RPS transcripts - Talisman Trouble

[Swift]

Taerin, Shapier guard - played by Swift
Kadis - played by Corsair
Jakchim - played by LB

Part 14 - The Hunt in Shapier

<DungeonMistress>      An hour later, the heroes arrive at Aziza's house via portal
<Verdant>      whee. that was fun
<Taerin>      Greetings
<Grit>      Who's this then?
<Taerin>      I'm Taerin, one of the wizards of WIT. How much has Zara told you about what happened here?
<Jafar>      Not much
<SorceressSwift>      Only that Aziza was guarding the second talisman, which is now missing. What happened?
<Taerin>      Aziza was attacked earlier. She's in critical condition right now
<SorceressSwift>      Was she poisoned, like Erasmus was?
<Verdant>      oh, great, more dead wizards
<Taerin>      No, and she's not dead either
<Grit>      It's a common hazard in our profession
<Taerin>      We believe it was a different attacker. She was stabbed by a weapon of pure evil
<Jafar>      Oh no...
<Taerin>      All possible exits have now been sealed in this city, and both wizards and Shapierian guards are tracking the culprit down as we speak. We believe that the culprit hasn't left Shapier yet
<Grit>      Why?
<Taerin>      It's difficult to try and track him down, as his twisted aura is clouding our tracking methods. Because we can still sense his aura. He's definitely still in Shapier, though we can't pinpoint the exact location
<Grit>      Alright.
<Verdant>      how close would we have to be to do that?
<Taerin>      There isn't anything you can do for Aziza right now. She will likely recover now that she's been given the proper medical attention. I don't know. It's hard to say. Your task is to track down this culprit and retrieve this talisman
<SorceressSwift>      What exacly does this Talisman do? What can this attacker hope to achieve by stealing it?
<Verdant>      world domination?
<Taerin>      I'm afraid I cannot disclose any information about the Talismans. Now please hurry. We're losing precious time
<Grit>      World Domination isn't really all it's cracked up to be.
<Taerin>      You will be richly rewarded for it
<Verdant>      well, we're on a schedule, lets get going
<Taerin>      2500 dinars for recovering the talisman, and an additional 2500 dinars for capturing the culprit. Report to me if you find anything
<Grit>      Hmm... per person, or split among the whole group?
<Taerin>      Split among the group
<Grit>      Er... you got any magical items lying around to sweetin the deal?
<Verdant>      figures
<Taerin>      Perhaps... but first let's just hurry and get the talisman back
<Grit>      Hmm... I don't know, I'm really more in the market for items, rather actual legal tender. :-\
<SorceressSwift>      Let's just hurry. The sooner we get it back, the sooner I can go to sleep

* SorceressSwift      yawns
* Taerin      sighs

<Jafar>      How can you think of sleeping with that thief on the loose?
<Verdant>      okay, lets move. I'm getting bored
<SorceressSwift>      It's midnight... I'm tired. Let's get to the action. Now where should we search first? and should we split up?
<Verdant>      do you have a map?
<Jafar>      I say we stay together
<Verdant>      I've never been here before

* Grit      doesn't like the deal, but goes along anyway.

<SorceressSwift>      Jafar lives in this city, so he shall be our tour guide
<Grit>      (under breath) Guess I'll have to find something to make it more worth my while.

* SorceressSwift      yawns again

<Grit>      heh, this is like middday for me
<Jafar>      Don't fall asleep on us
<SorceressSwift>      Trying... K, if I were a thief, where would I be hiding? any ideas? Verdant, can you summon that orb of yours?
<Verdant>      Inn plain sight?
<SorceressSwift>      it might be able to help us track him down
<Verdant>      whhat would I have it look for?
<SorceressSwift>      the talisman, perhaps?
<Verdant>      do we have somethhing similar that I cann use as a reference?
<SorceressSwift>      rats.. we don't. I suppose I could try contacting Zara to bring hers here
<Grit>      Heh, should've listened to that Delor bloke and kept it, after all, huh?
<Verdant>      that sounds like an inherrently bad idea
<SorceressSwift>      true...
<Verdant>      I'll send it to look for energy concentrations in odd areas.
<SorceressSwift>      Ok then
<Verdant>      if the theif is smart, he'll be in the magic shop

* Verdant      summons orb

<Grit>      well, then. Maybe a few of us should head to one?
<SorceressSwift>      agreed.
<Verdant>      I'll keep track of the orb. it'll try and hurt me otherwise

<DungeonMistress>      the orb floats in midair

* Verdant      watches orb

<DungeonMistress>      it starts to vibrate rather violently

<SorceressSwift>      What's happening?
<Grit>      Hmm... aren't there several places on magic here in Shapier
<SorceressSwift>      yes
<Verdant>      that shouldn't matter. it should avoid settled magical auras

<DungeonMistress>      the orb glows, and then flies off

* Verdant      chases orb
* SorceressSwift      follows

<Jafar>      Hey, wait up!

* Jafar      follows
* Grit      follows behind

<Jafar>      Where is it going?

<DungeonMistress>      the orb continuously halts and vibrates every now and then

<SorceressSwift>      no idea

* Verdant      runs into orb

<DungeonMistress>      finally, the orb stops at fountain plaza

<Jafar>      Has it decided to stay here?

<DungeonMistress>      the orb vibrates again, and then drops onto the floor

<SorceressSwift>      either our thief is here, or it's lost the trail
<Verdant>      Is there a subway here?
<Grit>      Hmm... you think he could be under the plaza?
<Shapier_guard>      Are you also searching for the thief who attacked Aziza?
<SorceressSwift>      Yes

* Jafar      nods
<Shapier_guard>      We're searching this area, but it seems that he's not here. I'd suggest that you try out the Gate plaza, as we haven't been there yet

* Kadis stalks out of the Katta's Tail Inn at a swift walk, a dark, floor-length cloak over him, with his hood up. A lump is visible slightly below belt level, probably a sword. His smile is the only visible part of his face, and it is curled in a smirk, the smirk of one who has the power to destroy everyone, but is holding it back for now. The heavy boots slam across the floor as he walks north, towards the Fountain. The evil about him is almost palpable, like the shadowy cloak that he wears about his body. Kadis enters the Plaza. Kadis elbows past Jafar and heads further north.
* Grit      arches an eyebrow and yawns

<Verdant>      what a jerk
<Jafar>      ow...

* Kadis      as he passes, there is a few words mumbled.

<DungeonMistress>      The orb suddenly floats again and flies towards Kadis

<Kadis>      Avoozl..
<Jafar>      Geez, that guy just ran into me!
<Verdant>      uh, oh
<Grit>      Well... it looks like we got our man.

* Verdant      summons rod
* Grit      begins readying spells
* SorceressSwift      casts frozen armour, and then arcane missiles at kadis
* Kadis      dives forward.

<Kadis>      ######'s teeth! What in the name of the stars is this?

* Jafar      draws his sword
* Kadis      throws his hood back and draws his sword.
* Verdant      summons barriers at the doors

<Kadis>      Nice reception you people have for visitors!
<Verdant>      only for theives

* Grit      vanishes
* Jakchim      staggers into the plaza

<Jakchim>      wo, what's happening
<Kadis>      You called in some friends, did you? Oh, there's only five of you against one guest to this city, who didn't harm you in the slightest!
<SorceressSwift>      Get him! He's the Thief!
<Kadis>      I guess the game is up.

[Swift]

guards - played by Swift

Part 15 - Dirty Fighting

<Kadis>      Avoozl! Guide my blade this day!

* Jafar      senses Danger from Kadis. Alot of it
* guards      attack Kadis
* Kadis      draws a second weapon, a dagger.
* Jakchim      takes a drink from a flask
* Kadis      the blade drips of a dark grey fluid. Poison.

<Jakchim>      takes a deeper drink

* Verdant      casts a magical binding on kadis

<Kadis>      Guards? You obviously have no respect for my ability.

* SorceressSwift      attempts to polymorph Kadis
* Kadis      rolls backwards, causing the spell to hit one of the guards.

<guards>      You're under arrest!
<Kadis>      Eat my blade!
<guards>      Surrender now, or face the consequences!

* Verdant      dispells
* Kadis      swings his blade in an overhead arc at the man's skull.
* Jakchim      sways on his feet and beginds stumbling towards Kadis
* Jafar      slashes Kadis
* Grit appears behind Kadis in the form of a troll
* Kadis      rolls.
* guards      (one) dies

<Kadis>      Stand back, fools!

* GritAsTroll      throws a punch at the back of Kadis's head.

<Kadis>      Do you know what this amulet will do?

* Verdant      spins the rod above his head and attacks kadis

<Jakchim>      don't you people know swords can put out an eye, it's just not polite to use them
<Kadis>      Learn manners, fool.

* Kadis      backs into a corner.

<Kadis>      Stand back! This Amulet, if broken, will unleash it's evil in an explosive fireball, opening the bounds of the earth!

* SorceressSwift      summons Water Elemental, which attacks Kadis

<Kadis>      There will BE no more Shapeir, and instead, a crater in it's place! Oh, really?
<GritAsTroll>      Now why would you want to go and do that?
<Verdant>      well that's rude

* Kadis      holds the amulet out in front of him
* Verdant      keeps swinging with the rod

<SorceressSwift>      Really, won't you be destroying yourself in the process?
<Kadis>      It's worth it. Avoozl will be freed from his binds!

* Jakchim      slurrs ""waitsss jusst one sssecond""

<GritAsWyvern>      Funny, I thought Avzoola was dead.
<SorceressSwift>      Me too
<Kadis>      You thought wrong.
<SorceressSwift>      And how does this help him to be free?

* Verdant      releases a binding spell at kadis while swinging

<GritAsWyvern>      Or maybe you're just delusional... which is a prerequisite for being in a bloody cult.
<Jakchim>      what'sss the big idea exploding the sssity and all
<Kadis>      Avoozl was merely returned to his own realm...but this will create a pit so dark, that a Gate to his Realm will open. And there are far darker things in this realm than doomsday dragons.. In the depths of the earth..there are many evils.
<GritAsWyvern>      How about I create a big pit in you? That might work.
<Jafar>      ....
<Kadis>      And if you force me to destroy this Amulet..they will be unleashed.

* Jakchim      starts thinking Kadis is probebly not a good guy

<Verdant>      I thought the doomsday dragon was kind of pre3tty

* SorceressSwift      casts Slow on Kadis

<Kadis>      You have called for your own doom!

* SorceressSwift      then attempts to cast Fetch on the Talisman
* Jakchim      stumbles up to Kadis at slaps him across the face
* Kadis      spins his knife upwards into Verdant.

<Jakchim>      now look here ssssony

* Kadis      kicks Jakchim in the nuts.
* Verdant      staggers back
* Jakchim      deftly dogdes. Jakchim      grabbs both Kadis's arms
* Verdant      pulls knife from shoulder ad drinks atidote
* GritAsWyvern      tranforms Verdant into a Southern Troll

<Kadis>      Fool.
<GritAsWyvern>      That'll heal your wounds

* Kadis      casts flame dart into Jakchim's face.
* Jakchim      is unfased by magic
* Verdant      casts a acid orb from rod

<Kadis>      WHAT?

* Jakchim      head butts Kadis in the face
* GritAsWyvern      whips his tail into Kadis

<GritAsWyvern>      How you like this poison?
<Kadis>      The pain is what keeps me alive, Foolish shapeshifter.

* Verdant      uses troll strength to beat kadis

<Jafar>      The pain?
<Kadis>      Of POISON.
<Jafar>      This guy is twisted...
<Verdant>      total nut
<GritAsWyvern>      Yes, but there's the whole problem of dying, you know...

* Kadis      casts a Force Bolt at the lower edge of Grit's tail.
* GritAsWyvern      deftly dodges
* Jakchim      unleases a furry of fists and kicks on Kadis

<GritAsWyvern>      You'll need to do a bit better than that, mate.

* Kadis      slashes with his sword at the base of the Wyvern's tail.
* Verdant      forms a energyspike at end of rod and slashes at kadis
* GritAsWyvern      snarls in pain and flies back out of range
* Kadis      slices with both weapons at Jakchim, his dagger darting for his eyes, and his sword seeking to open Jakchim's belly.
* Grit      downs a potion of mana.

<Grit>      You just let me know if you want to change back to yer own form, Verdant

* Jakchim      easily catches a sword in both hands. ""kiddo, you need to be much fasssster than that.""  Jakchim      deftly dogdes dagger too
* Jafar      tries to stab Kadis
* Kadis      takes the blow across his currently unarmored chest, then replies with a thrust with both blades.
* SorceressSwift      attempts to cast arcane missiles at Kadis
* Verdant      tells the orb to grab the most magical object off of kadis
* Jakchim      grabs on arm and disarms it before the hit can land on Jafar

<Jafar>      Thanks
<Kadis>      It's time to end this game. AVOOZL COMPELS YOU!

* Kadis      a black beam shoots out of Kadis' hand and hits Jakchim.

<Jafar>      Wha!?

* Jakchim      kicks Kadis in the jaw before he can finish the spell
* Verdant      stabs kadis i back with mana spike

[Swift]

Part 16 - More Dirty Fighting

* Grit      transforms his fist into diamond and punches Kadis in the crotch for being a tool as well as Jakchim for good measure.
* Jakchim      wince for not seeing the blow coming
* Kadis? eyes pop open widely, and he clutches himself, muttering quiet words of hatred.

<Jakchim>      hey, I'm on yyour ssside
<Kadis>      Enough! Avoozl Compels you, Sorceress!

* Jakchim      takes a sip from his flask

<Jafar>      Look out!

* Verdant      clubs kadis o the base of the skull
* SorceressSwift      is hit
* Jakchim      kick Kadis in the temples

<Jafar>      He's so strong...

* SorceressSwift      staggers up and recasts arcane missiles at Kadis

<Kadis>      Aargh!
<Jakchim>      heee, at my age sssony there ain't much left down there to hit

* Kadis      runs over to the south exit.
* Verdant      shoots an acid bolt at kadis

<Jafar>      Catch him!

* Jafar      follows
* Kadis      rolls to the side, and the bolt sizzles against the wall.
* Verdant      maintains barriers on doors
* SorceressSwift      casts blizzard at Kadis
* Jakchim      staggers after Kadis, but has to stop to drink some more
* GritAsFalcon      flies up high to keep an eye on Kadis
* Kadis hurls his dagger as hard as he can directly at Jafar.
* Jafar      is hit
* Verdant      shoots a dozen acid bolts at kadis, flower pattern
* Kadis avoids as many as he can, and takes the other two.
* Kadis      kneels and begins to whisper a dark prayer.
* Verdant      shoots a doze more

<Kadis>      Avoozl, grant me that I may be allowed to escape from this city alive.
<Jakchim>      Avoossssl, kiddo, why you usssing sssuch an out dated god?

* Kadis      stands and begins to rush at Jakchim, his hate and fury visible on his face. The Sword he has ignites in blood-red fire. Kadis swings his sword low then goes high, attempting to cause Jakchim as much pain as possible.

<Jakchim>      thisss doessn't look too good

* GritAsFalcon      lands on a rooftop
* Kadis      spins immediately before he comes close to Jakchim, and triggers the Barriers.
* Jakchim      steps back from the blow. his robe is caught on the blame and ignites

<DungeonMistress>      the barriers explode

<Kadis>      And I bid you all adieu! Thank you for waiting long enough for my friends to get the TRUE talisman to safety!

* Kadis      runs.

<SorceressSwift>      Stop him!
<Jafar>      He's getting away!

* Jafar      is feeling weak

<Jafar>      I think that dagger was poisioned...


* Jakchim      starts franticaly pulling his robes off before is alochol catches fire
* SorceressSwift      recasts blizzard at kadis
* Kadis dives out the Gates of Shapier, grins backwards, then slams into the ground full-force, knocking him out cold.
* Grit      singes Kadis with a farewell flame dart
* Verdant      exteds his hands to catch the object that the ob dropped into them
* SorceressSwift      whispers to Verdant 'Do you have the talisman?'

<Verdant>      only if this is it

* Jakchim      is now standing in the middle of the plaze in his birthday suit sadly watching his cloths and flasks burn away

<Kadis>      A huge purple glowing rock is in his hands, obviously heavily enchanted to glow purple and orange.
<Verdant>      most magical object on the guy, I hope
<Kadis>      Written on the top is the words ""Tahl-Is-Man""

* SorceressSwift      whispers 'good work'

<Jakchim>      ummm doess anyone have any exssstra clothesss on them?
<Grit>      Would you like me to change you into a muskrat? They don't need any clothes.
<Jakchim>      doess them get to drink?
<Verdant>      please do
<Jakchim>      hey, for a man of my age I'll have you know I'm looking pretty good

* Verdant      closes down battle spells
* Jakchim      strikes a pose
* Grit      changes Jakchim into a monkey.

<Grit>      There, now you can be a drunken monkey.

* Jafar      laughs

<Jakchim>      I alwayssss liked monkey ssstyle
<Grit>      I'm actually a fan of doggy-style myself

* Jakchim      starts practicing a drunken monkey form. Jakchim      ends it by jumping up and slapping Grit

<Grit>      Hey, mate! What'd you do that for? You wanted something that could still get drinks!

* Verdant      walks overe to jafar and hannds an antidote

<Jafar>      Thanks

* Jafar      drinks the Antidote
* SorceressSwift      drags Kadis back to the group

<Jafar>      I feel a little better now
<Grit>      Oh, I almost forgot.
<Jakchim>      that's true, I like it really, thanks. but I'm starting to feel weak now doess anyone have some wine? beer perhapse? Frangelico?

* Grit      retroactively changes Verdant back to human

<SorceressSwift>      There, he's been caught, and the talisman has been recovered. Now we head back to Taerin and get our reward
<Verdant>      if it's the real thing
<Jakchim>      hey, I sssstill have no clothess here!
<Grit>      I got some mushrooms... not quite alcohol, but they are quite... altering.
<Jakchim>      let alone a drink

* SorceressSwift      ties Kadis up

<Jakchim>      naw thanksss, I try to keep my mind clear of mind altering ssstuff

* Verdant      hands jakc a bottle

<Verdant>      closest thhing to a drink I got
<Jakchim>      what'sss thiss, my pressusss
<SorceressSwift>      Anyway, let's get back to Taerin. Now, will someone carry this thief?
<Verdant>      surprise
<Jakchim>      isss it intoxicating
<Verdant>      it's, interesting

* Jakchim      drinks a little. Jakchim spits it out

<Jakchim>      uggggh, I have vows against magic, you know
<Verdant>      sorry

* SorceressSwift      yawns

<SorceressSwift>      We don't have all night, guys
<Jakchim>      no worries, no would on of you fokes by kind enough to lend an old man his cloak

* SorceressSwift      hands Jakchim a cloak

<SorceressSwift>      here

* Jakchim      wraps the cloak arround his waist

<Jakchim>      thanks, milady
<Grit>      A monkey in a cloak is an interesting site
<Jakchim>      now, to find some boozes. why I'm feeling down right sobber
<Verdant>      that's probably a good thing
<Jakchim>      nay, 'tiss very bad
<SorceressSwift>      would someone help carry this thief to Taerin?

[Swift]

Part 17 - The Blackguard


* Kadis      his eyes flicker open.
* Verdant      hands object to swift

<Jakchim>      he's waking up
<SorceressSwift>      He's tied up
<Jakchim>      I could put him out again
<SorceressSwift>      Now hurry before he tries to break free. Go right ahead
<Grit>      I could give 'im a paralyzing sting, if need be.
<SorceressSwift>      either way is fine with me

* Jakchim      hits Kadis on a pressure point at the base of the skull

<Grit>      eh, that'll work too

* Kadis      grunts, but remains conscious.
* Jakchim      looks at Kadis oddly

<Kadis>      Avoozl Guide my path.
<Jakchim>      you ain't all human boyo
<Jafar>      Who is he?
<Jakchim>      Avoozl, an out dated god
<Kadis>      You will all beg for death, but I will never allow you to slip into oblivion.

* Grit      bitchslaps Kadis

<Jafar>      What are you talking about? Who are you?

* Kadis      Spits at Jafar.

<SorceressSwift>      yadayadayada. let's just bring him to Taerin, ok?
<Kadis>      You're fortunate I even speak with swine such as you, Paladin.
<Jakchim>      his cult's been wiped out in most places, there are a couple of loonies like this still wandering around
<Kadis>      Amon Tillado was insane, and a fool.

* SorceressSwift      gags Kadis

<SorceressSwift>      Enough talk.

* Kadis      before the gag is shoved in his mouth, he spits at Swift.

<Grit>      roit

* SorceressSwift      glares, and then wipes off the filth

<Jakchim>      do we need him alive?
<SorceressSwift>      yes, unfortunately

* SorceressSwift      kicks Kadis

<Jafar>      That sword...I think he's a Blackguard
<SorceressSwift>      That's for spitting
<Jakchim>      meh, I'm no fan of killing, but his kind are excuted without trial in most lands, he may be a liability to take with us
<SorceressSwift>      We just need to take him back to Taerin. Let WIT deal with him. Now let's go
<Jakchim>      fine. paralize him and let's go. I've got drinking to do

* Jafar      rolls his eyes at Jak

<Jafar>      *mutters* Drunkards...

<SorceressSwift>      *looks at Jakchim* Who are you anyway?

* Grit      sticks Kadis with a needle

<Grit>      You are feeling very sleeeeepyyyyyy....
<Jakchim>      I am but a humble monk. A devotee to the lord of the martial arts. I have spent the better part of my long years training and honing my mind and body to their current prefection
<Grit>      Nighty, night.
<SorceressSwift>      I see. Well, nice meeting you. Thanks for helping us to capture this blackguard
<Grit>      roit, a hand to 'and fighter. I can respect that.
<Jakchim>      I am also, currently, an employee of WIT
<SorceressSwift>      Taerin promised us a reward for capturing him. Would you like to join us and claim the reward? oh? I thought you don't do magic?
<Jakchim>      I don't, but one must pay for ones drinks
<SorceressSwift>      pardon?
<Jakchim>      I don't DO magic and magic DOES little to me, but I have no problems working with or for mages
<SorceressSwift>      i see
<Jakchim>      and with the money WIT is willing to pay I can be good and drunk for a LONG time
<Jafar>      Okay, let's go then
<SorceressSwift>      Well, would you like to join us in claiming our reward?
<Jakchim>      I was going that way anyways, what with my job being mostly done and all
<SorceressSwift>      Ok then. Let's go
        
* Jakchim      starts heading to WIT

<DungeonMistress>      The group eventually reaches WIT. Taerin appears outside WIT

<Taerin>      I see that you have returned with the culprit. Well done
<Jakchim>      right, so let's have a toast and get down to businesss
<Taerin>      I've spoken to the leaders, and we've decided to give you a magical item or spell each in addition to the dinars promised. Please hand over the Talisman

* Kadis spits the gag out and laughs.

<Jakchim>      I'll take my reward in dinars, like we arranged, if you please
<Grit>      Ah, now this 'll drink to
<Jakchim>      alright, let's get down to it
<Kadis>      No Talisman, lady. It's long gone. I hope you have a mighty big army! You'll be needing it in the near future!

* Kadis      Laughs again.
* Taerin      hands the dinars to Jakchim
* Grit      bitchslaps Kadis again
* Kadis      smirks at Grit.
* Grit      grins back

<Jakchim>      good job, now if only it would stop ring in my ears
<Taerin>      Jakchim, why are you a monkey?
<Kadis>      After Avoozl DIGESTS you, I'm going to grind your face into the rock! Ya! Avoozl! Your blood shalt flow again!
<Grit>      Yes, that's really thinking it through, mate.
<Taerin>      and where's the talisman?
<Jakchim>      it's a long story... really

* Kadis      smirks.

<Kadis>      It's long gone, lady.

* SorceressSwift      passes the object that Verdant handed her eariler
* Kadis      laughs in a sinister manner.

<SorceressSwift>      is this the one?
* Taerin      nods.

<Taerin>      Yes, it is
<Jafar>      Are you sure?

* Jakchim      laughs

<Kadis>      How the heck did that Orb grab it? The thing was literally sewn into my underwear..
<Jakchim>      even I could read that. Tal-Ise-Mahn is Talisman. hahahah... ow! my head
<Kadis>      Well, it's a pity, pity, pity, pity. I hope you don't put that Talisman in Aziza's place again... For everyone's sake. Including mine.

* Jakchim      starts twitching slightly

<Jakchim>      can we hurrey up. I really need to find a drink

* Taerin      rewards the group

<Grit>      Good, I was getting tired of all the prattling.

* SorceressSwift      gets to learn the reversal spell in addition to getting the dinars

<Kadis>      Darkness!

* Kadis      Every light nearby is either extinguished or blotted out, including the sun.

<Taerin>      What the?!
<Jafar>      Huh?

* Kadis      laughs insanely.

<Grit>      Hey, now this is more like it.

* Taerin      attempts to cast light, and finds that the spell has no effect
* Grit      removes his shades.
* Kadis      Casts force bolt, snapping the ropes in half.

<Kadis>      Bye bye.
<Jafar>      Stop him!

* Kadis      bolts.

<SorceressSwift>      I can't see

* Jakchim      runs after Kadis, but soon stops out of breath
* Kadis      runs full into a guard, grabs the man's sword, kicks the man in the groin, and then runs again.
* Grit      doesn't bother, even though he can see him

<Jakchim>      need... to... find...a... bar

* Jakchim      returns to the group

<Jafar>      He got away... Blast!

<DungeonMistress>      Light soon returns to the world, but Kadis has left the city

* Taerin      frowns

<Taerin>      This is bad...
<Jakchim>      do we still get our rewards?
<Grit>      eh, I wouldn't be too worried, mates. Threatened eternal darkness and all that happens like a what? A couple times a year?
<Taerin>      I've already given you the reward, and yes, you get to keep them, since it was my fault for not putting him away

* Kadis      heads to the spot where his equipment was hidden, dons the armor and sheaths the other dagger and sword.

<Taerin>      Rest now. It's getting late
<Jakchim>      ya, and by the time your my age..well, eternal and ain't such big worry, so let's go find some drinks
<Taerin>      I'll inform WIT about this, and hopefully they'll figure out what to do next

* Jafar      yawns

<Taerin>      You've done all you can for now

* Kadis      begins to return to the city, seeking to retrieve the Amulet.

<Taerin>      I have to go now. Farewell
<Jakchim>      ummmm can I bcome a man again, I'm not sure they'll serve me at the bar like this

* Taerin      disappears

<Jakchim>      and maybe get a few more clothes?
<SorceressSwift>      Well, I'm heading to the KAtta Inn to sleep. Goodnight, everyone

* SorceressSwift      teleports away

<Jakchim>      good night
<Grit>      Roit...
<Jafar>      I'll be at my house if anyone needs me. See you guys

* Jafar      heads off

<Jakchim>      Grit. demonkification?
<Grit>      Alright, old human...

* Grit      grabs a rug off of the floor... with a few words and a flash of light, it becomes a man-sized pair of pants
* Jakchim      frowns
* Grit      returns Jakchim to standard drunkard form

<Jakchim>      I'm partal to robes

* Grit      changes pants to robes

<Jakchim>       thanks. I always wanted a shag robe
<Grit>      I'm in a good mood.

* Jafar      reaches his house without a map

<Grit>      But don't push it, drunky.

END

[Swift]

Samuel_Rorg, Shameen, Kreesha - played by Swift
Cloaked_Man - played by Corsair5
WaltTheWITMember - played by Striker

Part 18 - More Disturbing News

<DungeonMistress>      The next day...

* Jafar      wakes up and yawns
* Cloaked_Man      walks up to the gate, drawing his cloak tighter about him.

<Jafar>      I guess I should be metting back with the others about now

* Cloaked_Man's armor clanks loudly as he approaches the Gate Guard.

<Jafar>      I hope they got enough sleep, some of them were about to fall asleep fighting

* Jafar      chuckles
* Samuel_Rorg      gathers the adventurers in the katta inn

<Cloaked_Man>      Sir.
<SorceressSwift>      Let me guess, WIT sent you here to brief us on the next mission, right?
<Samuel_Rorg>      Aye.

* Grit      feigns disinterest

<Samuel_Rorg>      Fellow brethen, I bring you terrible news
<Jafar>      What is it?
<Grit>      I'm not your brother.
<Samuel_Rorg>      Taerin is missing... along with the second talisman
<SorceressSwift>      what?
<Samuel_Rorg>      He never returned with the talisman. The city guards have searched everywhere for him in this city, but he could not be found. WIT fears that he may be captured, or worse, dead.
<Grit>      So, good... if we find him we get paid again, right?

* Samuel_Rorg      sighs

<Samuel_Rorg>      Yes
<Grit>      good
<Samuel_Rorg>      Your primary mission is to investigate his disappearance, and retrieve the talisman

* Jafar      nods

<Samuel_Rorg>      You also have to discover the identity of the mystious magician whom you fought in the Spielbug, and find out exactly what he plans to do with the talismans. Kadis wanted to use it to bring back Avoozl, that much we know.
<Jafar>      But isn't Avoozl dead?
<Samuel_Rorg>      It's unlikely that he and the Mysterious Magician are working together, or share the same goals. Ah, you're here! Glad you could make it, Verdant Star. Now have a seat

* Verdant      sits down

<Samuel_Rorg>      As I was telling the others, Taerin is missing, along with the talisman. Your mission is to investigate his disappearance, and to recover the talisman
<Verdant>      again?
<Samuel_Rorg>      You also need to find out all you can about the Mysterious Magician. Yes, again.
<Grit>      Yeah, I'm sensing a theme in these quests.
<Samuel_Rorg>      Tiring, isn't it?
<Verdant>      just a little

* Cloaked_Man      stomps into the room, and approaches Shameen.

<Grit>      'ey, as long as it helps my goal.
<Samuel_Rorg>      Kadis is still a dangerous threat as long as he's not caught. Your third mission is to kill him. Swift, Verdant, Grit, you're all needed at WIT for a group meeting. Please follow me.

* Verdant      gets up and follows Samuel

<Grit>      I kinda miss the surly little firebug.

* Grit      follows them

<Jafar>      Well, theres not much for him to burn in the desert

* SorceressSwift      gets up and follows

<Cloaked_Man>      Friend Shameen, do you know where the heroes are? The ones who found the one who hurt Aziza.
<Grit>      Aye, but it's strong in the element of fire.
<Verdant>      yea, he'd get bored
<Shameen>      Not a clue. Sorry sir
<Cloaked_Man>      Ah. Thank you anyway.

* Samuel_Rorg      arrives at WIT
* WaltTheWITMember      recites poem of doom

<Verdant>      this bodes ill
<Samuel_Rorg>      Greetings. I have brought the mages here, as you've requested
<Kreesha>      Good. Please sit down. We have urgent matters to discuss with you
<SorceressSwift>      Why wasn't Jafar sent for? I?m sure he can be of help in this matter
<Kreesha>      This matter concerns wizards only. Now please sit down

* SorceressSwift      sits

<Kreesha>      It's time we let you know all we know about the Talismans. Devon Aidendale discovered one of them while on his travels. It was found inside the legendary Blackbird. He brought it to Erasmus, and Erasmus took it to WIT to have it examined. Our findings revealed that it was a powerful artefact, but it contained nothing but pure evil. Soon, another one was found by Elsa. And eventually, a third was found by Erana. We wizards tried to find a way to destroy them, but they seem to be invulnerable at the moment. We believe there's a fourth one out there, and it might be the key to destroying them all.
<SorceressSwift>      I still think Jafar should be here to listen to all this.

Kreesha      sighs

<Kreesha>      Very well. Send for Jafar
<Samuel_Rorg>      Are you sure about that, Kreesha?
<Kreesha>      Yes
<Samuel_Rorg>      Very well then.

* Samuel_Rorg      teleports out, and then teleports back in with Jafar

<Kreesha>      Welcome, Jafar

* Cloaked_Man      jumps as Jafar phases out of the Inn.

<Kreesha>      Please sit down. I have something urgent to tell you

* Jafar      nods and sits down
* Cloaked_Man      concentrates on the location Jafar was.

<Cloaked_Man>      Odd...it heads to a location outside of material existence..
<Kreesha>      As I was saying, Devon, Elsa and Erana found three talismans and brought them to WIT's attention

* Cloaked_Man      heads north, towards WIT.

<Kreesha>      They possess great evil, and appear to be indestructible at the moment, but if the fourth talisman is recovered, we may have a good chance of destroying them

* Cloaked_Man      arrives at the Entry Point to WIT.

<Cloaked_Man>      Well. I already know where it is..so..
<Jafar>      We have one now...

* Cloaked_Man      triggers the door.

<Jafar>      And we sort of know about the second? What about the other two?
<Kreesha>      The third is with me. I've been guarding it this very time
<Jafar>      And the fourth?
<Kreesha>      We do not exactly know where, but we have an idea where it might be. Devon and Erana have been sent to retrieve it
<Jafar>      Where did they go?
<Kreesha>      I'm afraid I cannot reveal that information, for there might be a mole in our midsts
<Jafar>      Right, sorry
<Kreesha>      For now, just focus on the task that's been given to you. We're counting on you to recover the second. As soon as all four are here, we can do something about it
<SorceressSwift>      All right. We'll do our best to retrieve them
<Kreesha>      Do you have any questions? I'll answer whatever I can
<Verdant>      where would one look for the talisman needed to destroy these things?

* Cloaked_Man      knocks on the door of WIT.

<Jafar>      Devon is already searching for the last talisman. Kreeshy wouldn't tell us where he went. There might be a spy
<Verdant>      probably safer that way
<Kreesha>      That is correct. Samuel, find out who's at the door

* Samuel_Rorg      nods and leaves the room

<Kreesha>      As for where that second talisman is, I'm afraid we don't know
It could still be in Shapier. Search the area for clues
<Jafar>      We know who had it though...

[Swift]

Dmitri - played by Corsair5

Part 19 - Kadis' Origins

<Cloaked_Man>      I am from the newly formed Heroes Guild of Mordavia. My Guildmaster's friend, Devon Aidendale, told us that you are searching for the one who harmed Aziza, and stole the Talisman. I am here to aid you.
<Samuel_Rorg>      In that case, wait outside.
<Cloaked_Man>      Very well, Sir.
<Samuel_Rorg>      Who are you?
<Cloaked_Man>      My name is Dmitri, son of the Boyar.
<Samuel_Rorg>      Where are you from, and what skills do you possess? Pardon my ignorance, but I have not heard of you.
<Cloaked_Man>      I am from Mordavia, obviously. Otherwise, I'd be with the Heroes Guild of Silmaria.

* Cloaked_Man      laughs.

<Cloaked_Man>      I am a skillful warrior, or so I used to be told. I posess a few basic skills in stealth and magic.

* Cloaked_Man      removes his cloak, revealing black platemail.

<Samuel_Rorg>      Well, you could join the rest of the adventurers soon. Glad to have you to help us We're a little short on help
<Dmitri>      You distrust me, I see. I can't say I blame you. I don't exactly look like a Paladin...
<Samuel_Rorg>      Well, it's partly because I haven't heard of you before, but if you're here to help, then I'll stop doubting you. The others will be out soon
<Dmitri>      You have nothing to worry about. I'm just waiting for the hunt to be on for whatever scum harmed Aziza.
<Kreesha>      Anymore questions?
<Verdant>      not really
<Kreesha>      Alright then. I'll send you off. Good luck.
<SorceressSwift>      Thanks. How are Erasmus and Aziza coping?
<Kreesha>      They're recovering.
<SorceressSwift>      That's good.

* SorceressSwift      smiles

<SorceressSwift>      Come on, people. We have work to do
<Jafar>      Okay

* SorceressSwift      gets up and exits

<Verdant>      cool, so the wizard folk should be okay

* Dmitri      straightens from his lean against the wall.

<Dmitri>      Ah! There you are.

* Verdant      follows swift
* Jafar      follows Swift

<DungeonMistress>      The group is now outside WIT
<Dmitri>      Ah. You must be the heroes!
<Samuel_Rorg>      Swift, Jafar, Verdant, Grit, meet Dmitri
<Dmitri>      A pleasure..is that..a kobold?
<Samuel_Rorg>      He'll be assisting you in the search
<Jafar>      Pleased to meet you
<Dmitri>      Pleasure. Am I right in assuming you are of the Order, friend?

* Dmitri      shakes Jafar's hand.

<DungeonMistress>      Grit ignores Dmitri

* Jafar      nods

<Dmitri>      Excellent! I haven't met one in...wow, I can't remember when. The last one must've been Piotyr, but he was already dead.
<SorceressSwift>      Nice meeting you, Dmitri
<Dmitri>      A pleasure meeting such a figure of beauty such as you.
<Verdant>      ditto
<SorceressSwift>      Heh. Spare me the flattery

* Jafar      uses sense aura on Dimitri

<Dmitri>      Phew, it's roasting under this helm. Not even sure why I wear it.
<Samuel_Rorg>      Well, I have to get back to the wizards now. Goodbye, and good luck
<Dmitri>      Dmitri is apparently good, but you sense a darkness of some kind follows him.

* Samuel_Rorg      teleports away

<Verdant>      well that was abrupt
<Dmitri>      It was only five steps to go back inside. That seems like something Erasmus would do.
<DungeonMistress>      Jafar senses that Dmitri is good, but a darkness of some kind seems to be following him
<Jafar>      Hmm...
<Dmitri>      Well, let's get the hunt on. What do you know about the enemy?
<SorceressSwift>      Very little
<Dmitri>      Name, mayhap?
<SorceressSwift>      Only that he probably is insane, or power-hungry or both
<Verdant>      I think very little is an understatement
<Jafar>      My moneys on both
<Dmitri>      Both of them, Swift? I understood that there were two.
<SorceressSwift>      One of them is Kadis, a blackguard in service of Avoolz
<Dmitri>      Say what?
<Verdant>      total nut
<SorceressSwift>      he was the one who injured Aziza
<Dmitri>      Kadis?
<SorceressSwift>      Do you know him?

* Dmitri      appears dumbstruck.

<Dmitri>      Yes...yes, I do.
<SorceressSwift>      Really? what do you know?
<Dmitri>      Kadis was originally the vanguard of the Paladin order in Mordavia.
<SorceressSwift>      Really?
<Dmitri>      He vanished one day, and we haven't seen him since. We assumed one of the Wraiths slew him. This is grave news, particularly if he is serving the Dark One.
<SorceressSwift>      Terrible news indeed. I had no idea he was once a Paladin. Is there any way he can be saved then?
<Dmitri>      It makes his fall even more devastating. To think that one so pure could fall so far into darkness.
<Verdant>      guess he's a bigger nut than I thought
<Dmitri>      I don't know. If he fell because of a choice, I doubt it. But a few individuals in Mordavia seemed tainted by the Dark One's presence. They were possessed of superhuman constitution and strength. Totally insane, too.
<Verdant>      and funny magical abilities?
<Dmitri>      None of them ever managed to access the Necrophilicon and learn it's dark secrets. So, no.
<SorceressSwift>      We've been ordered to kill him if our paths cross, but if you can save him, we'll lend you whatever help you need
<Dmitri>      But Kadis was entrusted with that dark book.
<SorceressSwift>      Dark book?
<Verdant>      must have read a little too much then
<Dmitri>      The Necrophilicon, the Unholy Bible of Avoozl. The Hero, Devon Aidendale, discovered it in the Dark Monastery that was built in Mordavia, where they worshipped The Dark One. The Monastery was burned, but the Book could not be destroyed.
<Verdant>      oh, great, another immortal evil thing
<Dmitri>      It is not truely alive. Simply another tentacle of Avoozl.
<Verdant>      well, it can't be destroyed
<Dmitri>      The only way to destroy the Necrophilicon, to Cleanse the Cave of Mount Malign, is to Slay Avoozl. Come, we must begin the hunt!
<SorceressSwift>      Let's

END

[Swift]

(Ignus turned on the 'Silly Clowns' Mode, so expect to see some weird characters popping up for no other reason other than to provide comic relief)

Silly Clown, El Pojo Diablo - played by Ignus Draconus


Part 20 - Revenge of the Blackguard

<Dmitri>      Any idea where he is? Kadis, I mean.
<SorceressSwift>      I think he might still be in Shapier. He doesn't know yet that the Talisman has been stolen again
<Dmitri>      Let's hope he hasn't gotten his hands on it again. I have a dark forboding in my heart about what he may do with it.
<SorceressSwift>      Let's
<Dmitri>      And...if we find him, he's mine.
<SorceressSwift>      What do you plan to do with him, once we find him?
<Verdant>      so how come you get all the fun?
<Dmitri>      I don't know, but I know him better than any of you do. No offense intended to any of you. Also, he knows me, and perhaps I can sway him back to the light. I doubt it, but it is certainly not impossible.
<Jigen>      One swift knee in the happy sacks and he'll drop like anyone else
<Jakchim>      heya, what'sss ya'll do'n?
<Jafar>      Oh great, the drunk guy again....

* Dmitri      jumps as the two men approach.

<Dmitri>      Geez, I didn't even hear them coming down the alleyway.
<SorceressSwift>      Hi Jakchim
<Dmitri>      Who are they?
<SorceressSwift>      Hi Jigen
<Verdant>      looks like friends
<Jakchim>      hi pretty lady
<SorceressSwift>      Have you heard the news?
<Jakchim>      what news?
<Jigen>      Hey I found my old sifu jackchim
<SorceressSwift>      The talisman that we recovered from Kadis is missing again. And Taerin's missing too
<Verdant>      what is it with missing wizards?
<Jakchim>      more'ss the pity, what's happening about it?
<Dmitri>      Taerin is probably dead, he nearly slew Erasmus, or so I hear.
<SorceressSwift>      What? Taerin didn't kill Erasmus. What are you talking about?
<Dmitri>      I apologize, I wasn't clear. I referred to the fact that whoever attacked Erasmus nearly slew him, and is likely who kidnapped Taerin.
<SorceressSwift>      Oh. I apologise. I didn't get what you mean
<Dmitri>      Or, if Kadis managed to get his hands on him, then he is likely dead as well. I was not able to enter WIT, so, were there any clues as to what happened to Taerin?

* Jakchim      takes a sip from a flask while listening to the discussion

<DungeonMistress>      Jafar senses a shadow following him

<Jakchim>      oh, I think I've had a bit too much, I'm starting to see clowns. this should clear that up
<the_silly_clown_guy>      have you ever had too mush?

* SorceressSwift      looks quizzically at Jakchim
* Jakchim      takes another sip
* Jafar      looks behind him

<DungeonMistress>      Dmitri also senses the shadow

* Dmitri      turns his head, while quietly slipping his dagger out.

<SorceressSwift>      Jafar, is anything wrong?

* Jafar      frowns

<Jafar>      I sense something...
<Dmitri>      I have a bad feeling..
<the_silly_clown_guy>      it isn't me
<Jafar>      Some kind of shadow...it feels like it's following us

* the_silly_clown_guy      wanders off

<Verdant>      spooky
<Jakchim>      bu-bye clowny
<Jigen>      Ooh purdy

* Dmitri      turns around and draws his sword. It ignites in blue flame.

<Dmitri>      Who's there?
<Kadis>      Me.

* Kadis      steps out of the shadows, fully armored and armed.

<Verdant>      whoa, really spooky

* Verdant      summons rod
* Jakchim      burps
* Jafar      draws his sword

<Dmitri>      I am disappointed in you, Kadis.

* Jakchim    :emb: excuse me
<Dmitri>      I thought you better than to associate with this kind of riffraff. I hear they have a special seat in ###### prepared for you, O servant of the Dark One.
<Kadis>      Many have stated that. Before their lungs became little more than bags of blood.
<Verdant>      how rude
<Jakchim>      I said excuse me
<Verdant>      not you, j
<Kadis>      Bah, I have no time for this.

* Kadis      a black orb accumulates at Kadis' fingertips.

<Dmitri>      A simple illusion designed to deter me? It won't work, Kadis.

* Dmitri      charges Kadis.
* Jigen      Follows Dimitri

<Kadis>      Your neck, fool. Rot.

* Verdant      casts a barrier between kadis and the party, excluding the charging dimitri
* Jakchim      sits back to watch the fight

<ElPojoDiablo>      BUCKAAAWW!
<Kadis>      Die, fool.

* Jakchim      starts drinking heavily
*Kadis       the stream flies out and hits Dmitri in the chest.
* Grit      comes wandering in, yawning

<Grit>      What's all this, then?
<Jakchim>      heya big guy
<Verdant>      what's it look like? its a fight, dangit
<Grit>      Big guy? Well, I don't like to brag.

* Dmitri      is slammed in the chest by the darkness, and thrown back into the barrier.

<Dmitri>      Aarggh.
<Jakchim>      think I could be be a monkey again, you big *hick* hansom guy you
<Verdant>      that was not the plan
<Jigen>      Anyone who can break magical barriers now's the time
<Kadis>      I never thought I'd actually be aided by one of you fools..

* Grit      chews on a mushroom and watches, amused

<Kadis>      Perhaps I shall allow you to live. Now, start running.

* Verdant      dispells the barrier he summoned
* Kadis      flicks the blade to Dmitri's throat.

<Jakchim>      It's really a good show, eh
<Kadis>      Any last words?
<Grit>      Aye
<Jigen>      None you'd want to hear
<Jakchim>      Ana phlyxis?
<Dmitri>      Maybe after I jam my knife into your crotch.

* SorceressSwift      polymorphs Kadis
* Verdant      sends another acid bolt at kadis
* Kadis      as he transforms, he gets out a ""God damm--""

<Dmitri>      Let's get the ###### outta here while that spell lasts!
<Jakchim>      heehee this morphing part always cracks me up
* Jigen      Kicks kadis-sheep
<Dmitri>      Oh, good god.
<Grit>      Ah, mutton
<Verdant>      I don't know what kind of god he worships,

* Kadis      comes out of his transformation.

<Verdant>      but I don't wanna meet him
<Kadis>      Thank you, Ninja boy.
<SorceressSwift>      Don't hi-... too late
<Jakchim>      I love mutton. I grew up raising and eating sheep

* Kadis      slashes at Jigen.
* Jigen      dodges

<Grit>      So, how about that local sports team?
<Kadis>      Eat me.
<Jakchim>      it's good

* SorceressSwift      fires arcane missiles at kadis

<Jigen>      I hear there doing pretty good now they got that new star player
<Jakchim>      will you be a sheep again?

* Kadis      rolls beneath them and charges at Jigen, seeking to pin him against the wall.

<Jigen>      I doubt it

* Jafar      slashes Kadis
* Jigen      Jigen intercepts with kneecap to face

<Kadis>      Damn you and you Paladins!

* Verdant      summons an energy spike and sends it at kadis
* Kadis      reels backwards and spits blood.

<Jakchim>      hey, watch it, we're trying to talk here
<Dmitri>      Back off. This is my fight.
<Grit>      Yeah, inconsiderate git
<Jakchim>      your getting blood alove the place

* Dmitri      approaches Kadis at a steady gait.

<SorceressSwift>      We're assigned to kill him, so we can't exactly back off, Dmitri

* Jigen      hangs back and waits for Dimitri's turn to end

<Jigen>      You're assigned, I just turned 'caus I thought it's be fun
<Verdant>      if you want me to try and bind him, just say so

* Jakchim      empties his flask
        
<Dmitri>      Very well..if you can't leave this fight to me, then at least try to capture him.
<Kadis>      Suck on it.
<Grit>      Actually with all of us attacking him, the fight would be over too quickly.
<Jakchim>      it's true
<SorceressSwift>      isn't that good?

* Kadis      out of his left hand spurts a cone of razor-edged ice crystals.
* Jigen      takes a number and gets in line behind dimitri

<Dmitri>      Oh, ######.
<Jakchim>      you guys need the practice

* SorceressSwift      attempts to polymorph Kadis again
* Verdant      summons a set of magical rings to bind kadis
* Kadis      is polymorphed, but manages to avoid the rings.

<Dmitri>      Stay back.
<Jakchim>      I LOVE that sheep thing
<Dmitri>      That means you, Jigen, you idiot.
<Jigen>      I'M WAITING ALREADY
<Jakchim>      can some one kill him I want some mutton
<Dmitri>      I hate drunkards.
<SorceressSwift>      Hey, watch your tongue, paladin...

[Swift]

Part 21 - To Kill Or Not To Kill - That is the Question

* Jakchim      :emb: I've got the muchies
* Dmitri      rests his blade on the back of Kadis' head.
* Verdant      sends the rings after kadis again

<Jigen>      Paladin boy's too proud to let anyone else have any fun
<DungeonMistress>      the rings bind Kadis
<Grit>      yeah, sounds familiar
<DungeonMistress>      Kadis transforms back to his original form, but is bound by the rings
<Dmitri>      Or perhaps I just don't want you to release him from his polymorph, allowing him to nearly kill me again?

* Dmitri      rubs his ribs

<Jakchim>      awwww! where'd that nice lil sheep go?

* Kadis      as the rings entrap him, Kadis pops out of his polymorph. Still bound, though.

<Jigen>      I said i was waiting, that polymorph spells not lasting forvever so hurry up before he changes back. oh look at that
<Verdant>      he's bound already
<Kadis>      Snake-licking slime!
<Dmitri>      Isn't that part of the ritual for becoming a Blackgaurd?
<SorceressSwift>      My polymorph spell has a temporary effect. Grit has a more lasting version of that spell
<Jakchim>      some one kill 'em and let's move on

* silly_clown      wanders past again
<Kadis>      Yes, yes, kill me! Very bold, slaying a defenseless foe.
<Jakchim>      Grit, make us some mutton, k, old friend
<Dmitri>      Dammit, he's right. We can't kill him, he's defenseless.
<Jafar>      ......
<Verdant>      isn't that cannabalism?
<Grit>      I just ate, actually.
<Jigen>      Any year no Dimitri
<SorceressSwift>      We can turn him into WIT's hands again
<Grit>      Not for me
<Dmitri>      Jigen, what are you talking about?
<Jakchim>      meh, you think I got as old as I have by worrying about things like that
<SorceressSwift>      Or we can put him under your custody and wait for you to figure out how to save his soul, Dmitri
<Dmitri>      It's your choice, Swift. You're the one who defeated him.
<Jigen>      Or we can kill him and save the taxpayer's their money
<Verdant>      or we could escort both of them to wit, just to make sure
<Dmitri>      Cynical, aren't you, Jigen?
<Grit>      You two might want to work on your dialog, I was reeling from all those cliches
<Jigen>      Yeah. I prefer the term 'realistic'
<Jakchim>      but let's make him a sheep before killing, why waste good meat
<Jigen>      True
<SorceressSwift>      I... I don't know.
<Dmitri>      Aside from the obvious fact that he'd turn back to a human before he died..
<Jigen>      Still good meat
<Verdant>      or when he did
<Dmitri>      That is, if his kind can truely be considered human.
<Jakchim>      I know, fatally wound him, then turn him into a sheep
<SorceressSwift>      If he was once a former paladin, we should try to save him first
<Jafar>      Yeah...
<Verdant>      I concur
<Grit>      There is one point about not eating him, he may have some kind of brain disease.
<Jigen>      What for? Just wait until the next bright eyed idealist decides to take up a sword
<Dmitri>      Jigen, perhaps you've forgotten, but WIT never said he had to be dead to get your money.
<Jakchim>      so, let's not eat his brain
<Verdant>      and wait for him to get trained?
<Dmitri>      And that's what you want, right?
<Jigen>      Like I said, I'm not getting paid
<Dmitri>      Then why do you care at all?
<Jigen>      I'm just here for the smackdown
<Jakchim>      haha, good boy
<SorceressSwift>      Actually, WIT specified that they want him dead
<Dmitri>      Oh, yes, the adrenaline really pumps when you slice a man's throat.
<Jigen>      Damn mofoing straight
<Jakchim>      it does indeed
<Dmitri>      Takes a lot of courage, a lot of boldness.
<Jigen>      Didn't expect you to understand. Takes a lot of effort
<Jakchim>      but I prefer just beating brains out
<Verdant>      well, let's let him loose and let jiggy here face him one-on-one
<Jigen>      Fine by me
<Dmitri>      No. Flat out.
<SorceressSwift>      No, we waste too much time by debating all this
<Grit>      I really don't care either way.
<Jigen>      That's fair
<SorceressSwift>      We need to find the talsiman
<Jakchim>      hey Grit, what odd 'd you give on the fight
<Dmitri>      I have no intention of removing his bonds.
<Grit>      Between who?
<Verdant>      but I have control of the bonds

* Dmitri      looks quizzically at Grit.

<Jakchim>      Jig and crazy half sheep guy
<Jigen>      This is Dimitri's gig (technically) so he can do as he likes
<SorceressSwift>      Let's take him back to WIT first and explain the situation
<Dmitri>      You know, Jigen, I thought your kind was honorable. My mistake.
<Jakchim>      meh, not far to go
<Jigen>      Say what?
<SorceressSwift>      Since it's just a doorstep away, that's not too much trouble
<Verdant>      I know, really
<SorceressSwift>      'cuse me
<Dmitri>      I'll lug him about, since Jigen would probably place a knife in his brain stem.

* SorceressSwift      teleports in

<Jakchim>      right, turn him in, get pay, and then go to this nice inn I know

* Dmitri      pulls Kadis onto his shoulder.

<Kadis>      Scumbag.
<Grit>      Hm... I'd go with Jig, actually. Superior intellect plus skill usually trumps power.
<Dmitri>      Thank you.
<Verdant>      I need to learn that trick someday

* SorceressSwift      teleports back out with Samuel

<Jigen>      I am honorable a defeated enemy dies, and an evil man is stopped however it must be done, where's the lack of honour?
<Samuel_Rorg>      What's so imp- oh who's this?
<Dmitri>      Killing an unarmed man, who is tied up and has no method of fighting back? Ah, this is our good buddy Kadis.
<Verdant>      more importantly, how many lived were saved
<Jigen>      Killing a man who wanted to unlkeah the dark one upon our world and destory us
<Dmitri>      Your point being what? You'd slaughter a man in his sleep because he was evil? Quite honorable.
<Samuel_Rorg>      What are you waiting for? Kill him
<Verdant>      I'd kill him
<Dmitri>      Sam, he's an onetime Paladin.
<Jakchim>      let's get this over with and figure out the morality at the inn
<Jigen>      If you give evil a chance it will stab yopu in the back and then good will lose
<Dmitri>      He's tied up. He can't exactly stab me.
<Jigen>      For now
<Dmitri>      Ow, geez! 'e bit me!
<Verdant>      if he gets away, how many more die?
<Jigen>      Every extra second he has gives him time to escape
<Dmitri>      No.
<Jakchim>      he would have done that if you had killed him

* Dmitri      slams Kadis into the wall three times, knocking him out.

<Samuel_Rorg>      Well, what about it? You're not killing him because he was once a paladin?
<Jakchim>      HAHAHAHA
<Dmitri>      See? He's not getting away.
<Jafar>      We might be able to help him

* Dmitri      dumps the body on the ground.

<Jigen>      Abusing a prisoner bad, Dimitri
<Verdant>      he could be faking
<Jakchim>      no style, but I love it
<Dmitri>      I don't mind hurting them, just not killing them.
<Verdant>      why me?
<Samuel_Rorg>      I see. And do you know how to make him good again?
<Verdant>      maybe we should just give him a quick, painless death

* Jakchim      picks up Kadis's unconscious body and walks over to WIT

<Jigen>      Let's drop him off and get your money

* Jakchim      rings door bell

<Jakchim>      hey, I gotcher baddy for ya
<Verdant>      why do the wizards want him dead so badly, anyway?
<DungeonMistress>      the door opens
<Jafar>      I think we should keep him locked up for now
<Dmitri>      That's the first reasonable option I've heard.
<Jafar>      Until we can find a way to bring him back
<Jakchim>      here ya go, kill em or keep em Iah duunah care
<Dmitri>      Perhaps sitting in a magical cell, allowing him to think on his actions...
<Samuel_Rorg>      Alright then. He'll be spared for
<Verdant>      the time being?

* Grit      simply doesn't care anymore

<Samuel_Rorg>      We'll keep him locked in a special cell for the time being
<Jafar>      Okay

[Swift]

random raincloud - played by Ignus Draconus

Part 22 - The Search Party

* Samuel_Rorg      gives group 500 dinars each
* random_raincloud      drizzles on grit

<Samuel_Rorg>      Get moving now. We need to recover all four amulets
<Dmitri>      Feel free to to knock him out if you need to, Sam.
<Grit>      Drizzle Mo'Dizzle!
<Jafar>      Aye aye!
<Verdant>      hey look, spell residue
<Samuel_Rorg>      I'll be going now
<Jakchim>      right, so where's those talismen

* Samuel_Rorg      teleports away
* Verdant      points to raincloud

<Jakchim>      in the raincloud?
<Dmitri>      Well, let's get on with the search...that confrontation did not go as I had hoped it would.
<Verdant>      it's indoors
<SorceressSwift>      the second talsiman could be anywhere. Where should we start searching?
<Jakchim>      like the pub
<Dmitri>      Did Taerin have a house, or did he live in WIT?
<Jakchim>      where's his favoutie watering hole?
<SorceressSwift>      He probably did have a house, but I'm not sure where he lives
<Dmitri>      Also a good point, though I see your reasoning behind it.
<Jigen>      What about friends or next of kin?

* Verdant      whistles ""somewhere over the rainbow""

<Grit>      Yes, lets search WIT and all its interesting magical artifacts.
<Jakchim>      bah, I dislike magi but whatever

* Jakchim      takes a drink

<Dmitri>      I suggest we split up.
<SorceressSwift>      He didn't really have friends. Most of the time, he kept to himself. Quiet sort of fella
<Dmitri>      Jakchim and Grit go frequent the bars until they find some information.
<Jakchim>      ALRIGHT, my kinda asignment
<Grit>      If we split up, we can cover more ground (sarcasm)
<Dmitri>      Swift, you go talk to people in WIT to see if any of them have an idea.

* random_raincloud      drizzles on jakchim

<SorceressSwift>      They don't
<Dmitri>      Ah. Nevermind.
<Verdant>      typical
<Grit>      I could use a spell, being a master of transmutation, I could use more regular magic.
<Jakchim>      ahh, I'm wet
<Dmitri>      Verdant, you go to the local guild, wherever it is, and go see if they know anything.
<Verdant>      wow, really?
<Jigen>      I haven't heard you say please once man
<Dmitri>      Fine. Please.
<Jigen>      heh
<Jakchim>      just booze for me, being a simple monk I don't need fancy magic stuff
<Verdant>      local guild for what?
<Dmitri>      Verdant, I may be a Paladin, but I'm not an idiot. The Thieve's Guild. Or whatever passes for one in this city.
<Jigen>      Carpenter's guild, iron mongers guild, adventurer's guild

* Jakchim      tests the wine

<Jakchim>      not bad, I approve
<Verdant>      so I'm a theif now, huh
<Dmitri>      Swift, you have any ideas of other places where we can investigate?
<SorceressSwift>      I'm trying to think here
<Dmitri>      Like Keapon Laffin's Shop?
<SorceressSwift>      The guards have been searching everywhere for Taerin in this city, but they haven't found him yet, or we won't have to be searching for him
<Jakchim>      is that funny little guy still in business?
<SorceressSwift>      It's unlikely for him to still be here if he was captured. Perhaps we should start the search outside the city?
<Dmitri>      ...Rasier.
<Jakchim>      does that mean no pubs?
<SorceressSwift>      or the desert
<Jigen>      It means no booze unless you want to dehydrate
<Verdant>      so, why am I a theif, all of the sudden?
<Jafar>      Okay, lets check the desert. We might find a trail or something
<Jigen>      Dimitri made a mistake no biggie, I'll check the thieves guild
<Grit>      yeah, what happened to that Khaveen guy, he was a thief.
<SorceressSwift>      Well, you're a jack of all trades, Verdant. It's almost reasonable to assume that you possess thief skills too
<Verdant>      well I do, but that doesn't make me a theif
<Jigen>      That doesn't mean he can do the sign

* Dmitri      glances from side to side..
* Dmitri      makes the thief sign.

<SorceressSwift>      true
<Jakchim>      you just need to pass as one to get into the guild
<SorceressSwift>      you're a thief, Dmitri?
<Jigen>      Oh well why don't YOU go do the guild
<Dmitri>      And keep little part quiet, please. Ex-Thief.
<SorceressSwift>      Anyway, let's stock up first. Either Jigen or Dmitri can check up the thieves guild
<Jigen>      Bags not
<Dmitri>      I don't think I'd do.
<SorceressSwift>      we meet at the saurus place in an hour's time?

* Verdant      winks and makes the theif sign

<Jafar>      Okay
<Dmitri>      What did I tell you?
<Verdant>      so I can pay attention
<Jakchim>      so, to the pubs, Grit my good man... urrr.. hobgolin

* Grit      glares Jakchim

<Grit>      I'm a Kobold, mate.
<Jakchim>      it's not my fault, I was drunk at the time
<Dmitri>      Ugh.
<Verdant>      I'll go the theive's guild with jiggy
<Jigen>      Ah fine, thieves guild it is then
<Dmitri>      I'll see when the next Caravan for Rasier goes out. Then I'll go do my little thing.
<Jakchim>      fine out when the last one was too
<Jigen>      Nice thinking man
<Dmitri>      Good thinking, Jakchim.
<Jakchim>      I always use my head
<Verdant>      that'll give us a timetable
<Dmitri>      Okay, meet back at the Saurus Lot in..
<Verdant>      when you aint drunk
<Dmitri>      Just meet back there, I guess.
<Jigen>      Cool we'll head out when we're all together
<Dmitri>      And, Jakchim, please don't get yourself arrested for drunk and disorderly.
<Jakchim>      ok, now I'm off to do soem ""investigating""
<Dmitri>      We need to head out, and soon.

* Jakchim      leaves in the direction of the nearest inn

<Dmitri>      Investigating.. Getting drunk, more like.
<Jafar>      Yeah
<Dmitri>      See you in an hour or so.
<Jafar>      I think he won't get TOO drunk...
<Dmitri>      I doubt it.
<Jafar>      Well I hope...

[Swift]

sound effects, Shapier-guard - played by Jafar
pub owner - played by Swift
Dinarzad - played by Corsair5
Yokel -

Part 23 - Intermission, Pt 1

<Jigen>      I don't think there's enough booze in the world to get HIM too drunk

* Dmitri      heads towards the Saurus lot to find the time of the next caravan.
* Grit      wanders off
* Jigen      and Vardant head over to the thieves guild
* Jakchim      enters pub and goes to the bar
* Dmitri      arrives at the Gate Plaza and checks the time on the next caravan and the most recent caravan.

<Jakchim>      what cha got?

* Jafar      heads to the foutain and fills up his waterskins
* Jakchim      purchases a beverage and strikes up a conversation with the man next to him
* Grit      walks into a dark alley
* SorceressSwift      rests in the inn

<sound_effects>      dunn dunn dunn

* Jafar      starts writing in his diary
* Grit      whispers inaudibly to something in the darkness

<pub_owner>      Whadaya want?

* Verdant      and jigen arrive at the money changer's

<Jakchim>      another one of these, they're good

* Jigen      whistles

<Jigen>      Nice
<pub_owner>      Coming right up
<Dmitri>      Dammit, where the heck is the times for the caravans? I hate this city.

* Verdant      glares at jigen

<Jigen>      What? She's cute

* pub_owner      passes Jakchim another mug

<Verdant>      I hadn't noticed
<Jakchim>      thanks, I just go in to this town, whats worth seeing or doing?

* Dmitri      talks to a Guard.

<Jigen>      Your loss
<Dmitri>      Sir, do you know when the last caravan left the city, and when the next one will go?
<Shapeir-Guard>      The last caravan left about 2 hours ago
<pub_owner>      Let's se... *scratches chin* Well, there's an oasis outside, if my drunk customers's words are to be taken seriously
<Shapeir-Guard>      The next should be ready in half an hour
<Dmitri>      Oh, ######.
<Jakchim>      oh ya? what do they say about it?

* Grit      walks into the pub

<Dmitri>      Thank you for your time.

* Dmitri      runs north, towards the fountain plaza.
* Shapeir-Guard      nods

<Dmitri>      Jafar!

* Yokel      notices Grit

<pub_owner>      That an old man with a berad so long that it wrapped up an entire palm tree sits outside all day

* Jafar      looks up

<Jafar>      Yes?
<Dmitri>      The next Caravan leaves in half an hour, and the last one left 2 hours ago.
<Dmitri>      Right on time for Taerin to be aboard.
<Yokel>      We don't take kindly to your type around here.
<pub_owner>      you'd think he'd die by now from starvation.

* Jafar      nods

<Jafar>      Thanks
<Dmitri>      Shiest, the chances of us finding Jakchim in that time is nil.
<Jakchim>      haha, nice I may have to see that sometime. How about in the city itself?
<Dmitri>      I don't suppose Swift has some kind of spell to teleport people she's seen or knows the name of.
<pub_owner>      Lots of nice katta folk living here if you haven't notice
<Jafar>      Not unless she's with them... Maybe he won't forget
<Dmitri>      Oh, wonderful.
<Jakchim>      I have, they remind me of my favourite pet as a child
<Dmitri>      Not only that, but we didn't specify the time to be back here.
<Jakchim>      Is there anything else to see around here?
<Dmitri>      One hour.. Which means they'll be late by 30 minutes. I'll go find Verdant and Jigen. You go try to find Swift.
<pub_owner>      Well, I hardly leave my pub, so you might want to ask someone else. Sorry
<Dmitri>      Then we'll both start searching for Jakchim.
<Jakchim>      ok
<Jafar>      Okay

* Dmitri      stalks towards the moneychanger.
* Jakchim      goes to a nearby table with a single man stting at it
* Jafar      heads to the inn

<Jakchim>      mind if I sit here?

* Jafar      knocks on Swift's door

<pub_owner>      go ahead

* SorceressSwift      opens door

<SorceressSwift>      Yes?
<Jakchim>      thanks, I'm Jakchim
<Jafar>      The caravan will be ready in half an hour
<Jafar>      We need to get everyone ready sooner

* Grit      does random stuff

<SorceressSwift>      Ermm.. ok. I was thinking of searching the desert first before heading to rasier, actually
<Jafar>      Okay. So we take the next caravan?

* SorceressSwift      nods

<Jafar>      Okay. Sorry to bother you
<SorceressSwift>      That's ok
<Dmitri>      Dammit, I HATE this city. Impossible to find anything!
<Jafar>      Well, you look pretty tired
<Dmitri>      ESPECIALLY that moneychanger.
<Jigen>      Just aska local dude
<Dmitri>      I should've gotten a map from Al Chica.
<Jakchim>      heya, bar keep, can I get a basket of onion rings for myself and my new friend. and another round
<Dinarzad>      Ah, look at this. I am doubly blessed..two handsome men coming right down my alley.

* Jafar      heads into the streets
* SorceressSwift      heads out to purchase pills

[Swift]

KamakaziWatermellon - played by Ignus???

Part 24 - Intermission, Pt 2

<Dinarzad>      What can I do for you?
<Jigen>      Hey toots have you seen a guy, sorta whimpy looking magician type answers to the name of... Taerin I think
<Dinarzad>      Taerin...

* pub_owner      passes basket to Jakchim
* Jafar      runs into Dimitri

<Jakchim>      thanks.
<Dinarzad>      The only men I can think of off my head is Franc, my guard, and that stud..
<Jafar>      Lost?
<Dinarzad>      What was his name? Ah, Devon.
<Jigen>      How about not off your head?

* KamakaziWatermellon      commits suicide

<Jakchim>      so, mate, what do you know about this town?
<Dinarzad>      I will see you two later..I hope.
<pub_owner>      Very confusing place, this town. If you don't have a map, you could get lost quite easily in the alleyway

* Jafar      runs into Dimitri on the streets

<Jafar>      Lost?
<Dmitri>      Gaah!

* Jafar      holds back a smirk

<Dmitri>      Geez, don't sneak up on me like that! I think.. Ah! There they are.
<Jakchim>      ya, I know. I'm actually looking for an old business partner. he's a short geeky type guy. his name's Taerin. Do you know anything about him

* Dmitri      runs into Jigen and Verdant.

<Jafar>      You need to get a map of this place
<Dmitri>      Yeah, yeah. Jigen, Verdant.
<Jafar>      Did you know that some people have died in the streets without a map?
<Dmitri>      Learn anything from Dinarzad?
<pub_owner>      Nope. Never heard of him
<Verdant>      how's life? not really
<Dmitri>      I didn't really think she would know anything. But it's better than you relieving everyone in Shapeir's belongings.
<Jakchim>      that's ok, well, I ought to be going. see ya later
<Verdant>      the witty wizzard must not have passed this way

* Jakchim      leaves pub

<Verdant>      where is the trust here?
<Dmitri>      Well, we're heading out soon. The next caravan leaves in like ten minutes.
<Verdant>      oh crap

* Jakchim      heads to the saurus lot, using his trusty map

<Verdant>      guess we better run
<Dmitri>      Jafar? You have something to say?

* Jakchim      still gets a little lost

<Dmitri>      You've got that look on your face.

* SorceressSwift      heads to the saurus lot as well

<Dmitri>      Whatever. Let's get to the 'lot.

* Dmitri      The Quad of Jigen, Dmitri, Jafar, and Verdant arrive at the lot.

<Dmitri>      Ah, good, we were almost late.

* Jakchim      staggers into the lot

<Dmitri>      Drunkards..
<Jakchim>      that was some mighty fine mead. you guys really missed out

* Jigen      heads over to the lot

<SorceressSwift>      Let's search the deserts first before boarding the caravan, k?
<Jakchim>      a guy...
<Dmitri>      Whatever, Swift.

* Grit      suddenly appears in the lot

<SorceressSwift>      Perfect timing, Grit
<Jakchim>      in the pub...*hick*... told me about an oasis
<Dmitri>      ? Jafar could've told us that. ######, I could've told you that. I at least glance at a map before I head out.
<Grit>      A wizard arrives precisely when he means to
<Jakchim>      out in the desert. says it's about all there is out there worth visiting
<Dmitri>      He's got a point.
<Verdant>      but do we have time?
<SorceressSwift>      Well, not really
        

<Dmitri>      According to Swift, we're searching the desert.
<Jigen>      There will be another caravan after this one
<SorceressSwift>      yup
<Dmitri>      Although I can't imagine him hiding in the desert.
<SorceressSwift>      let's hurry now
<Grit>      Searching the desert?

* SorceressSwift      casts frozen armour

<Dmitri>      Time is of the essence, I fear.
<Grit>      Isn't it kind of vast?
<Verdant>      time for my orb again?
<Dmitri>      Orb?
<Jakchim>      let's check out the oasis, I wantta see this guys beard
<Jafar>      Still using Frozen Armor?
<SorceressSwift>      That'll be nice
<Jigen>      Shut up and start searching the desert, the sooner we start to sooner we can give up and go home
<SorceressSwift>      Well, it's HOT here!
<Jafar>      You'll never tolerate the heat if you keep cheating it

* Verdant      summons orb and tells it to seek out wizards in the desert

<Jakchim>      here, I'll give ya som it ta drink if ya get thirsty
<Dmitri>      Oogh.
<Jigen>      Ah someone's thinking
<Jafar>      This is one of the colder days!

* Dmitri      pulls his helm off.
* Verdant      watches the orb crowd him

<Verdant>      not us!
<Dmitri>      I never should've gotten that heating enchantment when I went to Jotunheim. I could probably replenish the desert with all this sweat. Make the world's oceans overflow.

<DungeonMistress>      The orb floats away from the group

<Dmitri>      Dum de dum.
<Jafar>      Okay, lets go

* GritAsSandEel      loves Transmutation
* Jafar      follows the orb

<Dmitri>      Follow the orb..the orb..the orb...

[Swift]

persian_golfer - played by Ignus Draconus
Taerin - played by Jigen

Part 25 - Unmasked!

* Dmitri      follows the orb.
* Verdant      follows orb

<SorceressSwift>      that orb has been very useful indeed
<Dmitri>      Be on your guard.
<Jigen>      Well why not

* Jigen      follows the orb

<persian_golfer>      dang! 9756

* Jakchim      follows others staggering as he goes
* SorceressSwift      follows orb

<Dmitri>      There are many creatures of evil in this desert.. The Scorpions..
<persian_golfer>      drat! 9757
<Jafar>      The Ghouls
<Dmitri>      The Jackelmen.
<Jigen>      Scorpions aren't evil they're just trying to eat
<DungeonMistress>      The orb brings the group to an Oasis
<Verdant>      night creatures, if I recall
<SorceressSwift>      Hmm....

* GritAsSandEel      dives into the sand and follows

<Dmitri>      Jigen, have you ever even seen a picture of these orbs?
<Jakchim>      check out that beard
<Dmitri>      Er, Scorpions?
<Jigen>      Yeah, just because it's ugly that don't make it evil. Look at you for example
<Verdant>      hey look, water!
<Dmitri>      They're as big as a horse, and they poison a man and then DRINK HIS BLOOD. As far as I'm concerned, they're evil.
<Verdant>      ouch, jiggy
<SorceressSwift>      I think you need to specify to that orb what we're looking for
<Jigen>      That doesn't make them evil just *BLEEP* dangerous
<Jafar>      They're just hungry. I don't like them, but they're not evil
<Dmitri>      Whatever.

* Verdant      calls orb over

<Dmitri>      In any case, kill them on sight.
<Jigen>      Agreed
<Dmitri>      Before they kill you.
<Jigen>      That's the ideas
<DungeonMistress>      The Orb floats over to Verdant
<Verdant>      we're looking for the wizard taerin[to the orb]
<Dmitri>      .. I have a bad feeling.
<DungeonMistress>      The Orb floats away from the Oasis

* Verdant      follows orb again
* SorceressSwift      follows orb again
* Dmitri      follows.
* Jakchim      stagers after orb
* Jafar      follows
* Verdant      summons rod, as a precaution

<DungeonMistress>      The orb suddenly floats towards Jigen
<Dmitri>      Jafar, keep your senses tuned.

* Jakchim      drinks from his new wineskin

<SorceressSwift>      Huh?
<Verdant>      creepy
<Dmitri>      Jigen?

* GritAsSandEel      follows and grunts the theme from Spaceballs

<Jafar>      It's ""pointing"" at Jigen
<Jakchim>      did you eat the wiz again
<Jafar>      Not too smart, is it?

* Dmitri      fingers his knife.

<Verdant>      don't insult the orb
<Dmitri>      I have a VERY bad feeling. Not sensing anything, but... Call it a hunch.
<Verdant>      verry dangerous to insult the orb
<GritAsSandEel>      Holy crap! Jigen is Taerin?!
<Dmitri>      Jigen?
<Jafar>      Okay, sorry
<Taerin>      Stupid orb, yes it was me you fools, the man you trusted isn't wavey gravey at all.
<Dmitri>      Are you Taerin with a ninja suit?
<SorceressSwift>      What the?!
<Taerin>      And all this time I've been smoking harmless tobacco
<Jafar>      What!?

* Verdant      summons barrier

<Dmitri>      What in god's name?

* Taerin   dispels the masking spell

<SorceressSwift>      Explain yourself!

* Dmitri      loosens his sword in it's sheath.

<GritAsSandEel>      Whoa, this is heavy, man.
<Taerin>      Now I wouldn't do that Dimitri

* Jakchim      sits down and begins chuckling as he drinks

<Dmitri>      If this is a joke, it's in very bad taste.

* Taerin Energy crackles form Taerin's fingertips

<SorceressSwift>      If you harm one hair on Jigen's head, I swear we'll kill you
<Taerin>      I assure you it is not
<Jafar>      What have you done with him?
<Verdant>      worse than jakchim's drink, I'd say
<Taerin>      He is safe, and very much elsewhere
<Jafar>      .....

* Dmitri      holds out his left hand, and a silver shield appears in it.
* Jafar      draws his sword
* Dmitri      draws his sword.
* Dmitri      puts his helm on.
* Dmitri      senses Taerin's aura.
* Taerin      Taerin powers up DBZ style

<Jafar>      So YOU stole the talisman!
<Taerin>      Quite

* Jakchim      bursts out laughing

<Dmitri>      Not exactly surprised.

* Jafar      glares at Jakchim

<Jafar>      You're not helping...
<Dmitri>      Alright, Taerin. Surrender.
<Jakchim>      :emb: sorry, but the irony is just too funny

<Dmitri>      It's a six versus one fight. You have no hope.
<Taerin>      Now why would I do a crazy thing like that

* Verdant      casts bind at taerin

[Swift]

Part 26 - Desert Wars, Pt 1

<Jafar>      Who are you?

* Taerin summons power from the talisman and conjures six scorpions out of the ground

<SorceressSwift>      I thought you were one of the good guys, Taerin. Why are you doing this?
<Verdant>      oh, crap
<SorceressSwift>      Oh boy!
<Dmitri>      In the name of god.
<Jafar>      Dangit!

* SorceressSwift      casts blizzard at the scorpions

<Dmitri>      Does anyone have some poison cure potions?

* Jafar      slashes the scorpions

<Taerin>      My dear Swift I have always acted at the behest of my master, and now he wants you all quietly eliminated before the ritual begins
<SorceressSwift>      I've got a few pills
<Jafar>      What master? What are you talking about?

* Verdant      summons an energy spike at the scorpions

<SorceressSwift>      Yeah, what master?

* Jakchim      sits back while mages blast away

<Dmitri>      Swift, if one us get's poisoned, kindly stick a pill down our throats before we bite it. For the Valley!
<Taerin>      That is unimportant, perhaps I will tell you before you die

* Dmitri      rushes the scorpions.
* Jafar      points his ring at a scorpion
* Jafar      shoots a fireball from it at the scorpion
<Taerin>      *Jafar's scorprion squeals in agony and charges towards him*
* Verdant      summons an energy blade at the end of his rod, and relieved a scorpion of its claw
* Jafar      slashes at the scorpion?s tail
* Jakchim      follows Dmitri and flanks the scorpion while it fights Dmitir
* SorceressSwift      polymorphs one of the scorpions
<Taerin>      *Verdant's scorpion rears up and screams bleeding all over him*

<Jafar>      Okay, THESE scorpions are evil

* Grit      bursts from the sand, clamping down with his powerful claws on Taerin's leg in a surprise attack

<Jafar>      I stand corrected
<Taerin>      Arrgghhhh!
<Taerin>      Who the ######...?

* Verdant      slashes the scorpion again
* Jakchim      grabs a scorpion?s tail and force it into the scorpion?s body
<Taerin>      *it's it's last gasp Verdant?s scorpion strikes down at him with it's tail*

<Dmitri>      Damn!

* Verdant      tells the orb to hit taerin in the head

<Verdant>      crap

* Grit      begins pulling Taerin down into the sand
* Jafar      pushes Verdant out of the way of the scorpions attack
* Dmitri      slices his Scorpions left claw off, then runs over to Verdant.
<Taerin>      *Jackchuim's scorpion flicks it's powerful tail muscles and hurls him into the dunes*

<Dmitri>      By the power of light, may you be healed!

* Jafar      is hit himself
* Dmitri      heals Verdant.
* Verdant      watched the wound in his side fade to nothing
* Jakchim      lands lightly at staggers at the nearest scorpion

<Dmitri>      You alright?

<Taerin>      *Dimitri's scorpion charges his enemy's turned back*

<Verdant>      mayby
<Dmitri>      Damn it! I'm a bit drained, Swift! Give Jafar a pill!

* Verdant      casts an acid sphere at dimitri's scorp

<Dmitri>      Hey, Taerin! Catch!

* SorceressSwift      gives jafar a pill
* Dmitri      hurls a knife at Taerin.

<Jafar>      Thanks

* Jafar      takes the pill

<Jafar>      I only got hit once, I should be okay
<Dmitri>      Darkness shall be overcome! Yraa!

* Dmitri      hacks the tail off of Jakchim's scorpion.
* Jakchim      side sets a claw and kicks the scorpion in an eye,

<Jakchim>      thanks

* Taerin siezes Grit and channels raw electricity into him to make him let go

<Grit>      *HISSSS*

<Taerin>      *Jackhim's scorpion backs off an inch*
* Jakchim      charges Taerin and punches him in the base of the skull

<Dmitri>      Thank you for walking on my sword, Scorpion!

* Verdant      sends another acid bolt at dimitri's scorp
* Dmitri      buries his blade into the scorpion's back.
* Grit      bursts from the sand

<Dmitri>      Well, that took care of him.

* Grit      transforms to trueform
* Jafar      fires another fireball at Taerin
* Taerin takes the knock on the skull and force-pushes Jackchin away* ONE AT A TIME BOYS

<Dmitri>      Grit! Transform some of these big ugly scorpions into ants or something!

* SorceressSwift      casts blizzard on three of the scorpions

<Grit>      roit
<Dmitri>      Taerin, it's die time

* Taerin  casts reversal and protection
* Grit      shrinks the scorpions
* Dmitri      surges holy energy into his muscles, gaining strength rapidly.
* Jakchim      stagers forward, grabs one of Taerin's arms

<Taerin>      Talk is cheap Paladin
<Grit>      Easier to do than actually changing them to something else in this case.

* SorceressSwift      casts reversal to protect herself
* Taerin channel electricity through Jackchin
* Verdant      slashes at taerin with the energy blade

<Dmitri>      Honor! Guide my blade this day!

* SorceressSwift      casts arcane missiles on the scorpions
* Dmitri      rushes Taerin, point of his sword aiming at his heart.
* Jakchim      steps out of the way of Verdants blade

<Taerin>      I SAID ONE AT A TIME *Taerin punches the ground casting shockwave and knocking everyone five metres away from him*
<DungeonMistress>      The Scorpions die

<Jafar>      WAAUGH!

* SorceressSwift      is knocked down

<SorceressSwift>      ooof

* Dmitri      bounces back.
* Jafar      rolls backwards
* Verdant      wears the magic ring from wit
* Jakchim      quickly jumps back up and charges Taer
* Verdant      turns invisible

<Dmitri>      Let fly!

* Jakchim      jump kick
* Dmitri      hurls his sword at Taerin as hard as he can.

<Jakchim>      I'm flying

* Taerin  casts telekinetic bolt at Jackchin and lightning strike at Dimitri

<Jafar>      How does he have all this power?
<SorceressSwift>      He's too powerful. We need to find another way to beat him
<Dmitri>      The Amulet.
<Taerin>      The talisman gives me power
<Dmitri>      The Talisman is the source.

* Verdant      sneaks invisibly behind taerin
* Jakchim      looks for where Taer is carrying the talisman

<Jafar>      So we've gotta get it away from him...

[Swift]

Saurus Rex - played by Swift

Part 27 - Desert Wars, Pt 2

* Dmitri      as lightning courses over his body, conducted by his armor, Dmitri collapses.
* Grit      casts fetch on the amulet
* Taerin fetches the amulet back before it reaches Grit
* SorceressSwift      attempts to polymorph Taerin
* Jakchim      recovers from force bolt
* Verdant      whispers instructions to the orb to hit taerin in the head

<Jakchim>      Grit, timing is everything
<Jafar>      Hmm...
<SorceressSwift>      Oh dear...

* Jakchim      charges taer and tackles him
* Dmitri      lets out a deep, wracking cough, and some blood spurts out of the mouthpiece of his helmet.
* Jafar      fires a fireball at the sand right in front of Taerin

<Grit>      Yes, well attack him then cast fetch.

* SorceressSwift      watches as the spell hits Dmitri instead

<SorceressSwift>      Sorry!

* Dmitri      screams in agony.
<Taerin>      *Jafar's fireball separates Jackhim and Taerin*
* Verdant      sneaks up behind taerin to try and steal the amulet
* Grit      polymorphs Dmitri to original form
* Grit      downs a mana potion

<Jakchim>      Damn mages
<Jafar>      I'm not a mage...

<Taerin>      *Verdant tears the amulet off Taerin* NOOOO!!!!

<Jafar>      Got it!
<SorceressSwift>      Good work, Verdant!

* Verdant      stabs taerin in the back
* Jakchim      kicks blinds after the fie ball left
* Taerin      casts lightning strike at Verdant
* Verdant      throws amulet and drops from the bolt
* Dmitri      coughs again, spurting more blood out of his amulet.
* SorceressSwift      summons water elemental, which attacks Taerin
* Jafar      thinks back to the artifact incident
* Jakchim's eye clear
* Taerin pulls out the dagger and casts fetch on the talisman
* Grit      intercepts it with his own fetch spell
* Jakchim      grabs both of taers arms
* water_elemental      pounds at taerin
* Dmitri      lets out a ragged breath, then goes silent.
* Jakchim      head butts Taer and knees him in the groin
* Taerin  guides the talisman into his teeth, then channels lightning through his own body

<Verdant>      crap
<Jafar>      Not again...

* Jafar      throws a rock at Taerin
<Taerin>      *free again Taerin takes the talisman and holds it in his hand*
* Jakchim      grabsbehind taer's jaw forcing the bone out of joint
* Verdant      crawls invisibly away
* Taerin  casts telekinetic strike on Jack
* Verdant      crawls toward dimitri
* water_elemental      continues to mindlessly strike at Taerin
* Jakchim      bounces away, and quickly recovers
<Taerin>      *Blood drools out of Taerin's lips*
* Jafar      sneaks up on Taerin...
<Taerin>      *Grubles because with a jaw out of place it hurts to speak* WHats does it take to stop you monk?
* Verdant      removes ring and pulls out a carefully horded healing scroll

<Jakchim>      not magic
<Grit>      Liquor?
<Jakchim>      magic is for the weak

* Jakchim      staggers forward again
Taerin  summons supersaurus rex
* Jafar      scoops up some sand, and throws it in Taerins eyes
* Verdant      uses the scrolls magic on dmitri's motionless body
* Grit      casts Trigger on Taerin

<Grit>      Let's see what that does.

* Jakchim      kicks Taer in the belly and then starts pulling on the amulet

<Jakchim>      soemone with weapons want to take care of the over sized lizard?
<Jafar>      I'll take it

* random_raincloud      drizzles on taerin
* Jafar      charges towards the Saurus Rex
* Taerin  casts binding chains on Jackchinn
* SorceressSwift      casts blizzard on the Rex
* Jakchim      looks at the chain with distain.
* Jakchim      picks up the chain and throws it back at Taer

<Jafar>      YAAAAH!

* Taerin  lifts the bound Jackchin and hurls him away (wl telekinetic magic)
* Dmitri      the spell goes into Dmitri, but there is no affect visible from your perspective.
* Jafar      stabs the Saurus Rex
* GritAsRunningDeathDino      charges Taerin, head lowered
* Verdant      gets shakily to his feet and recklessly attacks the rex with his energy blade
* Dmitri      You notice that his armor is cracked in several places.
* SorceressSwift      casts slow on the Rex
<Taerin>      *the Rex tries to Bite Jafar but the whily Paladin is too quick for him*
* Jakchim      bounces back up

<Jakchim>      stop throwing me around, you'd think I was fighting a mere judo or something

* water_elemental      disintegrates
* Jafar      rolls behind the Rex and slashes it's tail
* GritAsRunningDeathDino's horn collides into Taerin
* Verdant      strikes at the big rex with energy blade
* Taerin  casts sandstorm on Jackchin (gee it's amazing how many spells this talisman allows)
* Jakchim      takes a deep long drink

<Jafar>      The Rex is moving pretty slow. I think it's not used to the heat
<Jakchim>      it amazing how weak they are compared to my drink

<Taerin>      *Rex roars in pain as so many adventurers take him down like a pack of dogs*
* Saurus_Rex      slowly moves its tail to strike Jafar and Verdant
* Taerin  casts fetch on Jackchin's flask
* Jakchim      slowly staggers forward against the head wind
* Verdant      slices the tail with blade
* Jafar      jumps over Rex's tail, but trips and falls

<Jafar>      Oof!

* SorceressSwift      blasts arcane missiles at the rex
* Saurus_Rex      attempts to claw Swift
* Jakchim      holds on to his waterskin for dear life and is pulled to collide with Taer
* Jafar      holds up his Ring

<Jafar>      Last shot. Gotta make it count

* SorceressSwift      is hit
* GritAsRunningDeathDino      kicks Taerin

<SorceressSwift>      Argh...

* Jafar      fires a fireball at the Saurus Rex's face

<Verdant>      swift, you okay?!

* SorceressSwift      grips injured arm painfully

<SorceressSwift>      Not really

* Jakchim      bites Taer's neck around the artery

<Verdant>      need help

<Taerin>      *Just as Jackchin collides with Tarein Gritasdinoboy kicks them both a clear ten maters away*
* Saurus_Rex      is hit by the fireball

<Jafar>      Hold still, Swift

* Verdant      slashes rex again
* Jafar      uses Healing Hands of Swift's arm
* SorceressSwift's arm heals
* Taerin copies and bites Jack back*

<SorceressSwift>      Thanks
<GritAsRunningDeathDino>      ROAR!
<Jafar>      No problem
<Jafar>      Now lets finish off the lizard

* Jakchim      head buts Taer in the nose
* SorceressSwift      casts arcane missiles
* Saurus_Rex      is hit by the missiles
* Jakchim      knees Taer in the groin
* Jafar      slashes the Rex in the tail
* Taerin  grabs jacks clothes and set them on fire (which will hurt both of us)

<Jafar>      Over here, Lizzie!

* Saurus_Rex      lets out a cry
* Jakchim      bear hugs Tear
* Saurus_Rex      stomps towards Jafar angrily

[Swift]

Ghost of Dmitri - played by Corsair5
Killer Sun -

Part 28 - The One With All The Randomness

* Jakchim      igniting taer's clothes
* Taerin forces his thumbs into Jack's eyesockets
* Jafar      backs away

<Verdant>      not again

* Saurus_Rex      roars
* Jafar      charges foward and stabs the Rex in it's underbelly
* Verdant      casts acid bolt at taerin
* Verdant      then turns back to slash the rex
* Saurus_Rex      lets out a chilling roar, and then comes crashing down onto the sand
* Saurus_Rex      dies
* random_raincloud      is still drizzling on taerin

<Jafar>      Got em!

* GritAsRunningDeathDino      kicks Taerin again

<SorceressSwift>      Good work! Now to finish him off

* Jakchim      leaps back
* Verdant      casts an acid bolt at taerin
* Jakchim      rolls in the sand extinguishing his cloths
* SorceressSwift      casts slow on Taerin
* Jakchim      smiles
* Jafar      stops for a second to catch his breath

<Jakchim>      puching bag time!!!!

* Taerin  stands, blood seeping out of the tear in his neckeck
* Verdant      attacks taerin with energy blade

<Jafar>      haah....hahh....hahh....

* Jakchim      grabs taer's shoulders and puld his body down so that his head collides with Jack?s knee

<Jafar>      Phew, I'd hate to fight these things all the time
<SorceressSwift>      Oh.. we missed all the fun
<Taerin>      THAT?S IT

* Verdant      attempts to take taerin's head off
* Taerin  grabs the talisman and begins to cast trigger on it
* Jakchim      kicks Taer in the jaw before he finishes the spell
* Verdant      tries to trigger the amulet
<Taerin>      *The talisman starts glowing Taerin stumbles back from that kick to the jaw*

<Jakchim>      some one finish him, I'm down

* Verdant      swings his blade at taerin's neck again
* Jakchim      grabs his neck and sit on top of the amulet to meditate
* random_raincloud      moves to drizzle on swift
* Taerin goes to dodge Verdant?s blade but reacts too slow, the top part of his head gets taken off, with a final curse he dies

<SorceressSwift>      Ewww
<Jafar>      Ugh
<SorceressSwift>      What a way to die
<Jafar>      I was hoping it wouldn't be this messy
<Verdant>      yuck

* Jigen      runs over to the Oasis

<Verdant>      decapitation would have been prettier
<SorceressSwift>      Where's the talisman now?

* Jafar      heads over to Dimitri

<SorceressSwift>      Hey! Look who's there!

* Jafar      uses Healing Hands on him
* Jakchim      's blood seeps through his fingures

<Jigen>      Hey what did I (see's Taerin) Ah crap I missed it

* Grit      picks up the severed piece of head

<SorceressSwift>      Jigen! Where were you?

* Dmitri      His armor is cracked open, and there's blood spattered over the outside of his helm.
* Jigen      Jigen see Jack bleeding

<Jigen>      SIFU!

* Grit      pockets piece of head

<Verdant>      grit, that's nasty

* Jakchim      continues meditating

<Jigen>      Sifu are you okay?
<Grit>      What's one man's nasty is another man's... spell componant.
<Jakchim>      I've been better *gurgle*

* Dmitri      lets out a quiet, coughing breath, and dies.
* random_raincloud      drizzles on swift
* Jafar      tries Healing Hands on Dimitri one more time

<Verdant>      isn't that the raincloud from wit?
<Jigen>      Jafar! Over here

* Jafar      looks over at Jigen

<SorceressSwift>      Jigen, where were you? Did Taerin try to harm you earlier?
 <Jafar>      Yeah?
<Jigen>      Who?

* KillerSun      begins attacking the raincloud
* random_raincloud  flees

<KillerSun>      HAHAHAHAHA!

* random_raincloud      vanishes in a puff of magical steam

<KillerSun>      My work here is done.

* Jafar      walks over to Jigen

<Jafar>      Yeah?
<Jigen>      Jafar you have to heal Sifu
<Verdant>      bad sun

* Verdant      spins around to face the soul

<Jakchim>      All is turning white and I see a clown
<Verdant>      ahh!

* SorceressSwift      kicks silly clown
* Jafar      uses healing hands on Jak
* Ghost_of_Dmitri      the ethereal form walks over to Taerin's half-decapitated body.

<Ghost_of_Dmitri>      You like that?

* Jakchim      caughs and rubs this nack
* Jafar      uses healing hands on Jak again

<Jakchim>      hey doc, my eyes aren't feeling so good either

* Ghost_of_Dmitri      approaches the group.

<Jafar>      I'll see what I can do
<Ghost_of_Dmitri>      Hey.

* Jafar      uses healing hands on Jak's eyes carefully

<Verdant>      ahh! a ghost!
<Ghost_of_Dmitri>      Hm, this is interesting. I wonder if it was like this for Piotyr..

* Jakchim's eye recover

<Jafar>      Better now?
<Jakchim>      thanks, I can handle the rest myself, assuming we don't run into more badies
<SorceressSwift>      Jigen. Taerin impersonated you earlier and attacked us
<Jafar>      Okay

* Ghost_of_Dmitri      taps Jafar on the shoulder.

<Jigen>      Bastard!
<Jafar>      Glad to have you back
<SorceressSwift>      Where were you earlier?
<Jafar>      But don't call me Doc...

* Jakchim      takes a deep drink

<Jigen>      I'd... rather not say
<SorceressSwift>      Did he attack you as well?
<Jigen>      Oh nononono

* Jakchim      picks up the taliman from underneath him

<Jafar>      Ninja's always have secrets...

* SorceressSwift      frowns

<SorceressSwift>      Then what happened?
<Jigen>      What Jafar said
<SorceressSwift>      Ok then...
<Jafar>      If he wants to tell, he'll tell
<Verdant>      does anyone else see a ghost?
<Jigen>      No