Session Start: Fri Mar 17 22:10:42 2006 Session Ident: #lunar-iog2 * Logging #lunar-iog2 to 'logs\#lunar-iog2.log' * TheStoryteller sets mode: +m * TheStoryteller changes topic to '-= Chapter 8: Space Race | Location: Old Capital, Staging Area | Pools: 425 §, 0 MXP =- http://storen.rpgcafe.net/IoG/ | OOC chan: #iog-ooc ' == SESSION START == * Huw is now known as DrWebbly Explorers and scholars and everyone in between walks the dirt streets of the massive Big Dig tent city, all going on about their personal business. The activity has been increasing as the day wears on, the storm from before starting to clear up. Thankfully there hasn;t been anymore lightning strikes focused upon a certain pretty-boy science project. * Niri hurries through the camp after finishing her shopping, carrying a somewhat overstuffed bag and trying to find the others. * Tanan << looks back out a window of the destiny. "Should we really have left her, you think?">> After a long roundtable discussion, Hiro has decided to get some sleep after a long day, leaving Jupiter and the good cyber-doctor to take care of their own mission. * Vytor leands against the side of the Destiny, waitning for everyone to assemble * Saki leans against the side of the Destiny a short way from Vytor, watching the skies clear with an amount of satisfaction on her face. * DrWebbly ambles shakily out of the tent they were speaking with Hiro in, holding the flap open for Jupiter. * Trune heads back to the Destiny, adjusting his oversized backpack over his shoulder as he walks. * Tanan wanders up to the destiny, wearing his pack on one shoulder slung to the side so he can rummage through it as he goes. Leah is cuddling Shiro like a toy, walking aways behind Tanan. Morning Tanan Morning Leah Morning, Vytor. Everything together here? Jupiter nods his thanks and steps outside. He is happy on one hand the storm is cleared, but on the other is a touch of sadness that no more thunder is nearby. * Saki blinks back down and nods at the oncomers. Kind of. Not everyone is here yet [Leah] Hiii! Ready to go see some new ruins? * Tanan nods, shifting his pack. "No rush, I guess. Morning, Saki. Leah. Shiro." Ready as I'll ever be * Trune reaches the Destiny, gives a half wave to the group before leaning against the Destiny's side as he waits for everyone else to assemble. * Saki glances over at Leah. "We should really check in the town itself for signs of the Prophetess first, and to rest after the drive." * DrWebbly walks with Jupiter, looking for the party. "Oh my. What a big APC." [Jupiter] Yes, it does rather resmble a troop carrier doesn't it? Considering the style of the ruin explorers, it must be a dangerous business. We should be careful. * DrWebbly waves at the people on the Destiny. Morning Jupiter, Dr. Webbly * Niri rushes up, carrying her pack! Hi everybody! *She is slightly out of breath. * Angie appears from out of one of the larger tents, carrying an enormous case with both hands. Close behind her is a young man carrying a black box so large he can hardly see where he's going., * Niri slams into the young man's black box as she hurries past! Ah. Good morning, Doctor, Jupiter. Are you both ready to go? * Vytor almost says good morning back to Niri, at least before she takes out Angie's helper [Jupiter] As ready as I can be, given the circumstances. Our discussion with Hiro went over rather well. Ah, man! Princess, you gotta look with both eyes in front of you or you won't get very far in this adventuress spelunking buisness of yours! Er...uh...you're okay, right? Uh. Yeah. * DrWebbly spreads his hands. "What would I bring? It's not like I can use a weapon. Sad really. It'd be fun to go all 'ahhhhh tenseiken slash!' you know?" * Vytor raises an eyebrow at Webbly, "Ahhh tenseiken slash?" Ah~! *She quickly sets down the case to help the man steady the box.* Whew, that was close. *She sighs and hefts the case again, straining to hold it even a few inches above the ground.* Are you OK? Tenseiken whatsis? * Saki just goes right back to leaning up against the Destiny. Owww.... *Gets to her feet, readjusting her glasses, which were knocked askew.* Yeah, I'm fine! Sorry, just got a little carried away there. I thought you guys were going to leave without me. ^^; Ah. It's from old movies. All kung fu and wuxia.. you don't understand a word, do you? * Niri nods sheepishly to Angie and Trune! Ť haha ť * DrWebbly waves his hands vaguely. Hey, Niri. I wouldn't worry about that, We still have to.. er.. load.. Angie's.. large lead blocks? Er...no, but I bet if I say that Dr. Webbly, I'll get lots of stares. Don't know if it'll be good stares, though. What IS that, anyway? Just what I was about to ask. * Angie hauls the case to the Destiny and props it between the wall and a seat, then steps out to help the man load the case. "Thanks, Rob." They're my instruments and notes! It would be a much less productive trip without them, you can be sure of that! * Vytor looks skeptically at all the stuff Angie intends to bring Man, that's a lot of stuff. What if you have to carry that someplace, Angie? [Leah] Hey, we're adventuring, not moving! If I can subtract furniture, that might be more stuff than I own all put together. Uh...I don't know if we even have room for all that! Granted, I think I'm seeing double at the moment, but still! * Angie narrows her eyes and gives Trune a dangerous smile. "I guess I'll need help, eh?" * Tanan pats the side of the destiny. "Can she handle the load, Vytor?" * Trune gives Angie a skeptical look, "No offense, Angie, but do I look like New Meribia Bodybuilder XXX?" * Saki watches the group natter, looking vaguely amused; suddenly she vaults up onto the open cargo bay with a smooth movement, apparently enjoying it as a perch. * Angie leans over to flash a toothy grin up at Trune. "Does flattery help you work?" The Destiny should be able to mange just fine, as long as the terrain will withstad its weight Depends what kind of flattery. And maybe a nice incentive too. Are there any roads left? Roads. * Niri can't help but snicker at Angie and Trune as she climbs into the Destiny. Angharad is already onboard the Destiny, waiting patiently for everyone to start the motor up. She has thankfully packed extremely light. Ah... there's a few Long flat black things. * Angie seems a little put out by Trune's stoicism. She vanishes in a gale of motion, slipping into the Destiny and checking the locks and fittings on her gear. No, thank you! I know what roads are. We've made a few, but the old roads are mostly gone, I think * Tanan looks questioningly at Niri. "Are there many left? You've been all over the place" Ah. No old Route 66. * Trune shrugs at it all and heads into the Destiny, shouldering his pack. So. Erm. What happens if we get aahh.. attacked? * Saki looks over from the cargo bay. "We attack back." Hmmmm. There's roads all over, but not all of them are in good condition! Some of them are really hard to travel on. I see. Ah. Well. Jolly good. Best of british and all that. * Ryllan finally emerges from wherever he'd been secreting, hopping into the cab of the destiny with a quiet "hello." Hi Ryllan! Morning Ryllan * Tanan shrugs. "if we're attacked, like Saki says. We fight back. it's kind of a - morning, Ryllan - risk you take traveling." Find yourself a seat you'd like, Jupiter. We don't want you getting all uncomfortable. Mornin', Ry. Jupiter does his best to squeeze in, looking a bit put off by the cramped conditions. * Saki apparently is quite happy to ride out the last of the rain from her spot on the cargo bay; lookout and fresh air all in one. * Niri looks reasonably cheerful despite the close quarters! [Jupiter] So, this vehicle can take us there safely? It still will be a long trip. I don;t see why it can't * Saki looks over her shoulder, speaking back towards the cab. "Between the vehicle and the armed guard, we'll be fine." * DrWebbly finds somewhere to fit in that would probably be uncomfortable to people without metal buttocks. * Tanan squeezes in as well, trying to answer Jupiter. "We should be ok, as long as- oof. Sorry, Niri. Little more crowded than before. - As long as we keep an eye out." Ack. Yeah, how many people is this thing usually supposed to seat...? Oh well, I can help keep the trip from being boring by singing showtunes for all of you! :D * Vytor starts to get into the vehicle, but notices its a little cramped for someone his size. Thiking better of it, he chooses to ride out the trip in the cargo section. Leah tries to find a small spot, but settles on riding in the back with Saki. * Trune looks for somewhere to sit, realizing that it's rather crowded. * Saki raises her eyebrows as people join her in the open-air spot. "Mind your shoulders," she notes; she apparently has a blanket there to cushion hers against the metal of the vehicle. * Vytor finds a resonable spot and settles in, sitting on his pack with his parka draped over his arm * Angie takes the seat next to her gear, laying a protective arm on the huge black box. It is indeed very tight, but with one or two on the outside portion, the vehicle accomidates you all. Granted, it's riding pretty low to the ground with all of Angie's luggage. ^^ This should be an interstin trip to say the least. * Trune shoulders his pack yet again and heads up to where Lean, Vytor, and Saki are. Unfortunately, it's still crowded anyway, and he doesn't look all that happy about it. * Saki leans back, closing her eyes and apparently starting to doze even with the last of the rain coming down. * Ryllan turns the key, smiling as the vehicle roars to life. Awright, let's go! :D Pull up a rock, Trune Onward and... also onward? And with that the Destiny Land Cruiser roars to life, kicking up some mud as it makes tracks southwards! * Trune chuckles a bit, "Don't mind if I do." * Trune uses his pack as a pillow, and leans against it, closing his eyes, "S'gonna be a long day..." How exciting. >> A few hours pass as you drive by rivers and forests. There is some arguing over space and Niri sings some tunes to keep the mood light. Angharad is serious and quiet, and Saki goes on snoozing in the open air. Too bad Dad can't come! But you know...I think he'd wear everyone out pretty quick if he did join us. ;) * Saki maintains, if asked, that it's meditating. . o O ( I can name more than one person who is wearing me out.. >_< ) * Niri hums to herself and watches the landscape roll by outside the window! * Angie passes the time with her nose against the window, transfixed by scenery. With her dazed stare, it's almost like she's in anther world. * Tanan has a little book out, and is apparently sketching. Writing? It's tough to say. >> Eventually, Jupiter stats giving you directions, as the climate begins to get hotter and the pine forests give way to the beginnings of sandy beaches. It's quiet beautiful. Off in the distance, you can see a speck of black on the waters that might be a boat. I'm suprised you know the route so well, Jupiter? * Trune tries his best to peer out the window, "A boat? Here?" [Jupiter] Well, I do have some maps of the old era memorized from the databases. * Niri opens one eye, having dozed off. "Mmph?" * Angie turns to look out the other window. "Oh! Do you think it is? I came this way on a ship once -- maybe it's an expedition!" [Jupiter] Granted, this is most diofficult without any civilized landmarks. Ah, you always did suprise me with your data retention. I'm not sure really. It looks like a boat, though it's far away. It could be something else. Would a civilized landmark be a mountain with a nice suit and a monocle? Nah. Just one with indoor plumbing. It's not polite to have your plumbing on the outside. Tends to disturb your dinner companions. * Angie gives the smaller of her two cases a longing look. " * Angie gives the smaller of her two cases a longing look. "I've got a telescope, but I don't really want to get it out right now." * Saki opens one eye to survey the scene, then the other. Either she wakes up fast or she was telling the truth. * Niri blinks at Tanan. "What?" Up ahead, Ryllan can notice the beginnings of a traveled road begin to form, leading out into the peninsula, surrounded on three sides by the emerald water. * Vytor relxes as best he can, figuring the rest of the group is on top of the weirdness * TheStoryteller changes topic to '-= Chapter 8: Space Race | Location: Area Near Canaveral | Pools: 425 §, 0 MXP =- http://storen.rpgcafe.net/IoG/ | OOC chan: #iog-ooc ' * Tanan smiles at Niri. "I have a horrible sense of humor. You'll have to excuse me. Everyone needs a vice." * Angie squints at the maybe-boat as it slides along the rear window and out of sight. I have a small one in the box if you need it, Tanan! * Angie is suddenly all smiles. Saki gets a good glimpse of the sub-tropical setting, and the air seems to take on a certain crisp quality. It can't be worse than Angie's puns, Tanan! * Tanan blinks, stares, and then laughs. But the pun is the simplest and purest form of humor, Niri! Well... aside maybe from people falling down. I think we're wired weird, but that seems to amuse everyone. * Saki hums contentedly at the scene, but looks a little confused by the peninsula; "We have to leave the Destiny behind?" While taking in the fresh air, Saki also spots what looks like a building of some sort on the horizon. This is true! Though the amusement is capricious. * Trune is quiet, looking out the window and apparently enjoying the scenery. Sometimes it makes people want to hit you. * Saki fixes upon it, standing up and balancing easily despite the vehicle's movement to watch the approach. True enough. Good word, though! * Niri grins triumphantly It's hard to tell what exactly it is, but it looks less than sturdy. It could be a temporary dwelling, like the tent city near the Capital. So....where are we now, anyway? Is that the cape up ahead? Donno, never been this far south. Doctor? Jupiter? * Angie looks at Niri with an expression of horror, then buries her face in her hands and whines. "Ohhh no, that's terrible." [Jupiter] That's correct. The facility isn't far, now. It is just ahead on the eastern coastline. This road should take us there, if it isn't damaged too heavily. What's terrible? I'm not really recognizing any of this. But with my corrupted databanks, this isn't suprising. * Trune leands his head on his knees and continues to watch the world outside the window. It's obvious he's never seen scenery like this before. The cruiser rumbles along the road, hitting a bump now and then. Saki can now make out the details of the structure. By the side of the road it is actually not one, but about five explorer's tents, huddled around a common area, possibly a firepit. * Angie moans through her fingers. "Before I went to the Dig I was on a trip mapping along the western side of the Appalachians -- the mountain range that extends down west of the Academy. It took us /months/ to get this far south." I mean, we were taking careful measurements, but. So....why is what I said so terrible? You mean that I was pointing out where we were? There are several people milling about, two of which have noticed you coming and start to wave, flagging you down. :o One of the men is armed with a Takkar rifle. Who's this now? * Trune starts, "Heads up, everyone! Someone's coming towards us." Ah! People. Wonder what's going on here. * Saki walks over to the side the man is on, ready to field any questions. [Explorer] 'Ey, 'ey there! Hi Ťooc: Someone's coming towards us = someone's here. ť * AmyWordWar (ariana@c-24-20-204-2.hsd1.or.comcast.net) has joined #lunar-iog2 * Trune sets mode: +o AmyWordWar * Niri (ariana@c-24-20-204-2.hsd1.or.comcast.net) Quit (Killed (Trune (EXCUSE ME, PRINCESS! ;)))) * Saki nods curtly to the man. "We're here to investigate the ruins at the Academy's behest." * AmyWordWar pokes her head out the window. * AmyWordWar is now known as Niri << Ack fix that in logs please ;_; >> * Niri pokes her head out the window. * Ryllan (~doomgaze@staff.lunarnet.org) Quit (eldrasia.cv.uk.lunarnet.org obsidian.ab.ca.lunarnet.org) * Angie cranks the window down and sticks her head out, but she's on the wrong side to see who the explorers are. [Explorer] The Academy eh? This here area is property of the Blacklace holdings co. While we're friends of the Academy, we're not too keen on letting you through right now. Why's that? * Tanan sits and wishes he had taken a window seat How come? * Saki frowns, but nods. "Is there anyone we could talk to regarding gaining access?" [Gunman] Yea, somethin' funny goin' on down near the Cape! Funy how? Funny how? * Niri glances at Vytor Something funny? Can you tell us more? Jupiter leans out to listen as well [Explorer] We were picking through the ruins to examine some relic engine parts for the boss. But when one of the hands was scavenging, this light started welling up outta nowhere. (w) Maybe that's... [Gunman] Right unnatural it was! The wind started blowin' like one of dem hurricanes! Oooh. *Niri's mouth makes a round O* Wind... * Tanan looks at Jupiter * Vytor says nothing, figuring he knows what's going on * Angie pulls the door latch and boots the door open, hopping over her cases to land on the ground. "That could be geomantic energy! I should do some readings." Jackpot, guys. :D [Explorer] Then suddenly all these strange monsters started appearing and chased us off! * Trune nods, seeming to understand, "You sure you don't need us to help you explore it? Many of us are from the academy, and we have knowledge in this sort of thing." * Niri waves to get the explorer's attention. "Hey, we might be able to help you with that!" [Gunman] You might like trouble, but we're staying put here till we hear back from big Leon. Leon? Think you could ask him personally? It's kinda urgent. Big Leon? Heyy, I remember him. Even if it's a freakin' memo. . o O (Big Leon) * Saki frowns as she listens, then drags her hand back through her hair. "Look, Haylee sent us. Personally. Checking on Leon is something we're here to do too. Where is he?" [Explorer] He's in the statehouse in New Takkar right now. Hmmm. Is there any way you'd let us in to look around? * Trune 's face lights up in an 'oh /duh/!' expresssion, and he suddenly rummages through the cargo area, "Hold up, hold up! I'll get the proof you need!" Would Haylee's word be enough? * Saki shrugs, and knocks on the cab. "If we have to talk to Leon, let's do so. We need to find him anyway." Psst, who has the letter Headmistress Haylee gave us? Ťooc: Haylee = Hylan. :p ť [Gunman] You can go run off to the ruins, but be warned! Those winds howl like the dead! The letter? I really hope I didn't have it, or it's back at the academy with most of the rest of my stuff. [Explorer] As for seeing Leon, if you can prove you're really on such business, I don't see why he wouldn't meet with your group. Well, uh...that's kinda impractical. * Saki leaves the decisions to those with the proof, and sits back down. * Angie drags her case out of the vehicle and lays it down on the ground, flipping the latches and opening it to reveal an array of glittering devices. She takes out a small pouch and from it produces the glass ball she had at the ruins. I guess we're going to have a heck of a time proving it, then. * Niri smacks her forehead. Oops! I've got the letter. Hey, do you need to see it, or can we go in? Angie's little glass ball begins to react to the presence of Air elemental energy to the southwest. Ah! Good. * Vytor sighs Aha! *She lifts the ball over her head triumphantly. After a second it settles from the sudden movement, but continues to lean slightly toward the ruins.* I was right! I'll need to do more measurements to be sure but this is pretty promising. [Jupiter] Ahem. Might I remind you that I would like to see the launch machinery quickly? Monsters or no. * Trune glances at Jupiter, "Er, right right. ^^; " I think we can probably handle ourselves, even if there are a few monsters... * Niri nods. "Sure we can!" [Leah] Yeah! Howling winds don't scare me one bit! [Shiro] Woof! * Saki looks over the side towards those sticking their heads out. "We need to get moving; Leon, or the ruins?" If Leon's running this place, we should see him first If we can get into the ruins without meeting Leon I'm all for it. But I'm never against a detour home, either. Leon's in new Takkar, though. That'll take a while to go there and back [explorer] If you do decide to head into the ruins, please find the remains of the engine we were dissasmbling. If you can bring that back to takkar, the Blacklace co. woul dbe in your debt. I think Jupiter's and Dr. Webbly's need is kinda pressing, and New Takkar is kinda a big detour. Sure, we'll try to do that! * Vytor shrugs [Angharad] And I do need to check out that plant life as well for Dr. Brandt. Well then. Shall we proceed directly? Might as well head on in * Saki drags her hand through her hair again, considering for a moment. "... alright. Let's go." * Tanan nods. Yeah, let's go! *nods, jumping out of the Destiny and shouldering her pack* << scratch that :P >> QUICK SHE'S OUT GO GO GO << O:D>> * Vytor puts his parka back into his pack * Trune runs a hand through his hair and looks thoughtfu, "(w) Wonder if I'll hear him too..." -obsidian.ab.ca.lunarnet.org:@#lunar-iog2- Saki invited DooM_GazE into the channel. Ťooc: thoughtful. Nargh. ť * Niri glances at Trune. "You say something?" Uh...er... * Trune glances at the others and looks a little flustered, "Nothing really. I'll tell you later, okay?" Um, okay. * Niri goes back to peering out the window! Whoa, hey, what's that? *Her eyes go wide as she points at an armadillo ambling across the road. * Saki looks off towards the ruins, frowning slightly. * Tanan turns, leaning over to look out. "What's what?" A big ugly thing? Ryllan starts the motor up again and you leave the outpost behind, heading southwest. There is not much of a road here, but it's relatviely flattened out by previous treks made to this destination by the Takkar expeditions. Cool! It's got like...armor! But it's cute, kinda. Oh. Are they still around? I dunno, seems like a weird gray mishappen baby thing with armor. And I thought only cockroaches would survive World War Four. What do you call that thing? It's not long before eagle-eye Saki spots the site from her vantage point! There is a collection of rows and rows of small domed & half-circular roofed-buildings, many of which have collapsed. There is a HUGE collection of paved surfaces here, all leading up to a strange sight: it appears to be a very long tube/ramp that extends for a few miles, before suddenly at the very end arcing straight UPWARDS and ending about a mile off the ground. * TheStoryteller changes topic to '-= Chapter 8: Space Race | Location: Canaveral Cape Ruins | Pools: 425 §, 0 MXP =- http://storen.rpgcafe.net/IoG/ | OOC chan: #iog-ooc ' -off the ground Huh? Ooookay. THat's bizarre looking That is pretty weird. What is it? * Rune (~kazyr@pool-71-106-42-148.lsanca.dsl-w.verizon.net) has joined #lunar-iog2 * ChanServ sets mode: +o Rune <> * Angie oohs and strains at the seat in front of her. "Is that the catapult?" << Yay! >> * Rune is now known as Angharad * DooM_GazE (~doomgaze@staff.lunarnet.org) has joined #lunar-iog2 * ChanServ sets mode: +o DooM_GazE * Saki blinks up at it, and makes a face. "If that's the damn elevator, I'm out," she continues bluntly after a moment's thought. <> [Jupiter] Ah hah. The launch catapult still stands. Ť ah just in time Rune :) ť << Eep, pretty late night, huh? >> I'm susprised something like that is still standing. Most stuff is.. well.. crumbly. <> What's that things supposed to be, anyways? You also ntoe that the wide open spaces here do not stop the wind, which has picked up noticeably. It starts to make some groans and howls as it races through narrow cracks and doorways. * Saki shivers slightly at the sight of it, then nudges Vytor with a boot, not looking away from the ruins. "If I start to get panicky again, feel free to slap me," she mutters under her breath to him. This wind...it's kinda creepy. Right Ah. That creature is a.. erm.. I forget. Oh well! Hmm, maybe I could name it... Hopefully there'll be enough of a shuttle somewhere too.. once we calm Mercury down. [Jupiter] This might be the doings of Mercury... his domain is the air. We've got to investigate. I'll have to think on that. If he goes nuts lik Jupiter, can you calm him down? * Angie fixes Jupiter with a suspicious glare. If he reacted anything like you when you woke up, it's not really surprising. That must be a bit of a shoc- surprise. Well, we can take him, I bet! Let's hope we don't have to [Jupiter] Well, if that's the case, then the Doctor and I will have no trouble restoring his senses. ...Good, I'd rather not fight him. * DooM_GazE is now known as Ryllan Ť *pokes DG* ť ÂŤooc: NOT A WORD Âť Oh, with the ECC it should be a simple matter. He won't be able to harm me. Probably. The creepy, deserted airfield awaits you.... << Don't worry Doom, I already did it once this evening. ;) >> * Saki watches the ruins steadily from her perch as the Destiny closes on them; she doesn't look at all happy about going inside, oh no. Shall we get going? You can drive straight onto the damaged tarmac, or can investigate the lines of hangars and tanks, etc on either side of the route to the main catapult. Yes. Pick a place, let's see what we can see! [Leah] This is a bit spooky.. but exciting! * Ryllan turns to drive along the side, not wanting to trust the Destiny to the damaged tarmac, still heading towards the Catapult, of course. Angharad might notice that in certain buildings is growing a strange type of weed she is unfamiliar with. The wind contines to blow around ominously. Out of the corner of your eyes, you think you catch shapes moving in and out of the broken storage tanks as you pass on by. * Saki hunkers down to watch the ruins move closer, keeping an eye on the tankers as she does so. Hmmm, I wonder where the Elementalor might be? * Angharad turns her head from side to side, scanning the ruins for signs of the flora she'd been sent to collect. When she spots the weed she reaches, she visibly perks up and leans forward towards the driver's seat. "Hey, can we go to that building over there?" She points out one of those with the weeds. What's over there? << cross out "she reaches" my mind was wandering down a sentence I didn't finish editing>> Those plants. Those might be the ones I was sent to collect. There's something about them that doesn't look quite right. They don't appear to be native. Hmm! I wonder if the Elementalor is anywhere near there? Anyway, we should check it out. * Saki focuses in on the direction of Angharad's gesture, then knocks on the cabin lightly. "Let's go." * Tanan seems a little nonplussed. "Plants? We're g-... I guess it doesn't really cost us anything to go over there and grab them. Right, then!" * Angie holds up the glass ball, which she has been cradling in her hands since the last stop. A tiny cloud has formed inside it. "I can find the source of the energy easily once we're out." I'm sorry, I know it's not what you came here to do. I'll just be a minute. Not like we're on a timetavle right now Jupiter hmms, allowing this detour for the moment, though he does not take his goldene eyes off the launch ramp, surveying it for wear and tear of the millenia. Session Time: Sat Mar 18 00:00:00 2006 * Trune is quiet for the moment, but suddenly his eyes widen slightly as if he heard something. * Tanan shakes his head. "No, it's all right. I'm just a little on edge. We should have asked those people back there what kind of monsters they saw here. We haven't seen anything..." * DrWebbly gets out of the Destiny, and says "Well, why don't we pick up some samples, then look in the building they are next to, what?" Just stay alert, since we didn't ask Hey uh...Jupiter? [Jupiter] Do you feel it too, Trune? * Trune nods, "He's close by." Who's close by? [Jupiter] Let's not delay too long. He must be in a lab in the main tower. Mercury. I don't think he's very far from us. * Angie pushes the side door open and hops out. She takes the case out of the back and opens it up, removing a smaller box. "If it weren't so dangerous I'd bring everything, but..." She slips a hand into her coat and pulls out her gun. "Priorities." Oh. Yeah, let's go! *nods, jumping out of the Destiny and shouldering her pack* Right, let's go see him then. * Trune grabs his pack and follows Niri out. * Saki hops off the side of the Destiny, landing lightly on her feet and instantly almost shrinking back from the strength of the wind now not shielded by the cab. * Niri whistles cheerily. "I wonder if he's friendly?" The fronds of the weeds growing in the nearby hanger sway hypnotically in the unnatural breezes, growing between some canisters that have cracked open and spilled their contents ages ago. * Angharad ponders meeting enough of the strange beings as she gets out of the car and walks over to the nearest clump of weeds. She pulls out a bag and clippers to collect samples as she hunches over the plants. Hey Jupiter, what's Mercury like? <> * Vytor leaps down from the cargo cab * Tanan steps down, grabbing his shield on the way out Just as Angharad's clippers move to snip a sample or two, the planst begin to emit a loud deafening noise. o_O Gah! Oh geez! * Saki ... was moving over to join Angharad, but recoils from the noise, slamming her hands over her ears as she grits her teeth. [Plant] Whaaaaaaaagggggghhhooooooooo! Ack! Auditory Overload, Overload! Microphones switching off. OK, not normal o_< * Angie doubles over, pressing her wrists over her ears and wincing. * Angharad clamps her jaws together in pain as she flattens her ears against her head. Wha? O_o Ack! *Covers her ears* * Trune covers his ears as well, "What the blue hell is that thing!?" * Niri blinks back tears from the pain of the noise * Tanan cringes, covering his ears. " ? !" The plant Angharad was studying suddenly yanks istelf out of the ground, walking on it's roots and leaves turning into scissor-like blades, framing a deadly screeching mouth! Incoming o_o another one uproots itself to hiss angrily! ...Uh oh. * Angharad jumps back with a growl. * Saki growls, uncovering her ears to leap to the front of the group and trying to shout over the noise. "Get ready!" ...Man, do biologists have this much fun on a daily basis? Because that's pretty intense right there! As the plants defend their turf, the shapes in the tanks that Saki spotted zoom down to earth with a howl and a gliint of malice! Ok, well, that answers the question of what they were talking about. Look out, people, we're about to be savaged by... some sort of grass? * DrWebbly backs away, first from one thing, than the other, before turning on the spot and falling on his ass. "What? Ahhh! Monsters!" * Ryllan erks, schreeching the destiny to a full stop grabbing his daggers, "Presumably not. But it'd sure make for an interesting job if it did." * Vytor hefts his hammer and moves to intercept the attackers They appear to be vague forms of ethereal energy, the embodiment of the sorrows of the past that ocured here. * Saki whips her head to the side, focusing on them. "... more! Be careful! Webbly, back!" [Jupiter] Doctor, let me handle this! Okayyy. O_o What's attacking us and how do we kill it? Not... gr... normally... Watch it! They're trying to flank us! >> COMBAT! Microphones on Pardon? >> Enemy Front: Mandragora A & B He said let us handle this! * Saki growls, tugging on her gloves as she tries to size up the enemy. "Get back, you tin fool! Unless you can fight!" >> Enemy Rear: Banshee A & B * Trune draws his athames and stands back, "Damn, I'm not sure how to target them. What are they weak against?" * DrWebbly shuffles in a direction not towards any monster. >> Declaration Phase. * Angharad winces, still pained by the sound of the mandragora's cry, but swings her large halberd off her back and brings in front of her. * Vytor gets ready to charge into the Mandragoras Banshee A begins staring an empty gaze at Trune! Banshee B does likewise to Niri! Ha, you want a piece of this? :D I'm in the mood for a salad! * Niri prepares a lightning spell! >> Mandragora A growls at Angharad! It's companion prepares to flay Vytor! * Trune traces a pattern in the air with his athames, and the trail left behind glows with a bluish aura, "Just try and stop me!" * Saki glances between the enemies, growling softly. "I've been wanting to cut loose all day." * Vytor spins the hammer in his hands, never having tried to fiight a plant before * Tanan holds up his hands, a faint glowly slowly starting to appear between them * Ryllan eyes Tanan, "Got a plan, Prof?" >> Battle Phase. I think I might be able to disrupt one of those specters. Accent on the think! * Vytor looks at his hammer, "I guess this would word better if I had a cleaver instead of a mallet." <> >> Saki's action. * Saki glances from side to side, trying to block out the noise as she shifts into a more formal stance; tensing and ready to spring to the attack, she yells loud enough to rival the plants. "Come on!" I don't know, Vytor, "Hit it till it dies" always seems a pretty good strategy to me. I mean, if I could hit things hard enough, it would. ;) >> Saki assumes the fire stance! We'll see soon enough >> Jupiter's action. I'm not sure I can fault that plan! [Jupiter] Doctor are you alright? Pull yourself together. I will keep them off of you. >> Jupiter is defending DrWebbly... Erm. Accessing command list.. I really wasn't prepared for this.. >> Banshee A begins to howl the songs of the damned in Trune's ears! It overpoweres his senses, striking him unable to speak or even consider willforce! Trune is MUTE for 2 turns! * Trune staggers back, one hand on his throat, the other on his head. >> Banshee B croons a sickening song at Niri, shattering her concentration on magic. Niri is MUTE for 1 turn! >> Angie's action. * Niri tries to speak, but finds she can't! Her eyes go wide, and then she starts raging silently at the stupid plant, stomping her feet angrily and giving it a death glare. She goes over to stand by Trune and commiserate, making rude gestures to the Mandragora. * Angie seems heartened by her teammates' resolve. She lifts her chin deviantly and snaps off a shot at the nearest of the creatures. >> Angie fires at Mandragora A! Hit twice.. 33! 35! * Trune pretty much follows Niri's lead and makes a bunch of hand gestures which could be considered vulgar and naughty. * Niri sticks her tongue out at the Banshee, sticks her thumbs in her ears, and waggles her fingers. >> The plant squeels, venting it's anger on Angharad! The ability causes even the hardy wolf guard to be shaken up.. Angharad loses 1/3 of her HP (90)! * Niri tries to shout something to Angharad, but fails! Dang Banshee. >> Mandragora B whips it's vines at Vytor, trying to shoo him away painfully... but misses! >> Ryllan is delaying... * Trune 's eyes widen, and he begins to look a little panicked. * Angharad winces. >> Vytor's action. * Vytor charges, and not knowing what else to hit, goes for center mass! >> Vytor bowls over the monstrous plant, dealing two quick chops... 32! 30!] * Vytor retreats back to the front lines >> Angharad's action. * Angharad swings her halberd, trying to catch the mandragora on its blade, and then slam it into the ground. >> Angharad attacks with Crescent Fang... smash! 59 damage. Ť to a that is ť >> Trune's spell fails as he's MUTE! * Trune drops his athames to his sides and kicks at the dirt, clearly pissed off. >> Niri's spell fails as she is also MUTE! >> Tanan's action. >> Ryllan can act! * Ryllan raises his arms, calling energy to him that begins to loop around both him and Tanan, "What can be done once..." * Tanan raises his hand, a small glowing star inside. He clenches his fist and drops it to his side, next to the hilt of his weapon, then moves forward as though slashing, leaving his weapon behind but launching an ethereal sword at the second banshee * Niri starts an elaborate game of charades, telling the Banshees what she intends to do to them. Her gestures are very creative. "Can be done again!" Ryllan calls, mimicing Tanan's move almost exactly, sending his own sword of starlight at the other banshee! >> Tanan hurls the chaotic sword at the second Banshee... 69 damage! Ryllan causes a copy to strike the other for 62! [Leah] Ack, these are tough! * Trune glances to the side and looks amused at Niri's hand gestures. He then starts making his own hand gestures at the Banshees, which are also quite elaborate. The group gets the sense whatever he'll do won't be all that pleasant. * Angharad 's ears are still ringing from that scream earlier on. She looks at Trune and Niri, wondering what they're doing. >> Leah attemps to throw together a spell.. invokes the magic of Luck Litany! >> But Banshee A resists the confusion. * Tanan frowns. "Not as useful as I'd hoped. Oh well, not an exact science." >> Round 2 >> Niri is freed from MUTE! >> TRune has 1 more MUTE remaining. >> Declaration Phase. * Trune goes into a defensive stance. * Saki fixes upon the second of the two plants, tensing to attack. * Vytor gets ready to attack again >> Banshee A lifts into the air, gathering power. Banshee B does likewise.... ALL RIGHT Get ready for some PAYBACK! * Tanan jumps a little as Niri starts yelling. >> Mandragora B starts yelling at Vytor! Mandragora A prepares to lash Angharad. I've never been yelled at by a plant before Combat commands accessed. Subject Jupiter assume attack pattern Phi. * Angharad raises her halberd and prepares to defend herself. >> Jupiter stiffens, nodding mechanically. Very well. * Tanan raises his free hand, filling it with a gentle light. "You really annoyed that thing with those clippers, didn't you. Don't worry, I've got you covered." It's an interesting experience...but I bet I can yell louder! Attack pattern phi? * Angie begins making gestures of her own: she makes an intricate series of movements with her hands, weaving them over and under like a cat's cradle. A small ball of light coalesces in front of her, and with each movement it bulges and deforms. Yes. It will all become clear. >> Battle Phase. >> Trune is defending! >> Saki's action. * Saki roars as she launches straight forward at the front line, a blur of speed that suddenly rears up to launch a vicious kick into the main body of one of the things. Even before she's landed Saki has twisted to follow up with a volley of punches at the plant. >> Saki unleashes Flurry of Blows...65! 70! Ť er on B ť >> Jupiter begins gathering in some power of his own "Stay right where you are.. move and you shall face Heaven's Punishment!" Touch the bars, and you get grounded! Faraday Cage Technique. * DrWebbly sags as Jupiter speaks with more drama. >> Thunder crackles menacingly around the enmies, punishing offensive actions! Jupiter loses 40 HP. >> Banshee A casts Air Blade at Saki! >> Saki is blown away for 144 damage! * Saki gets blasted away from the plant creature she was attacking, landing in a crumpled heap and skidding to a halt closer to the party. "G-aagh...!" >> Banshee B casts Air Blade at Trune! You OK Saki? * Tanan winces sympathetically. ....Augh! O_o * Trune yells out an expleitive...but of course nothing comes out of his mouth! Damn! >> Trune is scriped up by the wave of wind for 70 damage. >> retcon, he is defending! 35. * Saki staggers to her feet, nodding absently at Vytor as she grits her teeth. "g-gh... been better..." >> Angie's action. * Trune is nearly thrown back to the ground, but manages to hold his footing. He is not looking quite so hot, though. >> Angie casts Incomprehensible Shape on Banshee B! FREEZE for 2! * Angie hooks her fingers and pulls her hands apart, and space unfolds into a maze of conflicting surfaces. From this side, the vista is indistinct and difficult to make out, but there's something subtly wrong about that tugs at the mind. >> Mandragora A attacks Angharad! 62! Ťooc: about /it/ ť * Angharad grimaces as the plant lashes into her, memories of the plantella creature coming back to her. >> Mandragora yells it's deadly tune at Vytor, sapping 1/3 of his strength away! 97 damage. >> Ryllan's action. ...ow >_o * Ryllan lashes out at Mandragora B! >> Ryllan attacks the vile plant.. 43! >> Vytor's action. Ť one second ť >> The enemies are punished by Jupiter's invisible hand, as the bolt prisons zap them for their insolence. Mandragora A & B are strong to Thunder! 40 damage each. Banshee A & B take 66. Ť now go Vytor ť * Vytor slams into the first Mandragora once again! >> Vytor swings.. and unfortunately barely misses the weakened weed! >> Angharad's action. * Angharad heaves her weapon into the main body of the mandragora, catching it under the roots hard enough to lift it into the air. She then reverses the arc of her swing to send the plant crashing back to the ground. * Vytor grouses >> Angharad gvies it another taste of the polearm, 58 damage! It's barely holding together... >> Niri's action. Better take my strength...you need it more! Crescendo! * Niri begins to sing, a melody of encouragement that grows stronger and clearer, its tone resonating across the battlefield. Her strength flows out of her own body, her voice infusing Vytor with power! Thanks Niri >> Niri strengthens Vytor 25% with her own 25% strength in return. >> Tanan's action. * Niri salutes Vytor. "Now go KILL that thing for me, would you?" ;_; * Tanan points his hand, palm outward, at Angharad. "I refuse to just let someone get knocked around by an uppity garden weed. Here you go!" Working on it >> Angharad regains 176 Hp from Restore! * Angharad nods to Tanan. "Thank you." * Tanan nods in return. "No problem." >> Leah tries to throw together something stompy... and succeeds somewhat! She casts De-Heal on Mandragora A, robbing it of it's final 28 HP! >> Mandragora A is compost! * Niri punches the air. "All right, Leah!" >> Round 3 >> TRune's MUTE condition clears up! >> Declaration Phase. * Vytor gets ready to take another swing at the Mandragoras * Saki hops back up to her feet, legs a little shaky; she looks positively furious, fists flexing. * Trune draws his athames and begins to trace familar patterns in the air, "Right then, you bastards! This is it!" >> Oh and Banshee B is Frozen for 1 more turn! Yeah, no kidding! *Nods at Trune* What should we do to them first? >> Banshee A prepares to howl at the professor! Banshee B forms a green ball in it's mouth, preparing to launch it at Tanan as well. Pikachu! Thundershock attack now! << nuke that >> <> Jupiter, fry those spectres! * Tanan raises his shield. "Those things look a bit annoyed..." * Ryllan looks to Saki, "You alright, Saki?" Ack, we're really hurting, here. * Niri rummages for a dried herb ÂŤooc: Repetetived Âť Don't think my music is good enough at the moment. :/ What should we do them? The question is what SHOULDN'T we be doing? Personally, I'm gonna fry them. * Saki doesn't even answer, too on the attack to. >> Jupiter prepares to launch more bolts of power at the spirits... Sounds good! Um...unfortunately I'm rather useless against these things, so you give 'em an extra beating for me, okay Trune? >> Battle Phase. >> Saki's action. * Trune nods, and actually grins a bit, "Sure thing. I've got it from here." * Saki bolts forward, wrenching her body forwards despite the pain to send another string of punches to the mid-section of the same plant. >> Saki launches a flurry at mandragora B, landing her punches with deadly accuracy! 52, 62... Mandragora withers under the assault! * Saki twists away from the fallen plant, immediately preparing to launch another attack on those damn ghosts. >> Jupiter fires a thunderous clap into the remaining Banshees! 68 damage to each! Jupiter loses 16 HP. >> Banshee A howls at Tanan! He is MUTE for 2 turns! * Niri , after appraising her allies' status, decides to save the herb for now and cast Song of Light on Banshee A, to heal Vytor. ...Okay, these things are really starting to make me mad. >> Banshee B attacks Tanan at range! He is defending, so avoids the worst of it. 21! >> Angie's action. * Angie circles around the group with her gun gripped tightly in both hands, waiting for an opening. It's difficult to tell which side is the front in the shifting mass; when the Banshee pauses to attack, she takes her best guess and aims for its flank. >> Take that back. Banshee B is helpless frozen for this turn. * DrWebbly is now known as Nerez * Zack is now known as Victor /me lowers his shield. " ?" He then pauses, looking annoyed. ... DUDE PROFESSOR TANAN BROKE :( :( :( (Ahem nuke that okay?) * Tanan lowers his shield. " ?" He then pauses, looking annoyed. >> Angie attacks Banshee A! Somehow she misses, it's amazing agaility saving it for now. >> Ryllan's action. Tcha! I can't see. *She bares teeth in frustration and takes a hand from the trigger to brush her eyes.* * Ryllan levels his hand at Saki, "I sure hope this works..." The ring on his finger sparkles, "Heal Litany!" >> Ryllan utilzies the Heal Ring, to great effect... 204 Hp restored to Saki! Woohoo! >> Vytor's action. * Saki breathes easier as the pain recedes, and with it seems to get a good deal of her composure back; nevertheless she doesn't acknowledge the heal. * Vytor hefts his hammer, and hopes for better results this time with Niri's help Here goes! All right! Smack it good! >> Vytor swings for the fences, catching Banshee A's phantasmal form in the side with a well-placed blow. 59 damage! >> It's barely holding on! * Vytor returns to the group again, looking satisfied >> Angharad's action. * Angharad hurls herself at the banshee, halberd aimed in an arc intended to cleave the spirit in two. Ha! Take that, you wailing wight! * Tanan grins, and says something. Or tries to. . o O (Wailing wight?) * Trune rolls his eyes, but doesn't comment. >> Angharad finishes it off.. 42 damage! Banshee A is sent screaming back to Hell! >> Trune's action. * Angharad growls with satisfaction. Only one more to go. Drop 'im, Trune. We're done here. Right! Cord of flame, pierce the enemy with your power! Flare Arrow! * Trune holds out his athame towards BansheeB, and a single point of flame appears at the tip of the blade, expanding and growing larger. Suddenly, it flies towards BansheeB in a stream of fire and smoke, impacting it dead-on! Ha! TAKE THAT! * Niri pantomimes kicking the thing, almost falling over in the process. >> The gout of fire incineratees the mystical geist, the very oxygen that makes it up combusting violently... weak to Fire! 164 damage! You want some more of that? Plenty more where that came from! * Niri grins and high fives Trune. >> Banshee B's spirit goes off to a peacful cremation... wasted. Nicely done >> VICTORY! * Trune smiles and high fives back, "Awesome. Victory is /sweet/!" * Niri goes around and high fives the others, too!