Session 11 - May 26, 2007

1^st Party: Bob, Dia, Tristanu

Bob ambles out of the treeline to look down at the dead orc, before kneeling down to rifle through the various pockets, pulling out spoils of war and slipping them either into his pockets or hooking them on loops sewn onto his tunic. "Good job, kids. Now we just need to see who all they left inside this place."

Dianysia: "Umm... sharing when we get back?"

Bob chuckles, snagging the orc's pistol out of his holster, and making sure it's safetied before tossing it over towards Dia (it'll land near her feet). "Here, you said you wanted a gun. Spoils of war. I never liked the .45s anyway."

Dianysia: "Umm... yeah, well look at everything else later... " Dia tosses the gun back to his feet. "Pleas hold onto that for me... It'll do me no good right now."
Dianysia: "Bob... is there any specific tactics they frequently use that we should watch for?"

Bob shrugs. "As you like. Now, I saw two ways in or out of this place. You two got any preferences for how we go in?"

Dianysia cracks a slightly mischievious smile. "Alive?"
Dianysia: "I prefer that be how we leave, too.

Bob: If they've got any brains at all, they'll have set a trap for us... probably have a kay-zee somewhere... my choice would be to lead with explosives, but I don't know if we can do that and still leave anything for you to study.

Dianysia: kay-zee? explosives? (That's a bit of a big word for a three-year-old)

Tristanu looks confused
Tristanu: Ex...ploshives?

Bob sighs. "A kay-zee is a kill zone. Place where they set up easy ways to kill us without us getting to fight back. Explosives... grenades. If you don't know what they are, I can't explain 'em to you."

Dianysia: Hmm... grenads... anything like a fire ball?

Tristanu: ok then...yes...that would be about as effective as Dia here tossing a fireball into the Scarlet Library...not a good idea

Dianysia: Where are the two entrances?

Bob: Don't know what this 'fire ball' is, but if it's what it sounds like, a ball of fire, then some grenades MAKE those, sure. And one entrance is of course right THERE," Bob points to the doorway about 15 feet away, "and the other's around the other side somewhere. Fact is, they might also be sending a party to flank us that way."

Dianysia: "Which entrance do you favor, Tris?"

Tristanu: "The one that gets us home please

Bob: So, I take it the two of you don't even really know what you're looking for here?

Dianysia: Let's go in the one we came out... the other side?

Tristanu: sure...that will be fine

Dianysia: At least we know where things are there.

Bob: Right then. Son, you take point, and I'll watch our six.

Tristanu: our six what?

Dianysia: " 'Watch our six'?"

Tristanu begins looking around for six of something.

Dianysia: "Is there something we need to know about six? Is that something special here?" she says in distrust.

Bob: Ah jeez... six... it means behind us. Just go, I'll watch our backs.

Tristanu mumbles to Dia as they walk away..."very strange place this...pure lunacy...using numbers in place of directions!"

Dianysia brings Jayde close alongside, ready to send the puppy running if need be.
Dianysia: "Yeah, I know....and Beth thought OUR language was absurd."

Bob stops at the entrance to the temple, motioning Tristanu and Dia back from the entrance before speaking quietly. "There's someone just inside, waiting for us."

Dianysia: "Something or someone?" Dia whispers

Bob: I only caught a glimpse before he faded back out of range, but I'm pretty sure they've posted an orc sentry in there to watch for us

Dianysia: "How did they know we were here?"

Bob just rolls his eyes. "Um, hello? Gun fire? Kinda loud? Or did you forget that even YOU call them 'loud' metal tossers?"

Dianysia smiles sheepishly, but can't hide the blush. "Oh, right.."

Dianysia casts Mage Armor

Dianysia whispers to Bob, "WHere exactly did you see him?"

Bob reaches up to whisper into the radio. "Switch frequencies, we need this one silent here. But first, did you find out anything on Kam?"

Dianysia whispers to Tirstanu. "What's a 'frequency'?

Bob: He's back inside a ways. I can't see more than 30 feet without light, so I don't know how far inside he is now. I just know he's more than 30 ft. inside.

Tristanu whispers back. "how often something happens"

Dianysia: Damn....Umm....Well, standing here isn't going to help...." Dia moves to the entrance, trying to follow any shadows available.
Dianysia moves forward quietly, and as hidingly as possible, looking for the orc...

DM: Dia - you feel a string catch at your ankle, a second too late... as it snaps, and the corridor is filled with fire and little steel balls whistling through the air... you just met a Claymore

Dianysia: "Found... a... trap.... head-rush...Ow..."

Tristanu moves up to the side of the open doorway (where I can't be seen) and delay an action for someone to come out.
Tristanu also listens intently for footsteps, preferably running ones.

Bob shrugs. "Not like it's gonna hurt anything now..." Bob pulls a small elongated ball with a funny handle from a pocket, and removes a pin from the handle, which flips off, before throwing the ball down the corridor... you hear a couple "clink" sounds before another explosion goes off in the corridor, before Bob takes up position at the other side of the door, readying his rifle.

DM: the explosion fades away, and there's no evident response from the orcs inside - no way to know if they're even there or not at the moment... so Dia, right now you're prone just outside

Dianysia: I summon Jayde TO me, and retrieve my easily accessible potion of cure light.... And DOWN the SOB!
Dianysia: Okay... Hmm.... I'll head back in.

Tristanu uses delayed action to attempt to stop Dian from going in. "What in the Abyss are you doing?! Chewy caster does NOT go in first!"
Tristanu will try and YANK Dian over beside him.

Dianysia doesn't refuse, although she does shake off his grasp after coming to a stop beside him. "Don't you DARE do that again."

Tristanu: ok...move in cautiously

Dianysia: "Wait, you guys.. I've got an idea!"
Dianysia: "Come back here..."

Tristanu stops before heading in

Bob grins. "Okay toots, what's your plan?"
Bob: bob tosses in another grenade for good measure, but takes no other action

Dianysia ignores the toots..."Well, depending on what he uses as trip-wires.... we can grind some chalk up and toss it out carefully... maybe we can get some idea of where the wires are by where the chalk dust satacks and doesn't drop to the floor?"

Bob chuckles. "If we had a bunch of time, I'd say sure... but they're bound to have radioed for help by now... so we don't know how much longer before their buddies come back for us... and it'd take a LOT of chalk, because that wire is so fine not much would stick to it... although... what all you got in that pack? any string, and some sort of a weight you could attach it to?"

Dianysia: I've got rope and that's about it... nothing heavy.

Bob: Hrmm... rope might work, tho it might be heavy enough to set off the tripwires, dunno how sensitive he's got 'em on... son, you got anything we could tie some rope to, chuck it down the corridor?

Dianysia: "Well, we cant trip it wih rope, probably.... but it would give away any trip wires in range...."

Bob chuckles. "You obviously don't know how sensitive some of those wires are. Just putting a rope across some of 'em would set some I've seen off."

Dianysia: Either way, we succeed.
Dianysia: We know where they're at and where to avoid...

Bob: true, but if they go off, you lose your rope

Tristanu: how about a whetstone?

Dianysia: Well, aren't we trying to trip them?

Bob: me, I'd rather avoid 'em... and if you can get the rope tied around it, that'd prolly be perfect, son.

Tristanu: um...

Tristanu hands the rope and whetstone to Dia. "I never was the tying type...especially not in these Gauntlets"

Dianysia: So, did I tie it well enough?

DM: well, it doesn't fall out immediately, so that's a good sign

Bob: Right then... so who's gonna chuck this thing? I've got a pretty decent arm, don't know how either of yours is

Tristanu: Go for it

Dianysia: Attach it to an arrow and it'd go further

Bob: "Oh sure, now you mention an arrow. Whaddya think, son? Think you can shoot better than I can throw? She's right that it'd go farther, I just don't know how good you are with that thing and rope attached. Although at a guess I'd say not half bad, and neither would the orc with an arrow sticking out his chest, either.

Tristanu Sighs

Dianysia: Well, yeah, now I mention an arrow. You asked for something heavy.

Tristanu: ok then...tye it to an arrow and tell me where to shoot it...but do me a favor Dia...and don't get any ideas to hold on to the end of it please

DM: okay, you've now got an arrow with a rope attached... btw, at this point there still has been no obvious reaction from any orcs inside

DM: the arrow speeds down to the end of the hallway, shattering on the stone wall at the far back... the rope drifts down, catching on two more trip wires, without setting either off

Dianysia: "Trist... wasn't there a pit here somewhere?"

Tristanu lays on hands on Dia

Dianysia: "Thanks... now can you unt-touch me?"

Tristanu removes his hand from Dia's Breast. "um...sorry"

Dianysia: "So, now what? Trist... do you mind if I hold onto you sword-belt? I can't see a damned thing."

Tristanu: I could fix that...if Bob thinks it would be a good idea?

Tristanu looks to Bob for response

Dianysia: "Don't you dare become a glowing s.o.b.... they'll know EXACTLY where to fire."

Bob shakes his head. "Right. You two stay behind me, I'll head in first. Watch out for those wires, and keep your eyes peeled... they might have more the rope didn't catch." Bob then moves in slowly and carefully, his rifle at the ready, taking great care to step widely over the tripwires as he comes to them (moves to the small hallway, before holding up a hand to stop, whispering back to the other two. "Looks like firelight around the corner of some sort. What can you tell me about what I'm about to be looking at?"

Dianysia: "Pit."
Dianysia: "DO you see any trip wires? You can lift me over them... as long as you do so in a more proper manner..."

Tristanu: Well...it is a place much older than the one you are used to...may look very odd to you

Dianysia: "Too bad you couldn't see the rest....It was gorgeous.... this is only the lower portion of the temple..."

Bob: If you say so. Other than a pit somewhere, anything I need to know? like maybe what'll be around the corner? Am I lookin at another corridor, an open room, or what?

Tristanu: Main temple chambers are ahead...where we fought the Mage that I suspect was the one to bring us here"

Dianysia: I've got a map in my journal
Dianysia: I tell Bob everything he needs to know.

Dianysia mutters abut how she should have memorized alarm.

Bob: Right then. Here's the plan. Since we need the main room intact... I'll lay down some cover fire, and I want Tristanu to move into the room... just to be a presence, tell me if there's anyone there... do NOT go past the zone we've called safe yet... that work?

Tristanu: Fine...but how do you suppose we help Dia get in here with those wires here?

Dianysia: "Lift me over the damn things as we go and I'll wait outside the damned room.

Tristanu: fine... lift her over

Bob: Hrm, good point. What do y'all have in the way of light? I've got a flashlight I can loan her, but it'd probably make her a target. I keep forgetting not all of y'all can see in the dark.
Bob: or that works

Tristanu heads into the room carefully and alertly

DM: trist, you round the corner and see an orc with a long device similar to the one the outside orc tried to fix a knife to, but slightly different... which he fires at you... quite hurriedly, and it goes WAY wild... he's across the pit, btw.

Bob: ok... Bob pokes his head around the corner, and opens up with his rifle... which EASILY hits... jerking the orc around, but he's still standing. Bob calls to Trist simultaneously. "Okay son, get back behind cover and let me take this dog."

DM: the orc's eyes are wide with fear, he's obviously NOT a combat veteran... as he works the action of his shotgun before firing again at Bob... pellets bouncing harmlessly off the stone wall

Dianysia is watching the other end of the hall for entrances being made,

James: Tristanu attacks the orc

DM: hit (he's not wearing body armor like the other was)

Bob opens up on the orc again, but misjudges and misses... he then reaches into his pocket and holds a small tube back towards Dia. "Here, take this. It makes light, push the button to turn it on!"

DM: the orc fires again... and the pelles again slam against the stone wall harmlessly...

Dianysia takes the light, but doesn't turn it on as the flashes are still going and leaving better after images...
Dianysia: I am watching for any change in shadows, etc.

Tristanu: supporting fire

Bob fires again, drilling a shot through the orc, which stands there for a second before collapsing, its weapon falling to the floor with a clatter.

Dianysia: "Bob...would looking like them help us ANY?"

Bob: Not that I know of. They'll shoot anything that's not them, at this point. He didn't even WAIT to see who was comin around the corner before firing, means they're all hunkering down. And if this is the worst, looks like they only left one guard by the aay pee see.
Bob: Now folks, are you SURE I can't lead in with a couple more frag grenades? If there's anybody left in there, it'll clear 'em out reeeeal good."

Tristanu: I would prefer if we didn't

Dianysia: Let me re-phrase... Would it help if I looked EXACTLY like boy wonder here?

Bob: "Honestly? No. At this point, they'll assume he's dead, because mine was the last weapon to fire. They know he had a shotgun, and I've got a rifle."

Dianysia: "All right then. Now what?"

Bob: Well son, what's the plan at this point? I caught a look at that pit of yours, looks like they've got it bridged, but I'd give better than even money it's trapped. I'd suggest trying to trick 'em into surrendering, but they know most prisoners get killed anyway, so I don't think it'd work...

Dianysia: "I really don't understand your... world, so I can't offer you ideas... In my world, you could send in a pretty girl and distract anyone."

2^nd Party: Reese, Jeff, Beth

Chuckie D: i try and find Reese

DM: heh... it'll take you several minutes, unless she also goes looking for you

Reese: Reese continues running towards the uncleared area, turning around when she can to fire at the wounded orc.

DM: Orc guard fires off a bit of automatic fire at Reese, the only target he can see, just hoping to hit SOMETHING at that extreme range... missing completely... another bark from the odd-sounding gun, and a round pierces a tree branch where Reese's head had been a moment before.

Bethany: Bethany lowers her head and holds her hand up, pointing to a dot which forms in front of her. The dot gradually becomes larger as the astral material filters into the prime plane, taking the shape of a hideously deformed orc.

Reese quickly spins around, dropping to a knee, and taking aim at the orc that has been firing on automatic at her, and carefully fires a shot off at him.

DM: reese – no hit.
DM: jeff - you're at the tree line, you still don't know EXACTLY where the others are, but you can see the general area where Reese was, by seeing the gunfire & spotlights searching there

Jefferson Harco: ok well i head that way, full tilt
Jefferson Harco: but not going into the clearing

DM: the orc guard ejects the magazine on his rifle, popping in a fresh clip before moving backwards, aiming the gun over the fence, and firing something with a strange "foomp" sound from the cylinder underneath the barrel... and an explosion rocks the trees behind reese... another of the strange barks rings out, and this time a round slams home at Reese, 3 damage

Bethany: Bethany looks at the astral construct in front of her, and it starts to move towards the compound, and then she lowers her head again, pointing at a new dot, it growing into something that almost looks like Dianysia.

Reese: Reese just mutters under her breath, then reaches over and triggers the radio, "Distractors are botched, falling back... aborting mission," she says before running like crazy for the tree line.
Reese: As she hits the tree line, she drops prone, and says semi-loudly, "Anyone hear me?"

Bethany: Whispers into the radio, "Ma'am, what do you want me to do?"

Reese: "Just get low and wait for my orders," Reese replies back into the radio.

Reese: "Only found some bullets coming at me, that damn 'I wont carry a adio guy' fucked up bad," Reese replied into the radio, then saying again, "Beth switch to preset 4," then hit the four button on her radio.

DM: the orc guard reloads his grenade launcher, and the sniper kicks into high gear, squeezing off two rounds at the leading construct...
DM: first round goes wild, second slams home.
DM: lights appear around the edge of the southern building, as a large vehicle of some sort starts moving quickly, heading for the base gate

Bethany: Sends the mental message for the other construct to continue running out into the open, a rifle forming into is hands as it does, and Bathany drops low onto the ground, trying her best to hide.

Reese: Reese hunkers down low, hiding the brush, and watching for any targets to come into sight, hoping that they will assume the people running deeper into the woods.

DM: the sniper fires one shot at the construct and scores a solid hit

Bethany: as the last round passes through the constructs body, it drops, then vanishes.

DM: the vehicle comes roaring through the gate to the compound, skidding as the driver turns it hard, almost fishtailing as he roars towards the disturbance in the woods (still not there yet)

Reese: "Beth, can you make another one of those?" Reese says into the radio.

Bethany: "Yeah, why?" Bethany responds.

Reese: "I have a plan, come to me..."

Bethany: Beth looks around, trying to find Reese based off the early speaking, and starts to make her way towards her.

Reese: "I want you to make one of those, we are going to have a little fun with it," she says pulling a small grey brick from her pocket, and putting two metal prods into each one, attaching a wire to the prods, which is attached to another device with a button on it. "I only have 40ft of wire, so we will have to wait for them to get close," she adds. "Make the things you make appear to be surrendering, and try to make it look like me."

DM: the sniper fires off a couple rounds at the 2nd construct... both hit... the guard also squeezes off a round... which misses...
DM: the humvee also roars closer, and now the two of you can see that in addition to the driver, there's a machine gun on top, and he's firing at the construct as well... the area riddling with bullets, as the construct takes another several rounds

Bethany: Looks over at Reese, before pointing towards a dot that has appeared, concentrating on making it identical to Reese, at least as much is possible.

Reese: Reese attachs the explosive to the back of the construrct, then gets her rifle back out, and looks down the scope at the hummers driver. "Send it out whenever ready."

DM: the hummer continues moving, driving forward and past where the two of you are hiding, the gunner spraying fire into the trees at roughly chest height as he goes, more for effect than anything else... the spotlights are also sweeping through, looking for anything obvious...

Bethany: Beth nods to the contstruct, which abosrbs the explosive into its back, the wiring being abosrbed until it comes out of its foot, then another gesture and the construct takes off for 20 feet, then drops to its knees, hands on its head.

DM: okay... the spotlights all skewer the construct, which has the appearance of a man, although is made out of the strange substance... as it's kneeling, the hummer spins around, and skids to a stop a good ways away. Another orc hops out of the passenger side, pointing his rifle at the construct, and yells at it to lie down on the ground

Bethany: It lies down when its initative comes around again.

DM: the one orc moves up close to the construct, the hummer still 20 feet off, and taps the muzzle of his rifle against the back of the construct's head. "Okay buddy, stand up carefully, slowly, and with no sudden moves get that armor or whatever the hell it is off."

Reese: Reese whispers to Beth, "Think it can get to the humvee before they get a chance to kill it?"

Bethany: Beth nods, the looks at the construct, whose form shifts to appear like a blob, then moves towards the humvee, to climb into the passanger seat.

DM: as soon as the blob shifts, the orcs use their readied actions to open fire... and the one on the machine gun opens up too... misses...
DM: the sniper also takes shot at the moving construct quickly... and ALSO misses... which means it gets into the humvee just fine... and the explosive goes off... which means you're treated to a VERY spectacular explosion...
DM: the C4 sets off the humvee's gas tank... the 2 orcs inside are crispied... the orc in front dives enough out of the way to avoid most of the blast, and is now prone

Bethany: Beth smiles, watching the one survivor dive to the ground, holding her hand up, and flinging a crrystal towards the prone orc.

DM: he's hurt, but still very active, swearing up a storm... unless you've got anything else in mind, reese will be up

Reese: Reese pulls her rifle up from its sling, dropping the detnator, and fires a single shot at the prone orc.

DM: shot goes off to the side harmlessly...
DM: the sniper fires at reese's muzzle flash... and misses, by a good distance... the orc on the ground stays down, crawling sideways towards the trees, obviously trying to get into them elsewhere while minimizing himself as a target... unfortunately slowly enough he doesn't make the treeline at this point... the searchlights are playing wildly over the area where the 2 of y'all are

Bethany: Beth places her hand on Reese, and concentrates on the ammo pocket of the orcs gear, a buzzing filling the air, and a slight glow surrounds the area under concentration as it begins to heat up.

Reese: Reese drops her rifle onto its sling, pulling her MP5 up, and quickly attaching the silencer to it, moving backwards on her belly before getting up into a crouch, and heading towards where the orc is trying to enter the woods.

DM: the orc continues his crawl into the trees, taking cover in the trees...

DM: beth, you've lost line of effect to your target

Reese: Reese brings her mp5 to bare, and whispers under her breath, "Hello fucko," and doubletaps the trigger.

DM: ok... it stiches across him, but it stopped by his armor... unable to tell EXACTLY where you're coming from, he fires a burst in your general direction... which happens to be in the wrong place to hit you, reese... one of the searchlights pins him briefly before seeing that it's NOT one of the attackers...

Bethany: Bethany resumes concentration, this time on a gernade

Reese: Takes aim at the orc again, doubletapping once again.

DM: misses
DM: the orc changes position, hearing the bullets stitch the ground near it, trying to stay hard to see, as he again fires blindly into the woods... again missing wildly.

Bethany: Continues to concentrate on the Orc

Reese: Lowers her aim slightly, and watches the orc, readying an action to fire if she gets a better shot at him.

DM: the orc now has a chance to notice that something on his vest is getting unusually warm, and quickly rolls onto his back, grabbing at the grenade and grimacing at the heat before pulling it off and throwing it away into the woods, off to the side of the proper direction from Reese (breaks line of effect)

Bethany: Bethany mutters slight under her breath, then focuses her mind again, agitating the basic matter of the the orcs ammo belt again, trying to cause the ammo to explode.

Reese: Watches the orc throw a gernade with a confused look, espeically when it did not explode, and took aim, doubletapping again.

DM: no good, it's just not getting through his armor
DM: the orc fires again into the forest trying to hit Reese... again picking the wrong direction... then ejects his empty ammo cartridge, grabbing a new one and slamming it home, too quickly to notice the first signs of warming of that pouch

Bethany: Maintains concentration

Reese: Fires another pair of bullets at the orc.

DM: THAT will do it...
DM: he'll feel THAT one in the morning... but for now, he's still alive & kicking... and pissed... this time, he's specifically looking around for you...
DM: okay... he's spotted you...
DM: 40mm grenade round, headed your way... lol... he fires off the under-barrel grenade launcher... and some of the fragments kiss your side and leg.

Reese: Mutters a curse under her breath, as a hand flies to an area where a peice of shrapnel entered her leg, and rips it out, pressing her hand against the wound to slow the bleeding.

Bethany: Finishes concentration and continues until the fireworks begin.

DM: okay... full ammo clip cooking off... that's BAD for the orc... his body is thrown like a rag doll... spotlights are playing all OVER that part of the woods... and he's CLEARLY not getting back up

Session 10, May 19, 2007

1^st Party: Bob, Dia, Tristanu

DM: Reese & group have already arrived... and Bob & group we'll have them just starting out... heading back to the temple area...

Dianysia: "So, Bob, what's Reese's story? Why's she so... uh... jumpy?"

Bob: "Ahh, don't worry so much about her, sweet cheeks... she's just worried about Kam, is all... he's not got a lot of experience, but he's the only one we could spare this time."

Tristanu comes out of his room strangely relaxed and ready to take on the world with his newfound friends

Bob: "Ah good, you're ready to go. I got yer treated armor out here, dunno if you wanna hike then put it on, or put it on then hike"

Tristanu: "I'm quite used to wearing it while walking" *Begins to put on armor*

Dianysia: “I'm NOT sweet cheeks!” She unthinkingly smacks Bob with her stick (quarterstaff)

Tristanu: ok then...move action to remove myself from the restraint of this armor which seems to impede me even when I am not wearing it...and delaying to see what the other two do

Dianysia stand stock still, quarterstaff at side, looking both pale and surprised.

Bob wipes his lip, a tiny spot of blood beading at the corner, before glaring over at Dia. "That was one. You get one. Next time, I don't hold back. If you EVER take a swing at me again, I guarantee you will regret it. Am I clear?" While the words are somewhat innocent, the tone is flat and emotionless... the tone of a professional soldier.

Tristanu motions for Dia to come over to him

Dianysia shakes her head towards Tristanu. "I actually... and it... oh my... umm.." Her expression changes. "I need to write this in my journal! I'll have to study that. Thank you for ethe experiment!"

Tristanu looks extremely puzzled

Bob takes a step closer to Dia, getting right up in her face. "Am. I. Clear?"

Dianysia: No, you're rather opaque, actually. Now, you're standing between me and my journal. Oh, and I'm not Sweet Cheeks. Am *I* clear?" ((There is NO fear in her tone))

Bob: Bob grabs for the staff suddenly...

Bob steps back with the staff, growling. "No more."

Dianysia: "Likewise"

Bob flings the staff across the room, knocking boxes to the ground across the way. "Now, get your ass in gear."

Tristanu ducks

Dianysia: "Fine, but no more sweet cheeks... doll, sweetheart, or either of the preferables Dia or Princess is fine..."
Dianysia: "As is Bitch, if need be."

Bob: "Get the hell out of my face, before I lose my temper."

Tristanu grabs dia and spins her to face him...his look says all

Dianysia: "Fine. Whatever... but only for you. Now PLEASE let me go. I don't do well with being manhandled."

Tristanu releases Dia..."Please...let's just make sure we get home"

Dianysia turns to Bob. "Sorry about the face.I don't think I've actually ever hit with my staff before..."

Bob goes to stand in the entrance hall, waiting for Dia & Tristanu to finish up

Tristanu finishes getting armored
Tristanu cusses at the restrictive nature of his armor
Tristanu makes an underhanded comment about his armor seeming to be more trouble than it is worth

DM: btw... the armor has been painted in a green/brown camo pattern, appropriate to the terrain around here

Dianysia writes quickly about incident in journal then stashes it again.

DM: okay… you've arrived within sight of the temple, only to see orcs all over it, obviously examining all the details... after a couple minutes, you hear one of 'em start shouting, and they all start loading into strange metal wagons

Tristanu keeps an eye on them

Bob sits down with his back to a tree, keeping an eye on the orcs in the valley below. "I figure we'll give 'em a couple minutes to clear out before we head down. Sound good to you?"

Dianysia conducts this all to memory to write in her journal
Dianysia whispers "What are those? The wagons..."

Tristanu: " Aye...do you think they will all leave? Or are they known for leaving behind a small defense force?"
Tristanu: "So...how good are you with that metal tosser there Bob?"

Bob shrugs. Who knows. My guess is, they leave a few sentries, maybe as much as a whole squad. And I'm pretty good, I guess... bagged more than my fair share of greenies, I tell you that much."

Tristanu: "Good enough to cover my arse as I head in?"

Dianysia sits on a patch of ground, Jayde cuddled up against me to wait the few minutes. "This is hard to get for me... back home, we are all the same.. not race or gender, but same..."

Bob chuckles. Oh, I should think so." Bob unslings the weapon from his back, snapping two pieces apart to look at the smaller one, before fitting them back together. "My first thought is, I get in position to cover you, then the two of you head in, do whatever you do, and I'll take out as many as I can... sound like a plan?"

Tristanu: "Yep...sounds like the same plan I had in mind"

Dianysia: "I'm just along for the ride."

Tristanu: "Oh...you are here for so much more than just the ride my dear"
Tristanu: "I may have need for your...expertise yet

Dianysia looks at him strangely. "My expertise?"

Tristanu: "Yes...did you get a good look at any of those guys who were speeding off?"

Bob grins. "Awright you two, keep it down. You just figure things out between yerselves, but give me three minutes to get into position, then move out. When I can see you movin, I'll attack. Good enough?"

Tristanu nods at Bob

DM: Yes - they're orcs, dressed similarly to Bob, in the strange mottled green & brown clothing - the strange metal carts have no horses pulling them, made all the more obvious by the lights ahead of them. Something about their wheels strikes you as odd, too... in leaving, you can see that one of the carts was left behind, and at least one orc guarding it, plus who knows how many inside.

Tristanu: "Can you make yourself look exactly like one of them?"

Dianysia: "Yes, but I don't speak their language...Nor do I know their customs..."

Tristanu: "I don't need you to blend in...just provide enough of a chance for me to strike in the event we get ambushed"

Dianysia: "What do you mean?"

Tristanu: "I mean if they see you...they will think twice about opening fire...and if we heard them coming...I would be out of sight and waiting for an opportunity to strike"
Tristanu feels as though this need to dummy down the whole plan is wasting valuable time

Dianysia: "I'd have to get a different cam-o-flage...the one I have now wouldn't work for a shift... it doesn't shift size when I change.
Dianysia: "And do you think it's safe to shift with Bob around? He might shoot me in the confusion..."

Tristanu: after 3 minutes we make our way to the nearest visable entryway...as stealthily as humanly possible for us...which is not much

DM: Trist, you get out of the trees before being spotted
DM: there's probably a good 20 feet between you and the orc by the strange metal wagon

Tristanu: ok then...charge

DM: whiff!

DM: the orc takes a step back, and grabs for something at his hip, eyes going wide at the sight of this strange thing wielding three feet of sharp steel. He pulls out something that looks vaguely like a hand crossbow and points it at you, making noises like Beth's "pistol" as she calls it... sending something clanging through one of your armor joints

DM: Bob is up... and you hear a loud "bang" from off in the woods, and a strange whistling sound zips by your head, the orc jerking backwards slightly, shaking his head as if unnerved

Dianysia casts magic missile.

DM: the bolts slam into the orc, stinging his hide repeatedly, as he continues to growl and try to shake off the hits

Tristanu: ok...step to put him between myself and the APC

DM: he takes a step back, setting his back against the APC, eyes narrowing as he obviously stops worrying about the oddity of the situation, and takes another shot at you... which goes spinning off wildly into the night

DM: Bob... fires again... this time to no visible effect

Dianysia casts magic missile.

DM: the orc growls, as two more bolts come in to sting his hide, blackening bits of his skin. He grunts something out that neither of you recognize.

Tristanu: ok...stepping up right next to him…
Tristanu: Swinging sword...very important...from the right to try to disuade him from stepping to his left on his next move

DM: the orc dodges easily
DM: he'll take another step back, and fire
DM: aaaand, misses VERY poorly, again

DM: Bob now has no shot, so is moving up

Dianysia shifts to have line of sight... then casts electric jolt

DM: a small bolt of lightning blasts into the orc, scorching his vest and playing across the various clips on it.

Tristanu: stepping to block the orc against the wagon again...swinging from the right

DM: slash a line across its arm

DM: at this point, instead of firing, the orc steps back around the corner of the APC and slips his "pistol" into a strange holder at his hip, pulling a strange object off his shoulder, looking similar to the device Bob was carrying, smoothly pulling a strangely-shaped knife from his belt and somehow bolting it to the end of his device, making it look very similar to a short spear.

DM: and Bob's up... has line of fire again... misses

Dianysia: casts ray of frost

DM: hit... a small circle of frost appears on the orc’s clothing, but he shakes the effects off easily.

DM: both of you hear Bob's voice come suddenly from the box at your shoulder: "Keep back from him, I've got something that'll work."

Tristanu: ok then....from this range...drop sword and pull myself a bow =P

DM: it goes right through the orc's shoulder, sticking part-way through... looks VERY painful, as the orc is obviously grimacing

DM: the orc lifts his weapon to his shoulder, obviously in great pain to do so, and aims it at Trist... firing off a burst... which hits the ground by your feet, throwing up dirt clods

Bob holds down the trigger on his assault rifle, squeezing off a burst of auto-fire, filling the air around the orc with spinning bits of metal...

DM: the orc is struck several times, dancing in the air slightly before collapsing, the light gone from his eyes

2^nd Party: Reese, Jeff, Beth

DM: okay... you've just topped a hill, and the compound is in sight... it's a fairly small compound, with three concrete buildings forming roughly three sides of a square around a large field area, which is taken up primarily by what is obviously a holding area... bars & razor wire up top... there is a walkway leading from two of the buildings to the periphery of the holding area... the entire compound is surrounded in an 8-ft. chain link fence, with razor wire on top, and several spotlights on top of the buildings are sweeping the plains around... a dirt road leads off to the south

Reese: Drops to her knees and indicates to Jeff to do the same as she pulls out her binoculars and scans the compound.

Jefferson Harco what do you see? *as he drops to his pre-commando position

Reese: "Ok, here is what we are going to do," Reese whispers as she puts her binoculars away, and pulls out two metal balls, with a strange clip attached to them. "You will head down to the fence, without getting spotted, pull the pin here," she says indicating the pin, "and then remove the lever, and toss them over the fence and then run for cover, they will start to run out of the compund, at that point, engage them as is safe. Safe being one on one."

Jefferson Harco: ok then gotcha

Jefferson Harco grabs the balls with the clips chanting to himself, "pull, toss, run...pull, toss, run...."

Reese: "I'll give you some cover and create more chaos from this ridge," she said, putting the scoop of her rifle to her eye, and making a few last adjustments to it. "Go when ready," she says, then starts to move eastwards to line up a shot on the guard at the containment area.

Jefferson Harco starts heading over to the fence, attempting to avoid any detection from overhead spotlights

Reese: I am moving into an appriopriate positon in medium range of the rifle and good cover.

Jefferson Harco: ok well im moving towards the fence, do i notice anyone around?

DM: nope

Jefferson Harco: ok keep going, trying to hide behind whatever is availiable

DM: Jeff... you just barely avoid being pinned by a spotlight

Jefferson Harco is still moving to Nav point Alpha

DM: okay Jeff, you can see a guarad approaching on the inside of the fence, and you're about 30 feet away from it now
DM: Reese, you can see Jeff near the fence, and you can see the guard approaching

Reese: Smiles, moving ten feet to cover (skirmish ability) and drops to her knee to stablize her weapon and takes aim at the approaching guard, and aims it at the orcs upper chest.

DM: yeah... Jeff, the minute you step closer to the fence, he swings the strange stick in his hands to point at you, and yells out something that sounds strangely like "cold"

Jefferson Harco: i stand up and move right to fence
Jefferson Harco: pull the pin on one grenade and throw it over the orcs head as far as i can

DM: right then... ball lobs over his head, bounces a couple times, and suddenly explodes, much like a fireball, except with lots more sudden "boom"

Reese: Reese quickly doubletaps the tirgger of her rifle towards the surprised orc, and counts to two not waiting to see if the orc is down to start running for a new spot.

DM: the guard jerks backwards, obviously hurt but still standing, and obviously pissed. He yells something in orcish, and fires at Jeff...
DM: and you feel something "bite" your arm
DM: and at the same time, several spotlights aim towards you, pinning you in a VERY bright light

DM: Reese, you can also see tons of activity within the compound

Jefferson Harco: ok i run first lob the second ‘ball’ back

DM: orc takes some damage, but it still standing, snarling out at you, as the lights follow you

Reese: Continues her short running, then dropping again to her knees in a very well practiced and trained way, and takes quick aim on the orc, and doubletaps the trigger again.

DM: no effect
DM: The orc behind the fence takes aim again, opening fire, this time letting loose a burst from his weapon... which fails to hit.

Jefferson Harco: Full Round Sprint!!!
Jefferson Harco: away from everything

DM: okay, you're now 200 feet away from the fence... the lights are still following you, but you're about 1/2 way to the limit of where they've cleared back the treeline

Reese: Stands up, and runs ten feet closer to her mark, dropping to her knee again and taking aim, a little more carefully, double tapping the trigger again.

DM: The bullets puff off the orc's body armor, obviously impacting but not doing any significant damage. It does draw the attention of one of the search lights, however... and you are highlighted as well.

DM: The orc diverts his attention from the fleeing monk, and rounds on Reese, firing on automatic in her general direction
DM: Another shot rings out, this one a single shot with a different sound, kicking up the dirt just to the side of Reese

Reese: Jerks around slightly as a round slams well into her gut, getting stopped by her armor, but not before breakign the skin underneath, and causing a fair bit of pain.

TO BE CONTINUED…

Session 9, May 12, 2007

DM: Reese: Bolts up out of her seat, pistol in hand, "Look bitch, I have been fighting out here for more then ten years, fighting to free and liberate more people then you will ever be able to count, lost more friends then you will know, and have fought in battles I should not of been able to sruvive. So before you get all high and mighty about who you call a coward, think a moment. I will not give you a second chance to even imply that I am a coward."

DM: Tristanu Violently erupts from his seat kicking the chair out behind him, sending it smashing against the wall. He slams his fists down on the table as hard as he can (Might need to troll to see if it breaks)) and speaks VERY loud and Angrily. "STOP THIS NONSENSE! WE ARE BOTH TRYING TO FIND ANSWERS HERE AND THIS IS NOT HELPING ONE BIT! i TRIED BEING NICE BUT NOW IT IS TIME FOR YOU TO BE QUIET!"
DM: Simultaneously, Bob bursts up out of his chair, sweeping his arm across Reese's torso to knock her backwards, not caring if she manages to keep her feet or trips over her chair. "Reese, shut the HELL up! And you," here Bob rounds on Dia, pointing at her. "Stop goading her. And YOU," Bob rounds on Tristanu, "sit down and stay calm. We can sort this out like civilized people."

Dianysia takes a deep breath, and speaks quietly. "I am sorry. You are right, Reese... I am being... not nice...I will be nicer.... I will help find your Kam, but please know it might be hard or not... do able...."

Tristanu speaks very quietly to Bob: "Yes...I am sure that WE can sort this out like civilized people...but I'm not so sure THEY can"

Dianysia: "Oh, we most certainly CAN... more of a question of if we WILL..."

Reese: "Metal man, insulting me, and your fellows is not very civlized," Reese says before sitting back down, holstering her pistol.

Dianysia: Either way, I'm tired... you all work out what we need to do... I am okay with most things... I am NOT okay, however, with the way things are now... I am not armed and more than a little unhappy about that...
Dianysia: I am not able to keep me safe.
Dianysia: "Please stop calling him Metal Man, my dear... his name is Tristanu."

Bob nods, sitting back down slowly, glaring at everybody in turn. "Good. Now, let's talk about this. We're agreed in principle to working together, to both solve the mystery of Kam... and solve the mystery of your arrival, yes?"

Dianysia: "I think it's more a mystery of how we get out of here."

Tristanu waits for the compulsory snide comment before speaking...

Bob: "As you will"

Tristanu: "Yes...we both have goals to achieve that can be mutually beneficial"
Tristanu: "We...Obviously *Casts a glare at Dian*...do not belong here and need to go back, and you need to find your missing man"

Jefferson Harco: I beleive that the answer to both of our problems lies within the temple.

Reese: O- "What are you thinking Bob?"

Tristanu: "Agreed"

Bob: O - "It's pretty simple. We send them out to find Kam. I couldn't find any sign that he'd gotten to the hollow before us, and you know Kam wasn't that good at hiding his tracks. And if he's a prisoner... better that we have a little help to find him."

Dianysia: "I don't mind helping you find him... so long as you stop assuming we've caused it, Also, be prepared... he may have switched places with us, may be under a pile of rrock, or - and don't shoot the messenger- might be a turn coat

Reese: o- "These guys are likely to become prisoners themselves out there... if they are that lucky."

Jefferson Harco: well maybe we have to figure out what happened by going back to the temple
Jefferson Harco: we were to get to the temple to get the artifact before someone else did.

Reese: "What Artifact... a weapon?"

Jefferson Harco: what if that someone else is this Kam character?

Bob: O - That's as may be. But it's not like we could stay here more than a couple more days anyway - they're already sniffing at our tracks."

Jefferson Harco: I dont know really, we were just told to get it.

Tristanu: "We were told it was a weapon of mass destruction...yes"

Dianysia: Why would it be a weapon? It's well... more of a mislocator, so far as I can tell... something that guarantees you loose your keys..."

Jefferson Harco: did you grab it?

Dianysia: No. But we are heavily mislocated

Tristanu rolls his eyes and speaks under his breath "That's what elves are for...we don't need an artifact for that"

Jefferson Harco: well we need to find it, maybe we should go back and get it? maybe it has the answers

Dianysia: And maybe if we ask it really nicely it'll send us home...

Reese: "By now, going back will get you killed," Reese says, "In fact they are probably already fighting over it."

Jefferson Harco glares at Dia, recognizing the obvious sarcasim in her voice

Jefferson Harco: well lets get it back

Dianysia: "Then they won't notice us slipping in... it's our best hope... that's where your homey was supposed to be and that's where we first found... here...

Bob: "But maybe that's just the opening that we need. Reese, think about it. If they're swarming over that thing... then they won't have as many men at camp, and we'll have the opportunity to see if they've got Kam there. And if so... we can either pull him out, or silence him, as the situation calls for."

Jefferson Harco: exactly, lets go
Jefferson Harco gets up as to leave

Bob: "Don't be hasty, son." Bob motions for Jeff to sit down. "This ain't somethin you can rush off to do without proper planning. That'll get you killed before you've gone five miles."

Dianysia: "Not so fast, Jeff... I'm useless now... I can't cast more than simple cantrips... I can't defend myself...."

Jefferson Harco sits back down

Dianysia: "So, what now? You don't trust us any further than you can throw us, which is mutual, and we can't just run off without a plan... what do we do in the meantime.

Tristanu: "Sticking your nose back in that book might help"

Dianysia: "Wouldn't be a problem if I was sure I wasn't going to be shot in the back... I don't mean that offensively, either, but I am at a severe diisadvantage, here...

Reese: "Get you out of that stuff you are wearing now would be a good start," Reese says, looking pointedly at Tristanu.

Bob: "Well, we can treat you to all the hospitality we got here, for now. But I figure we can be on our way by nightfall. And unless y'all got some crazy tricks stored in them funny clothes you got on, I think I know just how we can make this work."

Dianysia: "I can take care of that," Dia jokes, turning and rejoining the group.

Bob: "Take care of which, doll?"

Dianysia: "More seriously... this is our best defense... we use armor to protect... well, he does... do you have anything that would work better?

Jefferson Harco: how can you make this work?

Tristanu awaits his fate

Reese: "That armour wont do him much good here, better off going without," Reese replied, "But I think Bob might have some stuff he can dig up."

Dianysia: "Dia, not Doll...and 'yes'"
Dianysia: "Oh, no... you mean...we'll have two people going commando?""

Jefferson Harco: really? i always thought i would be a loner on that aspect

Bob: "We need to split into two groups. I'll lead one, Reese leads the other. I don't know which of you four are the stealthiest, but your quietest two should go with Reese to the Orc encampment. They'll mostly be off checking out your 'temple' as you call it. You can scout out the place, figure out if Kam is there as I suspect, and if so, figure out what to do. Reese, I trust your decision on this one."

Dianysia: "Ummm.... Jeff is probably the ONLY one even close to quiet in our group..."

Reese: G- "That sounds promising..."

Jefferson Harco: im pretty good at going commando

Dianysia: "Well, I usually am, but Reese and I don't seem to quite see eye-to-eye and are less than quiet when combined."

Jefferson Harco: im probably the best there is
Jefferson Harco: ask the rest of em

Bob: "Meanwhile, I'll take the tin can with me and whoever is left of the 4 of you, and we'll go back to this 'temple' place. I can keep you out of sight, until the alarm is raised at camp. Reese, I expect you to set SOME sort of a diversion, at least. It'll take them a minimum of half an hour to get their forces back. Once they leave, the three of us can get in, get this artifact thingy, and get out. We'll meet you back here."

Dianysia: "Okay, for the last time... his name is Tristanu... not Tin Man or Metal Man," Dia says defensively.

Jefferson Harco: we remember your names, its only fair that you try to remember ours

Reese: "Well Pointy Ear, he is Tin Man as long as ihe is in a tin can, anyways, get some rest and gear up who ever is coming with me, we will leave first light tomorrow," Reese says before getting up.

Tristanu: "Agreed...I am not the stealthy kind...And I think Dia should go with Reese *slight grin*"

Bob: "No, Reese. We need to do this tonight. We'll need the cover of night to get anything done. You know they can't see out past thirty feet at night, same as me. This way you've at least got SOME movement choices."

Tristanu: "After all...looks like they need to get to know each other a bit better"

Dianysia: "She's ALL yours Jeff...Hmm... not a good idea... unless you want the diversion occuring HERE... Show me where I can stay for now, Bob...I said I'd be nice... it's getting a bit more difficult not to start a World War right now."
Dianysia whispers in elven.

Jefferson Harco: ok so who am I with?

Dianysia: Reese... she's all yours...

Bob: "Sounds like it'll be you and Reese heading out to the encampment tonight."
Bob: "Along with the cutie here."

Reese: "Can we at least find them a sidearm before we head out?" Reese asks.

Dianysia: "Who's he calling the cutie?"

Jefferson Harco: hes probably talking about me
Jefferson Harco: sidearm? i have two of them *starts punching furiously into the air*

Dianysia: "Oh, that'd be great... I can't wait to see how they work...I can't wait to take a couple apart!"

Bob: "Nice. We got a martial arts wannabe."

Jefferson Harco: I call this lefty, and this one righty

Dianysia: "Actually, he's pretty good. Besides, he can't own a gun."

Jefferson Harco is showing off his left and right arms as they are awesome

Dianysia: So, I'm sticking with Tristanu, Jeff is going with Reese, right?

Jefferson Harco: i have been blessed with poverty

Bob: "Well, we need two and two... so which of you dolls is goin with the sack-cloth wonder?"

Jefferson Harco: and any wealth i come across is given to those who need it

Dianysia: "Yeah... it makes you quite.... SPECIAL..."

Reese: Grins at Bob.

Dianysia: "Beth woulod probably get along better..."

Bethany: "I am not particularly stealthy..."

Jefferson Harco: So who all is going commando with me....Trist? are you 'in'?

Dianysia: Besides, Tristanu has served as my protector since we've set out, and I've come to rely on him.
Dianysia: No, Jeff... he's a little less than quiet, which is what you need in this endeavor.

Jefferson Harco: oooh gotcha

Dianysia: "And anyways... He's obviously the only one who can shut me up...." Dia gestures at the aftermath of Tristanu's explosion.

Bob: "It's not so much stealth that's needed, as much as just being able to shut up, stay close, and go where Reese tells you. It's not like you can sneak past a motion detector anyway. Just stay out of the spotlights, and you should be good."

Dianysia: "Yeah... orders, me... not best of friends..."
Dianysia: What in the fifth level of the abyss are you talking about? Spotlight? Motion detector?

Bob: "Spotlights, kinda like our lights here around the room, but brighter and directed. Motion detectors... sometimes I forget how little you people know. They're devices that'll trigger an alarm if anything moves near 'em."

Jefferson Harco: so why dont we just punch them. so they cant alarm anything

Bob rolls his eyes at Jeff's question. "Because to get close enough to punch, you'd have to MOVE close to 'em. Come on, son, use your noggin."

Bethany: "There are many more choices other then punching things," Bethany replied, glaring at Jeff.

Dianysia: "Oh, she can speak..."

Jefferson Harco: ah, gotcha, well maybe ill just commando past them and let them be

Bob sighs. "Reese, make sure you note where their sensors are and keep this fool away from 'em. WELL away."

Jefferson Harco: ok, so im kinda tired, i think im gonna rest up before this venture

Dianysia: "That's Jeff... only WE can call him a fool."

Reese: "Well whoever is coming with me, meet me here in a few hours. Be ready to go," then turning to Bob in Goblin, "If this movie fighter gets me killed, I am going to haunt you until you die...."

Jefferson Harco: just point me to the hay so i can hit it.

Bob: Right then. Tal will take care of everything. And if y'all need anything, just talk to him, he'll get you set up.

Dianysia: I need a... what's it called... fiream?

Tristanu does not want his arm on fire

Dianysia: "You know... that noisy metal tosser?"

Bob: Well now, those things don't exactly grow on trees. You got anything in exchange? Normally we sell the excess for food and supplies. If you've got something else we can sell instead, I might be able to get you a pistol...

Dianysia: Umm... I doubt I have anything of value for you...
Dianysia: You can have Beth, though... I'd exchange that for a firearn...
Dianysia: And what's a pistol?

Bob shakes his head. "Without something of equal value, ain't no way I can see justifying handing over equipment to you."

Dianysia: "Well, what do you find of value?"

Jefferson Harco is resting before his big day

Bob: "Anything we can trade for supplies to the smugglers. Anything with intrinsic value, or military equipment. Since you're not likely to have any of that... probably just leaves valuables."

Bethany: "Gold, food stuffs, that kind of thing. That is how you get stuff out here," Bethany said, standing up. "I am going to go practice my goblin while you guys figure out logestics."

Dianysia: Whatever... Maybe Jeff can bring one back from the diversion.

Bob: "As for me, I'm off. If you need anything, talk to Tal there. I'll see ALL of you back here by an hour before sundown. Any questions?"

Bob: "Guess not."

Dianysia: "Nope."

DM: okay, anybody have anything they need to do during the day? Tal suggests that y'all at least get some rest, if not actual sleep, since you'll be up late tonight...

Jefferson Harco: rest

Dianysia: Towards the end of the evening, I'll request Tristanu to come to my roon

Tristanu: "You wanted to talk?"

Dianysia: "Yes. Shut the door would you? Thanks.As a pally, I wanted your opinion on something... I've been reading through this journal comments about some illness spreading...

Tristanu: Illness?

Dianysia: It mentions the cardinal coming for a visit at the temple. He met with some of the church higher-ups and left angry. Shortly thereafter, a fever started spreading... a week after the visit is the last entry.. .the rest of the journal is blank."

Tristanu: "So, before I say anything...what do YOU make of it?"

Dianysia: "I'm not sure... not a skilled healer...Could be a coincidental head cold as far as I know. I wonder if we should ask Beth... she is church related...Even if from a different plane...

Tristanu: "Yes...this is true...but I think this issue may well transcend religious principals. Also...between you and me...did you actually find the artifact in the temple?"

Dianysia: "How 'between you and me' would this stay?"

Tristanu: "Though I already have my answer...I will still assure you that only we would know"
Tristanu adds this almost as an afterthought: "...for now"

Dianysia: Yes, I found it. I definitely know where it is... you may not want to use it though... may mean human sacrifice...Do you think asking beth would be a good idea?

Tristanu: "No...only a fool would use it without knowing how...what we need to do is try to figure it out first...and yes, that may involve help"

Dianysia: "I meant about the illness... Beth is irrelevant to the artifact."

Tristanu: "Let me see it"

Dianysia hands him the journal

Tristanu: "You very well know what I mean...now let me see the artifact"

Dianysia: "I didn't say I had it."

Tristanu shows some mild restraint. "I am not as dumb as most paladins...please do not play games with me"

Dianysia calls Jayde over and removes a blanket covered ball-shape and unwraps the artifact., leaving the blanket beneath it.

Tristanu: "Very odd...please, keep it safe as you have already been...whatever happens...don't let it get away from you...it may very well be our only way back"

Tristanu hands the artifact back to Dian

Dianysia wraps the artifact and puts it back where it was. "Jayde's the safest place I know. Now, I'm going to ask for Beth."

Tristanu: yes...the journal now

Dianysia hands you back the journal again

Tristanu does a quick scan of the pages while waiting for Beth

Dianysia knocks on a few nearby doors looking for Beth, Jayde trotting alongside

DM: Jeff is in the closest room

Dianysia: I stop knocking on doors when I find Beth
Dianysia: "Sorrfy, wrong number..." and moves on

DM: couple empty ones, Beth is about 4 down

Dianysia: Knock Knock

Bethany: Eventually Beth is found, only wearing her trousers and a t-shirt now, and see looks at Dianysia, and judging from the state of Beth's hair, and the look on her face, she was just woken up.

Dianysia: "Uh, sorry... I didn't mean to...er, I was hoping you might know something..."
Dianysia: "I mean, something relevant.. not just anythihng... and... could you come to my room?"

Bethany: "Ok..." Bethany says, closing the door behind her, and indicating for Dia to lead the way

Dianysia leads the way to her room.

Tristanu ruffles up his hair and makes his clothes look hastily put on

Dianysia stops, mouth open... "Um... that's not why I asked you here... Uh... you know Beth..."
Dianysia is bright red

Tristanu Walks to the door and moves for Beth and Dia to step in...makes himself look ruffled as an unfamiliar person passes the door in the hall...nods and closes the door..."We need your opinion on something Bethany"

Dianysia glares. "Subtle, Tristanu.... Why don't you explain? I'm going to go over here and shoot myself with my crossbow."

Tristanu tosses the journal to Beth..."I'll let Dia explain"

Dianysia gives Beth the same information as Tristanu.
Dianysia takes a seat on her bed in a neutral NON provocative fashion,

Jefferson Harco is sleeping, none the wiser to the antics of the rest of the party

Dianysia: Beth, given that this is related to the church... and our churches have some correlations... I was wondering if you might knoiw anything about this?
Dianysia: I mean, what is your take on any of this?

Bethany: D- "Sadly I can not say I do... in my time in the Church, such an item was never mentioned, of course it has been a while, and I never was really very highly placed..."

Dianysia: I'm also curious what your general take on it would be... Do you have a Cardinal here as well?

Bethany: D-"Four of them... oh wait, a new one was added te... a few years ago," Bethany replied, "Five of them. Good friend of mine was one for a while."

Dianysia: Hmm... well, Tristanu... you have anything you'd like to discuss with her about this? I'm just trying to find her take and any information.... period...:

Tristanu: What I need to know is whether the church has undergone any drastic changes of structure in the past 30 years or so....and if so...anything out of the ordinary that has resulted out of it"

Bethany: D- "I am not really aware of any major changes. Like I said, they added a new cardinal, but that is it."

Dianysia: "What's his or her name?"

Tristanu: "This new Cardinal that she speaks of ((I assume you translate))...is he/she a very respected person? Or somewhat secretive?"

Bethany: "I don't know, I don't follow Church buisness to much anymore... Heiner or something like that.
Bethany: D- "And the Church here is fairly secretive all on its own, they are barely tolerated by the governments."

Dianysia: I'm aware of this... I'm just wanting to see if there is any correlation between our world and theirs... if they are connected in any way,"
Dianysia: "Well, I'm sorry for dragging you out of bed for this...Hey, just out of curiosity...hwhere do you go for healing here? Where I'm from, you go to Clerics or paladins...I'd love to learn anything new.. and where do I get clothes like... well... you normally wear.."

Tristanu: "I hope you understand that we are just trying to figure out what is going on...I want to get to the bottom of this all and needed to see if you had any information from this new world that we would not know"

Bethany: "Clothes, we will need to wait until we get to the mainland, as for healing, goto doctors, my father was a doctor, and we do have some clerics every so often, just they are as rare as a peaceful day."

Dianysia: "Are there any doctors near? I'm sure Jeff will need them by the end of the night..."

Tristanu: "ok...we should get some sleep...we have a busy night ahead of us...thank you Bethany for the information"

Bethany: "Maybe, I was my fathers Nurse and I learned a bit, ran his practice for quite a few years after his death, before joining the church."

Dianysia: "Can you... let Jeff know this... in a oh... non we-told-you-to manner?"

Bethany: "I don't practice medicine anymore... he needs to come to me if he needs," Bathany responded.

Dianysia: "That's the problem... he doesn't... always think things through... and it'll leave you all in a bad spot if he gets injured..."

Bethany: "Tell him to see me then, not like I am going to be able to get back to sleep right now," Bathany replied.

Dianysia: "Sorry... okay... um, mind messing yourself up a bit? Looks a little less suspicious..."

Tristanu snickers

Dianysia glares at Tristanu

Bethany: D- "I do mind, where I come from a womans honor is her most valuable commodity, and it has been unspoiled so far, and it will not be alluded to as having been spoiled now."

Tristanu smiles "Good for you...we shall see you when it is time to leave"

Dianysia: "A woman's honor is great... the threat of conspiracy within the context of a possible enemy's lair is a completely different story.
Dianysia makes no move to stop her or anything, however.

Bethany: d- "If they did not want us to talk, we would not of been given free reign of the caves," Bethany says, standing up and stepping out of the room.

Tristanu laughs slightly..."Conspiracy? She is one of them after all"

Dianysia: "Touchy one, isn't she? I'd love to see how she acts on Elven wine... see what she's really like,"
Dianysia: "Well, I guess I should take care of my appearance..."

Dianysia: Whatever. "D I, however, am not too good to mess my rep... I'

DM: okay... moving on to an hour before sunset... Bob is waiting back in the main room, wearing the same strangely mottled garb, with a few bundles on the table behind him.

Jefferson Harco wakes up and starts moving towards the main room

Dianysia: "What have you got for us today, Bob?"

Jefferson Harco: yeah...*yawn*...

Tristanu shows up groggy

Dianysia shows up quite awake.

Bob: "Awright folks, siddown for a sec, I've got some toys for y'all. Since I figure you ain't got nothin like 'em wherever it is you come from, I'm gonna go through it nice and easy to start. First off, for the three of you who ain't wearing a ton of metal, I've got some fatigues. Basically, it's close like I'm wearing, got lots of good pockets for keeping stuff handy, and it'll keep you from drawing attention like the funny clothes you got on now would do."

Bethany: Bethany steps out, in all of her gear again, looking at the group, then says in Orcish, "Bob, you should have Tristanu go with Reese, she will be able to use his skills I think, I will protect Dia if she is concerend about that."

Bob turns to Jeff. "And before you ask the question son, I got several pairs of orc boots layin around, we can see if we got somethin in your size that'll replace those sandals you're wearing."
Bob: O - I leave the exact makeup to y'all, but I need Tristanu to come with me, because there's no way he'd be able to run away from an orc encampment fast enough - so it's you or Dia that goes with Reese.

Tristanu waits for his bearings

Bob: "Now, Tristanu (I get that pronounced right, son?). I checked, we don't got anything that'd protect you as well as that outlandish getup - even tho it's got you slowed down pretty bad, it'll stop a glancing bullet, and should protect you against shrapnel pretty good. But if you don't mind, we can get some paint on there, get it shining not quite as bright, so that any moonlight won't turn you into a lantern."

Tristanu: "If that's what you feel should be done...I leave it to you"
Tristanu: "My armor is just inside the door of my room"

Dianysia: "I guess he won't care for your Nimbus either...”

Tristanu: "Yeah...but I don't need the armor for that!"

Dianysia looks him over. "You know, you look much better without it... never cared for the Knight in Shining Armor ideal."

Jefferson Harco: I'd rather keep the sandals

Reese: Reese steps into the room, wearing a similar outfit to when she was first seen, although her jacket is under her pack and vest. "We ready to roll yet? And wear the boots, sandals are just asking to get something to bite a toe off."

Tristanu: "Yes...well...I appreciate it's "bulling" or whatever deflecting ability"

Jefferson Harco: as i said earlier, i cannot use those boots, i prefer not to be in possession of items

Dianysia: "I didn't say not to wear it... just commented... besides, you have helm-hair when you take it off.

Jefferson Harco: i have my rations, as well as righty and lefty

Tristanu seems to valiantly check his hair with his hand as if it were no longer his

Bob: "Perfect. We'll get it camo'd up, and you'll be good to go. Last toy I got for each of you... called a radio. We'll need it to keep in contact. I'll need it back before you leave wherever though, we don't have a lot to spare." Bob pulls out a small boxy device with what looks like a little stick pointing out one end, connected by a strange spiraling rope to another small boxy piece. "You put this here large part on your belt, and it does the work. This other part you attach to the shoulder of your jacket, and it has the button on the side... you push that button and talk into it, everybody else's will repeat whatever you say. To control how loud everybody's voice is, you twist this little knob here. Since y'all don't have any radio discipline, I'll keep this simple. Don't use it to talk unless Reese or I tell you to. A radio going off at the wrong time can get your buddies killed."

Tristanu: "Helm hair? odd"
Tristanu looks at the "ray-dee-oh" with apprehension

Dianysia: "Yeah, whatever... can we get on with this? Don't worry, Tristanu... I don't THINK it bites..."

Tristanu: "Seems as though it carries with it alot more risk than it's worth"

Reese: "If used wrong, yes," Reese says.

Bob tosses the box to Trist. "Just take it son. It lets us stay coordinated with Reese's group even though there's miles between us. Gives us an advantage."

Dianysia: Agreed... hmm...If I'd known we'd need this, I would have switched spells... ah well.
Dianysia: "Hmm... which way is making it louder and which is softer?"

Tristanu: "I suddenly wish I had packed rings of communication"

Reese: "Right is loud, left is soft."

Bob demonstrates the radio to Dia, making sure to hand over the fatigues at the same time. "And hurry, we want to be on the move by sunset."

Dianysia: "Wonderful... let's do this... the sooner I get done playing commando, the sooner I can get home and away from you."

Jefferson Harco: as much as id love to play with your gadgets
Jefferson Harco: i cannot take this
Jefferson Harco: you will have to rely on hand signs

Dianysia mumbles "I've got some hand signs."

Jefferson Harco: this is go *signals pointing motion*, and this is stop *clenched fist at head level* you got that?
Jefferson Harco: sorry any other signs i missed Dia?

Tristanu grabs Dia's hands to stop her from showing Jeff her intent

Dianysia: "Um, pointing is usually directing, and open handed waving is usually a signal to move forward.. I don't remember the one for move forward slowly...”

Reese: Reese only grins at Jeff, then holds two fingers towards her eyes, then makes a half circle to the right with her hand, and then holds up a clenched fist, "What does that mean genius?" she says to Jeff.

Jefferson Harco: yeah of course i do

Reese: "Then what would you do?"

Jefferson Harco: keep watch to the right, run a sweep pattern and stop

Dianysia wonders aloud why wer're sweeping anything

Reese: "Wrong, just stay on my tail, keep your head low and you might just have one to return with. DO NOT advance without me telling you to..." Reese replies, then picks up her rifle, and starts to head towards the cave exit.

Jefferson Harco: wait you didnt tell me what it means

Dianysia: If you’re making a distraction, let's just move in cause an explosion and leave?"

Reese: "It would take you to long to learn all the hand signels, just move," she calls back.

Jefferson Harco runs up ahead

Jefferson Harco: how about you just use the signs i gave you

Bob: "Not JUST a distraction, darlin... they also gotta find out about Kam

Tristanu: "Let's get geared up and out of here"
Tristanu: "We are losing valuable time"

Reese: "Look buddy, you are in my war, and your signels are part of the whole, however they alone are useless," Reese said, "Now shut up and follow, make sure the pointy ear is with you."

Dianysia stops and turns irritably. "For the last time... It'd Dia, or Dianysia if you need a longer one... It is NOT Darling. Not to mention you are laeving one of your more valuable members to go pick a fight." **

Jefferson Harco stops in his tracks

Tristanu: "GUYS! Where are you all going? I'm still waiting for my armor to be done!"

Jefferson Harco: first off, im not going with you until you respect me, I cant even begin to dream of how we got here or why, but all i know is that i dont desevere that kinda of talk

Dianysia: "Have I made myself clear?"

Bob just chuckles. "Ah, it's just my way. You'll get used to it."

Jefferson Harco: so unless you can take on whatever with whatever you got in your hands there, you better start treating us like friends not foes

Tristanu just hangs head and heads back to his room

Reese: Reese turns around to Jeff, and says, "You have yet to earn my respect. You have denied everything we have given you that will help us complete this, and furthermore I am treating you no different then any new recruit placed under my command. Follow my orders well, and you might get a more firendly attidtude, until then, toughin the fuck up, and follow me damn orders."

Dianysia starts to mutter some unknown words, but gets nippedc in the ankle by Jayde. "Dammit, Jayde... just ruin my fun."

Reese: Reese yells into the cave noticing she is missing someone, "Beth, we're waiting!"

Dianysia: "You're right though... he's not good enough for my fireball..."

Jefferson Harco: well to be given respect you yourself must earn it
Jefferson Harco: and for someone whos always in commnand you have forced followers,
Jefferson Harco: not people who follow you by choice

Reese: "No, this is called war, and people like me keep you alive, that is why I have followers," Reese says, then nods to Bob as he approachs.

Jefferson Harco: ive kept myself alive
Jefferson Harco: you dont have followers, i correct myself, you have drones
Jefferson Harco: who you force to do your dirty work
Jefferson Harco: because you cannot get the job done yourself

Bob steps forward, in between Reese and Jeff. "Okay you two, settle down. Son, I'm not sure if you've heard of a chain of command, but for this little venture tonight, Reese is in charge - that means she gives you an order, you jump. She's got the compbat experience here. And frankly, I don't know you, so I don't trust putting one of my people under your command. And you're following ME by choice, because I'm gonna help you get back wherever it is you came from. I'm putting Reese in charge of your group. You don't wanna take her orders, then go back to your room, sit the fuck down, and wait until we get back. I'd rather send a party out underhanded than with someone who won't take orders."
Bob: I ain't sayin you gotta like her. That's asking too much. But for tonight, when it comes to this job... do what she says, and argue about it later. Otherwise you're gonna get somebody killed.

Jefferson Harco: ill go with, ill do what i have to do

Dianysia: No, we don't choose to follow you. We do so because othewise we die... Assuming we don't anyways.... You've made it very clear if we don't help you wer're assumed guilty,. Now either deal with us or get out of our way... either way, I don't really care.

Reese: "Good, now lets get moving before the sun returns," Reese said, turning back around, "Fall in and move out."

Jefferson Harco: not till you apologize,

Bob: "You choose to follow me because the alternatives are worse - but it's still a choice."

Jefferson Harco: even though your in command, you still dont deserve the right to talk to me like that.
Jefferson Harco: you can lead, by example, not by harrasement

Dianysia: "Die or die..." mutters Dia. "Real choice."

Reese: "Are you a fucking retard?" Reese says to Jeff, "You aint ever seen an example. Get the frack moving, we do not have time for you to be a child."

Bob turns on Reese. "And you can knock that shit off right now. Just because I put you in command, don't mean they're used to military discipline. Treat 'em as you would new recruits. They DON'T know what they're doing, which means you take it easy. We ain't the marines here. Ease down, back off your pride some, or you ain't goin either."

Jefferson Harco: thank you Bob, its easy to take orders from someone who can be seen as a freind
Jefferson Harco: other than someone you see as being hostile all the time

Dianysia obviously bites back a comment.

Reese: G- "I might be better off not going sir, he is going to get me killed. Going to tell him to drop, and he is going to keep standing because I didn't say it nicely."

Bob: G - "Look at it this way, Reese. Either you find a way to work nice with these folks, or we never find out what happened to Kam. Right now, they're our only real option. Or are you really saying that you'd rather abandon Kam to whatever fate because you can't swallow your pride?"

Dianysia remembers that she forgot to change into her fatigues, and does so now."

Reese: G- "Pride aint got nothing to do with it. You know this is how I treat recruits, especially if they are being tossed into combat without any training, and no I am not going to abandon Kam." The switching to her common, "Ok, fall and move."

Jefferson Harco: ahem...

Bob mutters softly, still in goblin. "And you wonder why I never give you the new recruits?"

Dianysia looks highly confused...."Why are we falling?"

Jefferson Harco: we'll talk about your apology after

Dianysia: Dia smiles, finding the fatigues rather comfy. "Can I keep these when we're done?"
Dianysia: "Oh, and Bob, can you take care of my clothes? They're important to me..."

Reese: "Up to Bob, I don't handle supply, now let’s move out," she says again, and starting for the exit once more.

Bob: "Sure thing, sweetheart."

Dianysia just rolls eyes, realizing he's hopeless, only later realizing she wasn't sure which he'd agreed to.