Trial & Error
Chapter 20

Session Start: Sat Aug 28, 1999 22:38
Session Close: Sun Aug 29, 1999 01:54
Elapsed Time: 3h, 26m
Total Elapsed: 92h, 74m

Cast (In Order of Appearance)
  • Richard "RPG Storen" Gregorio as Lynna Handred
  • Travis "Enygma" Saucier as Lamont Lockeheart
  • J. Desorme as Will Dosyani
  • "Windstar" as Salah Paria
  • Jeremy "Bahamut" Baker as Miriamele
  • "Andrew" as Finn MacGovray
  • Supporting Cast: Nash Ausa, Mia Ausa, Lalaith Ausa, Dayanara Tirulian
  • Enemies: H-Tentacle, Brainiac, Mini-Brainiac

    • Magic Guild Mansion, Vane

    [Storyteller] We last left the party in Vane... asleep. Just after dawn, you're all thrown from your beds by a violent shaking. It feels like an earthquake, except that you're damned certain Vane isn't on any sort of continetal plate. You all have some ammount of difficulty clambering out of bed. One wouldn't think an island (floating or not) would have a 15 degree list to the side.
    * Lynna rolls off her bed and lands without much injury... she wasn't in a very deep sleep anyway considering the circumstances...
    * Lamont rolls out of his bed and into the wall with a nice little splat.
    * Will wakes up bewildered, trying to rid himself of the bedroll that envelops him.
    * Miriamele snuggles in her covers, mumbling something unintelligable, as she's wedged against the wall and the floor.
    * Salah slides out of the bed and braces her legs against the wall she runs into.
    * Will tugs some blankets away from his head, rubbing his shoulder where he smacked against the wall.
    * Finn lands on the floor with a solid *thwap* and wakes up immediately...
    [Finn] Oww... dammit...
    [Lamont] ... I don't recall falling aslumber in this position.
    [Will] Eh... ? What's going on?
    [Storyteller] You all hear a booming voice resonating through the hallway...
    [Nash] What the *hell* is going on?!
    * Lamont stumbles out into the hallway
    * Nash is heading down the hallway towards the stairs in a bathrobe.
    * Miriamele opens her eyes and pokes her head up.
    [Miriamele] ?
    * Salah manages to stumble over to the door and open it, sliding outward into the hallway.
    * Mia sticks her head out of their door.
    * Lamont is still in his boxers, eep!
    [Mia] Hold on a second, dear...
    * Will opens the door to the hallway and looks around.
    * Lynna tries to balance with the slope, reaching the door.
    [Lynna] Well, take a guess, Mr. Rocket Scientist...
    * Lamont shuffles back into his room with a red face.
    * Mia hops out of their room, pulling her half-off PJs back into position.
    * Finn wanders into the hallway, not caring that he's in his boxers...
    [Nash] Rhetorical question, Ms. Handred...
    * Salah clutches each of the door knobs as she makes her way through the hallway and bumps into Finn.
    * Lamont pokes his head out.
    [Lamont] I believe this island was much more stable during my stay here...
    * Nash and Mia walk over to the stairs.
    [Salah] What happened?!
    [Storyteller] Looking down, they're at an angle that would be somewhat difficult to climb down.
    [Mia] We don't know, dear.
    [Finn] Er... hi, Salah.
    * Finn clambers towards the stairs behind Nash and Mia...
    [Lamont] Finn, you're half naked.
    [Lalaith] Mah... Dad... (yawns) What's goin' on?
    * Lynna wraps her cloak tightly about her, giving a slight grunt in response to Nash, and makes her way over to the stairs.
    * Miriamele hastily scrambles into her clothing under the covers before heading out to the hall. * What's happening?
    * Finn looks down...
    [Finn] Er, so I am...
    * Nash shrugs to Lalaith.
    * Salah blushes at Finn.
    * Lamont coughs.
    [Lamont] So am I... but I dunno where my clothes are.
    * Finn yawns, shakes his head, and goes back to his room to get into his clothes...
    * Will steps barefoot in his short-sleeved shirt and shorts and tries to make his way to the stairs.
    [Lamont] Oh... there they are... On the wall...
    * Finn returns fully dressed.
    * Nash , Mia, and Lalaith levitate themselves down the awkward staircase.
    * Miriamele runs up beside Lamont.
    [Lamont] Huh?
    [Will] A-ah... w-wait!
    * Salah stumbles through the hallway to the stairs, still in her nightgown and not really caring at the moment. Much more modest than what the guys wear to bed.
    * Finn stumbles down the staircase behind them...
    * Lamont slips into his clothes and looks at Miriamele.
    [Lamont] You didn't... see me half naked... did you?
    * Salah looks at the stairs and bites her lower lip.
    [Miriamele] If you didn't see me, I didn't see you. Sound good? ^_^;
    [Lamont] ... works for me... *blush*...
    [Storyteller] The stairway is very steep, the whole mansion feels like it's leaning forward. (Which would be because it is.)
    * Lamont heads down the stairs.
    * Will tries to crawl backwards down the steps.
    * Miriamele follows.
    * Finn reaches the bottom of the staircase and breathes a sigh of relief.
    [Storyteller] Lamont trips and falls down the stairs.
    * Salah sits down, pulling her feet in front of her and using the stair rail to give her a momentum to slide down the stairs quickly.
    * Lynna digs her sharp claw into the stairway for balance, and makes her way down...
    * Dayanara catches him at the bottom, a slight frown on her face.
    * Lamont stumbles down the stairs, smackin' his noggin' on the last step.
    [Dayanara] Well... Not much to work with here...
    * Lamont looks at Dayanara. "Um... hi."
    * Miriamele descends.
    [Miriamele] Are you okay? ^_^;
    [Lamont] ... fine I guess...
    * Finn looks sympathetically at Lamont.
    [Lamont] . o O (Other than making an ass of myself... )
    * Mia calls back to the group from outside.
    * Salah stands up once arriving at the final step and clutches the rail so as not to continue sliding.
    [Mia] Come on out! Quickly!
    [Will] H-hai!
    [Salah] Umm, okay!
    * Lamont blushes a little at Dayanara.
    [Lamont] Can you put me down... p-please?
    * Lynna flips down the last couple, landing on her feet and following Mia's voice.
    * Salah stumbles outside the mansion.
    * Will stands up after reaching the floor and tries to make his way out.
    * Dayanara sets Lamont down, then heads out. The awkward angle of everything seems to have little to no effect on her balance and coordination.
    [Lamont] ... thanks.

    Floating Magic City of Vane

    [Storyteller] The city is indeed heeling over to the side. "Down" the broad avenue, you can see the ocean coming up over the island. Everything up to the transmission platform is submerged in the ocean.
    [Salah] What is it?
    * Lamont bumbles and stumbles his way out of the mansion.
    [Salah] What's going on Miss Mia?
    * Lalaith points.
    * Salah looks in the direction Lalaith is pointing.
    * Lamont looks as well, after gaining his footing.
    [Miriamele] What's happening?
    [Will] W-what... ? O_O
    [Salah] The island's sinking?!
    [Nash] (softly) You got me...
    [Will] Is it sinking?
    [Salah] But...
    [Lynna] What a way to start the morning...
    [Lamont] ... I hope you all have insurance...
    [Mia] (softly) No... It's not sinking...
    [Storyteller] The ground beneath you shudders. Off to the left, you hear somebody scream.
    [Lynna] Eh?
    * Lamont turns to the scream.
    [Salah] Then... what's happenin--what?
    * Lynna holds her ground, looking around...
    * Salah looks to the left.
    [Will] Could it be that the weight of the Silver Spire upset the balance... ?
    [Will] Then... huh?!
    [Miriamele] ?
    [Storyteller] Lalaith, Mia, and Nash run off in that direction. Just as you turn to face them, six huge green and brown tentacles or vines burst through the ground.
    [Lamont] We're under attack...
    [Will] W-what!?
    [Miriamele] !

    Combat! Round One!

    * Lamont draws his new sword.
    * Miriamele draws her blade...
    * Lynna whips out her claw...
    [Lynna] I should have figured as much...
    * Will looks at his hand, surprised and relieved to find his new flail there.
    * Salah looks around, feeling rather weird fighting in her PJs.
    * Finn draws his sword...
    * Lamont holds his blade ackwardly.
    [Lamont] This if the first time I've handled a sword in some time... I hope I can still... use it effectively.
    * Will shakes his head, not convinced if he's totally awake...
    [Salah] Ummm...
    * Salah blushes and blinks.
    * Salah raises her arms in front of her and begins chanting.
    * Lamont chants, "Slyph, oh great spirit of the winds, I summon your great power to my aid. Vanquish the evil that stands before me and let your whirlwinds blow them into obilvion!"
    [Storyteller] H-Tentacle A takes 3 damage from Lamont's spell. H-Tentacle B takes 3 damage from Lamont's spell. H-Tentacle C takes 3 damage from Lamont's spell. H-Tentacle D takes 3 damage from Lamont's spell. H-Tentacle E takes 3 damage from Lamont's spell. H-Tentacle F takes 3 damage from Lamont's spell.
    * Lamont sighs, disappointed.
    [Will] I never thought we'd be fighting tentacles in the streets of Vane in pajamas! Is this really happening?
    [Salah] Well, pinch yourself if you think this is some strange dream.
    [Lamont] ... Will... Use your lightning magic...
    [Will] It's not very powerful... but I'll try it!
    [Lamont] Call it a hunch... But I'd certainly hate lighting if I was a fish...
    * Will nods!
    * Miriamele calls out! "Althena grant me the clarity to strike true! Aim!" A brilliant flare of light envelopes the half-beast girl for a moment before being dispatched in a shower of sparks. Miri's eyes now twinkle, confident in her abilities...
    [Storyteller] Miriamele's Hit % rises by 39!
    [Will] It's good enough for me!
    [Lamont] ... I just hope it works.
    * Salah throws her hands into the air, as ribbons of blue energy gather into her arms forming a ball. The winds begin picking up, causing her robes to dance in the wind, and in a brillant flash the ball explodes and a storm of ice, sleet, and rocks pound into the enemy forces!
    [Storyteller] H-Tentacles are Strong vs. Ice! No damage!
    [Lamont] ... I had a feeling that wasn't going to work.
    * Lynna faces the tentacles behind her, grinning sadistically.
    [Lynna] I think I'm in the mood for kalimari right now...
    * Miriamele frowns.
    [Miriamele] They seem very resistant!
    [Lamont] Anything water based won't hurt them.
    * Salah frowns.
    [Lamont] Fire would be somewhat effective...
    * Lynna launches herself at H-Tentacle D, slashing furiously!
    [Lynna] Unfortunately for you, I like it raw! Hah!
    [Storyteller] Critical Hit! H-Tentacle D takes 142 damage. Lynna hits H-Tentacle D for 37 damage. Lynna hits H-Tentacle D for 29 damage.
    [Storyteller] The sliced and diced tentacle has a smell strangely akin to freshly cut grass.
    [Salah] I wish I knew how to cast fire magic...
    [Will] We should try to avoid using magic maybe... they have shrugged off all the spells we've used so far!
    [Salah] But... I can't fight without using magic...
    [Lamont] Well, Will, if there's any elemental they are weak to...
    [Finn] Grass...
    [Lamont] It's your lightning.
    [Salah] ... it smells like grass...
    [Finn] Perhaps it's a plant-like organism...
    * Salah smiles.
    [Will] You could try other magic that isn't ice maybe, Salah!
    [Finn] In which case, it wouldn't like fire.
    * Will nods at Lamont.
    [Lamont] Grass? So it's a plant... ?
    [Salah] Lynna! Use your Dark Magic!
    [Lamont] Wait Will...
    [Will] Let's hope this works! Here I go!
    [Lamont] Finn is right... if it's a plant...
    * Lynna wipes some of the juices off her weapon, preparing another attack...
    [Lynna] You may actually be right for once, Salah...
    * Will joins both hands in front of him, forming a crackling ball of electricity between his palms... raising it above his head, he exclaims, "Thunder Wall!!"
    * Will hurls the sphere at the front enemy row with all his strength, creating a wall of sheet lightning in their midst upon impact!
    * Lamont cringes.
    [Storyteller] H-Tentacle A is Weak vs. Thunder! A, B, and C each take 130 damage!
    * Lamont blinks.
    [Lamont] I was right... ?
    * Salah cheers.
    [Salah] Nice job, Will!
    [Will] Great! It worked, Lamont!!
    [Lamont] Whew.
    * Will slaps him on the back! :)
    * Salah looks at Lamont and nods smiling.
    [Finn] Good advice, Lamont. :)
    * Lamont oofs.
    [Lamont] Well, I'm glad that worked... Maybe I shouldn't second guess myself so much
    [Finn] No kidding! Give yourself more credit. :)
    [Will] ... ! I know!
    [Miriamele] ^_^
    [Lynna] Don't guess. Act on instinct... unless you want to end up dead.
    * Salah smiles at Lamont and giggles at him.
    [Salah] You gotta be truthful to yourself Lamont.
    * Lamont blinks.
    [Lamont] I just don't want to make any bad mistakes.
    [Miriamele] Don't act on instinct. Think it though and act accordingly. Guessing is just as good as instinct.
    [Will] Who can hit the tentacles hardest? I can use Thunder Soul to make you thunder-elemental!
    * Finn turns around and jumps high into the air, driving his sword through Tentacle D's already-shredded form...
    [Storyteller] H-Tentacle D takes 403 damage from Finn's weapon skill and is pulverized!
    [Lamont] Cassandra hits pretty hard... but she's not here...
    * Lynna turns her back, preparing a spell.
    [Lynna] Do what you like...
    * Lamont blinks.
    [Lamont] Where is Casssandra... ?
    [Miriamele] I think Finn just did a good job.
    * Finn winces and wipes tentacle-juice off his face...
    [Will] Okay, Finn... ^^;
    [Lamont] I believe Finn is stronger than I am.
    * Salah winces at the damage Finn did.
    [Storyteller] The tentacles flail around, each striking one member of the party.
    [Storyteller] H-Tentacle E hits Lamont for 10 damage.
    * Lamont grimaces.
    [Storyteller] H-Tentacle A missed Miriamele!
    [Miriamele] Ha!
    * Miriamele evades. ^_^
    [Lamont] ... I guess I should see what this blade can do.
    * Lamont looks at Finn.
    * Finn looks at Lamont.
    [Storyteller] H-Tentacle F hits Salah for 37 damage.
    * Salah screams in pain.
    [Lamont] That technique you used... What was it?
    [Storyteller] H-Tentacle B hits Will for 54 damage.
    [Will] Aah!
    * Salah falls on her knees, clutching her wound.
    * Will is slammed against the pavement, tearing his t-shirt to shreds.
    * Lynna attempts a sidestep any attacks, while maintaining her concentration...
    [Storyteller] H-Tentacle C slams up against Finn's shield! He bashes it aside with narry a thought. Miss!
    [Lamont] Nice reflexes.
    * Finn glances at the tentacle for a moment, then turns to Lamont...
    [Finn] It's not too difficult...
    * Finn leans over and briefly explains the particulars to Lamont.

    Combat! Round Two!

    * Lamont nods.
    [Lamont] Let's see if I can do something like that...
    [Salah] Ugh... Will, use your Thunder Magic again. Lynna... try... your dark magic against them...
    [Lynna] I already heard you once... watch your back and talk less...
    [Storyteller] Lamont uses a Pre-Emptive! (Not like it matters)
    * Lamont slides his blade into his left hand, twirls it once and rushes at Tentacle E, and cuts at it rapidly before the creature can make any sudden moves.
    [Storyteller] H-Tentacle E takes 152 damage from Lamont's item-enabled skill.
    * Will rubs his arms, cold with only his shorts to protect him from the elements. ^_^;
    [Will] I know, Salah!
    [Finn] Not bad, Lamont...
    * Lamont slides back into formation.
    [Lamont] That didn't have near the thump I was hoping...
    [Finn] Give it time. You're new to using a sword, aren't you?
    [Lamont] First time using a sword in several years...
    [Finn] Well then... no worries.
    * Miriamele charges the front row, unleashing her wicked blade against the foul things, carving crimson crecents across their slime covered hides!
    [Lamont] If you say so... Guess I should get used to the basics of this weapon first.
    * Finn nods in agreement.
    [Storyteller] Wind Scimitar has Line Effect! Wind Scimitar has Air Effect! Critical Hit but Strong vs. Air! H-Tentacle A takes 97 damage. Ditto on B! H-Tentacle B takes 96 damage! Ditto on C! H-Tentacle C takes 91 damage!
    [Miriamele] A shame they seemed to resist some of the effect... it did seem to work good though!
    * Salah studies H-Tentacle C carefully, then with a sudden burst of bright green energy, light arcs emerge from Salah's forehead and swing into C head.
    [Storyteller] H-Tentacle C is now on Ally Side! Moves to Ally Front!
    [Will] It was kind of impressive!
    [Lynna] Hmm? A new trick?
    * Salah smiles.
    [Salah] I... did it...
    [Lamont] That was a strange technique.
    * Salah looks back at the group.
    [Salah] Don't hurt it okay? It'll help us!
    [Will] Wh-what... ?
    * Will jumps aside, leaving H-Tentacle C some private space. ^^;
    [Will] If... if you say so!
    * Salah looks back at the tentacle closes her eyes... concentrating.
    * Lynna shakes her head, letting go of the charge.
    [Lynna] This is for ruining my morning.
    * 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 enemy front row!
    [Storyteller] H-Tentacle A takes 85 damage from Lynna's spell. H-Tentacle B takes 65 damage from Lynna's spell.
    * Lynna hmphs.
    [Lynna] Not what you were all hoping for...
    [Storyteller] Will casts Thunder Soul... Finn takes on Thunder Effects!
    * Finn slashes across A's slimy hide...
    [Storyteller] Finn has Thunder Effects! Critical Hit and Vulnerable to Thunder! H-Tentacle A takes 460 damage and is pulverized!
    * Finn leaps across to B...
    * Finn spins his blade as he thrusts it in, then twists it upward.
    [Storyteller] Defaulting to B! Finn has Thunder Effects! H-Tentacle is Vulnerable to Thunder! Finn hits H-Tentacle B for 162 damage. Finn hits H-Tentacle B for 163 damage. H-Tentacle B is pulverized!
    [Lamont] Goodness Finn...
    * Lamont looks rather impressed.
    [Lamont] You're very skilled with a blade.
    [Lynna] Well, at least someone here is serious about this battle...
    * Miriamele gives Lynna a sideways glance...
    [Finn] Sometimes, Lamont...
    [Storyteller] Finn's entire body pulses with electrical energy, discharges lancing around between all of the metal he's wearing. (Not that it bothers him in the slightest.)
    [Lamont] ... I bet it got a charge out of you,
    [Finn] In this case it's due to the thunder that Will has imbued me with.
    * Lynna eyes Finn for a moment, and sharpens her claws for a some more slice-n-dice...
    [Storyteller] H-Tentacle C reaches out and wraps itself around Finn! Finn has Thunder Effects! Finn is Weak vs. Hydroponic Techno-Element! Finn takes 29 damage!
    * Finn rolls his eyes...
    [Lamont] I guess I should see if I can swing this sword...
    [Storyteller] H-Tentacle E makes a (don't tell me you didn't expect this) grab for Salah's ass! H-Tentacle hits Salah for 32 damage.
    [Storyteller] H-Tentacle F smacks Will around like one of the stooges! H-Tentacle hits Will for 42 damage.
    [Will] Ah!
    * Will gets the wind knocked out of him, sitting on the floor...
    * Salah lands on her butt groaning and trying to stay focused on Tentacle C's mind.

    Combat! Round Three!

    [Lamont] I guess I should see if I can swing this sword...
    * Lamont twirls his blade.
    [Lamont] Guess I'll see if I can do something like Finn did...
    * Will coughs, attempting to stand up in a barely conscious state.
    * Salah opens her eyes slightly looking at Will's poor condition.
    [Salah] Hang on just a little bit longer Will!
    * Lamont twirls his sword and rushes forth to Tentacle E, driving the blade into it.
    [Storyteller] Critical Hit! H-Tentacle E takes 220 damage. Critical Hit! H-Tentacle E takes 210 damage. Lamont hits H-Tentacle for 75 damage and pulverizes it!
    * Lamont looks at the sword.
    [Lamont] I did that... ?
    [Will] A-all right...
    * Dayanara bounds past the group, some sort of vicious looking aerial spore plants chasing her.
    * Lamont blinks.
    [Lamont] Since when does she run from anything?
    * Dayanara leaps over them as they accelerate, slicing them to ribbons as they pass under her.
    [Finn] God, she's good...
    [Lynna] Yep, a bad morning all right...
    [Lamont] ... well, I guess that answers that.
    * Salah pretty much ignores the whole scene, trying to keep her concentration over casting a healing spell and keep her mind in contact with the tentacle.
    * Miriamele flicks her wrist, and suddenly she's armed with a few small and wicked-looking throwing daggers. She then lets loose sending a group of the small daggers hurtling towards Tentacle F!
    [Storyteller] H-Tentacle F is Strong vs. Air! H-Tentacle F takes 81 damage from Miriamele's weapon skill.
    * Miriamele looks dejected. :P
    * Miriamele flicks her tail.
    [Miriamele] Well, that wasn't nearly has helpful as I'd hoped it would be.
    * Salah places her hands in a praying form, a translucent image of herself with white wings and gown appears above and lets her tiny feathers fall upon wounds, healing them.
    [Storyteller] Lamont, Salah, and Lynna are restored to full HP!
    * Lynna shrugs.
    [Lynna] A lot of good that does me...
    * Lynna flips over at Tentacle F, and unloads in a triple barrage of slashing metal!
    [Storyteller] Critical Hit! H-Tentacle F takes 144 damage. Lynna hits H-Tentacle for 31 damage. Critical Hit! H-Tentacle F takes 152 damage and is pulverized!
    [Storyteller] H-Tentacle C breaks from Salah's control and reverts to Enemy Team!
    [Lynna] That's a good boy... you do know when to die after all.
    [Will] O-okay...
    * Lynna extracts her claws from the dead body, and turns her attention to the rogue tentacle.
    * Will joins both hands, to then separate them slowly, forming a crackling ball of electricity between his palms. "Thunder Bolt!!"
    [Lamont] Only one left.
    * Will uses both hands to throw it at the H-Tentacle C, the thunder ball speedily crashing into the target and giving it a major shock!
    [Storyteller] H-Tentacle is Weak vs. Thunder! H-Tentacle takes 135 damage from Will's spell and is pulverized!

    Victory!

    Floating Magic City of Vane

    * Salah pants and looks at Will.
    * Lamont wipes off his sword.
    [Lamont] Looks like using a blade will do me some good...
    [Salah] Are you okay?
    * Miriamele glances about...
    [Miriamele] Where'd Daya go?
    * Salah quickly chants a Recovery Litany on Will.
    * Dayanara can be seen down the street, slicing up another half dozen tentacles on her own.
    [Will] Th-thank you... ^_^
    [Storyteller] Will is restored to full HP!
    [Lamont] ... She's quite talented... although I'm sure I've seen her fighting style somewhere before...
    * Lalaith and her parents are down the street. She and Mia are blasting the tentacles left and right while Nash is thoroughly zapping them into oblivion.
    * Lynna stands, arms folded, as if she's expecting something more to come her way.
    [Lamont] Perhaps we should help them... not that they need it...
    [Miriamele] It might be a plan.
    * Salah looks back at the group.
    [Salah] Is everyone else all right?
    [Miriamele] Still, it's the honorable thing to do.
    [Finn] I'm good... if I take another hit I might need some healing, though...
    [Storyteller] The remaining few tentacles slither back underground. The city lurches, rights itself, then heels over more than before. You all tumble to the ground, barely catching hold of the edges of the cobbelstones.
    [Finn] Goddess!
    [Miriamele] !?
    [Will] W-woah!!
    [Lamont] Not good!
    [Lynna] Salah, those thing barely... ack!
    * Salah groans.
    [Miriamele] I really wish we could find some solid ground here! Water is entirely overrated... -_-;
    * Nash and family float back to the party.
    [Salah] Oooh, I don't feel so good right now...
    [Nash] Upsy daisy!
    [Finn] What's going on, Nash?!
    [Lamont] ... This isn't going to do my confidence any good.
    [Storyteller] You all begin to levitate, floating at an equal level to the three memebers of the Ausa legacy.
    * Lamont stands up.
    * Lynna sighs deeply as she rises up.
    * Salah sets herself up right looking slightly amazed.
    [Miriamele] Why not Lamont? We won?
    * Miriamele wags her tail at that, a bit.
    [Lamont] ... the falling over thing, I mean.
    * Dayanara tromps back to the party, her original boots apparently swapped for a knee-high metal set with retractable spikes in the heels.
    [Salah] Umm... are, are you three okay?
    [Lamont] Where does she get those wonderful toys...
    * Lalaith breathes.
    [Miriamele] It happens to the best of us. I mean, you weren't the only one to have their butt kiss the ground. ^_^;
    [Lalaith] Yeah...
    [Lynna] Obviously where you're not shopping, Lamont.
    [Mia] To the roof darling.
    * Nash nods.
    [Lamont] It's hard to explain, Miriamele...

    Roof, Magic Guild Mansion

    [Storyteller] You all float over to the roof of the guild mansion. One by one you're set down on the edge of the wall.
    * Lynna folds her hands again, looking slightly contemptously at Nash. .o( Not like I NEEDED you to help me... )
    * Lamont tests the footing.
    [Salah] Those tentacles... they must've been from some kinda sea monster...
    [Storyteller] Your feet dangle over the "side"...
    * Will exhales deeply.
    [Salah] Kinda like the one that we fought on the ship...
    * Dayanara scales the wall, upside down for most of the trip.
    [Lamont] ... Where is Cassandra and the others?
    * Salah looks down.
    * Lamont looks up.
    [Lamont] Does anyone know?
    [Lynna] So... since when did Vane turn into leaky boat?
    [Will] N-no...
    [Finn] I don't know, Lamont... But Cassandra is resourceful... I'm sure she's fine.
    [Lamont] ... I'm going to find the others...
    [Nash] From what I can tell, there's something attached to the bottom...
    [Salah] errr... uhh... umm...
    [Will] But... what about Audrey?
    [Salah] H-how can we get rid of it?
    [Mia] Unfortunately, we can't see through all that rock without a stable place to perform the scrying...
    [Nash] Which is obviously lacking right now...
    [Lynna] If there's some kind of giant barnacle there...
    [Lalaith] They can go through the Trial Cave.
    * Finn purses his lips.
    * Lamont points to Dayanara.
    [Lamont] She can do it, can't she? I think it would be in my... our best interests to find the others.
    [Miriamele] Trial Cave?
    [Will] What is the Trial Cave... ?
    * Lynna holds her head at the mention of the Trial Cave.
    [Finn] Well, we can't leave without the others... that's for certain.
    * Miriamele looks perplexed.
    [Miriamele] We had nothing like this where I'm from...
    [Dayanara] Stop whining, I'll find your friends.
    [Lamont] The Trial Cave is where the students of Vane are tested to see if their magic abilities are strong enough to make the cut.
    [Salah] Trial Cave... but...
    * Lamont eyes Dayanara.
    [Lamont] Whining... ?
    * Dayanara continues her trek up the wall, the spikes on the boots retracting and extending as needed for her to walk.
    [Finn] I'm hardly whining...
    [Will] I see... does it lead down there... ?
    [Dayanara] Yeah, whining...
    [Lamont] I suppose if you go deep enough it would.
    * Finn shakes his head.
    * Salah looks down into the ocean.
    [Lamont] ... H-hey, I'm not wining... I'm just concerned!
    * Dayanara disappears inside the half-cocked mansion.
    * Lamont looks down.
    [Lamont] Ooops...
    [Lalaith] Exactly!
    [Lynna] I don't even know why I bothered coming here... I really don't...
    * Salah feels the breeze of the wind gentely blowing.
    [Salah] If something is down there, how can we get rid of it?
    [Miriamele] Well, it's more exciting than the Frontier. ^_^;
    [Mia] Would you do that? None of us can enter the cave. We're all Grandmasters...
    [Finn] Well... what now?
    [Lamont] Well, I guess that leaves us to deal with the Trial Cave...
    * Nash nods.
    [Nash] Yes, it does.
    * Lynna grumbles under her breath several times...
    [Finn] Then let's get going!
    * Will nods...
    [Salah] The thing must be gigantic if it can tip Vane over.
    * Lamont eyes Mia.
    [Lamont] That make a difference... ?
    * Mia nods.
    [Mia] Grandmasters can not enter the trial cave.
    * Lamont coughs.
    [Will] B-but... can I get my clothes first?
    * Salah blushes and looks down.
    * Nash snaps his fingers.
    [Storyteller] Everybody is fully clothed and equiped.
    [Lamont] I guess we should get going...
    [Salah] I... kinda need to get dressed.
    [Nash] How's that for parlour tricks?
    [Lynna] Well, at least it wasn't a cheap rabbit...
    * Will feels a surge of warmth as his pair of shorts is replaced by his suit, gloves, shoes, bandanna and even mining light. ^_^
    * Salah looks at Nash. "Show off!" She then smiles.
    [Miriamele] Do that juggling flaming chickens and standing on your head, and next time I'll be impressed. ^_^
    * Nash frowns at Lynna's scornful attitude.
    [Salah] Thank you.
    [Will] That must be the best I've ever seen...
    * Mia laughs at Miri.
    [Mia] You all ready?
    [Lamont] ... I'm going.
    [Finn] Yeah. Let's go.
    * Lynna points at Premier Nash.
    [Lynna] I hope you realize I'm only going into that cave because it's my only option, you got that?
    [Salah] Umm...
    * Will nods!
    * Nash nods.
    [Lynna] At least we agree on something... let's go then.
    * Miriamele flicks her tail.
    [Miriamele] Ready whenever you are.
    [Nash] Lalaith, could you please levitate them to the entrance. Your mother and I will begin the evacuation process.
    [Lalaith] Yes, Father.
    * Nash and Mia float away, heading off to gather up all the Grandmasters so they can levitate the population off the island if the party fails.
    [Lamont] ... I haven't been through these caves in years... I wonder if the layout is still the same.
    * Lalaith smiles.
    [Lalaith] If you can think tilted.
    [Miriamele] I've never heard of this Trial Cave before. ^_^;
    [Will] You went through the cave before, Lamont... ?
    [Lalaith] Everybody hold hands. I'm not quite as good as Dad.
    [Lamont] I had to Will... only way to get trained here.
    * Miriamele holds out her hands, waiting for others to take hold.
    * Lynna talks with an edge in her voice.
    [Lynna] Just shut up Lamont...
    [Will] Er... okay. ^_^
    * Lamont looks around a little reluctant to take anyone's hand.
    * Lynna snatches his hand forcefully.
    * Lalaith smiles.
    [Salah] I-I don't know if... if I could help in this... my-my magic doesn't seem to work on its tentacles...
    * Miriamele snags Lamont's hand.
    [Miriamele] We shouldn't keep her waiting...
    * Will looks around a little embarrassed, not knowing whose hand to take.
    [Lalaith] Don't make me play match-maker. Grab a hand and lets go.
    * Lamont blinks.
    [Lamont] Sorry...
    * Lalaith grabs Will's hand.
    * Lynna grabs Salah's as well.
    * Finn grabs Lalaith's other hand.
    * Salah takes Finn's hand.
    [Miriamele] Don't apologize to me, silly. ^_^; You didn't do anything wrong.
    [Lalaith] Here we go.
    * Will grabs Miri's hand then.
    * Lamont blinks.
    [Lamont] Hokay...
    [Storyteller] You all gracefully rise into the air. She seems to be a whole lot better at it than she'd like to believe.
    [Lamont] I kinda wish we were with the others...
    [Storyteller] You drift over towards the trial cave entrance... Unfortunately, with the angle of the city, it's almost a drop straight down...
    [Miriamele] We'll see them all soon enough. ^_^ They'll be fine.
    [Lamont] I tend to feel alittle more safe when I'm w... when we're a full team.
    [Lynna] I just want this to be over as fast as possible.
    * Salah clenches on Finn's and Lynna's hand tightly and closes her eyes.
    [Lalaith] One at a time... Hollar when you've got some decent footing.
    * Lalaith takes a deep breath.
    [Will] Who goes first... ?
    [Storyteller] Lamont feels himself pulling away from the group.
    [Lamont] H... hey!
    [Miriamele] ?
    [Lalaith] Just let go!
    * Lamont lets go.
    [Lalaith] I can do this...
    * Lalaith breathes again...
    [Lamont] ... Just don't drop me...
    [Storyteller] Lamont drifts down into the Trial Cave. Eventually, he lands on what should be the wall.
    [Lalaith] I won't!
    * Lamont gets some decent footing.
    [Lamont] OK, I'm here...
    * Lynna looks down, contemplating a decent drop off point.
    [Lynna] Looks like Lamont has the right idea... let me go, now.

    Trial Cave, Floating Magic City of Vane

    [Storyteller] The rest of the party gets lowered one by one. As soon as they're all down, the city lurches again, throwing them all from the wall to the floor propper.
    [Lalaith] You all okay down there?!
    [Miriamele] Whatever is doing that really needs to give it a rest...
    [Will] Ack!
    [Miriamele] Yep, we're good! I think...
    * Miriamele grins.
    [Lynna] Nothing broken... yet.
    [Lamont] ... other than Vane being tilted on it's side, and being separated from C... the others... I'm fine.
    [Storyteller] At least the city is right-side-up... for now.
    * Will rubs his head gingerly. ^_^;
    [Will] We should move quickly while Vane is like this...
    [Lalaith] The Transmission pad at the bottom will send you back to the top! Just make sure the city is level so you don't end up in the ocean!
    [Lamont] I agree.
    * Lynna dusts herself off, and takes in the situation...
    * Salah stands back up after the fall.
    [Will] Lamont, do you know the way?
    [Lamont] ... I think so.
    [Lynna] .oO( Hmm... the Cave of Trial... )
    * Salah looks a little bit nervous and doubtful.
    [Miriamele] Lead the way, Mr.Lamont. You've been here before, and have more experience at this than the rest of us.
    * Lalaith floats away...
    [Lamont] I've never been down too deep.
    [Miriamele] If you can get us even part of the way, we're smiling. ^_^
    [Lynna] Stop strutting, and start moving...
    [Salah] Finn... weren't you ever down here?
    [Will] Uh... what about you, Lynna? Have you been everywhere here... ?
    [Finn] I've been down here lots, Salah...
    [Lamont] ... I've been down into the second level... but no farther... I wanted to go deeper... but I kinda moved away before I could.
    * Lynna stalks off down the nearest passage...
    [Miriamele] Well, it's two levels that we don't have to muck about clueless on then. ^_^;
    [Will] W-well... we'll have to figure out the way when we get there. :)
    [Salah] So, you know the way right?
    [Miriamele] It's gonna drive me bonkers to not lead the way... ^_^;
    [Lamont] Actually, I'm hoping that with Vane being in this type of shape, the monsters down there are... in hiding.
    [Will] Lead on, Lamont... =)
    [Lamont] ... you guys are serious... ?
    * Will nods.
    [Will] You're better qualified than any of us, except Lynna maybe... er... Lynna... ?
    * Lamont starts off.
    [Salah] Where's Lynna?

    Combat! Round One! Lynna Alone!

    * Lynna pulls out her claws.
    [Lynna] Well, well... company!
    [Storyteller] Brainiac A uses Psychic Shock! Lynna takes 26 damage from Brainiac's spell!
    [Storyteller] Brainiac B uses Psychic Shock! Lynna takes 24 damage from Brainiac's spell!
    * Lynna shakes off the effects...
    [Lynna] I'm no crybaby mage... bring it on you pathetic worms...
    [Storyteller] Brainiac C uses Psychic Drain! Lynna looses 36 MP! Brainiac gains 36 MP!
    * Lynna tries to keep her mind focused...
    [Lynna] You shall die for even thinking you can touch me... !
    * Lynna raises her entire body off the ground, levitating in a vortex of black energy. She levels an icy glare at Brainiac C, who suddenly begins to convulse in the throws of Death itself, soon to becoming nothing more than a lifeless husk at her feet...
    [Storyteller] Brainiac C's very life force is sucked into oblivion! Instant Kill!

    Combat! Round Two! Lynna Alone


    [Storyteller] Brainiac A uses Psychic Drain! Lynna looses 38 MP! Brainiac gains 38 MP!
    * Lynna growls low...
    [Storyteller] Brainiac B uses Psychic Drain! Lynna looses 29 MP! Brainiac gains 29 MP!
    [Lynna] You pieces of Guild garbage... get out of my way!
    * Lynna lets out a piercing cry, and charges through the enemy row in a streak of blackest night! She then looks down at her bloodied hands as if waiting for the screams of torment that surely follow...
    [Storyteller] And the screams indeed cry out from the minds of the disembodied brains.

    Combat! Round Three!

    Reinforcements have Arrived! Allies join the fight!

    Reinforcements have Arrived! Mini-Brainiac x12 join the fight!

    [Lamont] ... Lynna, why did you run off like that?
    * Lynna starts getting a dark glow about her, her rage building... she barely notices her friends coming to her aid.
    [Will] Lynna! Are you all right?
    [Lynna] Because this... is personal.
    [Lamont] Personal feelings should be cast aside for later. Right now we have a fight to win.
    [Storyteller] Lynna uses a Pre-Emptive Attack!
    [Lynna] Feelings... The only feeling I have... is hatred... !
    * Lynna's dark aura intensifies, as her entire form is vieled in shadow... Lynna rears back, letting go a blood curdling scream that echos throughout the cavern! In a flash of light & darkness her body changes... skin of blackest night, huge sharp claws, and two bony wings that sprout omniously from her back...
    [Will] L-Lynna...
    * Lynna suddenly lunges forward at Mini-Brainiac without any warning, all but her glinting claws becoming as a blur to the naked eye...
    [Lynna] Rrrrrrrrr... !
    [Miriamele] O_o
    [Salah] Lynna... ?
    [Miriamele] What the... ?!
    [Storyteller] Battle Form Lynna has Line Effect!
    [Storyteller] Mini-Brainiac A takes 342 damage from Lynna's weapon skill! Mini-Brainiac B takes 324 damage from Lynna's weapon skill! Mini-Brainiac C takes 365 damage from Lynna's weapon skill!
    [Storyteller] All are defeated!
    [Salah] ... a-a... m-monster...
    * Lamont blinks
    [Will] Is that... is that really you... ? Lynna... ? O_O
    * Lynna stands over the corpses of her fallen foes, running yellow eyes over all who remain standing...
    [Lynna] ... Kill ...
    * Finn raises an eyebrow...
    [Finn] Well, THIS is certainly different...
    * Lamont chants, "Sylph, oh great spirit of the wind, I summon your power to vanquish the evil before me! May your whirlwinds blow them into oblivion!"
    [Storyteller] Mini-Brainiacs each take 39 damage from Lamont's spell.
    [Lamont] ... that just doesn't pack the punch I was hoping.
    * Miriamele calls out! "Althena grant me the clarity to strike true! Aim!" A brilliant flare of light envelopes the half-beast girl for a moment before being dispatched in a shower of sparks. Miri's eyes now twinkle, confident in her abilities...
    [Storyteller] Miriamele's Hit% rises by 40!
    * Lynna is unresponsive to the rest of the party... however, she's not focused on them at the moment.
    [Finn] ... how in the world did she sprout those appendages?
    [Storyteller] Mini-Brainiac D casts Psychic Shock! Lynna takes 0 damage from Mini-Brainiac's spell.
    * Lynna growls at the Brainiac, batting his spell away as if it were a leaf in the wind.
    * Miriamele is kinda wide-eyed.
    [Miriamele] I have no clue...
    [Lamont] I have a feeling that the braniacs aren't her only targets in this battle...
    [Storyteller] Mini-Brainiac E casts Psychic Shock! Lamont takes 42 damage from Mini-Brainiac's spell.
    * Lamont cringes!
    [Storyteller] Mini-Brainiac F casts Psychic Shock! Miriamele takes 67 damage from Mini-Brainiac's spell.
    [Miriamele] Agh!
    [Storyteller] Mini-Brainiac G casts Psychic Shock! Salah takes 0 damage from Mini-Brainiac's spell.
    [Storyteller] Mini-Brainiac H casts Psychic Shock! Will takes 75 damage from Mini-Brainiac's spell.
    * Will falls to his knees, clutching his head.
    [Storyteller] Mini-Brainiac I casts Psychic Shock! Finn takes 62 damage from Mini-Brainiac's spell.
    * Finn winces and stumbles backwards...
    [Will] Aah... m-my head... !
    * Lynna sprouts jagged spikes from her back, looking like a line of razors down it...
    [Storyteller] Mini-Brainiac J casts Psychic Suck! Lynna is Immune to Mind!
    [Lynna] ... Survive ...
    [Storyteller] Mini-Brainiac K casts Psychic Suck! Salah is Strong vs Synapse Creatures!
    [Finn] There are so many of these things...
    [Lamont] ... so much for my theory of them being in hiding.
    [Storyteller] Mini-Brainiac L cast Psychic Suck! Finn looses all MP!
    * Finn clutches his head...
    [Finn] Ugly little...
    * Will shakes the mental attack off, grasping his flail.
    * Salah throws her hands into the air as ribbons of blue energy gather into her arms, forming a ball. The winds begin picking up, causing her robes to dance in the wind, and in a brillant flash the ball explodes and a storm of ice, sleet, and rocks pound into the enemy forces!
    [Storyteller] Mini-Brainiacs take 69 damage from Salah's spell each.
    [Lamont] ... I suppose my air elemental spells aren't worth the time I spent learning them... I should have gone with fire instead...
    * Finn pants heavily...
    [Storyteller] Lynna's body begins to convulse.
    * Lynna holds her head, writhing suddenly in pain...
    [Lynna] Rrrr...
    [Storyteller] She twitches and spins around, one razor sharp claw nearly slicing Lamont's head off.
    [Lamont] HEY!
    [Miriamele] !
    [Salah] Lynna!
    * Lamont falls on his can.
    [Finn] Lynna, wake up!
    [Lamont] ... this is not good.
    [Finn] What are you doing?
    [Storyteller] She falls to the ground. Her chest explodes in a fountain of silvery black liquid.
    [Salah] Lynna!
    [Will] Lynna!!!
    * Finn gasps
    [Storyteller] It splashes down around her, then slides across the floor and recoallesces.
    [Miriamele] ... Lynna?
    * Salah rushes over to Lynna.
    [Lamont] Wait!
    [Storyteller] She returns to her natural form, unconscious.
    [Finn] Is she... alive?
    [Lamont] ... she's breathing.
    * Lynna lies there... completely and utterly spent.
    * Will sighs in relief.
    [Finn] Thank goodness...
    [Salah] Just... exhausted.
    [Lamont] ... she liked to have killed me.
    [Will] Right... !
    * Will swings his Evening Star back with one hand, tugging at his glove with the other. Sprinting towards the enemy with a determined look, he rushes through the front enemy line, knocking back all the targets and inflicting multiple fractures as he swings it with all his strength! "Hammer Heave!"
    [Storyteller] Mini-Brainiac D takes 167 damage from Will's weapon skill. Mini-Brainiac E takes 165 damage from Will's weapon skill. Mini-Brainiac F takes 158 damage from Will's weapon skill.
    * Will hops back to his place.
    [Storyteller] All are defeated!
    [Lamont] How many are left?
    * Finn grits his teeth in rage and swipes his sabre heavily across the trembling jelly of Brainiac G's body.
    [Storyteller] Finn hits Mini-Brainiac G for 110 damage! Defeated!
    * Finn sidesteps to H, and cuts down it vertically...
    [Storyteller] Finn hits Mini-Brainiac H for 110 damage! Defeated!
    * Finn jams his sword into I, finally.
    [Storyteller] Critical Hit! Mini-Brainiac I takes 239 damage and is splatterd all over the far wall!
    [Lamont] ... 3 left.
    [Finn] That'll teach those magic-using bastards...

    Combat! Round Four!

    * Lamont draws his sword up.
    [Lamont] Guess I'll see if I'm ready to try this technique...
    [Storyteller] Lamont hits Mini-Brainiac J for 113 damage! Defeated! Lamont hits Mini-Brainiac K for 114 damage! Defeated!
    * Lamont attacks again!
    [Storyteller] Critical Hit! Mini-Brainiac L takes 289 damage and is defeated!

    Victory!

    Trial Cave, Floating Magic City of Vane

    [Lamont] Hmm.
    [Lamont] Not bad...
    [Miriamele] Not bad at all. ^_^ You beat me to the punch, you did.
    [Lamont] Well... I'm still slow...
    * Salah stands up from her knelt position near Lynna.
    * Lamont walks over to Lynna...
    [Salah] Y-you guys are all right?
    * Lynna is breathing, but isn't making any motion to move...
    * Finn kneels beside Lynna...
    [Finn] Salah... try a healing spell?
    [Lamont] ... does she look OK? well... more than normal anyway.
    * Salah lowers her head and casts Heal Aura around the party
    [Storyteller] Everybody is restored to full HP, including Lynna! She starts to come around...
    * Lynna groans slightly, shifting her weight on the cold stone floor...
    * Lamont places his blade away.
    * Finn helps to prop Lynna up against a wall...
    [Will] Lynna... ? Are you feeling all right?
    [Lamont] You alright, Lynna?
    [Storyteller] The entire cave shudders, pelting you all with a hail of small stones and a cloud of dust.
    [Lamont] ... we don't have time for this...
    * Finn flinches.
    * Lynna takes a few deep breaths, and opens her eyes.
    [Lynna] Huh?
    * Salah coughs.
    * Miriamele mutters something about this damned floating city.
    * Will puts on his cracked goggles so as to protect his eyes.
    [Finn] Are you feeling alright, Lynna?
    [Lamont] ... I hope the others are alright...
    * Will flicks on his mining light, adjusting it on his shoulder.
    * Lynna holds her head.
    [Lynna] I was a minute ago... now I'm aching all over...
    * Lamont snaps his fingers and makes a ball of light appear in his left hand.
    [Miriamele] I'm sure they are. If we're okay, they have to be. ^_^
    * Salah walks beside Lynna.
    [Lamont] I'm just worried, Miriamele...
    [Miriamele] I know... that's natural. But you shouldn't let it dominate you're mind.
    [Salah] Are you feeling well enough to walk, Lynna?
    * Lynna stands up, coming to her senses, and coughing on the dust.
    [Lynna] Damn this cave... I've always hated it...
    * Finn gets to his feet.
    [Lamont] I can't help it... I have to worry... I've always put the well being of others above my own.
    [Miriamele] I'm glad you do, Lamont. It's a noble way of doing things. But right now you need to have those worries take a little less than the forefront of your mind.
    [Will] Let's hurry then...
    * Lynna pushes Salah away a little.
    [Lynna] I'm fine... just a little disoriented.
    * Salah looks aside...
    [Lynna] Why are you all standing around? We...
    [Salah] You... you changed.
    [Lamont] Lynna, I think you should see a priest for that whole black liquid busting out of the chest thing.

    Last Modified: Sunday, 17-Sep-2006 21:11:06 CDT
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