<DM> Roll call! <Sam> /monkflex <Apol> rarr! * Fordran casts Flamestrike. <DM> Cheater ; ; * Foster burns things. legitimately! <Fordran> lemme reconnect via !vpn <Fordran> arr. <Sam> yarr. <Erias> Whoopsy. Hi. Back. * Sam has: no splitting headache, tea <DM> You're all in the dimmed rest quarters with the civilians, except for Erias and Grith. <Foster> (is this before or after resting?) <DM> before resting <DM> What are you all doing? * Vita is leveling her character up <Sam> (i cast magic mi...um, okay maybe not) * Vita flavor-texts this as meditation <Foster> (Join the club. :p) * Sam asks various civilians, "Are you hurt?" * Fordran checks on the civilians, makes sure they're fed and okay. * Apol finds a corner and watches. * Fordran turns to a Gray. <Fordran> (if there is one nearby) <DM> Sam: The civilians are asleep, as per the end of the log <Sam> (certainly one of them is restless...?) <Sam> (nah, never mind) <DM> (Fordran, sure) <Fordran> "That... vampire. Was she real? Is she still here?" * Fordran glances at the civilian child. <DM> (Gray) "Vampire? What vampire?" <Fordran> "Hm. Perhaps she was merely an illusion." <Fordran> "She did claim that you were unable to detect her..." <DM> (Gray) "I do not remember capturing any Vampires. Are you suggesting that our defenses were breached?" <Fordran> "They are able to take on a form that can travel as if it were a cloud. It is possible." * Apol walks over to the child and waves. <Fordran> "She wanted possession of this child." * DM * Child snores softly. * DM * Gray half-nods. * Sam plods over next to Fordran and listens. <DM> (Gray) "... Yes?" * Devo has joined #ddi * DM sets mode: +o Devo <Devo> (Okay, slamming dinner together. I'll be ready in 2 minutes.) <Apol> "Who will stay up first?" <Sam> "I shall." <DM> (Fordran? Are you continuing?) <Fordran> (oh. well, that was largely it, actually.) <Vita> (Sorry, I'm distracting him by not understanding how ftp works) <Fordran> (well:) <Fordran> "I wonder why this child, in particular." <Apol> "Ok. Oh, where is Erias? and Grith? and Yawin?" * Foster looks up from his fiddling with items laid out on the mattress before him to say "I would prefer an early watch, as well. I still have work to do." <Fordran> "So, neither of you need sleep, then? That seems... useful." <Vita> "I will take one of the last watches, I think I need some sleep to rest my mind after previous events..." <Apol> "I am ok anytime. I can take middle." <Fordran> "I shall take the last watch, and greet the Sun, for it shines even when we are in darkness." * Apol looks around the room with the monocle. * Foster is thoroughly engrossed in his activities. It looks like one of those things that shouldn't be disturbed. * Devo is now known as Grith * Sam asks the local Gray, "Do you know who I am?" <Sam> (gak, screwed that up) <Sam> (i'll refrain from underline) <Fordran> (it's tjb) <DM> (sec) <Sam> (i'm patient. *gong*) <DM> (Gray) "Somewhat. Only what we heard in your head." <Fordran> "You can read minds." <DM> (Gray) "Yes." <Sam> "I suppose you do not know where my native lands are, relative to Threecrown?" <DM> (Gray) "..." <DM> (Gray) "..." <DM> (Gray) "We have no idea." <Fordran> (uh oh, cloud syndrome) * Vita looks at Sam <Vita> "Native... lands?" <Fordran> (er, sorry, squall syndrome) * Sam relates a story about being chased, stepping into a stone circle, and suddenly finding himself elsewhere (i.e. unconscious in the middle of a road). <Vita> "What were you being chased by?" <Fordran> "Those elves, if I recall correctly." <Sam> "I would call them elves, yes." <Fordran> (did anyone answer Apol, btw?) <DM> (Gray) "We know of at least six territories that elves inhabit, but the images in your mind match none that I know of." <Apol> (nope) * Apol is listening with interest and watching Foster. * Foster is intently examining a pair of bracers. <Fordran> (do we have a list of loot?) <Apol> (Did you guys loot?) <DM> This loot is loot from the statue room. <DM> No one has gone looting yet. <Sam> (i didn't, maybe Haley did~) <Fordran> (oh that's tomorrow) <Foster> (We did minor looting, of which the three items in front of me represent the whole of what we have. The plan is for me and Apol (and anyone else who feels like coming) to go hunt for stuff tomorrow) <Apol> (If I recall correctly: Grith got "his stuff", Apol got some jewelry, and Foster asked Apol to help get the bracers off of a statue) <Foster> (rather, the whole of what we have, minus Voltron and Dianarra's greatswords. <DM> (Apol looted some stuff, Grith got "his" stuff back) <Foster> (oh. and the jewlery that Apol pilfered) * Fordran looks at the stuff Foster is ... communing with. <DM> (Grith has Dianarra's sword, the Knight Captain's sword is strapped to Erias' pack) <Fordran> "By the way... those statues. Something seemed odd about them. Can you ... explain that?" <Grith> (Note the quotes around his, there.) <Apol> (Apol is planning on wearing the feathered necklace as a Showgirl headress and dance the can-can. Oh yeah!) <Foster> You see: a pair of bracers, a vest, and an odd crystal amulet on a rope made of an oddly flexible gray metal. <Erias> (I just tried to visualize a cat-sized dragon dancing on its hind legs... gnah.) <DM> (hee) <DM> (Fordran, asking a Gray?) <Grith> (Dibs on the rope! Y'can never have enough rope!) <Grith> (...kidding) <Fordran> (yes) <Foster> (I use rope because it's not really a chain, in that it doesn't have links) <Sam> "I have much to learn about this realm..." * Apol walks over to Foster and whispers something. <DM> (Gray) "Those were failed experiments that Gray decided would look good in the trial area." * Fordran winces. <Apol> "Experiments? What kind?" <Fordran> "Why does Grith here look so much like one of them?" <DM> (Gray) "Resolve. Will. Resilience. Vulnerability." * DM * Gray pauses, cocking his head to the side. <Apol> (Is Grith in the room?) <Fordran> (oh, i thought he was) <Fordran> (remove the "here" if he isn't) <DM> Grith is not in the room. <DM> Okay. <Grith> (Grith -is- the room.) <Apol> (Grith, Erias, Yawin, and Grant are not in the room) <DM> (Gray) "Grith is a revision of that experiment." <Fordran> (speaking of grant. has anyone asked about him?) <Fordran> "...Revision." <Vita> "Wait, Grith is an EXPERIMENT?!" <Fordran> "Wait. Did you MAKE Grith?" <DM> (Gray) "... Not precisely. Borrowed, adapted, improved." <Sam> "From what few legends I remember, only Wizards did bizarre experiments on others." <Vita> "...oh. I assume you didn't ask for his permission." <DM> (Gray, odd tone of voice) "There are cruder methods than ours, yes. <DM> (Gray, with a different odd tone, to Vita) "... No... would you ask an acorn permission to plant it?" <Apol> "So, you are saying you didn't have to use oysters?" <Sam> "So Wizards aren't fabricated characters meant to scare children into behaving?" <Vita> "So we're all just acorns to you, hmmm? I'm surprised I'm still here and unchanged." * Vita backs away from the Gray a little * Fordran looks at Apol oddly. <Fordran> "What's an... 'oyster'?" * DM * Gray looks at Apol funny. <Sam> "A shelled thing from the sea. Its insides are edible, supposedly." <DM> (Gray) "Nnno... No molluscs were used in the genesis..." * Apol thinks about that, "Hmmmm." <Fordran> "Moll...I'll stop asking." <DM> (Gray, to Sam) "Yes, Sam, wizards do exist. Though that is beyond our scope of study. Perhaps you should ask Foster." <DM> (Gray, to Vita) "Not precisely... I was assuming you would understand the analogy. We did not ask Grith's permission because, among a number of other reasons, he was a sample of blood and flesh before we began." <Vita> "Oh." * Vita blinks and furrows her brow <Vita> "You have... remarkable powers, even thought I don't understand why you use them the way you do." <Fordran> "He ... grew? Out of that sample?" * Vita mutters under her breath ("...had?") <DM> (Gray) "Yes. It is currently beyond our ability, as Gray is dead." <Fordran> "I thought you were all Gray." <DM> (Gray) "I refer to the most powerful of us, as of three hours ago." * Erias walks back into the common area. <Apol> "Hi!" <Fordran> "Erias." * Foster looks up. * Grith follows right behind Erias, cradling Yawin against his side. Yawin's feet (or foot) touch the ground, but it's just for show. Grith is carrying him. * Foster waves a bit. <Grith> "Look who we found hobbling down one of these blasted hallways." <DM> (Yawin) "Lost my footing. A-hah." <Foster> "Very spirited." * Foster chuckles. * Apol laughs at the joke. * Sam doesn't. <Fordran> "Tenacity must be a hallmark of your Order." * Grith chuckles. * Fordran smiles faintly. * Erias walks to his pack and sits down. <DM> (Yawin) *eyes widening* "Pel-- Erias, when did you say they were coming after you if you did not report?" * Apol jumps over to Yawin, "I like you, you're funny." <Erias> "I did report. But I suspect they are coming regardless." <DM> (Yawin) *ducking* "Erf." <Grith> "Report? Report what?" <Erias> (when did I send my report?) <DM> (two days ago) * Grith has left #ddi <DM> (I.. think) * Grith has joined #ddi <DM> er. <Grith> (ARGH) <Grith> |context 20 * Grith makes his way to one of the untouched pallets and settles Yawin on it. <DM> The robed figure left awhile ago, when he was no longer directly being questioned. <Foster> "As to wizardry, my knowledge of such things is limited. It's been twenty years since I last studied the arcane arts." <Erias> "I sent a report to the Order a few days ago. I'm not certain whether it would have reached them before they left to come find us." * Foster doesn't look much over 22. <Erias> "If the situation is as dire as the Gray imply, this is likely the best place for them in any case." <Grith> "So what's that mean? A big messa holy warriors is comin' our way?" <DM> (Yawin) "... But not for me..." <Erias> "Well... " * Erias looks at Yawin. <Sam> "Dare I ask what arts you have been studying since?" <Erias> "I know what side you are on, Yawin. And I am on yours. You will need to confront them eventually in any case." <DM> (Yawin) "If I stay and wait for them to arrive, you might as well burn me now, Erias. And as much as that appealed to me a week ago, for now, I'd rather live." * Grith looks down at Yawin, "Why? What was wrong with ya?" * Fordran looks uncomfortable. <DM> Yawin looks up at Grith. * Erias laughs weakly. <Foster> "More esoteric things. Like setting people on fire by manipulating the natural order of things with my mind, as opposed to setting people on fire by manipulating reality with heavily regimented arcane gestures and chanting and whatnot." <DM> (Yawin) "I guess you could say it's a philosophical difference. <Fordran> "I'm sure some of the more powerful clerics of the Church can find a way to... help you." <Grith> "Oh." * Vita looks at Foster, confused <Erias> "Look, not to pry, but is anyone in this room actually human at this point?" <DM> (Hehehehe) <Vita> "Um... what's the difference between the two?" <Sam> "Last I suspected, I was." <Fordran> "I certainly am. I thin," <Fordran> (er, think) <Grith> "Er... I think I am. Partly, at least." <DM> (Disqualified, favored by God) * Vita looks at Erias "I think we both know my answer to that question." * Grith volunteers helpfully and ignorantly. * Erias shrugs. <DM> (Heh, Grith didn't hear that stuff about the statues, did he?) <Grith> (nope) <Foster> (To Vita) "As far as most people are concerned, not a lot. Different basic principles, similar effects." <DM> (Wonderful, wonderful) <Fordran> (still human! just liked!) <Erias> "Alright. Yawin, what you do now is up to you. I suspect the Knights will come, and if you stay, I will defend you however I must. But I do not know how they will react. My hope would be that they would seek some way to bring you back." * Foster nods. <DM> Yawin looks uncomfortable. <Grith> "Yawin might be in trouble with your church? But... he's a good soldier, and... a good man?" * Fordran looks at Yawin. <DM> (Yawin) "In a way, Erias, I understand how they see things. If I were Lucidus, I would destroy me." <Erias> (to Grith) "Yes. He is." * Grith frowns, "Destroy? Why? That doesn't make any kind of sense." <DM> (Yawin) "But now, things are different. My mind has never been sharper, clearer." <Foster> (Why, is he jealous of your excellent tan?) <Erias> "I know. And I am determined to destroy..." Erias looks at Grith, shrugs "undead as well. But... this is different. You're not one of them. You are cursed, but still human in spirit." <DM> (Yawin) *nods, sighs* "I know that Pelor tolerates me, at least. For now." * Grith stares at Erias blankly. * Foster shrugs. <Grith> "There ya go! Yer god likes 'im... what's the problem?" <Fordran> "If you truly seek atonement, then I shall speak on your side, and guide you as I can." <DM> (Yawin) "Thank you, Fordran. I appreciate it. Now, if you'll excuse me..." he moves to the corner opposite the civilians and sits down against the corner "... I have a foot to regenerate." <Erias> "In truth, I do not even know if the Knights will accept me again, if the truth of my nature is revealed. And yet I feel somehow that it cannot be hidden from them any longer." <Foster> (Hey, that's my corner! We can be abhorrent outcasts together!) <DM> (Ohmigod! I do my nails the SAME way!) * Apol sits next to Yawin, "And I'll protect you, Yawin. But you need to answer this: Knock knock!" <DM> (Yawin) "Uh... who's there?" <Apol> "Old lady." <DM> (Yawin) "Old... lady... who?" <Apol> "Wow, I didn't know you could yodel! hahahahahahahaha!" * Vita smirks * Apol rolls on the ground laughing. * DM * Yawin winces, smiles in a pained way. * Fordran shakes his head. * Sam shrugs. * DM winces also, smiles in a pained way. * Foster chuckles. Atrocious draconic jokes must be growing on him. * Grith laughs, quietly. <DM> (Yawin) "Faerie dragon?" <Apol> "Where?" *looks around* <DM> (Yawin) "I'm asking if you are one." * Fordran looks embarrassed, for some reason. <Erias> "Um... I don't think we're entirely sure." <Apol> "Oh! I don't know. Ca..Argus didn't tell me." <DM> (Yawin) "My gran used to tell me stories about faerie dragons, who liked riddles and playing tricks on people." <Apol> "I haven't heard of those. Tell me those stories." <Vita> "Playing tricks, hmmm?" * Vita smiles, then yawns * Apol sits at Yawin's side. <Sam> "I wonder what other legends from my childhood are true. First Wizards, now Dragons." <Erias> "That could explain a lot. Did they drink acid?" <DM> (Yawin) "Uh. Well..." *looks to Erias for help* <Vita> "Mmmmaybe it's time for sleep soon, hmmm?" * Grith finds a pallet near Yawin and settles his bulk onto it. <DM> (Yawin) "Um... how about if it's a bedtime story, aren't you tired?" <DM> (Go no skill points in Diplomacy!) <Apol> "Ok!" *excited* * Vita and Pup find a nice comfy place to curl up together * Erias shrugs at Yawin. <Erias> "Hey, I said I'd defend you from the *Knights*..." <DM> (Yawin) "Uh... Well, there was a uh, hunter... who went to hunt... deer, I think. Every day." * Fordran chuckles as he looks for a place to lie down. * Foster sits against the wall, keeping watch. <DM> (Yawin) "One day, he saw a, uh... green. Green I think. Stag. He was very surprised. Shocked." * Sam mutters to himself, "I wonder what else these Grays know about Potential, Mind, and Body that the Order of Waterfalls didn't." <Erias> "Foster. Did you say you were looking at the items we've found?" <DM> (Yawin) "Thought it was worth a lot of esteem, a green stag. So he crept... veeeeery carefully... as quiet as a Nentyar hunter stalking wights..." * Sam paces about, stretching, observing, and breathing carefully. <Erias> "I have a couple more, but they can wait until tomorrow if you like... it looks like we're settling down for sleep." <Foster> "Ah. Some of them, yes. Identifying all of them will take time, but I intend to catalogue every item in this place." <DM> (Yawin) "And as he drew his string back to fire... the stag looked up, and grinned! A big toothy grin!" <Foster> "I would definitely prefer to sleep before continuing my work, as well." <DM> (Yawin) "The hunter, stunned, loosed his arrow too soon, and it sped off into the trees. Um. I forget..." <DM> (Yawin) "No wait!" <Fordran> (to Erias) "I'll be leading an evening prayer, as soon as Yawin finishes his story. In case he wants to join us." * Erias nods. "Alright." * Erias sits and listens to the story. <DM> (Yawin) "Right, the stag bounded right at him! And as it jumped, it shrank, and shimmered in the air, a tiny winged thing, with shimmering scales and shining wings." <Apol> "Ohh!" * Grith grunts approvingly. <DM> (Yawin) "And it smiled that smile and opened its mouth and dreams came pouring forth..." <DM> (Yawin) "When the hunter awoke, it was dark, and he had not a scrap of clothing on." <Apol> "Hahha! I guess his clothes were shiny." <Erias> ("...and that's how butter is made.") * Grith barks out a laugh. <DM> (Yawin) "... I guess I didn't it very well..." <Erias> ("...and that's why you should never drink more than a pint of dwarven whiskey.") <Fordran> "I've heard some caravan stories that ended that way." * Erias smiles. <Erias> "I've heard some less appropriate stories that ended that way." <DM> (Yawin, to Fordran) "Y-yeees." <Apol> "Dreams came out of the faerie dragon's mouth? Dreams don't come out of my mouth. No, sir." * Apol smiles a toothy smile. * DM * Yawin gabefaces. * DM Yawin thinks better of it. <Fordran> "No." <DM> (Rule 12: Do not ask the Dragon what kind of breath weapon it has.) <DM> So, sleepy music? <Fordran> (/me uses Tiny House.) <Foster> Indeed. <Grith> (/me uses tiny cottage.) <Erias> (Sure.) <Grith> (Oh yeah, Grith's old school like that.) * Fordran will burn spells to heal people as needed. <Apol> (/me uses Mog House) <Fordran> (anyone? healing?) <DM> (Grith, afaik) * Sam needs no healing. <DM> (Yawin says, ooh! ooh! me!) <Fordran> (*gabeface*) <Foster> (hee.) <Erias> (er. should actually load my character, I guess. :P) <Sam> (/me uses, uh, meager bedroll?) * Vita would turn down music if she wasn't already making quiet, high-pitched gnomish snores <Vita> (music == healing) * Foster continues leaning against the wall. <Grith> (s/music/Geordan's hot man love) <DM> ... <DM> Thou Shalt Keep The Nasty out of my game. <Foster> (... at least it's a musical reference) <Erias> I assume we hold an evening prayer, and then sleep? <Fordran> "Yawin, would you like to join us?" <Erias> "I'm a bit bruised but will be fine after a night's sleep." <Grith> (Grith needs no healing. Or claims not to, at least.) <Fordran> (i'm almost positive you won't need to roll a Fort save) <Apol> (Apol is second watch BTW) <DM> Yawin nods. * Fordran nods, then kneels down. "The Sun is a mass of incandescent gas." <Fordran> (fade to black, etc) <Vita> (Audrey: BWHAHAHAHA) <DM> Yawin prays fervently, though anyone looking will see him squinting his eyes shut very hard * Erias sits in silent prayer. <Grith> |roll 2d12 <tafal> 14 | [2d12=14] (Grith) <Grith> |roll 2d12 <tafal> 14 | [2d12=14] (Grith) <Grith> (um...) <DM> Nice. <Erias> (/me goes down.) <DM> First watch passes uneventfully. <Sam> (meager bedroll, ho!) * Foster closes his eyes, wakes Apol, etc. <DM> (3 AP/day now, btw) * Apol walks around the room silently during second watch. <Fordran> (yay) <Fordran> (oh, i'm hurt. i cure myself) * Erias sits quietly, meditating. <DM> 2nd watch also passes uneventfully. <Fordran> |roll 3d8+16 <tafal> 29 | [3d8=13] [+16=16] (Fordran) <DM> (8 hours pass) * Apol wakes Vita and curls up. <Vita> (Was someone else on watch with me? <DM> (All spellcasting is recharged, except for Foster) * Vita wakes up Fordran * Fordran greets the morning Sun, wherever it is. <Vita> "Fordran, why are you staring at that wall?" * Vita is whispering <DM> A Gray is waiting outside the door. <Fordran> "I was hoping this was East." * Vita glances at the door, which is open? * Erias stands up. * Grith wakes up to Fordran greeting the morning sun. Watches him quizzically, then asks the Gray, "Ya have a bath around here? I'd like ta get somma this dried blood offa me." <DM> (Vita, the door is transparent) * Erias nods. <Vita> (Wait, I'm confused - are there 3 watches, or is everyone up for the morning?) <DM> Foster is asleep <DM> well "asleep" <Erias> (It's been 8 hours since we started to rest. Several people may need more rest, if they took watches.) * Fordran notices the Gray, after a while. <Erias> "Fordran, I need to see the sunrise." <Grith> (not Grith) <Vita> "Should we let him in?" <DM> (Gray) "... I can arrange for a pool of water." * Fordran nods at Erias. <Grith> "Er... warm water. And soap. Please." <Vita> "Oooh water. That sounds nice." <Fordran> (and i cast Searing Light on Erias.) <DM> (Gray) "Heating will not be a problem. We may have soap." * Erias walks to the door to speak to the Gray. <Fordran> "Is there some way we can see the sky from here?" <DM> (Gray, to Erias) "Will anyone be accompanying you? <Grith> "If not... I have my own." <DM> (Gray, to Fordran) "Directly, or remotely?" <Erias> "I need time for contemplation on my own, but if Fordran wishes to go as well, that is alright with me." <DM> Another Gray arrives besides the first Gray, a little taller and stouter, beckons Grith and Vita. <Fordran> "Erias? Would you prefer to be in the sunlight itself, or merely just to see it?" <Erias> "I would prefer to be in it, if that could be arranged." * Grith gestures for Vita to go first. <Fordran> "Directly, then." * DM Gray nods to Erias, walks towards central control * Vita looks at Grith <Vita> "Thanks!" (very brightly) <DM> <Other Gray> "We can partition the area." <DM> (to Grith) * Apol is still curled up, asleep, near Yawin. * Vita turns to Pup "Want a wash?" * Grith smiles back, then nods to the Gray, "Yes, I s'pose that would be best." * Vita and Pup will head over to their partition when it's all set up * DM * Gray leads Vita, Pup, and Grith a short distance down the corridor, where two adjacent sections of wall fade. <DM> Beyond the portal, you see a familiar stone room... But the pool of acid has been replaced by steaming clear fluid. * Vita looks at it warily <Vita> "Um... are you sure this is safe?" <DM> There is a shimmering opaque white wall, like the corridors, partitioning the room in half. <DM> (Gray) "As safe as any hot water." * Grith pokes a finger in it... then pulls it out screaming. <Grith> "REEAARRGH!" <DM> ... * Sam wakes, sits up, looks about, stands, and does his weird stretching thingy. * Vita starts to test the water, then hears the screaming and stops <Vita> "What the?" <DM> The gray robed figure is visible beyond the translucent screen, facing away from the doors. * Vita yells "Grith, you ok?" <Grith> "Er... it was too hot. And I thought... y'know... Nevermind! It's fine!" * Vita shakes her head (not that anyone can see), does her whole bathing thing and closes her eyes, pretending that she's in a warm spring rather than a dungeon <DM> Apol, Sam, Foster, and Yawin are in the rest area with the civilians. <DM> Yawin is stretching and prodding his right foot, wriggling the pasty white toes. * Foster gets up and stretches eventually. <Sam> "You look quite improved, Yawin." * Grith makes like Vita. Only several times the size. And male. * Apol wakes up and streches. <Apol> "I'm hungry." <DM> (Yawin) "Th..anks... I think." * Foster fishes out a small glass container, rolls it towards Apol. (Otyugh flesh. Dig in!) * Apol grabs the container, "Thank you!" <DM> Yawin looks a bit sad. <Foster> "I'm sure we can arrange a more complete meal at some point." <Sam> "Is something amiss?" * Vita finishes off her bathing and looks around for a towel <DM> Yawin half-smiles at Sam. * Apol pops open the container, scoops out some Otyugh jerky and munches on it. <DM> (Yawin) "Bit of my soul, probably." <DM> Vita: No towels present. <DM> Apol: Yeeeach. <Foster> (This spa is clearly BYOT) <Vita> "Shoot." <Vita> * Pup shakes himself off <Grith> (Grith would rather BHOB) * Vita dries herself on Pup <Vita> * Pup shakes himself off some more <DM> Hehehe <Grith> (ha ha ha!) <DM> BYOD <Grith> (D?) <Sam> "I wouldn't be able to tell." <Apol> (Hee!) <DM> Dog <Grith> (Oh.) * Grith gets out on his side shortly after... swears vociferously. <Grith> "GRAY!" * Vita gets dressed, heads back to the party slightly damp, but not too badly off <Foster> "I'm afraid that souls are not my area of expertise." * Vita rings her hair out a bit <Vita> "Shoot, this is getting too long." (It's about half-way between chin and shoulder length) <Foster> "So, once we get everyone back together, let's finish our little chat with the Grays about just what in the nine hells is going on here." <Vita> "Sounds good to me." <DM> A large sheet, with a rampant gryphon embroidered on it, telekinetically levitates into reach, Grith. * Grith takes it and dries off, then makes his way back to the rest area with the towel around his waist, his shirt on, and his gear slung over his shoulders. <Grith> "So, what's the plan?" * Grith finds his pallet and flops on it. Luckily, yes, he's put on his undershorts. <DM> (That's a tapestry, by the way) * Sam opens mouth, closes it. <DM> (Your "towel") <Grith> s/towel wrapped around his waist/tapestry wrapped around his waist <Foster> "The plan, I believe, begins with you putting pants on, continues to us waiting for Fordran and Erias to return, and concludes with us going to talk to the Grays some more." <Sam> ("Aaah! I'm blind!") * Fordran walks in. <Foster> "Followed by a lengthy session of looting and item identification." <Grith> "A solid plan. I approve." <Erias> |roll d20+12 <tafal> 26 | [d20=14] [+12=12] (Erias) <Fordran> "What the--" * Grith goes about gearing himself up. <Grith> "Fordran?" * Fordran looks away from Grith. <Grith> "Something wrong?" * Sam acts casual. But not too casual. <Fordran> "Didn't mean to... intrude. Sorry." * Grith looks at Foster, "What's he talkin' about?" * Apol looks back and forth between the humanoids while chewing. * Erias walks into the common room. * Vita seems pretty oblivious to the whole thing <Foster> "I'd ignore it. Stick to the plan." <DM> A gray arrived with Fordran and Erias <Grith> "Got it. Good plan. Hey, other than the winged lizard's... rotting flesh, is there breakfast?" * Fordran checks on the civilians. <Grith> "How... how can you -eat- that?" <DM> (Gray) "We can... arrange... for meat." <Grith> (to Apol) <Grith> "Meat is good. I like meat." <Erias> "That's a good point. Can we have... wait." <DM> (Hee hee) <DM> Int or Wis checks. <DM> everyone <Sam> |roll d20+3 <Fordran> |roll d20+3 <tafal> 19 | [d20=16] [+3=3] (Sam) <tafal> 10 | [d20=7] [+3=3] (Fordran) <Vita> |roll d20+2 <tafal> 19 | [d20=17] [+2=2] (Vita) <Erias> |roll d20+1 <tafal> 5 | [d20=4] [+1=1] (Erias) <Grith> |roll d20+3 <tafal> 23 | [d20=20] [+3=3] (Grith) <Foster> "Apol likes inedible things, as far as I can tell." <Apol> "Well, I open my mouth and bite a piece off and chew it then swallow." <Foster> |roll d20+5 <tafal> 11 | [d20=6] [+5=5] (Foster) <Grith> (yell yeah!) <Erias> (bah. does that mean I can't respond?) <Foster> (DIE DIE DIE DIE DIE) <Sam> ("That's not vegan! Heck, that's not even kosher!") <Grith> "Oh. Er... oh." <Apol> |roll d20+3 <tafal> 5 | [d20=2] [+3=3] (Apol) <Apol> (Apol will eat it.) * Grith eyes Gray, "Uh... wait, what do you mean 'arrange', Gray?" <Erias> "We need animal meat, of animal varieties that humans in our culture normally eat." <Grith> "Yeah, what the holy warrior said." <DM> (Gray) "That will take slightly longer." <Vita> "Um... arrange isn't the same as hunt, is it?" <Apol> ("Give it to Apol, Apol will eat anything...") <Erias> "Ideally some other foods that are commonly eaten. Vegetables, bread and so forth. If it is easier, we would be happy to go to a town and purchase supplies." <Grith> (Especially seasoned with acid.) <DM> (Gray) "Our stock is... unique." <Grith> (Green acid's the best. Nice and spicy.) <Fordran> "Ah." <Erias> "I shudder to think what Dianarra eats." <Apol> (Actually, poison is preferred.) * Sam adopts a questioning, confused look on his face. <Vita> "I'm starving, but do you have any less unique stuff? Dried fruit? Veggies?" <Grith> "Dianarra?" <Erias> "The woman who we now hold captive." <DM> (Gray) "We, and Mistress Dianarra, do not require sustenance. I understand that she enjoys food from her travels." * Erias nods. <Fordran> "Ah, yes. Her." <Fordran> "How is she?" * Sam hopes nobody else heard his stomach rumble. <DM> (Gray) "Angry." <Erias> "Angry." <DM> (heh) <Foster> "I think a more apt question than "how do we obtain breakfast?" is "how do we travel between here and Threecrown?"" <Fordran> "...Is she always like that?" <Erias> (yes, that was in unison.) <Foster> "If I had to guess, the answer is yes." <Erias> "I do not know what we should do with her." <DM> (Gray) "We can teleport you where you wish. Or we can arrange for foodstuffs to be brought here from Threecrown. <Foster> "How would we return, assuming that you teleported us?" <Erias> "Gray, are we now able to teleport to a city and then teleport back -- yeah." <Fordran> "What about those sticks?" <DM> (Gray) "The same way we brought you here, Foster." <Vita> "and assuming that we want to *come* back." <Fordran> "These civilians should be returned to Threecrown, at least." <DM> (Gray, to Fordran) "We can manufacture those, but we have only a few remaining." <DM> (Gray, to Fordran) "We can do so immediately, but their memories must be erased." * Fordran frowns. <Vita> "I'm still trying to figure out what is holding me here if you'll just teleport me out into a forest away from this mess." <Foster> "While I'm loathe to tamper with people's minds, it's probably for the best of all involved." <Fordran> "I suppose they have been through a traumatic experience. One that is best never relived." <Grith> "Why wouldn't we want to come back?" * Erias looks torn. <Vita> "Well, personally I'm not a huge fan of this underground thing." <Erias> "It is not right to alter their minds..." <Erias> "I don't know what else to suggest, though." * Vita looks at Erias "If I were them, *I'd* want my mind altered." * Erias grimaces. <Sam> "I am not comfortable in...this artificial place." <Erias> "If that's your argument, then clearly we should leave it up to them." <DM> (Gray) "Nothing holds you here, if you wish to leave. If you do not prepare for the battle to come, however, we will regretfully have to consider you a failed experiment." <Vita> "Why am I an experiment? I don't have any special mind thingies!" <Apol> "What do you mean by prepare?" * Grith leans over to pat Vita on the back gently, which means he almost staggers her, "You miss the outdoors, eh?" * Vita staggers into Pup <Fordran> "I'd like to learn more about this 'battle'." <Grith> "Who's an experiment?!" <Fordran> "And this new god." <Vita> (to Grith) "More than anything." <Erias> "I'd like to know what you do to failed experiments." <Grith> "That reminds me, why the hell're my memories all... all... all fogged up?!" <DM> (Gray) "... I could respond to each of you in your heads, but you wish to hear all the answers, yes?" <Foster> "We definitely need to know everything there is to know about this situation before we go making any rash decisions, yes." <Vita> "Yes." <Sam> "I'd like to avoid fighting Wizards, Dragons, or deities, and perhaps get back to familiar lands. But I suspect that's not trivially done." <Erias> "Yes." * Grith eyes Sam, "Hey, if there's some evil deity that we can stop, I'm for stoppin' 'im." <DM> (Gray) "First, if you are not wiping the memories of the... civilians... I will speak no further. The subject is too sensitive." <Erias> "Let's deal with that first." <Foster> "Perhaps we should speak elsewhere, then." * Fordran nods. <Erias> "...or that." <Grith> "Wiping their memories... completely? Of everything?" <Foster> "I'm amenable to dealing with it first. No reason not to, and it's one less thing to take care of later." <Vita> "Maybe we should just teleport them back to town now? No reason to keep them once we wipe things...." <DM> (Gray) "Twenty four hours should suffice." <Erias> "Let us speak to them first." Erias looks at the others. "Does that sound alright?" * Sam can't wrap his mind around...memory erasure? <Erias> "If they want to forget the past 24 hours, I have no objection." * Grith grunts thoughtfully. Yes, that should sound somewhat oxymoronic. <DM> The civilians are sitting, apparently staring off into space. They've been that way since Gray entered the room. * Apol looks at the civilians, "What are they seeing?" * Erias walks to the civilians, and looks to see if any of them are reacting at all to his presence. <Sam> "I know not what erasing memories is like. As long as they are not harmed, I probably won't find a solid reason to object." <Fordran> "Hello?" * Fordran waves at the civilians, looking for a response. <DM> (Gray) "Nothing, for now. I will remove the haze from their minds." <DM> They blink, as if waking up. <Fordran> "Good morning." <DM> (scrawny man) "What's going on?" * Fordran starts to explain, then realizes he doesn't know how to start. <Erias> "We are sorry for what you have been through. We have taken over this complex, and we now have the ability to send you home." <Fordran> "First, we are in a safe place. As far as we can tell." <DM> The little girl sees Grith, starts to weep, and hides behind Erias. * Grith frowns. <Foster> (Quick, look less like a terrifying giant) <Fordran> "Hm? Oh. Don't worry about him, he's friendly. I think." <Erias> "It's okay, little one. He's more gentle than he looks." <Grith> (I, uh, I'll...) <Erias> "We need to ask all of you an important question." <Fordran> "Say hi, Grith." * Grith backs away toward a wall and sits. <DM> "*snfff* Grannie said ogres eat little *hunff* girls!" <Fordran> "It's okay, he's not an ogre. He's... ah..." <Fordran> "Very tall." <DM> (Nice save.) * Grith mutters loudly, "I'm no bloody stinkin' ogre..." * Grith sounds... sulky. <Erias> "If we could turn back time to before this all started -- if you could forget the past couple of days -- would you want that?" <Grith> "I think I know what the little girl's answer is..." <Fordran> "After that, you will all be returned to Threecrown." * Grith frowns again. <DM> (foppish merchant) "Ridiculous, that's impossible. Hah, if you could make me never have soiled my clothes in the sewer, I would pay you a golden hen!" <Erias> (quietly) "Little one, it's okay. He's just a big guy." <Fordran> (why didn't i take prestidigitation) * Grith pulls a small glittering object out of his pocket, focuses on it. * Erias looks at him levelly. "So if I could, you would choose it?" <DM> (girl) "*hunhcough* I wanna go hooome~" * Apol eyes the shiny object in Grith's hand. <Vita> (I have prestidigitation) <Erias> "If none of you object, we will send you back with this time forgotten, to resume your lives." <DM> (merchant, grinning, but looking wild-eyed) "Hah... what? You're serious? You can't be serious." <Erias> "It might be the best thing for you, at this point." <DM> The others just look wary, tired, somewhat frightened. * Erias watches them for a moment, looking for any other reaction to his words. <DM> (merchant) "Well, if you can send us home, man, let us go!" <Fordran> "Without the memories of the last day?" <Grith> * The little crystal sprouts legs. Grith sets it on the floor... <Fordran> (Grith casts Mechanical Chicken.) <DM> (merchant) "What? Yes, if you insist on keeping up this farce." <Fordran> "What about the rest of you?" <DM> The little girls sees the ectoplasmic spider and shrieks. * Apol walks up to the walking crystal. * Foster eyes the crystal. <Fordran> "Wha?" * Erias turns to the Gray and the others. "This is good enough for me." <Fordran> "Aah. What is that?" <Erias> "Oh, good god..." <DM> They look at each other, warily, and nod, eyes hopeful. * Grith watches as it begins walking around his feet, then looks up at the girl, "Oh, what -now-?" * Grith growls, catches himself, the eyes the crystal. "Oh." <Erias> "Gray -- go ahead." * Vita looks confused by the crystal thingy <Foster> "Let's do this before Grith causes health problems for anyone." * Grith picks the crystal up quickly and puts it away. <Grith> "...sorry." <DM> The girl stops shrieking, and all the civilians stand a little straighter. <DM> They march single file out of the room, without looking, or saying a word. <Apol> "What is that?" *jumps up onto Grith's shoulder* * Grith grins briefly at Apol, then shrugs one of the shoulders it's sitting on. * Sam tries to look neither scary nor scared. <Grith> "A... er... friend. Of mine." <Grith> |roll d20+3 <tafal> 17 | [d20=14] [+3=3] (Grith) <Grith> "It's, uh... I'd thank you to not eat it, please." <DM> (Gray) "They will appear in the alley where you discovered the entrance, with no memory of the last twenty-four hours, and a compulsion to go to the constabulary. * Apol watches them walk out from Grith's shoulder and responds to Grith, "You have strange friends." * Fordran nods. <Grith> "I don't have friends." <Vita> "I wonder what they will tell the constabulary." <Grith> "Besides... your friends are more'n a little odd. Come to think of it, so're you." <Apol> "You just said that crystal is your friend. So, it's not a friend after all?" * Vita looks at Grith "Anyone who has carried me over traps more than once is my friend!" <Erias> "Hard to say. Depends on what they now remember, I guess." <DM> (Gray) "Now. I trust you have many questions." * Grith smiles. to show he doesn't mean any harm by it. <Fordran> "I suppose... they'll just say they're no longer missing..." <Fordran> "An understatement." <Foster> "A great many, yes. Many of them have already been asked." * Grith smiles at Vita beamingly, then looks away. Yep, that's a giant man blushing on the dungeon floor. <Erias> "Yes, let's get some more information." <Grith> "No, Apol, well... yes and know. It's more... a part of me, I s'pose. Can't really be friends with yerself, right?" * Vita looks very amused, but manages not to actually make any sounds <DM> (Gray) "That is a fragment of the half-giant's mind." <Fordran> "What?" * Apol asks Grith, "Why are you red? Are you sick?" *in response to Gray* "Oh." * Fordran squints, as if trying to make that make sense by looking hard enough. * Grith grunts in response to Apol's question, glances at Vita, then looks a little redder. <DM> (Gray) "The half-giant. Grith. His abilities stem from his unconscious mind." <Fordran> "Ah. That's... that's amazing." <Grith> "They do?" <Grith> (to Gray) <DM> (Gray) "Yes. And that..." *points* "is a shard of your subconscious." * Vita looks down at the little thing, intrigued <Grith> "It is?" <Vita> "Wow. I didn't know the mind looked like that." <DM> (Gray) "We can show you what other minds look like, if you wish." * Grith looks stunned, then comrehension dawns on his face. Dawns usually take several minutes... <Fordran> "I have to admit, I am a little curious." <Apol> "I want to see!" * Vita looks at the Gray, torn between curiousity and worry <Vita> "Does it hurt the minds?" * Grith studies his crystal, then picks it up, "I think I'd like to see... yeah." <DM> (Gray) "Very well, later, when we show you the workroom." <DM> (Gray, to Vita) "Sometimes." <Fordran> "I think we should eat first." <DM> (Gray, to Fordran) "Our agents are returning." <Vita> "Oh. I'd like to eat instead." <Fordran> "Ah, good." <Foster> "Let us discuss our situation while we await breakfast, then." <Erias> "We should eat, yes. And then I would like to know the capacities of this place, the supplies available here, the nature and intentions of Gray, and whatever you know about the Church and false god. In that order." <DM> A bag of dried meat and a sack of oranges come floating into view of the doorway, and deposit themselves on the floor. * Sam realizes (again) that he is hungry, and digs through his pack...until floating food appears. * Fordran looks at the food, a little slackjawed. <Apol> "Oh!" * Vita partakes of (gnome-sized) portions of orange and meat <Erias> "That'll work." <Apol> "Where those the same things that attacked us before?" <Apol> (to Gray) * Fordran mumbles some words of prayer before partaking. <DM> (Gray) "Yes." * Foster grabs an orange and peels it carefully while he waits for exposition. <DM> (Gray) "They are our guardians." <Apol> "They do what you say?" * Sam takes a piece of dried meat, smells it, cautiously nibbles at it. <Fordran> "I see. I suppose they're nice, once you get to know them." * Erias eats. <DM> (Gray) "They help us." <DM> (Gray) "To answer your questions, Erias." * Apol walks over and grabs a couple of pawfuls of dried meat. <Erias> (I will be afk a few, but I can read when I return, and others are welcome to elaborate.) <DM> (Gray) "We can teleport to and from great distances, can observe at great distances, and can contain at least one hundred and fifty hostile beings of twenty cubic feet or smaller." * Fordran raises an eyebrow. <DM> (Gray) "The facility itself is somewhat malleable, and can misdirect and contain many dozens more in the mazelike corridors." <DM> (Gray) "At full biocapacity, the facility can output forty to forty-five kilopsi of energized equipment with no potentiality cost." * Grith eats large portions of... everything, while listening intently, face grimaced with concentration. * Sam wonders what language Gray is speaking now. * Fordran chews slower. * Fordran looks at Foster, hoping for a sense of comprehension. * Vita looks distracted but manages to ask "What's a biocapacity.. or a kilopsi?" * Sam distracts himself from Strange Moon Language with another piece of dried meat. <Apol> "And how much does potential normally cost?" <Foster> (to Gray) "A brief explanation of potentiality cost would be helpful. It can wait until after we've covered more pressing topics, if it would be too involved." <DM> (Gray) "As Gray said before, we are Potential." <Sam> ("Only 399gp per month with 1500gp down at 1.9% APR, on approved credit.") <Foster> (That's right, folks, even Foster has only a vague idea of what's being talked about. Be afraid) <DM> (Gray) "Any loss in that potential is a potentiality loss, or cost." <Foster> "Ah, I think I grasp it." <Fordran> "I'm glad someone does." <Vita> "Me too." * Sam grasps an orange. <DM> (Gray, to Vita) "Biocapacity is a measure of our living resources." * Grith just looks pained, plausibly by all the big words. <Foster> (to party) "A brief translation: when fully operational, the facility is capable of producing large quantities of 'enchanted' (and I use the term loosely) equipment while leaving its operators intact." <DM> (Gray) "... yes." <Vita> "How is it... operated?" <Fordran> "So this is a ... workshop of some sort?" <Fordran> (it occurred to me that the word "factory" would not make sense) <DM> (Gray) "A research facility, yes." <Erias> (I'm sorry that took so long. Back, reading scrollback.) <DM> (Gray, to Vita) "We operate it. Gray operates it." <Erias> (Realized I was hungry. Have tray with salad, garlic bread, cheese, peanut buttered toast, chips, salsa, pickles, yogurt, and juice.) <DM> (Gray) "I brew potions, for example." <Vita> "So who or what did we kill back there?" <DM> (Gray) "You killed Gray." <Grith> (Wow, that actually sounds pretty good, Colin.) <Fordran> "I think you use words differently than we do." <Foster> "As far as I can tell, he was one of many, possibly their most powerful representative." <Grith> "Well... shouldn't he have stayed alive to fight this big evil, then?!" <DM> (Gray) "Yes. The greatest potential in a long time." <Fordran> "So our defeating him proved that we exceeded that potential." * Erias blinks. <DM> (Gray, to Fordran) "Yes." <Foster> "Obviously, he thought it necessary to sacrifice himself in order to further the goals of the group." <Erias> "Interesting." <Vita> "So actually it is the whole group that has been capturing and tormenting people, not just the Gray we killed?" * Grith grunts, "That makes no sense..." <DM> (Gray) "It is slightly more complex than that, Vita." * Grith frowns at Vita, "Tormenting? Capturing?" <DM> (Gray) "You have met Bloodnose." <DM> This is a statement. * Erias nods. <Foster> "That would be correct." * Vita looks at Grith "Well, Erias and Foster had stuff sucked out of them and such." <DM> (Gray) "He and his understand money, but not broader strokes of possibility." <DM> (Gray) "You have met the emissaries of the Eternal Orb." Again, a statement. * Fordran nods. * Grith scowls. <Grith> "Hmm." <DM> (Gray) "We did not terminate those whom you found dead in the sewers." * Erias nods slowly. <Erias> "Who did?" <DM> (Gray) "Agents of the Eternal Orb killed them, after receiving them alive, from us." <Erias> "And why were they packed into... ah." <Fordran> "Why did you send those people to the Eternal Orb?" <Erias> "Is that why you sent them to the --" * Erias trails off as Fordran says the same thing. <Vita> ((Ok, I can't remember -- who was dead in the sewers?)) <Foster> (tribesmen, tourists, etc) <Erias> (bunch of random civilians / travellers) <DM> (Gray) "We exchange those who are unfit or of expended potential to the agents of the Eternal Orb in exchange for something we ourselves cannot create: potentiality in its raw state, though we doubt they are aware of it. It is possibly even... *he slows over this* divine..." * Foster produces the odd vial of Eternal Orb holy water from his pack. <Foster> "Is this sacrament of theirs an example of said potentiality?" <DM> (Gray) "No, that is an elixir of Contingent Teleportation." <DM> (Gray) "I think I brewed it myself." <Erias> "So you don't kill them. You just send them off to be killed so that you can get power from them when they die?" <Foster> "Ahah. Interesting. What is the destintion, out of curiosity?" <DM> (Gray) "..." He pauses before answering Erias, then answers Foster first. <DM> (Gray) "We gave them a beacon. We do not know where they placed it." * Sam thinks his monastic training didn't conver morality and ethics at quite this level. <Foster> "Ah. Interesting." <Fordran> "They control where the ... bodies ... are teleported?" * Grith looks more like thunderheads than pained, now, but remains quiet. <DM> (Gray, to Erias) "... In part, Erias, yes. Also, to infiltrate their organization." * Erias looks tense. <Fordran> "Infiltrate." <Foster> "I take it that they are closely related to this 'terrible God' that was spoken of previously?" <DM> (Gray, to Fordran) "Yes, the Contingent Teleport triggers on death or mortal injury, targetting the psionic beacon." <Erias> "So they can send all their dying followers to feed some big demon they've got chained in the back, then?" <DM> (Gray, to Foster) "Do you know who grants them their divine magics, Foster? Because we do not." <Erias> "Sounds lovely. Glad to be a part of the process." <Foster> "The only hint I've had was Subdeacon Mozwell referencing an entity named 'Zom'." <Fordran> (zomg) <Sam> "There was no Eternal Orb in the legends of my home." * DM * Gray pauses. <DM> (Gray) "We do not know of 'Zom.'" <Fordran> "It's a relatively new god, Sam." <Fordran> "The vision I received was of a gaping maw, filled with teeth." <Foster> "Unfortunate. Perhaps we will have to question the Subdeacon more thoroughly at some point." * Vita looks at Fordran "Vision?" <Fordran> "In its more benign guise, a boy weiring an eyepatch." <Fordran> (wearing) <DM> (Gray, to Erias) "We do not want a demon god coming to power, Erias. But our more subtle attempts at infiltration have been met with the loss of our Potential at every instance." <Fordran> "A vision from Pelor, some days ago." <Fordran> (i probably already told people this) <Erias> (you did, at least Erias) <Vita> "...oh. So Pelor is not pleased with this new God?" <Sam> "This new deity does not sound like a good neighbor." <Apol> "Subdeacon Mozwell was praying to something in the room underground. The room was humming a lot." <Fordran> "I do not think so." <Fordran> "We should find out what's in that room." * Apol nods. * Erias laughs bitterly. <DM> (Gray) "The beacon is nearby, probably behind the altar you saw, Apollonaridctys.." <Erias> "To send unknowing innocents to their deaths is a crime. But I wouldn't know who to charge with it, here." <Foster> "So. What is our proposed purpose in this entire affair?" <Fordran> "We must stop this growing god before it gains any more power. That is Pelor's command." <Erias> "I would assume it is to determine the nature of the evil force behind the Church, and then to neutralize it. But perhaps Gray has more insight." <DM> (Gray) "Train, learn, grow. Expand your potential. Destroy the other before it can ascend." * Vita sits down <Sam> "I think I may have understood that course of action." <Apol> "Grow? How do I grow up?" <Fordran> "Eat more." <Vita> "This is a little much. You are saying we need to stop a new evil god?" * Fordran nods slowly. * Vita rubs her face with her hands <Foster> "Well. Presumably, it has yet to achieve actual godhood." <Vita> "Oooch." * DM * Gray nods. <Sam> "The Order of Waterfalls encouraged a lot fo training, learning, growing, and expansion of potential." * Vita looks up at Gray "And if we don't?" <Fordran> "I do not understand why Pelor has given this burden to us. But since he did, he must see that we have the ability to complete this task." <Apol> "I don't mind eating more." *smiles* "But Gray said you know how I can grow up." * Vita mutters "Or can't" <Sam> "Though I don't think they meant the same potential they mean here." <DM> (Gray, to Apol) "We will research this. We do not know much about Draconic physiology, but we know many methods of chronal manipulation." <DM> (Gray, to Apol) "Ah. Gray spoke of this. Then the answer likely lies in his workshop." <Foster> "Perhaps we should view this workshop, then." * Erias shrugs. "Alright." <Apol> "Ok." <DM> (Gray, to Vita) "Then it occurs, and many other things you consider terrible will occur. Perhaps the gods will intervene, perhaps they will not. Perhaps you are their intervention." <Apol> "Gray, is stopping this not-god the only reason you are here?" <DM> (Gray) "We exist to reach our Potential, and on that path, we discovered the possibilities I have described. Certain consequences of these possibilities mean a very final cessation of our Potential." <Fordran> "Self-preservation, in the end." <DM> (Gray) "... Not for all of us." * Grith speaks up from the wall, "...why was I brought here?" * Fordran tilts his head. <Grith> "Just to fight this ascendant god? Why me?" <Grith> "You could have gotten muscle... anywhere!" <DM> (Gray, to Grith) "You had great potential. We overtipped our hand. We were more cautious this time." * Grith tilts his head, "Overtipped your hand? What does that mean?" <DM> (Gray) "You have met your template, in the trial arena." <DM> (Gray) "Gray... exceeded certain tolerance levels." <Grith> "My what?" <Grith> "Tolerance what?" <DM> (Gray) "... yes. Your... brother... was an exceptional specimen, but Gray destroyed him in testing. Is that more clear?" <DM> (Gray) "Gray felt that you have greater potential." * Grith opens his mouth, looking angry, then shuts it and frowns, "My... my brother? I had a brother?" <Grith> "...why can't I remember? <Grith> " <Fordran> "How long has Grith... existed, Gray?" <DM> (Gray) "... You will have the memories, in time. We can give you new ones if you wish." <Grith> "I don't... want new ones. I want -mine-!" * DM * Gray recoils slightly from the large, angry man. * Erias watches with interest. <DM> (Gray) "... yes. That... can be arranged." <DM> (Gray) "You wished to see the workshop, yes?" * Grith scowls, "Good!" <DM> (Gray) "It is one of the few fixed locations here; do you wish to reach it through the vault or the armory?" <Foster> "Correct." <Erias> "...armory." <Foster> "The armory, though we would like a listing of the contents of both at some point in the future." <Apol> "Vault!" <DM> (heheheh) * Fordran smiles quietly to himself. <DM> ("Why no, it's not creepy enough yet, let's partysplit") <Apol> (Sure! Let the dragon go through the vault!) <Erias> (*whimper*) <Erias> (Apol would never leave.) <DM> (Gray) "... Will you go together, or separately?" * Vita follows where the majority of people go <Vita> "I'm not going anywhere alone." <Fordran> "We should travel together." <Foster> "We had best stick together. We can visit the vault later, Apol." <Grith> "Of course yer not, Vita. <Grith> " * Grith growls and draws up to his full height. <DM> Gray turns and walks towards the control room. <DM> (Got all your stuff?) <Apol> "Aww, ok." *mildly disappointed* <Grith> (Hell yeah.) <Sam> "If nothing else, the armory sounds more immediately useful." * Erias picks up his pack and follows. * Foster follows, with what little stuff hehas. * Sam mumbles something about metaphors. * Sam gathers all his worldly possessions (comes with everything you see here!). * Vita has all her stuff, and armor on, and all <DM> As the last of you leaves, the room blends into the white walls, finally closing like an air bubble. * Grith looks at Foster, then Fordran intently as people gather their things. * Vita gets up slowly, and mount Pup * Apol jumps and lands on Foster's shoulder. * Grith says nothing, but drifts towards the rear as they group begins to move. <DM> At the control room, the robed figure leads you down a separate corridor, opening out into a brightly lit room. <DM> The walls of the armory seem to be some sort of dull gray metal, rather than the white shimmering substance of the corridors and much of the rest of the facility. Armor stands line the walls, and shelves 5' tall and 10' apart cover the floor. <DM> There's... a lot of stuff here. <Fordran> "Impressive." * Erias looks around, trying to gauge what seems like genuinely good equipment. * Vita looks around for bows <DM> Gray waits at the door on the opposite end. <DM> Um, let me post a list. <Foster> lists are good. * Apol pulls out the monocle and looks around with anticipation. <DM> Of course, you're just going to the workshop, and you don't have to loot it if it's where you're going to keep your stuff. <Fordran> ([Buckler of the Ages][Sword of Zeal][Crisp Basilisk Urethra][Breastplate of the Crusader]) <Foster> Yeah, we'll come back. * Grith stops by Gray, "You... made... all of these?" <Erias> At some point we will take an inventory of the vault and armory, with Apol and Foster analyzing things. I'd very much be in favor of handwaving that, when it happens. <Grith> (Fordran can have the... Basilisk... thing.) <Grith> (Agree with Colin.) <Erias> (Mmm. Crunchy.) <Vita> (Ok, sounds good) <Foster> (agreed) <DM> (Gray, to Grith) "No, our creations are in the workshop. These are remnants of enemies and culled failures." <Grith> "Oh." <Grith> "And do the things you made... last? Will they outlast the Gray?" <DM> http://www.goblinjesus.com/rwang/armory.html <DM> drool at your leisure <Grith> (Holy Christ!) <DM> The door opens at his approach. <Erias> (Gnah.) <Erias> (I look forward to the post-analysis version.) <DM> (Gray, to Grith) "Mostly. Though Entropy occurs." <DM> (Colin, read up on Psionic Identify. Good luck.) <Foster> (Yes, the weeping). <DM> (I look forward to the guesswork involved in the testing) <Foster> (At most, I can manage 3 per day) <Grith> "Er... I... see." <Erias> (Glowing silver bastard sword. Which I will never use. ; ; ) <Fordran> (uh. shift-right-click prz) <Vita> (I look forward to the fact that they probably don't have gnome sized stuff anyway) <Fordran> (if it's magical, it resizes!) <DM> (Vita sizing of awesomeness) <DM> He leads you into the workroom. <Grith> (Grith could always stretch Vita to fit!) * Foster continues onward. <Vita> (*shudder*) <DM> (ngaaah) <Erias> "Gray, are you able to help us to determine the enchantments, if any, of the items in the armory?" <Fordran> (pwned) <Grith> (nice) <DM> (Gray) "We have a limited capacity to detect magic. We know how our own creations work, through extensive notes." <DM> Several of the gray-robed figures are here. The room is 30'x20', and 20' high, with dull gray metal walls. Metal shelves line the walls, each shelf space is covered with a glass door. There are three long tables with benches dividing up the room, and various crafting tools, equipment, and works-in-progress fill the tables. The far wall is dominated by an imposing metal door without apparent hinges or handles, and guarded by a 12' metal-and-wood figure. <DM> I'll post the shelf contents too <DM> http://www.goblinjesus.com/rwang/workroom.html <Grith> (+5 Gauntlets of Strength for teh win, plz) <Apol> "So many shinies!" <Erias> (I want the tiara) * Grith wanders through the room, eventually finding himself in front of the metal and wood head. He stops to inspect it. <Erias> (and possibly some goop.) <Apol> "Gray, why do the shinies phases in and out?" <Foster> (Why, because you're a pretty princess~) <Fordran> (helm of brilliance prz) <Erias> "Hmm. Quite a workshop." <DM> (Gray) "... Is that... a lens of Detect Magic?" <Foster> "I must say, this is a quite impressive array of equipment you have." <Sam> "Breathing near some of this equipment won't break it?" * Erias nods at Gray. * Apol jumps off and hovers near the foot-long sticks. * Devo-tion has joined #ddi <Devo-tion> |context 20 * Grith was kicked by DM (Grith) * DM sets mode: +o Devo-tion <Apol> "I can see if things have magic through this, yes." <tafal> DM: I hate you :( <DM> (Gray, to Sam) "It should be alright." <DM> Why does tafal hate me? <Foster> (tafal doesn't like kicking, apparently) <DM> Ah. <Erias> I think tafal -- yeah. * Devo-tion is now known as Grithh <DM> (Gray, to Apol) "Gray postulated that magic and psionic energy are tangential, and so only tenuously connect via the interstitial reality lattice." * Foster fishes through his bag for a bit, and produces an amulet wrapped in cloth. <DM> (Gray, to Apol) "So... it may be that the phasing you describe is psionic energy." <Grithh> "My head hurts... and it's probably not even noon yet." * Grithh massages his temples. * Grithh then resumes inspecting the head before moving on to the mirror. <Foster> "Perhaps you could enlighten me as to the purpose and use of this object?" <Apol> "Does it react in the same way as magic?" *picks up a foot long stick* <Apol> "What does this do?" * Vita looks around helplessly and uselessly * DM * Gray pauses <DM> (Gray) "Did you... is that..." <DM> (Gray) "Yes." <DM> (Gray) "Are you... going to keep it?" * Grithh is now known as Grith <Foster> "I found it on Gray, if that's what you're asking. My identification powers failed to register anything, suggesting that it is either somehow masked, or is too obscenely powerful to be properly analyzed." * Apol watches Foster. <Foster> "I believe that that decision depends on what it is, exactly." <DM> (Gray, somewhat perturbed, the first you've seen it) "It is the symbol of the highest potential. It carries enormous power... and is also the key to Gray's inner workshop" He points at the golem guarding the door. <Fordran> "You seem surprised." * Erias raises his eyebrows. <Foster> "Hm. Are you aware of how it is used?" <Grith> "Does that mean Foster has the highest potential?" <DM> (Gray) "It should address you, if worn." <DM> (Gray, to Grith) "... Causation does not equal correlation." * Grith grunts. <Foster> "Ah. Well then. Perhaps an experiment is in order." <Apol> "Would it hurt if it doesn't like him?" <DM> (Gray) "I don't know. I have never worn it." * Grith frowns, rumbles, "I don't like this..." <Foster> (to the party) "If I, ah, start acting crazy when I put this on, I recommend incapacitating me and removing it. It should not be overly difficult." <Sam> "If you say so." * Apol puts down the foot long stick and pulls out a wand from the haversack. * Grith loosens his sword in the scabbard slung over his back. * Fordran nods. <Grith> "What Sam said." * Erias nods slowly. * Foster uses the pipes -- er -- puts on the amulet. <DM> (hee) <Erias> (don't be a wuss) <Fordran> (c'mon) <DM> (sec) <Foster> |roll d20+16 <tafal> 29 | [d20=13] [+16=16] (Foster) <Foster> |roll d20+5 <tafal> 13 | [d20=8] [+5=5] (Foster) * Vita also readies her bow when she notices Grith loosen sword * Erias begins casting a spell. <DM> A bit of energy crackles across Foster's left eye. <Foster> "I, think that's alright. There's... quite a lot of power stored within this thing." <Foster> (delete first comma) <Fordran> "You're sure?" * Erias eyes Foster. * Sam relaxes a smidgen. <DM> The golem's eyes light up, and it stands up straight, head turned towards the amulet. * Erias tenses. <DM> It doesn't move. <Fordran> "Are you doing that?" <Foster> "Hm. I think so. Gray stated that the golem was keyed to this device somehow." * Grith shifts to stand between Foster and golem, but off to the side slightly. <Foster> "Well, I suppose there's one way to see." * Foster approaches the golem. <DM> The golem steps aside, and the door slides up. * Foster peers within. <Fordran> (zeldanoise) <DM> 6' tall ruby crystals are visible in the dim interior. <Erias> "Careful..." <DM> A workdesk, with some stuff on it, not clearly visible from here <Foster> "I know you're going to hate me for saying this, but I think everything will be fine for the time being." <Foster> "I'm going to go investigate that desk." <Fordran> "I think we'll only hate you for saying it out loud." * Foster does so. <Vita> "I'm going to stand out here and watch <Erias> "I'm going to stay where I am and feel helpless and out of my depth." <Sam> "I'm going to continue to not mess with anything." * Apol follows Foster. <DM> The Golem moves to intercept Apol. <Erias> "Apol, don't." <Foster> "Er. I think that the rest of you should probably wait outside. The guardian seems to only recognize the bearer of this amulet." * Apol hisses at the golem. * Apol hovers in front of it. <DM> It does not react. * Apol lands on the golem's head and watches Foster. * Grith laughs quietly, then gets ready to draw as Apol tries to land on the golem. * Vita twitches <DM> The golem does not react, but Gray holds his breath. <Fordran> "Apol, I'm not sure that's safe... ah... all right then." <Sam> (keyboardface warning) <DM> (k) <DM> Foster comes back out of the room. <DM> As he leaves, the door slides shut, and the golem stand in the way again, apparently inert. <Fordran> "Find anything good?" <Foster> "A large pile of papers that I can't decipher, and a hand-drawn map of the region." <Apol> "Can I see the papers?" * Foster shows them to Apol. <Apol> |roll d20+4 <tafal> 22 | [d20=18] [+4=4] (Apol) <DM> (Stopping here after this) <Grith> "The region?" * Apol points at one page, "That is a schedule with dates, times, places and shipment." <Foster> "Threecrown and its surroundings." <Sam> "I'd like to see the map, if only to get oriented." * Foster hands it to Sam. <Apol> "May I hold on to this page?" * Apol is pointing to the second page. <Foster> "I don't see why not. What is it?" * Sam studies the map. (Yay.) * Vita wanders over and looks at Apol's page <Apol> "Not really sure. It has words like *metabolic* and *chronal* and Gray used those words, too." <Foster> "Ah." * Apol points at a third page, "That one is about that door stop over there." *points to golem* <Foster> "Does it contain instructions as to its control?" <Apol> "It has something about psionics to make it work. Oh and how to add weapons." * Apol looks at the third page again. <Erias> (All we need to do is get Gray to power Foster with additional "potential" so he can identify everything in a day.) <Apol> "It actually describes a smaller size wood-man." * Apol looks at the golem near the door. <Apol> "That one doesn't have weapons on it." <Ian> (ha ha. find me an infinite supply of Action Points, and an infinite number of hours, and I'm there) * Erias looks at Grith. <Ian> "There was a smaller version, minus a head, within the workshop." <Ian> (erp, wrong client) * Grith looks at Erias. <Erias> (Oh, crap. Manifesting time: one day. Didn't see that.) <Grith> "Mm?" <Foster> "I would suspect that, given its construction, the head over there matches it." * Foster gestures to the head. <Grith> "Erias?" <Erias> "Yes?" * Apol continues to look at the page, "What does *ectokinetic* mean?" <Grith> "...er, nothing." <Apol> "And psychomotive?" <Erias> "Just thinking about this whole "making creatures" thing. It's odd." * Erias looks startled for a moment, and then chuckles. <Foster> "I would assume that they deal with various animating forces utilized by constructs." <Erias> (keyboardface warning) <Grith> "I s'pose. Seems unnatural to me. What's so funny?" <Fordran> (butterface warning) <DM> (Gray) "We can show you the laboratories later." <DM> (Break?) <Foster> (okay) <Vita> (Please) <Grith> (sure) <Erias> "Well, you're not the only one who was "made", really." <Erias> (okay) <DM> So many logs ; ; <DM> And then I travel. <Grith> ARGH! Damn you, Colin! <Foster> heh. <Grith> You ask -that- question now? <Grith> Er, make that statment, rather. <DM> Good fun, guys <Foster> CLIFFHANGER'D <Erias> Yeah, thanks for gaming. Let's do at least a bit of item IDing over email. <DM> Yeah. <Sam> wheefun. <Vita> IDing over mail sounds the best <Grith> Whee, that was fun! <Vita> Later all <Grith> Night! <Fordran> nite all <Apol> That was fun. :) Good night * Vita has quit IRC (Quit: ChatZilla 0.9.61 [Mozilla rv:1.7.3/20040910]) <Foster> Yeah, ID handwaving sounds good. I'll put together a priority list once Apol tells me what's important. <Foster> (Item auras and relative strengths for the armory, etc) <Erias> I request IDing of any heavy maces. <Erias> night, all. <Grith> Oog. * Erias has quit IRC (Quit: HydraIRC -> http://www.hydrairc.com <- IRC with a difference) <Apol> Apol needs a list of magic and psionic auras listed in decending order of strength of aura. <Grith> I can't seem to process any more visual information. <Grith> My brain feels packed. <Sam> night night. <Grith> Night, Tony. <DM> Woo! <Apol> Good stuff! <DM> Lots of exposition, and nobody's brain broke! <Grith> (Night, Fiona, too, if she's still hear and leaving-ish) <Grith> Grith's stopped absorbing information. <Grith> -My- brain feels like it broke. <Apol> I drank too much soda so I am wired, but I do need to sleep soon. <Grith> hear=here <Grith> Soda, baaad. * DM changes topic to 'ECLIPSE | GAME NEXT WEEK | Info, Logs @ goblinjesus.com/rwang | questionable.org/ddirc' <Apol> yeah, yeah... ;) too much free stuff this week. <Grith> Heh heh heh. <Grith> Hey, I still drink it. Usually just for the caffeine boost. <Apol> This is a lot of stuff to ID. Is this to make up for lack of loot before? <Apol> All of it is magic. <Grith> Or Psionic. <Apol> true <Apol> let me amend... All of it is shiny! * Grith gets cash symbols in his eyes. Then sword symbols. Then sword-chuck symbols.