Heat Wave
Chapter 23

Session Start: Sat Oct 09, 1999 22:53
Session Close: Sun Oct 10, 1999 03:44
Elapsed Time: 4h, 53m
Total Elapsed: 104h, 18m

Cast (In Order of Appearance)
  • Nicole "Lucca" Dinner as Audrey Nanshete
  • "Andrew" as Finn MacGovray
  • Jeremy "Bahamut" Baker as Miriamele
  • Danny Capote as Cassandra Kalikar
  • Richard "RPG Storen" Gregario as Lynna Handred
  • Travis "Enygma" Saucier as Lamont Lockeheart
  • J. Desorme as Will Dosyani
  • Supporting Cast: Ramus the Second. Pseudo-Salah, Dayanara Tirulian, Patricia, Igor, "The Somber Cloud", Red Dragon Nirrian, Pseudo-Cassandra
  • Enemies: Cerebrus, Fire Fox, Sallymander

    • Belowdecks, MSS Dragonmaster A

    [Storyteller] We last left the party travelling aboard the MSS Dragonmaster A. After saving the Floating Magic City of Vane, the party left to begin the quest for the Dragon Armor. The question remained of course, who was to be the Dragonmaster. There were even more questions though by our fair demonette Lynna... Which is where we begin... Below Decks on the MSS Dragonmaster A, in the girls quarters. Time has passed and it's the next day. Everybody has gotten a good sleep, and it's now time to go ashore.
    * Ramus II knocks on the Girl's door.
    [Ramus II] Hello? Time to get up!
    * Audrey mumbles and pulls the sheets over her head...
    * Finn yawns and gets up, running a hand through his hair.
    [Ramus II] All ashore that's goin' ashore!
    * Miriamele yawns, and throws a pillow over her face.
    * Cassandra blinks and sits up, talking aloud...
    [Cassandra] What the fuck? Can't you give me some more time? I'm too damn tired to get up!
    * Ramus II pushes the door open.
    [Ramus II] Not unless you wanna swim to the Red Dragon Cave.
    [Cassandra] Get the hell outta here, you horny bastard!
    * Audrey sits up in bed, rubbing her eyes.
    [Audrey] Morning already... ?
    * Miriamele mumbles.
    [Miriamele] Mpthupmalehp... maphid umpem fhere...
    * Ramus II closes the door just as quickly.
    [Ramus II] Gawd, what a bitch...
    * Lynna rolls over in her bed.
    [Lynna] ...
    [Cassandra] Fucking ass...
    * Ramus II walks down the hall and raps on the Boy's door.
    [Ramus II] All ashore that's goin' ashore!
    * Ramus II likes saying that, if you couldn't tell.
    * Lamont opens the door and walks out, ready to go.
    [Lamont] Thank you for the comfortable lodgings.
    [Ramus II] Any time.
    * Ramus II looks at Lamont...
    * Finn walks out to the deck of the ship.
    [Ramus II] How do you put up with that Cassandra woman?
    * Will rubs his eyes sleepily.
    [Will] Uh... ?
    * Lamont blinks.
    [Lamont] Well, she's just different, sir.
    [Ramus II] That's a way to put it.
    * Ramus II heads back on deck.
    * Cassandra walks out into the hall all ready.
    *Pseudo-Salah wakes up, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.
    [Pseudo-Salah] Are we there yet?
    [Lamont] Good morning, Cassandra.
    [Cassandra] Hey...
    * Lynna kicks off the covers.
    [Lynna] Does it really matter?
    [Lamont] You appear to be more yourself this morning... that's good to see.
    * Will gets out of bed, not exactly a morning person, and dons his clothes and readies his gear.
    [Pseudo-Salah] It does if you don't like water, Lynna!
    * Audrey walks out of the room, dressed, and keeping her head bowed as she stands by the railing, looking out to sea.
    [Cassandra] Eh.
    [Finn] Morning, Audrey...
    [Audrey] ... Morning...
    [Finn] Something the matter?
    * Lynna sits on the side of her bed... apparently she sleeps in her black robes too.
    [Lynna] Just don't fall into the sea when we're getting off.

    MSS Dragonmaster A

    [Storyteller] The party eventually manages to make their way onto the deck of the ship. The seashore bobs off the side of the ship, the mountains climbing into the air behind it.
    * Lamont looks out over the water.
    * Ramus II stands up on the bow with his compass and sextant.
    [Audrey] ... I... It's nothing...
    * Lamont gets out his drawing pad and starts to draw the scene.
    [Dayanara] Good morning boys and girls.
    * Dayanara walks up onto the deck.
    * Cassandra takes in a deep breath.
    [Cassandra] Fresh sea smell. Not that crap odor at Meribia...
    [Audrey] Morning...
    * Patricia, the engineer, comes up on deck.
    [Finn] Oh, come now... I don't believe that.
    [Patricia] Anybody interested in breakfast?
    * Lynna silently walks to the railing.
    [Lynna] Well... it's mornig... but Good is stretching it.
    * Dayanara pokes Lamont in the arm.
    [Dayanara] How's the arm, kid?
    * Miriamele nods.
    [Miriamele] Mmm... food...
    * Audrey loks at Finn...
    [Lamont] Oh... fine...
    * Cassandra looks at Dayanara with contempt and walks over to Lamont.
    * Patricia is bearing a large basket full of food, plus a trio of rucksacks, most likely filled with travel rations.
    * Miriamele struggles to keep her tail still. ^^;
    [Audrey] I'm... Just a little tired... that's all.
    [Finn] Well, if you want to talk about it, just let me know...
    * Audrey manages a smile.
    [Audrey] All right...
    * Finn gravitates towards Patricia, his stomach rumbling loudly.
    [Will] Good morning, Audrey... ^_^
    * Patricia hands the basket to Miriamele, then sets the rucksacks in the launch.
    [Audrey] . o O ( Though you wouldn't understand... I don't even understand... )
    [Dayanara] Well you still have a lot to learn in swordsmanship... but you're not bad.
    [Audrey] Good morning Will...
    * Miriamele takes the basket and roots through it looking for the best of the best stuff.
    [Patricia] I'll get one of the lads to row you all across, then you can have a picnic breakfast on the beach.
    [Lamont] Thank you.
    * Audrey picks up a roll and begins picking at it.
    [Will] Hey... are you feeling all right? :/
    [Storyteller] All of the food is incredibly high quality, this used to be a cruise liner after all.
    * Ramus II heads to the party from the bow.
    * Lynna smirks a little.
    [Lynna] A picnic... Oh boy.
    * Miriamele munches on a bagel, or bagel-type-thingy.
    * Will stays at a discreet distance from the basket.
    [Ramus II] Do you guys have a compass?
    * Dayanara eyes Cassandra.
    [Dayanara] Good morning. I see your boy's arm is doing well.
    [Will] A compass...
    [Miriamele] No... but I've always been good with directions.
    * Ramus II hands Will his compass.
    * Lamont continues drawing.
    [Ramus II] You know how this works?
    * Cassandra glares at Dayanara.
    [Cassandra] He's not my boy. And I'm sure he'd tell me if he was doing well or not if he wanted to.
    * Audrey puts down her roll without really eating a whole lot from it.
    [Will] I... I have one. ^^;
    * Will takes off his backpack, setting it on the ground and rummaging around a little before producing a small, round object.
    [Will] Here... :)
    [Ramus II] Oh... Good. Head directly east.
    * Lynna just leans on the railing, glancing at everyone every moment or so. She doesn't look very hungry.
    [Ramus II] Do that, and you'll hit the Red Dragon Cave dead on.
    * Finn eats ravenously.
    [Will] East... right...
    * Audrey looks around, not really seeming to pay attention.
    * Dayanara grins slightly.
    [Dayanara] Well, some things have to be prodded out of men, you know. Some of the cute ones tend to stay bottled up unless you prod them right.
    [Finn] Isn't it kind of silly...
    [Patricia] Well, if you don't want to do the picnic thing, I guess that's okay too...
    [Dayanara] Observe...
    [Finn] We have to get all the dragon equipment, yet we can't use it until we have it all.
    * Patricia looks at Finn, sighs, and walks away.
    * Dayanara pokes at Lamont's arm again, this time using some force.
    [Ramus II] There's nothing saying you can't use it.
    [Cassandra] Hey! Leave him alone, you dumb bitch!
    [Ramus II] It just won't work at full potency untill you have it all...
    * Lamont grimaces.
    [Lamont] That is quite uncomfortable.
    * Finn calls to Patricia...
    [Finn] What was that for?
    [Ramus II] Miss Dayanara... please?
    [Patricia] Oh, nothing.
    * Patricia goes back below decks.
    * Dayanara lets go and blinks at Cassandra.
    [Dayanara] Concerned?
    [Finn] Ugh, that's it!
    * Finn follows her.
    [Pseudo-Salah] Dayanara! You're such a meany!
    [Cassandra] No. But I'd be annoyed as all hell if some skank whore started poking me in the arm.
    * Patricia turns on Finn.
    [Finn] You can't just do that to someone...
    * Will places his hand on Audrey's shoulder.
    [Will] Audrey... ?
    * Audrey jumps.
    [Audrey] W... what? Oh... Will?
    [Patricia] It's not you, it's your whole group... You're such... ruffians...
    [Dayanara] ... skank whore... ? Really?
    [Patricia] Anyway... I'm going to tend to my engines. Have a nice life.
    [Miriamele] I'm a... ruffian?
    [Will] Are you feeling well... ? You seem... strange. :/
    [Finn] Ruffians?
    [Audrey] S... strange? Ruffian... ?
    * Patricia nods and walks off.
    [Finn] What were you expecting, exactly?
    * Audrey looks at Will for a moment.
    [Audrey] I...
    [Finn] A bunch of blond-haired, blue eyed knights in shiny armor?
    * Audrey shakes her head.
    [Audrey] I'll... be okay...
    [Patricia] I dunno... You just don't strike me as the Dragonmaster type. Any of you.
    * Lamont continues drawing, as if nothing has happened.
    * Lynna looks at Audrey's lack of attention, and gestures slightly at her.
    [Lynna] Maybe I'm not the only one this morning...
    [Finn] Do you think Alex struck anyone as the Dragonmaster type? Everyone scoffed at him, called him a "kid". And he saved their asses.
    * Patricia shrugs.
    * Lynna turns around again.
    * Dayanara rubs Lamont's head.
    [Dayanara] He's a good kid, Cassandra. Cut him some slack.
    [Patricia] Pardon me, I have work to do.
    [Finn] Maybe you should remember that the next time you apply stereotypes randomly...
    [Finn] Yeah, have fun.
    * Patricia heads down to the engine room.
    [Will] Are you... quite sure? =)
    * Finn climbs up to the top deck again.
    [Ramus II] You all ready to go?
    [Finn] Absolutely...
    [Audrey] ... I'm sure...
    * Lamont puts his pad away after sketching some.
    * Miriamele nods.
    [Ramus II] Good... Igor... Row.
    * Will scratches his head...
    [Will] If... if you say so...
    [Lamont] Cassandra, you shouldn't worry about Miss Dayanara.
    [Storyteller] A big ugly guy comes out and climbs into the boat. He takes up the oars.
    * Audrey leans against the railing and closes her eyes.
    * Finn ogles.
    [Igor] Yes, captain...
    [Cassandra] Whatever, you should stick up for yourself.
    [Lynna] Well, at least things could be worse.
    [Ramus II] There's a few days of rations in there for the nine of you.
    [Igor] Yes, captain... food for the passengers... yes, captain...
    [Lamont] Don't worry about me, Cassandra. I deal with things in my own way.
    [Finn] Thanks, Ramus... you've been more than kind.
    [Lamont] Miss Dayanara does deserve respect... she's a Mistress swordswoman... I've never seen anyone handle a blade like her before.
    [Cassandra] Who cares? She shouldn't be a bitch to you!
    [Storyteller] Eventually everybody climbs into the boat, while Lamont, Dayanara, and Cassandra argue, Igor rows. He dumps you on the shore, along with your three rucksacks of food and rows back to the MSS Dragonmaster. Within minutes, she's pulled up anchor and is steaming away.

    West of the Red Dragon Cave, Marius Zone

    [Audrey] ...
    * Lamont stands up.
    [Lamont] Then she isn't worth your attention, Cassandra.
    [Dayanara] Hey Audrey, you're lookin' pale, hun.
    * Miriamele has her hands over her ears and looks leerily out at the ocean...
    * Lynna paces on the shore a little...
    [Audrey] ... I am?
    * Dayanara nods.
    [Dayanara] Maybe you forgot your makeup or something.
    [Audrey] ... No... I didn't.
    * Audrey's voice sounds distant.
    * Lynna stops.
    [Lynna] She's right, you know.
    [Finn] Audrey... what's wrong? Please tell us.
    [Audrey] ... Nothing...
    [Finn] Let me take your temperature...
    * Audrey shakes her head.
    [Audrey] Please... it's nothing...
    * Lamont looks at Cassandra.
    [Lamont] You got quiet on me... are you mad?
    * Finn touches Audrey's forehead.
    * Miriamele sighs.
    [Finn] ... freezing cold...
    [Dayanara] That's probably not the best idea, Finn...
    [Audrey] It is cold... but I'll be fine... we have to find the armor... please don't stop for me...
    * Dayanara eyes Finn and Lamont and mumbles, *Damn I hate this... I can't tell who is the real one... they both have the aura... *
    [Lynna] Fine then. let's get going.
    [Finn] I'm really concerned about that.
    [Lynna] I'm not in the mood for a picnic right now.
    [Will] B-but...
    [Finn] I can't believe you're still able to walk with that kind of hypothermia.
    [Pseudo-Salah] Yeah... Let's go...
    [Audrey] ...
    [Dayanara] You're never in the mood for anything but chewing people out, Lynna. You're like me... but without the cuteness.
    [Pseudo-Salah] Daya...
    [Dayanara] ... and sparkling wit.
    *Pseudo-Salah starts walking.
    * Dayanara giggles.
    * Lynna mumbles something along the lines of chewing "up"...
    [Will] Audrey... i-if you're not feeling well...
    * Audrey turns to Will, almost looking like she wants to snap at him, but stops.
    [Audrey] I'll be okay... please don't stop...
    * Lynna walks as well.
    * Lamont walks along behind Cassandra, being silent once again.
    * Dayanara walks up ahead, acting like she knows exactly where she's going.
    * Finn shakes his head and trudges along.
    * Audrey follows.
    * Will takes out his map as he walks, looking for some town that is still standing nearby...
    [Storyteller] The party tracks through the wilderness, Will occasionally speaking up after checking his compass, making sure they're going in the right direction.
    * Dayanara just keeps on trekin', doesn't even stop for a compass reading.
    [Audrey] . o O ( It can't be what I think it is... It can't be... I'm in Althena's service... she wouldn't let something like this happen to me... she wouldn't... )
    * Lynna marches rather solemnly...
    [Lamont] You're quiet Cassandra, are you upset?
    [Pseudo-Salah] What was that, Audrey?
    [Cassandra] No. Why should I be?
    [Audrey] Huh?
    * Miriamele elects to scout ahead, attempting to escape the somber cloud that has gripped the party...
    [Lamont] You're not normally this quiet.
    [Pseudo-Salah] What were you saying about Althena?
    [Lamont] ... so naturally I'm... nevermind.
    [Audrey] ... I didn't say anything...
    * The Somber Cloud chases after Miriamele, sucking her in and consuming her soul.
    [The Somber Cloud] Mwah ha ha ha ha ha ha!
    [Pseudo-Salah] Oh... Okay.
    [Lynna] Just leave her alone.
    [Lamont] Cassandra, do you think you'll be the chosen one?
    *Pseudo-Salah looks at Lynna.
    [Pseudo-Salah] Who? Me?
    [Lynna] Yes, you.
    [Pseudo-Salah] Hrmph...
    [Audrey] Lynna... ?
    [Lynna] Ugh... just nevermind.
    * Lynna keeps on walking.
    [Cassandra] Me? Nah.
    [Lamont] Why not? You're pretty strong.
    * Will walks on silently, looking with some concern at his map...
    [Storyteller] Walkie walkie talkie talkie... Even though there's no snow this far south, the weather is rather chill. However, as you walk, you all note that the weather is slowly getting warmer, like you're approaching a source of great heat.
    *Pseudo-Salah walks up to Will.
    [Pseudo-Salah] You know where we are?
    * Dayanara smiles brightly.
    [Dayanara] Gotta love this weather.
    [Audrey] ... It's cold here...
    * Finn gapes when he sees Dayanara smile.
    [Will] H-hai... but...
    [Pseudo-Salah] But what?
    [Cassandra] I ain't got what it takes.
    [Dayanara] Put your tongue back in your head, Finn. I know I'm beautiful... but you don't have to be so forward about it
    * Lynna doesn't comment.
    [Finn] Naah, you're not all that beautiful. I was just surprised that you actually smiled for once.
    [Dayanara] I smile all the time.
    * Will points at the towns surrounding the Red Dragon Cave.
    [Will] I'm... I'm worried about this... Iluk, Reza is probably not safe... then what happened at Meryod...
    [Dayanara] You should pay more attention.
    [Finn] To you?
    [Lamont] I wonder who it'll be, Cassandra...
    [Audrey] ... Don't worry about me...
    *Pseudo-Salah nods...
    [Cassandra] Maybe it'll be you.
    [Dayanara] Maybe you'd be a better swordsman if you paid more attention to me.
    [Storyteller] Will looks at his compass to get his bearings, blinking... The needle is spinning around in circles.
    [Lamont] No... that's one person I know it won't be... it won't be me.
    [Will] And Meribia and Nanza... h-huh... ? o_o;
    [Pseudo-Salah] What?
    * Lynna looks at Audrey.
    [Finn] You're not so much better than me, you know.
    [Lynna] You're sounding like a broken record...
    [Audrey] ...
    [Cassandra] Why not? You are definitely Dragonmaster material.
    [Finn] I'll be as good as you in no time...
    [Will] Wh-what is this... ? This shouldn't happen...
    [Cassandra] Besides, I'd be by your side the whole time.
    * Miriamele drops back a little closer, noting Will's confusion...
    [Will] Unless... there's a powerful magnetic force nearby... ?
    * Lamont blinks and blushes.
    [Lamont] Well, I just don't know if I could handle it...
    * Dayanara looks back at the party.
    [Dayanara] What's the hold up?
    [Pseudo-Salah] Will's compass is broken.
    [Audrey] Something about magnets...
    [Finn] We don't need a compass.
    [Cassandra] Maybe it's the cave?
    [Lynna] Well, it can't be my magnetic personality...
    * Lynna folds her arms.
    * Dayanara eyes Finn.
    [Dayanara] I'm the best there is, actually.
    [Finn] Pride always comes before a fall.
    * Lamont blinks.
    [Lamont] This isn't good...
    [Miriamele] What do we need a compass for. Obviously none of you have ever lived on a flat, seemingly endless plain before. ^^;
    [Dayanara] There's a difference between pride and confidence, young one.
    [Finn] No kidding.
    * Miriamele points to the sun.
    [Miramele] You can tell by the sky.
    * Miramele points east.
    [Miriamele] That way is east.
    [Dayanara] Very good Miriamele, I'm sure your parents must be proud of you for having such knowledge.
    [Pseudo-Salah] Daya...
    [Audrey] Leave her alone... She didn't do anything to you...
    [Pseudo-Salah] Yeah, leave her alone.
    [Miriamele] ... well...
    * Dayanara smiles at Miriamele brightly.
    * Miriamele smiles back.
    [Lynna] Aren't we the all picture of happiness today...
    * Dayanara looks at the others.
    [Dayanara] You think I'm messing with the girl? No... I'm not. I'm serious. I'm sure her parents must be proud.
    * Finn sighs and keeps walking.
    [Miriamele] :P
    [Audrey] ...
    [Miriamele] I uhm... didn't really... uhm... forget it. ^^; This way folks...
    [Dayanara] Anyway, if you wanna go to the cave... follow me... I know exactly where we are.
    [Audrey] . o O ( I just want to cry... just want to scream... but I can't... I have to be strong... I'm the calm one... the good one... I have to be... )
    [Dayanara] And Finn, that's not the right way.
    * Miriamele resumes the walk...
    [Pseudo-Salah] It's okay to cry, Audrey...
    [Finn] I'm just catching up to you.
    [Dayanara] It's this way.
    [Finn] Aren't you confident?
    [Audrey] ... Salah, please stop reading my mind...
    [Dayanara] Well, I've only been here... 400 million times. I think I'd know the way.
    [Audrey] It's not nice to do without permission...
    [Pseudo-Salah] I... I'm sorry.
    [Audrey] It's okay...
    *Pseudo-Salah goes to walk near Dayanara.
    [Audrey] ...
    [Finn] Then lead on, McDuff...
    * Lynna falls in step with Audrey.
    * Lamont follows.
    [Lamont] Hey Finn...
    * Finn looks at Lamont.
    [Finn] Yep?
    [Lamont] Why do you fight with her... ?
    [Audrey] Hey Lynna...
    * Finn slows down so that he's out of Dayanara's earshot...
    * Dayanara marches off in the direction of the cave.
    [Dayanara] By the way, Will, these hills are full of iron deposits... it screws up compasses.
    [Lynna] Hey. You having a bad morning too?
    [Audrey] ... Yeah...
    [Finn] I guess I feel sort of... insecure... around her.
    [Lynna] Or should I say bad life.
    [Audrey] You could say that...
    [Lamont] Really? Why is that? She's another person...
    [Will] ... oh...
    [Audrey] ... No... more like bad week...
    [Finn] She's amazing in combat...
    [Lynna] Well, you haven't exactly been all smiles. That's obvious.
    [Finn] But more than that, she sort of just came into our party so abruptly... It's kind of daunting.
    [Audrey] ... I'm not sure what's wrong... I really don't.
    [Lamont] I respect her...
    [Storyteller] Under Dayanara's guidance, the party quickly finds a way down from the hills and onto the volcanic plain. The air is dry; it smells of sulfur and flame. The ground is warm to the touch, you can feel it through the bottoms of your boots.

    Lava Flats, Marius Zone

    [Lynna] Well, if it's any comfort, I don't know either...
    [Dayanara] Goddess, do I love this place.
    [Finn] That's another thing. She's incredibly rude to you.
    [Audrey] ... I still feel...
    [Pseudo-Salah] Why's that, Dayanara?
    * Audrey shakes her head.
    [Finn] Why put up with that just because you respect her?
    [Lamont] I am just not that type, Finn...
    [Finn] The type to stand up for yourself?
    * Lynna steps lightly, twitching her nose at the smell in the air...
    [Lamont] ... I can't.
    * Finn wrinkles his nose at the unpleasant smell of sulphur, trekking carefully.
    [Finn] I think you should try. Maybe not all the time... Because you aren't used to it...
    [Audrey] Please leave Lamont alone... ? Why can't everyone see each of us has good and bad points... but we're all comrades and friends...
    [Lamont] I want to be liked... I don't want anyone to hate me.
    [Audrey] We shouldn't fight or nitpick at each other...
    [Pseudo-Cassandra] Lamont? Stop whining.
    * Lamont blushes.
    [Lamont] Sorry...
    [Lynna] I'm not going to make a promise I can't keep.
    [Finn] But if you let people trample all over you constantly, then eventually you start believing what they say.
    [Dayanara] Why do I love this place? Well...
    [Miriamele] Because it's cozy warm and you get used to the smell in time?
    *Pseudo-Salah wrinkles her nose.
    [Pseudo-Salah] I dunno.
    [Finn] ... and you're worth more than that. Don't forget it.
    [Lynna] Low real estate tax?
    [Dayanara] ... it's because I'm half Red Dragon.
    * Miriamele flicks her tail.
    [Miriamele] This dryness though... it'll wreak static-electrical havoc, I'm sure...
    * Will trudges on silently, feeling slightly useless... and homesick, in a way...
    [Storyteller] You hear what sounds like barking up ahead, and it's coming your way.
    [Finn] Oh dear.
    [Miriamele] That can't be true... you don't like very... uhm... half. No wings, tail, fangs, nothin'.
    * Lynna looks away.
    [Lynna] You could be Athena herself and I wouldn't care any more so.
    * Finn draws his sword.
    [Lamont] I don't know, Finn. I'm just... well... *goes silent, thinking*
    [Miriamele] I mean, even I have a tail and a fang, and I'm nothing even close to a dragon. ^^;
    [Will] ... ?
    * Dayanara snickers at Miriamele.
    [Dayanara] Then what are you?
    * Lynna slips her claws out onto her hands.
    [Storyteller] There's motion, off to the left...
    [Miriamele] Well--
    [Will] Shh... Dayanara... Miri... listen... !
    * Miriamele catches the movement.
    * Dayanara waves off Will.
    [Dayanara] It's nothing I can't handle.
    [Lynna] Well, I guess Daya's got some new neighbors...
    [Storyteller] A horde of redish brown fur leaps over a obsidian outrcropping behind you.
    [Audrey] !
    * Miriamele leaps back, and draws her weapon!
    * Dayanara looks at them.
    [Dayanara] Just go away! You don't want me to hurt you!
    * Lynna takes up a battle stance, hunching a little low.
    [Lynna] How about we welcome them to the neighborhood?

    Combat, Round One

    Enemy Rear: Cerebrus x3
    Enemy Middle: Fire Fox x4
    Enemy Front: Fire Fox x4

    [Dayanara] You'd think she'd keep a tighter lid on her pets, damn.
    * Audrey sighs, and pulls out her bow wearily, slowly... as if she's not really connected to the battle.
    * Lamont steps in front of Cassandra and draws his sword.
    * Dayanara taps her foot.
    [Dayanara] To help or not to help... that is the question...
    * Will takes his flail from his backpack, assuming an offensive position in the front row!
    * Dayanara grins brightly.
    [Dayanara] Since Finn thinks he's better than I am, I'll let him handle this.
    * Finn eyes Dayanara.
    [Finn] I never said that, and you know it.
    * Miriamele smiles.
    [Miriamele] He can handle this, easy.
    [Dayanara] Don't you know never to argue with a woman?
    [Lynna] Well... I never knew dragons were cowards... I guess you learn something new everyday. Heh.
    * Lynna steps to the front line.
    [Storyteller] Fire Fox A rushes at Lamont, leaping on him with abandon.
    [Dayanara] You kids have all seen what I can do. Now it's my turn.
    * Lamont puts up his defenses.
    * Finn smirks...
    [Finn] Obstinacy is not a positive trait...
    [Storyteller] FireFox hits Lamont for 3 damage. FireFox hits Lamont for 9 damage. It yips and returns to it's place in line.
    * Lamont isn't damaged.
    [Dayanara] I have other reasons for not fighting.
    [Storyteller] FireFox B walks up to Finn, wagging it's tail cutely...
    * Finn raises an eyebrow while simultaneously raising his shield...
    [Storyteller] It then leaps at him, snarling! FireFox hits Finn for 0 damage. FireFox hits Finn for 0 damage.
    * Finn deflects it easily.
    [Finn] Awww...
    [Lamont] Good job, Finn.
    [Storyteller] It yips twice and returns to it's place in line, looking almost... depressed.
    * Miriamele flicks her own tail.
    [Miriamele] Hmph... I wish I had a kawaii attack...
    [Dayanara] Impressive shield work... for a kid.
    [Storyteller] Firefox C leaps on Will, snarling and biting at his eyes.
    [Audrey] Will... !
    [Will] Ack... !
    [Storyteller] Critical Hit! Will takes 205 damage and is KONKED!
    [Audrey] No... !
    [Lamont] Ah my goddess, they killed Will!
    * Will is slammed against the ground and knocked out cold. X_X
    [Finn] But not as good as you, the granny, right?
    * Finn winks.
    [Storyteller] Fire Fox D pounces on Lynna... It's either trying to rip her throat out or climb down it.
    [Dayanara] I am the Queen of Hardcore, Finny boy.
    [Storyteller] FireFox hits Lynna for 23 damage. FireFox hits Lynna for 14 damage.
    * Finn winces, seeing the foxes hit Will and Lynna.
    * Lynna throws the thing off of her after it gets it's licks in and leaps to her feet.
    [Lynna] You are going to regret that...
    [Storyteller] Fire Fox E, F, G, & H have no ranged attack.
    * Lamont twirls his sword and heads to the first Fox.
    [Lamont] Take this!
    * Lamont cuts loose.
    [Storyteller] Lamont hits FireFox A for 66 damage. Lamont hits FireFox A for 66 damage. Lamont hits FireFox A for 63 damage. Fire Fox A is reduced to near kibbles, but it's not quite enough yet.
    * Lamont rolls back into position.
    [Dayanara] You're not swinging high enough! Remember what I taught you!
    [Lamont] Someone finish it off!
    * Audrey closes her eyes and prays piously to the heavens. "Althena... bring the spark of life back to this fallen one! Revive Litany!" A beam of light shoots down into Will's chest from somewhere above!
    [Storyteller] Will revives with 25 HP!
    [Audrey] ... Will...
    * Will clambers unsteadily to his feet...
    * Audrey smiles for the first time all day... then looses it.
    [Will] Th-thank you... ^^;
    [Audrey] Welcome...
    *Pseudo-Salah casts Recovery Litany on Will. Will regains 49 HP!
    * Miriamele chants a small arcane litany... "Athena bless us with the strength to endure! Iron Wolf!" Mystic bolts of energy coelesce in the air surrounding herself! The energy then vanishing, her body is filled with a surge of strength!
    [Will] Thank you too, Salah... :)
    [Storyteller] Miriamele's AP rises by 31!
    [Lamont] The odds are really against us here.
    [Miriamele] Not yet they aren't...
    [Storyteller] Cerebrus A rears its three heads, each of them points at a different member of the party. It breathes a gout of fire out of each mouth.
    [Audrey] Oh no... !
    [Storyteller] Audrey takes 25 damage from Cerebrus's spell. Salah takes 43 damage from Cerebrus's spell. Lynna takes 92 damage from Cerebrus's spell. Lynna is KONKed!
    [Lamont] I suggest someone take out the Cerebrus in the back.
    [Pseudo-Salah] My pants are on fire!
    * Finn nods gravely.
    * Lynna reels from the fire...
    [Lynna] ... Damnit.
    [Will] Lynna... !
    * Dayanara snickers.
    [Dayanara] Dumb girl.
    [Pseudo-Salah] Shut up, Daya!
    [Audrey] Ahh! Lynna...
    [Storyteller] Dayanara gets smacked with a psychic whiplash.
    * Audrey then glares at Daya.
    [Audrey] ... Just shut up!
    [Dayanara] Concentrate on your enemy.
    * Dayanara points to the Foxes.
    * Lynna falls down unceremoniously... proof positive this is just a bad day overall.
    [Storyteller] Cerebrus B does nothing. Cerebrus C does nothing.
    * Finn jumps high in the air and grits his teeth, swiping his sword across all of Cerebus A's necks...
    [Dayanara] Very nice...
    * Dayanara claps.
    [Storyteller] Cerebrus A takes 367 damage from Finn's weapon skill.
    * Finn leaps back into position.
    [Dayanara] Although you need to choke up on your sword more.
    [Dayanara] So you'll have better control.
    [Finn] Perhaps I'll take your advice next time, then... Just for curiosity's sake.
    * Pseudo-Cassandra lashes out at Cerebrus B with her whip.
    [Pseudo-Cassandra] Wrapped Whip!
    [Storyteller] It wraps around it's legs, she yanks and pulls him off his feet. She shakes her whip a bit to make sure it's taunt and files her nails on her armor.
    * Pseudo-Cassandra whistles while she works.
    [Dayanara] She's pretty good with that whip.
    [Audrey] Hmm...
    [Will] W-wow... ^^;
    * Lamont smiles.
    [Will] Maybe this will work... !
    * Will raises his right hand, pointing the index of his alchemist's glove at the enemy party. Tensing it as short static charges start running through his forearm, he calls out, "Uncovered powers of the Earth, let those who look into my eyes freeze to solid stone! Gorgon Gaze!"
    * Will emits a schockwave of energy in the direction of the enemy formation, shocking its members senseless as they start growing a thick shell of stone!
    [Storyteller] Fire Fox A, B, C, and D are unaffected. Fire Fox E & F are STONed! Fire Fox G & H are unaffected.
    [Audrey] All right... Will!... ^_^
    [Dayanara] Impressive trick.
    [Storyteller] Cerebrus A is STONed!
    [Miriamele] Sweet!
    [Storyteller] Cerebrus B & C are unaffected!
    [Dayanara] Very impressive trick.
    [Will] 3 out of 10... =D
    [Dayanara] There's talent to go with that cute face.
    [Audrey] ...
    [Audrey] . o O ( Not... this again... -_- )
    [Will] Er... th-thank you... ? ^^;

    Combat, Round Two

    Enemy Rear: Cerebrus B, C
    Enemy Middle: Fire Fox G, H
    Enemy Front: Fire Fox A, B, C, D
    Ally Front: Finn, Lamont, Will, Cassandra
    Ally Rear: Lynna, Audrey, Salah

    [Storyteller] Fire Fox A pounces on Miriamele, yipping and snapping at her tail.
    * Miriamele flicks her tail out of the way, and attempts to side step!
    [Storyteller] FireFox missed! FireFox missed!
    * Miriamele baps it on the nose.
    [Miriamele] Bad fox!
    [Dayanara] Very good. Couldn't have taught you better myself.
    [Storyteller] Fire Fox B pees on Lynna's corpse before pouncing on Will.
    * Audrey growls at the Fox.
    [Dayanara] Bad Fox! Bad!
    [Will] N-not again... O_o
    [Storyteller] FireFox hits Will for 53 damage. FireFox missed!
    * Lynna would rip it's personal treasures out if she were conscious... but it's lucky today.
    * Will avoids the fatal bite, bleeding copiously but thankfully alive.
    [Storyteller] Fire Fox C rushes at Cassandra, yipping and squealing.
    [Lamont] Watch out Cassandra!
    [Storyteller] FireFox hits Cassandra for 12 damage. FireFox hits Cassandra for 15 damage.
    * Pseudo-Cassandra looks up from filing her nails.
    [Pseudo-Cassandra] Huh... what? OUCH!
    [Storyteller] Fire Fox D wags its tail, looking oh-so-cutely at Miriamele... It walks up to her, still very cute... It walks around her... oh so cute... It bites her on the ass! FireFox hits Miriamele for 0 damage. FireFox hits Miriamele for 4 damage.
    * Miriamele kicks it away!
    [Miriamele] Blah!
    [Will] Are you all right, Miri?
    [Storyteller] Fire Fox G & H have no ranged attack!
    [Miriamele] Yeah... 'cept for those teeth marks on my butt. :/ At least he didn't get my tail. ^^;
    [Lamont] Well, at least we're holding out well...
    [Will] Hehe... ^_^
    [Audrey] ...
    * Lamont prepares for his next attack.
    [Lamont] Let's see if I can do some good here!
    [Storyteller] Lamont hits FireFox A for 42 damage... it's now a whole lot less than kibble... Defeated. Defaulting to B. Lamont hits FireFox B for 56 damage. Lamont hits FireFox B for 62 damage.
    * Lamont smiles.
    [Lamont] Got one!
    * Audrey narrows her eyes at the enemies... looking so pale it's scary. O_o
    [Audrey] Die... !
    * Audrey begins chanting... High above, winds begin to coelesce and swirl, as a rift is torn open in the air! From the starry blackness a myriad of a fiery rocks are ejected, spraying the battlefield with flames!
    [Audrey] Stars above, destroy the sinners! Metor Swarm!
    [Storyteller] FireFox B takes 182 damage from Audrey's spell and is defeated! FireFox C takes 181 damage from Audrey's spell. FireFox D takes 161 damage from Audrey's spell. FireFox G takes 188 damage from Audrey's spell. FireFox H takes 196 damage from Audrey's spell. Cerebrus B takes 107 damage from Audrey's spell. Cerebrus C takes 86 damage from Audrey's spell.
    [Dayanara] ... damn.
    [Will] Whoo... Audrey... that was incredible! =)
    [Dayanara] Impressive.
    [Audrey] Thank... you.
    [Dayanara] Very very impressive.
    [Dayanara] I'm not a big magic user, so I can't offer you much advice.
    * Audrey nods silently.
    [Dayanara] Although I know someone who could... Star Magic...
    * Dayanara sighs deeply.
    * Lynna doesn't gets smashed by any rocks... although maybe it would be a good thing...
    [Audrey] Who... ?
    * Dayanara coughs.
    [Dayanara] Nobody... don't worry about it.
    [Audrey] ... ?
    *Pseudo-Salah casts "Ice Sword" on Cerebrus C!
    [Storyteller] Cerebrus takes 167 damage from Salah's spell.
    * Miriamele charges the front enemy row, leaping immediately to the right side and commencing to tear across the line, sabre glistening as it flicks its way through the enemies! She skids to a halt at the other side, kicking up dust as her feet slide her to a stop.
    [Storyteller] Miriamele's Wind Scimitar has Air Effects. Fire Fox is strong vs. Air. Miriamele hits FireFox C for 22 damage and defeats it!
    [Dayanara] Miriamele, Honey... please use your head... I know you've got a lot of smarts.
    [Miriamele] Shush, Daya! -_-;
    [Storyteller] Cerebrus B is tied up by Cassandra's "Wrapped Whip" - No action possible!
    [Audrey] Leave her alone!
    * Dayanara blinks.
    [Dayanara] Don't get me wrong, it was a good technique. Just can't use it on fire based creatures... it's like... using water magic on ice creatures, understand?
    [Storyteller] Cerebrus C raises it's head, it sniffs the air once, then barks flame at the party.
    [Audrey] I...
    [Finn] Of course she understands...
    [Will] Watch out... !
    * Dayanara crosses her arms.
    [Dayanara] You kids have no idea what the big picture is here.
    [Storyteller] Audrey takes 67 damage from Cerebrus's spell and is KONKed!
    [Finn] ... gads...
    [Will] Audrey!!
    [Dayanara] Looks like it didn't like the Star Magic too much.
    [Storyteller] Finn takes 146 damage from Cerebrus's spell.
    * Audrey cries out and collapses.
    [Lamont] Oh no... Audrey is our best healer...
    [Pseudo-Salah] I can heal too, Lamont...
    [Lamont] I know Salah, but I'd prefer you use Ice magic while she heals.
    [Storyteller] Lamont takes 119 damage from Cerebrus's spell.
    * Finn screams in agony and staggers backwards...
    * Lamont screams out in pain and falls to both knees.
    [Dayanara] Not good for you guys...
    * Finn trembles with rage...
    [Pseudo-Salah] Maybe if you helped, Dayanara!
    * Finn lets out an inhuman yell and sinks his sword deeply into Cerebus C's breast.
    [Dayanara] There are complications with that, Aunt Salah... I'm really not allowed.
    [Will] Dayanara... ! Please, help us- or at least keep quiet!
    * Miriamele mutters something about what was she thinking when she only bought one sword, and how she thought this one would be so good...
    [Storyteller] Cerebrus C takes 520 damage from Finn's weapon skill and is defeated!
    [Storyteller] Lynna is KONKed!
    [Dayanara] I am helping... the only way I can
    * Pseudo-Cassandra cannot attack with her "Wrapped Whip" but may cast spells!
    [Finn] We can handle this, Will!
    * Lamont breathes heavily.
    * Pseudo-Cassandra hums a little ditty, pointing her finger back and forth across the middle row.
    * Finn swipes his hair back from his forehead and narrows his eyes.
    [Storyteller] FireFox G is SLEP by Cassandra's spell for 2 rounds.
    * Will nods, holding his flail firmly.
    [Will] We can do it... we can do it... I'm not going to fall again... !
    [Storyteller] FireFox H is SLEP by Cassandra's spell for 2 rounds.
    [Pseudo-Cassandra] How's that?
    * Pseudo-Cassandra glares at Dayanara.
    * Dayanara nods.
    [Dayanara] Not bad at all.
    * Dayanara points down at Lamont.
    [Dayanara] But I think he needs your assistance a little more.
    * Will sets his eyes determinedly on the front enemy row, gripping his weapon's handle firmly as he swings it backwards. Running in the direction of the enemy, he brings the flail forward, swinging it in a miraculous arc that smacks the Fire Foxes with flattering grace, crumbling bones with unnatural ease! "Hammer... Heave!"
    [Pseudo-Cassandra] Oh, shut up!
    [Dayanara] I'm actually serious. He's on the borderline there... another hit and he's gonna fall.
    * Dayanara has a serious tone in her voice now.
    [Lamont] ... don't worry about me... just get those things.
    [Storyteller] FireFox D takes 309 damage from Will's weapon skill and is pulverized!
    * Will steps back...
    [Will] That was useless...

    Combat, Round Three

    Enemy Rear: Cerebrus B (TIED)
    Enemy Front: Fire Fox G (SLEP), Fire Fox H (SLEP)

    * Audrey lies on the ground... bleeding and looking very very white...
    * Lamont pulls himself to his feet. He draws his sword off the ground.
    [Pseudo-Cassandra] You can do it, Lamont.
    * Lamont stumbles into the foxes, swinging his sword wildly.
    [Dayanara] Keep your posture. Don't lose focus.
    * Lynna just lies on the ground, soot-covered from the fire attack...
    [Storyteller] Fire Fox is SLEP! Critical Hit! Fire Fox G takes 184 damage and is defeated!
    * Lamont slaps at the second.
    [Storyteller] Default to H! Fire Fox is SLEP! Critical Hit! Fire Fox H takes 191 damage and is defeated!
    * Lamont stumbles over to the Cerebrus and drives his sword down into it.
    [Storyteller] Default to Cerebrus B! Lamont hits Cerebrus for 91 damage.
    * Lamont stumbles back to his position and drops back to his knees.
    [Lamont] I tried...
    [Storyteller] Audrey is KONKed!
    *Pseudo-Salah casts "Heal Aura" on the Front Row.
    [Storyteller] Lamont regains 30 HP! Will regains 53 HP! Cassandra is healed to full HP! Finn regains 32 HP!
    * Will starts breathing normally again...
    * 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 Cerebrus!
    [Storyteller] Cerebrus B takes 137 damage from Miriamele's weapon skill and is defeated!
    [Storyteller] Victory!

    Lava Flats, Marius Zone

    * Finn sighs with relief.
    * Will quickly puts his Evening Star away, kneeling beside Audrey and taking out his herbs from his pouch...
    [Dayanara] Very good!
    [Finn] Actually, we kind of got clobbered...
    * Miriamele nods.
    [Miriamele] I was terrible... -_-;
    [Dayanara] Some of you made mistakes.
    * Lynna regains her senses, but still makes no motion to get up.
    [Dayanara] But that's to be expected.
    * Audrey stirs a bit, moaning...
    [Audrey] Mamma...
    [Will] Audrey...
    * Lamont is still on a knee.
    [Lamont] Gawdess that Fire hurt...
    [Storyteller] You hear the patter of feet running away from you.
    * Audrey looks even paler now... ^^;; But is slowly coming around.
    * Will applies one of the herbs on Audrey, restoring her 20 HP!
    *Pseudo-Salah casts multiple "Heal Aura"... Everybody is restored to full HP!
    * Finn flexes...
    [Lynna] Maybe I should just lay here and die... not like it would matter...
    * Lamont pulls himself back to his feet.
    * Audrey sits up. O_o
    [Audrey] What happened... ?
    [Will] Are you all right? :) You were attacked by one of the fire-breathing dogs...
    * Finn pulls Lynna to her feet.
    * Lynna sits up, shaking the ashes off her cloak.
    [Lynna] But I guess that's getting off too easy.
    [Finn] Quit moping.
    * Lynna takes Finn's hand, rising to her feet.
    [Lamont] Perhaps we should continue.
    [Pseudo-Salah] Is everybody okay now?
    [Finn] I'm great, thanks, Salah.
    [Lynna] I'm alive, unfortunately.
    [Will] I'm all right...
    [Finn] Yeah, let's get going.
    * Finn looks at Daya.
    [Finn] Lead on.
    * Dayanara nods, not smiling like before.
    * Audrey sighs and follows, looking tired.
    [Dayanara] Let's go then.
    * Finn follows her
    * Lynna just follows with even less enthusiam than before.
    [Storyteller] Dayanara leads the party a bit further. All along the way, you feel like you're being watched.
    [Audrey] ... I feel... Frightened...
    [Storyteller] Even when Salah tries to reach out with her mind to find them, she does not. It's like there's some greater power protecting whoever is stalking you.
    [Dayanara] I would say don't worry... but I don't think any of the monsters in here know who I am yet... If we were later on in time, these monsters wouldn't dare show their faces to me.
    * Audrey humphs
    [Will] Don't worry... with all of us here... :)
    [Lynna] Later on in time, I hope you get a little more quiet...
    [Storyteller] Up ahead, you can see the entrance to the Red Dragon Cave. Miriamele and Dayanara swear they see something running inside, but it moved much to fast for you to see... Or maybe you weren't seeing anything at all.
    [Dayanara] I'm sorry if that sounds... "arrogant." But being a Red Dragon does have it's pull... in the Red Dragon cave.
    [Pseudo-Salah] I thought you were half-dragon.
    [Dayanara] I am. But the half still counts.
    [Will] Half-dragon...

    Red Dragon Cave

    [Storyteller] The interior of the cave is well lit for a cavern. In someplaces, it glows with magical energy. In others, magma flows behind stone so thin, you'd think it would break through. The intense heat is stifling. Combined with the static electricty in the air, you're all sweaty with your hair standing on end.
    [Dayanara] Home sweet home!
    * Will looks around, amazed by the structure of the cavern...
    * Lynna nods her head a little, her black garments becoming a bit thinner to compensate for heat down here...
    [Dayanara] The slimes in here are pretty nasty.
    * Audrey smiles widely.
    [Audrey] Finally... Warm...
    [Will] This is incredible... I'm almost afraid to use my Earth magic...
    [Miriamele] Reminds me of Frontier summers, this does. ^^;
    * Miriamele wipes a bead of sweat of her brow.
    [Dayanara] The heat makes them more... liquid... and so they move around much faster and agile than most slimes.
    * Will smiles at Audrey. ^_^
    [Lamont] That's very interesting...
    [Audrey] ... I'm... really warm...
    [Lynna] I don't know if I signed up for Slimes 101...
    * Audrey staggers a bit.
    [Lamont] You can never learn too much, Lynna...
    [Storyteller] You walk into the cave, Dayanara leading you through the most perilous parts, Miriamele scouting ahead in others. You decend...

    Red Dragon Cave, Level 2

    [Miriamele] I am sick of fast and agile things... -_- *grumbles* These things are infringing upon a realm that I should be exelling in. *pouts*
    [Will] Er... ?
    [Dayanara] You seem to know your way around here pretty well Miriamele. Been here before, have you?
    [Audrey] Althena... I feel like I'm boiling...
    [Pseudo-Salah] It's just the heat Audrey... Here...
    [Miriamele] Well, uhm... no? Just makes sense though...
    *Pseudo-Salah creates a large chunk of ice in her hand and passes it to Audrey.
    * Audrey takes it.
    [Audrey] Thank you...
    * Lynna conceals the fact she's actually sweating with an illusion or two...
    * Audrey begins to put it on her forehead, then thinks the better of it and sucks on it so she doesn't dehydrate.
    *Pseudo-Salah pulls her Cool Robe out of her backpack and puts it on...
    * Will wipes some sweat trickling from his bandanna...
    [Pseudo-Salah] .oO(Much better.)
    * Lamont is hot, but doesn't complain at all.
    * Lynna follows the two on downwards...
    * Pseudo-Cassandra is sweating... Lamont probably isn't complaining because he's watching the sweatdrops roll down between her breasts.
    * Lamont isn't even looking at her breasts!
    [Storyteller] More walking... no guards... It seems odd that there are no defenders anywhere to be seen... You decend.

    Red Dragon Cave, Level 3

    [Storyteller] The corridor before you is long and straight, down the end, it's a dead end. When you get closer, you realize that the doors are simply made of rock just like the walls. A cool steel handle is attached to each.
    [Dayanara] I suppose you don't like my home.
    [Audrey] I think my blood is boiling...
    [Lynna] At least I know I'm not the only one who isn't enjoying this.
    * Miriamele keeps on edge as she weaves her way around...
    *Pseudo-Salah makes another ice block for Audrey...
    [Pseudo-Salah] Are you okay?
    [Miriamele] I hope our dragon friend doesn't mind. ^^;
    [Audrey] ... I don't know... Am I supposed to be this hot?
    [Storyteller] Audrey looks a lot better than she did outside. At least her face has some color now.
    * Finn grabs the steel handle, feeling relief flood through his arm at its low temperature.
    [Storyteller] You hear a voice.
    [Voice] Thissssss far... No furtttttttther...
    * Lynna casts another illusion of a cool breeze over herself, a little spilling over to Audrey...
    [Miriamele] ?
    * Dayanara tries to place the voice.
    [Miriamele] Hello?
    [Storyteller] Four tall, red skinned amazonian woman appear to step out of the walls behind you.
    * Audrey takes this ice block from Salah's hands...
    [Storyteller] Each of them has the leash of a Cerebrus in it's hand.
    [Lynna] I guess this is the welcoming commitee.
    [Finn] No more of those goddess-damned dogs...
    [Storyteller] You realize that they're not women... they have oddly shaped eyes and long serpentine tails. They stand on the balls of their feet, ready to pounce.
    [Will] What... ? o_o
    [Storyteller] Each caries a large, sharp, pointy thing.
    * Finn's eyes flash with anger
    [Dayanara] ... Why are you ladies here in my home? Beat it.
    [Sallymander] You may not enter!
    [Audrey] Please... Let us by...
    * Miriamele questions.
    [Miriamele] Why not?
    [Sallymander] The queen forbidssssssss entrancsssssssssssse! The door will not open for you!
    [Will] We have to meet the Red Dragon...
    [Dayanara] Lemme see the Queen
    [Finn] Let the door be the judge of that, okay?
    [Sallymander] No!
    * Miriamele looks dejected.
    [Miriamele] Well, uhm... tough. We need to get through.
    * Audrey sighs and begins to chant.
    [Sallymander] You mussssssssst bessssssssst ussssssssss to passsssssss!

    Combat, Round One

    [Dayanara] Don't argue with me, don't you know who I am?
    [Lamont] That isn't going to help...
    * Lamont draws his sword.
    * Lynna is already ready to rumble, keeping a ways back to the rear this time...
    * Will takes a step forward to the front row, drawing his flail ruefully.
    * Finn draws his sword.
    [Storyteller] Miriamele uses a Pre-Emptive Attack!
    [Lynna] You have a horrible lisp... how about I remove your tongue permanently?
    * Miriamele quickly flicks out a large knife from beind her back and quickly tosses it at Cerebus A, catching it offguard!
    * Dayanara draws hs sword.
    [Dayanara] Well, this just makes me madder than hell.
    [Storyteller] Cerebrus A takes 112 damage from Miriamele's weapon skill.
    * Miriamele draws up, and unhinges her blade...
    [Dayanara] I'll fight with one arm behind my back.
    * Dayanara pulls her right arm around her and grins. She slams her Katana into the first Cerebus!
    [Storyteller] Dayanara Critical Strikes with a Critical Effect Weapon! Cerebrus A is DEAD!
    * Dayanara looks at Finn and winks.
    [Audrey] . o O ( ... So perfect... all the time... Yet... so... arrogant... it's a shame... )
    [Finn] Wow, Dayanara. You're all business, aren't you?
    [Dayanara] Well, after that last fight, I feel like I need to show you that I am good.
    [Lynna] When she's not being all talk, you mean.
    [Finn] Why would you want my approval?
    * Lamont attempts to Mirror Daya's movements.
    [Dayanara] Because you doubt my strength... or at least act like you do.
    * Lamont takes his sword and aims for area of the neck where all the heads of the Cerebus meet!
    [Storyteller] Lamont hits Cerebrus for 87 damage. Lamont hits Cerebrus for 65 damage. Critical Hit! Cerebrus takes 226 damage. Lamont severs one of the three heads, injuring the beast gravely, but not quite killing it.
    * Lamont takes his position back in line.
    [Lamont] There...
    [Dayanara] I certainly think you and Lamont have potential, Finn.
    * Audrey claps her hands together and chants lowly to herself. She begins to glow with a soft aura.
    [Audrey] Althena... enpower me with the knowledge of ages past!!
    * Audrey finishes chanting, and feels her wisdom increase!
    [Storyteller] Audrey's Wisdom rises by 151!
    [Finn] Well, thanks, I guess...
    * Salah screams at the top of her lungs and clutches her head, an intense bright white flash engulfs the area! When it fades Salah floats above the party, a strange light blue aura surrounds her, aware of everything.
    [Storyteller] Salah's reaction rises by 91! (Double Base, so no higher.) Salah is *still* over 200 points slower than Dayanara.
    [Storyteller] Cerebrus B's controller releases her animal on Lamont!
    * Lamont brings up his sword in defense.
    [Storyteller] Cerebrus hits Lamont for 17 damage.
    * Lamont flinches for a second
    [Storyteller] Cerebrus C's controller kneels down beside her, rubbing it's ears then pointing at Audrey, Salah, and Miriamele.
    [Audrey] Oh no...
    [Storyteller] Cerebrus C breathes fire from each head at the enemy.
    [Will] Watch out... ! O_o
    [Storyteller] Audrey takes 31 damage from Cerebrus's spell.
    [Storyteller] Miriamele takes 127 damage from Cerebrus's spell.
    [Lynna] Not this again...
    * Salah holds out the staff in front of her.
    [Storyteller] Salah takes 85 damage from Cerebrus's spell. Salah is KONKed!
    [Audrey] No... !
    [Will] Salah... :/
    * Miriamele is knocked backwards head over heels and sent careening against the rocky ground.
    [Miriamele] Ugh... -_-;
    * Salah falls over.
    * Audrey bats away the flames, feeling even more hot...
    [Storyteller] Cerebrus D rushes at Dayanara, she easily brings up her arm to block. All three heads bite down on her bracer. The animal runs back to it's handler with three sets of broken teeth.
    [Dayanara] Stupid.
    * Miriamele gets back to her feet, and despite the temperature in here, isn't feeling so hot.
    [Lamont] Go get them Finn...
    [Finn] Bastards.
    * Finn rolls towards Cerebrus C and stabs into its chest, ripping upwards to cut through its neck.
    [Storyteller] Finn somehow manages to remove all THREE heads in one strike! 432 damage! Cerebrus C is defeated!
    * Lamont smiles
    [Dayanara] Very nice. I see you're taking my advice.
    * Finn releases a savage cry of victory and returns to his place
    [Will] Whoa...
    * Lynna raises her entire body off the ground, levitating in a vortex of black energy. She levels an icy glare at Cerebrus D, who suddenly begins to convulse in the throws of Death itself, soon to become nothing more than a lifeless husk at her feet...
    [Lynna] Play dead.
    [Storyteller] Cerebrus D falls back into it's trainer's arms, quite... defeated!
    * Lynna lands on her feet, smiling evilly.
    [Lynna] ... Good boy.
    [Audrey] Nice...
    * Pseudo-Cassandra lashes out at Sallymander A with her cat o' nine tails!
    [Storyteller] Cassandra hits Sallymander for 37 damage. Sallymander A is POISoned!
    [Pseudo-Cassandra] Leave that one be!
    * Will closes his eyes, strengthening his grip on the handle of his Evening Star and shifting his light frame to take better advantage of the laws of physics. As he concentrates on his weapon, a slight red aura from the ground appears and circles him, boosting his attacking power temporarily!
    [Storyteller] Will's AP rises by 72!
    [Storyteller] Sallymander A reaches over the line of dogs to slash at Cassandra with her pole arm.
    [Lamont] Watch out Cassandra!
    [Storyteller] Sallymander hits Cassandra for 10 damage. Sallymander hits Cassandra for 4 damage. Sallymander hits Cassandra for 17 damage.
    * Pseudo-Cassandra is caught unawares, as she was mentally debating wether the Sallymanders had bigger breasts than her.
    [Storyteller] Sallymander B hits Lamont, 'cause he's more worried about Cassandra than himself. Critical Hit! Lamont takes 118 damage and is KONKed!
    [Will] Lamont... !!
    * Lamont falls to his knees, and then finally to his front.
    [Storyteller] Sallymander B defaults to Finn!
    [Dayanara] Damn... now I'm not happy.
    [Storyteller] Sallymander hits Finn for 0 damage. Sallymander hits Finn for 0 damage.
    [Audrey] ...
    * Finn yawns.
    [Storyteller] Sallymander C creates a new row behind A & B.
    [Storyteller] Sallymander D moves back with Sallymander C.

    Combat, Round Two

    [Storyteller] Lynna uses a Pre-Emptive Attack
    * Lynna suddenly lunges forward at Sallymander B without any warning, all but her glinting claws becoming as a blur to the naked eye...
    [Storyteller] Sallymander takes 204 damage from Lynna's weapon skill.
    * Dayanara casually walks over and sticks the last Cerebus in the head with her sword.
    [Storyteller] Dayanara makes a Critical Strike with a Critical Effect Weapon! Cerebrus B is defeated!
    * Dayanara walks back snickering.
    [Storyteller] Salah is KONKed... She's fast, but KONKed. Lamont is KONKed too!
    * Salah lays in a bloody, unconscious mess.
    * Lamont lays like a corpse. :P
    * Audrey revives Lamont with 75 HP!
    * Lamont stands up blinking.
    [Lamont] Thank you... I... I apprecate it.
    * 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 Sallymander A!
    [Storyteller] Sallymander takes 143 damage from Miriamele's weapon skill.
    * Finn braces himself, grips his sword, and plunges it into the chest of Sallymander A...
    [Storyteller] Sallymander A takes enough damage to be defeated!
    [Pseudo-Cassandra] Didn't I say *don't* attack the poisoned one?
    [Lamont] Calm down Cassandra... don't worry... it'll be okay.
    * Salah continues to lay like a lump of coal.
    * Pseudo-Cassandra curls her whip and CRACKs it at Sallymander D.
    [Storyteller] Sallymander takes 170 damage from Cassandra's weapon skill.
    [Dayanara] The girl has talent... what can I say.
    [Audrey] ...
    * Will sets his eyes determinedly on the front enemy row, gripping his weapon's handle firmly as he swings it backwards. Running in the direction of the enemy, he brings the flail forward, swinging it in a screaming arc that smacks the Sallymanders with flattering grace, crushing bones with unnatural ease! "Hammer... Heave!"
    [Storyteller] Sallymander B is defeated!
    * Will hops backwards... :)
    [Storyteller] The Sallymanders rush to attack the party when a voice booms out...
    [Female Voice] ENOUGH!
    [Storyteller] Victory

    Red Dragon Inner Sanctum

    [Storyteller] The doors swing open of thier own accord.
    [Female Voice] Enough fighting! I will tolerate it no longer... Enter if you wish to speak!
    [Audrey] What... ?
    [Audrey] W... what is going on?
    [Dayanara] Come on.
    [Will] Is the Red Dragon granting us entry... ?
    [Audrey] ... Um... Thanks... I think?
    * Lynna holds her ground, poised to shred the Sallymanders.
    * Audrey walks foward.
    * Will puts his flail away...
    [Will] Um... let's go, I guess... ^^;
    * Will accompanies Audrey inside.
    * Lamont walks in with Cassandra.
    [Storyteller] The four Sallymanders walk inside after you.
    * Salah struggles on inward.
    * Lynna lets it drop.
    [Sallymander] We appologissssssssssse, my Queen.
    * Miriamele peers in as she lightly enters...
    * Lynna then goes inside, still looking back at them suspiciously every so often...
    [Storyteller] Before you on a raised section of rock lies the Red Dragon. Her head to tail feathers shimmer in the light, damp from sweating, if a dragon does so.
    * Salah lets her mouth drop at the site of the great Red Dragon of Lunar.
    [Audrey] Wow...
    * Audrey does likewise.
    * Lynna raises her head to gaze at the Red Dragon.
    [Storyteller] She turns her head towards you, grimacing, her eyes dark with some sort of discomfort.
    * Dayanara grins slightly.
    [Lynna] I was expecting something a little bigger.
    * Salah collapses on her knees exhausted.
    * Miriamele looks up at the dragon kinda warily...
    * Will looks in awe...
    [Red Dragon] You're just in time, Salah... Rise... I require your assistance...
    [Salah] Me... ?
    [Storyteller] Salah is restored to full HP/MP.
    * Salah stands back up refreshed.
    [Red Dragon] You and the priestess... Come... quick...
    [Dayanara] She's about to give birth...
    [Audrey] ... Me?
    * Audrey hurries forward... ^^;
    * Salah follows Audrey.
    [Storyteller] In a flash of light, the Dragon disappears. In her place is a beautful young woman with hair very much the same color of red as Dayanara's.
    [Dayanara] Hello, Nirran.
    * Lynna blinks for a moment.
    [Storyteller] She strongly resembles Dayanara, only younger and very, very pregnant.
    [Nirrian] Who... who are you?
    [Storyteller] She groans, arching her back.
    [Dayanara] I'm a shadow... please pay me no attention.
    * Audrey helps the woman stand.
    [Audrey] She's going to give birth?
    [Nirran] (mumbles) Damn you, Neal...
    [Dayanara] Damn, I completely forgot what today was...
    [Audrey] Oh... well. ^^; Yes... it sure looks that way... *Helps her lie down*
    * Salah spreads her cloak on the ground.
    * Dayanara slaps her face.
    [Pseudo-Cassandra] What is today?
    [Dayanara] My birthday...
    * Salah lays Nirrian down on the cloak gently.
    * Nirran growls...
    * Lynna just stands there, looking dark...
    [Nirrian] Send them away!
    * Nirran allows herself to be set down on the ground.
    * Audrey waves her arms about in a gesture of 'shoo! shoo!' ^_^
    * Will takes a step back...
    [Will] I... er... I think I'll go...
    [Miriamele] ^^;
    [Sallymander] You mussssssst leave the roooooom...
    [Dayanara] We came at a pretty bad time...
    [Sallymander] Go now.
    [Dayanara] Come on...
    [Pseudo-Cassandra] No shit.
    * Dayanara motions for the others to leave
    * Will quickly exits the room. ^^
    [Lynna] If you didn't want us here, then why bothering to make us fight in the first place?
    [Salah] Umm... Audrey... have you done this before?
    [Dayanara] Lynna, don't piss off the Red Dragon, okay?
    * Lynna scoffs a little and backs out of the chamber.
    * Audrey gives Salah a look like "No." ^^;;;;
    [Storyteller] The quartet of Sallymanders usher you out of the room, closing the doors behind them.
    [Lynna] .oO( Maybe I'll take out my aggression on those Sallymanders some more... )
    [Salah] I've... seen it once done before.
    [Audrey] Me too...

    Red Dragon Cave, Level 3

    [Storyteller] The group outside waits for what seems like hours... Suddenly, the seeming silence is shattered by an ear wrenching scream. It sounds like they're killing her.
    [Dayanara] Boy I really was a pain in the ass...
    * Lynna winces.
    * Miriamele clinches her legs together.
    [Miriamele] I'm never having children. -_-
    [Pseudo-Cassandra] You?
    [Will] That sounds horrible... o_o;
    [Lynna] I think Miri has the right idea.
    [Dayanara] Oh, you make it sound so bad...
    [Storyteller] There are a few more moments of silence, and then you hear another scream. This one is twice as loud and twice as long.
    [Dayanara] That has to be Alexis... There's no way that was me.
    * Lynna leans on the firey wall, snickering to herself...
    [Dayanara] ... but I am the younger one...
    * Lamont blinks.
    [Storyteller] Another seeming eternity passes, then the doors swing open. Nirran has returned to her dragon form, Salah and Audrey sit in front of her, each holding a baby girl. Both girls already have the starts of their lush red hair.
    * Dayanara whispers.
    [Dayanara] I can't touch one of them...
    * Salah smiles.
    [Salah] Twins.
    * Audrey smiles, looking tired, but finally happy.
    [Audrey] Look... ^_^
    * Dayanara steps back with a smile on her face, watching.
    [Will] Wow... ^_^
    * Lynna looks out of the corner of her eye, not all too interested. ^^
    [Audrey] ^_^ Aren't they cute?
    * Salah sighs heavily.
    [Dayanara] Sure are! Couldn't agree more.
    [Lynna] Audrey, the midwife of a dragon... I'd never have guessed.
    * Miriamele wags her tail a bit.
    [Audrey] ... I never thought of it that way. O_o
    [Storyteller] The red dragon breathes heavily, she looks to the party and smiles as much as a thirty foot feathered dragon can.
    [Lamont] So have you decided on names?
    [Red Dragon] I will have to converse with their Father...
    * Salah gently bounces the little baby in her arms, whispering little coos to the girl.
    * Audrey rocks the baby girl in her arms... singing a lullaby. ^_^
    [Storyteller] She snakes her long head out to look over Lamont, then does the same, staring Finn in the eyes...
    [Dayanara] When you see Tirulian, make sure you tell him I'm looking for him.
    [Audrey] I want to be a mother someday... ^_^
    * Lamont blinks.
    * Salah looks up at the Dragon.
    [Salah] Father... ?
    * Dayanara quietly slips out.
    * Lynna dusts herself off, wiping some sweat from her brow.
    [Red Dragon] Hmmm... You've brought two boys with the gift... How... auspicious...
    * Miriamele looks at Audrey like she's mad.
    [Miriamele] There is no way I'm squirtin' one of those little poop factories out. ^^;
    [Audrey] Oh, it's worth it though, Miri! ^_^ Isn't she sweet?
    [Storyteller] You realize that the temperature in here has become much more suitable.
    [Pseudo-Cassandra] If you like poop factories.
    [Salah] Who is the father?
    [Miriamele] Yeah... but the screams from the other side of the door, even...
    [Audrey] Oh come on! ^_^
    [Lamont] ... two with what?
    [Audrey] You only experience a few hours of pain for a lifetime of love. ^_^
    [Red Dragon] The gift. The potential...
    [Miriamele] Well... maybe later...
    [Storyteller] The dragon breathes a bit more regularly now, every third or forth breath causes a small flame to exit her nose.
    [Audrey] Maybe. :)
    [Miriamele] ... much, much, much, much, much later...
    [Lamont] Finn and I?
    [Storyteller] The dragon nods.
    [Audrey] ^^; Don't wait too long, then you can't have any at all!
    [Lamont] ... but I don't have any special gifts...
    [Red Dragon] Yes... The two of you... I presume you've come for my Shield... Oh, but you do. You just don't see it now.
    [Lamont] Well, I'm sure Finn'll be the one to use it...
    [Lynna] Well, all I know is that we came for the Dragon equipment to fight Koran...
    [Lamont] Better give it to him.
    [Red Dragon] Who is this Koran? I pressume a new Magic Emporer arisen from the ashes of Ghaleon's grave...
    * Lamont nods slowly.
    [Lamont] Yes... but we don't know what his goals are...
    * Will stays quiet near the entrance.
    [Storyteller] She sighs...
    [Lamont] Dayanara probably did... but she's now... gone... ?
    * Lamont looks around for her.
    [Audrey] Will... Look! The baby is cooing at you. ^_^
    [Salah] It is possible... but he doesn't use magic... at least, I can't sense any magical power within him.
    * Lynna folds her arms, standing tall.
    [Lynna] Emporer or no, he's going to be dead next time I see him.
    [Audrey] I think she wants to meet you.
    [Red Dragon] Dayanara... what an interesting name... I'll have to suggest it to thier Father...
    [Storyteller] She exhales once more, then shifts back to human form. In her hands is the Red Dragon Shield...
    [Salah] Dayanara...
    * Miriamele keeps pretty much quiet.
    * Lamont looks at the shield.
    [Lamont] Well Dayanara is an interesting girl...
    * Nirran walks up to Lamont...
    * Will looks at the baby... ^_^;
    [Audrey] See... ?
    * Audrey shows off the baby to Will. ^_^
    [Nirran] Take it. You can decide which of you is to use it on your own. I trust in either choice. The tetrarch will make the final decision.
    [Will] It looks so... fat and happy... ^_^;
    * Lynna shifts her gaze away from the shield, even though she does sense the immense magic in it...
    [Audrey] ^_^ Hehe. I guess you could say that...
    * Lamont takes the shield.
    [Lamont] Thank you, Red Dragon... we appreciate your kindness.
    [Nirrian] Please, call me Nirrian... Now... Give my girls here...
    * Audrey nods and gives the baby to Nirrian...
    [Audrey] ^_^
    * Nirran takes the first twin from Audrey, then walks over to Salah for number two.
    * Lamont holds the shield.
    [Lamont] What a fine shield...
    * Lamont notices that one of the twins is drooling, but doesn't say anything about it.
    [Nirran] Use it well and it will never bend nor break.
    [Lamont] I'm sure the Dragonmaster will.
    [Nirrian] Yes, I'm sure you will... either of you.
    * Nirran takes the second child, holding one in each arm.
    [Lamont] . o O (I can't be a contender for this... how can I be in the running for Dragonmaster... how is this possible... I can't be... I just can't.)
    [Nirrian] I bid you farewell... My guardians will trouble you no more.
    [Storyteller] She vanishes in a flash of red light.
    [Lamont] Thank you Nirrian.
    [Audrey] So tired...
    [Lamont] Come on... we have 3 more caves to visit...
    [Will] Hai...
    * Lynna sighs, pulling the dark fabrics tightly around her.
    [Lamont] So we can get Finn the Dragonmaster gear...
    [Audrey] Lamont...
    [Storyteller] You all walk out. Not only do the Sallymanders not trouble you, they don't even seem to be present. When you reach the top, you relize that all the heat is gone. The lava flows have solidified, and the land is cool to the touch.

    Last Modified: Sunday, 17-Sep-2006 21:11:10 CDT