Three Pillars: Second Chance
Session 19
Darkness and Light
The Flaming One
Portland. That place in the sun. Actually, underneath it. Somewhere.
The Flaming One
Factory. Return from the lands of the dead. A beat up pair (some more beat up than others).
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon would like to look around, in the material and spirit world...
The Flaming One
The two of you try to regain your equilibrium when you realize the machines are still running. But just as you are turning around....
Penny Gronbeck
[private]how's the evil twin integration going?
The Flaming One
One moment Damon...
The Flaming One
[private to Penny Gronbeck] You seem to be whole.
Penny Gronbeck
[private]and normal?
The Flaming One
The machines start to sputter and buck, smoke rising from their connections with the dead bodies...
The Flaming One
[private to Penny Gronbeck] Yes., no more fading.
The Flaming One
Damon: The machines pulse with spiritual energy... not very well contained. You can see through the haze of the chaos on the other side that the storm there is raging heardest directly above the machine...
Justin Robinson-Prickett
My work is never done
The Flaming One
As you draw in your breath, there is a great implosion of air as the machines implode from the strain of their material and spirit sides...
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy jumps a little.
The Flaming One
The force knocks you both forward. You land gracefuly or not, depending on who you are.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon tries to salvage a little dignity.
The Flaming One
There is an eerie moment of silence. Then, both you notice something...
The Flaming One
A spinning stream of blinking lights, coming right at you like a puppy come home.
Penny Gronbeck
I get out of the way.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Precario. Thank the gods."
The Flaming One
You think it is ... smiling. You notice that is game *out* of the machines... or their wreckage.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon coughs up a little blood, secretly reveling in how Goth he looks.
Penny Gronbeck
Okay, must heal boyfriend.... Ivy's heading towards Damon.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon rises painfully to his feet.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Must... investigate spirit machines...
The Flaming One
Ivy: You can see Precario pretty clearly.... and it seems so w/o the rock (which is not in your hand) [If you want, you can spend XP for 1 dot in the Spirit Ways...] (though you'll have to come up with a superhero way to describe it later...)
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Oh she gets to spend XP... :)
The Flaming One
I like her better. ;p
Penny Gronbeck
(thanks... it's cause I'm cuter, isn't it?)
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Ivy: breasts Damon: no breasts
The Flaming One
(Yes. That and your lesbian. Its solidarity w/ my mother and all that)
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Simple guy math
Penny Gronbeck
(yeah, I figured something like that...)
The Flaming One
(I cannot comment on that... as Monika would kill me...)
Penny Gronbeck
(that's 10 points?)
The Flaming One
Ivy: You going to try to heal Damon, or is Damon going to try to struggle to the podium first?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon could put on a lot of weight...
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Anyhoo, chekcing out the machine
The Flaming One
Ivy: Yes.
The Flaming One
Plus 1 for the GM tip. :)
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Yep . Being stoic.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
[private]Can I get WP for beating my nightmare?
Penny Gronbeck
going to heal him.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Ivy. Are you okay?"
The Flaming One
[private to Justin Robinson-Prickett] I belive I filled you to rim w/ Brim.. err WP at the end of last session for that very thing (check the transcript! ;p)
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy reaches out to him. "You're not."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
[private]Works for me.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"I fell. I'll be fine."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
*cough*
Penny Gronbeck
"let me fix it."
Penny Gronbeck
I'm going to fix it.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon opens his mouth to protest, and promptly closes it.
Penny Gronbeck
10, 10, 6, 3.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Arguing with her is futile...
Penny Gronbeck
yeah, especially about this.
Penny Gronbeck
disagree, and she'll stick her tongue out.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Mmmmm
Penny Gronbeck
one-track mind....
The Flaming One
A warm infuses both of you, feeling the cold areas in Damon's soul. He is particular icy to the touch, causing Ivy almost to flinch. You heal 6 levels of damage, Damon.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Holy Christ! That's a couple extra...
Penny Gronbeck
yeah, that's like twice as many.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
No, I was down 4
Penny Gronbeck
unless the difficulty was 3...
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"I'll never get used to that sensation."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Thank you."
The Flaming One
You don't get to keep them (actually damange and healing are just the same -- 2 levels per success. Actually, she has to spend on to affect you and then she gets another from Spark of Life (its extra success, not lower diff right?) So its only 5, but who cares.)
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy smiles. "Welcome."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon turns back to the machine. It is more pressing. The puzzle must be solved.
Penny Gronbeck
(spark of life is lower difficulty, if I remember right.)
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy looks around.
The Flaming One
So 3 success at diff 6, 1 success to affect Damon = 2 net success *2 = 4 levels healed + 1 from Spark of life = 5... (If it is lower diff, than it is only 4, still enough...)
Penny Gronbeck
(hey, either way.)
The Flaming One
The machines seem to be material debris. White and black smoke come from their remains.
The Flaming One
It appears each was connected to several places on the bodies that in turn connect to a station besides the body that then connects a larger, single machine. The machine looks more advanced than anything you can image. It also looks a bit out of some sort of Geiger painting.
Penny Gronbeck
hm... should probably break that.
The Flaming One
The willworker you fought for control for the spell is nexxt to the large machine. Or his remains, anyway. His face is frozen on utter terror.
The Flaming One
Not much to break that isn't already....
Penny Gronbeck
well, that's all right, then. anyone else moving around in here?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Hmm. Is there anything I can determine from an Intelligence + Enigmas or a Perception + Investigation roll?
The Flaming One
Nothing in the immediate area seeems to be moving....
The Flaming One
Well, looking for anything in particular? If so, the later. If not the former.
Penny Gronbeck
I'm looking with sonar.
Penny Gronbeck
if I still have sonar, that is.
The Flaming One
Ivy: Sonar has faded by now.
Penny Gronbeck
ah well. I'll look around the old fashioned way.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
I wouldlike to determine the original purpose of the machine. Justin figures that it's some kind of possession or reanimator, but can Damon know that?
The Flaming One
Ivy: This side of the factory is pretty trashed---collapsed catwalks, dead bodies, smoking machines...
Jamey Minnis
hey all. I'm back.
The Flaming One
Damon: I think Damon can try: Int+Enigmas, diff 8. And this is a pattern ad you are trying to be brilliant.
Penny Gronbeck
anything I can tell from an intuition or awareness roll?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
3 successes
The Flaming One
This isn't really intuitive, but you can try to be aware... Per+Aware diff 8 as well.
Penny Gronbeck
spidey sense?
Penny Gronbeck
I got 2 10s.
The Flaming One
Damon: This machine is dark---but a darkness you seem familiar with. It is laced with the whispers of the Dead--tied very strongly to them. YOu suspect it tries to act as some sort of bridge between the two---hard to tell which way (though from tonight's events, could be both).
The Flaming One
Ivy: Re-roll them.
Penny Gronbeck
got an 8.
Penny Gronbeck
and a 7.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Distressing. I suppose the little mystery is solved. I should inform Earl.
The Flaming One
Ivy: There is still menance in the area---but is it not focused on you right now. It has either passed you over or is waiting for you to make a poor move.
Penny Gronbeck
I look for Sam.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
What does the other side look like?
The Flaming One
Ivy: The bird seems to be vacant for now. You haven't seen him much sence you entered. Perhaps he's a bit less adventuresome.
Penny Gronbeck
he'll turn up.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
It would be too much to hope he was eaten...
The Flaming One
Damon: The chaos of the storm is broken, and now littering the general area with its entropic remains. Dark spirits call and cry out, venting their frustration on anything they can get. Those that notice you perform distrubed acts of mocking impossible for the living.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Cute. Is the door closed? Do this spirits need their butts kicked?
Penny Gronbeck
at least he doesn't go around fantasizing about killing kids.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
The price of having a useful sidekick...
The Flaming One
Damon: Everyone seems to be on their own side. You suspect that if it wasn't, these folk would be taking you up on your offer in a heartbeat (though they have none...)
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Mmm. They have yet to learn respect. Soon. But now is not the time.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"I need to tell Earl what we have learned here."
Penny Gronbeck
"Now?"
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon blinks. "When did you have in mind?"
The Flaming One
Mourge is probably closed...
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy shrugs.
Penny Gronbeck
"Is the morgue open?"
Justin Robinson-Prickett
But it should be fairly easy to get into from the Dark Umbra, right?
Penny Gronbeck
hey TJ, how fucked up are my clothes?
The Flaming One
You can get the Dark Umbra, but its a bit more difficult than just crossing the gauntlet...
The Flaming One
Ivy: Bullet holes, some gore from the other side.. not pretty.
Penny Gronbeck
so, pretty trashed....
The Flaming One
Yup.
Penny Gronbeck
k.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
A bit more difficult. Heh. Like that would phase Damon.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"The morgue needn't be open for me to speak with Earl."
The Flaming One
Hey, dieing is easy. Getting back is the bit more difficult part.
Penny Gronbeck
"How are you going to get in?"
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy examines the gore on her shirt.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Though the Dark Umbra. I'm tired of wasting time, casting about without direction. I want to do this soon."
Penny Gronbeck
"Where you want to meet me?"
Penny Gronbeck
She pokes a finger through one of the bulletholes.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Everywhere." He smiles. "But more to the point, we can meet at the apartment if you don't want to accompany me."
Penny Gronbeck
"I can't go with you in the dark umbra, remember?"
The Flaming One
Not unless you kill her.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon's eyes widen as he realizes his girl is bulletproof.
Penny Gronbeck
No killing Ivy.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"No. Of course not. I meant to the physical morgue."
Penny Gronbeck
"Can I borrow your coat?"
The Flaming One
Damon: There is a part of you that is fascinated by that though though...
The Flaming One
(thought though)
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Hmm... Dead Ivy...
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy takes her shirt off.
The Flaming One
(that thought just went away, me thinks...)
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon's thoughts are all gone now.
Penny Gronbeck
Wipes the gore off as best she can.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon just stares. Then he sits down.
Penny Gronbeck
(dead girls don't resist...)
Justin Robinson-Prickett
TJ - question: The turmoil is in the Dark Umbra and not the Middle Umbra, correct?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
I wish Teddy were here...
Penny Gronbeck
She wipes the gore off her pants as much as possible.
The Flaming One
yes: The Middle Umbra is safe. The dark is... unsafe normally and downright dangrous now.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon silently prays to whatever gods there be that patterns are upheld
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Middle Umbra it is, then.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
But must wait until Topless Ivy is no longer a factor.
The Flaming One
ooc: Anyone hear from teddy this week? I haven't
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Nope.
Penny Gronbeck
She looks at Damon. "Coat? My shirt's dead."
Penny Gronbeck
hey, she has a bra...
The Flaming One
Sports or ...?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Huh? I'm sorry, I missed that?"
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Girl tummy is yummy
Penny Gronbeck
probably....? this whole bra thing is kinda abstract for me.
Penny Gronbeck
I was just hoping it didn't have bulletholes, at this point.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
please please please
The Flaming One
No, the bra is fine... poor Damon.
Penny Gronbeck
does linoleum make Damon think about sex?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon curses whatever gods there be! Silently.
Penny Gronbeck
oh, like it'd be hard to get her out of it.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
And yes. Linoleum and spirit machines and outboard motors...
Penny Gronbeck
outboard motors?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
He's 16.
The Flaming One
Don't forget mourges...
Penny Gronbeck
yeah, okay.
The Flaming One
Do you give the poor girl your jacket?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Anyway, Damon nods and stands. He takes off the coat and hands it to Ivy, kind of depressed that he won't look as cool in the deadlands
Penny Gronbeck
are my shoes okay?
The Flaming One
Ivy: The jacket is actually cooler than you are---it warms up to you, not the other way around. But it does make you warmer eventually...
The Flaming One
Ivy: Yes, a bit dirty, but otherwise fine.
Penny Gronbeck
I wasn't worried about temperature, just being naked.
Penny Gronbeck
cool.
The Flaming One
So?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Meet you at the apartment?"
Penny Gronbeck
"Sure you'll be okay?"
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Of course. I doubt anyone... I mean, if you want to come that's cool, but I understand if you don't."
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy shrugs. "I can't go in.....I'll go with you if you want, though."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Morgueward Bound!
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Sounds good. Precario can keep you company."
The Flaming One
It is very late... you have to wait some time for a red-eye bus to show up. You are the only one's on board. Eventually, you get to the morgue.
The Flaming One
The building is squat and square in the hazy Portland early morning.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon waits until he is unobserved, and steps sideways. To the middle umbra for now.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Diff?
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy looks for Sam.
The Flaming One
You are still in the city. 8.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon can summon him, if you like...
Penny Gronbeck
Sam can take care of himself....
The Flaming One
Sam joined you outside the factory.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
3 successes
Penny Gronbeck
okay. Ivy is hanging out with Sam.
Penny Gronbeck
she'll talk to him about the evil twin thing.
The Flaming One
With a push and a shove, Damon vanishes from existence.
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy flinches, and then goes back to her conversation.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Precario? I may require your assistance."
The Flaming One
Damon: This is the more familair side of Portland. Silver cables everywhere.
The Flaming One
Like a loyal dog, Precario comes.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon smiles and tries to get into the morgue.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Are there many pattern spiders about?
The Flaming One
Physical barriers are still barriers if they are reflected in the Umbra. Course.. you can try to break it down.... No spiders immediately, but probably some nearby... They're everywhere, after all.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Well, I can crush barriers in the Umbra with Entropy and not worry about Paradox as much :)
The Flaming One
Just don't try it in the Dark Umbra...
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Entropy + Dark Umbra + Legenday Hubris. Uh oh
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon will try o crumble himself a hole in one of the walls.
The Flaming One
diff 6.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
1 success
The Flaming One
They wall seems... weaker. You think Precario can get through.
The Flaming One
(You succeed at hard and suck at easy... hmmm...)
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Oh joy. "Precario? Can you get in and unlock the building?"
Justin Robinson-Prickett
This is Entopy. I don't have those -2 diffs :)
Justin Robinson-Prickett
And Damon will try again, curse you!
The Flaming One
The dog is gone in an instant... In a moment, he returns.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Report?"
The Flaming One
The door is unlocked and ready for entry.... Except the locks are on the physical side...
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Grr... step back through.
The Flaming One
Same roll (8)
Justin Robinson-Prickett
1 success... Guess this is extended...
The Flaming One
Yes.. don't botch (please botch...)
Justin Robinson-Prickett
There we go. 3 more.
The Flaming One
Ivy: With a pop, Damon returns to existense. he seems disgruntled.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon taps Ivy on the shoulder. "Found another way in."
The Flaming One
(Is anyone ever "gruntled?")
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon goes to the front door and opens it.
Penny Gronbeck
"and then my evil twin.... oh, hi."
The Flaming One
The door opens easily.
Penny Gronbeck
Sam and I go over there.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"I think I am the evil twin..."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon heads inside.
Penny Gronbeck
"No, I met her earlier."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon ignores them, looking for Earl. Following the scent of death.
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy goes along, thinking about the evil twin.
The Flaming One
The inside of the morgue feels the same: cold. Damon, the whispers surround you as befores. The passions seems a bit more frantic than last time. Ivy: YOu can barely manage to hear some of the whispers. You are not sure what is more unnerving: not knowing then or knowing now...
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Earl? I'm here."
Penny Gronbeck
evil twin is forgotten, Ivy is getting the creeps.
The Flaming One
Damon: You soon feel Earl's pressence nearby.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"I found the location of the bodies, and I believe I know what was being done."
The Flaming One
Ivy: You occasionally catch glimpses of dark shadows flitting about, some playing with the lights, others with the dust. Your memories of this place return, but now you have an idea of what happened.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Technogenesis, some kind of company, seems to be employing the dead, using them as hatchetmen."
Penny Gronbeck
that's reassuring... maybe....
The Flaming One
Damon: The whispers become more tense. "They're what?! Do they seek to undo us all?"
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"They had a machine, bridging the gap between this world and the next, taking spirits into the abducted bodies. At least that's what it looked like."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Perhaps. Of the two doing this, one was killed, the other escaped. But the machine is gone."
The Flaming One
The whispers seem shocked. "Did you find any of the bodies?"
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Yes. But I cannot carry them on my own."
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy checks the coat's pockets absently.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"And I encountered two of the bodies walking about and trying to kill me."
The Flaming One
The whispers seem insistant. "If you know, tell us. We can.. take care of this matter."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Ivy finds a money clip, a black monogrammed hanky
Penny Gronbeck
she looks at them and puts them back.
The Flaming One
Ivy: Like last time, Damon seems get whiter as he focuses elsewhere. But a looming shadow seems to shroud him as well...
Penny Gronbeck
can I try to see it better?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"I would advise against visiting the Shadowlands there. They are dangerous. During the fight, I ripped the world in two and only just repaired the breach. The place is still crawling with spirits of ill omen."
The Flaming One
You can try. Diff 4.
Penny Gronbeck
3.
The Flaming One
The whispers stop.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon waits calmly.
The Flaming One
Ivy: It is the shadow of his magic, reflecting itself upon Damon. The words of Routterage come to you: "What we touch, touches us back...."
The Flaming One
Earl's voice is very quiet. "you what?"
The Flaming One
Ivy: There is a strong feeling of fear that washes over you. Even with your balance, you stumble just a little.
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy looks around quickly.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"The thing was creating a gateway. To destroy these two, I harnessed the energy and directed it at them. The resultant explosion ripped a whole in the spirit world. I then closed the breach."
The Flaming One
Ivy: Nothing... on this side. The shadows that you catch when you concentrate have all frozen still. They dare not move.
Penny Gronbeck
how's the spidey sense?
The Flaming One
Ivy: YOu are not in danger.
Penny Gronbeck
well, that's good....
The Flaming One
Earl, still is a whisper. "Very well... Damon. I.. uh... what do you suggest?"
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"I suggest you do not panic. There is much danger for your kind, but not if we destroy Technogenesis once and for all."
The Flaming One
The whispers are fearful, you can tell. They mutter silently in the background. "And how?"
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon smiles briefly, without mirth. "There is an office, and it is run by one of the dead. One way or another, it is he who is in charge of this. Destroy him, and we are safe."
Penny Gronbeck
I check to see if there's a shadow around me.
The Flaming One
Ivy: No. You are in full color, unlike some.
The Flaming One
Earl lets out a sigh. "We... will do as you ask. Return tommorow, and we shall discuss this more..."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon nods. "Of course. If you need anything... come to me and I will protect you. Now I must rally more allies. We will win the day, this I promise."
The Flaming One
Earl says nothing.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon turns to leave.
Penny Gronbeck
I look at Sam.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
And leaves, if no one stops him.
The Flaming One
Sam is... uncomfortable.
The Flaming One
No one of the dead... dont' know about Ivy.
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy's talking to Sam. "What?"
The Flaming One
Sam (whisper): "The boy is dangerous, girl. I'm not sure he understands what he toys with..."
Penny Gronbeck
"What's he doing?"
Penny Gronbeck
she's sotto voce.
The Flaming One
Sam: "Tampering in with the Dead, the spirits.... These things are not meant to be touched so frequently... Look at him! You've seen the resonance..."
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy nods. She starts to walk, not wanting to get stuck in the morgue.
The Flaming One
Where too next, Jeeves. Its late.
Penny Gronbeck
to Sam: "I see it."
The Flaming One
Sam is quiet.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Well, I still have a little arrogant bird I need to speak with as well as a gigantic spider.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
More spirits to touch!
Penny Gronbeck
I need new pants, but that's not immediate.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
More reality to lose!
The Flaming One
Well, I should break here then.
The Enemy Within
The Flaming One
Runs: Darkness swirls about in your head. Deep inside you can feel a cool, moist place that is filled with the essense of the taint---the taint in the valley, the taint from the ritual... There is an awareness, almost too alien, too large to grasp, and then you are gone
Jamey Minnis
ah. OK. Poland.
Jamey Minnis
the chicks are hotter there...
Penny Gronbeck
...sigh....
Jamey Minnis
kinda like pasadena.
The Flaming One
I like Polish chicks.
Jamey Minnis
the taint from which ritual? I'm blanking here.
The Flaming One
The taint the ritual that has been causing all this messes engenders...
The Flaming One
Runs: You slowly regain awareness of your surroundings....
The Flaming One
[private to Penny Gronbeck] Its been 3 days since Runs went into his comma... so act concerend
The Flaming One
You are on your back. Smiles is looming over you, smiling as usual. You can see the light of day through trees behind him. YOu are not in the mansion... You are in the caern.
Penny Gronbeck
Demeter is looking down at Runs. "Are you okay?"
Jamey Minnis
'I'm not sure.'
Penny Gronbeck
She hands him water.
Penny Gronbeck
in a bottle or something.
The Flaming One
The gang is around you. You are not holding the skull anymore.
Jamey Minnis
Did runs return to his natural form?
The Flaming One
No. You stayed as you were.
Jamey Minnis
interesting...
Jamey Minnis
Runs blinks, then sits up.
Penny Gronbeck
"Hey, take it slow."
Jamey Minnis
'What ... happenned?'
Penny Gronbeck
"You've been out for 3 days."
Jamey Minnis
'Three?'
Penny Gronbeck
"Yes, three."
Jamey Minnis
'Fascinating.'
Penny Gronbeck
"That wasn't what we thought."
Jamey Minnis
'I remember picking up the skull. I had a ... vision. Of a past life.'
Penny Gronbeck
"The skull fell apart when you touched it."
The Flaming One
As you are talking, the other elder Theurge comes up. "Is Runs... Runs! Good, you have returned to us."
Jamey Minnis
'Fascinating.'
Jamey Minnis
Runs drinks the water.
Jamey Minnis
'So it seems.'
The Flaming One
The Theurge looks around for a moment. "When you are done speaking with your friends, please come to the center of the caern. We must talk." Without waiting for a replay, he leaves.
Jamey Minnis
'Is something bothering him?'
Jamey Minnis
Runs raises an eyebrow.
Penny Gronbeck
Demeter nods. "I think so...."
Jamey Minnis
'I should go to the Caern, then.'
Penny Gronbeck
"They, um. They did the rededication. Already."
Jamey Minnis
'Already?'
Penny Gronbeck
Demeter shrugs. "You were unconscious."
Penny Gronbeck
"Are you sure you feel okay?"
Jamey Minnis
TJ - the large awareness that I felt - did I get any sense of it? was it of the taint / wyrm?
The Flaming One
Runs: You really are familiar with one sort of taint. Runs doesn't know how to tell the difference as he hasn't been exposed to much outside of it... so he probably thinks its wyrmy, just a different aspect.
Jamey Minnis
ok. I just realized that I didn't have to take that as an awareness of the taint.
Jamey Minnis
'I should go to the Theurge.' Runs attempts to get up. How's he feeling in general? Tired, hungry, and weak?
The Flaming One
Runs: Yes, most of thoses. A little dizzy still.
Jamey Minnis
Great. Runs will then lose his balance, stumble, and fall over when he tries to stand up.
Matthew Hammer
Smiles catches him by the arm.
Jamey Minnis
'Three days? That would explain why I am weak.'
The Flaming One
Three days are also the length of the memories.
Jamey Minnis
'I should go. Did you check the rest of the house? What about the box?'
Jamey Minnis
'Runs seems to be a bit scatterbrained as he tries to get his memories together here.'
Penny Gronbeck
"we waited for you to wake up, and when you didn't, we brought you back here."
Matthew Hammer
Smiles smiles a little, and retrieves something from the ground behind him.
Matthew Hammer
He offers Runs an old book.
Jamey Minnis
Runs looks at the book.
The Flaming One
The first thing you notice is that there seems to have been a large portion torn from the binding.
The Flaming One
At a glance, it appears to be occult in nature, from some of the diagrams and glyphs you spot.
Jamey Minnis
like a large chunk of pages torn out?
The Flaming One
Yup.
Jamey Minnis
'I will need to see what this says. Yes. But ... the Theurge. Yes. I need to talk to him. It sounded urgent.'
Jamey Minnis
'Is there any meat around?'
The Flaming One
Mmm... meat. Logan sheepishly hands you some he was supposed to "guard"
Jamey Minnis
Runs will gnaw on the meat while flipping through the book to get an idea of what is in it.
The Flaming One
Seems to be a text on dark summonings... reportings of demons and such. Most of it is probably whooey... The setion immediatly before mentions a dark pact perfomed in what would become the Ukraine in the early 12th century by some fabled witch named Lydia... the rest has been exicised.
The Flaming One
(Before the tear)
Jamey Minnis
lovely.
Jamey Minnis
Runs will put it in his backpack. 'Did you get the box, too?'
The Flaming One
(box?)
Jamey Minnis
the box with the finger and the bags of dust in it...
The Flaming One
You put it in your pack.
Jamey Minnis
Smiles had it.
The Flaming One
Oops. Sorry...
Jamey Minnis
s'all good. I'll put it in my pack now...
The Flaming One
Done.
Jamey Minnis
Does Runs think the house should be cleansed or burned? (or both?) Or is it better to let it stand?
The Flaming One
The house is a house. You fight evil, not buildings...
Jamey Minnis
OK. But given the taint there, I was wondering if the place needed cleansing.
The Flaming One
Your call of course. The place is probably beyond cleansing, though... too many generations of evil...
Jamey Minnis
Anyway, Runs will lean on Smiles and someone and make his way with as much dignity as possible to the center of the Caern.
The Flaming One
You slowly walk towards the caern... as you do so, you occasionally see others of the sept. When they see you, they either walk another direction or pretend not to see you.
Jamey Minnis
lovely...
The Flaming One
As you come to the center of the caern, you can feel the the whole has been patched---the taint cleaned. The place is holy again.
The Flaming One
The other elders are all gathered. None of them look pleased, The Ragabash sheepishly isn't looking in your direction.
Jamey Minnis
Runs smiles.
The Flaming One
The Philidox looks stoic. The Theurge as if he had a bowel problem. The Ahroun doesn't look too chipper either.
The Flaming One
The Galliard is sad.
Jamey Minnis
you typing TJ?
The Flaming One
No. Waiting for your reaction.
The Flaming One
(and reading up on my rituals...)
Jamey Minnis
sorry...
Jamey Minnis
why do I get the feeling this is going to hurt?
Jamey Minnis
Runs is going to stare the Theurge straight in the eye and wait for him to speak.
The Flaming One
The Theurge does not look away. Staredown anyone?
Jamey Minnis
nah...
Jamey Minnis
that'd never happen between two garou.
The Flaming One
After a moment of tension, the Philidox speak. "Runs. We have been waiting for you." His voice is emotionless.
Jamey Minnis
Runs will switch his eyes to the Philodox.
The Flaming One
There is a long silence... (one moment, please)
Jamey Minnis
Runs will just let his eyes bore into the Philodox.
The Flaming One
Philidox: "Runs, you have been absent..."
The Flaming One
Ahroun (not pleased): "Neglecting the sept!"
The Flaming One
The philidox looks less than pleased at the Ahroun, who doesn't back down but does be quiet. He turns back to you. "As I was saying...."
The Flaming One
Philidox: "The spirits have spoken to us. We have seen what you and yours have done. We have seen the consequences." You know he is referering to the caern. "YOu have woken something, Runs-with-Spirits. It is thus your responsibility."
Jamey Minnis
'Have I denied this?'
The Flaming One
Ahroun: "You have endanged our kin! What did you do to George? Damnit, he's my mother's roomate's cousin's son's nepher!"
The Flaming One
Philodox: "You have not. But that does not remedy the neglect."
Penny Gronbeck
Demeter wonders what relation that would make her to the ahroun if she and George ever hooked up.
Jamey Minnis
'George made his decisions on his own.'
Jamey Minnis
TJ - correct me if I am wrong, but Runs pretty much did what the guardian spirit of the caern asked him to do.
The Flaming One
Runs: Yes. And exactly one person knows thta right now.
Jamey Minnis
point.
The Flaming One
Theurge: "Wendigo has spoken, Runs-with-Spirits. You have become a danger to the caern. You have stirred the enemy. Thus, you must eat its heart and destroy it."
The Flaming One
Philidox: "Do you have anything to say, Runs-with-Spirits?" As he is saying this, the other are forming a large circle around you.
Jamey Minnis
TJ - what exactly is going on here? Would Runs know, given that he is a Theurge? I'm not sure...
The Flaming One
Roll Int+Rituals
The Flaming One
Diff 6
Jamey Minnis
4 successes.
The Flaming One
There are a number of things that could be happening. You are definetly on trial (and one sided it seems). And you are probably not going to be happy with the results. They are in position for any number of punishment rituals.
Jamey Minnis
ok.
The Flaming One
Any response?
Jamey Minnis
typing it now...
The Flaming One
He's typing it, but he is also typing "typing it"... a pradox...
Penny Gronbeck
but when we read 'typing it now' he isn't anymore.
The Flaming One
But then he is typing it then... not now. Well now from our standpoint, but not from that of his message (when he was typing it)
Jamey Minnis
'As always, I am the servant of the spirits. The guardian of the Caern sent me to find the source of the taint in these lands. I did so. In so doing, it appears that I have awoken the sleeping giant which none knew existed. I have walked the path that the spirits guide me along, and I will continue to do so. Should it be deemed that I am responsible for waking the enemy, then I will do all in my power to stop it. (cont)'
Penny Gronbeck
when will then be now?
The Flaming One
Just then.
Jamey Minnis
'You would blame me and try me without knowing the truth of what has occured, only judging by that which is obvious to all.'
The Flaming One
The Philidox seemed a bit sorrowful until that end, and then he bristled. "Very well then, Runs-with-Spirits. Those same spirits have laid your course, and you must follow. Hear their judgement."
Jamey Minnis
TJ - is this something that can be appealed / challenged?
The Flaming One
Philidox: "You are to go on a walkabout. You must search for the cause and habitations of this new enemy. You must find them and destroy them. You must go to the danger, and thus take the danger away from here."
The Flaming One
An appeal to the Spirit Supreme Court? :) YOu could do trial by combat... but I'm not done yet...
Jamey Minnis
ok.
The Flaming One
Philidox: "You probably already know what you must do. But kow this, you cannot return here. This place must be made unknown to the enemy. The spirits have spoken of places that have fallen irrevocably for less knowledge."
The Flaming One
The Ahroun and Theurge both turn to face you from their positions. "Among all the creatures of Gaia, I no such brother." They then turn away.
Jamey Minnis
A single tear trickles down Runs' face. Does he know which ritual this is?
The Flaming One
Philidox: "Until you have fulfilled what has been given, you must be unknown to us. Among all the creatures of Gaia, I know no such brother." He then turns away.
The Flaming One
Ritual of Ostracism.
Jamey Minnis
Riiight.
Jamey Minnis
'Hear this.' Runs speaks with authority and strength.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
[private]Again with the single tear... he's been watching that Indian littering commercial...
The Flaming One
[private to Justin Robinson-Prickett] It one of his Gifts, you see. Taught be the Fake Indian Spirit.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
[private]Okay, now that was funny...
Justin Robinson-Prickett
[private]He doesn't know when he's beat, does he?
Jamey Minnis
sorry - I need a sec to come up with something to say here...
The Flaming One
I bet his typing even now. Or was it then? Or sometime in the future? AH... I Can't Take IT!!!! :)
Matthew Hammer
Runs is going to demand a recount.
Penny Gronbeck
IT? his typing? or is IT something else?
The Flaming One
I'll challenge that in court!
The Flaming One
His typing. Or when he is typing.
Penny Gronbeck
when he's typing IT?
The Flaming One
The will of the spirits has been known.
Matthew Hammer
Some of the elders did not understand the intent of the ballot.
The Flaming One
We don't need to establish guidelines for couting spiritual chad! Anyway, they'd be offended.
The Flaming One
Yes, the butterfly ballot hole for "Make Runs god" was confused with the "exile Runs" hole.
The Flaming One
Runs... not big with the witty comeback (luckily we are in zero time!)
Jamey Minnis
'A great hand guides our foes. A hand of power and strength. Though I devote my life to putting to rest what I have awoken, division is the way of the Wyrm. This day, you bring to this caern the very thing which you would cast out. Remember this, Ahroun, when you lie stricken from your wounds for three days. Remember the mercy and Wisdom which you have shown. I go now in peace.'
The Flaming One
None of the elder's respond. The simply walk away....
The Flaming One
(They)
Jamey Minnis
that's rather harsh. ostracism for this?
Jamey Minnis
Runs seriously contemplates actually cursing the Ahroun...
The Flaming One
He, that's the least punishing rite. Anyway, I think they think if they think you don't exist that they can't be traced. Or something like that.
Jamey Minnis
... but decides he doesn't need to because some agent of the wyrm will do it for him...
Jamey Minnis
riiiight.
Jamey Minnis
even though the bad guys already know where the caern is.
Jamey Minnis
do we segue here?
The Flaming One
That's pretty much it. I was planning for have Teddy here by now.
The Flaming One
BTW: That's end of Story for Runs (except for the you leave bit, but that was going to be part of the next story...)
Jamey Minnis
ok.
Jamey Minnis
Can I have some meditation time in the woods to learn things?
The Flaming One
Any immediate plans, Runs-o-matic? It'll be some (game) time before the next story. Sure.
Jamey Minnis
mostly planning on taking some time in the middle of nowhere to commune with the spirits to figure out what the hell he can / should do.
The Flaming One
And Portland should be one next time, Justin, me thinks.
Jamey Minnis
and spending some xp, of course.
The Flaming One
Good. Well. See you all later!
Even Death must die.
