Soulriders 5.0: Legend of the Unending Games

[21:23] <Dracos> Driving away to the north east of the burned out husk of a town that was once called Solace, the adventurers continued through the wasteland to the north east, though they noticed as the morning sun rose that something rather remarkable had changed.  Glancing out, they had, with almost no notice, shifted from driving over rocky dirt and sand... to driving over soft green grass that seemed remarkably healthy.
[21:26] * Leets eases on the accelerator, trying to get a feel for the new terrain, though it didn't seem very difficult since he had barely felt the transition. "Any idea where we are now?"
[21:28] <Jan> Jan grunted noncommitally, eyeing the terrain before them. "A few days away from the ocean, I think."
[21:29] <Dracos> it's quite frankly, the healthiest bit of nature that Jan had seen here with the sole excetion of the wolf village.
[21:33] <Leets> "This is definately more of this place then I ever thought I'd see," Leets muttered, doing a check of the dashboard to see how the engine was holding up.
[21:33] <Dracos> The engine seemed to be running fine, the fuel meter seeming to have plenty of go left  in it despite the days of driving.
[21:35] <Jan> 'What happened in this world?' Jan thought to himself in frustration as he rubbed at the bridge of his nose. "Pull over for now, I need to stretch out my legs."
[21:35] <Dracos> It was pretty much open plains at the moment, so they could 'pull over' pretty much anywhere leets wanted.
[21:37] * Leets slows to a stop, then shifts gears to park as he applies the hand brake to keep the car from rolling unexpectedly.
[21:40] <Jan> Jan pulled himself out of the backseat as he knelt down outside the car, tugging hard on the grass underneath him.
[21:41] <Dracos> The grass pulled out of the ground, taking a bit of force, but the soft ground and the soft grass giving easily enough.  It felt fresh...alive as if right after a gentle rain.
[21:42] <Jan> A twitch made its way to his eye as he rubbed the dirt, the clump coming apart under his harsh treatment as he threw it to the side.
[21:43] <Leets> "Is something wrong?" Leets watched Jan's actions, curious on what could be making the usually even tempered negotiator act so out of character.
[21:45] <Jan> "I'm just...disturbed, is all. The wolves are acting abnormally, in addition to ...well, this!" He swept an arm out at the land.
[21:47] * Leets gazes out into the fertile fields, eyes softening a bit. "I suppose for someone who's lived here as long as you have, this is kind of disturbing to accept," he said quietly.
[21:50] <Jan> "It doesn't make sense." Jan rose to his feet, dusting his dark slacks off in annoyance. "I just feel that I don't have nearly as much information as I could, and it frustrates me."
[21:53] <Leets> "Isn't that partially why we're doing this?" Leets asked cooly. "To learn what else this place has to hide and why no one seems interested in finding out?"
[21:53] <Jan> "I'm starting to think some people are holding things back." Jan crossed his arms before him defensively as he countered.
[21:54] <Dracos> The old man is still snoring in the car, not adding any input at this point, but maybe Yomi would have an idea.
[21:54] <Leets> "All the more reason to find out why they're holding back, don't you think so?"
[21:58] <Jan> "They've been disturbingly quiet lately. Be on your guard."
[21:59] <Dracos> It was around now... that jan heard the most disturbing sound...  or at least, one he'd never heard before, crooned as if by a large bird...
[21:59] <Dracos> "Kweeeh..."
[22:00] * Leets blinks, reflexively checking the sky for the source of the noise.
[22:01] <Dracos> Nothing visible...it was hard to place....  "Kweeh." Another... somewhere to the north west of here.
[22:04] * Leets turns to where the sound seems to be coming from, prepared to get back into the car if it was another of dangerous creatures that inhabit the wastelands.
[22:05] <Jan> Jan's head snapped to the direction of the sound, a hand reaching into his tan vest and drawing out a revolver. "Start moving slowly to the car."
[22:08] <Dracos> The Kweehs were occassional, but slowly getting closer...
[22:09] <Leets> Not willing to wait for something to pounce, Leets slides back into his seat in the car and starts up again.
[22:11] <Dracos> They could see in the distance running across the plains with casual, graceful strides... a pair of large birdlike creatures...  big, like the size of a horse, but with only two legs as they roamed over the plains.
[22:12] <Leets> "Predatory?" asked Leets, trying to be casual as he kept trying to start the engine.
[22:12] <Jan> Jan slid into a relaxed stance as he observed. "Well, that's something you don't see everyday." He holstered the revolver as he leaned up against the side of the car.
[22:13] <Jan> "I don't know. But they're there, and we're here. Besides, we have magic and quite a bit of conventional firepower."
[22:13] <Dracos> The birds didn't seem to be heading towards them, a kweeh by one of them giving away that they were responsible for the sound.
[22:13] <Dracos> A few moments more and they'd probably be gone.
[22:14] <Jan> Jan patted the side of the car with a few loud raps. "Let the engine cool down. We overwork it. I'll be back in a few hours."
[22:16] <Leets> "There pretty fast." Leets relaxed now that it seemed the birds weren't interested in their party. He glanced at Jan, nodding in acknowledgement. "Watch your back, Smith. Animals sometimes run fast because things chase them a lot."
[22:19] <Jan> "I don't think there's much here that can eat metal." Jan fired back as he turned away from the group and slowly started out in the general direction the birds were racing off towards, the grass parting before him as a shade of something...greater briefly formed over the negotiator's form.
[22:20] <Dracos> Leets was left with the old man in the car... the other companions sleeping.
[22:25] <Dracos> *** Following Jan....
[22:26] * SirAlex (Alex.Puffe@cpe-70-112-17-192.austin.res.rr.com) has joined #wasteland
[22:26] <Dracos> The two birds were fast, soon outpacing what he could do on foot and not leaving much in the way of tracks on the soft grass.  That said, he could follow the direction they were headed.
[22:27] <Jan> Once he was far enough away from his companions, Jan allowed the power within him to surge to the surface, trying to control it so it didn't explode outwards so violently as he tried to shift to his other self.
[22:39] <Jan> He mentally snorted as the energy just wriggled out of his attempt as his power came crashing down on his form, the ground beneath him trembling as it erupted outwards and upwards, surrounding him in a pillar of dirt and debris as his twin ruby flashes of light appeared deep within the cloud cover, followed by a hulking metal arm popping out of the cloud cover, followed by a gleaming metal giant, which trodded after the birds.
[22:41] <Jan> First once step, then another, as the golem began thundering across the plains, ruby flashes from within its dull silver eyes corresponding with each step as it sped up, striding across after the birds.
[22:42] <Dracos> It was close to an hour by the time he came to the edge of a forest... the trees high above, though enough room was between them for him to pass as he was, as long as he was careful.  The place seemed different from the last forest.  Warmer.  He could see some squirrels chittering nearby.
[22:43] <Jan> The sound of stones grinding underneath the golem's feet alerted the squirrels long before the gun metal grey being stomped into the forest, fading mostly into the shadows as it simply explored for now.
[22:46] <Dracos> Moving in, he heard a series of rapid kweehs as he approached...
[22:49] <Jan> The golem tried to move softly through the underbrush, not wanting to knock over anything as it tried the impossible. Be not loud.
[22:54] <Dracos> He eventually came to this huge clearing with tons of large grasses.  There was some three footed footprints, like lots of some kind of animal had been here, but wasn't here now.
[22:58] <Jan> Jan shook his head as he came to a stop in the center of the clearing, kneeling down on one knee as he released his power. The iron skin glew red as bolts alongside his arms soundlessly dropped to the forest floor, steam flowing out of the iron giant as its form compacted and smoothed out, steel becoming flesh as Jan embraced his humanity once again.
[22:59] <Jan> He panted as he moved to sit on the grass. "Guess I spooked them." Jan sighed as he threw himself back to lie on the ground on his back, staring up at the sky.
[23:00] <Dracos> the sky was beautiful...  he could trace the clouds flowing through the sky overhead...
[23:02] <Jan> 'I wonder how much more easy it is living on this side.' The negotiator tried to remember his days back in Metropolis. Seemed almost like a dream at this point.
[23:05] <Jan> Jan's eyes grew heavy as he started feeling the haze of sleep descend on him.
[23:05] <Dracos> He saw a cloud that sort of looked  like a building...
[23:08] <Jan> Even as sleep claimed him, Jan thought he saw a faint patch of clouds shaped like wolves rush the building..
[23:14] <Dracos> *** back at the car....
[23:15] <Dracos> It'd been a while, the old man now up telling leets a story of these funny men called gnomes and their catapault stairs.
[23:17] * Leets stiffled a yawn, feeling his brain turing to mush as he tried maintain his attention. "How interesting," he said, wondering again what brought up this topic.
[23:20] <Dracos> Leets realized it'd been a couple of hours now and Jan hadn't returned.
[23:29] * Leets glances briefly at the clock before remembering it was broken. Sighing, he checked the sun's position. "So, Fizban, how'd it feel to meet your friend again?"
[23:30] <Dracos> He looked tired. "That young man should've found rest a long time ago."
[23:33] <Leets> "What's that mean?" asked Leets curiously.
[23:36] <Dracos> "He's a hero, Leets...he's an old hero."
[23:40] <Leets> "He seemed spry for his age though."
[23:41] <Dracos> He nodded. "Kender do that..."
[23:42] <Leets> "So if he's a hero, does that make you one too?"
[23:44] <Dracos> The old man laughed.  "You give high praise..."
[23:51] * Dracos nods.
[23:51] <Dracos> *<Fizban> *nods*
[23:52] <Dracos> The old man nodded silently, leaning back against the seat and going quiet.
[23:53] <Dracos> ***  Back to Jan...
[23:53] * Disconnected
[23:55] * Rejoined channel #wasteland
[23:55] * Topic is 'And now the cards get on the table.... | #wastelandOOC up | <Jan> Bikimono.'
[23:55] * Set by Dracos on Sat Dec 31 23:43:58
[23:55] <Drac-sleep> Jan woke to the sound of a curious 'Kweeeh?'
[23:55] * Drac-sleep is now known as Dracos
[23:55] * ChanServ sets mode: +qo Dracos Dracos
[23:58] <Dracos> [23:53] <Dracos> ***  Back to Jan...
[23:58] <Dracos> [23:55] <Drac-sleep> Jan woke to the sound of a curious 'Kweeeh?
Session Time: Sun Jan 22 00:00:00 2006
[00:00] <Jan> The negotiator cracked open an eye to peer out at the darkness of the forest.
[00:02] <Dracos> Well, he expected too perhaps.  Instead he saw the beek of one of the birds right over his face, looking down at him. "Kweh?"
[00:05] <Jan> "I'm not dead yet, so I guess you aren't a carnivore." Jan stated matter of factly as he returned the bird's stare.
[00:06] <Dracos> The bird responded by licking his face with a big tongue.
[00:07] <Jan> "Well, that was nice." The negotiator sputtered a bit as he awkwardly reached over to pet the giant bird on the side of the beak.
[00:09] * Jan pulled himself out from underneath the giant yellow bird and to a sitting position. He wiped the rest of the bird drool off his face with his sleeve. "Friendly, aren't you?"
[00:09] <Dracos> The bird stood up, and kweehed at him curiously.
[00:11] <Jan> "Oh yes, you don't run *now*. But when I walk in as my other form, you scatter." Jan stood up and looked at the bird levelly. "My name's Jan, what's yours?" He whimsically asked the giant bird.
[00:11] <Dracos> The bird blinked and just kweehed a few times.
[00:13] <Jan> "Indeed. Do you know what time it is, by any chance? I have a meeting with my friends in a car hours from here, and I'm most likely terribly late."
[00:19] <Dracos> The bird quirked its head and flapped a wing.
[00:21] <Dracos> It glanced around a bit.
[00:22] <Jan> "Anyway, I'd better go now. It's been fun talking to you." Jan patted the big bird on the head, smoothing down the feathers there.
[00:24] <Dracos> the bird nuzzled him back, pleased, lowering a bit to let him on its back.
[00:26] <Jan> The negotiator blinked at the bird. "Hm. You do look like you could hold a person. Oh, why not. You strike me as a clever enough fellow." He got onto the bird's back.

[18:54] Dracos:  At the end of last session, Jan had just managed to slip onto the back of a large almost horsesized bird that seemed tame to him.  It was getting late as he was intending to head back and catch up with Leets, the sun moving towards the horizon.
[18:54] Dracos:  The bird stood up, lifting him a fair bit off the ground, at around riding height for a large horse, the creature broad enough to be easy to ride, yet at the same time soft due to its feathers.
[18:56] *** Mary has joined #wasteland2.
[18:56] Velsper: Jan blinked, and tryed to nudge the bird in the general direction he had previously wandered in from. "Think you can get me over there?"
[18:59] Dracos: the bird 'kweeh'ed friendly-like, and started off at a gallop, the land passing under him much quicker than he'd come.  He could easily see how they'd cleared the clearing before he arrived.
[19:01] Dracos: He seemed a bit off course, but Jan could see the car in the distance.
[19:02] Velsper: The negotiator tried not to painfully clutch onto the bird as he calmed his nerves from the fast start. "Wow. Aren't you a fast one?"
[19:02] Dracos: The bird kweehed in response.
[19:04] Dracos: Leets could see now, in the distance, what looked like one of those  birds, with a rider now on it.
[19:04] * Leets blinks, grateful for the distraction as he tried to catch sight of who was on the bird.
[19:05] Velsper: Jan unsteadily lifted a hand up as he came closer to the car, waving it energetically as his hair was blown by the high speeds. "Can you slow down please?" He tried to softly tug on the animal to get it to slow down.
[19:07] Dracos: The bird quickly slowed to a more mild walking pace, moving towards where he was waving.
[19:08] Velsper: The pleased negotiator rubbed the bird's head in a friendly way in response.
[19:11] Dracos: The bird kweehed happily at that as he approached the little campfire that Fizban had set up and was sitting near.
[19:12] *** SirAlex has joined #wasteland2.
[19:12] Leets: "Jan? Those things are tamed?"
[19:15] Velsper: "His name is Kwee. And he's friendly enough if you treat him with respect." The negotiator hopped off the bird and petted it as he lead it to the car for a treat of freeze dried berries from his stuff.
[19:17] Dracos: The bird looked a bit curious at being called Kwee and followed behind him, licking up the berries before giving him another lick to the face.
[19:19] Velsper: "See? Friendly." Jan held back a sputter as he rubbed his face clean. He petted the animal's side.
[19:19] Dracos: Fizban smiled."Certainly seems like it...  I think they call that a chocobo...not that I've ever seen one before in person."
[19:20] Leets: "Yeah." Leets approached the bird, trying to appear nonthreatening. "So is this - Chocobo - native to this world?" he asked Fizban curiously as he reached to pet it.
[19:21] Dracos: "Is anything?" Fizban sounded wondering.
[19:23] Dracos: The bird seems calm enough as leets approaches.
[19:25] Velsper: "Act normally, Leets. It never helps if you try and force calm onto yourself." Jan advised.
[19:26] * Leets nods absently, visibly trying to relax as he pets the Chocobo.
[19:26] Velsper: The negotiator gestured at Leets and Fizban. "These are my friends, Kwee. The old timer is named Fizban, and the one trying hard not to be pecked is Leets."
[19:27] Dracos: Kwee answered with the most appropriate answer ever.  "Kweh!"
[19:28] Velsper: "When'd you hear about Kwee and his friends, Fizban?" Jan asked as he held onto the bird's side, looking over at the old storyteller curiously. "I never heard about Chocobo before."
[19:28] Dracos: "Old book somewhere...  don't remember that well..but that came back to me." He responded.
[19:32] Velsper: "Hm. Is that right..." Jan moved the bird closer to Leets since he was taking too long to touch the bird. "What were you all doing while I was gone?"
[19:34] Dracos: "Told Leets one of my old stories to pass the time," Fizban replied, not yet leaving his soft seat in the grass.
[19:35] Leets: "Yeah," Leets agreed distractedly, adjusting his reach now that the Chocobo was practically in his face. "It was... quite a revealation."
[19:36] Velsper: "Hey, Fizban. How come you're going to stick around with us? I've been wondering about it for a while. Just working on your next story with us as your main characters."
[19:38] Dracos: He tapped a chin. "That's a thought...more though...just felt like I needed to be here...  that it was something important." The old man intoned.
[19:38] Velsper: "I don't believe in fate."
[19:39] Dracos: "Neither do I." He agreed, remarkably strongly.
[19:43] Leets: "So what are we going to do with this Chocobo?" Leets asked, trying to break the silence. He gazed towards the truck of the car, and wryly added. "I don't think Yomi has a stable in his box to keep Kwee."
[19:43] Velsper: "Let's go. We need to put some distance between us and the chocobo herd before night comes." Jan patted the bird on the side. "Maybe we'll make sense of all of this when we find our first starstone."
[19:46] Dracos: Kweh well, "Kweeeh?" He looked curiously at Jan, staying there for the moment.
[19:46] Dracos: Fizban nodded, getting into the car.
Session Start (Dejatoon:#wasteland2): Sun Jan 22 19:55:03 2006
[19:55] *** #wasteland2: Leets SirAlex Mary Velsper @Dracos
[19:55] *** #wasteland2 was created on Sun Jan 22 19:51:19 2006.
[19:55] Dracos: The bird ate it happily and started off, leaving with quick strides.
[19:58] Velsper: Jan choose to get behind the wheel, looking after the chocobo as it raced off.
[20:01] Dracos: It seemed safe enough as it ran through the woods.
[20:02] Velsper: The negotiator started up the car. "Come on, Leets. Let's head out."
[20:02] * Leets nods and got into the car as well.
[20:05] Velsper: And so they drove off...
[20:06] Dracos: As they went, it steadily got more wooded, the driving a bit dangerous now, in the night with all these trees.
[20:08] Velsper: Jan looked around for a switch to flip to get some lights as he noticably slowed down through the woods. "Hm. Flip the radio on. I'm curious."
[20:09] Dracos: He found one, the bright lights helping a bit...the slowing helping a lot.
[20:10] Velsper: "If I ever leave like the others, I'd make a killing on the lumber industry."
[20:10] Dracos: "You'd cut this down?" Fizban wondered curiously.
[20:11] Leets: "I think he's a bit bitter about the others leaving our glorious quest for something or other."
[20:12] Velsper: "I'm not. I just wonder why you two don't leave now. I'm the one that really has no alternative, besides...you saw how that Tasslehoff was."
[20:14] Leets: "Was is probably the key word here," Leets muttered.
[20:14] Velsper: "Huh?" Jan blinked.
[20:15] Leets: "Let's just say I thought we've seen the weirder things Wasteland had to offer and leave it at that."
[20:17] Velsper: "Right...well, Mei-Ling and Clyde will have a better time finding their place in the world along Tasslehoff. Besides, Clyde struck me as having recognized Flint's name. Maybe they'll be able to help him."
[20:18] Velsper: Jan frowned as he reached over, flipping the radio on. "You two know you can leave anytime you want, right? Those wolves are getting more clever by the day. It might not stay this safe for long."
[20:22] * Leets shrugs. "Sure, I could go back to nice, safe New Reno. The only thing I have to worry about there is the occasional drive by shootings, gang fights, and assasinations. That's definately a lot better to be around then staying a set ahead of rabid ghost wolves."
[20:23] Dracos: "Mmm, I told you already, I do believe." The old man said sleepily.
[20:26] Velsper: "Who knew opening Pandora's Box would've brought about unintended consequences?" Jan muttered as he kept driving. "Oh well. Maybe someday we'll be considered heroes for this mess."

[16:34] Dracos: [19:24] <Dracos> The radio played sweet sweet silence as they drove, not picking up the least bit of a station.  Manuevering through the woods, they eventually came to see a tremendous castle in the distance, towering high... dozens of buildings (hard to make out at this range as well as the castle) seeming to be around it in the distance.
[16:34] Dracos: [19:25] <Dracos> The old man was sleeping in the back seat.  Pandora's box sitting nearby.  Leets and Jan were up front.
[16:34] Dracos: [19:25] <Jan> "That's...new."
[16:34] Dracos: [19:26] <Dracos> It was roughly early afternoon.  Whether by walking or driving, they could definitely make the castle by nightfall.
[16:34] Dracos: [19:26] <Jan> Jan's eyes widened fractionally as he looked over at the castle as they approached.
[16:34] Dracos: [19:26] <Leets> "So that makes how many time periods we've seen so far?"
[16:40] Jan: Jan shrugged.
[16:40] Jan: "We may as well be upfront with these people to a degree. I say we should drive the car close to the castle and just enter it on foot. What do you think?"
[16:41] Leets: "Probably for the best," said Leets, eyeing the medieval looking town. "They could be a bit xenophobic like the Vault citizens afterall."
[16:45] Jan: "It might just be an old looking place, but last thing we want is to be trampled down by knights...and considering how things work, blasted away by sorcerors." He continued driving towards town.
[16:47] * Leets spares a glance at Fizban, but declines to comment as the castle loomed closer.
[16:58] Dracos: As they approached, they could see the castle was surrounded by a large medieval era town...  In fact, they could see a few people a little outside of the town facing off in what...well, definitely looked like a duel.  Two young men in blue robes tossing fire and ice at each other with abandon, chanting odd phrases as a young woman looked on with a petulant and quite recognizable "Ugh, Men' look on her face.
[17:00] Jan: "Some things never change, even as time marches on." Jan sounded amused as he drove up to the crowd.
[17:10] Dracos: The duel seemed about ending as both mages got in a lucky spell....collapsing in a pile below as the young lady got up and then turned at the approaching vehicle. "Oh my..."
[17:14] * Leets waited for the car to come to a stop before exiting. "Hello," he said to the crowd politely, "sorry for the trouble."
[17:22] Dracos: "No trouble...what kind of thing is that though?  I've  never seen such a craft...is it a tank?"
[17:23] Leets: "Close enough. It's more of an armored car, really."
[17:23] Jan: "It kinda looks like it, doesn't it?" Jan peered out to look at the roof to the gun set up there as he threw in his two cents.
[17:24] Jan: Turning the car off after parking it, the negotiator hopped out of the car.
[17:25] Dracos: "What's a car?" The young lady asked, chanting and healing her two companions with a warm white glow from her hands.
[17:26] Jan: "It's a self propelled wagon." Jan tried to explain. "Doesn't need a beast of burden to pull it along."
[17:31] Dracos: "ah...so..you are engineeers?"
[17:33] Jan: "Our group's engineer had to leave to persue his own interests. We know enough to maintain the car, but that's it."
[17:36] Dracos: "Ah...  Hmm, the royal engineer might be interested in seeing it." She smiled. "oh, my manners.  I'm Kasumi." She offered a hand forward.
[17:37] Jan: Jan shook the woman's hand, patting himself on the chest a few seconds afterwards, "I'm Jan." Then gestured with his right arm towards Leets, then pointing to the sleeping Fizban, introducing them in turn.
[17:38] * Leets followed Jan's example, politely shaking the woman's hand and repeating his introduction, sparing only a moment to wake their sleeping companion.
[17:39] Dracos: "um, mind helping me carry bob and george here?"
[17:40] Jan: "Well, if your people won't freak out too much, we can load them into the car and drive it in..."
[17:40] Jan: The negotiator had already hauled Bob up, clutching at him with his left arm as he tried to balance the dead weight.
[17:41] Dracos: "Well, don't drive into the streets...the guards would sort of see that unpleasantly."
[17:41] Dracos: She slipped into the car.
[17:43] Jan: After getting both men into the automobile, and waiting for the others to get in, Jan started up the car and slowly drove closer to the castle.
[17:45] Dracos: "Stop here." She suggested, just a few steps to the town.
[17:46] Jan: Jan did as instructed as he brought the car to a stop and went about the procedures to make sure it didn't roll through town.
[17:47] Jan: "Okay, let's go." Exiting the car, the negotiator clutched at George and pulled him out of the vehicle.
[17:48] Dracos: As Jan stepped out, he noticed it seemed a bit humid... nicer than the desert had been.
[17:48] * Leets grabs Bob, though struggles a bit with the larger man.
[17:48] Dracos: She lead in, leading to a house in the town. "So where are you from?"
[17:49] Jan: "New Reno. A few weeks walk from here." Jan looked about, keeping an eye on Kasumi as he walked after the woman. "What did you do to these two after they blasted each other senseless?"
[17:50] Dracos: "Hmm?  I casted  Cure 2."
[17:51] Jan: Jan blinked. "What's that?"
[17:53] Dracos: "A white magic spell...do they  not have such where you come from?" She opened an unlocked door and stepped inside, pointing to deposit them on a couch.
[17:54] Leets: "Not that style of magic, no," Leets said, glancing at Jan and Fizban. "Nothing that specific anyway."
[17:56] Jan: "I don't do magic." Jan had obviously caught the mysterious lad's glance. "It isn't bippity boppity boo magic, at least." He deposited George on the couch.
[17:56] Dracos: It was about this time that Jan realized that fizban hadn't woken up to follow yet...
[17:57] Leets: "Never said you did THAT kind of magic now, did I?" Leets said, apparently holding back laughter at Jan's comment.
[17:58] Jan: "I'd better go fetch Fizban. Be back in a bit." Jan turned about face and went to go fetch Fizban. An secure Pandora's Box.
[17:59] Dracos: "So, where are you from?" She asked the young leets.
[17:59] Dracos: Fizban was found snoring away in the back seat, pandora's box safely under an arm.
[18:00] Jan: "Fizban! We've arrived ...someplace. C'mon, get up." The negotiator shook the old timer to wake him up.
[18:01] * Leets shifts uncomfortably. "Well, I moved into New Reno some time ago, though I originally came from a little farther away."
[18:03] Dracos: The man blinked. "What...we're in russia already?" He said sleepily.
[18:03] Dracos: "Hmm?  Where's new reno?" She asked leets, sitting down in a chair.
[18:04] Jan: "Nope. We've fallen into the medieval ages. Knights and mages and all that. I think you'd like this place."
[18:05] Leets: "Several days travel by our car," Leets said, gesturing vaguely to the south. "Possibly weeks on foot. It... isn't really a pleasant place, but it's still home."
[18:07] Dracos: He stepped out.  "Ah, I recognize this...this, this is...  Pittsburgh, right?"
[18:08] Jan: "Where?" Jan blinked, scratching his head in bemusement. "You want me to carry Pandora's Box? Or should we just lock it up tight in the car?"
[18:09] Dracos: "Mmm, we should keep it with us...it's not something to leave behind." He nodded seriously.
[18:12] Jan: "Hmph." Jan rapped loudly on the side of Pandora's Box. "What an annoying little trinket this box is turning out to be." He let out a put upon sigh as he took the box from Fizban. "C'mon, let's go find out more about this town from Kasumi. She's this girl we met who can heal wounds, apparently. Nice magic."
[18:12] Jan: He started back towards the woman's home.
[18:13] Dracos: "Ah, a cleric?" He asked, following.
[18:13] Jan: "I knew you'd be in your element here."
[18:14] Dracos: <Kasumi>"Hmmm...  You'll have to tell the king.  Our guards have been too busy since the incident to scout out...  but I've never heard of such a place"
[18:15] Leets: "I don't mean disrespect, but I've never heard of this place either."
[18:20] Dracos: "truly?"
[18:21] Dracos: "I thought Baron and our king was known across the planet."
[18:22] Leets: "The people usually fear the creatures roaming the deserts surrounding our cities, so few have gone as far as my travelling companions have."
[18:23] * Leets frowns, the cryptically adds, "At least none have returned to update our maps."
[18:23] Dracos: Jan and Fizban, at this point, arrived at the unlocked door.
[18:24] Dracos: "Mmm, deserts...That is odd...but then, nothing's been quite right for a while."
[18:25] Jan: "That's because nothing is right now." Jan chimed in when he entered, holding Pandora's Box in his hands as he leads Fizban in.
[18:27] Dracos: "Hmm?" The woman asked.
[18:28] Jan: "This world is a collection of well...everything. It's a patchwork planet."
[18:28] Dracos: "A...what?"
[18:31] Dracos: The woman looked confused.
[18:31] Leets: "Uhm... well, imagine several blankets of different colors and fabrics."
[18:31] Jan: "This world is made of choice bits and pieces of other planets. I'm from one world of gangsters and tommyguns, Leets there is from another where people seem to be apathetic goons that can't help their fellow man, Fizban here is from yet another where magic rules, and the box I hold is from the same world as this world's 'god'."
[18:32] Jan: "Seriously, consider how wildly divergent things have been, Leets. Desert just suddenly giving way to forest like that? It doesn't make sense."
[18:32] * Leets shrugs. "I gave up trying to make sense of this place."
[18:34] Dracos: fizban nodded, in slight agreement with jan, staying to the side.
[18:34] Dracos: "This...  you must let the king know this."
[18:36] Jan: "Hm. It'd be for the best. I'd like to know what the lay of this segment of the land is like. It probably came along with this castle."
[18:39] Dracos: "Well, I can lead you to the castle and explain to the guards there.  They'll likely let you through."
[18:40] Jan: "Hm. Can I trouble you for a place to rest for a while? I want to rest since I drove most of the way here. I'd rather not meet a king in this disheveled state."
[18:42] Dracos: "Well, my place is a little small but I could lead you to the inn." She nodded, standing and leading off.
[18:42] Jan: "What do your people use for currency?"
[18:43] Dracos: "Silvers."
[18:43] Dracos: OOC: That will remain the global currency, for my own sanities sake =)
[18:46] Jan: "Well, that's good, at least. We won't worry about money."
[18:47] Jan: "So, Ms. Kasumi, can you tell me about what happened here before things changed for all of you?"
[18:51] Dracos: "Well...  there was this huge earthquake.  Damaged most of the airships, I hear...  Then magic just seemed odd.  As if something fierce had changed...  and Snake's way was broken.  Torn asunder entirely, cutting us off from Mysdia."
[18:55] Jan: "Well, you all got out of this relatively unharmed, all things considered." Jan finally commented a few moments later, digesting the tidbit he had received.
[18:59] Dracos: "Yes, but we've been a bit worried  with no outside contact.  Usually at least someone sails up every week."
[18:59] Dracos: "Anyhow, here it is." She gestured to a medium-large wood inn, named the old tavern.
[19:00] Jan: "I see. Thanks for the help. Could you meet up with us tomorrow? We'll bring maps to show your king how things are in this world."
[19:01] Dracos: "Certainly." She nodded, heading back to her home.
[19:04] Jan: "You mind paying for the room for now, Leets? Hands full and all." Jan smiled amiably at the boy.
[19:06] * Leets nods and approaches the front desk, asking for the price of a room for three.
[19:08] Leets: After paying, they head to the indicated room
[19:09] Dracos: They made their way to a mediumish room, not too big, nor too small, with three beds in it.  Just enough room to talk or sleep, with a few chairs besides.
[19:10] Jan: The negotiator placed Pandora's Box off to the side. "What do you all think about this place?"
[19:10] Leets: "It certainly seems a bit cleaner then the places we visited before."
[19:12] Jan: "Do you think there's like an entire continent out there the demon dragged into this world?"
[19:13] Leets: "Well, you'd think that they'd be a bit more on edge if that happened, right?"
[19:15] Jan: "These people are mellow." Jan stretched out on his bed, kicking Pandora's Box open.

[19:37] <Iddy> <Dracos> They made their way to a mediumish room, not too big, nor too small, with three beds in it.  Just enough room to talk or sleep, with a few chairs besides.
[19:37] <Iddy> <Jan> The negotiator placed Pandora's Box off to the side. "What do you all think about this place?"
[19:37] <Iddy> <Leets> "It certainly seems a bit cleaner then the places we visited before."
[19:37] <Iddy> <Jan> "Do you think there's like an entire continent out there the demon dragged into this world?"
[19:37] <Iddy> <Leets> "Well, you'd think that they'd be a bit more on edge if that happened, right?"
[19:37] <Iddy> <Jan> "These people are mellow." Jan stretched out on his bed, kicking Pandora's Box open.
[19:42] * Retrieving #wasteland modes...
[19:44] <Dracos> The mystical box opened, pulling him into Yomi's study, looking much as it always did, save for the strange gold watch on the desk.
[19:45] <Jan> "Stop doing that!" Jan snapped, finding himself now lying down on the ground. He grumbled as he pulled himself to his feet.
[19:48] <Dracos> "Doing what?" Yomi flew out.  "Don't even knock anymore?"
[19:49] <Jan> "Why should I?" The negotiator huffed as he dusted himself off. "And don't you clean in here? What a mess."
[19:52] <Dracos> "I kind of lack hands." Yomi huffed back, glaring at him. "What do you want anyhow?"
[19:55] <Jan> "You could put that mouth to good use." Jan sniped back. "I don't know. I just wound up in here by accident when I kicked the box open."
[19:58] <Dracos> "Fuu, kicking my home now?  Yeah, that'd do it."
[20:00] <Jan> "Why don't you ever show up unless we practically drag you out of the box, anyway? One would think you're an anti-social ball of primordial ooze." Jan smirked as his eyes fell on the watch. "And what's that? The watch wasn't there before."
[20:02] <Dracos> "Hmm?  Don't know.  Didn't see it before either...possibly some mystical items...they tend to get drawn here from time to time."
[20:04] <Jan> Jan went to pick up the gold watch from the desk. "We're in a medieval town now. Think they'd burn you at the stake if you suddenly showed up?"
[20:06] <Dracos> "Nope.  I'm good at not getting burned." Yomi commented.
[20:07] <Dracos> It was a nice watch.  Well made, good gold, that sort of thing.  Closed at the moment though.  No ticking sound from it either.
[20:07] <Dracos> *lid closed
[20:08] <Jan> Jan tried to open the watch. "Well, we're talking to a king tomorrowish. It seems the demon from your old days hauled an entire town to this world."
[20:11] <Dracos> "Mmm...  It'd be bad if it was that far awake."
[20:12] <Dracos> The watch opened to a fairly odd sight.  Yes, it was well made but it had thirteen numbers with the clock stopped directly pointing at the thirteen with both hands.
[20:13] <Jan> "C'mon, let's go outside and talk to the others. It's best if they know." Jan blinked at the watch's insides. "Ooh yeah. Really weird stuff shows up in this box." He showed the watch to Yomi before they exited.
[20:18] <Leets> "Welcome back to the living," Leets said boredly as Jan finally left the box.
[20:18] <Dracos> Yomi popped out with him flapping around them. "Weird watch."
[20:19] <Jan> "Check it out, Leets." Jan handed over the watch. "Turns out that Pandora's Box is the treasure that keeps on giving."
[20:20] * Leets takes the watch, studying it curiously. "I don't know. This thing even work with thirteen hours running?"
[20:22] <Jan> "It might. In this strange place, we shouldn't discount it."
[20:23] <Dracos> "Quite right...could be a clue...but to what?" Fizban wondered.
[20:24] <Leets> "Still, I'm kind of curious now on what kind of world did Yomi come from where a 13 hour clock is used," said Leets, returning the watch to Jan.
[20:25] <Jan> "Not even Yomi knows where it's from. He says that the box seems to attract weird stuff into it."
[20:27] <Leets> "Kind of like the Wasteland does?"
[20:28] <Jan> "Hm." Jan suddenly grew silent as he looked at Yomi closely. "Why didn't you guys annihilate the demon in the old days?"
[20:33] <Dracos> "It should be...  Ark fought it by himself though."
[20:34] <Leets> "Even back then, you were excess baggage?"
[20:35] <Jan> Jan innocently whistled, having his thunder stolen and wanting to play the good cop for once.
[20:37] <Dracos> Yomi thundered, the room shaking. "Excess..BAGGAGE?"
[20:39] <Jan> The negotiator clutched at a nearby wall. "H-hey there...I bet you were an instrumental part of the war." He bit at his lip to try and resist the urge to continue. He failed. "For all the ten seconds you were in it, am I right?"
[20:41] * Leets blinks at Yomi, stunned at the outburst. "Can you blame me?" he asked rhetorically, regaining his wits. "You haven't really been much help since we met, and the way you talk about it, the hero seemed to have did all the work."
[20:42] <Dracos> he puffed up, the quake stopping.  "Of course I was instrumental.  I guarded the treasure, gave advice, was the trusted and loyal compatriot."
[20:43] <Leets> "You said earlier that a demon disguised as you did all that, and by the time you met the Hero, he already knew everything you could have told him."
[20:45] <Jan> Jan suddenly felt the need to chime in. "Well, that isn't really his fault either. He was trapped in the box. Which, by the way, I wish was designed smaller."
[20:46] <Dracos> "Not my design." Yomi shrugged as much as a floating winged thing could.
[20:46] * Leets sighs, conceding that point to Jan. "Still, Yomi even admitted he didn't need to do much since the Hero seemed to have a handle on everything by the time they met."
[20:48] <Jan> "Well, we're going to make Yomi pull his share in this adventure. Oh yes. Yes, you will." An evil look crossed Jan's features as he looked at the flying puffball.
[20:49] * Jan (Velsper56@dialup-4.240.150.165.dial1.phoenix1.level3.net) Quit
[20:53] * Jan (Velsper@dialup-4.240.177.187.Dial1.Phoenix1.Level3.net) has joined #wasteland
[20:56] <Dracos> "What's that look?"
[20:57] <Jan> "Because of you, we have those wolves on our backs! Don't act like you had nothing to do with it."
[21:00] <Dracos> "Not my fault.  I just guard the inside."
[21:01] <Jan> "You're going to become a pudgy guardian at this rate."
[21:03] <Dracos> "I don't eat.  I exist by sheer power of thought."
[21:04] <Dracos> "Such as, did you know that the square root of negative one could in be inverted into the z plane for calculating electronic frequencies?"
[21:04] <Leets> "Can't you use that sheer power of thought to convince the wolves not to chase us?"
[21:05] <Jan> "I think we've found our new engineer."
[21:09] <Dracos> "Nope."
[21:11] <Jan> "Then we're going to use your noggin' to our benefit, then." Jan stated as he sat down on his bed. "How are we going to word things to the king, anyway?"
[21:13] <Dracos> "Mmm?  Word things?  Explain?" He listened.
[21:14] <Jan> "The people here are obviously concerned about the fact they were cut off from other people in their world and dragged here. A 'cleric' we met wants us to meet their ruler and tell him the basics of where they are now."
[21:15] <Jan> Jan tapped his chin in thought. "We could probably find out about this section of land from their king in return. Maybe pick up a way to cross the ocean from here."
[21:16] <Dracos> "Mmm...  Well...why not tell the king the truth?  If they're already a bit aware, they might help you out."
[21:18] <Leets> "We could always just empty the box and give them Yomi," slying suggested Leets.
[21:19] <Dracos> "What'd that do?  I'd just blow their  minds with awesomeness."
[21:20] <Jan> "Someone has a high opinion of themselves." The negotiator snorted.
[21:20] <Leets> "But that's exactly what we could use if they decide to just take our information and not help us!'
[21:22] <Jan> "Can you bring out the maps, Yomi? We can show it to them so they can get a general idea of what it looks like now."
[21:22] <Dracos> "These?" He somehow held the maps Clyde had gotten earlier in his...wing?
[21:23] <Jan> "Yeah. Thanks." Jan took them from the puffball. "And now you're required to dust your box yourself, you slug."
[21:25] <Jan> Folding the map away into his vest pockets, he continued. "What are you all going to do? I'm going to see if people here can fix a flute of mine. I kinda want to see if there are knights hanging about."
[21:26] <Dracos> "Hey, I haven't seen you dusting it." it pouted.
[21:30] <Leets> "Knights?" Leets blinked, straightening up. "Why do you want to look for knights?"
[21:30] <Dracos> "Mmm...I'll wander about...see what's there to see.' Fizban nodded.
[21:30] <Jan> "It's a medieval town. I'm curious to see if there's knights."
[21:31] <Jan> "Let's hit up the bar downstairs, Fizban. I saw some bards, maybe they can teach you some new stories."
[21:31] <Jan> He turned towards Leets. "Want to come along to find some? Maybe they can give you a pointer or two for your sword."
[21:32] <Dracos> "Mmm, ann excellent plan, Jan." He stood and joined him.
[21:32] <Dracos> Yomi vanished noiselessly.
[21:33] <Leets> "Well, all right." Leets reluctantly agrees, leaving most of his unnecessary supplies behind and strapping the sword's hilt under his coat and around his back.
[21:33] <Jan> "Lazy puffball." Jan groused. "C'mon, guys." He lead the way downstairs.
[21:36] <Dracos> Fizban took the left as leets took the right, winging after Jan.
[21:39] <Jan> Jan went towards the barkeep downstairs, raising a hand to call his attention. "Excuse me, sir. We're new in town, and we were wondering if you could answer a few questions for us?" He placed a few silver before the barkeep.
[21:40] <Dracos> "
[21:40] <Dracos> "Sure, but no need for the silver."
[21:42] <Jan> "Nah, take it. I did offer in the first place." Jan had once again slipped into his cool and collected negotiator attitude as he continued. "My friends are interested in swordplay and stories, respectively. Could you tell us if there's anyone that teaches how to use a sword well? And who the best storyteller in town is?"
[21:43] <Dracos> "Well, no one can outfight the king, but if you're likely you might be able to convince one of the soldiers around town to give you a lesson."
[21:43] <Dracos> "And best story teller in town?"
[21:43] <Dracos> He rubbed his chin.
[21:43] <Dracos> "Probably old maid Martha."
[21:45] <Jan> "Where can we find Ms. Martha?"
[21:51] <Dracos> "Martha tends to hang around the fountain in the north side of town."
[21:53] <Jan> "One last question, is there anyone in town that can repair flutes?"
[21:56] <Dracos> "Flute repair..well, I know a few people that might but really, the best place for that is Damcyan."
[21:56] <Dracos> "But we haven't heard from them in a while."
[21:59] <Jan> "Who would in town?"
[22:00] <Dracos> "Mmm...  Janus the bard might."
[22:01] <Jan> "Where can I find him?"
[22:03] <Dracos> "Could drop back here at night.  He should be around.  Don't remember which house is his at the moment but he comes here often."
[22:05] <Jan> "Okay. Thanks for all the help." Jan turned away from the barkeep to face the others. "So there we go. You guys want to meet up later on tonight?"
[22:07] <Dracos> Fizban nodded. "Certainly...  we can explore the town in the meanwhile."
[22:08] <Jan> "I need to freshen up a bit from the drive. Need a nap for a bit."
[22:11] <Jan> "Catch you two later." The negotiator waved at the duo as he headed upstairs for a needed nap.
[22:12] <Leets> "See you, Jan." Leets waved, as he left the inn to explore the town.

[20:52] <Dracos> Leets headed off by himself following the inn discussion, hopefully to find someone to give him a lesson in swordsmanship.
[20:52] <Dracos> The city was already waking up in the mid morning, maids traveling around, villagers chatting around the fountains, guards near the gates and sometimes traveling  through the city streets.
[20:57] * Leets explored a bit, seeming to wander aimlessly, though he stuck to the crowds in his search for an off duty soldier he could talk to.
[21:01] <Dracos> off duty, there didn't seem to be, but one seemed to be circling the fountain a fair bit.  A broadshouldered young man in the red and gold that seemed to be the guard's colors.
[21:07] * Leets moved in closer, studying the circling guard and trying to see what weapon he was carrying.
[21:08] <Dracos> He had on his back... a SPEAR...  it was a fine spear, long, well polished, etc.  Truly, a warrior's weapon!  oh, and he had a sword strapped to his waist.  But it was plain compared to the nifty spear.
[21:11] <Leets> Not quite who he was hoping for, but maybe he had some information. "Pardon, sir?" Leets said when he got close enough for the guard to hear him.
[21:15] <Dracos> The man turned, looking around without seeing Leets.
[21:16] <Leets> Oops. Stepping back out of swinging or stabbing range, Leets relaxed his guard and hoped he was visible. "Down here, sir."
[21:17] <Dracos> "Hmm?  Oh, hello there.  Something the matter?"
[21:20] <Leets> "I wanted to ask where the soldiers usually go when they're off duty?"
[21:22] <Dracos> "Depends...  I usually head to the bar."
[21:25] * Leets nodded, making a note to circle back later. "Why do you carry both a spear and sword?"
[21:25] <Dracos> "Well, spears are cool, no?" He hypothized.
[21:28] <Leets> "Oh yes." Leets nodded, smiling innocuously. "You probably never lost a fight against a sword either, right, sir?"
[21:29] <Dracos> "Oh no.  The seargeant beat most the team black and blue in training."
[21:32] <Dracos> "He uses a sword.  So I picked one up too."
[21:32] <Leets> "Really? He trained all of you?"
[21:33] <Dracos> "Well, he trains all the new recruits."
[21:35] <Leets> "He doesn't take any personal students?"
[21:36] <Dracos> "Hmm?  I don't think so.  Never asked."
[21:37] <Leets> "Where can I find him then?" Leets asked curiously. "I want to ask him a few questions myself."
[21:38] <Dracos> "Well, he'd probably be at the castle."
[21:44] <Leets> "Thanks for your help, sir." Leets bowed, then made his way towards the castle. Though he kept an eye out for other guards.
[21:47] <Dracos> At the castle, he found two guards protecting the gate, one on either side.  the castle itself was a towering and impressive structure.  Hard stone built it stories into the sky, towering over him.  A large gate was its only visible entrance, made of thick looking oak.
[22:00] * Leets approaches the gate, calling out first so the guards would see him coming.
[22:03] <Dracos> "ho there...  You have business at the castle?"
[22:11] <Dracos> "ho there...  You have business at the castle?"
[22:12] <Leets> "Uh, yes. I heard from one of the guards that I could learn swordsmanship from someone here?"
[22:14] <Dracos> "Hmm?  So young?" The one on the left, an older man leaned down a bit, heading towards him.  "You want to join the guards, boy?"
[22:17] <Leets> "Well, I was really hoping to find someone to teach me how to use this," he said, showing the hilt of said weapon, "and it sounded like there was no where else to learn."
[22:18] <Dracos> "Hmm?  lemme see that." The man asked.
[22:19] * Leets hesitates, but passes the sword to the guard.
[22:22] <Dracos> The man looked over it and whistled.  "This is a pretty fine sword...  where'd you find something like this?"
[22:23] <Leets> "In the desert. I thought I could sell it, but it turned out to have better uses then pocket change."
[22:23] <Dracos> The guy eyed him.  "You found a blade  like this just lying around in the desert?  Surprised it isn't ruined."
[22:24] <Leets> "Well, it was a little rusted, but it was still pretty useful until I was able to get it fixed up," Leets lied slightly.
[22:30] <Dracos> "Well, what are you training for it for?" He sounded curious.  "Not much need to fight around here."
[22:33] <Leets> "Not much around here," agreed Leets, "but then, what do you have to guard against if there was no reason to fight?"
[22:34] <Dracos> "Emergencies, boy." He smiled.
[22:35] <Leets> "So then, why can't I train in the sword in case of an emergency?"
[22:36] <Dracos> "Smart mouth on you...  I guess I can take you to watch the guards train."
[22:37] <Dracos> He turned, opening the gates and leading in.
[22:39] <Dracos> The man lead into a courtyard eventually, a few young guards training under a grizzled looking old man with red hair and a few scars along his arms.  "Now you can sit here and watch."
[22:43] * Leets said a quiet "Thanks" as he sat down to watch.
[22:45] <Dracos> The seemed to be practing basic swings and blocks at the moment, the older man going over their form and generally very sternly ensuring that it was  good.
[22:50] <Dracos> After a while, he dismissed them, the young men starting to head off.. as did the commander...
[22:51] * Leets hurriedly stands up, calling to the commander before he left.
[22:53] <Dracos> "Huh?" The man turned, not spotting Leets.
[22:54] <Leets> "Down here." Leets pretended to wave as if trying to catch the man's attention while concentrating on being seen.
[22:57] <Dracos> "Hmm?  Who are you...and how'd you get in here?" He spotted  leets.
[22:57] <Leets> "M'name's Leets, sir. The guards at the gates let me in here to watch the training."
[23:01] <Dracos> "Ah...  interested in swordplay, Leets?" He raised an eyebrow.
[23:06] <Leets> "A bit, yes."
[23:16] <Dracos> "Mmm, so young too...  what for?" He asked curiously.
[23:18] <Leets> "I just feel like I might need it," Leets said vaguely.
[23:19] <Dracos> "here, lad?  well, if you care to join the guards, I can teach you plenty when you're older."
[23:47] <Leets> "Well, I wasn't really planning on staying here," mumbled Leets. "My companions and I are kind of adventuring."
[23:49] <Dracos> "Adventurers?  Truly?"
[23:49] <Dracos> "At your age?"
[23:51] <Leets> "Yes, for the last few months actually."
[23:55] <Dracos> "Well, I guess I could spare a bit to see.  What do you know so far about sword fighting?"
[23:57] <Leets> "Not much, I'm afraid. I haven't been able to get anyone to train me in it."
[23:59] <Dracos> "Mmm, well, I can go over the basics..."
[23:59] <Dracos> And so began leets training...

[21:12] <Dracos> A week had passed since the group had arrived at Baron, and just that morning, they awoke to a knocking at their door.
[21:14] <Jan> Jan went to answer the door, noticing that no one else seemed aware enough quite yet. "Hello?"
[21:15] <Dracos> "Hello there.  Got a message for you folks."  The innkeeper's friendly voice greeted him.
[21:17] <Jan> The negotiator opened the door a smidge, "From who?" He curiously asked.
[21:18] <Dracos> "The king."  He offered a fancy looking envelope.
[21:20] <Jan> "Huh, I guess Kasumi got through to him." So saying, he threw open the door for the inn keep. "Thank you." He handed over a few silver to pay for the man's work as he took the envelope away from him. Opening up the envelope, he began to read the contents to himself.
[21:21] <Dracos> "Hmm, you folks are sure generous." The innkeeper shrugged and headed back downstairs.
[21:23] <Dracos> "Dear Travelers from afar,  I am told that you've recently arrived in our fair kingdom of Baron and are seeking transportation.  I may be able to accomodate you there, but I would much appreciate first hearing both of your quest and your travels.  Bring this letter to the guards at the castle, and they will let you in."
[21:28] <Jan> "Suit up everyone. The king has invited us to discuss our adventure. He says he may be able to provide transport to our destination, so we have to make a good impression."
[21:34] <Dracos> Fizban yawned. "Good impressions, eh?"  He adjusted his hat about as regally as he could manage.  It still looked shapeless and like it lost a fight with a boulder...or fourty.
[21:34] <Dracos> "Well then, let's get going." He walked over and waited by the door.
[21:35] * Leets throws on his best ensemble from his limited wardrobe and follows.
[21:35] <Jan> Jan gathered everything and slung his pack carrying Pandora's Box over his shoulder. "You have the maps Leets, right?"
[21:36] <Leets> "Yeah, they're in my bag."
[21:37] <Jan> "He'll probably want to see those, so make sure to keep a good grip on them." The negotiator led the way out of the inn and towards the castle.
[21:39] <Dracos> And so the party of three made their way through the town, coming to same towering castle Leets had been traveling to for a few days now.  The guards stopped them before the gate.  "Your business, sirs?"
[21:41] <Jan> "We were invited for a royal audience." Jan showed the guards the invitation.
[21:42] <Dracos> The older one looked over it and nodded.  "Welcome travelers to Baron.  I'll guide you to your audience." He opened the gates, leading through the majestic castle to the throne room.  "Wait here a moment.  I must notify the king and queen that you have arrived."
[21:43] * Jan nods in response as he hefted his backpack a bit more securely on his person.
[21:43] <Jan> Looking around, the negotiator took in their surroundings. "How old do you think this place is?"
[21:44] <Dracos> Fizban hmm'ed.  "Two... four hundred years old abouts?"
[21:53] <Jan> "Has its own history before it came here. Man, this world is messed up, dragging people in just to fill itself up."
[21:53] <Dracos> "Truly." He nodded.
[21:57] <Jan> "I wonder if there's any method to the demon's madness."
[21:57] <Leets> "If there is, it's probably beyond our comprehension."
[21:58] <Dracos> The door opened again.  "He will see you know...".  The door behind them opened as he said this, revealing another guard leading what looked like a cowboy right out of the wild west in.  "Oh, is another audience going on at the moment?"
[21:59] * Mary walks in, shifting the saddlebag on his shoulder a bit, his other hand hovering near his hip.
[21:59] <Mary> "Uh, howdy all.. Ya'll here for 'tha king, too?"
[22:01] <Dracos> "Indeed we are." Fizban turned, nodding at the cowboy.
[22:01] <Jan> Jan blinked at the newest introduction into this bizzarre world. "Knights and cowboys...hoo boy."
[22:01] <Mary> "Any a' ya'll know what what this place is... Other'n the fact it's a castle.."
[22:02] <Dracos> Mary saw, before him, an old man, dressed in strange gray robes and all with the strangest beat up old hat he'd seen.  To his left, was a younger man, who...
[22:04] <Jan> Dressed in dark slacks and a pressed white collared shirt with a brown vest over it, the younger man who had responded to Mary's greeting was looking rather haggard and looking a bit ill at ease at the cowboy's arrival. The man's dark eyes swiftly and calculatingly took in the cowboy's appearance and mannerisms before his stance relaxed.
[22:05] <Jan> "Welcome to the Wastelands. My name's Jan. This old timer is Fizban, and the kid here is Leets..."
[22:06] <Mary> "Wastelands? Looks pretty green ta me.. And hi to ya'll, Mr. Fizban.. Uh.. Leets.."
[22:06] * Mary eyes the group cautiously, not quite trusting his surroundings yet..
[22:07] <Dracos> The guard who had lead them in coughed. "Sirs, the king is waiting.  Mr...?" He looked at the cowboy.
[22:24] <Mary> "Merrick.. Name's Mr. Merrick."
[22:35] <Dracos> "Well, Mr. Merrick, you can wait in the audience hall and I'll inform the king afterwards."  The guard turned and lead into the king's audience hall.
[22:37] <Dracos> Before them were a number of guards and advisors.  The room nicely decorated, with a bit of a martial tone to it all.  A red carpet led up to the thrones where sat a middle aged man, his purple hair streaked with gray as his eyes looked kindly, yet penetratingly at them.  There was power in his frame as he sat dressed in light armor, looking every bit the warrior king.
[22:38] <Dracos> To his right, sat the queen, a woman who could easily pass for being in her late twenties, dressed in a simple yet elegant white dress, her blonde hair in a ponytail behind her.
[22:39] <Dracos> The guard moved forward.  "Announcing the travelers from abroad, my liege."
[22:41] <Jan> Jan bowed low to the royals. "The pleasure is all ours, your majesties. My name is Jan Smith, and these are my traveling companions, Fizban and Leets."
[22:42] * Leets bows in respect, adding his own greeting to Jan's.
[22:45] <Dracos> Fizban bowed as well...his hat falling right off and revealing his white and scraggily hair.  He scampered after it a bit as the king raised an eyebrow.
[22:46] <Dracos> "I am King Baron...  though I prefer to be addressed as Cecil.  Now, I am told you have news of the world outside?  Our own scouts have been somewhat hampered of late."
[22:58] <Jan> "I can tell you that you're no longer in your world of origin, your majesty. Leets, can you show him the maps?"
[22:59] * Leets walks up to the king and pulls some rolled up maps out of his bag, then unfurls then and shows them to the king.
[22:59] * Mary stares on, mouth dropping open a little and his eyes going wide and as silently repeats the words, "no longer in your world of origin"
[23:02] <Dracos> "Hmm?"  He looked over the maps. "This is...quite a claim.  COuld you elaborate?"
[23:07] * Jan places Pandora's Box on the ground in front of the group. "This is one of the artifacts used to slay the demon from a previous war. There's a man in the audience chamber that wields weapons advanced to this age. We also have a vehicle just outside the castle much too advanced for your world's level of technology."
[23:11] <Dracos> He frowned.  "I have heard of your vehicle...  some kind of tank?"
[23:14] <Jan> "Hm. You could call it that. It has less armor than a tank, but has much more mobility in exchange. Regardless, the demonic force behind all this is slumbering beneath the desert sands of a giant lifeless area southeast of here. Scattered throughout those wastelands are five towers which are tied to the demon's power. We're trying to secure them before the keys to the towers are used foolishly."
[23:15] <Dracos> The man leaned back. "I see... this is quite a quest, though I am in the dark on this.  Are you saying we were all brought here by a demon?  For what purpose?"
[23:17] <Jan> "We don't know. It may be beyond our comprehension as to why, as my friend Leets here said. What we can do is prevent it from returning."
[23:27] <Dracos> "mmm... So, you're searching for the keys to these towers to seal the demon away?"
[23:30] * Velsper is now known as Jan
[23:33] <Jan> "We're going to use the starstones to return life to our part of the world. Maybe there's other parts in this great big planet that need that power as well.."
[23:36] <Dracos> "Hmm...  What about the demon?  You said something about him waking?"
[23:38] <Jan> "If someone goes in with the starstones without knowing what they can do, they may very well inadvertently free the demon."
[23:41] <Dracos> "So you came here hunting one?"
[23:41] <Dracos> He surmised.
[23:42] <Jan> "It's past the ocean, so we'd need a ship, yes."
[23:43] <Dracos> "Hmm, our main aerial navy is out of commission at the moment... at least as far as I know.  Guard, go fetch Cid."
[23:47] <Dracos> A few moments later, a gruff, broad looking man, oil up his arms and steelly gray hair entered the room.  "What's up, Cecil?  I told you, it'd take time to get them back up and up after that kind of damage."
[23:48] * Mary eyes the new-commer, sizing him up.. And realizing he'd be in for one hell of a fight with him..
[23:49] <Dracos> Cecil smiled.  "now, now, Cid...  Something important's come up... do we have anything that can get across the ocean at the moment?"
[23:51] * Mary continues eyeing 'Cid' and the small group he met earlier.. Not having expected to come across so many tough fights all at once and rubs his fingers against his palm..
[23:52] <Dracos> "Eh...  well...  The Rydia was out in the docks when it happened..  she'd be seaworthy."
[23:53] <Jan> The negotiator moved closer to the cowboy as the king and newcomer talked. "How good are you with those firearms of yours?"
[23:54] <Mary> "Good enough ta take care of myself since I was young enough ta hold one."
[23:56] <Jan> "You got any plans yet? My group is in need of some extra fighters at the moment." He began.
[23:57] <Dracos> "Well, then... how about it?  I can't give it to you, but I can loan you it for a bit."
[23:57] <Mary> "Fighters? To do what? Go after a demon? I dunno if you're the insane one for sayin' it or me for bein' here ta hear it!"
[23:59] <Jan> "I've seen you hearing in, so you should know that we're not going after a demon. We're just going to get the stones so some half cocked idiot doesn't release the demon with them. Besides, I'll tell you what I've told the others, you can leave whenever you want, and when you do, I'll have my person draw you a copy of our maps so you can find your own way."
[23:59] <Mary> "Mister, I don't know what the hell is goin' on here, but I want ta know.. I go ta sleep hidin' from a posse, wake up in a jungle, see a giant chicken, and find a castle... What the hell is goin' on?"
Session Time: Mon Feb 06 00:00:00 2006
[00:00] <Jan> "Hell if I know." Jan honestly replied. "But I know things are just going to get more infuriatingly confusing if we let this go on for longer."
[00:02] <Dracos> "Hmm?  Who are you?" The king wondered at the cowboy.
[00:06] * Mary snaps his head around to the king.
[00:07] <Mary> "Er.. Name's Mr. Merrick, sir. 'Suppose I'm kinda like like these folks here.. I just woke up here from a diffrent place with no idea of what's goin' on."
[00:07] <Jan> "I'm just offering him a moment of stability in exchange for his services." Jan pleasantly smiled.
[00:09] <Dracos> "Hmmm, this is quite a strange turn of events.."  The king pondered.
[00:16] <Jan> "That is has." Jan turned towards Merrick. "So how about it? Or do you require that I pay?"
[00:17] <Mary> "I 'sppose I'll head out with you.. Though how far I go is up ta yer answers ta my questions."
[00:20] <Jan> "Works for me. We'll drop you off at a village with a copy of the maps we have too."
[00:21] * Mary holds out his hand for a shake.
[00:22] <Mary> "Sounds like a deal, partner."
[00:22] * Jan firmly takes the cowboy's hand in his and gives it a shake as he smiles. "Good good. Sounds like they're about ready with our passage out of here."
[00:27] <Dracos> Cid laughed.  "Good kids, I see...  anyhow, what do you need one of our boats for anyhow?"
[00:31] <Jan> "We're going to cross northwest through the ocean. There's a starstone in that direction. Best get the ones that are relatively unsecured."
[00:34] <Dracos> "Mmm, well, can't get you there the fast way... but Rydia should get you there safe and sound.  Anyhow, I'll get it ready to go." He headed out.
[00:36] <Jan> Jan turned to face the royals with another bow. "Could I ask for one last favor? Our car probably won't be able to make the journey, is there any way I could leave it here, your majesty?

[21:14] <Dracos> Cecil regarded them. "Your vehicle, that is?  We could look after it."
[21:22] <Jan> "Thank you very much. Is there anything we can do to repay you?"
[21:23] <Dracos> "In my life, I've found the greatest reward is to see to it that evil is cut out at the root, so worry not."
[21:32] <Jan> "I have a question, your highness. I've heard mention of something called an airship. If I may be so bold, I'd like to know what those are?"
[21:34] <Dracos> "Ah, the pride of Baron.  They are ships, like boats that sail in the sea, except they fly through the skies above."
[21:35] * Jan blinked at that. "They got damaged in the transition to this world, then?"
[21:37] <Dracos> "Mmm, that's one way to put it yes.  The underground docks caved in, damaging them."
[21:37] <Jan> "Hm. You've ever heard of Chocobo?"
[21:40] <Mary> "I ain't ever heard of nothin' like that."
[21:40] <Jan> "Those were the giant chickens you were talking about earlier, Mary." The negotiator explained as an aside.
[21:40] <Mary> "Them big ass things? The hell are they for? Eatin'?
[21:40] <Mary> "
[21:41] <Dracos> "Of course not.  Chocobo are tame and relatively noble animals.  They are excellent transportation."
[21:41] <Mary> "Transpor--what?"
[21:41] <Jan> "I was carried by one. Really strong legs. They can sprint for miles."
[21:42] <Mary> "Carried.. Ya mean like a horse?"
[21:42] * Jan nodded towards Mary. "Exactly."
[21:42] <Mary> "... I think I'll stick ta horses."
[21:42] <Mary> "I ain't ridin' no giant chicken."
[21:43] <Dracos> "mmm?  What's a horse?" The king wondered audibly.
[21:44] <Mary> "It's an animal. They run wild, an' ya catch em and break em. Toss a saddle on it and teach it an' ride it. It's got four legs, and a mane 'a hair."
[21:45] <Dracos> "Well, that sounds similar enough to Chocobos." He nodded.
[21:46] <Jan> "So they're native to these lands, King Cecil?"
[21:46] <Mary> "All the same, I'll stick ta my horse.."
[21:47] <Dracos> "Yes.  They live in the forests around the kingdom."
[21:48] <Jan> "Hm. How many miles did we drive from the start of the grasslands to the castle, Leets?"
[21:58] <Leets> "I think it was over 300 miles since we hit the grass," answered Leets.
[21:59] <Dracos> "What is this..miles?"
[21:59] <Dracos> The king didn't seem to recognize that unit of measurement.
[22:00] * Jan tries to do the math in his head.
[22:01] <Leets> "A measurement where we come from. About... 5280 times this?" Leets holds his arms apart in a rough estimate of one foot length.
[22:03] <Jan> "Around two hundred times the length between the castle gates and the exit to Baron, to be precise. That's taking into consideration the distance from Baron to the end of your land."
[22:03] <Dracos> "Hmm...  So what was over there?" He didn't seem to get the point.
[22:04] <Jan> "That's what I'm thinking the boundaries of your kingdom are on that map. You can tentatively add a third of that distance to the boundaries on the north, west, and east."
[22:09] <Dracos> "And what is beyond there?" The man asked curiously.
[22:10] <Leets> "A few major cities of different ideologies in the middle of a vast desert."
[22:14] <Dracos> "Hmm.  Fellow cities adrift here?"
[22:19] <Leets> "Well, a lot of the people we've met on our travels originally thought they died before they came here, and we never really asked if the towns they settled in were brought there by an outside force or were built after they arrived."
[22:21] <Jan> "I think the three cities in the desert beyond this area were all originally from the same place. They share common histories, for starters. There's talk of a war before we arrived, and the land was destroyed by scientific weapons."
[22:22] <Jan> "Could you tell us if there's anything to be gained in this land beyond the airships and magic?"
[22:22] <Dracos> "Gained?  In what sense?" He seemed odded by the phrasing.
[22:24] <Jan> "Well, nothing else makes sense to me. A demon never does anything productive like creating worlds. It just isn't something I'd think a demon would do."
[22:24] <Jan> "It has to be drawing elements in for a reason."
[22:25] <Dracos> The old man pondered.  "What if it wasn't drawing them though?"
[22:27] <Jan> "The towers exist. Isn't that enough to show the demon is around? How else could they have shown up unless the demon consciously extended its power to this world?"
[22:27] <Dracos> "Therein is a riddle, isn't it?" The old man considered.  "Think about it...  A demon doesn't do something productive like that."
[22:30] <Dracos> "Indeed." The king agreed. "If Mysdia was still here, we could try to divine the answer."
[22:39] <Jan> "This world has a very demented creator, then."
[22:40] <Dracos> "Hopefully not... either way, we're here now.  We must see what can be done." The king responded.
[22:46] <Dracos> "Now... you were asking about what can be found in Baron?"
[22:46] <Dracos> "The only thing I can think that anything of evil might draw on here is snake way...which is broken now anyhow."
[22:48] <Jan> "If you like, I can tell you about the cities in our part of the world. Might help diplomatically ease things between you."
[22:49] <Dracos> "That'd be most helpful." Cecil's eyes brightened at that. "As mentioned, we haven't been able to spare guards to explore at the moment."
[22:52] * Jan began to explain the general schools of thought behind each of the three Wasteland cities, going into great detail about how they were ruled and managed at a glance, and the type of people that lived in each city.
[22:52] <Dracos> hours later...the three headed out of the castle, night already beginning to fall on the medieval city of Baron.
[22:55] <Dracos> It struck them that they probably should've checked about getting a meal as they were getting rather hungry.
[22:57] <Jan> "Barwards!"
[22:57] * Mary stretches and yawns.
[22:57] <Mary> "Yeah, after that, I need some whiskey.. And somethin' ta eat too."
[22:58] <Jan> "They should have some scraps left, hopefully. I need something to soothe my throat."
[22:59] <Dracos> So, heading back towards the inn, they  found the bar in back rather crowded, many townspeople enjoying a dance by a local young lady.
[23:03] <Jan> Jan walked up to the barkeep, raising a hand to draw the man's attention.
[23:04] * Mary leans against the bar next to Jan and scans the bar room.
[23:06] <Dracos> The youngish looking barkeep headed over. "Greetings, Sirs.  What would be your pleasure this evening?"
[23:07] <Mary> "Whiskey."
[23:08] <Dracos> "Mmm... What's that?"
[23:08] * Mary sighs.
[23:08] <Mary> "Jus' bring me whatever will get me drunk the fastest."
[23:09] <Dracos> "Ah, Dwarven Hammer then..."
[23:09] <Dracos> He got out this strange iron clad cask and filled up a heavy mug with it.
[23:10] <Jan> "Weaker stuff for me. You have any grub left, by the way?"
[23:14] <Dracos> "Sure, thing...we've got some Roitissere sandwiches tonight if you want them."
[23:18] <Jan> "Yeah. Four of them please."
[23:19] <Dracos> Soon enough, they had drinks and sandwiches while they were sitting at the bar.  Mary found that the 'Dwarven Hammer' as they called it did sort of deserve the name...  or at least, it had a high enough alcohol content to make him wonder why they served it in a mug.
[23:20] <Jan> "From here, we just go across the sea and get the starstone." Jan tapped his fingers on the table as he ate and observed the crowd.
[23:23] <Dracos> The mage seemed a bit gone, singing a little into his mug.
[23:23] <Dracos> The crowd milled about, chattering amongst themselves in a rather lively manner.
[23:25] * Mary keeps drinking, taking the time to relax.

[21:19] <Dracos> At the end of last session, the group had gathered in the inn, drinking and partying the night away.  They had a SHIP... to sail across the Sea.  Or would shortly anyways, if the king held his word.  Early in the morning, they were greeted by one of the town guard, sent to fetch them to the docks, where  they were greeted, much to Mary's dismay, by the breeze of the fresh sea air.  A large wooden ship was docked against the pier with a single
[21:20] <Dracos> walkway lowered  down for entrance to the docks.
[21:20] <Dracos> The engineer from yesterday, Cid if they'd heard right, was overseeing the final preparations with both gruffness and speed.
[21:21] <Dracos> "Here you go sirs, Cid will take it from here." The young guard waved on, heading back to his other duties.
[21:22] * Merc is now known as Felix
[21:34] <Leets> "Well, at least the ship looks safe," commented Leets, looking over the vessel as he walked across the docks.
[21:34] <Dracos> Mary didn't take too kindly to the notion of it, looking a bit green without even getting on.
[21:35] <Dracos> "Mmm, probably won't sink." Fizban agreed.
[21:35] <Dracos> The engineer turned, hearing them. "PROBABLY won't sink?" He stormed up to the group. "Looks safe?  I'll have you know you'll be as safe as a babe in a mother's arms riding in the Rydia."
[21:37] * Leets fidgetted under the glare; offering an apology. "I've just never seen a wooden ship in my time," he said, trying to excuse his caution.
[21:40] <Dracos> "Really?  you must've lived in the boonies or such.  Don't worry, Baron's ships are the sturdiest you'll find around."
[21:43] * Leets nods distractedly, not really having the heart to mention steel ships that would barely fit these docks.
[21:46] <Dracos> The man smiled. "This boat" He gestured broadly. "Can hold fifty men inside and food for a couple of months."
[21:47] <Leets> "So who are the 40-something men who volunteered to go with us?"
[21:48] <Jan> "What was the boat named after? You and the king seem awfully fond of it. Was it a friend?"
[21:50] <Dracos> "Rydia of the Myst.  An old friend.  She adventured with Cecil and I back in the day."
[21:52] <Dracos> "Mind if we go ahead and board, Mr..Cid was it?" Fizban added in.
[21:53] <Jan> "Will you come with us? I don't think anyone in the group is good at piloting a ship."
[21:54] <Dracos> "Can't.  Got to work on fixing our aerial navy.  I'm sending an assistant along to pilot it though.  His name's george.  GEORGE" He gestured, shouting.  A younger man with a mop of blonde hair dressed in loose fitting engineers overalls headed over to the side of the boat. "Yes, Boss?"
[21:54] <Dracos> Cid turned back around. "That's him.  Just tell him where you'd like to head and he'll handle the whole steering part of it."
[21:55] <Jan> "Thank you for all the help, Mr. Cid. If there's anything we can do for your assistance..."
[21:58] <Dracos> "Naw, boy.  Just keep what you're doing.  Keeping this." He gestured to Baron. "Safe is reward enough."
[21:59] <Dracos> "Anyhow, off to work."  He stormed off with quick strides, fit for a man half his age.
[22:01] <Jan> "I like him." Jan announced as he turned and headed onto the ship.
[22:03] <Dracos> Fizban helped Mary along, half steadying, half dragging him onto the boat, where he promptly took a place on the side.  Apparently dwarven hammer very strongly disagreed with him.
[22:04] <Dracos> "So, boss two, where do you want to head out to?" George offered a hand forward in greetings.
[22:06] <Jan> Jan smiled and took George's hand in a firm grip and gave it a shake. "My name's Jan, and we're going north."
[22:07] <Dracos> The man shook back. "Well then...Alll aboard..."  He tossed off the ropes, heading to the steering wheel as the ship began to drift and turn with a mighty groan in the waters.
[22:10] <Jan> The negotiator introduced the others in turn to George, and once all the intial introductions were done began exploring the ship.
[22:11] <Dracos> The ship was pretty large, having three floors, the bottom of which had a kitchen and a few store rooms.  The second and first both were mostly filled with quarters.
[22:13] <Jan> The negotiator claimed one of the quarters for himself and Pandora's Box promptly, throwing his maps and scribbling down the new information on Baron.
[22:13] <Jan> And where it generally was. He took the time to scribble down the ruins of the Kender's village as well.
[22:15] <Dracos> Solace and baron were both detailed on the map...which filled a few minutes of time.
[22:15] <Jan> He finished by adding the wolf village to his map before popping open Pandora's Box.
[22:18] <Jan> Returning a few minutes later, the negotiator was now carrying one extra Yomi on the shoulder. "We need to introduce you to George too. C'mon."
[22:18] * Retrieving #wasteland modes...
[22:18] * ChanServ sets mode: +qo Dracos Dracos
[22:18] * Dracos changes topic to '#wastelandOOC up | <Jan> Bikimono. | Kweeeeh. | There are no gunblades here.'
[22:18] * Jan wanders back up top. "George, here's the last member of the crew. Yomi, George. George, Yomi."
[22:21] <Dracos> "Hey!" Yomi greeted in the way of creatures held tightly.
[22:21] <Dracos> "Um...that a monster?" He stared at it, brandishing his.... MIGHTY WRENCH!
[22:22] <Jan> "He's all of our great-great-something great granddaddy, if he's to be believed." Jan blandly responded.
[22:23] <Leets> "He certainly acts like a monster though," muttered Leets in passing as he walked by the group; just loud enough for Jan, George, and Yomi to hear.
[22:23] <Dracos> "No, no, no.  No smiting Yomi." Yomi complained, struggling a bit, but not zapping jan quite yet.  "And I am not your great-great-something great granddaddy.  Not only is that not enough greats, but I am simply what humans looked like long agoo."
[22:24] <Jan> "Humans in the old days really had a rough lot."
[22:25] <Dracos> Yomi glared at Leets appearing in front of him suddenly. "BOO"
[22:25] <Jan> "Come over here, Leets!" The negotiator waved the younger over.
[22:26] * Leets retreated quickly from Yomi's vengence, tripping over some ropes with a crash. He glared at his floating antagonist before turning his attention to Jan. "What is it?"
[22:27] <Jan> "I was wondering how far along you got with your sword training."
[22:35] <Leets> "I don't have to worry about losing my own head, if that's what you're asking."
[22:37] <Jan> "Want to keep practicing? I can focus on my power so things don't blow up, and you get something that won't die or be broken if its hit by the sword."
[22:39] <Dracos> "Woah, woah...  Try and keep the fighting down.  I don't want to do field repairs>"
[22:39] * Leets eyes Jan. "He has a point. Can this ship even handle the other-you?"
[22:40] <Jan> "How much weight can the ship handle, George?"
[22:42] <Dracos> "Plenty usually, why?"
[22:44] <Jan> "Have you heard of a golem? My power lets me turn into one."
[22:45] <Dracos> "Not familiar with that kind of monster...what's it like?"
[22:47] <Jan> "Yeah, probably not, then. Like three times my size, made of iron."
[22:48] <Dracos> "Mmm..yeah, let's not.  That'll probably put a hole in the deck at least."
[22:51] <Jan> "I'm not good with these medieval weapons, but get whatever space you want for sword practice, Leets."
[22:51] * Leets glances at George. "Is there any place to do that?"
[22:54] <Dracos> "Sword practice?  Yeah, do it on forward deck."
[23:06] <Dracos> Weeks passed as they sailed on the seas, eventually coming to this small chain of islands to the north, a chilly breeze running through as George called them up with a 'Land Ho'.
[23:10] <Jan> Jan looked up from where he was contemplating an upside down fish on the side of the boat. "Now I know why they skip around in epic stories. Long periods of nothing happening are so *dull*."
[23:17] <Dracos> "Now now, isn't the sea relaxing, boy?" Fizban chirped in, heading towards the front to peer at the islands in the distance.  Seemed to be a few of them, with the boat currently headed towards the big one in the middle.
[23:18] <Jan> "I don't like being unproductive. Just when I want to use my powers, I wind up in the middle of the ocean." The negotiator snorted.
[23:19] * Jan moved to help get the ship ready to dock.
[23:19] <Dracos> "Keep an eye out for any cities.  We could dock off the shores, but it'd probably be better to dock in the cities."
[23:20] <Jan> "Yomi! Fly up and give us a bird's eye view!"
[23:22] <Dracos> "Sure..."
[23:24] <Dracos> Yomi grumbled about being used as a scout, but flew up high...  "There's a big city on the south west coast."
[23:28] <Dracos> "Roger." George called out, driving the boat towards it... soon they were docked on the edge of town, a number of fishmen pointing to the ship and chatting among themselves.
[23:28] <Jan> "Biscuit?" Jan offered to the primordial flying puffball.
[23:30] <Dracos> "Don't really need to eat." Yomi responded.  "And I'm not a pet." It puffed up as it flew down, heading back into its box.
[23:30] <Dracos> "Well, about time to disembark.  I can keep the ship here if you think you'll need a ride back."
[23:31] <Jan> "Most likely."
[23:35] <Dracos> As they were sitting there prattling, they could see guards in bright golden armor heading towards the ship.
[23:35] <Dracos> Likely called by the fishmen.
[23:35] <Dracos> *fishermen
[23:37] <Jan> Jan went to go meet the guards, "Salutations, city guards."
[23:37] <Dracos> "Namesday, travelers.  Do you seek to park your ship here?"
[23:40] <Jan> "Is there another place we can weigh anchor? We don't mean to intrude, but we don't know the lay of the land yet."
[23:41] <Dracos> The guards discussed a bit. "Travelers, you may  park your ship here temporarily.  But you will need the permission of the king to leave it here for any length.  Welcome to Silmaria."
[23:48] <Jan> "Thank you, but where is the castle located? It'd be for the best if we met the king as soon as possible."
[23:49] <Dracos> "Come with us." The guards indicated, leading off through the small city.
[23:50] <Jan> "Please wait a second. I need to bring along my companions."
[23:50] <Jan> Jan went to fetch whoever was up and about.
[23:53] <Dracos> Mary was sleeping, but he put together quick a party of old man fizban and shifty thief leets.

[21:32] <Dracos> Heading out with the pair of guards, they noticed one thing right away.  This city, like each of the others so far, was as different from them as night from day...  While in some ways it looked like the same era of city as Baron, there was significantly more stonework.  More relevantly...not everyone was human.
[21:35] <Dracos> As they moved past the fisherman, they began to notice a man with hind end of a lion and a large mostly gray mane watching them from atop one of the buildings.  A young catwoman danced on the side of the road, piping to draw attention to the nearby stand.
[21:37] <Dracos> Across from her as they wove through the various trade stands that were out was...  well, he looked to be sort of a magician of kind.  Tallish with a slender frame and well groomed black hair, he was dressed in a tuxedo style suit, complete with top hat as he performed for a small audience of townspeople.
[21:44] * Felix takes a bow as he finishes his act, holding the hat in his hand against his chest as he bows. "Thank you for your kind patronage, my friends, I hope you all enjoyed the show!" he says warmly as he rises again, flipping the hat with a flick of his fingers, letting it twirl in the air before it lands comfortably atop his head. A poof of smoke and all his props disappear, leaving only a leather suitcase behind him. "I hope to see you
[21:45] <Felix> "I hope to see you all again in the future!"
[21:46] <Leets> "Well that was interesting," said Leets, having seen the magician's closing performance.
[21:47] * Jan had been watching at the sidelines at the time, their trip having been stalled as the guards had wanted to see the performance of the catgirl. "At least somethings are normal."
[21:47] * Leets eyes Jan blankly. "You're still expecting normal?"
[21:47] <Jan> "I'm the eternal optimist."
[21:48] * Jan went to flick some silver into the stage magician's hat.
[21:51] <Felix> "Thank you," Felix replies happily to all the people offering claps and money. He raises an eyebrow at the clothing Jan and Leets wear, so different from everyone else, and much closer to his own style of clothing, noticing the pair as Jan tosses him some silver. 'Curious...' he starts thinking.
[21:52] <Dracos> Finally moving on past him, they were lead over a moat, past a large marble building that seemed quite..secure from the outside and up the stairs.  Heading across a large field they came to..the palace, a magnificant looking structure...not quite as big as Baron's or, at a glance,as well guarded.
[21:53] <Dracos> Two guards stood out front, quickly conversing with the arriving ones. "We will take you in, travelers." One said authoritatively. "Please seal any weapons or leave them here."
[21:53] <Jan> Jan ran a hand through his hair as he walked towards the guard, reaching into his vest and drawing out his twin revolvers with a flourish. "Here." He handed them to the guards. "Don't squeeze the triggers too hard."
[21:54] * Leets zips his weapons back into his bag and adjusts it so it's out of his immediate reach.
[21:56] <Dracos> "I will keep them safe." The guard acknowledged, placing them in a nearby strongbox for that purpose.  "One moment." The other guard headed inside, then returned and gestured for them to follow...
[21:58] * Jan gives the guard a nod before wandering inside.
[21:58] <Dracos> Mere moments later they were standing in a grand audience hall, A towering cenataur standing to the right of the throne, a sense of experience and wisdom in his eyes.  Sitting on it was a fairly young man, atheletic looking with combed blonde hair and in fact, more of a leather jerkin than a king's outfit.  He did wear the crown on his head though, so he was clearly the king?
[21:59] <Dracos> Next to him was a young woman, dressed in a lovely dress and...floating partially off the ground?  She had long brown hair and seemed to be gazing into their souls as they stood there.
[21:59] <Dracos> The cenataur moved forward. "I am Logos, speaker of Silmaria.  In the name of our king, I greet you travelers from a far off land."
[22:03] <Jan> "I'm Jan. Jan Smith." The negotiator sketched a bow towards the group, expression growing cool and composed before the woman defensively.
[22:06] * Leets bows, trying to be friendly to Smith's defensiveness. "People just call me Leets."
[22:07] <Dracos> "Fizban." The old man said simply.
[22:09] <Dracos> "Now, travelers..."  "Logos, Logos..."  The king waved, standing up and glancing briefly at the woman at his side who nodded, smiling.  He turned fully towards them, stepping forward, his motions graceful, possibly a warrior.  "Now travelers, I am of the understanding that you need to dock here.  For this, I request a simply, your purpose here?"
[22:10] <Jan> "Stopping a demon from waking up."
[22:11] <Dracos> "An important task.  Mean you any harm here?" Logos looked somewhat mortified, but clearly the king wasn't one for mincing words.
[22:12] <Jan> "Not at all."
[22:14] <Dracos> "Then good luck in your quest.  May I suggest checking in at the local adventurers guild." He waved them off, sitting back down.
[22:16] <Dracos> The guard came up, gesturing to follow.
[22:22] <Leets> "Excuse me, sir?" Leets addressed the king one last time. "But are there any local legends about jewels or stars?"
[22:23] <Dracos> "More than I'd know...mmm, if you want to ask about that, ask FA over at his school of adventuring.  He knows more legends in that regard than anyone."
[22:26] <Leets> "Thank you then." Leets bowed and joined the waiting guards.
[22:26] <Dracos> The guards led the trio out to the gates, leaving them there.  It was now mid afternoon.  Mary would probably be getting over his hangover hopefully, and there was plenty of daylight to explore the town by.
[22:31] <Dracos> "Well, where to now friends?" Fizban turned to them.  "Shall we check up on Mary?"
[22:32] * Leets reluctantly nods, apparently not looking forward to seeing the gunman recovering from his hangover.
[22:33] <Leets> "Might as well. Maybe we can find out where this school is too."
[22:34] <Dracos> Fizban nodded, leading down through the town and back to the ship...
[22:37] <Dracos> The group found Mary in bed, still in his quarters below deck...  Perhaps some fresh air would do him some good...
[22:37] * Mary groans and rolls over on his side.
[22:44] <Jan> "Are you still alive there?"
[22:45] <Mary> "More alive than you'll be, iff'n ya keep yellin' like that.."
[22:45] <Dracos> "He's not yelling." Fizban commented softly.
[22:46] * Mary grunts.
[22:46] <Mary> "Sure feels enough like it.. 'Suppose I outta face the day, though.. Food?"
[22:47] <Jan> "Out in the big, wide, loud world."
[22:47] * Mary grunts and sits up, putting on the rest of his clothes.
[22:48] <Jan> "Do you think getting the demon drunk on Dwarven Hammer would let us win, Leets?" Jan softly asked as an aside to the thief.
[22:49] * Mary grunts and and slings his gun belt on before heading to the door.
[22:50] <Mary> "Which way's the food?"
[22:51] <Jan> Jan remembered some of the stalls where he had seen the magician sold food. "Thatta way." He pointed, leading the way for the gunman.
[22:53] <Dracos> Heading down the docks they made their way into the plaza where indeed, there were a few stands selling food, most notably the one near the dancing catgirl did, an older one selling cooked food there.
[22:55] <Mary> "Anyone know which one is good?"
[22:56] <Leets> "The pizza looks familiar," commented Leets, looking over the stalls. "As long as it wasn't alive before."
[22:57] <Dracos> Jan saw some pizza...what looked like gyros, lots of fruits and vegatables, some meat dishes... quite a variety really.  Though they could always check out other stands.
[22:57] <Dracos> The guy at the stall noticed their attention smiling warmly and waving them near.
[22:57] <Jan> "Junk food is a universal concept, I guess."
[22:59] <Mary> "Pizza? What's that?"
[23:00] <Jan> "Baked dough with meat, cheese, and tomato toppings, essentially."
[23:00] <Jan> The negotiator went to try a slice out for himself.
[23:00] * Mary looks at Jan oddly..
[23:01] <Mary> "You sure that's what I should eat?"
[23:01] <Jan> "You should probably eat a sandwich. It probably would help a bit."
[23:02] <Dracos> The vendor seemed to have two versions, a peperoni and an artichoke.  Whichever Jan ate, they weren't half bad.  Well made for working off a brazier.
[23:02] <Mary> "Eh, pick somethin' fer me, since ya'll know what's what.."
[23:03] <Leets> "You prefer meat or vegetable?"
[23:04] * Jan orders Mary a ham and cheese for Mary.
[23:04] <Jan> *sandwich
[23:05] <Mary> "Meat."
[23:05] <Jan> "Pizza would be too greasy for him right now, most likely."
[23:05] <Dracos> "Ham and cheese, sir?" The cat man pondered. "An interesting combination.  Let's give it a try." He worked, producing such a sandwich for Mary.
[23:06] <Jan> "Try heating it up slightly. Just enough to melt the cheese."
[23:06] <Dracos> He nodded, putting it between tongs and lightly toasting it over the brazier before offering it on a plate.
[23:08] <Felix> Taking a break from his shows, Felix walks into the area seeking to vanquish his own hunger when he notices the group, now joined by...a cowboy of all things. Curiosity getting the best of him, he approaches the group, stopping at the vendor they're crowded around so as to make an order for himself.
[23:08] <Jan> "Do you know where we can find the school of adventuring?"
[23:10] * Mary picks up the sandwhich and begins eating it..
[23:10] <Mary> "Mmm.. Not too bad, actually.."
[23:10] <Dracos> The vendor smiles at Felix. "What would you like sir?"
[23:10] <Dracos> "Oh, you want to go there?  Adventurers are you?"
[23:12] <Jan> "Something like that. King recommended it to us." Jan half nodded to the magician, recognizing him from before.
[23:13] <Dracos> "Ah, yes... he's a very nice man.  Always paid in full." The merchant responded cheerfully.  "I think he studied there once.  Well not there, since its a correspondance school, but of there."
[23:13] <Felix> "How much for the pepperoni?" Felix asks the vendor, while acknowledging Jan's half nod with his own.
[23:15] <Dracos> "Tweleve silver." He responded.
[23:16] <Jan> "So, where is it?" Jan gently reminded the vendor.
[23:17] <Dracos> "Oh, near the docks. Just head east along the beach and you'll see it.  It's near the gate to science island.  Has a big sign on it."
[23:17] <Jan> "Thanks."
[23:18] * Felix sets the required money on the table. "A pepperoni then," Felix requests.
[23:19] <Mary> "So, who's he?"
[23:19] * Mary motions towards 'the new guy' as he keeps eating.
[23:20] <Jan> "No need to be rude. He could just be a sore thumb sticking out in these medieval surroundings who decided to join us for a slice of pizza."
[23:20] * Jan calmly eats his own slice of cheese pizza.
[23:20] * Mary grunts.
[23:20] * Felix smirks. "Sore thumb? If anyone's the sore thumb, it's the cowboy. I'm just a lost magician, trying to make an honest living until he can figure a way home," Felix replies. "And your group?"
[23:22] <Jan> "People who are used to meeting tons of lost people."
[23:23] <Dracos> The vendor gestured. "You might be more comfortable over there...after you pay of course." He indicated towards them.
[23:24] <Dracos> Felix was shortly in posession of a pepperoni pizza on a plate.
[23:25] * Jan nods and moved on, chewing his pizza as he went.
[23:27] <Dracos> Heading over there, there's a few marble benches.  Perfect for sitting, eating, and talking.
[23:28] * Jan chose to stand!
[23:29] * Retrieving #wasteland modes...
[23:29] * Dracos changes topic to '#wastelandOOC up | <Jan> Bikimono. | Kweeeeh. | There are no gunblades here. | Jan chose to stand!'
[23:30] * Felix on the other hand sits for his meal, having followed after Jan. Taking a bite of his own meal, he asks, "So if you meet so many lost souls, you wouldn't happen to know just -why- they get lost, would you, young man?" after swallowing.
[23:31] <Jan> "I do. I'm trying to figure out why we never meet any cute lost girls on the way."
[23:32] * Felix laughs. "Perhaps you will yet. Still, if you don't mind, would you care to enlighten me then?"
[23:32] <Jan> "Hm. To put it simply, this world is a magnet." He continued eating. "It pulls all sorts of things here."
[23:38] * Felix shakes his head. "Let me guess, it used to only pull mismatched socks, car keys and tv remote controls, but then the magnet got stronger and started pulling in bigger things, like people. How vexing."
[23:39] * Joins: Shukuen (Dinh@24.6.70.63)
[23:39] <Jan> "Not a large enough scale. It's powered by a demon. Continental pulling is going on."
[23:39] * Shukuen is now known as Shukuen_
[23:40] * Quits: Leets (Dinh@c-24-6-70-63.hsd1.ca.comcast.net) (Ping timeout)
[23:40] * Shukuen_ is now known as Leets
[23:41] * Felix finishes off another bite of his pizza as his conversation partner speaks. "A demon?" Felix asks, raising an eyebrow before shaking his head. "Well, I don't suppose I should be surprised after some of the sights I've seen here."
[23:41] <Dracos> "You just arrived here?" Fizban asked curiously.
[23:46] <Felix> "I've been here in town for a while, long enough to get past the shock of such strangeness even. Had to start and make something of a decent living, so the shock had to go," Felix answers with a frown. "Bloody well wouldn't mind going back home though."
[23:47] <Leets> "I don't know about that. This place sort of grows on you."
[23:47] <Dracos> "Well, I don't know if we can help you there." The man sounded older than usual.
[23:47] <Mary> "You an' me both.. I still don't know what the hell's goin' on 'round 'ere."
[23:47] * Jan finishes off his pizza, wiping his mouth clean as he stretched. "Ah. At least you never met homocidal swordsmen with wings, or plasma blasting floating men."
[23:47] * Jan privately wondered if he was starting to sound like a crotchety old man at this point.
[23:48] <Jan> 'Back in my day you'd have to wander through miles of desert and punch mutated scorpions in the face with your fist.'
[23:49] * Felix laughs. "Such vast opinions. Well, it is an interesting place, but much harder to make a living than back at home."
[23:51] <Jan> "You landed in a calm place. Believe me, there's much worse places you could've wound up." The negotiator shrugged. "So far there's no way we've figured to go home. All we're going is making sure this place doesn't get blown up."
[23:55] <Dracos> Fizban finished off his pizza, sitting with them quietly and enjoying the cool breeze.
[23:55] * Felix nods. "I overheard you mention something about the adventuring school. Hoping to gather for some comrades to fight this demon, I suppose?" he asks politely, hoping they're not offended by his eavesdropping, though guessing they shouldn't be considering where they were speaking.
[23:56] <Jan> "Nope. Just trying to find out about local legends on starstones."
[23:58] <Felix> "Well, I wish I could help, but I can't say I've heard of starstones since my arrival, and believe me, I've kept my ears open."
[23:58] <Jan> "We have to try." The negotiator merely nodded in response.
Session Time: Sun Feb 26 00:00:00 2006
[00:02] <Dracos> "Planning to stay here, Mr...?"
[00:04] * Felix finishes his pizza and gets up after wiping his hands clean on a napkin. "Felix DuCartes," Felix answers as he flips his hand, a business card appearing. "And yes, I'll be around this area, as I really don't have anywhere else to go. If your group finds itself needing any assistance I can offer though, I'll gladly offer it."
[00:05] <Jan> "If you find anything out, check out the Rydia over in the docks."

[21:10] <Dracos> At the end of last session, our stalwart pizza eating team had savoured the deliciously toasty offerings provided by the local cat-guy merchant.  Meeting an intripid magician during the meal, they agreed to share information on the starstones if either found any on them, before the magician, Felix, went on his way.
[21:10] <Dracos> Now, having finished the meal, the well fed party be ready to...travel the town?
[21:14] <Mary> "So, what'a ya'll been doin' while I was out?"
[21:15] <Leets> "Scaring the king with horror stories of demons of the underworld."
[21:15] * Mary stares at Leets for a second..
[21:15] <Jan> "Don't need to paint things so bad. We just had to convince him we needed permission to dock. He recommended going to the adventuring guild."
[21:16] <Jan> "Best way to do that was by telling him why we're on this adventure." Jan shrugged.
[21:16] <Mary> "Sounds like more fun'n a boot to tha' face, at least.."
[21:16] <Jan> "I don't think he would've reacted to even that. Very mellow king."
[21:16] <Leets> "He might have reacted better if you were a little less blunt."
[21:17] <Jan> "Nah, he was a pretty direct guy too. You shouldn't mince words with them."
[21:18] * Mary grunts.
[21:18] <Mary> "Yeah, sayin' it right out is best. Gets it outta tha' way."
[21:18] * Leets eyes Jan wryly. "I didn't say hide the truth. I said be less blunt. I mean, does the guy really need to know the world will end if he doesn't help us?"
[21:22] <Jan> "What better way of getting someone to help?" Jan smiled.
[21:23] <Leets> "Any way would have been better then blackmail." Leets said, rolling his eyes, though his tone was good natured.
[21:26] <Dracos> "We should check out this...adventurer's guild, was it?" Fizban suggested.
[21:30] <Jan> "Works for me. I'll go ask around for directions." Giving a nod to the stage magician, the negotiator went to fetch them the location of the guild.
[21:31] * Mary shrugs.
[21:31] <Mary> "I ain't got nothin' ta do.. 'Suppose I might as well start earnin' my keep."
[21:34] <Dracos> Jan was quickly able to get directions from the same guy they'd bought pizza from.  He was happy to point them in the right direction and commented on the fact the king used to spend a lot of time there.
[21:37] <Jan> "Mellow Camp is that way." Jan gestured for the others to follow as he lead the way. "Seems the king used to go there."
[21:38] <Leets> "...Mellow Camp? What kind of adventurers go to a mellow camp?"
[21:40] <Jan> "I just call it that because of its relation to the king. It's been a while since I've seen someone act so laid back." Jan cheerfully explained.
[21:40] * Leets mimic's Mary's earlier action and stares at Jan for a second.
[21:43] <Leets> "How far away is the guild anyway?"
[21:43] <Dracos> Heading away from the plaza, they traversed a simple clay path over the river, coming to what they'd been told was the adventurer's guild.  It was a fair sized building, made of marble and hewn stone as seemed to be much the custom here.  It's door was shut, but the lights were on inside and it was still early.
[21:53] <Jan> Jan opened the door, figuring that as long as it was the day, there'd be no big deal.
[21:53] <Jan> "Hello there?" He entered.
[21:58] <Dracos> "More guests?"  A bellowing voice responded.  "Come in, come in."  As jan entered he walked into a large guild room.  Along the walls were the heads of dozens of beasts, each with a plaque under them.  To his side and back, he saw some boards with paper and writing on them.  "Ah a new face."  Only two people were in the room other than him at the moment, a towering beast of an individual, brown furred, a minotaur right out of legend stood,(cont)
[21:59] <Dracos> a dangerous looking axe at his side.  Beside him, probably formerly in conversation with him, was a short but well armored female with wild orange hair.  a bit wider around, though she looked human enough, if humans were half as tall as normal.
[22:01] <Jan> "My name's Jan. I'm sorta the leader of this little group, I guess. We came here on advice of the king to see if you knew about starstones?"
[22:01] * Mary stares at the minotaur for a moment before eyeing the woman and whistling low to himself and muttering under his breath.
[22:02] <Dracos> "Starstones?  Toro not know anything about starstones.  Who would want to put a star in a stone?" The beast answered.(cont)
[22:02] <Dracos> "Probably some magic artifact or something.  Greetings, Jan.  I'm Mazzy, a fellow adventurer just making a stop here for the moment.  New in town?"
[22:03] <Jan> "Pretty much. We got here by ship just a few hours ago."
[22:04] * Mary eyes the woman for a few more moments, speaking under his breath, before watching the minotaur again.
[22:04] <Mary> "That's some kinda' woman.."
[22:05] <Dracos> "Lots of new faces." Toro smiled with a wide bovine grin.  "New adventurers should sign guildbook.  Keep record."
[22:05] <Dracos> "I can hear you, sir." The woman raised an eyebrow.
[22:06] * Mary scratches the scruff of his neck.
[22:06] <Mary> "T'wern't no insult, lady."
[22:07] <Jan> Jan walked up to sign the guildbook. "Guess we should probably just stock up on supplies again, I guess. Unless either of you two know anyone who knows about magic artifacts?"
[22:08] * Mary waits to sign the book last..
[22:09] <Dracos> "Toro knows king.  King very smart.  King probably know.  Toro also know old man.  Old man very old.  Old man very old but comes here every day to exercise.  Say he leaving soon.  Old man know great stories."
[22:09] * Leets signs the book after Jan.
[22:09] <Dracos> Mazzy shook her head.  "Yeah, toro's right.  You probably should see old man FA."
[22:09] <Leets> "Where's FA right now?'
[22:10] <Dracos> Fizban jotted down his own signature right after.
[22:10] * Mary signs his name and shuts the book, then leans against the wall, resting his hands on his pistol grips.
[22:12] <Dracos> "He'd probably be at his house.  It's along the beach, big place with 'Adventurer's correspondance school' above the door.  Hard to miss really.  He's a bit of a kook, but if anyone would know something about your 'starstone', he probably would."
[22:17] <Jan> "You guys have correspondance schools for adventurers?" Jan looked at the two a bit disbelievingly.
[22:18] <Dracos> The minotaur shrugged.  "Toro not do it.  Toro think it weird.  King say he did it long time ago.  Toro not sure, but king strong.  Stronger than Toro."
[22:18] <Dracos> "Yeah, I don't know about that either." Mazzy concurred. "But that's what he calls the place and he certainly has a lot of books on the subject."
[22:20] * Mary raches into his coat and pulls out a cigar, lighting it with a match from his pocket and settles in against the wall, listening to the conversation.
[22:21] <Jan> "Takes all kinds." Jan blinked. "I have a question for you two, was there any earthquakes recently? Or anything not working? Magical things and the like."
[22:23] <Dracos> "Toro not notice anything.  Been peaceful since King become King."
[22:24] <Dracos> "Same abouts." Mazzy chimed in.  "This place has been about as peaceful as can be of late."
[22:28] <Dracos> "So where you folks from?" Mazzy inquired.
[22:32] <Jan> "We got the ship from Baron, southeast of here over the sea. We met Mary there." He nodded at the cowboy. "The rest of us started in a vast desert even further south of there."
[22:33] <Dracos> "Hmm, haven't been or heard of those places myself."
[22:34] <Dracos> "Toro from Spielburg."
[22:42] <Jan> "Funny thing is that we only have humans in the places we're from. Even as far as Baron, all we had were animals and humans...and the occasional demon."
[22:42] <Dracos> "Mmm, Baron must be far away then, unless you got lost in a spell squall or something."
[22:43] <Jan> "What's a spell squall?"
[22:45] <Dracos> "A strange storm with enough magic in the air to teleport an entire ship.  Rare though, but I've heard of 'em."
[22:48] <Jan> "I don't think we've ever run into that. I've lived all my life just surrounded by humans even before I went to the desert."
[22:57] <Dracos> "All human?  Toro think that boring."
[22:59] <Leets> "I don't know about that," grumbled Leets under his breath. "Humans can be rather random at times."
[23:05] <Jan> "That's life for you. Anyway, it was fun talking to you two, but I think we should head out and talk to FA before it gets later. Good bye for now." Jan smiled at the two helpful people and gestured for the others as he left for the correspondance school.
[23:09] <Dracos> Traveling out, they headed around the bend and down to the beachfront coming to the large building that was, as proudly proclaimed, "Famous Adventurer's Correspondance school of Adventuring."
[23:12] <Jan> "It's all about location." Jan tried the door.
[23:16] <Dracos> The door was open as he stepped into...wow, that was a lot of books.  Jan had been in libraries before but sheesh, there were stacks of them, shelves virtually overflowing on every topic imaginable from how to swim to the seduction of atlantian beauties.  In one corner was a rather large desk, mostly covered with books where fast and purposeful pen strokes could be heard as an old man wrote away.  He was dressed in white with some kind of(cont)
[23:19] <Dracos> cap on his head.  His hair was long and white and despite his age he had a sort of vigor about him.  A vim and energy that drew the eyes and sort of brought him to focus.
[23:23] <Leets> "Excuse me, but are you this FA the adventurers guild spoke of?
[23:23] <Jan> "Hello there." Jan smiled at the head of the school. "My name's Jan, and we were sent here by the adventuring guild when they couldn't help us. They told us you know quite a bit about magical artifacts?"
[23:25] <Dracos> "I've picked up a number of things in my time, lad." He looked up from his book, sheathing the pen in an inkwell with natural grace.
[23:31] <Jan> "Have you ever heard of a starstone before?"
[23:32] <Dracos> "Mmm...I suppose you don't mean a stone from the heavens?"
[23:40] <Jan> "The starstones are golden stones that are the keys to demon towers."
[23:47] <Dracos> "Sit sit.  Demon towers?  ARe you perhaps referring to the demon towers of absanith?"
[23:52] * Jan moves to sit down. "The starstones seem to have a spark of good in them despite it, though. Maybe creation would be a better term. The last person who gathered them used them to seal a demon that can create entire worlds."
[23:58] <Dracos> "Mmm, that doesn't sound very familiar.  I'd suspect I'd know such a tale.  Mmm...so you're questing for them?"
[00:01] <Jan> "Yes, we tracked one of them down to someplace close to this land, but we're pretty much stuck here without any leads now."

[21:19] * Mary sits down, shifting his gun belt into a comfortable position.
[21:24] <Dracos> "Mmm, strange weapon there." The old man noticed.  "Hmm...  Well, you're at a bit of an impasse.  If I don't know of it, odds are it might as well not be here in Silmaria.  Are you sure you're in the right place?" He tapped his chin, thoughtfully, eyes gleaming a bit.
[21:24] * Mary glances down at his pistols and shrugs.
[21:25] <Mary> "They get the job done, sir."
[21:27] <Dracos> "I'm sure they do."
[21:29] <Jan> Jan pulled out Pandora's Box from his pack, setting it down on the ground. "Well, I'd need to ask Yomi. Give me a second." Popping it open, he was drawn within.
[21:34] <Dracos> He found himself within study within the box.
[21:35] * Mary stares at the box and shifts around a bit..
[21:36] <Dracos> "Hum... some kind of warped space box?" The old man raised an eyebrow, not very surprised at all.
[21:37] <Jan> Moments later he was spit out of the box alongside Yomi.
[21:37] <Leets> "Something like that," agreed Leets. "It's home to a primordial being."
[21:39] <Jan> "You sense anything nearby, Yomi?"
[21:40] <Dracos> "Yeah.  There's definitely one near this island."
[21:41] <Jan> "Are there any places nearby where we can check, FA?"
[21:43] <Dracos> "Hmmm, a mystic item that I don't know about...  there's an off chance Erasmus might have what you're looking for, but he doesn't really like uninvited vistors so your best chance is to ask the king...  but then, that feels like a wild goose chase, and any adventurer worth their salt knows a fetch quest only runs three not four passes.  So...  brave enough to face your fate?"
[21:51] <Jan> "We made it this far. What do we have to do?"
[21:53] <Dracos> "No, no, I mean literally.  If this stone evades your eyes...perhaps it would be best to ask the oracle.  It lives north of here, though is dangerous in its own respects, to know your own future is a heavy burden, after all."
[21:54] * Jan looks at the others. "I don't particularly mind carrying another burden, but what about you guys?"
[21:55] * Mary sighs and rubs his eyes.
[21:55] <Mary> "Sure, but I better get 'ta shoot somethin'. I got some steam 'ta work off."
[21:57] <Dracos> "Shoot?  If you seek hunting, best to travel around the island.  I'm certain some beast will give you plenty.  The problem first with the oracle is getting there.  The seas are always rough around the island and the rocks will smash a ship to pieces."
[21:58] <Jan> "The Rydia can handle it, but where do we go to get there?"
[22:05] <Dracos> "If the Rydia is your ship, I may then recommend my book."  He handed a book to Jan entitled briefly "How to Swim".  "Once there you head to the north side of the island, past the grove of the dryads.  There you'll find the ruins of the the temple of the oracle.  Toss a coin into water there and your fate shall be rendered."
[22:05] <Dracos> "Rather boring though, I think... half the fun is not knowing where you're going."
[22:09] * Mary grunts.
[22:09] <Mary> "Only place I'm aimin' fer is home."
[22:10] <Jan> "I see. Thanks for the advice, FA."
[22:12] <Dracos> "The king went there once.  Used a balloon I believe.  He might still have it actually."
[22:13] <Jan> "Hm. Do you have any maps of this island and the seas around it for sale?"
[22:17] <Dracos> "Sale?  Nope, but you can borrow one." He gestured over to a bunch of maps in an urn in the corner.  "Not going to need them much soon anyhow."
[22:18] <Jan> "Where are you heading, anyway? The adventuring guild said you were going to leave."
[22:18] <Jan> He searched the urn for a map of the island.
[22:24] <Dracos> "Yes, I've been here far too long.  Didn't mean too originally.  Just sort of got stuck up writing and forgot the outside world for a while.  Been training recently though, there's plenty more to see after all and ladies like a man with muscles.  Figured I'd head south.  A good swim is always a nice way to start an adventure."
[22:24] <Dracos> Jan found one soon enough.
[22:25] <Jan> "You're...going to swim?"
[22:27] <Dracos> "Of course.  Why not?"
[22:29] <Jan> "Um...you want a copy of the map of our voyage? Baron is southeast of here. You can start your adventure there. There's some other places listed on our maps, if you want to visit them."
[22:30] <Dracos> "Hmm, Baron?  Never heard of there.  Tell me about it." He smiled with a twinkle in his eye.
[22:33] <Jan> "Only humans, but it'll be the most familiar. High magic and knights rule it. King Cecil and Queen Rosa are kind and fair rulers, they're the ones that lent us the Rydia to continue on our adventure."
[22:34] <Dracos> "Sounds nice.  I'll have to make it my first stop." He smiled.
[22:35] <Jan> "If you're going through our trail be careful of some spectral wolves along the way. They've been hounding us since the desert further south of Baron. Nothing seems to be able to stop them for long."
[22:38] <Dracos> "Spectral wolves you say?  Tried wolvesbane on them, by any chance?"
[22:39] <Jan> "Can't say we have. What is it?"
[22:42] <Dracos> "Herb.  Puts wolves to sleep quite well.  Shakra might have a bit of it, if you're lucky."
[22:45] <Jan> "Hm. Thanks for the tips. Do you happen to have some blank paper and a pen? I'll make you a copy of my notes and map."
[22:50] <Dracos> The man handed him some.
[22:51] * Jan went about working on copying the notes and maps for FA. One good turn deserved another. "Where's Shakra's place?"
[22:51] * Mary leans further into his chair and takes out another cigar, lighting it and making note to pick some more up..
[22:55] <Dracos> "Now now, none of that in here, if you would.  Not good for the books." FA sternly requested of Mary.  "Shakra's place is the rock building at the end of the plaza."
[22:56] <Leets> "Is there anything we need to know about this Shakra?"
[22:58] <Dracos> "Hmm?  Don't see why you would.  He's a pleasant enough sort and friendly besides."
[23:01] <Jan> Finishing his work, he handed the notes to FA, and some sketches of the maps.
[23:04] * Mary cracks his neck and starts looking around the room.
[23:05] <Dracos> "Thank you, Jan."
[23:05] <Jan> "Do we owe you anything?"
[23:05] <Dracos> Mary finds books on all kinds of subjects.  Archery here.  The taming of three headed giants there.  The adventures of Cory in Shapier.  Campfire tricks to delight and amaze.  Beginners guide to Adventuring.
[23:06] * Mary eyes the last.
[23:06] <Mary> "'Ey, ya'll said somethin' about adventurin', right? Any 'a ya'll read this thing before?"
[23:09] <Jan> "Never read a book on it." Jan shook his head.
[23:19] <Jan> "Do we owe you anything, FA?"
[23:21] <Dracos> "Owe?  Don't worry about it."
[23:24] <Jan> "Thanks for all the help. C'mon guys, I think we should get some wolfsbane before we set out to the oracle's place." Putting away Pandora's Box, he led the others in search of Shakra.
[23:26] * Mary stands up, and tips his hat to the man, and saunters out, hand resting on one of his pistol grips, the other holding his cigar.
[23:27] * Leets shakes FA's hand in thanks and quickly follows.

[21:17] <Dracos> Finishing his meal with the strange folks, Felix slipped away into the crowds, heading first for that magic shop he'd been meaning to check out.  It wasn't far and in moments he was standing in front of the building/cave...  Well, some of each given it was carved right into the rock face.  Had two quite large doors for entrance.
[21:19] * Joins: Jan (Velsper56@216-39-176-79.ip.theriver.com)
[21:20] * Felix opens one of the doors, and steps in, taking a quick glance about the shop, curious and unsure of what exactly to expect...maybe some bottles with eyes of newts and snake tails?
[21:27] <Dracos> Stepping into the torchlit cavern, he saw many books, trinkets, bottles with strange things before a powerful voice seized his attention.  "Greetings," the proud lion man answered.  He stepped forward, a bit above the ground as he came out of another cavern, carrying a staff in one hand and bearing a golden tiara on his head.  He had this sense of dignity in his motions and his mane was long.  "A fellow magician I see.  What brings you to my(cont)
[21:27] <Dracos> humble shop?"
[21:31] <Felix> "Greetings to you as well. As to what brings me here? Curiosity, and a desire to further my knowledge and improve my trade, as any magician would do," Felix replies with a smile.
[21:33] <Dracos> "A fair reason.  I am Shakra sah Tarna and am here if you have questions as to the stock."
[21:41] <Felix> "Felix DuCartes," Felix introduces himself in kind, with a small polite bow before continuing on. "I suppose I should start by admitting that my form of magic is primarily sleigh of hand, I suppose, as I am an entertainer first, and a scholar second. I would ask if you have some suggestions as to where to start."
[21:47] <Dracos> "Mmm... a newcomer to halls of true magic... but I sense in you talent.  Perhaps simply you've never had the proper training.  Are you truly interested in learning to master the arcane?"
[21:50] <Felix> "I must admit that I never considered it before I...found myself in this city, but it is of interest to me. I call myself a master of my trade where I come from, but here, I seem to merely dabble in parlor tricks," Felix freely admits.
[21:55] <Dracos> "I see.  Well then, let us see...  Do you have silver to pay?" He wondered briefly, walking around and coming down towards Felix.  He really did have a rather noble counternance.
[21:56] * Felix nods. "I do."
[21:58] <Dracos> "First then, the basics..." he pulled a scroll off the shelf.  "One of the more simple spells.  As with any of them, they can be easy to learn once you pick up the basics, but hard to master.  The more you practice, the better you'll get."  He handed Felix the scroll.
[22:00] * Felix nods again as he grabs the scroll, though does not open it until he hears the price. "How much for this then?"
[22:03] <Dracos> "Fifty silver for the scroll." He answered.
[22:06] * Felix nods. "Excellent. Anything else you would recommend? Or should I simply work on this before returning?"
[22:11] * Retrieving #wasteland2 modes...
[22:12] <Dracos> "Try it here.  It is a spell to let you detect magic.  An important basic.  If you can comprehend it, I'll sell you some others."
[22:14] * Felix nods, as he slips a finger under the seal closing the scroll, and rips it off, opening the scroll so he can take a glance.
[22:17] <Dracos> It seems to be in some strange tongue.  The letters wiggling before his eyes almost dizzyingly as he tried to read it, though soon seeming to come into focus as he read it again and again, trying to figure it out...it wasn't English or french...yet at the same time it seemed both readable and foreign to him.
[22:26] <Felix> "Hrm..." Felix mumbles, looking interested as he focuses on this strange text.
[22:30] <Dracos> As he stared he felt his head burning a bit as the text started to fade away before his eyes...though he could still remember it as the scroll went blank.
[22:33] * Felix drops the scroll and gingerly grasps his head. "Bloody hell, that gave me quite a bit of a headache..." he mutters with a shake of his head.
[22:34] <Dracos> "Tends to the first time.  You remember it though, right?  The fact that you could read it is a good sign."
[22:36] * Felix nods his head in answer, as he focuses on what he recalls of the words, as he leans down to pick up the now blank scroll. "Yes, though I certainly wasn't expecting the burning sensation..."
[22:38] <Dracos> "It's your mind storing the magic.  Try calling it forth.  Invoking the words."
[22:40] <Dracos> Focusing on it, he found he could remember it quite perfectly.
[22:41] * Felix invokes those words in his memory, and tries to call forth true magic.
[22:43] <Dracos> He felt a glimmer in his eyes as all of a sudden he could see things he'd never seen before, soft blue glows on dozens of objects all over the store, most notably Shakra's clothing and shaf.
[22:46] <Felix> "Well...I assume your clothing and staff are of a magical nature, Mr. sah Tarna?" Felix asks, looking a bit satisfied with himself.
[22:50] <Dracos> "That's correct." He nodded.  "Please, call me Shakra."
[22:52] <Felix> "Of course," Felix answers. "Well I can't say I look forward to worsening my headache today, but anything else that I should be looking at then, Shakra?"
[22:55] <Dracos> "Mmm, some basics.  How much do you have to spend?"
[22:58] * Felix muses. "Let's say 200 silver for now," he finally decides.
[22:59] <Dracos> "Well, then... how about a simple spell to open doors and a basic one to toss lightning?"
[23:00] <Felix> "Hrm...Do you possess anything elementary regarding illusions? Or a book on magical theory?" Felix asks, not taking the offer just yet.
[23:04] <Dracos> "Magical theory is something that can take years to learn.  I don't do much in illusions...but there's always Juggling lights."
[23:06] <Felix> "Hrm...no, I think I'll take your original offer. You never know when some ruffian might try accosting you, so might as well be able to give him a bit of a shock if he thinks me defenseless," Félix notes wrily.
[23:09] <Dracos> Two scrolls were shortly handed over in the broad hand of the lionman.
[23:10] * Felix digs into his money bag for the amount for 250 silver, and hands them to Shakra with one hand while taking the two scrolls with the other hand. "Thank you."
[23:12] <Dracos> "Fair enough.  If you come into more.  Feel free to come back here.  And if you're looking for a lesson in theory, Erasmus may be willing."
[23:13] <Felix> "Erasmus?" Felix asks looking up as he puts away the two scrolls within his suitcase.
[23:18] <Dracos> "An archmage.  Old friend of the King who keeps a portal to his home near the city."
[23:19] * Felix closes his suitcase. "Hmm...well, if he accepts visitors, I suppose I might look him up some time," Felix replies as he stands up again. "In the meantime, thank you for the scrolls."
[23:20] <Dracos> "Well, he does, but his guardians tend to like their riddles and all.  You're welcome and good luck in your studies."
[23:22] * Felix nods. "Before I leave, I do have a question. I met some people earlier who were looking for information about something they called starstones. Would you anything about them?"
[23:23] <Dracos> "Starstones?  No, these are not artifacts known to me."
[23:24] <Felix> "Hrm...pity. Well, you've still been most helpful," Felix replies as he starts to head out the door, his suitcase trailing behind him. "Have a nice day."

[23:28] <Dracos> Heading out, they follow his directions...finding that magician from earlier stepping out of the self-same building.
[23:30] <Jan> Jan blinks. "Small town. How are you, Felix?"
[23:32] * Mary nods to Felix and tips his hat, blowing a cloud of smoke out through his nostrils.
[23:33] <Felix> "Quite well, how are you all?" Felix as in kind, somewhat surprised at seeing them so soon. "I thought you were headed to the adventurer's guild?"
[23:35] <Jan> "They sent us to a correspondance school for adventurers. We got a lead there, and a tip to come here to buy some wolfsbane."
[23:37] <Felix> "Ah, I see," Felix replies with a nod. "Well, the shop owner, Shakra, is quite a helpful fellow, so I'm sure you'll have no trouble getting the item you need."
[23:41] * Mary rolls his cigar to the other side of his mouth and glances around the area.
[23:41] <Jan> "What were you doing here?"
[23:43] <Felix> "I recalled you were searching for information on starstones, and assuming they might be magical, thought to ask at the magic shop as I did offer to try and help," Felix explains before smirking. "Of course, I found myself interested enough in his wares that I've decided to invest some scholastic pursuit towards the arcane knowledge."
[23:45] * Mary grunts.
[23:46] <Jan> "I see. Well, we found out that there's an oracle north of here that might be able to tell us where the starstone would be. Seems it comes with knowing what our future will be on top of it. Guess nothing's ever free."
[23:46] <Mary> "They ain't go no magic bullets there, do they? With all this hell an' gone shit, I might need 'a couple.."
[23:49] <Jan> "I doubt they have bullets here. I was told by another magic user that traveled with us that it's better to enchant the entire gun instead of just the bullets."
[23:49] * Mary draws one of his pistols and looks at it..
[23:49] <Felix> "You never know, they just might though. But I can't say I thought to ask, as I don't own a gun," Felix pipes in.
[23:50] <Mary> "Whole damn thing, eh? Wonder how'd they do that little piece 'a work.."
[23:51] <Jan> "Let's go in. Maybe they can figure out a way to do it." Jan looked over at Felix. "You want to join our little group? You did try to help us out, and it isn't like you're tied down to this place, right?"
[23:52] <Mary> "I ain't got none 'a the money from 'round here. Not sure I trust this 'magic' stuff, neither.. But from the hell that's gone on so far 'ta me.. Might as well, I 'suppose.."
[23:55] <Jan> "Silver is the money around here. Here, your first paycheck." Jan handed some to Mary.
[23:55] <Mary> "Paycheck? Gotta do some work 'fore I get paid. I ain't done a thing 'cept sleep off whiskey."
[23:57] <Felix> "Hrm, why not? As you said, I'm not really tied down to this place," Felix admits. "A change of scenary might do me some good."
[00:03] <Jan> "Okay. I'll hold onto it for now then." Jan pocketed the silver. He smiled at Felix, offering the man a hand. "Well, welcome onboard."

[21:04] <Dracos> At the end of last session, our valiant *cough* heroes, had assembled a fierce fighting force...  or negociated a local mage into joining their cause.  With both direction and a hint on dealing with the wolves, things were looking up for our erstwise adventurers...
[21:04] <Dracos> Now they stood before the same cavernous doors that Felix had entered earlier.
[21:06] * Quits: Jan (Velsper@216-39-190-19.ip.theriver.com)
[21:09] * Joins: Velsper (Velsper@216.39.190.254)
[21:09] * Mary walks up to the doors, looking over them before giving them a test shove to see if he can open them.
[21:11] <Felix> "Well, let's go see about getting what you need then," Felix says as Mary pushes on the store door, turning to head back inside.
[21:11] <Dracos> They open with a groan.  They're made of wood and lighter than they look though, swinging and given entryway in.
[21:12] * Velsper is now known as Jan
[21:15] <Dracos> Heading in, they find the shopkeeper, a proud lionman, turning to face them.
[21:15] <Dracos> "Greetings, customers."
[21:15] * Mary eyes the shopkeeper, keeping his hands on his pistol grips and watching him out of the corner of his eyes.
[21:16] <Felix> "Hello again, Shakra," Felix greets the shopkeeper.
[21:17] <Dracos> "Greetings.  Back so soon?"
[21:18] <Felix> "Yes, I met the friends I told you about outside. Apparently they are in need of...wolfsbane was it?" Felix turns to the three others, to make sure.
[21:22] <Mary> "Yeah, I think tha's what he said."
[21:22] <Dracos> "Mmm, wolfsbane?  Whatever would you need that for?  Hunting werewolves?"
[21:23] * Mary shrugs.
[21:23] <Mary> "Don't know. They said somethin' about some wolves that've been runnin' after 'em for a while."
[21:25] <Jan> "We have ghost wolves after us. FA told me that wolfsbane might help slow them down, since they've proven themselves relentless otherwise."
[21:26] <Felix> "Ghost wolves?" Felix asks curiously.
[21:26] <Dracos> "Mmm.  Ghosts?  I don't know how much that'd work on such beings."
[21:27] <Jan> "Souls of guardian spirits of Pandora's Box. I opened it and got cursed. They probably want to shred me to pieces, but I haven't given them a chance so far."
[21:27] <Leets> "More like undead wolves," Leets said, shooting an annoyed glare at Mary's indifference. "I don't think guns would work on ghosts."
[21:27] <Dracos> "Mmm, Well.  I can sell you the little I have.  But the cost will be high.  Seven hundred silver."
[21:28] <Jan> "What do you guys think? They can't touch me so far."
[21:28] * Mary shrugs.
[21:29] <Mary> "I've had plenty 'a posses on my back. Learned a long time ago it's better ta leave a cold corpse than a hot headed person ta yer back."
[21:33] <Mary> "Sir, what about my pistols? Been told it'd be better ta get the guns themselves.. Uh... enchanted? Somethin' like that, than ta buy bullets ta do the job."
[21:34] * Mary turns the shopkeeper and offers one of his pistols for inspection.
[21:34] <Dracos> "Enchanted weaponry?  Well, I can do that...but it'll cost a lot more than simple wolvesbane.  At least ten thousand silver."
[21:35] <Mary> "Each?"
[21:35] * Mary stares at his pistols in a bit of shock.
[21:36] <Dracos> "Each." The lion nodded.
[21:37] * Felix whistles at that price.
[21:39] * Mary withdraws the pistol, spinning across his palm and snapping it into the air, opening his coat with the hand previously holding the gun, allowing it to spin through the air and slide into its holster.
[21:40] * Mary snaps his coat closed with a flick of his wrist and wanders around the store looking at the wares it offers, still in slight shock.
[21:40] <Jan> "I think you broke his brain."
[21:41] <Jan> "Wolfsbane it is." Jan held out the silver for the lion shopkeep. "Think you can enchant some of his bullets instead? Or sell us the spell to do it?"
[21:42] <Dracos> "Certain things are expensive.  Spells to enchant weaponry or bullets are not so simple as to be learned  from a scroll.  They require indepth knowledge of magical theory.  Bullets would cost 1000 silver.  Each and take me a day each."
[21:43] * Mary shakes his head a little.
[21:43] <Mary> "That'd get expensive but quick... There a way ta make the cash fer the pistols decently quick?"
[21:45] <Dracos> The lionman shrugged. "Find a job that pays well, I suppose.  Adventurers never seem to lack for money."
[21:45] <Mary> "Know anyone tha's got work fer near that much?"
[21:47] <Dracos> "Check the bulletin boards."
[21:48] <Mary> "Where's them at?"
[21:49] <Dracos> "There's one in the adventurer's guild.  One near the castle.  And one in Ferrari's inn."
[21:49] <Mary> "Thanks, then, sir."
[21:50] <Jan> "How do we use the wolfsbane?" Jan eyed his purchase wearily. "I don't know much about these mystical things."
[21:52] <Dracos> The lionman moved to a shelf and brought over a sealed bottle. "Just open it.  The scent should drive off or put to sleep any wolves in the area.  Keep it sealed  until then.  It's freshness doesn't last long."
[21:54] <Jan> "Only use it when they're about to dive at our necks, in other words?"
[21:55] <Dracos> "It'll effect every wolf for about a mile or so, but yes.  That's the gist of it."
[21:56] <Jan> "Alright then." Jan turned towards the others. "Got anything you're interested in buying? If not, we should probably head out now."
[21:57] * Mary shrugs.
[21:57] <Mary> "I don't know what any 'a this stuff is."
[21:58] <Felix> "I've already gotten things here," Felix says with his own shrug.
[21:58] <Leets> "I suppose I'm good to go too."
[21:59] <Jan> "Hm. You're trying to be a real magician now, Felix?"
[22:04] * Felix laughs. "I suppose you could put it that way," Felix answers. "It never hurts to expand ones knowledge after all."
[22:05] <Jan> "Hm. Well, feel free to buy another scroll or two. You're part of the team now." The negotiator shrugged.
[22:06] <Felix> "I've bought two already, so I'll wait until I get through them. Thank you for the offer though," Felix comments.
[22:07] <Jan> "Well, let's go talk to the king, then." He nodded at Felix before addressing the lion man. "Thank you for your patience, sir. Have a good day."
[22:07] <Jan> So saying, Jan started for the exit.
[22:07] * Mary tips his hat to the shopkeeper and heads out with the group.
[22:08] <Dracos> Shakra waved as they left and returned to his work.
[22:13] <Dracos> Heading through the plaza and north up the stairs to the upper part of the city, they passed...The Royal Bulletin Board.
[22:13] <Dracos> Or at least, that was what was written on top of it.
[22:13] <Dracos> Didn't seem very royal.  What with it being made of wood and all.
[22:13] <Dracos> Had some papers on it.
[22:14] <Jan> Jan peered at one of them.
[22:14] * Mary reads over them as best he can.
[22:17] <Dracos> "Here ye, here ye...  Let it be known that the adventurer's guild is seeking adventurers to drive off an infestation of beasts and bandits on the island of Islo.  Inquire with the minotaur."
[22:18] <Dracos> Another read:"The Recent dragon infestation has been dealt with by our royal ruler.  The fishermen may again head to the north without fear."
[22:18] <Jan> Jan checked his map to see where the island of Islo was.
[22:19] <Dracos> It was a midsized island a little north of the main island of Silmaria.
[22:19] <Jan> He cross referenced it with the location of the Oracle.
[22:20] <Felix> "Found something you wish to check out?" Felix asks.
[22:20] <Dracos> Not on the way, unless on the way involved a complete circling of the island chain.
[22:24] <Jan> "There's bandits and monsters to smite on the island to the north, but it's completely off our path to the oracle. I was hoping it would've been along the way." He pointed out the location of the oracle to Felix.
[22:25] <Jan> "Let's keep checking." He looked at the other listings.
[22:29] * Mary checks over the rest of the listings with Jan.
[22:30] <Dracos> "Local merchants gathering in 2 weeks!"
[22:30] <Dracos> "Sale on Rutabegga at the Katta market!"
[22:32] * Jan paid attention to the job offers.
[22:33] <Dracos> Well, there was one up for an assistant mailboy.
[22:35] <Jan> "Nothing here for us. Maybe we can take that bandit busting job after we meet the oracle."
[22:35] <Mary> "Mmm.."
[22:35] <Jan> He marked the island on his map and put it away.
[22:36] * Mary nods and shoves his hands in his pockets, getting ready to move on.
[22:37] <Jan> The negotiator led the way back to the castle. "I hope he can lend us the balloon."
[22:41] <Dracos> The guards stopped them at the gate. "State your business."
[22:46] <Jan> "We've come to petition the king for the use of the royal balloon."
[22:48] <Dracos> "Royal balloon?"  They looked at each other.  "I know of no royal balloon."
[22:49] <Jan> "FA mentioned a balloon the king used once."
[22:49] <Dracos> The guards again looked at each other.  "I will check with the king.  Wait here."
[22:49] <Dracos> The guard headed inside.
[22:51] <Dracos> Minutes passed before the guard returned... but return he did.  "The king invites you in to hear your request."
[22:52] <Jan> "Thank you. Lead the way."
[22:52] <Dracos> Thus they were once more brought to the hall of kings where they were to have an audience with the ruler of silmaria.  He sat with an interested gaze at them.  "You have need of my old balloon?"
[22:53] <Jan> "Yes. FA advised us that to reach the oracle, we should use the balloon you used before."
[22:55] * Felix observes the king, though trying not to look too obvious about it, being somewhat curious about the royalty which he's not seen since his arrival in these lands.
[22:55] <Dracos> "The oracle?  Mmm, yes, that would be the only way to reach it.  Okay, but try not to wreck it.  I'm somewhat fond of it and all.  It's kept on science island, out in back.  Do return it when you're done."
[22:56] <Dracos> The king was clearly a fit man, still somewhat in his youth, he had the build of a lean warrior, agile and atheletic.  He didn't look particularly like what one might expect of royalty, or indeed, acted like such.
[22:57] <Jan> "Thank you very much, your highness." Jan smiled as he bowed towards the gracious man respectfully.
[22:58] * Felix gives a respectful bow as well, despite having been silent all this time.
[22:59] * Mary draws the edge of his hat down in a tip with a nod.
[23:02] <Leets> "Do you have a pilot for the balloon?" asked Leets, eyeing the others. "I don't think any of us here know how to fly one."
[23:04] * Retrieving #wasteland modes...
[23:04] <Dracos> "It's easy enough.  I figured it out on my first try.  Given I sort of built it, but really, just like steering a boat."
[23:08] <Jan> "How many can fit in the balloon comfortably? We can always take our ship's pilot with us."
[23:08] <Dracos> "Mmm, 3, four probably.  Beyond that might be risky."
[23:09] <Jan> "Well, time to get a crash course from our friend back at the Rydia."
[23:11] <Dracos> "Again, it's not really that hard." The king shrugged.
[23:12] <Jan> Jan nodded. "Thank you for the help, sir." Turning to the others, he concluded. "Let's go. We've got a long day ahead of us."
[23:13] <Dracos> And so the crew departed out posthastly after thanking the king, heading down to the Rydia where they got a few basic tips from the sailor.  It was here fizban chose to wait for them, quoting old bones as the reason he didn't want to head up into the air.  A few questions and it was revealed that science island was entirely abandoned, but was reachable through the west gate.
[23:13] <Jan> And so they chose to walk!
[23:14] <Felix> Onward they walk!
[23:14] <Jan> Walk walk walk.
[23:16] <Dracos> So, heading to the west gate they gained passage, walking to Science Island, quite possibly the oddest island they'd ever seen.  It was a manmade island, sitting on a platform well above the waves.  The only route there seemed to be a gondola on the other end held up by wire that traversed the canyon between the edge of the shore and the island.
[23:16] <Dracos> How to get to it?  They had no obvious tricks, though there seemed to be a machine with a spear jabbed into it like a sort of handle.
[23:17] <Jan> Jan walked up to the machine and gripped the spear, trying to turn it like a lever.
[23:17] <Jan> *crank
[23:21] <Dracos> It didn't seem to want to move that way, but it looked like it could be pulled left or right.
[23:22] <Jan> The negotiator tried pulling it to the left.
[23:25] <Dracos> It slide with a creaking sound as they heard the gondola start to move, twisting along the wires and eventually coming towards them.  It'd pass right by the edge in a few moments, though it didn't seem to have anythhing there to stop it.
[23:37] <Jan> Once it got close, he tried pushing the spear lever to the right
[23:37] <Dracos> It stopped, right in front of them.
[23:37] * Felix gets on the gondola. "Nice system they have," Felix notes.
[23:39] <Jan> "It's too advanced. This place just seems bizarre to me."
[23:39] <Jan> Waiting for everyone to get on, he pushed the lever and quickly ran and hopped in it.
[23:40] <Dracos> landing in it, the gondola shook worrisomely, swaying side to side as it moved, but it got them up there safely enough and stopped right at the opposite edge.
[23:42] <Jan> "Fun ride." Jan stepped off the gondola, eyeing the ocean below from the edge of the land.
[23:43] * Mary looks over the side and whistles low at the ocean.
[23:44] <Dracos> At the entrance, they were witness to no less strange a sight.  The doorway, to the side, had a huge gear with a chunk cut out of it hooked  up to some rotary machine, with some flashing screen nearby.  Thankfully, it was already open.
[23:46] <Jan> "Wow. Now this is something you don't see everyday." Jan muttered as he walked closer to the entrance way, peering inside after a moment of gawking.
[23:48] <Dracos> The entrance was dark, but inside he could see light illuminating a vast laboratory.
[23:48] <Jan> "I wish Clyde had stuck around to see all of this. He would've had a field day."
[23:48] <Jan> Walking inside, he tried not to poke as he looked around carefully.
[23:49] * Parts: Leets (Dinh@c-24-6-70-63.hsd1.ca.comcast.net)
[23:50] * Mary follows after, trying not to jar or break anything..
[23:51] <Dracos> The place had lots of kooky stuff, indeed, a wall was opened to what looked like a virtual frakenstein's laboratory, complete with slab hooked up with restraints.
[23:51] <Jan> "Maybe this is how they made all those people we saw back in town?"
[23:52] <Mary> "The hell is this place?"
[23:53] * Felix also looks around. "Who knows? We should probably go find that balloon though."
[23:54] <Jan> "Eggheads make all sorts of things here that they use to tame the world, Mary."
[23:54] <Jan> He looked for a way out back.
[23:54] <Mary> "Freaky bastards.."
[23:54] <Dracos> He spotted a door in the back of the lab, just past what looked like some sort of strange conveyerlike device hooked to a wall.
[23:55] <Jan> "Usually they have the best intentions and invent all sorts of convenient things, like medicine. But this stuff is kinda...weird."
[23:55] <Jan> The negotiator tried to open the door.
[23:56] <Dracos> Door opened easily enough, leading out to a platform in the back of the island.  Here stood...their goal!  A sort of balloon attached to the top of a winged gondola.  Seemed to have a little rutter for steering, a hot brazier for heat, and looked all ready to go.
[23:57] <Jan> "And things for us to borrow to fly to the oracle." Jan cheerfully concluded. "So I'll forgive the weird stuff."
[23:57] <Felix> "Any parachutes?" Felix comments. "Just in case, you know."
[23:58] <Jan> He got on the vehicle, checking out the controls and comparing them. He found that they were just like a ship's. He looked for parachutes.
[23:58] <Mary> "Parachute? What in hells is that?"
[23:59] <Jan> "You wear it on your back, and pull a cord on it when you're falling through the air. It releases this thick cloth that slows your fall."
Session Time: Mon Mar 13 00:00:00 2006
[00:00] * Mary stares at Jan, disbelieving..
[00:00] <Mary> "No way are you gonna get me ta try somethin' that crazy."
[00:01] <Felix> "Hopefully we won't have to," Felix replies. "The king did say it was easy to fly."
[00:01] <Dracos> There's no parachutes on it.
[00:01] <Dracos> It didn't look to have any safety conventions at all.
[00:01] <Jan> "Don't worry. I'm confident in my ability to get this thing up and towards the oracle."
[00:05] * Felix nods. "Well, lets get going then, I suppose."
[00:06] <Jan> And they were off towards the oracle, after a few moments of Jan fumbling with the controls.

[21:41] <Dracos> Riding on the gondola-balloon was a bit of an experience as they floated off, but as the man had said, it was safe enough to travel in and swift enough in the skies as they floated what felt like miles above the ground.  They could see the trees swiftly passing beneath them, the huge mountain in the distance followed by the ocean waves, hours passing before they started to lower down towards the island, spotting what looked, to any case, (cont)
[21:42] <Dracos> to be the home of the oracle, a ruined greecian temple in the middle of a clearing in the forests.  Landing just outside, they shut the heater down and stepped out onto thankfully solid land again.
[21:42] <Dracos> They were now probably a minute or two south of the place.
[21:43] <Dracos> To the north of where they stood, they could see the first broken pillars of the greek temple that they'd come for.
[21:47] <Leets> "This feels more like a culture fair every day," Leets commented, naming the time periods they've visited under his breath.
[21:50] <Felix> "I always thought of it more as a rather good movie set," Felix chimes in as he stares towards the temple.
[21:50] <Jan> Jan continued to stride towards the temple. "Well, do as the romans do, or something."
[21:52] <Leets> "Looks more like Grecian, really." Leets followed along the path.
[21:53] <Dracos> Lining the way to this ruined temple were beautiful lotus flowers, large, about the size of a small bush, but strange in that they had no scent and their color was the darkest blacks mixed with purple in the center.  Moving up the crumbled stairs they came to the center of the shrine.  or what was left of it.  No oracle to be seen.  A statue though stood watch over a spring built into the temple and remarkably clean and clear.
[21:53] <Dracos> Surrounding it was a set of the lotus flowers they'd seen on their way in.
[21:54] <Dracos> THe statue overlooking it was of a female cast and seemed to have weathered the elements well, though its face was long since worn away.
[21:54] <Dracos> Nearby there seemed to be some carvings on the bottom of one of the pillars.
[21:57] <Jan> Jan knelt down to look at the carvings closer.
[21:59] <Dracos> They were old and spoke of the rivers of hades.  "All rivers lead to hades, but the blooded ones of earth lead closer.  To those who would dare to walk the realm of death, speak these words before the river of death..." It contained a strange verse, almost a poem after it.
[22:01] <Jan> "Just a poem down here. A chant you say if you want to go to the realm of death." Jan stood up, dusting himself off. "I'm not that eager to go there yet, thanks."
[22:02] <Jan> "Excuse me? Is there anyone here?" He called out as he walked around the fountain, looking this way and that.
[22:02] * Felix also helps look around for this oracle they were looking for.
[22:03] <Dracos> His voice echoed off into the woods around them, unheard by any save his comrades.  The plants were the only signs of nearby life.  Walking around the fountain, he noticed no carvings around or any plaques, though there were some coins at the bottom of the fountain.
[22:04] <Jan> "Hm. Think we need to drop money to the fountain? Magical ritual and whatever?"
[22:04] * Leets looks around as well, apparently not having any luck either. "Maybe we should have called first."
[22:05] <Jan> Jan rummaged in his pocket for a coin. "I don't think you can ask the operator to connect you to destiny."
[22:07] <Felix> "Anything else besides that poem you found? Maybe some kind of key to getting to the oracle?"
[22:09] <Jan> Jan repeated the verse on the bottom of the fountain.
[22:09] <Dracos> Nothing happened.  The water remained as placid as before, though it did send a sort of chill down all their spines at hearing the verse.
[22:10] <Felix> "Maybe we need to state it elsewhere? That seemed to do something," Felix suggests.
[22:10] <Jan> "There's coins at the bottom of the fountain. Maybe we toss one in."
[22:12] <Felix> "Hrm...well you do have to pay a toll to the ferryman of the river styx, if I recall mythology correctly," Felix muses. "Sounds reasonable."
[22:13] <Leets> "Can't hurt to try, I suppose."
[22:14] * Jan flicks a coin into the fountain and repeats the verse yet another time.
[22:16] <Dracos> The same dread chill ran down there spines...followed by an uncanny sense of outrage...of anger....  thunder boomed loudly through the clearing as darkness claimed them, their bodies suddenly heavy as the three of them dropped to the ground, their eyes closed as the booming noise continued... and then suddenly it was gone, the clearing as peaceful as before.
[22:16] <Dracos> With one change...  where the statue had been, now a slender woman stood, her face shadowed and hidden under a large dark hood.  "One has paid the toll and called upon the Sybil... have you the courage to face your destiny..."
[22:17] <Dracos> The voice didn't quite come from the hood, but instead sort of scratched out on the back of their minds...  sort of unpleasantly.
[22:17] <Dracos> It was easy to see why this place wouldn't get many visitors.
[22:18] <Jan> "Ugh. Pay a buck, get a sledgehammer to the back of your head, fun." Jan slowly rose to his feet. "Give me my destiny, oracle."
[22:21] <Dracos> Golden eyes glimmered from within the hood.  "Then so it shall be...." The Sybil intoned.  "Know this... the road before you is dark and even mine eyes cannot truly see the end, for the web of fate is shattered and all travel towards the mouth of the beast that hides in darkness."
[22:23] <Dracos> It lifted an arm, pointing with a spindly hand at them, a finger so boney it was nearly a claw gesturing towards them.  "Five lights broke it.  Five lights sealed the beast away.  Five lights shall gather up the web, shall bring it together, and in the darkness mend it...  Only then can the beast that lies in the darkness be driven back, the branch of memory that holds it above the pits severed.  This is your destiny." It intoned.
[22:24] <Jan> "Where are those lights?"
[22:27] <Dracos> It lifted out the other arm, holding in its clawlike grasp....a crystal of shining light, glowing warmly.  Jan could recognize it easily enough.  It was one of the crystals, like the one the kingpin had been wearing.  "Take this, it is one of them.  Another lies to the west,"  A finger jabbed out like a knife towards the south west.  "Over a barren desert, past the tribal lands, in the mountains on the edge of the world a mountain king does (cont)
[22:30] <Dracos> does roam, bearing with it a light.  South" Her finger jabbed that direction now. "Upon the neck of a king of thieves, ruler of a jungle of stone and steel, another lies.  Further, in the realm where even Hades struggles to reach, past the mists of damnation lies another in the castle of the fallen rose.  Finally, one falls from the heavens in the east, past the city of skulls, in a land where  children play."
[22:31] <Dracos> "To these lights, risen to the tower, the web may be mended...  To these lights, lost to time...  so to, will all be lost."
[22:32] * Felix pauses. "Nothing simple with you guys, huh?" he asks his companions before looking towards the oracle. "Are there more of us lost travellers?" he asks, curious as to whether they'll encounter others from their homes.
[22:33] <Jan> "What'll happen to this world when the demon is gone?"
[22:34] <Dracos> "The web is shattered... all are lost, food for the beast unless the beast is trapped in the web."  The thunder came again... the darkness...and when they could see again, the statue had returned, though nearby, there was a stone tablet with the very words they had heard inscribed on it and next to it, the crystal they'd been seeking.
[22:35] <Jan> "I wonder if we can stuff it in the box."
[22:39] <Jan> Jan moved up to pick up the crystal, turning it this way and that in his hand as he looked at it.
[22:39] <Jan> "Kinda underwhelming that this is the stuff of heroes."
[22:40] <Dracos> It was like a spun six pointed star, glistening and warm, almost re-energizing to hold.  It was small, but looking into it he could see it replicated inside tens of thousands of times before his eyes would begin to water at looking closer.
[22:41] <Dracos> It gave off a soft glow, barely stretching outside of its own material.
[22:41] <Leets> "Whatever works, right?" Leets said, studying the crystal.
[22:41] <Jan> "Someone call Yomi from my pack. He'll probably be pleased at this."
[22:43] <Dracos> He didn't have to. "You found one" Yomi's ever chirpish voice gloated from behind him. "Excellent, a start."
[22:45] * Felix blinks, and looks at this...Yomi.
[22:46] <Dracos> "Hey, you've got more folks now, huh?" Yomi noticed the mage.  It was quite a weird site, this floating creature, sort of a purplish sphere with wings and eyes that was somehow talking to them.
[22:47] <Dracos> He wasn't big, about the size of a large cat, though his wings shouldn't have kept him flying like they were.
[22:49] <Jan> "This is humanity's grandpa. Except ten times as crotchety." Jan introduced Yomi to Felix.
[22:49] <Jan> "This is Felix. Our new mage in training."
[22:50] <Dracos> "A mage huh?  You humans have such odd names for folks."
[22:50] <Jan> "Would you like to be referred to as 'Hey-you'?"
[22:51] <Dracos> "Hmm, I think Yomi is well enough."
[22:51] * Felix raises an eyebrow at the entire exchange, not entirely sure as to how to react.
[22:51] <Jan> "Anyway, we have a stone, and an ominous fate." Jan pointed at the tablet left behind.
[22:52] <Dracos> "Huh..." Yomi glanced.  "The beast is probably the demon, but the rest of it might as well be gibberish.  Though directions are nice."
[22:53] <Jan> "The king of thieves is Kingpin."
[22:53] <Dracos> "Probably right."
[22:54] <Jan> "Should we go after the Kingpin or go for the mountain?"
[22:55] <Felix> "I opt for the mountain. I'm not enough of a daredevil to walk into a den of thieves right now. I'd like to learn some more of the arcane art, I think," Felix says on his part.
[23:00] <Jan> "It'll probably be stupid of us to return so soon to New Reno." Jan stroke his chin thoughtfully. "Anyway, I say we should go see that mountain king, then."
[23:01] <Jan> "Yomi, take this." He offered the starstone to the primordial puffball.
[23:02] <Leets> "Hey, Jan, before we go off on this, shouldn't we find out about the other two areas?"
[23:03] <Dracos> Yomi nodded and vanished with the starstone, presumably back to the box.
[23:04] <Jan> "I doubt we can find anything more out with how this entire world seemingly was set up, but we can always ask FA on a slim hope."
[23:08] <Felix> "If you wish to depart immediately, I'd like to buy a few more scrolls from Shakra first, I believe," Felix chimes in, since it certainly sounds like they want to leave soon.
[23:10] <Jan> "We can stop on the way, sure."
[23:14] <Leets> "Let's go then. Sooner we get there, the better."
[23:17] * Felix starts heading back towards the gondola so they can depart.
[23:18] <Dracos> Heading onto the gondola they soon rose over the forests heading south west towards Silmaria.
[23:24] <Leets> You can game and watch tv without getting whiplash. :p
[23:24] * Jan looks through the lab beyond the gondola for any weapons.
[23:25] <Dracos> OOC: Remove leets typ'ed lines.
[23:26] <Dracos> there's no weapons in the gondola, other than what they were carrying.  Didn't have much room extra anyhow.
[23:28] <Dracos> OOC: Remove last line.  Put next line before Jan's line.
[23:28] <Dracos> They landed in back of the lab, tying the gondola down and once against on sweet sweet solid ground.
[23:29] <Dracos> Jan's scouting around found little in the way of easy usable weaponry.  Seemed most of the work here was sort of the mad scientist kind based around that device attached to the slab.
[23:29] <Dracos> Some pipes could be pulled off.  There was raw materials and such, but no good weapons.
[23:31] <Felix> "Are you looking for anything specific?" Felix asks, not certain if his companion is looking for something specific as he moves around the labs.
[23:33] <Jan> "Guns, maybe. Nothing looks like anything I can use. Mm. I wonder if the eggheads in Vault City could use this stuff." Jan continued looking for anything worthwhile.
[23:35] * Felix nods, and looks for anything he can use as well, especifically, anything to make his grenades, or to replicate their effects.
[23:36] <Jan> Jan inspected the slab, and idly wondered what it was used for as he curiously looked at all its devices.
[23:36] <Dracos> Now in that regard, felix was quite a bit more successful.  There was plenty of raw ingredients he could use.  Chemicals and that sort of thing that'd been kept around and apparently left abandoned
[23:37] <Leets> "And here I thought you would prefer your other form, Jan," Leets said, looking over the lab.
[23:37] <Dracos> The slab simply maintained a record of what they'd been told by the Oracle.
[23:37] <Dracos> If it had any special properties, they weren't very apparent.
[23:37] <Leets> *not really looking for anything other then information.
[23:38] <Dracos> OOC: STrike my last two lines.
[23:38] <Felix> "Any luck finding anything? I've found a few chemicals I can put to use so far," the magician comments.
[23:38] <Dracos> It looked to be used for some kind of device to attach to a large human, with restraints and the like, equipment for giving injections, a strange sort of headpiece, and other tools around it.
[23:39] <Dracos> The machines, if anything, sort of flooked like they were meant for monitoring.
[23:39] <Jan> "Well, I hardly ever get to use it, so I need to find alternatives. I might have to start using the spears since I'll eventually run out of bullets."
[23:39] <Dracos> OOC: *looked not flooked.
[23:40] <Jan> "I'm not having any luck at all." Jan replied to Felix. "Let's just get what you need and head out, I guess."
[23:41] * Felix nods as he starts gathering the things that look like they can be carried easily without breaking or put away in his suitcase without damaging anything else.
[23:46] <Jan> Jan took them from Felix after pulling Pandora's Box out of his otherwise empty pack. "You don't know all the advantages of going with us. Gimme a second."
[23:47] <Jan> He promptly vanished into the box and returned a moment later. "Want me to put your stuff in there too?"
[23:47] * Felix blinks. "Oh, certainly. Thank you," he replies.
[23:48] <Jan> Once again he vanished into Pandora's Box with Felix's things, spit out of it a few moments later like before.
[23:53] * Retrieving #wasteland modes...
[23:58] <Jan> "Okay." Now that they were seemingly done, Jan lead them back to Silmaria's town.
[23:58] <Dracos> Leets found...  a large bulletin board at the back where a very detailed by of research, complete with pictures was displayed.
[23:58] <Dracos> This research proved, or at least claimed to prove, that Peperoni and pepper pizza was the ultimate research food.
[23:59] <Jan> OOC: Strike mine.
[23:59] <Dracos> And these topics were critical to the ultimate slice of pizza.
Session Time: Sun Mar 19 00:00:00 2006
[00:00] <Jan> "I think we've mined everything we can here." Jan replied. "Let's go back to town, shall we?" He started leading the way back to town.
[00:01] <Leets> "Huh. Guess even scientists like pizza." Despite it's somewhat inane nature, Leets pocketed some of the notes.
[00:02] <Dracos> Leets acquired "INDISPUTABLE EVIDENCE OF THE SUPERIORITY OF PEPPORONI AND PEPPER PIZZA".  Anyhow, following that, they crew made their way back down to the shore, thankfully off that insane little science island.
[00:07] <Jan> "Let's go get the magic scrolls first. I want to ask that lion wizard a thing or two myself too."
[00:08] <Felix> "Alright."
[00:09] <Jan> So they went to get phat magical loot for low low prices.
[00:10] <Dracos> Heading to the magic store, they found it closed, the din of late night having fallen during the end of their trip.
[00:10] <Dracos> They'd have to catch him in the morning, but for now, they needed a place to rest.
[00:17] <Felix> "I've been staying at a nearby inn, Gnome Ann's. There should be rooms there available if you haven't already made some sort of housing arrangements," Felix suggests to the others. Pausing he says, "I don't particularly recommend the food there though unless you have..eccentric tastes, so to say."
[00:18] <Jan> "Well, better than nothing." Jan shrugged. "Lead the way, Felix."
[00:19] * Felix leads the way!
[00:21] <Dracos> They headed on to Gnome Ann's inn as he'd said, a large structure with plentiful flowers growing on the outside with a thatched roof and wood walls, it was a warm if exotically painted dwelling.

[21:03] <Dracos> The chirping of birds awakened the party from their slumber in Gnome Ann's inn.  Despite its odd appearance, the beds were comfortable enough and the rooms well furnished, if a touch on the small side.  Meeting outside their rooms, they smell some kind of stew downstairs, as the proprietess, Gnome Ann, is standing near the front door behind a counter.
[21:06] <Felix> "Good morning, Ann," Felix greets the owner of the inn where he's been staying since he found himself in this world.
[21:07] <Dracos> "Good Morning Felix."  She smiled.  "Did you and your friends sleep well?"  She was sunny as ever for a pintsized gnome.
[21:08] * Felix nods. "I slept as well as always. Your beds are quite likely the best in the city, my friend," the magician answers jovially.
[21:10] <Dracos> He was answered with a smile.  "Well now, would you folks like to sit down for breakfast?  We've got Squid  Stew this morning."
[21:10] <Jan> Jan half rose a hand towards the gnome in greeting as he moved downstairs from his room. "What'd I miss?"
[21:11] <Dracos> "Miss, darling?  Just  the sunrise.  Wonderful as always."
[21:13] * Leets enters, greeting the others. "I see we have a morning person here. Good morning, Miss Ann."
[21:13] <Dracos> "Good morning, hon.  Shall I set places for all of you?"
[21:15] <Felix> "I'll be taking off early, so I'll have to pass, Ann," Felix declines politely, wondering if his new friends remembered his warning, or are willing to try the eccentric meals of Gnome Ann.
[21:17] <Dracos> "Okay, hon." She smiled warmly.
[21:24] <Jan> "There anywhere Leets can find manuals on swordplay?" Considering the place, it wouldnt' be that out there.
[21:25] <Dracos> "Manuals on swordplay?   Well, shucks, darling.  That's not really my thing.  I don't really go for sharp and pointy, mind you.  The king was darn good at it though, and there's always that silly old guy with the bright eyes...Fawful or something like that."
[21:27] <Jan> "Could you give me the directions to where he's staying, please?"
[21:28] <Dracos> "Hmm, some school on the beach.  Big marble place."
[21:28] <Dracos> "Near the docks."
[21:29] * Quits: Ryder (blade2kxx@pool-141-157-110-171.balt.east.verizon.net) (Connection reset by peer)
[21:29] <Jan> "Oh, FA. Okay." Jan nodded.
[21:30] <Dracos> "Yeah, that might've been it." She grinned in that placelessly optimistic way of hers.
[21:31] <Jan> "Thank you for the help, though." He turned to look at the others. "Want to meet back up at the ship in the afternoon? Or should we just stick together and finish all our things together?"
[21:32] <Leets> "Well, how many are along the same way?"
[21:32] <Felix> "I haven't been to your ship, so I would need to stick together with at least one of you," Felix comments.
[21:34] <Jan> "We just need to go see FA and that lion wizard."
[21:34] <Jan> "Excuse me, Miss Ann? Do you see golems walking about commonly?"
[21:35] <Dracos> "Well no.  That'd certainly be an interesting sight." She smiled friendily.
[21:35] <Jan> "Would the guards freak out and try attacking one on sight?"
[21:37] <Dracos> "Well, I'm not sure.  Probably not if it doesn't break anything..."
[21:38] <Jan> "Bah. Oh well." Jan moved to sit.
[21:39] <Dracos> She headed over and started setting a place for him.  "It'll be just a moment."
[21:39] <Dracos> She hummed, heading to the kitchen...
[21:41] <Dracos> She then returned, humming just the same with a platter with a big bowl of soup with some white chunks in it.  "Jimmy caught a squid yesterday and we were hoping to make a good squid stew out of it.  But Sally is scared of squid and screamed when she saw it,sending stuff everywhere.  So this is sort of what came out."  She smiled.
[21:42] <Dracos> It looked sort of edible.
[21:42] <Jan> "Is it edible?" Jan poked it.
[21:43] <Dracos> "Well of course." She smiled.  Those kinda looked like potatoes now that he thought about it.
[21:43] <Jan> The negotiator tried some, lightly chewing as he waved for the others to sit.
[21:43] * Leets shrugs, sitting down and helping himself to a bowl.
[21:44] <Dracos> It was a bit mucky, but edible enough and filling besides.
[21:45] * Felix takes off, shaking his head while the two eat, planning on waiting outside, so as not to hurt the proprietor's feelings.
[21:46] <Jan> Jan was used to roasting scorpions and rats in desperate times, so he wasn't bothered too much..
[21:46] <Dracos> Heading outside, Felix found that the soft light of mid morning was illuminating the clear sky as he stood near the inn.
[21:46] <Jan> "It's good, thanks." He commented as he continues eating.
[21:48] <Leets> "The squids a bit more chewy then I thought," Leets said thoughtfully.
[21:49] <Dracos> Gnome ann smiled and waited for them to finish, cleaning up the plates after them and not rushing them off.
[21:51] <Jan> Once he was done, he followed after Felix, "So, what are you going to get? Sleep spell? I think old man Fizban knows that one already."
[21:56] <Felix> "I'm not particularly certain, to be honest," the magician admits.
[21:57] <Jan> "I've already seen all kinds of magic, so I could narrow it down for you."
[22:00] <Dracos> They arrived soon enough in front of the magic shop.
[22:01] <Dracos> OOC: Strike last line
[22:05] * Felix nods. "So you have some suggestions on what would be useful then?"
[22:11] <Jan> "Hm. There's healing magic and attack magic from what I've seen."
[22:12] <Jan> "Do you want to set things on fire? Or be able to heal from being shot relatively quickly?"
[22:12] <Felix> "Hrm, well, I suppose healing would probably be useful unless you have a medic already," Felix replies after musing on it a bit.
[22:12] <Jan> "I don't think Fizban can do that."
[22:15] * Felix nods. "Then perhaps I should talk to Shakra about whether he has any healing scrolls, I suppose."
[22:18] <Jan> "There's spells that make fogs spring up too, and illusions." Jan continued laying out the more support type of magic that he had seen in his day
[22:18] <Dracos> They saw Sharka's cavernous store ahead.
[22:19] <Jan> Jan opened the door and entered, wandering around and looking here and there.
[22:20] <Dracos> Shakra, immaculant and mystical as yesterday, came at the sound. "Greetings...ah, here to purchase more?"
[22:20] <Felix> "I have interest in illusion magic, though Shakra did not believe I was ready for those," Felix comments as he goes through the door.
[22:21] * Felix nods at the shopkeeper. "Indeed. I plan to be departing the city with these new comrades, so I wanted to stock up on some of the spells I might get from your store."
[22:22] <Dracos> "Well, certainly.  Whatever your silver can purchase I would be happy to sell."
[22:23] <Leets> "I'll meet you guys back at the ship, all right?" Leets said, before slipping out towards the beach to visit the Acadamy.
[22:26] * Felix nods towards Leets before turning back to Shakra. "Healing magic, I suppose is the first question. Do you have scrolls for such magic?"
[22:27] <Dracos> "Hmmm, while I've heard of such, the best I have in that direction is Rest in Peace, a spell for ensuring a nice uninterrupted sleep.  Healing isn't really my area." He said gruffly.
[22:29] <Jan> "Do you have spells to distract or impede attackers?" Jan piped up, remembering Mei-Ling's fog spells and how easily they managed to accomplish tasks with it.
[22:33] <Dracos> "Ah that, I do.  I have the spell Dazzle, which can be used  to create a bright light to stun nearby beings that see it.  Calm can be used to distill hostility.  If you're looking for more defensive spells, there's always Magical Protection and Resistance.  Fascination I find good for keeping folks distracted, though it's a bit advanced."
[22:33] * Felix nods at those spells, since they really seems more his style than attacking. "How much is each?"
[22:35] <Dracos> "Dazzle would be 150 silvers.  Protection 80 silvers.  Resistance 100 silvers.  Calm 250 silvers.  Fascination 200 silvers." He rattled off.
[22:37] * Felix turns to look at Jan to see his opinion, considering he'd probably be paying for some (if not all) of the spells Felix might learn. If Jan didn't show interest though, he might spend some of his own money.
[22:40] <Jan> "What does Magical Protection do?"
[22:40] <Jan> "Or Resistance, for that matter."
[22:41] <Dracos> "Ah, it is sort of like padding.  It strengthens the air around a mage and makes it more difficult to strike through and softens blows.  Relevant for those who find armor too restricting for proper spellcasting motion."
[22:42] <Felix> "Which one?" Felix asks. "Or are both, with Resistance being somewhat better?"
[22:42] <Dracos> "Resistance is used for resiliance against the elements.  It forms a sort of invisible haze around the mage that dispells extreme temperatures and the like and such."
[22:42] <Dracos> "Protection is the former, Resistance the latter."
[22:43] <Jan> "Can protection be cast on anyone else?"
[22:45] <Dracos> "Well, yes... with practice you could cast it on someone else and maintain it at a distance."
[22:47] <Jan> "I think we should get Calm and Dazzle." Jan commented. "As long as we dodge, we're in the clear, and dazzle lets us do that."
[22:48] * Felix nods in agreement. "Both spells caught my attention more, so I agree," Felix adds in.
[22:50] <Dracos> "Certainly."  He picked up a pair of scrolls.  "The silver?"
[22:50] * Jan paid.
[22:51] <Dracos> Shakra handed over the scrolls.  "Pleasure doing business with you.  And remember Felix, practice, practice, practice.  The art of the magi is a long one and requires dedication."
[22:52] * Felix nods. "Not to mention headaches," Felix muses.
[22:53] <Jan> "All things that are worthwhile are worth suffering for."
[22:54] <Dracos> Shakra smiled, obviously pleased with the understand.  "Well said."
[22:54] * Felix nods. "True enough."
[22:55] <Jan> "Well, to be honest, it's a truth I've recently discovered myself." Jan faintly smirked as he pushed his hands into his pants' pockets.
[22:56] <Dracos> "That is the start.  Many never learn."
[22:57] <Jan> "I have a question, Mister Shakra. Have you ever heard of anyone that possesses the power to change their shape to an elemental?"
[22:58] <Dracos> "Yes.  The archmage Ad Avis of Raesir was favored  of such things.  The fairy people also take well to such magics."
[22:59] <Jan> "Huh. I'm definately not any of those..."
[23:00] <Dracos> "I take it you are asking on a personal note?" He seemed curious.
[23:00] <Jan> "I can turn into what a former traveling companion called a earth elemental. A golem."
[23:01] <Dracos> "Mmm...  Magically?  Or is this some innate skill?  Perhaps a strong alignment with the earth?"
[23:04] <Jan> "It's an innate skill as far as I can tell, and I wouldn't be able to tell you. I don't think I'm particularly in tune with this world."
[23:05] <Dracos> "Allow me?" He lifted a hand, waiting for accedance. "I could attempt to see if you have a magical dweomer."
[23:05] <Jan> "A what?" Jan blinked, gesturing for the lion to go ahead.
[23:06] * Felix looks on curiously, watching as the shopkeeper and Jan discuss...something.
[23:07] <Dracos> "A magical aura, to say.  A sign that you are bespelled or have such residue."
[23:10] <Jan> "Huh. Well, it's okay with me. It might turn up something."
[23:11] <Dracos> He chanted, his words a  bit rough as his eyes glowed slightly. "Mmm...  You do have a faint magical residue...but I do not think it is normal wizardry that is the cause.  The hue seems slightly off...but it's hard to see.  It's quite faint."
[23:13] <Jan> "About a few years old?"
[23:15] <Dracos> "As I said, it's faint.   That could be the cause, yes.  Or it could simply be surpressed."
[23:15] <Jan> "Well, I could call up my other self, but I don't think I'd fit in here. And the guards would freak out."
[23:15] <Felix> While Jan and Shakra talk, Felix takes the opportunity to do some 'reading', and study the Dazzle scroll.
[23:16] <Dracos> "Mmm?  How big is it?" His cavern was rather sizable.  "You seek to learn more about what allows you to do this?"
[23:17] <Jan> "Well, more importantly, if it'll ever go out of my control if I'm not careful." Jan eyed the cavern and moved himself where he could call on his power without breaking anything.
[23:18] <Jan> He slowly let the energy gather, not wanting to transform in the building, but just showing how he did it to Shakra and Felix.
[23:18] <Jan> "Try scanning me now, if you want."
[23:18] <Dracos> "Hmmm, your dwoemer is getting brighter.  Though it's still faint.  Definitely not normal wizardry, I'm sure now."
[23:20] <Jan> "Isn't everyday you spontaneously gain this kind of power." Jan agreed with a nod.
[23:22] <Dracos> "It seems to be running a bit into the ground around you as well." He observed.
[23:24] <Jan> "When I do this, I can make the ground explode around me, then the next thing I know I turn into a giant metal man."
[23:27] <Dracos> Felix, meanwhile, finds these spells harder.  Readable, but it'd probably go easier in peace and quiet.  He can grasp them though, and can almost pull them into himself.
[23:29] <Dracos> "Metal?  That's odd...  not rock?"
[23:30] <Jan> "Nope. It's been pretty handy, otherwise those wolves I mentioned before would've torn me bit by bit."
[23:32] <Dracos> "Well perhaps I could tell you more if we step outside and see it." He nodded helpfully.  "Out of town."
[23:34] * Felix continues reading as Jan continues talking, until the spell is carefully memorized.
[23:35] <Jan> "I'd appreciate it, Mister Shakra."
[23:35] <Dracos> "Coming, Felix?  You could practice your detect magic."
[23:37] <Felix> "Mmm...one second," Felix says, checking if it'll take much more reading, in which case he'll finish studying it later.
[23:39] <Dracos> His head burns as the dazzle fades away, the words ingraved upon his mind.
[23:41] * Felix closes the now empty scroll, and puts the other away, before nodding. "Okay, I'm ready."
[23:45] <Dracos> The lionman lead out of the city to a clearing just a bit outside the city walls.  "Is this enough space?"
[23:46] <Jan> Jan walked away from the duo, turning to face them when he was comfortably away from them. "Yeah." He brought his right arm up to chin level as he instinctively called forth the power he had for years now. The ground beneath him suddenly shone as it erupted upwards to obscure him, the dirt and debris swirling about madly as he intentionally dragged the transformation out for the benefit of the two mages.
[23:50] * Felix uses the event as practice and concentrates on the spell for detecting magic, to see how Jan's transformation works.
[23:52] <Dracos> He sort of sees a greenish hue, indistinct sort of brushing along Jan.  Not much detail at all, but it is there.
[23:52] <Dracos> "Ah, it's much stronger now.  And even more firmly tied to the ground below."
[23:54] <Jan> Suddenly from deep within the cloud cover, twin red lights shone forth as the transformation completed, the vague outline of human growing and shifting a massive gun metal grey arm erupted out of the cloud cover, followed by a giant metallic humanoid.
[23:57] <Dracos> "It's inside you, like a core or a...tree root to the land.  Definitely not wizardry, but definitely magic."
[23:59] <Jan> The golem lowered its right arm from where it was held in the same way Jan had been holding his, the gleaming piston on the side shining brightly in the sun.
Session Time: Sun Mar 26 00:00:00 2006
[00:00] <Dracos> "You're a strange one.  I've never seen the like of your magic." Shakra commented.
[00:02] <Jan> The being merely nodded in agreement.
[00:04] <Dracos> "I take it you can understand us still as such but cannot speak?"
[00:04] <Jan> The left hand of the golem clenched as it once again responded with a nod.
[00:07] <Felix> "Can you detransform, so we can speak again?" Felix asks, still a bit amazed by the sight. "I'd like to know about what exactly you can do like that."
[00:08] <Jan> The golem merely lifted its right arm, the silver piston imbedded within whirring as air gathered in the fist.
[00:08] <Jan> With a loud click, then a clack, the piston smashed down into the arm, a visible wave of air blasting out from the right fist to fly out and reduce a nearby boulder to rubble.

[22:25] <Dracos> Leets made his way to FA's academy, the door closed when he arrived.
[22:27] * Leets walks up to the door, checking to see if anyone was in or if the acadamy was closed.
[22:28] <Dracos> Couldn't see inside, but he could always knock or try to open the door.
[22:29] <Leets> "Anyone in yet?" Leets called, rapping his knuckles on the door.
[22:30] <Dracos> "Yes, yes.  The door's open as always." The old man's voice rang out.
[22:30] * Joins: Jan (Velsper@Node151-69-53-66.1dial.com)
[22:32] * Leets entered the acadamy, glancing around. "Hello, sir. I hope I'm not disturbing you."
[22:33] <Dracos> "Certainly not." The man was sorting books on a shelf.  "Let's see, you were the quiet one from the other day."
[22:35] <Leets> "Yes, well," Leets coughed, "I was more interested in your acadamy then talking the other day."
[22:35] <Leets> "I heard people learn swordwork here."
[22:36] <Dracos> "Well, yes, and other things.  It's good to know how to use a sword.  One of the basic tools of adventuring and all."  He smiled.  "I take it you're interested in the craft?  The journey?  The excitment?"
[22:39] <Leets> "To tell you the truth, I haven't had the opportunity to use the sword yet," Leets said, laughing self-depreciatively, "so I can't honestly say if its for me just yet."
[22:43] <Dracos> "Really?  Lad, it's important to give it a try before you find yourself needing it in a corner and all that."
[22:45] <Leets> "That's half the reason I'm here, actually. I was hoping to get some advice since my friends and I travel too much for me to get formal training."
[22:46] <Dracos> "Mmm, well then.  I suppose you'll want these." He pulled two books off the shelves, handing them to leets.  They were titled respectively. "Famous Adventure's Guide to Adventuring for Beginners, volume 1" and "Basic Swordplay"
[22:52] <Leets> "Thank you," Leets said, accepting the books from FA. "Do you also have information on magic blades by any chance?"
[22:52] <Dracos> "Plenty."  He nodded.
[22:53] <Leets> "Would it be all right if I look through them?"
[22:53] <Dracos> "Certainly." He gestured to a shelf on the bookshelf.
[22:55] * Leets nods and walks up to the shelf, picking out a book with a title he could read.
[22:56] <Dracos> He found it was a book on old artifacts and the like, swords inclusive.
[22:58] * Leets skimmed through the book at a steady pace, staying on each page just long enough to check for anything that struck him as familiar and noting their pages so he could recheck them later.
[23:01] <Dracos> Nothing in there, lots of blades, and few close, but none quite like his.
[23:07] <Leets> Leets returned the book, checking one last time for a book he could read.
[23:10] <Dracos> "Are you looking for something in particular?" The old man had sat down at his desk.
[23:12] <Leets> "Hm. Was kind of hoping to find some information about this." Leets carefully pulled his sword out.
[23:14] <Dracos> "Hmm?  An old blade?  Bring it close.
[23:16] <Leets> "It's kind of an oddity," Leets admitted, showing the sword to FA. "Someone said it was magic, but it was rusted when I found it."
[23:17] <Dracos> "Rusted hmm...  Well, it's definitely a fine blade...likely has a noble heritage too....  You had it reforged?"
[23:19] <Leets> "About a month after I found it. Do you know what it is?"
[23:21] <Dracos> "Hmmm...  With it's new forging, I can't say for sure.  Possibly a paladin's blade, definitely a knight's...hmmm," His hands traced over it.  "There's power in it, that's certain.  Hmm..."
[23:24] <Dracos> "I'd have to see it in action to be sure...  but I suspect it's a blade of heroism of some kind.  The type to empower those who protect the weak and the like."
[23:29] <Leets> "Really?" Leets asked, looking over the sword. "That's rather interesting. The other person who looked over it said it was for slaying demons and the like."
[23:31] <Dracos> "Slaying demons?  Hmmm...  I suppose...hmm.  It might be the Masamune, sword of courage, forged of the stuff of dreams to bring hope to the hopeless, left in the mountains of the east winds long ago near Totos, as I recall the legend, by a great hero."
[23:45] <Leets> "I don't suppose you have a book of that legend?" Leets asked, returning his sword back into the bag.
[23:47] <Dracos> "Nope.  Should write it down sometime.  But I'm taking a break from that, as I said."
[23:48] <Leets> "Well, that's understandable. Is that sword you mentioned in any of those books though?"
[23:51] <Dracos> "I believe I wrote a brief summary of it in one of them yes."
[23:52] <Leets> "May I ask which one?"
[23:53] <Dracos> "Not sure.  Probably this one." He grabbed  one from the middle and handed it to leets. "Feel free to look."
[23:54] <Leets> "Thank you." Leets looked through the offered text.
Session Time: Sun Mar 26 00:00:00 2006
[00:01] <Dracos> Leafing through it, he found an entry that mentioned the masamune, describing its dimensions and that it was a magical blade used for the fighting of darkness."
[00:06] <Leets> After finishing the book, Leets turned back to FA. "Thank you for all your help, sir. I hope we can meet again in the future." Bowing in appreciation, Leets left the Acadamy to rejoin the others.

[21:30] <Jan> The golem lowered its arm, the bolts along its two arms falling off with dull thunks. A shrill cry filled the air as steam poured out of the arms, obscuring the negotiator as he shifted back to his birth form.
[21:34] <Felix> "My, that's interesting. How different is it to be in that form?" Felix asks, impressed.
[21:38] <Jan> Jan walked out of the thick cloud of steam, waving it out of his face. "Power can get heady sometimes. If I overdo it, it really drains me, though."
[21:39] * Felix nods. "I imagine you're rather tough in that form though," Felix comments, given the appearance.
[21:40] <Dracos> "Mmm... The bond is weaker, but I can still see it.  A tie to the land."
[21:40] <Jan> "Nothing I've ever come across can hurt me. And if my armor gets chipped, it gets fixed next time I turn into a golem."
[21:42] <Felix> "Really? That's rather useful, I imagine," Felix comments, astonished.
[21:43] <Jan> "I don't really use it. It's a final measure since I don't understand it."
[21:47] <Dracos> "Mmm, well, I can't tell you more.  It's beyond my experience, though there is another who might be more familiar with your situation that lives near Silmaria."
[21:51] <Jan> "Who would that be?"
[21:54] <Dracos> "Well, he's a bit on the eccentric side, but the archmage Erasmus lives in the clouds high above the island.  He has a doorway near the outskirts of town, though he's not a big fan of visitors.  Tends to spend most days doing puzzles and things with his familiar."
[21:59] <Felix> "Well, he probably would enjoy some new puzzles to solve, if he likes puzzles," Felix comments.
[22:01] <Jan> "Would you like to come along with me, Felix?"
[22:01] * Felix nods. "It would be interesting to see what an archmage is capable of," he replies.
[22:01] <Dracos> "Hmmm, a warning.  He has his door guarded with a guardian to keep out mischief makers.  Tends to use a riddle to see if you're worth entry."
[22:03] <Jan> "What happens if we fail the riddle? Will the guardian attack us?"
[22:04] <Dracos> "Hmm, probably warp you back.  Oh that's right, you don't know Trigger, Felix.  You'll need either that...or perhaps kicking at the pillars around the entry way to trigger his warp spell up to his domicile."
[22:05] <Felix> "How much for Trigger and what are its exact effects?" Felix asks, unsure if the spell will cost too much and if it's worth it. They might want to just kick the pillars like the lionman suggests.
[22:17] <Dracos> "100 silver.  It's a way to trigger magical spells from a distance."
[22:19] <Jan> "We can just kick at the pillars, I suppose."
[22:22] * Felix laughs. "Well, if you're sure. I do think I could try and make some of that money with magic shows."
[22:25] <Dracos> Shakra smiled.  "It has been a pleasure.  Tarish kizik, as we say in Tarna.  I should go and tend my shop now."
[22:25] <Jan> "Thank you for all the help, Mister Shakra."
[22:26] * Felix nods. "Indeed. Well, shall we go meet up with the others then, Jan?"
[22:28] <Dracos> Shakra headed off back towards town.
[22:29] <Jan> "Yeah, we'll return to this island another day, for now it's best to head for the next Starstone."
[22:29] <Jan> Jan lead the way back to the ship.
[22:31] * Felix follows Jan.

*leets interlude*


[21:33] <Dracos> Heading for the ship, Leets found that he arrived first at the docks.
[21:36] <Leets> "Guess they're still shopping." Leets went onto the ship to drop some of his load. Hopefully, they won't take too much longer, though he'd probably go look for them if they did.
[21:41] <Dracos> He spotted fizban catnapping on a set of ropes that'd be set up more like a hammock.
[21:42] * Leets quietly drops his stuff off, not wanting to disturb the old man from his sleep.
[21:44] * Jan (Velsper@dialup-4.240.150.106.Dial1.Phoenix1.Level3.net) has joined #wasteland2
[21:47] <Dracos> Well, being the stealth expert, leets gets  to his place sneakly and quietly, unnoticed as he enters his room.
[21:49] <Leets> After depositing his things, he left the room to pass the time by wandering the ship.
[22:07] <Dracos>  Wandering the ship, he spotted the captain working to make things ship shape, and he could get a good glimpse  of the wood ship he'd traveled on and it's majestic corridors.
[22:12] * Leets whistled lowly in admiration. Wood or steel, it was still a sight to behold. He paused for a moment, then walked to the captain, being carefully not to sneak up on the man.
[22:14] <Dracos> "Hmm? Who's that?" He turned.
[22:18] <Leets> "G'afternoon, Captain." Leets greeted politely. "Am I interrupting anything?'
[22:21] <Dracos> "Ah, nope.  Just checking the equipment.  Always good to make sure everything is safe while at docks."
[22:25] * Artemis (greek@sfc-FF8CCE70.pantheon.org) has joined #wasteland2
[22:27] <Leets> "Would you mind terribly if we talk a bit then?" Leets asked, falling into step with the captain and watching him work.
[22:28] <Dracos> "Of course not.  What's on your mind?" He smiled, crouching a bit to be eye to eye with him.
[22:37] * Leets shrugs casually. "Just kind of curious about your home country. It must be pretty advanced to build ships like these."


*leets interlude end*

[22:34] <Dracos> They arrive back at the ship, shortly after Leets did.
[22:35] <Jan> "This is the ship we got lent, the Rydia. It's a pretty good ship, as far as I know. Hasn't given us any troubles. Let me show you a spare room we have."
[22:35] <Jan> The negotiator led the magician below deck to where the rooms were.
[22:36] <Dracos> While on the deck, he spotted Leets talking with the sailor/captain/guy doing all the sailing work.
[22:36] <Felix> "How many people do you generally have here?" Felix asks, curious about the crew.
[22:37] <Jan> "Just our group and that sailor. I help with what I can, but he's the only one that knows how to run this thing, basically."
[22:38] <Felix> "Ah, I see," Felix nods his head at that, continuing to follow Jan towards the rooms.
[22:40] <Jan> He showed Felix a room. "This works for you?"
[22:42] * Felix looks around the room.
[22:43] <Dracos> It's a nice enough room.
[22:43] <Dracos> A bit of a  primitive looking ship, like one would see a few hundred years before Felix's time, Felix noticed.
[22:44] <Dracos> ToLeets: The man blinked at Leets.  "Well, yes.  It's baron.  You were there when we met."
[22:44] <Leets> "Yes, but we really didn't stay long enough to have a proper appreciation of the place," explained Leets.
[22:46] <Jan> "Good enough for you, Felix?"
[22:46] <Felix> "It's not Gnome Ann's, but its pretty good," Felix answers with a satisfied nod, as he goes in and puts his suitcase on the bed.
[22:47] <Dracos> ToLeets:"Well, I daresay, we're the most advanced nation in the world."
[22:49] <Leets> "You must have a lot of reason to be proud of your home too, am I right?"
[22:52] * Jan nodded and wandered out of the room to rest off his transformation.
[22:54] * Felix proceeds to open his suitcase and start putting some of his things away.
[22:55] <Dracos> ToLeets: "Of course."

[21:09] <Dracos> The next day...  The party had started getting the Rydia ready for travel, leaving most of them with a bit of free time...  And so it was that the mage Felix and Leets crossed paths on the ship, leets examining the rigging curiously and Felix just plain getting to know the ship.
[21:12] * IronDragoon (iron_drago@c-67-163-114-219.hsd1.tx.comcast.net) has joined #wasteland
[21:13] * IronDragoon is now known as Mary
[21:14] <Leets> "Hello, Mr. DuCartes." Leets greeted when they crossed paths. "Have enough time to regret joining this quest?"
[21:15] <Felix> "Not as of yet," Felix replies with an amused shake of his head. "And you? Do you regret being on this journey yourself?"
[21:16] * Mary snorts.
[21:17] <Mary> "I sure 'as hell am. I just want 'ta go back 'ta land I know, where I can find a good bar and get in'ta a pistol fight or two."
[21:18] <Felix> "I have no greater wish myself than to return to my own land," the magician agrees.
[21:18] <Dracos> The soft sea air blew over the ship side, brushing along them as they chatted on the deck.
[21:20] <Dracos> They could see the captain working on the deck.
[21:20] <Leets> "Well, I've come to think of this place as home lately," Leets admitted, adding snort of amusement at thinking of his supposed 'home'. "So here I am to save it."
[21:20] * Mary grunts.
[21:21] <Mary> "You can live here all 'ya want. I plan 'ta get back where I came from."
[21:22] <Felix> "I as well, if I can see that possibility. Still, while I'm here, I will try to help with what I can," Felix comments. "Speaking of which, when will we be departing? Or are we staying around Silmaria for some time longer?"
[21:23] <Dracos> "It'll be a day to get ready, but beyond that, we can leave as soon as you want." The captain, as it seemed, called back.
[21:23] <Dracos> Jan was currently resting.  Though they noticed the old man was up and about, sitting near the back of the large ship.
[21:23] <Mary> "Might as well not waste a day.. I say we go find some work or somethin'. Need 'ta new pistols soon."
[21:27] * Felix nods. "Well, as we had to deplete much of the funds on buying spells on my part, making some of that money back would be agreeable with me, and making sure the spent money has had a worthwhile investment."
[21:28] * Mary draws a pistol, cocks the hammer back, and spins it over a finger a few times, then tosses it into the, spinning end over end, turning towards the plank off the ship and catching the pistol behind his back, before fliping it across the back of his hand and back into the holster.
[21:29] <Mary> "Well alright, then. Let's find us somethin' 'ta shoot."
[21:29] <Dracos> Heading down the plank, they came out on the docks, they could see the morning fisherman already returning with their catch, a half dozen men in all working to get it off their boats.
[21:29] * Leets shrugs. "Let's go then. Maybe there's something we can find back at the Adventurer's Guild." He headed for the landing to leave the ship.
[21:32] <Dracos> Heading past them and up the road, they came to the adventurer's guild, the door thankfully open at this early hour.
[21:36] <Leets> "Anyone remember where the guild request board was?" Leets asked the others, glancing around.
[21:36] * Mary shrugs.
[21:36] <Mary> "Down th' road from the guild hall, I think.
[21:36] <Mary> "
[21:38] <Felix> "Let's just use the one inside the guild, I say," the magician offers wrily as he enters the guild.
[21:38] <Dracos> Entering, they found the massive figure of Toro standing guard at the far end.  "Toro greets you."
[21:39] <Mary> "Howdy, Toro."
[21:39] <Leets> "Right pleasant day, isn't it?"
[21:39] * Mary tips his hat in greeting to Toro.
[21:39] * Felix gives a nod in greeting for his part. "Could you direct us to the request board?" he asks politely, getting right to business.
[21:40] <Dracos> "Request board?  Ah, yes." Toro pointed behind them on the wall, near where Mary and Leets had signed the guestbook earlier.
[21:40] <Dracos> There were a few notices on it.
[21:41] <Felix> "Thank you," Felix offers before turning to look at the board.
[21:42] <Dracos> "Pegasus Feathers - I am seeking some pegasus feathers.  I do not really believe that such a being does exist, but I am willing to pay for such things.  Inquire at Wolfie's stand."
[21:44] <Dracos> "Safety Not Guarenteed - Someone to go back into hades with me.  This is not a joke.  You'll be paid well after we get back.  Must bring your own weapons.  I've  only done this once before.  Inquire at the Dead Parrot Inn, second floor, at night."
[21:45] * Mary scratches the side of his neck at this second one, still not used to seeing these kinds of things..
[21:45] <Dracos> "Maurading Raiders - Mauraders sighted on Minos Island.  Reward: 5000 silvers for dealing with and cleaning them all out."
[21:46] <Dracos> "Dancing - One dancer needed tonight for Gnome Ann's inn.  Food included.  Costume included."
[21:46] <Dracos> That seems to be the last of them.
[21:49] <Felix> "Well now....I suppose neither of you is up for dancing, correct?" Felix asks his companions.
[21:49] * Mary grunts.
[21:49] <Mary> "Only if it's with a pretty girl."
[21:51] <Leets> "Never tried. Probably never will."
[21:54] <Felix> "Right then. I also imagine neither of you happen to have a pegasi feather on you, or willing to go to hell, if there is such a way to get there, for an unstated payment. Interested in the 5000 silvers job, you two?"
[21:54] <Mary> "Money's money, and shootin' is shootin."
[21:55] <Leets> "It sounds doable at least," agreed Leets. "Any clue where Minos Island is though?"
[21:55] <Dracos> "Minos island not good place.  Mostly wreckage now.  To north, half day by ship." Toro interrupted.
[21:59] <Felix> "Well, the captain did say the ship was ready to leave whenever," Felix comments.
[22:01] <Dracos> Toros stood, a sort of imposing but friendly enough presence.
[22:01] * Mary shrugs.
[22:02] <Mary> "Sounds like that's 'tha plan then."
[22:03] <Leets> "Mister Toros, do you have any information about these 'Raiders'? Or know where we can get information?"
[22:04] <Dracos> "Information?  Toro not really see point.  Though heroman.. I mean kingman always liked that stuff.  Toro think they just thieves.  Toro think they not really that big."
[22:04] * Leets eyes Toros, mentally comparing his own size to the minotaur. "I can't imagine why."
[22:05] <Dracos> The minotaur could like tear him apart like a wishbone without too much trouble.
[22:06] * Mary grins at Toro.
[22:06] <Leets> "Let's talk to the king then. Couldn't hurt to know what we're up against, right?"
[22:06] <Mary> "Sounds about right, Toro."
[22:07] <Dracos> "Kingman busy.  Otherwise they likely already gone.  Kingman very fast.  Faster than Elsa.  Elsa best though."
[22:08] <Leets> "Who, or what, is Elsa?"
[22:09] <Dracos> "Elsa toro friend.  Elsa great fighter.  Elsa and Toro be together long time.  Elsa though leave after lose Rites.  Head south."
[22:11] <Mary> "Any idea better'n 'south', Toro?"
[22:12] <Dracos> "Huh?  Better idea?"
[22:12] <Dracos> The minotaur didn't, by any measure, seem the sharpest tool in the shed.
[22:12] <Leets> "Do you know if there's anyone else we can ask about the raiders?" Leets elaborated for Mary.
[22:13] <Dracos> "Nope."
[22:15] * Leets grumbles mostly inaudiably. The others could catch "another shoot-out" and "paint targets" among his mutterings.
[22:16] * Felix shakes his head. "It seems we'll have to go in blind then?"
[22:17] <Mary> "Light 'tha way with gunpowder, I say."
[22:20] <Dracos> And so they were off towards the ship?
[22:22] <Leets> "Save it for when you're bullet proof," said Leets sourly. "In any case, unless we find someone, looks like we have to go in blind." He sighed, and made to return to the ship.
[22:23] <Dracos> And so they arrived back at the ship, now fast closing on midday.
[22:28] * Felix goes looking for the captain, to inform him of their decision.
[22:28] <Dracos> He's easily found near the front of the ship, eating a small lunch.
[22:28] <Felix> "Hello again, captain," Felix greets. "We've decided on a destination."
[22:29] <Dracos> "Well then, spit it out.  Back to Baron?"
[22:30] <Felix> "No, north rather, to Minos Island," Felix explains.
[22:31] <Dracos> "Okay.  Where's that abouts?  or should we just swing around this island and head for the first one we see to the north?"
[22:33] * Felix sighs. He'd been hoping the captain knew the area well enough to be able to find Minos Island. "I suppose we might have to do that....unless either of you two have a better idea?" he asks, turning to look at his other companions.
[22:35] <Dracos> "Where we headed?" The old man who'd felix had not really much met yet, asked.
[22:37] <Felix> "...Fizban, was it?" Felix asks, trying to recall the name. "The place was called Minos Island. It's about a half day north from here, supposedly, but not sure if it's straight north or what."
[22:39] <Dracos> "Well, one can look from the top and spy it can't they?" The old man suggested.  "Yes, that's my name... I think anyway."
[22:39] <Dracos> The captain nodded. "Okay, I can sail you guys that direction.  Shall we be off now?"
[22:40] * Felix shrugs and looks at the others.
[22:41] * Leets returns the look, raising one incredulous eyebrow. "I thought we already agreed to it."
[22:42] <Dracos> "Agreed to what?" Fizban absently replied as the captain nodded and got to setting sail.
[22:43] <Felix> "Just making sure. It'd be impolite otherwise," Felix replies.
[22:46] <Felix> "Well, captain, I'll leave the ship to you since no one seems to have anything to do before we depart for Minos," Felix says as he heads towards the rooms. "I'll be going to my room to finish studying those magic scrolls."
[22:48] <Dracos> "Scrolls you say?"  The old man curiously asked as they sailed off.
[22:49] <Dracos> It was evening, a bit late, the sun just dipped beneath the horizon as they came along the side of minos island.  Even from the boat they could see the shattered wreckage of the large castle that stood prominently on the largest hill on the island.
[22:49] * Felix nods. "Yes. As I'm learning magic now, the arcane variety anyhow, I recently acquired some scrolls, some with the help of Jan," Felix answers.
[22:51] <Dracos> The old man nodded, chattering to Felix about such things as they sailed.
[22:51] <Dracos> "Land ho." The captain called.
[22:57] <Dracos> Meanwhile below deck...
[22:58] <Leets> "Well, here's hoping that we're not up against an army," Leets said as he roused from rest and grabbed his weapons.
[22:58] <Mary> "Yeah.. I ain't got that many bullets.."
[23:00] <Felix> "Keep the ship ready to leave," Felix advises the captain.
[23:01] * Mary tips his hat up and grips his pistol hilts.
[23:01] <Mary> "Let's go find some targets, boys."
[23:01] * Mary grins.
[23:02] <Dracos> "Sure thing.  Good luck out there." The man waved them off.
[23:10] <Felix> <-__-Pausage-__->
[18:44] <Dracos> The gangplank down to the island beach was lowered  and ready for use.
[18:44] * Felix nods to the captain and steps out of the ship and onto the island. "Well, let's start hunting then," he says to the other two as he heads further inland.
[18:45] * Mary heads down to the beach, looking around.
[18:48] <Dracos> Stepping onto the beach, the sands were just starting to cool from the long day, the early evening winds blowing cold over them.  The forest looked somewhat uninviting and grim in the night atmosphere, the trees though providing ample space for travel as they grew at the edge of the beach sands.
[18:51] <Felix> "Should we head to the forest, or look elsewhere?" Felix asks of his companions.
[18:52] <Mary> "Forest, most likely. I reckon where'd you find food and water is where you'd find 'em."
[18:53] <Leets> "I think it'd be more likely they'd be hiding somewhere closer to shore."
[18:54] * Leets studies the area, trying to see possible waterways leading into the island. "They're pirates after all. It wouldn't really fit if they couldn't get thier boat off the island."
[18:55] <Dracos> None were visible from where they were standing, but it was a pretty large island.  There could be plenty of places for such along the beach.
[18:57] <Felix> "Hrm...Leets is probably right. Let's head further inland and then spread out from there," Felix suggests as he starts to head further inland.
[18:58] <Mary> "Lead 'tha way."
[19:00] <Dracos> Heading into the woods, darkness slowly fell, the stars, unfamiliar in their configuration, slowly rising into the sky.  They heard as they walked through the woods the sounds of forest animals...some perhaps even large ones, nearby.
[19:01] * Mary rests a hand on his pistol grip as they go, watching the area cautiously.
[19:03] <Dracos> The hoots of forest owls echoed through the woods as they walked, branches and grass crumbling beneath their feet.
[19:05] * Felix continues walking forward, unless one of his companions requests he stop, or if he spots anything of interest.
[19:06] <Dracos> Stepping in front of them, a large panther-like creature growled as it blocked their way, whipping tendrils twisting off its back as its golden eyes starred into them.  It was a large panther, fearsome looking in demeanor and stance.
[19:08] * Leets pauses, watching the predator cautiously. It certainly didn't act like it shared an island with violent marauders, but then, there's a chance neither the panther or the pirates have crossed paths yet.
[19:09] <Mary> "Ya'll want me 'ta take it down? My guns ain't exactly quiet, though.."
[19:09] <Dracos> It moved forward,loping towards them.
[19:10] <Leets> "No. Felix? Think you can scare it off with one of your spells?"
[19:12] * Felix nods as he slowly casts a lightning bolt in front of the panther.
[19:13] <Dracos> the panther leaped and snarled at them, moving off...for now it seeemed.
[19:14] * Felix keeps an eye on it, readying another lightning bolt should the feline change it's mind and try to make them lunch again, next time being a bit more...direct, if it tries.
[19:16] <Leets> "Well, I think we can assume the pirates are either animal lovers or aren't anywhere near here," Leets muttered, watching the panther slink back into the woods.
[19:16] <Dracos> The panther vanished  into the woods...mere moments later they couldn't see it.
[19:18] <Dracos> Once again, they were alone in the woods...though the sounds of night birds were decreasing.
[19:19] <Felix> "Seems it's decided not to make lunch of us. Let's keep going then," Felix suggests as he continues onward.
[19:20] <Dracos> As they moved forward, they came to a large clearing at the base of the hill...well, more like a small rock face, some 30-40 feet high...  paths along it leading up towards the shattered wreckage that was the castle.
[19:21] <Mary> "Who's goin' first?"
[19:21] <Leets> "Let's split up here," suggested Leets. "I'll search the castle. You two circle the hill and see if there's a path leading back to shore."
[19:22] * Mary nods.
[19:22] <Mary> "We goin' togeather, Felix?"
[19:23] <Felix> "I suppose. Will you be alright on your own, Leets?" the magician asks of the younger boy.
[19:24] <Leets> "Yes, I'll be careful," Leets said, and made his way up to the castle ruins.
[19:25] <Dracos> -----
[19:25] <Dracos> OOC: Shifts =p
[19:26] <Dracos> The other two were left alone at the base as Leets started to scale the rocky paths.
[19:28] * Mary takes the lead with a drawn pistol and heads to the right, circling around the hill.
[19:29] <Dracos> Circling around the hill, they eventually came to a path in the forest  that lookekd a bit more well trodden than normal.
[19:31] * Mary points the path out to Felix.
[19:31] <Mary> "What'd ya make 'a that? Should we follow it?"
[19:43] * Felix nods. "Let's follow from a bit off-road though, just so we don't encounter anybody along the way, or so we get to see them first at least," Felix replies.
[19:44] * Mary nods and heads out, keeping the road in view.
[19:48] <Dracos> The birds were quite quiet as they made their way through the woods.
[19:52] <Dracos> They eventually came out on the beach, near...a ship?  A smaller one than the Rydia, but decked out with cannons.
[19:53] <Felix> "Alright, how do you want to handle this," Felix whispers to the gunslinger, deciding to talk in a lower voice now that the enemy is concievably within range, so to say.
[19:54] <Mary> "Hmm.. Either we can go back and try 'ta find Leets.. Or attack it ourselves.. Think that ship we came here on might have some guns on it?"
[19:54] <Dracos> "Why don't you two give yourselves up and make it easy on us?" A loud voice broke their tet-a-tet, as they noticed a group of grinning rogues slipping out of the forest behind them...and the panther from earlier.
[19:59] <Felix> "Well, there go our options," Felix replies at Mary wrily as he slowly starts to raise his hands, before flashing his arms out towards the panther, thin tendrils of lightning flying at the beast.
[20:01] <Dracos> They passed towards the beast with lightning speed...and went through it!  A growl, off to the side echoed as the creature charged towards him quickly.
[20:25] * Mary spins around fires off a round at each of the men's head, empting his pistol of all six rounds.
[20:28] <Dracos> "What the hell?" The men stared at him.  "You both are some kinds of wizards!"  Muttered rage went through them as they charged Mary.
[20:39] <Dracos> Mary felt a paw smash into his side, something carrying him to the ground as the rage filed pirates swarmed them, moments left before they'd be cut to pieces.
[20:49] <Felix> Though surprised at the lack of effect of magic on the beast, Felix recovers and digs into his jacket, a clicking sound being heard as smoke surrounds Felix and he vanishes from his spot, another cloud of smoke popping behind the pirates and the leaping panther.
[20:50] * Mary twists around and digs his second pistol out of it's holster, firing four rounds in rapid sucession into the body of the beast pinning him down.
[20:51] <Dracos> He felt something smash down near his face as the bullets spun off through the empty space above him and continued on up, a growl nearby.
[20:52] <Dracos> "What..where'd he go?  Get the one on the ground" They chaotically shouted, some looking around as others slashed at the on the ground Mary with scimitars.
[20:56] * Mary twists some more and kicks out at the beast, hoping to get it off of him, and fires his two remaining rounds at the faces of two of the four remaining men.
[21:00] <Dracos> His kick passes through empty air as he fires his last two shots, taking two of the men down as a third slashed a long cut along his side.
[21:07] <Felix> Concentrating as the pirates seem to have lost sight of him with his dissappearing trick, Felix soon releases a much more concentrated dosage of electricity at the rogues from the back.
[21:08] <Dracos> They screamed, twitching as they slammed down on the ground for a moment, groaning...not quite out, but close to it it seemed.
[21:09] <Dracos> The panther rushed at Felix, growling.
[21:15] * Mary rolls to his feet, holstering one pistol as he does and popping the cylinder on his other, slamming rounds into the chambers as he gets to his feet.
[21:18] <Dracos> As he tries, something slams into his back, knocking him down onto his face, a snarl heard behind him as he felt heavy paws slash against his back.
[21:22] * Felix attempts to toss a spell at the incoming panther, this time releasing a dazzling array of lights, hoping to blind it as he turns towards his left.
[21:25] <Dracos> The lights went right through the panther as...the panther landed right beside him as he turned, snarling.
[21:26] <Dracos> Felix spots Mary on the ground faced down, bloody cuts down his back.
[21:28] * Mary rolls over and swings his pistol, trying to slam the steel into whatever is pinning him down.
[21:29] <Dracos> He hears a grunt, hot breath steaming over his face as something slammed his arm down.
[21:31] * Felix moves further away from the panther after him and towards his companion, while casting detect magic, hoping to get to the center of the mystery of Mary's attacker and his own attacker's immaterialness.
[21:32] <Dracos> His eyes glowed...and saw two panthers...or at least, the outlines of two.  One hungrily closing on Mary's throat, another where his mysterious attacker was, both looking quite the same to his eyes.
[21:34] * Mary continues to swing both his pistols at the thing pinning him, hoping to land a solid blow.
[21:36] <Dracos> grunts were heard as he struggled with the invisible creature on him, further claws striking and slashing up his shirt and chest.
[21:39] * Felix gathers electricity in his hands, and releases it straight at the panther above Mary, hoping he can hit -that- one at least, as he continues to run towards Mary.
[21:41] <Dracos> The panther is blasted off of Mary as he feels the heavy weight flung off him.  The remaining pirates running for the woods, even as the beast shook itself up and started to circle them.
[21:42] * Mary rolls to his feet and triest to finish loading his pistol.
[21:45] * Felix grins as he stands besides Mary, and aims another lightning bolt at that panther. "Sorry to keep you waiting," the magician comments.
[21:45] * Mary grunts.
[21:45] <Mary> "'Nother second or two and I'd be strip steak."
[21:45] <Dracos> The panther dodged and rushed at Felix angrily with swift strides.
[21:49] * Mary snaps up his pistol and fires off three rounds at the panther, hoping to score some hits or move it into a better position for Felix.
[21:51] <Dracos> The bullets went through the panther as it charged....Felix seeing one leaping at him.
[21:54] * Felix fires another bolt of lightning at the leaping one even as he jumps to the side. "The other panther is an illusion I think! Aim for the fleeing men if you can still get them!"
[21:55] <Dracos> The panther growled in anger, twitching as its mass carried felix to the ground.
[22:00] * Mary turns and fires his three remaining rounds into the air above Felix.
[22:04] <Dracos> A grunt was heard...as the panther on Felix stopped struggling and faded into view.
[22:04] <Dracos> The other vanishing.
[22:05] <Felix> "Thanks," Felix says with a grunt as he works to push the panther off.
[22:06] <Mary> "We're even now."
[22:06] * Mary grins at the magican.
[21:16] <Felix> "That we are," Felix agrees. "Let's catch up to the runaways, shall we?"
[21:22] * Mary staggers towards the direction the men had run to while reloading his guns.
[21:24] <Dracos> The woods would be hard to travel or keep pace with them, given their better knowledge of the terrain, but they'd be easy to track.
[21:26] <Mary> "You wanna bull rush through here or go back and find Leets? He knows more about sneakin' 'round than either of us, and we might wanna be warnin' him they know we're about."
[21:32] <Felix> "I think the time to sneak around is past, and I don't know how well we'd be able to find him except by making a lot of noise and getting his attention towards us," Felix comments as they move.
[21:32] * Mary shrugs and heads into the woods, trying to follow the trail.
[21:33] <Dracos> The trail is easy, marked with broken branches from their hurried run back towards the center of the island.
[21:34] * Mary follows the trail, watching the surroundings for anything hostile.
[21:38] <Dracos> The surroundings are pretty quiet, the gunfire probably having scared them off.
[21:38] <Dracos> They got to the hill easy enough.
[21:39] <Mary> "You got anythin' flashy enough you think'll bring 'em out? I'd rather have some cover, hurtin' a bit an' all."
[21:40] <Felix> "I can toss another flash or smoke grenade out ahead, and hope people try coming to check it out," Felix offers.
[21:40] <Dracos> they saw glimpses  of the men hurrying up the hill as they broke the cover of the woods...arrows flying overhead....
[21:41] <Mary> "Shit, back inta' tha' trees!"
[21:41] * Mary dives for cover behind the largest tree he can find.
[21:42] * Felix does much the same, following Mary's advice the moment it is uttered.
[21:42] <Felix> "Seems we don't need to draw them out, eh?" the older man quips.
[21:43] <Mary> "Need 'em 'ta get closer. Can't see 'em well enough from 'ere."
[21:46] <Dracos> The forest is obviously being watched now.
[21:47] * Felix nods, as he prepares to toss some lightning out, and with a look out from behind his cover, tosses in the general direction of the thugs. "Well, let's see if some lightning can't encourage them to move from their positions..."
[21:47] * Mary nods and looks away, hoping to protect his vision from the bright flash.
[21:56] <Dracos> The lightning slammed into the rock cover they had, sending dirt falling below, but doing little else.
[22:00] <Felix> "Hrm...I don't think I'll have too much success with attacking them, so..." Felix mutters before chanting a calming spell, aiming it in the direction of the thugs. Maybe he can calm their desire for killing enough for them to get close enough without taking an arrow through the neck.
[22:00] <Mary> "Hmm.. Ya got anythin' ta make it harder for 'em to hit or see us?"
[22:04] <Felix> "Maybe. I'm preparing a calming spell, but not sure if it'll take effect from this distance...It's the best I've got," Felix mutters before he releases the spell.
[22:04] * Mary nods.
[22:12] <Dracos> The spell fills the area with calm...or at least, the area around felix.
[22:12] <Mary> "... You go find out if it worked."
[22:14] * Felix takes a deep breath and nods. "If you don't see them shooting at me, I suppose it worked." With that, he takes a cautious step out from behind the tree, and waits to see if arrows start flying, ready to duck back if so.
[22:17] <Dracos> A few started to fly into the air, notably from the higher perches.
[22:18] * Mary tries to a clear sight on the ones firing the arrows and lets ouff a few rounds, two from each pistol.
[22:18] * Felix quickly ducks behind the tree again. "...I don't think that worked," the magician says with a sigh.
[22:19] <Dracos> The arrows get shot down by Mary....hard shot though.
[22:19] <Dracos> OOC: Oh, the ones firing the arrows...hmmm
[22:19] <Mary> OOC: I was about to say =p
[22:19] <Dracos> The gunshots barely miss as they chip the rock, the archers ducking under their cover.
[22:21] <Mary> "Hmm.. How many more 'a them lightning bolts can ya throw?"
[22:23] <Felix> "Still a good deal more...I think. I haven't exactly tired myself out before repeatedly using up spells," is the answer.
[22:23] <Mary> "Can ya toss 'em out fast enough to cover me? Long enough 'fer me 'ta get close to em?
[22:26] * Felix nods. "I'll do my best to make sure they don't dare peek over their cover."
[22:27] * Mary nods and picks out a route, from one place of cover to the next and takes off, running as fast as he can, waiting to get close enough to take his shots..
[22:27] * Felix quickly moves from his own cover, and takes position ready to aim lightning at any archers that pop up into view.
[22:28] <Dracos> Arrows flew awkwardly as felix pelted the rocks with cover, falling near, but not on Mary as he got towards the hilside, the archers turning and trying to shoot him with the range quickly dropping.
[22:29] * Mary continues his mad dash with a grin and fires at the closest archers as soon as they're in range, screaming a 'YEEEEHHHHHAAA!' at the top of his lungs.
[22:37] <Dracos> Arrows miss by bare margins as his gunshots ring true, scattering the mauradeers as they ran for cover up the castle.
[22:39] * Mary ducks behind cover and reloads his guns, then motions for Felix to come to him as he turns and prepares to lay down fire to cover his run.
[22:40] * Felix nods at the motion and follows after him as the marauders start scattering.
[22:43] <Dracos> The two are now about halfway up the hill towards the castle.
[22:43] * Mary roloads his guns and looks at Felix.
[22:43] <Mary> "Ready? You good 'ta keep goin'?
[22:43] <Mary> "
[22:45] <Felix> "You're the more injured one. If you're good, so am I," Felix replies.
[22:45] * Mary nods.
[22:45] <Mary> "Here I go, then."
[22:45] * Mary grunts and takes off, bolting up the hill like a madman!
[22:48] <Dracos> They got to the shattered gates of the castle/manor, the gateway open.
[22:49] <Mary> "What now, Felix?"
[22:52] * Felix shrugs. "Just hunt for more thugs? Sorry, but fight plans's aren't my forte."
[22:53] <Felix> ooc: cut the 's from plans
[22:53] <Mary> "Ain't this where Leets whent?"
[22:53] <Mary> Went*
[22:54] <Felix> "Probably, so we might stumble onto him, but who knows?"
[22:54] * Mary shrugs and heads in, pistols at the ready.
[22:57] <Dracos> Heading in, they saw a dead man near the stairs, collapsed in strange sort of tribal clothing.
[22:57] <Mary> "Bet that was Leets.."
[22:57] <Dracos> The place was huge, sort of a hollowed out wreck of a manor, with a half dozen doors, and a stairwell leading up.
[22:58] <Felix> "Probably. Let's find a trail of corpses to follow then," Felix suggests.
[22:58] <Mary> "Uhh.. Maybe its best if we just wait fer him?"
[22:58] <Felix> "You're the experienced fighter...
[22:58] <Felix> " Felix says with a shrug
[22:58] <Felix> ooc: damn enter key
[22:59] <Mary> "Yeah, but if we get lost in this place, we'll probably never find 'im. Who knows how many 'a them there are."
[23:00] <Felix> "Mmm...just so long as we're not giving them a chance to regroup and prepare by waiting..." Felix comments worriedly.
[23:01] <Mary> "Lets find some place we can hold up, then."
[23:01] * Mary starts looking for a defensable position.
[23:02] * Felix nods and follows.
[23:02] <Dracos> Behind the stairs would be good, they could make a pretty strong shooting hideout from there.
[23:03] * Mary ducks under the stairs and sets himself.
[23:12] <Dracos> Gunshoots rang out behind the door across the hall from them!
[23:13] * Mary readies his pistols with a gleam in his eye.
[23:13] <Mary> "If that's Leets, it's up to you to let him not not to shoot us."
[23:15] <Dracos> The door slammed open, a heavily toned man hurrying with fast strides towards the stairs.
[23:15] * Mary fires two rounds at the man's head.
[23:17] <Felix> "Well, I see you'll be taking care of when it's -not- Leets then," Felix comments wrily.
[23:17] * Mary grunts in reply.
[23:19] <Dracos> The man dropped...blood spilling over the floor.
[23:19] * Mary calmly reloads the empty chambers, and goes back to watching the area.
[23:29] <Dracos> A creak is heard as one of the upstairs doors opens.
[23:30] * Mary locks back the hammers on his pistols, and sets himself up to drop any hostiles that come into his line of fire..
[23:37] <Dracos> Mary couldn't hear anyone moving up there.
[23:38] * Mary continues to wait in silence..

------------------
OOC: Following leets view

[19:25] <Dracos> Leets made his way up to the ruins...but couldn't help the feeling he was being watched as he did so.
[19:28] * Leets frowned at the feeling as he climbed towards the ruins. He looked for possibly boulders or outcrops he could hide behind to throw off his watcher for a brief moment.
[19:29] <Dracos> This play was filled with them.  It looked like the place had been torn assunder...and had been decked out with hiding places before then.
[19:30] * Leets cautiously moves into hiding behind one of the nearest outcroppings, staying put for a moment until the feeling of being watched dropped.
[19:31] <Dracos> They didn't, if he didn't know better, he'd think he was walking into a trap.
[19:34] * Leets frowns, taking the moment to study the path and see where he could stay hidden long enough while moving to confuse the person watching him long enough to go stealth.
[19:36] <Dracos> He might be able to.  Depends how skilled those watching were.
[19:40] * Leets takes the path that keeps him hidden the longest, concentrating on his ability.
[19:41] <Dracos> He slips by, noticing a few archers behind him hidden carefully, but not quite seeing him as he slipped through.
[19:53] * Leets stops, studying the archer's positions, but seeing nothing he could do at the moment. He continues stealthily moving towards the castle a bit more cautiously, keeping an eye out for other traps or ambushes.
[19:56] <Dracos> Slipping through the guards, he came up towards the castle, the gateway smashed off its hinges by something a long time ago and lay on the ground nearby.
[20:01] * Leets slips into the castle, sparing a moment to study the interior for signs of recent use.
[20:04] <Dracos> Plenty of signs of boots having passed through...but where were the people?  He didn't hear many nearby.
[20:05] * Leets followed the tracks, trying to see which path the majority followed. Odds are that would be where the camp was.
[20:05] <Leets> Or maybe a treasure room.
[20:06] <Dracos> Most headed down the hillside.
[20:19] <Leets> Finding the trails available to be mostly unhelpful, Leets continued deeper into the castle, looking for anything that seemed out of place while he explored.
[20:24] <Dracos> He heard footsteps approaching as he started to move.
[20:30] * Leets quickly moves into the shadows, not willing to be found by someone bumping into him, and trying to see where the footsteps were coming from.
[20:32] <Dracos> He saw three men, one wearing a large cap.  "So, there's three of them heading down towards the ship is there?"
[20:34] <Dracos> They're coming in from one of the doors towards the top, heading down a twisting stairwell with chunks broken out of it.
[20:36] * Leets stays in place, though listening much more closely. Three? Who were they talking about?
[20:37] <Dracos> "Yes, Captain.  I've already sent a troop out to kill them."
[20:39] * Leets mentally groans, hoping they were talking about a different set of three intruders. He moves closer to the stairwell they were coming from, trying to catch a better glimpse of them while they passed.
[20:43] <Dracos> The one on the left was swathed in furs, his eyes looking about ferally as he talked with his captain with a gruff voice.
[20:44] <Dracos> The one in the center was tall with a wicked looking blade at his side and a black pirate cap on his head.
[20:44] <Dracos> And on the right a man with scars all up and down his bare arms, which looked strong enough to crush a barrel.
[20:51] * Leets knelt down and picked up a small handful of rocks. He threw a few in the far hallway behind the trio, trying to distract them to even the odds for himself.
[20:53] <Dracos> They turned towards it, the one on the right shouting. "Who's there, laggard?"
[20:59] * Leets quietly undid the safeties of his gun while they were muffled in his bag, then quietly pulled them out. While the trio of pirates were distracted, he aimed each gun on the feral man and the captain, aiming at their chests and hoping to hit something vital enough to eliminate two fo the three threats.
[21:01] <Dracos> The feral man went down as the gun shot fired...the second shot taking the captain in the arm as he spun with graceful speed.  "A spy!  Kill him!" A powerful looking fist slammed rapidly towards Leets face from the other henchmen
[21:07] * Leets gracefully ducked under the fist, years of dodging grabby shopkeepers and cops having refined his reflexes as he took the time it took for the henchmen to recover from his dodge to flee.
[21:07] <Dracos> "After him!" The captain held his arm as his henchmen chased after leets with long powerful strides.
[21:17] <Dracos> Leets is running from the stairs in the great hall.  There's rubble on the ground, and doors lining around the hall, as well as the large one of the entry way he came in on.  Outside there...there'd be the ambushers he snuck by earlier.
[21:30] * Leets scrambled, changing directions so quickly whenever his pursuers thought they had him trapped by the debris that they were almost dizzied in their attempts to keep up. Dodge, dash, dodge, dodge, roll, dash, he lead them on a merry game of fox & hounds before he finally took advantage of the distance he had and escaped through one of the doors.
[21:31] <Dracos> "Damn runt, come back here!" The man gave chase as Leets found himself in what looked like the remains of a dining hall, chandilers on the roof, shattered and half-standing tables on the ground, plates and cabinents smashed about, some still standingg along the walls, some littering the floor.  A rather dangerous place to run through.
[21:41] * Leets laughed, unable to restrain himself at the rush of adrenaline as he kept running. He leapt onto one of the broken tables, his inertia flipping forward precariously as the broken, jagged edge was lifted towards his pursuer like a wall of spears. He leapt off the table before his balance became affected. Leets hit the ground rolling, picking up one of the plates littering the ground and threw it like a disc at the henchman while he w
[21:44] * Leets hit the ground rolling, picking up one of the plates littering the ground and threw it like a disc at the henchman while he was trying to dodge to flipping table, then using the spin of his throw to change directions again as he continued running towards the other door.
[21:48] <Dracos> The man smashed down with a gauntleted hand, striking the plate to pieces and following carefully, leets lead growing.
[21:52] <Leets> At the door, Leets paused just long enough to fire off one round at his pursuers before throwing the door open and fleeing out of the room.
[21:55] <Dracos> The man dived as the bullet went over him.
[21:59] <Dracos> Slipping into the other room, he found himself in what might've once been a kitchen, shattered  plates all over the marble floor and no door way out.
[21:23] <Leets> "Not exactly the brightest move you made," Leets said, his pulse raised when he realized he effectively trapped himself. He scanned the room, searching for anything he could use to block the door, or an exit that wasn't as obvious at first glance.
[21:25] <Dracos> There was the wreckage of marble cooking area he might be able to move in the way.
[21:29] * Leets moved towards the wreckage, mentally calculating his chances of being able to move it to block the door before the muscular thug reached it, and the odds of it actually holding against said thug and his cohort.
[21:29] <Dracos> holding...pretty good, getting it there...not so, his mind computed with lightning speed.
[21:32] <Leets> Still, it was an obstacle. Leets eyed the room again, mapping out a dizzying course that might let him confuse his pursuers enough to escape the room in one piece. A few broken plates & cuttlery... maybe there might be a chance there.
[21:32] <Dracos> It's not quite big enough for a real run, but he could definitely probably twist a route around a bit and slip by if he's lucky.
[21:34] <Leets> Nodding to himself, he turned to face the door, tensing up to react accordingly when his pursuers caught up.
[21:44] <Dracos> The muscle man charged through a moment later, taking a step in and quickly scanning the room for him.
[21:49] * Leets eyes the pirate calculatively, legs tensed and ready, though he didn't want to risk giving himself away until yet. For all he knew, the big guy might have backup, and Leets didn't want to be caught off guard.
[21:50] <Dracos> THe man scanned the room. "Where'd the little rat go." He headed in, looking in the nooks.
[21:53] * Leets blinked, watching the thug's eyes pass him, his pulse alternating from freezing to racing as he entered. Not one to ignore his blessings, Leets waited for the pirate to cross half the room and cautiously made his way to the door, keeping a watchful eye on the pirate and ready to run if he was spotted.
[21:58] <Dracos> The pirate will probably turn for the door soon any as Leets goes towards it silently, evading the rubble.
[22:00] <Leets> Finally close enough, he threw (most of his) caution out and the door open, then fled back into the dining hall. Though a small corner of his mind was now questioning his sudden good fortune.
[22:03] <Dracos> The sound of footsteps soon after him showed it didn't last.
[22:10] <Leets> He increased his pace across the floor, running along the shortest route to the exit on the other side of the room.
[22:13] <Dracos> The captain is watching and moves to cut him off as he enters the main hall. "Running away so soon?"
[22:18] <Leets> "Well, I can't deny that you've been the most hospitable of hosts." Leets grinned as infuriating as he could, pausing long enough to aim both his pistols at the captain. "Sorry if this seems rude, but I'm in a bit of a hurry."
[22:18] * Leets fires both pistols.
[22:23] <Dracos> The man dived for cover, the bulleets barely missing.  "Georg, after him!"
[22:29] * Leets rasped the man, then fled into a different room. Hopefully one not trapping him like, pardon the pun, a rat.
[22:30] <Dracos> OOC: Not outside?  *nods*
[22:30] <Dracos> This time he found himself in a room that looked like it was meant for display, steel bars over many alcoves in it, though it looked mostly barren and no doors beyond it.
[22:40] * Leets stumbles to a stop, cursing at yet another dead end. His mind raced to formulate a plan given the short time he had available. He glanced at the room again, trying to think of a trap to stall "Georg".
[22:42] <Dracos> There was a balcony he noticed above him, and the door looked better for sealing.
[22:48] * Leets scanned the walls nearest the balcony, hoping that it wasn't too smooth to climb or that there'd be handholds he could use.
[22:50] <Dracos> It wasn't made for climbing but it was rough like it'd been damaged.
[22:54] <Leets> Having worked with worse, Leets scaled the walls with practiced grace, his gloves providing the extra traction he needed to not slip as he made his way up to the balcony. His new shoes certainly made it easier then he was used too, since they didn't have soles worn down to their last centimeter.
[22:55] <Dracos> They came in. "Where's he... Georg, we can't let this runt get away."
[23:00] * Leets stealthily flipped over the balcony and ducked out of sight. He slowly cocked his guns, listening to their conversation as he tried to decide his next course of action.
[23:01] <Dracos> They looked around, seeing if he was hiding in there as they complained about the guards letting him by.
[23:03] * Leets slowly peered over the edge, guns ready as he tried to see if he could snipe one of them while they were apparently distracted.
[23:05] <Dracos> He might...though he'd have to be careful the other didn't go after him.
[23:11] <Leets> Georg it is, Leets thought, after weighing which of the two could possibly still reach him if he didn't take the other out. The captain and his injured arm wouldn't be as threatening then an uninjured muscled thug. He aimed both his pistols in a way that there'd be no chance of dodging completely unscathed, and fired at Georg before he was spotted.
[23:13] <Dracos> Georg moved with grace and instinct, twisting, one biting into his side as he groaned in pain. "There! Upstairs!"  The captain pulled out a very primitive looking musket, firing back at Leets.
[23:14] <Dracos> The other got behind cover, heading out the door...
[23:17] * Leets ducked back, moving out of the line-of-fire. When he heard the musket's bullets impact against the wall. He immediately raised himself over the balcony rim, and fired at the captain, hoping his injuries would slow down the man from reloading his gun for another shot.
[23:19] <Dracos> the man was under the balcony, reloading and out of easy sight.
[23:22] <Dracos> Gunshoots are heard from another room though, the main hall?
[23:26] * Leets cursed, eyeing the balcony door. No way was he was climbing down with Cap'n Fruitloop waiting, and not really looking forward to someone sneaking up behind him. He opened the door, sparing a moment to make sure it was clear.
[23:29] <Dracos> He stepped out on the second floor, the floor pocked with holes and wreckage as it looked out a bit onto the main hall...
[23:33] * Leets frowned, almost tempted to peer into one of those holes to find out what had happened. Though if those gunshots were any clue, that'd probably be a bad idea...
[23:34] <Leets> Shrugging, he made his way down the second floor hall. The infiltration had gone sour so far, but maybe there'd be an opportunity to catch those two pirates off guard while he was out of sight again.
[23:34] <Dracos> Heading down it, he could see one of them dead on the floor in the center of the hall.
[23:38] * Leets blinked stupidly at the corpse, caught off guard. Either there were some awfully stupid gunners working for these pirates, or another group had broken in. He payed greater attention to his surroundings now, not wanting to be mistakened for one of the pirates and shot by a potential ally.
[23:40] <Dracos> There was the stairs down, and one lit room upstairs that wasn't wrecked utterly.
[23:45] * Leets made his way towards the lit room.
[23:50] <Dracos> Inside he found... a box with a lock on it, reasonably sized.
[23:50] <Dracos> Some maps of the area on a table.
[23:50] <Dracos> As well as various signs of recent usage.
[23:57] * Leets looked over the maps curiously, thinking about stereotypical pirates and their treasures.
[23:59] <Dracos> Mostly of the islands, marking in strange letters.
[00:01] <Leets> Not discounting them yet, Leets stuffed the maps into his bag. Maybe they'll fetch a price with the right person. He turned back to the box, checking to see if it was possibly trapped.
[00:03] <Dracos> No traps that he saw, though it was locked.
[00:04] <Leets> He lightly tapped it, applying his ability on the latch to unlock the box.
[00:04] <Dracos> With a click, it opened.
[00:04] <Dracos> Inside he found.... some piles of gold, and a strange scimitar.
[00:10] * Leets gaped, throughts grinding to a halt at the sight before him. Recovering, he filled as much of the loot into his bag as he could, as well as the weapon.
[00:11] <Dracos> The weapon didn't fit, but the gold did...he could always carry it.
[00:15] <Leets> Shrugging, Leets reloaded his guns to full, then left the room since he doubted he could carry anything else in his bag.
[19:09] <Dracos-Gm> Leets had just collected the gold into his bag.
[19:11] <Leets> Weapons fully loaded, and bag filled with pirate loot, Leets cautiously exited the room, keeping watch for the other intruders as to not get shot by mistake.
[19:14] <Dracos-Gm> Heading down the stairs...he spotted Mary in a guard position!
[19:15] * Mary motions to Leets, still watching the various doors and hallways.
[19:15] <Dracos-Gm> OOC: Remove that action.
[19:17] * Leets blinked, relaxing his weapons slightly, though not quite lowering his guard yet. "Mary? When did you get here?" he asked, loud enough for Mary to know it was him, but still stealthy since it seemed Mary was expecting trouble.
[19:18] * Mary snaps his head around and one pistol, catching sight of Leets, and then lowering his weapon.
[19:18] <Mary> "Not too long ago. Chased a couple'a guys with bows in 'ere, and decided ta hole up and wait fer ya."
[19:20] <Leets> "Well, unless you already took him out, I think only the captain's left right now," Leets said, glancing around.
[19:21] <Mary> "Only one I've shot in 'ere is that one."
[19:21] * Mary gestures towards the corpse he put two bullets into.
[19:24] <Felix> "We did take out a few earlier as well though, including their....'pets'," Felix chips in, a bit of annoyance at the memory of the panthers.
[19:26] * Leets shifts his bag of loot, then motions to the display room he had escaped earlier. "In that case, the captain should still be in there," he said, "unless he can climb one-handed anyway."
[19:26] * Mary nods and motions of Leets to lead the way.
[19:28] * Leets grunts, adjusting the bag so it wouldn't pull him off balance and cautiously making his way back towards the entry. "Careful. He's armed," he said in warning, watching the door of the room for signs that the captain was waiting in ambush.
[19:31] <Dracos-Gm> No signs about the closed door to that storage room leets had been in earlier.
[19:32] * Leets stays to the side, and nudges the door open with his foot.
[19:33] * Mary holds his pistols ready.
[19:34] <Dracos-Gm> No sign of the captain at a glance.
[19:36] * Leets sighed, trying one more tactic to make sure it isn't a trap. "Hey, Cap'n. I got to say thanks for donating your treasure to a better cause."
[19:37] <Dracos-Gm> A grunt, soft, behind the door.
[19:39] <Felix> "Do you want me to open the door so you can take care of him properly?" Felix suggests quietly.
[19:41] <Leets> Well, at least they knew he was still there. Leets rolled his eyes in slight exasperation. "Mary's a better shot," he whispered back, "but I can't think of a way to get in there without getting shot at first."
[19:42] <Mary> "Kick the door open and get against the wall. If he's in there, I'll hit 'im."
[19:42] * Mary places himself infront of the door, pistols at the ready.
[19:44] <Felix> "I don't have to kick the door open, I have a spell for that, so I can leave space for you to aim without getting in the way," Felix suggests.
[19:44] <Leets> "That works," Leets said, moving out of Mary's way as well in case the captain had enough time to fire back.
[19:44] <Felix> That said, with Mary already in position, Felix casts the spell in question at the door, letting it swing open for Mary to take out the remaining marauder.
[19:48] <Dracos-Gm> It swung open, revealing most the room...but not the pirate.
[19:48] <Dracos-Gm> He must be in the corner or against the wall near the door, where its not visible.
[19:49] * Mary eyes the room, and approaches carefully, trying to see or hear any sign of him..
[19:50] * Felix edges closer to the door as Mary approaches, and casts a calming spell, hopefully this time it'll reach the pirate, unlike with the arrow-slinging ones.
[19:54] * Leets frowned, wondering why the pirate hadn't reacted yet and cautiously peers around the door frame.
[19:54] <Dracos-Gm> A calming aura goes over the room around them.
[19:55] * Mary enters in, slowly and cautiously, eyes darting around, pistols ready.
[19:55] <Felix> "I've cast a calming spell," Felix informs his companions. "He shouldn't be as edgy now."
[19:56] <Dracos-Gm> "Give yourselves up." He called out.
[19:57] * Mary grins and keeps moving around the edge of the walls, looking for the man.
[19:58] <Dracos-Gm> The man could be seen against the left side of the wall along the doorr.
[19:59] <Dracos-Gm> "Well, thieves?"
[19:59] <Leets> "Oh, yes, we should definately surrender," Leets answered back somewhat mockingly to throw off the marauder. "We certainly don't stand a chance against a one-armed wonder as yourself."
[20:02] * Mary grins and snaps his pistols at the man, firing two shots from each at the man with a grin.
[20:03] <Dracos-Gm> The man shot back, falling over as his bullet graced Mary's shouldder.  The last maurader collapsing.
[20:03] <Felix> "For being calm, he certainly wasn't too rational, was he?" Felix commented.
[20:04] * Mary winces and holsters one pistol, then puts his hand on the wound, applying pressure.
[20:04] <Mary> "Damn that shit hurts.."
[20:08] <Leets> "You should be worried when it doesn't hurt." Leets entered the room to see what he can find on the not-so-good captain.
[20:08] <Dracos-Gm> The pistol, some coins, his hate, and his neat bloody pirate jacket.
[20:08] * Mary grunts.
[20:10] * Leets pockets the pistol and coins, as well as fold up the hat and jacket as proof they took out the marauders.
[20:22] <Felix> "Well, mission complete, I imagine?" Felix asks of his companions.

[21:29] <Dracos> Finally setting sail, they moved out of the silmarian docks.  "So where to next?" The man asked as he safely steered the ship away from the island chain.
[21:30] <Jan> "Back to Baron, I suppose. We can move west from there on our car, besides..you must be getting homesick by now, right?"
[21:31] <Dracos> "That's right." The man nodded as he steered the ship southward, a grateful look on his face.
[21:32] <Dracos> Days later, they made landfall at baron, about midday, a soldier waiting for them as they came to the docks.
[21:33] <Dracos> "Ah, will be good to be on solid ground again." Fizban commented as they gathered on deck.
[21:34] <Dracos> "So...where's this?" Felix asked, curiously looking at the city they'd made port at.
[21:35] <Jan> "Baron. This is the place where we got our loaned ship from."
[21:36] <Leets> "It's rather quaint, almost like Silmaria."
[21:37] <Dracos> "Anyhow, it's been a pleasure." the captain commented, being the first to debark the ship.  "Hope you folks have luck on your journey."
[21:37] <Dracos> He headed down the gangplank after that to the ground below.
[21:38] <Dracos> "Quaint?  I suppose there's more major cities around?" Felix queried, following down the docks.
[21:38] <Dracos> Fizban headed down as well with a sort of lazy walk.
[21:39] <Leets> "Not anywhere close to here though. It was several days drive if I recall."
[21:40] <Dracos> "I see.  Hmm, these folks seem at least more normal than Silmaria."
[21:41] <Dracos> "Excuse me." The guard tried to get their attention.  "The king has heard of your return and asked me to guide you first  to him and then to your..machine."
[21:42] <Leets> "All right, lead the way."
[21:44] <Dracos> The guard nodded, leading the party off towards the king, this time to a smaller chamber towards the back of the castle with seats for everyone.  The king was already seated.  "Have you found it?"
[21:52] <Leets> "We got one of them from an oracle," said Leets. "And some vague directions to the others."
[21:57] <Dracos> "Good.  Your vehicle is safe with my chief engineer for now but I wanted to talk with you on something before you moved on.  As experienced travelers of this world, perhaps you could help us with something.  A half week ago, one of our patrols ranging a bit far to the north west in the woods vanished."
[21:57] <Dracos> "All but for a single man who spoke of lizards that walked like men and ambushed them in the woods."
[21:59] <Dracos> "I was hoping, if you have a chance, that you might be able to check it out."
[22:04] <Leets> "Sure, I don't suppose the survivor could tell us anything else?" Leets prodded. "Like what were they armed with or how fast or strong they were?"
[22:07] <Dracos> "You can talk to him yourself." The king nodded.  "Bring Gregory in."  He ordered, a young looking guard soon brought to the table. "Yes, My liege." He looked a bit shaky still.
[22:07] <Jan> "What did those lizards hit you with, anyway?"
[22:12] <Dracos> "I w-well...  I'm not entirely sure.  Some of them fought us with blades, but they breathed something that turned Lancelot to stone and then crushed smashed him to pieces.  I thought I was going to die there before this woman interfered, drawing them off into the woods with black magic."
[22:13] <Jan> "Hm. Was she dressed in silks and had her hair done up in a elaborate ponytail?" Jan wondered.
[22:14] <Dracos> "Um...I couldn't tell...her hair was a striking pink though...and she was flying over the ground on a broomstick."
[22:15] <Jan> "Huh. Not Mei Ling, then." Jan tapped his cheek in thought. "We should go explore that. Maybe we can pre-emptively snip this before those lizards try anything worse."
[22:17] <Felix> "An old friend?" Felix asks.
[22:17] <Felix> "This Mei Ling character that is," he adds as a clarifier.
[22:17] <Jan> "She joined us for a month or two before setting off with another of our friends. They wanted to explore off on their own."
[22:18] * Felix nods. "Ah."
[22:19] <Jan> "She was another mage, was the one that first brought up the fact I was an elemental." Jan explained.
[22:20] <Dracos> "You intend to go there?"  The guard seemed a bit shocked. "But..."  "Quiet, Gregory.  These are experts, which is why I have asked them here."
[22:21] <Dracos> "Elemental?" The queen, sitting nearby, spoke up.  "What do you mean?"
[22:22] * Mary draws a pistol and twirls it around his index finger before fliping it across the back of his knuckles and flips it spinning end over end through the air, catching it behind his back and flipping it back into its holster, grinning at the guard.
[22:22] <Jan> "Something I recently had confirmed on our last trip. Seems I'm not entirely human." Jan nodded at the queen.
[22:22] <Jan> "Hopefully those lizards won't be able to turn me into stone."
[22:23] <Jan> "Besides, we have Mary, a trunk full of long range guns, and a mage on our side. They aren't going to get close enough to try."
[22:24] <Dracos> "A good plan.  I appreciate it as we can't truly risk moving a large contingent of soldiers out of the city for such, while still unaware of what else lies out there."
[22:25] <Dracos> "If we had support, it'd be one thing, but losing our various comrades and trade partners means I have to keep most the army near the city out of simple safety."
[22:25] <Dracos> "Hmm, do you know what you are?" She asked curiously.
[22:27] <Jan> "Jan Smith, negotiator. I just have an inner nougat of earth elemental now."
[22:27] <Dracos> She smiled.  "Well then."
[22:28] <Dracos> The queen, while interested, didn't seem like she wanted to pry into someone clearly helping them.
[22:29] <Jan> "Where can we find Cid, King Cecil?"
[22:35] <Dracos> "Cid will be in his workship.  Fredrick will take you there."  He stood, gesturing to a servant who nodded and moved to open the door for them.  "If you will follow me."
[22:37] * Mary tips his has to the queen a bit, and turns to follow Fredrick.
[22:37] <Jan> "Hold on, guys. We need to tell the king about Silmaria first."
[22:39] <Dracos> "Hmm?  Silmaria?"
[22:40] <Jan> "Yes, the man you sent with us to find the stone in the island nation to the north west knows the way there, and I have some notes in Pandora's Box about it. It's a set of islands ruled by a warrior king slash adventurer like yourself. It's the same level of technology as your kingdom, so there won't be as much of a culuture shock interacting with them like your kingdom would've had with Reno."
[22:41] <Jan> "It's...a strange place, though. Everything over there has a tongue in cheek type of feeling, and its people are pretty happy go lucky."
<Jan> "Still, they might be willing to forge an alliance with your kingdom just because of the shared traits your two kingdoms have."
[22:42] <Dracos> "Mmm, Interesting.  We'll have to send an envoy.  Thank you again."
[22:52] <Jan> "Don't worry about it." Jan nodded at the king and turned to follow Fredrick.
[22:57] <Dracos> So the party was lead to Cid who was working in one of the courtyards when they arrived, though soon turned to them.  "Ah, back already?"
[22:58] <Jan> "Did we get here before you had a chance to disassemble our car?"
[23:01] <Jan> Jan smiled at the engineer as he said that, moving towards the Phoenix.
[23:01] <Dracos> "Hey now....yes.  Anyhow, it's safe and sound."  He gestured to a shed nearby with large doors.  "You can get it there."
[23:02] <Jan> "We're going to run an errand for the king. I'll bring you some schematics from my neck of the planet eventually."
[23:05] <Jan> Opening up the shed, he checked on the car and went about opening it and letting the vehicle air out.
[23:05] <Dracos> The car seemed a-okay.
[23:05] <Dracos> Same shape they'd left it in and all.
[23:06] <Jan> "That does bring up an interesting point, where do all of you want to head off to after our errand? Should we deal with the more nebulous mountain king first, or should we take care of the gangs of New Reno?"
[23:10] * Mary sits down on the hood of the car and lights a cigar.
[23:10] <Leets> "I'd say Reno first, if only because it's familiar territory."
[23:11] <Jan> "Enough time passed too, that we won't be shot on sight."
[23:12] <Felix> "Either place works for me," Felix replies with a shrug
[23:13] <Jan> "Okay, I'll tell you two more about New Reno on the drive over."
[23:13] * Mary shrugs.
[23:14] <Dracos> "Mmm, One route is as good as another...  though some go through fire and other through sand." Fizban enigmaticallly agreed.
[23:15] <Jan> He got into the car and started it up, gesturing for the others to get in.
[23:18] <Dracos> It would be a bit crowded as Fizban claimed the front seat.
[23:31] <Jan> Jan continued to explain the intricacies of New Reno to the two newcomers to the group as they drove.
[23:31] <Jan> Eventually arriving at the forest they were sent to investigate.
[23:37] <Dracos> They drove through the woods, it getting harder and harder as they headed to the north west...eventually becoming apparent that they'd have to abandon the car or risk wrecking it or getting stuck in these thick woods.  The trees, they noticed, were getting larger, thicker as they traveled on, a different kind of breed of tree.
[23:39] <Jan> Pulling the car to a complete stop, the negotiator exited his car and looked about the woods. "Let's stop here for now." He stretched as he walked to the trunk and pulled out a shotgun.
[23:41] <Dracos> Fizban was snoring a bit in the back seat as he stepped out, the sun having recently set, though the stars were not yet beginning to rise in the sky.
[23:42] <Jan> "C'mon, Fizban." Having armed himself, Jan gently shook Fizban awake.
[23:47] * Mary gets out and stretches his shoulders, then cracks his neck as he looks around the area.
[23:48] <Jan> "Let's stick together while we're walking. Two guarding the rear, Leets can scout ahead, and both Fizban and Felix can stay in the middle."
[23:49] <Dracos> Fizban yaned. "Eh?" He stepped out, joining Jan.
[23:49] <Leets> "We're hunting, Fizban."
[23:49] * Mary shrugs, clearing his coat away from his pistols and shifting them around to a comfortable position before just resting his hands on them.
[23:49] <Jan> "For lizardmen that turn people into stone."
[23:50] <Dracos> "Ah, I've got a good spell for that.  Turns stone to mud." He nodded.
[23:50] <Dracos> Ever the iternint spellcaster.
[23:50] <Jan> "We probably don't want to turn into mud if we get hit. Might be useful if they hit themselves with it."
[23:51] <Leets> "I don't know. If they can turn us to stone by breathing, don't you think they'd be immune to their own effects?"
[23:52] <Jan> "Who knows how magic works, though. They might be immune inside, but weak to it outside."
[23:53] <Jan> He gestured for the others to start walking as he began watching their backs.
[23:53] <Dracos> They carried on into the woods, owls hooting a bit at the start, though it getting more silent as they traveled.
[23:55] * Jan looks about, shotgun at the ready.
[23:56] <Dracos> They heard a hissing...to their right?
[23:57] * Mary snaps his head around as he turns, dropping into a slightly lower stance, hunched over and ready to draw.

[21:08] <Drac-GM> The first leaped out and up, charging ahead over the grasses from the woods alongside them and taking a mighty downward swing at Mary.
[21:08] <Drac-GM> The hissing grew louder as it was shortly followed, more streaming from the woods on either side.
[21:09] <Drac-GM> Three for each of the group that stood holding their ground.
[21:10] * Mary jumps back a bit, drawing a pistol as he does and firing three rounds into it's head as fast as he can.
[21:11] <Drac-GM> The creature screeched in surprise as the bullets smashed into its fleshy skull, carving bloody holes through its scaly face and sending it carrening to the ground before it could slash Mary.
[21:16] * Leets snarls something uncomplimentary about their ambushers and, aiming for a distraction,  fired two shots at the closest one to him, followed by two more shots to the each following it.
[21:19] <Drac-GM> Leets heard a cling as the shots caught in the armor, and one in one of their arms.  The lizardmen charging angrily and slashing at him, twin blades swinging towards him.
[21:20] <Drac-GM> Jan fired with the shotgun, catching one in the chest and sending it flying backwards onto its rear before moving along the path.
[21:20] <Drac-GM> Fizban could be heard muttering something under his breath.
[21:22] * Leets quickly raised his sword, bracing himself for impact as he placed it to block the two attacks.
[21:22] * Jan (Velsper@67-150-225-249.phnx.Node249-225-150-67.1dial.com) Quit
[21:23] <Drac-GM> Leets training came into good use as he managed not to be skewered, even if he was knocked back onto his rear at the awkward defense.
[21:25] <Felix> "Watch your eyes!" Felix shouts as he takes a quick glance at all the lizardmen's positions, hoping the others will take the warning to heart as he stretches his arms up to the sides with a snap, his cape rustling from the motion as a pair of flash grenades pop from his sleeves and start to fall to the ground.
[21:26] * Leets reflexively covers his eyes with the sleeve of his jacket.
[21:26] * Mary looks away and shuts his eyes, holding his gun level still.
[21:30] <Drac-GM> Shrieks were heard as the flash grenades went off, bright lights filling the slight clearing and giving them a brief moment of respite as the lizardmen were  blinded...  along with a confused and disoriented fizban!
[21:35] <Felix> As the flash starts to vanish, lizardmen still blinded, Felix opens his eyes again and seeing Fizban apparently didn't shut his eyes in time, moves towards him to keep an eye on him.
[21:38] * Leets takes the opportunity to disable the two lizardmen infront of him, his sword flashing out to slice their necks open. If this didn't kill them, it'd at least keep them from breathing on him.
[21:40] <Drac-GM> Well, he got one, and managed to yank his sword out without the other's wild swing at his noise stabbing him as Felix moved next to the confused mage.  Fighting with a blade in actual combat was still pretty new.
[21:42] * Mary opens his eyes and glances around a bit before turning and quick firing the remaining three rounds into the next nearest lizardman as he walked steadily backwards, trying to keep distance.
[21:44] <Drac-GM> The lizardman screeched in pain as Mary heard behind him the shuddering of earth as Jan transformed and smashed into a group of them, dragging them off into the woods.
[21:46] <Drac-GM> The group was now standing very close to each other, the lizard men shaking off the effect and hissing as they circled the group, about eight of them remaining... one, recovering more quickly, smacking leets sword and sending the young man off his feet, smacking into Mary's backside.
[21:52] * Leets managed to keep his hand on his weapons, though his hand ached from trying to keep his grip on the sword. He quickly regained his footing, firing off another shot at the head of the one that attacked him before it could recover its own footing.
[21:54] <Drac-GM> The shot went astray, missing as a lizardman breathed in deeply, spewing a noxious looking grey cloud at them.
[21:58] * Mary holsters his pistol as he draws his second, quick firing two rounds into the head of the nearest lizard man, before snapping his arm to the next target, firing off two more rounds.
[21:58] * Leets retreated, keeping as far away from that cloud as possible in the circumstances, dragging Mary with him before it touched him as well.
[22:04] <Drac-GM> Two alongside Mary fell, as he heard a hissing close behind him before being yanked hard to the side, seeing a blade coming down.  Leets dropped his gun as he grabbed at Mary, dragging him hard to get him out of the way...and dangerously near two lizardmen who slashed, a one leaving a painful bloody slice along Mary's side as they stumbled out of the way of the dangerous gas.  "Eh, eh..I can see!" Fizban...delightfully stated and star(Cont)
[22:04] <Drac-GM> ted muttering again at the lizardmen.
[22:05] * Mary grits his teeth as a small yell of pain escapes and draws an elbow in, pressing against the wound, but holding his gun steady still.
[22:06] <Felix> With the mage back in action, Felix attempts to join in the magic casting, preparing the lightning spell and hoping for a good effect from it as he targets lizardmen as well.
[22:09] <Drac-GM> The spell was quick to cast as a tiny zapped stunned the two beings, a tiny jolt of electricity launching forth from his fingers to hit them and giving him a moment's breathing room.  Odds didn't look good to remaining unskewered standing here though and those blades looked awful sharp.
[22:11] <Felix> 'Damnable lizards!' the frenchman swears mentally, as he pulls back, and hopes the old man has something better while he digs into his bag of tricks and hopes for a miracle.
[22:19] <Felix> "A little help here!" Felix calls out to the other two as he finds himself unable to go too far from the old man when he doesn't seem to be moving with him, or casting his spell yet. Hoping for that miracle, he pulls out a camera from his bag, and takes a picture of the lizardmen, hoping to stop them again with a flash, this time from a camera rather than flash grenades.
[22:22] <Drac-GM> Weird multicolored lights leapt out from the old man's fingertips as a blade found it's way into his shoulder, sending him groaning back onto the ground, the nearby cloth quickly reddening with blood as the lizardman pulled  it back, slowly licking it off with a look of glee.  The other slashed at felix...now short one camera as the blade sliced through it, cleaving it apart.
[22:23] <Drac-GM> The lights flew into another further back, sending it spinning around to the ground.
[22:23] <Drac-GM> More hisses though were heard from the woods nearby.
[22:23] * Mary whips his arm up, firing a single round into the closest lizardman's skull before snapping his wrist and sending the pistol into a horizontal tumble, shifting his weight and taking a stance perpindicular to his previous one, snapping his other arm out and catching the spinning gun in mid air, not having given it enough time to drop more than a few centimeters, and palming it in line with the next lizardman's skull, firing a
[22:25] <Mary> Firing a second shot into its skull.
[22:28] <Drac-GM> His gun nozzle seemed to let off a bit of smoke as the two lizardmen fell as one, their large carcasses smashing into the ground as small chunks of lead disagreed with their brains...briefly revealing an opening in the circle for the two to pull out through.
[22:33] <Felix> "Gah!" Felix exclaims with a jump as he finds himself one camera short...and thankfully not one limb short!
[22:47] * Leets rolls back into a stand, getting into a position where he has more room to move. He made a quick scan of the battlefield, cataloguing which enemies were closest to who.
[22:48] <Drac-GM> Leets has his sword in hands, about three lizardmen still standing, one who just stabbed Fizban and another looking like he's darn ready  to gut Felix.  He could also hear hissing quickly approaching from the woods.
[22:52] * Leets moves infront of Felix, sword ready to block the lizard's attempt to gut the magician.
[22:54] <Drac-GM> An arm shakingly heavy blow smacked both leets and Felix back three steps and Leets blocked the stab.  The current situation, Fizban seemingly down and out, Mary having just cleared a path and run out of ammo, and three angry looking lizardmen moving in for the kill, one moving towards the downed Fizban particularly
[23:00] <Felix> "Thanks," Felix says quite thankful for the timely save, even if it came from someone that much younger than himself. Collecting himself as best as possible, he tries to call up the calming spell in his mind, and directing its influence onto the lizardman desiring Fizban's death!
[23:01] <Drac-GM> The lizardman hesistated briefly...  Felix's skill with the spell showing though as he shook it off.
[23:05] <Leets> "You're welcome," mumbled Leets in response as he moves to aid Fizban, his sword flashing as he slashed at the distracted lizard's bare throat.
[23:07] * Mary snaps both of his wrists out at hip level, sending the two pistols into fast spins, arch upwards, then his hands blur as he naps twelve bullets from his gun belt, six in each hand, and then flings them into the air above his head in two seperate groups. He then catches his pistols, snaps open the cylinders, and then takes a spinning step away from the group, snaping his pistols towards the falling bullets, each falling into
[23:08] <Mary> before snapping his right pistol into a reverse spin, sending it speeding into its holster with a whisper of steel against leather as he completes his step, bringing his remaining pistol to eye level.
[23:09] <Mary>  each falling into a chamber
[23:10] <Drac-GM> He found himself blocked by a grinning lizardman, his small training in swordsmanship quickly put to the test as it delivered swift and powerful blows with it's sword, his sword barely getting in the way.  The other dashed towards Felix, its sword hungrily, sliding in a horizontal slash towards the magician.(cont)
[23:12] <Drac-GM> It looked grim for Fizban...before a chanting was heard from the woods, bright lights coming down from above as several spheres of fire smashed into the lizardman's back, it's voice screeching high as it burned.
[23:15] <Drac-GM> From the woods to their side burst out another swarm of them...five..maybe six, hard to tell in the darkness...it'd be mere moments before they closed.
[23:19] * Felix spins as he attempts to pull back closer to the ground, letting his cape float upwards in the motion. As he finishes turning he unclasps his cape, letting it float in the air as he scrambles forward, letting the floating cape be the sacrifice to the lizardman.
[23:22] <Drac-GM> The lizardman slashed through the cape, charging onward and tripping as his eyes were covered, giving Felix a brief moment of freedom to haul ass for more room.
[23:30] * Mary fires off a single round, sending it speeding towards the throat of the nearest Lizardman, before snaping into a flurry of motion as he spins sideways, away from the new arrivals as his hands blur into action, firing the remaining five shots with such speed that one long crack is heard instead of indiviual shots, each round flying towards the head, chest, or throat of another target before he tosses the pistol into the air
[23:31] <Mary> as he draws his second one shifting his weight and sending his hip out to the side, letting the tumbling pistol fall into its holster smoothly.
[23:34] <Drac-GM> Three of the five drop there, two standing as the clings of bullets richocheting off of metal is heard.
[23:37] * Leets winces as the gap between his skill and his opponent as their swords clashed, but he pressed on, concentrating on his own power in hopes of triggering that electrical charge he felt back in Reno. He prayed that he could give Fizban enough time to finish whatever he was doing. Or at least get a brain and run to safety.
[23:42] <Drac-GM> Nothing seemed to happen as he struggled to maintain an unskewered state against the vicious lizardman.  Flying out from behind, what appeared to be a slender figure on ..a broomstick came up behind the one slashing at him, spinning and nailing it hard across the head with the broom, disorienting it.
[23:45] <Drac-GM> At the moment, Felix has a tripped Lizardman swiftly getting to his feet and shreading the cloak in front of him.  Behind that lizardman and to the side, Leets is fighting a desperate battle against the one nearby, before their as of yet unidentified helper smacked the lizardman across the head.  The two remaining lizardmen are charging at the quite obvious danger of Mary.
[23:54] * Felix again attempts to cast lightning, hoping for a better effect as he aims for the lizardman's chest, hoping the electricity travels through the metal in the armor, shocking the beast through that.
[23:55] <Drac-GM> The lizardman grunted in pain as the electricity ran down its armor.m
[23:58] <Felix> Seeing the shock isn't enough to down the beast, Felix starts putting more distance between it and he.
Session Time: Sun Apr 09 00:00:01 2006
[00:04] * Leets flashes a look of gratitude at the person who helped him, then, taking the opportunity provided, ducked under the lizardman and stabbed straight up through its skull.
[00:05] <Drac-GM> The blade seemed to help guide his hand, cleaving through the hard scales and killing the being, slipping free rather than dragging his blade down with it.
[00:06] * Mary begins to slowly walk toward the two Lizardmen charging at him, snapping off two rounds to each of their heads and tossing the gun into the air, catching it with the opposite hand and taking careful aim, firing the last two rounds off at the head of the Lizardman attacking Felix.
[00:07] <Drac-GM> The three of them stumbled and fell, taking a moment for their brains to match.
[00:09] * Felix breathes with relief as the lizardman goes down for good.
[00:10] <Drac-GM> "You guys alright?" A cheery voice called down from their unknown rescuer, clearly female.
[00:11] <Mary> "Perfectly fine, Missy. Yer'self?"
[00:12] <Drac-GM> "That's new, I'm fine."
[00:13] <Drac-GM> Jan slowly marched back into the clearing, looking sore, but none the worse for wear.

[20:12] <Leets> "Not that I'm ungrateful, but who are you, Miss?"
[20:14] <Jan> Jan relaxed as he rubbed his right arm, not really used to handling a shotgun and feeling the burn because of it.
[20:15] <Dracos> "Arche Klein.  And you, wandering about in the middle of the night?"
[20:16] * Thaeos is now known as Iddy
[20:18] * Iddy pops the cylinder on his Peacemakers and reloads them before spinning them back into their holsters and going near the bodies, and looking over them.
[20:18] <Jan> "Jan Smith, negotiator." He rested his shotgun over his shoulder as he looked up at the flying woman. "We were asked to investigate these woods because of a recent monster attack."
[20:19] <Iddy> "Name's Merrick. Hired gun, Missy."
[20:19] <Dracos> "You don't look like you're around here...but this really isn't the time or the place for chatting.  Want to come back to my cabin?  Bring your own beer though." She teased.
[20:19] * Iddy tips his hat to her and goes back too looking over the corpses.
[20:20] <Leets> "I'm Leets. It's nice to meet you, Miss Klein." He waved and smiled gratefully, sheathing his sword and going over to retreive his dropped gun.
[20:21] <Jan> "Well, I wouldn't mind a reprieve from splattering lizard brains all over."
[20:23] <Dracos> "Keep up." She smiled, gesturing as a little ball of light formed in her hand and followed her as she flew through the woods.
[20:23] <Dracos> They soon came to a cootage in the woods.  It looked pretty new, all told, as if it hadn't been there more than a few years.
[20:25] <Jan> Now that they were in the light, Jan took a moment to assess their savior.
[20:27] <Dracos> She was a young looking lady, slender and tending towards the petite side as she flew on what was clearly a broomstick of some sort, runes dimly visible along it.  From behind it was hard to see her face as she had quite long and fluffy pink hair.
[20:29] <Jan> "Hm. Did you see any other people besides us recently? Guardsmen?"
[20:32] <Dracos> She glanced back as she landed, her face younger than might be expected, with bright eyes.  Dressed somewhat flamboyantly, there was a sense of worry about her as she glanced over them.  "Yes, though they were mostly gone when I found them and the last of which ran off."
[20:34] <Leets> "What were those things anyway?'
[20:35] <Dracos> "Lizardmen.  They normally are left as sort of guards along the edges of well..." She frowned a bit.  "Anyhow, they're a bit above animals, but not too much.  They've also been much more active of late."
[20:36] <Jan> "Well, it's clear what we have to do come tomorrow, then."
[20:37] <Dracos> "Hmm, possibly.  Anyhow, come in."  She opened the door and gestured, lights coming on inside as they entered a homey looking cabin.  "So, what are you doing out here anyways?"
[20:38] <Jan> "That guard told his king about those lizardmen, and he asked us to come out here to check it out."
[20:40] <Dracos> "Mmm, which king?" She asked offhandedly, sitting at a table.
[20:41] <Leets> "From a town called Baron, some distance in that direction." Leets gestured towards the general direction they came from.
[20:41] <Jan> "King Cecil of Baron." Jan neutrally replied as he hung near the wall.
[20:45] <Dracos> "Hmm..." She sighed.  "I figured it was something like that."
[20:45] <Jan> "How long have you been living here? Doesn't it bother you having lizards that can petrify you around?"
[20:47] <Dracos> "They're not really a threat to me.  I moved here a little while ago when I felt ..mmm," She looked over them.  "Nature was off.  I came here to check on why a bit."
[20:50] <Jan> Jan continued looking at the girl, taking note of the pause. "Oh really? Well, it's your decision afterall." He changed the topic as he pointed to the broom. "You know, they'd pay you a fortune for that kind of stuff in Baron. Or get your rear handed to you by the airship engineer."
[20:51] <Dracos> "Hmm?  It's just an enchanted broom...and it's not for sale anyway." She smiled.  "Anyhow, you came here and saw the lizardmen..what do you plan to do from here?'
[20:52] <Felix> "Hopefully not get into more fights," Felix pipes in, his heart finally having had a chance to calm down after all that mess. "I really need some practice with magic before I get into another fight..."
[20:53] <Jan> "I'm going to see if they have a nest set up. Then I'll destroy it."
[20:54] <Dracos> "Yeah, I saw." she giggled.  "Just starting magic huh?"
[20:55] <Felix> "Indeed," he says with a sigh. "I only wish I had your apparent talent for it, miss Klein."
[20:57] <Dracos> She winked.  "Comes with time...who am I kidding, talent first!" She laughed.  "Anyhow...unless you're intending to be a pincushion, spending a long time in the woods hunting and fighting the lizardmen isn't probably the wisest idea.  Usually most people stay away from these woods, on the order of the king and all..."
[20:58] <Jan> "There's another king? Baron is the only kingdom near here."
[21:00] * Felix laughs weakly. "Yes, well, I'll probably try not to get into another fight until I've had time to properly master what little I've learned so far."
[21:02] <Dracos> "There was anyways.  This forest is the Ymir forest, south of city of Alvanista and technically bordering it.  The forest itself is maintained by the elves though."
[21:06] <Jan> "Well, while I'll buy the forest, since it has creatures Baron doesn't know about, I kinda feel you know things are more than just slightly wrong with nature, am I right?"
[21:08] <Dracos> At the side of the cottage, Mary works on binding the wounds he and Fizban got during the fight.
[21:09] <Dracos> "Slightly?"  She smiled grimly. "There's a darkness... a twisted foulness running through the earth.  I know that Ymir is not where it once was either."
[21:09] <Jan> "Yeah, I figured as much. Welcome to the wastelands, Miss Klein."
[21:10] <Dracos> "Mmm, I thought you said we were near Baron?"
[21:11] <Jan> "Oh, this world is called the wastelands. It's a patch work planet, that it is."
[21:12] <Dracos> "Mmm...I see.  That'd go along with what I felt." She tapped her cheek.  "But there's something more to that.  I'm sure the elves probably know..."
[21:18] <Jan> Jan looked towards the others before shrugging. "A demon is underneath the world." He shook his head. "Man, I'm getting too used to saying this."
[21:20] <Dracos> "Hmm. That'd account for the foulness.  How'd it get there?"
[21:21] <Jan> "It's always been here. It took the power of creation to simply lull it to sleep, and now it's up to my little group to gather the starstones to make sure it doesn't wake up."
[21:24] <Dracos> Leaning back, Leets noticed her ears were slightly pointed and longer than normal.
[21:24] * Mary grunts as he finishes checking out Fizban and begins on himself, raising his shirt to check at the large cut on his ribs.
[21:25] <Jan> "You two going to be alright?" Jan stopped talking with the woman to check with the others.
[21:25] <Mary> "Hmm.. Gonna need stitches, I think.. Got anythin' 'ta keep it from fester'n?"
[21:25] <Jan> "Yeah. Give me a moment." Pulling out Pandora's Box from his pack, he promptly went in.
[21:26] <Dracos> Painful...and would likely scar.  She considered. "Yeah, I've got some herbs that might help.  Healing really isn't my forte." Arche shrugged. "What?  A...gateway?"
[21:26] * Mary shrugs.
[21:27] * Leets blinks, mentally connecting Arche's previous comment with the new detail. "Excuse me, Miss Klein, but your ears - I mean, are you one of those elves you mentioned?"
[21:27] <Mary> "Long as it don't throw my arm off none, I ain't worried none 'bout a scar or two. Fester'n's bad, though, 'specially where it is."
[21:28] <Dracos> "Half-elf." She said decisively neutrally.
[21:29] <Mary> "What's an elf?"
[21:29] <Jan> Moments later he returned and handed the first aid kit over to the gunner.
[21:29] * Mary glances up from cleaning the blood off his side.
[21:29] * Mary take the kit uncertianly.
[21:30] <Mary> "Uhh.. I ain't much one fer stitchin'.. Anyone know how 'ta do it?"
[21:30] <Dracos> Arche looked at Jan a bit oddly. "What is that?  The magic on it is strange."
[21:30] <Jan> "It's my prize for getting cursed. It comes with a koosh ball inside."
[21:30] <Dracos> She looked over him.  "You're not cursed."
[21:31] <Mary> "Hmm... Could jus' burn it closed, I guess.."
[21:31] <Jan> "Well, in the figurative sense." Jan knelt down next to Mary. "Bite on something."
[21:32] <Mary> "Eh, jus' close it up. I've been shot an' stabbed 'fore."
[21:33] <Jan> "Alright." Jan opened up the medical kit and pulled out the needed tools before he went to work stitching Mary up.
[21:33] <Leets> "Did I say something offensive?" Leets asked cautiously at the change in Arche's tone.
[21:33] <Dracos> She sighed a bit.  "Half-elves aren't particularly the most welcome in Ymir."
[21:34] <Felix> "Why not?" Felix asks curiously.
[21:34] <Mary> "Uh, *grits his teeth a bit as Jan starts, but continues on* what's this elf thing ya'll're talkin' about?"
[21:35] <Dracos> "Old prejudices." She frowned.  "Even though humans are let in, half elves aren't."
[21:37] <Jan> "They can use magic really well in the old fairy tales I used to be read, Mary. Graceful and beautiful. Guess it isn't all so nice in real life, though." Jan added the last in reply to the discrimination claim.
[21:37] * Felix blinks. "How odd," he replies. "I'd almost understand if humans were also being ostracized, but if they're welcome? Baffling..."
[21:37] <Mary> "Eh? That it? What's the problem then?"
[21:39] <Dracos> She laughed.  "Something like that.  Not too off.  And well..the last part is only recent.  Last thirty years or so, and only on agreements with the Alvanista king.  Sort of a 'messangers can come' deal.'
[21:39] <Dracos> "Village law remains though, half-elves aren't allowed in."
[21:39] <Jan> "You're a half-elf, then?" Jan hadn't been around for the entire thing, afterall.
[21:40] <Dracos> "Yes."  She shrugged her shoulders.
[21:40] <Jan> It was more of a distracted question, though. He continued stitching up Mary.
[21:40] <Jan> "Vault City, medieval style."
[21:40] <Dracos> Fizban groaned, unconscious for all intents as he slept against the wall.
[21:41] <Leets> "So do you live here alone then, Miss Klein?"
[21:42] <Dracos> "Yes." She responded curtly.
[21:43] <Mary> "What 'fer?"
[21:44] <Dracos> "This was the best place for scouting out what was going on with nature.  And I'm plenty old enough to be out on my own." She waved a finger with a smirk.
[21:45] <Jan> "Well, at least you know what's going on now."
[21:45] <Mary> "Yeah, you hit that thing but good, didn't ya?"
[21:45] <Leets> "I'm not saying you couldn't, but don't you have any family to look out for?"
[21:46] <Dracos> "Hmm, I suppose."  She tapped her cheek.   "Still doesn't make a whole lot of sense."
[21:47] <Dracos> She twitched a bit and gazed icly at Leets. "None of your business."
[21:47] <Jan> "Well then, you're patched up!" Jan finished up as he loudly drew Arche's attention away.
[21:48] <Mary> "Thanks."
[21:48] <Jan> "Do you think you could put us up for the night, Miss Klein? I'll let you see my box." He joked.
[21:48] * Mary straightens out his clothes and fixes his gun belt.
[21:48] * Leets winced as he apparently hit a touchy subject, and mumbled an apology as he slipped back into silence.
[21:48] <Dracos> "Sorry, think I'll pass.  Don't really have spare beds, but the floor out here is warmer than out there."
[21:50] <Jan> "Thank you kindly, ma'am. Just need to really set up the box, anyway. Everyone who wants tons of space, march on in."
[21:50] <Jan> He set the box off to a corner where it wouldn't intrude.
[21:50] <Dracos> She poured herself a drink from the cupboard, sitting down and drinking.  "Hmm, odd device.  Where'd you pick something like that up?"
[21:50] * Mary glances at the box, still uncomfortable with magic..
[21:51] <Mary> "Think I'll stay out 'ere.."
[21:51] <Jan> "Nameless village out in the desert. It's guarded by spectral wolves."
[21:52] <Jan> "C'mon, Mary. Nothing is going to happen to you. I've been in and out of that thing enough times in front of you already."
[21:52] * Mary shrugs.
[21:52] <Mary> "Ground's more'n good enough fer me. Slept in plenty worse 'fore."
[21:52] <Dracos> "Where are you folks intending to go from here?" She wondered.
[21:52] <Felix> "Why would you want to sleep in worse when you can sleep in better?" Felix asks.
[21:53] <Jan> "Well, I want to check out these forests more. Maybe find where the lizardmen are and whittle them down at their home turf."
[21:54] <Mary> "'Cause I'm alright with it."
[21:57] <Felix> "After that we'll probably be hunting for more of those starstones, I imagine," Felix adds.
[21:58] <Dracos> "Fruitless quest..." She shrugged.  "Starstones?"
[21:58] <Jan> "We're going to the city I used to work around in to pick up a starstone, then we'll hit the Mountain King."
[21:58] <Jan> "They're the keys to the demon's towers. And the keys to the stuff of creation."
[21:59] <Jan> "We already have one."
[21:59] <Dracos> "Mmm...  Interesting...can I see it?"
[22:03] <Jan> "It's in the box. Follow me." Jan popped it open and was promptly sucked in.
[22:04] <Dracos> She followed, glancing around the room as yomi popped up. "Yo."
[22:06] <Jan> "I bring tidings from the world which you're too lazy to come out and see."
[22:06] <Jan> "You anti-social koosh ball, you."
[22:07] * Felix walks after Jan and Arche, curious to see what's inside the box.
[22:07] <Dracos> "I am the omnipotent Yomi...I am not a koosh ball!" It jested back.
[22:07] <Jan> "You squeak like a koosh ball, and you're round like one. So you have to be a koosh ball."
[22:08] <Dracos> The inside is sort of like a study, as felix pops in after the two, a fancy study with a few doors.
[22:08] <Dracos> "Strange...it has no life to it." Arche commented.
[22:08] <Jan> "He's just too much of an old fart. Probably doesn't register on your senses."
[22:09] * Jan raises a hand in greeting towards Felix. "Welcome to Pandora's Box."
[22:09] <Dracos> She eyed Jan doubtfully.
[22:10] <Jan> "Anyway, can you show her the starstone? We kinda owe her for helping us against some lizardmen, Yomi."
[22:12] <Dracos> Yomi floated over to one of the rooms and through the door. "Sure, come on."
[22:13] * Jan follows after Yomi.
[22:14] <Dracos> Opening the door, they found the stuff they'd put in there neatly organized, the starstone among it.  "What...life." She stared at it.
[22:16] <Jan> "I don't think it'll do your eyes much good staring directly into a bit of creation." Jan cautioned.
[22:17] <Dracos> "A bit of creation you call this?  It's ... not that, mmm...certainly not that."  She frowned a bit at it.
[22:18] <Jan> "Oh?" Jan looked over to Yomi.
[22:19] <Dracos> "They're the keys to the towers." Yomi answered, as he had before.
[22:20] <Jan> "I'll never get this." Jan threw up his hands in annoyance. "Whatever they are, they aren't going to be used to wake the demon up."
[22:20] <Jan> He muttered about the stupidity of keys having life energy if they were just going to unseal a demon.
[22:21] <Dracos> "So you're collecting these?  Going to bring the fight to the demon?"
[22:22] <Jan> "Hardly. I"m not hero. I'm just going to get them, stick them in this box, and forget about it forever."
[22:22] <Jan> "Probably return the box to those blasted wolves, too."
[22:23] <Jan> "It'll be my last hurrah before I quietly retire or something." He shrugged.
[22:23] <Dracos> "Odd thing to do...but then, I've done worse in my day." She teased.  "Anyhow...how does one leave here?"
[22:26] <Jan> "Follow me." He returned to the lobby and stood in the middle of the red carpet.
[22:26] <Dracos> She did so.
[22:29] <Dracos> "So what now?" Arche wondered again.
[22:30] <Jan> "Yomi, punt us out of here!" Moments later, the duo were outside the box in a blur of motion.
[22:31] <Dracos> Felix notably stays behind to rest.
[22:32] <Dracos> "Mmm," Arche yawned herself, visibly looking a bit tired.  "Lucky you guys were flinging some magic around or I wouldn't have noticed you...but I'm going to turn in myselves.  Make yourselves comfortable and don't let the wolves bite...not that they really can in Ymir."
[22:37] * Leets mumbles a polite "good night" to the others, still feeling awkward from earlier, and promptly enters the box to avoid further mishaps.
[22:38] <Dracos> Time passed, and morning greeted a better rested group as they joined Arche for a breakfast of fruits.
[22:40] <Dracos> Arche is cheerful as can be and the fruit is pretty good besides.
[22:51] * Leets eats silently, watching Arche from the corner of his eye. "Miss Klein?" he finally said, swallowing his nervousness. "I'd like to apologize for my behavior yesterday."
[22:51] * Mary raises an eyebrow, but continues to eat.
[22:52] <Dracos> "What for?  You didn't know." She brushed it off.
[22:54] <Leets> "Still, I didn't think it'd be a touchy subject for you," he sighed, picking at his plate. "I always assumed families were close and all, regardless of... circumstances."
[22:55] <Dracos> She winced.  "One gets used to being alone." Her eyes looked old for a moment, out of place on her quite young face.
[22:55] * Mary grunts.
[22:55] <Mary> "After a while 'a wanderin', it's just how it is."
[22:56] <Jan> "Want to come with us? We're not going to fight the demon, but we are going to see this strange new world."
[22:57] <Jan> Jan appeared from where Pandora's Box was set up, having overheard part of the conversation going on.
[22:57] <Leets> "How long have you been on your own, Miss Klein?"
[22:58] <Dracos> "Mmm.  Maybe.  Perhaps...perhaps not.  Maybe you could do a favor for me though."
[22:58] <Jan> "Why, shoot."
[23:00] <Dracos> "I'd like to know what Origin thinks on this.  The changes.  Assuming he's still there.  I can't get to him though.  The elves have been entirely too paranoid since the change to even remotely let a half-elf in."
[23:00] <Jan> "Who's Origin?"
[23:03] <Dracos> "Origin is the king of the dwarves.  A great spirit of nature and forger of the eternal blade.  He guards a monument of creation, you could say."
[23:04] <Jan> "Think they'd let us in to see someone that important?"
[23:05] <Dracos> "No.  Not really.  As I said, they've been paranoid of late.  I think you've got a better chance though than me."
[23:06] <Jan> "Where's the elf village so we can check?"
[23:07] <Dracos> She drew a small map and handed it to him. "Here, follow this."
[23:08] <Jan> "Okay, I'll give it a try."
[23:10] <Dracos> "Thanks.  Anyhow, your friend right enough?"  Fizban had stayed sleeping in from the wound he'd received.
[23:11] <Jan> "Pretty well, he likes to sleep in a lot, though. So I left him resting in Pandora's Box."
[23:13] <Dracos> She nodded.  "Be careful and good luck." she smiled.
[23:14] <Dracos> "Hmmm, might be best not to mention Origin, if you end up talking your way through.  Not many know of him, or should."

[21:11] <Dracos> A gruff looking fizban stepped out.  "Well then...shall we be off?"
[21:11] * Mary stands up with a small wince and shifts his gun belt.
[21:11] <Mary> "Might as well."
[21:12] * Felix nods as he stands up. "I suppose we should. Thanks again for your help yesterday, Miss Kleine."
[21:12] <Leets> "And thank you for your hospitality, Miss Klein," Leets said gratefully as he also got ready to leave.
[21:12] <Jan> "You two should stay here. Not fit to make the trip, I think." Jan addressed Mary and Fizban.
[21:13] <Dracos> She smiled.  "Good luck."
[21:13] <Dracos> "Mmm..stay with a pretty young lass?" Fizban considered, tapping his nose with his staff. "I guess I can't protest that."
[21:14] <Mary> "I reckon.. Can't move my arm none too well without poppin' tha' stitch.. If'n ya don't mind, I'd stay as well, Miss Klein."
[21:15] <Dracos> "Well, I don't mind the company." She smiled.  "Few enough people get out here and don't get me started about the lack of parties."
[21:16] <Jan> Jan reloaded his shotgun as he started towards the door, "Besides, if they're xenophobic, less people being around would keep them relatively calm."
[21:17] <Jan> "How do we get to the elf village, Ms. Klein?"
[21:18] <Dracos> "Drew it for you on the map.  The only way to Origin is through the village, intentional on their part, you understand."
[21:20] <Felix> "About how far is it, Jan?" Felix asks as he moves towards the negotiator, to take a look at the map. "I'd like to practice spell casting along the way, and know to stop far away enough to not cause a disturbance."
[21:20] <Dracos> Looks like it'd be about a half day trip.
[21:21] <Jan> "Half a day. Not really that long to practice."
[21:23] * Felix shrugs. "Practice is practice," he says with a small smile. "Right, Miss Kleine?"
[21:25] <Mary> "No one gets good without practicin' nothin'."
[21:25] <Jan> "It might attract those lizardmen, though."
[21:25] <Dracos> "Mmm, something like that." She noded.  "I preferred to always go in slinging myself."
[21:26] * Felix grimaces at the thought of more lizardmen. "Well, I suppose I'll practice later. I'm still not proficient enough to deal with more lizardmen on my end."
[21:27] <Jan> "If they show up again, I'll use my power. There won't be any underestimating them this time."
[21:27] <Leets> "Why don't you just practice focusing then?" suggested Leets. "If nothing else, you might be able to throw some spells faster."
[21:28] <Jan> Jan exited the building, hanging around just outside to wait on the other two.
[21:28] <Dracos> Fizban took a seat on the table, checking out breakfast.
[21:29] * Mary lowers himself back down to a comfortable position with a slight grinding of his teeth, and takes out his pistols and begins to clean them of their recent use.
[21:29] <Leets> "Well, we'll be seeing you all when we get back." Leets waved farewell to the remaining travelling companions and hurried after Jan.
[21:30] * Felix nods at the younger boy. "That might work," he says, making plans to do so along their traveling today.

--------------------------------

OOC: Mary split

[21:38] <Dracos> "So, where are you from?" She asked curiously.
[21:39] <Mary> "Place called Arizona. Been told it's a world or two a-ways from here."
[21:40] <Dracos> She smiled, stretching.  "I can believe that.  Care to help me go gather some fruit?"
[21:41] <Mary> "I reckon I can do that, Missy."
[21:42] * Mary reassembles his pistol and reloads it, then slips it back into his gunbelt and hauls himself to his feet.
[21:43] <Dracos> She walked over and picked up her broom, stepping outside and then floating up to around head height.
[21:44] * Mary stares for second and then shakes it off, falling into line with her.
[21:45] <Dracos> She floats off at a middling pace.  "So what's it like?"
[21:46] <Mary> "What like, Missy?"
[21:47] <Dracos> "Arizonia?"
[21:48] <Mary> "Ah. Hot. Desert, mostly. Few plains here an' there. Scrub brush. Not a bad sort'a place, once you get 'ta knowin' yer way 'round it."
[21:50] <Dracos> "Not my type of place.  I like the cool breezes of the forest." She swooped around the branches of the trees.
[21:51] <Mary> "Heh. I left fer a reason, ya know. Most of the country near there's the same, though. Hard 'ta get far enough out 'ta find anythin' else."
[21:53] <Dracos> "That's a shame." She agreed sympathetically, stopping near a bush and landing.  "Mmm, smells about right."
[21:54] <Mary> "Eh? Ya can tell by smell? Never seen that 'fore.."
[21:55] <Dracos> "I've got a good sense of smell, see?" She worked through the push and tossed him a strawberry-like fruit.
[21:56] * Mary catches it out of the air and looks at it.
[21:56] <Mary> "So what's this anyway?"
[21:56] <Dracos> "Jusiabi."
[21:56] * Mary grunts.
[21:57] <Mary> "I ain't even gonna try 'ta say that.. What's it taste like?"
[21:59] <Dracos> "Try it.  It's sweet." She started gathering some up.
[21:59] * Mary takes a bit of it, cautiously..
[22:00] <Mary> "Mmm.. Good.. I ain't used 'ta this kinda food. Been livin' offa trail rations and stews fer a long time."
[22:04] <Dracos> "Trail rations?" She gathered it up.
[22:05] <Mary> "Food that don't go bad fast. Dried meats, hard breads and cheeses. Things like that. It'll keep ya goin' but don't taste none too good."
[22:06] * Mary takes the load of fruit from her, and sets his arms to carry it comfortably, letting her pile more on to what he has already.
[22:06] <Dracos> She smiles and does so. "Don't you know how to cook?"
[22:06] <Mary> "Naw, not too good. Know how 'ta make enough 'ta live between towns, but not more'n that."
[22:08] <Dracos> "Half the fun of traveling is the cooking." She floats up and leads back towards the cottage.
[22:09] * Mary shrugs as best he can.
[22:10] <Mary> "Just ain't ever been nowhere 'ta learn it, and what I know gets me along fine."
[22:11] <Dracos> "Maybe I'll give you a lesson when we get back.  No way to be on the road without it." She floats ahead.
[22:12] <Mary> "If ya want to. Dunno how well I'll do with it."
[22:15] <Dracos> "Got to try first.  You like eating right?" She landed in front of her cottage.
[22:15] <Mary> "What man don't?"
[22:18] <Dracos> "Well, that's the first step" She tapped his stomach and lead in. "Put them on the counter, would you?"
[22:18] * Mary nods and sets them down, keeping them all togeather in a pile.
[22:24] <Dracos> Mary proceeded to get a lesson in a few exotic dishes...  and of course, a follow up lesson in how they tasted for lunch.  "Mmm, quite nice, miss Klein." Fizban complimented, looking more lively than he had earlier that day.
[22:25] <Mary> "Yeah, stuff's pretty good. Much better'n what I usually eat."

--------------------------------


[21:37] <Dracos> The party made their way through the woods, following the path she gave them, the woods getting more civilized as they traveled, bridges over rivers, soft birds humming in the air.
[21:39] <Dracos> "Halt." A stern, but melodious voice called out.  "You may go no further."
[21:40] <Dracos> There was no one here?  or was there...stepping out from the trees right near them, a man dressed on leather armor with a spear blocked their path, notably two pointed ears along his head.
[21:41] * Jan pauses in mid-step.
[21:43] <Dracos> "You are not welcome in these lands, please turn around and go the other way."
[21:46] <Jan> Lowering his foot, he peered at the man. "Excuse us, but we'd like to request sanctuary in your village. We were sent here to investigate the strange deaths of some of the soldiers from a kingdom nearby, and we were attacked by lizard-like men on the way."
[21:48] <Dracos> "Their deaths are unfortunate.  If you need, we may provide an escort back to your kingdom."  Jan noticed the man's eyes were twitchy.  He was nervous about something.  "You may not enter past here though."
[21:49] <Jan> "Have they been attacking your village as well? We can offer you our services fighting them off.."
[21:50] <Dracos> "We need no such help." His voice was stern, too tight.  His eyes wary.
[21:55] <Felix> "Might I ask why we would not be welcome?" Felix asks politely.
[21:56] * Velsper (Velsper@66.248.49.79) has joined #wasteland
[21:56] <Dracos> "No humans without permission are allowed entry here."
[21:56] <Felix> "How would we get permission then?"
[22:00] <Dracos> "The seal of the King of Alvanastia is the only such permission we'd accept at the moment.  Now be off with you."
[22:01] <Leets> "Can you tell us where we can get that?"
[22:01] * Felix looks towards Jan. "How far away to Alvanastia? Should we get that escort he offered earlier?"
[22:02] <Jan> "Alvanastia doesn't exist on the maps."
[22:03] <Dracos> The elf frowned. "Regardless, you must leave here.  Now."
[22:05] <Felix> "You offered an escort. Would -they- know how to get to this Alvanastia?"
[22:06] <Dracos> "You misunderstand.  We  will escort you to the edge of the forest, no further."
[22:07] * Felix snorts. "You call that an escort?"
[22:08] <Dracos> His eyes narrowed hostily. "It is what we offer.  We have no need to leave the forest."
[22:08] <Jan> "Oh well, we can't convince you otherwise. Hope you're ready to face whatever has you so spooked all by yourselves."
[22:09] <Jan> "C'mon, guys. They don't have any need for us."
[22:09] <Jan> The negotiator casually let his power flare up in him he began walking away.
[22:10] * Felix nods, as he follows after Jan.
[22:10] * Leets shrugged, and followed as well.
[22:12] <Dracos> Leets felt a sense that they were being watched.  And not just by one...but by many...hiding among the woods.  This was one heck of a guard if so.
[22:12] <Dracos> Leading away, they moved a bit down, out of view of the elf.
[22:16] <Jan> "What a waste of time."
[22:19] <Felix> "Indeed. What do we do now? We don't know where this Alvanastia is..." Felix comments with a sigh.
[22:20] <Jan> "It didn't make the trip, obviously."
[22:21] <Jan> "And if it did, well...it's out of the way."
[22:24] <Felix> "Let's head back then? Maybe we can figure out another way to get in after talking with the others," Felix suggests.
[22:26] * Jan nods, heading out towards where the pink haired woman lived.
[22:26] <Dracos> A delicious smell wafted out of the house as they got close.
[22:28] <Jan> "We're back."
[22:29] <Dracos> "So quickly?" Arche raised an eyebrow.  "Didn't get through, huh?"
[22:29] * Mary raises a hand in greeting.
[22:29] <Dracos> They're in the middle of a meal, several nice smelling dishes of fruits and meats on the table.
[22:30] <Felix> "Apparently we need the seal of the King of Alvanastia to get in," Felix answers with a shake of his head.
[22:31] <Jan> "And that place probably may not have made the trip to this world."
[22:33] <Dracos> "Mmm...  I once flew in, but it didn't go so well...  I vaguely remember what that seal looks like, but it's been a long time."
[22:33] <Jan> "The guard was twitchy."
[22:36] <Jan> "I think something happened there, or something is really troubling those elves."
[22:36] <Dracos> "Paranoid." She leaned back in her chair. "They've got an even closer tie to nature, the earth, than I do."
[22:38] <Jan> "Hah. They must be thinking the world is about to end about now."
[22:39] * Retrieving #wasteland modes...
[22:39] <Dracos> "Possibly." She tapped her cheek.
[22:39] <Jan> "Well, if they had let us in, I would've kept them from thinking that, but oh well."
[22:39] <Dracos> "Frightened people can be reasoned with...if you get through the fear." Fizban suggested.
[22:40] <Jan> "Too much work for little to no gain."
[22:40] <Mary> "If they got so much respect fer the earth, why not turn into tha' rock and give 'em somethin' 'ta think about?"
[22:41] <Jan> "I used my power near them, seemed to have caught their interest, but not nearly enough."
[22:42] <Leets> "How well do they 'sense' anyway?" Leets asked Arche curiously.
[22:44] <Dracos> "What do I look like, an elf?" She teased.  "Depends on their age and power really.  All would feel the strife going through the ground right now though...and the brief moment of terror that accompanied the shift."
[22:46] <Jan> "Anyway, I don't think much else can be done right now. I don't really feel like twisting their arm into letting us in, much less the huff they'd raise if we got near that Origin."
[22:47] * Leets looked apologetic and asked something different. "It's just that, I'm wondering if they sense any kind of energy in particular."
[22:47] <Dracos> "Huh?"
[22:48] <Jan> "Let me guess, you want to sneak in."
[22:48] * Jan turned towards Leets, arms crossed before him. "Forget it. If they catch you, they'll get even worse. Might even be crazy enough to attack Baron."
[22:49] <Jan> "Just leave them to their devices." He waved a neglient hand in the direction of the elf village.
[22:49] <Leets> "It's just a thought," defended Leets, though he did see the logic behind that. "I haven't really tried it on someone with an extra sense."
[22:51] <Jan> "Leets can shield his prescence from people unless he does something to draw attention to himself. We think he uses some kind of special energy to do it." The negotiator explained to the people that weren't in the know.
[22:51] <Dracos> "Interesting." Arche commented.
[22:52] <Jan> "Try and call it up, Leets. Maybe Arche can comment on it."
[22:53] * Felix casts 'detect magic' so he can see if it's a magical effect or what, that the younger boy's ability is derived from, like Jan's golem form.
[22:54] <Leets> "Well, that's the thing. I don't think it'll work if they already know I'm here." Leets frowned, then stood up. "How's this. I'll be outside. Come out in about five minutes and we'll see if it works or not."
[22:55] * Leets exits the building, moving out of the line of sight and concentrates on his ability.
[22:56] <Dracos> He feels nothing, even as he slips into the shadows.
[22:57] <Jan> Jan sat down at the table, and reached for an apple. "Not a place for a non-magic folk. So I'm going to sit out of that one." He slowly began to ate
[23:03] <Dracos> "Well, you're welcome to stay here a bit." she agreed.
[23:04] <Dracos> "So, how's your studying coming along?" The old man inquired of Felix.
[23:04] <Jan> "You going out? He's waiting for you all, and let me tell you that he'll be annoyed if you leave him out there a second too long."
[23:05] <Dracos> Arche headed outside, looking about for leets.
[23:05] <Dracos> Leets, you see Arche glancing around, not seemming to notice you.
[23:08] <Felix> "It's going alright, I suppose. It's a bit frustrating to not be as far along as yourself or Miss Kleine, but I understand it'll take time to get anywhere near such levels. After those lizardmen though, I'm definitely practicing a bit more seriously," Felix replies to Fizban, as he checks for the results of his detect magic spell as Leets did his thing.
[23:09] <Dracos> Nope.
[23:09] * Leets slowly moves closer to Arche, stopping three feet to the right of her.
[23:10] <Jan> Eat.
[23:12] <Dracos> Felix sees nothing and neither does Arche as Leets stealthy moves behind her.
[23:14] <Felix> "Interesting, I'm not seeing anything, even while attempting to detect magic," Felix comments.
[23:14] <Dracos> Arche turns around and starts walking back in. "Seems like he headed off further."
[23:14] <Leets> "Well, at least I'm fairly sure it isn't magic now," Leets commented idly from behind Arche, admiring her figure from his position.
[23:15] <Leets> He may not be human according to Vault, but that didn't mean he wasn't a typical teenage male.
[23:16] <Dracos> She glanced. "You're fast?  Or a ninja?"
[23:17] <Jan> "Invisible!" Jan yelled from inside.
[23:18] <Leets> "Neither. I did say it doesn't seem to work if they're expecting me," Leets said, "and I've been standing here infront of you for a while now."
[23:19] <Dracos> "I...see, or rather I don't." She shrugged, glancing at Felix.
[23:21] * Felix shrugs back. "I didn't see him either."
[23:21] <Mary> "Like lookin' through 'tha air."
[23:22] <Leets> "So, do the elves sense anything similar to what you usually do, Miss Klein?"
[23:26] <Dracos> She looked at him with a 'look'. "Yes, as far as I know and have told you.  If I knew for certain, I'd not try and ask them."  She headed in.
[23:27] <Jan> Jan finished up eating. "Went well?"
[23:27] <Dracos> "Well, he's pretty darn good at hiding, that's for sure."
[23:28] * Leets sighed, "Look, Miss Klein, I'm sorry if I insulted you (again), but I'd rather be half-sure then unsure with this kind of thing."
[23:31] <Dracos> She shrugged a bit. "You've got a nice hiding skill.  Don't you know what you can do?  I didn't see you and neither did your friend."
[23:32] <Jan> "That's the thing. He doesn't know what the heck that is."
[23:32] <Leets> "Until about a month ago, I didn't even know I had a this and it's not like I have much opportunity to practice," Leets grumbled. "Heck, I thought I was human before too."
[23:33] <Dracos> "You're not?" She glanced over him.
[23:35] * Mary raises an eyebrow, interested..
[23:36] <Leets> "Apparently not." Leets shrugged, retaking his seat. "They didn't really talk about what I was. Just that I wasn't human and would I please not stay and contaminate their perfect city."
[23:37] <Jan> "Elves aren't the only paranoid idiots we've crossed paths with." Jan idly commented.
[23:37] <Jan> "Anyway, we're pretty much done here now, I guess. Sorry we couldn't help you out, Ms. Klein."
[23:38] <Dracos> "Safe travels then."
[23:48] <Jan> "I'm for leaving, what do you others want to do? I see nothing worthwhile here."
[23:48] <Mary> "I 'suppose we've made a burden of ourselves enough, Missy. Reckon we outta be leavin'."
[23:52] * Jan nodded, gathering the things they had left behind as he headed out.
[23:52] * Leets frowned, reluctant to leave their promise to Baron incomplete. Though it seemed the others have already decided it wasn't worth fighting over.
[23:55] <Leets> Not seeing any other choice, Leets offered one last apologetic look to Arche and hurried after the others.

*CONTINUITY BREAKING REWRITE~~~*

[20:52] <Dracos-Gm> -------------------
[20:52] <Dracos-Gm> The group met back at arche's considering their next moves...
[20:52] <Dracos-Gm> It was evening-time...
[20:54] <Jan> Jan caught Leet's look towards the pink haired woman and paused, considering.
[20:58] <Leets> "Something on your mind, Jan?" Leets asked cooly at the older man's sudden hesitation. What was bothering him this time?
[21:00] <Jan> "Hey, Miss Klein. How much did we owe you for the food and lodgings?"
[21:00] <Dracos-Gm> "Don't worry about it." She shrugged.  "I've got plenty to spare a bit."
[21:01] <Jan> "No, you can't get something for nothing. Even if it's a favor for a favor. Leets, she couldn't sense you, so I'll put my faith in you. Carry us into the woods past the elven village in Pandora's Box."
[21:06] * Leets blinked, caught off guard by the suggestion. "Are you... sure that would work?" he asked, stunned and hopeful as he considered the plan.
[21:06] <Jan> "Not sure at all, but I have to balance things out. Besides, I want to see how good Yomi is at cards and I've never had a long enough time to check."
[21:07] <Dracos-Gm> "I'll totally whoop you." Yomi promised, floating nearby.
[21:07] <Dracos-Gm> "Fulmonian Bridge?" The old man added.
[21:09] <Jan> "Let's start with the more basic version, shall we?" Jan nodded over at Leets. "I'll see you when we're in the woods behind the elf village."
[21:09] <Jan> He moved into Pandora's Box.
[21:09] * Mary winces a bit as he enters it..
[21:10] <Dracos-Gm> Soon leets and Arche are alone...
[21:12] * Leets picks up the box, adjusting his grip on it so he wouldn't drop it by mistake. "Wish us luck then," he said, smiling nervously as he headed back into the forest and towards the elvin village; concentrating all the while on his ability.
[21:13] <Dracos-Gm> The night sky was dark as he traveled silently through the woods, every sound amplified to his noise conscious hearing.
[21:17] <Leets> Eyes scanned the dark woods, wary of ambushes and guards. Leets worked hsi way through the brush at a slower pace then earlier, trying to keep from making too much noise to bring attention to himself.
[21:19] <Dracos-Gm> Getting near the elves, he spotted four guards on duty, carefully watching the path into the village.
[21:19] <Dracos-Gm> even late at night they were quite cautious to the outside.
[21:23] * Leets cautiously approached, trying to be inconspicuous as possible on the off chance they can sense him coming.
[21:29] <Dracos-Gm> They're looking and one even looks real close to him for a moment...but then the moment passes as leets gets closer.
[21:34] * Leets mentally sighs in relief, sneaking past the guards and into the village. Once there, he works towards where Arche said Origin was at, still keeping an eye out for signs of other guards or pedestrians out.
[21:35] <Dracos-Gm> The village was pretty quiet at this time of night.  He saw some guards towards the back, several well made wooden houses including some with shop signs on them, and a larger one towards the back as well.  Possibly the mayor or leader.
[21:39] <Dracos-Gm> There were two guards near the path at the back of the forest...that should lead to the forest behind the town.
[21:39] <Dracos-Gm> the one origin was said to be at.
[21:44] <Leets> So far so good. Leets readjusted his grip, thankful that his gloves prevented any slippage from sweaty palms, and made his way down the path to Origin.
[21:47] <Dracos-Gm> he found himself in a dark forest, strange critters roaming about.
[21:47] <Dracos-Gm> This must be the forest Arche had talked about.
[21:47] <Dracos-Gm> there didn't seem to be any guards here.
[21:54] * Leets studies his surrounding for a moment, then lowers Pandora's box and knocks on its side. "I think it might be safe now," he says, keeping voice low to avoid catching anyone's attention.
[21:58] <Jan> The hatch of the box opened, spitting out an annoyed looking negotiator.
[21:58] <Jan> "The old man is crafty."
[21:58] <Jan> Jan muttered as he dusted himself off and ducked low.
[21:59] <Dracos-Gm> "He's just bad at bridge!" The old man followed, chasing his hat as he came out.
[21:59] * Leets hissed "quiet", reminding them they were trespassing.
[21:59] * Mary climbs out and looks around slightly nervously, resting his hands on his pistols.
[22:00] <Felix> "So how far in are we?" Felix asks quietly as he comes out along with the others.
[22:00] <Leets> "We should be just outside the shrine," Leets said, "or whatever passes for it anyway."
[22:04] <Jan> "C'mon. Let's quit chatting. We're going to be caught." Jan picked up Pandora's Box and started towards where Origin was said to be.
[22:05] <Dracos-Gm> OOC: outside the shrine = past the village, postedit
[22:06] <Dracos-Gm> The forest was calm...  almost having an aura of peace and tranquility as they walked through it.
[22:06] <Dracos-Gm> It felt old, older by far than the forests outside it.
[22:06] * Mary looks around, keeping alert, and his hands on his pistols.
[22:06] <Jan> "Is this typical of holy lands?"
[22:08] <Dracos-Gm> They noticed along certain paths, some strange small animal, about the size of a large housecat, playing in the grasses...heading straight, they eventually came to a rock wall...time to double back.
[22:08] <Leets> "Haven't been in enough to comment," Leets said, glancing at their "expert" (Fizban).
[22:09] <Dracos-Gm> "the woods are always with the grasses." Fizban rhetorically stated.
[22:09] * Jan doubles back to the clearing before last. "Very zen."
[22:11] <Jan> OOC: make that last clearing.
[22:11] <Dracos-Gm> Four paths, other than the ones they'd traveled, lead off from here...
[22:11] <Dracos-Gm> A small lake in the center of the clearing.
[22:11] <Jan> "Did Arche tell you anything about this part of the woods, Leets?"
[22:12] * Retrieving #wasteland modes...
[22:14] * Jan took a few hesistant steps down the path the forest animal from before had taken, out of the fact that there wasn't any better choices available.
[22:14] <Leets> "I don't think she's been this far herself, considering..."
[22:15] <Jan> "She knew about Origin. Anyway, let's just go down this path."
[22:16] <Dracos-Gm> He noticed there always seemed to be one wandering around the paths.
[22:19] <Jan> Jan began leading them down paths with the creatures on them. If nothing else, it'd be easy to follow them on the way back if they got lost.
[22:19] <Dracos-Gm> Finally, they came to a clearing where it was...ominiously silent.
[22:19] <Dracos-Gm> no sounds of birds
[22:19] <Dracos-Gm> or of beasts.
[22:19] <Dracos-Gm> The soft foot padding of their feet against the grass the only noise.
[22:20] <Jan> Jan drew his shotgun ready as he set Pandora's Box on the ground before him.
[22:22] <Dracos-Gm> At the end of the clearing stood a mighty monolith, ancient beyond reckoning with something carved on it.
[22:23] * Jan gestured for the others to stay back as he slowly moved toward the monolith.
[22:23] * Idy (iron_drago@67.163.114.219) has joined #wasteland
[22:24] * Mary (iron_drago@67.163.114.219) Quit (Connection reset by peer)
[22:24] <Dracos-Gm> The words made no sense to him, written in a foreign tongue...as far as he could tell.
[22:24] * Jan peered at the writing on the monolith.
[22:24] * Felix goes see what's carved on the mighty monolith, ancient beyond reckoning.
[22:24] * Leets keeps watch, feeling a bit pressured by the ominous monolith.
[22:24] <Jan> "Where's the monkeys?"
[22:25] * Idy is now known as Mary
[22:25] <Felix> "Eating bananas in the treetops?" Felix offers as a small joke.
[22:25] <Dracos-Gm> Felix could read them...  "Here Sleeps the King of Dwarves, Lord of Crafters, Forger of the Eternal Sword, Origin"
[22:27] * Jan lowers his shotgun since it looks like nothing is going to jump out and bite their heads off. "Can you read it, Felix? It's scribbles to me."
[22:27] <Felix> "Here Sleeps the King of Dwarves, Lord of Crafters, Forger of the Eternal Sword, Origin," he quotes faithfully.
[22:28] <Jan> "Must be a magic thing. So, wake it up."
[22:28] <Dracos-Gm> The monolith shook at those words... a glow lighting up through to the sky from it, blinding them for a moment...
[22:29] <Dracos-Gm> When their eyes recovered, they saw him, a short, 5 footish man, stockish and mighty in build, with four arms, each bearing a weapon dressed in regal black clothes with a golden and silver ring of metal swirling about him.
[22:29] <Jan> Jan winced as he stumbled backwards, a shudder running down him from the sudden appearance, and fighting back the twitch impulse to shoot.
[22:30] * Leets manages to stop himself from gawking. Barely. "Are you... Origin?"
[22:31] <Jan> "Um...greetings, your royal highness, Origin." The negotiator bowed as he set his shotgun down. Carefully.
[22:31] <Dracos-Gm> He seemed to ignore Leets as he spoke.  "I see..." His voice thundered.  "I see humans before me." He pointed at Mary...at Felix... "Dreams..." at leets "Myths..." at jan.  "Things forgotten..." Yomi? "and..." His eyes gleamed at the old man for a moment.  "A memory...  What brings such before me, mortals?"
[22:34] <Jan> The negotiator kept his expression cool as he looked at the...god? "We were sent here by a Miss Klein to find out what's going on with this world."
[22:36] <Dracos-Gm> "This world yes... It is an enigma..." He paused.  "But not to my eyes.  I am the forger.  I see this as it is.  As it was made.  As it moves to destruction.  It's secrets are not to me."
[22:36] <Dracos-Gm> (more)
[22:37] <Dracos-Gm> "This world was made from a dream.  A dream too strong to fade away as it fell through the current of time.  On a speck of darkness, it was caught, a tree root, twisted and folded upon the shattered prison of a once god."
[22:39] <Dracos-Gm> "This dream was too strong to shatter.  To fall apart... and so, as time continued things collected on it.  Shorn off of other worlds.  Of dreams.  Of myths.  Indistinguishable and fragile as  they gathered and formed the land around this dream."(more)
[22:40] <Dracos-Gm> "But the once god is not dead...nor does it sleep.  A dream sturdy enough to found such a world...is one sturdy enough to climb.  And climb it does, slowly but surely up."
[22:40] <Dracos-Gm> "From nothing it comes and to nothing it delivers...  when arise it does from the dream it shall bring nothing to all...and then leave."
[22:41] <Dracos-Gm> "Only if the dream is ended....or torn free, will the once god be cast back into the darkness."
[22:47] <Mary> "An' how can the dream be ended or torn free?"
[22:48] <Dracos-Gm> "To tear it...slay those involved in the dream... shatter their will... their hopes...they're dreams...  and the dream shall tear with them."(more)
[22:49] <Dracos-Gm> "To end it....bring it to conclusion.  It is a dream of waiting.  Of comrades seprated for ages.  Of a dwarf under a tree carving myths and dreams of wood long lost to the world.  Of a friend lost to wandering, ever seeking this end."
[22:53] <Jan> "Can we ever go back to our worlds? Or are they just..gone?"
[22:57] <Dracos-Gm> His eyes gleamed, looking deep within Jan.  "You come not from a world of flesh and blood, stone and steel.  Your world was one of myth, forged of word and deed, hewn in the minds of those who would listen from story and tale.  You are a part, shorn free from this...to you, there is no return.  Your world is lost to you."
[22:59] <Mary> ".. Are all our homes lost?"
[22:59] * Felix nods at this, looking worried.
[23:01] * Leets (~Dinh@c-24-6-70-63.hsd1.ca.comcast.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
[23:01] <Dracos-Gm> "Some lost...some forgotten....some brought here...some destroyed.  To each of you, the path back is lost."
[23:01] * Leets (Dinh@24.6.70.63) has joined #wasteland
[23:02] <Jan> "What's the nature of Leet's power?"
[23:02] <Jan> He pointed towards the young man.
[23:02] <Felix> "...No way home at all?" Felix asks, feeling very dissapointed.
[23:07] <Dracos-Gm> The god pointed.  "He is a dream, born of human genius and intellect.  Forged in halls of steel and shadow, the culmination of a forbiden art.  From this came children of dreams, born with powers beyond mortal men... to him was allotted the shadow...to fade before the eyes of men and vanish like the whispers of the wind."
[23:14] <Leets> "So I was created," Leets mumbled, musing over these revelations. And did the god just say children? As in there were others? He pushed those thoughts aside for the moment. "About the starstones. Are we doing the right thing collecting them? Will they really help free the people who still have a world to return to from this dream world?"
[23:17] <Dracos-Gm> "free?  Return?  The starstones are keys of fate, fragments of the once god used to unlock doors of potential where sealed away are thousands of spirits.  There is *Power* there...  Power to change the world...perhaps."
[23:18] <Jan> "What can we do to free the souls of those villagers that are in spirit form and hunting us down?"
[23:18] <Jan> "I don't want to use lethal force, but..."
[23:20] <Dracos-Gm> His hand pointed outwards.  "In the west, there is a graveyard of spirits, five stones each bound in a way to the starstones and shaped in the manner of a skull..."(more)
[23:21] <Dracos-Gm> "Here lies a shade of the past, watching over the darkness...  And buried with his corpse, is a whistle that would calm their souls."
[23:24] <Jan> Jan paused, and went through the last question he had on his mind. "Is my power ever going to make me a bloodthirsty monster? Why did I get it when I lost my world?"
[23:25] <Dracos-Gm> "A myth is tied to their story.  Yours did not end there.  The story you forge forges you." The dwarf answered, floating there.
[23:27] <Leets> "Uhm, about my sword. The Masamune. What exactly is it and what can it do?"
[23:31] <Dracos-Gm> "The sword was not forged by me, but forged it was of hopes, of dreams, of courage...of potential.  From the red rock of the stars by a swordsmith skilled beyond measure, two spirits were bound together to forge a weapon to provide hope to the people, courage to the wielder, and the might to defy the darkness wherever it may stand."
[23:34] <Jan> "What can we do to make the elves trust us humans in this world?"

[21:34] <Dracos> The dwarf king floated before them, considering.  "The elves are frightened more than most.  They feel the rot of the land before the coming of the demon.  The separation from that which they knew and held sacred.  Human civilization reached them once before though, and properly conveyed human civilization could reach them once again."
[21:42] <Leets> "You called Mister Smith a myth. Do you mean his other form?" Leets pressed, "What exactly is it?"
[21:46] <Dracos> "He is a myth.  His other form is an expression of this myth.  A slow binding and reforging.  Rehewn he survives by the forging of a new myth.  To fail is to fade.  His words and deeds have bound him to this land... and so bound does it express itself through him."
[21:52] <Felix> "Is there anybody else from our worlds here?" Felix asks slowly. If they're stuck, it would at least be nice to find others from their home.
[21:53] * Velsper (Velsper@4.240.244.78) has joined #wasteland
[21:54] * Velsper is now known as Jan
[21:55] <Dracos> "This...I know not.  It is possible, but this is not within my domain."
[21:56] <Jan> Jan stared at the dwarf king for a moment before cooly adjusting his posture. "The wolves. To get the whistle from the grave, do we need to gather the five starstones?"
[22:00] <Dracos> "No.  It is simply forgotten there with the one whom carried it."
[22:03] <Leets> "Is there others like you we can contact? And where would we meet them, if we could meet them?"
[22:06] <Dracos> His eyes roamed over them for a moment in silence.  "There are others.  Some less friendly than others.  To the west..." His hand pointed suddenly. "Upon the desert sands roams a city of souls...ghost and smoke which stand guardian over one such who remains in slumber."
[22:07] <Dracos> "To the east, another, trapped perhaps in madness, lost in destruction upon the broken plains." He pointed again, this time in a different direction.
[22:09] <Dracos> "In the oceans sleeps one...  a being of great power whom reigns over the oceans cold."  He pointed north now.
[22:09] <Dracos> "Others still wander, obscured  from my sight.  Others more do not wish to be found or known."
[22:12] <Dracos> The floating god folded his arms back, watching them.
[22:14] <Jan> "What happens if the dream ends? Do we all just go and die?"
[22:17] <Dracos> "That... is an interesting question.  Cut simply free, the god would fall...  and the world would be without a root.  It would shudder apart... myths would fade, dreams would die, humans would...perhaps find it worst of all."  The god paused, seeming to ponder.
[22:20] <Dracos> "This would happen, because this is not a world forged.  It's veins do not run with life nor strength.  Things hewn from it are fragile and bear not the power to endure."
[22:22] <Felix> "Is there any way to give the world another root? Something else that can support it?"
[22:26] <Dracos> The rings of silver and gold spun about the god a bit more rapidly. "Another root...would not work.  But if it was reforged as it stood...it could perhaps survive.  To do so would require tools suitable to such a purpose.  The demon's towers...would be such tools.  They are, at their heart, vehicles of destruction.  Fragments of reality bound incredibly strongly by the demon's will.  Tools through which his will may be expressed and more (more)
[22:26] <Dracos> importantly, anchors to stabilize his climb up through this tattered world."
[22:28] <Dracos> "My eyes see them though for what they are...  to express his will, they are bound strongly with the power of creation.  The souls and anguish trapped within for millenia, fuel for such.  One could forge a world of life from nothing but ocean and dreams with such...  or perhaps....  reforge a dead world into a living one."
[22:34] <Leets> "How would we use the towers for this purpose?" Leets asked. "If they're creations of the demon..."
[22:38] <Dracos> "A key would be necessary.  A grain of potential.  I sense that you have one such artifact upon your persons.  Taken to the roof of a tower it could be used to allow a mortal mind to interact with the tower and express, for a moment, its full power behind such a will.  This is not without danger though.  A mind distracted or without understanding for what it reforges could destroy it just as easily.  They are such tools.  A city, for example, (more)
[22:38] <Dracos> could easily become a grain of sand before it, if misused..."
[22:38] <Dracos> ]
[22:40] * Leets glances at the others, then asks, "What is the artifact that we have?"
[22:42] <Dracos> The god shifts slightly in his floating seat.  "Your minds perceive it as a star seed."
[22:46] <Jan> "Which amongst us is most well suited to interacting with the towers?"
[22:49] <Dracos> "As mortals...all of you are well suited.  It depends on your vision, though he" A strong arm pointed at Felix. "Would find it easier than most."
[22:49] * Felix blinks. "Am I?"
[22:51] <Jan> "You're a mage in training. Maybe that's why."
[22:52] <Dracos> "It is a manner of mind.  It does not take much, simply the correct focus."
[23:00] <Dracos> "Is there anything more, mortals?" his eyes flared a bit.
[23:03] <Felix> "How do you do that eye flare thing? It's very impressive..." Felix can't help but ask.

[23:05] <Dracos> "It is merely the winds twisting to my will."
[23:06] <Felix> "Hmm...I don't suppose you could teach me the trick?" Felix asks politely.
[23:06] <Jan> Jan eyed Felix strangely. Well, on that note...
[23:08] <Jan> "I'd like to request your aid, sir. If we're going to be successful, we may have to ask those others that are like yourself. It might have to come to a fight at some point."
[23:10] <Jan> "Everyone is running scared right now, and if I am what tied to this land, it probably looks poorly on my job resume. Please, Sir Origin, help us."
[23:10] <Dracos> "There are ways to such things.  Bindings deep within the nature of my being.  I can aid...but only once a pact is formed."
[23:13] <Jan> "I understand the sanctity of a contract." Jan nodded in agreement. "What do we have to do?"
[23:15] <Dracos> "Bring a ring of diamond to symbolize the pact.  Then you must show your will and ferocity in battle.  To conquer over all and merit my strength added to yours."
[23:27] <Leets> "Thank you for your time, Lord Origin," Leets bowed in respect to the dwarf king.
[23:27] <Jan> Jan repeated the action. "You've been a most gracious host."
[23:28] <Jan> "C'mon, everyone. Let's go back to Arche before we head off, we've got a long trip ahead of us."
[23:29] * Felix nods in agreement.
[23:29] <Jan> The negotiator turned and exited the clearing.
[23:29] * Leets follows after making sure they didn't leave anything behind.
[20:03] <Dracos> -----
[20:03] <Dracos> And so the adventures snuck back out under the cover of nightfall...  spending a brief day with Arche, they then made their way back to baron, arriving early in the day and soon gaining audience with the king...
[20:04] <Dracos> "The king will see you now." The minister said, opening the doors for the party, all of them there.
[20:06] <Jan> "Good day, your majesties." Jan bowed once he was before the two royals.
[20:09] <Dracos> "Greetings, Jan, Leets, Mary, Felix, and Fizban." The king pronounced.  "What news do you bring of your mission?"
[20:09] <Jan> "There's lizardmen in the woods, and they can petrify you with their breath."
[20:13] <Dracos> "Fiercesome foes.  Do they have weaknesses...or are they likely to remain tight to some section of the woods?"
[20:16] <Leets> "Well, they're as mortal as anything, though very skilled and intelligent," Leets piped up helpfully. "So long as you kill them before they can use their breath weapon, I don't think they'll be too much trouble if you're soldiers are cautious."
[20:17] <Jan> "We also found a village of elves there. Just like your home, they got sent here from theirs."
[20:20] <Dracos> "Elves?  Dark elves?  Or...?" He asked cautiously.
[20:21] <Jan> "Don't know what dark elves are. These were elves. They even had an agreement going on with the humans in their world, but they're afraid because they can feel the demon beneath the sands."
[20:24] <Dracos> "Hmm, your thoughts?"
[20:25] <Dracos> The king seemed genuinely interested.
[20:27] * Jan (Velsper@dialup-4.240.243.88.Dial1.Phoenix1.Level3.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
[20:33] * Felix (Merc@cpe-70-116-156-7.houston.res.rr.com) Quit (Ping timeout)
[20:35] <Leets> "Well, we aren't entirely certain about them. They seemed kind of paranoid about meeting strangers when we encountered them, and we didn't really have much of a chance to get to know them." Leets paused, organizing his thoughts. "Still, in times like these, they might be worthwhile allies."
[21:00] * Leets (Dinh@c-24-6-70-63.hsd1.ca.comcast.net) Quit (Trillian (http://www.ceruleanstudios.com)
[21:00] * Velsper (Velsper@dialup-4.240.241.51.Dial1.Phoenix1.Level3.net) has joined #wasteland
[21:01] * Velsper is now known as Jan
[21:05] * Leets (Dinh@c-24-6-70-63.hsd1.ca.comcast.net) has joined #wasteland
[21:10] * Dracos nods. "Would you be willing to lead a diplomacy party there?"
[21:10] <Dracos> OOC: Edit 'Cecil'
[21:14] <Leets> "We'd be honored to, sir," Leets said, thinking back to Origin's offer. "Would I be too bold to make a request?"
[21:18] <Dracos> "Go ahead." The king allowed.
[21:19] <Jan> "We found a god in the same forests. He could help us in our quest, but he requests a diamond ring in order to forge a contract to aid us."
[21:20] <Dracos> "A god, truly?  Such could be provided...but do you believe this is wise?"
[21:21] <Jan> "From an intellectual viewpoint, no. They'll probably think that's the only reason we want to help them, and we had to sneak in to hear the god's words the first time."
[21:22] <Jan> "But...we do need his power. He told us of other gods that could help us, but that some would probably be against us. We would need the power."
[21:22] <Dracos> "Can you convince him?"
[21:23] <Jan> "We just needed the contract ring."
[21:23] <Jan> "Some of us can go with your people to convince them, while the others gain Origin's trust, I guess."
[21:24] <Jan> "Or we could just tell them the truth and hope they let us in."
[21:24] <Dracos> "I will have such a ring brought to you.  Prepare and I will send an envoy with you to the elves."
[21:30] <Jan> "Thank you, your majesty."
[21:38] <Dracos> OOC: Party acquires: Diamond Ring.
[21:38] <Dracos> OOC: Someone add it to inventory =p
[21:39] * Iddy (iron_drago@67.163.114.219) has left #wasteland
[21:40] <Dracos> -------
[21:40] * Iddy (iron_drago@67.163.114.219) has joined #wasteland
[21:40] <Dracos> Traveling with the envoy, an accompanyment of a broad minister and three additional guards, they made their way through the woods...
[21:40] <Dracos> They're path traveling first  to Arche's hut, which they soon came across.
[21:42] <Jan> Jan walked up and knocked on the door.
[21:50] <Dracos> "Yes?" He heard from behind him a little ways, Arche flying out from the woods, a basket under an arm.
[21:51] <Jan> "Hey there, Miss Klein. I wanted to know if you had any messages for anyone in the elf village. We're leading some men from a nearby kingdom to form an alliance with the elves."
[21:54] <Dracos> "Yes...actually.  Would you mind waiting a bit out here while I write  one?"
[21:55] <Dracos> She landed, heading into her cottage.
[21:56] * Jan nodded and hung back near the door of the cottage.
[21:57] <Dracos> About ten minutes later, she stepped out.  "Give this to a pink haired woman...she should be running the item shop."  She handed Jan a sealed scroll.
[22:00] <Jan> "Right, then." Jan placed the scroll in his pack and waved for the soldiers and minister to follow.
[22:03] <Dracos> The elves stood guard as before when they arrived.  "Halt.  What is your business here?"  it was an older elf this time it seemed leading the guard at the gate.
[22:05] <Leets> "We're simply escorts for a diplomatic envoy," Leets said, his voice somewhat neutral as he gestured to the ambassadors behind their group.
[22:07] <Dracos> "In the name of King Cecil of Baron, we seek passage to speak with your leader under a banner of truce."
[22:10] <Dracos> The elf examined them and nodded.  "Bind your weapons.  In this village, any act of violence will be seen as a breaking of this trust given.  I will lead you to our leader, Brambard."
[22:12] <Jan> Jan made sure to secure his revolvers, and waited for the others to secure their weapons before leading the way into the village.
[22:13] <Jan> Following the elf that was obviously in charge.
[22:14] <Leets> After securing his own weapons, Leets followed the others into the elf village.
[22:18] <Dracos> Heading into the village, he lead them towards the largest building in it.  "This is the city inn.  your guards can stay here while you come with me to Brambard." The man spoke to the minister.
[22:20] <Jan> "Can we come along? We have important information as to what's going on in the world as well."
[22:21] <Dracos> The elf looked them over.  "Three of you, at most."  He offered.
[22:22] <Jan> "Thanks. I'll just take Leets here."
[22:22] * Jan waves for the kid to come over.
[22:24] * Leets straightens up, unconsciously adjusting his bag as he headed over to Jan.
[22:26] <Jan> "Thanks for your patience." He told the elf.
[22:27] <Dracos> They were lead to a small, but still notable cabin.  It seemed old, though there was a solidness in it that said "I was here before you were born...and I shall be here after you are long gone".  Opening the door, they were lead into a small room, a few chairs and an older elf by a fireplace.
[22:28] <Jan> Jan morbidly wondered if he'd be around longer than the elf.
[22:28] <Dracos> The elf had blue hair streaked with white, something they'd notably not seen in any of the elves so far.  His face bore the slightest hint of wrinkles as his eyes looked wisely upon them.  "Greetings travelers."
[22:28] <Jan> "We bring warm greetings from the kingdom of Baron, Sir Brambard.
[22:29] <Dracos> "This is a country I have never heard of.  But perhaps I should not be surprised...  torn from your homelands as well?"
[22:31] <Leets> "Not ours exactly, but yes."
[22:32] <Jan> "We have important information that may interest your people, so we came with the minister from Baron today."
[22:32] <Dracos> "Yes, Lord Brambard." The rotund diplomat respond.  "Our king, Lord Cecil of Baron, would like to extend his hand in friendship to our new neighbors..." He began, going over a bit of the details of such.
[22:35] <Dracos> The elf responded in kind.  "Such an agreement...would perhaps serve us well.  What information do you bring?"
[22:35] <Jan> "We know about the nature of the world."
[22:36] <Dracos> "You know the reason why this land is dead?"  The elf asked in a serious tone.
[22:38] <Jan> "It's a patchwork world with a demon as its basis. It draws in bits and pieces of other worlds to it."
[22:39] <Jan> "My friends and I are on a mission to bring this world back to life, and trying to help wherever we can."
[22:39] <Dracos> "So... It has torn Ymir from our homeland and brought it here?"
[22:39] <Dracos> The elf matched eyes with him for a moment, judging, measuring... looking to him with the wisdom of ages of experience.
[22:40] <Jan> "Essentially." Jan nodded, meeting the elf's eyes with the truth.
[22:41] <Jan> "We can fix it, but it's a long road ahead of us. We already have a key to bring the world back to life. There's four more left."
[22:42] <Dracos> "I sense no dishonesty in your spirit.  You may  return to your king and know that while we will not allow encroachments into Ymir...neither shall we show hostility to the people of baron.  His messangers and representatives will be welcomed here and we shall do what we can to aid in our survival in this world."
[22:44] <Dracos> The minister nodded.  "And equally so shall the people of baron show friendship to the elves of Ymir."  He formally responded.
[22:44] <Jan> "Thank you, Sir Brambard." Jan smiled, and exited the cabin with Leets while they left the Minister to hammer the details out with Brambard.
[22:45] <Jan> He walked up to a nearby elf. "Excuse me, I need to resupply. Could you please tell us where the item shop is located?"
[22:45] <Dracos> A green haired young boy. "Over there." He pointed to a shop.
[22:47] <Jan> "Thank you kindly."
[22:47] <Jan> He led the way to the item shop, and quickly located the pink haired woman Arche mentioned. "Excuse me, ma'am?" He spoke up while they were still near the door to keep from spooking her.
[22:48] <Dracos> "Please, come in." She smiled. "Humans?"  Her eyes widened a bit in surprise. "It's been many many years since the last time I saw any such around here."
[22:50] <Leets> "Yes, well, I suppose it would be difficult if you didn't know there was an elf village here," Leets said jokingly as he introduced himself. "I'm Leets by the way."
[22:51] <Dracos> "Good day, Leets.  I'm Miranda and this is my shop."
[22:53] <Jan> "My name is Jan Smith. Hopefully you'll see more humans around, we've recently helped a union form between your village and the kingdom of Baron."
[22:53] <Dracos> "ah...ambassadors?"
[22:55] <Leets> "No, just guides." Hesitating for a moment, Leets then changes topics. "We have a message for you from a Miss Arche Klein. Is that name familiar?" he asked cautiously.
[22:57] <Dracos> Her eyes widened noticibly. "Come in." She waved them closer, gesturing to keep their voices down.
[22:57] <Jan> Jan nodded and shut the door behind them as he drew closer to Miranda. He pulled out the scroll from his pack and handed it to the pink haired woman.
[22:58] <Jan> He gestured for Leets to pull back a respectable distance from her even as he did so as well. From her reaction this was most likely an intensely private moment.
[22:59] <Jan> "She's our friend. Helped us out a while back." The negotiator briefly explained their relationship for the woman.

[21:19] <Dracos> She nodded.  "My thanks..." Her voice was sharp with emotion as she was reading the letter.
[21:23] <Dracos> "C-can I get anything for you to thank you?" She closed it.
[21:24] <Jan> "No, but if you'd like, we can take a letter back to her."
[21:24] * Mary nods.
[21:24] <Mary> "I'd reckon she'd like that."
[21:26] <Dracos> She nodded, tears coming to her eyes. "Thank you...Thank you. I'll have it ready soon." She pulled out paper, starting to write.
[21:29] <Jan> "No need to rush. We'll be back soon since we have other stuff to do. Take your time to compose the letter."
[21:30] * Jan gestured for the others to follow as he wandered towards the exit. "We'll drop by in a few hours, if that's alright with you."
[21:31] <Leets> "It was nice meeting you, ma'am," Leets said, offering a parting wave before exitting after Jan.
[21:32] <Dracos> She nodded, her hand penning forth a letter fiercely.
[21:32] * Mary tips his hat to her and follows the group out.
[21:32] <Felix> "Indeed," Felix agrees with the young one as he gives a polite bow to the distracted lady before following the others.
[21:32] <Dracos> They stepped out into the village, the warm noontime sun warming their backs.
[21:36] <Leets> "How long do you suppose those negotiations are going to take?" Leets asked conversationally, studying the village more closely since he didn't need to sneak around. Yet.
[21:36] <Dracos> "Well, knowing diplomats, they could take days." Fizban supposed boredly.
[21:37] <Mary> "So... Drinkin'?"
[21:38] * Felix (Merc@cpe-72-181-119-105.houston.res.rr.com) Quit (Ping timeout)
[21:38] <Jan> "We have to go talk to..." Jan started, looking over at the woods pointedly.
[21:38] * Felix (elaine@cpe-72-181-119-105.houston.res.rr.com) has joined #wasteland
[21:40] <Leets> "Besides, isn't it a little early for drinking?" Leets interjected drolly, trying to keep a straight face.
[21:40] <Jan> "It's never too early to drink."
[21:40] <Mary> "Damn right, Jan."
[21:41] <Leets> "I'll get back to you about that in six years."
[21:41] <Dracos> "Now, now...don't tease the lad," Fizban good naturedly added.
[21:43] <Leets> "Let's just go. Maybe we'll be lucky and their guards are all at the negotiations."
[21:45] * Jan (~Velsper@66-53-89-247.phnx.Node247-89-53-66.1dial.com) Quit (Connection reset by peer)
[21:47] * Jan (Velsper@Node201-68-53-66.1dial.com) has joined #wasteland
[21:47] * Leets shakes his head ruefully, but still taking in the teasing with some amusement as he followed the path to Origin.
[21:47] * Mary follows after, not really having anything else to do.
[21:49] <Dracos> The guards were there, but after some skillful wordplay, the party was through and heading to Origin's tablet.
[21:49] <Dracos> They soon arrived in the clearing, just as before.
[21:50] <Jan> Walking up to the monolith in the center, Jan brandished the diamond ring.
[21:52] <Dracos> Nothing happened.
[21:52] <Jan> Sword powered up since SNES Kirby
[21:52] <Felix> ooc - bad Jan
[21:55] <Dracos> OOC: Strike accidental line
[21:55] * Felix moves towards the monolith and once again reads the inscription on it.
[21:57] <Dracos> As before the earth shook, a glow filling the clearing...a blinding flash... and then floating before them was the dwarf king, Origin, as mighty as ever.
[21:57] <Dracos> "To what purpose do you call me forth?" The dwarf's eyes roamed over them.
[21:58] <Jan> "We wish to forge a contract with you. We've brought the diamond ring you requested."
[22:01] <Dracos> The spirit went silent, considering.  "By pacts of old, such a right may be claimed.  Are you prepared to face the challenge?" He intoned.
[22:02] <Leets> "What kind of challenge do you mean, precisely?" Leets asked warily.
[22:04] <Dracos> "The rite of combat.  You must show your will and ferocity in battle.  To conquer over all and merit my strength added to yours."
[22:05] * Mary sighs.
[22:05] * Mary begins checking the rounds in his pistols.
[22:08] * Leets considers, then checked over his own weapons as well, making sure the swords were unbounded and his guns were loaded, as well as taking Pandora's box out of his bag so it wouldn't weigh him down.
[22:10] <Jan> Jan merely clenched his right hand as he moved away from the rest of the group. With a massive explosion, the earth beneath him gathered towards his human body.
[22:15] * Felix looks over to everyone seeming ready for battle and nods to the spirit, himself ready for this challenge. "We'll take your challenge then."
[22:17] <Dracos> "Old one."  He pointed at Fizban towards the back of the group.  "You may not participate.  Only these four."
[22:17] <Dracos> Fizban looked old as he glanced at the others and grimly nodded, standing to the side.
[22:20] <Dracos> The god stretched out his arms, his hands opening...as suddenly in each of them, there was a wicked looking blade, each a different style and hue, but each looking equally deadly and devestating.
[22:21] <Dracos> "So it is met.  Come and show me your determination." He clashed two of them together, lightning striking out in waves from him, twisting about the clearing towards the party in a twisting web.
[22:23] * Leets (Dinh@c-24-6-70-63.hsd1.ca.comcast.net) has left #wasteland
[22:23] * Mary tries to jump out of the way of the lightning, while drawing a pistol and snapping off four rounds at the God.
[22:23] * Leets (Dinh@c-24-6-70-63.hsd1.ca.comcast.net) has joined #wasteland
[22:24] <Jan> Jan reared back and with a massive fist sent tons of debris into the air to muffle the force of the lightning as he moved close to Origin.
[22:26] <Dracos> The rings around the god spun, the bullets tinging as they struck the swiftly spinning metal, the god flashing forward to meet Jan's wall, the lightnining glancing off the earthen barrier...which moments later was penetrated by a fierce blade, twisting with tremendous strength and striking through, another swinging rapidly towards Jan's torso.
[22:26] * Felix wraps his cape around himself, vanishing in a cloud of smoke, and reappearing in another burst of smoke some distance behind the spirit, hoping to catch it by surprise with...something. Once he thinks of it.
[22:30] <Jan> Smashing one fist into the ground, the golem was suddenly elevated as the earth beneath it suddenly rose in a rapidly crumbling pillar. Taking the opportunity, the golem leapt from its platform, right arm rearing back. The sound of turbines whirled through the clearing as the piston drew back.
[22:32] * Leets drew out his recent acquisition, the scimitar feeling odd in his hands as he unsheathed the magical sword. Now how did it work again? he wondered rhetorically, trying to familiarize himself with the weapon's powers.
[22:33] <Dracos> The scimitar glowed, a sheath of hot fire licking around the blade.
[22:34] <Dracos> Twin blades crossed in a guard position, even as the earlier one sliced through the crumbling pillar...the fourth hand suddenly holding a spear which was flicked backwards, heading right towards Felix without missing a beat.
[22:34] * Mary fires his last two rounds at the god's knees, snapping the pistol back into its holster with one hand and flipping his second pistol into the air, catching it and firing off two more rounds at the opposite knee.
[22:37] * Felix swears as the spirit apparently was not distracted by his disappearing act, and jumps to the side as the spear heads for his former spot, holding tightly on to his hat with one hand lest it flies off, while his other hand releases a quickly cast dazzle spell at the spirit.
[22:40] <Dracos> One bullet got through his spinning rings, striking into the clothed flesh.
[22:41] <Jan> With an ominous click, the piston finished drawing back as Jan reared back and struck from above, right fist flying towards the god's face.
[22:43] <Dracos> The swords caught it, ringing loudly as the god was driven back, the blades buckling but holding before the tremendous assault, a glow of energy sufusing the ancient spirit as he blocked the assault.
[22:43] <Leets> He watched the god's movements, trying to get an understanding of its strategy. Moving quickly while three of its arms were occupied with Jan and Felix, Leets charged in fast and low, swinging the flaming sword upward towards the god.
[22:45] <Dracos> The blade struck through, slashing a searing mark against the god's strong arm before the freed hand came up, swinging swiftly in an uppercut and sending a very dazed leets flying up and back through the air to land on his back several feet back.
[22:47] * Leets grunted, blinking stars from his vision as he registered the blow. "Ow," he muttered, tongue probing to make sure no teeth were missing. That'd probably teach him to forget the range of his opponent.
[22:48] * Mary snaps his gun into the air, sending it end over end and and catching it behind his back, sending the remaining four rounds at the god's eyes, two towards each eyeball.
[22:49] <Jan> The golem suddenly pressed its attack by unleashing the stored pressure in the right arm, a massive blast of force and air blasting forth from in between the knuckles of the fist that was smashed up against the god's defense.
[22:52] <Dracos> The god was launched backwards rapidly, floating in the air, the sudden motion resulting in all of Mary's shots being clear misses.  His arms swung around, suddenly holding throwing axes that looked devestatingly sharp, flinging them forward towards the landed Jan with great speed.
[22:53] <Jan> The golem raised its forearms to block the axes with the shields on the front of the arms, not capable of much else with its relative lack of speed.
[22:54] <Dracos> Jan feels, surprisingly, pain as the axes dig into the shielded parts of his arms catching deeply into the metal.
[22:57] <Felix> With Origin currently focusing more on the others, Felix takes the time to concentrate a bit more, before releasing a burst of lightning from his fingers towards the god's head.
[23:02] <Leets> Recovered enough that he was no longer seeing double, Leets switched weapons to the Masamune; the holy weapon fitting in his hands more comfortably then the flame sword. Once again, while the god was concentrating on Jan, Leets moved in for another strike, though was more cautious for the god's extra limbs as he stabbed with the intent of disabling at least one of them.
[23:05] <Dracos> The blast of lightning struck the back of his head as he spun around, his attention clearly gotten this time...though not for the best as the spirit closed its hands suddenly around four large warhammers, arms spinning around rapidly as it charged toward Felix directly.  Leets' strike rang out as he tried to get through, the angle wrong on that strike as the god moved away from him towards Felix.
[23:07] <Jan> The golem stumbled before wrenching an axe out of the armored gauntlets on its arms. It rushed after the god, and suddenly concentrated as he willed several pillars to rise up between the rampaging deity and the mage.
[23:09] * Felix once again, holding his hat, starts using his feet and moving, trying to stay out of reach of Origin's weapons, and hoping another person gets his attention again.
[23:09] * Mary snaps enough bullets to reload both of his pistols out of his belt, tossing them into the air as he draws his second pistol, snapping both cylinders open and catching each round into a chamber in mid air before snapping the cylinders closed.
[23:11] <Leets> Leets scowled, adjusting himself as he tried to repeat his last attack.
[23:16] <Dracos> Felix moved fast...but not quite fast enough as a hammer clipped his side, sending him flying hard to slam against a tree, feeling like at least a few of his ribs were broken, blood flecking at his lips.
[23:16] <Dracos> The god twisted, somehow catching leets sword against a warhammer shortly after.
[23:17] <Dracos> The pillars were devestated in the king's wake, each smashed to pieces by the swiftly spinning hammers.
[23:19] * Mary grinds his teeth and snaps one pistol into the air, flipping end over end and takes careful aim with the other, using both hands to steady his aim and fires two rounds, one at each eye again, before catching the airborn pistol again.
[23:21] * Leets twisted, his sword slipping free from the hammer to slash at the hand holding the hammer.
[23:22] <Dracos> Fizban moved over, trying to pull Felix from the fight gently, looking grim as he watched the battle.
[23:22] <Jan> Having finally caught up to where the melee was going on, the golem moved around Origin and slashed with twin axes, aiming for the deity's back.
[23:23] * Felix grits his teeth in pain, as he casts a minor calming spell on himself, not enough to make him oblivious to the danger, but at least to the pain and how badly he must be off.
[23:25] <Dracos> Mary's bullets slipped through the rings...but encountered something, hitting against some sort of glow as they went through.
[23:26] <Dracos> The blade met blade, driving the god briefly backwards as he adjusted, pulling back and darting around the clearing, circling the adventurers, Jan's axes leaving sharp cuts in the metal rings as they spun, a glow again appearing as the blows hit.
[23:28] * Felix is now known as Merc-zonked-out
[23:30] * Mary snaps his pistols out as he rolls across the ground, trying to get behind some cover and firing four rounds at the god's knees again, two to each.
[23:32] <Dracos> The rounds slam into a shield that forms between the god's lower hands.
[23:44] <Leets> Familiar ground. Leets freed himself, then tried for a feint to lure the god's defense away before twisting for a slash in the opposite direction.
[23:50] <Jan> The golem twisted and helped Leets in attacking the god by slashing with the axes, bodily getting in Leets way as he gestured for room from the boy.
[23:51] <Leets> Catching the gesture, Leets retreated to a safe distance to catch his breath.
[23:52] <Dracos> The god grunted as an axe got through, his guard for Leets blow misplaced to block the axes as leets pulled back, his body turning as Jan was suddenly hammered with a pair of maces, rock smashin blows dizzyingg him as they struck.
[23:52] * Mary continues firing, aiming his shots for the God's face.
[23:53] * Leets drops his sword and exchanges them for his guns, adding his own shots with Mary's.
[23:54] <Dracos> The glows intensified as shot after shot rang into the god working fast and hard to bring the golem down.
[23:55] <Jan> The golem stumbled backwards, falling to a knee as it thrust its right fist into the ground, the piston coming down with a roar.  The earth below the god erupting upwards in razor shard chunks.
Session Time: Sun May 28 00:00:00 2006
[00:01] <Dracos> The chunks tore into Origin, his clothes and lower body actually showing wounds and tears as it glowed, holding together, dust and rock filling the air and obscuring both the wrathful god and that golem.  Leets saw something lift above the darkness... and then Jan felt a tremendous blow rack his head...followed by darkness as he fell unconscious, transforming back to normal...the cloud fading revealing an angry looking god, his rings slowly and waveringly spinning around him as he held the biggest hammer they'd ever seen in two strong hands.
[00:01] <Dracos> Jan reverted back to normal as consciousness fled him on the ground.
[00:02] <Dracos>  rings slowly and waveringly spinning around him as he held the biggest hammer they'd ever seen in two strong hands.
[00:02] * Mary snaps his pistols out and fires his remaining rounds at the god's hands, hoping to make him drop the weapon.
[00:04] <Dracos> The rings spun in the way, deflecting the bullets with a glow as the god turned towards them, the hammer vanishing before their eyes as two mighty blades formed in his hands.
[00:06] * Leets frowned as he watched the rings, repacking the guns and retrieving his sword. "Can you keep him distracted?" he muttered to Mary.
[00:07] <Mary> "I can try. He's brushin' my rounds off like nothin'."
[00:07] * Mary snaps fresh ammo into his pistols and readies himself.

[20:31] <Dracos> Origin lifted his blades, bringing them clashing together and sending another web of lightning their way.
[20:34] * Shukuen_ (~Dinh@c-24-6-70-63.hsd1.ca.comcast.net) has joined #wasteland
[20:35] * Mary dives behind whatever cover he can, firing his pistols as he tumbles through the air, hits the ground in a shoulder roll, and skids to a halt, pistols firing the last of his six shots, three from each pistol.
[20:35] * Leets (Dinh@c-24-6-70-63.hsd1.ca.comcast.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
[20:35] * Shukuen_ is now known as Leets
[20:38] <Leets> Leets circled Origin, moving away from Mary's position until he was on the opposite side. There, he moved in to strike, testing the god's defenses as Mary fired.
[20:45] <Dracos> Leets was forced to dive and weave as the lightning struck out.  Mary nearly getting zapped as he dove for the ground, 5 of his six shots slamming into the god as he rushed Mary, a foot lashing out at his head.
[20:48] * Mary springs into a forward hand stand, flipping up and attempting to land on the God's incomming foot, bending his legs to absorb the impact, and trying to fire his remaining six shots into the ankle.
[20:49] <Leets> Recovering from his near frantic dodging, Leets dove in closer to the god and added his own attack, stabbing upwards towards the floating deity.
[20:50] <Dracos> The God howeld in wrath, all six connecting as twin powerful uppercuts smashed into Mary's chin...darkness and stars filling his vision as he slammed upward and collapsed.  The god seemed to waver as he twisted around Leets attack, two blades meeting Leets' one.
[20:52] <Dracos> the god moved forward and up, rising out of leets reach and turning to face him.
[20:54] * Leets backed out of the god's immediate range, catching his breath and trying to plan his next move.
[20:55] <Dracos> The god seemed to be doing the same, his rings wavering a bit as he focused.
[21:01] <Dracos> "It ends now."  Origin intoned, two other swords forming as a burst of lightning flew at Leets, the god following, ready to strike him down where he dodged.
[21:04] <Leets> Scowling, Leets leapt backwards, trying to put some distance between himself and the lightning. His grip on his weapon shifting in preparation to strike at Origin if he couldn't dodge the god's following blow.
[21:07] <Dracos> The lightning arc'ed towards him, continuing on and striking him, sending him dazedly back as the god closed striking rapidly from four different angles.
[21:09] * Jan (Velsper@66-53-85-121.phnx.Node121-85-53-66.1dial.com) Quit (Connection reset by peer)
[21:09] * Velsper (Velsper@66.53.89.253) has joined #wasteland
[21:09] * Velsper is now known as Jan
[21:13] <Leets> Leets winced, his vision blurring and ears ringing from the electric shock. He managed to recover enough to see the god's four arms coming for him; and with some conscious effort, charged forwards, between Origin's outreaching arms to stab towards the god's chest.
[21:16] <Dracos> His blade yanked him forward, aiding in the blow, even as the god parried it hard, a blade smashing apart to knock his aside to his shoulder, actually wincing before Leets eyes, glowing 'stuff' floating off...  and then there was pain...then darkness.
[21:16] <Dracos> ----
[21:17] <Dracos> Jan awoke with a pounding headache, the feeling of soft grass against him, his body sore, but alive as he heard nearby crickets chirp.
[21:19] <Jan> The negotiator slowly rose, mindful of his head as he took care looking around them.
[21:21] <Dracos> Felix was just waking up, propped against a tree, his whole left side of his ribcage feeling like it should be dust and broken bone fragments, but somehow all intact.  Fizban was tending gently to him.  Near Jan, Mary and leets were slowly recovering as well, Leets clothes torn where deadly slashes must have hit, but other than soreness, both were alive.
[21:21] <Dracos> Hovering near the tablet was a mostly revitalized looking Origin, as the night sky hung above them.
[21:22] * Mary grunts as he sits up, shaking his head.
[21:22] <Mary> "Fucker kicks harder'n a mule.."
[21:23] <Felix> "Well, from the looks of you all, I'm going to assume you didn't win after I went unconscious..." Felix says wrily.
[21:23] <Jan> "We weren't good enough."
[21:24] <Dracos> Mary had what felt like a migrane...and he regretted his quick motion and shaking his head for a few moments after doing them.
[21:24] <Leets> "He was a god," Leets said pointedly from where he lay. He'll get up. Later.
[21:24] <Dracos> "No, you were not." Origin intoned.  "Your strength is not enough."  He sounded oddly not final in such.
[21:27] <Dracos> "But your determination was strong.  I stand impressed by such, and as such I shall grant ye a boon."
[21:27] <Dracos> "I will allow you to summon me one time, by contract, as a tribute to the determination you have shown.  When in need, hold up the ring that you have brought and call for my aid by name."
[21:28] <Dracos> His eyes glowed...the ring matching as it seemed warm before he vanished.
[21:32] <Felix> "Well...at least I didn't get my ribs caved in for nothing," Felix finally says in the silence they're all left under.
[21:34] <Dracos> With that the clearing flashed...the god vanishing without another word, the warm ring falling to the ground.
[21:34] * Mary grunts and stands up.
[21:35] <Mary> "I think it's time fer some sleep."
[21:35] * Mary staggers a bit where he stands.
[21:36] <Jan> "Argh." Jan once again chose to stand! He promptly regretted it as his vision went blurry for a second. "C'mon..." He walked over to Felix to help him up.
[21:36] <Leets> "Please tell me we don't have to do that with the next god we meet," Leets muttered, pushing himself up and ignoring the way his muscles were rioting against the movement.
[21:37] <Mary> "You plannin' on meetin' more gods?"
[21:37] * Mary snorts.
[21:37] <Dracos> Fizban already was helping felix. "Give yourselves a moment."
[21:37] <Leets> "Considering just where we are, I don't doubt a god will be meeting us next."
[21:38] <Jan> "Who knows." The negotiator ignored Fizban's words as he stubbornly went to help Leets up.
[21:42] <Leets> The young thief would have gladly accepted the aid, if he could convince his arms weren't going to fall off by lifting them off the ground. "How long were we...?" he gestured to the tablet with his eyes. Pretty much the only thing that wasn't sore or numb.
[21:43] <Dracos> "A few hours." The old man responded.
[21:43] <Mary> "Beer?"
[21:44] <Dracos> "I've none on me...but maybe the elves will oblige."
[21:44] <Mary> "Beer."
[21:44] * Mary pointing back towards the village.
[21:45] * Mary starts stumbling down the path towards the village.
[21:45] * Leets rolled his eyes at their gunner's one-tracked mind. "Bed," he corrected half-heartedly, finally managing to stand.
[21:47] <Jan> The negotiator beared his headache since the others were much worse off as he helped Fizban carry Felix back to the village.
[21:48] <Dracos> -----
[21:49] <Dracos> The next day, a sore, but significantly improved in being alive party assembled in the inn.
[21:56] <Jan> "Why didn't he want you joining the fight, Fizban?"
[21:56] <Dracos> The old man closed his eyes tiredly. "It is not my place to interfere."
[21:59] <Jan> "That's pretty weird, considering you've been helping us out so far."
[22:02] <Dracos> "I have...  and I didn't mean in such a general sense...  I simply couldn't help there...  It is something I wish you would not pry at...a memory of a past time.  Needless to say, you can trust that I am with you." His eyes briefly clear.
[22:06] <Leets> "Well, I think we've stuck around long enough, how about we get back on that quest of ours then?'
[22:08] <Jan> "Felix needs to rest more, I think. Besides, this way we can escort the diplomats back to Baron before continuing on. Maybe Cid can help us maintain the car when we get back."
[22:12] <Mary> "Mm.. We still need ta pick up that letter."
[22:12] <Dracos> "Can't forget the letters...I remember a man from...whosky I think it was in the high mountains."  Fizban rambled.
[22:16] <Jan> "I'm the one least beat up from the fight with Origin, so I'll go get it."
[22:16] * Jan rose from his seat and started off to recover the letter.
[22:18] <Dracos> She was ready when he arrived, giving him a bag and the letter.  "Your kindness will be remembered."
[22:21] <Jan> "Huh? What's the bag for, miss?" Taking the letter carefully in one hand, he held the bag awkwardly in the other. "You don't need to worry about it. Ms. Klein's a friend."
[22:23] <Dracos> It feels a bit heavy, jingling. "For you.  A little thanks."
[22:25] <Jan> "Oh...well, thank you kindly, ma'am." Jan wasn't about to turn down anything given to him so insistently.
[22:26] <Jan> "I'll make sure it gets back to her. Have a good day." Jan nodded at the pink haired thankfully before stepping out and headed back to the inn.
[22:27] <Dracos> The others were waiting outside for him.
[22:35] <Mary> "Ready? I'd rather get this over'n done with, an' relax fer a few days."
[22:36] <Dracos> ----
[22:37] <Dracos> They arrived back in Baron without incident, the diplomatic party being welcomed back and leaving them at the inn to report to the king.
[22:41] <Jan> "I wish we could abuse the black hole in Pandora's Box in a fight." Jan mused out loud. "But I guess dragging a god into another dimension wouldn't work."
[22:41] <Leets> "Not to mention we wouldn't be able to use the box anymore."
[22:42] <Dracos> "That'd probably wreck Yomi's home."
[22:44] <Jan> "Should we check on the royals now? Or should we see if Cid might mind helping us maintain the car."
[22:47] <Leets> "Cid works the royals, doesn't he? Why not just do both while we're there?'

[21:13] <Jan> "Sure, why not. May as well get that done." The negotiator admitted.
[21:20] <Leets> "Come on, let's go while they're talking with those ambassadors." Leets said, rolling his eyes in a put-upon manner, and making his way towards the castle. From pick pocket to politician. Oi vey.
[21:21] <Dracos> Mary begged off, having his fill of politicians for the moment and went off to hunt down some good ale.
[21:21] <Dracos> The rest  of the group made their way to the royal castle, where after a short delay they were granted an audience with the king.
[21:24] <Dracos> "Allies, you come once again before me.  Tales of your success preceed you."
[21:25] <Jan> "It was a worthwhile trip afterall. Thank you for offering us the opportunity to go along with your diplomats, your highness."
[21:27] <Dracos> "We appreciate what you have done for Baron."
[21:29] <Jan> "It's quite alright, your highness. We'll be heading out to the west soon in search of another starstone, but while we're gone, is there anything we could do for you?"
[21:31] <Dracos> "No, though I appreciate your candor...  I think it would be best if you continue your quest.  It is of great importance and I doubt anyone else is as equipped for handling it."
[21:32] * Felix (Merc@cpe-72-181-117-211.houston.res.rr.com) Quit (Ping timeout)
[21:33] <Leets> "Actually, sire, if it isn't too much trouble, I'd like to ask for some time for additional sword training."
[21:33] * Jan looks over at Leets. "Eager to start getting ready for the rematch?"
[21:37] * Leets mutters under his breath, before adding outloud: "I don't like being useless."
[21:43] <Dracos> "Well, I can't personally train you there, but that can be arranged.  Sorry, but too much work running things and I don't have time for a student."
[21:46] <Dracos> "Anything else?"
[21:46] <Leets> "It is for me, but I don't know about the others."
[21:48] <Jan> "Thank you for the assistance, your highness."
[21:48] <Dracos> They were lead out following that, leets taken aside and lead to meet his new sword instructor.