Three Pillars: Second Chance
Session 15
Darkness and Light
The Flaming One
Scene. Portland projects. Whole in floor. Teenagers. Hall. Go!
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Perhaps we should notify Mrs. Routterage of the recent renovations."
Penny Gronbeck
"And hope she has a back stair."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Oh, I wouldn't worry about the police. Could you grab that unconscious fellow, please?"
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Knock, knock. "Mrs. Routterage?"
Penny Gronbeck
"I was worried about her falling..."
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy will grab the unconscious guy.
The Flaming One
The door opens. The old lady looks tired. "Did you find your adventure?"
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon stops and looks befuddled. "Oh yeah."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"I think it found us."
The Flaming One
She moves aside so you can come in.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
We go in.
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy drags the guy carefully inside.
The Flaming One
She raises her eyebrows a bit at this, but she seems too exhausted to care much.
The Flaming One
"Well den, who be deese folk?"
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"I don't know. I do apologize if they were after us. I'd hate to inconvenience you more than I already have."
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy shrugs, setting the guy down.
The Flaming One
She waves her hand aside. "Never you mind. What you be doin' next, den? I don't tink I can be helpn' you much for now."
Penny Gronbeck
"They said they were after you..."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon looks shocked for a split second before regaining his composure.
The Flaming One
Again, a raised eyebrow. She flops down into a chair? "Were they now." She looks at him for a moment. "Don't look like the local insurance agency, I be think'n"
Penny Gronbeck
"No, insurance agents wear suits."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"And generally they are living."
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy shrugs. "I haven't met enough of them to know about that."
The Flaming One
She leans back into the chair, shaking her head a bit. "Never you mind about the insurance agent thing... Dead you say? Dis on seems to be w/ the livin'"
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Yes, dead. Like the men working for Terwilliger."
Jamey Minnis
I'll be right back...
The Flaming One
Again, an eyebrow. "Terwilliger? Who be Terwilliger?"
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Funny. A fellow on a list with your name." Damon shakes his head. "The point is, there are some people who walk as though living, but are quite dead."
The Flaming One
"Dis world be heading for its end, more sure of it every day now." She rubs at her temples some.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"More news about the impending Apocalypse, then?"
The Flaming One
There is a slight pause. "Ah, no boy. But dis cannot be the healthiest thing for the world's karma, I be think'n."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Any ideas at where they might be coming from? Who is doing this?"
Penny Gronbeck
"If we should get locust repellent?"
The Flaming One
She is quiet for a moment. She stares at the ceiling. "Could be that storm in the deadlands. Mayhap something blew strong---blew the dead into the living or some such."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Now that... wait. That would be why they need the bodies..."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
He stands. "We need to go."
Penny Gronbeck
"Where are we going?"
The Flaming One
She looks at your sharply. "They?"
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Technogenesis. The warehouse."
Penny Gronbeck
"Okay..."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Listen, if they are making these.. I don't know... mockeries of the living, they need to be stopped, now."
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy nudges the guy with her foot. "What about him?"
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"The Restless Dead want an accounting of the bodysnatchers... him?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Uh..." Damon looks detrailed.
The Flaming One
Routterage looks at you both for a moment. "Wait here a bit." She gets up while you discuss the body.
Penny Gronbeck
She points at the guy on the floor. "We probably shouldn't just leave him here."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"We could... what do they do in the movies?"
Penny Gronbeck
"They cut to the next scene a lot...."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"That doesn't help."
Penny Gronbeck
"Sometimes they kill the guy, or drop him off somewhere weird."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Drop him off somewhere weird? Like the back of a volkwagen?"
Penny Gronbeck
"That's just an uncomfortable place. No, like they put him in lingerie and drop him at a sports bar."
The Flaming One
Routterage comes back. She is holding something in her hands. "Here, girl. Take dis." She holds out a fist.
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy holds her hand out.
The Flaming One
She drops something cool and round into your palm.
Penny Gronbeck
what is it?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon thinks about lingerie.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon thinks about Ivy in lingerie.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon sits down.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon thinks about baseball.
The Flaming One
It looks like a pale stone of sort. "You be holdn' on tight to dat, and you be able to be seen' what you boy does. Do you need some concentrat'n now. Should be good for tonight."
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy looks up at her. "Thank you."
The Flaming One
She nods.
Penny Gronbeck
"Will in my pocket be close enough?"
The Flaming One
"It need to be in your hand for da magic to be working. De be tough, though."
The Flaming One
It'll fit in a fist nicely.
The Flaming One
Matt went to bed.
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy will put it in her pocket for now.
Penny Gronbeck
Then she'll zip her pocket closed.
The Flaming One
She looks at the body. "I tink I can be tak'n care of dis. The boys should be able to handle it for old Routterage."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Then we should go. Thanks again, for everything."
Penny Gronbeck
"Which means we can cut to the next scene, at least as far as he's concerned. Thank you."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon pauses, looking like he's thinking deeply, then he stands tentatively.
The Flaming One
She nods. "Luck to be with you den."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
We go to the warehouse!
The Flaming One
Bus to warehouse then.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Unless these schmoes left a car that goes with the keys we found..?
Penny Gronbeck
like either of us can drive....
Justin Robinson-Prickett
That's not the point...
The Flaming One
Hmmm.... well, there *is* a car. But its empty. And its missing a few things...
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Don't you have dream or something?
Penny Gronbeck
true.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Such as..?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Tires and such?
The Flaming One
radio...tires...something from under the hood...
Penny Gronbeck
hm. no tires could be a problem.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Aha. I want to check the glove box.
The Flaming One
Glove box. Unlocked.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
And the trunk, and the tire well in the trunk and under the seats.
The Flaming One
Looking for?
Penny Gronbeck
I'll check under the hood.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Beats me. Papers and stuff...
Penny Gronbeck
Evidence of crime.
Penny Gronbeck
not like that doesn't describe the whole car...
The Flaming One
Other than the mass amounts of missing stuff in the car.... There is a registration for the car. It is registered to Technogenesis.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon pockets that, thanks.
The Flaming One
Done.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
And if the rest of the search turns up nothing, a bus to the warehouse.
The Flaming One
Nothing of note. You take the bus. It is getting very late, so the bus is pretty empty by this time.
Penny Gronbeck
Are we the weirdos on the bus?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon holds Ivy's hand.
The Flaming One
Yup.
Penny Gronbeck
cool!
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Teenage moment! We make out.
Penny Gronbeck
hell yeah.
The Flaming One
Check. The bus isn't so cold now. It feels like the drive is a little rougher than last time.
Penny Gronbeck
like the road is worse or the driver is worse?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
If this bus is a'rockin' don't come a'knockin'!
The Flaming One
Are you paying that much attention, Ivy?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Can't... think... in... grips of... hormones...
Penny Gronbeck
no, I'm playing tonsil hockey.
The Flaming One
You barely manage to make your stop.
The Flaming One
You are dropped off. The night is very dark. It is overcast, so the sky is a hazy orange from the lights (mmmm... just like LA)
Justin Robinson-Prickett
That's purple!
Penny Gronbeck
I always thought it was pink, myself...
The Flaming One
When overcast? I remember it being orange. When clear, purple...
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon approaches the warehouse, using spirit sight, hoping to see what he saw earlier.
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy will get the stone out of her pocket.
The Flaming One
You concentrate on the box, twisting its patterns.
The Flaming One
Ivy: The stone is very cool to the touch. Roll per+meditation, diff 6.
The Flaming One
Both: Roll Per+Alertness diff 7.
Penny Gronbeck
2 on per+med
Penny Gronbeck
4 on per+alertness.
The Flaming One
Damon?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
3
Justin Robinson-Prickett
3
The Flaming One
Not the threes again...
Justin Robinson-Prickett
:)
Jamey Minnis
Justin and his infamous threes!
Jamey Minnis
I'm back. Sorry, I was looking at some code over Bill's shoulder. On the bright side, the bug, she is dead now.
The Flaming One
Very well. As you are both concentrating, you notice something out of the corner of your eyes. Something is missing...then you place it. There is no fire from where the bums used to be....
Penny Gronbeck
they're gone?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
We check it out.
The Flaming One
Its dark, you can't tell for sure, ivy, even w/ your eyes.
Penny Gronbeck
Well, like he said, we'll check it out.
Penny Gronbeck
hey, can I develop sonar?
The Flaming One
Temporarily at least.... Its cost XP for otherwise (and I have to think about it for a bit)
Penny Gronbeck
I'd only want it temporarily.
The Flaming One
I think you can do that.
Penny Gronbeck
10 and 7.
The Flaming One
YOu amble on over. There is no evidence of the bums. Their tire is there, but cool.
The Flaming One
Ivy: Its a little disorientating for a moment, but you can start picking out location by sound. It looks really odd to Damon, though.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"I don't like this."
Penny Gronbeck
I'll start doing it.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Are you humming?"
Penny Gronbeck
"I have sonar!"
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Ah. I love you..."
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy stops and kisses him, then returns to her sonar.
The Flaming One
Ivy: You have a good "feeling" for the surrounding area. Nothing moving besides you two in the immediate neighborhood.
Penny Gronbeck
"We're the only things in here moving...."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Are we going to need extra, firepower?"
Penny Gronbeck
She shrugs.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Shit! I forgot to ask Mrs. Routterage to find out what happened to Sebastian!"
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"I'll wager these idiots know."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon would like to summon the stormcrow, thanks.
The Flaming One
Not an quick task.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Fine. I need help!
Penny Gronbeck
TJ: am I under the impression that I have to hold the stone in my hand, or that it has to be touching my skin?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
A spirit mage is all about his friends.
The Flaming One
She said in your hand.
Penny Gronbeck
okay, just checking.
The Flaming One
Damon: Speaking of friends... as you are thinking about calling for backout, a littler glittering pops up behind you.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Precario?"
The Flaming One
Ivy: YOu can see a strange, translucent stream of flashes appear behind Damon.
Penny Gronbeck
I stare.
The Flaming One
Precario: "Analysis complete."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"What have you learned?"
The Flaming One
"Processing...."
The Flaming One
Spirit: "Positive identification of 3 subjects, certainty 98%+-2.e-3%. Data as follows..."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Precario needs some kind of reward... what's fun for a weaver spirit?
The Flaming One
As Precario talks, a small image (looks like an interlaced image you might see on an old monochrome monitor) appears, displaying images of the three living thugs (all of this is hazier to Ivy, but can be seen).
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Calculating pi?
The Flaming One
Damon: Hmm.. no, that's usually a distraction...
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damn...
The Flaming One
(I'm really dont that homomphones tonight...)
Penny Gronbeck
(it's so interesting...)
The Flaming One
Precario lists the men. They have extensive criminal records for several minor to major crimes. Seems to match the hired hand story.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Poor bastards...
Justin Robinson-Prickett
What of the dead men?
The Flaming One
Then. "Identification of 2 subjects: Error---records indicate passage of subjects inconsistent with current known data."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Understood. These men were deceased?"
The Flaming One
The others are listed as pronounced dead at various dates, one recently, the other further back.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Where are they listed as having been put? Which morgue?
The Flaming One
Records indicate that they were examined at the Central Portland morgue. Their bodies were then cremated there and disposed of.
Penny Gronbeck
or not...
Justin Robinson-Prickett
That was where I was, right?
The Flaming One
Indeed.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Records can be falsified... what better way to leave no trace?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Precario, you have done excellent work. I need more from you tonight."
The Flaming One
The spirit waits.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Can you enter the security systems of that building there, and admit us past the gates as authorized personnel?"
The Flaming One
Precario pauses for a moment. "Attempt can be performed."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Much appreciated. Please try."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon walks over to the gate.
The Flaming One
FOrgetting the crow?
Penny Gronbeck
I'm not forgetting the crow.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Actually, no.
The Flaming One
Different crow.
Penny Gronbeck
except that he's a raven..
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Precario, please wait."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
I'm gonna summon.
Penny Gronbeck
ah. that'd explain that.
The Flaming One
Precario goes into standby.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon goes into the shadows of a warehouse... where he put Ivy down, and sits, and works the box.
The Flaming One
Damon: You start manipulating the box, trying to call out to the great spirit that was over looking you.
The Flaming One
Ivy: Damon is busy with the box. If you look through the stone, you can see a light blue nimbus hum and throb around him. It is how you would imagine electricity would look...
Penny Gronbeck
I'm looking. And at Precario, and whatever else is around.
Penny Gronbeck
Does Sam look different?
The Flaming One
Sam... yes, Sam doesn't look the same. Bigger and smaller. all at once.
Penny Gronbeck
I look more closely at Sam.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
May I make an Intelligence + Cosmology roll to deduce a few things about Stormcrows?
The Flaming One
Ivy: Both bigger and smaller images of himself are seen with your sight. Both seem to be "him". Strange.
The Flaming One
Damon: You can try, but its not your specialty. Diff 8.
Penny Gronbeck
I look with sonar.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Ah, welcome to my world...
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Am I being brilliant?
The Flaming One
Sure.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
You're gonna hate me...
Justin Robinson-Prickett
03
The Flaming One
:p
Penny Gronbeck
why do you make him bother rolling? he's just going to get that number...
Jamey Minnis
lucky bastard.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
I have nine dice in that pool.
Jamey Minnis
that does help some.
The Flaming One
Stormcrow.... from what you have heard, these spirits are both feared and respected...
The Flaming One
They serve a being known as 'Grandfather Thunder'-- again, a more powerful entity that is feared and respectively.
The Flaming One
Both are associated with electricity and power.. in electrical and political terms, from what you can gather.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Armed with that, I shall attempt to summon.
The Flaming One
YOu make the call again. Roll me a Arete diff 7 roll (before mods, but this is just a spirit thing, nothing underworldly if that makes a difference)
Justin Robinson-Prickett
2
Justin Robinson-Prickett
After mods is a 4
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Sorry...
Penny Gronbeck
ooh, not a 3!
The Flaming One
YOu make the call. You cannot be certain it was heard. You tinink it might take some time. Do you wish to wait?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon will wait respectfully.
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy will keep playing with her sonar.
The Flaming One
Time marches on...you feel its gaze before you see it. There, perched on the eaves of a nearby building of the crow. You can feel the electricity sizzle around it from here.
The Flaming One
Ivy: You also see the bird. Its a very majestic bird. Makes Sam looks smaller some how.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Great Stormcrow, thank you for heeding my call."
The Flaming One
Sam, looking in its general direction. Starts squaking and trying to hide from the thing.
The Flaming One
The bird turns its cold eyes to you, waiting.
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy moves to protect Sam.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"I wish to ask a favor of you. A favor that benefits us both."
The Flaming One
Ivy: Sam hides behind your back. He's grabbing you to do this, so its uncomfortable.
The Flaming One
The bird is silent, listenting.
Penny Gronbeck
I'll hold the empty hand behind my back for him.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"That building there, houses an orgainzation I believe to be an enemy of us all. I want your help in crushing it."
The Flaming One
Its eyes bore into you. YOu have the feeling that is wants the proof of your statement.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Look at the Umbra about it. That should ally your suspicions."
The Flaming One
The bird peers in the direction of the warehouse. It does so for some time. It then looks back to you. Again, it doesn't say anything, but you get the feeling that it is not enough. That it does not think that either you have earned it or that it requires assistance. You cannot tell which.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Very well creature. I'll destroy it myself. But I will call upon you again. When it is gone, you will know my strength, and know that Grandfather was right for protecting me."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"I bargain for your services in the future, Stormcrow."
The Flaming One
The bird wings into the night. But you get a faint impression. Of smiling?
Penny Gronbeck
"What was that?"
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon stands. "I have the feeling that I did something very wrong. Then very right."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Let's destroy this thing. Precario? The gate."
The Flaming One
Precario swirls into the distant darkness. As you reach the gate, you can see him enter some sort of box near the edge of the building.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon pauses, waiting to hear a click.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
He's burning inside, wanting to prove himself to Grandather Thunder.
The Flaming One
The outside is not very well lighted, shadows cover the groud. There are very few outward facing windows, but light come through.
The Flaming One
After almost a minute ... or more?... there is an audible eletric click.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
I open the gate.
The Flaming One
The gate opens with only a minor protest.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Go on in.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon will make an attempt at stealth.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Sticking to shadows and such.
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy will be stealthy also.
The Flaming One
You approach the main building. You believe you are stealthy (don't you always? ;)
Penny Gronbeck
hey, I really am stealthy!
Justin Robinson-Prickett
I have six dice in that pool!
Penny Gronbeck
so do I.
The Flaming One
As you approach the front door, something starts to bother you....
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Acid rain? The hole in the ozone?
The Flaming One
And just as Ivy's danger sense tingles, you realize what it is... Precario hasn't returned yet...
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Oh, hell...
The Flaming One
And we'll segue there...
Penny Gronbeck
crap!
The Flaming One
I love you all. But you two always seem to be getting in a scrape. you know that?
Penny Gronbeck
who, us?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Well, we are sixteen...
Penny Gronbeck
we just want to make out...
The Flaming One
:)
The Enemy Within
The Flaming One
Jamey?
Jamey Minnis
sorry.
Jamey Minnis
that's what I get for glancing away for a minute...
The Flaming One
We just killed Runs.
Jamey Minnis
shit.
The Flaming One
Got hit by a spirit train.
Jamey Minnis
and here I thought the light at the end of the tunnel was jjust a light...
The Flaming One
He's now Run-over-by-Spirits.
Jamey Minnis
gee, thanks.
Jamey Minnis
Two things.
Jamey Minnis
One - can I spend XP to increase my brawl skill?
The Flaming One
The other?
Jamey Minnis
I want all of us cute fuzzy garou to rest up and meditate and such and then to head back to the house where the icky bad feeling was.
The Flaming One
Yes to the first; you want Gnosis for the other? And to heal a bit (those be agg wounds, don't konw how long they take to heal on a wolfy of the top of my head)...
The Flaming One
How much you down on gnosis?
Jamey Minnis
I think it is one wound level per day - I'm down 2 gnosis - I get 1 per hour of meditation.
Jamey Minnis
it is 1 level of ag damage per day of rest.
The Flaming One
Okay, you'll get that back. At the came, Hounds is still watching and smiling. George is sleeping, as well as he can. Logan seems to really, really, really sick. Must have been the Denny's food.
Jamey Minnis
Or the lack of player... ya never know.
Jamey Minnis
I was thinking resting one day, meditating, and seeing where everyone is at.
The Flaming One
Well, you wolfies will be limping less -- you can still seem some scarrage on Demeter and Logan. George still doesn't look good.
Jamey Minnis
Hmm.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
George tries not to complain...
Jamey Minnis
We should haul him up to the Caern and rest up for a couple days there before going back. That way we can leave him to heal up.
Jamey Minnis
'We should head up to the caern to rest up before we go to find the Bane which infests these lands. This must be done or Gaia will lose the lands here to the taint which has been spreading through them. Perhaps not today. Or even next year. But in time.'
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Sure thing, Chief."
Penny Gronbeck
"More sleep sounds good."
The Flaming One
It is going to be a while before he is "all better." Most of the brusing will be gone in a two days, but the arms and face will take more time to properly heal.
Jamey Minnis
That's what I figured. I was going to leave him to heal and then when the garou are ready, I was going to head out.
The Flaming One
As you hike to the caern, all of you (save George) start to get a rumbling in your stomache. As you get closer, the nausea grows.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
George looks forward to his shop.
Jamey Minnis
'Something is not right.'
Penny Gronbeck
Demeter looks around nervously.
Jamey Minnis
'We should hurry. Something is very wrong.'
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Something's always wrong," George mutters.
Jamey Minnis
Runs will start jogging up to the caern, shifting into Hispo.
The Flaming One
The closer you get, the more powerful the feeling gets. There is a strong sense of wrong.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
George shuffles along.
The Flaming One
As you come into sight, you start to smell the dead bodies.
Jamey Minnis
I want to try to scent the wyrm while running.
The Flaming One
I think you can smell it already, Jamey. Unless you botch! ;)
Jamey Minnis
Can I regain a point of Rage from this scene? I'm down two...
The Flaming One
I think its appropo.
Jamey Minnis
hate to get into a fight with only two rage to spend... ; >
The Flaming One
You get to the outskirts of the caern. There appears to have been fighting. You can see a few pack mates gathering the dead. There are several of them. None look fully whole.
The Flaming One
[Oh, btw, its morning. YOu kept camp at the other location last night. :)]
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"It's fuckin' Wounded Knee..." George whispers.
Jamey Minnis
Runs will shift up to Glabro.
Jamey Minnis
He wants to find the garou in charge to find out what happenned.
The Flaming One
As you enter the caern, one of living notices you. He approaches you.
The Flaming One
YOu recognize him. An Ahroun of promise, but still young.
Jamey Minnis
'Where is the elder?'
The Flaming One
"You are the elder, Runs."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Oh, man..."
Jamey Minnis
'What happenned last night?'
The Flaming One
The Auhroun tells the story...
Jamey Minnis
While Runs is normally calm, at this point he is decidedly pissed off.
The Flaming One
Two days ago, sometime near the afternoon, the elder was brought to the center of the cearn, where he communicated with the spirit. They heard that the pull of the taint had been severed. All that was left was to wait for the remains to siffon off.
The Flaming One
Two nights ago, one of the Theurges took ill. He spoke of something "seeing us now." He met with the elder; no one knows what they discussed.
The Flaming One
The elder and the theurge, the next morning, went to the main caern. They spoke with the spirit guardian. They look disrought. Someone overheard them muttering about "waiting for Runs."
The Flaming One
Last night, the screaming began.
The Flaming One
No one was sure when or where it started. But they all felt the nasuea and the sickness. It was as if an wound had opened up beneath them.
The Flaming One
Then there was something strange, some black twisted thing moving among them. Not a nexus crawler or something familiar; it was alien, but familiar...
The Flaming One
Both the elder and the theurge died fighting the thing. They knew what it was: it was the spirit gaurdian of the caern. Many died fighting it. Killing it. Killing the spirit of the cearn itself.
Jamey Minnis
Tears start to trickle down Runs' face...
The Flaming One
The Ahroun speaks. "The elder sent you on a journey. Has it been successful?"
The Flaming One
His voice is numb, distant.
Jamey Minnis
'We cleansed a place of taint and slew two creatures of the Wyrm. But it appears in vain. I must see to the Caern.'
Jamey Minnis
'I will need the eldest of the Ahroun, Theurge, and (bards) to meet with me after I have seen the caern.'
The Flaming One
He nods and walks away.
Jamey Minnis
I'm heading to the caern. I want to look at the crystal that I was given by the guardian.
The Flaming One
The crystal is very warm to the touch; almost hot.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
George goes and sits down in pain.
Penny Gronbeck
Demeter goes to see if she can do anything to help.
The Flaming One
As you approach the cearn, you look for the strands of taint you saw before. They are gone, but you can still feel an illness nearby.
The Flaming One
The fighting seems to have been the heaviest here. The sanctity of the caern has been spoiled. It will have to be rededicated. The sickness pours from here.
Jamey Minnis
'What has happenned...?'
The Flaming One
Rhetorical?
Jamey Minnis
pretty much.
Jamey Minnis
Runs will pace through this caern, trying to figure out what could have happenned. He is taking this time to gather his thoughts and figure out what he wants to do.
The Flaming One
After a moment, you see a group moving towards you. They are the group you asked for: Ahroun, Theurge, Ragabash.
The Flaming One
There is also a Galliard (which was supposed to have been mentioned where the Ragabash was, but I make mistakes too).
Jamey Minnis
Was there anyone in this Caern who could rededicate it? That is far beyond Runs' skills.
The Flaming One
YOu are not sure.
Jamey Minnis
If not, who does Runs know who could?
The Flaming One
You think about that for a moment (TJ looking up some'n).
Jamey Minnis
It takes a level 5 ritual to dedicate a caern, if that is what you are wondering.
The Flaming One
Yup. Got it. No not you. Not anyone here either.
Jamey Minnis
I would like to call my Familiar to me.
The Flaming One
Poof.
The Flaming One
We'll make it quick this time.
The Flaming One
It awaits you. (Its yet another bird, right?)
Jamey Minnis
Yep.
Jamey Minnis
a blue heron.
Jamey Minnis
I want to know if it knows a spirit which could teach me to channel a spirit into myself.
The Flaming One
A difficult thing, especially to control properly.
Jamey Minnis
you know, I don't know where that ability is, so I can't tell you what it is so that you can tell me.
Jamey Minnis
yes. I know. So does Runs.
Jamey Minnis
But it may also be the only chance to get this caern reopenned. He is looking for options right now.
Jamey Minnis
When he is done explaining what he wants, he is going to send Heron to find out.
The Flaming One
The heron departs.
Jamey Minnis
Runs will walk to meet the three. What Rank are they, respectively?
The Flaming One
The group has met you now. "Runs, we are sorry that you have returned to this.," says the elder Philodox, who just joined.
The Flaming One
Oh, you know. They have rank. :)
Jamey Minnis
'I wish I had been here. We camped in the woods because of George's injuries. Did none howl the coming of the Wyrm? We heard nothing.' Runs shakes his head. (I presume less Rank than me)
The Flaming One
(Less than or equal to, for the most part. But not much less.)
Jamey Minnis
OK.
The Flaming One
"The strike was... unplanned. But a Howl was called. There must have been interference from... the spirit."
Jamey Minnis
'It matters not now. The spirit knew where I was.'
Jamey Minnis
'There is something here, in town. Something far greater than I or the Guardian would have thought. It is powerful and cunning. I think I know where it lairs.'
The Flaming One
The Theurge looks startled. "Where is this?"
Jamey Minnis
'There is a house in the town. Thick with taint. Old taint.'
The Flaming One
The Ahroun. "The entire town is tainted. Such is their way. It should have been leveled long ago..."
Jamey Minnis
'It is from a creature older than the one which we slew last night, perhaps. It corrupted several in the town. Most are now dead.'
Jamey Minnis
'No. We will go to its lair. Hunt it down. Bring it to a final end.'
The Flaming One
Theurge: "Can you be sure it lairs there? If it is old taint, could it be from past troubles, not current activity?"
Jamey Minnis
'But I do not wish to leave this caern open to the taint. Should we leave it unguarded, it will surely fall.'
The Flaming One
Ahroun. "Most? Did some escape? Where then?"
Jamey Minnis
'It is where it once laired. It is the source of all of the taint in the town now. Perhaps it is there no more. Or, it had sent servants out.'
Jamey Minnis
'There is a paper which eluded us. Servants of the Weaver have taken it. They interfered in the fight with the foul creature.'
The Flaming One
The Galliard shakes his head. "This, and the strange occurance near the cearn of the Weeping Stone.... Weep for us all..."
The Flaming One
(Sevants of the Weaver, eh?)
Jamey Minnis
TJ - where is the closes Caern?
Jamey Minnis
OOC: runs' best guess - it's close enough, most likely.
The Flaming One
Weeping Stone, strangely enough. Outside of Portland.
Jamey Minnis
OOC: Jamey can smell a technoc agent a mile away... ; >
Jamey Minnis
What has happenned near Weeping Stone?
The Flaming One
You don't know. YOu might want to ask. :)
Jamey Minnis
I meant to - forgot the quotes.
The Flaming One
The Galliard: "A strange tale it was, told to us from a messenger spirit. A boy, human, was found sneaking about the land near the cearn. This one had the mark of corruption--a hole in his soul. But a stormcrow watched over him, or so they claimed. A strange tale; hard to believe."
Jamey Minnis
'That is strange indeed.'
Jamey Minnis
OOC: what Tribe is Weeping Stone predominantly?
The Flaming One
Philodox. "What about this paper? Does it threaten still?"
The Flaming One
Wendigo/Uktena blend.
The Flaming One
Theurge: "Did this paper have something to do with the Gaurdian's madness?"
Jamey Minnis
'I know not. The ones who took it had the appearance of agents of the Weaver. The paper is what called the beast we slew last night.'
Jamey Minnis
'I will write a message to send to Weeping Stone. We may need more Garou this night. I would like to storm the house if we can find the Garou to be able to defend this Caern as well.'
The Flaming One
Theurge: "The Cearn is quiet. The old paths will not work. It will take them some time to get here by more conventional means."
Jamey Minnis
'I know.'
Jamey Minnis
How far is it?
The Flaming One
The Ragabash offers a cell phone. The others look at her strangely. "Hey, just trying to help."
Jamey Minnis
Runs smiles slightly.
The Flaming One
Its close to Portland, so several hours drive (2-3?)
Jamey Minnis
Do we have a car around here other than George's?
Jamey Minnis
what time is it, BTW?
The Flaming One
Game time: Nearing noon.
The Flaming One
Cars.... not at the cearn. Some other kin probably have them, though.
Jamey Minnis
'Which Kinfolk have a car?'
Jamey Minnis
funk dat.
Jamey Minnis
I'm gonna summon a messenger spirit, TJ.
Jamey Minnis
What makes a good messenger?
Jamey Minnis
We have a pigeon spirit around?
The Flaming One
You shake your money maker. YOu have a nice spirit messenger waiting for such things. Its not a pigeon per say; more of a more native bird.
Jamey Minnis
great. I'm going to send a message to the eldest Theurge at their Caern explaining the crisis briefly and asking for assistance by nightfall. We have a vulnerable caern that needs help, yada, yada, yada...
The Flaming One
Help us, Obi-Wan-Theurge-obi....
The Flaming One
Message sent.
Jamey Minnis
Pretty much...
The Flaming One
Next?
Jamey Minnis
I really should beg off because of time. And to try to figure out what the fuck to do...
The Flaming One
Hey, fine w/ me. I wan't going to go past 11:30 anyway (wanted to make up for lost time tonight, so I went long...)
The Flaming One
Anyway.. that'll wrap it then.
Jamey Minnis
yeah.
Jamey Minnis
I'm just running out of steam...
The Flaming One
Hey, being Mr. Man can take some time to get used to. :)
Jamey Minnis
could I spend xp to raise my rituals ability?
The Flaming One
Hmm... wonder who that boy was...
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Probably a tourist or something...
Jamey Minnis
I wasn't entirely expecting this turn of events, you could say...
Penny Gronbeck
doesn't sound like anyone I'd know.
The Flaming One
Isn't that rank dependent (or at least, what level of rank)...
Jamey Minnis
freaky kid.
The Flaming One
nAh well.
Jamey Minnis
no - you can start with a 5 in it with a rank of 1
The Flaming One
I'll look at it, Mr. Man (but don't fret too much--- you can't save everyone :))
Jamey Minnis
it's the gifts that are rank dependent...
Jamey Minnis
yeah, but you can try!
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Can I buy Spirit 4, now?
The Flaming One
Now? Right now? Have you studied?
Jamey Minnis
I learned something tonight - don't sleep in the woods when you have a nice comfy caern near by... ; >
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Well... I've talked to a lot of spirits... I watched Mrs. Routterage...
The Flaming One
ANyone else learn anything (and you want to dig a little deeper on that one, Jamey :)
Justin Robinson-Prickett
But, no. No book learnin'.
Penny Gronbeck
I learned what seeing spirits is like.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Stormcrows respect strength and desipse weakness. Like Uncle Leto!
The Flaming One
Still gotta wait, boyo.
The Flaming One
Damon: :)
The Flaming One
Well, I think LC is fine w/ everyone then. Take an automatic as well
Jamey Minnis
More seriously - I learned not to underestimate the flipping Wyrm. Not that I shouldn't have learned this previously, given my background.
The Flaming One
:)
Jamey Minnis
are you ever going to catch up on the back xp?
The Flaming One
Yes, I already did. I gave everyone a flat total. Its in one of the logs...
Jamey Minnis
anyone know the number off the top of their heads?
Penny Gronbeck
12.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
12
The Flaming One
I think it'll be three total for everyone tonight. (Yes, you only get three total, so one a piece ;)
Jamey Minnis
apparently so...
Justin Robinson-Prickett
I think it makes sense to buy a dot of investigation
The Flaming One
You know what I mean Jamey...
The Flaming One
Damon a dot? Fine by me.
Penny Gronbeck
could I get spirit?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
tonight's xp spent!
Jamey Minnis
the apparenlty so was about the two 12s.
The Flaming One
You have the window, but you need a little bit mor ehand on learning. Just watching "TV" isn't enough.
Penny Gronbeck
that's fine.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Not like you know anyonw with Spirit...
The Flaming One
I'm sure your boyfriend will help. You mihgt have to encourage him, though.
Jamey Minnis
could I get a point of dex, TJ? Given the relatively active life Runs has been having recently...
Penny Gronbeck
wonder what I could bribe him with...
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon can be bribed with... EVIL!!!
The Flaming One
Jamey: Sure, why not.
The Flaming One
Mmm... evil.
The Flaming One
ANything else, boys and girl?
Penny Gronbeck
I don't know that Ivy has a lot of EVIL.
Jamey Minnis
Evil little boy with a hole in his spirit...
Jamey Minnis
right-o.
Jamey Minnis
I'm gonna get some sleep.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Peace out.
Penny Gronbeck
sleep sounds really good.
The Flaming One
Sleep good.
Penny Gronbeck
night all.
The Flaming One
Night!
Even Death must die.
