Holyknightsteve: MAxim told his story as Lyle drove. He told of how he was one of the six Guardian Magi of ancient times. The Guardian Magi were once normal humans who had come in contact with the raw essence of one of the six spheres of magic.
Holyknightsteve: Maxim, in this case, had come into contact with the Grey Essense, the Essence of Time and Space magic. Upon contact, these essences granted immortality and magic power far beyond the understanding of... "normal" mortals.
Holyknightsteve: The dark man Zio, also, was a Magi. He was the Black Magi, lord of all the Black arts of Magic. 2,500 years ago, these six Magi fought a terrible evil known as "Sin" and defeated him, sealing in a abysmal dimension
Holyknightsteve: known only as "The Edge". Over the years, the Magi kept watch over the gateway between "The Edge" and Terra, your world. However, as time passed, Sin called to Zio and drove him mad. He officially became a
Holyknightsteve: servant of Sin, searching th eworld over for the other Magi so that he might absorb their essence and gain their power. If he were to do this, his power would increase substantially and if he wer eto absorb all six...
Holyknightsteve: Maxim: ...well... it wouldn't be good, let's leave it at that.
Raith Ceras: Wow.. -=He leant back in his seat some as he processed all of that, that explained why he came after Maxim..but what did he mean about my father. Such thoughts ran through his mind.=-
Holyknightsteve: Lyle remained silent as he drove.
Raith Ceras: Maxim, how many..how many has he absorbed?
Holyknightsteve: Maxim: ...none so far. He's tried attacking a few but none would yield.
Holyknightsteve: Maxim: However, he has grown considerably stronger and he is slowly weakening us.
Raith Ceras: Why not combine your forces and defeat him?
Holyknightsteve: Maxim: Sin fuels him with power. It's near impossible to weaken him, let alone kill him.
Holyknightsteve: Maxim: ...we can't.
Raith Ceras: Ahh...so..what can we do then?
Holyknightsteve: Maxim: Everytime we try, he somehow blocks our way so we have to hide.
Holyknightsteve: Maxim: What can WE do? ... I don't know.
Holyknightsteve: He looked down.
Raith Ceras: -=He went back to his thoughts silently, a little dejected now, here they were just a few weeks ago with almost no combat experience, then the whole mess back in Empire..and now this.=-
Holyknightsteve: Maxim: All I can hope for is that something will come our way.
Holyknightsteve: Maxim: If the old man finds you worthy Raith, it will help us greatly.
Holyknightsteve: Lyle: There! Is that it?
Holyknightsteve: He pointed to a secluded house on a wooded hill.
Raith Ceras: -=He looked up a bit from his brooding.=-
Holyknightsteve: Maxim: Yes Lyle, that's his house.
Raith Ceras: Ya know Maxim..you never told us who this friend of your's was.
Holyknightsteve: Maxim smiled.
Holyknightsteve: Maxim: He's an old friend of 50 years. He's a great sage and knows much about the Magi, stuff even I myself don't know about even myself.
Holyknightsteve: Lyle parked the truck.
Raith Ceras: -=He cocked an eyebrow at that=- Wow..but how can he help me? I have no magic..I think I'd have felt it by now.
Holyknightsteve: Maxim: I'll let him explain. Come.
Holyknightsteve: Maxim knocked on the door and entered.
Raith Ceras: -=He waited for Maxim to step out, and the hopped out as well. Then he fell in behind Maxim as he waited.=-
Holyknightsteve: Maxim: Delt! Sage Delt! Are you home?
Raith Ceras: Delt ehh..
Holyknightsteve: Delt: Blah! What's all this blasted racket? I tell you what... well! If it isn't Maxim! how are you my boy?
Holyknightsteve: Maxim: Not too bad given our situation.
Holyknightsteve: Delt: No need to explain. I see far and wide and know why you are here. Now... which one of you is Lord Raith?
Holyknightsteve: Lyle's jaw dropped.
Raith Ceras: -=He raised his hand slightly so as to signal it was him=- Does everyone know everything about me?
Holyknightsteve: Delt frowned a bit and examined him.
Holyknightsteve: He poked him with his stick.
Raith Ceras: -=He jumped back a little=- Hey! Watch that.
Holyknightsteve: Delt: Maxim, he doesn't have a lot of meat on him. He looks...
Holyknightsteve: Lyle: ...more like a lover, not a fighter. Yea we've heard this before.
Raith Ceras: -=He'd nod=- Too many times..
Holyknightsteve: Delt bops Lyle on the head.
Holyknightsteve: Lyle: Oww!
Holyknightsteve: Delt: Quiet young'n!
Raith Ceras: -=He snickered a little.=-
Holyknightsteve: He continues to examine Raith.
Holyknightsteve: Delt: You sure he can handle it Maxim?
Raith Ceras: -=Is a little uncomfortable with the situation and all but merely stands there=-
Raith Ceras: Handle what? Maxim?
Holyknightsteve: Maxim: Yes wise one.
Holyknightsteve: Delt stands and ponders.
Holyknightsteve: Delt: ...all right. I'll let you take the test.
Raith Ceras: What test? Damnit is anyone listening?
Holyknightsteve: Delt: If you make it past my trials, you'll be worthy of handling the means to unlock your inner power.
Holyknightsteve: He bops Raith.
Raith Ceras: Inner...power? OWW
Holyknightsteve: Delt: Hush!
Raith Ceras: -=Mutters something deragatory under his breath=-
Holyknightsteve: Delt: I heard that! ::bops::
Raith Ceras: Damnit!
Holyknightsteve: Delt: Young lord, what you need is discipline. You're almost nothing like your father!
Raith Ceras: -=He scoffed quickly=- Yea..I wonder why.
Holyknightsteve: Delt: ::bops:: Silence!
Holyknightsteve: Lyle was obviously holding back laughter and MAxim smiled.
Raith Ceras: Goddamnit! Oww!
Holyknightsteve: Delt: ::bop bop bop:: Dernit young'n! Now listen!
Raith Ceras: Ow! Ow! Ow!
Raith Ceras: -=Rubs his head=-
Raith Ceras: -=Crosses his arms and mumbles to himself resentfully.=-
Holyknightsteve: Delt: Behind this house, theres a door leading underground. It's my personal dungeon.
Holyknightsteve: Delt: Through this dungeon are different trials. Pass these trials, and you shall receive your reward.
Raith Ceras: -=He cocked an eyebrow then whispered to Lyle=- I thought all the rich kids wanted chocobos, he has a dungeon? I wonder what his childhood was like.
Holyknightsteve: Delt: You have much potential within you... this reward will help you unleash it.
Raith Ceras: -=Was barely paying attention=-
Raith Ceras: I don't think I have an inner power...but whatever floats your boat.
Holyknightsteve: Delt: ::bops:: Damnit boy! Did you even listen to Maxim?
Raith Ceras: Oww! Damnit! Hit me with that thing one more time and it's going where the sun don't shine!
Holyknightsteve: Delt: Boy...
Holyknightsteve: Delt: Ok let me ask you this.
Holyknightsteve: Delt: You wanna get back your kingdom? Even not... don't you want to defeat Geppel?
Raith Ceras: -=He looked up at him now as he rubbed his head, he was gonna have a concussion at this rate=-
Raith Ceras: Grr..I said I'll take the damn test...
Holyknightsteve: Delt: Good... you'll understannd what I mean by "power" once you receive your reward.
Holyknightsteve: Delt sits in a chair and picks up a book.
Holyknightsteve: Delt: You may begin whenever you like.
Holyknightsteve: Maxim: Great! Let's go!
Holyknightsteve: Delt: Not you Maxim.
Holyknightsteve: Maxim turned.
Holyknightsteve: Maxim: What?! Why not?!
Holyknightsteve: Lyle turned as well.
Raith Ceras: -=He put his hand up=- I'll go alone..
Holyknightsteve: Lyle: But...
Holyknightsteve: Delt: Maxim must stay here. If you want, you can bring the mysterious bard with you.
Holyknightsteve: Lyle: ...
Raith Ceras: Lyle..you want to?
Holyknightsteve: He turned to Raith.
Holyknightsteve: Lyle: Can I go Raith?
Holyknightsteve: Lyle: That is... if you don't mind.
Raith Ceras: ...-=He shrugged=- Let's go.
Holyknightsteve: Lyle adjusted his hat and followed Raith, leaving Delt and MAxim inside.
Raith Ceras: -=As they walked past the door he took a look around=-
Holyknightsteve: Upon leaving, they found the underground entrance.
Holyknightsteve: Lyle: There.
Raith Ceras: Let's do this..
Holyknightsteve: He nodded.
Holyknightsteve: Lyle grabbed one of the doors and pulled it open.
Raith Ceras: -=He took a few steps forward and went through that door.=-
Holyknightsteve: Lyle followed.
Holyknightsteve: The descent was long. They stepped down countless numbers of steps. Eventually, they reached the bottom.
Raith Ceras: -=He looked around the area curiously=-
Holyknightsteve: At the bottom, they saw a strange door with a hand imprint in it.
Holyknightsteve: A voice rung out.
Holyknightsteve: ????: Welcome adventurers...
Holyknightsteve: Lyle jumped back.
Holyknightsteve: Lyle: Wah?!
Raith Ceras: -=He looked back to Lyle=- Whoa..
Holyknightsteve: Lyle: Eep!
Holyknightsteve: ????: Dost thou wish to partake in my trials?
Raith Ceras: Uhh..Sure?
Holyknightsteve: ????: Then put thine hand to my own.
Raith Ceras: -=He looked at the door, then shrugged and placed his right hand onto the imprint.=-
Holyknightsteve: The imprint glowed.
Raith Ceras: Whoa..
Holyknightsteve: ????: I see... a noble spirit dwells withing you. You are worthy enough to proceed.
Holyknightsteve: The door then vanished!
Holyknightsteve: Lyle: ...whoa.
Raith Ceras: -=He staggered back a little.=-
Raith Ceras: Damn..the hell did we get ourselves into this time?
Holyknightsteve: ????: Come young ones. Have no fear.
Holyknightsteve: Lyle: I don't know man... but this reward better be good.
Raith Ceras: -=He nodded, and then after a moment of hesitation he continued walking along that path.=-
Holyknightsteve: The path was very dark. Thanks to Raith's night vision, they manged to get by without incident.
Holyknightsteve: They then came to another door.
Raith Ceras: -=He looked at this door, examining it closely=-
Holyknightsteve: ????: This is thine first trial. Are you prepared?
Raith Ceras: -=He jumped back a little=-
Raith Ceras: I'm never gonna get used to that..
Raith Ceras: Ye..ready as we'll ever be.
Holyknightsteve: Three circles then glowed in the center of the door.
Raith Ceras: Again with the glowing..
Holyknightsteve: ????: If thou wilt ever be a hero of the land, thou must be quick of wit. Solve my riddles and proceed.
Raith Ceras: -=He looked at Lyle=- ...
Holyknightsteve: ????: Young bard, you may not help. Please abstain from answering.
Holyknightsteve: Lyle: Aww nuts!
Raith Ceras: Damn it..
Holyknightsteve: ????: Are you ready for the first?
Raith Ceras: No, but go ahead. -.-'
Holyknightsteve: ????: A simple one first.
Holyknightsteve: The voice paused.
Holyknightsteve: ????: A box without hinges, key, nor lid.... yet, golden treasure inside is hid.
Raith Ceras: ...The hell.
Holyknightsteve: ????: Ponder thine answer.
Raith Ceras: -=He sat down and pondered a bit=-
Holyknightsteve: Lyle pulled out his flute and played softly as Raith thought.
Raith Ceras: -=He looked over at Lyle then thought for a second.=-
Raith Ceras: A music box?
Holyknightsteve: ????: That is a good answer but the wrong one. Please try again.
Raith Ceras: -.-
Holyknightsteve: ????: I shall grant help. I cans ense your friend is very intelligent. Though you can't ALWAYS rely on him, I shall allow him to answer only of my riddles. Ask him whenever you feel the need.
Raith Ceras: Err..
Holyknightsteve: Lyle
looked up.
Raith Donos has entered the room.
Raith Donos: -=He sat there pondering once more=-
Holyknightsteve: ::Lyle twiddled his thumbs::
Raith Donos: If not that..then what..hmm..
Raith Donos: What about a...
Raith Donos: No that's not it.
Holyknightsteve: ????: Please take your time. Though this promotes quick wit, it also promotes deep thought. Both will be neccessary as you progress through life.
Raith Donos: Damn..
Raith Donos: I have..no idea.
Raith Donos: Yo Lyle..
Raith Donos: You got any ideas?
Holyknightsteve: Lyle: You sure Raith? I know the answer but if you use me now...
Raith Donos: Well if I don't use you now then we won't even know what the other damn questions are. -.-
Holyknightsteve: Lyle stood up and walked to the door.
Holyknightsteve: Lyle: The answer is an egg... right?
Holyknightsteve: ????: Well done. Your wit is sharp indeed.
Raith Donos: -.- Lame.
Holyknightsteve: Lyle: Raith! I got it!
Raith Donos: Good job Lyle..
Holyknightsteve: Lyle smiles and sits back down.
Holyknightsteve: ????: Ready?
Raith Donos: Yea..
Holyknightsteve: ????: What... slays all things living, raises crops, destroys civilizations and brings about change?
Raith Donos: Hmm..
Raith Donos: Nature?
Holyknightsteve: ????: Though not my answer, it is an acceptable.
Raith Donos: Phew..
Raith Donos: Lyle, I think my gambling skills are paying off...
Holyknightsteve: ????: The answer I had in mind was "Time".
Raith Donos: I see..
Holyknightsteve: ????: Are you ready?
Raith Donos: Yes
Holyknightsteve: ????: The end of life, the end of death, the end of love, the end of hate, ends eras, brings about eras.
Raith Donos: Hmm..
Raith Donos: Magic?
Holyknightsteve: ????: Not quite.
Raith Donos: Hmm
Raith Donos: THen..
Raith Donos: Damn..
Raith Donos: This is..hopeless.
Holyknightsteve: Lyle: Come on Raith... you can do it.
Raith Donos: Blah..
Raith Donos: Ends life..
Raith Donos: Cures death..
Raith Donos: Hmm..
Raith Donos: The will of a man can end eras, or bring them about..but it can't stop death..
Holyknightsteve: Lyle began to play his flute again.
Raith Donos: -=He pondered some more.=-
Raith Donos: ..
Raith Donos: Destiny?
Holyknightsteve: ????: Wrong. Please try again.
Raith Donos: -=He narrowed his eyes=- This is pissing me off...
Holyknightsteve: Lyle: Calm down Raith. Just think... I know you can do it.
Raith Donos: Fuck if I was supposed to think then why'd that old fart hit me in the head so many damn times. >.<'''
Holyknightsteve: Lyle: ...
Raith Donos: Shit I don't know..
Raith Donos: Hope?
Holyknightsteve: ????: Not quite
Raith Donos: Grr..
Holyknightsteve: Lyle plays his flute.
Raith Donos: -=He sits down again and picks up a couple of pebbles and starts tossing them up with his right hand.=-
Raith Donos: Alright...so it's some kind of circle..from life to death and back to life..
Holyknightsteve: Lyle changes the tune.
Holyknightsteve: Lyle plays for a while then changes the tune again.
Raith Donos: -=He stands up slowly and then tosses a pebble at the door.=- Stupid door.
Holyknightsteve: ????: ...
Holyknightsteve: Yea =D
Raith Donos: Forget this Lyle..
Raith Donos: Let's go, that mage is off his rocker anyway.
Holyknightsteve: Lyle: ...
Holyknightsteve: Lyle stands up.
Holyknightsteve: Lyle: Don't give up Raith. Terrible things are gonna happen to the world soon. Did you hear Maxim?
Raith Donos: -=He stops=-
Raith Donos: Damnit Lyle..
Holyknightsteve: Lyle: I don't know why... but a lot seems to be on our shoulders now.
Raith Donos: I didn't ask for this...for any of it.
Holyknightsteve: Lyle: Neither did I my friend. But that'
Holyknightsteve: He paused.
Holyknightsteve: Lyle: That's... fate.
Raith Donos: I don't believe in fate..
Holyknightsteve: Lyle: Well... you believe in luck, right?
Raith Donos: -=He turned around=- Yes..but..
Holyknightsteve: Lyle: If not fate, then luck brought us here. Is it good or bad, I don't know... but it brought us here regardless.
Raith Donos: Good, it brough us here, now we can leave.
Holyknightsteve: Lyle: If you want, we can give up now and forget any of this happened.
Holyknightsteve: Lyle paused again.
Raith Donos: Damnit Lyle...
Holyknightsteve: Lyle: But... aren't you the least bit curious as to what lies ahead for us if you succeed here? Don't you want to know your origin? don't you want to get back at that bastard Geppel?
Raith Donos: Grr..
Holyknightsteve: Lyle: Besides... where can we go anyway?
Holyknightsteve: Lyle: The empire is hunting for us as we speak. We can't run forever. Like it or not, we're in a bind.
Raith Donos: ...Damnit I know that.
Raith Donos: But this is crap. What do riddles have to do with anything?
Holyknightsteve: ????: They promote both quick and deep thought, young lord.
Raith Donos: I heard you the first time..weird..talking...thing.
Holyknightsteve: ????: Just a reminder.
Raith Donos: Ok, my turn to ask a question, is it theoretically possible to kill or maim you? >.<'
Holyknightsteve: ????: ...
Raith Donos: Blah, let's go Lyle..that new song was nice.
Holyknightsteve: Lyle: Ok then.
Holyknightsteve: Lyle: Let me know when you want me to change the song.
Holyknightsteve: Lyle plays his new song.
Raith Donos: -=As he sat down again he found his mind wandering to the song.=-
Raith Donos: -=Then suddenly he jumped up.=-
Raith Donos: If it's not this I quit.
Holyknightsteve: Lyle stopped and looked at him.
Raith Donos: Music?
Holyknightsteve: Lyle falls over.
Holyknightsteve: ????: Incorrect
Raith Donos: Haha...
Holyknightsteve: Lyle gets up and changes to a new song.
Raith Donos: Ya know..we're gonna die down here at this rate. -.-
Holyknightsteve: Lyle says nothing and plays.
Holyknightsteve: Later, Lyle changes to yet another song.
Raith Donos: Damnit Lyle...
Raith Donos: Nothing's changed..I still have..
Holyknightsteve: Lyle: huh?
Raith Donos: Changed..
Raith Donos: Change! It's change!
Holyknightsteve: ????: That is correct young Lord. You may proceed.
Holyknightsteve: All three circles stop glowing and the door dissapear.
Raith Donos: -=He jumps up and down with excitement=-
Holyknightsteve: Lyle: Awwright!
Raith Donos: Phew, bout time...
Raith Donos: Alright let's go Lyle, double time, we wasted a lot of time. -=He runs through the door and into the pathway.=-
Holyknightsteve: Lyle follows.
Holyknightsteve: after a while, they came to another door.
Holyknightsteve: ????: This is the trial of the nimble. Will you partake in this trial?
Raith Donos: -= He stops in front of the door.=- This is much better, let's do this.
Holyknightsteve: ????: If you can reach the end of the trial, a clear path will be create dfor your not so nimble friend. Are you ready?
Raith Donos: -=He rubbed his hands together=- Here we go..
Holyknightsteve: ????: Good luck...
Raith Donos: Yea yea..you're still on my list.
Holyknightsteve: The door dissapears and reveals a deadly looking obstacle course.
Holyknightsteve: First comes a straight path with a swinging pendelum. (make an escape roll).
Raith Donos: -=As he took a few steps forward he stopped in front of the pendelum, then watched the sequence before continuing.=-
*OnlineHost*: Raith Donos rolled 1 100-sided die: 11
Holyknightsteve: Success! You easily dodge the trap!
Raith Donos: Heh..I got this.
Holyknightsteve: Next is a wall with spikes that stick out. (make 2 successful climb checks to avoid damage)
Raith Donos: -=He looked up at the wall and winced before beginning his climb.=-
*OnlineHost*: Raith Donos rolled 1 100-sided die: 39
*OnlineHost*: Raith Donos rolled 1 100-sided die: 47
Holyknightsteve: Success! The wall is scaled with no problem!
Raith Donos: -=He got to the top without incident.=-
Holyknightsteve: Next is an area patrolled by magic sentries armed with bows. There are several shadows. (make 6 stealth checks to avoid damage)
Raith Donos: -=With his advanced vision he easily noted the trap, then began to proceed.=-
*OnlineHost*: Raith Donos rolled 1 100-sided die: 47
*OnlineHost*: Raith Donos rolled 1 100-sided die: 26
*OnlineHost*: Raith Donos rolled 1 100-sided die: 17
*OnlineHost*: Raith Donos rolled 1 100-sided die: 4
*OnlineHost*: Raith Donos rolled 1 100-sided die: 93
*OnlineHost*: Raith Donos rolled 1 100-sided die: 10
Holyknightsteve: The fifth sentry spots you! Hit for 14 damage!
Holyknightsteve: Despite the hit, you make it to the other side.
Raith Donos: Ahh shit! -=He winced in pain as he got across.=-
Holyknightsteve: Next is a small room with nine tiles. A panel reads "Step on the five safe tiles and entry shall be granted". (make four trap lore rolls to avoid damage)
Raith Donos: -=He glanced about then proceeded extermely cautiously.=-
*OnlineHost*: Raith Donos rolled 1 100-sided die: 23
*OnlineHost*: Raith Donos rolled 1 100-sided die: 7
*OnlineHost*: Raith Donos rolled 1 100-sided die: 34
*OnlineHost*: Raith Donos rolled 1 100-sided die: 38
Holyknightsteve: Success! All four traps were avoided! Access granted!
Raith Donos: -=He easily glided along to the other side.=-
Holyknightsteve: Next, is a door with five locks. A panel reads "Pick all 5 locks. Fail, you will be shocked and must try again". (make 5 Lockppicking rolls to avoid damage. Must reroll failures)
Raith Donos: -=He looked at the locks and smirked, this was getting fun.=-
*OnlineHost*: Raith Donos rolled 1 100-sided die: 50
*OnlineHost*: Raith Donos rolled 1 100-sided die: 93
Holyknightsteve: Failure! Lock 2 shocks you for 8 damage!
Raith Donos: Ahh shit!
Raith Donos: Not fun
Raith Donos: Not fun
Raith Donos: -= He'd go to try it again, slower this time.=-
*OnlineHost*: Raith Donos rolled 1 100-sided die: 66
*OnlineHost*: Raith Donos rolled 1 100-sided die: 1
Holyknightsteve: Critical failure! Lock 3 shocks you for 17 damage!
Raith Donos: Ahh Goddamn it!
*OnlineHost*: Raith Donos rolled 1 100-sided die: 45
*OnlineHost*: Raith Donos rolled 1 100-sided die: 60
*OnlineHost*: Raith Donos rolled 1 100-sided die: 52
Holyknightsteve: Success! The door opens!
Raith Donos: -=Kicks the door.=-
Raith Donos: Piece of shit. -.-
Raith Donos: -=Walks through, hurting a bit more than he'd like.=-
Holyknightsteve: In the next room are three sentries patrolling around a dark room and you are cloaked in shadows. A panel reads "Get the three keys off the guards to unlock the door." (makes 3 pick pocket rolls; -40 penalty)
Raith Donos: -=He'd aproach the first guard.=-
*OnlineHost*: Raith Donos rolled 1 100-sided die: 24
Raith Donos: -=THen swiftly move to the second.=-
*OnlineHost*: Raith Donos rolled 1 100-sided die: 51
Raith Donos: -=And then to the last one.=-
*OnlineHost*: Raith Donos rolled 1 100-sided die: 21
Holyknightsteve: Success! You have all 3!
Raith Donos: -=With all three keys he succesfully moves to the end of the hall.=-
Holyknightsteve: Opening the door, he comes to a target range. Three targets hang across the room and a pile of rocks lays nearby. A panel reads "Hit all three targets to proceed. Miss, and you will suffer." (make 3 thrown weapons rolls)
Raith Donos: Shit..
Raith Donos: -=He picked up 3 rocks and then tossed them in succession.=-
*OnlineHost*: Raith Donos rolled 1 100-sided die: 37
*OnlineHost*: Raith Donos rolled 1 100-sided die: 89
Holyknightsteve: Missed target 2! A arrow flies at you, hitting you for 9 damage!
Raith Donos: Oww fuck.
Raith Donos: Grr...
*OnlineHost*: Raith Donos rolled 1 100-sided die: 57
*OnlineHost*: Raith Donos rolled 1 100-sided die: 97
Holyknightsteve: Missed target 3! Another arrow hits Raith for 5 damage!
*OnlineHost*: Raith Donos rolled 1 100-sided die: 74
Holyknightsteve: Success! All three targets ar egone and the door opens.
Raith Donos: -=He limps towards the door with the arrow stuck in his left leg.=-
Raith Donos: -=He'd snap it off and then pull it out, at the cost of immense pain but no damage.=-
Holyknightsteve: An obstacle course lays before. A panel reads: "Complete this course and victory will be yours." (make a climbing roll, a stealth roll, an escape roll, and one last lockpick roll)
Holyknightsteve: First a spiked wall.
Raith Donos: -=He'd get to it but he was definitely hurt.=-
*OnlineHost*: Raith Donos rolled 1 100-sided die: 7
Holyknightsteve: Success! Now watch for the sentries!
Raith Donos: -=He moved forward.=-
*OnlineHost*: Raith Donos rolled 1 100-sided die: 18
Holyknightsteve: Success! A guard is coming at you! Escape!
Raith Donos: -=Moves quickly.=-
*OnlineHost*: Raith Donos rolled 1 100-sided die: 99
Holyknightsteve: The guard slame you for 6! Escape quickly!
*OnlineHost*: Raith Donos rolled 1 100-sided die: 100
Holyknightsteve: Big failure! Guard hits you for 4!
*OnlineHost*: Raith Donos rolled 1 100-sided die: 23
Holyknightsteve: Success! Now pick the final lock!
*OnlineHost*: Raith Donos rolled 1 100-sided die: 97
Holyknightsteve: Failure! Shocked for 1 damage!
Raith Donos: Ahh fuck!
Raith Donos: -=He scrambles with the last of his strength.=-
*OnlineHost*: Raith Donos rolled 1 100-sided die: 22
Holyknightsteve: Success! The door opens!
Raith Donos: -=He falls through the door barely conscious
Raith Donos: .=-*
Holyknightsteve: ????: Well done. You are quite nimble indeed. I did not expect you to survive.
Holyknightsteve: Lyle appears from a side tunnel.
Holyknightsteve: Lyle: Hiya Raith! Ouch... you look hurt. :-(
Raith Donos: -=Can't speak since hes almost friggin dead.=-
Holyknightsteve: Lyle plays the song of healing. Heals 14 hp!
Raith Donos: -=He slowly staggers up to his knees but can go no farther.=-
Holyknightsteve: ????: Come... one more test will do.
Raith Donos: -=He manages to his feet and manages to mumble.=-- Just so there's no hard feelings later on..I'ma kill you.
Holyknightsteve: They eventually come to a fork in the tunnel.
Holyknightsteve: ????: Now you must make a choice.
Holyknightsteve: ????: Which do you value more, luck or strength?
Raith Ceras: A choice ehh.. first time we had one of those..
Holyknightsteve: ????: If luck, go right. If strength, go left.
Raith Ceras: Heh, do I look like a I value strength?
Raith Ceras: -=Heads right without skipping a beat.=-
Holyknightsteve: Nothing is heard.
Holyknightsteve: They then come to a door.
Holyknightsteve: ????: You have chosen luck. Are you sure?
Raith Ceras: Nothing's ever sure...that's why I pick luck.
Holyknightsteve: ????: A sage answer. Please proceed.
Raith Ceras: -=He opened the door in front of him and followed the path.=-
Holyknightsteve: The door dissapears, revealing a completely dark room except for a dimly lit table and a deck of card son the table.
Holyknightsteve: ????: Please... sit. You shall play cards. Your opponent shall arrive soon.
Raith Ceras: -=He made his way over to that table and relaxed as best he could.=-
Holyknightsteve: Lyle stands to the side.
Holyknightsteve: Lyle: I don't like this Raith... not one bit.
Raith Ceras: You don't like anything..then again..neither do I.
Holyknightsteve: Lyle: ...
Holyknightsteve: Another door closes and someone can be heard coming towards you.
Holyknightsteve: ????: Your opponent shall be... the Reaper.
Raith Ceras: How cute.
Holyknightsteve: Without further ado, the Grim Reaper sits at the table across from Raith.
Raith Ceras: A nickname.
Holyknightsteve: ????: No young lord. This is death incarnate.
Raith Ceras: -=He cocked an eyebrow.=- Fuck.
Holyknightsteve: ????: You shall play death in 7 hands of cards. Best of seven, wins. If you lose, you die.
Raith Ceras: ...Ya know..
Raith Ceras: I'ma fuck you up.
Holyknightsteve: ????: ...
Holyknightsteve: ????: Shall we begin?
Raith Ceras: Whatever floats your boat..
Holyknightsteve: ????: You shall draw first everytime. Begin!
Raith Ceras: Ya know death..I'd think you'd have better things to do than play cards with me, I thought you were busy and all that.
*OnlineHost*: Raith Ceras rolled 1 100-sided die: 45
Holyknightsteve: The Reaper draws.
*OnlineHost*: Holyknightsteve rolled 1 100-sided die: 64
Holyknightsteve: ????: Raith wins the hand! Next hand!
Raith Ceras: -=His face remains stone-like.=-
*OnlineHost*: Raith Ceras rolled 1 100-sided die: 17
Holyknightsteve: The Reaper draws.
*OnlineHost*: Holyknightsteve rolled 1 100-sided die: 32
Holyknightsteve: ????: The reaper gives a toothy smile.
*OnlineHost*: Raith Ceras rolled 1 100-sided die: 18
Holyknightsteve: The reaper draws.
*OnlineHost*: Holyknightsteve rolled 1 100-sided die: 55
Raith Ceras: I'm here all day buddy..
Holyknightsteve: ????: Raith wins the hand! Next hand!
*OnlineHost*: Raith Ceras rolled 1 100-sided die: 53
Holyknightsteve: The reaper slams his fist on the table.
Holyknightsteve: The reaper draws.
*OnlineHost*: Holyknightsteve rolled 1 100-sided die: 14
Raith Ceras: Don't hyper ventialte now dearie..
Holyknightsteve: The reaper laughs.
*OnlineHost*: Raith Ceras rolled 1 100-sided die: 72
Holyknightsteve: The Reaper draws.
*OnlineHost*: Holyknightsteve rolled 1 100-sided die: 6
Holyknightsteve: ????: The Reaper win the hand! Next hand!
Raith Ceras: -=He doesn't show the slightest bit of nerve.=-
*OnlineHost*: Raith Ceras rolled 1 100-sided die: 21
Holyknightsteve: The Reaper draws.
*OnlineHost*: Holyknightsteve rolled 1 100-sided die: 17
Holyknightsteve: Death smiles.
Raith Ceras: Smile all you want cutie, it's not gonna help.
*OnlineHost*: Raith Ceras rolled 1 100-sided die: 69
Holyknightsteve: The Reaper draws.
*OnlineHost*: Holyknightsteve rolled 1 100-sided die: 31
Holyknightsteve: ????: The Reaper wins the hand! Next hand!
*OnlineHost*: Raith Ceras rolled 1 100-sided die: 65
Holyknightsteve: The Reaper draws.
*OnlineHost*: Holyknightsteve rolled 1 100-sided die: 82
*OnlineHost*: Raith Ceras rolled 1 100-sided die: 35
Holyknightsteve: Death says nothing.
Holyknightsteve: The Reaper draws.
*OnlineHost*: Holyknightsteve rolled 1 100-sided die: 72
Holyknightsteve: ????: Raith wins the hand! Next hand!
Raith Ceras: -=Rubs his hands together with a slight smile on his face.=-
Holyknightsteve: Lyle: Come on Raith! One more!
*OnlineHost*: Raith Ceras rolled 1 100-sided die: 28
Holyknightsteve: The Reaper draws.
*OnlineHost*: Holyknightsteve rolled 1 100-sided die: 45
Holyknightsteve: ????: Raith wins the hand and the duel!
Raith Ceras: Heh..
Raith Ceras: -=He tosses his cards across the table at his opponent.=-
Holyknightsteve: The Reaper stands, tips his hood in respect, and vanishes.
Raith Ceras: Lyle..
Holyknightsteve: The room lights up and a door opens.
Holyknightsteve: Lyle: Yes?
Raith Ceras: If he won another hand...
Holyknightsteve: Lyle: ...
Raith Ceras: I might have pissed myself. -.-'
Holyknightsteve: Lyle smiles.
Raith Ceras: -=Stands up and laughs.=-
Holyknightsteve: ????: You have done well young lord. Congratulations.
Raith Ceras: Well, I guess we did it.
Holyknightsteve: Now, I will ask the young bard to wait while you continue on.
Holyknightsteve: *????:
Holyknightsteve: Lyle: ...Raith?
Raith Ceras: Well, it's not like you did that much lately anyways. -.-' But hey, wish me luck.
Holyknightsteve: Lyle nods and sits down, playing Solitaire with himself.
Raith Ceras: -=He would walk towards the direction that the voice was coming from.=-
Holyknightsteve: As he walks through the twilight lit hall, several wall pictures could be seen, mostly of th eMagi Maxim spoke of. In fact, on one of them, you see one of Maxim and Zio fighting a tall white demon.
Holyknightsteve: ????: So you have heard the legend of the Magi. The immortal Maxim told you I assume.
Holyknightsteve: This was said as Raith walked.
Raith Ceras: -=He nodded as he walked.=-
Holyknightsteve: ????: Then you know of Zio and Sin as well.
Raith Ceras: Yes..
Raith Ceras: I was told..
Holyknightsteve: ????: In that case, you must also know the danger that the world is now in, not only from Sin and Zio but also the corrupt civilization of Empire as well.
Holyknightsteve: ????: Few remain with the strength and courage to tackle these horrors. What the world need s are heroes...
Holyknightsteve: Raith then came to a final door.
Raith Ceras: We know all about Empire..but the Emperor was slain..aren't they taken care of? at least for now?
Holyknightsteve: ????: Young lord, the roots run deep. Remember that. I knwo must ask one last question.
Holyknightsteve: *now
Holyknightsteve: ????: What will you do, young lord Raith. What will you become?
Raith Ceras: What will I become..
Holyknightsteve: ????: Think about htis as you travel... farewell brave rogue...
Raith Ceras: ...
Holyknightsteve: The voice then vanishes. The door opens reveling a simple chamber with an altar in the middle, the room lit by magically created star constellations in the room.
Holyknightsteve: On the altar, is a small but elaborate chest.
Raith Ceras: -=He looked around with a mix of awe and wonder, then stepped inside, making his way to that chest.=-
Holyknightsteve: A panel is near the chest.
Raith Ceras: -=He'd read it before proceeding.=-
Holyknightsteve: It reads: "He has the heart and soul to tackle the horrors to come, please take this and use it to help purge the world of darkness."
Holyknightsteve: *he who has
Raith Ceras: -=He nodded to himself in silence and then took a deep breath before looking at the chest, then after a bit of hesitation he opened it.=-
Holyknightsteve: Inside was... a pistol. A strange, archaic, large barrelled pistol with a single shot loader in the back.
Holyknightsteve: In the case, were three large bullets, one with an ice crystal underneath, one with a flame, and one with a Lightning bolt under it.
Raith Ceras: -=He looked at it, it was beautiful, and magnificently crafted. As he examined it he noticed those bullets.=-
Holyknightsteve: As he touched the gun and bullets, something... tingled inside of him.
Raith Ceras: -=That chill ran up his spine as he was engrossed in that feeling.=-
Holyknightsteve: ????: Go now... and leave your mark upon the world...
Raith Ceras: -=He picked up the contents of the chest, and placed them in his pouch and then paused for a moment as he thought.=-
Raith Ceras: -=He would proceed towards the exit in the back. As he emerged from that door he found himself in the original room.=-
Holyknightsteve: Lyle looked up.
Holyknightsteve: Lyle: So... what happened?
Raith Ceras: -=He showed Lyle the gun as well as the other contents.=-
Holyknightsteve: Lyle: ... what is that?
Holyknightsteve: Lyle: Can we leave? We can talk later.
Raith Ceras: Yea..Let's go.
Holyknightsteve: And so they left the dungeon and entered the sage's home.
Raith Ceras: Man..that was..hard.
Holyknightsteve: Maxim: You're back! What happened?
Holyknightsteve: And so, they explained what happened and Raith showed his prize. The sage then explained what it was.
Holyknightsteve: Hours passed and night fell. The heroes laid down to rest for the night. Nwo what awaits our heroes? Is it off to Mansfield now?
