Session Start: Sat Jun 16 21:04:14 2007 Session Ident: #lunar-iog2 * Logging for #lunar-iog2 started * Retrieving #lunar-iog2 modes... * TheStoryteller changes topic to '-= Chapter 42 - Ruined, pt 3 | Location: Mystic Ruins / Machpelah | Pools: 720 §, 9 MXP =- http://storen.rpgcafe.net/IoG/ =-' == SESSION START == Through the looking glass goes the brave party, not knowing what awaits on the other side! There is a bit of a sick feeling in the pit of your stomachs as you feel a wrenching away from the plane of reality that you normally inhabit. It feels vaguely familiar, like when the Prophetess stopped time momentarily at the Festival. Eventually it begins to pass, and the entire group crumples to the hard stone floor of..somewhere. There is a dim light the pulses from magical blue flames, reflecting off the glassy surface of a great mirror just behind you. In it's cloudy surface exists the top of the shrine you left behind. * Saki barrels through the portal almost head first, making an attempt to land in a combat ready position in case of attack. It fails quite remarkably badly, and the dizzying wave of nausea leaves her looking like she's about to throw up. * Angie leans against a wall, does a quick limb count, and makes sure all her possessions are still in place. * Vytor lies on one side, having collapsed after passing through the portal, trying to regain his senses after that last bit of unpleasantness. * Mikel ends up on the ground in a sprawl, letting out a groan at the various feelings of nausea and getting dumped on his face in a new plane of reality. "That first step is a doozy." The air here is very musty, a crypt indeed compared to the open air sacred alter. The cieling is held by pillars of sandstone and the entire place is a golden color. On the wall are what you recognize as the ancient language of Vane's magi. * Trune lands hard on his side, one hand pressing hard against his forehead, as if he's very dizzy. Eventually, Trune takes a deep breath, and clambers to his feet, looking around. Stylized gargoyles, dragons, and other creatures carved into the archways watch your movements, guarding the eternal rest of the bodies here. * Angie spares a longing look at the ancient writings, but, conscious that there's no time to be playing amateur archaeologist, she represses her interest. "Is everyone OK?" she asks. * Tanan pinches the bridge of his nose, looking comparatively unphased by the trip through. He scowls at the surroundings, nodding in response to Angie's question. "All whole here." Kind of...ugh Yeah....barely. * Mikel gets to his feeting finally, looking around. "Still in one piece." I'm alive. The open foyer you have landed in is rather small, and only has one exist leading forward into a more open area... from the flickering light you can tell it likely has more mirrors. * Saki staggers up to her feet, looking quite pale from the trip; her eyes are a little glassy, and the effect doesn't improve during her sweep of the surroundings. "... maybe," she adds as an afterthought. << exit >> Emiria and Leah shake off the dizziness, while Shiro hides a bit behind his master. :( * Vytor lurches to his feet, using the wall as a support, then moves of help others This place is really unpleasant. Fitting, I guess. * Saki takes a mechanical step forwards, then appears to come to something closer to 'to', looking over her shoulder to the others. Well...I wasn't expecting much. I'm not dissapointed, at least. * Angie strokes her arm as if suppressing a chill. "I wonder where we are," she says. From her tone it's obvious that she doesn't expect an answer. Niri thanks Vytor for his help as she too tries to get a good graps of where they have found themself. * Saki gives her one anyway, her voice far-off and a little dreamy and a little Rachel. "... the tombs." << grasp >> << themselves >> * Mikel glances over at Saki, frowning. "...Tombs?" Stay with us, Saki. Focus. We need you here too, not just Rachel. [Leah] This place feels strange,, my skin's all a tingle. * Saki nods, slowly and carefully like something might break. "My body's here," she adds helpfully. "... don't worry. It's me." If everyone's ready, we should keep going. * Mia_Ausa (~n@pool-72-74-126-95.bstnma.east.verizon.net) has joined #lunar-iog2 In the distance you hear what sounds like a creaking noise and a moan. * Angie takes off in the direction of the sound, aiming her gun blindly. I'm assuming that's not a moan of pleasure I just heard, was it? * Angie (foon@stjhnbsu83w-156034245019.nb.aliant.net) Quit (Connection reset by peer) * Mikel follows Angie, not even bothering to reply to Trune. * Saki whirls on the spot, barking out a single "Careful!" before racing after Angie who then disappears. Fucker. «ooc: ... » «ooc: Snrk! » << ... >> * Angie (foon@stjhnbsu83w-156034245019.nb.aliant.net) has joined #lunar-iog2 * ChanServ sets mode: +o Angie * Vytor cruses, and hurries after I doubt it. I really doubt it. You can't really tell the direction it came from, but can only progress forward. Beyond the foyer is a large chamber with a sarcophagus in the center of it. It's lid is partway open, and empty. Surrounding the room in each cardinal direction are four mirrors on the walls. * Ryllan follows at a run! * Huw (htjones@192.168.0.39) Quit (Quit: Reboot) << er three, whoops) >> The south where you came from ... the west is one with a red sheen, the east and north are clear, crystal blue. Um...are we at a dead end already? * Tanan follows the others into the room. I don't think so. These look a lot like the mirror we just came through. Oh. So which way do we go? * Saki comes to something of a halt, vaguely lost in memories. "... they lead on-- maybe. My body's close, but... around here that can be very far away." There's what llooks like centuries of dust covering something written on the floor. * Angie shakes her head. "If I had my equipment I could map the energy flows, but I can't do it on my own." * Saki smirks grimly as she surveys the coffin. "... not anyone I recognize." * Mikel walks over towards the floor and starts scuffing dust away, hrming. Not sure. Maybe.. Ryllan? Can you tell? * Tanan kneels down to help brush away the dust This coffin has been empty for some time. Tanan finds the following inscription: "Follow the light of the Blue Star to find Truth, and always keep the fires of the Destroyer at your back." * Tanan reads the inscription out loud, tracing his finger along it as he does. * Mikel tilts his head, looking up and around. "Hm... Red that way, I guess that's fires... so we go the opposite direction?" * Vytor listens, and then notices the color tint of the mirrors It could be a trap...but I guess it's as good a guess as any. * Tanan looks up at the room, turning his head to see all the mirrors. "It might just be telling us to only go through the blue ones and not the red, but it could be more literal." * Saki lowers her head. "... mnh. I'm not much help; didn't exactly get to see this place on the way in." Destroyer at our back. * Mikel shrugs. "Fires at our back, so..." A teleporting mirror maze, huh. Head into blue and away from red. * Tanan fishes through his pockets ... Anyone got any breadcrumbs? * Vytor walks over to the blue mirror directly across the red one, and gentle pushes his hammer against it at arm's length * Tanan pulls out a piece of chalk, and writes "A" on the ground in front of himself. * Mikel snickers. "Or maybe someth- there you go." Vytor finds his hammer sink in like he is touching the surface of a pond. Ripples expand outward gently across the surface. * Tanan stands back up. "Well then, shall we?" Yeah. Do you keep chalk with you all the time? On we go * Mikel nods, starting to head over towards the eastern mirror. "This ought to be fun." * Ryllan walks past Vytor and into the Mirror. * Saki nods, stepping forward. * Vytor steps through the mirror All who brave the mirror feel like they are bathed in a coll,chilly lake for a bare moment, and then they are out the otherside. << cool* >> A lot of the time, yeah. It comes in handy. * Tanan shrugs, and steps through the mirror * Vytor is on the other side, pad and pencil in hand, making notes The next room has two coffins in it, both are closed, with inscription of a man and a woman resting peacefully on the tops. They hold a wand in each hand, crossed. * Angie follows Vytor through, emerging with a shudder. There is a red mirror at your backs from where you came. East and south are also blues. * Saki stares absently at the pair of sarcophagi, pacing slowly over to them. * Tanan carefully marks a large "?" symbol on the floor * Vytor notes Tanan's work on the ground, and makes notes accordingly. * Tanan carefully marks a large "B" symbol on the floor * Mikel watches Saki out of the corner of his eye, hming. "Same direction, then?" * Saki frowns at the pair of wands for a second, keeping one ear on the rest of the conversation around. Saki feels a slight resonance from them. These were followers of the Prophets, surely. I presume so, Mikel * Mikel shrugs. "Well then!" * Trune just follows along quietly for now, keeping an eye out for any clues or things out of the ordinary. * Ryllan follos. << With a 'w'>> * Mikel finds himself wandering over to the coffins as well though, but for far less creepy reasons than Saki. * Vytor waits for a decision to be make on the sarcophogi, not wanting leave the room in case zombies jump out here's a slight chill as you look them over. Something is inside, definitely, but do you wish to diturb the dead ? << disturb >> Can we not desecrate the dead and fight more zombies, please? I'm actually gunning for not having zombie flesh underneath my fingernails. Makes me an outcast, you know? You don't even fight with your hands, though. If they need to be killed again, this is the time to do it. * Mikel peers. "Sooomething is in these things." * Saki runs a fingertip along the edge of one of the coffins absently, watching the scored mark in the long-settled dust. "... they were followers. ... it might be worth making sure they're resting still." Given that they've done all this from beyond the grave, I'm not sure I trust them to stay quiet. * Tanan gives the sarcophogi a long look. "Might be some interesting things in there. This place, the writing here... it's right out of the books from old Lunar. I wonder..." * Vytor hefts his hammer, just in case something needs to be crushed Well, whatever we do, let's do it now. We don't have much time. The scent of old magic, not willforce, definitely pervades this place to those who can sense it. Man, you guys just invite trouble. * Saki apparently comes to a decision; with a curt, sotto voce '... sorry,' she's heaved upon the lids. * Mikel shrugs. "It comes with the territory, Trune." As Saki gives a heave with her impressive strength, the lids open to reveal two mummified corpses, decorated in silver rings and other finery. * Mikel raises an eyebrow. "Fancy." * Saki remains tense and taut, one fist hovering ready to strike. Not that she's superstitious. These are definitely the regalia of an ancient mage, magic rings, tiaras, etc. * Vytor gets ready to crush something moving that shouldn't * Angie lifts a hand to adjust her glasses. Light arcs between her and the figures, and a flood of text plays across her lenses. * Trune can't help but peer down at the corpse, "Heh. Never did get finery on a corpse. What's the point of looking pretty if you're dead?" A way of showing respect and maintaining tradition. It's usually more for the living than the dead. I suppose if you're intending to come back, though... * Saki drags a hand back through her hair in some sort of agitation. "--gh. Let's go?" Should we smash it anyways, just in case? Smashing it might wake it up. It's not making any movements, so... The corpses may not be moving, but you can't shake the feeling you are certainly watched. * Angie shakes her head. "There's something there, but I can't tell if it's a sleeping soul or just residue." * Mikel frowns. "Is it whatever is giving me that creepy feeling?" Hmm. * Saki frowns at that. "... either way. They shouldn't be stuck here." * Angie rubs the bridge of her nose and takes a breath. "That'd be it." Besides just a magical tingle in the air, I don't feel -- or hear -- anything unusual. I suppose unless we're gonna disturb the dead, we should keep moving. * Saki nods. "... alright. Let's go, then. If they come after us I'll break them apart." * Mikel makes a face. "If they can hear, that'll probably keep 'em away." * Vytor shrugs, and moves for the mirror across from the one the group just passed through. * Saki smirks unpleasantly, and turns after Vytor. * Mikel follows Vytor through the looking glass. * Tanan sighs, and follows along * Trune follows behind the others, taking one last look at the coffins before he steps through. * Angie spares a last look to the coffins, glaring at them with an "I'm warning you expression." Then she disappears into the mirror. Fsssssshhh... off you g o into the eastward mirror. The next room apparently has all side covered with blue, including the one you just came out of! Hmm. It could be a junction of several important chambers. The cenetr is not so much open as before, but twists around several more of the closed coffins and sconces burning with an ethereal flame. ...more boxes, less hints. Fun! * Saki takes to pacing amongst the coffins once again, gazing at them in term for any kind of identifiers. «ooc: turn » * Mikel follows Saki, prodding at them and examining the flames out of curiosity. * Angie steps into the centre and squints at each entrance in turn. "Should we just go straight?" she asks, arms spread. It seems we can technically go any direction we want from here. ...I sense a lot of backtracking in our future. So many choices. This is madness. * Tanan chalks a small 'B' next to the mirror the party exited, then a large "+" on the ground. Mikel gets little reacion from the sarcophagus he prods, the lid quivering. Mikel, stop prodding the dead, you git. If I might make a recommendation? We might want to actually go back, and see if the mirror we just wnet through is one-way or not. ...huh, this one seems to be not quite dead. Well, no shit since you keep poking it! * Saki glances around, face set in a glum expression. "--they might prod back. We're getting closer; these were guards." There's a low moan that fills the chamber... One of the burial boxes lid is thrown open! :o ..! Aw, now look what you did, Mikel! Seriously, thanks a lot! Watch out! That's not the one I poked! You had to- Dammit! Get ready! Who cares?! * Saki is down into a combat stance the moment she's finished talking, trying to identify the source of the sound. As the lid goes up, she puts herself in the way of it and the rest of the party. * Vytor races to intercept something unpleasant! * Angie nearly jumps out of her skin. She whirls around and trips over another coffin, falling across the lid and firing a stray shot into the air in the process. Three sarcophagus produce three pissed off looking mummies, shambling towards you with what looks like tattered remains of battle armor. * Trune pulls out his athames and gets into a battle ready position. >> COMBAT! >> Enemy Front: Working Stiff A-C >> Declaration Phase. * Saki gazes at the trio with something of a sad air. "Lie still," she mutters. "You've no hope against my rank." * Trune traces a quick pattern in the air with his athames, a reddish wake being left behind. * Mikel raises his staff as lightning begins to gather at the tip. "Should have stayed asleep!" The three undeads seem to take pause at Saki, uncertain, but then charge forward, aiming for Vytor, Tanan, and Ryllan! Here they come! >> Battle Phase. >> Saki's action. * Saki growls loudly, and bolts forwards to intercept the first soldier. "That was an /order/!" her voice echoes through the room, before she ploughs into the aging creature. >> Saki scores a glancing blow on the first one, sending it off balance. 65 damage! * Tanan adjusts his shield and steps next to Ryllan. "Bah. Here we go again." >> Tanan is defending Ryllan. >> Mikel's action. * Mikel aims his staff at Working Stiff A, smirking as the lighting takes shape. With a crack a bolt of electricty arcs from the tip of the metal stave, lashing out at the mummy. * Mikel is now known as ZackAFK >> Mikel's spell fries the first undead for 262 damage! << or electrocutes, actially >> >> Vytor's action. * Vytor races at Working Stiff A and leaps into the air, slamming his hammer down as he lands! He takes another step forward and connects with a vicious hammer uppercut to the zombie's chin! >> Vytr's hammer bashes in the rotting corpse twice over. 115! 107! It's shattered into several pieces, twitching... ...I don't know if its actually dead or not It's in pieces. That should do, Vytor. Well done. * Vytor backs away . o O ( That seemed...almost too easy. ) >> Working Stiff B and C gang up on the poor Professor, punching him with dark glowing fists a lot like Rachel's... but his shield absorbs the worst of it. 33, 34, 24. >> Angie's action. * Angie scrambles to her feet on top of the sarcophagus. A stray blow comes a little too close for comfort and she leaps down on the other side, keeping the stone coffin between her and the enemies as she summons her mettle. >> Angie is focusing.. 39 Hp and 12 Mp restored. >> trune's action. Cord of flame, pierce the enemy with your power! Flare Arrow! * Trune holds out his athame towards WorkingStiff, and a single point of flame appears at the tip of the blade, expanding and growing larger. Suddenly, it flies towards WorkingStiff in a stream of fire and smoke, impacting it dead-on! * Ryllan raises his knife in a mimicry of Trune's actions, recreating the stream of fire for the other two zombies! >> Trune channels most of his remaining mental strength into a barrage of arrows, multiplied by Ryllan! Each Working Stiff takes two arrows to the head and gut. Weak to Fire! 392 damage to each! >> Tanan's action. << n/m >> >> Round 2 >> Declaration Phase. >> The first mummy begins focusing for a heavy attack upon Trune! The second sets it's sights on Tanan again. * Saki rounds on the one aiming for Tanan, coming at it from behind with a vicious kick at what remains of it's skull. * Trune closes his eyes and puts two fingers between his eyes, apparently concentrating. * Tanan shifts his position to stand between Trune and the mummies, bracing himself again. >> Battle Phase. >> Trune focuses! 16 restored. (mp) >> Ryllan also focuses for 14 Mp. >> Tanan is defending Trune! >> Mikel focuses for 14 mp, too. >> Saki's action. * Saki tears into the undead soldier with a fast brace of kicks, aiming to send it arcing away from Tanan. >> Saki delivers a quick strike for 11, decapitating the lost soul. << er 111 >> >> Tanan is safe from attack now, and the last one remains moving. >> Vytor's action. * Vytor takes a measured, deep breath, trying to marshall his resources. * Saki grins with minor satisfaction; as she lands from her kick, a single nod's sent Tanan's way. >> Vytor focuses too. 11 Mp for his efforts. * Tanan returns Saki's nod, smiling for just a moment. >> Working Stiff uses Dark Aura Wave On Trune! >> Tanan intercepts the blast of twisted force. 77 damage! He resists FREEZE. >> Angie's action. * Trune winces, "Thanks." * Angie takes careful aim and puts a bullet in the back of the remaining creature's head while it focuses on Tanan. That might not be enough to kill it, but it certainly won't hurt. >> Angie's bullet strikes it's arm and torso for 64 and 67 damage. It doubles over and falls to the floor, defeated. >> VICTORY! * Tanan dusts himself off, wincing. "Right then." >> The open sarcophagi yield 600 silver for each in grave goods... these guys obviously don't need it anymore. Also 3 MXP. * Retrieving #lunar-iog2 modes... * TheStoryteller changes topic to '-= Chapter 42 - Ruined, pt 3 | Location: Mystic Ruins / Machpelah | Pools: 720 §, 12 MXP =- http://storen.rpgcafe.net/IoG/ =- (TheStoryteller)' * Saki gazes down at the shattered corpses, raking a hand through her hair. "... sorry," she mutters again, then kneels down to ensure their movement has ended. * Vytor cleans off his hammer Okay, can we just not poke at coffins anymore? Can we come to an agreement on this? That would be nice. Please. * Angie reloads the two spent bullets. "Which way?" You are left once more at the four way junction, now with three battered corpses of former Magic Guards at your feet, still twitching. Good question. Although I still think going back the way we came as a test is a good choice. * Saki straightens up with a grim determination. "We should move soon." * Ryllan takes a look around for inscriptions of any sort. Vytor might be right. Be good to see if we wind up in the same place again or not. If not, it's no worse than anything other choice. <> Back it is. Now that Ryllan looks more closely, the mirrors in this room have different designs over them. The one to the west has a dragon, the one to the north and south have crossed swords. the one to the east has a book. ...Hrm, wait. Check these out. Labels, maybe? * Ryllan points them out. * Vytor makes notes of the symbols Maybe we'll find something that explains what they mean. * Saki blinks at them for a moment, face blank. * Angie paces back to the sarcophagi in search of any hints. She glares down at the twitching, dismembered zombies, struggling with the urge to put more lead in them. * Vytor waits for a consensus * Saki turns slowly around the room, gazing at each in turn. "... barracks," she states after a long pause. "Swords are the guards, books ... the mage troops. I think." Other than the loot, there's nothing else here for Angie to study. Didn't the last set of corpses resemble mages? Hm. [Leah] That was the Dragon.. maybe that's higher ups? * Saki looks at the dragon for an even longer period, then shrugs with a puff of air. "... don't know that one," she mutters, then turns to look at the rest of the group. "... you know what I'm here for; somewhere past the swords is... me. If we can find... a star? That's... the Prophets." Emiria mumbles to herself. "Wonder if there's any ancient blades in those chambers." So which way are we going? * Angie sighs and shakes her head. "Let's just pick one," she says in irritation. "I vote the book. That way we keep going straight." Let's go with the book. The Swords seem to be - well, barracks. Perhaps past the mage flunkies we'll move onto bigger and better? I can go with that. Book it is then. *heads for it* * Saki regards the book portal for a long moment as the others head for it; with another huff of air, she paces after the group. Fsssh.. into the mirror you go! There is a sigh as you step out of a red mirror at your back and see an "A" on the floor. Wait a minute, this is the beginning! ...Well, that worked well! Full loop. * Saki blinks twice, then erupts into a rare peal of laughter. However, the mirror you entered to the east last time does have a book on it. Now it makes sense. This did lead to the mages. * Vytor blinks at Saki's rare show of humor. * Angie pauses a second, staring at the A, and then strides across the room toward the mirror they went through eventually. "OK, we'll try Vytor's plan this time." Back through the same way, or.. I see. * Vytor heads off again in the same direction as before * Saki follows after Angie, still shaking her head with amusement. * Ryllan follows along merrily. The door to the north in this first chamber also has a dragon on it, that you notice in passing.. << er door = mirror >> Vytor finds himself in the two magi burial room. Strangely, the lids on the sarcophagi have closed. >.> Um... You can continue east, or go south. South also features a swords design. There's a B on the floor. * Tanan looks questioningly at the others. * Angie continues on in a straight line. Either she expects the others to do likewise or she intends to go ahead without them. Angie finds the four way junction room, bodies and all, waiting for her. * Vytor keeps going after Angie * Saki follows after Angie. Once back in the four-way, she shrugs once more. "... north or south. I don't know the route." West is a dragon design, east a book, n/s swords. So back the way we came? * Angie moves several paces into the room to give people room to enter, then turns around. "Now let's try going back this way, see if it's two-way." Let's give it a shot. * Tanan steps through * Ryllan follows back through the dragon mirror! * Vytor pursues Angie pokes at the dragon mirror a moment, the surface rippling... beyond it's depths lies a new chamber you haven't seen before. The mirror you came from at the east wall is red, and there is another mirror to the west, blue. A red mirror comes from the south, and a blue one to the north. * Saki grins without humour; with a little resignation, she follows. The center of the chamber looks to have a garden... Strangely, it is vibrant amidst all the death and decay. The flowers have a strong fragrance. * Trune quirks a smile at the flowers, "Ironic there's such vibrant life in a place of death such as this." * Angie treats the garden with no less caution than she did the coffins, keeping her gun aimed at it as she approaches. Huh Not what I was expecting * Saki nods to it for a moment; something of a show of respect. Then she leans against the wall away from a mirror, surveying the room slowly. Leaning closer to the garden finds there to be a book laid in the soft grass. * Tanan looks at the greenery, nods to himself, and retrieves his chalk from a pocket. He scrawls a big "2" on the wall by the mirror everyone came through * Trune heads to the book, curious now. The mirror to the north has a star pattern over it, the mirror to the west, a book. The book appears to be a diary. It is coated in very soft velvet and locked. We were looking for Star. * Saki nods in agreement. "You were." * Trune reaches a hand out to the book, then suddenly stops. * Angie sticks with Trune, curious about the book. "I can blow the lock off it you want," she says, sounding a little too eager. * Trune shakes his head and his voice sounds distant, as if his focus is elsewhere, "Hold on for a moment, Angie." What'd you find? * Vytor waits for Trune and Angie to finish before moving on Misogi hums dully as Tanan approaches. ...okay, Angie. Find a way to get rid of the lock....be careful, though. I'm not sure if it's a trap or not. * Tanan lays a hand on the sword's hilt. "What?" It doesn't like something about that. Be careful. * Saki lowers her head for a moment, then nods it back up. "... it's got a Prophet's feel. ... do it at a distance if you have to." * Angie takes the book gingerly, as though expecting it to burn her. She sets it down on the ground again and backs off a few steps, gesturing for the others to do the same. Carefully, she lines up a shot directly at the lock and fires. Yeah. Something is trying to speak to me...like a recordng. The lock is in the way. * Vytor steps back a bit The lock must not be entirely physical in nature; for as Angie fires at it, the bullets seem to phase right through it. It is an illusion for something else. * Angie winces as the shot passes right through and ricochets off the floor. "Okay, this isn't my area. Anyone else want to have a go, or should we just bring it with us?" * Ryllan pauses, "I... might be able to do something with it." Manipulation of magic /is/ my trick, after all. But if there's a prophet in there... * Vytor stands ready to act, just in case some monstrosity jumps out of the book One prophet I'm not afraid of. /me kneels down toward the book, studying it with his eyes closed... Ah. I see. * Saki watches keenly from her vantage point. * Ryllan touches the lock lightly with the tip of his fingers, and it vanishes, "I don't /think/ this is a permanent thing, so best take a look, Trune." Okay. Watch my back. * Trune steps towards the book, cautiously putting a finger on it. * Vytor nods to Trune, and gets ready As Ryllan manipulates the faint strand of energy encircling the tome protectively, Trune is able to channel his Adept energy and unlock it. The black book flips open of it's own will, pages flipping... * Angie hops back like a nervous cat. As they do so, a voice fills the chamber and a faint image of a female mage appears above it, narrating -- it appears to be Pandora, only her hair is a rich green and skin vibrant with life. In the background a fire burns and there is shouts of anguish... [Light] This is the room built by the ancients.. heroes, may you pay heed to the words that lie herein upon these sacred walls, for they are the last legacy of The Prophets: * Saki lowers her head in rememberance. ..? When the Goddess Althena saved us from our own evil impulses, those that crushed the Blue Star.. she created a land in Heaven full of life named Lunar, and placed us there. However, this paradise was a falsehood.. s the years passed, and the Dragonmasters faded from memory, there arised those who questioned our existence. A forbidden secret even the mighty dragons did not share with the Goddess... One day there would come the successor to her power, and the events would be set in motion. Lucia, last of the Goddess tribe.. through love and sacrifice she would be the one to gain the infinite knowledge. * Ryllan listens as best he can while still keeping the lock around the book open. Zophar shall be banished once more by her hand, but his return is inevitable. He will try to corrupt the innocent soil of the utopia once again. * Trune starts and looks back to Niri quickly as Lucia is mentioned. However, He is not what you were truly born to seek. You were revealed to the mighty oracles as the ones to discover the great secret, and save this world once and for all from the cycle of doubt and destruction... For Truth itself is that which is indefatigable. Overpowering might nor blind ambition will grant you it. This lesson we learned at the expense of our very souls.. * Tanan grips misogi's hilt tightly, scowling. But the power of humanity.. once it has taken shape.. empowered by the knowledge gleaned over the ages.. It will be eventually grow greater than the Goddess. With this power, you shall reshape what you see.. forge your own destiny.. Man's own world, free of Heaven's influence.. It is this future whom we, The Prophets, have prepared the way for.. and here in silent repose we shall remain, until the day comes when Mankind is ready for the veil to be lifted from its clouded eyes. You are going to correct the mistake made ages ago.. You are the brave souls that we have ordained as saviors.. that all time may hail you as the "Truth Seekers". ...There is a pause as the image shifts. The dragon on wings of light and dark reveals the gate (Emili), the weaver of time and space creates it (Johnathan), the wielder of the sword of starlight widens it (Scott)... the medium of the mind's voice strengthens it (Haylee), and the bringer of life's breath lights the path (Xavier/Elrika). The way to the Truth shall open for the next challenge to face. ath lights the path (Xavier/Elrika). The way to the Truth shall open for the next challenge to face. -- When the path is opened, the way to union must be forged by the seekers of emotion. Justice to ensure the peace (Leon), Passion to bring life (Bree) * Tanan mutters. "It's their old prophecy. Is this just here to slow us down?" Dreams to create a better world (Jack), and Purpose to acheive the goal (Tahn). United in Self (Ishtar), they will acheive destiny. I...don't know. The recording ends here, after showing each truth seeker in turn. So...what did that all mean? Niri seems very confused, after hearing of Lucia in the Prophecy directly... It must be a more accurate form of the original prophecy. But if they saved the world once and for all, I'd like to know what the hell we're doing. * Saki pushes off the wall. "We've no time to think about it now. The path's right there." [Leah] So, those are all the Truth seekers? Does that mean those are all the targets? They didn't. Yeah, those'd be them. * Ryllan relaxes his hold on the book's lock. Let's go. * Tanan frowns, approaching the book. "They did... as far as the prophets were concerned. They... set things up so that the revival could happen?" The animated book falls silent as Ryllan lets go what's holding the cage of light open. * Vytor just looks confused now. * Trune looks like he wants to say something to Niri, but he holds back, biting his lip and continuing on. Worst case scenario, remember those faces. Those were the remaining ones, the ones we haven't met. Hold onto the book. Might be useful. * Tanan shakes his head. I'm not sure we should bring one of their devices with us that casually. It might be useful. Ryllan's right. That lock's... pretty secure, honestly. I bypassed it because I cheated. * Tanan shrugs. "Take it if you want then." [Emiria] I think that's about all we're getting from that device, but do what you like. * Angie looks to Saki for guidance. "Which way now? There are two blue doors." * Ryllan looks at Angie, "Star door. Like she said earlier." North is the star, west is the book. * Vytor heads for the Star mirror * Saki nods, her voice uncharacteristically airy. "The star'll be the Prophets. ... I'll catch up." Saki? Eh? * Saki 's voice hardens as she looks up. "Like I said. I need to get to the barracks. I've been waiting twenty years. ... there's no time. I've got Rachel. I'll /catch up./ Go." Saki! ...be careful. Goddess... *He shakes his head* Take care of yourself. * Ryllan heads for the Star Mirror. * Vytor nods to Saki, getting the impression she's not budging on the issue. * Angie meets Saki's eyes and stares, face flat and grim. Finally she nods and makes for the mirror marked with a star. * Vytor passes through the Star mirror with some trepidation As the group makes for the star mirror, Saki finds her feet slowly nudged to the western looking glass. ...Be careful, Saki. * Tanan gives a half-salute before turning to the star mirror * Saki beams - a proper smile, just for once. "I may not get another chance. You guys too." And in a whirl of her usual speed she's streaked through the room in a burst of black, her feet leading the way. * Trune follows the others, a grim expression crossing his face. Stepping through the threshold to the north, the group comes upon a room that is much more decorated, mystic runes on the walls and floor glowing slightly with ancient power, pulsing almost like a heartbeat. * Vytor keeps watch for trouble. There's a red mirror at your back to the south, and a blue mirror to the west. east is a plain wall with a red mirror. There's no burial chambers here specifically, although the star on the floor has eight spokes. * Angie walks up to the star and looks down at it. "Like a compass rose," she says. A star, huh? One point for each prophet... Hm. If we keep going blue, we got only one option from here The feel of this place.. this almost has to have been their room. The mirrors have no telltale signs above them at this juncture. This... This'd be where they made prophecies from, I'd bet. On the floor pattern you notice bits of scattered debris These seem freshly made, chunks of the walls broken off in a conflict. * Angie examines the walls, trying to guess what happened here. "I guess John caught up to her here," she says, searching for a clue. * Tanan frowns. "They've been through here, then. Maybe we're catching up... we should hurry." * Ryllan nods, "Blue, then? It's the only clue we have." Right * Tanan walks towards the blue mirror, nodding. * Vytor heads for the blue mirror * Ryllan heads for the blue mirror. The mirror to the west segues dreamily into another similar chamber, blue mirror to the west, red to the east. In the center in a rather ornate sarcophagus, carved of obsidian and bearing the mark of an elderly male magician. It is glowing with a brown aura, crackling with power. It reads, simply "Here Lies Abraham". I don't like the look of that one. Beneath it "He who shook the world in eprsuit of Truth". << persuit >> One of the Prophets... Move around it. Keep to the edges of the room. We don't have time to play with him. If he starts waking up, run for the blue. Anyone see a problem? * Angie sticks close to the walls, giving the mirror a wide berth. "We can deal with whatever's in there once we've caught up to Pandora." * Trune actually looks...frightened, "He has that much power, even dead..." * Vytor does as he's instructed. * Ryllan follows his own advice, creeping around the edges of the room towards the far mirror. * Tanan moves around the outside edge. "He can't still be in there, can he? I mean..." Why not? Pandora's dead. She's quite lively. Let's not test the theory. Well, /something/ is in there. Come on! We saw him get wrapped up by one of the elementalors. Th-... his body though. Right. Some of that power is Uranus...but a good amount of it is the Prophet. We need to keep going. * Angie makes it to the mirror. Keeping her eyes on the coffin behind her, she steps sideways through the glass. * Vytor steps through the mirror as well * Trune follows the others. * Tanan glances back, then steps through Session Time: Sun Jun 17 00:00:00 2007 The next mirror melds away to find a similar state. This time it is a glowing yellow field. The coffin reads. 'Here lies Issac. Heaven's punishment to all ignorance.' Another prophet... A room for each? Bah. Keep moving! We're on the right track. Keep going! Right. * Angie winces at the thought of tiptoeing past another sleeping Prophet, but the situation is too urgent to dwell on inconveniences. She makes for the blue mirror as quickly as her nerves allow. * Trune runs towards the next mirror, now gaining some momentium. * Vytor presses on, hoping the group isn't interrupted * Ryllan picks up speed as well, still watching the prophet's coffin warily. There is a break in the chain. This room is more roudned and like a corner of a maze. The blue mirror continue to the north and northeast, as you exit the eastern entrance. West and south have nothing to use. Uh oh. Which way do we go? ...Damn. * Angie examines each mirror in turn, looking for some sort of clue as to which way the Prophetess went. * Tanan looks back and forth between the two mirrors Too bad one of us just can't go in the mirror, then come back. * Tanan sighs and chalks an L on the wall * Ryllan pauses, "Well, actually. We could try..." I don't see a damned difference. Pick one, and we'll mark it so Saki knows which way to follow. We could, Ryllan, but knowing our luck, a big giant monster awaits whoever goes solo. That being said, I'm insane enough to do it anyway if no one else volunteers. The mirror seem identical, though the northeast has more energy concentrated in it. * Angie points to the northeast mirror. "There's a lot of energy coming from this direction," she explains. "What do you think?" She looks ready to accept the first idea offered. I feel it too. Let's go that direction. * Trune points to the northeast mirror. Good enough for me. * Vytor heads for the northeast mirror * Ryllan follows Vytor through wordlessly. * Tanan draws an arrow on the wall, pointing to that mirror * Trune runs along with the others. * Tanan follows the others through once he's done drawing Slipping through the mirror you arrive in what appears to be a central chamber. There are all mirrors on the wall's cardinal directions, other than a red you just came from. Near four pillars that supprot the roof are four chests. Hoi Well, least we get loot. * Trune heads to one of the treasure chests and attempts to open it. * Tanan frowns, and makes a large "Q" on the floor. * Vytor stands watch while people loot * Angie sucks in a breath as Trune heads for the chests. "Are you sure that's-" she begins, but doesn't bother to complete her thought since Trune is already over there. Probably not, but too late now! * Ryllan moves quickly about the room, looking for a clue as to the whereabouts of John and Pandora. Inside the treasure chests is the following: Hyram Nut - Permanently raise Agility or Dexterity. Alcana Nut - Permanently raise Talent or Willpower. Itaka Nut - Permanently raise Muscle or Stamina. Dover Nut - Permanently raise HP or MP. I found...nuts? >> Once it's obvious that Trune isn't going to die in the immediate future and the chests do not contain tiny mummies, Angie is willing to show them her back to analyze the mirrors each in turn. So which way from here? That's the problem. * The mirror the party used to enter ripples; through it blazes Saki, skidding to a halt - for several moments she looks around for any marks on the floor or walls, not registering the party. It's easy to see why; she looks a mess, beaten and bruised and a little bloody, with a scrappy bandage or two covering the worst. Her hands are encased in black gauntlets, dusted with glittering gems. * Saki blinks. "... oh," she adds helpfully. * Trune blinks, "...Saki? What the fuck happened to you?" * Tanan whirls, light flaring in his hand for a brief moment Saki. Are you... o_O * Saki holds up a hand to Tanan, the movement making her wince. "... it's me. Or--well, both of us. We don't have the tools yet. ... I happened to me." Saki appears to be herself.. other than the rather ominous dragon diamond guantlet's she's wielding. Saki? You OK? * Angie whirls around in an instant, freezing with her gun pointed at Saki and the hammer cocked back. It takes her a minute to realize what she's looking at. "What happened? Did you find her?" * Tanan lowers his arm and sags in relief, looking a little sheepish. "It's Saki. Y-.. are you all right?" * Ryllan pauses. Alright doesn't seem the term, "Functional?" The effects of a herb linger on Saki as she restores 160 HP. * Saki makes a face at Ryllan, then nods to Angie and Tanan in turn. "... I found her. But Pandora's the one who can play with souls. I've got to siphon a little off." She raises one gauntlet, sounding a little weary. "I got toys." Do you know - which way? * Angie takes the stone of the Healing Ring between her thumb and forefinger and closes her eyes, coaxing the magic from it. A gentle light bathes Saki. * Saki tilts her head to one side for a moment, and sounds weary. "... /temporarily/. I got toys temporarily." She breathes out in relief as the wave washes over her. "... thanks." * Vytor seems satisfied with Saki's explanation * Saki listens to mid-air for a little longer, then tilts her head towards the southern portal. "... there." >> Saki recovers 212 HP. * Angie looks past Saki to the red mirror through which she appeared. "She's that way?" The mirror she indicates shimmers with a residue of Light energy It is the southern pathway. Let's go, then. Right. * Tanan nods * Saki huffs out a breath, closing her eyes a second time. "... mm," she confirms quietly, then opens her eyes. "She's sure of it." * Vytor heads for the southern mirror * Ryllan runs for the southern mirror, then! * Trune runs behind the others, heading for the southern mirror! * Saki sinks to her knees for a moment, catching her breath yet again; it's been quite an impressive last few minutes, apparently. Hauling herself back up, she puts on a grim face and races after the others. Fssssh... off you go! Here you find the coffin surrounded by a great bright light, and the outline of Venus sitting on the effigy of a man at repose. "Here Lies Jacob, Brother of Esau, the Justice of light." There are two mirror of blue to the east and south once more. ..? [Venus] ...mmmm... he's a stubborn guy. Venus...did you see where Pandora and Headmaster Jonathan went? Do you know? Also, uh. hi." * Tanan blinks. "You seem to be doing better than your counterparts." * Saki , seemingly out of courtesy, stays well back from the outline of Venus; the light makes the gauntlets' gems shine. The vague outline of energy points finger to the east. "Go see the fireworks, I'm kinda stuck here watching this grave." She casts a wary glance at Saki. "Don't go getting any ideas now, mis-whomever-you-are-at-this-moment..." Thank you, Venus. Thanks Venus. * Ryllan dashes off to the east mirror. * Saki actually chuckles; "Both or neither, perhaps. I'm not sure. Why do you think I'm back here?" she finishes, skirting the room to follow the path onwards. * Trune smiles a genuine smile, "Thank you, Venus." * Vytor follows the line of pursuit. * Trune turns around and quickly follows everyone else. * Tanan grins at Venus, gives a small wave, and follows the others. Heading east, you come out a red mirror in a chamber filled with blue motes of power that dance alla round. The coffin that sits in the center is cracked down the side. * Angie spares a confused frown at Venus that softens into a neutral expression after a second. Then she is gone, following the others. There is what looks like the ghostly figure of Neptune speaking with another man in a black cloak over the sarcophagus. "Here Lies Noah, Baptizer of the Acolytes" Hi. [Neptune] Hmm, so that's what you were intending.. hmm.. [Cloaked Ghost] Please, can't you.... *stops in shock* Saki. o_O [Cloaked Ghost] Rachel?? * Trune looks between Saki and the cloaked figure, "O...kay?" * Saki raises her head, body taut. She'd either like to punch him or embrace him. "... it didn't work. Not yet." The man appears to be bound in a ring of watery chains and cannot move from his spot. His dark cloak hides a set of yellow hair and blue eyes. * Ryllan cocks his head, "So /that's/ the face that goes with the voice. Huh." [Noah] And you.. Ryllan... Yes, Noah? We rather need to move along here. [Noah] Rachel, you didn't come to return to us? * Tanan frowns, talking under his breath. "Hmm. Almost seems like a decent guy when you hear him like this." * Angie (foon@stjhnbsu83w-156034245019.nb.aliant.net) Quit (Connection reset by peer) [Noah] Pandora can revive us both, and we'll be able to fix the mistakes we made before... * Saki grits her teeth, suddenly angry. "She came to /die/ properly. To be free!" He is. Except for the whole soul-stealing-for-his-own-revival part. * Angie (foon@stjhnbsu83w-156034245019.nb.aliant.net) has joined #lunar-iog2 * ChanServ sets mode: +o Angie The ghstly Neptune shakes his head. "Sorry old chap, but I think her spirit's moved on, if you know what I mean." [Noah] ... Everyone has a flaw or two I suppose. You have everything under control here, Neptune? * Saki softens - just a little. "... I'm sorry," she states, and means it. "... but she just wants it over with. She's had enough." [Noah] I'm sorry rachel. It's my fault you had to be chained to this fate. I should have never asked you to be my guardian. [Noah] I won't stop you if you want to be free again. But, you'll need Pandora's energy, like us all... Neptune nods, though loosk strained. "At least he's good for conversation. I was bored just bashing him ." * Saki grins widely. "That's exactly the plan. We're going through. /She's/ going through. ... wish us luck." * Saki glances back over one shoulder to the others. "... let's go," she adds finally. Right [Noah] Light and water nourish Plant... but also Darkness. Traverse one more, and you'll find her. * Tanan nods. "Thanks, Neptune. We really appreciate all you guys are doing." Yeah, thank you. Noah sighs and looks down, resigning himself to the course of event stoically. [Noah] I disagred with this plan from the start... but we all had no choice when the came for us. Noah. << they >> * ZackAFK is now known as Mikel We're not opposed to helping you guys out. If you'd just abandon this whole murdering-people-and-remaking-the-world plan... no time to talk now, I suppose. Think about it though. * Ryllan pauses for a moment, "I'm sorry it was your soul I tormented. It was a desperate move, and not one I regret. But I am sorry that it was you I caused that pain, and not another." [Noah] We have all suffered. It is a drop in the ocean for me. Now go - we'll meet again before things are done, I'm sure. * Angie throws an anxious look at the Darkness mirror. "We should go, guys," she says, voice low. * Ryllan moves toward the Darkness mirror without further comment. Yeah, I agree with Angie. We'll talk later. Noah glances at Saki longingly a moment, but says no more. There's a slight tear in his eye that he hides, the bands encircling him ever tighter. * Trune heads towards the darkness mirror. * Vytor heads for the Darkness mirror * Tanan moves as well * Saki hangs back a moment, hiding with her head low. "This is her choice, just this once. We're breaking that chain." She looks up with determination, meeting Noah's gaze for a moment before racing onwards. Actually the mirror itself is not infused with Darkness, but brings you back to the chamber with the chets. The mirror south is now glimmering with a bit of force that was not there before. << chests >> * Saki heads for it immediately, without a trace of hesitation. * Vytor follows Saki << er mirror North. trd. >> * Ryllan follows the line of PCs. * Trune follows the others, running at a good clip. * ZackSleep (Zack@cpe-70-95-238-100.san.res.rr.com) has joined #lunar-iog2 * ZackSleep is now known as Zack * Tanan sets mode: +o Zack * Mikel (Zack@cpe-70-95-238-100.san.res.rr.com) Quit (Killed (NickServ (GHOST command used by Zack))) Fssssh.. off you go into the next burial chamber. This is dripping with shadow, a mini black hole in the center. Pluto is standing next to a coffin with her back to you, concentrating. "Mmmm... Esau, brother of Jacob, Dominion of the shadows... nice name." * Zack is now known as Mikel * Mikel raises an eyebrow as he peers about. "...Huh, certainly, uh, dark." Pluto...are you all right? Pluto. Holding up all right? The image flickers and shifts position to face Trune. She is faded, and a little sweaty from effort. "I think I got stuck with the hardest one... but that just figures." * Saki stays well back from the flagging Elementalor. Be careful, okay? This should be over soon, one way or another. As the group studies the room, a mirror behind the coffin and to the north begins to glow fiercely. Has some spell been triggered? There is also a red mirror to the west, and a blue to the east. Time to go. Thaat could be a hint Hopefully one way and not another. We appreciate this, Pluto. It means a l- what's..? * Ryllan moves to the north! * Vytor heads for the glowing mirror * Angie nods to Pluto as she passes her by, but spares no words for the little girl. * Mikel follows, frowning. "Trouble a'brewin'..." * Trune gives Pluto one last look before running after the others. * Saki grinds the gauntlets together for one moment, and races after the others. The mirror sizzles as the heroes contact it. At first this may be the spell on it, but then you realize on the other side is an immense field of power eminating! It is enough to make you pause at the cusp of entering. [Leah] I have a bad feeling... So do I...but we've got no choice. Buck up, people. They're through here... be ready, everyone. Gotcha. * Saki grinds the gauntlets together a second time, grinning darkly with anticipation. All she'd need is the robe to be a spitting image. * Mikel lets out a sigh, lifting his staff. "Into the breach once again." You know, we raced all the way through this maze to get to this point. You're getting a bad feeling /now/? Well, we're probably walking into a fight between Pandora and the Headmaster. Think about it. Think about it later. Now we do it. * Angie steps through the mirror. * Ryllan follows Angie through the mirror. * Mikel follows. * Trune steps in right behind Angie, not bothering to answer Ryllan. * Vytor takes a deep breath, and heads through the mirror. * Tanan sneaks out the back way. <<...ok not really.>> * Tanan tenses, stepping through as well And so unafraid, the group jumps into the shimmering vortex of magic. The crypt they so desperately seek lies beyond... a resting place that will prove to be the burial ground for innocence. == SESSION END == Session Close: Sun Jun 17 01:21:53 2007