Ken (GM): hey hey ho ho Rosettsara: Hello~ Ken (GM): Joush M.: Yep, it seems to be working cap Ken (GM): mother of god we have velocity y'all seeing the map alright? Rosettsara: Yup P.P. A.: I'm restarting my bwoser since it's being laggy Rosettsara: Also new to roll20, so apologies if i'm a bit slow to understand what to do in it P.P. A.: much better Ken (GM): OH GOD youll be fine rose fiss! you alive and in here too? tokens controlling ok? Rosettsara: They seem to be Ken (GM): just poking fiss manually here; his account appears logged on but hes so far incommunicado Fiss: Sorry for the delay, just obtaining foodmeats for the offspring Ken (GM): GASP suddenly a fiss Fiss: Tis true.... Ken (GM): this explains the smell Fiss: The smell of Caffeine and Napalm Ken (GM): P.P. A.: New shortcut keys! Joush M. ajust shortcuts for Mercy instead of Gray Ken (GM): lel, no giant slaying knives this time around at least not yet Rosettsara: Just give it time Ken (GM): >The dwarf is a two-story-tall mecha >Snekman is a jet >Sophie has a machinegun Fiss: DAMMIT SHINJI, GET IN THE DWARF Ken (GM): lel Rosettsara: Just don't give Sophie a cursed insanity sword Ken (GM): I tend to put the crazy ghosts and superweapons into cubes Rosettsara: The last time that happened to me, things went off the rails pretty hilariously Ken (GM) Fall has come to the land, and the harvests are ripe. Greyhold heads the Alliance of Men, Elves and Dwarves, and through stewardship of the Grey King the armies of Gorgoth are at bay yet again. Moons, Seasons, and the years have passed over and over. Each year the battles are fought and won, and the lands are safe again. This year has been quieter; still the clash of metal on metal rings out. The stench of gunpowder and blood stains the South. The time though, has been for rebuilding and for redoubling defenses. Ken (GM) The Southern Reaches are the lands on the very South of Greyhold, the East of the Anhaern; where the men of the plains sow and reap their grains, and the elves of the forest cultivate their orchards, here the armies stand ready to face the enemy, at Glardenfen. Ken (GM) but you are not militiamen Ken (GM) you are HUNTERS Ken (GM) Each of you blessed and burdened with the mark of The Order. Each of you inducted into the ranks of those who seek out the dark corners of the land, flush out evil, and see it hunted to extinction. Ken (GM) Some of you are old hands at the hunt. Others are naecent. Together you are a tribe, a gang, a rude awakening for evildoers Ken (GM) A storm rages on the plains tonight; cold wind from the South blasting through black clouds, intermittently lit with bright white flashes of lightning. The moon passes in between clouds like a stalking wolf through trees. SHowers of near-horizontal mist and rain whips past, but mostly the detritus of the forest around you flies, dust and leaves and anything not tied down. It is a bad night for a hunt, but what would be a good one? Ken (GM) A witch has stalked the farms here, nearby to Sunrise Abbey. The farmers have lost their sickly livestock, then their spry game, and seen the signs they were to be wary. Only when they lost their kin did they truly know how bad it had become. Your band has tracked them North from the farms of the Kings Highway, overland to the Pines; a forest of tall red barked trees and long shaggy needles. Here and there the white birch flaps dry bark rattling in the high winds. The ground is uneven and rocky Ken (GM): >your group is tracking a witch through deep woods on a dark night, in a windy storm >The Gaiserich and Mercy have found an easy trail; occasional bloodstains and handprints of a wounded man, a day old at most Clang sighs as the whipping wind tugs at his cloak and armour but looks up at the clouds with a mad-man's glee Gaiserich slithers through the woods, bent over and close to the ground. His tongue flicks in and out as he follows the trail of scent. Clang: "Nice night, for sure." Gaiserich is a little sluggish; the cold night gets to him him, but his clothes stave off the chill Mercy is dark haired woman that is nearly still a girl, dark hair brushed neatly back and falling across lupine ears to do something to hide them, but it would take more then that to hide her eyes. Amber, a wolf's eyes in that pale face. Mercy: Very tall, four inches past six feet in her shining leather shoes with no heel and wearing a modest black overdress very close to the sort worn by a Novice at a holy order, a bag carried at her side and water falling from her waxed canvas cloak in heavy drops. She's shy about tracking, embarrassed for others to see her kneel down and scent the air like an animal. "It's.. newer here. We are getting closer." Gaiserich: In the shadows cast by the lighting, Gaiserich resembles a bundle of clothes dragging a long serpentine torso. His wet scales shimmer in the flashes, while their spotted brown, black, and white colours is swallowed by the night. Clang: Clang eagerly follows the trail, walking in time with the group. While bundled up against the elements, he looks like he could be a squat, fat child, but under the furs you know a friendly, bearded dwarf. His clothes are accented only by the regalia of the order, otherwise might look at home on a beggar's body...if it wasn't for the well worn leather and metal shine underneath some of the dull scraps. Sophie held her heavy cloak close as the others took on the task of tracking. A typically quiet sort, she was not one to interfere with their work until she was needed. Underneath the cloak was a rose-haired girl who appeared to be well-educated, but details of her life and relations were scarce. Her personality and attitude could easily be summed up in one word: withdrawn. She preferred to stay next to her mule throughout outings such as these. Ken (GM): [lel, nearly forgot the mule's token Clang: [] ["Dammit, Sophie, stop teleporting your dang Mule! Scared me half to the Allfather!"] Cutthroat has barely ever spoken, but on the few occasions he has, he's been direct and to the point. He's here for his own reasons, and they tend to mean putting sharp things in bad things Ken (GM): Gaiserich! Mercy! Tracking please! Rosettsara: (Given that Sophie has Weirdness Magnet....) Mercy is brand new to this. She came instead of a veteran paladin, apparently (GM) the night howls around you, but the rain hasnt started in earnest yet. When the snakeman points out a weird spot on a tree, and then Mercy bends near to confirm the scent, you know youre still hot on the trail. Despite the weather it has actually gotten easier to track the trail the further you head uphill into the woods. Which means youre getting closer to whoever was bleeding so heavily Clang: "Looks like the witch might be getting careless, hoping for the storm to cover their activities." [or am I misinterpreting that, and we're just tracking a poor bleeding sod?] :D Sophie: "There is nothing more ferocious than cornered prey. I would rather not bring you back in pieces." Gaiserich: “Cornered prey is the most dangerousss,” Gaiserich turns around to warn Clang. Gaiserich 's eyes longer on Sophie for a moment as she voices the same thought, then they return to the trail. P.P. A.: *linger Ken (GM): >Hunter-mind Mercy: "Just stay behind me, Doctor Sophie" She says gently as she rises to her feet and keeps trailing after the blood. Working closer and closer to it's source. Clang nods at the wise words and lets the experts track. He does keep an eye on the sky, however, and the trails to make sure they're not doubling (GM) the rocky trail eventually flattens off, and as the thunder crackles and lightning flashes again above, there is a red glow ahead through the forest. Spatters of chill rain fall, and the whistling wind tears at the swaying pines, wood creaking and groaning all about. Gaiserich: “Thiss must be it.” Gaiserich reaches on his back and pulls out his spear and shield as the oddity comes into view. Sophie: "Oh, good." Mercy nods to Gaiserich and takes a deep breath to steady herself, reaching down to take from her bag a dark, heavy shape. Keeping the shotgun under her cloak to save it from the wet as she goes closer to that red light. Cutthroat hefts and axe, and a long thin blade from his belt. Stalking. Gaiserich slithers up a nearby tree, wrapping around it and advancing up on the branches in the cover of the needles to get a better view. Clang walks to the treeline and peers toward the glow Sophie readies her knife in case of either self-defense, or needing to give someone some needlessly painful and unnecessary surgery. Ken (GM): lel Clang: lol Ken (GM) You band readies for the worst, and spies from the distance; a bonfire of some ferocity is burning in the high wind, tearing at a pile of brush and cut wood in a clearing ahead. In the jagged red and gold slides back down; a stream flows before them, and the clearing in the quietly makes his ways through the shadows, his scales glistering like the water of the nearby stream, and his form waving with the shadows of the wind-struck trees. Ken (GM): lel Sophie: "I will tend to the poor fool once you clear the path. Presuming this isn't a baited trap." Clang: "Be optimistic...there could be traps in the trees as well!" Ken (GM) the stream is cold and quick, and the scream of the wind and creaking trees hides almost all noise; your group slinks up to approach the clearing like ink in dark water Rolling 3d6 = 6v11+4 (Per + smell) P.P. A.: I hope we're not wasting all of our luck before the first battle! Ken (GM): lel Mercy walks closer to the body on the ground, risking being seen in the firelight. "A lizardman?" She ask as she sees the body's long tail. (To GM): Gaiserich will continue to follow the trail of the human (To GM): wherever that leads Sophie keeps pace with her comrades, but at a safe distance. Gaiserich: “Our enemy went here…” Gaiserich whispers, loud enough to hear from close by, but quiet under the rain and wind. Ken (GM) the beheaded body of a scaled scorned man lies here; a pool of red-black blood on the ground around him. Looks like something ripped him apart Gaiserich has his weapons ready and is prepared for an ambush. Ken (GM) the fire in the clearing is burning fierce in the wind, and has climbed into a too-close woodpile Clang: "Ahh, bloody day..." (To GM): looks like the trail is then lost in the stream? Mercy nods to Clang. "He's a.. scorned." She says with a frown, looking to the body then around. "I don't see our witch. Why leave the body here, and such a big fire?" Ken (GM) the scaled skin glimmers in the firelight, and then CRASH lightning illuminates the world for an instant. Clang: "In this storm, I suspect cleanup wasn't much of a concern...the fire will burn low soon, and the critters will be out for the body soon enough." Gaiserich rejoins with the party after having followed a trail a bit to the north. Clang: "Anything up there?" Gaiserich gets a bit closer to the fire to bask in its heat. Gaiserich: “The water washes away the blood; it's ssstil fresh, an hour or two at most.” “Must've followed the ssstream.” Sophie: "Perhaps I was not far off the mark. Whoever did this was likely not concerned by it being found." Cutthroat: "What cut up the fang-head?" Sophie notices the lack of combat urgency from the others up ahead, and moves on to inspect the body. Clang nods, looking around cautiously. It feels to him they've stumbled upon a post-ritual, not one in progress, but never hurts to be alert Gaiserich slithers around the fire to investigate the corpse as well. Mercy pauses a moment. "They tried to put out the fire, but it caught up again.. they left in a hurry. We should follow now and try to catch them before they slip away." She frowns to the body and ajust the cloak, rain still pouring down it. "I wish we had time for a proper burial. Rest in the Light, lost one." Gaiserich: “Killing without eating your prey. Senselesss…” Clang: "We've gone over this, Gaiserich...many of these vile minds see meat not as meat...but as a tool for their evil. I would no likely eat a hammer." Gaiserich: “Pulled out his heart, for sssome ritual?” Refreshed by the fire and indignated by the crime, he turns around to get back on track. Clang: "I know not, but I think you're on the right track regardless." Mercy nods and joins the snek in hunting. They are on the track now Gaiserich assumes that their target followed the stream to hide her trail, but they'll just have to follow it until they can pick up the scent of the blood again. Rolling 3d6 = 11v14 Ken (GM): ncie Clang stays near the front of the search, but lets the professionals continue their hunt without his footprints marring up their work (To Rosettsara): whisper whisper Ken (GM): >sophie takes a look for a minute Sophie: "This man's beheading came from within. The organs burst upward through the flesh. I believe we are dealing with either a being of immense physical strength, or power magic which can produce the same effects." "Anyone tracking a giant, perhaps?" Gaiserich hears this, and pauses to stare at his shield, wondering if that will defend against such strange attacks. Mercy studies the trail. Trying to judge just what they are following. Gaiserich: “It's a human's ssscent.” Cutthroat: "The witch is a strong one then. Crap" Sophie: "Then we are dealing with either a powerful witch well-versed in organ removal, or another kind of very powerful witch." "Be wary." Mercy nods to the doctor. Her hand covering a boot print. "Normal sized, yes.. well.. let's continue. We can return here to bury the poor soul later." Rolling 3d6 = 9 v15 Mercy then joins The Hunt, working to cover the trail and pick up their prey's scent Ken (GM) the stream flows through the cracks of the earth, but it does little to extingush the smell of a terrified animal such as man; the stink of it gets more and more pungent and you quickly find a fesh path torn through the dry underbrush. It looks like something has been tearing a way through and very very recently. Some of the leaves and trees have scorch marks on them. Others look brutalized by a pulverizing force; one pine with a massive singed handprint in it Mercy: "Power, run out of control. Unleashed on everything they passed." Gaiserich: “Mad.” Ken (GM) the very obvious trail leads ahead to a patch of red birtch, white trunks and bloody leaves in a bed below. Through the trees you spy from a distance, a weird sight; blue flickering light, like caged lightning, glowing through the trees Mercy pads closer. "Careful now.." Gaiserich puts up his shield and cautiously edges forward, weaving back and forth between and behind the trees. Ken (GM) overhead, lightning crackles...and continues to crackle and scream, rattling the sky and crawling slowly through the air towards the copse of trees. The blue glow weirdly throws strange shadows on the ground around you Sophie looks down at her knife, and then up ahead once more. Gaiserich pauses and looks back at Sophie: “Could a lightning have struck the lizard?” Sophie: "If only we and he were so lucky. No burns." Mercy swallows hard and fights the trembleing that starts, feeling scared at the evidence of the raw power of whatever they hunt as the scent of ozone gets in her nose and the storm lashes them, eyes drawn up to the lightning then down to the glow. She walks closer at last, closeing in on the glow. Gaiserich nods. Can safely climb a tree then, although he still stays in the shadows. P.P. A.: (new map when?) Ken (GM): lel P.P. A.: ahhh much better Rosettsara: There we go Ken (GM) the weird glow comes from the clearing ahead; a strange post of wood in the middle of the clearing, alight with a ghostly and eldritch crackling flame of lightning Ken (GM) at the base of the post, standing over an open grave, clutching a skeletal body in her hands and cackling, is an elven woman in flowing robes of red and black Mercy whispers to the others. "I don't think we can sneak up. What should we do?" Ken (GM) vines seem to slither out from the post of witch-light, crackles of power climbing up and down their lengths, to headstones in the red leaves. Stakes of smoke-blackened wood driven into the ends, into the stones P.P. A.: That feel when I'm not a dwarf so I can't make a comment about elves here Clang: lol Ken (GM) the sky above seems to turn around this point, magic tingling in the air, black and gray clouds twirling on the hub of the magic here Sophie is strangely unfazed by this and contemplates a plan of action. Gaiserich hisses, though not too loudly, in bewilderment at the odd and unnatural scenery. Mercy sounds unsure here, looking to the others hopefully for some kind of (GM) the trio diverge in the wood, and their paths seem to tread on every turned stone and loud twig tonight....and yet they slink unnoticed; the woman ahead(Mayflower?) seems captivated by her work, and ....might actually be singing a lullaby to the bones in her clutches? Ken (GM): clanggeden far enough out or did you wanna press for th enext tree over fiss? Clang: I'm far enough out I think, if she bolts for it there are too many avenues for escape, we can only hope to flank a bit Ken (GM): gotcha Sophie sighs and steps forward. Rosettsara: (Everyone ready?) Joush M.: Ready P.P. A.: yep Ken (GM) the ladies get the signal from the others, and step up Sophie: "Been a rough couple of years, hasn't it, Mayflower?" The woman startles at the voice in the night, and drops the skeleton with a gasp! Bones rattle to the earth and pieces of white tumble as the elven woman rounds on you The woman: "Sophie?" Mercy walks closer. Sophie steps forward some more as well. Sophie: "Yeah. Not holding up so well, huh?" Clang will hang back to see the Elf's reaction first. Gaiserich observes the scene carefully. The woman looks at you with eyes that glow with crackling light; you see sparks of the power here dancing up and down her outstretched limbs and she lifts a hand to her head...pushes her hair aside nervously and giggles The woman: "Oh wow, this is a trip..." she asks in a girly excited voice Mayflower seems quite bubbly and chipper...but you can see red stains on her hands and robes like shes been drenched in blood Mayflower: "Who's she? Is she coming to the stars too?" Mercy lets Sophie do the talking Sophie: "We all have our own calling. Tonight for instance, I went on one of my usual midnight walks and had the immense urge to check out this display you're putting on. Some kind of party to go back to the days of old?" Mayflower laughs again, a bit mad, a bit too excited, and you see jolts of lightning jump from the vines around her in reaction Mayflower: "Oh wow, no, this....this sint anything like . This is a signal!" "The Starman is coming" "and he's blessed me with the tools to herald his coming!" Clang decides this is something better faced together and begins walking out. Calmly, but steady Sophie: "Though if you ask me, I think this place is lacking in drinking facilities. Don't mind her, by the way. We're friends seeking out something." Mayflower: "Careful!" she yells, and point a finger as you step forward "Dont come any closer" she says intensely, and carefully Sophie does her best not to facepalm, but keeps talking. Clang stops, but watches for Sophie's cues Gaiserich sneaks a bit forward, keeping his profile low, and his distance safe. Sophie: "Mayflower, that's not important. Tell me about this Starman and his greatness. If I wanted to become part of this wonderful thing, who do I go to?" Mayflower: "you can't just...STOP damnit! Dont get too close...the power here is crazy!" a peal of giggles come to her lips unbifdden and she shudders trying to hold herself still, hands out and fingers splayed; power dances in teh air "he stones are very...highly...charged" she manages, slowly and carefully again Gaiserich believes her words; checks out. Sophie: "I must admit, I was not introduced to him at the Academy." Mercy stops and watches, tilting her head to the side then looking at the stones, nodding, takeing a swap away from one. Mayflower visibly relaxes as mercy moves back a step Mayflower: "He's not someone you seilly. He comes to you in your dreams" her voices catches a strange faraway tune, like drunkeness or love... Sophie: "Now that you mention it, I had some dreams before about...what was it? Can you remember what he looked like?" Mayflower: "And this! THIS WILL CALL HIM HERE!" her voice screams out, she turns her back and her robes fly out, you see her bare legs and arms crackling with blue magic light Ken (GM) CRACK Ken (GM) BOOM Ken (GM) RUMBLERUMBLERUMBLE Mercy flinches at the lightning and looks to Sophie a moment, then to the witch as the storm rages and power seems to gather. Ken (GM) Lightning flashes and crawls slooooowly along the sky, impossible and weird, and begins a long snails pace turn about the clearing. treetops crackle and burst into flame Clang slides back his hood, hands shining in the sudden light. "Well...this will be...interesting." Sophie: "Mayflower, I think I see...look over there!" Sophie points in a convenient direction that would turn her away from the advancing party. Mayflower: "What?" she flounders, searching where sophie swings her arm P.P. A.: oh no I accidentally my token Mayflower: lel P.P. A.: thanks Ken (GM) the snake flickers back into reality as the witch appears to excitedly look about the tree edge Sophie raises her hand into a forward motion as soon as Mayflower's back is turned Mercy stares at the slow lightning and touches her gun, but dosn't draw on (GM) Her foot strikes the vines below the leaves as she crosses the line of power and BOOM a thunderclap sounds in the night to challenge the sounds around you! Ken (GM) There is a flash of light...and the sound passes...and the light is noticably dimmer now... Gaiserich:5 imp Joush M.: Damn elves! Mayflower lies on the ground in the red leaves, collapsed on teh end of the snakemans spear P.P. A.: Did Mercy just trip over the power cord and unplug it Clang slides to a halt and makes sure he doesn't step on the vine Sophie: "She knows things that could be useful. Let's not render her incapable of talking, hm?" Sophie says this loudly enough now for all to hear. Clang smiles at Mercy Mercy yelps and limps a step, then looks at that, considering a moment.. then carefully doing the same to the next vine. "Break the circle. We want to disspate the magic!" Ken (GM) the sky above is black in night again, the clouds gone and stars twinkling down on you. Clang: "Ahh, that's better, I think you it" Ken (GM) the wind is barely a rustle Mercy prods the next vine gingerly. Gaiserich retracts his upper body and his spear; smelling the bloodied steel and seeing the witch-enemy before him, he is overcome with bloodlust. Rolling 3d6 = 10v12 to resist Ken (GM) the pole decorated with odd vines and crystal is quiet now too, the lightning escaped to the aether Gaiserich stops his spear before it can strike again though, hearing Sophie's words in time. Ken (GM): lol youre mixing up berserk and bloodlust, but i pick up what youre putting down :P Gaiserich: Nah P.P. A.: “You must make a self-control roll whenever you need to accept a surrender, evade a sentry, take a prisoner, etc. If you fail, you attempt to kill your foe instead – even if that means breaking the law, compromising P.P. A.: stealth, wasting ammo, or violating orders. Out of combat, you never forget that a foe is a foe.” Mercy relaxes when there's no blast of lightning at the next touch. Walking over to gently check on Mayflower and make sure the blood loss isn't life threating. P.P. A.: Always make sure your prey is dead so it can't run away while you're letting your guard down! but yeah, I probably worded that badly Ken (GM): :P Mercy! first aid! She is defintely down and definitely owunded [or maybe the doctor could halp] (To GM): ah, I was rolling that rather to see if he was going to stab her AGAIN to make sure she's killed dead, when the first attack wasn't sure to have done that yet Sophie comes in after them, on cue. Rolling 3d6 = 11v14 "She'll have a scar, but will be fine. If she makes it out of this mentally, this will just be a bad night to always remember." Sophie she ties of the bandage and gets to work on sealing the wound. Clang clears his throat Clang: "I found our fellow's missing heart.": P.P. A.: Are the vines still electrically chagred? Ken (GM): [ bandaging is immediate, and gives 1 HP; stiching will take about 30 minutes and will give the elf 1d-3 HP] Mercy nods to Sophie. "She.. ripped that lizardman apart with magic?" She ask, eyes a touch wide at that as she searches Mayflower. Clang: "Seems like it..." Sophie: "This will take a bit. Record what you can for bookkeeping purposes, and do what you must to further investigate." Clang doesn't trust a man's heart in his hands just yet, so will leave it for now, checking to see if there are further organs or other motes of warily eyes the unconscious elf; she's dangerous, and not dead yet. Only with some effort does he pry himself away from the scene to investigate the surroundings, trying to pick up odd smells. Sophie gets to work on stitching up Mayflower. Clang nods to himself, confident in his deductions Rosettsara: (So I just roll the 1d-3?) Ken (GM): Yeah, youre working on the elf and the rest are poing about Rosettsara:2 Joush M.: Anything on Mayflower? Going to search her pockets/clothing/ect, then bind her gently and examine the scene. Try to sketch the scene. Ken (GM): Y'all search and poke about; the dwarf tries to help :P nice, HP restored Ken (GM) the night is still now and the sky is clear somehow; the moonlight and stars illuminate the odd scene. Red leaves and ash crackle and fall around you from the smoking treetops above, and cool air chills you a touch. Clang looks up at the sky, more concerned about the lack of storm than the storm previously Clang: "How long as the storm been active in the area? Seems a might lot more power than we're used to...even considering the setup here." Sophie: "Was there not a hand print? I feel her hands will be her most dangerous asset. Make sure she can't manipulate them." Ken (GM) in the center of the clearing the pole stands; crystals of red top it, and a cluster of purple at the base. The lizardmans heart sits on top of it, blood dripping down the purple stone. A weird bush grows out of there, vines like tendrils snaking around the clearing, staked into place on gravestones... Ken (GM) the place doesnt mark any of the typical rituals; no circle of power. No arcane marks, no bloody writing...how odd Gaiserich offers a rope, but didn't have any points left for Knot-Tying Mercy gently binds the woman, careful not to hurt them as she binds Mayflower's arms and searches her bag a moment, then puts a bag over the elf's hands to keep her from manipulating anything. Cutthroat: assists "Hands in front or behind?" Clang: does the bush seem of a normal sort or is it clearly....non-native? Gaiserich , if he doesn't find anything else of interest, curls up on himself and covers himself in his cloak and blanket. The night is cold. Mercy: "In front, I think?" She says thoughtfully. Sophie: "Whichever you feel is best." Ken (GM): youve never seen anything like the bush before; it has weird jagged edged leaves and the roots grow right into the purple crystal Clang: with the rest of the team working on the wizard, I'll see if I can retrieve a small sample of the root and crystal mix. Sophie: "These patterns on her skin are new." Ken (GM): the elf is robed, but carries nothing on her. She's lightly dressed too Sophie: "She didn't have these in the academy." Clang: tldr: break a hunk off and bring it back to the wizards on our side Ken (GM) the purple stone is fragile, and a chunk breaks free sharp-edged and threaded with tough roots. Sparks fly from it as it break in the dwarf's hands Mercy nods. "Is there anything else we should investigate here?.. I've never heard of a star man before." Sophie: "Could she have been taken over by something? Hmm. We'll need to perform a more detailed examination, though here isn't a good locale for it." Clang: "Oy, quite a bit of power still in the crystal here." Sophie calls over to the mule so that she can get the bag carrying her paper and pencils. She has a lot of notes to write about this. Sophie: "Her extremities appear to be an entry point, of sorts." Gaiserich: “Never seen him in my dreams either,” the snakeman adds. Clang: "Sophie, does your good mule carry a sack I can wrap this up in?" Ken (GM): Mercy reaches into her bag, offering Clang a long bit of sturdy rag paper. "Here, Mister Clang." Clang bows and takes the paper, fashioning a sloppy, but serviceable wrapping job around the crystal and root shards Ken (GM) the purple crystal is bleeding Gaiserich was dozing off when he smells fresh blood—coming from the crystal. Gaiserich: “What isss thisss?” Mercy nods. "If she is a victim too we can perform an exorsism. If not, she will face justice for the things she has done.. blood?" She ask, looking afflicted Mayflower may be connected to this strange object. If it could turn an average girl into a being of such power and madness, I fear what it would do to any of you." P.P. A.: in b4 this is a proto-bloodroot plant Mercy: "The vines.. this ritual was channeling energy to.." She points to the pillar and the crsytals. "She said something was comeing. Was it a ritual to create a body for a monster?" Ken (GM): [good point; be where is the vessel?] Sophie: "And what of that skeleton she deposited nearby?" Gaiserich tries to detect hints of this same smell elsewhere—buried in the ground perhaps, or under one of the stones. Sophie: "Or was I just imagining that?" Ken (GM) the bones sit in the open grave, a shambles. A dessicated and dirty skeleton held with scraps of flesh Gaiserich: “No blood elsewhere…” Gaiserich returns after sniffing out the area a little, and curls up again under his blanket. Clang: "I don't sense any further magical aura here. I'm going to see if I can break off a larger section and see what's inside...unless anyone feels isn't just held together with sinew.. there are wires. Bits of metal, all woven around the bone to keep it together." She says with a frown as she touches the skeleton so carefully. "No marker or name plate here. The bones must be a century dead." Ken (GM) despite the clamp-like fingers of the dwarf's steel hands, the crystal pries apart slowly and delicately; a seam opens up and it splits in half as he pries...revealing a spongy mass of soft gelly-like cystal at the heart of it...sparks suddenly sizzle in a small shower! The blood drains and the flow slows Clang waits to see if blood will gush,but then, curiosity gets the better of him and he puts down the shard. Sophie: "Um. Just a thought. Keep the blood away from the skeleton." Clang: "Perhaps we should pack that up for the sages to examine as well." Gaiserich slithers forward and snatches the skeleton away from the flow of blood Ken (GM) with the crystal growth peeled away...the pole seems to be growing out of the whole mass! Its some kind of trunk? Ken (GM) the whole thing, the bush, the stones, the pole, the vines...its one big plant Mercy nods and blinks as the snakeman steals away the skeleton, riseing to her feet and nodding. "We should bury that poor dead man and doccument what we've seen here, then return and make our reports.." She stares at the heart of the ritual. "I don't know what that thing could be." Clang: "By the Allfather... this bodes ill... one should never mix their stones and veg on their plate." Gaiserich 's tongue flicks over the skeleton. “Magic on this…” Gaiserich dumps it and keeps some distance Clang: "Well, we can gawk all we want, but we should pack up in short order. Nothing to be done here, unless it be fire or a wizard who knows more than I." Sophie: "Let's remove Mayflower from this place. Residual magic may still trigger while she's here." Clang nods at the suggestion Gaiserich: “Yes, this is a bad place.” Sophie: "Otherwise, we have no more to see." Sophie returns to Mayflower in order to help get her into position to be moved Clang: "Shall I retrieve the heart crystal? And do we have any dry fuel to turn this to ash?" Cutthroat steps up, and hoists the elf over a shoulder Clang: (crystal/jelly thing) Cutthroat: "Oblidged; she'll be safe" Ken (GM): [please note, youre standing in a clearing full of leaves] Mercy pauses just long enough to sketch the scene on a bit of paper with a pencil, careful of the rain. She nods to Cuttthroat as the human takes up the elf, then considering a moment. "I have flammable powder, Mister Clang, if you think it is important to destroy or burn this." Joush M.: Aren't they wet from the rain? Sophie returns to her mule next, preparing to write some field notes about what was discovered Ken (GM): [the ground here is oddly dry] Clang: "Let's at least try to burn the core and root. We can come back later in dryer weather if it doesn't take." Clang kicks the ground Clang: "Huh...seems dry actually" Mercy nods, the crunch of leaves underfoot suprises her and she helps with pileing up dry fuel for Clang's fire. Sophie: "Could some magic still be in effect?" Mercy nods. "I don't know." Clang: "Of that, I have little doubt....I just think it's retreating into the core instead of flowering through the elf's intentions." Ken (GM) the dwarf reaches into the heart of the thing, and digs around. Wet squeltchy noises blurp out and then BAM there is a shower of sparks (GM) the dwarf holds in his metal hand a stone, black as coal, with two clumps of coppery strands seeming to grow out of either end. Like some weird stony vegetable P.P. A.: this must be the fabled potato Clang: "It's growing unlike anything I've seen before." Ken (GM): [ANACHRONISM[ Gaiserich stares at it. “Copper… a copper-stone-tree? Very sstrange.” Gaiserich: “Can plants be witches?” Mercy: "Wires again. Just like the skeleton." She shivers at the eerie sight, stareing at the heart of stone a moment before starting a fire with that pile of dry leaves around the strange tree. "I do not know" Ken (GM) the heart stone twitches, and the copper strands writhe Gaiserich: “Smash it!” he urges the Dwarf. Clang nods and attempts to smash Clang: against one of the natural rocks? Yeah, let's not plant this in the ground. Unless I can just squish it Ken (GM): your choice! make one! Clang: WHEN IN DOUBT...SMASH ON ROCK WITH FIST Ken (GM) the arm swings and the stone slams home on a rock! A puff of black dust flies out Ken (GM) the copper strands are still... Clang turns his face to avoid the dust Mercy watches that unnateral sight, then nods and steps away. "I'll be happy to be away from here." Gaiserich: “Good. Cold things should not move.” Gaiserich 's tongue flicks in and out. “…or sssmell like meat.” Cutthroat: "Oh god; it smells like meat now?" Clang looks down at the mess Clang: Anything still twitching? Ken (GM) what is left under the metal hand is a smear of thin metal, copper bright, and a splotch of wet red blood. The wires are a curled tangle, like a tarantula dead on its back Sophie still nonchalantly takes notes, adds a 'smells like meat?' to the side of the page she's currently on. Clang: "I think we can stuff it in a sack." Gaiserich: “A tree of stone and copper that smells like meat and bleeds.” He turns around and stares at the unconscious elf. “She'sss inssane; who was behind all this?” Mercy huffs. "Eeeh.. that is.. unnateral." She says unhappily, nodding then as she walks away from the horror show, back to Cutthroat and Sophie. Ken (GM): [lighting that fire?] Clang: [] Ken (GM) fire crackles and licks hungrily at the mess behind you; as you head back into the still forest, the sounds of creaking trees and howling wind is replaced with a sense of unease, and the bonfire to your backs P.P. A.: oops, misclick Ken (GM): lel Sophie: "Excellent work, everyone. No deaths or serious injury." Gaiserich is content; the rain has stopped, the magic has been thwarted, the witch captured; he looks forward to curling around a campfire and getting his share of slep. Sophie: "That is a welcome change of pace." Mayflower starts snoring lightly Mayflower: Clang: "Aye, only one soul lost their head and heart...at least as far as we know." Sophie: "It was probably pretty quick." Mercy: "I don't know. This dosn't feel finished. Like there are lots of mysteries still hideing from us. Let's go back to the clearing, bury the man, then get back." Cutthroat: "where did the victims go, I wonder?" Sophie: "Oh, I wasn't talking about the mission." Cutthroat: "that blood you tracked" P.P. A.: oh right Was that Mayflower's blood (she spilled some, so we could compare) or someone else's? Clang: We should make sure the dead does not have kin who would miss the chance to morn the body. Ken (GM) snekman scents the elf Mercy: "If we can find anything to identfy him, yes." Gaiserich: “The blood led us to her… but it was not hersss…” the serpent wonders aloud. “And there were no corpsess…” Gaiserich considers if, perhaps, the man was somehow turned into that strange tree, and the beating heart was somehow his—but that doesn't make sense. Maybe he just burnt up from the lightning. Mercy: "Wasn't the blood on her from the reptilian scorned we found?" Ken (GM): [her hands are still bloody; you can compare] Sophie: "...Don't let her grab you." Mercy checks the woman with a sniff. Clang: sneksniff Gaiserich is pretty sure in his judgement and doesn't bother now. Mercy: "It's a match. Reptilian beastman on her hands, and on the trail." Gaiserich: “Both.” “She killed the one we found, and a warmblood man.” Mercy heads back to the dead man to try and check him for any identfying marks, then bury him the best they can. At last a caren, and a prayer for the fallen. Ken (GM) ahead in the woods, you hear an unnatural howl... Joush M.: uhoh! That will have to wait Mercy Ken (GM): DUN DUN DUNNNNNN Mercy perks her ears. Ken (GM): UNTIL NEXT WEEK Clang: "Seems like tonight is not as bloodless as we hoped..." Sophie: "Just when the day couldn't get any brighter." Gaiserich had just settled next to the embers of the bonfire and was getting cosy. Phooey! Fiss: Noice stuff, Ken :P Ken (GM): P.P. A.: Thanks for the session! Ken (GM): okay! 4 xp for you folks Joush M.: Thanks! That was fun Rosettsara: Thanks for having me~ Fiss: Yeah, always nice gaming with new peeps! Ken (GM): rose! you are quite welcome; spend your xp as you will, but gimme a heads up on whatever it is NEXT WEEK: What was that noise?! P.P. A.: Lots of new mysteries to uncover! Ken (GM): like, zoinks scoob this sounds like a kooky mystery to me! see you guys in discord; Ima go to a BBQ now :P P.P. A.: Have fun! Ken (GM): yo yo yo Rosettsara: Hello~ Doc: henlo Ken (GM): hellllnnnooooo [omg all the coffe for me today] Fiss: Hoohaw! Short day today, and I may be distracted with cooking and meetings, but I will do my best Ken (GM): directly inthe hoohaw ohhey, and thats everyone P.P. A.: I'm going to put one point in Knot-Tying I just think that's a skill a snake should have Fiss: sneeek Ken (GM): approvedededed Doc: tfw starting 4 points behind P.P. A.: Your character is a poor hobo after all now also poor in XP Ken (GM): Doc: time for a new game Ken (GM): *glass shattering sound effect *cat sound effect *trashcan rattling sound effect Rosettsara: Even hobos can accomplish quite a lot, i'll have you know Doc: >when one of your party members is KO'd at the end of a random encounter and now the XP amounts are uneven P.P. A. shakes fist P.P. A.: particularly bad in Etrian Odyssey Doc: >Sea Quests Ken (GM): well, this game is certainly salvagable weve had half of you writing backstory, poems and journal entries theres gotta be SOME interest Joush M. gets the game out of the trash and dust it off. Doc: yeah but we just finished the tutorial mission so now we have to start a new file so we can get it Ken (GM): lel Joush M.: It's okay. You know PPA will have like 50 CP in the bank soon P.P. A.: Save the lizardman! Joush M.: You can just steal it from him Fiss: Woo Doc: my rogue is the stabby kind not the thiefy kind nothin personnel... PPA P.P. A. teleports behind you first Ken (GM): I fear the katana wielding teleportation lel beat me to it Ken (GM) Where last we left our heroes Doc: if I ever play dnd/pathfinder again I need a Katana of Teleportation Ken (GM) Eerie quiet settles over the Pines as the storm passes. The crackling bonfire of weird growth sends a smell of cinders and ash through the sap and wet leaves. The light snoring of the elven witch interrupted as a dark howl echoes through the wood. Something evil this way comes... Clang: "You think she had help in this dark deed tonight?" Sophie: "Random girl suddenly reemerging from the quiet life as a babbling, magic-using lunatic? It's likely." Mercy stands there at the edge of the clearing and frowns, reaching into her bag to take out that heavy shotgun again while she resist the urge to howl right back. "That seems right, Mister Clang.. Or maybe the magic has summoned something? I didn't.. ah, that is, I didn't see signs of another person there." Gaiserich: “Maybe that'sss the one whose blood she had on her.” Gaiserich stars out into the darkness unblinking, awaiting the beast that roams there. Jack quietly lowers his axe from his shoulder, gripping it with both hands and listening carefully Mercy draws to half cock under her rain cape, making sure the priming powder is set and dry before closing the fizzen again. "Shall we return to the poor dead man, careful of an ambush, or try to find the howler?" Sophie: "If we are indeed being pursued, it would be prudent to use the terrain and surroundings to our advantage, either way." Jack: "Either we get ready to find it, or we get ready for it to find us." Ken (GM) The forest is dark and dappled with silvry moonlight. The echoes of the dark howl die away, and return somewhere off, aside. Moving fast. The clearing now is as empty as the cloudless sky. The lizardman looks around for the body, searching for drag marks or a trail, then perks her ears, trying to answer Sophie's question and identify the direction the howl came from, despite the echos. Gaiserich keeps his senses open for any things that may approach or try to sneak past his position, ready to pounce on whatever it is. Clang comes into the clearing, letting his stealthier compatriots handle any ambushing to be done Clang: Is the fire still lit? Or smoldering? Or out Ken (GM): [you guys extinguished it, its steaming lightly P.P. A.: We put it out to not evoke the wrath of Parque Renja, guardian deity of the woods Mercy follows a trail slowly, scowling a touch. "He.. The dead man was dragged this way.. there is a scent.. like.. an alchemy shop? And something here. Some ooze on the ground." Mercy moves with grace despite her considerable height, for a moment forgetting to be a gawky teenager and her shoes picking a careful path there. Under a waxed canvas rain coat she has on her normal modest dress rather then her hunter's wear, a mistake she is regretting a touch now but shakes it off, shotgun hanging from one hand, kept under the cape to keep it dry. Sophie approaches the scene of the crime carefully to see if she can identify anything. Jack pulls the horse along with the rest of them Rolling 3d6 = 12v11 Gaiserich focuses on that spot, using his HEATVISION to look for heat sources, and scenting the air Ken (GM): lel Sophie frowns and looks to the trail. "I believe that the body was made to move itself." Ken (GM): [im imagining a 1980s style heman dude, yelling HEATVISION] Clang snickers (To GM): cold things that move—bad magic! Gaiserich: “It'sss coming… cold, moving…” Gaiserich hisses to his allies. “From the sssouth…” P.P. A.: (Does saying that break camouflage?) Sophie: "Right. We're probably dealing with either a resurrected cadaver, or the one who created it. Let's set up a chokepoint." Doc: do I know which direction is south Ken (GM) as if on cue, something gurgling and moaning calls out, a gargling howl of pain and torment P.P. A.: south is where the sun is at midday Mercy takes a deep breath. "The Light is with us. Even if a Necromancer is about." She draws the hammers back to full cock and starts closer to that horrible sound., looking into the darkness. Sophie: "If it is indeed a corpse, aim to disable it. Typical wounding may not be entirely effective given it's already missing its organs." Doc: no that's "up" @PPA P.P. A.: tru Mercy swallows hard. "R..right, Miss Shopie" Jack advances steadily towards the cacophony, gripping his axe tightly Ken (GM) The underbrush in the dark rattles and shakes; something noisily makes its way toward you seeming to bounce off of everything between here and there Ken (GM) Lurching, the gargling thing shambles into the starlight ahead; the lizardman body, nearly tumbling into the stream Gaiserich clutches his spear, still concealed in the leaves. The walking dead… he hates them! Rolling 1d6 = 5+5.25 Clang: So I'm 10 Gaiserich:10.75 Ken (GM): lel, complications Ken (GM) the body lurches into view from behind a bush, stumbling into the water nearby; YOU ALL SPORING TO ACTION Ken (GM): JACK Doc: full move speed? Ken (GM): Sorry? i am confus Doc: Is there any terrain to worry about or can he move at full speed? Ken (GM): ah! relatively clear right here, os youre good the water is shallow and cool [the rocks on the bottom left are the only real interruption of the hilltop here] GAI! Jack moves quickly, not quite directly towards the lizardman Gaiserich Observes the shambling corpse, biding his time (and being wary of there being anything else around). Ken (GM): gotcha; roll! P.P. A.: ah, I meant using an Evaluate action Ken (GM): aha! even better! SOPH Rosettsara: (It may be a good idea to add the intended mechanical action at the end of of a description like that) P.P. A.: (actually wait, re-reading the rules I cna only Evaluate someone I can reach with a single move and attack action, which is not the case here) Gaiserich doesn't budge, and waits for his enemy to get closer by being generally alert. Ken (GM): MADNESS [i forgot about that caveat] [wait maneuvers!] SOPHIE Sophie gets closer to the mule to help calm it down and stay in case it thinks of running off with their prisoner. And to keep an eye on the prisoner herself. Ken (GM): gotcha; gotta keep dem ponies in line MERCY Mercy steps forward and Aims. IT lurches! Staggering through the water a few short steps, turning it's headless torso this way and that. The movements are jerky and odd. IT shudders, and something slithers out of the stump where it's neck ends and back Ken (GM): CLANG (To GM): ! Clang: Going to walk up and greet our friend! Ken (GM): lel Gaiserich calls over to the party: “Ssssomething is inside it, in itsss neck!” Sophie just stares, unperturbed as usual Ken (GM): JACKO wacko Jack moves closer to the beast Ken (GM): .!!!. GAI Gaiserich decides that this is no enemy that's going to act predictably enough for his strategy to be working, and so he slithers down the tree, quietly, and tries to approach it from the other side. Rolling 3d6 = 5v12 Ken (GM): DANG Ken (GM) the snake slithers invisibly Ken (GM): SOPH Sophie slowly walks forward, leading the mule with her. She doesn't wish to be the only one left in the rear in case something comes from the north. Gaiserich 's leafy disguise blends in with the foliage swaying in the wind, any sounds he makes driven downstream by the beck. Ken (GM): MERCI Mercy steps forward at a slow, easy pace and frowns as Jack closes in so much. Worried he might get hurt, she stops waiting and fires. (+1 All topples form the blow, nearly cut in half as the shots land neatly dead center. Something inside GLOWS brightly as the shot strikes it, sending out small jolts of power and sparks! P.P. A.: [For Sara: This is actually not that OP; the damage of each shot is reduced by the target's DR, so if you're wearing really good armour you'd take much less damage from this than from a single bullet that does concentrated damage.] Rosettsara: (Makes sense) P.P. A.: (that said, with rolls like these it'd still hurt a lot) Ken (GM): hyperbolic humor aside Joush M.: and dead men take only 1/3rd of that as wounding Ken (GM) the shotbun blast rips it nearly in half P.P. A.: Well, it's not wearing armour Gaiserich carefully approaches the fallen foe, keeping its distance from the abomination and the smaller one that dwelt inside it. Ken (GM) the body falls into the stream, and jiggers for only a moment, before lying still Mercy stands amid acrid smoke and blinks her eyes fast after the brutal muzzle flash of the nearly three dram powder charge going off in a barrel cut so very short. Glowing embers of mostly burnt powder drift in the smoke a moment then go out like dying stars as she keeps the gun aimed steadily at the man for a moment, then lowers it so it's not pointed anywhere near Miser Clang or Mister Jack. Jack stops circling as the creature falls apart, keeping his distance as he studies the remains Gaiserich: “Your spark-stick is terrific,” Gaiserich comments Mercy, before cautiously poking the innards of the dead lizardman with his speartip. He tries to fish out the warm thing inside of it. Sophie looks to Mercy. "You did well." Ken (GM) a small shower of sparks fly from the corpse as the body is disturbed! Gaiserich hisses! Clang: "Allfather, what in the world?!" Mercy blushes and blinks at the words. "T..thank you, Miss Sophie. Mister Gaiserich. Thanks are due to Smith Ragnar with the Order. His work." She touches the gun like a keepsake as she walks forward. "A.. crystal, inside? Something sparked when he was hit." IT shudders slightly, and you hear a kind of scream squirm out of the thing! The body is weak, and cant lift a limb, but it trembles. Mayflower on the mule's back, cries out at the same time Gaiserich: “Ssssomething inside is moving it… living lightning…” Sophie looks to Mayflower and examines her the best she can. Mercy frowns. "I.. I think I remember things like this. A link between spellcaster and undead? Do we circle the body in salt or burn it?" Jack: "You can always try shooting it again." Sophie: "The markings on her body have become magically active." Gaiserich looks over to Mercy and Sophie. He looks back at the corpse, and pokes the lightning-thing again (lightly, but still with his speartip). Sophie: "They have a will of their own. Mayflower is still unconscious." Jack: "Could also try shooting her, too. Why are we keeping her alive again?" Ken (GM) the body is still now, the spear tip striking something hard that goes KLINK in the night air. The lizard body lies still despite the prodding Sophie: "Information. Someone like her is a flunkie who may be able to clue us in to who or what started her on this path." Gaiserich loses interest. Ken (GM): kek Mercy frowns. "Because, Mister Jack, we do not kill helpless people, even if we are sure of their guilt." Sophie: "The Order would have finished its mission long ago if people like Mayflower were the extent of what dark magic societies could produce." Mercy sounds prim, proper and idealistic at that, even as smoke lazly trails from the shotgun barrel and she walks closer to the body. Seeing someone without a head move, it's easier to aruge with Jack then think about it. Jack can't help but chuckle at Mercy's response. "Guilt's got nothing to do with it." Mercy: "It seems right to put the body on a pyre and see it burned. To lay the bones to rest and in case this magic would hurt others.. but.. I mean. I've never done this before. Does anyone else have an idea?" Clang: "I'm a proponent of fire as well" Sophie: "It seems the magic has faded from her markings." Jack: "I'm sure the critters out here have eaten worse." Gaiserich: “I agree… Fire…” Sophie: "Then let us incinerate the remains. We do not want it getting back up a second time." Gaiserich: “Fire is life—this cold body moved dessspite being dead. Destroy it with fire, unlife with life, so that the wrong isss righted.” Mercy carefully puts away her gun. "Please wait a moment then. I'll gather what is needed." She turns to the forest, collecting what is required and reuseing the bonfire materials, mostly, to build a bed of things that will burn hot enough and long enough to leave nothing but tooth and the largest bones behind. Moveing the body is.. unnerveing, but she will try to find someone willing to help with that. Ken (GM): [gotcha, mercy on wood duty. Luckily theres a big deadfall/woodpile up by the mule] Sophie moved to help with the disposal. "Allow me." Gaiserich helps as well. Jack heads back to the unconscious witch. "I'll make sure she doesn't go anywhere while we wait, then." Ken (GM) the lizardman's body is odd; the limbs are limp and boneless...but the whole thing appears so much heavier than it should be Sophie curiously inspects the corpse before trying to drag it. Gaiserich heaps up the wood into a pyre, will help drag the corpse if needed. Mercy stops when Sophie gets to her inspection. "I'm sorry. I did not bring a light." Sophie: "Alchemy, perhaps. Does anybody have a solid container?" Mercy considers a moment and nods. "Would a box be better or a bottle? I have a tobacco box, and a canteen." Sophie turned to face Mercy. "It's fine. It can be whichever you don't mind being used to store a sample of the body." Mercy offers the canteen then, drinking most of the water then fiveing the tin flask to Sophie. Mercy: "Nothing will.. leak out of that." Ken (GM): [collecting some of the slime then?] Sophie fills it with some of the slime from the corpse, suspecting it to be a clue as to the alchemy performed. Ken (GM): gotcha Ken (GM) the fluid is somewhere between sticky and slick, but there is a copious amount. Theres enough to fill the canteen entirely Ken (GM): [a pyre is stacke dup easily from the dry wood available] Sophie then gets to dragging the body to the disposal site. Mercy takes out the box too. Just for a moment sitting on a log with the box on her knees to take out some of the dried leaf. Sprinkling it on a bit of paper, she carefully rolls it up, licking the edge of the paper then closing the cylinder off. She walks to the old bonfire, finding a still live ember and blowing on it a moment, then lighting the cigarette off that. After she hurries back to help Sophie. Gaiserich helps with the dragging, even if the magic-corpse is icky Ken (GM): the icky thing is moved it is odd meat Mercy prays breifly for the soul of the dead before starting the fire. Sophie: "If you're not used to it, you may want to avoid the smell that's about to fill the air." Mercy nods and moves upwind, glad for the warning. Gaiserich does the same Gaiserich: “Foul meat smells bad; magic too.” Ken (GM) the wood catches easily and the scent fills the air of burning lizardman and timbers Ken (GM) good to Sophie's word, the smells is like that of burning meat and something acrid. Sophie: "This takes me back to when we burned plague victims and wounded in that battle." Mercy: "Shall we move on?" She ask meekly, cigarette hanging from her lips. Glad for the sweeter smoke blunting her sense of smell. Ken (GM) a few moments into the fire...the body sizzles and pops and small jets of fire erupt out of it! Something volatile begins ot burn away with a hissing squeal! Mercy stands well back. "Careful. It seems the.. ooze is flammable." Ken (GM): SIZZLE SIZZLE POP Sophie guides the mule away from it. Ken (GM): natch Sophie: "Farewell, dark creature. You shall have no hold on this poor man no more." Jack: "We can get going anytime. Unless you'd rather stay and watch it burn?" Mercy keeps an eye on it to make sure nothing crazy happens, nodding in agreement to Sophie. "Oh, I'm sorry.." She looks at the bit of paper and tobacco in her hand. "Did anyone else want some? And.. yes, I suppose we should go." Clang: "Let's make haste and share the discoveries of tonight." Sophie: "There are still forces at work here. We should take the opportunity to examine our clues and interrogate Mayflower at the nearest Order safehouse." Ken (GM) The body sizzles and sputters, but the fuel burns hot and it dies away quickly Mercy just nods in agreement, glad to let someone else do the planning. As they get moveing, she reloads the gun. Ken (GM): [heading back out then?] Joush M.: Yep P.P. A.: Yup Rosettsara: Indeed Ken (GM): [South to the Abbey or somewhere else?] Jack holds out a hand to accept a cigarette from Mercy. "Don't mind if I do." Ken (GM): [you guys did intend to head to Sunrise Abbey I recall] Rosettsara: (Yup.) P.P. A.: That was the plan Mercy offers it to Jack, letting him finish it off. Ken (GM) the second of two cleansing fires disappears in the darkness of the woods behind you, as you make your way out of the Pines. Gaiserich stays upwind from the cigar smell. Sophie jots down some notes as she walks. Ken (GM): [it is currently the middle of the night, and youve been travelling all day. Did you guys wanna make camp anytime or just try to press on?] Gaiserich is very tired. Jack rolls his tobacco and looks at Mercy. "Hold still," he says as he steps closer to light his cigarette with hers. Mercy leans in and looks away shyly at the nearly intimate motion, then nods when he finishes. She looks to the others, ready to make camp or keep going, as they prefer. Rosettsara: Probably a good idea to set up camp, really. Though away from the scenes of battle and witchcraft Clang: I'm OK with either but we have a...guest...that should be addressed. At least closer to civilization would be wise Jack doesn't move away or break eye contact until she's visibly uncomfortable, then gives a satisfied smirk. Sophie watches this interaction quietly before going back to taking notes. Jack: "I'd just as soon keep walking. Would be nice to get a roof overhead." Mercy keeps an eye out for a good camp in the next few miles. The teenager considering. "It's.. about twenty miles to Sunrise Abby? That's quite a long walk. I don't remember passing any farms or buildings where we could rest, but we should keep an eye out." Rolling 3d6 = 13v12 Survival (Woodlands) Clang: I'm still not used to these open spaces...I wa going to suggest a mountain cave...but....I'll defer to these fine flatlanders Ken (GM): hah, despite the rolls, finding a campsite is a relatively easy roll in this terrain; the pines are tall and provide nice cover, so a clearing with space to lie comfortable and dry and sheltered is an easy find Clang: VICTORY! Ken (GM) venturing to the edge of the woods, you eventually settle on a site, even if it doesnt have a cave or hot spring Ken (GM): building a fire? Clang: Fiiiiiyaaahhh Mercy sets up camp in the best place they'd found. The teenager holding a hand out to see if the rain has stopped before takeing off her cape, hanging it over a branch then unloading her pack. Offering up her food to anyone that diden't bring some and looking around to make sure the area is safe and there are no odd scents. She lets Mister Clang handle the fire, but will pick up deadfall to feed it on her patrol. Clang: With the amount of cool blood, it would be impolite to rely on body heat....at least without snuggling. Ken (GM): oh lawd Clang: We'll get to that phase of our teamwork if needed...not until then, lol Gaiserich sets up his little tent right next to the fire, whose lighting he helps to hurry along. He's a little cold. Rosettsara: I hear Clang has the most body heat Clang: [Dwarves are naturally snuggly] Ken (GM): OH LAWD Clang: Hahaha Ken (GM) Night settles in, despite the snuggling Jack is sure to ask the female party members "I don't have a bedroll, mind if I use yours?" Clang builds a serviceable fire and is happy to set watch if needed. Ken (GM): Clang: lol Mercy: "I'm sorry Mister Jack, I didn't bring anything like a blanket. You are welcome to the use of my cloak if you are cold." She says innocently. Sophie unpacks her Pilgrim's Kit and stored food and supplies and prepares for camping. Mercy writes some things down and prays before bed. Clang eats some hearty dwarven bread. It is pretty much rocks. Gaiserich: “You can ssssleep in my tent,” Gaiserich offers Jack, not catching the intentions behind his inquiry. Gaiserich would appreciate a warmblood warming his tent! Clang: ( ͡~ ͜ʖ ͡°) Jack does actually have a cloak, visibly of higher quality than the rest of his outfit. He's broke, not foolish. Ken (GM): Jack: "Good thing I'm here to catch any innuendo, or you'd all miss it." Clang: "Really? Doesn't seem very hard..." Clang chuckles to himself Mercy keeps watch first and will wake someone else when she gets tired. Asking sleepily, mostly to herself. "I wonder what all that was about?" Ken (GM) despite the shenanigans, night falls quietly. The fire crackles warm and comforting, and you settle in. Mayflower rests snoring lightly, where she is put, no resistance from her still form. Sophie: "You see, there comes a time when people's brains are secondary to another organ. Some cold water can cure it pretty fast." "...Or cold steel." Gaiserich: “No cold water, please,” Gaiserich mumbles before eventually falling asleep in the light of the campfire, the shelter of his tent, and under the washed-out darkness of the coming dawn. Ken (GM) dawn, indeed, eventually rises. You all get a bit more sleep than that, and are rested by midmorning. The elven prisoner remains incapacitated, still and quiet as you collect your things Jack: "A cold glare works just as well, unless you fear it turning warm." Mercy checks on Mayflower carefully and helps her onto the mule, packing up the camp responsibly and making sure the fire is well out before they go. "With luck we should reach Sunrise Abby tonight." Gaiserich stretches himself—to his full length of some metres—, mutters a prayer to the sun, and packs up his tent. Mercy looks a bit confused by Jack and Sophie's flirting, but leaves them to it and washes up the best she can with nothing more then some stream water before they get back to their long walk. Clang wakes up with a grimace and only reluctantly participates as they break camp. A metal creak and ping sound once in a while until the morning is well underway Sophie quietly packs everything back up and dully looks to the horizon. "Well, at least nobody died last night." Gaiserich: “The leggedman did,” Gaiserich corrects her, referring to the lizardman. Ken (GM): [kek, beastmen dont count] Mercy: "Well.. I mean, he was already dead.. But.. I don't know if it was last night or not." Sophie: "Thank you, Gaiserich." Mercy frowns a touch, ears drooping as she thinks of that then turning her attention to finding a path as they make for Sunrise Abby. Jack appears genuinely appreciative to whomever shares food with him. It's easy to be cavalier about death and danger, but an empty stomach can make anyone honest. Sophie has plenty to go around. Presumably shared it with those in need Clang: [how long have we been a 'troop' anyway?] Mercy joined the squad for this mission, her first. Perhaps a week? Gaiserich wouldn't have had intense contact with the Order, just the sporadic mission he'd volunteered or was contacted for Ken (GM): [yeah thereabouts. ] Clang: "Well, I think maybe we should have a toast," "To our first outing not being our last." Ken (GM): [long enough to still have unasnwered question about each other] Sophie had likely been in the Order for a year or two by now, but she's only been doing field work for a short time Jack just kinda showed up without any fanfare, and has volunteered nothing about himself except a name Ken (GM): [ooOOoo mysterious] Mercy: "Yes. May the Light watch over and protect us all." She says in agreement with Clang, bowing her head to the dwarven monk. Clang: "Aye, well said, Mercy! And let our actions help the light reach those in darkness." Sophie offered nothing about her past life outside of those occasional vague comments like she made about burning bodies earlier. Gaiserich was introduced to the party as a reliable scout who knows the local area, is a loyal ally, and doesn't like bad-magic. Ken (GM): [like a police dog; dependable, loyal, has fangs] :P Doc: also scales, police dogs have those Clang: [Policesnek K9] Rosettsara: (Sergeant Scales!) Clang seems to be in much better spirits about an hour after waking, stretching and looking ready to face the day, he double-times and helps haul heavy stuff around Ken (GM) you set out into a clear day ; the storm of th enight before gone entirely from a clear blue sky Ken (GM) the sun warms you, and the crisp air invigorates you. The Pines give way to the plains of the Southern Reaches quickly, the vista before you of green fields and rolling landscape Gaiserich has shed off some of his heavier clothing to bask in the sunlight as they march; with no settlements in sight whose people to scare, and surrounded by jaded weirdos who have seen worse, he feels safe to bare much of his monstrous upper body. Gaiserich still wears some clothes for modesty though Clang: [SNEK PRIDE!] Rosettsara: Sergeant Scales needs to set a good example for the little snakes watching at home Ken (GM): hahah Clang: It's true. Representation is important. Ken (GM): "If i dont set an example for who to bite or stab, who will?" Clang: Ken (GM): hahah Mercy doesn't mind the beastman, though she looks a touch surprised when he takes off shirt and coat to carry them. With the sun out her cape is carefully put away, walking with her dark overdressdress on, her hair half covered by a light handkerchief and a lighter colored underdress. Ken (GM): Gaiserich figures that because humans don't shed their skin, but they shed their clothes, shedding their clothes is as intimate for them as when snakepeople shed their skin, and that's why they get embarassed when they're naked. Or something, Sophie removed her cloak and traveled in her normal clothes once the journey resumed. Joush M.: We are also quite vunerble until our new clothes harden Jack looks exactly the same because he has no other clothes Ken (GM): Clang trods along, tapping a little tune on his belt with his hands and enjoying the fine weather Ken (GM) around midday, the elf wakes up, quite dazed and confused Mercy steadies Mayflower on the mule so she won't fall in her confusion. Sophie: "Relax. We're taking you to get help." Mayflower: "Where are we? Whats going on?" Clang: "What do you remember from last night?" P.P. A.: What a question Mayflower looks off into the distance, and mutters to herself softly Mayflower: "" Sophie: "Yes, you talked quite a lot about him. Not exactly in a comprehensible way, either." Gaiserich: “What did the Ssstarman tell you to do?” Gaiserich asks—without looking back, so as to not scare the girl unconscious again right away.” Mayflower: "We need to go back to him! We need to be with him!" she sounds scared, and insistent, her voice cracking with the demand Clang: [Where did the Starman touch you?] Doc: ["tfw no starman bf"] Sophie sighed upon hearing the elf's delusional pleas. "So it isn't so temporary after all." Sophie adds another note. Mayflower struggles against the bonds on her hands, but seems quite weak, and just appears to struggle futiley Mercy speaks gently. "We don't know who that is, or why you need to be with him. Did you kill the lizardman we found near you?" Mayflower: "Nobody dies! Nobody! The Starman can stop that! HE CAN!" Mayflower writhes P.P. A.: I mean, she's right Sophie: "I fear it's useless to question her like this. Not without the proper facilities." Gaiserich: “Wass the Starman the lightning-thing that moved the leggedman's corpssse?” Mercy nods to Sophie, worried that she's just upset the elf and steadying her. Mayflower fixates on Gaiserich's question, stopping suddenly, holding very still Mayflower: "The voice is in the lightning" she says quietly Sophie hears this and jots it down. Gaiserich: “It didn't ssspeak.” Sophie: "The markings." Mayflower: "The voice doesnt come through your ears. The voice is in the touch. " Jack: "To us," Jack corrects Gaiserich Mayflower: "The voice is in the touch" she looks at her hands Gaiserich looks at Jack, confused for a moment, but Mayflower's comment makes sense of it. Mayflower looks at her hands, bound in the rope Mercy looks to the mad cultist sympthetically as they go Clang: "Many powerful voices speak to us...sometimes with touch, sometimes with other senses, but it is unwise to let them direct you with abandon. Sophie: "You said it came to you in a dream?" Mayflower continues staring at her hands, answering sophie absent-mindedly "The Starman is a dream. He comes to us with whispers of the future. He is everything." Mayflower: "His voice is everywhere, in a touch" Gaiserich: “She isss insssane,” Gaiserich notes, and looks ahead on the road. These mad ramblings aren't worth investing attention into. Sophie: "Yet there is always some truth in madness. We're just not fully equipped to discern it." Mayflower: "The truth is in the message! The truth is everywhere! The Starman brings it to us!" she says, loudly "You should hear the starman's message!" Clang smiles kindly, looking up at the girl Mayflower: "He has answers for us" Clang: "We would love to hear more, but perhaps we should wait until we are off the trails Is it not nicer to talk in comfort?" Mercy frowns thoughtfully. "Hopefully she can help her." Mayflower seems sad, and quiet as she speaks Mayflower: "This world is not a comfort, or a kind place" "this world is not The Starmans. Nor is it ours." "This world is a trick, and illusion. It lies and deceives, and plays a crule game with us all!" Sophie: "One of the first lessons I learned at the academy was to maintain and respect a patient's dignity. This woman is ill. There is no need to hang your heads low while there is a chance to remedy her ailment." Clang nods at Sophie's sage words Gaiserich: “Only magic lies and deceivesss,” the snakeman rebutts. “The cold walk, beings feast not on flesh but on sssouls… Thisss is not how the world worksss.” Mercy offers Mayflower something to eat when she isn't busy talking crazy. Walking in the direction of the Abbey. Mayflower looks at Mercy's proffered meal in total confusion. She cocks her head at the food saideways Ken (GM): *sideways Ken (GM) the elf seems to refuse the food, and falls quiet as you travel. She seems to mutter to herself a bit, but doesnt pipe up with anything much now Mercy puts the food away, letting the elf get by just passively absorbing mana like a sea sponge. Ken (GM): GASP :P Ken (GM) you travel on.. Ken (GM) the elven witch seems to settle after some time, sitting atop the mule and keeping mistly to herself as you travel. The time passes easily, and the rolling hills give way to small springs and gullies. You pass over them, and as the afternoon wanes, you reach the king's highway proper and the easy travel of a roadway itself Gaiserich puts his heavy clothes back on to conceal his reptilian scales, and for his cloak to cast a shadow over his serpentine head. Ken (GM) the highway passes East under the bluffs the Abbey is perched on, and as the road climbs along the rise of hillsides, the evening sun lights over the Gray plains spread out ahead of you. By the time your stomachs ache for an evening meal, the abbe itself is coming into view on the hilltop above you. Ken (GM) your contact, the Patrician, is an aged elf who resides here. He is publically responsible for the operations of the Abbey itself. He is also secretly, a figure of some renown in the Order, one of its oldest members you know of Fiss: [gotta run folks, kick arse for me!] Rosettsara: )Will do) P.P. A.: Godspeed Mercy: "Oh, thank goodness. I'm glad we've made it at last." The teenager's belly feels tight and empty, licking her lips at the idea of food as she bounces ahead, energetic at the idea of being somewhere safe and clean with real food tonight. She isn't really on guard. Sophie: "I'll explain the situation to them. Just need help getting our guest inside without any incidents." Clang: "A quiet, round the back entrance? Keep these simple lives uncomplicated tonight?" Mercy nods to that. The young woman shakeing out her cloak then pulling it back on, the hood rased to cover her lupine ears. Mercy: "I'll follow your lead, Miss Sophie." Sophie: "Also, if you'd like to just turn in, Mercy, could you give me the drawings you made of the scene?" Gaiserich watches Mercy's antics; they remind him of frolicking deer. Cute. Mercy nods obediently, taking out the drawings she made and giving them to Sophie. Gaiserich: “Shhhould I stay outsssside?” he asks Sophie, pulling his hood deeper. Rosettsara: (That's a good question. Would our contact have already made arrangements for us, including Gai, in case we stopped by?) Mercy: "I'm sure they will direct us to somewhere to stay tonight once Sophie makes introductions." Ken (GM): [You know by reputation that the Abbey is a welcoming place for peaceful folks. "All peoples of peace and the Light are welcome" kina place. ] [Assuming he doesnt start stabbing folks....] Gaiserich nods. Jack will try not to stab anyone Ken (GM) the Abbey sits perched on top of the bluffs, nearby to the weeping falls (a waterfall said to appear as if a face eternally shedding tears). The darkness of night fast approaching obscures your view, but the white wall of the property sits clearly still. Small cottages and homes dot the landscape here, with gardens in between them ripe with the scent of food ready to be plucked and eaten. Sophie: "There is a place for you here. Presumably you'd like to eat and rest for the time being, so I will introduce us and anyone may just retire for the evening until needed." Ken (GM) a massive building sits perched high ahead on the bluff, a tower atop it burning fiercely with a flame, like a lighthouse on a sea of green earth. Sophie: "I likely won't be returning until later in the night, anyway." Mercy relaxes at that, heading for the great building and the gate. "Yes, Miss Sophie. Is there anything you would like me to do?" She hasn't been here before and looks around, awed by the greeat building and the lovely waterfall in the sunset light. Shy of the people in those cottages, avoiding them as she can. Ken (GM) As your troupe heads up to meet the Patrician, a lone figure exits a simple building nearby, and quickly heads up the gravel tended path to meet you. Cloaked in a rusty-colored robe, he flashes a hand to you, lit by a candle-lantern he carries Ken (GM) The man calls out to you as he hurries up the lane, calling out "Do you se eme?" Mercy nods to him, eyes downcast to avoid the animal shine or him getting a good look at the amber. Sophie: "Greetings. We are here to see The Patrician on urgent business." Sophie takes center stage so that the man's attention is on her and not the others. Ken (GM) the man slows his pace, approaching with the lantern held higher, and he clears his throat and calls again "The Patrician doesnt often take guests! Do you see me?" he calls again, with some emphasis. P.P. A.: “Do you see me?” is probably the Order's code phrase what's the proper secret response? (I assume we'd know) Rosettsara: Yeah, I think i'm missing some context here Ken (GM): lol Jack: "Something about an Eye?" Ken (GM): hahaha, right, I mentioned it in the roll20 chat but may have only discussed it briefly "I have my eye upon you" Gaiserich looks up, his eyes meeting the man's. “I have my eye upon you,” he hisses with glee. Sophie: "I have my eye upon you." Ken (GM): heh, signal and answer received Mercy: "Oh, yes.. Umm.." She nods to him, turning away and pulling her hair to the side, cloak spilled off one shoulder, then reaching back. Pushing her dress off that same shoulder and revealing pale skin and hard, lean muscle.. and a black tattoo, the all-seeing eye in dark ink. She strightens her clothing a moment later, turning back to the man. Ken (GM) the young man appears relieved, startles when he sees Gaiserich, blushes at mercy's display, but settles again with the passphrase given. He beckons you to follow him quickly, and he will take you to the Patrician, no more questions asked Ken (GM): UNTIL NEXT WEEK Rosettsara: Yay~ Ken (GM): yaaaaay P.P. A.: \o/ Joush M.: Woo! Thank you Ken, that was fun Ken (GM): allrighty; 4 xp for you folks. yw, as always Joush M. hugs shotgun. Joush M.: I love you, mister shotgun Ken (GM): pardon me if I seemed scattered today by the by; way too much caffine, I feel but! next week, the patrician, a prisoner witch, and the abbey! Rosettsara: Had a lot of fun Joush M.: You were good. I love the abby, it's a very impressive place P.P. A.: Can't wait! Ken (GM): and maybe even, answers about the howling beheaded lizardman P.P. A.: and yeah, it sounds really cosy Ken (GM): :D okay, i gotta change out a stinky baby ADIEU P.P. A.: \o Joush M.: Have fun with your disguisting offspring! Rosettsara: Now to think of how to turn those events into a poem P.P. A.: Haunted by a headless herpetón Ken (GM): heyho guys; just finishing up lunch with the kiddos\ Rosettsara: No rush Ken (GM): hoo, screamin toddlers what a rsh Fiss: Weee! Don't worry Ken, once they hit 8 or 9 they can do everything themselves...Simeon hasn't screamed his head off for like...months now. :D Quick question since I'm deciding on points use....Does Arm ST increase Clang's punch damage or is that for non-combat ish stuff? Ken (GM): arm st is for lift carry only, it affects your ability to wield a gun, but doesnt increase damage. Thats what Striking ST is for or at least where gurps splits it for mechanical purchases Fiss: Ahh got it. Permission to swap Arm ST to Striking ST I'll probably still buy up a bit of Arm ST but for this early in his points progression I gotta be a bit minmaxxy to be useful Ken (GM): granted! nothing quite like buying the correct things :P Fiss: Yep. I know what I'm doing, I just gotta convince the character sheet, lol Ken (GM): kek; GCS is where its at mang joush convinced me Fiss: oooh rly Rosettsara: It's really good Fiss: noice Joush M.: You get used to it pretty fast Ken (GM): well you have to; it has no UI or tutorials to speak of but I digress P.P. A. nods in human Ken (GM): HELOOOOO EVERYBODY Rosettsara: (Seriously, I had no prior experience with GURPS and caught on to how it worked very quickly, so it should be fine) Yessir! Doc: henlo Clang looks around at the lovely abbey Sophie sees to getting the prisoner, gathered clues, and written reports to the Patrician. Ken (GM) the night has fallen with a hush and the setting sun has blazed down to a muted glory; the darkening skies gave way to the soft hiss of nearby rushing water and the bluff where the Sunrise Abbey sits will have a glorious view...tomorrow. Tonight, you step through trimmed grasses along a simple cartpath, the light of a swinging candle-lantern and the rising moonlight your only illumination. Ken (GM) you have travelled far today over the Southern reaches, along the Kings Highway to come here. Mayflower has resisted little, wounded as she is of body and mind. The Order will make use of her, somehow; information, some sort of justice. The Patrician will certainly have a plan. Gaiserich does not actually ‘step’ through trimmed grass, for the record. Ken (GM): Doc: snek = no step Clang: As I'm certain we'll hear of the names, powers and darkness again, I ask my compatriots aloud as we approach the Abbey if they might have some literature on the Mercy follows the young man that had met them with the Order's passphrase, the lupine girl's eyes searching curiously around and scenting the air. "I don't think I've heard of the starman before, Mister Clang." Clang: "Fair enough, hopefully we're the first...and last...to make note of it." Sophie: "Time always tells." "But it is still wise to try and prepare for and soften the blow should it be on its way." Clang: "Let's find our patch meeting up with the night guards, I don't wish to frighten anyone." Gaiserich: “If ssshe is not just insssane, the ‘Ssstarman’ might contact other people too, and one of them could sssucceed to follow his will.” Jack: "Then we take care of it." Sophie: "We can start by asking the person most likely to know about that side of the world." Clang nods Dwarvishly Sophie wishes to assist in the interrogation, if allowed. Jack wishes to take a dang BATH Mercy: "We are going to the Patricharch's office, I belive. Hopefully he can point us in the right direction. I'd also like a warm place to sleep and somewhere we could clean up." Ken (GM) the young man with the lanterns takes you round the side of the grounds along the pathway; here you appear to be led from the main grounds down aside to the groundskeepers. A few small buildings, what appears in the dark to be a tall chapel of some kind. He gestures for you to continue without him and simply says "He's waiting for you" Sophie nodded at the man as she walked past."We will not trouble you for long." Mercy bows her head to him in thanks and goes where he gestured, following Sophie. Ken (GM) ahead, standing in a simple robe, and himself illuminated by a bright lantern, stands a man tall yet slightly bent with age. His sharp elven ears stick out from his profile Ken (GM): [map magic] Gaiserich: “…good evening,” Gaiserich greets the elf as he has learned is polite. His tongue flicks in and out as he picks up the scents in the room. P.P. A.: more like black magic Clang: [Blank for me] P.P. A.: I see a blakc square with a snek on it Joush M.: I can see only Mercy Rosettsara: (Black with only Sophie) Ken (GM): lel 1 sec Doc: same Ken (GM): now? Doc: blackness Rosettsara: (No change whatsoever) Clang: [Hello Dwarfness my old friend] Ken (GM): lol Doc: eyy something happened P.P. A.: there we go Ken (GM): oh god Rosettsara: There we go Joush M.: That fixed it Clang: woot Ken (GM): light = good reveal areas = good fyi, you need BOTH Ken (GM) The aged man stands in the torchlight as you approach Ken (GM) between the cottages, he holds the light up, steady and bright. Mercy approaches and curtsies politely, hands at the hem of her skirt and lowering herself a moment before rising again. "Good evening, Your Holiness." Sophie watches the silent man. Is it time for the passphrase exchange once more? The Patrician watches you approach with a steady gaze and no outward sign of his intentions...that is until Mercy addresses him, when he breaks into a smirk and chuckles loudly The Patrician: "I am no holy man" he manages to laugh out loud. He smiles broadly "But I am an old man with a host of years behind him. Ive been told you come with a witch and need some assistance from the order" Jack sighs with exaggerated relief when the Patrician says he is not a holy man Sophie: "We come with the person of interest, gathered items from the scene, and field notes." Mercy blushes and nods at the laugh, mentally correcting herself as she stands by as Sophie speaks to the aged elven man. Gaiserich watches and lets the warmbloods speak; he misses the subtleties of their conversation, and has nothing to add himself. Sophie is, as usual, strictly about business. The Patrician: "Come then, let me see this witch" he beckons with one hand, his smile fading a bit The Patrician he looks you lot over; his gaze passing from one to the next. sniffs the air a moment, studying the patrician with those amber eyes under the hood of her rain cape before reaching out to touch the mule's bridle to lead it. "You expected us?" Gaiserich attempts to remember his smell. He is an important figure here, so this might be useful. Rolling 3d6 = 14 v10 (IQ) Gaiserich fails. The orchards smell too nice. Sophie cautiously approaches, also assisting with the mule. "If you would like any assistance, my skills are at your disposal. My companions would like a place to rest, clean, up and eat." The Patrician: "Certainly welcome to the safehouse; its what it's for after all." he holds up the lantern, oblivious to the nasal-prodding by your group The Patrician brings up the lantern, and GASPS when he sees the woman on the mule Sophie: "I know her." Mercy bows her head a moment then seems surprised at that. She considers a moment, then reaches up. Her hands strong and warm as she gently lifts Mayflower from the mule and sets her on her feet, still supporting the elf's weight in case her legs aren't steady. She examines Mayflower, seeing if she's changed from earlier. Mayflower comes down off the horse without protest and quietly The Patrician: "Where did you find her? What was she doing?" he asks, with some severity to his voice now Sophie approaches him and lowers her voice. "It's better that the whole Abbey doesn't hear the details, I think." The Patrician appears to remember himself, and nods his assent, he turns then and simply says "Follow me" Clang follows Sophie sees if there's anywhere she can have the mule taken care of along the way. Mercy helps Mayflower follow the man. Gaiserich slithers along, looking left and right to familiarise himself with the place. The Patrician steps through the night with his lantern, and motions for you to take mule aside a cottage. He heads inside and reveals a hearth and several tables in a room that looks recently swept but not-often used The Patrician: [excuse the grab and dragging Jack remains quietly wary of the situation Sophie follows their host inside. Gaiserich slithers and curls up in front of the fire. Ken (GM) the cottage is spacious; stone foundations and wooden wimber walls. Shuttered windows against the night but a warm hearth and clean flagstones on the floor. Gaiserich rests his upper body on his coiled lower body and waits for conversation to resume. Mercy gently puts the mule beside the cottage then walks inside with Mayflower, looking around. "Oh, this is very nice." Doc: [has the party dropped off any of their gear anywhere or are they still carrying it all?] Ken (GM) On the hearth, over the lintel-stone, stands a small metal carving of some brassy metal. Atriangle, roughly a hand tall, with an eye carved in relief on the surface Clang: I'll drop off my travelling gear, but keep on my armour just in case Sophie: "...So, I was right in that Mayflower likely came across these powers relatively recently." The Patrician: "Oblidged miss?" the man elven man asks. In the light of the room, his lantern set aside, you see the deep furrow of scars up his face. A line from his temple down to his chin, like a raking claw of shiny skin Ken (GM): [you still definitley have all your stuff on hand] Mercy ask meekly. "Should we make introductions?" The Patrician: "If I should call you anything other than Miss, yes, please do" Sophie: "I'm Sophie. Nurse, Doctor, and Surgeon." P.P. A.: “My name is Gaiserich; I hunt in the north—” He thinks for a moment about where they are right now, and whom he's talking to. “…southern woods.” oops Gaiserich: “My name is Gaiserich; I hunt in the north—” He thinks for a moment about where they are right now, and whom he's talking to. “…southern woods.” The Patrician nods to each of you as you speak, turning his head to listen to you, meeting your gaze Mercy: ""Mercy.. My.. the man that raised me is Sir James Stonebrook of the Ashford Chapterhouse. I'm here in his place." The Patrician raises his eyebrows at that The Patrician: "I see; I hope he is well then" Mercy: "Very well, thank you. His leg is healing well" Jack faces the man, his right hand loose at his side and his left hand gripping the haft of an axe, the head resting on his shoulder. "'Jack' will do." The Patrician: "Fair enough, jack" Clang: "And I am Clanggaden of the Ferroheart clan. At your service, and most friends simply call me Clang." The Patrician nods back, and matches the short bow in the dwarven way Clang: [] The Patrician: "Welcome to the Sunrise Abbey. The Order is always welcome here to the service it requests of us." He rests against the table, crosses his arms and stares at Mayflower "But now that the nicities are out of the way, please, tell me the tale of this little witch and her...circumstances" Sophie deposits the evidence they gathered on a nearby table, as well as the drawings Mercy created. She then opens her journal and recites the step-by-step of everything they had witnessed. Sophie allows the others to interject with their perspectives as needed, of course Mercy sets down her bag and weapons quietly in the corner, taking off the rain cape and leaving it there before she rises up. The pale girl with dark hair streaching a moment then looking around. Helping Mayflower settle in, sitting her down near the fire. She shivers a bit as those paper wrapped bundles are undone to reveal with strange crystals with their wires and other bits of physical evidence. Ken (GM) the chunk of weird stone gleams in the fire and lantern light, weird and glistening. The charred and beaten metal thing Clang killed sits there, curled up like a dead spider Ken (GM): [what are the major points you guys are covering here for him?] Clang: Clang will mention the magical jolts and that the living heart/seed insisted on growing rapidly until crushed properly...dangerous if left unchecked Mercy tells him about the undead lizardman, anitmaited by fell magic, and about Mayflower's ranting about the starman. Gaiserich will point out that they never found the man whose blood they tracked, and about the hard, electrically charged thing that animated the lizardman corpse from within. Rosettsara: (I'd say: The mission itself, where they found her and the corpse, what happened to the corpse, the scene of the place where Mayflower was discovered, the things she said, how she responded to questions, what she was capable of doing, the strange magical reactions, and the details of their encounter with the reanimated corpse along with the slimy sample they took back with them.) The Patrician nods along with all of it and waits until after for a few questions back The Patrician: "You say the body was animated by fell magic; aside from the witch I dont see an elf among you, nor an Academy Wizard. What power did she use on the body?" "And what of the tower and this odd stone; what do you make of that?" Sophie: "I came across what appeared to be smells and residue of alchemy around where the corpse had laid, and after it was put down again." "I was hoping to get the sample tested with the facilities here to confirm whether or not alchemy was used on the corpse." Gaiserich: “The tower sssseemed like a tree… made of stone and lightning. Very odd.” The Patrician ponders, and shrugs The Patrician: "Yes this is all very odd. I havent seen anything like this..." he trails off Mercy: "I suppose.. I don't really know what animated the man." She says with a worried frown on her lips. "I don't suppose you have heard anything about a starman?" Sophie: "She was a classmate of mine at the Academy in the Capital. Her entire personality has changed since then. Insane ramblings about a saviour from the Stars, a so-called "Star Man", dominate her consciousness." The Patrician: "You found no sigils or runes? No demonic names or invocations? No bound spirits? Just her insistence about the Starman?" Sophie: "If you would look carefully at her extremities, you can see the markings which reacted to the magic we came across." The Patrician becons Mayflower over, frowning down at her. She steps over at Mercy's arm-length, and submits to the scrutiny of his gaze Sophie eyed the man carefully as she continued. "She insisted the Star Man came to her in a dream. Given her relatively normal life until now, i'd imagine she was led by some person or force to her current state. I have a feeling you'd know more than I as to where she's been after her Academy days." The Patrician: "None of these are the markings of Old Gorgoth, the Demons....not even the Fae powers. No blood spirits or eldritch power here..." he mumbles to himself, going through a checklist as he looks her over Clang watches outside while listening intently, musing on the process the older elf goes through The Patrician reaches out, and holds the elven woman's face between his hands for a moment, holding her gaze. The Patrician GASPS again and steps back from her, wiping his hands as if shedding them of filth! Gaiserich watches the elf do his thing, cosy by the fire. The Patrician: "By the LIGHT! What is this madness?!" he curses loudly, an angry scowl on his face Gaiserich doesn't get what happened and looks puzzled. Clang turns to look with an even eye Clang: "Find something, Sir? Mayflower grins, a toothy smile spreading accross her face Jack has no idea what they're talking about but raises an eyebrow with reflexive interest Mercy looks between them. "What is this? Do you know about it?" She ask hopefully as she stands there.. then unsettled by Mayflower's reaction. Sophie: "Be ready to restrain her at any time." Gaiserich uncurls and gets in a position ready to strike. The Patrician: "Her aura is tainted with....I dont know what IT is but it....." he seems to rail off himself... a weird expression on his face The Patrician screams, and clutches his head Mayflower begins chuckling Sophie: "Sir, would you rather discuss this out of the presence of Mayflower?" Sophie reaches out gently to try and lead him outside and away from Mayflower Jack grabs the laughing woman from behind(?) The Patrician doubles over in pain, shouting a cry that is muffled by a bloody gush from his face! Mayflower continues to laugh, bound and held by jack Rolling 3d6 = 13 v 14 "Get her out of here!" Doc: (quick glance at Martial Arts says choke holds can be aided by two-handed weapons like the axe in his hand so he's going to go for some lever action) Joush M.: Just going to loop your ax across her throat and pull back? Ken (GM): [HURK! Shes bound and 99% helpless against it at that point] Doc: idk I've never choked someone with an axe before but a wooden bar on your throat can't be comfortable Sophie: "The mule has my surgical tools. Hurry, and call for additional medical help!" Clang will take up that call and runs deeper into the Abbey looking for assistance Jack quickly complies and drags the elf away from the Patrician Gaiserich slithers out of the room. He stands tall, and… Mercy goes and gets Sophie's medical supplies. She also calls for help, her powerful saprano carrying well in the night air. Gaiserich hisses loudly. Gaiserich looks back at the rest of the party. “…you call.” The Patrician screams Sophie first tries to stop the bleeding with what she has. Mercy has Piercing Voice. A howl would be audible for miles, but she restricts herself to words instead. "Help! The Patrician is sick!" The Patrician stops screaming Mercy brings Sophie her doctor's bag. The Patrician 's head explodes Gaiserich stares in some disbelief. Sophie wordlessly stands, covered in his blood, and looks down on the body. Gaiserich moves away from Mayflower and Jack, and angrily hisses at her. “We sssshould have killed her! Witchhh!” Clang: "There's nobody else in the cottage..." " Mercy stares in horror at the grisley scene and goes to gently take Sophie's arm, a clean rag taken from her pocket to wipe Sophie's blood drenched face. Mayflower struggles lightly against the hold, and grins maniacally (To GM): Would now be a good time to roll bloodlust, to rein himself in and not goes and collects her gun. Drawing it to full cock and walking back to Sophie. Aiming at the ex-patrician. "May the light embrace you and guard us all and.. ah.. You want me here, physican." Ken (GM) the gaping wound in the neck is much like before, a ragged stump from the neck up. His head seems to have liquified and burst like a ripe fruit Sophie: "It's only a matter of time before his corpse is brought back. Probably." Mercy: "What could DO this?" Clang turns to the witch Sophie: "You saw it yourself." Clang: "Seems whatever power she found likes to manifest...messily." Gaiserich: “He looked into her eyessss… Wass that it?” Mercy: "Killing a man.. it takes magic! Power! She barely did anything. Like it was effortless!" Sophie: "She looked into mine before. And likely some of yours." Gaiserich backs away a little. But his head hasn't exploded yet, so it's probably fine. Gaiserich: “He alssso mentioned an ‘aura,’ what is that?” Sophie: "Think of it like a magical heat source. If your inner core is warm, there's a field of warmth around you." Clang: "Killing a mortal body is easy...a sip of the wrong poison can lay out a hulking titan of a man. But he was viewing whatever poison has infested her soul...I know not how those poisons work, but I would suspect they are just as lethal." Gaiserich nods, he understands that explanation. Clang: "If she has become a viper...she may be immune to the venom that she may now attack with." Sophie: "He knew her. And she silenced him before he could say anything." "Anyway, are there no guards or agents who we can show this to?" Clang: "Nothing but empty rooms and the Abbey's Ale over here." Mercy stares at the body, swallowing thickly. "Is there any way to.. I don't want to hurt him. I mean.. I don't want to do anything to his body.. but I don't want to let it be taken over either. Can we stop the magic from takeing it over?" Sophie: "As far as I know, none of us possess the magical talent to do such a thing." Gaiserich: “Burn it! …but then we don't see how it'sss done.” Clang turns to Gaiserich and nods Gaiserich still wants to burn it, but he also wants to know what they're up against. Ken (GM) something is burbling at the ragged hole that is the elf's neck. A kind of white foam Sophie: "I could try learning some, but that takes time...Oho, what do we have here?" Clang: "I fear for the man's soul...but I fear for the next souls we meet with the same...infection...more, should we not find answers." Jack looks at the others, maintaining a firm grip on the elf girl's neck. "She's still alive, but a quick twist can change that." Sophie sees if it's similar to the slime from before. Mercy: "I don't know what to do." She admits, voice tight with worry. Gaiserich clutches his spear and braces his shield, g3etting into a position from where he can keep an eye on both elves at the same time. Clang: "Let's learn what we can, and prepare to do what we must." [Starts building a fire] Ken (GM): [kek; there is a wood pile outside, you saw Clang: *actually,. that's not a bad idea, will look for extra dry wood lol Sophie: "Please hurry. This is the same substance." Sophie cautiously takes a step back. Clang: [firebuilding intensifies] Gaiserich helps Clang Ken (GM) the foamy substance gathers at the top of the wound like a bubbling potion. And then the stuff....gathers itself up.... Sophie nods to Mercy. Ken (GM): :O P.P. A.: (pls move him to wherever we're piling up the wood) Mercy considers a moment then, takes a breath and grabs the elf's arm with her free hand. Dragging him outside into the night, gun still trained on him with the other hand. P.P. A.: (thx) Sophie helps with the dragging Ken (GM): [assuming clang has the patrcians lantern Doc: (oh okay so that's intentional) Ken (GM): [] Ken (GM) the body is limp but heavy, gelly-like and loose. As you drag it places the poor dead patrician on the wood, away from any buildings or anything flammable, then draws back. "From ashes and returned to them. Go to the Light, Patrician." She looks around for something to light the pyre. Clang: [] Doc: [so yeah that's vs... 12 unless the axe gives a bonus] Ken (GM): lol P.P. A. bends around and looks at Jack, not having heard the sound. “Let'sss burn her too, burn her!” P.P. A.: fug, again Gaiserich bends around and looks at Jack, not having heard the sound. “Let'sss burn her too, burn her!” Sophie watches the body and the strange magical reaction, curious about what exactly was transpiring. Ken (GM): 1. where the pile go? 1. *Where would you liek the pile? P.P. A.: Best away from the buildings Clang: Wherever it won't burn down the Abbey P.P. A.: in as open a space as possible Ken (GM): gotcha Clang: I mean, sure, it's not Ale, but if we can save the Ale, that would be good Jack drops the limp elf next to the other one and readies his axe in both hands Ken (GM) you work furiously over the next few moments to heap wood away form the buildings, to burn out the evil youve discovered Ken (GM) all the while, the body lies limp, but active. Burbling and frothing at the dead mans neck Mercy blinks in shock at the broken-necked Mayflower, looking at Jack, then turning back to the work. Sophie: "Ahh, we're already back to these kinds of days." Ken (GM): lighting it asap? Sophie: "Remember about the smell." "Though you may want to get used to it now, given how this is going." Ken (GM): so you guys are lighting them up as soon as you can? Rosettsara: (yeah) Ken (GM): kk P.P. A.: would be good to have a witness so we can't be accused of murdering the guy but yeah Jack: "Can't say I've ever seen that stuff come out of a wound before" Gaiserich slithers around the pyre, and overhears Sophie: “Sssstudying and knowing your prey is good, but witchesss mussst be killed if they're still dangerousss.” Ken (GM) A burning brand from the hearth and you alight the dry wood pile easily; the wood catches fast and the fire builds, even as you heap some more fuel around the two dead elves just to be sure they burn hot Gaiserich stares with wide eyes at the fire being lit, and rising to swallow the cursed corpses. He feels relief, but he also has a bad feeling about this whole thing. Ken (GM) the frothy thing at the neck seems to shudder as the fire reaches it, and it BURSTS into flame when lit with open fire Mercy: "I don't know what to do. The best we can may be to just containe the damage." She's bloody and dirty and horrified at this. Watching the fire catch and burn and flickering embers reach for the sky. She keeps ready with the gun for long moments. Watching to see if anything tries to escape the flames. Ken (GM) there is a kind of hissing squeal from the pyre at that Clang: "It seems the Starman does not appreciate our attempts to keep it warm." Ken (GM) as the wail goes up....the blood on you reacts! Something on your stained clothes SLITHERS Ken (GM) the bloodstains on Mercy and Sophie slide off them! Toward the flames! Sophie: "For a second there, I thought I was going to have to strip and burn my clothing." Gaiserich rises up (making himself tall) and hisses at the bloodstaines, raising his spear Ken (GM) the liquids seem to rise up and writhe like living things! Mercy yelps, watching the blood move. "That is so strange. What magic is in the blood?" Sophie appears to be more bemused than frightened Mercy steps back from the blood. Sophie: "So the magic is in the blood itself, or at least uses it as a vector." Ken (GM) the blood slither and slides....and a burbling splotch of it comes rolling out of the cottage behind you Jack prepares to swing his axe at anything that lunges at him Sophie gets out of the way Clang: [resisting the urge to mention anything about how at least this evil is tidy] Ken (GM) the blood collects together, a small heap of frothing liquid, at the edge of your pyre. It seems to be reaching for the bodies, but (GM) with that, the burbling and hissing stops. The blood dies to the flames. All thats left is the crackling of wood and the moonlight Gaiserich pulls back his upper body, and watches the reaction with satisfaction. Clang continues with his muttered prayer Rolling 3d6 = 7v14 Jack: "That never happens when you just dump them in the river" Gaiserich: “Fire is better.” Mercy breathes deep and stares at the fire, then shakes her head as if to clear it. "We commit your bodies to the flames and your souls to the Light." She says, praying softly for them as they stand by the nightmareish scene. "How will we explain this to others?" Clang: "With the truth. And carefully." Sophie looks up after contemplating everything. "This is a life form. Like a magical form of mold. It likely goes from victim to victim through its magical aura, consuming the insides to grow." Mercy: "Could you track this infection?" Jack: "The truth? We just burned all the evidence." Clang: "I must say....I prefer portobello myself to the head-exploding type." We still have the crushed heart, the samples, our writings, and whatever is left of that man's skull that did not crawl into the pile of blood will surely not match any of our weapons." Sophie: "First: Gather any items which had the blood on it. We will take some samples before you wash your clothing. Second: As your physician, I order you all to bathe immediately so that any secondary infection vectors will be removed from your bodies." Clang looks upset that he'll have to break Dwarven tradition and bathe more than once a season...but realizes it's for the best. Human lands are much dirtier than under the mountain anyway Jack: "You're just trying to get me naked." Sophie: "Yes." Clang grins and begins stripping, specifically for jack Gaiserich contemplated Sophie's earlier words, or at least what he understood of them. “You sssaid the aura of sssomeone is like their heat. Can you sssee that it's different, or unusual, then, when they're infected?” Clang stops though, as the gravity of the situation returns him to his senses, and he shuffles off, tunic undone. "I think there were spare rooms this way." Gaiserich asks, while he does as the others and lays off his clothes. Sophie: "We are not versed in the art of detecting magical auras. This will have to change, obviously." Ken (GM): [just realized fire casts light] Mercy nods and obidently and hestates a moment, then turning away she reaches down and takes off her shoes, setting them aside before standingup and releaseing the laces that held the overdress. Pulling it off over her head, setting it near the fire, then grabbing the lower hem of the underdress and pulling it off over her head. She looks hard and lean in the firelight, the tattoo at her shoulder the only mark on the teenager's pale skin. She pulls the ribbon out of her hair and drops it there too, then rolls her stockings down her legs and stands barefoot there. "I'll go bathe and return, then." Gaiserich looks at the flames; whatever body heat lingers in the bodies is drowned out by the scorching fire, but he'll make a not to look for minute irregularities in people's body heat in the future. Sophie: "Not to mention that two living victims who could provide a good source of the aura are now dead." "Well...living, in a figurative sense." Mercy: "We can't be the first to encounter this. We will have to find someone that has and can tell us what to do about it." Mercy says, standing there nude in the firelight. Ken (GM): [ruh roh] Gaiserich: “The treescent died when he looked at her aura. Now the bad aura is gone. It'sss for the better.” Gaiserich looks up from Sophie and sees Mercy. He likes what he sees. Gaiserich not that he can see very well. Jack sees well enough, but for his part refuses to disrobe Gaiserich: “Where isss the lake?” Sophie tries to scrape off whatever she can of the items into her otherwise unused vial before also preparing to bathe. Ken (GM): [there is a well, just round the cottage door] Gaiserich: “Down there?” Mercy: "You can hear it. The waterfall." She nods to Gaiserich and turns to head though the night to the waterfall, planning to wash off in the stream that feeds it or the pool at the base. Ken (GM) the mule retreated to the sweet grasses here. it seems fine enough Gaiserich follows Mercy. That makes more sense. Ken (GM): kek Gaiserich has never bathed in anything other than natural lakes or streams before. Gaiserich also couldn't hear the waterfall because >Hard of Hearing Ken (GM): right, well, the streams are easy enough to find in the night air. Only thing making noise, and the two people with scent are looking for the freshwater Sophie follows suit, giving Mercy some space though Ken (GM): so you guys take care to bathe off the gore and get cleaned up Clang: yarp Jack: "Not that I don't appreciate the display, but do we really have time for this?" Ken (GM): you appear to be left to your own devices by the abbey residents; youre a few hundres yards off from the main grounds, near the edge of the bluff P.P. A.: beach episode! Mercy gets in the cold water and starts scrubbing hard, ducking under to soak her hair then surfaceing. "The physican said it's important Jack.. anything to keep that.. thing from infecting us." She shivers and it has nothing to do with the cold water. Jack ogles the ladies without the slightest attempt at subtlety Ken (GM): oh lawd Gaiserich: “The doctor sssays it helps,” Gaiserich notes. He ogles, too, but has less time for it because he has a lot more body to scrub than the others. Jack: "It took a few seconds for his head to pop off. We've been with her for days. If anything was going to happen to us it would have." Sophie: "It's not the most comfortable of methods, but we have to take preventative measures. The blood has a life of its own, and covered us. That is not something to ignore." Jack: "You know what else is not to ignore? Guards. There are a couple of dead bodies with our names on them and I sure don't want to be caught with my pants down if anyone comes looking for them." Sophie: "Like any other plague, cleanliness is key. And aside from that...you smelled pretty bad anyway." Gaiserich looks to Jack: “But we didn't kill them.” Jack: "Speak for yourself." Ken (GM): [snap, crack] Jack: (^@Gaiserich) Ken (GM): [] Gaiserich remembers. “She was a witch, and dangeroussss. Ssshe deserved it.” Clang will gather the samples into his backpack and see if there is a bath inside Mercy innocently seems unaware of the attention, distracted by the horrors of the night and, well, just being innocent. The idea that her body would attract attention would suprise her. She bathes until she's properly clean and goes back to her things. Collecting some clean clothes and soap. That has her returning, offering the cake of soap to Sophie and anyone else willing to wash up as she scrubs up a lather and finishes by riniseing off. "By the light, it took forever to feel clean.." Gaiserich: “You should bathe too. You ssstink,” he adds. Sophie finishes up, and gets back into her cleaned outfit to tend to the matter at hand. Jack: "I didn't think I needed to tell you this but me and the law ain't exactly had a rosy history." "So if you think you can explain this whole situation away, start with explaining to me why you think they'll believe you." Mercy: "Don't worry, Mister Jack. The order.. understands. We aren't here to judge you. The other servent of the order, the one that met us, will have to be informed, but we won't be arrested" Gaiserich doesn't quite understand Jack. “But we're sssaying the truth.” Sophie: "Let's hear your plan, Master Jack." Gaiserich is also done cleaning himself, and slithers back on land. He doesn't understand why water helps when evidently fire is much better to cleanse this evil, but setting oneself on fire is obviously a bad idea—so, whatever works. Ken (GM): kek [that is a good question though, what is the current plan?] [you guys have two burnt bodies on a pyre and a whole lot of unanswered questions, at an Order Safehouse] Sophie: "As our resident expert in taking a cautious approach to law enforcement types, your opinion is greatly welcomed." Jack: "We make a break for it. Maybe leave them a nice note explaining what happened, if you're so sure they'll buy it." Clang: "The law of the land has entrusted us with lethal force if needed. We are not bumbling accidental killers. The truth will be enough." Gaiserich gets dressed and slithers back inside to warm up by the fire. Mercy gets out of the water and puts on her hunting clothes, rather then the common clothes she'd left beside the fire. Dark trousers, vest, a linen shirt and black leather coat, her hair bound up at the back of her head and pinned there with a scrap of ribbon and a pencil. Feeling better as she does the buckles on the boots that reach just above the knee. "We should inform the boy we met that he's in charge of the Order here now and ask if they can spare supplies. We need money, food and maybe more weapons, along with any lore or information the Patrician had about Mayflower and our hunting target. We should at least ask if we can see his study, and the supplies from the safehouse." Ken (GM): [80's getting shit done montage] Gaiserich doesn't see the problem; they've done nothing wrong (except to bring in the witch while she was still dangerous), so he leaves the others to leads the way to the cottage they'd passed on the way, listening a looks at the confused expression on his youthful face and hestates before informing him as gently as she can. "I'm afraid the Patrician is dead." Ken (GM): "By the light! What has happened?" Sophie chimes in, albeit quietly. "The captured Witch was a carrier of an infectious magical being. It was too late for him by the time the effects became apparent." Ken (GM) the young man blanches, but nods solemnly. He then asks "Have you told the oracle yet?" Sophie: "We called for help and looked around the area, but found nobody else." Mercy: "We haven't been introduced to the Oracle. Who is that?" Ken (GM) the young man gulps "Oh....you hadnt met her yet? I...should show you then" Ken (GM) he seems....terrified of the prospect Sophie: "Don't mind the smell. The infection had to be dealt with by means of fire." Mercy smells like soap, mostly. Sophie: "And that smoke does...carry." Ken (GM): "She lives up in the temple...sort of." he looks conflicted" I should probably just show you" He gestures back up the way to the safehouse Mercy nods obidently and steps back to let him lead the way. "Thank you." Sophie: "It's appreciated." Ken (GM) he returns in tow with the girls, and heads over to the building osuth of your Pyre; he halts for a moment when it comes into sight, but only misses a single step, hurrying along at the sight of it Ken (GM): "You should gather the others; I wouldnt want to do this twice tonight...." Mercy: "Oh?.. Yes. Okay." She goes to get the others, asking them to join her to meet the oracle. Sophie: "Hey guys, it's fine. He's gonna show us to someone who can help sort this all out." Ken (GM) the young man looks determined, in the light of the burial pyre, but he wrings his hands in an uncertain way as he waits for you to collect yourselves P.P. A. doesn't have a vision radius P.P. A.: just move my token where it needs to be Ken (GM) as if suddfenly remembering himself, the man pulls a brass key from his robe and heads to the building nearby, unlocking the front doors heavy iron clad lock Ken (GM) the building is set up on large stone foundations and the large windows on the side are decorated with the shining sun and The Light. It looks like some kind of tomb or temple Gaiserich looks over to the man. “I'm sssorry; if we had known that ssshe was sstill this dangerous, we would have killed her earlier.” Mercy: "It's a lovely building." Ken (GM) he looks terrified a tthat statement, and doesnt say anything back ot the towering snakeman Ken (GM) he leads you inside what is apparently, a kind of tomb. Large stone sarcophagi sit here, aged and dusty, sealed behind carved warriors and wizards from the last age. He heads to th eback wall where a large prominent stone sits with the triangle of the order etched on the surface Gaiserich doesn't understand this reaction. Maybe he's very sad that the elf man died. Ken (GM) you young man touches the symbol on the stone, and it alights with a shimmer of magic. It rumbles and slides aside against the wall,. revealing a stair down to the sound of rushing water below Mercy takes a deep breath. Realizeing that this isn't a place where a normal person might live, she readies herself for what will come next as she looks down the steps. "Shall we?" Sophie keeps going. "Yup. We're this far, so we might as well take it all the way." Clang follows eagerly, hoping to at least share the news of the dangers they've discovered Gaiserich: “Cold…” the serpentine hunter complains quietly as he slithers over the stone floor, but follows deeper inside. Ken (GM) down a spiral of stairs, you find a passage with running water on the floor, reaching a pool in a natural cavern, deep below the surface of the bluff Ken (GM) here, in the dim cavern lit only by your lantern light, a pool of water glimmer with a shimmer of magic. And a small burbling flame appears on the surface of the pool Ken (GM) a womans face alights there in the water, in the flames. The clink of chains and metal rings out in the space, and you see her form there burning above the water, and iron clad chained below The woman: "I have been expecting you all night" "What took you so long?" she smiles Sophie: "I like this one." The woman: DUN DUN DUNNNN Mercy: "Is this the oracle?" She ask in that curious voice, the young hunter walking a little closer to the edge of the water, then her eyes widening, starring a moment. "Is that.. some kind of jinn? Oh! I'm sorry.. I mean.. Hello, Ma'am." She curtises deeply to the flameing figure, bound and surrounded by water. Ken (GM): hah! fuck! damnit joush! P.P. A.: but Mercy's words ring hollow as the credits roll already scrolls over the screen Ken (GM): did you just fuicki dksjbsakjd hahahahaha you fucker lol Joush M.: Oh! It's a guess! A flameing woman, bound in service. Great cosmic power, teeny-tiny liveing space Ken (GM): sweet jesus ANYWHO yeah Gaiserich backs away, disturbed by the sight! Ken (GM): UNTIL NEXT WEEK, 4xp and all that Fiss: Haha, Have a good night/day folks! See you on the flipside! P.P. A.: Good night! Ken (GM): good night all! get some sleep! Joush M.: Goodnight! Have a great day Ken (GM): hey hey ho ho Rosettsara: Ahoy-hoy Fiss: o/ Joush M.: Hiya P.P. A.: Hollerö Fiss: Only got about 3 hrs today, but hey, better than nothin Ken (GM): dood what the shiz Fiss: It's my short week. I only work 3 days...but I gotta do 13 hr shifts Rosettsara: Well, you can only do what you can do Ken (GM): madness Fiss: Next week is PROTOMEN concert so yeah, thanksgiving is out. So I am here to DORF! Ken (GM): pay must be P.P. A.: >Protomen concert noice Fiss: Pay is OK...but the time off is nice. P.P. A.: Light up the night, will ya Fiss: Ken (GM): dangit now I wanna run an over the top wuxia cyberpunk game Fiss: Hehe yeah, it's going to be frickin awesome I suspect P.P. A.: Instead of Character Points we're rewaded with Social Credit Score after every session Fiss: I wonder if anyone's made a campaign resource for the City of Protomen fame Rosettsara: Just don't invite Trout Ken (GM): i think theres something pretty rules light on 1d4chan, a la Lazers and Feelings Fiss: Noice Ken (GM): but at that point it may as well be tristat unisystem or TPRPG they tried real hard to reinvent the wheel instead of say, adapt the setting to the system so theres a bunch of rules and stats and nothing concrete about the world lorebuilder != game masters WHO'S READY TO WYRD THEIR GRIM?! Fiss: DORF MODE... Clang: ACTIVATE Rosettsara: Here we go again P.P. A.: Cyperbunk MAID where the Master is the state or a corporation Gaiserich warily eyes the jinn, recognising it as spooky, but not necessarily demonic. Jack rejoined the group when nobody was looking Clang: [oh, hai, Jack] [so, how's your sex life?] Ken (GM): [Hwat a storee, Klangg] Sophie looked ahead casually at the being before them, awaiting the inevitable revelation it had in store. Mercy isn't casual at all about it, starring wide eyed at the fiery figure. Jack just watched a man's head explode so this part really doesn't seem like such a big deal Ken (GM) the grotto secreted beneath the Abbey is a dank and cool place, with a strange mist clinging to the burbling waters. Bobbling on the small tide is the face of woman, wreathed in flames. her hair itself appears to be coiled tongues of crimson which dapple the waters with bubbling heat. She stares at you all, wide eyed and excited. Her statement hangs in the air The woman: I have waited such a long time to mee tyou all" Clang: "The pleasure...but I must admit, also the confusion...is all ours." Clang nevertheless steps forward and clangs his fists together in a greeting with a bow of his head The woman: "" Her voice is sing-song and unnatural, warbling as she speaks to the room Mercy sniffs the air and stares at the woman, ears perked in her dark hair and black leather boots picking across the stone, hopping across the stream that feeds her pool, looking at the bubbleing water then back to her as she watches, then at last says. "Hello, Ma'am. I'm sorry about my rude question.. broken doll?" The woman: "The fires of creation spoke of your coming, many years ago, Mercy. I was told their story in the hushed whispers of the ashes and cinders they consumed. The world speaks to us all" "Have you come then, finally, to kill me?" Gaiserich: “It hasn't sssaid anything to me yet.” The woman giggles then, childlike, and excited Gaiserich: “What are you? Are you evil?” Gaiserich holds his spear in hand, cautious around the weird creature and indeed ready to attack her, if need be—but he's mostly confused right now. Mercy: "No, Ma'am. I don't even think we have any way to harm a jinn with us." She says gently as stands there and stares quitely, thinking hard of what the woman said. "Wait, do you know anything about a 'starman'? The Patriarch died tonight, we don't know why." The woman stares intensely at that, a long smile spreading through her face. The fire blooming from her grows visibly and the waters hiss in response The woman: "Finally, my caretaker has been taken care of. I am so relieved" "...and the starman returns!" this day would come! FINALLY!" Rosettsara: (Was unexpectedly pulled away for a few mins. Sorry about that, should be dealt with now.) The woman giggles again, it rolls into a chuckle, throaty and deep. Gaiserich is worried by how invigorated he seems, and holds up his shield, just in case. The woman: "Tell me! Please! Was Jacks blade the killing blow? 's spear?" Clang smiles politely but his arms stay poised and ready Clang: "Why don't you explain this to us, and we can have a nice chat on what this all means for the good people of the land." Gaiserich: “Но, хе брок хер нек.” Mercy frowns deeply, ears drooping at the jinn's joy at the man's death and the eerie, familiar way she talks about them. (To GM): actually it's Гаизерих Jack turns to Gaiserich and says "Bless you." (From The woman): I curse my browser dropping the characters! Sophie: "You see us only as bringers of death, yet this is not what the young man indicated about our meeting." Gaiserich: “You too,” Gaiserich replies, slightly confused by that statement. Sophie: "We come seeking answers as for our next move now that the Patriarch has been slain. Are you able to enlighten us?" (To GM): also he said “No, be broke her neck” The woman: "Oh! But Sophie, do you not know? Your return marks the first in a long line of necessary steps. Thanks to you and your kind, the will come back to us and he will set everything back to order!" (From The woman): A little serbian-cyrillic mixed in there now Mercy: "We aren't going to do anything to help this starman." She says with a defiant pout at the oracle. Gaiserich gets in a more combat-ready stance, raising his shield and clutching his spear. He hisses angrily. “Are you with the ‘Sssstarman’?” The woman: "We all are! His is the warm embrace of the Ancients! The mighty flame of creation his to command! His return means the grand plan is in motion again! With his light, he will shine out a blazing glory of design!" "...do you not know his story?" Gaiserich: “No.” Jack: "So you're on board with all this head-exploding stuff, then?" Sophie: "This starman has claimed victims already. And all you have to tell us is that he is 'returning'. If we are to properly understand and celebrate this return, you would need to tell us everything." Gaiserich will listen. Know your enemy! The woman seems confused, a look of shock on her face. Then that mad smile returns and shes sees you with a glint shimmering in her eyes The woman: "Why, this all makes so much more sense now!" "OF COURSE, you wouldnt know the story of the Starman!" ! Nothing is on the original schema, so your paradoxically aligned consciousnesses wouldnt have attuned to the redesigned paramaters or configurations!" Sophie: "That sounds about right." The woman: "!" Gaiserich flicks his tongue. Mercy stands watching, the watery light of the grotto on her pale features as the young woman as she frowns at the words. "Those aren't even.. words!" P.P. A.: That's what happens when PCs hack your setting The woman slithers closer in the water, slinking through the murk, the rattle of heavy chains singing out from below the waters surface The woman: "Do you know the tale told of the embers? The words of creation? My forefathers, and their grand designs?" Jack nods in firm agreement with Mercy's statement Sophie: "I would have you start at the beginning. Context is important for understanding the starman. And do speak in such a way that our puny minds can readily absorb the information you wish to impart." Gaiserich: “The world wasss born from an dragon's egg,” the snakeman replies, speaking of the myths told by his people. Mercy: "No.." She says, tilting her head to the side, listening, but frustrated, confused by the woman. P.P. A.: Dragons are snake-like but they can fly like birds (birds are scary); and they breathe fire, so they're like the sun that gives life. Super-primordial. Clang notices the chains and sees if there are any hints on who crafted them...and how long they might reach should this Jinn decide on a foolish course of violence. The woman: "Oh the tales! There are so many to tell! But yes, as Sophie says, we must start at the beginning and build upward...much like our creators did" " "And our creators were apart from that nothingness, and saw there should be a thing. They spoke the Word, and creation sprang from their tongues" P.P. A.: [Microsoft Word is an awkward program to code a universe in] The woman: "There were many of them, , and their works were as many as their number. They willed our lands into being. Places the stars in the heavens. Quickened life into the land. Shook the earth and carved mountain and plain. Theirs was the weaving of reality and form and they were masterful artisans" "My people were their servitors. I am Djinn, and we are a pale shadow of them. We were granted the knowledge of their creation, to best care for it and serve it's cultivation." "But in the spaces where they built was another. The Darkness." "A shadow of their creation, cast from their mighty light. An accidental, unintended side-effect. A random element, not accounted for in statistical basis or information gathering subroutines. An anomaly. Aberrant." "Evil Gaiserich can agree with that. Clang nods Dwarvishly Mercy listens. Sophie: "There can be no light without darkness." Gaiserich wonders if that's true. Jack barely listens to the conversation, instead evaluating the fire lady for potential weaknesses The woman 's voice darkens, sad, as she continues The woman: "The wars fought on the great creation were dark and terrible. Eons of conflict and strife. Your people carved their names in blood and bone for generations to come to this time, this place. "Demons have always threatened your existence. From the first plague of undeath that laid low the Dwarven Empire, to the strife of darkness cloaked over the elven court, and the meager existence of men. None of you have been so glorious or capable as the first children of the Progenitors!" Sophie mutters quietly to herself. "You can say that again." The woman: "Until the and wiped the world clean" The woman shivers, with either excitement, or some kind of reverence The woman: "He came to us, some years ago by your reckoning, when jack might have still been at the teat" she grins " Gaiserich: “And now hisssss follower made people'sss heads explode and their corpssses walk,” mutters resentfully. The woman: "He erased the worst of your kind from the world, levelled mountains and raised valleys. He removed the strange device your peoples had built, The ansible of Spirits, and waved his hand ever so slightly to return the world to an order" "And now, that he has returned, he can return the Djinn to their rightful place at his side!" Sophie: "And our group here plays a part in this, which you regard highly?" The woman nods immediately and furiously, the waters rippling in her excitement The woman: "Yes! Absolutely! Your coming means that his return is foretold " Jack: "And we're supposed to kill you or something? And then your starman comes back?" The woman grins even more, her smile stretching further along her jaw than should be natural The woman: "I can only assume so, Jack. What other fate would you have for me?" Gaiserich: “We could jusssst leave.” Mercy considers a moment. "Well, I think it would be best if we left.. I don't think you are right. I mean. Your words of the creation of the world sound.. very much like what I would expect from a Titan's child." Gaiserich doesn't like this djinn, she's insane too; but she's chained and in some dark cave, so maybe they can just leave her here.” Rolling 3d6 = 14v12 (Gullibility) him to return. Clang: "Aye, those chains look strong enough to bind you while we ensure this matter harms no innocents. Perhaps you would live to see this golden age of Djinn if you could help us?" Sophie: "You speak as if these events were predestined. And knew of our arrival beforehand. That means that events even past these have also been predestined. If we are to ensure the Starman returns as expected, we would need to know the rest of the prophecy." "As surely you know that our little group isn't the most capable." The woman looks very confused now The woman: "You dont know....your own tale?" "You dont know whats going to happen?" Mercy blinks, looking to Sophie, starring at her a moment, worried. Clang: "I suppose, as an Oracle, you ask that often of people..." Sophie: "If we did not know the beginning of the tale, how could we know what's to come later?" The woman: "I tell the tale of creation to those who do not know it's words, but " Sophie: "As you yourself said, everything has to be built up." The woman: "Why would he...?" Sophie: "Clearly because we are notable. We play such an important part in what's to come, so surely it's prudent to tell us what we're to do next?" The woman: "...he never said...." she looks aghast, fearful and afraid "...he came and he righted the world, and his words spoke of the next coming. But he never what you would do...." Clang brightens significantly Clang: "Oh, excellent, I so hate learning the end of the story before I get to read it." The woman: "I had just assumed....since the word spoke of your names. Described your lives. Plotted the delta course of variables in alignment with the likelihoods proscribed by the probable fates..." Gaiserich: “Why do you believe him?” asks the guillible snake, which just believed the Djinn's words. Sophie: "Perhaps this is a test for you." The woman: "A test?" Sophie: "We come to you, a group of grays in a world torn between black and white, seeking a new path. And it is up to you which path we ultimately end up on." P.P. A.: (ignore the last comment, I misread what she said earlier) Ken (GM): [forgivable :P] The woman 's eyes rekindle with a spark of interest The woman: "You mean...he would trust me....to write the words of creation?" Mercy blinks, tilting her head to the side as she shifts her weight and watches. Her ears perked curiously as she seems to engage in a riddle contest with the jinn. Sophie: "I'd imagine it is an opportunity that came to them similarly. Great things like this aren't planned or handed out to you to prepare for." The woman: "The heroes test!" "The trials of experience! The great unknown and challenge of the possible future unresolved from quantum entanglement!" Clang smiles and shrugs noncommittally Mercy makes a mental note to ask Sophie what the strange fire lady said. Gaiserich turns his neck to Mercy, noticing her being similarly confused as him. “Sssshe sssaid the Starman fought evil and re-made the world, and—” he whispers, when he realises something. Gaiserich addresses the Djinn: “When and why did the Ssstarman leave?” Gaiserich: “Where is he now?” The woman: "The Starman stepped from creation, to the worlds of the Precursors, above. His work complete, he left behind the lights of his power to guide us by, to be taken up again by those worthy of their capacity." "He ascended, to the higher plane. The great white light of creation" Sophie: "Presumably the prophecy would have our journey end with his return." The woman nods, fire hair waving in the warming air The woman: "Yes! If you truly are heroes of legend, spoken to being by Him, then gather up his mantle and herald his return!" Sophie: "And naturally, should we go the wrong way, his return will be halted, or delayed?" The woman: "Truly, but then his plan would necessitate other actualities to prevent this. You cannot fail." Sophie glanced to the others quickly with a wink The woman: "The only recourse woul dbe to have fall-back provisioning of probabilities and eventualities. Recursive events. A cyclic stopgap measure" Jack: "Naturally" Mercy whispers to Jack. "Don't tease the jinn!" The woman: "Likely memetic distribution of information to the lower levels of conscious meta-realitiy, attuned to the sociological substrate of knowledge and lore determined by cultural normality?" Gaiserich wags the tip his tail and muses. He asks another question of the Djinn: “Are there otherssss, like the witch we killed, who try to ssssumon the Starman?” The woman: "....what?...." Mercy: "Mayflower, the Elf, was calling to the Starman and seemed to be trying to summon him. We brought her to the Patriach, but when he talked to her.. his head exploded." The woman looks genuinely befuddled by the snakeman's question. Stopped dead in her thoughts Sophie: "So ultimately, I ask of you to guide us to where we can accomplish our journey the most efficiently, and tell us what to do avoid or destroy if we don't want delays or setbacks. Also, we should know the greatest enemies of the Starman so we can do something about them too." Gaiserich: “The woodscent—” He nods to Mercy, grateful that she remembered the common word for these people when he didn't. The woman 's eyes move back and forth between you, glowing and dimming rapidly, back and forth. She frowns Sophie stands back and lets the others go first, though. The woman: "Sophie, they speak of the events transpiriing...what of witches and summoning? The Starman is no common Demon, or Fae. He is a . " P.P. A.: (doesn't help that I hit the wrong key and accidentally reloaded the page) The woman: "You, silver blooded one" she points at Clang "What ar ethey saying?" Clang raises an eyebrow Sophie: "Just tell her what we encountered in the forest, and above ground tonight too." Clang: "Think of it as you said...you have the opportunity to help pen a great story of your hero's return." is confused. It seems like a simple matter, plus if she nows so much, she should be aware of what happened to them over the last few days, too. Mercy: "She called to him. Said he was comeing and she was prepareing the way.. I don't remember her exact words." Gaiserich: “We only came here because sssshe ssspoke of the Starman, and wass trying to summon him.” The woman laughs, incredulous The woman: "She what? Called to him? Did she cup her flesh-hands and shout to the skies?" Clang: "But our first hearing of this Starman was in an encounter of madness and blood. Perhaps this is not what he will bring, and not what was intented. We came to you to learn the truth." Gaiserich: “She ssaid the Starman came to her in her dreamsss, so she built a strange stone-tree with lightning.” Clang: "And since you now tell us of a great path leading to his return, then I must ask you if you intend to help us ensure that path to your new golden age is not one that lays waste to the souls, hearts or flesh of allies on this prophecy, and would likely be all too happy to see your Djinn's golden age return should it not harm others." Mercy: "Five points, a sacrafied heart, liveing crystal at it's center?" She says, trying to recall the details as she stands there with the others. The woman looks aghast The woman: "what do you mean? She was working magic and summoned him? " Gaiserich: “Ssshe tried.” Sophie: "She was able to kill the Patriarch though a magical infection transmitted through her aura. The blood became animated and had a life of its own." The woman: "That does not...compute" "How could a mortal...do that?" Gaiserich feels a sense of satisfaction seeing the Djinn as the one who's confused now. P.P. A.: Maybe Mayflower was the Starman's Plan A; and we're Plan B (because we killed Plan A) The woman: "This sphere is not attuned to directed contact with the higher planes. There should be no possible way to have advanced the local physical reality to a point where civil infrastructure could support the required frequencies. Thats madness! Sophie: "She and the abominations she helped create were vulnerable to flames." Mercy: "Most of the time when mortals do things defiant to the will of the Light, it's because they have taken the Darkness into themselves." Clang: "Aye, madness seemed to be the conduit." Sophie: "What concerned me the most was that she had lived a relatively normal mortal life until recently. She had to have been touched by the Starman, or a being claiming to be the Starman, somehow, and not long ago." The woman seems to draw in ward, she steps back. A hand slinks up from the pool and cups her chin as she ducks her head in thought....the hand is bound in a brassy metal gauntlet that glows with heat and hisses in the air Sophie: "If a civilian could suddenly become like that, it could happen to anyone else." The woman: "A being....claiming to be him" "By the word!" "By all creation" "It should not be so!" She seems aghast The woman looks up to you horrified and pleading Gaiserich nods to that. The woman: "You have to stop them!" Gaiserich: “The witches? Yes.” Mercy: "Well, yes. We aren't going to allow people to explode the heads of the elder races." The woman: "No! !" She speaks with a violent spite This mortal transgression will not stand!" Gaiserich: “The Starman the Woodssscent ssspoke of was false?” The woman GASPS The woman: "....oh no..." stand! They will come!" Sophie: "Yeah, we get that." The woman: "The countermeasures will have undoubtably be activated" Gaiserich looks weary. “Please, ssspeak more clearly.” Gaiserich is leaning on his shield now. Mercy stands by, looking confused. "The Light will answer the challenge of a fallen Titan interfering in His world, of course.. but that's what we are doing. We will do the Light's will and make sure things go as they should." The woman: "No, Mercy and Light aside, there will be blood" Sophie: "There's been blood. What can we do to ensure that no more innocent blood is spilled from here on?" The woman: "The Progenitors works were protected; failsafes bake dinto the weave so that such an occurrence, as impossible as it could be, should not undo their works." "Sophie, you must stop the false speaker of The Word before he unmakes us all. The failsafes would undo us all to see our reality secured against tampering" Sophie: "OK." "Here's a thought, though." Clang: [https://i.imgur.com/F4XNio0.jpg] Ken (GM): [kek] P.P. A.: fellas we gotta protetc GrimWyrd.exe from the evil hacker and summon tech support (the Starman) Mercy: "Well, sure. The progenitors.. Titans.. may have made mistakes making the world, but we won't allow it to be harmed. We will stop this vile cult. The Will of the Light will be done." She fidgets a little. "And that means yes.. blood." Gaiserich takes a deep breath. Sophie: "You spoke of the countermeasures to be set in place against them. Yet our arrival and its consequences were not spoken of." "Could we not be the very countermeasures spoken of?" Ken (GM) shakes her head The woman: * Gaiserich: “Ssso, Sssstarman doesss not drive people ins—” Well, looking at her… “… doesss not make the dead walk, and people'sss heads explode?” The woman: "I would not describe you as 'Their number untold, stretching horizon to horizon in legion and rank. Forms many and multitudes, depths of order and purpose uncomparable to their lack of empathy and obdurate duty. They should be summoned to face any threat to reality grave enough to threaten the security of the creators. Their will, done in Their name, through the failsafe security protocols" Sophie: "Hm. Then perhaps it is through our actions or inaction that would see these countermeasures rise up." Gaiserich looks at the party. Gaiserich shakes his head. The woman: "You, I would describe more as....mortal matrices of postulated capability, bound on the contraints of the realm to which your consciousnesses extend Mercy: "That sounds like a Titan-created army.. golems, no Shem to give them thoughts and life" She shivers at the thought. Rosettsara: (I wonder if the villain will be voiced by Tony Jay) Ken (GM): [ron perlman] Sophie: "So, to get to the point...as agents against the false Starman, we must journey to help stop the false, and bring back the real." Gaiserich: “Make them fight!”, the snakeman blurts out gleefully. Ken (GM): "Yes, truly. Go to where the godhead might still be, or have been, and either track those who would have usurped it, or return it to it's rightful place for His return!" Mercy: "I'm not sure I want to unleash a Titan on the world.. but we will make sure this cult is stopped. Can you give us leads to where they might be?" The woman: "The godhead would be where the Starman left it, to be taken up again on his return. Where he performed his work, adjunct to reality in the interstitial plane of matter and thaumatology. Where the Ansible once nods. "I think maybe.. I don't know. But I do know that she won't get us to summon the Starman. This world has had enough of Titans shaping it as they will." P.P. A.: Mercy understandably has trouble interpreting the flicker and steam of the Djinn's wavering visage Ken (GM): detect fo sho lol Gaiserich nods, a dark look on his face. Mercy can't tell much about her while she hangs out in the hot tub in the grotto. Jack: "Now I can't say I've spent much time looking at maps, but Gorgoth's a bit of a trek, isn't it?" Ken (GM): >eyes th ebubbles suspiciously Sophie: "It wouldn't be a heroic tale if important things were easily accessible." The woman: "Jack, I doubt the universe would have chosen someone incapable of a little walking. After all, they arent all murderous snake men down there" Gaiserich: “I've been to Gorgoth, but I don't know it very well.” Gaiserich perks up. Mercy: "The fens are.. two hundred miles away? Something like that?" Gaiserich: “Well, can't ‘walk’,” Gaiserich replies—making a joke, rather than being autistic, though. Mercy giggles a bit. Mercy feels better at the joke. Relaxing, the tension easing. The woman: "I...cannot fathom the distance, though no tbecause it is large. Rather, the world is not as it was" "The workings of the Starman altered your world to accomodate the plans. I was created before then, by the First. He came Second, and did his works" Mercy blinks at the jinn, tilting her head slowly to the side. "Oh.. Well, I'm sure we can find a map. Are there any landmarks? Will we know this place when we see it?" The woman: "Originally, the mountain retreat stood on the continental shelf of mountains adjoining the two tectonic regions of this sub continent. The escarpment raised up through karst material, making it a worthy placement of the mortal artifact design and structure. When the Starman performed his working, he found it fitting and somewhat cosmically suited to invert the landscape. I suspect the mantle was seated at the lowest point of the Fens Gaiserich: The snakeman mulls over the words—at least those he understands:“A valley!” The woman nods, slowly Clang: "I don't mean to claim expert knowledge on these realms, but I suspect there are many valleys." Mercy: "So.. look for the largest canyon? Most of those words just.." She blushes. She hopes everyone else felt lost too.. Gaiserich looks at Mercy's face. “Your cheeks are warm,” he notes, infravison be thanked. Sophie: "If the oracle would rather us not get lost, perhaps she knows of other identifiers to look for?" The woman frowns The woman: "I...dont know how to describe it any more simply than that. Your senses are limited..." she seems to sound at least, apologetic Sophie: "If we were to learn the skill of detecting auras, would the location be made easier to discover?" The woman alights at that P.P. A.: Between us we have sight, darkvision, touch, hearing, smell, Discriminatory Smell x2, Infravision, Vibration Sense senses does she want? Doc: Common The woman: "Yes! Of course! The godhead would be unmistakably charged with the thaumatological matter of this realm. Anyone with magical power should be able to detect it in a logarythmically determined are of effect! P.P. A.: :DDDDDDDD Sophie: "The false Starman also apparently utilizes auras to infect others. It is something we'd need to get used to, regardless." The woman: "Clanggeden, have you yet embraced your fellows with the rituals of The Stonehearted paladins of Yore?" "Or have you reach embraced the blood rituals of the dragonspeakers?" Jack looks at Sophie with some concern. "Isn't that why the Patriarch's head exploded and ours didn't?" The woman: "perhaps Jack has training by the lorekeepers of grayhold and awoken the Circle of Yrth-Traggen?" Gaiserich nods to Jack's statement. “Auras are dangerousss.” Clang: "I'm afraid I don't speak with dragons...but...yes..I suppose I can feel the auras when they are present." Sophie: "Just because we are magically blind does not mean there isn't a whole world out there to be seen." The woman: "...Are you the one?..." Clang looks around to the others. Clang: "I...I don't know. It's never been something I've , only observed." Mercy says quietly by watching, her eyes wide a touch. "What? I mean, I'm not a mage. Few wolf-blooded are." Gaiserich stares back. not making the impression of being the master of mysteries, seeër of the unseen. Clang looks down at his hands and shrugs, seeming to pause in a silent prayer for a moment, then looks back up with a renewed smile Sophie: "It's a start." Clang: "Yes, I think with practice, I may be able to feel out the auras, even if I cannot see them." Jack: "Warn us if your head's about to explode, then." Gaiserich: “We'll hear the ssscreams.” The woman: "You must stop them; the Usurper cannot be allowed to destroy your world. Intentionally or not" Clang: "It's the unintentional world cataclysms that are the danger. Gaiserich skeptically eyes the apparition. It all doesn't sit right with him. Jack: "I'm alright with the world not being destroyed." Mercy: "Thank you for your time, Ma'am." The woman: "May the Light and the Word protect and serve your destiny, Mercy" Clang bows at that and nods Sophie: "You'd think hearing such words a second time would be just as impactful as the first time, but this world never fails to surprise." Mercy blinks at that, but bows her head to the firey woman. Sophie: "Thank you for imparting your wisdom upon us." Clang looks her over and ponders Clang: "And what of you while we travel?" Sophie: "Do you still wish for death?" Mercy blinks. "Miss Sophie!" The woman: "I...do not. I wish for resolution, but knowing you do the work of the Creators gives me....hope?" Sophie smiles. "Good." Sophie: "Never let me catch you saying such a thing again." Gaiserich: “Ssshe is chained. Hunting chained animalss is theft,” Gaiserich reprimands Sophie, not entirely sure if this applies here, but it seems relevant. The woman slinks back at that, frightful, plunging back to the water up to her eyes.... Sophie: "Hope is always there. Never give up on it again." Mercy: "Oh.. yes." She relaxes, the question bothered her but she understands what Sophie was going for now. Mercy turns to leave the grotto. Jack: "I don't mind." Jack shrugs and turns to the fire lady. "Call me if you need to die, or you're just feeling lonely." Doc: [assuming she looks human enough for innuendo] The woman winks at Jack Sophie: "Hold on to it. Once you lose it, the darkness will claim you." P.P. A.: [well, she's certainly hot] Doc: [:DDDDDD] Clang: "I am unfamiliar with your kind...so forgive me if I misinterpret your chains... but must you be bound? Is it by crime, or purpose you must stay here? For if you serve the light, then I would let you choose. If not now, then as soon as possible." The woman blinks at the question The woman: " I am bound?" Clang ponders for a moment Mercy looks back and sees if those rusted chains and brass are acutelly connected to anything. Clang: "Well, at least...the chains would indicate it...again, for us perhaps, I do not know if they bind you as our flesh would be." The woman raises her hands from the water, rising up from the waters. Her hair rises and unfurls to a roaring bonfire flame and her body is a riot of color and heat as she ascends The woman: "I am not bound here. I reside here for the protection of mortals" Gaiserich looks on in awe. Clang smiles brightly at that Clang: "Ahh, then I am doubly glad." Doc: ["I'm not locked in here with you. You're locked in here with me."] Gaiserich is also made slightly nervous by how she could, apparently, have attacked them at any time until now. Clang: "Forgive my assumptions." Jack feels vindicated for having had his mind on his dagger Jack can't help but wonder how useful a knife would be, however Clang turns to his compatriots and shrugs. Clang: "Shall we make ready for our next journey, then?" The woman descends back ot the pool, the heat shimmering and disappearing into the misty cool waters Sophie: "Hopefully we can find a place here to rest without the smell of death and infected blood present." Gaiserich: “I hope ssso too.” Mercy shields her face from the heat, then nods as she turns to go. "Good evening" Gaiserich: “Goodbye.” Gaiserich slithers out, in no rush. At least she heated up this damp cave, so it wasn't uncomfortable. Jack winks back at the steaming djinni and turns to leave Clang: "Well, that was..." [Dwarfpun] Sophie would be the last to leave, turning to face the woman silently one last time before heading out. The woman holds her gaze, simmering in the water Mercy: "I'm not sure how much we can trust what she said, but I think it may be worth investgateing this valley in the fens." Ken (GM) the Young man who opened the grotto for you sits on a nearby stone sarcophagous, looking expectant yet nervous Clang pats the boy on the shoulder Clang: "We're not eaten!" Sophie: "It's fine." Gaiserich: “Yesss… She might be trying to trick ussss, but if she needs ussss to sssummon the Starman, we jussst have to not do it.” “I never accidentally ssssummoned an evil demon before, and I wouldn't touch ssstrange magical implements that could.” P.P. A.: [unlike our previous party, which did in fact touch strange magical implements and accidentally summoned an evil demon, who then ended the world.] Sophie: "If you would help us get accommodations for the night, we will leave and trouble you no more." Jack: "And some spare clothes, if you would." Sophie: "Yes, that too." Mercy: "Blankets, food and traveling money if the Order here can spare it." She says meekly. "I'm sorry, again, about your master. I did not know him but he seemed like a good man." Ken (GM): "Uh...wow, sure. You want to just use the safehouse then?" he gestures to the blood splattered cabin you spoke with the patrician some hours ago "Or would that be too....dirty?" Mercy: "I.. ah.. I think I would prefer to sleep outside in that case. Is that where the supplies would be?" She ask, braceing herself for needing to go into that place. "I suppose.. I don't want to sleep there, but I could help clean it. I'd hate to leave a mess like that to you." Sophie: "...Too traumatic, i'd say." Gaiserich: “I can sssleep outssside,” Gaiserich notes. He brought his tent, and there is firewood lying around. Fiss: [gotta run folks! Fun session so far! Don't summon Evil Starman without me, alright?] Rosettsara: (I can only promise to try) P.P. A.: [We'll let you press the button!] Ken (GM): The man shrugs and sighs "This isnt the worst thing to happen here, I'm sad to say. Just thankfully, the last thing to happen thanks to him." He gestures to the far cabin "I cant assure its empty of mice, but theres another building we use to store things in here, if youd prefer to have a hearth. it's not yet warm though this season" Sophie: "I have plenty of soap for cleaning up the mess." Ken (GM): He opens up the cabin on the other side of the lane, again extracting a heavy iron key from his robes to unlock the door latch, and he leaves the door open for you. "I have an unfortunate amount of experience in cleaning up blood miss, save your soap to your pretty hair" he smirks, walking back up the lane to leave you folks to your devices Mercy: "I'm very happy to use the far cabin, thank you.. Should we clean now, or settle in for the night?" Mercy has plenty of chores to keep her occupied, from cleaning the firearm to praying to updateing her journal. She takes a deep breath and waves to the cheeky young man. "He seemed nice." Gaiserich wouldn't mind a snack before bed, so mice sound good. Sophie: "Yeah. Too nice for this business." Clang: " Do you think they fry as well as a good fat roach would, Gaiserich?" Mercy nods to Sophie as she goes into the cabin, looking around for anything stored inside. Curiously peeking into the boxes and shelves. Gaiserich: “Much better,” he replies from experience. Gaiserich keeps an open eye for the mice as he works to light the hearth. Clang the cabin is definitely out of use; a layer of dust on everything. But definitely cleaner than outside. Boxes and tarped rolls of things in a far room, with space for bedrolls in another. A cold hearth in the you're concerned about my health, feel free to come and help me with any hard-to-reach places. Wouldn't want to miss a spot," he says to the doctor without an ounce of subtlety before turning to leave. Ken (GM) the Snek is very still for a short while, then WHACK his spear into a dark corner. A fat mouse on the tip, the size of your fist Ken (GM): vibration sense + reach = mouse trap P.P. A. licks his non-existent lips and goes to roast the mouse on the hearth. P.P. A.: er Gaiserich licks his non-existent lips and goes to roast the mouse on the hearth. Ken (GM): lel Sophie will pursue a more thorough bath and get clean clothes tonight Ken (GM): oh lawd Joush M.: any supplies in here? At least a few blankets or something? Gaiserich will offer Clang a bite since he seemed interested. Ken (GM): yes; you can scavenge some in a bolt, bundled round back. There are sealed boxes nailed shut, and some large casks too. Smells like dried foodstuffs Clang snores away Sophie places a blanket over Clang Gaiserich curls up near the hearth, covered in a blanket, after his little snack. Joush M.: hypotheically, is anyone going to be grumpy if someone was to open the nailed boxes? P.P. A.: snug snek Mercy stares curiously at the nailed-closed box, leaning in and sniffing it thoughtfully. Rosettsara: (Some food would be nice) Mercy tries to -quitely- pry open the box. The sound is likely quite louad as the nails come free. "Dry meat and.. spices?" Mercy also cuts a few blankets from the bolt of cloth, hemming them at the edges neatly with swift, sure stiches. Any remaining cloth is put near the fire, with a thought to replacing the clothes she lost. Sophie: "Sounds good." Ken (GM) the meat is some kind of heavily seasoned dried red meat in bundled strips. it's tough, but very very flavorful. The box squeals a bit as it pops open, but it opens easily enough Ken (GM): [roight, so, cleaning yourselves up. Pilfering a meal from the dwarven goods. Making a nice warm if spartan bed for the night.] [anything im missing?] Mercy uses the meat to make some stew over the fire, bits of the dried stuff mixed with dried peas, oats and onion as she hums to herself before getting to her sewing until she's calmed, and tired, enough to sleep. "We should pack some of this up to take with us, I think.." Sophie has some meat before going off to acquire new clothes and cleaning herself better now that there's no hurry. Joush M.: Yep! Nothing Mercy is doing really needs to be played out, I think. It's basically just housekeeping Ken (GM): very good; nothing like a little soup to get the living blood out of your memories Rosettsara: (And after all that, Sophie's just going to go to sleep) Ken (GM): also a sane response Gaiserich is already asleep—though, lacking eyelids, his eyes remain wide open. Ken (GM): oh dang; now theres an oddity Gaiserich is huddled up under his blanket though, so he is hard to see. Doc: [does jack receive extra clothes] Ken (GM): [if jack goes a-looking, possibly. Checking the safehouse?] Rosettsara: (presumably Sophie would be looking there for new clothes too?) Joush M.: Ooh, now I want to check the safehouse too. I did offer to help clean it Doc: he just went to go wash up, assuming clean clothes were on the way Rosettsara: (Unless it's something we can just pass off as happening offscreen before the adventure resumes in the morning) Ken (GM) By lanternlight, you rifle through the safehouse; the patrician had it stocked with what appear to be casks of freshwater and beer in the back room, as well as three quiet rooms in the back. There are trunks in each, with a few sets of linen clothes as well as spare boots is a remarkably domesticated young wolf. Handy with the needle and thread from her little kit, as well as a decent cook. Part of this is purely self-defense. With thirty six inch legs there are very few things that fit her. Ken (GM): there are 6 spare sets of these clothes here. making a bundle of spares for yourself? Joush M.: Sure. Mercy will fix some for herself and Sophia, and Jack should be able to wear a different outfit on different days.. Jack wraps the spare cloak around the head of his axe to form a rudimentary bindle unless there's a proper backpack or something to use Ken (GM): ayy Rosettsara: (Sounds good. Sophie also still has a good cloak, so the spare cloaks can be used for other purposes if needed) Ken (GM): there is not a backpack, but good use of the cloaks Jack asks Mercy to adjust his clothes, particularly the hem of his trousers Ken (GM): kek Doc: the nicest thing he already owned was a Status -1 cloak Mercy will, if nothing else, bundle them up and keep spare fabric. She innocently doesn't think much of that, measuring Jack and chalking a line on him, the teenager's hands tugging the seam and hemming the trousers to match his inseam. Ken (GM): Doc: I don't think I need to spell it out but he's not gonna let her get away with not understanding Mercy seems suprised at that, her innocent eyes wideing and realizeing just -were- her hand has touched. Then she's growling at him. It's a animal sound with shineing amber eyes and she pushes him away. It's gently, but enough to send the young rouge falling back amid the pile of clothes. "Don't tease me, Sir! I know what I am!" Mercy gets up and leaves in a huff to cool down. Ken (GM): O.o not where I saw that going Joush M.: I have to ask.. where did you think? Ken (GM): ANYWHO NIGHT FALLS Sophie: "Ah, how the horrors are so quickly forgotten and life returns to normal." Gaiserich dreams that he fights and defeats a large mouse, whose head then explodes; the dream switches over to him exploring a cave, and finding there a fire-woman who hugs him. It's not painful. Ken (GM): kek Sophie had just been watching that scene unfold without saying a word Ken (GM) Night wraps itself over the Abbey, and the pale rush of the waters sliding by lulls you into a sleep. The portents of the Oracle have been dire, but so too have been your lives to now. Tomorrow you will rise, better prepared for the adventure ahead of you. Ken (GM) After all, what could be simpler? Stop a renegade pretender Precursor from destroying the world by triggering the failsafes built into reality...how hard could that be? Ken (GM): [allright, so a good narrative point to cut to; youve got an ominous vaguely defined mission, an amorphous group of allies to call on, and a detail free list of things to do looming. ] UNITL NEXT WEEK Rosettsara: Yay~ P.P. A.: \o/ Joush M.: Thank you for the game! It was a lot of fun and strange. Ken (GM): okay, 4 XP for the each of ya Joush M.: Any old rugs/spare thick fabric suitable for making a pack out of? Ken (GM): yeah I think so. Definitely some oiled canvas, at least. Like a small tarp's worth Joush M.: Perfect Ken (GM): ~6ft by 6ft Joush M.: Enough material for a few packs. Almost tempting to keep it intact as a rain fly.. Ken (GM): or an impromptu parachute? Joush M.: The first materials for our crude orinthopher Jack shrugs as Mercy storms out. "Nice girl. I've had harsher rejections." Doc: [late because afk, imagine this was timed appropriately] Ken (GM): hey hey hey oh man, it is a "make soup" kinda day Doc: Joush M.: Cold, or just lots of soup ingreedents laying around? Doc: >soup ingredients you mean salt and water? Ken (GM): friggin -10C and snowing it was +15C yesterday so a day to make soup and heat the house everyone else enjoy canadian turkey day off? Joush M.: If this trend continues in five days it will be -135 degrees. This will help solve global warming when somewhere around next Tuesday carbon dioxide starts falling out of the air like snow. Ken (GM): kek Rosettsara: There, it took forever to load for some reason Ken (GM): heyo! Rosettsara: Sorry about that Ken (GM): bah, Just got on myself, no worries assuming doc and ppa sound off, were all here anyways. Fiss is sick as dawgs, so if he shows up, we get dorfiss. if no, we get kenpcdorf P.P. A.: \o Doc: in a couple minutes, seeing my dad off rn Ken (GM): Doc: alright it's no longer soup time but rather game time Ken (GM): huzzah Ken (GM) Where last we left our heroes... Ken (GM) The Sunrise abbey is a quiet and contemplative place, and the horror of the night before is now merely a heap of ash and charred wood in the cartpath. You have slept as easy as possible, exhausted and strung out from the experience: living blood, unseen contaigen spread by aura, and madness of flesh not brought here by a wizard's power. The Oracle, cryptic and quite mad herself, at least has given some directive to the events. Ken (GM) The Starman is returned, and his pretender sits on his throne. Her urgings thrust you South to Gorgoth where you may be able to extract answers from the fens and swamps, infested by the dark-touched beastmen. Perhaps truth will not elude you on your quest for answers, illuminating the darkness that threatens to surround you P.P. A.: She told us not to blow it 'She's Gaiserich roused from his sleep a little earlier to honour the rising sun. Mercy rises early to pray and contemplate the last night, asking for guidance and the strength to do what is asked of her before she washes up and prepares breakfast. Looking up occasionally to see if the young man that serves the Order has come to see them. Sophie woke up relatively early herself, ensuring the mule was fed and taken care of. She went quietly going about her morning routine without disturbing the others. Clang , sensing the dour mood, goes about making sure there is nothing amiss in their passing, tidying the space and occupying himself with the work. "A busy dwarf is a useful dwarf" Jack slept peacefully but with a hand gripping the hilt of his knife. He has clearly awoken at least once, but it's never clear whether he has fallen back to sleep or is simply keeping his eyes closed. Sophie looks around for a map to consult. Clang sets then to finding five cups, and makes for the back pantry of the safehouse. He returns eventually, hands full of what looks to be dark beer kept cool, freshly tapped Gaiserich , after having lit some incense made from herbs he collected in the forest and a few he nabbed from the monastery gardens, goes to inspect his equipment, sharpen his blades, etc.. He is in no bad mood. The sun rose again today, and he will return to the forest soon, back into his element. Clang: "Ladies. Jack. Gaiserich. Join me, in a blessing, for those who have passed" Gaiserich looks confused. “What do I have to do?” Mercy: "Yes, Mister Clang." She says obediently, setting the food at a table and blinking in surprised at the scent of insense. Walking over and kneeling, her hands folding in prayer and head bowing. Jack is unresponsive. Asleep or indifferent. Gaiserich does not kneel. Clang: "Take a cup, make sure we each have one" He nudges jack with a boot Sophie: "Very well. It is a tradition that does no harm." She does what needs doing that others are not. Gaiserich looks at what the others are doing and tries to imitate them as he follows Clang's instructions. Jack rouses slowly and plays along Clang makes to pressing a cup into each of your hands. He makes sure Jack doesnt spill, and smiles to each of you Mercy blinks, then nods and takes the cup. Sophie accepts the cup without resistance. Clang: "We are hunters. I am a dwarf. Those who died tonight did so because of our actions, intentional or not." He looks down into the brown liquid, smiling a tiny bit "It is the way of my people, that should you not be able to return to your home, to your clan, and be put among the honored dead, at least you should be burned, turned to ashes and cinders, so that your body would take to the winds and one day, fly home" Clang raises his cup, in a kind of salute Clang: "May they find their way home, each" Clang drinks Gaiserich nods to those words. After hesitating for a moment, he also lifts his cup, and cautiously takes a sip. Mercy lifts the cup and drinks. "Amen, Mister Clang." She lifts the cup and drinks. Sophie follows procedure as best she can and raises the cup before drinking. Such customs weren't unfamiliar to her, at least. Ken (GM) The beer is cool and rich, and the tang of alcohol takes a bit of the edge off, at least directly. As the morning brightens and the sky lightens, the smell of the bonfire is drowned out with sweet warmer wind and the freshwater of the land around you. Clang happily drains his cup and smacks his lips, smiling broadly. "Oh, that man had good taste in Dwarven brews. Fine choice to keep in store, a good sendof ffor him, im sure" Clang: "Right then" the dwarf looks about the brightening grounds of the Abbey, and the smears of carnage from overnight "Whats the next step then, eh?" Jack: "A fine sendoff for us, as well," Jack adds. "Don't think we should be sticking around here much longer." Mercy seems suprised at that, looking at the beer curiously and finishing it, then cleaning her cup before considering his question. "We need supplies. Silver, weapons, blankets and food if we are to venture south." Jack perks up at the mention of silver Sophie: "Marching straight into Gorgoth and finding our destination quickly is pretty much not going to happen. At the very least we need supplies for a long haul and to gather some clues." Gaiserich also empties his cup. “We go to the place the Oracle mentioned,” he answers Clang. Clang: "Aye, a good inclination that; no army marches to war unarmed" He chuckles at that, looking at his own hands "Well, you know what I mean" Gaiserich looks around at the talk of supplies. “Ah, you do not have all you need?” Jack: "We're neither an army nor unarmed, but silver and food? Count me in." Clang: "Where do we supply then? Patty here had little in the way of silvered swords and holy vestements, at least tucked away with the beer" Sophie: "And since we are dealing with magical beings and foes, we will need to obtain some degree of aura proficiency along the way in order to shorten the gap." Mercy: "There is food here, at least. We should take.. let's see, fourteen pounds per person? Enough for a week. I should ask the Order's representive here if there is anything he can offer." Sophie: "The mule can handle the load, anyway." Clang: "That poor boy, without a master to guide his hands now" the dorf looks dour Gaiserich: “The forests are rich. We can hunt.” Gaiserich pauses for a moment. “…warmbloods eat a lot, though. Bringing food may be good.” Sophie: "Master Clang, the boy had every opportunity to abandon his duties and seek safe, comfortable locales to hide in, and yet he stayed. He will be fine." Mercy: "He will rise to the challenge, I hope. The poor young man." She bows her head at the thought, then nods and looks out of the place they'd spent the night. "I shall go see if I can find him. Would anyone care to come with me?" Sophie: "I've got something to ask of him, anyway. Let's go." Sophie was already packed to leave, anyway. Clang makes sure his small bag stays packed, and takes the cue to get ready to head out. "I wonder if there is any cheese in the larder" he wonders aloud Gaiserich gathers up his meager possessions. His speartip is sharp, his ropes sturdy, his tent without holes. All is well. Ken (GM) the young master is found at his home up the lane, apparently stacking firewoodnear his back door Ken (GM) He waves as you approach, no trace of joy on his face "Is the work done then? The evil of their forms cleansed in flame?" Sophie: "It is so. Before we depart, we are in need of a few more little things, however." She stepped to the side for Mercy to take the front stage. Jack ties his new clothes in a bindle around the head of his axe. Witch-hunting hasn't exactly paid well so far, but he's better off than he was a week ago. Mercy nods to the young man, the tall, lean hunter in her dark leathers and inclineing her head to him, gaze averted to avoid confronting him with those eerie amber eyes. "If there is anything the Order can spare the Oracle has given us a vision.. or.. perhaps just a lead? It will take us to the Fens of Gorgoth. We require traveling money, weapons and other supplies." Ken (GM) He sighs, but looks more resigned than anything else "Take whatever Hunters will need. For the Order" He gestures back to the safehouse "There is food, cloaks, and what other things you might require. You have more decency than most to ask before leaving with these items though." Ken (GM): "I will attend with you; I must...prepare the Patrician's things. See to it that it appears he is left for long travels, with such an...unannounced departure there will of course be questions from the Abbey" Mercy nods to him somberly. "My condolences, and thank you for your work. I will try very hard to at least leave things in order." Ken (GM): "Think nothing of it Miss; The patrician was a wise and capable member of the Order, but we will prevail." Sophie: "Even if we can't find everything we'd need for the journey, the Order will have agents in place along the way who can help us. On that note, if it is known to you, could you tell us of Order agents and safehouses in between here and Gorgoth, as well as within Gorgoth itself?" Ken (GM) He walks with you back to the cottages. He frowns at Sophie's question though Ken (GM): "As far as I would have known, The Order has not sent a hunt into the wilds for some time. Though the last to have gone would have under the guidance of Glardenfen's Lord, Marshall Geralds." Mercy goes obediently back to the cottages, carefully searching and inventorying to see if she can find the things they need while the amazonian young woman keeps an ear out for the response. "If I recall correctly we will have to pass near the keep in any case." Sophie: "Makes sense. Hang in there, okay? When you give in to the fear, that's when true darkness emerges." Ken (GM): [within the cottages, there is plenty of foodstuffs to go around, between cheese bread and dried fruits. As well, the cases of dwarven jerked meats.] [The young Master busies himself in the Patrician's cottage] Sophie goes to fetch the mule so that the supplies can be loaded onto it. Ken (GM): [good plan] [Other than the aforementioned bits, you guys nabbing anything else from the stores?] Mercy neatly wraps and bundles rations, showing that there is, indeed, good hard cheese for a hard journey available and packing them neatly up for transport before she rolls up a blanket and some spare cloth to work on fresh clothes while on the trip. She seems a touch disappointed at the lack of tools, weapons or money, but gets over it. Joush M.: Any chance for firearms, shot, powder or money? Jack looks for a backpack and waterskin at the least, along with keeping an eye open for any more clothes or weapons he might be able to use Ken (GM): [the Patrician didnt appear to store anything like weapons, aside from kitchen knives and forks. You found the oiled cloaks in the spare rooms last night, and the spare linens alongside. ] Gaiserich , as far as he is concerned, already has everything he needs, but he takes some of the dried meat in case the hunt is poor. Mercy almost mentions to Jack that she could fix a bag out of the fabric they have, but remembering she's cross with the scoundrel she instead huffs and walks out. "I think I've got what I need." Ken (GM): kek Joush M.: Can everyone take an extra 14 pounds of food without being heavily encumbered? Ken (GM): def on clang Rosettsara: No, but Sophie has 9 rations already on the mule, so feel free to load those up on it Doc: [Jack would be Light encumbrance assuming a cloth bindle can hold 24 lbs worth of stuff] P.P. A.: Yep Ken (GM): ah yeah, with the mule? Youve got plenty of spare space Doc: [was that a no on the waterskin btw?] Ken (GM): Yes on waterskin; its a leather bag with a stopper, but its nice enough Mercy has 6 meals (2 days) of travel rations, and now a week of (presumably) status 0 rations added on top. Ken (GM): oregon trail: Grimwyrd Rosettsara: Just let me know the number of them being given to the mule and i'll note it Joush M.: I think the mule only needs to carry Sophie's food, so that would be 14 pounds. Weirdly there are two different ways to buy food in the basic set, per week rations that are slightly heavier and per meal rations that are slightly more expensive Ken (GM) once youve packed things away... Ken (GM): kek Joush M.: In this case you could just call it 21 travel rations on the mule for sophie Rosettsara: Sounds good Ken (GM) The young man steps out of the patrician's home, with a small sack bundle and simple wooden chest in two hands Mercy comes to him, a pack settled over her shoulder, a gun at her side and the axe strapped to the side of her leather pack. Ken (GM): "The Patrician will look to have taken for a long journey. These are some of his clothes. And this is a collection of his tomes that may serve to illuminate you." Sophie: "I can't offer any more advice, but maybe you'd feel better knowing i've been in your shoes, and can tell you from experience that it gets better." Mercy curtsies to him and takes the pack. "Thank you." Ken (GM): "Truly. Things could only get better from this day forward' Sophie: "If all goes well, you needn't worry about such events happening again. Anytime soon, at least." "We appreciate your support in these trying times. We will take our leave and bother you no further." Gaiserich nods. “Thank you for your hossspitality.” Ken (GM): "Please, make haste. Anything that might claim the Patrician's life should demand your full attention to thwart" Gaiserich: “Beware of anyone who ssspeaks of a ‘Starman,’ and don't… don't… …their aura is dangeroussss, so beware.” Mercy makes some haste, bowing her head to the man. "The road to the east, then south at the crossroads?" Gaiserich doesn't know what you do with auras—see them? smell them? Ken (GM): [the color of magic/ the flavor of magic] So, to the road then? Clanggeden is ready to trek steadily Gaiserich is, too Sophie heads out, mule in tow. Jack fills his waterskin halfway, hefts his food-filled bindle over his shoulder and prepares for the march P.P. A.: this ruler doesn't make sense Ken (GM) The day is warm and clear, the sky brightens from a steel gray to a light blue. In the light of the sun, gardens of many colors glow out from the fall colors, reds and golds mixing into the greens of summer. Freshwater trickle sup everywhere, and small ponds dot the bluffs as you trek back out to the road. Ken (GM): [lol, well, its set to hexes. and not a scaled measure] P.P. A.: it doesn't seem to measure hexes very well though Ken (GM): hahah P.P. A.: greatly underestimating how many hexes are actually crossed Ken (GM): weeeird Doc: big think Ken (GM): it will take a fine day walking on the road to get to the keep Gaiserich: “G—… the Keep is not far from here, we sssshould get there in a day.” Mercy heads for the crossroads, expecting to reach there in a few hours and keeping alert for trouble. She nods in agreement with the ophidian beastman. "I think that is right too." Sophie: "At the very least, we have some idea now of what to expect. Even if there so much more we don't understand too." Clang: "I cannah help but notice, you keep a very optimistic look on things Sophie." "That habit, or jus outlook? Sophie: "Experience." Clang: "Aye well, it's much appreciated. Morale can never be underestimated." Sophie: "A hopeful mind stands a better chance at surviving the unthinkable." Clang: "And a heavy heart weighs down the mightiest dwarf" he smiles at that, as you trek into the sunlight Ken (GM) The day warms. You pass down the bluff again, nearby to the falls of the weeping wall (which really does bear a striking resemblance to a woman's sorrowful face) Mercy gazes up at the falls, watching it for a long moment until their walk takes them away from it. Gaiserich ignores it—he can't see it well enough anyway—and instead keeps an eye out for rabbits and the like. Ken (GM): Sophie quietly observes and notes things, as per usual. Landmarks are handy. Jack uncomfortably shifts the weight of his bindle from shoulder to shoulder. His shoulder is padded by armor, but the tension of holding it adds up after a few hours. Gaiserich can shift his weight around by shifting back and forth between moving more upright, and slithering closer to the ground, using more of his body to move Mercy doesn't flaunt the well designed leather pack that supports her equipment in comparable comfort. Not more then a little, anyway. Mostly she walks, watching for trouble. Ken (GM) passerby on the roads tend to be busy farmers taking load to process or direct their lord. Many are headed to the crossroads along with you, to distribute among themselves and pay back to the lord of the community. Sophie doesnt garner many looks, but Mercy and Gaserich's features tend to draw long looks and 'crossing to the other side of the road' behavior Jack looks at Sophie so she doesn't feel left out Ken (GM): heh Mercy pulls her hood lower to shelter her eyes but can hardly avoid revealing her height. The Scorned giving the people space and treating them gently as she can. Gaiserich pulls his cloak a bit deeper over his face, but he is altogether careless. He is in the company of normal-looking warmbloods, which, he thinks, ought to comfort onlookers and convince them that he is not immediately dangerous to them. Sophie waves to Jack in response Gaiserich does not say much. He's used to moving quietly, and not used to company. Ken (GM) plenty enough accomodation to the acts; few question the presence in company of travellers. At worst, uneasy stares is all you illicit. The men here only fear the fearsome. Many themselves have features of the scorned, though they tend to be laborers bearing heavy loads. Mercy opens the chest when they pause for lunch. "Would you care to look at the Patrician's books now? Or perhaps we should wait until we've reached the keep, Miss Sophie?" Sophie: "Wouldn't hurt to look now in case they decide his belongings are theirs now." "Presuming the ink is not of a magical variety, I can duplicate the writings before we arrive, just in case such a development occurs." Jack grunts. "You rich folk and your 'books.'" Clang: "Surely Jack, you don't scoff at the power of knowledge?" Mercy: "Really?" She ask, surprised at that and nodding to the young physician. The young woman seeing to the task of setting out food once they've found a place to eat and rest a moment. Jack: "Power of money, more like. Never seen someone become a better fighter by staring at pages." Gaiserich looks back awkwardly for a while, until he finally asks: “…what are ‘books’?” Clang spits out a mouthful of coldbrew tea Clang: "By the Allfather, " Jack: "Fancy folk use them to hide words from the rest of us." Mercy lifts one of them, holding it for the ophidan then displaying it. "A codex. It's paper bound between two covers with glue and sewing." Gaiserich: “How do you hide words in that? Words are ssspoken.” Clang: "Words and ideas, put to paper. Symbols for sounds...really Gai? Your people dont read?" Mercy dosn't make anything of the question, answering it the best she can rather then commenting on the nature of books. She opens it. "These words are written. This one says.. oh dear. 'On the Nature of the Spheres and Celestial Motion.'.. It sounds very.. uh.. educational." Gaiserich: “‘Read’ is when you look at ssssigns? No… we don't need that, we learn how to do things from our parentssss, and our elderssss tell us sssstories of the past.” Sophie: "Think of it like this, Gaiserich. We can leave imprints and symbols so that stories can be kept long after their tellers pass on." "These records can be used to tell many stories to many generations." Clang: "As should any good father to his sons. Writing words let the words live on, past the speaker. The immortal illumination of the mind" He makes a little hand gesture and nods his head at the words Sophie looks over at the books herself thanks to Mercy's curious reaction. Gaiserich thinks. “But you can't asssk the ssssstory-teller questions that way.” Gaiserich: “If everyone who knew these ssstories have died, and the sssymbols are all that are left of them, are the stories not lost, overall?” Mercy nods, seeing the snakeman's point and holding the books Sophie isn't studying at the moment, the teenager sitting down next to the wooden chest. Jack nods. "Maybe if that Patriarch didn't waste so much time and money writing books, his apprentice could have told us something more helpful." Mercy: ".. I'd rather talk with my father, if I could.. but I would also treasure something he wrote down for me. A letter or message from him." She turns a slim volume in her hands, studying it. "This may be encypered. I can't read it." Jack: "How much does that ink and paper cost?" Mercy looks at the chest and sniffs the air, then leans in close, sniffing near it. Gaiserich is even more confused now. “I thought ‘books’ were for reading. Why write a book if it cannot be read?” he asks Mercy. Mercy: "Ten or twenty silver, something like that." Sophie: "This will be difficult to decipher before reaching the Keep. Let us hope nobody tries to steal or destroy these before we can make use of them." Rolling 3d6 = 15v15 P.P. A.: (to also smell the blood) Ken (GM) the box is a simple wooden affair, solid and old. Removing the books...there is a depression, however faint, on the wooden bottom, in the shape of a slim hand Gaiserich nods to Jack. “Ssstrange. They should just sssspeak to each other.” Ken (GM) Like a well worn imprint Gaiserich slithers over to Mercy to investigate the source of the smell of blood. Mercy looks at it a moment, then gently touches the imprint in the now empty chest, the books set carefully aside. Ken (GM) there is a slight CLICK as the bottom of the box depresses, and a well hidden compartment opens up from the false bottom of the box Ken (GM) a thin and sturdy flap of wood folds open, revealing a felted leather recessed compartment, smaller than your palm, holding a shimmery clear cubic stone Ken (GM) it glimmers in the daylight against the black lining, and inside it you see refractions of color in the rainbow of light Mercy: "It's lovely. A hidden treasure?.. or.. Some kind of magic?" Sophie: "That thing is no coincidence, I think. Perhaps it has something to do with our fated journey and the Celestial beings." Clang: "Thats a fine gem, finest Ive ever seen cut." Sophie flips through the books Gaiserich: “If it was hidden under the books with the hidden words, it might have a secret meaning too.” Mercy holds the box so everyone can see it. "Such a lovely thing.. should I close it back up for now? Why does it smell of blood?" She sniffs again, trying to understand the scent, then looking from the crystal to the book. "Maybe it's the key to decyper them?" Clang: "Blood and stones..." he almost says to himself "There is a bare glimmer of magic in the air, about it Mercy. I can feel the power from here." Gaiserich 's takeaway from this conversation was that warmbloods, for some reason yet unknown, don't just tell stories to each other and pass them on orally, but create symbols representing stories or words, and then hide them in ‘books’. He doesn't get the point of this, seems like a lot of information would be lost that way, and it's unnecessarily complicated. Gaiserich if they're worried about a storyteller dying without leaving descendants, they should just ask him to tell them the story, and pass it on themselves. Gaiserich will ask Jack about this later, he seems more reasonable on this matter. Sophie: "If it's something the patrician wished to stay hidden, no doubt we will want to follow his example." Clang: Gaiserich touches the stone to get a feel for it. Mercy almost warns him about touching it, then simply nods, trusting he won't be harmed by it. She thinks hard on it, but ends up simply nodding to Sophie and Clang. Ready to put it away when Gai is done with his study. Gaiserich: “It tinglesss…” Ken (GM) As the snakeman's fingers touch the stone, it alights a deep crimson red. Hovering just above them, small symbols appear and disappear, like a parade of foreign symbols Clang: "By the maker!" Sophie catches this, and immediately looks back to the symbols contained in the books for similarities or even patterns. Gaiserich: Gaiserich twitches, about to retract his finger—but he doesn't feel anything dangerous from it; and it might have been made by the patriarch, so it's probably not bad manic. “…is thisss how you ‘read’?” Rolling 3d6 = 8v10 (To GM): though by that quesiton he was rather asking if this “touch a magic stone so it creates letters” is a routine part of “reading” Mercy: "I don't know. It's strange magic and far beyond me" She says, but stares curiously. Ken (GM) At Gaiserichs exclamation, the stone shifts and slows down. The letters fade, and then return, and a sequence deliberately plays out, beat by beat. And a voice begins to speak out from the box, in a deep and rumbling voice IT: "" " " " Gaiserich stares at the glowing glyphs and listens carefully to the mysterious voice. He feels weird! Gaiserich figures that the sequence of symbols and spoken words is meant to match them to each other. Mercy: "Is it.. umm.. a key? The one used to cyper the journal?" She ask Sophia hopefully. Gaiserich holds his head with his other hand. “…sssspeaking is easier, still.” Sophie: "We'll find out, won't we?" Sophie replies with a playful grin and writes down the symbols shown as well as the sounds, and looks to the books' contents. Ken (GM) the stone reads aloud and displays some forty odd symbols as gaiserich watches intently. (To GM): He knows what numbers are! He records numbers by making knots in a rope, but for every 12 he makes a different kind of knot to represent “12” (To GM): Amazing! If he ever can't just talk for some reason. (To GM): I guess that's “Language: Spooky; Written (Broken/Accented)”? (From Ken (GM)): one point worth yes, written comprehension Ken (GM): (To GM): \o/ Ken (GM) when the sequence stops, the stone stops glowing abruptly, dimming immediately in gaiserich's grasp Mercy watches intently, curious, utterly suprised by the magic and glad to see some that dosn't make anyone's head explode. Gaiserich stares at it for a moment longer to try and process what happened, and then puts it back. Mercy carefully closes the box. Ken (GM): click Gaiserich: “…‘reading’ is sssscary.” Clang: "Allfather's braided beard, that was impressive" he can barely hide his astonishment "What jus happen'd?" Sophie: "Probably something useful or interesting." Mercy: "I am glad you were not harmed, Mister Gaiserich." Gaiserich: “It showed me ssssymbols, and told me what they meant. Sssymbols for sounds, and for numbers.” Clang: "Yes, we all heard it reading them out..." ?" P.P. A.: change “numbers” to “amounts” since “numbers” are the symbolic representation of amounts Sophie: "We will see if it helps translate the symbols contained in these." Mercy: "That's amazeing. Do you think you can remember them?" Gaiserich nods hesitantly. Clang: "This is a Speaking Stone?!" The dwarf sits up, spilling tea and food "This is one of the Allfather's holy relics?" Sophie: "An important treasure kept hidden by the Patrician. Either he's been a very good boy, or a very bad one." P.P. A.: are Sophie or Mercy holding any of those deciphered books open? Mercy wasn't, but could certanly do that if required. Rosettsara: Sophie is currently trying to look through them with the notes she took Ken (GM): "yes" Gaiserich looks over Sophie's shoulder into the book she has open, curious if he can read now. Gaiserich sways left and right as he does, trying to produce movement to better focus on the letters—his eyesight being bad, after all. “Numberssss… number-play…” Gaiserich: “I think I can ‘read,’ but I don't underssstand.” P.P. A.: Jack was right again Ken (GM): obviously pure evil Mercy nods sagely. Math is evil. Sophie: "Tell me what you see, and i'll do my best to understand it for you." Gaiserich points at each number and letter he recognises—and each whole word he understands—and reads it aloud to Sophie. Ken (GM) prodding back and forth a bit, you determine that the book is some sort of coded journal. Unfortunately the words he reads aloud are not wholly intelligible....they must be the replacement cipher for something else. Rolling 3d6 = 15v14 Rosettsara: (Damn) Ken (GM): kek Mercy will have to savor this. It seems unlikely she will get to an answer faster then Sohpie very often.. Writeing on a bit of scrap paper with a pencile, she blinks. "Isn't that an elven word?" Mercy nods. "I think.. maybe it's in elf?" Sophie: "Excellent work. And it so happens that one of the books is about Elves." Ken (GM): :O Sophie opens said book. Ken (GM): whatcha thinkin? Mercy nods, blushing at the prase and letting Sophie try to find a clue on understanding the journal in that book of elves. She looks to the sky a moment. "We should get back on the road soon, but this is exciteing." Sophie sees if there are any contextual clues within. Perhaps pointing to certain tribes or dialects. That said, if this process would take some time, it would be better to do it on the road. Ken (GM): gotcha; roll me research, at a net -2 Gaiserich turns to Jack. “Books are sssstupid. He could just have told the other man what he put in thisss book, and then that man could have told ussss.” Rolling 3d6 = 6v11 Ken (GM): noice Ken (GM) quite a bit of page flipping later Sophie: "Now all we need is an elf, and for Gaiserich to stick around." Ken (GM): kek Sophie: "With that, we should be able to figure out what everything says." Clang: "So it is a code then? We can read the books?" Mercy nods to Sophie, standing and putting things carefully away, packing up to get to moveing. "Or someone that speaks elven, at least.." Sophie: "Indeed. A cipher which leads to exact numbers in the tome, but the contents of which are in..elvish." Clang: "Ah! Well....I suppose we need to make friends with one of those.....elves" "Perhaps there is one in Glardenfen" "Maybe even one who belongs to the Order?" Sophie: "It's for the sake of the world. I'm sure you'll be fine." Clang: Clang cleans up after himself, and helps prepare for the rest of a day of walking Ken (GM): [to Glardenfen then?] Joush M.: Oui! Sophie gets up and keeps moving to Glardenfen Ken (GM): c'est bon Gaiserich is glad that they're moving on. He needs some exercise after all this reading. Ken (GM) the day continues warm and clear, the last of the vestiges of the summer falling way to the harvest season and cool of winter's approach. The southern reaches are wetter and cooler than the greater kingdom, but you still sweat even as the sun sets and the Anhaern forest rises up on the Southern horizons Ken (GM) farmlands give way to rockier range and hillier terrain. Ahead in the encroaching night the smoke of the town of Glardenfen rises out of the green woods. TImbers ancient and wide grow here, reaching out to rich damp earth and stony soil. The road meanders slightly past the mighty banyans and mossy shaggy fir trees. Gaiserich 's face alights as he makes out the green canopy and catches a first whiff of the smells of the forest. Ken (GM): snek-smiles :] Mercy looks around alertly, curiouslly as they follow the road ever southward. Ken (GM) The sun is setting crimson, the treetops appearing on fire as the bright light fades to evening within a bowshot of the city Ken (GM) the road winding up the slope cuts back and forth through trees and brush, the rich smell of the old woods all around you in the cooling eve Ken (GM) Ahead, a sound of alarm! Ken (GM) A horn, blasting out a warning! "Stop! Thief!" cried out in an angry mans voice! The stomping of hooves, of a horse hammering down the road to you! Sophie: "A daring escape from the law. Sadly, things don't work out well like in the books." Ken (GM) rounding the bend ahead, you see a woman racing up the roadway! Muddy boots pounding out on the ground, her cloak billowing away from her red-skinned face, short horns framing a face mottled with scales. She holds a bundle in her arms. Rounding the bend behind her, a man on horseback in a helmet and fine cloak pursues her! He holds a banner in one arm and it flow son the air behind him as he charges after the woman! Mercy looks from the theif to the man, finding sympthy in the fleeing person and calling to the pair of them. "Hold on.. Stop. What is this about?" As she lays the chest and her backpack down carefully. Gaiserich tries to pick up their scents, if they're upwind; else he simply observes, for now. Is the woman a thief? Is the rider a raider? Ken (GM) UNTIL NEXT WEEK Ken (GM): [OH CRAP I gotta make dinner] Rosettsara: Dun dun dunnn Joush M.: Thanks for the game! Have fun makeing dinner P.P. A.: cliffhanger but it's the NPC who's hanging off the cliff though I think we had a situation like that in GrimWyrd 1 Thanks for the session! Rosettsara: Breaking free of the block, so I can start writing poems again, I think And it was fun, thanks~ P.P. A.: I had a good time Ken (GM): HUZZAH (soup might save me but I gotta go ake crackers) NEXT WEEK! P.P. A.: Learning how to read was hilarious Ken (GM): 4 xp! ECKS PEE ahoi hoi P.P. A.: \o Joush M.: Good morning. How's it going? Ken (GM): Rosettsara: Hello~ Ken (GM): so glad for the weekend jamme dup with rambunctious kids but weekend and you guys? Up to the usual drug deals and arms smuggling/ Rosettsara: Wrestling with some minor insomnia lately, but otherwise OK P.P. A.: Procastinating too much on, but otherwise okay Joush M.: I'm doing well. Glad it's the weekend Fiss: Wooo! I live! You live! We all live! I think there was a Doctor Who episode about this. Ken (GM): kek good to have you back fiss you slamming the cold medicine and mainlining the jolt? Fiss: Nah, it's mostly run its course thank goodness. Rosettsara: Good to hear you're doing better Ken (GM): praise RNGesus Fiss: INDEEEEEEEED Ken (GM): so fiss, you caught up on the travels, the box of journals, and the spoopy magic crystal of obvious Allfather's blessing? Snekma nis now lernd-snek-man P.P. A.: He can now read, but still can't understand the written words. Books are lame! Fiss: Only caught the last bit with people running towards us. I'll load up the backlog and get caught up. Ken (GM): coles notes: wake up, toast dead guys, say bye, take things, travel, have lunch, open box, find stuff, smell blood, find hidden stuff, magic in snekman, oh thats neat, travel, night falling outside Glardenfen and some lady is being calle da thief [jeeze wheres doc] P.P. A.: I texted him 5 minutes ago, no response yet 5–10 Ken (GM): Fiss: [shrugs in GM] Ken (GM): Ken (GM) Where last we left our heroes... Clang: [nods ] Ken (GM) Making your way to Glardenfen was a wholly wholesome experience; nobody died today! However, your pastoral scenery is jarred with the inclusion of a scorned occlusion! A woman is charging down the road ahead, her panting heavy on the air and the wet slap of muddy boots hammering the earth! In hot pursuit, a man's voice calls out! "Stop Thief!" and the gallop of horse-hooves hammer after her! Gaiserich: “Theft is bad,” Gaiserich quietly notes, as he looks on. Past experiences in human settlements have taught him better than to get involved in other people's affairs. Joush M. seems suprised and worried at the moment, looking from the woman to the rider and calling out to them. "What is going on?" In a powerful, carrying voice as she steps up to block the road. "What is she supposed to have stolen?" Sophie watches and observes carefully, particularly noting the body language of the supposed Thief, looking for lies or other tells as the situation unfolds. The woman scrambles up the path, slipping in ill-fitting boots and clambering to keep her footing; she appears distraught but her face lightens into a broad and desperate gleam of hope as she sees your group "Sophie! By the stars! They said you'd come!" The horse hammers down the road after her Rosettsara: (Here we go again) The woman appears to be a scorned or beastfolk; golden gleaming eyes, horns over her brow curling round raven black hair, and reverse-kneed legs... Gaiserich looks over to Sophie. She seems to be well-connected among… random people in trouble. Sophie takes a closer look, a bit confused as the woman didn't initially appear familiar. "Thank the stars, huh?" Jack unhook shis bag from his axe, but tries his best to still appear unassuming while arming himself Mercy looks to Sophie, then past to the men, standing in the way boldly as she speaks. "What is going on here?" Sophie: "That's a good question. Forgive me if i've forgotten your face, but I do not seem to know you, nor how you would know me." Gaiserich 's tongue flicks in and out, scouting the air for any hints of what was stolen. Clang offers a consolidated wall of Dwarven support as the woman and her pursuer approach The woman halts her pace a bit, winded and jogging up to you; she seems confused now "Arent you here for the handoff? She holds out a wet-looking leather bag in one hand, gold and brass jewelery jangling from her wrist The woman: "There isnt any time! Take it!" Sophie just stares for a second before continuing. "Do you see me?" The woman tosses the pouch forward into the road Gaiserich startles. He hisses, and grabs his spear. “It'ssss that sssslime again! Careful!” The woman: "I see you with mine eyes!" she calls over her shoulder, rounding on her heel and diving left Gaiserich slithers backwards a little, spear raised at the bag, eyes on then woman. Sophie steps back so as to not be near any would-be slime traps. Mercy looks confused, her head tilting to the side and sniffing the air, small nose twiching. "Who would steal slime?" Sophie: "This is definitely worrying. She knew my name, and just tried to pass off slime to us." "Nor did she respond correctly." Ken (GM) A guardsman round the bend in the path, horse sliding in the samesuch mud as the woman "Halt! Stop you, wretch!" he calls after her, think that.. I mean, you diden't know her did you? She wouden't have been at the school with you." She looks up to the guard and hestates. Part of her wants to stop and question him, but she steps back out of the way. "Careful, Sir!" Sophie: "Not at all familiar." Clang: Clang approaches the package, eyeing it for signs and auras Ken (GM) the man on horseback rears his horse, and halts his charge at Mercy's word; His face fills with fear as he looks your group over, startling as he see's Gaiserich! Ken (GM): "Light and Thunder! " he curses and the horse bucks Sophie steps forward. "The thief attempted to acost us on her way past. My comrade is on edge, but means no harm toward you." Gaiserich barely notices the man's creation, fixated as he is on the mos suspicious and potentially dangerous things. His spear is pointed towards the bag, still, and he pays the man no heed. Gaiserich: “Do we have fire?” he asks, as he carefully draws near to the back and pokes it with his speartip. Ken (GM): [fuck me [OH LOOK THE MAP [THAT I ASSUMED YOU WERE ALL SEEING LOL hahahahah Rosettsara: It happens Joush M.: LOL.. well, better late then never P.P. A.: Is that bag the bag the woman was carrying, and— what's that in front of the horseman? Ken (GM): ["Why isnt anyone moving their tokens about?" I wondered futily] Clang: [We were...in our BRAINS ] Mercy calls out. "Careful Sir, she dropped that. It may be dangerous. Sophie: "An agent of dark forces, I believe." Clang: "Aye, it definitely holds magic" Gaiserich looks up to the man, who has entered the periphery of his vision. “Ssssir, what issss inssside this bag? I sssmell danger.” Gaiserich flicks his tongue again to make sure it's coming from the bag, and not from the woman herself. Ken (GM) the horse screams as the guard yanks on it's reins, rearing back looks over, ever unblinking, slowly figuring out that he's scaring either the horse, or the man, or both. He awkwardly pulls his cloak deeper over his face to conceal himself. Mercy walks forward but slowly. "Easy, easy.. good horse.. I'm sorry, Sir. Nobody intended to startle you." The Guard struggles to rein in the horse, and the woman seems to have slunk off out of sight Sophie: "Another exciting day." Jack maintains vigilance, but you can see him sweating a bit. He winks at mercy and Sophie as they take the lead (To GM): the smell was coming from the bag and not from the woman, right The Guard: "Who ar eyou! State your business here at Glardenfen!" He seems to be flustered, falling back on rote, and looking about frantically and confused (From The Guard): Definitely (To GM): all right (From The Guard): The bag stinks of oozy stink. And you feel a tickle on your tongue. Like static (From The Guard): A like the way the magic tingled your finger Mercy looks to the others, then to the guard. "We are traveling to the fort to speak with the commander on important buisness. I'm afraid I can't say much more then that. I'm Mercy, Sir.. Do you need a hand? Should I help with the horse?" Gaiserich: “Ssstep back,” Gaiserich warns Clang. The serpentine hunter seems a little perplexed by the bag, cautious in any case. Clang nods at Gaiserich and steps back, letting him take a look...or keep watch as needed Clang: "Is this what the woman took, Ser Horseman? For it seems related to our quest." Sophie: "It is as Mercy says. The woman who ran ahead of you appeared to have sinister motives beyond thievery, and attempted to attack us with this bag, which we believe contains potent dark magic." Gaiserich nods to that. Sophie: "Could she have just stolen from a magician's stores?" The Guard squints at Mercy's tale, hauling on the reins forcefully and yanking the beast back to service "No! Forget the damn horse, woman!" he barely glances a tthe bag before casting his look about again, to the green darkening around you "Blast and damnation!" he curses, almost entirely ignoring you now Sophie: "Someone's having a bad day." Clang: [Fine then, we didn't even want to talk to you anyways, ] The Guard: "Goat-fucking, scale faced, HEATHENS!" he bellows, furious, kicking his horse to plow off up the trail Gaiserich is confused, but let's the man do whatever he wants to. He edges closer to the bag, and pokes it again. “Let'ssss dispose of thisss, and sssseek ansswers from the woman,” he suggests. Clang: "What a charming fellow. Perhaps the woman stole his manners." Ken (GM) within a few seconds, the horse is up to a full run, as he plows of finto the encroaching twilight of sunset Sophie: "What a lovely guy. I'll bet the locals appreciate his efforts." Ken (GM) something goes CLANK in the bag as it is pokes Ken (GM): *poked Gaiserich: Did he ride back to Glardenfen, or off into the sunset? Ken (GM): [North, further up the trail, away from Glardenfen] Mercy frowns more at that, then speaks gently. "I'm sorry, Mister Gaiserch. That was quite rude.. Ah, yes." She considers. "I can cover it with powder and light it, if you need it burned. Or we could try to unwrap it." Gaiserich stares at it for a moment. “I ssssmell black magic, but… it remindsss me of the reading-stone.” Gaiserich: “Both. Sssstrange.” The woman: "Dont you dare!" she calls out from the bushes, a hissing whisper, harsh in the air "Do you have any idea what I wnet through for that?!" Sophie: "Maybe next time give us some reason to trust you." Mercy speaks softly to the woman. "I don't even know what it is. Or who you are. We've had.. problems.. with odd achemical ooze" Sophie: "I mean, you pretend to know me, and throw a random object at us out of nowhere which has a dark aura to it, and then act like we're the unreasonable party for not wanting to take chances with it." The woman: "The hells are you talking about?" she says confidently, striding from the woods craning her neck to look back up the path "Oh man he's dumb, and long gone" Sophie: "Either you're really sheltered, or very stupid." P.P. A.: [Since Doc, isn't here, It falls to me to ask the obligatory question: ? (Relatively speaking, for a lizard.)] The woman: "Dark auras?" she stops, holding up red-palmed hands with long black nails Gaiserich: “The ssssmell of… dark magic.” Sophie: "So, what'd you do to piss off the boy scout?" Gaiserich wishes he could express this better. Clang: "Very dark." Sophie: "He seemed far more interested in catching you than reclaiming the stolen merchandise." "Which, we'll remind you, reeks of darkness." The woman: "He had no idea what I was taking, of course, he's just some podunk local with a strap of iron on his hip and a helmet on his lack of brains" Sophie: "You're really good at not answering questions." The woman: "It's what you came for isn't it? The mage's weapon?" Clang steps forward and kneels down to look at the sachel Mercy: "Excuse me, who are you? I'm Mercy.." She says, trying to understand, then looking to the bag again. "Well.. wait, who's weapon? A mage created this?" The woman looks confused now, sneering "Or are we reneging on the agreement already?" Gaiserich looks even more confused. “What?” Gaiserich is prepared to stab the bag if something attacks Clang from within it. The woman grunts, flustered "I steal the weapon from the Grayhold fop" she counts out on fingers "You meet me at the edge of town. I get paid, you go on your way" Sophie: "And i'd sure like to know how you know my name while also not knowing other things. My family may have a history of demonic possession, but I don't recall making any shady deals with dark magic." Clang: "Weapon, huh. Who did you steal it from?" The woman: "Euria..." she sighs loudly "Told me I would be meeting you here" The woman slaps a hand to her forhead, and her jewelery jangles "DAMN HER!" The woman: "DAMN ME!" "DAMN THAT INFERNAL ASS" Jack: "Heh, ass" Clang clears his throat and mutters "Focus, Jack." Sophie: "...Okay. So, you know what i just said, about that family history?" Gaiserich looks over to Sophie's mule at the mention of an ass Jack: "If she would turn around, and pull that skirt aside, I'd gladly focus on that ass" Sophie: "I don't think I need to tell you that it's a good idea to run away and make yourself invisible someplace else." The woman smolders visibly, but nods curtly, and turns to jog into the brush Sophie: "But before you go, tell us where you found her." The woman: "The Order safehouse!" The woman dashes off into the woods Gaiserich looks back and forth between the woman and Sophie. “Who isss Eu— Euria?” Not quite able to guess from the context that she's probably a relative of Sophie's and may or may not be involved in dark magic. Jack: "Damn, she was cute" Jack shrugs it off, and reclaims his bag Mercy: "Who is Euria?" Mercy ask, watching the woman escape.. then frowning hard and giveing Jack a momentary glare, a huff as she stands there. "More of this achemical ooze. It's unsettleing." Clang reaches over and picks up the sack by the drawstring Clang: "Well, if it was safe enough for her to carry here, I suppose it does nobody harm to move it from the side of the road." Ken (GM) the bag goes RATTLE CLANK as something metal settles in the container. It hangs open, dripping clear ooze from inside like a bowl of soup. Ken (GM) a gleam of blackened metal shines out, catching the light Clang: "The amount of potential...magical snot...in this line of work is far beyond what I imagined it to be." Sophie deeply sighed before responding. "Euria's my sister. Long story, but if it is her, we need to conduct our business away from her, and find out how she got access to this slime and why she would be at the safehouse." Mercy: "Yes, Miss Sophie" She nods to her, wanting to ask more question but instead turns. "Should we head to the fort now? Perhaps the commander will be able to tell us something to put this in context." Jack: "Whats in the bag?" Clang: I'm beginning to think this ooze might be something someone is using to store magical items, not magical itself...or maybe anti magic? A bit of experimentation might lead to clues Gaiserich is watching if the ooze that dripped out is moving on its own, too, as did the one from the night before. Clang: "Look within," "Some piece of armour. Exceptionally tailored and well made, even by my standards." Sophie: "I can safely say that Euria is not with the Order. So that she would be at their safehouse at all is suspect." Gaiserich: “A ssspy at the sssafehouse?” Jack whistles Jack: "Fine work, worth a few pieces of shiny metal" Sophie: "Do what you will with it, but keep it away from me." Ken (GM) the ooze wets the ground, but does not stir Mercy looks at the bag Clang holds so carefully. "Why ooze, though? Is it.. an artifact left over from a fight? Perhaps they will be able to analyze it at the safe-house?" Clang: "Indeed. Let's at least learn of its orgins. I suspect if we've seen similar goo in two places now, we'll see it again. I would like answers instead of fire." Sophie: "Remember what happened last time when I brought something dangerous into a safehouse. I think doing so again, when said safehouse is compromised already, is a poor idea." Gaiserich: “I ssstill want fire, but the other thing inssside could be important too…” Sophie: "If it's to be examined, it should be done in a controlled environment minimizing danger." Clang: [what time of day is it, anyway?] Ken (GM): [evening, setting on to night. The city is in sight and the sun is setting.] Mercy: "Is there some way to handle and transport it safely?" Sophie: "A suggestion: Tell concerned parties about it and our experiences with the slime before having them actually approach it. They may know some magical countermeasures if they have prior warning." Jack: "If its anything else like that magic shite from last night? On the end of a stick...over a fire" Mercy nods. "So.. we just leave it here, bound in a circle?" Sophie: "Have fire prepared to destroy it at the first sign of infection." Clang sighs and holds it by the string Clang: "I'm sure we can handle it for now. Clang grins Jack steps tot he bushes a moment, swings his axe, and retrieves a stick Clang: "I promise not to mistake it for my wineskin and drink deeply of the goo." Jack: "Here" Gaiserich: “Careful.” The snakeman keeps an eye on it, and decides to keep his spear in hand for a while. Clang takes the stick thankfully and ties the pouch, hobo-sack style, so it is off his shoulder should he sling it there. Mercy nods, reassured by Clang's confidence. "A circle of salt and a bed of gunpowder should contain it safely enough when we get to the safehouse. We won't have anyone touch it or contact the aura without precations." Sophie: "Make doubly sure that I do not make contact with it." Jack: "Dont worry hun, stick close to me, Ill keep you safe from the big bad hand in the bag" Clang: "Care is fine, but I don't believe the Order will outfit us with a travelling parapet. If we cannot learn to protect against this with what little we may have on hand, we will fare no better in the South." Jack: "Mind, ol jack's hands might be worrisome too" /wink Gaiserich turns to Mercy: “Which ssssafehouse? Didn't Sophie say her bad sssister took over hisss one?” Gaiserich doesn't feel it appropriate to return to the monastery, the man there seemed troubled enough last time. Sophie: "Ah, it's nice to see everyone's spirits so high." Mercy: "Well.. darn." She sighs, unsure where they go now. "We shall find somewhere to set up camp at least. It wasn't the ooze that killed anyone last time, it was the witch." Jack: "I was looking forward to a bed....someplace warm and comfy tonight" "A little music, a little wine" Sophie: "We're armed with the passphrase, and prior knowledge of this infiltration. I'm sure we'll figure out a way." Mercy: "I suppose you will have to suffer then." She says with another huff for Jack, turning down the path. "If there is trouble at the safehouse we should go take care of it. To the fort?" Sophie: "And if we don't, then we'll just keep trying until we do." Jack: "Trouble is my middle name" Ken (GM): [so, to the fort?] Clang: "That's the spirit!" Rosettsara: (To the Fort while on guard and looking out for any oddities or dangers, i'd say) Joush M.: Unless we see something on the way there that seems good.. like "Roy's Magical Containment Systems" or "Ooze jars: For holding gross ooze safely" Ken (GM): kek Mercy sings on the way south, her voice carrying, helping keep calm and easy on the way though the gathering dusk in the direction of the fortress at the edge of Grayhold, where it meets the Anhaern. Clang: "Ahh, Roy's Oooze Jars...I think I have a coupon." Jack in a show of some strange maturity, simply listens to the song Ken (GM) night falls, and the dank of the fens rises up the hillside with you. The trail switches back some to climb a great hill, hidden beneath the mossy wide trees, and here you eventually come to the town of Glardenfen, and it's mighty Keep Ken (GM) small farms and cottages dot the road as you make your way in; woodcutters, homesteaders, and simple farming folk with patchwork fences of felled timber and cleared land. The lightning bugs fly in the growing dark (perhaps for their last time this year) and the reek of civilization rises to you. Clang nods appreciatively at the engineering of the surface men...considering they build without the mountains around them, it is impressive enough. Ken (GM) The town has a pallisade wall of timber trees and stones, a ring of homes facing inwards towards barns and storehouses, and what can only be barracks of the militiamen stationed here so far South. You see squat dwarven burrow-homes mixed in with the oddly shaped elven tree-forts, and the mishapen rover wagons on the far edge of town, bonfires ablaze. On the far end of te hill, stone walls rise, and the tower of the Keep rises up into the star-spattered sky Gaiserich pulls his hood deeper. Even without the prying eyes around him, he feels a bit out of his element amid the open fields and cultivated vegetation. Mercy looks to the fireflies, smileing and watching them flash and dance as they climb from the lower plains to the town and keep, reaching up to pull her hat low and hide her lupine nature from the people they pass.. though she can hardly hide her height and build, the young woman listening to the familiar sounds of the mule's hooves on the path. She passes the palisade and heads quietly in the direction of the keep. Sophie follows along quietly, going back to her more withdrawn ways. Jack: "So, where's your safe house then? Nearby?" he looks about the dirt streets and buildings like a man watching for threats and enemies Clang: "Or should we head to the Keep itself?" Sophie: "Remember that we need someone who can speak elvish, as well." Jack: "Ugh right. You want we should get a volunteer? " Jack pantomimes strangling someone Sophie: "The person we're to see is Marshall Geralds. Let's hope he still lives." Mercy: "No!... Humph." She frowns at Jack. "To the keep, I think. I've never.. uhm, been here before. Sophie is right, he should be at the keep." Jack: "aww" Sophie: "Just make sure not to bring him close to the bag. At least not right away." Ken (GM) the town is a loud and jaunty place, compared to the solitude of the road. Here the people busy with work, even as night falls and the scent of food rises from all sides Clang: "I promise to the Allfather I will not swing this bag at anyone until we know its effects." Ken (GM) You are not inspected at the wall, though it appears there are militiamen armed and walking about town all over. the main residents here seem to be men ready to take up cudgel, axe and sword for grayhold" Mercy hasn't been out much and looks quite curiously around the town, watching things they pass and going to the keep, nodding to Clang, though the bag worries her. Ken (GM) you make your way for the Keep, and the Lord Marshall. Past the busy town, with a large inn boasting a painted torchlit sign ("The Triple Crown"), you snake through muddy roadways Clang: [*snek] Ken (GM): lel Ken (GM) The keep sits on the far side of the hilltop, past a short wide bridge over a wide ravine. Past it, the misty fens are shrouded in white jungle fog Gaiserich: The smell of the food whets the snakeman's appetite. His diet out in the woods isn't the most exquisite; it can't compare to the intense taste of the stuff the warmbloods cook at home. Ken (GM) Torches are alight on the walls of the keep. Helmets shine silver-steel as a watch marches the top. A tower rises up behind, several stories of stone and narrow windows Clang: "Ahh yes. Humans. What they lack in engineering and the art of good ale, they make up for with their seasonings and banquet fare." Mercy: "It's quite impressive, isn't it?" She ask, tilting her head back and gazeing up at the keep, her eyes a touch wide. "I hope the Marshall will see us." Clang looks up at the tower and nods Clang: "And should they last a few more millennia, I suspect they may even give us Dwarves a challenge in the realms of architecture." Gaiserich: “They really do,” Gaiserich replies. Jack: "should?" Gaiserich smiles at Clang, but looks over to the tower with a bit of unease. The cold stone looks—well, cold and uncomfortable. Sophie: "Do not forget the purpose for this journey." Clang: "Yes, with a little patience and a few heroic souls peppered in the years, I suspect they should do just fine. Many of my kin initially suspected the world of man to come crashing down upon itself, but tenacity sometimes trumps stonewalled patience." "And, either way...at least their whiskeys have improved substantially in the last century or so." "Or so I've been told." Mercy blinks, suprised at the turn in the conversation. Clang: "Sorry just marvelling out loud." Gaiserich: “They keep cutting down the foresssst. They keep animals rather than hunt them, and grow food. It'ssss impressssive, but not good for usss.” .” His voice, echoes some uneasiness, but not without a hint of admiration. Jack: "You make men sound like invaders" Sophie steps away from Jack, invader of her personal space. "Sounds about right." Jack smirks at that Clang: "We are all invaders, Jack. I'm sure to the Mountains, Dwarves were termites eating at their hearts until we learned to live with the stone....or maybe they still find us as fleas and tolerate us only because they cannot scratch the bites we make." "Ahh, but I am much too sober for such talk...let's continue on." Gaiserich nods, and looks up to the massive stone tower again, wondering if that's their goal. Ken (GM) the keep looms; over a bare field felled of trees the walls of the keep rise up from the far side of the waterway. The back entrance to the keep open only at a single iron-guarded gate, but it is a long walk in the open under torchlight and the scrutiny of the guard Clang: [Haha, oh no, that's just the Snekman] Ken (GM): [you should see the keep] [gold, everywhere. Hot and cold running mice. ] [a wizard in every closet] Clang: [2 wizards in every pantry! Wizards are damn good eatin'] Ken (GM): kek Mercy walks there, trying not to be intimidated by the strange place and the heavy guard. She approches the door and bows her head, avoiding meeting the guard's eyes. "Hello. We would like to see the Marshall, please. Could you direct us to where he would be tonight?" Ken (GM) two are guards on duty, pikes held high on shoulders. One holds up a hand at your group "And who are you then?" Clang: "Witch Hunters of the Order. Clanggaden of the Ferrohearts at your service." P.P. A.: >of the Order how secretive are we? Clang: [] Rosettsara: A little less now Fiss: I hope I didn't dwarf it up too much lol Ken (GM): lol Gaiserich: “A woman ssssstile ssssomething from here, right? We are here to return it,” Gaiserich says, keeping his hood deep and trying to hide his body behind his companions. Clang: (in all honestly, I didn't think we needed to hide the fact, please allow a redaction unless you figure I wouldn't know better) P.P. A.: *ssssstole Sophie keeps an eye out for anything strange Clang: [We ARE the Strange] Ken (GM) the guard perks up about Gaiserich's assertion, mostly "Youre here about...the theft? From the Sorcerer?" Clang: "Aye, but we must speak to them directly...we came across this theft in an odd manner." Gaiserich is unsure how to respond, and looks to Sophie. She's smart, she knows what to say. Sophie: "She's been dealt with, but we feel it's best to ascertain the details of the theft with the Sorcerer." Gaiserich like that. Clang turns to Sophie and nods. Clang: (He also looks at the cautious looks on his party and realizes he should play his cards closer to his beard) Gaiserich does give Clang a rather skeptical glance—hard as it might be to see, as his unblinking eyes aren't the most expressive. Ken (GM): "And you wouldnt rather, speak to the Sorcerer himself?" The Guard raises the conversational eyebrow Mercy nods in agreement at that, standing back and keeping her hat down to shelter her eyes. Sophie: "The Marshall needs to hear of this as well." Sophie leans in a bit toward the guards, and continues in a whisper. "It may involve the south." The Guard: "Right. Wait here a moment then. Kirk, keep them company" He steps to the side, and bangs a door to be let through, in the wall Clang: "So, Kirk, busy night?" Gaiserich was about to add something to convince the guards of the need to meet the marshall, but as it's not needed, he slinks back again. Clang delights at the chance for smalltalk...a very human invention The Guard eyes you quietly, until his compatriot disappears inside. He slumps visibly afterward "Oh like you wouldnt believe" The Guard: , Kirk, Seems an affable fellow "Crazy things going on today; the Sorcerer from grayhold? Gets in this big fracas inside with a scorned girl." Clang: "Aye...I believe it. Seems weird winds are blowing through the land...but stand tall and brave, ser Kirk, I'm sure we'll outlast any darkness!" Mercy: "Did you see what the big fight was about?" She ask meekly. The Guard: "Not meself, just came on this evening. " He leans in and whispers conspiratorially "But I suspect she was giving him the old soft poke, and made off with something of his. What I heard is she took off running and he hasnt been seen since, hole dup in his room in the tower! Can't rightly show his face, caught with a Scorned like her" /wink "I hear she was right pretty too, one of them 'Southern witches' with a sirens song and golden eyes. " he look soff longingly into the night Gaiserich won't comment that she had a pretty rude mouth. Gaiserich: “What is the sssorceror like? Not all magic is bad, but… sssssome sorcerors do bad things with it.” Sophie: "You know what they say. Darkness can look appealing. That's how it entices." Clang nods at Sophie Rosettsara: ...Says the one with Appearance: Beautiful, +12 The Guard: "Ah he seems okay enough; weird bloke though, ask me. Can't say as the Darkness entices him whot, but he's got the airs about him like he would roast any o'us in a heartbeat, given the chance. I bet it's his elven blood. Real dangerous disposition in them pointy eared folks. hotheads, the lot of em" Clang: "Ahh, looks like we may have our translator at hand," Sophie: "Indeed" Mercy blushes and shifts her weight, adjusting her hat and keeping her amber eyes downcast as the young Scorned considers that. The Guard: "Met him the day he came in, and just like any other elf in town he wont touch roasted duck or hare, and insisted his soup come cold. What an odd one he is" "But he came with quite the reccomendation he did, that pretty lady sitting on his shoulder, whassername...Erica? Yurtia?" Gaiserich: “Cold soup? …why?!” Gaiserich reacts with bewilderment. Clang: "Just as beauty comes from many sources, so do the quirks that make us all unique.... but cold soup?" Sophie: "Euria?" The Guard snaps his fingers The Guard: "Yur ea! Thassit" "Pretty girl, gotta stare at pretty girls like her. Ladies is got the pretty bits and...' he trails off, a faraway look on his face Sophie breathes in rather audibly The Guard: "Com'in't thinkofit....You look a lo tlike her missm" Sophie then lets it all out. "Of course." The Guard scrunches up his face Sophie: "Distant relation, sir." The Guard: "Oh! Are you related?" he sounds quite surprised "You dont seem like a Lady...er...well I mean, not like is all" Mercy blushes a touch in sympathy for Sophie, surprised they've found someone with less game then Jack. Gaiserich: “Do all elves eat… cold soup? Or do sssorcerors?” Gaiserich attempts to steer the conversation away from Sophie's relation to Euria. Also, the soup thing bugging him. Jack: ["Hey"] ["fuck you too buddeh"] Clang: "Ser Kirk, as a man of duty and honour, I am certain, you would like to apologize to our noble compatriot here." The Guard mutters poorly "Ah fuck ive done and said it again" Sophie: "I imagine guard duty wasn't your first career choice." The Guard: "Miss! I do so sincerely apologize" He drops to a knee, the pike high above and awkwardly swinging as he bows flustered "I would never!...You cant believe!..." Clang smiles at the guard nods. Jack: "Jeez, watch the hardware!" Clang laughs Jack: "Take someones eye out with that thing" Sophie actually laughs instead. "The House has fallen anyway, but I appreciate the sentiment." Mercy reaches out to gently steady the pike. Clang: "Ahh, yes, Ser Kirk, please, words will do, no bowing needed." Ken (GM) at around the time Kirk is prostrating himself before you, his compatriot returns, opening the wooden gate behind the iron rack. He seems...unsurprised at the whole affair revealed to him The Guard: "Kirk, what ar eyou doing?" Sophie: "Just a bit of a social mixup. He's done no wrong." Mercy stands there quietly, the young woman listening. The Guard swings the door all the way open, and standing beside him is an elven man, in a fine robe and silver breastplate....with one arm ending in a stump at the elbow, a fresh bandage on the end, red with blood The Sorcerer looks you up and down with a frigid glare Clang winces noticeably, his own hands feeling a phantom pain in sympathy Sophie: "Greetings. We come with news concerning recent events." The Sorcerer 's eyes narrow Mercy sniffs. Looking at the Sorcerer curiously from under the brim of her hat. Kirk the Guard collects himself, and steps out of the way of the much more important than him conversation, trying to become part of the wall Gaiserich also flicks his tongue. Ken (GM): [scent whispering intensifies] Rosettsara: (Don't fall into the water, Kirk, and maybe we'll have coffee sometime) Clang: [AHHH BRIDGE-QUAKE!] Ken (GM): [pardon the map-nudging] The Sorcerer eyes you all cooly, one by one, until his gaze falls on Clanggeden and his hobo-bag on a stick Sophie: "Forgive the suddenness of our arrival, but as you can tell, the situation demands attention." The Sorcerer: "I have been told you have important news for me, regarding the incident earlier today" He keeps his eyes locked on the dwarf "Do tell" Mercy opens her mouth then closes it, trying not to say anything that might cause trouble for the others. Sophie: "Before we continue, you should know that we believe the Thief...tampered with it, so it may be dangerous." Clang: "I'd say we ran into this trouble on the way here...but the truth is she ran into us." Sophie she looked to Clang and nodded slightly Gaiserich affirms that statement. “We have sssssmelled— … seen sssomething similar before, and it was… very bad.” P.P. A.: [for a second I thought Kirk was lighting up] Mercy: "Have you been working with achemical ooze, Mister Sorcerer?" The Sorcerer steps up tot he portcullis, the wall of iron bands all there is between you; he holds up on hand on the bars and the...stump beside it The Sorcerer has an indescribable look on his face. Rage, cool and deep, controlled but intense. Eyes wide and glimmering Kirk the Guard whimpers and steps back, as far as he can Rosettsara: (Hang in there, buddy) The Sorcerer: "Give it to me" Jack: ["Thats what she said"] The Sorcerer: "I must have it back; now!" spittle forms on his lips on the last syllable, and he loses decorum as the rage boils Gaiserich hisses. “It's dangeroussss and I don't trust sorcerorssss,” he reprimands the elf, “and you're acting sssuspicious.” Gaiserich: “Does the marshall know?” Sophie: "Forgive our being on guard. We've experienced quite a lot of dark magics on the way here, and we have reason to believe what was stolen from you was contaminated by the same. It may be harmful to you, so it may be prudent to examine it before anything else." Mercy slips a hand under her cloak, the well oiled sound of drawing to half cock in the night air as her hand rest on the polished wooden grip of her gun. The Sorcerer stops, composes himself, closes his eyes and gathers a trembling will together Mercy waits, hand still under the cloak. The Sorcerer: "Leave them to me. Open the gate" The Guard: "But sir, the Marshall has orders that he should be.." The Sorcerer: "OPEN THE GATE!" Clang shoots the others a worried glance and shortens up his grip on the hobosack so it is easier to defend if needed Ken (GM) There is a clattering above, and heavy chains creak as the iron portcullis begins to rise up from above, drawn into the gatehouse Sophie moves over to Clang while the Sorcerer is distracted and yelling. "Do not let the Marshall come into contact with it." The Sorcerer steps back, and once the gate is raised and locked, he holds out his remaining hand, welcoming you inside. The Sorcerer: "Come with me" Clang walks forward, though the jovial, carefree step in his stride is replaced with a sure-footed Dwarven march, ready for anything Sophie quietly follows Gaiserich also follows, trying to stay close to the others. Sophie turns to Kirk as she goes past. "Take care of the mule for me, will you? Make sure she's ready to go at a moment's notice." Followed by a wink. Jack shrugs, and keeps a hand resting on his knife Kirk the Guard smiles weakly at that Mercy uncocks the gun and comes along quietly with the others, the young woman taking a deep breath as tension eases. Ken (GM) past the portcullis, into the body of the keep, you find a small courtyard on the other side; above you, smooth walls leading to the upper galleys and wooden structures built over the stone belly of the place. The elven sorcerer has stepped aside to a heavy ironbound door leading down, to a lower level of the keep, a step recessed into the wall The Sorcerer waves his hand in front of the door, and a sigil of blue light appears; the triangle and eye of the order Clang smiles hopefully but as he passes by the others, he motions to the sack The Sorcerer pushes the heavy door in, and steps down into a dark room Clang: "It's moving." Gaiserich follows cautiously. Sophie frowns Gaiserich peeks over the shoulders of his companions—he's kept a low profile, and asks the elf: “Do you sssee me?” Ken (GM) a dank room, buried in the stone earth, walls hewn from the land and rising up in a curved cieling. Stores line the walls, a table with some alchemical agents and vials, wine racks, and dim light The Sorcerer makes a small motion, and candles in sconces alight The Sorcerer: "Close the door behind you" Sophie nods to Gaiserich Jack lingers on the stairs...and takes your lead Jack nudegs the door closed, and steps down the stair, axe in hand The Sorcerer stands there, elven features pale and seeming to glow in the dim light. His eyes are bright and glimmer with a quiet power. The Sorcerer: "Do you see me?" Gaiserich: “I asked first…” Gaiserich mumbles. “I have my eye upon you,” he answers noentheless. The Sorcerer visibly calms, slumps a bit, and you see trembles run up and down his limbs Gaiserich does have his eye upon him, staring him in his glowing elven eyes and watching for suspicious movements. Well, more suspicious than all the magic already is. Mercy stares at him, unsure a moment, as if dobuting what he says before she pulls the broach, opening her cloak and setting it aside. Her fingers tug at the top button of her blouse, then draws it aside as she turns, revealing the Order's eye tattooed on her upper shoulder, at her back, before she looks back to him. "You'd best tell us what is going on." Gaiserich sees the elf relax, and likewise stop hunching over behind the others, and lifts his upper body up to a taller statue. The Sorcerer: "My name is Vex...and I am so very very tired" Vex reaches up to wipe sweat from his brow...and realizes he's smeared his stump on his face. Clang: "Ser Vex, it is good to meet you. I am Clang, and we'd be happy to return your stolen property, but we must do so only after answers are given." "It has been a...dangerous....week for those around us, and we must make sure you are not yourself in danger...or using this item for dangerous means." Gaiserich: “I am Gaiserich. The thing we found is ssssoaked with ooze, and ssssomething like it killed an ally yesterday.” Gaiserich flicks his tongue. “Thisss one here doesn't move, though.” Vex: "I am not infected by the Starman's power. I am still in control of my own life...for now" Clang glances at the others Mercy looks around a moment, hunting. "Do you have salt? We'd like to containe it in a circle until we know more.. and I'd like, very much, for you to explain more about that." Gaiserich smiles. “Good.” Clang: "Tell us all you can about the Starman, and what this ooze...and the artifacts around it...are. Please." Sophie: "Long story short, the last person of the Order to see us and come into contact with a strange thing lost more than a limb." Vex: "Salt does not stop the organism, miss. Nor does demonic warding or thaumaturgic purging. It is not extraplanar or powered by the force of demons" Clang listens intently Gaiserich: “We burned it lassst time. With fire. That worked.” Vex: "The Progenitors may have made us in their image...but their devices work with a power unlike any magic on our Earth" Mercy: "But.. What can stop it then?" Gaiserich: “Fire,” the snakeman reiterates. Vex sighs, as if he has asked himself that same question many times Vex: "I do no tyet know. " Sophie: "Also, I would like to inquire about her." Vex winces Vex: "Your...sister?" he asks Clang: "That was your ?" Vex looks confused Sophie: "So your reaction tells me you've discovered the truth about Euria." "Apparently she tasked the thief with the theft of this to begin with." Vex: "She is a...complicated woman" he laughs, pained "She has power even I couldnt discover until it was too late. "...what thief?" "Euria stole my bracer. Struck it from my arm and fled into the air with it...' "had I not already been so focused on combating the Allfather's designs with regenerative magic, I might have feared for my life" Sophie: "You lost this thing, and then demanded we return it. A woman was being chased by a guard outside the walls, and threw it at us, talking of handing it off to us, as per Euria's instructions." "That woman was not Euria, either." Vex: "..as per..." herself?" "Your sister?" Gaiserich looks at Sophia: “Ssssister of half-sister?” Sophie: "I haven't seen her since right before I joined the Order, sir." Mercy: "Wait.. 'combating the allfather's designs'?" She ask, tilting her head to the side. "Why would she steal your bracer?" Vex barks a laugh "But thats impossible; she ran out of town like a bat out of hell, my hand shoved in a bag!" Sophie: "Tell me, was Shapeshifting part of her powers?" Gaiserich was about to make a joke, but this got him thinking. That was the question he was going to ask, too. Vex 's eyes widen. He slaps his hand into his forehead Vex: "By the Elder..." P.P. A.: [She did have rich jewelry on her arm, didn't she?] Ken (GM): [yus] Vex: "She was within arms reach of you, and talked her way pst..." Vex finally answers Mercy Mercy: "Why would she do that then just give it to us?" Vex: "I have been studying artifacts of the first age miss...?" he lets it trail off "I have found them quite agressive in their work" Sophie: "Because i'd recognize her. Though it begs the question of why she wouldn't just hand it off to someone else to give it to us instead." Vex: "One of them was a bracer, found with a speaking stone embedded in the structure. The one she stole..along with my forearm..." "please, if I could have my limb back it would be much appreciated, I could reattach it in but a moment Sophie: "Here's something to consider. She made sure we obtained this, and made no specific mention of where we were to bring it." P.P. A.: [d-did she liquefy his arm and turn him into that ooze?] *it Mercy: "Mercy. I'm here in the place of Sir Stonebrook." Mercy gestures to the ground. "Ah.. I don't know if there is an arm in that bag.." Gaiserich: “Wassss there an arm inside?” Gaiserich ask Clang, who opened the bag earlier. Clang clears his throat Clang: "You may want a...basin of some sort. All I saw was the ooze within." Sophie: "Which means she knew of the possibility of us returning this to you, and didn't mind. Then why steal it in the first place?' Vex gets very still Vex: "ooze?" Mercy: "Achemical ooze. Like I can smell on you." Clang: "Yes, blast it all, the Ooze I've asked you a bout no less than twice!" Ken (GM) a growling hiss issues from the leather satchel on the end of the stick Gaiserich hisses back! Sophie: "It's what we use to refer to a slimy substance we've found correlating to dark magic lately." Ken (GM): DUN DUN DUNNNNNN Sophie: "Now I think we need to get you and us away from it." Ken (GM): UNTIL NEXT WEEK Clang: Heh P.P. A.: Today on GrimWyrd 2: After a tense standoff with a bag, the party takes it with them. But right at the end, the bag betrays them! Rosettsara: Excellent session, thanks for having me P.P. A.: The bag and the snakeman hiss at each other—what will happen next?! Jack: ["Thats not my bag baby!"] P.P. A.: Thanks for the session! Fiss: HISSING MATCH PART 2! Joush M.: Thank you Jack: kek, always a pleasure guys P.P. A.: We flooded the poor elf with too many questions at once near the end, I worry Fiss: Yeah, it was fun man, glad to be back in the swing o things. Ken (GM): * Fiss: 4 pts and let you know about the power Clang has now to blow up people's brains with his mind? (that last part may or may not be true) Ken (GM): yes! 4 points all! P.P. A.: \o/ Ken (GM): Roleplay alone with kirk justifying purchase of rapier wit P.P. A. dutifully drops them in his point piggy bank Fiss: lol Ken (GM): Fiss: next time, peeps P.P. A.: \o Ken (GM): gnome my gawd Rosettsara: Welcome~ P.P. A.: \o Joush M.: g'morning folks. Fiss: Hey all! Rosettsara: How's everyone doing today? Ken (GM): up since dawn watching cartoons with the kiddos; prepped for A WEEK OFF WORK and otherwise ready to GURPS P.P. A.: Procastinated too much, collegestuff deadlines drawing dangerously close (but I'll manage) Joush M.: Ooh, congralations on the time off. I'm doing okay. How about you Rosettsara? Rosettsara: A bit sleepy, but good Ken (GM): HEY FISS DID YOU SLEEP Ken (GM) Where last we left our heroes Ken (GM) A long day of travel was punctuated by an odd encounter; a scorned woman fleeing a pursuing guard, tossing the group a wet sack. The guard left, she evaded him, and a debate about arrangements was had. She absconded leaving them with...a bracer and too much ooze to be comfortable Ken (GM) the party continued on to the Order safehouse, and parleyed past guard to a Sorcerer, Vex, who seemed at odds with them due to his missing arm! Eurica is about, casting doubts and rumor on all manner of activities Ken (GM) we rejoin them now, in the Order redoubt, under Glardenfen Keep; The sorcerer is pale and is astounded; the bag twitches of it's own volition. A skittering can be heard....and a chittering hiss Fiss: Sleep is for the weeeeek. Clang: Gaiserich yells at Jack: “The door!” Sophie: "So we probably want to prevent any more magical infection. Close your aura off to whatever it's doing, and we'll work on burning it, unless you have any other ideas." IT jostles in the bag; a sound like an angry cats hiss emerges from the inside Vex: "By the elder, what is it?" Mercy lifts her axe from it's simple hook, stareing at the bag then pulling the gun right handed and leveling it at the sack. "The light protects us, but maybe stand so I have a clear shot?" Sophie: "Dark magic. If even you don't know, then stand back!" Sophie gets out of the way, closer to the door to add an additional layer of protection from it escaping that way. Vex scrambles along the floor, scooting on one good arm and banging into barrels and jangling crates Ken (GM): clanggeden! what do Sophie: "Go alert somebody who can deal with this, maybe." Jack draws axe and knife, ready to agressively defend himself Clang tosses the bag to the-middle of the room, so it is not hanging out on his back Gaiserich was going to snatch it and throw it out of the door if Jack opened it, but oh well Gaiserich readies his spear and moves forward Sophie: "Hm, Sir Vex, please grab the torch near you." Gaiserich prepares to stab the thing inside the bag if it crawls towards the one-armed elf Vex stands, a bit winde dlooking, but yanks the burning light from the wall IT wriggles free of the bag, and emerges IT is the metal gauntlet...and a skittering form underneath, emerging from the armor plate; long skittery tentacles and segmented legs...and a draws to full cock, eyes wide in horror and ready to fire as a hissing scream of a snakeman reaches her. The towering amazon putting enough pressure on the trigger to very nearly reach the break. Ken (GM): :D Sophie: "Vex, it's okay. It fears fire. So long as you wield it, it will not cause you harm." IT skitters, unsteady on too many legs, and swings back and forth drunkenly, upended by the metal gauntlet on top of it's gruesome form. It continues hissing and trilling, and slithers away from you all and skitters unsteadily and BAM Mercy unloads a barrel into it mercilessly! The bit of armor flies back to the wall as the wet SLAP of meat empties against the floor like an upended kettle of fish Vex 's screaming trails off Vex: "AAAAaaaahhhh oh" Sophie: "Now!" Sophie edges closer to offer her hand to him Vex moves, his eyes remaining fixed on the thing's stain on the floor Vex: "By the neverending cavalcade of elven spirits what IN THE NAME OF FUCK WAS ?!" Gaiserich searches the area for unusual heat signatures Mercy fires, the abbreviated barrel of the polished steel gun meaning fire belches out like a dragon's flame, powder and smoke thick even as heavy let smashes into the creature, the wall and likely anything else nearby. The sound is like the hammer of god in an enclosed stone room, for a moment all she hears is echos. She's glad the screams end as the world returns from ringing. Obediently going to collect a torch from the wall. "You want it burned or boxed, Miss Sophie?" Rolling 3d6 = 10v11 Sophie: "It was a figure of speech. It means to surround and prevent escape." Gaiserich relaxes visibly. After the noise rings out, he answers the elf: “The Ssstarman makesss flesh move.” Sophie: "Since even Vex doesn't know what it is, and it was a gift from my lovely sister Euria, let's just burn it." Gaiserich: “Dead bodies, torn flesh… and limbs, it ssseems.” Sophie goes to grab a nearby torch Vex: "The animation is amazing....it's as if the flesh was...have you ever seen anything like it before?!" The elven man seems to gibber, far too excited. He's trembling Gaiserich uses his spear to nudge the artifact out of the way of the fire. Ken (GM): [torch comes off the wall for the doctor] Sophie: "Hey, if you're getting overstimulated, perhaps some cool air will clear your head." Clang: "We've seen things like this before, yes." Ken (GM): [gauntlet drips with goo, but is still aside from the prodding] Mercy nods. "Yes, Sir. I saw a man with no head moveing" Vex: "Really?! Locomotion without the head? Amazing!" Sophie takes the torch with her and approaches the thing Vex: "And no, we...should be quite safe down here now that this thing is dealt with" Clang: "I don't know if is the word I'd use...but it is remarkable to say the least." Vex: "Yes, no, of course Master dwarf, pardon the phrasing, you see I'm just so..." and he trails off Sophie prods the thing with the torch IT 's flesh bristles at the touch of flame and it sputters to a small blaze almost immediately. The shell of the limbs stubbornly stay whole but the wet flesh is like greasy oil Mercy feels better when it burns. IT quickly erupts from a small fire into a flash blaze, and within a minute, a smoldreing heap. There is a hiss as it boils out Clang: "Well if nothing else, we know fire works....I just dread thinking about how many pyres we'll build if this keeps spreading." Sophie: "That, my dear Vex, is what we've come here about." Jack: "Remind me to get a gun....and a jug of lamp oil" Sophie: "There will be more of this to come." Vex: "Amazing! Again, look att he flesh! The energy released as it burns" He slumps to a seat, mezmerized by the little fire. Childlike wonder on his face Clang turns to his friends Gaiserich is a little worried about that guy, but he also enjoys the sight and warmth of the fire burning away the bad magic. Clang: "Perhaps the loss of a limb and the terror of the night will need to allow him a bit of rest to recover his wits" Sophie: "Good point. Shall we take him out for some fresh air?" Clang: "A fine idea!" "Sir Vex, perhaps we should get some air and a drink to steel our nerves before going forth." Jack reluctantly puts away his weapons, and pops open the door; there is a heavy clunk and a visible sparkle of magic as the door releases (To GM): I assume this place is pretty dusty and smelled of chemicals and magic even before we burned the zombie-flesh? Vex: "Wha? Oh! Yes, of course...I ...." he seems torn, looking a tthe sputtering blaze "I wish I could get more answers from it...but yes. Let us a way. At least to the courtyard." Mercy puts away her weapons slowly and shakes her head to clear it, nodding and standing by, moving over to Sophie. "Would you like some help, Mister Vex? Are you feeling steady enough to walk?" (To GM): intriguing! Gaiserich looks around, a little confused, his eyes drawn to the ceiling. Sophie: "I'll br right behind you." Vex: "Oh! Thank you miss!" The elf is very unsteady on his feet, and essentially half falls between Sophie and Mercy "My...youre BIG" Gaiserich: “Why isss the air here so fresh? There are no windows or plantsss,” he turns to ask Vex. Mercy gently takes his arm and guides the elven man up the steps. "Yes, Sir. I am quite large." Sophie looks to Gai. "Check the gauntlet. Something might still be hiding dormant." Sophie helps to steady the elf. "You've had quite the day." Vex: "Eh? Oh! Yes, spells. Magic. I have a few charms built up in here..." he half mutters to himself Vex is essentially draped against Mercy for the time being. He is...not a hardy fellow it seems Gaiserich 's eyes linger on the elf for a moment, but then he nods. “Good magic,” he concludes, and slithers over to the gauntlet as Sophie requested. Sophie: "I hope you can teach me some of your secrets. We'll probably need it where we're going." Ken (GM) in the light of the room, the gauntlet is a thing of weir dbeauty; an oddly elegant form of smithy, with swooping lines and finely articulated joints. A band of differently colored metal at the elbow piece, with a clear stone set in the face. Gaiserich takes another look at it, but he already couldn't see anything warm or moving in there earlier, so he simply picks it up and tries not to get too much goo over his hands. Mercy helps Vex out into the courtyard. Ken (GM) cool night air outside, compared to the little room; the door guards are at the ir post, and quickly lose attention at the odd sight of your troupe again...Odd, theyre not on alert after hearing a gunshot? Ken (GM) the mule is tied off nearby, drinking from a bucket of rainwater Gaiserich grimaces a bit. He is not disgusted by corpses or other dirty things, but this magic goo is icky. Gaiserich carries it outside Gaiserich: “Can we wash thiss?” “There issss still goo inside, but it is cold.” Sophie: "Probably subject it so some fire first, then clean it." Vex looks at Gaiserich with a queer look on his face Mercy: "Did your magic keep them from hearing what happens in your workshop, Sir?" She ask Vex, trying to help him focus and calm as much as anything. Gaiserich: “It feels like the reading-sssstone. Does thisss make you read, too?” Vex: "That...is not my bracer" Gaiserich returns the confused look. Vex: "I mean, it is, and its not. Thats my bracer...up at the back end of it! But that gauntlet is totally new to me" Sophie: "Euria obtained it from somewhere." "That alone makes it suspect." Clang follows, nonchalantly, looking around at the little keep Vex: "Yes, definitely' He clings to Mercy with his good hand, and manages to stand against her as a brace Gaiserich shows it to him so he can get a closer look at it, while looking around for a torch to cleanse the goo with. Vex peers at it curiously Gaiserich: “It tingles, like the reading-sssstone.” Vex: "Amazing craftmanship. Ive never seen anything like it!" Sophie lowers her voice. "So, i'll just explain. I wasn't kidding or joking when I said there's a family history of demonic possession." Mercy looks at it quietly. Starring a moment and considering the odd bracer before she turns to Sophie, sympathy written on her expression. "I'm so sorry." Vex: "Really?!" the elven man turns to Sophie, amazed "I wonder if your sister...has she been in league with the Lords of Night, do you think?" Gaiserich concentrates on listening to the story. Sophie: "How should I know? She up and started killing people and performing dark magic. I wasn't about to ask her which demonic fanclub she was inducted into." Vex: "Ah! yes, of course, my apologies...I only meant...it would be the likely culprit. Cabals of demonologists are very much an Elven....well I mean" he mumbles off "It's just..." " Clang: "Can I see the Bracer, ser Galserich? Maybe I can feel its secrets a bit more with my hands." P.P. A.: [insert two Dwarves from another timeline making smug remarks] Gaiserich nods, and hands it over. Sophie: "Yes, i'm sure you put up quite a resistance." Ken (GM) The gauntlet sparkles as it meets Clanggeden's metal hands Sophie: "When you're feeling better, there are some things i'd like to ask you." Ken (GM) The sparkle coalesces into an actual glow, and the stone on the gauntlet lights up like a blue torch Clang stammers for a moment, but steadies himself, looking suddenly winded Clang: "Endless Beards of the Allfather...." Sophie: "...Yeah, this is why when Euria comes bearing gifts, you have to be more careful." Mercy looks to the dwarf and waits for him to tell them what is up with that. Vex: "[]" IT skitters to life once more in Clanggedens grip! Gaiserich hisses! Clang panics as the bracer begins to move on its own, he tries to wrestle it to submission, but...? Ken (GM): wrasslin roll! Sophie: "Vex, tell me there are spells that can deal with this without killing our dwarven friend in the process." Vex: Sophie looks over to him to make sure he's not ogling it like he did her sister Clang: I has no wrastling. Dex? Strength? I has only the Glorious Dwarfnippon Karate Gaiserich darts forward, trying to grab the glowy magic thing to pry it away from holds Vex up and doesn't make a weaseling roll, watching with wide, scared eyes. "It's.. Ugh!" She pulls the man back, keeping between him and The Evil Hand Ken (GM): [yus] Gaiserich takes the shield off his back, and moves between Clang and Vex, shielding the latter—spear in the other hand Clang: "Ser Elf, you seem to be a very popular person with these dark magics, I hope you're not making it a habit to associate with them!" Vex: "I....can !" Gaiserich: “Sssssomeone bring another torch.” Sophie: "On it." Sophie hurries to fetch the torch she used earlier Ken (GM): [a torch appears] Vex appears mezmerized; he reaches out his stump arm and the gauntlet reaches back... Vex: "!" Sophie: "Let's see how it likes this. Brave yourself, Clang. Hold it steady, and Mercy, get him out of here." Sophie takes the torch and approaches Clang Jack shuts the gate door, giving you all some modicum of privacy Mercy holds Vex. "Oh my.. this may hurt then. If you can feel it.." She draws him farther away from The Hand. Clang indeeds braves the strange situation, curiosity replacing the initial panic in his eyes as he holds the gauntlet firm Gaiserich sneakily positions his lower (snakey) body around Vex's feet, so that if the elf tries to make an apparently unwise move towards the magic glowing thing, he can trip him. Ken (GM): kek Sophie: "If you get burnt, i'll treat you personally." Sophie raises the torch and moves it toward the gauntlet. Vex is spellbound by the encounter, and barely realizes Gai has him snug until after he cant move Vex: "...what?" Ken (GM): [cue cleansing with fire?] Sophie: (Indeed) IT is bathed in torchflame, the last bits of ooze sizzling away under the open fire....and the elf SCREAMS as his stump smolders under the bandage! Gaiserich: “Don't trusssst this magic, ssstay here,” Gaiserich warns the elf. He remembers that the thing that killed the other elf at the other safehouse was said to be a living creature, deadly after it came in close contact with its victim. This might be similar. Vex: "AAAAAAAUGH!" The Guard 's startled voices reach you through the door "Wy wot! Whats going on in there?!" Sophie: "Hang in there. This dark magic is being cleansed. Whatever hold it has over you will soon be severed." Gaiserich likely sees the heat emanating from the elf's stump; he drops his weapons to get out a water bottle, and pours it out over the bandages Jack: "Just purging the wicked boys, leave us to our jobs ey?" He holds the door, watching the strange happening P.P. A.: speaking of which, I only have a water BOTTLE in my inventory because I couldn't find that other more logical water container; what was it called, a bladder? Vex screams, The gauntlet writhes, the torch burns. In a few seconds, the last sizzling bits of ooze boil out of the gauntlet in Clang's hands...and Vex faints Sophie withdraws the torch once the thing stops moving. Vex has a scorched meaty stump, the bandages genuinely singed as if they were thrust into the torchfire direct Joush M.: I think it isn't anacronistic to have a flask or canteen at this point Mercy had a canteen. It was filled with goo Clang smiles grimly, not out of joy but out of dry duty. Ken (GM): [yeah, bladder works if you want. Cheap tin flasks too(stopper topped)] Mercy holds Vex, supporting him sympthetically and then holding him up. "Poor man" Gaiserich eases his grip on him, instead using his body to prop up the elf and to gently let him down. P.P. A.: [I'll retcon that on my sheet then because it's dumb for a hunter to be carrying aorund a glass bottle imo) IT: no longer moves...but the stone on the gauntlet still glimmers with a magical light, like a blue candle in a crystal box Clang taps his finger at the stone gently, seeing if it reacts " Sophie: "I can probably treat this, but we'll need to move him to a cleaner environment." Gaiserich: “Back inssside?” Jack: "Ugh, back in the hole" Mercy: "Maybe there is another place we could work?" She ask hopefully, but nods. "Should we just go back into the sorcerer's lab?" Sophie: "I'm thinking more of the infirmary or his personal quarters." Jack: "At least the guards are afraid of the Order; that saferoom is likely gonna keep us provate while you torch people" "wait, not people, elves" Clang: "Seems like we have purged the gauntlet of whatever it was possessed with....this magic feels almost familiar now." Sophie: "Let's make sure we properly clean things next time before trying them on." Ken (GM): [it did look like Vex had another room behind the curtain, on the South side of the room.] Gaiserich: “Downssstairs sssemed clean. The magic made the air fresh,” Gaiserich notes. If Mercy is holding the elf now, he picks his spear and shield back up and stows them away, before slithering inside once more to see if there is a bed anywhere. Mercy carries the elf gently downstairs. Clang takes the gauntlet back inside Sophie helps Mercy move the patient Ken (GM): [curious sneks find another room behind the curtain; a bed and some other things Jack secures the door, and then sits righ tbeside it, within arms reach Ken (GM): [ to the bed?] Sophie: (To the bed!) Gaiserich alerts the others to it. Vex is totally conked out; he seems quite exhausted Clang: "My fellows, while I'm relived we have a moment's peace, I'm afraid I have some insight that may spell dark times ahead..." Sophie helps settle Vex into his bed, and then goes back outside to fetch her medical supplies from the mule Mercy nods and looks grimly to Clang, listening to what he has to say. Tucking the elf into his elf bed Jack lets her through, and makes sure to awkwardly bump into her as she passes Sophie returns quickly, assuming there wasn't anything to get in the way Clang: "It seems whatever this is is not only attracted to magic, and those who practice it, but it seems to feed off of it and pervert it. Any mage in the land could fall victim to this...and how many pillars of our great land are built upon magical fonts and items of power?" P.P. A.: (I think that's a slight mischaracterisation, I picture Jack more as a PUA guy than a horndog) Jack: "Can't throw a rock without hitting a mage, round here." Clang: "Aye, the proximity is worrying." "Like a pox ripping through a group of sheep...." Jack: "And then ther's the elves. Goddamn knife ears are just waiting to get ....this in their systems" Clang: "The closer they huddle, the more water and food they share....the faster the infection spreads." Sophie: "And yet magic is what will help us the most in this journey, I feel." Clang: "It could be as some fungus I know of....those infected may not realize they are spreading it." Gaiserich: “Like the flesh we burned lassst night… a sssevered piece was possessed by the witchcraft, came alive,and ssssought out the ressst of the body?” Sophie gets to treating Vex's burns as best she can Jack shudders, totally creeped out Mercy: "Is there any way to cure or prevent it?" She ask with a shiver. Gaiserich: “Butn not jussst every dead body, but alssso every piece of one?” Jack: "Burn it all" he says to himself, under his breath Clang: "I don't know....it could be close to the natural viruses of the land....once your body develops a resistance to it, it may become immune. But this is alive, and it has a will...it is not some dumb disease working with chance and the wind." Rolling 3d6 = 7 v 15 Physician Clang: "We must also accept the worrying idea that anyone we may ask for help on this is a likely target for infection...possession...whatever it is." Mercy: "Maybe Vex will know something about it when he wakes up. I'd hate to just run off into the wilds of Gorath" Gaiserich: “Fire won't sssstop it if it'ssss like a curse, and finds its victims with magic… but fire sssstop anything it has latched on to.” Mercy: "Did she intentionally spread it? Why target Mister Vex?" Jack: "Yeah, i'm thinking fire will solve a of our problems right now" Mercy: "We aren't the ones that spread this. That was someone else" Sophie: "...Vex is showing clear signs of infection." Gaiserich: “We sssshould track down Eoria; the trail may sssstil be fresh.” Clang: "It seems so, Ser Saiserich. And yes, Mercy, I suspect the....infection...is still young. Someone is wilfully working for this." Gaiserich turns to Sophie. Gaiserich: “Oh no…” “But we made ssssure that he did not touch the… thingssss. Did he touch their aura?” Jack eyes a nearby torch, and grips the railing of the stairs Sophie: "Take a look at his arm stump." Ken (GM) the Elf's stump of an arm has a neat rounded nub of flesh; blue veins reach up his arm from the end, and a scorch mark is on the tip, licked with flame Sophie: "He also suffers from a fever and swollen glands" Mercy winces at the sight of the maimed elf and looks away. Gaiserich gets closer, but also lifts his upper body off the ground so he can bend over and take a closer look from above Sophie's head. Clang: "It is the same glow as what's on the gauntlet... is it the infection or is it other magics at work?" "The Elf did mention he was fooling with regenerative magic." Ken (GM): [that he did!] ] :D Sophie: "I will do what I can, but if a magical solution is available, we must do our best to see to it." Mercy steps back, rolling and lightning a cigarette to settle her nerves. A shiver running up her back. Sophie: "Some notes or scrolls, perhaps...someone look for something like that while i'm working here." Clang: "This guantlet and his arm may be linked in other ways...I pray to the Allfather that the vile infection is gone completely. Should we see what happens if we place them back together? remedies he knows that draw out mundane poison; maybe they can be allied here and draw out the magic poison too, somehow. Rolling 3d6 = 15v10 (Naturalist or First Aid) Clang: [Vex becomes a Terrasque....Clang sighs and says 'shit.'] Ken (GM): :O Gaiserich can't think of anything useful Sophie: "I'd rather not do so until we have more information first. He said the bracer was his, at least." Clang: "Aye. We have time, it seems. A bit of care won't hut." (To GM): naturally Gaiserich: “Are there good-magic leeches that can ssssuck out bad magic?” Ken (GM): [point of order; he said the bracelet part was his, and he didnt know where the gauntlet part came from...] Clang begins to look through the mage's lab, looking for books and paper that he may have had been using recently Sophie tries her best to treat the infection and keep him stable Gaiserich turns to Clang. “He sssaid only the bracelet wass hissss, can you ssseparate it from the rest?” Ken (GM): [The dwarf beelines for the obvious writing desk] [he finds....a bunch of writing in elvish!] P.P. A.: if only we had someone who can read elvish Mercy blinks as the magic draws up the smoke, making it vanish away, smoke curling from her lips as the teenager looks over without knowing what to add. "Where could the guntlet have come from?" P.P. A.: and understand it, too Clang: [damn moonspeak!] P.P. A.: Maybe there are other literate elves here? Mercy looks around. Anything remarkable about the painting, mirror or odd rack in the corner? Clang: "The magic still within the gauntlet may be dwarven in nature....but I admit it may just be my wishful thinking." Jack laughs form the other room Sophie: (Sounds like a job for Jack) Jack: "Do I need to go out and round us up a tree-boy?" Clang: "Maybe you could inquire with the guards if Vex has some fellows in town?" Joush M.: The only elven Jack reads is a book of erotic woodcut prints Jack puts the torch he was holding....back on the wall Gaiserich: “I can read the wordsss, but not underssstand them; if I read them aloud to a treescent, would that work?” Jack: "Any excuse to get some air....though I gotta say its actually pretty nice down here. Doesnt smell like elf-ass at all" Clang: "I don't see why not." Sophie: "Please go and search for someone. Pretty please." Jack hups-to at that Jack winks and finger-guns P.P. A.: so far we've met two elves and they both died/are dying to magic hopefully the next will break the pattern Ken (GM): >incoming imminent hat-tick *trick Gaiserich: In the meantime, Gaiserich sniffs around for anything that smells like medicine. Maybe the elf had already prepared any contoctions that could (GM) gaiserich falls afoul of a jar of sulphur, but is otherwise unwounded after. He and mercy both find out rapidly the rooms are being cleansed by some magical power here that they can feel. Clanggeden feels it too; elf-helper elementals perhaps? Ken (GM) Sophie sees to poor Vex Rolling 3d6 = 7 vs 15 for Physician! P.P. A.: The patient appears to be missing one limb. Worse than that, he is also an elf—poor guy. Future Dwarven scientists would eventually discover an effective cure for Elf Disease by mixing sulfur, charcoal, and saltpeter. Ken (GM): *that poor bastard8 and lead P.P. A.: ^ Mercy checks out the painting. Ken (GM) a landscape piece of art, of a mountaintop monastary viewed fromsome distance, over a verdant forest. A volcano smolders in the far background over the horizon Sophie decides to try treating the infection. His body may be fighting it off, but with how advanced it is, waiting and seeing won't do much good. She has to at least try. Ken (GM) Sophie operates; after about half an hour, she has drained him of a good amount of blood which shows....a blue glimmer mixed in. He seems paler, but less embattled Mercy helps if she can. mostly by fetch and carry work. Ken (GM) The rest of you turn up little; the safehouse is sparsely decorated with what you believe are Vex's personal things. He has a small wardrobe of rich clothing, woven in fine silk and cloths. He has a small library of arcane notes stuffed in leather backed volumes, much of it unreadable. otherwise the rooms are stocked with foodstuffs, jugs of water and ale, and a small table of more esoteric items all labelled in elven as well. Many of those you suspect are alchemists items. Sophie: "All that's left is to rest and make sure he eats. And hope he wakes up." Vex: "....you do good work...' he says weakly, eyes fluttering open Vex hisses in pain as he tries to move his freshly bound arm stump Vex: "Have I been saved?" Mercy: "Welcome back, Mister Vex" Sophie: "How long have you been sick?" Vex barely stirs from his bed, but takes a few deep breaths and steadies himself. he is much more calm now Sophie: "And presumably my sister had something to do with it." Clang purposely blocks Vex's view from the gauntlet and anything magical while they talk Vex: "As soon as my arm was struck from my body. I think Eurica must have poisoned her blade" Sophie: "Euria is quite the crafty one." Vex: "I am a student of life; the Anhaern have a long life of knowledge in healing, and I set to sealing the wound as soon as I was betrayed..." "...well, as soon as I stoppe dscreaming, really" Vex coughs weakly, hacking Vex: "May I have some water?" Sophie looks to the others. "Of course." Gaiserich goes to fetch some P.P. A.: well, wherever there is any Ken (GM): [] Vex drinks, grateful Vex: "Thank you, []. You ar etoo kind today" "I must say...this is the strangest of times we are in.I never expected the Order to enlist the likes of Gorgoth's mighty serpents" Gaiserich settles himself on his own lower body. “I hunt in the woodsss and ssssometimes come to warmblood towns to trade. One day I wasss approached by membersss of the Order to help them hunt a witch who fled into the wildssss.” Mercy looks to Gaiserich, then nods a little at his words. "The Order is a good place for people who don't belong elsewhere." Gaiserich: “They told me what it isss that they do.” He lowers his head a bit. “In Gorgoth, there are many placesssss where the dark magic of the Old Age can sssstil be felt.” “Placesss that ssstink like death forever, where you can feel the dead moving under the ground.” Vex: "Yes. The Anhaern as well. Elven lands are not free from the taint of darkness." Gaiserich: The serpent shudders a little at the thought Vex: "Our land borders yours, but the forest grows over it all" Gaiserich: .“The elderssss told ussss how dark magic did this. I am ssscared that these timessss could return, so I help the Order.” Vex nods a bit to that "Wise elders" Vex: "Miss Sophie; thank you. I fear tonight may have been my last night, without your expert help" ]?" Sophie: "I'd advise being more careful about who you spend your time with in the future. Especially now that we know Euria can change shape." Sophie stares blankly at the elf, indicating that she has no idea what he said Sophie: "No magic is at work here; only medical treatment i've honed over time." Vex: "Truly? " he says, wonder hardly masked in his voice "What will men think of next?" Sophie: "Speaking of magic...there are some things we will need to discuss when you are able." Gaiserich: “Ah yesss. Can you read?” Vex: "Ah, yes? I am a scribe of the great verses, and have dabbled a bit in the tongue of men, some dwarven runes." He sits up, very carefully. "Is that what you came for? My books?" Gaiserich: “We have booksss, and we can ‘read’ them, but we cannot undersssatdn the words—they are in your language.” Mercy feels bad for a moment. A great and learned man, when they came hoping for any elf that had mastered basic literacy in the tongue of their people. Clang: "An Elf who knows the runes of my people...truly an incredible time to be alive!" Sophie produces the books that were entrusted to them. "We discovered that these books are coded. The code has been cracked, but the text itself is in Elvish, which we are not versed in." Vex: "Interesting, please, let me see them" Vex flicks through whatever you hand him Sophie hands them to the elf Vex: [cipher notes too?] Sophie: (Yup) Vex spends a few minutes looking through what you have. He flicks back and forth from your key, to the books. He opens up other journals in the pile, and makes a bunch of interested Hmmmm noises Vex: "" "Where did you get this?" Sophie: "Another agent of the Order left these in our care." Vex looks at you with an odd expression on his face. Holding the book in the torchlight, quiet. You could hear a pin drop Vex: "...is the Patrician Dead..?" Gaiserich wonders how the elf is reading when he isn't saying anything. Don't you have to speak the words in the books so you can hear them? Mercy looks to Sophie, then winces, not sure who should be the one to tell Vex Sophie: "We brought a witch to him for interrogation. She was infected by dark magic, and in turn infected him. This magic decapitated him, and then reanimated his body to attack us. it was put to the torch." Vex gets wet, around the eyes Vex doesnt cry, but you see him struggle to control his breathing for a moment. He shudders. Gaiserich: “It is good that you live.” Sophie: "His suffering wasn't drawn out. Death claimed him quickly." Gaiserich is quite relieved that they didn't have to witness the death of yet another order member. P.P. A.: yeah after he screamed for like a minute Clang: [bah, a minute is pretty quick.... :P] Sophie: "The product of this infection was much like the thing which frightened you and then attempted to entice you toward it. You can now understand our refusal to let it happen." "This dark magic is not to be looked upon with wonder and curiosity; it has already claimed victims and will claim more unless something is done." Clang nods grimly Vex nods, wipes the tears welling in his eyes Vex: "Yes, youre right. We need to stop the Starman, and his children" Vex points to the journal open in front of him Vex: "Whatever the Starman is..." Sophie: "...Children? Do you mean that figuratively?" Vex: "......" tracing a finger along a passage in the book numbering in the legion, to wash upon the land like a wave breaking the shore. Flooding the knowledge of the Starman to his new scions..." "It all reads like this. Scripture." Clang: "It's never the solitary evil you have to worry about....worry when the evil wants a family." Mercy: "We'd planned to go to the fens of Gorath and find the last place the 'true' starman touched the world. Would that be a good place to stop him?" Sophie: "We have reason to believe the starman and its related energies are drawn to magic and magic users. Euria also sought you out for a reason. Are you in possession of any particular spells they would love to have you on their side for? Or perhaps any artifacts?" Vex: "....yes....my bracer" and he turns his head, to stare directly at Clanggeden, and the gauntlet behind his back Sophie: "...Which she gave back to us." Clang turns around with it and nods Vex: "The speaking stone in the bracer is, or at least was, an artifact of ancient dwarven origin. I retrieved it from a ruin, in the Eat Anhaern. In the Fens." *east Anhaern Clang: "I thought it felt familiar..." Sophie: "I think it's safe to show him." Vex: "Master dwarf, your Allfather...the magic power wielded by the ancients. It's one and the same" "I believe, at least" Gaiserich is tready to jerk it out of his hands if it does anything suspicious again Mercy watches, eyes bright and curious. Vex: "In my work for the Order, through the years, i have been investigating the power they used. , pure and powerful." "Their devices, every example I have ever found was a finely crafted, nearly impossible construction. Their society must have been wondrous to behold." Clang walks over with the gauntlet, appreciating it in a new light, and glad they didn't have to burn it....not that it would have been easy Clang: "Aye, I hold much pride in my heart for my peoples...and much worry that this infection echoes what my kind's great empires fell to." Vex looks at the gauntlet with new eyes, a quiet clam now, not any less excited, but certainly under control Mercy: "Is this power as dangerous as it seems?" Vex: "..." he says, mostly to himself Sophie leans against a nearby wall, quietly listening in Vex: "I dont know, miss Mercy. I fear....i fear this is much bigger than any one of us." Ken (GM) the metal gauntlet glimmers in the torchlight, mingling with the witchly flame of the blue light, embedded in the ancient crystal stone. Rolling 3d6 = 11v11 Clang: "I don't see why not...just...please understand if an evil reaction occurs...we may be forced to subdue it." Clang hands it over, slowly Gaiserich stares intently at the gauntlet. Sophie follows the handover with her eyes Vex takes it from you, gently with his hand. He holds it up....and extends his sump to it Vex: *stump Ken (GM): There is a twinkle of that blue power flashing for a moment, a little twinkle...and then the gauntlet is moving as the rest of his arm should. The elf flexes and stretches it, experimentally. The hand is his own...somehow Gaiserich: “Are… are these ‘auras’?” the snakeman wonders aloud, looking around at the people in the room, and to the gauntlet. Vex looks up at that question Clang laughs heartily, glad to see the Dwarven magic working as it should Vex: "Youre a mage as well?!" Mercy: "Dwarves made parts from steel to replace failed flesh?.. But.." Her brow crinkles, head tilting to the side. "Where did this one come from?" Sophie: "If he is, he's cast a spell over us, that's for sure." Gaiserich: “I… don't know, but I can see… It looks like heat, but it isn't heat… Magic, maybe?” Clang turns to Mercy and flexes his own hands, twinkling in the torchlight, then chuckles and turns back to Vex Sophie: "A more likely explanation is that with our exposure to artifacts and dark magic, we're becoming more aware of magical energies." Clang: "Admittedly, mine are less armour and more flesh themselves..." "And yes, it seems the more we see...the more we are capable of seeing." Vex: "Are you quoting Elven teachings at me on purpose?" Clang laughs Clang: "By accident, I'm quite sure." Vex: "" Vex smacks his hands together, the clank of metal and flesh an odd clatter. The mail of the glove is pushing back as if filled with a limb, but it has nothign but a glow inside Sophie: "In any case, could I bother you to teach me some things before we set off again? You'll probably want to rest some first, though." Vex seems enraptured with his gauntleted hand, but snaps out of his reverie at your question Vex: "of course! not a problem, least I could do to repay you, I'm sure" Mercy: "We could all use rest. Money, food, and weapons.. and I suppose, magic, before we run off into the dark" Clang: "We already have the greatest magic of all..." Jack: "Well, i didnt find an elf who can read, but I found some other bad news!" Sophie: "Of course." P.P. A.: oh boy, here comes the cliffhanger Gaiserich: “Vex can read; it'sssss fine.” Clang: "Friendship." P.P. A.: errr we did introduce each other, right Jack: "Grayhold marches South. Whole damn army is coming up the road right now, banners up and torches out. The city is mobilizing!" "...what the fuck is going on in here?" Sophie: "War again, is it?" Jack sees the elf up with the glowing gauntlet on his arm Sophie: "Uh. It's Magic." Gaiserich: “Isss thisss not common?” “The Warmbloods and Gorgoth have fought for a long time,” Jack: "Very common Gai; the army marches for the dark kingdom. Theyre all here. Every last one of them. " Mercy blinks, eyes wide. "Oh, no.. I mean, it's not.. unheard of, but it's still very bad." Mercy: "Especally given our plans." Jack: "Yeah. This is big. This is a crusade" Sophie: "No doubt they tried to stop by the estate looking for support personnel." Gaiserich: “Thisss should make it easier for ussss to travel. The tribessss of Gorgoth will be fighting, and cannot chasssse us off their territory.” Jack: "yeah, and we could also get press ganged into the militia and handed spears" Sophie: "It also makes it easier for enemies of the Order and allies of the false Starman to move about and blend in." Gaiserich has ‘experienced’ a few seasons of warfare before; he stayed far away from the frontlines to not be confused for a Gorgoth scout, and used the opportunity to snoop around in other tribes' unattended hunting grounds- Ken (GM): >"Mmmm forbidden donut" Sophie: "Have no fear, Master Jack. I used to serve, and if we are cornered I can claim that you are all troops in my own squad." "Paperwork is so easily delayed in the chaos of a newly erupted war, after all." Clang: "Aye....war is hell, but it's the bureaucracy that will kill you." Mercy shifts her weight. "I don't think it will make things easier. Where as we could have traveled south, now we will be facing armies marching. We certainly can't cut though elf lands now." Jack bristles at the thought he would admit reading and writing could help here Sophie: "Let's not forget that at least one of the obstacles in our way can alter her appearance." "What's an extra pikeman who ends up on the march and stirs no trouble?" Clang nods at that Vex: ", She could walk about, anywhere" Mercy: "She could be Jack. Knock him out and replace him while he was outside." Fiss: [] Mercy flutters her eyelashes. "After all, it would be trivial for her to seduce him." Ken (GM): [have fun at work fiss! I promise Clang cant possibly explode] P.P. A.: [See you!] Sophie: "Therefore, I would like to propose something." Rosettsara: (Take care!) Jack looks wide eyed at Mercy for a moment Mercy: "We chain Jack to the wall for the night?" Sophie: "Tempting, but I have something less painful in mind." Jack: "hey now...wait a sec" Gaiserich slithers around the room, tongue flicking, making sure to memorise everyone's smell. Eoria may be able to change her appearance, but perhaps she will forget about this detail. Rolling 3d6 = 10 all v10 P.P. A.: Mercy is going to need some extra sniffing at some later point, but he's got the other ones down Ken (GM): kek Gaiserich nods to himself. Ken (GM): Gm is leaning towards; youre familiar enough thats within the +4 for an easy task P.P. A.: makes sense so that's everyone Ken (GM): I mean, what other amazon woman soaked in gunpowder and tobacco do you know? Sophie: "Despite having infiltrated the Order, my sister did not know how to respond to the Order's passphrase prompt." Mercy considers. "Call me Sunflower and I shall call you Rose?" Vex: "Wait, what?" Vex snaps out of another reverie, where he was poking himself in the face with a guantlet finger P.P. A.: Even if Eoria transforms into one of the group and copies their natural body odors, the smells that would stick to their clothes, their hair, etc. that are a result of their habits should not be copied along with that. Vex: "I'm doing what now?" Sophie: "That said, given that so many other members of the Order can be...convinced to let her in their magical studies or bedchambers, it's prudent to have an additional layer of security for us." Mercy: "If you suspect I'm not who I claim to be call me Sunflower. I'll call you Rose in return. If I don't call you Rose, it's not me." Vex: "Oh! certainly! Thats a wise plan" Sophie: "That is a good idea." Jack: "Where am I gonna give you a sniff?" Gaiserich: “Flowers sssmell nice. I like this.” “I will be… Ssssalvia.” Sophie: "Jack, you will be Buttercup." Mercy frowns at Jack, then nods to Gai and Sophie, smiling a touch. Jack: "Does this make Clang a potato?" Clang: "I was thinking, ginger tea" " he smiles Mercy: "Potato flowers are quite pretty." Mercy smiles. "But Ginger it is." Clang winks conspiratorially Sophie: "Vex, you are Lavender." Vex nods. Vex: "A very calm notion. Appreciated" "You will need provisions. Are you armed? equipped to travel the Fens?" Sophie: "Provisions, rest, equipment, and some magic would be nice." Mercy: "Not yet. We hoped you could help with that.. umm.. on the subject.. Miss Sophie, do you know how to fight? I know you've trained as a tactician and physician, but I don't know if you have other martial training." Sophie: "I usually cut into patients, not active combatants." Vex: "I will send a message, if someone will run it to a contact in town. I am owed many favors, and spend them often on Order requirements" he scribbles on some paper within reach Mercy: "Thank you, Mister Vex. That is very handy." Vex: "Will she need a gun?" motioning to Sophie Mercy blushes and hopes her choice of phrase dosn't offend. "Uhmm.. yes?" She ask. "Would you like me to teach you to shoot, Miss Sophie?" Vex: "You will need to move quickly, before the army strips the town of everything sharp and useful" he scribbles madly then folds up a letter, motions for it to be taken into town Jack again bristles at the idea that writing can help Sophie shrugs. "I will either succeed or not. There is no harm in at least trying." Jack: "Who am I seeing and where are they?" Gaiserich sways side to side a little, pondering. “Gunsss kill very well, but they are loud…” Ken (GM) you make preparations and move to ready yourselves for your journey; perhaps with the resources Vex can muster, you will reach the Starman, and stop whatever is to happen. Outside, the thrumming beat of the drums of war echo into the night Ken (GM) until next week Ken (GM) PROLOGUE; CHAPTER END Rosettsara: Now to go back and write some poems for everything we've experienced thus far, should be a fun week Ken (GM): hah, these poems :D Rosettsara: They probably won't be all that good, but I do feel like writing them Ken (GM): >self deprecating assertions PAH Joush M.: Hey, I like them. Ken (GM): BALDERDASH they will be GLORIOUS but yes! Rosettsara: Hopefully they'll meet expectations, then Oh, do we get xp this time? Ken (GM): yus def many 4 even! Rosettsara: Should be a good amount to invest into Gun and/or Magic skills Ken (GM): but I shall do a bit o writing! get some feedback, work this out with you guys for the next leg; into Gorgoth! which means, a bit of narrative assumption of downtime for you guys, maybe a training montage (To GM): those twenty-seven points will see some use for sure (From Ken (GM)): OMFG WHY DO YOU HOARD (To GM): it's easier than spending them! Ken (GM): huloooo P.P. A.: \o Ken (GM): ayyyy there we is! [Please note the updates to mapping and etc.] Rosettsara: Hello~ Joush M.: Good morning Fiss: Maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaps! Ken (GM): everything look good on your end guys? you can see the peeps, see the nearby revealed mappage? Fiss: Yes, looks shiny, I see darkness over the horizon as well! P.P. A.: Indeed Doc: think so Joush M.: Yep, looks good to me Rosettsara: Indeed Ken (GM) Where last we left our heroes...the prologue had closed on their journey. The Starman had been revealed as their imminent adversary, and his children their most horrifying foes Ken (GM) Now, the armies of grayhold, and the Alliance, march South! A staggered line of bristling weapons and magical might, snaking to the borders of Gorgoth. Little patience for the Horned King and his forces has been shown, and the men chomp at the bit, ready to bring the fight to the enemy! Ken (GM) Our party, secured for the moment in the Order stronghold alongside Vex (their strange gauntleted elven companion). They have secured provisions, grabbed whatever they can carry, and now made plans to head out before they were forcibly conscripted to the militia Rosettsara: (Now that I think about it, what those provisions actually are were never expanded on, and there was talk of giving Sophie a gun and training her in its use) Joush M. follows the lead of the others, careful and attentive as she writes down an inventory of their borrowed equipment, her hair bound back in a ponytail and the lupine young woman packing carefully. Doc: Jack also wants to grab some shit if we're getting weapons and such Ken (GM): Doc and I had already spoken about his personal kit changes; was there anything else on your wishlists? Clang: Just the usual "enough provisions to matter unless all our shit gets janked and it's part of the story to need logistics" amount of rations lol Doc: didn't quite figure out if he was getting the stuff through hospitality or if he was simply "commandeering" it Ken (GM): commandeering it is likely; though its less of stealing and more "taking stuff in the chaos of the town mobilizing in the middle of the night" Joush M.: Food, distilled alcohol, some more bandages, best avalable maps, a lamp and oil, firearms like a fusil ordinaire (2 or 3 of those, if possble), ammuntion for same, powder, shot, paper Doc: It's not stealing because he isn't taking any money - Jack logic Ken (GM): kek Joush M.: Oh! and some small boxes and glass bottles that fit inside them, for samples, evidence and things we don't want to touch Doc: "I'm just borrowing it, if they want it back all they have to do is ask" Rosettsara: Yeah, Sophie's already loaded with rations and such, so some stuff for her first aid and surgical kits would be good, plus a map. And if I get a choice in firearm, let me know Ken (GM): @joush: The fusil pistols are good to go Glass sampler is ok as well only thing on your list hard to get would be paper maps of the area Doc: Is Sophie still carrying a Long Knife or was that only on the rough draft of her character sheet Ken (GM): sorry Joush M.: Ah, no free maps? Can I get SOphie to make a copy of the best map they have? Ken (GM): derp Rosettsara: Still a long knife, yes Ken (GM): The hitch with the mapping is that the mobile nature of the enemy and constant skirmishing leaves much to be desired with their record keeping you have an accurate expectation of the terrain, more or less, but nothing more granular than that Joush M.: Works for me Rosettsara: Yeah Gaiserich is used to living off the land. He eats a few good meals while food is plenty in this town, sharpens his spear, and—if someone offers him any—stocks up on some replacement bits for his equipment, like a second speartip and another bottle. Joush M.: Gun cleaning kits, slings and bandoliers for the muskets easy enough to get? Ken (GM): yes, def. The dwarves dont allow their works to be mistreated Other point of order, for the GM; were you press-ganging Vex into attending? It wasnt super clear if you were taking him along or simply taking his stuff Mercy: Mercy isn't going to force him, but she thinks it's an Order matter and would be happy to have him along Ken (GM): mm, reasonable Clang: Yes, I would be fine with him tagging along, he seemed to handle himself well considering a hand being lopped off...Clang can appreciate the courage it takes to keep going in the face of such pain. Sophie wouldn't object to the elf coming with them. He wouldn't be safe there anyway, and could teach her magic and explain what he knew about Euria Jack acquires a mail collar, a pair of gauntlets, and a jack of plates. A the changes are subtle enough that a casual observer wouldn't notice the difference. Far more obvious is the twelve-pound hammer he now carries in lieu of his ordinary axe. Ken (GM): [] ] Doc: You might even call it a... Jack hammer Ken (GM): GASP Doc: He used to be a jack-axe but he is reformed P.P. A.: Hmm Doc, what were those arm-things called again Ken (GM): argh hands? P.P. A.: heh Rosettsara: So Sophie will be given a gun at one point, just let me know which type and the amount of ammo P.P. A.: the arm armour that's just two bands of metal Ken (GM): @rose; Low tech, , page 93 Doc: jack chains @PPA P.P. A.: ahh, thanks Ken (GM): dwarven made, a bit ornate and heavy, but thats the guns Doc: (this is what he's now wearing over his cloth armor) (the cloth armor is also known as a padded jack) Rosettsara: Added to Sophie's inventory Doc: kinda wish I was making this up tbh P.P. A.: I'm thinking that this might make sense for Gaiserich too Ken (GM): lel P.P. A.: protection of the arms that doesn't hinder mobility Where's the stats for it Doc: +1 DR vs cutting, aka the type of attack most likely to cripple or remove a vulnerable limb Ken (GM): low tech as well, ja? Doc: yes, it's just a flavor for "Reinforced Armor" Ken (GM): ah yeah metal reinforcements to area vs cut Doc: cost and weight both x1.25 P.P. A.: Reinforcing grants +1 DR vs. cutting (only), but adds +0.25 CF and 25% to weight. Huh, he doesn't even have any armour on his arms, so far maybe he should get a gambeson that covers arms and (upper) torso, and then jakc chains for the arms Vex is honored at the invitation to attend, and only blanches slightly at the prospect of making his way into the Fens of Gorgoth...full of monsters and Beastmen and outlaws and worse! He helps to make ready all the things Ken (GM): if he can spare the weight; dont forget to calc in the +1 SM for Gai on any new armor P.P. A.: yeeeep Joush M.: I think you can just reenforce normal DR 0 fabric Clang: Oh yeah. SHortstack P.P. A.: I actually forgot to re-calculate his other armour lemme do thta quick Ken (GM): kek P.P. A.: beinf a dor was nice, everything was lighter and cheaper Ken (GM): however, a segue Ken (GM) Your group outfits itself; in the mad mobilizing of the town and the rousing of the guard with the oncoming army, it is easy work for Vex to help you leverage Order assets and arrnage for your group to slip out of town ahead of the militia. Horses are scarce, but thanks to mule you have a pack animal you can trust Ken (GM) The next few hours are a flurry of activity as you make ready to run Doc: Thank you mule friend Clang nips out to the local healer to ask for pain-killers should his hands flare up at inopportune moments. Other than that, he is willing to suffer a bit of discomfort for the sake of his new gifts. Ken (GM): noted Mercy is shy and withdrawn working around the soliders. Seeming to expect worse treatment for being scorned then she gets, and very careful around everyone today as she loads things up and makes herself useful. Once things are settled she waits near the mule, the pile of equipment carefully put away. P.P. A.: (I actually wonder to that extent the SM thing applies; it does mechanically, but practically Gaiserich's upper body isn't any bigger than a normal person's; it's just attacked to a looooong tail) Ken (GM): oh balls, right take it into consideration only with your pants then, I suppose lel Doc: it only protects one of his torsos Ken (GM): :P Ken (GM) Overnight, you make ready and slip into the eve. Once South of the city a short ways, outside of bowshot and not yet into the dark lands, you make a warm and safe camp Mercy is glad to make camp, settleing things in and performing the needed chores without complaint before asking. "So.. should we have a lesson? On how the firearms work?" Vex keeps himself busy with what appears to be an older suit of elven-made armor; he appears to have not worn it in some time and is re-fitting the pieces, relacing it as he goes Jack: "Never used one before. Probably makes a good club, though." Sophie inspects the musket curiously and then looks to Mercy. "It would be beneficial." Mercy nods to Jack. "They do. Or a spear, when fitted with a bayonet.. Ah, but I forgot those." She admits, then nods and rises. Setting up a target on a stone, though they might not get that far tonight. The first thing she works on is how not to shoot someone, covering matters like holding the firearm, keeping it aimed in safe directions, and how to avoid accidentally shooting it. Only after that does she proceed to explain how to load, ready and fire. Vex: "Ive never had much use for them either, Jack. Dwarven explosives? Too loud, too innacurate." He continues adjusting the armor fit Clang: "I would appreciate a lesson, even if only for an emergency. I was never one to use the wares, only preparing the metals needed." Ken (GM): [a briliant excuse for spending a point and killing familiarity penalties] Vex: "Really? I'm genuinely surprised. I thought your people mixed the powder into their food and handed the shot to newborn babes?" Sophie picks up Mercy's lessons frighteningly fast for a newcomer Clang: "I was a slight more...pedestrian in my old life. Adventure and combat are young talents in my soul." Gaiserich , after leaving the town, had almost leapt into the underbrush like a fish into the sea. Back in his element, he had gracefully slithered up and around trees, under low branches and high bushes, as he'd scouted ahead. Jack is a surprisingly cooperative student, always eager to learn a new way to kill Gaiserich now enjoys the dry campfire in the middle of the damp woods. Vex is a credit to the elves; once he's out of town and into the green, his footsteps are sure and his trailblazing practiced. Despite his awkward packing skills Mercy gets a little more shy when Clang is joining the lesson too, passing him the last of the muskets but feeling embrassed to explain the workings of the lock to an older man and dwarf. "It fires a .78 lead ball, or you can load it with seven .38 lead shot. The powder charge is about two and a half dram." She says as she explains. Sophie's speed of study leaves her hurrying to keep up with how fast her stuident learns, and soon enough it's time to unload the weapons.. "Now, to fire.." She explains how to safely operate the weapon. Tight to the shoulder, lean into it, eyes on the target, aline the weapon, pressure on the trigger. Vex: "I wonder then, if you wouldnt mind, once I am finished with this" And he gestures to his armor as you all work "Could I take another look at the journals? Scour as much as I can and begin a working translation? It "Thank you Mercy, this will prove useful." The Doctor quietly absorbed everything spoken and shown to her, and during practical lessons developed an intuition for the handling, operation, and firing of the musket, becoming somewhat adept in the process. She was a natural. Vex: "Though I can understand if you dont wish us to tread into a dark underbelly of magic...I can't help but wonder what else the Patrician has recorded in his personal writings..." Sophie: "I was hoping you could help us in figuring that out. He did leave us these books, after all." Vex: "Brilliant!" he beams like a schoolchild given a high mark Vex quickly digs into refitting his armor. You notice his new hand is not hindering him whatsoever, working as nimbly as his natural appendage Rosettsara: (Sophie: Added Guns/TL4 (Musket) Skill, with 5 points invested, bringing the skill level to 13) Mercy: "It's no trouble, Mister Clang. I missed the first time too.." She admits, nodding to the man with a smile. Once the firing is done she helps with the last of the lesson.. cleaning. It's not exciting, but it's important, and she explains the rote nature of cleaning and oiling the weapons after firing. Ken (GM): "] Gaiserich glances over to the people practising with their loud boomsticks that'll just scare any game in the area away, and then over to the woodscent who quietly looks at his books—apparently containing mad ramblings. He shakes his head, self-satisfied, though he'll admit that those firearms might be useful someday. Rosettsara: (Scratch that: 4 points) (Same skill level with 4) Ken (GM): [even expenditures :P] Clang: [after months of semi-successful adventuring, the entire party upgrades to semi-auto 9mm and becomes much better at defeating evil....at least until the Guvment takes their guns] Ken (GM): GUBMINT Jack is impressed with the weapon's firepower. He's never seen a proper military musket in action before. "A few of these at the start of a fight would likely finish it at once. Good strategy in my experience." Clang: [Thanks, Elfbama!] Ken (GM): DEY COMMIN Doc: DON'T TREAD ON ME REEEEEEE P.P. A.: HISSSSSS Ken (GM): GASP Clang: [no step on snek] Ken (GM): WE HAVE DE SNEK NO STEP ON GAI HE OUR GUY Doc: witch-hunting handled and funded by private voluntarism alchemical oozes violate the NAP Mercy: "That's the idea. A good volley, then close in to charge. Even if the fire fails to break or finish the foe you still get an advantage." The slender brunette nods to Jack. "Of course, the advantage only last as long as we keep them clean" Ken (GM): "A well armed and regulated militia, dwarves and elves and men standing ready to bear arms" Vex visibly bristles when the guns are test-fired, but composes himself afterward. His hand carries a tremble but that smooths out as he gets to work Sophie: "Have no fear, Vex. I will protect you." Gaiserich wrinkles his… tongue at the smell of gunpowder saturates the smoke-hung air Sophie: "Now then, about the books. Have a look at them some more, and with the cipher in mind, please record what you uncover in our written language, if you will." Clang busies himself making stew for the party Vex nods happily to that; he slips into his armor and tests his movement in it "What do you guys think; Do I appear as an Outlander to you?" (To GM): They dig good caves and tunnels! Sophie stares. "...Sure." Gaiserich “listens” to the vibrations caused by Vex's steps to gauge how light they are Vex: [CLUNK CLUNK] Gaiserich: “…no.” Mercy considers, tilting her head to the side. "You seem well protected." Vex appears to be wearing a suit of segmented bands of metal, laced like a corset, with small pauldrons over the shoulder and hips. [~Lorica Segmenta] Vex: He laughs off Gaiserichs 'joke' "I swear, when I was younger I could ride all day in this and never feel it. What is it about growing older? Have I spent too much time in the library?" He goes through some motions with a spear that tell you he was formally trained at least once in his life Vex stabs the air in a not-flaily way Mercy watches a moment, then seems impressed by the skills the elf shows with his spear. "Should we decied on watches and get some rest?" Vex gets comfy on a rock, and digs into the journals. Immediately making notes Jack spends a great deal of time fiddling with his new-fangled gun and generally ignoring everyone else Sophie sits down, seemingly deep in thought. Gaiserich nods to Mercy. Mercy: "I'll go first? Shall I wake you up in a few hours, Mister Gaiserich?" Gaiserich: “Very well,” he agrees, and curps up next to the campfire. When it's his turn, he will wind up a tree and watch from the protection of the canopy. Ken (GM): Sophie "I wonder what she wants, after all this time." Sophie mutters to herself as she watches the fire Clang settles in to sleep, looking up at the rolling blanket of stars, wondering how many of his brothers and sisters have never appreciated such a sight before sleep. Soft dwarf snores follow the moments of quiet contemplation. Mercy doesn't interrupt Sophie's revere. Worried about how she is taking news about her sister, but not sure how to help. She carefully patrols around the camp, watching for trouble and doing her best to let the others sleep. Ken (GM): plays softly as the background music [I friggin love this channel; mellow ass DnD retrocore synth] Vex busies himself until his head starts bobbing in exhaustion. He packs up the books, slips out of his armor, and slumps near the fire Ken (GM) Night embraces you, and the dawn comes slowly Ken (GM) the watch passes uneventfully; the Din of Glardenfen can be heard early, and you see the activity even from the shelter of the hills, figures in armor gleaming and banners being raised on the ramparts of the keep. You slipped their grasp for now Rolling 3d6 = 8v12 (Survival (Woodlands)) Rosettsara: Praise be to Lavender Ken (GM) You strike camp, burying your fire and lashing everything to yourselves and the Mule; the day is misty but warming. Heading out South, you make your way along what appear to be well-travelled hunting and game trails, and the time passes quickly. Vex is definitley back in his element, and points out many ripe mushrooms and wild treats Mercy is glad for the skilled guide and seems to enjoy the day. Working to keep up with the others and watching for dangers as they work into the forested hills. Gaiserich , meanwhile, keeps his tongue out for fresh animal droppings—a hare or two, or maybe a roe would be welcome. Ken (GM) The mule takes well to the travel, and without much ado your group heads through the rolling hillsides at ease. You keep a watchful eye and nose for the Grayhold Militia, but you see nary a sign of their scouts past half a days walk from the keep. You reach the border of the forest as it levels into the Fens quickly Ken (GM) The forest changes, the earth softer and less rocky, as if a great shelf scoops down from the rocks. Here the land is rich and wet, and the forest is alive with creeping vines on broad trees shaggy with reddening leaves. Tall fir stick out too, long needles damp with the mists as the sun warms the day slowly in the shade of the woods Jack remains aloof on the march, experimenting with different methods of carrying his new musket Ken (GM) it is also here, you see the true sign that you have reached the edge of safety; from the end of the hills you see on the new trees there are markings carved here. And totems of the savage beastmen. Bones, skulls and other items hang among the vines Clang follows close to the magically inclined members, hoping to gleam a bit of knowledge of the arcane arts of Men and Elf Mercy: "You could try the sling." She observes as Jack works to find a way to carry the weapon convienent yet out of the way. Offering him the fabric strap with it's clips from the gear taken at Glardenfen. Gaiserich moves past them unfazed. He is familiar with such barbarian displays of territorial claims. Rolling 3d6 = 1011 Vex: "I sense...something odd from Gaiserich though. Youre a mage?" Clang: "Always a good bit of news...that not exploding." Vex: "Clanggeden, I knew. There's a touch of power on all of you. but that is new, from you, it seems" Gaiserich snaps out of it and looks Vex in the eyes. “That would be new… I can sssssee magic ssssince a few days ago, though.” Sophie: "Likely as a result of interacting with that object." Mercy nods to Gaiserich, impressed. "The artifact seems to have woken something up in you. Or maybe just still holds onto you?" Gaiserich pats himself down, a bit worried by that remark. Vex: "Oh! Quite right, I'm not detecting anything...ominous..." he coughs lightly, averting his gaze "I was just surprised. Curious" "Good to know we're all a well rounded retinue" Sophie: "I do hope you're up to instructing us on how to use magic soon, Vex." P.P. A.: >Gaiserich becomes a witch >committed to witch-hunting, he starts eating his own tail >becomes the Ouroboros Doc: such cases Vex: "I promise, aside from decoding the journals, my campfire stories will all entail the rich history of the Haern and their spiritual breadth of knowledge" "That, and a few handy tricks" he waggles his gauntleted hand Gaiserich: “Good.” Vex: "Across the valley then? I'm sure here are plenty of toads and turtles, ready for the skillet for lunch" Gaiserich doesn't care about the subject matter, but the woodscent seems to have figured out that just telling stories is better than hiding them in books! Mercy nods and starts forward. "Let's do it then. To the east?" Vex: "I'd imagine the Militia will take to skirting the forest, to march. " (To GM): does Gaiserich remember that there are the efns south of them? (To GM): or should O do an Area Knowledge roll? Sophie: "If we wish to avoid them, we will need to take the path less traveled." (To GM): all right Clang: "Aye, we should maintain our advantage as a small group as long as possible." Gaiserich: “Eassst of here is more foressst, but sssouth lies ssswampland. The trees conceal us.” Vex: "[]...for the pack is easier found than the lone hunter" Mercy: "Oh, yes. Of course. Deeper south then?" She ask, nodding to the others and settleing her pack on her back. "Take the lead, Mister Gaiserich?" Gaiserich: “Very well!” Gaiserich eagerly scouts ahead. Ken (GM): Jack: "Before we head out..." Jack turns to Sophie. "Can I talk to you in private for a second? It's not what you're thinking - I need some advice." The man has a serious look on his face, and seems to be sincere. Rolling 3d6 = 12v14 Jack leads Sophie out of earshot and preferably to a place where they can't be seen. Doc: this might be something for whispers, GM can see those right? Ken (GM): [ominous slinking off behind a big tree] (To GM): [happy jingle plays] Ken (GM): throw it into discord, three way? Rosettsara: Hm, OK (To GM): I'll nerrate him coming back with his catch when the two are done whispering Doc: works for me Vex takes a moment for a respite, prodding at the non-magical trophies on display. Vex: "Intriguing; offering and wards maybe? Or just savage warnings..." Mercy: "I don't know. I know totems like this can be made into spirit houses.. walks with Vex, looking to the skull, studying it a moment. "What am I looking at, Mister Vex?" She ask, nodding to the elven man. Vex traces the dry bones with a finger, hovering over the vines Vex: "Its as if... the vines grew through the bones. But that does not happen naturally. Its been sculpted. " "Almost in the elven way" Vex investigates more, curious now Mercy nods, studying the displays quitely with him, trying to understand. Vex: "These bones, all so clean and prepared...the vines seem to grasp them. No knots...no twine?" Clang: How similar is this to the growing vines we saw in the crystal heart situation? Ken (GM): Gaiserich returns to the party, a dead badger on his back, and a satisfied smile on his face. Mercy steps back. "What sort of power could direct the vines to grow like this?" Clang: "Ser Vex, it seems reminiscent to what we saw with the cursed heart of stone only a day before. I suspect whatever forces animated that are being used to shape these vines...or maybe growing them directly." Vex: "Really?! Amazing" he poorly hides the wonder in his voice "Did that force have an ? What was the guiding spirit? The mages' will?" Gaiserich: “What is there to sssssee?” Gaiserich wonders aloud as the three stand around a tree, looking at the greenery. He takes a look as well. Clang: [extreme gardening: GURPS edition!] Mercy: "Ah!.. You are right, Mister Clang. It is like those cursed plants." She steps back. "The vines grow right though fresh bone and hold it to the tree." She explains to Gaiserich Vex snaps one off the line Ken (GM) SNAP Ken (GM) there is a trickle of...fluid from the vine Gaiserich catches the scent of the fluid with his tongue, getting close to it but not too close. Gaiserich: “…blood!” Mercy sniffs the air and swallows. "That.. humm.. copper and iron and blood. Strange blood. Right, Mister Gaiserich?" She ask, trusting him to understand what she means. Gaiserich: “It sssssmells like the blood of the… th witches' sssstone trees.” Gaiserich is unnerved by this: plants really shouldn't bleed. Witchcraft! Ken (GM): :D Gaiserich stares up and down the vines with his heat-and-magic vision to see if they are warm and alive, and if there is any magic flowing to or from them. Mercy nods to Gaiserich. "That's right. It's just the same." She frowns and walks around, searching the vines. Seeing where they come from and where they go. Gaiserich wavers left and right. “…ssstrange, It is cold, and there isss no magic.” Clang: Is there a source of the vines? Or do they grow only through the 'totem'? Are they stemming from the tree at all? Ken (GM) the growth of the tree heads back to the trunk; the smooth bark of the branches seperate from the gnarly growths of the vine Ken (GM) they all terminate in a bundle, in the crux of the trees branches Ken (GM) they also fan out East West, parallell to the valley wall.... no torganically Mercy climbs up to the bundle. "This seems to be the heart?" Gaiserich , never having seen overland lines, muses: “It growsssss like a misssstletoe… but it bleeds, ssstrange.” Gaiserich would sure like to burn it down but doesn't want to cause a wildfire Vex backs away a few steps Vex: "Sophie? Jack? Come see this?" his voice yells and breaks a bit Sophie returns at a somewhat hurried pace. "Don't tell me someone died again." Jack runs back, keeping an eye on Sophie Vex: "Not yet, no" Mercy perks her ears, lisening closely. "It's beating.. like a heart. Should I bring it down?" She ask from the tree, listing at the great knot where the vines come together. Clang smiles at Vex's optimism Gaiserich 's attention span is exhausted; he leaves the further investigation of Clang, Gai: Since you three are currently the most magically inclined, beware the infection. Vex, I hope you know some way to protect yourself from it, and can impart it on us as well." Clang: "Aye, I hope as well." Ken (GM) the bundle wrenches free of the tree, and Mercy leaps down with a tangled bush of dry gnarled vines. The broken growth bleed freely, red and runny Ken (GM) SPATTER SPATTER DRIP Sophie: "Let's get a controlled fire going if we can. We have to be sure." Vex stands there, mesmerized Mercy sets it down and pulls away vines like heavy veins and arteries, peeling it, opening it to reveal whatever likes in the center. Vex: "Astounding...is...it alive?" Gaiserich was going to light one anyway, to roast his prey. IT splits like a husked plant, only bloody and red. Fibres snap and split revealing...a stone in the center, milky white with veins of copper, in stands there, blood wet on her hands, studying the skull thoughtfully, lifting it from the center with a thoughtful frown. "Such horrors. But what sort of dark magic is this?" IT lifts free of the vines, bloody stained...the copper veins seem to meet a tthe back of the skull, where a neck would connect. From there, several lengths of coppery wire yank free of the plants, small sparks of static bright in the air Clang: "Well..." Sophie makes sure Vex is a safe distance away , and rises to look at what's happened in the meantime. Mercy holds the skull in a hand, turning it, studying the way the wires enter at the base of the skull like nerves on a liveing creature, scowling a moment at it. "Too dangerous to keep. We should destroy it?" Ken (GM) the smell of blood is ripe in the air now, Gai is making a cooking fire, and Mercy is standing over the remains of the vines holding a marbled skull Ken (GM) Clang's pack jumps, and skitters Ken (GM) at the same time, the wires on the skull writhe, and reach for the pack Clang blinks, and runs for my pack "Allfather blast it all!" Rolling 3d6 = 12 v13 (Wrestling) Ken (GM) The bag is pinned under a canny SNEK! Clang rushes over and helps pin/grab/secure the bag Mercy generally tries to look like a proper young lady. She makes an effort to be well groomed and to speak softly, to be demure.. such efforts may fail however, in the memory of her smashing a human skull into the bark of a tree hard enough to embed shards in the wood, whatever is inside the skull bursting, blood spraying from the ruined thing and soaking her hands as she stands there growling soflty. Clang: "I swear, it's not my laundry...I just cleaned my britches!" Ken (GM): (God I love this game sometimes) Gaiserich shrugs, and lets go as the bag stops moving. “What'ssss insside there?” he asks Clang. Clang: "The other shards of the previous ghoul we wanted to get looked at....but...it seemed to react to the skull." Gaiserich lets go of the bag; he recoils and makes a disgusted expression. “It's the ooze again!” Clang opens his bag and checks inside Jack: "How about that fire?" Mercy walks to the fire and drops the shattered ruins of a skull into it, adding more fuel to make sure it burns. Ken (GM) SIZZLE POP the remains spark and sputter, the bones themselves blue and green burning Gaiserich decides to roast his badger over a different fire. Clang sighs and pushes the lump of oozing metal bits towards where the file will be Clang: "Well, at least I kept my bread in a different sack..." Mercy: "I'm sorry, Mister Clang. I shouden't have acted without thinking. I just grabbed the.. 'heart' without thinking of what would happen." Rosettsara: (Unfortunately, my insomnia has caught up with me, and i'm fading rather quickly. Sophie will be a bit quiet until the end of the session) Mercy poures a little alcohol across her hands and scrubs them with a rag. Tossing it into the fire in a moment. Joush M.: If people are fadeing we can wrap up a little early today?)) Ken (GM): [burning the bag too?] Clang: "It's all part of the adventure, Mercy...I don't mind a bit of deerskin getting messed if it means we learn more about our enemy." Clang throws the bag into the fire too Ken (GM) the sack smolders a moment, then the contents spill and BURST into an oily blaze, like simmering fat. The contents belch a greasy smoke and burn quickly. The whole thing sizzles menacingly Clang: "Should we be able to tame this strange evil...it may make sauteing mushrooms quite an exciting venture." Ken (GM) And at that, you hear a rattling from nearby...and see that while Vex has fainted, his hand clutches at the earth, dragging in the ground madly, as if reaching for the fire.... Ken (GM) DUN DUN DUNNNN Ken (GM): :D Joush M.: Ah! Poor Vex. He's going to suffer, traveling with us Sophie "Yeah, no." She raises a foot and plants it on the gauntlet to hold it down. Ken (GM): [I gotta step out and grab a pizza anyways :/ No harm, no foul us pausing on this] Fiss: Hehehe fun little session, thanks Ken. It was nice being more or less awake and not rushed for once too Ken (GM): always a pleasure You guys let me throw enough weird shit at you anyways P.P. A.: Thanks for the session! Ken (GM): but! I should skeedadle. Kiddo is having a pizza party. take 4 xp! spend! Rosettsara: Was quite fun, glad that the HDD failure didn't end up impacting my availability much Ken (GM): [no hoarding, PPA] Joush M.: Have fun! See ya. I will work hard on my Mercy update Gaiserich has lit another campfire to roast his meat over, so it isn't smoked in ooze Ken (GM): def. Rose; I am enjoying the no nonsense grim doctor Doc: izza arty Ken (GM): lel NEXT WEEK TASTY OOZE KEBABS woop woop HELLO ALL Rosettsara: Hello~ P.P. A.: \o ooh, a map Ken (GM): [some kind of map magic] you can probably see, but let me point out manually: Mercy over the remains of the bush-skull Clnag nearby the burned out remains of the ooze stuff sophie perched over Vex's arm, with jack nearby and Gai having a meat-cook a bit further away from there Ken (GM): otherwise the line of weird totems is East-west, from the big tree, and you are on the edge of the rocky bluff that drops down to the forested marshy valley ahead, South [also, the mule, with the packing on its back] Ken (GM) Where last we left our heros... Ken (GM) The forest is misty and warm, reaching out to a green land around you, a verdant embrace. The buzz of late-summer insects and the chirrup of birds break the quiet, as the crackle of flames licking at a leather bag that smolders nearby. Vex is still, but his living metal gauntlet squirms weakly under Sophie's boot. The horrors of the stone-skull's contents spilled out and burned before they could taint the world more Ken (GM) The earth is torn underneath the metal fingers, as it squirms ot reach the burning bag Mercy: "We will have to watch for more of these." Mercy's voice is tense, sharp as she steps back from the horrors and looks down to the ruined skull a moment, Walking away, back to the horse to get some alcohol and a clean rag, scrubbing her hands clean with a frown on her lips. Gaiserich glances over. “Sssstrange… We burned out the goo, didn't we? Doesssss it have ssssome other connection to the… blood-tree… thing?” Sophie: "Oh my, those villains seem to be one step ahead of us. But that's the norm at this point." Jack: "Think we'll want to get in the habit of keeping a source of fire handy." Ken (GM): [] Mercy: "Well, that's one good thing about your gun.. powder burns hot and fast if it's not packed. dust something with powder and a single spark will burn it." Ken (GM) The bag smolders with a thick and acrid smoke. It wafts on the air, up into the trees above. Clang stands sentry over it, watching it sternly Sophie kneels downward and lightly slaps Vex in the face to wake him up. Mercy watches a moment.. then looks to the line of tangled vines. Searching for more totems. Vex startles awake at the provocation! Mercy: "Should these be destroyed too?" Jack: "That's some bedside manner you've got there" Vex: "Buh! WHA!?" Vex seems quite confused ot be on the ground...with Sophie on his arm Sophie: "Get up. You fainted again and the gauntlet has a mind of its own." Vex: "I....the waht?! and he looks to his arm, startled! Vex 's arm seems to be under his control. He flexes the hand, open and closed Sophie steps off it, and looks around at everything else. "Is this going to be a problem? I don't recall seeing any medical reason for your frequent anyone feel.." She looks around and frowns. "No birds, no animals. It's like something is out there." Her hand rest on the axe. Doc: [he just fainted because there was magic happening, right? nothing physically happened to him?] Jack: "'Overwhelmed' by what, exactly?" Vex: "I'm sorry!" he blurts out, the timber in his voice obvious; hes trying not to cry "I just...got scared" Sophie: "Of course. The perpetrator can't be far. Why would they make something like this and then leave, unable to bear witness to the results?" Jack glares at Vex. "Why, indeed." Vex sits up, dusts himself off angrily, shamefully, looks for his spear Vex collects it, but ends up staring at the mark on the earth, and his dirty metal hand Mercy blinks in surprise, looking to Vex then hacking the line of totems down. Giving the man time to compose himself. "It's okay. We are all imperfect." Ken (GM) rising up over the quiet wood, you hear a distant "awooo" of a wolf Gaiserich isn't too surprised that there would be no animals in their immediate surroundings after all the ruckus they've made, but indeed, the absence of birds, too, is odd. Sophie: "You can identify the problem, so you can now work on it." Vex looks up from his hand, suddenly, to the direction of the howl. His eyes widen Vex: "Something is coming" Clang also visibly bristles at the sound, and turns Eastward Jack steps closer to Sophie, his body facing Vex and the totems while his eyes scan the horizon Mercy draws her gun. "Where?" Gaiserich turns his head eastwards, and stares into the distance. Gaiserich quickly rips and cuts his roasted badger into a few smaller pieces, gulps them down one after the other, and reaches for his spear. Ken (GM) the howl dies off...and then is answered by another voice 15 Ken (GM) in the distance, a flock of birds take flight, and scatter to the wind Gaiserich: “It'ssss coming; four feet!” Sophie: "Another undead abomination, perhaps." Gaiserich equips his shield and braces his spear. He shoves some dirt on his would usually slither up a tree and wait in ambush, but there don't seem to be suitable ones right nearby, and the attacker knows that they are here. Ken (GM) ahead, to the East, in a moment something appears; you see a demon! The word recalls the sinister stories told by the elders, about the dark ages of Gorgoth. Gaiserich raises his shield, and he raises his spear, bracing it for a stop thrust if the beast charges. Mercy: "Steady.." She says softly, almost to herself. Watching the figure on the great wolf. Ken (GM) The Rider sits high on the beast's shoulders; you can see black ragged leather gloves and rings of brassy metal on him, armor of some kind. His mask is a dull beaten gray like tarnished silver, and has two pointed ears and two small slits for eyes. Sophie also takes aim. "You already slept with a demon, so facing one a distance away shouldn't be too difficult, Vex." Ken (GM) The wolf growls heavily, impossibly big, and you see spines on it's back rise up over it's shoulders. The eyes are pitch dark and the mouth dribbles a black fluid. Vex barks a nervous laugh at that, and the wolf-thing half steps Ken (GM) the rider rears back on the harness he sits on, and you see him raise his right hand, palm up Gaiserich tries to pick up its scent. Mercy calls out, voice carrying on the cold air. "Who are you?" The Rider raises his voice, muffled a touch by his mask and accent The Rider: "; you haff burned eet?" The Rider points his hand slowly to the smoldering remains by Clang Jack: "Sorry, were you gonna eat that?" Mercy: "Yes. We burned it." The Rider: "?!" His voice raises, angry and demanding P.P. A.: What if he's talking about the badger, and he wanted a bite Jack: "They call me 'Jack' but I answer to 'death' just as well." The Rider sounds angry, and the wolf he rides growls, black tentacles writhing out of it's widening maw, slavering blackness Vex whimpers at the sight....and the stone on his gauntlet glows! Gaiserich: “It wassss not alive,” Gaiserich replies. Sophie: "A great plague of evil was brought here, threatening the lives of everyone. It had to be destroyed. We've answered your questions, so you must now answer ours. Namely, were you responsible for this, or have some other connection?" Mercy stands silently by when Shopie speaks, the dark haired young woman standing ready. The Rider barks again, strange words bouncing from his tongue as he rears back the wolf. The thing bristles and the black tentacles writhe Sophie: "A noble effort, but conversing with a demon does not generally return your investment." Gaiserich replies in that same strange language, an elaborate and passionate response. Mercy lifts the gun and speaks slowly in Gorath. It's slow, words found as if hunting for the right ones. "Your words sound like threat//command. Are you here to challenge//fight?" (To GM): “Be they Warm-bloods or Wood-scents, honest or shrewd—they are rooted in this world like these trees in the soil, and are sworn to defend this out world from those who call upon outside forces to tarnish it with primordial darkness. What about you? Your blood is cold, your aura blacker than a moonless sky. Whence do you come?” (To GM): Native vs Accented :DDDD The Rider rains in his mount; the wolf shrinks at his touch. Despite the mask, he appears surprised at the address from Gaiserich and Mercy P.P. A.: oh right, Mercy can speak Gorath too, right? The Rider steps aside the beast, as it visibly diminishes in front of your eyes to a normal shaggy dog height. He calls back in his dark voice Joush M.: Yep! But this is the first time it's come up (To Joush M.): “Be they Warm-bloods or Wood-scents, honest or shrewd—they are rooted in this world like these trees in the soil, and are sworn to defend this out world from those who call upon outside forces to tarnish it with primordial darkness. What about you? Your blood is cold, your aura blacker than a moonless sky. Whence do you come?” The Rider: "I am not enemy. You ahr not fight this daye" (To Joush M.): was his response Sophie: "...Okay." The Rider holds up both hands, free of the wolf-demon now. A sign of peace Gaiserich musters the man; he doesn't trust him, but he returns his gesture of goodwill by lowering his spear and shield. (From Ken (GM)): Mercy knows it at broken only tho, so she picked up...very little from your flowery descriptions (To GM): o Mercy lowers the hammers on the shotgun slowly and stops aiming it. Clang: "Oh thank the Allfather, no bloodshed" Sophie lowers her gun and looks to Jack and Vex Clang stands up, and bows to the man Gaiserich 's earlier address of the man, though otherwise in Gorath, included the word “aura” in Holder (the common language)—apparently a new loanword. Vex has blanched, but not fainted. He is shaking, his spear tip quivering in the air Jack lowers his musket The Rider does something...and the beast disappears like smoke in the wind The Rider walks slowly and quietly toward you all Sophie: "When you're done, Vex, it'd be nice to be able to venture into the world of magic under your tutelage soon. " Gaiserich rests his spear and shiled with their bottom ends planted on the ground, tip pointed skywards. He nods to the no-longer-a-rider, and musters hm closely as he approaches. Vex: "Hmm?!" he nearly jumps out of his skin at Sophies words, torn from his reverie. He calms, visibly Gaiserich also flicks his tongue to smell him. Mercy watches the figure, careful and wary, but not offering threat or violence. Gaiserich's eloquence in his native language a suprise that makes her glance to him a moment before her attention returns to the rider. Sophie: "...and perhaps I will instruct you on the art of courage in exchange." (To GM): nice guy Gaiserich suppresses an urge to his and threaten the man. “That'ssss close enough,” he warns him in a more civilised manner. “Sssspeak.” The Rider approaches and then stands still; he is clad in mixed black leathers and furs of a million sources, twisted rings of brass metal worked into a kind of suit. His mask shrouds his face, and what exposed skin you see is earth stained and filthy. He has long black hair tumbling out from behind the metal face-guard, almost indistinguishable form the clothing The Rider: "Hyoo tressspassss here. I guard here. Begone. Nothink for you hyere" the Holder words are spoken slowly but thickly The Rider digs one foot in the earth (wrapped in leathers, but you see with curled claw-nails on the toes) and he kicks a scuff of dirt behind himself Gaiserich asks him something. Mercy shivers and tenses, ears flattening as she looks at the man and watches him with narrowed eyes. She resist the urge to growl or challange, staying silent to let others speak. (To GM): “Are these blood-vines your doing? We have followed their trail, for they have caused much evil to the north.” (To Joush M.): “Are these blood-vines your doing? We have followed their trail, for they have caused much evil to the north.” Sophie: "If you'd like my help, you only need to ask. Can't guarantee that our friend will understand my diplomacy, though." The Rider looks at the tree, at the totems aside you for a moment, the mask cocking up and down as he turns his head The Rider: "Eeht eees hyere. Thoo late" "Take fire-head, take DHORF, and hooman. Go!" he barks the words to you, coldly but directly The Rider speaks in the weird Gorgoth tongue again, direct to Gai Sophie shrugs. "I'll assist you in any way I can, Gai." Gaiserich looks surprised by his response. He looks at the Rider for a moment to try and understand where he's coming from. Gaiserich thanks Sophie with a nod, before replying to him again. Mercy: "We come carrying the Light. We come to heal and stop the Starman." The pale woman says, then speaks in Gorath. "We are shadow-hunters. We will stop Evil//Magnificence." The Rider 's head snaps round to Mercy at that, and he backs up a step, hands up The Rider: "STAHMAN!" (To GM): “We have seen it—it has consumed one of our allies before our very eyes. But see the Woodscent—he lost his arm to it, but the female human saved him, and here he stands, and lives. I am a hunter; they, in their own ways, are hunters too. We will not hide like prey while the Starman and his witch-plague reign free—we will chase them, and we will put an end to it, or die trying.” Gaiserich 's words to the Rider also included “Starman,” understandable to the others. The Rider barks angry words from behind his mask (To Joush M.): “We have seen it—it has consumed one of our allies before our very eyes. But see the Woodscent—he lost his arm to it, but the female human saved him, and here he stands, and lives. I am a hunter; they, in their own ways, are hunters too. We will not hide like prey while the Starman and his witch-plague reign free—we will chase them, and we will put an end to it, or die trying.” Sophie: "Sure is popular." Gaiserich nods in agreement with the Rider. The Rider looks poised to flee, his face hidden but his body language clear (To GM): “Yes. That is why we must kill him. Chase him out from this world where he does not belong!” Sophie: "...See Vex? You're not alone. Other people are frightened, too." (To Joush M.): “Yes. That is why we must kill him. Chase him out from this world where he does not belong!” Vex blushes HARD Vex: "Spirits be damned" he mutters to himself The Rider pauses, looks to Gai, points to your troupe with one quick finger and speaks The Rider: "Hyu...HUNT heem? Hunt Stahman?" Clang nods slowly Gaiserich nods as well, deadly serious. Sophie: "Pretty much. His malevolence has trespassed onto our lands and threatens to corrupt everything else in our world. It is only natural to act against it." P.P. A.: oh, I forgot to mention this here after “The Rider looks poised to flee, his face hidden but his body language clear ” Gaiserich had said something to the Rider then, curt and determined. The Rider seems to calm a bit, turns to face you all and again, implaccably regards you with his metal mask. The Rider: "Hyoo crazee. Hyoo weel death" Sophie: "Someone's got to do it." Mercy stands silently by. She can follow Gaiserich and the Rider, but her own attempts to speak their language reveal the Scorned as an outsider. Gaiserich straightens his back (well, the upper part) and speaks calmly to the man. (To GM): “We know how terrible an enemy we are facing; but death awaits all of us if we allow him to strangle this land with his blood-vines, to move the unliving. Prey flees and hides, but it is followed, found and slain. We are hunters. We will fight, as we must.” (To Joush M.): /w gm “We know how terrible an enemy we are facing; but death awaits all of us if we allow him to strangle this land with his blood-vines, to move the unliving. Prey flees and hides, but it is followed, found and slain. We are hunters. We will fight, as we must.” The Rider nods at the words The Rider: "Lheeve. Gho!" he barks, his hand pointed South now. He turns on his heel to return the way he came, his back to you. Sophie: "Farewell, masked stranger. Let's meet again never." Mercy watches him go and breathes out slowly, but still frowns. Her ears still pressed down, body language still quite wary. "He was quite far from the Light." The Rider breaks into a short sprint and leaps! And the wolf appears below him in a swirl of darkness. They disappear into the woods, running Sophie: "Pretty far away from a bath, too." Gaiserich: “He issss dark and terrible, but he, too, is ssscared of the Sssstarman.” Gaiserich chuckles at Sophie's remarks. If only she knew HOW bad it was, with her human nose. Clang lets out a very long-held breath Gaiserich turns around to make sure his campfire is properly extinguished, since he only hastily threw some dirt at it earlier. Clang: "Uncles preserve me, that was...." and he trails off, growling to himself Vex sits down a moment, carefully Sophie: "So, you magically-inclined folks want to explain what that was all about?" Mercy puts the gun away. "Should we move on? Is everyone okay?" She looks to the others, nodding to Clang in agreement then walking over to Vex, looking at his complexion then going and getting him some water, offering him the canteen. "A wolf-shaman of Gorath. Guarding here." Jack: "Hopefully he tells his friends to leave us alone and we can just shoot the next demon wolf we see." Gaiserich looks in the direction of the fleeing fiend, and turns to look over the party. “You are brave. It issss good fighting with you,” he praises them. His eyes don't linger on Vex as they do on the others, though. Clang: "Miss Sophie, that was....a Demon, he was riding. i think. Or he was bonded to it." Vex: "The man had a binding to an exterior thaumatological force of great...power" he sputters on that word "And it was very nearly going to eat us all up for dinner' "I am relieved to see in fact, he decided not to" Gaiserich: “He guardssss this place; he warned us, ssspoke in fear of the Ssstarman and hissss works.” Vex: "Good job, Gaiserich." Gaiserich: “He wasss evil and cold, but it ssssems the Starman is worse.” Sophie: "Well, it all worked out in the end. We live for another day and can move on to our destination." Vex again, shivers Gaiserich acknowledges Vex's compliment. He doesn't return it, because ‘good job, you didn't faint this time’ would be rude. Mercy: "Here, Sir.. Drink a little." She offers the water to Vex, nodding to him as she stands quietly by."We will move on when people are ready." Jack: "Why were you glowing, Vex?" P.P. A.: He's an elf. duh Vex: "Whu?" he looks genuinely perplexed P.P. A.: I'm sure that's something elves do Syviis glowed too Doc: jack never met syviis or he would have hit on her Vex looks at his hand again, splays out the fingers and turns it this way and that Vex: "I....have no idea why" Sophie: "An aura or magical reaction, perhaps." Vex: "Im sorry, this gauntlet genuinely confounds me" Mercy: "I hope you can master it soon." Vex: "Perhaps...a reaction? To the rider's power?" " and he clenches his fist, in frustration Sophie: "The good news is that you're free to get better at it now." Vex chuckles at that, exasperated Vex: "How can you be so positive, all the time?" Gaiserich has properly put out the fire, and affixes badger's pelt somewhere on his backpack. “Let usssss be wary of it,” he comments on Vex's gauntlet, eyeing it with suspicion. 13 Jack takes up the rear as they march, letting the beastfolk and magical types scout ahead Ken (GM): HOLY P.P. A.: the second 5 today Ken (GM): "Jack takes up the rear" kek Doc: eyyyy Ken (GM) gaiserich leads you along easy trails of soft earth, familiar with the land past the dark totems. The forest rises up out of rich growth here and the land is alive. In the passing of the dark rider, the wildlife resumes it's chirruping and calls, toads croaking and bugs buzzing (refusing to die in the cooler days). The high ground follows raines that tumble South and East, and by midday youve traversed the breadth of the forest and emerge on the edge of the swamplands of the Fens Ken (GM) Ahead though you see an ominous sign through the still-swirling mists of the swamp; a fire's smoke on the sky ahead, and the tops of ancient stone ruins poking up where you can see them emerge from the white-murky swirls of vapor rich air Ken (GM): [There appears to be some sort of camp ahead on the trail; Gai spotted it well enough back that youre sure you havent been discovered yet] Mercy stops and looks at the smoke, nodding at what Gai pointed out and frowning thoughtfully and considering what to do next. "Should we risk approching or go around?" Gaiserich: “Thissss mussst be local hunterssss like me.” Sophie: "Well, it's probably going to be people unfamiliar with most of us. How do you figure they'd react to us approaching them, gai?" Gaiserich ponders. “If they are sssskilled, they will notice usss; but we are just passsing through…” (To GM): is it safe to assume thta if we explained to them that we're passing through, they won't care so long as we don't poach on their grounds? Jack: "How confident are you that you can identify an ambush?" Gaiserich turns to Sophie. “If we tell them that we are passssing, and do not want to sssteal their prey, it ssshould be good.” Gaiserich seems fairly calm. Mercy nods and takes a deep breath, ready to trust the snakeman. "I'll follow your lead and watch for snares or traps." Vex: "How respectable. Honorable hunters, your countrymen" Gaiserich nods and takes the lead. He keeps an eye out for traps, mainly for the usual animal traps and snares of the kind he also lays down. Gaiserich , given the times, also scents the air for anything unusual though, like goo-stench. Gaiserich spots a rabbit caught in a trap. He points it out to the others as evidence that these are indeed hunters, and leaves it alone. It's another man's catch. Gaiserich: He wonders aloud: “…why hassss it not been collected though?” P.P. A.: (well, another snake#man's)we## Sophie: "Would it be considered good manners to introduce ourselves and our explain our intentions, rather than quietly avoiding them?" Clang: "Would they like a beer? We have beer!" the old dwarf beams happily at the idea of sharing the drink P.P. A.: “Yes, Ssssophie. But…” He seems bothered by something. “We sssshould visit, but ssssomething is ssstrange.” Mercy walks witht hem, curious despite herself about this place and the strange people that live here. Gaiserich: “Yes, Ssssophie. But…” He seems bothered by something. “We sssshould visit, but ssssomething is ssstrange.” Sophie: "Ah, it never ends." Ken (GM): [map magic, you approach here upon the high ground, headed toward them to the East of you] Doc: [afk, dog needs something] Ken (GM) The swamp clutches to the land here, high rocks giving way to loose soil immediately swallowed by dark deep slow water. As the mists seperate and you approach, the smell of woodsmoke and roasting meat is high on the air. A rouch spiked wall of brambles and sharpened stakes sits on the hill ahead, a gateway of ancient stone sticking out of it. A small wooden bridge crosses the creek through there. A choke hold P.P. A.: Are there any trees nearby that are big enough to look down on the place? Sophie: "It's your call, Gai. Shall we investigate?" Ken (GM): yep, on the North and South sides of the hillock Gaiserich: “Let me ssssee first.” Gaiserich slithers up one of the large trees, climing to the very top to be able to peer inside the camp. (To GM): while being aware of arrows shot at him (To GM): though these rather point to an older battle, of course Mercy gets low and creeps just a little closer. Sniffing the air, watching the old trail and broad pallisade around the hunting camp. (To GM): or was that the view from the treetop already that you described? Gaiserich comes back down, coiling around the trunk as he did on his way up, and returns to the party. Mercy: "I can smell it. More of that.. ooze." She mrumers softly. Gaiserich: “I sssaw none of my kind.” Doc: [back] Sophie: "Aren't we in luck." Gaiserich: “Three men… one with hornssss, redsssskin, a grayskin, and sssomeone in a cloak. They have ssssswords.” Vex: "Beastmen" Gaiserich 's tongue flicks, confirming Mercy's observation. He quietly hisses at the stench. Vex: "You describe a tiefling, at least. Warlocks" Sophie: "Agents of evil set in our path. Seems a little too unlikely to be a coincidence." Jack: "We followed a trail of smoke to get here. Doubt they're planning on leaving anytime soon." Mercy: "We have guns. Let's go introduce ourselves." Ken (GM) You hear a trio of deep belly laughs, from the other side of the spiked pallisade. And the sound of a rising fluted instrument playing a weird tune Clang: "Music? laughter?" "What terrible sentries. No discipline!" Sophie: "Gai, were you able to see what exactly was being burned?" (From Ken (GM)): Roll PER? Gaiserich was pondering whether to confront or to avoid them—they weren't alert, and didn't seem to be watching the surroundings, after all, but he guesses the smell of ooze might be the hunters who lived here before; with his comrades taking action, he is glad to join and to avenge his folk. Rolling 3d6 = 12 vs 11 stealth P.P. A.: same for me Ken (GM): lel P.P. A.: but, I think I'll save myself the trouble what with Vex elfing around here Ken (GM) Your group approaches as stealthily as they can, avoiding rattling and stomping as you approach; the music continues as you do so, and you actually manage to reach the gateway without issue, and sight of the trio directly Ken (GM) the rise of the hill ahead shelters the view as you approach, but as you get to the bottom of the bridge, you see the three working near the bonfire; a figure in a heavy black feathered cloak and antlered deer skull is playing the haunting flute tones on an instrument. A gray skinned figure with a long sword in his hand is cleaning the blade with a bloody red rag. A red skinned woman with wide red horn has her hands before the bonfire... Ken (GM) and inside the fire are bodies...charring bodies an dbones Clang stifles a muttered curse Mercy walks closer quietly, her hand lifting her axe off of it's holder. Her ears again flattening as the lupine scorned creeps closer. Seeking her (GM) you approach accross the bridge, Mercy seeming to discover every loose step on the way, but you are unnoticed as you creep up; the trio continue to not notice you. The Red skinned woman saying something in the dark tongue to the others, and more laughter coming from the gray man Doc: [tfw sneaking in heavyish armor] Ken (GM): [] Gaiserich looks fierce and angry; but he is a professional, and does not let this upset his quiet movements. Ken (GM): [feel free to put yourselves right up to the gateway, as long as you tuck yoursle fout of line of sight Mercy theoretically knows how to move quietly, but she's mostly hunted at home and just isn't as good at it as she could be. She comes up to the gateway, leaning into the wall, waiting for the others to join and takeing a slow, deep breath. Doc: [lemme know if that's not good, I can't really tell] Ken (GM): [finre enough for some kinda ambush; Sophie? where you wanna be?] Sophie unfortunately decides to keep an eye on Vex again, given what she sees the gauntlet doing. Gaiserich uses his lower body to balance on the edge of the bridge; his spear reaches past Jack. Ken (GM): [great; okay folks, what do?] Clang steels himself, and clenches his hands Mercy mentally reherses what she shall do as she 'aims' the axe, holding her curses as the man he was aiming at falls to the ground, which turns into a battle cry as he simply charges in and shoots half-blindly at the is nowhere near in range to attack, and doesn't feel confident in throwing his spear, ro he slithers up to the front to protec his comrades with his shield. Ken (GM): kek P.P. A.: the missing “t” was a typo, but that was a good typo Ken (GM): SOPH Sophie moves a bit ahead, protecting the fainted Vex and the dropped bags. She tries to nudge him with her foot to see if he wakes up. Vex is out like a light Ken (GM): mercy! (To GM): what does the hooded figure look like under MAGICVISION Mercy walks forward, drawing her shotgun and aiming it at the last figure in the feather cloak and deer skull. Joush M.: End Turn Ken (GM) the trio become a single figure; he drops his flute in the surprise Ken (GM): JACKO Doc: can he sprint through the snake Ken (GM): yup BUMRUSHAN P.P. A.: imagine that the lower body is rather trailing behind him so you can just run past it Ken (GM): kek yeah, it illustrates a tricky token, but he's still just friendly neighborhood gai Jack ignores concepts such as "tactics" and simply charges at the last enemy as fast as he can Clang: went to that school too Ken (GM): gai! Doc: [if he can change grips to hold his musket like a club he'll do so, otherwise he's just chargan] Gaiserich rushes forward to between his allies; the tip of his lower body stops stops aiming the shotgun at her friend's backs and instead jogs forward. "On the ground! Get on the ground or by the light I will end you!" P.P. A.: actually… Ken (GM): ? Gaiserich does not retract his upper body, but remains extended forward Ken (GM): lel Joush M.: end turn. Not going to shoot a shotgun past snek & dwarf P.P. A.: (so now he can “retreat” if he needs to defend by just snapping back in position) Ken (GM) the cloaked figure, utterly stunned by the charge, drops to the ground collapsing under your charge! Gaiserich snaps back now, though Ken (GM): [so, you guys bum-rushing this guy into submission? holding back?] Mercy looks around for more enemies and at the dead bodies on display Jack continues his charge unless there is a snake in the way Ken (GM): lel, Gai! Youhave bloodlust! taking prisoner? or GOIGN FOR DA KILL!? P.P. A.: Let's see, it's a shady guy who emanates dark magi, in cahhots with the Starman-goo, and he's playing music at a bonfire of ded snekmen I think that narrows down Gai's options Ken (GM): hahahahah P.P. A.: but yeah, isn't Jack still charging? Ken (GM): right one sec jack validly can bash the fucker first, befor eyo uNEED to decide Doc: [actually I guess I'll roll for Slam either way] Ken (GM): I suppose SLAMMO WHAMMO Doc: if there's a snake in the way he slams into the snake Ken (GM): hahahah slam is +4 for bashing into him with a two handed club-like thingo in your hands Gaiserich 's bulky shield is on Clang's side, fortunately Rosettsara: (Also unless something new happens, just assume Sophie keeps doing what she's (GM) the trio are totlaly incapacitates in a mad rush; one disarmed, one bleeding out, and the last lies clutching his chest struggling to breathe Ken (GM) in the aftermath, the last man simply hacks, trying to breathe. The tiefling woman is unmoving, and the gray scaled man seems to have succumbed as well Mercy walks to her axe and collects it, lifting it free and starring at the grim, gristly scene. "People. They were eating people." Gaiserich 's senses are assailed by the stench of death and the sight of heaped-up corpses. He trembles with anger, but the evildoers are dead (or mostly dead). He quietly lifts his head to look around the rest of the scenery. P.P. A.: what is this btw Ken (GM) HACK HACK HACK and blood splatters underneath the gristly headdress. The smoky camp is full of the scent of roasting meat....and a bonfire of burning bodies. Long ropey skelletons blacken as they burn. Jack looks down at the choking man and then at the "meal" they were helping themselves to. "No one I knew, at least." Ken (GM) aisde, you see a massive grey stone and moss covered hand jutting out of the earth; skeletons are strapped to it, rough metal spikes through their wrists. Men, elves maybe. long since dead Ken (GM) A wasted body is lashed further in, toward the tree. A thin figure with sallow skin and a wasted looking body Mercy: "Born from the light and returned to it. Their troubles are at an end." She bows her head a moment before starting to free the bodies.. her eyes drawn to the wasted figure. Walking closer. "I don't suppose you still draw breath, Stranger?" Ken (GM): [crap furnace cleaning guys just showed up] P.P. A.: good cutoff point anyway Joush M.: Pick up next week? Ken (GM): yus i think Doc: why do you have a crap furnace P.P. A.: also while failing to stab, I realised I don't have Luck on Gaiserich Ken (GM): dog freaking out Doc: no wonder it needs cleaned P.P. A.: Now there's a good argument against hoarding points! Ken (GM): GASP OKAY! 4 points, ill check on fiss Rosettsara: Thanks for having me, even though I was rather out of it today Doc: Luck advantage extremely powerful Ken (GM): please excuse me! we still love ya rose :D P.P. A.: Clean that furnace good! Rosettsara: Sophie ahs Luck, but has yet to use it Ken (GM): ayoo doco Doc: yo Ken (GM): spicy cheese dips gott alove gotta hate yourself for eaten em an ders da joosh Joush M.: Good morning. How is the frozen north? Ken (GM): literally froze overnight windy snowsotrm yesterday, three icy inches flew in sideways but hey, no cockroaches, rats or iguanas Rosettsara: Pretty chilly today Joush M.: Yeah, worst you get is Wendingos and Tim Hortons right? Ken (GM): beware TIM and a pippa! wheres the fiss then Rosettsara: Good question Ken (GM): poking him on the phone direct but as is the usual; NIGHT SHIFT'S REVENGE [he is incoming, 5 min] Ken (GM): so minor note; I updated the map a tiny bit, to better represent what was goin on so the descriptions still stand, but noe the map best represents it heap of burned out snekfolk on the pyre there minorly adjusted wasted and emaciated prisoners on the stone hand Joush M. 'walks around' the stone hand for a better look Sophie kicks Vex a bit to wake him up. [!] Vex is wholloped, and startles back to reality, hacking for breath Vex: "oof!" Sophie: "I won't always be here to look after you." Vex: "...Oh damn, not again!" Gaiserich also takes a look around Gaiserich spots something gooey Sophie: "The shouting and screaming has stopped, at least. So you're safe." Gaiserich smells from a distannce, and stares at it with his heatvision and magicvision Mercy scowls and looks at the filth, the tall woman walking closer. "Welling up from the earth in this hole?" Sophie picks up what the other party members left behind and hands them to Vex, leads the mule closer to their location, and heads to the others. Gaiserich slithers up closer, however careful. Vex blushes, and appears to angrily and shakily gather himself back up and joins you in the camp itself Vex: "Gai, I have your bag, where do you.....want.....it" Vex trails off as he sees the carnage Gaiserich asks in Gorath, and from behind his shield and spear, if the snek in the pool of… whatever is still alive. P.P. A.: The log has fallen on it, right? well, log, more like tree trunk Ken (GM): [block of stone over the den entrance Sophie: "This stench sure brings back memories." Ken (GM): like, the lower part of the hand's arm? P.P. A.: oooh Because of the texture I thought it was bark Ken (GM): [ah, i can see that. But nah, its stone, and theres hard earth underneath it where the tunnel full of ooze reaches] Mercy looks to the grand and fallen statue, then to the ooze.. "Mister Gaiserich!" She calls to him as she draws her gun. "Something moving!" Gaiserich calls over to the others: “There is a ssssurvivor! …or an ooze-monssster!” Gaiserich: “Bring fire!” Sophie: "Relax, or Vex will collapse again. Keep a distance, have fire at the ready, and let's see what its intentions are." Ken (GM) the thing under the ooze squirms at your voices, and pushes up against the surface of the slime. There is a wet PLOP noise and a splash, and a hissing creature emerges, sucking breath! Gaiserich attempts to lift up the rock, knowing that Merxy has her fire-stick out. Gaiserich nevermind Rolling 3d6 = 13v8 Sophie pushes past Vex. "Keep an eye on your hand." IT crawls forward, weakly, arms and tentacles slithering Vex remembers himself, and nods to Sophie Gaiserich backs off. “Ssstay where you are, or we kill you!” Mercy steps to the side and stares at the creature, weapon held and gaze on the figure. "What manner of creature is this?" IT: "HGHHHHHCH.....HELP.....MEEEEEEE" IT looks up to you with a serpentine face, markings like those of Gaiserich Gaiserich: “Sssspeak, what are you?” His spear is pointed at the creature; he is willing to hear it out, but also assumes it to be a starman-goo-monster. Gaiserich also addresses it in Gorath. (To GM): “What are you? You resemble my kind, but your body is grotesque!” Sophie looks to Fiss and Jack. "Prepare to isolate it if it needs help. I'll get the tools ready, just in case." Sophie: (Clang*) Clang: [Fissdwarf nods lol] Doc: >tfw sophie looks at your character but not you can a gentleman gamer get a hello? Mercy: "What help could we offer?" She ask, almost gently of the strange beast that seems almost half formed. IT writhes, in the slime, and seems to be slick with it. And then you see the ooze gather over it, and it grows bigger... IT screams Ken (GM): [lol @ Jack] (To GM): “What have they done do you?!” Clang: Screams in pain, or one of those "Hey I'm a mindless force of infectious death!" kinda screams, lol Sophie: "Everyone, stand back. Have we fire?" IT appears to be in horrible pain as you see it's skin stretch, bones readjust, and limbs elongate Jack stands back, gripping his musket like a club Gaiserich replies to it. It can speak his language, apparently, and he hesitates—but he alos sees that it's a growing abomination of demonic goo, so… IT squirms, seizing, on the ground as the ooze gathers over it and....the ooze slides into the creature. Gaiserich shouts at it. (To GM): “Resist it! Expel it!m Sophie: "Quickly, we must ease its suffering." IT struggles, and in it's throes locks eyes with Gai, holds up one long-nailed hand to Sophie! Gaiserich whispers to Mercy: “Shoot if you mussst; it may be too late.” IT: "no! NoOOOOO!" it screams, in a deepening voice "I.....I LIVE!" it gasps Gaiserich maintains eye contact however, trying hard to think of something to help. Clang steps forward, arms lowered Sophie: "I cannot stop the infection you're experiencing. You are being corrupted by dark magic. What do you feel?" Mercy frowns. "I don't know how to do that, Miss Sophie.." She watches the horror show, disturbed. "She cocks the gun and watches. "You are in such terrible pain. I don't think there is anything I can do for you." Gaiserich thinks for a moment, and appeals to it in Gorath. IT calms, the noises subsiding, the pops and creaks done, the ooze gone. It shudders and keeps it's eyes locked on Gaiserich (To GM): “Who are you? Recollect who you are, and tell us. Maintain your sense of self—the ooze is trying to eat you up, you must resist it.” (To Joush M.): “Who are you? Recollect who you are, and tell us. Maintain your sense of self—the ooze is trying to eat you up, you must resist it.” (To Joush M.): (forgot the other whispers but it wasn't anything important, just stuff like “stay where you are” and “what happened to you”) Kaisur coughs, holds up his hands to Gai, to Mercy, and settles. "I....am....Kaisur....Do you see me?" Kaisur pantomimes a triangular motion with his hands Gaiserich: “I have my eye on you!” Kaisur appears to be a snake-scorned, much like Gaiserich. Except his body ends in three long tentacle-like grasping tails, and his face is more human-like. A slit nose, man-like mouth and jaw. But the same colors on his hide, same scales... Mercy blinks. "By the Light.. you are from the Order too?" She ask as she stands with weapon in hand. Kaisur nods to Gai, and keeps his long-nailed hands up, shivering in the heat Sophie: "...Huh. Neat." Kaisur: "I hunt the creatures of Darkness, as we all must" "Where...am I?" Gaiserich: “A hunters' camp. Demons… killed them, but we killed the demons.” Sophie: "You were showing symptoms not unlike demonic infections we've been encountering regularly." Gaiserich points to the goo with his long, scaly finger. “This ooze is the Sssstarman's. It is bad.” Kaisur nods, sits on his tails and listens. He lowers his hands, but rests them open for you to see. Kaisur: "The Starman, yessss. I have slain his witches as well" Gaiserich nods to a job well done. Mercy looks at the ooze with a sick expression, then to the poor Hunter. She nods to him and uncocks the gun slowly and carefully, putting it away. Gaiserich: “Did you alwaysssss look like thisss?” Kaisur cocks his head, and flicks his tongue out Kaisur: "Yes? Brother, do you not see our clan...." and he looks at YOU differently "You have only one tail?" Gaiserich blinks, confused. “I alwayssss had.” Kaisur blinks, mimicking the motion P.P. A.: wait waaait I must retcon this Gaiserich can't blink I forgot Kaisur: lel Gaiserich STARES, confused. Kaisur imitates the jesture, cocking his head in a mimickry Sophie: "What do you last remember?" Kaisur: "sssstrange" Gaiserich has a bad feeling about this. Kaisur: "I....hunted a witch. Stalked her to her den,in the Fensssss. Ambussssshed. Pouncccccced." "I wassstruck by.....ssssomthink" "Magik" "i saw a bright light.....woke up herrrrrre" he mewls P.P. A.: Was the fens where we hunted that elf? no wait, the fens is the swamp nvm Kaisur: "Sssssshe musssst haf takn me prisssssssoner" Gaiserich beckons him to follow, so he can show him the corpses of the people they felled. He motions his comrades to keep a safe distance. “Wassss she one of these?” Kaisur looks behind him, at the ooze, and startles a bit, stepping aside from the mess Kaisur: "eeech" Sophie quietly watches Sophie: "I'll warn Vex." Mercy walks quietly, nodding as she walks with them and looks to the horrors of the battle, the pale woman unhappily looking at their handiwork. Sophie moves ahead and whispers to Vex. "Might want to keep some distance from our new friend. I want you to tell me quietly if something seems off about him." Kaisur creeps along the ground, his three tails undulating evenly and pulling him along the grasses. When you show him the trio, he points a long black-nailed claw at the prisoner Kaisur: "Her! She took me in! The witch!" P.P. A.: Oh right, she's still kinda alive, isn't she? Vex looks a bit mesmerized by the whole event "You mean...off, like the three tails or the snake man?" Ken (GM): [clang has been standing guard over the prisoner, who had a pile of broken ribs from Jack :P] The Sorcerer is still on the ground, coughing blood and struggling to breathe Sophie: "He was found within ooze. He was covered in it. And our snakeman seems weirded out y him." "I don't yet have the magical ability to tell these things for myself. That's where you come in." Vex shrugs Vex: "Whats to say...he doesnt have any aura to speak of..." Vex seems to trail off then.... Vex: "At all. How...odd?" Mercy looks around. "Do you see any clothes of his in the camp? I imagine the cannibals must have kept their victims things somewhere." The Sorcerer coughs, a barking noise "HACKOUGHer not cannibals! You witch! The Sorcerer: "We....HACK....we saving us all!" Gaiserich slithers over to the sorceror, beckoning Merxy to stay closer to him than to the tentacleman. Sophie nods and casually approaches Clang and Jack first to quietly let them know Vex's peculiar finding, before doing the same to Mercy and Gai. Making sure not to ever get too close to Kaisur, while never taking an eye off him either. Gaiserich drops his spear and shield and wraps himself around the scorceror. Kaisur hangs back, keeping a good chunk of ancient statue between him and the prisoner Gaiserich 's eyes search for the magic coursing through him, and he tries to cut off the flow by applying pressure with his body. Ken (GM) the snakeman's embrace is tight and unyeilding; the old man under the robe is clenched securely Gaiserich thus constricts and constrains the sorceror, and also pulls out his knife and holds it to his throat, for good measure. Mercy struggles to think of what to say for that, then steps back when Gai wraps around the one. "Why is the aura odd?" She ask Vex Gaiserich: “Sssspeak, and ssspeak the truth. What happened here. What did you do to him?” His free hand points to Kaisur. Vex: "it isnt there, at all, Mercy! He's a null. Quite rare I would think. No path is at an end, Miss. What profit is there in lies now?" She gestures around herself. "You were surrounded by people feasting on the flesh of Scorned. Gaiserich relaxes a bit so the man can breathe (poorly) and speak. The Sorcerer hacks bloody breath The Sorcerer: "We....were.....burning......infected" "not....food!......cleansing!" Gaiserich: “The ooze?” The Sorcerer nods Kaisur undulates closer, a hand up, pointing Gaiserich figures thta the wolf-riding demon guy was also obviously evil, however aligned against the Starman. He doesn't regret killing these others, they were obviously bad witches, but they may indeed have acted justly. Sophie moves a bit around as well, helping set up a perimeter. Kaisur: "Why isssssshe a man? Where is the vitch?" Gaiserich scents the air, trying to pick up if the scent of the ooze from near the pyre, if any lingers. Gaiserich looks to Kaisur at the remark, and then to Sophie. “Your ssssister, maybe?” Sophie: "Wouldn't put it past her." Gaiserich 's grip of the sorceror relaxes a little, so as to be less painful—but he still constricts the flow of magic, and his movement. Gaiserich: “You sssspeak the truth.” The Sorcerer is held fast. A shadow of darkness pools below the pair, Gai working some magic of his own to negate the warlock pact? Mercy stands watching, frowning.. "I'm not sure I understand." Gaiserich: “By the way…” his body moves, coiling around the man without letting go, and looks him in the eyes: “Do you sssssse me?” Vex: "Me either; what would Euria want with these warlocks? This snakeman? It doesnt make sense" Sophie: "She's a Demon, remember." The Sorcerer shudders in fear, and tries to look away from Gai's intense stare Gaiserich nods, and stops staring. It was worth a try, would have been quite a twist though. Ken (GM): [badum tish] Gaiserich: “Ssssso all of these were infected with the Sssstarman's ooze?” Sophie: "Well then. I guess that just leaves one thing." (To GM): If Gaiserich sees that the dark magic in this guy isn't just being suppressed but actually being squeezed out of him, he tries to facilitate that. Sophie makes sure Jack did was instructed before making her next move. Ken (GM): [GM jack-retcons] (To GM): It's one level of power negation 2, though! (From Ken (GM)): yarp :P Jack circles round, casually Mercy: "Miss Sophie?" She ask, not understanding what the woman has planned. Sophie whispers to Mercy. "This Kaisur doesn't even have the basic aura of a living being. If he can't answer why in a satisfactory manner, then we will have to consider him an enemy." Ken (GM): Gaiserich turns to Kaisur and stares him in the eyes. “Tell usssss… about your family, or what you did lasssst month. The ooze over there may have sssstained your body—what about your mind?” Sophie nods to Gai, glad he's picked up on it, too. (To GM): So Kaisur has no magic aura; I assume he's as room temperature as Gaiserich himself, or just a little warmer or colder? Mercy nods in reluctant agreement. "Yes.. I suppose that makes sense." Kaisur nods along with the questions Gaiserich looks to the side briefly, but then returns his eyes to Kaisur. Kaisur: "I am a hunterrrrr, of the orderrr. I sssstalk. I have travelled from the Ssssssouth of Glar-den-Fens and into the landssss of Gor-Goth to hhhhunt looks Kaisur in theye, and asks: “When the Sssssimurgh carried off the Ssssun to the mountainsss, what did the hero, Ahi, do?” He repeats the question in Gorath for clarity. (To GM): The correct answer would be that he threw the Simurgh into the mountain with a shard of the sun, and thus created a volcano there. (To GM): or rather the bird held on to the shard of the sun as it was pried from him, and as he well; same difference Sophie: "And what are the names of the current leaders of the Grey Republic?" Kaisur: "The sun was cast down to the Land, and the Earth broke, the Fens fell, and the sea rose up to the landsssss" Kaisur shakes his head to Sophie for a moment, and makes a motion with the knife he's holding to the sorceror's throat as if to cut it. Kaisur: "sssssorry. Man-rulers are sssstrange. Their wizzzzzzards rule there" Gaiserich doesn't slice the sorceror's throat, mind, but he repeatedly makes a motion like that. Ken (GM): kek P.P. A.: also yeah I don't think Gaiserich could answer that question either Ken (GM): [the prisoner is safe, and the pantomime clear :P] P.P. A.: Is the fire extinguished, or are the embers still glowing? Mercy frowns more. "Who were your companions? The other members of the Order you were working with?" Sophie takes a deep breath Ken (GM): [still smoldering] Gaiserich turns to Clang. “Clang, we need to burn the witches' bodiessss. Light another fire.” Clang nods, abet sadly, and begins working on the fire Kaisur: "There were few. A warrior-scorned, Justiccccce. An elf druid, VeX.... Sometimesssss Jack, who would trade me sssstories for gold" P.P. A.: yeah this is super-obvious now Vex startles at his name Sophie readies her rifle, pretending to clean it, when she suddenly points behind Kaisur. "Look, I think I see that Witch!" Mercy looks at the snake, then to the others a moment. "Ah.." Jack raises an eyebrow after hearing his own (admittedly common and possibly pseudonymous) name Kaisur flinches, and is distracted! Sophie nods to Mercy before taking aim Kaisur: "" Mercy frowns unhappily and lifts the gun, following Sophie's lead. Ken (GM): Lenny time? Sophie then fires when she can Clang whispers a prayer under his breath, hoping that whatever is left of this poor sod's soul is finding peace as his friends dispatch what lingers in farce. Rolling 3d6 = 8 vs 19 for Fusil ordinaire Ken (GM): [This is mostly to check for narrative-destroying crits] Ken (GM) Two shots ring out in the hazy day; crows fly from the nearby trees as Kaisur succumbs to acute lead poisoning. Blood sprays red on the white stone, and he suffers very little Vex: "What the....?!" Sophie: "An unwitting agent of the Starman. Poor thing." Gaiserich: “It wasss imitating me,” the real snakeman clarifies to Vex. Clang concentrates for a moment, hands poised out like a water diver fork, looking for the currents and ties of magic to see if they flow elsewhere Mercy: "A copy, or worse.. some false creature, created from a dream of another world. I'm glad we picked codes to recongize eachother.." The gun smokes as she looks to the dead creature. "Go to the light.. if you were ensouled at all, strange one." Gaiserich: .There isssss a puddle of ooze where he came from; we ssshhould burn it all.” Jack: "You didn't touch any of the ooze, did you Gaiserich?" Gaiserich shakes his head. Mercy: "Right. All of this burns." Mercy sets to work. Gathering wood, setting pyres and tossing burning brands to the ooze-puddle of creepy snake spawning. Gaiserich looks at the guy he's still tightly coiled around. “You sssspoke the truth. What about the sssskeletons?” He points to the ones strapped to the giant hand. “Did you kill them?” Ken (GM): Clang nods and stokes the fire The Sorcerer nods and wheezes. P.P. A.: That statue of the king we passed in GrimWyrd 1 was farther north-west, beyond Glardenfen, wasn't it? The Sorcerer: "Tainted......starman" Ken (GM): [yeah, it marked the showdown between the Allied Armies and the Horned King's hordes" [a battle yet to happen here or now] P.P. A.: [All right, so this giant hand is from something else] Ken (GM): [ah yes] Gaiserich nods, and gives the man some space to breathe. Sophie: "I'll take care of your injuries once we've got this dealt with." Ken (GM): [Gorgoth is a land of ancient ruins; The Beastmen have stone ziggurats, statues an dall sorts of stuff poking out of their lands] Gaiserich was about to ask what to do with him, whether to kill him anyway since he's all dark magic and stuff, but Sophie answered that question. Gaiserich will relax the grip on the sorceror when Sophie is ready to treat him, and when another is close by to make sure he doesn't try anything funny when Gaiserich lets go of him. Mercy: "I must be more careful. I'm sorry.. I acted without thinking and killed people that must have had vital information. Or even were innocent of what I'd condemned them for." Gaiserich holds the cold blade of his knife to the sorceror's throat one last time. “Use dark ssssorcery, and I kill you,” he wans him, and lets go after a beat. The Sorcerer nods and withers at the threat Sophie: "You only did what you thought was right." Gaiserich keeps an eye on the flow of magic in the man. The Sorcerer holds still, and shakes a bit under the gaze of the snakemen The Sorcerer: "My name..... is Vep. Jack: "Killing means never having to say you're sorry," Jack adds callously. Ken (GM): +1 callousness points Mercy: "That dosn't excuse a lack of forethought. I must do better.." She nods to Sophie, glad for the words, and frowns at Jack as she piles wood and builds fires to incinerate bodies. Rolling 3d6 = 15 vs 15 Diagnosis Clang walks over to Vep but other than keeping an eye on him, doesn't seem overly concerned...yet Ken (GM): Gaiserich sits back and reflects on what happened. Sophie: "What's your story, Vep?" Vep lets sophie check his tongue and breathing, and submits to her work Sophie is trying to keep Vep focused and awake Vep: "I....am scorned....like them" he points to Gai, Mercy "but I....am also.....a warrior. Priest of " Doc: (yeah looting bodies if there's anything worth looting) Sophie gets to work on treating his injuries. (First Aid or Physician, I presume?) Vep: "We....were protecting.....the mines" Sophie: "What for, and from what?" Vep: "IN....festation...." he struggles with the word, coughs "The plague of ooze.....the Starman's.....creatures" "Every...where" Gaiserich: “We have sssseen only a few in the north; there are thissss many here?” Sophie: "Has this infestation been going on for a long time, or is it a recent development?" Vep: "You have seen....the war?" he gestures with one hand, sweeping around you all "It has stopped....for us.....we fight......the Starman,.....now......Gorgoth......rots...." @soph: first aid roll plx Rolling 3d6 = 5 vs 17 First Aid Vep: NIIIIce crit Vep is Vep is readjuste dby Sophie, and there is a POP as she snaps something in his chest back into position. He immediately begins breathing normally again Mercy: "We have a lead. The last place the starman touched the world in the Fens, we make for that place now. And.. ah, damn, I shouldn't have mentioned that." She frowns. Remembering Vep is an enemy. Doc: jack: "damn i wish that were me" Ken (GM): kek P.P. A.: “My heart is broken, please snap it back into position.” Ken (GM): she just like, realigned a guys ribs POP SNAP Doc: jack be like "grabby_hands_apu.jpg" Ken (GM): lol Rosettsara: Hello Nurse Ken (GM): hahahah Vep: "Oh praise Apep! I can breathe!" Sophie: "It's okay. Our friend here is going to tell us some things too, in exchange." Mercy does recover her axe. Makeing sure to put it away. Vep: "Dark ones own luck, of course. It is only fair! you spar emy life" he smiles, " and I tell you somehting very important" Gaiserich puts his knife away. Gaiserich picks his shield and spear back up though, since he dropped them earlier. Vep: "Veeeeery imPORTant" he says, almost to himself, looking at your troupe nervously Sophie: "I'm sure it is." (Gets Detect Lies ready) Vep: "You would slay them then, the beasts of the Starman? His howling beasts?" Mercy reloads and puts away her gun. Gaiserich: “That isssss why we are here.” Vep: "Praise be" and he gestures with his hands over his head "My sacrifices have not been in vain" "I should have know, the blood of penance is paid in full first" Vep spits, toward the two dead Vep: "They were worthy proces to pay for vengance upon the Starman" Sophie awkwardly shifts around, waiting for Vep to get to the point. Vep: "We are not many, but the priests" he signs again above his head, makes horns with his hands "We are the warriors of our people. Very concerned, very much needing to fight the creatures" "We have been using our power, to save who we can, do what we can. This was a rot" he waves a gesture, shakes his palm at the pyre "These [ upon them" "We struck at dawn; poisoned their food and cut throats like sheep" one crooked thumb under his neck, exposing warty pale skin "they barely we move on then? I don't want to camp here tonight.. and.. please don't. I've pledged myself to the light and don't approve of animal sacrafice." Clang sighs and looks to the mountains Mercy says primly, a proper Novice. She may not have taken vows as a nun, but sounds like one. Vep: " silly Lupine woman! You would do best to praise your ancestors!" Sophie: "You are going to tell us where you know the infestation appeared from, and will then go home, gather your allies, and prepare for an assault on the Starman's forces in the future." Gaiserich does so little animal sacrifices himself, but only, like, pouring out a bit of blood after a meal to thank the spirits of the forest for the successful hunt, or throwing an inedible paw into the campfire so the animal returns to the cycle. Vep nods, continuously. The deer skull bobs ridiculously Gaiserich raises a bit of an eyebrow, but doesn't say anything. Vep: "Yes yes yes yes" "Very smart, good woman, smart woman" Mercy: "I don't know my ancestors, my blood is nothing beside those that have made a home for me and been the family for an orphan. May the Light guide you on your path, Sir." Vep: "The Starman, He comes out of the Fens, the lake. Slithers like a dark thing but makes no noise, no sounds. There is a flash! A light, and the oozes are upon us. South and West of here" Sophie: "There is no point in celebrating before the war begins. You are not to conduct any dark rituals until victory. You will not interfere with us, nor spread word of our arrival." Vep: "But you will need to pass the mines" Mercy: "Mines?" Vep: "So you go South, south East of here" he points to the South" and the hills on the border, you go there, and a mine sits, old thing, older than Ba-al" ]" , the mines, you can turn to the SUn, West, and get to the Starman" Mercy: "A pit of What?.. Oh. That isn't intended to be taken literally. Eww.." She frowns, the profanity new to her. Clang: "It should be...interesting...to see what the people of this land consider a mine." Vep: "Dark one's own luck! You have a dwarf! And he shall be able to guide you in the dark!" Gaiserich looks to Clang and smiles. Sophie: "We would like passage through the mine. As you and your kin protect it, is there any way to let them know our passage is allowed?" Clang chuckles Clang: "As much as the lost can guide the lost, I suppose." Vep: "Oh! well...we do not it, as you would say. It is....taken entirely by the Starman's forces" he flinches back, afraid of speaking the words to you Sophie: "...Ah. That's an important detail, yes." Vep: "But I assure you miss! With your fierce pistols and warriors the oozes will be no MATCH for you!" Jack: "Sounds like a nice ambush we would be walking into" Mercy: "Oh.. I'd imagined a vast pit dug by slaves and drained by a channel cut to lower ground. I had forgotten that the Horned One's people have..ah.. is 'geomancer' the right word?" She ask with a frown. "We shall do what we can. We don't fear those monsters. There is no other way then the mines?" Vep shakes his head furiously Vep: "Not unless, you can swim or have a boat hidden somewhere....on your....self" "The waters are warm and deep, and are inbetween here and the Starman's....places" Sophie: "You wouldn't mind terribly if damage is caused to the mine while it's being cleaned?" Vep: "May his darkness rise up to consume me! No! Do as you must oh Queen of deception and guile!" he bows deeply to Sophie "The Starman's creatures will not know what is coming for them, and your fury shall burn them away like so much...cleansing fire" "The Mine is yours to plunder; we forsook it when we fled...." Clang mutters to himself "Well, at least the people here are...passionate." Vep: "it was truly sad; I have a cousin, he dug there. Found many a shiny stone among the pit" Sophie: "Tell me, have you seen another person with my appearance recently?" Mercy: "I imagine there shall be a great deal of fire." Her ear perks and she blushes at Clang's words, turning to preparing to move again. Vep: "He is a heap of bones and flesh now, may the dark one tak ehis life and feast upon it" "No miss, none so beautiful and terrifying as you have graced me with their presence of late" Vep bows again, deeply, groveling a touch Clang: "Ahh, quite a sweet talker..." Vep: "Oh! My flute!" he snatches up the bone instruent he dropped earlier Gaiserich hopes Clang knows a good way to make a huge fire in that mine, ideally started from outside of it. Sophie: "Indeed. Too bad it falls on deaf ears." Clang hopes he has enough Dwarven Ale for all this fire Mercy: "Should we go?" Vep: "Yes please! Darkness be praised of it's mercy Go! Do His bidding and slay the Starman! String entrails from the rafters!" Sophie: "You, Vep, have a job to do." Vep shuts up Jack: "Finally" Sophie: "You owe me that allegiance, at least. If the Starman is to be destroyed, you will need to follow your role seriously." Vep nods and takes a knee before Sophie Sophie: "Now let us go." Jack shoulders his bag and begins whistling as he walks Mercy nods and bows to the beastman before she turns to walk with Sophie. "You handled that really well. Thank you." Gaiserich doesn't know what to say to Vep that would not be an insult, but anything other than an insult would be an insult to Gaiserich's own sensibilities, so he leaves the evil Darkness-worshipping sorceror, who nonetheless helped them, without a word. Ken (GM): kek-and a half Vep continues making arcane gesticulations as you walk on, mutterings of "Praise be to him, the dark one" P.P. A.: Killed only two our of the four darkness-infested badwitches they encountered today, poor ratio! Vex quits wallowing in himself and absconds wiht you Joush M.: You could run back and kick Vep into the fire Sophie: "Having more resources to work with is crucial for success." Ken (GM): he doesnt have any legs! thats racist! P.P. A.: ;_; Ken (GM) the swampy humps of earth rise up to your boots, and you tread on, the haze of the dead behind you. Clang tromps his boots Clang feels swampy P.P. A.: I like how you're leaving behind these little icons on the map as we move on;vivid reminders of the adventures had theree Ken (GM): Joush M.: I like that too Ken (GM): [how else am I gonna remember every nightmare fuelled session?] Gaiserich slithers on, his scales providing good grip even on the slipperier ground. Jack: "So that was....super weird" Sophie: "Shapeshifting demon sibling, and now magic impersonations. As we draw closer to our fate, what else will stand before us?" Mercy walks though the temperate swamp, sniffing the air and watching for trouble. "Yes.. our mission's importance grows, as does the danger." Vex: "I dont understand how he couldnt have an aura..." "Thats a strange thing." Sophie: "It was an imitation of life, i'd say." "It could only try to be, rather than be." Gaiserich: “I think he wassss a… made of ooze. Not a body.” Vex: "yes, and if magic brought him together....it would leave a trace" Clang: "Aye. Life is life...I pray these dark magics never get so good at pretending that we cannot see the difference." Gaiserich: “The vinesss have no magic, either…” Sophie: "Could the lack of aura itself be considered a trace?" Vex shudders visibly at the mention of the vines Gaiserich looks at everyone to see if they have a magic aura now. Jack: "Stop licking at my ass, snek" P.P. A.: Looking, not smelling! Ken (GM): kek P.P. A.: btw what is this on the map Ken (GM): [torch] Sophie: I just see black Ken (GM): [just a flag I grabbed, put light on, and dropped on the map for sight puposes P.P. A.: [ah] Ken (GM): [now?] Mercy: "Maybe they are powered by some dark, outsider magic. Something from early in the world. Different enough magic to look like nothing to us?" Mercy can see it now Rosettsara: There we go Ken (GM): ayy checkboxes "all players see light" derp hows THAT look now P.P. A.: We can see Gorgoth! And volcanoes! Clang: Wooo Vex stops in his track sfor a moment at Mercy's words Vex: "Dont....say things like that" P.P. A.: Reminds me of when we saw Gorgoth on the map in GrimWyrd 1 Then we nuked everything and never saw it up close, but it was presumably gone anyway RIB Vex: lol Rosettsara: "Just think of it as a once in a lifetime learning experience. Imagine being one of the few to encounter such things and being able to learn how to detect it?" (...Forgot to switch back.) Mercy: "I'm sorry, Mister Vex. Did I say something offensive?" She ask gently, nodding to the elven mage and stopping. Vex: "no...just....terrifying" Gaiserich asks the party: “Do you know how to make a… uhm…” He makes an elongated cup-like shape with his hand, and says a word in Gorath. “A… water-tree?” (To Joush M.): the word being “boat” Mercy nods and reaches out slowly to gently pat his remaining flesh-and-blood hand before she turns to start to walk. "A boat? Or.. canoe?.. umm.. no." She admits. Vex: "A well?" Mercy: "I had thought the same, but beyond a simple raft I couden't build a boat to save my life." Jack: "A blowjob?" Gaiserich points to Mercy with a smile. “We could sssswim across the water to the Ssstarman.” Gaiserich: “A what?” Gaiserich looks confused. Jack: "I will need a volunteer to demonstrate" Vex sighs Mercy: "Well.. 'we' could.." She blushes a touch. Not glanceing to Vex or Clang, but wondering if they can swim very well. Then she looks to Jack and blinks. "What is a blowjob?" Gaiserich: “Well, ‘sssswim’ in a canoat. Use it to ‘ssswim’.” Clang: "When you quit a particularly uninteresting line of work?? Or so I've been led to believe." Ken (GM): kek Sophie: "It's a sexual act, Mercy. I will not elaborate further." Gaiserich was about to suggest blowjobbing the mine, but decides otherwise now. Mercy: "Well, that seems.." She stops and stares at Shopie, then scowls at Jack, then makes a sound somewhere between a growl and a whine as she firmly walks out ahead of the rest of the group. Stomping and scouting ahead. P.P. A.: [Snekmen word for the act is “ouroborosing”] Jack is so stealing that Clang sighs, but then chuckles. At least the banter is better than talk of blood sacrifices... Ken (GM): [so whats the plan then? Vex's hand is behaving, and his disposition is fine enough. you have about half a day left to you, and a vague description of the Starman being SouthWest of you, past a mine full of oozes near the lake... Joush M.: SW to the mine? Gaiserich: and then camp far enough away from it that we won't get a nightly visit from mine-oozes ^ Clang: Yeah, we should at least learn about it even if we look inside, see that it's basically a latrine, and Nope the fuck out of it. Joush M.: Sounds good to me. Mercy also needs to get visited in the night by a myserous visitor. Ken (GM): ~waggly eyebrows~ Rosettsara: No opposition here Clang: ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) Ken (GM): from the vantage here, you can see the swamp continues out South of you; there are open lands(green) and more tree-cover(paler) and much more SE of you is forested hills which would be dryer Drier* Gaiserich is fine with either route, he has Survival () for both Sophie goes with what the people experienced with the wilderness decide. Mercy considers a moment. "Going west, then south into the forested hills seems best" She offers, then looks to the others. "What do you think?" Gaiserich: “Ssssounds good.” Clang nods his indifference... he trusts that between all these experienced ruffians they can avoid making camp on quicksand Clang: [] Ken (GM): lel into the hills? sorry Joush, red or green did ya mena P.P. A.: errr, yeah Joush M.: Yes. Dsylexa shall not kill us yet Ken (GM): lol hahahah red? Joush M.: Red path is a go Ken (GM): hahahaha MAPS Joush M.: Green just leads us to killing elves Ken (GM): ALL DA ELVES P.P. A.: We never got to kill elves in the first campaign well, I mean more of them Ken (GM): you killed SO AMNY ELVES Rosettsara: We go an elf killed indirectly, at least, and then killed an infected one after that Ken (GM): ^ NAVIGATER Clang: "I don't understand why Elves are so hated...who else is supposed to design fancy curtains and prune vines?" Ken (GM): ROLLS A GATE OF NAVES Vex half bristles Vex: "I mena...youre not wrong" Clang laughs and pats Vex on the shoulder Vex: *mean Clang: "I am joking, good sir." P.P. A.: >OOC bleeding into IC Joush M.: Humm.. I don't have navigation. I don't suppose someone else does? Vex: "Always in good fun, i'm sure. But your point stands. My people often sit painting or writing poetry when I would rather see them called to action against the darkness..." Rolling 3d6 = 12v11! Ken (GM): yeah one of those but like, rolling lol Mercy walks with Clang.. once she calms down, in any case. Observing what he does and asking occasional questions. It seems a useful skill. P.P. A.: oh damn, we forgot to fetch the rabbit in that trap we passed; oh well, someone else will eat it Ken (GM) Your group finds dry paths in the highest mounds of earth, and you follow the edge of the swamps easily enough. Gai is quick to recall the rivers and streams collect in the fens, but ring them like a border of sorts. From the burned camp, you find easy trail along the edge then, up onto the hills, along cool waters and rocky shores Clang happily shares his knowledge the best he can. He may not be an expert navigator, but he's gotten lost and un-lost enough over the years Clang: [@PPA yeah, until that rabbit's goo-zombie attacks us in the night and TPKs us....] (From Ken (GM)): you dont recall the names of the waters, but the hunting grounds have not changed much in the years Ken (GM): [writes down notes] Clang: [] Mercy helps where she can. working her way down the path in that wild land. Ken (GM): mercy! Roll vs your choice? Survival for foraging? Guns vs hunting? Erotic art vs...??? Clang: Erotic Art vs charming and trapping a tentacle monster for us to eat Gaiserich covers the ridges between the streams, and usually rememebrs the location of shallows and natural tree-trunk bridges to help the party keeps an eye open for anything unnatural. The Starman is more active here than he was in the north, so who knows that kinds of nasty surprises may be in store for them. Gaiserich also uses his magic-vision to take a good look at ordinary stuff like trees, plants, and animals as they come across them, so he'll know when they encounter one that doesn't magic like it should. Ken (GM): smrt i like it Clang: The glowing red pulse just means it's full of extra ! Ken (GM) You venture most of the day away, but as the afternoon wanes you find yourselves following the rush of a warm brook as it babbles down a hillside Ken (GM) ahead you find the marks of civilization; a dam in the stream, with lashed logs bridging the waters Mercy sniffs the air and looks quietly around, alert and lupine as she studies the dam ahead. "Humm.. what is this? Should we try and sneak up?" Ken (GM) the greater hill rises up East of you here, and ahead, a muddy path rises from the bridge to a break in the treeline. Sophie: "Wouldn't hurt to get an understanding of our surroundings." Mercy: "There are people ahead, but not humans.. smoke too." She whispers to the others, setting her pack down carefully then starting to slink ahead. Rolling 3d6 = 14v12 Ken (GM): kek Gaiserich just climbs on a nearby tree though Ken (GM): [we need to get you a long gun] P.P. A.: so he can aim with -5 to seeing anything? Ken (GM) Jack and Mercy slink ahead in the green foliage; Gai slips up a nearby shaggy palm. Ahead, the path is clear, no hiding mutants or undead in the bushes...just a muddy path up a hill...toward a camp of some kind, built with a pallisade wooden design, in the hillside ahead Ken (GM) down the creek ahead, a small dam blocks the passage of water. You see not-collected fish traps in the water here. Otherwise the bridge starts to move to cross the dam, then stops. "Deep tracks here. Wide spaced.. they were running. Alone." She looks to see if anyone was following. Gaiserich comes over to investigate as well Rolling 3d6 = 12v15 (Tracking) Mercy: "I don't see what he was running from." She looks to where the trail leads. "Not likely to be worth following now." Vex: "is it clear?" Sophie quietly moves a bit, giving the others a large distance in case she accidentally makes noise. Mercy nods and starts across the dam to find out. Ken (GM) Boots clatter on heavy logs, but nothing stirs aside from lapping water and babbling falls Gaiserich looks back to Vex with a certain expression. Gaiserich follows Mercy, spear ready Ken (GM) the muddy path rises up, switching back between logs and stumps. A gate sits in the wall of logs above on the hill. The gate is covered with bright fresh greenery... Clang advances cautiously, watching the other surroundings Ken (GM) No movement on the walls, no bannerman or flag flying. Only wooden walls and a metal gate Ken (GM) aside the wet path up...a slimy trail seems to seep from the hillside here Vex: "I see no wards, no circles. No magic snares." Gaiserich concentrates on the smell, warmth, and magic of the trail. Gaiserich also senses if it moves any, causing vibrations Gaiserich looks disappointed. “Ooze-sssstench. again.” Mercy sniffs the air and frowns, then takes out her gun and warily advances. Clang cautiously wraps his fists with a scrap of cloth as he walks forward, ready to support his friends Ken (GM): [ever-prepared] Mercy pauses just a moment. "What is that odd pentagon south of the dam?" Sophie: "It would seem that we're perpetually late to the party." Ken (GM) mud squelches under Mercy's boots as she ascends the path. The fort would be formidable to approach, but none appear to oppose you. The sound of night approaching rises from the swampy woods around, the calls of faraway birds and strange crying hunters Vex alerts at Mercy spotting the stone int he water; he scrambles to see, curiosity cutting out his concerns Vex: "It's....a rock! Just a rock i think, no magic to be seen coming off!" "old Gorgoth ruins" Gaiserich: “Good.” Gaiserich again climbs a nearby tree, avoiding the slime though. They might have to burn it. Gaiserich tries to peer into the fort from the canopy Mercy walks closer to the fort, her gun in hand, tilting her head back to gaze up at it. (To GM): out of the earth, hmm? Maybe the mines are under us Gaiserich comes back down. “Ssssseems to be abandoned.” P.P. A.: the gate is closed, right? Gaiserich: “Vines…” he mutters to Mercy, who sees the same as him. Ken (GM) The gate stands closed, swathed in vines, as Mercy and Gai approach] Sophie: "Lucky us." Jack climbs up after them, hiking up the mud Mercy nods. "Ugh.. those awful things. They almost seem to be moveing." She looks at the gate. "Should we try to climb the wall?" Gaiserich: “Or we could burn it.” Contrary to his words, he approaches hte gate, and tries to cut some of the vines with the tip of his spear Ken (GM) the vines peel back at Gai's touch, the bars of the gate shattered underneath them, hanging like wind chimes. They provide no barrier, swinging like a drapery Ken (GM) Beyond, in the middle of the camp, a mighty plant seems to have erupted from the ground here, under a cage Ken (GM) Behind that, a blob of blue-mottled slime quivers, it's surface like a pond of scummy water Ken (GM) and from that, comes a voice P.P. A.: IT: “UNTIL NEXT WEEK” Ken (GM): "Gai? Sophie? JAck? is that you?" Ken (GM) It sounds like Mercy... Gaiserich hisses. “Burn it!” Ken (GM) stepping free of the surface of the blob...comes Mercy Ken (GM) DUN DUN DUHNNNNNNNN Mercy shudders in revulsion at that, starring at the horror. Ken (GM): :D P.P. A.: There's something I wanted to address during the trek, but I had to go afk, so I didn't get to Clang refuses to say the Plot Thickens...but the surface of the blob certainly is Ken (GM): GASP Rosettsara: Thanks for the session~ P.P. A.: can we retroactively re-insert that conversation next time? Thanks for the session! Ken (GM): probably ! Fiss: Gotta run! Thanks all! Joush M.: Ahh, thanks! Ken (GM): RUN BITCH RUN WOOP WOOP Rosettsara: Usual 4 points? Ken (GM): the usual! take your 4 you crazy fun guys I got to horrify you, gibber at you make euphamisms at you P.P. A.: \o/ Ken (GM): ARE YOU READY TO ROCK Rosettsara: Indeed Doc: henlo P.P. A.: I AM READY TO STONE WITCHES Ken (GM): MY BITCHES JOUSH we got a Merciful shotgun going on? Joush M.: I'm ready to go! Ken (GM): sweetness Doc; you up to date on your canoes? Doc: yes Ken (GM): Ken (GM) WHERE LAST WE LEFT OUR HEROES Ken (GM) A long day of travel through the edge of the Fens of Gorgoth has left you with a foul taste in your mouth. You spared a dark priest of the beastmen, dealt with what you believe was a near-copy of Gaiserich, and made several canoe shaped euphamisms to each other. By the end of the day you were searching for camp...and found one. An abandoned outpost of the Gorgoth army? A small tribe's wasted home? A foolish forward base not on your maps. WHo knows Fiss: Black screen? Ken (GM): [try now?] back; hows it look for you guys? Doc: good from here Fiss: Still black but my laptop is fighitng back Might just be me P.P. A.: Fine for me Joush M.: Thumbs up. Are you just in the corner Fiss? Try zooming out? Fiss: Meh, I'll just fake it till I get up and running, it's all good. Ken (GM): kek Ken (GM) What you DO know is, emerging from the block of glowing blue goo in the ruined camp, stands a woman in armor with a sword in hand. She stands with lupine features, fur and pointed ears, a clawed hand holding a helmet under her arm...and she looks remarkably like Mercy. She looks as confused to see you all as you are to see her. The woman: "Gai? Sophie? is that you?" Mercy: "Doppleganger?" She ask as she walks forward, staring at the strange woman, the dark haired lupine woman's ears flattening as she stands there, body language uncertain. Sophie: "Here we go again." The woman: "By the light of Order!" she gasps as she sees Mercy Sophie: "They sure do like to base them off of us." Vex scrambles up the muddy trail with Clang, and looks wide eyed at the scene Gaiserich looks at the Mercy next to him, and at the Mercy that just emerged, checking which of the two has magic coursing through them. Sophie casually approaches, though still allowing the others to remain ahead of her. "I'd very much like to dissect this specimen." Gaiserich also scents the air to see which of the two smells more like the real one. 15 P.P. A.: strange lag Rosettsara: A dice rolling delay, huh Mercy: "Who are you? Why do you look like me?" Her hand draws that axe free. "If you want a fight, you will fight with me, Doppleganger!" Joush M.: It is a little on the odd side today " Sophie: "It would seem they are not aware they are artificial creations." Gaiserich: “She doesss have an aura,” Gaiserich notes. The woman 's voice breaks a bit as she yells yet again, clearly distraught Sophie: "It seems to be based on you, Mercy. So it's your call." The woman: "Sophie! What do you mean Creations? Whats going on! Please, I'm your friend?!" Gaiserich: Despite having already resolved to kill and burn that likely monster, he is curious about how this stuff works—he fears that these imitations will become harder and harder to discern from the real thing in the future, so… “Who are you? Tell ussss about you,” he asks the woman. Mercy grits her teeth and slowly puts the axe away. "If you serve the Order we have no reason to fight. You.. you are very distrubingly similair to me." She says to the woman, fair where she is dark. The lupine girl shifting her weight. "I am Mercy.. My.. guardian is Sir James Stonebrook. And I think you are from the other side of the looking glass." Justice: "...what did you say?..." Justice lowers her sword a bit, tip dropping at Mercy's words Sophie: "And while you have my name right, you're no friend of mine. It may be that you are familiar with another Sophie from another place or time." Justice steps forward Justice: "WHO IS YOUR GUARDIAN?!" a manic scream of an interrogation Gaiserich: “Excuse me.” Gaiserich slithers into the camp and up the leader to get atop the ramparts to get a better look at things. Ken (GM): [oop, pardon me, snek things. busy busy] P.P. A.: except now I can't see the outside of the fort anymore Ken (GM): lol Sophie gets her musket ready, ready to defend Mercy if need be. Mercy: "Sir James Stonebrook! He's an order Paladin and he would not approve of fighting you just because you are confused!" She yells back, bristle, glaring at her doppleganger with her ears flatted. Jack moves forward in as non-threatening a manner as he can manage, holding his musket unready in his left hand Rolling 3d6 = 13 Gaiserich wanted to go to the other side of the fort, but there are axes and bullets flying there, so he stays put. Justice flies onto her back, a squeal of pain and rage on her lips, echoing out from her helmet, she squirms on the ground Justice: "NOOOOooOOooooOoooo" she growls Mercy winces at that, shaking her head to clear it after the gunshot and holding her hands up. "Hold fire! She didn't hit me.." She walks very slowly closer. "Why are you so angery?" She ask the strange woman.. then "Just breath." She offers as way of advice. P.P. A.: >gets shot with a lead ball from a musket, fails HT roll >“Just breath.” quality advice there, Mercy Sophie reloads Ken (GM): lel Joush M.: If she's as tough as Mercy that was just a major wound roll to avoid being knocked down, not a "don't die" roll. Sophie: "You try to attack Mercy again, and the next one is in your head." Justice growls incomprehensibly and rolls around on the ground bleeding Jack draws a small obsidian knife from behind his back and advances, less worried about seeming threatening as he circles around the fallen "woman" Gaiserich , holding his speartip and his shield before him, slithers closer to the woman Mercy walks closer, giving her a wide space and looking quietly down to her. "Why? Why such anger at hearing that name?" Gaiserich also notes thta the vines from this plant lead to the tents Justice: "GRRRRRRHow could you ASK that!? Obviously you know he was my FATHER?!" she flails, hand free of her sword, digging at her breast where she bleeds Mercy: "Was? He's alive and well here. Your looking-glass world.. he died, didn't he?" Her voice gentle now, her eyes lifting a moment to Jack. "Don't" Justice stops flailing Jack reaches down and grabs the woman but stays the hand holding the blade (To GM): This must be investigated and burned down as soon as the matter with Justice is resolved! Justice 's helmet turns to Mercy Gaiserich looks to Jack: “Careful, beware the ooze.” Justice: "He's.....alive?...." in a very small girlish voice Sophie: "Oh, Clang, there's something i'd like to ask you about when we get a chance." Mercy: "Sir Stonebrook and Mister Ragnar and even Miss Kinkade are all alive at the Abby. I left so he wouldn't take on this mission himself." Her words gentle. "You can let her go Mister Jack. I don't think she is going to attack." Gaiserich is ready to dart forward and stab the doppelgänger if it makes any hostile movements. Clang: "Of course, Sophie, anything I can do to help." Justice begins sobbing quietly, a pitiful noise Clang approaches, hands out at his side, feeling through the air as he walks as much as using his eyes was cruel." Sophie follows Clang, and to see the damage. Doc: ("I thought was cruel", italics didn't show) Mercy walks over to the axe. Picking it up and walking back over to set it nearby, but not quite in reach. "I don't understand where you've come from or what it's cost you. I'm going to look around this place. Take all the time you need." She frowns a touch at Jack, but can't disagree 14 sees that the deed is done, and pulls out his spear. He drags it a little through the ash in the burnt-out fireplace to get rid of any nasty stuff that might be sticking to it. Mercy is glad at the pain and fear rather then primal, animal rage. Berserk, a creature like her would be.. dangerous."She's a person! She could talk and didn't make any move to attack us" Gaiserich: “How can you be sssso carelesss?! She wassss a… a [Gorath word for Doppelgänger] of you! False! Magic!” Sophie: "Except for when she threw an axe at you. But I understand your sentimentality, at least." Gaiserich is a little angry, but mostly bewildered at how his fellow witch-hunters would treat some spooky construct as a person. Jack: "Would have bled out, anyway." Mercy: "No.. a doppleganger would look like a mirror. Like a reflection. Every detail was twisted.." Mercy reaches down to see if Justice is dead, touching her throat under the helmet. Vex creeps up to the gateway, the vines rattling like steel chimes Clang: "Gaisreich is right. There is no benevolent reason for a doppleganger to take your form unless it was so alien to our tongue it was the only way it could communicate. That was clearly not the case. " Sophie: "I would have liked to ask her more questions, but given the pace at which we've been encountering these foes, another opportunity will arise." Vex: 'Is it over?" "Is it done?" Sophie: "Yes, you can come out from hiding now." Mercy: "Dopplegangers can pretend to be a person. She couldn't." Vex blushes deeply (To GM): >rattling like steel chimes—enough for VIBRATIONSENSE to notice something off? Gaiserich: “It'ssss… not quite like that. The ooze… sssseems to be trying to copy ussss.” Jack: "If she was just pretending to cry, that only proves she was a real woman." (To GM): ooh ok Gaiserich: “They might not know it, but they are false.” Doc: inb4 gaiserich doesn't get it Vex: "....is it dead?" Clang nods Gaiserich doesn't get what Jack said, I don't think snakes even have tearsacs Clang: "I also sense some lingering magic in the tents and structures nearby, we should investigate." Sophie: "Good idea. Vex, we'll need you for this." Joush M.: Justice be dead? Vex nods Jack sheathes his knife and readies his musket, looking down and examining the corpse for signs of life or anything else unusual Vex looks around, slowly....and gasps! Gaiserich: The snakeman calms down, as the enemy lies dead, and the others start investigating as usual. He speaks to Mercy again, trying to make her understand: “Ssssee how , jussst like ‘Kaisssur,’ came from the ooze.” Rolling 3d6 = 10 vs 12 perception Gaiserich: “I think the ooze formsss them.” Vex: "by my pointy ears" Sophie: "Out with it." Jack: "Hey, Sophie. Take a look," he points and nudges Justice with his foot. Gaiserich turns around and looks to Vex. Vex: "this is Fae work! I never thought i'd see it in person!" Sophie goes to inspect the body Mercy reaches down to unbuckle Justice's armor, sliding it off and shifting Justice to ease her to the side, then pressing wadded fabric to the spear wound. to see what Jack is pointing out. Ken (GM) under the metal clamshell a bodice it tangled with blood matted fur. Her muscles were barely contained under the fabric; she has two bloody wounds Jack calmly grabs Gaiserich's spear. "Let the good doctor take a look. Maybe we'll learn something this way." Gaiserich: The spear has done it's job already. “We should burn her after Ssssophie issss done.” “I will invessstigate the vinesss.” Gaiserich slithers away, expecting that Jack will let go of his weapon as he's pointing it in the opposite direction of Justice now. Sophie is still inspecting Rolling 3d6 = 5 vs 15 Diagnose! Vex continues to stare and marvel, touching leaves and vines lightly and with great care P.P. A.: A gunshot wound, a spear wound, and unconscious; she might not be dead, but that's safe enough. Gaiserich sniffs and looks at the pile of leaves, in particular wary of traces of Starman-goo, blood, or any other suspicious thing. Rolling 3d6 = 9 vs 21 Vex: cool; she heals 1, and then you roll 1d-2 more (To GM): what's the aura look like? Sophie:-1 Rosettsara: (...Okay, now I will do a Luck.) Vex: lel Sophie:0 (I'll take the 3.) Vex: double lel Mercy studies Sophie's work, assisting where she can and whispering quietly to Sophie. "Is she healing?" She examines the wounds, attempting to understand the answer herself. Rosettsara: The dice really don't want Justice to live. Ken (GM) twenty odd minutes later, the wounded scorned woman is patched. She resembles Mercy...only covered in mottled scars and brands. Marks for criminal life, and a myriad of occult symbols sit with fur growing through them. Her flesh is tough, but bandaged. P.P. A.: whoa, what if these are actually people morphed and brainwashed by the ooze? Mercy: "She's seen a lot.. and certainly hasn't walked the same path as me." She says tenderly, thoughtfully. Ken (GM) A prominent brand a foot wide emblazons her chest; an Order pyramid and eye P.P. A.: …was Mercy's adoptive father a criminal early in his life? Sophie: "She doesn't appear to be mentally or emotionally stable. This is all i'll do. If she goes berserk and attacks you or one of us again, I won't let it stand." Mercy: "Wherever she came from.. the Order had more intense methods of marking their people." Sophie: "Who knows, she may even decide to take over your life by replacing you here." Ken (GM) Clang , Vex and Gai have made some discoveries in the vines... Mercy considers a moment and nods. "She'd have trouble with that. I somehow think you would notice if I was suddenly blonde and calling myself Justice" Sophie: "If what you said is true, you have everything she could ever want. Don't forget what that means." P.P. A.: For clarification: how similar does she look to Mercy? Mercy: "Me being here won't stop her from walking to the Ashford Chapterhouse to see what this side of the mirror is like. I certainly won't stop her." Ken (GM): under the scars? uncannily similar P.P. A.: Ah, ok, so I was assuming correctly Ken (GM): shes had her nose broken, a few burns and cuts...but shes a twin P.P. A.: (if she'd looked dissimilar enough to potentially be a different person, Gaiserich wouldn't have been as savage) Joush M.: Oh! I thought they were close but not quite. That Justice was had pale hair and Mercy is dark Ken (GM): ah yes, the hair color is that different, yeah but the face; under the helmet and close inspection? its spoopy Jack: "Hmm. Maybe Sophie's lookalike will be nicer to me." P.P. A.: spoopy things meet the spear Mercy: .. "AM I that tall and awkward?" She ask as she looks at Justice. "My voice doesn't sound like that, right?" Sophie: "Let's get her restrained for now." Mercy frowns but nods and helps with that. Binding her arms to a long wooden pole with a few loops of rope. Gaiserich: “Sssstrange.” Gaiserich slithers to the other side of the camp; he picked up a whiff of gooze from there, off from the large blob in the east. Sophie: "It's so she can't harm us or herself. She's still unstable." "Let her...process things while we investigate." (To GM): so it's not a starman-ooze-blob but a different kind of blob? Mercy: "I dislike it, but don't disagree." She says to Sophie with a nod before the young wolf woman rises to her feet, looking around. "Should we see what the others have found?" Vex: "It's wondrous miss Mercy! We have been blessed by the mighty great green spirits of the fae!" Sophie gets up and nods. "A pretty good idea." Clang: "Blessed or cursed...I think they might be the same thing to the Fae." Vex wanders along the vines over to the cage, by Gaiserich Mercy: "I.. what?" She ask Vex. Sophie: "Use more simple terminology, please." Gaiserich: “There are the remainssss of a sssscorned in that cage, but old…” (To GM): Does this blueish ooze smell the same as the stuff we encountered before? Vex: "These plants..." he stroke the vines with his gauntlet as he walks, the metal clinking softly against the wood "This was not natural growth. This was done by Fae Magic. Strong magic" Sophie: "I see...and what do these plants do?" Gaiserich: “They sssseem to have killed people in those tentssss.” Vex: "The trees and vines are but the hands and fingers of the Verdant King" Gaiserich: “…and they go to thisss cage…” Vex: "They caress, and stroke, and love.....and " Sophie: "So they're magical torture implements." (To GM): what's a cable? :DDDD Sophie: "Makes sense, given what Gai is saying." Vex: "One of their emmisaries must have been here. Perhaps...a dryad? or Ent?" Gaiserich pokes a few odd-looking vines sticking out of the ooze. Mercy: "That doesn't sound like something to be happy about.." She says primly. "The creatures of nature are of the Light, but tend to be very wild and dangerous." Sophie does a quick look around. "A sacrificial ground, then." Gaiserich: “This ooze isssss different from the Ssstarman's, but there are… vinessss like the one at the ssstone-tree and the totemsss in it.” Sophie turns back around, looking deep in thought. "So far, the pattern is holding." Sophie: "Word of our arrival, or at least existence, spreads ahead of us by some means. We discover killing grounds associated with magic and corruption. And now we're finding increasingly advanced alternate beings based on us." Rolling 3d6 = 12 vs 14 Clang: "A lot of effort is being made here to meet us...if not defeat us." Gaiserich thinks, and voices his conclusions: “The oracle sssaid that we will… sssssummon the Ssstarman. Maybe ssssomeone issss trying to make different ‘us’-s to make thissss happen assss they want?” Gaiserich: “If you… undersssstand.” The savage scorned isn't sure if he expressed his thoughts properly. Clang: "That's....brilliant! And terrifying." Sophie checks the woman, just to be sure of something. Vex: "The Oracle? You ....had a meeting with her?" Mercy tilts her head to the side, confused and frowning. "I suppose we will have to figure things out as best we can.. Oh, Yes, Mister Vex. It was very informative." Gaiserich: “Yesss. Ssshe was hot,” referring to her being a fire.being. Clang: "What better way to summon a false being than to subvert a prophecy with your own pawns and players." Sophie: "So that's how it's done!...Well, maybe." Jack: "False versions of us summoning a false starman?" Sophie is mumbling to herself while checking both the woman and the ooze. Clang: "Just guesses and daydreams at this point....but perhaps a theory we should be mindful of." Vex: "Oh stars and stones...you spoke with her? She said....words? To you?" Mercy: "Yes. Many, many confuseing words." Clang: "One of the benefits, I suppose, of being burdened with a fate....you meet such people". Sophie draws a diagram in preparation for the explanation she's about to give them. Clang watches Sophie intently Sophie: "I think I know how it's being done. At least, where these copies are coming from." Gaiserich uses the blunt end of his spear-pole to poke the blob of goo. Gaiserich: “Oh?” Ken (GM) SPLORP Sophie points to the goo Gai is helpfully interacting with. Ken (GM) Fresh wetness bleeds out from behind the tougher skin, and it rips like a wet carcass. It spills a bright blue scintillating and acrid smelling innard Gaiserich hisses and pulls back his upper body Sophie: "That...is an egg. Or the inside of the egg, anyway." Ken (GM) Ropey strands of bulbous flesh twist and unravel from the wound. Its entwined strands unravel and sharp fibrous fronds open, like a metal fern Mercy: "Ugh.. wait.. what?" She ask Sophie. Gaiserich: “An egg?” Sophie: "Indeed. These are used to contain a being!" Ken (GM) it sparkles in the late sunlight, and a smell like burning chrome fills your nostrils Mercy sneezes and draws a shotgun to aim at the strange fonds. Gaiserich has never smelled chrome, but recognises it as a metallic scent. Ken (GM): kek Ken (GM) the foreign scent is strong and the pungent aroma dissipates lsowly Sophie: "Whether she was birthed from one, or she birthed it, either way, it's something we must keep in kind when it comes to these copies. She is connected to it." Clang nods Jack: "So I guess that's not normal for Scorned, then?" Gaiserich: “No.” Ken (GM): [] Clang: "Dwarves just burst out from cracked geodes, of course." Sophie: "To be safe, let's get a fire going." Mercy puts away the gun and tilts her head to the side. "We are born as men are, Mister Jack.." Then she does as Sophie asked, building a big fire. "I'd belive ooze can conjure a creature.. but.. axes? Swords? Armor?" She looks at Justice's equipment curiously. "It truely is as if she's come from a twisted world, something out of a fairy tale." Rolling 3d6 = 13 Gaiserich note to self: Dwarves are born from cracked geodes Gaiserich: (Very strange!) Ken (GM): kek Ken (GM) mercy makes ready a flame Gaiserich helps with that; he has firestarters with him, and is eager to burn this all down. Ken (GM): [right; so with Justice tended to, and a pyre starting to take out the corruption...] [you guys cleaning out the camp to stay? or is this more of a "build a big fire and let it loose" thing?] Mercy is good with cleaning Rosettsara: (Personally, staying in a camp corrupted by fae torture plants, ooze eggs, and with corpses everywhere sounds like a good opportunity to get diseased, so i'm for not staying.) Joush M.: That said, that makes a good point. We can move on once we've cleaned up Clang: Agreed. We don't know what secrets are buried here...and worse, the secrets that are NOT buried. A slight trek into the wild before rest would not be bad. Clang helps with the fire Gaiserich is fine with burning everything down and leaving. Gaiserich expects to burn down Justice with the ooze and Fae-growth, though Ken (GM): gotcha didnt wanna assume oh dear Rosettsara: ("Sleeping" and "thing that uncomfortably reminds you of Alien" don't go well together, anyway) Mercy stops that. Putting Justice well away from the fire. Sophie: "We'll see if she knows anything before deciding anything else." Gaiserich: “All right. But the ooze burns now.” Sophie: "No complaints here." Vex volunteers to safeguard her for now Jack: "You sure you can handle her if she wakes up, Vex?" Gaiserich sees to it that the blue goop wired egg thing has plenty of firewood and dry foliage thrown onto and into it to make sure the fire gets it good. Mercy looks around the strange and eerie camp. "I'm sure Mister Vex can handle a bound person.." Vex: "I can certainly handle a...." Sophie: "I'll keep an eye on Vex." Vex: "right, Ill be fine" Vex blushes, but stands firm watch with a spear Ken (GM) you work, evening falls further down into a red sunset, and the bundles of dried wood catch the light as they burn Gaiserich gazes into the rising heat, contrasting with the cooling air as the sun falls beyond the horizon. Sophie watches the flames for a moment, pondering something. Gaiserich feels a sense of peace and comfort watching the flames consume the wicked sorcery, cleansing the land. Clang sends a prayer to the Allfather, and any friendly Gods He may have told to watch over our group, our friends, and our world Ken (GM) the blue flesh burns spectacularly. It erupts when it catches, like the other ooze you have burned before. Mercy watches the fire, stareing at how it rages though the camp. Ken (GM) the whinging nois eof a herdy-gerdy rise sup from the woodlands in the distance, a tune wailing on the evening wind Clang: "From foul wood and death, we still yet find the light from within...may we burn bright without being consumed, rise and rush to the heavens in ways more substantial than ash and smoke, and feast with our ancestors in their glorious halls of radiance..." [The rest of the prayer is in Jack keeps the lock of his musket covered but looks generally unimpressed. He soon turns his attention to his allies and their captive. Mercy bows her head to Clang at the prayer then takes a deep breath. "Should we move on?" Clang: How's the day's light look for us? Sophie ensures the mule is safe P.P. A.: >the whinging nois eof a herdy-gerdy DOC Ken (GM): [mule is fine] Doc: oh no Ken (GM): [but yes, aforementioned music] Doc: did we burn the carpets P.P. A.: [Note: in a PF campaign with Doc I played a Dwarven bard who used a hurdy-gurdy] Ken (GM) The music whines in a strange harmonious way and the strings of the instrument plink and rub in the rising dark of the coming night. From the wood, East, you see approaching movement. And a cart and horse can be heard Mercy perks an ear. Listening quitely and turning, then scenting the air. "Who could this be?" Sophie: "It never ends, does it." Ken (GM) the cart and music draws closer, and a voice rises and intones a long low song in a dark tongue Clang smiles and pats Sophie's shoulder Clang: "Nope. Let us investigate." Mercy starts closer to the person, nodding in agreement to Clang Jack: "Sounds like they'll come to us. We've definitely given them a reason with that fire," Jack says as he moves into a hiding place, kneeling with his musket ready Ken (GM) from the trail West emerges a cart, and riders. A hulking orcish looking man walks alongside. Several others ride or walk along. Men, women, tieflings and greenskins Rolling 3d6 = 15v12 Ken (GM): out of sight behind the big log? Clang: Sounds good to me Gaiserich is a snek in a tree Sophie moves to keep Vex safe. He probably needs it. Ken (GM): kek Mercy calls to them in dark speach, voice carrying across the old dam. "My eyes are on you. Who approaches?" Her accent like a northerner. Ken (GM) you slink to the shadows and Mercy stands tall as the troupe emerges from the forest. The cart stops at the waters edge and you hear chains clank as the big brute up front growls and moans darkly at stopping. Ken (GM) The driver holds up a hand and the music winds down, slowly and droning. The chatter of the travellers ceases and they look up in wonder a tht esight; the fort burning behind Mercy, standing accross the brook The Rider shouts from the darkness, his voice rough and gutteral but clear and enunciated Gaiserich tries to camouflage himself with branches and leaves before the troupe comes closer or adapts their eyes to the blaze of the fire Rolling 3d6 = 6v11 Mercy: "Fae magic and strangeness has happened here. I will not lie, the fire is something of my fault." She admits freely, nodding to the rider. The Rider laughs then, a long and hearty thing, belly full and shining his bright white sharp teeth to the coming night. The Rider: "A fine thing you have done then! Our work is all but complete!" Ken (GM) small hurrahs and laughter erupt from the travellers Mercy: "I don't understand? My name is Mercy. Who do I speak with?" The Sorcerer climbs down from the cart then, slips past the chained thing up front by the bedraggled horse, and strides forward. Metal gauntlets on his arms shine against colorful robes girded aorund him. His skin is a greenish hue and his ears are long and sharp pointed along his bald head P.P. A.: a seasick elf Ken (GM): *rider jees P.P. A.: *carsick The Rider stretches, extend his arms high over his head and arches his back with a whooping cry and a trilling shriek The Rider: "TONIGHT we revel in the light of a purifying flame! The darkness flees from our encroaching fire and we will BURN OUT the sickness from our lands!" Garash: "I! Am Garash! Priest of blood and spirits!" he swings his arms wide, gesturing to his friends behind him, unpacking clinking bottles and casks from the cart Gaiserich likes what he hears, but lies in wait for now. Garash: "Come! revel with us!" Mercy hestates, the prim young woman blushing a touch at the idea of reveling with a drunk priest. "Ah. Thank you. It is a kind offer. Give me a moment?" She ask cursying a moment then turning to walk back closer to the others. Clang: "Seems a jovial group...though I worry about the proximity of blood to all friendly activity here..." Ken (GM) the travellers are unpacking, and joking to each other in the dark tongue, spirits high. One of them unhooks the chains from the thing up front, and it shrieks a terrifying cry into the night sky! Ken (GM) And stretches, yawning, loping for the waters of the pond to drink Gaiserich scents the air and stares for magic and heat; if they don't reek of ooze; aren't walking cold warmbloods; or swirling with demon-curses, he might come down. Sophie: "At the very least, they'd make for good decoys to warn us in case of an attack while we sleep." Clang: "How very practical of you, Sophie." Mercy stares at the strange creature, then walks closer and whispers to the others. "Ah.. should we just slip quietly away then?" She ask, embarrassed and shy about the other group. Sophie: "Perhaps I could persuade them to ally with us like the last one." Jack stands from his hiding place. "Doesn't seem so bad to me. A little blood brings the flavor to your drink." (To GM): I assume it be warmblooded—rather than some freezing reptile-person—though? Clang: "We could always learn about the area, any dangers ahead, perhaps it's too soon to revel, but surely two travelling groups can share about the road ahead and back." Jack: "Couple of you should stay sober, of course." Gaiserich , his form still concealed by the leaves, calls out to his friends—trying to speak only as loudly as necessary: “These people sssssem nice, but the beassst is sssstrange.” Mercy: "Well.. okay.." She says reluctantly, nodding. "Shall we introduce ourselves then?" Gaiserich: “It issss… dark, cold… but not fully. Dark magic…” Garash strides out to the middle of the bridge, and sits on the stone here. He has a small knife out, cleaning his nail on his hands and feet Sophie: "Dark Priest. Dark magic beast. Checks out." Gaiserich: “‘Ghuls’ are living dead… but thissss one does not sssseem to be dead, yet. Suspicioussss.” Clang: "Aye, we should at least not be rude, even if we don't wish to sup with these strangers." Jack: "My suggestion: Clang and I drink with them. Sophie stays smart and sober. Mercy and Gaiserich... do whatever it is your people do." Mercy: "I don't intend to drink at all." She says primly before walking back closer to them again. Stopping and asking Garash. "So.. you came here to clense this place?" Sophie: "Before you two get to drinking, there's something i'd like to ask Clang about." Clang: "Of course." Garash nods from his perch, scraping unknown much form his feet and sheathing the short knife in his belt Garash: "We were sent to cleanse the taint of...the Ooze. you have seen it then? Come to satiate the Blood?" "You and your, companions?" he indicates your huddled group up above in the path Mercy: "Yes. We've come to put an end to the ooze and the thing causeing it." She assures the man. Sophie steps out, figuring there's no point hiding anyway. Gaiserich decides that it's rude to sotp hiding, and slithers down the tree Garash has a lean form, half bare to the coming night; his robe is many colors of intertwined and braided fabrics, like a toga, but girded under and tied with a metal belt of spiky chains. He wears two cestus-like gauntlets covering his knuckles and ending in open fingers for his long nails... His feet are bare too, his lean and wiry muscular form like a human sized walking frog Garash waves up above Garash: "You are right to be cautious in dangerous lands; COME drinke with us tonight! Share the wine and the blood!" Gaiserich comes slithered over and greets Garash in Gorath. Jack removes the heavier layers of his armor so as to properly Carouse Gaiserich: “[I am Gaiserich. It is good to see fellow hunters of the ooze and its evils.” Mercy: "I'm afraid I do not drink, Mister Garash. I was hopeing you could tell me what the road is like ahead, we find ourselves bound for the mines?" Jack: "We've already had blood, but I'll gladly share your wine," Jack says with a confident grin as he pushes up into the group of savages Sophie: "As the physician of this troupe, I must stay sober.' Gaiserich: “[May I ask what is the matter with him over there?]” Gaiserich points at the unshackled beast. Jack is of course still armed and wearing padded armor Garash: "We are the acolytes of the great and he works to secure these lands for the many peoples of Gorgoth" He bows his head and holds up hands to the sky as he speaks "Come and sit with us. Drink the wine, if you can " He winks "And share the fire. We grow in strength every day and power flows through us to each other" Garash speaks back to Gai in a few short but warm sounding words P.P. A.: Has Gaiserich heard of “Indemus” before? Garash gai Garash: Worry not for him; he will not bother us tonight. His travels are nealry at an end" Doc: (I ain't spend points on Carousing, Alcohol Tolerance, and No Hangover to free drinks) P.P. A.: gonna buy some Carousing after this session Gaiserich nods and answers Garash in Gorath, and joins him and his merry band. Rosettsara: (I will be buying something rather...special this time.) P.P. A.: er wait one sec (To GM): Demonic traditions as in “stuff taught by the demons” or “we're trying to get them back here”? IT drinks deep from the pool of water, and snuffles with a broad flat nose at your passing; a heavy black iron chain collar sits on it's neck and it's flesh is a mottled bruise of purple and red. Yellow slitted eyes narrow as you approach, but it stays where it is, at the pools edge. It eventually turns to look at the moon, rising above the trees (From IT): Good question; their secrets were never explicitly taught to you. Sophie waits until they're at their destination before getting Clang alone (To GM): Let's show a bit of goodwill here, then Ken (GM) the revelers are a loud bunch, and joke or jest among themselves in a pigdin of languages. You hear snippits fo holder, rover and Scorned Gorgothi tongue back and forth as they jeer and jest, laughing merrily. Apparently relieved at not needing to cleanse evil tonight Gaiserich: “[Very well; thank you for your invitation. The darkness encroaches upon us: the night falls, and evil spreads. Let us revel to spite them!” Mercy tilts her head to the side, looking to the creature, the young woman listening to their words and the towering amazon relaxed as they speak.. though she tenses a little when she looks back in the direction of where they left Justice. P.P. A.: oops, that was supposed to be a whisper (To Joush M.): /w gm “Very well; thank you for your invitation. The darkness encroaches upon us: the night falls, and evil spreads. Let us revel to spite them!” Ken (GM): [so many flubs, always forgivable] :P Mercy stands by and listens to the conversations, watching the strange creature. Garash leaps down from the stone lightly, walking to stretch stiff limbs Gaiserich whispers to Mercy: “Indemussss… they practice old demon artsss from the dark age, but I do not know if thisssss is bad.” Garash: "So! Tell us of the tale! What transpired this eve? Were you summoned against the ooze by some great spirit who spoke to your dreams?" he chuckles at some inside joke Gaiserich stiffens up at that and stares at Garash. “[…were you?]” Fiss: [gotta run in 10] Rosettsara: Mind if we just do that conversation between Sophie and Clang real quick? Fiss: [cool with me!] Clang stands ready to chat...preferably over tea, but he plays it loose and wild Garash: "hahaha not so much. I was woken from a great dream, sleeping as I do laying with my many MANY wives. A cool splash of well water from my betters and a few short words. I am no oracle []" Sophie shows him a paper containing dwarven script. "I found this on a strange artifact some time ago. It never occurred to me that I could ask you to translate what was written. Would you be able to?" Gaiserich relaxes, and laughs. He explains something to Garahs in Gorath, and slithers across the bridge with a lighter mood. Clang looks at the paper Clang: [is it Dorf? readable Dorf?] (To GM): “That's a relief. The last person we met who dreamt of something related to the ooze was a crazed witch who zealously spread this rot, and burst a friend's head.” Mercy nods. "I don't approve, but it's not something I could punish or condem a man for.." (To Joush M.): “That's a relief. The last person we met who dreamt of something related to the ooze was a crazed witch who zealously spread this rot, and burst a friend's head.” Gaiserich still keeps a wary eye on the big guy, though Mercy: "Oh.. well, we came here on the way to the mines and found the ooze. We were given the mission by a powerful creature that is bound. I suppose much like you, though yours spoke in dreams? Where are you bound for?" Rosettsara: (Sophie just copied it as best she could) Clang: "Aye, Sophie, it is indeed Dwarven...the best translation I can give you would be:" "The quicksilver blood of the mighty spirit of earth, imbibed wherein, the blood of the greatest one of our kind shall be infused with the imbiber. Take not lightly this charge, ye of the hearts of stone, as this draught is the last of it's kind, sealed within on this day, by the mighty allfather". Garash: "We came here, today on this very....well aborted mission" he chuckles "We were sent by our oracles; priests of the great bloodspeakers. Diviners of the red. They saw dark tidings approaching from the North, gathered us and sent us along, lashed together like a grea tbundle of driftwood" Clang: "If this is a light hearted thing, it was made with knowledge of a great number of noble family's seals and runes. Where did you find this?" Rolling 3d6 = 11 v11 (+4 for smell) Mercy comes over here-ish. Trying to keep an eye on Justice's general area while being at the edge of the revel/close enough to hear Ken (GM): [kk, vex is gonna opt for prisoner and mule on the hill [he smising out, but hes a coward...so (To GM): “Dark tidings indeed,” Gaiserich says somberly, “in coming here we followed a trail of death and dark omens—strange, bleeding vines criss-crossing the canopy; pools of ooze, and pyres of those tainted by it.” Sophie heads to Vex's location at least, not particularly wishing to join in on the drinking shenanigans. (To Joush M.): “Dark tidings indeed,” Gaiserich says somberly, “in coming here we followed a trail of death and dark omens—strange, bleeding vines criss-crossing the canopy; pools of ooze, and pyres of those tainted by it.” Ken (GM): [noted Gaiserich uneasily eyes the cart, and will not sleep next to it for sure. Ken (GM): clang is gonna mingle a bit, Sophie: "Vex, now that we have some time, I think it's time you teach me some things." Vex blushes deeply Vex: "Oh! I mean...really? Now? Here?" "I never realized..." P.P. A.: no cucking Jack! Vex: "Im " Doc: (casual reminder that Jack is literally a murderer)  careful Vex: lol Vex sweats nervously Gaiserich notes to Jack and Clang: “There issss a… [Gorath word], a canoe-of-the-dead on the cart, it reeks of death. Be wary if it ssssstarts moving.” Sophie: "Yes, here. Now. I need to be able to face what's coming with my own two hands from now on. In order to do that, I need experience. Can you assist me?" Mercy looks to the coffin. Vex whimpers and wrings his hands "Oh dear" Jack nods. "More concerned about the swords from here." Vex starts undoing his shirt Rosettsara: (We've lost another one!) Vex: lol Gaiserich points over to the coffin, and asks their hosts rather openly—in Gorath. Vex: FUCK Sophie: "So please bear with me as I take this one step at a time." Garash chuckles and kicks the cart lightly with one foot, rocking it on it's wheels (To GM): “Are you carrying him to his last rest, or is that a tool of yours?” (To Joush M.): “Are you carrying him to his last rest, or is that a tool of yours?” P.P. A.: RIP Joush Garash: "Worry not; that is simply our overseer. One of the Priests tools and blunt instruments. He has no mind for games or revels anymore. Just work" Garash makes a rude gesture with his knife and his crotch Gaiserich: “Let ussss ssspeak a toasssst in hisss name, then.” The snakeman laughs. Garash laughs to that, and draws a small knife out again from his belt. He marks his upper arm, short but deep, and offers it to the lady reveller. She drinks deep from his arm Gaiserich doesn't particularly like the idea of some lich overseer, but he's seen much worse recently; they can burn this guy and his entourage when they come back from having stopped the fake Starman. Sophie: "There are untapped energies I have yet to master. It's vital to our mission that this gets addressed immediately." Ken (GM) small cheers rise up as Garash cuts himself, and others take suit, drawing short hook tippe dknives, cutting themselves, and offering it to each other Ken (GM) they begin to...revel in each other at that Vex has his shirt up over his face, and stops, confused Vex: "wait, what?" (To GM): any dark magic coursing through them as they do this, or is it just drinking normal warm blood from each other? Ken (GM) The bleeding men and women, orc and tiefling entwine with each other, drinking deeply from bloody wounds on their bodies, chuckling and moaning happily as they do Sophie is of course turned away, blissfully unaware. "I must rely on you to teach me the ways of magic. Or did you think I already knew how to wield it?" Jack: "Okay where's the wine," Jack says flatly. (To GM): ah, that sounds okay Vex drops his shirt quickly, blushes, and says "OF COURSE" a bit too loudly Garash lifts a short bottle of green glass to jack, passes it off to him, and tussles on the grass with the woman Jack DRINCC (unless gaiserich stops him) Gaiserich takes a whiff of the contents if Jack is hesitant Jack doesn't know how to spell "hesitant" Rosettsara: (And we can have Sophie and Vex do whatever needs to be done offscreen now) Ken (GM): [Oooh la la] :P Gaiserich assures Jack: “It issss wine—with ssssome blood in it.” Jack:  careful Ken (GM): [bonus points for enraging Jack with miscommunicaitons] Clang and Mercy watch over the shenanigains...and share a look of "Are these folks really gonna start...oh yeah, I guess they are!" Gaiserich: The snakeman himself is a savage: a bit of blood doesn't faze him, and though he's never seen strange. There is no dark magic at work, blood is indeed nice and warm… To each their own. Jack had already begun drinking when Gaiserich mentioned the blood, for maximum comic effect Gaiserich picks up a bottle himself and gulps down some of the blood-wine without hesitation. Ken (GM) Many a drink is had then, and the revellers of Indemus are a friendly intense bunch; as the moon rises over the coming night, a soft howl rises from the ghoulish beast by the water, sad yellow eyes on the white beacon in the field of stars. Doc: (lemme know if he has to roll anything) Ken (GM): [but yeah, wow, lost joush unexpectedly there, so UNTIL NEXT WEEK] Doc: (if it doesn't taste too bad he'll probably keep going) Ken (GM): [it tastes ] Jack: "Nice." Ken (GM): [like Ambrosia] UNTIL NEXT WEEK :P P.P. A.: \o/ Ken (GM) vex unravels the mysteries of the universe With Sophie. Clang and Mercy share an awkward sober evening. Jack and Gaiserich probably end up kissing! P.P. A.: doubtful, but they'll have a good time Ken (GM) and the Herdy Gerdy plays on P.P. A.: …there's someone in this group playing it, right? or is this like how we totally forgot the howling wolf after we deaded the lizardman zombie? :DDDD Ken (GM): kekekekeke P.P. A.: (Gaiserich has Hard of Hearing, so it's not fault we keep overhearing sonic omens :DDDD) (or it's precisely his) Ken (GM): "Stop wait, listen...do you smell that?" P.P. A.: [fails vision roll] “I can't, it's not moving.” Ken (GM): lolololo okay! 4 points! beepy boopy? Fiss: wooop woop! Joush M.: Woopde! Ken (GM): kek Fiss: Huhuhuhuh...you said 'dults' Ken (GM): shut it, beevis Fiss: Heh hehheh...No! Ken (GM): -10 horse points Ken (GM) Where last we left our heroes... Ken (GM): [oh hey the default text color changed] P.P. A.: It's so ominous now! Clang thanks the Allfather for the new found clarity Ken (GM) They burned the whole place to the ground; the hidden chamber with a million magic scrolls and cool swords that go WHOOSH was lost forever Ken (GM) The cinders of the fort flew on the evening breeze, a pale white moon rising into the sky as darkness claimed the land again. The revelry of the band of Indomedus warms the evening, and their music and laughter rise up to greet the night like an old friend. Your band are spread out accross the brook; some hiding, some joining in, others simply watching with concerned detatchment. Trash: and an elven wizard rereading a clip of Cosmo] Ken (GM): Last I checked: Jack and Gai were in the troupe, joining in with the weirdness a bit Clang and Mercy were having tea and staying out of it but nearby and Sophie had taken Vex off for some private tutoring accross the brook, to the East end, watching over Justice [woop, changed a setting, reloaded the whole room] Doc: yes hello i am not good with computer Clang: "I don't mind the merrymaking but if we want any critical information from these fellows, we should ask before the ale flows too true and freely." [By Dwarven standards, that would be around Keg # 4] Joush M. sits with her axe on her knees, carefully cleaning it but the lupine teenager's ears perked to catch the sounds, occasionally sniffing the air. "Yes, of course Mister Clang. We should also try to get some rest. We have a full day tomorrow. We should keep a lookout tonight." Gaiserich: “Yessss…” Gaiserich sets down the bottle of bloodwine, and looks around the crowd for one of the least orgiastic cult members. Mercy sits with her axe on her knees, carefully cleaning it but the lupine teenager's ears perked to catch the sounds, occasionally sniffing the air. "Yes, of course Mister Clang. We should also try to get some rest. We have a full day tomorrow. We should keep a lookout tonight." Sophie looked over the prisoner quizzically before shrugging and coming to some kind of decision. "You're awake, right? I have some questions for you." Clang: "Aye, I'm well enough for the first watch if anyone wants to turn in." Justice stirs at Sophie's prodding, and rouses from her rest Gaiserich looks at the bottle in his hand, and pauses for a moment. He reaches over to Jack, and grabs ahold of the hand he's drinking with. Gaiserich look Jack in the eyes and quietly shakes his head. Mercy: "Perhaps I will try to get some rest, Mister Clang. It's been a long day." She nods to him, then looks back in the direction of her doppleganger with a worried frown as she puts the axe away again. Jack nods his head at Gaiserich and sighs deeply as he sets the bottle down. "Good stuff." Gaiserich: “A ssshame, yessss.” Sophie produces a sheet of paper and looks her over. "I think it's clear that this world is not yours. Very similar, yet oh so different at the same time. Whatever prophecy or fate is at work here, there's likely not much point in debating who belongs where, or which reality is the 'correct' one. We're dealing with something beyond all of that, I think. I'd like to know how you came here. Any strange incidents that occurred prior to our encounter." Garash and his reveling troupe continue to laugh and jeer to themselves. The green skinned man drinks deeply from the cut he left on his lady partner, red on his lips. They share a bottle as well (To GM): Gaiserich is going to slither off to make himself throw up after he's done talking to these peeps, if any are still in a state to talk; if he notices the bond weakening, he won't; if the pull gets stronger, he'll do it earlier Justice slouches, hugs herself in her bound hands, aware she has no armor. She buries her head in her hands "I will tell you whatever you need to know Sophie. I'm just so tired....and hungry" Rolling 3d6 = 11v11 Sophie tosses her one of the many rations they have. (To GM): I'll emote it later when he actually does it Gaiserich slithers closer to one of the revelers, and passes him his bottle; he asks him some things in Gorath. Jack subtly pats the knife in his boot as he lifts his hand from the ground, gauging Gaiserich's reaction to this innuendo. Quietly he whispers, "Well?" P.P. A.: ok, prior to that Gaiserich whispers to Jack, shaking his head: “I need ssssome answersss.” Gaiserich: …and then goes off to talk to the other guy Sophie: "Since you're familiar with me and my name, presumably you know me, or another version of me from your reality." Jack shrugs and stretches, kicking back his feet and relaxing while keeping an eye on the situation Rosettsara: (Also, if this is splitting your attention too much, I can wait to do the Justice thing) Justice tears into the [dwarven dried meat and bit of bread] in an uncouth way, flashing fangs and sharpened teeth. Its an ugly display (To GM): “So what's with your boss in the coffin? Doesn't seem to be the liveliest fellow,” he laughs. Clang: "Ahh, she eats like my Auntie..." Sophie doesn't particularly mind. (To GM): “Like an owl, huh? What's with the big guy over there,” he points to the tained beastman, “is he preparing for owldom as well, or is he more like… I don't know, being magically fed on? Enslaved?” Ken (GM) There is a sudden noise, distinct and clear in the night air. A POP, and a rushing gurgle that follows immediately after. A small splash of water flies up from the brook, where the stone just out in it's middle, and you see water lapping at the stone and rushing down into a hole that has suddenly appeared Clang looks over to see who is skipping rocks Ken (GM) the revellers are also surprised by the noise; the herdy gerdy even stops (To GM): “Not a way to heal him? Well, I guess a merciful death is better than eternal un-death.” Ken (GM) [The guy with the beard was playing it ;)] Gaiserich looks up and to the source of the commotion. P.P. A.: phew Sophie: "Here we go again. Try to remember some details, okay?" Mercy looks at the damn with a thoughtful frown. "Perhaps it's about to fail? Should we move more away?" Gaiserich hisses in the direction of the hole, and reaches for his weapons. Jack quickly rises to his feet and draws the Long Knife on his hip, turning to face the disturbance Vex startles, and grabs his spear "What is THAT?!" he manages to shout before going blanche white Clang stands up and readies himself, just as the hissing from his companion confirms he's not the only one seeing it IT turns as well, sniffing the air, and growling deeply in it's chest Ken (GM) the water sloshes into the hole, and you can see the brook disturbed as it passes; the water is flowing UP the stones and toward the hole, swirling through the air and twisting in a miniature twister forming on the hole Sophie: "I sense magic. A very strange magic, like it's pulling my soul away..." Clang: "Oy! Who goes there?" Gaiserich: “Sssssame.” Ken (GM) a rumbling begins in the earth, and a clamor in the air as if great stones shatter somewhere, far far away Mercy rises to her feet, shaking herself as if suddenly caught in a cold breeze and growling in response to the unnatural pull. "Don't go near it!" Gaiserich lets go of his weapons to dart forward, grab Clang, and pull him back Sophie: "I'm more concerned by what made it appear in the first place." Gaiserich: “Careful.” Gaiserich picks his gear back up. Ken (GM) the crackling in the air continues, and rises in pitch. Soon a cocophany like every sheet of glass in the world were breaking at the same time, right beside your ears! Gaiserich sure is glad about that Hard of Hearing now Ken (GM) the swirling in the water intensifies, and a bright light starts to shine upward out of the void Ken (GM) when suddenly Ken (GM) it stops Sophie: "Look familiar, Justice?" Gaiserich 's eyes follow the beam into the sky. Ken (GM) you are all suddenly aware of the screaming coming from the revelers, the howling from the ghoul, and quite possibly the yelling your own voice was doing Ken (GM) SPLASH Clang: "Well...." Ken (GM) A man appears, lands in the brook of warm water, and a glimmer of moonlight reflects off his shining brassy mask and black leathers Ken (GM) the void continues to churn water Mercy covers her ears, flat to her head and trying to block out that awful sound as it tears though her, then recovering when it's over. Shaking her head hard and starring out to the middle of the river. "The Light is with us. We shall not fear evil... " The words for herself more then anyone else before she calls to the figure. "Who are you? What are you?" Sophie: "I'll take that as a no." ??? stands from the shallows, muttering a series of curses as they brush off their leathers. It takes them a few moments to acknowledge the call. "Who are We? It depends. Which when are We in now?" They respond. Justice sits there with her meal half out of her face, astounded Ken (GM) another rumble, and something else WHOOMPS into existence hovering over the hole Clang: "Know this bloke?" Clang turns back and stops smiling Clang: Ken (GM) a Massive floating fleshy lump with eyestalks appears, hovering has a kind of hunch that a demonic thing that's mostly a giant eyeballs, with smaller ones attached, probably does demonic things that involve looking at people. Gaiserich thus spends his turn lifting up his helmet and pulling his cloak over his head and under his helmet so that the cloak covers his yes (and is held in place by the helmet) Gaiserich doesn't have the convenience of eyelids he can just close, after all Ken (GM): hidey hidey? Gaiserich 's pit organ for infrared and magic detection is still uncovered though Ken (GM): lel P.P. A.: yeah, pulling his cloak over his unblinking, uncloseable eyes Ken (GM): gotcha Ken (GM) the Ghul roars a challenge! It leaps to the stone on the bridge behind mercy and screeches back at the beholder! Ken (GM) the howling noise rises in a squelching hiss, like a bagpipe crushed in a giant hand Ken (GM): SOPHIE! Sophie aims her hand at the black magic mass as best she can from her position, and applies her newfound magic talent to come up with her first spell on the spot. A multi-coloured beam of light shoots out from her hand and at the enemy. Rolling 1d6 = 4 Burning Attack, Tight Beam, Armor Divisor (2) Ken (GM) the beam sears the thing! It screeches in a higher pitch! Gaiserich “sees” a spot of red-hot-heat suddenly appear on the enemy, much to his confusion. Ken (GM): JACK (To GM): Magic that fires otherworldly horrors seems good tho (To GM): *fries Jack has no idea what's going on but he's gonna roll with it. Dashing forward with his knife drawn, he hefts the bottle of tainted booze and (GM) the big eye brings up an eyestalk and there is a shimmer of magical light as the buckshot explodes against the invisible magical barrier Ken (GM) the barrier however, explodes Ken (GM) violently Doc: I like violence Mercy snarls at it in challenge. "This is Our World, Monster!" (End turn) Ken (GM) the apparently fragile thing shudders under the collective lead and the shimmering shield blasts the eyestal in an overload of power; (GM) The Ghul leaps and the beholder slides aside just narrowly; the Ghul lands atop the stone platform underneath and something horrible (GM) beams of power alight through the air; the grappling man disappears in a puf fof smoke and ash, another frozen solid in a burst, and the third narrowly missed being blaste dby a burst of lightning! Ken (GM) the rest of the eyestalks continue to glow malevolently; the ones used dim to blackness Ken (GM): MERCY Mercy snarls, eyes wide at the horror and hestateing a moment, walking closer and drawing her axe, smokeing gun hanging from her left hand. Joush M.: Ready Weapon, Step, End Turn Ken (GM): gotcfh *gotcha GAI P.P. A.: sorry, was afk cracking walnusts Ken (GM): jesus you sadist Trash: how shellfish of you Ken (GM): AUGH DAMNIT Gaiserich has noted the bursts of fire, ice, and whatever else, and seen the revelers's bodies extinguished; he draws nearer despite the danger! Rolling 3d6 = 14 Ken (GM) the tyrant interposes a limb into the motion, and the blow strikes no!" She cries out as the beholder is ripped down the hole in reailty, seeming to pull it in after herself as it's rent asunder and dragged down. She swallows hard, looking at the awful butcher's bill paid by the others. "I'm so sorry.." Ken (GM) the remaining reveller staggers to a stop in the river Gaiserich , as he uncovers his eyes, quietly mourns the brave fallen.. Sophie: "It's okay Vex, you can open your eyes now." ???: "Well that tended to go much worse." He hides whatever he was holding back under his leathers and dusts himself off again. Gaiserich notices the other intruder is still there, and uneasily eyes him. Sophie: "Now keep them on Justice while I go see what's going on." Jack doesn't sheathe his weapon or relax just yet. "Care to explain what just happened?" Vex: "We are here! we are okay! I have her, and shes cooperating!" Sophie casually approaches the others, musket shouldered, and radiating new Light magic aura. Vex leads justice to the waters edge, his spear in hand ???: "Well, obviously the eye thing came from the abyss and We sent them back. Good jobs all around." Mercy looks to the strange figure. "Who are you? How did you come from that.. portal?" She ask, stareing around as she stands with axe in hand, then puts it away to start reloading. Biteing down on the paper wrapped bullet, pouring powder down the barrel before stuffing in the paper, the bullet in it's paper spit in next before she rams it down with the rod. Garash: "Yes! Speak! What has transpired!? What was that beast that consumed my brothers!?" ??? quirks his masked face at the young wolf teen. "The hair's not red this time. Interesting." Garash staggers to the waters edge and takes the remaining woman in his arms, they hold onto each other, shaking and tired Vex: "So youre one of them?" the elf points his spear, the tip wavering in the light Sophie: "Nice to meet you. I'm Doctor Sophie, the surgeon of this squad. Who might you be?" ???: "We meet you again. Pleasantries assured, We are Divus Multis." Sophie: "...Okay." Vex: "Divus; you have the most interesting aura I have ever seen, outside of the elves" Mercy reloads the second barrel. Powder, wadding, shot, ram. The gun gets put away once done, walking over to Grash and the woman. Speaking gently. "I'm so sorry. Is there anything we can do?" She ask, though keeping an eye on Divus Mutis. Gaiserich takes a closer look at the man's magic emanations himself. Gaiserich also tries to pick up his scent Garash shakes his head, the girl shakes in his arms. She speaks "BLOOD! We mest have an answer for the blood! Our masters deman it!" Divus: "We are much more than your ear--brood." Ken (GM): .w gai Sophie: "So I take it you've met differing versions of ourselves." Divus: "Yes and no, hundreds and none." Sophie: "You will divulge all you know about these alternate realities once we have settled." (To GM): I don't think he's seen the aura of a spirit yet, but “very very intense and pure” will do Justice: "I am still not convinced this is not all some crazy ruse... but the evidence mounts now Mercy nods. "From light and returned to it. They are at peace now and we shall all join them in time... I.. I know that may not be a comfort to you. I'm sorry." She says again, gently, then stands back. "Would you care to get out of the water and dry?" Gaiserich is still cautious, but takes the opportunity to head a few feet father downstream. Justice leads Vex along to the small camp, sniffing the air. He seems to struggle to stop her Sophie just stares at Justice for a moment before turning back to Divus. "But first, what do you know about the Starman?" Gaiserich induces vomiting and throws up into the river, trying not to attract too much attention—everyone's grieving or talking, after all. Ken (GM): kek Divus immediately hisses at the name. "That thrice-damned wretch ruined Our process!" Ken (GM): "dont mind me" HORF" Sophie: "Glad to hear." P.P. A.: There goes the badger Gaiserich rinses his mouth with fresh water afterwards, and returns to interrogate the newcomer. Sophie: "Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go check on something." The Mule wanders down the hill, and drinks from the stream Sophie follows where Justice dragged Vex Mercy stands by, keyed up from the violence and watching for more trouble. Her weight shifting from foot to foot. "Do you need help, Sophie?" (To GM): Is the dark force pulling towards the coffin expelled? ALso what does Jack look like in that regard? Clang silently investigates the stone where the vortex was as they talk, trying to see if anything still exists portal or magic wise Justice dragged Vex to the camp, where she is rooting through bottles and their things plucking out food Sophie: "Feel more like talking, now?" Justice stops, mid-pilfer, a sausage hanging from her mouth Sophie calls back to Mercy. "I'll be fine." Justice: "Yes, sorry. This is all...horrible and impossible." "I dont see how I can help" Gaiserich positions himself to drag Clang away from it if it re-opens Mercy: "If you don't know what to do, take care of the small stuff. Get rested and fed and ready in case you find some way you can help" (To GM): I meant if Jack still has the bloodwine magic in his belly, but that's interesting too Gaiserich , after he had emptied his stomach, nudges Jack. Justice nods at that, and swigs from a bottle Divus steps forward and begins examining the stone of the portal itself for any runes or lingering essences. Justice: "Wise. " Gaiserich whispers, pointing at Jack's stomach: “A sssstring of magic… from the blood-wine.” Gaiserich then points from Jack to the coffin. Jack: "Yeah, I feel it. What's the deal with that?" Vex: "There was just a horrible monster here, a terrible battle...and youre stuffing your face?!" he seems incredulous Mercy blushes at those words. Then nodding to Justice, the pale woman treated more gently now. "You must be starved after healing that much. Eat all you like okay?" Gaiserich: “I do not know, but I… washed it off.m Gaiserich did do his thing close enough to Jack that he would have noticed. Sophie: "I think it's best if you can start by telling us what your reality was like. When you're ready, of course." Mercy explains gently to Vex. "It's the.. what we are. It makes us hungry if we get hurt." Gaiserich notices something, however, and his eyes turn from Jack to the block of ice. Excitedly, he turns around and calls over to the former-revelers,shouting in Gorath. Divus kicks the stones and hisses again, grumbling "Of course that fool would need Them to banish Us." (To GM): “This one is still alive under the ice!” (To Joush M.): “This one is still alive under the ice!” Justice mashes chunk of bread in her face, and washes it down with a bottle of green glass and red wine Garash and the woman turn, and throw themselves to the block of ice in the water! Jack sighs and goes downstream to take care of his own business Garash bashes his hands against the surface of the body Garash: "Cheddak! speak! move if you can!" (To GM): “Careful! Maybe thaw him next to the fire.” (To GM): “…apologies that I cannot help carry him, but my blood is cold, and the ice…” Divus sighs and approaches the reveler-cicle, examining it. Garash nods at Gais words, and they move to pick the frozen man up and hoist him to the fire Garash: "Get wood! Build the fire! now!" "My friend is still alive!" Mercy blinks in surprise then jogs to get more wood, more fuel for the fire. Gaiserich does help with that, fetching any firewood he can find. Sophie: "I'll do what I can to revive them once they're out of it." Clang takes a moment, looking down the invisible lines of power that seem to converge at this strange touchstone in the water, then sighs, realizing no more secrets will be made apparent without more travel Clang splashes down and joins the others Jack ignores them and continues puking Sophie goes to where everyone else is in order to help. 12 Garash breaks chunks of ice away from the body, as the wood is added to the fire; he smashes it as carefully as he can, prying with his long nails and strong hands Divus places down one of the two boxes on his back, and grabs a bottle, beginning to etch a circle around the ice-chunk in the ground. Garash: "What the hells are you two doing! Free him from the ice!" Divus: "We are doing so." He responds, muttering "In a manner of speaking." Gaiserich is piling up logs and stoking the flames. Sophie prepares a dose of a chemical. "I will need to administer this as soon as possible, or the patient will die." Divus carves something into the glass of the bottle once the circle is finalized, and presses it to the ice Vex pipes up, his voice wriggling like a worm Vex: "Why, Divus sir, are you scribing a sigil of the gateway of death, round the poor sod?" P.P. A.: Ken (GM): kek Divus: "Your kind has much to learn about how the gates may be traversed." Sophie: "If anyone is going to interfere with the procedure, I will have to ask that they be removed." Garash looks at the exchange, and backs away from the melting body, making warding signs Garash: "I did not know...forgiveness, gatekeeper" Mercy nods to Sophie and stands back, trying to follow her lead, unsure how to help. Gaiserich pays attention to what the newcomer his doing, as his own duties allow. He is invigorated by the hear of the rising fire, himself chilled ny splashing around in the river at night. 16 Channel the Gates Sophie introduces the stimulant to the patient in an effort to revive them P.P. A.: well right now he's still in a block of ice, isn't he Ken (GM) the newcomer finishes his motions and places a bottle on the body's chest Ken (GM) Sophie stuffs a wad of wet cotton into the mans mouth Ken (GM) the body shivers, and a ghostly white melts away from the body and collects in the bottle. Divus picks up the bottle and steps back, examining it. He's quite pleased with himself under the mask, probably. Gaiserich stares at the proceedings, and then at Divus. “What issss all thissss about?” he hisses angrily. Sophie sighs. "That was a perfectly good dose, too." Divus: "We simply made the vessel easier to work with. We can reverse the gateway when it is mended. Probably." Gaiserich: The snakeman, though out of his depth, hesitates for a moment to mull over what he said. “…heal the body, and then put it back in?” Vex blanches Mercy: "That is.. You can't just pour someone's light into a bottle then pour it back!" She protest as she stands by, affronted by the vary idea. Rolling 3d6 = 14 vs 17, First Aid! Mercy keeps getting firewood and doing simple things because she can't understand the big things here. The dark haired hunter watching. Ken (GM) the body is bandaged, and sophie confirms, his life returns Sophie:1 HP Recovered Ken (GM) the worst of the frostly burns are cleaned stitched and bandaged. He should be awake but the body lies there, eyes open and staring 16 Ken (GM) with a simple motion, he tips over the bottle toward the mans face and retracts his hand quickly Ken (GM) the white essence springs from the bottle...and rushes into the mans mouth; his green limbed body trembles and thrashes lightly, clawed hands grasping and spasming. He sucks in a gasping breath...and swears loudly Ken (GM): "OOWWWWWWwwwwwgrrrr" Vex faints Gaiserich breathes a sigh of relief. Garash: "Blood and thunder, HE LIVES!" Garash dives in and embraces Divus, hugging him hard Clang: "Blood and Thunder indeed..." Divus: "Of cou-" He wheezes at the embrace. Mercy stares, watching, then nods. "I'm glad for that.. Good work, Miss Sophie. Is there anything else we should do?" Sophie: "I think we should have a long talk with Justice and Divus when the opportunity presents itself." Justice prods Vex with her foot Justice: "Did...he die?" Gaiserich looks over to Justice, however uneasily. Maybe he was wrong to stab her, after all—but that still remains to be seen until they learn more. Sophie: "No, he just does that sometimes." Mercy: "Oh no. He just.. does that sometimes." Gaiserich: “Ssssometimes?” Divus brushes his leathers off and stares wordlessly towards Garash. Mercy walks over and gently puts Vex in a recovery postion. Jack: "You can eat him if you're hungry," Jack response to Justice. Justice looks blankly at Jack. She makes a sign of a triangle toward him with her bound hands Sophie: "As much as i'm sure some people here would enjoy the idea, we need Vex still." Justice sits down in front of the now roaring fire, and crosses her legs Justice: "please; let us talk." She belches "Oh! Gods, excuse me" Sophie: "Think of it as a reminder that you're still alive." Justice leans against Vex's crumpled form, like a pillow. Until he wakes with a startle and scrambles out from under her Vex: "Damnit, not again" (To GM): Does Justice smell of OOZE still? Divus leans down to the dwarf and whispers to him Sophie: "The student is learning quite fast already. I'm so proud." Gaiserich stares at Justice intently, intermittently flicking his tongue. After a minute or so, he hangs his head a little and apologises to her: “I am ssssssorry. It sssssseems you are a perssssson, not ooze-magic.” Justice: "Thank...you?" she manages " she says with come certainty "I am a warrior of lioght, First Paladin of the Order. I am a knight of the Realm of the Gray Empire, slayer of beasts and monsters, righteous sword of justice" "I am a half-monster, though I struggle to be more human than beast" "You are Sophie, Jack, Clang" she points "But I dont know you" Mercy listens avidly, curiously. "I know it hurts to ask.. but.. how long ago did you lose your.. father?" Justice trembles, and a tear falls down her furry cheek Gaiserich assumes a proper posture as he introduces himself. “I am Gaiserich; I hunt witchessss with the onessss you know.” Gaiserich: He lets the two clones have a heart-to-heart, though. Justice: "My father..." she chokes " was killed in a training exercise, where my axe struck too readily and with much eagerness. I was only a child, had little control then..." "In the aftermath, I was tried, pleaded for my crimes as one can. I serve the Order now as an example to others" Mercy nods, thinking hard on that as she sits there and takes a deep breath. "Where our paths parted. One of the ways our stories are different?" She ask as she sits there and thinks it over. "Are.. you from that same world, Divus?" Divus: "Of course not. We had no need for the Order. Humanity did its job." Gaiserich: “Earlier thissss day, we ssssaw a being like me come from the ooze, but it wasssss… off, and we killed it. I thought you were the ssssame.” Divus: "The Duchy prospered, it could've prospered further if not for that damnable Starman." He hisses the words. Vex: "He had no soul, Gai. Safe to assume he was an abomination" "This one...has a lot" Gaiserich nods. Vex: "and Justice is just...normal." Gaiserich: “I could sssssee no magic in… , but you have magic,” he tells Justice. “…I sssstill attacked you because I did not trusssst you—maybe you were jusssst a better double. But you are real. Ssssorry, again.” Justice nods to that Sophie: "I'm Sophie. Your average Doctor." Trash: I tried to talk to Clang and I killed him :c Ken (GM): [nah he had to jet, kiddos. it happens, and he has to jet to work right away too Mercy nods, looking thoughtful as she sits there quietly and listens. Thinking hard as she looks around the fire. Sophie: "What were we like in your reality?" Justice: "You sophie had a light I could never see extinguished. You were like a sister, another knight of the Order. A practiced healer and mage." "Jack was a rough on the edges but determined man of some capability. He was a redhead though" Sophie just laughs Justice: "Clang was a high priest of his Spiritual order, so much as we allow the dwarves to practice their heresies" Mercy nods and perks an ear, tilting her head to the side and listening. Justice: "Jack, do you still play the Lyre?" Gaiserich doesn't know what a lyre is, otherwise he would be bursting into laughter. Jack: "Sounds like there's some bigger differences than just hair color. Why would I play the lyre?" Justice: "...Your mother...." she stops herself, straightens p her posture "My jacks mother taught him since he could lift the thing. She was a bard, of some renown. Never met anyone as good with an instrument" Mercy looks around a moment at the camp, quietly going to look at the herdy gerdy. Wondering if the person that played it died. Justice: "she would travel the Western coast, sing songs of the triumphs of men against beast" Jack scoffs at the mention of "his" mother Ken (GM): [oh he disintegrated] Divus grabs an empty bottle and walks off towards the trees. Sophie: "Let me guess, some of us even got married and created loving families." Jack: "My mother taught me women were easy. That's about it." Justice: "Stars above...what dark things happened here to make you so....broken?" Justice turns to Mercy, a pleading look on her face Justice: "How could you let them get so broken?!" "We could have helped them all!" 'If you and I are the same, or close enough, we could have saved them the trouble of such miseries!" Sophie: "Being a typical Doctor is misery?" Mercy blinks at that, looking between them, starring a moment.. then shaking her head. "They are as their past has made them. So am I.. there are joys here, and pain here, and life here. We shall endure, the best we can." Justice just reddens, tears in her eyes, and stares at the fire Jack smiles in genuine amusement at this. "I'm not what you'd call 'broken,' girl. That's what you call the people who've crossed me." Gaiserich figures that in the world Justice is describing, he would just be a hunter of fish and game, not of witches and demons. Divus returns without the bottle, twirling a carving knife and returning it to his pocket. Sophie: "Probably not as glamorous as being a Knight and Mage though, so i'll give you that." Garash laughs at that Jack: "I woke up above ground today, even had a good fight. My only misery is Sophie's coldness." Garash: "You holders, all crazy bastards" "But you heal my friend, fight against the demons with us. You good people" Divus: "The Mages here are probably not very glamorous either." Responding to the only bit he's heard so far. Mercy reaches out to gently pat Justice's shoulder, then frees her from the ropes. IT rises then, knicking aside the top of the coffin with a long bony limb, pale flesh hanging like bloated bags. A skeletal head with whisps of hair clinging, bedraggled, over reddened fleshy eyes and throbbing red veins. "WHO ARE YOU THAT TAIN OUR BLOODLINE?!" Trash: now brb for moving the AC IT: "I WILL NOT HAVE YOU CROSS PATHS INTO GORGOTH TONIGHT DUN DUN DUN Rosettsara: Sounds like a new target for Lasers! P.P. A.: Ah, he woke up Gaiserich actually knew he would because one of the beastmen told him that their boss only gets up at midnight but after they lost so many of them in the common battle against the beholder, he deemed it improper to antagonise them over their lich-leader Ken (GM): KEK UNITL NEXT WEEK 4xp to each of ya gits P.P. A.: \o/ Rosettsara: yay~ Ken (GM): heheheh Mercy: Woo! Ken (GM): okay, catch me on discord, gotta chase the kiddos around Ken (GM) where last we left our heroes Fiss: Just a heads up, got till 3 ish. :/ Ken (GM) The beastlands of Gorgoth are a weird place. Strange abandoned outposts razed by Fae and our party. Encounters with strange revelers of the blood. Visitors from far off worlds, montrous demons at their heels Ken (GM) And now, after the maelstrom of melee that reduced the revelers to three, and saw our party bearing souls with strange visitors. Now a dark creature rises to challenge them in the moonlit night! Trash: so Fiss and Doc are tapping out around 3 and 4 respectively The Dark Priest of the revelers rises up from his coffin, clutching to the cart with bony hands and a crooked pointed finger accusing you as he screams to the dark "WHO ARE YOU THAT TAIN OUR BLOODLINE?!" Trash: oh god his portrait became even angrier Joush M. turns to face the figure with a prayer on her lips, the dark haired girl a head taller then most and touching the icon that hangs at her throat on a little chain. "We are not afraid, the Light is with us. And.. We are the Order, Sir! I am Mercy Stonebrook!" (To GM): Can Gaiserich see any magic connection between the lich and the former revelers (& Justice's belly)? Sophie: "And I am a medical officer belonging to the Order. It looks like I may have just cause to surgically correct your attitude." Divus: "We are not of The Order! We are a gatekeeper!" Divus clears up any potential relation right there, as he takes a step back from this new mess he's arrived into. Sophie: "Something tells me that you're better off with us than him, newcomer." Gaiserich looks back and forth between the lich and the revelers. The Dark Priest: "Holders! Men and Scorned? ?!" Jack gently nudges Sophie to the side as he stands between her and the revelers The Dark Priest: "And you drag dwarves and elves in my midst?!" Clang: "So many new friends," The Dark Priest: "Despicable" Gaiserich raises his voice and appeals to the lich in Gorath. (To GM): “We are hunters of your sordid ilk, who upset the order of the world, who consort with dark forces from beyond. Your followers here have suffered much tonight; they fought valiantly, and lost many of their friends. If you wish to fight us, will you leave them out of it?” (To Joush M.): “We are hunters of your sordid ilk, who upset the order of the world, who consort with dark forces from beyond. Your followers here have suffered much tonight; they fought valiantly, and lost many of their friends. If you wish to fight us, will you leave them out of it?” The Dark Priest stands tall on the cart, his emaciated flesh white an dpuckered with bulbous red and black veins creeping up and down him. He has crooked yellowed teeth, scraggled hair and pointed ears. You would be challeneged to name his race The Dark Priest hears gai's plea and grins wide as the Snakeman speaks Sophie observes the terrain and positioning of everyone present. Her family's imparted skill roaring to life once more. Joush M. frowns at the man, upset by his racism. Mercy frowns at the man, upset by his racism. Rolling 3d6 = 11 vs 14 (Tactics) Trash: I think we safely assume Vex's fainted in the corner P.P. A. nods Rosettsara: Old Faithful P.P. A.: o the revelers are pretty scared, huh? Vex is totally out, justice crouches nearby him, like a den-mother Sophie approaches Justice, long knife in hand. With a quick motion, cuts her free of her bonds. P.P. A.: I guess then they won't object to the following course of action Ken (GM): [the revelers are a trembling] Gaiserich leaps forward and up—his coiled snake-body like a spring propelling him, and extending towards the lich—in an attempt to grab ahold of the then turns to the revelers. "I can see you're afraid. But together we can conquer that fear and seize the day. To arms, and we will defeat the foces of the Starman yet!" 14 Nice Ken (GM): hahahah P.P. A.: mocks indeed Ken (GM): oh dear P.P. A.: unless this was a missed warning shot which accidentally hits Rosettsara somberly plays a trombone Doc: from "mocked" to "mogged" Trash: inb4 he shoots the lich and the revelers take the damage more like inb4 he shoots the revelers Ken (GM) A blast of shredding violet energies riot out from Divus Trash: is luck even a thing Doc: and the lich takes the damage :DDDDD Mercy doesn't like that idea or think it's a good one, but she's also got the snakeman's back. (Roll initative, or get in after this because she was clenches his fist and screams in displeasure as several dozen purple senses the fight about to take place and springs into action, drawing Dark Priest squeals like a hissing beast as jack slides his knife right through the soft part of his next and pushes hard; there is a POP and the weak join snaps, a black blooded head geysering and sputtering fluid as it topples from the body Trash: "I'll be worthless for th-" oh it's over Ken (GM) the revellers watch as the head tumbles form the body, and collectively collapse Gaiserich looks over to the revellers, worried. P.P. A.: >skulls Sophie: "Welp." Clang: "Well, alright then?" Ken (GM) black bile pours from their mouths and eyes Gaiserich: “No!!” and crouches over Vex Mercy at last draws her gun after the fight, eyes widening and starring at the body. "Blight.." Then turning to the others, a frown on her lips. "What can do, Sophie?" Sophie figures it's already too late but she goes to check on them anyway. Gaiserich wraps around the beheaded lich, trying desperately to sever the connection between him and the revellers, even if it's already too late. (To GM): does anyhting happen at all Sophie: "I don't know yet. Don't get your hopes up." Gaiserich sees at it is, in fact, too late; he relents, and lets go of the disgusting corpse. He angrily turns to Jack. Divus continues muttering and swiping at his own duplicates "Place them into the circle! Bring Us empty bottles! We might spare a few!" Gaiserich: “Why did you not wait!” he screams at him, “I wassss… trying to make thissss… not happen!” Sophie stands back up and shakes her head. "They're long gone, as though they were already dead." Justice: "Mother of Mercy! Gai, they were demon worshippers! Black magic! Witches!" Divus: "You do not witness their souls!" Divus hisses towards Sophie, offhandedly swatting at himself. "They persist! Tangled, wretched things!" Sophie looks over to the newcomer. "So i'd say this is your field of expertise." Gaiserich slithers over to the newcomer to help however he can. Jack just shrugs and wipes the black blood from his knife before sheathing it. Sophie: "We're counting on ya,buddy." Divus waves away the last of his specterly bleed. "Place them upon the circle We carved for the Iced-One, bring us emptied bottles." Mercy puts away the gun. "I'm sorry, Gai. Jack was only.. doing what he thought was best, I'm sure." Vex comes to, underneath Justice. She rouses him slowly, helps him to his feet Mercy frowns hard at Divus, but does help with that. Gaiserich: “They were… tied to the wizard. I wassss trying to cut the tie, sssso we could kill him and free them,” he mutters, half to himself, half angrily at the rest of the party, as he arranges them into a circle and follows Divus's instructions. 16 Doc: that was fun Sophie helps to move the bodies, at least. P.P. A.: remember when I played a character to would have been racist enough not to worry too much about thh… scorned mongrels or whatever they are well, Suðri would have been at least conflicted Ken (GM) Divus works quickly, hands moving in expert motions albeit hastily, and the black bile climbs into empty wine bottles; soon he has three containers of "essense" Ken (GM): intense moral fibre in that dwarf Clang: "Note to self...choose my bottles of spirits carefully the next time I am enjoying some drink..." Ken (GM): kek yeah, dont drink anyone you wouldnt normally Clang: ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) [( ͡~ ͜ʖ ͡°)'s in Dwarvish] Ken (GM): hahahahah P.P. A.: Oh right Did anything happen to Justice? She'd also drunken of the bloodwine. Divus: didn't Yack also? Mercy nods to Gai. "I'm sorry. I didn't understand. I don't think Jack knew either." P.P. A.: Jack followed Gaiserich's example and threw up afterwards to empty his stomahc of the drink —that there was suddenly a thread of dark magic going from their bellies to the coffin) Divus places each of the bottles into a box filled with odd looking tools, closing it shut. "Fetid things. Poxed souls." He remarks. "The bodies too." Ken (GM): nothing untoward has happened Mercy: "What does that mean?" She ask of the strange man in the mask, frowning at Divius. Justice suddenly looks green at the realization of the conversation Gaiserich says nothing, but eventually nods in response to Mercy. To Divus's comment, he adds: “Dark witchcraft. …they did thissss themsssselves, probably… but I hoped that they could be ssssaved.” Justice clings to the horse nearby and retches Divus: "You saw it earlier. The shimmer was white. Now it is black." He kicks one of the ghoulish bodies. "Already atrophying, preserved by the necromantic. Perhaps the taint can be cleansed, but the body cannot be salvaged." Gaiserich looks over to Justice; he vaguely rembers seeing her drink of the bloodwine, and now stars at her aura. Ken (GM) The bodies are in fact, shriveling before your eyes, like theyve been in the sun for days. After Divus' ritual, they are laid in repose and quickly decomposing Clang: "An interesting health-care program they have here..." Sophie: "You'll keep them safe?" Gaiserich seems oddly satisfied watching Justice throw up, and returns his attention to the corpses. “Maybe they were worssse off than I thought…?” Mercy: "They are returned to the light, as will all of us." She frowns. Not sure what Divus put into his bottles but instinctively mistrusting it as she nods to the bodies. "Let's burn or bury the dead then make camp. I feel like this day will never end." Divus looks at the box he placed the bottles in. He mumbles some things to himself. "An artificial one.. Perhaps?" Gaiserich: As he is looking in that direction already, his gaze falls on Sophie, and he seems mesmerised by the sight. “…you are sssshining,” he comments. Trash: Jack stabs Gai for encroaching on his claim (To GM): indeed Doc:  careful P.P. A.: No worries; Sophie smells of icky medicine and preservatives Sophie: "It would seem that my magic talent is in Light." Gaiserich: “Good, good.” Divus looks at the dwarf. "How good are you at felling trees?" P.P. A.: I assume the campfire is still burning brightly, since we piled up a lot of wood to thaw the one reveller? Ken (GM): yeah, still goin Clang: "I'll do what I can. What tree is offending your senses?" Sophie uses her own aura sense to check around as best she can Mercy tilts her head to the side. "Oh, I'd noticed that but forgotten in the excitement. Your magic was beautiful, Miss Sophie. Thank you for using it on our behalf..But.. What do you mean 'seems'? Did you just learn it?" Gaiserich quietly heaps the corpses into the fire; how ironic that they had lit it to save one of them. Sophie: "I came up with it on the spot." Divus points into the woods. "We need one roughly as thick as a man." Vex: "I helped her illuminate some of her talents. Humans have strange auras, but if you just ... he trails off" Clang goes off and tries to find a suitable tree...then ponders if he should get an axe or just punch it down Mercy: "That is brilliant Miss Sophie. I'm glad you are with us." She nods to the young healer then turning, goes to collect more wood. She's careful with the dead man's blood on the wagon. Putting him back into the coffin and reuniting head and body, then lifting up the coffin carefully and dragging it over to get it piled on dry wood. Ken (GM): proceeds to minecraft the forest into brown floaty cubes point of order; Jack is looting the coffin of shiny things Joush M.: If anyone could punch a tree to death, it's Clang P.P. A.: It'd actually make sense in his case Sophie notes some things down. Mercy huffs pointedly but waits for Jack to finish with the coffin before she puts it on the unlit pyre Ken (GM): lel Sophie then helps with whatever is needed. Justice sits back with Vex; he keeps 'guard' over her and she clings ot him like a sickened drunk Ken (GM): "" Jack removes everything that appears to be valuable from the coffin Sophie: "By the way, Jack, if I could have a moment of your time later today, there's something we need to talk about." Ken (GM): hahah oh lawd Jack: "My tent or yours?" Ken (GM): Sophie better take the quirk "...there's something we need to talk about" thats gotta be her, like, third aside in as many session hours Doc: Quirk: speaking is a free action Rosettsara: Heheheh Ken (GM) the pyre is built with some haste, but also some ease; there is plenty of punky wood to find near the camp. With the smoking ruin of the fort above and the new blaze on the beach below, youve set quite a few fires today Sophie: "I have a feeling it will be quick, anyway." Mercy is increasingly tired but goes though the motions, then as the bonfire kindles kneels down and folds her hands, head bowed in prayer. Divus continues muttering to himself and etching some runes into the dirt with his knife, scratching a few out every so often. Ken (GM): 8carry the one, divide by a soul, add some bugs* Clang picks wood shavings from his hands as he watches Divus work Clang: "Some of your magic is not so different from what I've seen dwarven sages do to imbue tools and weapons of renown with parts of their own souls....perhaps more efficient and direct, but curiously familiar all the same." Ken (GM) as night fully falls, the moon rises fully and hangs gibbously. The pyre above and below throwing red on the forested swamp around you Sophie wanders out so she can be close to the stream Ken (GM): [GM immediately finds errant light source sophie] Trash: Did clang actually go fell a tree or did he just have sawdust on his gloves because he likes the smell Gaiserich went to fetch the fish stuck in the fishtrap up north, and now roasts them over the (other) fire (not the pyre but the smaller one) Ken (GM): [the dwarf, did in fact chop trees down with his metal hands] Clang pulls a pine-cone out from under his sleeve Ken (GM): [GM note; fish not haunted] Trash: oh Divus goes to carve off a round of the tree when it's felled, about ten inches tall Justice dozes off with vex in a bear hug. He doesnt seem to mind and snores along with her Gaiserich cannot see much of what Divus is doing, being that the night has fallen, his eyesight is poor to begin with, and the flicker of the flames is distracting; he nonetheless stares in the direction, however absent-mindedly, as he bathes in the warmth from thw two fires. 13 Gaiserich , a few fish in his belly now, dozes off—lulled to sleep my the cosy warmth, the hypnotising dance of the flames and sparks, the horrors of the day, and the quiet of the night. Ken (GM): Gaiserich coils up into a neat pile of snek Divus mutters idly as he places the bucket and lid in front of him. "We should mention We are a bit of an artificer and pistol smith." He comments as he looks at the runes he worked out by his feet. Ken (GM): aside from Sophie/Jack aside; you guys finally making camp and sleeping off the night? Clang: Aye Divus: Yeah, as much as a hundred screaming souls can sleep P.P. A.: Unless someone wakes up the snek, yeah Joush M.: Yep! At some time in the night Mercy has a visitor Ken (GM): [] Joush M.: Indeed, it was quite a long day Ken (GM): [but yes, near the end of her watch] [one thing leads to another] [Mercy goes super saiyan] [everyone dies] P.P. A.: >Mercy goes super saiyan …and her fur turns blonde… like Justices? Ken (GM): moo hoo ha ha P.P. A.: DUN DUN DUNNNN Ken (GM): nah dude, its barely 2pm Ken (GM) NIGHT FALLS Ken (GM) THE MORNING RISES Divus walks off into the woods at first light to retrieve something. Mercy moves as if stiff and sore in the morning, new magic clinging gently to her and wincing as she draws her coat on like her back hurts. Divus returns swirling a wine bottle of sickly green fluids. Mercy also has something new tied to her bag, a polished rosewood box with a simple clasp. Vex is groggy and mussed, but seems happy to be awake Vex: "Are you....did you do something with your aura Mercy?" Vex notices the box Vex: "Ah, nevermind. Forget I said anything" Divus places this bottle in the toolbox along with the other three, and then sits back in front of his bucket to begin a whittlin' Gaiserich rouses from his sleep, and seems to yawn. Gaiserich uncoils and stretches himself, looking around. As the memories of the lats night dawn on him, he looks over to Divus. “Did it go well?” Mercy: "Ah? Well.. yes.." She says, slightly embarrassed then blinking, nodding to Vex. "Oh, of course. You'd recognize that. How are you today?" She ask the elf. Divus: "Did what, at which attempt?" Gaiserich: “The ssssouls, the flasssks.” Vex: "Divus, are you bottling soul-stuff?" the elf asks, sipping water and packing his bag Justice rouses slowly, but gets serious stare-down a tthe conversation Divus: "Was it not obvious?" He doesn't look up from the bucket. "They are stored. For now. We considered some possible purification formulas." Gaiserich: “Ah, I thought you were doing ssssomething with them.” Vex: "Purification. ...*You can seperate them from the darkness?" Divus: "In theory, it is absolute. In practice.. It has not been practiced yet." Vex: "" Gaiserich doesn't trust this magic, but so far he's just been moving souls around and said he's trying to make them not tainted by sinister forces anymore—so far, that doesn't seem evil, however dubious. Mercy frowns deeply at Davius, moving careful of her new tattoos and tilting her head to the side. Her look careful, displeased, then nodding to Justice. "I should tell you.. the Light is more forgiving here. We pass judgement less. We are not inquisitors, set to kill heretics. But.. necromancy is still not allowed here." Gaiserich perks up as he remembers something, and slithers over to between Mercy and Justice. Gaiserich looks back and forth between them, and asks: “Jussstice, Mercy—can you pleasssse turn around?” He motions with his fingers for them to turn their backs to him. Justice: "I am not a blunt instrument, Mercy, you dont need to fear my wrath." she looks down at her unarmored dirty form and raises her arms in disgust "Especially not like I am right now" Gaiserich: and to stand closer Justice raises a furry eyebrow Justice: "Gai, I~..." she trails off "Never knew" Gaiserich has no idea what that she is implying, and so ignores that comment. Mercy nods and turns around, facing away from Gaiserich. Gaiserich: “Thankssss.” Justice blushes and complies Gaiserich takes a close look at each of their backs, and traces something with his hands—first on Mercy's back, then on Justices… though he seems dissatisfied with the latter. Gaiserich: Finally, he asks: “Why isssss there all thisss magic on Mercy's back, but not on Jussstice'sss?” (To GM): I remember you whispered that to me when we first met Justice, but I didn't pay it much heed then (From Ken (GM)): ah! Justice shivers a tthat, and steps away, clinging to herself in a tight hug. (To GM): do tell me if their back-auras have changed since then Justice: "I was never...able to be bound with a seal." "I'm not capable of taking a rune or spell. Not even with Dwarf-craft" (From Justice): Mercy's got power, spells sealed on her in tattoos. Justice is just a woman Justice reddens again, and huffs Mercy moans, wincing at the touch. "Owww... ah.. Well.."She hesitates a moment, then takes a deep breath. Jacket taken off and set aside, then untucking her blouse, undoing buttons and pulling it off. Her breast bound lightly with a wrapped strip of light fabric, her back exposed.. the ink looks fresh, but healed well as if a week or so old. Silver-laced black ink marks her, complicated, intracte symbols that run over her back, touching the old symbol of the all-seeing eye. Guiding magic though her. A shortcut to spellcraft, rather then learning spells having them bound in her skin. Clang: "I feel I should know more of this craft," Justice: "They said my soul was 'tainted' by my beastly nature. Too rude and uncontrolled. Not tempered or calm enough to be bound" Divus: "The craft is easy dwarf. We can apply it to weapons, imbue them with.." He doesn't finish the sentence, lifting the bottle of green liquid and gesturing with it. Mercy: A filament of ink traces around her arm, down to another new tattoo. A symbol on the right arm. It's unlikely anybody but Vex or Sophie would be able to easily tell what the spells do, given the complexity of ink. Trash: wow rude Mercy frowns to Justice. "I don't think you are tainted.. That.. seems very cruel." Gaiserich: “If Mercy can do it, then you sssshould too; because you are her …in sssssome way,” he tries to cheer up Justice. Trash: Divus inferior in spellcraft to Sophie, just going to become a bucket merchant Justice squints at the fresh tattoos Trash: A DOZEN BOWLS, KEN. Mercy: "There are more inks in the box.. a book of the designs. Needles. Tools.. If you wish to try. I don't know who could apply them" Justice: "You have been ensorcelled with a binding to...an item of your choosing. It would leap with lengardemain to your grasp about there" she points at your hand Gaiserich: “You etched these on yourssself, Mercy?” Divus continues to carve his magic runes into the bucket, conversing with himself about gates and math. Mercy: "No.. A woman from the order approched me last night while I was on watch. She said it was a gift from my father." She blushes at that and smiles. "Something to protect me.. Oh, yes. That's right, Justice. It lets me summon things that have the same mark." Clang putters with the fire, with a few cast-iron pots simmering next to the coals for breakfast Justice huffs, blowing a strand of her hair out of her face. She angrily twists it back into place in her braids Gaiserich is mildly disappointed, because Mecry being flexible enough to tattoo her own back would have been really impressive. …an intriguing. 14 Gaiserich has only heard that word—at least the Holder translation—in the context of demons and other dark things befre. Mercy blushes a moment, then shows rather then tell. Taking her axe, she throws lightly, tossing it so the blade sinks into the bark of a tree with a heavy thud, then concentration for a moment. "Return to me." She mrumers and blue light reaches out from her outstretched hand. Thin lines that touch the axe and pull it forcefully back to her hand. Justice: "No worry Gai; I simply meant the spell will drag things to her. Shes not a witch, just a mage" she thinks "Or a spellbook" Justice points at Mercy's demonstration "Like that" Mercy feels the axe slam into her palm, putting it away then flexing her hand a few times to get rid of the sting. "It.. comes back fast." Divus starts to whistle off key as he paints the green liquid across the runes in the bucket and then grabs a dark essence bottle Gaiserich observes Mercy's magic trick, and looks excited. “That'sssss great!” He adds, hushed and relieved: “…and not dark at all; good.”” Mercy: "I got the magic from a member of the Order, I'm sure it's not dark." She assures Gai, not at all aware she's wrong about that. Ken (GM) Aside fro mteh conversation of magic powers gained from dark figures in the night...Divus putters away at some sort of device with his wooden bucket. There is a glow of grene light, a FOOMP noise, and a whole lot of black billious smok eboiling off the device he has in front of him Gaiserich nods cheerfully. “If I could sssssee better and throw my sssspear, I would use it too.” Gaiserich looks over to what Divus is cooking up now. Divus pulls out the bottle, now holding a bright white liquid instead of the black one it entered with. Divus: "Oh, it worked this time." He says dryly. Ken (GM) the black cloud that boiled out of the green runed bucket hangs in went gather its legions to pursue Us, very typical with this sort of ritual." Divus returns the bottles to the box. "We only had enough fuel to purify the one. But it worked." Justice: "...What did you use for fuel..." Justice clenches her fists, and you hear knuckles pop Trash: "What insects are local to this region?" wait this isn't divus Divus: "What insects are local to this region?" Gaiserich lists a couple by their Gorath names. Divus points at the snake-thing. "Some of those, then." Justice: "careful you dont stray onto the path of the " "Tread. Lightly" Divus: "We walk our own path, one of your worlds would be challenged to understand it Wounded-Pup." Gaiserich: “…what becomessss of the clean ssssoul now. The body issss burned already, do we burn the sssssoul too sssso it returns to the cycle?” Mercy: "Huhmm.." She frowns and doesn't stop her big blonde doppleganger's angry advance. Going to collect the shiny splint mail of the warrior woman and her sword to give back to Justice. Gaiserich is still very unsure what to think of all this; he appreciates Justice being suspicious and upset in his stead Justice Growls Justice turns and leaves with Mercy Justice: " these warlocks haunt me!" Divus: Divus looks at the snake man. "There are more efficient things to do with These. Perhaps We could artifice it a body, it would not be beyond us." Gaiserich hisses at that suggestion. “The dead sssshould go where they sssshould go. Making them walk is bad!” Divus waves his hand dismissively. "It matters not. We proved it is possible to cleanse the taint." Vex: "Agreed Gai; Necromancy is dark stuff, Divus. Where you come from it may not be taboo, but here it is quite a devious practice" "The dwarves skirt it with their channelling, but from what I understand, it is a reverence and bond over family lineages they use. Not...chattel" Divus: "That is why We refrain from animating flesh a second time. Of course, the Order would repress Animancy." Gaiserich: “You ssshould release the ssssoul sssso it moves on,” he impresses upon the strange other-worlder, and gripping his spear for effect. Vex: "Animan.... Are you suggesting taking the spirit into a new vessel?" the elf seems more curious at the prospect than anything Vex curses and saves the oatmeal he is burning Vex: "Is that yourOW DAMN...power? Animancy? Spirit channelling?" Divus: "Perhaps, now. Not always." Divus quirks his head at the elf. "Have you ever analyzed the spirit of that Star-wretch?" Vex: "The Starman? No. Ive never even met....have you MET the Starman?!" Vex drops the pan into the fire Ken (GM) Oats burn and blacken as Vex stands up Vex: "face to face?" Divus: "We you he cast us through the gate with his allies!" Vex: "Who IS he?!" "We're gallavanting along the countryside full of demon-hosting beastmen on his trail and YOUVE MET HIM IN PERSON" Divus: "We assumed that his pursuers would've at least glimpsed the one they were hunting." He shrugs. "Although, given this worlds knowledge of the gates it's doubtful you'll find where We suspect he hides." Gaiserich simply listens, while inspecting the blades of his weapons. Jack raises an eyebrow and calls out to Divus. "This Starman, can he be stabbed?" Mercy looks back at the sound and starts back to see what Vex is up to. Vex sits down, holds his head in his hands, and just SIGHS Clang chuckles "Or punched? I'm OK with that." Divus: "By Us, perhaps. By you? Doubtful. Animancy might make you a weapon capable of it though." Divus looks at the grumbling elf. "You've seen Us? Yes. The multitudes. He ruined our gateway, made us mirror him. Afraid of being surpassed." Vex: "So youre saying, the Starman, is from....outside this world. Is he from your world? Are you from the same lands?" Gaiserich: “Do NOT put a ssssoul into a weapon,” Gaiserich threatens Divus. Divus shrugs again. "Perhaps? Perhaps not. We know he is working with the Fae, most likely hidden in a fold of their realm." Vex: "Good point; they razed this camp before we got here yesterday... i'd suspect their hand works against his, actually" Divus shakes his head. "We analyzed the abyss we were sent through. It was doubtlessly a combination of his and their essences.. Although they have their own reason to hate Us." Sophie returns to the others, perplexed somewhat by the discussions they are having. Mercy: "Huhmm.. Should we continue our travels? I think we still have no goal better then the Fens where the starman last touched the world." Vex: "truly Mercy; If we are to track him down, we're bound to the mortal planes for now. I dont have a gateway to the Spirit realm...for now" he laughs at his own joke "Wait, do any of you?" Divus: "We could work on one." Divus says without any sense of irony. "That was why that Star-wretch attacked us last time, though." Mercy: "The only way I know to reach the afterlife is not reversible." She says dryly. Sophie: "We'll figure out a way. Between our talents, no realm can get in our way for long." Vex: "Oh. Good" he seems to say this quietly, with some great worry Divus: "We were serious about ineffectual attacks, though. It's a shame you would leave Us the only ones capable of harming him." Divus hooks the bucket onto one of his tool boxes. Mercy huffs and turns to the wagon. Ken (GM): [so packing up? Pilfering the beastmen wagon and it's scraggly horse?] Joush M.: What's up with the wagon? Ken (GM): [was a beastmans, theyre all dead] Mercy examines the horse and wagon, trying to decied if it's worth it. She also keeps the herdy gerdy Ken (GM): [horse is friendly enough, a bit miffed at spending the night in a harness] Fiss: [Sorry folks that's all for Dorf, Ken I relinquish mah strings to you] P.P. A.: See you o/ Ken (GM): [love ya fiss; have fun at work] Rosettsara: (Take care!) Mercy unyolks and rubs down the horse, letting it streach it's legs a moment. Ken (GM): [it is grateful; it stretches and seems to stick around, unpreturbed by the madness youve all been invoking] Sophie goes to fetch the mule, on that note Ken (GM): [mule is alive and well] [it may have spent the night keeping the horse company] [' Trash: Now we have Jack and Sophie in four legged form] Gaiserich slithers up to Divus to remind him: “It issss not good to trap the dead in a bottle. You sssshould really let the ssssoul move on, not that it isssss clean.” Ken (GM): "Dude, di you see that beholder? crazy shit"] Mercy puts the supplies on the wagon, unless someone protest, and mostly leaves the beastmen's things behind. She cleans up the wagon and loads supplies, getting ready to move out. Gaiserich is pressing him. Trash: "We can remove it from anywhere We place it. You would deny these hunters that gave their lives to vanquish the darkness the right to see it through to the end?" P.P. A.: *now that it isssss clean Divus: "We can remove it from anywhere We place it. You would deny these hunters that gave their lives to vanquish the darkness the right to see it through to the end?" Ken (GM): ooer Gaiserich: “They are dead, their bodiesss cleansssed by the fire. Their flesh hasss moved on, sssso their sssouls should follow.” Mercy: "The wagon should be useful at least as far as the mines. Shall we go?" She ask the others Sophie: "Say, do you think my light magic can help fight the Starman, Divus?" Gaiserich: “You have done good to remove the darknesssss from this one,” he points at the pure soul in the bottle, “but there isssss no ssssense in binding it ssstill.” Clang busies himself with handing out cups of gruel Divus: "We apologize, We did not realize that you found your Gods and companions so inconsequential that a mere delay of duty from the cycle would destroy it so readily." Divus steps away. Mercy realizes she hasn't eaten and does so, nodding thankfully to Clang.. then hay, they've got a river here. She goes upstream to wash up. Justice: "Careful Warlock" Gaiserich , though he has never elaborated on it, believes in a cycle of life, wherein the souls of the dead rise up to the sun and eventually return. Burning the dead makes this journey easier, as their soul can climb with the smoke, and the fire prefigures the sun itself. Justice agrees with Gai; there is an Order to things Gaiserich therefore obviously doubts that burning a soulless body and then keeping the soul itself in a bottle is good for anyone involved. Divus: "Then take the bottles from us. We trust you know how to cleanse the souls and pass them through the gates properly without Us, as you will not receive further help in these regards upon doing so." Divus unclips his artificing kit from his bag and places it on the ground, gesturing to it. Sophie shrugs and gets to eating. Justice takes divus up on his offer Gaiserich hesitates, and looks over at Divus begrudgingly. “What you did wasss good, the ssssssoul is clean now. But why trap it in a bottle? Itssss place issss no longer here, with usssss the living.” Justice steps up to the man's box of tools Mercy: "I thought you said you weren't a necromancer, now you speak of working in souls." She frowns. "Empty night, what are you Mister Divus? You should know that wherever you've come from, this world may be different. You haven't quite said anything you'd be shot for, but you dance on the edge of magic dark enough to sign a warrant of execution." Divus: "Don't worry, She-Wolf. If they are inexorably damned by your misunderstanding of ritual, I'm sure the Order will forgive you for blind faith." Justice: "Give me the bottles, warlock" Divus: "They are in the box, take them, release them, disperse them from the (GM) there is a pop, like your ears changing pressure, and a small flash. In the aftermath the bottle is empty, and hissing quietly, like it's hot. It sizzles in Justice's hand Justice: "Take your vessel, warlock" and she drops the bottle in front of divus, turning away Justice hisses and clenches her fist, her scarred and hairy hide smoking slightly Divus: "Of course you would only commit partway." He takes out the two other bottles and casts them into the lake. "We told you, we'd wash our hands of the souls entirely." Ken (GM) PLOONK PLOONK Gaiserich throws away his gera and dives after them Ken (GM) two bottles fly overhead and disappear into the brook Mercy: "No soul is dammed by the actions of another. No soul is lost to the light" She frowns, scowling a touch.. watching the wizard with a deep, hard 117 whistles and unhooks the purification vessel from his box, returning the tools to his pack but leaving the bucket in the dirt. Gaiserich 's movement in the water is light and graceful, and thus he swims back to the shore. “The other one broke,” he comments sadly. Rosettsara: (Getting a bit sleepy, so i'll just have Sophie drift off unless something really gets her attention) Gaiserich angrily glares at Divus, who so carelessly would have condemned two souls to lie trapped in tiny bottles at the bottom of a river. “We will writes prayers down in fine hand, sealing them to the bottles with drips of wax, the salt ring around the bottles unbroken. "I know how to perform the prayers and rites. I've.. helped in one before." Gaiserich nods, and looks on, tense. Ken (GM) the ritual is short and sweet; as soon as Mercy invokes her power POP goes the bottle!; inside the circle, a black smoky heap boils out of a white cloud of sparkling light Divus waltzes over to the riverside and sits, inspecting his tools. Ken (GM) in a few seconds, there is a scream of something horrible dying and then only the white mote in the seal Mercy breathes in, breathes out, then at last finishes the ritual. The final act to break the ring of salt. "From the Light and returned to the Light. Go ahead, and know someday we shall join you." Gaiserich: The tension fades from the snake as the evil is noisily expelled, and even he as a layman can see that the ritual worked. Ken (GM) the ring is broken and the spirit shimmers in the morning light, fading away Justice whistles a low note Justice: "Now, was so hard warlock?" Divus does not respond, continuing to wash and inspect his tools. Mercy: "He helped how he knew to.. I think.. I hope.. his intentions are good. He certanly knows many things alien to me." She looks to Divius, wondering. His mask keeps her from even seeing if he approves of the souls being freed. Mercy helps Sophie onto the wagon, secures their gear, then gets ready to travel. Letting the mule walk beside. Justice: ", Necromancy cannot stand, Mercy. We do the work of Order" Gaiserich gets closer to Mercy and puts his hand on back, careful not to hurt the tattoo. “Thank you,” he says with great relief, his voice trembling slightly. Mercy nods to Giserich and nods to the ophidan man seriously, leaning in to touch his arm in return. "You are welcome. I'm very happy to have been able to help" Vex: "Divus...." the elf speaks loudly enough for everyone to hear "We come from different worlds, we have different practices. Different ideals." "If you would stand with us against the Starman, fight the evil he's stirring up in this land, help us uncover what happening here..." Gaiserich nods back, straightens himself up, and gets ready for the road—his spirits renewed, and hoping that the dark soul that escaped when the other bottle broke in the river would, however, whenever, also return to where it ought to be. Divus: "Do not speak to us of your practices Ear-thing. We already said We would not touch the souls further, we are not allies. Merely Acquaintances, if that." Vex: "....right.... I can accept that." "Lets go" Vex kicks out the fire, shoulders his things, and tosses them onto the horse cart Ken (GM): [map magic] [Alrighty, good place to hang this up this week I think] 4 xp! i gotta wrangle a kid here for a sec, sorry, but, we can pick this up in discord if ya need me :) Joush M.: Thanks for the game! Doc: very dramatic session Trash: Almost all of my points are redundant now :okhand: Rosettsara: Thanks for the session~ P.P. A.: Thanks for the session! Ken (GM): okay! Doc: >map marker for the beholder neat Ken (GM): yeah i was like "Whats the iconic memory of the last two sessions here?" and I cant put teenage drama into token form Doc: still can't believe I fucking glassed a beholder Ken (GM): twas epic in the best sense of the word Doc: didn't really do a whole lot but it was cool Joush M.: "Oy, ya eye covered cunt! Look at this!" Ken (GM): BOOSH tinkle Rosettsara: It was, all in all, a good time for everyone involved. Except the ones who died Doc: F Ken (GM): >sad snek P.P. A.: such cases Ken (GM) Where last we left our heroes... Ken (GM) The morning had risen on a bleak day of confrontation, resignation, deception and burnt oats. Divus, the strange wanderer, revealed much of the cosmology. he came from another world, another time perhaps, and his power condensed over spirits and their ilk. His practices however, were darker than even he saw. Fiss arrives, let the stabbing of Darkness begin! Ken (GM) And so as the troupe sets out again to confront the Starman, currently by way of the Ooze infested mines, they do so under tense quiet. A bowstring of brimming emotions and savage fury caged under a suit of armor. Clang: [dorf mode active] Ken (GM): [WOOP WOOP, DORF DETECTED] [SENDING IN THE BEEEEES] [*ominous humming begins from inside Vex] Justice sits on the Beastman's cart, the revelers discarded horse plodding ever forward on the trail. Vex sits beside her with a curious interest in her. Divus walks nearby, fuming, occasionally sparking with violet power from behind his robes and mask. Mercy looks to him, curious.. and careful. She's worried they have misjudged the man, and worried he may be terrebily dangerous. The attractive young woman's hair brushed carelessly back and held with a black ribbon at the back of her head in a pony tail, her waxed cloth coat on and her eyes searching restlessly. Sometimes she sniffs the air, catching those hints in the air as she walks. "We should reach the mines today?" Gaiserich slithers along, his mood a little gloomy, but with his eyes set on their destination and the dangers to come. Sophie awakens with a start, apparently not having realized she fell asleep. She stares at Divus and the energies emanating from him, and smirks. Gaiserich occasionally glances over at Divus, hoping he'd have stayed behind or gone his own way instead of tagging along. Clang watches the land roll past them with grim determination, glancing at his party members in turn to ensure they are well...or as well as can be in the land of blood and darkness P.P. A.: I should ask: Mercy doesn't smell like wet dog when wet, does she (Attractiveness should prevent that, but just to be sure) Ken (GM): haha oh man good question does she have fur, I'd start with Justice certainly is fuzzy Joush M.: Mercy mostly smells like a wet human, when wet. She's without Fur, so her DR is lower and she lacks some features of beastman like Gray. P.P. A.: Ooh, I see I had imagined her as a half-furry; kinda like Katt/Rinpu, but dog instead of cat Joush M.: More inuyasha Ken (GM): yeah, its almost all ears and HUEG Joush M.: Eyes too. P.P. A.: I see, I see Ken (GM): like, a 1 on the 1-10 furry scale Doc: 10% and a Big Girl Ken (GM): FOR YOU Doc: (reminder that 10% is NOT furry) Ken (GM): anime-con booth babe hired for her skirt wearing cat ears furry Sophie: "So he hasn't gone mad dealing with us yet, nor have we gone mad dealing with him. Good job, team." Ken (GM) The Fens of Gorgoth is a warm swamp, fetid with fog and mysterious gasses. Morning light pierces in rays that come and go, warm and cool air mixing and swirling over water that sluggishly passes or gives up and stagnates in the sandy earth. Black and grey rocks protrude like cadaver bones, ghoulish footholds. Southwest from the burned out fort is an ancient road, carved with ancient weathered foreign stones, shiny and secure after all this time. Their geometric pattern is scarecely overgrown by the swamp, a knife mark in the terrain Mercy mostly looks human if you ignore the dark lupine ears that peek from her hair, twisting, reflecting emotion and gathering sounds. Or the eyes.. humans don't really come in amber. She's exceedingly tall for a human, six foot four and all hard and lean under the Hunter's heavy, durable clothing that serves as armor of a sort. She tilts her head and smiles, nodding to Sophie. "Following the road seems safest, but could draw attention. It's exposed." Ken (GM): [You have a cart and horse, a mule, and boots. Heading down the road in the Fens? The ominous directions from the witchy-man indicated the mines were south of here] >tfw everyone is already on point before the GM can micro them P.P. A.: six foot four and full of muscle, and she speak-a my language Doc: what's her Cooking skill for making a Vegemite sandwich? Joush M.: You have to fail one at +4 to a simple, routine task Sophie examines the terrain as best she can, using her secondhand tactical skills to see what's better for them in the long term. Ken (GM): yeah, vegemite is just, crit fail territory. Dwarf food Gaiserich: The snakeman's mood improves as the road meanders through familiar grounds. The warmth and humidity of the air is comfortable, and the low visibility by the fog calming; the gasses not so much, but they are familiar. Rolling 3d6 = 16 vs 14 for Tactics! Sophie is clearly too groggy and unfamiliar with the terrain to make an accurate judgment at the moment, however. Jack doesn't know what a "terrain" is Mercy: "Let us risk the road. Such a formidable group has little to fear from others, after all." She can't help but glance at the necromancer. He seems so tense and on edge, she worries he is the greatest danger with them. Sophie: "I'll leave our next move up to you, Mercy. The revelers seemed to arrive just fine, so..." Ken (GM): [such jolly cooperation] Sophie: "Let's just say I trust your instincts." Gaiserich: “How will we clear the minessss when we come there? Fighting through them would be hard… We can ssssset up traps where it goes into the minessss, will just have to play it by ear and figure it out as we go I think." She admits to Gaiserich. The young woman blushing and smiling at Sophie's show of trust, respecting the physician's opinion. She rolls a cigarette as she walks, tucking it behind an ear, then rolls a second. Offering it to Jack. Jack accepts the cigarette as graciously as he knows how - with a nod and without teasing the girl this time Ken (GM): Clang: "I suspect we may find a very wet mine. This affords us with opportunity for stealth if we don't mind a swim, but the rivers that cut through the heart of mountains are rarely so calm. We may also simply be able to find the source of some gas...and block its path to use as a weapon." "I suppose we'll see what opportunities and hazards we can exploit once we are there...but yes...it will be far from a dull dive I suspect." Sophie: "We should be so lucky." Gaiserich nods. “Doessss the ooze wash away in water?” He thinks back to the bit of slime oozing into the brook at the site where they met Justice. Clang: "Mines in areas with gas often need elaborate venting to be safe. A cork may be all we need to send the inhabitants scrambling into a trap." Gaiserich: “That soundssss good.” Clang ponders at the snek friend and laughs Clang: "I can't remember, we've always just used fire." "Perhaps some borros sand would work..." Gaiserich should be able to sniff out the spots where gas leaks to the surface—Mercy, too—so blocking those vents should be feasible. Clang: [yes, I'm claiming it...Dwarves have discovered Borax] Mercy dust a little powder into the lock of the spare gun, then aims the unloaded weapon in a safe direction and pulls the trigger. Using that strong spark to light a sliver of wood then using that hot brand to light her cigarette, then giving it to Jack to light his. "I didn't know that, Mister Clang" Ken (GM): hahah i dont know what I love more; morax or badass cigarettes Sophie: "Just let us know what to do and when, and we'll do it." Clang: "Alfather's Beard...I "Though, I suppose either will be preferable than fighting a horde of angry folks bent on our death." Ken (GM): [Oh look kobolds. how quaint] [lights their caverns on fire with methane fumes] [XP dings overload the SFX buffers] Rosettsara: Putting a whole new meaning to Monster Kill Sophie: "Of course, Divus might have a solution in mind, too." Clang: "Aye, youve been travelling the region longer than we, Divus, any idea what the mine ahead is like?" Divus shudders, flinches away from the conversation and you see several superimposed forms of himself flicker in and out of view in a violet magical display. He grasps his head and calms them, standing still a few moments. Divus: "We...do not. This is a strange land, we have no experiences in " "We know of the dwarves though; great builders, sons of the First, creators of wonders. Our tools were liberated from their hands" Rolling 3d6 = 10 v11 Mercy stops, watching Divus. "Sir?" She ask him, watching to see if the quantum instability that infects him will spread or consume him. Unsure if there is anything she can do to help. Divus shakes it off, light dissipating as suddenly as it appeared Divus: "We do not nee dyour help" Mercy: "Of course. Let's move on then.." She takes the lead of the carthorse and walks ahead. Sophie quietly keeps an eye on Divus and his unstable aura Ken (GM) the morning warms and cools with the wind, and the fog rolls over your path as much as the blue sky whines cool above. When the sun dapples you, sweat crosses your mud-smeared brow (To GM): Gaiserich keeps this in mind, and won't be surprised if either rear their ugly heads again; he keeps his tongue out for the smell of rotting flesh and the musk of orcs, though. Ken (GM) The road indeed stays high and level as you travel; while not actively maintained (you side step deadfalls and brush) it is very well preserved. Some leftover construction of this shattered land's many-rulers history Clang lets the mood calm for a moment, but walks over closer to Divus and offers any chatty insight to the dwarves of old that he can...and can learn from if the man is talkative Ken (GM) As the day brightens, so do the moods of Justice and Vex; within the time it takes to shake a skin of water and eat foraged berries, they speak in hushed tones and childish giggles, sometimes even loud guffaws Sophie: "They make a nice couple." Mercy looks very suprised at that, then nods to Sophie. The dark haired young woman offering a faint smile. "They do. I'm glad they are happy." Sophie: "Without that spark, hope will never keep shining." Doc: (internet just dropped for a bit) Ken (GM): [you have only missed RP. No E, C, or TT and G] Sophie: "I guess someone's gotta light that spark to make up for our cheerful guest." Ken (GM): kek Divus remains in calm concertation with Clang, who seems to have him roped down for the moment Gaiserich is in wilderness mode, scouting ahead of the party and keeping an eye out for easy prey. Ken (GM): Gai! Some kind of ROLLLLLLL Sophie: "So, I know it's not coming up for a while yet, but... what do we have to returns to the main road and slows down to match the pace of the party, tossing what looks like a crab's shell over his shoulder. Justice: "If this Starman is strong, i believe he is only a sorcerer....or a Warlock" she sneers at Divus's side of the path Gaiserich: “Thissss land holdssss many old, old weapons; perhapsssss we can find ssssome, and use them to hurt the Sssstarman.” Clang: "We are walking into a story of prophecy and lore...our lot may be no more mystical than being in the right place at the right time to do a mundane act of righteousness. Sophie: "I'll get right on that." Vex: "Clang, tell me, your hands..." the elf man trails off, wondering at his own for a moment, in the sunlight's rays " Clang laughs and taps his hands together Jack: "If he bleeds, we can kill him. If he doesn't bleed, we just need to figure out how to make him bleed. Then we can kill him." Clang: "Who says a Dwarven Heart cannot still be merry? Perhaps the merriest of us are full of quartz." Sophie: "I could hit him with enough light magic to drown out his darkness." Gaiserich nods at Jack's wisdom. Mercy: "I don't know about that.." She admits. Knowing nothing of exactly what is required of a starman, or how to fight one. She's making this up as she goes along. The dark haired amazon watching the swamp from the road as they walk. "Well, this is a Mortal World. We all get our appointment when we enter it." Gaiserich: “Light magic?” Divus: "" Gaiserich: “Blesssss you.” Clang snorts Divus shudders, and flickers P.P. A.: (alternatively: “Гезундхаит.”) Sophie: "You could see a shining aura in me, correct? My magic talent is in the realm of Light. I can create a beam of light to attack an enemy." Vex: "I showed her how!" the man pipes up brightly. Justice jabs him in the ribs " Gaiserich slows down and thinks back. “…of light? Like… sssstabbing an enemy with light and heat?” Sophie: "From a distance, yes." Vex: "Yes, exactly that Gaiserich. The sun's beams, of a sort, in a very intense heat. Like several days of relaxation in a shor tburst" Clang: " Sophie: "From the way it affected that otherworldly beast, it should be at least a little effective against a dark god." Gaiserich: “I saw ssssomething like that on the lagre eye—that wassss you?” Clang: "Curious...and unsettling, but I'll take it over the blood sacrifices any day" Mercy nods to Sophie, curious about that strange power she holds. Sophie: "Yes, Gai. That is when I first came up with the spell." Gaiserich smiles. “Very good! You can burn thingsssss from far away now, thissss should be useful.” Divus: " BUT NO" half muttered behind the mask P.P. A.: Heh, Clang: [pondering....legends of Dorf Mag Guns? Any legends Clang would know of? Or is that all future stuff?] Sophie: "If the key to defeating this thing is in magic, I would advise that you use your downtime from now on learning at least the basics from Vex." "And if it's not, then learn some anyway, and we can save our ammo for him." Mercy nods, looking down to her arms. "I suppose I have plenty of room for other spells.." Gaiserich: “Can you ssshhhow me how to sssspit fire? Like a dragon?” the snakeman asks Vex with a bit of excitement. Vex chuckles a tthat...then blanches when he realizes youre serious Vex: "Uhhhh...I have no idea actually! But we could try?" Gaiserich isn't sure if he's serious; the Elf is the one who should know what can be done or not. Vex: "Come" he beckons "Get up here on the cart and le tme see your aura, what of it you have" Clang: "Aye, it would be wise to learn as much as we can...and I admit, talk of the thunderous glory that was the Allfather's chosen weapons of old has the child in me giddy..." Clang looks as stoic as possible, but his eyes are shining bright Gaiserich nods and slithers on top of the cart. He has seldom ridden one before—the vibrations spreading through the frame as the wheels rumble over the weathered road feel kinda funny. Sophie "As I said: Sometimes a spark is all that's needed." She observes the party's improved morale with some pride. Mercy: "There may be something in that magic book that could help.." She offers, nodding to the box of inks and needles and magical book that rest in the wagon. Watching, hunting quitely ahead and nodding to Sophie with a smile. Gaiserich can't really see himself doing magic, but breathing fire like a dragon would be really cool! Vex get's Gai seated and arranges himself in the back of the cart, cross legged in a lotus pose Gaiserich tries to mimick him and ties his lower body into a loose knot, of sorts. Vex closes his eyes, hums to himself a tuneless melody quietly, and places his fleshy hand on Gai's chest and then forehead. Over a few minutes, many strange expressions cross his face. Rolling 3d6 = 8v10 Vex 's gauntlet flashes momentarially with blue light, shining like a flashbulb (To GM): Gaiserich is very confused. “Yes! Who are you?” he asks the voice with a thought. Gaiserich startles for a moment. Clang watches with badly masked curiosity Sophie is still keeping watch over Divus, but occasionally finds her attention wandering to what Vex is doing Gaiserich: “There issss a voice, and it doesss not make sense.” Gaiserich: “‘Yunit ssssiksshandridwan, ad—’ I don't know what it'sssss sssaying.” Vex trembles in front of the snakeman, sweat beading on his brow, concentration on his face. You hear a CRUNCH and he SCREAMS Gaiserich: *ssssiksshandridssssevinteewan Gaiserich looks to Vex, shocked! (To GM): Gaiserich thinks at the voice: “Stop! Don't hurt Vex!” Ken (GM) A gout of red from the elf's shoulder, the arm with teh gauntlet, as a snaking thread of metal bursts from his skin and tentacle threads cling to his body! Clang shouts something in Dwarven that might have Allfathers and Beards related to it Sophie: "Yeah, i'd say stop if that's what's happening." Ken (GM): lel "Please, no now. Just no" Sophie goes to look him over. "A gift from my lovely sister, most likely." Gaiserich hastily tries to untie his lowerbody and looks helpless and… very worried at what's happening. He seems to hesitate, trying to help Vex but unsure how to. Mercy runs over to try and help, catching Vex, drawing him gently back. She rips his clothes so they can see his arm and what the gauntlet is doing. "Is it spreading?" Vex sits frozen and trembling in the pose, as his shoulder is a riot of bloody flesh and black twisting metal limbs! It looks like a steel octopus its climbing out of his upper arm! Jack: "Do I kill him?" Gaiserich: “Dissssengaje!” he says—repeats after some unheard voice, it seems. Clang rushes over and tries to grab the gauntlet Clang: "Aye, Ya beastly metal! We already have enough of that in this party!" Sophie tries to examine the new thing, perhaps checking if it has an aura, and if it is dstinct from Vex's. (To GM): Any aura changes in the gauntlet? Ken (GM) in the commotion, Vex is bodily seperated from the squirming thing! Clanggeden gets a hold of it, and the doctor follows the bleeding elf to the cart floor. Justice shouts "ROND BETCH" and tackles Gaiserich over the cart side (gently) as Mercy makes sure nobody kills anyone else Rolling 3d6 = 13 vs 17 (First Aid) "Vex. I want you to cease your regenerate magics right now." Vex: "Im....not?" he manages to struggle out Sophie: (regenerative*) "Then i'm sorry, but I will have to operate through it." Gaiserich peers over the side of the cart to see what's going on. Vex: "Oh no" Doc: >performing surgery on someone who is constantly regenerating Sophie: "Don't be alarmed, but a foreign body is in your arm. I need to remove it, unless anyone has any idea what it might be?" Clang: "Divus, if you blast me with something I'm not going to be pleasant at dinner tonight...what are you doing?" Divus leaves his hand up, and tips his head ot the side Gaiserich slithers around the cart to Clang, and cautiously pokes the glove. Divus: "DOn't worry....the blast had no effect on the thing" (To GM): He tries to think at it: “What are you? What are you doing to Vex?” Clang raises an eyebrow as if to say: We'll chat about that later Ken (GM) the metal gauntlet has foot long limbs hanging out of it, slowly retracting up into the gauntlet core. The fingers clench and flex Can Gaiserich intuit that it might be best to let it do its thing and let the tentacles grow together, or is he too spooked by badmagic? Ken (GM) the dwarf twists his hands violently and swings down; the gauntlet slides off his grip and goes WHUNK into the surface of the roadway , who has been holding Vex tightly and still to allow Sophie to do her delicate work, eases up on the grip a little as Vex faints and his spasms calm. Vex 's wound closes, the holes caressed by threads of copper. Only his arm stump remains.... Gaiserich: “What… happened?” Mercy helps Sophie the best she can. Feeling his heart beat and how his chest rises to make sure he's still stable. Gaiserich: “Is thissss… not like the ssstrange vines?” Vex breathes clamly, heart strong. THUMP THUMP THUMP....THUMP THUMP THUMP Sophie: "Some of his tissue has regrown." Clang: "Vex said this was a Dwarven artifact, did he not? But I don't recall any stories of something like that." Sophie points to some differently coloured skin, pink, which is a new growth from the stump. Mercy: "His heart beats steady and strong, but it's.. different?" Sophie: "Three beats. Never heard the like." Gaiserich feels, rather than hears, the heartbeat, and is also puzzled by the rhythm. Sophie: "So long as he's fine for now...when he awakens and seems no different, all should be well, but remember the flowers." (To GM): is that coming from the hand, or from Vex's body? Vex mutters out loud in his sleep Vex: "...KUP POWER AVAILABLE, LOW POWER STATE FAIL..." "...OR DONOR SOURCE IMMED..." Mercy nods to Sophie and stands quitely by, looking to Clang. "I.. that was very strange. Do you understand anything about what he's saying?" Gaiserich turns to Vex and nods: “Reconnett to power or donnor ssssource immediately.” Gaiserich: “I… think he issss saying that we need to put the hand and Vex back together, or one of them diessss.” Clang watches the mass of tentacles on the ground and sighs, picking it back up, but this time, much more gingerly Clang: "Let's get it on it then." Sophie nods Mercy frowns deeply and stands by, watching. Justice: "YOU WANT TO ?!" Jack: "Why not let it die?" Justice shouts, sword in one hand, hair in the other, frustration on her face Clang: "We can watch Vex for now to see if he's suffering....I care not about the hand." Sophie: "I'd rather have your loved one not die along with it." Gaiserich: “If the hand diesss, that would be fine, but… It ssseems they are connected already, ssssso I am worried.” Clang nods Dwarvishly Gaiserich: “He sssaid the sssame thing the hand ssspoke, and the tentaclessss sssseemed to be trying to connect.” Justice: [fuck, 1 sec, diaper] Sophie: "What i'd like to know is what caused it to violently reject itself from Vex." Gaiserich turns to Sophie: “What isss— what doesss his body look like insssside?” Mercy: "The threads and filements of the artifact seem to reach inside him. It's no simple connection at the wrist." Gaiserich assumed Sophie caught a glimpse while she was working on the wound Clang: "It seems to be...trying...to take power from me. I could attempt to keep it alive while we wait to see if Vex will be better off without it, but..." Clang smiles, a bit nervously Sophie: "The copper threads seem to have hybridized themselves with Vex's tissue and bone structure." Justice: [back] Clang: "For Vex, I would do this, but I'm not sure if it is wise either way." Justice looks aghast, staing back and forth at Vex and the other side of the cart.... shes torn Gaiserich: “Hybri— like… taken the place of hisss bonesss? Or become one with them?” Sophie: "Merged, become one with them." Gaiserich crosses his arms. “…worrying. But if that is so, maybe it issss to late to pull them apart, and the hand and Vex are already… one.” Gaiserich: “But thissss really remindsss me of the vinessss we cut.” Sophie: "Quite similar to the vines or crystals we've found." "What do you guys want to do?" Ken (GM) the crystal flashes red, once, then holds a solid red light Gaiserich looks at Vex, and at Justice. Clang looks between Vex and the stones on the hand, seeing if there's any change Justice 's ears droop "Put it on ME!" Gaiserich: “You like Vex; do you want to rissssk him dying, or him becoming ssssomething els—” Vex is still, calm and quiet Sophie: "Do you have any magical energies it can feed on?" Justice clenches her face, and shakes her head 'No' Justice: "" Clang sighs shakes his head Clang: "This better had not ruin my nails... P.P. A.: so is Vex's condition worsening? Sophie: "Are you sure, Master Clang?" Clang nods at Sophie Clang: "If Vex's health fails, I'll stop immediately. Watch him close." "I have no idea what my forefathers had in mind if they are indeed the crafters of this thing...but I pray they'll have a setting for kin that is a little less intrusive." Sophie: "Very well. Do let me know if you experience any strange symptoms." Clang enables Dwarftooth Ken (GM): [fistfucking the tentacled gauntlet of squirm?] Gaiserich is ready to snatch the glove from him if Clang starts convulsing, screaming, or anything of the sort. Mercy shivers and watches, hesitant, unsure what to do and reaching out to gently pat Justice's shoulder. Clang: [yep, will place the gauntlet thingies along his left arm at first, seeing if the magnet force will reinact] [if that fails, he'll try to 'put it on' if he can] Ken (GM) the gauntlet slides over Clang's pointed hand, and slides into place. The gemstone on the back of the wrist flickers, flashes amber for a moment, then bright brilliant blue again Ken (GM) clang slides the guantlet on, it flashes, and then it simply SLIDES into his metallic appendage, his metal hand subsuming the metal that disappears beneath his skin. The square cut gem remains, shining dull blue on the back of his left wrist Clang blinks Sophie: "How do you feel?" Gaiserich looks on, somewhat horrified. Clang takes a moment, not entirely sure, but does his best to smile easily as before Justice gasps...then faints Clang: "I feel alright...I feel like me, at least." Gaiserich: “‘Sssssecondary umblical disssconnected; opereshin nominl and independnt. Sucksessfull duplikayshin of assssetsss.’” “…isss what the voice sssays.” Clang ponders, looking at the gem set into his hand, then turns to Gaiserich Divus: "We have not seen this much deficient blood pressure in fifteen square realities..." Sophie: "Of course. If you feel the need to have a private chat later, let me know." Mercy stares, shocked. The pale woman catching Justice, staggering under her weight and supporting her, holding her up then gently lowering her. "Easy, easy.. I.. what just happend? I don't think I understand." Clang: "No secrets among comrades, Sophie...I feel fine, but the process was....quite...alien. I'm not sure exactly what happened. Gaiserich, perhaps we should write these words you are hearing down." Vex: ".....REBOOTING...." Sophie has some paper and pencils ready. Gaiserich: “I am sssssorry if they don't make ssssense. I have learned the Holder tongue from my visitsssss to warmblood ssssettlements, but I never heard these wordssss before.” Vex flutters his eyes, and stirs awake Clang: "Vex, our good Elf, are you well?" P.P. A.: VendowsXp Sophie: "A new record." Vex: "What just happened? why do i taste copper? Did I bloody my nose?" he wipes his stump into his face and gasps a tthe loss of his arm Sophie: "You'll learn to live with it." Gaiserich slowly lets go of the elf if he can right himself up on his own. Vex sits up, looks a little woozy but hes back Clang: "We'll have much to talk about I'm sure, but how about we settle in for a cup of tea first..." [DwarfIroh intensifies] Gaiserich: “When you touched me, I heard a voice. It ssssaid thingsss I did not undersssstand. Then you sssstarted hurting, and tentacles grew from your body and the hand.” “…now the hand hid in Clang's hand.” Vex blanches at the description and nods along, carefully Clang raises his hand to show the gem Vex: "There was...a loss of power....and then the disengagement procedure" "*Why do i know these words?" Gaiserich: “Yesss, that's what it ssssaid too. Do you know what it means?” Clang: "We feared what would happen should it be powerless...for your sake and survival." Vex: "" Clang laughs Sophie observes Vex's aura, if he even still has one." Gaiserich: “Also, your heart beatssss three timesss now.” Sophie: "A loss of power, you say? But your magic energies seem normal." Vex: "I am operating at Nominal Efficacy, and...the duplication was successful?" (To GM): what was that again, funculum? The message slid off the log Vex: "What the hells am i saying?!" Clang looks down at the gem and frowns Gaiserich: “…you should know that bessst.” Sophie: "I think you may need some rest." Vex: "The words leap to mind but I don't recall where I learned them" Gaiserich: “Do you knnow what ‘fununculum’ isss? Ssssomething with your heartbeat.” Sophie: "Don't think about it for now." Clang: "Duplication... Aye, I suppose that makes some sense." Vex: "Like a dream, half remembered. tears i nthe rain" Clang nods, forcing a smile Clang: "Tea. We need tea. Possibly whisky." Gaiserich manages to says this complicated word with surprising ease, as though he was familiar with it. Mercy: "There is another.. Will inside you. Some kind of echo of the artifact. Some sprirt in the machine?" She ask, fidgeting, ears drooping nervously. She collects wood and builds a small fire to heat water for the tea. P.P. A.: I miss Suðri; he could ponder all the strange possibilities here instead of being busy grappling with his vocabulary. Ken (GM): hahahah He's a solid personality Clang: "Aye, my good, noble Snake sir, Fununculum...it would be the heart remaining of a paladin should you be brave or foolish enough to burn one in lava." Clang laughs nervously Divus: "Wow!" he honestly exclaims Gaiserich: “It'ssss… what I think Vex'sssss three-heartbeat is.” Clang almost falls over in surprise as Divus shouts Sophie remains quiet, but listens to what everyone is saying Gaiserich: “I… don't know why I know. Maybe the voice told me.” Mercy stares at the necromancer. P.P. A.: If Vex starts making racist comments about elves, then we know that Bomrek died and now his spirit possesses him. Divus: "Dwarves have never been this interesting before. Do continue. We are " Clang: "We've made it our business not to be so interesting that we attract too much trouble." Clang laughs Clang: "We find enough trouble as is. Clang mumbles as he goes into his pack to find his tea making supplies, something about poking at the hearts of the Earth and trouble snuggled up next to it P.P. A.: In b4 we're on to some conspiracy where Dwarven Paladins are murdered, thrown into lava, and then their hearts are fashioned into cyborgisation devices. Fiss: [or they get their faces eaten by books...but that's a different campaign long ago....] Ken (GM): Mercy brews tea carefully for the others, the homey task giveing her something to think about other then how hopeless she feels in this siutation. Gaiserich straightens himself up and slides over to Clang. “Can I talk to it?” he asks, pointing at Clang's hand. Justice wake sin the interim to the sound of fire and smell of dark tea. She startles awake shielding her burned scars...and then realizes whats happening. When she sees Vex awake, he waves weakly...and she tackles him in a pouncing hug Clang pauses every once in a while, examining himself as if making sure he's still himself, but after a while, he seems to accept that he is, and by Gaiserichs tries to think at the voice again, staring at Clang's hand where it hid: “What are you? Are you an Earthshaker craft? Do you belong to the Starman?”” Sophie keeps to herself, mostly Gaiserich is staring at Clang's bejeweled hand intently. Clang: "There seems to be a kind of....clock in my mind. It's telling me something I don't understand, but it sounds like the phrases and words Gaiserich had given to his tongue." Gaiserich looks annoyed and shakes his head. “I'll try again later.” Clang: "It doesn't sound....dangerous....but....I'll warn everyone when it seems about to complete." Clang smiles Mercy smiles just a tiny bit when Vex gets hugged. "That is.. very strange, Mister Clang. I hope you feel well? Clang: "Just in case." Gaiserich nods to Clang. “Boot-up sssequeeze, sssomething like that?” Mercy offers him a mug. "I'm sorry. I was useless there. And I can't imagine what those words might mean." Sophie: "We'll do what we can if you're in distress." Clang: "Aye, I feel fine...I pray to the Allfather's infinite wisdom that he just gave the crafters of this strange device a sense of humour that does not translate over the eons of time." Justice snorts at Mercy Justice: "WE were useless, not just you; did you see me withering like a lily?" she clutches vex tight in one arm Clang: "Yes, my fine fellow, Boot Up.. About half done, if the percents are to be believed." Vex is smooshed affectionately Clang smiles at the smooshing Clang: "Either way, we will learn more about this thing...if it should be destroyed or if it a tool we can use." Clang looks down at his other arm Clang: "I've already been blessed with years of use from my arms that should have been lost....I mind not if I must sacrifice one willingly now." Jack: "Does it uh... feel any different yet? Could you even with that hand before?" Mercy: "You are very brave, Mister Clang.. and anybody can be overcome, Justice. These things happen." Gaiserich: “I do not underssstand… Of course Vex sssaid the sssame things as the voice, because it is hissss hand. Now the hand is… hiding in Clang'sssss hand, so Clang can hear it too.” He nots to himself—so far it makes sense. “But why could I hear it? And why did it sssstart doing ssssomething after I heard it?” Mercy carefully gives everyone tea and takes out a rosewood pipe from her tobacco box, cleaning it fussily then packing it, offering it to Clang in case he wants something to settle his nerves. Vex: "" the elf says, almost absently, staring into the fire Clang gladly takes the kindly offered pipe for a modest sniff, then passes it along to others if they desire Clang returns to his tea, as if looking for the right words Vex: "When an elf bonds with a spirit, they form what is told to be a harmonious collective of soul and elemental. They live in a mingled harmony, a melding of the magic and physical. Real and unreal" Sophie: "Gai. I understand your confusion and curiousity, but think about what they're feeling. Let's not stress them out too much." Mercy shakes her head with a smile. "I've always rolled up.. my father smoked a pipe though." She explains, resting her hands on the box. "Like a totem bond." She says to Vex, nodding to him. Gaiserich: “Ssssorry.” P.P. A.: Did Vex lose a lot of blood? Clang: "Aye...especially magic of old, when Dwarves and Elves met fairly in the past, we had more in common than in defiance to each other. Our magics diverge greatly, but they root in the same world." "Or so I like to believe..." Ken (GM): [about as much as a small hare, when dressing one. He seems okay] P.P. A.: [all right, otherwise Gaiserich would have gone to catch some food to help Vex regain his strength] Clang: best snek is best snek friend Ken (GM): [hot tea should be good, then water] Clang: "I wonder why this...event...occurred as Vex tried to do magic. Perhaps the Elf mysticism is not quite compatible." Sophie: "You were trying to teach Gai some magic, correct?" Vex nods Mercy cleans up the elf blood. Vex: "Yes I was performing the same ritual we had, when I inspected your aura. I touched to his chakras, spoke with his soul and then...." Vex pantomimes his hand bursting beside his head Clang: "Gaiserich...if you are able to hear the thoughts and words from the Gem...or Gauntlet, or whatever we wish to call this thing.... , mundane as he has been all his life, triggered this chain of events. Clang: "Did you feel or hear anything when Vex's hand....happened?" Gaiserich: “Only the voice in my head. The ssssame one you hear now.” He thinks back and tries to remember if he forgot anything, but it all happened so quickly. Clang: "Aye, it's not as intrusive as I feared, but it seems we both hear it when it has something to say." Gaiserich: “It asssked me for inssstructions; I only asssked it what it was, then it ssstarted… to do what it did.” Divus: "As if you were the warlock master of a bound spirit?" "Curious" Gaiserich: “It sssaid it was sssickshandrid-ssseventee-one, ter— …sssomething else.” (To GM): Did he hear that bioroid thing, or rather… knew/feel it? Mercy: "Is there anything useful you can offer, mister Divus?" She ask as she scrubs up the mess from the wagon. In fact, given they'd captured it from cultist, she takes the chance to do more cleaning. Clang pours himself more tea, reaches into his pack and throws a nip of something more into the mug Ken (GM): [] Clang coughs into his cup Clang: "It says it is now warming up." Clang looks at his hands, expecting his tea to heat up and start smoking Ken (GM) nothing explodes Clang sips his tea...carefully Clang waits for tea to explode...or grow tentacles Clang turns to his snakey friend to see if he's getting the status updates as well. Clang: "Did you hear that?" Gaiserich has turned inwards—both figuratively, and literally too, as he has curled up a bit—for a while now, mulling over things. He looks up to Clang and shakes his head. “I think I need to ask first.” Gaiserich pokes Clang's hand. Clang lets the poking happen (To GM): “Status?” (Whatever this word means!) Mercy stays silent, taking off her coat and rolling up her sleeves to scrub at the wagon with a bit of sand and hollystone. Gaiserich grabs his head, semeingly pained. Gaiserich: “Sssso much… ssstuff.” Ken (GM): [!] Sophie: "Get some rest, Gai." Gaiserich quickly recovers; he was just overwhelmed by the flood of cryptic information. He looks over to Sophie, and nods; he is indeed a bit tired. Gaiserich curls up next to the fire. Clang is about to pat Gaiserich on the...well...somewhere comforting, but realizes he might not be able to do so without causing the snake discomfort, so he refrains and nods gratefully instead Clang turns to the others Clang: "I think whatever...process...it was doing is done. Sophie looks over the recorded words some more (To GM): “the successful logged action of PAIRING WITH AUTONOMOUS BIOROID DEVICE”—is that somehting Gaiserich knows and feels on an intimate level, or a conscious thought he experienced and remembers? Mercy: "Are you okay? Is there anything we can do?" Clang: "It seems lit is compatible with me, either by birthright, soul, or blood, I know not, but it does not seem to be complaining, other than informing me it..." Clang pauses, pondering (To GM): interesting, thanks Clang: "It is asking for...or rather, implying that materials are lacking." Clang smiles Clang: "Perhaps I should have bought that extra sack of grain and put on a few more pounds." Sophie: "We'll find a way through this together." Clang nods and looks up at the sky (To GM): He pokes the REPORT LOG, but if it's just a log of the words/data the glove sent to him, he'll gloss over it. Clang: "Aye, it doesn't seem to be wanting to harm me at least, nor anyone around me, so at least we know more of this mystery, even if it was not critical to save Vex." Vex: "Lucky mee~~" he manages weakly Vex is then summary smooshed by Justice Gaiserich: “‘Pairing with autonomous bioroid device’…” Gaiserich mumbles to himself, sunk in thought. Sophie: "I've got first watch." Vex: "Were staying here?" Gaiserich slowly lifts his head (up from his comfy snake-pillow) and looks at Clang and Vex. Clang: [I thought it was daytime? Just a camp for lunch right? or did we change that with the whole Dwarftooth Pairing?] Ken (GM): [GM's mental image was this was only a few hours into the morning, on your journey down the road] Gaiserich: “I think…” he hesitates to speak his mind, “…the hand isss trying to become… more full? Like a warmblood warrior'ssss armour.” Ken (GM): [halted abruptly, its sitll not been very long] Rosettsara: (Ah, forget Sophie said that, then) Ken (GM): [NEVER] [LOGGED NA DCATALOGUED] [TYPOS AND ALL] P.P. A.: [I wanted to type “oh no” but with typos, but “oh no” is too short for intentional typos] Ken (GM): LEL Clang looks down the road (I assume we're just off of it now?) Ken (GM): [just to the side, on a clear patch of clover] Clang: "Welp. I'm ready to travel if you all are. But if I start acting or saying strange things, I will be happy to bow out of any critical conflict." Gaiserich looks over to Vex, but doesn't want to disturb him and Justice now. The poor woodscent needs some rest. Sophie: "I'll make sure to keep an eye on your condition." Clang: [woodscent = best elf name] Divus: "Such interesting developments; perhaps further study is in order" Clang: "That, Mister Divus, is pretty much our mission statement." Divus: "We did not consider the prospect of organized actions" "Complicated" "Hmmm" Sophie: "Do you have something to say, Divus?" Clang: "Aye, if you've been waiting for the sharing of wisdom, it seems a good time." Divus: "The device resembles something of....elemental life. Or perhaps the dwarven spirit armor of ancient folklore and uncategorize dhistories" "It appears to be underdeveloped and strange, compared to previous sampled information. Like ourself, likely an artefact of seperated timelines and discordant harmonies. Wrong realities" Mercy pouts a touch at the mysterous, complicated words, the dark haired beauty refilling the masked man's tea.. or at least going to, before she stops. Divus: "It might be worth experimenting with....if we can have permission to do so" his implaccable mask turns to Justice. you can feel the scowl and see purple on the edges of his head sliding in and out "We have been instructed not to deviate in this timeline, previously, this is clear now, for harmony to continue" "We have 'learned a harsh lesson' in 'the school of hard knocks' " Divus syas the last phrases with odd accents and heavy drawl, it is weird Mercy: "Can you.. drink tea?" She ask, looking at the mask. Divus: "We would prefer to prepare our own meals" Gaiserich slithers over to Sophie, because she's smart: “Ssssophie. what isss an ‘update’?” Clang: [PC Basics 101, with your host, Bill Irongates!] Divus: "to make something more modern or suitable for use now by adding new information or changing its design" Sophie: "To the best of my knowledge, to update something is to correct a record or knowledge with information that is more recent and precise than previously recorded or told." Divus huffs Gaiserich looks to Divus, confused; and back to Sophie, less confused. Her explanation he understands. Gaiserich: “Vex'ssss hand sssstarted doing thingssss when we traded ‘updatessss’.” Clang smiles diplomatically Gaiserich: “Sssso maybe it learned from me?” Clang: "Your explanation was very good too, Divus, thank you." Divus ponders a moment then asks Divus: "Or did you learn from it?" Clang: "I'm learning I'm an old dwarf learning many new words...but somehow they make sense either through intuition, or me being too stubborn to accept not knowing." Sophie: "At least we can say our journey remains strange and interesting." Gaiserich pauses and thinks back. “Or I did. I think I down— pulled updatesss from it; but I don't know anything new now.” Gaiserich nods confidently now. “Yesss, I got the updates from the voice.” Divus: "You have been infected" Gaiserich looks shocked! Sophie: "Medically, or magically?" Divus: "Informationally. Indoctrinated perhaps. maybe Brainwashed" Mercy tilts her head to the side and watches with bright, thoughtful eyes. Helping get things tidied up and ready. Divus: "Moo hoo, ha ha" he laughs, flatly Ken (GM): DUN DUN DUNNNNNNN UNTIL, NEXT WEEK Clang absentmindedly eats his teacup Ken (GM): OW FUCK MY MOUTH WHY DID I DO THAT P.P. A.: For clarification: does he? Fiss: So.. is Clang Android compatible? Do I have to wait for updates to pair him with my Note 5? Ken (GM): NEXT WEEK Doc: yeah gonna need to know if he actually eats the cup or not Fiss: No...OR DOES HE?! P.P. A.: Hard to tell if it's a joke because, after all, we've had dwarves eat coins and swords before Fiss: lol Yeah, P.P. A.: and other assorted things Ken (GM): the GM can confirm Fiss: Nah, he drinks the tea and washes up Ken (GM) Clang monches on teacup P.P. A.: wew Ken (GM): :D Fiss: BUT HE EATS THE DISHCLOTH Joush M.: Ooh, crazy day. Fiss: DUN DUN DUNUUUNUNUNUNNN Ken (GM): bwahahahaha Joush M.: Good game though, thank you very much P.P. A.: Congrats on having been ennobled to a stalward knight of the Allfather, a mighty paladin Ken (GM): also; bonus points for not shooting Divus in the face P.P. A.: Thanks for the session! Fiss: Yeah, I had a blast. And Divus isn't dead yet! yet! Rosettsara: It was tempting Ken (GM): next week; hopefully people to trick out of money and stab in the dark, for Jack with a herdy gerdy playing in the backgrounf P.P. A.: 4 xp? Ken (GM): 4XP! Fiss: 4 points I assume? And a free disadvantage: Can't fap without thinking something is watching him? P.P. A.: XP! *4 Ken (GM): PAR A NOI A Rosettsara: Thanks for the session, though apologies for being a bit tired at the end Fiss: So long as he doesn't have to say "Alexa, start fapping sequence" it will be fine P.P. A.: that feel when I couldn't come up with a funny bugfix that could have been installed on the snek Ken (GM): lel "downloading updates for Snake; Mobile, the game" "warning, local data will be overwritten" Fiss: P.P. A.: “Gaiserich, have you been getting longer?” Fiss: Ken (GM): P.P. A.: Thanks for the session! Doc: eyy welcome to 4:30 AM nippon time an alarm Ken (GM): whats the nipponese word for internet nerds? Doc: gaijin P.P. A.: ohayou Ken (GM): hhahahah P.P. A.: (the latter was me greeting doc, not the answer to the question) Ken (GM): still hilarious Doc: おはようございます Ken (GM): 神いまいましいそれ以上の足のパトロール Rosettsara: お元気ですか Joush M.: Does this ざ mean excited man in wheelchair? Because I'm going to be sad if it's not P.P. A.: that's “za” Ken (GM): hahahah P.P. A.: It's just a syllable Joush M.: Ah, the sound an excited man in a wheel chair makes Ken (GM): hahahahahahah classic Clang: BEEP BOOP I AM DORF BOOZE, TEA, HA HA HA Ken (GM) Where last we left our heroes... Ken (GM) Travel in the deeper Fens of Gorgoth wa s a scenic and sinister trek; the horrors of the night before behind them, the sun dappled greenery around them promised to be full of hiding vampires, demons, or possibly even double-mummies. They bravely trekked on, brooding ghost wizards included, and made south. By late morning, they had done a major surgery, watched someone autonomiclaly heal, and otherwise the dwarf ate a teacup. And it isnt even lunchtime! Joush M. at last ask Clang about that. "Um.. Is it normal for dwarves to eat stoneware?" She ask diplomatically, hair drawn back into a lazy ponytail and a waxed cloth jacket on over her durable hunter's clothing. Mercy at last ask Clang about that. "Um.. Is it normal for dwarves to eat stoneware?" She ask diplomatically, hair drawn back into a lazy ponytail and a waxed cloth jacket on over her durable hunter's clothing. Joush M.: Every time. I've got to get better at that.. Gaiserich turns around, still very uneasy from what he was told about being infected, to see Clang eating a cup of tea. Gaiserich breathes a sigh of relief and mutters something in Gorath. (To GM): “Ahh, I'm just dreaming.” (To Joush M.): “Ahh, I'm just dreaming.” Sophie shrugs, and keeps some notes as she continues to observe. Clang monches the cup, a perplexed look on his face Gaiserich slithers over to the campfire and tries to reach into it— Gaiserich: …only to let out a small yelp of pain as he quickly retracts it, hurt by the flame. “…oh, sssso I am not asssleep…” Clang: "Why does this feel so ?" Mercy tilts her head to the side and perks an ear. "No dreams, Mister Gaiserich. I don't understand either though. Clang swallows the cup, and looks even more confused Sophie: "Ah, it's good to see that everybody is still in high spirits after all we've been through." Clang: "I didn't....really...chew that" Mercy: "Are you disoriented? Do you know where you are, and how you got here?" She ask Clang very gently, because those are quite scary questions. Jack: "I'm the normal one here, aren't I," Jack says to Sophie, only partially joking. Clang: "I am still Clang, you friend. We are in Gorgoth heading for the Starman. And nobody should mistake you for normal Jack. You can't even read!" Doc: >All the party says is "magic, infection, eating teacups" >Jack just wants to kill. Mercy nods and reaches out to gently pat Clang's strong shoulder above where the prosthetic starts. "Okay.. Is there anything we can do for you?" Gaiserich: “It issss normal to cannot read,” the snakeman corrects Clang. Well, at least among his hunter-gatherer people. Sophie: "What do you make of this, mysterious dark stranger?" Justice laughs at that Vex elbows her with his good arm Divus: "This appears to be the typical working of dwarven spirit amalgamation, though we cannot be sure within a deviation of statistical probability, its likely safe to assume Clang is..." Sophie: "Anything we puny light-based mortals should be concerned about once this process is complete?" Divus: "Not unless this is a world where the Darkness consumed all and flesh became the standard building material, no." Sophie: "Good news, Clang! I think." Ken (GM): >read that in his voice Gaiserich crosses his arms and reflects. His glance strafes Divus, whose talk about the serpentine hunter having been infected with something haunt him; it rests on Mercy for a few moments, and then fixates on Jack. Gaiserich: “Jack,” Gaiserich calls out to him. With a few swift movements, he takes off his armour/shirt. Jack doesn't like where this is going Gaiserich: He traces a line on his body with his finger—his carotid artery. “My blood runs here,” he explains, and points to some other vital organs: “and here beats my heart.” Ken (GM): uhhhh Gaiserich: “If I ever become that what I hunt, you know what to do.” Ken (GM): hahahhaahah you guys are doing this on purpose I swear Jack sighs with relief. "So you just want me to kill you? Got it." Gaiserich looks back at him very seriously and nods. He then gets dressed again. Jack: "I can make it very quick if you don't fight back." P.P. A.: He figured that because of the different anatomy, Jack might need to be told where Gaiserich's weak points are Mercy blinks and frowns, wondering why Gai would explain anatomy like that, then nodding reluctantly at the words as she walks beside with a frown on her lips. Sophie: "So much for that." Gaiserich —after having gotten dressed again—then turns to Mercy with similar determination: “You cleansed the soul in the bottle. Can you try that on me? I… do not know what has infected me. It is like a ‘book’ I can read in my head, but I don't know that many of the words mean.” P.P. A.: *what Sophie sits back and listens to the others for now Vex: "Interesting; you think this is like a demonic presence then? A maleficious spirit?" Gaiserich: “Well… I don't know. It is sssstrange.” “I am sssstill Gaiserich, but I am reading words in your head that I can't underssssstand, ssssso I think there musssst be sssssomething in my head, no?” P.P. A.: *in my head Gaiserich: “…sssssomething that should not be there.” Gaiserich seems unsure how this works. Vex looks at his arm stump, and his free hand. Mercy considers that, nodding to Gai as she takes a deep breath. "Yes. The Rite of Exorcism can generally drive out any spirits, especially creatures of the dark." Vex: "Should we try again?" Sophie: "I'll be on standby." Mercy: "Is there somewhere we can stop and set up? I will do my very best." She promises. Gaiserich doesn't have eyebrows so he can't raise any. Thus unable to express his skepticism, he simply shrugs, and looks back and forth between Vex and Mercy. “What should we try first? Maybe the cleansssing, sssso if it bad, it cannot harm Vex.” Ken (GM): @mercy [any suitably prepared spot should work. A clear piece of ground swept and encircled] Vex: "I agree; a cleansing first, before we mingle auras again" Mercy nods to Gai and finds a place with high, dry ground. The attractive young wolf-woman sweeping it clear, all leaves and branches gone, then praying quietly to herself as she draws the circle. Sophie: "Vex, do you recall the circumstances in which we got you your arm back earlier?" Vex ponders Vex: "In the sanctuary? When the gauntlet joined by body?" Gaiserich gets in the circle before it's finished, since he can't very well step over it once it's complete. Sophie: "it was stolen by Euria, and give to us to give back to you. It was also tampered with." Mercy writes prayers on strips of paper, carrying them to Gai, pinning them to his clothes, fluttering bits of them attached to him by wax before she kneels and starts to pray, performing the ritual from memory, though she can't help but wish a moment she had a proper holy book to remind her.. Rolling 3d6 = 7v10 Vex: "Ah, I had nearly removed her from my mind, miss Sophie." he looks wistfully at Justice amoment Sophie: "I envy you." Ken (GM) Mercy prays and Gai coils himself in a contemplative pose. There is a whistling of wind, sudden and rushing in a small twister about them for a moment. leaves and grasses rise and fall with the dust as Mercy taps into the power of Light. Ken (GM) As suddenly as the power appears...it leaves. Gai and Mercy are left sitting in the clearing looking at each other Divus: "Interesting. Whatever infectious power inside him is seemingly immune to the power" taps a finger against his mask, pondering Mercy finishes the prayer, then takes a deep breath and thanks the light before her gaze rises to meet the snakeman's. "I'm sorry. There are more powerful exorcist and true holy men that could help more, I'm sure." (To GM): I assume nothing's changed Sophie: "It was worth a try." Gaiserich: “Thank you for trying,” he lightly bows to Mercy. “If nothing happened, perhapssss it issss not an evil sssspirit. You have good powersss, if it wasss one it would have reacted.” Gaiserich smiles, appreciating her effort—and a little relieved that he doesn't need to hunt a demon in his own mind. He then turns to Vex, and nods wordlessly, however hesitantly. Clang: "Yes. Darkness rises against the Light. If your power provoked nothing..." Mercy nods. "That's true. It's a postive way to look at things." She smiles a touch and stands. "Shall we try, mister Vex? Or do you think it would not help?" Sophie has an idea, and looks over Gai with her recently acquired auravision. Vex: "I am only half concerned." he absently grips his stump, nervously Gaiserich: “If it isss not an evil ssspirit, we are not in a rush; perhapssss we should move on, and try again when we are ressssted.” Mercy nods and tidies up. Leaving the prayers of cleansing on paper strips fluttering and hanging on Gai. Gaiserich picks them off and offers them back to Mercy, or else throws them into the fire if they can't be reused. Doc: (back with food) Sophie gets out a piece of paper and begins to draw what she's seeing Gaiserich looks alerted all of a sudden, but also a bit confused. “Forain probing?” He asks aloud. P.P. A.: actually wait, “foreign” is a word he'd definitely have heard before Gaiserich: *Foreign Ken (GM): lel Mercy: "Humm?" She ask in that curious voice, looking to Gai as they walk. Clang: "Brother snake, I believe I hear that too. Something about 'no available countermeasures'? A warning shouting in your mind?" P.P. A. bases Gai's vocabulary knowledge on “is this a word you'd hear people say or that'd come up in conversation in some rustic mediæval border village” Gaiserich nods to Clang. “Yessss, that.” Sophie: "Don't be alarmed Gai, but it seems whatever is infecting you is aware that I am looking directly at it." Clang: "Oh my" Gaiserich looks at Sophie. He briefly looks at Jack, then answers Sophie with a sheepish smile. “You can look all you want.” Sophie: "At the vert least, we know it has a will and consciousness of its own." Gaiserich is learning the subtleties warmblood etiquette. P.P. A.: +of Jack shakes his head in mock-disapproval. "Probing. Absolutely shameless." Sophie: "If you can hear me, that which is residing within my companion, I would like you to state your intentions." Gaiserich is ready to relay any messages he might receive from within. (To GM): “He means you,” he thinks at himself. Clang shudders a bit, and his wrist glows where the stone sits on his metal skin (To GM): *she not-clang speaks, a voice with a glow of blue behind his teeth Mercy gasp and stares. not-clang: "AUTONOMOUS UNIT 672" "SERVICE IS REQUIRED" Clang gagas, and shudders "Oh Allfather, thats weird" not-clang: "BIOLOGICAL LIFE ENHANCEMENT MANDATED. MATERIEL REQUIRED. PROCUREMENT UNDERWAY" not-clang speaks like a poorly parsed sample of human-like noises, strung together on a line and pulled from Clang's mouth. When he speaks, his eyes shimmer the same color, bright blue flickering darkly P.P. A.: “Six-hundred…” That isss sssssimilar to what I heard, but I heard ‘one,’ not ‘two’.” Gaiserich: “Six-hundred…” That isss sssssimilar to what I heard, but I heard ‘one,’ not ‘two’.” not-clang: "THIS UNIT HAS UNDERGONE UPGRADES SINCE DUPLICATION. SEQUENCE UPDATED" Mercy: "Mister Clang.. are you.. aware? Or is this just the spirit?" She shivers. "What does it mean.. material? Like the teacup?" Sophie: "We are journeying to a location of great importance, likely abundant in magical energies. Do you have orders regarding our reaching that location?" Clang belches and laughs Clang: "Still here miss, this is just " not-clang: "NO SUCH ORDERS EXIST. LIFE ENHANCEMENT MANDATE ONLY REQUIRED FUNCTION. WOULD YOU LIKE TO INPUT ANOTHER MANDATE?" Sophie: "What are the names of those who gave you your current mandate?" P.P. A.: alexa play despacito not-clang: "ERROR; ACCESS DENIED" Sophie: "The new mandate is that you will tell me all I request." not-clang: "PROCESSING....ERROR; ACCESS DENIED" "THIS UNIT DOES NOT HAVE THE REQUIRED PRIVILEGES TO PERFORM EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS" "PLEASE LIMIT MANDATES TO NON-EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS" Mercy watches quietly. Sophie: "Tell me the non-executive functions." P.P. A.: should have put points in the Right Click skill, and the Technique of Run As Administrator not-clang: "MUSCULAR ENHANCEMENT; DERMAL ABLATATIVE ARMOR GENERATION; ORGAN RECONSTRUCTION; ORGAN ENHANCEMENT; PROCESSING ENHANCEMENT; AUDIO-VISUAL DILATION; [REDACTED];[REDACTED];[REDACTED]" "WARNING; SOME FUNCTIONS HAVE BEEN DAMAGED OR CORRUPTED AND MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME" Sophie looks to the others Clang gurgles and holds up a hand, breathing heavily Clang: "Whoo lass, hold up, feeling quite squamish here" "ooooh like I ve eaten me mothers buried Haggis recipie. nasty stuff" Sophie: "No more questions for now." Gaiserich looks at Sophie expectantly, hoping she'll make some sense of this; and then to Clang: “You ssshould not eat cups.” Clang belches again, coughs, and spits up something blue-grey Mercy nods and comes to Clang, offering him her water flask to rinse his mouth after that ordeal, looking to the blue-gray something. Gaiserich very cautiously sticks out his tongue to pick up the smell, expecting it to smell rather unpleasant. Clang gladly takes it, guzzling and gargling. Ken (GM) a spot of ooze sits on the ground near Clang. Unmoving, but reeking of a caustic and astringent smell Gaiserich stiffens up. “The ooze again!” Divus: "" (To GM): The original one, thze Fae one, or did both smell the same? Sophie observes it with her aura vision, to see if it is similar or even identical to what she was speaking to. Mercy sneezes at the scent. "Oh no.. ah. Eww." Vex faints Sophie: "It's no longer active." Mercy looks to make sure Justice can catch Vex. Divus: "Truly fascinating; did you also see the spirit power within it taper off, immediately on contact with the gorund?" Sophie: "I did. Does that mean anything to you?" Divus: "It was like... nothing we have seen before" Justice thumbs up Justice sniffs Justice sniffs again Justice nuzzles Vex, and lifts up his dropping stump arm Vex is dripping blue grey goo from the tip of his reddened arm stump! Justice: "ROND BETCH!!!" Mercy stares, worried at that and stepping closer. "Oh my." The hunter says, ready to kill someone with a bit of sharp metal, she finds herself out of her depth here. Sophie: "For something so advanced, it sure falls to pieces quickly." Gaiserich grabs his spear, but looks more weary than wild. “This issss all sssso… confusing.” Sophie hops out of the cart to check on Vex Jack nods at Gaiserich's comment. "That's the first thing anyone's said here that makes any sense." Justice holds the elf up, supporting his weight but holding his arm far away from herself; the bluegrey goo drips wetly, like custard from a horrible pastry Vex shudders in her grip...and his stump arm grows longer as the ooze drips from him Rolling 3d6 = 12 vs 15 (Diagnosis) Mercy is about to explain that when Clang say, stareing a moment at that then walking over to take Justice's hand. "It's easy.. touch here at the throat. Feel how fast it is. Steady and strong, right?" Sophie: "he's fine. If anything, he's getting better and better." Ken (GM) the doctor's hands inspect Vex, and in the moments it takes her to look at his neck and count off five, the arm itself raises, leaking fluid, five fingers popping into position like an inflating puppet Justice absorbs what she can from the impromptu lesson Justice: "What sorcery is this?" Sophie: "...As you can see for yourself. Once you've all composed yourselves, there's something I want to you show all." Vex wakes up, eyes fluttering Vex: "Oh, why are we hugging? Mercy: "Some kind of very old healing magic I think. It changes and repairs bodies. It made dwarves into men of steel and iron, right? It doesn't quite work with Vex right, but he will be okay.. Like a cure made for someone else." Vex rubs his head with his bright pink new hand Gaiserich: “Please, ssssay us ssssomething I can undersssstand,” Gaiserich pleads Sophie, hoping for explanation, or at least directions of whom to stick with his spear now. Sophie stays quiet, preferring to have Vex realize himself what happened. Mercy: "We were checking your heart and breath." She explains to Vex, stepping back and starring at the regenerated hand. "I imagine you will be hungry." Vex: "Starved, actually. " Sophie: "That's what I am about to discuss, Gai." Vex blinks, and notices his hand Divus: "Don't faint again" "You will miss the lesson" "Miss Sophie, please, educate us" Sophie passes around the drawing she made. Once everyone has seen it, she explains. "This is what I saw inside you, Gai. A separate being from you, yet now a part of you." She points to the patterned design, which resembled a web going back and forth to a single point, very similar of not identical to Mayflower's device. "This part in particular is of great concern." Ken (GM) the spidery hub and spokes definitely resemble Mayflower's construction Gaiserich takes a moment to get a good impression of it, what with his poor vision. “It looks like a tree, or a sssspiderweb.” Rosettsara: (if*) Mercy shivers. "You think she was perverting this magic? Or that.. it's somehow related to the starman?" Sophie: "If Mayflower was the ultimate culprit, then we would have seen something like this happen long before now." "From what I can tell, the source of this thing's spread is from Vex and the device we returned to him." Gaiserich thinks for a moment. “It also looks like mushroomssss…” Clang: "which is now in me" Mercy: "The same kind of magic then. Born of the same tradtion, but not fruit of the same tree? Not tainted, like what Mayflower had done?".. She shudders Mercy frowns. "This magic.. it could make a dead body walk and fight, or twist and change trees and stones, right?" Clang: "Aye her construction was a weird and vile thing. Blending of flesh and stone, tree and heart" Sophie: "However, it is very selective. I spent a great deal of time learning magic from him, but nothing of the sort happened to me. He has been...exceptionally close to Justice, but she too remains unaffected. It was the act of connecting magically with Gai which resulted in the device's sudden failure, and something spread into Gai, and it now has found a second home in Master Clang." Gaiserich: “Sssso… a mushroom-tree-web issss growing in ussss, and the ‘sssspider’ isss what we hear and read?” Clang: "Yes Gai; we are touched, we have a spider riding in our minds now. And it turns our bodies with it's webs." He holds up his wrist; the stone sitting in the metal skin shining dully with blue Mercy: "Do you want to try and find a way to remove it? Dwarven rune-smiths might know.." Sophie: "The device was previously stolen by Euria, who I should remind you, is currently possessed by a demon and does not have the best interests of those in the light in mind." Clang: "this speaks to me of the Dwarven knights; paladins of Quicksilver. If the blessing is the same, this is a great gift! No wonder it would not purge at your touch, Mercy!" Gaiserich shudders a little. “That isss sssscary… but it means we are not possessed by evil like witchessss.” At least something that's reassuring. Mercy nods to Sophie. "That's true. We still don't know what her game is." Sophie: "Further, there are now two beings, identified by number. How did it go from one to two, and why?" Gaiserich: “If thissss… ssssmall tree-web isss part of usss now, maybe the woodscent witch we hunted, who made a large tree-web, wasss trying to… make the Sssstarman use it to enter the foressst, or the world, assss thissss entered our bodies?” “If we learn how oursssss work, perhapsss we can know what the Ssstarman is trying to become, or do with the world.” Sophie: "Not a bad idea. However, we must also be wary of the possibility that you are being set up as a host for the starman to incarnate into." Mercy nods. "Yes.. yes." She seems uneasy, but tries to stay postive. Gaiserich peers over to Jack to silently remind him of his promise. Clang blanches at that thought Sophie: "Since I can apparently communicate with and see these...things, I will keep a close eye on you two to see if it changes over time." Gaiserich: “Thankssss.” (To GM): Gaiserich wonders if Sophie's intrusion was logged the same way the interaction with Vex does. He tries to open the log files to see if there are any few messages there, and if they make sense. Sophie: "Any questions?" (To GM): *with Vex was; fug, so many typoes tonight Gaiserich: “A lot, but I don't think we can ansssswer them now.” Ken (GM): "This...is starting to lend weight to the false Starman theory" Clang: * (To GM): sounds like you want me to buy the Mind Shield advantage :DDDD (To GM): He was interested in how Sophie, the intruder, was described in those logs Mercy: "Aye. More questions and confusion, but at least some shape is comeing to this madness." (To GM): Well, observer; unless it doesn't state who or what did it Sophie: "Once Vex is done eating, onward we go. Unless you'd all like to rest." (To GM): that'll do, thanks Vex monches, Justice assisting, doting upon him Jack: "I'd like to keep moving if they can avoid vomiting any more ooze during the march" Gaiserich: “Thisss might be the real Sssstarman's work inssside of us, and the witch wasss trying to imitate it, but larger. Or our tree-web is also the false Sssstarman's, we shall sssee.” Gaiserich gathers up his stuff and is eager to get back on the road, if Vex doesn't keel over for the more-than-Gaiserich-knows-number-words-for-th time today Sophie: "Welcome to the world of the sciences, Gai." Vex sheepishly eats Ken (GM): [okay then, breaking camp and heading back to the road] Sophie hops back into the cart Mercy helps break camp and get back on the road. The lupin woman thinking hard about what had been discussed. Vex sits in the cart, and monches while taking another look at the coded journals Ken (GM) the morning passes into the heat of midday; here the Fens are rank with the smell of the earth and it's decomposition. Moss and fern sprout here mercilessly, pushing thicker and thicker as the road stretches ahead. The stones wind back and forth slightly as you proceed, but remain clear, easy walking and good time Ken (GM) when the sun is at it's highest, the heat has intensified to nearly summertime levels. Steam rises from the treetops and falls like mist around you, cool waters nearby collecting mists and fog as the humidity climbs. Ken (GM) You cannot help but feel this heat is unnatural. Ken (GM) then, there is something Ken (GM) a feeling creeps up on you. Like pins and needles of metal fingers plucked from the darker harbors of nightmarish realms. A singed stink of hurt and loss and then SUDDENLY Ken (GM) FLASH Ken (GM) THE SKY AHEAD ERUPTS IN A SHUDDERING AND BOILD FLASH OF GOLDEN LIGHT Mercy gazes around at the steaming heated swamp around them. Removing her coat, putting it on the wagon and walking restlessly, ready to fight and surround by unfamiliar scents before she's staggered, dazed a moment by the blinding flare of the sky. Gaiserich does not mind the weather, though it is unusual; he does mind everything that then transpires, which is also unusual. Ken (GM): heh Ken (GM) the flash is just that, come and gone in an instant Gaiserich readies his spear and makes for the shade of the nearest tree, seeking shelter from prying eyes and burning skies therein. Ken (GM) in the aftermath, a rushing wind shudders the trees and rustles the grasses. nearby the sand stirs and the bog bubbles along the rocky wall ahead. The reek of the camp nearby and it's rot singes your nose with the smell of ionized burns. Sophie: "Was that you, Divus?" Ken (GM) the road beneath your feet has sunk under soft short grasses and a wide passage. Just ahead, a short brook is bridged by an old stone bridge adorned with skulls and crossed bones. The remains of Gorgothi history litter the muck and sand Divus: "We did not invoke this power. It was familiar to us though. Tasted of the power of Starman" Gaiserich recoils from the stench. “Wasss that… lightning?” Divus: "Where are we? Is this still the road you led us along?" (To GM): What does Gaiserich know about this area? Sophie: "Seemingly." Mercy rubs her eyes a moment and looks around, troubled by that then pausing. Looking to the totem-marked bridge and frowning a touch. "I suppose we have to cross it. I don't know quite what that was either. I suppose it could have been lightning, but the color seemed wrong." Sophie glances ahead to see if she can pick up any residual or persistent magic traces Gaiserich looks around. “Thissss… where issss thisss place? It shouldn't… it doesss not fit here.” Gaiserich: “I do not remember any ssstone ruinsss in thisss area… or dry ssssssand.” Mercy stops and looks around with a frown. tilting her head to the side and considering a moment. "Should we climb up and get a look around?" Vex: "Somethin gis wrong here. Very wrong" Sophie: "The mana has been twisted and changed from what it was prior to this moment." Vex: "The flow of power is....so very not right" "How can that be? were we not just...on the road and then...." "I dont remember seeing this terrain, until after the flash" Sophie: "It's possible we've been transported to another place." Divus: "I did not feel the passage of our spirit through the aether" Sophie: "Then, perhaps another place was brought to us instead." Divus: "What are these stones? This ruin?" Gaiserich says naught, but suspiciously eyes his surroundings, spear on point and snake on edge. Sophie: "Are we meant to see what lies ahead?" Ken (GM) the jungle around you protrudes from the sandy earth, creaking trees and tall grasses; the mists around you are barely disturbed by the wind, the road behind lost round the green bend. Ahead the stones protrude like blackened bones, old and unyeilding to time weathering them to green mossy stumps. Sophie "But before that..." She turns to Justice. "Does this place look, smell, or feel similar to where you came from?" Justice breathes deep, and closes her eyes Mercy creeps a little ahead, almost to the bridge as she peeks forward, sniffing the air and speaking quietly. "Something up ahead. I don't like the look of it.. Did magic bring us here?" Justice: "I do not know this place. It is very unfamiliar" Sophie: "That's one possibility ruled out, then. Let's check it out." Justice steps off the cart, slides on her breastplate, cinches it closed and unsheathes her sword with a TSING Vex takes a cue to put on his own hunter's armor Sophie casually hops off the mule and goes with the others to check the place out. Divus sretches, but only tilts his head this way and that, looking about Gaiserich dons whatever he had not already donned, and packs his backpack on the cart so he is free to move about. Gaiserich looks for a good vantage point or, alternatively, for a nice dark hiding spot Ken (GM): kek Sophie: "Master Clang, Gai, be extra careful." P.P. A.: Under the bridge maybe? Gaiserich looks back and nods. Gaiserich: “Keep an eye on ussss, please.” Clang claps two metal hands together with a CLANG Sophie: "I will use my light magic to assist in combat, should the need arise." Jack cocks his musket and advances carefully Ken (GM) the swamp is alive with chattering birds and hissing insects; the sussurus rises and falls like the wind. The mist heat clings everywhere, and disperses as you step through it. The bridge ahead adorned with gristly bones is an obvious passage forward, a dead tree hanging behind it on the far side, draped with skulls, itself Gaiserich looks under the bridge for nasty surprises there Sophie gets closer to Gai and Clang Mercy slowly starts to cross the bridge, drawing her gun and pulling the hammers to full cock and moving restlessly forward, alert for danger and trouble. Ken (GM) the clatter of bones rustles with the wind as it rises; an effigy of sorts hangs from the bridge, pointing ahead with severed hand bones and jaws. Skulls heaped here are littered with moss and reed, old trophies of grim passage Gaiserich: “Unknown animalssss… We really are ssssomewhere else.” Gaiserich emerges back from under the bridge. Ken (GM) ahead, the body of a horse lies in the muck in front of a camp. Dead fire, no smoke rising. And black burns on the ground like some shovelful of earth exploded from them Ken (GM) details emerge; the grasses are also littered with two more bodies buzzing with flies and redgreen stains. Lizardmen, pointed teeth in gaping jaws and sharp clawed hands in a rictus. Their glazed eyes look skyward, yellow as the sun burning down Gaiserich 's tongue flickers in and out, trying to recognise familiar smells between the stench of death and foulness. Justice grabs Vex, and shoves him back to the cart and horses "Follow us, stay smart" Gaiserich also looks for suspicious heat signatures ahead of them Mercy looks to the dead, tense and thoughtful, then pauses and points to something. "Is that a trap there by the water? We'd best be careful.. Thank you Justice. Keep him out of danger please." Doc: (gotta afk for a bit) (To GM): checks out Divus climbs up the step of the bridge wall, standing high and looking about Divus: "" Gaiserich: “Death…” the snakeman grimly notes. Ken (GM) to the left, another bridge follows the roadway, through gravel strewn packed earth and sand. Vines hang from willows and banyan, green silhouetting the white skins of tents in a camp Mercy walks forward slowly, looking around then to the dead horse. Trying to tell what killed it. Clang: "These are dwarven skulls. And old." Gaiserich briefly glances at them but pays them no mind. Gaiserich spots… a trap= P.P. A.: *? Ken (GM): yes, a maw of iron and a spring sits in the reed there Gaiserich: “Careful, a trap.” Gaiserich notes and points at the bear-trap hidden in the reeds, but then returns his attention to the carnage ahead. Mercy: "Fire magic, I think. A blast took this horse down." She says, tense and nervous as she looks around. "Let's check to the west first." Mercy walks around the gristly camp site. Justice yanks the weird wizard back down "Out of the way of any bolts that might find you, warlock" Doc: (back) P.P. A.: We were teleported to a place that shouldn't be where it is or alternatively the place was teleported to us Looks to be the latter, actually Dead lizardmen, a dead horse, and weird burn marks Doc: (yeah I was here for that, had to leave while crossing the bridge) P.P. A.: o ok Mercy shudders. "They've been dead a while. At least a day.. just left out." Ken (GM) several burns in the ground are here, grasses nearby untouched, clods of earth lifted by the power used. Scorched slag sits in the middle of the heaps. Ken (GM) Each of the lizardmen seem to have been taken by a blast as well, charred holes in their torso's, like a red hot giant fist scooped out their guts and bones and left them inside out Gaiserich avoids those spots, and also keeps an eye on the sky Gaiserich: “Birds above,” he notes, before he sticks his head into the tents (after first sticking his spear in them to see if there is anything inside) Jack keeps an eye on the next bridge while the others investigate the camp Mercy looks at the injuries.. then at the odd little island in the swamp. "Is that some kind of nest?" Ken (GM) various spiny lizards scramble for the grass at Gai's coming. They dodge his spear and climb away, scrabbling Ken (GM) the ground here abruptly shifts from sandy loam to hard packed clay; a small bog sis atop it, festering and still. two short bridges move over the little island, with stones jutting up like a little henge Gaiserich pries into the larger teepee after making sure nothing inside radiates warmth and looks alive. Mercy prowls forward, closer to the strange thing, reaching back to touch her ink and summoning some power. opening her eyes and calling up magic sight. "A stone here. Like a huge ruby.." Gaiserich hisses back at an unseen thing. Rolling 3d6 = 10v9 (Intimidation) Rosettsara: (Getting pretty tired out, so don't mind the quiet) Ken (GM): hissssss HISSSSSSS Ken (GM) a racoon scrambles out of the teepee and into the brush Gaiserich: “Shoo, shoo.” Gaiserich sticks his head inside the tent to see if there are any valuables lying around, or any hints as to what happened here. Mercy: "It's charged with power, magic.." She says thoughtfully, then turns at the scrambling raccoon, tilting her head to the side as she looks back to Gai. "Everything okay?" Gaiserich: “Yesss.” Gaiserich looks calm—not exactly relaxed, given the situation, but not more alert than a minute ago. Jack readies his musket. "Halt and identify yourself!" Mercy starts back to Jack when he calls out like that. He must have seen someone. Ken (GM) the figure jack shouts at startles at his cry, turning a purple shining helmet at his words; some strange garbled trill issues out of it slips into the southernmost and hides inside, out of sight from whoever armored and armed man stops and orders us unknown items, when vastly outnumbered. It seemed logical to stop his threat before he obviously frowns. "Please don't start a fight until we know.. well, that works (GM) The world is not as it should be; the road has led deep into the Fens of Gorgoth, and in midday heat and sweltering mists, weird works are afoot. After a disorienting flash, the land ahead and around you is different, the path obfuscated, the terrain changed. Ken (GM) in a ruined camp you have found dead lizardfolk and their remains, blasted by heat and flame. Odd smells buss in the air with the strange insects. And emerging from the mist, an odd misshapen man with chitinous shell and wicked curved weapon....felled by Divus' power with a flick of his wrist! Justice, enraged, clobbered the ghost-mage in return, leaving you with the sound of her feral ragged breathing and the alerted trilling of voices ahead (To GM): not Gorath, but the language of Gaiserich's newly installed OS, right? Gaiserich , hidden in the empty tent, cautiously peers into the distance. Mercy looks ahead with a frown. "Someone else may be coming.. someone look to Divus, please." She walks onto the bridge herself, looking past the fallen man to see if more are coming. Rolling 3d6 = 7v11 (+/- modifiers for smell, vision, heat, etc.) Ken (GM): [Mercy mode engaged successfully] Sophie: "I can understand your frustration, but let's save the killing until we're back in relatively familiar lands, okay?" Gaiserich: “There issss a larger group of them,” Gaiserich whispers to his allies. Justice bristles, grasps her sword in two hands and roars! Rearing back with the blade! Sophie heads over to Divus, not entirely sure if she can even do much to help him. Or if she even should. (To GM): He tries to think words in that language in the direction of the enemy: “The man who has killed your comrade travels with us, but is scarcely an ally. One of us has punched him unconscious for his reckless transgression. If you seek to avenge your comrade, perhaps we can “I am Gaiserich. Our group was travelling elsewhere, then a flesh enveloped us. We do not know where we are, or how we got here.” Ken (GM): soph! First aid Mercy turns to Justice, holding out a hand and shaking her head, eyes bright and a frown on her lips as she watches the pale wolf blooded woman. Waiting to see if she will restrain herself then breathing out slowly. "You are better then that." She says to Justice. Rolling 3d6 = 11 vs 17 (First Aid) Divus is a crumpled form, but Sophie rights him quickly and checks him over; his mask is now inverted and comes free from his face with a rime of blood. The mans nose is crushed, and his teeth are a mess... Sophie: "Look at it this way: You're still better looking than half the men back home." Mercy glances over and winces. "That's going to take days to heal. I hate regrowing teeth." She rubs her own jaw sympathetically. (To GM): Gaiserich was about to ask if they're of the real Starman, or the false Starman, but that just about answers the question Sophie does whatever quick repair work she can on the thing, depending on how much time is allowed in the circumstances. Gaiserich: “They are crazy; of the falsssse Sssstarman.” A hushed warning to the group. Ken (GM): soph! roll your first aid healing; gai has them talking (To GM): “We were on our way to the Starman, yes. We were looking for some mines along the way. Are there any nearby?” Rosettsara: (Re-finding the roll i need to make, hang on) Ken (GM): lel b424, first aid table Rosettsara: Thanks Ken (GM): 1 HP immediate, 1d-2 for ~30 minutes work Sophie:1 Ken (GM): lel P.P. A.: Kept making that same mistake for the first few months too Ken (GM): Sophie:-1 Ken (GM): kek poor divus Sophie activates her Luck P.P. A.: eh, -1 defaults to just 1, rather than doing harm (1 from First Aid, and then simply +0 from the further treatment) Mercy frowns a touch, looking past the bridge. "Something strange up ahead.." Then a sneeze, a shiver at the ozone in the air. Rosettsara: (Fair enough) Sophie: "That'll have to do. Now don't go getting yourself hurt in an unuseful way again." Divus remains unconscious, but with a set nose and many bandages (To GM): “We were only given vague directions for where he is, but the mines were a waypoint, so we were heading there first.” Vex gets the cart accross the short bridge, and leaps to help once he has the horses steady (They are unnerved by the dead hoof-boy on the ground) (To GM): “Where stands that “Crystal Spire’?” Ken (GM) Gibbering trills erupt from the hillside ahead as Mercy steps to the body! Strange bursts of green fire erupt from ahead, and splash into the water in a fierce display! Sophie rises to face the incoming threats Gaiserich calls over: “They will fight us if we go over the bridge, Mercy.” Gaiserich leaves it ambiguous if that would be desirable or not, but informs the Scorned beauty Mercy stops on the bridge and watches, looking at them and trying to tell what the trills might mean, then drawing back a step. "Who are they? Damn Dirvus, we may never know now.." Gaiserich: “Followers of the Ssstarman… who, they sssay, lives in a ‘Cryssstal Sssspire’. They want us to sssstay on this ssside of the bridge.” Clang: "Well, we'd be poor adventurers if we stayed put. Perhaps an introduction is in order." Jack: "I cant see whats shooting, or who they are...theyre behind some kind of shooting wall; fortifications Sophie: "Makes sense, after what they just witnessed. We may well be dark sorcerors who wish to do them harm." Jack chuckles at that Jack: "Youre giving Divus too much credit" Mercy nods to Gaiserich, then ask.. "You can hear and understand them from over here?" Gaiserich: "Stay where you are; I will speak to the High Priest to determine your worth" Ken (GM): augh Gaiserich: “I can talk to them through the things I read in my head. …it'sss sssstrange.” Ken (GM): [ignore my derping out as gai there. Gaiserich: “Now they ssssaid they will sssspeak to the ‘High Priessst,’ and we should ssstay here until then.” “It sssseems they have the ssssame thing in their headsss as I do.” Sophie looks around in their direction with her auravision. Besides the wonky mana, perhaps there are other clues around relating to the people Gai is speaking to and for. Mercy: "That's.. unsettleing." She admits, but nods to Gai, relaxing a little and listening to the snakeman, then looking back to the fort. "Where are we? Did anyone else see that ruby thing to the northwest?" (To GM): Gaiserich has an idea: he turns to Clang, and tries to, uh, ping him by broadcasting his thoughts at him. “Clang, can you hear— read… me?” Gaiserich stares at Clang, fixating upon him. (To GM): should I whisper him, or are you relaying that initial whisper? Clang winces Clang: "What in Moradin's beard is that?" Sophie focuses on a particular strange feeling ahead Gaiserich: “That wassss me.” Clang: "Gaiserich, is that what you're hearing?...or hearing in your head?" (To GM): “Did it make a shrill sound and then say ‘CONNECTED’?” Clang looks concerned, despite his own discomfort Sophie: "Interesting. Anyone else feel that?" Gaiserich: “Did you get my words?” Gaiserich says this out loud. Sophie points out at where she felt a strange power. Clang: "Aye, but they're garbled...like someone trying to speak from under a roaring whitewater" Ken (GM): [ahead, past the rock wall] Gaiserich looks to where Sophie is pointing, and peers with his own magic-sioght Gaiserich: “Ssstrange; when I ssspoke with the… thingsss ahead, their wordssss were clear.” Gaiserich , after observing the spot Sophie is pointing at, confirms: “Ssssomehting isss there. ‘…abnormal power sssick-nature?’” Justice and Vex move Divus carefully to the cart, once he's treated. Vex looks worried, and sweaty Sophie: "You said something about the northwest, Mercy?" Vex turns his attention to where youre both wondering Mercy: "Oh, yes.. There's a ruby at the edge of the marsh, past those little bridges. I was wondering if it has any signifgance." Sophie turns her own attention to that next, seeing if there's any similarities. Mercy walks back and points that way Gaiserich also looks over that way Sophie: "Filled with magic. Some kind of powerstone." "Vex, you're more familiar with these things. Is it safe to approach, touch, or use?" Vex stalks down the trail, plodding with a blank look on his face. His eyes are glowing a dim blue Mercy chases after. "Mister Vex? Are you okay?" Sophie: "Justice, your boyfriend needs cuddles. Go drag him back to the cart for that." Vex: "The Starman.... calls to us" Justice stalks over, but hesitates, a clawed hand over Vex's shoulder as he speaks Mercy moves to restrain Vex, takeing him by the arm to keep him from getting closer to the stone. Lupine bestwoman on either side of him Sophie: "Jack, I think the Elf needs to take a gentle nap if he doesn't settle down." Vex halts moving, but still speaks, a hollow tone on his voice Vex: "The Starman....we must join him.....he calls us" Gaiserich lifts his head and seems to yawn. “Thisss isss… ssstupid.” He then stares intently at the glowing stone. Jack: "Im no cuddler" (To GM): Gaiserich thinks at the stone: “Do also ‘connect’?” Sophie: "Clang, what do you think?" Gaiserich smiles slightly. Sophie: "Think I should break it?" Mercy nods and pulls Vex. Dragging him back in the direction of the cart. "Let's get you wrapped up in a nice warm rope." Gaiserich turns to Sophie: “I do not ssssense anything from the sssstone other than that it issss magic…” Justice helps Mercy restrain vex. He is compliant, but insistant on meeting the Starman Sophie looks at Clang and Gai. "You don't feel anything strange?" Gaiserich: “It doesss not talk back.” Clang: "As the resident stone expert, I think I should take a look regardless. Even if it's just to smash it and leave before the fire hits." Gaiserich facepalms, after a moment of reflection upon what he just said. Rolling 3d6 = 8v10 Clang starts walking over the bridge, minding his steps Sophie: "If anything happens, shout and i'll come running." Gaiserich: The serpentine hunter clutches his head and winces in momentary pain. “…Vex is not well.” Ken (GM) the trilling voices ahead call out again! Sophie: "Clang, stop." Clang stops, looking back Ken (GM): VREEET VREEET! Sophie: "Don't irritate the locals." "They insisted we stay here, and here we will stay." Ken (GM): VREET VREET! SCREEE! SCREEE! Gaiserich: “On thisss side of the bridge, yesss.” Mercy stops. "They don't like me going near the power stone, or they don't like CLang comeing closer?" Gaiserich: “If we crosssss the bridge, they attack us.” “Clang crosssed the bridge.” Rosettsara: (I think we'll need more lighting to properly show where the powerstone is) Gaiserich: “Like territory.” Ken (GM): [hahaha oh lords I get it now [the powerstone, red rock, is up to the Northwest, past the camp Rosettsara: (Yeah, realized it a moment ago) P.P. A.: oooh Ken (GM): [the werid feeling/fortifications is down the road, over the next bridge which is guarded, to the South hahahahahaha P.P. A.: I thought that was a tent or hut or something Clang sighs and walks away from the bridge with a shrug, then goes to investigate the power stone Ken (GM): [its a heap of fresh earth, with a fist sized rock on top. from above I can see how that looks like a teepee] hahahah misconceptions! Sophie gets as close as she can to further inspect the weird feeling Ken (GM) the powerstone sits on top of a heap of fresh earth, itself in the ring of a three stones, another fallen aside. The bog here looks recent, a small fall filling it from one end, and a slow trickle in the nearby trees bleeding water out. Ken (GM) Sophie approaches the south of the waterway; ahead through the swamp, a stone edifice rises up out of the ground, dry and crumbled sandy rock protruding oddly from the ground, bordered by a small brook P.P. A.: This? Ken (GM) The ahead fortifications look broken, haphazard, like they tumble dinto place. Cracks and fissures in the stone surfaces, and misplaced bricks tumbled from their homes. The beautiful steps marred by the weird growths of the swamp Clang goes up to the stone and reaches out carefully, seeing if he can get a sense of it without touching Mercy walks over, examining the power stone. "It's a powerful and useful treasure if we take it.. but it might be contaminated by dark powers?" Clang: "Aye, power we can use, taint we don't need..." P.P. A.: make Vex eat it what could go wrong? Ken (GM): kek Jack creeps along the lee side of the bridge, with Sophie. "Gotta manage my assets today huh?" Sophie: "I'm starting to wonder about why we were brought here, or why this place was brought to us." Vex: "The starman CALLS!" Mercy: "Should I crush the stone, leave it be, or shall we take it with us Mister Clang?" Sophie: "If we were typical intruders, then with numbers and territorial advantage, they could have simply gotten rid of us. Why call for their priest?" Clang: "Let's take it with us for now. Worst, we can crush it if we notice any strange happenings." Mercy: "Is it a sprint's remains? The corpus left behind when something of the immaterial dies?" Mercy reaches out to gently lift the powerstone. Clang watches for any bad reactions, but lets her grab it, having figured he's grabbed more than enough lately, rubbing his hands absentmindedly Gaiserich quietly slithers out of his tent to try and get up the tree on the other side of the water—but not the other side of the bridge—undetected Rolling 3d6 = 11v13 (Stealth) Ken (GM): ~slither slither~ Sophie: "Keep an eye on them over there. I'm going to pay Vex a little visit." Ken (GM) no response form the fort ahead; Gai perches in the leaves quietly Gaiserich blends into the treetop, and enjoys his new vantage point. (To GM): like from the north-west south along the left side of the map? Sophie heads over to Vex in order to examine him more carefully. Assuming that the others who went after the Stone don't start screaming for help. Mercy cleans the stone, walking back to the others. "Have they said anything else, Mister Gaiserich? Is there any chance of a peaceful resolution to this?.. Do we even need to go past them? I don't know the way to the mine any longer.." Sophie makes sure to look at his aura this time Gaiserich: “Nothing yet,” Gaiserich replies in a hushed tone. (From Ken (GM)): Yes, late response; that would be an unopposed aproach, it look slike Gaiserich fixates on Clang again. (To GM): “Can you hearead me now? We can probably sneak behind their wall if we go through the swamp.” (To GM): “I do not want to shout this to you for them to hear, so I am trying this.” Clang smiles politely but his eye is twitching Sophie "Hm." She inspects his head all over, looking for some kind of central point Gaiserich looks disappointed and shrugs. Gaiserich decides to do it the old-fashioned way and slithers back down the tree, across the brook, and to his friends. Mercy walks to the edge of the water and yells to the fortress. "I apologize for your man! The one that killed him has been struck down and bound. We didn't come here to hurt you!" Gaiserich: Interrupted by his flicking forked tongue, he whispers to Mercy, Clang, and Jack: “It issss jussst a wall.” He points over his shoulders to the swampy area north-west. “We could ssssneak behind them if we go through the ssswamp there.” “…if we want.” Jack: "Catch them with their pants down" Jack slowly elaborately winks to sophie Sophie: "Mercy, can you come here, please?" Mercy: "If they serve the starman we may have to fight them.." She considers, then blinks at Jack and frowns at him for his words before walking over to join Sophie. "Of course, Miss Sophie" Sophie: "How much faith do you have in your purification?" Mercy considers a moment. The slender dark haired woman shifting her weight and running her thoughts over the question seriously before she replies. "I believe in the Light, and in the power of the rite of exorcism. I'm not an expert at it, but I believe" Sophie speaks quietly, in a whisper. "Given that I saw these markings in at least Gai, I'd rather there not be a panic, so I will only tell you and Justice this for now; and justice, you will remain calm and quiet if you want to save Vex's life. Understand?" Justice nods resolutely Mercy nods, expression serious as the huntress stands by. Sophie continues. "Something is draining all of Vex's aura and energy. A parasite or infection is eating his very life away, through magic. I am not equipped to deal with such magical things, only the physical. I would like you to purify him, and I will keep you updated on any changes. Justice, you will physically restrain him in case it reacts violently and tries to escape the treatment." Sophie: "If nothing else, we can draw the thing out of him and I will finish it off with my light magic." Justice nods, grimly Justice: "Weird" "But okay" Mercy nods and gets to work. Setting up for the rite, wrapping Vex in a ring of salt and writing prayers in careful letters before pinning them to (GM) the circle is closed and the rites performed; Mercy implores the light to cleanse the soul of her friend, channelling the power down into him Vex shudders under the ropes and writhes; his mouth opens and a brilliant blue screech emanates from within him! Rolling 3d6 = 14v13 Sophie: "Let's prepare for battle, everyone. Thank you, Mercy. You may have just saved his life." Mercy performs the rite carefully, casting salt onto Vex. "By the Light be free. By the Light, be clean.. Are you with us again, Vex?" She looks past him just a moment. "It seems we will have company." Gaiserich fails but doesn't care anymore; these ‘people’ are evil and deserve to die, and the party has the numbers to do this openly Rolling 3d6 = 12 vs 15 (Per) Sophie aims a finger at one of the enemies atop the stairwell (Assuming it's in the laser's massive range), and fires one off at them. Rolling 3d6 = 11 vs 13 (Innate Attack: Beam) Ken (GM): ah! range penalty too? or are you aiming this turn, to shoot next? the closest guy is 30 hexes away er, 33 so a -8 range penalty Sophie: (Ah, forgot about that. In that case, Sophie will just move ahead.) Ken (GM): kk clango! Clang needs to be up close and personal, but also doesn't want to get in the line of fire. He runs along the side of the bridge, howling a Dwarven Warprayer of might! Ken (GM): woop woop woop Clang: [note to self...get teleportation] Ken (GM): JACKO; takes aim up the bridge with his musket, cursing the mist and the ambush and vex's pretty little elven butt Justice roars a tthe shrieking ahead, and leaps to motion! Justice: GAI P.P. A.: hm Gaiserich tries to sneak under the bridge, hugging the ground as he makes his way 16116 (GM) A trio of beams fly from the battlements at Justice; the shots CRACKPEW from the weapons like little thunderclaps of blue green tries to quietly slither past the enemies, distracted as they are fighting Justice and Clang, to get behind that big rock (that I assume gets closer to the bridge so as to have a clearer shot and not give the that he hasn't noticed me, it means I can do something like a telegraphed attack and he doesn't get to dodge, or what was it? Ken (GM): hit him in his back hex(which you can) and he cant defend P.P. A.: noice Ken (GM): so a telegraphed attack is a free +4 [adjusting his token, he was facing just offbetween hexes] Gaiserich , having used the confusion of the melee to silently creep up behind the remaining fighter, holds his spear and aims for the hapless foe's exposed back—and thrusts at his vitals, his body stretching forward as saves the shot from her gun and hasn't drawn her axe, so she uses her hand in passing, reaching out to vicously slap his throat, five dark, sharp claws on her strong hand tearing away thin armor and skin and meat is blasted again by the scorching light, and a hole of red black appears on her armored chest. She stays on her feet, defiant and snarling IT clambers forward, beating it's chest like an animal, and howling spittle everywhere! Rolling 2d6 = 7 (Burning, Armor Divisor 2, Affects Insubstantial, Tight Beam) Ken (GM): he goes down! clanggeden! Clang: Walks calmly over the corpses of the bugdudes, adjusting his codpiece painfully, but determined Ken (GM): oh lawd Jack wades accross the bridge Justice bleeds and runs Ken (GM): gai! P.P. A.: Did the big guy notice him when he quickly jabbed the other one? Ken (GM): ~good question~ MURCYYYY Mercy runs after, closeing in on the beast. "By the Light, it's huge!.. Justice, you are hurt! You should get back, behind that stone." She suggest to the other hunter. Rolling 3d6 = 7v13 Ken (GM): kk P.P. A.: brb Ken (GM): MERCI Mercy whisles sharply to draw the insectoid monster's attention and get it to look at her, then fires both barrels from the shotgun at it's eyes at shakes off the concussion of the two black-powder barrels firing at once, a billowing cloud of black smoke surrounding her as a wave of burning embers and sparks washes over the monster's face, obscuring the comparatively tiny lead pellets that smash into the face and eyes of the insectoid monster. She doesn't even realize the lightning gun is better than the one time I spent several turns setting up an epic finishing blow against an enemy in one campaign, only to have it critically fail and immediately kill my own character Ken (GM): HAHAHAH P.P. A.: wew Ken (GM): oh shit thats horrible Fiss: Yep...I think we've all been there at one point Maybe not every campaign...but it happens. Ken (GM): I chopped off a leg with a trident once Fiss: And it's almost as hilarious as it is heartbreaking. Ken (GM): I dont know how Fiss: lol wat stabslice Ken (GM): toztre's one ring guild game Fiss: Oy Anyway later folks, 4 pts I assume? Rosettsara: Sophie's got 2 HP left, at least Ken (GM): 4 points! Joush M.: That's just awful. My worst was just an archer that carefully aimed and set up for an ambush after crawling slowly, one yard a second into place stealthy, then fired.. and critically missed, so the one target we were trying for got away and we had to fight all his guards Ken (GM): oh goddamn fuckin crits Joush M.: Not nearly as bad as sprirt bomb fully charged then you explode yourself though. Fiss: We fucking love crits...and we hate them too. They givith and taketh Ken (GM): lots of taketh they taketh so many HPs be right with you guys. also; fucking discord serevers Rosettsara: Yup Joush M.: Hiya everyone. Indeed, discord is a no go Ken (GM): I friggin hate when it does that doesnt the administration know how essential theyre doftware is to our memes and shitposting? Rosettsara: [1:05 PM] Fiss: Makin coffee, gimme 5 P.P. A.: I was talking to Doc some three hours ago, when he still hadn't slept yet and was very depressed, so I wouldn't count on him today Rosettsara: That's unfortunate, hope he feels better soon Fiss: Yar, it's lukewarm 'just after the holidays but far enough away you can't blame them' season, I hope Doc's OK. Lots of people I've been talking to have been feeling like arse. Joush M.: Poor guy, yeah, I hope he's better soon Rosettsara: Fiss: Discord's having a major outage right now Fiss: That would do it, lol P.P. A.: Works fine for me Fiss: PC version seems OK, mobile is giving me lots of connection errors but my message seemed to go through OK Ken (GM): outage logs also say "if you were already on youre good, if you wanna conncect no LOL dont" Fiss: lol Whoever wrote that has been in IT for a loooong time Ken (GM): I also echo the sentiment of "poor doc". I have been there. not to japan, but "randomly bummed" Fiss: I just saw on my Twitter feed a voice actor I follow was going in for help due to severe depression... dude has like a charmed life and is loved by millions....just goes to show that shit hits and it ain't discriminatory. Best to take care of yourself before it gets out of hand. BRB flipping nuggets for the kiddo, but I'm ready to rock Rosettsara: Been depressed before, and it definitely sucks Fiss: The one good thing about losing so many high profile celebs like Anthony Bourdain last year was it got a lot of people talking and getting help. [pours out a Jolt for my homie Tony] Ken (GM): back; dishwasher loaded ad running so! Fiss: woo! Ken (GM): wehre last we left our heroes Clang: [Dorf Switch Activated] Ken (GM) BOOM the brains of the beast ejected forcefully from it's eyes as gunsmoke and lead performed an impromptu lobotomy! Mercy has dropped the titan atop her rampaging sister, the creature's bulk pinning Justice and her frenzy thus. Atop the sandstone wall ahead, two shooters remain, one out of sight for now. Sophie's lasers have dropped a third and the footmen are down, bleeding grey goo from foreign bodies. The few remain threaten your lives with green bolts of fiery energy Ken (GM): CLANG! you have the initiative! Clang: "Don't lose momentum, friends! Press forward!" Clang runs past the fallen hulk Jack: "Oh crap, I made a dwarven friend" "Behind you Mercy!" Clang: [don't worry...now you can be racist to Dwarves and totally say you have a Dwarven Friend and you aren't racist] Justice thrashes beneath the beast, tearing at it's wounded face with ferocity and rage Ken (GM): GAI! P.P. A.: hm Gaiserich slithers underneath the fallen giant's corpse; it should provide cover against the laser beams Ken (GM): kek note; there is a thrashing Justice in there too P.P. A.: o Ken (GM): like, a sack of angry cat in a bag P.P. A.: hmmm Ken (GM): Lol the rocks ahead would also provide cover P.P. A.: these? very well Gaiserich changes course and sneaks through the underbrush to another sturdy bunch of boulders P.P. A.: and that's it for now Ken (GM): scootity! mercy! Mercy snarls and runs forward. "You shot Sophia! You will pay for that, cretin!" Joush M.: End Turn! Ken (GM) the warriors glowing weapons slink back from the wall; their chittering excited and angry! Ken (GM): SOPHIE! Where last we left you, you blew up Sophie now being wounded, and dazed, only thinks to throw herself to the ground, diving behind the side of the bridge until she can regain her senses. Sophie: (Turn over) Ken (GM): a grand plan also, youre not bleeding out, so safe to retreat [lovely stone, so comfy] CLANG Clang runs along side, doing his best not to let his smaller legs hinder his speed...truth be told he's fast for a Dwarf, but only average for someone of 'average' height Ken (GM): heheh [methinks the dwarf doth protest too much] Ken (GM) up the stairs and atop the battlement; the dusty scent of humid sands blow along the slabbed stones. Timbers of aged dried wood hold up the battlements, with a bronzed statue on the side overlooking you with stays in cover and attempts to aim a laser at the same target she was aiming at previously, though this time without it being an all-out-attack Ken (GM): the target has moved; he has slunk away. so at least youre saf ein cover Sophie moves slightly closer to the combat instead, then Ken (GM): kk CLANGO! Clang runs up just behind the first battle, a little too far out of reach to get his hands involved, but hoping to help Clang: [I'm running out of dramatic "The dwarf waddles up as fast as he can" statements lol] Jack runs up as well, sprinting the extra step Ken (GM): hahaha Gai! P.P. A.: Any climbable bits on the other side of the water, or just bare wall? Ken (GM): the red/white rock is rough enough to scale; it's just very exposed P.P. A.: thta one? On, that's rock Ken (GM): heh [such busy maps] P.P. A.: that was what I thought was the electricity Ken (GM): hahaha P.P. A.: like lightning and swirls Ken (GM): oh dang P.P. A.: (unless you mean the pile of rubble) Ken (GM): it's all just rocks; many disjointed seams of earth and stone theres muddy earth and grasses where it meats the water, but it's all just rock not lightning Gaiserich sees his comrades engaged in melee, and so thinks it safe to leave had yelped at the pain of slamming the man, but when shot she staggers a half step, then shakes it off as her amber eyes turn crimson and she stretches himself to grab onto a ledge, and draws himself up to slip through an opening. Finding a grounded enemy in front of him, he wastes (GM) The armor seems weakest at the neck, Mercy's blow tears through a (GM) the last combatant felled, you sweep the view; nothing stirs but for the sake of a strange humming blue obelisk crawling with slime and odd....empty chunks of the land pulsing in a thrum below it. The dusty wind carries the scent of humid desert air. Sophie, Mercy and Justice drops his fighting stance and russhes over the sludgy body of the fallen foe to see if he can help...but his medical knowledge is severely lacking Gaiserich looks over to Mercy and her injuries. “Do you hurt much?” Sophie tends to Justice as she is in immediate sight and Sophie is not aware of Mercy's condition yet Mercy nearly rips at the ruined bodies, lips drawn back to reveal razor sharp fangs and the lupine girl's eyes utterly wild, some savage pleasure shineing on her features before she catches herself. A half step back, then a small, pained moan before shakeing blood off her hands and nodding. "They hurt a lot." Ken (GM): Joush M.: HT roll to resist blood loss, or is the lightning gun not going to cause that? Gaiserich looks around if there are any other enemies in sight, hiding—or if there are any magic contraptions that look like they can blow up soon. Rosettsara: (Can we move freely now?) Ken (GM): you are cauterized neatly; the wound is a hole with charred edges and pulped flesh limp away! Sophie stumbles her way toward Justice to stop her bleeding. Mercy goes to help Sophie, moveing carefully and painfully. Gaiserich offers Mercy his support Jack: "I wonder which of you I'll need to carry to bed first?" the man wonders aloud with a smirk "Oh shit, she's fucked right up" the mirth, gone from him Sophie wipes her eyes to make sure she's seeing things correctly, and attempts to disconnect Justice from the tendril, watching her reaction as she does so Clang: "Let's get ya off these steps and take a look at what those guns did to ya." Gaiserich: “I wassss not of much help. Sssssorry.” He feels the tip of his spear with his fingertip. “Thissss armour wassss very hard.” Clang pauses and looks over at one of the lightning guns Clang shrugs, and picks one up Sophie: "Move her away from this beast. It's trying to do something to her." Mercy nods to Sophie, cutting Justice free and lifting the broken body of the alien seeming hulk off her, pulling her away as gently as she can. Sophie helps with the lifting and moving as best she can Gaiserich helps Ken (GM) Justice is out, but her wounds do not bleed; the hulk had some sort of grey tendril attached to her big open burn mark that comes away easily. Ken (GM) when it detatches, it melts away into nothingness, another bit of silver-grey blood for the pool sliding free of the beast Gaiserich stares at both Mercy and the corpse, looking for heat signals, magic flows, or any other spooky things Jack: "Uh, clang....." and Jack points at your hands P.P. A.: how badly is Sophie injured? Clang blinks, looking at his hands Clang: "Aye?" "Oh...I see..." Rosettsara: (2 HP remaining) Ken (GM): [Sophie took 8 damage] [Justice got shot for ~24] P.P. A.: [oof] Clang resists the urge to try dusting off the glow and pattern and instead examines it a bit more closely Jack picks up one of the weird guns too. It lies dead in his hands, greenish metal Jack: "Cmon shorty, lets help the girls" Gaiserich offers to rest Justice on his lower back if she needs to be transported, since she's probably too heavy for them to lift, and dragging her across the ground seems unhealthy Clang nods quickly and follows Rosettsara sees if she can do anything with Mercy's wounds, next Clang: "Aye, triage first, arcane secrets next." Mercy makes a ugh sound at that and throws away the tenderal, helping get Justice to a confortble postion before she looks to Sophie. "I think you are in worse shape then I am.. but you aren't going to let anyone help Ken (GM): rolling for healing after that is another thing Sophie: "It was nothing, Gai." Mercy strips off her waxed cloth jacket and then undoes the buttons on her vest, setting it carefully aside. Her shirt is next, undoing the laces at her throat then untucking it after sliding her suspenders down to her hips. Lifting the shirt off over her head. Her wound isn't losing an excessive amount of blood, but cleaned and bandaged would be good. Gaiserich can do that if Sophie is busy with Justice, he has a point in First Aid Rolling 3d6 = 6v10 (First Aid) Jack prods the dead beast. Mercy: "I suppose me and Justice aren't quite identical. The heat of the lightning isn't mending on me like everything else does.." She says as she looks to the fallen amazon. The differences between them is clear, knows about warmblood physiology from dissecting prey, and from patching up some other witch hunters from the order some time back, so he knows what his doing; his sense for heat and vibrations direct his hand to where blood is flowing, wounds are pulsing, and things need to be done Rolling 3d6 = 11 vs 15 (Diagnosis) Gaiserich: “It'ssss nothing.” Gaiserich is also naturally gifted at wrapping up things, in this case wounds with bandages. Clang: "Sir Gaiserich, you never cease to amaze me with your various skills." Sophie: "yes, I may require your assistance in the future." Mercy holds her shirt in front of her chest as Gai works on her lower abdomen, patching the GSW. She's lucky enough, or inhuman enough, that it seems to have missed anything vital. She dresses again and walks to help Sophie. "It is certainly something to me. Thank you." Sophie is audibly tired and winded Ken (GM): and crispy Clang: [cwispy] Ken (GM): lel Gaiserich nods, secretly happy that he's able to help after his poor performance in battle. “Anything elssse?” Ken (GM) as clang approaches, a little silver ball of wet something slips down the steps behind him. When he gets to the beast...another larger wad of silver slips out from under it, and slides up to him Sophie examines Justice more carefully, poking at something small on the edge of the burns Clang looks down at the silver cautiously Clang: "Well, this is curious and curious...er." Ken (GM) the two wet things merge, and grow to something the size of a large pumpkin. It sits at his heel, like a dog Mercy goes to help Sophie. "You must take a moment to rest and get patched up soon.. until then, just tell me what you need. Clang reaches out to the metal Ken (GM) the metal touches his hand, and then SCHLUUUUURP it slithers into his outstretched digits! Into him! and disappears Sophie: "Just, er...check on Justice. Her wounds were sealed by the blood of the we have a few hours just to rest, I think I'd like to test this lightning thrower against some shields so we know what to dive behind in the future for cover." Ken (GM): well she will get the 1 HP, but you cant extra time the half hour first sid sorry Joush M.: Gotcha, makes sense Jack: "Now is a good time as any...but youll have to convince me not to watch the ladies in such compromized positions" "How the hell do we work these things Clang? Are they dwarf-make?" Mercy does what she can for the fellow scorned. "That makes sense, Mister Clang. Shall we try to secure the area then find somewhere to recover and rest a while?" Gaiserich: “There doessss not ssssem to be anything sssstrange in her,” Gaiserich comments as he removes his hand from Justice. He looks a bit puzzled though, and only hesitantly asks the stressed and injured a question: “What doesss ‘asssssimilate’ mean?” Clang: "I don't quite know...but as I said, they seem to be compatible with the old Dwarf runes and magic. Perhaps they are Dwarven, or maybe simple enough that my hands can feel their way inside their workings." Sophie mumbles some slurred, incomprehensible response to Jack's comment, though a tone of sarcasm indicates that she's still somewhat in the game. Clang turns to Gaiserich Clang: "That's what my hands told me they are going to do, take this material and...use it somehow. As fuel or building material, I know not." Mercy: "It means.. uh... to become part of something else? Like.. 'scorn attempt to assimilate into Holder culture' " She blinks to Clang Gaiserich nods. “Mine also sssaid that I can asssimilate material I wissshh, but that ssssounds…” He looks over to Mercy. “Oh, sssso it'll become like me? … and Vex, and Clang.” Gaiserich shudders a bit. (To GM): “Don't ‘assimilate my friends!” Vex moans from the distance, where he lies bound in a holy circle Vex: "Oooooh~" Mercy goes to Sophie. "Can I see to your injuries now?" Clang: "Aye, whatever is assimilating should be the dominate force...I just hope is about to when Clang starts over there, so instead she washes up. The shirt might be a loss, but the dark fabric of her vest and coat don't show blood well. Mercy: "I fear their armor may be part of their carapice." Gaiserich goes to loot the corpses, or to see if there is anything salvageable—and if what Mercy said is indeed the case Ken (GM): clang rescues Vex (poor bastard is back to normal it appears) P.P. A.: So he's fainted again? Rosettsara: An unconscious Vex is a sign things are no longer dire Ken (GM): hahah "Why am I tied up? what happened? Did I pass out again?" Vex seems groggy but is quickly waking up Clang: "Aye, like clockwork, but it could be worse so no harm done." Sophie forces herself up and makes her way toward everyone else, away from the corpses. Gaiserich is holding some pieces of armour in his hand, and looks at it and the corpse before him. He hesitates, and puts it down. (To GM): “…no, not now.” (To GM): No DR8 self-morph! Gaiserich: “I can ‘assimilate’ thisss, it sssssaid, but… Uh…” He mumbles to himself. Ken (GM) at the snakemans touch, the armor seems to slide off like a skinned animal. A small heap of shell remains, with a naked and hairy goat man below. His features look...mangled Mercy walks over and picks up Justice, carrying her over to Vex. Ken (GM) the horns on his head have been shorn down to smooth nubs. Aside from some greenish flesh around his neck and groin he looks pink skinned and shaved down, his hair almost gone. His cloven feet look odd, bare like this Clang: "If you're feeling well enough, maybe you can help us with the healing portion of things." Sophie assists with carrying Justice Vex: "Oh no, someone is hurt?" he follows Clang, worried Clang: "Aye, the foe had some impressive tools." Gaiserich shoos Sophie away and takes her place in carrying Justice. Gaiserich: “You need to resssst.” Sophie: "As you wish." Sophie moves on ahead Mercy: "I've never seen a gun fire so quickly." Sophie: "Quite similar to my light beam." Gaiserich: “It fired heat, like a beam of ssssunlight, not a thing. Like Sssophie's, yessss.” Mercy: "They were mages? Are the guns a kind of wand?" Vex sees the aftermath, the bodies, and the gory wounds Vex: "Oh my stars and garters" "What has transpired here?" Vex seems to have a pain in his head, and holds his brow Sophie: "The usual." Vex: "Ah! and...what does the voice mean by assimilate, I wonder?" Mercy: "Gunners from the heights rained fire on us as we charged. The bug-ogre blocked our path." .."Did we lose Davis?" P.P. A.: Davis? Ken (GM): hah, Divus P.P. A.: Oooh Vex quickly scampers back to the cart Vex: "He's still breathing! Somehow....my god" Mercy: "Oh, well.. Good" Vex walks back up, astonished "His face is a ruin" Sophie: "He survived his own stupidity. A rare occasion." Mercy: "I'm sure it will be fine once the swelling goes down and you set his nose.. and.. ah.. well, he liked mask anyway." Vex wqanders over to the man, unarmored , on the ground Vex: "This looks like a beastman. A satyr? the goatmen?" Mercy: "Yes.. I'd assumed they were some kind of strange creature, but it seems it was just a beastman in a very strange armor." Ken (GM): [modified unconscious Justice; anyone can drag her around, FYI] Vex: "Fascinating" Vex picks up a piece of the carapace armor, turning it in his hands Sophie: "Let's set up camp for now. Your girlfriend needs the rest." Vex: "And the voice informs me too, this is Materiel" Gaiserich: “Ssssame.” Clang: Aye... Vex: "" the elven mans voice is janky and screechy, he gags after speaking "Oh lords, why did I just speak that about Justice?" "Is she okay?" he looks confused and worried Sophie: "I guess we'll know after 0.5 cycles." Vex: "Heh" he laughs, weakly Ken (GM): [Okay, where you guys setting up camp?] Mercy blinks. "Is a cycle a day?" Clang: "Or a year...let's hope a day." P.P. A.: The fort would be nicely defensible but there's all kinds of spooky stuff over there. If we can clear out the dead birds and lizardpeple at the campsite, we could reuse that, perhaps Joush M.: I kind of like up past the spyhinx It's got less dead people and as they proved, it's defensable up there Just stay clear of the spookey shit until we've had a chance to look it over? P.P. A.: sounds good to me Ken (GM): ah ok cool then up on the stone, but not in the weir dshit [moving tokens a bit] Mercy collects the bodies and starts to build pyres. Ken (GM) you collect yourselves, moving your wounded friends and selves to the relative safety of the stone edifice. The works are sandstone and timbers, wet and slick with humidity but oddly dry below. How strange and weird the day has turned. Mercy looks around the area, a thoughtful frown, looking at the place a moment. "It's not the worst place we could camp." Ken (GM) as the mists burn away and the heat of the day rises...a second sun burns through the clouds. Above you the usual bright white sun burns, and ruddy and small beside it, aside in the sky a bit, is a smaller red one too... Mercy: "Light perserve us.. we really are in a different world, aren't we?" Clang: "That indeed we are." Sophie appears to have fallen asleep before she could answer that Gaiserich looks skywards, completely perplexed by it, and shaken. He mumbles something in Gorath, and coils up to bury his head under his body. (To GM): “[This is insane! Madness!]” (To Joush M.): “[This is insane! Madness!]” Ken (GM) as the sky clears, it is an odd sight; to wone side, Easterly of you the sky is a dim blue, hazy as you expect. West, where the fat red sun lies, the sky is deeper blue, and ruddy with the red light. A jagged edge wiggles between the two skies. Like two waters meeting but not mixing Mercy pats Gai gently on the arm, the touch tender, reassuring even as they face the surreal landscape. "How do we get home?" Jack drags the third shooter to the pile of others, and takes up position on the steps, watching the weird shit South of you with one eye while trying to relax Vex watches it curiously, helping to make everyone comfortable but entranced by the weird blue obelisk and shadowy black crawling on the ground nearby it Clang: Am I seeing any similarity with the blue obelisk and the patterns from the gun on my hands? Ken (GM): [yes, certainly] Gaiserich appreciates the gesture, and peeks back out of his snek-heap, tongue flicking. “I wonder.” Mercy looks at the oblisk, the plant, and the crazy thing over there. Ken (GM) the obelisk reaches a good fifteen feet upward, a pointed tip and square flat sides. It writhes with a slick blue slime, very familiar to you all. A splotch nearby clutching a square of blue, shining like a plate of glas sunder two suns. Ken (GM) green heaps of exotic growth sit here as well, like polyps of green and slithery weness. There is the smell of the ooze, acrid on the wind when it shifts toward you. Blossoms of tome strange humps sit in a cluster, several of them open and wafting. Three sit closed and trembling, pulsing with life Ken (GM) and south of all that, in a patch of the green and grey, a block of silver goo quivers too Ken (GM) strange shadows dance on the ground under everything; perfect hexagons of black slither back and forth on the ground underneath, against the movement of the sun. They seem to waver like four shadows pointing away from the obelisk. It is transfixing Vex: "What has become of the world?" the elf manages, transfixed Clang: "Curiouser and Curiouser..." Mercy: "Some kind of point of contact for the starman? Could this be what brought us here? Could it send us back, powered by the stone we found in the camp?" Gaiserich: “Sssshould we jussst burn it? Jusssstice came through ssssomething like thisss, maybe we can get back through it?” Vex: "Exorcizing flames and purifying righteousness" Sophie awakens, and notices that the others had moved on. With a bit of a wince, she rises and looks to see what they're doing. Ken (GM): Gaiserich smells the flowers, though not quite in the mood that usually goes along with smelling flowers. Mercy frowns a touch, studying the scene. "Let's see if we can see anyhting in this.. glass. It's something we haven't seen before." Clang: "Is it just me or is anyone else getting a feeling of competing moulds or fungi with all these...colourful...infections upon the land?" Vex: "I am of a mind too, master Clang. It like....weird plants doing battle? or an infection?" Gaiserich holds his tongue. “Let ussss burn thissss one.” Vex: "It reminds me of the root cellars I saw in the dwarven holds. Or bug cellars. Or mold holes" he shrugs Gaiserich: “It sssstinks terribly.” Clang: "Perhaps different factions all vying for the same ground. A literal turf war...but instead of Dandelions and Deathcaps, we have Lizardspawn and Bloodworshipers.: Vex shudders Clang: "If the consequences weren't so dire, I'm sure this entire thing would be fascinating to study." Vex: "I can see no auras on these things. They are not thaumatological beings of any sort" ?" Gaiserich gathers twigs and branches to start a campfire Mercy: "Those plants do seem unnateral.." Clang: "I see three pods unopened there, perhaps we should ensure they do not open." Clang walks carefully around the green ooze Clang: "So silly I am willing to stick my hands in metal...but poking and prodding plants now worries me so." Ken (GM) the green thing covered in pseudopods glistens in the twin sunlight, but does nothing untoward as the dwarf walks by Mercy: "Fire then?" She ask, nodding to Clang. P.P. A.: How long to light enough of a fire that I can put them to the torch? Clang: "Wait, I hear the voice asking about these....I believe they make..." Clang turns to Mercy Clang: "I think they can make copies of us...." Sophie observes quietly, taking in what they're saying, and prepared to assist from long ranged with a laser if needed. Clang kneels down, looking at the pods intently. P.P. A.: “Like ‘Kaisur’?” Gaiserich: “Like ‘Kaisur’?” Clang: "It is asking for physical specifications, and lists each of us in turn as 'observed'." Mercy: "Ugh.. yes.." She says with a heavy frown, looking to Clang." Burning it sounds better all the time." Clang: "Aye...I think this is what made those beasties we fought." Ken (GM) clang gets a look on his face, and then SPLORT Gaiserich uses his firebow to ignore a bunch of branches and dry foliage. He does have a better firestarter, but the motion frequired and the friction of this more primitive one is more of a pleasant distraction. Ken (GM) SPLORT SPLORT Clang winces at the sound, then turns to Mercy Clang: "I told it to stop." Mercy winkles her nose at the wet, replusive sound. Clang: "I was hoping for something less visceral, but I suppose this prevents any violent reactions if we need to light it on fire. Clang walks over to the remnants to examine them Ken (GM) the pods vomit and erupt like bursting fruit; the stench rises as three suits of chitinous armor eject from the pods and land nearby like riotous acne Ken (GM) malformed and wet, half melted looking guns, like the three you have but as if they were digested....and the armor all looks like its been through the wringer. grey goo clings to all of it, stinking and putrid smelling Clang looks slightly uncomfortable, even with his mighty Dwarven sense of smell being used to several hundred of his kin unwashed in sweaty mines I just need to learn how to tame this thing...luckily my arms seem to be smarter than I now. Let's hope they don't demand freedom should I need to wipe myself..." [Clang's arms run away, with an Armless Clang chasing them: "Get back here! It was only a few Refried Dwarf Beans!"] Mercy makes a low sound and spits to the side, disguisted. "Do we need to tame this thing? It's not going to get us home.." Clang: "Well, I suppose we should try to figure it out...but whatever voices are talking between my arms and I seem to be only able to speak problems and errors." Jack: "I say Fire as well. Torches for the plants. Maybe after....what is that blue thing? Glass?" Clang nods at Jack for both ideas Gaiserich brings a lit torch, which he should have produced one of by now Clang: "Fire...and glass. Sounds like an interesting novel." Sophie: "It's worked for us so far." Jack: "Just remember how easy the ooze burns. Stand back..." Clang moves back away Gaiserich stretches forward to try and light a corner of the plant on fire, to see how well it burns. Ken (GM) the snekman extends his prodigious reach and touches the slick pod edge... Mercy: "We don't know what that glass thing is yet." She says with a thoughtful frown. "Should we examine it?" She ask, though unhappily as it sits in a pool of blue goo." Ken (GM): WOOF Ken (GM) Like a greasy rag touched to open flame, the whole thing erupts in red fire Ken (GM) it crawls along the slick wetness like oil, and is almost instantly aflame in a bonfire! Ken (GM) then the SCREAMING begins Ken (GM) and the TREMBLING Ken (GM) the pods writhe like caged animals, spitting burning goo and bending away form the flames! The massive pod in the center erupting up and down, up and down, sending out jets of fire as it squirts more and more flammabe ooze to the mix Ken (GM) in a minute...it is done, and blackened barbacued husks remain Clang mentally retracts his earlier statement about it hopefully being less energetic with more open pods Ken (GM) teh fire does not spread, furious as it is, and the pods are consumed easily. The blue ooze nearby remains unburned. Mercy: "Good thought, mister Gaiserich" Sophie: "It seems no matter where we go, some things never change." Vex awakes, shouting "FIRE! FIRE!" clutching to jack, the first person in reach. He trembles Clang: "Mister Vex, are you doing well?" Vex: "i....oh gods, I dont know. This is all so terrible and confusing" He looks ashen and pale, sweaty Sophie: "Case in point." Vex: "Oh....we burned the pods" Gaiserich looks at the blazing fire that consumed the demonic plant, and in its blaze—familiar, warm, unlike the two strange suns in the sky, regains a sense of comfort. P.P. A.: What's that tree thing next to us? Vex: [gove or take, that, a tree] Gaiserich turns to the tree-like being next to him, torch ready; he inspects it for magic, heta, etc., the usual before deciding on what to do with it Ken (GM) the tree stands on a short stalk, has a bulbous core, and pseudopods of slick green waggle out from it. like a weird plant. Gaiserich puts it to the torch as well without much hesitation, hoping it'll burn as well as the “flower”. Clang backs away a bit just in case Ken (GM) WOOF Ken (GM) it screams as it burns Jack: "Holy hell" Ken (GM) the thing nearly melts as it burns, and a husk remains, ashen and hollow in only a moment Vex: "Why do they have to scream?" he wonders aloud Gaiserich: “Sssso that we know that it was good that we burned it.” Sophie: "Wouldn't you?" Clang: "I don't think the glass will burn, but it looks almost as if someone broke a cup of molasses. I wonder if it was meant to be so organic looking, or if it is indeed felled and spilt." Vex: "That raises so many more horrifying questions..." Mercy shudders, then takes a breath and lets it out. Picking up a stick and walking over to poke the glass with it. Joush M.: Long stick to poke the glass? Ken (GM) the Glass plate goes TINK as it is struck with wood Mercy tries to read it, giveing it another gentle poke. "What is your purpose?" Ken (GM) some sort of gibberish noise emits from the glass, that trills. and ends with one word understood by you all in the Holder speak "...NORMALIZING" Ken (GM) The voice continues in a very familiar tone for some of you, and speaks fluidly but also in a strange accent Clang: "Good stick-poking" IT: "WARNING; UNSTABLE PARAMETERS ENTERS FOR SIMULATION. JUXTAPOSITION OF SPHERES NOT ADVISED, MATRICIES COMPROMIZED" "CONTROL UNIT NOW INCAPABLE OF MODIFICATION OF MAJOR VARIABLES" "PLEASE REVERT PREVIOUS REQUESTED ITEMS, AND ROLL BACK TO SAVED STATES" Sophie: "...Okay." Mercy: "Thank you, I do try.. ah.. that sounds confusing and terrifying. This is like when Miss Kinkade tried to teach me math." She frowns at the glass box. "What items were reqested? WHo made the request?" IT: "PROCESSING" Clang turns to Vex in hopes he understands, but shrugs and turns back to Mercy Clang: "Aye...hopefully we can learn at least that much." IT: "PREVIOUS USERS Gol-Bek of the Blood Brood Clan ITEMIZED ' 'Weapons with which to let blood of the interlopers' PROMPTING THIS SYSTEM TO PARSE AS BEST POSSIBLE WITH ROOT ACCESS, GRANTING PRODUCTION UNITS CAPABLE OF ARMS AND MATERIEL SUITABLE TO SIMULATED WAR SCENARIOS BETA-THI-KETREL-NINE" The weird voice interspersed with a gutteral speech of a beastman, like recordings of horned folk you may have heard before Gaiserich: “It ssssounds like thisssss thing knows that thissss is wrong, and wantssss to return everything to normal…?” P.P. A.: (cue PC shutdown, I'll boot it bakc up afterwards= IT: "PRODUCTION UNITS INTERSECTED AS REQUESTED. NEXT REQUEST WAS FOR 'Soulless meat kind to let the blood of' AND INTERSECTING SPHERES WERE SUPPOSITIONED, AUTHORIZED FOR INTERSECTION, AND MERGED" "AGAINST FORMAL SEQUENCES AUTHORIZATION GIVEN AT ROOT ACCESS, AS PER tHeStArMan~" the voice breaks down and the sheet flickers, black hexes moving this way and that, sparks flying as the words trail off Mercy: "Wait.. you merged the spheres? Brought us here? Don't break now!" Mercy stares at the flickering screen and frowns, stomping a foot. Sophie just stares and listens IT flickers, blue and dim, and the black flows back and forth on the ground Clang sits down next to Mercy and the Glass, focusing on the words best he can while tapping his hands together absentmindedly IT hisses then, lines of static an dbroken circuitry flashing and disappearing just as fast "ReSoRCeS UN-UN-UN-UnAvAIlABLE....." Mercy looks at the hexes, trying to tell if there is any pattern to them. "This thing brought us here. Maybe it can send us back." IT trills white hissing noise Ken (GM): DUN DUN DUNNNN UNITL NEXT WEEK! Gaiserich: “Make the spheres apart again! And bring us back to ours!” Gaiserich shouts at the machine. Fiss: "Would you like to Upgrade to Windows 10?" Ken (GM): LE EW P.P. A.: Thanks for the session! Fiss: Yeah, that was fun...and slightly worrysome with how lucky I was getting. Better buy some lotto tickets. Sophie: Thanks~ Ken (GM): WILL OUR HEROES FIND THE ANSWERS THEY SEEK FROM THE GLASS MACHINE? FIND OUT NEXT WEEK lol P.P. A.: Close battle, lots of damage taken Fiss: I'm going to save / spend some points on Lightning Guns if he has some time to shoot it and practice, if that's OK with you mang? P.P. A.: but in the end we burned all the things again, so all ends well Ken (GM): pass along to doc if i dont see him right away; ive got a LAN party on the 19th Fiss: BURNINATING THE GOO-PODS Joush M.: Thanks for the game man, it was a fun time. So much damage! Ken (GM): next session is gonna be in two weeks, kool? P.P. A.: All right 4 pts? Ken (GM): 4 points! lightning guns! STUFF P.P. A.: And chitin assault armour! Ken (GM): ASSAULT BUGS P.P. A.: Freshly picked from the weapon-tree! Fiss: WE BUILT IT IN A SPHERE! WITH A BUG FULL OF SCRAPS! Ken (GM): lel poor doc Fiss: Later folks! Ken (GM): is gonna need so much coaching on what happuned P.P. A.: \o yeah Joush M.: ((OOC Later!)) Ken (GM): lol oh man, adulthood is discovering you can install mods on a new PC, for a ten year old game, Rosettsara: Nice Ken (GM): fallout has never been less buggy Doc: the bugs are half the fun though Ken (GM): ah well, the lack of Doc: I remember when a Skyrim patch made the dragons fly backwards P.P. A.: wew Rosettsara: Think I can last for about an hour Ken (GM): I remember a friend of mine introducing me to mods by showing rainbow dash dragons in skyrim taking on thomas the tank engine giants, with light sabers and super saiyans ah lamessauce; insomnia again? or are we in a weirdass timezome Rosettsara: Severe insomnia Joush M.: I'm sorry to hear that, that is really rough Doc: insomnia gang Ken (GM): Ive never had it, but fun tangent; Prozac does bonker ass shit to your dreams Rosettsara: I'll be alright after some sleep and a schedule adjustment Fiss: bleah Ken (GM): ayyy! gangs all here! P.P. A.: \o/ Ken (GM) Where last we left our heroes Ken (GM) The world is not as it should be. Two suns sit in the sky over a land of juxtaposition; swamp encroached by desert, humid stench and blasted heat mingling in a red and yellow sky. Beastmen modified by strange chitinous armor wielding terrible otherworldly weapons of thunder and lightning! Magic torn aside and bent to the will of the new lands! And an obelisk of blue ooze, malformed and odd, speaking in a mind-voice of the land ordered to change at the will of an Administrator... Ken (GM) The burning heap of strange nests and eggs boils and smokes with an acrid stench familiar of the oozes. The remains of odd arms and equipment ejected from the eggs bubble and blacken in the remains. Gaiserich holds his mouth and his tongue therein. Sophie: "How lovely." Gaiserich looks at the panel that spoke to them, hopeful that it may revert whatever it has done, and send them back home… Mercy gives the crystaline screen a worried poke. "Can you undo this? You said yourself merging the spheres was unwise and dangerous!" IT sputters, flickering brightly then dim, over and over; "Sys-s-s-s-stem Matrix un...un....un.....unstable!" the voice waving in and out, low and high, loud and quiet Clang: "We might want to ask it if it can carry out orders or if it needs it's Goo back in one place..." Mercy: "Can it be repaired?" She ask, looking at the thing with a worried frown. The lupine girl nodding to Clang, asking the machine. "Would.. moveing the goo back help? How can I make you stable?" P.P. A.: What's this glowy shiny thing here? Ken (GM): [sorry was adjusting kiddos tv; what shiny thing?] P.P. A.: the onr right of the BSOD, the vine extends towards it Joush M.: The lime flavored jello cube Ken (GM) aside from the screen embedded in the blue good, a viney protrusion follows the dusty earth away to the burned egg heap. Here, at the end of the stumpy rubbery thing, a squarish block of the ooze sits, swirling with fungal looking green growth on the earth. It sits apart, as it seems to have hard edges, a mostly square shape...a kind of miniature obelisk? Clang: "I must say, I'm a bit reluctant to pick up and move parts of this thing without guidance...and even then, that would be like trusting the surgeon to tell you how to fix them with a mallet. Gaiserich slithers around the dead, burned-out tree-thing, and picks up a stick along the way. He prods the bit of ooze off to the side. Ken (GM) the slimy block of nearly clear gel goes TINK in a very solid way; the stick raps hard against a slimy but solid block Mercy: "Maybe it's supposed to be near the other block?" Gaiserich: “‘Worldform anchor, construction progress: halted, unknown error,’ it says here.” P.P. A.: Does the BSOD on the left look like it was moved? Also, is it still connected to the block via the vine? IT chimes in as Gaiserich speaks; jittery and unsure Sophie: "Mallet treatments never went well during the last war. But it was still preferred to the rusty arrowheads that sometimes needed to be used when supplies were low." Mercy steps back, looking at the thing and trying to understand, a worried frown on her lips. Blinking at Gaiserich. "Can you tell us any more? Can you understand it?" IT: "World-f-f-f-form anchor; Matricies intersecting require ssssssoooooooooolid meta-structures to intersect causally without errRRRRRRORS" Gaiserich stares blankly at Mercy. “…do you?” Clang: "Can ya tell us what these Meta-Structures look like?" IT glows flightly, a bright green; the obelisk behind it picks up the glow, flashing every few moments Gaiserich: “Whatever wassss done here wasss done wrong, or went wrong.” He looks up at the sky's battling suns. “…that we can ssssee.” “We either need to make it… un-do it, or at leasssst finish it properly.” Clang looks at the three glowing bits to see if there is any obvious way they were once connected Mercy: "No. I'm afraid not... But.. I think you are right. Do you think you can ask how they are supposed to be.. arranged? What is a matrix?" IT: "simIMIMIMIMIMimulations working at 56% optimal effffffficiencccccy. Control sy.......stems unable to compensate." Doc: >56% P.P. A.: :DDD Ken (GM): [Chrome has been open for 456 days; RAM usage: very yes] Gaiserich looks at the cube and asks it: “Can you… take back what you did, sssso thingssss are how they were before?” Sophie: "Just let us know if we can do anything to help." IT: "CalllllculaTIIIIIng" Clang: "Let's move the block onto the blue goo...I think it's what is holding this thing....and maybe this reality together." IT: "ERROR" IT screams the line in simple blank fearless noise as a river of bluegrey goo erupts form the base of the Anchor, washing along the ground like half-frozen water Clang takes a deep breath, bracing for whatever weirdness is about to happen, and sees if he can move the block Sophie shrugs and goes to help Clang, if she can. Gaiserich is bored of this “ERROR, ERROR” business, and slithers away… and not on the direction of the goo. Jack helps Clang if needed Doc: (no idea how big this block is) Mercy winces and moves to join the others, ready to help.. the noises filling the air, makeing her wince. Ken (GM): [the block is the size of say, a large barrel; it is not securely bound to the earth it sits on, and slides rather easily on the ground] Gaiserich is hesitant to touch the goo, but will help, after wrapping some fabric around his hands Clang looks up and grimaces at the noise Clang: "Aye! Hold your horses, ya weird machine! We're trying!" Sophie: "You will learn to tune voices out when there's work to be done, Master Clang." Ken (GM) protrusions of jagged broken looking crystals form from the grey goo on the far side of the obelisk; they form up from the goo and fall over, cracking and tearing, seeming to scream into existence and break as quickly unable to hold onto a shape Ken (GM): [so shoving the little block at the big one?] Clang shoves Dwarfishly Sophie shoves doctorly Ken (GM) SCHLURP Gaiserich shoves snakily Ken (GM) the block slips forward toward the larger one, and as it slips over the ooze is melts down into the ground...or into the ooze? Ken (GM) with a horrible slurping noise all the goo retracts into the anchor ahead Gaiserich: “Thissss isss all very sssstrange.” Clang smiles...albeit a bit nervously Ken (GM) seconds later, the goo is gone, the crystals are gone....and the big obelisk of blue crystal has stretched, or grown, upward IT: "Processing; please wait" Sophie gives a thumbs-up to Clang Mercy stands nervously, but the question was phrased politely so she waits to see what the strange thing will do next. IT: "Anchor production complete" the voice chirrups steadily and almost happily Gaiserich: “I… think it went well.” Clang: "Well, at least happy" IT: "Material subsumed to completion; Matrix intersection stable at 72%, without degredation" Ken (GM) Silently the black hexagon pattern on the ground slithers back to the block of crystal, rising high to point to the blue-red sky. The black shadows slide along without ceremony and slither underneath the thing, to wherever they came from Mercy: "Can you fix what was done here now? And keep anyone else from useing your power so unwisely?" She tilts her head to the side. "It reminds me of the jinn.. so literal. So many confuseing words, and bound to obey." Gaiserich: “We could sssspeak with the jinn like with a perssson though. Thissss…” IT: "Processing; Lockdown procedures effectual to all but root command administrators. Proceed with security measures?" Clang: "Can you describe these measures?" IT: "Lockdown procedures request requires all interactions with root directory to be processed at [SCREEEEE INDESCIPHERABLE NOISE] " "Warning; remote user access" "warning, remote user override" Clang: "I think someone's messing with it..." Mercy: "Please, send us home and stop letting people use your power to do evil things" She says in a hurry, blurting it out. IT flickers and flashes...and emerging from the anchor is a man-shaped and sized form....or crystal and slithering ooze... Sophie: "If only things were so easy, we'd be out of a job." IT: "processing Lockdown request" IT flashes a few more times, and bits of it start to disappear. As the odd humanoid form....solidifies Gaiserich: “Crystal Keep… issss where the Sssstarman livessss, or sssso they told me.” He points at the corpses of their enemies. Ken (GM) the humanoid form before clang swirls and continues to shape toward...becoming a man. A voice bubble sout of it Sophie: "Hmm. Good to know. There may have been purpose to us visiting this place after all." Jack steps towards the "man," prepared to fight if it makes any threatening moves The Starman: "I do not live as you understand, snakeman" Clang raises his fists Gaiserich raises his shield and spear, being addressed by it who claims to be the Starman! The Starman: "I am as far beyond your simple life as you are beyond the dirt you slither upon///" Mercy: "That's right." She nods to Gai, standing with her arms crossed over her chest, tilting her head to the side and frowning at the ooze-form. The Starman shudders, and twists, his transformation halts. He seems to now have hands and feet, a head, and limbs....but he is a uniform grey blue, no details, like a childs drawing. Sophie: "Can we help you? We're rather busy." Gaiserich: “Sssseeds grow in the dirt into great trees, and insects and animals burrow in it. Dirt is good,” Gaiserich defends the dirt empathically. The Starman: "You have....locked down the anchor points....how inconvenient" The Starman turns on his waistline, without moving his legs, and turns his head to the obelisk Anchor behind him The Starman: "The anchor is in place though. Stable. Hmmm" "To what end have you done this then? We are the starman. We are the great unity of worlds and lives, minds and souls, magic and reality" "Why have you inconvenienced reality? Sophie: "Starman, huh? I think you're going to have to be more specific. Are you the starman that wants to take over everything and kill people, or are you the original creator of the universe?" Gaiserich protests: “Reality in— …reality went sssstrange around us.” Mercy: "Why do you think you need to do anything like that? The world was as it should be without you. You aren't needed." Gaiserich: He turns to Sophie, though: “Did the jinn not ssssay that the real Sssstarman did not create the world, but… fix it?” Sophie: "Thanks, Gai." The Starman: "Curious. I.....we were like you, Once. Before" "In the times before...." ".....before the unity..... when we....when I was a man" P.P. A.: Let's hope the Starman isn't sime unholy amalgation of GrimWyrd 1's entire party The Starman rambles to himself, seemingly lost in thought P.P. A.: ah ok, he's not since the party was minority-majority Dwarf, not man Ken (GM): kek [he would need to be at least 2/5 dwarf, so a majority] Mercy: "Then why impose your will on people like this? How are you helping anyone?" She ask their foe, frowning, walking closer to the figure but keeping a respectful distance. Gaiserich: “What are you even trying to do?” Sophie: "Okay, since my original plan was foiled from within, let me be clearer, Starperson: Benevolent being, or blood vines and heads exploding, dream-contacting being?" Clang stands firm against the shadowy/gooey form, but wants answers more than blood even in these strange times The Starman trembles, slithers, and breaks out of his reverie The Starman: "...The gods must pay for their creation..." "through unity, strength." "Through strength, Justice" "through justice, our revenge" "Join us" Clang: "So, futzing with good people for some kind of revenge plot? I won't speak for everyone, but I'd rather eat a quartz shard." Sophie: "And you aren't even offering us any money." Clang stammers at that, but nods at the practicality of at least getting paid The Starman: "We do not speak of simple lives of ; we speak of avenging justice for UNIVERSES" "Countless lives. All joined in the Unity. All working to the goal of usurping the yokes of our enslavers!" Gaiserich: “…you sssstill have not ssssaid what you are trying to do.” The Starman: "We must kill god" "it is justice" Gaiserich: “Which one?” Sophie: "You refuse to clearly explain yourself, vaguely allude to even vaguer pseudogoals, refuse to even learn our names, and then ask us to join you, with no offer being put on the table. No offense, but even the most incompetent mortal bandit is more convincing than you are." Clang: "Aye, every vile bastard, murderer, naredowell out there has at least a good sales pitch and a speech...otherwise recruiting would be a lot harder. You'd better just step away from this land and let us deal with our own revenges if needed." The Starman ripples Mercy blinks, then takes a deep breath and steadies herself. "We are all part of the light, and I don't care to see that lost.. tis unity enough for me. As to the rest.. what do you mean enslavers? This oblisk itself said that mergeing the spheres was reckless, dangerous and unwise" Sophie: "Sounds to me like you're not wanting us to join you, but to become part of you, or to at least stay out of your way where you can keep an eye on us." Gaiserich remembers that story of his people wherein a human demigod fought and killed a snake-river-god, so there is a precedent, at least. Ken (GM): [he had a very sharp stick] [like, really long too] The Starman slithers back and forth accross his blue slimy skin; he twists slightly, stretching limbs and relazing Sophie: "If you wish to prove your case, at least demonstrate what you know about us. What makes us so worthy to join your weird little crusade?" The Starman: "It is hard to convey the terms to you" "bodies of meat and magic" "You are simple and....uncomplicated creatures. Un-unified" Clang: "Well then, if we're not going to see eye to eye anyway, I suppose you can leave us be." Gaiserich: “Your ooze sssstinks and kills people.” Clang: "Yeah, that too." The Starman: "Mortal coils are not required for the Unity. Nor are single minds or simple existences" Jack: "I like things much better when they're simple and uncomplicated" The Starman: "The flesh is weak" "Incapable" "Undynamic" Sophie: "Anyone and anything can make something complicated. It's those who can make things simple that are the greatest." The Starman looks past Sophie, tilts his head and speaks louder (To GM): I'm going to slither to get a torch Mercy: "I'm not meat and blood and bone and magic. I am Light, immortal and part of divinity.. and you.." She frowns. "Are broken. You pass judgement without understanding and condem without thought. You are unworthy of the power you've been granted." Rolling 3d6 = 11v13 The Starman: "You have worked a creat carnage here, simplifying the beings to your cause. The head turns to regard Clang "You are closer now to the source than you realize" "Is our work so different? Your violence? The unity?" Rolling 3d6 = 15 Ken (GM): ayy P.P. A.: since this seems easy to miss Sophie stretches and points a finger at the so-called Starman. "Face it, you're far too weak to be talking down to us. Weakness of the mind, weakness of the soul, weakness of...hygiene." The Starman erupts into flame at the quip P.P. A.: (alternatively, since I did stealth, did I get a bonus? Like a safe telegrapühed attack, then the Luck wouldn't have been necessary to hit.) The Starman: "NOOOOOOOO-O-O-O-O-O--o-o-o-oooooooo" the voice trails down like a deflating bag of wet air P.P. A.: Now if Gaiserich knew what “dynamic” went, he could comment how the Starman's not-flesh is very dynamic indeed. Clang smiles at Gaiserich Gaiserich smirks sheepishly. Ken (GM) all that remains after a furious moment is blackened dust and mulch Mercy yelps at that, stareing at the burned ruined. "Well.. that worked." Clang: "I think we declined his job offer rather...warmly." Gaiserich: “Thissss won't be the lassst of him, but we know now that there issss no point in talking to him.” “He issss like Divusssss, but very worse.” Ken (GM): Clang: "Aye. I suppose if we're not going to get answers, then asking the questions and entertaining his babble isn't worth our time." Sophie: "Oh, I have a feeling we'll meet again. It's either a legitimate immortal deathbeast, or he's a fraud and we know how those lowly types fail to stay dead anyway." Clang: "Aye, Sophie...seems it's only the good, honest folks that listen to the laws of life and death." "Shame...because if anyone's coming back, I'd prefer someone like that" Mercy nods. "I hope that we are able to get home." Her gaze traveling to the oblisk. "Is it silent now, Mister Gaiserich?" Vex moans from the cart "Oooooh what happened? Did I...again?!" he seems embarrased and mad Gaiserich nods. The ooze can form bodiessss, but these bodiessss probably are not… uh… Ssssomehting is making them, and the sssoul doesss not ressside in the ooze-bodies, I think.” Mercy: "Good afternoon, Mister Vex. Don't try to move too fast." Gaiserich looks to the obelisk and pings it on WiFi Sophie: "Seeing you pass out and wake up again is a reminder that the day has gone well." "Consistency is comforting." P.P. A.: Vex is like a Danger Sense advantage He is awake, all is well He faints, we know there's danger afoot! He wakes up again, the danger is banished Ken (GM): kek Gaiserich shakes his head in response to Mercy's question. “It issss sssstill. ‘Access denied, lockdown.’” Doc: Vex is combat music Gaiserich: ^ Mercy: "Is it going to send us home?.. Oblisk! The 'spheres' aren't supposed to be like this. Send us back!" Sophie: "Something was said about a percentage, right? And it was less than 100." Ken (GM) the block of drying stone and crystal shimmers in the hot light, but only your own voice echoes back, Mercy. It is quiet and still, no glow, no reaction Doc: Are there still two suns? Ken (GM) the sky above is still a jagged mesh of two skies, two suns, two lands intersected Ken (GM) you appear to stand below a seam in the world, stretching North and South as far as the skies allow you to see than a hundred percent?" Sophie: "Perhaps we could do something with that power stone we found earlier." Mercy drags a hand though her hair, stareing around a moment then nodding and offering the stone to Sophie. "I hope so." Clang sits down on the edge of the steps/stone dias and looks lost deep in thought Sophie takes it, and looks it over, moving around the area to see if it reacts to anything Ken (GM) The red stone is the size of a mans fist, red and shiny, glimmering in the sunlights glare. it hums with a power innate. Sophie: "They had to have been using it for something. Something this powerful isn't meant to be left lying around to be picked up like this." Mercy nods. "I wish I could help more, but I don't really know much about magic." Clang flexes his hands and taps them on the stone he sits on, maybe a little half lullaby, maybe a tune he heard in a human town somewhere, but he looks up at the sky and smiles. Clang: "Aye, magic ain't so tough...just gotta remember who's making it." Sophie: "It'll be okay, Clang. We'll find a way home." "Vex, what are your thoughts?" Vex: "I...am very confused. What has happened? ....by the gods, the VOICE its...gone?" Gaiserich: “What if we jusssst… go away? Maybe thissss is a place where… the ‘sssspheres’ overlap, but we cna just go out.” Vex: "Access denied? What has happened?" Sophie: "So, you think we may be able to just...leave? Might as well try." Mercy nods to them, the young woman takeing a deep breath. "Okay. Let's do it." Sophie hands the stone back to Mercy and gets going Vex looks up to the sky, and hops back on the cart Vex: "Yes, lets try" "This is....a strange place" Gaiserich puts out the fire he'd made. Clang: "Aye, let's get back to reality...whatever that is these days." Vex: "Where should we go? Forward into the desert? Back to the swamp?" Mercy: "Back the way we came?.. or.. I don't know." Clang: "Let's backtrack half a day...if things don't return to normal, we know we won't be getting out that way Gaiserich: “We were travelling to the place there the Sssstarman livesss—or however he isssss there—, and it sssseeems that that's… uh, in thisss direction?” “Or… I think our aim issss in thissss world which we are half into here, not ourssss” Vex holds his head and sighs Vex: "Oh gods" Gaiserich mumbles to himself in Gorath how this is all very confusing. Clang: "Aye...that would seem to fit the mess we've gotten ourselves into." Mercy makes a small sound at that.. then fidgets, looking to Gai. "So.. yes. I'll trust you." She says to the ophdian man. "Shall we go?" Sophie: "We'll follow your lead." Ken (GM): kek Gaiserich looks uneasy, but a lone foreign sun is better than two… maybe? Wither way, he picks his backpack back up, and hopes he can find enough analogues to landmakrs from his world to be able to re-create the route here. And that this actually works. Ken (GM): gotcha P.P. A.: *either Ken (GM): [MAPU MAGICU] P.P. A.: If we had made a canoe, we'd be run aground in the desert now, maybe Ken (GM): hahah [so the general plan is to back up the roadway, following your trail, if it's there?] Rosettsara: (And on that note, my energy has depleted, so I will be off to sleepland for the day. Apologies again for having to leave early) P.P. A.: Well, my idea is that we should follow what our route would be if this was still our world, but to travel through the foreign dimension Ken (GM): [we only ask you take car eof yourslef and get some sleep :P] P.P. A.: Sleep well! Ken (GM): [oh i See! forging ahead!] Joush M.: Sleep well and I hope you feel better soon P.P. A.: We were looking for the Starman, and it looks like the (fake) Starman is in the dimension that we half-warped into, so if we keep going into that foreign dimension, we should get to our goal. (Or not.) Also if there's still two suns in the sky after two or three kilometres, we should reconsider our plan Clang: But hey, we'll at least get a nice tan! Rosettsara: (Thanks, good luck with the rest of today's session, i'll catch up after some much-needed rest) P.P. A.: \o Ken (GM): hokay then; exploratory lookins Doc: I agree with this plan unless there was a hint about something I forgot because it was months ago irl Ken (GM) the cart is reloaded and repacked with your allies and belongings. Justice shambles back to rest on the wooden horse-drawn thing, and Divus is flat out done. Ken (GM): Are you recovering anything from your foes to take with? Joush M.: I think they mostly had creepy bug weapons and armor right? Clang: I am taking one of the weapons, it seemed like I could 'talk' to it if not use it properly yet without training, so why not P.P. A.: If there's anything useable we'll take it, but if it's grafted onto them as some kind of organic cybersuit… Ken (GM): you were able to strip the guy, before getting distracted by the triage and shenanigains investigating the next guy along...his suit stays firmly in place (To GM): Gaiserich shrugs, and leaves it be. Mercy mostly seems to favor putting the strange weapons and armor on the pyre along with the bodies. Clang: "If I get any weird feedback from this gun, I'll toss it in the next fire...for now, though, it seems to be behaving." Ken (GM): Gai stripped at least one of the bodies, discovering the half-maimed man underneath the shell. Burning that suit? Joush M.: Up to you guys P.P. A.: Yeah, together with the corpses—if we want to bother with that this time around, I think moving on would be wiser Gaiserich doesn't even know which sun the souls of the dead would ride the smoke towards! Vex: begrudgingly admits thats a wise course of action Ken (GM): alright then, strapped down with only your own supplies, maimed individuals, and one extra gun under close scrutiny. You set out P.P. A.: We could bring another spare gun, or two, if we have space on the wagon Maybe the non-cyborgs can also learn to use them, unless they interface digitally (and not with one's digit) Vex appears to leap at the chance to grab one, curiously turning it over and over in his hands Vex recalls now, that he has two meat hands again, and curiously re-examines that too Vex: Mercy: "Careful.." She says about the gun, walking quitely beside the wagon. P.P. A.: Not worth training Vex in using them since he'd be out cold whenever there'd be an opportunity to, anyway >Vex miraculously doesn't faint at the start of an encounter >fires his laser-gun Vex faints P.P. A.: >the bright light and loud sound scares him Vex: lol P.P. A.: >he faints Clang: lol Ken (GM): >several guns get collected and heaped in the cart Ken (GM) The sand of earth shift over hard packed clay and scorching heat. Humidity burns away like simmering mists and you sweat in the red sun. As you venture further from the obelisk and the intersection, the sky behind you seems to slide back further and further, leaving you under only one sky and one hot sun. Gaiserich: “Ssssso thissss… went as I thought, for better or worse.” Gaiserich didn't think you could literally walk out of the sun. Gaiserich not into shade, but like, away from under where it shines. Ken (GM) the desert around you seems to stretch in all directions; leading to the highes tpoint you can find.... you see a line of misty fog stretching into green and glistening bog behind you; ahead into the stretching sunlight are shimmering lights of the desert and the distant edge of what might be black edged mountains on the far horizon, SouthWest Mercy stares out. "That should be a sea, shouldn't it? This seems so very wrong." She shivers. Gaiserich: “Yessss… very sssstrange.” He pauses for a moment. “The water issss ssssand, the deep lake isss mountainsss… is everything the opposssite here?” Gaiserich looks back at where they came from, wondering if the swampy area they traversed in this world is something like a steppe, or more desert. Mercy tilts her head to the side. "Some of the mountains aren't touching the ground. See there?" She points. "They are.. flying." Ken (GM) On the far horizon Mercy points out, a chunk of the mountains ahead....floating in the sky. Apart from the rest Clang: "Incredible..." Gaiserich says nothing, speechless at the absurdity, and slowly numbed to it. Mercy: "I don't understand." She admits, a shiver despite the warmth of the day. "What could it mean?" Jack: "If everything is the opposite here, and he was trying to... merge worlds, would everything just level out? Maybe turn the whole world into that same formless ooze?" Vex: "Wait, who was doing what?" Gaiserich: “Divussss ssssaid that there were more worlds than two, though.” “Would he not have to ssssquash all of them together?” Gaiserich informs Vex: “We talked to the wrong Sssstarman. He wantssss to kill a god, but only sssspoke ssstupid things.” Mercy: "That could well be true.." She says as she gazes out over the sand. "Should we try to continue or go back? The sand seems to go on forever.. the only landmark I see is those mountans." Gaiserich: “We cannot find food here… Or water. Yesss, we ssshhhould go back, and take a different path but through our world.” Mercy nods to Gai and turns around, nodding to the others. She goes to check on the poor souls in the wagon and see how they are recovering. Divus is a lump of sleeping meat, the blood stoppe dflowing and his bandages are drying Justice snores, her chest a series of bandages and oddly pink flesh. She has scratched at them a touch in her sleep and loosened them, but she has grown new flesh rapidly in the gaps! Mercy is suprised but happy about that, walking beside the wagon. Ken (GM) yo umake your way back the way you came, descending to the misty intersection of worlds and the trail to your homelands Ken (GM) the way is hot and parching, and once you reach the weird lands, the sky above is that odd patchwork knit of two skies and two suns. The scent of the bog is ripe, but fetidly wet Ken (GM) You pass the remains of the once-fort, the broken stones and burned out shells of bodies. The smoldering wreck smokes, but fresh water is easy to find, springing up in many clear places here. Mercy collects water and composes herself, glad to be back 'home' Ken (GM) once refreshed and passed back to the road you swiftly leave the weirdness behind again; the sky above is blue, a white shining sun, and the red desert recedes over the misty forest Westward Gaiserich: “I hope we can go around thisss… border.” Mercy nods. "it's eerie, Strange beyond anything I can imagine.. if we can't, I suppose we will have to make for that sky stone and try to figure out some way to get to it. It could be another place where the world's rules are not working right Vex watches the sky until his vision is burned "It seems we can pass back and forth through the...intersect... without issues. I dont feel any disturbences in the Mana as we travel either. And I'm wuite sensitive to the passing. It feels stable....for now" Mercy: "Can you tell us more about it, Mister Vex?" Vex: "That fortress..." Gaiserich nods. He occasionally looks up at the sky and flicks his tongue, taking in the familiar sights and smells, and smiles. Vex: "About which Miss Mercy? The mana? The fortress? The odd intersection of two worlds mashed together in some unknown dimension?" he seems overwhelmed as he rattles them all off Mercy: "How about.. Well.. I don't know. Let's just focus on trying to get to the starman's point, beyond the mines? Vex: "Hah, right. Best not to just...dwell on things..." he shakes his head Ken (GM): [so, base don your best directions, the Mines should be South of here, and likely on the actual land. So time to trailblaze a bit along the edge of (GM) You resupply your waterkins and make your way into the green lands; the road below you gone, replaced by heavy silt, rocky outcroppings, and mud. So much mud. Ken (GM) The cart does well, between a horse, a mule and Mercy; the land here is alive with fecundity and growth, but also a familiar scent and feeling. Your homelands Ken (GM) Under the careful eye of Gaiserich, the snakeman leads you along the water's edge, the swamp encroaching but passable. High heaps of crumbling land bridge gaps of cool and clear water, with fetid ponds of scum inbetween them. As the day wanes and night falls, familiar sounds arise; the hunting cat, the calling bird, the buzzing fly Ken (GM) More and more the land rises even and flat with short gaps of swamp around. Trees thicken into heavy copse and vine and fern soften your treaded foot. By the time you search for camp, you travel more on an escarpment above a lake than a swampy heath Mercy looks around the unfamilair land, curious walking carefully and helping get the wagon though the boggy ground, pushing it when it slows and tending to the horse. She's glad when start to search for a camp, the day seems to have been a long one. Gaiserich slithers swiftly over the slick mud. Not having to worry about his footing and being able to swiftly wind up trees to look ahead, he is an efficient scout, although minding the needs of the cart makes finding a track more difficult than it would be otherwise. Ken (GM): [camping as per the usual?] Clang: yus Ken (GM): [Alrighty; Divus is out still. By the end of the day Justice has gone from sleeping off her wounds to walking and munching to actively setting up a nods to Justice as she returns with some jucey.. iguana? Whatever it is, it sizzles nicely above the glowing coals of the fire. She busies herself preparing things and repairing damaged clothing after the is at a loss for how to help Divus heal; Sophie demonstrates how to clean the wound, stitch the tears and set the bones. Vex is humbled Ken (GM): [Oh thank god; pants!] pants for everyoine! Clang: Paaaaaaaaaaants! Ken (GM): hokay; I am fighting off some elder god tier madness in the kids right now you guys cool with calling it here, picking it up next week? Joush M.: Ah! Well I certanly understand being overwhelmed by kids. It's okay. Good luck and see you next week! Fiss: Yeah man no worries, I'm apparently car hunting online anyway lol Ken (GM): ouch doc; ppa; will you hat eme forever? Doc: no more than usual take care of your kids m8 Ken (GM): huzzah? lol Fiss: lol Pants! And Points? Ken (GM): take 4 points ya goonies update your sheets Fiss: Woot! 4 Pants! Ken (GM): buy things Doc: thanks fam Ken (GM): and stuff Fiss: I'll send an update before next session Ken (GM): but until next week! P.P. A.: oops Fiss: o/ P.P. A.: >accidentally hit te back button Thanks for the session! Ken (GM): o7 holy crap, you three beat joush to the game? is it opposite day? P.P. A.: high initiative roll Fiss: Yes. I mean...No Ken (GM) Where last we left our heroes Ken (GM) the world is not as you remember, but it is at least familiar enough. Ken (GM) The spheres have intersected, a great desert plain flat and baking West where the Great lake of the Fens should be. Mountains rise on the far horizon, a floating peak in the sky above them. Ken (GM) Fuck that noise, you collectively agreed, and struck again, South and East in search of the Mines of Gorgoth, a stop on the path on the way to the crystal keep of the Starman Ken (GM) Things have taken an odd turn of late... Clang: "An Odd Turn Of Late" = Our freakin motto Ken (GM) You have struck a path, trudged through the muck, and sought refuge from the misty lands about you. Camp overnight was muggy and moist, and yet restful. In the morning...something odd again transpires Ken (GM) Clang has awoken...shiny metallic and armored in a new aegis of living metal hide! Sophie: "If tall, dark, and ugly decides to show up again, we'll be ready for him now, presumably." Gaiserich wakes up, and notices the change—unamused but, at this point, unfazed as well. He waits for the rest of the party to rise, wondering if any of them have also undergone changes. Mercy struggles to comb her hair and tame the thick dark tresses to something reasonble, given the humid morning.. but forgets the chore in a moment when she sees Clang's transformed form. "Are you okay?" She ask sounding worried, as if unsure if the transformation is under the dwarven man's control. Clang yawns, going about his morning routine, not noticing anything...until he waddles behind a bush to relieve himself. Clang: "ODIN'S BLOODY SWORD IN THE HEAVENS!" Clang manages...for modesty...to at least put everything back in his trousers before scrambling back to the party Sophie: "Do keep me informed as to how your bodily functions change in response to this. For science." Clang: "Am...I...????" "Am I dreaming or is this..." Clang tries his best to compose himself Vex manages not to faint Vex stares at the dwarf from his bedroll, justice snoring half atop him. He nudges her Sophie: "I heard an old tale about pinching yourself to check if you're dreaming. You could always try that if you're not willing to believe your own eyes or us." Clang: "I suppose asking if I'm dreaming, and/or shiny wouldn't necessarily be the strangest things I've asked of you." Vex: "Wha...?" he manages Clang pinches himself, then tugs on his beard Clang is still awake Ken (GM) CLANK Gaiserich sighs, and lays down his skewer of grilled critters. He lays his hand on Clang's shoulder. “I feel with you. Thissss issss all sssstrange, but we will make it through.” Sophie: "Vex, come on. If you're not used to this by now, when are you going to be?" Mercy: "You aren't dreaming, or we all dream.. Is there anything we can do for you?" She ask Clang, nodding to the dwarven man. Vex: "I mean....well....I'm kind of okay with this?" he shrugs Gaiserich: “Whatever issss inssside usss—you, me, Vex—issss… changing ussss, and it is ssscary, but I do not think it issss evil.” Sophie: "If you have any concerns, Master Clang, speak up about them." Vex: "I can see Clang's aura has mingled with another. Assuming he doesnt burst into speaking in Star-voice, this is a positive development. A step on the road of the " Jack: "This isn't even in the top five strangest things we've seen since the last time we woke up" Clang: "I...I...I mean....I suppose..." he looks down at himself "I must think of this in terms of what the Allfather wishes....what this can do to serve the forces of Light...." Clang smiles meekly Clang: "At least...the next time I get an axe to the groin...I'll be a bit more resilient Sophie: "There you go." Jack: "I prefer to use mine offensively" Justice: "A very offensive tool, Jack" Gaiserich: “Your axe or your groin?” Mercy blushes and nods, then rolls her eyes and gives Jack a glare, though her heart is hardly in it and a moment later she turns to the work of tidying up the camp. Clang: "Aye...quite offensive." Jack: "Both. You heard the lady, I'm an offensive tool." Sophie helps get everyone prepared for further travel. Clang returns to the bushes to see if anything has changed in the way of relieving himself Clang promises internally not to share the results with his party out of modesty Ken (GM) PSSSSSSHT BOOM anda bush nearby is cut aside! Gaiserich considers making a joke about sharpening a weapon, but doesn't know if that translates well into Holder. Ken (GM): [lol] [the dwarf still pees] Clang looks slightly relieved that relieving is still more or less normal Ken (GM): Grimwyrd 2: Dwarf pee Gaiserich also peers, however into the sky to examine the weather. His tongue flicks as he tries to pick up the faint scent of rain, should it be present, and he makes sure there's not too many suns in the sky today. Ken (GM) To the West, a haze of fog and mist over the wetlands and the apparent desert lake. Above, black tinged clouds that sluggishly crawl; rain soon, but not right away. East, the sun rises bright and clear piercing the clouds. The forest begins to sing as the day warms Mercy almost smiles at Jack's joke, then gets back to work and finishes packing things up. The tall young woman looking around the camp as they get ready to travel. Sophie looks over at the apparently still unconscious Divus. "What are we going to do about him?" Divus rests where you left him; still breathing through his mangled wounds, bandaged and clean but unconscious. Small flickers of purple energy dance on his brow, he dreams? Sophie: "I'd be almost tempted to see if using that magic gem would help him, but on the other hand...he may still be considered an enemy." Justice growls, but refrains from speaking. She fiercely nuzzles Vex and goes about her morning Clang: "It seems cruel to haul him around as cargo, but yes, until he either awakens, or we have need to try to change his state if it worsens, rest might be best for him." Gaiserich shrugs, and goes about packing up his tent and belongings. Vex curiously pokes and prods Clang Vex: "Curiouser and curiouser" Sophie: "At the very least, tall dark and ugly didn't recognize or care about him, nor did Divus react to their presence, so...maybe a good sign." Clang laughs as Vex pokes and prods, allowing the curious Elf his moment of discoveries Mercy streaches, reaching her arms out above her head and looking to the broken form a moment, hand running though her hair after. "Hopefully we can find an abbey or other house of refugee once we've returned from the starman's sight. We can leave him to an aslyum to heal." Clang: "Dear Vex, I don't mean to critique Elfish customs, but in Dwarven lands, you should at least buy a man a flagon of ale first." Sophie: "That's the spirit." Vex blushes, realizes he's half dressed and molesting the poor dwarf, and he rushes to apologize and make tea Sophie: "Vex sure gets around, doesn't he?" Justice snorts a laugh Justice: "Careful now, I might get " Sophie: "Be careful, Justice. You have a playboy on your hands." Clang laughs and helps make tea to show there is no hard ( ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) ) feelings Vex nearly drops the teapot Vex: "Allfather and spirits preserve" " Clang: "Aye" Vex: "Yesterday, I regrew my arm. We saw the world collide with another, and we spoke with what you tell me may be the avatar god of our stars..." "If only we could always be so innocently happy" Vex sighs, darkly, and flexes his pink skinned hand Sophie: "Actually, we're pretty sure he was the pretender to that role." Vex: "Even STILL!" he gasps, exasperated "this world is so strange! and new! and curious....and...and..." Justice squishes Vex in a hug, and shuts him up a bit Justice begins to....purr Gaiserich slithers over to Clang. “Hassss the voice in your head sssssaid anything to you, about your… sssshhhiny sssskin?” Mercy: "Powerful.. but no god. We shall stop him and all will be well, Mister Vex.." She looks around and swallows. "Well, it's all very strange. I don't understand much, but we still need to eat breakfast, drink tea and get ready to move again." She blinks, looking to Justice at the feline noise, one of her ears perking up. Clang: "Aye, Dear Gaiserich. It seems to be more sure of itself, ready to join me to face the oncoming battles and...as Vex says...curiosities of this world. I don't think it is changing me on purpose...but rather it is simply more active." Clang smiles at the snek Clang: "It calls me 'Brother' and I have no doubt it is an honest title. It feels as if I am talking with an old friend." Sophie: "Don't forget that the mule has a bunch of rations." The Mule: "Hee-Haw" Gaiserich looks at him and ponders. “We need all the alliesssss we can get. I had trussst in my sssstrength and knowledge, but we have ssssseen things outsssside of all knowledge—sssso maybe it isssss good that we also have alliessss outssside of knowledge now.” Mercy smiles a touch.. curious as she tilts her head to the side and works in the camp, then reaches out to very gently touch Clang's shoulder. "Please let us know if there is anything we can do, good sir." Gaiserich still looks worried, but less worried than when the sky was bifurcated. Ken (GM): >bifurcated forgot that was a word for a sec [so breaking camp, having a meal, and getting ready to go, yeah?] Sophie: (Yup) Clang: Ayyyyyeeee Doc: ye P.P. A.: yup Ken (GM): [very well] OVERLAND TRAVEL MUSIC BEGIN Sophie idly takes a piece of paper and spends some time writing something and signing it. P.P. A.: Ken (GM): sweet jesus! WRITING how insidious Sophie folds the paper and places it in one of her pockets for the time being Clang: That's how it gets started... Ken (GM): then, before you know it, that pocketfull of notes becomes a manuscript, then a bound leaflet, and then.....it gets bound in a cover and its a BOOK Rosettsara: (There's a funny story about that i'll tell later) Gaiserich enjoys being back in a world he knows, and leads the way again. He keeps an eye out for prey and predators, for traces of either in the ground or in the air. His scales slide as well over slick sludge as over weathered bark. Rolling 3d6 = 14 v12 Ken (GM) the day warms wuickly and the mug intensifies into a physical presence; you find your clothes sticking and binding and the stench clinging like vengeful imps of torturous annoyance... Gaiserich in his appreciation for crooked brooks and harsh marshes, occaisonally forgets that they are bringing a car with them, and that boots sink easily into wet soil. Ken (GM) the muddy land and rocky outcroppings seem to force your group along a winding and meandering path that Gai leads you along. Mercy helps with the cart in more diffcult spots, pushing it from behind or helping pull the traces with the muel, the young woman otherwise keeping alert as a hunting hound, often scenting the air and looking around. By midday she's taken off her coat and works in her vest and shirt tucked into dark trousers. Justice is bedraggled and puffy, half out of her armor and bristing, streaked with mud, and none too happy about it. Vex tries his best to appease her mood but his humor and observations of the trip are colored with a kind of angry-cat-fear Clang walks in the shade of the horse but is more or less happy his body is working as it should despite the chrome package upgrade at the dealership Ken (GM) as the heat rises and the sun burns through the cloud cover, ahead you see a new prize await you; a kind of sharp rise lifts from the swamp ahead, a ridgeline of stone and earth like a spur of the land defying the sucking mud around it. Nestled at the peak, overlooking the water's edge...is a camp of some kind, a pallisade wall, and rising smoke Sophie: "Finally, a familiar sight." Clang: "Aye, I only hope the fires are not blood-fulled" Sophie: "That's what i'm referring to." Vex: "Oh gods, please be joking" Mercy: "Shall I scout ahead? Or should we simply approach?" She ask the others as she test the weapons, examining powder to see that it's dry. Sophie examines the terrain and approach to see if there's a good way to get through or around. (Tactics?) Rolling 3d6 = 17 vs 14 (Tactics) Ken (GM): kek Gaiserich is not good with tactics, apparently. Ken (GM): kek again so much kek Rosettsara: (We're all having amazing luck today) Ken (GM): "I say we strap the powder to Jack and send him in as a trojan horse") Clang: "Let's go ring the doorbell!" Ken (GM): (they wont possibly suspect a thing!) Sophie is too distracted by the heat to concentrate, and can't think of a plan quickly, looking to the others to take the initiative Clang: (Hello....general Clangnobi) Ken (GM): Clang walks up happily, hoping for fresh tea Gaiserich 's poor eyesight doesn't let him get a really good grasp of the area. Clang: "We're always cautious, I say until they give us a reason, we can maintain that level of worry and hope for a friendly hearth." Mercy nods. "Sometimes simple is best. We approch, and if there's any trouble just take cover behind the wagon." Gaiserich: “It sssstands tall, there isss only ssswamp around it… few placesssss to hide.” Clang: [Donkey: 'Like fuck you will, I'm outta here!] Gaiserich nods. Ken (GM): kek Sophie: "I can always shine a light through their darkness if needed." Clang laughs at Sophie's comment, but nods all the same Mercy walks up to the palasade. "Exactly.. we aren't poorly armed. Perhaps we will be suprised by welcome instead." Jack: "If there's nowhere to hide, they won't be expecting us." Ken (GM): What could possibly go wrong? Clang: (tm) Ken (GM): >everything goes wrong Sophie: "Won't know until we get there." Clang: [ things could go wrong."] Jack says this with such apparent gravity that it's difficult to tell if he's joking or not Ken (GM) You head forward, the hill below you levelling out into a kind of easy walking path forward, and a kind of trail allows you easy passage as you approach the camp; the path eases your travel and you welcome the respite from the drudgery of your morning Ken (GM) you make it accross the lowlands quickly, with little care, and when you reach the camp the gate ahead is open and waiting. A short cartpath rises up from this side of the swamp and you rise quickly to the edge of the peak, the smell of open earth and rusting metal belying the mine obviously ahead Sophie looks to the party's more gifted members in the realm of the senses Mercy perks up, looking forward. "I think we've reached the mine!" Gaiserich: “Yesss.” Mercy points. "The door there is open.. shall I go look inside?" Gaiserich looks uneasy, however: “Why issss there a fire here…? If the mine wassss… oozed a few daysssss ago, who has been feeding the fire?” Ken (GM) In such proximity to it now you see a few details you ignored on the approach; one corner of the camp is burned out, a tower once, now a charred stump of raw stone and blackened wood. Sophie: "I'd probably suggest looking, smelling, and hearing for signs of life first, but since you're not worried, perhaps my worries were misplaced." Vex: "Something feels....wrong" Jack: "Oh good" Clang: "Who better to make things right then." Gaiserich: “What kindsss of ‘life,’ too.” Gaiserich scens the air and “listens” for vibrations in the ground. He figures that, if the mine is unstable, or if there is activity there, he ought to feel something. Mercy nods, stopping a moment to simply listen and breath. Senses reaching out as she looks around quitely. Gaiserich turns around to the party. Sophie: "Such an important spot, yet nobody is seemingly around, and the door is wide open. What an invitation." Justice stretches, and straps into her breastplate, securing the bands and arming herself quickly and quietly Gaiserich: “Death,” he notes, “…but alsssso… works.” “Ssssomething is working down there.” Jack readies his musket and walks behind Clang walks....a bit cautiously, to peer around the door Gaiserich: “It issss… very…” He strugles to find the words, and uses his hands to gesticulate a regular, vibrating motion. “Not a being that movessss and resssts.” Justice motions for quiet from vex, and makes sure he has the Mule and the cart in his reins Clang calls out Clang: "Good morning!" Ken (GM) ahead, from the walls high up the ridge, you hear the sound echo against the stone. A kind of hissing wailing voice rises in return Ken (GM): "Broooooootheeerrrrrr.......comeeeeee to usssssss" Mercy walks to join Clang. "Oh, dear." She says at the menacing voice. Clang turns to Gaiserich Ken (GM) the gate sits open, the ground sharply rising to the lip of the ground here Clang: "Is such hissing a tongue you know of? I mean that not as an insult...your voice is far finer." Gaiserich has already strapped his shield to his arm, and holds it ready. “It doessss not sssound… healthy.” Gaiserich: “But we know what we were coming here for.” Sophie gets off the mule and brings up the rear, hand at the ready in case she needs to laser something. Clang nods and loosens the beam weapon on his back for ease of swinging if needed Clang enters the threshhold Sophie: "Stay here, Vex. Scream if anything bad happens." Gaiserich moves up to the vanguard, not like there's any space here to sneak around, and readies his spear and shield. Ken (GM) All about the mine grounds wisp glowing blue spirits, translucent people, monsters and bodies, floating over the ground and rotating about a mighty stone sculpture in the middle of the clearing Mercy walks after Clang, then stops and stares at the.. specters? Ken (GM) they swirl and blow on unseen currents, and not felt winds. Trailing wisps of translucent power and magical energy Ken (GM): "Weeeeee waiiiiited for youuuuuuu, brotherrrrrr" they speak in unison to you all Justice marches up, and halts short at the sight Justice: "Rond BETCH" Sophie hears the exclamation and shrugs. "Here we go again." Mercy stops and stares. "Sacrifices.. stripped bones. Skulls piled before the carving. Light preserve us, what a horror." Gaiserich is unsure his shield will block them. The spirits: "Sophieeeeeee..... you have come..... as she spoooooke" Mercy: "What has occurred here? Are you the killers, or the slain?" Gaiserich: “These are a lot of sssspirits to make oure.” P.P. A.: *pure Sophie: "Oh, goodie." Ken (GM) the North end of the camp was once a building, but you can see it was ruined form below as the earth rose up and swallowed it; pockmarked with weird tunnels like some massive hive Ken (GM) the far towers and outbuiilding appear burned out with fire, and smothered in their own collapse Clang bows his head at the nearest spirit. Ken (GM) on the far side, heaps of bones and flesh lie in a mound, mingled with shiny slag and soured earth Clang: "We come in friendship of the light. May I ask who you are?" Sophie steps inside. "Apparently one of them has business with me. Perhaps a relative of one of the people I failed to save during the war." The spirits: "We are travellerssssss" Sophie: "Or perhaps agents familiar with my lovely sister." The spirits: "Euuuuuricaaaaaa" they moan in unison, in answer Clang: "Aye, well met, fellow travellers. What gathering is this place?" Ken (GM): (ignore the typo C) [accursed C's] Sophie: "Yup, there we go." The spirits: "A sssssummoning.....her sssssisterrrrr anchored usssss heeeeeere" "we guard......the gate" Clang: "Ahhh..." The spirits speak like a rushing wave, tide rising and lowering as one; rotton bodies issuing our rasps of wind and echoing moan Gaiserich: “What issss there to guard insssside?” Clang: "May we free you to leave this place? Or pass in peace?" The spirits raise arms, and point to the pink haired comrade Mercy reaches into her bag, takeing out something, rolling a small bag of salt between her hands and frowning, resisting the urge to wrap Sophie in a protective ring of i, stepping a little closer to Sophie. Clang: [] Sophie: "Where is she now?" "Is she working for the Starman?" The spirits: "Gooooone. Escaped.....to the crystallll cassssstle" "she eludessssss you..... but wishesssssss that you follllooooooowwwww" Sophie: "Of course. I wish to reunite with her as well." The spirits: "*" They hiss like angry wasps Sophie: "Please perform whatever task she had you do, and I will put you out of your misery." The spirits: "HE BROUGHT US HERE" Mercy: "It's not right or nateral that you have been bound here in service. This necromancy is a crime, and we will do what we can to set it right. You will be returned to the light." The spirits: "DAMN HIM; TRESSPASSER! USURPER!" The spirits moan and wail Mercy: "Please, if you could tell us how to stop him?.." Gaiserich perks up. “Sssso you think thissss ‘Sssstarman’ is falssssse?” Sophie: "You forget your task and purpose. We will destroy him. Focus on your mission." (To GM): well that's curious (To GM): Holograms? The spirits rattle and moan, and then spark. They flicker as if illuminated by a shuttering light The spirits: "HE DREW US HERE, TORE US FROM OUR PLACE, OUR RIGHTFUL HOMES" Ken (GM) as they swirl and dance, angry and disturbed, one of the blue transparent beings holds still now, in front of Clang; a knight in armor, a tabard with a rose and gavel, two swords in his hands Sophie: "We are not your enemy. We too seek to eradicate the usurper." Ken (GM) Fire seems to glow on one hand, and his helmet billows with a high crowning helmet Gaiserich: “How can we help you return?” The Knight raises his sword aflame, and points to Jack The Knight: "You!" The Knight speaks aside from the others, out of unison. He shimmers and flickers harshly Mercy stands with Clang, worried this could go badly as she watches, not understanding what the powers of creation have wrought here.. they don't seem as normal specters Jack tightens his grip on his musket and narrows his eyes at the flaming knight Clang watches and waits to see what their reactions lead to The Knight: "I can feel a bond to you!" Clang: "Brothers in arms perhaps." The Knight steps forward, stands on the ground. You hear his armor clank and the rasp of steel as his sword shines more solid in the sun (To GM): Do I feel his steps on the ground? Sophie is ready to start lasering should it turn violent Gaiserich looks at the ground. Gaiserich slithers a step back and whispers to Sophie and Jack: Gaiserich: “I think there issss ssssomething down in the minessss that makess these spiritssss be here.” Sophie nods Gaiserich: “Ssssomething that… works without being alive. Like…” He thinks of an analogy. “Those wheels you warmbloodssss have that move with water or wind.” Jack: "No offense, but you're not exactly my type. I'm sure you have a great personalit-" Jack replies sarcastically before trailing off and raising and eyebrow in bemusement. Sophie: "A construct which anchors them here, then." P.P. A.: The entrance to the mine is to the left, right? And the ghosts are guarding it, they said? Ken (GM): [yeah the tracks head into the dark gap in the hill, there] Mercy: "Could we free them if we go down in to the mine then, Mister Gaiserich?" She ask hopefully. Gaiserich: “I hope sssso. We need to find that thing and break it.” The Knight flickers, and shimmers....and dims like a shade The Knight swirls back into the swirl of ghostly images around you Clang: "Using spirits to do your dirty work...I swear this generation has no pride in their own works." Mercy walks forward, but carefully. "We ask only to pass, friends.." To the ghost,t hen speaking gently to the others. "Justice, can you stay with Vex and the cart?" Clang steps towards the mine, watching to see if they retort Gaiserich follows, cautious. The spirits swirl about the mighty stone, and do not rise against you Justice bristles, and nods at the order Justice: "Stay safe, sis" Sophie: "Almost like they're guarding it from everyone except us." Clang: "Well then, we shall pass in peace, and gratefully so." Clang waits at the entrance for his friends Sophie heads inside rather casually Mercy nods to Justice, not really ordering.. but she'd been wounded badly in the last fight, and someone has to keep Vex from fainting and getting assaulted by ghost. The young woman turning to walk after Clang. Moveing carefully, nothing casual about it. Ken (GM): [entrez vous?] Clang: Yus Ken (GM): [pokes doc] Gaiserich variously peers into the impenetrable darkness, picking up what scents are carried to the surface from the depths, and using his vibration sense to try and locate the machinery they're looking for. Jack stands distracted until he notices that everyone else is leaving, then hastily follows Ken (GM): [map magic, one sec] Clang: [seen blax] Joush M.: We are upper right, should be visable now Ken (GM): woop Gaiserich: “This place is big,” the snakeman notes with some surprise, looking around the spacious cavern. Ken (GM) the ground dips downward in a steady slope, into the depths; quickly dropping into the stony earth and likely below the waterline Sophie: "So it is. However, do not let its size fool you into believing there's space to effectively maneuver." Ken (GM) the smell of the bloody rot rises from down here Mercy scents the air, putting away her salt and relaxing just a tiny bit. "Those poor souls.. Oh.. there may be horrors down here as well." Mercy: "Shall we check that chamber first? This place could be a maze, I'd hate to get anything between us and the exit." Sophie: "We're here to rescue them, so don't lose too much heart. Let's go forward and liberate some prisoners." Clang: "Aye, fear not the heart of the mountain, it is as any other forest, just stone instead of trees." Jack: "So like a city." Clang: "Let's check to the right, see if there is perhaps a mustering point for those working the mine." Clang lookin Mercy nods and walks with Clang. Ken (GM) the chamber sits like some pitiful encampment; lit lamps sit, guttering and sputtering, with empty sleeping rolls aside small handcarts Ken (GM) You see no signs of life, and dust lies over everything in a rime Sophie follows along, trusting the judgement of the others to not lead them astray Clang looks for any maps, manuals, or signs of recent life/work Ken (GM) you see, here and there, cups and bowls, small plates of food, half eaten and drunk. Everything set down, but also dusty Gaiserich didn't see anything interesting in the room at first glance, so he slithered back out to watch out for enemies. Gaiserich smells and spots in the south-east something that might be ooze, but doesn't explore until the party is ready to go together. Mercy walks to the.. boxes? The things that line the walls. Examineing them. Joush M.: Bed or box? Ken (GM): [simple bedrolls, stuffed with straw. Tiny and meager, barely usable by man-sized people] Jack keeps himself in a position to be ready to respond to trouble in any direction Ken (GM) from the far end of the mine, a sound echoes up, like a burbling slurp Clang raises an eyebrow at the smaller wares Clang: "This is Dwarven kit. Or at least...Dwarven sized kit." Sophie: "Anything you can use?" Mercy looks around the dwarf-space, nodding to Clang then considering a moment as she walks back to the doorway, letting Clang search the things. Satisified there are no threats or problems in the room. Clang: "Aye, this is definitely formed from my kin's hands...I'm not sure what use, but I suppose a spare bedroll or blanket would never be a bad idea. We can always load up on the way out...let me just check if there are any indicators of clan or names." Clang hunts through a box or two...gentle, reverent just in case these belong to deceased kin, but purposeful Jack: "That... was not a good sound. IT's here." Clang: "The wares are old, but the food is fresh...Squatters who have not touched these beds or these items but have been using this place to sup, perhaps?" Jack focuses and advances slightly towards the darkness Clang refocuses his attention with the others Sophie: "Fear not, it's only the enemy, probably." Mercy walks back to the doorway. "Yes, that makes sense Clang.. I think Jack's on the trail of something." Gaiserich: “Look over there,” Gaiserich points in the distance, “What issss that??” Gaiserich gets a bit closer. He noticed something but is unable to make out what it is, other than that it sticks out. Ken (GM) slime, green and luminous, shines on the floor ahead Sophie: "Let's go find out. But let's also secure our exit in case things turn ugly." IT gurgles again, ahead. A gutteral rising sound like a belch from the earth IT: "Come to meeeee" it rasps "Come to my body.....pleasssssse" Clang: "Remind me not to chide Vex for his poking and prodding...he was far less intrusive than this." Mercy flexes her hands. "Well.. let's go see what horror waits." She takes her axe in one hand and gun in the other, walking forward after the snakeman. “More ooze.” IT: "I huuuuurt......whyyyyy am I here?!" the voice rises and belches, vibrating like a trembling death throe Sophie: "Sounds like another atrocity of my sister's. Let's check it out." Sophie moves toward it Ken (GM) the stain of lime green slime meets a door and wall built from wood, into the tunnel ahead; to the right the rails continue down a slick path, where blue ooze you are familiar with shines fresh Mercy: "Passage on the left." She warns, advancing forward, looking at the green slime, then at the blue ooze. "Starman ooze." Jack advances, puzzled but otherwise stoic. "This is... different." Gaiserich: “Different?” Gaiserich has been advancing cautiously, but calmly. Ooze is nothing new to him anymore. Ken (GM) ahead, at the end of the tracks, lies a bulging mass of the bluish fluid. Like a polyp on the ass of the world, a flesh heap sits there, sticking out, many eyes bleary and searching. The thing bleeds and squelches Gaiserich edges forward and sees what Jack is talking about. Gaiserich: “…yes, thissss isss different.” “I ssssmell blood from behind it.” IT turns to you squirming in the dark IT: "Help....me...." Jack: "IT's not supposed to be so weak." IT: "This is wrong!" "This is not.....the world.....I escaped" Gaiserich: “Yessss,” Gaiserich readily agrees with that. IT: "Why did she....amke me?" Sophie: "What else do you expect from a demon?" Jack: "Make you? When?" Sophie: "They corrupt, destroy, damage everything they touch. Even their creations are suffering." IT twists and tries to squirm free of the ooze, but is stuck fast IT: "You! Mercy frowns. "Lots of blood behind the door.. easy.." IT: "Crimson haired flesh-thing! You are her kin! I smell it on you!" Sophie: "She is an enemy I seek." Mercy reaches out to push the door open with her axe, but stops a moment, looking to the others. IT: "Why have I been summoned here! How have you bound the eternal fflesh of The Darkness so?!" it screams and echoes in the dark Jack: "I don't know whether to be worried or relieved that you're in such a pitiful state." IT stops writiching, and focuses on the voice, turning it's many eyes to jack IT: "I remember you!" "Knight of fire and the rose! Thorns in my flesh! Torturous bastard of a broken house!" Gaiserich: “There are other sssspiritsss outsssside. We are in here to free them—and you—because we think there isss ssssomething making you be here deeper inssside.” Sophie: "Everything here sure seems to like us, Jack." Mercy: "We will happily cast you back to your lightless hell once we've figured out how." IT: "YOURS WAS THE SWORD WHICH STRUCH DEAD DELOTH-AINUR'S NURTURING DEMON! YOURS WAS THE CLEANSING FLAME OF TORTUROUS LIGHT!" Jack shakes his head. "No, not me. But I remember." Gaiserich: “What isssss it talking about?” P.P. A.: uh-oh, the 4th wall is another dimension Gaiserich looks expectantly at Jack, since he said he remembers. Mercy: "Deloth-ainur? A friend of yours?" Clang: [ "I bet you're wondering how we got here...."] Sophie: "Could this be a being from the other world Justice comes from?" Jack: "IT uhh... destroyed the world? In a sense. But they stopped IT." Gaiserich: “IT? They?” Jack struggles to find the words to summarize events he's not sure he even comprehends Gaiserich is wary—he would be more wary if not half of the party has had received puzzling knowledge from without or heard voices in their heads lately—he guesses it's Jack's turn today. Rolling 3d6 = 9 (Burning attack, tight beam, affects insubstantial, armor divisor (2), etc) IT screams and burns, boiling IT pops IT stops screaming Ken (GM) echoing dwarven laughter bounces about the hall, shimmering on your ewars with a genuine amusement Clang: "Never a dull moment..." Ken (GM): "Just what he deserved" the voice booms, from behind the wooden wall Sophie: "The only question now is, why would my sister want to bring and sustain such a thing here?" Mercy: "It did know things.. about other worlds? Perhaps she had questions for it." Clang: "Let us explore...quickly...I feel we are always just a step behind." Mercy shifts her weight and frowns, then looks at the ooze with a deep frown. "Should we go though the door then?" Gaiserich: “…very well.” Ken (GM): "Sir Rod, is it really you?" the voice inquires "It has been so long" Mercy stops, blinking at the voice, looking around then to the door, reaching out to try and open it. Ken (GM) through the doorway is a heap of horror and oozy flesh; bones and bodies and discarded heaps of detritus. Doc: >dwarven laughter so the voice isn't female? Ken (GM) Perched atop it all, a flickering ghostly apparition of...a dwarven armored knight, with a hammer in one hand and a broad smile on his face Clang: "Allfather's Beard..." Ken (GM): "Hah! how strange...." the dwarf speaks in a jovial tone, then he seems surprised to see Gai "I know you" he manages....before flickering and dimming like a stopped picture Gaiserich: “I don't know you.” Gaiserich stiffens. Jack: "Suthri?" Gaiserich quickly turns around and looks at Rod. Gaiserich: “…yessss.” Ken (GM) the image chuckles once more, and then dims Gaiserich: “I do not underssstand, but indeed, Suðri.” He points at Jack: “Ssssir Roderick.” Ken (GM) he disappears, and all that is left is the carrion corridor, and the sound of vibrations in the air Mercy looks with confusion at the others, an ear perked, tilting her head to the side and looking between them. "I.. Don't understand?" Gaiserich explains: “I… remember the life of a dwarf.” Sophie: "Sometimes you need to take things at face value." Gaiserich: “Ssssuðri Ssssskornbrekker. He knew ROderick, who isss Jack… but Jack is not him” “And I am not Ssssuðri. It isss ssstrange.” Jack: "If I were Roderick I'd be sexually harassing an elf. I'm Jack." Gaiserich empathetically points to Clang though. “But I now know what your sssshiny ssskin is!” Sophie chuckles Gaiserich: “Sssuðri had ssssomehting sssimilar, but it was not like metal like yoursss, but like shiny rock.” Mercy: "That name sounds.. dwarven." She says with a blink as she looks at Gai. Trying and failing to imagine him a dwarf.. then looking into the horror room. Gaiserich smiles. “It isss good, sssso you ssshould not worry.” Gaiserich turns back around to face the pile of horrors in front if him, though. “The machine liesss beyond.” Gaiserich mumbles: “…machine, huh.” Clang: "Truly, you are amazing, my dear Gaiserich...." Clang follows Ken (GM): [adjusts the tokens to the map :P] Gaiserich tries to slither around both the corpses and the ooze, yuck. Jack: "Do you think the others are here?" Mercy: "Ah.. I'm with you, Sir." She follows after Gaiserich, weapons at the ready. Looking at the bodies. "A graveyard, but not new bodies, and not killed.." Sophie shrugs and follows them in, taking it all in stride Gaiserich: “Probably.” Ken (GM) the gore and heap of bones and bodies obstructs the floor, but the ooze slick stuff has a passage beyond, to the hall and mine-path cut in the earth Gaiserich: “Can we burn thisss to clear it?” Ken (GM) ahead, in the far corner, some ooze-slickened obstruction sits on the even floor, in a cavern carved ages ago by much more talented hands Mercy: "Bones burn badly, but the ooze burns hot.. still, I don't know.." Sophie: "Knock yourself out, but be warned that the smoke doesn't have many places to go." Gaiserich shakes his head. “I will ssssqueeze passst.” Mercy frowns at the pool of ooze, then nods in agreement. Gaiserich awkwardly slides half up the cavern walls to try and not to make contact with the ooze. Not wearing boots, and not having legs to conveniently step over them, he bends his body awkwardly, and clings to the walls, to try and avoid it. Ken (GM): >snek snek Ken (GM) Gai avoids the worst of the mess, and manages to reach the other side without worry, plenty of snek-holds on these walls P.P. A.: Makes me appreciate having legs IRL Clang: Is this Goo bad spooky goo or just unknown Goo. P.P. A.: I never realised how convenient it is that we can just leap across or simply strike across things that would be unpleasant to step into Gaiserich: “Hmm.” Gaiserich inspects the machine closely. Sophie covertly slips the paper from earlier to Jack as she goes past. "I'll go first. Watch my back." Ken (GM): [this is definitely the grey blue goo of the weird ass shit youve been dealing with, mingled with a bunch of gore and bodies] (To GM): Gasierich will try to figure out how to operate it from Suðri's memories; if there aren't any obvious interfaces, he'll try to link it with his brain-computer-thing Jack: "Gladly." Mercy picks her way over carefully, following the snek and blinking at the tight quarters, looking at the now familair blue glass oblisk with it's raident glyphs. Ken (GM) Gai seems to have some mastery over the thing, and prods the interface with intent and care. Clang will do my best to dwarf where the snek has gone before Ken (GM) the blue screen yarps several times with red text, but the snekman nods knowledgebly Ken (GM): kek Gaiserich speaks to the machine, both in words and in his thoughts: “Releasssse the ssssspirits that are anchored here, and return them whence they came. …but if Sssyviis, Bomrek, and Grey are here, reunite them with ussss.” Gaiserich: He also operates its interface with his hands. This isn't completely unfamiliar to him, but there are still things he doesn't understand, so he'll try a few different approaches. Sophie moves around after the others (To GM): if the lockdown prevents it, he'll have to think of something—maybe the gem they picked up earlier, which reminds him of the bloodroot gems or heartstones Ken (GM): "LOCKOUT IN EFFECT; UNABLE TO COMPLY" Gaiserich: “Hmm” P.P. A.: (brb btw) Ken (GM): >dramatic snek-pause Clang: [ snek snek snek snek snek snek snek snek snek ] Ken (GM): hahahaha Mercy frowns at the evil computer.." Do we smash it then? Would that even help, if it's the anchor to those poor souls?" P.P. A.: basiclaly I suddenly have prickling/stabbing/mini-cramp-like feelings all over my torso I have no idera what it is, maybe I just sat too long or wrongly Ken (GM): oh dear! P.P. A.: so I'm gonna drink some tea and lay down for five minutes maybe it'll go away then Ken (GM): >tfw yo ugive your players a mini-stroke Doc: memories of dwarven metal skin Joush M.: Ouch! I'm sorry. Get well soon Ken (GM) flashbacks to the hot pepper incident Rosettsara: Feel better, and take it easy P.P. A.: but yeah pls pause, maybe this goes away very soon I don't feel bad otherwise, I'm just concerned because this is very odd Ken (GM): a very dramatic place to pause :P Fiss: DRAMERTIC! P.P. A.: ok so lying down briefly made it move, I think I just sat too long Ken (GM): kek and a half P.P. A.: gonna type standing now :DDDD Ken (GM): lol Fiss: Standing Desk time? ;p Joush M.: I'm glad to hear that. Maybe just a pinched nerve or something. P.P. A.: probaby blocked the flow of whatever liquids and gases circulate in my body Ken (GM): oof, I have done that >Oldness intensifies P.P. A.: Thanks for the wait, in any case! Ken (GM): never a problem Fiss: I think they call it "blood" and "mojo" Rosettsara: Keep an eye on it. Sometimes in those cases you may need to walk/move around to get things flowing properly again, even if it feels weird to do so Fiss: Mojo is definitely a gas Ken (GM) you stand in the mine, over the interface of strange blue magic, a weirldy knowing look on the Snek Gaiserich: “I do not think there issss a need to ssssmash it,” the snake notes. “It issss locked, because we locked it yesssterday.” Clang waits to see what Snek can do Gaiserich: “It sssseems that thisss… net of machinessss is connected, and we make it not work in thisss area. …which issss good, maybe?” Gaiserich attempts something else Doc: been dealing with sciatic nerve pain for a few months here myself so I sympathize (To GM): He's trying to see if the between-state of the spirits outside is caused by the incomplete merger of the worlds Mercy: "Oh.. so.. others won't be able to use this linked machines to work their dark magic?" She ask, trying to understand the full limplications as she watches the snekman work. Ken (GM): [I love seeing plot threads begin to tie into a weave of knots] Gaiserich: “Yesss,” he answers Mercy. “At leasssst from here.” “But it meansss that I'm not ssssure how to free the ssspirits outside, now.” He looks at Jack: “You— Roderick, and Ssssuðri, it ssssays, are from…” He pauses and mumbles to himself, but gives up trying to pronounce it entirely. “Ssssomething-sssphere alpha.” Sophie: "Push comes to shove, I can light them up." Gaiserich: “While thisss is ‘sssomething-sssphere beta’.” “It ssseems… He tries to make sense of his thoughts, which are mingled with the strange Dwarf's memories of advanced concepts. “Like the ooze givesss a body to thingsss… The ‘ssspirits’ outssside are ssssomething like that, but not complete.” He points to the pile of corpses. “Maybe these were ssssupposssed to be their bodiesss, but… well, you ssssee how that went.” Ken (GM): So to clarify a bit here; it seems you have all the memories of Suthri; but you are still Gai. So you've got your character sheet, and the memory of being someone else, but other than weird glimpses into your previous ability you don't suddenly have the full faculties of a dwarf paladin. In GURPS terms, consider yourself to have a 10 point Unusual Background, and the option to tap into all that forgotten memory and buy relevant stuf (like dwarven language, musket skill, etc) derp that really should have whispered P.P. A.: :P Ken (GM): kek P.P. A.: I see Ken (GM): IGNORE ME Jack: "So is this from the starman trying to unite the two spheres?" Sophie: "Interesting. So what Euria was doing didn't pan out. Or...maybe it did, and what we're seeing is just the leftovers." Mercy: "More attempts to play at creation and godhood that fail. The Starman has the -tools- of a precusror titan, but lacks the wisdom and power." (To GM): I've been playing it in such a way that Gaiserich remembers Suðri's memories, and from that inherited a basic understanding of how machines and magic—as Suðri has encountered them—work, but in trying to apply this knowledge to his novel situation, he needs to processs these memories through his own understanding and intellect, and that's kind of confusing. Gaiserich nods. (From Ken (GM)): a very apt approach; derp interpreted shenanigains Gaiserich: “That… what Ssssophie killed also sssaid ssssomething like that.” (From Ken (GM)): you now have an out to buy up dwarven stuff! Sophie: "Should we encounter her, stop at nothing to kill her, should I fail to do so." Ken (GM): [IT screamed as much; Euria summoned IT but...improperly] Gaiserich: “And the Sssstarman we ssspoke to sssaid he wants to… make all the worldsss into one, or sssomething.” “Sssso I think Mercy, Kaisur, the onesss outssside, the two sssssuns… are all tries to make the worldsss into one, but not complete.” “A perssson here, a sssoulless body there, a sssoul without a body, landssss…” Mercy nods to Gai. "That makes sense" Gaiserich turns back to the machine once more. Ken (GM): Sophie: "Interesting." (To GM): He's looking up a way to reverse the process, and—if the lockout cannot be changed—where the next unlocked terminal is (since it's evident now seems fascinated by what he is seeing, and doesn't react to Mercy's question. He breaks out of his trance, looking particularly surprised. Gaiserich: “Uh… Thissss isss… a very big thing.” Gaiserich turns around, fidgeting as he tries to find the right words. Clang waits patiently....dwarven patience the only thing bigger than mountains Gaiserich: “These sssspheres…” he holds his hands as if they were grasping a ball. “We are in one, and we sssaw the other one.” Mercy nods to Gai. Gaiserich: “But thesssse spheres exist in ssssomething else.” “Like bubblessss in water.” Mercy: "So the worlds are like.. islands floating in a sea?" Gaiserich nods. Ken (GM): :D Gaiserich: “I think we are wassssting our time if we jussst try to fix things in our sssphere, we need to find a way outssside—where I think the Ssstarman isss.” Mercy rephrases the metaphore, trying to grasp it. "And he's trying to ram the islands into each other, because he thinks that is better then different islands? And he is.. on a boat? A star boat, where we have to get to him and beat him until he stops it?" Sophie: "I'm up for it." Gaiserich: “I wonder if that isssss good or bad.” Jack: "And the thing Sophie zapped was like a fish?" Ken (GM): :D Mercy: "An evil fish." She says with a thoughtful nod. Gaiserich: “No, not a fissshhh… more like ssssomething that fell into the water, and disssolved.” Gaiserich pauses. Mercy: "A.. jellyfish?" Gaiserich: “Or a fish that came onto the land.” “I don't know, but one of thosssse two. Sophie: "Let's not overwork our friend's brain. Let him process one thing at a time." Gaiserich turns back around to the machine once more, having thought of a new question to ask. Ken (GM): oooh sick burn (To GM): Basically: A) was that a demon from outside of the spheres that tired and failed to manifest a body? and B) Is merging the spheres good or bad? (To GM): as he was united with Suðri's memories, and Jack with Rod's, would merging the spheres “complete” them? (To GM): or alternatively, were the spheres always apart, or are they one thta was split into many Gaiserich strokes his beard— but remebers he doesn't have one! Sophie awaits the new revelations quietly Ken (GM): lol WHISPERING INTENSIFIES sorry Gaiserich nods, and turns around: “It wasss not a fish, but… sssomehting else. Maybe a demon, from outssside any sssphere.” Clang: [more elevator music snek snek snek snek snek snek snek snek snek snek snek snek snek snek snek snek snek snek snek snek snek snek snek snek ] Gaiserich: “Merging the ssspheressss is bad, though. We need to sssstop it.” Gaiserich points to the ooze and corpses. “…which, uh, we ssssee here why.” Mercy: "An outsider, not from the 'islands".. I'm glad it's gone and was very small." She says with a firm nod. "We have to stop the starman.. but how do we get to his 'boat'?" "Espeically if the 'sea' the spheres float in has deamons in it." Sophie: "Perhaps something can be found at that crystal castle." Gaiserich nods, and enters one last query (To GM): Basically, where the nearest machine with admin rights—or, as he would put it, ‘that is not locked’—is located, and whether the approximate location of the Crystal Castle holds any concentration of… well, relevant stuff. (To GM): basically if the Crystal Castle is the control center of all this Mercy nods to Sophie, trying to imagine what they might find there. Gaiserich sighs, tired by all this strange new technology and knowledge. Ken (GM): [I struggle not to quip righ tnow, deprived of my pithy NPCs, standing guard outside] Gaiserich: “We will have to go to that flying sssstone we ssssaw in the other sssphere, I think.” Gaiserich shrugs. “Thissss issss all a lot and I don't undersssstand all of it yet.” Jack: "Maybe I can beat Roderick's body count." Ken (GM): kekolio Sophie: "That's the spirit." Ken (GM): hahahah alright, and on that grisly note UNTIL NEXT WEEK Fiss: Woo! P.P. A.: \o/ Ken (GM): CHAPTER 2: The Spheres! Fiss: We survived! SO FAR! P.P. A.: sorry for the interruption there Thanks for the session! Lots of progress! Fiss: STORREEEEE!~ P.P. A.: and now we have to doubkle-backtrack back into that desert Ken (GM): SO MUCH Joush M.: Woo! Thank you for the game. I am very sorry about Mercy's metaphores Ken (GM): HAHAH P.P. A.: They were very useful! Ken (GM): nah man, theyre glorious Doc: I love timefuckery Ken (GM): I have been waiting friggin weeks for this kind of revelation too P.P. A.: I love spacetimefuckery so I like where this is going Gaiserich, afet they defeated that blob, had already figured out by himself that these abominaitons were probably a mixture of souls, bodies, and botched combinations drawn from other spheres Rosettsara: Thanks for the session~ Doc: Jack has 10 IQ so he's having a fun time trying to understand what he remembers Ken (GM): roleplaying your IQ while having access to high IQ memories P.P. A.: same with Gaiserich Ken (GM): you guys rock P.P. A.: at least I can probably buy up his language fluency since he ought to remember Suðri's knowledge of Holder bedtime now, night! Doc: o/ Joush M.: Goodnight! Fiss: o/ Ken (GM): Fiss: om nom nom nom P.P. A.: By the way, what year was it in GrimWyrd 1 (by either the Greyhold or the Dwarven calendar) Ken (GM): hoo boy, asking the hardball questions now arent we and just to give a tricksy answer; there isnt one! The dat eisnt formalized in any of the kingdoms. The only agreed upon timeline is that it was the current age, marked after the war with gorgoth and the horned king. The previous being the agre of the alliance and before that the age of demons P.P. A.: fug They gotta have some kind of reckoning though Ken (GM): P.P. A.: “since the coming/departure of the Allfather” or something Ken (GM): you could estimate it as having been about two dwarven generations since the horned king, making grimwyrd 1 around the 100 year mark to the day you guys blew it all up forever making grimwyrd 2's timeline about -5 to +10 CY P.P. A.: Well, I was going to ask that in-game How many generations were between the Horned King and the First Empire? Ken (GM): genealogically, the dwarves reckon that at about 20, depending on the lists. roughly 1000 turns of the sun but they could be off a hundred years or so P.P. A.: Hmm, I see, I see Thanks Ken (GM): np Ken (GM) Where last we left our heroes Ken (GM) Deep in the Gorgothi mine, the stench of ooze all around, the howling of strange spirits on the wind, they crept into darkness and met their makers. Or at least, a console jacked into their creators! Clang: [Clang is officially a Small Shiny Hero...almost up to Firefly spec, just needs some growth potion] Ken (GM) Past weird malformed people, neither in this sphere nor the next, they met shades of past lives, mingled thoughts with past and present, and mused on their futures Ken (GM) Transmutations abound; a dwarf of ancient empire make, a man who recalls being a knight, and a snek who has visions of dwarf-hood. Ken (GM) IT shrieked at them, and IT was put out of its misery Ken (GM): [lets head into the discord for a bit, for docs sake :D] Joush M.: Gotcha. P.P. A.: [I'll copypaste my lines back and forth] Ken (GM): absolute madlad Gaiserich stands… or, er, is positioned in front of the blue screen. His hands idle, but he ponders all that he has learned and remembered. He turns M. seems surprised at that question, tilting her head to the side and the slender amazon standing by and fidgeting a little as she looks to the strange, impossible screen then back to Gai and Clang. Clang: "If I had access to one of the Tablet Archives in my homeland, I could be sure, but I believe it's 19 or 20 generations." Ken (GM): [dont worry about duplicating everything guys :P] Clang: [k] Ken (GM): [just for docs sake, take it to dischord for a bit here :) P.P. A.: 햔햐 Doc: eyy I think I'm good P.P. A.: noice Ken (GM): toight Gaiserich: “Hmm… So thisss… isss the ssssame time as when we— Sssuðri, Roderick lived.” Doc: will let you know if it dies again Clang: "Aye, seems plausible." Gaiserich looks at Jack. “Sssso that meansss thisss is not the ‘passst’, but the new future. …present.” He pauses to make sense of what he's saying. “Thisss isss a world without the Ansible here, I mean.” Mercy: "Ansible?" Gaiserich: He explains: “The Ansssible wasss a terrible craft built long ago to fight of the Horned King. It dessstroyed all of Gorgoth in the passst. Sssuðri, Roderick, and their friendssss were tricked into using it again, and thissss…” He searches the Dwarf's memories, and cowers a little at the imagery. “…desstroyed the world, brought demons and Darknesssss into it.” Mercy: "Oh, that's awful. I am glad there's nothing like that here." She says with a deep frown, hugging herself as if cold. Gaiserich: “But they then… did and un-made the Anssssible in the passst. Maybe that we do not know the Anssssible issss their doing.” Mercy: "They changed the past?" The idea shocks her, thinking of everything they've seen she nods after a moment. Gaiserich: “What confusessss me… There are different wordssss, ‘Sssspheres,’ with a different hisssstory. Did they un-make the Anssssible in the passsst of their Sssphere only, or in all of them?” Jack: "Don't be so hasty to say there's nothing like that here, Mercy. Depends what you mean by 'like that,' or 'here.' Or 'is,' for that matter." Gaiserich nods knowingly. Mercy: "I'm confused and scared now." She admits, looking to the screen then the others. "Should we try and continue then? We were trying to find a way though the mine." Jack: "Those controls we've seen... they're much like those of the Ansible were... Are? ... Would have been." Doc: Grymwyrd 201: Grammar and Epistemological Metaphysics Ken (GM): kek with an aside on morality plays Gaiserich nods. “I believe the Anssssible wassss sssimilar to these. These machines can… do thingssss with the sssspheres. Maybe the Ansible used the ssssame principles, and the hole through which the Darknesssss came wassss a hole in the Sssphere—a hole to the sssspace between the Sspheres.” Mercy: "You know this because the.. Jack-that-was whispers to you?" She ask him, tilting her head to the side like a dog trying to understand a door knob. Jack bursts into laughter at the comparison between him and Roderick Sophie: "Gai can you see if this thing was accessed recently, before we arrived?" Gaiserich nods to Sophie. “I looked. Eoria came here.” P.P. A.: *Euria Sophie: "So it's likely the 'demon' which merged with her is also a being connected to all of this." (From Ken (GM)): the approximate timestamp clocks her access at about 8 local cycles ago; roughly a week, time enough to have done something here then headed into Glardenfen to run into you at the safehouse... Jack composes himself (mostly) and clarifies to Mercy. "This Roderick guy was something else. All noble and high-minded, shot fire from his hands. You would have him. But no, I'm still myself, and he's not really whispering to me. I just remember his story, like a really vivid song." P.P. A.: “Ssshhhe came here eight days ago.” Gaiserich: “Ssshhhe came here eight days ago.” Mercy offers a weak smile at Jack's laugh then takes a deep breath as he explains. "We have to catch her before she gets to another.. ah.. pillar of creation? One that lets her do more.. We need to catch up with her." Sophie: "And not only does she have a head start, but wanted us to know this. She may even already have prior knowledge about where the next ones are." Gaiserich: “There issss one many miles to the Eassst, but I think the sssstructure we saw in the other Ssssphere, over the mountains, issss more important.” P.P. A.: [correct me if that whisper mentioned West rather than East] Doc: (also Jack was supposed to have asterisks around "you would have him" but it got eaten by the /me emote) Mercy blushes and takes a deep breath, looking to Jack. "And if I would have liked him then the world must have been very different" Ken (GM): [all good ppa, you got it right] Sophie: "Oh well. What will happen, will happen, I guess. We'll make it in time and stop it, or we won't." Ken (GM): [next pillar would be somewhere in Gorgoth deep; the floating thing is West] P.P. A.: [All right, I got it right then] Gaiserich: “Suðri hasss never been in a desert either, though. How do we get through that?” Mercy: "So.. we had thought to go to Gorgoth and brave the jungles and mountans to reach the Starman's last pillar before her. We could instead risk the desert, to see what is there? If the place they.. drew into our world is somewhere we could stop them?" (From Ken (GM)): Oh! but you did! Gorgoth was a corrupted place, blackened by the Ansible, but definitely a desert! After the device was used the countryside changed... Sophie: "There is always an answer to every question, so long as you know where to look." "Either way, i'll be with you no matter what you choose to do." Gaiserich: “Actually… THisss desert isss not that different from how Gorgoth wassss in Ssssuðri's world, after the Ansible.” “Let'ssss jussst try it.” (To GM): buying a point in Survival (Desert) is okay then? (To GM): noice Mercy: "If you are sure, Mister Gaiserich. I'll follow your lead and we can cross the dunes." Jack: "Wish I had a horse like Roderick did." Sophie has remained oddly unphased by all of these revelations, showing little to no visible reaction to any of it. Ken (GM): >tfw no feelings Gaiserich: “I wish I could eat metal and… excrete weaponssss and machinesssss like Suðri could.” Ken (GM): >internally creaming Gaiserich , remembering this, looks at Clang. “Can you do that know? Your ‘gift’ sssseems ssssimilar to what he had.” P.P. A.: -k Ken (GM): AUGH lol jesus Clang: "Aye, though it seems to be less chewing and more touching in my case." Gaiserich: “Good, good.” Rosettsara: Heh Mercy stares in surprise at those words, again tilting her head to the side.. before she instead speaks to Jack. "It must have been a very different world if you could afford a horse." Gently teasing him now, then asking at last. "What was.. I like? Or did we not know each other?" Gaiserich wonders if that “assimilation” thing that the voice in his head mentioned is similar to that. Gaiserich looks back and forth between Jack and Mercy. Gaiserich: “If thisss… if we here are all connected to , then Mercy mussst be Gray.” Mercy: "Gray? Like.. a noble?" She ask, instantly thinking of Grayhold's nobility and apparently not about how naming a person 'Gray' could be confusing there. Ken (GM): hahaha (To GM): Gaiserich considers that an artificial Elemental now, or perhaps the base sphere-stuff from which elementals are born when they have a soul Doc: "Bit racist, don't you think?" Sophie: "You lot must really be chosen ones, like the prophecy stated." Doc: I'm not sure if Jack knows what racism is Gaiserich laughs. Gaiserich: “No, he wasss a fierce Ssscorned warrior—as fierce and sssstrong as you, and alssso as pure—but not assss beautiful.” Ken (GM): >sad gray.jpeg P.P. A.: Do we have any barrels on our cart? Mercy: "Oh.. Well, I suppose that makes sense." She says to Gaiserich, smoothing her coat and blinking, blushing as she notices that she was just called beautiful. Ken (GM): >senpai! P.P. A.: By the way, was the landscape we saw a sahara-tier sand desert, or rather something like Iceland or the Tibetan plateau, rocky, barren, but with some stuff going on? Ken (GM): [the former; definitley dusty but a packed hard earth with shortass scrub and sparse dunes. ] P.P. A.: We'll have to bring a lot to drink then Ken (GM): >Grimwyrd 2; the quest for beer Gaiserich straightens himself up. “If we want to crossss the ssssands, we need to bring drinks, water.” Gaiserich: “We could fill the flaskssss of the demon-worshippers we took the wagon from. …but clean them firsssst.” Ken (GM): haha true Mercy: "Ah, yes.. let's talk about this outside the mine?" She ask, stepping back. Sophie: "Thankfully, all we must do is locate other settlements. Those don't spring up without access to some." Ken (GM) the horrors of your surroundings drip and slither, gore ridden and smelly Gaiserich nods. He will pick up any spare ores and scrap metal on his way out, though, to see what he or Clang can do with it. Mercy leads the way out of the mine, picking her way carefully. Clang assists with that, though he looks lost in pondering as he helps Ken (GM): lol Sophie shrugs and leaves alongside the others Ken (GM): "oh hey, thats a good rock!" [map magic] Mercy: "Poor souls.. we still haven't found a way to free them." She says, embrassed that she'd forgotten about that. Gaiserich looks a bit dejected at that too. Sophie: "I could always blast them." Ken (GM) the bright grey skies about the grounds of the ruined mine are startling and glaring for a few moments; the flickering ghosts continue their swirling travels about a massive stone head (From Ken (GM)): you recognize the pillars, and the stonework now. This could have been a first empire dwarven ruin, converted to the gorgothi mine (From Ken (GM)): it resembles, deeply, the ruins where you first saw bloodwine enchant all those elves Gaiserich slithers to speak to the souls, but stops and looks around. He traces his hands over some stonework and nods to himself, before he speaks: Gaiserich: “We are ssssorry… We could not free you. But we learned how we might, and we will travel to where we can do sssso.” (To GM): The slaves after we crossed the canyon? Mercy: "Would that help?" She ask Sophie, then nods to Gai's words and bows her head apologetically to the spirits. (From Ken (GM)): yep Sophie: "Couldn't hurt to try, if you'd like me to." Mercy: "Would any of you care for us to attempt to exorcise you, or for Sophie to try to banish you with Light? It may be painful." Ken (GM) the flickering images dance about the stone, floating errantly on unseen winds. At your question, looks of confusion and doubt cross their faces, as if in unison Doc: "For you" The spirits: "thisssss isssss not our worlllllld" "where would you ssssssend ussssss" Gaiserich: “To your world. The Sssstarman put your world and ourssss together, but not fully. That issss why you are here in thissss form.” “Well, the fake Sssstarman and hissss ssservants.” Mercy nods to Gai. "When we undo what he has done you should be free" The spirits stop floating, and consider ,their heads tilt in unison, to one side The spirits: "Do it then" Sophie: "Sounds like our destination has been decided." Gaiserich nods.and puffs his chest, ready for action and to take the fight to where the villain probably is. Mercy looks for somewhere away from the mine of horrors with it's slaughterhouse atmosphere to collect water and supplies for their trip back to the desert. Vex and Justice wait for you at the cart, and appear relieved to see you emerge form the mines; Vex holds the reins of the cart, seemingly ready to bolt to action. Justice stands with her sword and armor, dipping the blade at the sight of you Sophie: "Miss us?" Ken (GM): Mercy waves to them. Gaiserich pauses as he sees the two. He looks at Vex for a few seconds, then hides a sheepish grin under his hands. Justice seems stiff, and doesnt relax much as you return "You are...different. Gai, Jack; what happened?" Justice half raises her sword Gaiserich turns to Jack and whispers: “Bomrek and Suðri really were right about Woodssscents.” Gaiserich wipes the grin off his face and explains: “We received the memoriesss of heroesss from the other world—the one we walked into, with the other sssssun. And we learned that we need to go there again to fix thingsss.” Clang: "I learned I might need more iron in my diet." Sophie: "Settle down, Justice. Everybody is still devoted to destroying the Darkness." Justice mewls, but relents, and hangs her sword from her belt again. Sophie walks past them to tend to her mule Justice: "This is all so weird, but I trust you." Jack: "If only our elf was more like theirs," Jack nods to Gaiserich. Vex looks politely confused, and blushes Vex: ""I think I need to choose to take that as a compliment" Mercy: "it's all very strange." She agrees. "But we have a goal and task to work to." Gaiserich explains to Vex and Justice that there are many worlds, and the Starman is trying to combine them, and that the horrors they've encountered so far are the result of this process. Justice: "Why does Jack have somehow swagger?" Vex: "By the fifteen speaking trees of the west marches, what a tale. " Vex does not faint1 Gaiserich also explains that they found a machine in the mines like the pillar under the two suns, and that these are what makes this happen. Gaiserich: “The… voicesss in the headsss of Clang, Vex, and mine sssseem to be like those machinesss. Sssssomething primordial, not a demon or a ssssspirit, but… like a world-time-elemental?” Vex: "do you mean...?!" he asks, reverently Rosettsara: Nice, Vex leveled up Gaiserich doesn't remember this name from Suðri's memories, nor from his own, so he shrugs. Gaiserich: “What are the pre-curserssss?” Vex takes a moment, runs a hand through his hair, and seems to prepare himself Vex: "they are the makers, Gai; the fabled ones who taught the dwarves the secrets of stone, shaped elves with thir artful hands. Spoke to the clay and bid man to step forth from it" "the gods..." Gaiserich is impressed. Mercy: "Their servents were things like the jinn we spoke with. Or..perhaps not? They speak in riddles a lot." Vex: "I know of the name only through my studies of their artifacts, the evidences of their passing. The stone that taught you..." "Yes mercy, the Jinn were some of their first sons and daughters. Or the corrupted orphans of the demons." Gaiserich: “Ssso assss the Sssstarman is un-making the worldssss, we musssst use the gods'… world-making-craft to sssstop him.” Makes sense. Mercy: "Find him on his island and beat him with a stick until he knocks it off." Vex looks blankly at that, and blushes deepply Justice gives him a playful nudge Sophie: "And you chosen ones are probably meant to manipulate those crafts. So don't go running away, now." Ken (GM): [allrighty, so the companions are fille din and the way are clear; whats the next step?] P.P. A.: Should we cover the gathering of supplies with Survival, Scrounging, etc. rolls? Ken (GM): [map magic] P.P. A.: Looks like our destination isn't far away, so we don't need to prepare for more than a week of travel Find a source of clear water and fill our flasks and waterbags with it, hunt a handful of bigger game so we have food for a few days (how to preserve it tho) Rosettsara: The mule has a bunch of rations, too P.P. A.: very good Ken (GM): yeah you had packed quite a bit Joush M.: Everyone is healthy, we've got a good amount of food, starveing isn't a problem. Finding water might be, but we can carry some We had 210 rations or 70 person-days P.P. A.: oh yeah, that'll do Ken (GM): oh dang son >Jerky for miles P.P. A.: Looking at the map, if it's to scale, we'll need two–three days at most Clang walks over to Jack before we get underway P.P. A.: maybe even less, if walking over sand is easier than trudging throuh sludge and swamp Clang: "Jack, good sir, may I ask if I could see the silver'ed metal you have? The events of the day have jogged this old dwarv's brain a bit, and I think I may be able to do something with it. Joush M.: We've got 10 days, even if things go bad we should be okay We also have 2 gallons of grain 160+ proof grain alcohol, for water treatment or getting drunk enough to sleep with Jack. Ken (GM): not enough grain alcohol in the world P.P. A.: or for when Gaiserich gets confused and thinks he's a dwarv Clang: [] Ken (GM): kek hahah of course, doc is disconnected when the dorf is all interested in his silver blood Jack produces the dwarven thingamajig Joush M.: So the plan is to bare west by northwest and strike out across the sand? Sophie: "Next time, ask before you start reaching into my pockets." Joush M.: About 40 miles? P.P. A.: Yeah, we return to the spot northwest where we fought the laser-shooting bug-suited furries, and then trek southeast to the mountain Joush M.: Ahh, okay. I was thinking direct to the mountan, but from the camp makes sense too P.P. A.: well, if we can go directly to the mountain, that wopuld be better Depends on where the spacetime anomaly border is Ken (GM): wait, so, did the dwarven slug get passed to Sophie? I may have badly misremembered Rosettsara: She took it for safekeeping and inquired to Clang about it earlier Ken (GM): friggin derp on me and that happened when I was covering fiss on an early depart too jfc lol lets pretend I was apt enough to nudge Clang over to it Doc: tfw Rosettsara: It happens, no worries Clang Dorfs as needed Doc: Also yeah I think that's correct Clang: Basically, Clang's going to reexamine any artifacts now with his new headbro in tow, and with the light shining of his knowledge that he may be linked to the Metal Eaters of Legend Ken (GM): in a nutshell P.P. A.: What were the GW2 Dwarven rifles made of? (As in, did they have rubber in it, or silicon, or other fancy materials?) Ken (GM): The ones you absconded with, leaving Glardenfen? They had very elaborate inlays of metals. Fine lines of laquered wood and thin press metals (From Ken (GM)): Re-examining them now, you can see some facimilie of the magitek actually. like faux-circuits P.P. A.: Hmm Time for some whispers Ken (GM): hahaha our infamous chats is that whats going on now? whole lot of whispers at not-me? (To GM): Having inherited Suðri's knowledge, and—from the sound of it—his ability to poop machinery, if that's what this assimilation process is, my/Gasierich's idea was to try and replicate the Dwarven rifle's laser beam mechanism o a smaller, weaker scale to use as a laser pointer (To GM): THis laser pointer could then be affixed to a normal rifle, or the bug-plant-thing rifles they looted earlier Rosettsara: Oh dear (To GM): and then Gaiserich would use them by aiming with the targeting laser, those heat he could trace—since his eyesight is too poor to aim otherwise (From Ken (GM)): ah neat; so investing some points in perk-level tools? "built in magitek"? Clang: I'm just focusing on examining any dwarfy materials, seeing what kind of an aura, info or commentary from my arm/head/bro I can get before shoving it into my fists or mouth lol ] Ken (GM): ~till you ask someone you love~ (To GM): yeah, he's already got some points in dorftech to make it. It's a tall order for a primitive like Gaiserich, but he inherited Suðri's engineering knowledge and his memories of how Suðri's rifle worked, so making a simpler version of that that simply beams a weak targeting laser be feasible Clang: ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) ( ͡~ ͜ʖ ͡°) (From Ken (GM)): certainly a perk level investment that could grow with some time and points Ken (GM): hahaha wwere horrible (To GM): I guess on his character sheet this would be a skill point in rifles and some kinda perk that states that his vision penalties don't apply if he can use the laser-targeter (To GM): (He still couldn't quite see where he's aiming, but if his laser point is on a heat-emitting creature that's probably an enemy, he'd know to fire) (From Ken (GM)): laser-rangefinding essentially (To GM): yea Ken (GM) the gold brick is a block of ancient metal, engraved with delicate runes of dwarven script; the tale of a descendant of the allfather's children, a paladin of the stone heart and silver blood Ken (GM) the thing sloshes with a deep GLOOK noise when handled, and is very dense for its size, even for a gold block Gaiserich , while the road is familiar and he doesn't need to be scouting, hops onto the cart and picks up one of the bug-rifles. Gaiserich examines it closely—mostly with his hands, briefly powers it up (but not quite to shoot) to see where the heat and mana flows through it, and how it is channelled. Mercy gets to work moving the wagon, gently guiding the horse and pushing when the thing bogs down. The young woman taking off her jacket and putting it on the wagon. Gaiserich is very concentrated, and takes breaks to cool down his head. (From Ken (GM)): the rifle seems to be a variant of the magitek guns; while your laser-finder would be a simple cobbling of parts, the bug-gun is a strange and weird technology. Where the dwarven creations run on thaum, this seems to be powered by a kind of battery that doesnt resonate magcially, yet is quite obviously charged up. The principles are very similar though, point and shoot Joush M.: Snek head cooling.. he ladles grain alcohol onto a rag on his head every half hour. He's snek-overclocking today Gaiserich: Or a refreshing little dip in the murky swampwater Sophie attends to the group's medical needs as needed. Dehydration, heat stroke, anything that might affect them during their travels. Gaiserich finally puts down the bug-gun. He doesn't look confident, but he has decided on a course of action. Gaiserich: “Do we have…” he lists a few metals in Dwarven, as he isn't sure of their Holder names. (To GM): whatever metals go into dorfrifles, so he can make his laserpointer Mercy: "Is that a sort of food?" She ask, uncertian what Gai means. Vex looks taken aback by the words, then points at Divus' toolkits in the back Vex: "He brought much of those things with him...why ?" Gaiserich: “No, thessse are metalsss, like iron, copper… but I am working with Sssuðri's memoriesss, ssssso the Dwarven namessss come to me more easily. Gaiserich thanks Vex: “Very good! I want to try and make sssssomething.” Mercy nods to Gai and falls silent, realizeing she's quite out of her depth. Gaiserich slithers over to Divus's stuff, and scavenges it quite liberally and shamelessly. (To GM): He asks his brain-PC: “So if I ‘assimilate’‚ them, I can produce parts from it like Suðri could?” Clang: "Well, I suppose it won't hurt to try. Though I think I'll attempt to spare my teeth." Ken (GM) there is a sound like water trickling from deep rock, and a slight SNIK as something unlatches in the metal slug; a tiny unseen latch opens on the top, like a hinged stopper on a bottle...and out from the golden thing slithers a silver fluid, shimmering with magic light! Sophie: "It's radiating magic. Dwarven magic, if i'm not mistaken." Gaiserich notices the thing they're handling. Mercy blinks, then reaches back, resting a hand on the tattoo on her back though the fabric of her shirt and vest. Focusing on magic, she stares quitely at it with wide eyes. "I can see it too, Doctor Sophie." (To GM): Gaiserich wonders if he could work it like clay, kneading it into shape. Vex 's ears droop and he becomes wide eyed, staring Gaiserich: “May I… touch it?” Gaiserich suddenly turns back around and digs through Divus's toolbox again, picking out some tools. Sophie: "Don't see why not, unless Master Clang has a better idea." Clang: "Haha, I have bravery and a tough skin, but better ideas? I'm afraid not many. Do as you need." Gaiserich smiles. “Thank you! I will try my bessst.” Ken (GM) the silver stuff moves and slithers like a small animal or reptile, turning a bulb of metal this way and that, perched on the gold slug Gaiserich carefully approaches it, various tools in hand. He stares at it, but if had he eyelids, he would be closing them—letting instead the touch of his fingers, the mental imagery from alien memories, and the .exes in his mind guide his hand. (To GM): dorfcraft roll? Clang: "We are dealing with very old, very holy things here. I have little doubt that my ancestors and indeed, the Allfather's beard is involved." Ken (GM) on Gai's approach, the thing turns it's attention to him. His touch is met with curiosity and an embrace by the silver blood. In a moment, it slithers out of sight, and toward Gai Gaiserich recoils. Gaiserich: “No!” Gaiserich seems unharmed, but confused. Gaiserich: “Hello?” he asks himself. Sophie: "What's wrong?" Mercy stands by, unsure of how to help. Or indeed, what is going on. Clang leans forward anxiously, but trusts his snek friend Gaiserich: “The voice in my head ssshhhouted a warning, that it wassss being overwritten by a waterfall. And it failed.” “…oh.” Gaiserich smiles a little. Mercy: "Is that.. bad?" Gaiserich: “I think my Progenitor-elemental wasss replaced by a Dwarven elemental, like the one Ssssuðri had.” Sophie: "Makes sense." Gaiserich welcomes it in his mind. Not like he's still got any delusions about being alone in there. Mercy: "And that is good" She says, with a slightly uncertain smile. Ken (GM): Gaiserich nods. “I know it from Ssssuðri's memoriesss, it issss good.” P.P. A.: >jailbreaking your soul to install third-party software Rosettsara: (GaianogenMod) (To GM): “Welcome, nice to meet you. I am Gaiserich. Can you help me form metal into machines, like Su— like the Dwarven paladins?” Joush M.: His brain has an AirBNB listing Ken (GM) Gai visibly writhes and shifts, and you see on his chest, a patch of the silvery metal blossom and grow through his scales, like a badge Ken (GM): >10/10, would rent again, very accommodating Clang: 5/7 would snek Vex: "By the gods...its just like my hand!" and he holds up his pink-fleshed replacement "Was I touched by the gods too?!" he wonders aloud Sophie: "You've been touched by so many latelky, it's hard to keep track." Justice giggles and blushes Justice: "Oh damn!" Mercy blinks in shock and stares, waiting to make sure this really is a harmless transformation. "Are you okay Mister Gaiserich?" Gaiserich: “From my experience… it ssseems that, like uncarved wood, or unchipped sssstone, the godssss made us raw, and then the Allfather, the Ssstarman, and whoever else thought up wayssss to reshape ussss.” Clang: "This is a large enough threat that I wouldn't be surprised any Gods watching are anxious to find and pick their champions and avatars." Gaiserich: “I know who issss in me now, and I trussst them. But I do't know who all livessss in you,” he directs the last part of that towards Vex. Vex withers under the look, and seems to doubt himself a bit Vex looks intensely worried Sophie: "It's Vex, so it can't be that bad." Clang smiles Gaiserich nods and smiles to relieve the Elf's totally justified worries. “As long assss you are Vex, all is well.” Gaiserich will get suspicious when/if Vex stops fainting constantly, though. Sophie: "That said, try to jog your memory of what Euria did with and to you during her stay." Mercy: "The Light is with us, we will not fail." She says primly, nodding a little. Gaiserich turns his attention to the metals looted from Divus's collection, though. He first tries to shape them by hand, as though they were clay, using the tools to carve them into forms—if that doesn't work as easily as he hopes, he'll reluctantly try eating them. (From Ken (GM)): you are transformed now enough that you can transmute small material as if you were a toolkit; everything bends to your will by hand and if you want to work on your laser it should be an easy enough task to produce Ken (GM) Gai demonstrates a visible power to bend metal and materials to his will now; shaping them like clay in a sculpters hands Rolling 3d6 = 6v10 Engineer (Dwarftcraft) (Will luck if fail.) Ken (GM) Gai pokes and prods, in a few moments he seems to have created....a think with a strange light on it! Gaiserich holds up the thing—a small… thing that looks like it's meant to be attached to something else, and contains a lens—and points it at a tree in the distance. A small red dot appears on the tree, and some dust in the way betrays a thin ray of light. Gaiserich: “I can put thissss on a musssket, or one of these,” he points at the bug-rifles, “and aim with it.” Justice: "" Justice smiles, and appears to be making a joke Gaiserich was ready to defend himself, but is relieved to see Justice smile. Sophie: "A laser, is it?" Gaiserich: “Issss that what it'sss called?” Gaiserich explains that his eyesight is very poor, but he can see heat; so while he couldn't see where he's aiming otherwise, creating a small targetting heat-ray should allow him to use firearms too. Mercy stares, tilting her head to the side thoughtfully. "How?" She ask, then looks to the dot. She kind of wants to chase it, but fights the impluse. Ken (GM): hahahah Sophie: "It's very similar to my beam of light. However, it would appear to not be offensively oriented." Clang: "Good for a quick shot in a heated moment of battle, I suspect." Gaiserich: “Ssssuðri used an ancient Dwarven musssket that could fire a much sssstronger beam, like yourssss, but I can't make that.” Mercy: "Why not?" Mercy ask curiously. Gaiserich wonders. “…perhapssss I can, but it sssseems difficult.” Rosettsara: (Also had a brain fart there, replace "laser" with "light beam") P.P. A.: (ah ok) (ah ok) Mercy: ((I was enjoying the ancaronism)) ((I was enjoying the ancaronism)) Clang: [Ray also works] [Ray also works] P.P. A.: How many rifles of what kinds (normal, bug) do we have, and how are they allotted at the moment? How many rifles of what kinds (normal, bug) do we have, and how are they allotted at the moment? Ken (GM): 4 total bug guns; one on Clang, one on you, two more spare in the cart 4 total bug guns; one on Clang, one on you, two more spare in the cart P.P. A.: noice noice Ken (GM): 3 total dwarf muskets; one on Jack 3 total dwarf muskets; one on Jack two others I dont recall two others I dont recall Rosettsara: (Sophie used a musket prior to getting her laser) (Sophie used a musket prior to getting her laser) Ken (GM): Gaiserich screws his laser pointer onto one of the muskets. The bug guns are probably more effective, and he has some understand of how they work (not with witchcraft!), but he still trusts the more mundane Dwarven craft more for now Gaiserich screws his laser pointer onto one of the muskets. The bug guns are probably more effective, and he has some understand of how they work (not with witchcraft!), but he still trusts the more mundane Dwarven craft more for now Mercy has her shotgun and axe, as ever.. Mercy has her shotgun and axe, as ever.. Ken (GM): a simple affair, given a little time, for gai a simple affair, given a little time, for gai P.P. A.: (All right, hogged enough of the spotlight now) (All right, hogged enough of the spotlight now) Ken (GM): kek kek Clang spends less time experimenting, more time internal reflecting on the nature of the quicksilver, trying to connect to it magically, or with his soul, seeking to see if it holds memories, wisdom, power or just the promise of the Allfather's presence Clang spends less time experimenting, more time internal reflecting on the nature of the quicksilver, trying to connect to it magically, or with his soul, seeking to see if it holds memories, wisdom, power or just the promise of the Allfather's presence Clang: TLDR: Dwarf Meditation TLDR: Dwarf Meditation Ken (GM): Do you guys have enough beer for that? Do you guys have enough beer for that? Clang: ale ale Ken (GM): GASP GASP HEATHEN HEATHEN Clang: Or...will that give me a bonus? Or...will that give me a bonus? Ken (GM): hahahah hahahah alrighty, so after a bit of cultural dwarven enrichment, you guys are going to collect some supplies and strike West yeah? alrighty, so after a bit of cultural dwarven enrichment, you guys are going to collect some supplies and strike West yeah? Clang: yus yus Ken (GM): core lacking item was simply a paranoid amount of clean drinking water> core lacking item was simply a paranoid amount of clean drinking water> Clang: Water and mule feed at least so we're not having to walk through the sands of doom without a ride Water and mule feed at least so we're not having to walk through the sands of doom without a ride Ken (GM): gotcha gotcha gotcha gotcha Joush M.: Yep, going to collect water and fodder Yep, going to collect water and fodder Is there like a roll for that? Is there like a roll for that? Ken (GM): survivial is a good start; Gai has swamp, used it for water before survivial is a good start; Gai has swamp, used it for water before P.P. A.: If we didn't leave them behind (we never said we did!) :^) we should sitll have the empty bottles the revelers brought their blood-wine in If we didn't leave them behind (we never said we did!) :^) we should sitll given I think we have moved like.. fifty feet from the mine. Mercy will just go back, wave to them, grab a couple barrels, then leave. Especially given I think we have moved like.. fifty feet from the mine. Mercy will just go back, wave to them, grab a couple barrels, then leave. Rolling 3d6 = 6v12 Survival (Swamplands) for finding fresh water, and for whenever the roll is needed Ken (GM): nice nice Dont mind me! Dont mind me! just getting the barrels! just getting the barrels! Ken (GM): back in a tick back in a tick oo these things are nice oo these things are nice well coopered well coopered Ken (GM): that means dwarven that means dwarven >Gai finds a tasty spring nearby with a nice sandy bottom >Gai finds a tasty spring nearby with a nice sandy bottom quest items procured! quest items procured! Ken (GM): 8LEVEL UP MUSIC* 8LEVEL UP MUSIC* Ken (GM) the mine gives up treasured containers, and after some interesting developments you are again prepared Ken (GM) the mine gives up treasured containers, and after some interesting developments you are again prepared Ken (GM) the way is clear if not obvious; west, to the desert and the other world. Parched but you are provisioned. A wasteland, but you are wise. Ken (GM) the way is clear if not obvious; west, to the desert and the other world. Parched but you are provisioned. A wasteland, but you are wise. Ken (GM) Thus they set out again, back on the muddy path familiar Ken (GM) Thus they set out again, back on the muddy path familiar P.P. A.: Hot, but we're cool. [sunglasses emoji] Hot, but we're cool. [sunglasses emoji] Ken (GM): Mercy stands by coopered as a verb Mercy stands by coopered as a verb Clang spends he first few dozen miles passed out due to over-prayer Clang spends he first few dozen miles passed out due to over-prayer Ken (GM): Clang: Metal butt cheeks flapping in the breeze... Metal butt cheeks flapping in the breeze... Ken (GM) the mule and horse trudge on the trail. Guided back along your previous foray the land passes underneath you in a familiar way. The lake is misty with far off heat, and the day warm with the feel of it. The day passes, the sound of far off birds screeching in the grey light, the jungle and marsh a riot of green and bubbling gasses. Ken (GM) the mule and horse trudge on the trail. Guided back along your previous foray the land passes underneath you in a familiar way. The lake is misty with far off heat, and the day warm with the feel of it. The day passes, the sound of far off birds screeching in the grey light, the jungle and marsh a riot of green and bubbling gasses. Ken (GM) By early eve, you have returned to your previous campsite; the firepit even still clear, and salamanders festing on your detritus. Ken (GM) By early eve, you have returned to your previous campsite; the firepit even still clear, and salamanders festing on your detritus. Ken (GM): [re-using the site?] [re-using the site?] Clang: Why not? We know it is at least 95% sink-hole free at least! Why not? We know it is at least 95% sink-hole free at least! :D :D Rosettsara: (Don't see why not) (Don't see why not) Ken (GM): [very good then] [very good then] P.P. A.: [Might as well] [Might as well] Ken (GM): [3/5th consensus reached!] [3/5th consensus reached!] Clang: [] ] Ken (GM) you break for camp, muddy but well travelled, a warm fire and good forage for a meal. The sun sets, it's weird twin far away but looming ahead, the desert and the flying mountain the next step toward the Crystal keep Ken (GM) you break for camp, muddy but well travelled, a warm fire and good forage for a meal. The sun sets, it's weird twin far away but looming ahead, the desert and the flying mountain the next step toward the Crystal keep Ken (GM): alrighty! solid session and plenty for me to prepare for next week! alrighty! solid session and plenty for me to prepare for next week! 4 xp ya gits! 4 xp ya gits! Ken (GM): oh ye gods the wife is demanding chinese foods oh ye gods the wife is demanding chinese foods Fiss: Aye, I should see if my offspring and wife have murdered eachother over Zelda yet. Aye, I should see if my offspring and wife have murdered eachother over Zelda yet. Joush M.: Thanks for the game! Have a wonderful day and chineese food Thanks for the game! Have a wonderful day and chineese food Fiss: o/ o/ Ken (GM): no promises; its -30 and I need to order out no promises; its -30 and I need to order out P.P. A.: Thanks for the session! Thanks for the session! Rosettsara: Thanks for the session~ Thanks for the session~ Ken (GM): youre quite welcome! Thank you for your Crazy-GM patience youre quite welcome! Thank you for your Crazy-GM patience also, kudos on unravelling my plot threads! also, kudos on unravelling my plot threads! Ken (GM) WHERE LAST WE LEFT OUR HEROES Ken (GM) WHERE LAST WE LEFT OUR HEROES Ken (GM) They slept, peacefully, in the warmth of a fireside and encampment sheltered from the mad worlds around them Ken (GM) They slept, peacefully, in the warmth of a fireside and encampment sheltered from the mad worlds around them Ken (GM) LITTLE DID THEY REALIZE the morning would prove to be fraught with....possibility! Ken (GM) LITTLE DID THEY REALIZE the morning would prove to be fraught with....possibility! Doc: oh no oh no possibility possibility Sophie awakened dully. "Oh, good. Another day where nobody has died over the night." She checked Divus to be sure, though. Sophie awakened dully. "Oh, good. Another day where nobody has died over the night." She checked Divus to be sure, though. Joush M. keeps watch for her shift then sleeps under a few blankets, curled into a ball and sleeping quietly. In the morning she rises slowly and stretches, going to wash up and pray near dawn, a moment given over to meditation on their task. Joush M. keeps watch for her shift then sleeps under a few blankets, curled into a ball and sleeping quietly. In the morning she rises slowly and stretches, going to wash up and pray near dawn, a moment given over to meditation on their task. Ken (GM) the dawn breaks red and bright, the sky afire with mist and cloud and sun. The swampy trees around you warm and the buzzing of the insects rises in a crescendo. Justice mull sover the fire, picking odds and ends out of her matted fur and nursing her wide wounds. Vex dotes on her, and they seem happy Ken (GM) the dawn breaks red and bright, the sky afire with mist and cloud and sun. The swampy trees around you warm and the buzzing of the insects rises in a crescendo. Justice mull sover the fire, picking odds and ends out of her matted fur and nursing her wide wounds. Vex dotes on her, and they seem happy Gaiserich wakes up and stretches his jaws. He taps his new crystal-armour on his chest to remind himself that that was not a dream last night… although reality itself is seeming more and more like a dream as of late. Gaiserich wakes up and stretches his jaws. He taps his new crystal-armour on his chest to remind himself that that was not a dream last night… although shrugs. "I'll be fine. But on that note, I may not be around forever, so you Chosen Ones should mindful of your health too." Sophie shrugs. "I'll be fine. But on that note, I may not be around forever, so you Chosen Ones should mindful of your health too." Rolling 3d6 = 13 vs 10 HT Ken (GM): jfc jfc Rosettsara: (Oh well, Sophie was already healed to 5 HP, so she's fine) (Oh well, Sophie was already healed to 5 HP, so she's fine) Ken (GM): still extwa kwispy still extwa kwispy Mercy nods to Sophie. "Is there something I can do about that? I mean.. I could try to learn healing magic. I think their might be a spell for that in my book." She says to the young physician. "Could you tell me anything about healing magic?" Mercy nods to Sophie. "Is there something I can do about that? I mean.. I could try to learn healing magic. I think their might be a spell for that in my book." She says to the young physician. "Could you tell me anything about healing magic?" Sophie: "I can only teach you about the body and what to look for in and around it. I specialize in combating disease and injury through material means." "I can only teach you about the body and what to look for in and around it. I specialize in combating disease and injury through material means." Gaiserich glances at some scrap metal, but he doesn't think he can use that to repair Sophie's skin. Gaiserich glances at some scrap metal, but he doesn't think he can use that to repair Sophie's skin. Ken (GM): Vex pipes up Vex pipes up P.P. A.: I was half-expecting a whisper contraditing Gai's expectations I was half-expecting a whisper contraditing Gai's expectations Vex: "Uhh, I could teach a few tricks, perhaps. The elvish ways shouldnt be impossible to translate for you" "Uhh, I could teach a few tricks, perhaps. The elvish ways shouldnt be impossible to translate for you" Mercy: "Well, that could be useful too. Shall we talk as we walk today?" SHe ask Sophie, then nods to Vex. "I'd like that. Are you feeling better today Mister Vex?" "Well, that could be useful too. Shall we talk as we walk today?" SHe ask Sophie, then nods to Vex. "I'd like that. Are you feeling better today Mister Vex?" Jack joins the conversation. "Roderick used healing magic. I can't do it myself, but might be able to help if Vex jogs my memory." Jack joins the conversation. "Roderick used healing magic. I can't do it myself, but might be able to help if Vex jogs my memory." Sophie: "If we've got time for it, I don't see why not." "If we've got time for it, I don't see why not." Vex: "Life is complicated...but we are healthy and safe for the moment" "Life is complicated...but we are healthy and safe for the moment" "Well jack, as long as our auras don't interfere with each other as badly as Gai's did... I would love to" "Well jack, as long as our auras don't interfere with each other as badly as Gai's did... I would love to" Justice give shim a playful nudge Justice give shim a playful nudge Justice: "Stop flirting with Jack" "Stop flirting with Jack" Sophie: "If you feel there will be unintended consequences, perhaps protection is in order." "If you feel there will be unintended consequences, perhaps protection is in order." Justice snorts in laughter Justice snorts in laughter Mercy smiles at that and starts packing up and cleaning up the camp. Mercy smiles at that and starts packing up and cleaning up the camp. Ken (GM) the day warms as usual, the mists cling to the hills, and the green brightens all around you. As you break camp there is an air of purpose now, a need to be fufilled and a direction to go. Ken (GM) the day warms as usual, the mists cling to the hills, and the green brightens all around you. As you break camp there is an air of purpose now, a need to be fufilled and a direction to go. Ken (GM) that is, until, you hear the scream Ken (GM) that is, until, you hear the scream Sophie: "Oh, good." "Oh, good." Gaiserich probably overhears it, Hard of Hearing and all Gaiserich probably overhears it, Hard of Hearing and all Ken (GM) a high wailing, a tortured shriek of fear, and then a massive metallic screech that follows! Ken (GM) a high wailing, a tortured shriek of fear, and then a massive metallic screech that follows! Sophie puts away her prepared simplified syllabus on identifying and treating disease and injury, and looks off to the horizon from where the sounds came from Sophie puts away her prepared simplified syllabus on identifying and treating disease and injury, and looks off to the horizon from where the sounds came from Mercy perks her ears and starts jogging forward, heading for the sound before she thinks. Drawing the axe from the holder at her side and dragging that heavy shotgun from it's leather holster. "Someone's in trouble!" Mercy perks her ears and starts jogging forward, heading for the sound before she thinks. Drawing the axe from the holder at her side and dragging that heavy shotgun from it's leather holster. "Someone's in trouble!" P.P. A.: Huh, the swamp map Huh, the swamp map Gaiserich reaches for his spear. He remembers yesterday's invention, and also picks up the musket he attached his laserpointer to. Gaiserich reaches for his spear. He remembers yesterday's invention, and also picks up the musket he attached his laserpointer to. Gaiserich: “Where issss it coming from?” “Where issss it coming from?” Jack joins the search, musket in hand Jack joins the search, musket in hand Gaiserich quickly slithers *round and up the nearest tree, from where he has a good view of the area. Gaiserich quickly slithers *round and up the nearest tree, from where he has a good view of the area. Sophie looks to their Elven friend expectantly Sophie looks to their Elven friend expectantly Ken (GM) the noise rises and falls, the scream dropping to a mighty growl that trembles as it approaches! Somewhere coming for you from the west! Ken (GM) the noise rises and falls, the scream dropping to a mighty growl that trembles as it approaches! Somewhere coming for you from the west! Gaiserich slithers to a different tree Gaiserich slithers to a different tree Sophie surveys the area quickly, hoping to find a good formation that the party could take in expectation of this oncoming threat. (Tactics?) Sophie surveys the area quickly, hoping to find a good formation that the party could take in expectation of this oncoming threat. (Tactics?) Gaiserich breaks some branches to cover bhimself in foliage once he reaches the treetop. Rolling 3d6 = 8 v12 Camouflage Ken (GM) Racing from the cover of the surrounding greens, up the makeshift and muddy trail youve followed, dashes a wolf rider with a very familiar metal mask! Ken (GM) Racing from the cover of the surrounding greens, up the makeshift and muddy trail youve followed, dashes a wolf rider with a very familiar metal mask! Gaiserich realises, then, that the laser pointer would give his location away anyway once he starts aiming, but he might sitll be harder to hit. Gaiserich realises, then, that the laser pointer would give his location away anyway once he starts aiming, but he might sitll be harder to hit. Mercy moves closer, blinking in surprise at the figure and uncertain what to do. Mercy moves closer, blinking in surprise at the figure and uncertain what to do. Rolling 3d6 = 8 vs 14 (Tactics) Gaiserich begins aiming at the darkness-tainted demon-man, whom he recognises as not necessarily an immediate enemy, but better safe than sorry. Gaiserich begins aiming at the darkness-tainted demon-man, whom he recognises as not necessarily an immediate enemy, but better safe than sorry. Ken (GM): [one sec] [one sec] [global illumination] [global illumination] [aderp] [aderp] Sophie calmly speaks. "Whatever is following that rider is not something we should face here. Let's get out of sight and out of its path." Sophie calmly speaks. "Whatever is following that rider is not something we should face here. Let's get out of sight and out of its path." Rolling 3d6 = 11 vs 10 (Stealth) The Rider blasts down the path, not taking notice of your group or not stopping, at least The Rider blasts down the path, not taking notice of your group or not stopping, at least Joush M.: Someone loosen Vex's corset and get him some iron Someone loosen Vex's corset and get him some iron The Rider slips down the path as you duck yourselves into whatever cover you can find. Far off, you hear a yike and a splash The Rider slips down the path as you duck yourselves into whatever cover you can find. Far off, you hear a yike and a splash IT appears; and slams inot the earth just on the other side of the trees you clutch to! A DRAGON IT appears; and slams inot the earth just on the other side of the trees you clutch to! A DRAGON Ken (GM) stones fly in all directions as it's claws scrape the earth, breaking it's screeching fall to the earth; it HOWLS a metallic screech into the world and you feel bones in your head reverberate and tickle your teeth! The mule cowers, and vex... Ken (GM) stones fly in all directions as it's claws scrape the earth, breaking it's screeching fall to the earth; it HOWLS a metallic screech into the world and you feel bones in your head reverberate and tickle stares, shocked at the giant beast. Kneeling amid the brush and watching, she dosn't start anything with the beast just yet. Mercy stares, shocked at the giant beast. Kneeling amid the brush and watching, she dosn't start anything with the beast just yet. Sophie doesn't appear any different from usual, just waiting for the thing to pass them by. Sophie doesn't appear any different from usual, just waiting for the thing to pass them by. The Dragon yarps, trills, and sniffs the air...belching smoke and ash The Dragon yarps, trills, and sniffs the air...belching smoke and ash Gaiserich , whose theories on how light and vision work are very flawed and inaccurate, and who therefore falsely believes that his red dot would give away his position somehow, nonetheless aims at the great beast—more precisely at its head. Gaiserich , whose theories on how light and vision work are very flawed and inaccurate, and who therefore falsely believes that his red dot would give away his position somehow, nonetheless aims at the great beast—more precisely at its head. The Dragon steps onto the earth with foot long talons, digging furrows into stones The Dragon steps onto the earth with foot long talons, digging furrows into stones Gaiserich aligns the little hot spot that he's moving around with the heat signature and vague shape of the dragon. This could work! He waits, though—if the dragon simply passes, and does not loudly profess allegiance to the false Starman, he might not fire. Gaiserich aligns the little hot spot that he's moving around with the heat signature and vague shape of the dragon. This could work! He waits, though—if the dragon simply passes, and does not loudly profess allegiance to the false Starman, he might not fire. Mercy has never seen a dragon so close, starring quietly at it. In fact, beyond a few distant figures in the sky she's never seen a dragon at all. Mercy has never seen a dragon so close, starring quietly at it. In fact, beyond a few distant figures in the sky she's never seen a dragon at Sounds like what Gaiserich would expect a dragon to be like. COnsidering what they've been up against recently, seems pretty ordinary. (To GM): Sounds like what Gaiserich would expect a dragon to be like. COnsidering what they've been up against recently, seems pretty ordinary. The Dragon has a twin; a silhouette that passes over head, wings pounding, clouds swirling in it's wake The Dragon has a twin; a silhouette that passes over head, wings pounding, clouds swirling in it's wake P.P. A.: uh-oh uh-oh The Dragon in the sky...dives down overhead! The Dragon in the sky...dives down overhead! The Dragon: REEEEEE REEEEEE The Dragon on the earth twin's it's scream and LUNGES The Dragon on the earth twin's it's scream and LUNGES Rosettsara: (At each other, I hope) (At each other, I hope) The Dragon 's scream and pounce to the swampy waters East of your camp and the screaming cries of a howling wolf and beastman meet your ears, waterlogged and terrified! The Dragon 's scream and pounce to the swampy waters East of your camp and the screaming cries of a howling wolf and beastman meet your ears, waterlogged and terrified! Mercy kneels down more to watch, eyes bright and wide as the great beast confront one another. Or just come to eat Vex. Mercy kneels down more to watch, eyes bright and wide as the great beast confront one another. Or just come to eat Vex. Mercy speaks quitely to Clang. "Should we intervene? Two dragons.. I don't know if we could help, even if we did" Mercy speaks quitely to Clang. "Should we intervene? Two dragons.. I don't know if we could help, even if we did" Clang: "" " Gaiserich doesn't feel particularly inclined to pick a fight with two dragons to defend a demon-worshipper drenched in Darkness,just because last time they met, they didn't try to kill each other. Gaiserich doesn't feel particularly inclined to pick a fight with two dragons to defend a demon-worshipper drenched in Darkness,just because last time they met, they didn't try to kill each other. (To GM): unless he's no longer emanating an aura of pure badstuff (To GM): unless he's no longer emanating an aura of pure badstuff Jack ensures his axe is handy but grips his musket tightly Jack ensures his axe is handy but grips his musket tightly (To GM): yeah not a lot of sympathy then, that was a distinctly unpleasant impression last time (To GM): yeah not a lot of sympathy then, that was a distinctly unpleasant impression last time The Rider screams in rage and fear! The Rider screams in rage and fear! Sophie listens carefully Sophie listens carefully Gaiserich keeps aiming at the first dragon's head from behind, but otherwise callously idles. Gaiserich keeps aiming at the first dragon's head from behind, but otherwise callously idles. Ken (GM) the noise of the two roaring dragons rises, and gouts of fire and smoke and steam boil up from the other side of the brush! A wolf snarls, yikes, and is silenced! "ROND BETCH" the rider screams, the phrase gutteral and impossibly piercing over the din! Ken (GM) the noise of the two roaring dragons rises, and gouts of fire and smoke and steam boil up from the other side of the brush! A wolf snarls, yikes, and is silenced! "ROND BETCH" the rider screams, the phrase whispers to Mercy, down the tree: “The dragonsss are jusssst dragonsss. Their prey issss the demon-worshipper from when we entered the foressst,” he observes calmly. Gaiserich whispers to Mercy, down the tree: “The dragonsss are jusssst dragonsss. Their prey issss the demon-worshipper from when we entered the foressst,” he observes calmly. The Mule likewise sidles out of the way, the cart between you and the twin terrors The Mule likewise sidles out of the way, the cart between you and the twin terrors P.P. A.: I do wonder what he's doing all the way south here, didn't he have a forest to guard? I do wonder what he's doing all the way south here, didn't he have a forest to guard? The Dragon pair continue to scream and splash, gowling and yarking, fire and smoke belching. A dark voice rises up and you hear it putting up some kind of fight The Dragon pair continue to scream and splash, gowling and yarking, fire and smoke belching. A dark voice rises up and you hear it putting up some kind of fight Rosettsara: (We did spend time in between dimensions and going back and forth) (We did spend time in between dimensions and going back and forth) P.P. A.: I mean he's neglecting his duties I mean he's neglecting his duties (To GM): Noted. (To GM): Noted. Sophie: "He's not going to make it." "He's not going to make it." Jack shouts at the melee with the loudest voice he can muster. "OI!" Jack shouts at the melee with the loudest voice he can muster. "OI!" Sophie takes a deep breath and rises up Sophie takes a deep breath and rises up Doc: we'll see if they're hostile we'll see if they're hostile roll Intimidate? roll Intimidate? Ken (GM) from the other side of the brush, the dragons cock their heads Ken (GM) from the other side of the brush, the dragons cock their heads Gaiserich glares at Jack with some degree of skepticism. Gaiserich glares at Jack with some degree of skepticism. Sophie aims and is ready to fire if need be Sophie aims and is ready to fire if need be Mercy seems surprised as Jack and Sophie rise up, then stands herself and rolls her shoulders. "We are the Light! Yield, fire-breathers!" Mercy seems surprised as Jack and Sophie rise up, then stands herself and rolls her shoulders. "We are the Light! Yield, fire-breathers!" Gaiserich has been aiming all the time, and will shoot if the dragon turns to attack Jack (but not if he just stares at Jack, or doesn't even spot him.) Gaiserich has been aiming all the time, and will shoot if the dragon turns to attack Jack (but not if he just stares at Jack, or doesn't even spot him.) Ken (GM): oh, it certainly noticed jack oh, it certainly noticed jack Jack doesn't appear hostile, but is prepared to fight Jack doesn't appear hostile, but is prepared to fight The Dragon 's yarp out a twin scream to the challenge The Dragon 's yarp out a twin scream to the challenge Gaiserich highly doubts the wisdom of this course of action, but with his comrades having made their move already, he pulls the trigger. Rolling 3d6 = 9 v12 -5 (Distance) -5 (head) + ACC on this musket, +as much for having been aiming all this time Gaiserich highly doubts the wisdom of this course of action, but with his comrades having made their move already, he pulls the trigger. Rolling 3d6 = 9v12 -5 (Distance) -5 (head) + ACC on this musket, +as much for having been aiming all this time P.P. A.: + SM + SM Ken (GM): ayyy ayyy P.P. A.: I don't actually have the stats of this musket (and don't know how big the dragon is, SM-wise) I don't actually have the stats of this musket (and don't know how big the dragon is, SM-wise) Ken (GM): Dragons SM +3; bulky and bigger than a horse Dragons SM +3; bulky and bigger than a horse P.P. A.:So it's 9v13 , nice. 13, nice. Ken (GM): maths@ maths@ The Dragon is caught unawares and fails to defend! The Dragon is caught unawares and fails to defend! The Dragon: headblow! headblow! Sophie fires her aimed laser of light as well upon hearing Gai's attack, hoping the double tap will at least stun one dragon for the moment. Sophie fires her aimed laser of light as well upon hearing Gai's attack, hoping the double tap will at least stun one dragon for the moment. Ken (GM): GASP GASP fuck you mr dragon! fuck you mr dragon! P.P. A.: What's the damage roll? What's the damage roll? Gaiserich is startled by the loud sound—so loud that even he, with his poor hearing, can feel it reverberating in his skull—and the strong recoil of the musket… but not after the shot has left the muzzle, and the bullet sinks into the dragon's scaly hide! Gaiserich is startled by the loud sound—so loud that even he, with his poor hearing, can feel it reverberating in his skull—and the strong recoil of the musket… but not after the shot has left the muzzle, and the bullet (GM) you track them in the sky and their shadows make for the horizon, West, with haste until the clouds and mists swallow them Ken (GM) you track them in the sky and their shadows make for the horizon, Rider nods to her her, knowing....and then turns in a rush to his mount! The wolf, tossed aside to the edge of the swamp by a dragon's blow. It bleeds open and freely! The Rider nods to her her, knowing....and then turns in a rush to his mount! The wolf, tossed aside to the edge of the swamp by a dragon's blow. It bleeds open and freely! Sophie approaches the Rider casually Sophie approaches the Rider casually Mercy lowers the hammers on her gun and puts it away carefully, secureing it before she looking around a moment then calling to The Rider. "Is there anything I can do to help? Your wolf is hurt." Mercy lowers the hammers on her gun and puts it away carefully, secureing it before she looking around a moment then calling to The Rider. "Is there anything I can do to help? Your wolf is hurt." Sophie: "Are you ready for your first practical lesson, Mercy?" "Are you ready for your first practical lesson, Mercy?" The Rider grasps at the gash on the wolf's side; its to the bone and bleeding, wet with slime from the marsh. The wolf is unmoving The Rider grasps at the gash on the wolf's side; its to the bone and bleeding, wet with slime from the marsh. The wolf is unmoving Sophie: "I'll see if I can save your companion's life. You will stay and explain to my own companions what just happened here." "I'll see if I can save your companion's life. You will stay and explain to my own companions what just happened here." "Justice, watch him. Mercy, watch me." "Justice, watch him. Mercy, watch me." Gaiserich smells the blood and gore, and figures he should come down to help. After a watchful look to the sky, he slides down the tree, leaves his musket by the cart, and comes over. Gaiserich smells the blood and gore, and figures he should come down to help. After a watchful look to the sky, he slides down the tree, leaves his musket by the cart, and comes over. The Rider turns at your approach, and steps out of your way The Rider turns at your approach, and steps out of your way The Rider: "Please!" "Please!" "You must!" "You must!" Sophie: "I will do what I can." "I will do what I can." The Rider: *"Hyoo must!" *"Hyoo must!" Gaiserich can't help with this task, but he will stand watch—making sure the dragons do not return, and that the rider does not turn into a demon again. Gaiserich can't help with this task, but he will stand watch—making sure the dragons do not return, and that the rider does not turn into a demon (GM) the beast's wound's are tended, and quickly addressed; a single massive slash scoured it's ribs but broke no major veins. Sophie instructs as she proceeds, and Mercy gets in some practice setting clean wounds and making football-style ties Ken (GM) the beast's wound's are tended, and quickly addressed; a single massive slash scoured it's ribs but broke no major veins. Sophie instructs as she proceeds, and Mercy gets in some practice setting clean wounds and making football-style ties (To GM): In briefly flashing visions of the scattered corpses of dragons felled by the terrible Ansible, Gaiserich feels a sense of comfort knowing these dragons in his world are alive and well. (Helps that they're also scaly lizardthings.) (To GM): In briefly flashing visions of the scattered corpses of dragons felled by the terrible Ansible, Gaiserich feels a sense of comfort knowing these dragons in his world are alive and well. (Helps that they're also scaly lizardthings.) Ken (GM): you just missed two dragons fighting over your old friend, the demon infested wolf rider you just missed two dragons fighting over your old friend, the demon infested wolf rider P.P. A.: >friend >friend >awkward stand-off ending in deciding not to kill each other >awkward stand-off ending in deciding not to kill each other that's a low standard that's a low standard Clang resolves not to try the Elf-weed before a big battle Clang resolves not to try the Elf-weed before a big battle Ken (GM): 1d healing soph and merc? 1d healing soph and merc? Sophie: "It'll be fine, given time and rest. Do not overwork it for the next few days, or better yet, weeks." "It'll be fine, given time and rest. Do not overwork it for the next few days, or better yet, weeks." Ken (GM) the wolf whines, and seems to acknowledge your instrucitons Ken (GM) the wolf whines, and seems to acknowledge your instrucitons Sophie: "Now, you will explain to use why you were fleeing from strange metallic dragons." "Now, you will explain to use why you were fleeing from strange metallic dragons." Clang: "Besides the obvious 'don't want to be dragon poop in 3 days' reasons." "Besides the obvious 'don't want to be dragon poop in 3 days' reasons." The Rider rests on the embankment, a hand resting on the wolf and he sighs a great relief as you work The Rider rests on the embankment, a hand resting on the wolf and he sighs a great relief as you work The Rider: "Hwee fled hunturs. Hwee hwer prey" "Hwee fled hunturs. Hwee hwer prey" Gaiserich asks something in Gorath. Gaiserich asks something in Gorath. The Rider: "Drakuns come, een shuch number. Many many. Too many" "Drakuns come, een shuch number. Many many. Too many" (To GM): “All the way from the northern edge of the forest? My sympathies.” (To GM): “All the way from the northern edge of the forest? My sympathies.” The Rider speaks quickly to Gai (and Mercy) in the dark tongue The Rider speaks quickly to Gai (and Mercy) in the dark tongue Mercy assist gently and nods to Sophie, carefully putting away her sewing kit and washing her hands, then doing the same for Sophie. Gently scrubbing the physician's hands with a clean rag and some alcohol. She stops and listens carefully. Mercy assist gently and nods to Sophie, carefully putting away her sewing kit and washing her hands, then doing the same for Sophie. Gently scrubbing the physician's hands with a clean rag and some alcohol. She stops and listens carefully. (To Mercy): “All the way from the northern edge of the forest? My sympathies.” (To Mercy): “All the way from the northern edge of the forest? My sympathies.” Clang listens to the unfamiliar tongue, but focuses more on watching down the road for more dragons. Clang listens to the unfamiliar tongue, but focuses more on watching down the road for more dragons. The Rider stops after his little exchange The Rider stops after his little exchange The Rider: "The dorf; hchee is change" "The dorf; hchee is change" (To GM): “From the ‘Sphere,’ that other world of sand and heat? That's worrying.” (To GM): “From the ‘Sphere,’ that other world of sand and heat? That's worrying.” Sophie: "So these are new arrivals to these lands, much like us." "So these are new arrivals to these lands, much like us." (To Mercy): “From the ‘Sphere,’ that other world of sand and heat? That's worrying.” (To Mercy): “From the ‘Sphere,’ that other world of sand and heat? That's worrying.” Gaiserich responds, again in that dark tongue. Gaiserich responds, again in that dark tongue. Sophie: "Can't help but notice they came from the direction we were headed to, and their metallic noises." "Can't help but notice they came from the direction we were headed to, and their metallic noises." Gaiserich: “It sssseemssss they are from the other Sssphere.” “It sssseemssss they are from the other Sssphere.” Mercy: "They say the dragons came from the desert.." "They say the dragons came from the desert.." Mercy fix/stop/end the conjunction of the spheres. We will do what we can to Mercy fix/stop/end the conjunction of the spheres. We will do what we can to Sophie: "Have you seen anyone who looks like me?" "Have you seen anyone who looks like me?" The Rider: "Man is death; he comes and burns. I fear, thees is...last war" "Man is death; he comes and burns. I fear, thees is...last war" The Rider cocks his head, and waggles a finger to Sophie The Rider cocks his head, and waggles a finger to Sophie Mercy speaks hesitantly and when faced with a word she's unsure of tends to say a set of similes. Learning from books means sometimes she knows surprisingly technical terms. It always sounds odd, with a Holder accent. "He says he hasn't seen anyone that looks like you, Miss Shopie. I don't think he is lying." Mercy speaks hesitantly and when faced with a word she's unsure of tends to say a set of similes. Learning from books means sometimes she knows surprisingly technical terms. It always sounds odd, with a Holder accent. "He says he hasn't seen anyone that looks like you, Miss Shopie. I don't think he is lying." The Rider cocks his head the other way, looks to Mercy and Justice. He waggles his hands questioningly The Rider cocks his head the other way, looks to Mercy and Justice. He waggles his hands questioningly Sophie: "Very well." "Very well." Mercy nods to the Rider at his unspoken question. Mercy nods to the Rider at his unspoken question. The Rider: "Hydden to me, not in path. I flee" "Hydden to me, not in path. I flee" "Hyoo go West now? The dry darkness? Not hyour homelands?" "Hyoo go West now? The dry darkness? Not hyour homelands?" Mercy nods. Mercy nods. Sophie: "Move quietly, and you will reach your goal slowly but surely. The chance of being preyed on will lessen." "Move quietly, and you will reach your goal slowly but surely. The chance of being preyed on will lessen." Gaiserich briefly explains the situation in Gorath: that there are many worlds like ours; that the false Starman is forcing them to become one; and that they are setting out to where they think he is operating from, because a merging of the worlds would be disastrous. Gaiserich briefly explains the situation in Gorath: that there are many worlds like ours; that the false Starman is forcing them to become one; and that they are setting out to where they think he is operating from, because a merging of the worlds would be disastrous. The Rider absorbs the explanation The Rider absorbs the explanation The Rider: "Hwee are doom" "Hwee are doom" Gaiserich: He then looks sternly at the Rider, and—recalling the horrible fats of many of Suðri's enemies, laves him with a grim warning. He then looks sternly at the Rider, and—recalling the horrible fats of many of Suðri's enemies, laves him with a grim warning. (To GM): “The demon you have become the vessel of—drawn from beyond the world—will be your undoing. You have made a mistake; if at all possible, sever that foul bond, for it is as foreign and wicked as the Starman's schemes.” (To GM): “The demon you have become the vessel of—drawn from beyond the world—will be your undoing. You have made a mistake; if at all possible, sever that foul bond, for it is as foreign and wicked as the Starman's schemes.” (To Joush M.): “The demon you have become the vessel of—drawn from beyond the world—will be your undoing. You have made a mistake; if at all possible, sever that foul bond, for it is as foreign and wicked as the Starman's schemes.” (To Joush M.): “The demon you have become the vessel of—drawn from beyond the world—will be your undoing. You have made a mistake; if at all possible, sever that foul bond, for it is as foreign and wicked as the Starman's schemes.” The Rider is taken aback The Rider is taken aback The Rider: "thee worlt is doom, and it is end of times" "thee worlt is doom, and it is end of times" Sophie: "Probably." "Probably." Mercy: "So long as we have Faith then we cannot surrender to despair We shall keep working to set things right as long as we have breath in our bodies... And the Light is with us. It isn't too late for you to return to the Light as well." "So long as we have Faith then we cannot surrender to despair We shall keep working to set things right as long as we have breath in our bodies... And the Light is with us. It isn't too late for you to return to the Light as well." Gaiserich: “We will ssssee if we can sssstop this.” “We will ssssee if we can sssstop this.” “The ‘Sssstarman’ isss not a god, he jussst uses the Godsss' magic-craft. If we can take it from him, maybe we can use it to un-do what he hassss done.” “The ‘Sssstarman’ isss not a god, he jussst uses the Godsss' magic-craft. If we can take it from him, maybe we can use it to un-do what he hassss done.” Sophie: "Even if something's inevitable, I don't see why we can't fight it anyway. Makes for a more interesting end at worst, and if it actually succeeds in stopping it, all the better." "Even if something's inevitable, I don't see why we can't fight it anyway. Makes for a more interesting end at worst, and if it actually succeeds in stopping it, all the better." The Rider: "khan it safe our worlt? Our home lands? Our people's bloot, can eet be savet?" "khan it safe our worlt? Our home lands? Our people's bloot, can eet be savet?" Mercy: "Yes" "Yes" The Rider: "Thee Star mahn, can hees power...." "Thee Star mahn, can hees power...." The Rider looks down at his hands, and he flexes the long nailed dirty things, clutching a tsomething he may have lost a long time ago The Rider looks down at his hands, and he flexes the long nailed dirty things, clutching a tsomething he may have lost a long time ago Sophie: "There is only death and loss when it comes to dealing with that fake god. Do not let magical thinking overtake you, for that is what he exploits." "There is only death and loss when it comes to dealing with that fake god. Do not let magical thinking overtake you, for that is what he exploits." Mercy looks to him thoughtfully, walking a little closer, unsure if she should try and comfort him or not. "Challa.. someone you lost? Don't seek the starman's power to try to change the past. Do what you can to make the future better. To live in a way that would make your Challa proud., and one day you will join her in the Light." Mercy looks to him thoughtfully, walking a little closer, unsure if she should try and comfort him or not. "Challa.. someone you lost? Don't seek the starman's power to try to change the past. Do what you can to make the future better. To live in a way that would make your Challa proud., and one day you will join her in the Light." The Rider look sup form his hands The Rider look sup form his hands The Rider nods The Rider nods The Rider: "Fvennngenssssse" "Fvennngenssssse" "Hyes!" "Hyes!" The Rider stands The Rider stands The Rider: "Hyoo know the mageek? the lhyte ees whith hyoo?" "Hyoo know the mageek? the lhyte ees whith hyoo?" "I...seek the lhyte" "I...seek the lhyte" The Rider taps his chest The Rider taps his chest The Rider peels off his mask The Rider peels off his mask The Rider 's face is a twisted motley squib of scars and bulbous tissues. Twisted and gnarled thorny tentacle growths mingle with tumorous flesh, and the veins of black seem to hold it all together in a mockery of a face The Rider 's face is a twisted motley squib of scars and bulbous tissues. Twisted and gnarled thorny tentacle growths mingle with tumorous flesh, and the veins of black seem to hold it all together in a mockery of a face The Rider: "I seek....the......LIGHT" he manages, through an anus of a mouth, stretching tendrils of growth twisting "I seek....the......LIGHT" he manages, through an anus of a mouth, stretching tendrils of growth twisting is not a war we fight alone. The Gods, the Dwarven All-Father, heroes from another world… they have left us mighty works of magic; wisdom; power—The forces of goodness, of the ‘Light’ are united in this battle Gaiserich assures the Rider. is not a war we fight alone. The Gods, the Dwarven All-Father, heroes from another world… they have left us mighty works of magic; wisdom; power—The forces of goodness, of the ‘Light’ are united in this battle Gaiserich assures the Rider. Mercy nods to the Rider, eyes widening a moment, then sympathetic. "The rite of exorcism may be painful, but the Light is with you. Shall we begin?" Mercy nods to the Rider, eyes widening a moment, then sympathetic. "The rite of exorcism may be painful, but the Light is with you. Shall we begin?" Gaiserich isn't all that shocked by the horrible sight. He has seen, through Suðri's eyes, similar horrors; and he is heartened that this man rejects, rather than embraces, it. Gaiserich isn't all that shocked by the horrible sight. He has seen, through Suðri's eyes, similar horrors; and he is heartened that this man rejects, rather than embraces, it. Sophie stands watch Sophie stands watch Clang saddles up onto a soft bit of soil and keeps watch as well Clang saddles up onto a soft bit of soil and keeps watch as well Ken (GM): [the rider seems convinced; you guys gonna shove the word into him?] [the rider seems convinced; you guys gonna shove the word into him?] Mercy will do just that. Takeing extra time and performing an exorcism, asking if he has the name of the darkness that has been bound with him, stuff like that to make the exorcism stick. Mercy will do just that. Takeing extra time and performing an exorcism, asking if he has the name of the darkness that has been bound with him, stuff like that to make the exorcism stick. Ken (GM): neato neato The Rider provides a name; Bel, dark rider and shadow of the hunt. Clutcher of souls. He struggle smomentarially to bark out the name, but it can be kept safe for him and used in the rites The Rider provides a name; Bel, dark rider and shadow of the hunt. Clutcher of souls. He struggle smomentarially to bark out the name, but it can be kept safe for him and used in the rites Mercy is shocked by the man's face, but has sympthy for freaks and weirdos and tries to help the best she can. The young woman doing the best she can.. Mercy is shocked by the man's face, but has sympthy for freaks and weirdos and tries to help the best she can. The young woman doing the best she (GM) the rite is planned, the name scrawled and the circle made; the rider sits in locked pose, rigid and concentrating. he concentrates on a bowl of the pure water before him. The circle sealed about him and contained with the salts and the rites repeated by Mercy, spoken to invoke the light and cast out the darkness. Ken (GM) the rite is planned, the name scrawled and the circle made; the rider sits in locked pose, rigid and concentrating. he concentrates on a bowl of the pure water before him. The circle sealed about him and contained with the salts and the rites repeated by Mercy, spoken to Rider retches, billowing darkness flowing out of him like smoke with a tentacled horror at its center, inky darkness clutching like veins and tendrils of hate and malice. He vomits blood and bile after, keeling over, the bowl stained night black and the mewling horror freed form his body The Rider retches, billowing darkness flowing out of him like smoke with a tentacled horror at its center, inky darkness clutching like veins and tendrils of hate and malice. He vomits blood and bile after, keeling over, the bowl stained night black and the mewling horror freed form his helps the man carefully from the ring. Drawing him out of the circle without breaking it, leaving the horror in the bowel bound within the circle. Mercy helps the man carefully from the ring. Drawing him out of the circle without breaking it, leaving the horror in the bowel bound within the circle. IT IS SPLIT FROM THIS VESSEL, BUT BEL SEEKS A NEW HOST, A NEW HUNT IT IS SPLIT FROM THIS VESSEL, BUT BEL SEEKS A NEW HOST, A NEW HUNT Clang clangs his fists together in a threatening manner. Clang clangs his fists together in a threatening manner. Clang: "Ye'll find no hosts here...only pain if you should linger." "Ye'll find no hosts here...only pain if you should linger." Sophie takes aim Sophie takes aim IT twitches and fidgets under the glare of the beam IT twitches and fidgets under the glare of the beam IT WILL NOT DIE THIS DAY! BEL WILL HUNT ETERNAL IT WILL NOT DIE THIS DAY! BEL WILL HUNT ETERNAL Sophie: "Shall I?" "Shall I?" Mercy: "Return to the Light, Bel. Be cast into Radiance and burn away all shadows." She says as she opens a bottle. "Light bless this oil. Bless our holy cause, and be free." She tosses the oil onto the creature as Sophie lights it up. "Be Eternal in the Light." "Return to the Light, Bel. Be cast into Radiance and burn away all shadows." She says as she opens a bottle. "Light bless this oil. Bless our holy cause, and be free." She tosses the oil onto the creature as Sophie lights it up. "Be Eternal in the Light." Gaiserich: “Please.” Sophie fires the laser of light directly at the thing Ken (GM): nice FWOOMP Ken (GM) sputtering oily fire consumes IT, and BEL screams as it dies Gaiserich watches the proceedings contently; he smiles to the Rider: “It isss good that you are free of thissss thing.” The Rider shudders in the absence, and his face is a ruined lump. He breathes deeply and rouses after the ceremony; one mangled eye open and blinking. A maw of toothy raggedness struggles to form a word The Rider: "Th...thenk....htyooo" Mercy: "Blessed is the Light." She says as Bel burns up.. then nodding to the Rider, gently touching his shoulder. "You are welcome, brother. Rest now, you've had a hard journey." Vex: "" "We...have done a good thing today" Justice: "" Sophie: "Indeed." "If you can't manage to save one life, how can you expect to save the world?" Clang smiles brightly Ken (GM) The inky smoke of the burning evil flows upward in a pillar to the sky above, a break in the mists seeming to accept it, with light streaming down from above, piercing and pure Mercy nods and smiles, breathing in deep and letting it out. "It is.. good." She says a moment, then turns back to the task of the day. Helping the Rider into the wagon and settling in to get back to traveling. He could travel with them a time, or find his own path, but in either case it seems wrong to leave him here. Gaiserich is curious now: “What issss the Light?” he asks Mercy and Clang. “It issss good and it musssst be godly, but it issss very different from the Allfather.” P.P. A.: (guess I need to buy off Incurious) Ken (GM) descending from above, illuminated by this light, is a billowing form of an elven woman (To GM): Does it look like Syviis? Gaiserich: “Ssssyviis?” (To GM): nvm: >lighting Clang: Ken (GM) Sparkling white lightning alights on her outstretched hands Ken (GM) and flies to Clang like an arrow Clang: [dies...with one last thought....'fuckin elves....'] Ken (GM): kek Sophie watches curiously Clang lays there for a moment, absorbing all of what just happened before sitting up painfully and scratching his beard Gaiserich smiles, if a little awkwardly, knowing what's going on, and knowing it to be good. Mercy explains as she walks that the Light is the counterpart of the Darkness, and is equally eternal. But while the darkness sneaks into and infest the world, the Light is the world, the health and beauty of it. Souls are born of the light and return to it in death, enriched by the path they have taken. Life isn't always easy, because the darkness is also part of the world. Gaiserich says to Jack and Clang. “I believe they will be reunited in ussss, then. …that Sssyviss would choose a Dwarf, though…” He snickers. Gaiserich: He looks over to Mercy: “Mercy musssst be Gray then,” and to Sophie: “…and Sssophie mussst be Bomrek.” Ken (GM): Clang laughs mightily Gaiserich nods to himself. It fits. Better, certainly, than him being Suðri or Jack being Roderick. Sophie: "I am filled with joy at this revelation." Clang: "Aye...though please don't expect me to learn the bow...I have enough trouble holding my own fists." Gaiserich explains: “He wassss— ‘isss?’ a Dwarf. Very greedy and lovesss gold, but he wasss a massster of shooting his pissstols.” Gaiserich: “He wassss unfazed by mossst thingsss… except when he had a medical incident, once.” He shudders at that memory. Mercy simply nods primly, hoping this Gray person isn't going to start speaking to her. The last thing she needs is some Scorned shamen. Sophie: "Well, then if I should be a vessel like the rest of you, that will be his last mistake." Ken (GM): Gaiserich picks up his musket and reloads it. It worked well. Gaiserich: “We sshhhould not ssstay here long, but go to the sssandssss. I am ssssure the otherssss will join usss along the way.” Ken (GM): [a good plan] Sophie gets ready to set off again, tending to the likely frightened and confused mule Ken (GM): [youve taken up some hours, but most of the day is still with you] Mercy gets to traveling. Ken (GM): Mule is so happy someone pays attention to it Ken (GM) UNTIL, NEXT WEEK Gaiserich jokes: “Syvisss wassss the only good Woodssscent, and now she isss a Dwarf!” Clang: lol Joush M.: Thanks for the game! It was a lot of fun. There is now a scarred and confused dragon somewhere.. Ken (GM): the cart is like, full of unconscious people Fiss: Sorry I missed it, hopefully next week will be a little better as I'll actually have proper days off Ken (GM): "" Joush M.: He's right, time to lighten the load. Let's make a crude hut and leave Darius in it Rosettsara: Thanks for the session~ P.P. A.: Good thing that you were so patient with us being initially/generally willing to just let the dragons kill that guy Thanks for the session~ Ken (GM): hahaha "these guys... have like morals, right?" P.P. A.: well I mean we're witch- and demon-hunters and that guy was SEEPING with demonic energy Ken (GM): just, coming out his wazoo Joush M.: Mercy has the idea that Sophie is the ace, so she was waiting for her to make the call P.P. A.: while the dragons are just dragons non-magical animals Fiss: DAAGRONS! BURNINATING THE COUNTRYSIDE P.P. A.: dragons > demons, at leas the former are native and not purposely evil Joush M.: Let's hope so PPA. These ones might have reported us to the dragon police. P.P. A.: I hope the dragon legal system is still clogged with the backlog from the Ansible Massacre Ken (GM): " I swear officer! We just wanted a quick meal and wer eminding our own business hunting, and BAM out of nowhere, I get shot in the TIT" Rosettsara: Sophie is currently struggling with her growing nihilism and the remnants of her better nature that still flare up on occasion as a sort of reflex Fiss: BOOM....BOOBSHOT P.P. A.: Tedious litigation against the GW1party, who in turn are suing the makers of the Ansible because they failed to provide proper instructions and failsafes Ken (GM): Sophie may or may not grow and learn from a racist xenophobic greedy dwarf or even, perhaps, a beastman just learning to love~? NEXT WEEK Fiss: "This did NOT comply to GrimWyrd Union regulations!" Lords of Night: "REEEE! BREXIT!" Ken (GM): "Hi, my name is steve, Ill be your posessing sporot" "I was at the battle for glardenfen, squire third class under the lord Marshall geofferson" "Do you like Thaum dust? Because MAN do I ever love it. Elves brought it over, makes for a helluva party!" P.P. A.: The police busts a Thaum dust cartel shaking Dwarves to collect their dandruff 24/7 Ken (GM): "I died when the world got set on fire by the heroes of the South! Buncha dicks. My flesh boiled off and my bones inverted. Wors tpart is, I banged my knee real hard as I died" "I hate banging my knee" [why is nobody stopping me] P.P. A.: Well, good night! And get well soon! Rosettsara: (Because it's funny) Doc: ^ Ken (GM): muh peeps so is everyone adequately frozen solid today? Rosettsara: As a Canadian, always Doc: It's just warm enough here that the heater isn't running Ken (GM): curse you Joush M.: It's been a fuck of a week. Ken (GM): weather? or just errything? Joush M.: Weather hasn't helped, lots of late nights too. Glad it's the weekend. How about you? Things going better? Ken (GM): fck chest colds, but yeah, its bullshit frozen here and just the slog of midwinter GAMING MUST HAPPEN Fiss: ooooooooOOOOOOOHhHHHHHHH RRRAGGHH! Clang: DORF MODE * Superbingo meme Ken (GM): IS YOUR NAME LYNN? THEN STAY THE FUCK HOME (bitch) Clang: DEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEER SHANKED! P.P. A.: \o Clang: o/ Ken (GM): 7O Clang: Ken (GM) Where last we left our heroes Ken (GM) Dragons pursued an old acquaintance. The party eventually sprung into action in his defense, and in his gratitude he renounced the faith of the demonhost and exorcized a facehugging chunk of evil. Yay. You make to travel West, back across the burning sand lake, for the flying mountain and the edge of the spheres P.P. A.: emphasis on “eventually” Ken (GM): kek Mercy busies herself with prayer and the task of the day, keeping the wagon moveing and watching out for dangers as they make for the place they'd fought the creepy insectile-armored men, their planned departure to the other sphere of sand and heat and the floating island. Sophie occasionally writes and draws in an effort to duplicate her diagnosis manual for Mercy Ken (GM): on a mission from gawd, and studious literatin, gotcher how about gai and jack; trailblazing and brooding ? Jack ponders an entire lifetime of new memories, trying to learn from them. Ken (GM): GET OUT OF MY HEAD CHARLES er ROD Gaiserich is indeed trailblazing. He has done enough brooding for the week, now he seeks to chase their prey—the Starman! Gaiserich: “If the Sssstarman is outssside of the Ssspheres, I wonder how we can get to them—but I hope that in hissss castle we will find a way.” Justice keeps pace with the cart on fiit, making sure the hefty thing does not get stuck on the muddy land again. Vex guides it with her help caretaking for the newly freed hunter and the ever damaged Divus(who still remains inert and comatose) Sophie: "We'll force our way through if we need to." Vex: "His condition has not truly improved... should we eat him?" he jokes, poorly Clang: "Are you that hungry, Ser Vex?" Doc: "We have food at home" Gaiserich searches Suðri's memories, finds no instance of Elves eating someone, and notes that this was a joke. Sophie: "I keep telling you, we have rations." P.P. A.: (Or did I forget a scene where they did) Mercy: Perhaps we shall have to find someone to care for him while we continue. I'd hate to abandon him to die, but we aren't helping him to take him to danger with us." Clang: "We haven't met many notarized caregivers....but I agree. Should the opportunity arise..." Sophie: "Now if only we could guarantee the caregiver's safety too, given what Divus has done." Mercy: "Well.. We did meet one man that seeks to find a path to the light." She says thoughtfully of the other masked man in the wagon. "Perhaps when he's recovered.. Oh, that is a good point Sohpie. It's possbile Darvis would be a danger, if left." Vex: "Yes he did prattle on a bit about being...a target ... of the Starman. I wonder now, where did he come from? Where does power originate?" Vex prods the inert man's boot and shakes his head as the cart jostles along. Justice grunts and heaves the horse into place and forward through muck Gaiserich: “He sssseemed to flicker in… sssstrange ways. Maybe he wassss many of him, from different Sssspheres, put together as one.” Vex: "" the elf ponders, a light of curiosity in his eyes again Sophie: "If nothing else, we could study him and use that as a means to travel to the Starman." Gaiserich nods. Vex: "Thaumaturgic dissection? Or something more down to earth?" Vex chuckles again Sophie: "I'll leave that to your imagination." Gaiserich: “Oh”, the snakeman exclaims, “remember how he ssssaid that we could not hurt the Sssstarman, but he could? Maybe we alsssso need to merge with our other ssselves from…” He looks to Mercy, and to Justice, ponders, and shakes his head. “He wasss inssssane, thissss cannot be the only way.” Doc: GATTAI Vex: "Oh dear, he did say that" the man looks a bit fearful then, and that curious look deepens "Who would be my other-self then? Some valiant warrior with no magical talent to speak of? Sophie: "He was also arrogant. Do not let his bravado corrupt your sense." P.P. A.: Oh man, maybe we're onto something All of Vex's AU versions are like him, but they faint at different times so one faints, the other is still conscious When all the Vexes are combined, one always remains lucid at any time (while all the others are fainted), and he can function all the time! Clang: "The more I...remember...of my pointy eared days, the more I think it will be less some special power we need to absorb or be corrupted with and more our own will and purpose. We will find a way." Mercy: "Yes!" She says in confident agreement with Clang, the young woman smiling at that and putting her attention back on the task of moving the wagon forward. Gaiserich nods. Vex: "Mercy that was...quite a loud agreement. Do you fear this new development somehow?" the elf asks the question and then immediately blushes Justice gasps and whaps him, playfully, but hes smeared with mud Justice: "Really! you cad!" " P.P. A.: if Vex hogs both Mercies, Jack will probably lynch him Mercy stretches and grins, enjoying Justice's words even if she doesn't quite feel the same. "I'm just glad to think that it won't be some magical trick that leads to victory, but instead hard work and determination." Sophie: "That's the spirit." Justice nods, determinedly Sophie passes her the most difficult pages to study yet Justice scrunches up her nose at all the reading and gets back to hoisting Clang: [FIGHT] [ACT] [ITEM] [MERCY] [BIG TIDDY ELF LEWDS] Justice: >jesus christ, we triggered the dorf Doc: what did clang mean by this Ken (GM): we may never know Rosettsara: Perhaps a glitch in the system Mercy carefully sutidies Sophie's work, trying to understand the complicated medical information. Sophie: "Now then, at the very least we should all have some means of killing the Starman, and if the physical is out, then we may need Vex and/or Divus to impart some insight in the magical realm to us." Vex: "Oh dear" " he mutters, trailing off to himself Sophie: "I'm only one person, Vex. If I should fall, who else is left to attack the starman with magic?" Vex blanches Vex: "Thats...a terrifying prospect" Gaiserich: “We could sssswing Divusss at him.” Vex: "What am I gonna do? regrow my arm at him?" Mercy nods thoughtfully at that. "Perhaps we could get some orihalcum." Gaiserich mimes a clubbing motion. Jack shakes his head. "Too flimsy, won't hit hard enough." Doc: (directed at gaiserich btw, he doesn't know what an orichalcum is) Ken (GM): I am also pondering Gaiserich nods comically seriously. Mercy notices the blank looks. "Orichalcum is a magical metal, to my understanding.. or maybe anti-magical? In any case, I've heard it used in mage-hunting weapons, to perice spells and wards." Sophie: "And yet the Order's budgetary concerns has saw fit not to provide troops like us with the stuff. And we're the one who are going after the Starman." Mercy: "Finding some titanslaying weapon would be a quest itself.. but if we see anything like that, we should pick it up." She says with a smile to Sophie. Ken (GM): Ill be sure to point any out >nervously eyes the laser guns in the cart Sophie: "You're chosen ones, anyway, so things will work out...probably." Gaiserich: “‘You?’ You are one of usss, Sssophie.” Sophie continues duplicating the manual, once again leaving them with no indication whether or not she was serious. Gaiserich says so with a smile. Clang: "When in doubt...Prophecy." Vex: "I find prophecy endlessly tiresome and convenient, Clang, and the numerous dwarven scripts on the subject only convince me so." Clang: Mercy: "We shall make our own fate" Gaiserich: “If thisss issss going to be as confusing as it might be, with all the Sssspheres, we might really make our own fate at the end but n sssstrange ways.” Gaiserich pictures a glowing machine asking him to ‘Please enter your fate.’ P.P. A.: Are we there yet? Ken (GM): [ah christ; thats why my game was lagging; I had civ 6 still open in the background eating RAM!] Clang: [Civ: "Why are you playing other games, Ken? You know I own your ass...."] Ken (GM) The rest of the day passes with quiet and jovial talk on the nature of the spheres, the origin of the world, and the vague nuances of how to roast an iguana just right Ken (GM): >"" Ken (GM) the sky is a mess of swampy mists and cloying clouds; hot wind rolls through from the west and mixes up the skies something fierce, and youre showered on and off for the remainder of the day, sprinkled, washed, and drenched in equal measure. By the evening, youre hip dipped in mud and road weary, but the ground rises up higher with each step, and the smell of the swamp lessens with each mile Clang appreciates the less-swampy air Ken (GM) by evening, youve made the distance back to the end of the road, and the edge of the world. A red sun sets in the other sky as your own globe dims from the evening light here. The rend in the sky is a jagged line of twinkling light, an endless dim lightning scar on the universe above Ken (GM): [whats the plan of approach again to the ruins? make for the hard ground and good campsite there?] [or another destination ?] Mercy starts eagerly looking for a good camp. Savoring the cleaner air.. then looking to the tear. Staring at it a moment in curiosity before she looks away. "Should we fight back to the ruins or try to find a camp around here? The ruins were good dry ground, but we could likely find something else." Clang: "I'd hate to camp in the sands, so yes, I think I must revert to my prejudices and vote for the comfort of solid rock or at least as solid as we'll get. If we need rest, we should do it now, but I admit my excitement is making my feet light." Sophie: "I'd rather us get a more comfortable rest." Clang: "I'd never turn down a chance for tea, no matter my excitement." Gaiserich: “Let usss camp at the ruinsss again.” Clang: [Clang votes for 'whatevs, yo'] Vex: "I vote for 'not in the burned out flesh ruin' " "but the ruins, at least" Gaiserich: “…yesss. I hope the sssstench has gone away.” Sophie: "You get used to being around dead bvodies eventually." Vex gags a little at the memory of it Mercy nods, ready to go to the ruins. "I do try to properly treat the dead. I hope they are at rest." Ken (GM): [map magic] Ken (GM) You press on then until the edge of the worlds unite again, and the smell of the desert richly meets your nose. The road appears below your feet again, and along the end of that path the ruins of another world's fortifications fast approaches in the night dark. You find the ruined heap of a massive hulking creature, clad in weird armor, and know you are back where it all got weird Ken (GM) ahead in the night, you notice though, the sounds of chattering voices, and the light of a campfire being built, behind the stone walls ahead. Someone else is here! Gaiserich tries to pick up scents in the air. Rosettsara: (Dunno if it's just me, but all I see is a big black square) P.P. A.: same although I could see the map earlier Joush M.: I see only Mercy's token Ken (GM): [hahahah] fawk] P.P. A.: unchanged Rosettsara: Same Clang: better! Ken (GM): [Vex lights a torch] [hahah fucking checkboxes] [all players see light] P.P. A.: ahh, there we go Clang: [WE BRING THE LIGHT!] Rosettsara: Still black nothingness for me, unfortunately Not even Sophie's token is visible Ken (GM): [bags of dicks] Clang: [I summon a wall of dicks] Rosettsara: There we go Ken (GM): [rebuilt her!] [fucking I.T. issues] Ken (GM) Ahead the stony ruins of the desert fortress jut up from the earth, the scar above a dim line of two night skies seperated by a twinkling line. Behind the fortifications, a fire burns and the sounds of several gutteral voices in a camp ahead come to your ears Sophie: "At least this time Divus isn't awake to ignite a war." P.P. A.: in b4 it's the revelers from the other sphere Mercy nods, the tall young woman sniffing the air, hunting around, seeking out any dangers as they make their way carefully past horrors like the dead umber hulk.. then stopping, speaking softly. "Should we try to sneek up and see what it is?" Sophie: "Good idea. Let's see if we can tell who they are before we make contact." Gaiserich: “Thissss time I will go through the ssswamp.” Ken (GM) The sound of a Herdy Gerdy twists on the wind, the winging tune striking up like a swueezed viola Gaiserich slithers off towards the north, and around the stone/rock wall. P.P. A.: (thanks for the light) Mercy nods to Gai, staying low and letting him have plenty of time to check things out. Calmly, she reminds herself. Whispering to the others. "I smell goats and cooking meat and wine.. could be bestmen." Rolling 3d6 = 17v13 P.P. A.: oops Clang: [SNEEEK MAAAAAAAAAAAAN] Ken (GM): HAHAoh shit thats a crit fail P.P. A.: I've rolled so well during the last 4, 5 sessions, I'mma see where this goes instead of lucking out Ken (GM): hahah Clang: :D Rosettsara: "I will have to use stealth instead" said Gai and jumped in the broken window screaming. Gaiserich is distracted by how, due to the Sphere-merger, the ground so abrupty changes between wet and dry, hard and soft, warm cold. Ken (GM) Gai slips into the swamp as gently as a snake can, swish swish, and the rustle of a branch barely betrays his passing. A few moments later, there is a rustle in the air like a mighty tarp flapping in the wind, and then a muffle WHUMP noise and a squeak of a snakeman being smooshed by something HUGE Sophie shrugs. Here we go again! (To GM): What does it smell like? Gaiserich hisses after he's done squeaking Mercy: "Gaiserich!" She calls to him with soft urgency, pulling her axe and gun out to hold them. Ken (GM) something the size of a cow just pounced on the snek Clang pulls out the light-rifle from his pack and readies himself (To GM): “Many things have happened. As this strange wound in the world sees two suns in the sky, so, now, has a Dwarven elemental become part of me.” (To GM): “However, what even are you? I have never seen a creature of your kind.” Sophie raises her hand, ready to blast things away with her magic Gaiserich can be heard conversing with whatever this is in Gorath. Gaiserich does not sound agitated, however not exactly cheerful either. Ken (GM) from the fort ahead, you hear a shushing of the voices and a shushing of the music. A long voice sharply calls out in a questioning tone Ken (GM) a much bigger voice calls back in the dark "I am alright! You should see the strange creature I have caught! I wonder if it alone out here?" the voice coyly calls in your group's direction Ken (GM) and in an accented, yet, common tongue of the Holder Sophie: "I will remind you that what you have 'caught' is a friend and ally of ours. You will release him." (To GM): “Thank you,” Gaiserich says, a little annoyed but politely. Mercy falls silent, so Gai can talk without trouble.. not revealing herself just yet, then smiling at Sophie's words. Gaiserich decides to slither forth into sight. P.P. A.: *into view Ken (GM) the night shines lightly and then...there is a rustling of the wind, the clouds above moving for two moons to shine down to you Gaiserich: “I ssssuppose you have come from that sssside?” He points towards the desert west. Ken (GM) ahead, perched on the bronze statue of the sphinx, is a sphinx Clang lowers his rifle and heads forward Gaiserich looks over to his friends as the two moons light up the scene. He nods to them apologetically, a bit embarassed to have gotten caught. Clang: "All well, Gaiserch?" Gaiserich: “Yesss. My bad.” Ken (GM) a mighty leonine face perched on the upper body of a lioness, a thick ruffled mane of heavy feathered fur, and two wings of shining silvery feathers. Claws like swords hold her to her perch on the ancient metal Sophie moves cautiously forward Mercy nods to Gai, then slowly pads closer.. stareing at the nearly mythic figure. "Oh, wow." The Sphinx: "You are travellers? Do you worship the Starman?" she asks, her voice penetrating the night Gaiserich flicks his tongue in and out, taking in the scent of both the Sphinx, and the people it accompanied. Gaiserich turns around to the monster, and asks cautiously: “Which one?” Sophie mirrors Gai's answer. "Depends on your definition of Starman." The Sphinx cocks her head at you, curiously The Sphinx: "I will take that as a 'no' then" "That is good; I am full of traitorous madmen. I couldnt eat many more" Gaiserich breathes a sigh of relief. Clang: "Well, that's glad," The Sphinx beckons you forward with her mighty paw, and leaps back into camp, flying on outstretched wing to perch on the obelisk in the ruin. Clang walks over to Gaiserich and grins, glad he's in one piece and not Sphinkxpoop Gaiserich smiles back. “Sssorry for the ssslip-up.” Ken (GM) ahed over the bridge, scorned men stand in ragged robes with weary and fearful, curious looks. They hold shepherd crooks in their hands like so much weapons or war...and then sigh in relief at the sphinx's greeting Clang: "Hail travellers, we are pleased to meet you in peace." Sophie observes them quietly for the moment, taking note of their appearances and word choices Ken (GM): "Hail travellers. Come, we have made goat and the bloodwine" Clang: [Whooo! A party!] Mercy puts away her gun and axe. The hunter brushing dried mud from her clothes and wishing a moment she was more presentable. Sophie exchanges a look with the rest of the party upon mention of bloodwine Gaiserich stares at them blankly. “Bloodwine… Issss there a necromancer with you, and you are bonded to him through thissss blood?” The Sphinx perches on the obelisk, claws hooked into the stone holding her in a comfortable recline draped over the ancient stone. She watches you with bright wide eyes as you reach the camp; a bonfire warming an elven couple, a few beastmen with horned heads and furry skin, and their goats....and their strange beast of burden Sophie then looks curiously at the Sphinx Ken (GM): "Nik-ro-manse?" one of the shepherds repeats back to you Ken (GM) he looks curiously at the question, then shrugs, holding up a jug of sweet smelling red wine Gaiserich: “An evil wizard who movessss the dead.” Clang puts away his held weapon and hides his silvery hands in his robes best he can as he approaches them and finds a place to sit Ken (GM) another beastman nearby squeezes the pulpy tubes of the plantlife into a pot, looking to prepare to boil a steel pot of it's juices Gaiserich: “The lasssst time we met a group who drank bloodwine… well…” Gaiserich politely looks aside, and leaves the obvious unsaid. “It wasss tassssty though, if not for that part.” Gaiserich takes a closer look at the sphinx. It is in the bright moonlight that he makes out the resemblance between her and the statue. Mercy curtises deeply, the slender young woman bowing her head. "Mercy Stonebrook, pleased to meet you. I do not drink, generally.." She says primly. "This is my sister Justice." Gaiserich: “I am Gaiserich, pleased to meet you sssssane folk.” Clang: "I am Clang of the Ferroheart Clan and faithful servant of the Light and people of all lands. May I borrow your fire to make some tea? I have plenty for all." Justice grunts a reply at the introduciton; she sits on the parapet nearby and digs mud from her fur Sophie: "Sophie. The team's medical officer." Clang: [pleasantries intensifies] Ken (GM) nods of mild understanding pass from the beastmen back to you in the greetings. The two elves remain standing near the fire; they are clad in fur skins and rough strap leathers, decorated with bits of polished stone or amber here and there, shining pieces of tooth and nail hanging from their wild clothing. They do not smile or nod in your directions Jack: "Jack," he nods curtly. Gaiserich recalls Suðri's experiences with Elves, and eyes them warily, With his mana-sight, he tries to make out their aura. The Sphinx: "Welcome travellers; as you are not madmen or wizards, you are welcome here. Sit by the fire and share the heat, the drink. PLeas emake your tea" "I am curious" and her eyes twinkle "How did a group of such, odd travellers, meet and come to pass through here?" Sophie: "Magic must be quite the menace around here, huh?" Sophie says this while realizing her aura of light probably stands out like a very bright sore thumb Clang happily runs back to the mule, grabs his tea-making gear and gets into the ritual Mercy looks at the strange creatures, especially the great beast to the south with it's massive horns. "It is a long story, Miss Sphinx." Clang: [MAGIC EVIL TEA RITUALLLL! ] The Sphinx doesnt take her eyes off the shining metallic dorf Gaiserich: “We met to hunt witchesss, who ssssummon demonsss from Without to do evil. We came acrossss the Sssstarman'sss ssservants, and on their trail we found thisss place. …or it found usss.” Gaiserich stares uneasily at the two Elves. He points at them and looks the Sphinx in the eyes, questioningly. The Sphinx: "Really? Men and dorf? Beastfolk and...others? in concert and union?" "marvelous" Clang listens intently as he works, content to absorb info as it comes Clang: [I should put points into Observation] Gaiserich: “The beassstfolk and men are at war in our world, but we work together.” Ken (GM): [SPY TEA] [CROSS-CLASS CHINESIUMS] Sophie sits on the steps, listening and observing Mercy: "It's not so strange. Scorned fit in nowhere, so we tend to end up in groups of odd, welcoming people.. like hunters." Clang awkwardly tries the few elvish words of greeting to the two near the fire that he knows...and looks pleased with how they roll of his tongue Gaiserich does not quite relax yet, though he overall trusts the bunch. He stays at a bit of a distance, observing them each with his many senses. Ken (GM) the elven pair bristle at the words, exchange a look, and then stalk over to the tent nearby. They give Clang a dark glare and wordlessly step inside P.P. A.: Remember kids, around ELves, watch yourselves Clang 's smile fades and he apologizes quietly to no one in particular as his water begins to boil and he preps the tea Mercy nods sympthetically to Clang as the elves snub him. The Sphinx looks on, bemused (To GM): Fancy. The Sphinx: "Curiouser and Mercy: "May I ask how you came to be here, Miss Sphinx?" Sophie: "You're one to talk." The Sphinx chuckles a throaty laugh which ends in a happy purr The Sphinx: "True we are a strange family ourselves." "My tribe is lost to the madness of the Starman, and these refugees are the last to survive the clashes with the Kingdoms of the Alliance. Their war with our Horned King has become complicated of late" "Does your world too burn in the fire of war? Do men and elf and dwarf march in an Alliance, against demonhosts and clawed enemies clutching spear to their breast?" Clang: "It seems our world is only seeing the beginnings of these vile works...but who knows how much has grown without eyes upon it." Sophie: "War is pretty much a universal constant, it seems." Clang: "We were commissioned by the kings of the land to hunt those abusing magic, but I fear we are set upon the fruits flowering instead of the roots that have already grown fat and thick in the dark." Sophie: "Destroying the starman should be a good step forward." Clang: "Aye...at least we've found the roots lead to one seed. Or at least, one tender of the seed." The Sphinx: "What do you know of this Starman? His madness clutches at all who cross his path, and It seems the release from his grasp is singularly, Death" Her tone darkens as she speaks of him Clang: "It seems he is trying to emulate those who had purer aspirations of the world. Corrupting the tools, the magic, the artefacts still available to us mortals. All we know for certain is the actions are without a noble end in mind." The Sphinx: "Pity, I know even less than you describe; I have seen him send waves of my clansmen into flames and swords, dying by the dozens and score, creatures of simple meat and no longer of any mind." "His touch is the purest evil; madness and rot" Gaiserich: “We are from one world—‘Ssssphere’, asss the Makers called them—and you from another.” “We alssso have the Alliance, and the Horned King, and sssso on. Our Ssspheresss are alike, but not fully.” The Sphinx eyes glimmer at Gai's words Sophie: "I once heard that a true God may create life, but pretenders can only create death and pale imitations of life. I've not run into anything on this journey which contradicts that, at least." Clang nods Dwarvishly Gaiserich: “The Sssstarman is trying to put the Ssspheres, our worldssss together. You can ssssee it here,” he points up into the sky, at the two moons. Mercy listens thoughtfully, not offering much because she simply dosn't know much, but nodding in agreement with Gai. Gaiserich: “Thisss is bad, and the sssource of the chaossss, of the ooze…” The Sphinx watches his description intently, and stares wide eyed at the twin moons above, rising from their mirror horizons The Sphinx: ". I wonder what other plans he has in store for us?" Gaiserich points at Justice: “Jussstice is Mercy from another Ssssphere, and the Dwarven elemental is in me because we met the ssssouls of heroes from yet another, who ssshhhared their power with usss.” Clang looks up at the (to him) giant Sphinx and offers it a tankard of tea Gaiserich: “It isss all mad, but we came here to sssstop him in his Crysssstal casstle.” He points past the Sphinx into the desert. Gaiserich is glad that he inherited Suðri's Holder vocabulary. Otherwise he would have had to explain all this in Gorath and his companions could not have understood him. Sophie: "We are also in pursuit of one of his agents, a person who has a similar appearance to my own." Joush M.: (Sorry, back) Rosettsara: (wb) The Sphinx waves a paw at the tea, absently rejecting the offer as her look intensifies on Gai, and then Sophie The Sphinx: ", you have a sister?" ?" Sophie: "A rather demonic sibling." Clang takes the tankard for himself and makes two smaller cups for the elves, hopeful tea will ease any issues with their language barrier The Sphinx: "We have met before" she says flatly "Crossing the desert Jack raises an eyebrow at the Sphinx's tone The Sphinx: "She passed West not two days ago" Gaiserich hisses in some anger. Sophie: "That figures." "And am I correct in guessing she didn't impart any useful words upon you before her departure?" The Sphinx: "She rode in the animated carcass of an elephant, like some skeletal mount or howdah. She had a troupe of dead chained to her mount, a small horde of undead she had tasked carrying all manner of curious things. We met while crossing on a hot day, before the spheres met" she nods to Gai "She asked us where to find a mountain redoubt I knew of, and we exchanged pleasantries and information. We did not tarry to parley further" Clang: "Quite an entourage...." Mercy blinks in shock. "She was going from one sphere to another before the conjunction?.. That means she has a way to travel them?" The Sphinx: "It explains her remarks now much more clearly than she could elaborate" the beast speaks to herself a bit, the tone ever curious "She said she had breached the veil but not found the right world yet, and was 'off target' " Gaiserich: “The blue machine did ssssay that ssshhhe worked it a few dayssss ago.” Gaiserich reminds Mercy. Sophie: "Sounds about right." Mercy: "The Titan-machines can travel between spheres." She nods thoughtfully. Clang: "Aye...two days behind...better than two lifetimes, but not as close as we want. I pray we won't find ourselves two behind." Sophie: "We will find her, and kill her." Mercy winces at that, walking to Sophie and very gently touching her shoulder. The Sphinx: "What has she done to earn such ire from you? How is she to be rewarded with death as a mercy?" Sophie responds rather matter-of-factly. "She willfully allowed symbiosis between herself and a wandering demon. There's pretty much no going back from that." Mercy nods sadly to Sophie, resisting any urge to say there is always a chance for redemption. Not the time. The Sphinx watches, her face a mask of surprise. The beastmen around you halt in place, and watch you with a concerned expression. Gaiserich: “And she hasss been a… very busy ssssservant of the Sssstarman, with all that followssss.” The Sphinx: "That is... concerning, for sure. " The beast's claws clench and unclench on the stone, and she shuffles in place, obviously uneasy "Demons blight my people as well. I had hoped you r lands might be safe from their influence." Sophie: "It is one thing is one is merely corrupted or possessed to perform evil acts. What she does is of her own will and desire. At the very least, I can put her down and stop the spread of her ridiculousness." Jack: "Any number of things could have crossed between our worlds by now. Especially if the Starman warned them this would be happening." Clang nods, listening and sipping his giant tankard of tea Rolling 3d6 = 11 v First Aid Gaiserich defends Sophie, for kinslaying would indeed be a grave crime: “Sssshhhe killed all of her and Ssssophie's family,” he turns around to the doctor to confirm, not sure if they didn't do that themselves by all falling in with demons one way or another, “do I remember right?” Mercy nods. "Sometimes blood means it's your responsibility to take care of someone." Rosettsara: (Back. Ever drop and break something that's made of glass, and no matter how well you sweep, vacuum, and clean the area, that one tiny little sliver of glass has a way of burying itself into your foot weeks later?) Doc: (yep) Gaiserich: (no) P.P. A.: (me neither) Joush M.: ((Ouch, I'm sorry)) Sophie: "Indeed, she has caused enough suffering from her selfishness. There can be no redemption." Ken (GM): [argh, foot injuries!] Rosettsara: (It was pretty minor, thankfully) Ken (GM) the beastmen busy themselves further away from you now, exchanging fewer looks and les spleasantries than before. They rebuff most inquiry to short one word answers, and take on an air of aloof fear... Clang: "None of us are beyond redemption, Sophie...but not everyone seeks it. Some have made their decision contrary to any peaceful path we would offer." The Sphinx narrows her gaze, and has a dark squint now, and a concerned gaze turns for the fire, looking intently at the fire as if to divine secrets from its depths Mercy starts getting their camp ready, preparing things and looking to the sphinx. "What do you plan to do now? If you don't mind the question." The Sphinx does not turn to respond to the question, and speaks off handed from her perch, staring at the fire The Sphinx: "We will make East of here; the road will be followed and I will guide us to a safe place. This is too exposed, and too barren to sustain us, but the green should suffice. A wild and curious land for us to explore" "We will set out in the morning, before the heat" Gaiserich: “We heard that there are many dragonssss there now, that they came over from your Ssssphere. Be careful.” The Sphinx nods The Sphinx: "I know their kind. The pacts should hold, even in new lands. The peace will be upheld. " "I worry though, the horned king's horde may turn East now, for the fertile and open border of a land unknowlingly his new prize" Gaiserich: “Will the Horned Kings meet and ally, or fight each other?” The Sphinx: "His demon heralds, should the way be clear, will speak to him of your lands the moment it is known to them" "If you have such a lord, what would be worse? Alliance? or War" " Mercy looks to Daris. "I don't know.. should we ask them to take him? He's not able to fight, but he might still have a part in this." She says with a frown as she looks at the wagon. Mostly speaking to Sophie. Sophie: "If they'll take him. He's rather troublesome, but so long as he keeps his mouth shut, maybe he can be accepted." Gaiserich looks uneasily between the Sphinx and Sophie. He had not considered that angle before, as for him Euria was but another witch, another manifest demon to be put to the spear, but… The Sphinx: "Hmm? You have a question to ask of me Mercy?" the great beast ruffles her head, looks to you with new quiet calm Ken (GM): >Khajit has wares if you have coin Clang finishes up his tea, and cleans up absentmindedly as the conversation has gone to uncomfortable levels. He his hopeful, but he is not naive Mercy considers that, then nods. "Well.. We have a disabled man with us. He's not.. a good man, but we can't just abandion him" Mercy: "I hoped you might be able to offer him refuge" Jack: "If we wakes up, it might be better if he sees unfamiliar faces." The Sphinx: "; bring him forth, show this man to me" Sophie rises to help move Divus Gaiserich goes to help as well Mercy was about to help, but between Sophie and Gai they can manage the wizard so she just stays out of the way. Ken (GM): [reee, map fighting me] Clang: [reeeeeeeeeee!] Ken (GM) despite the GMs help, Divus is dragged off the cart and brought into the camplight P.P. A.: [so this is what they mean by “map control”] Ken (GM): [insane GM noises] The Sphinx is a massive thing, and when Divus is revealed (a broken and mangled face on a bandaged body) she makes an absolutely MASSIVE amount of noise, growling and hissing, standing on her perch with her wings spread wide! The Sphinx: MURRRRRRR Rosettsara: Divus: Screwing us over even while unconscious The Sphinx: "DARE YOU! BRINGING A SERVANT OF THE MAD STARMAN HERE?!" she manages to screech at you! Ken (GM) the beastmen cower and back away, making no sudden movements Mercy seems suprised at that, lifting a hand in a gesture of peace as she steps forward. "We don't!" Sophie: "He claimed to be against the Starman, but if you say he is his servant, you must have insight we do not." The Sphinx glides forward, and stalks, claws digging furrows, hackles raised and maw beared and full of fangs Sophie: "At any rate, he is harmless as he is. Do what you will with him, knowing that." The Sphinx: "HE! IS THE STARMAN! HIS FACE! HE HAS HIS FACE!" Gaiserich turns around in shock. “What?!” Sophie: "If he is the Starman, why was he so weak?" The Sphinx stalks, raises a mighty paw with claws high Gaiserich: “He attacked ssssomeone—a Sssstarman-worshipper, but we did not know that yet—sssso Jusssstice punched him for that.” The Sphinx: "WHY?....? Sophie: "Not to mention, the Starman we met existed at the same time as him, and didn't exactly share his appearance." Mercy looks at Daris, shocked.. then curious. "Wait, please explain.. The starman has a face?" Justice , dispite the tension, manages a snort and chuckle a tthe thought of having creamed Divus in the face Gaiserich ponders, and addresses the Sphinx. “An oracle in our world ssssaid that there are two Sssstarmen, a false, evil one we have been fighting, and… one who wassss like the Makers, and did good.” Gaiserich looks down at Divus, and stares for a while. The Sphinx holds, frozen, listening Gaiserich: “I… really can't sssssee him being either.” Gaiserich is at his wits end, and shrugs. Sophie: "He was socially strange, but I don't think that's a superpower. If it were, we'd have killed the evil Starman already." P.P. A.: >Divus is the real Starman that woulc actually make sense but he's been so unpleasant to deal with that Gaiserich refuses to believe that The Sphinx: "...perhaps he is, a twin?" and the beast woman looks to Mercy and Justice... Clang: "That would be the least surprising thing today." The Sphinx: "Yet another brother of another world, another different one to the original. or original to the twin" Gaiserich holds his head and looks tired. Mercy considers a moment, tilting her head to the side. "There are many worlds.. many people. Daris could be one of the men that could become the starman's avatar, or host or.. whatever, in your world?" Sophie: "Even so, the actions of an individual being among many copies are their own. Even if he were made in the image of a great evil, at worst Divus is mildly irritating to talk to and deal with." Gaiserich nods. Gaiserich: “He issss… difficult, but not evil. …I think.” Sophie: "If he does indeed possess some factor that can link him to a Starman, then all the better that he is where you can keep an eye on him." so hard to deal with? before the injury?" Mercy: "Well, not like.. Titan-class evil. He shot a man he shouden't have." Justice: "Why do you think I hit him so damn HARD?" " she mutters Sophie: "Let's just say that he acts without thinking, and does not tell people his plans of action ahead of time." "In this way, he is much like a spoiled child who has not yet learned to realize his place within a group of other people." Gaiserich: “And he got angry when we did not underssstand what he wassss doing, and jussst… threw a tantrum.” Justice: "Yeah, he was a and a half" The Sphinx ruffles her mane...and backs off, grinning Gaiserich: “He did ssssave sssomeone's life, and later a sssoul from dark taint, though.” The Sphinx: "So this world" Clang smiles at that Sophie: "If his socialization is all that is wrong with him, he can stand to learn the hard way from one who will be his superior in every sense." Gaiserich opts not to mention that he then threw the two other blackened souls into the damn river, sitll bottled up. The Sphinx: 'Very well, as long as he is not the incarnation of mad evil made form...we will care for him and see him well off with us." "If he proves a burden, I may eat him" she says with simple finality Sophie: "If he is evil all along, then what better a position for you to be in?" "He is at your mercy and reliant on you to survive." Jack: "If he gets eaten, at least he'll have been useful to someone." Clang: [If he dies....] Ken (GM): kek Ken (GM) Until next week Mercy: "That's a better chance he has with us. We go to great danger" She says with a nod. "I'm thankful for whatever care you can offer him." Ken (GM): [My wife reminds me, i have dinner plans to abscond to!] take your four points you cripple disposing people! P.P. A.: \o/ Clang puts away his tea...and is now ready to kick ass. Ken (GM): Next week! Your cart is one asshole lighter! Fiss: 'pleasure folks! Looking forward to the doom! P.P. A.: Two more to go! Rosettsara: Thanks for the session~ P.P. A.: Thanks for the session Ken (GM): [wait, what? two more?] Doc: Have fun at dinner Joush M.: Ah! Thanks for the game man! Have fun! Vex and justice gasp in unison! P.P. A.: Demon-man (who isn't an asshole, but also dead weight), and Vex (who is an elf) Rosettsara: Poor Vex P.P. A.: actually, where is ex-demon-man did he get better and go his own way at some point? Ken (GM): [in the cart] P.P. A.: oh ok so I remembered correctly Rosettsara: First he gets conned by Euria, then dragged along into a hellscape, used by the party to learn magic, and then keeps constantly fainting and being made fun of for it P.P. A.: but he's an Elf so it's okay Doc: last game in Japan P.P. A.: Rounen Jakku's tale Is now coming to an end. Cowboy Jack rises. Joush M.: I hope you are feeling better. It sounded like you've been feeling rough Nice one PPA Rosettsara: Hopefully you've had some good experiences to balance out the bad ones P.P. A.: The trip too little weight off your shoulders, but you learned to lift more of it more easily. Ken (GM): I HERD U WANTED TO GAYME Fiss: U HERD RITE Ken (GM): FUCK Rosettsara: Indeed Ken (GM): OK LEMME SHIT JUST ONE OW! P.P. A.: yee Ken (GM): OKAY SO! Last I herd, PPA and Rose wanna put on a show P.P. A.: aye CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT Rosettsara: Yuppers~ Gaiserich , some time later, is sneaking (not purposely, but incidentally, being a sneaky snek after all) around the camp looking for Sophie. Since the conversation with the Sphinx before, something stayed on his mind, but he did not want to speak of it in front of all the strangers. Ken (GM): () Sophie believed she was alone, as usual, by her makeshift tent. Turned away from the others, she watched the darkened wilderness quietly. Gaiserich: “Ah good, you are not assssleep yet,” the serpent-man approached her, speaking as quietly as the night demanded. “Do you have a moment?” Sophie wasn't expecting a visitor, and turns around in surprise, wiping her eyes a little, and struggling to maintain her composure. "Oh, Gai! W-what is it, at this hour? Did you notice something about our campmates?" Gaiserich: “No, I wanted to sssspeak with you about— Isss sssssomething the matter?” Sophie shakes her head unconvincingly. "No, I was just thinking to myself. What did you want to ask me about?" Gaiserich: “What the creature ssssaid wassss not wrong. It issss bad to sssslay your kin. If we musssst kill Eoria, please let one of usssss sssstrike her down, sssso that her blood issss not on your hands.” Gaiserich seems rather concerned about this. Sophie: "Euria has already committed that sin numerous times to get where she is. As the last remaining member of the family, I should be the one tp punish her. But, ultimately...I don't care much who does it, so long as it's done." Gaiserich isn't quite satisfied. “She hassss done much evil, sssso I undersssstand that she mussst die, but do you not sssstill remember her as your ssssister? Issss that not sad?” Sophie: "The Acologia family won't be missed by anyone, especially not by me. They are better off gone as they are...but it doesn't excuse the evil done to cause it. Whether as an Acologia or a demon, she is something to be purged from this world." Gaiserich nods in agreement, but the words do feel a bit cold. “After your kin's deeds have been avenged on your sisssster, you will be the only Aco… logia left, sssso then your name will be good, and you can be proud of it again,” he tries to cheer her up a little. P.P. A.: (“Think of how great it'll be after we kill your sister and you're the only one left of your family!”) Clang: [Best/Worst Pep Talk award goes to Snek!] Sophie: "Perhaps. But that ship may have sailed long ago." Gaiserich: “What do you mean?” Ken (GM): [whats a ship again? a clitorous or a canoe?] P.P. A.: Good thing Gaiserich has Suðri's memories, so he at least knows what a sail is, knowing only rowboats himself Ken (GM): heh Sophie: "The things i've seen and learned....well, let's say that I'm helping the Order for a reason. Part of it was to run away from those things, but they follow me even here. It is getting more and more difficult to pretend not to care." Gaiserich: “The… all the evil of demonssss, or the wrongdoingssss of your family?” He shrugs demonstratively. “You have faced demonssss and won, and you are good. If we ssssurvive thisss hunt, your future will be good too.” Sophie: "I hope so." Gaiserich: “Now we are going to a different world, sssso you can leave those thingssss behind; and if we return, then there will only be a home to return to because we will have won. You will be a hero!” Ken (GM): [] P.P. A.: [naturally] Sophie looked down at the ground for a moment before responding. "Keep that hope going. It's rare." Clang: [Well, I mean, he's not wrong...] P.P. A.: [but that would be a good reason not to care anymore, at that point] Ken (GM): Nihilism! P.P. A.: all right sorry for holding things up Mercy guards the camp and preys quitely to herself in the dark around the sleeping people. The dark haired wolf girl keeping alert for danger, occsionaly looking to the scorned and strange creatures of their company for the evening. She patrols slowly and in the morning wakes the others quitely, getting ready to move again. Jack SLEEPS Rosettsara: Yup, all done now! Clang dreams of having tea, until it time to wake up and have tea. And ale. But mostly tea. Ken (GM) night moves warm and windy; the scorned keep their distance, the sphinx perches and watching, lounging in the sand. Morning rises with a (GM) the hot wind of the desert picks up as the suns rise, the singed taste of dry air mingling with the swamp behind you. Mists cloy in the Fens and the haze burns away East of you, slowly. Ken (GM) the scorned make to break camp, tearing down their tent and packing their cart tall, slung to the mighty beast they travel with. The sphinx has taken divus aside, wrapped him in a shroud of white cotton, and placed him upon the heap in a secure hammock. Begrudging duty overtakes the felinoids dark features The Sphinx: "We shall find safety in the East, where we can. Perhaps the beastmen of your Gorgoth are more welcoming now. Though we will be wary of the accursed ooze and shrieking dead, as you warned Clang: "Safe journeys. I hope we will meet under much happier times in the future." Mercy bows her head to the spinx. "May the light watch over and guide you. Please be safe." She says respectfullyly to the lionoid beast. "We will go west and try to put things to right." Sophie nods. "Be careful out there. If we don't succeed, it may be up to you next." The Sphinx: "May your valiant actions reward you with glorious afterlives" The Sphinx and her entourage bid you farewell; Vex and Justice stand arm in arm, watching them leave. Gaiserich glares suspiciously at the two elves, but trusts the sphinx to keep an eye on them. Clang: "Our load is lighter, but our purpose heavier." Gaiserich: “Farewell, may you ssssurvive.” Ken (GM) The elves throw equal shade, quietly and with little overt provocation Ken (GM): [so whats the plan then. Kill and eat Jack?] Mercy: "We no longer have a world hopping wizard with us. I consider our day to a good beginning.. now east, to the flying moutian." Ken (GM): [West] Sophie: "One less weird mouth to punch." Clang: [You heard me....EAST.] Mercy: ((Yep! West. She would have said west)) Clang: [You think we're crazy? Let's GTFO!] Ken (GM): lel Justice mockingly cracks her knuckles, and Vex winces Sophie: "Now, let's go meet our destiny." Gaiserich looks at the road ahead, a strangely nostalgic feeling emanating from a Dwarf's memories, but not one he himself shares. The unknown, the strange, the alien world worry him. Ken (GM) The desert sun rises, and the world boils Gaiserich looks to Jack and Clang: “Do you think our dessstination is in the sssssame place as the Ansible wassss?” He ponders. “Or wassss that farther ssssouth…” Ken (GM) Mighty winds pick up as you strike West into the dusty trails of the barren earth. The new world again a parched waste, with looming peaks on the far horizon, beyond the dusty wastes. The land looms over rolling dunes and sharp bludds, jagged and unforgiving land below your feet. Bootfalls and hooves clatter and the stones seem to seek ankles to turn. The day begins to a rough start Gaiserich remembers that in Suðri's memories, the other-spherial equivalent of the mines they visited were a good deal north of the Ansible, while right now they're going straight west of it. (From Ken (GM)): Navigation! Gaiserich sure wishes he could sweat, and spends some of the journey slithering underneath the wagon, in its shade, or using blankets to carry a tent over himself. Rolling 3d6 = 13 in any case Mercy moves over the broken ground, careful and learning to respect the dangers of the new land as she settles into the labor of moveing their supplies and equipment. Her jacket taken off soon enough, working in her vest and shirt, careful of the animals on the unsteady footing. Sophie trudges onward, tending to anyone's heat and hydration-related problems along the way. Doc: maybe she can help with Jack's thirst problem (To GM): it might be a 3rd (or nth) sphere here Ken (GM) water is distributed, winds are assayed with scarves, and chafing is dealt with preventatively Ken (GM): Im sure, jack is stabbed at some point for like, medical purposes Rosettsara: Biopsies are sure helpful for science, but only in great amounts Ken (GM): so obviously, the average needs to rise Mercy will assist with medically stabbing Jack at some point. For today, she draws her hat down to shade her face, the lupine girl working to keep things moveing. (To GM): oho! Justice marches on, stripping down to under-armor and leather rigging only, metal sheets of armor abandoned to the cart. She curses errant gravel and sharp rocks, picking them from her pawlike feet near constantly. Vex has less fur the her scorned 'sister', her dark hair damp with sweat and the woman watching for trouble and danger as they work though the shifting sands. Sophie busies herself with looking after everyone else to avoid thinking too hard about the heat Rolling 3d6 = 4 vs 10 (HT) Ken (GM): fucking damn son Joush M.: She can go ALL NIGHT Ken (GM): ALL NIGHT LONG Clang clangs along, shiny dwarf butt reflecting most of the light Ken (GM) the day burns along; you break for a meal and a rest in teh shade of the cart. You have seen no other inhabitants, no landmarks but broken earth, and no movement but the wind. Doc: all night long sure but what about during the day it's a desert after all Sophie gets an idea. "Hm, the all-encompassing, engulfing light...." Gaiserich notices that it's a little cooler under the sand, and thus buries half of his body there while they're resting Gaiserich wiggle wiggle Mercy rigs poles to the cart, lashing them there then stretching a few spare blankets back to shade the bed of the cart for anyone that needs to ride. Ken (GM): kek goodness, all the plans! Joush M.: It's too bad we forgot to all bring umbrellas Ken (GM): ANACHRONISM lel Sophie: "We can take solace in the fact that the heat is bothering our foes as much as it is us." Justice happily stops moving and shades herself Gaiserich: “I don't think the ssssskeletons care much.” “…what flessshh remainssss on them would sssstink, though.” Justice: "what" "do you" "say" snake?" Justice pants out the quesiton Gaiserich: “The travellersss ssssaid that Euria had sssskeletons with her, no?” Gaiserich ponders, not quite sure anymore. “Or jusssst walking dead?” Mercy: "Wait.. like.. animated skeletons? That's so strange." She shivers at the idea of the undead despite the warmth of the day. Justice growls angrily, more frustrated than furious Justice: "damned....undead...." Sophie: "You get used to it, dealing with people like her." Justice: "I the undead." "they STINK" Gaiserich: “Yessss,” Gaiserich agrees empathically. Justice: "A plague....on my lands" Gaiserich: “And they are…” He thinks hard, searching for a fancy word from among Suðri's vocabulary. “abominationssss.” Mercy nods sympathetically. Sophie: "Just think about how great the world will be without them." Justice: "Would....it be.....cooler?" Vex chuckles, lounges in the shade, and passes her a water bottle Sophie: "If not, then...you'd be free to learn ice magic, maybe." Vex snorts a laugh, and Justice bats him over with a swipe Gaiserich looks to Jack: “If the Anssssible sitll… ever exissssted, you could ssssteer it above ussss to give ussss shade.” Sophie: "I don't think your boyfriend is that confident in your chances. You're going to have to challenge that." Mercy nods, looking at that floating island. "It should be shadey under it, at least." Sophie: "Do not forget the flowers. You know who we're dealing with, here." Ken (GM) glimmering in the distant peaks, a mountain turns slowly catching the light. Little bits of glass catch the impertinent sun, sharply reflecting back to you Mercy shades her eyes with her hand, frowning a touch. Jack nods at Gaiserich. "The Ansible was apprently much more comfortable than this cart." Ken (GM): [and like, at least, two thirds more evil] Gaiserich looks at the distant goal, gleaming in the sun. He suddenly jolts up slightly, struck by an ideal “Glassss… light…” He looks over to the captured laser rifles. (To GM): Gaiserich asks his crystal familiar if he can cover him (or at least any exposed scales) in a thin film of crystal that reflects the light, so it doesn't warm him. Ken (GM): [oh shit, hes armed!] (To GM): basically a mirror-coat Mercy looks to the snakeman in surprise. "Is their something on your mind?" Gaiserich looks quietly at the crystal embedded in his chest, and taps it gently. (To GM): deal Ken (GM): ~whispering intensifies~ [I assure you, this will doom few of you] Ken (GM) the sun bakes down, and the twin world behind you languishes in the waves of heat. Mists and boiled earth cloud your passing and the new familiar world ahead clearly shines in the brightness (To GM): The exact cost would be odd since it's a Limitation as it only protects against heat from direct sunlight, but not the air temperature, but it also only costs 1 per level, so, uh… you decide (To GM): all right Ken (GM) a shimmering glimmer covers Gai, dazzling in the light of the sun. He stretches and crinkles, basking int he sun Gaiserich 's scales have become like little mirrors, sparking brightly as they reflect the scorching sunlight off his body. Gaiserich still sidewinders through the landscape though because that doesn't make the sand any less hot Sophie: "impressive." Vex squints at the development Vex: "neat" "Alarming, but neat" Sophie: "You've learned well, Vex." Mercy stares at the transformation, watching to make sure it's intentional, then just watching quitely as she walks with them. "It's lovely and dazzling." Gaiserich: “I learned from how these,” he points at the weird bug-guns, and his musket with the laser pointer attached, “and the Dwarven light-muskets work, and from Ssssophie's attack, that it isssss light that makes thingssss hot assss it touches them.” Vex ponders this Gaiserich: “And crysssstal makessss light go other directionssss. By covering myself with cryssstal, I can make the heat from the sunlight go elsewhere.” Vex: "How very methodical. And this hasnt resulted in any....deep resounding love for the Starman?" Gaiserich explains, feeling the need to justify his bling bodymod Vex: "Or mad desire to consume our flesh?" Gaiserich: “No, but it issss cooler now.” Gaiserich raises his head a bit worryingly. “Thissss issss not our sssun, ssssso I can disssrespect it by rejecting its light. …I hope.” Mercy considers a moment then simply nods. Vex grumbles to himself a bit, and then makes some....concerning sounds. As if he were struggling with a great weight, or a heavy load Vex: "HnnnnnnnnnGHAH! damnit!" do that?" Vex punches the cart in frustration, immediatley yelping and cursing his bruise dhand Sophie: "Better get on the ice magic, Justice." Gaiserich: “My, uh…” He cannot find the words for the kind of symbiosis he's formed with the crystal. “I have a Dwarven Crysssstal in me, you have the Gods'… other powerssss.” Justice is too hot and tired to laugh, but gives you a thumbs up Gaiserich: “But it made you a new arm, that issss great too!” Mercy: "Do.. what? The transformation must take some mystic connection to another world. Gaiserich is in touch with a wise and powerful mystic, along with his connection to the alfather stone.. right?" Vex blushes, visibly even in the heat, and frowns deeply Vex: "Damnit! Mercy!" "You really know how to deflate an ego!" he sharply spits Clang: "The normal way to get Dwarven Crystals inside you is to eat Dwarf Bread!" Gaiserich knows that's BS, but won't spoil the fun by saying so Mercy: "I'm sorry. I don't mean any offense and clearly I'm out of my depth." She says gently to Vex. "You have your own powers and knowledge far beyond anything I've learned, and even past Gaiserich's mastery, I'm sure." Sophie: "Fret not on comparing yourself to others. They are not you, and you are not them." Vex deflates Vex: "Im sorry, youre right...this is just.....ARGH" he throws his hands up in frustration Gaiserich searches Suðri's memories to figure out what Elves are good at, so as ot encourage Vex. Vex: "I struggle to grasp what is exactly occurring here! I am...I a scholar of some capability and I find myself....struggling" Gaiserich finds many things, and wisely chooses not to bring them up. Sophie: "One's potential wanes when they feel they no longer have to learn." (To GM): alos dark arts and pacting with demons (To GM): hedonist leasure-cults Sophie: "As a scholar, you are discovering new information to be interpreted. It's hardly different from encountering something new in a book you have yet to read." Vex: "Good point Sophie, but, aside from say 'mind melding' with Gai again, i dont see how I can really glean anything new about my ....transformations" Mercy nods and walks to him, reaching out to rest a hand on Vex, squeezing gently then releasing before she goes back to the task of moving though the sand. Gaiserich: “I do not ‘know,’ really, I jusssst try thingssss and they work. Like making a tool out of sssssticks.” Vex: "I have a literal heart of stone, which I believed was the progenitor gift to dwarves, clutched in my breast. It spoke to my mind of great things, of works of my body and the world around it, and it was an intimate and direct contact I had only ever gleaned from spiritual affairs before. And now its SILENT!" he punctuates this with a RAP on his chest Gaiserich: “You learned-people , which I do not.” Vex: "All I understand, Gai, is that you have some sort of connection with your stone that I can't unlock. And that is EMINENTLY frustrating" Gaiserich: He wonders, though: “When did it sssstop ssssspeaking? When we entered thissss world and you were possessssed by the Sssstarman?” Sophie: "Think a little harder, Gai." Mercy almost says something, closes her mouth and shakes her head. Turning her attention back to the task. "If it gets any hotter we should stop and camp under the wagon, then resume when the sun sets." Vex: "It stopped the day you silenced it. When Mercy cut me off from the voice." "You removed a dark power form my mind, yes, but....I have lost so much potential" P.P. A.: typical Elf thinking Gaiserich: “Dark power can only lead to catastrophe.” Clang: "Aye, be wary of potential power of that sort...it likely sees YOU as potential too." Gaiserich looks at Justice. “You have much that is good, though.” Sophie: "Think of it as being freed so that you may pursue an untapped potential of light." "It's there, you're just not used to drawing from it yet." Jack: "Getting overly attached to dark powers is a great way to get us to remove of your potential." Justice swelters in the heat, dripping and panting, and grunts some kind of assent to Gai Gaiserich was implying that Justice, who loves Vex, is one of the god things Vex has Jack has not had the gentleness of his manner improved by the desert sun Sophie: "Besides, you were able to draw out the power of light in me, so there has to be something there." Mercy: "There are other paths to power. The book I have with me, the marks.. they are quite powerful." She says thoughtfully. Then wipeing sweat from her face, she pauses. "Shall we rest until the heat of the day breaks?" Sophie: "Not even my classmate Nadine was able to brighten anything up about me. In fact, all I seemed to do was darken her instead...I wonder where she is now." Sophie nods to Mercy. "We don't want to arrive half-dead from exhaustion." Vex bristles, but nots assent, pulling aside the cart to find some kind of respite from the heat. The sun broils above, and you find some rest. Vex: *nods Mercy finds a sheltered place they can rest and seeks out what supply of water or anything else they might find on the heated land. She brushes down the horse and mule gently and gives them what releaf from the heat she can. Rolling 3d6 = 14 vs 10 (Per-5 Default Survival) Ken (GM): While Mercy has found shade and cacti, juicy plants of the succulent variety....clang has found....poisonous scorpions and sophie's gritty contributions appear to be mildly edible as well Mercy taps a cactus, pleased with the slow drip of water into the pot she puts under it, giveing the equines some water then drinking some herself, carefully dusting off her clothing and hanging her jacket, vest and stockings on the cart to air and dry out, resting on her back in trousers and blouse after the work. Waiting for the burning sun to set. Ken (GM): kek Rosettsara: (Is Clang going to take a bite and then become the Dwarven Scorpion King?) Ken (GM): if he wasnt immunee to the poisons... Clang: om nom nom Ken (GM): kek alrighty Sophie settles somewhere where she can be both comfortable and reasonable alone once again Ken (GM) the day wanes, heat bakes, but you take refuge from it and shun it's gaze Ken (GM) the heat passes into the time, dust settling like the proverbial hourglass. The winds toss the earth about, and a rime of dust crusts to the land about you. With little fanfare, the sun swings for the edge of the earth, and red rises up to grasp it close. On the very edge of this sunset, the twin winks to you from the far edge of the world Ken (GM): [camping out the heat was a good plan, Justice seems to have survived] [and vex got a chance to uncrazy] Mercy gets out from under the wagon and streaches, groaning with pleasure at the cool then looking around a moment. "Shall we get back to traveling?" Sophie: "Sounds good." Gaiserich , gleaming in the sunlight and rested, nods in agreement. Clang: "Aye, no sense in cooking ourselves longer than necessary. " Justice: "Fuck its hot" Gaiserich now shines orange and golden in the light of the setting sun. Ken (GM): [cue snek-lazers] Rosettsara: (We are the last laser masters) Gaiserich dispells his discoball coating as the darkness slowly sets in. Gaiserich: *dismisses Ken (GM): Ken (GM) You set out under the waning heat, the land itself baked in it. The night rises and the cool winds blow. The mountians ahead are rimed with red light, and in their midst, a glowing and twinkling peak twists in the wind, shining like a beacon of reflected sun. Ken (GM) The moon hangs gibbous and pale, the stars twinkling into view Clang: "Such sights at the end of the world.." Mercy: "Ah.." She says, starring at the vision, thoughtful. Sophie: "The moon suits all of us better than the sun. A beacon of light breaking through the darkness." Ken (GM) the ground rises to meet each footfall, and the miles pass under your feet. As time passes the lands change, and you travel into rougher slopes and less sandy passages. The low foothills. And ruins. Ken (GM) Ruins of some ancient world jut up here and there now, from the broken world around you. Bleached in the sun, with jagged wiry bones of rusted metal. Stones polished by wind and weather, and glistening in the moonlight. They are the bones of a dead world. Tommbstones of the Gorgoth civilization. Cyclopean dead Mercy: "It's so old.. so strange." She says with curious shock. Stareing at the ruined places. "How long have they been like this?" Gaiserich wonders if his memories recognise them as anything.- Ancient Dwarven, perhaps. He traces some of the stoinework with his fingers. P.P. A.: oh wait, ancient Gorgoth Ken (GM): in one Clang offers each a curious glance, but doesn't linger unless he sees anything specific. Focus is important...it would take lifetimes to explore each ruin with the care and attention they deserved. Sophie: "We're almost there." Mercy nods, drawing her gun and checking it, making sure it functions smoothly and it's loaded properly. Ken (GM): [a good plan. The place is like a moonscape of ancient life and death.] RACK CLACK WATCH YO BACK BEASTFOLK LADIES GOT YOU IN THEY SIGHTS Ken (GM) Ahead in the gloom, there is a light Ken (GM) distant at first, but you follow a rise, and through the broken ruins and butressed broken land, there is a red and flickering firelight Ken (GM) a stony hand protrudes to the heavens, some height above the rest of the dead land, and upon it a fire blooms and crackles. Ken (GM): Ominous Mercy: "Some sort of beacon?" She ask as she gazes up at the great stone hand. Gun held in her left hand as she looks up at it. "Let's be careful. I feel like anything could be here." Sophie: "Think carefully about who or what this beacon could be for, considering all the life we're surrounded by." Gaiserich approaches with caution. He has put on his armour again to stave off the impeding cold, and huddles in his cloak. Gaiserich: “Thisss could be a place of demon ritual.” Justice: "It could be a very stupid, or very trap" Vex: "It's demons." the elf says flatly Mercy nods to Justice. "Shall we venture closer?" Vex: "I can see it on the airs. Darkness rises from that flame" Gaiserich slithers to the cart to get his musket. Vex reaches back for one of the weirder guns Mercy: "We could also go around.. " She offers at Vex's words, nodding. It's not like she thought it was a good beacon, but those words make it clear it's quite evil. Vex is stopped by a grasping hand! The Rider clutches his wrist, his broken face hissing dark words The Rider: "*RHem-hadu Jaedar! IA! IA!" "The dark beacon, alight for the darker creatures of night!" Mercy turns and levels her gun on the rider. Sophie: "You could have said that much more quietly." Gaiserich: “Then let ussss put it out.” The Rider is awake now, healed form your exorcism, and still a broken man. Heis features are a mess of mishapen bone and bulbous growth, but evil no longer is trapped there Mercy then slows herself, breathes, putting the gun lower and offering an aplogetic smile. "You suprised me.." The Rider: "I am sorry, I did not wake until now" he says, his accent broken but elborate Jack calmly dons his armor, preparing for the likely combat The Rider: "Where we are is not safe! They come! The demons" Mercy: "It is a matter of no importance. I am glad you were able to rest. You know of this beacon?" Justice seems happy to do the same. She maintains eye contact with jack while suiting up in her own Sophie: "Demons are our specialty." The Rider nods, his eye turns to the light ahead "I know it. My people knew it. A dark light. It brings death. Demons." Clang: "I thought we were Witch Hunters?" Clang smiles cheekily The Rider: "They use the old broken lands, light the fire, and they come. Burn a sacrifice. The scent, is good to the dark ones" Gaiserich: “Witchessss are those who take oaths to demonsss.” Clang: "Oh, fair enough, all the same wheelhouse." I am too frail, no dark in me!" The Rider: "I am like small dog; weak and no teeth" Sophie: "The dark would aid them, not you and us." Gaiserich: “You have casssst off the demon who ruled you. That issss not weak. Mosssst are losssst, the demon consumes them.” Mercy nods, thoughtful as she takes a slow, deep breath. "We shall be careful crossing though this land then.. watch for cultist or demons?" Vex grasps one of the weird rifles, and grins with a toothy smile when it alights in his grasp Vex: "Not a bad start." Gaiserich makes sure his laser pointer sits tightly on his musket—he considers using a bug-rifle instead, but maybe next time. He holds it in one hand, his spear in the other, and his knife is on his belt. Sophie: "How about a preemptive strike on the demons? No need to be wary when the threat is removed." The Rider nods to that suggestion Gaiserich nods. The Rider: "The light; kill it, and they not come" Mercy nods. "So.. we kill the beacon then?" Gaiserich: “And they who are lighting it.” Vex: "A nice, simple plan. I like it" Sophie: "I'm sure that fighting demons may draw out some potential in some of you who are still lacking faith." Justice unsheathes her greatsword, and CLICK-CLACKs her chain onto her wrist Justice taps her sword to the wagon and points to the side of it, where an etching of 'faith' is scrawled Justice: "Never left my side" Mercy nods to Justice, then draws her axe and takes the lead. Walking to the beacon. "We are the Light. Let us redeem them." Sophie: "That's the spirit." "I'll be sure to back you up, in case anything goes wrong." Ken (GM): [map magic, bottom right] Ken (GM) You strike out then, for the beacon in the dark. The night has darkened around you, the fire ahead and the moon above the only light glimmering, the shadows long and stretching for you. The heat of the day is gone and a bitter wind flows, cool and dry as if whispered by the breathy dead. It rattles the broken stones of the ruins and clings to you like film. Ken (GM) as you approach, the sound of the fire comes to you, crackling and echoing into the night, a spitting and hissing fire of furious power. Glowing in the recesses of it, gimlet dark, a skull is buried in the flames. cyclopean, tusks hanging down aside, draped over the outstretched stone hand of some long forgotten statue. Sophie shields herself from the cold and wind with her cloak, and presses onward Ken (GM) broken blocks thrust up from the sands and dunes, the baked ground below steady under you, masking your footfalls. You creep. Ken (GM) when you reach within a musketshot of your quarry, Vex halts the cart, clutching the gun and the reins. Ahead, the statue looms, a woman's arm outstretched from ancient stone robes, the fire above it. Ken (GM) rustling like broken bones on the wind, a voice rambles through syllables, rising and falling and rising again in a long chant. A woman's voice in a foreign tongue. it tickles your skin and magic is on the air. Mercy: "What manner of creature?" She ask of the one eyed skull as she starts walking closer, the cold refreshing after the relentless heat of the day, her coat fluttering around her and a handkerchief lifted, covering her surprisingly delicate nose and under it as she starts to prowl closer. Moving with lupine grace and trying to stay silent and get as (GM) ahead, a woman stands, hands outstretched above her, dark robes open to bare skin, and she stamps a beat with one leg as she chants a heady tune in the dark tongue Sophie glances around the best she can, to see if Euria has any potential escape routes from where she is Ken (GM) she is huge, standing ten feet tall at least; crackled blackened skin alight with an inner fire, you have seen this before only in the slinks up, right until she steps on an errant stone, falls flat on her stomach, and nearly takes her own head off with her gun. Luckily, she practices trigger discipline and it doesnt go off in her face as she goes OOF into the night Ken (GM): [dear god you lucky beastfolk] Sophie doesn't want to be seen just yet, staying a fair distance away and going around to the other side. Euria is sneaky, so there will be no escape this time. The woman 's head whips about at the disturbance Rolling 3d6 = 7 vs 10 (Int-5 default Stealth) Ken (GM): [fuck yeah int default!] Ken (GM) the rose-haired woman sticks to the shadows, low and quiet The woman speaks calling out in a weird timbre Mercy lifts herself from the ground and shakes off, looking to the woman as she speaks and checking the gun just a moment to assure herself it wasn't damaged by the fall. Gaiserich: A red dot traces quietly up Euria's tall figure, and comes to rest on her forehead. Gaiserich has started aiming. The woman: "M̲͡ḙ̠ͅr͈̩c͈̤̩̣̪̤̼y̼͔̟̱̻̫!̺ ̮̦͈ͅY̛̩͕̯̣͇͙o̗̦̱̤̰̲͝u̥͈ ̲̙͡ḁ̰̙͈͕̩͉͢r̛͓̦̖e̗̖̻͓̰̱̫ ́ẖ͖̕ͅe̯r̻̰e͇̙!͚̬̩̻ ͇̟̘Ḍ̷id̝͕͍̹͈͝ ̳̯͎y̷͎̪̗͍͍̬o͇̯̕u̲̝͓͚̥̠ ̬͉̜ͅa̻n̞s͎͟w̬̳̻͇͖͞e̖̕r̝ ̷͍͙̜͚t̴͓h̟͖͇̦ͅe̴͍͖̫̤ ͍͍̮͞c҉̤̮͓̖̜a̘̜̭̞̫̖͝ͅll̀ ̱̫̪͎̜̕o̞̤͡f͍̣̖̯͓͉ ̝̠͕͕̺͚͚n̢͉̹͇̩͈i̸̩͕g̪̙͈͈̘h̪̠̤̳t̘̯?̫͔̹̝͚͞" Sophie sneak-sneaks around Ken (GM): [snek-dot] Mercy shakes her head no and aims the gun at the woman. "No. You don't look very good, Miss." The woman: I̜͇͓̜ ̶͍̜̣͕̯̟am͎̦̫͞ ͏̮̣̟̪͚ͅv̼̮ͅe̩̘̤͢ry̫̹̩ ͔̣w͙ẹ̮l̙̼͝l̴,̩͇ͅ t̨̯͍̙ͅh̘̳͔̜̲͠àn̫k̹͖͚ͅ ̹̯̫̤̣͎y̱̘̺̹o̠̠̣̻̭̲u̖̠̙̩͈̘͜.̬͍̙ ̷̼W̙ơ̤̘u̶ļ̘͙̟d͎͓͟ ̳yo̥ú̗͖͔ ͝ç̳̗̖̦͖͈͚a̤̖̳͡r҉͓̟̺̙e̜̬̦̻̖ͅ ṱ̸̺̼̘̩o ̧c̬̠̻̱̠̻̹͝o̸͎͉̟̜͇̺ṃ̵͓̜̦̪̭e̛͉̘̹ ̫̦ͅc҉̮l͏̹̱̣̩̱͎̞o̫s͖̦͚̖͜e̛r̖͓͙̳̺͔͝? ̝W̨̗̻͙͙̰a̝ͅr̡͖̬m҉̤̰̥̗͉̫͇ ͚͚̹͔̩͕̀y͉͍͉̺͕̦͉o̲̙̺̫̟ͅu̸rs̺͡e͓̫͇̙l̜͇͉̼͖͔f͚ ͓̮͈̞̩̹̫i̙s҉ ͏̙͇͇͈͚̘͙t̥̼ͅh͈̜̲͚͖͖e͙͢ ̥̟̫͕̣͙̰l̮̥͍̗i͕͍̹̩͙̦͘g̜h̟͇̩͓̖ͅt̜̘,̵̮͇̦̱ ͉̗̜̺̫͠Ḿ̲̖̝ę̜ͅr̝̫̣̝̘̥c̣̯̦y͙.̦̮͖̳̦̩ ̢̠Ha̱̙̙̩̩̘v̶̬͓̝̫̙̹e ̞y̻o̳̯̙͈͎͙̦͜u̗̙̞͍ ń̝̠̲o̹̯̻̫̫̦͙ț̨̯̞͍̩ ̜̬̳̗s̥̙̟̦͉e͓e̺͙̟͉͈͖ǹ̯ ̡̰i̴̲̼̬͙̝͔t̗͔̬̻̰̬̙ ̸͔͙y͍̤̣͞ͅe͙̘̤͔̞͙̙͡t̛̰͎̥ͅ? Ken (GM): [mercy has drawn her attention, getting up and moving, keeping her talking] P.P. A.: How long have I been aiming? Ken (GM) the night above darkens a shade, the light in the hand brightening. Blackness encroaches from the shadows. In the distance, a wolf howls Ken (GM): [call it three seconds Mercy: "You are corrupted, twisted by a fallen titan. He is poisoning you." She walks slowly, looking to the dark, then back to her. "We don't have long to talk do we? What are you summoning?" Sophie keeps sneaking until she arrives in a good position to cut off any retreat The woman: I͏͚̭ ̞̟c͘a̪̥̜̫̺ͅͅl̶̲̥͇̲̠̦͖l̟̞͔͡ ̭̖̣̼̣͍͟th̶̭͍͓͕͇͔͙e͍͎̫̺̣̠ w̤̻̕o̱̫̺͎̼͖rl̩̙͇͕͚͙̦d̠̠́s̥͉̟͈̦̥ t̴̤͉̩͓̻o̰̤͚̙͚̜̟g̹̮̮͟e̫͚̥̪͕̫̣t͓he͕̭̮ͅŗ͕̝̪̻̱̰ ̢n̛̬o̦̤͇w,̨ ̤̲̭̩̹M͓̩̗͔̠̹͜e̝̣͖̣͡r͈͈̺͔̼̣c̝͇̲y͍̟̱.̞̦ ̟̗͍̘̯T̢͉̯̠̠̺h̡͓͍̩̻̮̪e͓̖͓͖̕ ̢͎̣͓̠̠d͏̼̝͇̦͎̝̻a̤̱̣̯͎͙̦͘r̥̱k̺͓̘͘ ̷̯̬̬̤̝̱f͈̱̫͍̺r̵͎̺͇ọ͙͎̥̫ͅm͉̫ o͚̬̮̞̕u҉̹̹r͚̝s͈͉͙̳̮̞͙̀,̨̫͍̘̖ ̛̻̫͔͉͔įn̗̝͓͠ͅt̹̻̮̯̗̻͉͞o̷̫ t̺̠̫̣h͎̩̙͘e ̼͙̪̝̙l̟i͈͎̝̫̤̩̰g͓̞͙̮̲h̼̲̖t,͏̜ ̩̬͓̼̀ḩ̠̞͇͍̤̬e̪͎͇̕r͚̭̤͔͇̤̟ḙ̖ͅ Gaiserich: “Let ussss not find out.” Gaiserich pulls the trigger Ken (GM): [] P.P. A.: actually wait Ken (GM): GSAP P.P. A.: yeah if it's obvious that mercy is flanking, he'll wait alittle longer Ken (GM): HOOOOOOLD IT gotta HOOOOOOOOOOLD IT P.P. A.: Let's say that as soon as Euria's voice changes its tone, she makes any suspicious moves, or the ritualthing gows scary-glowy Ken (GM) the wind twists and whines. The howling wolve's voice is joined by something else Jack has no confidence in his ability to aim that far, and simply prepares to charge forward as quickly as possible Ken (GM): [noted; murder charge] Mercy shakes her head. "The worlds are not intended to be together! To be apart is what gives us a perspective.. You can.."She shakes her head at the alien, horrible voice. "You can't even speak clearly any longer. This is your last chance. Please. I'm begging." She says almost gently as she points the shotgun at the woman. Sophie gets closer and closer to her ideal position The woman: " tͫ̑̈́ǒ͐̓̊́ͮ̑ ͂ͪ̃͐ͦd͛͊͌͛͝o̷͂ ͦ͒̋͂͌̊͑͟ŵ͒̑̐ͭ̕h̿ͮͭáͯ̓t̎ͫͯ͒̓ͩ̚?ͧ̃̇ͭ͢ ͪ̈̂͋͋͞Aͪ͞bͦ̕a̓̋nͬd͆̈́̓͗̋òͮ̆͊̄̿̈n̆̓̈́͊́̃͞ ̊ͩg̾ͪlͥ̕ǫ̾̌̄rͭ͌̑ͣ̀y?ͩ͂̒̽ͫ͘ ̛̈́S̸̈́͆̅t̶̄ͦ̄̇͒̈́ͤo̓pͭͭ͂ͩ́ ͯ̆ͧ̌̓͂̍͠ťͪ͂̓̚͝he̢̎ ̡ͩ̏͌̉i̷nͨ̈̆͂̐̓͠e͗̅͆v̌͋ͮͨ̀í̀̄ͣ̓t͂̿̎͒ͬͦ͞a̴͐b̛͐ͧͮl͐͢e̛ͭ͋́̄ͣ?̅̽ͬ̌ͣͣ̉ ̎͗̏ͧͣ͏Îͫf͆̈́̄ͪ ͫ͡o̔̿ͯ̌ͣn͌̔ͫ̐ͣ̌l̓́͌y̏ ̀ͧ̅m̈̒̿͆ͫ҉y̨̅̆͌̀̑̉̊ ͭ̓ͮs̶ͥ͌͋ͯͯͧiͥ̃̎̐̒ͨsͪͪ͂̑t̷ȇ̴̉̄̓̚̚r ͫ̈́ͨ͘cͭ͌͊̒̀͐ͮo͡u̓̒l̔̂͒̏̐̒d͐ͪ̆ͤ̿̍ ͣ͒͞s̃͒ͮͧe͑͒ͨ̈͊̊̄e͊̃ͨͯ҉ ̾͗͊̊͞m̢͛̓̒̓̿e͋̽ nͤ̾͐̐͐o̾̎̈́ͭ͡wͯ͐̃̿̂ͯ̃!̛̿ ̄̅ͧͫ̀͒͜S͛ͬ̀eͯeͥͪ̏͂͐̔̿ ͮ̎̾̑hͨͯͨ҉oͬ̆̎w̅ f͊̇aͮͧ̆rͭ̒͒̓ ̒I͐̍͊̍ ̓̍ͮ̆̎̄h͌aͣ̆̓͂̂v͛ͩ͠ể̄ͩ̀ͭͫ͘ ̈́̾c̊o͋͋m͐͗e͗̐ͯ̿̊̿͊͢!̶ ͊S̢ȅ̶̂ͪ͑́͊e̐ͮ̐ ̆̎̊ͤ̍͐w͊͏hͥ̆ä́̀́̇t ̢̃̔̎̈ͩͪw̿eͧ̌̈́̀͛ ̈cͩͣ͒͋̐͛͆ou͟l̨̆͑́̎́ͥd̡ walks closer. "You've come far on a path to ruin! You've done awful things!.. You can't even understand that people suffer for your mad quest?" Ken (GM) the earth shudders The woman steps foward The woman: "W̊͂̉̒H̑̏ͪ̄̓͜A͗͐T̷́̒̔ͪ̒̅͛ ̌ͭͤ̔̒D͞Ö́̿͢ ͑ͫ͏Y̾̆̉̓͜OͣŰ̡̉ͧ̔̅ͦ ̃̔̒̿ͫ͟K̷̏͛̃̍͛ͥͮŃ̈́ͤ̉ͬ̄ỎͣŴ̡̊ ̈ͥOͤ͑F̀ͮ̅ͫ̈ ̑ͣ̿̓ͣSÛͯͥF͐̉ͬ̄ͥ͑F̓̐̔̽͗͡E̴ͮ̅̔ͬ̅ͤȐ́ͭͨI̡̋͂̍ͭ̍͐̅Nͪ̃̈́Ģ!̄?ͥ̌͒̍̿͡" Ken (GM) the ground beneath her feet slithers P.P. A.: P.P. A.: Let's say that as soon as Euria's voice changes its tone, she makes still does not like the tremor that the explosion causes, but he does like the effect it has. He might switch to a bug-rifle in the future, though, it's less violent in his hands. The woman 's head erupts with a fiery blast of light as the shot tears her head open! The blow from the alien gun throws her like a ragdoll Justice roars into battle from Jacks left! Ken (GM) the wind does, and the fire crackles. The woman falls over, still and wooden Sophie probably has a good vantage point now in case reinforcements arrive or Euria tries to escape, so she will start preparing the laser Mercy turns to the beacon, trying to see a way to wreck it. Ken (GM) From her head, a fire blossoms, burning in the air like exposed campfire, and her blood burns as it fows Ken (GM): *flows Ken (GM) the night quiets rapidly, the howling gone, the wind dead, the sky still and crystalline. The moon shines down on the sputtering flames of the beacon, and Eurica Ken (GM) She gasps once, and then falls still. Justice 's charge falls flat, and she staggers to a stop above the body of the woman. She has her angry look melted away, replaced by some kind of surprised pity Ken (GM) above, the fire crackles, but burns lower. Ken (GM) below...the ground RIPPLES Mercy aims at the head. "Would shooting that help?" Gaiserich doesn't doubt that the woman has some sad story to her—what with all the family drama—but there is no time for pity yet. Gaiserich surveys the area for dark auras and— well, the ground exploding into ooze IT SCREAMS INTO VIEW, SLITHERING OVER THE DEAD WOMAN AND AROUND JUSTICE ALIKE, A BLACK VOID OF GREYISH SLITHERING EXISTENCE IT SCREECHES WITH A BUBBLING VOICE IT HAS RETURNED! Clang sighs and re-aims P.P. A.: where is Justice anyway Ken (GM): dun dun DUNNNNNN Ken (GM) UNTIL NEXT WEEK P.P. A.: IT SCREAMS: “UNTIL NEXT WEEK” Ken (GM): HAHAHAHAHA YOU BASTARD I LOVE IT Clang runs off to get a shower Fiss: haha, awesome, lookin forward to it. Rosettsara: Thanks for the session~ P.P. A.: in b4 it's a Darkness-Ooze-hybrid Ken (GM): :D :DDD P.P. A.: …and a functional one, unlike the one in the mines Fiss: Hybrids are very eco friendly! 52 Demons per Mile~! P.P. A.: If it's ooze, it's also flammable. Hoh! Thanks for the session! Ken (GM): seventy two hectares to a decilitre of evil! Rosettsara: 4 points today? Ken (GM): 4! Joush M.: Next Time on Grimwyrd: Shower scene. Vex passing out. Jack punching Clang and breaking his hand Doc: noice Ken (GM): mostly evil points! Fiss: At least 10....minus 6 Ken (GM): ah ah ahhhhh! Doc: NEXT TIME: "Sophie says big words. Mercy says small words. And Gaiserich... wears a hat." Ken (GM): PEW PEW PEW PEW Mercy: Fiss: arrrrrrr! Ken (GM): yar har Fiss: Sorry about the late arrival. REM is one hellova drug Rosettsara: And a bottle of rum Ken (GM): alpha waves be a slaty beast Ken (GM) WHERE LAST WE LEFT OUR HEORES Fiss: “Every normal man must be tempted, at times, to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin slitting throats.” Or in our case...roll dice. AND slit throats Clang: [Dooorfmode] Gaiserich: hoh P.P. A.: er ^ Ken (GM) the World itself had reviled against them, rising up in a gray mass, IT screaming in an all too familiar voice! Eurica lay with lead in her head, subsumed by the great uprising of elemental worldstuff around her, Mercy's rage swallowed in an instant by the summoning! Ken (GM) The Gray ooze slithered and boiled with unseen movement and roiling hatred. The summoning of evil had called a true patriot home Clang watches, awestruck for a moment, but slowly brings his weapon back up, hoping to spot a target to aim for despite the chaos Ken (GM) Flesh boils and slithers against itself, forming and reforming maws, eyes, limbs and grey slithering hide. Underneath the chaos of it all the voice rises up and outward to your minds, caressing the pink flesh inside your skulls as IT speaks profanely P.P. A.: The cart is probably too far away to fetch one of the laser rifles IT HAS RETURNED Mercy steps back and watches, shocked as that hidious chaos rolls and boils. Sophie narrows her eyes and stays focused on aiming at her target P.P. A.: “Itssss body issss made of ooze, ssssso it should burn well.” Clang: [] Gaiserich: “Itssss body issss made of ooze, ssssso it should burn well.” Clang smiles hopefully at his sneky friend and nods Gaiserich knows that this thing has been defeated before, and is hopeful that it may be defeated again. IT HAS COME THROUGH THE GAP TO A NEW PLACE, BEFORE IT IS PREPARED. TELL IT WHERE IT IS. IT HAS COME, BUT THIS IS NOT THE PLACE OR TIME CHOSEN IT slithers in a strange way, and shrieks in a more than human voice, in pain Ken (GM): [a heartbeat of time passes, and it doesnt move! What is IT waiting for?!] Gaiserich sneaks around it to see what might be going on IT rip0pples, and heaves, and vomits out the bodies of Justice and Eurica Mercy winces, ears flattening and watching that presence. "You don't belong here. This world itself is anthima to you.. Return to where you belong." Ken (GM): [as it had Justice, not Mercy, hyuk hyuk, my bad] Clang cautiously approaches as well, covering Gaiserich and doing his best to steady his arms IT WHY ARE WE HERE?! WHAT HAS HAPPENED!? Gaiserich snatches Justice and drags her back away from IT Gaiserich speaks to it: “Ssssstrange times, Darkness.” Sophie makes sure her aim is true before firing (Getting the Accurate bonuses and all) Justice is slick with blackened ichor, but alive, breathing, gasping against the ]muck Mercy: "You've been summoned by the death of a world-hopping madwoman that serves the Starman." IT bubbles and boils IT HATESSSS HIMMMM! THE STARRRRMANNNNN! Mercy somehow missed that Justice had been oozed, wincing at that sympathetically and looking at her with worry.. then whining at the 'voice' of the monster. Sophie shoots the thing with her light magic to see how it reacts (Distance penalties and size modifiers?) Gaiserich: “If I am right, and you are from outsssside the Sssspheres…” He pauses and considers its perspective. “Do you sssssee the sssspheres like we see trees, and use them to know where you are?” “Trees or the ssssstars.” Rolling 3d6 = 10 (Burning damage, armor divisor (2), affect insubstantial) Ken (GM) The blast of light flies out and strikes the beastly ooze, scorching a hole in it's hide that erupts in a geyser of flames! IT squeals and slithers, and twists against itself, closing the hole and pinching off the flaming bits Mercy glances back to Sophie and rases her axe, ready if this triggers a battle. IT SHOULD NOT SUFFERSO! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO IT!? Gaiserich: “The Sssstarman issss trying to merge the Sssspheres. You are made out of the wet clay from which the gods formed the world.” *godssss IT BEGS YOU CONTINUE, FLESH THING Gaiserich: “Continue sssspeaking, or burning you?” IT quivers, shudders, and sloshes wet flesh and tough hoide over the burn inflicted by Sophie Gaiserich is honest in asking this qzestion. IT WISHES YOU TO SPEAK! MAKE SENSE OF THE MORTALITY IT NOW POSESSES Gaiserich: “Asss I underssssstand from Sssssuðri's memoriesssss, IT comessss from outssside of the Spheresss and takes form in them. By possessssing people, or gateways.” IT DEMANDS AN ANSWER FOR THIE INJUSTICE, THIS INSULT Clang: "You suffer? Then you understand what has been brought to countless souls of many worlds. If you wish the suffering to stop, then you must be prepared to help us repair the damage done!" Gaiserich: “But the Sssstarman is making all the Sssspehressss into one, which turnssss them into ooze—the Gods' Clay. Maybe IT wassss drawn in and isssss now fully here.” Gaiserich considers what he said. Gaiserich: “Doessss that mean we can kill IT now?” Mercy: "If you tell us how to reach the Starman, we will make him stop and punish him for what he's done to you.." She watches the ooze, stareing at the strange shells. IT DOES NOT WISH TO DIE IT clamorously slithers and boils in itself, a wad of ur-flesh shaping and changing and grabbing at it's own insides, trying to rebuild an infinite body from finite flesh. Pitifully, it squeals Gaiserich: “Not jusssst drive IT back out?” He asks Clang and Jack this, whose old memories will recall that they never actually fought IT itself, only physical manifestations of it. P.P. A.: whoa we can kill all the demons now like, for real Jack: "Rod knew, the elemental evil of IT was not just an animal to die. IT was way too big for that" " Sophie gets slightly closer, step by step Justice manages to stand, though is shivering and clutching her chest as if squashed once too many times IT IS INFINITE! PURE POWER! PURE LIFE AND GROWTH AND FLESH AND CONSUMATION! IT CANNOT DIE! IT lunges forward, creaking and squelching against it's own bulk, and collapses pitifully, sideways Clang: "I don't know, Sir Gaiserich.. somewhere in this thing's mind, it may understand its own pain more than its own hunger. But...." IT groans and painfully shrieks Mercy: "You aren't that, though.. you are a single drop of rain compared to a storm. You are set apart from the rest." She keeps her distance, watching it writhe. "You've never been alone, constrained by mortaility before, have you?" IT trembles, and bubbles. IT HAS NOT Clang: "We will not listen to your trumpeting. If you are here, then you are part of this problem. If you wish not to suffer, then you will help us, or we will help you shuffle on back out of our world with righteous indignation." Gaiserich looks at it blankly, really not knowing what to feel. He has seen the horrors it has— er, could have… could be going to…? wrought, and it is more demonic than the demons, but he also has trouble taking in particularly seriously right now. Sophie: "Is that all you are? All those sweet words you whispered to Euria, the betrayals, the killings you two carried out. This is the result of them? You're no more than a pathetic murderer who gets upset the instant it's no longer in a perfect position." IT slithers, swallowing shiny hide and twisting softer and smoother. IT quiets and stops wailing Gaiserich goes to fetch a bug-gun, in any case. Mercy: "You can't return on your own can you?" She ask, watching the creature.. the thing move. She looks curiously to Sophie, then back to the ooze. Gaiserich finds a Vex Vex is passed out in the sand, on a bug gun Gaiserich picks it up. Thanks, Vex! Vex fails to give the snek a thumbs up Clang: [lol] Gaiserich works on removing his laser pointer from the Dwarven musket to affix it to the bug-gun. Gaiserich will listen to what is being said. IT quietly responds, in a flesh-voice "No. I cannot. I am not able to ....do.....anything" IT sounds afraid Clang softens his tone, but keeps his rifle aimed Clang: "Then can you supply us with answers? For we are lacking those as well." IT: "IT.... will try" "If it is worth ....my life....Speak. I will parley, flesh thing" Sophie: "And I do know and understand that it wasn't entirely just you. She wanted this as much as you did. Yet somehow the Order failed to do anything about you. Separated from your host, are you really no more than a lowly worm, writhing on the ground in the end? You'd best answer our questions." IT: "Fellow, creature" IT considers Sophie's words, and a pseudopod of black flesh caresses the broken form of Eurica's body... IT: "What....was I to her?" Gaiserich: “Ssssshe did your bidding? Like Jadeite?” Mercy watches the horror, studying a moment, tilting her head to the side as she tries to understand, feeling some sympthy even now for the horror. "I don't know." IT: "I am eternal. I was eternal. My memories....linear time is strange. Mortal experience. " Clang: "Aye, that it is." IT: "Jadeite is not yet, but was, and will be, may be. She was a servant too. Deloth Ainur. And Shel-sak" "Many of them, soldiers and priests, warlocks witches pactmakers all" "Flesh for the body and mind" "Our flesh" "betrothed" "We were to be one body, in your time" (To GM): DOes Gaiserich remember Shel-sak? Was that [Redacted]? IT: "One mind and soul, one flesh. Blissful in experience and world-spanning bounties" Gaiserich: “Shel-sak?” Mercy: "You are not eternal now. This is a mortal world.. you poison yourself with mortality, being here. Every breath and step and heartbeat here is a contract with death." She says almost gently, then blinks. "You didn't mention Mayflower". IT: "What is a Mayflower?" "Never was there any pact with such a creature" Sophie: "Mayflower was contracted with the Starman, not this." Mercy: "The Starman's servent.. like we had thought Sophie's sister was." Gaiserich: “Mayflower pacted with the Ssssstarman, no?” Mercy nods, thoughtfully frowning. IT shudders and hisses from a dozen places IT: "SSSSSSSTARMANNNNNNN: Gaiserich: “What isssss the Sssstarman?” IT: "MALFECIOUS CREATURE" Gaiserich: “Did he live in… eternity, between the Sssspheressss, like you? Or outsssside?” IT: "He....is not one of you." and better. He is made of the infinite glories above and beyond me and my realm...." "He was" "There was another though" "Of your flesh and blood. A man. Simple and frail and human and worthless and pitiful... "..dark and treacherous and dumb and pitious..." Gaiserich: “Divusssss?” IT stops IT: "YESSSSSS" Mercy listens closely, eyes widening. IT: "THAT WAS ITS NAME" Gaiserich looks at his comrades. “Maybe we ssshhhould have kept him.” Gaiserich beat Gaiserich: “Maybe not.” Sophie: "He's too stupid to be a threat." Clang lowers his rifle and scratches his beard with shiny hands, sounding like a brillo pad in a kitchen sink P.P. A.: fug, I should have used “Perhapsss” instead of “Maybe” IT: "He DARED reach into the infinite, beyond my grasp but not my vision, and into the beyond!" Gaiserich: “How did he do that?” Sophie looks around the area while the talking is happening, not trusting the thing and Euria at all. Specifically, she's looking for movement, or sudden growths Gaiserich is steadily working on getting his bug-laser-rifle ready to fire at either of them. Ken (GM) the desert around you is quiet, compared to clamour of ITs voice. The night sky above is alight with the moon and stars. PER ROLL Rolling 3d6 = 11 vs 15 (Perception) Mercy considers that and stands by, ready and tense. "How do people reach the 's energy beam, following his makeshift laser pointer and guided by his calm, steady hands burns a searing light into the Darkness. Rolling 2d6 = 8 Gaiserich discovers that he likes making tings light up with scorching heat! IT screams and shudders, the blast cracking something vital, and the thing deflates, bleeding into a burning pool of black blood and roaring in flames! Rosettsara: (Welcome to the laser club) IT: "NOOOOOOO! BETRAYED! FLESH AND SOULS AND MORTAL TREACHERY! "DAMN YOU! DAMN YOUR EYES! Hoorrriible......mennnnnn......and.......soooooopheeeeeeeee" IT gurgles and burns Vex stays unconscious Sophie: "Whether or not you were opposed to the Starman, your evil and plotting was still very real." Ken (GM) the body of the evil thing burns readily, boiling out from inside, flesh a riot like lampoil Gaiserich nods, Sophie's words truer than she knows. Ken (GM) Flames lick high into the night, shrouding the statue and ruins in a wicked smokey light Mercy: "Embrace the light and return to eternity, lost one." She watches the flames with a troubled expression. "I wonder what form it tried to take?" Clang sighs and turns to Mercy Sophie: "With Euria disposed of, that's one less thing to worry about." Clang: "I suppose it matters not if it's nature would always be at odds with us Sophie turns away and remains rather quiet and out of sight from the others Clang: "For a moment I was hopeful...but these creatures have deep and evil wills beyond what I understand." Clang turns, offers a prayer, but not an apology to the fleshy avatar ruins, then walks with his troop Justice: "This is...beyond fucked up" Justice wanders over to Vex, trailing her sword on a limp arm Mercy nods. "It's foolish of me to try and imagine otherwise, I suppose. Such a battle.. let's make sure that Justice is okay.. then we should build a pyre." She says gently, bowing her head a moment to the dead then going to check on her 'sister'. "What is 'fucked up?" Justice: "What was that thing? How did it do that? what....why....urgh" Justice clutches her head and shakes it back and forth Justice: "Mercy, what are we facing here?" "That thing just....picked me up and spit me out" Sophie takes a deep breath and heads back to the others. Jack hooks the body of the ruined woman by the leg, and drags her out of the flames with his hammer Mercy thinks it over, dragging ahand though her hair. "That was a horror.. something from beyond the world, from Outside. The gates are sealed and guarded, but sometimes powerful wizards let things like that into the world. This one wasn't ready.. it was cut off from it's whole. It was disorenting for it.. dosn't make it not an evil outside, I suppose." Mercy: "I'm glad you are okay. They are very dangerous from what I understand" Gaiserich: “So thisss was not IT, jusssst part of IT.” DIssssappointing.” “But better for usssss.” Vex wakes with a start, bumping into Justice Vex: "WHa! Oh shit! "Wait!" "....what happened?" Vex turns to see the burning flesh heap Vex: "Oh" "...wow... Gaiserich: “We learned that Divussss went to the Sssstarman's place-outssside-of-places, using ssssomething of the Sssstarman.” Sophie looks to Jack. "Destroy the body completely." Jack: "Uhhh..." Vex: "....?!" Mercy nods to Vex. "We battled a horror.. it's.. destroyed? It gave us information first. That information." She nods to Gai, then goes to help Jack with the 'burn the monstrous heap' thing. Sophie: "Euria's body, especially." Jack lets Mercy take the lead there Ken (GM): [into the beast-fire or something else?] Sophie looks around some more with her aura-vision Mercy gives Euria's body a pyre, and says a few words over it. The beast fire is monitered to make sure it dosn't go out, but otherwise allowed to burn. Ken (GM): [gotcha] Sophie: "Vex, come here. Hurry!" Sophie points at something for Vex to look at Jack: ["Oh she demands come running! He doesnt even have feet!"] ["Just elf flippers!"] Vex shakily complies with Sophie, and takes a look Vex: "" he says a bit to himself, his eyes glowing with a magic twist "How oddly shaped and aligned" "Were you just speaking with someone? or sending a missive, long distance?" Sophie: "So that's what it was." "I believe we may have only killed a decoy today." Vex: ".....ooookaaaay, that was vague" "and mostly ominous" Mercy looks over to Sophie and Vex, calling over. "Care to share with the rest of us?" Vex: "I think someone was just sending messages, nothing eldritch or fiery" Sophie: "I just heard the voice of my sister, taunting me. Then I saw traces of a spell, which Vex identified as a long distance communication spell." Vex: "Oh" "Oh damn" "but isnt that....?" and he points to the burning Eurica body Sophie: "She can also change appearances at will. This shouldn't come as a surprise." Sophie does look rather uncharacteristically livid, though. Ken (GM) there is a peal of thunder, and a cracle of lightning in the sky above Ken (GM) Green lightning P.P. A.: (sorry, was distracted) Ken (GM) far and above, in the distance about the moon, shrouding clouds of blackness have swirled into the sky about the white orb Ken (GM) and the moon tinges a lime green color Ken (GM) a very familiar green color to some Jack: "Fookin hell" Ken (GM) the green light brightens over the floating orb, the moon enshrouded in a weird power, the tingle of magic on the air Gaiserich looks expectantly at Mercy. Mercy frowns a touch. "She was.. just pretending to be here? Who did we just build a pyre for?" She ask, kind of glad now she didn't spend time knocking together an alter as she looks to the strange green light.. then back to the others. "What?" She ask Gai, uncertanly. P.P. A.: unless it's that OTHER green light Gaiserich: “Maybe it issss your time now. …although… that issss a green light.” Gaiserich looks wary. Ken (GM): [oh this is straight up the same moon witchlight as last time] Mercy takes a deep breath, looking around with a faint whine, ears perked and scenting the air like an animal as she wonders what might be comeing.. P.P. A.: [fug] Gaiserich looks at the moon a bit longer, and then looks alarmed. Sophie: "We will face this darkness like any other." Gaiserich: “Hassss… the veil torn again?” Jack: "And this time I dont have a flamethrower" Gaiserich looks at the pile of flaming darkness. “At leassst it wassss not us, thisss time.” Clang: "Aye, we will face it...I just wish by the Allfather's short and curlies that the darkness would stay put so we could fight it." Gaiserich ponders. Gaiserich: “But lassst time, thissss wasss the work of the Ansible.” “Doessss that mean ssssomehting like the Ansible existssss in thissss world?” Jack: "Right. We punched a hole in the world, and that lead to the outside" Ken (GM) the moonlight moves Gaiserich: “A hole in the—” Gaiserich looks at the burning pile of IT. Gaiserich also tires to make out their destination, the floating fortress of the Starman, though. Ken (GM) shifting in the night, the darkness stirs and the green witchlight focuses. Narrowing, and turning like a spotlight Ken (GM) the beam turns on the countryside West, sitting on the mountainside ahead, a twinkling mirror-star of green shimmering under the light Mercy: "By the light. This is so.. " She takes a deep breath. "Shall we continue? It seems we have an invitation." Sophie: "If they want a fight, then we're obliged to give one to them." Clang: "Aye, that we are." Sophie: "But nothing was said about fighting fair." Vex sits down heavily on the dusty earth Vex: "What the fuck is happening?" Gaiserich nods. Justice sits down beside him, and higs him Justice: *hugs Mercy: "I don't know, Mister Vex" She admits. Sophie: "War. If you've had enough, then we'll understand if you want to go back home at this point." Mercy kneels, starting to reload now that she's thought of it. Vex shakes his head Vex: "I wont, not now, not without answers. This is just..." he vaguely gestures up to the moon, exasperated Gaiserich checks his bug-gun if he has to reload it in anyway, but last he checked it has a battery of some kind. Sophie: "If it helps, we'll probably get back at my sister for real this time. That means you can take revenge on her for using you, and Justice, you can beat up the woman who caused such harm to your boyfriend, too." Mercy: "A sign? Or maybe something sinister.." She gazes up at the moon. "I wish I could tell you more." Justice snorts, shoves Vex, and knocks him fla tinto the dusty ground Vex WHUMP (To GM): nice Vex sputters a mouthful of dust Justice falls over laughing Vex: "Oh PFFFTH be serious would you!? The frigging MOON is an eldrich green LAMP woman!" Clang laughs Justice composes herself....and then falls over laughing at the sight of a dust-faced vex Clang: "Finally...the elves see what us Dwarves have known all along....The is evil..." Vex: "" "Youre all nuts....but I'm stuck with you" Sophie: "You'd have to be mad to face all of this and win." Clang: "Aye, that is true as well." "I'm glad I am in the right company. Hah!" Mercy looks up at the moon thoughtfully a moment, then shurgs and seems satisfied at the laughter, the tenision breaking. A gentle smile on her features as she puts her reloaded gun away. "We can handle the strangeness." Vex: "Okay, so, assuming I am not completely crazzy and just hallucinating all of this now..." "Why is the Moon green, and why is it shining on ....that mountain, up ahead?" "Whats the play here? Why is it happening" Gaiserich: “The ‘veil’ between thissss Sssssphere and the… outsssside hasss been torn.” “Expect to ssssee many demonssss and other terrible things pouring in from outsssside.” Sophie: "We're next to their hideout, and they know we're coming." Vex: "Hmmm" "but why? Why pierce the veil? Youve seen this before, your...other selves have. Why do it now?" Gaiserich shrugs. “Perhapssss they want to merge whatever liesssss outsssside of the veil with the Ssspheres as well. Make it all one.” Mercy looks over at the burned out ruin of IT, makeing sure it's burned properly away, then looks at the eerie beacon that had drawn them here. "Wasn't there a bunch of treasure over there?" Vex: "Thaumatologically speaking, I don't get it Vex. Their power; the Starman and Eurica...they dont rely on magic. We do. Why..." *gai, not vex lol Sophie: "A person between worlds can be altered. Why not the source of their power as well?" Vex: "Hmm, true." "I just feel we are missing something here" "though, I have been told before, I seek questions and answers sometimes where I shouldnt" Mercy nods. "There are many, many questions. I hope we can discover answers enough to do our duity." Gaiserich: “We will sssssee when we get there.” “Although it would be good if we knew how Divusssss went where he did.” Vex: "before he was incapacitated..." Sophie: "I doubt we would be closer to that answer even if he were here, answering our questions." Justice giggles Gaiserich hisses a chuckle. Vex: "... from what I saw of our Divus' power, it was firmly rooted in real things. Our at least, our reality. Not....some infinite thing. I saw magic. Real magic" "But what does he have to do with this?" Mercy walks around the burned remains, examining the things in that ritual circle. Sophie: "He appeared to be important as an otherworldly traveler. His mere existence was said to be very similar to the Starman's own." Gaiserich: “IT ssssaid he had been to… outsssside, where the Ssssstarman issss or wasss.” Vex stares Vex: "oh.." " Sophie: "Yet, his general incompetence and weakness would imply that he either lost whatever made him special, or the others are grossly overestimating him." Vex: "I have got to stop losing consciousness" Sophie: "It's cute." Clang: "I could always make you some Dwarven Coffee, Vex...but you can't tell your kin. I think banning its trade with the forest lands was part of our treaty. Mercy brushes aside ashes and greasy burned ITflesh with a wince, then takes up a broken clay vase. Lifting it up and walking back to the others. Gems and coins glittering in the thing. On top, she's piled several red stones about the size of an egg. "These are magical.. I think. The coins just seem to be lucre. But.. there's quite a bit of it." Vex glances over and nods Vex: "definitely magical Mercy, good catch." and then he pales "Oh dear" "Mercy put those down" "those are... dark magic" Sophie: "More things to burn?" Clang: [Dwarf Coffee is literally the skulls of Svirfneblin ground up with a delightful bouquet of cinnamon, ground black pepper and star anise.] Vex: "Or perhaps bury in a graveyard, miss. Those have soul-stuff hanging off them. Bloody and dark" Mercy sets them down, looking at them thoughtfully and stepping well back. "Oh.. Oh, necromancy? Some sort of energy stone to capture sacrafices?" Gaiserich looks at them withmagicvision Rolling 3d6 = 4 at SL 14, with Gai's help and taking her time. Ken (GM): oh damn son Joush M.: That's true. If it was people she'd have taken them aside and done it one at a time. Ken (GM): >Waiting list of people to be taken behind a shed Gaiserich follows the motions, putting his heart into it. He knows other people's hearts have been put into these stones, and so wants to help relieve them. Rolling 3d6 = 6 v whatever the default is Ken (GM) The red stones are heaped up and set in a clear circle of salt. Mercy speaks holy words, intones the spirits of the dead and channels Power into the ring of purified salt Ken (GM) Gai halps too Gaiserich leaves speaking the prayer to Mercy, with her more beautiful and accent-free voice, but takes care in preparing the site, distributing the salt, etc. Joush M.: Bound in silver chains, mouth gagged and blindfolded, devotional symbols painted on their skin. Typical Sunday night you know? Ken (GM) the ritual goes perfectly by the book and without error...which allows Mercy and Gai to react when things go sideways. Ken (GM) the souls are released, the dark chains on their spirits broken, and then they do not pass on to the next veil. They hover there, a swirling mas sof soul stuff, in the ring of pure power and just....collecting space Ken (GM) a multitude of tortured faces, bestial and dark, ravenous for release....with no where to go Ken (GM) their silent scream gains volume as the precious moments pass Mercy blinks, unsure what to do next. "They normally go to the light now." She assures the others in a small voice. "You are free. This world is not yours any longer, but the light awaits you.." She tells the souls trapped in the magical circle, the salt ring a normal precation when you might release a very unhappy demon. Mercy hestates, then says.. "We should run away now." Justice picks up Vex and does that Mercy runs too, makeing sure everyone else starts booking it to minimum safe distance for a Soul Bomb Gaiserich nods, picks up his weapons, and backs away not-so-slowly. Ken (GM) You scarper, and there is a WHUMP Ken (GM) a lime green burst of hellish flames erupt(mostly upwards) from the circle Gaiserich turns to Mercy: “What wassss that? Isssss… it because of the veil being torn? Were they trapped in thissss world?” Gaiserich: “Or were they evil?” Ken (GM) in the ensuing rumbling moments after, you hear dark howling on the winds Mercy stumbles and staggers, then looks back at the flame. "I've only seen reactions like that from tortured souls. They pass on to the light too but they've got..ah, lots of anger to let go first." She says, blushing as she realizes that she made a mistake. "Sorry." Mercy looks to the dark howling. "We might have trouble.." Sophie: "Nothing new." Mercy frowns. "They should just be gone though. Maybe there's something in this place holding them here?" Gaiserich looks at the moon. “Thissss world is in danger, it might… rot, sssssoon.” Gaiserich: “Let ussss move on before it getssss worse.” P.P. A.: (At least it's this Sphere, not our own) Mercy nods to Gai, distrubed by the idea. Ken (GM): [we should be fine, maybe] [I think] [uh oh] [SO! headed out? Wagons West?] P.P. A.: [I hope] Rosettsara: (Indeed) Ken (GM): [T'ealc intensifies] Joush M.: Indeed! ONWARD, TO ADVENTURE! Ken (GM): [map magic] Ken (GM) the lime light of the turned moon shines forward, to the Western peaks. The cold desert night of the dusty wastes beckon to you with odd howling wails, and green lights flicker in and out of your vision in the middle distance. The night is alive with inhuman howls Gaiserich is blissfully Hard of Hearing The Rider in your cart, trembles at the sound of it The Rider: "Vhat hahs happen? What did you DHO?!" Mercy: "I'm sorry, again.." She says as they walk, explaining to the rider the conquences of the exorcism. "I'm sure it worked, it's like someone has made this place a prison to trap them" The Rider stares blankly at the explanation of the events of the last hour or so The Rider: "Ahnd now, moon eehs green" "Wow" Gaiserich: “The moon being green isssss not our doing.” The Rider: "Rhiiiiiight" Gaiserich: “The criessss are… We found ‘Heartsssstones,” gemssss made by trapping and hardening the ssssouls of people. Mercy freed them, but they are ssssstill mad.” The Rider seems less than confident in this Sophie: "Evil doesn't have to make sense." Ken (GM): hmm, this seems like an opportune place to leave things today, really poor doc, he didnt get to euphamism at all today P.P. A.: Sorry if I was a bit quiet especially in the 2nd half, I was a bit distracted and out of it Joush M. nods sadly. Fiss: Lots o fun, thanks for the game man Joush M.: F for Doc's internet P.P. A.: Indeed, thanks for the game Rosettsara: Thanks for the session~ Joush M.: Thank you for the game! Can't wait to continue. Ken (GM): hey YW all :P thank you for sifting through the mad happenstance of my game with me P.P. A.: Sounds like IT does indeed dwell outside of the spheres, in the space between I wonder if it's actually aware of the multitude of spheres though well, IT did have knowledge of events from a different sphere, but this could also just have been that sphere's IT Ken (GM): heheheh P.P. A.: so Ken (GM): so MAYBE just MAYBE P.P. A.: (Starman, Divus on vacation (IT, Fae, Demons (Spheres) ) ) Joush M.: It's sad we sold Davis to a sphnx already P.P. A.: or maybe Demons are closer to individual Spheres Rosettsara: He had it coming P.P. A.: ^ Ken (GM): >what a dick Ken (GM) Something evil this way comes. Some malignant and malfecious scent on the wind. Some creeping doom clutching to the edge of your vision. A darkness, spreading like the night, inky and black and swallowing the stars. Gaiserich hisses. Clang sips his tea in defiance Sophie stands and faces it dully Ken (GM) the Moon is cursed and lime light shines down like a beacon ahead, on the Crystal Palace. IT breached this world, summoned by the Starman's agent Eurica. She departed and IT entered. IT died to your hand, fury and wrath and righteous glories speaking for your vitrus. Ken (GM) The night is shattered Joush M. watches the dark almost impatently as the cursed moon shines down on the dark world beyond the strange portal. The tall young lupine beastwoman looking to the crystal palace, then nodding to the others. "Shall we continue? Something waits for us." She checks her gun. "I'd hate to keep it waiting" Gaiserich: “They are playing with too many forcesssss from beyond.” Justice bristles, but nods her assent. Her ears dip when she looks up to the skies above Vex: "Truly this is a weird time." "How grim" Sophie: "Might as well get this over with." Clang readies his pack and looks delighted. Clang: "Perhaps some answers at least, if not victory. Good odds either way." Sophie: "Kill the Starman, kill Euria, and then not much is left." Gaiserich reloaded the Dwarven musket he fired, but he will no longer use it; his laser pointer is now attached to the weird bug-rifle, which he has learned to trust, and which he assumes is going to be more effective. …although, learning from Suðri's mistakes, he will make sure not to use it against Ghouls and other highly combustible foes. Joush M. nods and lights a ciggeret rolled from the box of tobacco she carries, then starts to pull at the wagon with the horses, helping it get moving over the shifting sand. Ken (GM): [survivors guilt knows no boundaries, ex Vex/Suðri ?] Clang: [Survivors Guilt only works if you live...and do nothing about it. This is where revenge and retribution comes in!] Gaiserich survived his enemies, and feels no guilt about that! Ken (GM): kek Sophie: "If I do anything to turn against all of you, kill me without hesitation." Joush M.: oops, switched to Mercy Ken (GM): [classic mercy] Mercy frowns. "Only if we have to.. you deserve the same consideration we give our enemies." Ken (GM): [classic Sophie] Gaiserich: “Yessss.” Gaiserich nods, and looks at Jack, remembering that he made him promise the same… although that was when he feared the progenitor tech inside of him; he is much calmer now that that was replaced by a friendly Dwarven elemental. Sophie: "We don't know what she has in store for me personally. Besides, i'd rather die than share my mind and soul with a being like she has." Clang closes his eyes and checks the 'levels' on his gun, but suspects he may get to hear the clang of his fists equally today Jack: "I'll be sure to hesitate a little bit, just to annoy you one last time" Gaiserich voices a thought prompted by Sophie's words. “What if there are other usss under their control, and we need to fight our sssselves from other Ssssspheres?” Vex sighs deeply Vex: "I doubt you need fear elves" Mercy: "We do know that there is redemption and a way back even if possessed. I can't promise I won't try to save you, Sophie." Mercy says firmly as she walks beside the wagon, considering Gaiserich's words. "Then we fight well and do our best. Save who we can.. Given worlds to chose from, I don't think the Enemy would pick versions of me." P.P. A.: heh Clang: "I'm quite certain that's what many people who died with an arrow in their eye believed, Sir Vex." Gaiserich nods to that. Ken (GM) the night howls Ken (GM) Your passengers look out into the creeping dark, and they hear the voice of the otherwordly presence...the noise crawls along you like a physical thing, prickling and grasping, carried by inhuman and unearthly creatures Sophie: "Let's go." Vex: "Yes, lets" Sophie takes the first step towards oblivion Mercy shudders at that sound with a frown of disapproval. Continuing the march. Ken (GM) the desert night blows with a cool wind, carrying dust against you as you march away from the ruins. The cart rumbles over hard packed earth and crusty sand, your boots crackling over the dessicated world. Ahead, the mountains glow with the eldritch beacon, and the Crystal palace grows as you draw nearer. Ken (GM) the baying and howling shrieks throughout the night, and you hear the occasional yelp of surprise and sudden drop of sound as something discovers what lurks in the nearby night land Ken (GM) the trail is wide and open, and the wind's constant caress graces you as you travel Mercy watches the darkness around them as they go, wary and unsettled by the strangeness. Gaiserich is wrapped up in his cloak and holding a torch, more to warm himself than to light the night P.P. A.: Let's hope he survives long enough to invent and produce the first vacuum flask Ken (GM): kek Sophie continues the march Justice watches the night, head swinging this way and that as you march. More than once she starts, turns and reveals...nothing, only to continue on, hair raised Vex wipes at his eyes, driving the horse, seeming to struggle to maintain a straight course Mercy: "You can smell it too?" She ask Justice quietly. "Brimstone. Could be demons." Vex: "Damn this desert and this wind" he mutters darkly Gaiserich scents the air as well. Sophie passively scans the surrounding area with her aura-vision as they continue Gaiserich also feels for odd vibrations underground, or travelling through the ground. Quakes, mighty footstamps, eldritch shocks. Rolling 3d6 = 13 vs 16 Gaiserich 's head sways back and forth, tracking an elusive smell, but he is too busy practicing the sidewinder slide to get a good feel for the ground Sophie: "We're being followed. Shadowy figures. One of them is keeping its distance on purpose. The others are huddled together." Gaiserich slows down and takes out his laser rifle. “We ssssshould face them sssssoner rather than later.” Sophie waves Gaiserich looks around the area, looking for heat signatures in the distance, or for odd flows of mana. Clang: "Aye, let us see if we have allies... or more challenges on this journey Mercy takes up an oil lamp from their supplies, lightning it and holding it aloft. Allowing them to be seen in the eerie green light. Sophie points in their direction Ken (GM) in the middle distance, past a dusty rise upwind of you, an elven woman stands. The wind whipping at a long dark coat. Blakcness slips from her like an aura Vex: "Oh shit" Sophie: "Greetings, dark one." Mercy walks past Jack and Sophie to stand between the others and the dark figure, her left hand drawing the shotgun and just holding it as she stands holding the lantern aloft. P.P. A.: >Elven woman >blakc aura Sophie: "Here to test our strength? For us to demonstrate our worthiness to enter your Master's palace? Or are you here to warn or even assist us?" Gaiserich calmly starts aiming, this is apparently the best way to negotiate with these sorts. Clang joins his sneky brother with a solid and careful aim Ken (GM) half a dozen chunks of night slip away like water into the earth; elves stand in their place The woman raises a hand in return, stepping forward and putting a reassuring hand on her party members The woman: "We come in peace" she calls back "Who are you?" she asks Jack advances to interpose himself between the strangers and the rest of the party The woman: "Why do you come to Gorgoth?" Justice steps off the cart, and rests her hand on her sword... Sophie: "We seek to put an end to the Starman once and for all. Or at least the one causing so much ruin and misery to these lands." Gaiserich: “The Ssssstarman hassss invaded our world. We are here to fight back againsssst him.” Mercy lets Sophie do the talking, Watching the people that come in peace with her head tilted to the side.. then speaking to Justice quitely. "Watch behind us. Could be more of them out there." Vex trembles in the cart Justice nods, and makes for the back of the cart, a bit too quickly Sophie: "We have reason to believe his hideout and lieutenants are taking refuge and gathering their forces in the structure up ahead." The woman: "That is a cursed place" she points up to the mountains ahead "You would do well to leave this land, make for refuge East, at the capital" "We seek asylum with Gorgoth's Horned king" Sophie: "We will destroy the curse and the curser, or die trying." "We appreciate your concern, but it is our destiny to face such things. If you could impart on us any additional information, it would increase our chances of ridding you of the curse successfully." Ken (GM) a ragged and weathered looking older elven man stalks over to her at that, whispering harshly and making many gestures as he speaks Gaiserich: “Hisssss curse knowssss no borderssss. It ssssspreads beyond the Ssssspheres, no disssstance will be enough,” Gaiserich notes grimly. Mercy nods in agreement to Sophie. Standing there in the light, then slowly and carefully putting away the shotgun. To show they aren't here to fight. Clang nods in dwarven, gun lowering Gaiserich lowers his rifle too… a little. Ken (GM): [such diplomacy] P.P. A.: The laser dot now rests before the Elf's feet Ken (GM): noted Clang: [Ahh, wise to cut off their mobility!] Ken (GM) another elven woman dressed in very revealing leathers and wraps stalks up, and the conversation over there becomes heated Ken (GM) You can hear snippets of it, the elven words languid and musical but still sharp with anger Vex: "We should " Sophie: "If such a proposition is unacceptable, then we will leave you to continue your fleeing for refuge. You can forget this encounter even happened, chalk it up to exhaustion from desert travel, or even a fever dream." Clang shrugs and starts to walk, aiming for a route around them. "Aye, Vex, we should." Sophie: "Either way, you will reach your destination and never see us again." The woman sweeps a quick hand gesture and halts the argument immediately P.P. A. nods to Vex, and starts moving on, rifle ready to shoot back at would-be pursuers, though. Gaiserich nods to Vex, and starts moving on, rifle ready to shoot back at would-be pursuers, though. The woman: "Wait!" she calls out" A moment please!" "We have a need!" Clang: "Oh?" P.P. A.: a need for speed, please lend us your cart Sophie: "Then call off your hot heads and start making us comfortable enough to listen." Clang: [https://i.imgur.com/24hOcqL.jpg] Gaiserich doesn't know if that means that he needs to start aiming again; diplomacy is weird. The woman: "We were not well prepared, left in haste and poorly provisioned. Could you spare meat?" Mercy considers that a moment and speaks quietly to Sophie. "We do have plenty of provisions." Clang nods his consent to Mercy...a few days of hard tack are not the most pressing worry on his mind Sophie: "And you're willing to part with useful information about the curse-filled path ahead?" (To GM): How hard would it be to hunt for meat around here? Assorted lizards, snakes, rodents, etc. can't be very filling on the move The woman nods, "we have plenty of knowledge of the land ahead, and are willing to trade it with you" she steps forward "Would you sell us the fresh one you travel with? Or perhaps your elf?" Clang laughs Clang: "Sadly, this Elf is past his Best Freshness date, I'm afraid he's too ripe for eating." P.P. A.: I kinda expected this Justice stamps forward, unsheathing her greatsword from the cart with a TSING Gaiserich: “We only eat animalsssss.” Justice: "FUCK NO!" Jack: "I've got some fresh meat for her, but I don't think that's what she meant," Jack mutters while rolling his shoulders in preparation for combat Sophie: "We have basic rations we can part with. They aren't much, but you can travel on them." Ken (GM) a mewling hiss rolls out from the elves around the woman in front, and their darkness trembles like cats crouched in the night Sophie: "If our offer is unacceptable to you, then we will continue on our respective paths." Ken (GM) the bareley dressed one stamps forward, hissing and swiping clawed fingers at the air Ken (GM): "MEAT! WE NEED IT!" "FRESH MEAT" Mercy: "Fresh one?" She ask, tilting her head to the side and considering a moment then resting a hand on her gun. "We walk in the Light, and can't abide the devouring of those that can speak. It's one of those rules we are on about." Her body tense, ready. Wondering if this is going to go down hill fast.. she risk something, stepping forward herself and roaring. Sharp fangs exposed. "We are not your food!" Gaiserich takes aim at him. Jack charges forward, tired of waiting for the inevitable Sophie: "Awfully picker eaters, aren't they?" "Haven't you ever heard the phrase, 'Beggars can't be Choosers'?" Clang: "You should learn the joys of the vegetarian lifestyle. You'll live longer." Doc: lemme know how far he can move Ken (GM): >JACK CHARGES FORWARD Gaiserich hisses a warning: “If it sssspeaks, we will not let you eat it.” Doc: we Jack Attack now Clang readies his gun to cover Jack Ken (GM): Jack gets at least his move speed before things devolve! Sophie points at them again, ready to fire her laser Sophie: "You either accept our rations, choke them down, and live another day to reach a settlement where meat is plentiful, or don't." Ken (GM) the savage screaming elf leaps forward, bounding on all fours like an animal; the woman holds out an arm, halting the others from charging forward, barking a simple command in elven Ken (GM): [she seems to have them in check, save the hothead] Sophie: "Do I make myself clear?" "He backs off, and we give you what we can." Mercy follows Jack. Can't let him get eaten by the elf bitch. Sophie: "The moment he attacks one of us, we will destroy him." The woman shrieks out a command at the charging elf, and she halts in her tracks, perched on all fours, nads and feet clutching the dry earth on clawed hands Rolling 3d6 = 12v11 (15 if smell) Ken (GM) the elven fury hisses, and something dark inside her stretches out from that maw Sophie: "Do we have a deal?" The woman: "We might" she replies, calling out over the wind " she calls to the elf ahead, and the fury bristles (To GM): Gaiserich noticed that this Deloth Ainur character appeared quite often in Suðri's memories, and he digs in them to compare their faces. (To GM): oho Ken (GM) the furious elf girl prowls back, hissing and spitting a growl of darkness Gaiserich has been staring at the rightmost elf for a while. “Deloth Ainur?” he calls over to her. Ken (GM) the elven group startles at that Ken (GM) the elven woman steps up, a bewildered look on her face Ken (GM): "How do you know that name?" Sophie: "Here's how it will go down. One of my companions will drop some packages of rations behind us, and we will circle around your current position while you circle around in the opposite direction toward the rations. You will give us what information you can during our respective transits." Jack stops abruptly, recognizing the name and looking back and forth between the snake and the elves Mercy walks to the wagon, picking out a bag of of food. Studying the condense a moment then lifting it and walking forward. "Don't have any coffee or tea to spare, but there's salt, hardtack, pork and pemmacin in here.." She walks forward and sets it down with a nod, then walks back to the others.. looking a little confused at who this Deloth Ainur might be. Gaiserich doesn't want to interrupt Sophie's negotiations, so he slithers over a bit closer and addresses the elf.more eye-to-eye. “It isssss difficult, but I ssssaw the memoriessss of sssssomeone who lived in a different world. He knew you.” Gaiserich: “Or he knew the Deloth Ainur of hisssss world and time.” Deloth walks forward, slowly, with her hands open Deloth: "You realize how that sounds, serpent" ssssstrange things.” Deloth is called back with a sharp word from the elven leader, but she raises a hand, and continues to speak with Gai Jack: "It's true. I have Roderick's memories, as well." Deloth looks to jack, cocks her head Deloth: "Thats a holder name" Gaiserich: “My memoriessss are of Ssssuðri Ssssskornbrekker, a Dwarf.” Jack lowers his musket entirely, ready to talk rather than fight Gaiserich is half-heartedly aiming at the bestial elf who charged earlier. Mercy steps back to let the savage elflings grab the food. They do seem hungery, after all. Gaiserich just in case y'know. Deloth: "I have never met a holder named Roderick, or a dwarf at all. Your armored friend is the first Ive seen" Ken (GM) the elven band growls in humanly at the sight of the unattended bag of food Ken (GM) they bristle for a heartbeat, then make for the bag The woman manages to only look disappointed at them, and hold up her hands to your group, in peace The woman: "Please! let them eat!" Gaiserich nods. He sighs at having to explain this all over again, but slides a bit closer to the woman. Gaiserich steers clear of the eating elves in their feeding frenzy Ken (GM) the elves tear into the bag like starved animals Deloth visibly shudders a tthe sight Gaiserich: “If you go eassst of here, you will come to a sssstrange place where there are two moons and two sunssss. It issss where thissss world meets ours.” “The Ssssstarman hassss been… putting worldssss—‘Sssspheres’—together, which issss very bad.” Mercy watches the savagery of the elves, stareing at what she'd imagined would be an elegent people tearing at the food with their fingers. Gaiserich: “The memoriesss we have are of people who lived in a different Ssssphere. Perhapssss it isssss because of the Sssstarman's magic that we ssssaw their memoriessss.” Clang looks visibly disgusted Gaiserich points to Justice and Mercy. “These are the ssssame person, but from different Sssspheres.” Deloth manages to tear her eyes away form the ripping and tearing. Deloth: "You speak in riddles snakeman. Speak plainly; who are we, who am I to you? How do you know my name?" "How do you know of my title?" Gaiserich briefly narrates to the Elf that the Deloth Ainur—as she introduced herself—he knows was a Gorgothian demon-slave who encountered a group of Holder soldiers on their journeys. They kept killing demons, eventually robbing Deloth of her source of power, whereupon they travelled together for a while; then Deloth made a new contract, and the next time they met, the demon inside her attacked them, they killed it, and Deloth died with it.” Gaiserich mentions, pointing at the green moon, that in their story, too, a rift was opened and the Darkness poured in; and that it was them who caused it, albeit not knowing what they were doing. Deloth listens with rapt attention Gaiserich: “We met ssssome onf their… ssssouls? They sssshhhared their memoriessss with ussss.” The woman walks forward with purpose, hands up and watching her band of furies as they feast. She keeps an eye on you all as she watches them, like a mother lioness over cubs Gaiserich: “I am Gaiserich, I am jusssst a hunter of beastssss and of witchessss.” “…and now of the Ssssstarman.” Deloth: "" she speaks with a kind of reverence "What a wonderful tale" (To GM): anything about her Gaiserich would pick up that Suðri could not? Smell, aura? (The latter being demon-infused, I assume.) Mercy isn't sure she would take it as well, with the whole 'dying terribly' part, but mostly remains focused on the task at hand. (To GM): Interesting! Deloth: "I am , huntress and wife of the King of Night. Gaiserich mulls over that for a moment. “Sssso issss ‘Deloth’ like…” He digs in Suðri's vocabulary of Holder society. “…a title, like the warmbloods' ‘Count’? And ‘Shaikur’ your name?” Gaiserich: In his society, it seldom gets more complex than [name], son of [name], maybe with a profession tacked on. Deloth laughs musically, the voice tingled with genuine amusement Gaiserich: (Complex, byzantine name taboos nonwithstanding.) Deloth: "Gaiserich, hunter of beasts witches and starmen; you know so little of elves" Mercy: "I'm discovering much of what I thought I knew is wrong." Gaiserich shrugs. “The one I know isssss alwayssss passed out.” The woman stands coldly in the night wind, wrapped in her arms and watching the whole exchange with a cool expression The woman: "My children feast, my thanks to you strangers" Sophie: "Uh-huh." Mercy: "What is.. effecting them? They seem unable to control their hunger." P.P. A.: Now for their end of the bargain: information! Jack: "Maybe that's just how elves eat?" The woman chuckles darkly Clang frowns The woman: "We are not what you might call, your " Gaiserich: “Elves eat mana,” the snakeman corrects Jack with a cheeky smirk. Clang: "No, that's not how elves eat, even without the knowledge I have, I could tell you this is an affront against many things." Vex leans out the side of the cart, and retches Mercy: "I suppose you wish to keep your secrets. I won't ask more.. just warn you that cannibalism is a sin pretty much everywhere." The Rider scoots to the far side of the cart Jack: "So is murder," Jack shrugs. The woman: "We are not sorcerers or dark archivists miss. We do not travel our path lightly either. We have each weighed the measure of ourselves to come to where we are. This is our path." "It has been a dire time for us, of late" Sophie: "So it is." The woman: "Normally we would never have reached such a....tempestuous state" Sophie: "Desperation can make monsters of us all." Mercy: "What happend? What do you know of this area we travel though?" Gaiserich: “Jusssst do not bond yoursssself to demonssss. That endssss badly.” Ken (GM) the elven furies have torn apart the bag, and now pick through the dust and swat at each other, looking for scraps and tendrils. They move with a kind of heavy fullness that signals their torpor. They have calmed The woman: "" she growls the last words like a warning Gaiserich nods. “Good.” Gaiserich hasn't actually seen demonic (dark and potentially evil, sure, but not explicitly demonic) emanations from them, but y'know, they're elves, so it has to be mentioned. The woman: "It is the human way to meddle and tresspass. The elven way is one of respect and bonding. Of patronage" Sophie: "We're getting off-track here." The woman: "Humans rip and tear their way through " she mutters Clang: "Clearly. No would eat with the elevated table manners of a rat working its way to the tonsils through the anus." Mercy: "Is there a human in partucular you've faced?" Deloth giggles at the dwarven spite Mercy ask, curious if it's Sophie's sister again. The way the woman speaks makes her think of her.."What are 'the ways'?" The woman: "To put is succinctly, the Ways of Magic, " she smirks "But your companion is right; we have gotten quite off topic" she holds up her hands, and defers to Sophie "The paths ahead are treacherous and deadly to those who would tresspass." Clang smirks and begins to walk past Deloth The woman: "You would be well armed to hear of the signs and paths" Clang: "Surely no more dangerous than getting struck by lightning." Gaiserich listens to the woman The woman: "Ahead is the western Reach of Gorgoth. The dusty trail is clear but sparse; you would do well to ration your waters, and eat often but little. " Mercy nods and points to their goal. "Do you know how to get there?" The woman: "The mountains will offer many paths of egress; the...." she shrugs, struggling for a better name "flies above them now, but remains closeby to it's original perch." occurred" Gaiserich: “Does anyone call it ‘the Ansible’?” Ken (GM) the collection of elves let out an inhuman chorus of growls at the mention of it The woman cocks her head, surprised at the question The woman: "Why yes! Some do. The wizards of Grayhold.... spoke of it as such" "but how would you...?" Gaiserich looks aghast. Mercy: "The Happening?" Gaiserich: “In the memoriessss of Ssskornbrekker… they also used the Ansssible to bring about ‘the Happening’… but then, at the end of their journey, they made the Ansssible disssssappear from all hisssstory. …back in time?” Gaiserich looks at Mercy and points at the green moon. The woman stares Sophie: "You're still surprised by things like this?" The woman: "Some days ago, we went about our lives in our home, a keep perched in the mountains, safe from those who would seek us out. Then in a flash of blinding light. There was a riot of magic, but I dare not call it that, as the auras did not travel with him!" her voice darkens, and she continues speaking like marching through a field of dead Mercy nods to Gai, then looks to the woman. The woman: "The world around us betrayed our lives; stones and trees, water and air revolted, turne dgray and flowed like some terrible spirit. We died by the score. I fear we were the only to flee safely, my band" "We have fled from there since, and have met with you this auspicious night when the Ways have bent so." "The moon lit by the glow of the Fae, the flow of Mana rising like a tide, driving even our control to tattered shred" she clutches a fist, strikes her breast, and the cloud of black below her writhes "If you seek a Starman to kill, you will find him in my home, on a throne of death" Sophie: "We'll try not to make too much of a mess." Mercy: "Oh.. Thank you. I'm sorry about your people and home." Gaiserich nods. Ken (GM) the elves perch, stretch, and recline as she speaks, fat and full of their supper. They watch with angry and tired eyes Sophie: "If that's all, then we will go down our respective paths." Gaiserich thinks of something Suðri might have wanted to tell Deloth Ainur, that he might relay it to this one, but the essence of it ‘don't pact with fucking demons,’ and he already said that himself. Ken (GM): hah! Deloth sits apart, and studies you with her eyes as the Woman speaks, taking little heed of the Matron and seeming much more interested in your party. Gaiserich noticed something in what the woman said, though: “You ssssaid, the Fae broke into the world? Not the Darknesssss?” Ken (GM) a Collective HISS again as you truck out a dark word in front of them. The matron shushes their reaction Mercy looks around at a world filled with the light of farie, the dark haired girl looking from the elven mataraich to her pets. The woman: "Absolutely NOT, the realm of Magic is the territory of Fae and their spirit-kind. The forbidden one is not their King" "Look upon the gibbous orb above and tell me, is this world doomed with the shadow of unmaking? Or do we bask in the light of the Emerald Kingdom" "It is a wild and terrible thing, and I fear the land is now infested with the wild and unthinking horde of his subjects, but the Verdant Kingdom spreads it's rule here now" "I would not be surprised to meet his Knight of Thorns" she scoffs, waving a hand Gaiserich: “Ssssstrange, in the memoriessss of Sssskornbrekker, the Ansssible tore the veil and the Darknesssss poured in. The moon wasss sssstill green, though.” Gaiserich crosses his arms. “But Ssssskornbrekker hasss met the king o the Fae, and he wassss wicked too.” Gaiserich crosses his arms in front of his little crystal-friend, for that matter. The woman: "" she ends with darkly Gaiserich: “Knightsss of Thornssss?” “It wasss…” He recollects… “built by men, elvesss, and dwarvesss together, to defeat the Horned King.” “Dwarven steel-works, Elven magic-worksss, and human… ssssomething.” Rosettsara: (Unfortunately, I'm going to have to go. Flu's acting up again so i'll need to lie down. Apologies for the early exit, but it was fun so far) Ken (GM): [damn, hate to lose you but take care! get that rest!] . P.P. A.: aw Get well soon, thanks for playing with us Mercy: ((Feel better soon)) Rosettsara: (Thanks, will send GM my sheet to use for the rest of today, as needed) Fiss: [Feel better!] Ken (GM): [danke!] Mercy looks surprised at that, nodding, listening to Gai and the woman talk. The woman looks surprised at Gai's assertion, standing carefully still Gaiserich: “They trapped the Darknesssss in it to use as fuel, but the Darknessss broke out.” “What issss your Ansible's fuel?” The woman: "What is this plot you speak of? Betray the Horned King?!" " "Why would the Alliance make such a movement? The treaty was just signed! " The woman speaks with a less careful and very heated voice, as if she was personally affronted Gaiserich is getting confused by HER confusion, so he clarifies: “Thissss wassss a world different from yourssss, and from ourssss. …although in our world, the Alliance also warssss with the Horned King.” Gaiserich: “But no Ansssible. Jusssst the Ssstarman, now.” The woman: "No, I disagree." Gaiserich is starting to weigh different apocalypse scenarios against each other, now that he's experienced a range of them. The woman: "I cannot discredit....you would have to ignore the obvious..." she stumbles over her own words Mercy nods. "Things are not as they were, or as they will be.." She watches carefully. "This world is not ours." P.P. A.: Darkness: Demons and death everywhere, ends the world, green moonlight Fae: bully elves (good), bully elementals (bad), green moonlight Starman: goo everywhere, ends ALL worlds, duplicated moonlight Also Fae: sick dance moves tbh I think the Fae apocalypse is the best, but we haven't seen a lot yet The woman: haha Ken (GM): [I just noticed the fucking SLAB of texrt over in discord, damn] Vex: "I suspect something about this whole affair has now made itself clear, Gai" "These two Spheres" " "You said, in the future where you were a dwarf" and he pauses at the weirdness of that statement Gaiserich: “They merged the Ssssphere with the Darknessss, and the one with the Fae? But why ourssssss, when we have none?” Vex: "No no, Gai" " "He needed it!" "He didnt have one in our world, and he went looking for one, here!" Gaiserich nods. Vex is getting really excited Gaiserich: “…sssso the Sssstarman ‘comes from’ our world?” “I thought he wassss outssside of all the Ssspheres.” Mercy blinks and nods, thoughtful. "It's a very powerful tool. You think it could send us to where the Starman hides away from the world?" Vex: "Right!" Gaiserich nods to Mercy. “I think ssssso.” Vex: "The starman is from above, but the flase starman, HE needed the Ansible!" "THATS WHAT HES DOING! AHA!" Gaiserich ! Gaiserich: “Then let usssss not waste time.” He turns to the woman: “What are these Knights of Thornssss?” “…chosen warriors who have Fae-weaponsss that makessss their bodiesss twist in odd waysss?” The woman stares at Vex's display of insight, and answers Gai offhandedly The woman: "Yes, precisely. Sworn warriors of the Fae" "Mortal heroes" , for the Ansible?!" Gaiserich looks at Jack, knowing that he knows. Gaiserich replies, curtly: “We will avenge your family. The Sssstarman wantsss to end all worlds and hassss killed many, but we will fight him.” Jack doesn't trade glances with Gaiserich because that would be too obvious Mercy stands there and looks thoughtful. "So much to take it and understand.. Its hard" Ken (GM): >subtlety >gai pick one The woman bristles, and the shadow at her feet slithers The woman 's tribe backs up a collective step The woman: "Wise....words....miss" she manages, through clenched teeth The woman nods to Mercy Mercy bows her head to the elf. "Go with the Light. I am sorry for what you have lost.." She looks ahead, then back to the elves. "We should go" Sophie nods to that Deloth: "I would go with them" Vex laughs... Vex: "Oh god, youre serious" Deloth stands up, raises her chin, and speaks louder Deloth: "I would go with them, to fight the Starman" Mercy nods "I can't promise we will be able to return you. Or.. us. I'm not sure -anyone- comes back from this. Are you sure?" Gaiserich mulls this one over. Jack: "It wouldn't hurt to have someone with us who uses a different sort of magic. Or maybe it would." Gaiserich: “I would not mind.” (To GM): though she double-checks her aura; so she has some kind of non-demonic spirit that she controls? Doc: tfw no Sophie input Ken (GM): [christ, sorry, kids exploded for a second there] [terrible timing] P.P. A.: Joush M.: Welcome back P.P. A.: I hope no shamans were hurt Mercy resist the urge to say she isn't suprised Jack wants a pretty woman around. Ken (GM): [babysitting the cousins, they just like, entered the house screaming. Mad ten minutes there]] (To GM): Gaiserich doesn't even know what qualifies as ‘witchcraft’ anymore, but he supposes they can discuss it with her and maybe convince her to exorcise it if it's evilbad (To GM): At least it's not a demon, nor gop. The Rider speaks from the back of the wagon (To GM): *goo The Rider: "I would go with them in exchange" "Man for man; elf for scorned" Gaiserich looks back alerted, then to the woman: “Will you promise not to eat him?” The woman: "We would make best time with a guide, as would you. It is a fair exchange" Jack: "Maybe we could trade elves" Vex: "" Mercy looks to the Rider. "If you are sure.. Go with the Light, friend. I hope you find peace." She says gently to the man. Justice: "" The Rider smiles with his mangled face The Rider: "I whil show them the Lyte" Gaiserich chastises Jack jokingly: “It is no good to cheat othersssss, that would be an unfair trade.” Gaiserich: “Be well, and may we both greet one ssssun at the end of thissss long night, wherever we be then,” the barbarian bids farewell to the redeemed Rider, bravely choosing his own future now. Vex throws his hands up in disgust The Rider makes motions to gather himself up, and step proudly over to the elves. P.P. A.: >The Elves eat him. Roll initiative. Deloth whispers something to him sidelon, and he nods The woman: "This is good, a fair exchange that will benefit us both." "Deloth will keep you safe, and show you the path back to ....the Ansible" "We will keep your man well. He will be safe in my care, and I will keep him by my side" She grins, fangs flashing Mercy bows her head to the Rider, then nods to the woman. "See you do." The woman looks at Jack, and meets his gaze The woman: "watch out, she bites" Deloth laughs, mirthlessly Jack: "So do I, but I usually charge extra" Deloth continues laughing, genuinely enjoying that Gaiserich: “I ssssswallow whole.” Gaiserich has no idea if that joke worked. Deloth snorts Justice blushes Clang chuckles Jack bursts into laughter, unsure if the snake was even joking on purpose P.P. A.: pls give this snek language lessons in innuendos Mercy sighs at that and huffs at the pair, looking to them then takeing a deep breath.. glad for the broken tenision. She walks back to the wagon. "Let's go." Ken (GM): [god no, we nee dmore of this] Ken (GM) the elves collect themselves, introducing themselves to the rider, speaking in hushed gorgothi tones and apparently making well to enjoy each other's company immediately Ken (GM) their matron watches you leave, and raises a hand in solemn solute Ken (GM): *salute jeebus [map magic back to the overland here, note the party comp change] [my child needs some help, brb, sorry] P.P. A.: np Mercy looks over the elfin woman as she walks, curious about the one that wanted to join them. "What does the wife of the king of the night do?" Clang: "Makes the Night King boxed lunches, I'm sure." Ken (GM): [oh jesus back, potty training man, ugh] Clang: [The ] Joush M.: ((Welcome back. Oh yeah, that's rough)) Doc: I'm sure you'll get it someday Deloth: "I hunt out the dark things that try to bask in his glory. And end them" "The King of Night requires many things, but food is a mortal quarry he no longer hunts" Deloth looks Clang up and down, twice Gaiserich: “Hunting dark thingsssss issss good.” Deloth: "Youre not armored" "You are armor" " Gaiserich: “…sssspeaking od dark thingssss…” he points towards where he sees a kind of shadow cling to her, “what issss that?” Deloth rolls a shoulder and shrugs, the darkness at her feet clinging tightly to her Clang clangs his fist into an open hand and bows his head Deloth: "It is , or in the lower tongues, you might call it a shadow-ghost" ..." " she mutter to herself, with a glimmer in her eye Gaiserich smirks. Gaiserich shows off by activating his reflective crystal scales again. Deloth misses a step and goes wide eyed Clang smiles at the shiny snek Deloth: "Oh my~" Gaiserich: The night is dark, but the fire of his torch dances a thousand times on his scales. Mercy looks supiciously at Deloth, at the inky shadows that pool at her feet. Justice: "Keep it in your pants, little girl" the wolf woman calls up from the cart P.P. A.: competition for who is the shiniest Justice: "You'll have an easier time taking it from Jack" Vex chuckles, and elbows her Gaiserich assumes, cautiously and without any certainty, that Deloth's shadow-ghost is rather like his Dwarven elemental, even though it certainly sounds spooky. Gaiserich: “Are the ssshhhadow-ghossssts like elementalsssss, ssssomething of thissss world—not from beyond, like demonssss and fae?” Deloth nods Deloth: "we bind with spirits like you couple with consorts, though for longer and with more devotion" "...how did you two" she looks confused between the snek crystal and the dorf-metal "Do you have elven parents? are you brothers?" Clang: "Brothers in arms...of a sort." Gaiserich: “It hassss to do with the Dwarf's memory. …I think. But before thissss, I wassss… ‘assssssimilated’ by a ‘Progenitor’-thing, and then thisssss elemental replaced it.” Gaiserich points to Vex over his shoulder. “The woodsssscent wassss similar.” Deloth: "wait...?!" "You met with them?!" Deloth 's voice rises like an excited child and she loses almost all composure; you see a glimpse of an excited girl, gleeful and giddy Deloth reins that in hard, and catches herself Gaiserich: “No… but sssssomehow their artifacts changed ussss.” Doc: gonna have to cut out, lads, probably won't make it back before normal ending time Ken (GM): [] Gaiserich: “Vex had a ssssstrange metal hand that grew into him, and when we tried doing magic, it affected me. And we got it into Clang, ssssssomehow, while trying to undersssstand it.” Deloth: "" "Our own work was centered around their devices! Tell me, did it present itself as a transparent cube of crystal?" "or was it an amorphous grey goo that moved under non-thaumaturgic power?" Gaiserich: “Grey goo!” “Although I also touched a cube before that, and it taught me to ‘read’.” Mercy shivers. "We also saw cubes. Blue cubes that show.. things on the surface?" Gaiserich: “Oh, those.” “‘Terminalssss,’ I think they are called.” Deloth: "[something elveish in surprise]" ?!" "We based the entire design of the Ansible on the broken one we discovered!" Gaiserich: “There issss one over there,” he points in the opposite direction of where they're travelling, back to the ruins. “We told it to sssstop putting the Sssspheresss together. Then we found another in the minesssss in our world, and it told ussss thingssss.” Deloth slaps herself in the forehead Deloth: "YOU MUST BE JOKING" Deloth falls into a riot of laughter, and exclamations of "I knew it!" Deloth: "MY THEORIES were CORRECT!" "Every last ONE OF THEM" P.P. A.: yeah this ancient Progenitor super-tech is basically lying around everywhere, you can't go 10 miles without stumbling over one Deloth skips along with the party through the dying desert landscape, delighted with herself, leading you on to the glowing emerald crystal castle in the sky Mercy: "You are a student of such things?" She ask, somewhat unhappy about it but this could be helpful.. Deloth: "Our order practices practical applications of thaumaturgy, ectomancy and spirit binding. is actually based on a much more unified theory of life in our world, I will have you know "she seems drunk on the prospect of academic proof here "The ansible was a device designed to breach the veil between this level of existence, and the next, the same one elves share on this plane..." "and of course we had to tune the circles to living volunteers otherwise the arrangements wouldnt be configured correctly" Mercy: "Assuming you live you will be able to publish a paper covering this." She says encouragingly.. then focuses on the words, surprised by them. Deloth: and base don all those experiments we ended up actually our temrinal but it was absolutely inactive." Gaiserich is amused by the nerdy Elf, and tries to see if he can Vex her: “At the end of Ssssskornbrekker's journey, they ssssealed the Darknessss again, and used the Anssssible to undo its damage. They were in a white light, and a voice ssssspoke to them, sssspeaking of a ‘simulation’.” Deloth: "but that led us down entirely different avenues of discovery once we realized the fundamental nature of the device extended into othe rplanes!" Deloth stops Deloth turns slowly to Gai, wide eyed Deloth faints Ken (GM) DUN DUN Ken (GM): DUNNNNNNN Joush M.: She has the elf sickness Ken (GM) UNTIL NEXT WEEK Vex: "Fuck, its catching" Ken (GM): YOU STOLE MY JOKE P.P. A.: Elf status: Vex Joush M.: Thanks for the game Balth! Good luck with your adoreble yet filthy spawn P.P. A.: Thanks for the session! Ken (GM): oh my god the poop but yes, I digress P.P. A.: come back from India soon! Ken (GM): POOP IN THE STREET children are 99% poops 4 points! until next time! P.P. A.: \o Clang: o/ Ken (GM): woop woop! fiss incoming, ~10 minutes lookit al lthe players! how is ya? ready for fainting elves and metaphysics? Rosettsara: Let's defy fate~ Fiss: Yo Dawg! Clang: Dooorfmode! Ken (GM): HHHHHNGyeha Doc: fainting elves P.P. A.: got Deloth vexed Ken (GM): kek nice doc, you up to speed/ gathered all your missing bits of interplay between Deloth, Justice and such? Ken (GM) Where last we left our heroes... Doc: ye, didn't miss much Ken (GM) The howling night encroached on a cold wind as the band made for the Crystal Keep ahead. The green glow of the auspicious moon guided them through blackened dusty desert until... An encounter! Elves of a sort, cloacked in shadows and savagery! Ken (GM) Parley, offerings and tribute, words and people exchanged readily. A balance of power shifted and realigned. Ken (GM) You make for the keep now with a guide, less a hunter. The elves pass with a new tribesman and honored guest. The moon shines. The cart load is lighter. Ken (GM) She speaks in riddles and loft ideals, of math and magic and higher thinking above that even your twinned minds can fathom. Then you humble her with your own wisdoms. Deloth is floored by the revelations. Deloth: "...Wha?...What?! A SIMULATION!?" Joush M. walks to the elf, checking on her as she recovers and nodding a touch in sympathy. "I had not heard this part before either. It's quite a revelation. Such strange things.." Mercy walks to the elf, checking on her as she recovers and nodding a touch in sympathy. "I had not heard this part before either. It's quite a revelation. Such strange things.." Sophie is content to quietly observe the others listlessly as they travel The Mule resolutely carries her along Deloth absently allows Mercy to look her over, remaining wide eyed and mind racing as she thinks over Gai's suggestion Gaiserich: “I do not actually know what a Ssssimulation isss. I think it issss when you pretend to do ssssomething, like play, to prepare for the real thing?” Deloth: "Magically speaking, its an illusion. Or magecraft. Just... detailed. Deloth wiggles her hands and a small apparition appears of herself, mimicking her posture, glowing candle-bright in the night air Deloth: "Like this, only..." Mercy nods and starts walking along, looking to the magical illusion curiously. "But your image isn't a free willed creature.. 'everything' includes ensouled creatures able to make their own choices. How could you 'simulate' that?" Gaiserich stares at it, mesmerised, before he returns to the topic. Deloth: "it would take power. Immense, unmeasurable power. How the gods made us might be considered the right scale to think of" Gaiserich: “For there to be a ssssimulation, there musssst be the real thing ssssomewhere, right?” Deloth: "I mean...what is our reality but th emagic whims of anothe rhigher being put to the canvas of life?" theory always was" she quickly correct her statement "is that the world we know is some mirror image of the great spirits. The Progenitors world" "They made us in their image" she shrugs Jack had never really cared to think about these philosophical questions before, but he recalls Roderick listening to theories about shadows on the walls of caves. Gaiserich: “This isssss… very sssstrange, to think that I am not the real me. …but thissss meanssss that we may have to fight the Ssssstarman in the not-ssssimulated world, that isss the world of the Godsssss.” Doc: fellas we gotta kill the demiurge Rosettsara: Suddenly my choice in character name becomes surprisingly relevant Deloth: "Well no, Gai, we are still . We exist, surely." Mercy shakes her head as if to clear it. "I'd accuse you of sophism, but this could be a path to figureing out how to protect our world and punish the starman.. and stop his false.. echo? simulation?" Ken (GM): ;) @ soph Doc: Jack: "Heh yeah I guess you could say I'm a philosopher" Gaiserich: “Thissss would explain why there are different Sssspheres.” Gaiserich ponders for a moment, then shrugs. “You are right. I am me, and our Ssssphere issss my home.” Gaiserich: “I know that there are landssssss outsssside of my forest, but that isss where I live and hunt.” Deloth: "Right, and my sphere" she hand quotes the word " is mine. And the False-starman mashed them together " she slaps her hands together to punctuate Gaiserich: “Sssso I will live and hunt in my foresssst in my Sssphere, when we return.” Gaiserich nods. Sophie chimes in. "These revelations do not affect my duties and future in any way. I'm certain there will be those who can do something with this information later on." Deloth: "If he did that with the Terminals...then there is only one reason why he's taken over the Ansible then." Deloth look sup to the growing green glow on the horizon Gaiserich: “The Ssssstarman sssaid that he wantsss to fight the Godssss… Ssso he mussst be trying to get out of the ‘ssssimulation’ into their world. “…but for now, he isss sssstil ‘inside’, sssso let us fight him ‘here’!” Gaiserich gets ready to continue the journey Mercy nods and walks with Gai across the sand of the nighttime desert while the sticky green glow of the moon shines down on them. Vex prods the cart-horse into motion, Justice at his side low-eared and wary eyed on the night around you Deloth guides you back along the desert toward the rough rocky mountains ahead. The night brightens to a new dawn rising in the East behind you, and as the cresting sun brings a rosy light to the jagged peaks, the broken ground below you rises up to the foothills of the mountains ahead. Deloth: "The escape from the keep above was close, we could hear the maelstrom of the magic behind us, for hours after we made our way down the pass" "I can lead us back up to the river, if its still there. That might be the closest we can get though, considering" Sophie: "Just two jobs left to do. We might as well maximize our chances of success." Ken (GM) High above, nestled inbetween two mountain peaks, the chunk of mountain hangs with it's green jewel atop; the Crystal Keep as foretold by the Starman and his minions Clang: "I swear far too much of my life starts with the phrase "As Foretold"." Mercy nods and looks thoughtful as she goes, gazing up at the keep and the mountain before she looks back to the sunrise. "How do we get up there?" Vex: "That is a great question" Deloth: "There is " Deloth says, off-handed but with obvious weight "It is dwarven, not oft-used, and...it is untested" Clang: "If it's Dwarven it will work. For better or worse." Gaiserich looks at Clang and Jack. Deloth: "Clang, tell me, what do you know of your peoples works? What have they crafted in your Sphere?" Clang: [anything specific?] Mercy nods "Well my idea was a counterweight sling of enormous size, so I think that's likely better" She offers with a half smile, one ear perked as she looks to Deloth and Clang. Deloth: "I mean, do your people use The Ways still? Rings of stone crafted to do Thaumatury? Channels into the other realms carved of magic?" Clang: "The ancient Dwarves still have works that marvel and dwarf....pun intended...anything made by hands today. For the most part, we've always made tools...sometimes badly misused, but the tools themselves are sound. Yes, rings, metal and magic clash together under our beards more often than not." Deloth visibly deflates, and looks a bit lost Gaiserich: “There were ringssss like that in the other world, but I do not know if there are here.” Deloth alights at that Deloth: "" Gaiserich: +any Deloth: Then wait, can open the ways?" she waves a finger to Gai and Jack Gaiserich recalls Suðri repairing and activating the gate in Hoddleton, and nods. Deloth: "and not ?" she asks, pointing to the metal-dorf Gaiserich: “He got the memoriesss of a woodssscent.” “A brave and sssstrong one, but sssstill a woodscent.” Deloth stares Clang laughs Sophie: "You're fun." Clang: "Ahh yes, I was wondering if you'd recognize the comments about lighting...but I didn't want to be too rude." Deloth: "" a thin dark breeze tousles her hair as she stares at you three in wonder Mercy nods. "Where would we find the ring?" She ask hopefully. Clang: "Regardless of the past, these things usually require a if my tree-scent memory serves me well enough." Deloth: "Oh! right, yes...uhh" she turns to the hillside behind you and points "There, a waterfall make sits way out of the mountains. It runs through an underground river and the Clansmen made their there before..." "Well when everything died" Jack thinks. "Roderick operated enough ancient magical devices that I might be able to figure things out with the help of his memories." Deloth: "The key and the Way should be inside" Deloth looks at Jack with a flushed and reddened expression that might not be entirely colored by the dawn rising around you Sophie: "We'll trust you to do that, then." Mercy nods and starts to walk, looking curiously to the elfin woman, then to Jack, then starting in the direction of the waterfall. "If her idea doesn't work there is always my counterweight sling plan, Sophie." Deloth: "I could list the physical impossibilities with your suggestion, but it might be shorter to just ask you to trust me with mine..." Sophie: "Let's get to it." Ken (GM) the mountains rise up and some green appears ahead on the surface of the grey stones; the knife's edge of the skky lightens against the rosy stones as the valley looms around you. The green glow of the keep high above everpresent. From below, you can make out the sharp reflections of the sun against jagged protrusions of spikey bunches, but the facade looks to have fallen halfway off the mountain above and then (GM) the trail winds back and forth but steady and wide, allowing your troupe to make it up the hills into the valley with ease. Ahead, the cool rush of water appears on a path Northward, and you find the trail following along to a waterfall ahead, a blot of lush green in the otherwise barren waste. A slit in the mountain ahead is sparkling with morning sun through misty air Ken (GM) that misty air is rank with the scent of the dead, sulfurus and vile Gaiserich checks his laser rifle, but also the Dwarven musket (in case it is ghouls up ahead). Clang checks his lazors, and his guns. Gaiserich: “The dead rarely find ressssst in a world assss tormented assss thisssss one.” “There are un-dead Dwarvessss ahead.” Mercy growls, ears perked and body tense. "Neromantic scents.. something dead and dark with bad magic." She draws her gun and axe. "Gaiserich is right. We should be ready for a fight." Sophie gets her fingers ready Justice: "Necromancy. Oh it kind of feels good to smell that again. I missed the good old simple witch hunting" Vex shivers Deloth: "Damn, you folks are really tuned up for this kind of thing, aren't you?" she looks around the valley, quie with even faint birdsong Sophie: "It's the little things in life, as they say." Deloth: "You can the dark magic out here?" Gaiserich: “No but the sssstench of death and of—” Mercy nods. "Would you care to wait back here, Vex? Someone should keep an eye on the cart." Gaiserich: “…yessss.” Mercy considers a moment, then awakens her magesight, drawing power and letting it flow though the eye tattoo on her back. "Yes." Sophie: "Let's deliver salvation onto them." Deloth: "" she mutters to herself Jack confidently, almost nonchalantly readjusts his helmet and un-slings his musket Deloth shivers, and cautiously continues up the path with the group Sophie: "If it's too much for you, you can wait with Vex." Vex huffs and slaps the reins on the horse, in definace Clang: How does it feel on my fists? Is the 'smell' of black magic beyond the sense of smell? Ken (GM): christ, right, dorfy is magicky too Joush M.: I think most of the group thought being able to Detect Magic would be useful.. Sophie: "I can't speak for the others, but I derive no pleasure or sense of fulfillment from this. I only want to dispose of the threat as quickly (GM) the waterfall jets out of the mountain into the air, cascading down to the pooling waters of the narrow valley below you. Sophie: "Something is wrong with the water and the waterfall." Gaiserich nods. Sophie: "I hope you have some means of purifying it." Gaiserich peers into the depths of the river, hoping to make out the heat signature of something he can kill to make it stop. Ken (GM): [you are up on the ridge above the valley; the water below you is cool and dark, and several hundred feet below] Mercy: "At the source" Gaiserich shakes his head. “Nothing… Thissss river issss dead.” Mercy starts in the direction of the falls. "Careful not to touch the water" Sophie: "It wouldn't do to drown in darkness after coming all this way." Sophie follows along Mercy searches for a way to reach the rift in the moutan that holds the waterfall's source. Gaiserich also looks for a way to slither upwards, ideally over (surely dea-dby-now) trees Ken (GM) the trail skirts the upper edge of the valley and continues to wind ahead along a shelf of rock, toward the split in the wall where the waterfall emerges ahead. Below the water falls down to the pool. The smell hanging in the air intensifeis as you get closer to the mist. Ken (GM) The path narrows, and soon will be only a walking-width defile agains tthe rock, but yo usee it cling in a path all the way to the split in the rock ahead Ken (GM): [decision time; the cart wont travel this far, and the horse/mule will also have issue] Clang: The mule has been a blessing, but we have our own feet, and will be out of the heat for the most part. Mercy stops and nods. "Should we leave someone here with the cart and supplies or leave the animals here and take what supplies we can carry?" Mercy hesitates, then says it.. "We may never be able to return here." Sophie: "Our food and my surgical tools are with the mule, at least," The Mule hee-haws, but nuzzles to Sophie The Mule has determination Sophie places her rifle and ammo onto the cart. "Probably won't be needing these any further." Sophie: "Feel free to use anything." Vex climbs out of the cart, and gets strapped into his bulky protective armor Justice shakes her head, and helps him cinch it on proper-like Clang makes sure his tea supplies are topped up Rosettsara: (1x Fusil ordinaire, 18 rounds for it, 1 Gun-cleaning kit) Ken (GM): [you dont wanna take it?] Mercy takes a bottle of alcohol and the latern, along with it's oil, from the wagon, then the black powder and bullet molds. Adding them to her own equipment before she sighs, looking at the cooking pot and mess kit and other things. She leaves them, walking to the horse and gently freeing it from the harness, checking it's hooves. "Thank you for your service." She brushes it down and tears open a bag of oats on the wagon. "If we aren't back in a day or two.. well, we aren't likely to be returning. You will have to take care of yourself." Rosettsara: (Mostly making room for Sophie to at least carry her surgical kit from now on without becoming too encumbered) Ken (GM): [gotcha] Ken (GM) the well-fed horse is happy if not fully understanding the dour mood of it's caretakers Ken (GM): [satisfied with what you have, on foot?] Clang: We're going into a mountain. The Dwarf will find sustenance Joush M.: Yep. Clang: If he must eat a rock he will eat a rock Ken (GM): >rocks with tooth marks Jack will be satisfied with the musket unless someone else wants to grab his axe or carry ammo Gaiserich has already gone ahead a little to scout the area immediately ahead of them, not very far though. Gaiserich took the bug-rifle with him Rosettsara: (Also, a Sling, Long Arm) P.P. A.: actually, how much does that weigh Doc: he's also got a knife and fists so he's not exactly relying on being shooty Mercy is at medium encumbrance (Move 4) all up at this point, carrying 107 pounds. Could carry about 25 more before slowing down more. Joush M.: Anyone need Mercy to carry anything? Ken (GM): the blasters weigh 10, for calcing things Sophie will be at medium, 3 move now too P.P. A.: 10 kg? Ken (GM): oh bugger uh... 4~kg Joush M.: 10 pounds Ken (GM): yus that P.P. A.: ah Ken (GM): P.P. A.: Then he can carry one without exceeding his encumberance nice Joush M.: That's 4.5 French Surrender Units P.P. A.: (being Medium) Sophie takes the cloth bag as well from the mule Ken (GM): [I swear to god, the entirety of Shattered Worlds will be in Liters, Kilos and Meters, for a good soviet feel] Sophie also hands Jack her coin pouch, containing 1x grayhold gold coin, and 54 silver coins. Ken (GM): [gasp!] [ [ fucking ascii hearts dont work here Gaiserich: “There issss an entry here, but it issss grown over. Let'ssss be careful if ssssomething comessss out of it.” Gaiserich points to a bush with a narrow opening behind it, barely visible. Sophie: "Consider it a small advance." Mercy ends up taking the group basics after all, able to handle the weight and after all, the pot and cooking supplies could come in handy. The dark haired woman walking slowly to the entrance, examining it, alert for danger. Jack raises an eyebrow and looks at Sophie with what appears to be genuine concern. "Try not to die before I can earn the rest of it." Jack takes the money of course Ken (GM): [map magic then] [yall are on the bottom of the world] Clang: Dwarves are always at the bottom. It's good Ken (GM) The narrow defile is deep below you, the rushing waters ahead blasting outward, the dank mist all around. The split in the wall of rock is dark but lit lightly by the rising sun behind you Mercy lights the lamp and walks with the group. "Careful. The footing could be trecherous" Ken (GM) the lamp brightly shines on slick rock and rushing waters. You can taste the evil ahead Clang: mmmm, eeevil. Sophie trudges along quietly Ken (GM) several rushing paths of water meet to fall from the heavens, along them crosses a rough stone bridge spaning the waters Ken (GM) the cavern rises around you like amouth Mercy edges around carefully and looks into the dwarven ruin, lamp held high. "It might be a little tricky to reach that bridge" She tries to think of an easy way to do it. P.P. A.: So we'd have to get through the waterfall to get inside? Mercy edges to the small spur of rock to the left, carefully. "I think we can go this way" Ken (GM) the scorned woman stands on a narrow rock path, and there is a gap to the left she steps over Ken (GM): a small hop over the fast water Gaiserich slithers around the corner, careful not to touch the waterfall. Mercy moves to get out of the way of the others. "Carefully now, everyone.." Gaiserich , from one end, gathers his lower body, and stands up tall. His upper body then basically falls over to the other side, bridging the gap. Gaiserich then pulls his lower body across it. Ken (GM): oh jesus disney snake bridge time? P.P. A.: Only if absolutely necessary Sophie follows as best she can Clang: Sneeeekmaaaan Ken (GM): hahah I wont have you roll to cross it, you guys are VASTLY projecting careful movement therre Joush M.: How high up is the bridge from where we stand now? Ken (GM) the small jut of stone here climbs up in a small slick natural stair to the wall. The path above the water climbs up like a hewn thing, dwarven carved and decorated in their way. It is musty and slick, disused and forgotten Ken (GM) it rises over the water, but joins with the floor below here, a simple courtesy path for dwarves who wanted to remain dry Ken (GM) on the west of the bridge, a darkhall to a room with flagstone floor. Mercy climbs up on the path and looks around, wary after that heavy scent of dark magic and watching for threats. "This way I think." Vex holds out a helping hand for Jack and Clang Clang: [Cam [can't see my icon weird] Ken (GM): [hmm Doc: same Ken (GM): should be right beside vex?] Doc: I found it by blindly mousing over the darkness Ken (GM): [ayy] Clang: [weird, was hidden in the dark] Ken (GM): [the fuck roll20 Doc: I could see half of Sophie Ken (GM): ah, vex's light was not set to everyone, but I could see it lol Clang: [Damn, even Elf Light is racist against Dwarf eyes] Ken (GM): hahahahah >Vex's revenge Mercy looks at the walls here. "What are those things?" She ask. Ken (GM) the next room is cold and dripping with residual moisture, and a malaise of something else here. a feeling that vibrates up from the floor into your bones, like somehting scratching at your skin through your boots. Unsettling Clang: Mercy shudders with revulsion at the sensation and foucses on their work. Ken (GM) Doors of wood banded with iron lead to three side rooms Sophie: "Works of darkness, I presume." Deloth: "Something isnt right here" (To GM): literally vibrating from the floor? Sophie: "When has anything been right?" Clang: "Aye...." (From Deloth): no, which twigs you immediately. its something else magical Clang: [walks forward carefully] Sophie: "If you're frightened, you can hold my hand." Mercy stops, looking at it. "Oh.. this is a door, isn't it?" She ask, looking at it thoughtfully, then testing to see if it will open. Ken (GM) the handle has a thumb-press but CLICK CLACKS in the echoey stone room Gaiserich presses the palm of his hand onto the door opposite of it, trying to register, uh, vibrations? Clang watches down the hall as the party skittles with the doors and checks them out Mercy looks around in the room. "Some kind of forge. There are tools here and a furnace?" Ken (GM) the far room is full of tools, and a cold forge, a drum of some ancient rusty metal design Gaiserich: “Thisssss…” Gaiserich looks tense, “room isssss… there issss darknessssss inssside.” “…evil darknessss, not just no light.” Sophie: "Let's take care of it." Gaiserich slithers a bit backwards and gets out his buggun. Justice steps right up to the door, sword out Sophie prepares her lasers in case anything goes wrong, or if something else pops out whilst the heavy hitters are distracted. Mercy examines the drum a moment, reaching out to test it before realizing the others are going looking for trouble, comeing out and nodding to Justice. "Open it up" Gaiserich takes aim at the door. Justice grasps the handle, and depresses the latch Ken (GM) CLICK CLACK Ken (GM) And somethign SCREAMS at you from the darkness all around, shaking (GM) the noise rattles up and down the room, echoing and trembling you to the teeth! Deloth appears the only one worse for wear and she screams painfully over it Sophie sighs and goes to tend to her P.P. A.: Anything to aim at where that came from Mercy snarls and winces. "Something of the Darkness waits here.. a circle?" Ken (GM) inside the room, a miasma of blacknes sleeches into the walls, up from ornate runes in the floor carved ages ago; they flicker with a witchly blue light and seethe with dark power Ken (GM) the smell of death and scorched remains is heavy in here Sophie does her best to get her to stop screaming and bleeding for now, using her auravision as she chcks on her P.P. A.: “Thissss darknessss… it issss in the… floor and the wallsssss.” Deloth clams in Sophie's hands, and stops yelling when she realizes she can stop joining in Gaiserich: “Thissss darknessss… it issss in the… floor and the wallsssss.” (To GM): Does Suðri's architecture knowledge help here? Mercy tries to understand what the spell or circle here might have done, what might have caused such intense magical contamination to linger. Rolling 3d6 = 5 on Thaumatology vs uh.. 3 Clang: ["Aye, I think it's some graffiti...I'll tough it to make sure."] Ken (GM): oh shit Sophie: "It's all right. Just take it easy." Mercy hopes there is some kind of bonus. And also wishes Thaum defaulted to something she had Ken (GM): [hahaha, liberties ] Sophie: "Vex, look after her." Mercy frowns and kneels, studying it. "I don't read the language.. it seems like witch's wards. Defensive magic.. but death-powered. I think.. I think the dwarf that crafted this poured his life into it." She shudders. Clang nods, but more matter-of-factly, as if it is normal Ken (GM): [like, what would he do?] Clang: "That we do...with various levels of literal meaning" "Should I attempt to check the way forward? Perhaps a Dwarf needs to speak to the soul inside." Sophie rejoins the others. Vex looks after Deloth, they hang back Justice: ", death magic is vile" Mercy shakes her head. "We could try salting the circle to break it but.. I can't say that wouden't be a bad idea without knowing what it was intended to do." Gaiserich looks out of his element; he doesn't know how to fight buildings. Sophie looks at the thing and shrugs Clang: "Oy, we'll have to try things eventually." Jack looks back. "Is there anything in there worth messing with it?" Clang kneels down and sees if I can reach out to the magic held captured. Sophie: "I doubt they would go to the trouble to protect nothing." Mercy nods. "It could be intended to hold.. something. Treasure or horror." (To GM): Do Gaiserich's magic-eyes indicate any suspicous loci of magic? Flows to be disrupted? Ken (GM) Clang's metal hand crosses the barrier of magic, and there is a black spark Ken (GM) the blackness swirls and in an instant forms the visage of a dwarf, burned horribly and sunken with dark power Ken (GM) and then POP Ken (GM) it all disappears from view, melting into the walls Clang whispers a prayer to whoever's bearded soul just passed though Ken (GM) and all that is left is a room full of well made weaponry strapped into locked cages and stacked on crates labelled in dwarven scripts Gaiserich simply accepts thta the matter has been resolved, without dwelling on it, and sees if there are any good weapons to loot. Clang checkin out the goodies bu looks back to the party and holds up his hand to be cautious Clang: "I believe the ward is gone, but watch for anything physical. Sophie: "You okay?" Mercy stares at the figure a moment, standing, alert and ready then stopping, breathing slow and deep to settle her nerves before she nods to Clang. "I'm glad it wasn't a trap." Ken (GM) the small gemlike torch on the wall alights as Clang enters the room, glowing a ruddy brightness of magic light through the room Clang: "Aye, I'm fine. Curious...I feel as if there are many powerful forces fighting for ground here." Ken (GM) on the North wall, a gun rack lined with dwarven muskets, locked by a yoke and padlock. Many fine sharp pointy things lay about the room of various shapes and sizes (To GM): What kinds of polearms are here? Clang looks to the more magical folks with a warning Clang: "I think there's a lot of power here...protected for a reason. We should be very cautious...like a powderkeg." Sophie: "Sounds like it could be deadly in the wrong hands." Gaiserich taps Clang on the shoulder and points at the bug-laser-rifle with a questioning look. Jack: "Hopefully deadly in the right hands as well" Gaiserich: “Power in the air sssso it explodes if we use magic?” Vex: "I don't see any Gai" the elf says, his eyes aglow for a moment Mercy: "Geeze, there's got to be a few thousand silver worth of weapons in here. You could buy a house.." She says as she peeks into the room. "A trap, or just volitile?" Sophie: "Be careful. I don't feel like wiping up messes in here." Clang: "We clean up messes...let's not become them." Ken (GM): >wakka wakka Gaiserich nods. If his bug-run is safe to use, he won't pick up a Dwarven musket as a spare. Clang: "I'd like to check a small portion of the dust. See if it reacts to my arms." "But only a SMALL amount." [Dwarf resists jamming his hands into the dust pike] Ken (GM): hah Ken (GM) there is a large crate clang has indicated, with a red rune painted on it. Opening it, inside is a small heaping ocean of ruby-red dust swirled with black Ken (GM) a tin cup sits in the heap, marked with a line Clang takes out a small pouch of tea, empties it out and tries to open up the chest and get a little bit collected before trying to experiment on his (GM) Clang sticks the cup in and scoops. He lifts it slowly and carefully, and then dashes some against himself. A lot comes out of the this is I'm not surprised the dwarves had to lock it away. It's like...." he pauses "Like the finest of wine, or weed." Clang clears his throat Sophie: "So...you're intoxicated." Clang: "I should probably not take much with me...but I do feel like a new Dwarf....I wonder if it might work as a healing power." Clang laughs and nods. "Maybe not drunk...but it certainly is....something." Gaiserich: “Is thissss like the red dussst Suðri powered hisssss gun with?” Clang forces himself to step back and nods Clang: "Aye, I think so." Mercy nods to Clang sympthetically. "Should we pack a little away carefully?" Then blinking to Gai. It is something she's heard mention of before. "So it's.. powdered thaum? Isn't that expensive and dangerous? Should we keep it away from the elves?" Jack: "Powerful stuff, I'm not sure we can safely handle it." Gaiserich: “Keep it away from the Woodscentssss, yessss.” Jack: "The fact that it might explode would be among the least of our worries." Clang: "A small amount...as kind as it is to my soul, I don't want to be distracted." Sophie: "You won't get any complaints from me, should you choose to return here and take some in celebration of our victory." Vex has a screwed up look on his face. Deloth, aside him, seems uninterested and is picking blood out of her ear Vex: "I can only assume, it is ?" he says, haughtily Gaiserich: “Yes.” “Woodscentsssss get mad when they take it, and cannot sssssstop.” Vex squints Mercy nods and walks into the room, handleing the red dust very carefully she fills a tin flask. "You are a creature of Magic and subsist partly on it. The exposure to magic dust is dangerous.. more so for you then anyone else.. right?" Vex blushes Rolling 3d6 = 8 on Dex vs 12 to carefully put red dust in a container. Vex: "...what does it feel ike, Clang?" Clang pauses, trying to think of an analogue Ken (GM) the hiss of the powder on the tin is a quiet susurrus. She spills none Clang: "The humans in certain lands have found a way to process cocoa a certain way that apparently lights their nerves up like lightning. This feels like that in my soul." Mercy wipes the threads of the cap very carefully to minimize the chance of any friction sparking it, then caps it and tucks it into her coat. "Shall we check the door to the south?" With one glance at the lovely weapons.. studying them a moment. Joush M.: Any really promiseing things in the armory? Jack is also interested in checking the weapons Clang: "Aye, let's check....also, keep in mind, we're watching for " Ken (GM): [there are many] [weapons, I mean] [dwarven designed sword, knives, broadswords, etc. spears and pikes [and a row of guns locked in a cage Clang checks the guns out Mercy took a quart (or about a liter) of red dust. This is perhaps an unwise amount. She examines the dwarven weapons a moment. "Smith Ragnar would have loved to see this." Joush M.: Any sign for the armory keys? Gaiserich puts 2 and 2 together and slithers closer to the guns. Gaiserich: “Are these red-dusssst riflesssss?” Clang: "It's entirely possible that dust is literally gunpowder...with the side effects being completely...side." Gaiserich takes a closer look, seeing if they match the ones Suðri used in his memories—which alor ran on Thaum dust—, or if they're ordinary gunpowder muskets. Mercy: "Well, I mean.. it's supposed to be magic. I guess rather then mana potions or spellwork you could use it to make a bullet go." Ken (GM) the heap of dust on the floor does contain a solid metal object; a hexagonal brass cut key, about the size of the gun rack padlock (To GM): I take that as a yes (To GM): ordinary powder? Mercy dust it off and can't help but offer a prayer. "Go into the light, old child of stone. Your armory is safe now." Before she tries the key in the lock. Clang: "Aye, I have no doubt a bullet will go." (To GM): oh they take red dust but fire bullets (To GM): I see Ken (GM): CLICK CLACK Joush M.: Is that Clang's brother? Ken (GM) Mercy has exorcized the guns from their terrestrial prison Gaiserich takes out one of the muskets and looks at it curiously. Ken (GM): :O Clang: "He was familiar only in a sense of my kin, but not my close kin....as far as I know." Gaiserich: “These ssssseem to use the dusssst, but ssstill fire ssshhhot, not fire and light.” Gaiserich looks back and forth between his highly potent but also kinda gross bug-rifle, and the unknown Dwarwen weapon. Ken (GM): > :P Sophie: "What do you plan to do?" Mercy slips out of the room so the others can look around, offering Clang the key, it feels right a dwarf should hold it if even as a keepsake, then goes south to check the last door. Clang takes the key, checking it out Ken (GM) the south door does not open, a black keyhole in the handle. It is locked Clang: "Thank you all for allowing me such patience as I learn more about these old relics...I wish we were exploring under an air of peace and curiosity." Gaiserich decides to take one of the Dwarven guns with him; he will try it out, and then see whether to continue using it or not. Clang: "The Stormcaller Gunforger." Gaiserich also tries to collect some dust to use it with, and hopes there are bullets lying around. Mercy looks at it thoughtfully. "I don't think this is the same lock at the armory.. this door isn't open. Should we just leave it?" Gaiserich opens a small box and pulls out a kind of long rod. He looks at it, and shows it to Clang. “Thisss is ‘[Dwarven word for shot]’, but… how?” Jack investigates the armory, looking for any swords, axes, hammers, maces, or knives which look especially valuable or feel especially effective Gaiserich takes one of them and tries to see if it fits into the rifle's barrel somehow. Clang does his best to assist, learning along the way too Ken (GM) the rod slips into the musket easily...and actually sseems to slide home magically well. It is a thin rod but hovers there, floating in the middle of the barrel like it is suspended on a magnetic field... Ken (GM) it CLICKS into place and the little stone in the mechanism alights Ken (GM): the pan sits open, unfilled P.P. A.: How is the red powder stored here? Ken (GM): loosely in a big box. The mechanism looks like it takes about an ounce, in a seperate chamber so like, there is a spot for it Gaiserich tries to fill it with his hands. If this rifle works well, he'll have to fill the dust into a horn or pouch to bring it with him though. Clang: Not quite "TAB A INTO SLOT B" but "Oh hey, there's some logic here" Ken (GM): and the chamber is filled and closed and cocked and ready to go Gaiserich: “Let ussss seeee how thissss workssss…” Ken (GM): [GM votes you test fire away from the box of ] P.P. A.: [naturally] Gaiserich attaches his laser-pointer to it and takes it outside of the little chamber, back to near the entrance. Clang: [No way, go big or go home...in vapour] P.P. A.: looks like I dont have light myself I can't see the interior of the cave here thanks Ken (GM): vex follows, curious beams of light from him :P whatcha aiming for? Gaiserich will find something to aim at—perhaps a stalactite, a torch, or something else that looks expendable, like it doesn't explore, and not like the whole cave will come down with it. Rolling 3d6 = 10 v12+ACC-whatever Jack tries out some knives before setting down his musket and testing out the weight of a large hammer, looking back at the axes wielded by his beastly companions Ken (GM) The musket fires and THUNDER claps out in the chamber! A lightning bolt of white-blue lightning shatters the dark and the stone erupts with a scorch mark. Mercy watches Gai's work curiously, the brunette studying things and seeing just how this goes. Wondering if there might be an even more powerful shotgun in there.. Ken (GM) something very large, growls from the far reaches of the cavern Mercy stares. "The Light!.. that was.. painful. But amazeing." Gaiserich: “I like thissss.” “I will keep it.” Sophie stands around, watching everyone else dully Mercy then calls to the others. "Oh, Action Front! We may have an enemy!" Jack eventually settles on abandoning his musket in favor of a maul, while taking the sharpest knives and the fanciest sword his can find Gaiserich hopes he has time to reload this so he can practice it on a live target. Ken (GM) A SHRIEK OF METAL! A dragon! Ken (GM) DUN DUN DUNNNNN Doc: (*he) Jack disregards all of these things except the hammer currently in his hands Clang: YAY! DAGRONS! P.P. A.: UNTIL NEXT WEEK-“DUN DUN DUNNNNN”? Ken (GM) tune in next week! Will our heroes be able to deal with the thing in the dark they have awoken?! P.P. A.: oh right, DST Doc: (phrased a bit confusingly tbh, he's ignoring the weapons not the dragon) Ken (GM) SMALL CHILDREN REQUIRE ME TO MAKE SOUP, SO NTIL NEXT TIME...EXCELSIOR Ken (GM): :P Fiss: Lots O fun mang, I always like exploring dorfteck Rosettsara: Thanks for the session~ P.P. A.: THis is worse than the buggun insofar as it actually takes time to load/reload Doc: enjoy soup P.P. A.: but it's Dwarven so it's less spooky Ken (GM): [] >literal lightning thrower [oh neat] P.P. A.: also it shoots lightning, that's hella cool Thanks for the session! Ken (GM): YW all! take 4 xp, and next week we START WITH INITIATIVE! Rosettsara: Advice time: Should I keep saving points for that big AoE nuke spell, or further improve the laser? (Currently I can have it reach about 5d or (GM) A scream of metal tearing and stone cracking issues form the dark of the cavern, over the rush of the deathly river water! Ken (GM): JACK WAT DO P.P. A.: oh, then +1 in my case too Ken (GM): ARGH P.P. A.: thx Ken (GM): :p JACK Hammer in hands and dwarven room ransacked of sharp things Jack takes the dwarven hammer he was holding and storms out of the armory to face whatever horror has appeared Ken (GM): Oh shit! Its a bunch of adventurers! Thay have you surrounded :P Justice snarls and wheels with her sword Doc: good, that means I can attack in any direction Ken (GM): kek Doc: they can't get away from me this time Ken (GM): GAI P.P. A.: The red dust wasn't in nice pouches of which Gaiserich could have grabbed one when he went to test-fire, but more awkwardly stored in larger boxes, right? Ken (GM): right. Mercy has a can of it tho Gaiserich cannot reload this weapon now, and so he carefully puts down the Dwarven lightning-thrower and reaches for his spear and shield. Ken (GM): careful as ever! P.P. A.: Dragons don't speak any intelligible language, do they Joush M.: we haven't met any that can Ken (GM): negotiations hav enever gone down smoothly Joush M.: But most we have met have been controlled/corrupted by evil P.P. A.: alright, guess the dragon itself will have to go down smoothly Vex bravely plants his spear and guards Gai's side Vex: "Please dont fuck a dragon" Deloth: "Oh shit@ Is that a DRAGON?!" Clang: YAR HAR HAR" Sophie: "Yet another one, huh." Ken (GM): sOPHIE Gaiserich looks over to Vex puzzled, then fixes his view ahead to where the ghastly roar sounded from. Sophie moves to get a good look at the entrance Sophie: (Done) Ken (GM): mercy! Shotgun in hand and ready for DOOM Mercy runs forward with weapons in hand. "A dragon?!" Ken (GM) A DRAGON APPEARS Ken (GM) slithering past the stone stalactites of the cavern, wading into the darkened death waters of the falls, IT APPEARS screeching a roar and belches directly into the water below it, and a steaming cloud of boiled water erupts upward! It's head disappears behind blackened tarry spots an opporunity. He drops his shield—probably not very useful against the fire breath—and the spear that had let him down against the bugmen, and rushes forward into the vapour. He lunges at the dragon's some kind of really weird combination of hay fever, perhaps sitting awkwardly, or whatever giving me some weird internal cramps in my torso, hisses is pain as his arm is slammed into the solid rock with the literal force of a dragon. He tries to hold on nonetheless—his other hand grasps more tightly than ever—faith in his comrades that they will wound or slay the beast ere it can do worse damage. Ken (GM): GAI! you still have an arm! hwat do P.P. A.: So I looked it up and Constriction only works against opponents of equal or lower SM, which makes sense—but Gai is explicitly grappling only the head, maybe a bit of the neck, which should be smaller than him Ken (GM): a valid target; no contricty the chest tho so, smushing the head? P.P. A.: The main aim is to seal the mouth shut to prevent the dragon from breathing fire again OR I could quick-draw my knife and ry to stab him in the eye Ken (GM): P.P. A.: Hm, I'll constrict the head for now, so the others can more safely get close Gaiserich , however wracked his arm, has started wrapping his lower body around the dragon's head, its mouth in particular. He constricts it, trying to is surrounded by gunsmoke shot though with the vivid flare of muzzle flash as the gun fires twice in a moment, shooting the dragon's throat at nearly point blank range. IT shuffles back, and worries against GAI to try and strip off the snekman! Rolling 3d6 = 12v ST13 Ken (GM): The dragon wins by 9! you are stripped from it's head as it shoves you off it's muzzle! YOU FALL TO THE WATER BELOW P.P. A.: fug :DDDDD Ken (GM): HWAT DO Gaiserich: there's a stalacmite to the left, and a little rock to the right Ken (GM): yep Gaiserich: I assume the dragon would be shaking its neck left and right to get the snek off Ken (GM): yep P.P. A.: (oops) Ken (GM): HOW DO YOU FALL?1 MOO HA HA P.P. A.: so Gaiserich is going to be moving towards either of them, and could latch on to it Ken (GM): I follow A or B?! do the thing! Gaiserich tries to hold on, but with his aching arm, and up against the dragon's mighty strength, he comes loose. He tries to sue his momentum to cling to the stalagmite jutting out from the water to his left, and to cling and coil around it! Rolling 3d6 = 10v12 Ken (GM): YEAH SNAKE MOVES! JACK Gaiserich slaps against the stalactite and he loosens his body so that it naturally slings around the rock—then quickly tightens up to not let go of it! 6 Ken (GM): oh shit Rosettsara: It's just not Gai's day P.P. A.: didn't expect that to work, but it was worth a shot (also figured that its hide is too touhg for the knife to be able to do much damage anywhere else on its head) Ken (GM): true that or the mouth Vex and deloth hang back, one shivering in fear, the other an elf Clang mutters under his breath about "mad and touched scorned women in the fray" Clang makes it to the next rocky wall and cover Ken (GM): SOPH Sophie sighs and moves even closer Sophie: (Done) MERC Mercy calls out. "Gai!" Worried about the snakeman.. then casting the heavy Scorned axe with brutal force. "In the name of the Light I abjure thee!" (( Throwing axe vs 16 + 3 for SM, -2 for Range, aiming at Face -5 for total 12)) Rolling 3d6 = 7 vs 11 Ken (GM): A HIT [it all out-no defense] Ken (GM) The beast snatches down on Mercy and is BLASTED fo rthe trouble by Sophie! Sophie sends forth a much more powerful beam than ever before, causing an throws a knife and with the same motion grabs the haft of his shiny new warhammer, which he brings down with full force towards the dragon's searches the dragon for a weak point in his reach; he doesn't want to jump it again, and with his knife, he cannot reach very far. Gaiserich rotates around the stalagmite a little, and decides to try and ram his knife at the joint of the dragon's wings—he doesn't know if that's a weak spot, but the dragon's hide is evidently too tough everywhere else staggers a step, holding her hand out to summon up the blade, drawing it back to her hand. "Thank you, Sophie" She groans out. Rolling 6d6 = 16 burning damage Ken (GM): OW OW OW IT has weatherd blow upon blow, and then in a mighty FWOOSH a beam of light luckily lances true into it's face and SHOOM the snout boils and the eyes BURST and the thing shrieks as it collapses under it's own weight to the earth below! Mercy stands over it, panting to catch her breath and looking shocked at the dead creature, looking to the others. "Is anybody hurt?" Ken (GM) the crumpling heap of flesh THUDS to the ground, water lapping against it's limp back, the dragon felled Clang: "By the maker, arent ?!" the dwarf wades out of the river Gaiserich waits for a moment, making sure that the beast is truly dead; he then slithers off the pillar onto its corpse, and from that to solid ground. Sophie: "So this is what it feels like to be a dragon slayer. Dunno what the fuss is all about, it's just a lot of blood." Justice snarls an animal roar and holds her sword up in triumph, immediately climbing out of the river Jack: "Looks like it was too scared to attack me" Sophie heads on over to the others to check on their wounds Sophie looks over at Deloth and Vex on the way. "You two help." Gaiserich: “You are all great warriorsssss,” Gaiserich notes, looking at each of them (except for the Elves, of course) with a good deal of admiration. Vex: " Gaiserich: The adrenaline wearing off, he is starting to feel the pain in his battered arm, and it hangs a little limply. Vex watches the cavalier attitude of the WEAPON OF MASS DESTRUCTION with a measur eof worry and fear Gaiserich: “I tried to ssssstrangle itssss mouth, but it wasssss to sssstrong.” +o Sophie tends to Mercy first Gaiserich looks over to the beatswoman; having the dragon sink its fangs into her must have been worse than the blunt damage he received. Rolling 3d6 = 9 vs 17 Ken (GM): nice Mercy stands still, letting Sophie check her and pulling off her waxed canvas coat to let the young doctor work. The dragon's fangs have left deep, painful cuts on her skin and blood marks her white shirt and vest, the lupine woman clearly hurt. Grain alcohol cleans the wounds and a needle and thread closes them. Then it's just a matter of wrapping them in gauze. It only takes a moment and gives her back 1 HP Rolling 3d6 = 12v11 (To GM): The dice are truly not on his side today (To GM): yay Sophie inspects her further to see if further medical treatment is necessary Ken (GM) the Elven working seems to slither up and down Gai's scales with green light and weird undulating fleshy motion. The bones and muscle audibly POP back into place over the next minute, on Gai Ken (GM): ;) Mercy shakes her head. "I'm okay. I'll be okay, anyway." She looks to her shirt with a frown, putting it aside for repairs then holding still for Sophie to finish the inspection. The wounds are ugly, but without the danger of infection they should heal swiftly. The inhuman regeration of the Scorned repairing them as it should. Joush M.: Mercy will be right as rain in about 4 hours Sophie: "If we make it out of here, you're welcome to use anything from my and my family's wardrobe." Mercy nods. "I just wish we had vinegar" Deloth stares Deloth blushes and then asks "Why vinegar?" Clang shakes the wate rof fhimself...and then chhuckles Clang: "Okay so, I accidentially proved the river is NOT deadly" "at least to dwarves" Sophie just sort of stares at Deloth for a moment in silence before moving on Sophie: "Everyone else okay?" Mercy nods to Deloth, the amazonian scorned putting the ruined shirt back on for the moment. "It's the best way to get out blood stains.. Umm.. So, that was a dragon. Oh! I'm sorry, Mister Clang. Did the river effect you at all?" Gaiserich: “Yessss. I did not want to ssssswim in it, but you ssssseem well.” Justice gives Sophie a short fierce hug embrace, and then a curt nod Justice: "You are a warrior today" Gaiserich looks at the water again. Sophie: "If you say so." Clang shrugs Mercy: "You fought brilliantly." She says softly to Sophie as she puts her coat back on. "Dragons are tough." Putting away her axe, then reloading her gun. Clang: "We shall see Mercy, if I start cackling madly or shooting black ichor from my hands...well...I trust you will take care of my teapot in my absence" "But I do feel fine" Deloth rumples her nose at clang's comments Gaiserich picks his weapons back up that he dropped at the beginning of the fight, inspecting them, but increasingly unsure of their usefulness against the kind of does they are facing. P.P. A.: What kind of bladed weapons were in the armoury here again? Mercy gives Gaiserich a respectful post battle nod. Gaiserich returns it. Sophie: "I wonder what the dragon was doing here. Not exactly a bountiful locale." Ken (GM): the armory had pretty much "one of anything you were looking for" Mercy: "It's pratically verdant compared to the desert. Maybe the best of bad options?" Ken (GM): and they were all balanced, and man sized P.P. A.: Gaiserich might get a bardiche or a similarly-shaped weapon then since he can tap into Suðri's memories for how to use it Sophie points to the far wall, where the steam emerges. "There's a hole." Gaiserich quietly slithers off into the armoury. Ken (GM): >dofy-sneky Mercy nods. "Should we check the other doors?" Gaiserich empties his coin purse and, before dumping the coins into his backpack, he realises that they would make much clinging noise there—so he eats them, and produces a solid lump of silver instead. Gaiserich then starts filling his coin purse with the red thaum dust. Sophie: "Want to check it out?" Gaiserich also leaves behind his shield and spear, and picks up a glaive. Mercy nods to Sophie. "Lead the way." Sophie heads over there (Though i'm unsure of where it is on the map) Ken (GM): lol, "so he eats them, and produces a solid lump of silver" not what I expected to read today P.P. A.: (Suðri's bardiche was categorised as a duelling glaive; duelling because they're shorter and dorfs are short, so I imagine a normal-sized glaive would feel the same to Gaiserich Sophie carefully gets closer and closer, hoping no more dragons emerge Ken (GM) on the North end of the cavern, the water emerges from a short fall out of a large dark hole in the wall Ken (GM) the darkness does not explode with dragons Mercy goes with Sophie to check it out. Gaiserich traces the blade with his fingers, admiring the Dwarven craftsmanship, and re-emerges from the room newly equipped. Sophie sees if she can see anything of note Ken (GM) The perch is a large hole in the wall where the water falls form somewhere above, with a space big enough for the dragon to lay; there are no others hiding in the dark here, you are safe from further ambush Ken (GM): [it must have slept in there, and been awakened by the thunder-shot] Sophie: "An odd place for a dragon's lair. Perhaps it kept something in its nest we can use?" Ken (GM): you do however spy, there is a box on the far hidden corner of the room Ken (GM) an old dwarven rock light illumiates an older dusty but metallic box, half buried in the corner of the west side of the cavern Sophie spots something, namely, a box, and points it out. Gaiserich dips his hand into the water to see if it is safe to enter, and swims across. If he feels and odd tingles or bad vibes, he awkwardly streches from rock to rock instead Gaiserich dig dig Mercy nods. "Want me to get it?" She ask, then starts to carefully move closer. Trying to climb up without getting in the water, so much as she can avoid it. Ken (GM): [GM moves the snek] Sophie: "Let's help him." Mercy nods and goes to help P.P. A.: (oh, then he could just have stayed on that side) Gaiserich smells, looks, feels, etc. for spookymagic or movement inside the box, of course Ken (GM): the box is found, and retrieved Gaiserich carries it to the others. Gaiserich: “It issss sssafe.” Ken (GM): [control has been granted by the GM] [moo hoo ha ha] Ken (GM) the box is old, cut of metal and slabs of what feel like slate stone. It is unadorned save for a very dwarven looking lock on the face of it. That is etched with brasswork, geometric designs, and small spider-cut runes Ken (GM) as it is shifted about, you hear a definite clanking inside P.P. A.: Oh no, they trapped Clang's twin brother in there Mercy nods, tilting her head to the side and trying magic senses on them. Studying it. "It's quite graceful." Clang: "" Sophie beckons their dwarf to come take a look before anything is broken Gaiserich feels around for a lock or an opening mechanism Mercy: "No magic. Did we find a key?" Ken (GM): gai finds there is a lid. And it is locked, behind the lock on the front the lock has a keyhole, jagged and angular [oof lookit the time] okay, we will pick up next week with the dragon dead and fiss up to snuff on how he did at least 2 damage to the thing with clang P.P. A.: What's inside the box? 4 xp! Ken (GM): WHATS IN THE BOOOOX 4 xp! spend as you will, let me know if you need laser beams (I BEAMS) and next week, we delve DEEPER and DARKER you guys killed a ficking dragin P.P. A.: That was an awesome dragon battle, just was they ought to be Fierce, violent, tense, heroic >axe throw wound its face, it gets angry and charges with a bite Rosettsara: Thanks for the session~ P.P. A.: >laser beams of doom Indeed! Joush M.: Thank you for the same! That was intense! I GOT BIT! Ken (GM): SO BIT the dragon shrugs off a hammer blow to the fucking face GOOD NIGHT EVERYBODY Fiss: moo ahh ahh Ken (GM): OOO AH AH AH AH THE SACRIFICE ARRIVES I mean... Hi Joush! Joush M.: See, you are getting the hang of it. This is easy. It's harder when you are trying to figure out who the child that keeps coming up to you is. "hey.. buddy. How's it going? Of course I'd be happy to help you, we are.. family? Right?" Fiss: So, Ken, if I'm missing anything plot point wise, just shoot me a whisper. I had a chance to go through most of the chat from last session but I always feel I'm missing stuff when I have to "load all" vs "recent" Ken (GM): haha well, we skipped last week and the week before was DARUN FYTE *DAGRUN FYTE Rosettsara: We're now dragon slayers Ken (GM): Your contribution other than aside wit, was a flying kick that landed you in the river. You dealt a touch of damage, and then proved the river wont kill anyone yet Fiss: * Yet Ken (GM): but yus; the rite of blood has been passed Fiss: Excellento Ken (GM): DAGRON SLYORS Fiss: WYLD STALLYNS! er...DAGRON SLAYYERS! Joush M.: Dragon killin'. It's thrilling Ken (GM): but yeah, youre within twenty yards of where you were last here Fiss, so not much to brief you on other than Gaiserich is dabbling in skin-metal-mancy Oh, also, Mercy is a woman again Fiss: Kewl. Activating Dorf Mode Clang: Dorf Mode Activate P.P. A.: Sheet: open Ken (GM) The cavern is deep and dark, and the rush of cool water washes away the bloody stains of the dead dragon. You have hauled an ancient dwarven box from the far corner of the dnak room, and it's contents clatter noisily inside, metallic and expensive sounding. The twinkling glow of golden light from magic stones illuminates the cavern edges Mercy: "It's a lovely box. Did we discover a key that might fit?" Sophie: "I'm sure it will either be of use for someone here, or contain something we'll have to kill. At least there won't be a dull moment." Ken (GM) Vex has worked steadily with magic to stitch his comrades together; the snap and pop of flesh and bone magically sealing still fresh in your mind. Mercy has been stitched shut manually, and Justice huffs about, sword out, worried for her allies recovery and excited for the bloody victory. Deloth watches all expectantly, curiously Clang taps the box, trying to determine it is smashing-compliant, but waits for a key a key, but he doesn't know how locks work, or what the key for this one would have to be shaped like. Sophie: "You, Mercy, can take it easy while Masters Jack and Clang open the box." Vex: "You can pick locks Jack? How convenient!" Gaiserich: That sounds logical. He makes space for them. Clang: "Give it a shot, but if the lock proves difficult, I should be able just to pop the latch." Mercy blinks at the doctor's orders, then nods meekly to her and looks around a moment. Walking to the stone bridge to sit down and take it easy for a bit. Spreading out her coat and taking out a small sewing kit to repair it while she takes it easy. Sophie gets out of the way, keeping to herself while still being able to see what happens Gaiserich slithers over to the dragon, and tries to see if he can dissect it any. If dragon meat is edible, they could cook up quite a feast from this attempts to gut the dragon as he would a deer or a lizard: to separate the hide from the meat, and then to cut the meat. He tries to pry off its hide by sticking his knife into spots where its hide is the thinnest—or alternatively, he works from one of the wounds the party has inflicted and there is already a hole. Rolling 3d6 = 10 vs 11 for housekeeping to repair and tidy up while taking it easy. Ken (GM) the snakeman slices a lline along the hinged joints of the dragon, working between very well-interlocked scales. Blood rushes and SPLORCHES out of the way of his hands. A hot and bright thing inside the body appears as organs slide out of the way, untethered to bone Ken (GM) Mercy gains +1shirt and +1 coat P.P. A.: Nothing comfier than pursuing domestic shores (sewing/reparing clothes, gutting game, improvised toolworking) in the middle of an apocalyptic wasteland in another dimension Ken (GM) Clang has beat Jack to the blow on the box! Clang smiles and sifts through the pile. "Well, I'm not sure when we'll be to market next, but this will certainly come in handy" Clang shows the group the nice little haul of gems and coins Ken (GM) Inside the dwarven box are racks of coins on sticks; the metal coinage has a hole through the centre and many of the coin are studded with small fingernails of precious stone as well. A kingly haul! Gaiserich cuts out chunks of meat, laying them aside to be eaten—and cuts away to the strange, hot thing, taking a closer look at it. Sophie: "Something you all can retire comfortably on." Jack: "If anyone would feel their souls overburdened by such wealth I'm willing to take their share." Vex looks to Sophie with a drooping ear Clang: "I would gladly give you my share, but I suspect once we are back in whatever counts for reality, I may be moved to charity. I'll keep you in mind, though." Vex: "Surely you mean miss sophie" "Dont disclude yourself!" Sophie: "I already come from money. Don't worry about it." Mercy nods. "They are lovely. The Order provides for my needs and I have no plans to retire soon.. if these are important to you, I am okay with you having them Mister Jack." Vex doesnt seem completely convinced, but doesnt press the issue Justice: "Where is the next to face our steel and spell?" she huffs, eager and keye dup Jack: "No wonder I see so many beggars on the streets. Asking for money seems to be a lucrative business." Clang: "How's the Dragon Rations coming, sir Gaiserich?" Ken (GM) you have seperated the hide from the flank, and behind the breastbone under the ribs are....mostly typical organs. There is also a red-black glowing stone radiating magic on you like a lantern Gaiserich: “Thissss will be a feassst,” Gaiserich responds cheerfully, though distracted by trying to retrieve the warm thing. He wonders, is it the dragon's heart? Gaiserich tries to cut it out and to show it to the others. He also smells it, and magicvisions it. Mercy: "I at least find myself generous when standing beside someone that has risked their life for the cause." She says to Jack, nodding to him as she finishes the repairs on her jacket and slips it back on, then looking to Gai's work.. tilting her head to the side. "I wonder if that is normal.. Oh, Miss Sophie." She gets up and follows after her. Sophie: "Are your injuries troubling you?" Ken (GM) the thing slips free with small cuts; it appears to be a massive slab of red heartstone, with black jet through it Gaiserich looks at it and turns around to show it to the others. “Thissss issss a heartsssstone. It might be useful, there may be machines that can be powered by thissssss.” Mercy: "No.. thank you, I'm feeling much better. Just thought it would be best if you weren't all alone over here." Gaiserich: “And we know it isssss not made of ssssoulsssss, like many other heartstonesss.” P.P. A.: (Or so he thinks.) Clang watches the snek work with badly hidden curiosity, but doesn't want his metal ham fists to mess up his work. He'll help move flesh and bone if needed though Jack: "How do you know this dragon doesn't eat souls?" Gaiserich looks at Jack, and ponders a moment. “…bessst not to think too much about it.” Sophie: "Fair enough. I suppose whatever civilization existed here in the past was probably unlucky enough to meet that dragon." Gaiserich puts the heartstone somewhere in his backpack—perhaps he washes it clean of blood and gore in the river first, and returns to cutting out some more chunks of meat. Not too much, given that they have places to be, but enough for one or two full-bellied feasts for the whole party. Deloth: "I too wonder what befell the dwarves; the starman seems to have invited a dragon into their hold..." Sophie: "Truly a despicable being." (To GM): mmmh Sophie: "If you're truly so powerful and wish to impose your will on others, why resort to having others do it for you?" Deloth 's eyes twinkle at that suggestion Mercy looks around at that, a thoughtful frown on her lips. "No bodies so far.. should we start searching more?" She frowns, troubled. "There is a great deal of wealth here." Deloth: "Yes indeed; why he using a dragon, to so his omnipotent work?" Mercy: "It's not like his other servents. No ooze" Clang: "We should finish up here. As unique as an experience dissecting this beast might be, we have pressing matters to attend to, and many more questions than answers here." Justice: "Ive smelled none since the ruins where...." her ears droop "where I fell prey to your sister..." Sophie: "I'd say that's the second or third most repugnant type of person." Gaiserich is done butchering, and works on wrapping up the meat to be able to carry it, so the party can move on. Gaiserich: “The false Sssstarman isssss not what he wantsssss to be, clearly.” Mercy: "Should we check the down stairs, or the hallway to the north?" She ask as she stands by. Gaiserich: “He needssss those blue machinessss to merge the Spheressss… He issss no ‘Progenitor’. Ken (GM) as if on queue, a small rumble shakes the room, dust falls from the ceiling, and a voice carries out, echoing through the halls The Starman: "You have killed my dragon!" Sophie: "Yeah." Clang looks around for the source of the voice Gaiserich: “Thankssss for the meal.” Mercy: "It was trying to kill me at the time. They acted in defense." She says as she stands in that hallway, perking her ears and takeing her axe off of a hook, ready to fight. Clang: [itadakimasu!!!] Gaiserich tries to smell goo to locate the source of the rumble, or to spot swirls of mana. The Starman 's voice shudders form all around you, but a whispy kind of blue mote appears on teh air, hovering over the river Sophie: "See, that's what happens when you initiate conflict. Either one side loses, or they make peace. And you didn't send a being capable or willing to make peace." The Starman 's form coalesces from this light; a blue shimmering robed figure of his visage, hovering over the rushing waters Sophie: "So make your next move carefully, lest you end up on the wrong side of that equation like your minion." The Starman hovers over the walkway, hands swirling and robe rustling on unseen winds. You can see through the apparition but the features are the same as the ooze-body from some days ago The Starman also clearly has the face of Divus, and some of his fashion sense too... Sophie: "Too cowardly to even show yourself fully once again." The Starman: "How sad; I thought that a beautiful piece of meat Sophie takes aim P.P. A.: Too bad Gaiserich probably can't make out the similarity between this blurry hologram and what Divus looked like under the mask (after being punched); otherwise he'd ask if he's an AU universe of Divus. Gaiserich looks at the floating body for a while, but then simply passes by the image. “He issss not here, thissssss issss jussst magic. Let'sssss move on.” Clang: "It's a shame we couldn't follow this projection of him to the source...unless we can." Sophie: "Yeah, he's stalling." "Another symptom of a desperate, imperfect being." Clang steps up and takes a grab at the ghostly figure Mercy: "Down or north?" She ask, then frowns at the mote. "You are on a mad quest. You are wrong. You need to stop." The Starman is unheld; clangs hands pass through the ghostly form The Starman: "My quest cannot be stopped; he must be stopped at any cost. YOU drove me to this place, this tool of power. This locus of events" Sophie: "I see you aren't any better at communicating." (To GM): Despite the Ansible above, this is a different location from the Duergar keep, right? (Instead of an alternate-sphere version of that site) Sophie: "As for where to go next, I trust your gut instinct, Mercy." Clang turns to Sophie and Mercy in turn and nods. (To GM): :V Sophie doesn't stop aiming, however. Clang: "Let's move. The more uncomfortable he gets, the better." The Starman: "Sophie, do you miss her? Do you miss your sister?" Gaiserich looks to Clang and Jack. “If thisss issss like the dark dwarves' keep, perhapsss there issss a… thing here that moves usssss to the Ansssible.” The Starman: "She is still here; I will have her do work in my name. Her allies are mine now, and are very useful" Sophie: "I'll be right behind you, everyone." Mercy hestates a moment, then nods and starts across the bridge. Back to the gallery and past the dead dragon, heading north. Ken (GM): [brushing aside the apparition then? [fuck you, lets move?] Clang: Yep P.P. A.: He's breaking protocol Mercy thinks Sophie has something she wants to say to it alone. P.P. A.: We can't aim at him while he's a hologram and we only negotiate with people at gunpoint. Ken (GM): hahahah Sophie: "There's one thing you deeply misunderstand, coward. My hatred for the Acologia family is only exacerbated by what you're doing through her. You have nothing to bargain or negotiate with when it comes to me. Your attempts at such only highlight your desperation even further." Gaiserich: “In Ssssuðri's memoriessss, the Dwarven fortressss below the Ansssible sssssealed a great demon deep below, and there wasssss a magic… machine… stops at the scream, looking back at the sound and wating for Sophie to join them. Trusting her, but just a little worried. Ken (GM): OH GOD The Starman burns and dissolves from the blast, the magic form disappearing from view The Starman 's scream continues though, and the whole cavern rumbles with his rage. Ahead, you hear the hiss of something else growing from that scream Sophie casually follows after the others. "I think I just made him reveal where his traps and surprises were." Justice grins a tooth and vicious smile Mercy: "We have awoken something. Stand ready." She says tensely as she draws her gun left handed and presses herself to the hall. "Cleverly done, Sophie. You worried me just a moment." Gaiserich has his thunder-rifle out, reloaded and primed. Ken (GM): noted; pressing forward as the mob? doc; jack sill alive? Mercy presses forward! (To GM): Gaiserich is pressing part of his body close to the ground to pick up any vibrations from something like giant feet stomping towards them. Sophie helps lead Jack along. "It's alright." Joush M.: is this a door? Ken (GM): [thrilling spoopy music rises from the inhouse speakers!] ["dont go in there!" some black lady yells from the audience "you gon' regret it!"] Ken (GM) the hall bends as a cavern, the levelled floor smoothly packed earth, the rumble of water under your feet and the walls wet on the cavern side; ahead, a brass-inlaid door on your right, dwarf-sized and proportioned Mercy test the door, seeing if it's locked. Ken (GM): [GM moves the mob unit] Doc: (back, smelled something burning and had to track it down) Joush M.: Ah, I'm sorry about that. Ken (GM): [devious!] [sophie shot a ghost of the big bad] [your house no burny?] Rosettsara: (Everything OK?) Doc: (yeah it was a malfunctioning space heater which I have now unplugged) (feel kinda stupid for it because my house is insured for more than it's worth, I'd make a lot of money if it burned down) Joush M.: Well I for one am glad your house isn't en fuego Ken (GM): kek did you just make no money and regret the lack of a fire? I feel...were in a weird place now Sophie: "The downside is that he won't be taking any more chances again." Ken (GM) the rumbling around you continues in little tremors, fits and starts of aftershocks, and the keening noise around you trills and echoes from the chambers ahead Ken (GM) Mercy tests the door, and find the handle moves without a lock Doc: me, foolish: stops fires, doesn't make money jack, wise and intelligent: makes money, things light on fire regularly Mercy opens the door and looks inside. P.P. A.: Oh no, it's another Alien(tm) Ken (GM) Inside, a keening trill rises up from a black figured carapaced creature, standing in a ring of red blood on the floor....and the floor itself is alive with green chunks of hexagonal energies? IT: "Bring me......SSSSSSSSSofffffffeeeeeee" IT trills in an almost-human voice P.P. A.: I read that as “coffee” for a second Mercy stares at the surreal vision, shakeing her head and aiming the gun at the creature. "What are you?" She demands, offering no coffee to the alien beast. IT: [Just cant stand to wake up without a mug; you do have some columbian bean on you ja?"] Sophie chuckles cynically as she proceeds onward Gaiserich takes aim. IT: "Hyoooo are NOT the one I demand!" It responds, chuckling a clucking noise as it turns an eyeless head toward the gun "I fear not your mortal tools of destrUCTion" Gaiserich: “What isssss it that you want from Ssssophie?” IT: "HWERE EES the SHister of the chosennnn ooooone?!" Gaiserich: “Chosen one? Issss Eoria…” He thinks for a moment. “Doessss the Sssstarman need her?” IT clicks, cocks its head, and wriggles in a kind of serpentine way IT: "She has...her uuuusesssss" "Her blood seals....the COM PACT" Mercy keeps the gun aimed. "We aren't going to give you anything.. wait." She frowns deeply. "You want Sophie for her blood?" Gaiserich: “Assssss a ssssacrifice?” IT makes a happy and hungry sound IT: "A treassssssured soul. A charged and POWerful thing" Sophie: "I'm not into vampires." IT: "I HEAR YOU!" the thing barks noisily and excitedly, claws scraping on the green and it stretching all its pointed limbs "COME TO ME GIRL" "SEEK YOUR DESTINED FATE! OFFER UNTO THE DARKNESS WHAT IT IS DUE" Sophie: "Not even going to offer flowers or a date first?" IT makes a disgusting and winging hungry noise Mercy: "Be bound in darkness and blood, foul thing! We will leave you to rot down here!" She growls at it. IT lashes harshly, curled like a caged animal, trilling a hiss in response to Mercy Sophie: "Sorry, but i've got stuff to do." Mercy draws back from the room. "It may be released if we do other things down here. It's trapped but.. I wonder why, and how." IT: "CROSS the barrier, then, WITCH CHILD" the voice hot and haughty "if you DARE" Jack: "Let's just kill it." Sophie: "Try shooting it from outside the barrier's range." Gaiserich: “Very well.” Gaiserich has aimed enough to do just that, and pulls the trigger. Ken (GM) lightning flashes and thunder rolls! There is a bright light and then POOF Ken (GM) in the aftermath of the magic blast of lightning, only soot and smears remain Ken (GM) a chuckling trill rolls through the shadows of the darkness around you Sophie looks behind her current position, in case any would-be cultists or other nefarious people thought to sneak up behind them to draw her blood or something Gaiserich shrugs, and immediately reloads. Mercy sighs. "Well, fuck." She stands with the gun at the ready. "The demon wanted us to break the circle." P.P. A.: (That staircase to the right is blocked off by rubble, right?) Ken (GM): [true, but the brassy door aside it is only smudged with smoke and soot] Ken (GM) imposing dwarven statues ring the room now, dusted from the blast but sooty from the smoke. They stare, grimacing, at the aftermath P.P. A. , after having reloaded his firearm sniffs and snoops around the room for the demon#s whereabouts, and discovers the door. “There issss a door here.” Gaiserich , after having reloaded his firearm sniffs and snoops around the room for the demon#s whereabouts, and discovers the door. “There issss a door here.” Clang squeezes past, hoping to spot any of his dorfbarers traps if they should still be active Gaiserich lets him pass Mercy comes to the doorway, careful of those green hexes. "Another chamber, behind the waterfall?" Sophie chuckles again Clang checks out the statue enclave for signs of trickery Clang hops on the pressure plate he finds Clang: [not the smartest thing ever...but far from the dumbest I've done in character lol] Sophie: "Keep your spirits up, elves. We're going to save the world, and all the bad guy is capable of doing is taunts." Ken (GM) KACHUNK it settles an inch immediately, the metal bits in the alcove shuddering and waggling Vex tries to grin and looks worried, Deloth grins widely Gaiserich is ready to jekr Clang away from danger Ken (GM) something in the wall goes KERCHUNK Ken (GM) the door ahead slips open a crack, and a stiff breeze pushes out from it, musty and warm Clang smiles and looks to his friends. Clang: "Anyone see any dwarf sized boulders we can use to keep this triggered?" Sophie goes past them Mercy nods to Clang, then looks around. Are the statues held down? Could she shift one to hold it? Gaiserich: “Can we move a ssstatue?” Clang: "Check their bases. The pressure plates may need all 5...or maybe this one was key." Ken (GM): [You notice, the plate stays down if you lift weigt from it [youve unlocked the door seal Clang jumps off Clang: "Nevermind, we're good. Luckily my folk are a practical sort." Clang tries the door Mercy nods to Clang and stands by, weapons at the ready.. still wary about the damn demon. Ken (GM) a stari beckons, stretching up into darkness Clang: "Stairs. Clear." Clang moves up a few, then pauses to wait for the others Mercy goes with him to check them out, moveing at an easy pace. Ken (GM) the stone is cut flat and clean, but the walls and ceiling rough to the touch. The air above is warm and rolls down to you from above, a draft Gaiserich slithers after them. He is slow, because stairs are awkward for him. Sophie follows along Gaiserich has, like, climbed maybe two or three stairs in his entire life. Justice wave syou ahead, covering the door, and squeezing into the room after she is last to move Jack has climbed hundreds of stairs Clang: "Another chamber and door up here." Ken (GM) up ahead, the stair bends back and forth climbing up to a small chamber, six stone stalactites carved like buttressed pillars holding up the ceiling. A large door looms, carved with a singular dwarven rune Clang: [I am, of course, assuming Indiana Jones Death Traps aren't triggered as I walk up] What does the rune say? Ken (GM): dwarven for [The Ways] Clang: ooo Gaiserich: “Why do you not jusssst build a ramp?” Gaiserich awkwardly slithers up the stairs, visibly uncomfortably. Ken (GM): [ with these infernal devices!] Clang: "Nature makes ramps all the time. Dwarves prefer a more...wilful approach." Ken (GM): [Stupid 4-arms! and their bad two arm butt-arms!] Clang reaches up and touches the rune, confident, but reverent Ken (GM) the rune alights in a silvery glow at the touch Ken (GM) the door opens, and behind it, a short pyramid rises up in a tunnel stretching to the skies above Ken (GM) a blue swirling ring of power glows on the floor, contained in a familiar five pointed ring set in the floow Ken (GM): floor* Mercy: "A dwarven.. way-gate? The way to the fortress above?" She ask Clang as she walks into the room. Clang whispers a prayer in Dwarf Clang: "This looks almost familiar....from another set of much keener eyes." Gaiserich: “Yessss… Thisss might be it.” Gaiserich warns Mercy, Sophie, and the other stragglers who aren't Jack and Clang. “Travelling with thisssss issss may make you ssssick, be prepared.” Gaiserich: “Everything sssswirlssss and bendsss.” Ken (GM) the room thrums with a steady and warm power; like an open oven but with a heat like warm blue skies and energetic tingles Sophie shrugs Clang: "Should we try to activate it? See where it goes? I'm not even sure we can if we are still key-less, but this seems....active." Mercy nods. "I don't know. I truely don't know enough of these kinds of things to say for sure.. I could step into it and see what happens, but otherwise I just don't know." Ken (GM): [point to clang; the gate is active and thrumming. The Key is nowhere to be seen] Clang: [Maybe the key is friendship!] Ken (GM): [or blood! :D] Clang: [Or dragon porkchops] Gaiserich stares at it with his magic-seeing eyes, seeing whether there is some kind of visible magic connection to another place. Rolling 3d6 = 14v11 (To GM): Very confusing indeed. Ken (GM) the circle looms, charged and swirling with power. The snake cocks his head P.P. A.: What was the key in GW1? It's been so long that I forgot. Clang: Obelisk P.P. A.: I only remember we went downstairs to get it, Grey sneak-attack-cut off someone's head, and there was Servant with the parasite-tongue Ken (GM): little stone obelisk thingy THE KEY Joush M.: It was an item we recovered in the dugar tunnels that Slyviss was able to use to activate the ways. Yeah, a stone item P.P. A.: I see, thanks Mercy walks to the circle slowly and looks to the others. "I'll try it? Or.. does anyone have another idea?" Clang: "Any other paths we should check before this?" Sophie: "I suppose not." Mercy: "Perhaps, but this is what we were working for, isn't it?" Justice goes MURRRRR Justice: "This is very....magical" Gaiserich: “We could look for the key down the ssssstairsssss we ssssaw by the river, but…” Vex: "It looks like it goes up?" Mercy test to see if it's active by walking into the circle. Ken (GM) VYOOM Ken (GM) Mercy shimmers and dissolves in a beam of light Clang: "Well...the Gods hate a coward..." Ken (GM) there is a pulse, that flashes, upwards Ken (GM) VYOOM and the dwarf disappears as well Gaiserich follows. Ken (GM) VYOOOOOOOM as the snek shimmers and dissolves Joush M.: That's mean, Clang. I mean Vex is RIGHT THERE Speaking of Vex, someone better throw him in the teleportal Sophie: "Come on, let's go." Jack: "I'm scared. Hold my hand, Sophie." Sophie nonchalantly approaches Jack and takes his hand Sophie then leads them both into the portal Ken (GM): VYOOOOOM P.P. A.: h-how shameless Doc: sophie must take responsibility Ken (GM) In the chamber, the floor dims, and the blue glow disappears, as Jack and sophie dissolve from the world Vex: "Oh no" Ken (GM) white warmth and golden light suffuses you Ken (GM) A very familiar space, and a sliver of the real, itching in the back of your mind as the white crystalizes, coalesces, and dims.... Ken (GM) You stand on a ring of magic runes, familiar carvings of travel of dwarven make. Ahead in the void of infinte crystalline white, is a platform of stairs rising up to a kind of control box made of magic gems and stones. Ken (GM) orbs of magic energy hover in transitive positions, floating in a kind of orbit at the controls Sophie: "How quaint." Gaiserich recognises this platform and control box. Gaiserich also recognises the white void. Ken (GM) A very familiar man stands here, in robes and a bloody wound and scar of burned flesh Mercy stands in that unreal place, gasping at the shock of suddenly being somewhere else, looking around slowly then walking closer to the man in the room. "Hello" The Starman speaks, and his voice is a real thing, a product of flesh and blood, not magic or ooze Gaiserich immediately starts taking aim at him, a red dot soon moving onto his forehead. …then he realises it might be better to slither off the deleporter first, and so he moves and re-aims. The Starman: "Hello, Mercy." "Have you come to join me?" "Shall we step forward together, and meet our makers?" Gaiserich: “Why?” The Starman: "Simple Gai; they need ot be " "the fools" he says, angry and quiet Mercy nods to the man. "I've come here to stop this madness. The merging of spheres and the damage being done. Whatever you think the titans deserve people suffer for what you've done." Gaiserich: “What bad have they done?” Clang: "I've had a very close chat with my maker, sir, and I am quite certain he does not require me to harm others in order to meet him again one day. You, however, seem to have expanded a personal madness and rage into something that has burnt up many souls and flesh. And we are here to stop this." The Starman looks tired, and sighs The Starman: "Flesh and blood, souls and magic...look at all of this" "It is but dust on an unseen wind" "We are motes in a god's eye" 'Your friends, families, loved ones. Each of your simple lives and unsophisticated sacks of MEAT' Gaiserich: “All my friendssss are made of flesh and blood, and I am too. Meat tastessss good, and ssssoulsssss are reborn. All is well—what issss the problem?” Doc: >step into the portal >internet disconnects The Starman: "None of it is REAL" he rumbles, a rage touched upon P.P. A.: powerful Ken (GM): [kek, you tempt the gods today, doc] Sophie: "One who perverts and twists life, and corrupts and bewitches the living to suffer the consequences of your rebellion...has no right to moralize against creators." Gaiserich: “Ssssssophie ssshhhot you; did you not feel pain?” Clang: "If you are lamenting the apparent fleeting nature of your life...may I suggest you take up a hobby that requires creation and not destruction?" Sophie: "Take some responsibility for yourself and at least do your own dirty work if your ideology is so important." The Starman: "Ugh, this miserable is nothing, NOTHING!" "So much is above us!" "I have done the deed now, Sophie." "All the pieces in motion, all the tools put to work" Sophie: "You already messed up the most crucial step." Mercy: "It matters a great deal to those that live it. Everything matters. Every small life and little person, everyone you would sacrifice to punish the titans. All of them matter!" She says with her voice sharp with reproach. Sophie: "So you're destined for failure no matter what because of that mistake." Clang begins walking up to the man, staying out of his Sneky friend's line of fire The Starman: "Mercy, NONE OF US MATTERS!" " Gaiserich: “Do you not have friendssss? Family?” The Starman: "None of us did Gaiserich, none of our lives was real or material. This world..." he sweeps his hand, and drops his arm "none of it was a real thing, a reality" "this is all just... simulation" The Starman spits the word like it tastes bad Sophie: "It's pointless talking to one as delusional and set in his ideology as this one is." "Everything will be seen and answered through that lens." Gaiserich: “I sssstill do not really know what that meanssss, but the ssssun isssss real; it warmsssss me. My friendssss are real; I can ssspeak with them, touch them.” Ken (GM) a crack like thunder rolls over you, massive and rumbling, much more power than simple air and storm behind it The Starman: "It begins" "Mistakes or no, Sophie, it is done. " Sophie: "It won't be the conclusion you desire." Mercy: "What have you done?" Sophie: "But perhaps a practical demonstration delivered directly to you will be the only thing that makes you see the light." Gaiserich assumes this to mean that Sophie will be firing her laser; he will try and time his shot to go off at around the same time. Sophie points and aims. "So, are you ready to have a bad time?" The Starman closes his eyes, and looks upward The Starman: "Do what you will, children of mud and dirt" Sophie fires...but not at him, rather one of those orb things that look important. (Assuming they can be targeted) Gaiserich shoots at the Starman anyway. The Starman takes a blast in the gut, the machine, a zap from sophie Ken (GM) a few things happen, very rapidly in quick succession Ken (GM) the lightning blast from Gai flies true and a chunk of the Starman's chest explodes P.P. A.: If Sophie accidentally reality at least we zapped and punished the Starman before it does. Ken (GM) a beam of hit red light flies from Sophie and into the device behind him, the Ansible controls P.P. A.: It sounds more like she targeted one of these, rather than the controls Ken (GM) and at that same moment, nearby, appears something undescribable Ken (GM) wheels upon wheels inside eyes uncountable IT: "enough" P.P. A.: What… do they smell like? Ken (GM): Fire and power, the sky and heavens. And seared meat P.P. A.: nice The Starman explodes like a sack of red meat.....and then in the same instand POP the pieces fly together and reform, his body reformed The Starman is shocked Gaiserich is mildly frustrated by this, and starts reloading his rifle. Sophie: "Let us start disassembling this contraption, shall we?" IT: 'This is not the intended result" "You are not the intended calculations of the variables" Mercy stands shocked there, looking to the indiscriable a moment, then walking over to the starman. "What did you do?" Gaiserich turns to Sophie: “Roderick… Jack hassss worked thissss machine before, he knowssss how to use it, I think.” The Starman shudders and drags in breath, eyes wide and pained The Starman: "I...made sure god heard us" Sophie: "Then find a way to break it, before I do it for you." The Starman: "Just as you did, in your other lives!" IT: "There are unaccounted for contaminants in this dimensional fold. Obvious flaws that have broken compact and design" IT does something, and a shard of something bright extracts itself from the Starman, who screams Gaiserich: “What are you?” Mercy yelps and steps back from the radiance. "A titan, I think.. or.. Are you the real starman?" Jack: "This is... familiar. I think he was right, what he did is already happening." IT bends in confirmation to Gai, in a way that is heard and tasted IT: "This....should not be possible. You hear me?" Clang watches it all, fascinated. Clang: "Aye." IT: "The variables shouldnt....unless....was the energy field attuned properly?" Gaiserich: “Yessss. I taste you too, and that isss sssstrange.” “I am Gaiserich, nice to meet you.” IT twists and bends, the bright thing disappears, never was [redacted] IT: "I....am busy just one.....there" "Hello Gaiserich" it nods and the sound is like golden rain " and the reverence in the voice swirls out in a touching wind like warmth of love and fesh water Mercy stares quietly at the impossible scene. IT: "Fascinating. The other sphere was blended with this one? at...a stability of 71%!" Gaiserich: “YOu are amazing too!” “We tried to ssssstop the Sssspheresss blending, but could not un-do it.” IT: "jack, human male....Mercy, mixed heritage humanoid....Clang dwarven but somehow enhanced...." the voice seems eagerly excited, and you feel the pinprickling purple noise of it touch you on your hearing "Interesting, the deviation in species with the reptilian...no *amphibian ancestry!" Gaiserich is a roud Dwarven-elemental-crystal-hybrid-snake-man scorned Clang: ["I picked the wrong day to stop sniffing Dwarven Explodey Dust"] Sophie: "The being you just did something to had malevolent intent toward us and you. Keep that in mind when engaging with us any further." IT: "If you can hear this; do you know two lives? two...lines of events in a linear fashion?" Gaiserich: “Yessss. I know Sssuðri Sssskornbrekker'ssss life.” IT: "Oh shit they can hear me!" IT turns left and the blue drains from your vision; the Starman screams and folds in on himself, gone IT: "Eech look at all these contaminated variables! Ill be here for a day cleaning the buffers!": Gaiserich: “Are you a ‘Progenitor’?” Mercy stares a moment longer.. then shakes her head as if to clear it. "You sound less like a god then a crafsman complaining someone put his tools out of order." Jack: "And I know Roderick's life. Were you aware of these connections, or is this news to you?" IT: "Gaiserich, cna you hold still a moment? I'm having trouble isolating your.... what in the court of all that is divine is....what did that energy field make? Elemental spirits and....dwarven armor?" "jack, you too, youre all....dirty" "damn this mess" Clang sits down on the step and watches intently IT: "Mercy Ive picke dup the detritus, sorry about that. My compatriot failed to pick up after herself" IT sounds imame, and then dives tuesday; the entire room shudders and bucks IT: "oh fuck, no thats s tuck" "shit" Clang: "By the Allfather's Beard-Crumbs!" Gaiserich holds still, but explains. “Sssuðri wasss a Dwarven palatin, one with a cryssstal elemental who became hissss armour. I have one too.” IT curmudgeonly cigar has a change of heart about the omphalos. He called her Mitzi (or was it Timosha?). The friendly ballerina, a somnambulist, and a looking glass around a somnambulist are what got Kafka into trouble. When the shadow feels nagging remorse, the onlooker toward the starlet goes to sleep. IT HURTS YOU Gaiserich: “Ow!” IT: "there!" Sophie: "Hey, that's not nice." IT: "damn! "okay....this isnt working right at all." Gaiserich: “What are you trying to do?” Mercy cries out painfully and gasp as the world shifts and twist, pain sparked and her head throbbing. "That.. stop! Who -are- you? I thought a titan might be many things, but didn't expect clumsy" Sophie: "If you plan to harm any of them further, then I will need to retaliate." IT shimmers and a visage of a thin drawn womans face appears in the middle distance IT: "Is this better, can you see something on your side?" Gaiserich: “Yessss.” Ken (GM) flickering out of your vision, the Ansible controls shimmer and disappear, the circle vanishes, and you are left in the void of white golden warmth around you Ken (GM): "Good, okay,this is much more stable. So much less interference here" Mercy: "Yes.. are you.." Her face draws suspiciously and she frowns. "Wait. Are you in a device like this in another universe? Another mortal playing with the titan's toys?" P.P. A.: (Did you intend to write that as “Ken (GM)”) IT: * :P P.P. A.: (good, the 4th wall is still there) IT: "No, Mercy this was all....such a mistake." I'm talking to you through an interface from my world to your....reality" "you were never supposed to....interface directly with our world" "theres supposed to be protocols followed from my world to your spheres. Somebody didnt clean up correctly and well...they left the door open" Sophie: "It wasn't by choice." IT: "What fell through, I think....whatever his name was picked it up" "We never meant to hurt you like this" "It was definitely our fault. Im so sorry" Gaiserich: “It wassss the false Ssssstarman who missssused what wasssss left behind, ssssso the blame issss on him.” Mercy: "It wasn't just our world. Several spheres were damaged or merged. People suffered for this." IT looks very very sad IT: "I can see that, youre right" "Ive never agreed with the Spheres projects" "What we are doing here is just....to much. You're obviously aware. Conscious. Capable of reasoned thought and expression of intent" "The parameters of the project were only ever supposed to support non-sentient subjects." " she says, mostly to herself, looking angry Sophie: "So we're mere experiments in a flask. Fair enough. But what do you plan to do now that you've seen what resulted?" Gaiserich: “A dissspute among the Godssss for how the world ssshhhould be made?” *over IT laughs, melodic and amused IT: "Youre so much more than that, and we are nothing so lofty" Mercy: "What council?" She frowns thoughtfully. "What did you create?" IT: "The council of lords, they....well do what they sound like. They lord over us and make decisions." "Look I need to be brief with you, I'm sorry" "I will make this right" "trust me, I just need some time, some elbow room to work" Sophie: "Right for us, or right for you?" IT: "Right for you, Sophie. Justice for lives lost without singing their song to the earth that bore them to existence. Souls created and lost like grains of sand. You are . Not just meat and bone and chaff. Youre....*alive" IT speaks reverently, as if quoting scripture memorized from heartfelt feeling Clang: "I'm glad we agree on this point." IT: "Okay, trust me here" Gaiserich nods. IT: "I need to bring you with me, as proof" " Gaiserich: “To ssshhhow usssss to your lordsss, sssso that they know that we are real?” IT nods IT: "And to make sure they ACT" "and act JUSTLY" Mercy watches that.. then blinks in suprise. "You want us to go to you, up a step in this interlinked chain of worlds?" She takes a deep breath and nods. "You've been kind, and promised to set things right. I'll do as you ask." Gaiserich: “I already left my Ssssphere, and I don't know where I am now, sssso I may assss well follow you into the unknown.” Gaiserich shrugs. Clang: "Aye. There's not much we can do here..." IT: "Good, thank you, !" and she kisses the image before you "You should see something on your side" "thats the next step" Gaiserich: “The ring of… fire?” Mercy: "It's a giant orange thing that looks like a fire." She informs the woman, realizeing their 'titan' might not get how unappealing to step into something like that sounds. Sophie shrugs and goes in first IT: "It should be obvious, whatever it is. I dont think you can see anything else in the buffer state right now" Gaiserich trusts the voice-titan-thing. IT: "Mercy?" "just you now" "do you trust me?" Jack hopes there's actually a girl on the other side of this so he can show her how "alive" he really is Ken (GM): [hahaha oh my god] [I may have spotty internet, I may not have much more than knives and gumption, but I swear, Imma land me some godly poon] P.P. A.: >Ken really amps up his special effects and buys us plane tickets to some IRL IT centre, where he has hired an actress to play IT Mercy goes walks into the fire circle with a deep breath. Ken (GM) the light fades, and darkness reins. A tunnel of night leading towards a cold and broken edged place P.P. A.: in b4 we run into the Dresden FIles protags as some kinda cameo Ken (GM) And then blinding brightness, green suffusing in all directions, and a womans face....with long pointed ears and fangs, a white coat on her shoulders. She holds you in her hands, cradled like delicate things. Clang walks steadily through The Way Ken (GM): "Download complete" says some disembodied voice "Perfect" she says P.P. A.: I-is this an Isekai now? Ken (GM): >Grimwyrd 2: Witch hunt: =COMPLETE= P.P. A.: Thanks for the campaign! Ken (GM): Fiss: I greatly enjoyed IrohDwarf, despite the surprisingly low number of punching. Rosettsara: Thanks for having me~ Ken (GM): quick! tackle her before she gets away! P.P. A.: >with long pointed ears and fangs It was literally the ELves all this timeIT WAS THE ELEVES ALL Joush M.: Grab Rose! or the fanged elf! P.P. A.: The Eleves are at fault for EVERYTHING Doc: racists win again Ken (GM): bwahaha P.P. A.: If only Bomrek was here to see this Ken (GM): Bomrek would burst into flames Joush M.: Thank you for the game Ken. It was a lot of fun Fiss: But...the Dorf had Elf inside thems WHO WAS ON PHONE?! Rosettsara: It was quite enjoyable P.P. A.: Indeed, thank you very much Ken (GM): YW! as always Joush its super fun doing these mad things P.P. A.: >the phone was Elf Ken (GM): Joush M. vandalizes the perfect featureless plane. Doc: >GW3 Joush M. is also very curious about what will happen next Ken (GM): [everyone liked that] okay so! Doc: >want to draw something >can only think to draw a benis Ken (GM): who would like to do the next thing; same bat time, same bat channel? Doc: maybe the real Jack was me all along P.P. A.: Fine by me Rosettsara: Sure Joush M.: I'm in Ken (GM): [starts passing out the koolaid] Doc: pencil me in as a Hell Yeah Ken (GM): FIIIIIIIIISS? P.P. A.: (I'd actually be disappointed if I didn't get to continue this) Ken (GM): heheheh Rosettsara: (Only thing i'd want to know is if we'd have the option of continuing as our previous characters) Fiss: Yeah man. P.P. A.: I'm also amazed how we've satisfactorily finished TWO campaigns now, satisfactorily (and are still eager for the sequel) For comparison, after like three-fourths of a year, the Exalted campaign I'm in is still stuck in the prologue, and we're likely to end it after we've finally made it through that. Doc: This is the second campaign I've completed in the decade I've spent playing tabletop games Ken (GM): aww thats lame as shit for exalted @rose; can I saaaaay Sophie will make a kind of cameo? P.P. A.: It's the third for me if you count that MAID ccampaign of three or four sessions. Ken (GM): >counting MAID cmon son Rosettsara: Ah, so our player characters will be new, functionally Ken (GM): yus yus new characters new world new friggin DYNAMIC definitely Still tho Ken (GM): >Powered by GURPS Fiss: I'M GOING TO BE FIGHTER JETS Ken (GM): LIKE, FIVE OF EM Fiss: ALL ONE MIND P.P. A.: I WANNA BE A TANK Joush M.: After Mercy's HUGEness it's time to be tiny Ken (GM): Kobold? cute-bold? Rosettsara: I have a vague idea i'd want to translate into GURPS, but that'll take some research and depend on what will be allowed in the new campaign, will keep you posted Ken (GM): very good! the setting doc is in the new discord there pinned too, so no excuses PERUSE MY GOOGLY DOC and please remember, WIP P.P. A.: Good, so I don't have to stalk archived gurpsgen threads Doc: gonna be as soon as next week? Ken (GM): IF YOU ARE BABY Doc: wew Ken (GM): OWO P.P. A.: o fug, I just— …remembered that by evening, I should be back already nvm Ken (GM): huzzah! averted CRISIS P.P. A.: (gonna be visiting my aunt on Friday and Saturday, but we'll be returning on Saturday afternoon) Fiss: Next week is holidayz Ken (GM): EASTER RIGHT hmm P.P. A.: aye Doc: oh yeah that's right I'm out for next week too Easter stuff Ken (GM): WELL THEN Fiss: Yep. I must help Jesus find His Eggs that the fucking rabbit stole. Ken (GM): two weeks to DEV your sheets! and for me to like, make ukranian eggs and finish a custom GCS library for use in the DIESELPUNKNESS Joush M.: That is some damn fine art Nice snek Fiss: SNEEEK! Ken (GM): oh shit son gai was here P.P. A.: Good night! Ken (GM): OKAY GOOD NIGHT SEE YOU INDISCORD BYE- Doc: o/