#025: "It is time for action, but I am not certain you are worthy of it."

Merc · July 07, 2013, 02:30:20 PM

[18:31] <Kotono> -----
[18:32] <Kotono> OOC: Okay, y'all have made it back to the surface! Do any of you have plans and desires now that you're not on Ifrit's frying list?
[18:32] <Morrie> OOC: We should go report our success to the Ogres and see if they have any suggestions on where to go from there.

[18:35] <Kotono> Your trip back to Ogreheim is without incident. After a chance to rest up and do some shopping, the party meets with Ventos and Hesalus. You meet in the same kitchen where Lehko did his cooking magic, the Ogre Magi standing behind Ventos. Speaking of, Ventos is the one to speak, "You actually tamed Ifrit?" he asks, a note of open surprise in his voice.
[18:36] * Mycol shrugs. "Wasn't like it was our first time."
[18:36] <Morrie> "It was... quite the adventure, though." He nods.
[18:40] <Kotono> Hesalus comes to Ventos, whispering into his ear. After that he turns, "The elders would like to inform you of something," he says. "Apparently, a strange black mage was intercepted wandering in the mountains. His name is Ebenezer and he was looking for all of you."
[18:40] <Mycol> "Oh right."
[18:40] * Lehko sighs. "That poor guy's journey just isn't going his way, is it?"
[18:41] <Mycol> "We never DID tell him where we were going..."
[18:43] <Kotono> "He's being held," Ventos goes on, "You're welcome to go vouch for him if you care to."
[18:43] <Lehko> "Yeah, we probably should. He'll probably have questions."
[18:43] <Morrie> "It is a good thing he was not with us when we were with that demon." He shakes his head. "He may have some information for us, as well."
[18:45] <Santos> "I'm surprised he went hunting for us though. We weren't gone for that long, and even if we didn't give him the specifics, he did know we were trying to get money and experience..." Santos muses.
[18:46] <Santos> "Wonder if he just started feeling lonely without us," Santos jokes.
[18:46] <Kotono> OOC: Going to go see him then?
[18:46] <Santos> ooc: yes

[18:46] <Kotono> It's a quick trip over to what passes for a jail. Really, it's more like a typical house with a locked door and an ogre standing outside. Upon going in, you find Ebenezer lying on a bed. He's bandaged up and on the battered side, but he's awake. "Oh!" he turns as you enter, "Salutations and greetings! My word, isn't this place marvelously unexpected?"
[18:48] <Morrie> "You haven't heard the story of how we got here." He says with a small smile.
[18:48] <Mycol> "So are you. I take it you have news?"
[18:49] <Santos> "Although you're pretty lucky we did get here," Santos adds to Morrie's statement, given that the ogres were highway robbers (so to speak) before their group made friends with them.
[18:50] <Kotono> "Oh yes, events are transpiring!" Ebenezer groans and sits fully up, "There's reports from all over! In Pasturburg to the south, there's news that a vampire has appeared and taken over the town!" After a beat of just a moment, "Apparently they're on the upswing, since as I recall you deftly dispatched one already."
[18:50] <Santos> "Oh, you'll be interested in knowing we made contact with Ifrit, by the way."
[18:50] * Santos blinks. "More vampires?"
[18:51] * Lehko silently thankful that he has at least one offensive holy power if vampires are becoming common.
[18:50] <Kotono> "Did you? Good news," Ebenezer says, "Good news everyone, but I fear the rest of my news is anything but good."

[18:53] <Kotono> "Second of all, travelers are saying that an eternal thunderstorm has taken over Palsch! No one can cross because of the storm!" Ebenezer says.
[18:53] * Santos frowns. "The name Ramuh mean anything to you, Ebenezer?"
[18:54] <Morrie> "What's a Ra-moo?" He blinks at Santos.
[18:54] <Lehko> "Shiva doesn't like the sound of that storm, either."
[18:54] <Santos> "Felt my blood almost boiling at the mention of this 'eternal thunderstorm'. What the heck is an eternal storm anyway? How do you know if a storm is eternal and all that?"
[18:55] <Kotono> "Ramuh!" Ebenezer blinks, "I heard that name in my research. The old man of the storms," Ebenezer says, shaking his head.
[18:55] <Santos> "Does he look like a half cow, half man?" Santos asks, given the way Morrie pronounced the name.
[18:55] <Lehko> "So, since all three of us reacted to that, I'm guessing that's going to be another of their old acquaintances.'"
[18:55] <Morrie> He looks around at everyone and scratches his cheek. "Oh... oh! I see. But is it... another Esper, or is this a fiend?"
[18:56] <Kotono> With a soft pop and a swirl of snowflakes, Shiva appears on Lehko's shoulder. "Ramuh isn't an enemy. He's one of us." Shiva speaks up, idly smiling. "He's as wise as his age would suggest. He's done this before - throwing out an endless storm is his way of getting attention."
[18:56] <Lehko> "Well, Shiva's reaction wasn't exactly joyous..."
[18:56] <Santos> "So, what, he's throwing a hissy fit because he hasn't gotten a chance to make a pact with us yet?"
[18:57] <Morrie> "I think it's more he's announcing his presence." He looks over at Shiva for confirmation.
[18:57] <Kotono> "I don't know," Shiva shrugs, "He may have determined something's wrong. He's the most perceptive of all of our caste. It's more likely that's it than anything else."
[18:57] <Santos> "Well, as the guy who likes wind magic, you're probably going to end up making a pact with him after we kick his ass, going by how everything has been moving ever since we met Ebenezer..." Santos notes.
[18:58] <Morrie> He chuckles. "Perhaps he won't make us fight him if we approach him with the other espers in tow. Was there anything else going on outside, Ebenezer?"

[18:59] <Kotono> "Good news then! That won't be so hard to solve, but there's more," Ebenezer says, "Just before I left, news came in from Serrandale. The capital and everything to the west has fallen under eternal night. What's more is that all the plants are dying and fetid marshes are springing up like weeds."
[19:00] * Mycol shifts about uncomfortably.
[19:00] <Morrie> "The earth... rotting?" He frowns. "That's..."
[19:01] <Santos> "The hell? That's probably related to all these vampires...how do we find the source though? Should we head to the capital and get more word from the king's men, join up with them?" Santos asks with a frown, looking towards Morrie for his opinion. He and Ebenezer are probably the ones with the best plan of action.
[19:02] <Santos> "Or deal with whatever Ramuh's storm is doing first?"
[19:02] <Kotono> "It may be," Ebenezer sits up, "I'm also worried about Lich," he says, "He's the fiend of Earth, isn't he?"
[19:03] <Morrie> He nods. He looks thoughtful for a moment. "I think... if we wait, things may get worse as we spend time getting to Ramuh. However... I think we'd be stronger with him at our side, if he's as powerful as Shiva, Titan and Ifrit are."
[19:03] <Mycol> "Right. And do we focus on the capital or smaller towns?"
[19:04] <Kotono> "It's better to be ready than to be timely," Shiva finally says, "He won't bring about the end of the world or something if he's loose for a little bit. If you take a shot at him, we'd best all be ready."
[19:04] <Mycol> "If darkness spreads too far, too fast, we might be building an opponent too powerful for us to take on. But I'm not comfortable abandoning a town to vampires."

[19:04] <Morrie> "I think we should find Ramuh first and see if he may have some insight into this. Then we can proceed based on that." He looks at the others. "But if you all believe we should go after the Vampire first, we can do that."
[19:05] <Lehko> "Ramuh should probably be our priority, with a test run against the vampire."
[19:07] <Santos> "They might have more information on what's causing all this over at the capital. I kind of want to suggest going to Ramuh on the way to the capital, joining with the king's men and trading information, maybe putting something together to deal with the root cause. The problem is that would leave the vampire running rampant..." Santos says with a deep frown.
[19:07] <Mycol> "I'm for shutting down the vampire first, but I won't go against the group if they wish to find the Old Man."
[19:08] <Santos> "Any way we move, some lives will probably be at risk."
[19:08] * Lehko nods.
[19:08] <Morrie> He nods. "Indeed. We could also just begin travelling in that direction and see which we come across first, if we wish to handle it... geographically, I suppose."
[19:09] <Lehko> "Saving individual small towns is nice, but we're fighting a larger battle. Our focus needs to be a bit larger. The vampire will be a good test run if we can recruit Ramuh, but things are a bit bigger for us."

[19:15] <Morrie> roll 2d6+4 Monster Lore
[19:15] * Hatbot --> "Morrie rolls 2d6+4 Monster Lore and gets 8." [2d6=1, 3]
[19:15] <Kotono> "A suggestion," Ebenezer says, "If Ramuh is so wise, why not ask him after we meet him?"
[19:15] <Morrie> He nods to Ebenezer. "I agree."
[19:15] <Kotono> Morrie isn't sure - it's said that vampires reproduce by biting victims, yet you rarely hear about more than a vampire or two at once. It's unclear.
[19:17] <Mycol> "Mmmm... Makes sense."
[19:17] * Lehko nods.
[19:17] <Lehko> "Sounds workable."

[19:17] <Kotono> Ebenezer sits up at this, slowly going to stand, "I'd say things are getting serious. Would you like my aid?" he asks, "It's no good if all the lore and libraries are lost to stinking bogs."
[19:17] <Mycol> "If they eat the blood of flesh-men, turning all the flesh-men to Vampires is probably a bad idea for them."
[19:18] <Mycol> "I'm a bit happier with chasing an Esper, knowing this problem won't get completely out of hand.
[19:19] <Morrie> "We're always honored with your accompanying us." He nods to 'nezer
[19:20] <Morrie> "I think you would be safer with us as well, even if we're fighting some monsters."
[19:20] <Kotono> "Well then, let us make good time," he says, getting up and joining the party! OOC: A pair of posts and a new sticky.
[19:21] <Mycol> "I agree. Leaving you alone against the forces of darkness doesn't sit with me"

[19:22] <Kotono> OOC: Okay, so y'all are heading down to Palsch then?
[19:23] <Santos> ooc: seems like!
[19:23] <Mycol> OOC: I was the main one against it, and I was convinced
[19:25] <Kotono> OOC: Okay then.
[19:25] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[19:25] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 98." [1d100=98]

[19:26] <Kotono> Your trip back to the surface world is without incident. Soon you stand in the mountainous sunlight, heading down. As you head back down out of the mountains and into the hills...The party is climbing up a hill when Morrie can feel it. The earth spasms - something's coming over the hill!
[19:27] <Morrie> "Look out!" He calls out, turning to look up at the hill. "Something... something is coming!"
[19:29] <Kotono> The party glances up! It's just in time to see a pair of familiar faces coming up the hill! Two ghouls, groaning and shambling towards the party! OOC: Flash-flash, looks like it's time for the joys of overmap randoms. Init, y'all.

[19:30] <Morrie> roll 2d6+3 vroom
[19:30] * Hatbot --> "Morrie rolls 2d6+3 vroom and gets 14." [2d6=5, 6]
[19:30] <Kotono> roll 2d6+2 ghoul 1
[19:30] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6+2 ghoul 1 and gets 11." [2d6=6, 3]
[19:30] <Kotono> roll 2d6+2 ghoul 2
[19:30] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6+2 ghoul 2 and gets 11." [2d6=6, 3]
[19:30] <Santos> roll 2d6+4 Santos
[19:30] * Hatbot --> "Santos rolls 2d6+4 Santos and gets 15." [2d6=6, 5]
[19:30] <Mycol> 2d6+6 (Finesse, right?)
[19:30] * Hatbot --> "Mycol rolls 2d6+6 (Finesse, right?) and gets 14." [2d6=5, 3]
[19:31] <Kotono> OOC: Yes.
[19:31] <Kotono> OOC: Lehko?
[19:31] <Kotono> OOC: He's still away, I reckon. Someone roll for him real quick?
[19:31] <Lehko> roll 2d6+5
[19:31] * Hatbot --> "Lehko rolls 2d6+5 and gets 12." [2d6=3, 4]
[19:31] <Lehko> OOC: Sorry, had to step away for a sec.
[19:31] <Lehko> roll 2d6+2 Wolf
[19:31] * Hatbot --> "Lehko rolls 2d6+2 Wolf and gets 10." [2d6=4, 4]
[19:31] <Kotono> OOC: Sure. Open Santos. They're both within close range and the terrain isn't difficult.
[19:32] * Kotono changes topic to 'Lehko 96/96, Morrie 99/99, Santos 77/77, Mycol 66/66 | Santos(15)>Morrie=Mycol(14)>Lehko(12)>Ghoulx2(11)>Wolf(10)>Helper(0)'

[19:35] * Santos goes and attacks the closest ghoul with his weapons!
[19:35] <Santos> roll 2d6+4
[19:35] * Hatbot --> "Santos rolls 2d6+4 and gets 14." [2d6=4, 6]
[19:35] <Santos> roll d6 reroll 4
[19:35] * Hatbot --> "Santos rolls d6 reroll 4 and gets 1." [d6=1]
[19:35] <Santos> roll d6 reroll 1 reliable
[19:35] * Hatbot --> "Santos rolls d6 reroll 1 reliable and gets 6." [d6=6]
[19:35] <Kotono> OOC: That's a ticket right to the land of CRIT.
[19:35] <Santos> ooc: yay~
[19:36] <Santos> ooc: sec, need to check my power+crit
[19:36] <Kotono> OOC: Sure.
[19:36] <Kotono> OOC: It's weak to fire, so 2x if you went back to the flame sabre.
[19:36] <Santos> ooc: 132 damage. I didn't go to the flame saber, as that drops my damage by 1/3.
[19:36] <Santos> ooc: Might be worth it for this fight, but I actually just sold it a while ago.
[19:36] * Kotono changes topic to 'Lehko 96/96, Morrie 99/99, Santos 77/77, Mycol 66/66 | Santos(15)>Morrie=Mycol(14)>Lehko(12)>Ghoul 2(11)>Wolf(10)>Helper(0)'
[19:37] <Kotono> roll 2d100
[19:37] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d100 and gets 155." [2d100=69, 86]
[19:37] <Kotono> Santos marches up! The ghoul reaches for him, but a flick of the wrist sends his blade dancing! The ghoul falls apart into a dozen pieces, becoming a small shower of gil and nothing more! OOC: Kersplattery. Morrie.

[19:38] <Morrie> Thankful to be outside again, Morrie calls on the power of the winds of the plains to strike down the remaining monster!
[19:38] <Morrie> roll 2d6+2 wshhh
[19:38] * Hatbot --> "Morrie rolls 2d6+2 wshhh and gets 4." [2d6=1, 1]
[19:38] <Kotono> But no wind comes! Morrie can feel the power of the earth spasming away from him! OOC: Mycol.
[19:38] <Mycol> "May as well test this out"
[19:39] * Mycol spins himself into a fiery frenzy, and throws a blast of flame at the hapless ghoul.
[19:39] <Mycol> (Quick cast fire)
[19:39] <Kotono> OOC: Damage?
[19:39] <Mycol> 2d6+42
[19:39] * Hatbot --> "Mycol rolls 2d6+42 and gets 52." [2d6=5, 5]
[19:39] <Kotono> OOC: That include the weakness doubler?
[19:39] <Mycol> NOPE.
[19:39] <Kotono> roll 2d100
[19:39] <Mycol> 104
[19:40] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d100 and gets 108." [2d100=47, 61]
[19:40] <Kotono> A torrent of Ifrit-granted fire surges up around the ghoul! It burns to ash in seconds, a clattering of coins left in its wake! Just like that? THe formerly fearsome ghouls are speedily dispatched! OOC: Loot post. Free act.
[19:40] * Mycol stretches

[19:40] <Kotono> "My word!" Ebenezer walks up after the quick victory, "You have greatly sharpened your skills!"
[19:41] <Mycol> "Oh, yeah. I can get used to that."
[19:41] <Morrie> "You should have seen the zombies that were on fire..." He shakes his head.
[19:42] * Lehko looks forlornly at his unused pistols, holsters them, and pats Bjomolf consolingly.
[19:42] <Kotono> OOC: That was a stompin'. Y'all ready to continue on?
[19:44] <Morrie> OOC: Indeed.
[19:44] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[19:44] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 58." [1d100=58]
[19:44] <Kotono> OOC: Okay, refill MP for Mycol.
[19:44] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[19:44] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 73." [1d100=73]

[19:44] <Kotono> OOC: Are y'all gonna stop over in Galimond or just continue on?
[19:45] <Mycol> OOC: Anyone have anything worth stopping for?
[19:46] <Morrie> OOC: I don't think so.
[19:46] <Kotono> OOC: Okay then.
[19:46] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[19:46] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 19." [1d100=19]
[19:46] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[19:46] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 97." [1d100=97]

[19:47] <Kotono> The party is making good times on the open plains. The party is making camp for the evening as the sun sets. You're about halfway between Galimond and Palsch right now. OOC: Set each of yourselves up around the campfire or whatever you're doing.
[19:48] <Morrie> Morrie is standing guard at the edge of the campfire!
[19:48] * Mycol stretches out.
[19:49] <Kotono> Ebenezer is before the fire, whistling as he reads a leather-bound tome.
[19:49] * Lehko spreads his bedding out, leaving space for Bjomolf, about 10 feet from the fire.
[19:50] * Santos is on his back, a blanket stretched out over the grass beneath him, looking up at the sky with the campfire crackling some feet to his side.

[19:50] <Kotono> OOC: Awareness check, Morrie.
[19:51] <Morrie> roll 2d6+4 Payin' attention
[19:51] * Hatbot --> "Morrie rolls 2d6+4 Payin' attention and gets 11." [2d6=3, 4]

[19:52] <Kotono> Morrie's indeed paying attention! His sight glances to the side and gah! Imps! They're at a medium distance away right now, but imps! Lots of imps! 4! 6! 8! 9! They're coming this way fast, swords drawn!
[19:53] <Morrie> "...Everyone, we've got an Imp Party coming." He frowns at the sheer numbers.
[19:53] * Lehko stands up from his bedding and un-holsters his pistols.
[19:53] <Mycol> "They can't be serious."
[19:54] * Santos quickly gets up. "Which direction?" Santos says, already aiming his gunblade out, and looking where Morrie's eyes are facing.
[19:54] <Santos> ooc: Can we fire with ranged attacks while they're still at a distance?
[19:54] <Lehko> OOC: I can!
[19:54] <Kotono> The party can see them! It's nine imps and they're coming in fast! OOC: Init. You sure can, they start at medium distance.

[19:54] <Santos> roll 2d6+4 init
[19:54] * Hatbot --> "Santos rolls 2d6+4 init and gets 12." [2d6=3, 5]
[19:54] <Kotono> roll 2d6+2 Imp-swarm
[19:54] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6+2 Imp-swarm and gets 9." [2d6=1, 6]
[19:54] <Lehko> roll 2d6+5
[19:54] * Hatbot --> "Lehko rolls 2d6+5 and gets 8." [2d6=1, 2]
[19:54] <Lehko> roll 2d6+2 Wolf
[19:54] * Hatbot --> "Lehko rolls 2d6+2 Wolf and gets 7." [2d6=2, 3]
[19:55] <Morrie> roll 2d6+3 Morrie init
[19:55] * Hatbot --> "Morrie rolls 2d6+3 Morrie init and gets 10." [2d6=2, 5]
[19:55] <Kotono> OOC: We await on shroom-init.
[19:57] <Mycol> 2d6+6
[19:57] * Hatbot --> "Mycol rolls 2d6+6 and gets 16." [2d6=4, 6]
[19:57] * Kotono changes topic to 'Lehko 96/96, Morrie 99/99, Santos 77/77, Mycol 66/66 | Mycol(16)>Santos(12)>Morrie(10)>Impswarm(9)>Lehko(8)>Wolf(7)>Helper(0)'
[19:57] <Kotono> OOC: The time mage wins init. Go, open.
[19:57] <Kotono> OOC: Remember they're at medium distance.
[19:57] <Kotono> OOC: Also note that there are several of them, I have them going on one init tick for the sake of ease of play. MT options are certainly viable.

[19:58] * Mycol swirls around and around, summoning all the power of water.
[19:58] * Mycol releases his spell, targeting every imp he can.
[19:58] <Mycol> (Quick, multi-target Water)
[19:58] <Mycol> 2d6+14
[19:58] * Hatbot --> "Mycol rolls 2d6+14 and gets 16." [2d6=1, 1]
[19:58] <Mycol> OOC: (Are you kidding me?!)
[19:59] <Morrie> OOC: At least it can't miss...!
[19:59] <Santos> ooc: Yeah, there's at least that.
[19:59] <Santos> ooc: They'll be all refreshed going into battle in this hot summer sun.
[20:00] <Kotono> A great wave of water appears over the imps and breaks, splashing them good! They yip and eep, stumbling about! They're dazed but not down yet! OOC: Now we have that wet imp smell everywhere. Someone do something about it, like...Santos. Go.

[20:01] * Santos shifts some of the components on his gunblade, and for the first time shows why it's called a GUN-blade, as he fires into the swarm!
[20:01] <Santos> roll 2d6+4
[20:01] * Hatbot --> "Santos rolls 2d6+4 and gets 11." [2d6=2, 5]
[20:01] <Santos> roll d6 reroll 2
[20:01] * Hatbot --> "Santos rolls d6 reroll 2 and gets 2." [d6=2]
[20:01] <Santos> roll d6 reroll 2 reliable!
[20:01] <Kotono> OOC: H-I-T.
[20:01] * Hatbot --> "Santos rolls d6 reroll 2 reliable! and gets 1." [d6=1]
[20:01] <Santos> ooc: evil hatbot.
[20:01] <Santos> ooc: 60 damage
[20:01] <Kotono> roll 4#1d100
[20:01] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 4#1d100 and gets 167." [4#1d100 = 4, 8, 82, 73]
[20:02] <Kotono> BANG! An imp now has a hole in its head! Like any good imp, it does a wonderful job of dying! It leaves behind gil, a potion skin aaand a folded up tent! 8 to go! OOC: Morrie.

[20:04] <Morrie> He looks around briefly before calling on the power of, well, the place they're at right now! He attempts to strike one of the Imps down to cut down on the number of them!
[20:04] <Morrie> roll 2d6+2 fwshhhh
[20:04] * Hatbot --> "Morrie rolls 2d6+2 fwshhhh and gets 12." [2d6=4, 6]
[20:05] <Kotono> OOC: That's a ticket right to the land of HIT.
[20:05] <Morrie> OOC: 57
[20:05] <Kotono> roll 4#1d100
[20:05] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 4#1d100 and gets 265." [4#1d100 = 89, 15, 76, 85]

[20:06] <Kotono> Slice! An imp is now two imps in half size, cut in half down the middle! It becomes a pittance of gil, gone! 7 to go! At this the imp swarm rushes in! They're now in close range, ready to strike! Ugh, you can smell wet imp! It's not a nice smell, sort of like wet dog but much, much stronger. OOC: Lehko.
[20:06] * Lehko fires his pistols at the imp in the lead!
[20:06] <Lehko> roll 2d6+2 ATK!
[20:06] * Hatbot --> "Lehko rolls 2d6+2 ATK! and gets 7." [2d6=3, 2]
[20:06] <Lehko> OOC: 31 if that hits.
[20:06] <Kotono> OOC: Destination is set for a hit.
[20:07] <Kotono> roll 4#1d100
[20:07] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 4#1d100 and gets 281." [4#1d100 = 71, 81, 57, 72]
[20:07] <Kotono> BANG! An imp now has a bullet in the stomach and keels over! It becomes yet more gil, with only six still up! OOC: Wolf.
[20:07] <Lehko> OOC: They're still at medium range?
[20:07] <Kotono> OOC: They moved into close range.
[20:07] <Kotono> OOC: On their turn.
[20:08] * Lehko sends Bjomolf after the next closest imp!
[20:08] <Lehko> roll 2d6+4 ATK!
[20:08] * Hatbot --> "Lehko rolls 2d6+4 ATK! and gets 14." [2d6=6, 4]
[20:08] <Kotono> OOC: IN shocking news, that's a hit.
[20:08] <Lehko> OOC: 21 dam.
[20:08] <Santos> ooc: crit-fish! =p
[20:08] <Kotono> roll 4#1d100
[20:08] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 4#1d100 and gets 228." [4#1d100 = 68, 17, 45, 98]
[20:08] <Santos> ooc: wuss! =p
[20:09] <Lehko> OOC: Wolf doesn't have any reroll stuff.
[20:09] <Santos> ooc: ah

[20:09] <Kotono> With a leap, Lehko's wolf pounces on an imp! He pulls it down and rips it open, soon chewing on gil instead of wolf! Five more! "Well done!" Ebenezer calls, "The charge is breaking!" OOC: Mycol.
[20:09] * Mycol looks upset.
[20:09] <Mycol> "I really thought I had them. Ah, well."
[20:09] * Mycol spins his maracas into the closest Imp
[20:10] <Mycol> 2d6+2
[20:10] * Hatbot --> "Mycol rolls 2d6+2 and gets 8." [2d6=4, 2]
[20:10] <Kotono> OOC: Clang-clung-done. Damage.
[20:10] <Mycol> 34.
[20:10] <Kotono> roll 4#1d100
[20:10] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 4#1d100 and gets 95." [4#1d100 = 48, 26, 1, 20]
[20:10] <Mycol> OOC: That miiiiind stat.
[20:11] <Kotono> OOC: Congratulations, you've now gotten all four imp drops.

[20:12] <Kotono> With a massive blow, the imp finds its ribs being played like drums! The predictable thing happens - but as it becomes gil, it also drops a small bronze hourglass along with the gil! Four left! OOC: Santos.
[20:12] * Santos continues to attack the swarm of imps! They'll fall before their higher skill and power!
[20:12] <Santos> roll 2d6+4
[20:12] * Hatbot --> "Santos rolls 2d6+4 and gets 12." [2d6=3, 5]
[20:13] <Santos> roll d6 reroll 3
[20:13] * Hatbot --> "Santos rolls d6 reroll 3 and gets 2." [d6=2]
[20:13] <Kotono> OOC: I'm afraid I have bad news. You only hit and didn't crit.
[20:13] <Kotono> roll 4#1d100
[20:13] <Santos> ooc: 61 damage. And I figured =p
[20:13] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 4#1d100 and gets 168." [4#1d100 = 19, 38, 11, 100]
[20:13] <Kotono> Three left via Santos going all bladey and shreddy on one! Imp gibs aren't supposed to fly like dandelion fluff, are they?! OOC: Morrie.

[20:14] <Morrie> Again, he calls on the power of the grassy plains. Again, to cut down the imps!
[20:14] <Morrie> roll 2d6+2
[20:14] * Hatbot --> "Morrie rolls 2d6+2 and gets 9." [2d6=6, 1]
[20:14] <Morrie> OOC: 54
[20:14] <Kotono> roll 4#1d100
[20:14] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 4#1d100 and gets 321." [4#1d100 = 91, 73, 63, 94]

[20:15] <Kotono> Two left! Wind slices an imp into thin-cut imp steaks, which soon become pocket gil for the party! The two remaining imps look terrified, staring at the carnage before attacking Santos anyway!
[20:15] <Kotono> roll 2d6+4
[20:15] <Kotono> roll 2d6+4
[20:15] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6+4 and gets 6." [2d6=1, 1]
[20:15] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6+4 and gets 14." [2d6=4, 6]
[20:15] <Kotono> OOC: AVD/ARM?
[20:16] <Morrie> OOC: 7 and 16 since he's not here
[20:16] <Kotono> But the attacks are feeble! One misses by a mile and the other doesn't even penetrate Santos' armor! OOC: Lehko.
[20:20] * Lehko fires his pistols at the imp in the lead!
[20:20] <Lehko> roll 2d6+2 ATK!
[20:20] * Hatbot --> "Lehko rolls 2d6+2 ATK! and gets 8." [2d6=1, 5]
[20:20] <Kotono> OOC: Roll that beautiful damage footage.
[20:20] <Lehko> roll d6 reroll 1
[20:20] * Hatbot --> "Lehko rolls d6 reroll 1 and gets 4." [d6=4]
[20:21] <Lehko> OOC: 35 with the reroll
[20:21] <Kotono> roll 4#1d100
[20:21] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 4#1d100 and gets 97." [4#1d100 = 11, 16, 49, 21]
[20:21] <Kotono> Shots echo out, downing the second to last imp! He drops gil -and- a potion, proving more useful than most of his kin! OOC: Wolfy.

[20:21] * Lehko sends Bjomolf after the next closest imp!
[20:21] <Lehko> roll 2d6+4 ATK!
[20:21] * Hatbot --> "Lehko rolls 2d6+4 ATK! and gets 14." [2d6=4, 6]
[20:21] <Kotono> roll 4#1d100
[20:21] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 4#1d100 and gets 199." [4#1d100 = 36, 51, 15, 97]
[20:22] <Lehko> OOC: 21 damage.
[20:22] <Kotono> The savage throat rip that ends the last imp is sufficient to end the battle, the enemies utterly routed! OOC: Free act. Loot post.

[20:22] * Lehko reloads and holsters his pistols.
[20:23] <Kotono> "How foolish of them," Ebenezer speaks up, "Are you all unhurt?"
[20:23] * Mycol shakes his head.
[20:23] <Mycol> "Senseless. Even for Imps."
[20:23] <Morrie> He nods. "I wonder if they've been emboldened by what's going on..."
[20:23] <Lehko> "I wonder... It's strange that we've been attacked twice now in short order... Someone directing them?"
[20:24] <Morrie> "It's possible... we should stay on our guard as we continue."

[20:25] <Kotono> OOC: Ready to continue on?
[20:25] <Morrie> OOC: Arr.
[20:25] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:25] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 83." [1d100=83]
[20:26] <Kotono> OOC: You all make it to a rest without incident so refill MP
[20:26] <Kotono> .
[20:26] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:26] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 34." [1d100=34]
[20:26] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:26] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 87." [1d100=87]

[20:27] <Kotono> More travel passes. Soon you approach Palsch. The city is wrapped in dark storm clouds. Rain and wind pummel the town as you approach. You can see that the down is braced and battened down, the streets empty. Even from a distance strong winds tug at you and drizzles of rain wet you ever so often.
[20:27] * Lehko growls and lets out a bit of a low hiss as he gets wet.
[20:28] <Mycol> "Aside from the lightning, lovely weather"
[20:28] <Morrie> He looks around. "I suppose it would be logical to head to the eye of the storm."
[20:28] * Lehko glares at the 'shroom and growls a bit.
[20:29] <Kotono> On a casual glance, the storm gets nastier as you get towards the big bridge. You'd have to get closer to investigate.
[20:29] <Mycol> "What? I'm a fungus. I like the damp."
[20:30] <Morrie> He will start to head in that direction, then!
[20:31] <Kotono> Ebenezer refrains from comment as he goes along.
[20:32] * Mycol tugs his cap slightly against the wind and follows Morrie
[20:32] <Kotono> OOC: Okay. Will everyone but Morrie make a force or athletics check, whichever is higher?
[20:32] <Mycol> 2d6+4
[20:32] * Hatbot --> "Mycol rolls 2d6+4 and gets 14." [2d6=5, 5]
[20:33] <Santos> roll 2d6+6 force
[20:33] * Hatbot --> "Santos rolls 2d6+6 force and gets 11." [2d6=2, 3]
[20:34] <Kotono> OOC: Since Lehko BRB'ed, could someone roll for him?
[20:34] <Morrie> OOC: Do you want a roll for the wolf too?
[20:35] <Lehko> roll 2d6+5 force
[20:35] * Hatbot --> "Lehko rolls 2d6+5 force and gets 9." [2d6=2, 2]
[20:35] <Lehko> roll 2d6+4 force wolf.
[20:35] * Hatbot --> "Lehko rolls 2d6+4 force wolf. and gets 7." [2d6=2, 1]

[20:36] <Kotono> It's tough going. But the party slowly makes progress into the storm. The streets are empty and doors are firmly shut. A few inches of water sit in the streets, threatening flooding soon. As you go on, you can see it's clear that the bridge is indeed the center. A stationary tornado surrounds the center of the bridge, like a giant storm's eye. What lies within is hidden by those terrible winds.
[20:37] <Lehko> "Do we want to just head into it? Doesn't seem very wise. But then, what can we do against a tornado. Unless you can create a path with your wind spell?"
[20:38] <Lehko> "I can try and help bolster you."
[20:38] <Morrie> "Allow me a moment. I am going to try and slow it down." He steps forward, somehow seemingly ignoring the harsh conditions in doing so. He's going to try and will the tornado to at least slow down somewhat to see if there's something inside it. "Ramuh! Is this your doing!?"

[20:38] <Kotono> Lehko's voice is strained by the winds blowing! A gust comes, sending more rain your way. It's nearly a cloudburst right now, the storm unleashing torrents of thick water. OOC: Make a force check, Morrie?
[20:38] <Morrie> roll 2d6+4
[20:38] * Hatbot --> "Morrie rolls 2d6+4 and gets 8." [2d6=3, 1]
[20:39] * Lehko steps forward to try and bolster Morrie's magic.
[20:39] <Kotono> OOC: Roll as well, Lehko.
[20:39] <Lehko> roll 2d6+5 force
[20:39] * Hatbot --> "Lehko rolls 2d6+5 force and gets 13." [2d6=2, 6]
[20:40] <Kotono> At first the tornado does not respond! But Lehko lays his hands on Morrie's, channeling more power into him! With it, you feel a tug on you! Energy is expended, but a small door-like opening of the tornado is now calm, as if inviting you in! OOC: -10 MP both of you, but it got you an entrance.
[20:41] <Morrie> He turns and nods his thanks to Lehko. "Thank you. Shall we, then?" He will begin wading for the door.
[20:41] * Lehko shrugs.
[20:41] <Lehko> "You've helped me enough times with the damn bridges. I owe you a little help."
[20:42] <Kotono> OOC: Braving the weather and going in, y'all?
[20:42] <Lehko> OOC: Yup.
[20:43] <Morrie> OOC: Arrr.
[20:43] <Mycol> "I expect, perhaps not a trap, but a test."
[20:44] <Mycol> "It's not going to be as easy as going through a door."
[20:44] <Mycol> "That said, shall we?"
[20:44] <Lehko> "Well, we *did* just counter-rotate a tornado..."

[20:44] <Kotono> Thus the party stumbles in! All but Morrie are soaked to the bone (or spore as the case may be) and wind-chilled. Nonetheless you reach inside! Inside it is still in calm, save for a huge man dressed in robes of white and gray. His beard as is tall as he is - a good 12 feet tall. He sits on a throne of lightning, holding a staff in one hand. "Welcome," he greets, "You're the ones I've been
[20:44] <Kotono> waiting for - you've already gathered Shiva, Titan and Ifrit too. I trust you're aware of what's going on?"
[20:45] * Lehko shivers and shakes off the water, much like a cat.
[20:45] <Kotono> "Gah!" Ebenezer stumbles away from Lehko, wiping his shadowed face off.
[20:46] <Morrie> "We... I believe we all can conclude this is from Lich, but... beyond that, we are not sure on the specifics of these events." He looks at the others for confirmation on this.
[20:46] * Lehko grunts.
[20:47] <Mycol> "I wouldn't bet on it just being lich"

[20:47] <Kotono> "Essentially, yes. The Fiend of Earth known as Lich has weakened his bonds. A measure to hold him in check has vanished," His gaze settles on the party, seeming to look at all of them at once. "A thousand years ago he was sealed at great cost. His coming escape may well be inevitable now - how great a cost will it be this time?"
[20:47] <Lehko> "I'm not sure if it's lich or something else, but I think *someone* sent those ghouls and imps after us, specifically. If it *was* lich, it means he's aware of us. And that his freedom is very recent. I can't imagine he waited until we got three espers before he moved against us."
[20:47] <Mycol> "Why would at least four of You awaken versus only one of Them?"
[20:47] <Kotono> At Mycol's comment he nods slightly, "You are correct. Lich is stirring the fastest and earliest, but he is not the only one."
[20:48] * Mycol nods, but not enthusiastically, as usual
[20:48] <Mycol> "I'd been thinking that way for some time."
[20:50] <Kotono> "The monsters are stirring because of Lich's power. As long as he is free to weaken his seal, monsters will be more aggressive." Nodding back to Mycol, "I came from lands to the south, where the calamity known as Jenova has begun to reappear. Further, I can sense the power of the accursed Zodiac Demons in this region. It is time for action, but I am not certain you are worthy of it."
[20:50] <Mycol> "If not us, then who?"
[20:51] <Lehko> "We've passed the tests of three others. We're at least worthy of a chance."

[20:52] <Kotono> "A chance you shall have," he agrees, giving Mycol another look. It's not a harsh look, merely measuring the mushboom. "I would like to talk to each of you alone. His throne drifts back, a house of opaque white winds forming around him. "Come to me, one at a time."
[20:54] <Morrie> He looks at the others. "Who should go first...?"
[20:55] * Lehko pushes Morrie forward first.
[20:55] <Lehko> "Voulen-told."
[20:55] <Santos> "If you don't wish to go first, I don't mind, Morrie, but up to you."
[20:56] <Morrie> "I do not mind being first." He shakes his head. "I do not think this is even a test, so much as... something else." He will step forward and into the windy house!
[20:56] <Kotono> Morrie approaches the house! Upon going in a door of wind closes after them, sealing them away from the others! OOC: Morrie in #evildunes, but just Morrie.

[20:57] <Kotono> Thus Morrie goes into the house! Once he's gone, Titan rumbles from Mycol, "Settle in. We're safe here. You shouldn't have to fight, but getting in some thinking before you go in would be a good idea."
[20:58] * Lehko grumbles, but finds a dry patch of ground and wraps up in a blanket.
[20:58] <Kotono> "I had expected meeting an esper to be...flashier," Ebenezer says, sitting and shivering. "I trust your battle against Ifrit was closer to that?"
[21:00] * Santos shrugs. "It had a lot of the usual trashtalking 'bad guy' syndrome, that we were never gonna win, yadda-yadda. The usual same old, same old, really?"
[21:01] * Santos grins in amusement as he feels Ifrit's annoyance with his statement.
[21:02] <Kotono> "He didn't last nearly as long as I did," Shiva appears on Lehko's shoulder, little rivulets of ice forming through his shoulder-fur. Tossing her hair before going to sit, "All enthusiasm and a quick defeat."
[21:03] <Lehko> "All the good women out-last their men. That's why we love them so."
[21:04] * Lehko smirks at Shiva from under his blanket.
[21:05] <Kotono> Shiva chuckles at that, "Santos, make sure not to let too much of Ifrit rub off on you. After all, you saw how superior I was versus his assault. He couldn't even set up allies and fought you alone. All bad villain stereotypes and hot-headed battle ardor."
[21:06] <Santos> "Hey, hey, even for all his enthusiasm, he did seem better prepared for fighting against his opposed element than you, Shiva," Santos points out. "And even if you smacked us around more, we were less prepared for your fight initially, -and- less experienced. Also, we had you to keep us from burning to a crisp in there. You have to give credit where its due, he had a tougher fight."
[21:07] <Mycol> "I'd like to point out that MY Esper buddy NEVER tried to kill us."
[21:07] <Kotono> "Hah!" Ifrit's voice is heard from Santos, full of triumph!
[21:07] <Santos> "...also, for a fire guy? He doesn't rile up as easy as you do," Santos can't help but add to Shiva.
[21:07] * Lehko glances at Shiva.
[21:08] * Lehko whispers to her... "You're picking on him on purpose."
[21:09] <Kotono> Shiva merely smirks to Lehko.
[21:08] <Kotono> "There's not really a point," Titan says, "Trial by combat is fine occasionally, but anyone can be strong."
[21:09] <Kotono> Meanwhile, the door fades and Morrie emerges back out!

[21:09] <Morrie> Morrie returns shortly thereafter. "Next, please." He nods to them.
[21:09] * Lehko grins back.
[21:10] * Mycol kicks Santos
[21:10] * Santos eyes Mycol. "...what?"
[21:10] <Mycol> "Get on with it. I don't want to listen to any more sporing matches."
[21:10] <Mycol> OOC: (Like a light kick. An attention foot-tap)
[21:10] <Mycol> OOC: (Not like, BAMMO. I EFFED YOUR SHINS UP, BRO)
[21:10] * Lehko raises an eyebrow. "The only one who spores anything around here is you."
[21:11] <Kotono> "Sporing...?" Shiva stares at Mycol.
[21:11] <Morrie> "Sporing, I like that." He smiles.
[21:11] * Mycol gasps.
[21:11] <Santos> "I was planning to, I'd already said I would. He -just- came out. Sheesh, you time mages are so impatient," Santos says with a roll of his eyes. But he does move on to the door.
[21:11] <Santos> ooc: onward to #evil?
[21:11] <Kotono> Thus Santos goes in and is removed! OOC: Evil.
[21:11] <Mycol> "I would -never- do that in front of my friends."

Morrie's chat

Spoiler: Show

<Kotono> Within is the throne and a chair opposite it. Ramuh gestures at the chair, "Sit," he offers. "Tell me your name."
<Morrie> OOC: Quick question, what is the geomancy field here? Cosmic? Or is there one?
<Kotono> OOC: Town.
<Morrie> OOC: OK!
<Morrie> He will step forward and do so. "My name is Morrie."
<Kotono> The chair's comfortable in a strange way. It's unsupportive but it holds his weight. It's just...odd. "Morrie? A good name. Answer this question: Why?"
<Morrie> "I cannot answer that question without more foundation to go on. There are many 'why's' in this world... some of them can be answered and some of them cannot be." He shakes his head. "I do not mean to be disrespectful to you... but I cannot answer all of the Whys."
<Kotono> "No one can," Ramuh replies, "Wise of you. Tell me then, why do you continue on with your battle? Why not return home, find another to do it and live safely?"
<Morrie> "Because... it has become my responsibility." He looks at him directly. "After..." He shuts his eyes a moment. "After my friend was taken by the Zodiac Demon, I... my resolve was shaken. I didn't know what to do." He opens them again. "However... I quickly learned that that mistake... taught me more than anything I had done up to that point. It was us... it was our fault that the demon was
<Morrie> released, and it is our fault that Lich is gaining power. So it falls to us to handle the situation... and it falls to me to save him. I will not give up on him... I will save him."
<Morrie> "So... to answer your question -- Because I will not allow another to do what I must do." He says firmly. "Regardless of the outcome."
<Kotono> "Saving him?" Ramuh leans forward, "His soul is bound up with the Zodiac Demon's soul. When it is defeated once more, it will plunge screaming into Hell along with the demon. Your words can ill change that. What can?"
<Morrie> "I will find a way." He responds, that same determination from his previous words. "The earth itself holds secrets none can see at first... until one finds them."
<Kotono> "Determined." Ramuh says, "That's enough. Go out and send the next in. Speak to none of what we discussed."
<Morrie> He nods. "I think I picked it up from the others." He smiles and leaves!

[21:12] <Kotono> "Moving on," Ebenezer clears his throat. "What is it like having a pact with an esper?"
[21:13] <Morrie> He settles in with the others, curious to that question as well.
[21:13] <Lehko> "Hmm... Like seeing the best in yourself gain the voice of your conscience and the disapproving look of your mother. Or wives. Or both."
[21:15] <Kotono> "That IS a good answer," Shiva says, "There's hope for you yet."
[21:15] * Lehko raises an eyebrow at Shiva.
[21:15] <Kotono> In a rumble of earth a tiny Titan appears on Mycol's cap. "Mycol, what's your answer?"
[21:16] <Lehko> "What man with no hope for himself has a wife? Much less multiple wives?"
[21:16] * Lehko grins at her.
[21:16] * Mycol shrugs.
[21:16] <Lehko> "Doesn't mean we have to make it easy for our women."
[21:16] <Mycol> "Sometimes it's nice to be grounded. I sometimes always look before I leap.
[21:17] <Kotono> "Morrie," Ebenezer then turns to him, "How was it in there?"
[21:18] <Kotono> "Toughening you up should help with the last part," Titan adds, "You do need to toughen up more. Ifrit blasted through your mana shield and you in one serious shot."
[21:18] * Lehko grunts at that.
[21:19] <Lehko> "If I'm going to be covering everyone, I need to toughen up. Need to look into some kind of automatic healing or something."
[21:19] <Morrie> He smiles at Ebenezer. "Relaxing, surprisingly."
[21:20] * Mycol chuckles. "Santos must be going crazy."
[21:21] <Kotono> "It's not his forte," Ebenezer agrees, "But we must trust him. For better or ill."
[21:22] <Morrie> "If he comes out with a black eye, we'll know what happened." He nods. "I wonder what Ifrit is saying."
[21:25] <Kotono> Titan chuckles - a sound like the earth crashing on down in a landslide.
[21:25] * Lehko glances at Shiva.
[21:25] <Lehko> "For being a wife, you're not over with your husband much."
[21:26] <Kotono> It's not Shiva that answers this one. It's Titan instead, and rather quickly. "It's best said that our perceptions aren't quite the same as yours. It's best that you not think about it...though Mycol might understand."
[21:26] * Lehko raises an eyebrow at this. "You mean how you're immortal and the span of our lives isn't anything more than a blink to you?"
[21:27] <Mycol> "I do and I don't. Time doesn't travel in a straight line like we 'know' it does, and it doesn't stand still, the way it feels."
[21:27] <Mycol> "I imagine you're all attuned to it more than we are. Don't ask me if it's because you're always so old, or if it's just a magic thing."
[21:28] <Mycol> "And we're not really a blink, if they're being honest. Every moment contains the whole of the universe. Think about that."
[21:28] <Kotono> "Both," Titan rumbles again, "It doesn't allow us to see the future, unfortunately."
[21:29] <Lehko> "mmm.. So every moment is a lifetime you perceive? Weird."
[21:29] * Lehko stares at Shiva. "I could utter the forbidden words to you. I could."
[21:29] <Lehko> "But I won't."
[21:30] <Kotono> "Good," Shiva says.
[21:31] <Morrie> He smiles at them all. "Perspective is important."
[21:32] <Kotono> Suddenly the door opens and Santos returns!
[21:33] * Lehko grunts and stands up, keeping his blanket wrapped around him.
[21:33] <Lehko> "Guess I'll go next."
[21:33] <Kotono> Thus Shiva vanishes as Lehko goes in! OOC: #evildunes, Lehko.

Santos' chat

Spoiler: Show

<Kotono> Within is the throne and a chair opposite it. Ramuh gestures at the chair, "Sit," he offers. "Tell me your name."
* Santos takes the offered chair and gives a nod to Ramuh. "Thanks. I'm Santos Delascura, pact-holder of Ifrit as of a few days ago," he says as he rotates the chair and sits on it backwards, crossing his arms and resting them on the backside of the chair as he leans forward, staring at the esper. "So what can I do for the storm spirit then?"
<Kotono> The chair's comfortable in a strange way. It's unsupportive but it holds his weight. It's just...odd. "Santos? A good name. Answer this question: Why?"
* Santos arcs his head a bit in and stares at the esper's eyes. "I rather like my name as well, so thanks. As to your question...well, why what? It's a pretty broad question, too many answers to give, and really not enough time, if you're looking for something's specific, y'know?"
<Kotono> "A wise answer," Ramuh states with thought in his voice, "Tell me then, why do you continue on with your battle? Why not return home, find another to do it and live safely?"
<Santos> "Ah, well that's an easy question to answer, though few respect my reasons. I know they're not the greatest, but I don't think they make me a bad man either, I hate to see people get hurt, for evil to lord over the innocent, and all that after all...but why fight? Well, I want to be famous. I like fighting, and I like people to look up to me. I want little kids in the future that point up
<Santos> at a statue of me and play in the streets wanting to be me when they grow up," Santos answers, figuring that's about as honest an answer as he can give.
<Kotono> "Honest," Ramuh's voice is meditative, gesturing towards the door with his staff, "You and Ifrit chose each other well. You can go out now."

* Santos pauses in thought, and he looks at the esper in surprise, having thought there'd be more to it. "...Hey, before I leave? A question for you back. Since you and Morrie might seem like you'd suit each other from what I know of him and my impressions of you, and all."
* Santos gets up from the chair, and waits on the esper's response before heading to the door.
<Kotono> That draws a nod, "Very well, what is it?"
<Santos> "So I dunno if this came up in your talk with Morrie, but there's a vampire attacking Pasturburg, and darkness covers the capital. We decided to come here and probably after head to the capital," Santos explains, then pauses. "I actually kinda suggested it. Question is...was I right to suggest this? I'm, well...I'm -from- Pasturburg, so I'm wondering if I convinced the others to do something that will lead to something terrible."
<Santos> "Didn't really want to have that influence the others, so I haven't brought it up with 'em, but I figure you're a...dunno the word for it, one of those figures that's not influenced by knowing someone?"
* Santos shrugs, and then just waits to see what the esper has to say.
<Kotono> "Lich has more than one gambit. Clear your flank before facing him," Ramuh says, "Vampires serve him, for he can hide the sun away. So it was in his world before he was defeated and so it is in this world."
* Santos blinks. "...I am absolutely terrible with cryptic stuff, and I have no idea what you just said," Santos replies in flat honesty. "Can you just spell it out in words like 'Go kill the vampire' or 'Leave the vampire for now, you still have time'?"
<Kotono> Ramuh looks at Santos a moment, "....well chosen, Ifrit. Go kill the vampire. Now go and send another."
* Santos perks up and gives a thumbs up gesture to the esper. "Thanks, good to have that doubt cleared!" Santos says, as he heads out the door.

[21:33] <Kotono> "How'd it go?" Ebenezer asks.
[21:34] <Santos> "I feel like I was given a combination of praise, insults, and respect. Weird guy, but helpful nonetheless," Santos answers Ebenezer. "Ifrit thinks it was mostly insults though."
[21:35] <Kotono> "Ifrit and Ramuh have incompatible personalities," Titan adds in, "It's rather obvious, even to me."
[21:35] <Santos> "Oh, and Ramuh says we should go kill that vampire next after all."
[21:35] <Santos> "Really? Dunno why, he says Ifrit and I are well matched, I kinda got the impression he and Morrie are well matched too. And Morrie and I get along just fine."
[21:36] <Morrie> He chuckles a bit at Santos. "I've gotten used to your cavalier attitude."
[21:37] <Mycol> "Like a chain? That might be the most profound thing you've ever said."
[21:38] * Santos just blinks at Mycol and raises an eyebrow at the mushboom.
[21:39] <Kotono> "A chain?" Ebenezer blinks as well, "Beg pardon?"
[21:39] * Mycol shrugs.
[21:39] <Mycol> "It's a nice thought, is all."
[21:40] <Mycol> "We're all connected, like it or not."
[21:43] <Kotono> Before anyone else can answer, the door opens and Lehko returns!
[21:43] * Santos nods. "That's true. Even Mycol's grown on us! Like...y'know..." Santos says with a teasing grin, leaving the 'grown on us like fungus' part out so as to not be insulting. Morrie and Ebenezer would probably get the unsaid part though.
[21:43] * Mycol shrugs.
[21:43] * Lehko shuffles overs to his dry patch and plops down in his blanket.
[21:43] <Mycol> "Right then. My turn. Unless you want to have a go at it."
[21:44] <Kotono> "Go on," Ebenezer says.
[21:44] <Mycol> "Heh."
[21:44] * Mycol waltzes on inside.
[21:45] <Kotono> OOC: #evildunes, Mycol.

Lehko's chat

Spoiler: Show

[21:44] <Santos> "So, did he tell you to suck it up, and go home and be a family man?" Santos asks Lehko.
[21:45] <Lehko> "Nope. He did ask why I haven't gone home, but he's a clever guy. He knew the answers before he asked, I imagine. He just wanted to see if *I* knew the answers myself."
[21:46] <Kotono> "Interesting!" Ebenezer says, "You think so?"
[21:47] * Lehko shrugs.
[21:47] <Lehko> "Like I said, he's a clever guy. I imagine he's been watching us for a while."
[21:48] <Kotono> Shiva reappears on Lehko's shoulder, "He's a wise old man," Shiva says, "He enjoys living up to that."
[21:48] * Lehko chuckles.
[21:49] <Lehko> "I think part of that is for his own amusement. Asking ambiguous questions and watching people twist themselves trying to come up with the 'right' answer. Again, he's a clever guy. I like him."
[21:49] * Lehko grins at Shiva.
[21:49] <Kotono> Wisps of steam begin to rise from Santos' head in the meantime.
[21:50] <Morrie> "I don't think Ifrit agrees with that opinion." He chuckles again.
[21:51] * Lehko shrugs.
[21:54] <Kotono> Suddenly, the house of wind fades away! Mycol and Ramuh can be seen once more, having returned!
[21:54] <Santos> "Probably. He doesn't seem to get along with any of you...well, except maybe Titan. He's not gotten angry there yet," Santos comments about Ifrit, as Mycol and Ramuh reappear.
[21:54] * Mycol waves.

Mycol's chat

Spoiler: Show

[21:55] * Mycol idly talks to himself.
[21:55] <Mycol> "Moulder is nice. Maybe Emericella."
[21:55] <Mycol> "Hmmm."
[21:55] <Kotono> "It is done!" Ramuh declares! Around you the tornado begins to fade, the storms ceasing. "I have made my determination. Morrie, come forth."
[21:56] <Morrie> He blinks and stands up! He will step forward as instructed.
[21:56] <Kotono> "I am willing to make a pact with you," Ramuh says, "Do you accept?"
[21:56] <Santos> "Not much of a surprise there," Santos comments.
[21:57] <Morrie> He looks a little bit surprised, nonetheless. "If you are willing, I will accept."
[21:57] <Kotono> "It is done!" Lightning flows into Morrie, electrifying him! Power awakens within him! OOC: Loot post. Make sure to read it, all of you.

[21:59] * Lehko feels a tingle in hands...
[21:59] * Lehko snaps his fingers.
[22:00] * Lehko has a *special* stick of dynamite appear in his hand.
[22:00] * Lehko grins *far* too widely, and *far* too toothily.
[22:01] * Lehko waves his hand and lets the dynamite disappear.
[22:01] <Morrie> He turns to the others. "I suppose, then, we should make haste."
[22:01] * Lehko continues grinning.

[22:02] <Kotono> OOC: What are you going to do now, y'all?
[22:02] <Lehko> OOC: Old man said vampire, right?
[22:02] <Kotono> OOC: Yes.
[22:02] <Santos> ooc: I'm going to go sleep! But next game, go after vampire.
[22:02] <Kotono> OOC: Yeah, this is fine as a pause point anyway.

Soulriders 5.0: Legend of the Unending Games

News:

#025: "It is time for action, but I am not certain you are worthy of it."

Merc