Geyze II

Session 112: Voices from Long Ago

* Day changed to Monday, 30. Jun 2025
<@DeathStar> 5
<@DeathStar> 3
<@DeathStar> 1
<@DeathStar> -0-
<@DeathStar> Date: 10-644.3.29
<@DeathStar> Location: Peacemaker Boat
<@DeathStar> *the boat continues to travel down the river, traveling through thick woods at the moment on either side. Selena works on keeping them moving without any problems occurring as they go*
<@DeathStar> *Azif sits cross legged up front, staring ahead while most of the spirits seem to have moved into the ship itself, outside Verdant, who has oddly parked herself in the back of the boat's deck, having been opening a small portal throughout the entire afternoon the day before, night, and is still going on, looking thoughtful*
<@DeathStar> *Qui checks their supplies in the kitchen area, making sure they have enough to last them for long trip, especially with the Aquarius being held back after it was probed the day before* <Qui> We can last a few weeks without needing a drop off from the Aquarius. But if Nocturne is right, she can bring sneak us back to the Aquarius if we are desperate for supplies.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *is below decks working on one project or another*
<@Seraphna> Talia> Thankfully river have ancient fish.
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> *eyes Talia* And where did you and your daughter run off to?
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Don't think I didn't notice you two returning to the ship late in the night
<@Seraphna> Alt> We tracked Daddy.
<@DeathStar> <Qui> That was dangerous. *she turns to the two, preparing some food* We don't know what sort of state of mind Gwen is in.
<@Seraphna> Talia> Mostly his own.
<@DeathStar> *Qui considers that* I suppose he would have to be to let you return here
<@Seraphna> Talia> He’s convinced the best route is to destroy the shards.
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Easier said than done, sadly."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *finally emerges from below decks* "Ahhhhh...?"
<@DeathStar> *Origin chirps from hat, making noises*
<@DeathStar> *Qui sets out what looks to be salads; Azif comes in and eyes the salad, her face essentially a WTF look*
<@Seraphna> Talia> He’s pretty sure the group you all met would happily destroy us if it meant getting another shard too.
<@Seraphna> **Terra puts strawberries in Azif’s salad.**
<@DeathStar> *Azif tentatively tries the salad, munching with a -_- look - gravitating toward the strawberries mainly*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "I'm here to eat...and not miss meals...again..."
<@DeathStar> *Selena steps in* I'm proud of you
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *lets out a breath*
<@DeathStar> *Verdant steps in --- and one can tell she's overdone it power wise. She moves over to the table and practically has to heft herself up onto the stool, the young teen rubbing her face and looking like she wants to nod off due to low spirit energy levels*
<@DeathStar> <Verdant> What day is it? *Zayne sends the time spirit a sharp look*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh?" *weaves and scans Verdant*
<@Ariel> * Nicolette fetches Verdant some water, "Hey, you okay?"
<@DeathStar> *Verdant is fine - just having been using her time powers for a long period of time, which has run her energy level on the low end; she takes the water* <Verdant> Yeah. I'm just, my clock is a bit turned around right now
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Your spirit levels are critically low."
<@DeathStar> <Verdant> I'm done. I think I'm done. I'll rest. I think I've pieced together some stuff though.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh?"
<@DeathStar> <Verdant> I, uh, been listening around Geyze starting around 12,000 years ago and then bouncing back
<@Seraphna> Talia> Was I there?
<@DeathStar> *Verdant doesn't seem sure how to answer that*
<@Seraphna> Talia> I often am everywhere.
<@DeathStar> *Verdant hunches over even more, staring at Talia*
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Did you find the right time period for the empire?"
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "L..let's fgive verdant a moment."
<@DeathStar> <Verdant> Right. I started at 12,000 years and then I began to go back every 100 years until I got a hit. There was deathly silence at 12,000 years. So I gathered that was just after the Croza War, because I was picking up nothing. After that I went back and I was picking up stuff - which was Croza related. It seems those the Croza had established themselves on Geyze and Kumen at that point. So I went back more and the Croza were still there. I went back a bit more and at this point they were no longer popping up but nothing else was either. So I kept going back until something else would. From what you all said, the Croza were chasers of the Keepers, so I figured that they had to show up rather soon
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Correct, though we don't really know what happened to the Keepers either."
<@DeathStar> <Verdant> Well I can't entirely confirm their fate, but Keeper signals showed up about 300 years before the Croza appear on Geyze. They seemed to be preparing to depart after finishing the Spirit Project of their's and a lot of signals were being transmitted all over the place. I picked up a few of them.
<@Seraphna> **Alt takes out crayons and starts drawing a timeline to help**
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "the tiem gap between when the Keppers lefta nd the croza arrived is much narrower than I had expected."
<@DeathStar> <Verdant> It seemed to me they were departing the place after Geyze falling apart from whatever happened. but since I didn't speak the language I can't translate what they said
<@Seraphna> **She uses green to make little Verdants peeking at each period**
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Does that indicate the Keepers and the Croza might have some overlap?
<@Seraphna> Anyata> Why not bring a recording device back?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "If only you could take me too... but that would probably be even more stressful."
<@DeathStar> <Verdant> Well, I did record some stuff, but I didn't think the Keeper stuff was super important to you
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Well, it's not going anywhere. We can always check on that later."
<@DeathStar> *she sets down a device*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh?" *picks up the device*
<@DeathStar> <Verdant> This is from what's about to be discussed
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Then keep going."
<@DeathStar> <Verdant> So after that I kept jumping ahead. 100 years, the Keepers were still around but not a lot going on - it looked like they were experimenting and looking for something I think. This went on for a few hundred years. Then we finally reach the time period you all wanted
<@DeathStar> <Verdant> End day. It took a bit of work to narrow down that 100 year period, but around this 100 year it seems the various Kingdoms of Geyze and Kumen were all magic based. It reminded me of Earth a lot. Highly advanced. But something was setting them on edge against each other and something out in space.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Out in space?"
<@DeathStar> <Verdant> Yeah, a lot of stuff was going on about some threat in space. The name might be in the recordings.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Anythign else before we play the recordings?"
<@DeathStar> <Verdant> Well, I know which Kingdom built the Creation Machine and set all the other Kingdoms against it
<@Seraphna> **Terra hands everyone corn**
<@Seraphna> Terra> No way to pop it.
<@DeathStar> <Verdant> Essentially, from what I pieced together, this Creation Machine - I think - was made to help defeat the bad guy in space ...but the other Kingdoms feared it's power. Which increased the hosility going on
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "So which kingdom made it?"
<@DeathStar> <Verdant> Oh right - it was called Crimore. <Selena> I didn't see that one on the Priest's map when we were in his room yesterday.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Perhaps they were completely destroyed..."
<@Seraphna> Alt> Cry More?
<@DeathStar> <Verdant> But you can play the recordings now. They will show and explain more than I can
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *nods and sets the device to playback*
<@DeathStar> *The recording cuts in and seems to be some sort of recording orb that Verdant sent through the time portal. The first one seems to be a few seconds of a post Croza War, floating there, then it jumps to the time period of the Croza floating there, as it circles around, then it jumps for a few seconds showing the Croza again, then it seems to be jumping going back in time every 100 years, only snatching a few seconds of recordings.*
<@DeathStar> *it keeps doing this up to the Keeper era, where Verdant seems record a bit longer; the landscape here shows what looks to be a land that looks a bit more like modern Geyze, but there are signs of turmoil in the land like the skies flashing mana energy in the air and the ground looks unstable and brief signals of Keeper talk is picked up - it sounds like they're discussing ending the spirit project indeed and preparing to leave; then it jumps back another where the signs are even worse now with mana energy all over the place and the land looks unstable.*
<@DeathStar> *each jump back the few moments of footage it appears Geyze was in terrible condition with mana storms and energy surges until beautiful skies appear, and in the distance floating cities can be seen. The device begins to try to hack nearby transmissions and on the screen, as if its hacked into a holovid, newscasters appear and they appear to be talking about two kingdoms*
<@DeathStar> *The Grebolrg Kingdom seems to be demanding the Creation Machine be turned over to the Order of the Knights, or it is threatening to use it's Magi Tower on the Kingdom of Crimore to destroy it, the newscaster are stating, leading many to wonder if this might be the end of alliance between the Kingdoms, and many fearing the end of planet due to the power of the Towers*
<@DeathStar> <Verdant> There are problems with trying to narrow it down to the seconds of the end.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "I remember the name 'Grebolrg' from our visit to the floating city."
<@DeathStar> <Verdant> The recording would likely be destroyed and the power might go through my time portal into here
<@DeathStar> <Verdant> So I don't feel it wise to risk it
<@DeathStar> <Verdant> But I feel concdent that this is the final week at least.
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Yeah, that's fair. But we've learned a lot already, so this was definitely worth the effort."
<@DeathStar> *the recording shows more images of the floating cities, and it seems that indeed the Knights were being called into a meeting to deal with the Creation Machine and to try to soothe the various Kingdoms*
<@DeathStar> <Verdant> Oh, and here's an image of Crimore. *She brings up the floating continent - a massive city on top of it*
<@DeathStar> <Verdant> I don't have any recordings of the cities on Kumen unfortunately.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *checks to see if it matches what they saw on the floating city they visited*
<@DeathStar> *it seems to match - if anything, it might be even larger*
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Well we know one thing at least.
<@DeathStar> <Selena> This Grebolrg has a Tower.
<@DeathStar> <Selena> That means there's one more Tower we haven't discovered. I wonder how many are left functional
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "So we were on Crimore, or at least its successor state."
<@DeathStar> *The boat suddenly jerks and Selena rises to go check on it*
<@Seraphna> **Talia follows**
<@DeathStar> <Azif> So you know more about the past now and how everything looked; but will it help with the now?
<@DeathStar> *it looks like a tree has fallen across the river and is blocking the boat*
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> *turns to Lana* The river we are taking is leading us toward two more Kingdoms - the Grebolrg and the Gradians. Do you have an idea of who you want to approach and if so, what then?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "It gives us an idea on the dramatis personae. Those ancient grudges are still at play if the words and actions of our recent hosts are anything to go by."
<@Seraphna> **Terra slides over to inspect the tree** You okay?
<@DeathStar> *the tree seems to indicate it was purposely cut*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhhh? Do we know anything about the Gradians?"
<@DeathStar> <Verdant> I didn't get too much out of them during the transmissions. They were sort of quiet
<@Seraphna> Terra> Oh no! Hold on I’ll help. **she starts working on moving the tree to it’s stump**
<@DeathStar> <Verdant> I gathered Crimore as the big "leader" of the group - sort of like Hapian is here
<@Seraphna> Terra> Who could cut down such a pretty tree on purpose!
<@Seraphna> **Talia peers about**
<@DeathStar> *Selena stares at Terra in confusion; as Terra nears the stump, she is suddenly grabbed by somethign and taken deeper int othe woods*
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Oh shit. *She rings the alarm bell*
<@Seraphna> Terra> Eeeep! Terra napping!
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "The Graebolrg are one of the main players in-AHHHHHH?!"
<@Seraphna> **Terra flails, upheaving the land all around her**
<@DeathStar> *The figure grabbing Terra is flung away*
<@Seraphna> Terra> Gasp! A brilliant escape!
<@DeathStar> *Zayne moves to the upper deck and looks around*
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Terra, get back to the ship
<@Seraphna> Terra> What about the poor tree?
<@DeathStar> <Selena> .... *rubs face* Go ahead.
<@DeathStar> <Azif> *seems overly amused*
<@Seraphna> **Terra starts putting the tree back**
<@DeathStar> *eyes stare back out at the ship and Terra - or they could just be bugs*
<@Seraphna> Talia> **forms her blade**
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *stesp on to the deck* "Is it all ok?!"
<@DeathStar> <Selena> We might be surrounded.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...ahhhh?" *does a weave to scan the area around the ship*
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "This river is starting to feel like a liability..."
<@Seraphna> Terra> There you go, I bound your trunk back to the roots!
<@DeathStar> <Selena> We can try to fortify the boat
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...we are being watched... sbiosignatures are similar to daemons."
<@DeathStar> *Zayne glances at Lana* That's odd. Daemons should not be in this part of the world
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Their range may have been larger in the ancient past."
<@Seraphna> **Terra pops back on the ship**
<@DeathStar> *Selena moves to get the boat moving once again. The eyes watching them*
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> If they set one ambush, they might try again
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "We'll need to be alert then."
<@DeathStar> *as the river continues onward, the river splits into two paths; the left path heading toward the Grebolrg Kingdom, and it appears the forest is no longer becoming an issue, while the river path to the right remains somewhat heavy still and leads to the Gradian Kingdom. Selena slows them down a bit and steps out*
<@Seraphna> Terra> I vote trees.
<@DeathStar> <Azif> Trees also mean more ambushes
<@Seraphna> Terra> But also trees!
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "The Grebolrg were the other major party in the ancient mage war. They may have more answers."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Just be warned they might also be more hostile
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...there is that..."
<@DeathStar> <Azif> Without risk there is no reward. Your mage there risked the time spirit to get information earlier
<@Seraphna> Alt> I vote whichever gets Daddy back soonest.
<@Seraphna> Talia> I also vote Gwen.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "We don't know where Gwen is though..."
<@DeathStar> <Azif> Oh? Why not ask him which he thinks then?
<@DeathStar> <Azif> Which is the better decision?
<@Seraphna> Talia> I could check. But it might take me a while to get back.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *po9nders* "...thinking it through...once we leave the forest, we will indeed have crossed the Rubicon, so to speak..."
<@DeathStar> *Azif turns her head to eye somethign in the sky*
<@Seraphna> **Alt looks up**
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhhh?" *looks up*
<@DeathStar> *a floating eyeball monster is eyeing balling them*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhhhhhh?!"
<@Seraphna> Alt> Oh right! Blink once for the first path or twice for the tree one!
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "...yep, that thing is unsettling."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Are you seriously ASKING the MONSTER in the SKY?
<@Seraphna> Talia> Bob is okay.
<@DeathStar> <Azif> It's been flying high above us all night
<@Seraphna> Alt> Mew!
<@DeathStar> *Bob eventually blinks once - but it could just be blinking*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "When did you first notice it?"
<@DeathStar> <Azif> Hm. For a while, but no one asked me.
<@Seraphna> Alt> The hostile path it is!
<@Seraphna> Alt> Onward!
<@DeathStar> <Selena> I mean, putting aside the fact we're listening to a monster.
<@DeathStar> <Selena> The path might give answers like you said, Lana
<@Seraphna> Talia> Bob is Gwen’s.
<@DeathStar> <Selena> But you have to be the one who's sure of it. The other path might be easier, but you might not learn as much
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *nods* "Set sail...the hard way."
<@Seraphna> **Talia will remember this.**
<@DeathStar> *Selena nods and steps into the bridge and sails them toward the left path; as they head that way, it appears that the daemons step out and observe them, having remained in the forest. So there is that at least, meaning no more fear of ambushes from then. They study the boat as they go on, then step back into the woods. Above them Bob continues to follow the boat*
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Who names an eyeball, Bob?"
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...Nico...don't.,..just...don't..."
<@DeathStar> <Azif> Isn't that a human thing to name body parts various names?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhhh...who names their eyes?"
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> I recall a creepy doctor once that was fascinated my eyes. Peepers, Peepers~. I had to kill him in the end. He was one to cut out eyes of people
<@DeathStar> *by
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh?! Why did you bring that up now?!"
<@DeathStar> *the boat sails along and on either side seems to be farmland*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "This seems rather civilized."
<@DeathStar> *people can be seen working the farms, amazingly - pushign what looks to be magical devices to help with the farming. Infact, the richer farms seem to have magi-tech to help them out, massive machines to help with their large farms, while the more poor farmers are doing it by hand*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Magitech used for mundane purposes."
<@DeathStar> *the river seems to be breaking up into more rivers, spreading out across the farm land, and boats can be seen taking these various rivers. A large boat can be seen carrying goods along the river up ahead of them*
<@DeathStar> <Qui> It seems rather peaceful
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "At least we won't sem so out of place in our own boat."
<@DeathStar> *she notes, peering at the farms along the way; then points. They seem to be approaching what looks to be a village of sorts. The boat seems to be stopping there at the docks. It seems to be somewhat sizeable for a village - it could be considered a small city even. Off loading and loading looks to be occurring*
<@DeathStar> <Qui> Is this the Grebolrg city?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "I don't know...they could have a floating city like the others as their capital. We don't know enough yet."
<@DeathStar> *Selena leans her head out* Do you want to stop or keep going?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "We could stop and try to get our bearings. We need to be cautious though."
<@DeathStar> *Selena slowly pulls up toward a free stop on the docks. A dockhand moves over to help them secure their boat* <Dock Hand> Do you have your paperwork? *He asks*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Maybe we should move on then..."
<@DeathStar> *the dock hand looks them over, running a sweaty hand over his head, then points at a building near the docks* You got no paperwork, you should talk to the dockmaster.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh... alright."
<@DeathStar> *Selena, Qui, and Sabrina join Lana. Azif slumps over the railing, looking unmotivated to leave the ship*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Let's go and get this straightened out."
<@DeathStar> *Zayne even
<@DeathStar> *The docks are extremely busy with people moving stuff to and fro, but the building in question seems to be where business is being held. The dockmaster's door looks to be a bit busted in, as if a head has been busted into it at some point, and his sign on the door is tilted a bit*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh? This place seems rougher up close."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Scared to knock on the door?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...ahhh....ok...just a door.." *knocks*
<@DeathStar> *a barking growl of a voice* Come in!
<@DeathStar> *Qui cheerfully pushes the door open for Lana and inside is a large man, looking to be in his 60's, at a desk with papers all over the place. He seems to be squinting at them*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *steps inside* "Ahhhh...sorry to disturb you, but we were pointed to your office."
<@DeathStar> <Dock Master> What are you women doing here? This isn't a place for girls. *He chides them, reaching for a pipe on his desk with large meaty hands* Pointed to my office? What in the world for?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhh...we wish to dock our ship, but we lack the proper permits."
<@DeathStar> <Dock Masters> You girlies are sailors? *he shakes his head* I've seen everything. So you from outside the Kingdom then?
<@DeathStar> *he reaches and looks for the forums* <Dock Master> Yeah, you'll need papers if you want to dock your ship anywhere. Where is it...
<@DeathStar> *He finally slaps the papers on the desk for Lana to sign* That'll also be 500 coin
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhh...yes. We are new arrivals."
<@DeathStar> *he begins to puff on his pipe*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *looks at Selena* "We need to pay for the permit."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> That does make sense. Let me go to the ship and see what I can find
<@DeathStar> *she steps out*
<@DeathStar> <Dock Master> Having trouble finding the coin?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "We don't really enter new ports of call with all our money out for view.."
<@DeathStar> <Dock Master> Ah. Well, since you are new, allow me to give you a bit of a warning. There is a bit of a disease that is going around. You should do well not to go exploring too much and stick to your boat. If you do feel the urge to go exploring, make sure to be protected.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Disease? What sortof disease?"
<@DeathStar> <Dock Master> Pshaw. You are from out of the Kingdom. It's a magic disease. It affects those who use magic. Can even affect magic machines. Gums them up. You don't use magic, you don't have anything to fear. But if you're tapped into the magic, well, you'll star seeing all sorts of magic stuff spread over your body as your magic is gummed up. Sadly, a lot of the Kingdom is magic users so . *shrug* I'd avoid touching those infected and avoid areas where you can see a hazy dark mist
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhhh?!"
<@DeathStar> *Selena returns, holding Azif under her arms and holds her out. Azif then sets down what looks to be gold and gems, making the dock master lean forward, whistling* <Dock Master> Wow.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Selena, there is a mana plague in these lands!"
<@DeathStar> *Zayne and Qui seem to be thinking on the matter as the Dock Master hands Lana her ID*
<@DeathStar> <Selena> That will complicate matters.
<@DeathStar> <Qui> Do you have any infeted in the city?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...thank you."
<@DeathStar> <Dock Master> There are likely some on the outskirts, but if you want to check out the city it should be safe enough. It's when you start traveling between cities that you have to worry.
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Let us return to the ship for now.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Between cities?" *seems focused on this plague talk*
<@DeathStar> <Dock Master> Oh yes. This is a big country girly
<@DeathStar> <Dock Master> Ah, but I guess you don't have a map
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Right! We must procure a map!"
<@DeathStar> <Dock Master> Tell you what, go down the street from here and go to the store called Dave's Odd and Ends. He claims to have everything and anything. He will have maps
<@DeathStar> <Dock Master> Bring me up and you can get discounts
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhh..thank you again, sir."
<@DeathStar> <Dock Master> If you bring up the plague, he might can help you with that
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Then we shall. Ok, team, lets move out!"
<@DeathStar> *Selena, Zayne, and Qui step out onto the street; the city proper lays before them with three main roads going forth. A tavern lays nearby and it looks overly full of people, an inn looks to be as crowded and busy*
<@DeathStar> <Azif> Man. We could spend the night in an inn for once.
<@DeathStar> <Selena> I grabbed you because we don't have the local currency.
<@DeathStar> <Selena> I need to go with Azif and exchange some stuff to make coin. I'll catch up with you at Dave's.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Mana plague."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> How does a mana plague even work?
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Alright, don't pawn anything too significant."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *looks at Selena* "Ah, ok." *looks at Zayne* "A good question."
<@DeathStar> *As Selena carries Azif off toward the nearest exchange location, Zayne turns to Nicolette* <Zayne> If this plague is dangerous you need to becareful
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Yeah. We should find out more about it before we move on."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "The Dockmaster said we can find out more at Dave's."
<@DeathStar> *Dave's Store is almost hard to mess as the group walks around; it seems to be tucked on the very end of the street and inside it looks a lot like the Kings Quest VI pawn shop. It is full of stuff, a lot it looks like junk and it's all over the store. There's a carpet wih the sign claiming it is a flying carpet. There's maps all over the wall of not just this kingdom, but the one they left and the one they decided not to go to. There's magic swords supposedlly, magic ink to turn you invisible, there's a magi tech jet pack*
<@DeathStar> *there also seems to be a strange hole object, almost like something out of a cartoon*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "It reall is filled with odds and ends."
<@DeathStar> *Zayne stands there and looks at eveything with a look. And so many potions - a potion to turn you into a bear, a potion to turn you into a daemon, a potion to make you more charismatic, a potion to gender swap you for a while, a potion to grow wings, there's magic cards, there's... the list goes on*
<@DeathStar> <Qui> Surely most of this is nonense. *Lavenza for her part poofs into human size form and seems to be fascinated*
<@DeathStar> *Dave is behind the counter, looking to be a good natured man, enjoying some mints*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Don't say that... we should not insult the shopkeeper."
<@DeathStar> *Lavenza studies the lamps, but ends up deciding they're probably oil lamps*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *steps forward* "Ahhhh...pardon me."
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Generally, things are what they say they are, but... well, how functional they still are is questionable."
<@DeathStar> *Dave leans forward* Ah, welcome! Welcome. What can I do for you, ladies!
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "We are strangers here and need a map of your homeland to find our way around. Preferably useful for traveling by water as well as land."
<@DeathStar> *the man thinks and moves over to his maps*
<@DeathStar> <Dave> Les see..... *He grabs onto a map and brings it over to the mand lays it on his counter* Here you go. By land and water you say. You are aware of the dangers we are currently facing yes?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "I heard about a mana plague?"
<@DeathStar> <Dave> Yes
<@DeathStar> <Dave> Let us see... *He studies the map, as if trying to recall the areas that are dangerous, then takes a pen and circles the land* These areas were once vibrant....
<@DeathStar> <Dave> But now the plague has taken root there and the people suffer. *He also begins to circle along areas of the river - it seems the team, either by land or water, will have to cross through the plague territory, on their way to the capital, which is further north west.*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Is there anything else you cna tell me about this plague?"
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Like, what are the effects? Who does it affect? How is it transmitted?"
<@DeathStar> <Dave> ... *He leans forward* It began sometime after the fall. After the fall many horrible things happened, with magic and mana ripping through the lands and at that time it was called mana poisoning or corruption.
<@DeathStar> <Dave> It destroyed much of the land for generations.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *takes notes*
<@DeathStar> <Dave> Some say that the land never recovered and is still poisoned, even after all this time and so those who have been trying to reclaim it is what is spreading it. They're suffering the same affect as those back in the fall.
<@DeathStar> <Dave> Essentially, your magic or mana becomes tainted, or poisoned, and attacks itself. Your magic simply begins to stop working
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "I wonder if the effetc is from sort of mana weapon intended to de-fang an enemy."
<@DeathStar> <Dave> As for how it's transmitted, most would say it's transmitted through the land itself. Or those who have mana poisoning.
<@DeathStar> <Dave> The bad thing is all our doctors spells fail against it.
<@DeathStar> *Selena returns with coin finally*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "I wodner if a scientific approach could work around the effects of the mana plague."
<@DeathStar> *Azif holding what looks to be sweets*
<@DeathStar> <Qui> It is possible. If this culture uses magi-tech and magic, then it is little wonder the plague will overpower it
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Fortunately, I can downshift to pur tech if I need to."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> What concerns me is the land being poisoned. What did the fools do to poison the land so badly? And why is our area of the land no poisoned?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Its why I suggest a weapon. A targeted attack."
<@DeathStar> *Lavenza seems distracted by something and slips out*
<@DeathStar> <Dave> Did you want anything else beside the maps, ladies?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...we do have some questions, if you don't mind our asking."
<@DeathStar> <Dave> Of course not. Business is slow
<@DeathStar> *He eats another mint*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *walks to the map of the Gradian Kingdom* "We were accosted by beings on the way here...are they native to this land?"
<@DeathStar> <Dave> Ah. They are unsual beings. They ar allies of the Gradian Kingdom. Some consider them allies of the Kingdom. They are devils - many consider them monsters or cousins of monster. They worship a woman. I do not remember her name. They call her Mother Goddess I believe.
<@DeathStar> *more than allies even
<@Seraphna> Terra> Oooo?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Can you tell us anything about this Mother Goddess?"
<@DeathStar> <Dave> It is not my area of speciality, I am afraid. You will need to ask someone from the Gradian Kingdom
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "And...ahhh...what can you tell us about them? I mean the Gradian Kingdom."
<@DeathStar> <Dave> They are a sneaky lot. They are said to control monsters and raise them to attack people and we have seen such beasts before - large lizard monsters have raided our kingdom many times. They claim to be neutral in affairs between ourselves and the Varia, but we often believe they are waiting for one of us to destroy the other to swoop in; or worse yet, pitting us against the other while pretending to be innocent. Many of us consider them to be sneaks and liars.
<@Seraphna> Terra> Wow.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...we encountered the Varia on the way in."
<@DeathStar> <Dave> Many of us do not trust them either. *He nods*
<@Seraphna> Terra> Lots of not trust.
<@DeathStar> <Dave> It is the way of things
<@Seraphna> Terra> Should share fruit more.
<@DeathStar> *Selena is studying the map and motions at Nicolette*
<@DeathStar> *pointing at on the map in the plague area - is a Tower*
<@DeathStar> *Right along the river*
<@Seraphna> **Terra offers Dave a fruit**
<@DeathStar> *Dave takes it slowly, then bows his head in thanks*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "What cna you tell us about Varia?"
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "If that's a magi tower, that'd explain some things..."
<@DeathStar> <Dave> They live up in the clouds so that they can remain untouchable while using their "subjects" on the ground to take the brunt force of anything. They are a cowardly lot.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "their primitive servants did attack and kidnap some of our friends. We had to convinve them to let them go."
<@DeathStar> <Dave> Then you are lucky!
<@Seraphna> Terra> Are they sneaky too?
<@DeathStar> * Selena muses and runs a finger along the river toward the capital not too far away from the Tower*
<@DeathStar> *Lavenza returns out of breath and grabs Nicolette's hand and pulls on it, pulling her from the store*
<@DeathStar> <Qui> It looks like Origin has grown tired of the questions. *she jokes*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "They seemed pelasant enough when we finally met them, though they had a magic kniight that gave us the evil eye the entire time."
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Hm? What is it, Ori?"
<@DeathStar> *Dave looks serious* The Knights are serious business. If you come across a Knight, you should stay clear of them. Doesn't matter what kingdom.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...yes...we seem to have alot of trouble from magic knights..."
<@DeathStar> *Lavenza leads Nicolette through the streets and seems to be heading toward the gate exits, directing the two toward a hill outside the city. She then seems to be standing on her tip toes, looking out across the fields that stretch on and on outside the city; Nicolette would see nothing but fields and roads.*
<@DeathStar> <Dave> You in trouble with Knights? *He seems to be studying her oddly now*
<@Seraphna> Talia> Bob’s a silly.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Well...when we asked them about this magic emperor guy who has been causing us trouble... we told them he wore some armor...and they said it sounded like someone named Gavin."
<@Ariel> * Nicolette peers out, "I... don't see anything." She reaches out with her other senses, trying to feel the flow of mana in this place.
<@Seraphna> **Terra hands Dave another fruit**
<@DeathStar> *Nicolette would feel the area is rich in mana; it seems this place is overly rich in mana. It appears this side of the world, thanks to whatever barriers have hidden it, has helped keep the mana high. But there also seems to be something odd further away - much further away, like a high amount of mana designed to hide something*
<@DeathStar> <Dave> I believe you ladies should depart. IT sounds as if you are getting into trouble I want no part of
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh? The name means something?"
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "...huh. I wonder what THAT is..."
<@DeathStar> <Lavenza> I feel somthing there. It feels like.... *she tries to describe it*
<@DeathStar> *Dave begins to shoo them out of his store, looking a bit unnerved now and begins to turn his sign from open to closed*
<@DeathStar> <Qui> I believe Dave has thrown us out. <Zayne> Without even needing to pay for the map
<@DeathStar> <Lavenza> It feels like the mana is being used to supress something, to prevent it from awaken maybe?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...that was strange..."
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "It's definitely worth checking out."
<@Seraphna> Terra> **leaves Dave a third fruit**
<@DeathStar> *Qui pats Terra* You're a good girl
<@DeathStar> *Lavenza nods*
<@DeathStar> <Selena> We lost Nicolette and Origin
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "But...that tells me that the name that we were dropped before is significant."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh?! We did?!"
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> They went toward the gate.
<@DeathStar> <Qui> Maybe if you listen to your recording that Verdant gave you, the name Gavin might come up. Didn't they say he was the leader of the Knights?
<@DeathStar> <Qui> He might appear somewhere
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Yes, exactly. As soon as I named-dropped him, Dave closed up shop."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> You want to had back to the ship first or go find Nicolette?
<@DeathStar> *Lavenza has begun to help lead Nicolette back to the shop*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "I want to review the recording for any sign of Gavbin beign name-dropped. Also I'm a mana user, so I want to stay away from potential exposure. Spirit and non-casters should be ok to search though."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Are you sure? *she thinks on that* Spirits use magic in their own way
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> This place has never had spirits so there is no test data that it can jump to them
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...you are right. We need more data points to make that judgment."
<@DeathStar> *Qui points at Nicolette and Lavenza show up* There they are. We can all go to the boat together
<@DeathStar> *Lavenza tugs on Lana* Lana~. Trouble out there.
<@DeathStar> *As the group heads back toward the boat, Verdant seems to be fiddling with the recording and seems to be trying to hook it up to the computers on the boat when they arrive*
<@Seraphna> Terra> Should I just warp us?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh?"
<@DeathStar> <Lavenza> There is something out there. Lana has to help find it. *She tells Lana what she and Nicolette found, poofing into her small form to hang off of her*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "When I mentioned the name of Knight Leader Gavin to Dave, he was spooked."
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "No idea what it is, but something out there is being surpressed and obscured."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Hm. Lana wants to go over the records right now on the Gavin thing. I suppose while she does that, a group of us can try to see if we can locate this
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Again, be careful as we don't know how this mana plague works."
<@DeathStar> <Verdant> I'll help you out, Lana, while you do that. And if you need more information, I can grab what you need
<@DeathStar> *Selena nods* Understood
<@DeathStar> -TBC-
* DeathStar changes topic to: Geyze II: Monday 7:30 - 10:45 PM | Act 1: Magic Unbound | Session 113: TBA