Intro Phase 1 - "Raiders of the Lost Archives"
New Cast Appearing:
Storen as TheStoryteller, Hiro, Various NPCs
Amy as Niri
Session Start: Thu Apr 14 21:11:59 2005
Old Capital, Staging Area
<TheStoryteller> The day breaks slowly over the archealogist camp, the central hub of the biggest dig ever on the Blue Star. Organized by Hiro, a huge contingent of scientists and explorers from across the land has drawn here, and the once tiny hut grew immediately into a sprawling mass of hastily contructed tent cities.
<TheStoryteller> People running to and fro, the dawn brings out a flurry of activity. Today is a big milestone, as preparations are being made for today's scouting mission...
<TheStoryteller> In the main tent Hiro is chatting with some of the researchers, sketching out a battle plan on a piece of paper. You can tell by the fire in his eyes that this man lives for this sort of thing. Sporting a sparse beard from the last several days without sleep, the nearly 40 year old explorer is still as alert as ever.
<TheStoryteller> By his side, watching closely is his young daughter Niri. She's become a regular fixture at this encampment now, following her father around with wide eyes and a youthful exhuberance that just makes him even braver.
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] ..interesting design of this city, if your scouts are correct. Didn't they say something about it being the capital of the nation that spanned this continent?
<TheStoryteller> [Expert] From what we could gather up in related locations, they point ot this fact. It should have some extraordinary artifacts that survived the cataclysm...
<TheStoryteller> Hiro grins broadly. "My kind of place!"
<TheStoryteller> [Expert] Much of it is extremely ruined, from whatever happened. But there is one particular five-sided building that seems intact. *points to the crude map*
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] It must've been well-reinforced. Probably lots of old security systems too... hehheh.
<Niri> Niri leans forward to peer at the map, adjusting her glasses as she does so. She rocks a bit on the heels of her hiking boots.
<TheStoryteller> Hiro says this almost like it's a GOOD thing.
<TheStoryteller> [Expert] Well, obviously we don't know that. We're lucky we could even get this close!
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] So, time to leave it up to the real pro's. Right Niri?
* Niri grins. "Right! How soon do we leave?" She bounces a little, impatient to get going.
<TheStoryteller> Hiro shoots her a mischeivous glance. You can tell he's probably more impatient than you are at all this formality with the scientists.
<TheStoryteller> [Expert] You're not thinking of going in there alone are you??
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] What's wrong with that? I'm just going to give it a little peek... besides, I'm not alone!
<Niri> Who said alone? He has me!
* Niri grins proudly.
<TheStoryteller> Hiro puts an arm around Niri, grinning. "That's my girl!"
<TheStoryteller> The experts mumble to themselves and sigh. This obviously happens nearly everyday.
<TheStoryteller> [Expert] Well, you're the boss. But if you get hurt, we won't hear the end of it from Lucia...
* Niri shakes her head, used to the lack of confidence people show in their skills. She knows better! "Oh, come on. This is my dad we're talking about! He can handle whatever those ruins have to dish out."
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] You always play that card. You know we have an understanding about these things.
<TheStoryteller> [Expert] Alright. But we're going to have guards posted by the perimeter at the very least. There's still may other facilities being investigated as we speak.
<TheStoryteller> [Expert] And whatever you do, try to avoid that large robotic creature that has been harassing our workers for the past 2 days.
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] Psh. If you keep running nothing gets solved! If i see him, I'll show that tin can what happens to things that get in the way of a good find!
<Niri> Robotic creature...? Wow, sounds interesting...!
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] Yeah, Niri. There's all sorts of those types of thing running loose in these old ruins. Nothing like the Chrissy 'bots we're used to.
<TheStoryteller> Hiro goes over to grab his trademark cape off a rack, while he dismisses all the assitants for now to other chores.
<Niri> Niri grabs her own coat, then glances at it, frowning. Maybe some decorative embroidery would be nice...it doesn't look flashy enough.
<TheStoryteller> On another wall mount rests his Boomerang and the legendary Sword of Althena. he grabs the blue throwing weapon, twirling it expertly around one of his fingers. With the other arm he carefully takes the holy blade down and places it in his empty scabbard.
<Niri>
<
< Doh, too used to GM typing >>
* Niri already has all her weapons and items at hand, her own boomerang tucked into her belt loop. "Ready when you are, Dad!"
<TheStoryteller> Niri does indeed feel a little overwhlemed by the fancy engraving of a dragon's body on the blade's hilt. But you always feel calmer when you look at it, too.
<TheStoryteller> Hiro's cape is always very unflashy, though. It's just a simple rugged adventuer's cape. The same one he's worn since he first set out.
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] Haha! This'll be the best yet. Let's swing by the quartermaster's place and get a few things, just in case.
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] An Explorer always is prepared for every eventuality!
<TheStoryteller> With that, Hiro starts off outside of the tent...
* Niri nods. "So...anything I need to know? Anything we did wrong last time? Safety precautions, stuff like that?"
* Niri follows close on her father's heels!
<TheStoryteller> You find yourselves walking amidst the rows of temporary shelters. It is amazingly well-laid out, with even little street signs popping up and pointing the way.
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] Well, you were a little slow with that blouder chasing us last time. Try to watch your feet.. you almost tripped at a bad moment...
* Niri sighs. "Okay. I know...I'm just such a klutz, though! ^^; "
* Niri nearly trips on a small rock, as if to prove her point!
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] ...but you have to admit it was fun outrunning the thing right?
<TheStoryteller> Hiro chuckles to himself.
<Niri> Eheh. Well, yeah! Except for that whole imminent death problem.... *hmmms
* Although that's sort of exciting too.
* Niri hurries after her father through the makeshift little archaeological village, not paying much attention to the familiar sights.
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] Well, facing death makes you really enjoy life that much more. Every moment is a new adventure.
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] Everybody says I should slow down, but this is what keeps me going!
* Niri nods.
<Niri> Well, especially with the world the way it is...you know, some people tell me they wish it weren't so hard to carve out a living, but...I think that's what makes it interesting. Don't you?
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] *nods
* Some people get really down, thinking of what we lost. But there's so much out there yet to gain...
<TheStoryteller> You arrive at the storage area, and Hiro quickly writes off a few tickets from a staffer waiting there. He runs off and returns in a moment with a satchel.
<Niri> So, what did you get?
<TheStoryteller> Hiro rummages around in it. "Just the usual Althena herbs, curative tonics, foodstuffs."
<TheStoryteller> Hiro pulls out a silver disk. "Ah, but THIS! This is something I found last week. It accesses a lot of the old doors."
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] Well, those that still work anyway.
<Niri> Oooh, great! A security device, kinda?
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] You got it! I have no clue if it works where we're going, but it's worth a shot."
<Niri> So! We ready then?
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] Hah, well I can't think of anything else. So let's hit the field.
<Niri> Right! *Niri falls in*
<TheStoryteller> Hiro starts walking to the eastern wall that surrounds the camp, up until he hits a gate. Two guards salute him and smile. "Going out with your daughter again, sir?"
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] Sheesh, I'm falling into a pattern already?
<TheStoryteller> [Guard] Hey, far be it from me to stop you. I know what happened to the last guy who stood in your way. :p
* Niri suppresses a snicker.
<TheStoryteller> [Guard] Besides, you always come back with amazing things. Everyone's just too uptight. Without you here, it wouldn't be as interesting.
<TheStoryteller> The two move out of your way.
* Niri grins at the guard!
<Niri> You know Dad...it seems as if everyone likes you, huh? Well, I mean, you ARE pretty awesome... *she grins*
<TheStoryteller> Beyond the gate lies a wide river, flowing past you with a nice blue shine.
* Niri hums happily as she walks!
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] Well, I'm the most traveled explorer around. I crossed every strech of Lunar so many times over, I lost count!
<Niri> Hmmm. Lunar....I wish I could have seen it.
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] I really wish I could bring it back to show you. :/
<Niri> Oh well...your stories make it nearly real as it is! :D Besides, I'm making my own stories, just you wait. Someday I'll tell MY kids all about my adventures. Although I won't make up as much as you do. :P
* Niri teases her father mercilessly!
<TheStoryteller> Reflecting in the river you can make out the distant greyish-white of Lunar, alone in the blue sky. Clouds are starting to roll in...
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] Niri, I told you I'm not making it up, honest!
* Niri giggles; this is an old argument between the two of them. "So, how far to the ruins?"
<TheStoryteller> Hiro leads you to a familair wooden bridge, still partially under construction for more regular traffic.
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] I'm going to take the short route along the south edge, so we go there without too much time wasted. I already showed you the north side a few days ago. ^^
<Niri> That's true. *Nods and continues to follow, again humming happily...not even seeming to realize she's doing it.*
<TheStoryteller> Hiro smiles at Niri's singing, getting reminded of his wife back home. The time passes quickly, and soon you're beginning to hit the first signs of desolation.
Old Capital Ruins
* Niri looks around a bit solemnly, eyeing the landscape. There's obviously a subtle difference, a feeling of age and emptiness, in many of the ancient ruins and the places where humans have not yet explored much....
<TheStoryteller> The air begins to get decidedly less cheerful, and the riverbank is now replaced with scarred roadways. They move outwards in a network from the edge of town, showing the planning that may once have went into this place.
<TheStoryteller> The shattered remains of several large white structures rises above the near horizon. Once long ago, they stood taller and prouder.
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] Hmm. It's a lot quieter than last time. They must've cleared out the critters from here.
<Niri> It sure seems...empty. And almost scary. The buildings are so imposing and pale...without any people or activity, it's kind of freaky.
<TheStoryteller> Hiro checks that Niri is close, and follows one of the roadways leading southwards. The smooth grey paving is cracked in many places, with wild plants blooming all around. Nature takes back it's own...
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] You get that feeling around a lot of places like this. But this is a whole lost city! Most are just small towns.
* Niri picks a flower and sticks it behind her ear. ^_^
<Niri> That's true! It must have been pretty important once...
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] And judging by the looks of it, it got way too much of the wrong kind of attention in the Devestation War.
<TheStoryteller> Hiro knows where he's going quite well, after seeing those preliminary maps. Before long, after crossing through several circular intersections, you begin to see a structure that is remarkably intact. It is not tall, but the sheer fact it sticks out among the leveled skyscrapers enhances the effect.
* Niri whistles as she sees it!
<Niri> Wow. Interesting shape....
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] Yeah. They say it has five sides, a real perfect geometric structure.
<TheStoryteller> The surrounding begin to get a bit less silent. You hear tiny creatures slithering and scampering about through the brush and fallen stonework.
<Niri> Something like that must have been hard to build...
<TheStoryteller> Hiro looks around once, checking things out. "Time to be careful. This is as far as the known territory goes."
* Niri nods, taking her father's warning seriously and doing her best to keep an eye out.
<TheStoryteller> You proceed without much incident up to the perimeter. The thing is much more imposing up close. The outsides are charred and ashen from multiple explosions it once sustained. The outside walls have remained remarkably intact, compared to anything else you've seen before. This place was obviously built for a war...
* Niri frowns. "It's...imposing...but not exactly pretty, is it?" She feels almost intimidated...
<TheStoryteller> The main entrance and parkland around it is littered with shrapnel. One wing to your west is collapsed entirely.
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] Hmm... yeah.. no doubt about it. The main door is entirely blocked.
<Niri> So...where should we try to enter?
<TheStoryteller> Hiro tries to move a little bit of the rubble covering the entrance, but it obviously doesn't help. You can see a plaque hanging off one screw, which Hiro's action sets rocking and squeeking back and forth.
<TheStoryteller> As it glimmers in the fading light, you can make out a five-shaped structure embossed on it with the words "The Pentagon" clearly visiable. The next line says "US Dept. of Defense Personnel Entrance"
Old Capital Ruins, The Pentagon
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] Five sided.. pentagon. Gee, that's creative.
<Niri> Yeah, no kidding. :P
<TheStoryteller> You seem to hear some beeping from deep within the ruin.
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] Well, let's check out that collapsed wing. There might be a broken hallway that's wide enough.
<Niri> All right. What's that noise?
<TheStoryteller> Hiro heads west, and starts picking through and walking over some rubble strewn around. You can make out some bits of chairs, torn metal, concrete and carpeting. He is not unaware of that beeping noise, his hand ready to draw his weapons in a flash.
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] Sounds like the security knows someone's snooping around...
<Niri> Great, not more robots....oh well, bring 'em on!
* Niri follows her father into the ruins.
<TheStoryteller> Hiro keeps going on, and finally manages to find an unblocked entrance. It looks like the side was torn right off of a former office.
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] Not a proper welcome mat, but it'll have to do!
<TheStoryteller> Hiro gives the office door a shove, and it nearly falls off it's hinges. :o
<TheStoryteller> Beyond it lies a dark hallway. On second glance it's not entirely dark, due to an eerie red glow that fills it.
<Niri> Whoa! *Jumps back*
* Niri peers into the room, blinking to adjust to the lighting
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] This must be a backup power system or something. I've seen it before...
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] Amazing there's even any light in this place at all after thousands of years.
<Niri> Think there's anything of interest in here?
<Niri> Yeah, I wonder what sort of power source they used...
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] Oh I know there is! Let's go a little deeper.
<TheStoryteller> Hiro doesn't answer Niri second question, probably as lost about it as she is. He heads into the hallway, checking it for any danger. When none is found, he waves Niri ahead.
* Niri goes in the room and starts poking about to see what she can find!
<TheStoryteller> The hallway appears to be at a junction. You can go stright ahead, or to the right. A nicely preserved sign on the wall appears to indicate that up ahead there is an elevator to 'DARPA Divsion'.
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] Elevators are usually a good thing.. if they still move, at least. :p
<Niri> You sure the cable will have held up?
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] Well, might as well check.
<Niri> So how do we check to see if it's safe? *She goes over to the elevator and peers at the button, then tries pushing it*
<TheStoryteller> Hiro goes ahead to investigate. You pass several offices whose nameplates make absolutely no sense to you, that is, if the doors are not buckling or fallen over. There are many cracks running up and down the walls as well, reminding you this is an instable section.
<TheStoryteller> Niri finds the call button and pushes it. To her surprise, there is a loan groan of metal on metal...
<TheStoryteller> A machine dormant for ages, opens it's welcoming doors to you. Inside is a well-preserved lift.
<TheStoryteller> The lights inside are not red.. they seem to be fully functioning.
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] Hmm..
<TheStoryteller> Hiro tries putting a foot on it
<TheStoryteller> He then tries stomping a few times. It echoes in the silent chamber. But the thing doesn't fall under his weight, at least.
<Niri> Careful.... *she eyes the frame to see how it holds*
<Niri> Shall we try it? Or should we finish exploring here first?
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] That's funny. Usually they fall after the first good thump.
<Niri> Then why'd you TRY it? :P
* Niri is clearly exasperated with her father's recklessness
<TheStoryteller> Hiro laughs, but not too loudly.
* Niri giggles!
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] Actually, I think this is one that doesn't use cabling.
<Niri> Oh? Hmmm...I wonder what it uses! Well, anyway.... *peers at the panel
* What floors are there? Hmmm.
<TheStoryteller> It is then that you notice the control layout. This thing only seems to have a button for this floor. Every other number, B1-10, has a strange round glass lump where a button would be.
<TheStoryteller> Hiro rubs his chin. "Some kind of detector?"
<TheStoryteller> Hiro tries taking out the silver disk from his travelbag. "I wonder if..."
<TheStoryteller> Just as Hiro pulls the thing out a shrill beep sounds out!
<TheStoryteller> Hiro nearly jumps.
<Niri> Eep!
<Niri> What was that? O_o
<TheStoryteller> The beep is coming from the elevator itself. A crackling computer voice begins to try to speak something.
<Niri> Niri pricks her ears up, trying to understand the voice.
<TheStoryteller> "fzzzzt.... Scanning... RFID... G...d Morning, Mr. Defense Sec...ary."
<Niri> Defense Secretary...?
<TheStoryteller> Hiro looks at his disk. "Well I did find this in a big mansion..."
<TheStoryteller> 'Unloc... Level 1-10 completed. Ple... proceed."
<TheStoryteller> The elevator's buttons all light up, apparently functioning now. The door closes.
<Niri> I...guess we're clear...
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] I'm sure glad I brought this!
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] So Niri, you want to do the honors?
<TheStoryteller> You guess that these clear lights must respond to touch like normal buttons. All that's left is to pick a floor. It's quite tempting to go straight down to the 10th basement...
<Niri> Sure! *Niri looks around and jabs the button to the tenth basement...
<TheStoryteller> There's a harsh "ding", and the lift starts descending. It's not smooth, and goes in fits and starts.
* Niri braces herself against the wall. "Eep! Maybe this isn't as sturdy as we thought... :/ "
<TheStoryteller> Hiro holds on, but the ride doesn't seem TOO bumpy for him.
<TheStoryteller> It begins to actually soften up by the time the display starts showing you you've passed B9.
<TheStoryteller> *KLUNG* The elevator stops.
<TheStoryteller> The doors open to floor B10.
Old Capital Ruins, The Pentagon - Flr B10
* Niri peers cautiously around as she exits the elevator.
<TheStoryteller> Hiro steps out with Niri. You find yourself in a well-lit corridor. A plate up above reads "DARPA Level 10 - Meta-Science Projects"
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] Meta-science? Wonder what that is.
<TheStoryteller> The place seems extremely spotless, almost untouched by the damage from up above.
<Niri> I...don't know! Maybe we can find out, though... *As the corridor is well lit, Niri explores, hoping to find some clues.*
<TheStoryteller> There are many arrows on the wall corners, pointing the way to different sections. You can't make out what they say, as the old Blue Star terms are entirely lost on you.
<TheStoryteller> You also get the distinct impression you are being watched.
<TheStoryteller> Hiro takes out his boomerang instinctively, and throws it at a corner of the hallway!
<TheStoryteller> A moment later you hear a fizzle and a thud as a security camera crashes to the ground, sputtering madly.
* Niri swivels to look where Hiro threw his boomerang!
<Niri> Whoa...a security camera, still working? I wonder if there was an kind of automated system hooked up to it...
<TheStoryteller> The trusty weapon returns to his hand, and he looks around for any others.
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] This place must be entirely functional! I sure hope the card I've got makes them stay the heck away.
<Niri> Yeah, I hope so too....what does entirely functional mean? I mean, what kind of security do you think they've got going in here?
<TheStoryteller> With the camera down, you're at a four way intersection that fans out. A purple arrow goes rightmost, a green near right, a white far left, and a red near left.
* Niri is just a tiny bit nervous, remembering stories of the Devastation Wars and the defenses that were put in place to attempt to deal with them...
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] Well, that's what those tech guys say to mean this stuff is alive and working. It means business.
* Niri glances around, then points at the green arrow. "How about that way?"
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] Keep your eye out if we meet any actual robot patrols, okay Niri? And get behind me if they attack.
<Niri> Sure, Dad!
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] There might be guns pointed on those camera too, so be ready to dodge a lot. Nothing you can't handle!
<TheStoryteller> Hiro follows Niri's suggestion and explors the green corridor.
<TheStoryteller> Hiro also unhooks the strap securing Althena's blade as he walks, ready for any surprises.
* Niri gets her boomerang out and ready while she follows her father into the green corridor.
<TheStoryteller> Following the green corridor, you don't find any more cameras. But then again, they also could be hidden out of view, because you can't shake that watched feeling. back where you came you hear some rumblings.
<TheStoryteller> Ahead you find a door that slides up into the cieling the minute you approach, detecing Hiro's clearance level.
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] Well, that's convenient.
<Niri> Keep an eye out...I hear something funny. :/
<TheStoryteller> Hiro nods, but pressing on seems more enticing. The room ahead of you seems to be a library. Books and project notes are left in neat rows, all categorized in some system. There are monitors everywhere, showing a lot of static at the moment. A few do seem to be functional.
* Niri 's eyes light up as soon as she sees the books!
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] Wellll.. what have we here.
<Niri> Wow....I wonder what's in here?
* Niri carefully touches a book on a shelf and eases it off slowly, hoping they aren't hooked up to an alarm system.
<TheStoryteller> Hiro goes over to inspect the monitors for a moment. On the ones that are not static, you can see long graphs going across the screen. Some are entirely flat, others move up and down in waveforms. It must be monitoring something.
* Niri glances at the first book's title page, flipping carefully through the ancient pages. A few crumble at her touch.
<TheStoryteller> Niri takes a book without too much trouble. It's very light. The front reads "Elementalor Project - Abstracts".
<TheStoryteller> The pages that aren't entirely rotten seem like an index...
* Niri is intrigued by the title and glances through the book, hoping she can glean a basic understanding of its contents. "Hey Dad, think we might be able to take a couple books back with us?" She rummages at her belt for a folded-up totebag, hoping to fill it with books.
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] Sure, try to be careful with them.
<TheStoryteller> Hiro looks at some more of the monitors. A few images catch his attention, screens which are divided up into four scenes each.
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] This must be where some cameras hook up to. I think I recognize that place as where we just passed...
* Niri puts the book in her totebag, then scans the titles, looking for another interesting one.
<Niri> ...So this is a security center or something?
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] It seems to be monitoring a lot of things. I wonder what these lines are?
<Niri> Can you make a guess? *grabs another book for her bag*
<TheStoryteller> Niri finds a lot more books like the first, in various states. They all seem to relate to this "Elementalor Project". A few also are classified under the heading "Adept Catalogue"
<TheStoryteller> Hiro mumbles to himself, and finally recognizes a word or two.
<TheStoryteller> Temperature, Heartrate?
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] You know, if I'm right, this monitoring something alive.
* Niri frowns and looks over at him. "...What?"
* Niri leaves the bookcase and comes over to look. "What could still be alive HERE?
<TheStoryteller> Hiro points. "I don't thinka machine has a 'heartrate', do you?"
* Niri frowns. :P
<Niri> What do you think it could be? Should we check it out? I wonder where it is?
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] If I'm reading these 100&, many of these hallways have purple markings. That'd be a good bet.
* Niri nods. "Okay...should we go back and check out that hallway?" She grabs a couple more books and shoulders her bag.
<TheStoryteller> Hiro takes a deep breath. "Yep, let's leave this place to a team later."
<TheStoryteller> You hear a few more distant rumblings as the door slides open. It's getting a little closer.
<Niri> Right! *She heads toward the door and looks around for the purple markings, then heads in that direction...*
<TheStoryteller> Returning to the fork, nothing is there, thankfully. You head down the far right corridor.
* Niri looks around curiously as they head down the right corridor.
<TheStoryteller> That rumbling sound is growing louder as you proceed. It's beginning to make you nervous. Hiro is rather unwavering, a strengthening presence.
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] Looks like I was right.. something is down here...
* Niri frowns uncertainly, but steps back to a few paces behind her father.
<TheStoryteller> The bright corridor widens out and stops at a doorway. It branches off left and right, around it.
<TheStoryteller> This door does not open for Hiro, unfortunately. It also seems starkly different than the ones you encountered previously.
* Niri looks right and left, then eyes the doorway. "Hmmm. Do you think knocking might help...?"
<TheStoryteller> It is a golden color for one, and it is heavily reinforced by the looks of it. On the outside is some writing:
<TheStoryteller> "WARNING - Elementalor Control Center. No Unauthorized Entry!"
<TheStoryteller> Hiro tries waving the silver disk a few times, frustrated. "Man, this must need some kind of special key."
* Niri glances at the sign, then rummages in her bag and flips through one of the books. "Elementalor...I think that's important! Whatever this is, it's something big."
<TheStoryteller> Hiro pauses to think of any other tricks he could pull, but his musing is cut short by a klaxon going off!
<TheStoryteller> The lights flicker for several moments, before a very terse digitized voice fills the place "Alert! Alert! Unauthorized Presence in Sector 5!"
<TheStoryteller> "Repeat, Unauthorized presence in Sector 5! Locking down all exits! Activating hunter-killer security systems!"
<Niri> Uh oh! What now? *Looks around*
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] Aw cripes. o_O
<Niri> Better run for it!
* Niri starts for the nearest exit, motioning for her father to follow!
<TheStoryteller> Hiro grabs Niri's hand and makes a break for it back the way they came! Just as they do so, from the left and right hand side come pouring out little robots. From what you can tell, they are essentially guns mounted on rubberized tank treads.
<Niri> Whoops! *Tightens her grip on her boomerang
* Uh...any way out of this, Dad, or are we gonna have to fight?
<TheStoryteller> Their sensor eyes immediately pick up on the two and deploy in neat formation. There are 3 of them.
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] The way still seems clear.. keep going!
* Niri nods and runs faster!
<TheStoryteller> Hiro's optimism and spirit push onwards, but his fast break is abruptly stopped at the fork by a huge metal monstrosity. o_O
* Niri looks up, her eyes traveling upward till her neck creaks! o_o
<TheStoryteller> Hiro backpedals, reaching for his sword in a flash. Bearing down on him is a 7" tall bipedal robot with a huge assault rifle in one hand and a flesh-shredding triple claw in the other.
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] ...just like the reports! This guy's been killing our field workers!
<Niri> Uh oh! Any way past?
<TheStoryteller> The 3 tank droids persuing the pair approach Niri from behind Hiro. The large robot blocks any chance of escape back to the elevator! With a two red lasers for eyes it locks onto Hiro.
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] No chance... we've got to break past this loser! Niri, cover me!
<Niri> Right! Kick its butt, Dad!
* Niri swivels to face the three tank droids.
~~ COMBAT! ~~
<TheStoryteller> >> Party is in a Pincer attack! Enemy Front: Terminator. Enemy Rear: Talon A10, Talon A13, Talon A17. Ally Front: Hiro. Ally Rear: Niri
<TheStoryteller> >> Round 1 !
<TheStoryteller> Terminator begins loading it's rifle with a double-click.
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] Hah, that won't help you, now...
<TheStoryteller> Hiro begins focusing his energy into his sword.
* Niri focuses her mental energies, preparing to cast a spell on the first droid!
<TheStoryteller> >> Hiro's action.
<TheStoryteller> Hiro leaps into the sky with his gleaming holy blade. "Death from above! Poe... Sword!!"
<TheStoryteller> >> Hiro leaves a trail of wind and dark energy as he comes crashing down like a comet on the Terminator! 432 damage!
<TheStoryteller> The hulking behemoth's claw arm is sliced right off. :o
<TheStoryteller> [Terminator] ...DESTROY INTRUDER.
<TheStoryteller> >> Terminator fires it's rifle at Hiro in a hail of gunfire!
<TheStoryteller> >> 1: 222! 2: 210! 3: Miss!
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] Owch, hey, you just shot up my cape!
<TheStoryteller> >> Niri's action.
<Niri> Be careful, Dad! I got you covered!
<Niri> Sky and earth, lend me your power! Transform my will to an electric shower!
* Niri raises her hand up to the heavens. Stormclouds form and quickly swirl in a small area directly above her, and then a bolt of energy shoots from above to strike the enemy. "Thunderbolt!"
<TheStoryteller> >> Niri casts Thunderbolt on the TalonA10! It's Vulenrable to it... 80 damage!
<TheStoryteller> >> Talon A10 is now just another pile of junk.
* Niri makes a fist and punches the air.
<Niri> Ha, take that!
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] Hah, sounds like you got one. Keep it up!
* Niri grins, proud of herself. "Careful, Dad! Mom'll kill me if I don't get you home in one piece."
<TheStoryteller> >> The Talon A13 avenegs it's comrade, bearing down on Niri and firing!
<TheStoryteller> >> 1: 6 damage! 2: 7 damage!
<Niri> Ow!! Stupid hunk of metal!
<TheStoryteller> >> Talon A17 unloads it's rifle as well. 1: 7 damage! 2: Miss!
<TheStoryteller> >> Round 2 !
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] I'm just getting warmed up...
<TheStoryteller> Hiro assumes an attack stance.
<TheStoryteller> Terminator's rifle begins to glow a dark red, gathering power.
<TheStoryteller> Talon A17 switches it's barrels to some kind of different ammo.
* Niri rubs at a nick on her arm, but it's not enough to worry about, so she fires up another spell. Figuring she'll go with what she knows works, she aims another Thunderbolt at Talon A13...
<TheStoryteller> >> Hiro's action.
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] Time to even the odds a little bit! Sybillium!
<TheStoryteller> >> Dark illusions of Niri's father expand out, helping him attack with the force of 4 men at once!
<TheStoryteller> >> Hiro attacks Terminator!
* Niri is too busy with her own opponents to watch, but she grins, knowing Hiro's layin' down some smack.
<TheStoryteller> 1: 266! 2: 280! 3: Miss! 4: Miss! 5: 272! 6: Miss!
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] Take that and that and that!
<TheStoryteller> >> The Terminator creaks and grons, but remains functional. It unloads a bullet of white hot plasma at Hiro!
<TheStoryteller> >> Hiro's scalded for 111 damage! The plasma doesn't dissapate however, and soon moves to trap him in a net of energy!
<TheStoryteller> >> Hiro is under FREEZE for 2 rounds!
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] What the.. hey!
<Niri> Whoa, what? Hey!! You dumb hulking mass of silicon! Dad, you okay?
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] I can get out of this... just give me a minute. ^^;
<TheStoryteller> >> Niri's action.
<Niri> Okay! Uh...I guess I'll handle things till then? ^^;
* Niri focuses on TalonA13
<Niri> Sky and earth, lend me your power! Transform my will to an electric shower!
* Niri raises her hand up to the heavens. Stormclouds form and quickly swirl in a small area directly above her, and then a bolt of energy shoots from above to strike the enemy. "Thunderbolt!"
<TheStoryteller> >> Niri showers Talon A13 with energy alright, right to it's demise - 82 damage! It's now so much scrap metal.
<Niri> Gotcha!
<TheStoryteller> >> Talon A17 fires it's deadly payload at Niri! The bullets leave glowing streaks of yellow before impacting upon her body for 6 damage! The bullet hole begins to burn at the skin around it, and you suddenly don't feel so good...
<TheStoryteller> >> Niri is POISONED for 2 rounds!
<TheStoryteller> >> Round 3 !
<TheStoryteller> >> Niri takes 8 damage from the poision.
<Niri> Dangit! Stupid idiot piece of scrap metal!
* Niri sticks her tongue out at it!
<TheStoryteller> >> Hiro is still clawing his way out of the net for awhile longer.
<Niri> Hey Dad, you need a little herbal refreshment, or are you okay till you get out of that thing?
<TheStoryteller> >> Terminator fires again at Hiro! "SECURITY IS ABSOLUTE" 1: Miss! 2: 215! 3: 210!
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] When I get outta this, I'll show you what's absolute there buddy!
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] I've got this under control.. I think...
<Niri> Okay! Hmmmm.... *eyes Talon A17 while trying to control her churning stomach* I'll teach YOU to poison me....
* Niri prepares a new spell!
<TheStoryteller> >> Niri's action.
* Niri focuses her power and takes a deep breath!
<Niri> Now you shall face justice...Song of Light!
* Niri closes her eyes and begins to sing a wordless melody, its tone clear and piercing - lovely in a way, yet painful, so that the listener can't help but wince. As she sings, she opens her green eyes and focuses on a single enemy, frowning in concentration and willing their own life force out of them.
<TheStoryteller> >> Niri uses Song of Light! Talon A17 is damaged for 40 HP. Niri regains 20 HP!
<TheStoryteller> >> The somewhat bewildered Talon attacks Niri again! 1: Miss! 2: Miss!
<Niri> Ha! In your face!
<TheStoryteller> >> Round 4 !
<TheStoryteller> >> Hiro is released from FREEZE!
<TheStoryteller> >> Niri takes 16 damage from Poision. It leaves her system.
<Niri> Whew!
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] Ouch.. I think I'm a little more banged up than I thought.
<TheStoryteller> Hiro holds Althena's Sword in front of him as it begins to glow with a soft light.
<Niri> Well, let me know if you need a little help!
* Niri focuses a spell on the droid. "Right, I've had about enough of you, little monster..."
<TheStoryteller> [Talon A17] *would respond but has no voice programming*
<TheStoryteller> >> Hiro's action.
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] Looks like I need a helping hand from upstairs again... Althena's Love!
<TheStoryteller> >> Hiro regains 1000 HP!
<TheStoryteller> Hiro kisses the sword. "Hey, remind me to tell you the one about White Dragon Nall again sometime!"
<Niri> Oh, DAD. Like I believe that! ;)
<TheStoryteller> >> Terminator pressed the assault, not bothering with human weaknesses, like witty banter for instance. 1: Miss! 2: 210! 3: Miss!
<TheStoryteller> >> Niri's action.
<Niri> Wandering wind, give my anger form! Dance till my foes are swept away in a storm!
* Niri pivots on one foot and spins in a circle, her hand upraised. She makes a swirling gesture and snaps her hand forward, pointing at the enemy as a miniature storm kicks up around them. "Whirlwind!"
<TheStoryteller> >> Niri's little whirlwind picks up the robot from off it's gripping treads and hurls it into the cieling, before it comes crashing down painfully. 38 damage! Talon A17 is done for!
<TheStoryteller> >> The enemy rear has been obliterated...
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] Hah, now that's a spell I like!
<TheStoryteller> >> Round 5 !
<Niri> Well, yeah! You taught it to me! *Grins*
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] How about I show you how it's REALLY done?
<TheStoryteller> Hiro grabs his boomerang and begins focusing!
<Niri> Yeah! *Done with her own opponents, she watches her dad go to work.*
* Niri grips her boomerang in case she's needed, ready to fire it off at the large robot.
<TheStoryteller> >> Hiro's action.
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] Time to blow you away... Gale Vortex!
<TheStoryteller> >> Hiro summons up something exactly like Niri's tornado, except ten times bigger! 364 damage! With a blustering howl it slams into the huge construct, ripping him to shreads of metal!
<Niri> Woohoo!
<TheStoryteller> >> Terminator is destroyed! The enemy is wiped out!
<Niri> Okay, someday you have to teach me how to do THAT. ;)
~~ Victory! 4 XP, 2 MXP and 100 silver gained. ~~
<Niri> Whew, I'm beat. That was a good workout.
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] Oh you'll get it someday. Just keep practicing. :)
<TheStoryteller> As you share in the joyous victory, you begin to then notice even more of the little bots are coming down the hallway at both ends.
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] Oh for the love of Althena...
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] I think this is time for escape plan B!
<Niri> I think you're right!
* Niri dashes off down the hall!
<TheStoryteller> Hiro runs after Niri, holding her back from a line of Talons. "No good, there's more of them there. Just stay close, I'm going to try the wings, OK?"
<Niri> Okay. *Fidgets, waiting*
<TheStoryteller> Hiro fishes in his pack for something as a bullet whizzes by his head. He pulls out a well-crafted magician's staff, with wings rising from either end of a dragon's gemstone.
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] I really hate cheating, but I'm a busy man. Later!
<TheStoryteller> Hiro invokes the item's power, as he and Niri disappear in a flash!
<TheStoryteller> Gunfire hits the spot where they were standing. The robots all look on utterly perplexed. o_O
* Niri teeters a little, feeling dizzy!
Old Capital Ruins
<TheStoryteller> All you can see is light for a while... and then you finally land in a heap outside the Pentagon.
<Niri> Whoo, warping always makes my head spin...
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] Whew. That is some major stuff. Are you okay, Niri?
<TheStoryteller> Hiro puts a hand on Niri's shoulder, steadying her.
* Niri grins.
<Niri> Just fine, Dad! Whew, that was exciting....
* Niri checks to make sure her books are still with her.
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] Urgh. I that door must be really important. I hate leaving it like this.
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] Well just have to research what we can from the books. I'm sure there is a connection. This "Elementalor" name keeps popping up.
<TheStoryteller> Hiro rubs his chin. "It sounds awful familiar, too... where have I heard it before?"
<Niri> I dunno, but it sounds fascinat...I'll read the books and see what I can find out, okay?
<Niri> So...what next?
<TheStoryteller> Hiro nods. "I know this is right up your alley!"
<TheStoryteller> [Hiro] Let's hurry back to camp. I don't want to meet another one of those things today. :P
<TheStoryteller> Hiro mumbles about bringing along a Refresh Ring next time.
<Niri> Okay! I need a rest and a snack anyway.
<TheStoryteller> With that decided, Niri and her legendary father head back to home base for the 3 R's - rest, relaxation and research!
<TheStoryteller> But just what is this Elementalor Project? What lies beyond the door? They'll have the chance they wish for in due time.
~~ SESSION END ~~
Session Close: Fri Apr 15 03:00:02 2005