Geyze II

Session 132: Creeping Death

* Day changed to Monday, 22. Sep 2025
<@DeathStar> 5
<@DeathStar> 3
<@DeathStar> 1
<@DeathStar> -0-
<@DeathStar> Date: 10-644.4.16
<@DeathStar> Location: Peacemaker Boat
<@DeathStar> *over the past few days, parked further up the river, group along with the crew have been transforming the boat to make it capable of traveling over the land based on Lana's designs. Though it has cost them a few days in time, the hope is that it will allow them to keep the boat instead of having to abandon it whenever they have to leave the river now*
<@Seraphna> **Alt paints flames on the side of the boat**
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhh... that's not necessary."
<@DeathStar> *Selena looks over the ship while Gwen studies everything* <Gwen> So how will you power this to travel over the land?
<@Seraphna> Alt> Making it faster!
<@DeathStar> *Azif looks thoughtful, standing off to the side*
<@Seraphna> Alt> Alt had thought about that. What it take to make Steam Engine work?
<@DeathStar> <Gwen> Oh yeah, you guys mentined something about steam
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "I have modified the ship's engines to transfer power to the drive axles when the wheels are deployed."
<@DeathStar> <Azif> You know, there was something we had on the ship all along that probably could have done this in a few hours.
<@Seraphna> Alt> We did!?
<@DeathStar> <Azif> The creation piece. Is it not a source of mystical power that can do anything?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "The Creation Piece would have become a beacon for every threat on the continent."
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Not to mention, it's not reliable."
<@Seraphna> Alt> That! Don’t we have to stop my spell to use it?
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Nicolette is correct - there is that little cavaet of a monkey's paw of whoever uses it
<@Seraphna> Alt> Like it could change into a land ship, but then Nicolette might turn into a mini-ship!
<@DeathStar> <Selena> I am not sure that is how it works..
<@Seraphna> Terra> Alt wise. Very dangerous turn into mini ship.
<@DeathStar> *Origin chirps worriedly at Nicolette turning into someone smaller than her*
<@Seraphna> **Talia giggles from Gwen’s shoulder**
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhhhhh?"
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Alright
<@DeathStar> <Selena> I guess it is time we tested the ship then and begin to head northward
<@DeathStar> *Selena grabs the wheel of the boat* <Selena> How do we transform into land mode?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *moves over* "These two levers need to be pulled in parallel. I used two so that someone doesn't accidentally trigger it by being...ahhh..clumsy."
<@Seraphna> Alt> And then yell LAND MODE ACTIVATE!
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Th...that is not necessary."
<@Seraphna> Alt> Is too!
<@DeathStar> *Peeps and Speedy peek as Selena begins to pull the levers; the boat begins to shift and transform as Selena moves them over the ground, heading northward*
<@Seraphna> Terra> **keeps the peace by yelling it**
<@DeathStar> *Fae spins and poses* <Fae> Now we need to find other ships to combine them and make a large ship!
<@DeathStar> <Fae> And do battle!
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...well...we don't..." *sighs*
<@DeathStar> *Gwen pats Lana's shoulder*
<@DeathStar> <Gwen> Just let them be silly
<@DeathStar> *he says, despite giving off his evil Knight aura*
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Why would we want to combine boats..."
<@Seraphna> Alt> Ultra Ship!
<@DeathStar> <Fae> Super heroes always combine stuff to make larger stuff.
<@DeathStar> *Zayne seems to scowl harder, if that is possible*
<@Seraphna> Terra> Yep! That’s why Terra Fort has three towers on top of each other!
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...I'll be below... watching the new drive system..."
<@DeathStar> *Selena navigates them, then seems to click her tongue - up ahead, it appears the landscape is becoming more barren and rocky, with mountains appearing in the distance*
<@DeathStar> <Selena> I guess we'll be seeing how well this thing can move
<@Seraphna> Talia> Well we know why she’ll never want kids of her own. Poor thing.
<@DeathStar> *Azif stares at the mountains, looking thoughtful* .... We should becareful here. This place is dangerous
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Speed wasn't a problem, but it's definitely not built for maneuverability on land."
<@Seraphna> Alt> Are there bigfoots?
<@DeathStar> <Azif> Hm. I am likely only picking it up due to being attuned to certain magics, but there is something up ahead that has dark magics. If anyone has magics that can attune to searching or feeling out anything, you might can detect more as we get closer
<@Seraphna> **Alt starts detecting!**
<@Seraphna> **Talia too**
<@DeathStar> *Selena, for her part, seems to be trying to work their way around as best she can, but it also appears there are deep crevices in addition to the mountains, forcing her to take what paths there are between the obstacles, not wanting to get them stuck*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *pokes her head up out of a hatch* "The ride is getting rougher."
<@Ariel> * Nicolette tries to sense this dark magic, and direct Selena. "Terrain is a lot rougher than I expected."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...ok..." *climbs out* "I have an idea."
<@Seraphna> Alt> Something in that mountain. Large mana flows.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh?" *looks up at the mountain*
<@Seraphna> Talia> And something super powerful inside it.
<@Seraphna> Talia> A magic object of immense power.
<@DeathStar> *Nicolette and the others would pick up mana reserves running through out the canyons and mountain itself, all throughout the energy, and they would pick up a powerful magic energy deep within the nearby mountains - powerful enoguh to be like the 7 magical gems that they only have 4 of at the current moment. However, it's surrounded by a lot of dark magic energy as well*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...how does it compare to the sealed spirit prison you investigated before?"
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> It is not the same no
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> It is more like .... something back at home
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Back home?" *adjusts ehr glasses*
<@Seraphna> Talia> Feels like someone defended it with Dark Magic.
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "We didn't find those last 3 stones..."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> The magic gems. That powered the towers.
<@DeathStar> <Selena> I mean, if there are towers on this side of the world, is there any wonder there are some over here?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Its not a usrprise... but... ahh... can we even get up there?"
<@DeathStar> *Selena studies the mountain, stopping them* I mean, well... hm.
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Not sure the boat could make it, unless it could fly."
<@DeathStar> *Qui leans in* I do request we don't tip over trying to climb it
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhh... not after all the effort put into the landship conversion!"
<@DeathStar> <Gwen> Plus all the valley and crevices around near it would make it even more hazardous
<@DeathStar> <Fae> Do you want Fae to try to fly over there and take a look?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Alone would not be wise..."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Hm. Should I move on then for now, or do you want to have Fae fly us over there?
<@Seraphna> Terra> Yeah not alone, that spell might get you!
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Fae should not go up there alone with the black magic defenses still active."
<@DeathStar> *Fae nods and she grabs Terra, flying her up to the mountain*
<@DeathStar> *slowly slowly disappearing from sight*
<@Seraphna> Alt> Well they didn’t go alone!
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> .... *she crosses her arms, appearing quiet*
<@DeathStar> *Speedy bounces up and down, as if trying to fly*
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Right. I guess we better plan how to get a larger force up there..."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...not what I had in mind..." *plops into a seat*
<@Seraphna> Alt> Spider Legs on ship!
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> If there is something worth going to
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> I can use my spirit side to bring us to them.
<@DeathStar> *several long minutes pass*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "....ahhh...we may not have any choice. Inform the crew to secure the landship!"
<@Seraphna> **Terra appears back on deck with Fae**
<@DeathStar> *Selena grabs a radio and begins to talk to the crew; they begin to move about, doing so* <Qui> I hope those two are not getting into trouble
<@DeathStar> *Origin points* <Trouble!>
<@DeathStar> *Peeps carries Speedy below deck to get her secure*
<@Seraphna> Terra> We found mine like shaft that goes into mountain!
<@DeathStar> <Fae> The shaft was filled with mana streams. Very pretty
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "B...but?!"
<@DeathStar> <Fae> Well, the shaft went down very deep into the mountain
<@Seraphna> Terra> No buts.
<@DeathStar> <Fae> Did not think you would like us going down there alone
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Coming back was the right call."
<@DeathStar> *Gwen thinks* It seems odd that an abandoned mine shaft was on this mountain and no one has come for it
<@DeathStar> <Azif> Yet there is definitely something at the heart of it. Everyone feels it
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "There must be some sort of significance."
<@DeathStar> *Selena is gathering her equipment* Are we going to retrieve it? Unlike the Creation Piece, we know for a fact the magic gems are useful. They can power a tower indefinitely after all. It could be used for the ship, or by a magic user
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...alright...let's go. Resume preparations to secure the landship. Then assaemble an expedition to go!"
<@DeathStar> *Fae turns to Terra, since she can warp them back. Selena pauses, as if grimacing*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "What is it?"
<@DeathStar> <Selena> I might actually secure things here. Qui - you mind taking my spot in the expedition?
<@DeathStar> *Qui shrugs, then moves to grab her stuff instead*
<@Seraphna> Alt> Whoo, Qui Time!
<@DeathStar> <Qui> Let us have a fun adventure
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *lowers her voice* "...is something wrong?"
<@DeathStar> <Selena> .... I still don't do great with tight enclosed spaces. *she says softly* And if we're going to be crawling underground for hours, I'd be a liability even if I held up for a bit
<@Seraphna> **Alt gathers Team Alt**
<@DeathStar> *Wyrd stretches while Heyu looks excited. Azif just remains deadpanned*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *nods and pat pats Selena's shoulder* "I'm not good with anything...ahhh...really. But here I am."
<@DeathStar> *Selena nods* You have come a long way, Lana. You are one of the most competant women I know.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Th...thank you."
<@DeathStar> *Origin chirps a long speed to Lana - no doubt to encourage her*
<@DeathStar> *speech
<@DeathStar> *as the group arrives on top of the mountain, they can see a huge distance from there. There are other mountains all about them, indicating this entire area is a mountain range, and down below a bunch of valleys. At the top of one mountain looks to be a massive fortress, no doubt their destination far off. And at the foot of it looks to be a decent sized town. However, at their current mountain, a large crack in the mountain more than a mine shaft, can be seen, going deep into it. It definitely looks man made at least, and it's covered in dark thick mana sludge running along the edges, going deep into the mine itself*
<@Ariel> * Nicolette gives Selena a quick hug after she and Lana have their moment, before joining the others to investigate the mountain.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "More of a fissure... perhaps from blasting."
<@DeathStar> *Zayne muses, following after Nicolette's hug*
<@DeathStar> *Wyrd touches the mana and eyes it* <Wyrd> The mana seems to be infused with dark elemental properties
<@DeathStar> <Azif> It could be toxic to those who are of holy property
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Then its a good thing Selena didn't come..." *adjusts ehr glasses then weaves to scan the area*
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Probably not good for the rest of us either. If you start to feel off, speak up."
<@Seraphna> **Alt muses and pokes it a little** Stay away from it Heyu. You is too pure.
<@DeathStar> *Heyu gasps and backs away*
<@DeathStar> *Qui blinks at that and Lavenza freezes*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhhh?!"
<@Seraphna> Terra> I like Dark. Momma is Dark.
<@DeathStar> *the mine shaft going down seems to be filled with diamonds and other rich ore properties, going down deep. The mana running along the walls and sometimes the floor as the mine itself seems to wind down deeper and deeper - the scan seems to indicate it goes down many levels. Old lanterns are hung up on the walls, long since shut off*
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> ... *she slips into the crack and begins to move inside the mine, avoiding the dark mana as best she can* <Zayne> At least it is not poisoned like that one area
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Yeah... but the mana levels here are incredible."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...mapping...lots of mineral wealthj here... locals must avoid it."
<@DeathStar> <Lavenza> Hm. Lavenza think is likely would be like the other places if Damjan's ancestors not take spirit out. These lands mana must be very strong. <Zayne> When we were running low on mana awhile back, I wonder if the barrier was protecting their mana depletion
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> And if it was, how
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Follow this path... there are lanterns placed along the safe path... hopefully they still work."
<@DeathStar> *due to the darkness of the mines, Zayne grabs a lantern and uses fire magic to light it, holding it forward so they can see in the dark*
<@DeathStar> *Fae presses against Terra; the path seems to continue forward in a straight line for the most part; the sound of the mana moving along the walls and ground the only other thing besides the team*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Though it begs the question as to who carved out this passage...and why did they abandon it?"
<@DeathStar> <Gwen> .... Who knows. But if you're right about all the rare gems in here, if you wanted to take some to help fund your operations, no one would blame you
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "We'll see what happens further in first."
<@DeathStar> *Wyrd and Qui inch along while Zayne holds the light source forward. As she shines the light about, for a split second, the light makes it look like a figure is staring back at them, but when she shines it back it's gone*
<@Ariel> * Nicolette pauses to regard a particularly large diamond. She focuses on the mana, trying to sense how it interacts with the gem.
<@DeathStar> *Nicolette would find that, surprisingly, due to all the mana in the cave, almost everything in here seems to have a bit of mana in them. Not to the degree of the master mana gem, but even the diamonds have a bit of mana energy in them*
<@Seraphna> Alt> Anyone else feel like we forgot to ask Mask Guy to come along?
<@DeathStar> <Qui> Why would we want to invite him when he still doesn't remember anything?
<@Seraphna> **Talia has been riding magestically on Gwen**
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Hm... I'm not sure the gems have enough dark to be harmful. Could something be preventing people from taking them?"
<@Seraphna> Alt> I dunno, when we forget him he keeps showing up.
<@DeathStar> *something seems to be walking behind Lana as they talk*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhh..if he wnats to come, he will appear."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> I still find it odd he was locked up in a jail cell wearing some mask that seals his power and memories, yet he manages to pop up whenever he wants as Lana says
<@DeathStar> <Wyrd> ... Lana. Don't move. Don't turn around.
<@Seraphna> **Alt peeks to see if it's Mask Guy**
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhhh?!"
<@DeathStar> *Alt would see what looks to be a mana like sludge creature standing behind Lana, towering over Lana. Wyrd is slowly reaching for her scythe, but when Alt peeks, it begins to jiggle rapidly*
<@DeathStar> *it looks like it was changing it's form to look like Lana*
<@Seraphna> Alt> Do we stop it? It's about to get Lana pillows.
<@DeathStar> *Zayne turns around, shining the light*
<@Seraphna> Talia> More Lana Pillows.
<@DeathStar> *the creature shifts and dives into the mana stream, vanishing*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...I...I have never seen a mana creature before!"
<@Seraphna> Talia> Awww, now the Lana pillows could be anywhere.
<@DeathStar> <Qui> What WAS that?
<@Seraphna> Alt> We're right here Momma.
<@Seraphna> Talia> Yeah like, wow.
<@DeathStar> *Lavenza is staring*
<@DeathStar> *Gwen pats Alt and Talia*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Perhaps a mana-based life form? If so...then this is potentially a major discovery."
<@Seraphna> Talia> What are we, chopped mana liver?
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Potentially... also, potentially really dangerous."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Well...if theye volved spontaneously, who knows what sort of behaviors they possess."
<@Seraphna> Alt> I was born naturally...
<@DeathStar> <Wyrd> Are they that impressive?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "B...but Familiars are not spontaneously evolved! They were created with a template and ritual! This could be completely different!"
<@DeathStar> <Wyrd> The mana literally just tried to eat you
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "But its still so fascinating!"
<@Ariel> * Nicolette pauses, then regards one of the gemstones again, making sure it is infact a normal gem.
<@DeathStar> *Lavenza chirps at Nicolette, essentially pointing out to her that it tried to take Lana's form*
<@Seraphna> Alt> Am I fascinating?
<@DeathStar> <Gwen> Yes you are dear
<@DeathStar> *Nicolette would find that at a glance the gems are gems... but ... some of them do look a little weird. And are they in the same positions they were before...?*
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> ...? *looks at Nicolette, then at what she's looking at*
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> I think we should get a move on
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Y...yes...let's go deeper."
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "I... yeah. Best not to stay still."
<@DeathStar> *Zayne hurries onward with Wyrd taking up the rear. Fae keeps close to Terra now, as Qui looks paranoid*
<@DeathStar> *thankfully nothing seems to jump out at them, but they soon reach the deepest part of the mine shaft, and they can feel the mana stone --- but it's beyond what looks to be a thick stone wall. The mana stream seems to run under it, but otherwise the wall looks solid and shows no structural weakness. A torch hangs on the wall as well, but for all purposes, this is a dead end. So how is it the mana stone is beyond it?*
<@DeathStar> *Gwen turns, hearing sounds from back the way they came* <Gwen> ....
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...let's try...this." *tries to indulge the cliche by pulling the torch*
<@DeathStar> *the torch holder seems to be solidly attached to the wall*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...not a secret passage then."
<@DeathStar> *more sounds can be heard, as if somethign is approaching* <Qui> ... Creepy
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Well, at least not that type..." She focuses on the rock, trying to determine if it's magicked in some way.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *tries weavign to probe the wall and the space beyond*
<@DeathStar> *the rock seems to be designed to have a magic placed on it, likely designed to break apart when it comes in touch with a certain spell*
<@DeathStar> *so that only a mage can break it open*
<@DeathStar> *Gwen meanwhile has been trying to do full force punches to no avail*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "It seems to be a mage lock... ok..." *tries to work out the spell needed bys tudying the wall's mana weave*
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Yep. Definitely a secret passage."
<@DeathStar> *Lana is able to gain GM insight: put in the magic spell: open*
<@Seraphna> **Alt studies it and tries to figure out more to it**
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *blinks and simply casts 'open'*
<@DeathStar> *the wall breaks apart; and on the other side the large magic gem is on a pedestal like object. However, the dark mana is all over the room on the other side, making crossing to it a problem*
<@DeathStar> *there is at last a good 15 foot jump one would have to do*
<@Seraphna> Alt> Just one word!? Cool!
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Extracting the mana stone will be tricky..."
<@Seraphna> **Alt jots down the open word to try on Azif**
<@DeathStar> <Azif> ... Wait...
<@DeathStar> *she eyes Alt*
<@Seraphna> **Alt winks**
<@DeathStar> <Wyrd> I could try to walk through it. I might be immune
<@DeathStar> <Gwen> Who knows what might be lurking in it though
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...maybe try weaving a safe walkway over the mana..."
<@DeathStar> *Qui turns from looking back the way the group came* <Qui> Uh, I've seen more of those things - they're staring at us. They're getting more bold.
<@DeathStar> *indeed, a mana like sludge creature is peering from the pathway back, peering down at them, their form taking on that of Qui's*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhhh?!"
<@Seraphna> Alt> Ooo good choice! Do me!
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> I'm going to attempt to fly over to the object. Hold still. *she lifts off the ground liike when she was Maka and begins to head for the mana stone; but as she begins to travel over the mana stream, it suddenly reaches up to grab onto Zayne's leg and tries to pull her down*
<@Seraphna> **Terra muses and reaches out to them, exuding a calming presence**
<@Ariel> * Nicolette lunges to grab Zayne and pull her back
<@DeathStar> *Nicolette has to strain a bit but she manages to pull Zayne back over to their side. A head rises form the stream, looking like Zayne for a moment
<@DeathStar> *As Terra calms the ones back behind them, Fae and Lavenza duck down*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Let me try something...its mana...and my specialty is applied mana metaphysics..." *raises her hands and weaves, trying to redirect the flow of the mana to create a safe path*
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Thanks, Nicolette.... I can see why no one has come here...
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "See, this is why you don't let your mana just sit in the fridge. You never know what'll grow."
<@DeathStar> *Gwen pats Lana's head as she slowly makes a safe path*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Hurry while I can still hold it..."
<@Seraphna> **Talia hops on her and reinforces her magic with her mana boost**
<@Seraphna> **Alt leads her intrepid heroes across**
<@DeathStar> *Wyrd studies the object like this was Raiders of the Lost Ark*
<@DeathStar> <Azif> ... *looks at the object* Such power. Mistress should claim this and rule all
<@DeathStar> *Zayne looms behind Azif*
<@Seraphna> Alt> Takes it, we will need it for the Crab Wars.
<@DeathStar> *Azif and Zayne stare a moment, before Zayne lifts Alt and Azif up after they retrieve the gem, moving back to the other side*
<@Seraphna> Alt> Hehe... the crabs won't see us coming.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh..maybe not let Alt keep it...?"
<@DeathStar> <Azif> I will hold onto it then for her
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "You've the most experience with these things, Lana."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Vetoed
<@DeathStar> *Zayne shifts to hand it to Lana, but Azif keeps a surprising grip*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhh...thank you, Nico..."ahhhh..." *holds out her hand*
<@DeathStar> *Zayne hands it over - as well as Azif*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *eyes Azif*
<@DeathStar> <Azif> ... *peers at Lana*
<@DeathStar> *then finally lets go*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "... ... ...thank you." *hides it upon her person*
<@DeathStar> <Qui> So uh
<@DeathStar> <Qui> How do we plan to escape here?
<@DeathStar> *she eyes the mana creatures having retreated thanks to Terra*
<@DeathStar> <Gwen> Run back? As fast as we can?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "It looks like they have been driven off for now. Hopefully removing the stone weakens them."
<@DeathStar> <Azif> I am surprised
<@DeathStar> *she looks at Lana*
<@DeathStar> <Azif> I would have thought you would want to capture one
<@Seraphna> Terra> Terra is very likeable.
<@Seraphna> Terra> WHat me to make a friend with one?
<@DeathStar> <Fae> T-That seems risky
<@Seraphna> Terra> Or should I teleport us back?
<@DeathStar> <Qui> If you think you can teleport us straight back that probably is the best course
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...capturing one doesn't help if they kill us all!"
<@Seraphna> Terra> Yep! **She grabs everyone and poofs to the ship using Hyperspace port, since she can't do spirit**
<@DeathStar> *Azif shrugs* I am just surprised. *As they reach the surface, Heyu leaps up*
<@DeathStar> <Azif> I could have given you a spell to help capture them if you were that afraid
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...though getting more samples would have been nice..."
<@DeathStar> *Selena steps out* <Selena> How'd it go?
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "You can always arrange a proper expedition later, Lana."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *pulls out the mana stone* "Ta-da!"
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Congratulations. It looks like it was a success then. I'll get us moving again
<@Seraphna> Alt> Momma took my stone of ultimate power.
<@DeathStar> *she begins to navigate the ship, working her way around the mountain*
<@DeathStar> <Gwen> Well
<@DeathStar> <Gwen> Judging by the distance we are from the fortress and all the stuff between us and it
<@DeathStar> <Gwen> We might be traveling a bit through these mountains
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Still, at least we are able to travel."
<@DeathStar> <Qui> That is true - doing it on foot would have been terrible
<@DeathStar> -TIME JUMP-
<@DeathStar> Date: 10-644.4.18
<@DeathStar> Location: Peacemaker Land Walker
<@DeathStar> *Peeps sets out a large meal for everyone down in the mess hall, the feeling of the walking shifting everything about as Selena is still navigating them through the rocky terrain. The sound of wind can be heard, as rain and wind has been battering them as well.*
<@DeathStar> *Speedy eats what looks to be food made from the rations left on the Land Walker*
<@Seraphna> **Terra eats fresh fruit**
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...ships are built for way wetter weather than this."
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "So, how have you all been?"
<@DeathStar> *Gwen sits there, helmet beside him - Qui across from him* <Qui> Good, I guess - I hope we can deal with the Bandit King before summer fully sets in. I don't know how well the AC works on this thing
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *adjusts her glasses* "I am fully qualified to modify the ventilation."
<@Seraphna> **Talia snoozes with her head buried in Gwen's neck**
<@Seraphna> **Alt helps herself to Qui's lap**
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Well, regardless, I'm in for the long haul."
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Didn't expect an extended military campaign when we set out."
<@DeathStar> *Zayne looks out of it as she holds an apple* Do we plan to go back to exploration after we deal with the enemy here? I mean, if we bring down one of the Kingdoms, we'll be painting a target on our heads from the rest
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Plus, we got the other two spirits being held
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "I'd say yes, but I'm no military tactician."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "I don't know.... the other kingdoms wouldn't be sad to see this place collapse...but letting us just wander around too..."
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Yeah... I expect we won't be able to fall back on the old dynamic. But I don't think we'll be a target. Any one that can take down even a rogue kingdom should be enough for them to be wary on how to deal with."
<@DeathStar> <Gwen> Nicolette probably has the right of it
<@DeathStar> <Gwen> They'll want to look into you and see who can manage to bring this place down once you manage it
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "In a worse case scenario, they think our continent is invading."
<@DeathStar> <Speed> Heroes. *She speaks up finally* You are...heroes.
<@Alicia> <Ceilidh> "Mmm... I guess so."
<@Seraphna> Alt> Yep!
<@Seraphna> Alt> Alt is a great hero!
<@DeathStar> *the werebeast child looks at them, then eats her food, looking at Alt*
<@Seraphna> Terra> Mother often says that is what people like us are.
<@DeathStar> <Peeps> I know this. I know many are scared of you right now, but if you manage this, you will be revered in this Kingdom forever
<@Seraphna> Alt> We're gonna end slavery here, that's for sure.
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Right!"
<@DeathStar> *the shifting and walking seems to stop and Selena's voice comes on the intercomm* <Selena> Good news. We're at our destination. When you're done eating and relaxing, you can come up on deck
<@DeathStar> *Zayne chomps into her apple* <Zayne> I don't know if I know how to be a hero anymore
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...!"
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Just... do what your heart tells you is right."
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "It's what I do, sometimes it makes me a brat, sometimes a hero. Normally just a nerd and a good student."
<@Seraphna> Alt> Alt was top of class.
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> I'm not sure if all this time I was listening to my heart or the voice in my head. But I do know I followed what I thought to be the right course of action and it pushed people away including my daughter.
<@DeathStar> <Heyu> Alt is a genius?
<@DeathStar> <Wyrd> I'm dubious
<@Seraphna> **Alt nods** Alt is really good with Magic, already learning Creation Magic on own!
<@DeathStar> *Zayne stands up* I'll be up on the upper deck
<@DeathStar> <Peeps> Anyone want seconds?
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "It's not always easy to tell. Just keep your friends with you, to help reality check you." She heads up as well, wanting to see where they're at.
<@Seraphna> Alt> Thirds please!
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> ... *nods to Nicolette* I confess I try to keep you in mind when I make decisions. After all, you and Sparkling went to so much trouble for me
<@DeathStar> *Peeps makes another plate for Alt*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...we should take a look." *stands and heads for the desk*
<@DeathStar> *As the ones who are traveling up onto the deck, they would see that Selena has parked them a bit away from the city at the foot of the mountain with the large fortress looming at the top. The city looks like something out of a gothic horror movie, especially with the rain falling. There are statues all over the buildings that look to have monsters perching on top of them, many with designs that the group have never seen, all of them having wings on them. At the largest building in the city looks to be some sort of cathedral church, and a large dragon statue rests, looking to be massive in size like a real dragon might be*
<@DeathStar> *Selena turns to look at them, then back* <Selena> The city is in the way of the path up to the fortress where Gwen said the spirits are being held
<@DeathStar> <Selena> If this is the northern fortress belonging to Miz, I hate to see what the southern one looks like
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Is there something specific about the south?"
<@DeathStar> *the fortress itself, up in the mountain, looks just as gothic in design, like a castle almost looming over the city*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...well...it is certainly ominous."
<@DeathStar> <Gwen> From what I heard from the villagers, that is where Miz is at currently. We came here first since the spirits are being held here.
<@DeathStar> <Gwen> We wanted to get them before they got the slave mark on them or something
<@Seraphna> Alt> Time to spank this Miz and get our spirits back!
<@DeathStar> <Gwen> If that happens they'll be forced to fight us
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ideally, they will need to be taken to Miz directly to get marked."
<@DeathStar> <Gwen> If they are to obey him directly - yes they'll have to travel to him or he'll have to travel here
<@DeathStar> <Gwen> We've lost a lot of time with the construction and the mountain range, but hopefully they're still here.
<@DeathStar> *Lavenza looks unnerved, eyeing the city from the distance*
<@DeathStar> *and begins to chitter instead of using her words*
<@Seraphna> Terra> SLow down Lavvy, can't understand.
<@DeathStar> <Lavenza> Do not like city.
<@DeathStar> <Lavenza> ... *She hides behind Nicolette*
<@Seraphna> Terra> Yeah, it doesn't feel good. But we gotta be breave.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "W...we'll need to find a safe harbor for the landship and then approach by foot."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Alright. *she grabs the wheel*
<@DeathStar> *Selena navigates them out of sight of the city and parks them in a safe spot*
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "This place definitely gives the dark lands a run for their money. Wow."
<@DeathStar> <Qui> Even Shinobu has some taste with her lands. *she agrees*
<@DeathStar> *Gwen lowers the ship's ramp down onto the wet ground*
<@DeathStar> *Speedy runs up to Yoiyami*
<@DeathStar> *and holds out something*
<@Seraphna> Alt> Like Dark Lands, lots of fun people there.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...let's get ready..."
<@Alicia> * Yoiyami takes it, looking at it
<@Seraphna> Talia> Well yes, we are Lilin formed after all dear.
<@DeathStar> *it looks to be her doll* <Speedy> Will Protect.
<@Alicia> * Yoiyami nods
<@Seraphna> Alt> Speedy be careful here and stay safe okay?
<@DeathStar> *Speedy nods* <Peeps> I'll watch over her here.
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "It's kind of a shock how different this place is from everything else we've seen in this land. Never expected this."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> It is surprising. This entire landscape is incontrast to much of this continent. I wonder if this area suffered damage when everything went down
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "I wodner if they may be engineerign their environment somehow..."
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "But how?"
<@DeathStar> <Gwen> Well, I will say this - as you continue West, the environement seems odd.
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "They have more rain here than the rest of the kingdom, from the look of it..."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "I wodner if the rain is beign redirected from the badlands, perpetuating its desertification."
<@DeathStar> <Gwen> If you head toward the Bandit King's lands it looks more lush
<@DeathStar> <Gwen> So I can believe it
<@DeathStar> <Gwen> these mountains though, I believe they likely are a barrier to prevent people from getting too close.
<@DeathStar> *as they approach the city, the city gates are open surprisingly, allowing people to simply approach. No one seems to even step out and stop them*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *whispers* "Normally, the Wall would keep out threats."
<@DeathStar> *two large statues stand by on either side of the city opening as the group begin to step into the city proper, large monsters that look like cyclops almost, holding clubs. The first thing the group would see is a town plaza like area, with citizens moving about and massize fountain. They do get looks as the people move around. There seems to be an inn, a weapon store, an armor store, and a pawn type shop, indicating they get good business - maybe.*
<@DeathStar> *and further down the street there looks to be a tavern - infact, there appears to be a few of them. The city looks like it drinks - a lot*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...I don't think they get that many outside visitors."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> It would seem to be the case.
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "It's like the prosperity of the land is all channeled inwards, by more than just the flow of money."
<@DeathStar> *Selena squints down the various roads, eyeing the large cathedral in the distance*
<@Seraphna> Terra> Terra smell alchohol fumes everywhere.
<@Seraphna> Terra> Fermented berries and vegetables.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...probably relying on alcohol consumption to dull the reality of everyday life."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Do they not have maps hanging up?
<@DeathStar> *she seems to be trying to figure out a way to navigate the city*
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Probably people don't really travel to or from here much."
<@DeathStar> <Gwen> Yoiyami is likely right
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "I doubt they have a tourist bureau. We really need tosblend in."
<@DeathStar> <Gwen> We could try to just work our way through the city toward the mountain, but that could be troublesome too
<@Seraphna> Alt> Mom can we try the thing?
<@Seraphna> **Talia nods and looks about for cats**
<@Seraphna> Talia> Maybe we can ask the locals.
<@DeathStar> <Gwen> Local cats?
<@DeathStar> <Gwen> I mean, sure
<@Seraphna> **Talia nods**
<@DeathStar> *shea heads for the tavern - to talk to the ladies*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhhhh?"
<@DeathStar> *as Gwen approaches, it is clear seeing a Knight approach causes the locals to begin to act a little odd
<@DeathStar> *many of them eyeing him stiffly, and warily - as he enters the tavern, they make sure to get a table for him right away*
<@DeathStar> *a few locals even begin to run off deeper into the city for some reason*
<@Seraphna> Talia> Mmmhmm. Top service.
<@Seraphna> **Alt goes to scout the cats**
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...I don't know about those runners..."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> No doubt they're going to report that a Knight is in the city
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Do we want to be seen with Gwen, or should we keep a distance?
<@Seraphna> **Alt comes back looking spooked**
<@Seraphna> Alt> No cats in city, or doggies.
<@DeathStar> <Qui> .... *pats Alt* There there.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Probbaly better to keep a distance and try to blend in...so change of clothes."
<@DeathStar> *Qui looks at Yoiyami and Alt* IF there are no animals in the city, you should becareful then.
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "I would be anyway."
<@DeathStar> *Gwen meanwhile is being tended to in the tavern while the group makes sure to change up their attire*
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "I doubt they've had a visitor more conspicuous than Gwen."
<@DeathStar> <Qui> My brother can handle himself.
<@DeathStar> <Qui> ... hopefully
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhh...well...he has MAgic Knight powers and clout now..."
<@DeathStar> *a person approaches the group as they are talking*
<@DeathStar> *they appear to be a small man of size, and are holding what looks to be a piece of paper* <Man> Excuse me, Outsiders
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "I'm not too worried about him, honestly. He knows how to handle himself."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhhh?"
<@DeathStar> *He holds out the paper* <Man> I welcome you two the Church. *he pushes the paper into Lana's hand* I hope we can see you in our services tonight. We always welcome new people. *he quickly moves off without even answering any questions*
<@DeathStar> *two all
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Huh?"
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...ahhhh? Must be attached to the cathedral-like structure."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Some creepy guy wants us to... *looks at the paper, talking about the Church of Illumination - the paper seems to go on about bringing one to understand the universe and one's place in it*
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Hmm..."
<@DeathStar> *Lavenza mumbles from under Nico's hat*
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "I'd be into that if it wasn't a religious building. They tend to be biased."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "We're hopefully not going to be in town too long anyway."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> I admit I have reservations myself. For now, we should focus on getting out of town and up onto the mountain path
<@DeathStar> *Selena begins to walk around town in the direction of the mountain; the team would find the roads are strangely designed to be almost labyrinth like, looping and circling. One moment, the group would be over in the residential area, then back over near the church near the middle of the town, which seems to take up a massive chunk of space in the dead middle*
<@DeathStar> *it almost feels like there are no roads leading out of town up to the mountain castle, except for the fact the team saw there was one from the distance*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...this city is designed like a casino resort..."
<@DeathStar> *Selena muses* This is getting frustrating
<@Ariel> * Nicolette focuses to assess the mana in the city, feeling that something isn't right.
<@DeathStar> *Nicolette would find the city almost overflowing with mana - an unnatural amount. And there's even larger amounts of it stored in all the statues, which there seems to be a large number of them all over*
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Lana... that's worrying."
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Something is definitely up about this place, but there's so much it's hard to pick through."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> So essentially you're saying we stepped into some sort of odd trap, perhaps.
<@DeathStar> <Qui> Or at the least something that prevents enemies from progressing
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Yes...which is why there is no security at the gate."
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "You'd expect something like a casino to have a steady flow of newcomers, right? And so, maps and the like..."
<@DeathStar> <Wyrd> I think with this anology
<@DeathStar> <Wyrd> The casino doesn't want you to come and if you go, know how to do anything
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "The goal is to make it easy to find amaenities inside the casino, thus the large number of shops ad taverns... but make it perilously hard to find the exits."
<@DeathStar> <Wyrd> Is that so?
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "The analogy holds, but we've got more magic at play than a lack of windows."
<@DeathStar> *Selena muses* Well, let us regroup and see if we can't break whatever magic is at play then
<@DeathStar> -TBC-
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "So, are you saying it'll be hard to leave?"
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Still...the point is to contain anyone who enters."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Well it has contained us, has it not?
<@DeathStar> *Zayne stands on her tip toes, trying to see down various streets* Unless we want to risk flying over the city and go to the castle
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Exactly. And while we cna find places to eat and sleep, we cna't find the way out."
<@DeathStar> *Azif meanwhile has been rying to cheer up Alt*
<@DeathStar> *Selena leans back thinking*
<@DeathStar> <Selena> I wonder how many citizens here are the original citizens
<@DeathStar> <Selena> And how many are poor fools who got caught here like us
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...d...does it even matter at this point?"
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "I no longer like that church at all."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> It depends on if its a piece of the puzzle. It just seemed odd they reached out to us to join that church
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Very..."
<@DeathStar> <Qui> I wonder if they are worried about my brother and are hoping to get him out of town then
<@DeathStar> <Qui> Having a Knight around could be a problem if they want to get people stuck here
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Unless they think he can rescue them."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> You all have so many variables here. *she kneels, feeling out the magic throughout the city*
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> The first issue is breaking whatever spell is laid out on the city itself.
<@DeathStar> <Azif> .... *looks like she wants to say something but bites her tongue*
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Ah?"
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhhh?"
<@DeathStar> <Azif> I believe doing that would be a bad idea
<@DeathStar> <Azif> Any one of you could probably break the spell with a bit of time - Nicolette detected it after all
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Why so? Would the amount of energy stored up blow up the city? Or just alert the bandit king."
<@DeathStar> *Azif points at one of the statues*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...guardians."
<@DeathStar> <Azif> They are all over the city.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "And if theys tick to the cliche,...they will animate and start slaughtering the inhabitants."
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "So, not quite blow up the city at least..."
<@DeathStar> <Azif> It probably would target you first, but I imagine they would go after anyone near them, yes
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Surely there is a way to counter it
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Of course there is. Finding it is the hard part."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "We could potentially disarm the trap by finding all the statues first."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Run around and break them all?
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "It's a brute force solution, but if we have to..."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Or at leats disarm the magic on every statue."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Hm. If we split up we could attempt that. It is a bit longer, but it is doable
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Yoiyami and Alt can do it, as well as Nicolette and myself
<@DeathStar> *Zayne eyes some of the statue locations* Yoiyami
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> You know how to fly right?
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "...yeah, but... I'm... really not subtle about it..."
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "If I start turning into a dragon in the middle of town..."
<@DeathStar> <Qui> Oh. Yeah. I guess that would draw some eyes
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...flight period would draw attention to what we are doing."
<@DeathStar> *Zayne points at the ones at high altitudes* Then you want people to climb?
<@Alicia> <Yoiyami> "I mean, if we want to be subtle, we probably have to."
<@DeathStar> *Zayne seems to muse that over - having always used flight*
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> We'll do what needs to be done
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "I just mean don't fly all over the place... just use it where necessary..."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> We should also becareful
<@DeathStar> <Selena> The church might be keeping an eye on us
<@DeathStar> *she looks around, eyeing citizens moving around near them*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhh...yes...agreed."
* @Jackieness (~Psy@23-127-47-99.lightspeed.knvltn.sbcglobal.net) has quit IRC
* Day changed to Tuesday, 23. Sep 2025

<@Seraphna> *Alt is covering down low, able to have Azif do things subtly while she herself seems to break physics to mess with some statues from a distance.*
<@DeathStar> *Azif has disguised herself as a bouncy breasted maiden*
<@DeathStar> *the villagers watches Azif and Alt, following thm when they can*
* Day changed to Wednesday, 24. Sep 2025