Three Pillars: Second Chance
Session 16
Darkness and Light
The Flaming One
Portland: Night. Overcast. Smell of rain. A large warehouse. A sense of danger. A missing companion.
The Flaming One
I think that sums it up.
Jamey Minnis
Why do I hear spooky music in the background? ;>
The Flaming One
Because you forgot to take the X-files CD out.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon grumbles a bit.
Penny Gronbeck
cause Damon's there?
The Flaming One
Well, Boy and Girl?
Jamey Minnis
no CD player - they forgot the sound card on this machine...
Penny Gronbeck
I'm looking around with sonar.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Spirit scan for Precario and Sebastian.
The Flaming One
Ivy: You have a rough feeling for the area---nothing is coming at you from outside. Inside is a little harder to tell---too much stuff.
The Flaming One
Damon: You can roll, if you wish. Diff 4 before mods
Justin Robinson-Prickett
4 successes
Penny Gronbeck
hey, it's not a 3!
The Flaming One
Precario is not in the immediate area---there is a lot of spiritual residue in this area, however, which could throw things off. No sign of Sebastian yet. But no immediate spiritual threat either.
The Flaming One
There is an entrance. You have not tried to enter it yet.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Spiritual threat? Damon is momentarily amused by that concept.
Penny Gronbeck
I'm checking out the entrance.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Ivy, can you make sure there's no alarm?"
Jamey Minnis
BTW, my ICQ is going up and down, so if y'all don't see me there, that's why...
Penny Gronbeck
can I make sure there's no alarm?
The Flaming One
It looks to be a side entrance. Not where the cars would go in and out.
The Flaming One
Ivy: You can try some Magneto or Stormy-kinda overloading schtik. Though Precario was supposed to take care of that. Won't have too much finnesse.
Penny Gronbeck
Okay, I'd like to do that.... difficulty?
The Flaming One
Well, you're going to short the system. Probably in a flashy sort of way. So, diff 6 (being vulgar w/o witnesses). YOu'll need 1 success to short it, but 3 to do it quietly.
Penny Gronbeck
1.
The Flaming One
A wind gather's around Ivy, blowing her hair and her cloths. A moment later, bluish-white streaks shoot from her into a nearby electrical box. There is a sound--cackle of force--and then the smell of smoke. The box fires a little bit before dying down.
Penny Gronbeck
"There's no alarm now."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Quite. Let's go."
Penny Gronbeck
we go.
The Flaming One
You can see the nearby lights flicker on and off intermitently as you approach the door. It is locked, but a well placed kick quickly opens it.
The Flaming One
This appears to be a side entrance hall way. A bit claustrophobic; the flickering lights do not help. It reminds Ivy of some sort of old computer game one of her siblings played once.
Penny Gronbeck
sister... she's only got one.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon works the pattern of the building into the box...
The Flaming One
There does not appear to be anyone near this entrance. There is a distance sound... to Ivy, it sounds like perhaps a siren, but on the other side of the building.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
And "guesses" the right way to go.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
2 successes
The Flaming One
Damon steps into the building, letting the pattern pull him. Ivy follows, glancing around as Damon is a bit absorbed in what he is doing.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Completely absorbed.
The Flaming One
You make a few backtracking motions over this part of the warehouse. It all seems to be narrow hallways and old ladders and staircases. There are doors to either side occasionally, probably storage or office. Damon does not look to them.
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy's paying attention to their physical surroundings. She's still playing with her sonar.
The Flaming One
One thing that does strike you as odd---you haven't seen any real activity in the area. Occasionally, Ivy gets a better feeling for the direction of the siren; it appears you are moving tangent to it for now.
Penny Gronbeck
can I tell what it is?
The Flaming One
However, Ivy's danger sense is still giving a low tingling.
The Flaming One
Ivy: It appears to be something akin to either a fire alarm or a car alarm.
The Flaming One
After some time, Damon finally comes to a stop.
Penny Gronbeck
or maybe a building security alarm?
The Flaming One
Ivy: Perhaps, but you are not an expert in such things.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon looks about him.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Spirit Scan, thanks...
Justin Robinson-Prickett
4 successes...
The Flaming One
You are in a slighly wider hallway; this one looks more recently used. It too is currently empty.
Penny Gronbeck
can I check the wiring systems in the building to see if it's coming from them?
The Flaming One
Damon: The is spiritual residue in this area---the Dead have walked here, probably recently.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Bodies? Precario? Sebastian?
The Flaming One
Ivy: Your Technology or Security scores? Both 0, correct? You can try, but you don't have a good idea what you are doing, exactly.
The Flaming One
Damon: Nothing near by.
Penny Gronbeck
both 0... mages don't even have security.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Can I follow the residue?
The Flaming One
Damon: You believe you could. Its trail is stable--often travelled, most likely. This seems to be a commonly visited place.
The Flaming One
There is an office door here (I didn't get to that int he original description).
Justin Robinson-Prickett
No prob. I wanna track the residue!
Matthew Hammer
EYah!
The Flaming One
Damon? Ivy? ...
Penny Gronbeck
we were walking down the hall....
Justin Robinson-Prickett
tracking the residue.
The Flaming One
Okay. Got it.
The Flaming One
Damon, give me a Per+Awareness roll, diff 6
Justin Robinson-Prickett
2 successes
The Flaming One
The trail is is easy to follow. It starts done into what appears to be a more busy part of the factory. Ivy, you can also tell that this direction is toward the siren.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Good, good. Damon keeps going. But he's gonna sneak.
Penny Gronbeck
still playing with sonar.
The Flaming One
This part of the factory appears to be offices, but larger than before. These also have windows. Several are light, but they are still flickering on and off.
The Flaming One
I'll make those sneak rolls, if you don't mind
Penny Gronbeck
mind? us?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Diff?
Jamey Minnis
BRB - gonna grab dinner.
The Flaming One
Imaginary difficulty. I made the rolls, remember? Anyway, you *seem* be be quiet. :)
Justin Robinson-Prickett
075421
The Flaming One
The trail is getting harder to follow, mingling with others. This is definitly high traffic area. As you get to a T intersection, you loose the trail.
The Flaming One
The lights also stop flickering.
The Flaming One
And the siren stops.
Penny Gronbeck
as in stable light, or darkness?
The Flaming One
Stable light now.
The Flaming One
Ivy: You think you *might* be getting a *ping* on sonar; something is coming this way.
Penny Gronbeck
I get between it and Damon.
The Flaming One
And you Damon? You both giving up your stealth?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Uh... sure. I'd like to establish contact with something... nasty. As in Free the Mad Howlers, level 3
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Not gonna free them yet. Just rattle the cage a bit.
Penny Gronbeck
are my physicals still higher from the last fight?
The Flaming One
No, that was a bit ago. YOu lost them during the make out scene. ;)
Penny Gronbeck
k... I'd like to start increasing them again, then.
The Flaming One
Damon: So, getting ready? YOu can do that with an Arete, diff 6 roll. But you'll need 3 successes to keep them "waiting."
The Flaming One
Ivy: YOu know the roll. Or you should by now.
Penny Gronbeck
1 success, like to use it for stamina.
The Flaming One
Ivy: k
Justin Robinson-Prickett
3 successes... :)
Penny Gronbeck
you suck.
Penny Gronbeck
uh, that was directed at Justin...
Jamey Minnis
has justin gotten anything else on a roll?
The Flaming One
As Damon's fingers flicker at the box, you all notice an barely perceptible shimmering in the area. It is a alive with tension. Occasionally, you see something which looks like a heat shimmer or disturbance, but then it is done. Its a bit disconcerting.
The Flaming One
After a moment, you can see someone come down the hall. It is a guard in a Technogenesis uniform. This one, however, appears alive.
The Flaming One
As you two are in the down the hall and a bit around a corner, he has not seen you yet, you think.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Back off... real, quiet like.
The Flaming One
There is an office door nearby.. you think you can get in there.
Penny Gronbeck
we go.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Good plan
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Someone should really hum the theme from Mission Impossible...
The Flaming One
You quiclkly scurry into the office, hoping it was quiet enough. From the office window, you watch the officer walk by. They pause for a moment, perhaps sensing the air, shake their head, and move on.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
What sort of office is it?
The Flaming One
Looks to be a desk job. Desk, files, computer.
The Flaming One
Managerial, most likely.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Hmm... Cursory search for something about where everything is. A map or some such.
Penny Gronbeck
is there a window?
The Flaming One
Ivy: There is a window to the outside hall, but the office itself is in the middle of the building.
The Flaming One
Damon: There is a fire plan map on the back of the door. It gives you a good idea about this floor and to the nearest fire exit.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Oh, joy. Nothing that says "The bodies are HERE", huh?
The Flaming One
I'm sorry, they must have cleaned that part off.
Penny Gronbeck
sloppy mapmakers...
The Flaming One
What you can tell is that this section is mostly office. Where the guard came from leads to a more open area. Its usage is unmarked.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Well, that's where I wanna go.
Penny Gronbeck
here be monsters....
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Oh, where I go the monsters follow.
Penny Gronbeck
maybe I was talking about us. :)
The Flaming One
You carefully open the door, checking to make sure there are no visitors. You hustle down the hall. The shimmering is getting a little stronger; your "friends" are getting a little ancy.
The Flaming One
As you get closer to the open area, Ivy's spidey sense starts going up a notch. Something dangerous is up ahead.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Oh dear.
Penny Gronbeck
great....
The Flaming One
You come around a corner to see the floor open out before you. You are on the third level above the ground. It appears to be a large factory, open area..there is a catwalk around on this floor that crisscrosses and joins others both above and below it.
The Flaming One
You can see some forms among the different levels of the catwalks; you cannot see them to well, but Ivy gets the impression that some of them are armed.
The Flaming One
Down below, on the ground level, appears to be the main warehouse proper. There are crates and barells all about.
Penny Gronbeck
I'd like to increase my stamina again....1 success.
The Flaming One
There is a large open area that seems to be slightly raised. There are people down there as well. They seem to be doing something, but you need to watch more to get a better idea.
Penny Gronbeck
are the barrels like the ones I found that had had dead people in them?
Penny Gronbeck
or can I tell from here?
The Flaming One
Why don't you make stealth rolls (I'll know the difficulty....)
Penny Gronbeck
446680
Justin Robinson-Prickett
088761
The Flaming One
Ivy: Some of the barrels on the platform seem to be of that type. One of them is open, and there does appear to be a corpse on a table nearby.
The Flaming One
Thanks for the rolls.
Penny Gronbeck
anytime...
The Flaming One
There seems to be about 6 to 8 people down there. Several are working near the corpse; it is hard to tell what they are doing. A few are standing off to the side, talking; their backs are to you. You also see a few guards.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Spirit scan
Justin Robinson-Prickett
4 successes
Penny Gronbeck
can I hear what they're saying?
The Flaming One
You feel the box; it is cold and warm at the same time. The pressence of the Dead is very strong here; not only are several of the gaurds long past their time, but the barrier between is very weak here. There is also a great spiritual disturbance on the platform---it pulses and almost blinds out the rest of your senses. This seems to be exciting your summoned friends--they are getting harder to leash.
The Flaming One
Ivy: The distance and nearby machinery masking the sounds.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Ivy... it's time."
Penny Gronbeck
"Do we have a plan?"
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Of course not. Other than I plan to love you until the end of the world."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon kisses her softly.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
And he lets slip his dogs of war.
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy smiles. "I love you."
Penny Gronbeck
how high up am I?
The Flaming One
Ivy: 3-4 stories.
Penny Gronbeck
okay, probably not jumping then... I'm looking for the fastest non-jumping way down.
The Flaming One
Okay. Though I think now is a natural time to segue, as it were.
The Enemy Within
The Flaming One
Eagle Lake: Dead Elder. Tainted caern. Turmoil.
The Flaming One
Go Jamey!
Jamey Minnis
Turmoil!
Jamey Minnis
Confusion!
Jamey Minnis
Death!
The Flaming One
Well, I can kill Runs off, but that would be anti-climatic.
Jamey Minnis
Corruption.
Jamey Minnis
never forget that... ; >
The Flaming One
So...?
Jamey Minnis
First things first - Runs is going to take some time, warm up, and summon a wolverine spirit to protect the caern while he is busy tonight.
The Flaming One
Well, that will be a long thing. Sitting, chanting, singing, burning stuff...
Jamey Minnis
yep.
The Flaming One
You have a roll for that, I assume?
The Flaming One
Jamey... is there a roll associated w/ that summoning?
Jamey Minnis
yeah - I roll gnosis, against a difficulty of 8-9 for an Incarna, minus one per hour I spend on the summoning.
The Flaming One
Going that high?
Jamey Minnis
I was figuring on spending 3 hours on it...
Jamey Minnis
how friendly the spirit is is dependent on the successes.
Jamey Minnis
I'll roll...
The Flaming One
I see. Well.. roll
Justin Robinson-Prickett
[private]Hours spent... barbarians...
Jamey Minnis
1246677 - should be 3.
Jamey Minnis
that makes the spirit neutral.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
[private]A neutral wolverine...
Jamey Minnis
I then would like to use the ritual to make the spirit my friend.
The Flaming One
Runs gathers near the old caern's heart. He sings and dances ancient litanies, crying out for the bravery, the courage and the strength of the wolverine. Fires are light and other join in the chanting, calling and crying out...
The Flaming One
(What ritual? Old man TJ here...)
Jamey Minnis
I thought I had that.
Jamey Minnis
hold on a second. I seem to have lost my brain.
Penny Gronbeck
matt's back.
Jamey Minnis
Aha. I will beseech the great wolverine spirit to guard our caern.
The Flaming One
Just going to ask him, Jamey?
Jamey Minnis
failing that, I will have to bind it, using the rite of binding.
Penny Gronbeck
hey matt.
Jamey Minnis
I can't find any way to do more than that without binding it.
Jamey Minnis
So, I guess I will probably wind up having to bind it in place...
Jamey Minnis
you wish, matt.
Jamey Minnis
'Great and mighty Wolverine. Our Caern has been violated. We seek your protection of it while we hunt down the corrupting Wyrm and slay it in its lair.'
The Flaming One
At the culmunation of the ritual, there is a breeze that runs throughout the caern, stirring leaves and branches. It twists and twirls about.
Jamey Minnis
'I beseech you, guard well our Caern so that we may hunt the Wyrm. Our task is to right thw wrong done by the corruptor.'
The Flaming One
When it settles, the pressence can be felt. It seems to be waiting.
Jamey Minnis
I'm waiting for a response from the spirit before I consider binding it...
The Flaming One
The voice is not antagonistic, but one used to confrontation. "And why, Runs with Spirits, should we consent when your actions caused this battle in the first?"
Jamey Minnis
'The guardian of this Caern sent me to find the source of the taint it sensed. In doing so, a greater force of the Wyrm was aroused. It is my actions which caused this, as I seeked out the true cause, rather than the cosmetic one. I seek to end the corruption of the last of the Wyrm in this land. I beseech you to protect our Caern so that I may start to make right the wrong... (cont)'
Jamey Minnis
'This night I would go to what I believe is the lair of the Wyrm in these land. I seek to bring low the Bane which infests it and to rid our land of it. I would avenge those who have fallen - Elder, Theurge, and more importantly, the guardian of the Caern. That is the only way that I can make right for my unknowing mistake.'
The Flaming One
The spirit grumbles. "So, you leave your caern undefended for a hunch? And call the wolverine to defend your mistakes?"
The Flaming One
(Wolverine's have wonderful personalities...)
The Flaming One
Hey, Jamey. Roll Manipulation+Etiquette! :)
Jamey Minnis
'I will not leave the Caern undefended. This night I will take a small group who will search the house and kill any Bane we find there...'
Jamey Minnis
Etiquette? How about Occult or Cosmology for spirit etiquette?
Jamey Minnis
359, unless you want to give me any other dice...
The Flaming One
Occult? You're not tyring to turn it into a newt! :)
The Flaming One
No, that's it. It seems a little bit warmed up, but not convinced yet. (You can warm it up some more first, then roll. Or bind it... your call)
Jamey Minnis
I'll keep warming it up.
The Flaming One
Voice: "This place of evil you speak of? Why not summon a warrior spirit to fight them while you remain here? They can take the fight. You, you have already... done enough."
Jamey Minnis
'This night I would bring a small group to lay low the Bane. This night I beseech you to help protect our Caern. To stand guard with the Garou. All know the ferocious power of the Wolverine, thus I call upon you to protect us in our need.'
Justin Robinson-Prickett
[private]Ouch!
Jamey Minnis
'I wish to do more than kill. I wish to cleanse. To clear the taint from the lands, from the town. So that the woods spread again. The corruption of the land is driven away.'
The Flaming One
Voice: "So you will cleanse the land? Singly perform the task so many have tried before. Oh, mighty is Runs with Spirits. May all bow before his power!"
Jamey Minnis
'You mock me. I seek to cleanse what I can. Let others cleanse what they can. The land is corrupted. Gaia is dirven away. And in the end, the Wolverine is too much the coward to protect a Caern so that a Bane can be possibly brought low and the land it infested cleansed. I wonder some days why it is that I try.'
The Flaming One
I'd like another roll now.
Jamey Minnis
I'll spend a willpower on that.
Jamey Minnis
I rolled a 379.
The Flaming One
Find and dandy... but, he is mocking you. And your not just any person... your Runs with Spirit damnit! How dare this .. creature... speak to you this way. That would be a Frenzy roll...
Jamey Minnis
ah, my bad.
Jamey Minnis
3360 - I get a one higher diff because of my rank, BTW.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
[private]Oh no... that's a success, I believe. 2 if the moon is full.
Jamey Minnis
no Macbeth lovin' for you...
Justin Robinson-Prickett
[private]Takes 4 to frenzy, but he's mad.
Dina O'Shire
the prodigal teddy returns... and only an hour later than expected...
Jamey Minnis
I win the pool, guys!
Dina O'Shire
trust me matt- you donnae wanna meet ol' macbeth...
Dina O'Shire
ther was a pool?
Dina O'Shire
soooooooo.... what'd i miss?
Jamey Minnis
yeah - my money was on one hour.
The Flaming One
Jamey: You are angry... but still in control. This thing has your blood racing....
The Flaming One
Someone fill him in. I'm busy.
Jamey Minnis
Dina got blood bound to a malkavian... ; >
Matthew Hammer
Two and a half sessions you knucklehead
Dina O'Shire
[private]please don't kill me! or dina, at least... sorry 'bout the past two weeks... did justin give you the deets? did you get any of my email?
Penny Gronbeck
wow, Matt, harsh language.
Jamey Minnis
Where are we at now, TJ?
The Flaming One
Jamey: You are angry, but in control. The spirit, however....
Jamey Minnis
is it more knuckleheaded than Teddy?
Jamey Minnis
Runs is expecting it to possibly try to jump him, and will be ready to defend himself.
The Flaming One
THere is a disturbance in the air as it solidifies. Before you is the spirit---poweful, majestic, and onry. "Very well, Theurge. I will do as you ask. Tonight."
Jamey Minnis
'I thank you, Wolverine. Come dawn, we will have returned to defend the Caern. Or we will have died in the cleansing.'
The Flaming One
"That is only the favorable options, Theurge."
Jamey Minnis
Runs breathes a sigh of relief, when out of earshot.
The Flaming One
Teddy, two sentence summary: Ivy is messed up and her boyfriend is getting them into trouble. Meanwhile, Runs is causing havoc and lamenting his deeds.
Dina O'Shire
[private]thanx tj- actually, i got matt and justin doing some in-fillin'...
The Flaming One
I'll try to get the three (soon) four sessions I'm sitting on up soon. BTW: How useful is the web site? You like? You want other stuff? Let me know (private messages probably work best)
Jamey Minnis
He will then get the whole of the Caern together in a bit. First, though, he will get the eldest of each moon of Garou. Unless there are official elders...
The Flaming One
You already got them around. They be them.
Jamey Minnis
cool, dat.
Jamey Minnis
Runs will sit on the ground, tired.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
[private]There's so much more coming.
The Flaming One
The Ragabash elder comes up to you. "Uh, Runs?"
Jamey Minnis
'I would like volunteers to go with me to examine the house where the Bane dwelt for many years. The Wolverine will help guard the Caern tonight.'
The Flaming One
The Ragabash nods. "Sure, sure. But, besides the ones you had with you, everyone else is fairly wounded. They probably should stay here."
Jamey Minnis
'Very well. If that is what we can do, it is what we will do.'
The Flaming One
The other elders show. The Theurge states that the Weeping caern has received their message. They will send some friends soon.
Jamey Minnis
'If we have not returned by Dawn, we will have fallen to the Wyrm. I will rest until dusk. I will speak with the tribe (is that the right word?) then.'
The Flaming One
They nod. Assuming you are finished, they depart.
Jamey Minnis
yep.
The Flaming One
Any plans between now and then?
Jamey Minnis
you want to give Teddy and Matt a chance, since they haven't gone in a couple weeks? Or do you want to continue on here and leave us at more of a cliffhanger? ; >
The Flaming One
I think I know when I'll shut you down (I think you can guess it too...)
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Groan and be in pain. Those are George's plans.
Jamey Minnis
sleep. Howl at the moon (getting my rage back...). Go kick ass.
Dina O'Shire
is logan still alive and kickin'? he eats at mcdonalds...
Jamey Minnis
I'm gonna take da gang, leaving George behind unless he _really_ wants to come with...
Jamey Minnis
dude - we're in the middle of the woods - there is no McD.
The Flaming One
No, Logan is staying at the caern, like a good dog.
The Flaming One
Runs: The moon, it is refreshing.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
George wants to sleep with Demeter, but other than that...
The Flaming One
Runs: Did you wish to speak to the troops?
Jamey Minnis
yep.
Penny Gronbeck
is that sleep in the literal?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
No, he wants some sex :)
Penny Gronbeck
what is it with us and this game?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
He's a guy, after all.
Jamey Minnis
Oh - I forgot - I want to tell the elders about the page and have them relay the message.
Jamey Minnis
to all the caern around.
The Flaming One
In the moon and firelight, you can see the face of the Garou, your kin. They look tired. But anxious. Ready. They are Gaia's warrior.
The Flaming One
Runs: What message?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
And Gaia's General Store owner...
Jamey Minnis
the message that there is a page with a ritual to summon a bane on it wandering around, perhaps in the hands of Weaver.
The Flaming One
Oh, yeah, him.
The Flaming One
Runs: Note noted.
The Flaming One
Well, Runs? Speachify?
Jamey Minnis
'This night, we go to fight a creature of the Wyrm. I was not here when we were attacked because I was trying to cleanse a taint in the area. In this I have succeeded. But I have also failed. There will be no failure tonight. Though I may not return alive, I will cleanse the taint from the building ...'
Jamey Minnis
'... where it can be found. I will lay low the agent of the Wyrm, should it dwell there. To this, my companions and I are dedicated. I have asked the mighty Wolverine to help guard our Caern, and this night he shall bed down in it, to fight beside you while I am gone. Should the Wyrm come, he will be your stalwart companion...'
The Flaming One
There is grumbling from somewhere in the crowd.
Jamey Minnis
'... We cannot fail. We are the warriors of Gaia. We are the few. The proud. The only ones who can make a difference in this dark world. The ones who can lift the endless night of corruption. The ones who can break the web of the Weaver. We must fight. Not for ourselves. Not for our brethren. But for the future. Each year the Wyrm grows stronger. We must fight it back...'
The Flaming One
Somewhere in the crowd--"And will the great Runs with Spirit defend us? He who fought for us? Brought us this spirit? Who has done so much for us?"
Jamey Minnis
'... I need you to be strong. To take your place on the line in the battle. Though I may fall this night, I will fight to cleanse the taint, because if it is not done, it will return and corrupt more. It will bring taint to the heart of our Caern. To the very heart of Gaia, perhaps. We must all fight. For honor. For Glory. And most importantly for Gaia.'
The Flaming One
Elsewhere in the crowd - "We all fight for Gaia! We carry the wounds from our battles! But where were you, Runs? YOu go off to fight another battle? Will that scar us again?"
Jamey Minnis
Runs will rip the shirt off of himself.
Jamey Minnis
'Do you see where the acid of this bane burned me? All of us bear the same wounds. We all fought last night.'
The Flaming One
Another voice. "The elder waited for you Runs! He waited, but you did not return!"
Jamey Minnis
'I do not know why I bother. I am no leader, I am a Theurge. I would fight for Gaia and cleanse what I can because that is what I know. It is what I can do to help in the fight. If you will not stand beside me, then we will all fall.'
Jamey Minnis
'I did not come because all of use were wounded. Had we known that there was trouble, I would have pushed on with whoever could make it.'
The Flaming One
Voice: "You do not speak of us, only of 'I', Theurge! That is not glory! That is boast! That is not leadership! That is manipulation!"
Jamey Minnis
'But in the end, I was not here because I was doing as the spirit asked. That is all I can do - trust in the spirits and know that in the end their advice will bring us to a world without the corruption of the Wyrm.'
The Flaming One
(so, you'll want to give me another Rage roll around here Jamey)
Jamey Minnis
4460
The Flaming One
Check.
Jamey Minnis
'I trust that the Guardian knew what would happen when he sent me from this Caern to cleanse the taint. I would continue with what he asked until it is done. I do not wish the Guardian's sacrifice to be in vain. I ask you to stand with me. To work with me and to fight for Gaia.'
The Flaming One
You can feel pissed if you want, but you don't *have* to kill anyone. :)
Jamey Minnis
heh.
The Flaming One
There is muttering of discention in the crowd. You know your legacy is in their minds, in their hearts. It is difficult for others to accept.
Jamey Minnis
'You stand in the crowd and shout out at me. What would you have me do? Stay here and whimper in the Caern, hiding from the Wyrm and hoping that no others will show up? I have felt the taint of the Wyrm and walked away from it. Few others can say that. The spirits trust me to do what is right. To cleanse the taint from the land. To bring about a change...'
The Flaming One
Voice: "Again, the boast of the 'destined one.' If you must walk to your death, go! The caern can protect itself! We *are* the warriors of Gaia, and we fight *every* enemy!"
Jamey Minnis
'... I know that the Wyrm will spawn more in time. If we do not cleanse the taint when it is small, it will grow and fester until, like a gangenous wound, it bursts, oozing it silme and bringing down the body of a beast.'
Jamey Minnis
Do I know who the voice is?
The Flaming One
Sorry, you are not familiar with *everyone* in the crowd.
Jamey Minnis
damn.
The Flaming One
[private to Justin Robinson-Prickett] Must be a couple Shadowlords around, you think?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
[private]I love my Kin.
Jamey Minnis
'You question my wisdom. Know this. The Wyrm will corrupt this caern and others should we not stop the Bane. You call me enemy? You are a fool and a child. In times of struggle, all Garou must come together to face the challenge of the Wyrm and the Weaver. To protect Gaia. To mantain the Caern and at the same time cleanse the taint from the land.'
The Flaming One
Jamey: Man+Expression roll, please.
Jamey Minnis
459
The Flaming One
Thanks.Some of the crowd is still grumbling, but more seem agreeable.
The Flaming One
The galliard elder stands. "These are a troubled time for our septs. But we will survive! We will grow stronger! Runs acts with us and for us, and together we shall rebuild and overcome!"
Matthew Hammer
At least Smiles is smiling.
Jamey Minnis
'I know that I am not a great leader. I am a Theurge. I ask you to do your part. To protect the Caern. I wish to do my part, and to cleanse the taint. All who fought last night, whether with me, or with the fallen, are heros. We all are fighting for Gaia. We all must work and sacrifice to fight the Wyrm.'
Jamey Minnis
heh.
Jamey Minnis
Runs is gonna let the Galliard elder run with the ball for a while - he can do a better job...
The Flaming One
Galliard: "Strange signs haunt us. Our Gaurdian has turned against us. The Elder slain. Runs, marked by the spirits, is haunted by his brothers and sisters. Stop! The bickering is the tool of the Wrym, sowing anger to confuse us! Defiling our trusts! Devouring our solidarity! We will protect the caern! We will stop this taint, as we have done before and will do again. This is Gaia's way!"
The Flaming One
The crowd is brought around. There are a few dissenters, but they do not make themselves apparent.
The Flaming One
(MMM... love Traid symbology...)
The Flaming One
Runs?
Jamey Minnis
Going to gather the troops and raid the house of the Wyrm.
Jamey Minnis
So, that would be the usual suspects. Minus George, who is a bit too hurt.
Jamey Minnis
Diving at a moving car... You'd think he did it on purpose to avoid going into this one... ; >
The Flaming One
Logan, Demeter, Smiles
Dina O'Shire
yes?
The Flaming One
Just listing the roster. Okay... how you getting there?
Penny Gronbeck
i vote we fly.
The Flaming One
All opposed?
Dina O'Shire
great speech, ah, great leader there... let's, eh, kick some ass for gaia, eh!?!
Jamey Minnis
George's jeep is probably the fastest, so we'll do that.
Jamey Minnis
'That's the plan, Logan. When we go in, it will be us and the Wyrm.'
The Flaming One
Demeter drives. Soon, you are there. The dark house of Ezra Goldstein.
The Flaming One
And ....
Jamey Minnis
segue?
The Flaming One
segue
The Tainted Past
The Flaming One
Southern France: Down in a hole. Dead woman. Blood stained book. One armed corpse.
Matthew Hammer
Okay. Down under
Dina O'Shire
but i don't even believe in... OH DEAR GOD!!!! it's a crazed polish woman with an axe!!!!!
The Flaming One
:) ... Sara? Dina?
Dina O'Shire
<dina is still standing stock-still, her colt a1911 still smoking and pointed at the body (remembered, she finished off her clip into the dead woman's head)... slowly, she begins what can only be called an 'evil grin'>
Matthew Hammer
Sara isn't making any sudden moves around the gun wielding terrorist
Dina O'Shire
<ooc- you have no PROOF she is a terrorist... ;) >
Justin Robinson-Prickett
[private]I think you should make Dina frenzy from time to time :)
The Flaming One
(Not Yet....)
Matthew Hammer
Uh, I believe the dead sorceress
The Flaming One
[private to Justin Robinson-Prickett] :)
Matthew Hammer
It's not like Dina denied it.
Matthew Hammer
and she dows have teh sniper rifle.
Dina O'Shire
<as the grin tightens, dina suddenly shakes her head violently and puts a hand to her brow>
Matthew Hammer
Sara is looking warily at Dina
Dina O'Shire
<her bloody and powder-caked hand stays for but a moment, before she drops to her knees and makes a silent cross abpout herself>
The Flaming One
The woman's incredulous look is staring blankly at the book she dropped. Dark blood is flowing towrads the text.
Matthew Hammer
Sara quickly grabs the book before it gets damaged
The Flaming One
The tomb is colder now, it seems.
Matthew Hammer
(Matt it freezing right now)
The Flaming One
Sara: Bits of blood and ... gore have been splattered on parts of it already from the gunshot. YOu hope it it is not too damaged.
The Flaming One
(Think warm thoughts!)
Dina O'Shire
<after a moment that seems like a year, dina begins assembling her dropped weaponry and refilling her clip... tj: is the ak47 recoverable?>
The Flaming One
It needs a little repair, but otherwise it is fine.
Matthew Hammer
Unless it seems to be soaking in or doing continuing damage, Sara is going to leave it alone lest she damage the book more.
The Flaming One
Sara: Probably not.
The Flaming One
The woman did have one point. YOu are trapped in here.
Dina O'Shire
<in that case, she spends a few moments collapsing it and tucking its parts amidst her bloody clothes and toussled backpack items...>
Dina O'Shire
[private]ie, hate me more- i gotta go start the coffee... brb...
The Flaming One
Well, Teddy just told me he needs his coffee.... grrr... Matt, you doin' anything?
Matthew Hammer
Sara quietly goes and looks at the way we came in.
Matthew Hammer
how far is it?
Dina O'Shire
[private]i'm back... seeeee- i moved EXTRA quick just for you...
The Flaming One
Big hole. The sky has turned overcast since you came down, making the place even darker. The hole is a good 15-20 feet up.
Matthew Hammer
Hmm, anything to stand on, is the burial slab look movable?
The Flaming One
The slab is cut into the wall--its an alcove. It is not moving.
Dina O'Shire
<still kneeling after she's finished gathering her weapons of war, dina turns, almost startled, towards sara...>
Dina O'Shire
<she just stares... afraid... at sara...>
Matthew Hammer
ANything else? If not Sara is going to start examining the alcoves for a passage. She's quietly ignoring dina.
The Flaming One
You can't hear anything from here, so you are unsure if a yell would be heard up there.
Matthew Hammer
Hm?
Dina O'Shire
<noting sara's ignorance, dina almost begins that evil grin once more... then stops herself, crosses thrice, and examines the body... including a life & prime scan...>
The Flaming One
My point: You don't know if a yell would be heard from outside the hole.
Matthew Hammer
OKay, just didn't seem related to what people were saying.
The Flaming One
Diff 4, Dina.
The Flaming One
Sara: It's all right.
The Flaming One
The alcove does nto seem to have a passage behind it. The only other exit you believe was where the rock fall is.
Dina O'Shire
<on two rolls- life=4,7,9 ... prime=3,5,6 >
The Flaming One
The woman, whoever she was, is dead. There are faint residue of magic, but fading.
Dina O'Shire
<tj: what about a physical search of the body? and yes, dina is praying loudly and waving her rosary over the body, if sara even cares to notice... ;) >
Matthew Hammer
<As long as she's not doing anything really wild like reanimating the body, sara doesn't pay much attention>
The Flaming One
Dina: The woman is unarmed. Here hands are discolored, most likely from the heart she had to steal. She has a few things in her purse: keys, a wad of hair, an unused bullet (just by itself), lipstick, makeup, credit cards, and a lot of cash. No ID.
Dina O'Shire
<ooc: hmmmmm... reanimate the body, eh? ;) >
Dina O'Shire
<dina grabs the purse and tucks it in her backpack... she continues to search for the heart... >
The Flaming One
You already saw that. It was near the alcove.
Matthew Hammer
Having found nothing, Sara quietly comes over to Dina.
Dina O'Shire
<dina starts quickly, turning with a rush of red hair and points her colt directly at sara...>
Matthew Hammer
Sara freezes.
Dina O'Shire
<for a moment, dina is perfectly still... there is almost a bestial gleam in her green eyes... then, she collapses on herself, crying...>
The Flaming One
The sound echoes strangely; the accoustics are unusual here.
Dina O'Shire
[private]<tj: note, dina still has the gun in her hand... she's hoping sara will try to hug her... at which point she will hug back for a bit, then grab her hair and point the gun underneath her chin... should i roll for that or something? p.s. she's NOT gonna shot sara, just scare the living hell out of her>
The Flaming One
Dex+Brawl. And *pray* you don't botch
The Flaming One
Oops. :)
Matthew Hammer
Sara pauses a moment. Then speaks quietly. "We need to get out of here"
Matthew Hammer
WHAT!
The Flaming One
Nothing. Never mind. Side conversation.
Dina O'Shire
4,6, 10, 10, 10, 10, 10... i'm absolutely seripous that's what i rolled... do i reroll the tens?
The Flaming One
Well, Dina, since nothing *has* happened, I think that roll is a bit premature.
Dina O'Shire
ahhhhh... sorry...
The Flaming One
[private to Dina O'Shire] And I don't think Sara will get anywhere near you now...
Dina O'Shire
just tell me when?
Matthew Hammer
No no. Dina kills the bad'uns.
The Flaming One
Anway... Sara says: "We need to get out of here."
Dina O'Shire
[private]oh shit- didn't see your 'oops' up there... sorry tj...
Dina O'Shire
<dina continues to cry... rolling into a ball on the ground...>
Matthew Hammer
Sara waits.
The Flaming One
(boo hoo)
Matthew Hammer
Not really feelin the sympathy here. Too messed up
The Flaming One
:)
Dina O'Shire
<dina stifles her crying a bit... looks up at sara with bright green eyes through a mess of sweaty red hair>
Dina O'Shire
aye... aye... i be supposin' we must be off... <sniff>
Matthew Hammer
"Soon, considering . . .", she gestures towards the corpse.
Dina O'Shire
[private]tj: assuming we can make it to the top, or out of this cavern somehow, i'll have dina try this again... cool?
The Flaming One
[private to Dina O'Shire] You'll have to tell me when, you stupid fuck.
Dina O'Shire
<looks balefully at the corpse...> aye... soon... a wee bit o' a moment, iff'n ye don't mind? <dina moves towards the alcove to get the deader's heart>
Dina O'Shire
[private]sorry, sorry... i was really just trying to create a moment there... i think you seriously freaked matt out though... awesome! ;)
Matthew Hammer
[private]I'm _really_ sorry. BRB
The Flaming One
Dina: It feels spongy and a little wet to the touch. Distrubing.
The Flaming One
Matt is on a (hopefully quick) BRB, so Teddy?
Dina O'Shire
<nonetheless, dina handles it with the precision of *almost* a professional... she scoops up the heart and stares at it for a bit... then, she begins to examine the 'alcove' it was placed in...>
Matthew Hammer
[private]okay b
Matthew Hammer
"Anything?"
Dina O'Shire
<tj: anything?>
The Flaming One
Anything? It was dropped by the alcove. Not placed.
The Flaming One
Just the body. You've already checked it out.
Matthew Hammer
"Any suggestions on how to leave?"
Dina O'Shire
<dina turns to sara, staring at her full-on for the first time since the woman was killed> ye 'ave a plastic bag on ye?
The Flaming One
(I doubt it. Not a professional hit person last time *I* checked, unlike *some* people.)
Dina O'Shire
ooc: hey!
Matthew Hammer
"Why?"
Matthew Hammer
<chuckle>
Justin Robinson-Prickett
[private]Gotta go, my man. Peace!
The Flaming One
[private to Justin Robinson-Prickett] Bye!
The Flaming One
... (need to wrap up soon folks.. Justin left...)
Penny Gronbeck
I'll check on what happened with that.
The Flaming One
No, he said he needed to go.
Penny Gronbeck
k.
Dina O'Shire
<that familiar look of disgust crosses dina's face, and suddenly you realise all is back to normal> ta put this bloody piece o' body in, ye daffer! sometimes, i swear... <dina proceeds to plunck the heart down into her knapsack and stare incrediously at sara>
Matthew Hammer
It's all teddy's fault
Dina O'Shire
hey!
Dina O'Shire
you have no PROOF of that!
The Flaming One
There is a *thump* behind you. YOu turn to see a large, heavy rope being dangled from the hole.
Matthew Hammer
"I think getting out is a more immediate concern" (and speak for yourself)
Matthew Hammer
<ooc: you're on your own>
Matthew Hammer
Sara goes over and looks up the hole
Dina O'Shire
aye, aye... ye go up an'n check things out... i've got ta bit o' searching left in me... <dina begins to scour the room looking for the skeleton's OTHER arm...>
The Flaming One
There is the rope. Near the top, you can see George. He is looking to the side when you look up. He sees you have a moment and waves to you and to whoever he was talking to. YOu cannot hear him.
Matthew Hammer
<SAra is completely baffled at Dina's obvious disconnect with the world>
The Flaming One
Dina: This place is bare. There is no other arm you see. Well, except the two on the *other* corpse.
Matthew Hammer
<and decides to climb the rope>
The Flaming One
Sara climbs the rope. Dina?
Dina O'Shire
<tj: dina is obviously disconnected from this world... she just killed an evil mage head-on... she's never done that before... she continues to search the hole...>
The Flaming One
Tell me when you stop. As you are pretty much alone down there...
Matthew Hammer
Whos alive up here?
The Flaming One
We'll get to that in a moment. :)
Matthew Hammer
Um a moment, or a week?
The Flaming One
I'm waiting for someone.... (*coughTeddycough*)
Dina O'Shire
<dina stops the moment the rope begins to rise, at which point she hollers: > 'EY NOW! THERE STILL BE THA LIVIN' DONE 'ERE!!!
The Flaming One
The rope is standing still.
The Flaming One
Except for Sara jostling it.
Matthew Hammer
<didn't I mention something about a disconnect?>
The Flaming One
(I really need to stop soon, Monika needs the network.... so, you doing anything else before climbing, Teddy?)
Dina O'Shire
<tj: dina thinks it's very odd this man is missing one of his arms... she's looking for the other one... that failing, and having lifted every last piece of jewelry and watch off of the dead chit, she will grab the skeleton's OTHER arm and head up the rope, concealing her colt first, of course...>
Matthew Hammer
Do I still have the book?
The Flaming One
Where are you putting that arm, Dina?
The Flaming One
Sara: When you climb the rope, yes.
Matthew Hammer
coo.
Dina O'Shire
<in her backpack with like everything else in the entire world she owns (sans pink moped, assuming it survived the blowout)... the heart remains in her knapsack at her side...>
The Flaming One
Dina: The world is still confused as you climb the rope. Out from Hades, you think. Finally, you reach up to George's hand. He pulls you up.
Dina O'Shire
<yes, dina takes care that the heart and arm bones do not touch...>
The Flaming One
YOu get to you feet, when you hear a series of clicks. That sound is familiar...
Dina O'Shire
<dina clutches george's hand even MORE tightly than he might expect...>
The Flaming One
Turning around, you can see several pistols armed at you. French Police. They have Sara. Now they are looking at you. "Dina O'Shire. YOu are under arrest."
The Flaming One
DONE!
Even Death must die.
