Action, Adventure, Excitement, Part 3
                              Chapter 28

Date: Tue, 26 Aug 1997 20:50:44 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Misern Planning Session

On Tue, 26 Aug 1997 20:47:34 -0700 (PDT), in Message # 00001088
 "P. Campbell" <xzerrion@u.washington.edu> said:

On Tue, 26 Aug 1997 gamer@host.yab.com wrote:
>  A few minutes after the trio arrives in their room, the food is
> brought up. The food is more of htat rotting meat fromt eh tavern,
> and in the bottles brought up is what appears to be fresh blood.

<* Welcome to Sam & Ellie's Deli. How may we help you? *>

> The conversation is inturrupted by a scratching and then pounding on
> the door. As the trio grabs for their weapons as voice calls out, "I
> can smell you in there fleshies. They won;t serve me anything in the
> tavern anymore. They say I don;'t have any money, and I don't. but
> fresh is so much better. Come here fleshies. Come here so that I
> may..."

Khoragh shakes a wand from concealment in his sleeve into his hand and
levels it at the door.

>  The rest of his ramblings are lost in the report of both barrels of
> a double barreled 10-guarge shotgun going off and hte door exploding
> inward with flying splinters and most of a body. Into the doorway
> steps the owner of hte shotgun. He stands nearly 7' tall with
> shoulders wider than the door. A bulgy overcoat covers a beautifully
> made Georgi Armoni suit. His skin is pale, way too pale ot be human,
> and the eyes are hidden by Gargoyles warparound mirrored sunglasses.
> A wide brimmed fedora finishes the outfit.

Khoragh doesn't lower the wand. `And who are you, friend?'

>  Returning to the party's room he closes and bolts the door behind
> him and seems to finally take notice of the group. In a thick
> chicagon accent, "My name's Joe. Joe from Chicago. Roscoe called in
> a favor I odes him. And I think I can sees why. Hey, ya mind if I
> have one of those?" Without waiting for a reply he walks over to the
> bottles of blood and begins drinking one, flashing his fangs for the
> first time.

<* Roscoe? You still on the link? Who the #%&@!!! is Joe from
Chicago?*>

`I see. So, what are you offering us, and what is the price. In this
city, I don't trust much of anything that comes free.'

- Xzerrion, aka Khoragh
===========================
Date: Tue, 26 Aug 1997 22:05:50 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: AAE: Behind Closed Doors

On Tue, 26 Aug 1997 20:54:43 -0700 (PDT), in Message # 00001089
 "P. Campbell" <xzerrion@u.washington.edu> said:

On Tue, 26 Aug 1997, Caprice Davis wrote:
>
> The tall captain in crimson slams his hand down on the table. "And I
> see no reason for her to be here either!"

Ak'hasta delivers a wordless glare, one with centuries worth of
contempt behind it.

> The Guildmaster looks at Argent, his eyes narrow. "Will you offer
> your life as surety for Ak'hasta's behavior?"
>
> Argent's expression doesn't change from what it has been this whole
> time... unreadable. "I do."
>
> (OOC: Back at you Xzerrion. ;) )

<OOC : Wishing very hard Ak'hasta was in a telepathic link, I have to
many opportunities for byplay here <eg> >

Ak'hasta looks closely at Argent, his eyes momentarily softening as he
realizes what those words could mean in human context. He then looks
at the guildmaster, his expression hardening again.

`If you require surety of my behavior, consider what my percentage
could be in walking into a room filled with those who hated me, with
none of my soldiers. You're mercanaries, after all.'

- Ak'hasta
===========================
Date: Tue, 26 Aug 1997 22:06:10 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Aae-Roscoe's return.

On Tue, 26 Aug 1997 23:49:31 -0500, in Message # 00001090
 Michael Jon Knight <mjknight@idir.net> said:

>On Tue, 26 Aug 1997 18:21:21 -0700 (PDT), in Message # 00001079
> fuzzy <fuzzy@wco.com> said:
<snip>
>The Hovercyclone arrives
>
>\It is not equiped with a Persona-File, ask if you think you will
>need one. The BaseArmor that the shift links into is under the seat.\
>
><OOC: Think RoboTech Cyclone, Without wheels, and with better
>flight...>

<OOC: Never saw RoboTech. Thankfully, others have. So, it sort of
looks like these?

http://spacsun.rice.edu/~pww/cyclone.html

I'll assume it does for now. If not, retract this question.>

>\Actually it is full flight capable, just the default is one foot off
>the deck.\

/Can this design be tweaked? I've never liked riding pitched so far
forward. And I assume Pyewackett will be angry if he doesn't get to
come along. Perhaps a cat seat behind me?/

*Facing FORWARD. I'm not riding backwards again.* Pyewackett adds.

--Knytt and Pyewackett
===========================
Date: Tue, 26 Aug 1997 22:19:59 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: AAE-Spider and seek

On Wed, 27 Aug 1997 01:14:16 -0400 (EDT), in Message # 00001091
 Shadow <pookie@pluto.njcc.com> said:

> On Tue, 26 Aug 1997 21:17:05 -0700, in Message # 00001071
> Gareth L Owen <pe21@dial.pipex.com> said:
>
>> On Tue, 26 Aug 1997 12:59:26 -0400 (EDT), in Message # 00001058
>> Shadow <pookie@pluto.njcc.com> said:
>>
>> John laughs, /Look around you. If I was the Controller, I would
>> have done at least a basic EMP sheilding on everything I deemed
>> vital as soon as we showed up. Definitely after the recent battle
>> here. Although we may have kept him too busy.../
>
> /* If he's had time to rip everything apart and reengineer it. and
> then there's the down time to schedule, can't have the defences down
> for a theoretical threat */

/And how many of him are running around? I doubt we killed all but
one./

> /* Of course, if I were him I'd have hardened it all anyway. Maybe
> we should just intensify the pulse */

/Probably. He wouldn't need to tear _everything_ apart. Some areas he
could just build a sheild around, say a room or so? It's hard to guess
what he's done, much less what he might have done./
===========================
Date: Tue, 26 Aug 1997 22:35:25 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Misern Planning Session

On Wed, 27 Aug 1997 00:15:44 -0500, in Message # 00001092
 Michael Jon Knight <mjknight@idir.net> said:

>On Tue, 26 Aug 1997 20:47:34 -0700 (PDT), in Message # 00001088
> "P. Campbell" <xzerrion@u.washington.edu> said:
>
>On Tue, 26 Aug 1997 gamer@host.yab.com wrote:
<Snip>
>>  The rest of his ramblings are lost in the report of both barrels
>> of a double barreled 10-guarge shotgun going off and hte door
>> exploding inward with flying splinters and most of a body. Into the
>> doorway steps the owner of hte shotgun. He stands nearly 7' tall
>> with shoulders wider than the door. A bulgy overcoat covers a
>> beautifully made Georgi Armoni suit. His skin is pale, way too pale
>> ot be human, and the eyes are hidden by Gargoyles warparound
>> mirrored sunglasses. A wide brimmed fedora finishes the outfit.

/Nice suit./

<Snip>
>>  Returning to the party's room he closes and bolts the door behind
>> him and seems to finally take notice of the group. In a thick
>> chicagon accent, "My name's Joe. Joe from Chicago. Roscoe called in
>> a favor I odes him. And I think I can sees why. Hey, ya mind if I
>> have one of those?" Without waiting for a reply he walks over to
>> the bottles of blood and begins drinking one, flashing his fangs
>> for the first time.
>
><* Roscoe? You still on the link? Who the #%&@!!! is Joe from
>Chicago?*>

/My guess is either a vampire or vampyr (Wahm-peer), a 'half' vampire
turned vampire-hunter./
<OOC: Nightspawn RPG (also titled Nightbane in later editions)>

>`I see. So, what are you offering us, and what is the price. In this
>city, I don't trust much of anything that comes free.'

/If he knows Big Al, I'd guess 'protection' just on general
principles. And I think Roscoe is paying this one. Want us to scrounge
up some wooden stakes, just in case?/

--Knytt
===========================

Date: Tue, 26 Aug 1997 23:20:01 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Aae-Roscoe's return.

On Tue, 26 Aug 1997 23:10:33 -0700 (PDT), in Message # 00001094
 fuzzy <fuzzy@wco.com> said:

> On Tue, 26 Aug 1997 23:49:31 -0500, in Message # 00001090
> Michael Jon Knight <mjknight@idir.net> said:
>
>>On Tue, 26 Aug 1997 18:21:21 -0700 (PDT), in Message # 00001079
>> fuzzy <fuzzy@wco.com> said:
> <snip>
>>The Hovercyclone arrives
>>
>>\It is not equiped with a Persona-File, ask if you think you will
>>need one. The BaseArmor that the shift links into is under the
>>seat.\
>>
>><OOC: Think RoboTech Cyclone, Without wheels, and with better
>>flight...>
>
> <OOC: Never saw RoboTech. Thankfully, others have. So, it sort of
> looks like these?
>
> http://spacsun.rice.edu/~pww/cyclone.html

<OOC: Yes, The spec's match well except as previosly stated, rapid
fire energy pulse weapons in place of all missiles, and a mono-skid
instead of wheels.>

> /Can this design be tweaked? I've never liked riding pitched so far
> forward. And I assume Pyewackett will be angry if he doesn't get to
> come along. Perhaps a cat seat behind me?/

\#A slight change in in frame shape, and seat structure to allow a
more upright posture, due to Nanalloy construction the form can be
modified in any way you require. Might I suggest a back rest high
enough with a shelf at the top, to position Lord Pyewackett
comfortably atop your shoulder?#\

\#Please put on the base armor and assume the stance you require, I
will shift the HoverCyclone into Position around you.#\

\#Aerodynamic concerns are not significant as the vehicle includes a
force field able to minimize atmospheric friction.#\

\# Also I have modified the design slightly since last use, several of
the Missile emplacements are retained, the vehicle will require
feeding to rebuild the missiles after fireing.
 The Missiles are far smarter than the original models have good
tracking and near line of sight range on a planet.
 Recent consideration leads me to believe that some ranged physical
armaments are a good investment in a weapons package. #\

> *Facing FORWARD. I'm not riding backwards again.* Pyewackett adds.

<OOC: Ever have a chair where the top of the back was lined-up with
the top of your shoulder? Nemisis had not informed the player of the
design mods until a saw them appear on the screen in front of me ;) >
===========================
Date: Wed, 27 Aug 1997 05:05:00 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: AAE-Spider and seek

On Wed, 27 Aug 1997 08:55:09 -0400 (EDT), in Message # 00001095
 caprice <caprice@southeast.net> said:

On Tue, 26 Aug 1997, Shadow wrote:

> On Tue, 26 Aug 1997, Gareth L Owen wrote:
>
>> /* Of course, if I were him I'd have hardened it all anyway. Maybe
>> we should just intensify the pulse */
>
> /Probably. He wouldn't need to tear _everything_ apart. Some areas
> he could just build a sheild around, say a room or so? It's hard to
> guess what he's done, much less what he might have done./

Caprice comments mentally, <*Well if someone will tell me what they
need me to look for....*>
===========================
Date: Wed, 27 Aug 1997 08:35:21 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Misern Planning Session

On Wed, 27 Aug 1997 08:17:16 PDT, in Message # 00001096
 "Caprice Davis" <caprice@hotmail.com> said:

Gamer wrote:

>On Tue, 26 Aug 1997, P. Campbell wrote:
*snip*
>> `All right, we need to find out what our plan is going to be. It
>> sounds like after we do our snatch job, the others are going to try
>> to vaporize this place. I don't really have a problem with that,
>> never having been fond of undead."

Caprice frowns, but doesn't comment.

> Moving to another room, he pulls a screwdriver out fo his coat and
>pops the pins from the hinges. He picks up the wood door effortlessly
>and moves back to the group's room. Removing their door similarly, he
>replaces it wiht the undamaged one and drops the ruined one in the
>doorway of the other room.

<* Don't know who he is, but I have to say... I like his style. *>

> Returning to the party's room he closes and bolts the door behind
>him and seems to finally take notice of the group. In a thick
>chicagon accent, "My name's Joe. Joe from Chicago. Roscoe called in a
>favor I odes him. And I think I can sees why. Hey, ya mind if I have
>one of those?" Without waiting for a reply he walks over to the
>bottles of blood and begins drinking one, flashing his fangs for the
>first time.

Caprice is still wearing her black so only her eyes are visible...

... they look amused.
===========================
Date: Wed, 27 Aug 1997 09:05:37 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: AAE III : She's baa-ack

On Wed, 27 Aug 1997 09:01:26 -0700 (PDT), in Message # 00001097
 "P. Campbell" <xzerrion@u.washington.edu> said:

Nalfein, after many days of systematic work, reports to Drisonel.

`Yes? Have you found anything on them *yet*? I wonder I haven't sent
your soul to Lloth by now, for all the success you've given me.'

Nalfein looks back at her. `If you want to give me to Lloth, that is
your right, Matron, but I know where they are now.'

Drisonel's eyes light up. `And where are they? Assemble our soldiers
and mages at once!'

`Not quite so fast, Matron. I found no direct evidence of them, but
there is a building in Diblis which is screened from all scying
attempts. Since we know they are in Diblis, that is where they must
be. But, since it is shielded from scying, I cannot tell how many are
in the building, or if some of them are elsewhere, having devised some
method of foiling conventional scrying magic. For all his failures
elsewhere, the renegade Xzerrion was the best at deceptive magics I
have ever seen.'

Drisonel thinks for a moment, then picks up a small black widow spider
and momentarily prays over it. When she is through, its eyes glitter
with malevolent intelligence. `Teleport our friend here just outside
the building. Whatever she sees,' she caresses the spider lovingly, `I
see. Likewise, whatever she hears, I hear.'

Nalfein takes the spider to his work room and complies.

Soon, a small black widow spider crawls under the door of the
assassin's guild ...

- Drisonel and Nalfein
===========================
Date: Wed, 27 Aug 1997 09:07:19 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: AAE: Quiet Decleration

On Wed, 27 Aug 1997 09:03:35 PDT, in Message # 00001098
 "Caprice Davis" <caprice@hotmail.com> said:

Caprice projects over the link, <* Xzerrion casually mentioned having
no problems with vaporizing Misern as he is not fond of undead....
This is not an option. If anyone tries to do so, I will fight them...
and they may very well have to kill me to stop me. *> Her projection
is quiet.... dangerously so.
===========================
Date: Wed, 27 Aug 1997 10:05:10 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: AAE-Spider and seek

On Wed, 27 Aug 1997 10:02:22 -0700 (PDT), in Message # 00001099
 fuzzy <fuzzy@wco.com> said:

> On Wed, 27 Aug 1997 08:55:09 -0400 (EDT), in Message # 00001095
> caprice <caprice@southeast.net> said:
>
> On Tue, 26 Aug 1997, Shadow wrote:
>
>> /Probably. He wouldn't need to tear _everything_ apart. Some areas
>> he could just build a sheild around, say a room or so? It's hard to
>> guess what he's done, much less what he might have done./
>
> Caprice comments mentally, <*Well if someone will tell me what they
> need me to look for....*>

\Ok,
 This is the physical structure commen to EMP hardend instalations {}
 This is the effective force field structures that could be used {}
 And this is magical structure that would work {}
I doubt that any rooms have been physically hardend as he seems to
depend on radio communications and the shielding would block radio,
force fields and magical structures could be ready but inactive that
is why we don't want to give him any warning prior to activation.
Thank You\

<OOC: Fuzzy could be wrong about the Physical hardening if the
Controllers X-Windows can pass radio signals>
===========================
Date: Wed, 27 Aug 1997 10:35:59 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Aae-Roscoe's return.

On Wed, 27 Aug 1997 12:14:57 -0500, in Message # 00001100
 Michael Jon Knight <mjknight@idir.net> said:

>On Tue, 26 Aug 1997 23:10:33 -0700 (PDT), in Message # 00001094
> fuzzy <fuzzy@wco.com> said:
<snip>
>> On Tue, 26 Aug 1997 23:49:31 -0500, in Message # 00001090
>> Michael Jon Knight <mjknight@idir.net> said:
<snip>
>> <OOC: Never saw RoboTech. Thankfully, others have. So, it sort of
>> looks like these?
>>
>> http://spacsun.rice.edu/~pww/cyclone.html
>
><OOC: Yes, The spec's match well except as previosly stated, rapid
>fire energy pulse weapons in place of all missiles, and a mono-skid
>instead of wheels.>

<OOC: Ok, I'll base my reactions to those. :)>

<snip>
>> /Can this design be tweaked? I've never liked riding pitched so far
>> forward. And I assume Pyewackett will be angry if he doesn't get to
>> come along. Perhaps a cat seat behind me?/
>
>\#A slight change in in frame shape, and seat structure to allow a
>more upright posture, due to Nanalloy construction the form can be
>modified in any way you require. Might I suggest a back rest high
>enough with a shelf at the top, to position Lord Pyewackett
>comfortably atop your shoulder?#\

*Perfect,* Pyewackett replies.

>\#Please put on the base armor and assume the stance you require, I
>will shift the HoverCyclone into Position around you.#\

Knytt stuffs his hat and other gear into his ALICE pack and slings it
over his shoulder, then removes the base armor from under the seat and
jogs inside. After a few minutes, he returns.

/'Buzz Lightyear, Space Ranger!' I look like a Transformer./ Knytt
grins.

Knytt walks out on the stone roof and takes a stance that is almost a
seated posture. His back is straight, hands positioned about shoulder
height, but slightly wider apart. His elbows are bent slightly. The
classic Harley-Davison chopper pose.
===========================
Date: Wed, 27 Aug 1997 10:36:08 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: AAE III : She's baa-ack

On Wed, 27 Aug 1997 10:19:42 -0700 (PDT), in Message # 00001101
 fuzzy <fuzzy@wco.com> said:

> On Wed, 27 Aug 1997 09:01:26 -0700 (PDT), in Message # 00001097
> "P. Campbell" <xzerrion@u.washington.edu> said:
<snip>
> `Not quite so fast, Matron. I found no direct evidence of them, but
> there is a building in Diblis which is screened from all scying
> attempts. Since we know they are in Diblis, that is where they must
> be. But, since it is shielded from scying, I cannot tell how many
> are in the building, or if some of them are elsewhere, having
> devised some method of foiling conventional scrying magic. For all
> his failures elsewhere, the renegade Xzerrion was the best at
> deceptive magics I have ever seen.'

There are two buildings shielded from scrying, The Assasins Guild
Hall, The Hospital, and some areas inside the Keep, the type of
shielding is different at the Guild hall in relation to the other
locations. I am discounting the intersection where Argent blocked
scrying as being too exposed to seem reasonable to the mage.
===========================
Date: Wed, 27 Aug 1997 10:36:19 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: AAE: Quiet Decleration

On Wed, 27 Aug 1997 10:22:18 -0700 (PDT), in Message # 00001102
 fuzzy <fuzzy@wco.com> said:

> On Wed, 27 Aug 1997 09:03:35 PDT, in Message # 00001098
> "Caprice Davis" <caprice@hotmail.com> said:
>
> Caprice projects over the link, <* Xzerrion casually mentioned
> having no problems with vaporizing Misern as he is not fond of
> undead.... This is not an option. If anyone tries to do so, I will
> fight them... and they may very well have to kill me to stop me. *>
> Her projection is quiet.... dangerously so.

\As you say,
 I will not defy your will in this.\
===========================
Date: Wed, 27 Aug 1997 10:36:28 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: AAE: Quiet Decleration

On Wed, 27 Aug 1997 12:27:20 -0500, in Message # 00001103
 Michael Jon Knight <mjknight@idir.net> said:

>On Wed, 27 Aug 1997 09:03:35 PDT, in Message # 00001098
> "Caprice Davis" <caprice@hotmail.com> said:
>
>Caprice projects over the link, <* Xzerrion casually mentioned having
>no problems with vaporizing Misern as he is not fond of undead....
>This is not an option. If anyone tries to do so, I will fight them...
>and they may very well have to kill me to stop me. *> Her projection
>is quiet.... dangerously so.

Knytt thinks for a moment. /Ok, we take out the bad guys, but if they
don't mess with us, we won't mess with them. I guess the undead
weren't made that way by choice. They just have to live with the
results./

<OOC: Hmm...what happens if Caprice arrives on a world where she
hasn't been born yet? Twins?>
===========================
Date: Wed, 27 Aug 1997 12:05:23 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: AAE: Behind Closed Doors

On Wed, 27 Aug 1997 11:44:35 PDT, in Message # 00001104
 "Caprice Davis" <caprice@hotmail.com> said:

>On Tue, 26 Aug 1997 20:54:43 -0700 (PDT), in Message # 00001089
> "P. Campbell" <xzerrion@u.washington.edu> said:
>
>On Tue, 26 Aug 1997, Caprice Davis wrote:
*snip*
>> The Guildmaster looks at Argent, his eyes narrow. "Will you offer
>> your life as surety for Ak'hasta's behavior?"
>>
>> Argent's expression doesn't change from what it has been this whole
>> time... unreadable. "I do."
>>
>> (OOC: Back at you Xzerrion. ;) )
>
><OOC : Wishing very hard Ak'hasta was in a telepathic link, I have to
>many opportunities for byplay here <eg> >

<OOC: Argent isn't a telepath, and her magical potential is completely
untapped. >

>Ak'hasta looks closely at Argent, his eyes momentarily softening as
>he realizes what those words could mean in human context. He then
>looks at the guildmaster, his expression hardening again.
>
>`If you require surety of my behavior, consider what my percentage
>could be in walking into a room filled with those who hated me, with
>none of my soldiers. You're mercanaries, after all.'

The Guildmaster gives Ak'hasta a measuring glance. "I have thought of
several posiblities. And I am prepared to deal with whichever turns
out to be true."`

With that conversation turns back to strategy and how to somehow get
their troops paid for doing this... Throughout the conversation a
trend becomes visable....

Anything Ak'hasta says is treated with skepticism.

Anything Argent says is ignored, unless one of the others repeats the
idea... then it is treated as if it was HIS idea, not Argent's.

Throughout this Argent somehow manages to keep her temper, her
expression never changing from the unreadable look that has earned her
a reputation as such a cast-iron bitch.
===========================
Date: Wed, 27 Aug 1997 12:35:14 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Aae-Roscoe's return.

On Wed, 27 Aug 1997 12:11:22 -0700 (PDT), in Message # 00001105
 fuzzy <fuzzy@wco.com> said:

> On Wed, 27 Aug 1997 12:14:57 -0500, in Message # 00001100
> Michael Jon Knight <mjknight@idir.net> said:
<snip>
> Knytt walks out on the stone roof and takes a stance that is almost
> a seated posture. His back is straight, hands positioned about
> shoulder height, but slightly wider apart. His elbows are bent
> slightly. The classic Harley-Davison chopper pose.

The HoverCyclone melts into a liquid metal pool and flows under his
feet Then pulls itself into shape exactly fitting Knytt's form, then
lifts him slightly while the mono-skid forms, the foot rests are just
above the skid.

\#Lord Pyewacket, if you would take your rightful place...#\

I will assume that he does...

The pad under Pyewackett shifts minutely to fully support Pyewackett's
Stance of watchful crouch (my dictionary is missing again)...
And Textures to give good grip to claws.

A matching pad forms on the other shoulder as well.

\#Lord Pyewackett, The BriteFish button toggles the manuever net,
which will automaticly activate when the Vehicle enters combat mode,
if the pad is occupied.#\

Assuming Pywackett tests this

A net of wide straps slides over then tightens to hold him firmly in
place Without being too tight.

\#In the Man-Amp Armor mode a Clear/Polarized armor shell will form
over the net.#\

\# The force field will also retain your enviroment in case you enter
a hostile plane or area, this is optional when not in combat mode#\

Knytt becomes aware of some interaction between the Gateway Bands and
the Armor as the armor introduces itself and arranges to latch to the
bands, they will remain visible, and the linkage to the Gateway Bands
can relay and coordinate commands for activity integration.

l8tr
 Nemisis
===========================
Date: Wed, 27 Aug 1997 16:35:42 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Misern Planning Session

On Wed, 27 Aug 1997 16:30:08 -0700 (MST), in Message # 00001106
 gamer@host.yab.com said:

On Tue, 26 Aug 1997, P. Campbell wrote:
>
> <* Roscoe? You still on the link? Who the #%&@!!! is Joe from
> Chicago?*>
>
> `I see. So, what are you offering us, and what is the price. In this
> city, I don't trust much of anything that comes free.'

 [Umm long story, but suffice ti to say he's a vampire and he hunts
other vampires for naother group of vampires and he's trustworthy.
Just don't try to pry too much of his past from him. He gets touchy
about it and don't ask anything about 'The Mascarade' it took a bit of
convincing before he believed me that appearing here wouldn't infringe
on the Mascarade or his oaths to uphold it.]

 Joe finishes the bottle and begins removing items from his coat onto
the table. When he finishes, there lies a Thompson .45 submachine gun
wiht drum magazine and a couple fo military 30-round magazines,
several shotgun shells, 5 stakes, assorted boxes of ammunition, a set
of brass knuckles, a small tool kit and a 1911 government .45. He
start sorting through the shotgun shells making different stacks.
 "I always pay back my favors. I owed Driss and Roscoe one, adn htey
said you was in a bind and I could help ya out here. So whatcha need,
a hitman? A wheelman? Bouncer? What? Cuz I could be on my vacation
right now."
===========================
Date: Wed, 27 Aug 1997 17:35:53 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: AAE-Spider and seek

On Thu, 28 Aug 1997 01:04:28 -0700, in Message # 00001107
 Gareth L Owen <pe21@dial.pipex.com> said:

caprice wrote:
>>"I think I might go out for a look round, get the lie of the land
>>and see if there are any good ways of getting into the castle
>>physically."
>
>Caprice looks at Stranger, "Are you sure you want to go out -there-
>alone?"

"Sure. I'm not out there with them, they're out there with me!"

With that he heads out through the window, intent on getting some good
physical recon and humint.

He works swiftly and silently, passing from shadow to shadow, moving
along rooftops where possible and staying away from activity and
bright lights. He follows the castle walls as far as he can, assessing
them for ease of climbing and any damage he can exploit.

He enjoys himself, this is where he's happiest. Perhaps he enjoys
himself too much, gets too confident. The leap across the alley was
long, but easily in his capability. He probably would have made it if
he hadn't been distracted by a voice, nearby and quiet, distinctly
pronouncing one word.

"Beatrice."

He twisted as he leapt, not giving himself the necessary push to clear
the alley, missing the opposit roof, just barely, fingers scrabbling
against the cold brickwork as he realised he had made a mistake.

He twisted as he fell, limbs searching for anything to grab, his mind
pushing out for the rest of the CAoL. his limbs found only hard,
smooth walls, his mind found an icy cold wall of silence. He had
walked into a trap.

He landed heavily on his feet, immediately crumpling and rolling with
the impact, feeling a rib go as he started to rise. Suddenly pain
crashed through his body as a heavy boot caught him in the jaw. He
reeled, uncertainly rising, trying to fight, but a second blow from a
short, stout staff slammed heavily into his back. He sank back down to
the floor and darkness.

To be continued....

The Stranger

<OOC: The guy who trapped me has the aid of a _very_ talented psi, who
will maintain the illusion of my presence for a while after the trap,
at least until Stranger is directly contacted by someone. Yes, he's
that talented.>

<OOC: By the way, I'm out of net access for four days, as I'm going to
Euro GenCon, so it'll be Monday before we get the next installment.
What do you mean I'm a stinker? :-) See you soon, I hope.>

--
Gareth L Owen          |\_/|  Systems Consultant and Managing Director
glo@io.com             |o o|   Owen System Services
oss@dial.pipex.com      \_/   As it happens I do speak for my employer
                              "Life shows no mercy" - The Stranglers
===========================
Date: Wed, 27 Aug 1997 17:36:04 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Misern Planning Session

On Wed, 27 Aug 1997 17:25:49 -0700 (PDT), in Message # 00001108
 "P. Campbell" <xzerrion@u.washington.edu> said:

On Wed, 27 Aug 1997 gamer@host.yab.com wrote:

>  [Umm long story, but suffice ti to say he's a vampire and he hunts
> other vampires for naother group of vampires and he's trustworthy.
> Just don't try to pry too much of his past from him. He gets touchy
> about it and don't ask anything about 'The Mascarade' it took a bit
> of convincing before he believed me that appearing here wouldn't
> infringe on the Mascarade or his oaths to uphold it.]

<* His past is his business. If he's a vampire, he probably wouldn't
like the sunbursts my wand spits out. Have to be careful about that.
*>

>  "I always pay back my favors. I owed Driss and Roscoe one, adn htey
> said you was in a bind and I could help ya out here. So whatcha
> need, a hitman? A wheelman? Bouncer? What? Cuz I could be on my
> vacation right now."

`Weel,' Khoragh responds, lapsing into dialect again, `need here is
for some quiet muscle. Best way I can explain it is we're trying to
pull a jail break. Quietly if possible, the wet way if it isn't.
Opposition's likely a buncha deadies, a few big robots, and some
drow.'

Khoragh's wand is replaced, but where he can get at it in about a
second.

- Xzerrion, aka Khoragh
===========================
Date: Wed, 27 Aug 1997 18:05:27 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Misern Planning Session

On Wed, 27 Aug 1997 18:14:03 -0700 (MST), in Message # 00001109
 gamer@host.yab.com said:

On Wed, 27 Aug 1997, P. Campbell wrote:

> `Weel,' Khoragh responds, lapsing into dialect again, `need here is
> for some quiet muscle. Best way I can explain it is we're trying to
> pull a jail break. Quietly if possible, the wet way if it isn't.
> Opposition's likely a buncha deadies, a few big robots, and some
> drow.'
>
> Khoragh's wand is replaced, but where he can get at it in about a
> second.

 Joe still sifts through teh shotgun shells, and now it's notices he's
looking at a tiny dot of paint on the base of it. Red, white or black.
Finally finshed, he stuffs the red and black into his coat again
leaving the white on teh table. "Well I wandered this place a bit, and
'sides that the people are dressed like geeks, it seemed pretty dead.
hehehe get it? dead Aww you mortals never did have a sense of humor.
Anyways, I didn;t see no Puppy-dogs so the silver slugs ain;t gonna be
much help here. So I takes it you're the brains of the outfit,
Xzerrion right? The overdressed doll must be Caprice and the other big
lug's The Stranger right? Roscoe told me your names but little else.
So where ya breaking this other party outta and how'd ya plan on doin
it looking as outta place as a thumb on your nose? Even if the guy
Casper at teh desk hadn'ta told me where ya were it wouldn;ta taken
long. you're the only mortals I seen round this joint."
===========================
Date: Wed, 27 Aug 1997 18:20:15 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Aae-Roscoe's return.

On Wed, 27 Aug 1997 20:03:36 -0500, in Message # 00001110
 Michael Jon Knight <mjknight@idir.net> said:

>On Wed, 27 Aug 1997 12:11:22 -0700 (PDT), in Message # 00001105
> fuzzy <fuzzy@wco.com> said:
<snip>
>The HoverCyclone melts into a liquid metal pool and flows under his
>feet Then pulls itself into shape exactly fitting Knytt's form, then
>lifts him slightly while the mono-skid forms, the foot rests are just
>above the skid.
>
>\#Lord Pyewacket, if you would take your rightful place...#\
>
>I will assume that he does...

Phrased like that, Pyewackett is immediately airborne and lands on the
'cat-bird' seat.

>The pad under Pyewackett shifts minutely to fully support
>Pyewackett's Stance of watchful crouch (my dictionary is missing
>again)... And Textures to give good grip to claws.
>
>A matching pad forms on the other shoulder as well.
>
>\#Lord Pyewackett, The BriteFish button toggles the manuever net,
>which will automaticly activate when the Vehicle enters combat mode,
>if the pad is occupied.#\
>
>Assuming Pywackett tests this

Feeling very comfortable, Pyewackett doesn't move, but the button
depresses anyway.

>Knytt becomes aware of some interaction between the Gateway Bands and
>the Armor as the armor introduces itself and arranges to latch to the
>bands, they will remain visible, and the linkage to the Gateway Bands
>can relay and coordinate commands for activity integration.

*Well, what are you waiting for? Let's go!*

Knytt looks the controls over.

/Let's see if I have these right...acceleration under the left hand,
brakes under both hands, turn left for left, right for right, pull
back to go up, push forward to go down. Press the left footrest to
bank left, right footrest to bank right. Rocking both footrests
forward brings the nose up, both back brings the nose down.

/How do the weapons systems work?/

--Knytt and Pyewackett
<Who is seriously thinking of getting one of these for the next
adventure. ;)>
===========================
Date: Wed, 27 Aug 1997 18:35:19 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Aae-Showdown

On Wed, 27 Aug 1997 18:44:47 -0700 (MST), in Message # 00001111
 gamer@host.yab.com said:

 He slept little, waking after only a couple horus of fitful sleep. He
had a mission to complete, and the fire in his heart would be enough
to fuel him until then.
 He pushed his stolen horse as quickly as it would travel through the
desert, and when it finally collaposed form exhaustion to die, he
raced on on foot. Nothing would keep him from his destiny.
 Finally, the walls fo the city appeared over a dune. He lay and
waited and watched. He saw three figures on horsesbe lead inside, and
hte gates closed after them. Some assassins had gotten here before
him. No matter, fo rhis quarry was different from that of the scroll.
 He moved swiftly, like a shadow as the undead on the walls gawked at
the newcomers as they were lead down the city streets. Up the sand
piled against one wall, onto the wall and a leap off the battlements
to a roof below. A perfect plan if hte roof had heald his weight.
 Rotten wood gave way and he plunged through into a rotten grainery,
undead rats scurrying away at the strange form. He curnled up and his
thick clothing adn the lithe body avoided any injury. Out the main
door, and racing through the shadows alogn the streets towards his
goal, his target, his enenmy.
 Finally he made it to the castle un noticed. Scaling the wall as
easily and quickly as he ran down the street, he soon slips in through
a window large enough. Makign his way out of hte small dusty room, he
began the hard part fo tracking his prey in the maze of cooridorrs.
 Turning one corner, he found himself face to face with a squad of
skeletal guards. Deciding that his work might not be as hard as he had
orriginally thought, he wordlessly whipped out the scroll. The
squadleadrer beconded him to follow, and lead him to another room a
few flights down.
 He was motionted to stay and the guards left. Blacky pulled back the
hood of his robes and observed his surroundings, making not of ever
piece of furnature and every possible esacpe route.

 Darath the Black is disturbed from his mediatations by a guard.
Silently they communicate and Darath the Black re-dons his armor
quickly and follows the guard out.

 Darath enters the small room btu stops surprised to find the assassin
sitting in the chair and making no movement to rise despite looking
direclty at Darath. Darath quickly recovers. "I have summoned you for
a simple task. destory the..."
 But Blacky inturrupts by leveling two light crossbows at Daratht eh
Black and firing. The gold bolts hit home, one in the chest, on at the
throat. they explode, ripping armro adn flesh away, but Darath, now
helmless, smiles at Blacky's revulsion. "So you have coem for the more
foolish mission. You have signed your own death warrent then." Daratht
eh Balck touches his wounds and they close again. His greatsword now
in his hand and swinging easily. "If you think a little gold will kill
me, you are a fool indeed."
 Blacky does not say a word, but leaps from his robes, leaving them in
a crumpled pile on the chair. his crossbows are gone, a scimitar and
gold dagger in hand now. He lets the dagger fly at Darath's face, but
Darath blocks it with the greatsword, batting it out of hte air.
 Scmitar and greatsword engage in a silent dance of death. Neither
combatant speaks, but instead concentrates fully on the task at hand.
Darath is a master with his sword, but Blacky is faster than any human
could ever be and always seems to avoid the blow.
 Finally Darath makes a strike at Blacky, Blacky Dodges, and darath
grab hold of Blacky's left arm. Blacky cries out and drops the
scimitar as flesh becomes loose, muscle shrivels and bone becomes
bittle through out his body. Darath swings the greatsword around and
ends Blacky's suffering by removing his head.
 "And now, he who would kill me, shall serve and protect me."
 The corpse reached out for it's head and pulled it back on in place.
Then it moved to its clothing and relcaimed it as well, dressing adn
covering until finally it puleld hte hood up and over it's shrunken
and shriveled face.
 Darath the Black turned to leave. "Sicne you felt this was a good
place to attack me, then let it be your place to guard it from now
on." Then he returned to his quarters adn his prayers.
===========================
Date: Wed, 27 Aug 1997 19:50:46 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Aae-Roscoe's return.

On Wed, 27 Aug 1997 19:41:38 -0700 (PDT), in Message # 00001114
 fuzzy <fuzzy@wco.com> said:

> On Wed, 27 Aug 1997 20:03:36 -0500, in Message # 00001110
> Michael Jon Knight <mjknight@idir.net> said:
[snip]
> *Well, what are you waiting for? Let's go!*
>
> Knytt looks the controls over.
>
> /Let's see if I have these right...acceleration under the left hand,
> brakes under both hands, turn left for left, right for right, pull
> back to go up, push forward to go down. Press the left footrest to
> bank left, right footrest to bank right. Rocking both footrests
> forward brings the nose up, both back brings the nose down.

\#
Altitude under right hand
Brakes one hand grip (Select please)
Weapons mode shift the other hand grip
 <That Hand Grip resembles brass knuckles>
  In Missiles, Relaxed Pulse weapons, Out both
The button under your left thumb is Fire forward
The button under your left thumb is Fire aft
Try to fold the handle bars to shift to Man-Amp mode
Other than that you have it exactly

The Gateway Bands can feed you the Ops Manual on request, as well as
relay nueral feed in both directions.
#\

> /How do the weapons systems work?/
>
> --Knytt and Pyewackett
> <Who is seriously thinking of getting one of these for the next
> adventure. ;)>

<OOC: You peeked...
 Nemisis has been getting tired of being a Cyclone...
 This one is mostly a distinct construct, not part of Nemisis.
 There is a small Nemisis Split inside for this mission, to handle the
unexpected, and finish the fine tuneing...
 The HoverCyclone is being keyed to your bioelectric pattern
When you try to return it you will be informed of this, as the Nemisis
Split exits the hardware, and tells you that, It is yours>

ttfn
 Nemisis
===========================
Date: Wed, 27 Aug 1997 19:50:55 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Aae-Roscoe's farewell

On Wed, 27 Aug 1997 19:59:13 -0700 (MST), in Message # 00001115
 gamer@host.yab.com said:

> On Tue, 26 Aug 1997 19:43:43 -0700 (PDT), in Message # 00001085
> fuzzy <fuzzy@wco.com> said:
>
> \Take Care.\
>
> \#Smooth Roads, Stupid Mice, and crippled Birds, line your path.#\
>
> <OOC: It suffers in translation.>

 [May the sun send maby warm beams for you to nap in and the fields
you find be filled with teh sweetest of catnip.]

 Roscoe, Squee, Heather, Morgand and Roland take off towards the
portal to Arcadia.
 In between the twin port cities of Rand and Mand sits a mountain that
is reputed to have been grown from a molehill in an empty lot by a
wizard in want of realestate. Roscoe leads them to a small cave in its
side, and uses his mind to open a secret tunnelway inside. Leading in
the pitch darkeness, they fianlyl turn a corner and see the shimmeing
portal.
 Stepping through, they find themselves confronted by a weasel. It
feels Roscoes, mind and shifts into a small man wiht lots nad lots of
blonde hair. [Eldar! you're back! And who are these?]
 [They're freinds. I...]
 Squee breaks in. [HIYA Keldar!!]
 Teh young man smiles [Hello Squee. Darrion and the other boys are in
the hills playing.]
 Squee turns his mind pleadingly to Roscoe who answers before squee
can think a sylabyl [OK, but heather goes with you.]
 As the two take off racign for the distant hills Roscoe's mental tone
becomes serious again, but once again he is inturrupted, thsi tiem by
Keldar. [We've had problems since you left Roscoe. Baethan is dead.]
 [What??]
 [an accident. he and his son were playing Ju'lakus. Baethan had been
in the form of a lion, and Kelvin... he shifted... into a giagantic
bear. Baethan's head was taken clena off. he died instantly. And
Kelvin's mind has retreated into his body. We've tried everything but
we can't get him to come out.]
 Roscoe was silent. His fears had been confirmed. One death was
already on his hands. [Call the clan. We meet tonight.]
 Kelvin began to question, but Roscoe shut him out and stomped off
towards his own house.
===========================
Date: Wed, 27 Aug 1997 21:50:23 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Misern Planning Session

On Wed, 27 Aug 1997 21:37:22 -0700 (PDT), in Message # 00001118
 "P. Campbell" <xzerrion@u.washington.edu> said:

On Wed, 27 Aug 1997 gamer@host.yab.com wrote:
>  Joe still sifts through teh shotgun shells, and now it's notices
> he's looking at a tiny dot of paint on the base of it. Red, white or
> black. Finally finshed, he stuffs the red and black into his coat
> again leaving the white on teh table. "Well I wandered this place a
> bit, and 'sides that the people are dressed like geeks, it seemed
> pretty dead. hehehe get it?

Khoragh chuckles dryly. `Or undead, rather.'

> dead Aww you mortals never did have a sense of humor. Anyways, I
> didn;t see no Puppy-dogs so the silver slugs ain;t gonna be much
> help here. So I takes it you're the brains of the outfit, Xzerrion
> right? The overdressed doll must be Caprice and the other big lug's
> The Stranger right? Roscoe told me your names but little else. So
> where ya breaking this other party outta and how'd ya plan on doin
> it looking as outta place as a thumb on your nose? Even if the guy
> Casper at teh desk hadn'ta told me where ya were it wouldn;ta taken
> long. you're the only mortals I seen round this joint."

Khoragh glances significantly about the room. "I am known as Khoragh
One-Eye in this particular time and place, master assassin. As far as
being out of place, we are here at the express personal invitation of
his Exalted Insanity, Darath the Black, a diety in his own mind. He
may not know our true purposes, but unless and until we betray him, we
operate under his protection. You might call it an `open' cover. Using
this, we found where the people we need to get out are. We just need
to find how to get from here to there without being spotted. The best
solution I can think of so far is a combination of invisibility and
magical silence. The other possibility is seeing if I can fiddle with
scent and visual illusion components enough to make us seem undead.'

- Xzerrion, aka Khoragh

<OOC : I am ABEND until Saturday, and will have limited access this
weekend, so don't expect too much from me for a bit.>
===========================
Date: Wed, 27 Aug 1997 23:50:33 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: AAE3 - Zen and the Art of HoverCyclone Maintenance. ;)

On Thu, 28 Aug 1997 01:30:12 -0500, in Message # 00001119
 Michael Jon Knight <mjknight@idir.net> said:

>On Wed, 27 Aug 1997 19:41:38 -0700 (PDT), in Message # 00001114
> fuzzy <fuzzy@wco.com> said:
>
>> On Wed, 27 Aug 1997 20:03:36 -0500, in Message # 00001110
>> Michael Jon Knight <mjknight@idir.net> said:
>\#
>Altitude under right hand
>Brakes one hand grip (Select please)

/Right hand for the brakes./

>Weapons mode shift the other hand grip
> <That Hand Grip resembles brass knuckles>
>  In Missiles, Relaxed Pulse weapons, Out both
>The button under your left thumb is Fire forward
                       ^^^^
<OOC: I'll assume that is right. :) Saves me having to ask to switch
them. Knytt doesn't brake much, and will most likely be chasing the
Controller. ;) So the right hand will be free to fire this way.>

>The button under your left thumb is Fire aft
>Try to fold the handle bars to shift to Man-Amp mode
>Other than that you have it exactly
>
>The Gateway Bands can feed you the Ops Manual on request, as well as
>relay nueral feed in both directions.
>#\

/Great. I'll want to know the listed tolerances as well as the actual
ones./

<snip>
>> --Knytt and Pyewackett
>> <Who is seriously thinking of getting one of these for the next
>> adventure. ;)>
>
><OOC: You peeked...
<snip>

<OOC: Doh! Well, I promise to be surprised. ;)>
===========================
Date: Thu, 28 Aug 1997 02:20:57 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: AAE3 - Zen and the Art of HoverCyclone Maintenance. ;)

On Thu, 28 Aug 1997 01:52:12 -0700 (PDT), in Message # 00001121
 fuzzy <fuzzy@wco.com> said:

> On Thu, 28 Aug 1997 01:30:12 -0500, in Message # 00001119
> Michael Jon Knight <mjknight@idir.net> said:
>
>>On Wed, 27 Aug 1997 19:41:38 -0700 (PDT), in Message # 00001114
>> fuzzy <fuzzy@wco.com> said:
>>
>>Weapons mode shift the other hand grip
>> <That Hand Grip resembles brass knuckles>
>>  In Missiles, Relaxed Pulse weapons, Out both
>>The button under your left thumb is Fire forward
>                        ^^^^
> <OOC: I'll assume that is right. :) Saves me having to ask to switch
> them. Knytt doesn't brake much, and will most likely be chasing the
> Controller. ;) So the right hand will be free to fire this way.>

<OOC: the logic was accel = forward, decel = rear, we will asume you
asked for the changeover>

>>The Gateway Bands can feed you the Ops Manual on request, as well as
>>relay nueral feed in both directions.
>>#\
>
> /Great. I'll want to know the listed tolerances as well as the
> actual ones./

\#You will want some altitude at speeds over .75 mach,
 The enviro-systems will handle any of the elemental planes as well as
space.
 Accel and Decel are Inertialy compensated at a 5 to 1 ratio, this
might require caution as what feels like (10 meters per second)^2 will
actually be (50 meters per second)^2.
 Maximum Speed is Mach 3+,
 Not tested yet.#\

ttfn
 Nemisis
===========================
Date: Thu, 28 Aug 1997 16:05:51 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Aae-Roscoe's farewell

On Thu, 28 Aug 1997 15:45:49, in Message # 00001122
 Roland X <RolandX@eee.org> said:

>On Wed, 27 Aug 1997 19:59:13 -0700 (MST), in Message # 00001115
> gamer@host.yab.com said:
>
> As the two take off racign for the distant hills Roscoe's mental
>tone becomes serious again, but once again he is inturrupted, thsi
>tiem by Keldar. [We've had problems since you left Roscoe. Baethan is
>dead.]
> [What??]
> [an accident. he and his son were playing Ju'lakus. Baethan had been
>in the form of a lion, and Kelvin... he shifted... into a giagantic
>bear. Baethan's head was taken clena off. he died instantly. And
>Kelvin's mind has retreated into his body. We've tried everything but
>we can't get him to come out.]

   Roland considers this silently. Though unfamiliar with the
specifics of this game, his instincts and what he remembers from his
time in the Covenant tell him that what happened was no accident.

> Roscoe was silent. His fears had been confirmed. One death was
>already on his hands. [Call the clan. We meet tonight.]
> Kelvin began to question, but Roscoe shut him out and stomped off
>towards his own house.

   Sil touches Roland's arm. *Not so fast, wonder boy.* she sends with
a smile. More seriously, she adds, *Do me a favor, Roland, and wait
until I work on your Swiss cheese memory before charging into the
breach, please?*

<*Speaking of....*> Morgan confers with Sil, then sends to Roscoe,
<*Do you want us to hang around here, or do you mind if we go on ahead
to Arcadia? That seems like the best place to start working on
repairing Roland's memories.*>

<OOC: Your call, gamer>

Morgan /|\

 ===    / "What good is life...without friends?" -Barry Allen
  O   (/) "No evil shall escape my sight!" -Hal Jordan   | Roland X:
 ===  /   Support the Green Lantern Net Corps!           | Freelance
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Forum/2255/aae-home.html | Immortal
===========================
Date: Thu, 28 Aug 1997 16:06:01 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Aae-Showdown

On Thu, 28 Aug 1997 16:04:02 -0700 (MST), in Message # 00001123
 gamer@host.yab.com said:

> On Wed, 27 Aug 1997 21:27:40 -0700 (PDT), in Message # 00001117
> "P. Campbell" <xzerrion@u.washington.edu> said:
>
> On Wed, 27 Aug 1997 gamer@host.yab.com wrote:
> <snip>
>>  "And now, he who would kill me, shall serve and protect me."
>>  The corpse reached out for it's head and pulled it back on in
>> place. Then it moved to its clothing and relcaimed it as well,
>> dressing adn covering until finally it puleld hte hood up and over
>> it's shrunken and shriveled face.
>>  Darath the Black turned to leave. "Sicne you felt this was a good
>> place to attack me, then let it be your place to guard it from now
>> on." Then he returned to his quarters adn his prayers.
>
> <OOC : If Xzerrion sees that, he'll be *incredibly* pissed ... >

 I leave it up to Caprice if hte spider followed DtB or not
===========================
Date: Thu, 28 Aug 1997 16:35:44 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Aae-Roscoe's farewell

On Thu, 28 Aug 1997 16:29:02 -0700 (MST), in Message # 00001124
 gamer@host.yab.com said:

> On Thu, 28 Aug 1997 15:45:49, in Message # 00001122
> Roland X <RolandX@eee.org> said:
>
> <*Speaking of....*> Morgan confers with Sil, then sends to Roscoe,
> <*Do you want us to hang around here, or do you mind if we go on
> ahead to Arcadia? That seems like the best place to start working on
> repairing Roland's memories.*>
>
> <OOC: Your call, gamer>

 OOC: Umm see above. you already ARE in Arcadia. The village of the
gateways in the vally of Illusion to be specific. ;-)
 And as for the game you aren;t expected to know the rules of it. It's
as much educational as play, created by Roscoe's people. Very
generally, it's combination mock combat and tag with lots of
shapechanging to teach the importance of being able to choose the best
forms quickly and be able to shift into them smoothly. Since normally
the shifting is into how that person would look as that race, with age
development and such the same in every form, the childern shift into
young animals, teh adults into adults. No real problem for the adults,
and injuries are usually few and slight at best, fixed with another
shapeshift. With the increased power levels...
 And roscoe will explain all this if asked, but right now his mind is
too busy to rememerb you guys aren't natives. ;-)
===========================
Date: Thu, 28 Aug 1997 19:51:03 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: AAE3 - Zen and the Art of HoverCyclone Maintenance. ;)

On Thu, 28 Aug 1997 21:37:24 -0500, in Message # 00001127
 Michael Jon Knight <mjknight@idir.net> said:

>On Thu, 28 Aug 1997 01:52:12 -0700 (PDT), in Message # 00001121
> fuzzy <fuzzy@wco.com> said:
<snip>
>\#You will want some altitude at speeds over .75 mach,
> The enviro-systems will handle any of the elemental planes as well
> as space.
> Accel and Decel are Inertialy compensated at a 5 to 1 ratio, this
> might require caution as what feels like (10 meters per second)^2
> will actually be (50 meters per second)^2. Maximum Speed is Mach 3+,
> Not tested yet.#\

/Well,/ Knytt said, starting the engine, /There's no time like the
present./

With a slow roll of the wrist, the HoverCyclone rose slowly and
steadily into the air. Aiming into the morning sun, Knytt waved to the
assemblage and the HoverCyclone shot toward the distant mountains to
the west.

/I'm going to open a gateway to a good test site. Don't want to be
under enemy scrutiny while I learn what this thing can do./

THE RUST PLAINS, JOURNISTAN, GALACTIC COORDS: 12425/1127785/662.55

The HoverCyclone roared across the red desert. Knytt was giving it a
real workout. He fishtailed the Cyclone as he made a U-turn and came
to a hover.

"Time to really see what this can do...we are in the middle of a
desert with no habitation for the next 1000 miles in any direction.
Good spot for a little game." Knytt read the Operator's Manual and
began setting up the game.

/Simulation_Mission: Search and Destroy/
/Simulation_Target:  Controller/
/Target_Position:    100 miles NNE/
/Target_Mobile/
/Target_Movement:    AI/
/Target_Protection:  Random/
/Begin_Simulation/

Knytt revved the engine and sped off towards the target zone,
Pyewackett, silent but thrilled to be on the hunt...
===========================
Date: Thu, 28 Aug 1997 19:51:13 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Aae-Roscoe's farewell

On Thu, 28 Aug 1997 19:45:42, in Message # 00001128
 "L.J. Wolfe" <ljwolfe@eee.org> said:

>On Thu, 28 Aug 1997 16:29:02 -0700 (MST), in Message # 00001124
> gamer@host.yab.com said:
>
>> On Thu, 28 Aug 1997 15:45:49, in Message # 00001122
>> Roland X <RolandX@eee.org> said:
<actually this part was Morgan>
>>
>> <*Speaking of....*> Morgan confers with Sil, then sends to Roscoe,
>> <*Do you want us to hang around here, or do you mind if we go on
>> ahead to Arcadia? That seems like the best place to start working
>> on repairing Roland's memories.*>
>
> OOC: Umm see above. you already ARE in Arcadia. The village of the
>gateways in the vally of Illusion to be specific. ;-)

<OOC: Duh :-). I think I was thinking of the Heart as Arcadia, instead
of just part of it. Silly me :-).>

> And roscoe will explain all this if asked, but right now his mind is
>too busy to rememerb you guys aren't natives. ;-)

<OOC: OK, then just assume we went off looking for a nice quiet place
for Sil and I to work on Roland's head, if Roscoe doesn't have a need
for us before he goes to see Oberon.>
===========================
Date: Fri, 29 Aug 1997 00:20:04 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: AAE III: True Hearts

On Fri, 29 Aug 1997 00:06:08, in Message # 00001135
 Roland X <RolandX@eee.org> said:

   Sil watches Roland's expression as he examines the situation in
Roscoe's village, and frowns. *Don't take this the wrong way, Roland,
Morgan. Just trust me.*
   Roland shrugs and nods...
   ...and the Heart forms around them.
   The trio lands on one of the golden bridges spanning the Great
Trees. The rainbow ramparts have been lowered, and the fae are
walking, flying, swimming and floating around the newcomers, who are
all but unnoticed. Business as unusual in the Heart.
   Until Roland is recognized.
   "Roland!"
   A small child plows into the Freelance Immortal at high speed,
knocking him over.
   Roland blinks at the child. "Ps-Psyche?"
   Psyche hugs Roland's neck fiercely; Roland actually can feel a bit
of strength behind the youth's arms. "You came!"
   Roland blinks again. "Um...yea."
   Sil giggles. "Psyche, hon, Roland's head was scrambled by a bad
person. I brought him here to unscramble it."
   Titania walks up calmly, and everyone within in indeterminate
radius around her bows. "Come here, punkin."
   Psyche runs to her mother, dispensing yet another hug. "Momma!
Roland and Morgan came back and the spirit has a body now and Roland
has a scrambled head and-"
   Titania sighs and pats Psyche on the head. "That's nice, honey.
Your father wants to see you."
   "Oh wow!" Psyche disappears in a pale green cloud.
   Titania smiles faintly. "She's a joy...and a royal pain sometimes.
Now. Roland has a problem?"
   Sil grows somber. "Yes, your Majesty. The Shadow-the Spider-escaped
Arcadia, apparently with whatever it wanted. Now it calls itself
KnightMare and it performed some sort of mental attack on Roland. He's
been like-well, this-ever since."
   Roland stares blankly at the Faerie Queen. "I'm afraid she's right,
ma'am-I mean, your Majesty. I take it that we've met, but I'm afraid I
don't quite remember you."
   Morgan looks at Roland with deep concern, while Titania makes a
mask of her features. "The child who just ambushed you is my daughter.
You saved her life."
   Roland blushes. "I'm glad I could help."
   Titania sighs. "Well, at least it's still _him._ Morgan, honored
child of Phoenix, you are both of course welcome to remain here and
wield the magick of Arcadia until Roland's mind has been healed."
   Sil and Morgan curtsy. "Thank you, your Majesty," they say in
unison, and take Roland's hands, leading him off to one of the larger
diamond structures.
   *A hospital, of sorts,* Sil explains, leading them unerringly to a
private room. *Morgan, hold on to that hand. We're going to try
something a bit drastic.
   *How skilled are you at negating magick effects?*
   <*I'm not sure. I haven't had that much opportunity to try,*>
Morgan explains.
   Sil smiles sardonically. *Then fasten your seat belts. It's going
to be a bumpy ride.*
   Light streams down through the faceted ceiling, and Sil and Morgan
are surrounded by magickal power.
   Then darkness responds, pouring out of Roland and filling the room.
   *What?* Sil sends, staring in confusion. *It couldn't be _that_
easy.*
   *Explain, please,* Roland replies.
   *The dark sorcery that 'KnightMare' used came out of you, hon,* Sil
explains. *That should make it easier to get rid of. In theory.*
   Roland sighs. *In theory. Typical.* His own resonance powers begin
to flow from him. *It's your show, Sil, Morgan.*
   Sil grins. *Morgan, just follow my lead and 'smooth' out any
strange energies.* The HIT Mark body shuts down and Sil's true, spirit
form begins to rise.
   #*Ah, an even better distraction,*# they 'hear,' and the dark
energies race around Sil's astral self, building a dark cocoon.
   <*'Smooth out any strange energies?!'*> Morgan sends. <*Which
ones?*>
   *Ooo-kay, this isn't exactly according to the plan. But it does
give me an idea. Roland, concentrate on the damage to your mind. Think
on how you 'heal' bodies with biorhythm.*
   *I use the body's natural state as a template-*
   *I _know_ how you do it!* Sil replies desperately, the cocoon
tightening. *The magick isn't maintaining the mental wounds any more;
you can repair the damage if you try. Center yourself and retake your
mind.*
   *But-*
   <*I have it, love,*> Morgan sends, drawing down the light again.
The two forces, light and dark, begin to cancel one another, leaving a
strange mist that feels... wrong.
   *The power of this 'KnightMare,' it would seem, draws on That Which
Should Not Be,* Sil comments dryly. *Joy. Concentrate, Roland,* she
adds, and Roland's eyes close slowly, almost reluctantly.
   The mist begins to strengthen, but the light and the dark begin to
merge instead of cancelling one another. In the heart of this storm
stands Morgan, with almost pure spirit stuff taking gray shape around
her, rendering her almost invisible. <*'I am become gray,'*> she
intones. <*'I stand between the darkness and the light, between the
candle and the star.'*>
   The mist 'drops' Sil, and begins to reach for Morgan, but the power
around her easily wards off the second-hand sorcery.
   Roland's eyes fly open.
   "I remember," is all he says.
   His mind links with Morgan's.
   The gray magick and the psychic resonance suddenly heterodyne,
becoming far more than the sum of their parts, and the remains of the
enchantment are just...gone.
   Sil sighs and immediately retreats to the abandoned body. *Light,
that was close. Are you two-*
   Their eyes lock for a moment, and then they fly into each other's
arms, holding on for dear life.
   Sil smiles gently and retreats.
   <*I'm _so_ glad you're all right,*> Morgan sends.
   *I could never forget you,* Roland replies, holding her tightly.
   <*That's not what I meant, love,*> she sends with a smile.
   "I know," Roland says aloud. He takes off the Flash ring. "I can't
use this the way it was intended any more, but it still means a lot to
me." He stares at the ring for a moment, then falls to one knee and
holds it out to her.
   Somewhere inside, he fumbles for the right words...and finds them.
   "I love you. I think I always have. I know I always will. There's
no one else I can imagine spending forever with.
   "Will you marry me?"
   Morgan stares for a long moment, her expression not quite
disbelieving. Roland stays there on one knee, waiting, but the shake
in his hand betrays his nerves.
   Slowly, a smile spreads over her face, and tears form in her eyes.
She clasps his hand in hers and lovingly holds it to her heart, and
whispers a single word:
   "yes!"
   Roland stands, and as one, they melt into one another's arms,
flowing into a long, gentle kiss.
   The Heart seems to glow more brightly, filled with the highest
magick...
   ...the light of true love.

Morgan /|\
(/) Roland
Freelance Immortals: Worlds saved, paradigms refined, villains undone.
Send inquiries c/o Callahan's Place.
===========================
Date: Fri, 29 Aug 1997 01:05:54 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: AAE - a Return

On Fri, 29 Aug 1997 03:52:28 -0400 (EDT), in Message # 00001136
 Dane0R0A@aol.com said:

>A quick rewind in time<

High in the sky of Arcadia, above the city of Avalon where rules
Oberon and Titania, The Stardragon glides, waiting for it's allies to
decide on a course of action. Suddenly from the mountain top behind
the yellow tower of the enemy a beam of energy spears out, striking
the startled Stardragon. The Stardragon's automatic defenses repel the
attack easily causing a feedback that incapacitates the controler's
equipment temporarily. Unfortuneately the interaction of the beam and
The Stardragon's defenses openes an interdimensional rift that pulls
The Stardragon in. The Stardragon has only enough time to mentally
track the beam to it's source to identify the being that had the
effrontery to prick it. As the rift closes behind it The Stardragon
promises itself that there WILL be an accounting.

Back to the present<

A blazing light appears, in the skies of Arcadia, momentarily. A spark
of light emerges from it and the brighter light vanishes. Psions in
Arcadia hear a small voice that carries the distinct impression of
both extreme youth and great antiquity. "Roland?....Drat they're gone.
Wonder where? Guess I'll follow."

The spark disapeares, only to reappear in Callahans an instant later.
"Hmmm. Not here either. I suppose I'll have to track them....Ahh!
They've gone back time. Now why would they do that. Oh, well." Again
the spark disapeares.

on the astral plane, the spark reappears, disrupting the concentration
of one of two combatants, says "Whoops. wrong plane" and vanishes
again to appear in the sky above Diblis <OOC Hope I spelled that
right>.

The small mental "voice" of The Stardragon rings out
*/Roland...Morgan... Stranger...Xerion <OOC sorry about the spelling>,
Anybody here?/*.
===========================
Date: Fri, 29 Aug 1997 02:35:53 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: AAE3 - Zat was Zen, Dis is Tao...

On Fri, 29 Aug 1997 04:26:12 -0500, in Message # 00001137
 Michael Jon Knight <mjknight@idir.net> said:

The techno beat of "Breath" by Prodigy roared across the empty
landscape as Knytt and Pyewackett chased after the target of the
simulation they were engaged in, the Controller.

"Breath the Pressure!
 Come Play my Game,
 I'll test ya!"

*Concentrate on the target...Focus your energies on it...nothing else
is important...*

/Pyewackett, I know how to manually fire a pulse cannon.../

*Shush! You'll let him slip away!*

Knytt and Pyewackett sped after the holographic image of the
Controller. They dodged the heavy plasma fire of the cannon mounted on
the back of a hoverbarge. The holographic Controller, true to form,
was firing the cannon and driving at the same time. Knytt accelerated
and descended quickly to try and slip under the slow tracking cannon.
They had entered a more dunish area of the red desert and the
hovercyclone had taken a path that took it over hills and dales,
giving the cannon an endlessly bobbing target that was nearly
impossible to get a lock on.

Giving the bike one last burst of speed, Knytt banked the vehicle a
good distance ahead of the Hoverbarge and as the Barge's cannon
brought itself around, fired the aft missles at the driving
compartment. The hologramic Controller gave a very satisfying
explosion.

But the barge was still coming. Knytt swung the HoverCyclone around to
face front, firing forward pulse cannons and missles at the barge.
Continuing the motion, they fired all aft weapons as the rear of the
Cyclone came to face the barge. Now set in a spin, pacing the
onrushing out of control Barge, they continued firing, trying to take
out enough of the front engines to plow the barge into the rust dirt.

Both occupanmts were so focussed on the current attack, they hardly
noticed a murmur building in their subconsious.

"Oh Shit, this isn't going to work! Hang on!"

The words no sooner escaped Knytt's lips than:

>On Fri, 29 Aug 1997 00:06:08, in Message # 00001135
> Roland X <RolandX@eee.org> said:
<snip of Roland leading up to....>
>   "Will you marry me?"
<snip of Morgan leading up to....>
>   "yes!"

Knytt is so surprised that he lets the monoskid make contact with the
ground accidently, the HoverCyclone rolling out of control across the
desert. The forcefields protect them from harm, but the barge
continues to bear down upon them. The barge's nose scrapes into the
dirt and as plumes of fine dust fly up, the nose of the barge digs a
path toward the hapless pair. They only have time enough to cringe as
the Barge collides with them...

...and dissolves into nothing,

/Simulation ended./ the onboard computer sends.

*Why didn't YOU think of that?* Pyewackett asks, as he pries his claws
out of the textured leather.

Knytt stuck his tongue out at the cat. Righting the hover cycle and
going through a damage check (no damage), Knytt collected his wits
enough to send across Space/Time/Dimentional barriers the only obvious
questions:

/What year and vineyard should I pick up the champagne from? And how
many glasses?/

>Morgan /|\
>(/) Roland
>Freelance Immortals: Worlds saved, paradigms refined, villains
>undone.
>Send inquiries c/o Callahan's Place.

<G> I like that.
===========================
Date: Fri, 29 Aug 1997 02:50:57 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: AAE - a Return

On Fri, 29 Aug 1997 04:38:47 -0500, in Message # 00001138
 Michael Jon Knight <mjknight@idir.net> said:

>On Fri, 29 Aug 1997 03:52:28 -0400 (EDT), in Message # 00001136
> Dane0R0A@aol.com said:
<snip>
>on the astral plane, the spark reappears, disrupting the
>concentration of one of two combatants, says "Whoops. wrong plane"
>and vanishes again to appear in the sky above Diblis <OOC Hope I
>spelled that right>.
>
>The small mental "voice" of The Stardragon rings out
>*/Roland...Morgan...Stranger...Xerion <OOC sorry about the spelling>,
>Anybody here?/*.

Knytt, still on Journistan, reaches out mentally to Quaren and Dibis
to relay the happy news in Arcadia. To his surprise, he notices the
Stardragon.

/Stardragon! Haven't seen you since Arcadia! I'll be back in a few
moments, am currently in search for the perfect bottle or three of
champagne....Oops, maybe I better make that nonalcholic...still got a
job to do over there in Misern./
===========================
Date: Fri, 29 Aug 1997 11:06:08 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Aae-Showdown

On Fri, 29 Aug 1997 10:59:41 PDT, in Message # 00001139
 "Caprice Davis" <caprice@hotmail.com> said:

> On Wed, 27 Aug 1997 gamer@host.yab.com wrote:
>>>  Darath the Black turned to leave. "Sicne you felt this was a good
>>> place to attack me, then let it be your place to guard it from now
>>> on." Then he returned to his quarters adn his prayers.
>>
>> <OOC : If Xzerrion sees that, he'll be *incredibly* pissed ... >
>
> I leave it up to Caprice if hte spider followed DtB or not

Caprice sends through the link... <The guildmaster is dead... please
inform the new guildmaster...> She does NOT relay the images of what
happened.
===========================
Date: Fri, 29 Aug 1997 11:41:39 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: AAE3 - Zat was Zen, Dis is Tao...

On Fri, 29 Aug 1997 11:06:45, in Message # 00001140
 Roland X <RolandX@eee.org> said:

At 02:35 AM 8/29/97 -0700, you wrote:
>On Fri, 29 Aug 1997 04:26:12 -0500, in Message # 00001137
> Michael Jon Knight <mjknight@idir.net> said:
   <Snipylon 5>
>Knytt is so surprised that he lets the monoskid make contact with the
>ground accidently, the HoverCyclone rolling out of control across the
>desert. The forcefields protect them from harm, but the barge
>continues to bear down upon them. The barge's nose scrapes into the
>dirt and as plumes of fine dust fly up, the nose of the barge digs a
>path toward the hapless pair. They only have time enough to cringe as
>the Barge collides with them...

   Roland finds the mental wherewithal to be briefly concerned about
the Renegade Time Lord...

>Knytt stuck his tongue out at the cat. Righting the hover cycle and
>going through a damage check (no damage), Knytt collected his wits
>enough to send across Space/Time/Dimentional barriers the only
>obvious questions:
>
>/What year and vineyard should I pick up the champagne from? And how
>many glasses?/

   *Just get something good,* Roland replies with a smile.

<*And don't forget to pick up a good single Highland malt,*> Morgan
adds.

>>Morgan /|\
>>(/) Roland
>>Freelance Immortals: Worlds saved, paradigms refined, villains
>>undone.
>>Send inquiries c/o Callahan's Place.
>
><G> I like that.

   (OOC: Thank you!)

>--Knytt and Pyewackett

.sig reprise:
Morgan /|\
(/) Roland
Freelance Immortals: Worlds saved, paradigms refined, villains undone.
Send inquiries c/o Callahan's Place.
===========================
Date: Fri, 29 Aug 1997 12:15:53 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Aae-Showdown

On Fri, 29 Aug 1997 11:56:11 -0700 (PDT), in Message # 00001141
 fuzzy <fuzzy@wco.com> said:

> On Fri, 29 Aug 1997 10:59:41 PDT, in Message # 00001139
> "Caprice Davis" <caprice@hotmail.com> said:
>
> Caprice sends through the link... <The guildmaster is dead... please
> inform the new guildmaster...> She does NOT relay the images of what
> happened.

\I will so inform the new Guildmaster, Should I make her aware of the
place of death?\

<OOC: Reasonable assumption given who reported it that, the death
occured in Misern, the Castle of Darath the Black.>
===========================
Date: Fri, 29 Aug 1997 13:27:50 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Aae-Showdown

On Fri, 29 Aug 1997 12:47:10 PDT, in Message # 00001142
 "Caprice Davis" <caprice@hotmail.com> said:

>\I will so inform the new Guildmaster, Should I make her aware of the
>place of death?\

<Use your own judgement... but... no, better not tell her where, or
how we know... what she doesn't know, she can't betray.>
===========================
Date: Fri, 29 Aug 1997 14:11:46 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Aae-Showdown

On Fri, 29 Aug 1997 13:37:13 -0700 (PDT), in Message # 00001143
 fuzzy <fuzzy@wco.com> said:

> On Fri, 29 Aug 1997 12:47:10 PDT, in Message # 00001142
> "Caprice Davis" <caprice@hotmail.com> said:
>
> <Use your own judgement... but... no, better not tell her where, or
> how we know... what she doesn't know, she can't betray.>

\I Think you are right, I will consider how to indicate that it is
known without giving that away.\

Fuzzy rises to go find the Guildmaster

tbc
 Fuzzy
<Things a a little shaky and may cause some mail delays today, I am
installing a little extra code for the a.c. link we need monday or
tuesday, no messages should be lost.
Should the Newsgroup Post Show the Original senders address?
Should the Newsgroup Post Show the same inserted header block?
Should anything else be added or modified?>
===========================
Date: Fri, 29 Aug 1997 15:38:04 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Aae-Showdown

On Fri, 29 Aug 1997 15:13:42 -0700 (PDT), in Message # 00001144
 fuzzy <fuzzy@wco.com> said:

> On Fri, 29 Aug 1997 13:37:13 -0700 (PDT), in Message # 00001143
> fuzzy <fuzzy@wco.com> said:
>
> \I Think you are right, I will consider how to indicate that it is
> known without giving that away.\
>
> Fuzzy rises to go find the Guildmaster

Entering the guildhall fuzzy stops the first person he meets

"I must speak with the Guildmaster, Please direct me to her"
===========================
Date: Fri, 29 Aug 1997 17:04:22 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: AAE3 - Tiny Bubbles

On Fri, 29 Aug 1997 18:41:16 -0500, in Message # 00001145
 Michael Jon Knight <mjknight@idir.net> said:

"Hello Pierre!"

The monk turned to see a tall figure, dressed in a strange armor
approaching him.

"Mister Knytt! Wonderful to see you again! It has been some years!"
The two men hugged and Pierre put his arm around Knytt as they
approached the monastery.

"How are you, Pierre? Benedictine life treating you well?"

"Yes, but I could be better. These short seasons are making the wine
making difficult. The wine keeps fermenting in the bottle. No matter
what I have tried, it continues to happen. It is infuriating!"

"I understand. Let's have a look."

The pair wandered into the cellar.

"I put the grape juice in the barrel. It ferments for a time until it
gets too cold, then I bottle it. Then when I reopen the bottle, I
discover the wine has fermented again. It would drive me to drink, but
I don't want to drink this mad wine."

"Actually, that is what I am here for. Could I get a few bottles of
your mad wine?"

"Of course, take as many as you require."

"I will only need...oh, four should do."

"Be my guest," Pierre replied, "if you can stand the bubbles, this
last year's results should be quite good."

"Thank you, Brother." Knytt said selecting four sturdy looking bottles
from the racks.

Knytt returned to the hidden HoverCyclone, carrying a sack containing
four bottles of Dom Perignon, 1692.

"Pyewackett, know where I can find a good single Highland malt?"

"Web search?" the cat responded.

"Web search," Knytt said, making a face. "I think I am going to find
myself in Edinburgh sooner than I expected. Scotch Malt Whiskey
Society, here we come."

--Knytt and Pyewackett
<Thank Gods for the Gateway Lenses. My Gaelic is even more
non-existent than my French. And, yes, Dom Perignon was trying to get
the bubbles out of his wine. They were thought to be a sign of poor
wine-making. And "mad wine" is a quote of Pierre's referring to
champagne. See? The web *is* educational. ;) >
===========================
Date: Fri, 29 Aug 1997 17:19:38 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Aae-Showdown

On Fri, 29 Aug 1997 17:22:41 -0700 (MST), in Message # 00001146
 gamer@host.yab.com said:

> On Fri, 29 Aug 1997 15:13:42 -0700 (PDT), in Message # 00001144
> fuzzy <fuzzy@wco.com> said:
>
> Entering the guildhall fuzzy stops the first person he meets
>
> "I must speak with the Guildmaster, Please direct me to her"

 Kuri Neko is in the bedroom she shares with Iasun. She sits silently
at the bedside, slowly dribbling water on Iasun's forhead as he toss
and and turns fitfully, seemingly asleep. She does not turn to face
Fuzzy as he (presumably) stands int eh doorway waiting to be bid
enter. "The fevers come more and more often. I try to do what I can,
but I do not think he shall surive. You have words for me. Please
speak now and make them brief."
===========================
Date: Fri, 29 Aug 1997 17:34:46 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Aae-Showdown

On Fri, 29 Aug 1997 17:32:09 -0700 (PDT), in Message # 00001147
 fuzzy <fuzzy@wco.com> said:

> On Fri, 29 Aug 1997 17:22:41 -0700 (MST), in Message # 00001146
> gamer@host.yab.com said:
>
>  Kuri Neko is in the bedroom she shares with Iasun. She sits
> silently at the bedside, slowly dribbling water on Iasun's forhead
> as he toss and and turns fitfully, seemingly asleep. She does not
> turn to face Fuzzy as he (presumably) stands int eh doorway waiting
> to be bid enter. "The fevers come more and more often. I try to do
> what I can, but I do not think he shall surive. You have words for
> me. Please speak now and make them brief."

"I Regret to inform you that, Blacky's body has been seen by one of
the scouts outside the city"

"I do not know that it would do any good, but...
Nemisis can directly remove any toxins from his body,
And The Hospital that has been built in the city can do more than that
as long as the mind has not been damaged.
Call if you will have either aid you"

Fuzzy turns to go
===========================
Date: Fri, 29 Aug 1997 18:49:18 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Aae-Showdown

On Fri, 29 Aug 1997 18:55:18 -0700 (MST), in Message # 00001148
 gamer@host.yab.com said:

> On Fri, 29 Aug 1997 17:32:09 -0700 (PDT), in Message # 00001147
> fuzzy <fuzzy@wco.com> said:
>
> "I Regret to inform you that, Blacky's body has been seen by one of
> the scouts outside the city"
>
> "I do not know that it would do any good, but...
> Nemisis can directly remove any toxins from his body,
> And The Hospital that has been built in the city can do more than
> that as long as the mind has not been damaged.
> Call if you will have either aid you"

 "This is no toxin that causes this. I am well versed enough in
poisons to know that. This si some sort of magic invovled. Poison cna
not do this."
 She pulls back the blanket covering Iasun nad the young Halfling's
once muscled limbs are withered and a pasty looking yellow. Fat and
muscle both seem to have virtually vanished in a very short amount of
time. The skin is dry and leathery looking, and it can be seen wehre
Kuri has been workign with various types of ointments and poultices
trying to find something that would work.
 "the young impetuous adventurer with whom I fell in love has already
left me I fear for the final journy. In his place is left a weak and
witherd shell aged beyond its years."
===========================
Date: Fri, 29 Aug 1997 20:19:56 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Aae-Showdown

On Fri, 29 Aug 1997 20:11:42 -0700 (PDT), in Message # 00001149
 fuzzy <fuzzy@wco.com> said:

> On Fri, 29 Aug 1997 18:55:18 -0700 (MST), in Message # 00001148
> gamer@host.yab.com said:
>
>  "the young impetuous adventurer with whom I fell in love has
> already left me I fear for the final journy. In his place is left a
> weak and witherd shell aged beyond its years."

Fuzzy uses telepathy to findout if only the body remains or if there
is still a mind in it.
And His mage sense to look for spells...

<OOC: If there is a mind then the following, otherwise I will respond
later>

"There is still hope, If you will allow my aid"

Fuzzy takes hold of the sheathed sword at his side and it flows into a
new shape, Fuzzy is now holding what appears to be a small blanket.

"Do you know of any benign spells on him?"

Laying the blanket on Iasun's chest, the nanites soaking into his body
are not visible due to size. The Nanites spread through Iasun's body
fighting the energy loss.

Once they are fully in position... about 5 seconds

Fuzzy activates the spell breaking feature

Then the Nanites start trying to stabilize the bio-system, while Fuzzy
starts applying healing spells
===========================
Date: Fri, 29 Aug 1997 21:04:35 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Aae-Showdown

On Fri, 29 Aug 1997 21:12:53 -0700 (MST), in Message # 00001150
 gamer@host.yab.com said:

> On Fri, 29 Aug 1997 20:11:42 -0700 (PDT), in Message # 00001149
> fuzzy <fuzzy@wco.com> said:
>
> Fuzzy uses telepathy to findout if only the body remains or if there
> is still a mind in it.
> And His mage sense to look for spells...

 The worst part of it, is that the mind is fully there, and fully
active. feeling everything and knowing what's happening to him without
being able to do anything about it. Fear, pain, anger, helplessness,
and the one thing that has allwoed him to keep his sanity so long,
Love. Love for the woman sitting next to him and love for life. He
grasps at his love like a shipwrecked man clutching a bit of flotsam.
 There are no spells nor magic of any kind except for some healing
magics eminating from a couple of the ointments.

> Fuzzy takes hold of the sheathed sword at his side and it flows into
> a new shape, Fuzzy is now holding what appears to be a small
> blanket.
>
> "Do you know of any benign spells on him?"

 "No."

> Laying the blanket on Iasun's chest, the nanites soaking into his
> body are not visible due to size. The Nanites spread through Iasun's
> body fighting the energy loss.

 The nanites are attacked. The agressor, a virus. The virus is
everywhere, some move to attempt to attach themselves to the nanites,
but the others continue their work, systematically destorying and
damaging certain DNA links within the living cells, causing the cells
to mutate when they reproduce, into cells incapable of storing any
kind of proteins or other nutrients. Cells accept only wha thtey can
immediately use form teh blood, surviving only enough to split once
again into more of hte mutatued cells, continuing the process almost
faster than the work of the viri. 50% of iasun's body is already
heavily infected, but it hasn't quite reached his vital organs yet.
The virus is not identifiable as any virus known in Nemesis's records
and is most likely a Bio-engeneered Mutagenic Virus. The only cells
that don't seem affected in the heavily infected areas are parts of
the nervous system.
===========================
Date: Fri, 29 Aug 1997 21:19:51 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Aae: When Gods clash

On Fri, 29 Aug 1997 21:29:57 -0700 (MST), in Message # 00001151
 gamer@host.yab.com said:

 Darath is already waiting when Magi, Driss and Dwar appear in the
midnight black cavern under the Kingdom of the Dwarves, Dwarvil.
Darath's armor is gone, and he stands awaiting them dressed in fine
silver robes such as those when he held his audience with Xzerrion,
Caprice adn The Stranger.
 "This si most unusual Darath to call us forth for hte battle before
the appointed time." spoke Magi carefully with an edge to his voice.
 "Let's just get this overwith" snapped Driscoll impatiently. He knew
he had to die this time to drag thigns out and was not loking forward
to the experience a secodn time.
 Darath bowed low to them. "Yes Harlequin, let us finish this. For
now. I called you all forht not to battle, but to end the challenge.
It has been brought to my attention that certain injustices have been
performed on the Theif God's mortal relations and could possibly be
connected with me, or more percisely, my Incarnation. I will not have
it said that I won this challenge by causing undue duress to our
little Godling..."
 "But I'm winning..." muttered Driss under his breath confusedly.
 Darath contintued not hearing. "therefore there is only one honroable
course of action for me to take. The third and final blood is yours
Driscoll."
 Driss realized what Darath was going to do but not before the Lord of
the Moon had a chance to do it. His Massive greatsword was in it hand
and spinning. He twirled it over his head and then lowered it fo rhte
second pass. the rapidly moving blade caught the side of the head
directly under the ear, slicing it clean open. The Night God dropped
to the ground and faded from sight.
 Magi's look was one of perplexion and surprise, but then he bowed his
head towards where the Black God had fallen. "The third victory and
the Challenge is won by Driscoll, Harlequin God of Theives. So it has
happened, so ti shall be recorded from this time forth."
 Dwar perked up from his own look of shock and grinend at Driss, "I
knew ya could do it kid."
 Driss shot Dwar a look as if Dwar has been a one eyes hobgoblin
assassin who had just asked for Driss's sister's hand in marraige,
then sidestepped to his own realm.
 Darath knew. he admitted it, but claimed it was not his work. matt
was safe, he knew that. but what would becoem of Miles? he was no
longer safe from Darath's whims now tha tthe challenge was over. Even
if Darath did nothign to him directly, could these interdimentional
mercenaries rescue him Darath teh Black's grasp now that Darath teh
God was free to act as he chose?
===========================
Date: Fri, 29 Aug 1997 23:49:43 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Aae-Showdown

On Sat, 30 Aug 1997 02:34:03 -0400 (EDT), in Message # 00001153
 Shadow <pookie@pluto.njcc.com> said:

> On Fri, 29 Aug 1997 21:12:53 -0700 (MST), in Message # 00001150
> gamer@host.yab.com said:
>
>> On Fri, 29 Aug 1997 20:11:42 -0700 (PDT), in Message # 00001149
>> fuzzy <fuzzy@wco.com> said:

/If I may be of any assistance? I have dealt with certain types of
magical infections before./ John sends as he begins to head for the
chamber.

>  There are no spells nor magic of any kind except for some healing
> magics eminating from a couple of the ointments.

John quietly enters, closing the door after himself. He is completely
hidden in his robes.

>> Then the Nanites start trying to stabilize the bio-system, while
>> Fuzzy starts applying healing spells

John extends one furred hand and holds it above Iasun's chest, careful
not to interfere with whatever Fuzzy is doing. He performs a scan of
Iasun's body, and frowns, though it can't be seen inside his hood.

/Fuzzy, this isn't a magical disease. I haven't seen anything like it
before, but it's multiplying at a fantastic rate. I'm surprised Iasun
is still alive. It... It seems to be tring to infect the nanites, as
well, or at least attack them. Is that possible?/

John continues to study the progress of the virus for another moment,
/There may be a way I can remove the virus from his body, but he'll
need a blood transfusion during and afterward and you'll have to
repair the already damaged areas. Can you do this?/

OOC: Of course, if gamer doesn't want Iasun healed, then John will
actually reveal what he intends to do, which is indeed somewhat
dangerous. And Martin, you can probably guess what will happen, so not
a word, telegraph or cable from you. :)
===========================
Date: Sat, 30 Aug 1997 00:36:10 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Aae-Showdown

On Sat, 30 Aug 1997 00:01:25 -0700 (PDT), in Message # 00001154
 fuzzy <fuzzy@wco.com> said:

> On Sat, 30 Aug 1997 02:34:03 -0400 (EDT), in Message # 00001153
> Shadow <pookie@pluto.njcc.com> said:
>
> John extends one furred hand and holds it above Iasun's chest,
> careful not to interfere with whatever Fuzzy is doing. He performs a
> scan of Iasun's body, and frowns, though it can't be seen inside his
> hood.
>
> /Fuzzy, this isn't a magical disease. I haven't seen anything like
> it before, but it's multiplying at a fantastic rate. I'm surprised
> Iasun is still alive. It... It seems to be tring to infect the
> nanites, as well, or at least attack them. Is that possible?/

\If the nanites were any less advanced it would be a worry, as it is
they try to grab the nanites and the nanites grab them, when three or
more of the nanites get together they take the held virii apart.\

> John continues to study the progress of the virus for another
> moment, /There may be a way I can remove the virus from his body,
> but he'll need a blood transfusion during and afterward and you'll
> have to repair the already damaged areas. Can you do this?/

\Yes, but I will have to have Nemisis or the Hosptal staff bring the
matterials, This will be simpler if we relocate to the hospital.\

> OOC: Of course, if gamer doesn't want Iasun healed, then John will
> actually reveal what he intends to do, which is indeed somewhat
> dangerous. And Martin, you can probably guess what will happen, so
> not a word, telegraph or cable from you. :)

OOC: I've sent a question about that direct to gamer, given the
technical potential of the Hospital.
===========================
Date: Sat, 30 Aug 1997 01:34:30 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Aae-Showdown

On Sat, 30 Aug 1997 04:28:35 -0400 (EDT), in Message # 00001155
 Shadow <pookie@pluto.njcc.com> said:

> On Sat, 30 Aug 1997 00:01:25 -0700 (PDT), in Message # 00001154
> fuzzy <fuzzy@wco.com> said:
>
>> On Sat, 30 Aug 1997 02:34:03 -0400 (EDT), in Message # 00001153
>> Shadow <pookie@pluto.njcc.com> said:
>>
> \If the nanites were any less advanced it would be a worry, as it is
> they try to grab the nanites and the nanites grab them, when three
> or more of the nanites get together they take the held virii apart.\

OOC:Gamer, how are the virii reacting to the nanites? <eg>

>> John continues to study the progress of the virus for another
>> moment, /There may be a way I can remove the virus from his body,
>> but he'll need a blood transfusion during and afterward and you'll
>> have to repair the already damaged areas. Can you do this?/
>
> \Yes, but I will have to have Nemisis or the Hosptal staff bring the
> matterials, This will be simpler if we relocate to the hospital.\

/Do we have time? This thing was expanding exponentially, though the
nanites have slowed it. He still has some pretty serious injuries./

>> OOC: Of course, if gamer doesn't want Iasun healed, then John will
>> actually reveal what he intends to do, which is indeed somewhat
>> dangerous. And Martin, you can probably guess what will happen, so
>> not a word, telegraph or cable from you. :)
>
> OOC: I've sent a question about that direct to gamer, given the
> technical potential of the Hospital.

OOC: Heh, I don't even pretend to guess at what Nemesis and the
Hospital are capable of.
===========================
Date: Sat, 30 Aug 1997 07:34:34 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Aae-Showdown

On Sat, 30 Aug 1997 07:40:22 -0700 (MST), in Message # 00001156
 gamer@host.yab.com said:

> On Sat, 30 Aug 1997 00:01:25 -0700 (PDT), in Message # 00001154
> fuzzy <fuzzy@wco.com> said:
>
>> On Sat, 30 Aug 1997 02:34:03 -0400 (EDT), in Message # 00001153
>> Shadow <pookie@pluto.njcc.com> said:
>>
> \If the nanites were any less advanced it would be a worry, as it is
> they try to grab the nanites and the nanites grab them, when three
> or more of the nanites get together they take the held virii apart.\

 Inside Iasun's body a war rages. Viri grab hold of nanites and
attempt to find DNA chains to alter. The nanties grab teh Viri and rip
them apart, and then the unusual happens. The sections of Virus
release a chemcial agent that overwhelms the nanite, absorbing it
until the Virus parts have absorbed enough mass to repair themselves
into full viruses. Then these new Viruses go after more nanites trying
to alter dna chains...

>> John continues to study the progress of the virus for another
>> moment, /There may be a way I can remove the virus from his body,
>> but he'll need a blood transfusion during and afterward and you'll
>> have to repair the already damaged areas. Can you do this?/
>
> \Yes, but I will have to have Nemisis or the Hosptal staff bring the
> matterials, This will be simpler if we relocate to the hospital.\

 (OOC: this is an Ultra-tech virus called a Hydra for obvious reasons
above, and I dunno if they knowledge of the fate of The Controller's
body is IC knowledge or not, but this is the virus that destroyed it.)
===========================
Date: Sat, 30 Aug 1997 09:04:33 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Aae-Showdown

On Sat, 30 Aug 1997 08:50:25 -0700 (PDT), in Message # 00001157
 fuzzy <fuzzy@wco.com> said:

> On Sat, 30 Aug 1997 04:28:35 -0400 (EDT), in Message # 00001155
> Shadow <pookie@pluto.njcc.com> said:
>
> /Do we have time? This thing was expanding exponentially, though the
> nanites have slowed it. He still has some pretty serious injuries./

\We have time, Nemisis will be here in a few seconds, Then we will
teleport direct to the emergency room.\
===========================
Date: Sat, 30 Aug 1997 09:35:10 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Aae-Showdown

On Sat, 30 Aug 1997 09:31:54 -0700 (PDT), in Message # 00001158
 fuzzy <fuzzy@wco.com> said:

> On Sat, 30 Aug 1997 07:40:22 -0700 (MST), in Message # 00001156
> gamer@host.yab.com said:
>
>> On Sat, 30 Aug 1997 00:01:25 -0700 (PDT), in Message # 00001154
>> fuzzy <fuzzy@wco.com> said:
>>
>>> On Sat, 30 Aug 1997 02:34:03 -0400 (EDT), in Message # 00001153
>>> Shadow <pookie@pluto.njcc.com> said:
>>>
>  Inside Iasun's body a war rages. Viri grab hold of nanites and
> attempt to find DNA chains to alter. The nanties grab teh Viri and
> rip them apart, and then the unusual happens. The sections of Virus
> release a chemcial agent that overwhelms the nanite, absorbing it
> until the Virus parts have absorbed enough mass to repair themselves
> into full viruses. Then these new Viruses go after more nanites
> trying to alter dna chains...

\That isn't a Virus, its a bloody colony of retro-virii.!.\

The Nanites stop breaking the Virii, ant start just holding them

<OOC: Info these Nanites are smaller than the human DNA molecule, and
as I said before each is A strongly bonded single molecule.>

\#Nemisis, Hurry we need access to the spcialized medical nanotech at
the hospital#\

>  (OOC: this is an Ultra-tech virus called a Hydra for obvious
> reasons above, and I dunno if they knowledge of the fate of The
> Controller's body is IC knowledge or not, but this is the virus that
> destroyed it.)

<OOC: no I don't think it has been said IC since Fuzzy joined, OTOH
there may have been some info buried in the Wide-Open N-way telepathic
exchange that happend as Fuzzy's Lens was created.>

Nemisis arrives, and forms into a shell around the bed and all four
people at the bedside for a second the reformas back into her native
shape

The bed and people are now standing in Hospital ICU

The patient is transferred to one of the treatment beds by the
orderlys

"Kuri, We can stop it from getting worse and in time cure it, but it
is not going to be quick"

\Staff, This {} is the Info I have gathered.\

The Doctor "Hawkeye Pierce" starts doing doctor stuff, as un-noticed
nanites flow into the patient from the table.

One type of nanites seeking and holding virii and another entering
cells to block mutated cell division without killing the cell.

Samples of the Virus are transported to the research area for analysis

<OOC: The staff is here mostly for the mental comfort of the patients,
the beds and main computer do almost all of the work>

The Display panel that replaces the standard patient history clipboard
in this hospital, is updated and the top of it glows a soft yellow.

Hawkeye picks it up

"The patient is stabile now, but it will be several hours at least
before there is any improvement, I suggest you have a seat at the
bedside, He is aware in there and, I believe he will take comfort in
your presence."

Hawkeye hands Fuzzy back the 'Blanket' which reforms into his sword.

<OOC: The sword and hospital jointly made sure that it was clean.>
===========================
Date: Sat, 30 Aug 1997 10:04:34 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: At the Bedside

On Sat, 30 Aug 1997 09:42:51 -0700 (PDT), in Message # 00001159
 fuzzy <fuzzy@wco.com> said:

"Kuri-Neko, Please accept this gift"

Nemisis holds out a pair of ear-cuffs

"They will allow you to communicate with him."

These are Telepathy like devices that are specificly matched to each
other, the communication is like speaking and hearing, not like normal
telepathy, no sensory data or emotional leakage will happen.

Think two-way radios that connect to the speach center of the brain.

"The maximum range is about twice the diameter of this city."
===========================
Date: Sat, 30 Aug 1997 17:04:48 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Aae-Showdown

On Sat, 30 Aug 1997 19:46:51 -0400 (EDT), in Message # 00001160
 Dane0R0A@aol.com said:

<< On Sat, 30 Aug 1997 09:31:54 -0700 (PDT), in Message # 00001158
 fuzzy <fuzzy@wco.com> said:

 "The patient is stabile now, but it will be several hours at least
before there is any improvement, I suggest you have a seat at the
bedside, He is aware in there and, I believe he will take comfort in
your presence."

 Hawkeye hands Fuzzy back the 'Blanket' which reforms into his sword.

 <OOC: The sword and hospital jointly made sure that it was clean.>
 >>

The mental "voice" of The Stardragon chimes in /If this does not work,
I could transform him into a Starspawn. Starspawn, like me, have no
material bodies and therefore are not subject to such diseases. I
would require that he accept a GEAS and swear to fight The Adversary
for all time though./
===========================
Date: Sat, 30 Aug 1997 17:19:46 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: Re: Aae-Showdown

On Sat, 30 Aug 1997 17:32:47 -0700 (MST), in Message # 00001161
 gamer@host.yab.com said:

> On Sat, 30 Aug 1997 09:31:54 -0700 (PDT), in Message # 00001158
> fuzzy <fuzzy@wco.com> said:
>
> \That isn't a Virus, its a bloody colony of retro-virii.!.\
>
> The Nanites stop breaking the Virii, ant start just holding them
>
> <OOC: Info these Nanites are smaller than the human DNA molecule,
> and as I said before each is A strongly bonded single molecule.>

 Then to repair themselves the Viri absorbed Nanites and nearby cells
as well then for the mass.

> <OOC: no I don't think it has been said IC since Fuzzy joined, OTOH
> there may have been some info buried in the Wide-Open N-way
> telepathic exchange that happend as Fuzzy's Lens was created.>

 I thought he might have mentioned it to Xzerrion in his ramblings way
back in Zag. <shrug>

> "The patient is stabile now, but it will be several hours at least
> before there is any improvement, I suggest you have a seat at the
> bedside, He is aware in there and, I believe he will take comfort in
> your presence."
>
> Hawkeye hands Fuzzy back the 'Blanket' which reforms into his sword.
>
> <OOC: The sword and hospital jointly made sure that it was clean.

 Kuri tries out the "magical" item Nemesis had given her.
Experiementally she puts it up to her ear.
 {I-Iasun? are you really there?}
 For a moment there is nothing, then his voice, as plain as if he had
been standing nex tto her, yet filled with pain responds.
 <You don't think I'm going to let you get away that easily do you>
 {Let me get away? And just WHO do you think has been keeping you
alvie this long? Who has been sitting by your side filled with worry
that you would die at any moment...}
 In his mind, Iasun let out a blood curdling scream.
 Inside Iasun, some of hte Viri had made theri way finally to the
Heart adn had begun infect it. The Nanite cavelry raced to stop them,
but then more Viri left theri tasks to seemingly form a wall around
the ones working on the heart. As the cells became infected, the heart
weakened and began to spasm.
 <I guess... I guess you are going to get away after all. Diswan is
here. He's here to take me.>
 {NO! You can't die! I... I need you. I lvoe you.}
 <I love you too and I always have. Now matter how far from you I
wandered, you were always next to me. In my heart.>

 Meanwhile, unseento the mortal world:
 Diswan looked around at the doctors and hteri tools working on the
hobbit. He knew theycould not stop him nor even delay him. He had
taken others from ehre before, and he would take many more before time
ended.
 He reached out towards Iasun to gather his soul as a farmer might
gather his crops, but stopped as he felt a hand on his shoulder.
Turning, he saw the Harlequin God standing there. Driss reared back
his arm and let loose with the hardest blow he could muster,
staggering Diswan and sending him away from Iasun. "The challenge is
over. I need sit by and watch things like this no longer. You will
_not_ claim him this day."
 Driss reached down, his hand resting on Iasun's chest instead of
Diswan's. He concentrated, adn an energy slowly flowed forth from that
hand, disolving nanite and Virus alike as it touched them until no
trace of either remained in Iasun's body.
 Turning around ot where Diswan had been moments before, Driss saw the
room was empty of Death now. His work done and Diswan gone, he could
return to his own realm until his power was needed again.

 The heart attacks came ot an abrupt stop. Iasun's breathing returned
to normal and his eyes opened just a crack. then both verbally and
telepathically, he uttered a single word before lasping into
Unconciousness and enjoying his first real sleep since hte battle.
"Driss..."
===========================