Mountains II

[Kyrian]

It's the mountains. Play nice. :smallwink:

[Sophistemon]

"You flatter me, Catherine. All told, I live a more mundane life than, say, you do. Or Ekrath. Or Maph'tey. Or any other person in the Town."

[AmberVael]

Yes.
Or at least, you do now.

[Sophistemon]

Gent looks over at her, and smiles. "Which is why, of course, that I took that little vacation. It is healthy to get away from the monotony of one's everyday life."

[Rebonack]

I've got her.

"Ok, I see them," Regiji responds out loud to the voice in his head. He pushes off his cliff-top perch and begins to wheel lazy circles through the sky, gradually dropping in altitude so as not to suddenly rush upon the pair as he descends.

If the dull glint of his plating doesn't give away his presence the golden miasma of ionized air in his wake will.

[AmberVael]

Catherine nods, then notices Regiji in the air.
Looks like we have a visitor.

[Raistlin1040]

((You know Vael, if you finished that avatar, it'd be a nice birthday present.))

[Sophistemon]

"Indeed it does. Hello there!"

[AmberVael]

((...**** so thats the PM I forgot to save...))

[Raistlin1040]

((*Cattle prod*))

[Rebonack]

"Hi Gent, Beckett!" Regiji calls as he finally slows enough for a landing not to far away. "I was up on one of the peaks doing some devotions when Sal informed me that you two were taking a hike. I must say I'm glad you decided to take my advice and come out here for a stroll."

[AmberVael]

I barely even remember you telling me that.
In case Regiji's player didn't know, Catherine is shapechanged to be without horns or tail, and is wearing a simple tunic, something similar to jean shorts, and hiking boots.
But it was good advice.

[Raistlin1040]

((*Resends PM*))

[Sophistemon]

"Good evening, Regiji. It has been too long."

[Rebonack]

"Yeah, I remember telling you about the place right before you went on that trip with Tinderhall to..." Regiji kind of trails off. "Anyway. I'm sure you'll be relieved to learn that I haven't seen that dragon out and about since I spoke with you last. I think he may be in one of those years long dragon naps."

He then acknowledges Gent with a nod.

"Likewise. I've been... very busy with my Duty as of late. Hardly any time for RnR."

Regiji sighs and looks himself over.

"Here, hold on just a moment."

The massive metal drake vanishes, only to be replaced with the familiar form of Regiji about thirty seconds later.

"Mind if I join you two on your peaceful walk?"

[AmberVael]

No, I don't mind.
Someone extremely skilled at noticing things (like, say, a scout whose job it is to notice things) might realize that she is being slightly more polite than sincere.
Do you, Gent?

[Nevrmore]

The boy ran for god knows how long before he finally got out of the city limits. He looked at the impressive canvas of mountains before him.

"Good...no one lives here, right?" He asks to the air, "That means there's no one to kill..." He smiles a bit before sitting down at the base of a mountain, resting.

[Manal]

Manal finly made it to the top of the mountain ...................................... so she jump of the top. She is not suisidle.Her hands glow blue and a very large vine come up and caches her and gently puts her on the ground and she walks to the queens bar and grill.

[puss in boots]

Kerra and Xeni appear three quarters of the way up the mountain. Are you hurt from the tentacles?

[Chaotic Bob]

Xeni quickly looks himself over, then shakes his head.
Nope, you did a good job holding them off.

[puss in boots]

Thanks. I just didn't want you to get hurt.

[Chaotic Bob]

I appreciate the concern, Kerra.
He smiles at her, then looks around at the scenery.

[puss in boots]

She gazes out at it as well. You know, the scenery would be nicer at the top of the mountain. Want to walk there?

[Chaotic Bob]

I would bet you're right, let's go.
He picks out a path and begins to head through it.
Do you enjoy the outdoors, Kerra?

[puss in boots]

I do. It was where I lived when I was alone. It was where I grew up and learned shadowdancer skills. It was where I found Shadow. I was where I learned to talk to trees. Basically I spent my whole childhood in the woods. Do you like the outdoors?

[Chaotic Bob]

I love the outdoors, nature has a way of making it interesting. Not as good a reason as yours, but still.

[puss in boots]

It does. Everything is a mystery. Look, up there! See that bird? Isn't it pretty? She says pointing to a bush where a orange and red bird is in a nest.

[Chaotic Bob]

It is...I wonder what kind it is?

[puss in boots]

Don't know. Bird watching isn't my thing.

[Chaotic Bob]

Hm, can't say that it's mine either. Perhaps I'll check later.

[puss in boots]

We are at the top! Kerra looks out over the veiw. She sits on a rock.

[Chaotic Bob]

You were right, the views amazing.
He sits down next to Kerra, looking out as well.

[puss in boots]

Kerra nods and says to Xeni I need to tell you something.

[Chaotic Bob]

Xeni nods and turns towards her.
Yes?

[puss in boots]

She looks down at the grass. I...I like you.

[Chaotic Bob]

Xeni smiles and looks up at the sky.
I guess it works out for you that it isn't one-sided...

[puss in boots]

Kerra looks at Xeni, I was afraid you would be annoyed.

[Chaotic Bob]

Xeni raises an eyebrow and turns back to her.
Why would I be annoyed?

[puss in boots]

I thought you might not like me.

[Chaotic Bob]

If I didn't, would I have come here with you?

[puss in boots]

For a walk, mabye. I don't know really. Kerra looks at her hands.

[Chaotic Bob]

If I didn't like you in some way, probably not.

((sneaky edit...))

[puss in boots]

Kerra shyly asks, for it is of the subject they were talking about, have you ever spent long periods of time in the wilderness?

[Chaotic Bob]

Twice. Once for my job and another time as a bet.

[puss in boots]

Kerra looks intrested. What is your job?

[Chaotic Bob]

I'm a researcher of a sorts. The type of research varies, but then it was about some bird.

[puss in boots]

I see how that would tie in. Neat! And what was the bet? If you would share that with me.

[Chaotic Bob]

The bet was over whether or nor I could live on a tundra for exactly 423 days. I almost decided to not leave at all, it was pleasant.

[puss in boots]

Kerra smiled. I know what you mean. After my time in the forest, the man who saved me had to drag me inside because I didn't want to leave the forest. I was starved and my clothes were in tatters but I had grown to be part of the forest. 3 long years. So, who bet you? It sounds as if the person wanted to get rid of you.

[Chaotic Bob]

A werewolf. He knew full well I could do it, just curious if I would. He actually joined me for the last week.

[puss in boots]

Kerra nods. A werewolf...
She chuckles as she asks this, Are YOU a werewolf?

[Chaotic Bob]

The werewolf was an associate. No I'm not a werewolf, rather a different kind of shapeshifter. I am a doppleganger.
He smiles weakly and shifts into the 'grey' (like the alien) form that is truly his.

[puss in boots]

You already told me that, it does look cool when you shapechange though. Just a question, If you were bitten by a werewolf, do you think you could sort of morph out? Shapechange away from the werewolf body?

[Chaotic Bob]

I did? Guess some things got lost in the resurrection process. But if I was bitten, I'd be a true werewolf, no doubt.

[puss in boots]

I knew I forgot to do something! Kerra exclaimed suddenly. You reminded me. Here, take this. She hands him a small vial with the word "Blood" on it. One drop of this liquid will cure any wound. If someone dies, it would resurrect them. I used it twice this evening. It is quite useful.

[Chaotic Bob]

Xeni takes the vial, looking it over.
Thanks, Kerra. I'm sure it will find some use.

[Sophistemon]

Gent shakes his head. "No, of course not."

[AmberVael]

Catherine notices Regiji got stuck in dead time, so she turns back towards the Gent.
So have you ever thought about traveling again?

[Sophistemon]

Gent thinks. "I did just get back from another planet."

[AmberVael]

Well, that is true.

[Sophistemon]

"But to truly answer your question... I do not know. I used to travel because there was no place for me to call my home. But here, in this Town, I have felt a degree of peace that was for centuries unknown to me. I like it here. I like my work and I like the people with which I work."

[Rebonack]

Regiji does indeed notice Catherine's demeanor (noticing things is his job after all), but he honestly isn't sure how to respond. It's more than somewhat apparent that she wants to have some time with Gent, though he doesn't want to just lie about needing to be elsewhere.

He silently hopes that he'll get called off for his Duty soon.

Of course he doesn't, though, since that would be too convenient.

"I like the squid launcher," Regiji interjects. "It's a running gag come true."

[Sophistemon]

"I am glad to hear it, Regiji. I like to know that my work is appreciated."

[Rebonack]

"Well, I've appreciated your help in general, Gent," Regiji responds. "You've made my job here a little bit easier. And I want to apologize for being away so often, being the only representative of the Flock to this entire world is a pretty time consuming Duty to perform."

[AmberVael]

Catherine glares at her player, who was paying attention to something else.
Couldn't you ask for assistance? Or is the Flock spread too thin?

[Sophistemon]

"I am sure that your Shepherd acknowledges your duty, Regiji."

[Raistlin1040]

((Are you two talking about Maximum Ride and her flock? If so, sweet! If not...ignore this post. It will self destruct in three...two...one...))

[Rebonack]

((The Flock is the name of Regiji's religion/race))

"Well, see, this place, in terms of the resources available, is pretty low priority. I'm able to do the Duty myself, but it just means I don't get much in the way of free time," Regiji shrugs apologetically. "But enough about me. How have you two been doing of late?"

[Raistlin1040]

((See this is what happens when I read a 400 page book in like 4 hours. I can't stop thinking about it.))

[AmberVael]

Its been a bit crazy. People trying to figure out how to react to how I've changed... Tinderhall has disappeared. Ekrath went crazy, went back to normal, and is now shunning me.
Catherine shrugs.
Things are slowing down a little now though.

[Raistlin1040]

((I'd argue that, while a genius and charismatic, Ekrath has always been a TINY bit crazy. Particularly when dealing with fiends.))

[Rebonack]

"Ekrath... That's your paladin friend, right Gent?" Regiji asks. He fails to mention that he's relieved that Tinderhall has apparently lost interest in the Town. Mainly because that means there's one less evil wizard to worry about.

[Sophistemon]

"Paladin, yes. Also a demigod now, if I'm not mistaken. I am still unsure as to how me managed that." He looks to Catherine. "I think the tails suits you, myself. It adds a little Je ne sais quoi."

[AmberVael]

It does get in the way though. You have no idea how long I've been wanting to wear regular clothing.
Catherine does look quite relieved to be in the simple hiking attire she chose.

[Rebonack]

"A demi-god? I've always wondered how it is that people just become gods all of a sudden," this honestly seems to baffle Regiji. "Do you know if he had any worshipers before the ascension?"

He then pauses to examine the location where Catherine's tail isn't.

"Tail huh..." Regiji considers that for a moment. "Well, if you want pants you could cut a slot down from the top to stick the new appendage through. Then sow in a button to close around it to hold the pants in place. That's how I've seen it done, anyway."

[Sophistemon]

"I don't see why that should not work. If you like, Catherine, I could have my clothing department create some garments that will accommodate your new features."

[AmberVael]

I thought about that, but it seemed like it would feel weird. I'll try it out, I suppose.
Catherine leans against a convenient rock.

[Rebonack]

Regiji follows suit and reclines against The Random Tree™.

"Well, from personal experience I can tell you if feels no more weird than having your arm in a sleeve," he responds. This statement, of course, begs the question of how Regiji would know about this from personal experience due to his conspicuous lack of tail.

[Sophistemon]

Gent raises an eyebrow. "Familiar with tails, are you?"

[AmberVael]

Well he has one in his dragon form... but I don't see you wearing clothing in that.
Catherine raises an eyebrow.

[Rebonack]

Regiji chuckles.

"I don't wear clothing in the Inquisitor frame because it already has fused-on body armor. Besides, I think it would look somewhat silly to show up to battle in a sweater. This frame doesn't have a tail for the simple reason that it's tailored in human shape since humans, or beings like them, are the most common sapient sort you'll find in the Omni-verse. The frame I usually use back home when I'm not on Duty has a tail, however, since it's patterned after my race's original appearance."

[Raistlin1040]

((Ooooh! New Vaelatar!))

[Sophistemon]

"What is it like on your homeworld, Regiji?"

[AmberVael]

Catherine tilts her head and listens.

[Rebonack]

"Alearis? The whole world is pretty much one huge city. That's probably the most obvious feature. It's absolutely stunning though. It isn't just hodge-podged together like many metropolitan areas are. A great deal of care was taken to make it as aesthetically pleasing as it is utilitarian."

Regiji laces his fingers behind his head as he leans against his tree.

"It's beautiful, but not in the same way these mountains are beautiful," he explains, nodding toward said mountains.

[Sophistemon]

Gent imagines a planet-wide city. "Interesting. I may have to give it a visit."

[AmberVael]

Thats what Avaria is like, except probably not as beautiful.

[Rebonack]

Regiji suddenly looks somewhat sheepish.

"I...well... you know I consider you a friend Gent, but I'm sorry to say that you wouldn't be allowed on Alearis. The Flock's place of birth is sacred to us, so it would be sacrilegious to allow outsiders there," he waves his hands apologetically. "It's nothing personal; it's just the way things are."

[Sophistemon]

"I see. Well, I shall visit Avaria, then."

[AmberVael]

Catherine shakes her head.
Getting to Avaria is pretty hard as well. Its overpopulated, and so they regulate who gets in and out.
She smiles.
You could go to Iari though. Thats my home planet- its a lot more beautiful too. They've combined the natural and manmade in a very harmonic way.

[Sophistemon]

Gent smiles. "I think that I would like that."

[AmberVael]

I'd like to go back too, but it won't be anytime soon for me, what with all the red tape.
She gives a small sigh.
Since you know, I'm supposedly missing in action.

[Sophistemon]

"There are ways around that, you know."

[Rebonack]

"And you would be somewhat... different upon your return," Regiji adds. "I can't pretend to know how your people would respond to that."

[AmberVael]

I've got spells to take care of that. And its not the people I'd be going back for.
Catherine gives a small frown to Gent.
I know, but I'd rather follow the rules.

[Sophistemon]

"I never said that you would not have to. Remember, Catherine, that my personal bailiwick is the Rules."

[AmberVael]

Catherine smiles at him.
Well, I suppose we could try it.

[Shadow of the Sun]

Arriving at the foot of the mountains, Umbras looks up. Looming up far above him is his goal: the peak. Sighing, knowing he cannot get up there with magic, he pulls out what looks to be a pick-ax, swings it into the mountain, and climbs.

[Sophistemon]

"Give me some time to settle my affairs, if you would. Then we can go." He narrows his eyes. "I would prefer that no one ever ransack my shop again, if possible."

[AmberVael]

Catherine nods.
I saw that, actually. I wasn't about to try and stop it though- it was far more than I could handle.

[Rebonack]

"I actually caught the first few moments of it before my Probe exploded," Regiji comments. "That Aesa person is nothing but trouble."

[Sophistemon]

"She was paid to do it. I can understand her motivation. Business is only business, after all."

[Chaotic Bob]

Xeni rubs his chin as he watches the winter wolves exit their cave, a peak over.

[AmberVael]

Catherine gives a frown, but doesn't disagree with the Gent's statement.

[Sophistemon]

"Besides, it was no harm done. No damage can be inflicted on my shop that I cannot undue."

[Rebonack]

Regiji shakes his head.

"I don't know. I have no idea what the motivation of the person who hired her was, but from my general experience with her she's of the sort that never fails to irk me. People aren't people to her, they're sources of amusement. Hell, she killed over half the people at Trog's last night just because she felt like it."

[AmberVael]

Sounds like the kind of person I need to stay away from.

[Sophistemon]

"Poor Trog. I would not even try to calculate the times he's had to repair his tavern. Not that I could not, mind you, but... it would be a very large number."

[Chaotic Bob]

Xeni quietly watches as the wolves stalk down the mountain, apparently already having new prey. The pack leader pauses and looks right at Xeni.
Curious.

[Shadow of the Sun]

Eventually, after a grueling climb assisted by some magic to make him move like a cat, Umbras nears the peak. Climbing himself up, he begins to search. Finding what he is looking for, he takes it. He begins to mumble to himself I've got to keep it cold. Otherwise it won't keep. Resting for a while in the icy cold, he draws up enough strength, and teleports.

[Rebonack]

"I'm pretty certain my aura would be able to quell her weird magic, but I still don't think I would be able to put her down myself," Regiji chuckles and shakes his head. "The only reason I'm not just another bug to get smashed here is because I'm immune to all the hocus-pocus that gets thrown around."

[AmberVael]

((Actually, Aesa could even use his aura as a source, so I kinda doubt it would. :smallwink:))

Catherine sighs a little.

[Sophistemon]

"Immune to magic? I was not aware."

[Rebonack]

((Actually, since laws that govern Seid don't exist in it... Unless we're talking about basic physical laws (gravity, electroweak, strong) then you start running into trouble.

Remember, the aura is just an extension of Regiji's home Realm.))

"The laws that govern stuff like that don't exist in my home Realm," Regiji explains. "All of the Flock carry a part of our home with us to maintain a link to the Shepherds."

[AmberVael]

((Anything can be used a source for Seid. Living people, prophecies, dirt, the existance of a sandwich, a super nova, gravity, magic, eldritch...
The reason Seid starts wearing down on effectiveness in antimagic and whatnot is because most non-magical sources are kinda weak or harder to use))

Catherine nods, remembering this.

[Rebonack]

((The aura doesn't block a flow of energy like an anti-magic field does. Such things just don't work in it for the same reason they don't work here. There aren't any laws to support them. Of course, if Aesa really wanted to nuke Regiji she could just create some lighting and hurl that at him.))

"You know Catherine, I don't think I ever got around to asking you how you had suddenly gotten so much better with magic," Regiji comments. "You said that Tinderhall showed you something, but not too much beyond that."

[Chaotic Bob]

Xeni and the pack leader stare at eachother for several strangely tense moments. Xeni is the first to breath and they both start running down the mountain as fast as possible, the latter calling his subordinates to follow.

[AmberVael]

((Creating stuff pretty much is what evocation is.
And what I mean by source is...
Well, to deny Aesa's power you do have to deny her energy. Because she is just manipulating her sources... which again is going to provoke the same response. Hrumph.
But I don't want to just say that it is a basic law like gravity, even though that'd work for the explanation, and it is practically true.
Without giving the explanation, let me say this- to deny Aesa's Seid, you have to deny the sources that power it.
Oh wait, here we go-
Could Regiji block the Gent's power? Because we've established (over IM, at least) that the Gent and Aesa actually using the same thing. The Gent is just waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa *breath* aaaaaaay better at it.
Creepy part is that Aesa could actually fufill the Dakorath prophecy, I just have no intent of letting her))

[Rebonack]

((The important thing to remember about the aura is that is isn't anything of his own doing, so saying 'could Regiji stop Gent' would be the wrong question. I doubt Gent will ever try to Bend Regiji since they're on friendly terms, but if he were to do so I've long since had a description of what would happen.

Bending one rule would result in a myriad of others to bend in response to compensate. It would be like trying to stick a carpet into a room that's too small. No matter where you stomp on it another lump will pop up somewhere else.

Now, this isn't Regiji's doing, but rather The Shepherds. They don't have any actual divine power in the sense that a god normally would. Instead they have an infinite capacity to influence the probability of a particular event taking place. Anything is possible, just highly improbable.

Before this is contested, remember that everyone in Regiji's Realm worships The Shepherds. We're talking about a number of devout beings that's absolutely mind-boggling.

If Aesa were to toss a conjuration: creation sort of lightning bolt at Regiji it would still fry him. If she tried to use Seid on him directly it would have a bunch of random but ultimently harmless effects. Probably something to do with plaid paint.))

Regiji continues to lean against the Random Tree(tm) while waiting for Catherine to respond.

[metakirb]

Metakirb jumps off kalessins back at considerable height above a flat area of mountain, he lands painfully, due to his injured wing, he walks about, clutching it

where... can i rest around here... ah, here a nice cave

he walks into a cave and a cry of pain is heard, a small trail of blood begins to trickle out of the cave.

(draconion) Meta?

(draconion) i'm... i'm... fine... Kalessin... just needed to... tear off that wing, it's too weak, another should... grow back soon... but im gonna need... to rest for a while...

a thump is heard from within as metakirb falls unconcious

[AmberVael]

Um...
He started showing me the Rules.
She glances at the Gent.

[Rebonack]

Regiji quirks an eyebrow.

“The rules of what?”

[AmberVael]

THE Rules.
Like the one's Gent uses.

[Sophistemon]

Gent looks at her in response. "Just remember what I said about being careful. Don't go so deep that you can't climb out again."

[Rebonack]

Regiji considers this for a few moments.

And then a few more.

“Eerr… Aside from it being nice to know how things work… What exactly makes knowledge of Mechanics dangerous?”

((Remember, when Regiji thinks Rules he thinks of physical law.))

[AmberVael]

Catherine smiles.
We're talking about the rules that make the universe itself. Not just like gravity, but existance.

[Sophistemon]

"Knowledge of these Rules grant one the power to alter the universe, and everything else, in varying ways. This is dangerous, as Catherine would be working with incomplete knowledge."

He rolls his eyes. "I would have thought that Tinderhall was wise enough to stick to spellcraft and leave the Rules to those with experience. It would appear that I am wrong. Of course, it is possible that I am merely jealous of the fact that there are people about that can do what I can do, if only to a limited extent. I had grown accustomed to being unique."

[AmberVael]

What he showed me applied more to magic than anything else. I don't think I'm in any danger there- at least, no more than normal.

[Sophistemon]

Gent smiles. "Then you should be safe. I am wary, though, of what harm his experimentation may cause."

[AmberVael]

He seemed to be managing it fine, and cautiously. After a point he refused to let me see more because he didn't want me falling prey to its allure.

[Sophistemon]

"A powerful allure it is, too. I do not think that I need to tell you how long it took me to ferret out all of the books." His eyes widen a little. "Which makes me wonder how Tinderhall gained all of his. Strange. Perhaps my books were penned by a different author, which is why they did not lead me to his."

[AmberVael]

Catherine shrugs.

[Rebonack]

Regiji doesn't appear to resolve between 'gravity' and 'existence'. This may have to do with his culture having a pretty good grasp on the underling mechanics behind their own Realm and at least a tentative understanding of Mechanics that don't apply to their existence, such as magic.

He does, however, seem to have a good idea of how dangerous screwing with such things can be.

"Wait... let me make sure I understand what you're talking about. You've been altering the Constants of this Realm. On a small scale, yes, but altering them all the same?"

[AmberVael]

Well... less altering and more learning.

[Rebonack]

"I'll repeat what Gent said then. Using this... power... to change anything. If you make the slightest mistake you could causes matter in the entire universe to disintegrate into it's component parts. I honestly have no idea how anyone would have managed to figure out how to put this to some good through trial and error without annihilating everything."

Regiji seems to be quite serious about this. He also appears to be attempting to figure out how Tinderhall managed the feat of utilizing the power without blowing himself, and everything else, up.

[AmberVael]

Tinderhall says he is basing what he does off of what the primal gods did. How he knows that... I'm not sure.

[Sophistemon]

"His history is flawed, then. It was not the gods that had this power, but the Dakorath."

[Rebonack]

Regiji ponders this response for a while. He decides to sit down, since it's easier for him to think while doing so. He doesn't, however, sit in mid-air as he is often wont to do. He just sits in the alpine grass.

"Huh," he finally responds. "Are we talking 'shapers of primordial chaos' sorts of primal gods here?"

Regiji then blinks at Gent's statement.

"Oh... Wow. I guess we just take it for granted but... Both of the stories are probably correct. There are effectively infinite different accounts of creation, all describing what amounts to a different multi-verse."

[AmberVael]

Catherine doesn't answer Regiji, since it seems the Gent know more than her.

[Sophistemon]

"The Dakorath were not gods at all. In fact, they were the progenitors of the deific powers, the creators of the gods."

[AmberVael]

Catherine tilts her head, listening curiously.
Her player yawns and motions for the Gent to get on with it, since he definitely knows it all already.
You know, having been the one to have made it. :smallwink:

[Sophistemon]

((C'mon, I'm giving Rebo a chance to interact.))

[Rebonack]

"And I don't dispute that," Regiji responds. "But they never existed where I come from. And from the sound of things they never existed where Tinderhall came from either. This place," he motions to, well, everything in general. "Is what the Flock classifies as a fused multi-verse cluster. Several completely different Realms arose independently and later fused. Each has its own unique cosmology explaining its beginnings."

He then points toward the sea.

"The Town here is right in the middle of where all these different Realms meet up and intersect one another. It's why the Dakorath can simultaneously have created and have not created the gods. It's why the gods can predate the Dakorath despite having been created by them. But only here. If you move far enough away from the point of merger the individual cosmologies begin to resolve."

[AmberVael]

Catherine looks confused.

[Sophistemon]

Gent looks at her. "He is right, you know. It is all in the Rules. It is things like this that make them so hard to understand. It is things like this that makes me wish that Tinderhall would concern himself with magic and leave the rules to... others."

[AmberVael]

Catherine nods and then shakes her head.
Well, if he isn't around I won't be able to continue in that study anyways.

[Rebonack]

"Magic certainly isn't the forte of my people, but we know enough about it to know that you can get pretty similar effects out of both if you know what you're doing. Magic just isn't quite as inherently dangerous since you aren't perverting the fundaments of existence," he cross his arms. "Which sort of... begs the question of why Tinderhall was so interested in it. He was pretty powerful as far as arcanists go."

[Sophistemon]

"I can tell you that as far as pure power goes, Bending is the greater. A mage could, say, create an anti-magic zone. I could tear the magic from someone's body and insure that they never cast again." He eyes them and tilts his hat. "I never would, of course, but I could. It is why I taught myself wizardry: so that I am never compelled to do something like that to someone."

[AmberVael]

Catherine gives a small smile to the Gent.

[Sophistemon]

"This is why I fear Tinderhall's intent. The things he could do if he knew but the merest fraction of what I know... I shudder to think of it."

[Chaotic Bob]

The pack leader of the winter wolf pack, previously identified as Richard, gets up and walks past his sleeping subordinates to the back of the cave. He slips into a hidden passage, assuming human form as he goes. Richard enters a large cavern, marking all over the walls, ceiling, and floor. There appears to be a pattern, although a vague one. He smiles and begins to etch a few marking in the exact center of the floor.
We'll start small...
He draws a single 'x' shape and a small section of the floor glows.


The universe trembles as hundreds of lives suddenly cease to exist.

[Rebonack]

Somewhere Maph'tey suddenly awakens with a start...

[Chaotic Bob]

Richard grins as the glowing symbols fade, their owners now erased.
Good start, we'll continue later...
He swipes another mark near the center and makes his way to the resting chamber, resuming wolf form.

[metakirb]

Metakirb walks out of the cave, his back still bleeding from where his left wing should be.

(draconion) Kalessin!

his dragon swoops down

(draconion) yes?

(draconion) take me down, i can't get down the mountain like this on my own...

meta mounts his dragon and the two fly down to the woods

[Rebonack]

Regiji yawns, reminding the other two in the group that they're all still here.

[AmberVael]

Catherine has nothing to say.

[Rebonack]

((>.>))

Regiji stands and stretches a bit.

"So, dark wizards aside, what say you we-"

*chime*

RnR time's up, Regiji. Back to work.

The scout deflates visibly.

"Unfortunately it looks like I'm going to have to take my leave. You two have a nice time."

With the sound of the Laws of Probability getting brained Regiji vanishes.

[Chaotic Bob]

The winter wolf pack hunts along one of the mountain slopes, apparently having slipped out of their cave earlier. Richard, as a wolf naturally, runs in the middle of the group, occasionally barking orders.

[Sophistemon]

Gent sighs. "We have been out for a long time, I think." He looks around. "Even though it has only been a few hours, it feels like many days, does it not? Perhaps we should return to Town."

[AmberVael]

Catherine nods, biting her lip.
Probably.
Gent... can I ask you for a favor?

[Sophistemon]

"You are free to ask me whatever you like, Catherine. You know that."

[AmberVael]

She smiles.
Well, I was working for Tinderhall, but now that he's gone the pay has left as well...

[Sophistemon]

"You are seeking a new avenue of employment?"

[AmberVael]

Catherine nods.
I am.

[Sophistemon]

"The OmniShop is always hiring, if you are interested."

((Gotta go soon.))

[AmberVael]

Catherine smiles.
Of course I am.

[Sophistemon]

"Then you are hired. We shall iron out the particulars later. Shall we return to the shop?"

He opens a silver portal, through which is visible three very familiar counters.

[AmberVael]

Catherine answers by going through the portal.

[Sophistemon]

Gent follows.

[Chaotic Bob]

The wolf pack concludes it hunt with the death of their tenth mountain ram. They howl and race back to the cave. The pack wanders around and Richard slips out to his secret chamber.

He looks around the room, scanning it and trying to decide the next course of action. He frowns and begins to make some more etches in the middle of the room.

[Shadow of the Sun]

Seating himself and casting a spell to keep him warm, Umbras relaxes, and waits.

[Baeleck]

Baeleck appears right next to Umbras with a small 'pop'.

[Shadow of the Sun]

Take a seat, I am assuming the ice will not annoy you in any fashion. Umbras knows the scenery at the summit fairly well: A small flat area, about the size of Trog's, with the odd scattering of an interesting ice blue flower.

Now, I'm here to help you with any problems you have spell casting, and if I can, give you the ability to learn on your own. So relax.

[Baeleck]

Baeleck sits down, cross legged on the floor. He looks at one of the blue flowers.
"These are the ones you gave to Elune, hmm?"

[Shadow of the Sun]

Ummm. Yes. He replies, rather awkwardly.
Moving from a topic that embarrasses me, spellcasting the way you, I and Elune do has nothing to do with the way most people cast. The mere fact you can cast in the same way shows you have a gift. Perhaps granted by Aryn?

[Baeleck]

Baeleck shrugs.
"I presume so. I must be special, as I am the only human to my knowledge that worships the Elven deity. Elune has taught me most of what I know, but some of it must come naturally to me."

[Shadow of the Sun]

Now, Elune was granted her gift with full knowledge how to use it, which is what I managed to glean from our conversations. You and I however, were either born with our gift, or granted it without any knowledge whatsoever. However, we both have the ability to instinctively use this power should we need too. The difference is that you had difficulty learning to to that consciously, while I managed it almost instantly. So tell me, how did Elune teach you to cast? Although he has been talking for a while, he seems perfectly content in the presence of his friend, and even seems to be enjoying himself immensely.

[Baeleck]

Baeleck thinks back.
"I remeber that she would put me under pressure. I couldn't grasp it before because I would just sit around on my own and try to cast, which didn't work. Even when i was fighting those who came to kill me, I just used my fighting skills and didn't think to use my magic."

[Shadow of the Sun]

She knows what she is doing. The pressure is a mechanism that lets your subconscious scream to your conscious mind about how to do something. It's how I learned my first spells. However, there is a simpler way. You already know what to do to cast a certain spell, you just cannot reach that knowledge. Dreams are one way of learning spells, as is meditation. Most of our lessons will focus on meditation. I chose this spot because it is very relaxing. Now, just relax and focus on how you breathe. It will not happen immediately, especially with a simple technique such as this, but you may learn a new spell just by doing this. Practice meditating whenever you can- you'll be surprised how much it helps. Stretching, he yawns slightly, and stands up. Throwing a sheet of paper on the ground, he says cheerfully Spend as much time here as you like. This scroll contains a teleport spell, so when you wish to leave just use it. I'll leave you to your practice, it cannot be forced. He teleports off.

[Baeleck]

Baeleck nods, takes the scroll and pockets it. He then begins to breathe deeply, meditating, attempting this new type of learning, and attempting new spells.

[Chaotic Bob]

Richard wakes up with a start where he'd passed out on the floor. He looks around and is about to continue his etching when the searching howls of the winter wolf pack reach his ears.
He curses and makes a quick slash before darting out to join the pack, resuming wolf form. The pack then runs out to hunt, their leader found.

The slash glows slightly and spreads to nearby glyphs and markings. It hits the point where Richard had fallen asleep and flashes as its passes over the ruined glyph.

The result of this ruined glyph causes space to warp and pull into itself in the center of the chamber. Maddening noises begin to fill the room; whispers, laughing, roars, and some others, mostly indescribable, permeate the area.

[Baeleck]

Baeleck, who has been practicing his magic all through the night, suddenly becomes aware of the sounds from below. He breifly contemplates what they are, but then gives a shrug, and continues to practice.

[Chaotic Bob]

The winter wolf pack returns to their cave, which is now suddenly silent. As they near the entrance, a sense of unease spreads throughout the group and Richard tentatively leads them in. They all stands in the main chamber, wary of any unseen threats. It's rather clear that this failed once one of the pack members suddenly falls to the ground. In pieces. The entire pack is instantly barking and growling, looking around with fear. One bolts for the exit, but his legs disconnect from his body before he gets close.
What the hell is going on?!
Richard steps back towards a wall just in time to see the wolf next to him fall into two perfect halves. He panics and activates a contingency teleport he had set up, appearing on a peak a few miles over.
The rest of the wolves break for the exit in groups. They too, never even get close before falling.

The mad whisperings once more permeate the area, slowly spreading.

[Baeleck]

Baeleck, who is up right at the peak, gives a start as Richard appears in front of him.

[Chaotic Bob]

Richard looks up at Baeleck, not quite recognizing him yet.
This is not a good place to be...

[Baeleck]

"What's wrong?" Baeleck asks quizically.

[Chaotic Bob]

Slaughter. Slaughter by unseen foes.
He turns and looks down the mountain.

[Baeleck]

They are high above the clouds. The visibility below is very poor.
"Do you mean it's not safe to be here?"

[Chaotic Bob]

Richard glares at the clouds. He likes to be able to see.
Exactly. Very unsafe.

[Baeleck]

Baeleck gives a worried look.
"Well, um... I should be getting away anyway."
He takes out his teleport scroll and vanishes.

[Chaotic Bob]

Richard whirls around, recognizing the voice at the last moment.
Dammit!

On a side note, the whisperings are spreading up the mountain.
Richard is smart enough to realize that those are far more deserving of his attention than revenge against Baeleck. The moment that the whisperings silenced, Richard likewise realized that he is probably going to die. Or would, if he didn't have Truespeak at his disposal.
Zeluetikian.
No sooner than the force-like cube sprung up around him, it was immediately assailed by blows from all around. Yet he could see nothing.


Near the base of the mountain, 'Older' Xeni walks up, instantly noting the whisperings of madness from further up.
That would be our 'trick of chance'...

[Kyrian]

Nazgul lands, holding Aeri in his arms, where they've decided to have their home built.

[Deadly]

A number of dwarves have already begun the initial work of getting materials up there and studying the place in detail.

Aeri looks around and smiles

[Kyrian]

Nazgul gently sets her down and keeps one hand on her back.

[Deadly]

Aeri leans against him and smiles Looks like things are going well here.

[Kyrian]

Nazgul nods, his hand sliding a little lower. Can't wait to see it finished.

[Deadly]

Aeri chuckles a bit and kisses him gently ... or to try it out.

[Kyrian]

Nazgul's hand continues to slide. especially the pool....

[Deadly]

Aeri grins Definatly the pool.

[Kyrian]

Nazgul's hand finds it's mark and gives a small pinch as he grins right back.

[Deadly]

Aeri grins mischievously and takes his hand Want to go somewhere more... quiet, my love?

[Kyrian]

Maybe we should...

[Deadly]

Aeri grins and wraps her arms around him

[Kyrian]

To the apartment then?

[Deadly]

Aeri nods and kisses him Sounds good

[Kyrian]

Nazgul returns the kiss, picks Aeri up, and flies off.

[Vhaidara]

Shadowbow enters the mountains at a run, then stops and looks for caves and tunnels while waiting for Tereal and Fernis.

[Nightwing]

*Tereal and Fernas run up to Shadow bow*

((got to go. be back in a half hour)

[Vhaidara]

I think I've found the tunnel they used. There are two sets of footprints, one goes in and out three times, while the other comes out three times, but in only twice. They also look like drow and bugbear tracks.

[Nightwing]

*Tereal and Fernas Go inside the tunill.*

[Vhaidara]

Shadowbow leads, following the drow's tracks.

I gotta go. be back in about an hour or two.

[Chaotic Bob]

Richard closes his eyes as his small cube continues to be hammered by invisible foes, his mind silently staving off encroahing madness that is thick in the air. He winces as the force-like material cracks and the encroaching madness pushes again at his mind.
All I wanted was to fix the past...

'Older' Xeni takes a step back as the whispers swirl around him, slowly coming to a halt.
What is this...? This isn't magic of a sort I've seen...unless...
His eyes widen with the sudden realization upon him.
Oh hell no!
He jumps and twists in the air, just in time to avoid to strike to his legs and about where his head was. He takes the opportunity to take off towards Town, leaving the whispers to continue to spread.

The mountain as a whole begins to slowly shift, growing spikes and cliffs that defy physics and slowly changing to bizarre hues of color. The very mountain itself begins to represent the madness welling up within a cave chamber in its heart.

[Nightwing]

*When all 3 are in a rock slid covers the entrance*

[Chaotic Bob]

Richard was calmly chanting in his cube, trying to block out the strikes on his defenses and mind. This worked for awhile, too. Just not now. He opens his eyes in mild confusion as a tangible 'presence' filled the air on the mountain's peak. It began to slowly take visible shape and color and Richard's eyes briefly dialate and his mind crumples like paper. The being laughs, a harsh yet paradoxically soft laugh, one that causes a good deal of the mountain to change hue and spring off in a slew of of green. Richard stands up, no longer truly Richard, but something else, and walks back to the cave in the mountain's heart.

The whispers rise in intensity, becoming a low droning similar to that created in a cafeteria of people. The landscape's changes become more drastic and harder to understand, while simultaneously, whispers begin to spread. They spread over to other mountains, into the surrounding woods, into the surrounding Town, into the surrounding everything.

[Vhaidara]

Wait a moment.

Shadowbow casts a spell three times, and, if it worked, they all now have darkvision. He continues down the trail.

(Sorry I took so long. My parents didn't want me on the computer)

[Chaotic Bob]

The heart of the madness, deep within the mountain, pulses briefly as it recalls the whisperings it had sent down the mountain and into the surrounding areas. They merely sit on the mountain now, as they originally were.

Richard is once more etching on the cavern's walls, though they look much different now.

[Nightwing]

(that is OK. I know how that fells.)

you walk further into the cave. There siting at a table is the sorcerer kid(forgot his name) the drow(forgot his name) sand blog(remembered his name).

Wont you join us for some fine drow cuisine?

[Kyrian]

Nazgul lands with Aeri on the mountain, where their home is being built.

[Deadly]

Aeri kisses him and looks at the house Looks good

[Kyrian]

Nazgul returns the kiss and smiles. I can't wait.

[Deadly]

Nor can I. Looks like it won't be long, though.

[Kyrian]

Good. Because once I have you and that pool....

[Deadly]

Aeri grins ...you'll be lost at sea.

[Kyrian]

Really, you think so?

[Deadly]

Well... we'll find out soon she grins

[Kyrian]

Nazgul smiles and kisses her.

[Deadly]

Aeri returns the kiss Want to go have dinner or something?

[Kyrian]

Mmm...sounds good.

[Deadly]

Aeri smiles I thought so

[Kyrian]

Nazgul picks her back up with a grin.

[Deadly]

Aeri grins and kisses him

[Kyrian]

Nazgul grins back and takes off.

[Vhaidara]

Shadowbow, his voice shaking with barely controled rage, replies

Release Xan now, and I will make your death quick.

[Nightwing]

But we are ingoing are selfs! says blog.

"you see thy all serve me. My finest wizards mined controlled them. the boy was harder than I thought. he mite even be able to pull out of it. but not for a long time. and I have just toled them to kill you. I hope you can kill them be for thy kill you. have a fun fight to the death." *he vanishes*

[Vhaidara]

Tereal and Fernis, get Blog and get out of here. I'll handle Xan.

At that moment, Shadowbow's voice deepens to a rumbling, like an earthquake

Crend, come!!!!!!!!!!

Out of nowhere, a boy appears. He looks like Xan, but wisdom glistens in his eyes.

I have come, Shadowbow, for I know that you wouldn't have summoned me without great need. And I see now why you summoned me. Leave. I shall handle this.

Shadowbow moves to help drag Blog out, while Crend readies his mind.

[Nightwing]

*Tereal looks puzzled*
You have mini servants? your going to have to explain that some time.

*Fernis kicks a hard blow into blogs stomach*

[Vhaidara]

(I ment just drag him out. You know, group grapple him. We do NOT want to be in this cave in about 30 seconds.)

Not servants. Friends. I'll explain later. Suffice it to say Xan and Crend are related.

[Nightwing]

*Blog chases Fernes through the tunnel. when Fernis is at the entrance blog swings his mace at him. Fernis jumps behind blog and the mace collides with the rock blocking the entrance pulverizing them. Fernis kicks blog out the entrance.*

[Vhaidara]

Shadowbow runs up to Fernis

Nice trick.

He then proceeds to bind Blog with the toughest rope he has.

(incase your wondering, it's a DC1000000 to break. Is Tereal out yet?)

[Nightwing]

*Tereal runs out*
(yep)

[Vhaidara]

Crend focus in on Xan's eyes, which seem to have dulled.
Xan. It's been a long time.
Xan's eyes momentarilly regain their color, then dull again
I do not know you. I will kill you for Misteress Lolth.
He casts a spell, and fire surrounds Crend. It vanishes in a flash of light.
Nature protects me from the elements. My brother, I know that you aren't gone. No drow can keep your mind overpowered for long. They have tried before. Even their goddess' control has been broken before. I will bring you back.
Crend disappears and suddenly, Xan stiffens. He collapses and writhes silently for a minute, firing spells off at random. In a drow city, a powerful wizard suddenly falls dead on the spot. Then Crend reappears.
Wha... What's happening? Crend, is that you?
It is me brother. It is good to see you yourself once again.
How did I get here? Last thing I can remember, I was clubbed in the back of the head while training with my staff.
There is no time to explain here. Your spells have weakened the cave. We must flee. Shadowbow knows more of what happened than I.

(Blog might be free too. Depends on wether or not the same wizard controlled both of them.)

[Nightwing]

*Blog wakes up*

Blog wants to know were Blog is.

*The cave collapses*

I suggest we go back to sept.

[Vhaidara]

Agreed.
Agreed.
Agreed.

[Nightwing]

Actually I think we should stop at trogs or sneeks. Which one?

[Vhaidara]

Trog's. It's closer

[Vhaidara]

Out of nowhere, Xan, Crend, Tereal, Shadowbow, and Fernis (Blog and Shump?) appear in the exact same place as when they left last time.

[Nightwing]

care full. this could be a trap.

[Vhaidara]

I know. The giveaway is that the tracks lead into a cave just around the corner. I have a plan to trip it without any harm done. Xan goes in first.

[Nightwing]

Then you lead we will follow.

((have to go. be back in a few minuets. ))

[Vhaidara]

(What! No objections that we're basicly giving them exactly what they want? I'm not continuing until one of those two asks why!)