Action, Adventure, Excitement, Part 3 Chapter 33 Date: Sat, 13 Sep 1997 14:07:06 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Aae-tying up a few more ends... On Sat, 13 Sep 1997 14:33:29 -0700 (MST) In Message # 00001480 Driscoll said: Roscoe is on his way back to the guild when he starts hearing abotu the battle over the link. He barely notices it, his attention is so focused. Once again, as he's done a dozen times in the last minute, he pulls back the hair on his hand and stares at the ring. How long has it been there? How long would it have reamained if Oberon hadn't pointed it out to him. They style was too similar to Driss's medallion to be a coincidence and Oberon HAD said it radiated amazing energy. Again, as he had a dozen other times already he wracked his brain trying to think back to the trial. trying to sort out the images and impressions. But memories of a time and place where there is only Chaos are never easy to conprehend. Driss had been tried. It was _Driss_ who had been scentanced. He was sure of it. Or was it? Roscoe's life had become a rollercoaster ever since Driss died, and somehow he knew it wasn't coincidence. or actually to _was_. Coincidence, Fate, Luck, all known as Chaos. Roscoe was Chao's new playmate right now, but he wasn't going to sit back. If Chaos wanted to play, then he could do it with someone else. "CHAOS!!! I KNOW YOU'RE HERE. YOU'RE EVERYWHERe! SHOW YOURSELF!" Rosoce waited. Nothing. It seemed Chaos wanted to play by not playing. Fine. If the ring marked Roscoe's death to be pre-determined like Driss's, he had to assume it was fromt eh same Trial. And that ment it could litterally be anytime now. Once Roscoe could have religated himself to his fate, but now he wasn;t alone. He had Squee. Squee had already lost two parents. And now possibly number 3. It was going to be hard. Maybe it wouldn;t happen at all, but he had to do something to be sure. Sure that Squee would have someone to protect him and watch over him and comfort him. She had cut herself off from the link it seemed, but maybe he could boost his own telepathy through the link to reach her. And to think. hours ago, he could have reached anyone anywhere int he multiverse most likely. Now it would probably be the limits of his power to reach someone he was already linked to. [Caprice? I know when you left you were upset and need some time to yourself, but this just can;t wait. I need to talk to you. Are you even there? Caprice?] =========================== Date: Sat, 13 Sep 1997 15:07:08 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE3 : Drisonel Cometh On Sat, 13 Sep 1997 17:57:43 -0400 (EDT) In Message # 00001481 Dane0R0A@aol.com said: In a message dated 97-09-12 20:44:43 EDT, you write: << *I'm immortal, love. It'll heal.* Roland tries to sit up and breaks another rib. *Eventually.* He wisely lies back down. Morgan chuckles softly and kisses Roland on the forehead. <*Someone has _got_ tae teach that boy to watch where he's shooting.*> >> The Stardragon, noticing that it has accidentally injured some of its FRIENDS undergoes a spasm of remorse /OOPS! Sorry/ and tries to undo the damage by radiating a unidirectional wave of healing energies. EVERYTHING (that isn't already dead), plants, animals, and people who are within 10 miles of the origin of that wave are healed instantly. Wounds heal, diseases are cured, lost limbs are regenerated, and life energies (at least for those who have normal levels of life energies) are restored.The Stardragon suspecting it may have overdone it again resumes picking off drow mages with its laser beams. =========================== Date: Sun, 14 Sep 1997 00:22:29 -0700 (PDT) Subject: AAE3: The Summoning On Sun, 14 Sep 1997 00:16:33 -0700 In Message # 00001482 Roland X said: >On Fri, 12 Sep 1997 22:03:19 -0400 (EDT) In Message # 00001474 > Shadow said: > > In a dreamlike state, a voice calls out to Roland, "That looked >rather painful. I've heard of the spirit of self-sacrifice, but you >tend to take things a little far." "Uhnn?" Roland sits up. > Roland finds himself in a grassy clearing, the sun streaming down, >deer and rabbits frolicing a few feet away. Facing him, in his >original form, is John. > "I'm a spirit," he says, "I did die, but you can't get rid of me >that easily." He grins with his last remark. "John!" Roland grins back. "Damn, you're tough. Spontaneous astral projection, huh? That's how my kind survives that sort of thing, you know. I've always thought it was a neat trick." > "You're here because, well, I need help." He doesn't look entirely >happy about that, his pride somewhat dented. "I have all my gifts >that I had in life, except, except my magic is lost to me. To have >lost that... I'd rather have died." He ventures a wan smile, "In >fact, I did die, but I'm trying not to dwell on that." Roland winces in sympathy; having 'died' on occasion himself, he knows how not fun it is. > "Anyway, I don't know how to use my latent TK abilities. I'm not >sure how long the battle will last, and frankly, I'm too weak at the >moment to do anything. I can't even talk to anyone right now, you're >being unconscious helps immensly." "If you need TK help, I'm you're man. Psychokinesis is my specialty." > "Oh, there is something you need to know. The clone, the child, >she's been changed slightly. It would be best If I took her with me >when I leave. She will be in danger as long as she lives, for she can >now be hooked up in tandem with umm.. one of my kind, as an energy >conduit. I have friends who can safeguard her until she grows old >enough to defend herself." Roland frowns. "Um, you'll have to take that up with Morgan. She's taken a maternal interest in the kid. I don't know how she'll feel a-" Then, >On Sat, 13 Sep 1997 17:57:43 -0400 (EDT) In Message # 00001481 > Dane0R0A@aol.com said: >The Stardragon, noticing that it has accidentally injured some of its >FRIENDS undergoes a spasm of remorse /OOPS! Sorry/ and tries to undo >the damage by radiating a unidirectional wave of healing energies. >EVERYTHING (that isn't already dead), plants, animals, and people who >are within 10 miles of the origin of that wave are healed instantly. >Wounds heal, diseases are cured, lost limbs are regenerated, and life >energies (at least for those who have normal levels of life energies) >are restored.The Stardragon suspecting it may have overdone it again >resumes picking off drow mages with its laser beams. Roland sits up in the physical world with a start. Being at the epicenter of the Stardragon's anti-explosion, and having natural regenerative powers, he has a very strange reaction to the wave. His body becomes a perfect physical specimen. Immortals, at least of Roland's kind, don't automatically become 'perfect.' Their bodies improve, and bio-powers can help, but optimization of the body can take centuries, if not millenia. The wave did it to Roland in an instant. The effect on Morgan, on the other hand, is slightly different. Her body isn't optimized, it is simply healed-completely. Every part of her body is working at 100% efficiency. Not quite the alteration it performed on Roland, but impressive in itself. Roland stares at his new body in awe. *Light...* He shakes off the shock of the incredible change he's been through. *Folx, I have good news. John's still with us.* And tight-beam to Morgan: *There's some bad news as well...* he adds, explaining the situation. <*So long as the bairn is taken care of,*> Morgan replies. Roland sighs in relief, scanning the area. Roland stops and looks around. *Um...I don't scan anyone left to fight.* Morgan blinks. <*Did we just win?*> Elsewhere... KnightMare would be frowning, if it had a face. "No. No. No. This will not do. They have succeeded _far_ too quickly. Only the Lensdragon was truly weakened, and they have gained far too many allies. This will _not_ do!" From a place that should not exist, in a time that is outside of time, the KnightMare vanishes, and reappears just outside of Misern. Vast necromantic energies pervade the area. And far beneath the sands, the corpse of a once-proud dragon stirs... ...and collapses again. KnightMare just smiles. *"ADVERSARY!"* KnightMare cries out, using the magic of the _real_ spell it cast on Roland. Its tentacle-like forelimbs hold a staff that shouldn't be possible in three dimensions. *"By your chosen Avatar, I summon you! By your own power, I command you! COME!"* A small pool of swirling dark dreamforce appears at KnightMare's side. *Nothing that exists can command me, Elder One. But your summons is...appreciated. What do you wish?* *"Aid me in smiting your enemies! Help me raise this dark beast to destroy those who placed you back in your eternal prison of dreams!"* KnightMare chants, holding out the staff. The Adversary...chuckles. It is a sound that would plague the nightmares of a mortal for the rest of their days, were there any present. *A small portion of my power. Negligible. It is done. But do not oppose the Stardragon directly; its power is too great for even such as you.* The Adversary channels power to KnightMare... ...and screams. In pain. *"Fool,"* KnightMare replies, and if it could smile, it would. *"I cannot face the Stardragon. Yet. But you have accelerated the process considerably. Thank you. And at least I will hold up my end of the bargain. The being will be translucent to the star beast, and the others..."* The dragon's skeleton bursts from the sand and roars. *"...the others will die."* Flying on wings that could not possibly provide lift, the undead monstrosity surges into the air, heading directly for Dibis. *"Even if they do not, I will have the time I need, thanks to your ...generous contribution."* The Adversary roars rage and hate at KnightMare and vanishes. KnightMare shrugs and returns to his pocket antiverse. So much to do, after all, and so little...time... (OOC: I hate anticlimaxes. ) =========================== Date: Sun, 14 Sep 1997 06:22:11 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: Aae-tying up a few more ends... On Sun, 14 Sep 1997 09:04:09 -0400 In Message # 00001484 Caprice said: >On Sat, 13 Sep 1997 14:33:29 -0700 (MST) In Message # 00001480 > Driscoll said: *snip* > Squee had already lost two parents. And now possibly number 3. It >was going to be hard. Maybe it wouldn;t happen at all, but he had to >do something to be sure. Sure that Squee would have someone to >protect him and watch over him and comfort him. She had cut herself >off from the link it seemed, but maybe he could boost his own >telepathy through the link to reach her. And to think. hours ago, >he could have reached anyone anywhere int he multiverse most likely. >Now it would probably be the limits of his power to reach someone he >was already linked to. > [Caprice? I know when you left you were upset and need some time to >yourself, but this just can;t wait. I need to talk to you. Are you >even there? Caprice?] Legion debated not answering... as long as she was quiet none of them could find her here. but the pain in his mental voice was real. And if he kept up, he'd end up awakening Mischief. [I am here, Roscoe. But I didn't go away to think. I simply wemt away. I'm sick of the casual slaughter and casual prejudices of what claims to be a group of heroes.] --- I was born weird -- this terrible compulsion to behave normally is the result of childhood trauma =========================== Date: Sun, 14 Sep 1997 06:22:20 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE3 : Drisonel Cometh On Sun, 14 Sep 1997 09:11:18 -0400 In Message # 00001485 Caprice said: [Catching up here] Argent crouches over Ak'hasta, sheilding him with sheild and body, even as Morgan sheilds her. The appearant damage is slight, she has a few scratches and abrassions from the battle, and some bruised ribs. When the explosion passes, she stands shakily, her eyes wide at the crater. She muves to help Ak'hasta, shivering despite herself at the strangeness of it all. Then the wave of Healing hits, startling her all over again. When it is past, she stands at Ak'hasta's side, waiting, too paranoid to believe it is over just yet. =========================== Date: Sun, 14 Sep 1997 08:37:21 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: Aae-tying up a few more ends... On Sun, 14 Sep 1997 08:39:08 -0700 (MST) In Message # 00001486 Driscoll said: > On Sun, 14 Sep 1997 09:04:09 -0400 In Message # 00001484 > Caprice said: > >> [Caprice? I know when you left you were upset and need some time to >>yourself, but this just can;t wait. I need to talk to you. Are you >>even there? Caprice?] > > Legion debated not answering... as long as she was quiet none of > them could find her here. but the pain in his mental voice was real. > And if he kept up, he'd end up awakening Mischief. [I am here, > Roscoe. But I didn't go away to think. I simply wemt away. I'm sick > of the casual slaughter and casual prejudices of what claims to be a > group of heroes.] [Well Your choices are your own and I am no saint to try to make you change your mind. Driss and I have never really been Heroes. We never claimed to be. We just try to get by as best we can. But that's not why I need to talk to you. Or actually it is. I don;t know. I'm going to die.] Roscoe takes a mental breath to re-organize his thoughts as he finds that he is rambling. [When I was in Arcadia... Oberon noticed a ring radiating enormous amounts of energy. All I can think of is Chaos. And Driss's medallion. And Squee. If this is marking me like Driss's Medallion cursed him, I don;t know how much longer I have. Driss already died, but he's proven our lifespans diverged at some point. I could die tomarrow, I could die in another 500 years. I guess realizing that slapped me around wiht a bit more reality of my situation as Squee's "uncle". I-if I die he's going to be alone again. I d-don't know any of the remaining villagers w-well enough to t-trust tehm with Squee if...when I..die. Y-ou're a g-good m-mother to M-mischief and... and th-they get along so..] Roscoe breaks off the connection as he finds emotion overwhelming him and he sits huddledd against a building tears streaming down his face. =========================== Date: Sun, 14 Sep 1997 11:07:14 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: Aae-tying up a few more ends... On Sun, 14 Sep 1997 13:55:53 -0400 In Message # 00001487 Caprice said: >On Sun, 14 Sep 1997 08:39:08 -0700 (MST) In Message # 00001486 > Driscoll said: > > Roscoe breaks off the connection as he finds emotion overwhelming >him and he sits huddledd against a building tears streaming down his >face. Caprice concentrates, and a shimmer appears in the air in front of Roscoe... [Roscoe... can you hear me? Please... come join me...] (OOC: Delete the following if he doesn't step through.) Caprice is in feline form, curled up around Mischief on the bed. She looks like a jaguar with great, tattered black wings. [Let's move to another room... I don't want to wake the little one.] She slips off the bed, and pads silently out, and down the hall. The room she leads him into is an exact duplicate of a Victoria drawing room, complete in every detail. Once there Caprice shifts forms, this time to a slender woman with bright red hair and hazel eyes. She's wearing a one-piece grey jumpsuit, with black piping down the sides. "Talk to me... please... I think you need to..." =========================== Date: Sun, 14 Sep 1997 12:37:39 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: Aae-tying up a few more ends... On Sun, 14 Sep 1997 12:44:53 -0700 (MST) In Message # 00001488 Driscoll said: > On Sun, 14 Sep 1997 13:55:53 -0400 In Message # 00001487 > Caprice said: > > Caprice concentrates, and a shimmer appears in the air in front of > Roscoe... [Roscoe... can you hear me? Please... come join me...] > > (OOC: Delete the following if he doesn't step through.) Roscoe takes a few moments to re-compose himself wiping away the tears as best as possible by the hair on his cheeks is still quite damp with it. Giving up, he steps through the portal. > "Talk to me... please... I think you need to..." He follows just as silently, not really paying attention to the room nor Caprice's shapeshifts. He takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. Everything that's happened lately, in such a short amount of time has taken its toll. His nerves are shot and he can feel it. But he can't collapse yet no matter how much he wants to. There's too much to be done yet. He pulls back the hair from his hand and shows Caprice the ring. "My powers were giving me troubles, were at powerlevels much higher than they should have been. So I confronted Oberon for a solution. In it I gave up most of my power so that those in the village who needed it more for its purpose could use it. But once that power was gone, I guess Oberon could see this strong aura about me yet. He said it was power beyond even his. "You weren't there yet, and I don't know how much Mischief or Mayhem may have told you about when we found Driss in Arcadia and his battle with Roland, so I'll assume they told you nothing. After The Controller captured Driss and brainwashed him, he turned Driss aginst Roland. When Driss was challenging Roland, His head was cut off and a medallion that could be a sister piece to this fell off. Morgan picked it up, and when she did, she felt the power in it. Chaos's power. The Medallion was Chaos's way of storing the curse of immortality on Driss until his scentance was served. Once the time was used up, the medallion was conveniently lost by Driss, and soon afterwards he died." "I can't rememebr that much of the trial. It happened... INSIDE Chaos. The memroies were muttled, are muttled. But I'm sure _Driss_ was the one scentanced to live. I was jsut ordered to stay with him until he died. I think. I don;t know anymore." "But I can;t explain the ring. Chaos is ignoring me or at least not answering my questions. And so I have to assume the worse. I know now that Driss and I divereged timelines for a bit without my knowledge. I don;t know for how long, but I also have to assume, that after Driss has finished wandering on his own and returns to where he left me, I will die." "Squee...Squee already lost two parents. There are times in the night...I can hear his thoughts. His nightmares about looking for them. Looking for anyone. I've had experience from being wiht Driss at qwelling nightmares and restoring normal dreams, but what can I do when they come true? I can't let it happen. Maybe I'll live naother hundred years or so to where Squee can take care of himself and won't need me anymore. Maybe I won't. I-I don't know." Rocoe paused breathing deeply and letting out a choked sigh. "If I die, I want you to take care of Squee for me.. Please. Mischief is already...already like a s-sister to him. i-I think th-the transit-tion would be easier for him. P-please..." Roscoe broke down into sobs again. Snifflying, "I f-faced death w-wth Driss soo many t-times without a thought. I-if I h-had died, i-it was m-my ch-choice to d-die. N-Now I kn-know that... that... Oh Gawds. I f-feel s-so h-helpless. I-I d-don;t want to d-die...I-I d-d-don't w-wanna...d-die..." Adn everything that had happened, everything Rosoe had been holding back. All the pain... teh fear... the anger... the loss. it all came pouring out of him in a tidalwave of emotion. And the little hairy man crumpled on the floor adn wept. =========================== Date: Sun, 14 Sep 1997 13:07:06 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE3 : Drisonel Cometh On Sun, 14 Sep 1997 12:43:54 -0700 (PDT) In Message # 00001489 fuzzy said: > On Sat, 13 Sep 1997 17:57:43 -0400 (EDT) In Message # 00001481 > Dane0R0A@aol.com said: > > The Stardragon, noticing that it has accidentally injured some of > its FRIENDS undergoes a spasm of remorse /OOPS! Sorry/ and tries to > undo the damage by radiating a unidirectional wave of healing > energies. EVERYTHING (that isn't already dead), plants, animals, and > people who are within 10 miles of the origin of that wave are healed > instantly. Wounds heal, diseases are cured, lost limbs are > regenerated, and life energies (at least for those who have normal > levels of life energies) are restored.The Stardragon suspecting it > may have overdone it again resumes picking off drow mages with its > laser beams. General Link \It occures to my mind that, I am not really sure of the nature of Undeath, The ones I have encountered before were either of two types The Litch like ones who achieve their state by use of magic to trap their own spirits within their corpses in an attempt to cheat death, And The Animated Dead, who have no soul, only an increasingly vague memory, and either Hate or Hunger, sometimes both... Well, there are also a few where some thing else has moved into the corpse and uses it as a vehicule... I have met Living Vampires and Therianthropes... If anyone sees Caprice, I need to understand, Why she wanted the Undead of Misern protected, Before the Global Life Insurance is activated.\ A Nemisis Split comes alongside the HoverTrike carrying a meal tray "Pyewackett, can you open a small window in the Force Field, I think Breakfast has arrived!" =========================== Date: Sun, 14 Sep 1997 13:07:17 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: Aae-tying up a few more ends... On Sun, 14 Sep 1997 16:04:17 -0400 In Message # 00001490 Caprice said: >On Sun, 14 Sep 1997 12:44:53 -0700 (MST) In Message # 00001488 > Driscoll said: > > Adn everything that had happened, everything Rosoe had been holding >back. All the pain... teh fear... the anger... the loss. it all came >pouring out of him in a tidalwave of emotion. And the little hairy >man crumpled on the floor adn wept. Caprice holds Roscoe tight, rocking him as if he were a child. "It's alright... I promise you, I'll take care of Squee. I promise. It's alright, you aren't alone... Shhhhhh..." Her own problems and anger are forgotten for the moment as she tries to comfort him. She waits until Roscoe finishes crying himself out. "Feel any better? Can I get you something to eat? Drink?" =========================== Date: Sun, 14 Sep 1997 13:37:14 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: Aae-tying up a few more ends... On Sun, 14 Sep 1997 14:01:05 -0700 (MST) In Message # 00001491 Driscoll said: > On Sun, 14 Sep 1997 16:04:17 -0400 In Message # 00001490 > Caprice said: > > She waits until Roscoe finishes crying himself out. "Feel any > better? Can I get you something to eat? Drink?" Roscoe wipes sore irratated eyes, ashamed and relieved at teh same time. At Caprice's offer his pointy ears perk up a bit for a. "A drink would be great. You wouldn;t happen to have some Rum.... No. Some water please. You know, some things have opened in my eyes a bit more lately. At frist, Driss reveled in his immortality as most anyone will iwth a new power. Then gradually it became more natural to him and he just ignored it. Then, later on, he became increasingly depressed, despondant and suicidal. He turns to drink and chemicals often to try to relieve his spirits. I-I thought it was b-because he was a mortal who just realized he w-wouldn;t die. My kind are very long-lived. We, expect it. I tried to comfort him as best I-I could. But... But now I think somehow... somehow he _knew_. It wasn't life that made him despondant. It was knowing that his death was already decided and he couldn;t affect it in any way. He could only wait." Roscoe accepts the water adn realizes just how parched he is as he drains it quickly. "I know... that I'm imposing on you by asking you to commit yourself to taking care of Squee if the need arises. But...well... I knwo I;m just really holding onto Squee until his parents return. if they return. But it's easy to think of him as my own you know? I-I couldn;t imagine just having him dumped on the others in the Village whom he barely even knows. or to leave him stranded in some strange dimention. I knew you would take good care of him. A-and I think you for agreeing to. I-its a great weight taken off my shoulders." Roscoe hugs Caprice/legion/argent/whoever(g0 close. Or as best as he can being only 3' tall. "I should probably get back to the others. right now, you're the only other person to know this, though Oberon might possibly have told Morgan and Roland I;m not sure. But I;d kinda liek it kep tthat way. When my time comes, let it come. I hope you return though. They fixed the excess damage the Stardragon accidentally did to Misern I think." =========================== Date: Sun, 14 Sep 1997 14:37:52 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: Aae-tying up a few more ends... On Sun, 14 Sep 1997 16:30:49 -0500 In Message # 00001492 Michael Jon Knight said: >On Sun, 14 Sep 1997 08:39:08 -0700 (MST) In Message # 00001486 > Driscoll said: > >> On Sun, 14 Sep 1997 09:04:09 -0400 In Message # 00001484 >> Caprice said: > >> Legion debated not answering... as long as she was quiet none of >> them could find her here. but the pain in his mental voice was >> real. And if he kept up, he'd end up awakening Mischief. [I am >> here, Roscoe. But I didn't go away to think. I simply wemt away. >> I'm sick of the casual slaughter and casual prejudices of what >> claims to be a group of heroes.] Knytt bristled at this but said nothing. He was not about to correct Legion's error. It just wasn't his way. And if she was afraid of being found, she need not worry, he would not come after her anyway. > Roscoe breaks off the connection as he finds emotion overwhelming >him and he sits huddledd against a building tears streaming down his >face. This was the final straw. Knytt couldn't withstand any more pain. Knytt's gold armor and weapons were reabsorbed into the Gateway Bands, leaving the Star Fleet sweats behind. With a thought, he brought the HoverCyclone to earth before him. The Nemisis Split with the meal tray landed next to them. Knytt took the empty banana peels and yoohoo bottles and shoved them into a slot next to the trunk. "What are you doing?" Pyewackett asked. "Extra building material for the HoverCyclone. We fired a few missiles, and are going to have to rebuild them. These should make a good start." Knytt walks over to Roland and Morgan. On the way, he looks around the battlefield. The few remaining drow, including the three he had knocked out, are retreating. The blood-soaked, blackened earth in front of the Guild hall was appalling. Knytt started to say something, then said, "Oh! Just a second." He vanished and reappeared with the two bottles of Dom and the Bottle of Scotch. Handing them to the pair, he said, "Don't drink them alone, and don't drink them when you're depressed. May your life together be...." then he struggled for words for a moment, and Pyewackett interjected, "Blessed." "Yeah. Blessed." Knytt gave Morgan a peck on the cheek and shook hands with Roland. "I can't think of a better couple." "What's going on?" Pyewackett asked. "We're going home. This party is about over. If you need a hand cleaning up, let me know," Knytt said, tapping the Lens on his wrist. "I'll hear you." "But," Pyewackett said slowly, "we don't have a home." Knytt smiled. "Home is with whom your heart is. A large part of my heart is here with you all. But, there's someone else who holds a larger part. That's the home we are going to." "Oh. Oh!" Pyewackett began to look excited. "Yeah, that is where we are going. It's time to grow some roots. And there is no when I would rather be." Knytt walked back over to the bike and was just about to get on it when he stopped. "Goodness gracious, what kind of 'hero' am I? Knytt cupped his hands as a pool of gold liquid formed in his hands. The Liquid retreated. leaving behind a small, one button, remote control on a chain necklace. Knytt handed it to Fuzzy. "Hit that button to open a gate that will take you to the end of Quaren. Hit it there, and it will open a gate to return you to when you left. That's all it does, though, so you may want to have Nemisis destroy the thing when you're done. I doubt you will have much of a desire to see Quaren end repeatedly. If something goes wrong, let me know, and I'll give a hand in trying to fix it." Knytt climbed onto the Hovertrike and stuck a tape in the tape player. As luck would have it, it started on the beginning of "Journey of the Sorceror". "Hey, that's catchy," Knytt said approvingly. As the bike lifted off into the sky, he shouted, "If by some Miracle, Xzerrion doesn't win, call me. I'll come loaded for bear. But, I think he will. Tell Caprice goodbye for me. Sorry I couldn't repay the kindness she showed me. Maybe next time." "See you around the Multiverse!" The Hovertrike shot upwards into the sky and circled Dibis once. Then sparks began to trail the bike, tracing a second loop that ended in a Flash as Knytt gated home. The 'halo' faded away. =========================== Date: Sun, 14 Sep 1997 15:07:42 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: Aae-tying up a few more ends... On Sun, 14 Sep 1997 14:58:27 -0700 (PDT) In Message # 00001493 fuzzy said: > On Sun, 14 Sep 1997 16:30:49 -0500 In Message # 00001492 > Michael Jon Knight said: [snip] > Knytt's gold armor and weapons were reabsorbed into the Gateway > Bands, leaving the Star Fleet sweats behind. With a thought, he > brought the HoverCyclone to earth before him. The Nemisis Split with > the meal tray landed next to them. Knytt took the empty banana peels > and yoohoo bottles and shoved them into a slot next to the trunk. > > "What are you doing?" Pyewackett asked. "Thanks for the ride." > "What's going on?" Pyewackett asked. > > "We're going home. This party is about over. If you need a hand > cleaning up, let me know," Knytt said, tapping the Lens on his > wrist. "I'll hear you." > > "But," Pyewackett said slowly, "we don't have a home." "Should we let you know when the Party for Morgan and Roland Starts?" > "Goodness gracious, what kind of 'hero' am I? Knytt cupped his hands > as a pool of gold liquid formed in his hands. The Liquid retreated. > leaving behind a small, one button, remote control on a chain > necklace. Knytt handed it to Fuzzy. "Thank You, You had me begining to worry there." > Knytt climbed onto the Hovertrike and stuck a tape in the tape > player. As luck would have it, it started on the beginning of > "Journey of the Sorceror". > > "Hey, that's catchy," Knytt said approvingly. As the bike lifted off > into the sky, he shouted, "If by some Miracle, Xzerrion doesn't win, > call me. I'll come loaded for bear. But, I think he will. Tell > Caprice goodbye for me. Sorry I couldn't repay the kindness she > showed me. Maybe next time." > > "See you around the Multiverse!" "In times yet to come." =========================== Date: Sun, 14 Sep 1997 16:30:14 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: Aae-tying up a few more ends... On Sun, 14 Sep 1997 18:18:48 -0500 In Message # 00001494 Michael Jon Knight said: >On Sun, 14 Sep 1997 14:58:27 -0700 (PDT) In Message # 00001493 > fuzzy said: > >"Thanks for the ride." "Any time," Knytt replied. >"Should we let you know when the Party for Morgan and Roland Starts?" "A bunch of telepathic Callahanians celebrating?" Knytt grinned, "I'll know." >"Thank You, You had me begining to worry there." Knytt grinned, "I could have come back, but I really don't want to see this planet again for a very long time. But, don't let that stop you from calling on me. My friends always come first." =========================== Date: Sun, 14 Sep 1997 17:37:37 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE_The Summoning On Sun, 14 Sep 1997 17:52:27 -0700 (MST) In Message # 00001495 Driscoll said: A figure appears in the sky before the Undead Dragon. She stood in mid-air, the night both framing her and wrapping itself about her form as a cloak. In her hand is a katana which in the blackness of the blade the stars can faintly be seen. Agianst the night sky she looks very spectral indeed. "I am Kuri-Neko. I am the fist of Darath, God of the Night. This battle is OVER! Begon from my home." From the Katana a silvery blast of moonlight envelops the Dragon and when it clears away, the Dragon is gone. Slowly Kuri-neko decends down towards Dibis and walks towards the Assassin's guild. Iasun is up and shambling around, and stands int he doorway watching her approach. "Incarnation ehh? Hmmm this should make this morning interesting. I hope she's up to it." He remarks softly with a knowing smirk on his face. =========================== Date: Sun, 14 Sep 1997 17:52:52 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: Aae-tying up a few more ends... On Sun, 14 Sep 1997 20:36:39 -0400 In Message # 00001497 Caprice said: >On Sun, 14 Sep 1997 14:01:05 -0700 (MST) In Message # 00001491 > Driscoll said: > > Roscoe wipes sore irratated eyes, ashamed and relieved at teh same >time. At Caprice's offer his pointy ears perk up a bit for a. "A >drink would be great. You wouldn;t happen to have some Rum.... No. >Some water please. You know, some things have opened in my eyes a bit >more lately. At frist, Driss reveled in his immortality as most >anyone will iwth a new power. Then gradually it became more natural >to him and he just ignored it. Then, later on, he became increasingly >depressed, despondant and suicidal. He turns to drink and chemicals >often to try to relieve his spirits. I-I thought it was b-because he >was a mortal who just realized he w-wouldn;t die. My kind are very >long-lived. We, expect it. I tried to comfort him as best I-I could. >But... But now I think somehow... somehow he _knew_. It wasn't life >that made him despondant. It was knowing that his death was already >decided and he couldn;t affect it in any way. He could only wait." Caprice nods broodingly, and goes over to a pitcher of water. She pours a glass for Roscoe, and returns with it and the pitcher. > Roscoe accepts the water adn realizes just how parched he is as he >drains it quickly. "I know... that I'm imposing on you by asking you >to commit yourself to taking care of Squee if the need arises. >But...well... I knwo I;m just really holding onto Squee until his >parents return. if they return. But it's easy to think of him as my >own you know? I-I couldn;t imagine just having him dumped on the >others in the Village whom he barely even knows. or to leave him >stranded in some strange dimention. I knew you would take good care >of him. A-and I think you for agreeing to. I-its a great weight taken >off my shoulders." Caprice gives Roscoe a tired smile, "I understand... perhaps someday I'll tell you about Mischief and I... I'll work on making some form of Token for Squee... something that will change forms with him, and allow me to know if I am needed." > Roscoe hugs Caprice/legion/argent/whoever(g0 close. Or as best as he >can being only 3' tall. "I should probably get back to the others. >right now, you're the only other person to know this, though Oberon >might possibly have told Morgan and Roland I;m not sure. But I;d >kinda liek it kep tthat way. When my time comes, let it come. I hope >you return though. They fixed the excess damage the Stardragon >accidentally did to Misern I think." Caprice shakes her head, eyes troubled. "Thanks, but it's not just that... it's... never mind. I'll open a portal from here to Misern, if the assassain's guild is acceptable." =========================== Date: Sun, 14 Sep 1997 19:22:40 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: Aae-tying up a few more ends... On Sun, 14 Sep 1997 19:41:57 -0700 (MST) In Message # 00001498 Driscoll said: On Sun, 14 Sep 1997, Caprice wrote: > Caprice gives Roscoe a tired smile, "I understand... perhaps someday > I'll tell you about Mischief and I... I'll work on making some form > of Token for Squee... something that will change forms with him, and > allow me to know if I am needed." Roscoe looks down at the ring on his finger again. "The Chainging shouldn't be a problem. Unless you want it visible. When we shfit, whatever we have with us is changed as well, becomes a part of our new form." he chuckles, "I think. My power's gone through so much change lately I'm not even sure if it still all works the same anymore." > Caprice shakes her head, eyes troubled. "Thanks, but it's not just > that... it's... never mind. I'll open a portal from here to Misern, > if the assassain's guild is acceptable." Rosoce looks up to look in Caprice's eyes. He knew what pains caused the fatigue behind his. But what deamons haunted her? Not so long ago her could have found out. Or if he had had Driss's silver tongue he could have gotten her to tell. But as it is, Rosoce just lets teh mystery drop. "The Guild Hall is fine. thank you again." The shimmering portal appears and he steps through into the bedroom he used in the Guildhall. =========================== Date: Sun, 14 Sep 1997 19:22:52 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: Aae-tying up a few more ends... On Sun, 14 Sep 1997 21:14:39 -0500 In Message # 00001499 Michael Jon Knight said: >On Sun, 14 Sep 1997 16:30:49 -0500 In Message # 00001492 > Michael Jon Knight said: Knytt stared out across the battlefield, revulsion growing in his stomach. "I let myself slip again. I swore to myself to start out-thinking my enemies. Just becuase I can outfight them doesn't make me a hero. It doesn't even make me a good guy. Just a better fighter. Maybe even a bully for forcing my beliefs on someone else. I need some time away. Everytime I left, I was drug back into this fight. I've gone through too much lately to expect to react correctly in a tense situation. I have to get my head on straight before I lose it and someone else has to pay for it. I need to get back to being human again." >"What's going on?" Pyewackett asked. > >"We're going home. This party is about over. If you need a hand >cleaning up, let me know," Knytt said, tapping the Lens on his wrist. >"I'll hear you." > >"But," Pyewackett said slowly, "we don't have a home." > >Knytt smiled. "Home is with whom your heart is. A large part of my >heart is here with you all. But, there's someone else who holds a >larger part. That's the home we are going to." > >"Oh. Oh!" Pyewackett began to look excited. > >"Yeah, that is where we are going. It's time to grow some roots. And >there is no when I would rather be." "If I am going to start getting back to being human, I can't think of a better time or place to do it." >"See you around the Multiverse!" > >The Hovertrike shot upwards into the sky and circled Dibis once. Then >sparks began to trail the bike, tracing a second loop that ended in a >Flash as Knytt gated home. > >The 'halo' faded away. =========================== Date: Sun, 14 Sep 1997 20:22:44 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: Aae-tying up a few more ends... On Sun, 14 Sep 1997 20:16:24 -0700 (PDT) In Message # 00001502 fuzzy said: > On Sun, 14 Sep 1997 21:14:39 -0500 In Message # 00001499 > Michael Jon Knight said: > > conversation. So, small rewrite to correct my error.> >>On Sun, 14 Sep 1997 16:30:49 -0500 In Message # 00001492 >> Michael Jon Knight said: >>Knytt's gold armor and weapons were reabsorbed into the Gateway >>Bands, leaving the Star Fleet sweats behind. With a thought, he >>brought the HoverCyclone to earth before him. The Nemisis Split with >>the meal tray landed next to them. Knytt took the empty banana peels >>and yoohoo bottles and shoved them into a slot next to the trunk. "Thanks for the Ride" >>Knytt started to say something, then said, "Oh! Just a second." He >>vanished and reappeared with the two bottles of Dom and the Bottle >>of Scotch. Handing them to the pair, he said, "Don't drink them >>alone, and don't drink them when you're depressed. May your life >>together be...." then he struggled for words for a moment, and >>Pyewackett interjected, "Blessed." >> >>"Yeah. Blessed." Knytt gave Morgan a peck on the cheek and shook >>hands with Roland. "I can't think of a better couple." >> >>"What's going on?" Pyewackett asked. "Don't forget the Handfasting in Arcadia" >>Knytt walked back over to the bike and was just about to get on it >>when he stopped. >> >>"Goodness gracious, what am I thinking? Knytt cupped his hands as a >>pool of gold liquid formed in his hands. The Liquid retreated. >>leaving behind a small, one button, remote control on a chain >>necklace. Knytt handed it to Fuzzy. >> >>"Hit that button to open a gate that will take you to the end of >>Quaren. Hit it there, and it will open a gate to return you to when >>you left. That's all it does, though, so you may want to have >>Nemisis destroy the thing when you're done. I doubt you will have >>much of a desire to see Quaren end repeatedly. If something goes >>wrong, let me know, and I'll give a hand in trying to fix it." "You almost had me Worried for a Moment there" >>Knytt climbed onto the Hovertrike and stuck a tape in the tape >>player. As luck would have it, it started on the beginning of >>"Journey of the Sorceror". >> >>"Hey, that's catchy," Knytt said approvingly. As the bike lifted off >>into the sky, he shouted, "If by some Miracle, Xzerrion doesn't win, >>call me. I'll come loaded for bear. But, I think he will. If Caprice >>returns, tell her goodbye for me. Sorry I couldn't repay the >>kindness she showed me. Maybe next time." >> >>"See you around the Multiverse!" "In Times Yet to Be." =========================== Date: Sun, 14 Sep 1997 21:52:27 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE3: The Summoning On Mon, 15 Sep 1997 00:46:47 -0400 (EDT) In Message # 00001505 Shadow said: > On Sun, 14 Sep 1997 00:16:33 -0700 In Message # 00001482 > Roland X said: OOC: One question, What happened to all of our enemies? That healing wave should have restored any enemy whom we didn't actually kill to full health. > Roland stares at his new body in awe. *Light...* He shakes off > the shock of the incredible change he's been through. *Folx, I have > good news. John's still with us.* /Fortuna bless, that felt good./ a soft, shaky and altogether familiar voice replies. /Didn't do that much for me, but felt pretty good all the same. We really gotta teach that boy to think before he shoots./ > (OOC: I hate anticlimaxes. ) OOC: Heh. :^) =========================== Date: Mon, 15 Sep 1997 09:07:04 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: OOC: AAE: Any more loose ends? On Mon, 15 Sep 1997 04:25:08 -0400 (EDT) In Message # 00001507 Dane0R0A@aol.com said: The Stardragon keeping its word sets about "rescueing" those inocents that it would otherwise have harmed. First it "locates" the crater it made of a Quaren city and tracks that back time to the point where it was vaporized from below (OOC: Jadis' lab was buried below the city as I recall, and the energy blast that distroyed the city would have manifested in the instruments of that lab). It then "examines" every life form, object, and structure in the affected area. Taking a tiny bit of energy it fills the crater and rebuilds the city and the non-living objects in it. It then firmly "grabs" each and every inhabitants and pulls them to the "present" from the nanosecond just before the energy blast would have struck them. Pulling them through no-time causes a life pulse that would have been sensed (by those with the senses) as a massive lose of life. Also since they don't really exist (in this space-time) even their own gods would not be able to sense their presense in the intervening time span. Then (inspite of its antipathy for the undead) it repeats the action for the undead "destroyed" when it ignited the micro-sun in the skies of Misern. Then it offeres to make the "saving" of the undead of Misern unnecessary, by pulling all the inhabitants of Misern "killed" at the time of Ligi's distruction of Misern forward and pulling their dead bodies back to replace them with suitable modifications (to structure and memories). So that when DtB raised them, what he raised where the people who had lived out their normal lives. =========================== Date: Mon, 15 Sep 1997 09:38:10 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Dragons and Felines On Mon, 15 Sep 1997 09:33:21 -0700 (PDT) In Message # 00001510 fuzzy said: > On Mon, 15 Sep 1997 04:25:08 -0400 (EDT) In Message # 00001507 > Dane0R0A@aol.com said: [snip] > The Stardragon keeping its word sets about "rescueing" those > inocents that it would otherwise have harmed. First it "locates" the > crater it made of a Quaren city and tracks that back time to the > point where it was vaporized from below (OOC: Jadis' lab was buried > below the city as I recall, and the energy blast that distroyed the > city would have manifested in the instruments of that lab). It then > "examines" every life form, object, and structure in the affected > area. Taking a tiny bit of energy it fills the crater and rebuilds > the city and the non-living objects in it. It then firmly "grabs" > each and every inhabitants and pulls them to the "present" from the > nanosecond just before the energy blast would have struck them. > Pulling them through no-time causes a life pulse that would have > been sensed (by those with the senses) as a massive lose of life. > Also since they don't really exist (in this space-time) even their > own gods would not be able to sense their presense in the > intervening time span. \Thank You.\ > Then (inspite of its antipathy for the undead) it repeats the action > for the undead "destroyed" when it ignited the micro-sun in the > skies of Misern. \I am sorry, I forgot to take that into account while we were discusing what to do during my fight with Darath the Black, It was not your error, It was my mistake.\ > Then it offeres to make the "saving" of the undead of Misern > unnecessary, by pulling all the inhabitants of Misern "killed" at > the time of Ligi's distruction of Misern forward and pulling their > dead bodies back to replace them with suitable modifications (to > structure and memories). So that when DtB raised them, what he > raised where the people who had lived out their normal lives. Fuzzy informs The StarDragon of the details of the fate of Quaren and the 'Global Life Insurance Policy' (OOC: at least those details known to all of the CAoL). \Do you have any opinions or comments on the plan? And do you know of any world a few universes over that would be suitable 15 years from now, possibly one with an extensive Under-Dark?\ =========================== Date: Mon, 15 Sep 1997 11:07:34 -0700 (PDT) Subject: AAE3: Leaving Quaren On Mon, 15 Sep 1997 10:38:40 In Message # 00001512 "L.J. Wolfe" said: Roland smiles at his beloved. "Looks like all we have left to do is get the deposit on all the villains we recycled." Morgan giggles. "And once that's done...I know this lovely reality where we can relax...incredible technology, wondrous sights, a veritable legion of worlds to visit..." Roland all but glows. Morgan smiles and looks into Roland's eyes. "Sounds like a wonderful place for a honeymoon." Roland's smile wavers. "Oy. A wedding to plan-" his smile returns full force- "-lots to do, but as much time as we want to do it in. But first...is there anything we need to wrap up here before we go?" Morgan thinks for a moment. "Well, we rescued Miles and Matt, that's what we were hired to-" Morgan stops and blinks, and smiles. "I still have to collect my pay." Roland laughs. "I almost feel sorry for the God of Thieves...almost." Then Roland frowns. "Huh. I don't suppose he gave you his pager number." Morgan smiles. "Not quite." She reaches out for the first mental signature she ever learned, a thought pattern she knew long before she'd ever heard of Callahan's. <*Driscoll? We have unfinished business, Your Harlequin-ness.*> Roland winces and blushes. (OOC: For old time's sake. ) (OOC 2: We assume Driscoll arrives in typical Godlike style, and asks what she wants.) Morgan gazes evenly at the Godling. "Now that we've done what ye hired us tae do, and _then_ some, it's time fer us tae collect our pay an' move on." Roland's expression becomes unreadable, and the 'super' Blaze (as opposed to the anime Blaze the Dibisites are building statues to) is suddenly standing by Morgan's side. "I asked for nothing, and I'll stand by that. Once Morgan has received her due, we'll be going." Morgan, a Highland merc for a good part of her adult life, continues in a level tone. "It's taken a lot o' thought. Something fair on both sides, neither shortin' m'self nor takin' advantage o' ye. So here's m' price: Roland an' I already share a link beyond that we have through the 'psiweb,' but both o' those can be interfered with. With your power, ye should be able to make that link inviolate." Roland's jaw drops. "I want ye to make our connection complete an' total. Neither time nor space nor the hate of our enemies are tae be able tae keep us apart, nor do we want an enemy bein' able to use the link tae get from one mind tae the other's. An' we're still tae be able tae have privacy when we want it, but should the need arise, we're tae be capable o' reachin' one another. Always." Roland puts his jaw back in his head, but if he smiled any wider, it would fall back out again. "I love you." (OOC: Insert the Godling's agreement, payment, and/or nausea here.) Morgan gives Driscoll a quick hug and says, with a sly grin, "Ye're goin' tae be a good man. Eventually." Roland takes Morgan's hand, and they fade from Quaren's reality. A few moments later (as far as those on the link are concerned, unless anyone else does some major time travel ) two familiar voices come through. *<*You're all invited to Arcadia for a party. Details to follow at the Place. *>* =========================== Date: Mon, 15 Sep 1997 16:56:14 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE3: Leaving Quaren On Mon, 15 Sep 1997 16:45:33 -0700 (MST) In Message # 00001518 Driscoll said: > On Mon, 15 Sep 1997 10:38:40 In Message # 00001512 > "L.J. Wolfe" said: > > Morgan smiles. "Not quite." She reaches out for the first mental > signature she ever learned, a thought pattern she knew long before > she'd ever heard of Callahan's. <*Driscoll? We have unfinished > business, Your Harlequin-ness.*> > > Roland winces and blushes. (OOC: For old time's sake. ) The room darkens slightly and a presnese can be felt from all the shadows. "You bid me come. And so I do. What now can I do for you?" booms a voice from nowhere and everywhere at once. A bright spotlight appears and The Harlequin God rises up through the floor until he is standing before Roland and Morgan and hte lighting returns to normal. > "I want ye to make our connection complete an' total. Neither time > nor space nor the hate of our enemies are tae be able tae keep us > apart, nor do we want an enemy bein' able to use the link tae get > from one mind tae the other's. An' we're still tae be able tae have > privacy when we want it, but should the need arise, we're tae be > capable o' reachin' one another. Always." > > Roland puts his jaw back in his head, but if he > smiled any wider, it would fall back out again. "I > love you." I Think I can accomodate that wish. It's an unusual request, but after fiddling with the one known as Caprice before I think i cna do it without much trouble." He reaches out a hand and lays it on Morgan's forehead adn touches Roland's head with the other. "After all, with this the link is alerady intact between you two. It simply needs.... a little remodeling." Energy flows and Driss begins to shape it, and moments later, he steps back again, his work done. > Morgan gives Driscoll a quick hug and says, with a sly grin, "Ye're > goin' tae be a good man. Eventually." Driss grins back at her, "I'm a God. I'm already MORE than a good man, I'm GREAT! And if you'd ever like me ot prove that to you just ask." He winks at Morgan and vanishes. =========================== Date: Mon, 15 Sep 1997 18:22:31 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: Dragons and Felines On Mon, 15 Sep 1997 21:15:35 -0400 (EDT) In Message # 00001521 Dane0R0A@aol.com said: In a message dated 97-09-15 12:39:18 EDT, you write: << \Do you have any opinions or comments on the plan? And do you know of any world a few universes over that would be suitable 15 years from now, possibly one with an extensive Under-Dark?\ >> The Stardragon sends /I do not know of such a world. However I DO know of a universe who's physical laws (which includes the scientific forces, the magical forces and the psionic forces) which match this one to 9 9's. AND I know of a star there that has no planets currently. It is a simple thing to exactly duplicate this planet around that star. There is plenty of material there and more than enough clear space (not inhabited by aggressive space faring races) around it. Will that do? I had been holding that star in reserve in case my hunger came upon me, but there are plenty more where it came from./ =========================== Date: Mon, 15 Sep 1997 18:52:31 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: Dragons and Felines On Mon, 15 Sep 1997 18:45:28 -0700 (PDT) In Message # 00001522 fuzzy said: > On Mon, 15 Sep 1997 21:15:35 -0400 (EDT) In Message # 00001521 > Dane0R0A@aol.com said: > > The Stardragon sends /I do not know of such a world. However I DO > know of a universe who's physical laws (which includes the > scientific forces, the magical forces and the psionic forces) which > match this one to 9 9's. AND I know of a star there that has no > planets currently. It is a simple thing to exactly duplicate this > planet around that star. There is plenty of material there and more > than enough clear space (not inhabited by aggressive space faring > races) around it. Will that do? I had been holding that star in > reserve in case my hunger came upon me, but there are plenty more > where it came from./ \Sounds Ideal, Please create the planet, I will also need to be able to Visualize its relative position in order to activate the Dimensional shift correctly.\ \One slight Modification, If possible, Could you arrange a Global Network of Caves and Caverns In the Crust with only a few points of access to the surface, and those not near good Human habitats? or perhaps several such Networks each less than Global?\ =========================== Date: Mon, 15 Sep 1997 19:22:35 -0700 (PDT) Subject: AAE3 : Meanwhile, down in the Abyss ... (very long) On Mon, 15 Sep 1997 19:17:32 -0700 (PDT) In Message # 00001523 "P. Campbell" said: Xzerrion blinks, then looks cautiously around. In all directions, there is nothing but a black, rocky plain. Off in the distance are several smoky mountains. There is a fuzzy, indistinct aspect to the terrain, as if this is nothing more than a dreamworld. He tests the link, but feels no response. /All right, I know Lloth set the terms for this challenge, so Drisonel must be out here somewhere, but where?/ He first tries scrying for the presence of evil, but recoils in shock and horror. Overwhelming, ancient evil radiates from all directions, blotting out any individual traces. He glances around more slowly, and sees a winged reptilian form pass overhead. His elven eyesight identifies it as some kind of minor demon, and several things click into place. /Great. Just bloody wonderful. I'm in a one on one challenge with the worshipper of what's essentially a major demon, and I have to fight her in the Abyss. Thank you *so* much for setting up these circumstances, Your Spideriness./ Slowly, he became aware of another odd feature in this plane : there was no sun, but rather just a pale reddish glow radiating from above. This was going to make navigation difficult, if he had to be here long. Wilderness scouting never was one of Xzerrion's strongest points, except for underground. Regardless, it seemed his only way back was to find and defeat Drisonel. Resignedly, he trudged forward, drawing Frostbite in case of any ambush. Xzerrion dove into a roll as something flew over his right shoulder. As he came to his feet, he saw a small hill beyond him explode into flames. He whirled, and saw Drisonel not twenty yards away. /That's impossible! There's nowhere she could have been hiding or I'd have seen some cover./ He allows none of his surprise to show in his face or voice. `Nice of you to announce yourself, Drisonel. I was afraid I'd have to hunt all over this plane to find you.' She chuckles evilly. `You always were a fool, Xzerrion. Don't you know the rules of travel here? You move at the speed of thought, to wherever you will.' `Wherever I will, eh?' Xzerrion vanishes, appears behind Drisonel, and stabs forward with Frostbite, only to find he attacked nothing more than an image. `The poor illusionist, betrayed by his own tricks. You think I would show myself so quickly?' A snake headed whip snaps passed Xzerrion's head as he rolls again, this time lashing straight out with Frostbite at the center point of the swing of the whip. He is rewarded with a sudden gasp of pain and a few drops of blood on his blade. `Why no, Matron. I just wanted you to reveal yourself, but then, two can play the game you're up to.' Xzerrion flickers and vanishes, reappearing a few yards distant. However, Drisonel had other ideas about how to strike. The air surrounding the image, and a fairly large radius around it, burst into flame, catching the true location of Xzerrion as well. Momentarily showing himself, Xzerrion reaches for his sigil, and hurls a glowing white-hot ball of energy back at Drisonel, then follows up with a strike, not at her, but at the spell concealing her true location. After a momentary flicker, the image fades and she appears. The problem comes when Xzerrion tries to release the link. Tapping Abyssal energy when fighting in the Abyss might not have been one of his brighter moves. Instead of the link breaking, more power flows into it, strengthening Xzerrion's magic, but attempting to sieze control of his mind. However, in the midst of the confrontation with Drisonel, he ignores this for the moment, more worried about immediate survival. Drisonel adds to this distraction. With a word, she calls a winged, flaming demon, which appears between herself and Xzerrion, striding boldly forward. Xzerrion smiles, his eyes now glowing bright red. `Mistake number one, Matron. Frostbite hungers.' Drawing Cobra to parry the creature's blade, Xzerrion dispatches the demon with a few quick thrusts of his frost brand sword, his reactions enhanced by the power of his house sigil. `Is that the best you have?' he mocks her. `Not by a long shot, renegade,' she snarls. She hurls Xzerrion back with a wave of pure darkness, sending him to his knees and knocking both blades flying from his hands. The bolt causes everything to go grey for a moment, and his head clears only to find Drisonel right in front of him, her sacrificial dagger at his throat. `Yield or be utterly destroyed, fool!' Xzerrion glares up into her eyes, searching for a way out, any kind of distraction. Then he remembers a weapon in his pouch long forgotten, if he could reach it quickly enough. To move fast enough, he would need to open completely to the sigil, possibly beyond all hope of recovery. But if he didn't ... Drisonel would win, and return with the full power of Lloth behind her, and her first act would be to kill his friends. That could not be risked, even if he lost his soul in exchange. He gave Drisonel his answer. `Go screw a spider, you misbegotten spawn of a disease ridden goblin!' Opening to the sigil fully, he knocked Drisonel's blade away from his throat, and reached into his belt pouch with his other hand, drawing the disruptor he picked up in AAE1, taking careful aim. `Goodbye, Drisonel. It hasn't been pleasant.' He fired, vaporizing her head. Suddenly, the abyssal terrain around him vanished, and he stood once more in front of the assassin's guild, his blades sheathed at his sides, and the disruptor still in his hand. Physically, he appears unharmed, other then several bruises and some minor burns. However, there is a hint of madness in his eyes. His hands are shaking as he holds the disruptor as he tries to restrain himself from turning it on anyone present. As he reaches into the link with the CAoL, there is a sense of great evil, but beneath it is the voice of what remains of Xzerrion's mind. <* Crow ... Morgan ... help me ... *> =========================== Date: Mon, 15 Sep 1997 19:54:11 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE3 : Meanwhile, down in the Abyss ... (very long) On Mon, 15 Sep 1997 19:51:15 -0700 (PDT) In Message # 00001524 fuzzy said: > On Mon, 15 Sep 1997 19:17:32 -0700 (PDT) In Message # 00001523 > "P. Campbell" said: [snip] > Suddenly, the abyssal terrain around him vanished, and he stood once > more in front of the assassin's guild, his blades sheathed at his > sides, and the disruptor still in his hand. Physically, he appears > unharmed, other then several bruises and some minor burns. However, > there is a hint of madness in his eyes. His hands are shaking as he > holds the disruptor as he tries to restrain himself from turning it > on anyone present. As he reaches into the link with the CAoL, there > is a sense of great evil, but beneath it is the voice of what > remains of Xzerrion's mind. > > <* Crow ... Morgan ... help me ... *> Fuzzy almost instantly cuts himself off from Xzerrion \Ohh Drek, Crow I don't dare touch him at this point, Not even Telepathicly or Magicly, If I did we would both go up in flames, You can however use me as a tool in this, Dealing only with the amount of stress you can handle at one time, If you Expose me to parts of the influence working on Xzerrion, The Balancing backlash will be availible for you to use in fighting this. Its the only thing I can Think of.\ =========================== Date: Mon, 15 Sep 1997 20:07:43 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE3 : Meanwhile, down in the Abyss ... (very long) On Mon, 15 Sep 1997 20:03:59 -0700 (PDT) In Message # 00001525 Nemisis said: > On Mon, 15 Sep 1997 19:51:15 -0700 (PDT) In Message # 00001524 > fuzzy said: > > Dealing only with the amount of stress you can handle at one time, > If you Expose me to parts of the influence working on Xzerrion, The > Balancing backlash will be availible for you to use in fighting > this. > > Its the only thing I can Think of.\ A Nemisis Split in a shape that seems totaly harmless arrives around the corner of the building and then walks to the front. \#this Split can try to Immobilize him and Deal with the Weapon in his hand, It may also attempt to Isolate him From the Sigil to reduce the chance of a increase in the energies that have invaded his system.#\ \#Indicate what you want it to do, when you want it done.#\ =========================== Date: Mon, 15 Sep 1997 20:53:05 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE3 : Meanwhile, down in the Abyss ... (very long) On Mon, 15 Sep 1997 22:45:16 -0500 In Message # 00001527 Michael Jon Knight said: >On Mon, 15 Sep 1997 20:03:59 -0700 (PDT) In Message # 00001525 > Nemisis said: > >> On Mon, 15 Sep 1997 19:51:15 -0700 (PDT) In Message # 00001524 >> fuzzy said: >> >> Dealing only with the amount of stress you can handle at one time, >> If you Expose me to parts of the influence working on Xzerrion, The >> Balancing backlash will be availible for you to use in fighting >> this. >> >> Its the only thing I can Think of.\ Pyewackett wanders around a corner and trots over to the group. His gold collar translates "Can't leave you guys alone for a minute, can I?" >A Nemisis Split in a shape that seems totaly harmless arrives around >the corner of the building and then walks to the front. > >\#this Split can try to Immobilize him and Deal with the Weapon in >his hand, It may also attempt to Isolate him From the Sigil to reduce >the chance of a increase in the energies that have invaded his >system.#\ > >\#Indicate what you want it to do, when you want it done.#\ "What she said. My services..." the cat added as he began glowing a brilliant golden-white, "are at your disposal. An extra hand keeping the Darkness at bay. Another healer. Whatever. I do it all." Pyewackett licked a paw, acting like he had no idea he was glowing. Or more accurately, like he did it every day. --Pyewackett =========================== Date: Mon, 15 Sep 1997 21:07:36 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE3 : Meanwhile, down in the Abyss... On Mon, 15 Sep 1997 20:54:34 In Message # 00001528 "L.J. Wolfe" said: >On Mon, 15 Sep 1997 19:17:32 -0700 (PDT) In Message # 00001523 > "P. Campbell" said: ><* Crow ... Morgan ... help me ... *> *Bloody sprocking nass.* Roland and Morgan fade back in to Quaren, one at each side of the Drow. Though this came to Morgan through the sigil link, Roland receives the outcry through the personal connection he shares with Morgan. *My love, is there anything you can tell me about this...mess?* Morgan runs through a series of memories; Xzerrion explaining the advantages and perils of sigil use, Roland dealing with Morgan's overload during the battle of Dibis- Roland smiles. *Well, _duh._ At least I don't have to damage any of Xzerrion's clothing to undo this.* And slowly, carefully, Roland wraps the sigil in psychokinetic energy and gently floats it away from Xzerrion. A mental 'anchor' appears in the link for Xzerrion's true thought patterns to 'grab' on to. *<*Xzerrion. We are here. You are safe, you are with friends,*>* the two immortals send to the weary Drow. =========================== Date: Mon, 15 Sep 1997 21:24:35 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: Dragons and Felines On Mon, 15 Sep 1997 21:09:54 -0700 (PDT) In Message # 00001529 fuzzy said: > On Mon, 15 Sep 1997 21:14:43 -0700 (MST) In Message # 00001526 > Driscoll said: > >> On Mon, 15 Sep 1997 18:45:28 -0700 (PDT) In Message # 00001522 >> fuzzy said: >> >> > the Forgotten Realms AD&D world does, If not Add the following >> request.> > > It kinda of does and kind of doesn't. ;-) There are extensive > natural adn artificial caves netwroks under the northern reaches of > Quaren under the Dwarvish, orcish and Goblin lands, plus PART of hte > elvish lands nad one of the human kingdoms but they are not as > extensive as the Forgotten Realms Under-dark as in having huge > cities down there and many strange monsters. Mostly Dwarves, orcs, > Goblins, a FEW Drow but true Quarenian Drow are rare, and some > tunneling beasties every once in a while. ;) What the heck, Extra living space can't hurt, The new world may yet end up with Undead cities instead of Drow cities in its Enlarged Under-Dark. =========================== Date: Mon, 15 Sep 1997 21:38:46 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE3 : Meanwhile, down in the Abyss... On Mon, 15 Sep 1997 21:24:09 -0700 (PDT) In Message # 00001530 fuzzy said: > On Mon, 15 Sep 1997 20:54:34 In Message # 00001528 > "L.J. Wolfe" said: [Snip] > Morgan runs through a series of memories; Xzerrion explaining the > advantages and perils of sigil use, Roland dealing with Morgan's > overload during the battle of Dibis- Fuzzy and Nemisis make sure Morgan and Roland heard what their positions are here and that Fuzzy's offer applies to their efforts as well. \#While Roland has that Sigil held, my Split should be able to get a good enough grip on it to Isolate it in a Shell of Insolated Quan Iron without damageing it or Xzerrion. Which would allow Roland to spend his energies more profitably.#\ =========================== Date: Mon, 15 Sep 1997 23:07:51 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE3 : Meanwhile, down in the Abyss ... (very long) On Mon, 15 Sep 1997 22:52:49 -0700 (PDT) In Message # 00001534 "K. Ohanlon" said: > On Mon, 15 Sep 1997 20:03:59 -0700 (PDT) In Message # 00001525 > Nemisis said: > >> On Mon, 15 Sep 1997 19:51:15 -0700 (PDT) In Message # 00001524 >> fuzzy said: >> >>> On Mon, 15 Sep 1997 19:17:32 -0700 (PDT) In Message # 00001523 >>> "P. Campbell" said: >> >>> <* Crow ... Morgan ... help me ... *> <*Xzerrion! Oh, Areya, bless.....*>, the horror in Crow's 'tone' is unmistakeable. She blesses Stardragon's overcorrection when he sent out the healing energies, otherwise she'd be far too drained still to face this. >> Fuzzy almost instantly cuts himself off from Xzerrion >> \Ohh Drek, Crow I don't dare touch him at this point, Not even >> Telepathicly or Magicly, If I did we would both go up in flames, <*Understood.*> >> You can however use me as a tool in this, <*How?*> >> Dealing only with the amount of stress you can handle at one time, >> If you Expose me to parts of the influence working on Xzerrion, The >> Balancing backlash will be availible for you to use in fighting >> this. >> >> Its the only thing I can Think of.\ Crow immediately grounds and centers, then reaches out to link with Fuzzy, making sure that the link goes only to her, and that it will not reach beyond her unless under her direction. <*I'll reach out to him slowly. If you feel for the slightest *instant* that this is not working sever your link with me immediately! Areya will hopefully protect me from whatever is in Xzerrion....*> > A Nemisis Split in a shape that seems totaly harmless arrives around > the corner of the building and then walks to the front. > > \#this Split can try to Immobilize him and Deal with the Weapon in > his hand, It may also attempt to Isolate him From the Sigil to > reduce the chance of a increase in the energies that have invaded > his system.#\ > > \#Indicate what you want it to do, when you want it done.#\ <*On my signal, grab Xzerrion's arms, immobilize him and disarm him. If you can also get that damned sigil away from him it might help.*> (I figure about here is where Roland and Morgan appear. I'll continue with this in my next response.) =========================== Date: Mon, 15 Sep 1997 23:38:15 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE3 : Meanwhile, down in the Abyss ... (very long) On Mon, 15 Sep 1997 23:34:52 -0700 (PDT) In Message # 00001536 fuzzy said: > On Mon, 15 Sep 1997 22:52:49 -0700 (PDT) In Message # 00001534 > "K. Ohanlon" said: > > Crow immediately grounds and centers, then reaches out to link with > Fuzzy, making sure that the link goes only to her, and that it will > not reach beyond her unless under her direction. <*I'll reach out to > him slowly. If you feel for the slightest *instant* that this is not > working sever your link with me immediately! Areya will hopefully > protect me from whatever is in Xzerrion....*> \As you say, Besides it would be no fun for you to be caught directly between the Light and the Dark at these amplitudes, Be Very carfull how much energy you invoke this way, Remember you will be dealing with however much you show me, and the Equal amount of Light. I know I'm probably over doing the cautions, but better safe than sorry.\ > <*On my signal, grab Xzerrion's arms, immobilize him and disarm him. > If you can also get that damned sigil away from him it might help.*> \#I will sheath him in my substance and Dissolve the Disrupter, moving myself out of the way of any contact you attempt to make as you make it. At this Amplitude I may not be able to compleatly contain any Magical strike he attempts but I will do my best to see that it is Directed away from you where in escapes.#\ > (I figure about here is where Roland and Morgan appear. I'll > continue with this in my next response.) =========================== Date: Mon, 15 Sep 1997 23:52:32 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE3 : Meanwhile, down in the Abyss ... (very long) On Tue, 16 Sep 1997 01:33:00 -0500 In Message # 00001537 Michael Jon Knight said: >On Mon, 15 Sep 1997 22:52:49 -0700 (PDT) In Message # 00001534 > "K. Ohanlon" said: ><*On my signal, grab Xzerrion's arms, immobilize him and disarm him. >If you can also get that damned sigil away from him it might help.*> > >(I figure about here is where Roland and Morgan appear. I'll continue >with this in my next response.) Pyewackett looks up at Xzerrion, golden white energy flaring briefly, as his collar translates "There's a _glitch_ in that _disruptor_. Lucky for us." =========================== Date: Tue, 16 Sep 1997 07:22:33 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE3 : Meanwhile, down in the Abyss... On Tue, 16 Sep 1997 07:13:59 -0700 (PDT) In Message # 00001540 "P. Campbell" said: On Mon, 15 Sep 1997, L.J. Wolfe wrote: > Roland smiles. *Well, _duh._ At least I don't have to damage any > of Xzerrion's clothing to undo this.* And slowly, carefully, Roland > wraps the sigil in psychokinetic energy and gently floats it away > from Xzerrion. A mental 'anchor' appears in the link for Xzerrion's > true thought patterns to 'grab' on to. *<*Xzerrion. We are here. You > are safe, you are with friends,*>* the two immortals send to the > weary Drow. As Roland starts to float away the sigil, the healers note a stretching in Xzerrion's mind, as if it had insinuated itself into the functioning of his body as well. Before completely removing it, they relize that seperating Xzerrion from the sigil at this point just might kill him unless something else is prepared to step in and replace it. =========================== Date: Tue, 16 Sep 1997 07:37:56 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE3 : Meanwhile, down in the Abyss ... (very long) On Tue, 16 Sep 1997 07:26:35 -0700 (PDT) In Message # 00001541 "P. Campbell" said: On Mon, 15 Sep 1997, Michael Jon Knight wrote: > Pyewackett looks up at Xzerrion, golden white energy flaring > briefly, as his collar translates "There's a _glitch_ in that > _disruptor_. Lucky for us." Xzerrion pulls the trigger as the disruptor turns towards Argent. However, the trigger snaps off. =========================== Date: Tue, 16 Sep 1997 08:17:47 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE3 : Meanwhile, down in the Abyss ... (very long) On Tue, 16 Sep 1997 08:07:09 PDT In Message # 00001542 "Caprice Davis" said: >On Tue, 16 Sep 1997 07:26:35 -0700 (PDT) In Message # 00001541 > "P. Campbell" said: > >Xzerrion pulls the trigger as the disruptor turns towards Argent. >However, the trigger snaps off. > >Caused by gating between dimensions, no doubt.> Argent moves quickly to duck. While she might not recognize this particular disruptor, she has become versed somewhat in high-tech weaponry in the battles of the past few days. When nothing happens, her next move is to keep Ak'hasta from going for Xzerrion's throat. ;) =========================== Date: Tue, 16 Sep 1997 09:08:18 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE3 : Meanwhile, down in the Abyss... On Tue, 16 Sep 1997 08:42:49 -0700 (PDT) In Message # 00001543 Nemisis said: > On Tue, 16 Sep 1997 07:13:59 -0700 (PDT) In Message # 00001540 > "P. Campbell" said: > > As Roland starts to float away the sigil, the healers note a > stretching in Xzerrion's mind, as if it had insinuated itself into > the functioning of his body as well. Before completely removing it, > they relize that seperating Xzerrion from the sigil at this point > just might kill him unless something else is prepared to step in and > replace it. \#I was afraid something like this had happened, While my Split can supply full Medical biosupport functions, I am unsure that alone is enough, according to my medical database Humanoid biofunctions do not always recover from this sort of trauma to the channels of life energy that drive the body#\ =========================== Date: Tue, 16 Sep 1997 12:07:48 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE3 : Meanwhile, down in the Abyss... On Tue, 16 Sep 1997 14:43:44 -0400 (EDT) In Message # 00001544 Shadow said: > On Tue, 16 Sep 1997 08:42:49 -0700 (PDT) In Message # 00001543 > Nemisis said: > > \#I was afraid something like this had happened, > While my Split can supply full Medical biosupport functions, > I am unsure that alone is enough, according to my medical database > Humanoid biofunctions do not always recover from this sort of trauma > to the channels of life energy that drive the body#\ A faint outline of a man forms behind Xzerrion, /I will attempt to keep him alive while you take care of this problem./ John's image starts to fade, /No rest for the dead.../ =========================== Date: Tue, 16 Sep 1997 12:08:03 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE3 : Meanwhile, down in the Abyss ... (very long) On Tue, 16 Sep 97 13:40:51 CDT In Message # 00001545 Mike Knight said: >On Tue, 16 Sep 1997 07:26:35 -0700 (PDT) In Message # 00001541 > "P. Campbell" said: > >Xzerrion pulls the trigger as the disruptor turns towards Argent. >However, the trigger snaps off. > >Caused by gating between dimensions, no doubt.> Well, whaddaya know? It disintigrated. /OOC> =========================== Date: Tue, 16 Sep 1997 13:38:00 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE3 : Meanwhile, down in the Abyss... On Tue, 16 Sep 1997 13:26:33 -0700 (PDT) In Message # 00001546 fuzzy said: > On Tue, 16 Sep 1997 14:43:44 -0400 (EDT) In Message # 00001544 > Shadow said: > > A faint outline of a man forms behind Xzerrion, /I will attempt to > keep him alive while you take care of this problem./ John's image > starts to fade, /No rest for the dead.../ \A thought wandered in for a visit... StarDragon would you be so kind as to reach 1 planetary rotation into the past and show us the energy patterns of this entity {image:Xzerrion} at that time. That will give us a detailed pattern of Xzerrion, from Before the duel with Drisonel. We are going to need every edge we can get our hands on...\ =========================== Date: Tue, 16 Sep 1997 17:38:00 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: Dragons and Felines On Tue, 16 Sep 1997 20:22:00 -0400 (EDT) In Message # 00001547 Dane0R0A@aol.com said: In a message dated 97-09-15 21:53:24 EDT, Fuzzy wrote: << \Sounds Ideal, Please create the planet, I will also need to be able to Visualize its relative position in order to activate the Dimensional shift correctly.\ \One slight Modification, If possible, Could you arrange a Global Network of Caves and Caverns In the Crust with only a few points of access to the surface, and those not near good Human habitats? or perhaps several such Networks each less than Global?\ >> The Stardragon begins expanding, then vanishes. It expands to encompass the entire planet of Quaren and moves forward in time to just before Quaren is destroyed. Then it extracts 1 cell from each plant and animal on the planet. It then pops out of the Quaren Universe into the other one that it had told Fuzzy about. Emerging in the star system it had identified it sweeps ALL the matter in the system except the star up into a single cloud. It expands to encompass the cloud and alters it to match the planet Quaren. It then takes all the plant cells and forces them to multiply and take form as seeds. It "plants" all the seeds in the corresponding locations on the new Quaren and accelerates time for each plant so that it is aged to the identical point as the original plant. Having established the plant life of the planet, it then takes the animal cells and performs equivilent acts upon them. It then establishes separate links with each animal mind and then reaches across the dimensions to the original Quaren and makes the same links to the original animals. It then copies the memories of the old animals to the new animals. Having copied Quaren down to the smallest one celled animal and or plant, and down to the smallest grain of sand. It now sets about creating the system of under-darks. On Global under-dark is created with sparse tunnels and chambers. Cells are aquired from other worlds to provide dark adapted plant (including fungi) life and animal life. Then individual regional under-darks are created that do not intersect the tunnels of the global one and the tunnels of which are NOT within reasonable tunneling distance. Entrances are created for both the global and regional systems which are within easy travel distance of each other, but are far distant from any surface structure. The nanite-city of Dibis is duplicated down to the last nanite and The Stardragon reaches across the dimensions to read the current programming of each nanite and to copy it to the new nanites (the nanites in the populace are not copied). The Stardragon takes 8 days (OOC:it doesn't work as fast as God does) to perform these tasks. Then it returns to Quaren on second after Fuzzy made his request. It sends /It is done. Is this OK?/ and Fuzzy sees a vision of all that The Stardragon did on the new Quaren. When the planet is formed The Stardragon gives Fuzzy the Multiverse coordinates of the universe and the space time coordinates and vectors of the new planet. /This planet is set up so that the inhabitants of Quaren will notice minimal differance from their current world at the point of transfer. Alright?/ =========================== Date: Tue, 16 Sep 1997 17:53:37 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE3 : Meanwhile, down in the Abyss ... (very long) On Tue, 16 Sep 1997 20:42:27 -0400 (EDT) In Message # 00001549 Dane0R0A@aol.com said: In a message dated 97-09-16 03:34:33 EDT, Pyewackett wrote: << Pyewackett looks up at Xzerrion, golden white energy flaring briefly, as his collar translates "There's a _glitch_ in that _disruptor_. Lucky for us." >> The Stardragon wanting to be sure nobody gets hurt and not wanting to alarm anyone, reaches down a small invisible tendril of its body and drains any remaining energy from the weapon. It then holds the tendril close to Crow's body in case it is necessary to shunt excess energies away or to provide more energy to her. (OOC: The tendril is there for you Crow you can use it as necessary) =========================== Date: Tue, 16 Sep 1997 18:08:06 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE3 : Meanwhile, down in the Abyss... On Tue, 16 Sep 1997 18:02:03 -0700 In Message # 00001551 Roland X said: >On Tue, 16 Sep 1997 07:13:59 -0700 (PDT) In Message # 00001540 > "P. Campbell" said: > >As Roland starts to float away the sigil, the healers note a >stretching in Xzerrion's mind, as if it had insinuated itself into >the functioning of his body as well. Before completely removing it, >they relize that seperating Xzerrion from the sigil at this point >just might kill him unless something else is prepared to step in and >replace it. "Roland, HOLD!" Morgan shouts, realizing the danger. "Eep!" Roland says, figuring out the threat at the exact same time. The sigil returns to Xzerrion's person. The immortals look at one another, and the others can tell that they're brainstorming, but they can't tell what the two are thinking because they're doing it at the speed of thought. A moment later, their eyes turn back to Xzerrion. Morgan's healing powers flow forth, combining with the Nemesis split and John's 'ghost' to maintain the Drow's life force, while Roland's telepathic powers offer stability for Xzerrion's mind. *Crow, if you can help me out in keeping Xzerrion's mind together, Morgan and I have an idea.* As Xzerrion's existence is maintained by the combined forces of the assembled Callahanians, Roland and Morgan begin to concentrate their powers in another direction. Morgan's magickal and spiritual energies meld with Roland's resonance powers, and they begin to 'exorcise' the demonic energy from Xzerrion's being, restoring his natural state. In theory, the sigil's control will be removed harmlessly. In practice, demons are notoriously unwilling to give up any influence they have managed to take... =========================== Date: Tue, 16 Sep 1997 18:08:22 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: Dragons and Felines On Tue, 16 Sep 1997 18:03:13 -0700 (PDT) In Message # 00001552 fuzzy said: > On Tue, 16 Sep 1997 20:22:00 -0400 (EDT) In Message # 00001547 > Dane0R0A@aol.com said: > > The nanite-city of Dibis is duplicated down to the last nanite and > The Stardragon reaches across the dimensions to read the current > programming of each nanite and to copy it to the new nanites (the > nanites in the populace are not copied). > The Stardragon takes 8 days (OOC:it doesn't work as fast as God > does) to perform these tasks. Then it returns to Quaren on second > after Fuzzy made his request. It sends /It is done. Is this OK?/ and > Fuzzy sees a vision of all that The Stardragon did on the new > Quaren. When the planet is formed The Stardragon gives Fuzzy the > Multiverse coordinates of the universe and the space time > coordinates and vectors of the new planet. /This planet is set up so > that the inhabitants of Quaren will notice minimal differance from > their current world at the point of transfer. Alright?/ \Perfect, Better than I could of known to ask for, Thank You!\ =========================== Date: Tue, 16 Sep 1997 18:42:46 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE3 : Meanwhile, down in the Abyss... On Tue, 16 Sep 1997 21:07:31 -0400 (EDT) In Message # 00001553 Dane0R0A@aol.com said: In a message dated 97-09-16 16:39:03 EDT, Fuzzy wrote: << \A thought wandered in for a visit... StarDragon would you be so kind as to reach 1 planetary rotation into the past and show us the energy patterns of this entity {image:Xzerrion} at that time. That will give us a detailed pattern of Xzerrion, from Before the duel with Drisonel. We are going to need every edge we can get our hands on...\ >> The Stardragon sends /OK./ It reaches back to the previous day and delicately (so it can not be felt) establishes a one way raport with Xzerion's mind, noting its basic patterns then reaches down to John and makes the same kind of linkage to his mind and makes Xzerion's past mind visible to to John. The Stardragon then establishes a power link to John and stands ready to provide whatever levels of psionic energy are needed. (OOC: remember The Stardragon just recently consumed MOST of a small universe. It currently has more raw power available than most gods). =========================== Date: Wed, 17 Sep 1997 02:37:39 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE3 : Meanwhile, down in the Abyss... On Wed, 17 Sep 1997 02:32:25 -0700 (PDT) In Message # 00001554 "K. Ohanlon" said: > On Tue, 16 Sep 1997 08:42:49 -0700 (PDT) In Message # 00001543 > Nemisis said: > > \#I was afraid something like this had happened, > While my Split can supply full Medical biosupport functions, > I am unsure that alone is enough, according to my medical database > Humanoid biofunctions do not always recover from this sort of trauma > to the channels of life energy that drive the body#\ <*Then do not attempt to remove the sigil just yet. But immobilizing Xzerrion physically would definitely be a good idea, whenever you feel you are ready Nemesis.*> The other CAoL members can feel the strain in Crow, both from exercising herself mentally, and from emotional stress. But underneath that, they can also feel the grim determination. No matter what, this is a battle she won't lose. =========================== Date: Wed, 17 Sep 1997 02:52:38 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE3 : Meanwhile, down in the Abyss... On Wed, 17 Sep 1997 02:43:20 -0700 (PDT) In Message # 00001555 "K. Ohanlon" said: > On Tue, 16 Sep 1997 14:43:44 -0400 (EDT) In Message # 00001544 > Shadow said: > > A faint outline of a man forms behind Xzerrion, /I will attempt to > keep him alive while you take care of this problem./ John's image > starts to fade, /No rest for the dead.../ <*Any help is appreciated, John. I'm going to try and cast a fairly basic spell, something that will hopefully cut back on the amount of influence this thing can use against us through Xzerrion.*> Through the link, the other CAoL'ers can almost 'hear' what Crow says next, but her words are indistinct. She is praying, on a seperate level than that which is currently connected to either the CAoL or to Xzerrion. She slowly reaches, seemingly into thin air, and pulls out a few items. A ring, with a silver band, and a translucent, sparkling stone set in it. The stone shifts colors, from a light pink, to a soft lavender, to ice blue. Still chanting, Crow puts the ring onto her right hand. Next, she draws forth a wand of rowan wood, twisted and spiralled in much the same manner as that of a unicorn's horn. Finally, she draws forth a vial that appears to be made of some kind of cut crystal, a clear liquid can be seen within the vial. Crow pauses for a moment, and sways, looking rather drawn. =========================== Date: Wed, 17 Sep 1997 03:16:03 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE3 : Meanwhile, down in the Abyss ... (very long) On Wed, 17 Sep 1997 03:12:09 -0700 (PDT) In Message # 00001556 "K. Ohanlon" said: > On Tue, 16 Sep 1997 20:42:27 -0400 (EDT) In Message # 00001549 > Dane0R0A@aol.com said: > > The Stardragon wanting to be sure nobody gets hurt and not wanting > to alarm anyone, reaches down a small invisible tendril of its body > and drains any remaining energy from the weapon. It then holds the > tendril close to Crow's body in case it is necessary to shunt excess > energies away or to provide more energy to her. > (OOC: The tendril is there for you Crow you can use it as necessary) Crow gratefully reaches out to the energy tendril, though recalling exactly *how* powerful Stardragon is... <*Please, my friend, keep this a very limited amount of energy unless I call for more. I'm a bit sore from already channelling more energy than I knew existed in the entire multiverse... another tale for another time.*> =========================== Date: Wed, 17 Sep 1997 03:16:11 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE3 : Meanwhile, down in the Abyss... On Wed, 17 Sep 1997 03:12:41 -0700 (PDT) In Message # 00001557 Nemisis said: > On Wed, 17 Sep 1997 02:32:25 -0700 (PDT) In Message # 00001554 > "K. Ohanlon" said: > > <*Then do not attempt to remove the sigil just yet. But immobilizing > Xzerrion physically would definitely be a good idea, whenever you > feel you are ready Nemesis.*> The Nemisis Split becomes a pool of silvery metal which flows very rapidly to Xzerrion's feet, less than a second later Xzerrion is inside a skin tight rigid suit of metal that resists magical penetration. \#The Sigil is in a seperate containment but the connections between it and Xzerrion are being Maintained for now. the Physical structure is several times stronger than a good titanium alloy#\ =========================== Date: Wed, 17 Sep 1997 03:16:20 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE3 : Meanwhile, down in the Abyss... On Wed, 17 Sep 1997 03:13:35 -0700 (PDT) In Message # 00001558 "K. Ohanlon" said: > On Tue, 16 Sep 1997 18:02:03 -0700 In Message # 00001551 > Roland X said: > > A moment later, their eyes turn back to Xzerrion. Morgan's > healing powers flow forth, combining with the Nemesis split > and John's 'ghost' to maintain the Drow's life force, while > Roland's telepathic powers offer stability for Xzerrion's mind. > *Crow, if you can help me out in keeping Xzerrion's mind > together, Morgan and I have an idea.* Keeping her thoughts tightly shielded from Xzerrion, <*I think I can help reach into his mind, keep the Xzerrion I know together. What's your idea?*> > As Xzerrion's existence is maintained by the combined > forces of the assembled Callahanians, Roland and Morgan > begin to concentrate their powers in another direction. > Morgan's magickal and spiritual energies meld with Roland's > resonance powers, and they begin to 'exorcise' the demonic > energy from Xzerrion's being, restoring his natural state. In > theory, the sigil's control will be removed harmlessly. In > practice, demons are notoriously unwilling to give up any > influence they have managed to take... Crow feels the efforts of Roland and Morgan. <*Areya bless you both. That's about what I had in mind.*> Still linked to Fuzzy, and now also to the small tendril from Stardragon, Crow's energy is enough that she can now do what she needs to. She steels her mind, preparing it for encountering demonic forces. At the same time, she removes the lid from the crystal vial, and grasps the rowan wand in her left hand, holding the vial in her right. <*Nemesis, grab and immobilize Xzerrion, NOW.*> (assuming the split does so, and does so moderately successfully.) Crow steps closer to Xzerrion, she gazes deep into his eyes, and sees the forces warring there. The demon glares out at Crow, and underneath and behind that horrifying sight, Xzerrion gazes at her in a mute plea for help. Crow closes her eyes, scared to her core, then draws strength from the companions around her. She softly starts a chant again, this time aloud. It is in no language that any of the CAoL would necessarily recognize. The demon within Xzerrion glares at her even more malevolently, but Crow ignores this. She reaches out, and touches the side of Xzerrion's face, while at the same time leaning the wand of rowan against him. The wand glows with an inner fire. So does the liquid within the crystal vial, and still chanting, Crow splashes Xzerrion liberally with the liquid. (OOC: insert appropriate reactions here. Basically Crow used her holy symbol and holy water, she's calling on Areya, trying to cast a Protection from Evil spell on Xzerrion. She doesn't expect it to cast out the demon, but she does expect it to stop the demon from turning Xzerrion against the CAoL, or from corrupting him any further. And Paul, at this point, Crow's recovered enough to be acting at priest level 6. AD&D for the curious. :) ) Spell completed, Crow slowly beings to reach into Xzerrion's mind, shielding herself against the demon, reaching for the parts of his mind that are still recognizably Xzerrion. <*Xzerrion, shield-mate, I'm here. We are all here, please, hold on, reach for me...*> =========================== Date: Wed, 17 Sep 1997 03:33:57 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE3 : Meanwhile, down in the Abyss... On Wed, 17 Sep 1997 03:17:53 -0700 (PDT) In Message # 00001559 "K. Ohanlon" said: > On Tue, 16 Sep 1997 21:07:31 -0400 (EDT) In Message # 00001553 > Dane0R0A@aol.com said: > > The Stardragon sends /OK./ It reaches back to the previous day and > delicately (so it can not be felt) establishes a one way raport with > Xzerion's mind, noting its basic patterns then reaches down to John ^^^^ > and makes the same kind of linkage to his mind and makes Xzerion's > past mind visible to to John. The Stardragon then establishes a ^^^^ > power link to John and stands ready to provide whatever levels of ^^^^ (OOC: Erm, Stardragon, I think you meant Fuzzy, not John. Since it was Fuzzy who originally requested the mind pattern of Xzerrion....) > (OOC: remember The Stardragon just recently consumed MOST of a > small universe. It currently has more raw power available than most > gods). (OOC: *grin* Definitely keep the power link small to Crow, she really doesn't need any more mental burnout. Yes, i will finish writing about what happened to her away from the CAoL, but time's been fairly limited lately. :P) =========================== Date: Wed, 17 Sep 1997 03:34:06 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE3 : Meanwhile, down in the Abyss... On Wed, 17 Sep 1997 03:31:15 -0700 (PDT) In Message # 00001560 fuzzy said: > On Wed, 17 Sep 1997 03:13:35 -0700 (PDT) In Message # 00001558 > "K. Ohanlon" said: > > <*Nemesis, grab and immobilize Xzerrion, NOW.*> > > (assuming the split does so, and does so moderately successfully.) The Nemisis Split will clear off the eyes and move out of the way of Crow's actions fast enough to seem like a illusion as far as any interferance with Crow's activities. =========================== Date: Wed, 17 Sep 1997 03:47:24 -0700 (PDT) Subject: OOC: Re: AAE3 : Meanwhile, down in the Abyss... On Wed, 17 Sep 1997 03:44:52 -0700 (PDT) In Message # 00001561 fuzzy said: > On Wed, 17 Sep 1997 03:17:53 -0700 (PDT) In Message # 00001559 > "K. Ohanlon" said: > > (OOC: Erm, Stardragon, I think you meant Fuzzy, not John. Since it > was Fuzzy who originally requested the mind pattern of Xzerrion....) Fuzzy requested it but it is for the use of those who can actively Do something to aid in identifying what is and is not Xzerrion in that mess. =========================== Date: Wed, 17 Sep 1997 11:39:45 -0700 (PDT) Subject: Re: AAE3 : Meanwhile, down in the Abyss... On Wed, 17 Sep 1997 11:06:43 -0700 (PDT) In Message # 00001566 "P. Campbell" said: > On Wed, 17 Sep 1997 03:13:35 -0700 (PDT) In Message # 00001558 > "K. Ohanlon" said: > > Still linked to Fuzzy, and now also to the small tendril from > Stardragon, Crow's energy is enough that she can now do what she > needs to. She steels her mind, preparing it for encountering demonic > forces. At the same time, she removes the lid from the crystal vial, > and grasps the rowan wand in her left hand, holding the vial in her > right. > > <*Nemesis, grab and immobilize Xzerrion, NOW.*> There is an unearthly scream as Xzerrion's body attempts to struggle. However, despite the angry red glow in his eyes, what remains of Xzerrion's mind is preventing any spellcasting attempts by the demon maintaining control while Nemesis holds his body. > Crow steps closer to Xzerrion, she gazes deep into his eyes, and > sees the forces warring there. The demon glares out at Crow, and > underneath and behind that horrifying sight, Xzerrion gazes at her > in a mute plea for help. Crow closes her eyes, scared to her core, > then draws strength from the companions around her. She softly > starts a chant again, this time aloud. It is in no language that any > of the CAoL would necessarily recognize. The demon within Xzerrion > glares at her even more malevolently, but Crow ignores this. She > reaches out, and touches the side of Xzerrion's face, while at the > same time leaning the wand of rowan against him. The wand glows with > an inner fire. So does the liquid within the crystal vial, and still > chanting, Crow splashes Xzerrion liberally with the liquid. The liquid sizzles, and the tip of the wand momentarily smokes, but the protections set by Crow snap into place, sealing off Xzerrion's mind from further influence from the sigil. > Spell completed, Crow slowly beings to reach into Xzerrion's mind, > shielding herself against the demon, reaching for the parts of his > mind that are still recognizably Xzerrion. <*Xzerrion, shield-mate, > I'm here. We are all here, please, hold on, reach for me...*> Crow senses a tendril of what is unquestionably Xzerrion's mind reach through the CAoL link towards her, sensing a connection to an incredible power. <* Crow ... my lady ... I know what needs to be done. If the power from that link can be channelled to me, I can force out the sigil link. But *do not* let whatever is in my mind have access to it or see what is being done. Give me a ground.> The voice pauses, weak but determined. <*And if I fail, there will be nothing in me but this creature. If that happens, please kill me. *> ===========================