February 15, 2003
Logfile from Malakai
Eclipse puts on his dragon medallion.
[OOC] Valyros has a dragon shirt on :P
You say, "When last we left Hell's Errand Children, they had just absconded with a half-dead so-recently-falling-up man and a most-definitely-not-dead-staked-through-the-heart regenerating chick."
Psyche carries the half-dead men, pretty much ignoring the chicklet.
[OOC] Psyche says, "mAn."
Tsharing puts the stiff over one shoulder.
Typheous follows, hands on his blades, wary of trouble.
Valyros follows everybody, trying to be as inconspicuous as an elf with black wings can.
Quentin, "I hope a mage doesn't take an interest in tonight's goings on, well, other than us, of course. We forgot to obscure our actions from scrutiny, unless one of you did? Oh well. What are the chances anyone will look for a woman who sucks blood through people's skin at range, eh?"
You say, "You are now roughly halfway to Quentin's house."
Tsharing keeps on going
[OOC] You say, "He's not very bright, but he saves a bundle in electricity every year..."
Psyche sighs, focussing on the man in her arms (is he conscious at all)?
You say, "You reach Quentin's house. He spends several very nervous seconds fumbling with and dropping the keys before letting you inside."
Eclipse [to Psyche]: He appears to have gone into a state of shock.
Typheous glances to Quentin. "Must you be so paranoid?" . o O ( Ow.. this hurts... )
Valyros goes and closes and locks every window in the house.
Psyche . o O ( I'll deal with that later. He's in shock.... )
Quentin, "It isn't every day that I kidnap young women and bring them to my house, you know."
Tsharing says, "We never said anything."
Psyche [to Quentin]: Do you have a room where I can tend to him? He needs attention soon.
Valyros says, "Really? I do it all the time."
Valyros gives a malicious little smile.
Quentin, "One of the bedrooms should be fine."
Typheous sighs softly, taking the blades form his belt and resting them on the floor next to a chair. . o O ( Need help? )
Tsharing deposits her there.
Quentin, "Oh really? I guess that comes with the territory of coming from, you know... Have to get their live sacrifices from somewhere, I suppose..."
Psyche . o O ( If you think you won't just get in the way. )
Quentin, "Or were you being sarcastic? I can never tell. It's the accent, I think."
Psyche heads for one of the bedrooms we haven't yet occupied to deposit her burden.
Valyros takes off her sword on the wall, but drops it as Quintin was talking. "Er, it was me being sarcastic..." blushes black a bit.
Eclipse [to Psyche]: He's breathing, at least, if shallowly.
Tsharing says, "What are we doing for security?"
Psyche settles him down and begins hunting through her bag for herbs. (Herbal remedy)
[Roll]: Psyche rolled Arete (2d10): 2, 2 ** 0 successes (diff 4) **
[Roll]: Psyche rolled Arete (2d10): 3, 7 ** 1 success (diff 4) **
[Roll]: Psyche rolled Arete (2d10): 1, 9 ** 0 successes (diff 4) **
[Roll]: Psyche rolled Arete (2d10): 6, 6 ** 2 successes (diff 4) **
Typheous . o O ( Is there something I can help you with? )
Quentin, "Security? I've invested rather a lot of money in... Oh. You mean as in security against, you know, attackers, invaders, and spies and stuff, right? Here I thought you were curious about the relative advantages of... Nevermind. The door is strong, and the locks are strong, though I think they need oiling and...um...not much.
Psyche pages: "There. Three."
Eclipse [to Psyche]: His condition is no longer deteriorating, but he's apparently lost a lot of blood.
Typheous takes a deep breath. "We'll need someone to keep watch to make sure no one decides to come visit."
Tsharing says, "I meant against her. And there is the question of what we will do with the casualty."
[OOC] Psyche says, "Anything I have with me in my 'useful herbs' to help with that?"
Valyros says, "Well it's not 6 feet of hard packed, enchanted stone with a moat with pungi sticks at the bottem and filled with boiling oil, but it'll do."
Psyche . o O ( Not really, right now. )
Quentin, "Casualty? Oh, you mean the young chap in the, whatsitcalled, comma, er, coma. Dunno where he went. Didn't the pretty elven girl take him upstairs or something?"
Eclipse [to Psyche]: Not really. The best cure for mild blood loss is plenty of good food and liquids, but you've never dealt with someone who's lost this much blood without any wounds to press cloths against...
Tsharing says, "No, I mean with the man we brought home. Are we to let him awaken and be able to identify us?"
Psyche comes back downstairs, completely ignoring the conversation she walks in on. "Quentin, I need a flask of water and some simple foods."
Quentin frowns, "Do you think that will be a problem? I mean, we saved his life and all, after we nearly killed him, of course. Shouldn't he be grateful?"
Typheous raises his eyebrow. "We did save his life. At least, we're trying to. I doubt he'll be all that upset."
You say, "Quentin gets Psyche what she needs. "He is going to be all right, isn't he? I mean, no dead people have been in this house since...well...a long time."
Tsharing says, "He will be confused and frightened. He may accuse us, or report what happened to the authorities."
Quentin, "Maybe Psyche could do her trick with the falling up again on him? No. I guess that wouldn't be very discreet. I'm afraid I'm not very good under pressure. It's going to take most of the night for me to write the journal for today...
[OOC] You say, "The 25 watt bulb is coming loose..."
Psyche takes the things and vanishes upstairs again.
Typheous sighs. "Quentin. Calm down. We'll take care of things." . o O ( Gyah... He's going to drive me mad. )
Quentin_looks_relieved, "Oh good. I'll get started on my journal entry, then. I don't think I've had so eventful a day since, well, you know. But I didn't feel much like writing after that day..."
(remotely) Psyche attempts to get something down his throat without choking him, try to get him conscious or at least responsive.
You say, "Quentin scurries off rather happily to work on his journal."
Psyche . o O ( *a hint of humour* Cut his throat in the night? )
Psyche has received your page: "Give me a Manipulation + Medicine, dif 6."
From Psyche: [Private Roll]: Psyche rolled Manipulation (3) and Medicine (4) (7d10): 8, 4, 6, 6, 6, 4, 4 ** 4 successes (diff 6) **
Psyche pages: "4 :)"
Psyche has received your page: "You manage to get him to swallow a little water, though it's going to be hard to get him to eat without mashing up the food, first."
Typheous stares after him. . o O ( That's not.. no... Ow...) He goes to find something to bind his wounds.
(remotely) Psyche digs out a bowl and mashes, talking to him as she does. Generally sort of attempting to bully him into waking up.
Psyche has received your page: "Give me a Manipulation + Intimidation, dif 6."
From Psyche: [Private Roll]: Psyche rolled Manipulation (3) and Intimidation (2) (5d10): 6, 4, 9, 4, 6 ** 3 successes (diff 6) **
Psyche pages: "3. :)"
Psyche . o O ( I -know- it hurts. But I don't want him to die... )
Psyche has received your page: "He is semi-conscious when you finish mashing the food."
Valyros says, "What's the matter Typheous? Are you alright?"
(remotely) Psyche "How are you feeling?" She moves over to the side of the bed.
Psyche has received your page: "He groans and his eyes begin to roll back into his head."
[OOC] Typheous had some blood sucked, right? So I don't have visible wounds? or do I?
(remotely) Psyche "Shh, relax. You're safe. Don't go fainting on me again, godsdamnit." She shakes her head, flicking hair out of her face. "I'm trying to -help- you, so you'd better cooperate."
[OOC] You say, "No visible wounds. Think of the feeling you get after donating blood. Each pint is about a HL of damage..."
Tsharing keeps watch on the captive, in lieu of anything else.
Psyche has received your page: "He comes to again slightly, though he is clearly not in the best of health."
Eclipse [to Tsharing]: She is lying there like a living woman with a piece of wooden siding through her heart.
Typheous shakes his head "Nothing real, is seems. Just feel... drained."
Valyros puts on her red glove and touches Typheous' head, seemingly to look through him. (Life scan to see if he's damaged.)
Tsharing pages: "Can I consult my past lives for anything similar to this?"
(remotely) Psyche keeps talking - more berating him than anything. Trying to get him to drink a little m,ore, eat something, etc.
Tsharing has received your page: "Yes."
[Roll]: Valyros rolled Arete (4d10): 3, 6, 8, 1 No diff given.
[Roll]: Tsharing rolled dice (2d10): 10, 5 No diff given.
[Roll]: Tsharing rolled Past Lives (5) and Lives (0) (5d10): 7, 8, 6, 6, 3 ** 4 successes (diff 5) **
Valyros has received your page: "He's damaged. You'd have to ask Typ for the total damage, as I've forgotten."
[OOC] Eclipse blinks.
[OOC] Tsharing says, "Oops, wrong difficulty. Actually 2."
[OOC] Psyche says, "How come my dice love Tsharing and hate me?"
[OOC] Typheous says, "It's more fun that way?"
*** No message sent! ***
[OOC] Tsharing says, "I don't fail or botch often, but when I do, it's bad."
Valyros's grip on Typheous' head and gently forces him down to the nearest chair. "No, you're not, here, let me help you." She begins to chant, trying to reknit the broken ki in him.
[Roll]: Valyros rolled Arete (4d10): 10, 1, 2, 1 No diff given.
*** Scourge die is a 1: Backlash Triggered ***
[OOC] Psyche says, "Whereas I botch at least once a session?"
Typheous shakes his head at Valyros. "I'll be fine. Just... tired. Something that she did. I'll be fine."
Psyche . o O ( What's going on? )
Typheous . o O ( The dark angel elf is... ow... Trying to heal me. )
Valyros says, "Just stay down, she did something to you, it's subtile, and I don't know how it would heal normally. Best to take care of it now."
Psyche . o O ( *a little sullenly* Oh. Not working well, is it? )
Valyros pages: "What happens to me?"
Valyros pages: "Can I try again."
Tsharing has received your page: "In some paradigms, blood is considered the embodiment of Quintessence in a living thing. Some mages who alter their bodies suffer damage from Pattern bleeding, though this can be offset by the regular expenditure of Quintessence. It is possible with the most advanced levels of Prime to draw Quintessence straight out of a living thing to fuel one's own magic."
Typheous sighs. "If you feel you must, but I'll be fine, ok?" . o O ( Just a bit... hmmmm.... I don't know. Maybe I just want to have an excuse to touch you. )
Valyros has received your page: "You're fine. You can try again."
[Roll]: Valyros rolled Arete (4d10): 4, 10, 10, 4 No diff given.
Psyche has received your page: "He drinks a little more and manages to eat a little food."
Valyros keeps Typheous down and focus more of the ki and ley energy around them to fix his wounds.
Psyche . o O ( Bleah, tell the bitch to do whatever she wants. My stomach's queasy from here. )
From Psyche: [Private Roll]: Psyche rolled Willpower (8) (8d10): 4, 3, 9, 8, 2, 1, 2, 10 No diff given.
Tsharing comes back down, gets a drink of water, and says absently "Blood is the vessel. By draining blood, he regains Quintessence."
(remotely) Psyche keeps talking to him, since that seemed to work. Simple questions now and then, trying to get the details of what happened, in a relatively pleasant manner.
Valyros pages: "How many HL did I heal?"
Typheous stands still for Valyros, a slightly peturbed look on his face. . o O ( It's all in your head... I could help you...) He glances to Tsharing. "What was that?"
Psyche . o O ( I don't need your help. )
Tsharing says, "The attackers like the individual upstairs regain essential energy through extraction of blood."
Psyche pages: "Well, as pleasant as one can be when one is attempting to browbeat someone into staying conscious."
Psyche has received your page: "He was on his way home with the woman you captured after a rowdy evening at the Prancing Pony when he felt suddenly dizzy. She seemed concerned and bent over him to see what was wrong, but he lost consciousness."
Valyros has received your page: "2, yes? Dif 5 and two 10s..."
Valyros pages: "Yes."
Psyche pages: "Would she think feeding him blood might help to replace some of the lost blood? It's a common practise in third-world anaemics."
Typheous . o O ( Don't you? Don't be so sure of yourself. )
[Roll]: Eclipse rolled dice (1d10): 1 No diff given.
Psyche has received your page: "It's up to you. Your paradigm, not mine..."
(remotely) Psyche grins.
Valyros says, "Blood? I believe that some of the more unscrupulous circles, some mages have used blood to regain their personal essence reserves. Made it a vital part of their ritual life."
Psyche pops her head in downstairs again briefly. "Where's Quentin?" . o O ( *defiantly* It's not just in my head. What's going on down here anyway? )
Tsharing says, "When one skilled in flesh shintai alters their body grossly, they can suffer deterioration, which can be offset by a continous influx of new energy."
Typheous glances to Psyche. "He's writing in his journal. Only way to calm him down." . o O ( Yes it is. )
Psyche pages: "Did he give a name at all, the patient?"
Valyros says, "May I examine the girl?"
Psyche has received your page: "Terol Raxin."
Psyche half-laughs. "Maybe he does have half a brain in his head. Terol -" she jerks her head toward the bedroom "-says he was on his way home with that bit of bloodsucking trash in the corner after a rowdy evening at the Prancing Pony when he felt suddenly dizzy. She seemed concerned and bent over him to see what was wrong, but he lost consciousness. And that's all he knows."
Psyche . o O ( So what's going on? )
Valyros says, "Ah, common tactic amoung succubi..."
Typheous frowns. "Did you notice anything about him that would explain the dizzyness?" . o O ( Umm, Valyros is coming up with extreme solutions and trying to heal me [ooc: did it work?] Quentin's off with his journal, Tsharing seems to eb recalling obscure bits of magical trivia and I'm just sittinghere hurting and trying to be the logical one. That's about it. )
[OOC] You say, "2 HL, typ."
Psyche shakes her head. "Not yet." And turns around to vanish back upstairs.
[OOC] Eclipse feels the need to point out that it is a sad day when Typheous claims to be the logical one...
Psyche . o O ( You're the voice of reason? We're all fucking doomed. )
(remotely) Psyche goes to find Quentin.
Psyche has received your page: "Quentin is in his bedroom, sitting in a chair and writing furiously in his bizarre paperless journal."
Typheous . o O ( Yeah.... I was thinking something similar.... )
[OOC] Typheous says, "And I had taken 4.. so I'm at 2.. ok."
(remotely) Psyche walks in without knocking. "Quentin?"
Valyros sits back down, and looks at Typheous, "Feeling alright?"
Psyche has received your page: "He looks up at you. "Yes?""
Psyche . o O ( At least you have me to give you advice. )
Psyche pages: "Do you have any blood or raw meat? Liver, to be precise?"
Typheous stretches. "Better, anyway." . o O ( Great. I'll just tell people I'm listening to the voice in my head. )
Psyche . o O ( Better than when you -don't- listen. )
Psyche has received your page: ""Don't tell me you're craving raw meat, now, too...""
Valyros lays her gloved hand back on Typheous and tries to heal what's left of Typheous' wounds.
[Roll]: Valyros rolled Arete (4d10): 1, 10, 3, 8 No diff given.
*** Scourge die is a 1: Backlash Triggered ***
[Roll]: Valyros rolled Arete (4d10): 4, 1, 2, 4 No diff given.
[Roll]: Eclipse rolled dice (4d10): 6, 2, 9, 5 No diff given.
Tsharing says, "In any case, what do we do with the woman? Though she has changed in status, she may still have those in the city who would look for her."
Valyros says, "I'd like to examine her, see exactly what she is now..."
(remotely) Psyche shakes her head. "No, I'm not. But he's lost a lot of blood, and he's going to need help regrowing it."
Typheous sighs softly, waiting for Valyros finish. "I don't know. I don't exactly want to let our only lead go, yet at the same time I don't really relish the thought of fighting her again.
Valyros closes her eyes and gives one last pulse of magical energy through her glove.
[Roll]: Valyros rolled Arete (4d10): 6, 9, 4, 4 No diff given.
Psyche has received your page: "He frowns, "Well, I'm afraid I don't have any in the house, right now. Market day isn't until... Anyway. The Prancing Pony should still be serving food. They might have what you need.""
[OOC] Valyros says, "That should be it."
(remotely) Psyche shakes her head. "I'll see what else I can do. I'm not going back there."
[OOC] You say, "Yup."
Psyche . o O ( Ugh. remind me not to have her heal me. That was clumsy. )
Typheous stretches slowly. "Thank you." . o O ( Yes... )
Valyros stands up, "It's no problem Typheous."
(remotely) Psyche goes back to the room and settles herself back by the side of the bed. "Just relax for a bit, let me see if I can have you feeling any better..."
Valyros smiles, glad at a job well done.
Psyche has received your page: "He nods and smiles weakly."
Psyche . o O ( You, on the other hand...I think I've just been relieved of picking your sorry ass up. )
Typheous . o O ( Well, damn. Now I'll have to find another way to get you to let me touch you. Hmmm.. That backrub offer still stands. )
(remotely) Psyche closes her eyes, drawing her knife and cutting a shallow gash in her finger - just enough to draw blood - and then kneels beside the bed, touching his forehead lightly and concentrating inside, murmuring to herself.
[OOC] You say, "Well, looks like we know where Typheous's second dot of Intelligence is..."
[OOC] Psyche laughs.
[OOC] Typheous chuckles.
Typheous glances toward Psyche. . o O ( Ow... what was that. )
Tsharing says, "So, what shall we do now?"
[OOC] Psyche says, "Toward the upstairs-where-Psyche-is?"
[OOC] Typheous says, "Yeah, that."
Psyche . o O ( *obviously concentrating elsewhere* Nothing. )
[OOC] You say, "Which begs the question: would an empathic dominatrix spank herself?"
Valyros goes over to the meal that's been sitting on the table, looking at the food that's now cold. She takes out her prism, passes it over her plate, trying to reheat her food.
Psyche has received your page: "He is in no condition to resist or raise a significant objection."
[Roll]: Valyros rolled Arete (4d10): 4, 9, 9, 1 No diff given.
*** Scourge die is a 1: Backlash Triggered ***
Typheous's gaze lingers uptoward where Psyche is. . o O ( Don't lie to me. You cut your finger. ) "Well, I'd like to find a way to interrogate the woman."
Eclipse [to Valyros]: That should be sufficient to reheat leftovers...
[OOC] Valyros says, "BLoody Scourge die."
Valyros starts to dig into her food once again. "So would I."
[OOC] You say, "Doesn't hurt you as often as it used to, but I'll be damned if it doesn't come up every third Arete check people make..."
[OOC] Psyche says, "Ayuh, I noticed that."
Psyche pages: "Start with a very thorough scan, looking for anything she could do - all the way to the limits of her ability. (watch me botch now)"
From Psyche: [Private Roll]: Psyche rolled Arete (2d10): 1, 2 ** BOTCH 1 (diff 3) **
[OOC] Typheous says, "Well, we do have a 1-in-10 chance of it coming up."
[OOC] You say, "You called that one, Nykkit, not me..."
[OOC] Psyche says, "ARGH!"
Psyche has received your page: "You now know far more about his sperm count than anyone could ever want to know, though it might be horribly skewed. Beyond that, you can start over..."
Psyche pages: "Thanks. Thanks a -lot-. Starting over."
From Psyche: [Private Roll]: Psyche rolled Arete (2d10): 6, 9 ** 2 successes (diff 3) **
From Psyche: [Private Roll]: Psyche rolled Arete (2d10): 10, 2 ** 1 success (diff 3) **
From Psyche: [Private Roll]: Psyche rolled Arete (2d10): 3, 10 ** 2 successes (diff 3) **
From Psyche: [Private Roll]: Psyche rolled Arete (2d10): 5, 6 ** 2 successes (diff 3) **
Psyche pages: "There. 7 succ tell me everything -correctly-?"
Valyros finishes her meal, wiping her mouth daintily with a napkin, depositing the dishes in the sink, then goes to sit with the others and begins to write in her thick diary.
Psyche has received your page: "Aside from mild intoxication, blood loss is his only problem. You think you might be able to give him some of your blood and heal the damage, but it'll be a touch-and-go thing. Magic costs a piece of yourself. Magic hurts the wielder. The use of magic to help others requires a personal sacrrifice."
Typheous frowns slightly. "The problem is how to do it without her trying to kill us?"
Valyros says, "That's why we need to examine her througouhly before we interogate her."
Tsharing says, "Then shall we begin now?"
[OOC] You say, "Why is Alien Autopsy springing to mind all of a sudden?"
[OOC] Typheous chuckles.
(remotely to Eclipse, Typheous) Psyche closes her eyes tightly, and shuts Typheous out as much as she's capable of.
Typheous . o O ( Need any help up there? )
Psyche . o O ( *a blocking, not-listening-to-you silence* )
Valyros writes a few more things in her diary, and closes it. "Yes, I think that would be best."
Tsharing goes up, then.
Valyros goes up to the room Psyche's in, and knocks on the door.
(remotely) Psyche murmurs under her breath. Power always requires sacrifice, doesn't it? Even if you -don't- use it to help other people. Like Caine. Like the bitch in the corner downstairs. At least if I -have- power, I can live up to its responsibility...and -do- something. Ultimately, me getting hurt doesn't matter.
Psyche doesn't respond for a long moment, then: "Come back later."
[OOC] You say, "Were both the blood sponge and the blood pool in the same room?"
[OOC] Psyche says, "No...."
[OOC] Eclipse didn't think so, either...
[OOC] Psyche has her patient sequestered from everyone.
[OOC] You say, "He's her Precious?"
Typheous follows. "She's fine. Just... distant right now. Probably concentrating on healing the man."
Valyros says, "Come on Psyche, we want to know what's going on in her as well."
[OOC] You say, "Two different rooms. Psyche is working on the victim. The woman is in a different room..."
[OOC] Valyros says, "Oh, I'm going to her room then."
Psyche . o O ( *breaking her silence briefly, sounding distinctly annoyed* Fucking well said 'later'. Keep everyone out. )
You say, "The blood-sponge woman is the same as when you left her - unconscious and with a piece of wood sticking in her chest. She doesn't appear to be bleeding. In fact, she looks like she'd be alive and healthy if she weren't impaled, at the moment."
Valyros puts on her glove, and gets her spirit book out, the then does a full Life/Spirit/Prime scan on her.
Typheous places a hand on Valyros' shoulder. "She's fine. She just needs some time alone. Besides, the woman is over here."
Typheous . o O ( I'm working onit. )
Valyros nods.
[Roll]: Valyros rolled Arete (4d10): 3, 2, 2, 6 No diff given.
[OOC] You say, "Accumulating or going with a really light scan?"
User Conn Idle RP-Stat `@my tag is ...`
Eclipse 2h 0s IC Wiz Causing players confusion and trouble since '90
Valyros 2h 3m OOC PC
Typheous 3h 3m IC Wiz Well I'm terribly sorry, but I don't care...
Psyche 3h 5m IC Wiz I'm not good, I'm not nice, I'm just -right-...
Tsharing 17m 9m IC PC
--[Sat Feb 15 21:59:05 2003]--------------------------------[5 users; 0s lag]--
[OOC] Eclipse pokes.
Typheous watches Valyros work her magic?
Tsharing pages: "= Is it me, or has the game as a whole slowed right down since we got into this godforsaken city?"
[OOC] Valyros says, "Accumulating, sorry sister kicked me off for a second."
[Roll]: Valyros rolled Arete (4d10): 3, 2, 2, 1 No diff given.
[Roll]: Valyros rolled Arete (4d10): 2, 9, 5, 1 No diff given.
[Roll]: Valyros rolled Arete (4d10): 4, 10, 1, 6 No diff given.
Tsharing has received your page: "I dunno. It's not the level of action. It's just like response times have gone to hell and I don't know why."
[Roll]: Valyros rolled Arete (4d10): 7, 9, 3, 4 No diff given.
[Roll]: Valyros rolled Arete (4d10): 3, 5, 4, 4 No diff given.
[Roll]: Valyros rolled Arete (4d10): 4, 2, 1, 5 No diff given.
[Roll]: Valyros rolled Arete (4d10): 1, 2, 1, 2 No diff given.
[Roll]: Valyros rolled Arete (4d10): 3, 2, 5, 4 No diff given.
Valyros closes her eyes tightly as she chants, obivously struggling with this.
[Roll]: Valyros rolled Arete (4d10): 4, 3, 6, 3 No diff given.
Tsharing pages: "Tsharing was never that proactive, and I can only strain her so far. There seems to be a lot of discussing stuff and little DOING anything. I just wish it would be IC for me to go off and do some recon / assassination solo."
[Roll]: Valyros rolled Arete (4d10): 10, 8, 8, 6 No diff given.
[OOC] Valyros says, "I think that'll be it."
[OOC] You say, "How many is that total?"
[OOC] Valyros says, "6 :P"
Valyros has received your page: "Spirit magic is negative. There is definitely a strong Life-based regeneration spell at work, but that's nothing next to the ungodly powerful Prime Effect, though. It would definitely explain the "suck Quint/blood at range" part, especially since her Pattern is out of sync with the magic at work on her."
(remotely) Psyche returns to studying the man, attempting to concentrate on the necessary task at hand. "Pain is in your mind," she murmurs to herself, concentrating. "Pain is fear, and fear is only an obstacle."
Valyros sighs and relaxes a bit, she swears a word in Urden, "She's a tough one... This is really odd. There is a powerful life effect, but it's not naturally part of her Pattern, it's unnatural and while it heals her, it's also kills her if she does not get some sort of quintessence to conteract the Pattern-bleeding..."
Tsharing says, "Which is what I said."
Valyros says, "Someone must have put this effect on her, although I don't know why?"
Typheous frowns. "What kind of resonance is on it?"
Tsharing says, "Can it be destroyed?"
Valyros pages: "Can I tell that, or do I need another scan?"
Valyros has received your page: "Sorry. Didn't give you that bit. Deceptive Resonance - the same as Caine's."
Valyros says, "It's a deceptive Resonance, similar to Caine's, and I don't know about if it can be reversed..."
Valyros pages: "That'd require quite a nother roll, corect?"
[OOC] Psyche says, "Psyche is going to be so miffed that she missed all this :"
[OOC] Psyche grins.
Valyros has received your page: "In theory, any Effect can be reversed, but we're talking a standing Prime 5 Effect, here. That one will be difficult at best."
Typheous's face darkens. "Caine's....." . o O ( She has an effect with Caine's resonance on it that keeps her alive abut kills her. It needs some sort of power to feed it. )
Psyche has received your page: "Give me an Arete check, dif 6. Accumulate 3 successes."
Psyche . o O ( *distantly* Tell me later, Typh. Please don't distract me. )
From Psyche: [Private Roll]: Psyche rolled Arete (2d10): 4, 10 ** 1 success (diff 6) **
From Psyche: [Private Roll]: Psyche rolled Arete (2d10): 8, 2 ** 1 success (diff 6) **
From Psyche: [Private Roll]: Psyche rolled Arete (2d10): 5, 7 ** 1 success (diff 6) **
Psyche pages: "There you go."
Valyros says, "It is beyond my power to negate, who ever did this used massive amounts of prime, just under those used by Archmages."
Psyche has received your page: "You manage to complete the transfer. He isn't healthy, but he is stabilized and will recover. You suffer 2 HLs of lethal damage."
Typheous frowns. "What was Caine's primary skills?"
(remotely to Typheous, Eclipse) Psyche gasps, collapsing back with the sudden pain and dizziness, hand falling away from his forehead. . o O ( Fuck...argh...ow....) She manages to look up at him. "You...you'll be okay..."
Psyche has received your page: "Seeking complete, btw."
Psyche pages: "Thanks."
Psyche pages: "And the Life boost?"
Psyche pages: "And the Life boost?"
Psyche has received your page: "Yes."
(remotely) Psyche inverse-beats her Enter key.
Typheous glances toward the room with Psyche in it. . o O ( You ok? )
Valyros just continues to stare at the staffed woman.
[OOC] Valyros would not know that.
Psyche . o O ( Yes. Just...leave me alone. Ah, fuck. )
[OOC] Eclipse doesn't think anyone in the room with Typh would know that, actually...
Typheous lingers in the direction of Psyche before turning back to the woman. "I'll have to ask Psyche when she's done."
Valyros says, "You know, save for the Prime, I might be able to use this on myself... But I'm rambling, is there anything you wanted to do to her?"
Tsharing says, "No, there isn't. We should againask ourselves if this is a problem we can solve."
(remotely) Psyche thinks she'll stay right here for a while until she's recovered her concentration.
(to Psyche) Eclipse nods.
Valyros says, "Well unless someone's an Oracle of Prime, I don't see what we can do for this poor soul..."
(remotely to Eclipse, Typheous) Psyche . o O ( *exhausted, still distant* He's going to be all right, though. )
Tsharing says, "I meant Caine."
Typheous nods. "I don't want Caine doing this to anyone else. Especailly since they seem to need blood." He seems to relax slightly. . o O ( Are you ok? )
Valyros says, "Me neither, this is deplorable, even by my people's old standards..."
Psyche . o O ( Fine. Need a little rest is all. )
Typheous says, "And how do we stop him?"
Typheous . o O ( Like I needed a little rest? )
Valyros says, "Well what do we know we're up against?"
Psyche . o O ( Something like that. But she's not touching me. I don't want it healed. )
Tsharing says, "This, only worse."
Valyros says, "Well, would putting something solid through a vital organ also work on him?"
Tsharing says, "Possibly. If aware of such a vulnerability, and there is no reason to assume he is not, he may well have other protection."
Tsharing says, "Apart from that, we need to decide on our priorities. Are we here to overthrow the ruler of this city? If so, what next?"
Valyros says, "Well, what about cutting off a vital part of his anatomy, like his head?"
Typheous nods. "Perhaps. What else might be a wa y to stop him?" . o O ( You don't... As you like.)
Psyche . o O ( Let me know if you need me. Think I'll just stay here for a bit otherwise. )
Valyros says, "Well I can try to prevent him from regenrating, which is a tad touch and go."
Tsharing says, "And then what?"
(remotely) Psyche After a bit, she'll sit up and try to get him to eat a little more, then sleep.
(to Psyche) Eclipse nods.
(remotely) Psyche assumes he's properly obedient?
Psyche has received your page: "Yup."
Valyros says, "And then... we have our way with him, you know, jail him, kill him, bury him alive..."
Tsharing says, "You may want to have your way with him when he is dead; I do not know how things work amongst elves. But we came here for Plax."
Typheous sighs softly. "He's not the type of person who will be easy to dispose of lik that."
Valyros darkens all the way back to her original ebony skin tone, dropping the disguise.
Typheous . o O ( I don't know about need... but if would be nice to have you here while we try to figure out how to stop Caine. )
[OOC] Tsharing says, "It's lost on her...."
Valyros says, "Er, I'd prefer to just leave him dead, and be done with it..."
Typheous raises an eyebrow. "And then where would we go? We would have just killed the effective govenor."
Psyche checks on her patient to be sure he's sleeping soundly, then heads down to the room where everyone is. She makes a go at slipping in quietly.
Tsharing says, "We could simply concede this problem is unsolvable by us and leave. Or make an ill-planned assassination attempt."
Valyros says, "An effective govenor that is an effective bloodsucking fiend that can reproduce the heinous effect!"
Psyche has received your page: "You arrive."
Typheous chuckles softly. "And what proof do we have? Would the city believe the rogue students from Wizdin or their govenor?"
Tsharing says, "Then what is your plan?"
Valyros says, "You have an all too good point there..."
Psyche says, "Perhaps we should attempt to figure out what happened to the -real- governor..."
Typheous takes a deep breath. "And his family." He seems to be totally unsurprised by Psyche's entrance.
[OOC] Psyche says, "Any chairs in the room?"
[OOC] You say, "Of course."
Valyros says, "Well why don't we just concentrate on rescuing your friend that is held captive?"
Typheous nods. "Yes. He might have more information as well. The problem is how to do it."
Tsharing says, "Shall we go back in, then?"
Psyche takes a seat in one of the chairs, looking a little paler than usual, a little more subdued. "We have to one way or another."
Valyros says, "Well, we do know his spiritual defenses are weak, so maybe me and Tsharing could infiltrate the keep, find him, while the others sneak in the old fashioned way?"
Typheous frowns. "Or... since I think he was expecting Psyche and I... perhaps we could be somewhere else trying to attract his attention."
Tsharing says, "Or we could all travel over if you wish to return to the node."
Valyros says, "Well we can't pull him into the Umbra with us, so either way we'll have to exit via the Tellerian."
Typheous shakes his head. "He might be expecting something now, since we tried that way once."
User Conn Idle RP-Stat `@my tag is ...`
Eclipse 3h 0s IC Wiz Causing players confusion and trouble since '90
Typheous 4h 29s IC Wiz Well I'm terribly sorry, but I don't care...
Valyros 3h 1m OOC PC
Tsharing 1h 2m IC PC
Psyche 4h 3m IC Wiz I'm not good, I'm not nice, I'm just -right-...
--[Sat Feb 15 22:58:00 2003]--------------------------------[5 users; 0s lag]--
Typheous . o O ( What happened in there? )
Valyros says, "Yes, but can he really do anything about Spritual defenses? For all we know he might be just an initiate in that area of expertise?"
Psyche . o O ( Not now, Typheous. )
Typheous . o O ( Ok. You don't have to tell me. I'm just curious. Patients don't normally hurt you like that. )
Valyros says, "But I guess we can't just take that chance..."
Psyche . o O ( Just...drop it. I have to think. )
Valyros says, "We couldn't just exchange your friend for this lady?"
Psyche's eyes darken, and she leans forward. "Absolutely not. We are -not- letting her go until she's been neutralised."
Valyros says, "Alright, I'm just going through our options."
Typheous says, "Well, we could wake her up and see what she knows."
Tsharing says, "I'll be ready to hit her."
Valyros says, "Alright, but make sure to keep her hands together. I'm afraid that if I neutralize her regeneration temporarily, she would die from having a large piece of wood through her heart."
Typheous sighs. "Just a second....I'm going to get my blades to be safe." He starts downstairs.
Valyros says "And I think that I need to get Quintin, it's his staff afterall....
Valyros goes downstairs and calls the patron's mage up to the room.
Typheous retreives his sword and dagger and comes back upstairs.
[OOC] You say, "Actually, it's a piece of wooden siding he ripped off a building..."
You say, "Quentin arrives, "Are you sure this is a good idea?""
Tsharing pages: "= Surface mind-reading on the woman."
Tsharing says, "We have no others."
Valyros comes in behind him.
[Roll]: Tsharing rolled Arete (3d10): 5, 8, 4 ** 3 successes (diff 4) **
[Roll]: Tsharing rolled Arete (3d10): 7, 4, 7 ** 3 successes (diff 4) **
[Roll]: Tsharing rolled Arete (3d10): 3, 2, 7 ** 1 success (diff 4) **
[Roll]: Tsharing rolled Arete (3d10): 2, 8, 4 ** 2 successes (diff 4) **
Tsharing pages: "3 concealment, 1 duration, 5 effect."
Tsharing has received your page: "You pull aside the veil around her thoughts. Apparently she has a rudimentary defense against Mind Effects, put you've penetrated it, now."
Tsharing has received your page: "Currently, she seems to be in a state of constant agony that leaves no room for rational thought."
Typheous draws his blades. "Just let me put this somewhere where she shouldn't struggle too much." He lays the blade on her throat. "I'm ready when everyone else is."
You say, "Quentin clenches his staff but says nothing."
Valyros says, "As soon as she shows signs of life, I'm ready to start casting."
Valyros puts on her red gloves and grips an ancient amulet hanging around her neck.
Tsharing waits.
Psyche puts a hand on her knife, drawing it to parallel Typheous's blade across the woman's neck with her own.
[OOC] Eclipse wonders who's going to remove the chunk o' wood...
[OOC] Valyros says, "Tsharing, you're not doing anything constructive ^_^"
[OOC] Eclipse lol.
[OOC] Tsharing says, "Ask."
Valyros says, "Tsharing, would you do the honors?"
Tsharing removes the piece of wood.
You say, "The woman's eyes snap open and she gasps as the wound in her chest begins to close. She begins to point her hands at Tsharing. (Everyone gets an action before she can do anything, though)"
Valyros snaps forward and forces her hands down on her own chest.
[OOC] Valyros says, "The Woman's not mine."
Tsharing waits to counter anything she tries.
Typheous tenses the blade on her neck, drawing a slight cut. "Keep your hands down or you might not live much longer."
You say, "She smiles. "I think you are the first to find a way to inconvenience one of us. My master will be interested in knowing about this peculiar weakness...""
Psyche tightens her own blade against the woman's neck, reaching out with her other hand to force the woman's hands down. "Too bad."
Valyros says, "I'm sure we can find many other ways to inconvience you..."
Woman, "Given the plethora of blades so near me, I suppose you could, at that."
Tsharing says, "How did you become this way?"
Typheous scowls down at the woman, eyes dark. . o O ( Well, we'll have to make sure she doesn't get back to master then. )
Woman, "That is priveleged information..."
Valyros says, "Come on, you can tell us..."
Tsharing pages: "What is she thinking?"
Woman, "And if I do not, I suppose you will inconvenience me further, and then look for ways to inconvenience my master."
Psyche . o O ( Precisely. She's already dead, or near enough to remove her from my realm of compassion... )
Tsharing has received your page: "She is frightened. Caine's name is prevelent whenever she speaks of her master."
Psyche says, "More or less."
Typheous raises his eyebrow. "You put is so nicely, for someone who kills others to stay alive."
Tsharing repeats "How did you become this way?"
You say, "She sighs, "I volunteered to help a mage with an experiment. My current state is the result of that experiment, as is my unnatural craving. While I knew something of the nature of the experiment, I didn't fully comprehend what was to happen to me until it already had. The experiment has been a complete success, or so I've heard, though there are a few side-effects...""
Valyros says, "I'd say sucking the blood of others a little more than a few side-effects..."
Tsharing pages: "Does that agree with what she's thinking?"
Valyros says, "How many others like you are out there?"
Woman, "As you have so astutely pointed out, I must drain blood from others (Tsh only: to survive). Without it (tsh: death claims us in a matter of weeks)...I can't say. Given the purpose of the experiment (tsh: to drive back the Chaos and defeat the Fae), the side-effects are acceptable."
[OOC] Valyros says, "Are elves here consitered Fae?"
Psyche's eyes narrow. "And what is the purpose of the experiment?" Her blade-hand tightens a bit more.
Woman, "I don't know (Tsh: and I'm afraid to ask)."
[OOC] You say, "No."
Typheous watches the woman. "Who's experiment was it?"
Woman, "That is none of your business. (tsh: Caine's)"
Valyros closes her eyes, putting all of her weight over her arms, keeping the lady's hands down, an begins to sing various arcane phrases. (Trying to deactivate the regernation thing.)
[Roll]: Valyros rolled Arete (4d10): 1, 6, 4, 2 No diff given.
[Roll]: Valyros rolled Arete (4d10): 8, 2, 4, 3 No diff given.
[Roll]: Valyros rolled Arete (4d10): 10, 3, 6, 9 No diff given.
Tsharing pages: "I'll have to go early, in a few minutes."
User Conn Idle RP-Stat `@my tag is ...`
Eclipse 3h 0s IC Wiz Causing players confusion and trouble since '90
Tsharing 1h 31s IC PC
Valyros 3h 59s OOC PC
Psyche 4h 1m IC Wiz I'm not good, I'm not nice, I'm just -right-...
Typheous 5h 3m IC Wiz Well I'm terribly sorry, but I don't care...
--[Sat Feb 15 23:35:00 2003]--------------------------------[5 users; 0s lag]--
Valyros pages: "Any effect with 4 successes?"
Valyros has received your page: "It would only be temporary, since the Life Effect is of a permanent, or at least long, duration."
Valyros pages: "Okay, but any effects, and would that do it?"
Valyros has received your page: "Yes."
Valyros pages: "stopping it there."
Typheous's face darkens. "And do you think it will work?"
Valyros looks down at the lady, "Feel any different? Little better, little worse?"
(to Tsharing) Eclipse nods. "I'd like to bring up the slowness of the posting before you leave, if that's possible. I was planning to wrap up early tonight anyway. I've been up for 19 hours already and am falling asleep at the keyboard."
You say, "She looks at Valyros in horror. "What have you done?""
Psyche's smile tightens, eyes glinting.
Valyros says, "I can take it you didn't like that then. I simply stopped you from regenerating."
Psyche pages: "Arete doesn't suffer pain penalties?"
Tsharing pages: "I can hang on if you're ending early. When?"
Psyche pages: "Errh, injury penalties?"
Psyche has received your page: "Nope."
[OOC] Tsharing says, "BRB"
Psyche reaches down to rub the small cut on her finger, drawing blood. "And has anything else changed?" The question is rhetorical, to herself.
[Roll]: Psyche rolled Arete (3d10): 8, 1, 3 ** 1 success (diff 3) **
[Roll]: Psyche rolled Arete (3d10): 1, 9, 10 ** 1 success (diff 3) **
[Roll]: Psyche rolled Arete (3d10): 6, 7, 3 ** 3 successes (diff 3) **
Psyche pages: "Life scan."
Psyche reaches down to rub the small cut on her finger, drawing blood. "And has anything else changed?" The question is rhetorical, to herself.
Psyche has received your page: "Other than the regen, nothing has changed. She is still very much alive."
Woman, "Why would you do that? My master's experiment is a success. We are the servants of all peoples."
Psyche pages: "That empty void still?"
Psyche has received your page: "Yes."
Typheous snorts. "Even those you kill?"
Valyros says, "Odd kind of servants that kill their 'masters'."
You say, "She looks down. "Sacrifices must be made from the few to aid the many. I am not the monster you take me for.""
Psyche's hand tightens a bit again, and she visibly forces it to relax before she causes serious injury. "No unwilling sacrifice is ever necessary, you bloodsucking bitch."
Typheous . o O ( Well put. )
Valyros says, "No, I'm a monster, you're just a poor soul that was pulled into some dreadful mage's plans."
Tsharing says, "That is debatable, but not here. What has happened to our friend?" (description of Plax)"
Valyros says, "That and I just realized, what is your name?"
Woman, "Lucia. You need us. No one can fight the Fae the way we can. No one can resist their power. Even the great borderman Gama seems interested in what my master has to offer the people of our fragile world. He is coming here in two days time to speak with my master."
Tsharing says, "I see."
Lucia, "I know nothing of any such person. I am only newly chosen. What must I say to convince you I am necessary?"
[OOC] You say, "And that is where we'll stop for the night. Sorry, folks. I'm dying at the keyboard and El has to go really soon."
[OOC] Typheous nodsnods.
Valyros says, "What is your big problem with the Fae is my question?"
[OOC] You say, "RP point."
User Conn Idle RP-Stat `@my tag is ...`
Eclipse 3h 0s IC Wiz Causing players confusion and trouble since '90
Valyros 3h 4s OOC PC
Typheous 5h 9s IC Wiz Well I'm terribly sorry, but I don't care...
Tsharing 7m 1m IC PC
Psyche 5h 4m IC Wiz I'm not good, I'm not nice, I'm just -right-...
--[Sat Feb 15 23:47:19 2003]--------------------------------[5 users; 0s lag]--
[OOC] Tsharing says, "OK. You'll get a reaction next week, then."
Tsharing pages: "Psyche"
Valyros pages: "Tsharing"
*** Added 3 XP to Valyros's Experience ***
*** Added 3 XP to Typheous's Experience ***
*** Added 3 XP to Tsharing's Experience ***
*** Added 3 XP to Psyche's Experience ***
Typheous pages: "Valy"
[OOC] Psyche noddles.
Psyche pages: "Typh"
[OOC] Valyros says, "How do you spend XP?"
[OOC] Psyche says, "@spend XP :)"
[OOC] Eclipse giggles madly. "Here we go again. Four-way tie on XP tonight."
*** Added 1 XP to Valyros's Experience ***
*** Added 1 XP to Typheous's Experience ***
*** Added 1 XP to Tsharing's Experience ***
[OOC] Psyche whees!
*** Added 1 XP to Psyche's Experience ***
[OOC] You say, "Okay. I'm beginning to notice it more and more as sessions go on, but does it seem like there are huge pauses between poses to anyone else, lately? I need to know if it is lag, distraction, lack of a compelling motivation, confusion as to what to do next, or what. If it's something we can fix, could we figure out how to do that? I've been up since 5am EST and I was literally nodding off between poses earlier tonight, though it moved a lot quicker about two hours into the session. If I need to add some intensity to the plot, I need to know in order to fix it. I have been gradually revealing information, but maybe I've been too slow about it. I thought the pace was about right, but my judgement might be skewed by the glow of GM confidence. I can arrange for information to flow more quickly if that will help."
Psyche pages: "Yay, now I'm at 0 unspent XP again."
[OOC] Psyche says, "Tonight, I'm sorry for being slow on my half - Dad came up to talk houses."
[OOC] Valyros says, "I notice it quite a bit myself, I'm just waiting for tne next post myself for the most part."
[OOC] Tsharing says, "It seems to have really bitten ever since we came into the city. Lots of talking about what we'll do next, little actually doing it."
[OOC] Typheous says, "Part of it here is the house thing. The other part with me is that I like to avoid posting back and forth with just one person and will wait a bti to let others post."
[OOC] Valyros says, "Well I was mostly keeping back because I'm the new guy and still getting caught up."
[OOC] Psyche nods.
[OOC] You say, "If it seems like I'm giving you information but not direction as to how to deal with that information, it's because I'm not. I like to think I'm giving you freewill and promoting proactive behavior. There is no wrong response. You run in a direction, and I'll lay down bridges (and obstacles) as you go. Is that a problem?"
[OOC] Psyche says, "Not for me."
[OOC] Valyros says, "Nope."
[OOC] Typheous says, "Not really. We're just talking in circles a bit too much."
[OOC] Tsharing says, "And I'm just playing a character who's not that talkative. I think the problem is that maybe we don't entirely know the stlye you're aiming for and are thinking on some level "We can't act yet....there's still some plot he'll reveal.""
[OOC] Psyche says, "Possibly -we- need to start doing more and talking less, in other words."
[OOC] Valyros says, "Reverend!"
[OOC] Tsharing says, "I'm all for just buffing up, going through the Umbra, and kicking Caine's butt, but it's not really IC to suggest that."
[OOC] Valyros would be all for casting fireballs from the Umbra.
[OOC] Eclipse grins. "The plot is already out there. You can continue to examine the plot and dig up more information about it, and I will find endless nuggets for you to ponder. That's just the way I am. In truth, I'm a reactive GM. Players act, and I respond. Look for information, and I'll give it to you. Look for action, and you'll get that. Blasting Caine from the Umbra would have consequences, but I'm not holding out for some momentous occasion. The information is beginning to repeat somewhat, lately."
[OOC] Typheous nods. I think we just need to kick ourselves into doing something.
[OOC] Tsharing says, "Whenever things get very complex, I have a tendancy to go atavistic and say "Screw it, let's just kill him and take his stuff.""
[OOC] Valyros says, "Maybe me and Tsharing sould be 'guardian angels' for Pax or what ever his name is."
[OOC] Tsharing says, "I would like to just wrap this whole city episode up one way or the other. We've been here for ages."
[OOC] Valyros says, "Well I think Z gave us a deadline with that one guy coming and all."
[OOC] Eclipse thinks so, too. "It's not like I have a problem with everyone discussing and playing their characters, but unless you want to learn every little detail about Caine's evil plans, you need to move forward. You have a habit of considering and immediately dismissing 6-12 plans of action each session. Not all of them are viable, but some of them certainly are."
[OOC] Typheous says, "We're overanalyzing."
[OOC] You say, "Exactly."
[OOC] Valyros says, "We're acting like McClullen when the best Adventuring archtype would be Lee."
[OOC] Tsharing says, "I'm kicking myself somewhat for playing a reactive character. She's just not the sort that bosses people about."
[OOC] You say, "Plotting your move in greater detail than "let's go kill him" is one thing. Talking yourself out of taking any action at all is something else entirely..."
[OOC] Valyros says, "If need be, I'll take up the leadership role, hell, I've done it before."
[OOC] Tsharing says, "I'll think about what to do next...."
[OOC] Tsharing says, "Anyway, goodnight all."
Tsharing has lost her link.
[OOC] Valyros says, "Yes, I need to call it a night too. Got church in the morning. Good night all!"
[OOC] You say, "Night."
Valyros has disconnected.
[OOC] Typheous has a couple things that could kick his characters into leadership mode.... Which reminds me, I can pick up Int 3 now.
[OOC] You say, "Cool."
The resolution of Valyros fades. With a hiss of static their disconnected body implodes into a single point of light, then blinks out of existence.
[OOC] You say, "Unfortunately, I've been up since 5am EST, so I think I'm going to fall down, now, too. I'll talk to you later."
[OOC] Typheous waves. Nightnight.