Session Start: Sat May 05 21:25:11 2007 Session Ident: #lunar-iog2 * Logging for #lunar-iog2 started * TheStoryteller changes topic to '-= Chapter 37 - First Movement | Location: Hylan Academy | Pools: 720 §, 10 MXP =- http://storen.rpgcafe.net/IoG/ | Everyone should copycat Saki in journals.' == SESSION START == Another morning dawns on the Hylan Academy! But unlike many usual days, the past ones have been a flurry of activity amongst the new arrivals. For a few days straight, Angie and Vytor have collaborated on a new invetion for their daring plan against the Prophets... and friend Ryllan recovered slowly from his harrowing experience of once again being subjected to soul ripping. All the while, Saki continued to grow anxious.. this day they would leave. No more delaying it... * Niri is out of bed and bouncing around, ridiculously chipper for someone up as late as she was, doing some last-minute tuning on the pipe organ. She rushes to the dining hall to fetch a triple mocha and some coffee for the others. * Saki has spent the time growing notably more jittery; ranging wide over campus looking for things to pass her time and take her mind off the calling southwards, she's getting rather more snappy as time wears on. * Angie has slept like the dead since the organ was done. She finally crashed sometime during the night, and hasn't shown any signs of stirring yet. Leah and Shiro are also eager to see some action. And a new frontier that few have ever dared to tread. * Vytor is still acting under Angie's instructions, working to get some final kinks out of the frame mechanics. * Mikel has been staying out of the way of the crazy inventor squad for the past few days, although finally he decides to be daring and makes his way to where it's being built, devouring a biscuit. * Trune is in the dining hall, off in a corner reading some sort of book. He has a danish in his hand but only takes occasional bites out of it. He seems to be engrossed in whatever he's reading. * Vytor wipes his face with the back of his hand, managing to get a nice streak of grease across his maw. * DooM_GazE is now known as Ryllan Morning Mikel. Here to see the invention? * Tanan is giving Vytor a hand, despite his earlier protestations about the device. Whether he's actually helping much or getting in the way is open to debate. * Ryllan hasn't been seen for a while either, sleeping the sleep of the only-slightly-dead. Tanan, can you hand me the 3/4 ratchet with the red handle? * Niri hurries to the workshop after grabbing coffee, juggling the different cups precariously in her arms while simultaneously trying to sip from her own mocha. * Mikel finishes off his biscuit, waving at Vytor and Tanan as he gets a bit closer, careful not to touch anything. "Mornin', Vytor. Prof.... and yeah. So, we've got a... technomagicalmusical device of doom here now?" * Tanan scans over the tools, grabbing a likely looking red-handled one and passing it over. * Vytor sticks a hand out from under the machine and takes the tool. The hand dissapears for a moment, then returns, "3/4 please, not 5/8." * Trune puts his book away and follows the others as he realizes he'd be missing everything. Plus he's not in the mood to ask questions later. * Mikel wanders over to where Tanan is, grabbing a different one possibly at random and handing that over. Hey, Mikel. * Tanan sets the thing down, grabs yet another tool, and passes it across. * Ryllan appears in the workshop's doorway, looking none-the-better from last night, but there's a smile on his face, so he can't be too horribly off, "Hey, Vytor, everything still in one piece?" * Vytor waits for the tool to be placed in his hand, and it dissapears once more, followed by the sound of ratcheting. "Yes, its still in one piece. As to what that piece is, I can't say." However, I'm almost done here. * Mikel yawns, waving at Ryllan. "Mornin'. Feelin' alright?" I'll live. Enjoying the masterpiece? ...You know. I've known you guys have been building this ....organ...leg...thing...toastmaker...espresso machine?...For a few days now. But I've been knee deep in my own research. Can someone tell me what the fuck is that? * Trune points Morning Trune. Morning. As much as I, uh, can. Though Trune's pretty much echoing my thoughts. * Vytor sticks his hand out from under the machine once again, "8 inch ratchet extention please." * Niri bursts in. "Did somebody say espresso?" * Tanan waves. "It's an unnatural abomination. Also it might be a pretty useful weapon against the prophetess. Win a few, lose a f- ratchet what." * Niri sets down the coffee and hands Vytor the appropriate ratchet with one hand, and a coffee with the other hand. * Mikel gives the hand a blank look before shrugging at Tanan. "I don't suppose it comes with an owner's manual?" The prophetess is weak against expresso? * Tanan tentatively grabs something 8 inches long and passes it over. Thank you. Niri, have I called you a goddess today? * Vytor resume his ratcheting Dunno! But it is fuel for heroes and do-gooders! * Ryllan take coffee. Like Caveman. Ungh. Not yet, Ryllan, but you can if you like! Dunno if it would be quite accurate though. I don't have blue hair. Eh. That's what hair dye is for. Also coffee is clearly what all humans run on. Awesome. Java. Thanks littlebit. You're welcome, Sunshine! :D * Vytor continues to tighten things up, then the noises stop for a moment or two, then his hand comes out again, "Monkey Wrench and flat-head hammer please." Aha! Finally, two I know. * Tanan passes them across. * Trune makes a face at the Sunshine nickname and takes a sip of his coffee. Thank you. * Ryllan sips caffine, "And not quite, Trune. Music, harmony." This thing can make music? And apparently walking pipe organs. * Vytor dissapears once again, whereupon the sound of ratcheting is replaced with the sound of metal-on-metal bangs. You bet it can. * Mikel snickers, grabbing a coffee with a thankful grin. "Well... it does have an organ on it." Is there an- ...dammit, Trune, you took the last one, didn't you. ...Well, it /is/ an organ. * Niri sings a few notes to demonstrate, and the organ's keyboard responds with an echo of her tune. [Leah] It's a walking organ-sphere-thingamajig? What, coffee, Tanan? There's enough for everyone! *Produces another espresso seemingly out of nowhere* Yeah, but it....oh come on you expect me to believe that can make music? It's so...BIG. It reminds me of a church sermon gone horribly, horribly wrong. Not just music. Shiro snifs it testingly. :o Aha! Thank you. * Mikel eyes Shiro. "No chewable parts, right?" It can also channel more willforce through it than you, me, and just about everyone here. * Tanan takes the coffee, blows on it, and then downs it. So how are we gonna travel with it? * Tanan sets the empty cup down, muttering "owowow". * Vytor stops his banging, and the sounds of ratcheting resume. Well, it walks. Also, we /do/ have a cargo bay. It walks? Walks? Are you shitting me? * Mikel sips his coffee like a sane person. "...do we all /fit/ with that thing in the cargo bay?" * Trune makes a snarfing noise as he barely holds down his coffee and his laughter, "I'm sorry but a walking organ is a hilarious picture." It will if I can get these actuators to cooperate. >> It looks just barely small enough to fit. But there might be a person or two stuck riding /on/ it. [Leah] Why don't you use the roof? It'd be easy as pie to install some straps or rails. Donate it to New Raculi afterward. << +s >> [Leah] As it is, that thing is not designed for all the people riding in it plus the Forge already! So... willforce powers it, I take it? Yeah. Lots of it. * Vytor slips out from under the machine, looking like a man who spent the night in a grease trap. "All right, someone take the controls and make it walk. I think I got the limping problem fixed this time." I say it should be an honorary member of our party. Can I name it Grinder? * Tanan waves a hand dismissively. "Not _that_ much. There's devices around here that take like five people to operate, this can do it on one or two." * Trune waits for others to hit him for his horrible joke, and takes another sip of his coffee. Only if it actually makes ground beef. I could use burgers on the road. It already has a name. Right. 'Abomination'. I don't know, Grinder sounds kind of catchy. Courtesy of Angie, she is the Harmonic Engine. I'd offer to try the controls, but I'm pretty sure Tanan will kill me. Guess I'm up/ * Vytor pulls a rag from his coveralls and wipes his face, managing only to smudge it further, "Gads I feel funky." Need a bit of water, Vytor? * Ryllan drains his coffee in one gulp, then hooks himself up to the machine. I need a shower, that's what I need. * Niri giggles at Tanan. Ha. No, this is Angie's baby. You'll have to fight her for control of it. It's not THAT bad. ...well, I could do that too. You might not appreciate being soaked in your clothes though. But I'm going to wait until this thing actually walks properly. Thanks, but no. * Mikel takes another sip of his coffee. "Fight Angie? No thanks." I have this mental image of that involving mud wrestling. It breaks the brain. * Mikel sputters. * Tanan distractedly replies to Niri's comment with "usually there's two women involved for that." >> Suddenly, with a whirring sound, the legs of the organ straighten, raising it up to its full height! The monstrosity wobbles from side to side for a moment, before regaining it's footing, and taking a tentative step forward, then another. * Mikel then immediatetly curses as he burns himself with the coffee. "Ah ah hot. " Is there? Hm. I still think it'd be entertaining to watch Mikel and Angie duking it out. >> Metal complains noisily at the movement, but everything seems to be in order! * Vytor watches carefully, examining the machanics at work for signs of malfunction. I think you got it, Vytor! * Mikel peers at the device. "...I really hope we don't have to take it over uneven ground." Here's hoping. Hmm. Yes. Yes, that would be funny. * Mikel eyes Tanan. "Why don't /you/ go do that." * Vytor continues to wait and watch, but starts to look more hopeful as the machine moves as its supposed to. * Ryllan walks the organ around the room slowly, testing each possible movement out. No problems to be had, it seems! Anything else to test, Vytor, or can I bring it down? * Tanan turns away from the organ long enough to look questioningly at Mikel. "What, wrestle with a woman?" The ice mongrel watched the thing walking around, not sure if he should chase it or run away from it. Bring it down. We don't want to overstress it. * Ryllan does so, and the organ reverts to it's previous, more compact state. Ryllan quickly disengages himself from it, then beams at the assembled group, "Well, it works!" Congradulation folks. Its a contraption. * Mikel waves a hand as he sips coffee. "No, just trying to wrestle with Angie." He glances at the device again, frowning. "So... if we use this thing, what stops the Prophetess from trying to blast it?" Nothing. Yet. Leah claps. "What did you think of my suggestion for moving it around?" You. Absolutely nothing, yeah. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got a few layers of grease to get off. If we're lucky this might stop her for a few moments, though. * Vytor retreats to the showers. * Mikel winces. "I was hoping you weren't gonna say that." Mmh. It seems easier, frankly, to just let Saki ride on it, Leah. I don't fancy having it exposed to the elements. * Mikel edges towards it again, peering at this and that. "Suppose stopping her for a bit is a plus, either way. Any side effects on people we're not aiming it at?" [Leah] Suit yourself... so, you think we're going to be setting out soon? Saki's been making me edgy all morning... Hmmm...are we ready to go, everyone? I'm all packed. Went to see Mom this morning too. Better not be, Mikel. We fixed that. (q) ...we think. It might make your teeth vibrate. And skull. And brain. Heart, lungs, etc. etc. But hopefully not. * Mikel finishes off his coffee, pondering. "Least I know who to send the healer bill to then. Where's Angie, anyways?" Angie kinda pulled a marathon run of sleeplessness. She's probably still unconscious. * Saki , for her part, is already waiting; up against the side of the Destiny leans the woman, giving the contraption a very wide berth and staccato-tapping a foot in a lack of any real pattern. I dare you to wake you up. Dare. You. Sure. Come along, Trune. * Mikel reaches out to grab his arm and drag him along to a doomed venture. I didn't mean /me/! Aww geez! * Niri giggles! Wait, Trune! It's dangerous to go alone! Take this. * Niri hands him the last coffee * Trune stares down at the coffee, " ... ... ... Man. I'm so screwed." * Niri smiles. ^_^ Come on, face death bravely. * Mikel drags the poor adept along. * Trune grumbles and follows along, the coffee nearly splashing out of the mug. Seriously, show her the coffee and she won't kill you. Yes, Coffee can be used to pacify the mighty Angie. * Mikel leads Trune along, eventually bringing the two of them to Angie's door. "Any last words before we put it all on the line?" Yeah. Why do I open my mouth? I mean, crap just spills out of it and bad stuff happens. I'm cursed. ...and I really want this cup of coffee and I need it for my survival. Choices, choices. * Mikel raps on the door. "Decide quickly." >> Not a sound emerges in response. Think she's dead? * Mikel gives it another rap with his staff. "Oi! Angie!" Mghrm. * Trune raps on the door, "Hey, Angie! I've got caffiene!" Also, props to your sexy dancing organ. It's tight. >> From the other side of the door, the two mages can hear shuffling, rustling and bumping, a neverending sussuration of clumsy background noises. Finally Angie opens the door. Her coat is slanted lopsidedly across her shoulders, with only one arm in a sleeve, and her eyes are pinched almost shut. "Muh. Hey." Hey. I've got coffee. Drink it. * Trune holds the steaming mug towards Angie. Mornin', Angie. * Angie mumbles something and takes the coffee. She squeezes her eyes closed and takes a long sip, pausing to aerate her burnt tongue. She lowers the mug and blinks her eyes open. "Are we going already?" That's the plan, apparently. Before Saki takes off. Might as well get ready. The group is antsy. * Angie grunts and turns around, scratching her scalp with one hand and lifting the mug back to her lips with the other. "Uehg. I'll be out in, like, five minutes?" Righto. See you there. * Mikel begins to walk away, stretching. "Was that so bad, Trune?" Nah. I'm plesantly surprised! And so Angie awoke, and the group formed up and the "Harmonics Engine" was carefully "walked" out to the "Destiny" Land Cruiser XL which awaited patiently for its masters in the lot outside. * Angie appears in the workshop a good ten minutes later, dressed for travel with her toolbox in her hand. She approaches the Harmonic Engine and runs a hand down its leg, shaking her head. "Man," she says. Good morning, Angie. Ready to get going? * Mikel eyes the driver's seat. Keep dreaming, Mikel. Not really. But whatever, I'll sleep on the way and arrive fresh as a daisy and ready to kill ancient ghosts. Sounds good. * Vytor has rejoined the group, looking much cleaner and much happier. * Mikel lets out a sigh of suffering. Is a clean Vytor! * Ryllan swings into the driver's seat, "Mine. Not yours." Someday, Ryllan, someday. I want Mikel to drive again. :( * Tanan frowns. Very much so * Angie clambers up into the cargo bay and takes a seat at the console for the Engine. "I'll sit up here this time," she explains. "My stuff's in the back seat there though -- don't kick the box!" * Tanan steps between Mikel and the Destiny, turning to face him. * Vytor stands by with his gear packed and ready to go. * Angie scratches her chin and frowns up at the ceiling. "Also, there's no restraints, so be careful not to stop suddenly or I'll, like, die." ...are you sure you want to do this? * Trune clambers up into the Destiny, "Here we go again." * Mikel glances at Angie. "I probably shouldn't drive then." He faces Tanan, raising an eyebrow. "What do you mean?" * Ryllan calls back, "I know how to drive, Angie!" The prophetess seems to need us for something. Even if this fails, she's probably not going to kill us outright. But you here what she called you... if you get in her way, there's a good chance you'll die. * Tanan looks honestly concerned. Tanan... has a point, Mikel. I've got no call to /stop/ you from going, but it might not be your wisest move. Tanan, that's kinda true of all of us though, isn't it? No. It isn't. * Mikel blinks, face turning serious for a couple of moments. "No, I've got the whole 'interloper' thing, remember Niri?" However... Not as such, Niri. Remember, we're ordained witnesses. I won't stop you if you want to come, but... I certainly won't blame you if you don't. ...Oh. I guess I missed something somewhere. Meh, I don't even know what the whole witness crap means anyway. Even if she ties us up and drags us around, we have to witness it. She still needs us until shes' done with us. * Mikel offers a bit of a grin. "You're dreaming if you think I'm going to let you guys go there alone. I'm still in." Well, I don't get WHY she needs us. Neither do I. We're too much fun for you to stay behind, huh Mikel? :D * Angie leans back, closes her eyes, and lets her head tilt to the side. "If it makes you guys feel any better," she says, a dreamy air to her voice, "I dreamt we beat the Prophetess. Also, there were like these guys on horses, but they had mouse heads instead of person heads." [Leah] Mrrr... she creeps me out. But at the same time I can't just ignore it... there's something there for me, too. There weren't four of them, were there, Angie? * Niri blinks at Angie. * Mikel laughs, nodding towards Angie. "Can't deny that." * Angie frowns. "Dun remember," she says, and the expression subsides. * Trune stares at Angie, "You have the best dreams ever." * Tanan stares Mikel in the eyes for a few moments, then nods. "Be careful, then." * Mikel waves a hand. "Of course, of course. Let's get this show on the road!" * Vytor takes that as his cue, and takes a seat aboard the destiny. * Mikel appropiates a seat in the Destiny, humming. And weeee're off! * Niri bounces in her seat ...Although I don't know why I'm so excited. It's not like we're exactly heading towards a warm welcome. * Ryllan ignites the destiny once more, and drives off! VROOM goes the Lovelace modded engine, as all cylinders warm up with an almost happy surge of horsepower. Hey, it's plenty warm in the south, Niri. * Tanan stares as the destiny rushes off. "...hey!" * Trune smirks and pulls out the book he was reading earlier, "It's because you're Niri." No explanation needed! Hurry up already, Tanan! The gates of the Academy lie along a southern service road. Once past the guard post, it is nothing but open plantations and forests/wetlands, flanked by rolling hills and low mountains. * Ryllan keeps moving at a snails pace, "Will you get in here?!" * Niri makes a face at Mikel for the bad joke. * Tanan grabs on, and pulls himself into the cargo area and onto the device. "geez, impatient impatient! All right.." * Niri rolls her eyes but laughs at Trune. Maybe! * Mikel offers Niri a cheery smile. * Vytor dozes as the party drives along, feeling content. Kinda surprised you didn't stay behind though, Mikel! A signpost at the main junction reads "Southwest - New Takkar / North - Meribia / West - New Raculi" * Angie shifts around, trying to find a comfortable position. One hand noodles silently on the unpowered keyboard. I mean, really. Our group may be friendly, but as a group we have about as much tact as a bulldozer. :D * Saki almost instantly starts to feel better - and become a little more animated - as the destiny begins to rumble southwards. "I'm extremely polite," she puts forth at length. It might even be a joke. Heh, you know me. Always the gentleman. * Vytor takes on a smile as he rests, glad to hear the banter. * Ryllan turns down the road towards New Takkar, y'know, since it's on the way. * Mikel raises an eyebrow at Niri. "I'm hurt that you would doubt me, Niri." What do you mean doubt you/ ? I just mean that it's kinda funny that you would choose to hurtle headlong into certain danger and risk of life and limb! ...Though granted, why any of us would do that is a mystery. Me, I think it's great fun. ^_^ We have insurance, Niri. [Leah] Gotta love the adrenaline * Angie exhales nasally. "Yeah, there's no shame in not wanting to come with us. We're retarded." Or at least that's what she tries to say. She has a six-beer slur going on at the moment. Insurance? You mean the Prophetess won't kill us? Pretty much. Eh, I'm not inclined to trust anything she says, really. And there's more danger out there than just her! That and we're stuck with this. I highly suspect that if any of us left, she'd come and get us. * Mikel waves a hand. "What else am I gonna do?" I dunno, what else WOULD you do? Guess I don't know that much about your life outside of adventuring! You could go report to Sonyele all the stuff you found out while spying on us. * Tanan calls out from the back. "Yeah really! Dratted spy. Stealing my gig." What else are you going to do? Oh, I don't know. Anything that doesn't involve dying would be a start. But ...kinda late now. Wait, Tanan's a spy? He's a teacher. All teachers are spies. Yes. For the academy! Obviously. * Mikel yawns. "Yeah, at the end of all this he and I get to fight to who reports to whose spymaster first." It's the whole eyes on the back of their heads deal. Also man if I wanted a raise I'd convince you guys to donate that contraption to the labs after everything was said and done. * Saki puts her hands behind her head and leans back against the back of the cab, content to just listen. One hand rests lightly on something in a pocket, the other planted firmly in her hair. I'm not sure it counts as spying if you're doing it openly, Tanan. Can be if I want it to! How so? ...I could wear a fake mustache? It's to make you dismiss any concerns that he is a spy. I demand you publish an academic paper explaining your thinking on this! Also, no offense, Tanan, but...you'd look really stupid with a fake mustache. ;) * Mikel cracks up laughing. Yeah well.. uh.. so would you? * Tanan sighs. "Worst comeback ever." That comes with being a teacher. * Angie doesn't look very comfortable back there, but thanks to the gimbals she's at least less subject to the bumps and rocking. See, if I were going to wear a fake mustache, I'd have to also wear NOSE GLASSES. Given! I have a pair of those somewhere. * Trune chuckles and goes back to reading his rather fat novel. Hee! Hey Trune, whatcha readin'? *Looks over his shoulder nosily* Uh. Oh. It's a collection of short stories from Miles Albermain. You know? The really famous author who lived like a century ago? He's got some great usage of metaphor and personification in this story and...er...uh... * Trune clams up, "Um. It's good?" * Niri blinks cutely! * Mikel yawns, looking drowsy already. ...Um. It sounds vaguely familiar! I think my mom might've made me read some of his stuff a while back. Not sure. You should seriously read it. He's got a great story about religion in here. It takes a couple of reads to get the context but it's awesome when you do. Supposedly it caused a lot of controversy, mostly because he didn't have the best viewpoint. The landscape passes by, rather scenic though uneventful. The remains of old railroads poke out from the grass here and there. To the extreme south, there is a familiar swampy terrain that leads to Canaveral Cape and the launch facility. * Vytor shifts a little in his seat with a snort, then resumes his slumber. I wonder if we can launch our organ to the moon, later. * Trune looks surprisingly animated, "Course, people considered him a hack when he was alive. Sometimes the best writers are crazy." Why would you do that? ...mmm...moon organ... zzzz It's a powerful tool, Mikel. Like any such thing, it has it's dangers. So's magic. Yeah, we may just hit a sour C chord. Heavens. * "I'm gonna be a great writer someday," says Angie, her voice lost in a dreamy haze. She's been quiet for a long time -- it's anyone's guess how much of that she's been awake for. "Everyone will read about me." You weren't there when we tested it out, Trune. You do realize I'm joking, right? ...I wonder what Dr. Webbly would make of this thing. And Trune, joking or not, Ryllan's right. You weren't there when we tested it out. Hanging a right, the roadway skirts what some call the "Emerald Coast" and heads to the wes and eventually New Takkar near the river delta. The sun is partly visible, poking out from a haze of clouds and a good breeze. In the east, the looks of a storm way out to sea forming... * Niri winces at the memory Launch it? Destroy it. Well, we could aim it at the sun instead. Or we could just melt it down in a forge, if we don't need to be dramatic about it. * Mikel waves a finger, a trail of lightning and water following it. "It seems to be a waste to destroy something without seeing what can be done with the ideas behind it. Everything's got a danger to it." * Tanan frowns. "You have no idea what you're talking about." Although, it does really need a singer. And there's not a whole lot of them. Shiro is curled up in the corner of the vehicle, used to the ride now. His two white tails thump rythmically against the Cruiser's metal bed. Careful, Tanan. Neither do you. None of us really know what this thing can do - yet. We'll have time to figure out the full capabilities later, and then make an informed decision on it's fate. For now, we do the job. [Leah] A singer, huh? Niri, did Lucia show you anything special? Oh! Well, just one song. Not precisely sure I understand how I'm supposed to use it, but Mom tells me it's a really ancient melody...very powerful too, by the sound of it. [Leah] You think with this doohickey it could be a weapon? * Mikel shrugs. "If the good that can be done is outweighed by the potential dangers... eh." He glances at Niri, raising an eyebrow. "Oh?" * Trune looks up from his book, silent, but watching the conversation with a thoughtful expression. Yep. Not precisely sure what I'm supposed to do with it... Sing it, I suppose? [Leah] Well, turn this on, perform a daring solo in front of the Prophetess and she goes boom! ...well, maybe. If only things were that easy. * Angie starts to wakefulness. It takes her a moment to remember what she is and process the buzzing sounds in the background as speech. It takes a few moments longer before she can move enough to respond. She sits up, squeezes her eyes, and rubs them with her knuckles. "Where are we?" * Trune suddenly smirks and hides his face in the book, not wanting the others to see. * Mikel shrugs, suggesting rather unhelpfully. "Somewhere south of where we started and north of where we want to be?" Actually, Mikel notices Takkar's fast approaching from the horizon as the Destiny heads westwards. * TheStoryteller changes topic to '-= Chapter 37 - First Movement | Location: Hylan to Takkar Road | Pools: 720 §, 10 MXP =- http://storen.rpgcafe.net/IoG/ | Everyone should copycat Saki in journals.' * Angie leans over, looking out the window. "Is that New Takkar?" she asks, pressing her nose up to the glass. Looks it. Angie recognizes the smokestacks of Lovelace Ironworks, as well as a few riverboats white against the waters. The harbor is busy as usual... There is, however, what looks to be a grey shadow sitting outside the port. It's the almost alien looking hull of the Fragarach, dwarfing the other ships by a goodly amount. Looks like Emiria made it * Angie stretches, making a face and grunting indelicately. "Ngh. I'm all sore now." She scratches her nose. "I'll go check with Emiria, see how she's doing, and I want to see how people are coping with Leon gone. Any other orders of business?" I wonder if they freaked out about the ship. I imagine she's had a talk with the harbormaster by now. I'd like to tag along, Angie. OK, but no cramping my style. * Niri stifles a laugh. Mum's the word. Just want to make sure everyone's okay. * Angie nods, and offers him a gentle smile. "You know anyone in town?" I knew Leon and some of his staffers. * Angie arches her eyebrows. Wasn't expecting that! "Really! You'll have to tell me about that on the way." * Mikel glances at Ryllan. "You did? How's that?" * Ryllan raises an eyebrow at Mikel, "Can't tell you, unfortunately." * Angie glares at Mikel in mock distrust. "Yeah, you're a spy." * Mikel waves a hand. "S'always the way." >> Also - since the Gm is nice, Niri learns the ability "Supersonic" from Lucia's wisdom! (1E: Attack with a sacred song.) Surely this would harm those that shun the Goddess' ways... * Vytor yawns and rubs his eyes Did I miss anything? Session Time: Sun May 06 00:00:00 2007 If you did, I missed it too. We're at New Takkar now. Oh, good. We can hi to Emiria before we go. <> I think that was the plan, wasn't it? * "That's the plan." She pauses for a beat, then asks carefully, "I suppose we need to head out again as soon as we've touched base?" I think Saki and Rachel would appreciate that. Up to Saki, I imagine. I wouldn't mind a delay, but her hands are tied. * Niri whistles idly, waiting for the group to decide on an immediate course of action * Mikel glance up. "Well, Saki?" << glances* >> * Angie's eyes are on Saki as well. She leans back, folds her hands on her lap and awaits her reply. Ryllan notices the wind whipping up a bit of dust up ahead. It's a little hard to see. * Ryllan looks forward, "Hrm, dust storm of some sort..." This far south? Look out the window, Vytor. You tell me. * Trune puts his book down, and furrows his brow, "Something's up. That's not normal." * Vytor looks out the window, a little baffled A bit of grit flies past the Destiny's side. It is aimed strangely well -- in fact, there's three more coming right at the windshield! It bounces off, though Ryllan suddenly cannot see, causing the car to swerve suddenly! Oh fuc-! Hey, watch it! * Ryllan lets out a curse, trying to regain control as he hits the brakes! What the heck?? Whoa! * Trune suddenly falls to the floor with the sudden swerve! Wha-! * Angie is in the process of leaning over when the destiny suddenly lurches underneath her. She is jerked away from the window, but the gimballed organist's seat simply rocks gently, leaving her more or less untouched while the contents of the car are shaken. Good thing, too, what with the no seatbelt. Ryllan does admirably keeping control, preventing a spin-out. The Destiny stops dead in its tracks, as 4 miniature whirlwinds approach, zig-zagging across the nearby beaches Well, I'll be dammed. Watch out! Huh. Sentient whirlwinds. It just keeps getting better! * Mikel grabs his staff, already making to get out of the Destiny. "Can't even enjoy a road trip these days!" The winds twist around a central creature of some sort, though it's difficult to make it out. There's another volley of sand, pelting the car mischeivously ...What is that? Bloody hell! We can't drive in this! We're gonna have to deal with whatever's causing this. * Vytor steps out of the Destiny, shileding his eyes from the debris. * Angie exhales a nasal whine, defeated and unhappy about it. "I just woke up," she says, loading her gun. Can't we just run over th-.. I suppose not, huh. * Tanan sighs. * Mikel steps out, taking a couple of steps forward as he waves his staff. "Scram already!" * Ryllan slips out of the destiny, pulling out his daggers, "Come on, let's go!' * Trune pulls out his athames and scrambles behind the others. * Angie clambers out of the Harmonic Engine with no small amount of difficulty, stumbling out into the bright sun and whipping winds. Mikel's aggressiveness is met with the four critters doing quite the opposite! >> COMBAT! I'll random encounter you! >> Enemy Front: Dirt Devil A-C * Vytor takes position in front of the party, holding his ground. >> Enemy Rear: Dust Devil >> Declaration Phase. * Ryllan steps forward as a shield. * Mikel flicks a hand up, a spark of electricty forming. "Let's see..." * Angie aims into the howling gale, but there's nothing to shoot at in the storm of sand and shadow. A gust of wind blows her back, and she lifts her gun hand to shield her eyes from the pelting motes of sand. * Trune draws a pattern in the air with his athames, the wake left behind a strong red color, as he eyes the dust devils with a sneer, "Okay, my amusement at sentient whirlwinds is gone now. Now I'm just annoyed." >> Dirt devil A and C focus on Vytor, rushing in. Dirt devil B appears to hunker down. Dust devil aims a special ability at Angie. * Vytor prepares to get blown away. * Tanan holds up his hands, a mass of darkness forming between them. "I think I can put one of these down quick. Ryllan! Want to make it two?" Will do, Tanan! * Ryllan concentrates on Tanan's darkness, analyzing it, as a copy of it starts to form between his own hands... >> Saki seems distracted somehow, not wading into the fight just yet. >> Battle Phase. >> Mikel's action. * Mikel watches the spark for a moment before it moves to his palm. A moment later he's jabbed the spark into his forehead, a jolt of electricty flowing through him and making his hair stand on end for a few moments. "There we go!" >> Thought Impulse! Talent and Dex up 25%! >> Vytor's action. * Vytor takes a swing at the first Dirt Devil, aiming his arc in a direction opposing his target's spin! >> Vytor scores a solid hit on the first Devil for 82 damage. * Vytor prepares himself for the counter-attack. >> Dirt devil A and C proceed to dance circles around Vytor, clawing and scratching! A hits for 42! C hits for 33 and 45! * Vytor winces, but remains standing >> The second enemy causes the groun itelf to infuse the front row! Defense and Dexterity up 25%! Bah! >> Angie's action. * Angie is pushed back and back by the gusting sandstorm. At last her indignation overcomes her caution and she holds her ground, standing fast in the mouth of the gale. She narrows her eyes to slits and thrusts a hand imperiously into the wind. Glyphs run down her arm and streak into the fray, entrapping one of the twisting shapes in a cage of light. * Angie stares intently at the shape for a moment, information playing across the surface of her glasses, and then she nods. The cage breaks apart, leaving the enemy disoriented but unharmed. >> Angie scans the Dirt Devil A! Hp: 318/400, MP: 138/138, Strong Earth, Weak Water >> As she scans, the Dust Devil hurls sand in her eyes! It coats her glasses in fine sand, imparing vision. BLIND for 2 rounds. >> Niri's action. * Angie yelps and her hand flies to her face. * Niri begins singing, and the noise of the battlefield grows strangely silent! >> A somehow familiar tune sounds, soothing and pleasant, but as soon as it finishes, the noise of battle comes rushing back...along with a blast of power! >> Niri tries out her new technique, for 89 damage! << to dirt devil A) >> >> Tanan's action. >> Ryllan acts! * Niri grins. * Ryllan 's eyes widen as he realizes just what he's casting, "Oh Tanan you stupid-" * Niri blinks * Mikel feels time space fray. << strike >> >> before then, Trune gets in his licks! (bad GM :() <> Cord of flame, pierce the enemy with your power! Flare Arrow! * Trune holds out his athame towards DustDevil, and a single point of flame appears at the tip of the blade, expanding and growing larger. Suddenly, it flies towards DustDevil in a stream of fire and smoke, impacting it dead-on! >> The flame burns it for 204 damage! ...Whoa. Trune, have you been taking magical steroids? That was awesome! << now go. >> <> * Ryllan 's eyes widen as he realizes just what he's casting, "Oh Tanan you stupid-" Heh, thanks! I--hey what's Tanan doing? * Mikel glances over at Ryllan and Tanan. "The hell is going on?!" Wait, what is it? What is Tanan doing? * Tanan pushes his hands together. "Got this one from those patterns the organ was pumping out yesterday. If the theory's right..." The darkness quickly disperses into the air, as his eyes widen. "Theory's wrong, theory's wrong! Mulligan!" Uh oh. I don't like how he said that. ...NOT REASSURING Mulligan? Is that a magic word? >> Ryllan amps up Tanan's chaotic spell, as the shadow of the reaper appears on the battlefield.. Do over! Do o- SHIT. I think it means he screwed up. >_< No. It means 'we're fucked' And 'Tanan we are going to have words'. Duck! * Niri hits the ground * Mikel braces himself, staring at the shadow. * Trune stares at the apprition looking like a deer caught in the headlights, "Oh...sh-" Umm... >> Instantly, Dirt Devil C... Mikel... and Ryllan are KO'd! * Niri 's eyes widen. WWait What happened? Screw yo- Oh crap! * Mikel goes limp. * Tanan spikes his shield into the ground. "_Fuck._" That wasn't smart, professor! * Ryllan falls to the ground in the middle of bitching out Tanan. >> Round 2 >> Angie is BLIND for 1 more round! >> Declaration Phase. Criminy. [Leah] What did you do, Professor?! * Angie waves her gun blindly, unnerved by all the shouting. "What's going on?" she shouts, voice peaking in anger. Mikel and Ryllan went down. Nothing! Nothing. On it! * Trune quickly begins to trace another pattern in the air with his athames, the wake this time being a strong white, "I'll pick up the pieces!" ...But we will have /words/. Devil A is confused as it's friend suddenly dies and it wants blood, rushing for Tanan! * Niri fumbles in her pockets, looking for cure items * Tanan puts his hands together again, a little ball of light forming this time. Blast it. Nothing! Can anyone bring them around? I can! Yes, yes. Who are we bringing around? >> Devil B also piles on the poor man. Dust Devil aims for Niri now with its grit tossing.. No one shut up nothing happened. Tanan koed Ryllan and Mikel in a fit of stupidity! * Vytor gets ready to intercept the Dirt Devils Hrmph! I'm taking credit for the whirlwind thingie. Ryllan got them. Clearly. * Niri rolls her eyes at Tanan. Bicker later! Okay, I'm gonna take this thing down. * Tanan mutters something along the lines of "I cannot believe that just happened." * Niri gets ready to cast Supersonic again! >> Battle Phase. >> Vytor's action. * Vytor rushes up the the Dirt Devil, and with an explosive swing, bisects it from base to tip! >> Vytor scores a homerun for 122 damage! >> Dirt devil is flung across the beach, lying in a heap. >> KO'd! One down! Take that, giant...uh...dirt thingy! >> Trune's action. Awaken! Beyond the veil, the call of the world, the promise of renewal! Baldr's Dream! * Trune lays his hand down over Mikel, then slowly pulls it away. Mikel suddenly spasms as the breath of life returns! * Mikel starts cursing. Imaginatively. Mikel! You all right? >> Mikel reives with 74 HP! Sorry about that! Live and learn. * Mikel gets to his feet with a groan. "Yeah yeah... Tanan I'm going to /beat/ you half to death." Um...Tanan, right now I'd say the "live" part is in doubt for you. Left half, please. I'm right handed. Ryllan will get the rest, I'm sure. * Niri pokes Mikel experimentally. "You okay? Aside for wanting to beat Tanan up. Justifiably." >> Dirt Devil B tries to throw Tanan about in a fit of random dust, but it mostly bounces off his shield. 32! 34! >> Angie's action. * Angie quells the tiny ball of panic rolling around her gut and begins the motions of the Incomprehensible Shape. Up, over and back again, through the loop -- it's muscle memory by now. Don't need to see what you can feel. By quick, elegant movements, she weaves strands of light into a glittering web, and then, with a sudden jerk, turns it inside out. A shape forms in midair, perfectly geometric yet naggingly non-Euclidean. * Mikel waves a hand. "I've had worse. Prophetess hurt more." Ppfssph! Hey! Get in line, stupid thing. Yeah! I've got dibs! * Niri blinks, squinting at the thing Angie is creating. It makes her eyes sting to look at it for long. >> The Dust Devil is caught in the trap, frozen for 3 rounds! >> Niri's action. * Niri decides that her mother's spell worked decently well last time, and uses it again! The haunting melody returns, washing over the battlefield with an effect like that of being dashed with ice-cold water. It feels pleasant to allies, but excruciating to enemies... >> A blast of sound rips through the remaining Dust Devil! >> Niri's song is louder this time, causing 118 damage in the Dust Devil! >> Tanan's action. HA! Take that! * Tanan closes his hands together again, the light between them dispersing much like the darkness did. "Sorry, sorry." >> The Professor attempts to make up for his gaffe, reviving Ryllan to 128 HP * Ryllan wakes up, then pauses, "Hate you." He grumbles out as he pulls himself to his feet. Ryllan! Do we get to both punch him? >> Round 3 Later. Maybe. What's left? Did that work at all? It killed one. Got one of them with it. >> Angie can see clearly again. Dust devil is Frozen for 2 more rounds. Horrible return. Tanan, never do that again, okay? Indeed. >> Declaration Phase. * Vytor moves into attack position again Yeah, last time I look for a pattern when the organ's running. Sorry. * Mikel waves a hand, ice beginning to take shape around him. "To hell with this!" Vote we hit things, Mik'. >> Dirt Devil spins in confusion, surrounded! dirt is spraying out towards the front row. * Angie finally summons enough presence of mind to take her glasses OFF. she shakes the glasses off, then wipes them on her shirt and puts them back on. "What's this about the organ?" she asks. She still seems a little dazed. Let's just get them all at once, Ryllan. Agreed. << that is B) >> It makes interesting patterns. That hate us. Glad I tried that now and not when we were down south. You guys both all right? I'll live. But next time. Try considering not asking me to multiply what you're doing when it's experimental. I may want to smack you afterwards. * Trune makes another pattern in the air with his athames, this time the wake is blue, "Can we kick each other's ass later? Focus!" >> Battle Phase. * Tanan holds a hand out towards both Ryllan and Mikel, energy gathering on his palms. "Good call. Was sure that would work, too. I'll have to figure out what went wrong." Someone got the healing covered? >> From the looks of it, another Dirt devil tries to join the fray, but it is cut off by a pissed off Saki! * Saki comes barreling off of the cargo bay at high speed with a yell, apparently up from her dozing; she streaks at the incoming Dirt Devil, laying into it with a series of punches. Right! Let's do this one more time. Hey Saki! You missed Tanan having a brainfart! * Niri begins humming softly, gathering the sound energy around herself once more. * Niri blinks at Saki as she hurtles past O_o ...Right. Never ever waking her up. >> 60 and 72 damage to Dirt Devil D! >> Mikel's action. * Saki uses the impact to skid back to the front line of the party, shaking the remnants off her fists. "... Sorry I'm a little late." Hey Saki! You missed Tanan killing Mikel and Ryllan. >> Ryllan also pumps his technique up! Hey Saki. * Mikel lets out a growl of frustration, whirling blades of ice taking full shape. "Now I'm pissed. Away with you so we can deal with the real threat!" A swing of the staff and then there's plenty of ice barreling down on Dust Devil. Sharp, pointy ice. The real threat? You mean Tanan, right? :D * Ryllan draws energy from mikel, widening the effect of the ice to drag it down on all the enemies! * Saki blinks once, raising a finger and an eyebrow in Niri's direction for a second before the fight calls her attention back to it. Tempted. Very tempted. * Huwnap is now known as Huw >> This time it is the enemies who fall -- 486 damage to Dirt Devil B. 450 to Dust Devil. 466 to Dirt Devil D! >> All are weak to water, and it causes them to get clumped up in their own mealstrom of dirt. Wasted! Wow o_O * Trune whistles! Nice shot. ....Oh wow. * Mikel lets out a derisive snort, brushing back some hair that went askew during his nap. "S'what happens when I'm pissed." * Niri gets sparkly-eeyd << eyed, too >> >> VICTORY! * Saki tilts her head for a second, then huffs out a breath. "... Well." * Niri grins at Mikel! * Angie doesn't lower her gun until the winds have died down and the last bits of sand fall to earth. She holsters her gun with a sigh. "We were gonna wake you up," she explains, facing Saki, "but you looked kinda mad even when you were sleeping." * Tanan shrugs and closes his hands, directing the healing energies to Mikel and Ryllan anyway. * Vytor drops his hammer back into its belt-loop. >> In the heat of the fight, it seems some bits of silver coin were uncovered. gained 210 silver ea! * Saki blinks again, and looks somehow put-upon. "... I don't look mad." * Mikel glances at Ryllan. "That trick is sheer genius. Unlike other ones." * Mikel stares at Tanan. * Ryllan takes a quick bow, "Same trick, actually. Just less duplicitous friends." >> There is also a little bottle with a note stuffed in it laying on the shore... Well yeah.... hey, what've we got here? * Niri blinks and goes to the bottle * Tanan holds up a finger, pulls out his notebook, and starts scribbling in it. * Niri picks it up and dumps the note out Just remember your intended retribution the next time you two screw something up. * Mikel follows Niri, ever so curious. The bottle is of some fine rum made in Carribia! * Angie chooses not to question Saki's statement, since she looks sort of mad. Rum! There isn't any left, is there? I have a headache. * Vytor returns to the Destiny It'd be a gift from heaven if there was. * Niri ignores the talk of rum and unrolls the note curiously. Does it count as a gift from heaven if it comes from monsters that try to kill you? Gift from Hell, maybe? The note itself is written on some wheathered paper and reads: "Whoever finds this, watch out for the Bermuda Triangle. It is the death of sailors and the birthplace of storms! But tales of a hidden island abound, which I've searched for forever -- but I'll never live to see it now." Not when the monsters were less effective than something else. * Niri 's eyes widen What's up, Niri? Underneath the words is what looks like a sigil in the shape of a star pattern, something that Niri remembers seeing before in a book about Vane. * Niri rummages in her pack, looking for something. * Angie leans over, trying to read the note over Niri's shoulder. * Ryllan is already on his way back to the Destiny, "Niri! Read in the Destiny!" I think this...oh wow, if it is...it might be...Dad and I always wondered if it was out there but there's so little information on it and I'm just not sure but if it IS true then crap Dad will never believe me... * Saki scratches at her hair, appearing just a little sheepish at being quite so delayed in entering the battle. As everyone clusters around the new finding, she leans up against the bulk of the Destiny. What's it say? * Tanan finishes scribbling and puts his book away, then walks back to the destiny looking subdued. * Niri hands over the note and goes digging in her pack, pulling out the Silver Star Chronicle, but also a few small, rather the worse for wear books at the bottom of her pack. * Angie grabs the note from Mikel before he gets a chance to look at it. ...hey! * Vytor relaxes and waits for the group to reassemble. * Ryllan turns on the Destiny, making sure to gun the engine noisily once or twice. * Mikel proceeds to read over Angie's shoulder. * Trune heads into the Destiny, figuring he can overhear the conversation as he goes. * Angie dances away, trying to read while evading Mikel. After a few sentences she forgets about that and just stands still, eyes sliding intently from line to line. "This is AWESOME," she says in a tone of utmost gravity. * Niri flips through the Chronicle first, opening it to a page showing the same symbol as on the note, then sets it aside. She then begins to flip furiously through the smaller books, her eyes shining. * Mikel takes that moment to scan it over her shoulder, blinking. "...I'll be dammed." * Niri finally waves the smallest book around triumphantly. "AHA! Here it is!" * Ryllan rests his head on the steering wheel, "Dying tires me out, Trune. Wake me up when they're done." * Niri holds it out so they can all see. It is an old book, hard-covered and remarkably preserved for its apparent age. Heh, fine. * Vytor looks over at Niri with interest. We found it in a ruin. It's called "Atlantis: The Eighth Continent." Now, if I'm right...the note might... JUST MIGHT...be referring to the same place. Possibly. * Mikel blinks at the book. "...A hidden continent or something?" I thought there were only 7 continents. There's seven? Right. According to the geographers at the labs, there's supposed to be seven. * Niri ticks off on her fingers... "North America, South Amercia, Asia, Europe, Africa, Australia, Antarctica. According to the ancients' maps." * Angie scrambles over, barely resisting the urge to grab the book from Niri. "There was nothing like that on the maps in the Fragarach," she says. Her eyes meet the other girl's, equally alight. But some of the ancients thought that there was once another continent that was lost, called Atlantis. Now, this might not be it at all...after all, it supposedly sank into the sea. But you never know! This points to one of its possible resting places. It sank under the sea once...some thought it might rise up again one day. * Niri 's eyes shine with excitement. Hmm * Niri hands the book to Angie! * Mikel rubs his chin contemplatively. "This could be big. Very big." Be careful with it! It's old. And we haven't found any other copies yet. It has to be SOMETHING, anyway. Nobody would just write a note like this for no reason. You'd have to be- *she accepts the book, flipping through it as delicately as her excitement permits* -you'd have to be like a huge jerk to do that. * Saki lets out a slow breath, leaning back against the Destiny. Apparently the short trip so far is enough to dissuade her from pushing the others onward just yet. * Trune hmms, "It's strange...I could have sworn I've seen that symbol before too." Damn, it'd be great to check this out. Do we have time? :/ * Niri bounces on her toes ^^; Just...not in that book. I think I've seen it somewhere else. We have someplace to go first, remember? * Angie sighs and gently shuts the book. "Well. Let's think of it as a motivation to get this stuff over with quick! We'll go kill the Prophetess, save the world, be back in a couple days." Well Trune, look at the Chronicle! * Saki nods. "... I don't think we have time right now. We'd have to recover the ship, either way." * Niri points to the picture, which shows the symbol in a strange chamber, with the caption of "City of Vane" Yeah...I saw this on Black Rose Street. I'm sure of it. [Leah] It is very familiar... I don't know why. Oh really? There too? If it was in Vane, then it must have some magical significance... Black Rose Street? Wouldn't that be... Vane... would have liked to have seen that place. I was there just to get supplies, but I did see that symbol. I'm not sure where I saw it. I wasn't there all that long. Maybe a shop or something. After this is done we should look into it! We should! * Niri eyes Saki. Saki, you sure we don't have time....? * Saki shrugs expansively. "/I/ don't; like it or not, I'm going south. I can't stop you, though." * Tanan looks up. "We don't have time." That seals it, I guess. Right after though! * Angie lifts a hand to scratch her head. "It'll be fine," she says, lips curling into a grin. "We just need to go straighten things out down south and then we'll be ready for adventure." She presses the book back into Niri's hands. "What could go wrong?" ...now you just doomed us. * Vytor chuckles * Niri looks saddened. * Saki looks over Angie's shoulder at the symbol. Two blinks, then she's suddenly a little far away. "... nn. It's Vane, alright. The Chamber of Stars-- ngh!" * Niri accepts the book from Angie and tucks it back into her pack along with the other books ...Saki? ...What's wrong, Saki? * Saki winces, shaking her head. "... nn. Wasn't expecting it." * Mikel gives Niri a comforting pat on the shoulder at the sad face. ..? * Ryllan looks up, "Saki?" ...Or Rachel? ... it's Rachel, isn't it. From Vane. * Saki nods, scratching her hair and swaying on the spot a moment; letting her head clear a little more. "... mm. Highest-ranking-members-only room of Vane. Just a little like John's office; not quite there?" Huh. * Saki huffs out a breath at Niri's direction. "... I'm sorry. But my body's going south whether I want to or not. I think I'm out of time for this. After, I'm all yours." Awesome. Can I keep you on a shelf in my room, with my plushies? * Angie gestures to the town on the horizon. "New Takkar," she explains in a gentle voice. She looks a little nervous, like Saki's going to whack her. "We need to stop in for a little bit. How long do we have?" * Mikel gestures for Niri and Angie to get on board, waiting like a gentleman. "...bad, Niri." * Trune smacks his forehead at Niri's bad joke. * Angie follows the others into the destiny, climbing back into the Harmonic Engine. * Niri makes a face :P * Niri gets on board with the others, however! * Mikel climbs aboard. * Saki quirks something of a smile as she clambers back onto the Destiny. "Just no doilies. ... I don't know; it's just 'as long as I'm going southwards'. I think we could use a stop." * Trune looks out for a moment towards the horizon, sighs, and clambers onto the Destiny. I agree. * Ryllan starts the destiny back up, "Everyone inside this time? Tanan? Did we lose Tanan? If we did, I'm not going back for him this time." Quick, toss him out. * Tanan waves from the back. Ready when you are, Ryllan. * Ryllan VROOM And off the car full of heroes speeds for a little rest stop in Takkar. The southwards trek is going well.. so far... == SESSION END == Session Close: Sun May 06 01:46:05 2007