October 4, 2003

Logfile from Malakai

Eclipse puts on his dragon medallion. "When last we left Hell's Errand Children, they were trying to organize a defense against thousands of Caines coming from the north and a handful of Caines coming from the Iron Curtain to the southeast. Or maybe against Fae. Or maybe against innocent people. Or maybe against the Masters. Or maybe against several thousand figments of Plax's poor, deluded imagination. Depending on who you ask, of course."

[OOC] Plax mutters. Stupid Madness.

[OOC] Eclipse forgot to log it the first time...

Plax pages: "(The Madness is faded now, right? So, I can try that rote again?)"

Plax has received your page: "Yes."

[OOC] Typheous chuckles. Can't have that, can we. :)

[OOC] Valyros says, "Crap, sorry about that, parental unit sent me for a booze run."

Plax blinks as his vision clears. "Finally...okay, now that I can tell a Fae from a rabbit, let's try this again...".

[OOC] Typheous says, "Where were we/what were we doing? Besides angsting about what to do?"

[Roll]: Plax rolled Arete (3d10): 5, 10, 3 [Spent 1 WP for a success] ** 3 successes (diff 5) **

Typheous chuckles darkly, his music matching his tone. "Good luck, Plax." . o O ( Let's hope things go better this time. )

[Roll]: Plax rolled Arete (3d10): 10, 6, 3 ** 2 successes (diff 5) **

Psyche nods, studying Plax. She keeps an eye on Mereke.

[OOC] Plax whees!

[OOC] You say, "That was about the long and short of it, actually. Something about a portal from the Node. And the powers of the sorcerers. But that was the bulk of it."

Valyros lets out an ear splitting cry as she swoops down from the sky, landing amoung our brave mages, bow drawn and panting heavily. "Sorry.... Had to warn... University..."

Plax pages: "Okay. All I need is a week in advance. Looking for either attacking forces or returning masters. Would also like numbers if I can detect that. 8 Sphere scan through the time as well (lacking Matter)."

Plax seems intently focused on something else entirely and ignores Valyros' return.

Typheous looks markedly concerned at Val's return, his music loosing some of the darkness. "Valyros! What's happened? How's Drapheous?"

Psyche holds up a waiting finger in Valyros's direction. "What happened out there, lady del'Zenivras? Since I assume you were with the Masters before the door closed." She glances at Mereke again.

Valyros says, "Not good... Drapheous, I tried to save him, but..."

Valyros says, "I... couldn't."

Valyros cries a little bit.

Valyros takes a deep breath, calming herself, then she starts to chant in her native tounge, waving her hand about his body.

Valyros pages: "Regeneration rote."

[OOC] Plax says, "Whose body?"

Plax has received your page: "A relative handful of attacking forces (Knights) from the north this afternoon (maybe 10-20). Half a dozen Fae from the SE right after sunset. A much larger force of Knights (200-400) from the north at dawn. A much larger force of Fae (200-400) from the west the following evening. Another force of Fae (100-200) the following evening coming from the southeast. No sign of the Masters' returning within the week, but you can't seem to determine the whereabouts of any mages in the vicinity, for some reason - present or future."

[OOC] Valyros says, "Her own."

(to Valyros) Eclipse nods.

[OOC] Plax says, "Ah, crap..."

[Roll]: Valyros rolled Arete (4d10): 9, 3, 3, 1 ** 0 successes (diff 5) **

[Roll]: Valyros rolled Arete (4d10): 6, 10, 3, 3 ** 2 successes (diff 5) **

[Roll]: Valyros rolled Arete (4d10): 2, 1, 6, 6 ** 1 success (diff 5) **

*** Scourge die is a 1: Backlash Triggered ***

[OOC] You say, "For a really good climax, it is important that everything get way out of hand..."

Valyros pages: "Honestly don't know what else to say."

Psyche's gaze darkens. "We gathered that much." She watches in silence otherwise. . o O ( The trees would be our best bet...slow them down at least... )

Plax blinks and swears loudly. "Oh, Shit. Shit shit shit shit shit!"

Valyros has received your page: "Not a problem. FYI, the fighting has been fierce, and the mortals have inflicted far more casualties, but the Fae are numerous."

Typheous's face steels at Val's news. "I was hoping... Anyway, we have problems here to deal with first." . o O ( Yes, but which way, that's the question. ) He turns to Plax. "What is it?"

Valyros says, "What sort of problems?"

[OOC] Typheous says, "Plax botching/backlashing a lot for one. ;)"

Psyche turns her gaze to Plax, although still keeping a wary eye on Mer. "What is it?

Plax takes a breath. "It's worse than we thought. Here's the short version. This afternoon, about 10-20 Knights will arrive from the North. At sunset, a half dozen Fae from the Southeast. At dawn, another 200-400 Knights from the North. That evening, a 200-400 force of Fae from the West. Finally, the next evening, 100-200 more Fae from the Southeast. Within the week, I can't determine anything about the return of the Masters, but I can't determine the locations of any mages in the area. I'm guessing I'm blocked".

You say, "Mereke idly trims her fingernails with a knife and makes an effort to look innocent."

Valyros takes out an arrow, notching it to just in case.

Valyros says, "That's bad, very bad..."

Mereke, "As long as the Knights and Fae pose a greater threat, you have nothing to fear from me, Lady Del'Zenivras."

Typheous frowns darkly, his music taking a decidedly fatalistic note. "How can we get the Sleepers and the students out of here? " . o O ( How many trees can we get to help? )

Valyros raises an eyebrow at Mereke, giving her one of those, 'Get your #)(% together or crawl back under your rock look'.

Plax takes a breath. "With Knights and Fae, the sleepers aren't going to be of much use. Mind manipulation and illusions will be a problem. If we want to hold ground, we need to trick them with the land".

Psyche shakes her head slightly. . o O ( Not enough...magic has its limits... ) She gives Mereke a dirty look. "I can't do anything about the land but use it as it stands. The trees and living things I can possibly convince to aid us."

Valyros says, "I could ask to see if some of the local spirits might be able to help us."

[OOC] You say, "Time to raid Lori's fridge?"

[OOC] Plax tosses all plans out the window now. ;)

[OOC] Valyros says, "If need be..."

Typheous shakes his head. "No. Is there anyway we can get everyone out of here? Quickly." . o O ( I can get us... Dammit, I should have learned more from Drapheous. )

Plax looks at Valyros. "What happened after you got to the battle? What's the status of things there?"

Psyche twines her fingers into Typheous's. "If we could open the portal..." . o O ( Too late for regrets now. What can we do together? )

Valyros says, "The commoners held things rather well, but they are facing a great many Fae."

Plax replies to Valyros, "And the Masters?" He nods to Psyche. "I've not enough knowledge of Spirit to open that thing".

Valyros says, "We have seen no sign of them..."

[OOC] Psyche says, "Except Drapheous, apparently."

Valyros says, "If it requires the spirits or the shadowy curtain, then count me in."

[OOC] Valyros says, "I'm just saying what the GM told me."

[OOC] Psyche grins. "But you couldn't save Drapheous, so you saw one of the Masters."

Typheous squeezes Psyche's hand lightly. "And we'll need to get everyone out of the town as well. But it won't stop Caine from hunting us down... Plax, do you know for certain that they will come here? Or is it just a possibility? Say, if we seemed to be somewhere else, could we try and draw the attacks away? " He sighs. "But the Fae, at least, aren't after us."

[OOC] Eclipse is sure Val saw a Master or two, but the fighting is fierce and folkss get separated...

Psyche looks at the arch of the tree branches, then back to Valyros. "Can you figure out how to open this gate?" She gestures with her free hand. "It might be a way out for the others."

[OOC] Plax says, "How much has Rade told us about what she knows of this portal?"

[OOC] Psyche says, "She doesn't know a lot :)"

[OOC] Typheous could give you some of the owl spirit's lecture on Nodes, Junctions, and catwalks....

[OOC] Plax nods, is trying to determine what Plax knows, as I skimmed the logs and had an idea. Just need to know if Plax knows about it.

Valyros puts her bow away and takes out her spirit book. She walks over to the branches, closing her eyes she starts chanting, trying to feel what the gate is all about.

[Roll]: Valyros rolled Arete (4d10): 1, 6, 2, 1 ** 0 successes (diff 4) **

*** Scourge die is a 1: Backlash Triggered ***

[Roll]: Valyros rolled Arete (4d10): 10, 1, 6, 9 ** 2 successes (diff 4) **

[OOC] Eclipse sighs. "Here we go again..."

[Roll]: Valyros rolled Arete (4d10): 5, 8, 4, 3 ** 3 successes (diff 4) **

[OOC] Typheous says, "Please, no... :p"

[OOC] Plax whimpers, then realizes Plax doesn't know that. Dang.

[OOC] Eclipse saves it for later, this time.

[OOC] Psyche cries.

[OOC] Typheous says, "Great.... :p"

[OOC] Valyros says, "I. Hate. Ones."

[OOC] Valyros says, "Let the girl with Spirit 4 backlash :P"

[OOC] Typheous hides.

Valyros has received your page: "There is an entrance to a few Catwalks, here. You have Cor 2 and/or Time 2, by any chance?"

Valyros pages: "Neither."

Valyros pages: "Just a )#&% load of Spirit."

Valyros says, "There's a Catwalk here... several... not sure where they go."

(to Valyros) Eclipse nods. "Then you can't establish when the portal opens or where the Catwalks lead, but you know there are Catwalks here.

Typheous nods slowly. "Any idea how to open it? And what would we need to find the other end?"

Valyros has received your page: "Spi 4 to open a Catwalk. Catwalks are often labyrinthine paths between two points. Magic does not work there, but Spirits retain their abilities."

Valyros says, "They open at some appointed time. But do you want me to try and open it myself?"

[OOC] Psyche has Spirit 1.

[OOC] Typheous says, "What does it take to trace a catwalk? Would Spirit 1 Corr 3 do it? :)"

Valyros says, "I can open it."

Plax nods. "Then, we have a retreat option, perhaps".

[OOC] You say, "Spirit 1. Cor 2 to trace the destination. Time 2 to learn when it opens."

[OOC] Plax can do all of that. If I don't botch.

[OOC] Psyche has all but the Time.

Typheous studies the trees carefully. "I want to get the innocents out of here as quickly as possible." . o O ( And we need to get the town moving. )

[OOC] Psyche says, "Well -we- have all but the Time."

[OOC] Eclipse pats. "Poor Plax would probably find out that one leads to Ninjaland, another to Caine World, and a third to the Chaos Zone."

[OOC] Typheous says, "Gyah."

[OOC] Plax says, "The Chaos Zone. I laugh at the Chaos Zone. ;)"

Psyche frowns slightly. "I think I know how to trace it...Typh..."

[OOC] Typheous hides in abject terror of the chaos zone.

Plax nods. "I could trace and determine when it opens, provided it doesn't blow up in my face again".

[OOC] You say, "You got lucky. Can't do the *real* Chaos Zone online. Even my tongue can barely describe it quickly enough..."

Typheous squeezes Psyche's hand in response. "Shall we try it?" . o O ( And do you want to do it or shall I? )

[OOC] Plax says, "Hugon's defining moment. :)"

[OOC] Typheous reitterates at hiding in abject terror at the Chaos Zone.

Psyche glances at him. "Hold on, Plax...let us try it." . o O ( You go ahead. )

Plax nods and starts fingering his bow, thinking.

Typheous pulls his main gauche from its sheath and points the blade at the archway, concentrating down its blade at the arch. (Corr 2, Spirit 1 then to trace the catwalks out. Diff... 4 w/ focus? )

[OOC] Eclipse nods.

[Roll]: Typheous rolled Arete (4d10): 3, 1, 6, 7 ** 1 success (diff 4) **

[Roll]: Typheous rolled Arete (4d10): 1, 5, 1, 3 ** 0 successes (diff 4) **

[Roll]: Typheous rolled Arete (4d10): 10, 1, 2, 6 ** 1 success (diff 4) **

[Roll]: Typheous rolled Arete (4d10): 4, 6, 10, 10 [Spent 1 WP for a success] ** 5 successes (diff 4) **

[OOC] Psyche laughs!

[OOC] Typheous says, "And overkill... Stupid dice."

[OOC] Typheous isn't sure how many there are, so I don't know how many will be eaten by targets

[OOC] Valyros says, "You go!"

[OOC] Typheous says, "Were there 3 pathes? or do we know?"

[OOC] Valyros didn't get a number from the GM.

[OOC] Typheous says, "Do I just need 1 succ into target or more than that? :)"

Plax pages: "(Can I buy, as I meant to ask this during the time waiting, a dot in Melee (Melee 3)?)"

Typheous has received your page: "There are three Catwalks leading away from this place. One leads to a place somewhere in the heart of the northern half of Theusleh (you could find your way there on foot, if you wanted to. The second leads to an eternal battlefield where Fae fight Fae with incomprehensible powers and constantly shifting alliances - kind of like an every-man-for-himself war. The third leads directly to the Node in Caine's house."

Typheous has received your page: "The first is the one Rade described - the room of portals."

Plax has received your page: "Yes."

Typheous frowns, dropping the blade. "Well, we have three choices. We can take door number one, and go to somewhere in the northern half of Theusleh. Door number two is somewhere beyond the Iron Curtain where Fae are fighting Fae. And door number three leads to a Node in Caine's house."

Typheous . o O ( Which gives us a thrid option... Go after Caine. And get the sleepers to Theusleh. )

Psyche . o O ( I like that. )

Plax thinks for a moment. "Where in Theusulah exactly? A safe location?"

[OOC] Plax buthers the spelling.

[OOC] Plax butchers, even.

Valyros says, "It is a tough choice, but I think we should get the Fae under control before going after Caine. They're more unpredictable and harder to get to back off."

[OOC] Typheous says, "Is that a safe place? :)"

Plax considers it. "Taking out Caine isn't going to stop the army of Knights coming after us. Nor the Fae".

[OOC] You say, "Well, the room isn't huge, but it is warded against the wraiths that rule the rest of the northern half of Theusleh."

Valyros says, "Agreed."

Typheous says, "And we don't have the numbers to deal with them. Caine we can do something about. And if we get the others out of here to Theusleh, though it is in the area ruled by the wraiths. the room is warded, though."

[OOC] Typheous says, "Them being the Fae. :)"

Plax nods. "And can we house 2000 plus sleepers in that room?"

Psyche says, "Can we ward more space around it...?"

Valyros says, "I probably can."

Typheous pages: "Can we go down one and then us it to get into the other catwalk, or would we have to come back here?"

Plax considers things for a moment. "You know...it's possible that we're not the targets. Remember, the Knights are made to fight the Fae. Maybe the Knights true aim is to deal with the approaching Fae".

Typheous has received your page: "To the best of your knowledge, this Node is the nexus for those three Catwalks, so you'd have to return here to pick a new door."

(remotely) Typheous nodsnods. This wouldn't be ther weird room we ran into was it?

Psyche studies Plax. "Will they bother trying -not- to harm the sleepers?"

Valyros says, "I doubt it."

Typheous has received your page: "No."

Plax thinks about this. "The Fae? I don't think they'll care. The Knights? I'm not sure. But there will most likely be damage, and if civilians are in the area, they will be hurt and killed in all probability".

Valyros says, "But what about the Fae, are we sure that their entire goal is to wipe out reality?"

Valyros says, "Definately."

Plax says, "But, when you look at the numbers, they match up well. Up to 400 Knights. Up to 400 Fae. Two equal strength armies, at least in numbers."

Typheous nods. "Then we'll have to get them out of here. Or coule the Fae be after the Knights?"

Plax says, "We know almost nothing about the Fae's motives, as far as I know."

Plax says, "My other concern about this Catwalk to Thesleh. How safe is it? Would they be detectable by others? Would we be, basically, putting them in another spot, closer to known enemies?"

Valyros says, "Well if we send them to where the Fae are battling..."

Typheous frowns. "But there's not going to be a war there."

Psyche sighs. "We'll never know anything about the Fae's motives, if they have any. But sending them out past the bubble of order would be a complete unknown. No better. And if the room in Theuslah is warded, there's that protection..."

Plax says, "Currently, we just know that they're approaching Wyzdin. They're going to fight. We don't know who. If they're going after us, particularly the Knights, then we're putting them, literally, in their backyard. It's a risky proposition, given that we do not know any of these group's motives coming here."

Valyros says, "I just wish I could talk to the Fae..."

Psyche scowls. "And we lack the ability to ward them...correct?"

Valyros says, "At this distance, yes."

Plax says, "How much can we ward them? Caine is obviously a master of Time at least, if not more. He can just unravel things from the past. And can we expand that room to be big enough for the entire place?"

Typheous frowns slightly. "Well, if I knew where they are now, I might be able to find the reason they're coming here...." . o O ( It will be hard, but... )

Plax considers. "However...the initial numbers are small. 10-20 Knights. Six Fae. That looks like scouts, or possibly negotiation groups".

[OOC] You say, "Is there evidence of that I'm missing?"

[OOC] Typheous says, "Evidence of what?"

[OOC] Plax says, "Of what? Time? Plax's own guess of how much he's messed with the Knights and their bodies."

[OOC] Eclipse nods.

[OOC] Plax knows Plax kicked at the wards guarding him with Time a few times, along with Corr. Didn't work at all.

Valyros says, "I pray to what ever diety is out there that it's the later."

Plax looks at the others. "This is the question, I think, we need to ask ourselves. Can we, this afternoon, if it comes to fighting, deal with 10-20 Knights and, possibly, a half dozen fae in the evening? If they're coming after us, would that leave us time to evacuate the town?"

Psyche frowns slightly. "If we can keep track of them, the best thing to do would be to stand and fight. We don't have time to mobilize the town."

Typheous takes a deep breath, his music losing the darkness somewhat. "Perhaps... It will be difficult. We have to try... Where are the groups? Are they on their ways already?" . o O ( I've got an idea.... )

Psyche . o O ( What? )

Plax nods. "The 10-20 Knights will arrive this afternoon. The Fae this evening, at sunset". He now looks to Master Spinwind. "What do you think? You used to serve my father. How long to evacuate the town?"

Typheous looks at Plax. "Yes, but where are they -now-?"

Typheous . o O ( Well, I can read more than just your mind, sweetheart. )

[OOC] Plax says, "Z? Got a location for me?"

[OOC] Plax apologizes in advance if I'm slow. My mother is vacumming and smashing it repeatedly against the door. Thus, concentration is faltering.

Ynvar, "A matter of hours, so long as we can provide them with the essentials and convince them of the danger. Otherwise, it could take days."

[OOC] You say, "Current location is at the head of the crowd of refugees leaving Theusleh."

Plax thinks. "They're at the head of the crowd of refugees leaving Theusleh," he says. "The Knights, that is". He looks to Ynvar. "So, they could be mobilized and evacuated by dawn, if the latest we knew was just after sunset".

Typheous nods slowly. "I can at least check and see if they have their orders already..."

Ynvar nods, "If they can be convinced to do so, yes."

Plax says, "Be careful if you try, Typheous, in case they've got some way to detect it."

Plax looks to Ynvar. "How difficult do you think it would be?"

Typheous pages: "Corr 2, Mind 3, Life 1 to find and scan the minds of all the Knights near Theusleh?"

Typheous has received your page: "One at a time or with multiple targets, yes."

Typheous nods to Plax. "I will. No need in bringing them down on us on our own."

Typheous pages: "No way to scan for the guy in charge, is there? :)"

Plax looks over at Psyche as well. "Now, about that whole piercing the heart thing...do you think an arrow would work for that?"

Typheous has received your page: "Nope."

Typheous pages: "Hmmm...."

Typheous frowns slightly. "The other problem is which one do pick... I could pick a few random ones..."

Psyche frowns slightly. "An arrow would work...but I can't do anything with it if it's not living..."

Valyros says, "Technically they're alive. I was able to stop their regeneration with my Life magic."

Plax pulls an arrow from his quiver. "So, this arrow, without doing anything to it, would work?"

[OOC] Psyche says, "Clippy, without any Matter, can I fling the arrows around with pure Corr?"

[OOC] You say, "Unfortunately, no."

[OOC] Psyche didn't think so.

Typheous pulls his main gauche from its sheathe again. "Might as well try it..." He points it toward where he last saw the Knights in his effect, closing his eyes as he concentrates. (Corr 2, Mind 3, Life 1 to find a few Knights and dig out any thoughts they have on orders. diff 6 with focus + standing effects I forgot last arete roll?)

Psyche arches a brow at Plax. "-I- can't move it, no."

Plax shakes his head. "You misunderstand me. If we can set a few archers up, we can negate the Knight's primary method of attack, as they have to be fairly close to use it".

[OOC] You say, "-typ :nods."

[Roll]: Typheous rolled Arete (4d10): 8, 10, 3, 9 [Spent 1 WP for a success] ** 4 successes (diff 6) **

Psyche's expression clears. "Yes."

[Roll]: Typheous rolled Arete (4d10): 1, 9, 2, 2 ** 0 successes (diff 6) **

[Roll]: Typheous rolled Arete (4d10): 1, 9, 8, 4 ** 1 success (diff 6) **

*** Scourge die is a 1: Backlash Triggered ***

[OOC] Typheous says, "Well, poop."

Typheous pages: "I can keep going on a backlash, right?"

[OOC] Plax says, "Fight the backlash!"

Typheous has received your page: "Yes."

[Roll]: Typheous rolled Arete (4d10): 4, 7, 5, 4 ** 1 success (diff 6) **

Valyros says, "I can help in that regard."

[Roll]: Typheous rolled Arete (4d10): 6, 1, 5, 2 ** 0 successes (diff 6) **

[Roll]: Typheous rolled Arete (4d10): 10, 10, 6, 6 [Spent 1 WP for a success] ** 5 successes (diff 6) **

[OOC] Typheous says, "Why does it keep doing that to me..."

[OOC] Plax says, "It likes to taunt you?"

Typheous pages: "3 into range if that will get me to them (4 otherwise) 3 into targets, 3 into effect, 2 into hiding it. If it takes 4 for range, I'll go with 2 targets."

[OOC] Valyros hands Typheous The Hammer.

[OOC] Typheous says, "Thanks. :)"

Plax nods and looks to Ynvar. "Any idea how many skilled archers you trust we could use?"

Typheous has received your page: "Their minds are clouded, but you get the sense that they are bodyguards and that they are acting under direct orders to protect their charge."

Typheous pages: "All 3?"

Ynvar, "Skilled? A handful. Folks that can pull a bow and fire it with some modicum of accuracy? A good portion of the town and no small number of students and staff."

Typheous has received your page: "2, you mean? Yes."

Plax nods. "How many from a hundred yards away? Two hundred? Distance is our friend here".

Typheous releases the spell, dropping the blade back into his sheath. "Their minds are clouded... But they seem to be guarding something, or someone. Perhaps... No it'd be too much to hope for that they're guarding the refugees..." . o O ( But it makes sense... )

Psyche . o O ( Does it? Or perhaps who's driving them. )

Valyros growls.

Typheous . o O ( Perhaps, but that's not what I felt in them. )

Ynvar, "A hundred, I'd say, for the majority of them. Slightly more for the adept."

Plax frowns. "I think the only thing we can do is wait for them to show. If they show hostile intentions, I think we can handle twenty of them. Two to four hundred, we're going to have problems with".

Valyros says, "I think a hundred should suffice."

Psyche . o O ( No...guarding the ones driving them. )

Plax says, "That would allow, what? Four, five shots before they were in melee range? For the most of them?"

Typheous scowls. "But where do we make our stand? Here in the garden?" . o O ( What else could they be guarding? Another Knight? The Fae? )

Valyros says, "Saturate them with arrows and the amount that will reach us will be negligeable, even for them."

Psyche listens, thoughtfully. "Not here..." . o O ( Or Caine? )

Plax considers. "The Knights will reach Wyzdin first. The Academy will be reached first by the Fae".

Ynvar, "Given enough ammunition, yes. I give us three volleys with our existing supplies and everyone firing them, four if we elimintate the least competent archers."

Plax says, "There's one thing we have to consider. If they employ Forces magic, arrows will be rendered useless."

Psyche says, "Depends on how many arrows...and how many mages."

Typheous quirks an eyebrow. "Do we know how many of them are mages?"

Valyros says, "Well not many, one would think..."

[OOC] Plax says, "None of them showed up as Mages, did they?"

[OOC] You say, "Military tactics in mage is like deck-building in Magic the Gathering, isn't it?"

[OOC] Typheous says, "Yes, but you have blank cards."

[OOC] You say, "I already said no mages were showing up on your scans... Interpret that as you wish."

Plax shakes his head. "No. But, I couldn't locate any mages with my scan. I can't say for certain. But, I do know that magic will be more difficult for them. Also, it's possible there may be more mages with them, and I can't locate them".

Valyros says, "So, we get the archers in the by line, have someone negotiate in front, if they're hostile, kill them, do the same with the Fae, if both want us dead, we beat feet through the Catwalk. Is that the plan?"

[OOC] Typheous says, "No mages means that they're warded. So says the paranoia cabal."

[OOC] Valyros smacks Typheous.

[OOC] Eclipse grins.

[OOC] Valyros says, "RULE ZERO!!!!!"

[OOC] Typheous says, "Hey, it could be worse. We could be the fashion cabal like my RL mage group... gyah... "And -my- character is wearing...""

Plax nods. "I think so". He looks at Ynvar. "Now...how many archers do we want to commit to this first encounter?"

[OOC] You say, "Beth's Vampire group is like that..."

[OOC] Valyros says, "I know, the one back at NW was as well."

[OOC] Plax notes to turn Plax into a fashion-conscious nutjob. :)

[OOC] Psyche says, "It's not that bad, we RP too."

[OOC] Typheous says, "Yes, well... :p"

Psyche smiles wryly. "Sounds like a plan."

Typheous scans the area, eyeing the distance warily. "As good as any we've come up with..."

You say, "Ynvar chews his lip. "Bows I know. Strategy? I'm not entirely sure. I guess it depends on whether or not these Knights can close the distance more rapidly than we expect...""

Valyros says, "So should we start digging pits full of sharp sticks to keep those bastards from rushing the archers?"

[OOC] Psyche still likes the GvH idea.

[OOC] Valyros says, "?"

[OOC] Plax says, "Well, suggest it ICly. :)"

[OOC] Typheous does too. But it's Psyche's idea. :p

Ynvar, "I don't think we have that much time, at least not for the first attack."

Plax nods. "Well, who here can fire a bow with something resembling accuracy?"

Valyros says, "I can."

[OOC] Typheous has a whole dot in archery... :)

[OOC] Plax pats his Archery 5. :)

[OOC] Valyros has 3.

[OOC] Valyros says, "You're good..."

[OOC] Typheous pats his fenching dice pools.

[OOC] Typheous says, "fencing, even"

[OOC] Plax says, "Remarkable Range. 200 yards, 9 dice pool, two shots/round. :)"

[OOC] Eclipse never questioned that for a minute, Typh...

[OOC] You say, "What does that say about your character? ;-)"

Psyche spreads her hands. "I know which end of an arrow goes out...that's about it."

[OOC] Typheous says, "Me? That he likes to get up into the fight. :)"

[OOC] Psyche sniggers.

[OOC] Plax says, "Plax likes to fight?"

[OOC] You say, "Except I saw it as 'frenching dice pools.'"

Typheous frowns. "I can shoot some, but I'd prefer my blades...."

[OOC] Typheous grins. He's good at that too.

Plax nods. "Also, we have to figure out how we're going to approach them on this. Do we just try and observe them to determine their actions, or speak to them? I'd rather not send one person up to a group of twenty Knights to ask if they're going to slaughter the village or not".

[OOC] Psyche says, "Wow...a 14-die Frenchb kiss?"

Psyche's eyes glint. "I'd offer to go, but..."

[OOC] You say, "Increases your chances of a deka-botch, though..."

You say, "Mereke cuts herself and sucks the wound."

Valyros looks over and smacks Mereke in the back of the head, "Don't DO that!"

Psyche eyes Mereke, tensing.

Typheous eyes Mer cautiously. "I'd be willing to go... I should be able to get out quickly if I need to." . o O ( What the hell is she doing? )

Mereke, "I would prefer you did not touch me without permission. You'd make a pretty corpse, but you would be more useful alive, under the circumstances."

Plax looks at Mereke, thinking. "What do you think, Mereke?"

You say, "She continues trimming her nails."

Psyche glances at Valyros, frowning slightly. "You have the advantage, there." . o O ( I don't know, but I don't think Val was listening when I mentioned she already killed -me- once. )

Mereke, "I think you're wasting time, to be honest. Planning ahead won't do you any good if you don't leave yourself enough time to execute the plan."

Valyros says, "Just shut up and don't do anything that'd draw the blood sucking fiends, no offense Plax, slavering to tear you appart."

[OOC] Plax notes to hit Val. Hard. Plax hasn't told the other NPCs about that condition.

[OOC] Eclipse grins.

[OOC] Psyche waits for it...

[OOC] Valyros been out of it.

[OOC] Psyche says, "We were all told by the masters not to let on :)"

[OOC] Valyros says, "I thought there were a couple of guys around when they said that, and she was one of them."

Typheous frowns. "Let's get going, regardless. I've been growing uneasy with all the though we've been putting into this. We need to do something." . o O ( I hope I don't have to kill her before this is over. )

[OOC] You say, "Retcon that part or no, Val? "

[OOC] Valyros says, "Definately."

[OOC] Eclipse nods.

[OOC] Valyros says, "Brain Fart/Parents"

Psyche nods at Typheous. "Let's get moving." Eyes narrow at Mer. "For an ally, you're as fucking useless as a slug."

Mereke, "Just wait until you see me fight, or have you forgotten?"

Mereke smiles, "And I was going easy on you."

Plax thinks. "Find three of the best archers then, Master Spinwind. Ones you can trust to be quiet about something like this. Including me, Valyros, and yourself, that should be enough to stop them if it turns hostile. We'll need others fresh for the second wave, if it comes to that. It also draws less attention. Plus, Valyros and I can shoot from the air".

Typheous's hand falls to his rapier, eyes narrowing and his music tensing.

From Psyche: [Private Roll]: Psyche rolled Willpower (8) (8d10): 2, 8, 6, 1, 9, 2, 5, 6 ** 1 success (diff 8) **

Valyros says, "Could we save the witty repate for the actual battle?"

[OOC] Plax says, "IC time vs. ETA of Knights?"

Psyche's eyes darken. "Somewhere along the line, you turned into a psychotic bitch, Mer. Fighting isn't everything. If you wanted to be useful, you'd be more than just a very mobile weapon." She reaches out without looking to touch Typheous's hand.

Ynvar, "I'll go, and I have a couple people in mind."

[OOC] You say, "Current time is about noon. ETA is about 3 or 4pm. Sunset is at about 6pm."

[OOC] Plax says, "Are there any good locations in the area archers could wait and we could meet the Knights? I'd assume we'd have some idea of the lay of the land?"

[OOC] Typheous says, "On top of the buildings of the town..."

[OOC] Plax says, "Thus, exposing the townspeople..."

[OOC] Typheous says, "But the Knights are showing up at the town, not the school."

[OOC] Valyros says, "Too the trees!"

[OOC] Plax says, "Which is why we intercept them before they get to town."

[OOC] Eclipse nods and points at Typh. "Just like a shootout in an old Western..." If you want to do it earlier than the town, there is a spot about half a mile north with plenty of cover and a good view of the road.

[OOC] Typheous nodsnods. Sounds like an idea there.. but since it's from the ST, I think we should stay in town. ;)

Plax nods. "We've got three to four hours, at most, before they show. About half a mile north of town, there's a spot with cover. Let's meet there". He looks to Psyche, Typheous, and Mereke. "You three feel comfortable initiating the encounter?" He looks over at the other two faculty members, thinking of where they might fit in this.

Psyche gestures to Typheous. "Let him talk. My temper is hardly going to improve any sort of delicate situation."

Typheous nods to Plax. "I think we can handle it. If certain people can control themselves." He glances to Mer briefly.

Valyros says, "Do not worry Plax, I shall be there with my bow by your side."

You say, "Mereke spontaneously draws two more knives, juggles the three of them, and then casually slips two back into their sheathes. "I'm always comfortable initiating encounters." "

Mereke, "Typheous, I'm hurt."

You say, "It is obviously sarcastic."

Plax nods to Mereke. "Only if they show hostility. If it appears they're here to attack, then do your worst to them". He nods to Ynvar. "Alright. Get them, and make sure this is kept quiet for now. No need to panic the town yet".

Typheous rolls his eye, turning to face Mer. "No starting a fight. Wait until they strike. " . o O ( And to think I kissed her.... )

Valyros says, "Maaaybe Mereke should be with us to keep the knights busy when the bad things go down, keep them away so we can impale them?"

Psyche says, "How about we just send her to impale them. She's certainly fucking good at stabbing people, and I hear she's even better against them."

Psyche . o O ( At least there was plenty of time for her to wear off before you kissed -me-. )

Mereke preens.

Valyros says, "Settle down Psyche. Not the time for that sort of thing."

Plax looks at Mereke. "Where do you want to be?" He looks to the quiet faculty members. "And you two? Where do you feel you'll do the most good in this situation?"

Typheous forces his hand down from his blade, his music still tense. . o O ( Yes, well, I actually liked the other Mer better. She at least had some compassion. )

Psyche glances at Valyros, eyes snapping, temper barely held in check. "Nothing but the truth, Lady del'Zenivras. She's been more successful against Knights than we have."

Mereke, "Put me with the archers. If they initiate everything, I have a little surprise for them."

Plax nods to Mereke. "Done".

Psyche . o O ( I liked the other Mer. This one is an abomination. )

Typheous . o O ( I didn't feel the need to kill the other one... )

Valyros says, "Alright, but keep the agruing and personal feuding until afterwards."

From Psyche: [Private Roll]: Psyche rolled Willpower (8) (8d10): 4, 7, 7, 4, 6, 5, 5, 2 No diff given.

Mereke, "None of my feuding is personal. It is just a part of what I am."

Plax nods. "Alright. Lets go get ready then".

Typheous takes a deep breath. "Can we discuss Mer's view of the world later, please? We have things to do."

Valyros says, "A feud is not something of what you are, it is of what you feel you want."

The air in Psyche's immediate region drops another ten degrees and she snarls under her breath, eyes snapping as she starts walking back toward town. "I'm wasting more fucking time listening to you lecture me as if I'm a child, -Lady-, than in discussing plans, no matter what my tone of voice is. So I'd appreciate you saving the lectures in manners for later, as well, if you think you can hold on tyo your sanctimoniety until then." [Psyche]

Valyros says, "You are quite right Psyche."

You say, "Mereke winks at Val and follows Psyche."

Typheous turns to follow Psyche with one last scowl towards Mer. . o O ( Wait for me? )

Valyros follows the others into town.

Plax follows.

[OOC] Plax says, "AFK for a second."

Psyche doesn't slow down. . o O ( No fucking sense of appropriateness. Shit. What qualifies her to teach anything... )

[OOC] Psyche failed a temper roll :P

[OOC] Valyros says, "Lot of love to go around?"

Valyros pages: "We're in Adel, right?"

[OOC] Plax says, "Back"

Typheous will jog to catch up with Psyche, trying to take her hand. . o O ( Dear, calm down... You're not thinking straight. )

Valyros has received your page: "Actually, I'm afraid we aren't. Forgot to tell you that bit. The teleport portal failed right after you were brought to Adel, leaving them behind. Adel is under siege, but the current setting is the academy, actually, which is currently vulnerable to attack because Drapheous is dead. There were a couple reasons why I did this, not the least of which was to prevent the cabal from being upstaged by the seven Masters..."

[OOC] You say, "So, is that the harshest possible thing to say to Psyche?"

Valyros says, "So, lunch?"

You say, "You eventually reach Wyzdin. Ynvar goes to round up these other two archers."

Psyche stops dead, glancing at Typheous - for a moment, hostile. . o O ( I am too. )

Plax looks at Valyros. "I don't think I'm exactly thinking about lunch right now".

Valyros says, "Too true, but we need our strength, we'll be sitting in the trees all night with little or no chance to eat. Need to take what we can get when we can get it."

Typheous meets Psyche's gaze. . o O ( You're letting your temper get the better of you. Calm dowm. )

[OOC] Valyros says, "Rage your vision is bluring, yes."

From Psyche: [Private Roll]: Psyche rolled Willpower (8) (8d10): 1, 9, 3, 5, 4, 6, 2, 7 No diff given.

[OOC] Eclipse whimpers.

Psyche snarls under her breath, snatching her hand away from his. . o O ( Fuck off. )

Typheous stops, watching Psyche. . o O ( What the fuck is your problem, Psyche? Are you even listening to me? ) His thoughts sound hurt, as does his music.

Valyros looks for anything to eat.

From Psyche: [Private Roll]: Psyche rolled Willpower (8) (8d10): 8, 4, 9, 9, 6, 1, 5, 9 No diff given.

[OOC] Psyche says, "Ah, there."

Eclipse [to Valyros]: You find a familar pub where food is available.

Valyros goes in and orders the most nutricous and high calorie thing on the menu.

[OOC] Valyros says, "I totally murdered that, didn't I?"

[OOC] Psyche says, "Nutricous, is that like couscous?"

[OOC] Valyros screams as he injects himself with dead Al Brain cells to vacinate himself against typos.

You say, "They bring you a salad of fresh fruits of veggies and a side of beef deep-fried in lard."

Psyche starts to spin around with evident intent to stalk off, then pauses, glancing over her shoulder, sighing. The air around her doesn't get any warmer. . o O ( I am now. ) She swallows. . o O ( Sorry. )

[OOC] Psyche says, "At least it's low-carb."

[OOC] Typheous mmmms... deep fried lard....

Valyros thanks the wench, gives her a nice tip, and digs in.

Typheous steps closer, offering his hand again. . o O ( Forgiven. We'll have to do something about your temper... ) "Hungery?"

Psyche takes his hand. "Not really, but I could stand to grab a sandwich." . o O ( Mmm, this is better than the beginning of the year. )

Plax goes to get something to eat as well.

Typheous will pull Psyche close and try to kiss her lightly. . o O ( Yes, much better. ) "Same here..."

Eclipse [to Plax]: They bring you fruit, veggies, and a loaf of bread deep-fried in lard. This is when you remember why you *drink* here, not eat...

[OOC] Typheous chuckles. Mmm... lard.

Valyros summons a wench.

[OOC] Plax says, "If Plax drank...;)"

Eclipse [to Valyros]: A wench has arrived.

Psyche shies away from being kissed, and heads for the pub. "You can cut the lard off, Plax."

Plax nods to Psyche and cuts some of the lard off before eating.

Psyche orders a Monte Cristo, ha.

You say, "The guy at the next table eyes the lard. "You gonna eat that?""

Valyros says, "Could you send some pieces of cake to my friends, please?"

Plax offers the lard. "Feel free".

Typheous will order something he knows has a relatively low lard content. Like a salad. After he stops looking slightly put-out at not getting kissed.

You say, "The man at the next table takes the lard and devours it. "S best part." The wench brings a cake topped with what you can only assume is supposed to be frosting, but whose origin you can easily guess. It is easily scraped off, however, and your neighbor does not seem capable of satisfying his appetite for lard."

Eclipse [to Typheous]: The salad is lard-free, believe it or not, though bacon is apparently a vegetable, now. Ah well.

Valyros scrapes the lard off the cake, cuts it, and hands it out to the others.

Psyche . o O ( Don't pout, it doesn't become you. )

[OOC] Eclipse wonders how the Unaging copes with things like heart attacks...

Psyche shakes her head. "This is enough." She indicates her monte cristo :)

Plax shakes his head. "No, thank you".

Valyros says, "Please?"

Eclipse [to Valyros]: She serves you some of the lard-topped cake.

Typheous eats his salad. . o O ( Don't feel like a kiss? )

Psyche sighs, and takes a half-piece. "Why is it so important?"

Psyche . o O ( Not in public. )

Valyros accepts, scrapes the lard off of her own, handing it to the lard lover. Then adds it to her list of things to eat.

You say, "A few minutes later, Ynvar returns with two young elven women with longbows on their shoulders and quivers at their hips."

Ynvar, "This is Lega and Sola. Town marksmanship champions five years running."

Lega, "Six."

[OOC] Typheous beats Eclipse savagely.

[OOC] Eclipse grins villainously.

[OOC] Plax says, "Should I be afraid?"

Typheous . o O ( Any reason for it? )

[OOC] Psyche says, "Augh."

Psyche . o O ( Can we talk ab out this later? )

[OOC] Typheous says, "Rearrange the letters of the names."

Typheous . o O ( Yes.... )

[OOC] Plax says, "So long as they aren't tall, blond elves..."

Valyros says, "Lavus serlai noble Lega and Sola. I am glad to have some other of my countrywomen by my side to fend off those who threaten life as we know it."

You say, "They are, in fact, tall, blond elves."

[OOC] Plax says, "Val...PUB! Public..."

[OOC] Valyros says, "I just said hello..."

[OOC] Plax says, "Fend off life...?"

[OOC] Valyros says, "Damn it, okay, recon everything after 'side'."

[OOC] Valyros says, "DOn't know what's wrong with me."

Plax nods as he finishes his meal to Ynvar. "Good to meet you".

[OOC] Psyche secretly injected the moo with crack.

Typheous nods to the elves, his music light. "Good day, miLadies."

[OOC] You say, "And how do you explain the lard?"

Psyche looks up at the elves and inclines her head, trying to wipe her fingers clean.

Plax looks to the others. "Everyone finished with their meal?"

[OOC] You say, "Pub lard is people! It's people!"

[OOC] Typheous beats Eclipse more.

Valyros says, "Yes."

Ynvar, "Are we ready, then?"

Typheous nods to Ynvar. "As ready as I'm going to be..."

[OOC] Plax says, "If they die, I'm stealing their quivers of never-ending arrows..."

Plax nods and stands after paying.

[OOC] Eclipse is tempted to make them 'skilled archers' the way Baha was a 'knowledgeable guide...'

[OOC] You say, "To say nothing of our 'pilot.'"

You say, "Mereke finishes up her lard cake and follows, quickly overtaking the rest of the group until she is walking in front of everyone."

[OOC] Plax mumbles, is relying on the info I have from my Known NPCs sheet. ;)

Plax follows along.

Psyche follows likewise, after paying. . o O ( I'm just not comfortable with kissing you in public. )

Typheous will stay by Psyche's side, his hand in hers if she'll let him. When Mer takes the lead, he keeps a cautious eye on her. . o O ( I can understand that. I'm sorry. I should have asked first. )

Valyros gets up and walks behind everybody.

Psyche keeps an eye on Mer too, and holds hands all cute-like. Still apparently thinking.

Typheous . o O ( What is it? )

You say, "Lega and Sola go out of their way to walk only on fresh snow, their feet never sinking or even leaving footprints. Occasionally, one or the other tosses her hair out of her eyes sexily."

[OOC] Typheous says, "Gyah... Nances.... all of them."

Plax considers shooting their hair off with a well-placed arrow, but decides it isn't worth the effort.

Valyros doesn't walk on top of the snow, she melts a path infront of her.

Psyche shakes her head at the elves, rolling her eyes. . o O ( Gah, it's like Gala all over again."

[OOC] Psyche )

You say, "After about ten minutes, you reach the designated ambush site."

[OOC] Typheous parries each strand of hari as it comes at him? :)

[OOC] Valyros says, "That's the Nancy Light Elf way. This is the Kick-Ass Dark Elf way!"

Typheous . o O ( Could be worse... not sure how, but it could be. )

Plax sets up. He's quite a ways back, but sure he can pick them off if needed.

Valyros says, "Excuse me Plax, Ynvar, do you mind if I do something really quick before taking position?"

Ynvar, "Not at all."

Valyros thank you.

Typheous walks around the clearing, surveying it slowly, finding the lay of the area. "And we'll just wait in the open here?"

[OOC] Psyche says, "And Val sneaks off for Siesta."

Valyros goes to face the sun. She plunges her sword into the ground and kneels down, lowering her head, letting out a long sigh. "Please oh powers out there. Great spirits of fate, elven kind, and the powers that be, my noble ancestor Delanius, and what ever dieties are out there who might listen to my plea. I am sorry for not being able to defend my country in this time of need, but I must first beat back the monsters who threaten us here, before going back. But please, give me strength in battle and the will to stand up to the enemy. If nothing else, please, watch over Ultavium and Terilnus. If I should fall, allow them to carry on my hope and legacy."

[OOC] Valyros says, "I'm an elf, I couldn't Siesta if I wanted to :P"

Plax considers. "Wait. See if you can get a fix on their orders as they approach. If it's destroy the town...then we know what we have to do".

[OOC] Eclipse laughs. "True."

Psyche nods. "Do you want me to take a look around, Plax...?"

Valyros continues to chant in booth Urden and Vale, blending them together in an odd sort of harmony.

Plax thinks about that. "If you think you can safely, do so, Psyche".

Psyche nods, kneeling to sketch in the dust of the road. "I think I can."

Typheous nods to Plax, pulling his main gauche again, pointing it in the direction of the (probably) Bad Things. (Same Corr 2, Mind 3, Life 1 as before. Diff 6 still)

[OOC] Eclipse waits for the Backlashes...

[Roll]: Typheous rolled Arete (4d10): 3, 8, 5, 6 ** 2 successes (diff 6) **

[Roll]: Typheous rolled Arete (4d10): 5, 1, 3, 6 ** 0 successes (diff 6) **

*** Scourge die is a 1: Backlash Triggered ***

[OOC] Typheous beats Eclipse.

[OOC] Valyros says, "Yay!"

[Roll]: Typheous rolled Arete (4d10): 8, 9, 10, 8 ** 4 successes (diff 6) **

[Roll]: Typheous rolled Arete (4d10): 6, 10, 5, 2 ** 2 successes (diff 6) **

[OOC] Psyche says, "Minimap, +1 diff for standing effects, -1 for focus = diff 4, right?"

[Roll]: Psyche rolled Arete (4d10): 6, 3, 8, 4 ** 3 successes (diff 4) **

[Roll]: Psyche rolled Arete (4d10): 4, 2, 9, 3 ** 2 successes (diff 4) **

[Roll]: Psyche rolled Arete (4d10): 6, 3, 2, 10 ** 2 successes (diff 4) **

Typheous pages: "3 into range (unless 2 will do it), 1 into targets, 3 into effect, 1 into hiding it. If the range takes 2, put another into effect. Searchign for their exact orders. :)"

[Roll]: Psyche rolled Arete (4d10): 4, 4, 2, 8 ** 3 successes (diff 4) **

Valyros stands up and takes her sword from the ground, a fierce fire in her eyes, "I am ready, and woe to all those who dare to assault this town."

[OOC] Plax watches Psyche push her luck.

Psyche pages: "3 into effect, 3 into range, 3 to duration, 1 to hiding it."

[OOC] Psyche stops pushing right there.

Valyros sheaths her sword and flies up to her possiton in the trees, awaiting the not quite fully alive Knights.

Plax takes position in one the trees, further away, and hidden.

Typheous has received your page: "They're thinking about protecting their charge under the direct orders of their commander. And sex. In fact, you have a distinct sense that you've tapped into the sex drive of every man in the pocket of Order. If testosterone has a collective unconscious, you just found it. You never thought so many variations on a single fantasy were possible. Some of them are quite embarrassing, really."

Psyche has received your page: "The Knights are only the tip of the iceberg. There are literally thousands of apparent refugees following in their wake. The Knights don't appear to be harming the people in any way, and it seems that they are following the Knights of their own free will."

You say, "Mereke takes up a position behind one of the leafless trees near the archers."

Psyche says softly, looking off in the distance, "The refugees are following the Knights, apparently of their own free will..."

You say, "Ynvar, Lega, and Sola take up positions behind trees, bows ready."

[OOC] You say, "Madness, she is a bitch, yes?"

Typheous winks (blinks) several times, sheathing his blade. "I... What the hell... They're.." Several more winks. "They're following orders still... Direct ones form their commanders." . o O ( *several -very- inappropriate thoughts run through his head, most variations on a single theme* I didn't think you could do that so many... Oh my... ) "And apparently... They're horny as sin or being a Knight makes them much more hormonal than I thought." He blushes slightly, his music a bit disturbed.

[OOC] Typheous says, "Yes. :p"

[OOC] Plax says, "At least it's someone else..."

Psyche's eyes widen, cheeks flaming, stepping away from Typheous. . o O ( Augh, block that -out-! -Now- I -do- feel like I need to bathe... ) "Are you sure? I'm not seeing anything of the sort..."

[OOC] Typheous says, "Yes, well.. :p"

Typheous shakes his head. "No, I'm not sure... I might have missed and hit the sex drive of every man within several miles." . o O ( Damn, I need a bath... I... Well, that might be interesting... ) He shakes his head again, trying to block it out.

[OOC] Typheous says, "I'm glad I didn't put any into duration that time...."

[OOC] Valyros says, "Give in to the Sexy Side of the Force!"

Psyche splutters, cheeks flaming. . o O ( No! No, not at all! Godsfuckingdamnit... )

Typheous . o O ( I'm sorry, I'm -trying- And no, I'm not really into the idea of you and Mer. )

Plax watches the other two, waiting for the Knights to show.

Psyche shivers, biting into her lip.

[Roll]: Psyche rolled Arete (4d10): 6, 7, 7, 2 [Spent 1 WP for a success] ** 4 successes (diff 5) **

Psyche pages: "draw - 2 succ into effect, 2 into duration."

Psyche has received your page: "Draw?"

Psyche pages: "= Withdraw."

(to Psyche) Eclipse nods.

You say, "Eventually, the Madness fades and the Knights come into view, followed a few yards back by the column of refugees. And at the center of the 24 Knights...walks Caine Berlion."

Psyche pages: "Stupid withs."

Psyche releases her lip, mind and face (and aura, if anyone's scanning) going blank - devoid of expression or emotion. "Let me know when you're done, Typh." She keeps scanning the minimap.

[OOC] Psyche puts that in before Eclipse, and drops it once the madness clears.

[Roll]: Plax rolled Willpower (7) (7d10): 4, 1, 2, 5, 5, 6, 7 No diff given.

[OOC] Plax says, "Dang...made the self-imposed check."

Typheous shakes his head. "It's better now." His expression steeling as Caine walks into view. He takes the front and center position, waiting for Caine to speak first, but making no move to appear hostile.

Plax has his hand on his bow and arrow drawn, tensing slightly as he spots Caine.

Psyche's eyes flash, but she stays just a bit behind Typheous. . o O ( Guarding... )

Valyros 's arrow is out with an arrow notched, but not drawn back.

[OOC] Psyche says, "Bow, you mean."

Typheous bows his head to Caine slightly. "Greetings, Caine. You weren't the one we were expecting." . o O ( Makes sense now... )

You say, "Caine and his entourage come within a dozen yards before he speaks to you. "Am I glad to see you. I fear I have a small problem that requires the attention of your mentors..." The column of refugees begins to flow around you."

Psyche arches a brow, biting her tongue.

Plax is quite glad to be a fair distance away at this point, watching from the trees above.

Typheous frowns darkly. "And that would be these refugees?" He glances around at the people, his music darkening, but not for battle at least.

Caine, "Partly, though this is more the symptom than the disease. It would appear some of the more ambitious Knights discovered a way to escape my control and spawned quite rapidly before I could launch a counterattack. Victory would have been mine, too, except for the wraiths. It would appear they are no longer neutral in their stance toward the living..."

Typheous scowls. "I see. I'm afraid the Masters aren't here at the moment. The Fae have begun to move on their own." . o O ( I wish I could trust what he was saying. )

Psyche . o O ( You too? )

Psyche folds her arms. "You were so confident they would not..." She trails off there, obviously trying to spare the lecture. "What about the wraiths?"

[OOC] Plax ponders risking a Perception Effect...

Psyche pages: "Let me know if anything comes up on the minimap still in effect."

Caine, "Ah yes. And there is that, too. The Iron Curtain has fallen in the west and north. The Fae from the west are besieging an empty city, at the moment, but I don't think that will fool them for long. The other force, well, it seems they are turning all the trees in the mountains into large lollipops, for the moment. They were kind enough to turn all the demons that were pestering Ironridge into gingerbread men, however, so the forces of Hell have been beaten back somewhat. What are your mentors up to? I noticed they lifted the wards protecting the academy. One day, you're going to have to tell me how you got inside in spite of that, but not today..."

(to Psyche) Eclipse nods.

[OOC] Eclipse watches the stunned silence.

[OOC] Plax isn't in a position to have a conversation with Caine atm.

[OOC] Valyros says, "Ditto."

[OOC] Plax says, "Though Plax would probably be advocating we cut Caine into little pieces..."

Typheous frowns darkly. "They are fighting the Fae to the south (ooc I think), protecting Adel. And the wards were not dropped on purpose. There is a contingent of Fae come here. The first will be here tonight."

[OOC] Typheous tries to be quick about. :p

From Psyche: [Private Roll]: Psyche rolled Willpower (8) (8d10): 9, 2, 9, 9, 6, 6, 6, 8 No diff given.

[OOC] Valyros says, "No, you don't do that. You burn him and toss the ashes to the 4 winds. "

[OOC] Typheous says, "Which is why neither of you is talking right now. :)"

Caine, "Then we must certainly join forces. The Fae and these rogue Knights are a threat to the entire pocket of Order. What resources do you have at your disposal? These refugees will need a place to stay and food to eat. And we will have to ready a defense. Wyzdin is hardly an ideal fortress, but I think adjustments can be made."

Psyche keeps her mouth shut, although there's probably frost on the leaves of the nearest plants by now.

Psyche . o O ( First Mer, now Caine. Maybe we should tell her he's the grandaddy of the 'vampires'. )

[OOC] Plax says, "He's Plax's two point nemesis, dangit. He'll decide on the method of disembowlment! ;)"

Typheous shivers in the cold, his music dark, distrusting. "

Typheous says, "That is an option. But is here the best place for it?"

Typheous . o O ( Calm down. Let me do the talking. )

Psyche . o O ( I'm trying, dear. )

Caine, "Theusleh is lost. Ironridge and the Tybil Monastary? We have no word from that quarter that is encouraging. And war in Adel? It would seem Wyzdin is the last place where we can make a stand."

Caine, "Once we destroy these traitors to Order, my loyal Knights should have no trouble at all driving back the Fae before the pocket of Order is completely engulfed by the Chaos."

Typheous scowls. "Then to Wizdin." He glances to the others. "We have no choice." . o o O ( And he hasn't abandoned the refugees... )

Plax frowns at Typheous' decision, but stays silent, glances to Valyros from his position in the trees.

Psyche . o O ( Yet. )

[OOC] You say, "Raise your hand if you saw Caine's return coming with this little group."

[OOC] Psyche was v. suspicious.

[OOC] Plax says, "Yup. As soon as I couldn't detect mages, I had a feeling I'd see him today."

[OOC] Typheous says, "any chance at seeing if he's lying at all ? :)"

Typheous . o O ( No, but what chance do we have? We can't fight him and the Fae. )

Typheous has received your page: "Per + Subterfuge, dif 6."

[OOC] Plax was curious about that. What is a flat out 'lying detection' rote made up of?

[Roll]: Typheous rolled Perception (3) and Subterfuge (0) (3d10): 8, 5, 1 ** 0 successes (diff 6) **

[OOC] Typheous says, "Well, poop."

[OOC] You say, "Mind 2 would do it rather nicely - surface thoughts are known traitors..."

[OOC] Plax says, "Can Plax have a crack at that, Z? He's definately suspicious."

[OOC] You say, "Go for it."

[Roll]: Plax rolled Perception (3) and Subterfuge (1) (4d10): 3, 4, 6, 1 ** 0 successes (diff 6) **

[OOC] Plax mumbles.

[OOC] You say, "Y'all KNOW you missed this guy... *evil grin*"

[OOC] Plax says, "I still have a Prime-enchanted sword with me..."

[OOC] Typheous does too. 2 blades, in fact.

[OOC] You say, "Mereke has all those knives that are going to waste?"

Typheous scowls at Caine. "Under the circumstances, I hate to sound ungrateful for the offer of help, but what proof do we have that it is not your group of Knights stirring up trouble?" His music seems to teeter on indecision.

[Roll]: Psyche rolled Perception (3) and Subterfuge (0) (3d10): 7, 9, 2 ** 2 successes (diff 6) **

[OOC] Psyche says, "Well? :)"

Caine, "With all due respect, I thought you would have used magic to determine the difference between those Knights at the head of the column and those at the rear. We are not slaughtering innocents to fuel our power and swell our ranks. Otherwise, do you think you could have stopped us? No, I am not the one you need to fear."

From Psyche: [Private Roll]: Psyche rolled Willpower (8) (8d10): 8, 1, 3, 9, 4, 8, 2, 2 No diff given.

Psyche'

Psyche's expression darkens further. . o O ( Except that he started this. )

Psyche has received your page: "He's telling the truth, after a fashion, but he is playing down his mistakes and dismissing them as minor when, in fact, they have all been disastrous."

Psyche has received your page: "He recognizes his mistakes, but he's not admitting them, in other words."

(remotely) Psyche nods.

Typheous nods slowly. "I did notice that... Still, you did create the Knights. And chose the initial test subjects." . o O ( But he has a point... And we need help. And if we'll take Mer's help... )

Psyche . o O ( He's not lying, Typh, but he's too blind or too arrogant to admit that he's made disastrous mistakes. He's dismissing them as minor. A tactical error if nothing more sinister. )

From Psyche: [Private Roll]: Psyche rolled Willpower (8) (8d10): 5, 3, 1, 10, 6, 9, 9, 10 No diff given.

Typheous sighs softly. . o O ( Thank you. I'm afraid I was being the emotional one this time. ) "I'm sorry... we don't have time for my paranoias."

Caine, "No, indeed we do not. This is a time for action, not talk. I will write a message for you to deliver to the remaining teachers. One of you fetch me ink, quill, and parchment.

Valyros drums her fingers on the bow impatiently.

Typheous waives the others out of the trees. "He's not going to attack us or he'd done it already. And we need the help in dealing with the Fae. Get out here, all of you."

Mereke mutters, "_I'll_ show you where you can stick your message."

You say, "Mereke, Ynvar, and the others come out from behind the trees."

Valyros takes to the wing and lands next to Typheous. "Forget the formalites, just tell them yourself Caine.

Plax hovers out, staying a ways back, stonefaced.

Plax has received your page: "Mereke whispers in your ear, "Do it, Eagle. You know you want to. I know _I_ want to, but he is your mark, not mine.""

[OOC] You say, "Btw, you recognize 1 of the 4 who were not part of the scan as the bandit mage who kicked your asses a while back over those manacles."

Psyche glances at Mereke, a wry smile on her face. . o O ( Mmmm, I'd help her with =that=. )

(remotely) Plax whispers back, "I put everyone else in danger if I do. I can't do that. As much as I want to".

Typheous glances daggers at Mer briefly before turning back to Caine. "Shall we be going?" . o O ( Yes, but later. )

Plax has received your page: "Mereke, "I'll back you up, and so will they. Will his Knights fight without their master?""

Plax pages: "Most likely. And these refugees see me as a murderer. That means his cause gains ground. "

Psyche doesn't look happy either, frost still gathering around her, more or less. . o O ( I don't like this at all. )

You say, "Mereke takes a step away from Plax and gives Typh and Psyche and innocent smile and batting of her eyes."

Typheous turns back toward the town. "We need to get going if we're going to have any chance at protecting ourselves." . o O ( Nor do I. The lesser of two evils... )

Valyros looks at Caine for a second saying the Kaldari equivalent of "Reckless, megalomanical dumbass." Then starts back to town.

Typheous sighs, shaking his head. "Let's get going."

Psyche follows Typheous.

[OOC] Valyros says, "When we ending?"

You say, "As the large influx of refugees begin to filter in, the supplies of food, water, and shelter in Wyzdin, predictably, pretty much vanish in a couple hours. Some of Wyzdin's inhabitants aren't particularly eager to give up their last crusts, but Caine and his Knights quickly establish order by declaring martial law - citing the seriousness of the circumstances quite candidly. This quickly turns the mood from subversive resentment to potentially explosive panic. Caine sends you, however, to do an inventory of the academy's resources - anything that might be of use in his defense of Wyzdin."

[OOC] You say, "You getting tired? We can end relatively soon, I think - maybe 10 minutes, if people need to sleep."

[OOC] Plax is quite awake.

[OOC] Typheous says, "Depends on how much longer it would be otherwise?"

[OOC] Psyche is okay.

Valyros growls at Caine's request and goes to greet the Fae who shall be arriving soon.

Typheous heads off to the Academy then to take stock, looking unhappy at taking orders.

Psyche watches the changes with a growing sense of unease, following Typheous. . o O ( You know, not only is he a fuckwit, but he's an incompetent fuckwit. )

Typheous . o O ( Something like that, yes. But he has some firepower which we noticably lack right now. )

Plax isn't happy at all as he goes with the others, clearly quite upset.

[OOC] You say, "Just wait til you see his plans for fighting the rogue Knights..."

Typheous will wait until Caine is out of earshot before he speaks. "Well, I suppose it could have been worse..."

You say, "It is now about an hour before sunset, and the other students - on orders from the staff - have taken refuge in one of the dormitories (the 3-yr men's)."

Plax shakes his head at Typheous. "I'm not quite sure how". He sighs. "If he didn't have that guard...".

Psyche snarls under her breath. "Not much worse." She swears the air blue, the chill around her seemign to have settled into an unrelenting winter, eyes flashing. "He either has no actual skill at all or he's deliberately sabotaging everything. What are we doing a bout the Fae again?"

[OOC] Plax says, "Are we ordered there as well? *is confused by the other students bit*"

[OOC] Valyros says, "Don't think so."

[OOC] You say, "I'm leaving you guys your freedom, actually. Do what you want."

Typheous takes a deep breath. "The same thing we did with him. We talk to them." He scowls. "We need to get the students out of here and into the town. I don't want to defend both places." . o O ( Damn it.. I hope I made the right choice. )

Valyros is up in a tree where the inital Fae will have to come to get to the village, still battle ready, holding back the rest of her anger at Caine for later.

Plax nods and heads to where Valyros is, waiting for the Fae.

Valyros says, "The aragance of him, acting like he's automatically dictator of this place simply because we accept his help..."

Typheous will wait in the open, hands resting on his hilts, waiting for the Fae to show. . o O ( Here's hoping...) "Maybe he'll get himself killed... "

Psyche continues swearing under her breath in an unending stream. "Fuckhead...shit-eating dumbass motherfucker..." She half-closes her eyes to bring up the minimap. "Assholes like him never get killed on accident."

Typheous . o O ( If you keep cussing like that, the Fae will know we're here. )

Plax nods. "When it happens, it won't be an accident," he says coldly.

Valyros says, "That is a certainty."

From Psyche: [Private Roll]: Psyche rolled Willpower (8) (8d10): 6, 6, 8, 5, 1, 1, 9, 8 No diff given.

Psyche bites her tongue, although the stream of obscenities keeps up in her mind. "I'll third that, Plax, Lady V."

Mereke laughs_mirthlessly.

Typheous shakes his head. . o O ( And you thought my backlash was bad... ) "Can we plan the deaths of our only reluctant allies later?"

Plax says, "It passes the time as well as anything."

Psyche pages: "Well, what's the minimap show?"

Valyros says, "Tact dictates one must wait at least a week after the war is over until one side backstabs their allies."

Psyche says, "Who said anything about -back-stabbing?"

Plax waits for the Fae to show.

Psyche has received your page: "A Fae coming from the southeast, followed at about 20 yards by a group of 5 others."

Valyros says, "That's what it sound like what we were planing..."

Typheous glares at the others. "Will you stop it? You're as childish as he is." He turns to glare at the woods as if he's trying to set the trees on fire.

Valyros shuts up.

Psyche bites out, cutting off her speech: "Fae from the Southeast. Five others following, at about 20 yards." She glances at Typheous. . o O ( Remember. You have to be alive to draw, dear. )

Psyche has received your page: "And something else...It's Halda and Rade. They're on an intercept course with the lone Fae."

You say, "Mereke spins knives between the fingers of each hand."

Typheous turns to watch that direction. "Just the 6 then?" . o O ( And you have to be alive as well, l... dear. I'm not drawing a corpse. )

Typheous rests his hands on his blades, waiting for them to show.

Plax waits in the trees.

Psyche shakes her head. "Halda and Rade...on an intercept course with the first Fae." She frowns slightly. . o O ( I'm at my death quota for one life already. I don't plan to exceed it. )

!!! A checkpoint has begun. During the next few minutes, you will experience slow response time (AKA lag). Be patient, grasshopper.

!!! The checkpoint has finished. After a suspenseful 1 second, the world is saved once more.

Plax frowns at that news.

Typheous frowns. "Shit... Can someone stop them?" He starts heading straight for the Fae.

Valyros says, "I'll go and get her."

Valyros takes off and flie towards Rade to stop her from getting assaulted by the Fae.

Psyche pages: "Do they seem to be deliberately heading for her, or coincidentally, or can I tell?"

Psyche has received your page: "Deliberately"

Psyche says, "No, wait, LADY!"

Psyche's brows draw together. "I think they know it's there...they're heading for it deliberately..."

You say, "A howl rises in the night - the all-too-familiar sound of Red Cap Fae moving in for the kill."

Plax looks to the others. "I don't think there's negotiating with that...".

[OOC] Plax says, "Z? Can I see them from my perch?"

Mereke, "It isn't us they want. They're hunting one of their own."

Typheous's blades are out at the howl. "Shit." He starts a light run. "Shitshitshit... Damn the Fae..." He glances back, his music sounding almost like FF battle music. "Let's go. Save the one they're hunting."

Eclipse [to Plax]: Just barely.

[OOC] You say, "And that's where we'll end for the night."

[OOC] Psyche grins.

[OOC] You say, "Because I'm evil that way."

[OOC] You say, "RP votes?"

User Conn Idle RP-Stat `@my tag is ...`

Eclipse 6h 0s IC Wiz Causing players confusion and trouble since '90

Psyche 2h 15s IC Wiz I'm not good, I'm not nice, I'm just -right-...

Typheous 4h 33s IC Wiz Well I'm terribly sorry, but I don't care...

Plax 6h 57s IC PC Being made crazy by Caine, page for lessons!

Sekkyro 2h 1m OOC Tec

Melyne 4h 2m OOC Tec

Valyros 6h 2m OOC PC

--[Sun Oct 5 01:05:22 2003]--------------------------------[7 users; 0s lag]--

Psyche nods, taking off after Typheous.

[OOC] Valyros says, "And we sorta need Rade."

Valyros pages: "Psyche"

Plax pages: "Psyche"

*** Added 3 XP to Psyche's Experience ***

Psyche pages: "Typh"

*** Added 3 XP to Typheous's Experience ***

*** Added 3 XP to Plax's Experience ***

*** Added 3 XP to Valyros's Experience ***

[OOC] You say, "Yeah, there's that, too. She's the only one who would recognize this particular Fae."

[OOC] Psyche says, "General Mage question - What do I need to set up a ward against being overheard?"

Typheous pages: "Plax."

[OOC] Valyros says, "That and would Spirit really #@%)& up Fae?"

[OOC] You say, "Forces 2 could pull it off."

[OOC] You say, "You're about to find out, now aren't you..."

*** Added 1 XP to Psyche's Experience ***

[OOC] Plax fully plans on pinning some Fae to a tree.

[OOC] You say, "And in a close vote, Psyche gets the RP point."

[OOC] Psyche mutters. "I've only got Forces 1. Can I make up for it with Corr 3?"

[OOC] Valyros says, "Yay!"

[OOC] Eclipse pities the Fae. I really do...

[OOC] Psyche wows and thanks muchly :)

[OOC] You say, "YES."

[OOC] Psyche says, "Clippy, was that to me? :)"

[OOC] Plax says, "ooc :has Prime 2. I can just Prime Bolt them to death. :)"

[OOC] Typheous says, "Why would you pity the Fae? "

[OOC] Typheous blinks innocently.

[OOC] Valyros says, "Okay Mr. 9 foot troll, you're now a 6 inch pixie with lovely little butterfly wings."

[OOC] You say, "Yes, Psyche. Cor 3 / Forces 1 is the other way to set up a sound ward..."

[OOC] Typheous says, "Err... winks, rather. ;)"

[OOC] Plax should just blood suck the Fae and get some Quint.

[OOC] Psyche scampers off to the Fashion Cabal and attempts to figure out whether Jen can ward the room - thanx.

[OOC] Typheous gyahs... "And today I'm wearing a catholic school girl outfit with a corset..." Gyah.... And it looks like every Friday they're going to the bars... Although I can just disturb them with grandma. ;)

[OOC] Valyros says, "Oookaaay..."

[OOC] Typheous points ath Psyche. It's her char's outfir.

[OOC] Typheous says, "Outfit, rather. At least the first night."

[OOC] Psyche beams.

[OOC] Valyros says, "Well I think I'm going to head out. Good night everybody."

Valyros has disconnected.

[OOC] Typheous says, "For those interested, the chronicle of what's going on is in the pax_magicka community on LJ. :)"

[OOC] Plax nods, should get around to subscribing that to his List.

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.