Session Start: Fri Apr 29 21:36:52 2005 Session Ident: #lunar-iog2 * TheStoryteller changes topic to '-= Chapter 1 - The Stage Is Set | Location: New Meribia, Zen Zone | 500 § | 10 MXP =- OOC channel at #iog-ooc' == SESSION START == Among all the stars and planets, the most beloved of them.. the Blue Star... and it's single moon rotate through the heavens. Once the glorious land of Lunar, it's grey surface speaks of happy days long gone. This legacy and burden of life it once shouldered for the great Goddess Althena now has returned to it's rightful home. But what a different place it is after all these millenia... Streaking by through the clouds, the lands shake off the icy legacy of the past's mistakes, and warm to the struggles of a new generation. One with a new legend to write.. another act in the Rondo of Light and Shadow is about to unfold. It's a glorious day in the streets of the great metropole of New Meribia. Almost all of it's citizens have gathered for the grand finale of a tournament, one that is to decide the future of more than just a city. Among the grandstands, many young faces eagerly await the moment of decisiveness. Mayor Bree, one of the Truth Seekers of old, will defend her crown! but for the moment, one amuses themselves with gossip, snacks and all the other things one would expect from a great festival to the Goddess long gone. Blessed with front row seats, Niri and her legendary father Hiro chat about history, digs and all sorts of adventures. But unbeknowst to them, their neighbors in the boxes are soon to be more than simple strangers enjoying a performance... [Hiro] Wow, would you look at the size of this crowd? I'm glad I booked our tickets early. * Niri nods. "Yeah! This is so exciting. :D Too bad Mom couldn't come with us though..." * Radien (trilluser@c-67-171-218-69.hsd1.or.comcast.net) has joined #lunar-iog2 * ChanServ sets mode: +v Radien [Hiro] It's too bad. But she said she's try to make it for the festivities afterward. « er she'd » Well, I suppose she doesn't like tournaments like this much anyway...she'll much prefer the singing. ^_^ In the distance, one can see Haylee and the Hylan students in one of the guest boxes. The rousing song and dance she put on to inaugurate the 20th Goddess Festival still ligners in your mind. * Saki is leaning against the barrier next to Yuriko, her arms crossed and her gaze intently fixed upon the ring. Every so often she matches a remark from Yuriko with a grunt, but it's clear her mind is primarily on the fight. * Vytor gets comfortable in his chair. He's never watched a tournament like this before, and he hopes it'll be interesting. * Trune is leaning back in one of the chairs, but he seems to take a keen intrest in eying the entire stage, as if searching for something. * Niri bounces a little in her seat, excited by the sheer crowds! It isn't often you see so many people gathered together in one place. * Trune then stands up, heading towards a more enclosed (and shady area). Apparently he's not much for front row seats. [Yuriko] It's almost time, Saki. I can feel everyone's excitement building. This will sure be an event to remember. * Niri on the other hand loves being up front. She also seems rather impatient. "So when is the match going to start? I'm really curious to see how this guy will do against Bree..." Niri frowns. "Kind of a tough challenge. Does anyone ever get really hurt at these things, anyway?" * Tanan leans back in his seat, having managed somehow to both find good tickets and to extract himself from the job of watching students. * Vytor snacks on some popcorn he picked up earlier, woth lots of butter and pepper After a few long moments, a glittering light shines on the center of the stage. * Niri smells the popcorn of an audience member nearby, and she taps Hiro on the shoulder. "Hey Dad, are you hungry?" [Hiro] Mmm, yeah. All these vendors... you want something? * Saki inclines her head slightly in a nod of agreement. "... the great Bree, huh. I wonder how this'll turn out." That popcorn smells pretty good. And maybe if they have anything sweet... Out of the lightshow steps the mistress of ceremonies, Jean. Her long green hair is up in a simple ponytail and she is garbed in a fighting wrap accented with all sorts of accesories and glitterdust to reflect the light. [Jean] Hello Meribia!! Are you ready for the Main Event?? * Niri quiets down as the show starts. :) * Vytor sits up a bit Hiro runs off in a flash and returns with a hand ful of goodies. Popcorn & cotton candy, especially for Niri. * Saki straightens somewhat in anticipation, expression fading to a rather blank stare. * Niri thanks her father and munches while watching the arena! * Trune glances up at the stage, hiding a bit behind a barrel, and makes a hissed curse as his backside presses against something sticky. >_< [Jean] This is the moment we've all been waiting for... a once-in-a-lifetime bout of epic proportions! * Huw is now known as Kara [Jean] Introducing first, to my left... our heroic challenger! This young man has fought long and hard to make it here, and leave his mark on fighting history! Give a big round of applause for Ryllan Barak! Various sections of the crowd cheers, as a spolight shines on the left ramp leading up to the fighting platform... * Vytor applauds around his popcorn, as not to make it explode everywhere * Ryllan slowly steps out from the shaded entrance. As he does, he nods to a specific section of the stands, and a boy there mutters something, waving his hands. A wind starts up, just enough to blow Ryllan's cape and hair dramatically behind him. His hands flash down to his sides, returning with daggers in hand as the guards tense. > After a long moment, Ryllan walks to the seat where Niri and Hiro are sitting, flipping the daggers so as to hold them by the blade. Extending the daggers to Niri, he asks, "Would you do me the honor, miss? It's good luck to have a pretty girl hold your weapons." * Saki furrows her brow slightly, watching Ryllan like a hawk. There's a tad more than the slightest hint of contempt for Ryllan's fight tactics about her. Hiro blinks once, looking Ryllan over as he comes closer. * Niri blushes! Er...uh...sure! * Niri stammers and takes the blades. Jean grins, as you also notice the extreme amount of city guards that have been deployed at key areas of th arena for security. * Vytor raises an eyebrow at the showmanship * Niri glances at Hiro and raises an eyebrow, then shrugs a little. * Ryllan smiles, "Thank you," then turns back, putting his serious face on once more as he steps up the ramp, murmering barely audibly to Jean, "I feel so trusted." * Trune slides further behind the barrel, raising an eyebrow at Ryllan and his not-so-subtle flirting tactics . o O (Aww, geez. He'd better last more than five seconds in the ring or I'm /so/ screwed.) Hiro, rubs his chin. "He's sure got guts..." Yeah, and uh...what's the word? Cajones? Hope he can back it up. [Jean] And.. to my right. Accompanied to the ring by the Public Advocate Liza Rosetta and the estemmed heads of the Bunny Karate Dojo Association. The one... the only.. the living legend... Bree De'Alkirk!! « er esteemed » * Vytor applauds again, sending one or two errant kernals flying From the right ramp appears what could only be described as a phalanx of bunny-suit clas women, young & old. At their head is Liza, who takes her time, studying every little aspect of the arena. She whistles once, and from behind the group emerged the bright haired beastwoman herself! Bree De'Alkirk holds up her arms and the crowd bursts into applause from every angle. You're not sure if they're doing to because they love her, or for other reasons, but boy is it loud! * Niri applauds politely. * Trune peers closer at the entourage, "...(w) Does she have it...?" So that's Bree? Funny, I fugred she'd be taller * Saki doesn't look any cheerier at the sight of the Bunny Karate Practitioners; instead, she switches her attention to Bree, watching the woman carefully as she joins with some quiet applause. * Ryllan claps halfheartedly for Bree, clearly unimpressed. * Trune watches carefully, a small scowl appearing on his face for one reason or another. * Niri overhears Vytor. "Nah. It's probably the way she stands and the way they paint her portraits. And I think she also favors high heeled boots, but you can't wear that in a tournament, so..." * Vytor blinks and looks at Niri as he realized he's being talked to. "...oh." Trune looks closely at her bunny suit, which is more of a hybrid of one and a green overwrap. Black skin-tight pants and sleeves cover most of her body, and at her side is the famed Elementalor Staff. It shines in the midday sun, it's protective powers known far and wide. * Trune then grins /very/ widely, "Ah, paydirt." [Bree] Love you too, Meribia! (w) No she doesn't. * Trune chuckles, "Like hell she does." * Ryllan raises an eyebrow, and his voice, "You're not telling me I'm supposed to fight you while you're still armed? If I'd known that, I would have kept my own weapons." Bree and her escort make their way to the platform. As she steps up onto the stairs, she bows once and hands the Elementalor Staff to Liza, like one would to a trusted valet. «ooc: Oops, strike. » [Jean] Remember, everyone! According to the rules of the tournament, Bree must defend her title as mayor and her honor in a match of skill and tenacity. No magical wards are allowed... * Niri leans toward Hiro. "Think she can do it, Dad?" Bree grumbles a bit, not looking tooe xcited at that. Her smile is purely for the crowds... she obviously does not want to be doing this under such circumstances. [Hiro] Ryllan's an aweful long shot... [Hiro] If i was betting man, I'd have to go with Bree. But never underestimate the underdog, they always say. * Saki leans forward a little, watching Bree very carefully. She's had the chance to see Ryllan fight already; now whatever she might think of Bunny Karate, here is the motherlode. [Bree] I promised it Jean, and I will deliver. I listen to the people! ;) (w) Wow, how many lies are we gonna /hear/ tonight? Liza keeps a careful eye out, watching the match carefully from the ringside. * Trune looks like he wants to retch at Bree's words. [Liza] Good luck, Mistress Bree. Try not to end it too fast... * Niri frowns, gauging the crowd's response to Bree and trying to figure out who they're rooting for in this fight. Bree grins and steps fully into her place. She looks Ryllan over, cracking her knuckles. "Lucky for you I'm a little out of practice..." * Tanan nudges the person next to him with an elbow, wondering aloud at the chances of someone who made it to this round by forfiet. * Ryllan cocks his head, "A little? It's been a long time since we've even /seen/ you outside. I'm sure you mean a lot." * Vytor gets randomly nudged, and looks over at the stranger [Jean] Okay, you two. keep it clean, and may the best fighter win! I guess he can't be too bad if he got this far Jean takes a step back, hopping off the platform floor. A few robed assitants grab the large ceremonial mallet and swing it with gusto at the Zen Zone golden gong. * Tanan shakes his head. "I'm sure he's good, but... well, we'll see, I guess. If half the stories about the mayor are true, this is going to be short and ugly." The shuddering thunder echoes from wall to wall of the coliseum... the final match begins! I guess we'll see soon * Trune is quiet, awaiting his moment and watching the fight intensely. Bree slips into her Bunny Dragon stance, but it seems less intimidating than you'd expect, like she's going to play with this naive fellow as a cat does a mouse that it has caught... come to think of it, her facial features do appear rather Feline-esque. >> COMBAT! * Niri leans forward on the edge of her seat, eager to see what will happen. >> Tournament FInal Bout: Bree vs Ryllan! * Rune is now known as Rune_dinner >> Round 1 * Ryllan takes his own stance, "Playing with me? Bad idea. I didn't come here to play games." [Bree] Heehee... I'm going to enjoy this, Ryllan. The fact you're even standing here and not running makes it fun! >> Bree prepares an attack, holding back part of her force... * Ryllan waits for it, even slowly dropping his stance and standing straight and tall, "Well?" * Saki watches the fight begin in grim silence. It's hard to tell given her usual disposition, but she seems mildly offended. * Tanan looks a little confused. "...is he just letting her hit him?" [Bree] Your beloved crowds are watching... I'll make sure to give them a show alright... * Niri cocks her head, frowning slightly as she tries to figure out what the two fighter's strategies are. >> Battle Phase. >> Just standing there? You're making this too easy... hyah!! [Bree] Just standing there? You're making this too easy... hyah!! >> Bree attacks Ryllan! * Ryllan whirls out of the way, bringing his hand up to catch Bree's wrist. Pulling the beastwoman close against him, he stops, holding her there as he whispers, "Franz and the boys 'n girls send their love." He then shoves her roughly away, bringing his hand up in a stinging slap across her face. >> Bree misses and is rewarded for her arrogance with a huge red mark on her left cheek. Counter! 1 damage. Bree seethes, holding a hand up to touch the spot. [Bree] Wha... y.. you DARE?! The crwod in the standsa gasps collectively. * Ryllan lets the hand drop, backing away, still maintaining his aura of confidence, "Of course I do. Whatever you once were... you're not it anymore." Why is she so shocked that she's been hit. Its a fight isn't it? * Tanan looks at Vytor and nods. "Yeah. I don't understand why everyone's getting so worked up over this." Bree's eyes burn with utter hatred... whatever Ryllan's done, it has struck a deep chord in the Mayor of New Meribia... insults long since forgotten... (w) Oh man she's gonna blow...this is my chance. * Niri frowns a little, confused. * Trune looks up towards the stage, looking for an opening while all eyes are on Bree. [Bree] Grrrragh! I'm going to make you PAY for this INSULT! Yikes. It looks like he really made her mad, though. * Ryllan frowns, /Did I think this far ahead? No. No I didn't./ Well...it's not like she's ever had the best temper in the first place... The crowds are mulling over the event as gossip files... perhaps stoked by some unseen forces. Why's she so mad anyways? Its a fight, people get hit in fights. Its not like there was a 'no-hitting-the-mayor' clause in this thing. Not Bree, I think. And if I remember right, the whole point of bunny karate is to keep people from hitting you...isn't it? *tries to remember* * Vytor looks at Tanan, "Or is there?" >> Bree counter attacks with unbridled fury, planting a glowing red fist deep into Ryllan's gut. He is hurled backwards from the force, blood trickling from his mouth as he lands in a heap on the floor. 113 damage! I don't think so, no. Maybe she figured she wouldn't get hit. That did seem kind of... oh, ouch. ...that looked like it hurt A lot Yeah * Trune starts to inch his way towards the ringside, stopping and wincing as Ryllan gets pummled, "...Okay, so it was a minute. Well, geez." Hiro gasps "Holy mother of Althena... I've never seen her fight like that." >> Round 2 * Ryllan rolls so that his feet are under him, but he doesn't bother actually getting up, "...So you do have some fight in you." He croaks weakly, hoping to keep attention on himself as he staggers to his feet, wiping his mouth, "And I think you made me bite my lip, too." /Now, let's see./ he considers mentally, /broken ribs, bleeding from the mouth... Franz you'd better have a medic ready./ He's still standing? Wha..I undestimated him. * Niri winces in sympathy. * Trune continues his inching, though he's picked up the pace by quite a bit. The mission has become quite a bit more...urgent. [Bree] ...you're actually moving? I guess I'm going to have to fix that. Heh. Heh. For that slap, ten thousand deaths won't be enough... Man, what's her problem? [Yuriko] So much anger.. is this the side of Bree that rules Meribia with an iron fist..? * Ryllan is now known as Ryllan-BBIAF >> Bree prepares to attack again, no longer holding back! * Tanan sighs, cups his hands to his mouth, and yells "Killing him is bad theater!" Jean begins to look worried. * Zack is now known as ZackAway --PAUSE-- * Rune_dinner is now known as Rune * ZackAway is now known as Zack * Ryllan-BBIAF is now known as Ryllan --UNPAUSE-- * Ryllan winces as Bree bears down, "Ah, hell." He manages to grate out, bracing himself. >> Bree runs after Ryllan, looking to make him suffer. Just as she is about to launch into the finishing blow, she is suddenly thrown backwards by an invisible force. [Bree] What the...?! * Niri blinks in surprise, still on the edge of her seat. * Trune looks up as he inches along, confused, "...How'd he do that? He didn't even touch her..." Wow, this Ryllan guy is better than I thought A ripple goes through the air, making the hair on everyone's skins stand on end. * Ryllan blinks slightly, looking around, obviously thrown off by the sudden defense. "...I was right." he mutters to himself, shivering at the ripple. Time itself seems to slow dramatically, as movements feel like swimming through the molasses. * Tanan sits bolt upright. "That wasn't him." It wasn't? The daggers in Niri's hands twitch and shiver, as if even they feel the rpesence of something foreboding. In front of Ryllan's eyes a strange pattern of runic symbols begins to form in a circle. .oO(If you're gonna do your thing, kid, now's the time.) * Niri lets out a little squeak, gripping the hilts of the daggers. * Trune tenses, but somehow manages to continue, rounding a corner and coming in much closer sight to Liza, "(w) That's no ordinary power...it's a lot like..." They spin in an eerie motion, the center filling with a dark mist, like the gate to another dimension... * Tanan shakes his head, staring at the ring * Niri leans toward Hiro and whispers, "What's going on?" * Ryllan takes a few steps back, his hands seeming to turn towards Niri as he does so. From the depths slides out the figure of a person. Wrapped in a flowing black cloak that seems to absorb the light, a feminine sorceress appears. Her hair is jet black, and skin pale as the moonlight. Upon her head are two curled horns, like what you would see on a nightmarish demon. What's everyone staring at? Oh, that o_o; [Hiro] I don't like the looks of this, Niri. O_o; Uh...oh... * Niri starts fumbling for her boomerang. Hiro starts to reach for the sword of Althena, as it pulses with a warning... * Trune stops, "(w) Holy..." .oO(...Can't get blamed for this... oh this is gonna hurt.) Liza begins shouting to the guards to assemble! * Ryllan yells at the top of his lungs, "TREACHERY!" And his daggers fly out of Niri's hands, slipping into his own as he launches himself at the demonic woman! Is this part of the show? * Niri lets the daggers go, startled, and grabs her own boomerang The sorceress looks around once at the scene, and then extends a hand outward towards Ryllan. A blast of magical energy sends him hurtling back into the stands, crashing in front of Niri! >> Ryllan is Blown Away! removed from combat! Ak! o_O Whoa! Hey, are you all right? * Vytor jumps up from his chair, sending popcorn everywhere * Ryllan coughs, "...Not really, no. Oh, and hi again." * Tanan stands up, gripping his sword's hilt and taking a hesitant step forward The demonic woman whispers in a haunting tone. "Be still." Bree grits her teeth. "Who the hell are you?" Who is she? *mutters* As she whispers this, the air becomes thicker and thicker... your movements are slowed to near nothing. The skies warp and twist, and a purple miasma cloaks everything. Hiro thries to move to strike, but he can't seem to do anything. [Hiro] Ccan't.. mmove... * Vytor grimaces, as his body refuses to respond * Niri shivers, feeling queasy. "You...who are...you?" * Trune at first is unable to move, struggling against whatever power is in the air. . o O ( Dammit, I'm not letting some demonic hussy stop me! ) The woman raises her hands, a black jaded staff with an hourglass perched atop it glowing. "Nexus!" . o O (Who the heck IS this woman?) * Trune somehow manages to move, though it isn't exactly pleasant feeling, and heads towards Liza, hoping she at least is frozen like everyone else! The haze thickens and Bree is bound up with the interloper in a sphere of negative energy, beyond everyone's grasp. Liza and the massing guards look on helplessly. Finally, the magician speaks. "I am the Prophetess. And I have come to fix the mistakes of the past, starting with you, Truth Seeker." Trune fights the effects of the temporal disruption, slowly advancing on Liza.. just another few moments and..! * Trune prepares himself once he sees Liza is helpless, and hurries over to her, getting right up in her face! * Ryllan spies Trune and grins slightly, thinking, /go, kid, go/. He then looks in abject shock at the procedings, /What on the Star is she talking about?/ Hey...sorry 'bout this! I need this more than you do right now! [Bree] Youw altz in here and challenge me? I don't care who you are! Get out of my city! * Trune clocks Liza in the face and attempts to take the staff from her hot little hands! o_O * Niri is mostly frozen, very confused, and unable to do much of anything but watch... >> Bree attacks Prophetess with Bunny Dragon Anger! Her fists move like lightning, but they seem to catch nothing but shadows! 1: Miss! 2: Miss! 3: Miss! 4: miss! 5: Miss! 6: Miss! 7: Miss! . o O (Wow, that woman is impossible to hit...) The Prophetess dodges them effortlessly, like a living phantom. "Fugitive of time, your end shall be but a new beginning. The Truth has set you free... and soon it will change. Come to me, now..." « er change this world » Meanwhile, Trune's slow motion blow takes Liza by surprise, forcing her to lose her grip on the Elementalor Staff! . o O (What is she talking about?) The Prophetess prepares a spell! Holding her arms spread wide, a large ball of light begins to gather in them. It shines out in many directions, and you feel a subtle tug on your very souls... * Trune grabs it, and attempts to run to safety (abiet really, really slowly) . o O ( I did it! I did it! Holy shit I did it! Holy shi---whoa! She's getting wailed on! o_O ) Bree covers her eyes as the light lashes out in tendrils, wrapping around her body. * Niri grits her teeth and squeaks in discomfort. >> The sorceress calls out "Your soul is now mine... TRUTH REAVER!" Gnnh... Urk! * Trune winces, trying to ignore the unsettling feeling. >> Bree screams as the tendrils tear at her from every angle, holding her aloft from the ground in the pocket dimension A glowing ball of essence emerges from her breast, and is promptly absorbed into the immense, blinding light. Liza is so in shoack that she has no time to react about losing the Staff. "Bree!!" « er shock » O_o; >> Bree is KO'd! But more than that, as the light leaves her body it goes limp and begins to turn a dull grey color, like that of ash. Her flesh is drained of all it's beauty, and seems almost like a stone statue. * Vytor blinks, albiet slowly What...the... * Trune stops, gaping. Now that he has the staff Bree's plight has obviously taken his focus. * Ryllan stares, at a complete loss for words. * Tanan just stares, near locked into a wide-eyed gape The tendrils of light retract into the vortex of glimmering fury and vanish, as Prophetess flings her ebony cape around it and snuffs it out like a lantern. The body of Bree falls slowly from it's great height without magical support... You look on in horror as the stiff effigy of the one known as Bree shatters into a million pieces upon impact with the arena floor. O_O * Niri watches, her mouth agape in shock. They fly in every direction, as an unseen winds makes merry with their dust to the ends of eternity. There is no trace remaining. H...How did...how did she do that? * Niri fastens her hand on her father's arm in a white-knuckled grip. What the heck just happened? The one known as Prophetess stands tall, watching this with an ever so slight grin of satisfaction going across her pale face. Session Time: Sat Apr 30 00:00:00 2005 Dear sweet heaven, that's the prophetess... What.. what IS she? Mean? [Prophetess] And now, the real show shall begin... She turns and looks straight at the group in the stands... * Vytor eeps * Ryllan looks up at the Prophetess, cursing as the attention focuses on him again. * Trune oh hells. * Tanan slowly moves his hand away from his sword, fumbling for his shield from beside the seat instead. * Niri feels a chill go down her back as the Prophetess looks toward them, but she returns the look with a defiant glare. The magic of the Nexus begins to weaken, as your movements slowly return to normal... Prophetess' gaze lingers a moment on Saki, as if she is staring through her soul. * Vytor takes an involuntary step backwards, not liking this one bit * Niri whispers, "Dad..." She looks a bit perplexed for a brief moment, then swings her cape behind her and leaps off the platform. "I can't waste my time with you just yet... catch me if you dare!" Hiro jumps at the prophetess, the magic letting go of his swordarm, but he strikes nothing but the ground. "Urg... that witch!" As the wards wear off, the guards start running around in a panic, with Liza rushing over to the spot where Bree just stood. Jean is still in awe and shock.. as are most of the crowds. Okay...someone /please/ tell me what the hell that was about...anybody? * Vytor continues to stare, not having any idea what's going on [Liza] That demon! I want her head for this! * Tanan hesitates for a second, looking around. ...Wish I could... *eyes Trune* What're you still doing here? A few of the guards notice Trune has the Elementalor Staff in his hands and rush him! Dad, you okay? :o ^^; Aaah shit right! * Trune bolts! * Ryllan stands, wandering as if in a daze, trying to trip up the guards a little. Hiro shakes his head, trying to see where the woman ran off to. 'It looks like she's heading for the fighter dojos... you don't suppose she's after the Truth Seekers?" The guards don't get very far, as from alla round you hear an echoing laughter. The other Truth Seekers? Uh oh...we'd better go help them! ...now what? * Saki has been rooted to the spot since the mysterious woman first appeared in the fighting arena. She looks absolutely petrified, her eyes wide and staring at blank space as her hands grip the railing tightly... before she is suddenly a blue of motion, vaulting over the barrier in front of her. From random places in the stands and the arena floor, dark portals open and from them emerge warped and twisted green humanoids, armed with knives and others with spears and a pair of sickly wings on their backs. Crap! o_O It's just like... Oh man...This really wasn't a good day to bust out of jail... ...What a day. [Hiro] Huh.. are those.. Vile tribesmen? But they... they are just a tale in history books! * Vytor fumbles for his hammer, figuring this won't end happily Alla round you they yelp and scream for blood, attacking indescriminately! The heroic figures in attendance and the crowds as well are sent into a state of utetr pandemonium! Er...I thought so too, but I guess they aren't, Dad! *Readies her boomerang* Looks like there's no choice... * Niri is poised to dart forward and challenge the creatures! 5 of the winged lancers cut off Trune's escape, and surround the section of the grandstands with the group in it. From above, a knife wielding grunt hops down and slits a bystander's throat next to Vytor! AK! Damn! [Vile Captain] Blood makes the grass grow! Kill the humans!! * Tanan turns to face the nearest of the creatures. "She's using these things as a distraction!" * Saki roars, her body kept low as she practically bull-rushes those in front of her. "Get the /hells/ out of my way!" * Niri screams as people begin to die! She lashes out with her boomerang, attacking the nearest monster. * Vytor swats at the nasty thing! * Trune pulls his athames out, glaring at one of the winged demons, "This has gone on long enough! Out of my way!" * Ryllan grips his daggers, looking at Tanan, "No kidding?" He strikes at the nearest monster, taking care to guard his still weakened form Yuriko winces as she kicks a few of them out of the way, struggling with her injury. Niri's boomerang attack backs the Vile Captain off, but he just laughs, as the lancers rush to protect him. Ryllan almost manages to clip a wing. * Vytor starts bashing any Viles that get too close! >> COMBAT! >> Enemy Front: Vile Lancer A, B, C, D. E, F >> Enemy Rear: Vile Captain * Kara is now known as Huwafk >> Ally Front: Saki, Vytor, Tanan >> Ally Rear: Niri, Trune, Ryllan [Hiro] Niri! Hold on, I've got my hands full here! Hiro is cut off by a gaggle of the black minions. >> Round 1 ! I'll take care of it, Dad! >> Declaration Phase. >> The Vile Lancers prepare to strike the front row! Two gun for Vytor, two for Saki! the last one for Tanan. >> The Vile Captain grins and starts chanting a spell! * Huw (0@192.168.0.1) has joined #lunar-iog2 * ChanServ sets mode: +v Huw * Niri begins chanting a spell... * Trune twirls his athames, beginning to concentrate. * Tanan raises a hand with his palm up, a small ball of sky blue light beginning to swirl in it. * Saki is heedless of the attacks about to fall on her, yelling as she beelines directly for the enemy front line. * Vytor grips his hammer in two hands, aiming at the nearest Vile * Ryllan looks at Tanan, "You've got something big planned? Let's make it bigger." >> Battle Phase. >> Saki's action. >> Ryllan prepares to combo! « now Saki's action. » * Saki drives a shoulder into the nearest figure before using the momentum to launch up and spin in midair, bringing a foot down on the creature's head. >> Saki attacks Vile Lancer A with Flurry of Blows! 1: 27! 2: 28! 3: 28! >> the warped creature shrieks as it is nearly knocked to the ground, but it remains flying. >> Vile Captain completes it's evil spell, sending a spray of dark energy into it's companions. The front row's Willpower increases by 25%! >> Niri's action. * Niri glares at Lancer B. "You're gonna regret this!" Sky and earth, lend me your power! Transform my will to an electric shower! * Niri raises her hand up to the heavens. Stormclouds form and quickly swirl in a small area directly above her, and then a bolt of energy shoots from above to strike the enemy. "Thunderbolt!" >> Niri casts Thunderbolt on Vile Lancer B! He's electrocuted for 21 damage! Ha! Take that! Though I suppose that could have been more effective... >> Vytor's action. * Vytor charges forward and slams his hammer down onto Vile A's head! He then reverses its motion and catches Vile A once again under the chin! >> Vytor attacks Vile Lancer A! 1: Miss! 2: 30! It goes down with a hard blow.. KO'd! >> Trune's action. Woohoo! Good job! One down! Voices in the Night, Whispers from Beyond. Spirits of dark, be a source of power.. Mimir's Well! * Trune holds his athames out to his side, curls of shadowy energy swirling about his body as a spidery string of arcane words slips from his tongue. He then holds his athames outwards, and the shadowy energy draws inwards and then dissapears. >> Trune incerases his Talent by 25%! * Atrivus (~atrivus@adsl-64-173-171-9.dsl.frsn01.pacbell.net) has joined #lunar-iog2 * Atrivus is now known as Marky >> The Vile Lancers screetch and begin the counter strike! >> Vile Lancer B attacks Vytor! 1: 11! 2: 12! * Vytor reacts to the blows, but does not falter >> Vile Lancer C attacks Saki! 1: 13! 2: 13! >> Vile Lancer D attacks Vytor! 1: CRITICAL! 23! 2: 11! * Vytor grunts, but still gets back up again >> Vile Lancer E attacks Tanan! 1: 8! 2: 7! * Tanan raises his shield to try to fend off the worst of the attack >> Tanan's action. * Saki is barely slowed down by the blows as she tries to pick a path through the horde. In lieu of a route, she instead turns to take her wrath out upon the figure in front of her. >> Ryllan can act! * Tanan raises his hand again, the energy in it swirling around like a tornado * Tanan clenches his hand into a fist, as a powerful blast of wind blows past the party at the enemies, then another from the side, throwing them into disarray. "Gust!" * Ryllan raises his own arm, calling on the same energies Tanan does, then bring his hand down, sending raging winds slamming into the enemy group from above as well! >> Tanan casts Crosswinds... Ryllan Amplifies the spell! The raging storm engulfs the entire enemy group, sending them whilring in every direction! >> Vile Captain takes 31! Vile Lancers B & C suffer 37! Vile Lancer D & E suffer 39! >> The enemy rows have been rearranged: Vile Captain is now front. Vile Lancer C & E are now rear. * Niri cheers :D That was awesome! How'd you do that?! Nice! The monsters try to regroup, cuaght totally unawares by the chaotic magic. >> Round 2 ! >> Declaration Phase. * Tanan lowers his hand, smiling just a little. "The right nudge in the right place at the right time!" * Ryllan shrugs, "He did something. I gave it the energy to be even bigger. Now, take the captain while he's off his game!" «ooc: ... - his game » >> Viles C & E dash forward. Vile D braces his lance for a charge! * Saki turns on her heel, swinging around amidst the chaos to confront the leader of the rabble. She's stopped shouting, but her eyes are blazing with anger. * Vytor kricks his neck to one side, and gets ready to lay into the front rank Viles for a second time. >> Vile Captain prepares another spell aimed at his party! * Trune twirls his athame in the air, tracing a pattern in the air that leaves thin red lines in it's wake. He stares down the Vile Captain as he does so. * Tanan raises his free hand again, a little globe of light forming as he watches the captain * Ryllan looks at Trune, "Care to see if I can do it again?" His own daggers begin to leave red lines in their wake as he mimics Trune's movements. >> Battle Phase. >> Vile Lancers C & E return to the front row! * Trune nods, "Let's see if we can take 'em out." >> Ryllan is preparing to combo... >> saki's action. * Saki slams into the captain with a shoulder-barge, turning with the move to slam a fist against the enemy's midsection before spinning once with a quick shout to throw out a roundhouse at the Vile's head. >> Saki again attacks with a flurry of strikes! 1: 19! 2: 18! 3: 20! * Niri focuses again, preparing a different spell this time. >> Vile Captain grimaces, and wipes some blood off his mouth and thrusts his dagger into the air! The front row's Muscle is increased by 25%! >> Niri's action. Hold on, Ryllan! This might help a little. Now you shall face justice...Song of Light! * Niri closes her eyes and begins to sing a wordless melody, its tone clear and piercing - lovely in a way, yet painful, so that the listener can't help but wince. As she sings, she opens her green eyes and focuses on a single enemy, frowning in concentration and willing their own life force out of them. * Niri casts Song of Light, draining Lancer B's life energy into Ryllan! >> Niri sings the song of Light! Vile Lancer B winces as part of his lfie drains away... 16 damage! Ryllan recovers 16 HP! >> Vytor's action. Not much, but hopefully it'll help you keep going a bit longer... * Vytor barrels once again into the enemy formation, sending Viles sprawling onto thier backs! * Ryllan grins slightly, "Thank you, Miss." * Niri salutes. :D * Rune is now known as Rune_afk >> Vytor attacks Vile Lancer B! 1: 29! It collapses in a bludegeoned heap! >> redirecting to C.. 2: 30! * Vytor spins again, aiming for the next one! >> Trune's action. Cord of flame, pierce the enemy with your power! Flare Arrow! * Trune holds out his athame towards the Vile Captain , and a single point of flame appears at the tip of the blade, expanding and growing larger. Suddenly, it flies towards the Vile Captain in a stream of fire and smoke, impacting him dead-on! * Ryllan finishes the design he was carving with a fierce swipe, making the flame explode as it hits the Captain! >> Trune fires a flaming projectile at the leader of the pack.. 45 damage! >> Vile Captain screams as he burns to a crisp.. KO'd! Hah! How do you like them apples, bastard!? >> Vile Lancer D swoops forward, charging through the front row and hitting the rear! "Die Die!!" * Ryllan blinks slightly, "Well, it worked like I'd hope- Ah hell." he breaks off as the Lancer comes swooping forward. >> Vile Lancer attacks Niri! 1: 22! 2: 24! * Marky (~atrivus@adsl-64-173-171-9.dsl.frsn01.pacbell.net) Quit (Quit: ) Ow! >_< Not fair... >> Tanan's action. * Tanan shifts his aim, leveling his palm at Lancer C and firing a beam of light at him. "Shine!" >> Tanan casts Pulse Beam! The bright flash rends the flesh of the dark creature.. it is Vulnerable to Light! 44 damage! * Niri tries to ignore her injuries for the time being, limping a little as she gets back into an attack stance. >> Vile Lancer C is toasted! All right! Take that! Way to go, prof. * Rune_afk is now known as Rune >> Round 3 ! >> Enemy Front: Vile Lancer D & E * Tanan glances back. "Prof? Do I know y-.. oh! You're Hiro's kid, aren't you?" >> Declaration Phase. * Vytor prepares himself again for another charge at teh Viles >> The two viles howl and make a beeline for Tanan, spears outstretched! * Trune tries to look small of a sudden once he hears Niri and Tanan's conversation. He goes back into tracing a pattern with his athames. This time the trail left glows a faint green, and glances at Vile Lancer E. * Niri nods. "Yeah, that's me! Eep....watch out!" * Tanan turns back, raising his shield and bracing himself. * Saki growls, turning once more as the captain falls to take out the remainder of the forces. * Niri gets ready to hurl her boomerang at Lancer D. * Ryllan grins at Saki, "If you can do one..." >> Battle Phase. >> Tanan is Defending! >> Ryllan prepares to combo... >> Saki's action. * Saki crashes into one of the Viles from side on, two fast punches hitting the torso of the creature being followed by a painful-looking knee. * Ryllan extends his hand toward Saki, "Why not do two!" Magic flows around her, increasing her speed to inhuman levels and allowing her to strike both Viles at once! >> Saki attacks with Flurry of blows.. aided by Ryllan, her expert strikes take on the remaining enemies with gusto! * Saki barely even acknowledges the spell, instead swinging around to continue her assault on the second Vile with a sequence of kicks. >> Vile Lancer D is attacked first 1: CRITICAL! 49! 2: 27! It goes down! * Gayo (foon@stjh1-2357.nb.aliant.net) Quit (Quit: ) >> Vile Lancer E follows! 3: Miss! 4: 28! * Gayo (foon@stjh1-2357.nb.aliant.net) has joined #lunar-iog2 >> Niri's action. Eat this! * Niri hurls her boomerang with all her might at Lancer E! >> Niri hurls her boomerang... the remaining lancer dodged it once and laughs, but then it hits him on the head on the return flight with a THWACK! 16 damage! >> Vytor's action. * Vytor rushes towards the last Vile and brings his hammer down HARD on its head! >> Vytor's attack goes wide with the first blow, but the second catches it square in the gut. 1: Miss! 2: 28! >> The Vile Lancer E is Ko'd! >> All enemies are defeated! >> VICTORY! Yeah! *Punches the air* We got 'em! * Vytor checks around to see if there's more of them * Trune looks behind him quickly, hoping the guards are no longer pursuing him. * Ryllan nods, turning in a slow circle to find more targets, "There's a lot more where they came from..." * Saki falls awkwardly to one knee, breathing hard and shaking her head for a moment. Then in a spasm of energy she is up, using the newly cleared path to chase after the strange woman. >> All party members get 6 XP, 3 MXP and 350 silver! We need to... yeah! She has the right idea! * TheStoryteller changes topic to '-= Chapter 1 - The Stage Is Set | Location: New Meribia, Zen Zone | 850 § | 13 MXP =- OOC channel at #iog-ooc' * Tanan takes off after Saki * Niri checks on her father before following... * Vytor runs after the others, assuming they know what to do * Trune looks down at the staff, then in the direction of someplace safe, then towards the horam district. He does this several times. ...aw, fuckit. * Trune runs after Saki. The monsters are largely being delt with, but it seems more are appearing... Hiro finally beats down the ones annoying him and runs up to Niri. Dad! What do we do now? * Ryllan shrugs slightly, "Guess we have to." He follows as well, only stopping to murmer, "...Told you so." to Franz as he rushes by. [Hiro] I'm glad you're alright...! Prophetess must be using this as a distraction... hey, where is that karate girl running of to? * Huw (0@192.168.0.1) Quit (Quit: Siwtching back to my room) I think she's heading after that Prophetess woman! Not sure. Should we follow? Hiro grumbles, Sword of Althena coated in Vile blood at it's tip. "Yeah, she was heading that way last. She might be going after the Astorain dojo and the hero Scott." Uh oh! Come on, then! *Niri takes off running after the others.* You all run past the bewildered fighters campsite, as they deal with some critters. It seems they are infesting the city, tying up all available defenders. The road twists out of the Zen Zone and into the paved streets of Horam District. * TheStoryteller changes topic to '-= Chapter 1 - The Stage Is Set | Location: New Meribia, Horam Dist. | 850 § | 13 MXP =- OOC channel at #iog-ooc' * Saki follows the streets and avoids obstacles by instinct, guided by commotion ahead of her and her knowledge of the district. She barely registers anyone catching up with her in her chase. * Zack is now known as Davhand Speeding down the lanes filled with restaurants, dojos and cherry trees, you find the unconscious bodies of several injured fighters. One of them bears the mark of the Astorian dojo on his kimono. [Astorian Fighter] Oogh... I hope we're not too late... * Vytor keeps running, trying to keep up with the others * Trune mutters, "Doesn't look good." * Saki glances once at the body of the man, noting the insignia, before pushing herself a little further and taking the most direct route she can to the Astorian dojo. * Ryllan puts more speed into it, "Doesn't matter." He says to Trune, "We try until it can't be done." Saki doesn't pause to inspect the wounded, but instead keeps running. She is the first one around the corner to the Astorian-Katamari school of blade drawing technique. Yeah, that's fine and all...but we do have some sort of plan, right? She killed Bree without even breaking a sweat. Where the once prestiguous school once stood is now a smoldering crater! All around the edge, disciples of the fighting school lay wounded... ...oooooooookay * Saki skids to a halt, not quite believing what she's seeing. * Trune gapes for the second time today, "...Oh man. See, this is what I meant!" The few that are not knocked out are crying out for help... you can see in their hands they are holding the conscious body of one Scott Astorian. « er unconscious » * Niri 's eyes go wide. Sure. Don't give her the chance to cast a spel- ...By Althena. [Astorian Fighter] Sensei! Sensei wake up! * Niri rushes forward to try to help somehow! * Ryllan runs to the hero, kneeling down to check the man's pulse. As he does so, he looks at the fighter holding him, "This was the Prophetess?" He is apparentl battered and bruised, his hands still gripped tightly around the holy blade known as Misogi. It humm with a shrillness, as the dark enrgies that ligner in the air react with it. * Tanan slows and stops at the sight of the wreckage. "Too late. Dear heavens, what happened?" I'm actually amazed he's still breathing, to be honest. * Vytor looks dumbfounded at the scene, unable to believe that one person could do all this * Saki looks around wildly for any sign of the woman, then nearly picks up the nearest conscious man in her haste to get some information. "Where did she go?!" she yells, a little hoarse. Uh..he is breathing, right? Professor, you got any healing magic you can use? Mine isn't that good... [Astorian Fighter] Yes, the woman in black.. before we knew what was happening, she blew up the school.. Scott tried to fight her with the demon slayer blade, but he was defeated by some strange light. He seems to still be breathing, but he doesn't respond... ... * Niri furrows her brow. "What did she do to him? Did she...ah...suck some kind of light out of him at all?" One of the students nods to Niri. * Tanan shakes his head. "Not for this, I don't." I...don't think he'll be wakin' up anytime soon, sir. You ntoice many of them are not fatally injured... perhaps this was because they were not the intended targets. "The blade." Ryllan frowns, "It must be all that kept him from... It might be the key." * Niri sighs. "I think you're right. I think...what she did...somehow she sucked his soul out of him, or something." [Astorian Student] *leans on his sword* His chi is very weak, as if he's in a deep coma. * Saki lets go of the poor petrified student she's manhandling with a low growl, nearly looking like she's about to collapse herself. * Vytor just stands there, having no idea what to do now [Hiro] Man oh man.. she must be on a vendetta... * Niri feels sick to her stomach. :/ * Tanan looks around. "If she's after the seekers.. who else is here? Are any of the others here?" * Trune looks ticked, "It's one thing to kill someone. To leave 'em as a ..lifeless thing for the rest of their existance...that's harsh." The headmistress, but she ignored her back at the arena... Haylee.... * Ryllan blinks, locking his eyes on Tanan, "The headmistress. Is she here with whatever delegation the academy sent?" The headmistress? She's here? Yes, Haylee was here with the choir. We have to find her! Crap! Jack's here too! o_O [Hiro] Jack, the machinist? * Saki keeps careful distance from the body of Scott, the picture leaving her deeply unsettled. Yeah, I just saw him earlier today I'm not... sure. She was there at the fight, and this prophetess passed her by. But her minions attacked us on the way- Jack's here? * Huwafk is now known as Clericlops Where will she go next? * Ryllan curses, "There's two. How do we try to protect both?" [Hiro] He's got a store in the Commercial District, next to Ramus's Factory Outlet. Right Maybe we should split up? As you debate this, a young woman runs up the street. We'd get clobbered. You saw how strong she was. * Niri looks very anxious to go after her tutor... * Ryllan turns to the young woman, concerned. * Niri looks up at the young woman [Woman] Hey! Anyone! Help! * Tanan looks torn. "We're going to be too late if we sit here dithering. I think... I think we should go find Jack." * Vytor blinks at the running woman Yo! Lady, over here! She is dressed up in the outfit of a merchant or cashier, with brown hair and glasses. * Clericlops is now known as Ahlarn [Woman] Oh, thank goodness! I thought I'd never find someone still able to fight! What's wrong? * Saki slumps against some rubble, trying to recover some of the energy expended in the mad dash. Staring out at the devastation for a moment, her brow furrows before she turns to watch the woman. [Woman] I was minding my own business at the Ramus Factory Outlet and then suddenly creatures started appearing everywhere and there was this black-clad woman with horns.. I ran as fast as I could.. Damn! ...We're too late then. [Hiro] Isn't that right next to Jack's store? The frightened clerk nods to Hiro. It is Maybe we should go look for Haylee...maybe we could reach her in time... [Hiro] Well come on then.. maybe we can stop her! Jack's got all sorts of defenses that could slow her down, I bet! We've got to try and get ahead of this weirdo. Let's do it * Ryllan looks around for any of his compatriots who can still stand. But... * Trune bites his lip. * Saki gets to her feet, acknowledging any of the party for what is pretty much the first time as she turns to Vytor. "You know where this Jack lives?" * Trune shakes his head, "These guys got a death wish." I know where his shop is. That's where he last was * Saki nods once, curtly. "Can you show me the way?" * Vytor blinks, "Right now?" * Tanan looks at Niri. "The headmistress is probably in contact with her husband by now. It's nice to see you're concerned with her, but I think she can take care of herself better than Jack can." Hiro notices Trune. "Hey, just what are you carrying there...?" Er...nothing really! ^^; * Vytor scratches the back of his head, "I guess I can take you there." * Trune grips the staff just a wee bit tighter. * Niri sighs. "Okay, I guess you're right. Let's go look for Jack." Hiro looks at the Hylan mage skeptically, but doesn't say anything for now. "If it's what I think it is, we may need to have a talk later." Erm. Right. Sure. Uh. Yeah. * Trune coughs. Anyone who wants to find Jack follow me. Quickly. * Saki glances over at Tanan as he gives his reasoning, then nods to Vytor. * Vytor sets off at a fast pace Oh hey, good idea Captain Muscles! Wait! * Tanan nods, falling into step being Vytor * Niri heads after Vytor. * Trune runs after Vytor in attempt to get as far away from Hiro as possible. . o O (Captain Muscles?) * Ryllan shakes his head, and follows, having failed in his search. * Saki breathes out, then takes off after Vytor again, quickly catching up. My name's Vytor, not Captain Muscles *cough* Sorry. Hiro mumbles to himself and brings up the rear of the group, after barking out some orders to the Astorian survivors on where to go to get out of the line of battle and recover. * Trune then glances at Vytor again as he runs, . o O (Geez...he's kinda anal isn't he?) . o O (Don't let me down Jack. We're coming!) * Niri sticks close to her father, wondering how their exciting day at the festival ended up like this...and hoping they can get to Jack in time. :/ * Ryllan continues to dash. /I gave her this damned opportunity. Which means I have to stop it. If I- No. No ifs. I will stop it./ . o O ( I hope this isn't some big mistake. Is this they meant? With all the explosions and blood, or is there more coming? ) . o O ( I really like pie. ) «ooc: Nuke that » You race down Cherry Blossom Lane to the intersection with Main Street, the Commercial District not far away. Will you make it in time to save Jack? Just why does this mysterious woman want the souls of the Truth Seekers? >> And just why were you spared at the festival? Perhaps these answers lie in the next chapter of our story.. == SESSION END == Session Close: Sat Apr 30 02:01:26 2005