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MSS Dragonmaster
Chapter 7, Part B
Session Start: Sat Jan 16 22:35
Session Close: Sun Jan 17 02:05
Elapsed Time: 3h, 30m
Total Elapsed: 39h, 59m


Cast (In Order of Appearance)
  • Richard "RPG Storen" Gregorio as Lynna Handred
  • "Windstar" as Salah Paria
  • Nicole "Lucca" Dinner as Audrey Nanshete
  • Jeremy "Bahamut" Baker as Miriamele
  • Criz as Criz
  • Supporting Cast: Ramus II, Skivers, "Intercom", Crewman, Crewwoman, Patricia
  • Enemies: Giant Squid Arms A-H, Giant Squid Body

  • Below Decks, MSS Dragonmaster-A

    [Storyteller] After being driven away from Audrey's hometown, and having their boat destroyed, they were all happy for a chance to relax or at least most of them. For reasons unknown to her, Lynna was locked up in the brig, rather than being given one of the elegant staterooms of the former cruise liner. Upon learning her where abouts, Salah sprinted out of the mess hall. Leaving the feast prepared for them, she raced to the lower holds of the ship seeking Lynna.
    [Storyteller] The ship heels hard to port, groaning before it rights itself. Lynna and Salah both get knocked to the ground by the force of the impact.
    * Lynna goes flying to the floor as the ship tilts, still locked in the cell.
    * Salah hits her shoulder against the wall hard.
    [Storyteller] You hear something scrape along the hull.
    * Salah groans.
    [Salah] Lynna? Are you okay?
    * Salah glances around.
    [Salah] W-what was that?
    * Lynna tries to get up.
    [Lynna] I think so, but what about the ship?
    * Lynna grimaces at the bars, remembering her situation.
    [Storyteller] You hear the ship groan, like something is squeezing it tightly.
    * Salah tries to bust the lock in front of her by freezing it.
    [Storyteller] Salah's magic quickly freezes the metal. Once it's brittle, Lynna is able to burst the lock.

    Above Deck, MSS Dragonmaster-A

    [Storyteller] The party stopped eating, just in time for Salah to run off. Moments later, the ship lurched. Ramus II rises to his feet and looks around. He calls out to one of the crewmen.
    [Ramus II] All hands to battle stations!
    [Audrey] What's going on!
    * Miriamele maintains her balance.
    [Ramus II] Somebody show our guests to their quarters!
    * Ramus II runs out of the room, heading for the bridge.
    [Audrey] Can't we help?
    [Skivers] If you'll come with me, ladies and gentleman.
    [Criz] To where may I ask?
    [Audrey] Can't you tell us what's going on, Sir?
    [Skivers] Down below, out of the way. I'm not exactly...
    [Storyteller] Right in the middle of his sentence, something smashes through the window, bowling him over.
    * Criz takes a bite out of the chicken leg still in his hand as he talked with his mouth full.
    [Criz] Yerup, nevsl exachly hug...
    [Audrey] Sir!
    [Storyteller] It thrashes around inside for a few moments, then slithers back out the window.
    [Audrey] By Althena!! Did you see that?
    [Miriamele] What was it?
    * Criz falls down as well as his chicken falls on the floor.
    [Intercom] All hands on deck! All hands on deck!
    [Audrey] Well...
    [Criz] I have no clue what that was, but my guess is that's the bad guy or thing!
    [Audrey] Should we go to the deck?
    [Criz] Good idea Audrey!
    [Audrey] I'm not about to sit around and be eaten by some callamari nightmare!
    [Storyteller] The ship shudders and groans again.
    [Miriamele] In the worst case, at least if it sinks we wouldn't die stuck in a cabin! Let's go!
    * Audrey nods, and follows Miri!
    * Miriamele tries to find her way up to the deck...
    * Criz looks for his bo-staff, but remembers that he lost it and proceeds to the deck.

    On Deck, MSS Dragonmaster-A

    [Storyteller] Up on deck, you can see some of what's happening. A number of huge purple tentacles come out of the water.
    [Audrey] Incredible!!
    [Storyteller] They thrash around the decks.
    [Audrey] I've never seen anything like this!
    * Miriamele draws her sword.
    [Miriamele] It looks pretty big.
    [Storyteller] You can see some crewmen up front fighting them off. They seem to be doing admirably well...
    [Criz] Well... I guess it's time for my back up.
    * Criz goes into pockets of his coat and pulls out nunchucks.
    * Miriamele charges into the melee!
    [Miriamele] Might as well help. There's not much else to do!
    [Audrey] Where are Lynna and Salah!?
    [Storyteller] Except that they don't see the ones coming up behind them! One of the crewman is grabbed bodily by a tentacle and thrown off the ship!

    Below Deck, MSS Dragonmaster-A

    * Lynna smashes the lock to pieces, free at last.
    [Lynna] Thanks Salah... I owe you one...
    [Salah] Err ummm...
    [Storyteller] Her weapons are at the far end of the room, as is a change of clothes. They weren't sure exactly what size would fit a raging demon, but they got pretty close.
    * Lynna swipes her claws from the wall, hastily puting them on...
    * Lynna takes what she can get, happy to have some physical protection.
    [Salah] We should head up to the deck and figure out what's going on.
    [Lynna] You're telling me... If I find who the hell locked me down here...

    On Deck, MSS Dragonmaster-A

    Combat! Round One!

    [Storyteller] Four tentacles port, four tentacles starboard.
    [Storyteller] There are two crewmembers fighting off the starboard-side tentacles.
    [Storyteller] Starboard: Miri & 2 Crew
    [Storyteller] Port: Criz & Audrey
    [Storyteller] Starboard: Tentacles E, F, G, & H
    [Storyteller] Port: Tentacles A, B, C, & D
    [Storyteller] Giant Squid Arm A attempts to smack Audrey... Arm A hits Audrey for 0 damage.
    * Audrey sticks out her tounge in a very cute manner. ^_^
    [Audrey] Missed. Sort of.
    [Storyteller] Giant Squid Arm B slithers across the deck in an attempt to pull Criz' legs out from under him! Arm hits Criz for 0 damage.
    [Storyteller] Giant Squid Arm C flails about above them both, coming down to smack Criz! Critical Hit! Criz takes 25 damage.
    [Audrey] Criz!
    * Criz falls backwards and lands on his buttocks.
    [Criz] Well... I see you aren't the friendly type!
    [Storyteller] The remaining arm on that side makes an attempt to sweep him off the boat.
    [Storyteller] Arm hits Criz for 0 damage.
    * Criz stands back up.
    [Storyteller] Arm E wraps it self around one of the crewman, squeezing the life out of him... Crewman takes 8 damage!
    [Storyteller] Arm F slams down on the deck, sweeping towards Miriamele.
    * Miriamele leaps out of the way!
    [Storyteller] Arm missed!
    * Miriamele beams.
    [Miriamele] Ha! You'll have to be quicker than that!
    [Storyteller] Arm G flicks it's tip at Crewwoman, smacking her for 6 damage!
    [Storyteller] Arm H makes an attempt to be quicker. Critical Hit! Miriamele takes 22 damage.
    [Miriamele] You suck!
    * Audrey would hug Miri, if she could reach her.
    * Miriamele leaps into the air, balancing on some stray rigging. Unlatching her boomerang she lets it fly down at the tentacles! Once freed, she leaps into the air, somersaulting, and crashing into Tentacle F and plunging in her blade up to the hilt! Springing backwards, she then catches her returning boomerhang, and lands safely on the ship!
    [Storyteller] Boomerang has Line Effect! Miriamele hits Arm E for 9 damage. Miriamele hits Arm F for 10 damage. Miriamele hits Arm G for 3 damage. Miriamele hits Arm H for 8 damage.
    [Storyteller] Miriamele's sword hits Arm F for 10 damage.
    * Criz looks at Audrey.
    [Criz] You see... Way before I started to use my bo-staff, Nunchucks were my thing. Here let me demonstrate to you!
    * Criz starts to twirl the nunchucks in front of him, as he charges at the tentacles, jumping in the air and his right nunchuck hits it while his left nunchuck uppercuts it. Coming down, he holds both nunchucks in hands, ramming them down on the tentacle and landing on his feet, then proceeding to wildy attack the tentacle, swinging the chucks violently.
    [Storyteller] Criz hits Arm A for 6 damage! 7 damage! Criz missed! 5 damage! 6 damage! Criz missed!
    * Audrey watches.
    [Audrey] Nice. Now watch this!
    [Criz] Yeah... I weakened it for you, but you know a nice heal would do me JUST great.
    * Audrey giggles. She holds her fingers to her lips and whispers an ancient chant that is slowly building to a crescendo. From high above a vortex appears, and drops flaming bits of rock onto her enemies!
    [Audrey] Tears of the Heavens! Shooting Star!
    [Storyteller] Arm A takes 37 damage from Audrey's spell and dies! Arm B takes 35 damage from Audrey's spell and dies! Arm C takes 38 damage from Audrey's spell and dies! Arm D takes 39 damage from Audrey's spell and dies!
    * Audrey waves bye bye to the tenticles!
    [Audrey] How was that, Sir Criz?
    * Criz smiles and laughs.
    [Criz] Pretty good for a magic user!
    [Storyteller] Giant Squid Body pulls itself up on the Starboard side.
    [Storyteller] Giant Squid Body regenerates Arm A! Giant Squid Body regenerates Arm B! Giant Squid Body regenerates Arm C! Giant Squid Body regenerates Arm D!

    Combat! Round Two! Reinforcements have arrived!

    [Storyteller] Salah and Lynna manage to find their way up on deck and head toward the fighting.
    * Lynna runs up on the deck, entering the fray alongside of Salah...
    [Storyteller] Enemy Front: Tentacle E, F, G, H
    [Storyteller] Enemy Middle: Tentacle A, B, C, D
    [Storyteller] Enemy Rear: Giant Squid Body
    * Lynna rushes to the front row, beside Miri and the crew, sizing up the beast.
    * Salah takes the back row, preparing a healing spell.
    [Audrey] I'll use my magic to handle the tentacles! Concentrate on the main body!
    [Lynna] Are you all having fun without me?
    [Miriamele] Sorry. They started the party without you.
    [Salah] Hey guys! Miss us?
    [Audrey] Party? Hardly. I'm glad you're safe! I was worried.
    * Lynna brandishes her claws, looking over everyone.
    [Salah] Where did this big thing come from?
    [Lynna] After we finish this, I want to know who the hell locked me up in the brig!
    [Audrey] I do too! Why would they do such a horrible thing to a nice person like you?
    [Salah] Lynna, after this c-could I speak with you?
    * Lynna nods to Salah...
    [Lynna] Audrey, just to warn you...
    [Audrey] Hee hee.
    [Storyteller] Arm A reaches out, smacking Audrey upside the head for killing it before. Critical Hit! Audrey takes 21 damage.
    * Audrey stumbles back. She blinks as blood flows from her mouth.
    [Audrey] Ahh...
    [Storyteller] Arm B lashes out at Criz, again trying to knock him over. Arm hits Criz for 2 damage.
    [Lynna] Audrey, don't let it get to you there's more than this ugly floating around. Vargomere was below decks.
    [Audrey] WHAT?!
    * Lynna doesn't look like she is kidding.
    [Audrey] Is he the cause of this... this... this seafood fiasco?
    [Storyteller] Arm C slides across the deck. It runs up Salah's leg and cops a feel of her ass before it slams her against the deck. Arm hits Salah for 5 damage.
    * Salah groans. She slowly picks herself up.
    [Lynna] Damned if I know, but he certainly had some words for me.
    [Storyteller] Arm D smacks Crewman upside the head! Crewman takes 9 damage and is KONKed!
    * Audrey blehs.
    * Lynna begins charging up, as dark energy swirls around her.
    [Storyteller] Arm E does a little dance on the guard rail before reaching out in an attempt to adhere itself to Lynna's face.
    * Lynna looks scornfully at the approaching tentacle.
    [Storyteller] Shhhhhhhhhhhhthwup! Critical Hit! Lynna takes 28 damage.
    [Lynna] Gah!
    * Salah resumes her chanting.
    [Storyteller] It waves her around in the air a bit before bouncing her off Arm F. Arm F hits Lynna for 0 damage.
    * Lynna growls loudly as she is tossed around, and falls down hard to the deck.
    [Lynna] Grrrrr... Back off Fish-face!
    [Audrey] That's right!
    [Storyteller] Arm G slams down on one side of Miri, then wraps around behind her in an attempt to catch her off guard. Critical Hit! Miriamele takes 21 damage.
    [Miriamele] This is really starting to smart!
    * Miriamele wipes a trickle of blood from her nose.
    [Storyteller] Arm H reaches out, coiling itself around Crewwoman, it crushes her to a pulp! Crewwoman is KONKed!
    * Miriamele lets the boomerang fly, as she leaps in the cold water! Moments pass, and soon Miri bursts through the icy surface alongside Tentacle F, the blade of her Katana cutting a long red slash up it's side!
    [Storyteller] Boomerang has Line Effect! Miriamele hits Arm E for 3 damage. Miriamele missed Arm F! Miriamele hits Arm G for 7 damage. Miriamele hits Arm H for 8 damage.
    [Storyteller] Miriamele's sword hits Arm F for 8 damage and kills it!
    * Miriamele then lands back on the deck of the ship, somewhat wet, and catches her boomerang!
    * Salah watches Miri.
    [Salah] Wow.
    * Lynna gets to her feet and resumes her spell, glowing with malicious power.
    [Storyteller] Criz is now in the Front Row!
    * Audrey holds her fingers to her lips and whispers an ancient chant the is slowly building to a crescendo... From high above a vortex appears, and drops flaming bits of rock onto her enemies!
    [Audrey] Tears of the Heavens! Shooting Star!
    [Storyteller] Arm E takes 38 damage from Audrey's spell and dies! Arm G takes 40 damage from Audrey's spell and dies! Arm H takes 44 damage from Audrey's spell and dies!
    * Audrey grins.
    [Audrey] That'll teach you to bap me!
    * Lynna looks impressed by Audrey's display...
    [Salah] Nicely done Audrey!
    [Audrey] Thanks!
    * Criz continues to bite his nails.
    [Lynna] Now it's my turn...
    * Lynna gathers up the shadows around her as dark energy shoots from her palms, hurtling towards the Giant Squid Body.
    [Lynna] Negate Beam! Strike down my enemies with your ebony touch of death!
    [Storyteller] Body takes 23 damage from Lynna's spell. Damage is redirected to Arm D!
    [Lynna] What?
    * Lynna looks a bit disappointed...
    [Lynna] I guess we have to hack this thing's arms off first!
    * Salah chants a healing spell...
    * Salah closes her eyes as a bright yellow light eminates from her forehead, and in a brillant, blinding flash of light arcs of blue light enter Audrey healing her.
    [Storyteller] Audrey regains 41 HP from Salah's spell.
    [Audrey] Thank you, Salah!
    * Salah nods and smiles.
    [Salah] You're welcome!
    [Storyteller] Giant Squid Body uses Ink Blot!
    [Storyteller] Miriamele is BLIN for 4 rounds.

    Combat! Round Three!

    [Storyteller] Front Row: Arms A, B, C, D
    [Storyteller] Back Row: Body
    [Storyteller] Arm A waves back and forth in front of Miri before flicking her on the forehead. Arm hits Miriamele for 0 damage.
    * Miriamele breathes a sigh of relief!
    [Audrey] Miri!
    [Miriamele] Whew!
    [Storyteller] Arm B curls itself up then unrolls, smacking Audrey in the chest.
    * Audrey oomphs!
    [Storyteller] Critical Hit! Audrey takes 21 damage.
    [Miriamele] Audrey!
    * Audrey falls on her butt.
    [Criz] AUDREY! Damn you, stop getting HIT!
    [Audrey] I hate this thing! I'm not provoking it!
    [Storyteller] Arm C has a thing for Salah. It hits her again. Arm C hits Salah for 7 damage.
    [Salah] Audrey! Are you okay?
    * Salah hits the ground again.
    [Salah] Oof!
    [Audrey] I'm okay, are you?
    * Salah picks herself up, looking more determined than ever.
    [Lynna] Salah! Watch out! This thing obviously has a thing for you and Audrey.
    [Storyteller] Arm D wonders what Salah is so excited about, it decides to take a look too but being that it has no eyes, it just smacks into her. Arm hits Salah for 3 damage.
    [Salah] I-I'm fine, just bruised a bit.
    * Salah flies back down onto the deck once more!
    * Miriamele casts Solar Flash! High above the sun flares, and you can feel the temperature in the air begin to rise! The heat begins to warp your vision!
    [Miriamele] Light Eternal! Bathe my enemies in the purity of Sol!
    [Storyteller] Arm A takes 19 damage from Miriamele's spell and dies! Arm B takes 18 damage from Miriamele's spell. Arm C takes 20 damage from Miriamele's spell. Arm D takes 17 damage from Miriamele's spell and dies!
    * Salah groans, clutching her bleeding wound, as she bites her lower lip and gets up.
    * Lynna flashes Salah a quick look; could be concern, but you can't be sure.
    * Criz smiles as he spins his chucks with great speed and charges at the tentacle. As he is about to flip into the air, he stops and coughs up a great big phlegm onto it. He notices the other one is clean so he spits one at it as well, and then begins to attack it with punches mixed with nunchuck hits.
    [Criz] THAT'S FOR BLINDING MY FRIEND!
    [Audrey] How... interesting...
    [Storyteller] Criz missed! Criz hits Arm B for 7 damage! Criz missed! Criz hits Arm B for 7 damage. Criz missed! Criz hits Arm B for 2 damage and kills it!
    [Criz] WHAT?
    * Salah looks quite disgusted at Criz's style of attack.
    * Audrey closes her eyes and chants to herself. When she is done chanting, a blue light surrounds Miri.
    [Audrey] Let Althena cure your wounds and comfort your weariness! Heal Litany!
    * Miriamele smiles.
    [Miriamele] Thanks.
    [Storyteller] Miriamele regains 55 HP!
    * Miriamele feels much, much better.
    [Lynna] Let's get rid of these things now!
    * Lynna gathers up the shadows around her as dark energy shoots from her palms, hurtling towards Tentacle C.
    [Lynna] Negate Beam! Strike down my enemies with your ebony touch of death!
    [Storyteller] The body almost seems to scream (as much as a crustacean can) as Lynna's magic removes it's arm from existence. Arm takes 53 damage from Lynna's spell and is disintigrated!
    * Lynna looks like sye enjoys the monster's pain.
    * Salah suddenly clutches her head. "Oohh"
    * Salah closes her eyes tightly, a sudden white flash eminates from her causing her to float a few inches off the ground, and in a brillant flash she returns to the ground the white aura around her gone.
    [Storyteller] Salah's Reaction rises by 35!
    [Storyteller] Giant Squid Body uses Ink Blot! Criz is BLINded for 4 rounds!
    * Criz looks up at the sky as he goes down on one knee with his bo-staff in hand and closes his eyes and says.
    [Criz] I'm not normally a praying man, but if you're up there Superman, protect me.

    Combat! Round Four!

    * Salah closes her eyes as a bright yellows light eminates from her forehead, and in a brillant, blinding flash of light arcs of blue light enter Audrey healing her.
    [Storyteller] Audrey's HP is so pathetic, she's restored to full!
    [Salah] There you go Audrey.
    [Audrey] Thank you! :D
    * Miriamele flicks her wrist, and three large daggers appear in her hand. Winding up, she flings them straight towards the Squid's body!
    [Storyteller] Body takes 30 damage from Miriamele's weapon skill.
    [Storyteller] Criz attacks the Body! Criz hits Body for 9 damage. Criz hits Body for 11 damage. Criz hits Body for 14 damage. Criz hits Body for 15 damage. Criz hits Body for 14 damage. Criz hits Body for 15 damage.
    * Audrey closes her eyes and chants to herself. When she is done chanting, a blue light surrounds Criz.
    [Audrey] Let Althena cure your wounds and comfort your weariness! Heal Litany!
    [Storyteller] Criz regains 45 HP!
    * Lynna chants, as an ethereal cloud settles around the Body's head.
    [Lynna] Visions of fear cloud the minds of those who stand against me! Disturbance!
    [Storyteller] Body loses 2 Wisdom from Lynna's spell.
    [Lynna] Not as effective as I had hoped...
    [Storyteller] Giant Squid Body uses Ink Blot!
    [Storyteller] Lynna is BLINded for 3 turns!
    * Lynna gets caught up in a dark cloud of ink.
    [Lynna] Erg...

    Combat! Round Five!

    * Salah lowers her head and holds her arms close, as jets of water begin to rise around her, freezing into a barrier of ice around Salah. The ice shatters sending splinters of ice toward her opponent.
    * Lynna tries to get her vision cleared.
    [Storyteller] Body is strong vs. Ice! Body takes 1 damage from Salah's spell.
    * Miriamele flicks her wrist, and another three large daggers appear in her hand. Winding up, again she flings them straight towards the Squid's body!
    [Miriamele] Die!!
    [Storyteller] Body takes 22 damage from Miriamele's weapon skill and dies!

    Victory!

    On Deck, MSS Dragonmaster A

    [Salah] Yeah we did-ow!
    * Miriamele tucks her sword away.
    [Miriamele] Thank goodness that's done with!
    * Lynna blinks a few times, just in time to see the creature's end.
    * Salah clutches her wound and kneels down.
    [Lynna] It's about time. :P
    * Audrey grins and hugs Miri!
    * Lynna goes over to Salah.
    [Lynna] You alright?
    * Lynna offers a hand.
    * Audrey turns to Salah. She closes her eyes and chants to herself. When she is done chanting, a blue light surrounds Salah.
    [Audrey] Let Althena cure your wounds and comfort your weariness! Heal Litany!
    [Salah] Just, a little bruised.
    [Storyteller] Salah is restored to Full!
    * Salah suddenly feels much better and nods to Audrey.
    [Salah] Thank you.
    * Salah gets up, taking Lynna's hand.
    * Lynna looks slightly pale herself, but will live.
    * Ramus II runs down from the bridge to meet the party.
    [Storyteller] Boats slip off the side to row out and retrieve the crew members who were lost overboard.
    * Ramus II looks over Lynna...
    * Lynna helps Salah up, turning to face Mr. Ramus.
    [Audrey] We did it, Mister Ramus!
    [Ramus II] Looks like I was wrong about you, Miss. I'm sorry...
    * Ramus II holds out his hand to Lynna.
    [Criz] You better be.
    * Lynna looks skeptically at Ramus...
    [Lynna] Well, you'd better have a good story. But I guess I can let it slide...
    * Audrey nods.
    * Ramus II shrugs and turns to the rest of the party.
    [Criz] We tried to tell you that she was our friend; if it wasn't for her, we all including you, Ramus, would have been dead!
    * Audrey smiles at Lynna.
    [Ramus II] Come back inside. We can talk this out there...
    [Audrey] All right.
    * Salah glances around and takes a deep breath of the sea air.
    [Miriamele] I hope another one doesn't come along.
    * Ramus II leads everybody back inside and up to his cabin (the one where Miri and Salah were originally sleeping).

    Captain's Cabin, MSS Dragonmaster

    [Storyteller] He sits down behind his desk, waiting for everybody to come inside...
    * Lynna gets led into the cabin, admiring the fancy decor of the decks over the bowels of the ship.
    * Audrey walks inside.
    * Salah steps inside, finds and takes a seat.
    [Storyteller] The fancy decor of the ship is broken at odd intervals by steel plated sea doors and reinforcing struts, but it is still obviously an expensive ship.
    * Criz walks inside and immediately lies on the bed.
    [Audrey] Criz! Don't be rude!
    [Ramus II] No bother...
    * Criz sits up.
    [Criz] WHAT?
    * Audrey hauls him up and sits him down.
    [Salah] Mr. Ramus, I'm sorry.
    * Lynna leans against a wall, prefering to stand.
    [Salah] I shouldn't have run off like that.
    [Criz] Come on, we just came back from fighting a beast while Ramus picked his nose. No offense there... I like picking my nose sometimes...
    [Ramus II] You shouldn't be. You all saved my ship.
    * Audrey lets go of Criz, repulsed.
    [Audrey] It's just not nice to lie down while one is speaking.
    [Lynna] Criz, put a cork in it.
    * Audrey sits down quickly.
    [Ramus II] I'm not sure how I can repay you. Name your price.
    * Criz sits up and pays attention.
    [Miriamele] Uh...
    [Criz] Hmmm...
    [Miriamele] A price?
    [Criz] Price you say?
    * Ramus II nods to Miriamele.
    [Ramus II] You tell me how I can repay you.
    [Criz] Hold on Ramus.
    [Salah] I'd like my family back and Vigo, but you can't give that.
    * Miriamele hmms.
    [Miriamele] I understand, but it's hard to think of something.
    [Lynna] Well, I for one would like an explaination over any money.
    [Criz] People, let's all huddle on this one!
    [Miriamele] First off, what do you have to offer that's fair?
    [Salah] Maybe you can take us across the barrier?
    [Audrey] Pehaps he can sail us to where the others are...
    * Lynna folds her arms, face shadowed by her hood...
    [Ramus II] Salah, done...
    * Salah nods.
    [Salah] Thank you sir.
    [Criz] Maybe if only i can know where my sister is. But no one can do that for me... no one.
    [Lynna] Criz, maybe my negativity is rubbing off on you.
    [Criz] By the way Ramus, can we have some more food?
    * Criz smiles.
    [Ramus II] Criz, done.
    [Criz] And can I sleep on your bed?
    * Ramus II smiles.
    [Ramus II] Not a chance.
    * Lynna rolls her eyes, and sighs...
    * Audrey giggles.
    * Salah snickers.
    [Criz] Oh well, a "No" won't stop me from trying. :P
    [Lynna] Why do we even try?
    * Criz lies back down on the bed.
    * Ramus II laughs.
    [Audrey] Criz! (whispers) You can be such a barbarian.
    * Criz puts a pillow over his head.
    [Ramus II] Miss Lynna, I feel I need to apologize...
    * Lynna glances at Ramus, her voice dripping sarcasm.
    [Lynna] No, really... I actually like waking up in dungeons...
    * Ramus II sighs.
    [Ramus] You were not what stands before me now when we pulled you aboard.
    [Lynna] Hmm?...
    [Miriamele] Lynna... Be nice.
    * Lynna focuses her attention immediately.
    [Lynna] Just what do you mean?
    * Audrey blinks.
    * Salah glances at Lynna, something disturbing her at this moment about Lynna.
    [Ramus II] In fact, were it not for the compassion of my Chief Engineer, I would have left you.
    * Lynna looks at Ramus, and falls silent...
    [Ramus II] You appeared as some sort of demon, Miss Lynna.
    [Lynna] What!!
    * Lynna smashes a claw into a nearby wall, embedding it!
    [Salah] Lynna...
    * Ramus II jumps back.
    [Ramus II] Please... listen...
    [Audrey] Lynna!
    * Lynna looks at everyone...
    [Ramus II] It was hard to describe... you moved unbelievably fast. Once you hit the deck, you injured two of my men in a matter of seconds...
    * Salah stares into Lynna's eyes.
    * Lynna has a far-off look in her eyes again...
    [Lynna] ...
    [Ramus II] It took at least half a dozen of the deck hands to bring you down...
    [Lynna] I did all that?...
    * Audrey gets a thought in her mind, but brushes it aside.
    [Ramus II] They managed to knock you out with being wounded too severely. Patricia wouldn't let me throw you back over, so we locked you up.
    * Lynna takes her claw out of the wall slowly, folding it back under her sleeve and calming down.
    [Ramus II] I'm sure I can recompense your friends for saving my ship, but I doubt I can make this up to you...
    [Lynna] Actually...
    * Criz, after listening to all of this, sits back up and stares at Lynna and then back at Audrey.
    [Lynna] When I came to in the dungeon, Vargomere was there.
    [Ramus II] Who is Vargomere?
    [Audrey] What did Vargomere say, exactly?
    [Salah] Vargomere is a vampire we met in Althena's Shrine.
    * Ramus II sits back, figuring this is something the party needs to discuss.
    [Lynna] He said something about "my natural form" being impressive...
    [Audrey] Lynna... I'm sure... It's not as bad as it sounds!
    [Miriamele] So you might not really be you? Sounds freaky.
    [Lynna] I dismissed it as him trying to intimidate me when he threatened Audrey...
    [Audrey] He threatened me?
    [Lynna] He said he was going to come for you soon... I tried to defend you obviously, but it was no use.
    [Audrey] Come for me?
    * Lynna hides her face under her cloak more, darkness seeming to pervade her attire...
    [Lynna] He said something else...
    [Audrey] What else did he say?
    [Salah] ...
    [Audrey] Lynna, what did he say?
    * Lynna is quiet and then stares at Audrey.
    [Audrey] Please tell me...
    [Lynna] He said...
    [Audrey] Yes?
    * Lynna says it with no emotion, cold as the arctic waters.
    [Lynna] That I killed your family.
    * Audrey starts! She looks at Lynna, confirming her thought from before. Then, she faints.
    * Ramus II wonders if he should lock her up again...
    * Miriamele catches poor Audrey!
    [Ramus II] Oh damn...
    [Storyteller] Ramus II and Miri manage to move Audrey over to the bed...
    [Ramus II] Criz! Move it!
    * Miriamele kicks Criz!
    [Miriamele] Outta the way!
    * Criz hops off the bed...
    [Criz] Ya didn't have to kick me!
    [Miriamele] Maybe not, but it worked.
    [Salah] You didn't kill them Lynna!
    [Lynna] Well, what the hell am I supposed to believe! My whole damn life is full of contradictions and mysteries!
    [Salah] Y-y-you wouldn't have killed them!
    * Audrey is still unconscious.
    [Salah] Vargomere was just trying to get to you, that's all.
    * Ramus II makes Audrey comfortable, then goes to get the ship's doctor.
    [Storyteller] Ramus II walks out of the room...
    [Salah] Believe me Lynna, please?
    [Lynna] Salah...
    [Miriamele] Lynna, I don't think you'd kill a family in cold blood.
    * Miriamele gets kind of a serious look to her for a moment.
    [Salah] It was those monsters back at Reachdeep that killed them...
    [Lynna] I want to believe that, but somehow I can't...
    [Salah] N-not you, it was never you.
    [Audrey] Mmmm...
    [Miriamele] Everything'll be fine, Lynna. Trust me.
    * Audrey opens her eyes slowly.
    [Lynna] I have to find some answers... I have too much of my life that's an unknown.
    * Audrey looks at Lynna quietly.
    * Lynna retreats to the corner of the room, wanting to get some space.
    [Miriamele] We all have questions we want answered, it's just a matter of time until we get them.
    * Salah walks over to the bed and sits down.
    [Salah] Audrey, you okay?
    * Miriamele seems to don her more carefree face and smiling again.
    [Audrey] I'm... Okay... I'm sorry I did that...
    * Audrey sits up, holding her head.
    [Salah] It's all right Audrey.
    * Audrey looks at Lynna.
    * Lynna is in the corner, withdrawn into herself...
    [Miriamele] It's alright, Audrey. Not like you could have controlled it, really.
    [Audrey] Did she really...
    * Audrey shakes her head.
    [Miriamele] I don't think so.
    [Lynna] Audrey... if you want to lash out at me, I won't stop you. You probably need something for all that anger inside.
    [Salah] Lynna didn't do it, I KNOW she didn't do it. I'm positive.
    [Audrey] For now, I'll believe that... Because I don't have proof...
    * Miriamele hugs Audrey.
    [Audrey] But...
    * Ramus II returns, with the ships doctor...
    [Audrey] If it is true... I will have to deal with it Somehow...
    * Audrey hugs Miri.
    [Lynna] I don't know what's true... What if my life is nothing more than one of my illusions?...
    [Miriamele] Then you'll just keep on living. Illusion or not, you're still you.
    [Ramus II] You're okay now, Priestess Audrey?
    [Audrey] I don't think you're capable of killing so many people... However, I can't dismiss it. For now, I'll trust you, Lynna.
    * Salah gets up and sighs, walking out the door.
    [Salah] I'm gonna get some fresh air.
    [Audrey] And I'm sure we'll discover you didn't do anything wrong.
    [Lynna] Thanks for the vote of confidence...
    [Ramus II] I'll leave now... We should be able to go ashore within the hour...
    [Audrey] Thank you, Ramus.
    * Lynna manages a weak smile.
    [Miriamele] Thank goodness. I don't like this rocking feeling.
    * Ramus II walks off with the ship's doctor.
    * Lynna heads outside, slipping away from the foreboding atmosphere.
    * Patricia, the Engineer, comes up to grab Criz, telling him there is more food available.


    Captain's Cabin, MSS Dragonmaster

    * Audrey smiles at Miri.
    [Audrey] You don't like the boat, huh?
    [Miriamele] Not really, no. It moves way too much for my liking.
    * Audrey giggles.
    [Audrey] Oh, now... If Reachdeep was in better shape, I'd take you out sailing. Sailing can be so fun!
    [Miriamele] I dunno... I think I'll just stick to the ground for now.
    [Audrey] Well... We have to try and get you into something fun... You don't like snow... And you don't like the sea... What do you like?
    [Miriamele] Well... I never really liked cold when I was little... On the other side of the Barrier, it was nice and warm, I liked it there. But the lands around here are much nicer... Green, and bright. So full of life.
    [Audrey] Ahh... Then maybe we'll do this: We'll climb up a small hill, and get a picnic basket or something. It's old fashioned but you can see all sorts of trees and grasses. And my mom taught me to cook.
    [Miriamele] It's not just the grass and stuff. I dunno what it is. But just being around things full of life makes me feel better.
    [Audrey] Hmm... I think you'd like anything with plants and people.
    * Audrey hmms.
    [Audrey] Vane is supposed to be pretty... And Lyton, they sing there. That's the only way they can talk!
    [Miriamele] I've heard stories about Vane. I hope to visit there someday.
    [Audrey] How about we go together! I've never seen it, I'd love to!
    [Miriamele] Sounds great!
    * Audrey hugs Miri.
    * Miriamele returns the hug, wagging her tail a bit.
    [Audrey] Now, Miri... I gotta ask... and this might seem rude... but... what's it like having a tail?
    [Miriamele] Well, uh... I dunno. It's like... Uhm... sort of like having an extra arm or leg, that really isn't good for anything but venting emotion by moving it. Though I've learned not to use it much, tails are pretty rare things.
    [Audrey] I like it.
    [Miriamele] So do I, but I tend to keep it hidden.
    [Audrey] Why? You should share it if it's so rare.
    [Miriamele] Because it makes me stand out. And well... being a half-beast as it is makes me stand out enough.
    [Audrey] You shouldn't worry what other people think! You're special and nice. Anyone who says different... Well... I'll just give them a bap. Because they're wrong! And that's that!
    [Miriamele] I dunno, but right now I guess I feel more comfortable with just keeping it tucked away. I know one of those heroes was a half-beast, Mel and even his daughter. But that's them. Maybe it's different here, but on the Frontier I was taught to hide my differences. The people there are super-suspicious of anything they don't think is normal.
    [Audrey] Oh, then you don't have to worry! Half beasts aren't abundant, but they aren't rare. There's no need to hide. Or be ashamed!
    [Miriamele] Ones with tails are.
    [Audrey] So what? People thought I was strange because I could use a magic few could... But I didn't care. I can only be myself. You should be yourself too!
    * Miriamele smiles.
    [Miriamele] I am myself. I'm just cautious, that's all. Frontier life'll do that to you.
    [Audrey] You can be stubborn. But oh well, as long as you know you don't have to hide things.
    [Miriamele] Besides my tail, I don't have too much to hide.
    [Audrey] Hehe... Anyway... Hmm...
    [Miriamele] One thing that's a pain is buying armor and clothes. Once you cut a hole in them, it voids their return policy. You're lucky in that respect.
    * Audrey laughs!
    [Audrey] I think we'll be good friends, Miri.
    [Miriamele] I hope so. I wonder how much further to shore?
    [Audrey] Anyway, we should be near land. Perhaps we should find the others. Or bug Criz. One of the two. What do you think?
    [Miriamele] Both sound good to me.
    [Audrey] Let's flip on it! Heads we just find the others.
    [Audrey] Tails we go bug Criz.
    [Miriamele] Let's just go find Ramus and ask.
    [Audrey] Heh!
    [Miriamele] We'll have plenty of time to bug Criz.
    [Audrey] That spoils the fun, but it's more effective. Okay! Let's go!
    * Audrey stands up.
    * Miriamele gets up, and heads off to try and track down the Captain.
    * Audrey follows.

    Meanwhile... On Deck, MSS Dragonmaster-A

    * Lynna goes to the railing on deck, and watches the land race by. She holds out her hand, wondering why she has a certain urge... She forms a small replica of her parents, Lily and Farn, sighing deeply.
    [Lynna] What would they say if someone told them I was some monster who slaughters people? Would they be on my side, or go the path of all the others I've known...
    * Lynna looks at it more...
    [Lynna] What if I did actually do those things? Could I really be that cruel?
    * Lynna watches as the image shatters in her palm...
    [Lynna] I should just disappear... Anyone who gets close to me ends up getting hurt. It's no wonder everyone hates me...
    * Lynna sighs and leans back.
    [Lynna] Or maybe I just hate myself...
    * Ramus II walks up to Lynna...
    [Ramus II] Talking to yourself?
    * Lynna doesn't even turn around.
    [Lynna] Maybe... If I'm even listening.
    * Ramus II rests his hands on the post beside her.
    [Ramus II] My father had a story he used to tell me...
    * Lynna looks at Ramus finally.
    [Ramus II] Care to hear it?
    [Lynna] I'm not stopping you... Ramus, was it?
    * Ramus II nods.
    [Ramus II] Mine and my father's name... Anyway... It's about the Goddess Althena... Even if you don't believe in her, there's still something to be gained from it...
    [Lynna] I never really fell for that whole Goddess angle.
    [Ramus II] Well, then just think of her as a person, just like you and me. See... there was a time when the Goddess turned against the people...
    [Lynna] Is that so? She get bored of being nice?
    [Ramus II] Oh, that's possible... How she really got into trouble should be left to the history books. But anyway...
    [Lynna] History... heh...
    [Ramus II] There was a great war going on... People were fighting all over the planet. There was rampant killing, left and right, cities were being destroyed...
    * Lynna listens, but doesn't make it too obvious.
    [Ramus II] The goddess tried to stop the people from fighting... Eventually, it became too much to bear.
    [Lynna] Seems like you can never get away from it...
    [Ramus II] She turned to her advisors, looking for a solution she perhaps did not see.
    [Lynna] Well, she's lucky she had friends to turn to.
    [Ramus II] You do too. They're up in my cabin right now.
    [Lynna] ... They probably hate my guts right now, just like everyone else...
    [Ramus II] Anyway... She took their advice, and did something truely evil... Truely unforgivable... She destroyed a world to save it.
    [Lynna] Destroyed a world to save it? That doesn't make sense.
    [Ramus II] No, it doesn't make much sense... But she didn't do it because she was evil... She did it because she let others control her. I'm sort of fuzzy on this part, but she managed to save as many people as possible. She brought them here... to the Silver Star...
    [Lynna] I guess that's good... They survived...
    [Ramus II] From then on, she heeded no ones advice. She only did what she thought right... For the most part, that went well... But... but... Damnit, I'm rambling... The point is... You're a good person. Althena is a good person.
    [Lynna] Then tell other people that.
    [Ramus II] You might have done some bad things... She definetly did some bad things...
    [Lynna] You can bet that I'm my own person... I don't need anyone else to tell me what to do.
    [Ramus II] But people, an entire world, came to forgive her.
    [Lynna] Maybe people cared more back then... I get no sympathy from anyone I meet. And if I'm some... thing... I don't blame them.
    * Ramus II sighs.
    [Ramus II] Well... I tried...
    [Lynna] I just want to know what's going on... All the parts of my life I can't even remember...
    [Ramns II] We'll be reaching shore soon... I'll send somebody out to get you...
    [Lynna] Yeah...
    * Ramus II turns and heads toward the Mess Hall...
    * Lynna speaks up before he leaves.
    [Lynna] You know... Your father was pretty tough back there in the shrine...
    * Ramus II stops and looks back.
    [Ramus II] Yes, he's strong... He even adventured with the mighty Dragonmaster Alex long ago. I'm very proud to be his son.
    [Lynna] Well... at least someone can be proud of who they are...
    * Lynna heads off without further words to rejoin the others...
    * Ramus II pauses a moment to watch her go... and then heads toward the Mess Hall once more.

    Meanwhile... Mess Hall, MSS Dragonmaster-A
    * Audrey blinks.
    [Audrey] Hehe... Let's spy. I feel very mischievious today.
    * Criz is playing Patty Cake with Patricia...
    * Patricia would kick the shit out of Criz if he tried... Don't screw with the chick carrying the Monkey-Wrench-From-Hell.
    [Miriamele] Mischievious, huh?
    [Audrey] Sure.
    * Audrey hides and watches Criz get kicked around!
    * Patricia sits at the table, eating a bit...
    [Patricia] So... What did you think of the ship... I didn't get a chance to ask you after my little tour.
    * Criz stares at Patricia.
    [Criz] Did you know you have a mole with a hair on it on your chin?
    * Audrey snickers in her hand.
    [Criz] Your ship... Besides the monster, you people trapping our friend... It's ok. Has a nice... Lysol kind of smell to it.
    * Audrey snickers more!
    * Patricia looks at Criz, shakes her head, gets up, and walks out the door. Audrey and Miriamele get knocked over as the door swings into them.
    [Audrey] Ahh!
    [Patricia] What's so funny?!
    [Miriamele] Yii!
    * Audrey doubles up laughing.
    [Audrey] Not you ma'am! Him! Him!
    * Criz sits back up.
    [Criz] And like I said... Umm... You are NOT my taste Patricia... SORRY!
    * Miriamele gets back up.
    * Criz tries to force a smile.
    [Audrey] Oh get outta here. You don't tell ladies that they have moles and their ship smells of household cleaners.
    [Patricia] I hate all of you people! I'm gonna go and tend my damned engines!
    [Miriamele] What did I do?
    [Criz] Fine Patricia... Or should i call you... PATRICK?
    [Audrey] Criz!...
    [Criz] What?
    * Audrey laughs so hard.
    [Criz] That mole has a mind of it's own!
    * Patricia storms off down below...
    [Patricia] Damned freaks... Get no respect...
    [Criz] So where are we going now?
    [Miriamele] Jeez Criz... How can you talk like that? You're so rude!
    * Audrey tries to stop laughing. ^_^
    * Lynna nearly bumps into a fuming Patricia, mumbling to herself.
    [Lynna] I guess Criz tried to hit on her... heh... that idiot...
    [Criz] So Audrey... Where are we going now?
    [Miriamele] Off this boat, I hope. It just keeps getting queasier and queasier...
    [Audrey] I'm not quite sure. I think he's dropping us off near the border...
    [Criz] Well, I just want to keep on going and hopefully in the right directions.
    * Ramus II enters the mess hall.
    [Ramus II] We've rounded the Barrier. We can let you off in Marius Zone if you'd like.
    [Criz] Welcome back Ramus.
    [Miriamele] Marius will do.
    [Criz] Well if you can do us just on tiny favor...
    [Ramus II] Yes, Criz?
    [Criz] Herbs? Or do you have Litanies?
    [Ramus II] Oh... right... equipment...
    [Criz] Bingo!
    [Ramus II] Care to join me in the souvenier shop?
    * Audrey grins.
    [Audrey] You have a souvenier shop?
    [Criz] Maybe there's something there to get rid of that mole for Pat.
    * Ramus II leads everybody off to the souvenier shop.
    [Ramus II] Well... this was a cruise ship.
    * Audrey whaps Criz.
    [Audrey] Really?
    [Miriamele] This thing has everything on it, queasy or otherwise.
    [Criz] A cruise ship?
    [Audrey] Where's Salah?
    [Criz] She's probably eating with Patricia in the bedroom.
    * Audrey seems very happy.
    * Lynna wanders the deck idly, wondering just where Salah and the others went...
    * Salah leans against the railing of the ship looking out to the ocean, deep in thought.
    [Audrey] Salah! C'mon! We're gonna go check out the shops. :D
    * Lynna comes over to Salah, who seems lost to the world.
    * Lynna notices Audrey nearby.
    [Lynna] Maybe she just wants some time to think... and I'd agree with her.
    [Audrey] Maybe...
    [Lynna] Audrey... You should be careful if Vargomere is after you... I don't know what he wants, but it can't be good.
    * Lynna folds her hands, leaning on the railing.
    * Criz walks out onto the deck, watching Audrey and Lynna converse.
    * Audrey nods.
    [Audrey] Lynna, I did mean what I said back there. I believe you're a good person.
    [Lynna] Ramus said the same thing...
    [Audrey] Monster or no. You wouldn't have done those things. And that is that!
    [Lynna] Heh... How did you all get to be such optimists? :P
    * Lynna shrugs.
    [Lynna] I wish more people along my way had nice things to say like that, rather than curses or scorn...
    [Miriamele] Without hope, why go onward? Optimism is the only thing that should be.
    [Lynna] I'm a doubting Thomas by nature... so sue me.
    * Ramus II comes back out on deck...
    [Ramus II] Sorry about that. I found the key. You can all come back inside if you wanna buy some stuff.
    * Criz runs back inside.
    [Audrey] Oooh.
    * Audrey runs in.
    * Lynna looks at Ramus, a little cheerier than their last encounter.
    [Lynna] Stores... This is some ship here, alright...
    [Storyteller] While the party is shopping, the crew sets the anchor and prepares for them to disembark.

    Souvenier Shop, MSS Dragonmaster-A

    [Ramus_II] So... What would you like?
    [Criz] I'm first.
    [Audrey] Go ahead, Criz.
    * Ramus II starts unlatching trays and openning cabinets.
    [Storyteller] The place looks more like an armory than a souvenier shop, except for the "Souveniers" sign on the back wall.
    [Criz] Well... for me I'd like that Fox's Wrap along with the chain coif.
    * Lynna studies the claws a moment...
    [Criz] Hmmm and those handcuffs would go so nicely for... Hmm never mind.
    [Ramus II] So... Who's first?
    [Miriamele] I'll go.
    [Criz] Me, I said. Remember? :P
    [Ramus II] Alright... Gimme that order again, Mr. Criz.....
    [Storyteller] And after much shopping...
    [Lynna] Hey... If we're done... Where's the customary session end? :D
    [Audrey] Yeah! It feels wrong!
    [Storyteller] Oh...
    [Storyteller] ~~ Chapter End ~~