The Grand Time Tour

Session 137: The Grand Time Tour Part V

* Day changed to Monday, 20. Oct 2025
<@DeathStar> 2
<@DeathStar> 1
<@DeathStar> -0-
<@DeathStar> Date: The Next Day
<@DeathStar> Location: Past Greborlg
<@DeathStar> *The group has been put in the Knight's own inn, however they are currently away dealing with the nobility of the city over the fact they are threatening to use the Magi Tower on Crimore. This has allowed the team to reunite thanks to the teleport that Zayne set up between the ship and the location, due to the fact they had to leave the Peacemaker Landwalker behind. Setting up in their own private room, Selena paces about, studying who Alt has brought to meet them - Autumn*
<@DeathStar> *Zayne studies the woman, and Fae seems thoughtful*
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Where did you find her, Alt?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "This is g...getting more and more complicated."
<@DeathStar> <Autumn> Is it?
<@Seraphna> Alt> She’s been here for years and the Knights know her.
<@DeathStar> *Autumn sits in her chair, sipping some tea, a little toddler beside her*
<@Seraphna> Alt> Knew we’d find her because of the Hologram!
<@DeathStar> <Autumn> Hologram?
<@Seraphna> Alt> In the future we found an AI hologram of you that pointed us around. Figured we had you make it or something.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhh...yes...hold on." *weaves and brings out a recoding of Autumn's message*
<@DeathStar> *Autumn thinks on this* That looks a lot like Keeper technology
<@DeathStar> <Autumn> Though their true name is a bit more complicated
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "I know...I've made a study of their technology."
<@DeathStar> <Autumn> They are a charming race, in a strange manner
<@DeathStar> *she sips her tea*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ah...well...they seemed fixated on Spirits."
<@Seraphna> Terra> Though no one seems know best we are yet.
<@DeathStar> *Autumn lets out an odd smile* Well, I can't say I know all their secrets, but from what little I understand their goal is to save the universe
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "It's part of their colonization method. It's quite effective at stablizing a planet."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Save the universe from what? The 'Giant Red Hand'?"
<@DeathStar> <Autumn> Hm. Giant Red Hands. *She murmurs* I don't know much about hands....
<@DeathStar> <Autumn> But I do know there has been a lot of fear going around lately about something from deep space
<@DeathStar> <Autumn> Both among the Keepers and the people of the two worlds
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "We know there was some sort of threat out there... one possible clue was a depiciton of a Giant Red Hand in the sky... though I amdit that could be...ahhhhh...apocryphal."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Lana
<@DeathStar> <Selena> We were grabbed by hands just the other day
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Giant ones
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "So there is that..."
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Yeah, definitely doesn't seem metaphorical."
<@Seraphna> Terra> Eldritch can be scary.
<@Seraphna> Alt> Can be nice and pretty too. And sleepy. **pets Azif**
<@DeathStar> *Autumn thinks on this* I'll tell you what little I do know
<@DeathStar> <Autumn> As for the Keepers, I assumed what they were afraid of was the Croza
<@DeathStar> <Autumn> Which I admit, makes little sense since from what I've seen, they're much more powerful
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "The croza destroyed themselves in a conflict over what to do with the Spirits...and yes, Keeper technology exhibits a level of sophisitcation over that of the croza."
<@DeathStar> <Shin> The Croza's technology was based on the Keeper's, in the end
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "With some innovations of their own, but yes."
<@DeathStar> *Shin eyes herself, thinking*
<@DeathStar> <Autumn> They seemed to be afraid - or watchful - of something out there, and if you asked certain groups around Geyze and Kumen, they too seem spooked about it, depending on how close they are with the Keepers. It's part of why groups have been building things like the Creation Machine to my knowledge and Kumen has been doing odd magic creations of their own.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "But it still bothers me..."
<@DeathStar> <Autumn> The problem is no one can give me a straight answer on what this thing is - not even the few times I've met with the Keepers. They simply defined it as the one who lurks and can alter reality
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Definitely concerning."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "It could be an eldritch entity..." *looks at Azif* "...what do you think?"
<@DeathStar> <Autumn> I have no idea if the spirits were meant to be something that could stand against it
<@DeathStar> *Azif remains in her deep sleep. Who knows why Alt dragged the poor book into the meeting*
<@Seraphna> **Alt us cuddling her for healing properties**
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> I'm afraid the one time we could use her, Azif remains unattainable
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Well... we know the red hand is an eldritch entity."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Unconfirmed, but possible."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> The hand aided the other Azif, did it not?
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "No, another eldritch entity literally told us directly that it was."
<@DeathStar> <Autumn> Ho?
<@DeathStar> <Autumn> You all have been running into a lot of them since I been gone?
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Well... only four, counting Azif. She-who-will-not-be-named, this red hand thing, Azif, and Nodens."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhh...well...Azif is an avatar of the 'Necronomicon Ex Mortis'."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Ah right. Nodens.
<@DeathStar> *Zayne muses* I recall that one
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Yeah, she didn't stick around long, but we learned a lot from her during that time."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *pushes up her glasses* "Not really a major player though."
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> *pauses a moment* "Well, at least, compared to what we knew before."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "I don't recognize any lore concernign the red hand though...that's my problem."
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "I'm not sure of that. She was definitely... passive, compared to the other two. But she commented on not wanting to get involved here."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Right. It's strange, thinking about it.
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Are you focusing too hard on it being a red hand? And not just a being that HAS a red hand? Like, maybe we've only perceived a tiny bit of a red entity?"
<@Seraphna> Alt> Or it decided to look Red!
<@DeathStar> <Selena> I mean the hands that grabbed us had no red in it
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Of course there is a larger entity attached to it!"
<@DeathStar> <Selena> And no eldritch entities have made their presence known to us since being thrown back here in time. Yet here we are talking about them. Isn't that like red flags?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Red herrings would be more appropos. I lack data points."
<@Seraphna> Alt> Worried about Azif still recovering, that fight took lots out of her..
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...I could take a look."
<@Seraphna> Terra> I miss fighting slavers and bandit kings.
<@DeathStar> *downstairs, the doors open and the group can hear the Knights returning, arguing about something*
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Yeah... Eldritch beings are much harder to grapple with. I need to figure out something to counter that..."
<@DeathStar> <Autumn> It sounds like the heroic Knights are back from their meeting
<@Seraphna> **Talia sears herself in Autumn’s lap**
<@Seraphna> **seats
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...and arguing. They need to stay...ahhh...stay unified."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> That's the problem though. Something is going to happen in few days that will bring everything crashing down
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "I know." *pushes up her glasses again* "And we are caught up on Ground Zero."
<@DeathStar> <Autumn> .... Hm. If you are right, it probably be wisest to get away from here on the nearest ship before the cities fall. Of course - you'll learn nothing that way, but when these cities start coming down, it'll be like the end of the world
<@DeathStar> <Autumn> I could take you to the meet the Keepers if you want to follow another line of investigation that is safer, especially if the Knights are about to go to Crimore
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "The problem is if we simply go by ship, that won't protect us...dropping continents into the coean would cause tsunamis."
<@DeathStar> <Autumn> Only Crimore is like that, but yeah, when it comes down it'll be bad
<@Seraphna> Talia> If we interrupt too icy we’ll break time again.
<@DeathStar> <Selena> If we go with the Knights, though, we might learn which side caused all this
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Right...just one continent drop would be devastating."
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "That's a tricky balance... we want to know what happened, but not get caught up in it."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "If we do go with them, we need a quick...ahhh...exit strategy."
<@DeathStar> <Fae> Since there is no scary spirit
<@DeathStar> <Fae> Terra and I can try to maintain our teleport link to the Landwalker
<@Seraphna> Terra> And we know my Hyperspace doesn’t detect here.
<@DeathStar> <Autumn> If it absolutely comes to it, teleport to a Keeper temple. They can withstand anything
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Can we get the landship to a Kepper temple in time? That way we cna use it as an...an. anchor."
<@Seraphna> Alt> Oooo!
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Gwen is still at the ship
<@Seraphna> Alt> Upgrade time!
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Since his armor would give him away
<@DeathStar> <Selena> We can have him navigate the landwalker into position
<@Seraphna> Alt> Time to make it a flying land ship!
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> ... what?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Not enough tiem to make the conversion..."
<@Seraphna> Alt> Can bring it to keepers to do it.
<@DeathStar> <Autumn> Hm
<@Seraphna> Alt> We just use universal greeting.
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "If there was a temple big enough to stash the ship inside, that'd be useful."
<@DeathStar> <Autumn> If you do not mind turning the ship over to me, I can bring the ship to the Keepers. I need to talk to them anyway
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "We need to get it to the Kepper temple efor our plan to work, either way."
<@Jackieness> Keeper
<@DeathStar> *Autumn turns to Terra* You mind giving me a lift for the time being?
<@Seraphna> Terra> Sure.
<@Seraphna> Terra> You must teach me Monster Secrets/
<@DeathStar> *Autumn gathers her toddler and joins Terra. As Selena, Zayne, Shin, and Verdant all prepare to stand up, the masked man can be seen sitting behind Nicolette. Lavenza turns, snacking on some cookies and begins to choke in surprise*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Be sure to tell Gwen our plan."
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "A-ah, hello there."
<@Seraphna> Alt> How does he get about!?
<@DeathStar> *he shakes his cane* <Masked Man> I am always here!
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *looks at the masked man* "Ahhhhh?"
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Probably best if you don't come downstairs - the Knights will ask questions. *She pushes him toward Terra*
<@Seraphna> Terra> When did you get a cane?
<@DeathStar> <Masked Man> .... I always...had a cane?
<@DeathStar> *He questions*
<@Seraphna> Terra> And that taco?
<@DeathStar> <Masked Man> *Reaches behind Terra's ear slowly and pulls out Fae*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...what is even happening?"
<@DeathStar> <Selena> ... let us go downstairs. They'll head out when they're ready
<@Seraphna> Terra> Gasp you found my sexy wife!
<@DeathStar> *Fae flails*
<@DeathStar> *Selena marches down out of the room to the common area. Zayne scans it and sees the various Knights looking annoyed about something - the team would recognize the armors on a few of them. Rika having Gwen's armor in the present day, as well as a few other armors on some of the Knights they've come across being on other Knights.*
<@DeathStar> *Shin and Verdant hang back a bit, keeping close to Nicolette*
<@DeathStar> <Gavin> If Greborlg is not willing to stand down with their weapon, we only have a few options open to us. I do not want to resort to violence against the Tower itself at this time. *he nods at the Greborlg Knight* So I recommend we leave a few of our Knights behind to keep an eye on the situation and the rest of us head for Crimore to see if we cannot get them to either hand over the machine or dismantle it.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *looks around at the various knights*
<@DeathStar> *Gavin begins to split up his 12 Knights, leaving a fourth of them behind*
<@DeathStar> *Rika walks over to the team* <Rika> I apologize that things are becoming more complicated.
<@DeathStar> <Rika> Did you have any idea as to your plans?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "We would like to...ahhh...accompany you to observe."
<@DeathStar> *Rika turns to look at Gavin, then back* I do not think that wise. I know you said something about wanting to go to Crimore, but with all the Kingdoms becoming more agitated, you could be risking your lives going there
<@Seraphna> Alt> We’re pretty strong! **fails to make a muscle**
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "We're surprisingly used to danger. Even of this scale."
<@DeathStar> **Rika looks at Wyrd and Heyu carrying Azif* <Rika> But you have a wounded person with you as well
<@Seraphna> Alt> We need to fix her…
<@DeathStar> <Rika> And a little child. *she notes, Speedy hiding behind them - having snuck in with the group when the Masked Man did, probably having followed him. The horse eared girl peeking about*
<@DeathStar> *Rika lets out a breath* Very well. Crimore does excel in magic talent. I would not deny you seeking to heal someone. I will make Gavin understand
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "We probably should have sent her with Autumn."
<@DeathStar> *she moves over to the leader and can be seen talking to him, motioning at the group. Speedy gives Nicolette pleading eyes and hides behind Alt*
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> .... *looks at Alt, disapprovingly*
<@Seraphna> Alt> She really wants to come for some reason.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh?"
<@DeathStar> <Selena> I'll help keep an eye on her.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "We should get ready."
<@DeathStar> *Gavin joins them* If you are to come with us, I expect no trouble
<@DeathStar> <Gavin> And I want you to stay close to me
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "A-ah, sure."
<@DeathStar> *Gavin nods, motioning at the other Knights to go ahead of them.* <Gavin> Are you all ready then?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Hopefully trouble doens't come to us."
<@DeathStar> <Gavin> Is there some sort of trouble I should be expecting?
<@DeathStar> *Selena stays back away from Gavin while Shin and Verdant have moved closer* <Verdant> No~?
<@Seraphna> Alt> Nah.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "These are troubled times...right?"
<@DeathStar> <Speedy> I'm good girl
<@Seraphna> Alt> Speedy is a good girl.
<@DeathStar> <Gaving> That is true. *he leads them out onto the streets of the Greborlg that looks a like the current day, only they are in the clouds. The Academy appears to be smaller and not as advanced perhaps. He walks along, headed for the flight port, where their air craft is waiting - a large magi-tech craft powered completely by magic. Gavin waves them inside, the other Knights having it all ready for them already*
<@DeathStar> *the space port in modern times looks like it has become the water port*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *climbs in*
<@Ariel> * Nicolette steps up, and turns to offer a hand to Selena, knowing she can't be happy about the whole Gavin thing.
<@DeathStar> *Selena, Zayne, Shin, and Verdant climb in, while Speedy looks over the edge of the space port at the clouds*
<@DeathStar> *Selena takes the hand*
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Thank you
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *looks at the others* "I actually did some design work on a mana-fueled vehicle myself."
<@DeathStar> *Selena makes sure to sit next to Nicolette as Gavin leads them to their own compartment in the ship, then oddly sits with them instead of with the other Knights*
<@DeathStar> <Gavin> You know how to make ships?
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Well, it's not exactly any of our personal specialties."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "I've...ahhh...done soem design work...but i couldn't get the resources to actually build it..."
<@Seraphna> **Alt cradles Azif **
<@DeathStar> *Gavin pulls out pieces of paper; the ink and paper feel like they have faint magic laced in them as Gavin begins to draw* <Gavin> There are many in Greborlg and Crimore that could use engineers if you have the talent. *He begins to sketch those he hasn't yet, quickly drawing them, an odd sort of magic occuring on the paper as when he finishes the drawing, he passes it out* Hold onto these, they can serve as protection for yourself if you are under attack - you can use the portraits. They can also be used in other manners, but this is the most common way for beginners.
<@DeathStar> *He begins to stand up. Speedy looks at her drawing and swoons*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *takes the paper* "Ahhhh...thank you."
<@DeathStar> *Selena eyes her portrait and her face seems unreadable*
<@DeathStar> *Gavin look at Azif and Alt, musing on something like he wants to comment on something, when he hears his name called out, so he puts his pen and paper up* I will return
<@DeathStar> *he steps out of their compartment*
<@DeathStar> *Zayne puts her paper up* Interesting magic. It felt familiar yet different
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *looks at Selena* "...penny for your thoughts?"
<@DeathStar> <Selena> I am not sure what to make of the man after almost being killed by his alter ego. I want to believe they are not one and the same, but I find fate is not usually that kind
<@Ariel> * Nicolette tries to analyze the magic in the pictures.
<@DeathStar> *it seems to be a type of Creation Magic*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "There are two possibilities... the most likely is that its someone else in the armor, which is consistent with the otehr Knigths we encoutnered."
<@Seraphna> Alt> Well we already know the armor can be worn by others.
<@DeathStar> <Shin> ..... *looks unsure*
<@Seraphna> Alt> And this magic paper thing seems new.
<@DeathStar> <Shin> The death aura is so high right now over everyone that I am having trouble locking onto just one person
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Pretty sure it's the same guy. But... who knows how this is going to turn out."
<@DeathStar> <Shin> So many will die soon it is just too overwhelming
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "The second possibility is it is him, but driven mad from seeing everything he fought for destroyed."
<@DeathStar> <Verdant> I would cheat and try to look through time, but that is impossible right now due to whatever is going on
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "We may not even be in the real past... rather inside a paradox."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> What does that mean?
<@Seraphna> Alt> Well, everyone stay close so we can leave it it gets bads.
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Third... there's an annoying device that twists reality and does the cursing thing."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Well... that is certainly possible..."
<@DeathStar> *Speedy hums at her paper* Speedy think he is pretty
<@DeathStar> <Speedy> Pretty boys can
<@DeathStar> <Speedy> Pretty boys can't be evil.
<@Seraphna> Alt> Like Daddy
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> ...did we not just fight a "pretty boy"?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...yeah... we did."
<@DeathStar> *Gavin returns after a moment, running a hand through his black hair* <Gavin> I must apologize - I know you wanted to go to Crimore but we will be delayed
<@Seraphna> Alt> What wrong?
<@DeathStar> <Gavin> If you want, I can have one of my Knights take you off in one of the emergency shuttles and take you that way, but it will be cramped
<@Seraphna> Alt> Mew?
<@DeathStar> <Gavin> It seems as if there might be an incident on Kumen that we need to address first.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Incident?"
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "On Kumen?"
<@Seraphna> Alt> Ut oh.
<@DeathStar> <Gavin> It appears that Kumen has been developing a ship as well as their own force to battle us Knights. And they are now demanding we issuing demands that we step down and that Crimore turn the Creation Machine over to them. *he shakes his head, rising* What in the world is going on
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...maybe the big threat uses divide and conquer tactics?
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Too much is going on. All at once. Honestly feels like someone is going around behind the scenes and poking everyone with a stick."
<@DeathStar> <Gavin> Many among us Knights would be in agreement with you there, Lady Nicolette. But the problem is we have no idea what Kingdom is doing it
<@DeathStar> <Gavin> It feels as if once this Creation Machine was nearing completion every Kingdom simply began to go mad
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "I doubt it's any of them. Or the Kumen. Or the keepers. They're all at risk from this, so they wouldn't start it."
<@DeathStar> <Gavin> Ah, so you are in the camp of the outside force that must be stopped. Many believe in it. The Magi Towers that built and now threaten each other were once designed to protect from such an idea
<@DeathStar> <Gavin> Seven towers powered by the most powerful mana crystals. <Selena> There are seven...towers?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhh...could you explain the creation Machine...I mean...who designed it? Why build it?"
<@Seraphna> Alt> Seven of them…
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *leans over* "...get a map of the towers."
<@DeathStar> <Gavin> Ah. I admit I do not know everything about it - I planned to question my King about how it but I do know it is based on Creation Magic. From what I understand, Crimore somehow forged the Creation Machine by gathering seven creation pieces, using some of the same techniques that made the Mana Crystals. Only in this case, instead of making massive crystals of magic, they focused it into making creation magic pieces to form the machine
<@DeathStar> <Gavin> Each piece alone was powerful enough to do it's job, sort of like my paper and ink there could bring my pictures to life, but on a much larger scale
<@Seraphna> Alt> Seven… **she frowns and strokes Azif ‘s hair**
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...doesn't this seem a bit like overkill then?"
<@DeathStar> <Gavin> But brought together, the idea is the Creation Machine could bring any thought or idea made into creation via magic
<@DeathStar> <Gavin> You'd have to ask the people who designed it - they felt to truly be able to achieve a massive scale, that many pieces would be needed
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "But a scale to do what? That is the big question."
<@DeathStar> <Gavin> My King and company keep saying it's for the defense of Geyze and to trust them
<@DeathStar> <Gavin> I'm hoping to get them to tell us
<@DeathStar> *Selena has gathered one of their maps*
<@DeathStar> *it showing the one Magi Tower at the Academy, and the Tower found on Kumen, and the one Tower found recently in Greborlg - making just 3 on Modern Geyzr*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *moves over to Selena* *whispers* "We need to investigate these other sites when we get back."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> The other 4 are likely destroyed.
<@DeathStar> <Selena> But I'll compare the maps on this ship and mark them on ours
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "The Spire has extensive subterranean chambers. Those may still be intact for others, even if the surface structure were shattered."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> I notice something
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> 7 plays a big part in these things - 7 Mana Crystals, 7 Magi Tower, 7 Creation Pieces
<@DeathStar> *Gavin seems half-destracted* Many in our community feel that is a lucky magical number
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Seven is an important number in various mystical traditions."
<@Seraphna> Alt> Hey Gavin what were you gonna say to me?
<@DeathStar> *the ship begins to enter space and Gavin can be heard being called up again* <Gavin> Ah, I was wondering about your friend's condition and if you wanted me to draw a portrait of them awake. But depending on the situation, it could do more harm then good, so I wanted to know more before I offered. We are approaching Kumen, so please be ready
<@DeathStar> *Gavin approaches the front of the ship*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> A"hhhh...you had bettst save your strength until we know what we are dealing with."
<@Jackieness> best
<@Seraphna> Alt> It could do harm…?
<@DeathStar> *Speedy looks out the window - the ship is approaching what looks to be a strange looking city*
<@DeathStar> <Wyrd> Anything can do harm if not done correctly
<@DeathStar> <Wyrd> Even medicine
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Basically, it depends on the nature of her sleep. If she were 'dreamwalking', then forcing her awake could be very dangerous."
<@Seraphna> Alt> I feel like she’s regenerating and reviving…. **checks their bond**
<@DeathStar> *Selena points out the window - outside the city is a massive magi tower*
<@DeathStar> *it appears that is the case*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "....Kumen is really overcompensating..."
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Yep."
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "But if you only have one, I guess you have to make it count."
<@DeathStar> *the tower seems to be aimed at Geyze*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...was it this big...ahhh...last time we were here?"
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Was it? Why ? Is this a second one?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "I don't know...we were there just once...we found the dolls."
<@DeathStar> *Gavin and the others helmet up and prepare to exit into the city. Gavin motions them to follow them* <Gavin> Come along
<@DeathStar> *Selena stands up while Verdant freezes*
<@DeathStar> <Verdant> What...dolls?
<@Seraphna> Alt> Mana Dollies
<@DeathStar> *Verdant has shifted under her seat*
<@Seraphna> Alt> Like puppets for Mana
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *whispers* "We assumed that they were ther Kumen equivalent of Familiars."
<@DeathStar> <Shin> ...
<@DeathStar> *Speedy looks at Verdant, then at the others*
<@DeathStar> <Lavenza> Dolls scary?
<@DeathStar> *Zayne marches out with the Knights*
<@DeathStar> *Selena hurrying to catch up*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh?" *looks at verdant again before rushign to catch up*
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Now I feel like I missed something."
<@DeathStar> *outside in the hallway, it is lined up with cute looking girls - all looking the same - wearing frilly black lolita like maid outfits, but they seem to be a little off - they all are filled with mana energy and they move a little stiffly* <Maids> Welcome, Knights of Geyze. *their jerky movements shift* Please follow us this way. *they seem to be motioning toward the door. Each of them seem to have a strange device on their arm*
<@DeathStar> <Selena> ... I noticed Lana had a strange humanoid doll in her lab. *she leans in to see if it looked like the girls* It seemed more like a doll than these do, but then it had no clothes
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhh...these must be more of them, but yes..."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "The doll we found was also ancient, while these are still...new.""
<@DeathStar> *the dolls lead them through various corridors into a meeting room, where the group comes face to face with a group of men and women wearing various bracelets or stuff around their necks, glowing with magice energy. The Knights study the group of 7 before them*
<@Seraphna> **Alt tilts her head doing a headcount**
<@DeathStar> *Gavin motions at Rika* <Gavin> Rika, keep an eye on our guests. *one of the people of the facility moves to join them as well, a teenage woman.*
<@DeathStar> <Teenager> I-If you're going to walk around, then I'll come with you. I can't believe the Knights are carrying around civilians
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh... we prefer 'neutral observers'."
<@DeathStar> <Teenager> .... *she jerks at the word Observer*
<@DeathStar> <Teenager> You're...what?
<@DeathStar> <Rika> You have to forgive the people of Kumen, they believe in you know what
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh? Observers? Those who...observe...stuff...without judgement?"
<@DeathStar> <Rika> Which is quite ironic given that they're willing to attack us Knights like this
<@DeathStar> *Selena looks confused, glancing at Nicolette*
<@DeathStar> *The teenager looks twitchier and twitchier*
<@Ariel> * Nicolette shrugs. "I could guess, but they're being incredibly vague"
<@DeathStar> <Teenager> Fine, I'll assume you don't know anything
<@DeathStar> <Teenager> We call the big bad that is behind the scene pulling all the strings The Observer, or some may call him The Watcher.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhh...what do you know about this entity?"
<@DeathStar> <Teenager> Well many believe they're out in space - the Kumens do and the Crimores probably do. Hence the original need for all the Towers. They think the Observer was out there watching us. The Keepers were all like it was messing with our world and history, changing things. And you would not even know it. Which sounded insane, but people believe the Keepers so we would go through the history logs trying to find any evidence. When that failed we built defenses. But we... *she taps her head* We think the Observer likes to watch. Hence the name Watcher among some of us. They like to be up close and personal to see the action first hand. Front row seats.
<@Seraphna> Alt> Feels like the one we’re dealing with.
<@DeathStar> <Teenager> Problem is it could be anyone then. Could be even the Greborlg or Crimore leaders for all we know. Or even the leader of the Knights
<@Jackieness> <Noire> "Ahhhh..what about one of your dolls?"
<@DeathStar> <Teenager> ... *looks around at all the maid dolls that have been following them* Yeah... yeah it could be any of them too
<@DeathStar> *Rika at this point is rolling her eyes so hard*
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "They... hm. So do you think this observer is controlling events, or just watching up close?"
<@DeathStar> <Teenager> Many of us think they set up scenarios to see how they play it out. I mean, if they are changing history and setting things in motion, they have to have some hand in things. We're just not sure how much of a hand. <Zayne> It is almost like you're describing someone setting up experiments and then watching it
<@DeathStar> <Selena> Or someone putting toys down to watch
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "But if they can change the fundamental variables of reality... how are magi tower weapons supposed to stop them?"
<@Ariel> * Nicolette taps a finger on her cheek, pondering this.
<@DeathStar> <Teenager> Well, the hope at the time from what I was told was due to the power of those towers, due to the sheer number of them, and the ability for each tower's destructive force, it should be able to simply destroy the force. At least that was the hope, but none of the towers ever detected anything. Now - Greborlg is aiming it at Crimore
<@DeathStar> <Teenager> That tower will be enough to blow the entire thing up
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhh...but what if that is what the Watcher wants?"
<@Seraphna> **Alt squeezes Azif and pouts**
<@DeathStar> <Teenager> But - what if the Watcher wants the Creation Machine? If the Knights get ahold of it, it could be diasterous too. We should take custody of it and be allowed to dismantle it
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "If they want to see what happens in unusual circumstances, letting people end up with weapons powerful enough to destroy each other and reason to aim them at each other? That'd be enticing."
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Who destroys who? Who captures the macguffin? That sounds like cinema for a entity like you described."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "The Creation Machien could also be a threat to the Watcher...if it is able to reset reality so that it cna no longer change things to suit its whim."
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> Nicolette is likely correct. I would not be shocked if every piece of this was designed by the Watcher to see who pulls the trigger
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *points* "Also true!"
<@DeathStar> <Selena> So ironically
<@DeathStar> <Selena> The Creation Machine could be it's undoing but it's also it's the toy being used to drive everyone mad
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "If I were a twisted entity looking for cheap entertainment, that would be somethign I would do."
<@DeathStar> <Teenager> You are assuming that the leadership of Crimore would actually use it properly
<@DeathStar> <Rika> That is why we Knights were planning to go there
<@Seraphna> Alt> Do watcher gave people a gun to see who shoot. What if nonobe does?
<@DeathStar> <Shin> That is a good question
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Then intercede and pull the trigger yourself."
<@DeathStar> <Shin> But would that be cheating?
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Honestly, I'm not sure anyone could use something like that properly."
<@DeathStar> *The Teenager is beeped on her communications and steps away for a moment and seems to be listening to something, peering at the group, then at Azif while listening to some voice*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Of course, it would be cheating. Everything it does has been cheating."
<@DeathStar> <Rika> .... Everyone. Be on alert just to be safe
<@DeathStar> *the teenager seems to be laser focused on Azif as she is hanging up her communication and the dolls seem to becoming numerous behind the team*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *sigh* "I hope this doesn't get complicated."
<@Seraphna> **Alt frowns and eyes the teenager**
<@DeathStar> <Teenager> I notice your companion is ill. Would you like to follow me to our medical?
<@Seraphna> Alt> Okay.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...ahhhh...ok."
<@DeathStar> *she turns to lead them down another hallway*
<@DeathStar> *Speedy bounces after*
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "This is a bit awkward, but we never got your name."
<@DeathStar> *Rika shifts behind the group*
<@DeathStar> <Teenager> Oh! I apologize. I'm Tanya. I'm a member of a new unit that was formed recently. *she plays the magic object around her neck, glancing at Nicolette*
<@Seraphna> Alt> I’m Alt and this Azif.
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "I'm Nicolette. What's this new unit?"
<@DeathStar> <Tanya> Our scientists designed special magic gears. Each of them have special abilities and can even link together with the ship - well, once it's done. We were inspired. *up ahead is the medical room*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *leans over to Selena* *whispers* "The Drachoit""
<@DeathStar> *Selena nods at Lana in understanding as Tanya begins to prep the medical room for Azif*
<@DeathStar> *Shin looks around - the medical room looks legit, but by it's design it looks like it can be locked form the outside to lock people inside*
<@Seraphna> **Alt stays close to Azif**
<@DeathStar> *Tanya.... works on scanning Alt and Azif*
<@DeathStar> *their information appearing on the screen as the magic begins to read everything it can about them*
<@DeathStar> *Alt's information reads her as part human, part unknown mana being*
<@Seraphna> Alt> Azif’s reading might get complicated.
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "So what are you worried about?"
<@DeathStar> *while Azif's information comes up and it looks like the system is straining to make sense of her information, corrupted symbols appearing on the screen, and eldritch words forming as it finishes her scan*
<@DeathStar> <Tanya> ... *one of the dolls locks the medical bay room*
<@Seraphna> Alt> Oh yay….
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *whisper* "We should not have brought Azif."
<@Seraphna> Alt> She just needs help restoring.
<@DeathStar> <Tanya> You likely have the Watcher among you right there. *points at Azif*
<@DeathStar> <Tanya> Or one of it's minions
<@DeathStar> <Rika> Your paranoia is growing. *she has drawn her blade*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *whispers* "...and that is why."
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "No, she's probably right. To a degree."
<@DeathStar> <Rika> Pardon? *she looks at Nicolette*
<@Seraphna> Alt> Azif is not the Watcher.
<@DeathStar> *Selena and Zayne shift into stand by mode while Shin remains calm*
<@Seraphna> Alt> Or one of their minions.
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "She's not the watcher. But she is connected to... either the watcher, or a similar being. We don't know which being "the watcher" applies to."
<@DeathStar> <Tanya> I admit... I did not expect you to confess so easily. *she looks a bit stumped*
<@Seraphna> Alt> Her former mistress isn’t the Watcher.
<@DeathStar> <Selena> *hisses* Don't say the name
<@DeathStar> <Tanya> And who is this Mistress?
<@Seraphna> Alt> Not gonna. Needless to say she may be the key to us defeating the Watcher.
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Well, I 'confess' because I believe your concerns are valid. But this one... she has agency of her own, and we've watched her. She hasn't done anything to cause trouble at this point."
<@DeathStar> <Tanya> You all speak in riddles. You know some being that could defeat this Watcher, but seem unwilling to speak their name?
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Because to speak their name will draw their attention. And we don't want that."
<@Seraphna> Alt> They’re that powerful. You don’t invoke the name unless you want them here.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...thie being is either the Watcher itself or potentially as dangerous as it is."
<@Seraphna> Alt> Not the Watcher. **starts sounding really annoyed at that**
<@DeathStar> *Tanya and Rika look at each other a moment, then Tanya turns to look at Azif* Well, some scans managed to work. Do you want to know what was found?
<@Seraphna> Alt> Yes.
<@DeathStar> <Tanya> This creature's magic power was severely depleted. It seems to be trying to restore it. The problem is that it seems to have a strange type of magic power.
<@DeathStar> <Tanya> I could try to wake it if you want
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...is that safe?"
<@Seraphna> Alt> Need energy to feed her. It’s Eldritch so it can feed off just about any donation.
<@DeathStar> <Tanya> It should be, the problem will be that it will be in a weakened state
<@DeathStar> <Tanya> The second issue - it appears it is multiplying
<@Seraphna> Alt> That would be our baby.
<@DeathStar> *Selena spit takes*
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Your... what?"
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhh...multiplying?"
<@Seraphna> Alt> Baby. She’s pregnant.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...th...that's...why woudl you do that?!"
<@DeathStar> *Tanya shows the screen where it appears Azif has inside her not the traditional like scan of a kid, but there is definitely something growing*
<@DeathStar> <Tanya> What would you call it?
<@Seraphna> Alt> Cuz we’re together?
<@DeathStar> *Zayne for the first time in her life, looks to be completely floored - her jaw dropped*
<@Seraphna> Alt> Volume 2?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *grabs her hair and pulls it over her face* "...this is seriously dangerous."
<@DeathStar> <Shin> .... *slowly backs toward Nicolette and puts an arm on her, as if to body guard her from Alt*
<@DeathStar> <Rika> I take it this is not good news?
<@Seraphna> **Alt frowns** They’re prejudiced.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...eldritch entities are inherently chaotic...who knows what will happen..."
<@DeathStar> <Tanya> So do not wake her?
<@Seraphna> Alt> Can you feed her mana?
<@DeathStar> <Heyu> Hey, she'll be fine. .... *she backs Alt up*
<@Seraphna> Alt> I’ve been slowly doing it but Mana is my life force.
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "No, if you can wake her, and think you can do it safely then do so. I'm more worried about Alt's habit of trading away parts of herself for... anything she feels interested in."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...wake her up...keeping her asleep isn't helping things..."
<@DeathStar> *Tanya uses the machines here and boosts the system's mana into Azif. A moment later, mana energy rises off.* <Tanya> There, I--- *she peers at an alarm* I need to go see ot this. *she has the door unlocked and steps out*
<@Seraphna> Alt> **muses and feels out her book’s condition**
<@DeathStar> *Azif twitches, and slowly seems to be trying to sit up, like a person who is coming out of a deep sleep but is having sleep paralysis* <Azif> ... ...
<@Seraphna> Alt> Azif, it is your sexy sleep paralysis daemon princess.
<@DeathStar> *Azif sits up and looks around, opening one eye* <Azif> .... *looks at everyone* ... why is everyone staring
<@Seraphna> Alt> Long story but they know we preggers.
<@DeathStar> <Azif> Hm. *looks a little odd at that* Yes. I believe there are other matters we should focus on besides that oddity
<@DeathStar> *Azif gets to her feet and nearly falls on her ass*
<@DeathStar> <Rika> ... *looks out in the hallway, noting the dolls are gathering in even larger numbers*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhh...so what is happening?"
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Also, the others know you're an eldritch entity and are on edge about your presence. So we should probably not strain their hospitality."
<@DeathStar> <Azif> I'm trying to go through everything that has been said while I was asleep. .... You are likely indeed facing an eldritch entity. The problem is there are countless ones who it could be
<@DeathStar> <Azif> It might explain why my Master has opted to "vanish" and give me away though
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "But...the crawling Chaos is one of the strongest."
<@DeathStar> <Azif> Yes. So I suppose that would narrow it down
<@Seraphna> Alt> Hoping we beat it for her. But another you trying bring her back… which was weird cuz she not gone.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Can't be the Blind Idiot God...still asleep."
<@DeathStar> *suddenly Gavin busts into the room along with the other Knights. Rika moves over to him*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhhhhh?!"
<@DeathStar> <Gavin> We have to go.... the dolls suddenly began to attack everyone, including the men and women of this facility. *he has blood on his face as he says this and Selena steps back a little, eyeing his bloody armor as well* The ones that managed to avoid it turned into these giant gears and are fighting them right now, but there are so many of them
<@DeathStar> *he looks out at the dolls, that are coming their way* <Gavin> I am afraid of the ship beign destroyed, we need to move now
<@DeathStar> *he sets out for the hanger*
<@DeathStar> *Rika follows after him*
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Wait, what?" She looks to Azif, "Can you run?"
<@Seraphna> **Alt picks her up with ease**
<@DeathStar> *Azif lets her* <Azif> .... how... bothersome.... sorry
<@Seraphna> Alt> Cheese it like the Lobsters are attacking!
<@DeathStar> <Selena> The what now?
<@Seraphna> Alt> No time!
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "It could be the Watcher! If the dolls take over the facility, they will probbaly fire on Geyze!"
<@DeathStar> <Shin> Should we head for the tower then?
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "I don't know if we cna even make it!"
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> *pauses* "Yeah, we need to make sure it doesn't fire."
<@Seraphna> Alt> Guess we have to bust it.
<@DeathStar> *Gavin swings his sword around, breaking dolls ahead of them*
<@Seraphna> Alt> Azif, go book.
<@DeathStar> *Azif poofs into her book form*
<@DeathStar> <Gavin> Rika! Dragon!
<@DeathStar> *a large dragon begins to rampage ahead of them*
<@Seraphna> **Alt pulls her into her pack and welds her Gladiuseseseses**
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *moves forward* "Sir Knight, we think the dolls intend to fire on Geyze!"
<@DeathStar> *Gavin pauses, then looks out the window at the giant tower*
<@Seraphna> **Alt starts killinating dolls as she moves**
<@DeathStar> <Gavin> ... right
<@DeathStar> <Gavin> One second
<@DeathStar> *he begins to draw something on the floor*
<@DeathStar> *it looks like a picture of all of them entering the tower*
<@Seraphna> Alt> I will not be purchasing your playsets!
<@DeathStar> <Gavin> Alright, hang on. *the group would feel themselves being sucked in and appearing at the top of the tower - thankfully, it looks designed a lot like the one on Geyze*
<@DeathStar> *however, right now it's filled with dolls all over the control systems*
<@Seraphna> **Alt begins her enrampagememt**
<@DeathStar> *the dolls leap at Alt and begin to cover her entirely up with a ton of dolls, so much so it looks like an army ants have covered and they go tumbling down the stairs*
<@DeathStar> *it does clear out the top level some though*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "They are already trying to take control of the firing system!"
<@Seraphna> **Alt starts draining them of their mana**
<@DeathStar> *they seem to be aiming the Mana Tower back toward Kumen itself*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...clear the way...I'm pretty sure I cna disarm the weapon."
<@DeathStar> *Selena pulls out her sword and charges forward. Gavin pulls out his dual swords, looking a lot like Gwen at this moment and charges*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *waits for an opening*
<@DeathStar> **the dolls throw a spear out and spear Shin through, pinning her , while another leaps and begins to stab at Zayne,while Selena and Gwen begin to mow their enemies down*
<@Seraphna> **Alt keeps draining and swinging Wyrd and Heyu**
<@DeathStar> *the dolls meanwhile begin to target the area the Draíocht is being built*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *tries weaving a debuff on the dolls*
<@DeathStar> *Alt's ant pile is soon shredded*
<@DeathStar> *Zayne and Shin free themselves and blast dolls out of Lana's way*
<@DeathStar> *the doll slides into the Magi Tower's fore to blow itself up, to make it fire and blow up the Tower*
<@DeathStar> *core
<@DeathStar> *3*
<@Ariel> * Nicolette casts a wind spell to throw the doll aside
<@Seraphna> **Alt blasts at it**
<@DeathStar> *it goes flying*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *runs forward to try to disarm the weapon*
<@DeathStar> *it blows up as well*
<@DeathStar> *Lana's OG of the month - prepare*
<@DeathStar> *Up, down, Right, Left*
<@DeathStar> 5
<@DeathStar> 4
<@Jackieness> dulr
<@DeathStar> *the Tower begins to power down, the mana crystal inside the tower cooling down*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> *lets out a sigh*
<@DeathStar> *Zayne eyes the giant mana crystal, her hand twitching as if wanting to grab it. The remaining dolls all begin to fall over*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...give me a moment..." *goes over to one of the dools and tries to see if she cna figure out what happened*
<@DeathStar> *it appears as if one of the team's techs put in a kill code to go after the Knights, but "messed" up the code and it began to go after everyone*
<@DeathStar> *Gavin radios Rika to check in on the ship, finding the dolls had indeed ripped out various parts*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Ahhh...look here...this is bad programming. They were trying to target the knights...but bungled this conditional, so it read as all living targets."
<@DeathStar> <Selena> That's a serious mistake
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "Very. It was done in haste."
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "The guilty party is long gone...either escaped or the first victim."
<@DeathStar> <Gavin> We'll have to get a new ship ready. *he kneels, looking at the code* Hrm. I had just convinced their leader to give me a chance with Crimore. I was even going to let them monitor everything so they would feel better
<@DeathStar> <Gavin> Then the dolls came
<@Seraphna> Alt> Clearly someone in their faction had a watcher agent.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "I would have to agree there..."
<@Ariel> <Nicolette> "Seems plausible."
<@DeathStar> <Gavin> Stupid. *he stands up, putting his helmet on* If people keep getting in my way, I can't report the truth of the situtaion
<@DeathStar> <Gavin> Pure stupidity
<@DeathStar> *He walks off*
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...that is a bit troubling."
<@Ariel> * Nicolette nods slowly.
<@Seraphna> Alt> And cute innocent books were not to blame.
<@DeathStar> <Selena> If Verdant's time table is correct, we're nearly at the end.
<@DeathStar> <Selena> We need to becareful when we arrive at Crimore
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "The question is... did we change anythign just now?"
<@DeathStar> *Shin looks at the others* <Zayne> It will be impossible to say until we return
<@DeathStar> <Zayne> But I have to imagine losing the ship was not meant to happen
<@Seraphna> Alt> No idea Corporal Lanarial.
<@Jackieness> <Lana> "...very true. And that assumes that the Watcher doens't reset things again."
<@DeathStar> -TBC-
* DeathStar changes topic to: Geyze II: Monday 7:30 - 10:45 PM | Act 2: The Grand Time Tour | Session 138: The Grand Time Tour Part VIII | 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> *the group has been sent to a safe secure location until a ship can be found; Azif seems to be resting and slowly getting her strength back. It's clear that will be slow in coming, but she can move around at least. Verdant eyes all the creepy dolls laying around while Selena brings out food and drink for the team*
* @Jackieness (~Psy@23-127-47-99.lightspeed.knvltn.sbcglobal.net) has quit IRC
<@DeathStar> <Speedy> I miss Peeps cooking...
<@DeathStar> *she plays with some of Kumen's frozen dishes*
<@DeathStar> <Azif> .... *she appears disturbed trying to decide who the enemy is*
<@DeathStar> <Azif> Mistress - this becoming too dangerous. When we return, you should go back across the ocean
<@DeathStar> <Azid> And become the Queen of the Amazons
<@DeathStar> *Zayne and Lavenza seem to be drawing something*
* Day changed to Tuesday, 21. Oct 2025