Geyze II

Session 117: Corrupted Mana Sources

* Day changed to Monday, 21. Jul 2025
* Ariel (~KAS@156.34.249.192) joins #Geyze
* DeathStar sets mode: +oo Ariel Sara
* Jackieness (~Psy@23-127-47-99.lightspeed.knvltn.sbcglobal.net) joins #Geyze
<@DeathStar> The Jackers has arrived
* DeathStar sets mode: +o Jackieness
<@DeathStar> 5
<@DeathStar> 3
<@DeathStar> 1
<@DeathStar> -0-
<@DeathStar> Date: 10-644.4.1
<@DeathStar> Location: Peacemaker Boat
<@DeathStar> *a low fog has settled in the next day along the river, giving the early morning an unsettling feel. However, those who are on the upper deck like Selena and Zayne can make out that the soldiers are still moving about the city and especially the docks, no doubt still searching for the missing piece that was stolen the day before - infact, it appears that boats are indeed being searched and probably have been being searched throughout the night*
<@Seraphna> Talia> Mmm… worried about Gwen.
<@DeathStar> <Qui> Gwen will figure something out. He always does.
<@Seraphna> Talia> Still we should plan some rescue in case they try to use him to get the piece.
<@DeathStar> <Qui> If he can't rescue himself, we will come up with a plan
<@Seraphna> Alt> I got rope!
<@DeathStar> *Lavenza meanwhile is prepping Terra down in the boat*
<@Seraphna> Terra> **montage with Lavenza**
<@DeathStar> <Azif> We need to hide the piece - sooner or later they'll be searching our boat
<@Seraphna> Alt> Can Azif hide?
<@DeathStar> <Azif> .... *she hesitates* There are ... spells
<@Seraphna> Talia> I have one idea to hide them but it’ll be tricky dealing with them.
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "If it didn't have so much energy, I'd have ideas."
<@Seraphna> Talia> I could teleport with them to Momma.
<@DeathStar> <Azif> .... *she takes Alt by the arm* Very well. Come with me, Alt. Bring the piece along. We'll find a spell to cast.
<@Seraphna> Alt> Mew?
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Is it wise for Alt to be casting spells from Azif?
<@Seraphna> Talia> I think it’s unwise for anyone to.
<@DeathStar> *Azif stands there, holding Alt's arm*
<@DeathStar> <Azif> ... *she looks at Alt, to see what she wants to do*
<@Seraphna> Alt> Want everyone be safe.
<@DeathStar> *Azif nods, then pulls her along into the lower part of the ship*
<@DeathStar> <Qui> ... I am unsure if I like this.
<@Seraphna> Talia> Talia remember when she was young and rambunctious.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *is in her lab*
<@Seraphna> Talia> Should we stop? I try to let her make grown up choices but I’m kinda…
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> We should let her decide for now
<@DeathStar> *the lights flicker*
<@DeathStar> *and everyone would feel creepy goose bumps*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh?" *looks up*
<@Seraphna> Talia> Hope she only did something small that not lead to future as sexy black magic sorceress.
<@DeathStar> *thanfully the feeling passes*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *moves out of her lab* "What just happened?!"
<@DeathStar> *Azif returns with Alt - they seem to still have the Creation piece, but Nicolette would note the immense power it gives off seems to be sealed at the moment*
<@DeathStar> *As if a magical barrier has been placed around it temporarily*
<@Seraphna> Alt> Can hide it now!
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Well, then we should find a good hiding spot. *she turns to Lana* Alt was making sure that the enemy can't locate this
<@Seraphna> Alt> Maybe Terra could meld into the ship or Far put up high somewhere. Or we put in Momma Lana’s boob-space.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh?!"
<@DeathStar> *Azif seems to have a bit of a smile at Lana*
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Lots of nooks and crannies on a ship like this. Of course, the classic smuggler trick would be to just stick it to the keel."
<@Seraphna> Talia> But we keep the fish storage and the pool in there.
<@Ariel> * Nicolette tries to ignore the implication of Lana's boobs being stuffed with fish
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Ah... anyway
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "H...how?!"
<@DeathStar> <Selena> We'll let Fae hide it somewhere odd.
<@DeathStar> *Fae tilts head and takes it, then flutters off*
<@DeathStar> <Azif> Oh, Alt finally used a spell with me. *She seems happy*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...that's not good..."
<@DeathStar> <Azif> It is good, she learned sealing magic. I told her she should learn a better spell, but that is what she went with
<@Seraphna> Alt> Head hurt for moment but then knew spell to hide auras!
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *just lets out a breath*
<@Seraphna> Alt> Pocket dimension seem
<@Seraphna> Alt> Cool but have better uses.
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Well, since Lana is present
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh?"
<@DeathStar> <Selena> We should go over our plans for today. Lavenza wants to take Terra out to map the structure under the sealed place where the corrupted mana is leaking. And Zayne wants to check out the magic academy here
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Do you have aplan for entering the sealing site?"
<@DeathStar> <Lavenza> Lavenza just wants to get a grasp of the size
<@DeathStar> <Lavenza> Can't get ideas until she knows what is down there
<@DeathStar> <Selena> We also have Gwen we'll need to help later if he can't rescue himself. *she looks around* Was there anything else we wanted to look into while in the city? The library or anything research wise?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *nods* "Be very careful and besure to have an exit plan. We don't know what is down there or if it will affect Spirits with prolonged exposure."
<@DeathStar> <Lavenza> Very okay! Will report findings to Lana. Anyone else want to come with us?
<@Seraphna> Terra> Terra bet it’s a giant underground pumpkin.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh..I'll get a blackbox recorder for you. Pure tech so the mana plague won't affetc it."
<@DeathStar> *Lavenza blinks*
<@DeathStar> <Qui> I suppose I will go with them to help use the recorder for Lana
<@Seraphna> Talia> Alt and I can pass for mages.
<@Seraphna> Alt> And Azim a book of magic! That’s like the best mage!
<@Jackieness> <Lana> As curious as I am about it... as a mana user, I cannot go personally."
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Would always be good to check the library, but... well, that might be a time versus reward issue."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Nicolette should come with me then - see if the city and academy has anything new to offer.
<@DeathStar> *Azif accepts that compliment while Lavenza exits with her group; Fae joining Terra*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *turns* "Ao...ahh...magic academy?"
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> There might be something to learn there - after all, it is not like we can easily gain access to the castle.
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Nor the Tower
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "I'll go then."
<@DeathStar> <Verdant> I'll stay here and protect the ship with Shin. After all, they'll probably be searching it soon. <Shin> If you need us, simply summon us.
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Hopefully no one will need back up, but... be careful, 'kay?"
<@DeathStar> *Verdant nods and gives a wave*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *nod nods*
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Especially you, Ori. Terra."
<@DeathStar> *Lavenza giggles in a way that indicates she'll probably get in trouble*
<@Seraphna> Terra> We try.
<@DeathStar> *as everyone steps out onto the deck, thankfully the morning fog is still in place around the docks*
<@DeathStar> <Lavenza> Fae - carry us toward that place.
<@DeathStar> *rather boldly, Fae does so, even with the soldiers nearby, lifting them up and flying them down the river*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...let's go before we draw any further attention."
<@DeathStar> *Selena nods, slumping slightly* Oh my. *she heads toward the crashed city; Zayne following behind*
<@Seraphna> **Alt and Talia follow**
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "The city must have landed rather softly rather than a rapid descent and impact."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Due to the buildings not being destroyed?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "And the people being alive to have decendants."
<@DeathStar> *as the team enters the city proper, the would notice a few things as the fog clears - there is one thing different compared to last time. There is a new type of device on the tall building walls around the city, beside the various magical wepaons. A strange magical beam seems to be sweeping the city*
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "I don't think it was a voluntary landing though. Just with enough power to survive."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> I suppose they're trying to detect the piece?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Most likely."
<@DeathStar> *As the beam sweeps over Selena and Zayne, the device stops on them and for Zayne it grows red as if detecting something dangerous while with Selena it seems to be trying to decide - the color being yellow*
<@DeathStar> *either way, due to the scanner being on them, eyeing are being drawn*
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> ... should I retreat?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...could you...ahhh..power down?"
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> I am in my natural state
<@DeathStar> *soldiers appear to be heading toward them, emerging from a guard post*
<@Seraphna> Alt> They not like spirits?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Running would just look more suspcious now."
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "We'll just ask them about it. If it's a problem, we don't push the issue."
<@DeathStar> *a guard captain stops in front of them* <Guard Captain> Excuse us. Would you mind coming with us? *they have already situated themselves around the group*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhhh...we will cooperate."
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Is this because of the scan?"
<@DeathStar> <Guard Captain> ... Yes, a few of your companions have come up unnatural. We need to take you somewhere we can make sure you are safe.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Lead on then...ahh...please."
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Alright. But... what happens if you decide someone is unsafe?"
<@DeathStar> *as the guard begins to lead them toward the guard post, the guards look at each other, then at Nicolette, with a look that essentially says you don't want that answer* It's just a routine check, ma'am. *it feels like a lie*
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> *speaks softly, trying to put the guard at ease* "We're not looking for trouble, and we know things have been happening. If any of our number is undesirable here, we don't want to push the issue. We'll just move on."
<@DeathStar> *the guard looks at Nicolette, almost sympathically, pausing at the guard station* <Voice> Listen to her, Hans. *standing there looks to be a mage, perhaps - it's a woman with long blue hair, and a mage's type robe, but the robe seems to be woven with armor as well. <Female Mage> After all, the scan didn't react in a way typical of the virus. It was more in line with a magical anamoly which is in line with my department. No reason to be rough with them - you should let them go into my care.
<@DeathStar> *the guard seems visibily annoyed at the mage, looking at the group, as if trying to decide their threat level*
<@DeathStar> <Guard Captain> Go. *He tells Nicolette, since she's the one who's been speaking*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *pushes ehr glasses up* "Ahhhh...thank you."
<@DeathStar> *The mage waits for them, plucking at their robes idlely*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *turns back to the mage* "Please lead on."
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Ah. I can understand why you'd detect something odd. We'd be happy to explain the situation. If it's the plague you're concerned about, we've only been in the area a few days, and haven't encountered it."
<@DeathStar> <Mage> Oh, I'm not concerned about that like Hans here. *she looks almost impish* I'm positive the scanners detected from your companions that they're not quite what they appear to be. You see, we of the magical academy have been maintaining these ancient devices for many years. So when I was in my lab and I got a certain warning code that hasn't been seen in this land ever, well, I had to rush out here to see what it looked like
<@DeathStar> *she leads them along, heading for the academy, but her eyes seem to be directed mainly at Zayne and Selena, the latter of who seems to be walking rather stiffly now due to the mage's gaze*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhhh... well... we can discuss specifics once in private."
<@DeathStar> *the woman laughs* <Mage> Did you have any business you needed tending to first? Or did you want to follow me right away?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "We were actually on our way to the Magic Academy anyway."
<@DeathStar> *Zayne crosses her arms, looking around the city - thankfully the people of it seem to have returned back to their stuff*
<@DeathStar> *she claps her hands together* <Mage> Well, that fixes that. You can call me Harper. Well - no time like the present then
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "I am Lana."
<@DeathStar> *Harper begins to move forward, moving up to the academy and taking them inside - once inside the academy is very different from their own. It looks like the entrance is divided into two ways to step in - those who are already Mages, and those who are seeking to become mages - those who are trying to become mages seem to be milling around a place where entrance exams are being held out in a court yard place to see if they have any mana/magical talent. Harper leads them through the mage entrance and up some stairs*
<@DeathStar> *where the group would see various paintings and drawings of what the city looked like when it was still flying in the sky, images of powerful magical creatures and dragon like beings, magical items in cases along with book shelves line the halls as Harper walks past everything*
<@Ariel> * Nicolette quietly takes in the sights, curious about how they're set up here. It's not often she gets to see a foreign magical academy.
<@DeathStar> *soon they are brought up to a third floor where it look magical labs and magical weaponry is designed. Harper unlocks a door and leads them into a magical lab where various stuff is being designed and in front of them is magic screens that shows various places of the city where magic stations are monitoring everything* <Harper> I saw you on the screen when the alarm went off
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *looks around at all the magic devices*
<@DeathStar> *Harper sits down on a floating chair and turns to them*
<@DeathStar> <Harper> So. You mind if I get samples from each of you? *She brings out a giant needle. Zayne deadpans*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhhhh?!"
<@Seraphna> Alt> Eeek, why not just some hair or something?
<@DeathStar> *Harper clicks tongue at that* I suppose that works
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Well, that's quite the setup... but, um, are needles needed?"
<@DeathStar> <Harper> I can get the data from some hair samples if you're willing.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Let it be known that I use sacn effects in my research ratehr than evasive extractions....usually."
<@Jackieness> scan
<@DeathStar> *Harper leans back, hands behind her head, not saying anything*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...but I am an arcane researcher as well."
<@Seraphna> **Alt and Talia provide hair samples**
<@DeathStar> *Selena provides some*
<@DeathStar> <Harper> Arcane...Arcane...
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh?"
<@DeathStar> <Harper> You're one of those?
<@DeathStar> *Harper studies Lana oddly*
<@Ariel> * Nicolette tilts her head, regarding Harper's reaction
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhhhhh?!"
<@DeathStar> *Zayne quietly hands her some hair*
<@DeathStar> *Harper doesn't go into what she meant by that, getting interested in the hair now*
<@DeathStar> *she slides over to one of the odd machines and places the hair into it and begins to do something*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *steps back* *whispers* "...that was weird."
<@DeathStar> *After a moment or two, the machine begins to put up stuff that Harper reads quietly* So you two are ... *she peers at Talita and Alt* Are mage constructs is the best way to put it maybe? Your mana is extremely high.
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> *shrugs a little* "What you say doesn't always have the meaning you intend."
<@DeathStar> <Harper> And you two are ... *she muses* Interesting. I have never seen a being like you two. *She notes to Selena and Zayne* You consist of something that does not exist over here. Yet the warning system defintiely recognized you
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "We know it as spirit energy. It's not a rare thing in other parts of the world."
<@DeathStar> <Harper> Well, our warning system seems to find this spirit energy extremely dangerous. To paraphrase it the warning, it was like a level 1 warning. It was for that reason the captain thought you were all infected and was ready to dispatch you for the good of the city. Infact, i wouldn't be shocked if that warning has already been sent to the castle
<@DeathStar> *Azif has mostly been keeping to herself by Alt during all of this*
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Well, it's no more dangerous than mana, in our experience... does it say why it's such an alert?"
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Well...its interactions with raw mana can be unpredictable."
<@DeathStar> <Harper> I couldn't begin to guess. Judging by the age of when this alert/warning was put in, it's older than the plague.
<@DeathStar> <Harper> Meaning this warning was put in back probably by those right after the fall
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *whispers to the team* "It may have been a response to the Keeper activity on Geyze."
<@DeathStar> *Selena thinks* We're thinking in a negative way then?
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "So... what's the protocol for something like this? Should they stay away from the city? Are you going to want observation? How do you want to play this?"
<@Seraphna> Alt> Are alert warnings strictly for bad things only? Or maybe also for things to find?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *whispers* "...we know they were threatened by a space threat...the Keepers were from space...so perhaps they saw no difference betweent he two?"
<@DeathStar> <Harper> Well, I personally would love to keep studying them. This is a great opportunity. But to answer your question, mana girl, the castle will seeing this alert as a high priority no doubt and will probably be seeking these two. They'll probably see if there are more of them - are there more of them - and they'll probably work their way here once they learn I brought you here. I'll send them on *their magic translates the name of the creature she says to goose* chase. But it would probably be best until the sensors are off, to keep them out of the city.
<@DeathStar> <Harper> I'd put them somewhere away from it and the Knights - oh yeah, they probably will be sending the Knights to investigate this
<@Seraphna> Talia> Should we cheese it?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...we may need to just leave the city while we can. This is getting complicated."
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "It's a shame, but you're probably right."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> If the one or both of the Knights do come after us
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> That will help Gwen out at least
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Who knows what will happen then."
<@Seraphna> Talia> We will have dramatic escape.
<@DeathStar> *Selena thinks* I suddenly had a bad thought
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Two of them
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "We're not looking for any drama."
<@Seraphna> Talia> So we have undramatic escape.
<@DeathStar> <Selena> The port guards searching the ships - what are the odds they might have the ability to detect who Shin and Verdant are?
<@DeathStar> <Harper> Oh there ARE more.
<@Seraphna> Talia> They will sense spirits then yes.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhhhhh?"
<@DeathStar> <Selena> The other bad thought - we can't exactly leave the city by going too far. Terra and the others left.
<@Seraphna> Talia> Though since is Verdant and Shin, chances are they either never sensed them or well... might actually pity Knights.
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Not unless we want to head in their direction
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Ah, yeah... a number of our people are magically inclined, either mana or spirit."
<@Seraphna> Alt> That part not too bad. Terra is Progenitor, can teleport to Ceildh.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *turns, clapping ehr hadns together* "We think it would be wise to withdraw from your fine city for the present time until a more convenient moment comes up for the both of us. Thank you for your hospitality."
<@DeathStar> <Harper> I hope you can return
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Right... should cast off, contact the others..." She trails off in thought.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Right. Let's go."
<@DeathStar> *Harper begins to lead them out of her lab*
<@DeathStar> <Harper> This way then
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *follows*
<@DeathStar> *Selena and Zayne follow along, while Azif sticks with Alt. As they are moving down the hall, rounding the corner from the second floor up to their third floor is one of the Knights - it appears to be the female Knight of the two, Nina. So far she hasn't noticed the team as she is walking forward. The hallway they're in is filled with various doors leading to labs and various magical studies rooms*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *presses a finger to her lips*
<@DeathStar> *The Knight grows closer and spots them as they approach*
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> *steps away from the others* "Ah, Nina, right?"
<@DeathStar> *the Knight turns her gaze away from Lana, as if recognizing the chest, peering at Nicolette* That is correct.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *blinks and looks down*
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "There's been something I've been trying to figure out. I my travels, I've encountered places that have a knight. But... this city has two. I've never seen that before. What's the story there?"
<@DeathStar> *The Knight pauses a moment* The Knight Order once served 12 Kingdoms - but after the fall, most of the Kingdoms were completely destroyed. Crimore for example was one such Kingdom that completely was wiped out. During the falling cities across the land - many were completely destroyed. I been told if you travel, you can find the remnants of them. My ancestor came from one of the Kingdoms that completely fell apart - the people of those Kingdoms, if they survived, sought to join the ones that did survive.
<@DeathStar> <Nina> Other Knights did the same as my ancestor, or they simply went rogue.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhh...that makes sense, given the circumstances."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Went rogue?"
<@DeathStar> <Nina> They decided not to serve any one Kingdom anymore and traveled the land protecting whoever
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Oh! So one of the knights is of this kingdom, and another immigrated? That's interesting that they kept up that role without a land they're tied to."
<@DeathStar> <Nina> Well, there is only so many of us that remain. Unless there are others on the various islands or across the sea that never reported back in.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *moves over to Selena and whispers* "Our problem are probably from those rogue Knights."
<@DeathStar> *Selena considers and nods*
<@DeathStar> <Nina> If you feel interested in the Knight Order
<@DeathStar> <Nina> After I am done with this, you should stop by my place. I can tell you more about them and the current Knights. *she begins to head for Harper's lab after giving a slight bow*
<@Ariel> * Nicolette ponders that idea
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *waits for Nina to leave* "...we need to get out of here while we can."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> You're lucky she did not recogize your chest
<@DeathStar> *Azif looks at Lana, then snickers off handedly*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...does anyone ever look at my face?" *starts moving*
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> If you do not recall, Talia kept popping out of it last time she was with you
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> I would find it hard to stare at your face too
<@DeathStar> *Selena pats Lana* I look at your face, if it helps
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...thank you..."
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Let's just move on..."
<@DeathStar> *As they get downstairs, everything seems clear - it looks as if the Knight didn't bring any back up*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...how are we going to cross the city without setting off the sensory devices?"
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Zayne and I will look for a way out of the city.
<@DeathStar> <Selena> You two can head on back to the boat without worrying.
<@DeathStar> <Azif> ... *opens her mouth as if to offer her services, but closes it*
<@Seraphna> **Talia hops in Lana's cleavage now that the coast is clear and vanishes inside**
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "I'll stick around a bit and do some research, hopefully prevent you from drawing attention."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhh..please be careful."
<@DeathStar> *Selena nods and Zayne heads off with her. Azif pauses, looking back and forth*
<@DeathStar> <Azif> Does Nicolette require protection?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhhh?"
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "I don't think so. Nothing wrong with being a tourist."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "We do need to get back to the boat for now to make sure the others are alright."
<@DeathStar> *Azif peers at Lana* So Lana is ordering poor Azif back to the boat?

* Now talking in: #Geyze-Session117-2
<@DeathStar> *so far, Nicolette would slide under the radar as if no one has really noticed her about the place. After a bit, Harper show to pop her neck* Ah, you're still here?
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "Honestly, I was thinking it'd be less trouble, but I guess it's too subtle. In any case, it might be my only opportunity to see the academy.""
<@DeathStar> <Harper> Of course of hourse, anything in particular you're interested in seeing
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "Oh, history mostly. The precollapse era is intriguing, and I figured if any place had information... well, it'd be here."
<@DeathStar> <Harper> History documents. We do have them. I'll admit the castle likes to hold onto a lot of them for some reason. *she leads Nicolette through the building into an area with a lot of books; they seem to line the entire wall all the way to the ceiling, with a magical lift to allow people to ride up and down the wall to grab them. Or one can simply use the terminal to have a little machine grab the book from the wall*
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "If they could make cities fly then, I expect there are other things that the castle doesn't want just anyone to get their hands on."
<@DeathStar> <Harper> You are right about that. The Royal family is pretty strict about containing information on the past. There's endless debates on what. *she sets Nicolette down in front of a terminal* There, you can enter search parameters and see what types of books you might get
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "So what's the official term for the old kingdom?"
<@DeathStar> <Harper> It went by Grebolrg much like today, but 0 if you're interested in it before the fall, I'd add term like *She thinks* Grebolrg Golden Age, Grebolrg Pre Fall, stuff like that. Almost all the nobles consider that period of time the golden age of the city and that everything afterward this dark age
<Ariel> * Nicolette nods, and does a search for Grebolrg pre fall, hoping it will also cover that lead up to the fall
<@DeathStar> *Nicolette begins to get books as well as scans from the books on her terminal - she would see images of Grebolrg up in the sky - it appears to have been a massive city with a lot of weapons much like today, with their Magi Tower prominent in the city of the floating city. There's video files of transmissions and other stuff coming out of Greborlg that she can view*
<@DeathStar> *in the center
<Ariel> * Nicolette skims the data, and checks if she can download the files for later viewing. She's hoping to find some hint to what happened to cause the sealed ruins, but she's not about to ask Harper about that directly
<@DeathStar> *all the files can be downloaded onto a crystal. Harper provides one. It appears the files talk about something called an Observer and fear that they are playing into their hands, but there doesn't seem to be any mention of a sealed ruins - perhaps they didn't exist yet or they were not discovered yet*
<@DeathStar> *there is one thing - after the fall, that might deal with the ruins - the warning that Harper mentions. It is put into effect a few hundreds years after the crashing down. The warning system seems to have been designed around a few hundred years after the fall. And it was one of the first warnings put into the system when it was made*
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "Huh? What's this about an observer?"
<@DeathStar> <Harper> You got me there. Some of believe it was referring to one of the Kingdoms that was observing everything and stirring up things between Crimore and Greborlg. Others feel like it was referring to a third party from space. There is another possibility, but we don't have a lot of information on them. There was another race here at the time, but they were more friendly with the Kingdoms across the ocean
<@DeathStar> <Harper> They were called the Keepers. It might refer to them.
<@DeathStar> <Harper> One of the Kingdoms over there allowed the Keepers to set up site I believe in their Kingdom - it was the Kingdom near Crimore. They were neighbors
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "Hmm... I hoped a larger kingdom would have more answers, but it's still a big mystery for you too, isn't it?"
<@DeathStar> <Harper> The fall did a lot of damage to Geyze - and our elders didn't want us to travel across the sea to check on the other Kingdoms to see how the faired. We don't even know if the Keepers survived the Fall in the Pheria Kingdom for example
<@DeathStar> <Harper> Or if they're still around
<@DeathStar> <Harper> Is there anything else I can try to help you with? I can download more files for you at the very least
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "Yeah, I've... heard of them before. But I never heard of any indication that the keepers are still around."
<@DeathStar> <Harper> They should be legends still, yeah. Though one of my colleagues long ago... *She thinks*
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "Hmm?"
<@DeathStar> <Harper> They claimed they got to look at some of the castle's hidden archive books and she believed the Keepers actually came to this part of the world and built or lft something. I have no idea what, since they mostly interacted with the Pherians.
<@DeathStar> <Harper> And whatever they were after is lost to time
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "Oh... that's definitely possible. Even if they're not still around, the keepers definitely left a mark."
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "Did they have any idea what that something might be?"
<@DeathStar> *Harper studies the map of the lands* There's two places it could be
<@DeathStar> <Harper> I've heard talk of an ancient ruin in the Varia jungles, but you'd have to find it. *she marks it* Problem is there's a lot of corrupted mana in the area around it. And there's one here in the Grandia land. I actually saw it once, from a distance, due to the same issue
<@DeathStar> *She marks it as well* It looked like a temple
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "Oh, if we're out that way, we'll have to take a look. Though, corrupted mana is a concern."
<@DeathStar> <Harper> There are some protections one can seek
<@DeathStar> <Harper> But magic is useless against it of course
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "You know of a way to protect from it?"
<@DeathStar> <Harper> Protective suits that can ward against magic helps immensely - but they can only last so long. We have some here at the acadmy for emergencies
<@DeathStar> <Harper> Anti-magic fields are also useful for a time
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "That makes sense... it's still a form of mana."
<@DeathStar> <Harper> Hm
<@DeathStar> <Harper> I'm guessing you plan to visit these ruins?
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "Well, it's not forbidden, right? Because, otherwise, it depends how dangerous it is to do so."
<@DeathStar> <Harper> I haven't heard of it being forbidden in the other Kingdoms. There's only one place that's really forbidden here. It's one of the first places the corruption first appeared - after the fall people were spreading out, not feeling safe in the city and were seeking to set up villages near and around the capital. If you do reports on the "first lost colony", a lot of the information is sealed sadly by the castle. But I know there is lot a lot of magic energy out there as well which likely was the reason for it spreading so fast
<@DeathStar> <Harper> I never investigated since it's off limtits
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "Lost colony? What happened to it?"
<@DeathStar> <Harper> From what little I know, the colony went out and established itself and they discovered something and sent reports back to the castle. The castle responded by briinging the royal princess - the royal family are powerful mages in their own right - and our Knights - to the scene. Whatever they discovered, it's been struck from the history books on our end, and only they have it. Whatever the colonist saw, their accounts were likely struck too. Whatever happened after that, it didn't take too long for the corruption of mana to begun occuring and it spread to the nearby village. It consumed it. If you wanted to risk your life, you could probably locate it still. It's not overly far from the capital since they wanted to stay close to home at first. You're probably wondering why the corruption hasn't reached the capital yet then over all these years. That I can't tell you - but it seems the spreading has gone every direction but us despite it being fairly close by
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "It really makes me wonder. Have people tried to look into it?"
<@DeathStar> <Harper> Some on the side. I can gather what they've done so far but I'll have to get back to you
* Day changed to Tuesday, 22. Jul 2025
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "Mm... it seems like we'll be moving on, so that likely isn't an option, sadly."
<@DeathStar> <Harper> Ah. Hm. *she thinks* Well, if you had magic signal, I could use a magic bird to send you everything.
<@DeathStar> *Harper feels along her outfit for something*
<@DeathStar> *then begins to search drawers nearby*
<@DeathStar> *they then produce a strange magic circle that looks like it can stick to surfaces and hands it to Nicolette* Stick this to anything you want and send magic through it. It'll send a signal through it. I can send mail to you that way - well, so can others if you want.
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "Oh, that's neat. I wonder why we never made anything like this..."
<@DeathStar> <Harper> Well, if there is any other magic stuff we have I'll show it to you sometime. I love showing off stuff.
<@DeathStar> <Harper> Maybe through the bird
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "I look forward to it! I haven't gotten to see much magic outside of our own traditions. We're far enough removed that things have developed differently."
<@DeathStar> *Harper fishes in the drawer* A lot of the magic is defensive and combat related, but if you are intent on going into the ruins or looking into the lost colony - here. *she produces the protective suit that she mentioned, handing over 3* We keep a few of these on hand on chanc we have to go into areas and collect samples. I know some of my friends do get samples, which might answer a few of your questions about the mana
<@DeathStar> -P-
* Day changed to Thursday, 24. Jul 2025

<@DeathStar> *Azif shadows Lana; as they get closer to the port, things seem a little noisy*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "..something is up."
<@DeathStar> *the soldiers seem to be near their boat, and making various gestures*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *stops to observe what is going on*
<@DeathStar> *they seem to be trying to decide if they should approach the boat or wait - something seems to have gotten their attention, at the least*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...this is not good..."
<@DeathStar> <Azif> Well, what do you want to do? Blow the guards up? Warp onto the ship? Observe?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *takes a deep breath* "Come on, lets get clsoer to see what is up." *moves closer*
<@DeathStar> *the guards look up as they get closer*
<@DeathStar> <Guards> Who are you ladies?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...we were passengers on this aprticualr boat. Is there some sort of a problem here?"
<@DeathStar> *the guards glance at each other* We picked up warning from the boat as we approached and so we were holding back until a Knight could arrive. Can you tell us what you have onboard?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhhh... some experiments. I'm a magical researcher."
<@DeathStar> *They look suspicious, peeing at her, then at Azif, the pier knight captain motioning for Lana to lead the way onto the boat*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *steps on to the boat*
<@DeathStar> *The Knights look around and poke at things with their blades as they follow the two, heading for the bridge of the boat*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "And...ahhh...here we are."
<@DeathStar> *as they step into the bridge, Verdant looks at them all. The Knights study the device to see what they're getting from her, but the scanner seems to be acting up around Verdant, as if time itself is reversing the results*
<@DeathStar> <Knight Captain> Well... I suppose we were overreacting.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhhh...I'm sorry that we couldn't help you."
<@DeathStar> *the guards begin to go when there is a wind blowing through the ship and their scanners begin to beep and detect something in the wind*
<@DeathStar> *The port guard captain looks around the boat, trying to figure it out*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhhh?!"
<@DeathStar> *The wind dies down*
<@DeathStar> *along with the beep
<@DeathStar> <Guard> I guess... it is broken
<@DeathStar> <Guard> I am sorry to bother you.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhh...thank you."
<@DeathStar> *as he begins to leave the ship, the guard captain bumps into a larger Knight - the male Knight of the two, Nygell. He eyes the guards and motions them to go as he slowly walks forward toward Lana, Verdant, and Azif*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhhhh?"
<@DeathStar> <Nygell> ... *he looks at Verdant, then at Azif, then Lana* Interesting company for a mage to keep. Even one as weak as you
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "H...hey!"
<@DeathStar> <Nygell> Am I incorrect? As for the company you keep, you are standing with a corruptive agent and you do nothing about it. Will you stand aside and let me deal with them for the good of all.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...I.... I'd rather you not. I'm responsible for wathcing her."
<@DeathStar> <Nygell> ...
<@DeathStar> <Nygell> You have a being of darkness and on your other side a being of great danger. *he likely is referring to Verdant now* If I wanted, I could take both.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "They are well-behaved, I swaer! I'm watching them!"
<@DeathStar> *Nygell turns to go* See to it that your ship is gone in the hour. If not, I will be back to take them.
<@DeathStar> *he marches off the ship and then merely sits on the dock, facing them - giving off immense pressure*

* Now talking in: #Geyze-Session117
<@DeathStar> *Fae hums as she navigates along the river, then cuts into the mainland*
<Seraphna> Terra> **holds out arms like she’s flying herself**
<@DeathStar> *the group soon arrives in the area with the corrupted mana all over the place. Fae carefully lands them down*
<@DeathStar> *Fae uses her wind power, trying her best to slowly move the corrupted mana out of the way*
<Seraphna> **Terra helps**
<@DeathStar> *As they clear a path, they slowly are able to make their way to the barrier around the smal hut. Qui carefully prepares Lana's recorder*
<@DeathStar> <Lavenza> Terra?
<Seraphna> Terra> Ready!
<@DeathStar> <Lavenza> Okay, see if you can feel how under hut how big it is
<Seraphna> **Terra starts sensing out the structure**
<@DeathStar> *Terra's earth hands soon would feel out a giant pyramid structure underground, much like many the team has encountered before*
<Seraphna> Terra> I think it's another ancient ship!
<Seraphna> Terra> Mmm, this is Keeper design by the grooves.
<@DeathStar> <Qui> Keeper design? <Lavenza> ... *thinks* Lavenza wonders what this place was for and why corrupt mana is coming out
<Seraphna> Terra> Keeper ship like that ship we found in Spirit Realm that was making miasma?
<@DeathStar> <Lavenza> That was a Croza ship making the miasma. Croza ships are close in design to Keeper - they likely based it off Keeper.
<@DeathStar> <Lavenza> But Croza ship came with purpose to do harm.
<Seraphna> Terra> Maybe they figure out how to do harm with previous disaster.
<@DeathStar> <Qui> There is quite a few things we do not know.
<@DeathStar> <Qui> Should we start to head back? *she peers at the cleared corrupted mana, starting to head back in* Before our way back is covered up
<@DeathStar> *Lavenza sighs and nods. Fae takes Terra's hand and begins to head back for the road*
<Seraphna> Terra> Sound good.
<@DeathStar> *as they get onto the road, the group would hear noises from a carriage up ahead. The sounds of a whip and a girl crying out in pain. The carriage looks large and seems to be carrying a lot of cargo and also seems to have many horses to pull all the load*
<Seraphna> Terra> Heard girl?
<@DeathStar> <Lavenza> Sounds like someone is beating up someone
<Seraphna> Terra> That mean, we stop?
<@DeathStar> <Qui> It would be the heroic thing to do
<@DeathStar> *as they approach the carriage*
<Seraphna> **Terra nods and sets up rocks in the road for the carriage to stop at**
<@DeathStar> *they would spot a man with the carriage whip, using it on a girl with long ears, making her look like a fauna, but she seems unusual, like a type never seen before. He seems to be using the whip on her, even as he stops the carriage and looks around. The girl looks to be in her late teens and is cowering*
<Seraphna> Terra> She must be strong to move carriage.
<@DeathStar> <Qui> I think he's just beating her for no reason
<Seraphna> Terra> **nods and her large Earth Hammer appears**
<@DeathStar> *the horses seem to be growing restless*
<@DeathStar> *the girl, who actually is harnessed like the other horses and is standing with them, looks around*
<Seraphna> Terra> Why beating girl?
<@DeathStar> <Man> *licks lips, almost nervously* She's my slave. I can do what I want with her. Don't you see her ears? She's a beast man.
<@DeathStar> <Man> And she's not doing her job properly
<Seraphna> Terra> It wrong to beat girl even if doing poor job. And slavery bad too...
<Seraphna> Terra> **looks to the others** This bad guy?
<@DeathStar> <Lavenza> Lavenza feel he bad guy. <Qui> I never liked such things myself. <Man> Well, it doesn't matter what you feel. *he holds up a document* This states she is mine to do with as I please. And just because we're passing through your little Kigndom doesn't void the rights of my Kingdom.
<Seraphna> Terra> I give you magic fruit that make rest of your horses strong in exchange for girl and that paper.
<@DeathStar> <Man> Why would I accept a fruit for my female slave? *he sounds incredulous* Well, now that I look you over, you're not half bad looking. *sneers* Why don't you come up here on my wagon and join me and I might let her go. *Fae begins to shake with anger*
<Seraphna> Terra> I raise bid to magic fruit and not crushing you with hammer.
<@DeathStar> *The Man sputters*
<Seraphna> Terra> **rolls her eyes and poofs next to him, taking the paper out of his hand** Get her untied while nice man and I have discussion about valuing fruit.
<@DeathStar> *Fae and Qui begin to do so, leading the horse like fauna away from the carriage*
<@DeathStar> <Lavenza> She going to smash smash him?
<Seraphna> **Terra offers him a handful of fruits** Feed to each, they strong and take you on. Last one for you. You will feel this worth it. Or complain and we see what I smash for rudeness.
<@DeathStar> *The man takes them, studying her* ... I will take them
<@DeathStar> *he gives her the paper*
<Seraphna> **Terra checks the paper in case it needs a signature or something**
<@DeathStar> *it currently has the man's signature on it*
<Seraphna> Terra> **she muses and taps him gently, then nods** Make sure I not have to come back.
<@DeathStar> *he flinches and closes his eyes*
<@DeathStar> *Lavenza and Qui help support the woman nearby*
<Seraphna> **Terra then removes the rocks and sends him on his way, popping back to the others**
<@DeathStar> <Fae> Did man touch Terra? Kiss her? Do anything bad?
<@DeathStar> *she asks in an overly friendly Fae way*
<@DeathStar> *a wind spear formed overhead at the carriage*
<Seraphna> Terra> He no touch. Was agreeable.
<@DeathStar> <Fauna> T-T-Thank you. *She takes Terra's hands* You're very kind, m'lady.
<Seraphna> Terra> **smiles and gives her a restorative fruit**
<@DeathStar> *she takes it and looks unsure hat to do ith such a pretty fruit* <Fauna> I can have this?
<@DeathStar> *she hugs Terra*
<@DeathStar> <Fae> So what do we do?
<Seraphna> Terra> Eat uup. And I think we should go back to others now.
<Seraphna> Terra> Oh, what pretty pony name?
<@DeathStar> *The fauna eats it and her ears wiggle*
<@DeathStar> <Horse Fauna> Ah? He mainly called me "Hey you" "You there" and various mean names. I um, I think my name was once Peep. Since I wasn't allowed to make a Peep.
<Seraphna> Terra> Mmm, Peep till we think of something better? But you can peep all you want.
<@DeathStar> <Peep> Ah? I-If you think it'll be okay... *she nervously makes a noise then jerks*
<Seraphna> Terra> Cutie.
<@DeathStar> *Lavenza leads them toward the city where the tall walls have a strange magic beam searching the parameter where people are standing in line to get into the city* <Peep> T-That light .... it gives me a bad feeling
<Seraphna> Terra> Let's make our way around to boat.
<@DeathStar> *Fae nods and begins to try to cut around the city walls; Lavenza and Qui following. Peep struggles to keep up*
<Seraphna> **Terra carries Peep**
<@DeathStar> <Peep> Ah, you're too kind, Miss
<@DeathStar> *Fae leads them to the river and begins to head up it toward the docks - there they can see their boat*
<@DeathStar> *Fae begins to pull Terra and Qui and Lavenza onto the boat*
<Seraphna> **Terra holes out a hand to pause and motions Fae to turn into wind and scout**
<@DeathStar> *Fae pauses and then nods does so*
<@DeathStar> *Fae lands and begins to describe what is on the ship*
<Seraphna> **Terra nods and motions the others to hide till the guards leave**
<@DeathStar> *Fae then hops up onto the ship*

<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...pr...prepare to cast off and set sail..."
<@DeathStar> *Fae sneaks up behind Lana - along with Lavenza, Qui, Terra, and some new fauna type that Lana has never seen before*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhh?"
<@DeathStar> <Fae> We found out a lot - oh and this girl
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhhh?!"
<@DeathStar> *the girl looks as if she was being whipped by a whip. She has slave clothes on and appears to be a horse fauna*
<@DeathStar> <Girl> Ah.... h-Hello
<@DeathStar> <Lavenza> Lavenza and Terra found out what is under the ground
<@DeathStar> <Lavenza> What is leaking bad mana
<@DeathStar> <Lavenza> It is keeper shaped temple.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "A Keeper temple?"
<@DeathStar> <Lavenza> Yes, yes. The fact there is a hut on top of it with a magic barrier means someone must have sealed it away
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Did you see anything else of note inside?"
<@DeathStar> <Lavenza> No, sadly. Only can have Terra feel out the shape of it
<@DeathStar> <Lavenza> Barrier is strong, will take a lot of magic to break it open and go inside
<@DeathStar> <Azif> Could always sacifice Doll or something. *she jokes*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "This makes things more interesting...and also leads to some theories on the nature of the mana plague too."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "We are not sacrificng Doll!"
<@DeathStar> *Doll seems pleased*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ok, try to contatc the other on shore. We need to go before the hour is up, else we will eb raided and slaughtered."
<@DeathStar> *Selena and Sabrina stumble onto the ship and roll onto their backs*
<@DeathStar> *Zayne
<@DeathStar> <Selena> I made it. Give me a moment and I'll get the ship ready
<@DeathStar> <Lavenza> We going forward or we going to check temple?
<@Seraphna> **Terra tends to the horse girl's wounds, Alt hopping over and using healing magic on her**
<@DeathStar> *Peep thanks the two*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "We just need to get out of the city. The Knight gave us an ultimatum."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> I'll get us a bit down the river then
<@DeathStar> *she hops up*
<@DeathStar> <Selena> I'll take us back toward Varia lands
<@DeathStar> <Selena> That way Nicolette can exit the front gate to join us
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "And we cna discuss your findings...but the Keeper temple could imply some things too."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Plus going backwards takes us back toward that other Kingdom we skipped, too
<@DeathStar> *Selena moves into the cabin to slowly move them away from the capital*
<@DeathStar> -SHIFT-
<@DeathStar> Epilogue:
<@DeathStar> *Gwen looks around as both Knights are MIA and focuses on the corrupted mark on his hand, which summons his armor to bring forth a strange powerom it - it seems as if every Knight as a unique ability as Gwen phases through his chains, then his cell. He then leaps through the wall and falls onto the ground, wincing as he rolls, pretty sure he's damaged his leg, turning off the mark in his hand and rises shakily his armor slowly repairing itself*
<@DeathStar> -TBC-


<@DeathStar> -Minis Are Currently Open-
* DeathStar changes topic to: Geyze II: Monday 7:30 - 10:45 PM | Act 1: Magic Unbound | Session 118: TBA
<@DeathStar> *Selena parks the boat down the river*
<@DeathStar> *Qui sets Peep up in a spare room*
<@DeathStar> *Azif looms about, happy she made her first deal today*
* @Jackieness (~Psy@23-127-47-99.lightspeed.knvltn.sbcglobal.net) has quit IRC
<@Seraphna> Alt> I'm Azif's first~
<@DeathStar> <Azif> Well, y-yes
* Day changed to Tuesday, 22. Jul 2025
<@DeathStar> *Peep studies all the stuff on the ship* Everyone seems very unique
<@Seraphna> Terra> Yep! We're kinda a special group.
<@DeathStar> <Peep> Special. *she looks around the labs* Oh.
<@Seraphna> Terra> Mmm?
<@DeathStar> <Peep> Are you guys um... *she seems to be looking for the word and seems to switch at the last moment* Important?
* Day changed to Wednesday, 23. Jul 2025
<@Seraphna> Terra> Kinda. I’m the Earth Spirit and a Princess of the Suisen Empire.
<@DeathStar> <Peep> What an Earth Suisen Spirit?
<@Seraphna> **Terra forms a rock in one hand and fruit in the other** I control the elements of nature. And Suisen is a big kingdom in the stars.
<@DeathStar> <Peeps> You are earth channeler from the stars?
<@Seraphna> Terra> Sorta! My Momma Jaime is the Empress from the stars but my Momma Gnome was the Earth Spirit since ancient times.
<@DeathStar> <Peeps> Wow. I wouldn't mind seeing the stars one day.