Multiverse Crisis MUSH - User contributions [en]

710/Welcome to Creepyville

2014-10-01T08:41:40Z

AncientGorilla: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2014/10/01 |Location=Nyahmaas |Synopsis=A distress signal is heard and help is sent to a town in the middle of nowhere. It is one of those 'everyth..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2014/10/01
|Location=Nyahmaas
|Synopsis=A distress signal is heard and help is sent to a town in the middle of nowhere. It is one of those 'everything is OK til you look at it and then get creeped out' situations that got worse after knowing what was going on.
|Thanks=Shirou, and basically everyone else for showing up, but mostly Shorou because he was triple scening when this started.
|Cast of Characters=11, 27, 61, 178, 457, 541, 560
|Tinyplot=
|Tinyplot2=
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Well this place didn't seem so bad at a glance. Packed dirt roads give way to gravel, farms off in the hills; though they seem to lack signs of harvest or anything other than haphazard field work. Animals too seem scarce. Granted this might be due to the late hour, but no dogs, no horses, nothing out there. Any who approach the gate would see a thin bar pulled back on the sound of approach. Watchers at the nearest flanking towers readied what looked like wheel-lock rifles. "Who's traipsing about this late at night?" The voice belonged to an older fellow dressed in studded leather and as he looked out his watery brown eyes looked dulled, either from stress or fatigue most likely. The market surrounding the gate house bare. It seemed none called outside these walls home, leaving it empty. Those that could feel magic would sense/smell something wrong here, though the gateman himself was clean the oily feel got worse in his direction. Anyone that could sense emotions would feel a great deal of fear, weariness, a little hostility, but mostly fear. 

:'''{{#var:178|Noh (178)}} has posed:'''     The ringing of a bell pre-ambles the whorling black and purple vortex that opens and drops out a small black girl, who lands, crouching, as she's dropped from the air. The portal closes, and noh stands, at first smiling! ... And then stops, and pauses, head tilting, eyes turning sharp, pupils doing that lizard-like dilate and narrow of any cat on the hunt. Something smelled off here... And the little dhampir knows it. She starts for the gate keeper, slowly, raising her hand in a hale- and speaks oddly. Well, no, it's translated, but there's something to it that just makes someone know that her words keep mincing between English, and some odd, old language that's nearly been forgotten.     "Hale, and well met, good sir," purrs softly, easily, "You seem tired, might I interest you in a drink? I come because there was call for help... I wish to help." A smile. Yes, this little thing who looks like a malnourished street rat, and is barely as big as an adult woman, wishes to help. 

:'''{{#var:61|Anivia (61)}} has posed:''' Well, Horror and Terror were odd emotions that Anivia has not felt for a very long time. The strange Radio-Message over the Public-Broadband was certainly enough to catch Anivia's attention. The Cryophoenix goes where she is needed, and tonight it seems she's found a small break in her usual duties with the Runeterra Summoners, and her responsibilities to Ashe and the Kingdom of the Freljord. She had time to respond to a distress signal... especially one that sounded so cryptic. Anivia was always an expert on magic, on her home world and Runeterra as well; she specialized in knowledge and investigations of the occult and magical nature. As a Phoenix, ageless and mostly immortal, she has spent literal centuries investigating and seeing some of the strangest and most frightening things that magic itself has to offer. She has developed quite a natural talent for it... which is why as she steps through the Portal, every sense in her frozen being was screaming that something felt horribly wrong. Anivia the Cryophoenix steps through the Portal, crossing through... and instantly she gives a squawk of surprise, her head darting around rapidly as she takes in her every surroundings. Not only did things feel wrong... to Anivia it felt like she just got hit in the stomach. Being highly sensitive to magic tends to do that... The call of the gatekeepers catches Anivia's attention, making the Phoenix shake her head and blink back up at the strange... smelly men in front of her. "I am Anivia, the Cryophoenix." She speaks in a clam reply, "A ally of the Union. We've come to rid you of your curse." 

:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''     Shirou emerges from the gate in a hurry. he's short of breath, having done plenty of running around, but it's the coordinates that worried him most, since he'd been somewhere near there recently. Though it's the mystical disruption that sets his nerves REALLY on edge.     He's learned to heed these gut feelings in the Multiverse instead of passing them off as just a trick or something in the air. Particularly since the Kingsmouth incident... ewwww, that muck.     "... What's with the air? It reeks..." After muttering this out, and noticing the gatekeeper having turned his attention on him, Shirou hrms? "I'm responding to a distress call from the broadband. Someone's asking for help saving people from a corrupt tree singer!" He has little idea what a tree singer is, but a town being preyed upon is not something he can ignore. "My name is Emiya Shirou... yeah, I'm with the Union too." With others arriving, he nods at them. 

:'''{{#var:27|Jonothon Starsmore (27)}} has posed:'''     It's a weird call to hear. But someone needs help, and Jono tends to go find people that need help and, well, go help them. Makes him feel better about himself. A little. And he needs all the help he can get. Oh but /this/ time, he's not alone. There's a tiny robot crouched on his shoulder, in black armor and a helmet that looks suspiciously reminiscent of a biker. And has a big giant (comparatively so, anyway) hammer over her shoulder!     Jono heads for the nearest gathering of people, asking in his mental voice so thick with hic Cockney accent, "Did someone call for 'elp?" Yes, somehow a mental voice can have an accent. Mainly because his telepathic speech seems almost completely the same as verbal speech. Except, well... it's in the mind and not in the ears. Those who have barriers against telepathic reception may have varying degrees of trouble hearing him.     "Name's... Jono. Or 'Chamber', if yer prefer," he offers. He just got that fancy new codename, and he's still trying to adjust to using it instead of his first name or his nickname. Old habits die hard, right? Pointing to the tiny armored girl robot on his shoulder, "This is Gabby."     Her response! "Just show me who needs hit and I'll whack 'em so hard they'll need a passport to get back! Gaaaoooo!" 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Non got the poor man's attention by more or less dropping out of thin air. He made a complex sign as one might cross themselves as he looked at this dark skinned woman. "Spirits and Life defend," he muttered darkly. "Knew you westerners had strange tricks but this. This." Noh and even anyone without enhanced senses could tell the poor man hasn't slept proper, or bathed either. Though whether that was normal or not remained to be seen. He swallowed, "Corruption miss?" He spoke weakly at first then something clicked behind his dull eyes, "Ain't ever been no corruption here!" He tried to muster anger and outrage at the insinuation, but it was at best halfhearted. "Ye think we be tainted just because we're out middle o' nowhere?" He looked back at the men behind him and shouted for the gates opened. When they were slow to respond he growled a threat along the lines of burnt entrails and 'feed to the Great Bloody Wolf.' As the inner and outer gates were opened wide the man drew himself up and glowered at what he thought was the strangest of the group; Evangeline. "You outlanders come here at this forsaken hour thinking my town is Rotted? Well!" He motioned for everyone to enter. "In with you!" From where the group stood there were lights and sounds in town proper; electric lamps lined the main street leading to the center of town, and though there is steady light from the meeting house the noise comes from elsewhere. Songs of glory and battle ring out drunkenly from the one inn/bar in this town and the place sounds packed to the gills. There were other lights on, but these were candle lights and any inside seemed little interested in company. Yet even in town there were no dogs, no cats not even near the inn. 

:'''{{#var:178|Noh (178)}} has posed:'''     Noh smiles warmly, in a disarming manner; the man is obviously scared, and there is something keeping him awake. "I do not think your town is rot, sir, I think I heard a call for help, and I would like to see what wrong," she purrs softly, passing a hand lazily in the air, and performing a bit of slight of hand- she suddenly has a can of cold soda in hand, and is offering it to him. "Please." KRRCHT-SHH! "Drink this, it will help you feel better. It is potion from my world, it heals." She smiles again- and then would hand him the Cure Drink (as one of her hidden bauble pins flashes.)     Then she would turn to pass through the gates slowly; she will let everyone else go where they want, but her ears, her eyes, her MIND are active: She is LISTENING, with a capital LISTEN, her onw true skill. The fact that there are no animals about causes her to pause just past the gates, gto lit her head slightly, to close her eyes. She seems deep in thought...     ... She is actually letting her inner Demon slip slightly ito control- something trackable by the fact that as her eye spen again they have gone from their normal vibrant green, to an almost glowing orange. 

:'''{{#var:61|Anivia (61)}} has posed:''' @emit At a brief glance, this world would almost pass for normal. But Anivia was not looking at it in a brief glance, she wasn't even using her eyes anymore. She could feel something, something very wrong... some sort of corruption... even the ground itself felt tainted to walk on. What happened to this world? The Cryophoenix blinks her glowing eyes several times, before the sudden voice of Noh who also steps through the portal snaps her from her trance. She almost forgot about the bloody Gatekeepers in all her magic-sensing... The Cryophoenix only had a few moments to process the small dhampir's strange... use of the English language, before the portal springs to life and several other Union members step through the portal. Good, it seems Anivia wasn't the only one who responded to the Broadcast... she'll be happy to leave the Gatekeeper in their hands. Humans seem to enjoy talking to other humans more than to a giant glowing blue ice-bird. But then something else catch's Anivia's attention the men at the gate. The Cryophoenix tilts her gaze back in their direction, focusing mostly at the firearms they had at their side. Their guns radiated some sort of dark energy. Not good. The Cryophoenix's eyes narrow as she sighs, whispering silently so only her Union allies can hear her. "It seems whatever happened to this town has already taken hold of the people here. Do be careful. I will take to the skies and see if I can spot anything." Without paying the Guards much heed, the Cryophoenix turns and leaps into the sky with a beat of her frozen wings. Her magically driven avian-eyes quickly scan the city below from above, her excellent vision and unique attunement to magic hopefully allowing her to spot anything out of the ordinary, there must be a clue somewhere... Trying to stay high over head, the Cryophoenix circles the city from above... though she seems to drift more and more towards the Inn. She could sense much corruption within... and the building was glowing with negative energy in the Cryophoenix's eyes. With a flap of her wings, the Cryophoenix lands gently on the roof of the Inn. Anivia pauses and listens... trying to see if she could hear anything within with her powerful hearing. 

:'''{{#var:27|Jonothon Starsmore (27)}} has posed:'''     Jono just shrugs at the suddenly pissy guard. "'Ey. I jus' came 'ere 'coz I 'eard someone needed help," he states. "I 'ave no preconceived notions that anythin's goin' on." Then he enters along with the others. Gabby stays quiet for once. Maybe she's creeped out, who knows?     Anivia's statement gives Jono an idea, and he gives a look to each of his allies. It's a long look, since he's trying to create a 'band' of some kind, one that they can 'talk' over mentally, and he needs to toss them the 'hook'. It doesn't feel weird at all. But after that, he's able to speak /only/ to those who accepted the 'hook'.     And he does. "'Ey. Think it this way, mates." Pausing, giving anyone who was able/willing to accept the 'hook' time to adjust-- and himself time to discern if anyone hasn't got it-- he adds, "Oi. I'm not the only one who thinks this Whole thing smells like arse, am I?" 

:'''{{#var:11|Metal Man (11)}} has posed:''' Metal Man and another humanoid are here they are wearing cloaks the other is taller and seemingly built like a brick both move with purpose at this point and are keeping quite. Just what's up Metal turns his head to the guards shrugs and fall in with the others. His companion moves along but seems to bt taking in things with intrest... 

:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''     "...Er... yeah, what he said. geeze, if someone calls for help you answer." Shirou blurtsslightly put-off by the gatekeeper's demenaor. He's not sure what to expect of him, but... if the air's been smelling like that for this long, he'd be cranky too, probably. It's already making him a bit cranky!     The telepathy takes him by surprise, but he does accept after a few moments to puzzle it out. "<...telepathy?! That's awesome. And it does reek. The air here smells rotten... even I can tell. It's coming from the central building?>" 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' The guard took the offered potion, mumbling a vague well wishing to Noh and flat out ignoring the strangeness of a giant bird the Guard just stood by, clutching at the potion he'd been given. From up high Anivia would see not a lot of activity outside beyond the guards at the watch towers, and more than half of those just somehow felt wrong to her or anyone else sensitive to corruptive influences. There were others, but it was a dot here or there in a town of a couple thousand where the central building was a blaze of wrongness. Also the guards all have guns aimed at her. Not all of the guards are wrong feeling, but it doesn't take corruption to pull a trigger. When the strangers pass the watch leader called for the gates to close before slumping to the floor. As he buried his head in his hands he knew what these people were here for, and even though he knew it had to be done in the deepest part of his heart he was worried these outlanders wouldn't be enough. The town was quiet. No animal sounds and only a few people up other than the party going on at the bar. Seemed most people here went to bed with the sun. 

:'''{{#var:11|Metal Man (11)}} has posed:''' Metal Man had the sense ot hide his nature somewhat and hey he's had this darn cloak since the day he first woke up to the world. He's not lettin it go really he pauses for a moment looking about as he and his compaion boot up both motion and thermo senosrs trying to get any pings. "Keep en eye out brother. We ... might have an issue here." "I don't like this there's no wild life here." the other rumbles slow and ponderously, one might almost hear a creek as he turns his hooded head about. "No obvious wildlife, not even vermin...this is distressing brother." "Ya, where humans go rats and roaches are sure to follow em. Hell Dogs and cats too." "That is one habit I can respect." "Unless it's Rush." 

:'''{{#var:27|Jonothon Starsmore (27)}} has posed:'''     Jono can't really see any better than a normal human being, and couldn't smell anything at all. His statement of the place 'smelling like arse' was completely figurative. So he lets the others do that, and concentrates himself on watching the people for weirdness. People-watching is a wallflower's art, after all. And he notices the leader burying his head in his hands.     Over that mental 'channel' he answers Shirou, "Not lit'rally on my part, mate. Sorry but I can't smell it. Can't do that anymore. But look at that bloke." Mental /point/ at the leader with his head in his hands. "What's 'is game?" 

:'''{{#var:178|Noh (178)}} has posed:'''     The orange-eyed demon is hunting; smelling, sensing. There is no scent trail of humans before sunset; they all stay in their homes. That is a big clue. But there's something more, there's something tangible there's something... something.     Noh suddenly turns, looking over the buildings, and in the dim, to dull light, her face is barely visible, but oh her eyes how they spark like orange embers.     And those embers lock upon the Townhouse, in the center of the village, and suddenly without a word to those around her, th small Dhampir is striding with purpose that way; the edges of her frame turning fuzzy in the darkness, as she passes through shadows, nearly becoming one with them.     She's drawn to the feeling of.. of... Something. Something that wrinkles her lips over her fangs, and the closer she gets, puts a monsterous, inhuman look upon her features as by instinct she allocates her blood powers away from the glmaour that hides her pale, sickly, bony malnourished frame with a hale and healthy young woman's, and her claws and fangs become prominent, oh, the better to fight you with my dear..     She stops just outside the central house.. and drops to a crouch, hand on the ground, and noselowered to the cracks of the shut doors.. 

:'''{{#var:61|Anivia (61)}} has posed:''' From high above, the Cryophoenix felt a little more at ease... she always felt most comfortable far out of reach of the younger species. From her perch on the Inn rooftop, Anivia continues to look around... simply listening and watching... waiting to see what would come next. It didn't escape her notice... that so many of the guard's guns where trained on her. The Phoenix had a few defensive spells already half-way-conjured and at the ready. But... she doubt it was just bullets these men were going to fire at her, their weapons had a dark energy around them... so the Cryophoenix will have to be extra careful. As the Cryophoenix waits, she hops closer to the chimney-stacks of the Inn, hoping that the bricks from the old building, rotten as they were, would still be able to shade her from the gun-wielding guards. Now slightly more comfortable, with less crosshairs on her tail feathers, the Cryophoenix blinks down at the town once more. The deafening silence was probably the worst part... she knew that everything felt off, that there was something very wrong, but waiting to find out what it is... made the Champion very uneasy. 

:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''     "<Game? Oh... I guess he's acting a bit weird. You think the town's hiding this mess?>"     Shirou is just too naive. Of COURSE they'd be hiding a mess like this. But for now, he's following his 'nose,' and wandering straight towards the central building. What else is he supposed to do, really?     He does this until he spots the Robot Masters wandering enough, anyways. Cloaks or no cloaks, the way they move catches his attention. There's just something off about it, and it's worth a momentary glance! "hm?" No, focus on the mission!     Towards the central building he heads! 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' As Non sniffed she could hear a masculine baritone voice that sounded at first smooth as silk with each word and grew course before smoothing out, "You are a curious one little one." The speaker sounded large, or at least attempted to. "As one who hunts to another. These My lands. My people." A soft click of a door being unlocked. "Come little hunter. It is my will alone that allowed you and your kin this far. Enter." A throaty chuckle. Noh could smell someone there, or at least having just left there, as the scent trail was fairly fresh. The presence of pawprints the size of dinner plates marring the simple rugs thrown about might dampen her enthusiasm though. Anivia was relatively safe, other than the guns aimed at her anyway. Then again guns aimed at her meant guns not aimed at other people, so there was that going for her. Probably the most noteworthy conversation was from within one of the upper floor rooms she could hear voices. "How much longer?" Male voice. Female voice angrily hushed the first, "Soon. Just a little longer. Gotta make it look good or our Lord will be displeased." This seemed to make the owner of the first voice uncomfortable. "Easy love. Easy. Just a little more and maybe he'll let us leave." 

:'''{{#var:178|Noh (178)}} has posed:'''     Eyes widen- pupils dilate, slit, narrow, and then become pinpoint. The dhampir stiffens, as the several hundred years olf demon curdles a low half-whine, half growl, at the voice, the oh, so large voice, and then the the door opens, and oh, there. Even though 'no one is there', there are tracks, tracks sobig they dwarf her shaking hand as she lays it within what she can already tell is the mark of a wolf. Her gaze turns, and lifts, and the once-stoic huntress becomes a vision of forced calm; she's shivering visibly, but is forcing herself to stand. To smile.     And to cross the threshhold of the building, speaking calmly in that tempered, english-and-ancient mixed tongue. "I would not dare poach the lands of Le Loup Garou... But you must know, of course, that, there are those who oppose your presence. Tell me.." She speaks to the supposedly empty building around her.     "What is your price?" 

:'''{{#var:61|Anivia (61)}} has posed:''' The Cryophoenix closes her eyes as she begins to listen in to the whispering voices on the second floor. Well, it wasn't much... but it was a clue. Some sort of Dark Lord that was... waiting for something, no doubt involving the Union Champions who just entered the town. The Cryophoenix ponders silently to herself... her frozen tail feathers twitching slightly as she ponders. Seems that the town was far more active than she once thought, the town's people were all lying in wait. Also not good. Judging by the conversations, Anivia doubts that the Dark Lord that these villagers seem so afraid of wasn't in the Inn itself. She would have to search else where for more clues, but the Inn seems like mostly just a gathering spot for the corrupted villagers. "I should check on the others..." Anivia mutters to herself as she turns to leave the Inn. She pauses, peaking briefly into a nearby window one last time to see if she could notice anything out of the ordinary... before leaping back into the skies once more, this time soaring back towards her Union allies. It would put her mind at rest at least make sure the younger Champions here haven't gotten themselves into any trouble. If this Dark Lord wasn't bothering the Cryophoenix... he might be after someone else... 

:'''{{#var:27|Jonothon Starsmore (27)}} has posed:'''     <<"'E knows more than 'e's sayin'. They all do. That guard back there... 'e went from bog-eyed ter 'avin' a bog on in nothin' flat at the word 'corruption',">> Jono sends. <<"I 'ope we rumble this quick, this whole place gives me the collywobbles.">>     Notably, this communication is able to be heard by any of the Union Elites that would like to hear it. It's just being shielded against from anyone outside the group of Elites here.     He's also started to wander around, to see what the others are up to. He can't fly, so he's not going to be able to follow Anivia. However, Shirou and Noh both seem to be heading for that central building(?), so he ambles that way, too, hands in his pockets. 

:'''{{#var:11|Metal Man (11)}} has posed:''' Metal Man Says "Wait you talking that in a prey sort of game like someone going hunting for Moose?" Seriously that was an organic Metal could respect because those things were living tanks. He could beat one sure but he'd be hurt before it went down if he didn't get the drop on it. The Phoenix is eyed for a moment. Before he looks at Shirou ant tilts his head he says nothing this time. MEtal and the other Wily robot follow their hoods remain up for the moment. Metal Man already has his weapons primed at this point just waiting to deploy them. He'll let the others do the talking. He does note to his companion. "Rock would be stunned into silence at this." "These humans are not of our world, they done us no wrong, to our kind." The other notes back. 

:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''     Shirou's right behind Noh, pretty much. The boy's already aware something funny's going on! He walks up behind NOh, having just barely spotted her heading in..... "Man, I don't like this." His eyes are on the tracks. HUGE wolf prints. That's... NOT cool, at all. what could make prints that huge? It's not human!     "<Check out the prints on the floor in here. They're from something BIG.. looks padded. A big dog?>"     How could that be causing the rotton smell? 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Again the throaty laugh from up ahead somewhere. "Price? For what little hunter do you want?" The silk turned sandpaper then back voice crooned. "These lands give little sport and less interest than those of your companions." Another voice, male, spoke. "Easy now, is that a way to welcome outlanders to these lands?" As the throaty voice growled a wide and well muscled man walked down the stairs leading to the second floor. "Your interest, I take it, is in the broadcast our former and sadly recently departed postmaster had sent?" He might have looked native american but while a native american might have dark eyes, his was black from iris on out. Twin black orbs that felt, even to the mundane, to try pulling everything in, to devour, consume, Feed. The black eyed man spread his arms wide and anyone even remotely sensitive could /feel/ corruption rolling off of him. "I grow tired of games. I grow weary of pretense and pretending. You have been called because I allowed a less than faithful servant to perform one final task for me." He inhaled deeply as he surveyed those gathered. "I must say he performed wonderfully." His stance widened and his posture shifted. "So with you assembled here in this place I have to ask. You have seen the poison of this land, the rot that has festered since the Ascension Wars. This land is sick. Its life fading. Your lands burst with Life. With Vitality." His hungry black eyes flicked from one to the next on as far as he could see. "All I ask," never mind his tone practically Demanded, "is that I be allowed to work. To explore. Expand. Bring new Life to this place." Yet there was power being gathered. Rather than meekly asking the world for life this man ripped it away from anything he could get his metaphysical claws into and seemed to grow, fur covering his expanding body as everything but his tattered green robes shredded. His teeth grew and his features changed. Some might mistaken him for the so-called big foot. Others would know his form as that of a Windigo. "Stand with me Outlanders." The man's baritone dropped an octave and a half, "stand and Serve, or fall and wish you had." 

:'''{{#var:178|Noh (178)}} has posed:'''     Eyes remain wide, and the quivering, yet attemptive bravery is replaced by something more. Noh has never been to these lands, but she KNOWS what she's looking at when the Native man reveals his true face. She knows what she's looking at, because she knows so, so many things. And she knows that what she's looking at is not just a nameless, faceless evil but a hunger. Hunger that eats and destroyes. A hunger greater than even that of The Kindred, for at least Vampires do not destroy everything, leaving behind nothing.     Noh and Kifa both speak as one: "... The Burning Hunger of the Wind," and Noh actually takes a step back, demon-eyes uncertain, before she frowns. N-No. No, she cannot, let, cowardice, run down her spine.     "... Coyote spoke of you long ago, told your stories to my Father Anansi, he told us what you are, and what you do, and I cannot.. cannot allow you, to exist, Hungerer. You burn everthing to ashes, because you come and go and are quick. You sour lands, causing the dead to rise again, hungry for the flesh of the living. And when you have sucked it all dry, and everything is gone, you moveon... That.. is why, the People have left. You feed on them first, and because of that, they catch wind, they leave... And now you are after the humans.." 

:'''{{#var:61|Anivia (61)}} has posed:''' Anivia blinks several times as she hears Jonothon's words ringing in her head. She sometimes is still surprised by the feats of her fellow Union members. They certainly have their unique tricks... though it seems that this man was speaking in a strange code that the Cryophoenix has yet to decipher. Perhaps it was a code that the Union memorized before entering the town? Anivia really should pay more attention to the Union activity before a mission... As Anivia soar's through the skies, returning to her allies... the so called Dark Lord emerges, revealing himself... but not to the Cryophoenix. Never the less, the second the strange being revealed himself... the Cryophoenix knew exactly where he was. The magical energy the dark figure was radiating was staggering, almost frightening to the Cryophoenix... but she couldn't leave such a creature with the younger races. A Phoenix's duty is never done... especially in the Multiverse. Using her magical-attunement, Anivia swiftly spins around in mid-air with a small back flip, then dashes with previously unseen speed through the air straight for the source of the corruption. Both Noh and the Dark Figure would both notice a rapid decrease in temperature as the Cryophoenix approaches. 

:'''{{#var:27|Jonothon Starsmore (27)}} has posed:'''     Shirou's pointing out the footprints gets Jono's attention. He's heading in then, and stands quiet as the man descends the stairs. He listens... and his eyes start to narrow as he starts with the 'stand with me' crap. He's already unbuttoning the heavy coat and pulling at the zipper near his face. He's left the wrappings at home; this is a legit uniform. It's not red and gold, no. It's pretty much a close-fitting black leather outfit with a very long neck that covers his face, and a zipper. He has a coat over that which provided a second layer to cover his missing mouth, a high collar that velcroed around the bottom of his face.     Now? The coat's open, and the zipper's pulled down to about his chest. But it's not a normal body that's revealed. As soon as the zipper is pulled, what looks like staticky flame begins to escape. Until when the zipper's at his chest, his entire upper body is wreathed with it. "I don't do well wi' ultimatums, mate," Jono replies, this time so he can be heard normally.     Belatedly he says in response to Shirou's question of whether it was a dog or not, his tone flat and unamused, "Nope. Not a dog. A right minger with a face like a busted arse." 

:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''     Shirou lays eyes upon the creature who approaches and addresses them all. His gut churns, and all his human instincts awaken at once and say FLEE. Flee or you'll be ripped apart and consumed. This loathsome presence can only belong to a monster humans should never approach.     "Hgh--" And it wants to go somewhere else.     "Don't kid with me... you're not asking anything, that's a demand." He blurts out, bravely, blood pumping hotly against his own cold fear.     His body's all frozen up, but he commands it to move. If he can't move, he'll die. This creature means business. It means to feast, without limits.     "A yeti...? No, your kind of hunger..." His instincts can almost feel the hunger in the air surrounding this creature.     "...Trace, on." Faint traces of Magical Energy flow through the boy, bringing his body temperature a few degrees higher. Only a minor difference, but...     With a small flash of golden light, a weapon's appeared in his hand. It's a rough-looking, somewhat oversized greatsword - one so large it's a wonder he's able to hold onto it properly. The hilt is almost a whole two to three feet long and made of some dark, obsidian-like material covered with glowing white cracks... apparently, the material of the blade itself, for a great curved edge, nearly as long as he is tall, sprouts forth from that. Said blade is glowing an ominous white. It's 'ominous' because the white is far from holy, but instead carries portents of destruction. This is a blade that cuts not for justice, but for war itself. It's practically demonic.     "Is that what you're after, monster? More lands for more food? Everyone in town's scared... of YOU....!" 

:'''{{#var:11|Metal Man (11)}} has posed:''' Metal Man looks at them for a moment his optic narrowing for a moment and he says, "Unhuh and you killed a man to do what you wanted?" Metal man pulls back his hood now, his helmet is clear the buzz saw on the forhead odd but his green oiptics have an intensity to them there's clearly something home his compnaion does the same and his head looks a bit like a log there's even a twig from one end. He seems to be mute for the moment but the cape vanish in a poof of light as does Metal Man. "I am Wood Man, and you defile this place." Metal Man meanwhile ads for a moment "I only serve my self and the man that gave me life and soul...A Windigo?! Fraking Cannible!" That's when the saw blade appear sin hand and it gets flying food man on the other hand summons what /seem/ to be leafs which fly right at the beast as well. "...To think such myths are true." Wood Man seems to be unhappy now. "As I said you are a abberation a defilment to nature!" This is a /robot/ saying that, that should say something. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' the Windego grinned, revealing sharp yellow teeth before proving Noh's statement about his kind being fast true even here. Never mind if anyone weighed him it would likely be about a half ton of dense muscle or that he was tall enough he had to crouch to avoid hitting the ceiling. It charged, bellowing louder than a freight train at the rather underfed and undernourished looking Noh under the impression a tiny thing like her would only stand up to one such as himself if she had Power. He moved fast and true. A mass of rage and hunger that could snap Noh up and never stop moving. Yet just before he could get to her he took am ice phoenix to the gut along with metal razor leaves AMD a sawblade to the rest of him. About the only reason he wasn't knocked into next month was his mass. That is a lot of angry furball to move. Of course with everyone's attention on the Windego that left the other corrupted power freedom to act, and to- HOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWL! The long mournful cry sounded from above, possibly the rooftop, but more likely thy next floor up. That seemed to be a signal for spirits to rise. They were shades of who had already fallen bound and chained and drug through as they unwillingly followed the dire wolf as it entered head first from the ceiling, its open jaws attempting to catch Shirou's newly traced blade to wrench it out of the youth's hands. 

:'''{{#var:178|Noh (178)}} has posed:'''     Now, to say that her attention was distracted? Is a little true. When the great Hungerer charges for her, Noh reflexively closes her eyes, turns her head to brace for a painful impact, and waits to be shredded, or thrown into a wall or something worse. Because the Wendigo has one thing right- She has a power. Her power is in being durable enough to survive most things that she can at least manage to distract, if not escape.     But nothing comes- the massive fright train of OW is stopped by Anivia, and Metal Man and Wood Man. And Noh's eyes crack open, and she turns to watch the creature of mass corruption as he's attacked.     And then howl of thw wolf sends her spine shivering, and she claps her hands to her ears a moment, fangs clenching in her jaws, before her eyes flash open-- and Kifa takes over for the little dhampir. Answering the Chained Wolf's cry is a sudden explosion of shadows and dark energy-- and a lion's roar, as Noh's frame vaporizes and reappears into that of a demon lion, similarly bound in chains- Large, dagger-like fangs bared. The Lion is suddenly charging to get past the Wendigo, and up the stairs, in a lumbering run- and as soon as the Wolf's BODY is in sight, the Lion would leap-- Claws outstretched, and jaws aiming to bite. 

:'''{{#var:27|Jonothon Starsmore (27)}} has posed:'''     Suddenly it's an all-out war as a massive wolf joins the wendigo. As the thing tries to grab Shirou's blade, Jono moves to aid. "Gabby, concentrate on the other bloke!" She gave an affirmative sound, lifting up from his shoulder to head towards her target, howling her own diminutive but REALLY DAMN LOUD 'GAAAAAAOOOOOO!'.     Jono fires a large blast of energy at the dire wolf's head, aiming for its mouth, trying to get it to back off, to let go of Shirou's weapon. It won't burn, but it will feel like the wolf has been hit by a truck with a very large rotary sander attached to the front, and extremely low-grit sandpaper loaded on the disc.     Gabby pauses, and there's a flash of her Slipway. The hammer disappears, and the head of the hammer reappears, but attached to her hip. The front of it opens and missiles explode from it. Now they're not that big, given her size, but unlike Jono's energy, these DO set things of fire. Like... fur. 

:'''{{#var:61|Anivia (61)}} has posed:''' The Windego, perhaps not a term or a name that Anivia is falmiliar with herself, but she's faced many creatures simular to this beast before her. The Cryophoenix arrived thankfully just in time, to join in with some Robot Masters to knock the massive beast away from Noh as she takes care of the Dire-Wolf. Anivia trusts in her Union allies to take handle the other beast, she would help keep this brutish creature off their backs for now. Anivia's massive frozen talons goes flying straight at the Windego's face, a shrill and impossibly loud bird-cry fills the air, echoing across every inch of the town. A flurry of beating frozen wings raking claws would show that Anivia was currently clawing at the large beast's face with her raptor-like talons, primarily aiming for his eyes. Perhaps this wasn't the most Immortal-Elder-Mage like approach to fighting... but it's certainly a bird's approach... and hopefully with the combination of the Robot Master's added fire-power, it should prove more than enough for the beast. In theory at least! 

:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''     "What--" Shirou's voice is choked and dry. The howl sent horrific shivers down his spine, enough to nearly paralyze him. Bad. VERY BAD. But thankfully the blade he wields is a bit more reactive than he is. As Shirou enters a complete blind panic, he nevertheless moves far faster and more skillfully than he should be able to do. Zantetsuken is grasped, but not wrenched, exactly. Instead, Shirou's arm moves with tremendous strength that isn't quite his own. using his arm as the fulcrum point for a great swing, he has gained a WOLF FLAIL.     Of course, his only objective is to shake the wolf off and towards the ground... then proceed into a berserker flurry of slashes that Shirou himself cannot seem to take, for he's choking down agonized screams with each swing. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' From outside the city gates another man sought entry. "Halt who goes th-" When the watchman saw the flames that were on place of the stranger's eyes he stepped back making a protective gesture once the gate was unlocked. He watched the stranger pull a staff from out of his sleeve and stepped past the gate house. The stranger's stance was wide and the runes on his staff glowed bright green. Villagers from the pub had by this point started marching to the hall building in response to the wolf's cry and stopped at the sight of this man only long enough for one to throw a knife at him. Which promptly disintegrated. Inside the hall both Chained Beasts collided after the wolf was hit by a telekinetic similar to the face and fell to the ground in a mass of biting, tearing, gnashing pain. For the moment the wolf's attention was held. The others had something approximating a fair fight. Gabby's missiles streaked around Anivia to hit the windego's legs, causing it to bellow in rage. Such a tiny thing should make no difference to it! Power ran through it's veins. It should have been able to sweep these gnats away and crack their bones open as it pleased, but this stupid bird kept getting in it's way! The chained spirits turned their attention from the fight and their suffering to something happening outside. The Chained Wolf growled as it struggled against Noh, "YOU DARE TAKE WHAT IS MINE!?" From outside a thunderous drum sounded. The spirits started pulling against the chains that bound them, which seemed to constantly throw the wolf off. It seemed power ran both ways, what had been chained could affect what held those chains. It wasn't much, but it was constantly thrown just enough away from a killer strike, or into sharpened claws that whatever disadvantages Noh had merely made the fight 'slightly in her favor' instead of 'fenris wolf getting pinballed around like kitty's new toy.' Except it isn't just cat and dog fighting. It's dog fighting cat and REALLY ANGRY PERSON WITH A WARGOD'S BLADE. Both Wolf and Windego are learning a harsh truth. Power is meaningless when it cannot be used. The ghosts finally wrench free and whether through residual connection to their captors or some other magic try wrapping the wolf's chains around its throat. All to the sound of the sound of god's own heartbeat outside 

:'''{{#var:178|Noh (178)}} has posed:'''     Bite, claw, snarp, swat. So goes the true fight of a lion against a wolf. Kifa the Demon is quite smaller than the Fenris; but small means nothing when one remembers that cats are known for speed, and being mean sons of bitches. As the wolf is yanked by the chains , spirits departing, the demon sees her chance:     With a sudden snarl, she respons to the wolf's bellow in the telekinetic voice of a calm, but frigid creature: "They were never yours to claim to begin with." Nefore the cat draws back-- and then lnges in with saber-fangs and biting jaws for the back of the wolf's neck. If he is distracted, if he is weakened the result... Would be one wolf with a snaped neck. 

:'''{{#var:11|Metal Man (11)}} has posed:''' Metal Man is about redy to rip the Windego apart, seriously there's ethical, health and other reasons to /not/ seriously eat your own species. He doesn't say anything else as he moved about seeming unable to lose his balance. He watches as he hers something coming. "...so heh Shade man's going to hate missing this." MEtal Man does not seem too phased he's nothappy but there no horrof factor he's seen such powers before he's been her a long time and the blades had done their work. "Heh the only thing tht could claim them is the thing that made their species." 

:'''{{#var:27|Jonothon Starsmore (27)}} has posed:'''     It looks like those chains are being wrapped around the direwolf's neck by something. Something's happening. Something that's in their favor. "Give it all yer got, Gabby!" In response the Shinki Slipway flashes again, and one of those missile bays/hammer heads appears on each hip. And then her wolf's head pistol appears, floating next to her. One of the missile bays/hammer heads opens to fire missiles, while the other one launches itself completely off her hip like a bomb. To add to that, the wolf's head pistol opens its mechanical maw and begins launching fireballs. She's being quite literal about 'give it all you got'.     Jono's not holding back either. With the wolf (possibly?) dealt with for now, he turns his attention on the wendigo. It's not a blast he fires at the one of views as the leader of all this. His eyes flash the same orange-red color as the outside of his energy, and he fires a sustained BEAM of it from his chest cavity. It's at least a literal ton of force. And he'll try to sustain that force against the wendigo. 

:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''     Shirou's going for an alternate route. As he reains his senses he loses his apparent berserker freny, and hesitates. This allows a strike to get past his guard and claw him across the shoulder. OW.     That unnatural strength fades down to 'just enough to wield the weapon,' but this is still enough to contend with the beast and buy time for Noh to make her move.     "Ow... dammit, this sword's just uncontrollable!" And where the HECK did such a whuge wolf come from?!     Fangs and claws meet sword several times in quick succesion, and Shirou's begun sweating tremendously. His body can barely keep up after the initial flurry.     But it's no good. Zantetsuken shatters during another exchange. In its place, Shirou summons a different weapon with a burst of light. Twin sizable daggers with a Mayan aesthetic, designed for hunting and bloodletting..! 

:'''{{#var:61|Anivia (61)}} has posed:''' The Damn Bird was a Damn Cryophoenix, and Anivia didn't seem like she was going anywhere! Her wings continue to beat in the air wildly, throwing a freezing wind and the occasional frozen feather around the room as the Phoenix keeps her talons locked tightly around the Windego's face. Though the Cryophoenix was more than just any bird with huge claws... she was also one of her world's most skillful and dangerous Cryo-Mage. The Cold might not be such a frightening weapon against the wendigo... but this was no ordinary cold. Anivia focuses a great deal of her magic around the wendigo's head and throat, the air becoming so cold that the beast couldn't even draw breath. Slowly Anivia begins to try and turn the blood that runs in the beast's veins to ice... but, apparently, someone had a far quicker and FAR messier plan in mind. A flash of light and a sudden burst of energy... and Anivia could have sworn that she just pissed off Luxanna Crownguard again, because the Cryophoenix could only give a panicked chirp and leap away from the creature just as a massive laser beam blasts across the room, engulfing most of the creature's upper body, just prior to where Anivia was seconds ago! The Cryophoenix thankfully acted fast enough to get out of the way of the laser-beam, but not without singing her tail-feathers, literally, the tips of her tail feathers darkened, with small trails of smoke. Anivia sends several angry squawks over at her Union Allies in her native Phoenix-Tongue, which really just sounds like a bunch of angry bird-calls, before the Phoenix hops off to preen herself and muttering something about Humans. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Last thoughts are supposed to be meaningful and deep. Last words profound: Not "ahvoeobjdjvosalclv" and other assorted inarticulate noises poor wolf was making just before it's neck snapped. Unfortunately it followed the 'shapeshifter assumes true form on death' rule and. Well. No clothes. Guy was pale, balding, little overweight, and thankfully dead. Well not thankfully for him because his ghost was being ringed by a dozen others and they had chains that were good for beatings. The Windego, on the other hand, had thoughts that went like this: 'These ants! Worms! They- They. YOU KILLED MY BROTHER YOU STUPID FILTHY. Oh that uh why did that not hurt?' He blinked before he started to shrivel back into the man he was. Unlike the wolf he really was what he had first seemed; dark tanned and in great physical shape. Unfortunately for him the ghosts didn't seem to care how in shape he was as there were plenty of beatings to hand out. Outside the crowd saw their rulers of the past half year strung out on chains that had been used on those that had been consumed by their greed. "I know not all of you are well. These two have hurt you, done things to you, made you do things." His voice was magically augmented so all would hear him. "I do not come bringing judgement. I came, along with the others here, to help free you. Help draw the poison away so you can make this place your home again." The crowd looked on skeptically, but with both Lord and Wolf in his hands non moved to strike him. "I am not going to give ultimatums. I am simply stating what will be. Specialists will come. Aid will come. Many of you will be taken away for treatment. Others will come to try seeing what can be done to help this place. He shook, trying to remain strong in the face of so many. Holding these spirits was taxing; though it was more because he was holding the dead at bay so the living could see. "Go home. All of you. Go tend to your families. Rest. It is over." 

:'''{{#var:178|Noh (178)}} has posed:'''     The crunch over, the lion growls. For a moment, a very small one, the demon's baser instincts want to take over; for there is a dead human here and dead humans are considered food. But then the far more human girl still inside reminds the creature, that it is not yet allowed to play... and so, growling and snarling, the lion simply drops the limp corpse.. and backs away; shadows envelope her, and she returns to the small, childlike, innocent form of the Dhampir, eyesplacid, tired green, and frame still quivering a little. Noh stands, and, looking to the dead fenris, looks up to Shirou. "... Thank you," She says, softly, before she turns. ... The dhampir pauses, though. Turns back, walks over to the mutilated man, bows down, and moves a hand out to close his eyes, murmuring simply: "I do not envy you your council before Anubis to judge the weight of your soul." Before she stands up, and turns, walking away.. 

:'''{{#var:27|Jonothon Starsmore (27)}} has posed:'''     Jono stops finally, seeing the tide of battle finally turning. And not wanting to kill the poor bastard as he seems to be turning into a human again. Besides, sustaining a blast like that is kind of dangerous, and he doesn't want to blow EVERYBODY up. He lets go of the blast, slumping tiredly. And he also looks up at the ice phoenix. "Sorry 'bout that," he calls up to her. "Still workin' on me aim."     Excuse him, he's gonna go stagger back against a wall and flop down on his behind when conversation starts happening. He has no idea what's going on. Just that it appears to be over, at least for now. He doesn't pant or sweat, he can't do that anymore. He merely sits there, with his not-fire outlining him, his head down.     Gabby sees the condition he's in and flies over to alight on his shoulder. Which ends in the notfire surrounding her too, and making her look quite a bit like her type's name-- 'Hellhound'.     Looking up finally, once the talking stops, Jono sees Marrik. With ghosts. On chains. Like bloody Ghost Rider. And he decides to... just not ask. Instead? "'Ey." He sounds tired, even mentally. "Yer got this, mate? 'Cos if yer do, I need ter recharge." His notfire's unburning noticeably lower than usual... 

:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''     "....Urgh." Shirou... promptly collapses to his knees once it appears the fight really is over. Everything going on around him is one big blur of sounds and noise. He strained himself a lot producing Zantetsuken again, and it's knocked him for a loop. So much that he seems completely zoned out.     Although, that might also be the sheer horror of what's been happening here wracking his imagination... 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Marrik nodded to Jonothon. "Think so." He sounded stressed, likely due to keeping several hundred spooks spinning round like a tornado of pissed off spirits. "Just waiting for things to clear before letting these two go say hi to the masses." He reached into his left pants pocket and pulled out a small leather bag before tossing it to Jonothon. Inside was a stack of coins and several gemstones. "I'd have gotten here sooner if I could. Thank you." He saw the robots and merely saluted them before tossing another money pouch their way. At the moment he didn't care about sides. They helped. That is enough. That should always be enough. 

}}

ICorrupt Everything (Marrik)

2014-09-30T22:11:36Z

AncientGorilla:

{{Cutscene Header
|Date of Scene=2014/09/30
|Location=Nyahmaas
|Synopsis=A villager's efforts at sending word to the outside has been discovered.
|Thanks=
|Cast of Characters=
|Tinyplot=
}}
Sancrest:

It used to be a nice place where not much happened and they grew things like Sheep and Kudzu alongside having a minor distinction in having last year's minor division champion Rounders team. Not a lot happened here because there really wasn't much reason due to it bring in badlands country so close to the edge of things next to nobody cared it existed. Yet it had endured and its people had proven stubborn enough nothing would move them, not even the world upheaval and the unification into the Multiverse.

Now? It was like an armed camp. Men and women trained with inhuman enthusiasm daily for eight hours. Children were almost nonexistent, and the ones that were left trained alongside the adults. Plows and shovels and all manner of other equipment were reforged into weapons. The only ones here that did not train were a single man in ragged green robes and an unnaturally large wolf that eyed the villagers like a person might eye their cupboards.

"Soon old friend," The man patted the horse sized wolf's neck. "We need them." As man and wolf walked the man spoke, "Soon we will not and they will be culled like all the other broken things of this world." Both stopped at a slightly overweight man that had just used wind to blow a straw dummy against the town's wall. "David." His voice held neither praise nor scorn when he called for the man.

"Yes Lord?" David turned and even though he looked at the man's face he could not meet the now black eyes that looked back at him.

"I want you to explain something to me." The man motioned the wolf to lay down, and only after the great beast did so did he continue. "Johann tells me the post office has been used." His careful neutral voice never raised as he spoke. "You are the only one that knows how to work the equipment there."

David swallowed, still unable to meet the man's eyes. "I-I… I thought if they lost contact completely Beltine and Sanction might g-grow," another dry swallow as David fidgeted, "worried and send people."

The man frowned, ice creeping into his voice, "Did it not occur to think we would be seen as lost in this Unification like so much empty land?" David tried to stammer out an explanation only to have his words, and air, cut off by the man wrapping magic around his throat. "No, I do not think you are as committed to the Cause as you say." He reached over to grab David by the collar before pushing the body away leaving the man's spirit in his still clinched hand. "No matter. As the leaves fall to nourish the ground without thinking or caring your call to the outside will only give us proper soldiers to carry forward with.

Magic twined around and through the spirit that was David Smith and bound him to the man as the wolf got up to carry the body off for its own needs.%r%t"Outsiders then." The man's voice was ice cold even as he flung David's spirit to the top of the meeting house at the center of town. "Keep watch!" He commanded as David was stitched in place alongside a dozen others who had defied the man's will. "Give us warning when others come! That is your task now. The sole reason I shall continue to allow you to tarry on."

With that the man walked on. There would be much that had to be done and voices whispered he had so very little time.

ICorrupt Everything (Marrik)

2014-09-30T22:10:50Z

AncientGorilla:

{{Cutscene Header
|Date of Scene=2014/09/30
|Location=Sancrest, Nyahmaas
|Synopsis=A villager's efforts at sending word to the outside has been discovered.
|Thanks=
|Cast of Characters=
|Tinyplot=
}}
Sancrest:

It used to be a nice place where not much happened and they grew things like Sheep and Kudzu alongside having a minor distinction in having last year's minor division champion Rounders team. Not a lot happened here because there really wasn't much reason due to it bring in badlands country so close to the edge of things next to nobody cared it existed. Yet it had endured and its people had proven stubborn enough nothing would move them, not even the world upheaval and the unification into the Multiverse.

Now? It was like an armed camp. Men and women trained with inhuman enthusiasm daily for eight hours. Children were almost nonexistent, and the ones that were left trained alongside the adults. Plows and shovels and all manner of other equipment were reforged into weapons. The only ones here that did not train were a single man in ragged green robes and an unnaturally large wolf that eyed the villagers like a person might eye their cupboards.

"Soon old friend," The man patted the horse sized wolf's neck. "We need them." As man and wolf walked the man spoke, "Soon we will not and they will be culled like all the other broken things of this world." Both stopped at a slightly overweight man that had just used wind to blow a straw dummy against the town's wall. "David." His voice held neither praise nor scorn when he called for the man.

"Yes Lord?" David turned and even though he looked at the man's face he could not meet the now black eyes that looked back at him.

"I want you to explain something to me." The man motioned the wolf to lay down, and only after the great beast did so did he continue. "Johann tells me the post office has been used." His careful neutral voice never raised as he spoke. "You are the only one that knows how to work the equipment there."

David swallowed, still unable to meet the man's eyes. "I-I… I thought if they lost contact completely Beltine and Sanction might g-grow," another dry swallow as David fidgeted, "worried and send people."

The man frowned, ice creeping into his voice, "Did it not occur to think we would be seen as lost in this Unification like so much empty land?" David tried to stammer out an explanation only to have his words, and air, cut off by the man wrapping magic around his throat. "No, I do not think you are as committed to the Cause as you say." He reached over to grab David by the collar before pushing the body away leaving the man's spirit in his still clinched hand. "No matter. As the leaves fall to nourish the ground without thinking or caring your call to the outside will only give us proper soldiers to carry forward with.

Magic twined around and through the spirit that was David Smith and bound him to the man as the wolf got up to carry the body off for its own needs.%r%t"Outsiders then." The man's voice was ice cold even as he flung David's spirit to the top of the meeting house at the center of town. "Keep watch!" He commanded as David was stitched in place alongside a dozen others who had defied the man's will. "Give us warning when others come! That is your task now. The sole reason I shall continue to allow you to tarry on."

With that the man walked on. There would be much that had to be done and voices whispered he had so very little time.

ICorrupt Everything (Marrik)

2014-09-30T22:10:07Z

AncientGorilla: Created page with "{{Cutscene Header |Date of Scene=2014/09/30 |Location=Sancrest, Nyahmaas |Synopsis=A villager's efforts at sending word to the outside has been discovered. |Thanks= |Cast of C..."

{{Cutscene Header
|Date of Scene=2014/09/30
|Location=Sancrest, Nyahmaas
|Synopsis=A villager's efforts at sending word to the outside has been discovered.
|Thanks=
|Cast of Characters=
|Tinyplot=
}}
@bbread 24/iCorrupt Everything=Sancrest:%r%tIt used to be a nice place where not much happened and they grew things like Sheep and Kudzu alongside having a minor distinction in having last year's minor division champion Rounders team. Not a lot happened here because there really wasn't much reason due to it bring in badlands country so close to the edge of things next to nobody cared it existed. Yet it had endured and its people had proven stubborn enough nothing would move them, not even the world upheaval and the unification into the Multiverse.

Now? It was like an armed camp. Men and women trained with inhuman enthusiasm daily for eight hours. Children were almost nonexistent, and the ones that were left trained alongside the adults. Plows and shovels and all manner of other equipment were reforged into weapons. The only ones here that did not train were a single man in ragged green robes and an unnaturally large wolf that eyed the villagers like a person might eye their cupboards.

"Soon old friend," The man patted the horse sized wolf's neck. "We need them." As man and wolf walked the man spoke, "Soon we will not and they will be culled like all the other broken things of this world." Both stopped at a slightly overweight man that had just used wind to blow a straw dummy against the town's wall. "David." His voice held neither praise nor scorn when he called for the man.

"Yes Lord?" David turned and even though he looked at the man's face he could not meet the now black eyes that looked back at him.

"I want you to explain something to me." The man motioned the wolf to lay down, and only after the great beast did so did he continue. "Johann tells me the post office has been used." His careful neutral voice never raised as he spoke. "You are the only one that knows how to work the equipment there."

David swallowed, still unable to meet the man's eyes. "I-I… I thought if they lost contact completely Beltine and Sanction might g-grow," another dry swallow as David fidgeted, "worried and send people."

The man frowned, ice creeping into his voice, "Did it not occur to think we would be seen as lost in this Unification like so much empty land?" David tried to stammer out an explanation only to have his words, and air, cut off by the man wrapping magic around his throat. "No, I do not think you are as committed to the Cause as you say." He reached over to grab David by the collar before pushing the body away leaving the man's spirit in his still clinched hand. "No matter. As the leaves fall to nourish the ground without thinking or caring your call to the outside will only give us proper soldiers to carry forward with.

Magic twined around and through the spirit that was David Smith and bound him to the man as the wolf got up to carry the body off for its own needs.%r%t"Outsiders then." The man's voice was ice cold even as he flung David's spirit to the top of the meeting house at the center of town. "Keep watch!" He commanded as David was stitched in place alongside a dozen others who had defied the man's will. "Give us warning when others come! That is your task now. The sole reason I shall continue to allow you to tarry on."

With that the man walked on. There would be much that had to be done and voices whispered he had so very little time.

688/Forging Fundamentals

2014-09-28T02:18:38Z

AncientGorilla: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2014/09/27 |Location=Midway Fleet Base <MFB> |Synopsis=Marrik goes to Midway to see if Elasaid will make him a few things. Also Sparks apparently k..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2014/09/27
|Location=Midway Fleet Base <MFB>
|Synopsis=Marrik goes to Midway to see if Elasaid will make him a few things. Also Sparks apparently knows Gaelic, who knew?
|Thanks=
|Cast of Characters=359, 541
|Tinyplot=
|Tinyplot2=
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' So this is Midway? As Marrik slowly rode through on a motorcycle that was itself a world war two museum piece he frowned at how things were lain out. He'd spent a little over five years back before he unified living and working in Newport, so he considered himself reasonably sure once he got here finding his way wouldn't be hard. This of course was a mistake, and so after arguments with the doll sized pixie that was riding on the bike's gas tank he stopped to ask directions. Then he had to ask again once he actually got to the residential section. Eventually his bike parked close enough so he could walk the rest of the way to where Elasaid's forge was supposed to be. He dressed, from the perspective of the locals, in a fairly old fashioned brown suit. No really the whole thing from shirt and waistcoat, to jacket, were different shades of dirt. Why wear something so formal to somewhere getting dirty would be inevitable? Who knew! At the very least he stood out even if you couldn't see the mismatched eyes or the biker pixie riding on his shoulder. 

:'''{{#var:359|Elasaid Hood (359)}} has posed:'''     Elasaid can be found easily. Broad scottish rings out in song as the ring of hammer hitting metal fills the local air. Tis an old ditty, sung in gaelic to help speed along the work being done. She's outside, the 'Forge' area under an overhanging roof section, supported by metal poles.     The hiss of metal being quenched greets Marrik as he strides up, and the natually loud, not-shouted greeting of "Hello there!" meets his approach as well, the copper-haired woman brushing back some errant strands from her face as she peers over her anvil. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Marrik smiled warmly at the sight of Elasaid. "Miss Elasaid," His own tone was warm, though quieter than the ship maiden's. "Interesting music you sing." The pixie at his shoulder giggled and whistled a few bars from the next bit of the song, or possibly the beginning, which earned her am eyebrow from Marrik before the man pulled a couple rolled up papers from his coat to be examined. "I have secured Fayt's services for enchanting these, but I'd rather this first set be fitted rather than a generic." If examined each paper would contain sketches and measurements for either a pair of knee high boots or elbow length gauntlets. Each had decorative scrollwork that whirled and curved about and yet seemed to suggest the bone structure beneath; meaning knees, elbows, hands, and feet were practically covered in scrollwork while the long bones had intertwining braided patterns along the long bones. If one looked at the side notes there were a series of glyphs scribbled along with where on the inside of each piece they should be etched. "I do have a budget I would like to stay under, but I would rather you tell me what is needed on your end and if my design is too unreasonable before discussing price." 

:'''{{#var:359|Elasaid Hood (359)}} has posed:'''     Elasaid chuckles a little. "Tis th'songs of me homeland, lad." she replies, before looking at the little fairy curiously. "Ye know a wee bit of Gaelic lass?" she asks curiously, before Marrik brings out those drawings.     "Lemme have a looksee at 'em, lad." she says, peering at the drawings curiously. "Th'basic forgin' I c'n do... this detail work'll hafta come from someone else." she remarks tapping one of the boots. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Marrik nodded, "Figured that might be the case," Marrik sounded almost apologetic, "But the base designs get me closer to done." Meanwhile the biker leather clad pixie merely grinned at Elasaid, "We get around and about and hardly anyone bothers to look for little 'ole me." She flitted off of Marrik's shoulder and buzzed over to Elasaid on dragonfly-like wings. "Nice to meet you, I'm sparks. I help keep bonehead over there from tripping over himself." Marrik gave a dismissive snort at the comment, "She's been a solid friend and partner." Then he added, "I lived half a decade in a port town. Newport wasn't huge or a major shipping hub but still. Figur layout would have been similar." Nnnnooooope! 

:'''{{#var:359|Elasaid Hood (359)}} has posed:'''     Elasaid nods back at Marrik. "Aye. I'll jes' need te get measurements, an' then I can get te work." she replies, before looking to Sparks. "It's nice te meet ya, lassie." she says, holding a hand out for the pixie to land on, if she wants to.     As Marrik says that about the port town, she just lets out a good natured gaffaw. "Oh, lad.. This isnae some port town, tis a military base. I grew up in a port town, Glasgae's where me Patron were built." 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Sparks gave a small bow before landing on Elasaid's hand. "I can't comment on structure but this Gaelic soundsa lot like what the wee folk back home use." She paced for a bit on Elasaid's palm and smiled. Marrik meanwhile frowned, "Would explain why it doesn't feel like a real town to me." Then as explanation he offered, "Doesn't feel properly lived in. I mean it has character, but it screams 'utility' more than 'home', which makes sense." His frown lessened slightly before he spoke again. "If you do not mind, is Hood always with you?" Because he was afraid of how he'd react to a battleship spirit he'd closed off his more arcane senses, wouldn't that be rude? Botch a business deal due to gawking like a country idiot? 

:'''{{#var:359|Elasaid Hood (359)}} has posed:'''     Elasaid nods to Sparks. "Aye, tis an' old language, the Faere Folk o'legends back home created it as a way te talk to me ancestors." she replies, before attempting to gently pet the pixie on the head with a single finger. "Ye a bonnie wee lass." she offers, before looking back to Marrik.     "Aye, but it's becomin' 'home' te meself an' t'other Maidens... we live 'ere more'n we see 'ome." at his question though, she nods. "She's always wi'me, lad. Jes, nae ver'a talkative." 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Marrik mmed thoughtfully. "I... didn't want to be rude if Hood wasn't feeling chatty." He looked about the forge and hrmed thoughtfully. "Do yoy work in copper or bronze? Few of my suppliers occasionally need metalwork done, but given their natures steel is a no-go. They tend to pay in objects or favors, though this one goblin keeps giving me gemstones." Shrug. Sparks giggled at Elasaid, "I'm just a pixie, pretty low on the genersl pecking order, but being small has its advantages," her voice was chipper as she seemed to vanish. Her weight could still be felt, and any shadows cast were easy to spot, but Sparks herself couldn't be seen. 

:'''{{#var:359|Elasaid Hood (359)}} has posed:'''     "Iron an' Steel are me main things. If ye need other stuff doin' me Dad's a better metal worker'n I am." Elasaid responds. "I'm still learnin' th'craft though." she adds.     She blinks at Sparks vanishes on her palm. "Tis a neat wee trick ye got there, lass." 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "Saved me more times than I can count," Sparks's voice came from a spot a little above Elasaid's palm just before she faded back into view. "Mind if I stick around and watch you work?" She looked about and pointed to what looked like an out of the way perch. "Doesn't have to be for what Marrik's working on. Just sometimes like to watch folk." Marrik snorted, "Don't mind her, harmless really most times." He pulled sandwich from his pocket and took a bite, "Ah well. Think your father would be up to taking the occasional commission? His choice on what he takes or doesn't. Simply figure while I'm here nose about y'know?" 

:'''{{#var:359|Elasaid Hood (359)}} has posed:'''     Elasaid shrugs. "Knock yeself out lass. I dunnae mind, as long as ye stay outta th'way." she replies to Sparks. Then gets herself a measuring tape to take some measurements of Marrik's limbs for the armour.     "I'll haftae ask 'im nex'time I see 'im, lad, but I'll get back ta ye wi'is answer. I'm sure 'e'd love te get back in th'proverbial saddle." 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Marrik nodded as he made what motions needed for measurements. Sparks meanwhile found an out of the way spot to watch. "That is all I ask then ma'am. Thank you for hearing a farmboy out." 

}}

Toroko (Marrik)

2014-09-26T18:58:29Z

AncientGorilla:

{{Cutscene Header
|Date of Scene=2004/09/26
|Location=Cleen Sweep Magic Supplies and Adventuring Sundries
|Synopsis=Marrik dealing with aftermath from failing to stop the Doctor from stealing seeds to grow Red Flowers that will mutate the Mimiga into monsters
|Thanks=Quote
|Cast of Characters=541
|Tinyplot=Cave Story
}}
They failed.

Marrik sat in his shop looking at the fitful flickers of the dead that decided to use his shop as a meeting place. Most of the living didn't know they were there and for a day after returning from the flying island Marrik couldn't either. He put on a public face of smiles and 'attaboy we did what we could,' because someone had to. It was a trend he noticed of people beating themselves up over things they couldn't stop.

Yes he realized the hypocrisy.

His customers saw him doing the shop's tasks by hand; no showman-like flair, no things carried on barely visible hands. Not even 'summoning' the dead to amuse the wee ones. That last one actually annoyed the resident ghosts since it let them show off, but none of them said anything after Marrik had explained what happened to them. Never mind at the time he couldn't see who was there, he took it on faith a few were listening.

He did not know where Toroko was or if she was anywhere at all. Unlike Igor he had no way of catching her after she fell, but she had been there at the and trying to reach through. It wasn't her spirit or his magic that had failed. Rather it was her body that couldn't take the strain, and he simply didn't have enough left to both funnel the corruption and keep her body going. Maybe if Ainsley hadn't been busy, but even with the potion he gave her King had been so close to gone it had taken everything the woman had.

He would have to find some way to properly thank her. If he was the only mage there they wouldn't even have that slim victory.

Yet they still failed. This 'Doctor' had gotten away with enough seeds to turn all of the mimiga into what Toroko had been; feral bestial soldiers that knew only rage and bloodlust. He would need to grow and learn if he would have any chance at saving them. Maybe they could find where the flowers would be grown, since if it was him he would not randomly throw seeds to the winds and hope.

Hopefully Jinka would be able to provide answers. He was tired of going blind and stumbling ahead. What he needed was knowledge, and that woman was far more than she seemed. If nothing else it would give him some insight into the bone constructs that had completely baffled him. They were likely to find more of those things, or things much like them, and if he could break through without wasting so much magic he had nothing for those that needed saving.

Toroko (Marrik)

2014-09-26T18:54:22Z

AncientGorilla: Created page with "{{Cutscene Header |Date of Scene=2004/09/24 |Location=Cleen Sweep Magic Supplies and Adventuring Sundries |Synopsis=Marrik dealing with aftermath from failing to stop the Doct..."

{{Cutscene Header
|Date of Scene=2004/09/24
|Location=Cleen Sweep Magic Supplies and Adventuring Sundries
|Synopsis=Marrik dealing with aftermath from failing to stop the Doctor from stealing seeds to grow Red Flowers that will mutate the Mimiga into monsters
|Thanks=Quote
|Cast of Characters=541
|Tinyplot=Cave Story
}}
They failed.

Marrik sat in his shop looking at the fitful flickers of the dead that decided to use his shop as a meeting place. Most of the living didn't know they were there and for a day after returning from the flying island Marrik couldn't either. He put on a public face of smiles and 'attaboy we did what we could,' because someone had to. It was a trend he noticed of people beating themselves up over things they couldn't stop.

Yes he realized the hypocrisy.

His customers saw him doing the shop's tasks by hand; no showman-like flair, no things carried on barely visible hands. Not even 'summoning' the dead to amuse the wee ones. That last one actually annoyed the resident ghosts since it let them show off, but none of them said anything after Marrik had explained what happened to them. Never mind at the time he couldn't see who was there, he took it on faith a few were listening.

He did not know where Toroko was or if she was anywhere at all. Unlike Igor he had no way of catching her after she fell, but she had been there at the and trying to reach through. It wasn't her spirit or his magic that had failed. Rather it was her body that couldn't take the strain, and he simply didn't have enough left to both funnel the corruption and keep her body going. Maybe if Ainsley hadn't been busy, but even with the potion he gave her King had been so close to gone it had taken everything the woman had.

He would have to find some way to properly thank her. If he was the only mage there they wouldn't even have that slim victory.

Yet they still failed. This 'Doctor' had gotten away with enough seeds to turn all of the mimiga into what Toroko had been; feral bestial soldiers that knew only rage and bloodlust. He would need to grow and learn if he would have any chance at saving them. Maybe they could find where the flowers would be grown, since if it was him he would not randomly throw seeds to the winds and hope.

Hopefully Jinka would be able to provide answers. He was tired of going blind and stumbling ahead. What he needed was knowledge, and that woman was far more than she seemed. If nothing else it would give him some insight into the bone constructs that had completely baffled him. They were likely to find more of those things, or things much like them, and if he could break through without wasting so much magic he had nothing for those that needed saving.

654/Falling into the Multiverse

2014-09-23T04:53:49Z

AncientGorilla: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2014/09/22 |Location=Nyahmaas |Synopsis=A new world has announced its presence to the multiverse at large and has invited noteables from all corner..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2014/09/22
|Location=Nyahmaas
|Synopsis=A new world has announced its presence to the multiverse at large and has invited noteables from all corners to come and see what they have to offer in hopes of gaining allies.
|Thanks=
|Cast of Characters=11, 307, 492, 541, 560
|Tinyplot=
|Tinyplot2=
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:'''     The city of Wilhelm was young enough that technically it hasn't been completed; but it had been decided that the Concord could not afford to wait any longer, and so it had been made open to the rest of the Multiverse. Its main street, paved with cobblestones, was emptied of the usual traffic, relegating people who actually lived here to take winding back ways or to cut through the unfinished outskirts to get to where they needed to be. After all just because representatives from several apparently major guilds are waiting to see these people from 'out there' doesn't mean the whole town can grind to a halt.     If any show curiosity the people both in uniform acting as guards stationed along the main road and the crowd itself seem to follow European lines with a majority of the grown men wearing beards of one form or another. Their clothes, varied in color and style, mostly settling on a Napoleonic feel, seem well enough off that either the poor are being kept away or the general quality of life is quite well in spite of the countryside's lackluster appearance. The mood seems upbeat even with the major disruption to traffic. The observant may note shinki sized creatures, tiny people dressed in little tunics flying around on dragonfly wings, flitting here and there both through the crowd and to the people in uniform. Curious, and possibly important, or maybe not.     Past an octagonal obelisk at the center of the central plaza was a three story building that, if not the town's capitol, looked important enough to deserve not only the dozen uniformed types lined up out front, but also six people standing just in front of the main entryway wearing nearly identical black cloaks. If anyone bothered the only real difference other than cut to accommodate the wearer's body type was that each wore a different clasp; a stylized flame, water droplet, gemstone, wavy white lines to represent wind, a green leaf, and a bronze gear.     Standing slightly in front of the robed group was a man dressed in a white three piece suit trimmed in gold. His hair, what little of it remained, along with his neatly trimmed beard were as grey as his eyes and he gave a kind smile as those that answered the call were lead in his direction. Those that decided to explore a little seemed to be allowed a little leeway but given the open path, guards, and waiting notables it would seem rude to outright ignore them.     The first test the locals seemed to have; if the outlanders reacted to an open invitation and layout that had a clear 'please go here' design in ways the locals would. 

:'''{{#var:307|Allyn (307)}} has posed:''' Having decided to go see what this new world that'd invited folks to come visit was all about, Allyn as usually decided to wander around in his wolf form. He glances around as he wanders along the path that had been layed out for them, seems someone went through the trouble of pointing them to where they needed to be, so he wasn't going to go off of it. He does stop a few moments here and there though to sniff at things, but not long enough to be told to move along of course. 

:'''{{#var:11|Metal Man (11)}} has posed:''' Metal Man does not hide what he is for the most part, well okay that's a lie he's got a brown ragged cloak on he figured it would be for the best till he got a feel for the place after all. He after all is a warmachine even if Wily gave him the choice to leave after he was created, that was the world to Metal Man. Being allowed to enact choice was a imporant thing to Robot Masters really. "Humm a curious ... word." 

:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''     A world with plenty of magic, if Marrik is any indication, is what Shirou's expecting to find. He wasn't expecting tiny fairy-like beings, european aesthetics or cobblestone roads, but it's along that road that he's walking. Shirou's dressed unlike ANY of the locals, and he's feeling rather self-conscious about it.     Blue jeans. Plain 'ol modern shoes. A white shirt with steel grey sleeves. Along with his red hair and amber eyes, well... he sticks out pretty well...     Emerging into the central plaza after quite a walk, he halts to examine the tall obelisk and the rather elaborate building nearby....     And he spots the figures in robes. "This is where Marrik's from? I wouldn't have guessed if he hadn't said anything." So there are six guilds, and this world clearly has some much more open stance on magic than he's used to.... maybe he can learn something here! 

:'''{{#var:492|Blurr (492)}} has posed:'''     If Shirou is feeling self-conscious about not being dressed like any of the locals, well he's got nothing on Blurr. The Cybertronian arrives via orbital jump from a ship in orbit, a blue streak of light piercing through the sky and down toward the ground. He transforms, his body folding in on itself until he's in his....less intimidating vehicle form upon touching the surface, and makes his way toward the city where Marrik is supposedly from.     He quickly scopes it out from a distance before joining the others. Who else is here? He recognizes Shirou, who had helped him with the Swarm on Cybertron, and Allyn, whom he had also met before. For now, he just waits to see what the locals have planned. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' The giant wolf attracted notice, but after initial confusion a man wearing a green cloak clasped with a gold leaf stopped in front of the Allyn-wolf and quirked an eyebrow. "A shifter, curious." His tone suggested surprise and more than a little curiosity. "You'll be well to find a less� Local form, or if you can a way to make a different coloration that may help." A small bow before falling in slightly to the left and behind. As Allyn entered the plaza area his escort found a spot in the crowd that was now looking on to see if more were coming. Metal Man drew curious looks, and more than a few open stares. Leaf pin wearers might be heard whispering, with a single theme in the mix, 'a� Construct with a soul?' One of these people would get a sharp elbow from a guard standing next to them, but none would impede his way. Shirou's examination of the Obelisk rewarded him with a view of runes on all eight sides, then one of the black cloaked men spoke up. "The eight Aspects of our world." A deep voice and as he moved a slightly curved scabbard could be seen at his hip. "Earth, Fire, Wind, and Water for the elements of the body." It must have been a trick of light, but did the flame that was his cloak pin move? "The other for are of the spirit; Nature, Aether, Mind, and Will." He looked Shirou over carefully and offered a hand, "I am Ervin Cartwright of the Protectorate of the Black Sands, and representative of Conflict and War." Ervin gestured to the other five black cloaks. "Miri Shafton of Artifice and Knowledge," His hand moved from the cogwheel pin to the water drop, "Galvin Sykes of Transport and Sanitation." Next was the rock pin, "Tom Pert of Mining and Construction," another gesture to the wind-pin holder, "Dave Carter of Weather and Communications, "Then finally his attention to the person wearing the leaf pin. "And that is my wife, Emily Cartwright, of Forests and Medicine." Ervin's hand felt solid, strong, and though not crushing it was a firm grip. "We are of the six major guilds allowed freedom to roam throughout the Concord, and we welcome you," his hand let go of Shirou so he could look to Metal Man and Allyn. His reaction to Blurr seemed to be no reaction at all. Rather than react he joined the five other guild representatives as the building's doors were pulled open. Most of the locals though are not so calm. A few have seen cars before, open buggies drawn by magic pulled from the air and bounced along at a brisk twenty miles an hour. Blurr? Several were fascinated and curious, others immediately pushed their way to get to the back of the crowd, but there was a lot of talking, not whispers this time. Outright talk, asking what 'it' was.        The white clad man that stood with the guilds merely cleared his throat and spoke with a on augmented voice that carried through the town. "There will be Order! Please, friends. This is�. Merely one of the representatives we asked for." He calmly walked up to Blurr and seemed to try searching for the door to help this vehicle's driver out. "I am Sven Crenshaw, appointed overseer of this town and I give you welcome. Please, you may leave your�." A frown then, "car? Apologies, but if this is a car the descriptions we have heard do not do it justice." 

:'''{{#var:307|Allyn (307)}} has posed:''' Allyn tilts his head as the man stops in front of him and then he gives him a nod as he's told that it might be a good idea to change into a less local form of animal. He ponders for a few moments, well there's a few things he has the option of, but for now, he supposes. He shifts back to his human form then, he wondered if that would have been the best idea. He looks back towards the man that spoke to him, "This would be better, hmm?" and raises an eyebrow, though its not unfriendly. As they are introduced to the guild people he bows to them all in turn and then tilts his head at the woman that is introduced as of the forests, "The frorests hmm? I like forests." he chuckles some and then glances around a few more moments. 

:'''{{#var:11|Metal Man (11)}} has posed:''' Metal Man takes a moment to pull back his hood and looks at the pone how say it. His helmet is strange there's a buzz saw mounted into the forhead like an ornament and he has a faceplate but hie eyes look right at them for a moment. "Our maker and his rival only agreed on one thing, that we should have souls." He says nothing else at this point and he looks about at them for a moment longer and he tilts his head at Blurr noticing the transformer. "So your the ones who invited us here yes. I have my interal weapon systems diarmed at the moment as an act of good faith. So food and drink?" He pulls his helmet off and it tucked under his arm, he looks human enough. 

:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''     "Emiya Shirou." Shirou reaches out to clasp the offered hand. "Union Ally... and amateur magus." This is added as an afterthought, given how bad at it he is, he'd rather not create misunderstandings. He does blink at the strange way the flame pin catches his attention, but it's more spread out towards the surroundings and the others as they're introduced.     For all he's dressed oddly, Shirou's not an idle man. His hands are a bit rough from lots of tinkering, he's well-muscled and shows all the signs of someone who works out regularly - just not body-buildery. Is such a person really a magus?     "It's my first time seeing a world with so much magic out in the open. This is an awesome city!" The fluster around Blurr nearby does catch his attention, though.     Shirou would sweatdrop if that was physically possible. He does make a sort of frowny expression though. Uh-oh? 

:'''{{#var:492|Blurr (492)}} has posed:'''     Blurr listens to the introductions, slag, these people have long-aft names. And then everyone seems to talking about him, calling him an 'it', and all that. Fortunately he's used to that. But when Sven comes up to the window, he will notice that there actually doesn't seem to be anyone in the car, at all...     Oops, it seems he forgot to activate the holoform. So now Sven gets to watch as what appears to be a teen-aged boy simply seems to materialize out of nothing, and is suddenly standing next to him. "Nice to meet you, Sven Crenshaw." The boy says. "I'm Blurr. And actually leaving my own body is something I'd kind of rather -not- do." he says with a grin and a wink. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "We have a few that specialize in changing from one to the other, it will be educational to see if our ways are similar to your own." Emily smiled warmly to Allyn before she entered the building. A few mutters of 'lupine' and 'chimera' can be heard if anyone has good hearing, but it is only a low murmur from a scattered handful. Metal Man got stared at. Sven swallowed before approaching, "Apologies for any unfamiliarity but if you would not mind, maybe a brief talk later? How many of your kind are out there, your creators-x He caught himself and coughed into his fist when the robot master removed his helmet, "apologies, I don't mean to be rude. We should expect peculiar sorts when we put out an open invitation. Be sure that you are welcome and will be shown every courtesy," a momentary pause before asking, "forgive me but what sort of food do you take?" Then suddenly Blurr went from unoccupied to," Sven stumbled back a pace before catching himself, "Goodness! Ah." Experimentally he reached out to try touching the hologram. "And you manifest this for our convenience?" He sounded skeptical til another leaf pin left the crowd to whisper in his ear, something about souls and projections and it seemed to put Sven in a better mood just as something Shirou said caught his attention. "Mister Shirou," the man's voice softened as he walked from Blurr to budding Magus, "I hope you find wisdom here, though there has been talk of how, ah, compatible our magics are with other places. Talk for another time though, for now," he gestured to the open doors and the soft sounds of inoffensive and utterly forgettable music designed to fill dead air. Inside and past a receiving area was a wide open hall, apparently designed as a showpiece area and taking up most of the building's interior by going from ground floor all the way to the roof with only walkways and exterior rooms left for any 'normal' business that needed conducting. Why was all that space needed? Carriages, small boats, and even a car that looked like a close cousin to Stanley's steam driving cars of the early twentieth century hung by hair thin strands and slowly rotated so from any point an observer could see the whole without needing to move.        At the ground floor were displays of pottery, jewelry and art to sit side by side with guns, swords, and other tools of war. The guns looked to be flintlock single shot weapons, but the information plaque described it as 'drawing energy from the shooter and capable of firing twenty shots a minute and able to down an armored razorbeast in two if the shooter was skilled.'        in the center of the displays of war and peace was a dozen chairs, quickly reduced to just enough for the visitors and guild representatives to sit on either side of a long table that had platters of finger foods; sandwiches mostly but a few fried things small enough to be snapped up. Ervin looked at the assembled guests as he took a fried cheese stick. "Before talks begin proper, I must ask if any here are aligned with the Confederacy. It will not do if only one side of the greater conflict has voice here." 

:'''{{#var:492|Blurr (492)}} has posed:'''     The avatar is indeed actually solid, composed of a matrix of some sort of hard light substance. The avatar nods. "Yeah, it's a projection I often use to interact with people your size." he explains.     Blurr himself remains outside while the holoform follows everyone else inside. He could just deactivate it and re-activate it in the destination room, but this would just look more -normal- to the locals, at least. The young-looking avatar sits down at the table and peers curiously at the food. Er, it looks like food, anyway. And it seems people are eating it. Though it doesn't exactly matter, since he can't eat that kind of food, anyway. 

:'''{{#var:307|Allyn (307)}} has posed:''' Allyn smiles and nods to Emily and then enters with everyone else, so there are those here that can shift too, interesting know, but that is for later too. He takes a seat whever he finds room when everyone sits. He then eyes the food for a few moments and takes a few bits here and there. He doesn't want to seem rude afterall. He waits quietly and listens as people begin speaking. 

:'''{{#var:11|Metal Man (11)}} has posed:''' Metal Man says "If you like, I am here to talk. Thousands but I was made by one of the two men who created the first of us. I am known as Metal Man, I doubt you want my production code as well. YOu may refer to me as Metal if you wish." he seems to be looking about for a moment looking t the various arrivals and he seems to pause at Shirou and narrows his eyes. "So your back eh Shirou?" Metal Man may have missed the memo but it's clear he seems to know of Shirou in some way while Blurer gets his attention for a moment. "So this world is curious to me...it doesn't seem to confirm to certain things I expect from worlds like this...in my experiance. As for Feds? I am an Confederate Operative." 

:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''     "It wouldn't be very enlightening. I'm not formally trained so I only know a few things." Shirou answers modestly, but he nods firmly and gratefully, heading in as invited. The magic has him relaxing.     Though hold on a moment, talks and representatives? Nobody told him he was a diplomat. Shirou's face pales. Is he doing something UTTERLY WRONG by being here? Wait, if so, where's the formal Union envoys? It can't be Blurr, can it?     No, he'd better come out straight and say this.     "wait a moment... voice here? There's no official diplomats here, are there?" he glances over at Blurr's projection rather nervously. He's not sure about Allyn...     And then there's Metal Man. Shirou regards the robot with wary and suspicion. "We just met." Though this brings back a prior naggling feeling. People were familiar with Fuyuki... meaning... "...Don't tell me... there's another me out there...?!" Blurted stupidly for all to hear. Shirou slaps his own cheek a moment later, and shakes his head, then tries again. "Emiya Shirou. I'm pretty sure this is our first meeting." He does sound a bit upset, though. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "Ah," Ervin bowed to Shirou and Metal both. "This is good, and it means we may continue on to business. We thank you for showing, and honoring our request for no arms at this meeting." Then, with a gesture, the floor seemed to be opened to the other five guild members. Galvin's throat cleared, "Actually I was interested in these what you call warp gates. The broadcasts we have heard five us a good idea of how they function but is it possible to block them, preferably without harming anyone going through? We have noticed several and they are making our people understandably nervous." "Agreed." Ervin spoke when his colleague finished. "For the time being there are guards stationed at each gate as we find them to warn of traffic, but it is an inelegant solution at best." Miri's laughter was light as her attention turned from the wine glass she had been given, "Metal Man," Her accent might be mistaken for Russian if it were a more twentieth century earth sort of world. "In spite of our home's current state we were once," A gesture by both hands moving apart from each other, "More than this. Ours is the first generation that was born after the war ended and while records are at best fragmentory there is proof at one time we had built constructs such as yourself." Yet no talk of how they were treated. Wine sip before she added, "I will admit wanting to see how you work, but this is simply a generalist meeting to see if working relations can be established. I trust I am not overstepping by being curious." Eyes turned to Shirou and first one guild representative coughed, then another before a girl with a drink tray cleared her throat. "Wine Mister Shirou? Beer? Cider?" Sven chuckled soft. "Don't worry, this isn't 'hammer contracts and treaties out'. Instead think of it more as 'we wanted to see people who specifically aren't diplomats, feel the neighbors out, try getting a few facts before anything is put to table." He tugged at his beer before taking a mug of cider and sipped. "Good crop this year, better than has been in a long time. Is there anything you wish to ask us?" 

:'''{{#var:307|Allyn (307)}} has posed:''' Allyn ponders the question of if there was anything that they wanted to ask of the guild members and he ponders for a few moments. Then shrugs a little, he's a shifter, so it is only natural such a question would pop into his head, "How is the hunting for game around here? and how would one go about getting permission to do so?" Yeah, he's always thinking with his stomach it seems. 

:'''{{#var:11|Metal Man (11)}} has posed:''' Metal Man says "Ah I see they never told you did they? Ah well then I shouldn't say more but yes I know you and your home in Fuyuki." He seems to indicate he does not think well of the city, nothing against Emiya. "As I said the name's Metal Man." He looks back to his hots now and seems to be in a good turn. "Ah so you guys baically had a fall without nuclear weapons or some analog of? Your forunate you can bounce back faster really." He pauses at the lack of mentioning how they were treted. "The treatment of my kind on my world? Has lead to uprising and alternate futures I have seen ... the treatment of my kind leads to the world being reduced to ash." He will take food if he's offered. "I understand you are not of my world so I can't judge by those standards." 

:'''{{#var:492|Blurr (492)}} has posed:'''     "Block the warpgates without hurting anyone who's going through? I'm not sure that's possible." Blurr shrugs, the avatar sitting back in the chair. "You'd just have to make sure no one is using it at the time. Why are people nervous? Don't they trust your military, or whatever?" 

:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''     THAT gets Shirou relaxing. No need for huge diplomats? Good. "The warp gates that appeared 'naturally' can't be shut down. You can block them with gates and post guards, and if the gate's tight enough then nobody's getting through without your say. Lots of Warp gates are artificial ones someone added to the big network. You have full control over those if you can put one up." Shirou answers simply. "Restricted access so the warp gate will only work at all for the right people. I can get you to some people who know more about it." Shirou offers in a friendly tone.     But then Metal Man's all but confirming what he thought. Oi. "... Wow, you're amazingly straightforward..." Almost disturbingly so.     "That's a relief. I'm exactly that. Um... cider, maybe? Whatever you'd recommend. Just please keep the alcohol low." he's really bad with alcohol. He's only barely of an age to drink a tidbit with some supervision! 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Tom nodded approvingly at Allyn's question, "Given our world it is a fair question, but other than tainted creatures and chimera the new things wandering in seem like the game we're used to for the most part." Emily raised her hand and cleared her throat to call attention to herself. "Our guests likely will need a brief explainer on the subject." Tom nodded and indicated that the floor was hers. "During the War," somehow she managed to make the capitalization audible, "those that served the Blackened Hand had found a way to weaponize the naturally occurring miasma that comes from negative emotions, echoes from brutal crimes, and other ill deeds to form a self sustaining type of spirit that can, with a touch, infect and twist animals and plants away from their true nature." A pause and frown at something that crossed her mind. "It is what turned the tide back against us, corrupting if not outright killing the chimera we had created to balance the tide, and those that fell were raised against us." A thoughtful nod before her attention turned and she looked to Allyn with mismatched green and brown eyes. "It is something that we must still fight, so have a care if you go hunting our lands. One of my people will educate you or any others of the signs to look for if you wish to explore freely. ervin grunted at Blurr's question. "Less a matter of trust and more some of these open in the heart of several countries, which has the local leaders demanding my people do something about it. Given in a war where different factions can call on armies that could swallow worlds I had hoped there would be a way to at least temporarily slam the door. Doesn't surprise me things can't be that simple." He lifted a beer mug in salute and drained it in one go. Except Shirou gave a more complete picture, "That is actually going to make people less uneasy. Far simpler to be willing to think of them as gateways for trade if you can control the turnpike leading into your lands." Miri nodded, "Agreed. Though we will understand reluctance for the two factions to work together, my guild has asked that I make a formal request any findings your people make while sitting the ruins be shared. We lost centuries of progress in a relative eyeblink, and at least a few of us would like that back." 

:'''{{#var:307|Allyn (307)}} has posed:''' Allyn nods as he listens to the answer to his question and then frowns when Emily better explains things, that seems to have caught his attention, at least a few keywords have anyway. He raises an eyebrow and tilts his head at Emily ian animal like fashion, "Some animals and plants have been infected?" he ponders for a few long moments, "Would it be able to to infect someone who is more animal than they are human?" that has him a little worried and he frowns a bit more, not liking the sound of that more and more. "Yes, I would like that to learn what signs to look for and if I may, I offer my help in restoring the balance that has been displaced by tainted creatures." 

:'''{{#var:492|Blurr (492)}} has posed:'''     "Well, don't they know that slamming them shut while traffic is coming through will annihilate said traffic from existence?" Blurr points out. "I say just stick with the border patrols. If anything problematic comes through, your military can deal with it, and if they can't then they can always ask the Union for help. Someone would be happy to assist, I'm sure."     At the mention of any and all information being shared, he just shrugs. "Of course, it's your territory, and all." Which is not entirely true. It would depend on -what- exactly is found. 

:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''     What a depressing explanation of old events. "Turning a curse into a trump card." He doesn't really want to think about that. It's bad enough just hearing their explanation. Envisioning it? Wow. Ugh. No. He doesn't want to. Though he does ask, "Are the corrupted beasts that widespread?" 

:'''{{#var:11|Metal Man (11)}} has posed:''' Metal Man says "Best way to be, dancing around it wastes time an energy." He goes quite content to let Shirou stew about things? Or is he's got no want to a tyotall jerk he's laso mnow listen to the story for a moment and humms for a moments. "So emotional slag more or less. I understand, information is power or so they say." 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "Several of the Chimera are quite human; centaur, naga, met, and were. All have subspecies fallen." Emily's voice was momentarily saddened at the thought. "This is why we want both factions. The Concord itself will want to remain neutral, but we are allowing member states to choose for themselves on the stipulation one member of the concord not be allowed to attack another save through trial by champions." Galvin grunted, "Reports of corrupted beast has dropped since the world changed, and while many theories have been swapped hither and ton it mostly seems agreed that the fact we landed in a high magic area has helped to turn back the effects." Every other representative stared at the man as if he grew a second head. Galvin merely shrugged, "We handle the relay lines and there tends to be operator conversations in the metadata." Tom chuckled, "I will say no matter how the States fall between you two, the multiverse will give us a chance to get out of this mess." 

:'''{{#var:307|Allyn (307)}} has posed:''' Allyn nods to Emily and Galvin and still frowns a little, well, things seem to be handled or at least getting that way. It'll be interesting to see anyway. "I myself am neutral more less. I'm not aligned with either the Union or Confederacy." It's the way of nature afterall." he chuckles a little at that. 

:'''{{#var:492|Blurr (492)}} has posed:'''     Pff, these people were planning on aligning themselves with the Confederacy and the Union, -and- expected them to share intel at the same time? As -if-. Didn't they realize this was a war? Blurr suppresses an exasperated look. Sure, they could get some help with internal or external problems, but information is a completely different story. "Right then, guess we'll just have to see how that plan works out for you all..." 

:'''{{#var:560|Emiya Shirou (560)}} has posed:'''     "That sounds like a recipe for disaster." Shirou states bluntly and a little heatedly. Allow a bunch of member states to be at complete odds with one another? Yeah, he's in Blurr's camp. "...Unless... wait a moment. Contest by champions?" Consider Emiya SHirou curious at least. He's never heard of waging war in such ways! 

:'''{{#var:11|Metal Man (11)}} has posed:''' Metal Man litens for a moment and tkes note hummm for a moment. He listens and nods to the plan it seems sound enough he'll have to relay this back to the Confederacy and he will. This ws something at least noting to the hither ups at this point. "Like a Gundam fight? I see." 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Emily seemed slightly put off, "I'm sorry, that seemed like how these specific sites functioned. Control changing hands based on combat by a few as opposed to armies killing eachother." Her expression seemed wilted. "We have too many things that need doing and too few people for proper armies." Ervin reached over to pat her gently before she sighed. "I just realize we need help, each ruling body will want to go a different way, and to be blunt the concord can't corral everyone in line all at once. One or two, fine. Ten? Not happening, and there will be attempts to gain favor. So what do we tell them?" Galvin shrugged, "There are other options, and so far no rush. Just let them come and go until a greater consensus can be reached." Sven took another sip of his drink, "Go in peace and live well." 

}}

477/Shopping is Magic!

2014-09-17T03:09:41Z

AncientGorilla: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2014/08/23 |Location=The Multiverse Mall <MM> |Synopsis=Astore, a man made of energy, and a Shinki. Oh and bag of holding used as a footbag! Musn't..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2014/08/23
|Location=The Multiverse Mall <MM>
|Synopsis=Astore, a man made of energy, and a Shinki. Oh and bag of holding used as a footbag! Musn't forget that, very important!
|Thanks=
|Cast of Characters=27, 541
|Tinyplot=
|Tinyplot2=
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Welcome to Clean Sweep's Magic Supplies and Adventuring Emporium! Here you could find tables containing Books, Weapons, Camping Supplies, minor trinkets, and so on. The owner was parked behind a register near the door.. On the other hand there was this barbie doll sized pixie flitting here and there overseeing things so the guy at the register didn't have to get up.. It wasn't just the stuff being sold in this giant tent that was varied. The people buying these things had way more variety than most worlds that don't deal in aliens and interstellar commerce delt with. Yet no matter if it was elf, andorian, giant praying mantis, zombie, or whatever they got the same level of service as prompt as the duo working as staff could provide. 

:'''{{#var:27|Jonothon Starsmore (27)}} has posed:''' The next customer? Looks like it's... a pixie half the size of the Barbie doll-sized one. Except this one has visible joints, like an actual doll. Clearly an artificial being. Though also clearly designed to be female. She's flying, or possibly floating, about chest level in the air. Dark skin, white hair, black painted-on clothes. She also sports a spiked collar around her neck, like one a dog might wear. "Aibou! Come look in here!" she calls out to someone behind her. She's also kind of on the loud side. Her voice is on the lower side for a female voice, but not 'drag queen' low. Behind her is someone who is... also dressed in black. A human male from the looks of it. Brown hair, brown eyes. Pretty nondescript, maaaaaaybe a bit on the gothy side. Aside from the black clothes, the only thing that's really weird about him is that his face is wrapped up, from just under his nose, down his neck, and into his shirt. Weird. Oh yeah. And his fingernails are painted black. He peeks into the place, looking around curiously. It has the air of a person who's peeking around a corner to see if anyone's there. The dollpixie flies over to the man and pulls at his coat lapel. "C'mon! Nobody's gonna bite ya!" Pull! the pull doesn't move him, no, but he does walk forward normally. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Marrik watched as his pixie adjusted her leather jacket and... watched the tiny gholem fairy thing. Then both look at the person it was trying to encourage to show up before Marrik frowned. "alignment or Race I care not so long as you behave." His voice was easy, practiced even. Sure there was a druid glowering at a black robed sorceress, but even those two remained civil, albeit icey to eachother. The in store pixie was dark skinned, red haired, and wore biker leathers and she looked the dollpixie over curiously, frowning slightly at it. 

:'''{{#var:27|Jonothon Starsmore (27)}} has posed:''' Jono offers what might be a smile, and waves at Marrik as he enters. "'Ello. Just lookin' around." He has a pretty thick Cockney accent. But his mouth doesn't move behind the wrappings, and the words don't sound the slighest bit muffled. In fact, they're not even picked up by the ears. Telepathic speech has its benefits. The Shinki immediately starts to look around the place. "Oh wow, all this magical stuff!" She picks up a protection stone. "Hey! You need protection from magic, right? What about this?" Jono looks to her, and seems to wince a little. "Oi, stop pickin' everythin' up before yer ask. Yer don't know what you're messin' with." He takes the stone from her and puts it back where it was. Then looking to Marrik, seeming embarassed, "Sorry." 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Sparks looked about ready to slap the shinki til it's master chided it. Then she sighed. "It is a bad idea to randomly pick upmagicked items without knowing what they do." She lectured, "Nevermind the fact we only have basic and other entry level materials on display." She looked to Jonothon and frowned, "It's like with amusement park rides. Hands inside the ride at all times please." She hovered about a foot in front of Jono and hrmed loudly. "We do have books on defending against spellcasters." Marrik left it to Sparks to handle as he checked out a black robe'd wizard. Then as soon as the black robe left he wrote down notes. 

:'''{{#var:27|Jonothon Starsmore (27)}} has posed:''' Still looking sheepish, Jono nodded to the Sparks. "Yeah. S-sorry about that," he offers meekly. He steps out of the way of the black-robed person leaving. Looking to the Shinki, he frowns. Points at her. "You." Points at his shoulder. "Shoulder." Nods once. "Now. Or yer get plain jelly." With a mighty pout, the Shinki flies over to him, settling on his shoulder. She looks delightfully grumpy now. Jono seems to sigh, though it's soundless, and only visible due to his shulders slumping. "Sorry. She's a little... enthusiastic about tryin' ter protect me." He nods. "Well... yer see, I 'ave a kinda... unique case. Yer got anything ter keep a mage from messin' with an energy source?" 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Sparks frowned thoughtfully then mimed foot-tapping even though she was airbourn. "We don't have anything /here/ but." Marrik cleared his throat and motioned for Jonothon to approach the register. "My problem is generally shielding either takes from personal energy to power, or you get maybe one or two hits from an elite and the artifact crumples." He eyed the man carefully. "As much as you're comfortable with, what are you trying to defend against, general energies?" 

:'''{{#var:27|Jonothon Starsmore (27)}} has posed:''' Jono looks up to Marrik as the man speaks. And then he takes a few steps nearer, though not before offering a nod of thanks to Sparks. "Er, well... I'm actually tryin' ter defend energies against mages tamperin' with 'em," he begins. "It's... kinda hard ter explain." Pause. He raises his hand to the wrappings around his face. And pauses again. "I know what this is gonna look like, but no, it's not fire." That said, he pulls on the wrappings a little... and a little lick of flame-like energy escapes. It's red-orange, and the energy looks like it's filled with static, like an old TV. He quickly fixes it, though, and the energy goes away. "That's in 'ere." Places a hand on his chest. "An' I'm tryin' ter find somethin' that makes it harder for a mage ter reach in an' mess with it." 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' At the unwrapping Marrik frowned and in spite of assurances shied away. "I would, and this is just me, be a little more careful man." His voice, no matter the recoil, was calm. "that is information that'd be pretty easy to abuse" He mentally started through the stock he had at his primary store. "I do have a few shield bracelets in, but I don't know what energy you run off of and I'm afraid of possible interactions." And the last thing he wanted was a customer dying from some kind of complication popping up and accidentilly eating them into nothyingness. As he thought things over Sparks tended to different questions customers had. "That said I do have a few guide books you might be able to adapt to work at blocking incoming energy on your own." 

:'''{{#var:27|Jonothon Starsmore (27)}} has posed:''' Jono nods. "Yeah. Though I did have ter show yer." Sheepish look. "Someone told me it was psychic energy. This someone can sense this kind 'o thing, so I trust 'er judgement on it. I dunno if that's a whole different ball 'o wax from magic, since we don't 'ave any mages in the place I live." One gets the feeling he lives with a lot of not-quite-normal people. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Comprehension dawned on Marrik and he grinned, reaching under the desk and pulling a white glossy covered book and sat it on the counter. "I am sorry but only copy I have is in english." The book looked like a textbook from anywhere USA complete with abstract art cover. "Generally speaking it takes mental magic and frankly I try to avoid that school." He handwobbled and quoted essentially college textbook prices for the thing. "Still I can understand wanting to have some idea how to defend from odd corners." 

:'''{{#var:27|Jonothon Starsmore (27)}} has posed:''' Jono looks at the book, a little puzzled. It did look like a textbook, which kind of confuses him. "I wonder where they teach this sort 'o thing." There's a distinctly wry note in his voice, though not meant to be unkind. He looks up at the mention that it's in English, and nods. "That's good, I'm British. Been readin' American English long enough ter know it. What's it teach?" Pause. "...Mental magic?" 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "Yea." Marrik started to explain. "Different schools of magic for different things. Nature, Elements, Life, Mind." Shrug. "I work in Life. Growth, healing," Necromancy, Undead. "Generally there's a lot of overlap and there are a lot of schools of thought that go under the assumption it's all the same and the only divisions are your own. However,' he shrugged. "guy I got that off of was sending to some psychorps beginners class. I dunno I just end up gathering a lot of stuff from one off sources." He bowed slightly to Jono and offered a hand. "I am Marrik. Smallfry buzzing around is Sparks, and you are decidedly an interesting fellow Mister..." He trailed off to give you an opening to answer. 

:'''{{#var:27|Jonothon Starsmore (27)}} has posed:''' Jono listens to the explanation. Nods. "I hear somethin' like that. Magic bein' energy, so it's the same as what I got an' all. Never cast any magic, though, so I dunno." He accepts the handshake. Curiously enough, his skin is warm like a human's, even though he may be registering to life senses as much like a golem-- being devoid of them completely. "Jonothon," he offers in return to the introduction. "Yer can call me Jono." Looking to his shoulder and pointing at the still-pouting Shinki, "This is Gabby." As Jono speaks her name, the Shinki shifts on his shoulder, offering a salute. The pout seems to disappear entirely. If she had a tail, it'd be wagging. "Gaooooo~! Hi, Mister Marrik! Pleased to meet you!" Jono sort of rolls his eyes a little bit, and shakes his head. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Marrik offered Gabby a hand and nodded his head to the little shinki. "I've seen a few of your kind before miss. Just as a word of advice to you." He smiled warmly to the little shinki. "If you donh't know what a thing is it's best to be careful Matgic is especially nutty and can often be contrary just for it's own sake." Then to Jono he offered a smile. "If you have any equipment needs, like bullet resistaint clothes, self heating kettles, backpacks you could stuff a house in-" He jerked a thumb over to the equipment section "And rope. Five hundred to several ton test parachord, spidersilk rope.... Never can have enough line." 

:'''{{#var:27|Jonothon Starsmore (27)}} has posed:''' Gabby can probably only return the handshake by shaking one of Marrik's fingers. But she does return the handshake! Though she suddenly looks confused when Marrik starts explaining about magic. "Oh... so it's all random?" she asks. Jono nods, looking to the Shinki. "An' I've 'eard that magic an' technology don't exactly 'ave the best 'o relationships. If yer woulda picked up somethin' that didn't like technology, it mighta destroyed yer." Suddenly she's clinging to Jono's lapel, already large eyes even wider now, with fear. "...Magic is dangerous," she decides. Jono smirks. "Yeah." Simple response, however truthful. Marrik's words get him to look where the thumb was pointed at. Stuff? Hm. "Could do with somethin' I could carry me guitar in without attractin' attention." 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "Oh usually magic in an artifact is well behaved," Marrik explained as the shinki shook his finger. "It's just what I think is safe for customers might not like you specifically because tiny." Then he stepped out from behind the counter to sift through bags. "Just your guitar? A pouch could do that just fine, but if yu have a lot of stuff I'd recommend a backpack. Don't have many in right now, kids and college students snapped up most of the supply because school." 

:'''{{#var:27|Jonothon Starsmore (27)}} has posed:''' "I guess it's like medicine!" Gabby said. "Someone little like me would have a big reaction to the same amount that would only have a little effect on Aibou." A tug on Jono's lapel, indicating him. "Yeah... presumin' I could take meds, luv." There's a smirk in his voice. To Marrik he notes, "Nah. I don't carry much. Just would be nice ter not get thieves salivatin' when I have ter bring the old axe out. I play in some not-great neighborhoods." 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Marrik made an understanding, and possibly sympathetic nod as he brought out a few pouches. "Would be good to have a second for amp and equipment. Anything goes in is gonna be safe. No bumps or tumbles." He whistled sharp whike stuffing random seeming books, stoves! glassware! and a pot in a bag small enough to fit in a pants pocket. Sparks flew into the bag just before Marrik tied it shut then proceeded to use as a hackysack, kicking around with his feet for a minute. Then he walked over to where he kept a tank of water and chucked the bag in, stirred the water around. Then after taking it out and opening it up Sparks popped out carrying a pint glass that got sat back with the other crockery. Marrik gave a small bow as if saying 'tadaaaa, iiiits MAGIC!' 

:'''{{#var:27|Jonothon Starsmore (27)}} has posed:''' "Good idea," Jono replies. He pauses then, watching the display. He does wince when the thing starts being kicked around, but doesn't say anything. However, his brows raise as the pixie comes out, apparently unharmed. Gabby claps. "Wow! How does that work?" And Jono has a question too. "Is that one 'o those 'don't put another of these bags inside this one' bags?" Yes, he's heard of the 'bag of holding in a portable hole' problem. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Marrik's grin was wide as he put the stuff he'd used as demonstration material up. "Quick study. While the stories tend to exadurate the problem it's generally not a good idea." He then shook the bag off. "The more expensive backpacks and duffels tend to hold up better, but the little bags? best to not fill a bag with bags no." 

:'''{{#var:27|Jonothon Starsmore (27)}} has posed:''' Jono nods. "So it doesn't rip a hole in the fabric of the spacetime continuum? That's a relief. What actually DOES happen?" Hopefully he'd be able to understand it. He is not a scholar in magic theory, unfortunately. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "Usually the ones from my suppliers just spew what they have when the magic breaks." Marrik chuckled before setting a pair of holding pouches on the counter with the book. "There are a few that blow up, but I prefer customer safety." Then he gestured to the register. "Will that be all?" 

:'''{{#var:27|Jonothon Starsmore (27)}} has posed:''' Jono raises an eyebrow. "Yeah, rather not have somethin' I'm holdin' explode." He's in danger of doing that anyway, no sense in getting a device that does. Yeesh. He nods, totaling stuff up. "Yer take check or plastic? I don't carry cash unless I have ter." 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Sparks dutifully pulled a credit card reader out and plugged it into the decidedly antique looking register. "Scan here sir." Marrik sighed but got a bag ready.. "The multiverse is strange and wonderful. May you find peace and joy in it." 

:'''{{#var:27|Jonothon Starsmore (27)}} has posed:''' Swiping his card through the reader, Jono punches in his PIN (hiding it from Gabby, who peeeeers over his shoulder). Then he reaches up and gently pushes her back by her forehead. "No, yer can't 'ave me PIN number." Smirk. He looks to Marrik with a nod. "Thanks. Take care, now." Once they're getting ready to go, Gabby waves from Jono's shoulder. "Thank you!" As the door is closing, Gabby can just barely be heard to say, "Let's look for a Shinki shop! I wanna look at weapons! GAAAAOOOO~!" 

}}

429/A little sun and sand and hopefully no lectures.

2014-09-17T02:57:45Z

AncientGorilla: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2014/08/16 |Location=New York-199999 |Synopsis=Impromptu ICE CREAM PARTY at Tony's.... and he didn't get any. |Thanks= |Cast of Characters=19, 20, ..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2014/08/16
|Location=New York-199999
|Synopsis=Impromptu ICE CREAM PARTY at Tony's.... and he didn't get any.
|Thanks=
|Cast of Characters=19, 20, 43, 136, 143, 194, 197, 279, 411, 492, 541
|Tinyplot=
|Tinyplot2=
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "Well that is a flippin huge house." Marrik muttered as he slowly rode his bike up to the Stark household. His brief convrosation with JARVIS at the gate was interesting and thankfully brief. As he walked up to thw house proper he wore a dusty brown canvas coat, scuffed boots, and was afraid of actually afraid of touching anything because of how dirty his clothes were. Door open and he just.... stared at the house. He could guess at what some of the space was for but it was both modern architecture, which he had little experiance with, and he has seen smaller public buildings. "Hello?" He stepped out of his boots and left them by the door, "Toph? Anyone home?" 

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''     If Marrik thinks /his/ clothes are dirty... well, he probably wouldn't want to know what sorts of arguments Pepper Potts had with the young earthbender the first times she came over to visit.     The first living creature to greet Marrik is not Toph, but a black cat that rushes down the stairs from the second floor, peering at him with golden eyes. It should be easy to spot that it belongs here, judging by its red collar and the unique tag on it... a red and golden colored helmet. And as the feline studies the guest, a young girl, barely in her teens, comes from the living room area. Her black hair is partially messy, and judging by her slacks and oversized t-shirt, she isn't exactly too prim and proper. But there is an impish grin on her young face. "So you're Marrik, huh?" She never forgets a voice, after all. And it should be easy enough for him to recognize her voice as well. "Come on in, I was just slacking off here in the living room."     As Toph heads into the living room, the black cat follows her, hurrying along and briefly pressing up against her leg with a soft 'meow'. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Marrik headtilted at the cat and followed the youth further into the, frankly palatial compared to other homes he's seen, home. "Well I expect earth working would leave you wearing most of it." He gave a small chuckle, carefully avoiding the furniture. "So this is Stark's home? Not like a receiving area for business or anything?" 

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''     Toph nods her head slightly. "Yeah, his own home. Not many people are allowed here, but Union guests are okay. And since I'm an officer I'm also making sure you stick with the rules." She shrugs. "The ones that matter anyway." So yeah, his home.     "Sometimes he does do work from the office and all, but there's also Stark Tower in New York that's kinda the seat of business, I guess..." Toph reaches down to pet the cat a bit, then turns to Marrik. "So you brought board games, you say?" And tea? At least it would be amusing. 

:'''{{#var:492|Blurr (492)}} has posed:'''     Toph could probably feel Blurr coming from a bit of a distance off, given her sensitivity to the earth beneath her feet, and to metal as well. And also his sheer size. In fact, as he approaches she can feel the earth trembling slightly.     Thus, she probably isn't surprised when the hover speeder suddenly pulls up in front of the house, coming to an abrupt halt before the front doors. The vehicle quickly unfolds, plates shifting and gears turning as the speedster stands up into his biped form and peers into the windows. He's got...something in his hand. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Marrik nodded and picked a coffee table togently clear things off of then- "What was?" Marrik frouned mid pulling a thermos out of his coat. He frowned as he stood, not sure what the rumble signified, looking to Toph for cues on normalcy of this. 

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''     "Mister Blurr," Jarvis intones quite calmly, "I am afraid that the house will not accommodate your size. Might I suggest you move to the patio?" It says a lot when even Tony Stark's house is too small for you.     Meanwhile Toph blinks, then grins. "Seems we got another guest!" she states, then hurries towards the balcony doors leading out to the patio and pool area. Once outside she calls out. "YO! SPEEDSTER! Back here!" Her hand also gestures for Marrik to follow her. "Have a seat. I can go get some mugs or something." 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Contrast Toph's energetic bouncing around with Marrik's careful picking his way through the house. This was both due to unfamilliar and because he was afraid of breaking anything. As he walked he juggled the thermos and started pulling out a pair of painted tin mugs to set down on the patio table. Tea was dark, smelled strong, likely honey sweetened, and a few faint hints of other smells in the tea. He breathed in deep after lifting his mug.... only to almost drop it on seeing Blur. No words. None? His brain came up empty. Checked out. Vacant Stare. Buh-Bye. 

:'''{{#var:492|Blurr (492)}} has posed:'''     Blurr nods at Jarvis' suggestion. "Sure, I could always use holomatter, but since the weather is clear and nice why not?" He brightens when Toph calls out to him, and in a flash he's sped around the side of the house and is standing in front of the patio and pool in the back.     "Hey Rocket I brought you some of that cream stuff you know the stuff you were devouring the other cycle it seemed like you really liked it so I thought you could use more!" he holds up a large plastic case. Given that he can hold it in his hand easily, without crushing it or having it slip through his fingers, it's -huge-. He sets it down with a PLUNK onto the patio.     ...yeah, it's about 4 times the size of Toph. He opens it, and carbon dioxide fumes rush out. Inside are like fifty tubs of chocolate, vanilla, marble, and neopolitan ice cream. And a bunch of bags of dry ice. He tilts his head Marrik. "Who's your friend?" 

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''     Toph seems rather pleased that there are more people showing up, and she cranes her head back to grin up at Blurr, showing none of the surprise or worry that Marrik might have. Then again, she's more used to the multiverse and all. Not even his quick speech seems to distress her. "Heya! Wait, you did what n--"     As the large case drops down onto the patio, Toph blinks. That... is huge.     She blinks and reaches over to touch the case. "This is... filled with ice cream?" she asks. "How the heck are we supposed to eat it all?" Maybe Marrik will eat some once he gets over the shock, but still. The blind girl pulls out her radio and quickly talks on the channel, all before she walks over to Marrik. "Yes, that is a large robot. But he's on our team. Marrik, meet Blurr. Speedster, meet mister Eloquent." 

:'''{{#var:143|Haru (143)}} has posed:'''     Haru probably noticed Toph and her guests come out onto the patio. He's been taking Toph's orders to heart, and has been practicing his sandbending! Which means he's been making a mess on the beach. The 'waves' of sand could probably be seen from the house even.     But eventually Haru's going to have to take a rest. It just so happens that when he does come in from the beach, it's right about then. "Hello," he offers to those present. He's a little out of breath, it looks like. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "Hello," Marrik's voice was soft as he stared up st Blurr. The voice was familliar but. "Breed 'em big back where you're from huh?" He shook his head then looked at the ice cream freezer. "Got a place near me that mixes on a frozen stone slab." Focus on the ice cream. Focus because thst means ignore the gisnt thing. "Is any of that rockey road?" 

:'''{{#var:492|Blurr (492)}} has posed:'''     "Hmm. Sort of, but I don't know if 'breed' is the right word." Blurr says in response to Marrik's question. "More like build." There's a pause as Toph introduces them. "Oh, Marrik. I think I talked to you on my comm earlier." He frowns. "Oh, slag, is this too much?" he asks, reconsidering the giant crate. It hadn't seemed that large to him, obviously. 

:'''{{#var:197|Steve Rogers (197)}} has posed:''' It is not ice cream alone that draws Steve Rogers hither, to paraphrase a certain book. After the fight at the shrine, SHIELD needed him on some other assignments, and he's spent most of the nearly-a-week since the shrine in various areas of the field, dismantling HYDRA remnants and other clusters of bad guys. So he hasn't had the chance to catch up with Toph and see how she's doing - but hearing her speak up, with the general offer of ice cream, while he was already on the road? Too good to pass up. Fortunately, he'd already taken the time to change back into civvies, and it's as such that Steve Rogers' chopper purrs its way up Tony's driveway; he parks it beside some of Tony's cars and dismounts, shouldering his big leather backpack on the way over to the patio, identifying himself to JARVIS along the way. "Hey Toph, Blurr, Haru," he greets the people he knows. then waves and nods to Marrik (an unfamiliar face) and Maxine (same). 

:'''{{#var:279|Maxine Sandberg (279)}} has posed:''' Malibu was quite a change from Maine as Maxine arrives. She doesn't remember being here before, well there's a first time for everything. She looks around to see who is here as she makes her way out onto the patio. "Good evening everyone." She looks at the ice cream freezer and is a bit surprised by the size of it. "How many people are you expecting?" 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' It's strange the details you notice in unfamilliar situations. For instance in spite of the giant sentient robot, ice creem freezer, and Tony's hand designed palace Marrik noticed Steve pull up. Something about motercycles appealed to him since unification. He offered the First Avenger a calloused hand, "Hello there." 

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''     My my, if it isn't her student! Toph arches an eyebrow as the older earthbender heads up towards the house. "Done, Birdie?" she asks. Hmmm, it sounds like he's been working actively... "Cool down with some ice cream before you go down for round 2." At least ice cream is bound to help, right? "How's it going down there anyway?"     Right. If more people are coming over, then she should get some bowls and spoons, right? Blurr's question earns a shrug. "It isn't if enough people show up and help eat it all. Besides, it's a good excuse to get people together. Most people love ice cream." And hey, if she has been mostly out of it for two weeks, it's a good way to catch up with her friends, right? Of course it is.     As more people arrive, Jarvis lets them in after letting them know that the people are to go to the patio for the ice cream. And of course Toph can't help but beam. "Heya Cap!" she greets him with a brief salute. Sure, she might have lost some weight over the two weeks she was out of it and barely ate, but she seems like her normal self. Maxine also earns a rough pat on the shoulder as Toph passes by her. "As many as we get, we're gonna need it if we're gonna finish up most of this ice cream. We'll just have to put the rest in the freezer... hang on, I'll get some bowls and spoons!" And with that she heads inside, rushing off to the kitchen. 

:'''{{#var:136|Rarity (136)}} has posed:''' Did someone mention ice cream? Did someone mention PARTY?.. Okay, no one actually mentioned party per say, but they did mention a lot of ice cream, and what else do you do with a lot of ice cream in need of being eaten but throw an ice cream eating party? Come on people, it's not that hard of logic. And that is why there is abruptly a "Hi Toph!" when a certain pink curly maned pony seems to appear over the earthbender's shoulder with no warning. Relax, it's the happy-go-lucky not mask wearing Pinkie Pie. Who's eyes just go wiiiiiiiide and sparkly at the massive cooler of ice cream that was brough. Her voice goes into a rare dip of being almost -quiet- out of awe. "It's.. so beautiful... BONZAI!" And quickly ruins her own moment by grabbing a bowl and spoon and taking off to help herself. She isn't by herself however, as a few moments later ponies that can't seem to bend the laws of nature to appear out of rediculously empty spaces have to actually walk from the warp gates, arrive. "My goodness, that -is- a lot of ice cream." Is all Rarity really has to say at the sight. Then wobbles a bit as three foals run past her with the declaration of "CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS EMERGENCY ICE CREAM EATERS YAAAAAAY!" as they hurry to get some before Pinkie Pie eats it all. 

:'''{{#var:143|Haru (143)}} has posed:'''     Haru waves to Steve as well. "Hello," he offers in return. He also offers a wave to Maxine, who he doesn't know. Toph's question gets a nod. "For the time being. I've gotten a little better at it, but I still need work." Anything else he might have said is cut off as SUDDENLY PONIES! It startles him a bit and he raises a hand, as if in defense. "Wha..." Blink. Blinkblink. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Marrik simply stared at the ponies in mild amusement. The market taught him beings came in all manner of size and shape, it's just Blurr was decidedly very huge. He shrugged and rummaged around in his coat, arm going in each pocket up to his elbow. "No.... no....." His frown became more pronounced as he couldnt find what he was looking for, "Nuts and flatbread don't go with ice cream." He continued searching his pockets, at one point pulling out a live chicken and just staring at it before setting it down. "No idea how you got there but out you go." 

:'''{{#var:492|Blurr (492)}} has posed:'''     Blurr nods in greeting to the new arrivals. At least 'too much' isn't a problem any more! Maxine, Steve, Haru, and...whatever those other mammalian things are, show up. Well, there's one thing that remains constant in all the chaos of the Multiverse--the fact that good food always attracts organics. Or really anyone who can make use of it.     "Uh, hey Rocket do you know those things? I mean, those people um whatever they are?" he asks, staring blankly at the ponies. "Are they your pets?" He thought they vaguely resembled some animal native to Earth. 

:'''{{#var:197|Steve Rogers (197)}} has posed:''' Steve pauses, watching the ponies stampede by. TALKING ponies. A bunch of them. And they eat ice cream. Apparently they love it. Steve shakes it off, though, to shake hands with Marrik. "Steve Rogers," he introduces himself. "US Army captain, Union ensign, or you can just call me 'Steve' if you'd rather." Then he walks over to Toph - actually heading inside after her, possibly to help get dishes and spoons, or meeting her on her way back. "You're looking well, considering what you've been through. How're you feeling?" He'll get back to the ponies in a moment. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "Marrik Broom, Store owner and Spirit Medium." Steve had a friendly feel about him. His attention turned to the ponies and gengerly tapped the white unicorn with the purple mane on the shoulder, possibly wonering if it was real. He saw the horn and could only whisper a single word, "Unicorn...." 

:'''{{#var:279|Maxine Sandberg (279)}} has posed:''' Maxine giggles a bit as she hears the Cutie Mark Crusaders and waves back to Haru. "Yes, I think Pinkie Pie alone will put a dent in the in the ice cream." The pony has enough energy to power a city. Having too much no longer seems like an issue. "Hello Rarity, it's been a while. How has business been?" She smiles upon hearing her friend's voice. 

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''     There are few people who can sneak up on the blind earthbender. But there are a few... And among them, Pinkie Pie.     The earthbending master startles, pale eyes going wide in surprise as the pink mare calls her name, and she staggers as she's working on getting bowls from the cupboard above the sink. "Oh, hi Pinkie," she greets, remembering the energetic party pony from when she decorated for her birthday party earlier that year. "It's not going to eat itself, so hey, grab a spoon," she encourages with a smirk. At least they have some decent help in getting rid of the ice cream now. And well, she recognizes Rarity easily enough... not to mention the three fillies that follows her. Man, it's been ages since she met them. Well, better drag these bowls out! And hey, Steve is there to help? Like she will say no to that. She hands some bowls to him. The question earns a shrug. "Still feel kinda tired... Pepper told me to relax and take it easy for a few days, Goldie's relaxing and just doing minor stuff, and Pepper is taking it easy since her ankle got a fracture..." Yeah, she has been through a lot, huh? And she wasn't awake for any of it from what she can recall. "I'll be fine," she assures him.     With the necessary items in hand Toph hurries back outside, then begins handing out bowls and spoons, practically shoving them into their hands. Or hooves. "Here we go! Eat as much as you want as long as you can keep it down, got it? We have a serious task ahead of us!" she orders. At Blurr's question she blinks, then shakes her head. "They are allies from Equestria. Awesome place. That's Pinkie, best party pony ever," she begins, pointing out Pinkie as she's helping herself to the ice cream, then Toph gestures to Rarity. "Rarity, Miss High Fashion herself, and these three are the Cutie Mark Crusaders." The latter three are given bowls and spoons. "We're counting on you guys, earn those cutie marks!" Ice cream cutie marks would be kinda sweet, she guesses. 

:'''{{#var:136|Rarity (136)}} has posed:''' People stare at brightly colored, capable of talking Ponies. But this point said Ponies have gotten use to it. Pinkie Pie doesn't need a bowl, she pulled her own from within the space defying curls of her mane. Somehow. Like people said, it's just best not to ask. The trio take the bowls from Toph with a chorus of "Thank you!" and dig in. Rarity gives Blurr a bit of a look at the 'pet' remark, but someone else explains so she lets it slide. For her, it's not the first Transformer she's seen. If people thought talking colorful ponies was different... What are they going to think when Rarity uses her magic to hold the bowl and spoon instead of her hooves? Then again, magic is probably -less- strange, considering the Multiverse. She scoops a bit of ice cream and 'nom nom nom' it (with actual nom nom nom sound to boot), then pauses at the poke. Turns her head a little to look at the.... scruffy dressed man. "Yes, I am a unicorn." Eyes roll to where she was poked, as if making sure he didn't smudge her coat or something. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Marrik pulled his hand back and looked at his fingertips. Unicorns were legendary beasts of purity and hope. Not.... going om nom nom at ice cream. Then again legend also said they were cloven hooved, had lion tails, and were impossible to catch. He shrugged and took a bowl. That Rarity talked didnt bother him, and her magic even less. However he couldnt figure out /how/ her mafic was working, "Fine manipulation of raw kenetic force?" He didn't realize he asked that out loud as the chocolste in his bowl started melting. 

:'''{{#var:197|Steve Rogers (197)}} has posed:''' "Good to know they're doing all right too," Steve nods to Toph, taking the bowls, and carrying them out as he accompanies Toph back to the patio. He really does need to catch up with the rest of the group. Maybe Tony and/or Pepper will come home from work during the impromptu ice cream social? He assists in handing out bowls as well, including to the ponies, despite a quizzical look as Toph gives their names. "Pinkie Pie ... Rarity ... and - sorry, do you three have separate names?" he asks the terrible trio, looking a bit sheepish. He also gets in line (if there IS a line) to get some ice cream for himself ... but he's content to let everyone else go first, at least everyone who's *here* already. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Poor Marrik keeps getting to meet legends, or giants. What's next, legendary giants? He took a couple steps back and offered Steve the bowl he'd gotten for himself but apparently hadn't touched. "US Army huh? I know it's a bit old but that's my bike out front." The olive drab one with the white star on it, "Know much about how they work? I keep having engine problems." 

:'''{{#var:136|Rarity (136)}} has posed:''' Rarity gives the man a bit of a look. She's no Twilight Sparkle, but her finess with unicorn telekinesis gives her more than enough of an understanding of that specific kind of magic. "That is one way of describing it, yes." She's -really- tempted to say something about how he's dressed, but fortunately, Maxine speaking up diverts her attention to a more appropriate conversation topic. "Oh it is going just splendidly, dahling. It has been quite the prolific summer for Equestrian fashion. More ponies have been visiting other parts of the Multiverse, and wanting things they've seen adapted to fit our," she pauses to waggle a foreleg, "different physiques." Applebloom and Scootaloo pause to look at each other. "What does 'prolific' mean?," the young pegasus finally asks. "Ya'll got me," the Apple foal replies. "It means she's had a lot of work to do but it has been mostly of a profitable nature." Applebloom... just continues to stare. "... Raight." Scootaloo slaps a forehoof to her face. "Great, she's being a dictionary again." Sweetie Belle hmphs in an almost perfect mimicry of her sister, save a lot cuter. "You're the one who asked!" 

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''     Huh, seems like Marrik really isn't used to the whole multiverse thing. "Would you like it if somebody poked /you/ and asked silly questions?" Toph asides, arching an eyebrow. Hint hint, not a good idea to treat people, whether they have two legs or four, like they are freaks.     "Less talking, more ice cream eating!" she commands of the fillies, then begins taking some ice cream for herself. "Sooo... anything new in the Union? I haven't caught up with the reports just yet, not even the ones that Goldie has been making from my world." Hey, she's a slow reader, okay? "Has the WMAT been any fun?" It so sucks that she missed most of that. She shoves a bowl into Haru's hands. "Get something to cool yourself down with." 

:'''{{#var:279|Maxine Sandberg (279)}} has posed:''' "I'm glad to hear that, I've been rather busy myself. Which is good for business, but I do need to spend more time with Annie. I would have brought her with me, but I think she was already at a friend's house." Maxine's sure she would have enjoyed this. Her attention turns towards Marrik, "I could have a look at it, but if he's with the millitary he's likely more familiar with it." She can't help but to overhear the conversation as she gets herself some ice cream. 

:'''{{#var:492|Blurr (492)}} has posed:'''     "Equestria, eh?" Blurr quirks a brow ridge at the strange creatures. Seriously, they really did look like pets, to him, anyway. There appear to be a lot of those things here, now. "They must really like the...ice cream."     He watches everyone dig in, and realizes now that that size of a crate was definitely too large for one little Toph. Still, it was a good excuse to a little party, and everyone seems to be enjoying themselves. He sits down, the ground shaking slightly again when he does. The speedster watches the young fillies banter. "So uum...are those your offspring then?" he inquires of Rarity. 

:'''{{#var:43|Rainbow Dash (43)}} has posed:''' "Has it ever!" There's very little warning to a certain tomboyish voice coming from directly behind Toph. After all, Rainbow Dash doesn't make much noise when she's hovering a couple of feet off of the ground. Those narrow, yet long wings aren't flapping very hard, or very fast, so even the sound of them isn't very loud. It's probably her idea of pranking people. The cyan pegasus grins brightly as she glides past Toph and come down for a landing. "WMAT's been totally awesome! Sucks that I didn't get to fight this year, but I got to commentate on some seriously cool fights." Both of those wings flip back against Rainbow's side. She lifts up a forehoof, waving it at the group. "Hey guys! So what's this I hear about free ice cream?" Almost on cue, Scootaloo perks up. "Is that Rainbow Dash?!" She lifts a forehoof, eagerly waving it at the rainbow maned pegasus. And probably earning groans from her friends. "HI RAINBOW DASH!" 

:'''{{#var:197|Steve Rogers (197)}} has posed:''' Steve raises his free hand to wave to Rainbow Dash - the one pony whom he *does* recognize, although they didn't have a chance to socialize when they were in the middle of fighting an emotion-eater. And now that Rainbow Dash is present along with Rarity and Pinkie Pie and the three fillies, it seems that he's able to make the connections between them better. For now, though, he's dishing up some ice cream for himself, and seemingly not being *too* picky about what flavors are available - whatever's most convenient, really. "This might still be more ice cream than we can all eat together, but we'll see," he muses. 

:'''{{#var:136|Rarity (136)}} has posed:''' At the mention of spending time with Annie, Rarity reachs over with a forehoof to ruffle Sweetie Belle's curls lightly. "It is important to make time when you can" Then goes back to her bowl of ice cream, dainty like. Which isn't enough to stop her from nearly gagging on the bite when Blurr speaks up again. "SPFFFF" You can't really spittake with ice cream, though. Pinkie Pie peers down from where she's sat herself on top of the ice cream freezer. "You two do look alike, you know. Family resemblence." "SHE'S MY YOUNGER SISTER!" Rarity looks down right mortified. Being the closest and not dirty person to her conversation Maxine ends up being the one the unicorn grapples with her forehooves and shakes lightly. "Do I look like I'm old enough to have foals? Do I?!" Sweetie Belle... just rolls her eyes and goes back to eating ice cream at Rarity's melodramatics. 

:'''{{#var:411|Twilight Sparkle (411)}} has posed:'''      "Actually, we like the friendship as much as the ice cream." says Twilight Sparkle as she trots up. She waves to the other ponies and smiles. "Hello everyone! I didn't realize all of Ponyville had come to the party." she says with a giggle. Atop her back is Spike, the cute little purple and green dragon. He is about the size of the fillies, and seems quite happy to be having ice cream. As soon as he is in range, he hops off of Twilight's back and heads toward the ice cream.      That is, until Spike sees Rarity. "Oh! Hey Rarity!" he calls out happily before picking up a container of ice cream and a spoon and heading in her direction. Mmm, ice cream.      When Rarity attempts to spittake, both Spike and Twilight stare at Blurr, then Spike bursts out laughing, and even Twilight giggles politely. But, when Rarity freaks out, Spike is there in a split second. "Of course not, Rarity! If anything, she looks like your older sister!" he says. So helpful. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Marrik looked over at Rarity and handwobbled, "I'm not going to answer because you lot are the first chstty horses I've had a chance to meet." Beat. "Plus i've been around enough women that two questions are to be dodged at all costs. 'Do I look fat,' and 'do I look old', because there is no answer that will not have an argument." That said he started picking through the freezer of ice cream looking for Faruja's orange carton. When he looked up, prize in hand, he looked at Twilight and wuirked an eyebrow. However instead of saying anything else he walked inside. Stark's fridge would be a boxy cold thing right? 

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''     The sound of the pegasus pony from above and behind catches Toph's attention, and she grins. "Heya Rainbow, glad you could make it!" She stuffs her spoon into the ice cream and points to some of the bowls and spoons that are left on the table. "Help yourself, there's tons of it and we gotta eat enough of it so we can fit the rest into the freezer!" There's bound to be enough left over for weeks here. Or days, at least. "I even missed two of the freaking finals," Toph mutters. "And it broke my combo on commenting on all of Cave Hopper's fights too, damnit." Next year? "Oh, next year I /will/ win!" she states determinedly. At least get past round one.     Man. Blurr really doesn't get how most people and ponies are related, huh? "Yes, you do look old enough," Toph says, keeping her expression dead pan as she eats more of her ice cream."     Even more ponies! Toph grins as Twilight and her little dragon arrives, and she waves. "Heya! Grab a bowl and get eating!" 

:'''{{#var:492|Blurr (492)}} has posed:'''     When Rarity freaks out, Blurr recoils slightly, optics widening a little. Okay, well she was quite dramatic. And no, the Autobot really -doesn't- understand this whole family relationships thing. Understanding siblings and biological parents was enough, thank you.     "Uh well you know I have absolutely no idea," the speedster answers Rarity's question. "I mean, they're smaller, and they act less mature, and you were with them so Ijust assumed you might be their parent or guardian or something."     His interest is piqued at the mention of a competition, though. "WMAT? What's that? Is that some kind of competition?" Because he loves racing, and all that.     As for the ice cream crate, even with this many people there will probably still be quite a few leftovers for quite some time. Hopefully Tony's house can accommodate. 

:'''{{#var:279|Maxine Sandberg (279)}} has posed:''' Maxine gets shaken a bit by Rarity, "Of course not. I'm sure it was just an honest mistake." She does her best to reassure her friend and hugs her a bit. "Besides, I'm technically old enough to be a grandmother myself." She would be a rather young one but it would true. If she could have children by biological means that is. "Hello Twilight and Rainbow Dash." She greets the other ponies as they arrive. 

:'''{{#var:43|Rainbow Dash (43)}} has posed:''' Rainbow Dash's wings do not stay against her back for very long. Maybe about twenty seconds max, before they flare out again. The pegasus takes off, speeding up to the large supply of ice cream. "Whoa, I haven't seen this much ice cream in, well, ever! I'm not gonna ask," She zips down to grab a bowl and get in the line, "I'm just going to dig in!" She catches sight of Twilight as she passes, and grins. "Hey Twi, hey Spike! Here to chill off too, huh?" "It's this awesome tournament thing," Rainbow tells Blurr, "With wicked cool fighters from all over the place! I went up against Serori the first year." She wrinkles her nose, "She beat me, but only JUST." 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' As Marrik followed Toph he let out a low whistle, "So me visiting has tumbled down into half the union stopping by." He still seemed hesitent about getting near anything. "Now would be a bad time with so much company but I'd like to see how bending works. One thing to read theory, another to see it." 

:'''{{#var:136|Rarity (136)}} has posed:''' Between the reassurance from Spike and Maxine, Marrik being smart enough not to answer, and Blurr explaining his assumption; Rarity at least calms down. "Mmm... I suppose it is a difficult matter for your mechanical kind to grasp." At least Blurr doesn't talk like Sky Lynx. Hoo boy. And they claim she's the one that likes to talk about herself. .. Wait, Spike is here?.. That dawning on her draws her attention to noticing the other ponies that have arrived as well. "Oh, hello dahlings, I didn't see you arrive." 

:'''{{#var:43|Rainbow Dash (43)}} has posed:''' Rainbow Dash also waves a hoof at Steve as she passes. "Hey, Cap! Sweet moves with the shield the other day!" 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "Oh..." Marrik sat the ice cream carton he'd grabbed down as he heard what was going on in Union chatter. "JASRVIS. Uh look I gotta go." Doesn't matter he's not a proper doctor. He's seen more plague and infection than most specislists. Cue him headed for the front door followed by his bike stsrting up and roaring out of the front gate. It's only then he realized he didn't know where this kid was. 

:'''{{#var:194|Rorschach (194)}} has posed:'''     Well, it's not entirely clear how the dark-clad figure actually managed to make his way out to the cliffside residence, or how he even know there was some kind of get-together out here. Of course, there's also the question of why exactly he'd even want to go to the party in the first place.     "Huh?" grunts the figure, as a mechanical-sounding voice says something to him when he starts banging on the door. Probably something about the perfect functionality of the doorbell.     The inkblot-masked man just bangs on the door some more. 

:'''{{#var:492|Blurr (492)}} has posed:'''     Blurr listens to Rainbow's descriptions of WMAT. "Fighter, huh? Any racing?" he's definitely interested. Then there's banging on the front door. "Oh Toph I think there's someone else at the door. Wow, you must be popular." he chuckles. "So they want an earthbending demonstration, huh? Think you're up for another 'training' session then?" He asks, grinning and with that tone of voice Toph would just -know- what he's thinking of right now. 

:'''{{#var:197|Steve Rogers (197)}} has posed:''' "Were you expecting more company?" Steve asks Toph as he hears the banging on the door. "If it's a salesman, I'll go encourage him to fill his quota elsewhere ... and see you around, Marrik," he adds as the 'specialist' makes his departure. Then he heads around to the front door. "Can I help you?" he calls out to the guy who's banging on Stark's door. 

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''     Toph was just about to sit down in one of the chairs on the patio, but that's when Marrik speaks to her and catches her attention. "Huh? You want to see some bending?" she asks and turns her face slightly towards him. Heh, why not? Toph shrugs, then blinks when he announces that he will have to go. "Well, I'll show you later, buddy." It's not like he won't get to see it sooner or later, right?     At the front entrance, Jarvis lets out a breathless sigh. "Mister Rorschach, I suggest you treat Mister Stark's residence with more respect. As I said, please step back and I will open the door for you." And behold, the door does open. Steve is given a reassurance. "This man is an ally of the Union, one mister Rorschach." The sound of Unionites further in shouldn't be easy to miss. And Toph herself blinks, heading inside as her feet pick up the familiar shape of...     "Inky! Hey, you here for some ice cream too?" she grins, gesturing for him to join them on the patio.     Blurr's comment does earn an arched eyebrow from Toph. "I dunno if Goldie would like us making a race track around his house... but hey, since it's a party..." Toph raises her right foot, then slams her heel into the patio floor, and in response something rises from the pool. Within seconds, there's a pool slide in the middle of the water there, and Toph gestures to it. "Kick loose, guys." She's not about to join them in the water. 

:'''{{#var:136|Rarity (136)}} has posed:''' ... Rarity just lets out a soft groan as someone mentions RACING to RAINBOW DASH, and resumes eating her ice cream. Applebloom and Sweetie Belle look at each other, and then look expectantly at Scootaloo. You can almost see them counting down in their heads... well, Sweetie Belle is. Applebloom isn't tremendously great with math. That's Big Mac's department on the farm. 

:'''{{#var:194|Rorschach (194)}} has posed:'''     "Artificial intelligence refuses to unlock the door," grunts a gruff-sounding voice, when Steve calls out the door.     "Don't require computers to operate doors," grunts the trenchcoater, in Jarvis' voicebox's direction. He does step inside, though, after the AI lets him in. He jams his hands into his pocket, as he spots Toph, and heads out towards the patio. "Ice cream?" he grunts. 

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''     "Yeah, ice cream," Toph repeats, then gestures over to the large container that Blurr brought with him. It's huge, four times Toph's size and filled with ice cream and freezing components to keep it all cool. The ice cream are all in many different flavours, and even if there are many people and ponies present, there's still lots of ice cream left. Not that they haven't been trying to eat a lot of it and given their all! 

:'''{{#var:279|Maxine Sandberg (279)}} has posed:''' "I didn't bring a swimsuit." Maxine points out and she certainly isn't getting in the pool without one. Especially with everyone present. She wonders what made Marrik leave all of a sudden. She would have to ask him about the motorcycle later. She resumes eating her ice cream as well now that things have seemed to calm down. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' After several long moments where Marrik realized not only did he not know where this kid was but also the situation was already taken care of he looped his bike around to return to the stark palace/compound/house/bunker that currently was playing host to huge ice cream party. 

:'''{{#var:197|Steve Rogers (197)}} has posed:''' Steve comes to a dead halt as Toph reveals that she *knows* this guy. And apparently, JARVIS recognizes him too. "'Rorschach,' huh ..." he says, sounding a bit skeptical - but he offers the stranger a handshake anyway. "You German?" he inquires, his tone more or less cordial now that he knows Rorschach is a friendly. If the handshake offer is rebuffed, he doesn't seem to take it poorly - just heads back outside, grimacing a little at the sudden appearance of a pool slide, but otherwise keeping a relaxed demeanor. 

:'''{{#var:194|Rorschach (194)}} has posed:'''     The masked figure looks over in the direction of the large ice cream container that Toph's indicated, and studies it for a few moments. He starts to head in that direction, until Steve stops, and greets him.     "No," is his gruff, simple reply. He looks down, as Cap offers a handshake, as though considering. Probably just as he's about to retract his hand, the trenchcoated figure pulls a gloved hand from his pocket, and takes the offered handshake. 

:'''{{#var:43|Rainbow Dash (43)}} has posed:''' "Blegh, no," Rainbow Dash sticks out her tongue. "But how cool would that be!?" With a flap of her wings, Rainbow Dash lifts off again and performs a quick, enthusiastic loop around Blurr. "I'd totally kick some serious tail if they had actual racing in it!" She lifts her head up cockily. "I mean, I'm only the-" Just about then, Scootaloo pops up in front of Rainbow Dash. "The coolest, fastest, most awesome pony ever!" She interupts, bouncing eagerly. "She could beat anyone in ten seconds flat!" Little wings buuzzzzz with excitement, but the little orange pegasus doesn't actually very far off of the ground. "No one can compare!" "Heh, no one in Ponyville anyway!" Rainbow Dash says, her cocky grin faltering a little. She's already run up against people from the multiverse who are faster than her. The pounding at the door briefly catches Dash's attention. She twists around, peering over her shoulder. "Sweet! Cool mask!" Then a grin at Toph. "Ice cream AND a pool? Now we're talking!" 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Once he pulled back up to Stark's home Marrik went through the door, thanking JARVIS for being pleasent even with the huge number of unannounced guests. When he heard 'pool' mentioned just as he got back out on the porch he shook his head, "Got a change of clothes, but kinda not wanting to swim, sorry." He looked over at Rorschach and hrmed thoughtfully. 

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''     Hey, who knew? Inky /can/ act like a civilized being! Toph grins and flops down into a chair, bringing her legs up as she works on finishing up her bowl. And she even grins upon hearing that one of the Cutie Mark Crusaders is a total Rainbow Dash fangirl. "Rainbow /is/ pretty fast, Speedster. Wish I could catch the two of you racing. Maybe if she had some metal on her or something, then I could follow that..." Hmmm. That is a thought.     "And yeah, of course Goldie has a pool! He has to have somewhere to work on a tan, right?" the blind girl says with a shrug. At that time, Jarvis speaks up on one of the speakers at the patio area. "This is also where Miss Beifong's swi--"     "That is enough of that, Jarvis!" Toph snaps, cutting him off with a grumble. And a slightly sour look on her face. 

:'''{{#var:194|Rorschach (194)}} has posed:'''     When he's addressed by the talking pony, Rorschach just kinda stares a moment. And being stared at by Rorschach is not a good thing. Those black splotches of ink slowly swirl, as he eyes the creature, and listens to it for a few moments.     "Ridiculous.." the man grunts. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "And yet there it is." Marrik smiled warmly, reaching out to offer a hand to the trench coated figure. The smell didn't bother him, mostly because he's been stomping around sewers for years. It was noticable, but no more than that to him. "Personal theory is the multiverse delights in punching prrconceptions about reality in the face. 

:'''{{#var:197|Steve Rogers (197)}} has posed:''' Steve reclaims his bowl of ice cream from earlier, and - in the interests of leaving seats open for others who may need (or want) to sit more than he does - just leans against a pillar or something, careful not to lean too heavily on it. He didn't bring swimming trunks, sadly ... but then he didn't think the pool would be open, and he didn't have time to go back to his apartment for anything - Although on that note, he makes sure his backpack is still where he put it down earlier. 

:'''{{#var:492|Blurr (492)}} has posed:'''     "I take it you don't like water?" Blurr asks, once Toph seems to rudely interrupt Jarvis' statement about Miss Beifong and swimming, presumably. He glances at the makeshift slide, which is empty for now.     And then the one Equestrian who had answered his question about WMAT seems to get quite excited about racing. In fact, one of the little guys...claims she can beat -anyone- in 10 seconds flat? Oh ho ho. Really? "Idon'tdoubtthat you'refastinfactIsawyouatthatshrinetheothercyclebutIdoactuallyreallydoubthtatyou'reasfastaswellme." He says, grinning and purposefully not keeping his speech at a normal pace, just to show off. 

:'''{{#var:194|Rorschach (194)}} has posed:'''     Turning now towards the second figure to offer a handshake, Rorschach considers it for a few moments, just as he did with Steve. And then, once more, retrieves his hand from his coat pocket and takes the offered gesture in greeting.     Something like that," is the man's gruff-sounding reply. 

:'''{{#var:136|Rarity (136)}} has posed:''' "Gesuntite!" Pinkie Pie chimes in with a giggle at Blurr's erratically paced comment... And she's at the top of the slide? Wasn't she just sitting on the freezer moments ago? That's Pinkie Pie for you. "WHEEEEEEE!" And now she's gone down the slide and SPLASH into the water. 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' Maya is dressed so casually the only thing that might give Maya's idenity away is the tattos on her arms. She smiles a little bit as she arrive and speaks up. "Hey good to see you recovering well Toph and hello to everyone else so what was this about Icecream?" 

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''     "Not in large amounts," Toph snorts in response to blurr, though she can't help but grin when Pinkie takes advantage of the slide she just made. Maya earns a nod and a wave. "Just grab a bowl and spoon, then help yourself, Maya." There's a huge container out here on the patio with tons of various ice cream in it, so there's more than enough for Maya to pick from. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Marrik frowned. Why was it so br- OHGODMYEYES! He stiffened, letting go of Rorschach's hand, I'm sorry," His pupils were contracted to pinpricks as he took a couple steps away and after a slow turn he frowned. No less bright here. Another turn. Still bright! 

:'''{{#var:194|Rorschach (194)}} has posed:'''     See, now, this isn't exactly a rare event, when someone's met Rorschach. This happens with an unsurprisingly frequent regularity, and as such, doesn't really get much of a reaction out of the trenchcoated man.     "What?" he grunts, roughly. 

:'''{{#var:43|Rainbow Dash (43)}} has posed:''' Both Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo blink in confusion when Blurr just belts out one word right after the other without taking a single pause inbetween. "Did you get any of that, squirt?" Rainbow Dash asks, nudging the orange pegasus with a forehoof. Quickly, Scootaloo nods her head. "Yup! He said... Er... Something about..." She then shakes her head, "Nope, not a word." But Rainbow Dash can at least get the speedy gist. Good thing she's distracted, or else she might glare at Rorschach for his comment. "So you think you're faster than me, huh?" She grins cockily at Blurr, wings beating to lift her up to Blurr's height. "You and me, bud!" Well, okay, probably at another time when we aren't having a fun ice cream party. 

:'''{{#var:492|Blurr (492)}} has posed:'''     Blurr arches an optic ridge at Toph. "I realize that, given your body itself is mostly made of water. But why not? Frightening past experience?" He asks, curious because despite everything he -still- doesn't understand that Toph is actually blind.     At Dash's comments, the speedster just gives her a cocky grin. "'Think'?" he chuckles. "Oh no, no. I -know- I am." Seriously, just look at her. Those wings shouldn't even be able to hold her tiny body up. He doesn't say that, of course. "Well well is that a challenge I hear?" 

:'''{{#var:279|Maxine Sandberg (279)}} has posed:''' "Good evening Maya." Maxine greets her before noting Marrik's reaction wondering what's wrong. "Are you okay?" She doesn't know his name. Of course she doesn't have any magic ability herself but he mentioned being blinded over the radio. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Marrik tried ignoring all the magical lines of force and it was like the sudden removal of a bright light. The source was gone, but his eyes still reacted like they just had the sun a couple inches from them. minus the whole instant fry from heat thing. "Well bother." He shuffle stepped ahead slowly, bumping into someone and grunting, muttering an apology He was trying to downplay the problem given their hostess. He was /pretty sure/ it would go away, but not right away. He whistled twice, tilting his head this way and that and grunted, inwardly wishing he could figure out the trick Sal had of seeing by sound. He heard Maxine speak up and nodded in the direction of the sound of her voice, "Getti me to a chair til I can figure out if this will clear on it's own would be good thank you." He wasn't panicked and sounded quite calm. Not the first time he's been blinded so he knew best action was to avoid panicing. 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' Maya smiles at Maxine "It's been a long time it's good to see you." She looks to Marrik she comes over to him and seems concerned for his well being. "Are you all right you don't seem well I'm a all right healer if there's something I can do for you?" 

:'''{{#var:43|Rainbow Dash (43)}} has posed:''' "Hay yeah it is!" Rainbow Dash says, not even skipping a beat. She's not afraid of the giant death robot! Seriously, he's giant. How can something that big move fast? The little pegasus keeps level with Blurr's face. "You and me," She says, pointing a hoof to Blurr and then to herself. "Next free day we got! We'll see who's fast!" 

:'''{{#var:136|Rarity (136)}} has posed:''' Rarity just shakes her head at Blurr and Dash. Totally not surprised at that, at all. She turns to look at the other two fillies (Scootaloo is way too busy fangushing over Rainbow Dash), only to see the two of them giving her -those- sort of big eyed look. She sighs, rolling her eyes, but knowing that whole thing about not swimming after eating is just a myth, relents. "Okay, fine." "YAY!" Sweetie Belle and Applebloom run off to jump in the pool as well. Who needs swimsuits?! "And no trying to earn CPR cutie marks this time!" Rarity shouts after them. Just don't ask. 

:'''{{#var:492|Blurr (492)}} has posed:'''     Oh, is that what she thinks? Just because something is big, means that it can't move fast? WELL. Blurr is going to have to show -her- how wrong she is on -that- one. "You're on," he says, still grinning because well we all know much he loves racing. "...what's your name?" 

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''     Frightening past experience indeed. Toph sighs up at Blurr as she finishes the last remnants of her bowl. "I did nearly drown once," Toph sighs, closing her eyes. Yes. Let's not go into more details about /that/. "Besides... I can't see in water," she adds. It's useful that her allies know that at least. By now she's finished her bowl of ice cream, and... well, she'll have to eat some more later. For now she is stuffed. "I guess the freezer will be filled up at this rate..." she muses. 

:'''{{#var:197|Steve Rogers (197)}} has posed:''' "Not for long," Steve says encouragingly. "It's good ice cream ..." He finishes his current bowl. "But if you're that desperate to get rid of it - is it okay to have seconds, then?" 

:'''{{#var:43|Rainbow Dash (43)}} has posed:''' "RAINBOW DASH!" Scootaloo pipes up before Rainbow can even open her mouth. Dash grins, "What she said. But you can call me Rainbow Dash the Awesome." Then procedes to stuff her face with ice cream, because we can't forget about the real reason why we're all here. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Marrik turned to face Maya when she spoke and was quite blunt when he spoke up, "If you could turn off the huge sun bright magic aura that would be great, or did you turn on the blinding to needle at me?" Wisest course of action? No, but this woman blinded him and he suspected it was intentional. He was not a happy person. 

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''     "Heh, have thirds if you can manage," Toph says to Steve. "I just don't have room for that much." Even if she was hungry when she woke up, she's been making sure to eat a lot since then. Even those healthy things that Pepper told her to. However, she blinks when Marrik speaks up. "Wait, you can see auras? Or energy?" she asks, a bit confused. Man, some people have weird eyes. Is it very different from what normal people see? Not that she knows much about that... 

:'''{{#var:279|Maxine Sandberg (279)}} has posed:''' "We'll have to catch up sometime." Maxine smiles back at Maya it seems she's busy with Marrik. Her attenion then turns to Toph, "Sorry, one bowl's about my limit." It didn't make to fill the small redhead up. "Where did all that ice cream come from anyways?" 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' Maya blinks for a moment in utter confsuion for a moment, she looks at Marrik very confused for a moment "What are you talking about...aura what ...wait umm I have ... no control over it I was born like that..." 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Toph's question deflected part of Marrik's probably unfounded annoyance. "Magical energy, usually goes hand in hand with Life but... I dunno its like I see the threads as colors, but not actual color like red, green, and all." He was grateful to talk about it, because it kept him from wanting to hurt things. "I can block it out, or just not focus on it but i really am seeing it. Eyes react like it's any other light, and it's kinda like I took the sun to my face." He could /SORTA/ see right now, but everything was washed out. "I can cast if I don't see what I'm doing but it's.... hard. I guess it'd be like you getting around wearing shoes, or stuck in a plastic room." 

:'''{{#var:492|Blurr (492)}} has posed:'''     "Uh..." Blurr stifles laugh at the name. It kind of sounds...ridiculous. To him, anyway. "Well nice to meet you, Rainbow Dash. I'm Blurr. As for the 'awesome' part, I think you'll have to prove that to me first, before I start tacking that onto your name."     The Autobot looks confused at Toph's comment that she can't see in water. "You can't see in water? Why not?" 

:'''{{#var:197|Steve Rogers (197)}} has posed:''' Steve gets up to get seconds of ice cream, with a slight smirk on his face at Toph going so far as to offer thirds. One of the side effects of the super soldier serum *is* a heightened metabolism, after all ... 

:'''{{#var:411|Twilight Sparkle (411)}} has posed:'''      Twilight Sparkle has just been relaxing, enjoying watching her friends having fun. Spike has gone through an entire tub, and is starting on a second. Twilight blinks as she spots him, then her horn glows softly and she floats him over to land on her back again. "Be careful, Spike. You don't want to get a tummy ache again." she says before looking around. Her horn glows again, and a spoon floats over before dipping into Spike's ice cream, which Twilight then munches on politely. 

:'''{{#var:136|Rarity (136)}} has posed:''' Rarity looks at how much ice cream is left. "Maybe we should of brought doggie bags." 

:'''{{#var:411|Twilight Sparkle (411)}} has posed:''' Twilight Sparkle hmms. "Perhaps we could take some back to Ponyville. Between the cakes and my freezers, we should be able to handle quite a bit." 

:'''{{#var:20|Toph Beifong (20)}} has posed:'''     Why can't she see in water? "I can't sense the vibrations in water," Toph replies to Blurr, not catching on that he hasn't noticed that she is blind yet. "Earthbending and water doesn't go that well together."     Well, not all of the ice cream is gone... but some of it is. "Hey, take some home, guys. I'm sure Blurr won't mind, right?" As long as people enjoy it and not let it go to waste, than that's what matters. At least she things so. 

:'''{{#var:197|Steve Rogers (197)}} has posed:''' "If it weren't for warpgates, I'd be worried about it melting on the way," Steve says with a grin. "Thanks, Toph - and thank you for thinking to bring it for her, Blurr." 

:'''{{#var:492|Blurr (492)}} has posed:'''     Blurr shakes his head. "Hey, I can't eat it; it's Toph's so as long as she doesn't mind, I don't either. Take as much as you want...I uh, didn't think about the possibility that Stark's home might not have large enough cooling facilities."     The speedster still looks confused at her explanation about water. He's about to ask another question, but then his comms go off and duty calls! "Well thanks for having me, Rocket." he says with a grin. "Back to work!" ZOOM. Off he goes at the speed of sound and faster. There, Dash! Giants -can- move fast! 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Marrik says, "So glad I invested in a frezer for the shop." Marrik chuckled as his vision continued slowly improving. "Pity I'm not going there yet." He pointed in Maya's general direction, "You, blindy lady." He grunted. "Sorry, just a little punchy. You said its basicslly something you can't help?"" 

:'''{{#var:136|Rarity (136)}} has posed:''' Rarity gaaahs as Blurr's speedy departure causes enough of a draft in his wake to blow her mane all over, taking some of the bounce out of the curls afterwards. "WHY DOES EVERYONE FAST INSIST ON DOING THAT?!" 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' Maya says "I can't... my world is dripping in magic to the point higher order predators can use it." Maya's not going to give the full story but that's private but what is known Septerrans have a lot of magic to throw around that kids learn, math, writing, magic and relgion as basic eduction even in the worst dives of the planet. She's hkinda backing awya from Marrik unsure of what to do now. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "It's... Ok." Marrik didn't sound OK, "I've got it under wraps. Can't see what I'm casting, but eeeh. Noticed most magi tend to neglect a decent workout." He chuckled, "Marrik Broom." Then the offered hand to Maya. 

:'''{{#var:411|Twilight Sparkle (411)}} has posed:'''      Twilight looks between Maya and Marrik, then holds up a hoof. "Perhaps I could cast a magic dampening spell. It would only be temporary, but it should at least lessen the affects of the aura you are complaining about." she says to Marrik before looking at Maya for permission.      Spike gasps as well when Rarity's mane gets a bit messed up. "Geeze. Some people have no appreciation for how much work goes into looking good." 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' Maya says "Go ahead if we're not expecting trouble I don't mind. Just keep ind mind I don't know how effective it will be." Maya's got loads of magic but her casting outside of healing is ... basically more like a war hammer than a fine blade that many other magic users are able to do. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "Actually miss Sparkle," Marrik sounded valm as he explained the situation. "Damage is already done. My eyes see magic as glow, maya's like looking at the sun. I generslly go about with my magical senses open in case random trouble, but like right now showed, can get in the way." 

:'''{{#var:411|Twilight Sparkle (411)}} has posed:'''      "Oh my...perhaps you should invest in some magical sunshades?" Twilight says, looking up at Marrik with a half joking, half concerned expression. "If I may ask...even someone who glances at the sun will not have much, if any, permanent damage. Could you not look away?" she says, even as she starts casting the magic suppression spell anyway. It can't hurt, right?      Twilight's horn glows, softly at first, then more brightly, before a gentle beam of magic shines on Maya. It would end up dampening Maya's power all around if it works. So, any spells she -did- cast would be weaker. It is the only way Twilight can think of to dampen Maya's aura. "...did that do anything?" 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "It's..." Marrik shrugged. He couldnt see the magic twilight was using. "Seriously fine. I can even see a little definition and detail." He looked over at Twilight. "Like I said, its something I can and did turn off, but since my eyes are how i percive magic getting over exposed works the same way as getting hit in the face by bright light. Why recovery is slower than last time i dunno." 

}}

475/Broom's Clean Sweep Roadside Sale!

2014-09-17T02:56:30Z

AncientGorilla: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2014/08/23 |Location=The Multiverse Mall <MM> |Synopsis=It's amazing who runs into who at these traveling merchant roadside things isn't it? |Thank..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2014/08/23
|Location=The Multiverse Mall <MM>
|Synopsis=It's amazing who runs into who at these traveling merchant roadside things isn't it?
|Thanks=
|Cast of Characters=385, 541, 550
|Tinyplot=
|Tinyplot2=
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' This idea of distracting himself from the hub-bub of the latest string in research failures by pitching a big wall tent at a simi-random part of the multiverse, putting out a few ads, and seeing what happened. In spite of looking like a throw together tent most would associate with fireworks or carnies the fabric stayed put no matter the wind or weather. Inside were several waist high tables each with a sign at the side in several common languages proclaiming what each sold. There were books on different races, plants! alchemy primers, beginners guides to spellvasting, fighting spellcasters, desling with the undead (further divided into negociations and murder,) and then books on general outdoorsy things. Away from the books were artifacts: rings of light, defense, self drawing maps, books for transcribing magic to, prepared scrolls, and so on further divided into magical weapons, potions, and then in a corner common camping gear surrounding a small table Marrik was sitting behind with a mason jar in one had as he peered over a mechanical cash register at thehandfull of looky-loo customers. 

:'''{{#var:550|Eric Bane (550)}} has posed:''' Magic. This is a field of expertise Eric Bane doesn't have a lot of experience with. In his world, the only 'magic' was ... well, vampires. And they weren't magical, they were infected by a virus that had killed them and transformed them into undead beings that need to drink blood to survive. Nothing magical about that. But with the great spread of magic in the Multiverse, Eric figures he needs to start doing some legitimate research on it. Can't fight what you don't know about, right? So, there will be a strange one that appears here at the mall. He's in a dark gray hoodie with the hood pulled up and the sleeves pushed up to his elbows, worn open over a striped t-shirt, black jeans, and black sneakers. Though what's probably first noticeable is what he's carrying. It's not raining, but Eric has a large black umbrella, open, propped on his shoulder. Yes, he has been watching Multiversal cartoons, and that seems to work for vampires on TV. So he's giving it a shot. He hasn't burst into flames, though, so maybe it really IS working. As for Marrik? Well, it's pretty obvious as soon as he comes within sight. Even if he couldn't recognize it from the weird pallor to the umbrella-holding man's skin, even if he doesn't see the visible fangs whenever his mouth opens, even if his weird ghost-blue eyes aren't enough of a clue, Marrik's powers should tell him everything he needs to know. To paraphrase the meme, 'Thatsavampire.jpg'. 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' Yuna isn't all that versed in magic either - which is sort of why her Abstractum specializes in it, as near as she can tell. Sadly, Shining Prism seems to be in sleep mode right now, so Yuna can't expect any guidance as she wanders over towards the merchant's tent. She smiles, nodding/not quite bowing to Eric (whom she doesn't know, but that's no reason to be *rude*), and just glances over the tables as if she's figuring out where to start browsing ... 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' At zeric's entery into the tent a few people turned too see who the new person was and a few nodded to him then to Yuna. At a gesture from Marrik a pixie, basically a barbie doll sized long eared red haired girl with dragonfly wings, dark skin, and wearing what looked like motercycle leathers, flitted about a foot from Eric's face. "Hello!" Her voice was cheerful even as she shifted her stance as she floated to try including Yuna. "Welcome to Clean Sweep's mobile store. We sell many of the basics for those needing to get used to dealing with thevworld of msgic and the supernatural. If there are any special requests we may have it in stock at our primary location! Just ask our man at the counter." 

:'''{{#var:550|Eric Bane (550)}} has posed:''' Eric offers a nod to Yuna in return as he notices her. "Hi," he offers quietly, politely. He's got a gravelly voice. And fangs. They're like. Right there. Really hard to miss when he talks. The pixie distracts him, though, and he takes a step back when he sees her. Blink. Clearly he's never seen a pixie before. " ... Uh. Yeah. Just looking for some basic magic defense ... literature, I guess." He doesn't appear to be about to cause trouble, no. He has a hand in a pocket, his other is needed to hold the umbrella. He is careful to aim the umbrella to where the sun would be, so he doesn't get burned. Thankfully he's mostly covered up, so only has to worry about his face and arms. 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' "What languages do you have books in?" Yuna asks the pixie, grinning sheepishly. "I'm only really fluent in Japanese, anything else I need help with ..." Well, it's true. The translation effect only accounts for speech, not printed (or written) text. She also gives the biker-style pixie a rather curious look ... 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "Ah," Sparks pointed over to a book table with books about magical creatures, "Sir, if you're looking for information on vampires and or dealing with your new un-life we have a few books in tent, and can give g directions to the nearest blood bank that deals in withdrawls." The pixie's voice remained chipper as she gestured about. "Also we are well shielded against daylight in here so feel free to relax." Marrik rang a tall dark skinned woman up then gave a cheerful wave before pointing to a couple of zombies arguing amongst themselves about if they have the money to buy a tent from the camping supplies. Then another gesture pointing to a sign proclaiming a zero tolerance policy to fighting and any patron no matter the affiliation will be escorted out if they cause trouble. Sparks hrmed thoughtfully at the question of Japanese language books before quickly flying over to where Marrik was sitting. Then, after a few minutes she sighed, "We have a dozen in the tent ma'am, mostly about cryptids from Japan itself and weapon handling. However my boss is currently making a list of titles he can forward from our main location." She gestured Marrik before continuing. "Is there anything in particular you're looking for?" 

:'''{{#var:550|Eric Bane (550)}} has posed:''' Eric would blush if he could still do that. But then, he doesn't expect the Multiverse to not know. Didn't the magic types always know when the sneaky guy who was trying to ... well, be sneaky was really a vampire in disguise or something? Though the mention of a 'blood bank that deals in withdrawals' gets a raised eyebrow. " ... That's a thing?" he inquires. Though since the pixie is dealing with the other lady who came in, Eric offers a nod to them both. "Thanks." He heads to where Marrik is, so as not to give the poor pixie any more to have to deal with. So to Marrik, he asks, "Blood banks? This is actually a thing?" Finding one is probably a good idea. Because this, uh, 'hunting' thing hasn't been going too well for him. 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' Un-life? For that matter, 'vampire'? Yuna gives Eric a somewhat closer look - not leaning in or getting in his personal space or anything, but definitely looking him over more attentively than the earlier glance-and-nod greetings. But Sparks gets more of Yuna's attention for the moment, and Yuna switches her attention back to the pixie, smiling. "I'll just take a look at what you've got, then, for the time being? I don't have anything really specific I'm looking for today, unfortunately ..." Her gaze flicks back to the 'vampire' briefly, then to the table with the books ... 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' When Eric asked Marrik nodded, never looking up from writing Yuna's book list. "Yep. Lot of em just want to be left alone and don't want the whole mob with pitchforks and stakes thing." He snorted indignantly, "Plus there are a lot of groupies giving. Supposedly hoping a specific one will drink what they give. Idiots, but useful, I like when there are peaceful solutions." His tone wasn't unfriendly, but he sounded distracted while muttering something about not categorizing finally catching up with him. Sparks did a small spin-twirl in place while hovering a few inches away from Yuna's shoulder, helpfully giving a brief title and synopsis of each book that seemed to grab her attention. If questioned, or perhaps because of a pause, she explained. "Everyone else here seems to be finding what they need fine. It's my job to help with customers." 

:'''{{#var:550|Eric Bane (550)}} has posed:''' Eric's definitely weird-looking, at least to an Elite. His skin's not white or abnormally pale, but there is an odd pallor underneath his normal skin tone. His eyes, seen when he looks towards her, are ghostly blue-white. And the fangs are indeed very visible whenever he speaks. Plus, the umbrella is kind of telling. It's not raining outside, why would he need an umbrella? Speaking of the umbrella, once he's sure he's not going to spontaneously burst into flames once he lets the umbrella off his shoulder, he folds the thing. Listening to Marrik's statement, he nods. "Yeah, that'd be helpful. I'd rather not have to attack people to survive." Vampires cannot live by bloody marys alone. 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' "So vampires have groupies too?" asks Yuna ... and she sounds honestly sympathetic as she asks that. Like she's used to dealing with them. She gives the available Japanese books a quick look, though. A lot of it seems sort of familiar, old lore and legends that she's had to read up on somewhere or other - although one particular collection of fairy tales seems to catch her eye, and she picks the book up to glance through its contents. "I'm an idol singer," she adds, looking to Eric. "So ... I've had my own groupies, and the occasional stalker." She shudders slightly at remembering how some of those run-ins have gone. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "Just keep in mind," Marrik finally looked up while pulling a thick folder from.... Somewhere under the drawerless table and offered it to Eric, "Keep in mind that is not a complete list. Where possible the orginization or other person that runs the place is noted as well as their hostility to newcommers." He sounded apologetic since that really was thinner information than he liked. "I ask that you do nosing about if at all possible before approaching." He'd heard of a few used by vampire hunters as a way to track movement and find nests to clear out whole families in a night, or worse. While he would freely admit many did need to die there were an unignoreable number just trying to get by. The list he was writing was held up just in time for Sparks to snatch it up and fly back to Yuna with it. Anyone paying attention would have noticed the pixie flying towards Marrik before he'd raised the paper and that he hadn't made any sound or signal. Sparks waved the scroll in Yuna's face. "Well don't worry miss. Pop Singer, Paladin, Vampire, or just some kid looking to do research for a class report makes no difference to us." At that she sounded quite proud. The list had several dozen titles ranging from translations of texts sparks had already listed to what sounded like acupuncture guides, as well as several general camping and outdoors titles. 

:'''{{#var:550|Eric Bane (550)}} has posed:''' Eric looks to Yuna as she speaks. There's kind of an instinctive wince, since he's really not supposed to be telling people he's a vampire. But if she's not immediately running away, she's probably not scared. Or about to tell anyone. Plus, the wince can be explained as a sympathetic one at the mention of stalkers. "I haven't met any vampire groupies myself." Long pause. " ... But I haven't been one for very long." The admission is cautious, as if gauging her reaction. Suddenly there's a folder being presented to him. Eric nods, accepting the folder and listening to Marrik's advice. "Good idea. I imagine they're pretty well guarded," he reasons. Protect the food source, right? Makes a lot of sense. Also it's a good way to ferret out hidden vampires, since vampires need blood to survive almost universally, right? Or well, Multiversally? Or at least a lot of vampires across the Multiverse. He'll look into the folder to check. And he'll probably write down some names too. Sparks' words draw his attention, and he nods. Good, he didn't want to have to worry about being tracked from here. 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' Yuna smiles, accepting the list, and continues looking through the book that caught her interest for a moment before closing it - with the list tucked into the book for now. "How'd you get turned vampire to start with? I mean, if you don't mind my asking ... was it before or after you Unified?" she asks Eric. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' As Eric took the folder Marrik smiled at the man. "I so have a few personal no-fly areas, but I try to encourage people to try not stabbing eachother." Nevermind by rights as a necromancer his powers increase with killing and more corpses mean more servants. It still disgusts him. "I cannot force anyone's hand. Just try to keep the peace where I can." Sparks waited by Yuna's shoulder before getting called over by a round middle aged man trying to find a book. Nekromorie, necronomicon, something like that. Both pixie and store owner facepalmed and flatly told the man to get out. 

:'''{{#var:550|Eric Bane (550)}} has posed:''' Eric looks up from his notes at Yuna's words. He opens his mouth to reply ... and then goes silent. His eyes go a little unfocused suddenly ... Gunshots. A man's scream, on the tail end of an inhuman hiss. A gun in his hands. An automatic weapon. A flashlight in darkness, showing a warehouse as it darts around, tracking something. A door slid out of the way. Suddenly a uniformed man in front of him. Flashlight darting to turn. A human figure at the end of the warehouse. The gun in his hands fires. The figure disappears in a whoosh of smoke. Nearer now. The gun fires again. The figure disappears again. Nearer again. Suddenly all he could see was teeth. And then nothing. It's a long moment of silence. And Eric seems to have forgotten he was standing there for a while. Until with a surprised blink and a shake of his head, he suddenly looked at Yuna again, as if he was surprised to see her there. " ... Uh. I ... don't really know." He sounds a little spooked though. "I think it was before." He doesn't seem to know. It takes him a moment more to recover, whatever just happened he seems pretty off-balance now. But he nods to Marrik's words nonetheless. "Yeah. I can understand. We're all just trying to get by." Seems he heard them. Completely missed the guy looking for a particular book though. 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' "Nekuro no mikon ... ?" Yuna frowns. "Why would he want a ... whatever a 'mikon' is of 'sleep-black'? Or was it 'Ne, kuro,' and so forth ..." Some things, even the Multiverse doesn't translate all that well. The fact that the guy had trouble even remembering the right name probably made things worse. "Are you okay, Eric?" she asks after noticing Eric mentally fading out like that before he answers her question. Although she can understand the question being tricky to answer, really - turning vampire DOES kind of mean dying, emphasis on the 'kind of'. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Yea the guy wanting a Necronomicon got grumpy. Then Marrik did the same pulling from just out of sight trick to grab a book and throw at him. "You did not get that from me." The bald man grinned and sped out the door, not realizing he got the necronomomnomnomnomicon instead and soon would have no food in his house. His attention then turned to Eric and he was about to reach out with his msgic before the man spoke. "Need a spot to sit down man?" 

:'''{{#var:550|Eric Bane (550)}} has posed:''' Eric blinks again, shaking his head. " ... Yeah. Yeah, I fine. Just ... strange situation surrounding it, I guess." He 'guesses'? Marrik's question gets a shake of his head. "No, I ... someone told me that amnesia's common for newly-turned vampires." Pause. "In my world. There's supposed to be a way to cure it, but ... " He trails off there, looking away. He's hiding something. Very badly. 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' Yuna quirks an eyebrow, then shrugs as the seemingly-satisfied customer bolts, and looks to Eric again. That didn't seem exactly like amnesia to her ... "Well, hopefully you can find the cure - assuming you want to," she says with a reassuring smile. "- oh, yeah, right ..." She looks to Marrik, or Sparks if the pixie is more convenient. "What's a good book in Japanese for learning how to fight against magic-users, when you don't actually have magic spells yourself?" Why would an idol singer need to know how to fight magic-users, though? 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Sparks bobbed in front of Yuna and rattled off a name. After a moment Marrik pulled a thick book bound with a wooden cover and sat it next to the register before quoting a high but not astronomical price. All this as he looked over to Eric with a small frown. "I could offer my services to try helping," Marrik's voice was soft as he looked to the fledgeling. "It represents a degree of vulnerability, but I have several zombies that come to me to keep personal wards going so their makers cannot reclaim them, so if I were to break confidence I would lose customers. I offer no gurentee other than that I will both do my best, and do nothing without your agreement beforehand." 

:'''{{#var:550|Eric Bane (550)}} has posed:''' "Mm." Quiet sound, but an affirmative one, in response to Yuna's words. "It's tricky." Though he doesn't go into details, since she doesn't ask. He does however tilt his head a little when Yuna mentions needing to fight magic-users. He's probably thinking the same thing, why would she need to do that as a singer? Marrik's explanation gets a thoughtful look. " ... I don't know. It might not work." A long pause. And then he explains, " ... I'm told that ... I'm not a 'complete' vampire yet. That the way it's supposed to work is, the vampire kills someone by feeding, and then when they rise again, gives the newly-turned one his blood. If not, the person killed will eventually turn into ... a mindless animal. A ghoul." Another pause. "I don't know who made me." 

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:''' Yuna winces, "So ... yikes ... I hope you either find your 'sire' - that's the word, right? - or find a way to un-vampirize yourself, turn human again. Although if you're human, I guess that means you lose the advantages of being a vampire ... I'd like to do what I can to help too, though. You seem like kind of a nice guy, I wouldn't want your mind to go away and leave you as a ghoul." She turns her attention to Marrik as the price is quoted - "Geh!!" She almost turns completely white at the price; it might as well be astronomical to judge by her reaction. "I don't have that kind of money right now, not after the Ice Bucket Challenge donation ..." 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Eric's explanation caused Marrik to frown. "Tricky, but it is a matter of your mind. I can do what I can to try preserving your sense of self." He got up and started activly shooing people out now. All very genttle. client needs privecy, move along please We'll open in the morning. Then he looked over to Yuna and gestured to the register. "Ma'am, this man's condition is turning into a private concern." Hevwalked over to the register and shrugged, "You can pay me later miss. You donated to a good cause. I'll let you go with it." He held up a reciept for Yuna to sign. "Information for records." 

}}

506/Magic, Machinery, and Making people go 'huh'.

2014-09-17T02:54:40Z

AncientGorilla:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2014/08/27
|Location=Njorun Station - Central Plaza
|Synopsis=Marrik gets to not only experience what riding in KITT is like, but he also gets to talk to Devon Miles while forming the idea for a new side project.
|Thanks=
|Cast of Characters=541, 543
|Tinyplot=
|Tinyplot2=
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:543|Michael Knight (543)}} has posed:''' Now a few dollars poorer than he was before dinner, Michael drives KITT down one of Njorun's many naturally-made roads. The sheer size of the place is still impressive to him, and he expects it will be for quite some time, but he's not here to sightsee. No, he's heading for the plaza to pick up Marrik. Speaking of... he turns the Eagles down for a minute, Don Henley's voice growing softer. "Hey, Marrik," Michael says over the radio. "We're on our way to pick you up. Should be there in about fifteen minutes." Having sent the message, he turns the radio back up and continues to Take it Easy--albeit at 120 miles per hour. Having an experimental prototype for a car does tend to skew one's notion of 'normal speed.' 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Marrik was leaned by what Michael would probably consider an antique world war two era harley when he saw Knight's trans-am pull up. He was frankly dressed like something out of tolkien. Nevermind the clothes though, he looked at Michael with mismatched eyes and gave a friendly smile before hopping in the passenger seat. "Where did you say this was?" He looked slightly uneasy, as if he hadn't ridden in a car that often and didn't know where to put his hands. Thankfully for KITT he was quite well kept and clean, so no mess or mud on the leather. 

:'''{{#var:543|Michael Knight (543)}} has posed:''' Michael Knight says, "I didn't!" He smiles at Marrik as KITT closes the door. "Nice bike, by the way." KITT scoffs. Apparently, the Trans-Am has something against motorcycles. "He needs some maintenance done, since he's got it in his head that he's gonna race this guy named Blurr. We need to touch base with my boss before I get you a testing area. So, we're gonna kill two birds with one stone!" The loner turns a knob on the radio transceiver, switching it from one frequency to another. "Hey, Bonnie, we need some roadside assistance and we've got a visitor for Devon. Bust out the semi for us?" A woman's voice comes through the other end. "Sure thing, Michael. We'll be on I-90." "Our Earth?" "Yeah." "Okay, see you guys soon!" Michael looks back to Marrik. "You're in for a real treat, bud," he says, promptly pressing down on the accelerator. Rather than the expected roar of an internal combustion engine, the unusually quiet whine of a turbine is heard." 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' The non roar made Marrik's eyebrow go up a notch. "The bike was a bit of payment for clearing a lot out for a dealer. Leyanne's gonna do what she can without swapping things out." He seemed to relax as he talked; maybe he didn't think going a buck twenty was fast? When KITT talked Marrik immediately looked at the between seat thing and hrmed softly. "Not any kind of engine I've heard on a car. What do you run off of?" 

:'''{{#var:543|Michael Knight (543)}} has posed:''' KITT replies, the red bars on his console expanding as his voice naturally fluctuates. "I can run on just about any liquid fuel, but my turbine engine was designed to run on hydrogen. The late Wilton Knight hoped to make engines like mine more commonplace, if somewhat less powerful than my model." "I hope the eggheads can. Just the other day I was paying a /dollar fifty/ for gas. Can you believe that?" Michael shakes his head as the magitek surroundings of Njorun whiz by. His hands are on the wheel, which looks more like something out of a fighter pilot--the idea is only reinforced by all the digital displays and glowing buttons. He doesn't entirely seem to be paying attention to the road, but despite this, the car effortlessly avoids even the most minute potholes with grace and precision abound. "I estimate we should arrive in forty-five minutes at our current speed, Michael, but I must insist we go faster." "Relax, KITT. You'll get to push yourself soon enough." 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "Faster?" Marrik let out a low whistle. "Just the suspension would make a pretty penny. Sure I know cost of going with the war horse back there was zero suspension, but last car I was in going half this speed it was bumpy and rattled and we were all over the place." Soft voice as he inclined his head to talk towards KITTs sensor. "Sorry. I mean we had a buggy back home for hauling to town, and the drow that keeps me in backpacks had me ride along in his Charger, but it was like... like...." He gestured before giving up, "Rougher than this." 

:'''{{#var:543|Michael Knight (543)}} has posed:''' The car scoffs. "I assure you, I am /far/ more than a buggy--furthermore, the designer of the Dodge Charger has a rudimentary understanding of aerodynamics at best. With my profile and thanks to modifications from Knight Industries, I can reach speeds of up to three hundred miles per hour with only a slight change in passenger comfort." "Yeah, yeah. I'm sure Marrik doesn't wanna hear you toot your own horn--no pun intended--the whole way there." "Please," comes the AI's dismissive retort. "Whenever you have one of your pretty faces in my passenger seat, I hardly get a word in edgewise." Michael pointedly turns the radio up in response to that. "Catch any good games lately, Marrik?" It's likely a long and awkward ride to Michael's earth, after that point. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "Actually," Marrik said cautiously, "I wouldn't mind a small run down. Still like my bike as a daily driver." He would not deny the comfort KITT provided, but something felt 'right' about his bike. "Don't expect me to understand all of it, but It'll help pass the time." Sorry Mike, the downside of being in a talking car with a mage is he's more interested in the car than you. Though through the trip he would give a small snort or chuckle at the interplay between car and driver. From somewhere in his coat he pulled out a notepad and took notes. Then a pixie crawled out of a different pocket, a lovely looking woman wearing biker leathers and if it wasn't for the fact she was barbie doll sized flirting might happen. Then she flew to Michael's shoulder and whispered something to the effect she liked her men big, and then giggled at whatever reaction that drew. That or she was giggling at Marrik's annoyed grunt. Up ahead there was a semi. Marrik didn't know it but he was in for a bit of interesting. 

:'''{{#var:543|Michael Knight (543)}} has posed:''' Michael Knight ... hm. Might have to get that pixie's number. She's small, sure, but she's at least not a horse or a lizard-person. Not that there's anything wrong with that! It's just, you know, not Michael's thing. Anyway, I-90! Probably something else unusual for a mage, what with all of the cars speeding (relatively) by. KITT has dropped to a measly eighty miles an hour, as that's the legal limit here. That being said, there's a lot of jockeying for positions, some drivers more... aggressive than others, and the pine trees on the side of the interstate look lime prime places for highwaymen lying in ambush. Michael pulls up behind the semi--a bit close for comfort at this speed. Click. He presses a button, and the back of the semi slowly lowers to reveal... what?! A man and a woman, the former sitting at a desk while the latter leans against the wall of the trailer, which is adorned with some sort of safety netting which holds... something against the wall. "Here we go," says Michael, as KITT rather calmly accelerates, then halts, then accelerates once more in a careful, exactingly calculated little dance. Up the ramp they go, climbing into a moving semi. The Trans-Am and its passengers find themselves neatly deposited in the trailer, which has a surprising degree of room... The back end then begins to close. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' The transition was confusing for Marrik. he gripped the arm rest tight and anyone that could read posture could tell he was tense and trying to keep it bottled. It didn't help Sparks had decided to perch on Michael's shoulder while making rude faces. Only when the trailer closed did he start to relax. A slow exhale reminded Marrik he had been holding his breath the entire time just before he eased his door open. "Well this is new." He frowned as he looked around. If it wasn't for the rumble under foot he could have sworn they were in a small room. Interesting. Then he made a small bow to the man at the desk and another to the, quite frankly more than a little attractive, woman. "Hello. KITT has told me a little about you, assuming you are Devon Ride." 

:'''{{#var:543|Michael Knight (543)}} has posed:''' As Michael and Marrik step out of the car, Devon gives Marrik a genteel smile. "Miles, actually. Who do I have the honor of addressing?" asks the aging man at the desk. "Devon, this is Marrik. Marrik, Devon--and that's Bonnie," he says, pointing to the mechanic who's already busying herself with KITT. "Marrik wants to do some magical stress tests on some of that tri-helical plasteel stuff, and he also wants to try using some magic bags as fuel containers. I brought him along 'cause I figured you might be interested." 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' The last name caused Marrik to frown for a moment before offering his hand. "Apologies Mister Miles. Knew a devon back home." Slips of the tounge on first meetings were no good, but dwelling was even worse. If Devon took Marrik's hand he'd find it both calloused and quite firm, but not crushing. "Anyway." He pulled a bottle out of his coat pocket that couldn't possibly have fit there. Fancy green bottle corked and lacking a maker's mark or brand. "I don't know if you drink but this is pretty nice." Bottle sat on Devon's desk. "Absenth," Another bottle sat down, "Whiskey," And then a demted beat up aluminum thermose. "Tea." Then he made a gesture to include all three bottles before making a one finger raised 'wait' gesture and pulled several glasses from the same pocket. "Shall we?" 

:'''{{#var:543|Michael Knight (543)}} has posed:''' Having finished with the formalities and introductions, Michael quietly excuses himself that he might chat with Bonnie about the reason for this checkup--namely, that KITT's big ego has pitted him against a fellow speedster. Meanwhile, Devon shakes Marrik's hand, standing up to do so, and gestures to a sturdy, but elegant chair. "Think nothing of it, Marrik. I see you're a man of taste," he says. "I'll gladly join you for a bit of tea." The administator is clearly in his twilight years, and when he was a younger man he likely had quite the dashing profile. Some of that still remains, but most of his youthful seems to have left, and dignity has taken up residence in its place. "But first, if you don't mind, let's talk business. What is Marrik the individual hoping to gain from this pursuit, if I might be so bold as to ask?" 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' The directness and the warmth Devon seemed to have as part of his nature made Marrik smile as he pocketed both bottles of alcohol. "Well Sir. I run a small business, generally with direct and personal links to my suppliers." He seemed quite aware Michael had ducked off and didn't seem to care. "While I have a few uses personally I do hope that getting a few of these people in touch with customers that would hsve more need." The thing about having a family having practically made a point to incorporate modern assembly line concepts was even though the bags were one of his best sellers he was just one point of sale for them. "But business aside your people are able to do materials testing, and I don't even know if one of these bags can safely handle fuel." There were other applications but they all boiled down to 'making spaces on the inside bigger.' "Plus I'm sure a friend of mine would be interested in working with this plasteel and I'm nosing around so they don't have to take time from their business to do preliminary meetings." 

:'''{{#var:543|Michael Knight (543)}} has posed:''' "I see," says Devon, leaning forward at his desk. "Wilton did admire the personal touch, may he rest in peace. Now, if you've seen our Union file, you know that we've pledged ourselves to aiding it in any way we can. I can't give you the recipe for our plasteel coating, but I can certainly have enginners apply it to whatever surface your friend needs--within reason, of course. It is fairly expensive, as the process for creating it is a mite outside of the bounds of practicality. If you'd like to stress test it before you make a decision, we can certainly allow that, too--we have a few small spare samples lying around." 'Fairly expensive.' It's a very respectful understatement--Devon doesn't want to shock the small business owner out of his pants just yet. The man clears his throat. "Now, with respect to your...bag idea, that will probably fall under Bonnie's purview, as she's our foremost mechanical expert. Securing an engine won't be a problem, and we can allow you the use of a secure testing facility for both the aforementioned stress test and this other idea of yours. All of the testing will be done under her supervision," states the well-dressed gentleman with a gesture to Bonnie. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "Define fairly expensive." Marrik understood cost well enough to understand even in the multiverse things can be quite costly. He pulled a notepad out of another pocket and wrote down his expense figures for the past three months. As small retail went it was respectable, but nothing steller. Enough to get a store in New York. Beneath that were listed 'favors owed' and rough estimates at how that might translate into man hours. "I can understand if these figures would keep me from being a realistic customer, but the stress testing isn't just for my sake but to help your people possibly find ways to account for forces that simply didn't exist in your world." A glance back to KITT's direction, "He's a box in a car, but he's person enough to me and I'd really rather he not get hurt because of unknowns." 

:'''{{#var:543|Michael Knight (543)}} has posed:''' Devon reaches into his coat pocket and procures a couple of reading glasses that look very much at home on his face. Poring over Marrik's figures, he frowns. "The Knight Industries Two Thousand cost us upwards of eleven million dollars," he says. "A good portion of which was the man-hours and materials needed to create our patented multi-bonded shell." He looks up, the businesslike expression on his face... melting. "That being said... /he/ is a person," he adds with a look of approval towards the mage. "And I believe Wilton would very much agree with your sentiment. I believe we can... misplace a small sample and sell the rest to you at cost, in exchange for your services. You'll have to cash in on a fair amount of these... favors, but you can rest assured we're not going to come beat your door down. Once upon a time, we were a small business much like yours." He reaches into his drawer and pulls out a calculator, as well as a sheet with information on the exchange rate of credits to dollars. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "Well I'd be quite willing to hold off on anything other than the sample til I actually have enough to make it feel less like you're donating to charity mister Miles." Marrik wasn't fazed by the pronouncement. Sure he was disappointed, but you don't build something next to indestructable cheap. Even magic had it's costs. Marrik stood with his notepad ready and watched as Devon ran the numbers. "Beyond simple stress testing though I do want to see how it simply reacts to magic. Take Gold, dense but next best thing to worthless in terms of strength. Makes for a good material to enchant because of it's solidity though and if you do it right," He pulled a solid gold gauntlet out of his coat. "At a minimum about four times as strong as steel." The gauntlet was sat on Devon's desk. Finely worked gold work with fully articulated joints and simiprecious stones at the knuckles. "Personally too heavy for my liking, far too heavy, plus you can imagine what the materials cost would be like." That is to say nightmarish. 

:'''{{#var:543|Michael Knight (543)}} has posed:''' Devon takes a look at the gauntlet, admiring its construction and its beauty. How different it is from KITT--the sleek, fast hunter versus the ornate and unwieldy implement. It's intriguing how different they are. "Interesting," he says. He's not above picking the gauntlet up and toying with the fingers to observe their articulation. Apparently, he enjoys fine details. A beat later, he sets the gauntlet down and gives Marrik his full attention. "If you'll agree to sign a non-disclosure agreement, I can begin processing your requests and have the relevant accomodations made and ready for you by next week? We'd all prefer if this didn't reach the civilian sector of the Union, the fuel project especially. It might have a destabilizing effect on the economy, and the oil companies of our world are already debating raising their prices to match that of more modernized worlds." 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' With a small bow Marrik took the gauntlet and tucked it away. "Naturally." A small thin smile, "I've had to find and make avalible books on what magic can and cannot do easily just to ease people away from the fearmongers. So I am very much in the 'not wanting panic' camp." Another item came out of his cost; a leather bound book declaring itself as an entry level primer to magic and the fundamental force. "A gift from me to you, since information is always the best way to fight ignorance, and I do not want friends and allies left in the dark." 

:'''{{#var:543|Michael Knight (543)}} has posed:''' Once again, Devon finds himself surprised at Marrik's generosity and impressed with the character of Michael's friends. Perhaps Wilton's decision to place him in the Pilot Program was more astute than he originally thought. "Thank you very much, Marrik," says Devon. He stands up, brushing off his three-piece suit more as a practiced gesture than out of any necessity, and untacks one of the plastic nets keeping the books above him from toppling onto his head. He files the book away for safe-keeping, then opens a drawer on his desk, putting away the calculator and the papers from before. He then opens a different drawer and retrieves a couple of legal forms. "Here you are," he says, handing them over to the mage. "Non-disclosure agreements, liability waivers, business arrangements." 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Once these forms were brought out Marrik read them over exceedingly carefully. It wasn't that he didn't trust Devon or Knight Industries, but he had been gifted with power by people that would delight in the idea of catching prey in the details. To him it all seemed quite sensible, and provided both parties with obligations they had to follow that boiled down, to him, 'don't try cheating the other guy,' and in the waver's case 'You're about to do something dangerous. whatever happens is on your own head.' Then he signed both forms before pulling out a hard shelled binder in preperation to take his copy once Miles signed. "Actually very reasonable." A small chuckle as he sat your pen back on the desk. "Apologies for the tedious re reading, but I have had to deal with would be business partners that try slipping unreasonable demands," like eternal servitude even after death, "Into legal papers." 

:'''{{#var:543|Michael Knight (543)}} has posed:''' Devon... chuckles. "We're more than familiar with the concept. Aerospace and defense are rather... competitive fields, shall we say, and we often do see that behavior from our less scrupulous competitors." A pause is afforded to those competitors. "Well, now that that's in order, I believe we should formalize the deal with a bit of tea in my office--my real office. We should be there quite soon." 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "That is always a good way to finalize a deal." Marrik agreed as he tucked his copies of each form away. "With any luck at all this will give your people useful material to work with for down the road." He found himself relaxing around Devon. There was much the same feel he had now that he had with the man who had both showed him the ropes with commerce and gave him the store he had worked out of before he unified. "A pity this material is so costly. Would make pretty good body armor." Then again forces had to go somewhere, and while Marrik wasn't an engineer he understood there was no such thing as a free lunch. There was always a trade off. 

:'''{{#var:543|Michael Knight (543)}} has posed:''' Devon nods in agreement. Eventually, the semi comes to a halt, its air brakes hissing. The back of the trailer opens up, revealing the regional headquarters of Knight Industries. KITT and Bonnie promptly exit, though Michael does stick around to clap Marrik on the shoulders. "You two have fun working out the kinks. i'm gonna go hit the snack machine." With that, the loner is down the ramp and on his way to the building proper. Devon gathers a few of his things into a smartly made leather briefcase, then gestures to the ramp. "After you, Marrik," he says with that same genteel smile from before. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' There was an approving nod before Marrik walked off the ramp and waited by the front door in order to open it for Devon. Plus he had no idea where anything was. Politeness cost nothing and these 'modern' worlds interested him. He didn't like the level of automation, but there seemed to be plenty to go around. Granted he didn't see the poor chunks of these worlds yet, but just from what he'd seen it wasn't nearly as bad as he feared. 

}}

531/Time out for Tea.

2014-09-17T02:52:24Z

AncientGorilla: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2014/09/03 |Location=The Maw |Synopsis=After helping Quote rescue Sue Marrik has a visit from a new friend at his shop. |Thanks= |Cast of Character..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2014/09/03
|Location=The Maw
|Synopsis=After helping Quote rescue Sue Marrik has a visit from a new friend at his shop.
|Thanks=
|Cast of Characters=525, 541
|Tinyplot=
|Tinyplot2=
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' The maw was probably the deepest hole in the multiverse. At the very it is the deepest one with settlements around the edges. Around one such settlement was a sprawling market. In this market of drow, troll, goblin, people, and things that seemed to defy description out of spite sat a shop. It was a nice well kept two story building flanked by other buildings in a row. If Inga asked the residents might be helpful, or rude, all in universal agreement Marrik detested the drug peddlers, and those that sold to children had a bad habbit of disappearing around him. 

:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:''' An invitation for tea! Well, that's nice. Any excuse to get out of Kingsmouth for a bit is welcome, especially for tea and presumably stimulating conversation. Getting there was a bit difficult. Of course, he'd given her directions, and she'd followed them, but she'd gotten rather distracted in the market on the way. She had a bit of money and some things that could be traded, so she had a bag of various things she'd been missing. This has put her in a rather good mood already. A mood that wasn't even dampened by some rude...troll thing...from trying to get in her way, thinking she was easy pickins. Said Troll is now covered in festering boils and complaining mightily that his insides are roiling with pain. So, with a smile, Inga knocks upon the door. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' The shop door opened on the second knock and As they did so a heat shimmer in the shape of a hand gave the single fingered 'come here' gesture. Beyond the door was something that was mix of personal library neatly arranged on one side complete with wingbacked chairs here and there to give patrons a chance to browse. The rest of the store was given over to scrolls, potions, adventuring supplies, and more than a few daggers and other small weapons on display. At the counter Marrik stood and on seeing his guest smiled warmly. "Ah, hello there miss. Come in. Please." As soon as Inga stepped inside the specteral hand gently closed the door and flipped the sign to tell patrons he would be closed. 

:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:''' Inga's eyes widen briefly at the appearance of the spectral hand--these flashy sorts of magic are still fairly new to her. She's only beginning to learn these sorts of things are possible. The motions is understood, so she enters, looking around the shop a moment before her eyes settle on Marrik. "Miss? Miss what?" she asks, moving further inside. At the invitation to sit, she does so most gratefully, leaning her walking staff nearby. She's dressed similarly to last he saw her, in an incredibly old fashioned (at least for most places she's been) outfit consisting of a blue dress made of soft wool, embroidered with silver knotwork, two silver brooches clasped at the shoulders of the overdress. It is consistent with outfits worn in Scandinavia in the dark ages. "Thank you for the invitation--this is a fascinating place. I wish I'd known it was here sooner. I was able to pick up some things I'd been lacking," she says, indicating her bag. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "Miss, as in missus," Marrik chuckled soft as he made the specteral hand disappear. "Tea?" He asked as he ducked into the back room to get snacks from storage and quickly put a kettle on. "Sorry for the flash, but I've been meaning to practice my utility a bit more." A smile as he offered a platter of cheese and ham slices. Nice thick chunks of both and plenty of it along with several yeast rolls. "Amazing how handy a third hand can be, even if it can't carry much." Such as sweeping, or getting things from the top shelf. 

:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:''' The word is still foreign to her, but she has surmised its meaning now. "Please, call me Inga," she says. "Tea would be much appreciated. I love the leaves far from the east--ah, was was east in my world, anyway. Very confusing," she says. When food arrives, she smiles again, glad it isn't something...odd. Cheese, meat and bread she can understand at least. "Thank you," she says, and takes a few hearty bites of cheese. "Mmm, the hand? That is very interesting. I am sure it is convenient. How do you control it? Is it a house spirit?" she asks. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "Actually it is my own magic given form." Marrik explained as a six inch tall pixie buzzed through the shop. "Actually west where I'm from, little different but close enough." He took a piece of ham, cheese, sliced a roll open, and made a sandwich. "So, those bone wards? Interesting construction, your own design?" 

:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:''' Inga raises a brow. "Your own magic given form...so, you use ah..anima as the others call it. I wonder if I could learn to do such a thing," she muses. The small creature is observed with a wide smile. "What manner of creature are you?" she asks. "An elf?" she guesses. Inga takes ham next, taking a few bites. "The bone ward? My design? It is is simply how these things are done. It is as it was taught to me by the cunning woman who trained me, and she was taught before that...it is just known," she says, shrugging her shoulders lightly. "Things work differently in these...other worlds I understand, but this it how it is done for me." 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "An impressive thing still," Marrik said as he watched sparks hover up to Inga. "Just a Pixie." Sparks smiled warmly and brushed back pink hair. "I help with the place, mail, all that." Then she flitted off to check the kettle. "I know the basics of blood magic, but I'm... well I'd prefered to work directly with the forces of Life for my work." 

:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:''' Inga smiles, nodding to accept the compliment. "A..pixie? Well, a pleasure to meet you," she replies. Some sort of house spirit then, most certainly. "Mmm, I noticed some of the things you were doing, though everything was a bit chaotic. What were you doing? The forces of life? What is that if not blood and bone? Do you speak of anima? Or what did Ainsley call it....mana?" she asks. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "It is... slightly different." Marrik seemed hesitant as he tried to explain. "It could be done the same, but I'd been trained to do without and work directly with the life a body generates." Small shrug before he heard a whistle from the back room. "Pardon." He got up as the specteral hand fetched a pair of cups, honey, spoons, a tin with tea leaves, and strainers as Marrik himself came back with a kettle of hot water. "Those back home would get this by murdering others. I'd revived the practice of leeching from myself or fro vermin. Otherwise I'd have given it up since I have no connection to the elements to draw from." 

:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:''' Inga watches with obvious fascination as the hand helps fetch things, nibbling a bit of bread while the tea is brought. The appearance of the honey causes a wry smile to appear. "...Our wisdom flows so sweet," she mumbles, helping herself to a spoon, which she first drizzles over the bread then stirs into her tea once it is poured. "I thank you for your hospitality. Once I have a place of my own again I shall return the favor if I can," she informs Marrik. Then, back to magic. This she has to think about for a good while. "I heard you talk of sensing the dead. I saw you sort of...bleed the life from the creatures. I would like to see it done," she replies. "It is like...making a sacrifice, yes?" she says, smiling then, a little excited. Finally, perhaps someone who understands these things! 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "Ah," Marrik stirred honey as he tried thinking how to put it. "Setting aside the fact I have problems murdering thinking beings when it isn't kill or be killed yes. A sacrafice would grant considerable power, a willing one even more since there is next to no resistance to fight against." He gestured to his chest with a loaf of bread, "Animals provide some, but it takes a lot to even come close to a person." A chuckle before taking an experimental sip of his tea. "Of course that spell I used on Igor is a modified version of what I do to crops. Yank the life out of weeds or pests or vermin and funnel it into what I want sustained. Funny how useful simple gardening tools can be. My teachers had me flogged the first time I explained what I was working towards." Small headshake as his mind dwelled on those withered men that saw only weapons of war in the people they scraped up. "Said no value in a fight. Ha, that'd show em. Well, it would if I hadn't turned them into compost for putting me on an alter." 

:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:''' Inga listens, an eyebrow rising. "Animal sacrifice is proper. The gods must have gifts for the gifts they have given us. Human sacrifice is powerful, and also proper--provided it is done correctly. Tch, such difficulty explaining..." she frowns for a moment, thoughtful. "In battle, those killed are sacrifices to Odin. Voluntary sacrifice. One does not fight if they do not accept death as being possible. The sacrifices to Freyr, to Thor for good harvest...these are also good. An honor--tch...much better than this...prison I have heard about," she explains. A small smile. "Your teachers? Did they try to sacrifice you?" 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "Our gods left us," Marrik explained. "Something about an onrushing storm. Grandad was sorta thin on details when he visited last." Yea, if you counted the dead man's spirit getting pulled from beyond by insane cultists thinking the man was their chosen one as visiting. Marrik grunted. "These sacrifices were made to noone save themselves to give greater power. I suppose back before the war it was as you said, but necromancy brought the world out of balance and left it corrupted. All because of a few who rather wished the wheel of life to stop than leave peacefully when their time was done." 

:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:''' Inga sips her tea, relishing the smell of the roasted leaves and the sweetness of the honey. This is a welcome break from fishmen and the undead, for certain. She sets the cup down, listening to his story, something beginning to prickle her senses, the oncoming storm, as it were. Quite suddenly Inga gets to her feet, reaching accross the table to seize Marrik by the hands, spinning her tea in the process. But she does not notice. Her eyes widen, rolling back in her head, her body growing tense as she is gripped by the powerful magic of a vision; will it be past, present, or future? Inga speaks, her voice carrying a certain tone that makes the small hairs on the back one one's neck stand out and the heart beat quicken. It carries the tone of the uncanny, of the Norns that see the pattern in its entirety. This, only a small glimpse, but it is clear just how powerful the magic that flows through her is in that moment. "Darkness, a barrow beneath the ground where light cannot penetrate--flickering candle flame like stars in the night sky. Friends, ripped from life--a man with skin like old velum, sacrificial knife in hand...oh but the Old Man is wise and his reach is far, his wisdom speaks through space and ages...the old are wise, whispers in the dark...knowledge...a heavy knowledge..." she trails off, her grip tight on his hands for several moments after she's gone silent. Finally, Inga collapses back into her chair, her body shaking as the vision leaves her and she begins to come back to herself. As her eyes clear, she recalls what just happened and a shudder runs through her, followed quickly with embarrassment she tries to shove away, wrapping herself in her dignity again. "...I appologize. I've spilled the tea," she says. Well, it's a start. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Marrik blinked when Inga moved. Given her leg she was not usually this quick and then. Somewhere he noted the tea spilled but her words caught his attention. Comprehension dawned and his eyes widened as he looked at the cunning woman. When she finished he just sat there staring at nothing. "How?" He asked in a bare whisper. "Gods above and below how?" 

:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:''' Inga blushes slightly, looking away, her lips set in a thin line of momentary discomfort before she schools her features and looks back to the man. "The gods have decided to show me a vision--of your past it would seem. I...know it is terribly uncomfortable and I appologize. I have no control over them when they take me like that. It is like a wave that rushes over me, I must just let it toss me around before I come up again for air," she explains. A deep breath is taken. She straightens in her seat, then reaches to right the cups that she'd knocked over. "I...am sorry, for what you went through. A terrible thing," she says, her hands still shaken. It was terrible for her, too. It is not that she just watches from afar--obviously, the feelings of the vision seep into her as well. "They tried to bring the end of the world?" she asks, a bit awkward now. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Again the spectral hand shimmered as a towel floated to where the tea spilled. In spite of how fragile the cup looked and felt it bounced harmlessly against the wood floor. Marrik sighed soft as he looked over at Inga. His eyes refocused and he nodded slow. "When I got pulled in they caught me with tripe about the world being so broken and corrupt no matter what good was done it would fall. Better to finish the job and try rebuilding new by their logic." By his tone he disagreed. "And I believed them for a time." This was not an easy thing to admit to. Falling in with a bad crowd was one thing. Falling in with this lot was worse. "They... offered me what I wanted. No strings they could pull because how do you take magic from someone?" Bitter laugh. They had clout. They had friends, and could do worse than kill him if he acted against them. Such is the folly of youth. Nevermind he was still a young man. 

:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:''' Inga watches the hand clean up the mess, but she'll help if allowed. It was her fault. Or the gods. But one doesn't blame the gods for spilled tea! If it helps things for Marrik to talk, she'll listen. She is interested of course, and pleased at least that he hasn't thrown her out after that display. She's a knowledge of him now, and knowledge is a powerful thing. "Hmm. It can be difficult to walk the correct path. Mistakes are made...I'm sure they made a good arguement," she says, pursing her lips as if she'd tasted something sour. Most of these worlds seemed sour after the things she's seen. Yes, she can very much understand, even if she would not go to such lengths. "If the gods had fled your world...that is sad indeed. I worry it is the same for the place I have found myself. They are there, I know...but not as they should be. The world has forgotten them," she says, frowning deeply. "I will see them given their proper worship...if I cannot get home once my task is complete," she continues, an edge of iron to her voice. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Sparks watched as Marrik got up to get more tea poured and let Inga help clean the mess up. Sure it was the host's responsibility to present a clean place for their guest, but it was insulting to refuse help offered even if strictly speaking the guest wasn't to blame. "Not fled. Left to pre-empt worse from coming. Sorta couldn't elaborate but it's like me leaving the homestead with the kids having to fend for themselves because I know somebody's bringing their buddies over to burn the place and there's nobody left to mind things because everyone else is helping me." He grunted and sat Inga's now refilled tea cup on the little table between the chairs. "The druids are right though. Most people inteterested in Necromancy just want easy Power for selfish ends." 

:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:''' Inga nods. "I see. The gods have gone to fight a larger battle...I see. Still, they should be given sacrifice surely. Empower them for this," she says. She smiles to Sparks. Goodness but she needs a place of her own and a house spirit for it. Inga takes the refilled cup and sips. "Druids...this is a word I know. It it was the god-people were called in Britainnia. I have heard of the famous Merlin, a druid of great power." 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "Thing is other than a few most of the celestials outside of War and Harvest outright forbade sacrifice." Another tea sip for Marrik, "Then again other accounts put it as somethi more complex. Without actually being able to ask and most of the records either burned or kept locked away it's kinda hard to figure out what was proper." 

:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:''' Inga nods. "Ah, I see," she says, though she isn't sure why any god would forbid sacrifice. Inga shakes her head. "Burned or locked away--see this is what is wrong with keeping all knowledge written," she says. "It should be kept in the mind, kept with the living and passed down...I can see the appeal of writing, I suppose, but it seems..something could become lost in the writing, without the people to keep it living..." Inga shrugs it off then, her own musings. "The market here is interesting. I wish I had more to trade. There are some things I could use that are surprisingly hard to find in Kingsmouth. Strange place, though I have now seen stranger..." 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "What things?" Marrik asked. "I'd consider even trade if you keep visiting once every so often for tea. Nice to talk shop. Can't say I like some of the things from your home, but they are what they are. You are a good woman at heart." He watched as Sparks fetched paper and pen for him. "And Sparks here is no house spirit. If she wanted to leave I'd wish her well and offer her anything she needed. Least I can do for a friend." Small smile then as he checked the pen for ink. "Maybe could see if one of the local pixies would be willing to help out?" 

:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:''' Inga blinks, watching Sparks fetch paper. Again with the writing things down. Does no one remember anything these days? "Ah, I have a number of herbs I cannot find around Kingsmouth...I could certainly use a goat or two--and goodness, a horse would be fantastic I have been riding in cars and it is terrifying," she sighs. Inga looks vaguely affronted now. "A good women, yes. A god-person. You are mistaken if you think a house spirit is one you keep by force. A house spirit...you can try to lure one, but you must treat them right or they will leave--or worse, do bad things to yourself and your property. The spirits are to be respected," she replies. "The problem is, I do not /have/ a home." Inga takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. "Well then...I'd be happy to keep visiting. I have...a place in Kingsmouth. Our 'base'. We are having...a number of problems there. Perhaps you might come and assist if you feel so inclined. Oh, I can show you my bone fence. If you thought those wards were impressive--tch, you must see a true bone fence." 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Laughter was Marrik's response to how offended spirits could get. "Definitely sounds like pixies. Can either be nice or horrible but too many sit and freaking ignore them." When Inga spoke of Kingsmouth he mmed thoughtfully, "What impressed me was speed. I'd seen bone constructs before. Several types of automita can be made from a single bone. Dumb but good for repetetive menial tasks. Will like to see this place and help if I can." Goats, horses. he didn't bothered to write anything down yet. "Neighbor is a lizard woman that works with herbs and tends to deal easy. Bit barmy but a deal is a deal for her." 

:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:''' Inga smiles, nodding. "These creatures, called different things at least share things in common," she laughs lightly. "Well...I am getting better at these things...doing them quickly. I am learning some new things as well--Ainsley is teaching me some elemental magic while I teach her blood magic. But some magic is too powerful to do quickly. It is worth taking the time to do it well," she replies. "Ah, another lizard woman...interesting. If I suspect she is trying to swindle me...well, I do not think she will try," she says with complete confidence. That troll is probably still praying for death out there. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "You should see the slug that tried selling me tainted goods." Marrik gave something of a less than wholesome smile. "It is never nice to cross someone that was trained in disease and can do worse if he's crossed." There was no pity or remorse that person died. Also when he said slug it was a litteral slug with arms and legs. "The ghost hand is easy. As are my other utility magics. Lazy, and I stil prefer doing by hand, but it helps me get more work done." 

:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:''' Inga laughs then. "Well said. A troll in the market thought I looked like easy prey. I image he is finding his festering boils and...internal troubles to be rather irksome about now," she comments. "Well, I don't suppose you could show me how it is done?" she asks about the hand. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' At that request Marrik stood and went through the casting process slowly, step by step, and intentionally making sure anyone sensitive to the flows of magic can see how everything fits. "This is the one thing my teachers were good about. Making sure there were a few useful general magics that makes life a little easier. Do you want !e to go over the summoning again?" The hand wavered in front of Inga before winking out. Then Marrik again went through the steps again to give his audiance a chance to see how it worked. 

:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:''' Inga watches and listens, frowning with concentration. Despite understanding how it works in theory, she cannot seem to get it. A sigh. "Perhaps I will try it another time. It is...different in ways. I think perhaps I will have to think of how I would do it with the knowledge I have," she comments, thoughtful. "A pity, an extra pair of hands would be good. Ah, well." 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "Well it took me a lot of time to get even the basics," Marrik reassured. "And I had no basis or preconception to get in the way." He reached out to take Inga's hand. "Information is expensive, but at the same time it wants to be free." 

:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:''' Inga looks down as he takes her hand, eyebrows rising. "Hmmm, yes, I suppose so," she answers, thinking this over. "Well, I had better be going," she said, withdrawing her hand. "You will come to Kingsmouth? There is a way. You must take the world tree--I'm afraid I'm not the best to ask for directions but I am sure you will find your way," she says with a smile. "Again, thank you for your hospitality.' 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "I have friends that can help me find the way." Marrik bowed slightly to Inga and he walked with her to the door before holding it open. "Fair you well Inga. I will see you sometime soon." 

}}

525/Cave Story 2: Seeking Sue

2014-09-17T02:51:50Z

AncientGorilla:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2014/09/01
|Location=Flying Island
|Synopsis=Quote puts out a call for people to help find a little lost girl named Sue. Lots of people show up to help.
|Thanks=
|Cast of Characters=3, 8, 42, 151, 234, 279, 304, 403, 437, 512, 525, 541
|Tinyplot=
|Tinyplot2=
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:403|Quote (403)}} has posed:''' "Welcome, friends." the robot says, smiling. Again, the smile seems genuine but it's not clear whether that's because he's cleverly programmed to appear genuine or whether he's actually showing emotion. "I know you've been... sent to find that girl, Sue Sakamoto. I checked with all the Mimiga and she hasn't been seen in days. Not since before the Doctor and his minions attacked." he explains. "She was staying with Toroko and Arthur, and with Toroko ... gone, no one could get inside the house. Well, I found a key up by Arthur's grave. Maybe Toroko dropped it at some point. Well, I came in, found some messages on the computer, and decided to follow the teleporter to see if Sue was on the other side."     He leads people into Arthur's house, then to the transporter. "Follow me." he encourages, before hopping up onto the pad and shimmering into nonexistence.     The teleport pad shimmers, taking everyone in turn into the Egg Corridor. As the portal distortion fades, a new set of caverns can be seen. Unlike Mimiga Village, this chamber seems quite artificial. Where Mimiga Village was hewn from what appears to be a natural cave, this cavern appears to be deliberately and mechanically constructed.     Behind and below the portal pad, an opening leads downward into a close, confining dark tunnel. There is a hint of movement below, a certain rush of feet moving quite a bit faster than any normal person or creature is likely to run. Ominous, but then there seems to be plenty of life within this cavern. In the distance, hoppers twitch and bounce along the rooftop runway down the cavern. Huge creatures, looking like boar the size of elephants, placidly wallow and graze. They will, however, charge anyone who comes near their grazing areas. Hoppers will attack by bouncing whenever anyone comes close to them, aiming to bounce into targets or smash someone flat. Occasional giant beetles fly, particularly in the narrower well-protected sections of the cavern, angrily defending their nesting grounds. Even above the teleport pad there's movement, a vague flash of green that might resemble a human.     Quote gestures around. "As you can see, it looks a little dangerous. Something seems to have enraged the creatures here. I can't imagine a human child going through this place alone with all this..." he waves a hand vaguely, gesturing at the creatures about. "Not unless she was quite capable at least. And if she is, there's probably no rush. But if we can find her, you can offer her a way out. I thought you'd be interested in joining me, exploring." he suggests. 

:'''{{#var:234|Lu-Mey (234)}} has posed:'''     Of course the Union would be present, coming to the aid of others for their altruistic reasons, but not everyone here is so giving in nature. A reward was promised, and frankly as is ever the case with giant floating islands, they're probably rife with who knows what kinds of grand magic and technology to acquire and... Re-allocate.     Thusly, the current and only Confederate envoy to the floating island arrives, sidling right in through the teleporter and sauntering along like she owns the place, Lu-Mey suddenly just drapes herself over Quote's shoulders like she owns him, too, a complete and blatant disregard for anything even CLOSE to personal space.     "Ooooh you found the key~? Well isn't that proactive of you~." 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' The details of events leading up to this were fuzzy to Marrik. For him all that mattered was there was a missing child and at the mention of caves he packed what he thought was appropriate for the situation. Instead he found himself confronted not with a natural cave harness and line was intended for, but instead artificial and� Apparently populated. "So something has the critters stirred up," He didn't know what 'normal' was for here so shots in the dark. "Human girl?" A frown formed on his face as he reached out with his senses to see if any human spirits were in the cavern. Unlike when he called the dead in the two battles he had to in Invalice this was a whisper rather than command. Him seeing if anyone was home. Also unlike those times before he was hoping to not hear anything. A 'nobody was home' would tell him the girl was still alive. Metaphorical crickets chirped at his call and Marrik smiled as he pulled his hand back. "I do not know where she is, but if she's here she's alive." This to nobody in particular and seemingly intended for anyone else that had joined in the search. 

:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''     This time, Staren is armored up. Some people are probably used to seeing that by now... Just how long is he going to stay a mighty robot? Well, noone's asked.     Staren leads Inga through the warpgate, looking around briefly to see that nothing much has changed. He nods and listens to Quote's retelling, and then... Um, okay, he's a bit lost as to why Sue would go to this place, but okay...     The artificiality strikes him. This doesn't look like the work of the Mimigas, nor the mysterious mage. "Who /built/ this?" Then he remembers that the Doctor's other minion appeared mechanical. "The 'Doctor'?"     Staren looks down the corridor, taking it all in and scratching his head. 'Well,' he says softly, 'I don't see a body...'     Staren thinks for a moment. "She can't have made it by those monsters. We should check for hiding places nearby." First, he makes his way up to the mysterious green figure. "Hey! I mean, um... Hello! Did you see someone come through here before us? ...And who are you?" 

:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:''' Inga would rather forget the way she clung to Staren's arm as they went through the teleporter, her eyes wide with terror, her mouth set in a thin line as she struggled to cling to her dignity. She does manage not to scream, though she does grumble about the whole business once they are through. "Almost makes me prefer those cars...why does all transportation have to be so terrifying?" she sighs, smoothing the fabric of her embroidered wool dress. The long sleeves of her underdress have been cut short out of necessity--they'd been to bloodstained to save. A missing girl. Even in a strange land, a missing little girl is something she will help with. Her skills might actually prove usefull. Inga eyes the beasts, nodding at the warning. She clutches her wooden staff in hand, leaning on it slightly, eyes narrowing slightly toward the way ahead. Inga looks toward the one who seems to be leading this mission. Inga clears her throat; "Is there any object that was the girl's perhaps? I could possibly use it to help find her," she asks. A women appears then, and throws herself at the Quote. Inga merely raises an eyebrow. She then looks toward Marrik, lips pursing thoughtfully, wondering just how he knew the girl was alive. Obviously, Inga hopes as much. 

:'''{{#var:304|Black Arachnia (304)}} has posed:''' Interesting little info dump, thinks Black Arachnia as she listens to the more human-looking robot summarizing the situation. If only more briefings were that short, sweet, and to the point. Admittedly, there's also a lot of information that Quote *didn't* cover with that brief precis, but you can't have everything. "I don't suppose you kept copies of those files for other cybernetics to review?" she asks Quote once we're in the Egg Corridor ... and as she takes in the surroundings, she makes a decision. "Beast mode." And with that, the initially(?)-humanoid robot reconfigures herself into the form of a very large cybernetic-looking spider. She may not be able to get all of her traversing done this way, but being a giant spider might be more conducive to sneaking along without picking fights than staying in humanoid configuration. 

:'''{{#var:151|Ainsley (151)}} has posed:'''     This particular crisis is something Ainsley is new to. The robot's welcome gets a look of mild surprise from her, and more when he explains what they're all here for. She nods at him once as everyone heads inside of the house... briefly she contemplates what magic affinity she should focus on, frowning. A frown that grows in size when Lu-Mey's presence is recognized, and she starts acting creepy toward Quote.     She stares at Lu-Mey for a while but she's not quite sure why. Instinct just makes her feel oddly hostile toward the oni woman. She brushes that off as a simple dislike of people being clingy with people they don't know very well.     "I will check up ahead," she tells the others, once everyone has arrived. She spares a glance at Lu-Mey and then Black Arachnia, as if distracted. She nods at Quote once, and then begins marching forward at something of a careful pace. She's got a reasonable handle on the path ahead, thanks to her visual abilities, so it's unlikely she'll get caught by surprise. She just tries to hop over any gaps and obstacles along the way, climbing and bouncing. If no one goes with her, she might just disappear into the tunnel ahead.     She's avoiding using her flight in here because it might cause arcing and that would zap any nearby electronics, of which she is certain are present in a place that looks so artificially built. 

:'''{{#var:3|Roll (3)}} has posed:'''     Roll's used to teleporting, but not quite like this. Following along, and finding herself in a vast artificial cavern, the Robot Master blinks a few times. She's not yet armed herself, though, being fairly unwilling to bring violence around towards anything without a really good reason. And since all the things out there are living creatures right now? She's pretty hesitant to bring out any weapons!     So instead, she's sticking near Quote. "Me neither. It's like a zoo without cages! All these beasts...? But if she didn't get past them, we'd... we'd find evidence, right? Blood? Clothes? ... Something...?" She's squicked and a little horrified at the thought, but proof that NOTHING got her means that she made it through. Probably.     She's sticking close to Quote at the moment, standing behind him and looking around. "Have you remembered anything yet? Your name, maybe?" 

:'''{{#var:512|Kanade Tachibana (512)}} has posed:'''     Kanade is here, despite being completely absent from the preceding radio conversation. It's not that she doesn't see the value in communicating, she just... rarely has much to say, and showing up is probably the most clear way of saying 'I'm here to help' anyway. The other members of the group might magically start to notice her shortly before they are met by the robot, but she promptly fades back out of existence to listen to some exposition. There's no real need for greetings here -- she doesn't know anybody. And it's probably best kept that way.     But still, she's here for those 'altruistic reasons', and she wants to help people, so she is judiciously attentive to all of the information delivered by the mechanical envoy. Dangerous creatures, they say? She mumbles the call words for the summoning of her blade as, in a soft but bright glint of shimmering magic not unlike that of the teleporter, a blade comes to rest on the back of her hand. She's ready for these 'dangerous creatures'.     ... and she has no intention of letting any cute bunny people get abducted today. The last visit already had enough heartbreak for her. And on that note, she sees fit to waste no more time while someone is lost. She heads out from the group and walks along the lifeless, metallic pathway, doing her best to avoid the 'nesting places' of the various organisms about. She might come dangerously close to them a few times, but fortunately, she notices this proximity and draws out her wings so that she may get more distance from them in the sky. Whether or not she had already riled them beforehand remains to be seen, though. 

:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:''' Deelel has returned once more looking more or less the same as she did before. She's following after Arthur light staff in hand as she goes. She's not talking much and more taking in the other people whom arrived as they head down below her staff's kept unpowerd for the moment however she's getting the idea this is going to be quite the run. 

:'''{{#var:437|Annie Sandberg (437)}} has posed:'''      It seemed like a girl was missing. And there were some cute bunny creatures involved. And robots. And her mother wanted to come. So, Annie decided it would be a good idea to join the others on this expedition. From the looks of things, the only things currently in their way are mindless-looking creatures. If she had to get in a fight, then, this would be the kind of place where she might not mind so much. She's sticking close to Maxine, however, hoping they can keep each other safe and out of trouble. 

:'''{{#var:279|Maxine Sandberg (279)}} has posed:''' Maxine's not bothered about going through the the teleporter. Still, she might not be the best person for this she isn't exactly the athletic type. She wants to help regardless though and is curious about the technology of this place. It would likely be best for her to keep close to everyone else. Especially Annie. Thought her daughter was likely better suited for this place. 

:'''{{#var:403|Quote (403)}} has posed:'''     Quote flinches away from Lu-Mey, looking quite uncomfortable indeed. Who'd have thought a robot would have a sense of personal space? Still, he doesn't know the first thing about the Multiversal War. Lu-Mey is as much his friend as Staren, Roll and the others. He assumes, with good reason, that she's here for the same reasons as the rest. Of course, that's mostly because he's only a few days old. It's pretty easy to be gullible when you have absolutely no perspective.     Instead of responding to the too-forward actions of the oni, he tries to focus on Black Arachnia. Her transformation is a bit disturbing, but not enough to make him upset. "Ah... I really don't know?" he shrugs, possibly trying to use the motion to get clear of Lu-Mey. "I don't remember anything past a few days ago. My memory appears to be corrupted, so I wouldn't suggest trying to interface. The records are on the computer though, in the house we passed through?" Arachnia can download files if she wants. As for actual video of the scenes... perhaps Staren has them. "I still don't really know what my name is." he says to Roll. "Quote or Curly Brace, I suppose." he shrugs.     Above the party, Staren confronts a greenish goblinoid. The creature blinks huge white eyes at him. "Looking for someone? There's things passing by all the time. Such as the Basil below. Don't go near it, if you know what's good for you. It's quite deadly." the oddly-misnamed Cthulhu says in a squeaky voice. It's entirely friendly, if a bit weird. "No one's been through here today that I know of, sorry."     Those who go off into the cavern, things get a bit hairy quickly. Flying giant beetles are a menace, and are quite aggressive to anything that isn't part of their natural ecosystem. Closer to the ground, the hoppers are just plain aggressive to anything not the size of an elephant. And as for the elephant-like things, they're prone to aggressively charge anything that gets near them as a matter of course. This is NOT a friendly place! 

:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''     Staren listens to this. Cthulhu seems a tad cryptic. There are plenty of questions, but Staren focuses on the most urgent one: "Well has anyone come through in the last week? Human or Mimiga?" 

:'''{{#var:304|Black Arachnia (304)}} has posed:''' Giant cybernetic spiders tend not to be part of any 'natural' ecosystem ... unless it's Cybertron or a similarly 'natural machine life-forms' world. On the plus side, Black Arachnia isn't really in the beetles' airspace - but those who look like they have hostile designs on the Maximal will find out that she has a simple, three-point plan for dealing with them: 1) Launch her mandible grapnel at the attacker 2) Whip the attacker into the nearest halfway convenient rock face, reeling them in to help with the whipping 3) Leech some nutrients from the body and let it fall. (Preferably right on Lu-Mey's head, but she won't go out of her way for it.) Sure, she has lasers, but they're not really positioned for convenient use in her spider mode ... and she doesn't feel like switching back to robot mode just to shoot it out with the local fauna. On the other hand, if enough beetles start homing in on her simultaneously that her mandible-whip trick isn't going to keep up, she may not have a choice. 

:'''{{#var:403|Quote (403)}} has posed:'''     The Cthulhu responds to Staren. "Well, yes. A Mimiga came through, a short time before everything got exciting. Oh my... you don't suppose she DID something, do you?" 

:'''{{#var:151|Ainsley (151)}} has posed:'''     Ainsley quickly encounters a problem. She is being attacked by pretty much everything in the tunnel at once, which would be a great deal more hazardous if she did not have the level of visibility that she does. She casts little crackling bolts of lightning at the beetles that fly at her, zapping them out of the air with a loud POP of their chitin and a cloud of dust. The hoppers get a similar treatment, with various zaps and at least one just gets punched in the face as it hops at her, sending it slamming into the floor.     However, she is largely avoiding trying to take all of them. There's no reason to fight all of the wildlife in this place, so she ducks under any hoppers that she doesn't have to hurt in order to advance. It's only the stray beetle here and there that really interrupts her.     The elephant things she avoids by hopping over them with a burst of her flight aura, keenly avoiding any direct conflict they might represent. 

:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:''' Inga is about to say something to Ainsley, but then the woman starts moving forward on her own. Inga lets out a sigh. This is apparently something she does. Inga will attempt to catch up to her if she can, after Quote answers her question anyway. If she had something that belonged to the girl, she could perhaps gain insight. A vision might be had. If not, she can still cast the runes and see what they tell her. Suddenly, one of the peoeple is no longer a person--but a giant spider creature. Inga practically trips over herself trying to get back, eyes widening as she curses under her breath. She reaches for the knife at her belt. It would seem however, that the creature is with them, as no one is attacking. Alright, well. There are all manner of things in the world...suppose this isn't any worse than anything else she's seen. Inga spots a coupld of familiar figues and waves to Maxine and Annie, smiling slightly as she moves toward the two. "Good to see you both again...perhaps we should stick together?" she asks. Staren has gone...somewhere, and Ainsley took off without even waiting for her to cast a ward. Though she supposes Ains is capable of making her own. "I can help to protect you from the things in here. Don't be alarmed," she says, pulling her knife from her belt. Without a moment's hesitation she takes the knife to her opposite arm and slices deep. Blood wells immediately, then is flicked from the blade toward Maxine and Annie, forming into a fine crimson mist that surrounds them both, envigorating and protecting them from at least some of the potential damage from incoming attacks. As no one seems to have anything from the missing girl, Inga sheaths her knife then reaches for one of the pouches at her waist. She reaches in and pulls out several bone-white object carved with futhark runes. She opens her palm to see if the runes have any insight into the situation. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Oh hey GIANT SPIDER WITH BIG GIANT FANGS! Marrik shrugged at the big spider before looking around. Occupational hazard when living in a troll market full of creepy things and living near the largest deepest hole in the multiverse. "OK, I came in expecting a more natural cave." His attention was drawn to Igna and he nodded once. "Still, anyone need anything before we-" Frown as Ainsley disappeared up ahead. He said nothing because he's seen just how well she could take care of herself and instead shrugged before focusing on the radio chatter via his pixie casting appropriate magics to keep him patched in. Sure something like the Union's common channels needed more complex magics, but here seemed just fine to patch into. It� Also proved educational on the mindsets of his fellow searchers. When he saw Black Arachnia climbing up the walls he grinned, "Good thinking! Just� Uh I don't think giant spiders are kid friendly." He grunted and started forward, just as the local critters got stirred up. His staff was pulled from apparently up his sleeve and green runes glowed along its length just in time to smack a beetle that tried divebombing him. As soon as the beetle touched the staff it withered and decayed enough that its momentum caused the now dessicated corpse to crumble to dust against the wood. He spun to do the same to a hopper and saw Inga slice her arm open. Blood magic? Not a route he considered, but noteworthy. Trouble is the bugs kept his attention too much to be bothered with more than a vague sense he'd want to talk to this woman later 

:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''     Staren was expecting the guy to say no, noone had come through. A human-turned-mimiga kid /can't/ have made it through all this... right? Unless she's an elite... but then, perhaps the animals were peaceful before. "And how long ago did things get 'exciting'?"     Whatever the goblin's reply, Staren's wings are out and he drops by anyone still on the starting platform only long enough to say, "A mimiga came through here!" before he's off like a shot, flying down the corridor. He draws a federation phaser from his bag, and a little silvery wire snakes out of his wrist and plugs into it to provide power.     Staren speeds after Ainsley. He can fly over the elephant things and the hoppers, so any beetles that get past Ainsley get faces full of stun shots.     Could Sue still be here? If so, he hopes they can find her before some particularly inquisitive animal does... somehow, he wouldn't be surprised if there's just another teleporter at the end of all this, though :| 

:'''{{#var:234|Lu-Mey (234)}} has posed:'''     "Aaaaaaaaaa[[User:AncientGorilla|AncientGorilla]] ([[User talk:AncientGorilla|talk]])<3"     That sudden, shrill, excited, and delighted squeal comes from Lu-Mey. She seems to entirely forget Quote when Black Arachnia takes on her mechanical arachnid form. Machine or not, the design seems to be one that sets the Oni off. And not in the way most people normally are when they see that mode.     Ah, but she only vaguely pays attention to Cthulhu. No one's been this way lately is still no means to not meander along, and she follows with the others, up until she suddenly... Sidesteps the corpse dropped on her. It's the NEXT beetle that she leaps up with a giggle and GRABS at it, hugging it to her chest and just blatantly ignoring the fact that it bites her throat clean open. Despite the horrible red mist of arterial spray, she squeezes it to her chest. "Oh gods they're so cute though. I'll name this one Ranchiki!" She squeals while slinging it under her arm and just holding it despite all the fight it puts up and how badly it starts mauling her. Most people would be dead by now.     "Ranchiki, you stop that!" She chides, stabbing the insect with a paralytic toxin and just... Not minding the fact that she is now bathed in her own blood, wounds slowly re-knitting themselves with the wiggle of white worms squirming inside the grievous lacerations and chomp-marks until she is back to being entirely, and perfectly fine.     And then she looks RIGHT AT AINSLEY. Two fingers point to her eyes. Then one to Ainsley. 

:'''{{#var:279|Maxine Sandberg (279)}} has posed:''' Fighting their way through likely wouldn't be the best idea if they can avoid. Maxine always prefer a non-violent solution but trying to reason with the animals and insects was likely impossible. She's not going to argue with Inga's offer of protection but she looks a bit concerned when the woman cuts herself. She takes advantage of the mist and starts running passing the odd creatures doing her best to try and not draw too much attention to herself. She shields herself as she does so, researching some kind of forcefield technology might not be a bad idea in the future. 

:'''{{#var:3|Roll (3)}} has posed:'''     "Well... I'll call you Quote then! Curly anything doesn't sound too guy-like!" Roll has clearly never seen the Three Stooges, but oh well. She beams up at Quote... only to ALSO flinch away upon realizing Lu-Mey's just RIGHT UP THERE with them both. She skitters away, without quite being sure why the Oni makes her so nervous.     Even more nervous with all these creatures around now than before, Roll just... sticks close to quote, while looking around for anything out of place. She's MUCH, much happier when Lu-Mey goes skittering off. It's like a pressure valve just got released! Her shoulders slump. "Whew... what's her problem...?" 

:'''{{#var:512|Kanade Tachibana (512)}} has posed:'''     Once she's airborne, Kanade stares back down at the ground to make sure one of those fury elephants isn't following her. But of course, one of them is... at least with its eyes. the hoppers can jump, but not exactly fly, and where she is right now she's probably at a safe range. So with little more than a short staring contest between the two, the hopper leaves Kanade be, likely focusing instead on one of the immediate threats to its life. The girl emits a small breath. She's just glad that she didn't have to kill it, really.     But unfortunately, those turquoise cows aren't the only trouble she has to contend with. No, no -- as soon as she turns around, she's assailed by a swarm of three beetles. Much to her surprise, they just come careening at her! She has to strafe out of the way, narrowly avoiding being hit by the one leading the charge. By the time they swoop in for another attempt, though, Kanade is ready for them. She has summoned another hand sonic blade on to her other arm, and is holding them both in front of herself now, making a sort of X-shaped shield. When they come close, Kanade uses the blunt sides to whack two of the insipid insectoids as they collide with the third and fall collectively as a heap to the ground. But even then, they don't die; they're just incapacitated.     Kanade Tachibana: Wouldn't even hurt a fly. Well, wouldn't -kill- a fly, anyway.     And the coast is clear afterwards, for a spell, so she alights on a steel outcropping looking over another artificial valley. She gives Lu-Mey a passing glance... before herself letting her eyes wander back to the small bug-heap that she left in her wake. 'Cute?'. She tilts her head. Maybe a little.     ... she meanders over to pet one. You know, because she can. 

:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:''' Deelel is looking to Quote and then to Lu-Mey she not sure she should sterp in there. However she does wonder about it either way she listen to Quote and drowns a bit. "I agree it would be bad to go about your head without your spechs it could be fatal to be honest." She looks bck to see the monsters ahead she looks at it for a moment as the thing warnds them. "Thanks for the heads up." She heads intro the cavern and is putting her staff to use to gun down the hostile creatures. 

:'''{{#var:437|Annie Sandberg (437)}} has posed:''' Annie continues to stay close to Maxine, also looking fairly unnerved by the ward. But it doesn't seem to be causing any problems for her systems, and it does make it easier to keep the creatures from pursuing too closely as she runs. She does occasionally have to veer out of the way of a beetle, and occasionally even swats one forcefully away like, well, a bug. 

:'''{{#var:403|Quote (403)}} has posed:'''     Quote advances into the cave, following Ainsley, Staren, Arachnia and Kanade. His little beam-gun is drawn, and he's quick enough to deal with the few threats that make it past them without getting stunned or fried. Except for the boar-elephants that is. Those he just jumps over. They're absolutely no threat to anyone who can jump or fly, and he sees no reason to pew pew something just because it's defending its nest, or lair, or whatever. And no, he's surely not advancing just to get away from Lu-Mey now that she's distracted! Surely not! He's a brave scout robot, and charging into danger is entirely his thing. Perhaps even charging into battle on the back of a giant boar-elephant. If, that is, he could figure out a way to make it turn. Sigh, badass as that'd be, it's probably impractical. He continues on, shaking his head at some of the things he's picking up. He's glad he invited these people along... this would be a lot harder alone. But it might also be kind of less troubling.     The Cthulhu shrugs. "We don't get many visitors here. I'd say it's been... a day? Two? Hard to tell the passing of time. I slept through most of it." it says apologetically. "Er... good luck?" it offers, as Staren flies off.     The cave is long and fairly simple to navigate, at least at the start. From the building marked with a 16, the group advances fairly easily. 15, 14, 13, 12...     Ahead, out of sight behind some pipes, a voice cries out. A young piping voice "There you are, you monster! You don't scare me!" There's a hint of motion, but nothing really can be seen of the 'monster' or the one who's shouting. A voice calls out though, deeper, powerful... LOUD. "GRAAAWR!" the voice bellows, a sound that seems to shake the entire cavern. 

:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''     "A day or two? How can she only be this far?" Staren wonders. In response to the voice... he makes a beeline for it! He needs to see this situation and sort out what's going on. Maybe Sue is an elite capable of taking care of herself, who knows? Maybe this isn't even Sue... 

:'''{{#var:151|Ainsley (151)}} has posed:'''     The squabbling between Sue and whatever she is confronting reaches Ainsley's ears, and the lizard girl immediately understands that there isn't much time to sit and think about what to do next. She begins hopping with a certain urgency from spot to spot, blithely overlooking most threats in her way at the time. It's only the ones that are, again, right up in her grill that she bothers dealing with.     At this point she is just using her bare hands to zap anything in her way. Zzzzap!     She tries to reach Sue with all the speed she can muster. She forgets about whatever reasoning she had for not flying, and uses her flight to advance. She does not want the girl to get eaten or killed, if she can do anything to stop it! 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Marrik gave an exasperated sigh at Lu-May's antics between bouts of going forward and sucking the life out of anything that came within staff range. Sure these didn't have a lot of life, but every little bit added to his power. Plus all they had to do was die for him to get to use it. Never mind everyone else did more killing, he still benefited. Anyone sensitive to the flow of life would be able to feel the flow from everything that died go towards the thin red headed staff wielder. The squeaky voice and cave shaking that followed prompted Marrik to start running. things that tried attacking him died. No staff or hand slapping away. They just died. He was mentally readying a web of forces as his right hand made a series of gestures. The girl was close and she was being attacked. He wasn't able to attack whatever it was because he couldn't see it, but he had power enough now to cast a spell ahead and at the roof of the cavern. It was no attack, and it was made to help his gardening. Sunlight started to impossibly shine down from on high seemingly with no source. It was as if someone managed to cut the roof of the cave off, dump daylight in, and close the cave without making the sunshine go away. It wasn't much, but it might be a distraction to whatever's up ahead. Combine that with a low rumble preceding his now amplified voice, "YOU WILL LEAVE THIS PLACE IMMEDIATELY. I GIVE THIS ONE CHANCE. WALK AWAY. NOW." 

:'''{{#var:304|Black Arachnia (304)}} has posed:''' That's not a terribly good set of sounds to hear when you're on a rescue mission, is it? Black Arachnia launches her mandible grapnel again, trying to latch onto a stalactite or other outcropping from the ceiling, and swings down, along, and back up - and twists around to repeat the process as well as she can. She may not be the first person in the group to reach the confrontation in progress, but she sure doesn't plan to be the *last* one ... and once she's got a sense of the situation, she can intervene better than she'd be able to out of ignorance. 

:'''{{#var:512|Kanade Tachibana (512)}} has posed:'''     Lu-Mey is pretty loud, so it shouldn't come as any surprise that her voice is what gets Kanade to look away from the buggy that she's petting, and to glance at her. But for once? She doesn't give a headtilt. This lady is obviously calling attention to something only true appreciators of the adorable can understand. And so, the infinite combustion engines of time and space churn to signify the creation of an invisible and abundantly significant social link. Because this is totally not superficial, and totally not something both of them will forget ever happened within minutes. To express this kinship, Kanade responds with the most deep and heartfelt gesture that her stoic demeanor can allow for: A thumbsup. Bugsbugsbugs.     Her affection for the almost complete stranger duly communicated, Kanade continues on, deftly avoiding any other threats along her path. The numbers on the buildings descend almost as swiftly -- actually, exactly as swiftly -- as she travels before finally, she hears a not-quite-distant cry. Words! Though she can't see whatever is happening, Kanade quickens her pace yet more, attempting to come to the aid of the one fighting off the 'monster'. If she is able to arrive in time, she would place herself in-between the attacked and the attacker, brandishing her blades in warning. If she doesn't... well. In that contingency, she'll figure things out depending on what said evil creature does next. 

:'''{{#var:279|Maxine Sandberg (279)}} has posed:''' Maxine's concerned as she hears that but she's not the type to rush blindly into danger. She lets the others stay ahead of her figuring they can handle this better than she can. Plus everyone charging in at once could lead to trouble. She stops a moment to catch her breath before continuing on. Going into combat while winded wasn't the best idea either. 

:'''{{#var:234|Lu-Mey (234)}} has posed:'''     There is no joke in saying that Lu-Mey has the attention span of a concussed gnat. The truth is she doesn't even seem to notice that Quote is trying to get away from her as fast as sanely possible- which is a perfectly normal reaction when in her presence.     And then she flashes thumb up and a -huge- toothy grin at Kanade.     Unfortunately she hugs Ranchiki a little too hard and cracks its carapice causing it to go SQUISH in a very nasty manner. "A-AH! RANCHIKI! NOOOOOOOOOO!" 

:'''{{#var:3|Roll (3)}} has posed:'''     Roll's been following Quote, but upon hearing all that noise... "That sounds like..." A person?! Is it Sue?! ... has she been in here for maybe a day? Who knows anymore... Roll's not gonna worry about it. Breaking away from Quote, she goes into a mad dash forwards! "You're not alone down here!" She calls out at top volume! 

:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:''' Deelel is also in the cave here keeping with Quote and evceryone else. She's making fast work of the monsters. She's can jmp pretty darn well too from the looks of things as she goes. She sees a sshe gets past the monster and soon she hears something ahead. Oh this does not sound good /at/ all here. She moirphs her staff into gun mode and gets ready to fight. "...here we go..." 

:'''{{#var:437|Annie Sandberg (437)}} has posed:''' "Sounds like... something big," Annie comments at the sound of the roar. She pauses beside Maxine, taking her hand to comfort her mother. "It looks like the others are going in to fight. We should get that person who's in trouble to safety!" With that, she lets go and rushes in to see what she might be able to do to help. 

:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:''' Inga moves forward as quickly as she can, but running is just not something that is possible for the woman. Her uneven gait quickens some, but she's still likely to be one of the last to arrive on scene. The girl's scream sets a fire in her though. Everyone who has rushed ahead is ready and able to take out the threat and protect the girl she is sure, but can any of them treat injuries? This she doesn't know, but she hopes she gets there in time if those particular skills are needed. "If anyone is injured, I can help!" she calls, just to establish this. 

:'''{{#var:403|Quote (403)}} has posed:'''     No one is immediately within sight of what happens next, as it follows immediately after the bellow. Still, a description of the events because some things need to be seen, even if only cutscened...     The monster in question looks sort of like a Mimiga with vivid red eyes and pointy fangs. Also it's huge, its head about the size of the adolescent Mimiga. Incongruously it wears green pants with the legs torn and tattered, and a green tie though it lacks a shirt. Were one particularly genre-savvy, one might imagine it looks a lot like the Hulk after sudden massive enlargement. The little Mimiga looks... well, it's a Mimiga. A small bunny-like creature wearing a blue pull-over. The difference in size would almost be comic if it weren't ominous.     Following the monster's bellow, the frail-seeming Mimiga roars right back. "WHAT! You want some of this?!?" she says, raising fists and smirking cockily. "Take your best shot! Even my big brother has never beaten me!"     The monster seems to understand, and advances on the Mimiga, lashing out with one immense paw. The Mimiga staggers with a squeak. "Ouch! Y-you got me!" The monster isn't finished however, punching again. By this point the little Mimiga is sobbing in pain. "Sorry! I'M SORRY!" No reply though, except another punch that knocks the little one sprawling. She IS tough however, surprisingly so. Despite devastating hits from a creature that could probably knock down a building, the Mimiga is merely moaning and cowering. 

:'''{{#var:403|Quote (403)}} has posed:'''     Igor doesn't respond to what's happened so far, not to the light, not to the shouts, not to the charging people. He has eyes only for the little helpless mimiga who apparently thought she could take him. 

:'''{{#var:304|Black Arachnia (304)}} has posed:''' The Maximal spider doesn't shed any more speed than she absolutely has to - particularly when the situation goes from 'one girl against one monster' to 'one monster beating up a helpless body'. Black Arachnia may not consider herself particularly heroic, but she's not really a huge fan of letting the weak be trampled by the strong. She takes advantage of her momentum from swinging her way here, calculates the arc coming out of her last swing and flip, and twists around on the way down to try and land hard on Igor's back - And immediately attempts to sink her palps into the giant's neck or upper back, and inject a broad-spectrum tranquilizer version of her cybervenom. .... which is when she realizes the flaw in her cunning plan: *getting off of the thing's back*. Oops. Well, she has the 'stupid' part of 'heroic' down, she thinks sardonically as she clings to her unintended mount and hopes not to get in the way of her allies' attacks. This monster's pretty big, there should be plenty for them to shoot that she won't block. Right? 

:'''{{#var:151|Ainsley (151)}} has posed:'''     The sound of squeaking impacts is something Ainsley immediately understands. Someone is getting their butt kicked by a great big beast. She flies as fast as she can, and only gets there after Igor has struck Sue several times. She spares a glance at the sprawled Mimiga, and then at Igor, and then Sue again--     She doesn't even think. She swoops in and tries to land, staggering. She runs to try to get to the tiny rabbit girl, hoping that she can provide a bit of healing magic to her in case she got anything broken from the beatdown she just received. The swap in mana affinity makes it impossible for Ainsley to fly anymore, though, dispersing some static electricity into the ground harmlessly. 

:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''     Staren flies down towards the two of them. "Sue! Sue, is that you?" Once he comes in view of Igor's face, he says, "Alright, you, prepare to--" He stops and stares. "...A Mimiga? What... who are you? What are you doing?" Briefly, he's surprised into not dashing immediately for Sue. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' When Marrik managed to get in sight of Sue, a giant red eyed mimigas stood a ways off and Sue was down. The whole sunshine thing had been an attempt at getting it's attention and failed. So what? He couldn't get between girl and monster in time so he instead focused his power into a single projected instance of kenetic force aimed at the creature's chest. it would feel something like a ham sized fist hitting if Marrik's aim was true. Trouble is he's rarely done this at range, instead usually preferring to use his fist or staff as focus. Projecting the magic itself without a physical focus was hard, and anyone looking at Marrik would see him making a single forward punch with one foot sliding at the same time as his fist. If it killed the beast so be it, but he hoped to simply knock it out. Why not aim at it's head? It's surprisingly easy to break someone's neck if they get hi the wrong way. except Black Arachnia had gotten on the creature's back. Maybe he should have aimed for it's legs? Too late now! 

:'''{{#var:3|Roll (3)}} has posed:'''     Roll can only wince. Horribly. At what she sees. The Mimiga seem tougher than most humans, and deserve some credit for that. But against THAT thing? "No, no chance...!" But Sue charges in anyways, and takes a whalloping.     Roll acts immediately. Without summoning up her armor, she extends a hand... and it transforms quickly into the Mega Buster - but colored grey?     *GWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWOOOOOOOPP!!* Huge glops of concrete launch from it after a preliminary spin-up. Super quick-drying concrete suitable for the heaviest-duty industrial construction Dr. Light could ever imagine - and that is quite industrial, knowing him.     Most of it's aimed at Igor's legs. Hopefully, he'll get stuck in place. Or maybe trip. Roll's just trying to foul up his movement, not eviscerate him! 

:'''{{#var:512|Kanade Tachibana (512)}} has posed:'''     Despite her best efforts, Kanade still arrives a bit later than some, and much later than Black Arachnia who is already on Igor's back by the time she gets there. So instead of charging as she did the last time something like this happened, she trusts in the strength of the others, and goes instead to Sue and Ainsley. She glances back at the lizard girl -- a nod and a look that says 'I'll be here', nothing more. And there she stays, keeping her hand-blades crossed over her chest as she had with the bugs before. Just in case Igor is able to break through the group and get to Sue, she'll be right in his way.     ... but something does catch her eye. Like the others have said, it looks a lot like a mimiga itself. Just... bigger.     And sort of unhealthy. 

:'''{{#var:279|Maxine Sandberg (279)}} has posed:''' The rabbit girl certainly is cute, but it looks like she could use some help. "Stay away from her!" Maxine's motherly instincts kick in as she gets closer to the fight. Still, it would be better to restrain the attacking monster then hurt it. She's well equipped for such matters as she removes a bomb from her lab coat and arms it. She then promptly tosses it at Igor and a few seconds later it explodes in a mess of sticky goo. 

:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:''' Inga arrives behind the others, trying to quickly take in the scene. Her eyes widen at the giant creature, the small...girl...? Rabbit girl. Still, a child. Can she reach her? Inga begins to move forward, a plan quickly forming in her mind. She reaches into one of the pouches at her waist and pulls out what appears to be finger bones. Leaning her staff in the crook of her arm, Inga then pulls out her knife and slices a new wound in her arm. She touches the finger bones to her blood one by one, her lips moving as she casts her spell. She throws one then, toward the giant mimiga, but not quite AT it. More between it and the girl. The bones have been charged with warding magic, as Inga tries to set up a barrier between the giant thing and the little girl it is trying to harm. 

:'''{{#var:437|Annie Sandberg (437)}} has posed:''' As the others attempt to restrain the monster, Annie tries to get to Sue. She might be putting herself directly in harm's way, but... better her than a cute fluffy thing! In any case, Inga's ward should help protect her from whatever beating the creature might attempt on her. But, will she even be able to get there? Will the restraints even work? That remains to be seen. 

:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:''' Deelel is uncertain as she sees the monger, she looks at the huge thing she brings up the staff which is in combat mode. She readies her stff and has tbe business end pointd at the monster. She now gets redy to move as she does so music starts up, due to this being a legacy of the session she was inolved in. It fires shots in time to the music before she breaks into run and calls out. "Hey ugly get GLTICHED!" 

:'''{{#var:403|Quote (403)}} has posed:'''     The Mimiga looks up, seeing people rushing in. "Who are you?" she asks, struggling to get to her feet. The answer will have to wait as Igor smashes Inga's bone ward and slams the Mimiga one last time. This hit seems too much, finally, and the monster scoops up its helpless 'opponent' with one massive arm. It turns to lumber away, only to be assaulted by a series of attacks. This is where a lack of coordination might end up causing some trouble.     Black Arachnia, ahead by the simple virtue of being out of the way and able to move cleanly around obstacles and critters, leaps on Igor and sinks her fangs into him. The giant Mimiga-like form howls and thrashes, trying to flee with its prize. It's too big to be stopped entirely by her paralysis attack. Its thrashing does, however, put Arachnia in the path of Marrik's kinetic bolt, effectively shielding it and quite probably knocking her sprawling. Deleel's blaster shots singe it (possibly further threatening Black Arachnia as well), but the creature doesn't even notice the damage.     But wait, there's more! Insta-dry cement and a glue bomb! Igor howls once, yanking a foot free and leaving fur behind. It does the same again with its other foot. The thing is BRUTALLY strong and tough, and has little difficulty pulling free.     Roaring, and appearing to laugh at the attempts to stop it, the creature turns and runs, ducking into a somewhat-narrow passage leading deeper into the chamber. This part of the cave, it seems, is much tighter and twisty, with obstacles in the way. But first things first... people are going to have to figure out a way to get past a figurative ton of glue and cement before they can begin pursuit. 

:'''{{#var:304|Black Arachnia (304)}} has posed:''' Black Arachnia, upon realizing that (1) she's no longer on Igor's back, and (2) she's no longer spinning around because she's no longer on the monster that WAS spinning around, starts trying to get her feet back under her. This may take a while, she's got eight of the things in this form and they don't all seem to be responding quite according to protocol. But she's intact. Pretty much. "So. Did we win?" she asks dryly, trying to turn to face the group - but she keeps overcompensating, moving rather like she's drunk enough to get pulled over on any public road. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Well that sucked. Black Arachnia took the brunt of Marrik's hit, monster had the girl, and there was this figurative hardened goop in the way. He sighed and walked up to it and took a slow breath before reaching out and spreading his fingers. The cement and glue creaked and cracked. Slowly his hand lowered and the cracks multiplied until chunks started breaking off. The rubble was subjected to millinia of aging in the span of moments and what was once an obstruction was rendered little more than a thick layer of dust on the floor. 

:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''     Staren is getting ready to blast the debris pile when he's asked to check on the Cybertronian, so he lands by Arachnia. "Hey... you okay?" He looks up and down. "Centipede's dilemma? Maybe you should switch forms?" Then... Marrik ages the debris away. "/That's/ a neat trick!" He dashes up to the tunnel. Huh, narrower space. No problem! He can just turn into a cat!     ...Nothing happens. Oh right, he's still a robot. He sighs and gives chase, making his way through but no longer able to just fly full speed. 

:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:''' Inga looks over toward Black Arachnia, frowning slightly. There isn't much she can do to go after the beast, apparently her ward was not enough. Cursing, she moves closer to the giant spider. With a few flicks of her knife it is bloodied again, the blood misting outward toward the spider, attempting to cast a spell that both will heal her over time and help protect her from incoming damage--the same spell she'd given Annie and Maxine. "I hope this helps," she says, then stands back, waiting until she's usefull. 

:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:''' Deelel is keeoing moving but she's not so lucky with how things are going down. She stops shooting as the guy takes a hostage, she flips the staff up and it compacts and she keeps running in, she pulls the disc off her back and it's edge lights up humming with power. She moves to strike at Igor that goes no where given what's happen. he pauses figurting out how to get past this wall. "I should have brought light charges with me..." 

:'''{{#var:512|Kanade Tachibana (512)}} has posed:'''     But try as she might, Kanade can't get to Sue in time to help her. And for the second time, someone is abducted right in front of her before she has any chance to help. She continues after Igor as he's pelted on all sides by the nearby elites, probably taking some friendly fire damage herself before she finally stops, watching helplessly as he shambles away. Her eyelids shut tightly, and she's still for several moments.     And then Marrik clears the way. Her eyes open back up, and she wastes absolutely no time talking, or healing, or anything; she's determined to catch up to Igor now, and that's the only thing on her mind. She starts through the narrow passage, retracting her wings for now to provide her with more mobility. 

:'''{{#var:437|Annie Sandberg (437)}} has posed:''' "No..." Annie says, looking on in shock as the monster defeats all the restraints that had been placed on it. "NO!" she cries again as it runs off. As she rushes forward, her appearance suddenly changes- her hair, eyes, and clothes. She wields what looks like a toy scythe, and rushes at the obstacle formed by the concrete and glue, charging up what looks like a small black hole. She aims it straight for the obstacle... only for Marrik to make it disappear before her eyes. Disappointedly, she re-aims the black hole and sucks up the dust from the ground. "...I guess that works too," she says. "Let's keep chasing that thing!" 

:'''{{#var:151|Ainsley (151)}} has posed:'''     Ainsley staggers to a stop, and gapes as the mutant mimiga just... completely disregards the power of cement and glue and kidnaps Sue right off the floor. She huffs and looks at the mess before her when Igor is finally gone, and the party goes about fixing the mess they cause. Once the path is clear, she begins running forward again, jogging ahead and preparing to pursue Igor through the rest of the Egg Corridor. She looks very unhappy, and all the more determined. 

:'''{{#var:3|Roll (3)}} has posed:'''     Off the Igor goes, with Sue in tow. Roll makes a face. "...He just... plowed through it all without even blinking!" What a monster! She's gawking! ".... Does he work for the doctor too or...?" 

:'''{{#var:279|Maxine Sandberg (279)}} has posed:''' Once the debris, Maxine continues onwards. Of course she's not quite sure how to stop Igor yet. She doesn't want to put Sue any more in any more danger, and she's sure he can put up quite a few. Though maybe they could wear him down as a group. Still catching him up to him might be difficult. 

:'''{{#var:403|Quote (403)}} has posed:'''     Quote joins in, having been a bit slower than the front liners. His little gun's still out, and he looks in confusion at the mass of goop blocking the way. His eyes dart about. Fortunately before he can suggest shooting the mass free, others have better ideas.     Marrik and Annie do their thing, getting rid of the mass of goop. Igor and Sue are long gone however. Igor, as tough as he is, doesn't even bother worrying about the critters and can jump over pretty much any obstacles. He'll be hard to catch, but the monster could've finished the Mimiga off and didn't. Its own purposes might be opposed to the heroes', but if her actual life were in danger she'd already be dead.     Beyond what was once an obstacle and is now residing somewhere in a black hole, the cave continues. The buildings are much the same as before, but the cave itself is rougher. There's signs of damage beyond. Old damage, not fresh. Some of the incubation buildings seem damaged, but mostly it's tunnels and pipes that suffer. There's going to be more giant beetles now, including a few really huge ones that spit acid rather than buzz intruders. Nothing terribly more troubling than before though... except the obstacles. Tumbled-down crates, rock, broken pipes. Nothing that can't be climbed or jumped, but the going isn't nearly so smooth as before.     Of note, there's a building up ahead that's not one of the incubation chambers, situated between the fourth and third. It has a visible entrance, even. Past the building though, the terrain gets even more wrecked. At this point, climbing and jumping might not be enough. People will have to be more reliant on supernormal abilities and gear when they proceed. Still, it seems like Igor went this way. There's signs of his passage... namely a couple of crushed beetles and one flattened hopper. Ew. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Anna's enthusiasm was catching. Sparks wriggled out of Martin's coat pocket and shot forward into the cave tunnels. She was small, maybe as big as a shinki or a barbie doll with dragonfly wings. As Marrik showed indescission she showed decisiveness. "Come in! What're you hits waiting on? It's getting away!" Her dragonfly wings buzzed as she darted forward, exploring in quick flitting motions, trying to use her small size to slip where people couldn't and maybe find a shortcut to find where the monstrous mimigas was headed. For his part Marrik slogged after more cautiously, not wanting to exasperate the problem of lots of people in a narrow space. Still, sparks could only really find the beast, and lead everyone else to it. Marrik frowned as he progressed, not liking what he's seeing. Still not much he can do other than keep going. Yet come time for entering the oddball structure he didn't seem bothered by it being out of human reach. He had rope, a grapple, and magic to guide the hook to a secure spot to hold his weight. Bugs? Hoppers? As before, if any approached him a flick of his fingers or twitch of his wrist and they died, and their deaths gave him power. 

:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:''' Inga follows behind Marrik as it would happen, keeping to the back, cautious, considering the girl and her guessed at transformation and what she would do about it. "Troubling..." she comments. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Marrik nodded to Inga before offering her his rope. "Nice bon ward, well made... would've stopped something smaller." Hey it was a bad time for talk but seeing your best get completely no sold sucks, especially when it really was good work. 

:'''{{#var:437|Annie Sandberg (437)}} has posed:''' Annie continues alongside the others. In this form, however, she seems to be more inclined to be towards the front of the group, and fires her miniature black holes at some of the beetles that get in her way, rather than taking too much time trying to avoid confrontations; on the other hand, she also doesn't spend too much time seeking them out either. Speed seems to be of the essence here. 

:'''{{#var:304|Black Arachnia (304)}} has posed:''' Rather than taking to the walls or ceiling again just yet, Black Arachnia is trotting along at 'ground' level, abetted by grapnel usage when there's a gap that needs to be jumped over or otherwise traversed. She's still not above using her grapnel-slam-and-suck technique on any of the bettles that get too close to her, though ... And she may be making some use of any nutrients she can derive from the bugs she's killing as she goes. It's hard to say from just watching her. What *is* clear is that thanks to Inga's spell, her internal gyroscopes have sorted themselves back out and she can navigate in straight lines more or less reliably. She may still be recovering, though - which could explain her sticking to the same surface(s) as her allies. 

:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:''' Deelel thinks for a moment trying to get how to dela with it however Annie and Marrik got the problem well in hand. She moves to follow the other through the hole they just made. IT's time to get going the enmies are a biot harder here. She opens fire when needed and is trying to keep out of harms way. She doe stake note of all the damage to the places here and tries to figure out what might have caused it. She does not the enemies re getting a bit harder. 

:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''     Once through the tunnel, Staren sees... more difficult cave. Great. He continues abusing flight to bypass the elephant-boars, but now he has to fly lower and has less opportunity to avoid beetles and hoppers. He's pretty quick with the phaser, but his aim's not perfect and sometimes he gets buffeted now. That doesn't really damage his armor, though, and monsters that get /that/ close are sent flying with a punch or kick.     Acid-spitting beetles are a concern. He tries a quick stun shot, but it isn't enough -- he flies around it, dodging acid and firing several stun shots to bring it down.     The next big beetle he encounters, he just flies towards it as fast as he can, jet-boots assisting his wings, and dodges around acid to just punch it in the face, HARD, hopefully stunning it. Or maybe taking its head off. Kinda hard to gauge it right.     The building, he stops by only briefly to peer inside. "Sue? Monster rabbit thing?" When there's no reply, he races on! 

:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:''' Inga smiles slightly, nodding. "Thank you. Tch, if I'd have a bit more time to construct something better...it would have," she comments. "You're a..." she struggles with the word here, as she's fairly sure he's not godi and certainly not spakona, "A wizard?" she asks. Inga looks to the rope, then begins to laugh. "Oh no, that is certainly not happening," she informs him, looking forward. She motions to her staff. Its not just for show. She needs the darn thing to walk. "...a rope bridge? Honestly? Oh gods watch me..." she says, and despite her complaints begins to move foward. Very cautiously, and grumbling; "I cannot believe I am doing this..." 

:'''{{#var:512|Kanade Tachibana (512)}} has posed:'''     Kanade continues on at a brisk pace, taking out her wings again to support her leaps across platforms as the tunnel's spacing permits. This time, she moves on largely without regard to the beetles, where she can. When she can't, she mumbles another word: 'Distortion'. This invocation causes a small ripple around her being, giving the air a more lasting sheen. But more importantly, it causes any approaching acid wads to go -right through her-, rather than colliding with her. Otherwise, she bashes away the bugs as needed, but for the most part just sprints onward as fast as is feasible.     As the terrain becomes more and more choppy, she begins to rely on her wings for locomotion more completely. She catches sight of an unusual looking building out of the corner of her eye, and makes a beeline for it. With Igor so far ahead of them, that's really her only visible clue. 

:'''{{#var:3|Roll (3)}} has posed:'''     "ewww... I don't like this place. Not one bit!" Roll exclaims. "Who went and left a mess THIS BIG?!" She's making one of those dangerous Berserker Cleanathon Angry faces that send the Light family into their bunkers at all the ruins, big beetles and the like be damned! 

:'''{{#var:279|Maxine Sandberg (279)}} has posed:''' Maxine's having trouble getting through the rough terrain. Physically, she's not much more capable than a normal human. The beetles aren't help any either. Maybe she haven't come, she's not really suited for this sort of thing. "Ugh..." She's getting a bit frustrated. 

:'''{{#var:403|Quote (403)}} has posed:'''     Quote follows along with the others, moving as quickly as he can. He doesn't bother stopping for monsters or minor obstacles, having no difficulty leaping ten or even fifteen feet in the air in an arc that almost completely ignores such niceties as gravity and momentum. When a beetle gets particularly close he shoots it without even breaking stride, but for the most part he doesn't even have to worry about hostile critters. Others are much more efficient, have greater range, and are quite probably faster than him too. He's got good mobility, but his weapon of choice is decidedly weaker than the sorts of things the others have here.     Still, when the Basu gives Staren trouble, Quote fires a quick barrage of shots at it. His fire is remarkably precise and doesn't threaten his fellow robot, but it does a pretty good job of pulverising the creature he was trying to stun. He has no qualms about killing beasts, even if he has certain feelings about murdering mimigas or other nice creatures.     As the group advances past a particularly impressive tumble of metal crates, they can see a passage ahead. The last egg chamber, chamber 01, lies below. Past a rather wide gap, they can see a flat plane of smooth stone. There's no rubble or anything beyond the gap. A stark wall separates the smooth unblemished section from the area of damage, and there's a doorway through the wall. From the doorway, which seems to have no physical door, a few wisps of smoke and a few sparks arise. Nothing threatening, but it looks like something electronic met a very sudden, very recent demise.     The gap will have to be navigated, but this is likely to be of little difficulty to this group. Just one more obstacle, no more and no less difficult than those already overcome. Below the gap, that little speedy white flash tears back and forth. Falling in at this point would be pretty bad, but it's unlikely anyone's going to do that, right?     Beyond the gap, our giant friend Igor awaits! "GRAWR." says the rather expressive monster that resembles a hulked-out Mimiga. "Doctor's very important test eggs... Very important!"     It can TALK? That's almost creepy.     It doesn't really have an interest in banter however. Holding up fists the size of warhammers, Igor advances. It's slow, ponderously so. It charges forward in a lumbering rush, which isn't that threatening except for how wide the creature is. Its stubby arms are battering rams though, and the group's already had a good sense of how hard it can hit. Poor Sue. Speaking of whom, Sue's not in sight. There's a pair of buildings behind Igor however... 

:'''{{#var:304|Black Arachnia (304)}} has posed:''' Black Arachnia leaves another pair of nice sturdy Energon lines to help her allies across the last gap, and after securing the second one, climbs fully up to the platform where the lumbering bulk of a minion awaits ... and she seems manifestly unimpressed by Igor's mastery of verbal communication. She really has only three words, and they're hardly for *him*. "Black Arachnia, maximize!" With the verbal command, the spider's body rearranges itself back into robot mode, configuring herself for actual combat; her combat claws snap out into place, a pair branching from the back of each hand - and her spider legs remain fanned out from her back, the tips opening to reveal laser emitters. It's the lasers that she leads off with, 'sniping' at Igor with thin, burning beams, trying to slow the behemoth down as she otherwise focuses on staying out of his way. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' All things considered Marrik was late to the party, at least he had to have been if he missed the banter, threats, and things had gotten to the smashing things stage. Yet he remembered last time and hung back to see who was doing what. Plus the time spent watching was time he could use to work a spell. He looked to Inga. "Can you try making a bone ward? I'll try strengthening it. Try walling that thing in, or at least make it have to waste time smashing it down." 

:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:''' They make good time she keep sn eye on Quote and everyone else. Inga and Marrik do get some notice from the living program. She now has her staff back in melee mode as she moves in at the huge thing. Igor mad and big this is a bad idea. She looks at the creature for a moment. She's not very happy, no she's not happy at all about this. She mocing in afgter him as everyone gets ready to fight she seems intent to dart aroun and try to get him with power staff strikes and she's very much planning to not sit still. 

:'''{{#var:437|Annie Sandberg (437)}} has posed:''' As Annie notices Maxine having some trouble, she approaches her mother with a smile. She returns to her normal form and takes Maxine's hand once again. "I think we're almost there," she says. "We need to keep going!" She follows Black Arachnia's lines toward the site of the battle, but hangs back for a bit, alongside Marrik, trying to find an opening to get past Igor to the doors behind him. 

:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''     Staren quirks a brow at Quote's quick and decisive beetle-killing, but doesn't comment.     Flying across the gap is easy. And then... Igor. Staren's /slightly/ surprised he can tlak, but... that does seem to confirm he might be a mimiga of some sort. "...That sounds like reason enough to smash them." He flies away from the rush. "Are you a mimiga? The Doctor is hunting your kind! Why do you help him?" And then, Staren gets an idea, as he glances at the egg chambers. "If you've got any brain cells in that big head of yours... LISTEN. Look at all the people we have here. While some of us fight you, the rest of us can easily destroy the eggs!" He points at Igor. "If you want to keep the eggs safe... then TALK!" 

:'''{{#var:279|Maxine Sandberg (279)}} has posed:''' She should have sent Maxi down here, but she's not sure if she would bave been able to have kept linked with her. Still, she's not going to give up especially when a child is in trouble. She takes Annie's hand but stays back a bit as well as Staren tries to reason with Igor. 

:'''{{#var:3|Roll (3)}} has posed:'''     Remembering how little consideration Igor shows for talk, Roll glowers at the monstrosity. Her armor appears in a flash - light just streams across her body, and dissipates to reveal the armor instead of her dress. But she's still frowning heavily!     "I don't want to fight, but you're not gonna listen if I just ask you to calm down, are you?" The prospect of fighting a living thing, no matter how enraged or brutal, is not sitting well with her. Especially if it can talk. Even if it has few qualms attacking all the others gathered.     But she'll have to, and she can, because it's so likely to hurt everyone else. So Roll steps forward. "Looks like I don't have a choice!"     Still, she doesn't want to kill him, heck no. So, for the moment, she changes gear. Or rather, weapons. Super Arm activates, shifting her color scheme to brown and white, and she hurries along to try and get into the front lines! 

:'''{{#var:403|Quote (403)}} has posed:'''     Igor seems not at all interested in talking. It's not clear whether the monster Mimiga lacks the wit to converse, or whether it has enough free will to respond with anything other than punches. Either way it completely ignores Staren's attempts at diplomacy. And for that matter, the rest of him too. Like Maxine and Marrik, Staren is making no obvious attempt to attack, so avoids the beast's wrath as others draw the aggro.     Black Arachnia should have little trouble staying out of Igor's reach. He appears slow, but his lumbering charge is faster than a normal person could run thanks to massive Mimiga legs. Fortunately for her, she's not a normal person and he's not really able to jump as high as she is. Her lasers burn into it, doing damage, and enraging the beast but doing little to slow it down.     Quote adds his own laser fire to Black Arachnia's. His weapon may be a different colour, but the effects are much the same. That is to say they do damage, but not a whole lot. He finds himself having to stay close though, since his weapon has such a short-range focus. When it swipes at him, he leaps up. That leap clears the rabbit-monster's height easily, and Igor leaps up and tries to swat Quote out of the air, barely missing. Okay, he's behind Igor. Now what? He takes aim but holds his fire, not certain his little pew pewing can do much, and not sure if others have something else in mind for him to do now that he's past the thing's bulk. %tDeleel, if she intends to fight in melee, will have to be equally quick and agile. It's going to be flailing those massive fists at her even as she smashes it with her power staff. She's doing a great job tanking its attention however, assuming she can handle the results of the aggro. Roll, charging in with her Super Arm, will likewise have to share the aggro and the punches.     Frustrated at being unable to catch the fast-moving and annoying heroes, Igor bellows in pain and rage. The roar is, quite literally, earth-shaking. It's a sonic attack in its own right, shredding the air before it into tatters as bolts of not-quite-tangible energy shoot out. A chi-type attack more than science-based energy would account for, but no less painful to anyone hit by the cone of sound. The tanky ones should have no trouble getting out of the way, given they're right by the narrowest part of the cone. Everyone else though is going to have to deal with a shotgun-blast of sound. 

:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:''' Inga nods, reaching into her pouch. "Someone will have to cover me, I will not take a hit from that thing," she says. She would not be getting up from that. Not here anyway, or perhaps it would just take a long time? Inga isn't sure, she hasn't actually DIED yet! "I don't have too many bones on me, I will use what I can..." she says, then kneels down, using the floor to sort through her things and begin to draw runes and staves upon the bones she keeps in her pouch. She has quite a few, far more bones than an average person would carry around (so, none?) but it will hardly be a fence. The ward should hold however, if she can manage to get it up. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Marrik held himself upright, but only just in the face of the earth shaking. Kinetic force straight on would just hit allies. So he was more subtle and stepped away from Inga. His held power traced out in arching threads as he moved in sweeping motions. Anyone looking might mistaken his movements for stretches, or a kata, or possibly bending as a darkened haze formed around him and the lines of magic he sent out. Each was aimed at sapping life away from Igor, to take that life amd then feed it into Inga's ward to keep it strong. In effect his goal was to weaken their opponent while further strengthening its prison. Of course it's a chaotic battlefield. sadly not everything cooperates in a nice and neat manner. 

:'''{{#var:437|Annie Sandberg (437)}} has posed:'''      Annie makes a run for the buildings, hoping to find the Mimiga inside- but she finds herself knocked to the ground by the enemy's roar. She does her best to try to get back up and to one of the buildings without being noticed- unfortunately, Quote is close by as well, actually fighting the thing. So it might be tough to avoid Igor's notice. 

:'''{{#var:304|Black Arachnia (304)}} has posed:''' Tanky? Black Arachnia? You must be thinking of another Maximal; the sheer sonic force of Igor's roar practically bowls her off her feet - and if it weren't for the wards, she probably WOULD be knocked down by it. Painfully. As it is, most of what the thunderous bellowing does is tick her off, and she tries to take advantage of her allies' drawing Igor's direct aggro to get around to one side and ... *IF* she can get a clear shot, which is the tricky part ... use her lasers to attempt to give Igor a long-range tracheotomy. If she CAN'T get that shot, she'll go for the hamstrings instead - just cripple the giant white rage monster rather than removing his ability to keep making sounds. 

:'''{{#var:3|Roll (3)}} has posed:'''     Roll takes a few blows to the everything, because she's so tiny compared to Igor. Sparks fly from her joints and her servos whine in protest, but she eventually manages to grab Igor's offending fists with her own and then... WHAAAAMPF! Forces him back. or tries to, anyways. The prodigious strength of GUTS MAN flows through her frame and servos! Though the ground she's standing on might crack before her target's own strength does... 

:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:''' Deelel is being able to not die but she's not making much progress in the way of damage here she is however keeping his attention and that's the imporant thing. It's like being back in the pit fighting she was forced into so long ago. Dodge or die, and that's what she's seeming to do right now a she keeps moing keeps tyring to keep Igor busy on her. Oh thats not goo she moves rapidly to avoid the attack and her staff stsarts playing some rapid speed techno as she keeps tyring to get Igor's attention. "Hey Ugly! I hear the Doctor's considering you a failed experiment and is going to dispose of you!!" 

:'''{{#var:279|Maxine Sandberg (279)}} has posed:''' Maxine figures her firepower won't do much and tries to get close to the building where Sue is being held as well. She's knocked over by the roar as well. She pulls herself onto her feet as well, but it looks they're going to need a distraction if they're going to pass Igor. 

:'''{{#var:151|Ainsley (151)}} has posed:'''     As opposed to getting into the fray and having all of her bones broken for her trouble, Ainsley is at the back, watching the fight as it happens. Her face scrunches at the awful roar that the giant beast thing makes, momentarily pained by that. But she's out of the way of the fight enough that she's unlikely to get hit in the crossfire.     Seems she's lost a lot of her appetite for direct combat in recent months, as if she would prefer to focus on her healing abilities and not any other.     She tries emitting a wave of red light upon anyone who is getting harmed by Igor's retaliations, but she's not particularly good at aiming.     Figuring the party is going to be keeping Igor occupied, she tries to get around Igor and to the buildings at the end of the tunnel, so she can get to Sue and give her the healing she intended to give before Igor ran off with her. 

:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''     Staren frowns. He hoped that would work... Oh, well. Time to put his armory to use! He prepares to attack -- only to be blasted by sound! A forcefield appears around him, cracking slightly, and he tumbles through the air before righting himself. "Alright... you asked for it!" He pulls the laser sniper rifle off his back, switches it to burst mode, and starts spamming attacks at Igor every few seconds, as fast as it can cool down. Lasers have no recoil! There's no sound, and no visible beam -- just an immense amount of light concentrated on a tiny, tiny point, aiming to superheat it into plasma and make it explode for massive damage, with three pulses per burst. /This/ robotic soldier from the surface is armed with one of the most powerful handheld energy weapons of the 24th century -- two of bursts could easily blow a hole in the side of a tank! He's not messing around anymore. Igor wants a fight, he's got one.     Staren's so gonna bring the corpse to Dr. Vahlen and ask if she can figure out what was done to it, though.     If this results in monster soldier bunnies fighting aliens later, would anyone really argue that that /wouldn't/ be awesome? 

:'''{{#var:403|Quote (403)}} has posed:'''     Quote continues to hold his fire, assessing probabilities and making strategies. His beam does little against the thing's thick hide, but a precision shot might still make a difference. Being called upon to run though, to save Sue so they can all get clear, makes a lot of sense. It appeals on an emotional level too, though he doesn't recognize the emotions. That's the thing though. You don't need to analyze an emotion, it just happens.     Black Arachnia's beams narrow in, and the focussed weapons seem to be more effective than just plastering Igor with bolts. The bellows of rage falter and die as the massive creature is effectively silenced. The lasers do some damage too. When Staren joins in, adding his laser rifle to her damage output, the result is impressive. Smoke begins to rise. No doubt blood would spurt if the weapons weren't self-cauterizing. The damage to Igor is starting to mount up, but at this point it seems that on the flight or fight scale, Igor's still well locked into fight mode.     The killer bunny turns as Annie makes her move, preparing to turn her into a robotic splat mark. At that instant Quote makes his move. Firing off a stream of energy bolts, he aims for Igor's face as the giant beast turns. It's not enough to blind the creature entirely or even to hurt him compared to what Staren and Arachnia are doing, but the flare and burn should be enough to let Annie get past it and into the building beyond. It should also give Maxine a chance to make her own move. Quote waits just a moment, then follows whoever enters. He's as much there to guard them as he is looking to recover Sue.     Igor, meanwhile, is about to turn on Quote and Annie when Roll grabs him. That arm is strong! It might even be a match for Igor's massive bulk. Certainly it's enough to turn the monster's attention back to her. Deelel taunts away, and while Igor wants to respond it's kind of got to deal with Roll first. Well, it has more than strength alone at least. The giant bunny picks Roll up entirely off the ground by her Super Arm, simply lifting its own arms up until she's dangling, intending to use her as a battering ram or a flail against Dee.     The bone ward is more than powerful enough, at this point, to protect anyone staying behind it. It might even be strong enough to stop a few of Igor's blows directly, but that's something fortunately not yet put to the test. It should provide quite effective shelter, and should also help secure the retreat should people feel the need to leave once Sue's recovered.     And speaking of Sue, yes. She's right there, unconscious within the building directly behind Igor. There's also a few other things. There's a computer, lit up and displaying something no one's likely to bother reading at this point. Oh yes, and there's also a monstrously huge egg, illuminated by floodlights that radiate enough heat to be felt from the doorway. It's REALLY big. Like, probably 10 feet high on its side and 20 feet long at the longest axis. It's also labeled, quite clearly with foot-high lettering apparently painted on, 'No00'. 

:'''{{#var:151|Ainsley (151)}} has posed:'''     Ainsley sees the room, and turns her attention to-- the giant egg. She stares at it for a second, baffled by the size of it. What comes to mind is 'dragon' but she's not sure how accurate that would be. And then she begins advancing toward Sue. She stops near the unconscious Mimiga, and kneels nearby. Both hands reach out, one on Sue's back, the other atop her head.     She tries to use healing magic to repair any damage in the human-turned-Mimiga. "Sue...?" she wonders at the Mimiga, in a gentle voice. 

:'''{{#var:437|Annie Sandberg (437)}} has posed:''' Annie nods her thanks to Quote for saving her from the monster.as she enters the building where Sue is lying. She joins Ainsley at Sue's side, but can't help looking up at the egg more than down at Sue. "If that's the egg... how big's the full-grown thing that comes from it?" she wonders. 

:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:''' Inga continues to power the bone fence with anima, adding more of her blood to keep the wards fresh. She didn't have time to make them more permanent, so she'd need to keep feeding them. Luckily, she has help. "I don't believe I got your name," she calls to Marrik. "Goodness BE QUIET!" she yells toward Igor. So /noisy!/ 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Igor's rage and attacks put Marrik in a far less forgiving mind than he might have been. So he pressed his attack, directly sucking Igor's life away to strengthen its prison. He could do nothing else without risking taking a fist to the everything which would nicely end his ability to make magic. Still, if Igor couldn't shake the tendrils of magic sucking his life away eventually the monstrous mimigas would fall, and the voice telling him that he shouldn't murder was getting harder to pay attention to. Meanwhile Sparks darted into the chamber and frowned at this 00 what's it, and more so at the computer terminal thing alongside it. "Sue?" The pixie called out as she darted this way and that. Not like an unconscious girl could answer, but who knew? The little pixie might spot something. "Marrik," His voice was soft and there was a tension as he continued to use his body to direct the flows of magic to both siphon from Igor and strengthen the bone ward. Fall you ruddy stupid thing. FALL! 

:'''{{#var:279|Maxine Sandberg (279)}} has posed:''' The computer does get Maxine's attention a bit, but getting Sue out of here is more important. She watches Ainsley attends to her. "That's a good question." Maxine agrees with Annie, what could lay an egg so large. They would have to look into it later. 

:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''     They've got Sue, Staren hears! But they still have to get Sue /past/ this thing. And so far, noone's figured out any way to pacify or subdue it. Staren cocks his head at the reply, then shakes his head as he watches Igor turn from one for to another. If it were smart enough co concentrate all those attacks on one person... Well, it's not.     Time to finish this.     Staren just keeps firing lasers. They seem to be pretty effective, after all! 

:'''{{#var:3|Roll (3)}} has posed:'''     "Aaaaaaahhhhh!!" The situation sure turned around. Roll's grip is tight, but her body is light compared to Igor's. He easily manages to hoist her up and swing her right at Deelel. "W-watch out!" Is all she can do. because if she lets go, she might go flying into someone ELSE! 

:'''{{#var:304|Black Arachnia (304)}} has posed:''' Black Arachnia nods approvingly at the silencing of Igor ... and as much as she's inclined to just trot over and join the others in the building, she has one more thing she wants to attend to. Specifically, getting around behind Igor and severing his hamstrings with her lasers. Immobilize him in addition to silencing - and this has the side benefit of not putting her aim points anywhere near Roll the Impromptu Bludgeon. In fact, if she severs Igor's hamstrings as planned, it should put a very satisfactory (if somewhat jarring) halt to his flailing about with the robot girl. 

:'''{{#var:403|Quote (403)}} has posed:'''     Ainsley's magic touches Sue, and the Mimiga girl rouses somewhat. "Uuggh." she moans, not fully recovered. Then she opens her eyes. "Oouuuuch." she complains. Then she immediately bounds to her feet, bouncing about like a not-entirely plausible pantomime of a pro boxer. "Whoa there, I haven't lost yet! I'm gonna take this fight seriously this time!" she cries. Then she blinks, stopping her float-like-a-butterfly imitation. "Huh? That monster beat ME? Did... did you save me?" she asks, looking between the lizard woman, Annie and her mother, and Quote. Obviously they're not from around here. But Sue doesn't have a clue what's going on.     Outside, Staren continues firing his laser. Black Arachnia neatly hamstrings the monster. Between that and the bone ward, the creature's going to become fairly immobile. It's really only a threat now to those in arms' reach like Deelel. Or those still clinging to it, like Roll. It's also fairly nearly dead, both from laser bolts and from the draining of Marrik. Still strong though. Whatever fuels this thing's rage, it's not life energy or mere muscle. 

:'''{{#var:437|Annie Sandberg (437)}} has posed:'''      "You're awake!" Annie says happily. "I'm so happy! ...But we need to get out of here, since that thing is after you," she says. "A lot of people are fighting to keep it away, so you can escape." She looks back outside. "Let's get going!" 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Marrik slid from his kata-esque motions to stand in front of the bone ward. A hand was pressed against it as he focused his magic into a single pulse. If friends were not there he would try commanding the bone ward to collapse inward and impale Igor in the everywhere. As it stood though he focused his magic from the ward into Igor's body, seeking to wrap his magic around it's heart and lungs and squeeze til it stopped moving. He hated killing, but in a contest between this thing and the people it was hurting there was no contest. He was no innocent to killing, and not just commanding the dead. He has killed before with his bare hands. 

:'''{{#var:279|Maxine Sandberg (279)}} has posed:''' "Yes, this would be a good time to leave." Maxine nods in agreement. There's no telling what else might show up if they stick around. That and Sue might need further medical attention. 

:'''{{#var:525|Inga (525)}} has posed:''' There's been no real direct answer on if the thing is to remain alive or not. Marrik has decided it needs to die, but should she help put it down? Yes, this seems wise. Inga sighs, putting her knife to her skin again, drawing a long, deep line along the vein that gushes with blood--blood that is floating upward to solidify into spears of sharp crimson. She can still hold the ward and perform this, and if it does go down she will not have to hold the ward any longer. She'd been afraid she was going to have to stay here holding it while the others fled--find out what death was like for one of the chosen of the Buzzing first hand. But really, this works too. Inga motions forward and the spears of blood go hurling toward Igor. 

:'''{{#var:151|Ainsley (151)}} has posed:'''     Ainsley looks at Sue with some measure of surprise. She's not intimidated, just baffled at how quickly the mimiga girl recovered from the injuries inflicted... unless Igor really wasn't trying to hurt her. The lizard woman looks at her with a gentle uncertainty, considering how to respond to that. "Yes," she replies, gently, "We were here looking for you. Our allies are outside fighting the creature that assaulted you, and it'll be defeated soon."     She stands up slowly, regarding the rabbit person with a gentle gaze. She looks up at the egg, after a second, "Are you here for this?" She gestures at it with one hand. 

:'''{{#var:42|Staren (42)}} has posed:'''     Well. The monster is no longer a threat... /for now/. Still, if they can't capture it, leaving it alive will only mean having to fight it later.     Staren lands a short ways out of the thing's reach, shouldering his rifle. Then he lifts his empty hands in front of him, crossing his arms and turning his hands back to face him. There's the whine of charging electricity, and then his arms are covered in arcing electricity and begin to glow. "Time to finish this!" He dashes forward with a sudden burst of speed, perhaps having supercharged the robot body somehow -- his left arm goes for quick jab, making sure the fist can connect and then there's the buzz of a downed power line and the light of a lightning bolt, making it hard to see what's going on as he follows up with a spinning power PUNCH from the other arm, again delivering all that focused electricity into the thing as well as just hitting as hard as he can... and then when the light fades, he's lept back, standing with his arms down. Steam, or perhaps smoke, rising off his body, and panting for a moment before he remembers he doesn't have to breathe and stops.     That should do it. Plus, there might be some chance that the shock attack stuns it instead of killing it. Then the next problem will be figuring out how to transport and restrain the thing, but that bridge can be crossed when they come to it. 

:'''{{#var:3|Roll (3)}} has posed:'''     Once again, Roll's getting furious. This time for different reasons. Furious, and worried. Igor looks like he's about to DIE if this keeps up! "Ooooh... alright, it's time out for you!!"     She doesn't want anyone here getting hurt... and doesn't want to see even this brute die meaninglessly! So she calls upon her stored Weapon Data, and switches to Arc Thrower. Roll's somewhat damaged armor turns twin shades of grey, and.... she plants the buster right against Igor's arm.     *ZOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOORRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRCH!!*     The charge is tuned for human-like nervous systems, no telling what it will mean to him, but it probably won't kill him. The Arc Thrower is meant to incapacitate through electrocution! 

:'''{{#var:8|Deelel (8)}} has posed:''' Deelel is playing a dangeorus game of keep awauy still and Deelel tuants him. She hopefully is doing enougt to keep them off balance she's not getitng too many good hits in as honestly she's more a distract any anything ans she knows it. 

:'''{{#var:437|Annie Sandberg (437)}} has posed:''' "Wait..." Annie says, putting up a hand at Ainsley's words. "...I thought I heard we were looking for a human, named Sue." she says, looking confused. "But you don't look like a human..." she notes, peering at Sue curiously. 

}}

529/No Sylphing Around

2014-09-17T02:49:44Z

AncientGorilla:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2014/09/02
|Location=Hydaelyn <HD>
|Synopsis=The Union send people to help cleanse the black shroud. Attacking trees, unknown shadow beasts, and Odin kinda complicate things.

Plus there are Bunny Goats! Bunny Goats are cool.
|Thanks=Xau'ra did awesome here and gave everyone a chance to shine.
|Cast of Characters=19, 172, 307, 317, 513, 541, 548
|Tinyplot=
|Tinyplot2=
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:548|Xau'ra Tayuun (548)}} has posed:''' Welcome to the Black Shroud! A place of tall trees, green grass, lush vegetation-- or was, until the Primal Bahamut decided he needed a few toothpicks to clean his massive teeth. Sadly the land has become place of trees slowly being chocked out by the heavy fall of ash and soot that still lingers in the clouds even after it has been several weeks and the rivers even run tainted by it. Some areas of the shroud even show the dangerous scar, lacking any sign of life at all, but only wood forest that has been burnt down to the core. Much of the land ha also been shifted, as the Shroud itself tries to recover the best of its own ability, but yet with its pain-- it can only do little. Many of the animals here that were once peaceful have become very hostile and the land itself is willing to show its anger. The only place of safety that is know to the Gridanians is that of there own homes within the walls of the city, and thanks to some aid-- the Central Shroud that is actually bringing in fresh water-- though little it may be-- and life is starting to flourish there like it once was. Though the wood wailers, Gridanian's own "rangers" as it were, were trying to protect this now area, because sadly-- some peaceful creatures were coming here to rest and seek nourishment and those of the more aggressive were also trying to hunt. There was fine line of balance and that balance just wasn't back to normal yet. It is actually here, in the Central Shroud where everyone is being brought. Along side a crystal clear bubbling creek, where only a few small traces of soot can be found in the water. The trees here are starting to lush back out again, though never near the height they once were, and small trees are starting to grow from the once ash laid soil. The grass is a beautiful green and flowers of so many colors line the area. It is here that a woman, perhaps no older then her early twenties stands. Her robe is purist of white, her hair a near platinum blond that has been placed up in a large bun, and the horns on the side of her head, ever as white as her dress, with a opal like 'crown' and a large staff to match made of the same opal-like material. She seems to be speaking with that of a creature who is not like any other. A being who floats in the air and is no larger then up to a full grown man's thigh. The body seems to be that of leaves, a small yellow gemstone resting in the center of its chest, and a wood-like mask seems to cover over its face. 

:'''{{#var:548|Xau'ra Tayuun (548)}} has posed:''' Yet how does one find find themselves here? This is done by transit of the Aethryte crystal in the heart of Gridania and for those who are not use to the aether, may find themselves feeling a little ill at first, but the conjurers who stand by have just the drink needed for such. Then being lead through the city out to the Central Shroud itself. They may find those who live in the city to be standoff-ish and most of the people look like elves, but far longer features and standing at tall heights of surpassing six foot and some close to six and half feet. Others who are cat-people, with very human like faces, but feline like ears and tails. Then a few who indeed look human. The city of Gridania itself would be starting to show some recovery, but was still a long way from it. As for the wood wailers who would help guide those to Central Shroud-- they tend to be the 'elves' wearing green leather armor, some with bows-- most with lances-- and they don't seem to be much in the way of conversations. They too wear either full wood masks.. or half wood masks. Yet all are being brought to the woman in white and her green eyes will take notice of those who come. She though at last ends her conversation with the flying plant being and casts her gaze fully upon all who have come. "Greetings, I am sorry for not giving you my attention sooner, but I bid you all welcome. I am the Elder Seedseer, Kan-E-Senna." She then bows only slightly to all. "..And this along side me is one of the Sylphs. She will guide you into the deeper part of the shroud to assist with the calamity that has befallen us all." The young woman frowns softly. "For a great darkness has fallen over the Shroud and the land requires succor if it is ever to be healed." Sadly, Xau'ra Tayuun is no where to be seen, at least no one that looks or sounds like him. 

:'''{{#var:172|Sakura Kinomoto (172)}} has posed:'''     Sakura is here! Wearing a pale green and orange dress today, stylised to look like it's made out of spring and autumnal flowers. In her hair she's evenw earing a pink flower - a sakura blossom, to be specific. Floating by her left shoulder is the adorable bear-cat creature that is Kero - currently with a tiny flower set between his ears, to match Sakura's outfit.     Sakura seems totally fine with the teleportation! As soon as she spots the Seedseer and the Sylph, she has to force ehrself not to squee. So cute. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Marrik kept quiet after the transition. It sorta reminded him of his gate spell actually. The elves Watching him creeped him out, and his right hand kept straying to a pistol holstered st his hip til a sudden reminder from Sparks hissed through magic she was using as part of her function as his radio caused him to remember that they were not going to shoot him. Bad memories here. Blighted land. Nature folk with weapons. All that was missing was a circle of nine to begin focusing their energies on transforming him against his will to make this play exactly like the old nightmares that still on occasion would stalk Marrik's sleep. 

:'''{{#var:513|Finna (513)}} has posed:'''     "And what kind of darkness is it?" Asks Finna, quite simply. She's given up on trying to be too playful, too rambunctious or even playing around too much. This somber, slowly recuperating forest is beyond words and beyond her immaturity. It terrifies her so much that she can't help but quiet down and behave, and even show some maturity.     She's dressed entirely in natural materials, and seems to have scavenged (or, more likely, traded for, or perhaps simply conjured via shapeshifting) attire more like that of the locals - and thankfully more suited to this area than her northern leather huntress outfit, as that is FAR too hot for this climate.     And, for some reason or another, her animal features are revealed for everyone to see. Fluffy white fox ears and tail glitter silver like the moon, even in daylight. She's strapped a quiver over her back and a bow's carried in one hand. 

:'''{{#var:307|Allyn (307)}} has posed:''' While in his cave, resting and recovering from injuries received not too long ago with his side still bandaged and another on the left side of his head Allyn in wolf form found himself summoned here ocne again. It always seems to make him sick when it happens, so of course the wolf does get sick once arrived. He gratefully laps up water given to him in a bowl though and then once things are better he gets to his feet slowly and looks around, mostly off in the distance though and sniffs the air. Well, doesn't feel like things are as bad here as they were, that is good. After a few moments he pads off towards where others have gathered to listen to the woman. He tilts his head and then goes over to sit down next to Finna once he ahs noticed that she is here as well. 

:'''{{#var:317|Theo Morrison (317)}} has posed:''' Theo doesn't have any problems because he doesn't use the crystal. He gets the location from someone while he's a ways away, gets out his Adventuring Gear (and not the card, unfortunately), and 'walks. There's a pearlescent shimmer very close to where people are dropping in. It peels back like the air was giving way, forming the impression of a doorway with a white, misty glow within its bounds. Theo barrels out, dropping to the ground and skidding to a halt, misty Aether trailing off him for a couple seconds and disappearing into thin air. Kickotron follows dutifully after. He's carrying the tray table and a backpack, the tiny, silent bird-robot hopping out of the planar portal an instant before it closes without any apparent issue. Theo brushes himself off needlessly. "Hi," he greets. "I heard there was adventure?" Theo glances aside, raising a hand and giving Sakura a smile and a little wave. Kickotron hops over to him, standing next to him and looking silently at the things around it. 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' Maya has been aware of this place before, she's heard the reports and knew there was something to look at, however she also know there were issues with the land in some regions. She had left Runner behind at this point she was armed but keeping an eye on things as she moved with the rest of the party and she look sat the strange thing for a moment not certain as to what it is. She bows a bit back in turn as she looks to the Sylph and nods a little bit. "Thank you for the kind welcome." The blue haired woman might be strange to those who don't know her from the post nuclear war looking outfit to the streatred blue tattoos under her eyes. 

:'''{{#var:548|Xau'ra Tayuun (548)}} has posed:''' The Seedseer looks over the group once more before eyes fall upon Finna and Allyn. Those who can sense the elements, will sense that she is very entwined with them, much like the Sylph along side her. Those with magical sense will pick up she is not one to be trifled with in the ways of magic-- at least not here. She gives a faintest of smiles to Finna and Allyn both, "It is good to see you both here. I have heard the great deeds you have done for our home while I was away-- though," Her green eyes gaze about, "--shame the other is not here. The Earth elements spoke to me of his kindness and that he was blessed by one of our Conjurers." She though tilts her head ever so faintly, as she looks at Allyn, "..and they have told me of how the forest pains you in equal.." Her eyes then fall to Finna as she asks her question. Though this about the time Theo makes his dramatic entrance and which causes many of the Wood wailers to suddenly ready there spears, Kan-E-Senna places out her hand to tell them to halt. She studies the man for a moment before giving him a soft smile. "You are a weaver of the aetheric forces and one whom commands beings from it." She says looking at the metal creature that follows along. The Sylph flutters over to the metal Myr and seems to take a far greater interest as the Seedseer's eyes then trail over Marrik, Sakura, and Maya. "So many of you who are also new here, but time is of the essence. So I will keep this plane." The Seedseer closes her eyes for a moment, inhaling deeply before she opens her eyes. This should answer Finna's question. "The Sylphs believe they may know a source of the darkness. It is a location of great myths and of darker tells of a time long forgotten. Yet they dare not tread there, for it is land they see as forbidden to them." Some grave concern is in her voice. "Further-- the Ixals have also pushed in closer to the Sylphs homes and need to be reminded of there place. We, of Gridania, would do this service, but we must protect this land that some of you have returned to us and we must protect our people within our walls. Though we do not believe in violence.. and nor do the Sylphs-- action must be taken.. as the Ixal are not as kind." Kan-E-Senna then looks to the Sylph who is still fluttering around the Myr is curiosity. "She will guide you across the forest with safety and safe passage.. at least for a time." The Sylph then flutters back from the Myr and then tosses some water towards it. Though the water flutters like leaves. It would seem to be some type of magical protection granted to it. The Sylph then looks at the others. "This one is glad to meet so many tall ones. This one will make sure angry ones do not come close while we head to dark place." Kan-E-Senna then speaks up again, "For the moment, the Ixals are being handled by one whom was once born here, Xau'ra Tayuun. He should meet up with you on your way-- unless problems arise." 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' The hits just keep coming don't they? Marrik first had to deal with the whole 'scene straight from nightmare' to now having the blinding beacon of magic in his face. On the one hand it didn't matter because anything he could cast right now was simple enough he could do without seeing the threads. On the other seeing ghosts would be harder for the metaphysical glare, but even if he didn't have enough magic to make them visible he could still see them. Actually spotting magic to diffuse it? Right out the window. At the offer of guide Marrik stepped forward and bowed slightly before looking to the woman that addressed them. "I will do what I can ma'am." Rituals were less personally demanding, and if he could get Maya to lend her support it would be a non issue. "What problems will we have if things don't go well?" Seasoned adventurer here, wanting to know all the ways he will die. "It is not lack of faith ma'am, but experience that tells me nothing ever goes to plan and I'd like to know what we walk into." 

:'''{{#var:172|Sakura Kinomoto (172)}} has posed:'''     Sakura returns Theo's smile and wave with one of her own, but she seems quite distracted by the Seedseer. She has her head tilted to one side slightly, and is even blushing very slightly as she listens... until Kero whaps her on the side of the head, making her come to her senses with a jolt. She rubs the back of her head and grins sheepishly.     As he Sylph approaches them, Sakura smiles and bows to her. "Um. I'm Sakura. ... It's weird to be called 'tall'..." 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' Maya is rapidly taking in all this information and is starting to get a picture of things here. Well she thinks so does, she looks at the Myr and Theo. "Theo." She thinks leaving Runner behind ws the best call in this situation. she looks over to Marrik and tives him a bit of a kook. he'd have to ask her for help but she'd likely give him it. "There's a earth saying, no plan surives contact with the enemy. It's pretty apt, also forgive me I am Maya." 

:'''{{#var:513|Finna (513)}} has posed:'''     "Still so determined to make more trouble.... maybe I should try and persuade them otherwise later." Finna mutters to herself. Luna would totally approve of figuring out some way to achieve pieace between the Gridanians and Ixal in some sort of mutually beneficial arrangement! Because all this violence doesn't do ANYONE any good, and sure isn't helping the forest...     But oh well. Not for now. She reaches down to scratch behind Allyn's ears, blinks once at Sakura's antics, and lastly... grins at Theo's appearance. "Well, we've got a pretty full party here! Whatever this darkness is won't stand a -chance.-"     Gotta at least keep spirits up, right? 

:'''{{#var:307|Allyn (307)}} has posed:''' Allyn bows his head to the Seedseer and his tail wags just a little as she speaks to him, "I can feel the pain and anger of the forest, yes." he ponders for a few moments, still a little ashamed of what he almost did the last time here, "I will try to not let if affect me as much as it did last time, as I wish to help as much as I can." He tilts his head as he listens to the Sylph, "Will we be in or near the forest for long?" he's curious as he's not sure if in his injured state, just how long he might be able to resist the anger and the possibility that he may become more feral than the last time. 

:'''{{#var:548|Xau'ra Tayuun (548)}} has posed:''' Kan-E-Senna looks to Marrik as he asks what they may walk into. "I am unsure, for the elements will not speak to me out that far." She closes her eyes. "..but I have sensed the darkness the Sylphs speak of.. and it is blinding us." She then looks to him once more. "But you should be ready for great evil and take heed.. not all Sylphs are in agreement." The Sylph nods to Sakura, "This one is happy to meet tall one. And you are tall one. Taller then this one." The Sylph then looks to Kan-E-Senna, before giving a faint nod and looking at others. "Steel ones have caused unrest. Elder Primal Bahamut caused even further stress." The sylph then shakes her head. "Many are fearful and feather ones do not help." "They want to summon great one, but we continue to protest." The Sylph adds with a sage nod. "For now they listen-- but for how long.." the Sylph then shrugs. There is then a roll of the wind that can be seen in the trees, but it yet avoids the area, seeming as if it unnaturally moves around it. Marrik may pick it up about then, a being reaper like creature that swiftly moves by with scythe-like wings. For those more magically inclined, they would sense a dark presence on that wind, but it is gone just as quickly has it came. Kan-E-Senna places her hand to her forehead when the wind blows. here eyes close gently. Most of her weight can almost be seen placed on her staff. She seems uneasy in that moment, but doesn't stay as such long. Her green eyes though go to Allyn, before she kneels down and motions for him to come over. "I have a gift for you, wild heart. I wish to give you aid whilst you travel here, for it is all I can do for what you have done for us." The Sylph takes her attention to the forest and whispers something in her native tongue. It is sadly something the multiverse can no translate, but it seems to cause the creature some distress. Did the Sylph see it as well? 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Marrik looked directly at the reaper creature and scowled, "Guys we've got something ugly as hell watching us thataway." He pulled his staff out and gestured briefly in the reaper's direction before leaning on the rune covered walking aid. "What is it? Wings, very grim and dead looking. Not getting good vibes off of it." 

:'''{{#var:172|Sakura Kinomoto (172)}} has posed:'''     Sakura's head snaps up as the wind blows. Quick as a flash, she grasps the small diary-style key from around her neck, and cries out "RELEASE!" Under her feet, yellow light shapes itself into a magic circle, depicting a star flanked by the sun and crescent moon. As her left hand moves itself into a simple 'mudra', the key grows and elongates into the form of a wand.     Her left hand darts into a pocket in her dress, producing a thick deck of... what appear to be tarot cards. 

:'''{{#var:307|Allyn (307)}} has posed:''' Allyn tilts his head a moment at the Seedseer and then gets up and he pads over towards her and since she is kneeling he looks at her. "A gift?" well he doesn't usually take gifts, but if it's something that will help against the anger he could use that. He does tilt his head at her again though and watches to see what she is going to do. 

:'''{{#var:317|Theo Morrison (317)}} has posed:''' Theo waves at Maya, a touch distracted while he makes sure Kickotron doesn't get, you know, Instant Hell Murdered. "Yeah, that's right. That's not a problem, is it?" Kickotron gets doused. The myr is kind of birdlike in mannerism and action; it shakes it off, kind of, and then takes up its position where it was standing before. It peers back at the sylphs as much as they peer it at, but it doesn't say anything. This is probably because it can't. Probably. "The darkness had better get out of our path, unless it wants to get kicked around," Theo says, grinning over at Finna. His grin fades, feeling a creepy-crawly feeling on the back of his neck. He reaches into one of the hard cases at his belt and fishes out his own deck of cards, plastic sleeved and shuffled immediately. Kickotron walks over in front of him, holding up the tray table. He casts a wary glance around the space they're standing in. "I've got a bad feeling about this," he mutters. 

:'''{{#var:513|Finna (513)}} has posed:'''     "Mh?" A gift for Allyn? Finna's quite curious! But it will have to wait, for there's business to deal with right now. "Don't worry, Allyn! I'll keep an eye on you... but let's see here. We've got a few mages, two shapeshifters, a summoner of some kind..." That last meaning Theo, naturally... "Looks like if there's trouble, we're best off not meeting it head on up close. So knowing what we're running into is all-important! That means we should scout first!" 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' Maya is keeping with the group as they make it she eyes Finna for a moment, Maya's also keepiung her eyes open now. She is ready for that and she's used toi people she's trying to help not agreeing or worse /trying/ to backstab her later. She hears the warning of a summoning and has a bad feeling about this. She looks to Marik for a moment. "I see, we're being watched then?" She reaches not for her rifle but her strange tarot like cards. She looks to Theo then to the chosen of Luna. Maya's feeling pretty unsettled her self there' sjust osmehing she doesn't like here. 

:'''{{#var:548|Xau'ra Tayuun (548)}} has posed:''' The Seedseer frowns as she is explained what she has been sensing now seen by a few here, her words are soft. "That would be the darkness that is blinding us. Feeding from the chaos and destruction brought by the Primal.." The Seedseer looks at the others from where she is knelt, "But it will not enter here.. it knows it will step into Purified land and the Matron will turn the shroud quickly to our aid." The Sylph then looks at Marrik as he asks that is it. "Paragon." The Sylph says simply and plainly. "We must go. Go quick. Paragon ahead. Paragon can move faster." Kan-E-Senna then places out her hand as then a necklace appears. The cord is made of what seems to be silver-- yet it isn't-- some other kinda of mineral. It holds that of a talon of some kind, A white feather and a black feather, and a few snail shell beads. She then goes to place it over his neck. "So long as you wear this," She tells Allyn, "Your senses will be your own. No cloud of miss judgment will come over you." One of the Wood wailers then speaks up, "My lady. We should head inside." The Sylph then moves ahead and motions to the others, "Come. Come. We must go. Be quick. Paragon will not rest. Paragon will only make trouble and more trouble. It will bring forth dark ones to stop healing!" 

:'''{{#var:172|Sakura Kinomoto (172)}} has posed:'''     Sakura reacts! By... following. Pretty quickly, all things told - she's fairly athletic.     She draws a card from her deck, but doesn't cast it yet. She just wants to be prepared! 

:'''{{#var:307|Allyn (307)}} has posed:''' Allyn sniffs at the Seedseer after she puts the necklace around him and then licks her on the cheek. "Thank you." Though he lowers his ears and tail though when it seems she doesn't look too well, "Are you alright?" he asks her. Then glances around and calls out, "This woman needs help, can someone help her?" and looks to the Sylph for a few moments and then to Finna. Yeah, they should follow the Sylph, but something is wrong with the Seedseer, "Go, I will catch up." he tells the others. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "Why?" Marrik looked at the reaper like specre and made sure it would hear his question. "What is there to gain by ruin?" He couldn't help asking. Even the cult he was mixed up with thought they were doing the right thing. Nothing goes through being a murdering killing destroying ball of evil for it's own sake. Everyone, in their own minds, is the hero of their own story. 

:'''{{#var:513|Finna (513)}} has posed:'''     "Wait, what?" Sure, the Seedseer had seemed troubled. Even weak. But in danger? Finna hadn't caught on, and Allyn's sudden declaration of that confounds her. She wastes no time shifting to fox form even if it's right in front of everyone, shrinking down and somehow 'absorbing' her clothing and weapons into Elsewhere when fur sprouts to replace them.     Animals are much better at sensing another's condition than hmans are. So many telltale signs, like breathing patterns, scent, and heartbeats... she tilts her head at the Seedseer quizzically.... 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' Maya is mocing ahead with the otehr she got her cards in head she moves at high speed at this point. Maya's quite fit and seems to have no issue keeping up at this point. She will trust Allyn to tend to the woman she's go tto keep moving. 

:'''{{#var:317|Theo Morrison (317)}} has posed:''' They get told to go. Theo gets going. Unlike Sakura, whom he is following, Theo is less athletic. He hustles, and Kickotron does the same, doing their best to keep up. He frowns at the general environment, trying to figure out what, exactly, he should be running here. "Mana's all screwed up," he mutters. "Green all over the place, a little bit of Black, but... ugh, not even a little ideal. Kickotron, fish out the signet." The myr unzips the backpack with one hand, balancing the tray on the other. It pulls out a triangular artifact, passing it back to Theo, who hooks it onto his belt. The well-read of the Multiversal may recognize it as the insignia of one of the Ravnican Guilds. Theo fishes for cards off the top, pulling his seven as he puts the deck down and glancing at the hand. "Oh, sweet." He drops one immediately. "Leyline of the Meek!" The card hits the table, and the ground lights up with golden tracery. Snaking bands of light weave out into the trees, a comforting glow that spreads in Theo's wake. They positively hum with energy, empowering the weak creatures of the forest by its mere presence. And /then/ he plays a land. 

:'''{{#var:548|Xau'ra Tayuun (548)}} has posed:''' Kan-E-Senna is licked on the cheek and she smiles. She gives Allyn a gently rest of her hand along side his muzzle and against the thick of his fur on his face. "Go with them. My Wood wailers will see to of my safety." Her hand then slides away, before she goes to stand back up, even as uneasy as she seems to do so. "For when the forest is a whole again.. so will I be." One of them comes over quickly to her and gives her his hand, so that she may take a hold and the two Woodwailers go to walk her back toward the gates of Gridania as another group of two follow in with bows ready. Finna may be pick up that the Seedseer is starting to give a bit of a fever. If her words be true, perhaps then the forest effects them as much has it does the creatures here as well. Sadly for Merrik there is no answer, for the dark being has moved on. What is concern is that it went the way the Sylph is trying to lead them. Though if the Sylph is right and by how quickly it is trying to move them along-- the 'reaper' may be out to also stop them entirely ahead. The forest ahead goes from being recovery and growing, to dieing and nearly grayed out by the ash that is resting on the ground and the plant life being snuffed out. The haze above keeping the sunlight from touching the area and though no ash or soot rains down, the destruction here is easy to be seen. Mighty trees have fallen, open areas that were once enclosed now void of any life that could be seen. Streams and rivers do not flow.. and everything here slowly dieing. Despair-- has a grip on this land. Despair and the forests own rage. Sounds can be heard moving in the woods. Branches breaking and what leaves remain rustling. Yet no animal can be heard. Not even a faint sound of a bug. Beasts have fled from here and those of magical sense can feel it. Darkness does loom and is ever watchful. Yet when a few vines snap from the ground as the earth itself seems to move, it seems to stay its hand as the Sylph moves around the group. Throwing down droplets of water from time to time. Speaking in her native tongue. Then Theo does something that causes the Sylph to come to a halt. He plays one of his aetheric influencing cards and the Sylph watches as the area takes a glow. the Sylph can feel the comforting power and tilts her head slightly, yet moves on-- well-- at least till two other Sylphs show up. "This one was not expecting others." She says firmly. "This one does not understand.." She motions for the group to stay back and makes her way over to the other two. One which is moving ash off of itself. "Why these ones here. This one did not hear word of others coming." "We felt paragon moving." One of the says, then the other one speaks. "So we came to help with guidance of tall ones." "This one does not need help." She huffs out. "Both in trouble. Both should go back!" This slowly goes into Sylphic language between the three of what sounds like an argument. At least this may give a chance for Finna and Allyn to catch up. 

:'''{{#var:172|Sakura Kinomoto (172)}} has posed:'''     Sakura glances over to Theo as he plays a card. She glances down at the card text for a moment, then giggles. "Lucky~" she calls in a sing-song voice. Does she... does she actually understand the rules he's playing by, or something? Who knows.     As the group comes to a stop, Sakura frowns as she looks around at their surroundings. The card she drew is slotted back into ehr deck, and she pulls out another one - apparently without having to actually look. Such a cheater.     "WOOD!" she calls, as she tries to test something. Her magic circle appears under her feet again, and a green nymph-like being - only about eight inches tall - springs into existence before her, as the card itself vanishes in a flash of blue light.     The nymph raises one arm... and attempts to raise a new tree. 

:'''{{#var:307|Allyn (307)}} has posed:''' Allyn nods to the Seedseer, though the wolf looks a little troubled by the news that she wont be better until the forest is. He gives her a wag of the tail and then turns to Finna and pads over to her, "We have to help the forest here more as soon as we can." he ponders, "But guess we should go join the others now." Well, that is what they are here for and can't really ignore the other things going on around anyway. He pads off towards the direction that the others went though, still worried a bit about the woman. 

:'''{{#var:513|Finna (513)}} has posed:'''     "... Then at least get some rest! We'll do our part. You have my word that I will do my all." And that is a word not given lightly. This situation has truly pushed Finna to the point of utter frustration. She playfully brushes up along Allyn and teases his face with a tailflick, then speeds up with a faint burst of silvery light. Allyn, as a wolf, is bigger and has a better stride than the fox, but not by much - making up the difference isn't hard!     And there's no way the rest of the group's gonna be getting SO far ahead that two beasts can't catch up! 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' The advantage Marrik had over most magic users, and he realized it cut into study time, was that he was in shape enough to run when needed without huffing and blowing and about half exausted and half dead after five minutes. This he used to run to play catch up. No raised voices. Just him gripping a scroll in his coat pocket. "That reaper thing's headed probably same place we are." He'd marked his scrolls so that he could tell at a feel what was what. Sure he couldn't attack properly, but he could use his personal magic to cast from scrolls, and plenty of defense and minor healing there. 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' Maya keeps moving as they get near the dead lan they have entered now. She takes in how ruined the place is as they go on. It feel dead she looks about seeing no life here and moves on. It's like shell three. "humm and it would be very angry at most methods used to restore a forest ... in my world." Technology could be put to use to /repair/ what mortal hands had done after all or worse She muses to her self... "... no good can come from that Marrik." 

:'''{{#var:317|Theo Morrison (317)}} has posed:''' Theo assumes Sakura is bright enough to figure out what his cards do by the context of the printed rules. He smiles for a second. "Yeah, pretty much." When the Sylphs stop to, uh, 'debate', Theo stops to catch his breath and play onward. He feels like something is waiting for them. He'd best be ready. He draws, playing another land -- Plains, like the other, which doesn't match the area -- and then pulls mana from the land he stands on and funnels some of it through the signet he wears. It changes somehow when he draws it back out. "Intangible Virtue." Theo plays another enchantment. The area around him lights up with a soft luminescence, motes of ash drifting downward as it ever does shining like motes of gentle light instead. It gives the area a sort of peaceful feeling. No, that isn't quite right; not /peaceful/, but... steadfast, maybe. Like it was ready for anything. Nothing else seems to happen. Theo watches the woods around them, waiting for something. 

:'''{{#var:548|Xau'ra Tayuun (548)}} has posed:''' Sakura summons a nymph and the Nymphs magic does indeed cause a little sapling tree to rise up. Its leaves spring to life, being accepted by the Shroud-- sadly though, it be hard to say how long it will survive in such conditions... Finna and Allyn probably see the group ahead, as it seems everything has come to a standstill cause the Sylphs be arguing. Yet those winds blow again-- though nothing can be seen this time, it can be felt. Chaotic magic is on the move and shortly after that. The ground rumbles. This causes the Sylphs to suddenly stop arguing. The one that has been guiding them quickly turns to the group, her hand reaches out, as if magical energy is being casted, but then something far larger then she is swings a wood hand to catch her. One could follow the massive arm to where it takes the Sylph in that blink of an eye. It a massive tree-like monster. It has dark magic pouring out from it. Its socket like eyes are glowing red with rage and its leaves which were once green, now are the of a crimson red. The other two sylphs are knocked back by the sudden harsh movements of the tree monster and before anyone can even make a move, the massive tree beast has actually /eaten/ the Sylph. Which after it does so, it turns at looks directly at the group. Before it lets out a loud roaring bark that causes the whole forest to actually shake around it. Now the question is-- do you fight it-- or do you grab the two sylphs and make a run for it? Or-- do you forget the two sylphs and /still/ make a run for it? Also this is a shame when no one can do a Black Shroud lore check... 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Marrik's breath caught when he saw the corrupted trents. He could /FEEL/ the corruption off of it. "A delaying action." He guessed as he pulled a scroll from his pocket. Whispers of power went from his hand into the unopened scroll. Light poured from his left hand as he opened it and aimed his palm at the trent. There was light, warm friendly pure life giving sunlight traced out towards the corrupted beast. Back on his home darkness aided corrupt and evil beings. Sunlight weakened them. The scroll dropped away and crumpled into dust even as he pulled a second scroll and took a deep breath, hoping the sunlight would help, if only to act as bluff. "Protect our guides. We need them." 

:'''{{#var:172|Sakura Kinomoto (172)}} has posed:'''     Sakura smiles a little bit at Wood, who's currently spiralling around that new tree she made. She's proud!     And then... treant occurs. Sakura stares, wide-eyed, reaching out one hand - but then the Sylph is gone. Sakura stands there for a moment, staring.     Then her eyes take on a 'blank' look. She runs at the Treant, pulling a card out while scattering the others to her side. "POWER!" she calls out, leaping into the air. The cards levitate and follow behind the Cardcaptor, forming what almost looks like a pair of wings.     The Wood raises both hands, branches erupting from the ground in an effort to bind the monster - while Sakura flicks her wrist, as her body is surrounded by a pink aura of energy. A Hidden Blade pops out from her sleeve, extending a full eight inches from her hand as she leaps in to strike. 

:'''{{#var:317|Theo Morrison (317)}} has posed:''' Aaaannnd there it is. Theo stumbles back a step when the huge, tainted Treant straight-up eats their guide. His mouth hangs open in stunned horror. Kickotron helpfully kicks him in the shin to snap him out of it, having possibly learned the maneuver from Kero. "C'mon, Morrison, you've faced down worse monsters than this; it's just a tree, like the stupid treefolk deck of--" Sunlight and a super-pissed Sakura come into his view. Theo blinks and remembers what he's supposed to be doing. He snatches the top card, playing a third land, dropping an artifact and immediately putting it in his graveyard. He's tapped out. "Play and sacrifice Expedition Map," he announces, voice a little uneasy. A map, old and creased, very briefly appears in front of him. It flickers out of sight. Theo hastily goes through his cards to find the one he's looking for and prays that it doesn't try and eat him in the interim. Then he thinks about something /else/. He calls to the other Sylphs, "Get behind us! We can handle this!" ...He hopes. 

:'''{{#var:513|Finna (513)}} has posed:'''     Finna is there just in time to see the guide get swallowed. She promptly swears, though it's mixed with a loud, shrill, ear-shredding bark! The fox does NOT approve. She wastes little time, IMMEDIATELY zipping across the ashy ground, zig-zagging into position FAR behind the Treant, builds up speed...     And, to probably nobody's surprise, ALSO builds up size. While she remains quadrupedal, she grows HUGE, easily the size of a Percheron or Clydesdale, but that's no equine. She's a four-legged, feline-esque GREAT TERROR of the north, a beast known to prey on entire villages and small caravans. And yet what does she do with its great girth and weight?     A BODY SLAM from behind, hoping to force the Treant to regurgitate its meal quickly! 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' Maya is not able to act in time to save the first of their guides the two who still live would find themselves being protected by barrier spell she looks at the evil tree that's coming for them. This is going to be a bad dayu but she has to wonder is that Aura natural? She doesn't know is it an evil creature normally or has it been taited? "Somwthing's off about this..." She pulls out another card, it flares with blue fire and Maya teaches out with her mind trying to sense the nature and state of the tree. 

:'''{{#var:307|Allyn (307)}} has posed:''' Allyn runs along with Finna as they go after the others in the group, but then stops dead in his tracks as the tree creature appears and eats the guide. He blinks, never having seen anything like that before. He looks to Finna to see what she is going to do. That causes him to blin as well, but he doesn't have time to just stand there gawking. Well, if she's going to change into something that large, then there's no reason for him to hold back But what form should he take? feline? something else? It's a large angry tree they are against, ah well. He shifts forms becoming instead of a wolf a monsterous komodo dragon, twenty-four feet long. He charges at the tree and tries to topple it over with his weight as Finna bodyslams it. 

:'''{{#var:548|Xau'ra Tayuun (548)}} has posed:''' The two sylphs knocked aside look a little dazed. Though one comes too, to see Sakura leaping right for the treant, "No! No!" It cries out. Yet when Theo tells them get to behind him. It uses its magic to lift the one who is unconscious and flees behind Theo. Sakura's sword comes down and the Treant raises its one arm to block the attack. Her sword shatters its arm and it howls in pain. The ground seems to quiver from the attack. It then spins around with its other arm to actually knock Sakura aside with a heavy blow. While it does that though, Finna becomes the massive beast and slams into its backside, causing it to nearly stumble forward. It /does/ actually cough out the guide who has yet to be digested by the Treant-- but she doesn't look in very good shape. Maya will pick up that the Treant is being corrupted, but not from within-- something has-- tainted it. Twisted it, yet a light within it still is good. Just some dark magic is at play here-- very dark, powerful magic. The Treant is then bitten by the massive Komodo Dragon, before being toppled over by it. It then attempts to reach for the large beast and trying to lift it up. For now, its focus seems to be entirely on Allyn. 

:'''{{#var:172|Sakura Kinomoto (172)}} has posed:'''     Sakura sees a giant tree arm coming for her. Eep. "SHIELD!" she cries, getting the spell off just in time to be batted away by the blow, but not smashed into a million pieces. She flips through the air - and runs into a net of vines that the Wood card has created. She bounces to the floor, scrambling to her feet and producing another card.     "SWORD!" she calls out, transforming her wand into... a rapier, which she flourishes. Her right-hand Hidden Blade is retracted, while her left-hand one is extended. She then grasps the blade - carefully - and twists her hand, detatching the blade and holding it by its hilt as a parrying dagger. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' On seein basically no effect from the sunlight Marrik sweeps his left hand over to the now coughed out Sylph as he activated the new scroll he'd dug out. As healing energies poured from his left hand he rushed over to try scooping the Sylph up and rush her to where the other two were. There were other people here for offensive work. He needed to focus on what he could rather than overexert where he couldn't. 

:'''{{#var:513|Finna (513)}} has posed:'''     With the guide freed, Finna shifts back to human form, now bearing an axe. It's not a very large axe, and clearly meant just for cutting wood. But she executes a remarkable backflip away from the Treant! "Get the guide!" She yells. "Keep the Sylphs away from it! ... what's with this thing? Isn't it an elemental of the woods?!" Well the woods are angry, obviously, but... this is a LIVING TREE... 

:'''{{#var:307|Allyn (307)}} has posed:''' Allyn makes a growling/hissing noise as he slams into the tree and it topples over, him with it of course as he was trying to 'bulldoze' it over. That of course does leave him open for it's reaching for him. Komodo dragons climb trees though, well ok, usually only when juviniles and at three times the size of an adult komodo dragon, he's a bit large for climbing a tree. Though maybe not this one?Three times the size means the claws on the large lizard are proportional and just as sharp, if not even sharper than normal. he digs said claws into the Treant wherever he can find purchase, hoping that will prevent him from being lifted up by it, "Where do you think you are going?" he asks the evil tree thing. 

:'''{{#var:317|Theo Morrison (317)}} has posed:''' Theo has nothing he can do with three mana. Nothing /useful/, anyway. He backs off, keeping the Sylphs behind him. The treant gets thrashed by the incoming murder-animals and surprisingly super-strong Sakura, but it's still coming. Thinking about it, Theo isn't actually that worried about the Treant itself. He's more concerned with what could be following it up the trail. Untap, upkeep, draw. Theo glances at the card, smiling suddenly. He plays the land he fished out earlier, and then the card he just drew with barely a pause. The Azorius Signet grows a touch warmer while he uses it again. "Springjack Pasture! Springjack Shepherd!" There's a surge of magic, wispy Aether flickering into sight behind him somewhere... A young woman walks up the path they've left behind them. At first glance, she's easily mistaken for a halfling or a hobbit, being about their size and stature. She wears dark, stitched-together leathers and a darker cape, and her messy black hair is mostly tucked into a black, vaguely-pointed and twice-patched cap. In her hand is a staff taller than she, made of a tall, dark branch with strips of dirty white cloth wrapped beneath the top and trailing off in two tails. The top is like a claw of wood gripping a white orb, casting a yellow-white light. She looks around her, her big eyes grey and clouded save a white spot where the pupil should be. Frowning, brows furrowed in mild irritation, she makes a sharp, short whistle and plants the butt of her staff. More shapes move up behind her and in front of her, partially hopping and partially loping out in front of Theo and the Sylphs. The springjacks are white-furred, resembling a cross between a rabbit and a goat, with powerful hind legs, back-swept ears and a snout currently low to the ground. There are four of them, intermittently nosing through the ashen ground to take a bite out of whatever foliage they can find there. They're also each about the size of a bear. BGM CHANGE: http://youtu.be/WZvnfBTnaj0 "Pass turn," Theo remarks, grinning like an idiot. 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' Maya pauses for a moment, as she feels what' shappened. "The creature it's not in control of it's action something's trying to take it but it's not ... entirely gone yet." Mind control a thing that Maya sadly has some experiance with in her life. "... I wonder can we purge it...?" Because if this thing is being mind controled by this darkness ... it's not the ones calling the shots now is it? 

:'''{{#var:548|Xau'ra Tayuun (548)}} has posed:''' The treant roars out as as the area seems to shake around it. It is trying to get to Allyn which has clawed onto its arm and then attempts to rip the Komodo Dragon off, with little success beyond allowing the reptiles claws to dig in deeper. It also sadly missing one of its arms thanks to Sakura's earlier attack and yet the limb-- the limb can be seen trying to grow /back/. The summoned being with her goat-bunnies is ignored by the Treant, because right now-- seriously-- it has to deal with an angry Komodo! As for the guide, Marrik is successfully able to pull her to safety and the scroll does seem to be working. Somewhat. Her little hand reaches up to him, her gold eyes behind the wood mask look so weak and tired. "Stone...darkness..do.. ..nn... dest.." Before she seems to pass out again. It would seem though she is being healed, she is just exhausted from the ordeal of fighting to stay alive. One of the other sylphs who came flutters over. "This one does not trust outside ones. This one is skeptical one. But guide one trusted outside ones." The Sylph then looks at the other who is starting to come around. "Dumb one," Yeah-- she-- is that a she? is calling the other one dumb. "Will take back guide one to village. Both need to heal. Both need to rest." The other sylph looks at the one who just called them dumb as she-- again-- is it a she?? Says groggily, "..who you call dumb one, dumb one." The one who calls themselves 'skeptical one', looks at Theo then to Marrik. "Wood ones are Guardian ones. They protect forest. Do not kill Guardian one! Or anger, great anger will build toward outside ones." S/he looks down at the guide, "..you help Guide One-- so best advice this one can give.. and this one in turn will also act in Guide one's place. This one know where to go.. but can not cross.. but knows mission." 

:'''{{#var:307|Allyn (307)}} has posed:''' Allyn growls and hisses as he tries to hold the treant back from the others. He's not really trying to kill it, but more or less trying to hold it in place with his weight so that it can't hurt the others. Of course he's holding on with his claws, because he doesn't want to get tossed or eaten, so yeah it might be hurting the tree creature, he's not actively trying to tear it apart or anything. He's glad the Seedseer gave him that necklace though, since the anger of the forest isn't consuming him, or else it might be different. "Finna, help me hold this thing down will you?" he asks the other shapeshifter. Of course, he could probably just shift forms and coil around it to keep it from moving, but he'll save that option for later. "Or see if there is a way to calm it down, so we don't have to injure it anymore than we already have. I don't think we want the forest any more angry than it already is." 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "Fine," Marrik grunted as he rummaged about. With the Sylph being taken to safety he pulled out a small bag. "Can't be easy can it?" Last possession he had to deal with had a dozen guys holding a frail girl down. When the bag opened a spectral hand pulled a series of small rocks, each carved to have many faces and small runes carved on each face. Deep breath as the rune stones were tossed and made n iron circle around not only the treant but everything holding it down, effectively putting the entire group in the magic circle. Noises came from his mouth. They had the cadence of speech but were not, themselves, language. As these non-words rolled forward the circle glowed dull. More stones were pulled from the bag by the spectral hand while Marrik's stance widened and threads of power went from his physical hands to his forehead. Then from there power coursed from him to the possessed and corrupted guardian. His chanting sped up as his power connected and started attempting to hook into whatever was pushing the tree-beast to go against its nature. 

:'''{{#var:317|Theo Morrison (317)}} has posed:''' "Don't kill it?" Theo echoes. He looks over his shoulder at Skeptic Sylph. (It's conveniently close enough to 'smurf' that he'll use it like that.) "Ugh, okay, we'll try and -- I dunno, hold it down. Maybe I'll draw removal, I can just send it away." He draws his card. The shepherd and the goats are in a cluster in front of him, with the kithkin lass watching the tree and the springjacks kind of hanging out. Theo drops another Plains onto his pile of now-untapped lands, frowning a little. "I need more white mana sources. I don't know how much longer my Signet is gonna hold out." Tap, tap, tap. The artifact at his belt is uncomfortably warm, now. "Glorious Anthem!" Singing fills the woodlands, filtering down from on high. It sounds like the voice of an angel, perhaps literally, singing a battle song to bolster morale. It has a definite effect; the Shepherd thumps her staff against the ground in time with it, and a couple of the springjacks seem to be kicking the dirt along with her. "Cloudshift the Shepherd!" One more plains gets tapped. Theo's signet is hot, now. There's a sudden flicker, the Shepherd vanishing into thin air for a span of breaths and reappearing exactly where she was, apparently disoriented. "Chroma triggers... and I get more goats." More of them hop and trot out of the woods behind him. He's got ten, now, the unusually enormous springjacks crowding around. Theo gestures, and four of them jump forward and upwards, leaping at the treant. They're huge and heavy, trying to get on top of it, biting at it and using size and momentum to help knock it down and hold it there. They bleat when they jump, and they bleat when they land. It's kinda loud. 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' Maya has goes the idea that the huge tree thing is under the infulence of something, even without the warning from the natives. The question is how to purge it there is a spell she has that might be able to do something but it's risky to her. She does have an idea however, she's not sure how well this will work she's not got any proper spells for this but she's got an idea of combinging two spells she can do which may be able to do something. "Theo I have an idea I'm going to need ot be cover." If Theo paid attention there was a lot of Mana coming from Maya likely enough for some of his needed. Either way Maya is now working upon a spell as she charges a pair of fate cards with magic, both are glowing with blue flames as she weaves this spell. 

:'''{{#var:513|Finna (513)}} has posed:'''     Hold it down, huh?     Before coming to the Multiverse, Finna spent some time acclimating herself to the southeastern forests, where great things roam. The Lunar Elders had suggested she acquire several new forms before going on this quest into the great unknown, and they were definitely right to do so.     She starts shifting. Skin is replaced with scale, clothing vanishes and her body becomes a mostly featureless tube... though, soon enough, the scale turn greenish tinged, and grow black spots. As she hits the ground, legs vanishing, her body lengthens.     It lengthens, and lengthens, and STRETCHES to unbelievable lengths, and its big enough AROUND to swallow... well, probably an alligator, or perhaps a whole man.     There's only one other reptile on Earth that can rival Allyn's Komodo dragon in sheer weight, and Finna's surpassing even that. For the snakes that dominate the southeast forests are not easily trifled with even by the king of predators, the Tyrant Lizard.     A grand snake, quite similar to an Anaconda, is what Finna's become. And it lashes out with lightning speed, aiming to coil around and bind up the Treant and painfully - but without much real harm - restrict its movements, keep it from thrashing! 

:'''{{#var:548|Xau'ra Tayuun (548)}} has posed:''' Those with that dark sense can pick up something is watching them, but it does not linger around for long. As for the treant it continues to wrestle with Allyn. It tries to pull him one way, and another-- it even tries to bite his big ol' tail! Though when the springjacks start to kick it, bite at it, and be a general pest. The Treant uses one of its other three arms to reach for one of the Springjacks and try to throw it aside with another roar in frustration. The sylph that is the 'dumb one' apparently, motions to Sakura for her to follow it. After all the forest is a dangerous place and they could use someone to protect them to the land of the Sylphs within the Shroud. Because seriously-- there are some critters out there that /love/ to eat them. Like Giant frilled lizard-like dinosaur creatures! Marrik goes undisturbed as he places down his barrier and Maya gathering up her power to do whatever she is doing also goes interrupted. Whatever has caused this, if anything has caused it at all, doesn't seem to be making any moves to stop the group. The Skeptical Sylph watches the activities, before placing her hands together, a spark of electricity flows from her/his hands as it suddenly blasts out a stream of lightning right for the Treant. It wasn't to harm it-- but instead it seems the Sylph is aiding in actually /holding/ it down with the electricity like a rope. Which-- somewhat causes the Treant to freeze up at times, but not for long. This is only aided when Finna takes her giant serpentine form and coils up the Treant. It struggles against all odds to undo what is being done toward it-- yet with so much being thrown in its direction-- its kinda helpless really. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' The non-language chanting from Marrik continued as the rune stones in the ghost-hand glowed blue. He stepped forward, placing his hand palm first against the treant's bark right as the glowing runestones were shoved in it's mouth. He was attempting to draw the corruption out and hoped the rune covered rocks could hold and contain it. Otherwise it takes the most readily avalible vassel; him. 

:'''{{#var:307|Allyn (307)}} has posed:''' Allyn blinks as he's suddenly joined by the Sprinjacks in attempting to hold the treant in place and then thee's a large snake coiling around it. If he could grin he probably would, he didn't know Finna had a form like that, heck it probably even rivals his winged serpent form, well, maybe not quite when he shifts into a larger form of that shape, but still. "I think that will do it, though just to be safe." he shifts again, changing forms to his winged serpent one and then to strengthen Finna's own coils around the treant, he coils around Finna, never hurts to have something tied a bit more. 

:'''{{#var:317|Theo Morrison (317)}} has posed:''' The springjacks on the Treant just kind of hang out. A couple of them sniff it, as if trying to detect whether or not they should eat some of its leaves. One totally will if the corruption isn't physical. Theo goes ahead and draws and plays while other people do the thing where they excise the evil. He notes Maya's Real Ultimate Power status and draws a little off the top, experimentally, perhaps seeing if it even works. When it does, he gives the signet a little rest, using her font and the land to fuel the enchantment. "Cathars' Crusade!" A colorful banner appears affixed to the Shepherd's staff. It's red and blue and displays a goat of glory. Nothing else seems to happen. 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' Maya is still budling up power now, she's not even sure how well this is going to work. The power keeps builing, she's now starting to focus more upon the spell. Theo is able to tap Maya for a bit of power with no seeming issue, it seems to be a case of how much power Maya can weave into a spell at a time. She's got more than she seemingly could make use of either way she's seeming to be almost ... ready from the looks of her. Also at this point her hair's flying about from all the core energy like she's stuck in heavy winds. 

:'''{{#var:548|Xau'ra Tayuun (548)}} has posed:''' The Corruption is starting to be pulled by Marrik's actions. The Treant itself is starting to stop fighting as much and is--actually seeming to become tired. The Sylph at this point actually has stopped what she was doing as the two serpents now are doing a fine enough job... and yes.. the Springjack may enjoy the yummy leaves upon the Treant. Words can be heard on the wind though, the sound of something far darker speaking as the corruption is pulled. Yet the words are unclear to any, as the language itself is not common to any. ~"Zat to mah lay."~ ~"Bu'ley ma ne."~ Curiously after the words are spoken, or perhaps just by the corruption being removed the Treant becomes freed from the corruption and seems to just-- about fall over asleep. They may want to uncoil themselves quickly! 

:'''{{#var:172|Sakura Kinomoto (172)}} has posed:'''     Sakura has been leading the eaten-and-then-regurgitated Sylph back to her village. So she's not currently here. She's totally having awesome adventures on her own. Or at least marveling at the Sylph Village and taking way too long to realise the houses are up in the air. 

:'''{{#var:307|Allyn (307)}} has posed:''' Allyn uncoils himself from around Fianna and then slithers down the treant as it starts to fall over. He wasn't expecting that to happen, but its a good thing, right? he then shifts again, back to his dire wolf form, since the snake is no longer needed and bounds a little ways off so he doesn't get caught by the toppling tree, though he does wait to make sure Finna gets away from it too. 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' Maya has had her time she's been able to weave this pair of spells and now it was time to do so the first is simple it's a spell which cna purge outside infulence and other thingfs that can effect the mind or body. This is no simple minor thing Maya understand hance where her plan gets non standards as that spell is cast and the card is glowing bright blue another card glows bright red as Maya attemps to leech away the dark energy from the trent and disperse it. Hopefuly the first spell was able tomake the next part of her plan possible. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' the magic circle around the group flaired bright, and for a moment there was the feel of something pressing against it before Marrik turned from the Trent and stomped his foot, causing a thunderclap as the circle briefly grew brighter still before it seemed to go away. He was sweating as he pulled a black bag from his coat and scooped up a handful of ink black stones that fell from the treant's mouth. As he knelt down the spectral hand seemed to solidify and grow more visible just long enough to make a single rude gesture in the direction the spirits attacked from. Stones now containing evil essence tucked away Marrik would wait til the Treant fell before putting hand on it's bark to probe in case any corruption still lingered. 

:'''{{#var:513|Finna (513)}} has posed:'''     ONce Allyn's clear of her, Finna slithers away from the Treant in a hurry. A semi-panicked snake is a bit more unnerving to see than normal snakes, just from the speedy slithery motions. Back and forth, mesmerizingly zigzaggy through the ash-tainted undergrowth. She instead coils partway a nearby tree - or possibly the remains of one - ready for ANYTHING! Hiss! 

:'''{{#var:513|Finna (513)}} has posed:'''     And oddly enough, the hissing great serpent quiets when words strike the wind. Snakes can't normally hear anything too well, but this one kind of is, and that's what gets Finna confounded and looking all around in a very non-snakelike way. 

:'''{{#var:548|Xau'ra Tayuun (548)}} has posed:''' Maya aids in disrupting the corruption from returning-- if it even does. Actually her ability surges the area around, causing the ash to fly up into the air and away, where some grass trying to regrow can be seen. The corruption does seem tied into the land itself-- into the aetheric flow which feeds the land. Things become quiet again. Whatever dark presence /was/ there that spoke on the wind has moved on yet again-- was there-- more then one of them?? The Sylph floats around the treant, seeming to not be bothered by the strange words spoke on the wind. Though s/he does gently move one of the leaves aside. "Guardian one will rest fine. Guardian one will soon take root to recover." Sylph may shoo away one of the goat-things though if they continue to nom on the Treant. It isn't good for them! The Sylph who apparently has taken new job of being the 'guide' looks at the group, "Skeptical one still does not truth outside ones, but better then fearful ones following wisdom of Paragon." Those violet eyes that match the gem stare out into the forest, before looking at the group, "Come come. Its not much further with help of Sylphs." The Sylph then extends out there hand and those more sensitive to nature may pick up the natural magic starting to pour into the ground under there feet. They-- may feel far lighter actually. "Now you run like wind!" The Sylph declares before fluttering ahead, before turning back to the others motioning to them, "Now come. Follow Skeptical one and prove you outside ones can complete task-- even though I doubt guide one was right that you can." Such a mean Sylph. They will find themselves moving far faster then earlier, easily able to leap over fallen trees and twisted roots that have been pulled apart. Through the tunnels and over ledges with ever the ease. From here many can also get a chance to see how badly damaged the forest has become, including even a few old camps from the days of old in the Black Shroud that have been devastated and remains of the old Atherytes-- now orange crystal shards that are slowly losing even that color. A few animals they may come across bounding along trying to keep up that look something like white deer. A few more creatures that look like frilled dinosaur lizards hiss out as they pass, but do not dare attempt to chase. If there is any questions, now be the time to ask... Also the Sylph is leaving behind a glowing trail that other Sylphs maybe can follow, if not maybe some wondering adventures-- Like Sakura! 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Oh come on! Marrik groaned soft as he dismissed the magic circle and watched it crumble to dust. No sense leaving it for the corrupted things to study. He gave the Sylph a resigned look and started to follow before stopping. He hopped over a fallen tree then grinned before using his newly augmented speed to gather samples of ash, wood, dirt, and a few crystals. Each went into its own bag and he eventually, probably with goading from one person or another, started following the trail their guide left. What did these things need to prove they were on the up and up? 

:'''{{#var:307|Allyn (307)}} has posed:''' Allyn runs along with the others when they find themselves able to move rather fast. Well, it's kind of interesting at least. He glances around at the frilled dinosaur lizard things and ponders for a few moments. Those are kind of interesting looking, maybe once they are done he should spend some time around here and learn the forms of some of the local animals, might come in handy someday! 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' Maya can now see tht level of the darkness that had taken the guardian it seems to have been recovering. She makes one lst look and wonders just what was behind it what was cuaing it? She notices they are being followed and watched by local animals, she doesnot ask she simply keeps going. 

:'''{{#var:548|Xau'ra Tayuun (548)}} has posed:''' The twigs Marrik will get have mostly been burnt. The soil is still very good for growing, and the aether crystal-- is-- interesting. Though it is very dim with light in its orange color and seems so hazed over. Looks like whatever magic it contained or whatever its purpose was for-- it will soon be over. if Marrik is looking for any corruption hooks. It seems the energy of the world itself is-- struggling. Though each element carries a light within it that fights it back, but there was also darkness there as well. Though once removed, it seems the struggle is fading-- or maybe the energy was simply moving elsewhere. Like shifting waters really. As they find themselves being lead down a path, the Sylph turns around sharply, as if to go 'halt' and anyone who runs past her/him may find themselves reared back by a type of lightning spell of some kind-- not painful-- but it may catch someone off guard! "This one goes no further. This is where outside ones go." She points toward the rocky path and with oddly-- clean water running down it! In the reflection of the water one can almost make out what seems like crystal flowers glowing against the rocks on the other side. The Sylph then has a bag appear out of no where, before floating it in front of them all. "These ones must purify the area at the crystal. These ones must destroy the evil. Items within will help. Sprinkle. Cut--" pause, "-- and do not anger." Anger what? The Sylph then crosses its arms over its chest. "Solve problem. That is what you outsiders do. This one will see if that is true!" Jerk. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Nevermind Marrik had his own items for dealing with corrupted beings. A quartz vassel lay in his back pocket. Still he would reach into the bag, because one does not offend the locals that are very standoffish as is. Still, "Could you tone the hostility down a notch ma'am? I know we're not from here but look, we're helping. Being snippy with the help is a bit rude and counterproductive." 

:'''{{#var:307|Allyn (307)}} has posed:''' Allyn blinks at the Sylph as it is going to leave them behind and he nods some, Well, he doesn't want to anger anything that they come across, because that'd probably be bad news for them and for the Sylphs and such as well. "We'll be careful." at least he hopes those words are true. He glances around a moment to see where Finna might be, if she ever uncoiled herself from that tree and came after them anyway. 

:'''{{#var:513|Finna (513)}} has posed:'''     "So little faith in us, and offering so little advice." The Finna-snake announces. How did it hear? Well, it's grown mouse ears during the trip for some reason or another...     Fuzzy, cute mouse ears.     "This is not just a disaster. Someone... someTHING... wants the forest blighted." Zoom, zoom, through all the forest! But now it's over, and, and --     She rears up to have a look in the bag, while shifting back to human form... 

:'''{{#var:548|Xau'ra Tayuun (548)}} has posed:''' The Sylph hmphs. "Skeptical one is being /nice/. Skeptical one also sees that outside ones can't tell gender." The Sylph flutters a bit. "This one would go in, but this one can not. Will not. Bad place. Bad Place will not go." "It is why Outsiders must go in stead. It is why Outsiders must purify. Skeptical one saw you purify treant. Outside ones can chase off evil there too." "Find the large crystal at top of hill. Large crystal surrounded by water. Large Crystal has taint. Large Crystal is.. is..." The Sylph seems to have trouble explaining itself. "Just don't anger water!" the Sylph points at the bag. "Make ruin with lightning stone. Impact knife in rock. Then sprinkle dust on knife." "But do not cut rock. That is all this one can explain. Now go go. Dark ones near! Paragons will not stand by!" 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Great. More cryptic manure. Wait, that thing's a guy? Marrik just stared at the sylph cluelessly, right up until Sparks flew out of one of his pockets and punched the back of his head. "Owe! Hey what was that for?" Sparks merely pointed to the bag. Make ruin with lightning stone. Hit Knife into rock but do not cut it. Sprinkle dust on knife. Oh and don't make the water mad. WHY COULD NONE OF THESE RITUALS EVER BE STRAIGHTFORWARD?! 

:'''{{#var:513|Finna (513)}} has posed:'''     "much as I hate saying it, don't do anything until we've let the magic folk have a really good look at this rock and water!" Finna points out, twitching a finger. "Bad things happen to people who anger the spirits!" 

:'''{{#var:307|Allyn (307)}} has posed:''' Allyn nods in agreement to Finna and pads over towards her, "Sounds like a good plan to me. I don't know anything about magic." he shakes his head, "yeah we have seen what the angry spirits are capable of doing around here. Not just them either." "Ok so no doing anything until the magic people have an idea." 

:'''{{#var:548|Xau'ra Tayuun (548)}} has posed:''' The bag contains one purple shard. A curved bladed knife. A bag of some kinda purple glowing metallic dust, and a blue-white shard. Also a stick. The Sylph flails at Finna, "But outside ones must! Outside ones are running out of time!" The sylphs huffs, "Skeptical one explained. Lightning Stone shatter. Ruin make around stone. Impact stone. Sprinkle Dust! Easy! Easy this one say!" Yet after the Sylph explains then a voice can be heard from above. It looks like an elezen Conjuruer with a hood over his head. "Don't listen to the sylph. It makes lies for their Primal god Ramuh." "This one does not! This one-- oh.." The sylph stares almost eyes go wide, he starts back up slowly as the two stare at one another. The conjurer looks at the others. "Half the direction are correct. I will keep the water spirits at bay. But it is not jam the stone, but cut. The knife must be infused with the Lightning stone, for no mere knife can break into an Aetheric stone of its power. If you do what the Sylph says, you will not make anything take place and only waste precious time." The Conjurer then starts to walk away, before he looks back at the group. "..And the seedseer sends her warm wishes.." 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' Maya takes the wanring at hand and gets the idea there's something else going on here. "Come lets go, we got a job to do and we have a warning." Maya seems to be on high alert here she knows the land is taited. She gets the ideas the locals might be at a very high risk of falling to things like the Treant but for now she moves on. As for how she's being treated she doesn't care she's used to being trated like trash. She moves ahead and she listens. "Primal ... God..." Maya's eyes lock on to the Sylph for a moment..." 

:'''{{#var:513|Finna (513)}} has posed:'''     "Primal God, Ramuh? Like the Ixxy's ifrit?" She doesn't remember their full names, so what! Finna grabs the bag - carefully - assuming nobody else does first. Then she sticks her tongue out at the Sylph, and aims a grateful - also mischevious - smile at the conjurer. "Alright! With the land purified, the forest can recover! Let's do this!" 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' No pressure huh? Marrik took a deep breath to calm down. Spirits tended to be sensitive to the moods of people. Was the Sylph trying to sabotage them? The land was corrupt and they were Oh dear that was not a fun idea. He shuffled about to put Maya out of his line of sight and Looked, then frowned before shrugging and taking point. Nothing so simple as it being corrupt, just prickly natured. Conflicting instructions. "So all we really need to do is break the stone huh?" Then again break something wrongly and it goes all wombly. Problematic. He grunted but moved on while trying to keep Maya out of his line of sight since he needed to See what was going on. "Don't mind us," He muttered as he moved. "Just cleanup crew, nothing to see Here." His mind was trying to chew through the problem both of ritual and the fact there were complications and no idea who's being honest. 

:'''{{#var:307|Allyn (307)}} has posed:''' Allyn's ears perk as the conjurer speaks and then looks at the Sylph, then back to the Conjurer. He growls a little though since it does seem like someone is telling a lie, but which one? He's not too sure really. Though when Finna grabs the bag he kind of seems to shrug and follows after her. Well, he'll trust her to know which is the truth and which is a lie. Well, lets see what happens. 

:'''{{#var:548|Xau'ra Tayuun (548)}} has posed:''' The Conjurer looks down at the group from where he stands, "Yes. There primal god Ramuh. And you speak of the Amalj'aa's Ifrit. One in the same." The Sylph huffs at such a remark, "Lord Ramuh is--MPH!" The sylph quickly covers there mouth before he shakes his head. "Dumb ones listen to that one! Dumbs one will doom all! Then-- then..." The Sylph the suddenly flutters away quickly. The Conjurer shakes his head and then motions with his hand. "The sylphs tend to be peaceful, but even they will go to there Primal if the need becomes great. After all, why do you think they wanted you to draw the ruin? They are fearful-- and they wanted you for there plight." The Conjurer then turns away from the group once more. "Remember what I said to do. I will keep the elements interested on me.. and do not worry.. I'll have your back." The Conjurer then seems to move around one of the crystals and moves out of sight thanks to the dense area of flower crystals and living forest. The area within has many streams and waterfalls. The area is breath taking and there is a mystical fog that rolls over the land itself. Some of the rocks can be slippery though, but as they were pointed too, a bit further in, is a path that is leading up the side of the hill what a beautiful waterfall roars down and the crystal that they seek, even from the ground, can almost be seen. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Well muddied alliances never helped make anything clear. "Personally, not going to be treated like a mushroom," His voice was low so it was possible neither heard him. "I trust neither so must rely on what I see." At that he opened his senses both mundane and magical to try figuring out if he could see what was different between the corrupt and uncorrupted lands. Sparks meanwhile flew after the Sylph. The pixie spoke no words, just glowered at the potential traitor before pointing first at her eyes, then at it before seemingly vanishing into motes of green light. Marrik sighed, why did that girl have to make things harder? 

:'''{{#var:307|Allyn (307)}} has posed:''' Allyn follows the others to where they are supposed to go. He glances around some as they wander around. He's curious about the place, but a little bit wary, just in case there are things there to try to stop them. Well, can enver be too prepared and it is always good to be on the alert. So, he wanders around and sniffs at things here and there. 

:'''{{#var:513|Finna (513)}} has posed:'''     Finna's tempted to take up fox form out of reflex for a run through anywhere. It's much faster! But for now... no. She travels through the new area, breathing in deeply of the cleaner air and stpping by a stream to check the water quality...     And then she sees it. "There, the crystal. Here!" She holds the bag out to Marrik. "... What do you make of this, sorcerer?" 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' Maya looks to the Conjurer for a moment and nods for a moment. She looks the Sylphg and hereyes narrow. She starts to wonder about this Primal god, there's questions here a whole lot of new questions it seems. She seems ready and now she goes to pull the rifle off her back, to keep it ready. 

:'''{{#var:548|Xau'ra Tayuun (548)}} has posed:''' The Aether here is /very/ heavy. There is a mix of elements between water, earth, even some air. Light and darkness also clash here, swirling against one another in a battle to keep this mystical place uncorrupted-- at least less so then beyond it. The pools of water are also very crystal clear and highly reflective. It is like a place of dream and beauty. It is a location-- which is home to the water elements themselves it would seem. So in trying to pinpoint anything would be hard and worse, inhale to deeply with those sense open and you may inhale to much atheric energy-- which could in turn-- make you a bit sick. Allyn will pick up the scent that is /very/ clean, though taint is here too, just harder to pick up on. The smells of ocean, lakes, and stream. The flowers even smell so-- fresh and the crystals close to them let out a beautiful hum sound. As they at last arrive at the path, they are greeted with a massive circular pool of water which feeds the waterfall that roars now below them. The water-pool itself is only ankle deep curiously and yet-- it just keeps flowing. The crystal flowers line the area seeming so natural. The massive crystal in the center is several jagged pieces. Like the crystal flowers it swirls with magical energy and can not be seen through, all which give off a gentle glow of white and blue light. It is this crystal that is spoken about and it towers over them. There is a patch of dewed grass that trails up along a smaller piece and the massive crystal, giving some height on it, but-- it is still so large. 

:'''{{#var:307|Allyn (307)}} has posed:''' Allyn starts to act like a cub it seems, he sniffs the flower crystals and even gives one a lick. Then he bounds over to Finna and wags his tail like crazy at her. It's nice to be in a place that the corruption doesn't seem to be too bad. He can abrely even tell that it is there. "This place is the purist plance I've felt since we first came to this world." he tells Finna. "Though I guess that doesn't mean we should let our guard down. Maybe that is why that Sylph said he couldn't come here?" he's not sure though. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "Curious," Marrik frowned as they continued on. "Personally gut reaction is," He scowled when he saw the jagged crystal. "Look if there's any sort of time I'd like to try a few things first." From out of a pocket he pulled a white rope. As he paced around the crystal rope kept spooling out of his pocket until he got back to where the origin point was and cut the rope before tying the ends. "Everyone stay outside of my circle please." He carefully stepped outside of the circle's radius before kneeling and touching it with his fingers. What did he plan on trying? Dampen or cut off the crystal's influance to see what would happen without breaking it. 

:'''{{#var:513|Finna (513)}} has posed:'''     "De... Demesne?!" Finna blurts, approaching the circular pool but not entering it. She stretches her arms out to catch the breeze, breathing deeply. Too much aether might bother some, but to the Exalted, a place like this is a novel luxury!     "A powerful one! Or something like one!" It's clearly the work of that crystal, she's sure, but for now she's chering up. Eyes bright with a flood of relief and renewing vigor.     Still, she skitters away from Marrik, and then bends down to give Allyn a happy hug and scratches behind his ears. "I like this place. Who knows why the Sylph won't come here? Maybe the power is too much for 'em..."     She lets go, and lands on her rump. From there, she's watching Marrik curiously and trying to focus her senses... as much as she can.     She doesn't have much to focus for this kind of thing though! 

:'''{{#var:548|Xau'ra Tayuun (548)}} has posed:''' As the crystal is cut away from the normal aethric patterns which-- are already suffering as is. The water seems to move-- oddly. It lifts just slightly and a loud hum can be heard as the crystal flowers around make gently chime like sounds. Something isn't happy and soon a few orbs of water can be seen rising out of the water. Also within the containment the mist is seen becoming far more heavy, it almost seems to be slowly ballooning out. Which can not be good as well. Also more elements start to emerge. It would seem-- tampering with the crystal has perhaps pulled the elements away from the 'Conjurer' who had them busy-- or did he never have them busy at all? "Out of the water!" The conjurers voice barks out as suddenly a flare of lightning goes streaking across the water, which turns the water elements attention for the moment away from the group. 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' Maya aura just screams hello magic and there's no way Maya can hide it so she doesn't even think about it. She just accept the things that come becase of that. She looks at the crystal and wonders for a moment she's reaching out trying to get a feeling about this place. "I can feel the magic here just about. Still ..." She then gets the heck out of the water now. 

:'''{{#var:172|Sakura Kinomoto (172)}} has posed:'''     Sakura -finally- manages to extricate herself from the Sylphs and take to the air. Sheesh. It's hard to keep the Flower card under control sometimes. She hopes they like the new flowers everywhere. 

:'''{{#var:307|Allyn (307)}} has posed:''' When Finna had sat down to relax, Allyn had flopped over to lay his head in her lap, tail still wagging quite a bit. Well, that didn't last too long, his ears perk and he lifts his head to watch what is going on. His tail no longer wagging as he watches the elementals until they seem to go back for the conjurer. "I guess there goes not making them mad." the wolf sighs and then stands, just in case something else is needed to be done. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "You heard the guy! Out!" Yet Marrik marched forward, pullimg on everything he had in reserve as he placed his hand against the barrier the circle formed. He could not draw power from this wellspring. That wasn't true. He could draw from the life mingled with the torrent of elements. Yet even then actually doing so would connect him to the uncontrollable torrent of power. Yet he had to try something. Both hands pressed against the deformed edge of the barrier as he tried to open himself for Contact. <WHAT ARE YOU?> He tried to send into the barely contained maelstrom, <ARE YOU PART OF THE CORRUPTION?> He could not mantain contact long, and no matter if the crystal was aware or artifact he would take the brunt of the backlash without some sort of miracle. Sure he had spell enhanced clothes to armor himself, but the metaphysical will hurt far worse. This was a dumb idea. 

:'''{{#var:513|Finna (513)}} has posed:'''     "I hope you can manage this!" Finna barks to Marrik, skittering away with the pool, probably with Allyn. She's not yet gone very hostile herself, but she's watching the water - and flinches when LIGHTNING strikes it. Can she trust this man? It's quite hard to say, so for now she observes him. Every bit. Expression, demeanor.. the slightest shift in how he feels about things will help her get an idea of his motivations! 

:'''{{#var:548|Xau'ra Tayuun (548)}} has posed:''' The Bubble continues to expand even as Marrik pushes against it. He makes contact with the core-- and something-- something with with burning eyes of blue flames looks right back and voice of deep rumbling can be heard speaking back to him in his mind, <..Urth... How dare ye.. will never forgive.> Sadly for Marrik-- he just met what lies within the very crystal itself... As for the Conjurer the man swings his arm out and causes all the water elements to explode at least go back down to the water yet again. He takes notice of the action and stares in that direction. Silence befalling him as he watches this very moment. 

:'''{{#var:172|Sakura Kinomoto (172)}} has posed:'''     "SHIELD!"     A wing-shaped kite shield briefly flashes across Marrik's vision. A magic circle appears under him, glowing brightly; it depicts a star, flanked by a sun and crescent moon. The twelve symbols of the Western Zodiac are arranged neatly around the outer edge, while symbols of the Chinese Zodiac are arranged along the inner edge.     Then, a heartbeat later, Marrik is surrounded by a transluscent, yellow-orange dome. There's a distinct impression of -safety-...     Sakura comes in to land, borne on pink, feathered wings, her wand in hand. She rubs the back of her head. "...Eheh. Sorry I'm late." 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Plug mage into prison of pissed off aeons old being. Add in a hammerwall of magic pressing against his mind. Mix in a dash of stress, fear, cluelessness, and mix well. For a moment his face contorted, a snarl of rage and pain as he spoke, except the voice wasn't his. "URTH! YOU BRING THIS RABBLE TO CHAIN ME? WAS YOUR PRISON NOT ENOUGH!?" Marrik's body contorted as his legs seemed to give out. As he slid down, body supported by the fraying barrier the not-him voice bellowed again. "IS IT YOU FINALLY THINK YOU CAN KILL ME? I WOULD NOT BOW THEN! I WILL NOT YIELD NOW!" Anything else the thing with burning eyes wanted to use him as a mouthpiece for was cut off as Marrik's hand touched the rope and intentionally crossed with intent to breech. Now kids, what happens when you put pin to balloon that's being force fed by a hose? Marrik just found out. 

:'''{{#var:513|Finna (513)}} has posed:'''     "S-something's possessing Marrik!" Finna executes a spectacular flip backwards. It wasn't really planned or even athletic. More like a cat getting AWAY from something crazy in a hurry.     Yet when her feet touch ground again, they're not feet anymore. They're padded paws, with great claws ripping into the earth. She can tell when things are getting bad. So... "I hope you guys aren't expecting me to tussle with an angry Primal! Because that's a bit much!" So she's getting ready. Fur ripples out of her flesh in waves and musces bulge out - sleek, but quite pronounced despite her lean and feminine frame. Gleaming silver claws sprout from her hands and her whole body takes on vulpine features, including a thick coat of white fur. Far too hot for this environment, but she can take it for a while!     Yeah, she doesn't know WHO is possessing Marrik, but very few things could be stuffed in a giant pile of magic, right? It's gotta be some kind of spirit! ... probably.     And they're ANGRY. 

:'''{{#var:307|Allyn (307)}} has posed:''' Allyn watches as Finna transforms well, he knows that if it's bad enough for her to go into beastman mode, then something must really be awry. He ponders for a few moments on which form to go to, then thinks back on one of the creatures they saw on the way here. Well, why not give it a try? He thinks about the form and what it looked like and everything, but it takes a while. His body shifts and changes forms a few times, a blob shaped mass for a little while, but finallyy he's able to take the form. Instead of a wolf, he's now one of those frilled dinosaur lizard things they saw earlier. 

:'''{{#var:548|Xau'ra Tayuun (548)}} has posed:''' The Conjurer can only smile at this display and suddenly with his arms raising up. The white robes become black as the blue flames rise up along him, to that of a dark robe with some metal work and clawed metal tip fingers. When the aether energy explodes out the water elements are blasted part, the crystals glow brightly and in that moment the shroud-- suddenly can feel it all across. The sky across all the shroud takes on a twilight air as motes of magic rise up slowly. Ash is blasted away, along with the soot. The air becomes clear and thunder roars across the sky. Then as the aetheric wave hits its peek, it starts to roll back in, taking down some trees to wake to withstand the force. Ripping the land apart to alter it perhaps now forever. Causing waters to roll right into the Sanctum of the Twelve. As the wave rolls back in, the dark figure points his claw down on the group with a dark smile on his face, ~"Lutayen Odin. May'lun."~ Then he raises up his hand as a dark portal appears behind him, as he speaks again. "Our one lord thanks you-- adventurers." Then the robed figure goes to vanish into the portal as the wave comes crashing back in. The crystal chime loudly in a harmonic way, as then a massive light flares up from the center of the dark crystal as the energy goes to ripple back out again in a faster pulse, then back in once more. The crystal starts to shatter bit by bit, before suddenly with flash of aethric light blasts outward in an almost dark form, the energy forms around in a dark cloud, as something rises up from it. The land falling under a deep twilight effect now in this area. Motes of energy rise up all around from the very crystals themselves. The figure is dark armored, with a bit of gold detail. The helm though is missing for a moment. His face is humanoid, but a dark blue-ish purple in color. The eyes glowing with blue light. A goatee like beard around his face of lilac color and the hair the same with a few bangs over his face, and pulled back into a pony-tail. Elf like ears and blue marking that go up from the jawline to under the eyes. As he remains knelt, he inhales the air as his eyes close and then speaks with a deep voice (Maybe like War from Darksiders), "Urth..." His hand digs into the soil, before he goes to stand up, "..Show thy self to me-- for my vengeance will be swift! DO YOU HEAR ME URTH!" He roars out and as he does so, the helm appears over his face in a swift of magic as a sword then appears in his hand that glow with an unholy light. Those glowing blue flames as eyes now peer at the group as he points his blade toward them. "What mockery is this! How dare she send welps before me!" 

:'''{{#var:172|Sakura Kinomoto (172)}} has posed:'''     Sakura is knocked back by the extreme aetheric pressure, but seems to have fared better than the trees. Magical Resistance is one hell of a drug.     She stares at Odin for a few moments. "...Oh boy. This is going to suck."     She leaps back, pinks wings flaring, as she fishes into her pocket for a card. "Become a binding chain! WATERY!" She tosses the card up before her, bringing her wand down - the card vanishes in a flash of blue light, revealing a humanoid water sprite of some sort. Which promptly splits into several streams of water, seeking to wrap around and bind Odin, anchoring themselves to the pool. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Yea that was stupid. Marrik had a few moments of stillness to reflect on his mistake as he sailed back into the nearest thing that didn't bother getting out of the way. There was a crash then stillness. Whether it was through his own enchantments, Sakura's, or just pure luck but Marrik survived. Life. He needed Life. His friends were in danger and he got them into this. Reflexively he reached out to the largest source of Life. Never mind it was off Maya. He wasn't thinking that far, or at all. It flowed through him, wrapping around his hurts, taking away his pain as he stood. Slowly he advanced on Odin, his eyes glowed soft as he shrugged out of his coat and its defensive enchantments. "Hear me!" His voice rang out as he addressed the enraged being. "We are not your enemies. We are not of Urth! We are not even of this land or world! Sheath your blade! Please!" 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' Maya watche as Marrik does something oh she's got a bad feeling about this. A very bad one about this and then comes in Sakura? That's a welcome thing. "Good timing." Is all Maya can spare as Marrik is on the trian to crazy town, or something has jacked control of hos body from him. Maya jut flares out as she looks to Finna. "Won't be the first time something like this has happened." Then things get worse much worse, they got the one problem soloved but now an ODin has appeared. IF he's anything like the one connected to the various Earths? Oh this is going to get very nordic very /fast/. Maya's following suit but this time brings her rifle up to open fire upon Odin.. Then Marrik starts to taps Maya and then she staggers from it ugg she's feeling sapped it's not harmful but being tapped in that fashion, well Maya's doesn't get on with necromancy on the /best/ of days. 

:'''{{#var:513|Finna (513)}} has posed:'''     "I knew that guy was untrustworthy!" And that's why she had strived so to ensure they could -study- the place before doing anything. How could a tiny attempt to study the crystal and local power flows go THIS WRONG?!     "... The seal on him must've already been weakened to the point of tatters by Bahamut's destruction!" She reasons quickly.     It's amazing what kind of conclusions you can jump to when you let the Essence flow freely.     All Finna's fur's standing on end right now. This guy is unnerving. UTTERLY terrifying, really. Her gut's saying run, RUN, you can't take that warrior head-on.     So how about a different approach?     "Oh, no, we weren' here for you at all. But it looks like someone tricked us into setting you loose because it's convenient for THEM." She points out. "How awesome, being used!" Finna's voice drips with sarcasm, and she's hoping... HOPING... to redirect Odin's anger on a wild goose chase, for the moment! 

:'''{{#var:307|Allyn (307)}} has posed:''' Allyn growls at the being that points a weapon at them. The dinosaur lizard thing stands by Finna and glances at her for a few moments and leans down, "Let's see if there's any other anger around here. Take the necklace off me?" he tilts his head at Finna. Though he does nod in agreement to her words though, "I agree." 

:'''{{#var:548|Xau'ra Tayuun (548)}} has posed:''' Odin actually goes to look at Marrik. "You are the one.." Then suddenly water spirits try to chain him up. His voice bellows with anger, "What?! What Sorcery is this?!" He then takes notice of the weapon being pointed at him, though Maya doesn't seem to hold it long. The chains start to wrap around him as he looks directly at Marrik. The 'primal' was just imprisoned-- and now chains again. There was the swelling rage once more, as the there is a soft laugh. Then he looks sharply at Finna, "And /YET/ you bind me still?! DO YOU take me as a FOOL!??" The magical binds start to seen be broken as Odin snaps the binds free. Marrik could sense it. The distrust, the rage, the anger. How long as this being imprisoned? Odin then looks directly at Sakura and the others. He twirls his blade in his hand. "Where /is/ Urth?! Where do you HIDE HER?!" He goes to swing his blade, the very air seems to respond to his command and the massive sweep goes to knock all back-- all-- but Marrik. Marrik instead gets the blade pointed right at him. "I only will spare you-- for you aid in freeing me-- but if you stand with this rabble-- I will cut you down as swift!" Odin then looks upon them all, "Now who shall be first?!" 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "You are attacking us," Marrik's voice is level in the face of a being capable of cutting him to shreds and could stomp him flat in a contest of wills. "Would you do different if you were in our shoes?" There was hardness to his voice. Deep breath as he tried to find his calm. "Lower your weapons." Swallow as he tried to keep from shaking. Anyone looking at him would see both that he was afraid, but not backing down even without his magical protections. "Please. all of you. no weapons. No killing. This land has enough death." 

:'''{{#var:172|Sakura Kinomoto (172)}} has posed:'''     Sakura is thrown back! She lands on her back, but quickly scrambles to her feet all the same. She's wincing somewhat from all the being-thrown-around.     "That wasn't even a sealing spell!" she complains with a huff. She glances at Marrik - then sighs, and lowers her wand. 

:'''{{#var:317|Theo Morrison (317)}} has posed:''' Theo has been here the whole time. He's just been herding goats. Bunny-goats. Like now! He's got his bunny-goats, his gigantic bunny-goat /horde/, which is apparently just sort of milling around. They and the Kithkin girl hang out next to and behind him. The springjacks bleat now and again without warning, making the dramatic moment mildly less tense. He's trying to catch up, to get close enough to see Odin do his thing. AND THEN EVERYTHING EXPLODES. Air and water and trees and people go everywhere. It looks like it's the end for the goat-horde -- "ROOTBORN DEFENSES!" The wall of springjacks forms up in front of Theo and the Shepherd before the wave hits them. The ground swells and roots shoot out, twining around the springjacks and parting the wall of wind and force like it was a gossamer veil. A wide V-shaped swath behind them is spared, the blast erupting out around the rooted creatures. They don't move an inch. "So, uh, hi!" Theo pokes his head up from behind them, raising his non-card-holding hand. "I'm Theo. I don't have any idea what's going on, but it sounds like someone is trying to trick you. You're, um..." He heard the chanting. The weird language. He fishes around in his backpack. "...Odin, right?" He holds up what looks like a big metal tankard with his previously-free hand. "Could I invite you sit down and speak with us like civilized people? I've got mead and summer sausage!" 

:'''{{#var:513|Finna (513)}} has posed:'''     "... Nooooo. My companions are just pretty spooked with you swinging that sword and being all loud!" Finna yammers tensely. So much for negotiations. Circumstances just aren't for it today. She quickly shakes her head at Allyn. "Are you kidding? If you're that sensitive...but... if you're sure..."     Her tail flicks about, and yanks off Allyn's necklace... Marrik's urges probably won't work if others are gonna open fire on him.     And it's not. She digs her feet into the ground and goes down on all fours to hold on and weather the storm. It tears at her fur, taking all her strength to not be blown utterly away.     So, having managed to hold on that ONE time, she gives Odin a rather infuriating mischevious grin. "Oh no, you're the only person doing that! All on you!"     She whispers Allyn's way, "I'll try and keep him occupied. Worry about the others, okay? If he moves, I'm gonna show him why Luna chose me." 

:'''{{#var:307|Allyn (307)}} has posed:''' Allyn nods his head to Finna, "Well, if we end up fighting that person there, if there's any anger of the forest around here. I'm going to need it to fuel me, right?" his tail twitches some, but he nods to Finna again. "I'll keep an eye on the others then, for as long as I have my wits about me, we'll put that necklace back on me later." the dino lizard thing nuzzles Finna in her beatman form. "Good luck and be careful." 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' Maya is too stagged by what Marrik does, she was reeling not from the amount of drain but from Marrik's powers. Who is Urth? She has no idea, she does not make a hostile attack. She stagges holding her weapon at the ready. "So you are Odin? I see how did you come to be sealed...." 

:'''{{#var:548|Xau'ra Tayuun (548)}} has posed:''' Odin holds his sword still at ready, even as Marrik tries to talk him down-- everyone down. He listens to what all are saying around him. "You-- none of you know of Urth..?" His sword hand starts to lower. "..then.. she and the other.." He eyes drift from them, he looks toward the forest. Theo offers drinks and food, but Odin doesn't seem to respond to such things, his attention seems now to the forest itself. "Then I have no need with any of you." He states plainly. "It is the village I now must seek. For they hide her." Village...?? Odin also does not answer who urth is-- or why he was sealed. Instead his helmet vanishes to display that elven like face once more as he then whistles. It actually a pretty sharp whistle. Soon the air changes and an armor horse arrives, as he rides by him, he swings himself up on his horse. Though as he does he grits his teeth. Pain? Weakness? Something was not right. 

:'''{{#var:172|Sakura Kinomoto (172)}} has posed:'''     Sakura grumbles, mostly to herself. "Seriously what do you expect people to do when you point a sword at them..." Grumble, mumble.     She then spreads her pink, feathery wings, and leaps into the air. Following from above, just because she can. 

:'''{{#var:513|Finna (513)}} has posed:'''     Finna FROWNS fiercely at this development. Her tail whips about again, slipping the necklace back where it belongs on Allyn, and she nods at him. "Follow, but don't get too worked up until the last moment!"     Off Odin goes, and Finna wastes no time switching to fox shape. off SHE goes, hot on his mount's heels.. hooves?     Well, no she's keeping a few horselengths of distance from him in case he does something unexpected, but she's able to easily keep up... for now. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "Wait!" Marrik went to retrieve his coat. "The world is not as it was." Franticly he shoved his arm shoulder deep into a pocket before pulling out the same 'welcome to the multiverse' pamplet he had gotten before holding it up along with another pamplet detailing how to get to his shop. "Haste is not the best approach. You're newly free. Rest a bit, talk, learn of what has cone on with the world before you act." Hastily he added, "It will not do to be free only to blunder into a trap." He was afraid in his anger Odin would start killing everything. Try pressing his advantage while he could. He desperately didn't want there to be a bloodbath if he could avoid. 

:'''{{#var:307|Allyn (307)}} has posed:''' Allyn nods to Finna again, "Of course, that is why I said put the necklace back on me. I don't want to fly into a blind rage at the moment." when she shifts back into her fox form to follow, Allyn himself shifts forms again, becoming a cheetah. He knows he can keep up with speed in that form, though he probbably could as his fox form too, but for now he chooses the feline form, not really made for running in a forest though. 

:'''{{#var:548|Xau'ra Tayuun (548)}} has posed:''' Odin pulls on the reigns to halt his steed. Those blue glowing eyes peering at Marrik. The horse stomps its black hooves against the ground. Those red eyes glowing like fire. It was almost like a nightmare-- but yet-- not really. "I have no interest in the land or my former home. All I desire is the blood of the hero who aided Urth in trapping me and her own head for betrayal." His eyes narrow dangerously. "Now move aside and dare not follow. Or I will no long hold my hand." And yet--- Odin for a moment closes his eyes, with a huff of his breath, the area starts to descend into night-- just-- how much time has passed?? His hand on the reigns shifts softly. The horse bobbed its head and let out a soft nigh in concern. The armored figure then reached up and gently rubbed the side of the neck of the horse. He did so with a show of care. "I will rest.. for now.. and then I will seek them." Odin then pulls the reigns once more. "And-- perhaps-- in some gratitude for freeing me.. I will grant you /one/ favor." His eyes peer at Marrik once more. "...and maybe a drink." he looks at Theo. "..also can you cook those specimens?" 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Marrik slowly grinned before grabbing his coat. "Good. Going campaigning empty is not something to do." He relaxed to the point the only reason he didn't collapse was effort of will. From his coat he pulled a pouch from his coat and tossed it at Theo, "Breads, cheeses. Got another one with crockery after food's ready." He didn't know if Theo could cook, but if not he was familiar with prepping and cooking goat. Bunny goat couldn't be that different right. 

:'''{{#var:19|Maya (19)}} has posed:''' Maya is moving to follow Odin now, things are about to get bad here or so she thinks. She hears information from XT that puts her on edge and she wonders how much of the old myths here are true that is the crux of it all, for now she moves. She keeps ready for the toruble that will happen. Then he slows for the moment and is willing to grand them a favour. She has an idea where it can go but first let them food Odin. She's now thinking about the boon... 

:'''{{#var:317|Theo Morrison (317)}} has posed:''' Theo seems disappointed that the mead and sausage didn't work. He tucks it all away. Meanwhile, his goats appear to be... stronger. Faster. THEY HAVE THE GOATNOLOGY. Well, that's probably the +1/+1 counters talking. Theo mutters, "End of turn... Restoration Angel," and summons in a beautiful winged woman in a flowing blueish-white garment. She picks up the Shepherd, disappears for a moment, and brings her back down. Even more goats appear. There are a lot of goats. Then, he actually stops. Theo blinks up at Odin, and then grins. He doesn't make the catch for the pouch; Kickotron, the silent myr carrying his card table, grabs it instead. He looks between Marrik and Odin. "Uh... I've never cooked springjack before. But..." He jerks his thumb at the young kithkin woman with them. "I bet she has!" The Shepherd rolls her grey-and-white eyes, picks out a springjack, and leads it off for slaughter. "Kickotron, clear us a space. She'll, um, butcher one, and we'll handle the rest." He fishes out the tankard and what looks like a tiny keg. They're marked with some kind of brewer's mark from an unfamiliar place. "So, uh... have a... seat?" There are probably felled trees and things nearby after the energetic release, right? 

:'''{{#var:548|Xau'ra Tayuun (548)}} has posed:''' Odin then dismounts from his mighty steed, and the horse-- actually aids him in standing. He then sits down on one of the rocks near where his crystal prison was. His horse goes up behind him and actually lays down. He will eat, he will drink. He might even talk some-- or he may just listen. Yet for those sensitive to the natures of beings. There was something just /off/ about him. As if he was a man, yet not. As if if he was part of the aetheric flow-- yet-- so alien from it. Then there was the anger-- the rage-- even if he may laugh-- it was still there. It be hard to say how long this Odin will remain 'peaceful', because the desire of blood for blood-- was ever still there. 

}}

546/MBS 1000 Stress Testing

2014-09-17T02:45:25Z

AncientGorilla: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2014/09/05 |Location=Strait of the Americas |Synopsis=Marrik and Leyanne do tests on tri-helical plasteel with oversight from Knight Industries. |T..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2014/09/05
|Location=Strait of the Americas
|Synopsis=Marrik and Leyanne do tests on tri-helical plasteel with oversight from Knight Industries.
|Thanks=
|Cast of Characters=154, 541, 543
|Tinyplot=
|Tinyplot2=
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:543|Michael Knight (543)}} has posed:''' As agreed upon, Knight Industries has provided Marrik and his friend Leyanne with a testing facility. It's an unassuming kind of building, sturdy but not much to look at. This is probably to Marrik's advantage, because there's no telling what will happen when the plasteel the company has provided is exposed to magic. The heat of the Mojave desert might rankle the visitors--but the facility itself is at least air conditioned. In one of the experimentation rooms, a sheet of plasteel hangs suspended from strong-looking metal chains. Electrodes are placed at key points across the material, and various electronic devices of indiscernible purpose are pointed at it from across the room. A notably less obscure device present is a video camera, though it may be bulkier than either visitor is used to seeing--especially Leyanne. Waiting just inside is Bonnie Barstow, the expert on the Knight Industries Two Thousand and the head of the engineering team Knight Industries has supplied. Just across the hall are a team of paramedics waiting to jump into action--though they're not above chit-chat over vending machine coffee. 

:'''{{#var:154|Leyanne Mace (154)}} has posed:''' Leyanne Mace arrives astrite a huge cruiser motorcycle, with wide tyres and long-travel suspension. There's also a compressor of some kind on the intake - the bike seems designed to deal with extremely rough terrain, and from the dust coating it, she's been testing that out. She parks the huge machine beside the facility and steps off, removing her helmet and shaking out her long blue hair. SHe unrolls her beret and sets it on her head before stepping into the building, smiling and offering her hand to Bonnie. "I feel like a firework maker meeting one of the dudes who built the Saturn 5." She comments, with a friendly chuckle. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' A bike that could charitably considered a museum piece raced along the desert. Its rider followed directions whispered into his ear by a being in his coat re-reading directions to him. Other than the scorching hot it was a nice ride. Most people would think of the Mojave as next to dead. Marrik knew different and enjoyed the contrast. Finally though off to look at this bunker. Marrik pulled his helmet off and after pulling a duffel bag from his bike's panniers looked at the person that would lead him in. After showing his Union ID he was led inside and breathed deep when he felt the cool conditioned air. When he saw the emergency team he nodded approvingly, "Smart. I'm pretty sure it won't get that bad but always useful." He offered Bonnie a calloused hand, "Miss Bonnie I take it. I'd... heard KITT's race didn't go well. He alright?" He knew how hard losing could be after all. 

:'''{{#var:154|Leyanne Mace (154)}} has posed:''' Leyanne Mace gives the Paramedics a wave with her cybernetic hand. She's got a special respect for emergency medical personnel, after being put back together by combat medics and cyberneticists. 

:'''{{#var:543|Michael Knight (543)}} has posed:''' Bonnie grins and shakes Leyanne's hand. "Hey, thanks! Leyanne, right? Yeah--" She then replies, "I'm Bonnie." The mechanic shakes Marrik's hand. "He spent most of last night in the repair bay, but he's fine. It was mostly his fault. I mean, that Cybertronian guy wasn't helping things, but KITT's got a big ego. Nobody got hurt, and KITT ended up learning some humility. ...part of me thinks that's why Michael let him race, but... anyway." She steps aside and allows the two into the testing room. As she does so, the paramedics raise their cheap snacks to Leyanne in greeting. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "Hey we all do dumb things." Marrik's voice was soft, "Just glad he got patched up fine." He was reminded of his own trip through the land of idiocy with 'hey let's tinker with the magic rock'. He shrugged and walked into the testing room proper before setting his dufflebag down and pulling the top open. "Alright, " he looked about and took a breath. "Any ground rules to this? Outside of major interactions I didn't bring anything that should on it's own be too much for this place to handle." Then a look over to mace, "Anything you want to start with or just wamt to see what I can do?" 

:'''{{#var:154|Leyanne Mace (154)}} has posed:''' Leyanne Mace nods as she listens, nodding. "Sometimes that's the only way folks learn." She comments as she listens. "KITT, fron what I can tell, seems as alive, or if not alive, then as sentient, as the three of us here. Makes him a person in my eyes." She chuckles, pausing to detatch one of the 25mm cannons fron her bike and carry it over. It's alarming how casually she carries a cannon as long as she is tall... 

:'''{{#var:543|Michael Knight (543)}} has posed:''' "He very much is, Leyanne." Indeed, for all the AI's intelligence, he has his fair share of quirks--prissy, stuck up, sometimes even passive-aggressive... Bonnie sighs and shakes her head. "So!" "Stress tests. I think the smartest thing would be to start small and work our way up. Now, Leyanne, if you have any armor piercing rounds for that thing, I'd say save them for last. Plasteel's practically immune to small arms fire, but we've never tested it against... well, ordnance before. I'm actually kinda glad you brought that in." She nods, then rubs her chin. "What I really want to see is how it'll hold up to magic. Now, uh..." She hmms. "Forgive my lack of expertise on the subject, but if it's possible for you to start small, I'd like you to do that, too. And... just to minimize the risk..." Bonnie reaches up to a switch hanging off of some thick cables--it looks like it belongs more in an auto shop. With the press of a button, she sends the sample of plasteel and the chains to the back of the room. Motors in the floor and ceiling turn the end of the room into an impromptu shooting range. Bonnie then puts on a flak vest and begins passing them out to everyone. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Marrik just quirks an eyebrow as Leyanne hefted the Really Big Gun and made a slight bow while sidestepping out of her way. "Ladies first." What? Farmboy could be a gentleman when he needed to, and you'd better be nice when she has a gun bigger than you are. Then to Bonnie he nodded. "I have a variety of tools, spells, and other things to try with. Also would like to test if it can hold an enchantment." He wasn't good at emchantments, but he knew the theory and a simple mage mark to channel into would be a good baseline test on that. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Marrik declined the offered flak vest, patting his cost confidently. "I'm good thanks." 

:'''{{#var:154|Leyanne Mace (154)}} has posed:''' Leyanne Mace nods to Marrik and steps inside, listening to Bonnie as she sets the 25-mil down. "I got hi-ex and AP for it - though if you've tested the armour with any Bushmaster cannon, the results'll be pretty much the same. The only difference is the bike mount and the carrying setup. I'm looking to improve the setup at some point" 

:'''{{#var:543|Michael Knight (543)}} has posed:''' Bonnie shrugs at Marrik. Must be some magic thing. "Your choice," she says, setting the rest of the flak jackets in the locker. Looking over her shoulder at Leyanne, Bonnie shakes her head. "That's military stuff, right? We designed KITT to be a pursuit vehicle--when the price of his components makes mass production viable, we'd like to start using AI modules like his as fleet vehicles for police departments. Anyway... I don't think we've tested it against something that extreme, but you're more than welcome to try." "In fact," she says, grabbing a sound-cancelling headset and keying it up to a local radio frequency, "You can give it a whirl now if you're ready." As before, she passes these out to everyone, offering them to Leyanne and Marrik if they so desire. 

:'''{{#var:154|Leyanne Mace (154)}} has posed:''' Leyanne Mace shakes her head again, motioning to her big ears. "I've got dampening built in." She hefts the cannon, loading in a stick of five fragmentation shells. "If it's small-arms rated it should stand up against these. Airbursting frag shells, spit out shrapnel." Once everyone's protected from the sounds, she sets her feet. It's almost refreshing to see that the mouse has to brace for the firing; a reminder that she's not entirely invulnerable. "FIRING!" She calls out and lets the string fly, having to shuffle backwards somewhat to manage the recoil. THe rounds actually detonate before impact, sending a shower of small metal fragments forwards - equivalent, perhaps, to a very high volume of large-calibre rifle fire. She blinks as the last shell-casing clangs to a halt, a schoolgirl grin spreading across her face. "Cor, that clears the cobwebs a little." She comments, sounding a little stunned. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' As Bonnie grabbed ear covering headphones Marrik put a pair of earplugs in then looked to the headset and took it. Shrug before taking the earplugs out and putting the headset on. A thumbsup gesture to Leyanne as he mentally prepared in case he had to quick decay debris or blowback. Once the bang bang stopped he shook his head and grunted. "Loud noises in small spaces!" His voice was a yell over the dampening and aftermath of bang bang. "Makes things louder. You alright?" 

:'''{{#var:543|Michael Knight (543)}} has posed:''' Bonnie looks a mite more accustomed to firing range racket than Marrik, at least. She is surprised by the mouse's existence, let alone her strength, but Michael and KITT both have told her to expect such things, and she /is/ sharing the room with a man who for all appearances seems to be a wizard. "I'm fine," she says into the headset. The mechanic gives a thumbs-up to Leyanne and Marrik. When the smoke clears, the results are in. Bonnie steps behind the array of terminals to get some readings. "Lots of kinetic energy, uh huh, uh huh..." A monitor displays the plasteel, which is fine, although the concrete shows some scoring. If they're interested in seeing it, Bonnie waves both visitors over so they can get a look. "So far so good," she says. "Next?" 

:'''{{#var:154|Leyanne Mace (154)}} has posed:''' Leyanne Mace coughs, and nods. "Yeah... wow...that's quite something." She sets the cannon down and leans in to peer at the data. "I'm surprised at the force that put into the plate." she comments. "That stuff can take a pounding." 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Marrik extended his senses out, trying to find flaw and just... stood there. "You people weren't kidding, not a flaw. Not a mark. Nothing." Then a small smile, "You want next turn st bat Tiny or do I get to pitch?" He sounded almost excited at the prospect. Mass produced mithril. 

:'''{{#var:543|Michael Knight (543)}} has posed:''' Bonnie claps a technician on the back, who begins hurriedly entering data into what's surely a state of the art terminal in this world. At the very least, the black-and-green display of the monitor is elegance in simplicity. She looks up at Leyanne and Marrik. "Yeah, a good chunk of KITT's price tag is taken up by that. For good reason." She looks back at the data analyst, who gives her the thumbs up. "Anyway, we've logged that one, so... whichever one of you wants to go next, can." 

:'''{{#var:154|Leyanne Mace (154)}} has posed:''' Leyanne Mace gestures with her cybernetic hand to Marrik, her wrist spinning through a full 360 degrees as she flourishes in the direction of the target. "After you, Marrik. Magic's the data these people are interested in, and to be fair, I am too - I have the magical ability of a dead sand-mite so I'm interested too." She nods to Bonnie. "I can believe it. How much would it be, per square meter, to an outside buyer?" 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Without pausing Marrik pulled the rough figures he'd gotten when he asked similar questions. It... uh... it's expensive. Not 'i need to take a loan' expensive. Worse. Anyway he walked over to his duffel bag and pulled a pair of forearm length metal rods covered in runes. One glowed ice blue as he sent magic through it, and the other glowed a dull red. He walked forward and took a deep breath while aiming the fire rod at his target A white hot flame shot forward much like a flamethrower. Yet anything behind Marrik? Nothing. Anyone looking wouldcsee a twinkling shimmer in the air as the runes on the ice rod glowed brighter than before. Was he using the second rod to contain the heat? Given he was sweating like he was stading next to a raging inferno as hot as a welder's torch and anyone behind him wouldn't be? Probably. 

:'''{{#var:543|Michael Knight (543)}} has posed:''' "Well..." The mechanic, given a challenge, eagerly bumps one of the abacus jockeys out of the way and begins cranking out numbers on the previously occuptied calculator. "KITT's cost us about..." She enters a number with a considerable amount of zeroes. She then mutters, "Divided by his surface area... $146,152.67 per square meter." Nightmarish indeed. Bonnie looks up to see Marrik stepping up, and she's promptly shooed out of her seat by the data analyst. However hurriedly the analyst enters the data, however furiously his fingers tap at the keyboard, Bonnie looks confident--though she does shield her eyes. Once Marrik's flame dissipates, once the smoke clears, the plasteel remains, unmarred. "Pyroclastic lamination," she says. "That's the sheen you're seeing." 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "How does it handle rapid temperature change?" Without waiting for answer Marrik rapidly pointed the ice rod at the still hot plate and sending a near cryogenically cold blast of cold at his target. This blast didn't last nearly as long, but the effect would be much like going straight from a smelting furnace into liquid nitrogen. 

:'''{{#var:154|Leyanne Mace (154)}} has posed:''' Leyanne Mace watches Narrik as he heats the plate up, then coughs quietly at the price. "Phobos! Yeah that's a little out of my price range..." She laughs. She blinks as the cold burst hits it, tilting her head to see what happens. "Hm?" 

:'''{{#var:543|Michael Knight (543)}} has posed:''' Bonnie begins, "I'm not sure--" The metal stands strong, though the concrete behind it is taking quite the beating. "We've tested it against lightning, explosives, firearms, blunt impact... Long exposure to sea water does have a negative effect, as well as lasers, which neutralize the shell after two shots, and there are probably some potent acids that could damage it. Rockets and artillery... we haven't tested any, but we figure the shell will withstand with... complications. The energy exchange would probably have an adverse effect on internal components." "What we'd really like to see from you two are more, um... esoteric weapons. Things which might not even be used as weapons in most cases--criminals can be very creative when they have to be. Do you have anything like that?" 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "Well I was thinking the rapid switch would leave it brittle, or delaminate it." Marrik offered. "Creative back yard concoctions huh?" He started rummaging around his pack, "I could just skip to rapid decay but that seems like a cheat since nothing really does well after taking a few hundred years in a few seconds." Rummage rummage. No. No. No. What's that doing there? No. BINGO! He pulled out a jade cokored animal skull. It looked like a ram, or some other horned grass eater. "Guy I got this off of said it can get through a foot of steel. Did good when I used it on a cultist tomb to stop their party. Not all that hard to make... well it would be for me but there are professionals." 

:'''{{#var:154|Leyanne Mace (154)}} has posed:''' Leyanne Mace looks thoughtful and then heads out to her bike. She returns a few moments later, with three small shells. "These are the nastiest things I got, beyond the armour piercing. Martian-mined metals, a variant of tungsten I've not managed to find anywhere else. Armour-piercing nasties, we'll try them after the stock APs" 

:'''{{#var:543|Michael Knight (543)}} has posed:''' The mechanic weighs both options. "Now we're getting somewhere," she says. "Alright, how about--" Bonnie is promptly interrupted by one of the technicians. He murmurs something to her, pointing at the screen. "Whoa. Marrik... I think you're gonna find this interesting. Apparently, it's /too/ good at deflecting your mojo. These readings here are still showing energy from your fire and ice... spells." The word sounds weird to her. She can't help it! "It looks like the runoff energy from the, uh, spell... gets stuck inside for a few seconds instead of bouncing off. Could cause interference with KITT's systems. Is that any use to you?" 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "Wait, you're saying it's trapping magic?" Marrik quirked an eyebrow before reaching out slowly with his senses. "I'm going to try reaching for it. record." He tried drawing power away from the metal and grounding it out into the surrounding concrete. Unless sapping would mess with the metal itself it should be harmlessly grounding things out. 

:'''{{#var:154|Leyanne Mace (154)}} has posed:''' Leyanne Mace looks thoughtful, blinking. "That could also be used as a weapon. If you can tune the way it stores it, you might be able to get it to discharge in a controlled manner." Leyanne comments, thoughtfully. Then she hefts her cannon again, waiting for Marrik to clear the way as she picks up the stick of five AP rounds. She doesn't load them, however - the range isn't clear. 

:'''{{#var:543|Michael Knight (543)}} has posed:''' The cameraman angles it towards Marrik, slowly zooming out to get both the necromancer and the plasteel in shot. "Maybe," says Bonnie, rubbing her chin. The work is something like trying to get a bullet out of metal armor while it's still bouncing. The energy is trying to escape, but the metaphysical structure of the plasteel, however bizarre such an artificial compound may be, prevents that. There is some bleedoff involved, but it's retarded by the plasteel. "You okay, Marrik?" 

:'''{{#var:154|Leyanne Mace (154)}} has posed:''' Leyanne Mace's left eye makes a faint whirr as she zooms in to watch too, tilting her head. "That's some material you've made. I can see why it's expensive... are there, er, budget versions?" 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Marrik nodded slowly. "It's slow going so hold off while I see how this wants to bleed out." He hrmed thoughtfully as he observed the mystic bouncy bouncy, "We might have stumbled on something here. If I can figure out the best wards to put on this I could use the stored energy to make it even stronger, or if I could..." He traiked off as the cogs and wheels in his head turned. "It acts like mythril is supposed to, but that stuff is insanely rare back home. If there was a way I could make enough money to try something. Hrm..." Then something caught his attention and brought him back to the here and now. "Keep rolling. Range is still hot." 

:'''{{#var:154|Leyanne Mace (154)}} has posed:''' Leyanne Mace nods as she peers at Marrik. "Don't do anything too stupid, leave that stuff to me." 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Marrik gave a short laugh, "I hit my stupid quota a few days back. don't worry." 

:'''{{#var:543|Michael Knight (543)}} has posed:''' Bonnie chuckles at Leyanne. "Well, we didn't even /know/ it would do this. I wouldn't be so quick to say it's all good though--it's creating crazy ghost readings on the equipment. The electrodes can't decide if it's high voltage or barely more than a human bioelectric current." Bangs her fist against a monitor displaying a thermal readout which is currently on the fritz. In return for her... frontier repair skills, she receives an annoyed look from the technician. "I'm kind of worried about how this'll effect KITT's Anamorphic Equalizer--uh, his eyes, that is. He won't be too good at driving if he's having hallucinations." The magical energy is extremely slippery, but with determination the necromancer can get it all bled out. 

:'''{{#var:154|Leyanne Mace (154)}} has posed:''' Leyanne Mace nods as she looks at the dials. Her eye's glow changes to red and purple as she scans the plate in thermal and ultra violet. "I think I'm seeing the effects." 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Marrik grunted, "Clear." He stepped back and gestured to Leyanne. "Well that puts a fork in any more of me throwing things at it unless you want to see what kenetically enhanced bullets will do to it, which I kinda doubt much at all." He rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "After Tiny here gets done I do want a gas line and pump run to see if one of my bags would make a good gas tank." A gas station's worth of fuel in a bag maybe big as a purse. There's a thought. 

:'''{{#var:154|Leyanne Mace (154)}} has posed:''' Leyanne Mace nods and loads the stick into her gun, letting Marrik get free. She waits until everyone's got their ear defenders on before swinging the gun down for firing. She's knocked back a little more by the recoil of this one, high-velocity amrour-piercing rounds - metal darts designed simply to punch through. It's even louder than the last string, seeming even to spit the casings out with more violence than before. "Never gonna get used to that..." 

:'''{{#var:543|Michael Knight (543)}} has posed:''' The armor piercing round slams into the plasteel. Like a finger through a plastic bag, it doesn't so much break the metal as it does pinch and stretch it--and the remaining column of force which follows after it is enough to crack the wall. Bonne frowns, blowing a lock of her hair from her face. "We were afraid of that," she says. 

:'''{{#var:154|Leyanne Mace (154)}} has posed:''' Leyanne Mace nods slowly "To be fair, a small, dense projectile is always troublesome to defeat. Really you've got to space the armour, and it's just not practical to do that without ruining the frame" 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "Of course you could go the other direction and go thicker. I know it would be hellatiously expensive but an armored personnel carrier plated in this stuff would be a tough nut and anyone inside could drive through a warzone if need be to drag people out you'd otherwise lose." Marrik grunted. "if I got plans together to punch out and make something like gauntlets or boots out of could you give me a quote on prep?" He took a breath. "Want to try seeing if I could use this to make something that could give someone an edge in going through say aftermath of a quake to not only survive against looters or hostiles, but to clear debris equipment cant get to." He could do it if he brushed up on his old enchantment courses. And this would have uses outside of a fight, he knew it would. 

:'''{{#var:154|Leyanne Mace (154)}} has posed:''' Leyanne Mace nods to Marrik as she listens, looking thoughtful. "Indeed." She says thoughtfully, "Might be interesting to see what you could do to brace it, Marrik. I'm not all that brushed up on what magic does." 

:'''{{#var:543|Michael Knight (543)}} has posed:''' "I thought you already got a price quote from Devon?" Bonnie pauses. "Or were you asking about how many man-hours something like that'd take?" 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' A nod from Marrik to Bonmie, "The quote was for raw material. I doubt it's easy to work once hardened, and any runes I engrave would need to be applied before the final steps so they'd be exposed to the same lattice the magic is." A tricky problem. How do you engrave on something that's intentionally been made next to impossible to do anything with?" The jade skull went back to his bag and he pulled out a steel gauntlet before showing it to Bonnie. "A pair of these up to the elbow, each joint and edge etched with runes that would go against the wearer's skin. I'd ideally want a pair of boots since all manner of things can snap at your feet, or just an unlcky move and suddenly a house is on your ankle. Plus I could probably use the same sort of runes to allow jumps to get up high for extra mobility. Hellatiously expensive, but compared to Gold it wouldn't need emchantment to hold energy, and its light." Plus unlike artifact scrounging one could get these this sized to them. 

:'''{{#var:154|Leyanne Mace (154)}} has posed:''' Leyanne Mace looks thoughtful, swishing her tail quietly. "I can see that working." She agrees, with a nod. "But it would be trucky as hell to do, I reckon. Might have to engrave any runes into it while it's still hot and molten, or before final pressing." 

:'''{{#var:543|Michael Knight (543)}} has posed:''' Bonnie nods in agreement with Leyanne. "And we'll want you there to do it, Marrik." She then sits down at the work station, once again shooing the technician out of the way. "Alright..." She reaches for a tape measure, then tugs insistantly at the technician until he comes over and stands still. "Assuming you two have roughly equivalent measurements...47 centimeters by 22, by 22... comes out to... The price of a pair of these gauntlets up to the elbow is going to cost you somewhere in the neighborhood of $6,650--but, that's just a quick and dirty estimate. Your arm isn't one big rectangle, and we'll take more precise measurements later. I'm just telling you now so there's no rush to commit to anything. Now, your boots..." She taps a few more buttons, and the calculator spits out printed results accordingly. "Leg," she demands of the beleagured techie. Bonnie takes some more measurements. "Uh huh. Okay. The boots are a little more expensive--$7000 for a pair." 

:'''{{#var:154|Leyanne Mace (154)}} has posed:''' Leyanne Mace blinks "That's... actually not far off the cost of the same parts of my exo-armour." 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Marrik let out a low whistle, "So including the usual snarls and extra yard or so about twenty thousand for something sized for me." He managed to chuckle soft. "Steep, but actually pretty well within reach." That actually made him feel better about this. "I'd have to triple check on the runes needed since anything once etched is permanent." Then a look from Leyanne's exceedingly high tech prosthetics to the green and black computer monitor. "There anythimg like that for home use? Looks like a handy way to keep records." Point to computer thing. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Marrik looked back to Leyanne and clarified, "Your armor has things like motors and sensors. This is just bare metal with any padding needed for comfort and magic is doing the rest. Basically I'd be cheating." 

:'''{{#var:543|Michael Knight (543)}} has posed:''' "One thing to keep in mind is, the surface area of a human limb is less than you think." Bonnie scratches her head. "That being said... I still wouldn't wanna be the one footing that bill. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "Ma'am." Marrik bowed to Bonnie and smiled. "Maybe hold off on bag testing and break so your people can number crunch?" 

:'''{{#var:543|Michael Knight (543)}} has posed:''' "Sure," says Bonnie with a nod. "I feel like hitting up the town for some lunch, anyway." 

}}

558/Sarracenia attacks the CP!

2014-09-17T02:43:50Z

AncientGorilla:

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2014/09/07
|Location=Caverns of Prophecy (CP)
|Synopsis=Sarracinea wants to visit the Caves of Prophecy to learn who her Hero is, oh and to claim it in the name of the Confederacy Blurr, Marrik, and the Union garrison load of troops disagree with this. Explosions and snowboarding ensue!
|Thanks=
|Cast of Characters=446, 492, 541
|Tinyplot=
|Tinyplot2=
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:446|Sarracenia (446)}} has posed:'''      A nice, quiet, cold, dreary day on the mountain of Prophecy. About typical. But, Union soldiers no doubt know by now that a typical day usually involves a Confederate attack of some kind.      This is one of those days. In the distance, moving through the cloudy haze and freezing cold, is...what looks like an old-style wooden sailing ship, except where sails would be it has large propellers on long masts. In the snow and clouds it looks much like some kind of ghost ship moving toward the mountain's cavern entrance.      Standing on the long bow of the ship is...well, at a distance it looks like some kind of giant raccoon girl. Brown fur, fluffy, stripy tail, and a human face with pointed animal ears and long red hair. Holding a hammer that looks like it would be at home on a barbarian's shoulder. She is standing tall and confident, smirking as her ship closes in. She holds up a megaphone as they get close.      "Union personnel! If you do not leave this instant, you will face the wrath of Princess Sarracenia Sundew of the Sundew Kingdom! Evacuate, or get ready for a trip to the hospital!" she demands. Of course, it might be hard to take her seriously with her wearing that tanuki suit. Running around on the ship's deck are large plant people. They look sort of like pitcher plants, except the pitchers are their heads, they have large leaves for arms and roots for legs, and all are wearing thick winter gear. Oh, and their mouths are full of very sharp looking triangular teeth. "I have given my warning! You have 30 seconds to surrender or we will open fire!" the woman continues, then the ship turns so that its broadside is toward the cavern, and old-fashioned iron cannons emerge from ports along the side. Except the openings look large enough for a person to fit inside. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Funny thing most people forgot about Necromancy, or never knew in the first place was it had it's roots in questioning the spirits for hints about what was or what may yet be. Spirits followed him, not because he coerced them, but because they were good traveling company. Plus he was getting constraint advice from a pair of climbers on how to move and even before he left what he needed to take. See? This Oracle stuff wasn't all phooy! No matter why he was here, or that he was expending hard gathered magic just to be up this high since he didn't have proper gear. Oh well. None of that mattered when a runner hustled through the caves to fetch him. This nonsense about a flying ship and giant raccoon and demands got his attention. Fine. Whatever. Marrik walked outside, apparently ignoring the harsh conditions in spite of wearing a thin coat more suited to grasslands. He looked over to one of the soldiers questioningly, as if unsure if he should give ground or not. The woman merely set her jaw and started speaking into her radio. So that was that. Marrik's jaw set as he made the simple weave to amplify his voice. "Unidentified Vessel. Stand down. I say again stand down. Aggression will be met in kind!" He didn't want to fight. Not least of all because he could feel those on all sides and allegiances that fought four this place and never left. Anyone or anything on the skyship magically sensitive might feel him gather power before sending fine threads out, not to the ship but into the ice and snow of the mountain. Somewhere, possibly everywhere, a drumbeat sounded. THROOM! THROOM! Again it sounded. THROOM! THROOM! The rhythm was slow, heartbeat like as the union soldiers took their positions. 

:'''{{#var:492|Blurr (492)}} has posed:'''     Blurr has been running some recon assignments in the area recently, checking on deployed surveillance probes every so often. This time around, one of them had picked up on an incoming Confederate vessel, and since the speedster had happened to be nearby he'd decided to respond to it.     At the moment he's lurking just inside an entrance to the caves, though the harsh conditions are hardly a concern for him--it's more for cover and stealth reasons. The enemy not knowing he's there until the last possible astrosecond almost always works to his advantage. Whatever they were after, he didn't intend to let the Feds get it.     So who else is here? Marrik, oh right, he'd met the guy briefly before, at Stark's estate. He opens a comm to the guy. <<Actually I'm pretty sure that rodent lady thing with plant minions just wasted an entire half a breem introducing herself. Are you having problems with your hearing?>> he teases. 

:'''{{#var:446|Sarracenia (446)}} has posed:'''      The vessel comes to a stop, hovering about 20 meters beyond the entrance to the caverns, and the apparent raccoon girl runs down to the side facing the cave. "What vessel do you think this is?! I just -said- I'm Princess Sarracenia Sundew!! This is obviously the Sundew 1! What other vessel would a royal from the Sundew Kingdom use?!"      The princess is huffing like this should be obvious, but really, how are other people supposed to know what designation a foreign power uses for their royal vessels? Marrik did say the -vessel- was unidentified, after all. "Thirty seconds are up! So, as promised, we're opening fire!"      Sarracenia raises her hammer, then makes a downward swinging motion toward Marrik, and the half-dozen person-sized cannons fire. But, they don't fire cannonballs. They fire actual bullets. Bullets with eyes and malicious grins full of as many sharp teeth as the plant people. And...they aren't exactly fast, either. Probably about average running speed for an elite. AVERAGE running speed, Blurr!      But, this is slightly mitigated by the fact that they are also -seeking- projectiles. Once those eyes lock onto someone, the bullet follows that person until it either hits the person or something else, and when it does, it explodes in a rather spectacular fashion. Rocks and boulders go flying every whichway. "Hahahaha! Take that! That's what you get for standing in the way of a princess!"      She doesn't even know if she hit anyone. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "You deaf man? Raccoon Lady said she was Sundew Kingdom." A voice hissed in Marrik's ear, "Also don't you think you should get your head down? Elite or no /I/ could fit in one of those guns." Marrik looked to the lady apparently in charge of the regular forces. "I've got nothing on who this lady is or anything other than a few scattered things about that looking like a Koopa ship. Mean anything to you?" "Ya," the lady said while strapping on her helmet. "Don't underestimate it." The web of magic Marrik spun moved from the dead of the mountain to rearrange itself into a wall of magic between the Sundew vessel and the ground based defenders. <<Other than something about Mushroom Kingdom and Koopa from the spook population? Nothing because of this bloody wind.>> Marrik managed to sound annoyed over the magic patching him into the local radio network, <<Stay out of sight, I want to see what I can do to her first folly before you go say hi, but if you see something I don't feel free to ignore and go for it.>> He was no soldier, and definitely not a commander of armies, so why was he trying to take charge? Oh right. The troops were looking to him for guidance in the face of weird things like giant grinning bullets� That mostly disintegrated as they passed through Marrik's disintegration field. Trouble was the /debris/ from these bullets had momentum and sharpness and he was trying to cover a wide area. Troops fired at the ship with practiced motions and remained largely professional in spite of having debris rain down on them, or the occasional unfortunate having to run from a grinning, and potentially laughing, bullet. With a flourish a rune covered staff was in Marrik's right hand and the net of magic collapsed, grabbing debris that had yet to rain down before hurling it back towards the ship's deck. 

:'''{{#var:492|Blurr (492)}} has posed:'''     Blurr watches the weird bullets coming from the ship, and scoffs at them. What kind of projectile weapon had projectiles that moved -that- slowly? Oh right, not everyone can move like he can. Too bad. <<Understood.>> He says, complying with Marrik's request. Instead, he stays where he is, scanning the battlefield outside to take stock of what they're up against and uploading it to the Union datastreams for Marrik and whoever else might want to reinforce the defense to make use of. 

:'''{{#var:446|Sarracenia (446)}} has posed:'''      The ship may be wooden, but it's state of the art in Sarra's world. Which means the flying debris and bullets mostly just bounce off the hull. They make a few holes, but nothing serious. Sarra laughs fiendishly at the meager damage to her flying flagship. "Is that all?" she asks before she gives a motion to her crew. The cannons pull back inside, then a few moments later extend again. "You will have to do much better than that to defeat me!" she declares, then gives the 'fire!' motion with her hammer again.      This time, bullets don't emerge. Instead, it looks like cannonballs this time. Except...they hare feet and eyes and wind-up keys. And even more strangely, they explode on impact. Violently. These explosions -could- likely kill someone if they were close. Or send them flying off into the distance to disappear in a sparkle in the sky. Or anywhere inbetween. With Blurr still hiding, all the Bob-ombs are aimed at Marrik and the Union troops. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Marrik didn't need to do a common check to tell nobody had gotten killed, even the few that had gotten hit direct by these strange bullets. Hurt? Yes. Yet the first folly had been nonlethal. The next volley, especially without the aid of his defensive net, was not so kind. Marrik not only heard people screaming, but could feel Life bleeding away. The drumbeat sounded again. Life was gathered and cast out into the mountain as before. Now, unlike before, magic traced out to try causing the delicate machinery that kept the rotors working to fail. He wouldn't have been able to know where to strike because of the wind and storm without Blurr. With luck it would bring this ship in close enough for what he had in mind next. Deep breaths. Focus. He could do this. Except he was bleeding from one of those bombs and didn't even seem to notice the cuts along his face. Anyone looking would see his eyes unfocused as his hands spread wide. Drumbeats sounded loudly, ominously. THROOM THROOM! 

:'''{{#var:492|Blurr (492)}} has posed:'''     Blurr soaks in the data from the scans, formulating a plan in his mind. <<Marrik, tell them to fall back toward the cavners. We need to trick that vessel into decreasing altitude. I've got an idea.>> He finally moves out from cover, darting out of the cave and firing upward at one of the rotors in an attempt to take it out and force the craft to drop a few hundred feet. A bright blue high-energy photon blast lances through the thin, cold air, headed for its intended target. 

:'''{{#var:446|Sarracenia (446)}} has posed:'''      Sarracenia laughs haughtily as people are blown about by bombs and showered with derbris. That is, until her ship shudders and she nearly falls off the railing she's standing on. "H-hey! Keep it steady!" she yells at the pilot. Just before a blue beam hits her ship's stern mast, blowing it right off of the ship. Sarracenia yelps as the ship rocks, and this time she does fall, letting out a very princess-like scream during her plummet toward the earth.      Then, she remembers she's in one of her favorite suits! Her raccoon tail starts to wag, and a moment later her downward acceleration is arrested. She floats down as daintily as a feather, her course taking her toward Blurr. His shot was the most visible after all. "You..." she says, her tone and expression so sweet and kind.      It quite suddenly turns fierce and angry. "...damaged my ship!!" she cries out, and with a swing of her hammer is plummeting again, this time standing on the head of her hammer, easily as big as one of the Bonzai Bills from earlier. She becomes a comet falling right toward Blurr, and when she lands atop her hammer it creates an explosion of debris and energy that flows outward from her impact point.      When the dust clears, she giggles happily and twirls around the large handle of the hammer before motioning toward Marrik and looking up at her ship. It fires again even as it descends into a more manageable range. More Bob-ombs fly at Marrik. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "What do you want?" One of the spirits that still were on the mountain asked. Marrik didn't have time for this, "Please. I need your help," the young Necromancer had gotten the attention of dozens of spirits. "I can't do it alone. Lady up there's bonkers and they're looking to me to keep them safe." Even with the nonverbal communication between man and spirits his uncertainty was clear. "Then in a few days it'll be some other idiot," a long dead confederate grumbled, "Or it'll be you trying to take this hill if she wins. It don't stop mate." "Then why linger?" Marrik pleaded. "Do you just enjoy the spectacle that much?" His body shuddered as he tried pleading his case. "Do you just want people to die?" The confederate shrugged, "Unless you're gonna make me I'm fine right here." "Well we're not," Several other spirits stepped forward, and not all of them from union troops. "What do you want us to do?" On the decks of the Sundew-1 ghosts started materializing. These were not the chubby white blobs of boos. Instead they were wraithlike things translucent and flying here and there shrieking. Never mind they were insubstantial, having an angry person charging at you is going to put you off your game. It wasn't just above decks. Down below more spirits faded into view to try harassing the gunners and artillerymen� Plants� Whatever it was the princess used as crew. Whether the non-union spirits helped out of some sense of preserving the living, or because they thought it would be fun, or even Marrik promising to help them cross over didn't matter since the end result was the same. The ominous drum beat continued and bodies, some newly gone from the bombs but most long gone and frozen to the point they shouldn't be able to move got to their feat and all turned at the same time towards the Sundew-1 and leaped towards it. These, unlike the spectres were very real, enchanted by magic, and animated by the spirits of those that had died defending this place. Marrik, battered as he was, clenched a fist pointed his right hand at Sarracenia. More of the dead rose and kept to bring her down. Each would try to punch, headbutt, bite, or simply shriek while attempting to immobilize the insane would be monarch. Through it all Marrik's body stayed upright no matter what happened. Unlike the last time he had called on the dead he couldn't afford to move and maintain focus. He was exposed, bleeding, hurt. Yet his magic still flowed. 

:'''{{#var:492|Blurr (492)}} has posed:'''     Blurr sees crazy raccoon lady coming from a long ways off. Thus, he darts out of the way, but misjudges the strength of the hammer's impact and is caught in the shockwave. It sends him flying backward, and he slams into the side of the mountain, causing it to shake a bit.     Cracks form on the armor covering his back, and purple-colored fluid leaks out, staining the snow. Despite this, he smirks and makes a snarky reply to the princess' little tantrum. "Excellent observation, you oversized rodent fleshbag." He taunts, and gets quickly gets to his feet. The Autobot is aware that Marrik is exposed and vulernable, so he's determined to keep the enemy occupied. But instead of attacking her directly, the speedster suddenly starts to run around the side of the mountain. It's a good thing rough terrain doesn't really bother the versatile 'Bot, nor slow him down.     Around and around he goes, faster and faster. So fast that the snow starts to whip and form a cyclone-shaped blizzard of sorts. It rises out of the mountain, becoming stronger as Blurr picks up speed, engulfing the Sundew-1. There, that should keep her from targeting his current human ally!     Er, hopefully it doesn't disrupt Marrik's concentration too much, or knock him off of the rock he's standing on... 

:'''{{#var:446|Sarracenia (446)}} has posed:'''      Sarracenia hears the unworldly wails and turns to look. Then, she pails visibly. And her confident expression is quite suddenly gone. "Wh-what the-?! Are those...zombies?!" she shrieks in that higher octive women hit when particularly scared. She picks her hammer up, then makes a run for it! "Getawaygetawaygetaway-aaaaaaaaaaah!!"      But, it's no use. There's just too many, and they are too fast! The princess disappears beneath a pile of groaning, angry dead guys. And they are not nice to her. Grunts and cries of pain can be heard beneath the zombie pile, and the poof of her tanuki suit disappearing is probably lost in all of that.      The undead attacking her are bad enough, but her method of escape is probably ill-advised. From within the pile, there is suddenly a loud 'KABOOM!' and an orange flash that sends the bodies flying back and leaves a smoldering crater and a singed princess in the aftermath. She looks angry now. And not just because her pretty dress is all torn up from being bitten and clawed and such. "HOW DARE YOU SEND THE UNDEAD AFTER A BEAUTIFUL PRINCESS?!" she bellows before running toward Marrik, hammer raised over her head. That thing must weigh a ton. How is she able to carry it?      The answer will have to wait, because the hammer comes swinging down at Marrik, and the impact even if it misses is only slightly less powerful than the initial comet attack. The hammer even generates its own explosion upon impact.      Blurr's tactic works pretty well! Pieces start to flake off the airship. Boards and plating and railing. But, it keeps firing despite not even remotely being able to aim. Hopefully Blurr doesn't run right into a Bob-omb as it is flying through the air, or get clotheslined by some railing or something. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' With the help of the spirits Marrik was able to work around Blurr's Cyclone. Sarraceina's blow was powerful and sent the already wounded necromancer to the ground. Yet even as the shockwave sent the dead and living flying Marrik slowly rose to his feet again. He was pelted by snow, white as a sheet, and was steadily, if slowly, moving towards Sarraceina. As he advanced heedless of storm or shot his eyes seemed to glow like two lanterns. The runes on his staff flowed a pale green and the winds only touched him enough to blow his hair and cost about as he advanced. "PRINCESS SARRACEINA OF THE SUNDEW KINGDOM." Marrik's voice pierced the howling winds both natural and cybertronian. As he walked closer to the would-be Queen people might spot ghostly shapes carried in the wind, adding their shrieks and laughter to the natural howls of air ripping through the mountains. "Ye stand at the crossroads of Life little girl. Her ambition and selfishness has cut the fate of men short this day. I ask this one question and demand an answer true." The glow in his eyes intensified as the howling of both wind an the dead seemed to stop. It was as if Martin's question was the most important thing in the multiverse. "DO. YOU. FEAR. DEATH?!" The cries and wind resumed, only now there was more than just the banshees shrieks in the air. Martin's laughter, cruel and terrible, ripped through the air as he leveled the end of his staff at the princess. Its runes glowed brighter for a moment before a freight train of pure kinetic energy ripped through the storm towards the hammer wielding woman. 

:'''{{#var:492|Blurr (492)}} has posed:'''     Blurr keeps going, and going. Faster and faster... he's reaching the speed of sound itself. He gets smacked by a few bombs and pieces of railing, but for a mech his size, they don't exactly do a whole lot of damage, merely causing a few more scrapes on his armor. There's still that open wound on his back, but this time he's lucky enough that the debris doesn't manage to snag it.     The cyclonic blizzard continues to build in magnitude. How long can the ship hold up against the icy assault? Further, and this is something that Blurr himself hasn't thought about (though probably should have)--how long can the side of the mountain hold up, as soon as the sonic booms start? 

:'''{{#var:446|Sarracenia (446)}} has posed:'''      The princess does fear death, and actually seems a bit distraut to hear that she's actually killed people. That wasn't her intention! She looks every bit the little girl she's accused of being. Dress ragged and cold wind swirling around her, her eyes wide, she sinks to her knees. "Th-they shouldn't have been here! You guys are supposed to send them away, not have them fight!" she pleads before that freight train slams toward her.      It is only an instinctive reaction that saves her from being flattened. She raises her hammer, using the head of it as a barrier. The thick, heavy alloys that comprise the hammer deflect much of the energy, but not all of it. Both the hammer and the princess go tumbling back, and she actually loses her grip on her hammer. It goes skittering off through the snow, luckily getting caught by a large boulder so it doesn't go tumbling down the mountain.      Sarracenia stands up after a few moments, then looks toward Marrik. "But..." she says, continuing where she left off. "...nothing will get in the way of my search for true love! And those caverns may hold the key to finding out who my hero is!" she exclaims, looking determined and fiery with her red hair flowing and billowing about thanks to the wind. She reaches into her purse, rummages around, then pulls out...an entire TNT charge. About 20 sticks or something in that range. "Not even you." she says, then pulls the starter cord, and in a flash the fuses start to burn.      The slender princess then lifts the charge over her head and chucks it as hard as she can at Marrik. And given she carries that hammer around, that is pretty hard. Whether it hits him, or lands near him, the charge explodes only a split second after hitting.      Blurr's snowstorm is starting to tear the airship apart. More and more pieces are falling from it, and it is losing altitude. Cannons even start falling out the sides as wooden planks are torn from it. They are sure to make wonderful explosions on impact. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Magic was a wonderful thing. It could help you get that thing off the top shelf, heal your hurts, and keep you going when you really shouldn't be. Marrik was getting a painful reminder that last application had costs all its own. His breathing was shallow and erratic while his body was cold to the touch. Even for a necromancer deep within a nexus of Life caused by little things like bomb showers and cybertronian induced tornadic winds did a fierce and terrible number on anyone still aboveground wouldn't hold up in a straight fight in his shape. What choice did he have though, let this spoiled brat crow about how she walked all over him? If she won then she would give no dignity due to the people that defended this place. They would be forgotten, humiliated, and Dishonored. That made Marrik angry. The bomb blew him face down into the snow. By rights he should be crawling in a home somewhere to hide, to ride this out and let others face this madwoman. His anger is what drove him on, to act reckless with his magic and use it to patch himself up. Several zombies fell, the den of shrieks less bombastic, but he continued to advance. The red glow of his eyes intensified as he neared his quarry again. She was the cause of this, and removing her from the board would end it. "This is not one of your daydreams or bedtime tales your Nana would read to you at night." There was a roughness to Marrik's voice as he hefted his staff as one would a club and swung at the princess. "People on both sides are dying because you wanted this place and because I will not give it up." Again he swung. There was no kinetic force or any other magic at play. Just a well muscled farmhand swinging a hickory stick at what he saw as a spoiled selfish child. 

:'''{{#var:492|Blurr (492)}} has posed:'''     Blurr looks up in satisfaction as he watches the ship crumble at the mercy of the whirling snow. It's coming down fast, and he'd better get out of the way before it comes crashing down onto the mountainside. He slows down, thankfully before he'd started causing sonic booms, because that would have knocked this section of the mountain down.     ...just in time to see those bombs go off right on top of Marrik. "Marrik! Slag it..." He hurries over to where the man is standing off against the crazy rodent princess. Catching sight of the hammer sitting against a boulder, he reaches down and flicks it at Sarracenia, given its size in comparison to him. It goes flying toward her. 

:'''{{#var:446|Sarracenia (446)}} has posed:'''      Sarra is getting pretty tired herself. So as Marrik strides forward, she just stands her ground and starts rummaging in her purse again. "My ship's crew will be fine. Pirahna plants ar-" And then SMACK! She's hit right across the face by that stick. The blow brings a startled, pained cry from her lips and snaps her head to the side before it sends her stumbling in that same direction and down into the snow. There's actually tears in her eyes when she looks up this time, and a big red mark across her cheek. "Wh-what is wrong with you?!" she screams, obviously not used to this kind of treatment. Which is strange, because she -has- fought in battles like this before. She sniffles, then her expression hardens in anger. "You should have just left! This is your fault, not mine! What do you guys need this place for anyway?! Everyone knows it can't see far into the future enough to give a large tactical edge! I just wanted to ask it where my hero was!!"      The princess is actually crying a bit now. "And if I never find him, I'm coming back for you, you big meanie!" she says even as she pulls a Bob-omb out of her purse. "I'll find you, and then -you- will play the part of my hero until I finally find him!" she threatens even as she throws the Bob-omb. She quickly hops behind the boulder which is keeping her hammer safe so she can avoid the explosion herself.      Only for that boulder to explode when her hammer is thumped at her. It was against the boulder, so Blurr pretty much just smashed the boulder right into Sarracenia. Being at the epicenter of the destruction, the princess is battered heavily by boulder shards before getting smacked with her own hammer. That's the second time that's happened to her!      As she flies through the air a short distance, Sarra's ship is falling from the sky. It smashes into the mountainside and breaks apart, and pirahna plant people go sliding down the snowy mountain on unintended makeshift snowboards. Many of them crash into rocks or trees or snowbanks, but a few are apparently pretty good snowboarders, making the run down the mountain and seeming pretty smug about it when they reach the bottom.      Sarra is barely standing by this point. And now, she has to try and handle both a zombie-maker and a giant robot? On her own?! Well, that's fine by her! She never gives up! She picks up her hammer again, even though she is bruised and scratched and cut from all the attacks she's endured. Her beautiful skin and face are not so beautiful at the moment, but her eyes still hold the fire of determination. "Get. Out. Of. My. WAAAAY!!" she screams, then flings herself at them, spinning like a top and using her hammer to keep momentum going. She tries to just rush past them and into the cavern, but her spinning antics are sure to land a few blows before she is inside. If she even makes it inside. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' win or lose, success or fail this was Marrik's last throw against this woman that would be queen. Instinct both beaten into him by his teachers and by his body's desperate need to comply with his will screaming to keep moving sought out Life to draw on. The soldiers? Several weren't going to- NO! WILL NOT ALLOW! CANNOT! NO! If not them then what? Blurr had a soul and moved, but did not have the energy he needed. The closest was the source of his hurts and the misery brought to this place. All Marrik could manage was a slow walk that might yet seem ominous given what he had been subjected to should have by rights killed him several times over already. He reached out with his right hand to the princess, and as he did so his magic tried to latch onto her no matter if his physical hand could or not. He would not kill her. He. WILL NOT kill her. That is a decree etched into the very fabric of his being. Yet he would take from her because she owed a blood debt, and he was the collection agent. "Princess." His voice was soft, a whisper in her ear no matter the wind or noise. "You have a chance yet. Turn away from this selfish path. Live up to your title and put your kingdom before your selfishness." he was battered, barely able to stand, yet if he could just latch onto her� Kinetic magic was aimed to try pushing her into his grasp even as Marrik tried to rip life from her to keep from falling apart himself. The zombies lay still. The banshee had ceased howling. It was just him trying to grab a girl child by the scruff and pitch her down the mountain with her crew. 

:'''{{#var:492|Blurr (492)}} has posed:'''     What is this girl screeching about? A hero? Wanting to ask 'it' about something? What 'it'? "What the slag are you babbling about, fleshy?" Blurr demands. "There's nothing in that cave but a bunch of hallucinogens. You want to get high or something?" He's not going to let the Union lose more territory to the Confederates.     The relentless whirlwind attack hits him in the legs, causing him to stumble, as new cracks appear in his armor. But he's not about to give up just yet. Whatever she wants, it can't be up to any good. So as the princess flings herself at the cave entrance, and tries to get past a 30-foot-tall mechanoid, Blurr punches a boulder on located just above it, causing it to become dislodged and fall down toward the spinning girl and her hammer. Even if it doesn't hit her, it will at least keep her from getting inside. 

:'''{{#var:446|Sarracenia (446)}} has posed:'''      The boulder doesn't hit her, but it does land perfectly so that as she moves toward the entrance in one of her swings she smacks right into it, flattening herself against it for a few moments before she stumbles back. "No! There aren't hallucinogens! There are magic pools that can see into the future! I want to ask who my hero is!" she whines plaintively. "And you meanies won't let me!"      Sarra huffs at Marrik. "You sound just like mom and dad!" she whines before...eep! Grabbed! "Hey! Get your filthy hands off me-EEEEEEE!!" And she is pitched down the mountain. Or at least a short distance back out of the cave. She lands on her rear with an 'oomph', then huffs again. "Stop that! Why won't you let me see who my hero is?!" she whines. All the destruction and life-ending explosions seem to mean nothing to her. Well, she -did- seem a bit upset to hear that she actually might have killed people, But, she sees that as Marrik's fault, not hers.      If this were another situation, she might just leave at this point. But, to her, this is a chance to get life-long happiness. Who cares if there is a necromancer and a giant robot and a huge boulder in your way? As she sits there in the snow, Sarra reaches to rummage in her purse again. And this time she pulls out...a flower? Yep. A cute little flower that is flashing with red and yellow color. She hees, then just holds it up, and it poofs into a set of magic sparkles that flow over her, changing her dress from solid red to red with flame-themed accents. Then, still sitting, she just starts hurling burning flames at both Marrik and Blurr. "You can't stop the fires of love!" she exclaims, her expression just a biiiit crazy/obsessed at this point. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "Child," He leaned heavily on his staff as if it was the only thing holding him upright. "I am not keeping you from your delusions. I keep you safe." He tried to step forward, to reach out again but everything was all grainy around the edges. His magic wouldn't come, and with his next step he actually pitched forward. For him the fight was over. He wasn't getting back up til someone carries him off. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "Child," Marrik leaned heavily on his staff as if it was the only thing holding him upright. "I am not keeping you from your delusions. I keep you safe." He tried to step forward, to reach out again but everything was all grainy around the edges. His magic wouldn't come, and with his next step he actually pitched forward. For him the fight was over. He wasn't getting back up til someone carries him off. 

:'''{{#var:492|Blurr (492)}} has posed:'''     "So, you want to ask a pool of liquid about the future." Blurr shakes his head. "Sorry fleshy, but that's not going to work out very well, trust me. I don't know if you've noticed, but inanimate objects don't talk." Wow, this girl has completely lost her bolts. Blurr twists and jumps, dodging some of the fireballs but he still gets singed by quite a few of them. It doesn't help that the crack in his back has been leaking for quite a while now, so he's lost quite a bit of energon.     And then Marrik is out, flopping down onto the snow. Okay, that does it. This little princess needed to get gone now. Taking advantage of his superior size, he crouches down and attempts to do the same thing Marrik just did--that is, pick her up and throw her down the mountainside. Only he's several times larger than Marrik. If this doesn't convince her to give up this delusional dream of hers, then he may have to take this to another level, which he's really hoping he -won't- have to do... 

:'''{{#var:446|Sarracenia (446)}} has posed:'''      Being gigantic has its advantages. Big ones. Like being able to just pick a relatively normal person up and chuck them down a mountain. "It's -magic-, you thick-headed bucket of scraps!" Sarra says as Blurr keeps calling her crazy. Not that she isn't, mind you, just not in this case. She is all ready to fire more fireballs when...grabbed again! What is it with these handsy guys?! "Take your hands off me, you ruffi-AAAAAAAAAAAAH!!"      The princess's sentence is cut off by her being thrown through the air. Without her tanuki suit, she looks more than little worried. And the screaming is another indicator of her fear of death and falling from a great height. And with her hammer down at the bottom of the mountain by now, her mind is reeling searching for options.      Luck intervenes in this case. In the form of Sarra crashing right into her already wrecked ship, smashing through one side, and then appearing through a hole already present in the other. And...she seems to have passed out on a large plank of wood. She flat on her face as the board starts down the mountain, yet somehow her arms and legs are inside the vehicle. Her dress is dragging, though, causing a small cloud of snow behind her as she unconsciously starts her run. Much like Professor Farnsworth, she zigs and zags between obstacles, avoiding collisions without even being conscious. Her board even ramps off a large snowbank, backflips through the air with her still on it, then lands with her still on it. When her plank finally reaches the bottom and comes to a stop...she is miraculously still alive and without any further scratches on her. And if one could see her face, she would look rather serene. Just a cute, innocent princess taking a nap on her snowboard.      With the day lost, the pirahna plant crew gather up what they can, including their princess, who they carry above their heads still on her plank, and head toward the nearest warp gate at a brisk march.      One can practically see the ZZZZZZzzzzz from Princess Sarracenia. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Sparks, having managed to wriggle out of Marrik's coat just in time to watch the princess go skydiving right into a snowboarding black diamond run while unconscious dutifully holds up a '10' scorecard before dropping it and Landing on Marrik. "Hey farmboy!" She rapped a tiny fist on his skull. "Sleeping in the snow is bad for your health, go take a coma inside where it's warm!" She joked, but really she's only seen him magic himself to exhaustion once and that wasn't pretty either. While waiting for help she sat on his chest and gave am exasperated sigh. 

:'''{{#var:492|Blurr (492)}} has posed:'''     Blurr watches Sarra go careening down the mountainside with satisfaction. She seems to have landed a great stroke of luck with that piece of wood, but in his mind there was enough snow out there to keep her from dying from the fall anyway. Besides, he hadn't chucked her that hard. Hopefully she'll have learned a lesson.     Now as for Marrik, his body starts to fold down on itself, and after a few seconds he's no longer standing but has transformed into a high-tech hover speeder. The doors open. "Get him inside if you can." he tells Sparks. If she can't, then he'll use his holomatter avatar to help out. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' This is a six inch tall pixie giving an incredulous look at Blurr. "Carry him?" She gestured at Marrik and mimed foot tapping as she hovered just over his prone body. "He's a hundred times my size! That's like me asking him to pick /YOU/ up." 

:'''{{#var:492|Blurr (492)}} has posed:'''     "Okay, okay." Blurr chuckles. This is the Multiverse, after all. Sometimes there are people who are much stronger than they look! Anyway, a teen-aged looking human kid seems to materialize next to Marrik, and he hauls the prone necromancer into the seat, and waits for Sparks to get in as well if she'd care to. And then off they go.     Zoom zoom zoom! Faster than the speed of sound back toward Njorun. 

}}

564/Recovering and Reflection

2014-09-17T02:41:23Z

AncientGorilla: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2014/09/09 |Location=Njorun Station - Central Plaza |Synopsis=Bluer and Marrik talk while both recover from Sarracinea's attack at the Caves of Pro..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2014/09/09
|Location=Njorun Station - Central Plaza
|Synopsis=Bluer and Marrik talk while both recover from Sarracinea's attack at the Caves of Prophecy.
|Thanks=
|Cast of Characters=492, 541
|Tinyplot=
|Tinyplot2=
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Physically Marrik was fine. His wounds had been patched and healed, so there wasn't much else that could be done outside of rest. Yet metaphysically he felt hollow. The one time he had tried using his magic not even his sight would open. This wasn't the first time it had happened, so he was confident it would return. Until then he simply walked along in a random park in this continent spanning chunk of Njorun. His face looked older, worn and tired. Yesterday still ate at him. 

:'''{{#var:492|Blurr (492)}} has posed:'''     Blurr was feeling a little bit guilty about the incident at the Caverns of Prophecy. He isn't used to working with humans or human-sized people, really. It's only been recently that he's started to work with the Union more. And even then, most of the time he's with other Cybertronians, up against other Cybertronians.     So he decides to pay Marrik a visit to see how he's doing, and if there's anything he can do to speed the guy's recovery. The man would find the famliar hover speeder moving through the trees, its engines humming lowly. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "Ah, wondered where you got off to." Marrik's smile was genuine even though his voice tired sounding. "Really should thank you for backing me back there. Would've been embarrassing to lose a chunk of rock like that to some spoiled rich brat that took daddy's toys out to play." Eyeroll as he approached the cybertronian. His walk was slow and he seemed to actually be using his staff to walk with rather than prop or magic tool. 

:'''{{#var:492|Blurr (492)}} has posed:'''     The hover speeder stops at the sound of his voice. "Don't worry about it, I happened to be in the area." He's so fast anyway, he can get practically anywhere in a rather small amount of time. "You doing all right?" Blurr asks, concerned. "You look exhausted." 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' There was a sigh from Marrik as he looked at Blurr appraisingly. "Could just say its being on empty to the point even basic casting is beyond me, but that's only part of it." He leaned against his staff as he tried thinking of the right words. "You saw what I summoned to try scarring her into giving up right?" Basically a tornado of souls whipped along by the storm Blurr created along with a dozen or so zombies to act as shock troops. 

:'''{{#var:492|Blurr (492)}} has posed:'''     "Uh kind of." Blurr says tentatively. "I saw it but I wasn't actually sure what it was. Where did they come from, anyway?" He asks, curious. The hovercraft start to unfold at this, metal plates shifting and gears turning in a cacophony of mechanical sounds as the Autobot shifts into a form more conducive to conversation. "I just figured whatever it was, it was effective." 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "They had been there before either of us," Marrik looked up at Blurr's face now that there was a face to look up at. "My magic merely made the spirits visible, and those that wanted a more physical hand I'd guided into bodies that had escaped cleanup." A head toss and he ran a hand through his hair. "Most didn't seem interested in helping, but... If I'd wanted I could have made them anyway. Part of me tells me I should have given how kabbom everything went. Rest of me's remminding me how bad a road that'd be to go down." 

:'''{{#var:492|Blurr (492)}} has posed:'''     "Oh, so they were invisible before?" Blurr asks. He doesn't really understand the whole spirits thing, because it isn't really a thing where he's from. "Interesting." He starts to lean against a tree that ends up not being strong enough to hold his weight, and quickly gets off of it when it bends and groans. "So you can control them?" 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "Can," Marrik's voice was flat. "Don't though." His head shook as Blurr tried leaning on thing and thing didn't like it. "It'd be like a kid grabbing you, then make you transform, or get stuck in a strange between state, or worse because they could." 

:'''{{#var:492|Blurr (492)}} has posed:'''     Blurr nods. "Understood." Since the trees can't seem to take his size, he decides to simply sit down on the grass with a THUMP. Now he can look at Marrik's face much more easily. "So what planet are you from, anyway?" 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Marrik shrugged as he tried finding a good way to look up at Blurr without neck strain. "We just called it earth, but it's not like most. No United States, or China, or the like." He explained as he dredged through old history texts. "So far as we know there are three true continents, seven large islands, a lot of little islands, and four moons' Green, Blue, Yellow, Red, and Brown. Each named for the physical elements, even if we know they are all rock, and likely are dead worldlets. Poetry and song though." Another shrug. "I'd wondered what it would be like." 

:'''{{#var:492|Blurr (492)}} has posed:'''     "Huh, an Earth with four moons, interesting." Blurr muses. "They must be pretty small, unless yours is bigger than the one I know." He leans over as far as he comfortably can, so that Marrik doesn't have to strain his neck too hard. "You want to find out? I could give you a ride." he smirks. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Marrik looked at Blurr curiously. Could he? Maybe, sure why not? He's a big giant space robot. "Maybe when I'm feeling more like me?" His voice was cautious, not wanting to offend. "I didn't get much more than a basic astronomy lessons. Sun, Seasons, Navigation Constellations. How the five planets go." He rattled off these things he'd learned way back when his dad insisted he get an education to bring back and help teach others with. "I dunno. Supposedly before the war they'd sent things out there, but as is? They were just dots to me mostly." 

:'''{{#var:492|Blurr (492)}} has posed:'''     "Sure, you just let me know when you feel ready and I'll see if I can't make time for it." Blurr nods. "Well you probably know now that there's a lot more to outer space than just that. One little star system is among millions more. And even more now, after the Unification." 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Soft laughter. "Oh we guessed at what was out there, least as best we could. It's just farm boy middle of bush country nowhere so didn't really get much more than 'here you go this is what the night sky is. Moving on." Marrik walked over to pat one of Blurr's shins. "So what about your home?" He was mildly curious about a world that could spawn giant metal men. 

:'''{{#var:492|Blurr (492)}} has posed:'''     "Heh. They weren't too concerned with it, it seems." Blurr comments. "So I take it there were a lot of bushes out there?" He asks, not really understanding the saying.     At Marrik's final comment, he just shakes his head. "Tch. What about my home?" 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "I lived in grasslands near a great sea. Kinda flat mostly but I'd heard of other places I wanted to visit. What of your world, what is it like?" Marrik had no idea about cybertron, and just figured Blurr was from a place like earth that somehow had giant machines. 

:'''{{#var:492|Blurr (492)}} has posed:'''     "Well it's dead, for one thing." Blurr replies, producing a sound from his synthesizer that is akin to a sigh. "And crawling with malformed insectoid experiments who try to eat whatever or whoever happens to cross paths with them. I went back there recently, and let's just say I don't care to go back again any time soon. Though I might have to, anyway." 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Marrik blinked slowly. A dead world eaten by bugs. In his mind's eye he pictures a place with its seas dried up and its winds stilled over dried and cracked plains. That is what the cult had hoped to turn his world intp. "If you must go back I will do what I can." 

:'''{{#var:492|Blurr (492)}} has posed:'''     "Heh, well if you do, you might need to find some way of protecting yourself from the environment there. It's not exactly nice." Blurr cautions. "And of course wait until you've fully recovered from this." He stands up. "Well it was good talking to you, Marrik. I'm glad you'll be back to yourself soon. And uh, next time I'll try to be a little more considerate of whoever I'm working with. I guess I'm just not used to working with organics." 

}}

577/So a wizard wants a computer...

2014-09-17T02:39:50Z

AncientGorilla: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2014/09/12 |Location=The Maw |Synopsis=Marrik ends up going to the wrong place to buy the computer he wants, and in the process talks with Kotone a..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2014/09/12
|Location=The Maw
|Synopsis=Marrik ends up going to the wrong place to buy the computer he wants, and in the process talks with Kotone and Blurr.
|Thanks=
|Cast of Characters=7, 492, 541
|Tinyplot=
|Tinyplot2=
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' The multiverse sometimes makes no sense in or out of context. For instance take a man that looks like an extra from a high fantasy flick standing next to a motorcycle from the second world war talking to a noodle vendor in a high technology iteration of japan arguing over the merits of theatre over movies. They had this impromptu discussion beside the van the vendor worked out of as the blue haired cook used a pair of chopsticks stabbing the air to punctuate his point. Marrik chuckled softly before paying the man, "Can we at least agree that some people shouldn't be allowed to direct? I mean infinite resources of the multiverse and some people just plain can't bloody do a good job at it." The cook shrugged and hopped back in his van before trundling off. For his part Marrik got on his bike after finishing his dumplings and considered the directions the man gave. Electronics district? He tossed the carton away and drove, then stared in non-coherence as he entered the district. 

:'''{{#var:7|Kotone Yamakawa (7)}} has posed:''' Kotone Yamakawa is just here in town checking out her thins here to get some tech items of various sorts. Her work with certain groups does pay well on top of her other jobs. So she wa doing pretty well she now moves out of a tech store carring a bag full of something, whistling as she goes. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' The poor unfortunate sales rep dealing with Marrik took one look at the man and heaved a sigh. She's dealt, briefly with people pre electronics before and the worst were usually magicians of one stripe or another. To his credit Marrik seemed familliar enough to not use what her uncharitable moments would call 'savage speak' for a computer. Yet she stood there holding an ad the man pullled from a pocket and just stared. "Sir, we don't sell antiques." 

:'''{{#var:492|Blurr (492)}} has posed:'''     "You sure you want that, Marrik? It looks kind of overpriced." A familiar voice says from behind him. "And primitive. Not that I know much about human currency." It sounds like Blurr, but the voice appears to be coming from a blond-haired teenager. "But that looks like it shouldn't even be worth -anything-." 

:'''{{#var:7|Kotone Yamakawa (7)}} has posed:''' Kotone Yamakawa pauses for a moment at hearing the word Antiques she turns her head to spy Marrik and wonders what he's doing here. She comes over looking at the man and the clerk for a moment before she turns directly to Marrik. "So just what are you up to here I never thought I'd see you here with something... god that thing predates this century!" 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "Hey now," Marrik quirked an eyebrow at the kid both because of the familiar voice, and because to him it was about as lifelike as a cardboard cutout. Oh it moved convincingly but nothing was there. Just a puppet on wires. "Besides Bonnie said it'd do what I want and I'd been doing reading on it," he shrugged helplessly. That and one of my regulars actually knows a few people who can get a few things for it." The wonders of the multiverse, where one chunk of reality will sit and make parts for a machine from another reality while a third doesn't need to because according to their perspective it's a century old and fit for a museum or recycling. "S-sir I don't even know if the antiques place has this." The sales rep held up a tablet-like device, "Surely this will serve better. Easy interface, ten minutes to figure out what's what. No experience needed, the on board smart agent handles the heavy lifting." Her manner became smoother as she launched into her sales pitch even as Marrik gave the device a dubious glance. Sparks openly frowned as she fluttered around the device, inspecting every nanometer of it's exterior. "Ma'am, how well will that survive a drop?" As if on cue Marrik snatched Sparks out of the sir, or rather swatted at her, forcing the biker pixie to divert from her attempt at knocking the gizmo out of the sales woman's hands. "Either behave or go home, please." Sparks frowned but landed on Marrik's shoulder to sulk. "Well," Marrik looked to Kotone and smiled, "I figure modernize a little, but� Yea I might have goofed coming here ma'am." He fished out a large brightly gleaming silver coin to give to the sales lady for her trouble. 

:'''{{#var:492|Blurr (492)}} has posed:'''     "Yeah but it's ancient even for human tech." Blurr argues, folding his arms. "Why don't you go ahead and take her up on that datapad, a lot more compact -and- powerful." he points out, after having scanned it. "It'll be more than enough, trust me."     He nods when Kotone seems to agree. "See? She agrees with me. Right? He should just take the one she's offering." 

:'''{{#var:7|Kotone Yamakawa (7)}} has posed:''' Kotone Yamakawa says "That's I think older than my father almost. Look umm thismight not be the best idea you'd be better off finding a collector to buy that to be honest rather than a store like this honestly." She tilts her head for a moment she sighs and then looks to Marrik and nods for a moment. She'll move to come out at this point for a moment. "There's older things, it also depends on how rugged it is, and sometimes using older tech means an intruder won't know what to do with it. If you want to keep information safe, on the other hand old exploits are public information now." 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "On the other hand," The sales rep grinned, "You occasionally get people that will make new hardware addons for old gear." She looked from Marrik to Kotone then to Blurr and sighed before taking the coin Marrik offered and walked off. Marrik looked from Blurr to Kotone and smiled. "Glad you two made it out alright." He then looked to Kotone, "So I'd say here is home, or at least close to it, yea?" 

:'''{{#var:492|Blurr (492)}} has posed:'''     Blurr shrugs. "You both know what -my- home looks like. Hopefully I won't have to go back there any time soon, but with my luck I probably will have to." 

:'''{{#var:7|Kotone Yamakawa (7)}} has posed:''' Kotone Yamakawa says "That does happen honestly, but shall we go somewhere else than hyere and yes this is my home I'm living in this city currently what are you teop doing here I got to ask. No, I think not I see why the planet hasn't been picked clean those bugs, seriously why were there robot bugs, why would a constructed world have something like that?!" 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "Huh," Marrik was stuck between 'oh hey interesting' and 'oh hell union business.' So he just shrugged and motioned Kotone to follow him out of the store and likely where Blurr was parked. "I was kindof in the area because a customer had a friend of a friend they'd recommended me to help with a spook problem. Something about a man eating toaster." Turned out to be a minor demon playing nasty til it saw him etch a binding into the toaster and literally punt it out of the apartment. 

:'''{{#var:492|Blurr (492)}} has posed:'''     "They didn't come about until recently. The Decepticons created them shortly before the Unification." Blurr answers Kotone. "They're failed Insecticon experiments. Megatron took the three 'good' ones back to Earth and left the rest to roam a dead Cybertron." 

:'''{{#var:7|Kotone Yamakawa (7)}} has posed:''' Kotone Yamakawa Says "I see so crazy weapon experiments I take it. Lovely just freaking lovely something out of a horror SCI-FI movie. Well I'd go posting on selling site and see what collectors nibble, there are people who'd pay big time bucks for something like that." 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Marrik took a small breath. "Normally not my department." He tried keepoing his voice down as fhey walled. 

:'''{{#var:7|Kotone Yamakawa (7)}} has posed:''' Kotone Yamakawa looks at Marrik for a moment and shrugs a little bit as she looj the mage over as she gestures to him to follow her out of the store. "Sounds like you want me to put this old machine up and see what I could get for it. Heh you know some people collect old Prosethic bodies..." 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "I knew a man that collected prosthetics," Then again same guy kept the bodies they were attached to. Nearest thing the cult had to a doctor. "Sorry its just an interface issue. I'm used to writing, even saw a typewriter in school but this... touch everything." He made a dismissive gesture. "Thank you for your help getting Blurr out." 

:'''{{#var:7|Kotone Yamakawa (7)}} has posed:''' Kotone Yamakawa Says "I couldn't leave him or even the other guy to be devoured. I don't think anyone deseves that to be perfectly honest not a pretty way to go right? Sides ... I now what it's like to be left for dead." She moves on a bit peering at him. "That's even older god I think that's older than my grandparents." 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "Look," Marrik sighed. "I'm sorry but this place is making me wonder why Staren even asked for my input on things." His head shook slow, "Never met the guy but he is... well he bothers me." 

:'''{{#var:7|Kotone Yamakawa (7)}} has posed:''' Kotone Yamakawa says "My first response was wanting to knock him on his ass. He rubs me the wrong way he's charing forward so hard he doesn't even think about the price of what he's doing. I don't fault you at all for being bothered to be honest." She seems to have little love for staren he's kinda just failed his soical checks with Kotone a heck of a lot. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "I admit he has his heart in the right place about wanting to know why things work." Marrik watched the city move around them as he considered everythimg. "Seems strange he's in the union doesn't it? Someone that sees few moral reasons to not do a thing, but maybe thats why he's there. So he's around people that will tell him to stop and put the cookies back in the jar." 

:'''{{#var:7|Kotone Yamakawa (7)}} has posed:''' Kotone Yamakawa Says "He's wreckless and we have a mutal employere who needs anyone they can get I get that. Maybe your right maybe the Union's trying to keep him on a leach when you get down to it least someone who will tell him to take the entire jar ens up employing him." 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "He and I disagree on things, and worse he misunderstamds often." Marrik looked Kotone over and hrms soft. "Anyway sorry for causing fuss. This is a... interesting place. For all the noise it seems to take care just fine though." 

:'''{{#var:7|Kotone Yamakawa (7)}} has posed:''' Kotone Yamakawa says "He's got oversite with the group wr both work with and humm and what about it I don't really notice any real noice my self." Says the young lady from a modern world whose just never really lived without the background noise as it were. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "Sorry just, not the same sort of city noises I'm used to." Marrik shrugged. Certainly wasn't what he grew up heari on the farm, and wasn't even like what the market was like. Ah well. "Kitt might like it here. I dunno. do you people have tslking cars?" He asked aftrr a moment's thought, "Is that a thing?" 

:'''{{#var:7|Kotone Yamakawa (7)}} has posed:''' Kotone Yamakawa says "I see I don't think much of it, is Kitt wired for wireless he's going to have a hard time otherwise really. Some time but I doubt they are aware like Kitt seems to be I'd not be stunned if he actually had a Ghost. You can't ... chat bot that level of snark he has." 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "That car has soul," Marrik agreed, mikdly surprised Kotone knew about kitt. "Plus he's too emotional to be clockwork and wire. Takes a mind to pull that off with that much variation." Kitt basically set all kinds of things off to him, but he was a person. "What boggles me is... kitt? same world this," He held up the computer ad, "came from." 

:'''{{#var:7|Kotone Yamakawa (7)}} has posed:''' Kotone Yamakawa says "Sounds like a genius was born on that world that was way ahead of their time is what i'm guessing. You know someone who figured it out and got it to work on 1980s hardware then again they likely have compariable computing power to stuff here I suspect. I'm thankful we have a way to figure out if something is aware... it makes certain issues less messy. So why do I get the feeling you want to say something to me?" 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "Mostly I just know I stuck my foot down my throat when I met you." Marrik sounded calm as he spoke. "I can't even use the excuse of being new to the multiverse. Just I'd never seen a full body replacement before and it... well." Shrug as he looked Kotone over. "I'd like to think I'm an alright guy, no saint mind you, but I have a few lines I won't cross even though I'd already stuck my hand in the cookie jar of evil already. This is an interesting place, has a good feel to it." With that he got on his bike and started riding. 

}}

600/Night Mares and Ice Cream

2014-09-17T02:38:05Z

AncientGorilla: Created page with "{{Log Header |Date of Scene=2014/09/16 |Location=Njorun Station - Central Plaza |Synopsis=After the battle with Ifrit, Marrik finds advice from and makes friends with Luna. |T..."

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2014/09/16
|Location=Njorun Station - Central Plaza
|Synopsis=After the battle with Ifrit, Marrik finds advice from and makes friends with Luna.
|Thanks=
|Cast of Characters=337, 541
|Tinyplot=
|Tinyplot2=
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Njorun is, well, huge. It isn't 'big as an island' huge, or 'big as a state' huge. Just the section Marrik was in probably could be compared to Australia give or take a few hundred square miles. Much like interstellar distances things on that scale were hard if not outright impossible for the human mind to comprehend. Not that Marrik cared. After the fight with the primal Ifrit and it's brainwashed followers Marrik had taken a long soak, then tried sleeping. Except when just to have a chance at keeping Ifrit gone he basically had to murder an entire village. Never mind their minds were gone already and by his own admission, not to mention Maya's, and others, what he had done was a kindness. He couldn't sleep. So to Njorun he fled, to some random parkland dressed in dust colored clothes as his mismatched eyes peered at a bowl of ice cream intently, as if somewhere in the chopped nuts, Carmel, and vanilla chocolate swirl he could find some way to make the screaming stop. He was seated on a tree stump a little off one of the paths just looking, possibly waiting. Hopefully not too long since melted ice cream isn't nearly as fun. 

:'''{{#var:337|Luna (337)}} has posed:'''      Luna doesn't sleep at night anyway, and after raising the moon there really isn't a lot to do on Equestria. So, Luna decided to go out and do some exploring. She has only been to Njorun in isolated incidents, so she is now flying about the plaza. But, she recognizes a troubled soul when she sees it, and so circles her way downward toward Marrik, then lands gracefully before giving her mane a toss. "Are you attempting to stare your dessert into submission?" she asks, smirking lightly in an attempt at playfulness to lighten Marrik's mood. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "Long day," Marrik said absently, "Couldn't sleep." He looked up from his ice cream and just stared. This was no tiny pony. Somehow he managed to set his food down without spilling it. This. This was more like the legends. The hooves were not cloven and the tail not right but as he looked at Luna he saw someone far older than him with far more power and experience, all shaped like a thing of legend. He blinked. Then blinked again, but never turned away. "H-hello there." Soft voice now, uncertain. Was this somehow one of the bigger cousins to the light hearted ponies he's already passingly familiar with? Even setting aside the whole 'never seen an alicorn' moment, his body language was all wrong. It wasn't fear that kept him still, but exhaustion. 

:'''{{#var:337|Luna (337)}} has posed:'''      Luna smiles as you stare at her. She runs a forehoof through her flowing mane. "Hello." she says in a slight proud tone. But, that fades when she sees how tired you look. "Are you alright?" she asks, her voice and expression full of concern now. And the energy she gives off...it is just like the night. Calm, cool, yet energizing and brisk. She is definitely a pony of the type which he already knows, but something beyond their usual types.      And her magical power is enormous. It radiates from her like moonlight from the night sky. "If you are feeling sick, you should see a healer." she says, then smirks again. "Luckily for you, there happens to be one right in front of you." she says, lifting a forehoof and pressing it against her chest proudly. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' The moment of awe and wonder passed slowly for Marrik. If this was a dream it was a lot /nicer/ than his post having to do icky things dreams. "I'll be fine," This was a pretty blatant and obvious lie even as he patted a patch of ground next to him. "Just one of those things where my body is the least of my problems." He didn't plan on talking, mostly because he didn't want to trouble the mare, but there was something there. Not an active spell or some magic, just the feeling it was OK. Relax. "The bright side I guess is we won? Demon thing pretending to be a God banished, at least for the time being. That's good. Right?" What was the not so good news? 

:'''{{#var:337|Luna (337)}} has posed:'''      Luna seems confused by Marrik. His words aren't matching what she feels at all. She moves toward him, then sits down beside him. First on her haunches before she lowers her body down. "It is usually a good thing to banish a demon, yes." she says, tilting her head. "But, you do not seem to believe it was a good thing." she says as she extends a wing and wraps it around Marrik gently, letting him bathe in the coolness and calmness of night. "What happened that makes you feel it was not a good thing?" 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' Definitely not the most dignified position, but a hug is a hug is a hug and Marrik needed one. "To make it so we could banish it and not end up having it dropped on our heads ten minutes later we had to go after its servants." Standard cult and demon slaying procedure really so far. "Cults I've felt with. Crazy, fanatics that believe turning everything into a smoking husk is a good thing." Hell, for a little while, he used to /BE/ one of those nuts. He picked up his ice cream spoon, ate what was on it, and would point with it for emphasis. "Thing is these. It was a whole village that had been not just brainwashed. Brainwashing leaves the person there knowing something's off. It broke then remade them so they were fund I mentally its creatures and an extension of its will." By tone and expression it was going to get worse. Marrik reached over to hug Luna's neck. "So far so good. Except. Village. Everyone down to infants were." His voice caught, "People there had tried for thousands of life times to undo the tampering these things do to people, and they all have failed. I can argue and justify all I like that I did them a kindness, but I can still hear them." 

:'''{{#var:337|Luna (337)}} has posed:'''      Luna's ears lie back as she listens. It is a sad tale. One that she has only heard legends of. "If there was no way to rebuild their minds, then...what other choice did you have? This demon was not going to stop, was it? While still tragic, it is better that a few die now to save thousands from dying later." she says. When Marrik leans to hug around Luna's neck, she nuzzles at him.      "It is good to feel the pain of loss even for those you did not know, but you cannot dwell on such things. Such thoughts lead to your own destruction." she says, her wing squeezing Marrik lightly. Then, she gets an idea, and a light smirk crosses her face. "We need to get you smiling." she says as her horn starts to glow. Marrik's ice cream bowl floats up, then globs of ice cream starts separating themselves from the main body before forming into playful shapes like moons and stars and ponies.      And, one of those ponies 'gallops' toward Marrik's mouth. A tasty vanilla pony with chocolate mane and tail. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "I know. Usually takes a few days for the shakes to st-" Marrik trailed off when he saw the ice cream ponies. That was something interesting, and more than a little amusing. He reached out to the little ice cream delights, parking his spoon so maybe one would step onto it. "In happier news I had been able to bring peace to more than a few restless sorts that had been stuck watching." That brought a genuine smile to his face as much as the precision illusion and sculpting. "I will return in time to see if that let any of them move on with a little peace of mind." Necromancy and zombie animation was icky and gross, but giving a man the ability to finish a thing with his own two hands was rewarding enough to make a lot of the baggage worth it. He let go of Luna's neck and offered a well worn and calloused hand. "I am Marrik Broom. Shop owner, Spirit intermediary, and puncher in the nose of things that really should leave people alone." Some of his usual cheerfulness was returning. The tired weary feel was still there, but just being able to smile made him feel less like he was staring into the abyss. 

:'''{{#var:337|Luna (337)}} has posed:'''      What is an ice cream pony to do when a spoon is held toward it? Why hop onto it of course! The ice cream pony lands on the spoon, then rears up and paws at the air with its forelegs before going still. Luna smiles happily when Marrik's disposition improves. "Helping the dead to pass on to their peaceful afterlives...it is a noble pursuit." she says, her smile turning to a more soft, appreciative smile.      When Marrik holds out his hand and introduces himself, Luna raises a forehoof to place in his hand. "I am Luna." she says, seeming a bit self-conscious that she has no titles to include in the introduction. So, she makes one up! "Mistress of the night and protector of dreams." Sure, that sounds good. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "Huh." Marrik let Luna's leg go after a quick shake. "Dreams and the Night." He didn't know Equestria's cosmology otherwise he might sound more awed, or possibly afraid because of the whole 'mistress of the night' thing. Instead he merely sounded interested. "So basically you work moonrise to moon set." Given the moon could and often was up during the day that had to be annoying. "I imagine eclipses are a bit of a headache. Kind of like getting called in for ten minutes even though for you its like middle of when you're normally asleep." Then again did eclipses count as part of the night? He looked thoughtful for a moment before eating the ice cream pony. Definitely good stuff here. 

:'''{{#var:337|Luna (337)}} has posed:'''      Luna seems a bit annoyed when her job is spelled out so simplistically. Moonrise to moon set. But, the next comment earns a headshake. "The sun and moon are never in the sky at the same time in Equestria, unless it is for a special occassion. My sister and I ensure it." she says. So, no eclipses or moon up during the day. "In addition to raising and lowering the moon, it is also my responsibility to ensure the dreams of Equestrians are pure and not nightmarish. It is quite a chore after everthing that has happened to our world, but it is getting better. The ponies feel safe within the walls of Everfree, and the surrounding lands feel safer knowing my sister and I watch over them."      With the ice cream pony eaten, a star lands on Marrik's spoon, seeming to twinkle like a star in the sky. 

:'''{{#var:541|Marrik (541)}} has posed:''' "A big responsibility," Marrik agreed as Luna spilled out her duties. When he saw the ice cream star twinkle in his spoon he chuckled softly. "I suppose the upside is an entire night sky to work with." What? He knew what stars were, but equestrian was not home so worked by different rules? If the sun and moon get lifted and lowered then why not paint the sky? "The largest canvas of all. I can sketch middling well, but to have all that. The on down side of the multi verse, not a chance to see your sky as it was back home before things got weird." That of course had its own problems. That and he could see another problem. "You get a lot of folk stay up to keep you company before the whole multiverse thing happened?" 

:'''{{#var:337|Luna (337)}} has posed:'''      Luna nods in agreement when Marrik compares the sky to a canvas. "I like to change things around a bit each night, to see if anyone notices." she says, then sighs. "No. And there are not many more who stay up now that the multiverse is known to us. Nighttime in my world is...not friendly. Our wilderness still encroaches on our lands, and many wild beasts roam about looking for meals. Although it is not really a duty, I try to keep unfriendly and dangerous creatures away from the ponies as much as possible during the night." she says.      With Marrik feeling better, Luna stands and stretches her wings. "Speaking of which, I should return home and make sure my nightly duties are carried out." she says, then smiles. "It was nice to meet you, Marrik. Feel free to visit our Equestria. We are used to non-ponies." she says, then with a flap of her wings she takes flight. 

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