Intro Phase 6 - "Casting Shadows"

New Cast Appearing:
Storen as TheStoryteller, Various NPCs
Etir as Tanan
Lucca as Haylee Hylan
Session Start: Tue Apr 19 16:31:55 2005

Hylan to Meribia Road

<TheStoryteller> Ah, the open road! A convoy of Hylan students rumbles down the highway leading to the great city of New Meribia, as the scent of pine cones and fir from the surrounding forests slips in through the windows of several Land Cruisers.
<TheStoryteller> The students are taking a well-deserved spring break, heading to the much-ballyhooed Goddess Festival.
<TheStoryteller> Leading the trip is the headmistress of the Hylan Academy herself, Haylee. She is chatting with many of the choir students in the van, who are eager to perform with her in the Grand Opening ceremonies of the Festival.
<TheStoryteller> Also on hand is the innovative Tanan Warden, doing his duty as junior professor and helping keep the students in line. It's a tough job, but not as tough as trying to explain his unique brand of new chaos magic...
<TheStoryteller> [Choir Boy] Are we there yet??
* Haylee laughs, then sighs loudly, "No, Jimmy. We're not. Did you expect to get there in five minutes? ^_-"
<TheStoryteller> [Choir Girl] Ms. Hylan, have you been to the Festival before? What's it like?
<TheStoryteller> Meanwhile a boy near Tanan starts fighting with his friend over some Hylan spell trading cards. :o
* Tanan leans back in his seat, smiling to himself and watching the trees go by as Haylee fields all sorts of questions from the choir.
* Haylee pauses, "It's quite fun, actually. Lots of games, and good food. I personally like the merchant booths they set up. You can get a lot of rare items there."
<Haylee> Er...Tanan? Do you mind watching those two? Seems they're arguing over their cards again. ^^;
* Tanan blinks, tearing his gaze away from the scenery. "Oh! Sorry, headmistress."
<TheStoryteller> [Rowdy Student] Hey Damien, you've got the rare Distend John card! No fair!
* Tanan turns to the two kids, trying to put on a stern face but failing. "Hey now, what's the problem this time?"
<TheStoryteller> [Damien] Hey, you snooze you lose, Zack! Your deck can't beat mine in a gazillion years!
<TheStoryteller> [Zack] I'll learn the REAL Distend and show you.. :/
* Tanan smiles. "That wouldn't help you win a card game though, would it Zack?"
<TheStoryteller> [Zack] But, but.. all the other students say I'm no good. I'll show them!
* Haylee overhears the converstation, "Now Zack, it's not about how much magic you learn, but how you use that magic. And surely you could use magic for a much more noble means than...blasting someone to pieces after a card game, right?"
<TheStoryteller> [Damien] Prof. Wardin's right you know. It's just a game. lighten up.
* Haylee then goes back to chatting with some of the other choir kids about the festival.
* Tanan nods. "Working hard is admirable, but you shouldn't do it to spite others. Headmistress Hylan is right. It's good to learn to do things, but it's better to do it for the right reasons."
<TheStoryteller> [Zack] *sigh* Okay, I'll try to remember that. Sorry for making a scene. ^^;
* Tanan grins. "That's ok. I'm lousy at cards too."
<TheStoryteller> [Another Choir Girl] Ohh, lots of stores? I love shopping! I bet they have all of the latest accessories...
<TheStoryteller> [First Choir Girl] You're so spoiled, Annie. Just because your dad's loaded. :(
* Haylee shoots a glance at the choir girl. ^^;
<TheStoryteller> The first choir girl clams up under Haylee's stare. The second one bites her lips and tries not to fire back. Making Haylee mad is a non-no...
<TheStoryteller> The driver of the Land cruiser just laughs. The usual kids and their issues. As the vehicle progresses, it hits a few bumps as well.
* Haylee shakes her head and smiles, "Eh, it's fine. Now, let me tell you two about the different districts. I'll start with--er, wow, bumpy ride."
* Tanan settles back into his seat, again looking out the window. He watches the scenery, but tries to keep an ear open for any more problems with the kids this time.
<TheStoryteller> [Driver] Sorry, Headmistress. It seems the road's been damaged here by something. Maybe an accident this month I didn't hear about.
<TheStoryteller> Tanan notices the woods are starting to seem a little darker and foreboding. A fine mist hangs in the air. It's still early in the season for fog to appear...
* Tanan looks back into the cabin for a second. "It could've been a storm, too. It's not that unusual for a tree to fall in one, and the weather seems a little odd for this time of the year."
<Tanan> What's with this fog, anyway? It doesn't look like its rained recently.
<TheStoryteller> The driver looks a bit unsettled, but continues doing his job. That is until the convoy comes to a halt. :o
<TheStoryteller> [Driver] What the heck? The road just vanished in front of me!

Illusionary Woods

<TheStoryteller> [Choir Girl] Whay are we stopping?
* Tanan blinks, looking forward. "The road vanished? You mean it's blocked?"
<TheStoryteller> The driver points ahead and Tanan notices there is literally no more roadway. The pavement just ends about 20 feet in front of them.
<TheStoryteller> [Driver] I've got a bad feeling about this.
<Tanan> What in the world?
<TheStoryteller> [Zack] Those trees look creepy...
* Tanan reaches a hand down to reassure himself that his sword is there. "This isn't right. It looks like we're not where we're supposed to be. Even the forest looks different up there."
<TheStoryteller> [Driver] Should I continue on? We're fully equipped for off-road travel.
<Haylee> It's okay. Keep going, just be careful.
<Tanan> Headmistress?
* Haylee smiles, "This might sound a bit strange, but if we keep going, I think we'll be okay. This sort of thing..looks a bit familar. But we do need to be on our guard."
* Haylee leans back in her chair, appearing to be concentrating or thinking.
<TheStoryteller> The driver nods and starts the engine back up. You progress forward, now using a very wide dirt path where the well-maintained roadway once was. It's certainly not as smooth a ride.
* Tanan looks around. "Well, if you say so. It does seem kind of like... like something your husband could do, I guess."
<Haylee> That's why I know we'll be okay. ^_-
<Haylee> It helps to have a husband who dabbles in this sort of thing.
<Haylee> You learn some tricks of the trade.
<TheStoryteller> You notice the sky is growing abnormally dark. It's partially the tree cover becoming denser, and partially heavy clouds hanging overhead there that have just roleld in.
<TheStoryteller> Strange voices begin to waft along... they seem to be giggling.
<TheStoryteller> [Voices] Are you afraid of the dark...?
* Haylee 's calm demenor is starting to fade just slightly. While she's still calm, she's definetely more concerned now.
<TheStoryteller> [Zack] Wha-wha-wha-was that?
<TheStoryteller> One of the choir girls pales. :/
* Tanan leans forward, keeping a hand near his sword. "I'm not sure. Everyone keep your eyes open. This might be nothing, but..."
<Haylee> Keep calm, children.
<TheStoryteller> The wheelman becomes visibly nervous now, as the road has begun to take a more winding, less direct route. In a short time, you hit a large bump and forward motion stops.
* Haylee jerks forward in her chair, muttering, "Well, just as well. I was going to ask you to stop soon, anyway."
<TheStoryteller> [Driver] A felled tree. I can't proceed.
<TheStoryteller> The voices are still giggling, but it's replaced by heavy breathing from all around you.
* Tanan mutters to himself. "Ok, so its not nothing."
* Haylee glances around, (w) Hmm..five. More than I thought...
<TheStoryteller> The children are trying to keep calm, but this is starting to seem like a bad survival horror flick with every passing moment. ^^
<TheStoryteller> Suddenly, through the windshield comes a sharp blade of pure black, narrowly missing the driver's head!
<TheStoryteller> [Driver] Gaaah!
<Tanan> Look out!
* Haylee starts, "Kids, Tanan and I are going to deal with whatever is out there. No matter what, you are NOT to leave this van under any circumstances unless it is on fire, exploding or imploding! Understand?"
<TheStoryteller> [Kids] Uh.. y.. yes Ms Hylan!!
<Haylee> Tanan?
<TheStoryteller> [Damien] Woah, this is like that illusiuon card but real!
* Tanan nods. "Right!"
* Haylee carefully (very carefully) steps out of the van, surprisingly bringing no weapon with her.
<TheStoryteller> The weapon vanishes into ether, but it's only a matter of time before another strike comes.
* Tanan scrambles over a seat and child or two to reach the door.
* Haylee then calls into the van, "...and ducking would help!"
<TheStoryteller> Using the door as cover, Haylee brings her mind to bear on the situation. Out of the mists she can make out 5 shadowy humanoid figures. They are armed with a wicked looking handblade on their left & right arms.
<TheStoryteller> [Shadow Stalker] ...Hylan... you will not proceed...
<Haylee> And why, pray tell, is that?
<TheStoryteller> You have a hard time discerning just what they are made up of. It's shifting, almost weightless ether itself.
* Tanan pauses as well, risking a glance over the door, and speaking quietly. "What's out there?"
<TheStoryteller> [Shadow Stalker] ...because She wills it.
* Haylee sighs, becockoning Tanan out, "I think I know what we're dealing with, but I need your help, Tanan."
* Tanan nods, moving towards Haylee. "Whatever I can do."
<TheStoryteller> The 5 figures step forward, raising their knives ominously. "Now... you will know the eternal torment."

~~ COMBAT! ~~


<TheStoryteller> >> Enemy Front: Shadow Stalker 1-4
<TheStoryteller> >> Enemy Rear: Shadow Stalker 5
<TheStoryteller> >> Ally Front: Haylee, Tanan

<TheStoryteller> >> Round 1

<TheStoryteller> >> Declaration Phase.
<TheStoryteller> All four Stalkers in the front slink over to you in surreal harmony, blades ready to strike with lightning speed...
* Haylee whispers in Tanan's ear, "Listen. They're shadowy folk. Normal weapons aren't going to hurt them, but certain magics can. You've been practicing Star magic recently, right?"
* Tanan frowns, thinking for a second. "The... conditions were right. I can only do it once, though."
<TheStoryteller> The rear Stalker begins concentrating, mists coming towards him.
<Haylee> It's better than nothing! I'll back you up.
* Haylee clears her throat.
<Tanan> Right!
<TheStoryteller> >> Battle Phase.
<TheStoryteller> >> Shadow Stalkers 1-4 execute a combo attack on Haylee!!
<TheStoryteller> >> Haylee is truck by 8 phantasmal blades for 399 damage! All stats are down by 50%!
* Haylee stumbles back, bumping into the side of the van, "...Stronger than I remember..."
<TheStoryteller> >> Shadow Stalker 5 casts Magic Mirror! It is now Reflecting spells!
<TheStoryteller> >> Haylee's action.
* Haylee opens her mouth and begins to sing a note in the key of C. Suddenly, it becomes high and piercing, and the energy is somehow directed at Shadow Stalker 1!
<TheStoryteller> >> Haylee cast Ultrasonic! The powerful melody causes the shadow to screech in otherworldy horror! :o
<TheStoryteller> >> Shadows are weak to song effects! 1705 damage! It's ripped apart by the dissonance!
<TheStoryteller> >> Tanan's action.
* Tanan pulls his hand away from his sword, leaving it sheathed. He points his palm at the three stalkers in front as a blue sphere forms between them.
* Tanan clenches his hand into a fist, sending a stream of tiny blue globes of light out to both sides. "Burst!"
<TheStoryteller> >> Tanan calls upon the forces of Chaos to smite the enemy front row! He casts Astral Starquake!
<TheStoryteller> >> The globes of light explode into an array of shooting stars, crisscrossing the enemy line and leaving burning trails of pure light as they utterly rip right through the bodies of the shadows...
<TheStoryteller> >> Shadows are weak to Star effects! Shadow 1: 47 Shadow 2: 47! Shadow 3: 48! Shadow 4: 48!
<TheStoryteller> [Shadows] Argh.. heaven's light...!
<TheStoryteller> >> All three fall and fade to nothing. The enemy front is obliterated! The rear is now the front row.

<TheStoryteller> >> Round 2

<TheStoryteller> >> Declaration Phase.
<Tanan> Are you all right, headmistress?
* Haylee nods, "Just one left."
<TheStoryteller> The last Shadow Stalker gets a determined glare in it's hollow, lightless eyes.
* Haylee clears her throat once more.
* Tanan leaves his sword sheathed, watching the last shadow.
<TheStoryteller> >> Battle Phase.
<TheStoryteller> >> Shadow Stalker leaps forward and rakes Tanan with both claws! 1: CRITICAL! 50! 2: 26!
<TheStoryteller> >> Haylee's action.
<TheStoryteller> [Shadow Stalker] Do not interfere.
* Haylee clasps her hands to her heart, closing her eyes and calling upon her inner strength.. Opening her mouth carefully, what begins as a faint, wind-swept whisper escalates into an inspiring song that seems to reverberate around the party. The song awakens their latent vigor and strengthens thier resolve, increasing power and defense!
* Tanan staggers back a step or two.
<TheStoryteller> >> Haylee uses Courage Song! Tanan and Haylee's Muscle & Stamina incerase by 50%!
<TheStoryteller> >> Tanan's action.
* Tanan sighs. "This is going to hurt."
* Tanan points at the last remaining shadow, a beam of light firing from his hand to impact off its shield. "Shining light! pleasedon'tletthiskillme."
<TheStoryteller> >> Tanan casts Pulse Beam on the single Shadow! A shimmering shield of darkness reflects the attack back upon it's caster. Tanan is hit for 17 damage by his own light laser!
* Tanan winces
<TheStoryteller> >> The Magic Mirror wears off.
<Haylee> Ah, that's better.

<TheStoryteller> >> Round 3

<TheStoryteller> >> Declaration Phase.
<TheStoryteller> The shadowy stalker prepares to cast another spell, shadows gathering in the faintest hint of time magic.
* Haylee clears her throat.
<TheStoryteller> >> Battle Phase.
<TheStoryteller> [Shadow] Suffering is eternal... await your judgement.
<TheStoryteller> >> Shadow Stalker 5 casts Lethargy on Haylee! She feels a familiar grip of temporal energies, but instead of helping her, they slow her down to a crawl...
<TheStoryteller> >> Haylee's action is delayed till round 4!
<Haylee> Er...damn!
<TheStoryteller> >> Tanan's action.
* Tanan fills his hands with energy, pressing them lightly to himself. "Can't fall here... restore!"
<TheStoryteller> >> Tanan uses Restore! He is healed for 68 HP.

<TheStoryteller> >> Round 4

<TheStoryteller> >> Declaration Phase.
<TheStoryteller> The enemy moves in for the kill on Haylee!
* Tanan again concentrates on the shadow, preparing another spell.
<TheStoryteller> >> Battle Phase.
<TheStoryteller> >> Shadow Stalker uses Ultra Strike on Haylee, knuckle blades moving in a blur! 1: 11! 2: 10! 3: 9! 4: CRITICAL! 18! 5: CRITICAL! 20! 6: 11!
* Haylee buckles a bit under the onslaught, but manages to keep standing!
<TheStoryteller> >> Haylee's action.
* Haylee sings once more, delivering another high pictched note of energy towards the Shadow Stalker!
<TheStoryteller> >> Haylee's song pierces the air with a sweet melody anathema to the evil beasts. 1734 damage!
<TheStoryteller> [Shadow Stalker] Prophet...ess... I.. have failed....
* Haylee raises an eyebrow, but says nothing.
<TheStoryteller> >> Shadow Stalker 5 is blown apart!
<TheStoryteller> >> The enemy is vanquished!

~~ Victory! 3 XP, 2 MXP and 100 silver gained. ~~


* Tanan lowers his hand in relief. "What WAS that? ...It's started, hasn't it?"
<Haylee> It's possible.
<TheStoryteller> As soon as the shadows are defeated, the mist begins to clear. The forest melts away into a normal sunny day on an unbroken road to the horizon. It's like a nightmare ended, and the sun has woke you up...

Hylan to Meribia Road

* Haylee sighs, rubbing some sweat off her brow, "Whatever it is, the threat is gone now."
* Tanan shakes his head. "I've never seen anything like that. I don't... we should make sure the kids are ok, huh?"
* Haylee nods, "Not much we can do now. I'm definetely letting my husband know about this, though."
<TheStoryteller> You can see everyone in the van who was watching the fight yelling and waving. "Yaaaay! Ms. Hylan rules!"
* Haylee points at Tanan, "Professor Wardin also helped, too! What do you say, children? ^_-"
<TheStoryteller> [Choir Students] *in practiced, uptight fashion* Thank you Prof. Wardin!
* Tanan sighs, rolling his eyes a little. "Welcome."
* Haylee laughs, "C'mon. Let's keep going. No sense in staying out here forever."
<TheStoryteller> The driver of the Land Cruiser sends a mental message or two to all the other vehicles in the convoy. All is well, it seems, and ready to continue onward to the festival.
* Tanan glances up at the road, back where it should be, then nods. "Right, headmistress."
<TheStoryteller> Tanan and Haylee are soon on their way, contending with a bunch of little monsters in the passenger compartment. Your thoughts of the harrowing trap begin to recede, but one thing is sure. There will be more suprises in store for you...

~~ SESSION END ~~

Session Close: Tue Apr 19 18:38:31 2005