Nanza Barrier - Katarina Zone

[Storyteller] It was mere days ago that your surrogate father passed away. With little information to go on, you figured the best course of action would be to head in the direction your mother was last seen travelling; through the Barrier. You really didn't know what was on the other side, but you just had one lead to follow, and that was it. Every search has to start somewhere and Katarina Zone was as good as any.
* Criz pushes his long brown hair to his side as his fire red eyes glimmer with the sun.
[Criz] I guess I only have one way to go...
[Storyteller] One of the armed members of Kyle's Guard moves to intercept you as you exit the tunnel.
* Criz looks straight into the armed man's eyes
[Criz] And the reason for you being in my way....is?
[Guard] Welcome to Nanza, sir. Do you have any goods to declare?
* Criz looks at the man.
[Criz] Sorry, no goods on me except my bo here.
[Guard] Regulations, that's all. Gotta ask. Continue on your way.
[Storyteller] Before you lies the guard post of the Barrier. All of the various barracks and outbuildings make it seem much more like a small city than a simple guard post. In fact, a few shops lie here and there, although all of them seem to be closed at the moment.
[Criz] Hmmm CLosed? All of them...weird.
[Criz] Just when I had money to buy some equipment I can't use it
* Criz looks at the closed stores with his beady red eyes as he places his bo staff under his right arm
[Storyteller] The nearest, a weaponeer's, has a sign on the door proclaiming "At Festival until next month. Come to Meribia for the best weapons in the Katarina Zone."
* Criz inspects the sign
[Criz] Meribia it says, the elder spoke to me of the city dozens of times
[Criz] I need weapons right now, and Meribia might as well hold an answer on who and where my sister is
[Storyteller] A few soliders wander about. Although they're all well armed, it seems like there should be more of them about.
* Criz looks around him, as he notices all the well armed soldiers
[Criz] You know Criz, just makes me wonder on why all these soldiers are around in an empty place like this
[Storyteller] Most of them seem to be on guard duty, although a few further up the street seem to just be chatting.
[Criz] First off, if I'm to go to Meribia maybe one of those soldiers might lead me to the right direction.
* Criz starts to walk towards one of the armed soldiers, as his coat drags on the floor
[Solider 1] Didja see that girl? Man, was she a cutey.
[Criz] Scuze me men, sorry to intrude on your conversation..
[Soldier 2] The brunette? Yeah...
[Storyteller] The two soldiers snap into a more diginifed posture.
[Soldier 1] Um... Eh... Ah, what can we do for you?
[Criz] I was wondering if you could point to the right direction...I'm heading towards Meribia
* Criz eyes the two armed men up and down as he thinks to himself that he can easily take them out if he wanted too
[Soldier 1] Well... You just missed the last caravan.
[Criz] Just my lc, so when shuold the next one be coming?
[Soldier 2] (Mumbling to self) And a seriously hot mamma.
[Soldier 1] Not until after the midwinter festivities in Meribia are over.
[Soldier 2] (Mumbling to self) Just my luck to get stuck here...
* Criz rolls his eyes and slaps his forehead
[Criz] So you mean if I want to get there I would have to walk it?
[Soldier 1] Yessir.
[Criz] Well can you at least tell me where to start, give me a map, HELP me at least?
[Soldier 2] (Mumbling to self) Maybe you can catch up to that chica...
[Soldier 1] Sure can... Here...
* Soldier 1 reaches into his pocket and pulls out a slightly wrinkled, formerly glossy brochure. The cover says "Ramus's Guide to Katarina Zone".
[Criz] You're giving this to me I presume? I hope...
[Soldier 1] Sure. It's about six months out of date, but it should still be good.
* Criz takes the brochure and looks through it
[Soldier 2] (Mumbling to self) Even without the coupon for Ramus' Pleasure Imporium.
[Criz] This should help me get there, well much obliged men...and also...
[Storyteller] Soldier 2 continues to grumble and bitch to himself as he walks off toward the main barracks.
[Criz] That girl you were talking about...is my sister!
* Criz chuckles under his breath to his lie.
* Soldier 1 clears his throat.
[Soldier 1] Er... Um... Argh... Well... Have a nice day sir.
* Criz starts to head his way out as he waves to the two men and laughs
* Soldier 1 quickly catches up to his companion further down the street.
[Soldier 1] That was the guys kid sister, man!
* Soldier 1 smacks Soldier 2.
* Criz gets to the exit of the town as he eyes the two men with their fighting
[Soldier 2] (Mumbling to self) I betcha he has impure thoughts all the time.
[Criz] Well, time to have some fun and get all sweaty, get my clothes torn, and live in the woods... how... fun.
* Criz starts to make his way out as he looks at the brochure and starts to follow the directions from where he's at
[Storyteller] With his trusty 6-month old map in hand (minus Pleasure Imporium Coupon), Criz heads off down the path. It's plainly a well used path, the wagon ruts are deep.
[Criz] Oh man...I knew I shuold have brought me some food from Baroton
[Storyteller] The snow underfoot is heavily pressed powder. The banks on either side rise about a foot or so.
* Criz starts to rub his stomach as he makes his way through the freezing snow, his hair getting all wet.
[Criz] And me without a brush! I swear, the things I have to go through in life
* Criz continues to push forward through the snow.
[Storyteller] You walk for at least a few hours. The landscape rolls gently up and down. The air is not so cold as to be uncomfortable. In fact, it's rather refreshing, allowing you to keep up a pretty decent pace.

Katarina Zone

[Storyteller] Well, if this wasn't just your favorite friggin time of the year. Each of the miserable little hamlets you passed through seemed to be cherrier than the last. Everybody all happy and snug in there houses. Didn't they know that there was a world around them? A world were people's lives were trashed on a daily basis? You'd seen it more than once. You weren't the only one who's life was ruined by some rampaging monster.
* Lynna walks slowly through the snowy terrain...thinking how many take things for granted..
[Lynna] At least the weather's a little less than cheery...
[Storyteller] Finding forging your own path through the snow rather tiring, you stop at the top of a small hill. Looking around, you see what appears to be a well beaten path in one direction. In the other direction, you see one of the many large bays.
* Lynna stops to take a breather, fixing her sandy hair a moment under her hood, and glancing around
* Lynna sighs
[Lynna] Not much of a choice, it seems...
[Storyteller] Across the bay, just at the edge of your sight, you see a flickering lights. The clouds over those flickering lights seem menacingly dark, but that suits your disposition just fine.
* Lynna looks at the lights with a modicrum of interest. She half-smiles at the lights, and prepares to head off towards the path.
[Lynna] Guess I just missed the party in Meribia.
[Storyteller] You hear some movement back the way you came, but the wind blows covering it up.
* Lynna stays alert after the noise, figuring trouble's always behind her somewhere..
[Storyteller] You wait for a few, but you don't hear any more.
* Lynna shrugs and continues down the path, judging she's going south-east.
[Lynna] Where to now..that's the question..
[Storyteller] Just as you turn to continue walking, something slams into you from behind, knocking you to the ground.
* Lynna hits the ground hard, knocked off guard
[Lynna] OH great...
* Lynna trys to get to her feet and confront the threat.
[Storyteller] Looking around, you see nothing...
* Lynna hops its not some brat playing a trick on her..
[Storyteller] You see something shuffle through the snow a few feet off to one side, but it quickly vanishes.
* Lynna eyes a few patches of snow warily
[Storyteller] The snow almost seems to be flowing around you. A few times, you catch a flicker of black, but again... it's there for only a moment before vanishing.
* Lynna shrugs and continues
[Lynna] Here I am, an Illusionist, and this snow is playing tricks with MY eyes..
[Storyteller] Something leaps out of the snow, hitting you in the shoulder and knocking you flat on your back in the snow.
* Lynna gets a mouthful of snow
* Lynna rolls over and leaps up, robe going to almost a fierce crimson and black color.
[Lynna] THAT'S IT!
[Storyteller] As you blow the mouthfull of snow up in the air, something furry and dog sized runs between your legs.
[Storyteller] You spin to watch it, then hear a loud growling behind you.

Combat! Round 1!

* Lynna brandishes her claws, hoping she's not out of practice from all the peace lately.
[Storyteller] A large furry creature with an ugly mouthfull of long teeth roars, chasing a pair of those moving mounds of snow.
[Lynna] I should have known..looks like an Ice Mongrel's come to play.
* Lynna thinks the Wampa's the easiest target since he's so huge..
[Lynna] OK, big boy. You first.
* Lynna concentrates as she gathers up the shadows around her...Calling out "Black Beam!", she releases a beam of dark energy from her palms hurtling towards Wampa.
* Wampa reaches down to grab one of the Ice Mongrels. As he does so, the beam races down his back. With a great roar, he stands back up and looks directly at Lynna. Wampa takes 11 damage from Lynna's spell.
* Lynna finishes her spell, returning the creature's glare, obviously unafraid

Nearby in Katarina Zone

[Storyteller] Ahead of you, over a rise in the hill, you hear a pop and fizzle. It's quickly followed by the sound of a large animal bellowing.
[Criz] HUH? What was that?
* Criz heads towards the noise with his bo-staff ready for battle

Combat! Round Two!
[Storyteller] REINFORCEMENTS HAVE ARRIVED!
[Lynna] I've seen worse than you...
* Lynna looks at the Wampa, but hears footsteps
[Lynna] Don't tell me my luck's going to get worse...
[Storyteller] The wampa rips the ice mongrel in two, throwing the chunks aside, then moves in on Lynna. Ice Mongrel 2 is DEAD.
* Criz jumps into the action as he strikes Ice Mongrel 1 on the top of his head with his bo-staff as he lands on both feet
[Storyteller] Criz hits Ice Mongrel for 6 damage.
* Lynna looks at the newcomer spring into action... looks like he's on my side
* Criz looks at Lynna
[Criz] Heya sweetcakes, names Criz, warrior extrodinare... Pleased to meet ya' but let's save the pleasantries for later meanwhile lets beat these things down!
* Lynna looks at Criz's eyes interestingly, and half-smiles
* Criz charges at the Ice Mongrel an hits it right back in the head
[Storyteller] Criz hits Ice Mongrel 1 for 9 damage.
* Criz smiles and back flips right behind the monster as he hits the monster with his staff.
[Lynna] I am Lynna...and I don't think that's a bad idea...although spare me the ego, will you?
[Storyteller] Criz hits Ice Mongrel 1 for 7 damage.
* Criz fixes his long brown hair and eyes Lynna
* Ice Mongrel spins around a few times, appearing to chase his tail, then he bowls into Criz. Ice_Mongrel hits Criz for 3 damage.
* Criz staggers but remains on both feet
* Lynna forms an illusionary replica of herself behind Wampa in an attempt to throw them off guard, laughing slighty at their gullibility.
* Wampa looks back and forth between the two, definetly confused as to which is which... Wampa's Reaction is reduced by 13 from Lynna's spell.
[Lynna] That ought to keep him guessing..

Combat! Round 3!

* Criz charges straight at the Wampa as he jumps and strikes the beast with his bo-staff right at his gut
[Storyteller] Criz hits Wampa for 3 damage.
* Criz then quickly turns around and back fist strikes the beast with his fist
[Storyteller] Criz hits Wampa for 4 damage.
* Criz looks back at the beast as he throws his bo-staff at the beast as it bounces off its head and lands right back in Criz's hands as he bows to the monster and smiles " TADA! "
[Storyteller] The staff falls at his feet as he tries to throw it. Criz missed!
[Criz] Damn!
[Storyteller] While he's cursing to himself, the Ice Mongrel hops onto Criz' back and tries to bite him! Critical Hit! Criz takes 24 damage.
[Criz] PLEASE PLEASE...if this is going to happen can't it be with a woman?
* Lynna eyes Criz.
[Lynna] Don't look at me... I'm no healer.
* Lynna leaps at Ice Mongrel 1, claws glinting in the reflected light of the snowfields...
[Storyteller] Critical Hit! Ice_Mongrel takes 11 damage.
* Criz applauds at Lynna's attack
[Criz] Nice one girly, got to show me that some time
* Lynna rolls her eyes at Criz before following up with another strike to its vitals.
[Storyteller] Critical Hit! Ice_Mongrel takes 15 damage and dies!
* Wampa swings one of it's large hairy fists at Lynna, rather upset that she just sliced up his dinner.
[Lynna] Gladly...
* Lynna notices the fist and tries to roll out of the way
* Wampa catches her in the gut and sends her sailing though the air for 10 damage.
* Lynna growls as she gets hit. She lands with a thud some distance away from the Wampa

Combat! Round Four!

* Criz takes out one of his herbs as it refreshes him and gives him more strength
[Storyteller] Criz regains 20 HP.
* Lynna steadies herself, seething..
[Criz] After we beat this beasts, got to remind me to get me some GOOD tasting herbs next time!
[Lynna] I'll teach you to mess with me.
* Lynna sends a Dark Beam screeching through the chill air with a certain Wampa's name on it
[Storyteller] Wampa takes 14 damage from Lynna's spell!
* Wampa growls. Blind in his rage, he takes a few mad swings at Criz. One of them connects. Wampa hits Criz for 4 damage.
* Lynna scrambles closer after getting some satisfaction..

Combat! Round 5

[Lynna] Can you keep it up, Criz?
[Criz] Wait and see pretty lady!
* Lynna hehs at the mention of the word...a compliment, now this is different..
* Criz extends his arms outwards as he yells out " AGUA RAGE! " and his ring starts to flicker with light as you see a wave come from the ring and go straight towards the Wampa
[Storyteller] The water pushes him to the ground, then freezes over him. Wampa takes 16 damage from Criz's spell.
[Lynna] Let's hope this beast knows when to quit..
* Lynna concentrates as she gathers up the shadows around her...Calling out "Black Beam!", she releases a beam of dark energy from her palms hurtling towards Wampa
[Criz] Kind of nifty looking beam you got there...
[Storyteller] The beam hits the wampa square, flowing around him and engulfing him... With a loud POP! he ceases to exist.
* Criz laughs as he clutches onto is ribs in pain
[Criz] Well...that was fun!
* Lynna watches the dark ripples as they dissipate...

Victory!

Katarina Zone

[Lynna] Quite....
* Criz walks towards Lynna
[Criz] Well now to the pleasantries
* Criz extends out his hand
* Lynna adjusts her robe, her wounds seeming to disappear...
[Criz] The names Criz
* Criz starts to fall to his knees in pain
* Lynna extends hers a little cautiously, then sees him drop
[Criz] Ribs... killing me.
* Criz tries to get back up but fails
[Lynna] All that trouble to save me, and now I might have to save you...
[Criz] Very funny...
* Lynna reaches out for his hand and yanks him up, wincing slightly
* Criz thinks as he recalls seeing a temple on the brochure.
[Lynna] Suck it in, Criz..I think there's a shrine not too far away...
[Criz] Yeah ...if I remember correctly this brochure in my pocket here shows a temple on it! Best bet for us is to start looking for it.
* Lynna looks to the east.
[Lynna] Much as I hate to ask for help from Priests..
* Criz starts to get back up slowly as he bites his bottom lip from the pain
* Lynna trys not to show the intense pain she feels in her left arm..
[Criz] Damn monsters... Hate them all, they just never can leave me alone in my life can they?
* Lynna looks at Criz, seeming to warm up slightly.
[Lynna] You too, huh?
[Criz] Yeah...me too
[Lynna] Well, at least that's a comfort...
[Criz] SO, tell me...Lynna, what did the monsters do to your life?
* Criz eyes Lynna
* Lynna ponders her choice of words
[Criz] If you don't want to talk about it I can understand
[Lynna] No...I don't mind...
[Storyteller] Together, the two bruised and battered wanderers make their way the distance to the Shrine of Althena. The sky above darkens greatly as they travel, but together they're hope to finish the distance before nightfall. They continue to walk, each step seeming more and more difficult. Up ahead, they see a structure in the building gloom.
[Criz] I don't think my ribs can take much more of this...
[Lynna] Let's just say it was something dear to me.
[Storyteller] Bright bonfires flicker on either side of the structure, and a soft light beckons from within.
* Lynna looks up ahead
[Lynna] Almost there...
* Criz is curious on what's up ahead.
[Criz] Lets just hope that we don't have to get into another battle... I don't think I can survive another one.
* Criz continues to walk ahead with Lynna by his side
[Storyteller] A figure appears in the light.
[Figure] Hello? Hello out there?
[Criz] Hello!
* Lynna hears the voice
* Criz squints his eyes
[Criz] Hello! Someone out there?
[Lynna] Hello...is anyone there?
[Figure] Come quick, we're just about to close the doors for the evening.
[Criz] Ummm... Sir or miss... Can I take my time? I really can't hurry right now.
* Lynna sighs thankfully...
[Figure] You're hurt?
[Criz] Very, can you help me?
[Storyteller] The figure briefly vanishes, then reappears with a torch in hand.
* Criz walks slowly towards the figure
* Lynna makes her way slowly towards the figure
[Storyteller] It walks towards you, holding it's robes up with it's free hand.
* Criz looks at the figure as his red eyes shimmer with the fire
[Storyteller] As it approaches, you can make out the features as being those of a woman.
* Criz then starts to remember his past as the fire starts to glow brighter and brighter.
[Imogene] Come, come...
[Lynna] Don't have to tell us twice, miss...
[Criz] Fire...can you please...please douse it.
* Lynna looks at Criz oddly.
* Criz covers his eyes from the fire as all his memories of the fire from his past flood his mind.
* Imogene tosses the torch away, then comes over to lend a hand.
[Imogene] I'm Imogene, Acting Head Priestess...
* Criz looks up at Imogene as you see that Criz has a tear rolling down his cheek.
* Lynna holds onto her left hand, not having to hide it...
* Criz wipes the tear away.
* Imogene slips her arm under Criz to help Lynna bring him up into the Shrine.

Shrine of Althena

[Criz] I'm Criz, warrior extrodinaire, whenever a young lady like yourself is in trouble, I'm here to the rescue!
[Storyteller] Together, the two get him up the stairs and inside.
[Imogene] Hold Mr. High and Mighty for a second. Let me bar the door.
* Lynna gets inside, holding Criz up with her free arm
[Lynna] Alrighty... At least he's right about the saving part.
* Imogene pushes the two halves of the door closed, then lifts the large wooden bar into place with ease.
* Criz is still grinding his teeth together from the pain
[Imogene] Daria! Morgan! Come quick!
[Lynna] As much as I hate to admit it..he did save my life.
[Criz] Yes I did, be honored!
[Storyteller] A man and woman in similar robes to Imogene's (although less ornate) come out of one of the side chambers.
[Daria] Yes, ma'am?
* Lynna smirks slightly
[Morgan] How can we help you?
[Lynna] Leave your honor for later...
* Criz looks at Daria as he mumbles to himself.
[Criz] Just my day...all these woman and me all hurt...wait that can be an advantage!
[Imogene] Get these two into a pair of the guest rooms. Get this one some fresh clothes.
* Lynna thinks she hears Criz mumble something...
[Criz] Fresh clothes? Do I smell or something?
* Morgan moves to take hold of Criz. He helps him shamble off to one of the side rooms.
[Morgan] You're covered in blood, sir.
* Lynna eyes the clergy with a bit of distrust
[Criz] It's ok...
* Criz starts to worry as he doesn't want to reveal his burns
* Imogene walks away, toward the central area of the shrine.
[Imogene] (Mumbling) Where is that no good Audrey anyway?
[Criz] Can you at least get me a healer or some herbs...
[Daria] If you'll come this way, miss. Your companion seemed to be gravely injured. Are you okay?
[Criz] Or just get me a bowl of water, I can wash my own clothes

Side Room A - Shrine of Althena

* Lynna looks at Daria
[Lynna] I'll survive..
[Daria] As you wish. If you do need help, feel free to holler.
* Lynna nods to Daria, entering the room...
[Storyteller] Daria closes the door behind Lynna as she leaves. The lock clicks.
* Lynna listens to the clicking, can't help but suspecting something..

Side Room B - Shrine of Althena

[Morgan] There's a basin over there.
[Criz] Thank you... Can I have your name again?
[Morgan] I'm Morgan. If you want to just lay down on the bed, I can get you some herbs.
* Criz slowly makes his way towards the basin
[Morgan] Make yourself comfortable, I'll be right back.
[Criz] That would make my day! Herbs... bring em on!
[Storyteller] Morgan leaves the room, closing the door behind him. The lock clicks.

Main Chamber - Shrine of Althena

[Daria] Why did you want those two locked up?
[Imogene] That's none of your business! Leave me be! (Mumbling) Well... If it isn't the experiment gone awry...
* Daria leaves the room, stepping to the side breifly so that Morgan can enter.
[Morgan] Ma'am, he's where you told me to put him. Should I still tend to his wounds?
[Imogene] Of course! What sort of Shrine do you think I'm running here?
[Morgan] A Shrine of Althena, ma'am?
[Imogene] Of course it's a Shrine of Althena, you moron! Once you're done with him, fetch Audrey for me!