Midnight Serenade
Chapter 14

Session Start: Sat May 29 1999 23:40
Session Close: Sun May 30 1999 03:24
Elapsed Time: 3h, 44m
Total Elapsed: 70h, 37m


Cast (In Order of Appearance)
  • Nicole "Lucca" Dinner as Audrey Nanshete
  • Danny Capote as Cassandra Kalikar
  • Jeremy "Bahamut" Baker as Miriamele
  • "Windstar" as Salah Paria
  • Travis "Enygma" Saucier as Lamont Lockeheart
  • Richard "RPG Storen" Gregorio as Lynna Handred
  • "Andrew" as Finn MacGovray
  • J. Desorme as Will Dosyani
  • Criz as Criz
  • Supporting Cast: Elder, Jazmine, Man x4
  • Enemies: Vargomere

  • Audrey's Dream

    [Storyteller] You find yourself sitting awake in your bed the Baroton Bed & Breakfast.
    * Audrey yawns a bit.
    [Storyteller] Carried on some ethereal wind, you hear a man's voice singing. High in the tenor range, the keening wails of a soul tormented with desire beckon you.
    [Audrey] ... Such a pretty voice... But...
    [Storyteller] The voice draws you out of bed.
    * Audrey feels something lead her on, as she becomes enraptured by the haunting song...
    [Storyteller] You find yourself moving towards the door, opening it, and heading down the stairs.
    * Audrey tunes out everything but the voice, being driven on by the sole fact she has to know...
    [Storyteller] Exiting the B&B, you find your feet guiding you towards the back side of town, in the direction of the foothills. Glancing around, the song still pulling you along, you notice you're following a well-beat en trail.
    * Audrey's feet walk softly on the earth, her nightgown fluttering in the unseen breeze.
    [Audrey] ... He must be nearby... must be... I have to know...
    [Storyteller] The voice gets louder as you walk, the wail pulling you in. You see the mine up ahead... you walk in... and the dream ends.

    Cassandra's Dream

    [Storyteller] You find yourself sitting awake in your bed the Baroton Bed & Breakfast.
    * Cassandra looks around.
    [Storyteller] Carried on some ethereal wind, you hear a man's voice singing. High in the tenor range, the keening wails of a soul tormented with desire beckon you.
    * Cassandra blinks...
    [Cassandra] Hmmm...
    * Cassandra goes in the direction of the sound.
    [Storyteller] You find yourself moving towards the door, opening it, and heading down the stairs.
    * Cassandra looks around at her surroundings as she goes towards the singing.
    [Storyteller] Exiting the B&B, you find your feet guiding you towards the back side of town, in the direction of the foothills. Glancing around, the song still pulling you along, you notice you're following a well beat en trail.
    [Cassandra] . o O (Looks like I'm not the only one that's been through here... )
    * Cassandra continues going towards the music.
    [Storyteller] The voice gets louder as you walk, the wail pulling you in. You see the mine up ahead... you walk in... and the dream ends.

    Lynna's Dream

    [Storyteller] You hear a voice wailing over the wind. You shrug it off, roll over, and go back to bed.

    Miriamele's Dream

    [Storyteller] You find yourself sitting awake in your bed the Baroton Bed & Breakfast.
    * Miriamele looks about... :P
    [Storyteller] Carried on some ethereal wind, you hear a man's voice singing. High in the tenor range, the keening wails of a soul tormented with desire beckon you.
    * Miriamele throws on some clothing, and enthusiastically goes out to have a look see.
    [Miriamele] ?
    [Storyteller] The song drags on your soul, pulling the energy from you but not the desire to follow it to its source.
    * Miriamele treads onward, a little more wary now... She really wishes she could have slept more... -_-
    [Storyteller] The beautiful voice has little threat to it. Your feet guide you towards the back side of town, in the direction of the foothills.
    * Miriamele proceeds, ever-diligently onwards...
    [Storyteller] You travel up and over all the trail. Arriving at the entrance to the mine you stop, and the dream ends.

    Salah's Dream

    [Storyteller] You find yourself sitting awake in your bed the Baroton Bed & Breakfast.
    * Salah looks about, and sighs heavily.
    [Storyteller] Carried on some ethereal wind, you hear a man's voice singing. High in the tenor range, the keening wails of a soul tormented with desire beckon you.
    * Salah holds her pendant loosely in her hand. She looks up at the window... hearing the voice.
    [Salah] Such... such a beautiful voice...
    [Storyteller] The lure of the song bids you to rise.
    * Salah stands up and goes over to the door, opening it slowly and quietly.
    [Storyteller] Walking down the hall, you feel something brushing against your arm; but it vanishes as quickly as it came. You turn, your feet echoing softly on the stairs as you walk down them.
    * Salah is enraptured by the strange singing voice, and loosens her grip on her pendant... dropping it to the ground with a clink.
    [Storyteller] The voice wafts through the air, pulling you toward the back side of town. You walk down the trail towards the mine.
    * Salah steps out the door and heads toward the hills and on the beaten trail up to the mine.
    [Storyteller] As you enter, the dream ends.

    The Next Morning

    [Storyteller] Finn, Lamont, Lynna, and Will wake in the morning (Criz too). Heading downstairs, they find the dining room conspicuously empty.
    * Lamont is, as usual, keeping to himself
    * Lynna is taking her sweet time walking to the dining room... when she spots something glimmering on the floor.
    * Finn yawns and stretches...
    [Finn] Hey... where is everybody?
    * Will rubs his eyes, rested, though pale-looking.
    * Lynna bends down and swipes it off the ground, walking to join the others.
    [Lynna] Alright... I've had enough of this... where's that Salah...
    [Will] The... er, Audrey, Miri and Salah are missing... are they still asleep?
    [Finn] What did you find, Lynna?
    * Lynna holds out her hand.
    [Lynna] Guess. :p
    * Lamont draws, but perks up at the mention of party members missing.
    [Lamont] What about Cassandra?
    * Will looks around the dining hall.
    [Will] I think... she's also missing... ^^;
    [Finn] Mmm...
    [Lamont] This does not bode well for our cause.
    [Finn] Well, where could they have gone?
    [Lynna] What... did they want to go to those damn springs that badly?
    [Lamont] Not likely.
    [Will] But... they should have taken you along if that was the case, right Lynna?
    [Lamont] They didn't get you... Where is that other girl? The skirt chick.
    * Will hmms...
    * Lynna shrugs.
    [Lynna] I'm not much for that purifying mumbo-jumbo anyway...
    [Will] Wh-who... ?
    [Lynna] Maybe that other girl went with them... she did have that soap that they needed.
    [Finn] I highly doubt they went to the springs.
    [Storyteller] You hear a large number of voices outside. A good deal of them seem to be yelling about something.
    * Finn cocks his head sideways, then heads outside to see what the fuss is about.
    [Will] . o O (This doesn't make sense... it's still early morning, and knowing them, they would have waited to tell us, and take Lynna along too. Besides- what's that?)
    [Lamont] I bet this has something to do with our missing girls...
    * Lamont walks outside
    [Will] Let's hope not... !
    * Lynna folds her arms into her deep colored robes and looks at all the commotion with a taste of disdain.
    * Will goes to see what's happening outside.
    [Lamont] I suspect all the women... sans Lynna... are gone...
    [Storyteller] All of the town's men are gathered around the well. The elder stands on a platform set in front of it, speaking to the people.
    [Lamont] ... As I suspect.
    * Finn walks closer to the platform.
    [Elder] Of course... The mine workers said that fresh footprints lead up to the mine, but the gate was closed and locked from the inside.
    * Lamont gets thoughts in his head . o O (The Women are in danger... you have to do something!)
    [Finn] Mine... ?
    [Will] Fresh footprints... ? To the mine?
    [Storyteller] There's a whole lot of shouting in reply, too much to make anything out.
    * Will makes his way through the crowd to find out what exactly happening during the night.
    * Lamont looks at Will.
    [Lamont] Get the guys together... we need to go the mine.
    [Elder] Yes, yes, yes... Of course... But we have to assemble a committee first.
    [Storyteller] More yelling, most of the men standing around here look very pissed.
    [Will] R-right! Will do!
    * Lamont appears to be quite determined at the moment.
    [Lynna] Somehow, I doubt they went to strike it rich... :P
    * Will approaches a random spectator.
    [Elder] It's in our laws! No decision without forming a committee! I'll take volunteers in my house in 10 minutes!
    [Will] E-excuse me... sir... what is happening?
    [Finn] Dammit...
    [Storyteller] The elder fights his way down off the platform, through the crowd, and back to his house.
    [Finn] I'm thinking we should just go by ourselves...
    [Lamont] We should be part of that committee... Are you sure Finn?
    [Will] I think... we should go for the committee. The town guards may be posted by the mine, and... if it's locked, we'll need a key.
    [Storyteller] The crowd flows away from the well behind the elder like a horde of ants.
    * Lynna scoffs.
    [Lynna] I'm not working with some committee... let's get this over with the quick way.
    [Lamont] You know, you're right... It looks like the whole town is gonna go up there... Let's go now. We have to save h... er... them.
    * Finn casts a quick glance at Lamont and smirks...
    * Lamont coughs.
    [Lamont] The dust is bad here.
    [Lynna] Hell... that guy said it was locked from the inside anyway... lot of good a key will do other than look shiny in your hand.
    [Finn] Lynna's right.
    [Will] Well then... let's start moving!
    [Lamont] That's true...
    [Lynna] I'm restless anyway...
    [Finn] And besides, we don't want a mob of peasants bogging us down.
    [Lamont] Well, we aren't gonna get anything done by standing here.
    [Lamont] Let's to at least talk to the elder.
    * Will hurries up to his room to draw out his gear, putting on his gloves, goggles and backpack, then hurrying back down.
    [Lamont] Agreed?
    [Lynna] Ok... But if I see one of them in my way to that mine, I'm showing them my meaning of democracy. :P
    * Lynna holds up a shining claw.
    * Finn nods to Lynna.
    [Will] L-Lynna... ^^;;
    [Storyteller] The elder's house is somewhat unavailable... Mainly due to the throng of villagers surrounding it.
    [Lamont] Hmm... Well, those girls had to get in there some how. Let's go investigate.
    [Lynna] Good idea Lamont. And since you've volunteered, you lead.
    * Lynna smirks.
    [Lamont] Me what?
    [Lynna] Lead... as in go first... you do want to impress Cassandra, right? :P
    * Lamont blushes a little.
    [Lamont] I dunno if I'm cut out for that... But... I guess I'll try...
    [Will] You seem to be the best one at it from us, so lead on. =)
    [Lamont] OK... let's go then... . o O (If I am, boy are we in trouble... )
    * Lamont starts off toward the mine.
    * Finn shrugs and follows...
    * Lynna follows Lamont, thinking she might have a new person to tease this trip. ^^
    * Lamont appears rather determined, but quite uncertain... a very odd combination.
    * Will tugs at the straps of his backpack, proceeding with his cane at hand.
    * Finn walks faster...
    [Finn] We'd better hurry.
    * Lamont nods.
    [Lamont] Yeah... who knows what awaits...
    [Lynna] See something odd here? Wonder why I didn't up and go mining... ^^
    [Lamont] Because we aren't here for money... At least I'm not.
    [Will] Hm... Did you notice anything strange, Lynna... ? While you slept?
    * Lynna shrugs.
    [Lynna] If I did I probably ignored it.
    [Lamont] I'm assuming your reconstruction is why you weren't seduced into following the other girls, Lynna.
    [Storyteller] You quickly arrive at the mine entrance. The gate is indeed barred and locked.
    [Lynna] I still have to get those facts straight... but in other news...
    [Will] Strange...
    [Finn] You think it was a seduction or a trance, Lamont?
    [Lamont] Regardless of what it was, Finn... they are still gone.
    * Lynna blinks and stares at the gate.
    * Will quickly rushes to the entrance, examining the various bars and locks on the gate with his hands.
    * Finn leans forward...
    [Storyteller] Echoing from inside, you hear a voice raised in song. It's very, very soft... The miners likely didn't hear it, what with all the noise they were making.
    [Lamont] Hmm... what do you think?
    * Will blinks, lifting his goggles off his eyes, and pressing his ears against the gate.
    [Lynna] I'm guessing that's our siren...
    * Finn starts humming along softly.
    [Will] It sounds like singing... but I don't think it's Salah...
    [Finn] No, it's a high tenor...
    [Lamont] I hear it too...
    * Will takes a few steps backward.
    * Lynna goes to examine the gate, seeing if it has any weaknesses to exploit.
    [Finn] Probably a male voice...
    [Lamont] Any idea on how to get in?
    [Will] We'll... have to bash the gate in to enter... and if they disappeared during the night, they must have spent some time there already... so we'd better hurry!
    [Lamont] Agreed, Will.
    [Lynna] I'm working on it Will... got any bombs in that pack?
    * Will lifts his Molten Cane.
    * Lamont knocks on the door, seeing how sturdy it is.
    [Storyteller] The door is fairly well built. It's wooden and barred with iron.
    * Finn stands away from the door...
    [Will] S-sorry, Lynna... I'd need a little more anticipation... ^^;
    [Will] We'll have to do with magic and weapons for this... !
    [Lamont] The wood wouldn't be such a big deal...
    [Lynna] Hmm... if only we had some fire... we could burn the door.
    [Lamont] The bars, though, are...
    [Finn] Can't you cook up some evil little spell to break it down, Lynna?
    [Lamont] Finn, I've got a stupid idea.
    [Lynna] Hey... are you telling me what to do? Pipe down. ^^
    [Lamont] You are a singer, right?
    [Finn] Yep...
    * Lamont points to the door.
    [Lamont] Sing.
    * Lynna tries backing up from the door... and firing a beam of darkness at it...
    [Will] Wait, Lynna! Let Finn try first!
    [Storyteller] Lynna's Negate Beam seems to be negated.
    [Lynna] Well that was fun.
    * Lynna sighs.
    [Finn] Mmm...
    [Finn] I'll give it a shot.
    [Lamont] What do we have to lose right?
    * Will nods.
    [Will] If that doesn't work... we'll have to rush it...
    * Finn makes motions for Lynna to move away from the door.
    * Lynna is already quite far from it. :)
    * Lamont stands behind Finn.
    [Lynna] Are you going to resonate the iron and weaken it? Could work...
    * Finn remembers the song he heard from behind the door, and begins to sing it perfectly...
    [Will] Resonate... ? Theoretically, it could work, but... the kind of sound waves you would need for that aren't reachable by human beings without amplification...
    [Storyteller] Finn's voice reaches out to the door... The voice barring it from the inside seems to rise in volume with his own.
    * Lamont looks on, bashing himself mentally for suggesting such a far fetched plan.
    * Will looks at the singing duel with interest.
    * Lynna just nods uninterestedly.
    [Lynna] I'll take your word for it, Will...
    * Finn raises his volume... He easily begins singing louder than the other voice.
    [Storyteller] The voice coincides.
    * Finn raises AGAIN...
    [Storyteller] As Finn belts out his full volume, the other voice stops. The door swings open.
    [Will] !!
    * Lamont's jaw drops.
    [Lamont] It... worked?
    [Will] I-incredible!
    * Finn exhales loudly.
    [Lamont] I suggested something... right?
    [Will] Good idea, Lamont! Let's head in!!
    * Lynna half smiles.
    [Lynna] How about that... maybe all those opera floozies aren't half-bad.
    [Lamont] Good job, Finn. Good thing I didn't try... I don't think I'm a good singer at all. :)
    [Lynna] You're one for one Lamont... let's get going. ^^
    [Finn] I'm glad it worked. Good idea, Lamont.
    [Lamont] I'd best not push my luck... Lynna...
    * Finn walks into the mine...
    * Lamont follows enters as well, side by side with Finn.
    [Lynna] There's no such thing as luck. You make your own path.
    * Lynna heads inside the dark mine...

    Baroton Mine

    [Storyteller] The entrance to the mine is barely illuminated by the rising sun outside. Further down the black tunnel, you can see a flickering light, probably from a fire or torches.
    [Lamont] Watch yourselves...
    * Finn draws his sword uneasily.
    * Will looks at the shaft, wondering what it is that the mine yields.
    * Lamont draws is claws.
    * Lynna walks onward, always ready for the next thing life throws her way.
    * Lamont listens for the girls.
    [Lamont] They sure picked a nice place to run away to.
    [Storyteller] You walk down the straight hallway until you reach the circular opening. Scattered about are a range of mining implements: picks, axes, and what not.
    * Lamont examines them, looking for any clues.
    [Lynna] This must be where the local store gets most of it's iron.
    [Storyteller] The flickering light is that of torches, mounted in brackets on the walls. Exiting from here are three dark tunnels.
    [Will] But where is the voice coming from... ?
    [Lamont] Good question...
    [Will] Finn... can you tell?
    * Lamont closes his eyes and summons a light ball in his hand.
    [Storyteller] In one of the brief instants when you're all silent, you hear a soft thumping down one of them.
    * Will points at the tunnels.
    [Finn] He's not singing anymore.
    [Lynna] Thumping means something's moving... that's our tunnel.
    * Finn shrugs.
    [Will] I know... but there's still some sound...
    [Lamont] Which tunnel is it though?
    * Lamont tosses a ball of light down the left tunnel.
    * Finn follows the ball of light with his eyes.
    * Will looks at the three tunnels, trying to catch the thumping noise again.
    [Storyteller] You don't see anything down the tunnel. Will thinks the sound is coming from the opposite direction.
    * Will closes his eyes.
    [Will] I... I think it's coming from the right...
    * Lamont tosses a ball of light down the right tunnel.
    [Storyteller] You see a shadow flicker down the right tunnel, but the light passes too quickly to make out the source.
    * Will opens his eyes.
    * Lamont eyes the tunnel.
    [Lamont] This one. I agree. Will.
    * Will nods.
    [Will] Let's hurry!
    * Lamont nods.
    * Criz runs up behind the party, panting away.
    * Lamont starts down the right tunnel.
    [Criz] I... I... I heard Jazmine was missing, and I came running to find you guys as soon as I heard.
    * Finn follows Lamont.
    [Will] You're right on time, Criz!
    * Lynna turns around quickly.
    [Lynna] About damn time you showed up... :p
    * Criz follows the party.
    * Lamont summons another ball of light to illuminate the way.
    [Finn] Hi, Criz...
    [Lamont] Greetings Criz.
    * Will hurries after Lamont and Finn.
    [Storyteller] You reach the a corner in the tunnel, the rhythmic thumping is a bit louder, but still very quiet.
    [Lynna] Criz... you know this area well... any singing people in mines that lure women into their clutches, eh?
    [Lamont] Hmmm...
    [Criz] Now that I think about it... no.
    [Storyteller] You see something move up ahead on the right, against the wall.
    [Lamont] What's that?
    * Criz cocks his head.
    * Lamont puts the light up there to see what it is.
    [Storyteller] It's... furry... and long...
    * Lamont continues moving the light.
    * Lynna turns her head.
    [Criz] What in the...
    [Will] Wait... we should get into battle positions...
    [Storyteller] It's definitely a tail... and for those of you who like to look at tails (furry or otherwise), it's one you recognize.
    [Criz] No... not just yet Will.
    * Lynna advances toward the furry appendage.
    [Lamont] Wait a second...
    * Lamont pulls on the tail.
    [Storyteller] You pull somebody out of a little alcove in the cave wall. Thump!
    [Lamont] Miriamele, is it you?
    [Will] ... ?
    * Criz steps closer to the object.
    [Criz] Miri... ?
    * Lamont moves the light to see it's face.
    * Miriamele is jolted awake with the pulling of her tail!
    [Miriamele] OW!!
    * Lamont blushes a little.
    [Lamont] It's her...
    [Finn] What's going on, Miri?
    * Miriamele is on her feet and spun around, back to the wall!
    [Miriamele] What'd you do that for!?
    [Will] Miri!!
    [Lynna] Well, well... it looks like you're still batting 1.000 Lamont. ^^
    [Miriamele] ... Where is this? ^_^;
    [Lamont] First tell me why you came here...
    [Will] You don't know... ?
    [Lamont] Then I'll tell you why I did that.
    [Miriamele] No... I have no clue...
    [Lamont] OK then...
    * Lamont looks over the walls.
    [Lamont] Are the other girls here?
    * Will peers at the alcove.
    [Criz] Is JAZMINE here?
    [Lynna] Miri... you hear anything strange last night that made you up and leave like every other girl in town?
    [Lamont] Lynna, first let's find the girls... we'll quiz them later.
    [Storyteller] You don't see anybody else.
    [Miriamele] I had a screwy dream... but it didn't last long... :/
    [Lamont] Middle row...
    [Will] No... they must be in the other tunnels...
    [Storyteller] Miri apparently had just snuggled up against the wall when she stopped walking.
    [Finn] What was your dream?...
    * Lamont dashes back out.
    [Lynna] Fine, fine...
    [Miriamele] In fact. I had a really good sleep.
    [Will] Dream? Wait, Lamont!
    [Lamont] What Will?
    * Lamont comes to a stop.
    [Will] We should... go together... ^^;
    [Lamont] Oh... yeah. Sorry.
    [Lynna] Since you're so rested... help us find the others then. We're still missing Audrey, Salah and Cassandra.
    [Lamont] I don't know what came over me... Let's continue down then...
    [Miriamele] Well. There were a couple dreams really, Finn. But there was a really vivid one with this voice...
    * Will nods!
    [Finn] A voice, really...
    * Lamont continues down the tunnel.
    [Finn] A very sweet, high male-sounding voice?
    * Will follows.
    * Criz walks down the tunnel thinking of Jazmine.
    [Miriamele] It was just singin', though I dunno about what. Yeah, that sounds about right.
    [Lamont] Watch yourselves... we don't know what's here.
    * Lamont appears as determined as ever.
    * Finn follows Will and Lamont.
    * Lynna moves along further into the mine.
    [Lynna] When I see that bard, I'm going to rip out his vocal chords before I kill him.
    [Criz] Calm down Lynna.
    * Lynna looks at him.
    [Lynna] Oh, I am calm Criz.
    [Miriamele] The others are missing too, I take it?
    * Lamont continues illuminating the way with his lovely little light ball.
    [Storyteller] You walk through the dark mine, Lamont's spells the only source of light.
    [Will] Yes, Miri...
    [Lamont] Cassandra... Audrey and Salah are also missing, Miriamele.
    [Storyteller] As you travel lower, the tunnel weaves back and forth. You can feel condensation gathering on the walls. It's certainly damp and cold down here.
    * Lynna sniffs the air as it starts to become thicker and colder.
    * Lamont presses on... still looking brave and determined.
    * Miriamele follows, although still seems a tad disoriented by this all... :P
    [Storyteller] Lynna realizes that although it feels damp... It certainly doesn't smell like wet does.
    [Lamont] I hope the girls are alright.
    [Lynna] Hmm... something's odd...
    [Lamont] What's up, Lynna?
    [Will] What do you mean... ?
    * Criz stops and looks at Lynna.
    [Criz] What's odd?
    [Lynna] Normally a damp cave has a certain stench to it...
    [Storyteller] Something drips from the ceiling onto Will's goggles.
    * Will blinks a couple of times, looking up at the ceiling.
    [Lamont] Reguardless... we have to press on.
    [Will] What... ?
    [Storyteller] It drips again... You'd think if it were water, he could see through it... But he can't.
    * Lynna glances upwards at the ceiling.
    [Finn] Will... what is that?
    * Lamont eyes Will.
    [Lamont] You OK?
    [Lynna] That better be just a stalactite...
    [Will] Something's... dripping from the ceiling, and I don't think it's water... !
    * Criz looks up.
    * Lamont tosses the ball of light up.
    [Lamont] Well, let's see what it is.
    [Storyteller] You really can't tell, it reflects the light like any other thin film of gathered liquid would.
    * Miriamele dabs at Will's goggles, rubbing a sample of the stuff between her thumb & forefinger...
    [Will] Ow!
    [Lamont] Hmm
    [Storyteller] Miriamele, getting a closer smell of it, realizes just what it is... ... Blood.
    [Will] What is it, Miri... ?
    [Lamont] What is it, Miriamele?
    [Miriamele] Ugh... it's... blood.
    * Miriamele looks up...
    [Lamont] Oh hell...
    [Will] B-blood... !!??
    * Lynna narrows her eyes.
    * Lamont starts running.
    [Lamont] We haven't a moment to lose!
    [Lynna] Things just got serious...
    [Will] No!!
    * Will rushes down the tunnel!
    * Finn follows Will.
    * Miriamele wipes her hand on her skirt and follows the others...
    [Criz] This town has already seen enough blood shed in it's past. It doesn't need to see some more shed on this day!
    * Lynna breaks into a run after Lamont, unsheathing her razorclaws.
    [Storyteller] You quickly make your way through the mine, spiraling downwards.
    * Lamont doesn't stop, just keeps going.
    * Criz runs after everyone with a serious look on his face.

    Inner Sanctum, Baroton Mine

    [Storyteller] You reach a corner, sprinting around it, and you turn to find yourself looking into another rounded, mined out room. Scattered about the room are a number of women of all ages. Most are alive, especially t he younger ones. The elder women of the village are all dead, some of their parts splattered across the room. The remainder are only discernable by the fact that they are sitting up. Were they lying down and covered with this much blood, you'd certainly t hink they were dead. Of those you can see, they seem to be staring blankly at the wall... Or is it the man in the chair against the wall.
    [Storyteller] The tall, gaunt figure sits with one leg up over the arm of a stylized throne. Sitting in his lap, leaning against his chest is your young priestess. Her head is tilted back, his mouth sucking blood gent ly from a gash in the side of her neck. Kneeling in front of him like dogs eagerly awaiting a command from their master are Salah and Cassandra.
    * Miriamele stifles a gasp and covers her mouth.
    * Lamont draws his claws.
    [Lamont] Identify yourself in the name of Althena!
    * Lynna glares at the man in the chair, hunching down like an animal ready to strike.
    [Lynna] You.
    * Will takes the scene in, horrified.
    * Criz's eyes are fixed on the scene in front of him, fixed on the motionless bodies, the blood, the DEATH that his eyes have once again seen. Once again in his town.
    [Criz] Jazmine... where is she?!
    [Miriamele] Cass! Sal!
    [Will] Vargomere!!!! Audrey!!
    [Storyteller] He stands, dumping Audrey on the floor.
    * Criz notices the man.
    [Criz] Var... VARGOMERE! You... you monster!
    * Audrey falls gracelessly to the floor.
    [Will] H-how can you do something like this... ! You... you animal!!
    * Cassandra stares blankly at the group.
    [Finn] In the name of Althena...
    [Will] What did you to Audrey!?
    * Finn grabs Cassandra and shakes her...
    * Lamont growls.
    * Vargomere stands, looking at the party.
    [Vargomere] Oh, give it a rest. I have what I want now. Begone.
    * Audrey slowly sits up, although her gaze is blank... absolutely blank.
    [Lamont] Never.
    * Will lifts his cane threateningly.
    [Will] Leave them alone... !
    [Criz] Vargomere... you will pay in blood!
    [Miriamele] You won't have what you want for long... I promise you that.
    * Criz takes out his staff and puts it under his arm as he stands ready for battle.
    * Lamont draws his claws up.
    [Lamont] Release them and you will not be harmed. Defy me, and I will punish you!
    [Vargomere] You? Punish me? Who are you, whelp? A new member of this little pack of pups?
    * Miriamele draws up into an attacking stance...
    [Lamont] If I gave you my name... you'd just get it dirty. Now release them!
    * Criz spits at Vargomere's face.
    [Criz] You make me sick! You were a mistake, you shouldn't have ever been born, you devil!
    [Finn] You're just a badly dressed, confused little Goth queen...
    * Vargomere laughs out loud, his head rolling back...
    [Vargomere] Who said I was ever born...
    * Finn brandishes his sword.
    [Vargomere] I am older than your entire world.
    [Criz] And who said you cannot die like the rest of us?
    * Lynna spares no more words as she growls and leaps at Vargomere looking for blood of a different kind.
    [Criz] Wanna give me a chance to show you that you can?
    [Lamont] Who cares, you're going to die if you don't do as I say!
    [Will] Whatever you are... you're disgusting!
    [Vargomere] I quickly tire of this.
    * Vargomere catches Lynna and tosses her away.
    * Lynna gets thrown, rolling across the bloodied floor...
    [Lamont] Stand your ground everyone!
    [Vargomere] Audrey! Cassandra! Salah! Rise...
    [Will] ... !
    * Audrey stands up, almost like a puppet on strings...

    Boss Battle! Round One!

    Enemy Rear: Vargomere
    Enemy Front: Audrey, Cassandra, Salah
    Ally Single: Criz, Finn, Lamont, Lynna, Miri, Will,

    [Lamont] ...
    [Audrey] Yes...
    [Finn] Oh no...
    * Cassandra stands up, ready to attack.
    * Salah stands up, her body slightly drooping, and looks at the party with a zombie-like face.
    [Lamont] I will not fight them...
    [Criz] I've been waiting for this moment Vargomere, and I will give you a battle you deserve... a bloody one that you will lose!
    [Will] He's making us fight our own friends...
    * Vargomere stands behind the girls.
    [Miriamele] We'll have to be careful not to hurt them...
    * Lynna stands, as her garb is stained in blood.
    [Lynna] I... will... kill... you.
    * Miriamele wonders.
    [Miriamele] Can we KO them and try to bring them back once this is settled?
    [Criz] As much as they are our friends, now they are our enemies.
    [Will] I won't let you get away with this, Vargomere... !
    * Lamont pulls his claws up in defense.
    [Storyteller] Finn uses a Pre-Emptive attack!
    * Finn leaps at Vargomere, stabbing his sword viciously into his torso...
    [Storyteller] Vargomere takes 75 damage from Finn's weapon skill.
    * Lamont starts chanting.
    [Lamont] I will not harm the girls...
    * 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! Flash!"
    [Storyteller] Audrey is immune to all STATUS attacks!
    [Storyteller] Salah is affected by Lamont's spell for 9 rounds.
    [Storyteller] Cassandra is affected by Lamont's spell for 10 rounds.
    [Storyteller] Salah and Cassandra are BLIN!
    [Will] Good job, Lamont... !
    * Audrey stumbles back, but quickly recovers... somewhat.
    [Lamont] I will not harm them... But I will make is so they cannot harm us.
    [Will] If we get Vargomere, the control will probably be broken...
    [Miriamele] That's what I'm hopin'...
    * Miriamele mutters incomprehensible words under her breath, gradually culminating to one single, simple word. "Pulse!" The very air around Vargomere seems to coalesce into light, and heat, before climaxing in a brilliant flare! A small fiery explosion rocks the area!
    [Lamont] You guys focus on him... I'll make sure the girls don't harm us.
    [Storyteller] Vargomere takes 7 damage from Miriamele's spell.
    * Finn winces.
    [Miriamele] This could be a little inconveniencing... :/
    [Will] We'll have to try something else... ! This will be hard!
    [Lynna] You aren't the only one who can... control minds...
    * Lynna summons a shroud of black mist around the front row... "Dark desire that dwells deep in the hearts of men, crying to be exposed... show it to me now! Dark Temptation!"
    [Storyteller] Audrey is immune to all STATUS attacks!
    [Storyteller] Salah is affected by Lynna's spell for 10 rounds.
    [Storyteller] Cassandra is affected by Lynna's spell for 10 rounds.
    [Storyteller] Salah and Cassandra are DAZED!
    [Lamont] Well that's pretty fudged up.
    [Will] Great idea, Lynna!
    * Lynna doesn't respond to Will, and continues to stare at Vargomere.
    [Storyteller] Criz uses a Long weapon to attack over the front row!
    * Criz extends his bo staff out in front of him, as he spins it and begins to charge towards the girls. He is about to hit them all with anger in his eyes and ready to take blood out of them...
    * Criz then quickly puts the staff down on the ground, as he uses it to catapult himself over the girls as he lands in front of Vargomere. He looks him in the eyes as he uppercuts him with the staff, and then gives him a low blow followed by a hit on the head.
    [Storyteller] Criz hits Vargomere for 20 damage. Criz missed! Criz hits Vargomere for 23 damage.
    * Lamont looks at Cassandra.
    [Lamont] Snap out of it... please...
    * Vargomere pulls his sword from it's sheathe and rushes at Miriamele...
    * Miriamele moves to parry!
    [Storyteller] Vargomere missed!
    * Cassandra stares past Lamont... at nothing.
    [Storyteller] He seems to vanish, then reappear behind Criz.
    [Lamont] Criz, your back!
    * Criz quickly tries to avoid him.
    [Storyteller] Vargomere hits Criz for 10 damage.
    * Audrey stares at something only she can see, looking like an animated corpse...
    * Criz goes down to one knee as he gets back up and smiles.
    [Criz] No problem, that just means I get to hit him harder... Payback's a bitch!
    [Storyteller] Again... Flicker... Finn... Strike! Vargomere hits Finn for 0 damage.
    * Vargomere reappears in his original position, behind the girls.
    [Vargomere] You've gotten stronger. I'm almost impressed.
    [Will] Now... ! Prepare yourself, Vargomere!
    * Will clasps his Molten Staff, 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 Vargomere, the spear cleaving the air with ease and impaling the target with spiky goodness!
    [Storyteller] Vargomere takes 168 damage from Will's spell.
    * Lamont nods.
    [Lamont] Good hit Will... be careful not to hit the girls.
    [Criz] So Vargomere, what plans do you have with these girls? Why do you want them?
    * Audrey suddenly turns her head towards Lamont.
    [Lamont] Don't Audrey... I refuse to hurt you...
    * Audrey closes her eyes and looks away, uttering one word under her breath... "Silence..." The surrounding area falls deathly still... and it is so...
    [Will] Watch out... !
    [Storyteller] Lamont is affected by Audrey's spell for 10 rounds.
    [Storyteller] Lamont is MUTE!
    * Lamont ... 's, but is quite animated in his displeasure.
    [Storyteller] Salah is DAZEd and BLINded. Salah twirls in a circle, then smacks Audrey with her cane. Salah missed!
    [Storyteller] Cassandra is DAZEd and BLINded. She uncurls her whip and lashes out at Lamont. Cassandra missed!
    * Lamont sidesteps.

    Boss Battle! Round Two!

    [Storyteller] Finn uses a Preemptive attack!
    * Finn slashes his sword across Vargomere's neck.
    [Storyteller] Vargomere takes 78 damage from Finn's weapon skill.
    * Lynna holds her gaze on Vargomere, her robe shifting to match the color stains of blood upon it...
    [Storyteller] Lynna uses a Pre-Emptive Attack.
    * Lynna suddenly lunges forward at Vargomere without any warning, all but her glinting claws becoming as a blur to the naked eye...
    [Lynna] This is for last time... !
    [Storyteller] Vargomere takes 110 damage from Lynna's weapon skill.
    [Storyteller] Lamont DEFENDs Will.
    * Lamont stands in front of Will.
    [Will] Thank you, Lamont... !
    * Lamont looks back and nods.
    * Will holds his weapon both-handed.
    * Lynna reappears in her original position, still eager for more...
    [Will] Good job, Lynna... if we keep this up, we'll beat him!
    * Lamont nods affirmatively.
    * Miriamele has the spidery words of magic upon her lips! "Althena grant me the wits to prevail! Blur!"
    * Miriamele's shape becomes somewhat distorted... as though her very location can no longer be perceived...
    [Storyteller] Miriamele's D% rises by 26!
    * Lynna doesn't respond to Will... like she's in some kind of battle haze...
    * Lamont pulls up his claws.
    * Audrey isn't just in some battle haze... she's off in the Blue Star. ;)
    * Criz holds his right hand up in the air as he closes it and makes a fist. Water starts to run down his arm coming from inside his fist, the ring gives off a bright flash as streams of water encircle Criz. "Tears of Althena, wash out the evil inside of this wretched soul! AQUA RAGE!" Criz extends his hand forward and opens it, as a gush of water hits Vargomere!
    [Storyteller] Vargomere takes 28 damage from Criz's spell.
    * Salah, in her dreamy, dazed like state, saunters up to Vargomere, climbs on top of him and starts picking out all the ants in his hair.
    * Vargomere vanishes again, only to appear beside Will, but Lamont is there to intercept him!
    * Lamont pulls up his claws.
    [Storyteller] Will takes 8 damage! Lamont takes 11 damage!
    * Lamont cringes a little, but remains on defense.
    [Will] Ack... ! Th-thanks, Lamont... !
    * Lamont nods a little, more or less motioning "Don't worry about it".
    * Vargomere teleports over to Finn...
    [Storyteller] He brings his sword down across Finn's chest... The flimsy blade lances off his iron breastplate. Vargomere hits Finn for 0 damage.
    * Finn smiles triumphantly...
    * Vargomere growls as he goes after Lynna...
    [Storyteller] Vargomere hits Lynna for 12 damage.
    * Vargomere flips out of existence, the reappears back behind the girls.
    * Lynna gets hit, but stands her ground.
    [Lynna] I'm not the one dying this time...
    [Will] Since I can't hit him with my weapon...
    * Will clasps his Molten Staff, 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 Vargomere, the spear cleaving the air with ease and impaling the target with spiky goodness!
    [Storyteller] Vargomere takes 175 damage from Will's spell!
    * Lamont gives Will a thumbs up.
    [Will] Surrender now, Vargomere! You won't win this battle!
    [Vargomere] Not on your life. Or theirs!
    [Lynna] Forget surrender... let us end your miserable existence right here...
    * Audrey turns toward Vargomere, and gives him a lustful smile... uncharacteristic of her...
    * Audrey closes her eyes and chants to herself. A bright blue light surrounds Vargomere.
    [Audrey] Let Althena grant you a glorious boon! Recovery Litany!
    [Will] We will see about that!
    * Lamont blinkblinks.
    [Storyteller] Vargomere regains 174 HP!
    [Will] A-audrey... !!
    * Audrey smiles again at Vargomere, with ... yes... lust. Lots of lust...
    [Will] You monster... what did you do to her?!
    [Vargomere] Your friends are mine now! Observe... Sing for me... Sing for me, my angel of music.
    * Salah sings a lovely melody at first... but at the peak of her song her voice reaches a high-pitched scream directed at Finn!!
    [Storyteller] Finn takes 43 damage from Salah's spell.
    * Finn winces...
    [Finn] That... HURT.
    [Storyteller] Cassandra crouches down, ready to repel attackers. "Flip!"
    * Will looks at his weapon in desperation, wondering what to do...
    * Lamont blinkblinks at Cassandra.

    Boss Battle! Round Three!

    7 more rounds for status effects!

    [Will] I can't just hit them... Audrey and Salah... but... !
    [Miriamele] We can't to them any good if we're the one's killed, Will!
    [Will] But they're our friends!!
    [Miriamele] We have to drop them now! We can take them back to the town after!
    * Lamont can't talk, so he says nothing.
    [Miriamele] We won't be their friends if they kill us!
    [Finn] As sad as it is, we must incapacitate them.
    [Will] ... Lamont... ?
    * Lamont looks back.
    [Finn] We aren't hurting our friends, because they are not our friends right now.
    [Storyteller] Lamont DEFENDs Miriamele
    * Lamont steps in front of Miriamele, but looks at Will.
    [Will] ... I guess... I have no choice...
    * Lamont looks down sadly.
    * Will looks at his Molten Cane.
    [Criz] Right now, all I see are four enemies in front of me...
    * Lamont shakes his head.
    * Miriamele closes her eyes, and charges Audrey.
    [Miriamele] Forgive me...
    * Miriamele unleashes her volley of attacks upon Audrey, holding nothing back... her face pained with reluctance all the while.
    * Lamont looks away, not agreeing with the choices made.
    [Storyteller] Miriamele hits Audrey for 2 damage. Critical Hit! Audrey takes 76 damage. Miriamele hits Audrey for 0 damage. Critical Hit! Audrey takes 96 damage.
    [Will] I-I'll take care of it! You concentrate on Vargomere!
    * Audrey flinches with each hit, her nightgown being cut in several places... one cut enough to show a bit too much chest.
    * Miriamele draws back... not proud of what she did... but ready to do it again...
    [Lynna] I will eliminate everyone...
    * Lynna chants low... "Heed me, o shadows! Become a scythe of destruction, to cut through the souls of my foes! Black Arc!" Suddenly, she swipes at the air, as a wave of onyx energy rips through the front row!
    [Storyteller] Audrey takes 33 damage from Lynna's spell.
    [Storyteller] Salah takes 48 damage from Lynna's spell.
    [Storyteller] Cassandra takes 98 damage from Lynna's spell.
    * Lamont waves his finger.
    * Criz charges Salah at great speed, as he tackles her to the ground and begins his attack.
    [Criz] I'm sorry Salah... but I must!
    [Storyteller] Salah is BLINded! Critical Hit! Salah takes 138 damage. Criz hits Salah for 35 damage. Criz hits Salah for 28 damage.
    [Vargomere] You strike your own! This is starting to become interesting!
    [Finn] Shut up, you bloodsucking swine...
    * Lamont waves his finger. . o O (This is what he wants us to do!)
    * Miriamele scowls.
    [Miriamele] If we can't have them... neither will you...
    [Criz] I strike YOUR own Vargomere...
    * Vargomere reaches out to Cassandra, pulling her back against him. He sinks his teeth into her neck and drinks deeply...
    [Will] ...
    [Lamont] !!!
    [Storyteller] Cassandra takes 200 damage... Vargomere regains 200 HP!
    * Lamont clangs his claws together, and stares at Vargomere.
    [Will] I'm sorry... !!
    * Will brings his Molten Cane into a one-handed baseball-like position, advancing towards the enemy! Gathering strength with a determined backswing, he approaches the front enemy row and swings it in a fantastic arc, s mashing through rock and bone! "Hammer... Heave!!"
    [Storyteller] Audrey takes 63 damage from Will's weapon skill.
    * Audrey is rocked back and hisses loudly...
    [Storyteller] Salah takes 61 damage from Will's weapon skill.
    [Storyteller] Cassandra takes 120 damage from Will's weapon skill.
    [Lamont] !!!
    [Will] Th-this... isn't working...
    * Lamont nods to Will
    [Storyteller] Salah was hit. She is no longer DAZEd.
    [Storyteller] Cassandra was hit. She is no longer DAZEd.
    [Vargomere] Do something to help your friends, my dear Audrey... You must live on!
    * Audrey smiles seductively...
    [Audrey] Yes... Master...
    * 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 girl's row, and seeps gently into their bodies!
    * Will turns paler... -_-
    [Storyteller] Audrey regains 100 HP.
    [Storyteller] Salah regains 100 HP.
    [Storyteller] Cassandra regains 100 HP.
    * Lamont ... 's, but his facial expression pretty much says it all.
    * Audrey curls up into Vargomere's arms, looking at the party with a flat face.
    [Vargomere] Very good, m'dear.
    [Audrey] Thank you...
    [Will] You make me... sick!!
    * Lynna growls...
    [Criz] So Vargomere, where's your good friend? She has to be somewhere...
    * Lamont reads "How to be totally useless in a battle, and love every second of it" By Edward Damcyan.
    [Criz] What have you done with Jazmine, Vargomere? Where is she?
    * Salah sings a lovely, soft melody at first... but at the peak of her song her voice reaches a high-pitched scream directed at Criz!!
    [Storyteller] Criz takes 47 damage from Salah's spell.
    [Storyteller] Cassandra unfurls her whip and lashes out at Lamont. Cassandra hits Lamont for 31 damage.
    * Lamont takes the hit and drops to a knee.
    * Finn sings a pure, rapid melody, and a soft glow descends over the ally row...
    [Storyteller] Lamont is no longer MUTEd!
    * Lamont coughs.
    [Lamont] Bloody Zophar entrails!

    Boss Battle! Round Four

    6 more rounds of BLIN!

    * Lamont narrows his eyes. He 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 Laser!
    * Lamont fires it at Vargomere!
    [Storyteller] Vargomere takes 124 damage from Lamont's spell.
    [Lamont] That didn't have near the effect I was hoping for.
    * Miriamele reluctantly plows into Audrey's side once more.
    [Miriamele] I'd never wanted it to come to this...
    [Will] The only way is to defeat them first, Lamont...
    * Audrey hisses angrily at Miri...
    [Storyteller] Critical Hit! Audrey takes 82 damage. Miriamele hits Audrey for 0 damage. Critical Hit! Audrey takes 94 damage. Critical Hit! Audrey takes 88 damage.
    [Lamont] No... I refuse to believe it... I will not raise my hand to them... never.
    [Will] If it's the only way to save them... all I can do is try!!
    [Lynna] The prophecy... Audrey...
    [Lamont] I will defeat the evil that stands before me... not the pawns he is using to lure me into his trap.
    [Lynna] I will make you pay... for all of it!
    * Lynna dashes at Vargomere once more... !
    [Will] Those pawns are killing us, Lamont... if we don't do something, we'll end up like them- and we're their only hope!
    * Lamont shakes his head.
    [Lamont] That's what the evil wants, Will.
    [Storyteller] Vargomere takes 120 damage from Lynna's weapon skill.
    [Will] ...
    [Lynna] Let them go... NOW... !
    [Lamont] I will never raise my hand in aggression in such a manner...
    * Criz dashes towards Salah as he stares straight at Vargomere, and then attacks Salah still looking at him.
    [Storyteller] Critical Hit! Salah takes 104 damage. Critical Hit! Salah takes 126 damage. Salah is defeated! Defaulting to Cassandra! Critical Hit! Cassandra takes 122 damage.
    * Salah screams loudly as she hits the blood-stained ground, hard.
    * Vargomere reaches over to Audrey, pulling her against him.
    * Audrey doesn't resist.
    [Vargomere] Your life for mine, my love.
    [Will] Get your hands off her!!
    * Lamont sighs.
    [Lamont] No... I will not...
    [Criz] You saw that Vargomere, you're next!
    [Audrey] Yes...
    [Will] No! Stop it!
    * Vargomere bites into her neck draining a great deal of blood.
    * Lynna gives Vargomere a look of pure unabated hatred.
    * Audrey goes slack against Vargomere, letting out a moan.
    [Storyteller] Audrey takes 200 damage! Vargomere regains 200 HP! Audrey is defeated!
    * Audrey crumples to the ground.
    [Lamont] ...
    [Will] You cursed vampire... !
    [Lamont] Foolish... it should have never have come to that...
    [Will] Diamond Lance!!
    * Will summons sharp shards of crystal to his right hand, forming a formidable spear of diamond! Holding it firmly, he hurls it at Vargomere, impaling him against the wall!
    [Storyteller] Vargomere takes 122 damage from Will's spell.
    [Lamont] Good job Will.
    [Cassandra] Don't you see Lamont... He has power... he's all that you can't be... Or perhaps you could. Vargomere... Can you take him too?
    [Vargomere] If you wish my child... Bring him to me.
    * Criz runs in front of Lamont.
    [Criz] Get through me first!
    * Lamont stands there.
    [Lamont] I will not submit to the will of Evil.
    [Criz] No more of my friends are going to be transformed into monsters!
    * Lamont looks at Criz.
    [Lamont] Get out of the way.
    * Cassandra raises her arms... She chants a soft melody. "Herbal Slumber!"
    * Criz looks at Lamont.
    [Criz] I'm not going to take any chances with you!
    [Lamont] I said get out of my way!
    [Criz] Out of your way? I'm trying to help you and this is how you act?
    [Storyteller] Miriamele is affected by Cassandra's spell for 5 rounds.
    [Storyteller] Lynna is affected by Cassandra's spell for 4 rounds.
    [Storyteller] Criz is affected by Cassandra's spell for 4 rounds.
    [Storyteller] Will is affected by Cassandra's spell for 4 rounds.
    [Storyteller] Finn is affected by Cassandra's spell for 4 rounds.
    [Storyteller] Lamont is affected by Cassandra's spell for 4 rounds.
    [Storyteller] All are SLEP!
    * Miriamele blinks and closes her eyes...
    [Miriamele] Hmmm... Zzzzz...
    * Lynna grits her teeth... then slumps to the ground.
    [Lynna] You... can't...
    * Will coughs and sinks to his knees, his consciousness dissipating like mist on a windy day...
    * Lamont falls backwards.
    [Storyteller] Finn hears an all too familiar voice in his ear...
    [Susannah] (softly) You can't fall asleep now, dear... Your friends need you... Wake up, Finn. Wake up.
    * Finn stirs...
    * Lamont snoozes, and dreams of being a computer geek sitting on a console at 2am on a Saturday night playing a goofy game.
    * Miriamele wags her tail in the depths of her snooze... :)
    [Storyteller] The sapphire and gold ring on Finn's finger glows softly...
    [Storyteller] Finn is no longer SLEP!
    * Finn gets up.
    * Finn lashes out, determined but reluctant, at Cassandra.
    [Storyteller] Critical Hit! Cassandra takes 126 damage. Critical Hit! Cassandra takes 112 damage.
    * Lynna is slumbering fitfully, her face still locked in a grimace of pain and anger.
    * Will lies on the ground peacefully, holding his cane... z_z
    * Criz is knocked out cold.

    Boss Battle! Round Five!

    5 on BLIN, 3 on SLEP!

    * Audrey is not only out cold... but she looks pretty dead. ^_^;
    [Vargomere] You stupid bitch! That didn't work!
    [Finn] We have some powers and inspirations of our own, you demented little ghoul...
    * Lamont would get up... but is having a nice dream about Yasmine Bleeth.
    * Vargomere reaches out and grabs Cassandra... He rips a massive chuck out of her neck and drains the blood from her...
    [Storyteller] Cassandra takes 200 damage! Vargomere regains 200 HP!
    * Vargomere tosses the body aside, then draws his sword.
    [Finn] Looks like it's just you and me...
    [Vargomere] So be it.
    * Finn grits his teeth and rushes Vargomere, stabbing viciously into the vampire's neck.
    [Storyteller] Finn hits Vargomere for 19 damage. Finn hits Vargomere for 16 damage.

    Boss Battle! Round Six!

    2 left on SLEP!


    * Lynna has dreams of Vargomere and Xenobia's necks being crushed in her hands... ^^;
    * Lamont stirs a little, but stays sleep.
    * Salah is just beaten, battered, covered in blood, and in need of a tailor, and a bath. ^_^;;;
    * Finn leaps at Vargomere again, thrusting his sword.
    [Storyteller] Vargomere takes 98 damage from Finn's weapon skill.
    [Storyteller] Vargomere swings wildly at Finn, growling like some rabid beast. Vargomere hits Finn for 0 damage. Vargomere hits Finn for 0 damage. Vargomere hits Finn for 0 damage.
    [Vargomere] Damn you!
    [Finn] Looks like it's time to hit the gym, eh?

    Boss Battle! Round Seven!

    1 left on SLEP!

    * Lamont kicks his legs out a little, starting to wake up.
    * Finn snarls viciously and rakes his sword across Vargomere's chest.
    [Storyteller] Vargomere takes 100 damage from Finn's weapon skill.
    * Finn pants...
    [Finn] Come on!
    [Storyteller] Vargomere raises his arms, red energy flows outward from his wrists, wrapping around Finn.
    [Storyteller] Drawing the life force out of him, he then tosses Finn away.
    [Storyteller] Finn takes 50 damage! Vargomere regains 50 HP!
    * Will starts stirring, his gloved hand tightening its grip on his weapon.
    * Lamont tosses and turns a little.
    * Miriamele 's tail continues to flick back and forth in a most delighted manner...

    Combat! Round Eight!

    Last round of SLEP!

    * Finn lets out a bestial cry, points his sword in front of him, and drives it through Vargomere's shadowy form.
    * Finn twists his sword upwards.
    [Storyteller] The blade lances through Vargomere's black heart. It bursts, covering Finn and his blade in the remainder of Vargomere's life force.
    [Storyteller] Vargomere is defeated!
    * Finn pushes the body off his sword with his foot.

    Boss Battle! Round Nine!

    * Cassandra rises from the spot she was discarded and rushes at Finn...
    [Cassandra] NOoooooooooooooooooooooo!
    * Finn raises his sword in pure reflex, driving it through Cassandra's chest.
    [Storyteller] Cassandra falls to the ground, dead.
    * Finn's jaw drops...

    Victory! Each member (including the bad guys) gains 40 EXP. The party gains 1000s and 330 MEXP.

    Inner Sanctum, Baroton Mine

    * Finn falls to his knees.
    * Lamont kicks up.
    [Lamont] What happened... ?
    * Criz slowly starts to come around as he gets up on one knee and then stands back up again.
    [Finn] I...
    [Lamont] Oh... no!
    * Lynna suddenly leaps to her feet, eyes fixated on the massive corpse that was once Vargomere.
    [Will] Wh-at...
    * Audrey lies on the ground, motionless... bleeding from her neck.
    * Criz checks the corpse.
    [Finn] He's dead.
    * Lamont rushes over the Cassandra
    * Miriamele rubs her eyes and slowly gets to her feet.
    [Miriamele] ... Althena forgive us...
    [Finn] I killed him.
    * Will gets up to his feet...
    [Lamont] We gotta do something, the girls... they... are... are...
    * Miriamele goes to try and stem Audrey's gaping wounds...
    [Will] !! Audrey!
    [Storyteller] Lynna watches the corpse burst into flame, quickly consuming itself, leaving only black ash behind.
    [Storyteller] All of the female villagers slowly begin to come to.
    [Miriamele] We need to get them back to town...
    [Finn] I can't believe I... Lamont... Cassandra...
    [Will] Y-yes... right away...
    * Lynna kicks the ashes away to the winds of the cave...
    * Lamont picks up Cassandra.
    [Lamont] I'm going to town...
    [Jazmine] Criz...
    [Criz] Jaz... mine? Are... are you ok?
    * Will tries to pick Audrey up, taking a few faltering steps towards the tunnel.
    * Jazmine drags herself off the ground and rushes to hug Criz.
    [Jazmine] You saved us!
    [Lamont] ...
    [Lynna] Rot in hell Vargomere... if that's even too good for you...
    * Finn leans on his sword.
    * Criz hugs Jazmine back as he smiles.
    [Criz] Well, did you think I was just going to let you disappear like that?
    * Miriamele hoists up the battered and bruised Salah, and begins heading back...
    * Lamont starts his way out of the mine.
    [Storyteller] The villagers manage to shamble out of the mine, along with the party.
    [Criz] Thank goddess you're safe and unharmed though.
    * Will trods on through the complex of tunnels.
    * Lynna looks to Will, and helps him with Audrey...
    [Will] ... th-thank you...
    * Lamont looks quite concerned.
    * Finn closes his eyes and takes a deep breath upon exiting the mine.
    [Finn] Thank you, Susannah...

    Baroton

    [Storyteller] At the top, you run into the entire population of the village.
    * Audrey's beaten and battered body lies limp in Will's arms... cold to the touch.
    [Elder] We heard the fighting from out here.
    [Man 1] What happened?
    [Man 2] What's going on?
    [Criz] Loooooooong story!
    * Lamont walks passed the Elder and the Villagers, not saying anything.
    [Man 3] Did you defeat them?!
    [Man 4] Are the women safe.
    [Miriamele] Your villagers are safe...
    [Lamont] Now's not the time for that nonsense.
    * Criz looks down on the ground.
    [Criz] Yes... we did.
    [Will] ... n-not... not all of them...
    * Finn touches his ring, oblivious to the elder and the villagers.
    * Lynna walks on with Will, right past the man.
    [Lynna] They all won't be unless you get us to the village healers.
    [Jazmine] They... they tried... the... the vampire had killed all the elder women already...
    [Man 3] Vampire?!
    * Lamont heads down into town rushing to the Inn.
    * Jazmine turns to the party.
    [Jazmine] Wait!
    [Criz] Yes, you heard her right, but right now we need to save our friends.
    [Jazmine] There isn't anybody in town that can help them!
    * Lynna stops.
    [Will] ... wh-what... ?
    [Jazmine] Take them to the spring! The waters have healing powers!
    * Lamont turns and looks.
    [Lamont] I see.
    * Lamont turns back the other way heads to the Spring.
    [Will] Right... the spring...
    [Lynna] Whatever... Come on Will.
    [Criz] The springs... of course!
    * Will nods at Lynna, carrying Audrey through the path to Althena's Spring.

    Spring of Althena

    [Storyteller] You soon arrive at the spring.
    * Miriamele presses onward.
    * Finn follows quietly.
    [Spring Guard] Wait... You can't come in here! You don't have soap!
    [Lamont] Shut up.
    [Miriamele] I have some soap... And what's a man doing here anyways? I thought this place was for girls?
    * Lynna kicks the guy in the gut.
    [Spring Guard] Ooof!
    * Finn turns around and punches the man solidly in the face.
    [Spring Guard] Oooof!
    * Lamont kicks him.
    [Spring Guard] OoooooooFFF!
    [Storyteller] He falls over, leaving the way to the spring free and clear.
    [Lamont] I'm holding a bloody mess in my hand, and you're bugging me about soap? You goddess damned fool.
    * Lamont heads into the spring.
    * Lynna assists Will the rest of the way, feeling a little less tense after that.
    * Will makes his way to the crystalline waters with Lynna and Audrey.
    * Lamont looks at the water.
    [Lamont] I hope this works...
    * Lamont sets Cassandra into the water and turns his head.
    [Lamont] ...
    [Storyteller]You set the three girls in the water...


    Last Modified: Sunday, 17-Sep-2006 21:10:57 CDT
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