Underground Railroad
Chapter 10
Session Start: Sat Feb 27 22:36
Session Close: Sun Feb 28 01:50
Elapsed Time: 3h, 14m
Total Elapsed: 50h, 42m

Underground, Reza

[Storyteller] We last left the party in a monitoring station deep beneath the surface of Lunar. As Lyle (of the Merchant's Guild, and you all thought he was a Thief) was showing it to the party, the power suddenly dropped. With a rumbling, the wall burst in and enemies spewed forth.
[Storyteller] In the confusion, Lynna vanished. And that's where we begin... Audrey had just turned to heal Lynna, only to find that she wasn't there.
[Audrey] Where's Lynna... ?
[Lyle] Jeeze... Somebody really doesn't like you guys, huh?
* Lamont sighs and looks down
[Audrey] O_o Um... guys? Where's Lynna?
* Criz looks around frantically.
* Audrey follows suit.
* Cassandra looks at Lyle.
[Cassandra] How do we know you're not part of this?
[Criz] Lynna... Lynna!
[Lyle] We lose somebody?
[Salah] I'm beginning think people are following us.
[Lamont] I... don't know... where... she is.
[Criz] Umm guys... Lynna's gone.
[Lyle] Oh, please Cassandra... Give it a rest. You're way paranoid.
[Will] I-I guess so... how did she disappear from this place... ?
* Lyle begins pushing some of the rubble out of the way.
[Audrey] I don't know, but we'd better...
* Salah calls out Lynna's name.
[Salah] Lynna! Where are you?
[Storyteller] Salah's call echoes down the length of the tunnel.
* Audrey sounds worried. :/
* Lamont looks at Lyle for a second, but doesn't say anything.
* Cassandra mutters under her breath.
[Cassandra] Stupid prick.
* Miriamele hmms...
[Lamont] W... Well... I guess... we need... t... to go that way
[Lyle] Well... Either she's buried under the rubble, or she slipped down the tunnel...
[Audrey] I was thinking the same thing...
* Will checks the robots and mechanical soldiers.
[Audrey] Don't say buried! Just don't!
[Miriamele] I wonder where she went... and why she didn't tell us...
[Will] I wonder how these work...
[Salah] The tunnel... she's got to be down there.
* Criz ignores the rest of the party as he searches for Lynna.
[Storyteller] The robots are mostly piles of scrap now... And the figures in the suits don't look much better.
* Lamont awaits behind everyone, awaiting to see where they go.
[Cassandra] Maybe someone took her during the fighting.
* Audrey begins to walk down the tunnel, calling out Lynna's name.
[Miriamele] Without so much as a yelp, Cass?
[Storyteller] In fact, as you're examine them, they begin to melt... Just like the guy up on top of the Barrier.
[Will] Maybe if I borrowed some parts... hmm... how do they work? Electricity?
[Will] A-aah!!
* Will jumps back.
[Lamont] Will, are you OK?
* Criz looks at Will.
[Salah] Th-they're melting?
* Will pants, looking at the things.
[Miriamele] Ew...
[Cassandra] Don't worry, Salah. It's happened before.
* Audrey runs back down the tunnel.
[Audrey] Did I hear someone cry out? Is everyone all right?
* Salah kneels besides the melted rubble.
[Lamont] OK...
[Will] I-I'm all right... but... it's the same thing that happened to that guy in the... the mountain... and the container...
[Salah] B-but why... ?
[Lamont] If... I... might make... a suggestion...
[Audrey] Mountain? Container?
[Lamont] S... standing here... is--isn't going to being her back...
[Lyle] Lamont's right... Anybody got a light?
[Audrey] Oh yes! I remember now...
[Criz] Exactly Lamont!
[Criz] That's why we should stop all this chitter chatter and LOOK for her!
[Audrey] Anyway, I'm going back to look for Lynna. Come on! :/ We need to hurry.
[Lamont] I... I... can illuminate the way down...
* Criz heads off first.
* Will nods at Audrey.
* Lamont claps his hands, making a ball of light.
[Will] First things first!
* Lyle hrmms... He then yanks the light rig off the shoulder of one of the soldiers...
[Lamont] L... let's go...
[Lyle] You're not gonna need this...
* Cassandra looks at Lamont.
* Lyle tosses it to Will...
[Lyle] Catch, brain-boy.
[Audrey] Are you okay, Lamont? You sound weak. :/
* Will catches it!
* Criz stops and looks back at the party.
[Criz] This year please, guys!
[Will] Thanks! =)
* Lamont looks over at Cassandra... but doesn't say anything... avoids eye contact.
* Audrey makes a face at Criz.
[Audrey] We're trying!
[Lamont] I... I'm fine...
[Will] This will be useful...
* Lamont toss the ball of light in the air so it'll follow him.
[Lamont] L-let's get a move on.
* Will attaches it to his tunic at shoulder level, and plays with it a bit.
* Audrey walks down the tunnel, calling out Lynna's name.
* Criz nods at Audrey and then beings to wonder why he wants to find Lynna so much.
[Criz] (whispering) Can I actually... care for these people?
* Criz shakes it off.
[Criz] Nah...
[Salah] I-I-I think there's someone on the other end of the tunnel...
* Lyle grabs another light unit and hooks it to his armor...
[Will] All set!
* Will scrambles after Audrey.
* Cassandra follows behind Lamont.
* Salah sighs and quickly follows everyone.
* Lamont starts down the tunnel, illuminating the way... but looks down at his feet as he walks.
[Cassandra] Hey... ummm... Lamont? You alright?
[Audrey] See anything, Criz... ?
[Criz] No... not a thing.
* Miriamele scouts ahead, darting in front of the rest of the group...
* Lamont perks up a little.
[Lamont] Me... ? Oh... I'm fine... I guess... just thinking...
* Criz calls out...
[Criz] Lynna!
[Criz] I swear... if anything has happened to her Audrey, I'll kill the one responsible!
[Audrey] ... no where... it's like she didn't even ... exist...
[Salah] Someone is waiting at the other end...
* Lamont looks up at his ball of light . o O (At least I'm useful for something... )
[Will] Hm...
[Audrey] Who, Salah?
[Criz] Lynna... we'll find you!
* Will points his light down at the ground ahead, trying to discern footprints or markings.
[Salah] I, I don't know who, or, or how many, I just know.
* Miriamele's eyes flick back and forth as she sticks to the shadows, taking in all that can be seen...
[Cassandra] Hey Lamont, you seem awfully quiet... What's wrong?
[Audrey] Friendly... ?
[Criz] Damn it... what's wrong with me Audrey?
[Audrey] What do you mean, Criz?
[Voice] Intrusion Alert! Intrusion Alert!
[Lamont] N-nothing... I'm... just thinking... that's all.
[Criz] It's... it's confusing.
[Criz] What was that?
[Miriamele] Oh oh...
[Will] ... !
[Audrey] O_o Aiyeah!

Combat! Round One!

[Storyteller]Targets: Three Sentry Spheres
* Criz looks around.
* Audrey pulls out her bow
[Will] Alarm systems? Here!?
[Cassandra] Can I really answer that Criz?... What the hell?
* Salah jumps at the sound.
[Lamont] W-watch out!
[Will] Th-this is... amazing... the technology... !
[Lamont] Anyone with l-lightning magic...
[Criz] Hmmm, I guess we're on the right track.
* Audrey begins to chant.
* Criz takes out his nunchucks and spins them for show.
[Sphere] GateKeeper Authorized... Assault Sequence Alpha.
[Will] Lightning... ? Oh, yeah! I can try!
* Lamont looks over at Cassandra for a second, then back up at the spheres.
* Miriamele flicks her hand, and a small handful of darts appear in her grasp, with her other hand, she draws her blade...
[Lyle] My ass... Assault this...
* Lyle waves his hands about... Suddenly, Lyle appears standing next to himself...
* Lamont closes his eyes and starts to chant.
[Cassandra] Aw shit. It's bad enough that there's one of you, Lyle...
[Lamont] C-Cassandra... please be careful...
[Cassandra] Huh?
[Audrey] Everyone! Be careful!
[Lamont] N-nothing.
* Miriamele leaps from one side of the passage to the other, unleashing her volley of darts at Sphere A! Upon reaching the other wall, she leaps off of it, making a lunging slash at Sphere A with her knife!
* Miriamele kicks off the sphere, landing back with the rest of the group.
[Storyteller] Critical Hit! SentrySphere A takes 71 damage. SentrySphere is immune to POIS. Miriamele hits SentrySphere A for 19 damage.
[Will] Good job, Miri! =D
* Audrey keeps going with her chanting, closing her eyes and clasping her hands in a prayer-like fashion.
* Lamont sighs and goes back to concentrating.
[Criz] That's how we do it Miri!
* Miriamele flicks her tail, and glares at the opposition defiantly...
[Miriamele] "Let's just hope they don't do it better... "
* Will closes his eyes and extends his arms, gathering some crackling bursts of electricity in his hands.
* Criz makes a fist and points it to Sentry C as the ring gives off a shimmer of light. A long stream of water spews out of the ring enraveling and encircling Criz. "Holy water of Althena, kill our enemies with your vengeful Tears of justice! AQUA RAGE!"
[Storyteller] SentrySphere C is vulnerable to Water! SentrySphere C takes 103 damage from Criz's spell.
[Audrey] Nice going Criz! ^-^
* Audrey acks and restarts her chanting, mumbling to herself.;
[Salah] Hmmm...
[Will] Woo!
* Criz smiles at the Sentry.
[Criz] One down guys, two to go.
* Lamont starts to chant as a white aura surrounds him his hands start to glow with white power, "Illumina, trusted by Althena as the Spirit of Light, I call upon your power to come to my aid. In your great name, I summon you to vanquish the darkness that stands before me! Let your power gather in my hands!"
[Lamont] Pulse Beam!
* Salah begins concentrating on her own magic.
[Storyteller] SentrySphere A takes 45 damage from Lamont's spell.
[Lamont] Damn.
[Criz] Don't worry about it Lamont.
* Lamont looks dejected.
* Audrey claps her hands together and chants lowly to herself. She begins to glow with a white aura and her eyes turn as pure as white. When she is done chanting, she feels her wisdom increase!
[Storyteller] Audrey's Wisdom rises by 38!
* Salah starts glowing.
* Salah closes her eyes tightly, a sudden white flash emanates from her causing her to float a few inches off the ground, and in a brilliant flash she returns to the ground the white aura around her gone.
[Storyteller] Salah's Reaction rises by 42!
[Will] All right... here... goes... !
* Will joins both hands, to then separate them slowly, forming a crackling ball of electricity between his palms. "Thunder Wall!!"
* Will motions his palms forward, shooting a virtual wall of sheet lightning at the enemy row! Fried!
[Storyteller] SentrySphere A regains 17 HP from Will's spell. SentrySphere C regains 26 HP from Will's spell!
[Audrey] Ack!
[Lamont] Um...
[Criz] WHAT?
[Will] O-oops!
[Storyteller] The energy courses around them before it's absorbed.
[Audrey] Note to ourselves... Thunder is bad!
* Lamont sighs sadly.
[Lamont] Sorry... I... was... wrong.
[Will] S-sorry... I guess I screwed up...
[Audrey] No... it's okay Will!
[Audrey] Now we know! ^_^
* Will smiles at Audrey.
[Lamont] I'm the one... who suggested it...
[Will] I'll do better next time!
* Audrey smiles back. ^_^
[Cassandra] Damn right you did screw up, Will!
* Lamont looks down and sighs.
* Audrey glares at Cassandra and... hisses? O_O
[Salah] Cassandra!
[Audrey] Shh! Not now!
[Storyteller] Sentry Sphere A reaches out with a bolt of lightning and zaps Will for his trouble! Will takes 27 damage from SentrySphere's spell.
[Lamont] No Cassandra, it was my fault... I did it... I told him to do it...
[Will] W-wah! o_o
[Salah] Don't be mean, at least he tried!
[Cassandra] You guys take things WAY too seriously...
[Audrey] Will!
[Miriamele] Don't worry about it! We'll deal with it!
[Lamont] I should... have... just shut up...
[Storyteller] Sentry Sphere B zaps Cassandra 'cause she's a bitch and the electro-shock therapy might to some good! Cassandra takes 42 damage from SentrySphere's spell.
[Cassandra] YOU MOTHER FUCKING PIECE OF SHIT!
* Criz look sat Lamont.
[Criz] Snap out of you two! ACT LIKE MEN!
[Lamont] A-Are you OK?
* Will shakes his head a few times, and is thrown off-balance by Cassandra's scream.
* Lamont mentally bashes himself.
[Storyteller] Sentry Sphere C "rolls" through the air, slamming into Miri. SentrySphere missed!
* Cassandra slides up next to Lamont and looks ready to kick some major ass.

Combat! Round Two!

[Storyteller] Enemy: Sentry Sphere A, B, C
[Storyteller] Ally Front: Audrey, Criz, Miri
[Storyteller] Ally Middle: Salah, Lyle
[Storyteller] Ally Rear: Cass, Will, Lamont
[Salah] Be careful everyone!
* Lamont ponders if he should even try anything this round... he'll probably just screw up...
[Audrey] Fight hard, everyone! We can do this!
[Lamont] A-are you OK... Cassandra?
[Cassandra] No! That fucking piece of shit is gonna DIE!
[Lamont] I see...
* Lamont looks back down.
* Salah winces at Cassandra's words.
* Audrey sighs at Cassandra. -_-
* Salah closes her eyes, with sudden burst of wind and light, a strange circular pillar of wind encircles Salah and her target. She throws her hands into the air and the pillar stretches upward as does the target in a flash the wind becomes a faint blue shield wraps closely around the target.
[Storyteller] The spell fizzles. Sentry Sphere A has already taken damage.
[Storyteller] Lyle MOVEs to the Front Row.
[Will] . o O (Where are all these things coming from... ? This is all way past current technology... floating orbs!? If I only knew how they worked... I hope these don't melt! They would be super useful!)
* Salah sighs.
[Salah] It didn't work.
* Miriamele backflips towards Sphere A, unleashing the darts as she goes! As soon as she reaches right in front of the Sphere, she leaps high into the air, bringing her knife down hard upon the enemy!
[Storyteller] Critical Hit! SentrySphere takes 61 damage. Miriamele hits SentrySphere for 16 damage. It sparks and fizzles... After shaking in the air a bit, it falls to the ground and rolls down the tunnel into a corner.
[Audrey] Ha! ^_^
[Miriamele] HA!!
* Audrey high-fives Miri ^_^
* Miriamele stands triumphantly amidst the wreckage.
[Storyteller] Sentry Sphere A is DEAD!
* Will catches the resting place of the orb with his eyes and smiles inwardly... no need to worry about that one, at least!
* Criz spins his nun chucks in front of him so fast that they seem invisible. He runs towards the Sentry as he swings his right chucks at it like a bat and then drives the other chucks down like a hammer. He then backflips as his feet smack the Sentry. Criz holds the chucks under his arms as he like the wind quickly lashes out with both of the chucks hitting him twice. He then flips into the air and lands on top of the Sentry.
[Storyteller] Criz attacks 6 times, dealing a total of 74 damage!
* Lamont mumbles to himself...
* Lamont starts to chant as a white aura surrounds him his hands start to glow with white power, "Illumina, trusted by Althena as the Spirit of Light, I call upon your power to come to my aid. In your great name, I summon you to vanquish the darkness that stands before me! Let your power gather in my hands!"
[Lamont] Pulse Beam!
[Storyteller] SentrySphere B takes 41 damage from Lamont's spell.
* Lamont mumbles.
* Audrey opens her eyes and smiles, raising her hands to the sky. She whispers a soothing, musical mantra... "Whisper of the goddess... hear my prayer... and help us in our time of trouble! Heal Aura!" A swath of light encircles the row, and seeps gently into their bodies!
[Storyteller] Cassandra is healed to Full. Will is healed to Full!
* Lamont is um... healed even fuller!
[Will] Thanks, Audrey!
[Cassandra] Uh... ummm... Th... Thanks...
* Will joins his hands, calling forth glittering shards of crystal... followed by a swift motion of his hands, they join together to form a sparkling spear of diamond! "Diamond Lance!!"
* Will holds the sharp weapon in his right hand and hurls it at Sentry C, the spear cleaving the air with ease and impaling the target with spiky goodness!
[Storyteller] SentrySphere C takes 65 damage from Will's spell.
[Audrey] No problem!
[Lamont] I... Nevermind...
[Storyteller] Sentry Sphere B splits down the middle. A hail of small silver balls shoot out, whipping around Miriamele. Bolt Trap! (If she does anything hostile she'll get zapped for it.)
* Miriamele gets a look for frustration on her face.
* Will silently thanks destiny for his wearing strong gloves, without which he'd probably have cut his hand to ribbons with the diamond lance. ^_^
[Audrey] Miri!
[Criz] .oO(Come on guys, we got to get rid of these things fast! Who knows where Lynna is and if she's ok.) *nods his head* .oO(What's wrong with me?") looks at Miri* "MIRI!" .oO(Wait... why am I caring for all of them? No... I can't show them. I... have no friends. I'll keep it that way!)
[Storyteller] Sentry Sphere C begins to twirl around rapidly. Lightning shoots out the equator, bouncing of the walls and lancing through the front row. Audrey takes 0 damage from SentrySphere's spell. Criz takes 46 damage from SentrySphere's spell. Miriamele takes 37 damage from SentrySphere's spell. Lyle takes 43 damage from SentrySphere's spell.
[Will] Ouch.
[Audrey] Whoa!
[Salah] Audrey! Criz! Miri! Sir Lyle!
[Audrey]Ah...
[Salah] Are you all right?
[Miriamele] Agh!
[Audrey] I'm okay! Don't worry... looks like I heal you two next...
* Miriamele keeps standing.
[Miriamele] I'll be fine... just... we gotta kill those things!
* Criz falls back, he gets back up to one knee.
[Will] I noticed! ^_^ Nothing seems to hurt you!
[Audrey] Oh... you'd be surprised...
* Audrey remembers the lion and shivers.
* Criz gets back to both feet.
[Criz] Now now, didn't mommy ever show you to be nice to your guests!?
* Cassandra coils her whip around her hands, and grins wickedly. She unfurls the whip and lashes it out at SentrySphere B, snapping with a sickening crack!
* Lamont watches Cassandra attack.
[Storyteller] SentrySphere takes 54 damage from Cassandra's weapon skill.
[Lamont] T-that was a good hit... Cassandra.
[Criz] If you can anyone... heal me.
[Audrey] I'm on it, Criz!
* Criz looks at Audrey.
[Criz] Thanks Audrey, I owe you one. *gives her a smile, but then immediately gives her a cold look* .oO(Must remember... no friends!)
* Audrey blinks. O_o
[Audrey] . o O ( Criz is being odd... again... what else is new )

Combat! Round Three!

[Storyteller] Enemy: Sentry Sphere B, C
[Storyteller] Ally Front: Audrey, Lyle, Miri, Criz
[Storyteller] Ally Rear: Cassandra, Lamont, Salah, Will
[Storyteller] Ally Middle collapsed into Ally Rear.
* Salah glances at Audrey and Criz.
* Salah sighs and begins chanting.
* Lamont quietly starts chanting... this time not sounding so sure of himself.
* Salah closes her eyes and lowers her head, a loud whistling noise can be heard as well as the sounds of an ocean. With a sudden flash a torrent of water circles around Salah reaching high into the sky it splashes down upon the enemy row and splits into several directions, becoming solid sheets of ice. With a thrust of Salah's arms the ice shatters into several thousand pieces and slams into the enemy line!!
[Storyteller] Sentry Sphere is Vulnerable to Ice! SentrySphere B takes 99 damage and is destroyed! Sentry Sphere C takes 100 damage and is destroyed!

Victory!

Underground, Reza

[Will] Go Salah!
[Audrey] Ha!
* Criz looks at Salah.
[Criz] Good going!
[Will] We did it!
[Criz] Yes we won, we all get a cookie. But come on, we can't waste time.
* Miriamele looks up to see if anything else awaits them in the passage ahead...
[Miriamele] Shhh... Quiet guys...
* Lamont claps his hands, making another ball of light appear.
* Will heads over to the corner which holds the remains of Sentry Sphere A and examines it- first waiting and checking to see it doesn't melt.;
[Lamont] At least I can still do this...
* Audrey turns to her friends.
* Audrey opens her eyes and smiles, raising her hands to the sky. She whispers a soothing, musical mantra... "Whisper of the goddess... hear my prayer... and help us in our time of trouble! Heal Aura!" A swath of light encircles the front row, and seeps gently into their bodies!
[Audrey] There... !
[Storyteller] Everybody is Healed back to Full!
[Salah] I-I did it!
[Salah] I beat them.
* Criz paces back and forth. .oO(This is all too much like before... Sarah was taken from us out of nowhere... and now Lynna. Oh goddess, can lightning strike in the same place twice?)
[Lyle] Nice magic there, Ice Princess.
* Audrey hugs Salah.
[Audrey] Nice going!
* Will picks up the Orb and after a look or two, stashes it in his backpack
[Cassandra] Kiss ass.
* Lamont looks down at his feet and the shadow caused by the ball of light.
[Audrey] Now let's find Lynna!
[Criz] Yes, please!
[Cassandra] Lamont, what's wrong?
* Audrey walks on.
[Lamont] N-nothing...
* Criz heads off with Audrey.
* Salah looks at Lyle.
[Salah] Thank you, but I'm not really an Ice Princess.
[Cassandra] You sure you don't wanna talk?
[Lamont] I-I... was stupid... I suggested the lightning magic... and... I shouldn't have...
[Lyle] Could'a fooled me... Let's just get moving.
* Criz walks up to Audrey and talks in a cold manner.
[Criz] Audrey?
* Cassandra snickers.
[Cassandra] Don't worry. You didn't do anything wrong. I was just fucking with him.
* Miriamele stealthily scouts around up ahead...
* Will resumes the walk through the tunnel.
[Lamont] I do a lot of things wrong...
[Audrey] Coming!
* Salah quickly follows everyone.
* Lamont brings up the rear of the party.
* Audrey looks at Criz, ignoring his coldness for now.
* Cassandra looks at Lamont with concern.
[Cassandra] You sure you're alright?
[Storyteller] The tunnel continues on much the same... You have no idea how long it is, but it certainly seems like it should have taken a great deal of time to dig...
[Storyteller] At least for a human mining team.
[Criz] Do you consider me... as a... friend?
[Audrey] Of course.
[Salah] Hey guys, I still think that someone is waiting for us at the end here...
[Lamont] I guess I'll be OK... after I get over all the mistakes I've made lately...
* Criz nods his head and says nothing.
[Cassandra] You haven't made any mistakes.
[Audrey] Lynna... ? Where are you...
[Storyteller] After another 15 or 20 minutes of walking, you see a light up ahead. Miriamele, being in the lead, stops before the party is spotted.
[Will] . o O (Strange... was whoever built these things contemplating entering that place before we got here... ? I don't think those machines can dig that fast. Maybe they made up that device... ? But that doesn't make sense, nor the fact that... no, I'd better concentrate on helping find Lynna.)
* Lamont looks at Cassandra, puzzled.
[Lamont] I... have... haven't I? I should have done some things a lot differently...
[Lyle] Everybody shush.
[Cassandra] I don't think so...
* Audrey gulps.
[Will] Huh... ? What's wrong?
* Lyle slides up nearer to Miri...
* Cassandra shuts up.
* Miriamele quickly returns to tell the group.
[Miriamele] Shush guys... there's a light up ahead.
[Will] Oo-ops;
* Lamont looks at Cassandra looking a little happier, still half confused.
* Lyle joins Miri back at the group...
* Miriamele quietly darts up ahead again to take a better look at what lay ahead...
[Criz] What's... going on?
* Salah edges a little closer to the exit to see if she can catch anything.
[Lamont] Not... even... back in town... that wasn't a mistake... ?
[Audrey] What's going on... hmm.
* Audrey shuts up. ^_^;
* Criz takes out a wrinkled picture of his lost sister, Sarah.
* Will takes the light off his tunic and flips it off, putting it with his backpack's other dwellers.
* Criz looks at everyone so quiet.
[Salah] There's about 12 of them...
* Will looks enquiringly at Lyle.
[Salah] A lot like those vile guys we met before.
[Audrey] Wonderful...
[Will] 12... ? Do you feel them outside, Salah?
* Cassandra sighs.
[Audrey] If we can catch them by surprise...
[Cassandra] Fuck me...
[Criz] Vile tribe again?
* Lamont looks at Cassandra.
[Lamont] What... ?
[Will] I don't think so... they're probably here to watch this tunnel.
[Cassandra] Nevermind...
[Salah] But I can't tell what they're thinking about, it-it's too hard.
[Lamont] What's wrong... ?
[Will] Only one way... I guess...
[Criz] Don't strain yourself Salah.
[Audrey] But I thought Viles were rather... dim...
[Cassandra] Damn Viles is what's wrong. They're a pain in my fucking ass.
[Audrey] They could be stronger than what we expect... keep your wits about you... everyone...
* Will drags his heavy, two-handed mace out and holds it with difficulty
[Will] L-let's go...
* Miriamele creeps ever-cautiously closer, attempting to get a look at what lay below in the chamber ahead...
[Lamont] Don't worry Cassandra... I'll...
[Lamont] N-nevermind.
[Salah] Wait...
[Cassandra] What?
[Salah] They... they're working on... on something... I don't know what...
[Lamont] N-nothing.
* Will follows behind rather less noiselessly than Miri.
* Audrey creeps along.
[Salah] Maybe if we move quietly and sneak up to them we can surprise them...
* Cassandra looks at Lamont confused.
* Criz slowly and quietly follows.
* Miriamele looks back at the oncoming group, holding out her hand as though to say "Stop!"
[Lamont] What's wrong... ?
* Miriamele returns to the group, whispering.
[Miriamele] There's this big, uh, vessel of some kind up ahead. It's like a dock sorta...
[Storyteller] Everybody creeps up to the exit of the tunnel. Looking out, you can see a large room. Sitting in the center is a shiny silver wedge-shaped craft. There are about half a dozen people working on it, although there maybe be more inside or underneath. Up against the entrance to the tunnel is one of those stair-trucks like they have in airports. It's the only way from where you are down to the floor of this bay; a bay obviously designed to handle craft much larger than the already impressive one sitting in it right now.

As you look across, you can see some sort of glassed in control area set into the wall. One, maybe two people are walking around up there. It's hard to tell. The room must be at least four hundred feet across. The ceiling is another 50 feet above you. Recessed into it is a large iris gate.

Quite simply this is like nothing you've ever seen before...
[Audrey] Wow...
[Miriamele] I dunno if we should make a break for it... we'd be practically asking for a fight.
* Criz looks on.
* Lamont slides up next to Cassandra, but keeps a safe distance.
* Will perks up excitedly, taking everything in with shining eyes.
[Audrey] O_o Oh by Althena's name...
[Audrey] This is incredible!
[Voice] Could you hand me a reverse jesus clip... Yep... Thanks...
[Criz] Yeah you can say that!
[Will] (w) This is incredible!! Great!! Oh, look at this place... it's... it's... give me a day or two to study this!!
* Salah jaw drops as she wows all the fancy objects around the area.
[Voice] Watch where you stick that clamp.
[Lamont] I've got an idea... why don't we make a lot of noise and let them all know we're here...
* Cassandra smiles at Lamont and moves up right next to him.
[Salah] (w) Keep your voices down everyone...
[Lamont] I mean... I'm sorry...
[Criz] I got a better idea... why don't we shut up?
* Audrey hmms.
* Will is barely in control of himself, his instincts as inventor's assistant screaming to go out and touch things.
[Voice] JESUS! Damnit, hand me another one.
[Criz] Hmmm... if it was up to me I say we steal those two down there's clothes.
* Lamont blushes at Cassandra.
[Lamont] I-I was going to say...
[Lamont] If you don't like the Vile Tribe...
[Storyteller] Something goes twinging, bouncing and skittering across the bay.
[Criz] If we had enough of those outfits, we can disguise ourselves as them.
[Will] (w) Let's go! We can't miss this chance!!
[Lamont] I'll... protect you from them...
* Audrey just gapes at it all. ^_^;
[Storyteller] They look like the ugly pointy eared creatures you've seen before, but they're all wearing pale gray robes.
[Criz] So... what do we do?
[Cassandra] Thank you, Lamont...
* Lamont blushes some.
[Lamont] Not that you need me to...
* Criz rolls his eyes at Lamont.
* Salah looks around hoping for anyway to get across to that room several hundred feet away.
* Will approaches the stair-truck, looking for a way to operate it.
[Storyteller] There is a control panel at the top of the ladder. It has a steering wheel and a joystick control for the truck.
[Miriamele] One of us could be a distraction...
[Criz] Right here.
[Criz] Got to make myself useful.
[Criz] It's not like blushy blush boy over there is gonna help out right now.
[Will] Okay, Criz! Come help me!
[Audrey] Be careful everyone...
* Will rubs his hands.
[Audrey] Shh! O_o Will!
* Lamont looks at Criz.
[Lamont] What... ? Me?
* Will yanks Criz along to the ladder quickly.
[Salah] What about that thing Will?
* Miriamele's ears droop...
[Miriamele] Oogh... Will...
* Criz gets yanked by Will and follows.
* Salah points to the truck.
[Miriamele] Alright, go distract, Criz. Try not to get yourself killed, alright?
* Will takes hold of the steering wheel and flips the joystick a couple of times, gently.
[Will] Ooh...
[Criz] (W) Ok Will, what do you want me to do? Scream and shout like Cass usually does?
[Storyteller] The ladder moves up and down a bit as he flips the joystick...
[Voice] What the hell?!
[Storyteller] The men slip off the sides of the craft and land on the floor.
* Lamont looks over at Cassandra.
[Will] Oops!
* Salah quickly climbs down the ladder and falls in as Will moves it.
[Criz] Will for goodness sake!
* Will flips the joystick all the way down and grabs the steering wheel.
* Audrey follows Salah.
* Cassandra is looking at the ship.
[Will] Let's improvise!
[Audrey] Will! O_o Are you nuts!
[Criz] Go for it.
[Voice] GateKeeper! Security Breach! Code Alpha!
* Salah topples over Will.
[Cassandra] Good job, jack ass...
[GateKeeper] Responding... Dispatching Sentry Spheres...
[Storyteller] The disembodied voice booms through the room...
* Audrey topples over Will as well, making a lovely mess.
* Will starts the truck and drives on to the general direction of the group of peons.
[Will] G-gaaha!!
[Audrey] Oomph!
[Criz] Ok that's it, they know we're here. I'm going to go distract them while the rest of you head off.
[Salah] How is he doing that... ?
* Will is flattened down. @_@
[Voice] System Override! Ladder Truck! Code Charlie!
[Lamont] We've got to help him...
* Audrey quickly gets off.
[Audrey] Sorry Will...
* Salah climbs off of Will and sits in the seat beside him.
[Miriamele] We gotta get off this thing!
[Criz] Will, don't mess up while I have my butt on the line ok?
* Audrey um... has no where to sit. :/
[Cassandra] But they're over there, we're still up here...
[Storyteller] The truck grinds to a a stop, sending everybody sliding down the stairs into a heap on the floor.
[Will] W-whaa!
* Miriamele leaps off the truck, landing safely on the ground.
* Will is flattened yet again onto the floor.
* Criz rolls on the floor, as he quickly gets back up in a fighting stance.
* Lamont falls to the ground, providing a pillow for whoever lands on top of him.
[Lamont] That smarted...
* Audrey screams and falls on a random person.
* Cassandra lands on top of Lamont.
* Criz eyes Will.
* Will coughs and stands up, feeling busted.

Boss Battle! Round One!

[Storyteller] Enemy Rear: 5 Sentry Spheres
[Storyteller] Enemy Front: 8 Technoicians.
[Storyteller] "Everywhere": GateKeeper Security System
* Lamont looks at Cassandra, "Are you OK?"
[Will] S-system override... h-huh...
[Criz] .oO(Damn child, if it wasn't for him we might have never been noticed!)
* Audrey quickly hops up, looking dazed.
[Cassandra] Yeah. You?
* Cassandra gets off Lamont and pulls him up off the ground.
* Lamont blushes.
[Lamont] I'm... well... fine...
* Lamont gets up with Cassandra's help.
[Lamont] I said I'd protect you... heh... not that you need it... "
* Lamont still has a red face from the fall.
[Lamont] I'm going to... try and flash...
* Lamont looks back at Cassandra, still blushing.
* Lamont attempts to shake the red blush off and concentrate.
[Criz] Hey blushy, ready to show these monsters how to fight?
[Storyteller] Lyle rushes at Technoician A, faking a strike with his sword, but backfisting the guy with his steel armbrace instead. Critical Hit! Technoician takes 69 damage and dies!
* Criz looks at Lamont and laughs a bit.
* Lamont glances at Criz.
[Criz] Take it out on them.
[Lamont] Take what out?
[Criz] Forget it Lamont... *rolls eyes*
* Miriamele attacks Technoician B! Charging forward, she unleashes a volley of darts, before impaling the poor fool on her dagger!
[Storyteller] Critical Hit! Technoician takes 73 damage and dies!
[Storyteller] Defaulting to C! Miriamele hits Technoician for 13 damage.
[Lamont] You know Criz... you are really rude to me, and you don't hardly know me.
[Cassandra] Criz, leave him alone...
[Audrey] Yeah... stop Criz... This isn't the time... No offense.
[Criz] It's never the time with you people.
* Lamont seems to be showing a little spine in this battle.
[Audrey] Well, we're always fighting!
[Criz] Just everyone shut up and fight.
* Audrey begins to chant.
* Criz pays no mind to anyone, and just pays attention to the battle at hand.
[Lamont] I've got a job to do... and I intend to do it...
[Criz] ("I don't like acting so harsh towards all of them, but if I must I must. Besides, now Lamont can take out his anger he has for me out on them. That's one good thing I've done so far.")
* Criz spins his chucks and hurls them both towards the enemies. He then dives towards them attacking like an untamed beast, striking as if he had no fear. He runs back to his spot with a cold look on his face... Criz sneezes. "Damn Dust!"
[Storyteller] Critical Hit! Technoician D takes 59 damage. Criz hits Technoician D for 11 damage. Technoician D dies!
[Storyteller] Defaulting to E. Criz hits Technoician E for 6 damage. Criz hits Technoician E for 3 damage. Criz hits Technoician E for 11 damage. Critical Hit! Technoician E takes 61 damage and dies!
* Salah looks at Criz. .oO(I wonder what he was like before his sister... ?)
[Criz] There you go, you see now that wasn't too hard.
[Storyteller] Technocian C pulls out his hydrospanner and thwacks Audrey with it. Audrey is DAZEd.
[Will] A-Audrey!!
* Audrey blinks.
[Audrey] Weeeeeeeeeeee...
* Audrey twirls.
[Salah] Audrey... ?
[Will] Audrey... ?
* Criz looks at Audrey.
[Storyteller] Technoician F rushes up to Will and makes a might swing at his head with the mace... Technoician hits Will for 21 damage.
[Will] Aah!!
* Will is shot back somewhat from the hit, a trickle of blood running down his forehead.
* Audrey shakes off the daze quickly, blinking.
[Audrey] Why am I being a ballerina?
[Audrey] Agh!
* Audrey rights herself.
[Storyteller] Technocian G hurls his hydrospanner at Salah... Salah is DAZEd!
[Will] Aaah! Not Salah too!
[Audrey] What... ?
[Storyteller] Technoician H rushes at Lyle and thwacks him upside the head with his mace.
[Storyteller] Technoician missed Lyle!
[Audrey] Neener.
* Audrey makes a face at the Technoician!
[GateKeeper] Activate Magic Dispersion Field...
[Audrey] Huh... ?
[Will] Um...
[Audrey] Oh please tell me that's not what I think it is...
* Lamont snaps his eyes open.
[Lamont] That doesn't sound good.
[Storyteller] All of the skill characters get a whammy of a headache.
[Criz] Activate Magic Dispersion Field? What does that mean?
* Audrey staggers back and whimpers.
* Criz holds head and groans.
[Storyteller] The rounded characters and Lamont feel like somebody just stepped all over them with steel-toed boots.
[Lamont] Hey!
[Will] Ouch!!
* Salah plops on the ground and giggles...
* Audrey cries.
[Salah] Lookie at all the ponies ...
[Will] System Override! GateKeeper! Code Charlie!
[Lamont] Make 'em count!
[Audrey] Salah... ?
[GateKeeper] Invalid Voice Print... Activating Interregotmeter...
[Will] Didn't work... !
* Criz ponders.
[Storyteller] Some thing slides out of the floor to the left, it rotates, then zaps Will with a shiny silver energy beam.
[Cassandra] We're fucked, we're fucked, we're fucked, we're fucked, we're fucked... Have I mentioned that we're fucked?
[Audrey] Will!!
[Will] Waaah!!
[Storyteller] Will looses 22 MP.
[Audrey] No! Will!
[Lamont] Calm down everyone. Focus!
[Salah] GateKeeper Override! Code Pretty ponies... hee heee! I feel like hugging the world!
[GateKeeper] Invalid Voice Print... Activating Interregotmeter...
* Audrey smirks evilly.
[Audrey] Hug Cassandra instead!
[Will] Things aren't... working out well for me today... I guess...
[Cassandra] You do that, just stay away from me.
[Storyteller] Salah looses 28 MP.
[Cassandra] She does and you're dead, Audrey.
* Lamont looks at Cassandra for a second, smirks and goes back to the battle.
* Audrey sticks her tongue out at Cassandra.
[Audrey] You take things too seriously, Cassandra. ;D
* Audrey giggles that she now has a spine. :D
[Cassandra] Yeah, well go stick that tongue of yours up your ass.
* Lamont looks at the front row of enemies.
* Lamont closes his eyes... his hands start to glow, "Oh source of all light, show yourself at this time hide my presence from the sight of the shadows of darkness that stand before me! Light come forth!"
[Lamont] Flash!
[Storyteller] All Technoicians are BLINded for 6 rounds!
[Audrey] Humph.
[Lamont] Alright!
* Cassandra smiles at Lamont.
[Cassandra] Good job, Lamont.
* Criz looks at Lamont.
* Lamont blushes a little.
[Lamont] Now they won't touch you, Cassandra...
* 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! "Tears of the Heavens! Shooting Star!"
[Criz] Nice going... *looks away*
[Audrey] I hope that doesn't ruin the ceiling...
[Storyteller] For a moment, you think the spell might have failed. But then you hear something smashing against the door up above.
[Audrey] Ack!
* Will looks upwards...
[Audrey] Oops?
[Storyteller] It buckles, bends, and cracks. Lumps of metal rain down along with your shooting stars...
* Audrey looks triumphant at her attack!
[Lamont] Well, we're certainly making an entrance.
[Audrey] I think this overconfidence some of you have is rubbing off on me...
[Lamont] Overconfidence...
[Audrey] It could be a bad thing...
[Criz] Who's like that here?
* Audrey straightens.
[Audrey] Nothing...
[Storyteller] SentrySpheres are vulnerable to Star!
[Storyteller] SentrySphere A takes 86 damage from Audrey's spell. SentrySphere B takes 92 damage from Audrey's spell. SentrySphere C takes 90 damage from Audrey's spell. SentrySphere D takes 97 damage from Audrey's spell. SentrySphere E takes 87 damage from Audrey's spell.
[Salah] Pretty Stars...
[Will] G-great!
[Audrey] Ha!
[Lamont] That's a good way to make you magic count.
[Audrey] You're a great mage yourself, Lamont!
* Lamont blushes a little.
[Lamont] I don't know about that... I just do what I can...
[Audrey] Don't be so modest.
[Audrey] Anyway... back to the battle at hand...
[Criz] .oO(Oh god, blushy dwarf here better keep his mind on the fight and away from them... )
[Storyteller] Salah giggles to herself, the hops over toward Criz... She acts all cute, hugging his arm and such, and then screams in his ear. Supersonic Litany! Criz takes 54 damage from Salah's spell.
[Audrey] Oh man...
[Will] Oops... !
[Audrey] S---salah... um... go... go hug... Cassandra!
[Lamont] I'd advise against that...
* Salah hops over and plops on the ground and starts grooming the floor.
* Will holds his heavy mace awkwardly with both hands, trying to keep it at a steady height. Swinging it backwards with an effort, he approaches the front row and swings the mace forward in a geometry-defying arc! "Hammer Swing!"
[Storyteller] Technocian C, F, G, and H get splattered against the far wall!
[Will] H-huff... heavy...
[Lamont] That was good, Will... took advantage of them.
[Will] Th-thanks; S-something right so far!
* Will steps back to the front row.
[Criz] So far so good Will, keep it up. Down to four enemies now.
[Lamont] You shouldn't be so modest... you've done a lot of good...
[Will] N-not really; I was the one who got us into this mess... so... and, there's still the Gatekeeper to worry about!
[Lamont] I'll deal with that...
[Cassandra] You know, Will, this is the second time this has happened to us because of you.
[Will] S-sorry, Cassandra...
[Criz] Will, I'll be blunt and say that yes you messed up big time and you got us into this spot. But hey... we all make mistakes.
[Storyteller] The five sentry spheres roll through the air towards the five characters in the front row.
* Lamont brings up his guard.
[Storyteller] SentrySphere A hits Criz for 2 damage.
[Storyteller] SentrySphere B hits Lamont for 21 damage.
[Storyteller] SentrySphere C missed Lyle!
[Criz] Wait... did you just tickle me?
[Lamont] H-hey!
* Lamont falls on his can.
[Cassandra] Woah, watch out there, Lamont.
[Lyle] Come on, get up Lamont!
* Lamont stumbles back up.
[Lamont] I'm fine...
* Cassandra helps Lamont stand up.
[Cassandra] You sure?
[Lamont] Yeah, I can't be defeated yet *smile*
[Storyteller] SentrySphere hits Will for 38 damage. Will is KONKed!
[Storyteller] SentrySphere hits Miriamele for 15 damage.
[Audrey] WILL!
[Criz] Good, spread your legs out more to prevent from falling. We can't have you hurt your rear right now.
* Will collapses on the ground, letting out a silent breath...
* Miriamele flies backwards, but manages to land back on her feet!
* Audrey growls.
[Audrey] Y... You'll pay for that!
[Salah] Will go BOOM!
[Salah] Hee hee...
* Cassandra curls her whip around herself. She lashes out gracefully at the spheres.
* Lamont looks back at Cassandra.
[Lamont] She's quite impressive at that...
[Storyteller] SentrySphere A takes 49 damage from Cassandra's weapon skill. SentrySphere B takes 50 damage from Cassandra's weapon skill. SentrySphere C takes 47 damage from Cassandra's weapon skill. entrySphere D takes 48 damage from Cassandra's weapon skill. SentrySphere E takes 55 damage from Cassandra's weapon skill.
* Criz glances at Cassandra.
* Cassandra lets out a quick breath of relief.
[Cassandra] Takes a lot of practice...
[Lamont] Good job Cassandra... maybe I should have you... protecting me. *light laugh*
[Criz] Well well, won't you do that again for me?

Boss Battle! Round Two!

[Storyteller] Enemy Front: Spheres A, B, C, D, E
[Storyteller] Enemy "Everywhere": GateKeeper
[Storyteller] Ally Front: Criz, Lamont, Lyle, Miri, Will
[Storyteller] Ally Rear: Audrey, Cassandra, Salah
[Storyteller] Salah is no longer DAZEd!
* Salah snaps outta it.
* Lamont looks back at Cassandra.
[Lamont] I hope you're OK...
[Salah] Huh... ?
* Salah looks around rubbing her head.
[Storyteller] Lyle attacks Sphere A!
[Lyle] Helooooooooooooooo!
[Storyteller] Lyle hits SentrySphere for 19 damage.
[Salah] Wha... t happened... ?
[Lamont] You guys take out those spheres...
* Lamont looks around.
[Lamont] Think I'll try to take down this Gate Keeper...
[Criz] Now don't go doing anything stupid that I would do to get hurt. Don't go playing hero!
[Miriamele] Let us glimpse into the fiery heart of the Forbidden Land! Solar Flare!!
* Miriamele casts Solar Flare! A ball of fiery light, too bright to look at, flares from amidst the enemies, expanding with a frightful roar as a searing heat to consumes them all!
[Storyteller] Sentry Spheres takes no damage from Miriamele's spell!
[Miriamele] I hoped that wouldn't happen...
[Criz] You see... a hero does this in times of need.
* Criz holds his nunchucks in his fists tightly, using them to punch his enemies harder. He charges and leaps in front of the Sentry and pounds on them. He then begins to spin his nunchucks with great speed as he hits them multiple times.
[Storyteller] Criz hits SentrySphere A for 14 damage. Critical Hit! SentrySphere takes 67 damage and is destroyed!
[Storyteller] Defaulting to B. Criz hits SentrySphere for 6 damage. Criz hits SentrySphere for 9 damage. Criz missed! Criz hits SentrySphere for 13 damage.
[Cassandra] So that's how a hero does it... You have some paper and something to write with so that I can take some pointers down?
* Lamont glances back at Cassandra.
[Gate Keeper] Magical Interdiction systems insufficient. Activating physical security measures.
[Storyteller] A large retaining wall slides up out of the floor...
[Audrey] Whaaaa?
* Audrey blinks at the wall.
[Lamont] Cassandra, are you alright?!
[Storyteller] The wall slides up nearly to the ceiling, or what's left of it, splitting the party in two.
[Storyteller] Two of the remaining spheres are on each side too.
* Cassandra blinks.
[Cassandra] I... uh... What the hell?
[Miriamele] ?!
* Audrey beats on the wall!
[Audrey] This isn't funny!
[Criz] What? Guys!
[Salah] Hey!
* Will stays on the ground on the left side. x_x
[Salah] What happened!?
* Lamont looks quite concerned.
[Criz] Audrey! Can you hear me?
[Audrey] I can't!

Boss Battle! Round Three Left!

[Storyteller] Audrey, Will, Miri, Lyle
* Audrey shuffles around in her bag and pulls out a clear blue bottle. She runs to Will, kneels down, and pulls his head into her lap. She opens the bottle and pours the contents into his mouth...
[Audrey] Hope this works...
[Storyteller] Will is unKONKed and regains 25 HP.
[Audrey] This one is past dated...
* Will coughs and stands up, feeling woozy.
[Audrey] Will! Are you all right?
[Will] Uh... hi Audrey.
* Will scratches his head.
[Will] Where were we... ?
* Audrey points at the really really really big wall.
[Audrey] We got separated.
[Will] Oops?
* Will looks at the spheres.
[Will] Right... let's take care of them first!
* Will holds his heavy mace awkwardly with both hands, trying to keep it at a steady height. Swinging it backwards with an effort, he approaches the front row and swings the mace forward in a geometry-defying arc! "Hammer Swing!"
[Storyteller] SentrySphere B takes 72 damage from Will's weapon skill and is destroyed! SentrySphere C takes 69 damage from Will's weapon skill and is destroyed!
[Audrey] Yes!

Left Side is Victorious!

* Audrey cheers!
[Will] Whew! ^_^
* Will lets go of his mace and flops down on the floor.
* Audrey hugs Will.
[Audrey] That was great! Right Miri?"
[Miriamele] Now we just need to get through this wall.
[Will] Thanks;
[Audrey] Yeah... but how?
* Miriamele picks up Will. No time to rest...

Boss Battle! Round Three, Right Side!

[Lamont] Let's go, we've gotta finish quickly...
* Cassandra nods.
* Salah bangs on the wall with her fists.
[Salah] What is this made of?
* Cassandra looks at the wall.
[Salah] Certainly not out of wood.
[Lamont] We'll worry about the wall later.
* Criz charges at the Sentry's as he goes head on with them. Not caring about his own self, he lashes out at them with Anger. Through the midst of the fighting you hear Criz softly say "Lynna... Sarah... why them?" He continues to fight hitting and kicking, throwing everything he has at them. He heads back to his spot, and looks at his hands to see them red and a little bloody. A tear falls on his hand and rolls down and up his sleeve. He
[Lamont] Bad guys come first.
* Storyteller hit the wrong key and lost the individual rolls... Sphere D is destroyed!
* Criz just stares as the Sentry is destroyed.
[Criz] That one was for the girl in black.
* Lamont clangs his claws together.
[Lamont] We can't spend too much time occupied... we got to take care of this.
* Lamont rolls over to a sphere and let's loose on it.
[Storyteller] None of Lamont's attacks do any damage! His claws make pretty sparks, but barely scratch the paint.
* Lamont rolls back... dejected.
* Salah closes her eyes tightly, a sudden white flash emanates from her causing her to float a few inches off the ground, in a brilliant flash she returns to the ground the white aura around her gone.
[Storyteller] Salah's Reaction rises by 44!
* Lamont looks pretty concerned at Cassandra.
* Cassandra coils her whip around her hands, and grins wickedly. She unfurls the whip and lashes it out at sphere, snapping with a sickening crack!
* Lamont watches Cassandra's attack.
[Lamont] All I can say is... wow...
[Storyteller] SentrySphere takes 55 damage from Cassandra's weapon skill and is destroyed!

Right Side is Victorious!

[Criz] And all I can say is... I rather not say.
* Lamont looks at Criz.
[Lamont] You should really be more polite to the ladies...
[Criz] I wasn't talking about the lady, Lamont.
* Lamont looks at Cassandra.
[Lamont] Are you OK?
[Cassandra] Yeah, why wouldn't I be?