Session Start: Sat Nov 03 21:13:44 2007 Session Ident: #lunar-iog2 * Logging for #lunar-iog2 started * TheStoryteller changes topic to '-= Chapter 58: Cradle of Life | Location: Middle East | Pool: 3 MXP =- http://storen.rpgcafe.net/IoG/' == SESSION START == Fresh from thier harrowing encounter with the battle tank that still patrolled the sandy wastes, the group wastes no time in moving out farther eastward from the Oasis, following Xavier's map. He grumbles and insists about waiting till dark for reasons other than avoiding the monstrosity, but impatience wins the day... The sun is beginning to set and the desert starting to cool off slightly as the Destiny rolls down a safe strip without scars of war and its deadly detritus of shells and mines. In fact, the air has also started to become more fresh and clear since you left as well. Up ahead is the faint sound of water slowly flowing, possibly from a river over the next few dunes. * Vytor sits quietly, but its clear by his expression that's the he's not pleased with this latest mis-adventure. * Saki lays out, flopped and on her back, on the back of the Destiny, her copy of Xavier's map in her hands. She's kind of battered, kind of bruised, and definitely not wanting to go flying for a long while. * Tanan (~Nehn@dynamic-acs-24-239-125-230.zoominternet.net) Quit (Ping timeout) * Trune sits quietly near one of the windows, resting his head against one of the panes and closing his eyes. He has been very quiet. * Angie is lying next to Saki in the back of the car, hands folded on her lap and her ledger open over her face. * AmyLaptop is now known as Niri * Mikel has settled himself in a seat in the Destiny after getting the half exploded ATV loaded into the cargo bay. He's examining the bullet hole ridden and torn remains of his jacket, more than a little wrecked from his misadventures. He lets out a bit of a sigh and fishes out a roll of bandages, starting to wrap up the more serious cuts and scrapes he sustained. * Mikel may also be muttering about technological behemoths of weapons under his breath. * Ryllan drives the destiny down the beaten track, trying to strike the balance between caution and speed. * Saki traces their route absently on the map - it proves difficult, mostly because she's holding the thing up in the air in one hand in the wind from their driving along. In the end she pulls herself up to use the sides of the bay as a windbreak. [Xavier] *sigh* Well, guess I can't blame you all for being in a rush. I am too. But in the daytime some of the plants there are super active... * Niri watches warily out the window as they travel, keeping an eye out for the tank's possible return. She glances at Mikel once in a while, but doesn't offer to help. He can very well bandage his own scrapes, and serves him right. We can do some trimming in our spare time. Can we please avoid conflicts, if possible, for once? Well, if they're too active to deal with, we can wait until nightfall - and be ready to move in right away. * Mikel ties off one bandage, catching one of Niri's looks and offering an innocent grin before moving on to the next cut on his arm. There has thankfully been no sign of the tank since Mikel's tango with it, and Niri gets an eyeful of the sandy landscpae, wind blowing a few grains here and there. Surely great things lie buried.. if only they had a little more time to go hunting. * Niri makes a face at Mikel. You don't fool me for a minute. Hmm? You're plotting your next suicidal escapade as we speak. I have a list. I think it got burnt though. * Niri rolls her eyes * Niri leans over and elbows Trune lightly. "Hey. Why so quiet?" * Mikel digs through his jacket's pockets as if looking for something for added effect. Uh..? Er...Just tired. * Niri raises an eyebrow. Don't make me find a way to cheer you up forcibly, Sunshine. * Mikel looks disappointed as he only finds some grains of sand and ash, going back to bandaging. * Saki frowns up over the edge of the cargo bed, map held over her mouth to stop any gusts of sand. It's a kind of half-hearted job of her normal lookout. "... I can't feel much." Seriously...I'm good. Don't need to worry 'bout it. * Vytor rubs the bridge of his nose and closes his eyes for a bit. * Trune leaves the conversation at that, going back to leaning his head against the window. * Mikel twists about in his seat to look at Saki. "Hm?" * Saki ... makes odd hand movements that roughly translate to 'shut up and let me concentrate'. "--mn. Something's ahead. Whatever Yuriko talked about, which probably means Saturn too." * Tanan (~Nehn@dynamic-acs-24-239-125-230.zoominternet.net) has joined #lunar-iog2 * ChanServ sets mode: +o Tanan * Mikel ahs and nods, turning back to face towards the front as he finishes off one of the last few cuts. Really? Really? ...I don't feel anything. ...Well, okay. *Shrugs and leaves Trune alone, after a slightly put-out glance.* * Saki grins wide, showing her teeth. "... You don't cheat." She blinks, amending that: "... as much." Ryllan drives carefully, avoiding some glassy spots that crop up here and there, the last reminders of the area they passed through. Rounding a particularly large dune, the land dips down a bit and you are greeted with a very wide river! beyond its cool waters lies the beginnings of a lush tropical forest. * Mikel pitches the roll of bandages back to where he fished it out of, leaning back in his seat and propping his arms up behind his head. "There, mostly back together now... wish the thing hadn't wrecked my jacket so much." * Trune can't help but smile wanely at Saki, "Mom always said I was an honest boy, after all." The transition in landscape is quite sudden, as even the dry air is suddenly rich with moisture and the clouds overhead thicken noticably in a light mist. * Mikel lets out a whistle at the scenery. "Rain and green. Awesome." Wow * TheStoryteller changes topic to '-= Chapter 58: Cradle of Life | Location: Eden Project | Pool: 3 MXP =- http://storen.rpgcafe.net/IoG/' That's... impressive, that is. ...Wow, hey. This close to the desert? It has to be Saturn's influence. Either that or there's an underground source of water. * Saki sways and takes a step back as the Destiny enters the field, and glances off to the side of the vehicle. "... mm. There's life energy all around. ... plenty of plants to be riled up, too." Well, either way, we can't exactly drive through that. That's okay. Dangerous or no, I kind of want to take the scenic route. Mm. Scenic route would be awesome. At the same time though... If we can avoid setting off the local flora, fine. With our luck the entrance is in the jungle here. * Saki looks mildly perplexed, and the voice that comes out isn't... quite hers. "I don't see why we can't just plough a swathe through them with this thing." * Mikel glances back at Saki for a moment, raising an eyebrow. Well, let's cross the river and play along the outskirts for a bit. See if anything tries to eat us while we scout out the edges. [Xavier] Yeah, there's all sorts of critters just waiting over the river. [Xavier] It's a spiral of nature gone out of control, and just sort of formed it's own ecosystem or something. Hrrm. Have you scouted it already? Are we going to need a bridge or something? [Xavier] Not for any large length of time till now! [Xavier] My map will only take you to the front gates of the facility. After that, it's all instinct. Hope you've got one hell of an instinct. * Tanan (~Nehn@dynamic-acs-24-239-125-230.zoominternet.net) Quit (Quit: ) If not, then I suppose we'll just end up improvising again. I can take over if his is lacking. * Saki nods to herself. "Fortunately, we're good at instinct. We could always set fire to things," she adds, sharply. ...no fire. The river is wide, but not deep. The Destiny should be able to cross with minimal interruptions. Off in the garden, the sounds of hoots and howls eminates as it teems with animal life. What's the map say? Do we have to go deep in, Xavier? [Xavier] If you want to reach the original building where Saturn would be, of course. We can't navigate all the way in this Land Cruiser. How far in can we go? * Mikel frowns. "Probably up to where the trees get dense I bet." * Saki huffs out an aggravated breath. "... easiest way to find out is just try. I'd like to see the plant that could stop us." leaning over Saki's shoulder with a confident grin, the ranger points to his map in several spots. High-speed impacts are the great equalizer. And you complain about /my/ driving? [Xavier] The best way is to travel along the river to the midpoint of the brush, so we can avoid the dense areas and get really close to the outer fence. ...No kidding! * Trune goes back to being quiet, this time leaning the back of his head against the wall. He looks like he's trying to concentrate once again. [Xavier] Then we break in to the sealed gardens and do what we do best! Collateral damage? I doubt there are any cathedrals. ...hey! * Vytor chuckles * Niri starts giggling Heehee...good one, Ryllan...heeheehee... [Xavier] I meant to "explore" the place. but collateral damage works too. :P Next time /you/ can drive off and distract the tank then, smartass. [Xavier] I really have no idea what's growing in there, so be prepared to rip shit up. * Saki shakes her head. "... the collateral damage comes after we're finished with Lazarus, please." ...I can get behind that, Xavier. * Niri sticks her tongue out at Mikel. * Ryllan pushes the destiny across the river, watching the plantlife for any sign of turning murderous. * Mikel offers Niri another cheery grin. Let's not smash anything unless we must. There's a dazzling array of flowers and thick trees, setup in layers to absorb the plentiful sunlight and rainfal. The soil on the other bank is amazingly soft and fertile. * Mikel relaxes a bit in the wet air, feelingmore at home than he was in the desert. Watch it with the cheeky looks, Mikel. I know your ticklish spots, remember. It is rather chaotic though, having not real order other than symbotic relationships between the strata of plants. There are what looks like some type of squirrel darting from tree to tree, along with monkeys eating ripe fruit. There is even what seems like a peaceful heribovre beats eating leaves with a long neck. Hey, I'm injured. << beast >> * Vytor considers some things as he watches And you deserve every scrape. * Ryllan turns to follow the coastline, always keeping one eye on the jungle. * Trune looks away quickly from Niri and Mikel, his gaze once again rooted out the window, "(w)...Really can get behind that ripping shit up idea..." So cruel. * Saki seems almost cheerful, vaulting atop the cab to peer ahead with a manic grin and knocking twice on the cab's roof. "... let's go, then. As far as we can." She leans forward to yank a wiper from the screen, and lodge her copy of the map under it for whoever's driving. She's helping! * Niri pokes Mikel in a ticklish spot on his side Gah! Dozens of insects near the edges swarm in the high temperatures, as Ryllan disturbs some small anthills, a beehive, and even some groups of many brown beetles digging in the sand. * Ryllan rolls down a window to yell at Saki, "Little right, please!" ...Oh sorry, did you say something, Trune? * Saki carefully and dutifully tugs the wiper and map to the right with a nasty little creaking sound. * Trune doesn't turn around, "Hm? No." * Mikel bats Niri's hand away, giving her an amused look. "At least wait until I get the Stormrider fixed, sheesh." * Niri pokes Trune in the shoulder. "Hm, okay. Getting anything from Saturn?" As a side question, does anyone know why Emiria called this place sacred? ...Hmm. I'd forgotten that she had. Hmm. What was the name of this project, again? Yeah, I'm starting to feel her...aura I guess? No voices yet...Hey, when you guys reach some sort of fence, stop okay? I think it's important. [Xavier] I dunno about sacred. But it was named after some ancient holy place. Assuming we don't just attribute it to insanity... I'd guess that anything that encourages life like this... [Xavier] You mean the outer perimeter fence, Trune? I got that down right here.. *points* * Saki , her job as navigator done, chills atop the cab. Skirting the riverbank seems to be a good idea, as the forest only gets more and more dense as you go. Yeah, that must be it. Look, you guys need to find a hole in that fence. It should be large enough for us to pass through. [Xavier] Hmm, a hole? Maybe scratched open by a beast or somethin'. Or make one, I guess. See, this is why we need those weapons mounted on the Destiny. I can ask Sonyele nicely about making that cannon mountable for the Destiny. After dragging enough hazard pay to live the rest of my life out in luxury for that tracking bug. There is what looks like a destroyed and rusted fence ahead, though it is not standing and doesn't look like what trune recalls. All this one reminds you of is that long ago this was some kind of restricted area. But millenia past, the plants burst out from whatever flimsy containment existed here. * Saki knocks on the cab roof again. "... you've got one already." There's a trampled metallic sign that says "Zone 1 - No Entry" * Vytor chuckles again * Niri chuckles. "Oh right, Saki!" For some reason seeing those 'don't enter' signs amuses me. Well, let's go ahead and ignore the sign then, pronto. Just keep your eyes open for ambushes. We got jumped by snails once, remember? I thought we promised to never ever bring that up again. Ever. This...isn't the fence I saw. Xavier starts laughing. * Mikel points at Xavier. "/You/ shut up." Nah, he should laugh. It's kinda funny. * Saki nods to herself, in agreement with Trune. "Further in, then." Bah, he got ambushed by a half dead guy in the sand. Still embarrassing though! And good for our egos. [Xavier] Oh that's rich! But, yeah, ambushes -- definitely wanna keep your eyes out. Continuing on past the otuer fence, the undergrowth thickens a great deal, and Ryllan has trouble maneuvering how he'd like, purely at the mercy of the encrouching forest floor. Besides, if this place ends up being as weird as we've been warned, we might get snuck up on by a carniverous tumbleweed. Don't give the plant life ideas. What an...intresting way to go. That'd be pretty cool actually. Until it eats you. Just imagine! * Niri places one elbow on the other and moves her arms up and down. RAWR! I am a scary tumbleweed! I SHALL DEVOUR YOU * Vytor can't help it, and starts laughing * Angie is jostled awake by a huge bump; her ledger flies into the air and lands on her chest. She pushes herself upright, squinting. "Buh? Oh, are we here?" Turning to look behind her sends a sharp pain down her neck, and she pinches her shoulder gingerly. Up in the distance between some verdant trees, you pick out another fence. This one is a mesh of very tight grey fibers of some sort, and arcs very high. Looking above is what appears to be the remnants of some kind of antenna, a point of an immense energy barrier. * Mikel stares at Niri for a moment before starting to snicker, grabbing the roll of bandages to pitch towards her. "Eat this and be appleased, then." We're here Angie. That your fence, Trune? * Niri takes a roll of bandages to the face. Mmmnh. I'm not ready yet, let's go back for one more pass. * Niri grabs the roll and sticks it in her mouth. "Nom nom!" Too late. But no energy is transmitted any longer, silent as the mother nature has overgrown ancient limits. * Saki doesn't stand on the cab so much as crouch in one of those hunkered down, watch-out-for-that-low-branch squats. She bangs twice on the poor abused roof as the fence comes into view. Yes, this is it! Besides, if you don't pay attention, Niri the carniverous tumbleweed will eat you. She's busy with the bandages. [Xavier] Yep, we're here. Now the question is where that hole you saw is. I think I have some chocolate to distract her with as well. Left or right are really the only options! Any preferences? Yeah. That tumbleweed knows better than to mess with me, anyway. Left. There doesn't appear to be any breeches in this section, but deeper in the forest there could exist one. Unfortunately, this is about as far as the Destiny can advance without getting tangled and stuck. * Angie leans forward, legs splayed, and rubs the kinks out of her neck. I think I need to get out and hunt for it myself. Cover me, okay? I don't mind the backup. * Saki eyes the barrier carefully. "Thr... hm." She abandons the phrase, looking over the complex. "... 'through' might not be an option." I suppose this means we're walking. * Trune gives Niri a very quick stare as he says this. Need me to come along then? Xavier debarks the Destiny, stretching once and sniffing the air. * Saki hops up to a full stand as the Destiny comes to a near-halt, digs in a pocket for a random small coin, and in an experimental mood lobs it at a high point of where the barrier should be. * Mikel raises an eyebrow at Trune. "On your own, out there?" I'm coming with you Trune. Well...no I guess you don't have to. But I'm keen enough to know going alone means I'm going to die. Well, yeah. You're definitely not going alone. * Niri sticks out her tongue. * Ryllan stops the destiny, sighing, "Alright then. Field trip, everyone." * Niri hops out of the Destiny! The coin sails into the air and trembles as it crosses the high point, a faint crackle sounding out, before it lands on the other side with a wet thump. * Angie scoots over to the back of the truck and hops down. * Trune shakes his head, "(w) Right." * Mikel hops out of the Destiny after Niri, grinning at Ryllan. "Do we have to take notes?" * Vytor slides out of the Destiny. * Saki blinks at the barrier for several moments. "... it was supposed to bounce off. That way, I could keep it." She sounds perhaps a little lost. * Ryllan hops out of the driver's seat, making sure to take the key, "You can always pick it up once we do cross." A bad investment. * Saki makes a face, and all but vaults off the cab to land easily on the ground. "Good luck finding it amongst the brush." If you make chocolate cake or something later I'll reinburse you. How's that? ...Mmm. * Vytor leans on Saki's shoulder, "I'll buy you another one." ;) Standing on the forest floor is a ncie change from the desert. It is moist and bouncy. There's also a few things slithering this way and that underfoot. ...Hmm. Squishy. Try to avoid stepping on anything. * Mikel tugs on his tattered jacket with a sigh before hefting his staff. "Slithery, too. Keep an eye open." They might bite. * Angie fetches her travel box from the back seat of the Destiny, sets it on the hood, and flips the lid to expose her geomantic gear. She quickly assembles and calibrates her instruments and takes a few readings. * Niri falls in next to Trune. * Saki harrumphs, apparently to herself, and goes for a rather put-upon sulk for a moment. The next she's moved quick as lightning to boot one of the slithering creatures away, and the motion apparently knocks her back into down-to-business mode. You're grumpy today. Well, grumpier than usual, anyway. There's a large concentration of shrubbery here at the foot of the barrier, running along its length. SOmewhere in this row should be the image Trune recalls.. What's up? Nothing, I---oh hey! I recognize this! Oh yeah? Are we close? Saki kicks a little gecko away with a squeee Anything of note, Angie? Give me moment...Let's see.... ANgie's readings discover this place to be a literal mecca of Plant motes. The largest concetration is to the southwest, beyond the barricade. * Trune heads towards the fence and pushes back some of the flora and fauna, trying to find the opening he saw in his vision. Oh yeah. These are the strongest readings I've ever seen outside a node. It's probably even messing with the instruments. * Mikel follows Niri and Trune, keeping an eye out for any trouble. Anyhting we need to be wary of? * Angie holds out her ball-on-a-string, which is tugging her insistently to the southwest like an eager puppy. The usual! Elemental death? Figures. Sounds like fun! * Trune rubs his head, "Something with flowers...but it's weird. Whenever I think about what I saw, I get really, really tired." * Saki tilts her head, voice low and dangerous. "... also Lazarus. And possibly people coming to peer at Lazarus." * Niri frowns. Be careful then, Trune. The path southwest happens to be the direction trune is going as he feels around for a opening. Angie almost bumps into him, blindly following her readings! But the two of them come upon a spot that seems a bit different. Careful? Well I gue--huh? The brush here is not as thick and there's piles of leaves lying about, covered with the tracks of some kind of animal. * Trune pulls out both of his athames, "There's animal tracks here...fresh, I think. May want to get prepared, everyone. Just in case it's not friendly." I've lost faith in friendly animals after those cats. Right. * Angie passes the string to Trune. "Hold this," she says. Without waiting for a response, she crouches, feeling the earth. Well, except for Shiro and your kitten. I rather doubt there's much here that IS friendly, actually. SHiro looks ready for action, sniffing the ground often [Xavier] Hmm... looks like something had a den here. * Trune fumbles for a moment to hold onto the string, not quite expecting Angie to hand him something, but manages to keep his hold on it. Angie's poking of the earth reveals that the piled up leaves are loose... upon some inspection, they fall away to reveal an opening about half her height scratched in the grey barricade. Awesome, this is it! Looks promising. Well then. Shall we? Hmm. Who first? I'll go. Us next! * Vytor keeps watch while the group enters, preparing to bring up the rear. * Niri grabs Mikel's arm and follows Trune closely. * Mikel opens his mouth to say something... then gets swept up by Niri and just nods. * Saki raises an eyebrow, and prepares to immedieately follow the trio in case of trouble. * Trune glances behind him for a moment as Niri grabs hold of Mikel's arm, then turns around and heads forward into the unknown, once again quiet, but determined. You have to duck and almost crawl to get through the opening, but eventually it is cleared. Opening up before you is a vast overgrown research complex, the outlines of several buildings turned into gigantic trellaces for the foliage growing out of control. * Ryllan sighs and follows as closely as he can, "You know, leading with the proverbial glass jaw isn't our best suggestion, you three." There is also a sweet aroma in the air here, as the bright pink blossoms of hundreds of flowers surround the little entrance way. That's why we have Tanan. ...But Trune's the one who knows where we're going. * Trune stops suddenly, looking at the flowers. Slowly he begins to look alarmed, "Flowers...pink..." As long as Saki is nearby, they'll be OK. * Mikel peers up at Trune. "...hm?" * Angie hangs back, allowing the more resilient party members to test the safety of the path. ...Wait, these aren't the flowers you were talking about, are they? ...T--Turn back! Quickly! What the hell is so bad about these flowers? What? * Angie backs out before the point men bowl her over. * Vytor offs as Angie back into him. What's going on? * Ryllan quickly begins to move back as well, "Alright, everyone out of the hole!" * Tanan (~Etir@dynamic-acs-24-239-125-230.zoominternet.net) has joined #lunar-iog2 You begin to hear a rustle in the bushes near the rear of the group. Up front the aroma thickens as the flowers glow ominously at Trune's alarm. * Mikel sets mode: +o Tanan ...trouble behind us, flowers ahead. D--damn...damn it! * Vytor spins around at the sound of rustling. Can I put a vote in for flowers? Yeah, me too. The carpet of pink blossoms rolls with some semblence of intelligence, and from behind three walking bushes with salivating mouths advance from almost out of nowhere. o.o * Angie makes for the tunnel, but finds the rear no safer than the front. She sets her gear down on the ground and pulls out her gun. * Saki lowers into a bizarre version of a runner's stance. "Nothing to do but break through. Let's go!" ...Oh, well. Hell. * Niri just...stares. We got ambushed. Wacth out! By flowers. And bushes. I...hadn't wanted to be RIGHT about the maneating tumbleweeds. I...I'm really sorry! >> COMBAT! Everything dies when you shoot it! This is worse than snails! [Xavier] Well shit! I dunno Mikel, the snails were hard to top. * Niri draws her sword They're /plants/. >> Enemy Front: Predator Poppy * Vytor draws his hammer >> Rear party: Ambush A, B, C Let's wait and see if anyone gets slimed. * Ryllan has Misogi in his hand once more, supplemented with the terribly small dagger in his offhand. >> Declaration Phase. >> Ambush A, B, C start panting in anticipation of a meal, stalking their pray. Poppy field ahead begins casting a spell on the entire party! * Niri mutters to herself, "Okay Niri. NO THUNDER." Yes, no thunder. Plants laugh at Thunder. * Mikel reaches down to grab the book at his belt. It begins to let out a soft glow as he murmurs words under his breath. * Trune quickly begins to trace a symbol in the air with his athames, the wake left behind is a dark purpleish color, "I...I'm going to get through! Out of my way!" * Vytor looks back and forth between the two threats, and decides on the Poppy. * Niri nods and hums softly, preparing some supportive song magic * Ark (kohryuu@staff.lunarnet.org) Quit (Quit: But you were dead a thousand times. Hopeless encounters successfully won. A man long dead, grafted to machines your builders did not understand. You follow the path, fitting into an infinite pattern. Yours to manipulate. To destroy and rebuild.) >> Battle Phase. >> Mikel Jolts ahead! His go. * Mikel lets out a single breath, raising his voice. "...so as I pray. Bird of Pray, take flight!" With a cry to the heavens the light around the book shoots out, solidfying into the form of the guardian hawk. >> Mikel summons a Bird of Pray to guard him! >> Saki's action. * Saki flits off from a starting position, kicking up petals and pollen off her starting blocks. Without any preamble she skids to a stop right in front of the gigantic plant, arm brought back - then the momentum of her stop is dragged forward into a lightning-fast barrage of punches right at the thing. >> Saki finds that the plant is not one entitiy, rather a carpet of several targets in one. SHe nevertheless pounds the fragile blossoms trying to stop its spell... 65, 66, 61, 72, 64! >> undeterred, the living poppy field releases a stream of gases that waft over the party, lulling them all into a blissful sleep... Herbal Slumber! >> Mikel, Niri, Vytor, Trune, Ryllan are SLEEP for 2 turns! Saki is SLEEP for 1 turn, resisting! Angie is SLEEP for 3 turns! * Trune coughs and sways back and forth as the color drains from his face. His eyes slowly droop, "...No...I have to...Tired...I..." * Niri blinks dreamily. "...Ooh. Pretty." She slumps over rather ungracefully. * Vytor flops onto his face as the gas overcomes him. * Angie falls asleep in the middle of casting. Her elaborate finger movements slow, then stop, and she teeters in place. >> Mikel's Bird of Pray is also Sleep for 2 turns! * Trune suddenly falls forward as the gas finally overtakes him. * Saki teeters, overstepping and stumbling to the ground and all fours before succumbing. * Mikel gives the bird a bit of a look before he slumps to the ground, asleep. >> Ambush A, B, C all get thier digestive juices flowing. Str up 50%! >> Vytor's power of will revives him from his sleep! Saki also awakens! * Vytor gurgles, and gets back to his feet. WHat happened? >> Mikel regens 16 MP! * Niri snores delicately. >> Round 2 >> Most of the party is still asleep for another round as the brush goes for the kill! * Vytor looks around, and sees that he and Saki are all that's standing now. Oh hell. >> Poppy begins to cast another poisonous spell on the front row. * Saki is back up on all fours in a matter of moments out of sheer force of will more than anything else. She shakes her head, then draws herself up to full height, chuckling to herself in anger. >> Ambush A & B target Vytor! C decides Niri looks tastey! * Vytor gets into a defensive posture. >> Battle Phase. >> Saki's action. * Saki maybe wasn't using her force of will; she bursts out in laughter, sweeping a hand trailing black through the air. "... you think that would stop us? This close to my goal? Foolish! Come on, then, weaklings!" Then she's moving, in a jerky sort of not-quite-stance, and straight at the lead plant. >> Saki uses Soul Taker. Infused with the rage of her alter-ego, she dashed into the enemies in a frenzy! >> All stats up 22%, berserked! . o O (Oh boy...) >> The nasty poppy field tries to take out the stubborn non-sleepers with a toxic attack.. Venom Thorn! >> Saki resists Plant. POIS for 2 rounds! Vytor defends the strike. POIS 1 round! Niri resists, POIS 2 round! Ryllan POIS 2 rounds! * Vytor winces as the thorns dig into his flesh. * Saki catches a dangerously-sized thorn in the shoulder, and promptly ignores it. * Niri is struck by the attack but still doesn't wake * Mikel is still snoozing with his glowing birdie. >> Ambush A attacks Vytor with vengeance, chomping into his side! 100, 98! Vytor counters for 76, trying to beat the thing off him! He also insta Focuses for 93 HP/19 MP regained! * Vytor simply allows the Ambush to bite him, using the close proximity to his own attack advantge! >> Ambush B, using the opening its friend created suddenly piles on, biting down hard on Vytor's off hand and refusing to let go... 99, 114! Get off! * Vytor slams his hammer onto the ambush! >> He manages to shove it off for 69 in his counter! But then he notices that it leaves with almost his entire wrist in its mouth! A strange clear substance drips from the wound for a second, before it turns red with blood. * Vytor suddenly howls in pain, dropping his hammer and clutching his injured arm. >> Suddenly his massive immune system kicks in and literal tendrils of fresh flesh appear to close the bleeding gap between his hand and lower arm... Healed 93 HP/19 MP! In what seems like seconds, its as if the wound never occured. Not even a serious scar remains. * Vytor stares at his hand in shock, trying to figure out what just happened. >> AMbush C, meanwhile, tries to take a bite out of Sleeping Beauty, chomping on her arm! 144, 150! Niri wakes up painfully, as Shiro tries to bite the leafy creature ...Ow! Son of a...! * Niri rubs her eyes blearily, trying to figure out what's going on. Niri wakes up to Vytor staring at his hand in shock, and a rather psycho Saki. * Niri blinks and sighs. "What happened?" She gets to her feet and goes into a defensive stance. Huh? >> Everyone wakes up but Angie! Saki loses 86 Hp to Poison! Vytor loses 93 Hp to Poison, cleared! Niri loses 84 Hp to Poison. Ryllan loses 70 Hp to Poison. Mikel regens 16 MP! Nnngh...! * Vytor snaps out of his fugue and recovers his hammer. "Um...just hurt a bit, that's all." * GMMia is now known as Mia_Ausa * Ryllan looks up, "Ow. We get stabbed while I was out?" >> Round 3 * Saki smirks, flitting through the glade at tremendous speed. She doesn't notice the clenching in her gut from the nausea - rather, she draws an arm back and sneers at the upcoming monster. "Just the gardening to do." >> Declaration Phase. >> Trune strangely appears to be nowhere to be found as the fog lifts from your eyes... * Mikel shakes himself out of it, hauling himself out. "...I should take something in return for that nap... waitaminute, where's Trune?" Water starts flowing around his hand as the bird returns to flying around Mikel. Huh? Later, Mikel. We have to get ourselves out of trouble first. >> Poppy Predator roils and tries to generate a pollen storm on the front row! * Vytor looks around, and only then notices that Trune is gone. "D...dammit!" >> AMbush A targets Ryllan! AMbush B continue to want more of Vytor. AMbush C thinks Niri is still yummy. Still... gah, dammit. Let's spread the love then. * Niri blinks and stares. Trune's GONE? What? * Ryllan looks at the Ambush, "That's right. C'mere." * EtirMkII (~Etir@dynamic-acs-24-239-125-230.zoominternet.net) has joined #lunar-iog2 * Mikel sets mode: +o EtirMkII * Vytor seems to have lost some of his nerve, but prepares to continue fighting. * Tanan (~Etir@dynamic-acs-24-239-125-230.zoominternet.net) Quit (Connection reset by peer) >> Battle Phase. * Niri gets ready to try and repair some of the damage done by the blasted plants. >> Crazy Saki outspeeds even Mikel, her blood pumping * Saki crashes into the plant thing a second time, but her tactics have apparently changed - Rachel thrusts an arm bodily into the mass of plantlife, grounds her feet, and yanks her hand around several times. Each is accompanied by the sound of wet tearing and slicing of plant life; at the end she spins to tear her hand out the side of the large creature, trailing pieces of vine and sap, and smashes the thing with a full-on roundhouse. * EtirMkII is now known as Tanan * Angie (foon@stjhnbsu83w-156034159171.nb.aliant.net) Quit (Ping timeout) * Angie (foon@stjhnbsu83w-156034159171.nb.aliant.net) has joined #lunar-iog2 * ChanServ sets mode: +o Angie >> Saki tears into the aggresive plant with a full on torrent of Blows! 106, 116, 126, 124! The Predator Poppy is turned to fertilizer by her bare hands! * Huw is now known as Huwnap >> Mikel's action. * Mikel mutters something under his breath as Saki ruins the plant. "So much for that." He snaps his fingers as a torrent of water erupts from underneath one of the bushes, engulfing it before speeding towards him so he can fish various things out of it. >> Mikel uses his thieving tides, extended by Ryllan's magic! >> the plants don't seem to mind the water that much, lulling them into complacency so he can steal 3 items! 238 damage each. Got 3x Thorn Stone (Moderate Plant attack/ 800) * Mikel flicks three stones out of the torrent, juggling them one handed. "Hmf." Each is pocketed in turn for now. >> Niri's action. * Niri sings softly, a soothing serenade that sends away suffering. "Song of Healing!" >> Niri's lovely voice restores 501 Hp to the front row! >> Tanan's action. * Vytor barely registers Niri's efforts with a nod. [Xavier] AW hell, where did that boy get to?! don't tell me he sleepwalked off? What, you got put to sleep too? [Xavier] I nodded off for a sec and then I lost him! Kill these guys and then follow his tracks before he gets hurt! You could, you know, HELP. * Tanan (~Etir@dynamic-acs-24-239-125-230.zoominternet.net) Quit (Quit: ) >> Tanan defends Niri from the incoming bush! >> AMbuch C bites and claws at Niri, panting as it goes... thankfully her armor absorbs the worst. 73, 80! >> Ryllan gets an Ambush in his face though.. 155, 149! Grr. Quit it already! * Tanan (~Nehn@dynamic-acs-24-239-125-230.zoominternet.net) has joined #lunar-iog2 * ChanServ sets mode: +o Tanan >> Vytor likewise gets comped on, but this time he manages to evade! >> Vytor's action. * Vytor races up to the ambush with a massive overhead smash that completely flips him and the ambush over! Righting himself with superhuman speed, Vytor lands solidly on the ground and hammers the ambush a second time as it falls, sending it flying away from him! << chomped rather >> >> Vytor's hammer lands a solid hit on Ambush B, squashing the wooden skeleton for 404 damage. >> Angie is still asleep! trune is gone? >> Angie wakes up finally! Saki loses 172 HP, Niri loses 168 HP, Ryllan loses 140 to Poison. all clear. Mikel regains 16 MP! >> Round 4 * Angie blinks and sits up, a hand on her forehead. "Eugh...what happened?" We're getting eaten by plants. * Vytor moves towards the Ambushes, to block their path to the rest of the party * Angie looks askance at Niri. She slowly looks from Niri to the thrashing bushes in front of her, then back at Niri. In a second she's scrambled back to her feet and has her gun ion her hand >> Ambush B still wants to eat Vytor. Maybe it was that strange blood. Ambush C continues on Niri. AMbush A now wants a bite of Mikel. * Vytor goes defensive again, blocking Ambush C's path to Mikel xa Fine fine, you want my help? [Xavier] Fine fine, you want my help? Vytor, I've got the bird! >> Xavier joins the melee! * Vytor snaps angrilly at Mikel, "I know that!" >> Xavier prepares a claw attack on all enemies! "Time to rip you a new one!" * Saki spins on the spot as the plant life next to her falls apart, then takes off at a blazing run straight past Xavier, deadly focused. "You're assuming we need it," she states flatly as she launches past. * Mikel blinks as he gets snapped at before narrowing his eyes, muttering. "Well hell with you then. Bird, to Niri!" * Niri gets ready to try a wind attack * Niri blinks at Mikel and Vytor, wondering what's going on. [Xavier] No kidding. You're a lot cuter when you're angry... * Niri kinda...stares at Xavier. * Mikel raises his staff up as blades of ice begin to form. "Time to cut the weeds." >> Battle Phase. >> Saki's action. >> The Bird of Pray is covering Niri! >> Saki advances to the new front row as the rear attackers are confronted! >> Mikel's action. * Saki skids to a halt for a brief second, sizing up the situation and smirking to herself with a toss of the head. "... careful. I change my mind a lot," she says, even if it's Rachel cracking the joke. * Mikel mutters under his breath, snapping his fingers as the bird flaps over to take up position around Niri. "Blades of ice, slash!" With that the blades fly forward, slashing through both air and Ambush C's planty body. >> Mikel casts Crystalline Daggers! 501 damage to Ambush C! >> Xavier smirks to Saki at her comment as he channels his own spiritual power as several dark doubles of him appear with slightly feral and beastial features. Suddenly with a yell they charge forth and rip the fores mercilessly! * Mikel raises an eyebrow. >> Demon Rush! Ambush A suffers 804 damage! Ambush B suffers 782! Ambush C suffers 842! All are KO'd! Session Time: Sun Nov 04 00:00:00 2007 ...I ought to /clock/ you for not doing that earlier. >> VICTORY! * Mikel hefts his staff, staring at Xavier. * Vytor drops his defenses, and immediately starts looking for Trune. * Angie sighs and holsters her gun, all six rounds still loaded. ...grah. Bird! Look around for any sign of Mikel. [Xavier] One heap of fertilizer, courtesy of the sexy beast. Now, let's get moving and find rip van trune! * Niri sighs, but then glances around, resheathing her sword. "Where's Trune? Did anyone see him vanish?" << ..>trune >> << Don't look for myself. >> >> Party gains 13 MXP «ooc: GO FIND YOURSELF, MIKEL! ;) » * TheStoryteller changes topic to '-= Chapter 58: Cradle of Life | Location: Eden Project | Pool: 16 MXP =- http://storen.rpgcafe.net/IoG/' * Mikel stares at Xavier a bit more. "..." * Angie frowns, looking behind her. "Trune vanished?" And so he did. * Niri just ignores Xavier. "TRU-U-UNE!" Hey Trune! There's a set of tracks freshly made, that lead to one of the buildings. * Saki draws to a halt, snorting at the empty air. "Hmph," she just about vocalises, then lurches and nearly falls as-- Saki suddenly has to wake up very, very fast. "--wh--!" Shiro meanwhile stomps and growls at the fallen plants, as an AMbush pants pitifully Let's move. * Niri points to the tracks. "Hey, check that out!" She hurries to see where they lead. * Mikel mutters, gesturing for the bird come back near him. He whispers something to it before starting after Niri. * Ryllan follows at a jog. * Vytor snaps his attention to where Niri is indicating, and is off and running. The Bird of Pray flits about and then suddenly bashes a wing pianfully on Xavier's head [Xavier] ..ow! * Mikel spares a glance over his shoulder back. "Get the hell over yourself and pull your damn weight instead of waiting like that. Or you'll be an ice sculpture." * Saki spends a few precious moments clearing her head and trying to get the nausea out of her system. Then a few more moments are spent getting the hang of the situation. Then much less moments are spent heading after the rest of the group. * Mikel goes back to stalking after Niri and the others. Niri tracks the footprints in the soil to the doors of a greenhouse. The roof panels have long been turned to glassy shards, though some still remain intanct. The entrance is hanging open, creaking back and forth * Vytor follows Niri * Niri peeks inside, looking around. "Trune?" [Xavier] Sheesh. Remember I'm only helping you because we're after the same thing. >> There appears to be no answer, but you can see the glint of something metallic half buried under some dirt. * Niri goes to inspect it. >> It's one of Trune's athames. ...Uh oh. ... * Niri pockets the blade, looking worried, and continues her search. TRUNE! Answer me! Where are you? * Niri looks for any other obvious entrances to the ruined building Trune! Amidst the rows of old planters and monitoring machines of various types there's yet more footprints. They weave through the rows in a very predictable pattern, like someone was on a methodical guided tour. There's also the sound of soft mewing. * Saki rakes her hair, then at length shrugs. "... at least we don't need the map." She scans the greenhouse at a slow pace, looking for a way further in. * Vytor blinks at the sound of a cat. * Niri follows the sound of mewing. "Molly? Trune!" * Angie might have been a bit hasty in putting away that gun. She pulls it out again, glaring at the shadows. Shiro pokes around a minute in the overgrown pots, sniffing around and finds Molly the kitten unattended, mewing uncertainly. ..? Molly! What happened? *Niri looks for clues around the little kitten.* Near where the cat is sitting is the entrance to a stairway that leads down into a lower level of the place. There's a dull sound of metallic footsteps on steps beyond. >> Molly gives a soft mew and rubs herself against Niri's leg, and then cocks her head towards the stairway. She mews once more. Jackpot. Hurry up guys, there's a stairway here! * Niri scoops up Molly gently and starts to head down. * Vytor heads down the stairs * Mikel looks back at Xavier. "How the hell... oh screw it, you aren't worth it." He glances at the kitten, frowning before dashing for the stairs. Plants and vines creep all along the green walls, coated with pollen, dust and soil. Xavier huffs and puff catching up to everyone. "I smell.. something strange down there." * Saki checks her gloves again, then heads resolutely down the passage. "... you have no idea." What /sort/ of strange? * Mikel moves while he talks. Multitasking! * ncnfvporsngrgchreuongrjldgngrr (~Nehn@dynamic-acs-24-239-125-230.zoominternet.net) has joined #lunar-iog2 * Ark (kohryuu@staff.lunarnet.org) has joined #lunar-iog2 * Trune sets mode: +o ncnfvporsngrgchreuongrjldgngrr * Gayo|Gone (foon@stjhnbsu83w-156034159171.nb.aliant.net) has joined #lunar-iog2 * Tanan (~Nehn@dynamic-acs-24-239-125-230.zoominternet.net) Quit (Connection reset by peer) * Trune sets mode: +o Ark * ncnfvporsngrgchreuongrjldgngrr is now known as Tanan * Trune sets mode: -o Ark * Angie (foon@stjhnbsu83w-156034159171.nb.aliant.net) Quit (Connection reset by peer) * Trune sets mode: +o Gayo|Gone [Xavier] Kinda like an animal. but something seems off. Maybe some kinda science project? ... * Mikel sets mode: -m That sounds like an apt description, yes. * Gayo|Gone is now known as Angie So trouble. Right. Coming into the open stairway, you can see far ahead down the short spiral Trune sleepwalking ahead to a chamber with lots of cages. * Niri hurries to catch up to Trune, reaching out to shake his shoulder gently. * Mikel blinks then starts to run. "TRUNE!" He's mumbling about a "tour" almost being done. Trune! * Vytor chases after him * Trune takes very slow, metered steps forward, his face pale and his eyes, while half open, obviously not seeing much of anything. His voice sounds extremely distant, "...just a bit further...Saturn is...this passageway...yes, this way..." * Mikel ...frowns, moving to step in front of Trune. "Should I give him a wakeup call?" The group finally catches up as he plods into the holding area, the large and well-reinforced cages mostly open and smashed up as whatever was growing here left. There's some splatters of blood on the floor as well, long dried up. * Niri shakes Trune's shoulder. "Trune, wake up!" Careful, Mikel. We don't want to - huh? Be careful. He looks... not fully awake. He said he was doing this before, at night... * Mikel lifts a finger, a ball of water starting to swirl about above it. "Water shouldn't hurt." * Saki takes extremely careful stock of the room. Particular attention is made to anything that looks science-y. Or Saturn-y. Saki could use some more book learning. * Niri stands back. * Mikel aims at Trune's face. Cue stream of water. She...uhh! * Trune falls backwards as not only he is shaken, but gets a faceful of water to boot. Trune? You OK? The rest of the water splashes onto the ground, sloshing with an echoing sound., Whoa! *tries to intercept Trune so he doesn't hit his head on the stairs* * Mikel mimes blowing smoke from a gun barrel before offering Trune a hand up. "Back with us now?" * Vytor watches Trune with concern * Trune looks very disoriented as he blinks several times in rapid succession, "...What? Where...?" Ruined building of some sort, you sleep walking. * Saki takes a couple of stalked steps around the room, on the lookout while everyone else tends to Trune. Sheesh, Trune. I take my eyes off you for one second and you get into trouble! Don't scare me like that. Xavier sighs, just glad trune's not monster chow. Whatever s Sleepwalking? Wait...oh shit right those flowers, they must have... Whatever's talking to you, Trune, seems to be getting more insistant. Saturn, I'm assuming? Meanwhile, the probing Saki encounters a few mutated rat-like creatures scurring around the lab floor. It startles her a second, but then it becomes clear that beyond them lies a familiar golden doorway. Yeah, we got put to sleep. You slipped away somehow. No, I had another dream as that Albien guy. I was giving some sort of tour or something...but it ended right... * Saki makes a shooing motion - it just happens to be with her foot, and is easy to mistake for a vicious kick at the rear end of one of the rats. "... found it," she calls, "But no Lazarus." * Trune looks at the doorway and blinks, "...Here?" * Mikel glances over at Saki. "We can search this place afterwards, I guess." Saturn may have some answers though. Let's find out. ... * Saki nods in agreement. "If anyone knows where it will be..." * Mikel nods, still offering the hand. "So. Need a moment to catch your breath?" No...I'll be fine. Thanks. * Trune takes the hand and hauls himself up. * Mikel helps Trune on up, grinning a bit. "Sorry about the watery wakeup." Nah, I'm just sorry my sleepwalking freakout came at the most inconvient time known to man. I can think of worse. Near the doorway to the deeper protected areas there's what looks like a haze seeping out. In fact, of all the phase protected locks you've seen, this one is by far the most damaged. The door is nearly half unshielded by the strange reactive material, large cracks and fissures running down it made by hulking vines grabbing it. * Mikel glances over at the door, raising an eyebrow. "That... isn't reassuring." * Vytor quiets again as the group approaches the damaged door. That's...strange. * Niri frowns. You're not sure if the vines are trying to break it, or they are trying to feed off the unknown energy beneath. * Ryllan pushes to the front, standing in front of the door, "You fragile folks stay back. This doesn't look like the others." Everything here is strange. I take offense to being called fragile. But sure. Trune, are you in contact with Saturn at all? * Niri deals with the fragile comment by ignoring it. Yes, I hear her right now. She says we're very close. She sound sane? * Trune nods. Maybe we won't have to fight her then. Venus was lucid too. If not her, then probably something. This place doesn't look peaceful. Hence maybe. Wait... [Xavier] You can communicate? Hm. Xavier concentrates, furrowing his brow * Trune 's mouth quirks into a confused grimace, "...We may have a repeat of Neptune." It sounds like...a part of her wants to be saved and a part of her doesn't. Why can't it ever be simple? Can we let the parts fight each other? ....Oh dear. I don't know...but I'm close to...I have to see this through to the end, either way. * Mikel buries his face in his hands. "Let's just open the door and sort this out." [Xavier] I'm with you on that one. * Niri nods. "Yes. Saturn is the last one to find, after all." And you deserve some answers, Trune. [Xavier] I need to know the truth here. And it seem you do too. * Saki tilts her head, then shakes it. "On we go." * Vytor continues to bring up the rear of the party. * Trune chuckles lowly, "I should probably take the point, but I don't blame you guys if you want me not to lead anymore." Uh, no, you shouldn't. Trune, you taking point is like me taking point. It leads to throttled mages. Thought so. Have at it, then. I will safely stick to the back. We have poker back here, anyways. * Trune Ooohs. Poker? * Niri blinks at Mikel, confused. * Mikel looks at Niri. "You know what poker is, right?" ...Yes, but I'm at a loss as to why you are planning a game of it now. Oh. That'd be a joke, Niri. That was an attempt at humor. Let it pass, we're all happier that way. * Trune glances at Xavier suddenly, looking slightly concerned. Oh shuddap, Professor. * Saki deadpans, one eyebrow raised as she sighs out the statement. "... the problem with Trune not taking point at this moment in time is that we rather need him to open the door." Game faces, folks. Saki, you want the door? Doubt the automatic-open works anymore. Xavier glances back at Trune, though he suddenly seems a lot more serious. * Mikel bites his tounge, tempted to make another humorous remark. * Trune pulls out the ECC and aims it at the golden door, "Not nessacarily. Though Saki will probably have to kick at the door anyway." * Saki blinks and perks up almost immediately. "... well, then." Without any further preamble she takes a single step forward, arm pulled back, and drives the fist and gauntlet into the creaking and shattered door. * Niri blinks. "A joke? Oh." The ECC glimmers with energy, syncronizing with the molecules that remain in the doorway. With a mirrored effect, the solid parts gvie way to nothingness, and the vines that rested on them suddeny shred and fall in a heap. ....You can tell I'm still groggy from that poison stuff. Figures. * Saki -- nearly goes straight through into the passageway beyond, stumbling forwards. I'm still groggy from sleepwalking shenanigans. I might win, though poison sucks. Unobstructed, there greenish haze that seeped out before now flows out and over you all. My, you are starting to feel sleepy again... * Niri chuckles. "Got a point. Hey, we're in." Oh hell not again. * Trune holds his head, "Oh goddess...not again..." Niri, wind! * Ryllan clamps his mouth shut, desperately trying not to breathe while the more magically-inclined get to the clearing. Hopefully. Huh? Gah! * Niri tries to conjure up a wind spell really quickly. * Saki wobbles and wavers, already having nearly fallen into it; she decides, it seems, that using the wall as support is a really cool idea. * Vytor staggers a bit. "Ghn..." Niri's winds disrupt the effect, but soon it's simply overwhelming to keep fighting, as the mists move from thier bottled up area to spread out into the facility. * Mikel tries to hold his breath, trying to mime forming a bubble to try to get the message across. [Xavier] Guh... wait.. it's.. we gotta... * Trune tries to make patterns with his athames...and then realizes he's missing one, "Well...fuck it...!" * Niri frowns at Mikel, unsure if she can do that, but it's worth a try! Trying to hold her breath, she attempts one more time... * Ryllan lowers himself to the floor while still trying not to breathe. figuring that kneeling might be a better position to fall from. * Tanan sounds the same as always - it must be nice. "It might be wise to move back out and let this place air out, if you can!" It's a pleasing, soothing aroma. It gently glides everyone into a dreamy state. ... * Niri tries to move, but her legs wobble a bit. She slumps against a wall sleepily. * Mikel goes down in a heap. * Vytor leans against the wall, unable to fight the growing weariness. * Trune drops his only remaining athame and slumps to the ground for the second time today. * Tanan (~Nehn@dynamic-acs-24-239-125-230.zoominternet.net) Quit (Connection reset by peer) * Tanan (~Nehn@dynamic-acs-24-239-125-230.zoominternet.net) has joined #lunar-iog2 As sleep takes you into its embrace, the room seems to shift and distort. Suddenly where open cages were is now closed, live animals. There's the sounds of beeping machinery . And people. The whole image feels real, but it has the fuzzy quality of something not entirely so. * Angie drops her weapon. A shot rings out in the haze, but it seems very far away, as though from the other end of a long drainpipe. The group of Truth Seekers finds themselves passed out. They also are not quite what they were before, dressed in white lab coats and attire of an age gone by. [Voice] Hey, are you alright? Dr Albien? >> Finally, at long last, it really is a lab coat. Trune feels himself shaken by a worker at the facility, looking worried. Uh...what? * Mikel blinks, letting out a groan. * Niri blinks, straightening and staring at her new attire. * Saki stares down at the floor, quivering slowly. * Niri looks around at the others to see if everyone is present and accounted for. ...my head hurts. Ghn... * Ryllan looks around, growling, "Can any of them stop themselves from fucking with us for fun?" [Lab Assistant] Oh I'm so glad. We lost containment for a moment and the gas seemed to have knocked your tour group out. I'm so sorry! Apparently not, Ryllan. * Angie reaches into her coat for her gun, but it isn't there. She chews her upper lip and looks around. Tour Gr--oh! * Mikel sits up, reaching up to rub his head. He frowns, noticing the change in his attire. "(m)...what the hell is going on." [Lab Assistant] The sleeping flowers look like they are a little too potent in groth ratios... it shouldn't have done any harm though. ..? * Ryllan stumbles to his feet, "Have you looked into possible methods of countering the effects?' * Trune manages to stand up, wobbling a bit as he does so, "Even so, what happened is worrisome...Thank you for your concern though. We'll be fine." << Storen, ooc chan question >> * Angie paces the room, checking computer readouts and eavesdropping. * Vytor looks totally lost. * Tanan looks down at his hands, muttering. "Are we being shaped by her mind, not ours?" [Lab Assistant] Yes, yes. I gave you all an antidote just incase. That's why it faded quickly. * Mikel gets to his feet, brushing off and straightening out his lab coat. He looks over at Tanan... then doubletakes. * Niri blinks at Tanan in surprise, then shrugs. "Not sure, but the coat looks good on you, at least." [Lab Assistant] So, were you still wishing to meet with Saturn, doctor? Angie finds the computer readout fascinating! They are monityoring hundreds of genetic research projects! Well, there goes that thought. Guess we play along, unless anyone has any better ideas? * Trune nods, seeming strangely serious, "Yes, I know my group is anxious to meet her." Nn. I don't like this. Be very careful. If you're moving around out there like Trune was, and things are different here. Hopefully she'll guide us safely, in that case. But then why am I... ...Good point. This is really frustrating. * Tanan trails off, looking annoyed. [Lab Assistant] We've had to keep her in a sleep state off and on as we tune the mental power up and sync with the abundant life energies here. But I'm sure she will be aware and awake when you arrive. ...where is this? ...What's wrong? * Mikel grins at Tanan. "Maybe you're more like us than you figured, hm?" * Angie leans over the monitors, staring intently at the readouts and willing herself to remember them. I...see. * Niri keeps one ear listening to the lab assistant's conversation with Trune. * Tanan holds a hand up, staring at the back of it as he flexes his fingers. He responds to Mikel as though he's only half paying attention. "Or she couldn't think of a better way to do this." Xavier blinks and looks around. "Now this is unexpected." * Saki pulls herself to her feet, looking rather spooked. Her face shifts in succession between a series of emotions, and is likely to be Saki and Rachel having a rapid and urgent conversation. There's a few corridors branching out from this room, almost like a tree. Well, let's get going I guess... * Vytor decides to just shut up, follow the group, and get an explanation later. * Tanan moves to put some people between himself and the assistant, then cups his hand and concentrates, seeing if he can still manifest willforce here. [Lab Assistant] Oh, if you have a moment, why not visit sector 4? i hear there's an interesting new project they are discussing with human golems... * Saki ... vaguely manages to follow along, still highly distracted. Wait! *Angie looks back over her shoulder with concern on her face.* Maybe we shouldn't. What if something happens while we're like this? * Niri looks a little torn at that. Maybe...but... Tanan can manifest, yes. * Niri turns to the lab assistant. "Are you referring to the Lazarus project, ma'am?" * Mikel frowns, looking at Saki. [Lab Assistant] Oh, I wasn't aware that you were affiliated, miss... yes it would be. * Saki 's mind clears at that, and goes from a confused idle to a very sharp attention. * Niri nods. "I've heard about it. I would be very interested to see what progress has been made!" [Lab Assistant] But the Director isn't here, having left to the main research facility in central Canada some time ago. * Mikel taps a foot, listening intently. "...Central Canada..." Oh really? Hmm. [Lab Assistant] SO, we can only really give you the basics. But I'm sure you'll find it fascinating. * Tanan looks speculatively at the lab assistant, then down at the little bit of light in his hand. He closes his fist around it, tilting his head as though thinking hard. * Niri glances at the others, wondering if she's right in guessing where that is. * Mikel mouths 'Bluetooth' to Niri. * Vytor whispers to Saki, "What's a Canada?" * Niri catches sight of Tanan acting funny. She leans over. (w) "...What are you doing?" * Niri nods to Mikel * Tanan keeps his voice low. "What do you think would happen if I blasted that guy?" * Mindful of being left behind, Angie tears herself away from the displays to rejoin the group. * Niri hisses, "NO. You are not allowed." * Saki shakes her head, then waggles an eyebrow at Vytor - a hamfisted attempt to say 'I unno.' She speaks past Niri. "... we'd be delighted to see as much of a demonstration as you can give." (w) I don't know what would happen but I don't especially want to find out. Yes, if you have the time to show us we would be greatful. * Tanan makes a face. "Tch. It's not like he's real. She's playing with us and I don't like it." * Ryllan frowns, "We may as well learn what we can." Still, we don't know how much of this actually is real. And...I'm not sure anyone is deliberately playing with us. It feels like something they can't control. Saturn might not remember all this consciously either. The worker motions for you to continue down the path straight ahead or to the left. "The Elementalor chambers or the lazarus demo. Take your time my friends." * Trune looks sidelong at Tanan, (w) "I...don't know if she's doing this or not. I drempt this...the tour, then..." We can always try to break it later. So, which one? * Niri nods to Ryllan Okay, where to? I'm inclined to suggest Lazarus first. * Saki crosses her arms, and does an excellent, excellent show of being an arch and surly researcher. "... you know my answer." Down the hall you catch a glimpse of a woman walking dreamily through there, in just a white gown and long green hair. But then it's gone. Let's hit the Lazarus bit first. Somehow, I feel like maybe meeting her would end our little vacation. You pro---hey that's her! Saturn. * Mikel gestures. Should we...? * Mikel heaves a sigh. "It sounds like that main facility's around Bluetooth." ...Let's follow her! ..? We might lose the chance to find out about them, if we do. If we're going to use Lazarus, it'd be easier if we watch the demo on how it works. Fair enough. * Saki frowns, and watches the end of the hall very carefully. "... this is my problem. Go ahead, if you need to. I've caught up before." ...no splitting up, not like this. No. At the very least, we might learn something about them that will be useful. Yeah, the last time we split up we did so litterally. Lazarus first then. ...right. * Niri nods. Trune, can you hear Saturn in your head at all? It's...noisy, but I can't make actual words out. * Trune grimaces slightly, "Really noisy. Even if she was talking, I can't tell who is who." * Saki tilts her head. "... let's go, then. Before it gets louder still." * Mikel starts to move towards the path leading to the Lazarus demo. Hmmm. Yeah. A few workers go about their business, smiling and nodding to you as they monitor various goings on. A few mumble together about "reiving the desert". Saturn doesn't appear to be down the pathway, but there is a large group of people gathered in a presentation room. At the center is a foggy large vat. * Saki heads for the Lazarus demonstration, rather quickly. * Mikel follows the mad martial art scientist. * Ryllan follows the group to the Lazarus demo. There's a blonde haired female scientist making the final adjustments to a slideshow she is giving. She is tall and has sophisticated glasses on. In fact, Mikel finds the looks of this woman to be very similar to Dr. Sonyele. * Vytor keeps pace with the group, still looking lost. * Mikel ...stumbles for a bit, looking over at the blonde. [Dr. Pierce] Greetings everyone, take your seats please. I'm Dr. Julie Pierce, sub-director of the Lazarus experiment. I'm glad you all could make it. Dr. Sonyele? No...but there are similarities. * Niri finds a seat, watching with interest. ...Hm? Dr. Sonyele? ...very close. Scarily so. * Niri looks for a moment at the woman. "Hmm. You're right, she does look kinda like her..." * Saki takes a seat in silence, leaning forward eagerly in her chair. Vytor can't help but feel he's met this woman before somewhere.. like deja vu. * Mikel stares for a bit more before shaking his head, taking a seat. "The Doc's past life... I wonder." Is that Dr. Sonyelle? WHat's she doing here? No...it's not her. * Mikel leans back. "...was, maybe, at some point. Like Emiria." A small machine mounted near the cieling projects 3 dimensional images onto the table area to aide in her speech. The first image is that of a human body. * Vytor looks really confused now. [Dr. Pierce] [Dr. Pierce] Now then. We, all being human, have troubles thinking outside the box of who we are. While it's true genetic science has come a long way, we still focus only on replacing lost limbs, organs and designer children... (m) ...designer /children/? [Dr. Pierce] Now, imagine for a second if we could create a new class of person, more adapted to certain roles? More resilient? More compliant with the wishes of managerial staff? Stronger, faster for combat? (w) I...that's worrying. (w) Designer children? What do they do? Design houses? Handbags? (w) I don't like this. * Niri listens to the presenter and her hackles start to rise. (w) Me either. Not one bit.) * Vytor listens, not liking where this is going. * Ryllan listens, absorbing everything he can. [Dr. Pierce] It's a well known fact the Chinese are already experimenting in this area.. and we have the Elementalor project right here showing it is possible. But why focus on such limited windows and experiment on ourselves to prove scientific points? * Tanan smiles faintly, looking somewhat amused. * Mikel resists the urge to smack his forehead. With a click of a button the image fades and then the cloudy vat begins to clear up. * Niri frowns at Tanan but doesn't ask. * Niri peers at the vat. * Saki is completely silent; it's not clear whether she's even really taking in the words. [Dr. Pierce] Now, what if we could create an army of beings, largely human, but more adapted to survive. The new working class.. shaped to do the tasks that we suffer endlessly for. This my friends is a true innovation! * Niri growls under her breath. [Dr. Pierce] Thanks to our hard work in genetics, we've managed to breed the first prototype series of a constantly improving new human genotype. A biological machine. * Trune 's face darkens and he feels his hackles rise. (m) ...perhaps it is a good thing the past was destroyed. As the vat clears up you can see a human man inside of it, curled into a fetal position. ..? * Niri grits her teeth, putting a hand on Trune's arm and gripping it almost painfully. Ngh...Niri...Not so hard, okay? * Vytor just stares. Constantly improving? Explain. [Dr. Pierce] Now, this is just a very rough model. But we've already come very far with its features. For instance, it's imune system and regenerative abilities are far beyond a normal humans. Lost limbs and severed ones can be reattached and regrown. Diseases that would kill a man bare trivial, with a bloodstream that has been altered... ...Oh. Sorry. *lets go* * Trune smiles faintly, "Don't worry about it. I want to punch this woman in the face too." * Vytor begins to look ill. Gghh. Yeah. (w) No punching the Doc in the face for this when we get back. [Dr. Pierce] The growth cycle is a mere few days to adult hood, and its endlessly reproducable with enough biomass. recycling of old bodies into new ones is even possible. The mental tuning is still in the developmental stages, but we are confident we can have nueral activity on par in time... Just...calm down. This is important. Re...cycling. * Tanan steps up next to Vytor, putting a hand on his shoulder, and he speaks quietly. "It's all right." ...I think I'm going to throw up. [Dr. Pierce] Trained in castes to be workers, soldiers, caregivers... perhaps even companions.. they are endlessly customizable. * Vytor jumps at the sudden contact Ngh. I'm amazed no one wants to clock this woman. It makes me weep for the human race. This sounds like a book my dad found in the ruins once. ...well, Zophar did happen not long after this. I think. * Angie shusshes trune with a wave of her hands. [Dr. Pierce] The Diurector and I are searching for additional funding to make this all possible. Our starting grant from the UN Foundation from Zophar is only the beginning. * Tanan removes his hand, shaking his head. "Sorry." It talked about people who were designed to be less intelligent and more compliant so they would be good for heavy labor. * Mikel growls. figures. * Vytor looks at Tanan, then at the floor. << Figures* >> * Saki leans back in her chair, a bizarre grin on her face. * Tanan shrugs a little. [Dr. Pierce] If you are interested in supporting this biological revolution, you can find us in our main location in North America to discuss further options. The Bluetooth facility is nearly operational, and we'd love to personally give you a tour. * Mikel closes his eyes. "When we get back, Bluetooth." With that the presentation dims. * Ryllan raises a finger, trying to take on his role, "Some of my colleagues are a little skeptical of that facility in bluetooth. Can you tell us a little about the radiation you're using there? I'd like to convince them it's not so harmful." << make that the work you're doing there.>> [Dr. Pierce] Well, it is true that we're powering it with a small yield nuclear reactor. But the shielding is up to all international standards. In fact, We intend to run and maintain that facility with our first Series 1 Servitors as an experiment at teaching cimple procedural tasks. (m) ...well, hell. * Niri 's teeth and knuckles are starting to hurt from clenching What would the lifespan of these Servitors be like? * Mikel looks over at Ryllan, getting the feeling he's caught on as well. * Saki nods along with Ryllan's questions, her eyes blazing with energy. * Trune is biting his lip, letting the others ask the questions. He knows if he spoke now, he'd say something he'd regret. [Dr. Pierce] Right now, since our prototypes are still being refined, the lifespan is measured in a handful of years. But eventually they could have a lifespan that outlives even the healthiest human being. * Niri blinks, something occurring to her, and speaks up despite her anger. "Can they reproduce?" * Mikel speaks up. "Hundreds of years, perhaps?" * Tanan steps back over towards Niri, reaching over to gently take hold of her elbow, quietly muttering "Calm, calm." [Dr. Pierce] I'm certain a century is possible. but one step at a time. And no, they are all functionally sterile. it's very similar in concept to the humble ant colony, you know... Mm. Vytor suddenly feels a twinge of pain in his head, unable to stare at the vat at all. As he mumbles in pain, the image is disrupted and fades away. the room's suddenly devoid of people entirely. Ngh! Vytor? Are you okay...Everyone's gone? What? * Tanan looks sharply at Vytor. "We overloaded it? Are you all right, Vytor?" Head...hurts * Trune looks concerned. Tch. Messing with our heads like this, it's no surprise. I'm OK. * Niri blinks, staring around at the room. * Saki sits bolt upright in her chair for a moment, used to the idea of visions fading. A split second later she's practically flown to the side of the vat. Vytor? *frowns worriedly* * Angie sucks in a sharp breath and backsteps, momentarily disoriented. She takes stock of her surroundings, then runs off. * Mikel flinches, blinking a couple of times to orient himself. "I... jeez, what the hell." Wh....h-hey! Angie! Saki? WHat was all that? A... dream? A memory? The vat's empty now, just a tube of tissue and clear liquid. It was a dream that /may/ have given us useful information. But don't take anything they said as gospel.. * Niri goes to Trune's side, frowning worriedly. "Is...is that what you've been seeing, Trune?" It... matches, though. ...where'd everybody go? Not that, no, but everything else, yes. Bluetooth. * Saki looks down at the vat for a long period of time, then turns and sinks down in a sitting position against the rim, sighing out at length. It's unerving, isn't it? We woke up. Or close enough. * Niri shivers. "Ugh. It's...I dunno." * Mikel shakes his head. "Looks like I'll be checking that out for the Doc fast. Let's get to Saturn." Yeah, let's go. ...yeah. We still have to find Saturn. * Angie rushes back in, gun in hand, and skids to a halt as she meets the group heading out. Be careful. I don't think we're out of it yet, I'm still... * Vytor blinks at Angie * Mikel blinks. * Niri blinks at Tanan. "Hmmm, yeah. What the heck is going on...?" ...I, what. The group is still in the dremascape shapes. Just this room's presence seems to have been short circuited for whatever reason. [Xavier] Making people like machines.. creepy shit... So we only had up through the presentation playing. Fair enough, we just ran out of pages. For once we agree. Let's move on. ...why am I in a lab coat? * Saki wavers up, blinking as she notes the dream is still going. With a minor sense of satisfaction, she stands back up, frowning at the room as a whole. * Niri nods. "Let's see if we can find Saturn." Vytor, just...I don't even know. Vytor, have you been with us for the past 20 minutes? Because I hate elementalors that screw with our minds. Leave him alone. I was lost the first time this happened to me. I'm STILL lost. ...kind of ^^; * Mikel starts walking. Yeah, I don't really think any of us are quite with it. Just try to stay focused, Vy. We may need you if Saturn decides to go ape on us. R..right. * Tanan looks at Vytor. "Stick with us here, I think we'll be ok." She clearly wants to show us this, or some part of her does. Once that's done, with luck... There's still the main corridor that seems abuzz with ancient activity. * Niri heads for the main corridor, wanting some answers darnit. * Vytor goes quiet again, letting himself follow the group. * Ryllan follows behind Vytor, making sure he doesn't wander off in a funk. * Trune looks back at Vytor, concern still visible on his face. Following along you come into the main monitoring center before every Elementalor. It's a observation deck set some ways above the actual chamber holding the girl on a slab, numerous electrode hooked up to her. Being in this dream, there is no signs of damage, and numerous staffers there to help you. Strangely, looking through the glass you can see what looks like a great Tree she's sleeping underneath. But you're not quite sure if this is a past memory or something else entirely. * Niri looks up at the tree and finds it rather pleasant, actually. A tree? This is...different. And not far away from the bed looks to be an almost carbon copy of the Elementalor, looking down at the sleeping form. SHe's dressed a lot different, in leather armor and bearing the signs of a battle in places. [Xavier] Huh.. is that? Elrika? * Mikel raises an eyebrow. "Seeing double." Xavier, try not to do anything rash until we learn as much as we can - remember, this /isn't/ reality. He grumbles, wondering how to get down there and see for himself. As the party arrives, the elven woman looks straight at you. * Saki watches impassively, her mind working on other things. * Niri blinks oddly * Mikel ...simply waves. [Elf] ...why did you come here. ..? To be fair, we didn't exactly come into dreamland of our own free will. Because the lady on the slab wanted us to. [Elf] You should let her sleep. The sins... they can't be repeated. Sins? What do you mean? [Xavier] Elrika! Is that you? What are you yammering about? Steady, Xavier. She notices Xavier, then turns away with a tear. "You're going to die if you keep going. I gave you a chance..." * Mikel concentrates for a moment now. Hmf. Do you mean Pandora? [Xavier] But I don't understand! I wanted to be with you, and then you sacrificed yourself. But for what? [Elrika] I'm a dream... Lunar was a dream. And we all created the dawn. [Elrika] So I made you my dream instead. But now, you'd give it up again? Just for something that was never meant to be? * Tanan shakes his head. "Zophar is awake. Whatever he does, we cannot stay here." From the other side of the dias comes a shadowy image of Saturn. [Saturn] Dreams become reality. It's how we create! I won't sit by and watch dreams be destroyed either. Sorry, Elrika. Sins of the past or not, the world needs the elementalors. What better way to use Zophar's influence then to stop him? * Vytor blinks as someone else shows up. We need your help...whatever sins happened int he past do not have to be repeated! Xavier takes a step forward pleadingly. "I've been lost all this time. The only dream I ever had was of seeing you again. I lived long enough to get here. Now, you're going to turn me away? Damnit, I love you!" [Elrika] ... [Saturn] We've got to become one again. Our brothers and sisters.. they are real. They are calling... trune is calling... * Mikel remains quiet for now, glancing from Xavier to Saturn and then to Elrika in turn. [Saturn] A sleep of regret does nothing but bury the true purpose of our life. [Elrika] I... I guess the Prophecy wasn't a dream then... the Seekers... [Elrika] Xavier. I'm so sorry! Have I blessed you, or cursed you all this time? [Xavier] Forget 'bout it, El. Just say we can be together. Like old times. That's all i ever wanted. It was my Wish. remember? [Xavier] everybody got one. [Xavier] But us? Frickin gipped. All three of the arguers give a long look and a silent moment. [Saturn] So that's the answer then. We're all carrying a part of one another's heart. the wrong parts. That's why you suffer. And the world does as well. * Saki draws herself up, speaking quietly but forcefully. "... some of us don't have a choice about whether or not to become one again. Consider yourself lucky." [Elrika] Alright. Xavier. Our souls will become one, one more time... and maybe I can finally stop mourning the past. [Saturn] The flowers of today grow on the bodies of yesterday's graves... your mother... it all elads back to me. A circle. [Xavier] You got it sweetheart! I've had enough of this dream! There's suddenly a bright light, as the two join hands. When it begins to clear, you find yourselves in a an old decrepit and overgrown control center. ..? * Mikel checks if he's still labcoat'd. The same exactly place in reality, exactly as you should be. << exact >> I have no idea what just happened, but...at least we're back. Gnnn...oh man head rush. * Vytor looks a little relieved. * Ryllan reaches for his weapons immediately, making sure they still exist. Laying on a slab inf ront of the broken window and a withering tree is saturn's prone form. Xavier appears to be draped over it, exhausted. * Niri sighs a little sadly. Did we do it? * Mikel grabs his staff, frowning. "...Maybe?" ...Saturn? Xavier? * Angie takes a cautious step forward. She opens her mouth to speak, but thinks better of it. Much better. * Niri frowns. Something about him seems notably different though. He's glowing with a bit of green aura. Though this pales in comparison to the energy that seeps from the female form of Saturn, opening her eyes with a few blinks. * Mikel looks over at Tanan and mutters before regarding Saturn and Xavier. "...overload." The first movements of the Elementalor are to softly stroke Xavier's brown hair. [Saturn] Thank you everyone. I don't suppose the fact that we did you a favor means you don't have to try to kill us before helping us out? Ryllan! ...it's a fair question. See Venus. And Uranus. [Saturn] There's no reason to worry. I'm reasonably stable now. I'm finally awake... [Saturn] I was always dreaming of this moment. Let's continue to make those dreams real together? * Angie flexes the fingers clenched around the grip of her pistol, but makes no movements, offensive or otherwise. So you know what we want? * Mikel shifts a bit, frowning. * Vytor keeps quiet. ...she's coming! There's a noticably shift in the still air. ...Oh crap. Cluster around Xavier, now! Don't let her get to him. * Trune rights himself and pulls out his one athame, "She didn't wait long, did she?" Right! * Vytor grimaces, and reaches for his hammer. From a rift in the control center above you appears a shadowy ghost of the Prophetess, soldifying with a grim smirk. * Niri takes up position, drawing her sword. * Ryllan suits action to words, dashing towards Xavier. * Angie hesitates, unsure whether to advance or retreat. It is a moment too long -- the decision is made for her. [Prophetess] And I've always been dreaming of this moment. The soul of the drifter is perfected. ANd soon only one shall remain. * Saki is already looking up. It's impossible to tell from her gaze whether it's Rachel or Saki. * Vytor moves to get between Xavier and the Prophetess. * Trune stands in front of Xavier, getting into battle stance, "...You really need to hire someone to write your menacing lines of doom. Because that? Was bad." * Mikel regards the Prophetess for a moment before simply whirling his staff and driving it into the ground with a crackle of thunder and splash of water. "One? Then you definitely need to die now. No more holding back." And then he's engulfed in the now familiar storm. * Ryllan holds Misogi forward, glaring at the Prophetess. And I was SO hoping John had finally hunted her down. (w) I really wish I didn't lose my freaking weapon. * Niri blinks at Trune, then fumbles at her belt. She hands him his missing athame. Well, well. It hasn't been nearly long enough, has it? Misogi hums angrily, calling for her death! Xavier meanwhile is too groggy to defend himself yet, and Saturn quickly tries to right herself. * Trune shoots Niri a greatful look, "Oh sweet, thanks!" Pandora! Where's Johnathan? Who's the one left you're talking about? * Niri nods to Trune briefly. [Prophetess] Johnathan isn't going to save you this time. Now be a witness, or be destroyed! == SESSION END == Tah dah! Aw darn. I had a retort there. Oh well. >> 25 xp! Session Close: Sun Nov 04 02:12:54 2007