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Part 34a: Jungle warfare
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Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Dworkin (GM)
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After being shown the nearest exit from the village, James leads the
way, and Cyan, Jonnee, and Hunter all follow, though the wolf soon
breaks away to move on his own, a dimly perceived shade moving through
the darkened jungle perhaps ten yards upwind of the others.
Occasionally there comes a brief sound of some disagreement in that
direction, and a smashing noise as some large beast decides to change
course. Usually to one that will carry it past, behind the humans.
Overhead the rain hammers against the foliage with renewed fury, and
the air is filled with the sound of breaking branches and tearing wood.
Then there is a clearing, rapidly becoming a shallow lake, and in its
heart a tumbledown mound of ancient masonry, for all the world like a
mockery of Sephiroth's pyramid, and beyond it there is no more path...
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Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Cyan
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Cyan hurries along beside James and Jonnee, and her thoughts ring through the link Berd has forged between the trio.
There is a battle at the pyramid...this is why we
have not seen Cargach here, and why Berd cannot bespeak him. He
is too busy! The battle is madness...I cannot easily make out
what occurs, only that this Archon remains within the pyramid, as the
rain would damage it. The flames rise from weapons within the
pyramid, expelling fire and deadly gasses to strike at the attackers...
An image forms of what Berd envisions, part of his mind studying the battle at the pyramid.
Men, and not-quite-men are fighting in the rain,
among them Cargach and his raiders, but even those who are not of the
tribe don't all seem to be opposed to the jungle people.
Every so often a jet of flame issues from the pyramid's base, or a
cloud of some orange vapour, which corrodes anything it touches.
Cyan ducks a flying, fanged shadow, and Kirilinde's sheath absently swats another from the air.
Then they have finished the path, and arrived at the broken-down
structure. As the small group skids to a halt, Berd suddenly
rises upon Cyan's shoulder, eyes beginning to burn like tiny stars.
Berd...he sees another Archon moving out of the
pyramid! This is one of their warriors - the Wheels of
Blades! It will destroy Cargach and his men, all alone,
James! They cannot stand against it, believe me!
Berd...Berd wishes to strike at it, but should he fail, the hunt may begin - it is what you wished, James - does Berd strike?
A faint, ethereal nimbus begins to grow around the tiny dragon, shimmering and dancing in the darkness.
Cyan's eyes, deep amethyst in the darkness, stare around at the
ruins. "This place...what is it? Could it be another set of
standing stones?" She struggles to match what she sees with the
standing stones they have encountered before. Perhaps not the
same structure...but the architecture?
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Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by James
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James runs on in the direction e has chosen. From a few metres
away comes the sound of Hunter acting as pathfinder and bulldozer all
at once. The wolf's work speeds their progress no end until they
reach the clearing of ruins and scattered stone.
James considers the news for a moment, then decides.
Berd, do it. Cargach wishes to destroy the
Archon or he would never assault the pyramid directly, but they will be
slaughtered unless we draw this Wheel of Blades away. Better that
we start the hunt now. Do you need our support to do this?
If you don't need me, I need a moment to prepare.
James strides quickly away to where a larger piece of masonry still
stands albeit precariously. He disappears behind it. He
re-emerges carrying a set of jungle camos, combat webbing and a pair of
boots in one hand and an assault rifle in the other. He points
the rifle into the surrounding jungle and pulls the trigger.
There is a pathetic little 'click'. James throws the rifle into
the shallow puddle-lake in the middle of the clearing.
"Worth a try."
James gives the camos and boots a vigourous shake, dislodging a few
small insects, one angry (but conventionally sized) scorpion and a
couple of bones, probably a tibia and femur, from the pants.
Standing on a raised piece of stone, James strips down to his underwear
then hastily dons the camos, boots and webbing. From one pocket
of the webbing he pulls out a small tin and soon his face is smeared
with greasy-looking dark-green and khaki face paint. He completes
his preparations by using his newly acquired knife to cut strips from
his discarded trousers to bind and cover the golden hilt on his sword.
James grins and his teeth are shockingly white against his painted skin. Sorry 'bout that. Ready now.
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Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Berd
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Berd slowly rises on Cyan's shoulder (the Bard watching with interest
as James tests his newly discovered weapon, then spinning away, face
flaming, when he begins to strip down), his wings unfurling. His
neck cranes sinuously as he turns his dancing, starry eyes toward the
lights upon the horizon.
To those linked with his mind, nothing seems to happen - not in his
thoughts, not along the mental pathways through which they converse.
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Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Dworkin (GM)
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There are animals coming into the clearing now, and even Hunter can't
hold them at bay for ever. Most are smaller than the wolf, but
make up for it with numbers. The rest are larger than the wolf,
and they also make up for it with numbers.
Hunter is with the first wave of animals that breaks clear of the
jungle, and there is blood matted in his pelt. Whether his own,
or some other creature's, can't be told for certain. The wolf
doesn't seem to be impeded by any injury he might have suffered though,
so it is very likely just the overwhelming tide of jungle fauna which
has forced him back.
In any case, he looks less than pleased with the situation...
Somewhere beyond the jungle, the sky lights up, bright as
hellfire. Lightning flickering across that glare appears black in
comparison, like a crack in the ceiling of Heaven.
There is silence in the clearing, as all the creatures present blink
glare-shocked eyes at the sky, and then the stampede starts again with
renewed fervour...
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Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Cyan
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Cyan blinks wide, topaz eyes, their pupils shrunk to nearly pinpoints
in the twilight. Phosphorescent images dance before her vision
for a long moment as she struggles to adjust. "If you would, some
warning next time?" she asks, staring owlishly at Berd.
The little dragon ignores her, still standing on his hind legs, eyes
burning with a hint of the light that, moments before, struck
earthward. His tail lashes, but he makes no sound.
Berd has attacked...the Archon is rather occupied
at the moment. They are strong, and not easy to kill, but this
one appears to be weakening. Cold, diamond amusement echoes along the link. Unfortunately for the Archon it is alone, against Berd fully prepared. Hopefully that will prove sufficient.
A memory surfaces, a memory of a world falling under a rain of
fire. Cyan shudders, recalling the unearthly voice that spoke
from the heavens, driving the Archons from the land of the silvery
spiders.
"What is the plan now, James?" Cyan cries over the thunderous noises in
the foliage around them. "Cargach and his warriors still fight at
the pyramid! The Archons are weakened, but more will certainly be
summoned should Sephiroth realize what he risks losing!"
Berd's eyes narrow further until they become shining slits.
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Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by James
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James closes his eys for a moment until the after images fade.
"They say that no plan survives contact with the
enemy. It seems mine didn't even last that long. Never
mind. If the Archons will not come to us we must go to them."
"Single file behind Hunter. Hunter, when you tire, rest at the back and I will lead."
Once everyone is in position James, or rather, Hunter heads out in the
direction of the pyramid. Heading against the flow of panicked
animals is no picnic but not appreciably harder than trying to work
across the flow and James risks splitting his concentration from his
Pattern defence to ease the way. There's
a possibility that that great ox-beast will go the other side of the
thicket, just like that...and those raccoon-critters with the steroid
fueled forearms and novelty over-sized claws will take to the trees
ahead of us...
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Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Jonnee
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Jonnee moves into file behind Hunter, sliding his blades out.
Anything that gets too close is going to be finding itself severely
discouraged with extreme prejudice.
While following James' instructions, he still asks questions and voices concerns, shouting above the noise of the stampede.
"James! Is this a good idea? I mean,
it's a long way to the pyramid, and we'll be swimming against the tide
the whole way. Cargach's folks use the trees. I can make us
a road up there, if you want. It might be quicker, and we'll
arrive less worn out."
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Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Cyan
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I suspect that your plan will still bear fruit, James, Cyan sends over the link between the foursome (counting
Berd...regrettably, it is impossible to bring Hunter into this
situation). The Archons do not strike my
as quick to forgive or forget. The one, Sephiroth, when it finds
itself caught between defeat, flight, and the summoning of allies, will
choose the latter, I suspect. While the Archons may decide to
leave this place as a poor investment, I think it likely they will pursue us, if we but show ourselves briefly in some way or another.
Even through the myriad worlds, she finishes, tension
in her 'voice'. Moving smoothly along behind, the bard gives
Jonnee an emerald glance as he calls out, then waits for James'
decision.
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Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by James
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Rather than trying to compete with the noise, James replies to Jonnee's question along the mental link established by Berd.
If you can make a path that all can follow, In his mind there is a clear picture of Hunter whose lack of opposable digits will make climbing difficult then lead on.
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Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Dworkin (GM)
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A tree topples, somewhere off to the left, and with a grin at James and
Cyan, Jonnee heads that way. Hunter swings around and follows.
The trunk rests at an angle against another tree, snarled by vines and
branches, and Jonnee goes up it at a dead run. From part way up,
he leaps across a small gap, certainly no more than a yard or so, onto
a broad bough, which continues to climb at a gentle, if irregular,
slope.
Before long, the five are moving through the canopy, on a path similar
to the one Cargach had shown them earlier. Wide, smooth branches
forming a floor, walled in and roofed over by dense foliage.
Hunter finds little trouble following the road.
Below, the sounds of rushing animals continue, unabated, and every so
often the branch underfoot quivers as something large blunders into a
tree.
After perhaps twenty minutes of this progress, Berd's eyes flare ruby red, and he bugles a warning.
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Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Berd
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Berd stares into the distance, eyes burning in the dim light.
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Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by James
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James takes advantage of the respite provided by Jonnee's road and Berd's warning to reassess.
So do I, Berd, so do I.
Berd, Cyan, I need every scrap of information you have about the Archons' capabilities, and curse me for not asking sooner.
Jonnee, we don't need you as messenger anymore. You're doing a
great job making the path. I need you to continue, but now I need
you to close it behind us again as well, and make it as nasty as you
can. I will help. If you can, lead us to water, it may be
the best chance we've got against the firewheels.
Berd, keep harrying them, kill them if you can, make them hurt if you
can't. If forced to, concentrate on defence. But keep them
after us.
If all the Archon's come after us, try and find a way to get word to Cargach to storm the pyramid and close the portal.
Cyan, I misjudged Berd's capabilities. For better or worse, he is
the target now, not me. We have to protect him. Have
Aaron's Trump ready, when we need to go, we will need to go quickly.
Oh, and Berd how many is many?
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Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Cyan
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Cyan nods as she continues to trot along their new path, occasionally looking down with her topaz eyes.
As to the capabilities of the Archons, we know
little of them. They seem to come in two different kinds, or
perhaps more. Perhaps they can shapeshift beween them? One,
the flaming wheels, seem to be powerful psychically. The second,
the bladed wheels, seem to be more than capable of holding their own in
battle. Each of them proved to be more than a match for hundreds
of these
[Mental image of a huge, distorted spider, clawed and fanged, and by the scale at least the size of a horse]
These were the warriors of Prime's world, and without Berd and Jack's
assistance, they would have fallen in the millions battling against the
Archons. They did, in fact, suffer terrible casualties.
The Archons seem capable of moving between the worlds. How is
uncertain. They are numerous, intelligent, and not without
personal ambition. They have been known to fight amoung
themselves.
They are extremely difficult to slay, and their spiritual strength may
very well eclipse any of ours here. But I trust in Berd's
defenses.
Aaron's palanquet...did I not give it to you? My method of leavetaking is through Kirilinde,
to my home, and from thence we can more easily summon another
portal. If we need to contact a person directly, we require their
cooperation...I would counsel leavetaking to a place of safety.
Only if necessary. If speed is not of the essance, I would rather
contact Aaron than leave too many trails to my home. I believe I
have a second palanquet of Aaron here, complete recently....
As for Berd, I believe he is somewhat used to being the target.
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Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by James
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James listens intently to Cyan's information.
You did give me Aaron's Trump, Cyan. I
assumed from what you said at the time that you had another. I
didn't realise that Kirilinde allows you to travel.
It seems that there is nothing on this world that will provide a real
threat to the Archons, so we must look farther afield. I
will lead us between worlds, if you are all willing.
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Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Dworkin (GM)
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Somewhere in the forest, a tree falls. Nobody is there to witness it, but it definitely makes a sound, as it crashes down across a section of the path that the
group have recently traversed, tearing through the ceiling and dropping
an impenetrable tangle of thorn-laden branches onto the aerial roadway.
A number of saprophytic plants on the fallen giant respond to the
disturbance by ejecting clouds of toxic vapour, laced with spores.
Swarms of wasps appear, seemingly from nowhere, as their hidden nests
in the broken tree are shattered. Already enraged by the damage
to their hive, those insects which are not killed by them, are further
maddened by the burning touch of the toxic spores.
The angry buzzing actually drowns out the sound of the stampede for
tens of yards around the site, and even the largest animals, down at
ground level, start to avoid the area...
The end result is that not much will be coming along the path from that direction for quite some time.
Further ahead, and lightning blazes as stroke after stroke hammers into the pyramid, slowly reducing it to rubble.
There is a howling from the direction of the pyramid, like the voices of wolves, if wolves were built of steel.
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Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by James
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James steps ahead to lead the little band of guerrillas. He
continues forward down the path that Jonnee has been creating for them,
this takes them towards the now pulverised pyramid, which wouldn't make
a lot of sense except that it soon becomes clear that James is not just
walking in the standard 3 dimensions.
At first the changes are minor, obstacles glimpsed through the trees
are gone as the group approaches and the way is surprisingly clear of
the dangerous flora and fauna that infest this jungle. On the
other hand amongst the trees that crowd the path there are a surprising
number that look rotten and creak ominously as they lean against one
another.
Then the last branch in the path leads down to the ground, not into a
heavy jungle but into a broad clearing on the other side of the
clearing are two horses. Here and there a few small metal knobs
push through the grass. Anti-tank mines, still active, will react to heavy weight or large amounts of metal nearby James keeps a little mental commentary running as they go, largely as a side effect of his choices through the Pattern.
The horses are obviously not entirely conventional, though they are
anatomically correct (and fully equipped with saddle, bridle and
reins). It could be that they're not disturbed by the presence of
Hunter, but it could also be that as one gets nearer it is possible to
see that they're eating not the long grass around them but the flesh of
a corpse, now mutilated byond recognition that was concealed by the
grass. Still, they seem peaceable enough as James swings up into
the saddle.
I'm counting on you two <Jonnee and Hunter> to keep up, but I can get more steeds if you need them
James leads the group to where a small stream trickles out of the
clearing alongside a path through the jungle. In an improbably
short length of time the stream grows and becomes a narrow but rapid
river that cuts down into the stone until the path is a narrow trail
halfway down the cliff face of a narrow canyon. Abruptly a second
canyon joins from the side. flash floods are unbelievably common in this stretch, particularly because the contractor who built the dam up there A mental image of a concrete hydroelectric dam in a similar canyon pops into Cyan, Berd and Jonnees' heads simultaneously is a cheap bastard who cut corners on everything under James expert analysis the cracks in the second-rate concrete
become alarmingly apparent. James wears a wicked grin. Careful, the path looks very unstable here, you wouldn't want to drop into the river.
The path enters a narrow cave, James pushes the party to a faster pace,
from the darkness come strange clicking noises and grinding sounds. The saliva of those critters is unbelievably corrosive, and they love the taste of steel.
They emerge from the cave onto a high montain side, the path is still
narrow, the drop still precipitous, and the group is just below the
snow line. Berd, if you please a mudslide here... and James shows Berd the stress point high above them. A couple
more turns in the path and suddenly they are high in the peaks, ...and a little nudge just there will release enough snow to bury a large town.
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Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Jonnee
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Jonnee laughs as James points out the instabilities in the dam. "Yeah, we have a few people who do that stuff at home too. Well, we did have. There might be more since the quake. I imagine that there's a lot of work, and not enough reputable contractors."
He turns away and follows the others along the trail, "It's
kinda cool that their bad work gets put to good use. Only one
thing that worries me, I guess, will anybody else get hurt when the
valley floods?"
Later, and he studies the place where the snow can be brought down with such ease. "Got
any more proximity mines nearby. We might be better planting some
down below, where the snow will end up. The black-hats come past,
boom! I've seen it on the tube, sometimes a loud noise can start
an avalanche. So, boom! And a whole heap of top quality
powder falls on them while they're still down there."
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Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Cyan
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Cyan hurries along beside the men, keeping up, and glances back in both worry and elation. Berd
says...the pyramid has fallen. It has crumbled, destroyed by the
storm. The flaming wheels are dying, the water is killing
them...but the steel ones - they fight! They fight among
themselves! Old bitterness and rivalries push them to it...no,
Sephiroth has control. I know not how it survives the
storm. James, these creatures will fight amoung themselves unless
given a purpose. It is something to consider for later....
Her face pales. I hope your traps work
well. A half-dozen of the bladed wheels follow, and they are
swift. They will catch up to us, all too soon.
Berd's concentration grows, and he lets out a small puff of weariness,
but continues to do as James asks. With relief, Cyan swings up on
the horse, catching the little dragon as he almost falls from her
shoulder, placing him back on his perch.
The speed of their shift through the worlds is dizzying, and Cyan finds
herself staring around in amazement. Only Lexy has brought them
places more quickly, and there was nothing to see, then. But her
attention sharpens when they see the dam, and hear Jonnee's comment
about people. Berd nods, cold eyes staring at the dam, and then
down the ravine.
"We will safeguard them, Jonnee," the bard replies, sapphire eyes hard.
And so they continue, Berd calculating and shifting, changing the
worlds as they pass, always struggling to ensure that no innocent is
harmed by their passing.
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Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by James
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James brings the party to a halt, they are high up in the mountains now
and the breath of horses and people alike steam in the cold air.
Were it not for the sun shining above and the still air it would be
bitterly cold.
James crosses his arms across the front of his saddle and leans on them heavily, sucking in deep breaths. I
tried Jonnee, I was looking for a hydroelectric dam not a water
supply. If I chose correctly the town is upstream from the dam,
the force of the flood should split as it gets directed down the
branching canyons until they emptiy onto the plain. But I was in
a hurry, if I chose wrongly, James sighs, may God have mercy on their souls...and mine.
I've never really done this before Cyan, but you don't know your own
limits until you push them. I've just about reached mine, that's
as fast as I can go and I can only manage that because I'm using
familiar environments.
But now I need an unfamiliar one. Berd, I need a world or at
least a place with an extremely strong magnetic field. The higher
the better. We only have time for one shot at this. Leave
everything else and help me look.
James takes up the reins again and the group moves off down the
mountain-side. James travels more slowly now but more
deliberately.
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Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Berd
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Cyan shakes her head. Berd will safeguard them, James - do not worry. He will, she affirms, glancing at the dragon. You
are doing...well, I cannot say how well you are doing. It is all
I can do to keep up with what the three of you do to the Worlds around
us. I know you are changing things, but cannot see how. The bard shrugs, helplessly. It is a mystery to me.
Berd narrows his eyes and continues to concentrate. The
glittering has slowed, somewhat...probably a good thing as, for a few
moments, the little dragon's tongue was lolling out of his mouth (far
out...Berd's forked tongue is outrageously long).
There is a fleeting sense through the 'link' of Berd hunting,
searching, ranging out with his spiritual power to find what James
seeks.
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Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Dworkin (GM)
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From somewhere behind, or so it seems, comes a series of explosions,
then the roar of surging water, the tearing of metal and the cracking
of stone.
Hunter sniffs the air, and howls.
From the distant sky comes an answering howl, and dark shapes can be
seen moving among the clouds, heading straight towards the group.
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Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Cyan
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Cyan shakes her head worriedly, staring back along the trail. Your
traps accounted for some of them, James - Impressively, for they are
incredibly difficult to kill. But now they fly high, avoiding any
other mishaps. They will follow, catch us, and stoop to
kill...hold, Berd has the information you requested!
An image of a world. Small and cold, with
air like that atop a high mountain. It circles a much larger
world and a magnetic force surrounds them in a tight-meshed web.
It is uninhabited, and with good reason.
Conditions are harsh. The movement of the world through the
magnetic field generates constant aurorae and lightning. Nothing
can survive there.
Another image, another world. Larger and not so harsh, it hangs
close to a huge, bloated star, and is again enclosed in a tyrannical
gauntlet of magnetic force.
Both worlds are close by, and there are others, further afield, which might suit James' needs.
It is possible Berd could protect us in the first world...but it might require all his strength!
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Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Jonnee
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"Hunter's not happy. He's not sure how much longer he can stay ahead of them now that they've learned to avoid the traps!"
Jonnee had been quiet for much of the journey, except for his concerns
regarding colateral damage. Now Hunter was giving him further
cause for worry.
"Cyan? You said these things don't get on
well together? That they fight whenever they get the
chance? Well I kinda had an idea, and I want to explain it now,
in case - well, you know."
He heaves a sigh, then takes a deep breath before starting, "They sound a lot like some of the gangs back home, always fighting over turf and who got to make the best deals."
"Well, there was this one time we wanted to screw with two other gangs. Now they were tough gangs,
and we couldn't take either of them, let alone both. We set them
up to fight each other, made it look like one was planning to move in
on the other's biz. Planted evidence. By the time their war
was over, they were both pretty much gone, and so were most of the
small gangs on that side of town, 'cause, like, they got sucked in too,
see?"
"Maybe we can do something to make these guys think that - what's his
name? Gazernal? - was behind the whole thing. Some sort of
grab for the top dog's place. Maybe then this big boss man will
turn his eyes a bit closer to home for a while?"
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Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by James
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"It's a good idea Jonnee, and I intend that we all make it through this so we can talk about it later."
Berd, I need a mental image of the bloated planet. As much detail as you can please.
"Hunter do not worry, they have been taught to stay off the
ground. But the longer we keep our noses in front the more ways I
can find to slow them down."
James puts his heels to his horse again and they take off at a canter
down the path that criss-crosses the mountain's flank. At one of
the turns, situated on a spur jutting out from the bulk of the main
peak is a small shack. James jumps from his horse and enters the
shack. Strangely, the sound of running footsteps can be heard
inside, apparently James is running in circles. When he comes
back out his face is grey but he is smiling.
Automated defence communications and control centre. Four words. Surface. To. Air. Missiles.
One last push now.
James hauls himself back atop his horse.
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Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Berd
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"Their speed is much greater than ours," Cyan says, breaking into
speech for the first time in quite a while. "We will have
difficulty staying ahead." She gives Jonnee an amethyst glance of
approval. "Divide and conquer, yes? I agree...it is
something we should consider for after we extract ourselves from this
cursed hunt.
Berd, sitting on her shoulder, relaxes his search and immediately sends
James an image of the planet itself, focusing on the ground, the sky,
notable details, all things that might be important to a world
walker. The feel of the air, the smell, the energies....
With a grimace, Cyan looks back upon the shack. While the woman doesn't
fully understand the 'surface to air missle' comment, she gets the gist
of each separate word, and can guess as to the purpose of James' brief
halt. "I hope it will stall them sufficiently. If not...since we
have where we need to go, Berd can make the attempt. At this
point, likely as not he cannot harm them, only slow them. Only if
you think he will not be needed at the planet."
Berd turns his head back toward the clouds and narrows his eyes.
Thin, burning rays fall from them as the brightness increases another
order of magnitude.
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Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Dworkin (GM)
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The sky around the advancing Archons seems to curdle, as the clouds
increase in density, moving faster and darkening as they pull in closer
and closer to their hub.
Lightning flickers around the bladed wheels, and thunder rolls through
the air. It is echoed moments later from the mountainside, as
lances of flame scream from concealed locations among the rocks and
hurtle towards the enemy creatures.
There are explosions then, in their dozens, as the missiles slam into
the midst of the creatures, and moments later the storm starts in
earnest, becoming increasingly violent as a column of tormented air
reaches down to the peaks below.
When it makes contact, rocks and soil and trees are pulled aloft, and
the whirling clouds of blades find themselves in the middle of a
whirling cloud of debris.
The storm starts to expand...
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Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by James
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Definitely time we were somewhere else. Or at least off this mountain.
James reviews every detail of the world Berd has just shown him. The sky first, we need to get away from that storm.
James kicks his horse forward, but it's largely unnecessary. The
steeds have put up with a lot already but the feel of the storm behind
them has made them panicky. Fear overcomes their fatigue.
James isn't much of a rider and he's mostly using brute strength to
hold his mount in line.
Still, with each turn of the road the sky changes, the sun seems to
skid towards the west, becoming dimmer and redder as it does so. The
sky darkens from cornflower blue through royal blue almost to navy
before taking on red tones moving through indigo until it is almost
purple.
James looks back and swears, the storm is still there and within the storm the Archons. He glances at Berd. James you idiot. The Archons follow them and Berd is holding the Archons within the storm. The storm is inescapable. The ground then...
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Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
Something of what James is thinking comes across the link to Berd - the
little dragon spares a glance toward the weary warrior, and his eyes
glitter in sudden understanding.
Berd's wings fan the air, then, and tiny threads of light begin to
bleed from his body, rising into the air behind them as the group flees
before the storm, the explosions, the Archons. The dragon opens
his maw, almost as though for a roar, and breathes out a single,
dancing spark that lances through the wild air, into the heart of the
storm.
One last push.
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Jonnee
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jonnee gives Berd a hard stare, noting that something was suddenly very
different about the small dragon, like somebody had retuned his engine
or something, then he turns his attention to James, "Yeah.
Go for it James, and make it a good place to either lose them or fight
them, because that big lazy old dog is getting tired. Guess he's
not as young as he used to be."
He ignores the look that Hunter gives him, and winks at Cyan.
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by James
-----------------------------------------------------------
Very well, it will be done.
"Jonnee, Hunter, we will travel as fast as we can now. My
purpose is to reach a world where the magnetic field is strong enough
to pin these things to the ground and slow them if not pin them
altogether. Until we reach that world we cannot rest.
Better to be tired and alive than freshly dead."
James looks to the sky. There, riding the winds generated by
Berd's storm with the agility and balance of a surfer and the imperious
majesty of a flagship of the fleet, is a tremendous eagle. With a
cry it turns and wheels away.
The bird of my desire. "Follow, to an end to flight and victory."</blue>
James puts his heels to his horse and pulls its head around to follow
the eagle. The first few hundred metres off the side of the path
are steep and perilous, but the terrain levels quickly as the mountains
subside and the valley rises until the party ride or run first across a
stony plateau and then across an alpine field. As they go the
sun, hanging still at dusk in a purple sky, grows larger and larger
until it hangs like a harvest moon so that it seems close enough to
touch if one were but to reach out an arm. The
silhouette of the eagle is apparent against the eternally setting sun,
it looks like some battle standard of old, black on red
Then the ground changes further, first the stones scattered around the
field darken from grey to dark blue and even black. More and more
often the stones rise up as tall, thin boulders like columns of some
vast, empty cathedral. The eagle flies lower, its shadow darting from column to column like a thief fearful of detection
It is at about this point that the horses start to falter, finally
succumbing to the stresses of the journey. It seems that they
move in a quagmire up to their fetlocks and there is foam around the
bridles in their mouths. Metal horseshoes. We are close now.
James dismounts. Unbuckling the sword at his waist he throws it
away. The full force of James' arm is behind the throw and the
sword covers a long distance through the air, but the parabola of its
trajectory is altered, cut short. The sword drops more sharply
than the gravity of the planet would account for, almost as if the
ground reaches up to grab the sword. Immediately, James feels
about 20 kilos lighter and he re-adjusts his trousers where the
sword-belt had pulled them askew. Still the eagle flies, beckoning them onward, the marathon has become a sprint at the last
James sets off at a run, dodging between the standing boulders.
The grass changes colour. At first, it might be discounted a
trick of the strange light of the red sun but after a short while it
has noticeably changed and it continues, until it is entirely purple
and the world seems strangely monochrome, lavender, mauve, purple and
indigo. The lack of contrast make distances difficult to
judge. The eagle wheels, once, twice and settles to land atop a column, it stretches its wings out briefly, then settles.
James turns as well. Sweat pours from his brow, yet his face is
pale. A vein in his forehead throbs under the skin.
Strangely, he looks satisfied.
"We are here."
It is the first time he has looked back since he saw the eagle.
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
or a while, all is quiet. There is no storm here at first, though
another world hangs in the sky, looking like some huge, bloated
fruit. Storms rage there, big enough to swallow this entire world.
Every movement here causes sparks and lights to flow along the lines of
any metal objects that are carried, and there is a feeling of weight to
them, which does not match the reduced weight of other items, nor of
flesh itself.
The calm does not last.
A section of the sky seems to... unfold. and the Archons
arrive, in a squall of rain and hail, and a blast of wind. Two of
them, all that is left of the original pursuers, and one of them with
many of its blades missing or fused into shapeless chunks.
No sooner do they break through than they are dragged to the ground,
where they lay, struggling to move. Their knives continue to try
to orbit, gouging slow furrows in the earth, but they get weaker and
weaker.
+YOU WILL END THIS ATTACK OR YOU WILL DIE+
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"You play with fire, Jonnee," Cyan calls to that one as they ride (and
he jogs beside them). "Hunter does not take so well to
criticism...as I have discovered in the past." Her smile is tight
from tension, but genuine. "For him to tolerate such...well,
perhaps he saves you for a later snack!"
Then the eagle comes, and Cyan's wondering gaze tracks it, certain
there is meaning, but unsure of what it might be. She is not
familiar with the skills of the Pattern-lords. She dismounts as
James does, noting instantly the increase of weight in her pack, the
slight extra pressure in her hand that holds Kirilinde.
But the silvery blade is composed of an alloy unknown to any save
certain smiths of Beleriand and Eregion, and the weight does not
increase as much as that of a steel weapon...yet. Still,
following James' example, she lets the blade drop as Berd, on her
shoulder, sags wearily. Cradling the little dragon, knowing she
cannot match James' strength (gauged as superior to her own, simply by
the throw of his blade against what she feels in her pack) nor Jonnee's
speed, Cyan puts forth an effort to keep up as best she can.
And the world changes.
It is not...dissimilar to the effect Berd has, but certainly it is more efficient. And neither is the actual feeling of crossing present - there is a blending of world to world, and then, without any
sign of journey's end (save the eagle's rest), apparantly they are
there.
"It is good," Cyan gasps. She puts her hands on her knees,
bending over, then straightens, her hand dipping into her pouch for a
long moment then slipping out a palanquet,
dancing in her fingers. A conjurer's trick. For a long
moment, she concentrates, preparing herself, holding the card before
her.
Then her red hair blows back as the eruption begins in front of
them. Berd hops from her arms to dig claws into the ground, and
Cyan leans forward against the wind as their pursuers erupt
forth. A chill of fear spikes the woman, and her emerald eyes
shimmer, dance, lighten...
And the twain fall to the earth, hammering down with a crash echoed by Cyan's exaultant shout. "Oh, well done!"
And yet they continue to threaten. "We have them! Prisoners, at last, though what we can do with them I know not!"
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
The weaker of the wheels, the one with missing and fused blades,
attempts to lift into the air again, only to fall closer to its
companion, which suddenly lurches until its edge merges with that of
the other.
There is a brief metallic howl, and suddenly the weaker Archon is gone,
as all of its components are torn away and added to the stronger, which
expands slightly.
Still it is pinned down by the magnetic forces of this place, though Cyan is forced to step back a pace by its growth.
+WHAT IS IT THAT YOU WANT OF ME+
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
To bargain from a position of power...let us see how well the creature can supply us with information.
Cyan's eyes are brilliant amber as she draws Kirilinde forth from the palanquet,
the sword appearing from nothing, Berd adroitly snatching the card from
her hand as she grips both sheath and pommel. A brilliant,
rainbow arc cuts the air as the blade is drawn, silvery and shimmering
in the odd light. It does not seem terribly hindered by the
strong magnetic field, either.
"From you?" The bard, an accomplished actor, laughs
scornfully. "You are a footsoldier, nothing more than a weapon
for your superiors. What I want is to watch you die, while this
planet holds you pinned and my companion turns the air to acid around
you, boils you in lightning, and crushes you under granite. What
could you possibly offer us greater than that satisfaction?"
Sentiments the archon will, no doubt, understand.
Berd puffs a small cloud of vapour into the air where it disperses.
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Jonnee
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Heh! Tetchy bastards, aren't they?" Jonnee says with a grin at Cyan. He moves closer to the grounded archon, "Do we need to fight them, or would it be just as quick to let them kill each other?"
He pops one of his blades, waits, then uses the tip to press down one of the archon's blades, holding it still. "I
notice that they don't like it if they can't keep spinning. See,
even on the ground like this, they try to keep turning round."
"I wonder if being stopped, like this, hurts them?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by James
-----------------------------------------------------------
James is content to let the others handle the Archon. His job is done for the moment and he needs a moment to rest.
Unwilling to show weakness before the enemy he stands straight, at ease
but ready to act should the need arise. Without his sword,
though, it is difficult to see how he would fight this creature of
sharp edges and steel. Even with James' considerable skills and
strength it would be like trying to do a highland sword dance in a
blender.
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Dragged to the ground by the force of magnetism, and with one of its
blades pinned by Jonnee, the whole Archon stops revolving, though the
blades quiver and struggle, like still-living butterflies, pinned down
in some mad lepidopterist's collection. There is a deep rumbling
from the earth, and two of the metal blades crack, eliciting a
weakening cry of pain from the trapped monster.
Then it speaks again, but weakly, +tell me what you want of me+ +i will do what i can+ +but make this one release my gvhi-ya-las-ti+ +my knife+ +it gives too much pain+ +i cannot turn+ +i cannot think+
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Jonnee
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Okay. I had a feeling you wouldn't like that. There was something about the way you never stop trying to spin." Jonnee glances at James, then to Cyan, "So
what d'ya say. Do we just hold it until it dies, or do we have
some fun with a couple of big rocks and all this stressed metal?"
He chuckles then, and something dangerous shows behind the smile, just for a moment.
"Me? Well, I reckon I'm easy with either option."
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan holds back a smile that clearly comes through the link. It's
obvious she is uncomfortable with what they do to the creature...kill
it, or release it, her mind says. But she holds back on that for
a moment. "Jonnee Kay, release it, if you would. You -
Creature. Tell us how you could be of use. Tell us
everything...and I will see you rewarded. Lie to us, tell us
nothing of use, and we will destroy you. You are helpless.
Your options are few and simple. In your weakened state, we will
know if you lie. So..." She pauses. "Speak."
An instant later, something flickers along the link. James...Jonnee. Someone bespeaks me with a palanquet.
It may be Aaron - I must respond. Berd will see that you remain
linked, but for safety's sake will keep me separate. As soon as I
verify it is not dangerous, I will allow you to hear them as
well. I am certain you can deal with this creature - James likely
knows better questions to ask than I.
Then Cyan is gone from the link, only a shadow of her presence remaining.
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by James
-----------------------------------------------------------
A flicker of disappointment, or possibly distatse, crosses James' face.
James remains silent for a brief time while he formulates a plan of
interrogation. He hopes he is giving the impression that he is
giving the Archon time to spill its guts, unlikely as that is.
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Jonnee
-----------------------------------------------------------
With a brief nod to James, Jonnee releases his hold on the archon, straightens up and steps back quickly, out of its reach.
He looks to Cyan, cocking his head to one side. A call now might mean that Aaron is in trouble.
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan looks a bit relieved when Jonnee releases their captive, then
turns her attention to...nothing. She whispers, for a moment,
then nods.
"Jonnee, James...there is one here whom I do not know, yet swears upon
the Unicorn that she means us well. She offers information, and
warnings against a threat, and wishes to come to where we are.
Should you agree, I can bring her here, immeidately." Cyan
shrugs, amber eyes neutral. "I see no reason why not - few know
me well enough to forge a palanquet, and I admit to some curiousity. Her name is Serena."
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Jonnee
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Sure. Bring her. If she's a friend, then she can join the fun we're having, playing with all this scrap metal." Jonnee jerks a thumb towards the downed archon. Then shrugs, "If
she's not a friend, then I reckon it's smarter to bring her here, where
we can deal with her without putting anybody else in danger."
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by James
-----------------------------------------------------------
"I'm not sure that's a good idea, Cyan. I'm
happy to hear what she has to say, but I'd like to finish with this
thing, one way or the other, before we receive guests."
James turns back to the Archon.
"You, tell us what you know of the orbs, how they work, what they do and why, and how they can be disabled."
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"As you wish, James," Cyan replies, nodding thoughtfully. He makes a good point... "I shall inform her immediately."
She stares at the Archon for a long moment. If the creature
cooperates, they'll need some safe means of releasing it.
Obviously it can follow a trail through the Myriad worlds - if they
send it back, it can fend for itself. However, how to send it
back without risking themselves against it?
Berd might be able to create a 'tunnel' in the magnetic force of this
place, allowing it to travel in one directly only...but the little
dragon is exhausted. She waits a moment, hunting for
confirmation, then nods. Good. He still has enough energy
remaining to do such a thing.
For should it go along with our request, I have given my word to
release it. A clean death or release, depending upon its choice.
No matter what happens along this quest, Cyan will not compromise on that.
Then she turns back to the task of the contact.
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
+i will tell you all i know of the orbs and you will release me+ +very well+ +i understand+
The Archon starts to rotate when Jonnee releases it, slowly picking up
speed as its blades scrape across the ground, gouging a set of circular
furrows around itself. The cracked blades no longer move
though... it seems that this particular Archon may have picked up some
scars here.
For a few moments it rotates in silence, save for the scratching and clicking of metal on stone, then it starts to speak...
+BROKEN GOD NEEDS SPECIFIC ENERGIES/ /TO THRIVE+ +THOSE ENERGIES ARE NOT PRESENT IN THE PLACES WHERE BROKEN /g/OD IS+ +IF THEY WERE THEN HE WOULD NOT NEED OUR AID+ +IF WE ARE TO RELEAS/e/ HIM FROM BONDAGE WE MUST FIND THOSE ENERGIES AND FEED HIM+
+THE ORBS ARE USED TO PROVIDE NOUR/i/SHMENT TO BROKEN GOD+ +HIS MESSENGER GAVE US THE SECRET OF THEIR CONSTRUCTIO/n/+ +WE BUILD THEM IN THEIR HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS ON HUNDREDS OF WORLDS+
+I DO NOT KNOW HOW THEY WORK OR HO/w/ TO STOP THEM+ +BUT I DO KNOW THAT THEY CAN BE STOPPED+ +IT IS RARE BUT I/t/ DOES HAPPEN THAT THE ENERGIES OF A WORLD BECOME TAINTED+ +POISONED+ +IN T/h/OSE CASES ANY ORBS ON THAT WORLD MUST BE DISABLED+ +IT HAS BEEN REMARKED T/h/AT I AM NO MORE THAN A LOWLY UNDERLING+ +AS SUCH I KNOW NOTHING OF THE INN/e/R SECRETS OF THE ORBS+
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"She will not come, yet," Cyan mutters in an undertone to both Jonnee
and James. Berd, sitting limply on her shoulder, stares at the
Archon with fulminating eyes. The bard turns back to the steel
killing creature and listens to its words.
"I believe you," she says when it finishes, "thus far. You have
bought your life, I think. I have only one more concern, myself,
though my associates may require more information." Cyan walks
back and forth for a moment, emerald eyes narrowed. Then she
looks down at the creature.
"This messanger. Who was it? From where did it hail?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
+I DO NOT KN/o/W HIS NAME+ +I AM NOT OF THE LEADERS+ +I MERELY FOLLOW THEIR COMMAN/d/S+ +SEPHIROTH MIGHT KNOW MORE+ +I KNOW ONLY A PLACE+ +THE PLACE IS C/a/LLED AMBER+
+RELEASE ME+
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by James
-----------------------------------------------------------
It is a jolt to hear the name Amber linked so closely to the schemes of
the Broken God. But as James reflects on it he realises that the
shock was momentary. What lingers is disappointment. Bleys warned me there would be days like these. Sometimes it just sucks to be related.
"One more question and then we will release
you. On the world where you started chasing us there was a face,
flayed and stretched over a hoop but still alive. In other places
there have been other body parts that supress some mental
abilities. How do they relate to the Broken God?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
+THEY AR/e/ BROKEN GOD+ +PARTS OF IT+ the blades are gouging deeper into the ground now, and another one snaps as it catches on a stone buried in the soil.
+YOU SAID I WOULD B/e/ RELEASED F/r/OM THIS PLACE+ +THIS IS KILLING ME+ +I CANNOT SURVIVE H/e/RE+ +I CAN/n/OT WITHSTAND IMMOBILITY+
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan stares grimly at James and Jonnee, nodding her head. "Very
well...I must release it, or stand against my word." She raises
one eyebrow, waiting a few beats to see if there will be any
disagreement.
OOC - feel free to interrupt!
If there is none, Berd sits up on her shoulder, placing a clawed foot
into her hair for balance. His eyes begin to dance again as he
stares at the Archon, and he breathes out a shimmering cloud that
floats to the trapped creature.
A golden nimbus springs up around the being, forming a dome. Cyan
motions the others to step back, away from the hemisphere. It is
just large enough for the Archon to float within it. Her eyes
shining sapphires, Cyan steps close to the hemisphere, but not too
close. "You will bring an image of your homeworld to the front of
your mind. I shall provide you with a gateway to this world, do
you understand? For the time being you will remain within that
space, and you will live. Only when I have completed the gateway
will we free you, and send you home. Do you understand?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
The Archon rises from the earth in a flurry of dust and gravel and
shards of broken metal. Sixteen inches above the ground it halts
it's ascent, revolving faster, and screeching out a triumphant cry.
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by James
-----------------------------------------------------------
<backpost>
James nods in agreement, satisfied.
"Yes, send it away."
</backpost>
"Be careful, Cyan. You too, Berd. Don't take any chances with this thing."
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Jonnee
-----------------------------------------------------------
"No objection here, I guess." Jonnee replies, after a brief hesitation, though he doesn't sound too pleased at the idea of letting the monster go.
"Wait! I have a question! How long ago did this messenger come to you?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan nods grimly to James. "Regrettably there will be some
chances taken, but I feel this creature values its life more than
vengeance...and that will be its choice. For vengeance here will
most certainly cost its existance." She pauses at Jonnee's
question, nodding slowly. "It is a good question. I shall
begin work on the gateway-" avoiding use of the word palanquet "-and bring to us another guest."
Raising her hand to the air, she cocks a thin, coppery eyebrow over a
ruby eye. "With your permission?" Cyan asks James, their current
commander.
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
"+LONG AGO+ +MA/n/Y TURNS OF THE STA/r/S+ +I CANNOT SAY MORE+ +I AM ONLY A SE/r/VANT+ +I DO NOT K/n/OW EVERYTHING+
The Archon is starting to sound angry now, rather than scared, as it was when pinned down.
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by James
-----------------------------------------------------------
James looks sternly at the Archon, although it's hard to stare down something that has no apparent eyes.
"Fine,no more questions. But you watch it. Any funny business and the dome goes, like that." James snaps his fingers "And you'll by right back where you were, dying slowly on the ground."
Turning to Cyan he continues.
"You know that's not necessary. Bring this
guest through. But be careful, remember what spiky here said
about messengers from Amber."
Damn, if I say be careful any more, I'll wind up sounding like my Mum.
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Ah, but I think it is, James," Cyan replies with a friendly
smile. "Too many times in the past have we made errors...by we, I
mean myself and others, not you...by assuming. While I shall not
require you to hold my hand, for decisions such as these it is best to
ensure one has one's timing correct."
She settles for a ruby-eyed glare at the Archon, while Berd tightens
the hemisphere ever so slightly in warning. Then she reaches
forth her hand...
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
A shimmering rainbow aura fans out from Cyan's hand, and there are two red haired women, where only one had stood before.
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
The women standing next to Cyan appears to be in her early twenties.
She is wearing a simple forest green riding dress and her waist length
wavy auburn hair is held back by a matching headband. She is wearing a
pack on her back and carrying another. The only jewelry she is wearing
is an amethyst and gold ring on her right hand. Serena first stares at
Jonnee for quite a few moments and then turns to james and stares at
him with equal intensity ~three of thenm here~.
Serna then turns to Cyan and says, "I thank you for bringing me through
and now that I have seen your comrades it is even more important than I
knew that we meet."
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan's amethyst eyes widen slightly at the woman's declaration, and she
gives her an short bow upon releasing her hand. "It was my
pleasure...Serena, this is James, Jonnee." Berd, wearily sitting
on her shoulder, studies the other red-haired woman for a long moment
before turning his faintly shining eyes back to the Archon. The
bard seems about to say more, but then frowns with some vexation.
"Yes, of course...James, Jonnee, I shall leave you to more detailed
introductions for the nonce. Please pardon my haste, Serena, but
I have yet one more thing to accomplish, and it needs be done swiftly."
Taking two quick steps away from the trio, she points her sheathed
sword (pointing the pommel) at the Archon. "You.
Stay. And be silent - I prepare the way for you now, but my
patience grows short."
Then, sitting down, Cyan quickly goes through her pack, coming out with
a heavy book and a steel case, in which lie an ancient brass and silver
pen, numerous quills, and many small bottles of ink. Flipping
open the book (it seems to contain several drawings already), she
begins to sketch.
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena smiled at Jonee and James and said," My pleasure and thank you
as well for allowing me to come here." then as Cyan explained she had
something to do Serena fell silent and watched.
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
The Archon howls impatiently as it waits for Cyan to finish the sketch.
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena turned and saw Archon and pointing to it said,"That too is in
the portent of a possible future that I have been dreaming which led me
to you three. It is a creature of great power and great Evil. Must you
let it go?" Serena's voice made it very clear she was deadly serious
and wasn't sure letting the thing leave was a good idea at all.
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by James
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Welcome...Serena." James endeavours a little bow, but it looks awkward, unaccustomed as he is to such things.
"I am afraid we must release it. It is the
price we agreed for information. Unfortunately, merely killing
this one creature would have no bearing on the larger... situation."
James chooses his words carefully, trying not to let the Archon know any more than it already does.
OOC:...which means I nearly called Serena cousin.
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Thank you James. Let it go then if an agreement
was made . You are correct killing one would not change the outcome of
the portent." Then she gave him a little curtsy and a small
smile. He must be one of my cousins she thought to herself. Wonder who
his parent is?
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan sketches quickly, and finally nods to Berd. The dome of
force over the Archon rises slowly, becoming a sphere, while the
monstrous creature lifts higher to accomodate the movement.
Dust and fragments of metal swarm across the surface of the globe, making it faintly visible in the cool, red sunlight.
The bard concentrates on the sketch, and a vortex opens in the air
before her, swirling fields of prismatic light. Without even
releasing his hold on the sphere, Berd just forces the whole lot,
forcefield, dust, and Archon, through the newly-opened portal.
Cyan blinks, and the portal folds in on itself.
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd immediately lays his head down on Cyan's shoulder, and begins to
snore like a buzzsaw. One of his eyes stays open a crack, but
remains dull, only vaguely aware.
Cyan carefully closes the book after taking one last look at the sketch
she has drawn. "We should forge that, soon...Berd? Ah,
sleep then." The book and quill set are carefully stowed away,
and then the bard stretches, arms high above her head. Finishing,
she shakes out her hand and turns to the others. "Well.
Finished." Then to Serena. "Well met! And time for
proper introductions. I am Cyan, of No Place In Particular, and
this is Berd, my companion and mentor." Striding forward, she
holds out her hand.
"I hope these two have been treating you well," she says in a
theatrical whisper. "They are a rough lot, but with good
hearts." This with a wink of an amethyst eye to James and Jonnee.
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena smiled and said, "Well
met Cyan, I am Serena..of many places. James and Jonee have been
treating me quite well. Thank you again for allowing me to come.As soon
as the three of you are ready and feel we are in a safe place I will
tell you of the dream portent that has led me to the three of you.".
Serena wasn't trying to be crafty exactly by not mentioning Amber,
however if there was going to be an exchange of personal informations
Serena preferred it to be a mutual exchange.
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Jonnee
-----------------------------------------------------------
"I hope you sent that thing to somewhere that suits its personality." Jonnee says, with a smile.
For the first time since the Archon had been trapped, his wrists aren't itching.
Maybe it's a good sign.
Or maybe he's just getting used to the stress levels.
"So, Serena, I've seen you in Amber, I
think. But not recently, and I don't know that you spotted
me. I was keeping my head down at the time."
"What's this about a dream?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Serena
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Ah well Serena thought,"I
remember you Jonee. It has been a long time. As for the dream I have
been being plagued by it every night for quite awhile. I would like to
tell the whole thing from beginning to end otherwise something
important may be missed."
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by James
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Cyan sent it home. I'll wager it receives a warm welcome." James smiles but it doesn't reach his eyes.
"Serena might have a point. As curious as I
am, I chose this place, well, not for its safety anyway. Maybe
it's time we got in touch with Aaron?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena smiles and says, "I
know I am the new person here and you have no reason to trust me.
However, I really think it is best if I tell you of the portent before
others are brought here as I know for sure the three of you are
involved.
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Yes, Jonnee...as James said, I sent it to a place where there are
other Archons. We know they do not cooperate as much as they
could. I strongly doubt it is in a strong position. And,"
she notes, "I now have another staging area of the Archons for
observation, though no doubt they will strongly fortify it now."
Cyan frowns at the thought of hearing the portententous dream without the others being present. It
is good that Jonnee knows of her, and her of Jonnee...it lends a great
deal of credence to her background. We can trust her, I hope. Better to assume that she could.
"I would rather we have all of us, together. If as you say it is
a long tale, you would not wish to tell it twice?" She gives the
other woman a rueful smile. "Aaron is our leader, and as such we
hold no secrets from him. If he is busy, well and good...in
either case, we should definitely leave this hellground for a place of
greater comfort and safety." For a long moment, the bard studies
their 'backtrail' with amber eyes. "Though I have not the sight
to see it, I'll wager there are others who can track us between the
worlds. Best that we be off. James, did you have a
destination in mind?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena simply nodded and smiled in agreement. Either way was fine with
her as she had thought about it perhaps this Aaron is one of the others
in her dream and then it would truly be beneficial to wait.
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Jonnee
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Hey, this place ain't exactly the vacation spot of the Universe." Jonnee interrupts, waving one hand to encompass the hostile environment they find themselves in.
"And I'm getting kinda hungry. Fast
metabolism, see. What say we move somewhere that we can get some
fast food, and talk without worrying if the fillings are gonna jump out
of our teeth?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by James
-----------------------------------------------------------
James chuckles, "That did cross my mind, Jonnee, but see," he opens his mouth and taps his front teeth, "ceramic fillings."
"I had really thought about a destination. If it's all the same
with you, I won't take you home but in all the multitude of worlds I
should be able to find a decent burger joint...unless you'd prefer
pizza."
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan nods along with Jonnee, a bemused expression on her face at his
choice of worlds. She definitely gets the gist of it,
though. Fast Food I have heard of...but what are these fillings? It's a culture shock every time he opens his mouth, and Cyan likes that. I learn. I learn from all of them.
When James opens his own mouth and taps his front teeth, she actually
leans forward (though not into his face) for a better look. A
glance, nothing more. Ceramic...that is pottery? His
teeth are pottery? No, a part is a different shade. How
curious. I wonder why?
"Fortunately, much of my gear is not of iron composition...and Berd, I
suspect is dealing with the few steel objects I do carry. But
this wasteland...faugh. I agree. I have no quick means to
find us a 'burger joint', nor am I familiar with pizza. I leave
the decision in the hands of those who know better than I. Lay
on, Macduff, and bring us to the meal of your desire," she finishes,
emerald eyes twinkling.
Berd, at the mention of food, actually raises his head and utters a querulous chirrup.
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by James
-----------------------------------------------------------
Lay on MacDuff, and cursed be he who first says, 'Hold, enough.' Right, we need an all-you-can-eat place then.
James tries to formulate a mental picture that encapsulates the idea of
an all-you-can-eat restaurant and projects it towards Berd.
James pauses, checks his gear, then sets off at a steady walk. He can't muster much faster at the moment.
Let's get rid of that purple sky first. The bloody thing's giving me a headache.
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd stares back at James for a long moment.
He then proceeds to study James as the man walks, very intently.
Obviously the little dragon finds something about James fascinating.
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena knew what burgers and pizza were. Although she didn't feel they
were very healthy she knew better than to say so. As she put on her
backpack and picked up her other bag. She began to follow Jonee
and looking at his red hair she wondered as to his parentage. Serena
also wondered how long before their group started asking questions
about her.
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
It is a long way, and the terrain is not as hospitable as it might be,
but it seems to improve slightly with each step. Eventually, at a
point soon after the sky turns just the right shade of blue, they find
a car, parked by the roadside, it's engine ticking over and with a half
tank of fuel.
The owner, dressed in a ridiculously bright shirt, shorts and sandals, is nearby. Dying.
A badly swollen, greenish area on his calf muscle displays two puncture
marks, an inch apart and crusted with some sort of sticky yellow liquid
which has burned the skin.
"Somebody there? Help me... " he asks weakly, his face, all of his skin, crimson and blistered from exposure to the desert sun, "Snake *cough* got me. Big rattler... maybe, don't know *cough* for sure." His breathing is pained and shallow, There's...
a town... *cough cough* ... maybe fifteen miles... in the dire-*cough*
direction I was headed... can you... drive me there? Find the
doc-*cough* the doctor?"
His eyes are strange, as if the orbs have filled with milk, and he is clearly blind.
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena immediately walked over to the man and examined the wound. "I can help you. I am a doctor.".
Small white lie Serena thought. I am a healer but no need to go
advertising the fact. Opening her bag she pulled some sort of green
poultice and slathered the bite with it. As Serena was sreading the
poultice she murmured three words. That should do it Serena thought.
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"No," Cyan whispers, dropping her pack and hurrying toward the
man. "Sir, you - Bitten!" Immediately, she falls to
her knees next to him, sapphire eyes dark with concern. "Sir, do
not move and do not attempt to speak. There may yet be help for
you here, immediately. Berd, can you-?"
As Cyan cradles the dying man's head, Berd (having had a fair bit of
sleep, now) turns his gaze downward, staring into the ravaged, blind
eyes. He pauses, though, as Serena announces her intent, and
waits to see if the strange woman's skills are up to the task of
healing him.
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Jonnee
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jonnee, approaching the man, is startled by the mention of a
snakebite. Reflexively, he pops his blades, just to be safe
before he gets any closer to the man. He smiles apologetically, "Sorry. I hate snakes."
He turns towards the great gray wolf that follows close behind him, "Why don't you take a look around, Hunter, make sure it's not still about?"
The wolf just looks at him, then flops down on the ground, panting,
mouth hanging open in a reasonable impression of a big laugh.
"Fine! I'll do it myself. But you can explain it to everybody when I'm dead."
The young man's cat-like pupils narrow against the glare, and with the
blades extending from his wrists, he starts turning over rocks and
pieces of dead wood.
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by James
-----------------------------------------------------------
I'd be amazed if he's not faster than the snake. Still...
"Don't go looking for trouble Jonnee. Rattlers
don't generally bite unless you get too close, but digging round
looking for its home is asking for it."
James watches Serena's technique curiously. His first approach
would have been to apply a tourniquet above the wound to stop the
poison spreading, but judging from the exposure showing on the man's
burnt skin the time for that was past.
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jonnee does a quick search of the area, leaving no stone
unturned, but can find no sign of the snake. Just a few
small lizards, half a dozen scorpions, and an angry tarantula.
All positively cute and cuddly-seeming to Cyan, James and Jonnee, after
some of the things encountered during their recent excursion into
Cargach's jungle home.
By the time he's satisfied that the area is clear, the injured man is
looking better. Some of the inflamation is fading from his leg,
for a start, and his breathing has eased, though he is now
sleeping. Whether as a result of Serena's medical aid, or due to
the lingering effects of snake venom, is not clear.
Lifting one eyelid reveals that his eyes are clearing.
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Oh, well done," Cyan breathes, clapping Serena (lightly) on the
shoulder. "He appears much better - we should bring him to
safety. He said there was a town, that way." She stands,
looking in that direction while Berd grins at Jonnee's search. "I
assume this is his conveyance...I have no skill with such things," the
bard states helplessly. "I have only observed them at a
distance." Frowning at the car, she looks down at the injured
man. "Perhaps one of you can use it to ferry us to the town?"
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Thank you Cyan." Serena says softly. "'i have seen and driven certain types of conveyance such as these let me look at it.
Serena who had spent a great deal of time of and on on Shadow Earth
knew it was a car. However, it depended on what kind. As she walks over
and looks inside she is trying to tell if it is an automatic car or a
stick shift car.
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Jonnee
-----------------------------------------------------------
"I can probably drive it, if you can't. But it's a heap of junk, so I'm hoping you can drive it. Could be bad for my image, driving something that ugly."
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena glanced back at Jonee and tried to gauge if he was joking or if
he was serious. Judging him to be joking Serena burst out laughing and
just shook her head in amusement. ~I wonder which of my aunts and
uncles are his parent~ she thought.
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by James
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Yes, good job Serena."
"Chances are I can drive it if Serena can't and Jonnee won't.
I've tried my hand at a lot of different cars over the years."
James looks at the sleeping man. "Jonnee, take his feet. We can lie him across the back seat. I don't have to worry about moving him do I, Serena?"
Assuming Serena gives the all clear James will pick the man up, holding him under the shoulders.
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
" No need to worry about moving him James. Go ahead." Serena replied with a smile. as she continued to study the car.
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan shakes her head, smiling at Jonnee's remark despite the
tension. Her ruby eyes darken slightly as she studies the
vehicle, nodding once. "Really...inside it? Like a
carriage." Berd nods his own head in agreement, then curls up on
her shoulder like a cat in a bed.
"Here, now, James - allow me." Moving to the man, Cyan assists
James in carrying him comfortably, with her position at the feet.
"If someone could open the door, we can deposit him within." Berd
loudly protests the sudden movements and, leaping from Cyan's shoulder,
flaps over to the roof of the car, landing lightly.
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
The car turns out to be typical of those found in many Shadows, and any
one of the three experienced motorists should be able to handle it
easily. If everybody wants to travel in the vehicle though, it
will be crowded.
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena turns to the group and says," Well, we will have to crowd in. So
who wants to be the driver?" Serena doesn't want to step on toes by
suddenly doing evertyhing so she is being careful to offer to let one
of the others drive.
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
The journey in the car is a new experience for Cyan, though Berd and
Hunter seem to enjoy it. They sit on opposite sides of the
vehicle, each with his head thrust out of a window, enjoying the cool
wind of their motion.
The town is not large, in terms of population. The sign they
drive past says that there are 985 residents in Clearcreek, but the
buildings are spread out across a large area, with wide streets and a
lot of open space between the, mostly single storey, structures of
white-painted wood.
The next sign they pass points the way to the town clinic, and it is
the work of a few minutes to find the place and help the seriously
weakened man inside. The doctors take a few details, though the
travellers are unable to give much information.
Then they are free to go...
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by James
-----------------------------------------------------------
James makes sure that the car keys are left with the man's other property at the clinic.
James takes the opportunity to talk to one of the nurses at the
clinic's reception. He rejoins the group after a moment.
He's struggling not to laugh, but he can't keep himself from smiling
broadly.
"The best restaurant in town is apparently a place
called 'Le Petit Prince' on Second, but that won't be open until this
evening. The best bet at the moment is Bunyan's Diner on Main."
"She was curious about our get up. I told her we were coming from
a fancy-dress party in the next town over. But what she really
wanted to know was where we got such a large dog...and a pet iguana."
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Cyan listens to James' explanation, nodding along with it.
Apparently this 'Bunyan's Diner' will be where they will...dine.
It makes a certain amount of sense.
His laughter, barely suppressed, she finds curious, all of the way up
to the point where James begins to talk about the 'large dog'.
With a sudden, horrified foreknowledge of what is hurtling in the
direction of the conversation, much like a boulder, the bard raises her
hand desperately, amethyst eyes wide.
"...and a pet iguana."
One of Berd's eyes opens.
The little dragon stares at James for a long moment. Berd
observes his amusement with a jaundiced eye, and a certain, sour
expression creeps across his features. His head swivels on its
neck, turning to stare back down the hallway from whence James has come.
Then Berd slowly shakes his head, sighs a small puff of
rainbow-coloured mist, and relaxes again, his eyes narrowed
balefully. Cyan lets her own breath out in a long, slow sigh.
"It might be a good idea," she says quietly, shaking her head with a
small smile of her own, "were we to go as quickly as possible to where
we might find food."
Berd absently examines his foreclaws, fanning them for a moment.
The gesture is anything but threatening - it's more a casual thing, and
the dragon turns his paw over, curling the claws in and examining them
again. Out of his line of vision, Cyan rolls her eyes at James.
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by James
-----------------------------------------------------------
"I'm sorry Berd, Hunter. It's only because I know how wrong they are that I find it amusing."
James eyes off Berd cautiously, "Please don't do anything nasty to the nurses, they don't know any better."
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Berd
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd glances up at James again, his tail slowly twisting into a
knot. The tip of it sticks out, and he waggles it in the man's
direction. It looks, oddly enough, like nothing less than an
index finger, tch-tching reprovingly.
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena had remained quiet throughout the discussion finally she speaks up and says, "I
think it best that if this diner is busy we hold off on speaking about
the dream portent. People have a tendency to listen and it would not be
wise in my opinion to be discussing such things especially dresed as we
are. So, we could either eat first and talk later or perhaps take our
food to go and find a park to eat in."
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Bunyan's Diner is easy enough to find, marked as it is by the presence
of a gigantic stylised figure of a man, accompanied by an ox, which is,
for some unaccountable reason, painted sky blue.
Inside it is fairly crowded, and there is a sign which reads No Dogs, but there is a small park just across the street, with picnic benches, which is pretty much deserted.
The food is good, if simple, and there is plenty of it to go round,
even if Jonnee does seem to have the appetite of four men, all much
bigger than him. Sitting in the sun, eating and watching the
sparse traffic, it is almost possible to dismiss all thoughts of the
Broken God and the war.
Almost.
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd lies on the ground, semi-comatose from the five or six burgers and
innumberable french fries he has put away. His paws stick up in
the air, flexed, like those of a begging dog lying on its back.
Occasionally he belches a small cloud of mist, each a different colour.
Cyan prods the remains of her sandwich and looks at James with
appreciation. "I must admit that while I have had better, I have
also had far, far worse...and rarely have I had decent enough food on
such short notice. My thanks, James. I am ever amazed by
how some Walkers find what they seek wherever they might travel.
You as well, little glutton." She absently scratches Berd's
distended stomach, watching the cars go by with her rainbow eyes, now
shining a brilliant topaz in the sunlight.
"And so. This leaves us where? With a new Walker among
us. What shall we make of you, Serena?" Cyan asks, with a hint of
humour in her voice. That fades. "I only wish we had met
under different circumstances. Better ones. Perhaps we
should hear of your dreams, my Lady...but might it not be best to bring
the others here, as well?" She glances at James, Jonnee.
"Jack, Dorian and Aaron, others who walk this path with us and our
leader," the bard explains to Serena.
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena had been eating with great relish. The food was better than in
the last shadow she had been in. As she listened to cyan she decided to
ask a question in regards to bringing these others here."Cyan, is one of them a one eyed man and is one what one would call "grim faced"
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Oh, indeed," Cyan says, leaning back and staring up at the sun.
When her head comes down again, her pupils have dilated to pinpricks in
her brilliant ruby eyes. "Aaron would be the man with the single
orb, and Dorian might be considered grim by some. There was no
third man?" she asks with concern.
"Best that we summon them, I suspect." With that, Cyan pulls out her small palanquet sketchbook, flipping through in search of her beginnings of a card for
Aaron. "I really must complete these, someday," she states.
"They will not retain their potency forever. Perhaps, if we take
a rest soon, I might finish this one at least. It is almost
complete."
Focussing on the sketch, Cyan sends her thoughts to Aaron.
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Serena
-----------------------------------------------------------
Serena had nodded in agreement for she could only tell the dream once
in the way she planned to tell it. Returning to her food and drink she
contemplated why the third man was not part of the dream. Perhaps, she
thought if I dream it again it will have changed to include the both of
us. Not a cheerful thought.
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Jonnee
-----------------------------------------------------------
"Yemph," Jonnee says, around a mouthful of hamburger, "Geph Aaro' on vhe li'. I wan' know wha' he'sh bee' doin' 'ile we bee' playimph wiv Miphter Pointy an' hish frienz."
He swallows, then stands, draining the last dregs from a large paper cup that had held something cold, dark and very frothy, "While you're doing that, I need more food. Stomach thinks my throat's been slit. Anybody else want something?"
When he has their orders, he crosses the street and goes back into the diner.
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Cyan
-----------------------------------------------------------
Berd having passed his order through Cyan, begins to snore again as
Cyan reaches out for Aaron through the sketch. A moment passes,
and she whispers, "I have him."
Seconds tick by, and Cyan's lips move once or twice. Then her emerald eyes focus again.
Jonnee is gone by now, and Cyan glances around with some
frustration. "Aaron wishes us to come to him. They are in a
safe place - safer than here, in any case. More private.
But I suspect we shall have to await Jonnee...for it would not do to
leave him behind." She grins, once, then stares off toward
Bunyan's.
===========================================================
Re: Part 34a - Jungle warfare by Dworkin (GM)
-----------------------------------------------------------
Jonnee is soon back, arms laden with food, and then the group departs, leaving nothing but a few startled squirrels...
===========================================================
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