can take on Zlyk? Hm. He took down the Blue Dragon, and you can take on Zlyk.
* Nicolette snicks. ^_^
<Adam> Yes I can take on Zlyk, he was my trainer.
* Nicolette raises an eyebrow. "Oh. I see."
<TheStoryteller> One of the rocks blocking the entrance loosens and falls at Adam's feet.
<Adam> Enough about me. And though he did take out the Blue Dragon, I did hear he had a little run in with the infidels, who gave him a little scar or two.
<Adam> Now if that was me going up against them, I assure you. Not one scar would be on my body!
* Adam looks down at the rock.
<Nicolette> Gah, stupid infidels. :/
<Adam> An entrance I presume.
<Private Joe> Yeah, there would be many scars!
<Nicolette> Did you hear one of them dressed up like a slut and worked with Gregory? Blah! Stupid stupid infediels.
<Turless> ...
<Private Joe> ....Sorry, sir...
<TheStoryteller> The entrance is mostly blocked, but perhaps it could be useful to investigate. It would take a while to remove all the boulders though.
<Adam> Turless and Joe. Try and budge some of the other rocks.
<Private Joe> Sir!
* Turless shrugs, and starts excavating.
* Private Joe tries running his head into the rocks to loosen them.
<Adam> It's no use...
<Adam> Private Joe!
<Private Joe> Sir?
<Adam> Do not try that again, or I'll personally have you run straight into this!
<TheStoryteller> Turless moves a few away, exposing a hole of damp cave air..
<Turless> Looks promising.
* Adam pulls out his bastard sword as it glimmers with the sun.
* Nicolette blinks at Private Joe....
<Nicolette> ...stupid...stupid stupid...
<Private Joe> Uh....I don't think that's as blunt of an object for me to run in to sir....oh, I get the idea....I'll go back into formation. *Runs*
<TheStoryteller> There's still one rock that would take two people to move.
* Adam places his sword on his back.
<Adam> Very well then, you get the point.
<Private Joe> Literally, sir.
<Adam> Joe and Turless, move that rock there.
<Private Joe> Sir, Sir!
* Turless stands to one side of the rock and waits for Joe.
* Private Joe gets on the other side of the rock.
<Adam> Now...push!
* Private Joe pushes.
* Turless hefts.
<TheStoryteller> The rock moves away slowly, widening the hole enough for a person to fit one by one.
* Turless dusts off his hands.
<Adam> Joe, go inside first.
<Private Joe> Sir! *Walks inside*
<Adam> And tell us how it is inside.
<Private Joe> Uh.....Dark!
<Nicolette> No duh...
<Turless> . o O (And that took you HOW long to figure out?)
<Adam> Well take out your flash light!
* Nicolette flicks a flashlight into her hands and turns it on, illuminating the cavern.
Dragon's Nest, B1
<TheStoryteller> Joe walks into a dimly lit cavern.... the walls are fairly smooth rock. Not as jagged as one would think of a natural cave like this.
<Private Joe> Flash light... *Pulls out flashlight
* ..OH YEAH!??
<Adam> Well...ladies, shall you proceed?
<Nicolette> Of course, sir.
* Nicolette walks along. ^_^
<TheStoryteller> The cavern lights up! It seems to lead down into a twisting maze...
* Popoi follows Nicolette. ^^
* Turless brings up the rear, as usual.
<Private Joe> It's nice and cave-y in here....
* Adam enters the cave.
<TheStoryteller> On the ground you spot something glinting in the artifical light.
<Popoi> Cave-y?
<Private Joe> Well, how else do you explain a cave?
* Adam kneels down.
<Adam> Hmm, what is this?
<Popoi> Dank... Dark... Uhmmm....
* Turless keeps an eyes out while the group pauses.
* Adam inspects the the glinting object.
<Popoi> Cavernous in some cases...
<Private Joe> Cave-y. *nods and grins*
<TheStoryteller> It's a piece of metal.. it looks like the remains of a bullet casing.
<Adam> I see we're not the only ones who've come down this way recently.
<Turless> ...
* Popoi stares at Joe. "Wierdo." ^^
<Adam> Not rusted at all.
* Adam stands back up.
* Adam begins to walk forward.
* Private Joe smiles At Popoi.
<TheStoryteller> Some water from the cieling drips on Turless's head. It's very cold.
* Turless shakes his hat to remove the water from it.
<TheStoryteller> Come to think of it, this could be an entrance to an underground river..
* Turless looks up.
<Turless> Hey boss.
<Adam> Yes Turless?
<Turless> What do you say the odds are that this place could be located near...or under...and underground river?
<Private Joe> Say! A cave with its own irrigation system! I like it! ^_^
* Adam notices the water dripping from the cieling. "A very good chance."
<Popoi> An underground river!? Wow!
<Turless> Heh, hope everyone knows how to swim...
<Nicolette> I do. No worries there.
<Private Joe> Well, if that involves knowing how to drink water....
<Popoi> I think that's one of the few things I'm really good at guys!! ^^
* Nicolette whispers to Turless. "Maybe Joe-blow here will want to swim in it and get carried away."
<Turless> We can only hope.
<TheStoryteller> If you concentrate real hard, you can hear the water dripping louder farther in.
<Adam> (I still can't believe Evol has me doing this stupid mission for her. While I can be out there looking for those infidels.)
* Turless tries not to think about all the water that could be hanging over thier heads right now
<Adam> Well, it seems we might have to put our swimming skills to the test, because we're going to be moving deeper down.
<Turless> Fun.
<Private Joe> Joy!
<Popoi> .oo(Must we?) *gulp*
<Adam> Why the face, Popoi?
Dragon's Nest, B2
<TheStoryteller> As you proceed, it seems to get a little hotter...
<Adam> A little water isn't going to hurt you.
<Popoi> Oh... Nothing sir.
<Private Joe> A LOT Of water, maybe....
<Popoi> Not at all sir... I'll be fine.
* Turless notes the heat increase with interest.
<Popoi> SHUT UP JOE!!!
<Nicolette> Hotter....near the volcanones...
<Private Joe> Aw jeez....I GOTTA learn to shut up....
<Nicolette> ...I can help with that... >:)
<Popoi> YES YOU DO!!!
<Adam> (Evol did tell me that they're actually good. But for some reason I doubt that, after some goof actually fired at the Queen herself during the announcement.)
* Popoi staggers along, following the group.
* Turless presses on, not seeing use for the current conversation topic.
<Adam> Getting hot down here now...
<TheStoryteller> The water dripping before, now lies in pools on the floor, the air very damp and humid.
<Adam> (They got themselves quite a group of power. Especially the mind controlling one. She actually took over the Queen herself, and worked for Gregory even. If they're so good, why would she do that? And help the one who killed Cash Ausa, even!)
<TheStoryteller> There's a geyser spewing out steam in some spots...
* Turless wonders who will start sqwalking first when the heat and humidity starts shrinking people's clothes.
<Adam> Be careful troops, don't want to go back to the ship...one less, now.
* Popoi pales.
<Popoi> .oO(What did I get myself into?)
<TheStoryteller> Along the ground you see more bullets strewn about, rusting in the damp and hot climate down here.
* Turless notes the bullets, keeping count of the number of shells.
<TheStoryteller> It looks like there was some kind of conflict not too long ago.
<Adam> So many bullets...this can mean the Rancor's Fang.
<TheStoryteller> Turless counts about 15, as well as some cracks in the rock that look like they were made by a knife.
<Adam> I wouldn't be surprised to find a body around here.
<Turless> Bulletholes and knife gouges...must have been an interesting fight.
<TheStoryteller> The path up ahead splits left or right.
<Popoi> Oh great... A fork in the road...
<Popoi> Now what?
<Adam> Well...lets take a vote.
<Popoi> Hm??
<Nicolette> Someone was busy...
<Adam> Which way people?
<Private Joe> Right it is, then! *Starts walking*
<Nicolette> Right, sir ^_^
<Adam> Hold up Private Joe!
<Private Joe> Huh?
<Adam> You walk when I tell you.
* Turless takes the toothpick out of his mouth, tosses it into the air, and watches it hit the ground.
<Popoi> Right sir!
<Turless> Hm...says left. So I say left.
<Adam> Hmmm..so everyone thinks we should go right then, huh?
<Adam> So I guess that means we should go left.
* Turless reaches into his pocket and pulls out a new toothpick.
<Private Joe> Right is right.....uh, right?
<Popoi> Except Turless...
<Adam> Good choice Turless.
* Nicolette blehs. :p
<TheStoryteller> Before Joe is yanked back by Adam, he sees a shadowy mist float by in the distance. It doesn't look like steam...
* Turless shrugs.
<Popoi> I trust the toothpick more than my instincts! ^^
* Adam walks down the left path.
* Turless waits for the troupe to pass him, then brings up the rear.
* Popoi follows, making sure to avoid any rocks that lay on the ground. ^^
<Private Joe> 0..................
Dragon's Nest, B3
<TheStoryteller> You find a few more bullets... The temperature is steadily rising too.
<Adam> Shells after shells.
<Turless> Lots of firepower
<Turless> Question is, whose was it?
<Adam> A question that I want an answer too.
* Nicolette removes her overcoat and ties it around her waist.
<TheStoryteller> Adam notices the trail of ammo leads around another corner...
* Popoi is sweating bullets
<Adam> The heat getting to you, Morstein?
* Turless adjusts his hat a bit.
* Adam leads the group around "the corner". :P
<Private Joe> I hope our flashlight batteries don't explode...Wait, that was supposed to be a thought....Sorry, guys! ^_^;
<Nicolette> ....Shh....Joe. Before I stick these batteries up your ass...
<Adam> People!
Dragon's Nest, Steam Chamber
<TheStoryteller> You arrive in a wide room... the cieling is very high, out of your sight. All around are an assortment of more of the geysers, spewing superheated water into the air..
* Turless keeps an eye out for trouble.
* Adam eyes the room, as his vision pans to the left.
<TheStoryteller> But the most important thing is the two bodies in front of you.
<Adam> For some reason, it feels as if this place is missing something...rather large.
* Adam walks over to the bodies.
<Turless> Hmm...there are some answers right there.
<Popoi> See Joe, this is the "cavernous" part of cave-y.
<TheStoryteller> Both of them seem to have their skin seared off... but they have a gun and knife up defensively.
<Private Joe> Ah.....Well, that clears things up!
<Nicolette> ...ugh...
<TheStoryteller> A small badge is on one of the person's clothes.
* Nicolette retches.
<Adam> That's...repulsive.
<Turless> Hrmph.
* Popoi holds her stomache.
<Popoi> Ugh....
<Adam> What could have done such a thing. *Inspects the badge*
<Turless> Suprheated steam would do the job nicely
<Private Joe> Something...uh...Big, sir?
<Nicolette> We must be near the Red Dragon's cave.
<TheStoryteller> Blowing some soot off it, Adam can sem two letters on a red triangle.
<Adam> Good answer Turless, but I was thinking more of the line of dragon.
<TheStoryteller> R....F.
<Adam> R...F...Rancor's Fang!
<Popoi> Red Dragon!?
<Nicolette> So we're on their trail, eh?
<TheStoryteller> One of them must have been a gang memebr persued into here...
<Popoi> .oO(Boy, I'm not cut out for this!!)
* Turless grins slightly, as his enthusiasm statrs to perk up slightly
<Adam> Must be, unless we're the trail of two dead members who was killed by the Red Dragon.
<TheStoryteller> Some of the geysers about you start to blow steam more forcibly.
<Popoi> Well, at least we know we went the right way...
<Private Joe> WE'RE GONNA DIE!!
<Nicolette> Oh shut UP.
* Adam looks at the surrounding geysers.
<Turless> Psh..you first Joe.
<TheStoryteller> [Echo] DIE.. Die.. die...
* Popoi sobs.
<Nicolette> ...Mother... -_-
<Popoi> Please don't say that Joe....
<Private Joe> ....Sorry......
* Popoi glances quickly around the room.
<TheStoryteller> The steam starts to burn your eyes. It doesn't seem to disappear quickly.
<Adam> Cover your eyes, people!
<Turless> Say boss, if we're gonna move, let's do so. Not moving in a danger zone ain't good, if you get my drift.
* Nicolette searches in her pack, rubbing her eyes, and grabs a set of goggles, and puts them on.
* Turless pulls out a bandana and ties it over his eyes.
* Adam begins to move forward, past where the two bodies lay.
* Private Joe shields his eyes...
<TheStoryteller> The ground underfoot also seems shaky..
* Popoi puts her hands over her eyes.
* Adam keeps his balance.
* Turless digs around for his goggles once his eyes are protected by the bandana.
<Turless> Here we go..
<TheStoryteller> A big hole suddenly erupts next to Adam! o_o
* Turless slips on the goggles and moves to catch up with the others.
<Adam> Be ready for anything! AGH!
<Private Joe> AGHH!!
* Adam quickly jumps out of the way.
<Private Joe> Um Guys, I just wanted to say that I love you......
<Adam> By the goddess!
<Popoi> Oh my...!!
* Turless quickly looks around, for someplace with safer footing.
<TheStoryteller> It spews steam up into the air..
<Nicolette> Waa...! O_o
<Adam> Move people, move!
* Nicolette moves!
* Adam begins to run forward.
<TheStoryteller> Turless finds the ground is becoming increasingly unstable here..
* Private Joe runs for his life.
<TheStoryteller> Another geyser erupts, blocking the exit.
* Popoi runs quickly as possible.
* Adam stops in his tracks.
<Nicolette> We're screwed...
<Turless> Sergeant! We'd better pull out!
<Adam> Back it up folks! It's time to leave this place!
* Adam runs to the other exit.
<Popoi> Damn...!
<TheStoryteller> All the steam in the room suddenly stands still, as if frozen.
<Nicolette> ....Wha?
<TheStoryteller> There is only one exit.. :)
* Adam stops.
* Turless skids to a stop, looking around.
<Turless> Now this certainly ain't normal...
<Adam> How...did that happen?
<TheStoryteller> It comes to the center of the room, around the large hole..
<Nicolette> The Red Dragon...?
* Popoi looks nervously at the steam.
* Adam notices the awe face he has on and shakes it off once again looking quite in charge,
* Turless looks back and judges the distance between himself and the entrance to this area.
<TheStoryteller> It forms into the shape of a dragon, translucent...
<Nicolette> O_o...The Red Dragon, Ruby!
<Adam> Be ready...
<Turless> ...
<Popoi> Ruby!
<Adam> Quiet!
<TheStoryteller> [Voice] I am Ruby's Servant..
<Popoi> ...
<Adam> I've heard that the dragons have getting vicious, we don't know what she would do.
* Turless crouches slightly, his whole body going taut.
<Private Joe> This is it! If I get outta here alive, I'm quitting the guard and living in Meryod!
<Adam> Hello, servant of the Red Dragon Ruby.
<TheStoryteller> [Voice] The breath of the Red Dragon.
<Nicolette> Surprise surprise. :p
<Adam> I am Adam Dynastis, Sergeant of the 13 Regiment of the Virtue Guard.
<TheStoryteller> [Breath] Leave this place, ones of Virtue...
<Adam> The reason would be?
<TheStoryteller> [Breath] You have already tried once and failed with your lives.
<Turless> ...
<Private Joe> Uh, does that mean we're dead?
* Popoi whispers to Joe. "Hush!"
<Adam> You do not scare me, now tell me where the Rancor's Fang is.
<Private Joe> Oh, Okay. Sorry...
<Adam> You have two dead bodies here.
<Adam> You must have some knowlegde in why they came here.
<TheStoryteller> [Breath] It matters not..... you came here once and still did not learn your lesson..
* Turless gets ready to leap out of the way, if necesary.
<Adam> If my master easily killed of the Blue Dragon, what makes you think I cannot easily do the same to you?
<Private Joe> (W) Um, Cuz it's mist?
* Adam pulls out his huge bastard sword as he leans on it.
<TheStoryteller> [Breath] Don't mock a superior power. I will seer that very faith from your bones.
<Nicolette> For once Joe is right. :p
<TheStoryteller> The mist gathers, and starts to expand...
<Adam> There is nothing more superior than the goddess herself!
<Popoi> When you say a million stupid things, there's gotta be one intelligent comment in there somewhere...
* Turless gets ready to move, just in case.
<Private Joe> Thanks.
<TheStoryteller> [Breath] The goddess would not condone your heinous actions..! Prepare yourself to join your comrades.
~~ COMBAT! ~~
<TheStoryteller> >> Combat Round 1!
<TheStoryteller> >> Enemy single: Ruby Breath :)
<Popoi> Stupid thing count starts over.... one.
* Nicolette whips out her spear, and twirls it!
<Private Joe> D'oh...
<Adam> Ok folks, you all joined the guard for action. Here it is!
* Turless slips his Katar from their holsters.
<Adam> Now we can test out your "ground combat", girls!
<Nicolette> ^_- Gotcha, boss.
<Popoi> We'll prove we can win!! ^_^
* Popoi prepares her crossbow.
* Private Joe has no weapons...as the extra layer of bone in his skull makes up for his lack of weaponry.
<Adam> I'll show Zlyk I'm not a weakling!
* Adam holds his sword with both hands and grins at the enemy.
<TheStoryteller> >> The misty form congeals into a dragon's maw, chomping down upon Adam!
<TheStoryteller> >> 14 damage! 18 damage!
* Adam smiles back. "Is that all you got?"
<TheStoryteller> >> Adam's turn.
* Adam strikes the ground with his sword as he screams, energy surging around him as he draws it inward. "Holy Prayer!"
<TheStoryteller> >> Adam uses Holy Prayer! he gains 50 AP! :)
<TheStoryteller> >> Turless's turn.
* Turless crosses both hands in front of his face, then throws both Katar outward, creating a shcokwave of force, "Southern Cross!"
<TheStoryteller> >> The shockwave zips through the creature, mildly hurting it... 27 damage!
<TheStoryteller> >> Nicolette's turn.
<Turless> Psh..hardly worth the effort required.
* Nicolette twirls around, gathering water around her body. Smiling, she shoots the water outward from her hands....drowning the monster! "Surge!"
<Adam> Show me what you all got troops, don't leave your sergeant to do all the work.
<TheStoryteller> >> The water hits the creature with little effect. Ruby Breath is strong to water! 0 damage!
<Nicolette> Bleh. :p
* Nicolette flips the thing off.
<TheStoryteller> [Breath] That won't save you...
<TheStoryteller> >> Joe's turn.
<Nicolette> I know, it just makes me feel better. ;p
* Private Joe starts at the monster with ramming speed, as he ducks his head down and prepares to take the blow.....
<TheStoryteller> >> Joe uses his head.. quite literally... ^^
<TheStoryteller> >> Attack 1 missed! 2: Critical! 19!
<TheStoryteller> >> Popoi's turn.
<Private Joe> I'm living proof; No brain, no pain! ^_^
* Popoi wishes she could match the more dazzling (and in one case, rather numbing) efforts of the troupe, but simply aims and lets an arrow fly.
<Nicolette> Good grief.
<TheStoryteller> >> The first shot connects with something.. 8 damage! Attack 2: Miss!
<Popoi> Woohoo! I scored a hit!! ^^
<Adam> Good try, although it could have been better.
<TheStoryteller> >> Combat Round 2!
<TheStoryteller> [Breath] I see you aren't going to run...
* Popoi mumbles. "give me a break..."
<TheStoryteller> >> The mist starts to dissapate again...
<TheStoryteller> [Breath] Why not try your luck? It will only be your doom.
<Popoi> Oh.. Don't hit the mist, hm?
<TheStoryteller> >> Adam's turn.
<Private Joe> But at least with luck, there's chance!
* Adam holds the sword to his side as he begins to scream and the sword begins to glow. He quickly slashes at the mist as a trail of light is left from it. "Sonic Slice!"
* Private Joe looks at the Sonic Slice "Ooooo....."
<Popoi> Joe.... I'm going to say this slowly.... While the mist has disappated, don't strike it!
<TheStoryteller> >> The trail of energy rips apart the pieces of scattered mist.. 67 damage!
<TheStoryteller> >> They reform, sending a blast of searing heat at Adam!
* Adam stands there awaiting the hit.
<TheStoryteller> >> Adam takes 23 damage.
* Turless notes the after-affect with a raised eyebrow.
* Adam is pushed back a bit. "...More!"
<TheStoryteller> [Breath] You never seem to learn...
<Private Joe> (W to Popoi) I don't know what scares me more, the Dragon or the Sergeant...
<TheStoryteller> >> Turless's turn.
<Popoi> (W to Joe) One vote for the Seargent here!
* Turless spins around quickly, warping the world around him, making it hard to figure out where exactly he is.
<TheStoryteller> >> Turless uses Vortex Whirl.. he gains 38 dodge. :)
<TheStoryteller> >> Nicolette's turn.
* Nicolette narrows her eyes, and begins to chant. Her body grows with a bright red aura and she seems to be breathing and moving faster than before! "Fast Litany!"
<TheStoryteller> >> Nicolette is faster.. by 45! :)
<TheStoryteller> >> Joe's turn.
* Private Joe thinks about the situation, then in a fit of stupidity curls into a fetal defense position.
<TheStoryteller> >> Joe defends!
<TheStoryteller> >> Popoi's turn.
<Turless> ...
* Adam looks at Joe. "First Class..."
* Popoi is almost thankful for Adam's injuries as it gives her a chance to not attack. She chants softly as she raises one hand in the air and then thrusts it toward Adam, "Heal Litany!"
<TheStoryteller> >> A cool breeze envelops Adam.. he regains 50 HP!
<TheStoryteller> >> Combat Round 3!
<Adam> Thanks Private!
<TheStoryteller> [Breath] Enough games...
<Popoi> Your welcome, sir!
<TheStoryteller> >> The mist expands farther, and washes over everyone, burning your skins!
<Nicolette> Gaah!
<Popoi> Aaahh!!!
<Adam> Heat...
<TheStoryteller> >> Adam takes 41! Turless takes 59! Joe takes 80! Nicolette takes 45! Popoi takes 36!
* Turless hisses in pain, trying to blot it out.
* Private Joe silently takes the pain as he does not move from his position.
<TheStoryteller> >> Adam's turn.
<TheStoryteller> [Breath] You are still fighting.. you at least have more courage than the last ones who challenged me.
<TheStoryteller> The mist forms back into the dragon shape, looming over you.
<Popoi> .oO(Great. Yay us!!)
* Turless grins and shakily gets back to his feet.
* Adam rests his sword as he raises his hands to the air. His pony tail begins to rise up as the dirt itself begins to levitate. He quickly thrusts his hands towards the enemy. "Gravity Crush!"
<Private Joe> (W to Popoi) Okay, My vote is in, The Sergeant's scarier.
<TheStoryteller> >> A pocket of intense Gravity forms around the mist sucking it all into a central point.. before forcibly releasing it..
* Popoi nods silently.
<TheStoryteller> >> Ruby Breath takes 40 damage.
<TheStoryteller> >> Turless's turn.
<Turless> Let's try again...North Star!
* Turless throws one of his Katar into the sky. After a moment, a tiny pinprick of light appears in the dark. Then, a searing beam of light slams down onto the enemy and explodes. Turless catches his Katar as it flies to his hand
<TheStoryteller> >> The beam sears the misty creature.. 39 damage!
<TheStoryteller> >> Nicolette's turn.
<Turless> Hrmph..better, but not good.
* Nicolette gathers a large amount of eletricity into her hands, and grins...."Static-Cling time, sucker. Thunder Justice!" She shoots a huge ball of lightning at the monster!
<TheStoryteller> >> The mist conducts the electricity, multiplying the effect!
<TheStoryteller> >> Breath is weak to Thunder elemental! 97 damage!
<Nicolette> Ha!
<TheStoryteller> You hear a loud growl from the mist as it shimmers and sparks...
* Adam nods his head with approval.
<Nicolette> ^_- How was that, Sir?
<Adam> Good...
<TheStoryteller> >> Joe's turn.
<Adam> Impressive Morstein.
<Nicolette> Thank you.
* Private Joe breaks out of the Fetal Ball and heads, literally, toward the mist.
<TheStoryteller> >> He hits the mist head on as it's still reeling from the electrical discharge..
<TheStoryteller> >> Attack 1: 11!, Attack 2: Critical! 23!
<TheStoryteller> Joe goes right through it, hitting the floor. ^^
<Private Joe> Heeee....
* Popoi points at Joe and laughs. ^^
<TheStoryteller> [Breath] .... this isn't what I expected from you.
<TheStoryteller> >> Popoi's turn.
<TheStoryteller> The mist is starting to discorporate in spots...
* Popoi concentrates more this time, desperately wanting for both arrows to connect. With a loud shout she releases the arrows from the bow.
<TheStoryteller> >> Sweet spot! Attack 1: Critical! 16!
<TheStoryteller> The beast reels back, falling apart before you.
~~ Victory! Adams troop gains 23 XP. ~~
* Turless slips his Katar back into their holders, and goes back to his vigil.
* Popoi jumps up and down. "Woohoo! ^_^"
<Adam> Good job folks, thank you for your...assistance there.
<Nicolette> ^_^ Ha!
<Nicolette> No problem.
* Private Joe knocks on his head. (Wood)
<Turless> Let's not get happy just yet until we're done here.
<TheStoryteller> The cave falls silent, nothing but the sound of gas.. Then you hear the voice again.
<Adam> We need a way out!
<TheStoryteller> [Breath] Well, I underestimated you, but you still will not get close to the Mistress.
* Turless narrows his eyes.
<TheStoryteller> [Breath] Give my regards to the surface...
<TheStoryteller> The floor starts to shake again...
<Adam> We're burning up. We need to escape people!
<Nicolette> Mistress? Are you her concubine or something?
<Nicolette> Damn...damn...
* Turless starts looking for an exit.
* Popoi likes that plan.
<Adam> Before we become neighbors to those two charcoiled bodies over there!
<TheStoryteller> The voice fades.... A geyser erupts right beneath all of you! o_o
<Private Joe> Uh...shall I go back to my "We're gonna die" rant?
* Turless shields his face from the hot water!
<Nicolette> No! O_o
<Popoi> Goddess!!
<TheStoryteller> The hot water propells you upwards at a lightning speed...!
<TheStoryteller> Up, up, up, up...
<Nicolette> HOLY SHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT!!!
* Turless growls, biting back the pain.
<Private Joe> WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
<TheStoryteller> Before long you find the cieling is really a hole, as you shoot out of it. ^^
<Popoi> AAAAHHHH!!!
Minea Sea, Midair ^^;
<TheStoryteller> You are flung clear across the mountain range... then you begin to descend...
<Nicolette> THIS IS NOT CUTE, DAMMIT!
<Popoi> This doesn't look good!!!!
<TheStoryteller> You see the head of a Lion growing bigger, as well as a bustling town nearby...
Marius Zone, Midair ^^;
* Turless is more interested in where they're about to land, and wether or not they will survive the experience.
<TheStoryteller> Down, down, down...
<Nicolette> THIS IS NOT FLUFFY AND CUTE! I WILL NOT DIE LIKE THIS....!
<Private Joe> I know my head will survive the impact. I'm not too sure about the rest of me.....
<TheStoryteller> SPLOOOOOOOSH!!!
<TheStoryteller> You land in the ocean.
Marius Zone, Denile River
* Turless tries to minimize his entry profile as he hits the water.
* Adam quickly swim to the top.
<Popoi> Water... *blech
* Phew... That was lucky.
* Private Joe swims to the surface, Gasping "SAVED!!!"
<TheStoryteller> Fortunately, it's deep enough so you don't hit the bottom too hard.
* Nicolette pops up gracefully. "God damn!"
* Turless pops back up to the surface, rather annoyed.
<Adam> Now...didn't I tell you we were going to use our swimming skills?
<Turless> Heh.
<Nicolette> At least we won, eh? :)
<Popoi> Hehe. ^^
<Adam> That was not a joke, Popoi.
<Turless> So, what's the plan now boss?
<Popoi> Sorry sir.
<Adam> We won yes, but found nothing on the Rancor's Fang that would be of use.
<TheStoryteller> The beach is not too far off.
<Private Joe> Hehehe....eehhhh......Like I said before, if we were to survive this, I'm quittin'! Where're the resignation slips?
<Adam> I suggest we head back to the ship for some rest.
* Turless looks around, trying to get his bearings.
<TheStoryteller> Just as Adam utters those words... the hovercraft base 'VSS Epiphany' rolls around... :)
<Turless> ...
<Nicolette> ^_^ Yes!
<Popoi> The hovercraft!!
<Smyth> What the hell? Is that you, sir?! o_o
<Adam> By the goddess...Smyth, get us on board!
<TheStoryteller> It stops dead in it's tracks, throwing out life preservers to tug you in.
* Adam catches the life preserver.
* Turless grabs a preserver, still half-annoyed at the way things turned out.
* Popoi happily grabs onto the life preserver.
* Nicolette grabs a life perserver.
<Nicolette> Haul us up, buddy!
* Private Joe lays into the preserver.
<TheStoryteller> Before long, you are all aboard, albiet wet.
Marius Zone, Aboard the VSS Epiphany
<Adam> I thought I gave you a DIRECT order to stay where we docked! *eyes Smyth*
<Smyth> I'm sorry sir.. I decided to do some recon and try out the landrover mode to cross Minea... ^^
* Turless wrings some water from his outfit.
<Adam> You went against my orders, Smyth.
* Nicolette shakes her hair out, getting Joe all wet.
<Private Joe> I'm a-soakin' but I'm still alive to be a-chokin'....I think I'll go change.....
<Popoi> I really need to change.. oh well... ^^
<Smyth> But.. look how it turned out, sir? You might have drowned if it were not for me.
* Smyth looks very nervous. ^^
<Adam> Just because you got us on board right now. And were there at the right moment, WHILE you were disobeying direct orders. I will let it go...this time.
<Adam> The rest of you to your rooms! Go get changed...
* Turless dislodges a fish from his hat.
<Smyth> Th-thank you sir! I won't breech orders again, sir!
<Nicolette> Yes sir.
<Adam> And...thank you. *With that said he quickly walks away to his room*
<Popoi> Yes sir.
* Nicolette walks off to her room, shaking the rest of her wet hair on Adam. ^_-
* Turless grumps and heads for his room.
* Popoi runs to her room wanting to change into dry clothing quickly.
* Smyth heads back up top. "We'll stay off the coast for now.. in the morning let's debark for the city of Zaback."
* Private Joe is in his room. "Dear Diary, you won't believe what happened to me today...."
~~ END Interlude ~~
Session Close: Fri Oct 01 02:24:10 1999