The Force of Nature - Part 2

[Swift]

Swift, Zara, Erasmus, DungeonMistress - played by Swift
Jafar - played by Jafar
Jigen - played by Jigen
Kreesha - played by LN

Chapter 1 - Still Missing

<DungeonMistress> (ok, for part two, we start from erasmus' place. this is where all four talismans have been recovered and destroyed, and erasmus is recovering)
 
* Kreesha makes an appearance
 
<Erasmus> Kreesha, I'm surprised to see you here! *cough cough*
<Kreesha> Night has not been found yet, so you're needed back in Tarna to try and save him
 
* Swift sighs

<Swift> Could I have a moment with Erasmus please? I'll join you shortly

* Jafar nods

<Erasmus> It's ok, dear. I'm getting *cough* better. Go. You're needed in Tarna. A Hero's work is never done, I always *cough cough cough* say
<Swift> Very well, teacher. I'll see you soon. Well, Jafar, let's go
<Jafar> Don't worry about him. He'll be fully recovered in no time

* Zara is having a conversation with Jigen when Swift and Jafar entered the main hall
* Swift nods

<Swift> Thanks
<Zara> Ah, Jafar, Swift. Jigen will be joining you in your rescue operation
<Swift> Good. Welcome aboard, Jigen
<Jafar> Nice to be working with you again
<Jigen> Likewise Jafar

* Jafar shakes Jigen's hand
* Zara opens a portal

<Zara> This will take all of you back to Tarna
<Jigen> Oh mean I hate these things
<Swift> You do? How come?
<Zara> This is the fastest way to get there
<Jafar> I always feel a little funny going through them, but they never bothered me
<Jigen> It feels like my breakfast is trying to get out 'horizontally'. That and it plays havoc with my ears
<Zara> Just step in the portal

* Jafar wonders something...

<Jigen> Yeah, yeah, yeah I'm going, I'm going

* Swift steps in the portal
* Jigen jumps through the portal

[Swift]

Night - played by LN
Eavesdropper - played by Swift
BG1_-_Joe - played by Jigen for first part, and by Jafar for second part
Bad_Guy2 - played by Jafar

Chapter 2 - The Plan

<Eavesdropper> Gah! I-I wasn't expecting you to show up. What brings you here?

* Eavesdropper smiles nervously

<Bad_Guy2> We were sent to find out why you are taking so long
<Eavesdropper> Would you like some tea?
<BG1_-_Joe> So what's up? Yeah okay, white three sugars
<Eavesdropper> Oh fine, I'll tell you. It's taking longer than expected because the stupid thief who was working for me betrayed me. No worries though. I'll get it soon. I'm using that traitor as bait to get it
<BG1_-_Joe> So pick better people next time
<Bad_Guy2> You'd better get it soon. Remember, the Master does not like such long delays...

* Eavesdropper gulps

<Eavesdropper> Soon! I promise!
<BG1_-_Joe> Yeah, yeah, yeah. So what's the plan when they show up, Bass-man said you'd need muscle
<Eavesdropper> You-you're jjj-joining me? But I don't need any extra help

* Night starts trying to cut himself out with his ebony dagger

<BG1_-_Joe> Big guy once the job done right, he figures many hands make light work
<Eavesdropper> No offense, but you'll just be a burden

* Eavesdropper curses silently

<BG1_-_Joe> *points to the orb* What's he doing?
<Bad_Guy2> You've been taking your time with this

* Night stops
* Eavesdropper thinks 'I need to shake them off if I am to get the artifact for myself!'
* Night taps on glass to make a tune

<Eavesdropper> Who cares what he does! He can't get out
 
* Eavesdropper growls
 
<BG1_-_Joe> *folds arms* Just checking

* Eavesdropper turns to the orb and yells "Stop making noise, dammit! Can't you see I'm busy?"
* Eavesdropper turns back

<Eavesdropper> Now where were we?

* Night smiles

<Eavesdropper> Ah yes, my rejecting your offer
<BG1_-_Joe> So like I said, what's the go when his friends turn up to rescue him?
<Eavesdropper> Tell the Master I have it all worked out, and he'll get the artifact shortly
 
* BG1_-_Joe grabs eavesdropper by the collar

<Eavesdropper> ah!

* Eavesdropper chatters teeth

<Eavesdropper> Gah! Put me down!
<BG1_-_Joe> You deaf kid? Boss sent us to make sure this doesn't take any longer than it already has, and like it or not you're stuck with us
<Eavesdropper> Fine then! Now put me down!

* BG1_-_Joe lets go of the little scamp
* Night stabs orb with dagger
 
<Eavesdropper> That's better
<Bad_Guy2> Besides, someone as incompetent is you needs someone to keep tabs on him

* Eavesdropper mutters some obscenities under breath

<Eavesdropper> Alright then, here's the plan
<BG1_-_Joe> Finally
<Eavesdropper> We'll send them a note. Telling them that if they want to see their friend again, they'll meet us in the savanna at 1am

* BG1_-_Joe_ is now known as BG1_-_Joe

<Eavesdropper> with the artifact

* Night hops up and down

<Eavesdropper> Or he dies. As heroes, they'll fall for it
<BG1_-_Joe> Good, pick a spot with good hiding places

* BG1_-_Joe kicks Night's orb across the room
* Night mutters
* Night walks toward the door/exit

<Eavesdropper> Hey! Watch it! You could break that!
 
* Eavesdropper grabs the orb
* Eavesdropper puts orb back on the table

<Eavesdropper> WE need him as insurance. Ok, as soon as we get the artifact, you two attack them

* Night looks for any cracks BG1 may have made

<BG1_-_Joe> We need the threat of killing him as insurance, if we're only going to knock off the heroes anyway we may as well dispose of him now
<Eavesdropper> We need them to know their precious friend is still alive or they won't make the trade

* Night makes a high  pitched yell, and throws himself against the side of the orb

<Eavesdropper> *grumbles* numbskull
<BG1_-_Joe> Ah fine

* Night sings

<Eavesdropper> *to the orb* Shut up!

* Night sings louder
* BG1_-_Joe starts juggling the orb

<Eavesdropper> Shut up! Shut up! SHUT UP!
<BG1_-_Joe> this should make him sick enough to shut up

* Night rams the side of the orb, hoping to throw it off balance
* BG1_-_Joe starts playing foot bag with the orb
* Night sings louder, with assorted yells thrown in
<DungeonMistress> Night's plan worked. The orb is thrown off balance

* Night sees the ground getting closer

<DungeonMistress> It falls to the ground, shattering into a million pieces, freeing Night

* Night yells

<BG1_-_Joe> Get HIM!

* BG1_-_Joe takes a swing at night's jaw
* Night grows to full size, breaking the wood over his head
* Eavesdropper gasps

<Night> ow
<Eavesdropper> Get him!

* Night runs
* Bad_Guy2 gives chase
* BG1_-_Joe gives chase
* Night throws random objects while running to the exit
* Night continues singing
* BG1_-_Joe keeps running
* Bad_Guy2 dodges most, but trips over one

<Bad_Guy2> Urgh!

* BG1_-_Joe reaches into his jacket for a throwing knife
* Night  jumps to the wall, then the ceiling, then lands behind BG1
* Night grabs the knife
* Night being stubborn, doesn't let go of the knife
* BG1_-_Joe punches Night in the face
* Night finds that he's holding onto something other than a knife
* Night falls
* BG1_-_Joe discards the knife and dives on the fallen Night

<BG1_-_Joe> BG2! A little help here?

* Night holds up dagger and points it toward BG

<Eavesdropper> Get him! Make yourselves useful!
<Bad_Guy1> Hey, he was YOUR prisoner
<Eavesdropper> You two insist on helping me, so do it!

* Bad_Guy1 struggles with Night, trying to take the dagger
* Night sings, and hits his head against BG1

<Eavesdropper> And don't kill him! We need him alive!

* Night sings louder
 
<Eavesdropper> Stop singing, you twit!

* Bad_Guy1 loses his grip on Night

<Bad_Guy1> ARGH! That noise!

* Eavesdropper covers ears

<Night> MY BONNIE LIES OVER THE OCEAN!

* Night runs for the door, wobbling from dizziness
* Eavesdropper attempts to hit Night with a force bolt, but misses completely, hitting BG2

<Eavesdropper> **** it! He's gotten away. And it's all your fault!
<Bad_Guy1> Hmmph. We don't need him anyway

* Night while  still running, trying to get some distance between them, covers ears in an effort to stop his voice ringing in them

[Swift]

Sayon - played by The Hero
Voice - played by Swift
The Vampire - played by Jafar

Chapter 3 - Out of the Frying Pan...

<Eavesdropper> You useless thugs!

* Eavesdropper runs after Night
* Night continues running and stumbling

<Eavesdropper> Get back here you... you animal!

* Night runs faster
* Night climbs up a tree

<DungeonMistress> Eavesdropper hurls a lightning bolt at the tree, which snaps it in two

* Night yells
* Night jumps to another
* Night continues jumping from tree to tree, hoping to gain distance
* Eavesdropper hurls another lightning bolt at the tree Night is on, which breaks into two and falls to the ground
* Night takes to the ground running, only to find that the ground isn't quite as solid as it seemed

<DungeonMistress> The ground gives way, causing Night to fall into a huge hole

* Night tries to grab on to a piece of ground during his fall, only for it to crumble in his hand

<Swift> Any news as to where Night is? And who's he?

* Swift looks at Sayon

<Kreesha> no, none at all

* Swift waves in front of Sayon

<Swift> Who are you? Hello?
<Kreesha> He's Sayon
<Swift> I see. Very quiet fellow, isn't he? He's here to help us find Night as well?
<Kreesha> Yes
<Swift> That's good, I suppose
<Kreesha> As soon as I get rid of that nasty sore throat of his...

* Kreesha forces a spoonful of oil into Sayon's mouth

<Swift> Oh, so that explains it!
<sayon> aH

* sayon casts float

<Swift> Welcome aboard, Sayon. I see that you're a wizard. Am I correct?
<sayon> Yes
<Swift> Where do you hail from?
<sayon> Mordovia
<Swift> Spooky place
<sayon> Yes
<Swift> I don't really have fond memories of Modavia. That's where some of the strangest things happen
<sayon> It was a happy place before the dark one came

* Swift whispers to Jafar 'Good thing we got our bodies back, huh?'
* Jafar whispers "Don't remind me..."

<Swift> Kreesha, why can't we scry for Night?
<Kreesha> A talk, dark being, with eyes as black as night, and fangs...
<Swift> Who's that?
<sayon> Vampires ahhhhhhhhh

* Swift gives Sayon a look, before rolling her eyes

<Swift> If this is the help we're getting, we're in serious trouble

* Kreesha falls over, unconscious

<sayon> Sorry. bad memories

* Swift rushes to Kreesha

<Swift> Kreesha! Are you ok? Wake up!

* Jafar rushes to Kreesha

<Jafar> I think she's alright... Yeah, she should be fine when she wakes up

* sayon casts first aid on kreesha

<Swift> That's good. I have a feeling this rescue operation just got more sinister
<sayon> I traind with erana

<DungeonMistress> Night awakens to find himself in a tunnel. The leaves beneath you must have absorbed some of the impact. the walls leading to the hole from which you fell don't provide much support for climbing up

* Night looks around, and seeing no other direction to go, and knowing who is close behind... walks down the tunnel

<DungeonMistress> As you walk further down, you notice an unusual looking door

* Night studys the door

<DungeonMistress> It's locked, but the lock looks non-magical.
<Night> hehe

* Night starts picking the lock

<DungeonMistress> You hear the sound of a click. Success!

* Night smirks
* Night opens the door, and walks in

<DungeonMistress> You see stone walls and a dusty marble floor. The room is dimly lit with torches. Just ahead you see what appears to be dried blood on the floor near a large and heavy door

* Night looks around the room, for anything of use... or worth
* Night taps the marble, and hears an echo
* Night smells of the blood, hoping to be able to identify it

<DungeonMistress> To the west, there's a large portrait of a man. His skin appears to be white, but it's of a pale, sickly kind. His eyes seem to follow you wherever you go

* Night finds that it's an unfamiliar smell
* Night walks from side to side... watching the eyes
* Night moves closer

<DungeonMistress> The eyes seem to follow you for a second, and then they stop moving

* Night taps the eyes

<DungeonMistress> Someone screams from the other side of the painting. Suddenly, you hear a crashing sound from where you entered

* Night tears through the painting
* Night looks around

<DungeonMistress> You only see an empty room on the other side

* Night walks around the room... feeling for a pathway

<DungeonMistress> You hear the sound of footsteps approaching, and a familiar voice
<voice> Curse that cat! When I get my hands on him, i'll beat him up first before trapping him in that stupid sphere again

* Night knowing it's to late to leave the room, hides in an upper corner of the room, hoping not to be noticed
* Eavesdropper walks around
* Eavesdropper notices footprints on the dusty marble floor

<Eavesdropper> Well, well, well. Our cat friend is nearby. My luck must be changing!

* Night pulls his dagger out, waiting for him
* Eavesdropper studies the footprints

<Eavesdropper> hmm

* Night thinks to himself "just a little closer..."

<Eavesdropper> They lead right into this painting!

* Eavesdropper cautiously walks towards the painting
* Night sees the shadow, and prepares himself
* Eavesdropper peers withint the torn painting
* The_Vampire appears behind the evesdropper in a cloud of smoke
* Night's heart pounds

<Eavesdropper> curses! where are you, you filthy animal?
<The_Vampire> Who are you?

* Eavesdropper jumps and turns around
* Night freezes in shock, of hearing another voice

<The_Vampire> Why have you disturbed my sleep?
<Eavesdropper> Who are you?! You-you own this place? I'm..I'm ... I'm llloooking for the intruder who broke into yourr place
<The_Vampire> I sensed your intrusion and awoke from my dark sleep
<Eavesdropper> The door was wide open when I arrived
<The_Vampire> You are an intruder. Leave this place now
<Eavesdropper> Only because I'm looking for the one who broke in! Look at the footprints! Do they look human to you?

* The_Vampire studies the footprints

<The_Vampire> .....
<Eavesdropper> Someone else is in here, and I can help you look for that intruder

* Night curses his lack of proper footwear

<The_Vampire> I need no help from intruders. I shall seek the other out myself. Leave now, or else. It has been a long time since my last meal and you look like you might do in a pinch

* Eavesdropper gulps

<Eavesdropper> Right away!

* Eavesdropper runs off

[Paladin0707077]

SorceressSwift/Kreesha/DM - Swift
Markas/Shakra – Corsair
Delor – Lord Bierhoff
sayon – The Hero
Jafar – *his evil twin*
Azure - Ignus

Chapter 4: Crouching Liontaur, Hidden Demon

* Delor wanders into the group

<Delor> Hi guys
<SorceressSwift> We never fail to run into each other, do we?
<Jigen> Hey Del
<Delor> What are we up to today?

* A tall liontaur runs into the room, screeching to a halt. He glares at all humans present. And Swift, too.

<Markas> Is this pack of mongrels the best doctors they could find?

* SorceressSwift glares at Markas
* Markas glares right back.

<Jigen> Makras, never miss a good opportunity to shut up
<SorceressSwift> Who are you?
<Markas> I am Markas, the Apprentice of Kreesha.

<DungeonMistress> Jafar senses something sinister in the room, but he can't pinpoint the source

<Markas> If you are not her doctors, what is your business with her? She is gravely ill, or so I have heard.
<SorceressSwift> I see. Kreesha will be all right
<Jafar> It's hard to believe she'd train a jerk like you
<Jigen> Amen
<SorceressSwift> It's amazing how fast news fly
<Markas> It's hard to believe you humans could be so foolish.
<SorceressSwift> She was only unconscious a while ago
<sayon> What’s wrong Jafar?
<Delor> Yup, I'm da’ bestest doc around!
<Jigen> We haven't done anything yet, how have we been foolish
<Markas> I was one of the first informed, as I am one of the few besides her able to operate her pool.
<Markas> Now, if you will excuse me, I have a message to send.

* Delor chuckles

<Markas> Grah. That fool guard forgot to tell me where he is...
<Markas> I don't suppose any of you...people know where Lord Rakeesh is.
<sayon> I think in Silmaria
<sayon> Still...
<SorceressSwift> Yes, he should be in Silmaria
<Markas> Good. I needed to contact there anyway to talk to Shakra.
<SorceressSwift> Now if you would stop wasting our time, we have important work to carry out for Kreesha

* Tendrils of flame stretch out from his hands and touch the pool.

<Markas> C'mon Shakra, answer the pool..

* SorceressSwift examines Kreesha again

<Delor> Sweet
<sayon> She’s fine swift

* Delor stands riveted watching the flames

<SorceressSwift> I know...
<SorceressSwift> It's just... I can't figure out how she passed out

* Jafar frowns

<SorceressSwift> One minute she was fine, and the next she says something cryptic before passing out

* Shakra appears in the pool

<Shakra> Markas? What is it?
<SorceressSwift> Like she was possessed or something..
<SorceressSwift> And, if Sayon's right, she was describing a vampire
<Markas> Your mother Kreesha. She's injured. I need you to tell your father the information, and come right away if you can.
<SorceressSwift> She's NOT INJURED!
<Shakra> What? Very well, I will get my father and be there as soon as possible.
<SorceressSwift> Will you stop trying to bring unnecessary panic?
<sayon> I can go
<Markas> She's lying unconscious on the floor. That's injured to me.
<SorceressSwift> Look, she's not injured
<SorceressSwift> She just passed out
<Markas> Bah. She's passed out, and she hasn't been hitting the Tarnan wine. I would know.

* sayon casts float on Markas

<Markas> Now, I don't suppose any of you have made a diagnosis.
<SorceressSwift> It was something magical which possessed her for a brief second
<SorceressSwift> But it didn't injure her!
<SorceressSwift> Does she look injured to you?!
<Markas> It could be a magical sickness.
<sayon> Swift, want me to set his feet on fire?
<Markas> Set my feet on fire, and I'll set you on fire.

* A globe of flame appears over Markas’ hands, writhing and twisting.

<SorceressSwift> There'll be no fighting!
<Markas> Excellent.

* Markas begins murmuring quietly.

<Jafar> Knock it off, Markas

* Markas casts Detect Magic

<Markas> I doubt I'll sense anything very conclusive, considering Kreesha's power, but..you never know.
<SorceressSwift> You know what? I think we should go
<Markas> Begone, then.
<SorceressSwift> *whispers to Jafar* It's tough to concentrate with that lunatic causing trouble
<sayon> Swift, can you teleport me to Mordovia?
<SorceressSwift> Sayon, I don't have such powers
<SorceressSwift> I'm afraid you're stuck here for now
<Markas> If you need to get there quickly, there's only one person in the area who can send you. Unfortunately, she's unconscious. So, if you want to make transit to Mordavia, you'll have to help me.
<SorceressSwift> Well then. Sayon, you'll stay with Markas.
<sayon> How so?
<Markas> *mutters quietly to himself* At least you make decent beasts of burden.
<SorceressSwift> Delor, Jafar and I will carry out the mission we were assigned

* SorceressSwift walks out
* Jafar follows Swift

<sayon> Hehe perfect…

* sayon mutters to self

<DungeonMistress> As soon as Jafar stepped out of the room, the
sinister feeling disappears

<Jafar> Hmmm....
<SorceressSwift> What is it, Jafar?
<sayon> (as they leave) Haha, don’t worry, we will be fine
<Jafar> I felt something back in the room
<Markas> I have this feeling that I'm being watched..
<SorceressSwift> What did you feel?
<Markas> Stop staring at me, Sayon.
<Jafar> Something...wrong...
<Jafar> I don't feel it anymore

<sayon> Now, Markas, what can I do for ya?

<Jafar> Maybe it was just Markas' attitude

* Jafar chuckles

<Markas> Are you trained in the conventional arts of magic?
<sayon> Yes

* Markas seems to be getting control of his tongue, though he has a bitter sound in his voice.

<sayon> I trained with Erana

<SorceressSwift> You know, with Kreesha unconscious like that, I didn't feel comfortable leaving her in the presence of a stranger and a crazy liontaur, but now that you've mentioned that as well, I don't think we should leave them at all

<Markas> Eranah..hmm, Impressive.

<SorceressSwift> Maybe we should go spy on them

<Markas> The Faeries are supposed to have impressive magical capabilities. Can you sense any strange magic in Kreesha?

<Jafar> Good idea

* SorceressSwift casts invisibility on Jafar, and on self

<SorceressSwift> Now, be very careful
<SorceressSwift> Just because they can't see us, doesn't mean they can't hear us
<SorceressSwift> And leave when I tell you to

* Jafar nods

<sayon> A very evil force

<Jafar> Right

* SorceressSwift creeps back in

<Markas> Oh, good...
<Markas> What is this "Force" doing?
<sayon> Trying to control her
<Markas> ..My worst fears come true..

<DungeonMistress> As soon as Jafar steps right into the room, the sinister presence returns

<Markas> A Demon.

* Markas grasps at the staff thrust through his belt.

<Markas> Funny..I always thought a Shaper was greater than a mage for complete mastery over an element.
<Markas> Now in 5 minutes I've wished I had been trained as a Mage, and then a Paladin..

* SorceressSwift watches

<sayon> Erana once taught me her banishment spell

* He half carries, half drags Kreesha onto the symbol of the Wizard's Eye at the center of the room.

<Markas> I have a feeling this is no mere demon. Perhaps I am just pessimistic, though.

* SorceressSwift whispers “Banishment spell?”
* sayon flicks his fingers, and tendrils of purple flame strech over the symbol, lighting up every piece of it.

<Markas> Strange, though..Kreesha never mentioned a spell of Banishment to me.
<sayon> Huh? Someone watches us!
<Markas> Still, Erana was a power in her own right, she probably knew many spells that my old master did not.
<Markas> Those flames should activate the rune on the floor, creating a circle of protection. It's supposed to keep things out, but it should work to keep her in if the demon gets control.
<SorceressSwift> *whispers* Markas is just insane. There's no demon
<Markas> You know, I almost wish it would possess her fully and get the waiting over with.
<sayon> As you wish
<Jafar> *whispers* Even if there isn't, there's something wrong
<Markas> Eh?
<SorceressSwift> *whispers* you still sense it?

* Distrust appears in Markas' eyes

<sayon> This ends here
<Markas> Oh boy.

* A sword of red flame appears in Markas’ left hand, while his right holds his staff.

<SorceressSwift> *whispers* Huh?
<Markas> I knew there was something funny about you.
<sayon> Haha
<sayon> Now you suffer!
<Markas> Prepare to suffer the wrath of the Liontaurs, Demon!
<sayon> Demon raise again!

* A feral battle cry erupts from Markas, and a jet of flame erupts from his staff, heading towards sayon.
* SorceressSwift casts Polymorph on sayon
* SorceressSwift is now visible

<sayon> AGH!!

* Markas raises his blade above his head and brings it down as fast as he can towards sayon.
* Jafar decides to wait before revealing himself

<DungeonMistress> sayon is now a sheep

<SorceressSwift> Wait!
<SorceressSwift> He's a sheep now!

* Without any agility whatsoever in sheep form, Markas' blade scores across his fleece, filling the room with a disgusting burning odor, and turning sayon back into his "Normal form"

<SorceressSwift> Not anymore...
<Markas> For the Honor of Tarna! Hyaargh!

* Markas' fireblade darts towards sayon's chest.
* sayon casts protect on self

<sayon> Not so fast!

* Markas’ blade punches through, but doesn't manage to even touch sayon. Smoke fills the room, and his blade goes out.

<Markas> Help me, Wizard!
<SorceressSwift> Oh, so *now* you want my help, huh?

* Markas brings his staff around in an uppercut blow, forming a short spike of extremely intense heat at the tip.
* SorceressSwift casts slow on sayon
* sayon casts time freeze
* Jafar draws his Paladin Sword
* SorceressSwift is temporarily frozen in time
* sayon takes Jafar’s sword

<sayon> Alright!

* Markas' mouth gapes open as time slows to a crawl for everyone save sayon, then halts. Just before a fly goes into Markas' mouth in slow-mo.

<Markas> Ah.

* sayon calls a demon forth

<DungeonMistress> The time spell fades off

* Markas finishes the lunge, the fiery spike almost seeming to pulse with delight as it nears sayon

<SorceressSwift> You go after Sayon! I'll handle the demon!

* sayon casts float on Markas
* SorceressSwift casts arcane missiles at the demon

<Markas> The Runes should hold it long enough.

* Markas goes into the air, his spike going high above sayon.

<SorceressSwift> Jafar, get the artifact!

* Markas drops his staff then holds his hands out, all ten fingers pointing at sayon. Suddenly, a series of small fireblasts come at sayon from his hands.
* SorceressSwift casts arcane missiles at sayon
* sayon gets injured
* sayon falls in pain
* Jafar rushes to the shelf where the Artifact is
* Markas Summons a blue spike of fire and sends it at sayon.

<Jafar> Don't do anything funny this time...

* Jafar takes the artifact
* SorceressSwift finishes off sayon by blasting him with Blizzard

<sayon> Agh..

<DungeonMistress> The combined powers of Markas and Swift kills off sayon

<DungeonMistress> The demon he summoned is still there

* sayon’s demon energy exits sayon
* Markas' spike burns a hole through the spinal column of sayon, then tears through a lung and punches out again, then vanishes.
* Markas falls to the floor, but recovers quickly.

<Markas> I don't suppose anyone brought a dispel potion.
<SorceressSwift> Let me get this straight. The demon can't attack as long as the runes are there?

* SorceressSwift hands Markas a dispel potion

<Markas> Sure, the runes are powerful enough to hold it there.
<SorceressSwift> So what do we do with it?
<Markas> The problem is with demons, is that the longer they can attain physical form, the harder it is to exorcise them without killing the host body.

* Kreesha gets up

<Markas> Kreesha, are you alright?
<Kreesha> Yes, I'm fine. Markas, what are you doing here?
<Kreesha> And why is there a demon in my house?
<Markas> I heard you had been incapacitated. When I arrived, a group of fine gentlemen..and this woman..were here.
<Markas> Long story short, one of them stayed behind to help me take care of you, and turned out to be a demon.

* Markas removes the flames.

<SorceressSwift> Heh..
<Kreesha> Who was a demon?
<Markas> A guy named..Sayon?
<Jafar> sayon
<Markas> I think he's dead, though.

* Markas glances down at the still smoking corpse and shrugs.
* Kreesha examines the stinking corpse

<Kreesha> I see.. Well, you did very well
<Kreesha> Thank you very much for defending my home
<Markas> Well, I hate to admit it, but he would have torn me apart if it hadn't been for those two.

* Kreesha flicks hand, sending the demon back from where it came
* Kreesha chuckles

<Markas> Ah, what's their names, Jaft and Swifar.

* Jafar glares at Markas

<Kreesha> Jafar and Swift. They're the finest heroes after the King of Silmaria
<Markas> Well, it's certainly interesting that humans had a little backbone.
<Kreesha> Markas, I want you to work with them to rescue a fellow adventurer named Night
<Markas> This is penance for my dislike of humans, isn't it?
<Markas> I still think they're just the exception of the rule.
<SorceressSwift> Wha- Urm... *sighs*

* Kreesha smiles, but says nothing

<Markas> Oh, very well...it's probably best I don't get the archaeological expedition together to uncover the Lost City.
<Markas> If Demons are entering the world again, it can't be a good thing.

* Kreesha thinks back to the time just before she was unconscious

<Kreesha> I think it was the Artifact that sent me that message
<Kreesha> I must have tapped into its power subconsciously while trying to figure out where Night is
<Kreesha> Where is the artifact now?
<Jafar> I have it
<Markas> Last I saw, Jafar was securing it.
<Kreesha> Good. You'll need it for this mission
<Kreesha> Because the artifact is the key to finding Night
<Jafar> It is?
<Markas> I thought it was the Paladin's job to have premonitions..
<Kreesha> I believe it is. It even gave me a glimpse of what was to come
<Kreesha> I saw a vampire. There was no doubt about that
<Kreesha> I believe he's close to where Night is
<Kreesha> You had better hurry if you want to save him
<Markas> Neck to mouth close?
<Kreesha> That I do not know
<Markas> Well, I guess we better sharpen up our stakes.

* Kreesha sends for Verdant
* Unable to find him, Kreesha sends for Azure

<Kreesha> Azure, I want you to work with these fine individuals to save a fellow Adventurer
<Azure> I can do that
<Kreesha> Jafar, I'm placing you in charge of the artifact. Since you've been around it long enough, there's a good chance that you'll be able to tap into its power
<Kreesha> Now, before I send you off, here are some scrolls. Pick one of them for your journey
<Jafar> I'm not sure how to use it though
<Jafar> I got it's power by accident
<Kreesha> Jafar, I have faith in you.
<Kreesha> Things happen for a reason, and it is my belief that it chose you to wield its power
<Markas> They say things happen for a reason. The question is, who is doing the reasoning?
<Jafar> I think these are a little too advanced for me
<Kreesha> Ok then. Perhaps a magical cloak?
<Markas> Hey, take a look at this!

* Markas reaches down into the possessions savon had before he was sent back to the abyss

<Markas> I saw something glistening down here.

* Azure picks a scroll and reads it

<Markas> Hey, a dagger. Nifty.

* Azure can now cast the Hide spell
* SorceressSwift picks a Scroll of Blink

<SorceressSwift> This will be useful. Thanks
<Azure> Wow

* Markas pulls out a long dagger shaped out of a strange crystal. It looks almost like fire frozen into a blade.

<Azure> That's cool
<Markas> No kidding.

* Markas pulls out the sheath and attaches it to his bandolier.
* SorceressSwift reads the scroll. The scroll disappears, and the spell memory is ingrained in Swift's mind
* Azure casts hide, just for practice
* Kreesha takes out a few magical cloaks for Jafar to choose
* sayon’s body twitch’s

<Kreesha> Do you want a Protection from Evil cloak, a Cloak of Hide, a Cloak of Freedom or a Cloak of Protection?

* Markas jumps back.

<Markas> It twitched!
<Kreesha> What?
<Kreesha> What twitched?
<SorceressSwift> That!
<Markas> The stuff. Savan's stuff.
<Azure> This bodes ill..
<Markas> It *****en’ twitched!

* SorceressSwift pointing at the body
* Markas draws his new dagger.
* sayon sends telepathic message
* Markas from the tip of his dagger, a narrow white flame shoots out and begins incinerating savan's items.

<Azure> If I die from this, I'm going to haunt old Greenbo for the rest of his life
<Azure> He would have to go on vacation at a time like this

* Jafar takes the Cloak of Freedom

<Kreesha> Excellent choice, Jafar
<Markas> Okay. Maybe it was just a lump of firedust in his pockets or something.
<Kreesha> Perhaps. I'll send the guards to dispose of his body
<Markas> Or what's left of it.
<Kreesha> It's stinking up the place
<Markas> I scorched it a bit.
<Azure> I'd say
<Kreesha> Now hurry
<Kreesha> Night needs you more than ever!
<SorceressSwift> Thank you, Kreesha
<SorceressSwift> Bye
<Azure> Farewell
<Markas> Alright. You guys can walk or get horses. I don't care. But none of you are riding on my back.
<SorceressSwift> Oh puh-lease! Nobody wants to ride on your back!
<Azure> Someone's rather conceited..

[Paladin0707077]

Chapter 5 - The Undead Horde[/b]

<Markas> So..Jafar. What's your story? You look like a fighter, but you were using magic back there.
<SorceressSwift> Jafar is a Paladin with some magic
<Jafar> I'm not too good at it though
<Markas> A Paladin? Hmm..that's impressive. And you're an Enchantress..this is a lot to take in. I used to think humans were just cowards and thieves.
<SorceressSwift> A Sorceress, technically speaking. And I'm an elf

* SorceressSwift indicates the long ears

<Jafar> You probably haven't met enough humans then
<Markas> I've met a few. One of them tried to mug me. I think his name was Harami. I burned his fingers to the bone. Then I got in trouble for harming a hero. Hero my foot. So he stabbed a demon in the back while it wasn't looking..Anyway, where do you suppose we look for this friend of yours, Swift?
<SorceressSwift> Jafar might have an idea

* SorceressSwift turns to jafar

<SorceressSwift> Try using the artifact
<Markas> What is this artifact thing, anyway? I never got a very good look at it.
<SorceressSwift> A powerful item that belonged to the Rajah. It was stolen last week, and we just managed to get it back
<Jafar> I still don't fully understand how it works
<SorceressSwift> But we can't return it yet because the thief is still at large, so he will surely try to steal it again unless we get him first

* Markas grimaces

<SorceressSwift> Jafar, how did you manage to get it in you the last time?
<Markas> If Rajah finds out you have that item..it's probable we'll all have our heads cut off. At best.
<Jafar> Hey, we'll return it
<Jigen> Why? Didn't he hire them to recover it?
<SorceressSwift> Oh, the Rajah does know that we have the item, but he still thinks that it's *in* Jafar, that's why we couldn't return it when he requested for it
<Markas> Oh. I didn't realise Rajah knew you had it. I-
<SorceressSwift> That's ok. *turns back to Jafar* If we can somehow tap into its power the way Kreesha did earlier, we might be able to find Night

* Jafar looks at the artifact

<SorceressSwift> Remember how you helped me escape even though you weren't there? Try to concentrate

* Jafar tries to focus

<Jafar> ...

<DungeonMistress> The artifact glows, transporting them to where Night is

<Markas> Sweet Sekhmet!
<SorceressSwift> It worked!

* Markas glances around.

<SorceressSwift> Hello Night. We're here to bust you out...Hmm... where are we anyway?
<Jigen> Tell me we're not inside the cell with him

* SorceressSwift looks around
* Jafar puts the artifact away

<Markas> I think we are..but I can't see very well right now...that telportation dazzled me.
<SorceressSwift> Nah, it looks too spacious to be a cell
<Markas> Oh dear.
<Night_dathief> hello?

* Markas pulls out his dagger.

<Markas> I hope one of us thought to get some stakes.

* Night_dathief sees colours from the flash of light

<SorceressSwift> Night, we're here to get you out
<Jigen> We'll just have to use decapitation
<Markas> Easy for you to say.
<Jigen> Not that much harder for me to do either. Heh
<Markas> Swift..be careful. I just had a really bad thought.
<SorceressSwift> What are you talking about? Stakes?

* Night_dathief comes back down to the ground

<Markas> Vampires! The main way to kill a Vampire is to hammer a wooden stake through their heart!
<Jigen> Or hack off it's head
<Markas> That, too.
<SorceressSwift> I don't see any
<Markas> Yet.
<McFuzz> Or burn it, nuke it, disolve it in acid, etc
<Jigen> True 'dat

* Markas glances at the floor around night, desperately searching for a shadow.

<SorceressSwift> Whatever. Just be on the lookout for Vampires then. Night, can you hear me? We're getting you out of this place
<Night_dathief> Of course I can hear you, I'm not deaf.

* Markas sends tendrils of white flame out of his fingers, forming it into a pointed cylindrical shape.
* The_Vampire materialises before them
* Markas Sends the spike at the Vampire's heart.
* Paladin0707077 appears from nowhere and flips SillyClowns to "ON", then disappears

<The_Umpire> Ball 1

* The_Vampire steps to one side, watching the spike fly past him

<The_Vampire> How rude
<Markas> In Sekhmets name, you shall die a second death!
<The_Vampire> First you arrive uninvited, then you make one ###### of a racket, and now you try to kill the Master of the House?
<Jigen> Good luck with that Markas

* Jigen points at Night

<Jigen> We just want him

* Markas is seething with hatred, and responds only with an
unintelligible growl.

<The_Vampire> Still, I haven't feasted in a while, so I guess I could do that now. Prepare to die
<Jigen> Okay he's going down. Hey, we're high in calories!

* The_Vampire calls forth his brethen
* Night_dathief pulls out his dagger
* Markas let's out a  deep roar and charges at the Vampire, knife-first.
* Jigen grabs a handful of throwing stars and throws them all shotgun-style at the bloodsucker
* Jafar draws his paladin sword
* SorceressSwift casts blizzard
* The_Vampire gets hit by the throwing stars, but they have little effect on him
* The_Revenant begins to stalk towards Swift, a hungry look in the lesser vampire's eyes.

<The_Umpire> Hit by pitch, take your base

* The_Vampire swoops at Markas, grabbing him by the throat
* Jigen leaps in with a flying kick in the wake of the stars
* Jafar attacks the Revenant
* Night_dathief lunges at The_Revenant, and attempts to stab him

<Markas> Gaahh! Suffer an eternal end!

* Markas thrusts upwards, full force, at the Vampire's eyes.

<The_Vampire> Arghhh!

* Markas’ blade ignites in flame as it goes in.
* The_Vampire releases grip on Markas

<The_Vampire> My eyes! My eyes!
<Jafar> Blind as a bat, eh?

* Markas releases a long tendril of flame around the Vampire's neck and squeezes.
* Vampire1, in an attempt to protect THE Vampire, tackles Markas
* The_Revenant parries Jafar's blows with it's talons, then leaps at Jafar's throat, fangs-first.
* The_Vampire pulls out a blade
* Jigen leaps into the midst of the brethren hoping to keep them occupied, and tries to dodge
* SorceressSwift casts arcane missiles
* Markas summons a series of flaming orbs above the Vampiric host's head and releases them.
* Night_dathief stabs the nearest vampire

<The_Revenant> Diiee, human!

* The_Vampire dies
* Vampire1 bites nearest non-vampire
* The_Revenant leaps past Jafar at Swift, his teeth seeking her neck.
* Jafar stabs the Revenant
* SorceressSwift pushes him away
* Night_dathief continues stabbing the vampire that bit him
* The_Revenant turns into a gaseous form and vanishes.
* Jigen leaps towards the revenant and intercepts him with a flying kick
* SorceressSwift covers the bleeding wound on her neck

<Markas> Are you okay?
<SorceressSwift> I'm not going to turn into a filthy undead, am I?
<Jafar> Was it a bite wound?
<SorceressSwift> Yes
<Markas> No, you won't. He never had a chance to give you any of his own blood. Now..back to the battle at hand.
<SorceressSwift> Good. *is still shaking*'

* Vampire1 takes advantage of the fact that he's unnoticed, and walks away with Night bleeding on the ground

<Markas> We have to get out of here, Swift! This is suicide!

* Another_Vampire attacks Jafar
* Jafar parries

<SorceressSwift> Where's Night?

* Markas Begins amplifying the heat inside it's skull, cooking the Vampire's brain.
* The_Revenant is now known as Zombie
* Zombie Lurches at Markas

<Markas> Arrgh!
<Jafar> There's too many of them!

* Zombie sinks it's claws and fangs into Markas' chest.
* SorceressSwift angrily casts blizzard at the undead
* Markas grabs the monster around the neck and begins to twist it's head around.
* Zombie collapses, having both it's neck snapped AND being frozen.

<SorceressSwift> Take that!
<Markas> Thanks, Swift!

* Markas begins muttering an arcane chant, something he never did before.
* Jafar slashes another vampire
* SorceressSwift spots Night, and teleports to him
* Markas causes a stream of yellow light to burst out of his palms, hitting a pair of nearby vampires and roasts them.
* SorceressSwift attacks Vampire1
* Markas is forced into a corner by the undead horde.

<Markas> Well, I guess this is it, then!

* Markas creates a wall of transparent heat, separating the undead from him.

<Markas> I'm not gonna be able to hold this wall for long! Swift, get us out of here!

* SorceressSwift kills off Vampire1 and drags Night to a safe place
* SorceressSwift casts Mass Teleport, sending all the adventurers to a nearby town
* Markas rubs at the series of wounds in his chest where the zombie had latched on.

<Markas> Okay. Two things. First..that was close. Second..where are we?
<SorceressSwift> I'm wondering that myself. Jafar, we need healing
<Markas> You know, I'm getting a weird feeling.
<Jafar> Got it
<Markas> Maybe it's just some filth on that zombie's claws.

* Jafar heals the others

<Markas> Ah, that's better.
<SorceressSwift> Thanks. Night. Wake up!
<Markas> Let him sleep. He probably needs it.

* Night_dathief wakes up

<Markas> Nevermind.
<SorceressSwift> Why were you in a Vampire's lair? What happened to eavesdropper?
<Night_dathief> Because the roof caved in, which I was walking on, and he's either eaten or still running I would guess...
<Markas> Why were you on the roof of the Vampire Lair?
<Jafar> Maybe it was an underground lair

* Jafar rolls his eyes

<Night_dathief> Because I happened to be running in that direction
<Markas> You know what? Nevermind. I don't know about you guys, but this town is giving me the creeps.
<SorceressSwift> I think some of us need to find out exactly what happened to our thief. But not now. Now we rest in an inn: I'm exhausted.
<Markas> After a meal. I haven't eaten since I had that orange at the fruit seller back in Tarna.

* Night_dathief covers the bite wound, so as not to be suspected of becoming a vampire

<Markas> You alright, Night? You look pale.

* Markas glances around at the various townsfolk (If any are currently visible) and buildings.

<Markas> You know, I have a bad premonition of impending violence. And this is just my senses talking. Night, are you alright? You look like you're going to be sick.
<SorceressSwift> Ok, let's wrap things up properly
<villager> Who are you?
<Markas> Er..We're adventurers.
<villager> You're not from around here, are ya?
<Markas> That depends on where we are.
<villager> I recognise a face when I see one
<Jafar> Depends on where here is
<Markas> We got lost in the wilderness.

* Markas shoots a sidelong glance at Jafar.

<villager> Ah, you're in Gorgian
<Markas> Erm..Gorgian?

* Markas mutters "We're off the edge of the map."

<villager> Yup
<Markas> And, uh..where is Gorgian?
<villager> Right here, silly!
<Markas> Don't make me hurt you. Get me a map.
<villager> but I don't have a map
<Markas>  Well, go fetch one!
<SorceressSwift> don't intimidate him, Markas
<Jafar> No need to be rude to him
<Markas> Okay..
<villager> Hmmp! Such a rude animal

* villager walks off in a huff

<Jafar> Hey!

* Markas begins fingering the hilt of his dagger.

<Night_dathief> Look at the sky, and guess.

* villager continues walking away

<Markas> Animal..dirty little swine.
<Jafar> People like him don't help our reputation
<Markas> Well, look on the bright side, guys. We can read the letters on the signs.

* SorceressSwift shakes her head

<Markas> Don't give me that. I'm hungry, and I'm tired.
<Jafar> Lets hurry and find an inn
<SorceressSwift> Agreed
<Markas> Furthermore, I've had to run to the rescue of a guy who was probably plundering the same hole we had to pull him out of.

* Markas glares at Night.
* Night_dathief glares at Markas
* Jafar sighs

<Markas> Ugh..Sorry..I think there was some nasty toxins or something on that zombie's claws.

* Markas shakes his head.

<Jafar> If I'm right, our evesdropping friend might be around this region
<Markas> Hey, Night. You've been in this area before. Where are we?
<SorceressSwift> Maybe we should find a healer first
<Markas> So, night?

* Night_dathief begins changing into a vampire

<Vampire1> I was carried in a glass globe... how would I know?
<Markas> Ah. Fascinating.
<Vampire1> Things look a might different when you're that size.
<Markas> Point taken.
<Markas> So, Swift, do you have a map spell?
<SorceressSwift> No

* Night_dathief is healed of vampirism by Jafar’s power
* Markas begins writing in the dirt, summons heatless yellow flames, and they form the shape of a map of Glorianna. A bit rough, but accurate enough.

<Markas> Bah. I'm too tired to think straight right now. I'm gonna grab a chicken leg or something and take a nap.

[Paladin0707077]

Dungeon Master, Demon Guard, Demon Sorcerer, Villager, Crazy Excited Villager/ Uber Wizard, SorceressSwift - Paladin0707077

Demon Horde, DemonGuyPerez - Striker
Markas, Tim, Jafar - Corsair
ghost of savon - The Hero
LousianaNight (and all incarnations there of) - Night

Chapter 6 - Goes To Show What Happens Without TV...[/u]

* Markas walks out of the inn and belches loudly.

<Markas> We need to get out of this place. It's giving me the creeps. What Jafar said didn't make me feel any more comfortable.

* Villager looks over at Markas
* Strange_Man runs up to the party and stares at Night, madness glinting in his eyes.

<Strange_Man> Help me! Please!
<Markas> If this weren't such a weird town, I'd say he was a drunk.
<LouisianaNight> What's wrong with you?
<Strange_Man> You're not from here, are you? Foreigners? Fly, fly! This place is an abode of insanity! Yea, of madness! But take me with you! If I stay here for much longer, I'll be just like the rest of them!
<Markas> Yeah, he's DEFINITELY not got his marbles all in one box.
<Strange_Man> Be quiet, Cat-man! I've been in this abyss for far too long!
<Strange_Man> This place is cursed!

* Markas fingers his knife.
* Villager looks up briefly, then sighs and goes back to moping.
* LouisianaNight chuckles

<LouisianaNight> cursed?
<Strange_Man> Boredom can break a man. This town overflows with an abundance of it. Please, take me from here! Leaving me here would be the height of cruelty!
<sayon> hello. Im back
<Markas> This guy isn't even gonna stop frothing and gnashing at us if we don't take him with us. But he smells. I think he's been boozing.
<Strange_Man> You would be too!
<LouisianaNight> We're taking him then?

* LousianaNight mumbles something under his breath
* sayon is now known as ghost_of_sayon

<ghost_of_sayon> Hello. Can anyone hear me?
<Markas> I hear whining.
<ghost_of_sayon> no wait stop
<Strange_Man> It's a sign! It's effecting you! We must begone from this hellhole!

* Strange_Man suddenly begins scratching himself.

<Villager> *to Markas* Hey, you.
<Markas> Yeah? What?
<Villager> Come here for a second.
<Markas> Okay..I hope he isn't gonna try to molest me.

* Markas walks over to the villager.
* Villager pulls out a glittering sword and hands it to him

<Villager> Here.
<Markas> Whoa..

* Markas wraps his hand around the sword hilt.

<ghost_of_sayon> (i wanna explain the ghost thing)

<Dungeon_Master> Touching the sword sends a chill through Markas' body like ice.

<Markas> This thing..is powerful
<Villager> I'm the Smith of the town. I used to make Frost Swords all the time. This is nothing. You should see my...

* Markas makes a few thrusts with it.

<Markas> Very nice.
<Villager> …Ah, never mind. No point to it. No point in anything anymore.

* Villager gets up and walks away with slumped shoulders.
* ghost_of_sayon appears

<Markas> That was weird. Ah, well.

* Markas slides the blade into his bandolier.

<ghost_of_sayon> Remember me all?
<Markas> Yeah, I remember you. I burned your corpse.

* Villager (new one) comes out of inn, slightly inebriated, but no less bored looking.

<Markas> Okay...I'm beginning to think loony here is right..Everyone here acts like..like they’re..Bored.
<ghost_of_sayon> yes i was not a demon i was being controled by one
<Markas> I feel bored.

* Crazilly_Excited_Villager comes around the bend, whislting very loudly and skipping like there's no tomorrow

<Markas> What the heck?
<Strange_Man> I can't..I can't take this any longer!
<ghost_of_sayon> i can get u out of here
<Strange_Man> Hey!

* Strange_Man yells at the excited guy.

<ghost_of_sayon> if u so wish

* Crazilly_Excited_Villager stops and looks over, grinning widely.

<ghost_of_sayon> goin once twice
<Crazilly_Excited_Villager> Hello!! You people are new!
<Markas> Sell it to us!
<Strange_Man> And me, too!
<ghost_of_sayon> three
<Crazilly_Excited_Villager> Sell what? My clothes?

* Crazilly_Excited_Villager begins taking off shirt

<Markas> I've got fifteen Tarnan Royals..33 commons..and two apple cores.
<Strange_Man> Start talking about how excited you are!
<Crazilly_Excited_Villager> WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

* Crazilly_Excited_Villager laughs hysterically
* Strange_Man relaxes.

<ghost_of_sayon> meh
<Strange_Man> This is about the only time I feel vaguely sane.
<Crazilly_Excited_Villager> Hey, you guys look like heros!!
<Markas> Something like that.
<Crazilly_Excited_Villager> Though you over there...*looks at Night*  Ah, no matter! Maybe you can help! Would you please help the town?!
<Markas> Help it, how? Excite it?
<Crazilly_Excited_Villager> Yes, in a sense...
<Markas> I think I could probably oblige.

* Markas points at a nearby house and begins focusing.

<Crazilly_Excited_Villager> You've noticed that everyone's bored and boring to tears...Well, that's because of a spell that was cast on us by those cursed Demons!

* ghost_of_sayon does ghost thing
* Markas sends out a stream of red and blue flame at the house, turning it into a torch.

<Markas> Hmm..let's see their fire service.

* Villager is now known as firefighter

<ghost_of_sayon> STOP *shouts into markas ear*

* firefighter walks over to burning building, looks at it briefly, then goes to well
* ghost_of_sayon poseses

<Crazilly_Excited_Villager> YAY!!
<Markas> This isn't even exciting them..Or anything else. Hmm...I wish we had an engineer in our little band of ne'er do wells..

* firefighter gets bucket of water, tosses it onto fire, then leaves

<Markas> Firebombs. Blow this whole town to kingdom come.
<Crazilly_Excited_Villager> That's because it's an enchantment! The Demons over in Hades did this to them!
<Markas> Why aren't you effected?
<Crazilly_Excited_Villager> I don't know, but I wish I had been! Because then MAYBE I WOULDN'T BE GOING INSANE FROM BOREDOM NOW!! I mean, aside from Charles over there (points to strange_man), I'd 've snapped!
<Strange_Man> My name is not charles. For God sake. I told you nine hundred times. I don't know what it is, but it ISN'T Charles.
<Crazilly_Excited_Villager> Oh right, sorry, John.
<Strange_Man> Just call me Tim.
<Crazilly_Excited_Villager> As I was saying...Sure thing, Tom…You wish to help the village? Then you have to break the enchantment!
<Markas> And we do that..How?
<Crazilly_Excited_Villager> To do that, you have to go to the Entrance to Hades, battle the Demons there, and find the Spellcaster who did this.
<Markas> Tell me you're making a very bad joke.
<Crazilly_Excited_Villager> He'll know how to break it, assuming he isn't dead.
<Markas> And all we have to do is brew a secret herb into the local booze.

* ghost_of_sayon fades to nothing

<Crazilly_Excited_Villager> Oh no! The entrance is up North a ways.
<Tim> An entrance to the Pit of the Abyss? I never heard about this.
<Crazilly_Excited_Villager> Yeah.
<Markas> A hole into Hades?
<Crazilly_Excited_Villager> Well, we're special that way!
<Markas> You're joking.
<Crazilly_Excited_Villager> Nope. Guarded by Demons and all. Ferocious brutes, too. I think they have a spellcaster at the entrance, too.
<Markas> Great. Just great. Maybe the spellcaster is the same one.
<Crazilly_Excited_Villager> Maybe. You'll have to see. Don't worry: you're Heros. Heros always get the job done! I'll be sure to give you a reward for my sanity when you get back.
<Markas> I hate you.
<Crazilly_Excited_Villager> Until then, goodbye!

* Tim looks warily at the sky.
* Crazilly_Excited_Villager marches off, whistling QFG Hero's March as he goes
* Tim begins scratching madly.

<Markas> Fleas?

<Dungeon_Master> The fire burns out. The building is only slightly charred.

<Tim> Yeah. Something like that.

<Dungeon_Master> You notice that he has a very large purse on him as he walks marches off.

* LouisianaNight follows, wondering what is in the purse
* Markas checks his pockets.

<Markas> I think he picked my pocket.

* Markas pulls out his money pouch.

<Markas> Ah, good.

<Markas> I have a better idea: Instead of treading into the depths of Hades..I suggest we just DITCH this town.
<Tim> With me!
<Markas> Yeah, with Itchy here.
<LouisianaNight> It's your call...

* LouisianaNight leans against the nearest solid inanimate object

<Dungeon_Master> You all here Jafar in the back of your minds screaming "NO! We HAVE to save this town! It's the honorable thing to do!"

* Jafar runs frantically out of the Inn.

<Tim> Speak of the devil.
<Jafar> WE HAVE TO SAVE THIS TOWN! IT'S THE HONORABLE THING TO DO!

* Jafar runs into the bar

<Markas> That was abrupt. Okay..We need to get out of this town, in any case. This place gives me a bad headache. The booze tastes more like goat pee.
<Tim> You get used to the stuff after a year or so. The booze doesn't just taste like goat pee, you know, Markas. IT IS GOAT PEE.
<Markas> IT IS GOAT PEE.
<Tim> Yeaaah. They throw a smidgen of salt into a barrel and pour in some old rubbing alcohol.
<Markas> Lovely.

<Dungeon_Master> A strong gust of wind pushes the party toward the north, out of town

* LouisianaNight claws atthe ground, trying to get a hold

<Tim> Yay. Maybe it'll push us out of this hellhole valley!

<Dungeon_Master> It stops when you're in the woods, close to the mountains

<Markas> Aargh!

* Markas slams into a thick-boled beech.
* Tim lands in a clearing a short distance away.

<Dungeon_Master> Through the woods you can see a cave up ahead.

<Tim> Ah..I feel a lot better. My brain is starting to clear.

<Dungeon_Master> As you approach the cave, you see that there are 3 Demons guarding it. Two have swords and seem to be inspecting them with a sort of sad look to them. The other one is reading a book, but doesn't appear very enthused.

<Markas> Heh heh..I'll take care of one of the warriors.

* Markas summons a ball of fire the size of one of the Demon's chests, then flicks his index towards the left of the Warriors. The ball of fire streaks towards it rapidly.
* Demon_Guard looks down, scrapes off embers, then goes back to sword.

<DemonGuyPerez> ehehehehehe... that tickles.

<Dungeon_Master> The guards all look at you briefly then go back to what they were doing. The wizard starts to say something, but then shakes his head and goes back to reading. They all look about as bored as the village.

<Tim> What the…?
<Markas> You took the words from my mouth. Umm..Any suggestions?
<LouisianaNight> Just walk by them?  
<Markas> Not bad.
<LouisianaNight> You go first, I insist
<Tim> Let me try first.

* Tim walks forwards, towards the Demons.

<Tim> Hello.

<Dungeon_Master> They all eye him as he approaches.

* Demon_Spellcaster looks up at him
* Tim he keeps walking, kicking the first guard's feet out of the way as he heads towards the portal.

<Tim> Budge up!
<Demon_Spellcaster> *Sighs*, whatever.
<Tim> What did I tell you, guys?

* Tim walks through the portal

<Markas> Idiot.

* Markas runs after him and draws the sword he was given in the village.

<Markas> The Bolt of Tarna strikes at you!

* Markas drives the blade into the first Demon's chest.

<Dungeon_Master> All the Demons look the same: bored. The Demon smile's slightly as he dies

* Markas runs up to the spellcaster and slashes at it's neck.

<Demon_Spellcaster> Lucky devil...

* Demon_Spellcaster holds up a finger and deflects it while he continues reading
* Markas stabs at a foot.
* Demon_Spellcaster moves foot out of the way
* Markas begins a furious series of slashes at the spellcasters neck, head, and chest.
* Demon_Guard arrives, looking bored
* Markas spins and hurls his sword at the second guard.
* Demon_Spellcaster deflects and dodges them without looking up

<Demon_Guard> Hey. Where do I tand?
<Demon_Spellcaster> *points* Over there.
<Demon_Guard> OK.

* Demon_Guard catches sword, then immediately drops it, shaking hand slightly
* DemonGuyPerez lets loose a plague filled belch
* Markas runs over, grabs the sword off the ground and stabs the Demon with it.

<DemonGuyPerez> *urp*

* Demon_Guard grabs Markas' hand with the blade inches from his stomach
* DemonGuyPerez has infected Markas with the plague

<Demon_Guard> Please stop. You're boring us now.

* Markas begins burning the hand of the guard.
* LouisianaNight stabs the guard in the back, with his ebony dagger
* Demon_Guard tosses hand away casually

<Demon_Spellcaster> *looking up* Look, what's this all about?
<DemonGuyPerez> Hey, you remember that time with that thing?

* Demon_Guard dies

<Tim> Hey, you said you envied the first guard.
<Markas> Yeah, Tim is right.
<Markas> This IS what you want.
<Demon_Spellcaster> I do. I also envy him. But I know I have a job to do, and so do they. And waisting perfectly good demons just isn't smart. If you want to go in, go in. We don't really care.
<Tim> But who's gonna punish you if we kill you? You'll be DEAD! And..You'll be HAPPY.
<Demon_Spellcaster> It's the principle of the thing...
<Markas> You know you want sword inside you. Bah! Diablo can't reach beyond the veil. C'mon. Just try it! All the cool kids have done it. See?

* Markas points at the two corpses.

<DemonGuyPerez> heh, these mortals are so full of hate, its almost not boring. But not quite

* Demon_Spellcaster looks at them, snickers, then goes back to reading

<Tim> Alright.
<Demon_Spellcaster> Obviously, you take me for a fool.

* Tim walks over and tries to take the book.

<Markas> What are you reading, anyway?

* Demon_Spellcaster lets go of it and looks up

<Demon_Spellcaster> How to serve man. Cook book.

* DemonGuyPerez snickers

<Tim> Ah. Hmm..Flambe a la heart..Interesting.
<Markas> Give me that!

* Markas grabs the book and stows it into his bandolier.

<Markas> For later.

* Demon_Spellcaster looks sad for a moment, then sighs and starts twiddling thumbs

<Tim> Here.

* Tim grabs the Demon and starts punching him.
* Demon_Spellcaster eventually falls unconsious

<Tim> Okay.
<Markas> Now! KILL HIM!

* Markas walks over to the unconscious Demon and stabs downwards.
* Demon_Guard grabs arm again

<Demon_Guard> Nope. Sorry.
<Tim> Dang it!

* Tim jumps on to the back of the Demon and begins throttling it.

<Markas> Now..

* Demon_Guard falls unconcious
* Markas STABS DOWNWARDS.
* Demon_Guard dies
* LouisianaNight yawns
* Demon_Spellcaster dies

<Tim> Okay..I don't feel less bored.
<Markas> Yeah, me neither. I guess that was the wrong guy. Oops.

<Dungeon_Master> More guards come up and lean against the doorframe. All of them appear to have swords only.

<DemonGuyPerez> heh, I don't know if I should be insulted or happy that I was ignored... you know, whatever.
<Demon_Guard> You lookin' for the guy who did the boredom thing?
<Tim> Yeah, I want him.
<Markas> Bring him to me. Tell him I have a gift for him.
<Demon_Guard> He's down there. *points into cave*
<Markas> YOU WILL BRING HIM TO ME.
<Demon_Guard> Nah. Couldn't be bothered.
<Markas> Then you die.
<LouisianaNight> Isn't this a waste of time?

* LouisianaNight waits for the next batch

<Tim> Yeah, good point.
<Markas> Into the cave.

* LouisianaNight follows

<Dungeon_Master> Looks like typical Hades. Fire and Brimestone and all that. Every Demon you come across is the same: bored to tears. Eventually, you find a powerfull-looking spellcaster next to some sort of magic circle.

* Markas walks into the SPOOOKY cave.

<Markas> Hey, ugly. You want me to relieve your boredom? I got relief right here.

* Markas fingers his sword blade.

<Demon_Spellcaster> You could kill me sure, but it won't get rid of the spell.
<Markas> Well..Then I guess you better dispel the spell before I kill you. Because otherwise I won't EVER kill you.
<Demon_Spellcaster> I can't.
<Markas> Ooh, too bad. Get ready to die, scum.
<Demon_Spellcaster> *looks at Markas* but you can. Let me see that dagger.
<Markas> No! It's mine! And you can't have it!
<Demon_Spellcaster> *Sighs loudly* well, from here, it looks like a Magic Dispel Dagger.
<Markas> Fine. Take it. But I want it back.
<Demon_Spellcaster> One time use only. You use it and stuff happens. I can't use it. I don't feel like it. You'll have to do it.
<Markas> Okay, so what do I do, babble funny words?

* Markas pulls out the dagger and makes faces at it.

<Demon_Spellcaster> First, stand in the middle of that circle.
<Markas> Okay..

* Markas walks into the circle.

<Markas> I have a bad feeling about this.
<Demon_Spellcaster> Now say the following *says funny words* then stab it straight down.
<Markas> Even with my recent aquisition of a magic sword, I better get my dagger back.

* Markas says the "Funny words" and stabs downwards.

<Dungeon_Master> The Circle flashes briefly, then explodes in a shower of light.

<Markas> I feel less bored...and I have a really bad feeling about this.

<Dungeon_Master> Suddenly, roars of rage come from every direction as the Demons are realeased.

<Markas> That's what I thought.

* Demon_Spellcaster becomes angry and snarls

<Tim> Mother.
<Demon_Spellcaster> YOU! YOU messed up my spell, you little ****s!!
<Markas> Oops.

* Markas pulls out his sword and starts slashing at the Spellcaster.

<Demon_Spellcaster> If it wasn't for you guys, my Curse of Boredom wouldv'e left me the undisputed ruler of Hades!
<Markas> Back! Back, you savage!

* Demon_Spellcaster casts Flamedart at Markas
* Markas catches it on his sword.

<Markas> GOOD LORD, OW!

* LouisianaNight pick-pockets Markas' money pouch

<Demon_Spellcaster> Thanks to your interference, it not only took over Hades, but everyone else, inclduding ME!
<Markas> Well, exCUUUUSE me.

* Demon_Spellcaster casts Fire Ball
* Markas dodges it.

<Demon_Spellcaster> Curse you!

* Demon_Spellcaster charges, casting Fire Ball
* Tim is hit.

<Tim> DANG IT! AHHHHH*

* Tim dies
* LouisianaNight attempts to sneak up behind the spellcaster
* Markas absorbs it.

<Markas> I am the Lord of the Elemental Plane of Fire. Wielder of the flame of Anor! YOU SHALL NOT PASS! The Dark Fire will not avail you, Flame of Udun!
<Demon_Spellcaster> *shrugs and smiles* OK. Have it your way, virmin!

* Demon_Spellcaster casts Lightning
* LouisianaNight stabs the spellcaster in the back
* Markas pulls out his staff and slams both his sword and staff down. A white flash insues, surrounding the Demon
* Demon_Spellcaster is cleaved in half

<Dungeon_Master> Something glitters in the body's pockets
<Markas> Hey, you interrupted our Climactic battle! OOH! MINE! ALL MINE!

* Markas begins looting the corpse.
* Crazyilly_Excited_Guy teleports right behind Night and casts Emobalize on him

<Markas> I knew it! BLOOD TRAITOR!

* Markas stabs the Crazy guy.

<Crazyilly_Excited_Guy> Thank you so much for helping me regain my lost power.

* Crazyilly_Excited_Guy casts immobolize on Markas
* Markas Can’t move

<Crazyilly_Excited_Guy> Ever since my spell to summon and control Demons backfired, I've been looking for someone to help. Now, with a sacrifice, I'll be able to complete what I set out to do in the first place. Have fun with the Demon hoards. buh-bye.

* Crazyilly_Excited_Guy teleports out with Night

<Dungeon_Master> Markas can move again.

* DemonHordes howl
* Crazyilly_Excited_Guy straps Night to a table and begins mixing and casting things nearby

<Dungeon_Master> Markas hears the sound of approaching Demons.

* LouisianaNight starts trying to break free of the spell
* DemonHordes rush the two heroes with claws, fangs, and various other nasty body parts

<Markas> Bye!

* Markas Uses his non-existant teleport ability and vanishes.

<Markas> Where do they get this stuff?

<Dungeon_Master> Teleport takes you about 5 feet closer to the Horde

<Markas> Crud. Um..I have Cudu-Jerky Pretzels!

<Dungeon_Master> Two Demons charge forward

<Markas> Um..There are some who call me..TIM?

* Markas fires out a huge flaming rocket at the two.

<Dungeon_Master> All the Demons Stop, stare, scream and run away.

<Markas> Buahaha.

* Markas walks out of Hades.

<Dungeon_Master> Two guards stop him at the entrance. With swords and a whip.

<Markas> I AM TIM. THE ENCHANTER. YOU WILL LET ME PASS.
<Demon_Guard> We don't care what your name is. We guard the door. You don't get through the door.
<Markas> Fine!

* Demon_Guard charges while slashing
* Markas points his finger at the two and makes an explosion.

<Crazyilly_Excited_Guy> *Looks over at Night and grins* This may sting.

* Craziyilly_Excited_Guy casts a spell on Night
* LouisianaNight wishes he was back in that glass globe

* Demon_Guard flies through the air
* Demon_Guard gets up, laughs, then swings at Markas

<Demon_Guard> You can't harm beings made entirely of fire with fire, fool!
<Markas> Fine.

* Markas stabs with his FROZEN sword.
* Demon_Guard explodes in a howl of pain

<Markas> You want some next?

* Demon_Guard uses whip to try and take sword, but fails

<Crazyilly_Excited_Guy> Oh it would have been glorious. I would have had complete control of Hades, their armies would've marched at my beck and call...

* Demon_Guard charges with sword blazing red

<Crazyilly_Excited_Guy> But that stupid Spellcaster had to cast his spell at the same time as mine! they converged, his absorbed my energy...I was a fool not to use a sacrifice the first time...

<Markas> DEATH FOR THE BLACKHEARTS!

* Markas stabs the other guard.

* Crazyilly_Excited_Guy transforms appearance to that of a sorcerer

* Demon_Guard takes it on the arm, then thrusts again
* Markas PARRY’S!

<Dungeon_Master> The sword goes flying

* Markas SLASH’s!
* Demon_Guard dies

<Markas> I’VE ESCAPED FROM HADES!

* Uber-Wizard pulls out a sacrificial knife and begins sharpening it

* Markas MASS TELEPORT'S TO UBERWIZARD!

<Dungeon_Master> Teleport takes you 5 feet back into cave

<Markas> Dang it!

* SorceressSwift teleports in and casts detect magic

<SorceressSwift> I feel strong magic in that direction *points*

* SorceressSwift teleports out
* Markas walks thowards the dungeon.

<Dungeon_Master> As you ran past the town, you see that the villagers are all going mad, as their repressed excitement overcomes them. The dungeon is strangely empty. Eventually you find the sorcerer’s lair

<Markas> AHA! EVIL WIZARD! So we meet again! When we last spoke, I was but the learner! NOW I AM THE MASTER! Now, prepare to die, wizard!
<Uber-Wizard> YOU!

* Markas CAST: FIRAGA!

<Dungeon_Master> As his attention wavers from Night, he finds he can move again.

* LouisianaNight attempts to force his way out of... whatever is tying him down
* Uber-Wizard casts Reflect

<Dungeon_Master> Night gets an arm loose

* Uber-Wizard casts Frostbyte
* Night_daThief starts trying to free his other arm, then cuts whatever it is on his legs with his dagger

<Dungeon_Master> Night is free

* Night_daThief runs toward the Wizard, and attempts to stab him

<Dungeon_Master> Markas is wounded badly

* Markas goes backwards and lands against the wall. He feels something crunch.

<Markas> Good lord.

* Uber-Wizard is injured and jumps back from Night

<Uber-Wizard> You escaped?! DANG IT!

* Markas summons a firy ring about man-high around the Wizard.

<Markas> Die.

* Markas begins contracting the ring.
* Uber-Wizard casts a spell, and a sword suddenly floats up and zooms in at Night
* Markas a small piece of the ring shoots of and begins melting the sword.
* Night_daThief attempts to dodge

<Dungeon_Master> The sword grazes Night's elbow, and the heat of molten steel burns him. The sword liquifies and splatters against the far wall.

<Markas> Oops. Now..

* Markas finishes contracting the ring. Now poor wizard is in a column of fire.
* Uber-Wizard casts frostbyte and extinguishes fire
* Night_daThief pounces on the wizard, and dig his claws from one hand in, and stabs with the other
* Uber-Wizard falls to one knee

<Markas> Aww..

* Uber-Wizard draws dagger and slashes at Night
* Markas begins smoking the wizard. And that means he's pumping the wizard's lungs with smoke.
* Uber-Wizard coughs
* Night_daThief doesn't let go, and continues attacking
* Uber-Wizard has throat cut
* Uber-Wizard falls to ground gasping for air, and eventually dies
* Night_daThief continues attacking, for fear he might still be alive
* Markas winces, and then stands.

<Markas> Excuse me, night.

* Markas turns around and hikes a leg.

<Markas> Aahh..Geez, that beer goes right through a man.

<Dungeon_Master> After waiting for the villagers to calm down, Markas and Night go down and explain the situation to them. After a few days of cleanup, the town gathers to celebrate their new heros. Markas is offered a place as owner of both the new Adventurer's Guild and the new Magic Shop. Night is given two months' free reighn to set up a new Thief's Guild in town (they want some EXCITEMENT, darn it!). After realising how much money they will recieve from it, both agree to stay. Swift and Jafar, though slightly sad to learn Night and Markas are not going with them, say farewell to both. Then Swift and Jafar teleport to Spieldburg, preparing for the next adventure when a Hero is required...