Is the World Really so DARK

[LadyGlutter]

I'll take a moment to prep and light a torch and then head downstairs, slowly.

[Chris Chandler]

I follow, right behind Erin, and to the right if at all possible.

[LightBringer]

The steps are pretty narrow, but Lin you can walk over enough to see the stairs in front of Erin as she descends.

The steps go down about 60 feet, then make a 180 degree turn to the right, and descend another 180 feet. The stairs and walls are thick with dust. You see the stairs level off, and turn right again. The smell of decay has increased the deeper you've descended, but is in no way overpowering. As you make the turn you see another 40 feet of flat hallway sealed by a large rusty iron door. Above the door etched into the stone are some runes in Low Melnibonean reading, "Herein lies Earl Valyk - Lord of Demons, Dragon Rider, Acolyte of Matik, and Servant of Arioch."

Under that are some more runes in High Melnibonean, "They Wait!"

[Chris Chandler]

Oh, goody. I was hoping for company.

[LadyGlutter]

I glance up to see who all is here.

((Since no one else has posted since a month today, I feel safe to assume they're not with us. I'm not going to nag them. How do you want to deal with this? Just me and Lin, with Anthony and Knives NPCed? I'm cool with that, and it'll speed things up a lot, but I just want to be clear before I start busting up graves of demon lords and junk. :) Or turning around and leaving them to rot, for that matter.))

[LightBringer]

Erin, Lin, Anthony, and Knives are at the door. The others are upstairs 'guarding'.

[Chris Chandler]

I see if the runes conceal any mechanism or trap of any mundane sort.

[LightBringer]

Nope. No traps hidden by the runes, and no signs of any traps around the door. If there is one it's of a magical nature.

[LadyGlutter]

I sigh. "Now, I'm not really familiar with this Earl, but I've slain demons and ridden dragons." I chuckle and glance at Anthony sideways.

"Still, I don't imagine he's going to be unprotected in his eternal slumber. And I'm really curious who it is that's waiting..."

Well, if there's anything of a magical nature, are any of us able to tell? I'm honestly not sure if I would know or not. I'll certainly check it out, though.

[Chris Chandler]

I suppose that I'll take it for what it's worth, and start exploring at the very edge of the hall.

[LightBringer]

Lin, After the last turn there is 40 feet of hall ending with the door. The walls of the hall are covered in dust, and the only thing that has disturbed the dust on the floor is your group. There is nothing of interest in the hall itself, and no signs of any movement for at least 10 years.

Erin, You, Anthony, and Lin have an affinity to magic. Sometimes you can feel powerful enchantments, or demons/virtues. No one in the group gets any sort of read off this door though.

Anthony watches as the door is checked, but mostly keeps a watch on the stairs headed back up.

Knives stands between, waiting to see if Erin opens the door.

[LadyGlutter]

Actually, being of a polite mind frame today, I don't just barge in yet. I knock first.

[Chris Chandler]

I stand with my hands on my hips, smiling.

[LightBringer]

Lol, an intertesting manauver.

You can tell there is a large room behind the door, from the sound of the knock. You hear a faint voice say, "What was that?" There is no answer to the question, or the door.

[Vash The Stampide]

Vash-

((Sorry i keep forgetting to check the forums ><))

Vash-

Leaning against the entrance, and after a time "Hmm, Seems quiet up here. Guess I'll lay a trap and head in as well." I'll attempt to set a well laid wire trap of some kind depending on whats around the area, and then try and catch up with the others.

[LightBringer]

Vash: Where would you like to set the trap Vash? There are 3 primary entrances to the ruins. There is 1 main entrance to the area with the trap door, and a couple of possible ways in that look less used. How many and which ones will you trap?

[Chris Chandler]

I lean in and whisper to Erin -

Well, someone's home, at least.

[LadyGlutter]

"That was me, Erin Walsh Giovanni, knocking on your door! I hear you're waiting for us."

[LightBringer]

"Well what are you doing standing around out there! Come on in."

[Chris Chandler]

I laugh and wave Erin to open the door.

Ladies first...

[Vash The Stampide]

Vash-

I'll trap the main one, and I'll try and setup the left one. Then head in cautiously.

[LadyGlutter]

And at that, I do open the door.

[Chris Chandler]

What do we see?

[LightBringer]

Vash you begin setting up the traps 2 main traps you want.

Erin turns the handle and pushes the door open.

Lin and Erin are immediately hit with a heavier dose of death and decay as the scent fills the air around them, then quickly begins to disperse. It's still not enough to make you sick or ill, although you have no real desire to eat anytime soon.

From here you can see the room on the other side opens up wide, and you can't see the ends, but directly across from you about 5o feet is another door, and what appears to be a statue of a dog, sitting about 3 feet to the right of the door. The floor looks fairly clean.

[Chris Chandler]

I wipe the tears from my eyes and grimace, but try not to make a noise that might be disrespectful. I mean, who am I to criticize another people's cultural habits? I mean, in Ishmir, we have fireworks and paper dragons running around me pot o' gold.

[Vash The Stampide]

Vash-

Alright, then after that I will head in cautiously.

[LadyGlutter]

((LOL, Chris. If I wasn't already confused as to where you're from.))

I wait for the sick to pass, then walk in, and walk in the direction of the dog, rather than the door first. Since we can't see very far, I'll stop if anything of interest comes into view. Also, I will watch my step, of course, every step of the way, and keep alert.

[LightBringer]

Erin, Lin, Anthony and Knives walk into the room carefully. Nothing jumps out at you, or collapses on you, or flys out slicing you in half, sooo, so far, so good. The door does close behind you when everyone has cleared that area though.

Once inside the room you see it is about 100 feet wide with several 10x10 alcoves at each end. A couple are empty, a couple have old broken in half statues, and the rest are littered with bones, and rotted flesh.

((Continuing actions?))

Vash you are setting up the second of your traps when you hear some moveemnt in the jungle about 15 yards off the the north.

[Chris Chandler]

I'm trying to keep up with Erin. I don't want her to get isolated. I'll look around without deviating from Erin's flank. This is no time to let curiosity get the best of me. No, absolutely not. Nope. Uh uh.

So, where's the nearest half-statue? Can I tell what it is?

[Vash The Stampide]

Vash-

((sorry I see now what you were meaning))

Only Reese and myself here now? If so....

Whispering to Reese, "You hear that Reese?" Pointing in the direction I hear it and still whispering, "Get ready man." I'll quickly and as quietly duck in for cover and taking up a good, if possible, vantage point for a shoot with some sort of cover. For instances a column or pillar.

[LadyGlutter]

I'm still heading in the direction of the dog. I fully expect all that to try and kill us at any second, though.

[LightBringer]

Vash you and Reese take up positions, but the noise fades, and you don't see anyone.

Erin and Lin, as you make your way into the room, you can tell the heavy dust in this room has been disturbed on and off. You can both see that the other door, on the north wall, is made of a shiny red material, and the letters C A S I M are embossed on the doors surface.

Lin your focus moves to one of the statues. This one is to your left, on the east wall. It looks like it may have been a female of some kind. You can make out the shapely legs that extend from a skirt or short robe. The base of 'her' stand is littered with bodies stuffed in the alcove.

Erin you approach the 6 foot tall statue of an evil looking dog. It's made of some kind of oily black stone. There is a chaos signet on the collar around it's neck. It's mouth and eyes are closed, but the nostrils look like they were carved flared.

[Vash The Stampide]

Vash-

Before I go back to finishing the traps, "Reese you want to take refuge in the entrance while I finish up this trap? Take guard just inside?" If he does, then I will finish the trap and head in.

[LadyGlutter]

I turn to Lin, nudging him. "Note the collar. Any ideas? Or knowledge of what CASIM is?"

[Chris Chandler]

((Do I know what CASIM is?))

This is likely a guardian. I mean, I say that flippantly, but dogs are usually symbols for guardianship and with a mark like that, it's likely true. Now, what I'd like to know, rather than what the hound guards, is who owns the hound.

I take a closer look at the statue to see if I can make some determination, and make note of the remains of any rites that might be present within the area.

[LightBringer]

((Nope not really))

As you approach the dog for a closer look, a beautifully shaped woman's mouth appears, and says, "Halt!! You may not pass!"

Even though you both know the dog is some sort of bounded entity, the whiteness of it's eyes give you small start, as they pop open. "She won't let you pass, and she is quite strong. However, I could tell you how to get past him - perhaps...

We could play a little game. What say you?"

[Chris Chandler]

My eyes light up, and I almost speak for the whole group, but clamp my mouth shut, slowly turn to Erin and then look, pleadingly for a bone.

[LadyGlutter]

I shrug and laugh. "I'm not the boss of you, Lin."

I turn to the dog.

"I apologize, I don't know how to properly address you. However, my friend seems very interested, though I can't speak for him. I prefer a little more information, myself. What sort of game would it be?"

[Chris Chandler]

Yes, a game sounds fun, but I'd like to hear of it, how to play, how to win, the stakes. All of that.

[Vash The Stampide]

Finish trap head in >.>

[LightBringer]

Vash is finishing up the traps, as Reese takes up a defensive position.

The dog looks at Erin, "You may call me your Lordship, or perhaps, Great One." He then begins looking back and forth from Erin to Lin as he speaks, "It's fairly simple. Just answer my riddle and I may tell you how to circumvent her. I am weary of being god to those miniature Kay. Arioch they are such bores. I need...hmm, here they come now."

The back of the middle alcove on the east wall falls away and 6 small creatures come pouring through. They are all light framed creatures covered by a brownish fur, and a forest of stubby black horns protruding from their heads, and shoulders. Their mouths run up the center of their faces, with an eye on each side of the mouth, that is filled with short fangs. They are wearing what look to be tanned animal hides for armor, and are carrying spears and stone axes.

They immediately charge the group upon sight.

[LadyGlutter]

I draw my sword. "Um, any time now would work for me... oh Great One."

[Chris Chandler]

I take a deep breath and then take a defensive posture, standing Erin's "shield side", but nod at the dog-statue.

Yes, Lordship sir, anytime.

[LightBringer]

The dog simply watches as the smaller creatures attack the group.

Anthony and Knives take up defensive postures for the first wave of attacks. Blows ring off Anthony's shield, and Knives manages to sidestep, and parry away an attack.

Several blows head both Erin's and Lin's way.

(You'll need to parry or dodge those, and then give me your actions.)

[Chris Chandler]

Here are some parries and dodges:
Parry: 100
Dodge: 54
Parry: 48
Parry: 99
Dodge 31

If I'm not on the ground bleeding after that amazing bit of distraction (see if a blow lands on Erin, just see...) I will disarm one of the attackers and proceed to clout the rest with the weapon. I'm looking for a spear or staff to snatch, most specifically.

Snatch: 23
Clout: 44

No! No, little furry, stubby-horned men!

[LadyGlutter]

Parry - 64
Dodge - 99

(Yay, it's contagious. :hurt: Ugh! Let's keep going just in case I have two on me.)

P - 78
D- 51

(Oh, look, I improved. LOL)

I swing at the nearest one with my sword. (61)

[LightBringer]

Fortune smiles upon you as their attacks bounce off your armor.

Lin snatches a spear and smashes an attacker in the head. It immediately collapses to the floor.

Erin swings her sword, and nearly slices her attacker in 2.

Anthony and Knives also retaliate, and down 2 more.

The remaining 2 continue to attack. Anthony and Knives cut them down.

[Chris Chandler]

Still holding the spear, I address the dog statue.

Did you call those creatures?

[Vash The Stampide]

Vash

Tip toe..Tip toe..

[LadyGlutter]

I raise my eyebrow inquisitively, but say nothing. I lean forward to inspect the creatures' corpses while Lin talks to the dog-statue.

[LightBringer]

((Sorry guys, apparently I forgot my user name))

The dog statue responds, "Me!? No. They come here from time to time to worship me. Although that was the most excitement I've seen in years, so that should tell you something. Now where was I...aah the riddle.

Answer me this, "Dead and Cold, Hard and Round...It raises the dead from the cold hard Ground." He waits for an answer.

Vash you quietly manuver sown the stairs, using a make shift torch for light. You round a bend and the stairs continue farther down.

((If you think you know the answer feel free to guess, otherwise give me one roll. If you have Music Lore tell me at what score.))

[Vash The Stampide]

Vash-

I'll head down the stairs being cautious looking for signs of the others movements.

[LadyGlutter]

((You coulda asked me. It's LightBringer! I know because I'm a HACKER.

As far as the riddle - nothing comes to mind. The word "dead" eliminates every guess I come up with. I have no Music Lore, and my score is roll is 47.))

[Chris Chandler]

Lin nods -

It's a grave-robber's shovel, methinks.

[Outlawjc]

(( Am i with in ear shot of the others?)) If so I'll head way after hearing combat careful to not mess with Vash's trap. Otherwise I'll wait here and enjoy a piece of jerky.

[LightBringer]

Vash, you see what you believe are Erin, and Lin's tracks, but no traces of other movements. You see a heavy door ahead of you.

Reese, they are deep underground, so I'm afraid it's jerky for you, until you decide otherwise.

As Knives and Anthony begin to speak the dog interrupts them, "Ahh, now, now, one answer is all you get." The dog looks at Lin, "Well, that's wrong, but I like the way you think, and after all, you did kill those bothersome Kay. Tell the door 'Fraal Casim Triva' as you try to open her."

[Vash The Stampide]

Vash-

Ill make my way over to the door listening carefully. When I get to it, I'd want to see if I can peer past the door into the next room.

[LadyGlutter]

I look puzzled at Anthony and Knives. "So did one of you know the answer?"

[Chris Chandler]

I look puzzled as I try to think of the actual answer, but I'll look toward the others before saying anything.

So, shall I?

[LadyGlutter]

I shrug a Yes and head as I continue to look questioningly at the other guys.

[Chris Chandler]

I'll go up to the door and examine it before I do anything else.

[LightBringer]

Anthony replies, "Well I had an idea but apparently we only get one answer and it took Lin's." He looks around, "I suppose we can just do as it said, and go from there." Knives shrugs and nods in agreement.

Lin, it's a 5 foot wide door made of a shiny smooth red material. There are no hinges, locks, or latches on the door.

Vash the door is basically air tight. You see no light around the edges, and no sound comes through it.

Reese you remained up top, and not much has happened, but suddenly you hear a lot of movement in the brush to the north. It sounds like whatever it is, is moving away from you to the east.

[Vash The Stampide]

Vash-

I'll try and open it slightly, trying to be quiet.

[LadyGlutter]

"Right. I wanted to know, because I was curious, not because it would help us."

[Chris Chandler]

((Is Vash opening the door Lin is examining, or is he opening a different door? If he's opening Lin's door, Lin is totally backing up. Otherwise, Lin will speak the words as he touches the door.))

[LightBringer]

Lin, you speak the words and push the door open. It opens into another hallway. You see it opens into another room about 100 feet down the hallway.

Vash the door opens easily with a push. The stench of death increases as the air pushes out. With the door cracked you can see a wall that has 3 alcoves. There are cracked and broken statues in each alcove. There are also piles of bones from dead souls stuffed in each alcove around the base of the statues.

[Vash The Stampide]

Vash-

I'll walk in the room slowly on guard, but looking around for any evidence of the others.

[Chris Chandler]

I'll look over my shoulder to Erin and Anthony, with a smile. Stepping into the hallway, I'll call out -

Hellooo? Anyone there?

[LightBringer]

Lin your voice echo's down the hall, but there is no reply.

Vash as you walk in you see the same layout as I described earlier. The room recks of death and decay. You see another set of alcoves on the other end of the room opposite the alcoves you saw when you cracked the door. Those are stuffed with bones as well. You do notice, now that you are in the room, that the middle alcove, on the wall you saw through the cracked door, has some of the bones pushed to the side, and scattered slightly onto the floor in front of the alcove. Across the room from the door you came in, is another door that looks like it's made of a shiny red material. In front and to the side slightly is a statue of a dog sitting there. It's skin is black and looks a little oily, from here.

[Vash The Stampide]

Vash-

I'll slowly approach the Red door carefully, ready for anything, weapon firmly clutched in my hand.

[LadyGlutter]

I'll follow Lin. He is our self-appointed scout at the moment, it appears. :)

[LightBringer]

Vash when you get about 15 feet from the door a large woman's mouth appears and firmly states, "None shall pass!"

The eyes of the dog statue pop open, "Well another visitor. What ever shall I do with you?"

[Vash The Stampide]

Vash-

"Let me pass. Thats an option." Holding up a guard position with the spear.

[LightBringer]

The dog laughs, which looks kind of funny, but sounds way evil. "I'll tell you what, if you can answer my riddle I'll tell you how to get past the door. If you can't answer my riddle, you have to agree to do me a favor and I'll tell you how to get past the door. What say you?"

Lin, Erin and company, you are still standing at the end of the hallway.

[Vash The Stampide]

Vash-

"Ok, What' the riddle?" Not changing my posture or grip.

[Chris Chandler]

Bah, that never seems to work. Okay, well, let's head on down, shall we?

I move down the hall, keeping a close eye on where I step, how I move, and what is in front of me, to either side, above and below.

This is the sort of room that disagrees with how you step on it.

[LadyGlutter]

I'm really tempted to jump up and down ... yeah I can't help it. I jump up and down. "You think this will be a problem then?"

[Chris Chandler]

I can't help but laugh at that, but I'm still careful myself. Over here. Away from the jumping.

[LightBringer]

Lin, Erin and company; You go down the hall and come to a 4-way. You can see to the left about 20 feet in a room opens up. The same thing is on your right. The hall continues straight.

Vash you stand ready the the dog replies, "I am the beginning. I am the giver of life. I am the taker of life. I give birth to worlds. I am the destroyer of worlds. I am the end."

[Vash The Stampide]

Vash-

"Time. And I don't have alot to spare on you."

Standing now in more of an attacking stance ready for any move toward me, because I don't trust him.

[LightBringer]

A sly looking half-smile crosses the dog's lips, "Ah, close but no cigar. Would you like to try another guess? It's not to painful."

[Chris Chandler]

I turn down to the left with a c'mon wave of my hand.

[Vash The Stampide]

Vash-

"Well, your no God If I ever saw one." Ready for a move to be made.

[LadyGlutter]

I'm following the scout. If nothing happens because I bounce on the floor, I'll get bored soon enough. :)

[LightBringer]

Lin comes to a room, 30 by 40 with a 12 foot ceiling. The dust here is thick, and undisturbed. Directly across from the entrance is an alcove containing a 7 foot statue of a knight, perhaps. He has a shield and sword in hand but wears robes.

Vash, the dog responds, "Gods? Oh, you'll get enough of the gods, that is if your willing to pay the price of one finger for another guess."

[Vash The Stampide]

Vash-

I'll walk over to one of the piles of bones and pick up a finger (he didn't say who's finger). I'll then turn back to him, "Here is a finger you can have."

[Chris Chandler]

I'll look very closely at the floor to see if there are any markings, pattern, or other unusual features. I'll also glance at the walls, and the ceiling. As I'm doing so, I'll call out -

Excuse me sir, you seem to have sacked your housekeeper. Terrible amount of dust on the floor. Do you have a moment?

[LightBringer]

The dog chuckles with an evil grin, "Very good, but you had best make it a good guess because the next one will cost you your right hand."

Lin there is no answer to your query.

[Vash The Stampide]

Vash-

Rubbing my chin, "Well, I guess my next guess would be God."

[LightBringer]

Lin there is still no answer to your query.

The dogs evil laughter rings through the room. "'God'? Who is god? You speak as if there is only one." The laughter dies down, "Sorry, but that is also incorrect, but your getting warmer. Would you like to pay the price for another guess?"

[LadyGlutter]

"What are we looking for, guys? A gem, right? Do we have any idea anything that might let us know if this is the right way? Any information whatsoever to keep us from just randomly picking dusty alcoves to walk down and disturb the denizens of these tombs? Any knowledge of legends? Anything? Because the floors haven't been all dusty like this - completely undisturbed - til now. It bodes evilly. But it might mean it's exactly the way we should go."

I try to search my own memories as I pause. I'm really uncomfortable with this directionless roaming, especially since we're on a time table.

[Chris Chandler]

Yeah that's right. It doesn't seem likely that anyone has walked here for a while. Then again, maybe whomever traveled here didn't walk.

I look to the ceiling to see if there are any potential handholds up there.

[LightBringer]

Lin, There is nothing on the ceiling that looks like any kind of trail.

Erin, No one seems to have an insight into this gem or it's legend.

The group does realize that the hall that continued straight at the 4-way looked more traveled than the 2 side rooms.

[LadyGlutter]

"Maybe that means that whatever is here is still here, then? I don't know. I guess we'll find out."

I look at Lin and wait for him to open the door.

[Chris Chandler]

Okay, I'll open the door and then, if nothing happens, carefully walk along the edge of the room, being sure to find a small stone to wedge into hinged side of the door, so that it hopefully will stay open in the event that someone(thing) is cute.

I guess so!

[Vash The Stampide]

Vash-

((Is the answer to general knowledge or game knowledge, cause I really don't know much of it))

[LightBringer]

(( :S What door are you talking about?))

((This riddle is based on general knowledge, unlike the first one Lin and Erin had. Tell you what, since I know you don't want to lose a hand, and I'm feeling generous, if you can roll 30% or below on a pecentage roll tomorrow at the game, so that T can be my eyes, I'll say you smooth talk the dog and get the answer to passing the door. Otherwise you'll have to figure another way past.)) :cool:

[Vash The Stampide]

((Ok cool. But I'll have to wait till this friday ><))

[LadyGlutter]

((Vash rolled a 44.))

Based on our earlier conversation, I will indeed wait and see what Lin does. :)

[Vash The Stampide]

Vash-

" Don't really care to pay that price for passage. Though, earlier, you implied that if I weren't able to solve it. You would want to ask a favor of me. What might this favor be? If I see myself able, I may be incline to take it."

[LightBringer]

"A favor!?" the dog exclaims in surprise. "Hmm, perhaps!"

You can almost feel it's eye bore through you and into....something beyond.

"Inside of this place, you will find a friend of mine. He has been cursed and made less than a man. He has been made no more than a blob of flesh. If you swear to kill him, and take up his sword to slay his torturer, and avenge his tortured soul, I will tell you how to pass. Swear to this task, knowing any less will bring you great suffering!"

He awaits your reply.

[Vash The Stampide]

Vash-

"Why was he cursed, and by whom? Then I may be willing to accept."

[LightBringer]

The dog pauses for a moment, "Why is unimportant when dealing with fickle beings, and you will know the torturer when you see it. Swear or not, this is your last chance."

[Chris Chandler]

I'll call out -


Excuse me? Hello! Hi! Well met, and greetings. I am Lin, priest of the Ishmiiri, and these are my loyal companions, Erin and Anthony, merchants from Pan Tang. H... how are you today?

[Vash The Stampide]

Vash-

Heading toward where I came from, "Well, I'm already on one deal for more than just my life, but more importantly, I feel my comrades can manage from here. No need in getting myself caught up in something over nothing." After that I head back to the entrance, but being careful about it.

[LightBringer]

The dog chuckles, "Very well mortal, have fun up top, but your friends are no where near ready for what they have just come upon."

Lin and company, the demon laughs. The sound sends shivers up your spines. "I am hungry, little priest. Please come in and remedy that." The stench seems to rise again and fill the air.

[Chris Chandler]

I furrow my brow and think for a moment. I have an "aha" moment and draw a circle on the ground, then step into the circle and start a prayer, slowly intoning an old Ismiiri nursery rhyme in a rhythmic chant.

[LadyGlutter]

I don't know what Lin is doing but I'll flow with it for the moment.

[LightBringer]

The demon watches as well, and waits

(What are you attempting Lin?)

[LadyGlutter]

This has been a long ass moment. I'm going to bug Chris tonight.

[Chris Chandler]

I peek one eye open and then continue the chant, laying down a small silver chain within the circle in front of me.

I stand back up and shout - Ya!

I then look at the demon expectantly.

[LightBringer]

The demon watches you intently as you perform the ritual. As you stand up quickly and shout, he shifts his position backwards slightly in anticipation of 'something'. He looks slightly confused when nothing happens.

[Chris Chandler]

I look down at the silver chain confused and then back at the demon, matching his expression.

You... don't have some ward set up so that you can't have visitors, do you? Because that was - Hrm... that didn't go as planned at all. I mean, I thought you'd like a dinner guest.

[LadyGlutter]

I try to stifle my chuckle at Lin offering himself for supper. Also, I don't interfere with this interesting broach at parlay. Lin always manages to get something to happen, even if it's not really what we want and his methods are unorthodox. :)

[LightBringer]

The demon still slightly confused goes along with Lin for the moment, "No, there are no summoning wards here."

His mind then returns to food and clears more, "I guess one of you will have to fill my belly."

[Chris Chandler]

I smile and retort -

Well, see, that's what I was thinking, as well. You know, there's an old Ismiiri saying about that. Let me see... Oh yes, 'Never question the contents of your guests stomach.'

I pause -

No, that makes no sense whatsoever. What I meant to say is, 'Your guests belly should never be your own course.'

I smile, still unsatisfied. Finally, as I finish the actual summoning, I say -

Ah, yes, now I remember, 'A guest should be made welcome and well-fed, not be well-fed then consumed.' Yes. That. We have a lot of cannibals. Really dreadful manners. Terrible at parties.

((The summoning should bring forth a goat, but it could call any young ungulate, due to my liberties with the calling. I rolled a 22))

[LightBringer]

((Hmm, interesting))

A young goat appears, and the demon smiles slightly, but waits.

[Vash The Stampide]

Vash-

I pause as I'm about to head up the stairs, "Hmmm. What makes you think they can't handle it?"

[LadyGlutter]

"You gonna slaughter and cook it too? I'm up for a barbecue."

[Chris Chandler]

I smile, kind of astonished that it worked, and then look at the demon and say -

So, how you like 'im - grilled, rotisserie, baked? Personally, I like an all-day pit, and then roasted potatoes and fresh greens, some mint chutney and some chilled stout...

I stare off into the distance, lost in the thought of a good meal.

[LightBringer]

Vash, the dog replies, "Well no one has made it past all the challenges in....(you think he's thinking)...well, ever. So I don't see how they will be anymore successful."

Lin, the demon looks over at the goat, "I'm fine with raw." He makes a gesture with his hand and you feel a breeze, and hear a whoosh, as the goat flies through the air ans lands in front of him. He reachs down, lifting it, and takes a bite out of it's back. The goat makes a horrid sound and tries to wiggle free. He holds it out and ask, with blood dripping down his chin, "Want a bite?"

[Chris Chandler]

I nod appreciatively and say -

Oh, really you are too kind. I'd be happy to have a sample. Erin - care for a bit of leg? Anthony? Anything?

[LadyGlutter]

"No, I'm good. Thanks."

[LightBringer]

Anthony just laughs, "No, I think I'm okay." You can tell though that he is running options through his head, because something that just happened changed his original intent.

Knives walks forward though, "That looks pretty good, so you're damn right I want some as well."

[Vash The Stampide]

Vash-

"Hmm, Is your offer from before still stand? The one with killing the friend and avenging him?"

[LadyGlutter]

I look at Anthony quizzically while the others chow down.

[LightBringer]

The dog seems to perk up, "Sure. All you have to do is promise to kill Urkles in his current blob form, and use his sword to avenge him."

~~~~~

Erin, Anthony watches Knives as his lips pucker, and he appears to blow you a kiss with no sound.

Knives approaches the demon as it takes another bite of the goat, killing it.

Lin you turn with Anthongy and Erins answers, as Knives approaches the demon.

[Chris Chandler]

I dare a glance toward Erin, narrowing my eyes so that the demon can't see. Knives is an unknown quantity, and I don't know what to expect. He could do anything!

[LadyGlutter]

Nothing to do but keep from puking right now. :D

(Thank goodness this isn't me. This isn't a fun scene to play out mentally, in case you all wondered.)

[Vash The Stampide]

Vash-

I'll slowly turn to face him slightly nodding, "Fine I promise." I'll start walking toward the door.

[LightBringer]

Vash as you approach the door it opens in front of you. As you pass through and into the hallway that leads deeper into the earth you hear the dog call out to you, "Good luck."

Knives walks closer to the demon, who smiles as the blood runs down his chin, and a piece of meat flaps from the side of it's mouth. Suddenly Knives is in the air. You hear the hiss of his longsword leaving the scabbard. It appears to split in his hands into two long wicked looking blades. His body twist as he flips looking to drive the two blades deep into the demons neck. Suddenly a 'whoosh' fills the room and Knives flies up to the roof slamming into it. Anthony quickly loads two arrows and lets them fly. One of the arrows is tossed to the side with a similar 'whoosh', but the second buries into the demons shoulder, causing him to roar in pain.

[Vash The Stampide]

Vash-

Since he said they were in trouble I'll make haste.

[Chris Chandler]

I look toward Erin with a look of fury, then walk out of the room.

[LadyGlutter]

I stare, shocked for a second looking back at Lin, but I let him take his leave. I know that he feels betrayed right now, but I can't walk away now that we're joined or else we all won't walk out alive. Cursing, I draw my own bow and let fly.

[LightBringer]

Vash, you hear the roar of something from down the hall, and sprint that way. You pass through a 4 way intersection, but see Lin's form straight ahead.

Erin you quickly draw your bow and manage to get an arrow off. It grazes the demons arm, but seems to deflect off.

Knives remains pinned to the roof, as Anthony lets 2 more arrows loose. Both smash against the wall with a whoosh of wind.

[Chris Chandler]

Do I see Vash? If so, I have words about his "friend".

[Vash The Stampide]

Vash

I'll sprint to Lin's image as soon as I see it.

[LadyGlutter]

My temper flares even hotter when I realize none of us are hitting the demon. This isn't the way I ever conduct myself, even when talking to demons, even when talking to JACKSON. And more especially if it betrays one of my dearest friends to do so. My gut instinct was out of fear for Anthony, but having a moment to react now, I know he can make his own decisions and he will know why I'm mad and follow or not. This is a life we've chosen and he knows the rules I conduct myself by. Knives apparently doesn't care about betraying Lin's trust, which means he just lost mine. I turn and walk after Lin.

[LightBringer]

2 more arrows can be heard from Anthony's bow. A grunt and roar turn to hideous laughter. "Run little mortals. Run in fear of Trunchhuss." His taunt is followed by a scream, and then more laughter.


Vash you approach Lin who seems to be upset, followed by Erin. You hear the scream from the room behind them. You are sure it is Knives.

[Vash The Stampide]

Vash-

((Flashback moment, *battle cry ringing*))

I'll keep sprinting toward Lin and Erin, but as I hear the scream I'm clinching the spear that they gave me from the Phelar and have it read to charge in head long. I'm to distracted now to really talk.

[LadyGlutter]

"So um, Lin. Knives is probably dead now and the stupid demon just called me a coward and I KNOW. But we gotta get out alive now."

I look at him with kind of a "i know you don't want to but pretty please?" face.

[Chris Chandler]

I look at Erin, tears rimming around the edges of my eyes, and I spit. I sigh and then walk back into the chamber, looking for the pieces of Knives and directly approaching the demon, furious at the entire situation. I'm not saying anything yet.

[LightBringer]

Vash you run past Lin and Erin into the room with your spear at the ready. Knives appears to be stuck to the roof unable to move. A fierce looking demon is below him doing some sort of 'dance' under Knives, as his blood rains down on the demon.

Erin as you turn with Lin to reenter the room you hear in your mind, 'Well, hello there gorgeous, are we going to kick some ass now?" You don't really feel it, you just 'know' Ben is on your back. Once in the room, you see the same scene as Vash, but you hear Anthony say something lightly, and see the tip of his arrow flame up.

Lin you go back in, and are even with Vash, at this point. You see the same scene as Vash.

The demon grins an evil grin, and looks down toward the group, "Time to die!" he looks as if he is preparing to jump toward the group, but you can't be certain.

[Vash The Stampide]

Vash-

I'll beat him to it letting out the battle cry ringing in my head, and charging him with Spear in hand. Of course not to be out right made a fool I am not just being crazy, but somewhat am, charging him. I am going chrage but being ready if need be to avoid lets say possible none demon stuff.

((Time to see if these armor and weapons pay off))

[LadyGlutter]

I grin, mentally, glad for the fight and an excuse to simply burn off some of the fire in me.

"Always. Just had to talk Lin into not getting killed first. You know how it is."

I grab Stick and walk towards to room, ready to start wailing on some demon ass then.

(I'm going to be honest, Vash's post above is confusing to me, so I'm going to not be very specific as to my placement and such. Obviously I'm going to try not to be in anyone's way during fighting.)

[Vash The Stampide]

((Just to clear up what I had said earlier))

"he looks as if he is preparing to jump toward the group, but you can't be certain"

Vash-

I'll beat him to it, charging spear out in front, crying out the battle cry ringing in my head. Though I'm charging, I am mindful that he's possibly going to do something and be ready to dodge it, but still try to impale him.

[LightBringer]

Lol, I knew what you meant, but thanks. I need a couple of d100 rolls from you Vash for attack and such.

[Vash The Stampide]

47, 34, 22,90, 16

[LightBringer]

The Jharkorian battlecry fills the halls, as Vash flys forward. The demon leaps towards the group, but Vash catches it in the side spinning it off to the left with a huge gash in it's side. Black ichor leaks from the wound. The stench of sulphur is almost overwhelming. The demon bares his teeth as he takes a swipe at Vash. You see now what must have happened to Knives. As the demons claws close on Vash his armor splits apart, it's only by the grace of some Lord that Vash manages to leap back out of the way. As he does, his armor reforms and rejoins.

Anthony lets fly the single arrow. You can hear the flames flutter as it flys at Knives. Just before it hits him, the flames erupt outward and engulf what's holding Knives. There is a whoosh as the flames crush the air, and Knives falls to the ground.

[Vash The Stampide]

Vash-

Now that the adrenaline is flowing, I'm charging the demon again. To catch him off guard, at the last second I'm going to stop short of his reach with a rotation to hurl the spear at him. Hopefully to hit him in the chest.

20,84,36,41

[LadyGlutter]

Is Anthony attacking Knives? Or did he miss?

[Chris Chandler]

Yeah, I'll need to know that as well before I act.

[LightBringer]

((Anthony's arrow hit something, your knowledge of elementals would tell you it was an Air elemental, before it hit Knives. The arrow was destroyed before it hit Knives when the air elemental was destroyed. Knives then fell to the ground free of the elementals grasp.))

In fact as Vash's spear hurldes toward the demon's heart another whoosh is felt through the room, and it push the spear off to the left where it plunges into the wall, easily missing the demon.

[Chris Chandler]

I am so angry at this point that I am quite considering bashing Knives' head in and being done with it. I walk calmly to the demon, looking him in the eye and say -

It would be wise for you to leave now. Our negotiations have apparently ended, and I guarantee that you will meet your doom should you stay. Begone!

The whole time I'm standing defensively, maneuvering so that stupid Knives isn't gutted by this fiend.

[LadyGlutter]

I shake my head at Lin's speech and let Vash and Lin deal directly with the demon while try to "see" how many air elementals and other things we have to contend with right now. Can I?

[LightBringer]

It's hard to tell hom many air elementals are here, since you can't really see them. They seem to be based around the throne though. Other than the rush of air that pushed Vash's spear off course, you don't feel any air movement that would indicate an elemental.

Lin you draw the demons attention from Vash, as it chuckles at you, "Silly mortal." It's voice full of disdain. The demon throws itself in your direction Lin. You see both claws coming in, in wide swipes.

((We'll need some defensive rolls..))

[Vash The Stampide]

Vash-

I'll take advantage of that to dash after the spear and pick it up ready to assist Lin.

[LadyGlutter]

Hm.

Well, there's plenty of dust and stuff to kick up if we can't see exactly where they are and how many there are so I'm going to be paying attention from now on anyway, even if it's not readily apparently.

And, while I'm not the healer here, I have a feeling Lin's not too excited to help Knives, so I go try and see what I can do for the youth.

[LightBringer]

Vash you easily slide past the demon as it moves past you. Your spear is stuck in the wall, and will require a good jank to dislodge it. (You'll need a strength roll. Anything under STRx2 will get it out, otherwise you'll have to try again. Include the number of tries it takes.)

Erin, your theory is excellent, except you know it's possible for the elements to have no true form, thus the dust will pass right through them. You will see any movements though, and remain vigilant for these. It is also easy for you to move to Knives. He is losing lots of blood. The pool around him increase quickly. He has almost no color left, and you don't think he is breathing.

[Vash The Stampide]

Vash-

59,1 Two tries XD but once free I'll help assist on the demon.

[LadyGlutter]

I'm not carrying the potions, so 'll use my puny first aid to work on him, then.

44

[Chris Chandler]

((Wait, I seriously thought I'd rolled a Def for you back when it was pertinent. Sorry!))

Def - 12

I can't deal with Knives appropriately until this demon backs down. If I have to fight him, I will. Once he misses me (ha!), I'll unbalance him and send him hurtling into the wall with a simple sidestep and throw.

Attack - 09

[LightBringer]

Vash you give your spear a good tug and feel it loosen but remains in the wall.

Erin you do your best to apply pressure to the wounds, but as you fear it may not work Anthony slides in next to you. "Help Lin, I'll take care of Knives." He lays his sword down next to Knives, and starts gathering cloth into the wound.

Lin, you easily sidestep the demons lunge. Grabbing his arm, you spin him around as his weight and momentum become his enemy. You toss him at the wall, and just as it appears that his head is going to splat a gush of wind rights him, and he lands with his back to the wall. He grins and a low evil chuckle follows.

((Erin sees the elemental move from the throne, straighten the demon out, and then return to the throne.))

[LadyGlutter]

"Thanks."

Glad to be back to doing what I do much better than healing, I consult w/ Ben:

Soon as Lin gives us opening again, we need to take out that throne. Hopefully when the elemental is doing its thing. I'm not against bashing you right upside it, but I figured it'd be better if I told you what I was doing in case you had a better method.

And, barring any objection from Ben, that's what I'm going to do, while misdirecting to look like I'm just engaging in straightforward combat with Demon Dude.

Rolls:

46, 43

[Chris Chandler]

I smile and say, You are a fine dancer, demon, but you really shouldn't try to lead.

I remain imposed between the demon and Knives, keeping in mind that Anthony is back there now. I'm not entirely sure just what Erin is planning, but seeing her ready to engage, I'll set her up to outflank the fell creature. To that end, I'll remain in the demon's face to force his attack, and quickly bring him to the ground.

Need I say it? *Cat Stance*

((Defense - 37, Offense, 13))