Session Start: Fri May 19 22:34:36 2006 Session Ident: #lunar-iog2 * Logging #lunar-iog2 to 'logs\#lunar-iog2.log' * TheStoryteller changes topic to '-= Chapter 14: Crocodile Tears | Location: Hylan Academy | Pools: 937 §, 3 MXP =- http://storen.rpgcafe.net/IoG/ | OOC chan: #iog-ooc ' << Session GET! >> == SESSION START == After digesting the words of the great master Johnathan, the group comes together with renewed vigor, ready to once again stab westward for clues, Elementalors, and eventually the next target: Raculi. Following a nice meal from the ever popular University chow hall, the afternoon looks to be promising indeed... the Destiny Land Cruiser is parked outside the main gate, awaiting it's owners, who are strolling around town, doing last minute things, no doubt... * Niri follows the others to the Destiny, babbling about music theory. * Niri does not seem to realize - or maybe she just doesn't care - that no one is paying attention! * Angharad looks at the varied faces of the group members. "Well... a lot has happened, and there are definitely stranger things in the world than I would have expected, but I think it's time I find transportation back to the Pentagon excavation site. " * Saki is, probably as expected, laying out on the cargo bay of the Destiny. Apparently dozing off. * Ryllan is trying to follow Niri's chatter, but is also failing miserably as he yawns. Sleepless night, maybe? * Vytor hustles back to the Destiny, having retrieved his notepad * Trune has his hands in his pockets, leaning against the side of the Destiny as he waits for everoyne to get assembled. * Angie nods with a thoughtful expression. "It was interesting having you along, anyway. Honestly I was sort of considering getting off here too, but I'm a sucker for a mystery." * Trune blinks at Angharad, "You sure? I don't exactly blame you or anything, but I would have figured the whole mystery of it would have been enough of a draw." * Vytor tosses his things into the cargo area, trying not to flatten Saki in the process I think you will find it, Angie. Hm? Angharad's leaving? * Saki ... shifts across for Vytor's sake. She's more alert than she looks, and opens one eye to peer at the people arriving. As Angharad is ready to go her own way, a young woman dressed in a brown vest with a feathered hat strolls up. She has a badge identifying her as a member of the Telepathic Instant Message Exchange (TIME). It's been good traveling with you all, but I really should be getting back to Dr. Brandt. I have my work to look after. * Angie flashes a bright grin. "No doubt about that. I gotta tell you, I was a little weirded out by you, but you're OK." If she had anything else to say, it remains unsaid, as the appearance of the messenger shatters her attention. [Messenger Girl] Excuse me! You look like just the adventurers I was looking for! Uh oh. This can't be good. * Vytor goes over and shakes Angharad's hand, "If you gotta go, then I won't stop you. It was nice having you here though." Oh boy. Happy fun times. What's the word? Thank you, Vytor. [Messenger] *puts a hand to her head, concerntrating* It is for a miss Angharad, the wolf guard. It says that your presence is requested in Raculi regarding a phenomenon that is occuring with the crops. It is a serious threat to the food supply... I says that you'd be best, since Dr. Brandt, the biologist, is busy in the south and requested his trusted employee handle the ivnestigation. ... ... * Vytor tries very hard to repress a snicker That was almost scarily awesome timing yet contrived as fuck. * Vytor fails and explodes into laughter! * Angharad blinks. * Angie doesn't even try. She busts up, holding her gut with one hand and shaking with laughter. So uh, Angharad, want a lift to Raculi? ;) The messenger girl blinks a few times. "Hey, this is a serious matter! Why are you laughing?" :( Um... * Saki leans on one side of the Destiny, raising an eyebrow at the goings-on below. * Trune doesn't laugh, but he does have a small smile, "It's a long story, babe." Sure. Hell of a coincidence. * Vytor continues to laugh as he loads up more gear * Niri stops bibbling about music and blinks. What the...? * Angharad offers the messenger the plant samples she'd collected at Cape Canaveral. "Could you please get these to Dr. Brandt?" They're plant samples he'd requested from me. * Niri also baps Trune lightly upside the head. "Watch your language, Sunshine." [Messenger] Oh,c ertainly, miss. We also offer parcel exchanges. Should I bill this to the Doctor? Yes, please. I'm sure he wouldn't want to wait for them. Ow! Play nice you two * Trune rubs his head and looks a little miffed. * Angie shakes her head, still smiling. "It can't be, that's like, one in a jillion. I don't really know the doctor. Are you sure he's not being all clandestine-like here, Angharad?" Vytor, I'm ALWAYS nice! *sweet smile* He is a good scientist and an excellent example of ethics. I could hardly imagine he is following us. * Saki just closes her eyes with a long-suffering sigh, leaning her head back against the Destiny. Suuurrrreeeeee. [Messenger] Yes ma'am! Good luck on your journey. And, remmebr our motto.. TIME waits for no man! * Niri facepalm She dashes off in a cloud of dust. ...That's horrible. Oy Can they be fined for that? I'm sure we could find a way. * Ryllan shakes his head, "Anyway, guess you're stuck with us, Angharad." >> "Maybe he wants you to spy on us," offers angie. She covers her mouth in mock-concern. "Are you here to steal my secrets?" Without waiting for an answer, she spins around and climbs into the back seat, placing her travel box next to the huge container of other instruments. * Vytor finishes strapping down some of the more cumbersome supplies in the cargo bay * Ryllan sighs and heads for the driver's seat again, "Why don't you sit up front, if you're gonna keep talking my ear off about this music theroy, Niri?" We set? Um. Sorry. ^^; I guess I was just talking to anyone who would listen... Are we missing anyone? Where's the proffessor. But yeah! I did want to ask you some stuff, Ryllan. After all, you had that idea about turning the Prophetess' power around on her... Oh, it's not a problem, Niri. It's a good theory, if nothing else. I'm just having trouble following the big words. * Niri gets in front near Ryllan * Trune clambers up into the Destiny, taking an empty seat near the window. He'll tolerate Niri's musical spiel for a nice view. * Angharad shakes her head and resigns herself to climbing into the back with the cargo again. I'll try to tone it down. I'm actually forgetting more terminology than you'd think though. Oh well. Leah giggles slightly, standing next to Prof. Tanan. Apparently he just got there, having to catchup on paperwork. Welcome back to chez cargo, Angharad * Saki possibly has a slight grin. "Welcome back to the nuthouse, too. You should probably give in at some point." I don't know if I'd call it chez, but... it'll do. * Angharad smiles. On a serious note, does it bother anyone that we're off to Raculi, and some crisis hits? A little. Just means we've got to step on it a bit. Let's go find Neptune, first. I suppose Yes, it bothers me. There's just not a lot we can do about it * Angie scritches at her temple and juts out her lower lip in thought. "I dunno...they're a lot farther out than most people. Might just be a part of living so far out." Well, apparently Angharad can, or can at least investigate it. * Ryllan starts the Destiny! "...Hey, wait a minute, where's the professor?" « he is accounted for, Ryllan. see previous post. » He's here! >> The ECC beeps! * Saki frowns at Vytor without opening her eyes. "... I've long since stopped thinking in terms of chance." Oh. *looks back* Sneaking up on me like th- Oh, Webbly wants us. * Mikel is now known as MikFOOOOD Alright everyone, strap in, you can talk to the good doctor while we drive. * Vytor settles into the cargo space between some boxes * Trune rummages through his bag again and pulls out the ECC, "Aww man, I was just thinking of taking a nap." * DrWebbly appears in a little glimmering holo. "Did someone want a professor?" * Ryllan grins, then starts the Destiny on her way! Well see we...awk! O_o Webbly! :D * Trune then nearly falls out of his seat as he forgot to strap himself in while looking for the ECC. * Angie stands up until her head bumps against the roof, leaning over the seat in front of her to get a closer look. "We could have used you earlier!" * Trune looks down at Angie's words, "Yeah. We could've." What? Did I miss excitement? What's been happening? Nothing much. Just that my Dad doesn't believe my theory that you guys exsist and thinks I'm crazy and disowned me. How's things up there? * Trune sounds very, very bitter. ... Man. Problems with your Dad? I so know what you mean. My parents were always all. 'Why do you want to be a scientist, why don't you become a clown like all your brothers.." * Vytor tries to imagine the robot-man as a clown, and fails ....Clown? * Trune blinks once. Twice, then nearly spits out the words, "Your brothers were clowns!? WHAT?" * Saki looks over the side of the Destiny and her shoulder towards the cab window, blinking in momentary disbelief. "... er." ...I didn't think the job market in the field was that big. All my family were clowns. They must have had a lot of clowns in the ancient world. * Angharad continues to marvel at the voice of the strange metal man. She doesn't bother getting up to look at the projection, but listens to what he has to say. * DrWebbly pulls out some flashing bulbs from the control panel and juggles them. "So, off to Michigan?" Uh. Maybe. That where Neptune is? Michigan? The Lakebed? Well, are there like.. some big lakes there? * Etirfk (~Nehn@24.239.126.40) has joined #lunar-iog2 * Trune sets mode: +o Etirfk * Etirfk is now known as Ysmsm * Ysmsm (~Nehn@24.239.126.40) Quit (Killed (NickServ (GHOST command used by Angie))) I...think so. Yeah Did you try to contact us yesterday? We got a call, but the signal dropped. Yeah, that was me. * DrWebbly puts the bulbs back in the control panel. "Give it another try, the lads are getting lazy." * Vytor looks at Angharad, "Lakes? I thought those were swamps up north." * Saki watches the scenery go by, keeping a gentle eye out for any trouble. At least, that's the plan, but she's a little too worn out from the last few days, and ends up mostly laying back and trying to relax. It's not really your fault. * TheStoryteller changes topic to '-= Chapter 14: Crocodile Tears | Location: Hylan to Raculi Trail | Pools: 937 §, 3 MXP =- http://storen.rpgcafe.net/IoG/ | OOC chan: #iog-ooc ' * Angharad shrugs at Vytor. "I'm not certain. I haven't been out this direction before." The Destiny departs the gate of the center of learning, heading out into the forested roadway. This direction obviously does not see many visitors, as the place is barely more than gravel on a trail hewn from felled trees. Still, I'd like to be sure the system works before trying it at a time-critical juncture. Is there a way we can test it? Just try calling down one of the again. It'll be a blast! ...I hope not. Er...now? O_o Don't you like us anymore? *holds up sad face* * Vytor blinks at the sad face placcard * Saki blinks her eyes open in alarm... then shrugs after some thought, not moving from her position. "... why not? Once we're clear of the town and in open land." Oh, I just mean...yanno, calling in the ultra-jammed-packed Destiny may be kinda crazy. Maybe when we're out in the open? And well away from the Destiny, maybe. We could have a picnic! In the distance, the trees begin to break up, and a low sun can be seen shining down upon the plains. There's a lot of nothing on either side of you, seeing for many miles unobstructed. Picnic plus orbital destruction. That's new Mmm. Picnics. That would inspire fond memories, but they are corrupted. Though still tagged as fond. Lemme guess. 'Ryllan! Pullover!' * Angie plasters both palms against the window, watching the scenery drift by with a goofy smile. She must really like prairies? I dunno Ryllan. I forgot to pack chicken wings. I'm such a jerk. ...It's too flat. You think that here and there are some farmlands and isolated homesteads not far from the roadway. « er -think » Well, we can pass on the picnic. But... the Doc's right. We SHOULD test this out. I suppose if we find an isolate spot, it'll beall right No way, man! *She drags herself away from the scenery to address Niri, which she does by way of enthusiastic hand gestures.* This is the good stuff. You've got clear visibility, for, like, forever, so you can get a clear line of sight from /anywhere/. I would have killed for more terrain like this on some trips. Hrm. Well....yeah. But despite having a clear line of sight, there's nothing to SEE. No mountains, no trees, no ocean... [Leah] Well, this is pretty darn isolated right here. There's nothing for a long ways until raculi. Unless you like farms and random explorers. * Angharad also appreciates the flatlands, though probably for different reasons than Angie. * Saki is too busy looking like she's sleeping to appreciate some bits of grass and trees and arable. Well, Niri. You just gotta look harder. Right there, lots of wildflowers. See there? Awesome rocky formations. And over there....is a cow taking a...okay maybe you don't want to look out the window after all. The question is, will we burn someone's crops if we do it here? Let's avoid that, please Hey, guys. Remember you call down one of the lads, not a huge swath of destruction. * Angie falls back against her seat with a flump. "I guess," she says, looking a little sullen. She sits there for a moment, deflated, and then grins, laubghing silently at some private joke. "But man, let me tell you something about scenery: it gets in the way! This one time, OK, this one time, we had this tiny strip of land we could work in between a river and a swamp and there were all these trees in the way, right?" [Leah] WHy not try going a bit north? We've got to visit the Lakebeds anyway! Despite my original designs. Which we beautiful and genius. I'm so unappreciated by my peers. * Trune blinks at Angie, "Er, right." * Angharad hopes Angie didn't totally destroy the trees. Ryllan comes to a fork in the road. Slowing down a bit to observe the environs, the intersection is marked by a simple sign, with arrows pointing to the north (right) and south (left). The north one declares "Great Lakebeds, Canadian Icefield Reserach Posts", while the other is "Raculi Town, Vulcannon Labs". * Angie swats ineffectually at Trune. "No shut up shut up! Okay so it's like this, right? We've got the beacon over here," She holds one hand out to her right, "and we need a clean line of sight over to /here/," * Saki almost slumps in the cargo bay, rubbing a temple. "... we really need much less interesting lives," she mutters over the chatter in the cap. she holds a hand out to the far left, then brings it back toward the other, wiggling her fingers, "And all this in between is just trees." * Angie pauses to read the signs. "I seriously want to go to Volcannon Labs someday," she murmurs. * Ryllan aims to turn north, "A little later, Angie. Gotta play collect the elemental genius first." Lakebeds? Huh? Oh, yeah. The intersection also has a general store, with some lazy old man in a chair outside taking a nap. * DrWebbly cocks his head to one side. "This means I never saw the Great Lakes. " Cheer up, we'll fill them up someday! We just need to divert a river, or make a giant weather machine or something. Weather machines don't work silly. What happened to the water that used to be in them? Did it all freeze> * Trune yawns a bit and suddenly looks tired. He gets a bit more comfortable and closes his eyes. Don't know Guys.. I'm tipping here.. Trune? You awake?? Wha...er wha?! * Angie is momentarily crestfallen, but she rebounds in an eyeblink, flashing a defiant smile at the projector. "Maybe /yours/ didn't!" Ah, let the kid sleep. My view has gotten all a strange angle, Trune! * Trune suddenly snaps awake, "Er...uh...sorry. ^^;" Cheer up! There's always dessert! He'll never grow up big and strong if he doesn't get his rest. I'm already big. Too big. But skinny as a rake! I'm not that skinny, littlebit! Now, now don't fight. You sound like a couple! * Vytor starts laughing again! ...No. Oh goddess, no. Why don't you stop and buy some pie? We can see if the pyscho-kinetic constructs can taste or smell. * Niri glares at Webbly and sticks her tongue out. Watch it, Tin Man! Hey! No tin here! Aluminium! * Niri snrks. Hmm. And you'd make a awful Dorothy. Who, me? Why? ;_; ...Wait, who's Dorothy? Oh? 'Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh my?' Er...you've lost me. Quite. But honestly that's not too difficult! * Trune grins. Well. I guess you haven't found any film archives then? DVDs? ....A few, but mostly boring training videos, if they work at all. Most don't. Shame. Anyway. Can I help you guys at all? Fill me on what's been happening. If that takes too long, sum up. * Saki pinches the bridge of her nose, looking quite pained. "... dividers. We need walls in this thing. ... and earmuffs." She watches the landscape listlessly, trying to ride out both the trip and the conversation. Ryllan needs to make his chocie of routes. North most likely leads to the Elementalor's resting spot... « actually n/m » « missed your posting. » << We're secretly ignoring eachother, aren't we? >> * Angharad starts to doze in the back as she waits for the Destiny to get where they're going. The Destiny swerves to the north! The air becomes a little cooler as you progress, a breeze from the hinterlands perking up your senses. Angharad also begins to smell the odor of a marsh upwind from your location. * Angie rolls her eyes back and ticks off events on her fingers. "We went back to the academy -- that's the main university, We talked to the Headmaster, which is like the hugest possible deal even though I guess it doesn't mean anything to you? I mean lately there has been a lot of competition for deal-hugeness but it is definitely pretty huge. He told us some stuff we didn't know, and some stuff we did know." * DrWebbly nods sagey. * Trune looks close to nodding off again, fighting off sleep so that Webbly can continue to babble. Then we talked to Damon -- Damon's this other guy -- who has been going through surviving records from the old world and found some weird stuff that we're not sure how to interpret. That reminds me! If you could give us a clearer rundown on the recent history of the world as you remember it, that'd be really helpful. Like not necessarily now, but sometime? Ahh. I guess! Maybe. I'll try! Soo. People told you stuff. * Trune finally can't fight it any more and falls into a doze. Thankfully Webbly's not exactly tipping over this time around. Hey! Is that a cow? ...A cow? Yes. Why? O_o At least they are still around. I wasn't sure if you guys milked monsters or something! ....That is a horrifying thought. * Saki blinks dully, then pulls herself up on her feet, turning around in the cargo bed to lean against the cab of the Destiny to take up her usual lookout. * Mia_Slp (~tomato@c-24-60-193-8.hsd1.ma.comcast.net) has joined #lunar-iog2 The farms that once lined the view begin to fade away, causing you to feel that you truly might be hitting the known edge of civilization. But before that can set in, Saki spies a few beacons on the roadside, alerting you to the presence of scout teams in this area. Also. Some information about Neptune's bedroom. He was being tested in a enviroment seperate from the oceans. Hence the Great lakes. The lab was underwater, but I guess might not be now. That's handy to know Hopefully that'll make it easier to get to. Probably just knee deep in muck. If it's all dried up, that might explain why the signal from him isn't so strong. Howso? Well. Lack of a thematic resonance synchronitc field. Jupiter is strong near generators, Mercury is okay anywhere but underground, mostly, but likes the wind. (Keep him away from beans) * Saki keeps her eyes peeled on the road ahead, looking out for any major camps where the group might attempt to get entrance permissions; she knocks on the roof of the cab lightly with a fist, then leans over to shout forwards. "Get ready. We might get stopped and asked for clearance again, or something." So if Neptune's in a place without a lot of water... * Trune continues to sleep, his breathing deep and even. His head begins to lilt to one side, but amazingly the hand holding the ECC still remains in a non-tilting position. ...he'll probably be cranky when he wakes up. Maybe bring Mercury with you, might be able to keep an air bubble up if you get flooded. >> The image crackles a little. Not drowing would be good <> Well. Getting some interference, and the handset could do with a little rest. Any last words or questions? * Angie waves, waggling her fingers from behind the seat. "Have fun." * DrWebbly flips his card over to show a smily face We'll call again if we get into a fix and need some backup. As you progress, Saki's warning seems to go unfufilled. If there is anyone here, they are most certainly looking for something besides you, and the beacons were just to mark the path back to the road. A road which is fast deteroirating into nothing the farther you go. The swampy smell grows now, and you can begin to see the reeds and other plants characteristic of a shallow water area pop up. Yesch, definite swamp. >> The image cuts out with a whoooooop. * DrWebbly is now known as Huw There are definite sand ridges here, marking the edges of some long distant reservoir, and most are eroded away by the wind or massively overgrown in the weeds. Session Time: Sat May 20 00:00:00 2006 * MikFOOOOD is now known as Mikel Strange beasts slither and hop through the muck, going about their daily business of living in a slimy mudhole. (no, none of them are reclusive Adept masters. wrong movie.) * Angharad brings to rouse as the Destiny leaves the road and the ride bounces and becoems more uneven. <> * Saki looks distastefully at the swamp and environs, suddenly glad for the vehicle. * Angharad wrinkles her nose, unable to avoid the stench. Have a bit of a care here, Ryllan! You get this thing stuck we'll never get it out. * Trune suddenly jerks awake at a particularily bad bump, blinking at the smell, "What? Where are we? ...Goddess what's that smell?" * Saki deadpans in an instant. "It's Niri, of course." WHA? * Vytor raises an eyebrow at Saki The Destiny hits a few major lumps of soft ground and it becomes a tough slog forward. The weight of the fileld to capacity vehicle pressed down, and you consider the fact it may become mired before long. Damn Niri, couldn't you have waited till we were out of the Destiny? Geez. .... * Niri glares at Saki We may have to hoof it from here * Angharad glances up at the cab. "Hey, are you sure we should keep going like this?" * Ryllan slows to a stop. Meanwhile, off to your right you see something shiny and mettalic that seems to be poking through the swamps, if only barely. * Saki absolutely doesn't have the good grace to look embarrassed at Niri. She can put on a great deadpan. * Ryllan looks back at Ang, "The thought that maybe we shouldn't /had/ crossed my mind." Hey...is there something out there? Hm? I could have sworn I saw something metallic in the swamp. Where? Anyone brave enough to step out of the Land Cruiser will find the ground supportive in many places, seperated by large circular pools of slightly stagnant water. * Angie waits until the Destiny comes to a full and complete stop, then unbuckles and grabs two armfuls of cases. Straining, she flicks the door handle with the one finger she has free and boots the door open, hopping out. * Trune points, "Right there." * Vytor looks where Trune is pointing ...Huh. Maybe it was my imagination? It looks like a rock to me Hrm? * Niri peers around Vytor also catches the glint of something. A rock formation? Valuable mineral? Still, it is suspicious, knowing the fact there was obviously something here once... Hold on... * Saki looks down at the swamp from the bed of the Destiny, apparently not very willing to move. There was a glint of something * Vytor hops down from the Destiny * Angie stomps her boot on the soft earth, leaving behind a water-filled footprint. "Ecch. She hoists her boxes up to chest level, wincing from the strain. "Ungh...Saki, can you get this stuff in there? Be careful it stays upright." Hold up, Vytor! * Angharad stands up and stretches. She wrinkles her nose again, still getting used to the smell, and then jumps out on to the spongy ground. Hm? * Ryllan sighs, "Well, you saw it, you can go investigate." * Trune hops down after Vytor, "I wanna see it too." OK Anyone else want to tag? * Niri jumps down with a squelch. * Saki winces at the squelching noise, then nods as she kneels in the cargo bed, offering a pair of hands. "Here." Alla round you, the sounds of the wildlife are evident. Hopefully they are the type that runs away from humans.. but you never know. * Vytor nods to Saki * Angie passes her boxes up to Saki with no small amount of grunting. As soon as the weight is off her, she slumps over, letting her arms dangle and sway like limp noodles. Anyone else? * Ryllan hops out of the cab and closes the destiny up. Leah hops down along with Shiro, who promptly gets his white fur all messy stomping around in mud. :p * Saki carefully stashes the boxes on the cargo bed, then frowns at them. "This area is pretty damp. They need covering?" A good idea Swamp means rain. * Vytor tests some of the footing in the area as the group makes preparations. * Niri tsks at Shiro! * Vytor slowly makes his way in the direction of the glint in the distance Vytor finds there are "channels" of solid land that criss cross the maze of puddles and lakes. It's a bit tricky, but it's passable, at least to the formation that caught your eye. This way, I think we've got some solid ground we can follow. * Angie interlaces her fingers and stretches, closing her eyes and grunting. She holds the pose for a moment, then climbs up into the back. "Should be fine as long as the lid's down," she says, flipping the top of one of the smaller cases open and withdrawing a few instruments. "They're designed to travel." * Angharad follows towards the end of the group. Being heavier than most, she figures it would be best to only step where everyone else has already established it as safe. * Trune treads carefully, hoping not to trip and fall flat on his face. * Angie stands up and holds out the glass ball on the string, letting it hang loosely from her hand. * Vytor uses his hammer to test the ground before putting his full weight on anything * Saki nods curtly, then hops off the Destiny and immediately almost falls down, stumbling against the truck. Another vaguely disgusted face and she rights herself, trying to save decorum. Angie's divinations are slow to produce results, but the glass ball tugs noticeably in the direction Vytor is heading. * Angie flips the ball into the air with a flick of her wrist and catches it. "It's not half as strong as the othes, but there are some major water lines here." Also, definitely watery ley lines breajking the surface. It is likely producing these puddles. This is rather cool, actually. Smelly, but cool. Watch out, this section's a bit fiddly. * Saki gingerly steps along after the group, looking entirely out of sorts and possibly even a little worried. * Angie hops out of the cab and chases after the group. * Niri hums absently to herself as she follows the others, ignoring the squelching and the mud on her shoes. Vytor progresses slowly and carefully, hammering out the best spots and mushing down a path. You also think the surrounding creatures have started to notice you, but they are keeping their distance. A pair of eyes darts beneath the water before you can get a better look. * TheStoryteller changes topic to '-= Chapter 14: Crocodile Tears | Location: Great Lakebed Swamp | Pools: 937 §, 3 MXP =- http://storen.rpgcafe.net/IoG/ | OOC chan: #iog-ooc ' Something's not right here. Yeah...it's like we're being watched. * Vytor keeps concentrating on finding a secure path, confident that the group can watch for the dangers he can't * Saki tromps along, rapidly losing her cheer. "... plus there's no damn floor," she almost whines. Finally you get to a particularly tangled bunch of weeds, vines, and asorted other sickly swamp growths. It is coevring up what seems to be a metalic, rusted door, set into the ground at an angle. Huh. « think, storm cellar entrance » * Vytor works on clearing away some of the foliage * Angie has her gun out by the time she catches up with the group. She only has one case with her this time, a small one holding the ball, a few other small instruments, and a thin box of bullets. She takes this last item out, carefully shaking a few bullets into her palm. Away goes the box, and she loads the gun. There are also pipes and vents poking out not far away that one day might have carried water in them, but now they just have vines and moss clogging them up. Something...tells me this is what we're looking for. Just a hunch. A good bet. Well... it's old. That's for sure. I'd lay odds. Let's see if we can open it up * Vytor tries the door. * Saki hangs a little back from the group, watching for any particularly adventurous swamp creatures. Vytor sets to work clearing away the foliage. AS the door comes into view, you can see it has a hole amd ein it, buy what appears to be scraping marks.. teeth? The hole created is big enough to crawl into, with a dark cavern within. « er, made in it. » We can get in through this hole, I think * Trune frowns, but doesn't say anything. He nods. Anyone got a light? As Vytor surveys the hole a little longer, suddenly there is a flash and something darts out of it right at his face! YAH! Vytor! Look out! Ack!! Gah...! Next thing you know, Vytor is on the ground, wrestling with a blue scaly rabbit with huge teeth trying to bite his neck off! O_o * Niri aims a kick at the strange thing! Getitoffgetitoffgetitoff! * Saki whips around at the yells and very nearly skids flat onto her back as she does so. Then in a flash she's skidding forward, sending a fist flying at the thing. Carefully, of course. [Fatal Hopper] Gweeee! >:E * Angie dances back a pace and takes aim, but concern for Vytor stays her trigger finger. She grimaces, praying for a clear shot. * Vytor tries to pry the thing loose and fling it away! * Trune draws his athames and attemps to stab the slimy thing, "Off, you! Off!" * Angharad draws her halberd, but it's not a weapon useful in like kind of situation. The combined assault sends the creature fleeing with yelp of pain, but surprisingly little injury. Gah! * Vytor flails a bit, trying to right himself You okay, Vytor? * Angie gives up on getting a shot at the thing as the party piles onto it. She lowers her gun, letting out a grunt of irritation. My pride will recover, I think. Otherwise, just a few scratches It is then you realize that aall around you from the muck hops a few more of the critters. These predators waste no time in trying to make you dinner! You are under attack! Aw man.... Looks like it brought friends. .... ... .... Oh for shits' sake! Oh bloody... >> COMBAT! ...Crap! O_o >> Enemy Front: Fatal Hopper A-D * Vytor draws his hammer, and moves to the front of the fight * Trune heads to the back, athames at the ready. >> Declaration Phase. * Saki tries desperately to ground herself, muttering a string of curses regarding swamps under her breath. Watch your footing here, guys * Trune begins to draw a pattern in the air with this athames, and a strong brown color is left in its wake, "Right." Fatal Hopper A & B prepare to pounce on the big Vytor. Hopper C begins charging up for something aimed at Angie. Hopper D growls at Saki! * Ryllan stands at the front. then moves to stand in front of Hopper C, "Not this time..." * Angharad brandishs her halberd at Fatal Hopper B. Since it has yet to latch on to Vytor she should have room to swing that big weapon of hers. >> Battle Phase. >> Saki's action. * Saki forcibly slows herself down with a calming breath; moving in slow arcs and being choosy about her steps, she seems a lot more stable. >> Flow of Streams stance assumed.. speedy, but weaker! >> Angie's action. * Angie may have been reluctant to take a shot when the rabbit was on Vytor's chest, but she has no qualms now. She snaps off a shot at the nearest assailant. >> Angie's well placed shot finds the mark, but their tough hide blunts some of the impact. Hit twice! 24, 17! « on A » >> Vytor's action. * Vytor winds up and brings his hammer down on Hopper A's head! >> The hammer blow stuns the Hopper A momentarily. Hit twice! 38, 44! >> Ryllan is preparing to interrupt the enemy's spell... >> Angharad's action. * Angharad swings her halberd, hooking the rabbit creature on the edge of her blade as she arcs her weapon over her head and then slams it into the ground. >> Wham! The halberd crushes the hopper, but it's tough skin allows it to shrug off some of it. 80 damage from Crescent Fang! Nice shot. « to B » >> Trune's action. Terror that lies beyond the edge of eyes, circling horror of faded memory, awaken and remind us of why we fear that which is best left forgotten! Unseen Savage! * Trune spins his athames above his head, then slams them down into the ground. From them spring a near-invisible spherical distortion that tears apart anything in its path, including the hapless target! >> Trune's Earthen spell tears up the first hopper for 121 damage, it's consitution doing little agianst willforce. Damn... Nice >> Fatal Hopper A, tired of being beat down, goes for Vytor's jugular again! >> ...and manages to completely miss, hurling into a nearby puddle with a sploosh. * Vytor swats the Hopper aside! >> His friend has much better luck though, sinking two fangs into Vytor's arm. 55, 52! AH! TEETH! * Vytor tries to shake it loose, "Offoffoffoffoffoff!" >> Bunny C leaps into the sky, smashing into Angie with a ranged strike! 50 damage. * Angie stumbles backward, reeling. She sets a foot off the path, and sinks in up to her foot. The sudden imbalance jolts her back into the fight, and she tugs her foot free. >> Hopper D keeps growling, and then sudden belched forth a mass of gunk at Saki, slowing her down by 25%! * Saki tosses her head, letting the effect wash over her; she's grinning, looking like she's itching for a fight. >> Ahem, backing up. Ryllan can act to stop the attack! * Ryllan slams into the Bunny at the last second! he can't deflect the bunny entirely, but he knocks it offtarget, digging his dagger into it at the same time! >> Angie's damage is reduced to 26. The Hopper C suffers 13 damage from the backlash of its attack. >> Niri's action. >> rather, trune's action « disregard. Gm is tired. :) » >> Niri summon sa whirlwind on Hopper A! >> The upgraded cyclone nails it for 146 damage! It's thrown to the ground, barely alive. >> Oh and Tanan is defending! But we all know that's all he ever does. >> Leah tries to weave a spell but it fails as she chokes on swamp gas >.< >> Shiro runs up and pounces on the half-dead Hopper, doing his hunting dog impression rather well. 12 damage.. wasted! Hah! Go fuzzball, go! * Vytor blinks at Shiro, not expecting that >> Round 2 Shiro runs back over to leah, dead Hopper in it's mouth. :D >> Declaration Phase. * Saki shifts position to hunker down, body coiled to attack. * Vytor sets himself for another attack, having no magic to speak of Well, looks like hitting things is useless. Hey, Trune! Gimme something to play with! Fatal Hopper B is ticked off! It want another peice of Vytor. Hopper C prepares another volley, this time at Trune! Hopper D also runs to maul Vytor, trying to get the kill. Wait, better idea. This is gona sting >_< * Angharad gets ready to defend Vytor again. Hm? * Ryllan looks at Niri, "Can we get some shocking good fun going?" * Trune traces another pattern in the air with this athames, and again there is a brown trail in its wake, "Horrible, Ryllan! Ugh! That sounds like a come on." * Saki doesn't look up from her concentration, but snorts in amusement. "... jealous?" >> Battle Phase. * Ryllan lets his voice drip with sarcasm, "Oh, don't worry Trune, baby, I still love you!." ... And yeah, Ryllan. But uh...please don't do that. It's creepy. >> Ryllan is preparing to boost an ally's spell... >> Saki's action. * Saki snorts again then blasts off from her position, practically skidding across the marshland towards the bunnies. She crashes into the nearest with a shoulder before turning the slipperiness of the marsh into a whirling series of kicks at the poor little guy. Yeah, very creepy. --; >> Saki blows.. an Onslaught of blows to be exact. 2 quick hits join her strike for a trinity of hurt. 44, 36, 40! « on B. » >> Angie's action. * Angie slips her gun into her coat and cracks her knuckles. She begins to move her hands in complex, elegant movements. Thin strands of light shimmer between her fingers; she is weaving a cat's cradle of gossamer. A solid but unreal shape appears in front of her, twisting with every movement she makes. * Angie pulls her hands apart in a sudden tearing motion, and the shape folds inside out. There's something strangely compelling about it, but from this angle, it's hard to tell. >> Angie uses Incomprehensible Shape on D! The water spell seems to lose some effectiveness against the creatures. Strong to Water! But the effect manages to hold for 1 turn of FREEZE! >> Vytor's action. * Vytor winds up for another pounding! >> Vytor hits for 40 damage. Not quite pounded into the muck, but getting there. IT rawrs at him, vowing revenge in bunny speak! >:E >> Angaharad's action. * Angharad slams her halberd down on the bunny again, hoping to stop it from attacking Vytor permenantly this time. >> Angharad once against introduced Mr Skull to mr Blade for 78 damage. >> Trune's action. Terror that lies beyond the edge of eyes, circling horror of faded memory, awaken and remind us of why we fear that which is best left forgotten! Unseen Savage! >> Ryllan acts! * Trune spins his athames above his head, then slams them down into the ground. From them spring a near-invisible spherical distortion that tears apart anything in its path, including the hapless target! «ooc: Er he doesn't! He's helping Niri » « Ryllan gets back in line! :p » >> Trune tears Hopper B a new one, the sphere of gravity FINALLY crushing it's rpedatory ambitions into a watery grave. 136 damage! wasted! Hah! That's better! >> Hopper C tries to take revenge, hopping into the sky and landing on TRune! Hey! Bugger off, you rabid monkey! >> Unfortunately, Trune is winded from his spell and gets chewed up! 67, 81! Ngh! D--Damn! Trune! * Trune holds his right shoulder, which is bleeding pretty heavily, "I swear you're...gonna get it..." >> Vytor cries out for Trune, but then cries out in pain as he gets a bunny attached to his leg. 54! OW! * Vytor kicks the Hopper away! >> Niri's turn. Ryllan can finally act! 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!" * Ryllan grins, "So, Niri, this is what I was talking about. You do your thing..." Power begins to visibly flow towards Niri, 'And I'll give it the juice!" Awesome! Let's see how this works... >> Ryllan takes a page from Jupiter's book, sprucing up the generic Lightning Bolt into it's super version. ZAP! The sparks fly as the remainging two Hoppers are electrocutes. Weak to Thunder! 258 damage to C, 244 damage to D! Whoa o_o >> Amazingly, they are still standing! :o ...Ooooh. Heh...good job, Princess. Now /that's/ what I'm talking about. Darnit, why won't you die? :P ....Er, not you, Trune. * Trune rolls his eyes at Niri and holds his bleeding shoulder tighter. >> Tanan casts Restore on Vytor! Regains 149 HP « Doh. Vytor should have never been hit. that Hopper D was frozen. edit. » Thanks Tanan. I needed that. >> Full HP then. :) >> Leah once again fails to produce a meaningful spell. She looks dejected, but Shiro lays the beaten Hopper in front of her like a trophy to cheer her up. ^^ >> Round 3 >> Declaration Phase. * Saki skids to the side, interposing herself between Trune and the enemies for a brief moment. * Vytor hefts his hammer with renewed vigor >> Hopper D is unfrozen. * Trune once again traces a familar pattern in the air, a trail of brown left in its wake. He's hoping to get the hoppers before they get him. >> Hopper C glowers and once again targets Trune! Hopper D shakes off the stars, thrashing around randomly at Ryllan. >> Battle Phase. « since I'd like to get this over with » >> Saki's action. * Saki launches forward again, gritting her teeth and using the momentum of the lunge to send the thing flying with a barrage of punches. >> Saki manhandles the charred Hopper, burying it beneath the much permananetly. 32, 38, 38! « er muck » « But it still hangs on, filled with rage! :o » >> But it still hangs on, filled with rage! :o >> Ryllan meanwhile, Focuses! 10 Mp recovered. Hp is maxed. >> Angie's action. >> Deadeye Angie fires off a glancing shot on C, but it's enough to make it stop moving. 26! KO'd. >> Vytor's action. * Vytor winds up one more time, and attacks! >> Vytor's hammer is sure getting messy! It connect soldily for 39. >> Angharad's action. * Angharad hefts her halberd and swings at at the last bunny. >> 83 damage is her reward, as the feral fauna begins to buckle. >> Trune's action. Terror that lies beyond the edge of eyes, circling horror of faded memory, awaken and remind us of why we fear that which is best left forgotten! Unseen Savage! * Trune spins his athames above his head, then slams them down into the ground. From them spring a near-invisible spherical distortion that tears apart anything in its path, including the hapless target! >> Trune continue to be the one trick pony.. but it's one trick that certainly gets results. A mighty landslide that reshapes the local area buries the Hopper for 177 damage. Goodnight. Heh...awesome...oh wow dizzy. >> VICTORY! Whew! That was ugly * Trune knees almost buckle but he manages to prevent himself from falling face first in the muck, " No kidding." You aren't kidding. You alright, Trune? * Saki extricates a foot from the nearby bog, getting back to somewhat safer ground to watch the party patch themselves up. I'll be okay once the bleeding stops. >> The group gains 6 XP! 350 silver each. 4 MXP. * Ryllan lays a hand on Trune's shoulder, the ring on his finger sparkling brightly... * TheStoryteller changes topic to '-= Chapter 14: Crocodile Tears | Location: Great Lakebed Swamp | Pools: 1287 §, 7 MXP =- http://storen.rpgcafe.net/IoG/ | OOC chan: #iog-ooc ' * Vytor goes back to the door, wary of another attack >> Ryllan uses his heal ring to cure Trune's wounds. Exactly 148 is cured, and exactly enough to be full. Healthy mage once again. * Trune whews and takes a deep breath, "Thanks, Ry." That was irritating. Your display of strength seems to have frightened anything else away that might've had ideas. Top oif the food chain for now. Hopefully any others will stay away from us now. Let's hope so They'd better, or I'll go apeshit. Let's keep going. The chewed up hole in the rusty shutters is still there, and nothing else pours out of it. It is also starting to get dark, the sun slipping beneath thebhorizon. You should seek shelter. We can try to door again tomorow. Its getting dark already. * Angharad nods. Leah meanwhile petpets Shiro for a job well done. "What a bad run of luck.. I'm starting to hate this place." :( Yeah, we should find a place to spend the night... Maybe back where we left the Destiny? Yeah...I really need to hit the sack. I haven't slept much in the past couple of days. Good idea ...Plus I need a new shirt. * Trune shakes his fist at the fatal hopper corpses, "You totally owe me a new shirt now!" The Destiny is probably the safely place. I don't think camping outside with these creatures around would be a good idea. <> * Vytor starts heading back * Trune sighs dramatically and follows Vytor, "Right, going back for sleep now." * Saki makes another face at the ground, then tromps after the others. "... a ways out of the swamp wouldn't go amiss. We should probably stick near the camp lights." Leah starts arranging some twigs here and there as a clue on how to get back to the door safely. I'd be happier to get done with this, but it wouldn't be the first time I've slept in the middle of a monster-infested swamp. *She kicks at the ground, knocking a clot of moist earth up.* Nor the last. We can post watch if need be * Angie walks back to the hatch and crouches down, bracing herself with both hands and sticking her head into the hole. "What if we tried sleeping inside? We could probably find at least one secure room." There is the sound of more rustling back the way you came, the direction of the Destiny. In the evening light, you can make out a vaguely humanoid figure snooping about. Might be uncomfortable, but doable in a pinch Uh...hey! Now tell me you all see that! * Trune points. Hm? ..? What was that? Someone is sniffing around where he shouldn't be. Looks like either a noisy monster or person. Wait a second... * Saki tenses for a moment, then immediately is back into combat stance. "Who's there?!" she calls sharply, then streaks forward on the attack. Shiro barks! >:o * Vytor blinks as Saki goes on the attack * Mikel glances up at the shout, brushing some brown hair out of his face to try to get a better view- that is, before Saki collides with his lanky frame, sending him tumbling into the marsh with a shout... and wrecking his blue jacket as well. "AGH!" * Vytor hopes very much that Saki didn't just take out a total stranger for no reason I guess this group is more 'beat the shit out of someone, ask questions later?' * Ryllan draws one of his knives, rushes over to where Saki has Mikel down, and points the knife at the stranger, not /quite/ holding it to his throat, but not really far off either, "Now that you've met my friend, just who are you?" * Saki skids to a somewhat clumsy halt; she hadn't exactly meant to shoulder-barge the man, but she's fast learning swamps are tricky things. That said she manages to keep up a good job of looking menacing. Can we not assault everything that moves out here? * Angharad stays in the rear of the party now that it seems their interloper is not an immediate danger. But that's the fun part, Vytor. :P At least in theory Actually I think the fun part would be dinner. * Mikel blinks as he gets weapons and menacing looks pointed at him, not even bothering to pick up his metal staff from where it landed on the ground beside him. "Erm, uhm, sorry for surprising you like that? I don't mean any harm or anything, just... please stop pointing weapons at me please?" His black eyes flicker from Saki to Ryllan, wary of either of them just going ahead and attacking. Who're you? And do you sing tenor? * Saki straightens up, shifts on her feet, and actually looks a little chagrined at Vytor. For a moment, at least. "... sorry. Couldn't exactly see what it was." A long pause. "... and I slipped a little." That bit at least she sounds ashamed of. Answer the question first. Shiro is also got his hackles up, thinking Mikel is attacking friends. ... /please./ * Vytor looks very exasperated at all this * Trune glances at Niri, "Wait, did you ask him if he sings tenor? A total stranger? Are you nuts?" * Saki instead offers the man a hand up, practically pulling him to his feet. * Vytor gives up and goes to start setting up camp * Mikel gacks as he goes from in the nice marsh to on his feet before he can answer Ryllan, trying to brush off the dirt from his clothes. "Ah, Mikel. Mikel Sayeld. Do you always greet people that way, or...?" * Angie looks entirely unhappy with the notion of walking all the way back through the winding trail. She hesitates and searches about for some sort of shortcut, getting left behind. What way? Violence, or weird questions? "...both, really, miss." * Saki frowns. "... to be fair, not usually both at once. It's a long story. ... several long stories." With intermissions. * Saki picks up the deadpan quickly. "Though I can provide snacks. ... No," she adds a moment later, anticipating Niri's reply to that. * Angie sighs and, resigning herself to the walk, begins picking her way back through the reeds. That's not quite what I meant by 'who are you?' I was hoping for, you know, what you're doing out here poking around our ride? No what? * Mikel looks down at his shirt before mumbling something about learning not to wear white in a marsh again. He picks up his staff, brushing off some dirt before looking up at Ryllan. "Ah, that's your vehicle then? I was wondering if someone else had been brought in to help with looking over the place." * Saki looks... almost ruffled. "... I was expecting a bombardment of requests." Help with looking over the place? * Vytor listens offhandedly as he works You're with a Archeological team, then? * Saki leaves the talking to those who talk gud, and just a little sullenly helps Vytor with the work, clearing the ground ready to try to drum up some provisions. She looks less than thrilled at the sleeping environs. * Mikel shakes his head. "A team the Virtue Society brought in to see if this land could be any good for farming... along with marking any ruins we come across, of course." A small smile appears on his face as he finishes brushing off as much as the dirt he can from his clothes. "So, do I get to ask a question now, sir?" Leah helps Vytor prepare the campsite, setting up the anti-monster barrier ritual. Meanwhile, Angie finds her own method back, narrowly missing getting soaked twice, and ends up taking longer than if she just follwoed the beaten path. But where's the fun in that? Saki, I'd request stuff if I thought I'd get it! But not a bombardment. :P I just like your cooking. Don't see the harm, right Ryllan? . o O ( Cuz he looks wussier than...well...me. ) Also, yeah, questions are fine. Sure. * Ryllan twirls the dagger around once and drops it back into the sheath. OK folks, we got a campsite. Come by when you're ready. Fire! ...It's too wet and cold out here. Awesome. * Mikel relaxes once the sharp metal things are no longer being pointed at him. "Well... who are all of you, for starters? And what brings you out here if you're not with the scouting team?" We're adventurers! * Saki frowns lopsidedly, and hunkers down to work. "... Fire is probably doable. Good food might be trickier." She's never one to miss a challenge, though, and gets down to it. Long story short, we're acting on behalf of Hylan Academy in investigating certain events. Our investigation lead here. * Vytor settles down, waiting for everyone to assemble for the night. "...Ah, the Academy..." He blinks, frowning. "...is this related to that mess in Meribia?" * Trune heads to the campfire, figuring Ryllan's got things handled for now. He looks spent. It might be. Or it might not. No offense, of course, but I have no idea who you are, really. Anyway, come over to camp if you want to talk more, it's annoyingly wet out here. * Mikel nods, grinning. "That sounds good, after getting knocked onto the ground. Is this investigation secret enough that you can't introduce yourselves?" * Trune calls from the campfire, "Trune!" Name's Ryllan, the exitable one is Niri. The one who hit you is Saki. I'll let the rest handle their own. After you. * Niri sticks her tongue out at Ryllan but waves to Mikel Vytor. How d'yado? Niri Salyan, I might add! *nods as if the name should be recognizable* * Angharad nods to Mikel. "I am Angharad." [Leah] I'm Leah Caldor. bet you know all about me and Niri if you're worth your salt as an explorer! * Saki nods curtly, then goes back to working on the meal; little more than dried meat and vegetables, but prepared well. * Mikel nods towards Niri with a smile before beginning to walk. "...well, besides getting clob-" He blinks a couple of times before letting out a low whistle. "I... ah, wow. A pleasure then. Even with the greeting." Angie Baker. *She smiles, but this time the good cheer is only out of propriety.* * Ryllan buries his face in his hand, almost unwilling to believe Niri and Leah. * Vytor watches the sun dip lower in the sky, enjoying the colors it produces. * Niri blinks at Ryllan. "What?" Niri, just... Just... Aww, forget it. :D Okay, Sunshine! Can it, Princess! * Niri pounces and attempts to noogie Trune << END NOW :D >> << Seriously. >> «ooc: no! No! My honor! NOooo! » «ooc: ...Okay yeah end it it's funny » And so, the group gains another mysterious person to enjoy the hell that is traveling with the possible saviors-to-be of the Blue Star. At least the sunsets and the food are good... == SESSION END == Session Close: Sat May 20 02:39:28 2006