Geyze II

Session 134: Terror at Castle Illumination

* Day changed to Monday, 29. Sep 2025
<@DeathStar> 5
<@DeathStar> 3
<@DeathStar> 1
<@DeathStar> -0-
<@DeathStar> Date: 10-644.4.18
<@DeathStar> Location: Illumination Town
* Alicia (~Home@pres-24-b2-v4wan-161431-cust1803.vm29.cable.virginm.net) joins #Geyze
<@DeathStar> *after learning the statues throughout the city likely have some hand in keeping the team lost in the city, the group set out to try to disable them; as they split off to try to locate evey single one, it was also clear some of the villagers, mainl those of the church variety, were following some of the team. As the hours ticked down and the team moved back to their original meeting spot, they have gathered to see if their goal was successful or not*
<@DeathStar> *Zayne returns to the fountain, as does Azif, escorting Alt*
<@DeathStar> *Wyrd and Heyu seem to be on edge, keeping an eye on people staring at them from a distance*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *walks back toward the others, breathing heavily* "...o...ok..."
<@DeathStar> *Qui quietly steps up from behind Lana* You okay there?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...never been good with the.... ahhhhh.... running around."
<@DeathStar> *Zayne looks around* Let us wait for Yoiyami, Selena, and Nicolette.
<@DeathStar> *Zayne leans against the fountain*
<@DeathStar> *Qui grabs some water from the fountain and offers it to Lana*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...thank you..." *drinks*
<@DeathStar> *Qui pours some on herself afterward and drinks as well*
<@Seraphna> **Alt tugs Wyrd and Heyu towards her**
<@DeathStar> <Heyu> Y-Yes?
<@DeathStar> *Wyrd turns toward Alt* Hm? *she turns her attention from the eyes*
<@Seraphna> Alt> Seen nervous. I should write my name on you.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...so...was anyone else being stalked?"\
<@Ari`> * Nicolette rejoins the group as if she was just on a casual stroll, and not an intensive recon mission
<@DeathStar> *Heyu looks blank* If Mistress wants. *she acts as if that is a normal thing, while Wyrd stares a her* <Wyrd> ... what?
<@Seraphna> Alt> People put names on their precious treasures so if found know to bring back to.
<@Seraphna> **Alt pats the small of Heyu’s back, hand glowing gently**
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> I'm glad to see you are safe, Nicolette - Lavenza. *Origin peaks out of Nicolette's hat*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...y...you can't add an owner tag to people!"
<@Seraphna> Alt> Can too.
<@DeathStar> <Wyrd> Also the fact you continue to call her Heyu is galling. *mumbles*
<@Seraphna> Alt> That not her name?
<@DeathStar> *Heyu just looks innocent*
<@Seraphna> Alt> Sounded exotic and foreign.
<@DeathStar> *Wyrd slumps, as if defeated*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *takes in a breath* "...not the time or place for this..."
<@Seraphna> Alt> What Heyu want be called? Wait is real make even prettier?
<@DeathStar> <Heyu> I have ever been called that name. *she nod nods*
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Hm. I am worried about Selean and Yoiyami, but.... *she looks around* It is starting to get dark and I fear if we remain out in the open what will happen
<@Seraphna> Alt> Wyrd know secret!?
<@DeathStar> <Wyrd> Later, I'll tell you ... later...
<@Seraphna> **Terra hops over holding Fae’s waist**
<@Ari`> <Nicolette> "They're not back yet?"
<@DeathStar> <Qui> It would appear not. Do we know where Selena was going?
<@DeathStar> <Fae> Hm. I think she said she had a certain statue in mind
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "....ahhhh? What statue?"
<@DeathStar> <Fae> The giant dragon statue that was on the church property!
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhhhh?!"
<@Ari`> <Nicolette> "Is that so..."
<@Seraphna> Terra> Brave of her to face a dragon. The ones I know are horny and eat people.
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> If she went to the church, that could have ended poorly. One moment
<@DeathStar> *Zayne moves down the road, to get the church in view*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "We were just targeting the cyclopean guardians... they weren't supposed to raid the cult yet!"
<@DeathStar> <Fae> She said she was worried about it
<@DeathStar> *Zayne returns* The dragon statue is still there.
<@DeathStar> *Zayne crosses her arms* But.... there may be good news or bad depending on how you wish to look at it
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "But... in these sorts of plots... you always raid the cult compound last because that is where the boss usually is."
<@DeathStar> <Qui> .... huh?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh? News?"
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> I can see a road leading up to the castle fortress now, and that road is directly behind the church. For some reason we never saw it before
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> That must be why the church is in the center of the town
<@Seraphna> Alt> Ohhh, so it just has a mid-boss or puzzle?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Well... solvign the guardian statues in the town is like one puzzle that opens the way to the boss in the center of the maze."
<@Ari`> <Nicolette> "Hmm... pretty brazen to bring new arrivals to the place you're trying to hide."
<@Seraphna> Alt> But then who is at the castle?
<@DeathStar> <Wyrd> Wait wait, you guys are acting like this is a video game
<@DeathStar> <Qui> True, I wonder if there is something in the church of illumination for new guests that makes them more likely to become lost
<@Seraphna> Alt> Momma Lana’s boobs are good viewing slot for her gaming… errr, research material.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "I was just observing the structure of this entire place... I mean... we even have lands with starkly different environments. Its really strange."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> So what is the plan? Do we just walk into the church and burn it down?
<Alicia> * Yoiyami heads over. "Selena's not back yet?"
<Alicia> * She doesn't sound especially surprised
<@DeathStar> <Qui> For a moment we were worried you were lost yourself or taken by the villagers. *She turns her head* If you're back then yes, she's the only one who failed to show
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "She may have gone to the church in the center of the city without us."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> We can't get up to the top of the mountain without going through the church either way
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "It must have been the dragon statue... its like catnip for her grandfatehr's family."
<@DeathStar> *Zayne blinks at that*
<@DeathStar> *then looks at Nicolette*
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "...really? That..."
<@Ari`> <Nicolette> "Well... hold onto your torches and pitchforks for now. It's a public space, so let's take it easy for now."
<@DeathStar> <Wyrd> Uh.... so she's one of those girls...
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "I wasn't going to burn down the church for being suspicious. Even if its so suspicious that I'm certain it's no good."
<@Ari`> <Nicolette> *to Zayne* "Her grandfather wrestled dragons."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhhh?"
<@Seraphna> Alt> I read that one time he suplexed 5 dragons at once.
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "...ummm... I'm not interested either way."
<@Seraphna> Alt> He signed my copies of his books.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Right...we need to find Selena."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> I see. I sometimes forget she is related to that man
<@DeathStar> <Wyrd> Wait I'm getting mixed messages. When you said catnip and wrestle, I thought you meant..
<@Seraphna> Alt> Oh well some wrestlers prefer duplexes over choke holds.
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Whichever way you mean, I'm not interested."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *stares at Wyrd* "Ahhhhhhh?"
<@DeathStar> <Wyrd> I'm just saying, there's a reason there's a lot of medieval art and women tied to dragons for reasons
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...anyway....Yoiyami...where did you last see Selena?"
<@DeathStar> *Wyrd holds up her hands*
<Alicia> * Yoiyami gives the report, since her player doesn't know
<@DeathStar> *Yoiyami and Selena likely last saw each other around the fountain area before everyone split off*
<@Seraphna> Alt> Tied to dragons… **muses**
<@DeathStar> *Zayne seems to be studying Yoiyami quietly as she gives her report*
<@Seraphna> Terra> Wonder if Lucy ties her wife up to her.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "So...pretty much when we last saw her ourselves..."
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Why are you saying that dragons are horny? Are you sure it's not projection?"
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "...won't deny the hungry part though."
<@Seraphna> Alt> Wyrd only think like that about Truth I think.
<@DeathStar> <Qui> Hm? So during you tenure at school, you've never had a crush on a classmate?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh?! We need to find Selena, not talk about... about dating!"
<@DeathStar> <Qui> Sorry, sorry.
<@Seraphna> Alt> Yoi immune to sexy. She even repelled my charms!
<@DeathStar> *Qui looks serious* According to Fae's report, though, she was last seen heading for the church.
* @Ari` (~KAS@drmons0544w-99-192-37-88.dhcp-dynamic.fibreop.ns.bellaliant.net) has quit IRC (Remote host closed the connection)
* Ari` (~KAS@drmons0544w-99-192-37-88.dhcp-dynamic.fibreop.ns.bellaliant.net) joins #Geyze
<@DeathStar> <Qui> And most of us were searching the areas around the city as we dismantled the statues
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Then let's go!" *starts walking toward the church as she uncharacterstically takes charge*
<@Seraphna> Alt> Momma so charged…!
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Not a bad thing. *Origin chirps something*
<@DeathStar> *as they near the church, with evening dropping and night fast approaching, the doors seem closed and large torches are burning outside it. Large gate and walls surround the church and extend all around it and indeed a road can be seen behind the church itself, going up the mountain. And the massive dragon statue is on top of the church building where bells normally would be*
<@DeathStar> *the wooden doors to the church itself look closed - is the church even open right now?*
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "I wonder if the dragon makes the noise, or if there just... isn't."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...this is rather ominous."
<@DeathStar> <Fae> Lana getting second thoughts? Come back in morning?
<@DeathStar> *Zayne stops in front of the doors*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...n..no! It could be too late by then."
<Ari`> <Nicolette> "...yeah, that dragon really ruins the sanctuary vibe."
<@Seraphna> Alt> That’s right Momma, charge in with power!
<@DeathStar> <Qui> Push those doors open and charge in!
<@DeathStar> <Qui> Vae victis!
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "You could absolutely have a guardian dragon though." *waits to see what's inside before entering, since someone else is likely to open the door*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Alright...let's doa circle to see if there is a less obvious door first."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> .. alright. *she lowers her hand from the front door*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Come on..." *starts walkign around the church wall*
<Alicia> * Yoiyami searches the walls for secret doors, and also non-secret doors
<@Seraphna> Alt> **looks for signs**
<Ari`> * Nicolette cases the joint, checking for back doors and unlocked windows. Typical B&E stuff.
<@DeathStar> *Qui begins to circle around; the church building seems to extend quite some distance, designed it appears to make it so that people can't go around it to the road. As they walk around it, Yoiyami doesn't locate a secret door, but they do come across what looks to be a side door fo employees perhaps. The door looks much less grand and smaller, placed at the very side of the building toward a garden area*
<@DeathStar> *various beautiful plants are growing around this area*
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Side-door here."
<@DeathStar> *Fae kneels and studying some of the purple looking flowers*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Can you get the door open?"
<@DeathStar> *Zayne tries the door; it appears to be locked*
<@DeathStar> *Azif looks around Alt, peering at it*
<Ari`> * Nicolette takes a peek at the lock, wondering what sort of security they went for
<@DeathStar> *oddly enough, it appears to be a true old fashion lock and key*
<@DeathStar> *but there does seem to be a magic detector on it if someone disturbs it*
<@Seraphna> **Terra checks the flowers**
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Basic lock with an alarm set on it."
<Alicia> * Yoiyami checks the detector to see if it can be disabled
<@DeathStar> *the magic detector could be disabled with a magic spell to cancel it out*
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "I will say, though, that if we do go in this way, we'll look really suspicious. I'll leave it up to you if it's worth that to try to get in undetected."
<Ari`> <Nicolette> "Oh... this seems pretty straight forward." Nicolette pulls a couple lockpicks. "Can one of you keep the circuit open? I can do it, but it's a pain to do both at once."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhhh?" *looks at the others* "...so how about it team? Front or side?"
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "I thought I was going to be the one picking the lock. I'm okay keeping the circuit open instead though."
<Ari`> <Nicolette> "Eheh... if you rather do that, that's okay."
<@Seraphna> Terra> Not know some of these but… have toxins strong enough even effect me.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "What type of toxins?"
<@DeathStar> *Zayne lifts her hand up* If you two need any help let me know; but you two seem to have it in hand
<@DeathStar> *referring to Nico and Yoi*
<@DeathStar> <Fae> *sniffs a flower and her pupils dilate, like she's been drugged*
<@DeathStar> <Fae> .... Ah....
<@DeathStar> *rubs Terra's face*
<@Seraphna> Terra> Think drugs. Fae high now.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *looks at the others* "There is tyour control of the....ahhh...locals."
<@Seraphna> **Alt whispers a spell and tries to counter the status effect**
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Great, we really needed the poppies right now..." *prepares to unlock the door*
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "When you're ready."
<Ari`> <Nicolette> "The security is... passable, but not exceptional." She weaves spell to hold the magical 'contacts', so the alarm doesn't go off.
<@DeathStar> *Fae before Alt begins to counter it looks more than drugged, but like she is swaying and more likely to follow commands, when she snaps out of it* <Fae> Ah? What happened
<@DeathStar> <Qui> You were on a trip for a moment dear
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Euphoria? Suggestability?"
<Alicia> * Yoiyami picks the lock, something she's had a surprising amount of practice with for a 'hobby'
<@Seraphna> Terra> Perfect for cults.
<@DeathStar> *Yoiyami and Nicolette together manage to pick the lock and the door swings open, leading to what appears to be a kitchen area. The smell of food cooking drifts outside to where they are and they can hear staff moving about inside the kitchen.*
<@DeathStar> *people dressed in robes are moving about preparing what looks to be fish stew and on the counter are some of those flowers next to the fish and other ingredients. One of the cooks has their back to the door, adding to the pot of food*
<Alicia> * Yoiyami sneaks in, staying hidden, but emboldened by the fact that... well, it's a kitchen
<@DeathStar> *the kitchen itself seems to lead both to stairs going up and to other rooms on this floor*
<Alicia> * Yoiyami starts with the stairs, thinking it's easier to avoid being obvious that way
<@DeathStar> *Zayne moves after Yoiyami*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *follows Yoiyami's lead*
<@DeathStar> *the stairs seem to lead, at least to this first area, the staff quarters. The group moving along what looks to be small rooms with just enough for beds and the hallways extending onward around the corner. Qui and Fae follow afterward. Thankfully, no staff seem to be among the rooms right now*
<@DeathStar> *along the walls, though, there is one thing - a strange magical eye symbol. Looking at it would cause the group to feel uneasy and a bit of nausea*
<Ari`> * Nicolette takes the opposite approach as Yoiyomi. Instead of trying to hide, she simply moves casually, like it's her own house.
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "I don't think that eye should be there."
<@DeathStar> *traveling along the hallway, the group would see up ahead what looks to be prayer rooms and more places. The place is designed to look like a "church", but that eye symbol is all over the place, and the pamplets they were handed is scattered about*
<@DeathStar> *the pamplets having the eye on the front of the cover as well*
<@DeathStar> <Qui> I admit that eye is bothering me
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Reminds me of some old Earth lore."
<@Seraphna> Alt> No matter which way I stand the eye follows me judging me.
<@DeathStar> *As they travel along, there is a faint chanting or humming coming from upstairs - the third floor. There is another set of stairs off to the side - perhaps that is where everyone is right now. So far th second floor, at least, has been empty of people*
<@DeathStar> <Azif> Earth Lore?
<@Seraphna> Terra> Ceremony happening?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "An old secret society from the 18th century called the Lodge of the Illuminati."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> This place does call itself the Church of Illumination
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> But what is it illuminating?
<@Seraphna> Alt> You’d think there’d be more lights on.
<Ari`> <Nicolette> "Honestly, reminds me of the old city. With good old father watching on..."
<@DeathStar> <Wyrd> .... a joke?
<@Seraphna> Alt> Maybe~
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Well... illumination as in enlightenment, rather than just...you know...light."
<@DeathStar> *Heyu creeps up the stairs and suddenly retreats back down*
<@DeathStar> *moving behind Alt*
<@Seraphna> Alt> You okay?
<@DeathStar> <Heyu> Felt bad magic up there
<@Seraphna> Terra> Drfinitely bad ceremony. Maybe they sacrificing Selena to their eyeball.
<@DeathStar> <Fae> Gasp!
<@DeathStar> <Fae> The eyeball god
<@DeathStar> *Azif deadpans*
<Ari`> * Nicolette hears Terra, and immediately slips up the stairs to take a look
<@DeathStar> *as Nicolette approaches the stairs, Nicolette would be hit with magic that gives her a bad feeling - you should not keep going. You are a bad girl for continuing up and should turn back*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Well?"
<@DeathStar> *up at the top is a closed door*
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "I'm getting the feeling we're definitely going to have to wreck this place." *heads up*
<@DeathStar> *Yoi is now hit with the same magic - bad girl for coming up*
<Ari`> * Nicolette ignores the feeling. She literally broke in, of course she shouldn't be here.
<Alicia> * Yoiyami seems unaffected by such a judgement.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *nods and weaves to try to buff the team's resolve as they head up*
<@DeathStar> *the magic tries now on Lana - bad Lana! Bad!*
<@DeathStar> *Zayne just marches up, her face in a scowl*
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Oh no, the creepy church is judging me for breaking in..."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "I...I think its trying to protect something..."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> It's definitely judging me
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "That just makes me want to go further even more."
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Is this that 'teenage rebellion' or is it just a natural response to bad people telling you off?"
<@DeathStar> *Zayne opens the door and inside the room they find the church members holding what looks to be a church meeting with Selena in the middle, debating what to do with her since she broke in. She looks to be tied up and gagged, a strange elixir having been made and they seem to be preparing to have her drink it. Outside the window is the Dragon Statue*
<@DeathStar> *all the church members turn to look at the team*
<@DeathStar> *a giant eye is also on the wall, and it peers at the group*
<Ari`> <Nicolette> "Hi there. The creepy magic here told me to come up, so here I am."
<@DeathStar> <Church Member> .... It should have told you the opposite!
<Ari`> <Nicolette> "Oh... huh. That's funny."
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "You know what happens when suspicious people tell you not to investigate."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...we have alot of teenage rebbelious spiirt right now."
<@Seraphna> **Alt reaches out to grab the elixir, to the Cultists a terrifying rip in reality with hungry old ones peeking out appears and her hand comes through it**
<@Seraphna> **To everyone else her arm seems to stretch for it. LOOOONG CAT!**
<@DeathStar> *the Church Members back up a bit toward the dragon, leaving a Selena alone*
<@DeathStar> *who muffledly moves about in the middle*
<Alicia> * Yoiyami moves forward to check on Selena
<@Seraphna> Alt> Hold on Selena muffling something. **She does it again to pull her gag off**
<@DeathStar> *Selena wiggles, tied up in her chair* Ah. B-Becareful of these guys. If they get you to smell, eat, or drink their stuff here, they can take your will away. I think that's what is wrong with most of the town
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "You can let me do that, you know. You don't need to use magic to take off gags."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhh...yes. We figured that out already."
<@DeathStar> <Church Member> .... Look
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "If you're going to try to say you're justified, stow it."
<@DeathStar> *The Church member sweats, peering at Yoiyami, then at the eye, then back*
<Ari`> <Nicolette> "So... who's the oculus?"
<@DeathStar> <Church Member 2> Y-You'll let us go if we tell you?
<@DeathStar> *the eye turns to peer at them*
<Ari`> <Nicolette> "What? I mean, you're a flunkie. If you're not actively causing a problem, I don't think we care about you."
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "If you just stop doing this, I don't care where you go after this."
<@DeathStar> <Church Member> It's the gaze of our lord Miz. He's listening and watching you even now. He - He has his eye all over his land. T-They say many of the Lords have such magic, to watch over their subjects. And if need be.... *he turns white as a sheet* Punish them
<@DeathStar> *as he says that, the men begin to scream, as if in pain as the eye stares at them - and even the team can feel a bit of nausea and pain even with the eye not staring at them*
<Ari`> * Nicolette waves to the eye, "Hi Miz."
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Seems like the solution is just to shut the eye, then."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *tries to weave to try to pull apart the threads of the ey spell*
<@DeathStar> *The eye turns to stare back at the team as Lana does that* <Eye> ...
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...sc....scatter team..."
<Alicia> * Yoiyami assists, using tendrils to disrupt the physical manifestation of the eye if required.
<@DeathStar> <Eye> .... *it seems to glow a moment and the a roar sound is heard; the dragon statue begins to crack apart, with a real dragon appearing underneath*
<@DeathStar> *Selena begins to slowly join the others*
<Ari`> * Nicolette tries to direct as much of the mana in the church back through the eye
<@DeathStar> <Miz Eye> You .... think...you have won...by disrupting one of my many...eyes? *the eye actually does manage to disrupt and vanish on this floor*
<@Seraphna> **Alt eyes the dragon** Dunno if summoned or good being forced....
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...still alot of eyes...though...I wonder if the eye can work both ways..."
<@DeathStar> *the dragon has turned to face the group*
<@DeathStar> *and is inhaling to breathe out fire*
<Ari`> <Nicolette> *blinks* "Won? Um... I don't even know how to respond to that."
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Well, guess we deal with the dragon first."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...to arms!" *raises her hands and then weave s abrrier before the fire comes*
<@DeathStar> *The dragon oddly enough then flies out the window and leaves, going out into the city proper*
<@Seraphna> **Alt pouts and leaps upward to the ceiling where she starts to draw something intricate**
<@Seraphna> **Alt pauses and comes back down**
<@Seraphna> Alt> Hey! That jerk messed up my cool move!
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "You can show us later."
<@DeathStar> *Qui looks out as the dragon flies off for now* <Qui> Just be glad it left.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...I think its going to hit the city!"
<@DeathStar> <Qui> Right now it seems to be heading for the mountain
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> *to Qui* "...yeah, guess so." *to Lana* "...why?"
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...ok...it went past the city? I thought it was goign to attack the people..."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> We can't rule it out if it's under Miz's control
<Ari`> <Nicolette> "I expect it is. He might want to consolidate his defenses."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Well...ahhh... we got Selena back. Though... now we shoudl try to ge tto the fortress before they cna consolidate further."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> If it is under his control, he might be having it go toward the castle fortress to use it as an ambush
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "...oh, it's a messenger."
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Wait, did we *actually* disrupt things that much by removing *one* eye?"
<@DeathStar> <Azif> I doubt it
<@DeathStar> <Azif> If we take the same path back down with those same eyes, they will likely attack us
<@DeathStar> <Azif> Terra?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "And more specifically, the disruption comes from Miz readying his forces at the fortress because he knows we're coming."
<@Seraphna> **Terra muses and punches the floor open**
<@DeathStar> *Fae wobbles, then climbs down to the lower level*
<@Seraphna> Terra> Stairs would be better but this takes minimal spirit power.
<@Seraphna> **Terra slides down**
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...?" *weaves a pplatform to lower herself down* "...anyone else want in on my portable elevator?"
<@DeathStar> *Selena and Zayne stand on it*
<@DeathStar> *Wyrd, Heyu, and Azif take advantage of it as well*
<Alicia> * Yoiyami does too
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *lowers them down*
<@DeathStar> *using Terra's power, the group goes down to the lower level; however, they come across the chapel area where morning services are held - the pews and the podium where a giant eye is in the back, much larger than the ones on the second floor. It stares at them as they are lowered down. Thankfully, in the back of the room is the exit to the back of the church and to the road they need to go up the mountain. However, the moment they begin to lower, they begin to feel Miz's attack on their minds and he begins to make it look like the room hs begun to change into a jungle*
<@DeathStar> <Miz> Where do you think you all are going?
<@DeathStar> *The back room exit begins to vanish slowly*
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "I think Miz might be the smallest of the lords. Reacting like that to a single eye suggests that they've never dealt with any kind of resistance that isn't either a few random people or someone way too powerful to stand up to."
<@Seraphna> **Alt growls and goes defensive, summoning Heyu to her hand**
<@Seraphna> Alt> I gonna make you into a fish one day.
<@DeathStar> <Miz> I welcome you to try
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...ahhh... cover the eye."
<@DeathStar> *he has monsters rise up from the swamp to grab onto Lana and Alt*
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "...uhh..." *looks to Zayne, wondering if she knows what the hell Alt is on about*
<@Seraphna> **Alt skrees and holds out her hand, spouting burning steam at the monstert closest as she slices with Heyu at another**
<Alicia> * Also attacks the eye, similarly to before
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "hhhh?! He's going for the primary casters!"
<@Seraphna> **Terra aims at the eye and launches pure hyperspace at it**
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "....careful with your aim."
<@DeathStar> *the eye is damaged and the illusion begins to vanish, as their attacks begin to make it melt and fall off the wall*
<@DeathStar> *however,, even as it lays there, it begins to glow with some sort of magic ability and the church begins to shake*
<@DeathStar> <Selena> ... *looks around and Zayne places a hand on Yoiyami's back* <Zayne> I believe you angered him
<@Seraphna> Terra> We may need to go now.
<@DeathStar> <Qui> ... *runs for the exit*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...ahhh...is he going to do the cliche collapsing lair thing?"
<@Seraphna> **Terra grabs her with a vine and teleports the team out into the courtyard**
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhhhh?! He is!" *runs*
<@DeathStar> *the church begins to fall apart nd collapses*
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Well... I guess we're not saving them."
<@Seraphna> Terra> Who his minions? THey started leaving before the dragon.
<@DeathStar> <Wyrd> Did they though
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "I meant the low level ones, in the kitchen."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *adjusts her glasses* "Clearly petty." *turns* "But now... we need to do soemthign about their mind control drugs before they cna set up again.""
<@Seraphna> **Terra shrugs** They drug people and do bad things to them.
<@DeathStar> *Wyrd looks up the mountain path, squinting as the night stars*
<@DeathStar> *Selena slowly begins to walk up the mountain path, helping Nicolette along; Origin peeking out*
<@DeathStar> <Wyrd> You know the enemy is going to be so waiting on us, right?
<@Seraphna> Alt> Think that was gonna happen the moment Selena got into this place. Those eyes watching the whole time.
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "I think we all know that. We pretty much declared war the moment we said we were taking the church down."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Sorry. I wanted to make sure that dragon statue was not going to chase us down
<@Seraphna> Alt> Well we know it's a real dragon now. Can prepare!
<@Seraphna> Alt> What would we do to beat up Luci... distract with giant hunk of meat?
<@DeathStar> *as they begin to walk up the path and begin to approach the castle fortress at the top, they spot a figure at the entrance - Gwen is standing there, sword in the ground, as if waiting for them*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhhh? Doesn't she just like...ahhhh...?"
<@Seraphna> **Talia on his shoulder**
<@DeathStar> <Selena> ... don't tell me they drugged Gwen and made him an enemy
<@Seraphna> Talia> That's my job missy.
<Alicia> * Yoiyami sighs. "Some survival teacher."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...maybe he's just waiting for us to catch up..."
<Ari`> <Nicolette> "Huh... I haven't seem him recently."
<@DeathStar> <Gwen> At least someone had faith in me
<@DeathStar> *he notes to Talia*
<@Seraphna> Talia> I have every bit of faith in you.
<@Seraphna> Talia> THat's why I haven't pulled you out of that armor and spanked you with it. Love~
<@DeathStar> <Gwen> But yes, the enemy thought they could give me some of that elixir stuff and set me as a sentry. I thought it worked out, since I could just wait for you
<@Seraphna> Alt> My parents have odd love language.
<@Seraphna> Talia> And I just his pretty kitty so they didn't bother looking twice.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "We raided their temple, but then Miz threw a hissy fit and brought the place down."
<@DeathStar> <Gwen> So that was the loud noise we heard
<@Seraphna> Alt> Dragon ran from us as soon as they saw my might!
<@DeathStar> *Gwen turns to look back at the castle behind him* <Gwen> This should be where the spirits are being held
<@DeathStar> <Gwen> Are you all certain you're ready to enter?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Admittedly, we...ahhhh...\don't have much choice. Mix knows we are...coming."
<@DeathStar> *before them is the castle doors - standing much taller than you would imagine.*
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Do we want to circle around and find a side entrance again?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "We don't have the element of surprise, this time..."
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Yeah, we can't really sneak in."
<@DeathStar> *Gwen reaches out and begins to push the doors open, straining. Above him, from one of the many windows, a magic circle begins to appear and a strange substance begins to be poured down while Gwen is straining to open the doors. The doors, while slowly are opening, will take a moment, allowing whatever is being poured out to fall down at him*
<@DeathStar> *3*
<@DeathStar> *2*
<@Seraphna> **Talia shields herself and him**
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *weaves to raise a barrier*
<@Seraphna> **Alt fires a blast of fire up into the magic circle, seeing if it goes both ways**
<@DeathStar> *the barrier begins to be coated in what looks to be a hardening substance, forming ovre the barrier and shield and encasing it over them as it pours down over the barrier and shield until it's fully encircled*
<@DeathStar> *Alt blows up whatever was on the other side*
<@Seraphna> Alt> Ooo, it does go both ways!
<@DeathStar> *Selena stares at the hardened barrier*
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Um.... *she knocks on it and waves her hand*
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Oh, nice find! We can use that in future!"
<@Seraphna> **Talia inside the barrier hmms, and Returns herself and Gwen to Lana**
<@DeathStar> *Gwen pats himself down*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *makes apushign gesture to try to force the barrier up to break open the shell*
<@DeathStar> *Gwen returns to the door with it out of the way and begins to push again, finally opening the door to reveal a large entrance, with two rooms going to the left and right and a large large staircase going upward to a second floor where one can look down at the first floor, no doubt allowing one to greet guests from up on the second floor hallway*
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "We're either dealing with a comparative weakling... or someone who adapted around being a weakling until they weren't weak."
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "I know mom was like that too."
<@DeathStar> *many statues and armor pieces are all over the place in the entry way - some of the armor looks old and powerful, having magical enchantments on them. Infact, the path to the right on the first floor looks like it leads to an armory*
<@DeathStar> <Selena> I believe that Rogue Knight said Miz deals with Illusion Magic
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Nicolette talked with them more than I did
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Clearlya trickset type....those are more troublesome than the power type."
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "... alright, yeah. This isn't going to just be easy then."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> I would not be shocked if Miz is of the same power level of that Biker Lord, but their Illusion Magic makes them "stronger" in other ways
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Like a cockroach
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "You think you've already won, but they've been manuevering in the background."
<@DeathStar> <Gwen> Well, we do have a choice you know, though I doubt you'll take it
<@Seraphna> Alt> Possibly a mind altering effect, we see he deals in the drug version.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "And then when you kill the Bandit King, they reappear to thank us for clearly his rivals away and letting him take over."
<@DeathStar> <Gwen> We could just not fight him - we grab our spirits and make our way toward the Bandit King
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "... so yeah, we just ruined everything by stumbling into this place."
<@Seraphna> Alt> Could, but then we'd probably have to deal with him biting at our paws the whole way.
<Ari`> <Nicolette> "Miz's magic is surprisingly strong. He's just... well, I'd guess he hasn't had to deal with a real threat."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhhhh, right! focus on freeing our friends!"
<@Seraphna> Alt> I say we free them then have them help us beat him up!~
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Alt is right - if we leave Miz at our back, he'll be biting at it the entire way
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> This will be true for any Lord we skip over on the way toward the Bandit King
<@Seraphna> Alt> Also did anyone bring sauce? Tartar maybe?
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Right. This cockiness is clearly just inexperience."
<@Seraphna> Alt> I have a feeling his fish body will taste like icky.
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Nico and Yoi are probably right. I doubt many try to free the slaves here
<@DeathStar> *as they reach the second floor, the hallways seem empty of servants or guards*
<@DeathStar> *for being the northern base of Miz's, it's almost...odd*
<@DeathStar> *further down the hallway, there is somethign on the wall at least - one of Miz's eyes, but it looks closed*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhhhh?"
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Do we check room by room? *this floor seems to have at least six rooms, and further up ahead it looks like they can go up to another floor*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Hold on...does anyone sense spirit energy?"
<@Seraphna> **Terra feels gently**
<@DeathStar> *Terra indeed feels spirit energy - further up*
<@Seraphna> Terra> Yep, further up.
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Inactive sensor there... probably not worth worrying about, but important to note. It could open later."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Terra, lead us to where the spirit energy is then
<@Seraphna> **Terra nods and starts advancing, summoning her/Ceildah's hammer**
<@Seraphna> **Alt muses and draws the Void Blade, pairing it with Heyu&&
<@DeathStar> *As they move up to the fifth floor, Yoiyami would bump into literally nothing in the middle of the hallway*
<@DeathStar> *up ahead is another set of stairs, leading to what looks like a tower*
<@DeathStar> *which is hwere the spirit energy is at*
<@DeathStar> *Zayne studies the stairs to the tower, craning her head* Looks like that tower is our destination
<@Seraphna> Alt> You okay theyre Yoi?
<@DeathStar> <Azif> ... *seems to be being thoughtful, looking around at the lack of anything*
<@Seraphna> Talia> The lack of resistance is really suspicious.
<@DeathStar> <Selena> I see closed eyes on each floor, that also bothers me. <Qui> Same
<@Seraphna> Alt> Imagine if my fireball got him.
<@DeathStar> <Gwen> That's my girl
<@DeathStar> *Zayne reaches over to Yoiyami to help steady her*
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "This feels like a trick... but feeling like a trick might be a trick."
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "...and I think there's a visual illusion."
<@DeathStar> *Selena thinks* Hm.
<@DeathStar> *Selena glances around the empty hallway*
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "...I can safely say this isn't just a total fake-out."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhh...let me try something...." *tries to weave to reveal any illusions*
<@DeathStar> *Lana detects mana throughout the floor*
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Anyone got a good way to feel for walls at range? Or we could just try to break the illusion."
<@Seraphna> **Terra pauses, trying to guage if she feels the spirits any closer than when they started**
<@DeathStar> *the spirits are definitely in the tower, at least*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...definitely magical effects here."
<@Seraphna> Terra> I think we haven't actually moved.
<@DeathStar> *the group are outside the tower*
<@DeathStar> *so they have moved*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Let's see..." *tries to pick apart the mana here*
<@DeathStar> *Gwen keeps a hand on his sword*
<@Seraphna> **Alt blinks and starts trying to understand the mana aroun them too**
<@Seraphna> **Alt activates her Inner Eye**
<@DeathStar> *As Lana begins to mess with the mana here, those with good ears - foxes, cats, etc, would hear movement - lots of movement, as footsteps begin to shuffle toward the group. As Alt does that, she would see the hallway is actually FULL of armed soldiers, having been standing around waiting for them to enter the tower to surround the team, but now they're just moving in*
<@DeathStar> *weapons drawing - the sound of the weapons being drawn making a slight sound*
<@Seraphna> Alt> They're invisible! Lots of them!
<@DeathStar> *Gwen begins to swing wildly*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *focuses on undoing the illusion*
<@Seraphna> **Talia hisses and howls the terrible, terrifying cry of ancient kittens, hundreds of mana kittens swarming, scratching and biting what they can find**
<@DeathStar> *Zayne pulls out her scythe and unleashes a magic blast down the hallway*
<@Seraphna> **Alt starts sending out slashes and blasts with Heyu and the Void Blade**
<Ari`> * Nicolette takes her can and slams it into the ground, sending a wave of force down the hallway behind them
<@Seraphna> **Terra covers the floor in dust to see their feet**
<@DeathStar> *falling to her knees as she gives it everything she has.*
<@DeathStar> *the dust reveals many are laying down now, but many are standing. Selena goes into half spirit mode and unleashes a wave of holy energy at them, but Qui is lifted up as is Zayne, getting dragged by the number*
<@DeathStar> *Azif floats up and begins to unleash a plague on many*
<@DeathStar> *Lana breaks the illusion to unveil all of them*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhhh...got it!"
<@DeathStar> *Gwen taps into his arm that glows and begins to unleash strange dark energies that seem to consume people*
<@DeathStar> <Gwen> How many are there?
<@Seraphna> **Alt channels with Azif, in case she wants to do something scary with her**
<@Seraphna> Talia> I'd say he invested the lion share of his forces into delaying us.
<@DeathStar> *Azif twirls and shifts, rising up from Alt's shadow and begins to consume more of the soldiers*
<@DeathStar> <Wyrd> Really? No shit? *she stabs her scythe into people*
<@DeathStar> <Wyrd> I'd hate to work for him
<@Seraphna> **Talia nods and sighs** Making a path...
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "I can't count them right now!" *tries to debuff the enemy's defense strength*
<@DeathStar> *the soldiers stagger as they grow weak. Zayne strains and breaks free*
<@Seraphna> **Talia leaps from Gwen and floats in the air as a massive tiger made of mana forms around her, she starts slashing, biting and attacking forward**
<@Seraphna> Talia> MEOWICLES!
<@DeathStar> *Selena strains and slams into the tower door and breaks through and rolls into the tower*
<@Seraphna> **Talia moves with her, acting more like a force of nature than a cat**
<@DeathStar> *Gwen backs up into the tower*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *tries to move through the opening that Selena made*
<@Seraphna> **Alt keeps up the drains and attacks, moving that way slowly, utterly VOIDING people with the Void blade and blasting them with Holy Heyu might, letting Wyrd work in tandem with them**
<@Seraphna> **Terra seems to be reserving her power so far, taking hammer blows when she can and moves with the group, once everyone's backed enough she forms a wall in the hallway closing them all of from the outside**
<@DeathStar> *inside the tower is what looks to be a prison cell; Verdant and Shin are chained together in some sort of magical chain*
<@Seraphna> Talia> Roar! Hi you two, kinky!
<@DeathStar> *Wyrd works unleashing her death zone to keep people back as she backs away, Zayne working her way inside*
<@DeathStar> *Selena bars the doors after they get everyone inside*
<@DeathStar> <Selena> We have to make sure we fnd Qui before we get out
<@Seraphna> Alt> I can Return to her. But that means my group will be stuck with whatever she's at.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh? Where did she go?!"
<@Seraphna> Alt> That good?
<@DeathStar> <Gwen> Those soldiers grabbed her and ran off. They almost got Zayne too
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Lets hold off doing that until we assess the situation. We don't need to be leaping into another one before we resolve this one
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "I would've had to get violent if they did."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *moves to examine the chains*
<Ari`> * Nicolette analyzes the chains, figuring it'd be best to open them than just destroy them
<@Seraphna> **Alt nods, then examines the chains**
<@DeathStar> *Zayne glances at Yoiyami, trying go recover her mana, offering a slight smile*
<@DeathStar> *the magic chains seem to be attempting to supress the spirits power while also keeping them in some sort of status sleep; the chains running around their bodies*
<@DeathStar> *the main lock looks to be on Verdant's chest*
<@Seraphna> Alt> Status magic all over this. I could try countering it while someone removes the lock?
<Ari`> * Nicolette channels mana into the lock, trying to break the locking mechanism from the inside.
<@Seraphna> **Alt nods and does the countering while she does**
<@DeathStar> *after a moment, the lock seems to shatter and the chains fall off. Verdant gasps and her eyes open, sitting upward; Shin a moment later opens her eyes, looking around* <Verdant> Where? What? *she looks around, then at the time, backing up from them as if not sure if she trusts her eyes*
<@DeathStar> *Gwen presses his back against the door*
<@Seraphna> Alt> Is us Verdy.
<Ari`> <Nicolette> *pets Verdant on the head* "You're okay now."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...I do not mena to be pushy...but...Miz's army is behind that door and they took Qui."
<@DeathStar> <Verdant> .... *Relaxes* I do not like this land. You cannot trust your own eyes for a moment.
<@DeathStar> <Shin> I take it we must hurry then
<@Seraphna> **Alt nods, but uses Detect on both for lingering magic or bindings**
<Ari`> <Nicolette> "Yeah... The Miz is completely aware of what we're up to. And he has some nasty tricks."
<@Seraphna> Alt> Checking for those now...
<@Seraphna> Alt> Verdant's clear.
<@Seraphna> Alt> Shin... something's wrong with her spirit energies.
<@DeathStar> <Shin> What do you mean?
<@Seraphna> Alt> It's not quite right, it doesn't match Shin.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhhh?"
<@DeathStar> *Verdant looks at Shin, then at Alt* But Shin has been with me this entire time
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "...ah."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "You were unconscious when we got here."
<@Seraphna> Alt> Maybe he did something to you when you were in stasis...?
<Ari`> * Nicolette casually hits hits the speed dial for Shin's number on her comm
<@DeathStar> *nothing seems to happen; well except Shin stabs her hand through Verdant's chest, death like energy crackling in her hand* <Shin> Well. *it begins to transform into the creature that has been hunting them* I thought for sure I'd get to play with you longer than this
<@DeathStar> *it grabs onto Verdant's core*I
<@Seraphna> **Alt shifts the Void Blade to intercept**
<Ari`> * Nicolette charges her body with mana and attempts to tackle the creature
<@Seraphna> Alt> You should meet my Uncle Sometime, he exists just for bitches like you.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *tries to debuff the phantom killer*
<@DeathStar> *it is knocked back, Verdant kneelign and gasping*
<@Seraphna> **Alt rises up and spins the Void Blade** I was raised to protect spirits, so one chance before I make you stop existing.
<@DeathStar> *the being edges away, trying to keep back from Nicolette and Alt*
<@Seraphna> **Talia shifts, ready as a freaking mana cat**
<@DeathStar> *Selena and Zayne are already circling the room*
<@DeathStar> <Creature> Ugh, this is why I hate crowds....
<@Seraphna> **Terra muses, then reaches out and touches a wall, sending spirit energy into it and trting to block her from escaping**
<Ari`> * Nicolette redirects her mana into the tower itself, infusing the walls and floors, to prevent it from simply passing through.
<@Seraphna> Alt> We're Shin?
<@Seraphna> **Where
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Tell us and we'll let you go."
<@DeathStar> <Creature> Hah. Like you'd let me go. After all, you know my reputation. I hunt people and kill them.
<@Seraphna> Alt> We know about the brands. Can't imagine a culture that tried to kill your other two spirits is just working with you mutually.
<@Seraphna> Alt> You want to be free?
<@DeathStar> <Creature> ... Fine. I'll tell you. *it grins widely* Just to see what you do.
<@Seraphna> Alt> Go ahead.
<@DeathStar> <Creature> This was all a trap you know. The other one was already with Miz, down in the south. It's why I was put up here to take her place. Miz has had her in his southern palace for ages.
<@DeathStar> <Creature> This one was bait to let me in your group so I could kill you all
<@Seraphna> Alt> Wow he really took Shin over Verdant? He is stupid.
<@DeathStar> <Creature> ... what's so special about the little girl?
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Ah. Anyway, lets break the brand."
<@Seraphna> Alt> **just giggles** We'll tell you when Miz isn't watching.
<@Seraphna> Alt> Momma Lana, wanna help break her binding?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...do they even have a brand?"
<@DeathStar> *the creature's body doesn't seem to have a visible brand - it being a morphing like form*
<@Seraphna> Alt> **muses and examines her for one on a mana scale instead of physically**
<Ari`> * Nicolette has shifted closer to Verdant protectively, keeping a sharp eye on the creature.
<@Seraphna> Alt> My guess is Miz has an eye on her and probably the room. So we'll need to take those too.
<@DeathStar> *in many ways, it looks a bit like the mana creatures, if not for the fact it seems to recoil from those attacks*
<@Seraphna> Alt> Huh, her construct is similar to the Mana slimes? But she's... unstable with mana.
<@DeathStar> *Verdant looks at Nicolette; she seems to be slowly focusing on restoring herself*
<@DeathStar> <Verdant> Thanks... for the help... everyone. I had... no idea...
<@Seraphna> Alt> We could probably contain her in a a mana crystal or similar.
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> If you don't plan to kill the creature, containing it would be best
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> I would not trust it free
<@Seraphna> Alt> What's your name?
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Consider this a warning from one killer about another
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "...I kinda did say I would, though."
<@DeathStar> <Creature> Me? I mainly am called Mirage
<Ari`> <Nicolette> "Hey, you're one of us. We look out for our friends." Her gaze, however, is locked on Mirag
<@Seraphna> Alt> Mirage, I like it! Did Miz make you or enslave you?
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "I can't speak for you guys though... and sorry for overreaching, I guess."
<@DeathStar> *it kneels, perhaps trying not to provoke them since Mirage seems to think it has a chance at freedom* Created, so I was told.
<@DeathStar> <Selena> No, it is good to hold to your word
<@DeathStar> *Zayne grits her teeth but nods in agreement*
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "So, I'm not going to attack."
<@Seraphna> Alt> You're a mana creature like myself, so not the enslaved spirit, I should have considered the big bad probably has that one.
<@DeathStar> <Mirage> ... If you are serious about letting me go, I'll throw in a freebee. Lower your mana barrier on the wall
<@DeathStar> *she talks about the stuff preventing it from escaping*
<@Seraphna> Alt> WHat's the freebie?
<@DeathStar> <Mirage> Have to trust me
<@DeathStar> *it shifts into the form of a village girl it once saw*
<@Seraphna> **Alt sighs** Azif.
<@Seraphna> Alt> What are my options love?
<@DeathStar> <Azif> If you want to make friends with this thing, I can dispel Nicolette's barrier for free
<@DeathStar> <Azif> But she will likely get angry
<@Seraphna> Alt> Anyway we can prevent her from killing outside capturing her? A Vex maybe?
<@DeathStar> <Azif> You want to put a slave mark on her?
<@DeathStar> *Azif looks astounded*
<Ari`> <Nicolette> "Just jumping straight to undoing my magic..."
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Eww..."
<@Seraphna> Alt> I was thinking like, soemthing that prevents her from harming people.
<@Seraphna> Alt> Like she thinks agressive and it stops her.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhhh? Alt? You've been acting weirder than usual lately..."
<@DeathStar> *Azif grabs Alt's hand and moves her toward Mirage*
<@DeathStar> <Mirage> What -What are you doing?
<@Seraphna> Talia> Mmm, she is looking for the most peaceful option that doesn't break her promise.
<@DeathStar> *Azif places it on Mirage and an eldritch mark appears on the two*
<@DeathStar> <Azif> I placed a servant mark on it then
<Alicia> * Yoiyami looks... unhappy, to say the least
<@Seraphna> Alt> Okay. We can remove it later right?
<@DeathStar> <Azif> Certainly; note though the servant mark grants them more freedom to do crimes than a slave mark. So becareful now that you have linked yourself with this thing
<@Seraphna> Alt> Mirage, your greatest order, you may no longer kill.
<@DeathStar> *Mirage tilts their head* ..... What if I really want to?
<Ari`> * Nicolette frowns. This is walking a dangerous line.
<@Seraphna> Alt> If you follow and help us, I'll remove the mark. If you don't, I'll use the mark to stop you for good.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...ahhhh...aggggg...we have loitered too long." *wanting to change the subject*
<@DeathStar> *Gwen meanwhile looks to be exhausted keeping the door shut*
<@DeathStar> <Mirage> Fine fine fine! Undo your mana and I can break us somewhere safe
<@DeathStar> <Mirage> And I can help get your little spirit back.
<@Seraphna> Terra> **Touches the door and replaces it with stone for Gwen**
<@Seraphna> **Alt nods** Nico? Can you undo your spell?
<@DeathStar> *Mirage scratches at herself where the mark is at*
<Ari`> * Nicolette shrugs, and lets the mana dissipate
<@DeathStar> *Azif looks unhappy - Zayne is downright scowling and Selena helps Verdant to her feet with Nico's help*
<@DeathStar> *Mirage busts the wall to pieces, where the dragon flies up*
<@Seraphna> **Alt nuzzles Azif**
<@DeathStar> <Mirage> Before I take you anywhere though
<@Seraphna> **Alt draws something on the floor**
<@Seraphna> Alt> Mew?
<@DeathStar> <Mirage> I think you should all just give up on the spirit and leave. Miz might not be the strongest Lord - they might be the weakest actually - but you won't get out of the fight without losing more than you'll bargained for. You should just walk away now
<@DeathStar> <Mirage> That's my two cents. Miz is the type that even if they lose, makes sure to cut you as they die
<@Seraphna> Alt> We're not that kind of people Mirage.
<@Seraphna> Alt> Besides, he won't be able to cut anything when I'm done with him.
<@Seraphna> **Talia seems to just be watching passively, but she's watching Azif more than Alt**
<Ari`> <Nicolette> "Oh, thanks for the warning, but that's not happening. Not sacrificing a friend to save our asses."
<@Seraphna> Alt> Is that dragon yours or his?
<@DeathStar> <Mirage> It's mine until he realizes what happened then it'll eat us
<@DeathStar> <Mirage> So we should hurry. Come on.
<@Seraphna> Alt> Are you attached to it? I could use a snack.
<@DeathStar> *Mirage eyes Alt slowly*
<Ari`> <Nicolette> "Hey Sel... do you think you could suplex it?"
<@DeathStar> <Selena> I--- Maybe? I never really tried?
<@Seraphna> **Alt fingerguns at the Dragon and casts Fish Spell**
<@DeathStar> <Mirage> You realize I planned ot use the dragon to fly us to our destination
<@DeathStar> *she watches the dragon fish flop about*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhhh?!"
<@Seraphna> Alt> Oh, I did ask!
<Ari`> <Nicolette> "...I'm actually surprised that worked. Dragons are normally pretty magic resistant."
<@Seraphna> Alt> Not sure much can resist my Azif. She's amazing.
<@Seraphna> **Alt looks to Azif** No reverse right? I'm good eating it?
<@DeathStar> <Azif> ....Unless someone undoes it, it will not undo
<@Seraphna> Alt> Probably better we don't use it anyway, we don't know when it'll turn on us and we'll get seperated from the Ship again.
<@Seraphna> **Alt picks up the dragonscale fish**
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *sighs* "...ok...we do need to try to find Qui."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> It'll take a bit, but I'll get us down to the the ground level and we can begin searching for Qui
<@Seraphna> Alt> Right, let's go get Auntie.
<@DeathStar> *Selena transforms into her spirit form* Terra help out
<@Seraphna> Alt> I could try that Return now.
<@DeathStar> <Selena> You sure?
<@DeathStar> <Selena> The return could take us anywhere
<@Seraphna> Alt> True. Scout first. Maybe I can pop us in.
<@Seraphna> **Terra nods and glows, sending out Earth feelers**
<@Seraphna> Terra> Need to check if she's in the castle before I bring it down on the troops anyway.
<Ari`> * Nicolette eyes the hole in the wall, then scoops up Verdant and hops out, using the air to slow her to a gentle descent.
<@DeathStar> *Zayne peers down, then quietly magic girls down as well*
<@DeathStar> *Qui seems to be gone, long gone oddly*
<@DeathStar> *Selena gathers Lana into hre hands and flies down*
<@Seraphna> Terra> She's... nowhere near here.
<@Seraphna> Terra> Like, really distant.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhhh? How could they carry her off that fast?"
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "Teleporters probably."
<@DeathStar> <Mirage> What you want to know that now? That one is right, they used a magic seal to transport her to the other castle
<@DeathStar> <Mirage> The two castles are linked
<@Seraphna> Alt> Can we do the same?
<@DeathStar> <Mirage> If the link is still working by the time you walk up to it - they'll probably have shut it off
<@Seraphna> **Terra touches the stones of the tower and fortress, then ushers everyone tog et out via the hole**
<@Seraphna> Terra> That's enough for me. Miz is about to lose a lot of people.
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Terra
<@Seraphna> Terra> Yes Selly?
<@DeathStar> <Selena> We have a bunch of mages here
<@Seraphna> Terra> Do we need them?
<@DeathStar> *Selena pauses at that*
<@DeathStar> <Selena> I--
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhhh?!"
<@Seraphna> Terra> I told the fortress to turn into a silicon that's deeply flammable.
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Y-You aren't going to give them a chance to see if they can turn the warp back on?
<@DeathStar> <Mirage> I like this one
<@Seraphna> Terra> Oh. Hold on.
<@Seraphna> **Terra pauses it, the stones around them seem vaguely... quartz.
<@Seraphna> Terra> We have some time. Just don't use electricity.
<@DeathStar> *the group all lands on the ground and Gwen looks up at the stars*
<@DeathStar> <Gwen> Lets regroup for now and resupply
<Ari`> * Nicolette looks at Lana uncertainly
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Y...yes.."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Also, we have to consider this
<@Seraphna> Terra> Then try this portal thing before I turn the castle to silicon fumes.
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> If we do warp to the other castle
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> There is a small chance we might lose the Land Rover
<@Seraphna> Alt> THat's what I said! I can eat the Dragon now right?
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "That's true."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Especially if Terra is gung ho on blowing up castles
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...maybe nbot blow up the fortress right now?"
<@Seraphna> Terra> Okay...
<@Seraphna> **Terra looks like she was enjoying using her powers again**
<@DeathStar> <Fae> Terra is scary...
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *lets out a breath*
<@Seraphna> Alt> We've been keeping her from using her powers too much.
<@DeathStar> <Fae> Terra is an addict
<@DeathStar> <Fae> Terra is one of those spirits
<@Seraphna> Terra> Only addicted to Fae Fae.
<Ari`> <Nicolette> "This land is really having an effect on people."
<@Seraphna> Terra> And Fruit. **gives Fae a heart fruit**
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Lets get Verdant to the ship
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> And get her patched up for now
<@Seraphna> Alt> Yes, it's the land. Definitely. **hugs Azif to her**
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...alright, we do as Gwen...ahhh....suggest and take stock of our situation."
<Alicia> <Yoiyami> "I wouldn't even know what to do to fix things here."
<@DeathStar> *Zayne glances around the city as they walk away* Well
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Let us announce to the city before we leave what has occurred
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> The citizens are free from Miz and the church now after all
<@Seraphna> **Terra gives Fae cute eyes**
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "R...right..."
<@DeathStar> *Fae rubs her head* Fae forgive power hungry Terra
<@DeathStar> -TBC-
* DeathStar changes topic to: Geyze II: Monday 7:30 - 10:45 PM | Act 1: Magic Unbound | Session 135: Magic Unbound | http://thealienwars.com/TAW6/DaCapo/Geyze2/Sessions/index.php | http://thealienwars.com/TAW6/DaCapo/Geyze2/Bios/index.php | http://thealienwars.com/TAW6/DaCapo/Geyze2/Spirits/Spirits.php
<@DeathStar> -Minis Open-
<@DeathStar> *Verdant rests on the Land Rover, restoring her spirit energy, while Mirage is getting into trouble on the ship*
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> *to Yoiyami* Let me know whenever you want to approach the town to make the announcement about their freedom.
<Ari`> * Nicolette brews some tea for Verdant, but pours a cup for herself and Selena as well. The rest of the pot is kept warm, "Here. This should help you find your footing again."
<@DeathStar> <Verdant> I feel like I almost got the entire team wiped by being used as bait. I apologize. And now we have that thing as a teammate. *grimace*
<@DeathStar> *She takes her cup, sipping*
<Ari`> <Nicolette> "Yeah... I'm big on second chances, but they haven't done anything to show remorse or even good intentions. So... I'm wary."
* @Jackieness (~Psy@23-127-47-99.lightspeed.knvltn.sbcglobal.net) has quit IRC
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Let us hope Alt's power keeps them in check. That is all we can do for now. If Mirage is correct, at least we can try to end things tomorrow. This Miz character will likely try to to play every card in the book to trick us - I am picturing when they're losing they will play off a fake death, too. That is the rule book, isn't it?
* Ariel (~enjer@drmons0544w-99-192-37-88.dhcp-dynamic.fibreop.ns.bellaliant.net) joins #Geyze
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Let us hope Alt's power keeps them in check. That is all we can do for now. If Mirage is correct, at least we can try to end things tomorrow. This Miz character will likely try to to play every card in the book to trick us - I am picturing when they're losing they will play off a fake death, too. That is the rule book, isn't it?
* Ari` (~KAS@drmons0544w-99-192-37-88.dhcp-dynamic.fibreop.ns.bellaliant.net) has quit IRC (Ping timeout: 201 seconds)
* Day changed to Tuesday, 30. Sep 2025
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Let us hope Alt's power keeps them in check. That is all we can do for now. If Mirage is correct, at least we can try to end things tomorrow. This Miz character will likely try to to play every card in the book to trick us - I am picturing when they're losing they will play off a fake death, too. That is the rule book, isn't it?
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "Fake death, decoys, honeypots... all the basic strategies."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Honey...pots. *she repeats, then muses as if trying to picture that*
<@DeathStar> <Verdant> Well we know he's not above decoys, at least
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "It means a baited trap."
<Ariel> <Nicolette> "Something you set out because it's enticing."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> I see there's still much I need to learn then. Well, he will definitely use Shin and Qui to try to bait us. And I have to picture he will be the type that will bargain for his life maybe.
<@DeathStar> <Selena> We'll have to be prepared for him offering to let him in exchange for something.
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Isn't that how tricky ones work?
* Day changed to Wednesday, 1. Oct 2025