Action, Adventure, Excitement, Part 2 Chapter 1 - Arcadia (NOTE: all posts either to or cc ) Date: Sun, 15 Dec 1996 09:43:20 -0800 From: rolandx@ix.netcom.com (Roland X) Subject: AAE: The Sequel (War in Arcadia) Organization: Green Lantern Net Corps (A copy of this message has also been posted to the following newsgroups: alt.callahans) Roland sips his chocolate shake from his 'hug central' post near the bar counter, relaxing and enjoying his day off. The 'duel' thread has managed to entangle him, but it is an otherwise peaceful post at Callahan's. But something still bothers him. "Mike...I feel like I've forgotten something." "What's that, Roland?" Mike asks, passing a vanilla shake down the countertop as the last of the chocolate vanishes. "Thanks, Mike. I'm not sure, but it feels like something important. Oh well," he says with a shrug and a smile, "the Place being the Place, stranger things have certainly happened-" Roland's new shake slips out of his hands in shock. "STRANGER!" Though sheer force of will, he creates an X-Window. Shining Arcadia gleams in the background. The Unseelie Drow are being carted off in chains by the local Sidhe knights. And a very familiar yellow tower pokes through the forest canopy, a bizarre field rebuffing a few curious dragons. "Grife," Roland curses, his normal trenchcoated form shifting into that of Silver Phoenix. "Has _anyone_ heard from him?" The X-Window grows in size until Silver Phoenix can easily pass through it. He pauses at the portal. "Fantasy fictons," he sighs. "I _hate_ high magick realms." And with that, he darts through... (OOC: Ain't I a stinker? ) -- === / "Do not become your enemy to defeat your enemy." O (/) -epitaph, Captain Marvel (Mar-vell) \ Roland X: === / Support the Green Lantern Net Corps! \ Freelance Jinx by Design: http://home.earthlink.net/~jinxmccoy \ Immortal =========================== From: Martin Gerster Subject: AAE: The Sequel (War in Arcadia) Date: Sun, 15 Dec 96 13:21:03 PST "STRANGER!!!" yells Dhyrclhanc the Sentinel Lensdragon, "I knew I forgot something!!" The big drake swings his head around so he is facing "Silver Phoenix," "Roland, if you're the one who's messing around with my head... You and I will 'dance'. However, right now more important matters require our attention; we've got to rescue The Stranger from your Gods'Damned oversight!" Dhyrclhanc turns to his left, holds out his right arm and mumbles something like,"One 'Boom Tube' to the Kingdom Under the Mountain." A briliant lance of jade-colored energy leaps from the adolecent Ruby Firedragon's First-Ring into midair where it opens a minature B5-style Jumppoint tinged with green. "I suppose it's kinda moot to ask if anyone would care to join us?" I remain... -- Dhyrclhanc the Lensdragon (aka Martin Gerster c/o ofgerst@pluto.njcc.com) @>-->---- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "That the purpose for Might was to not to make Right but that Might should serve Right." -- Arthur Pendragon, Bearer of the Sword Excalibur, Son of Uther, and Rightfull King of All The Brittians ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "If that which did not kill me made me stronger then I ought to be Arnold Swartzenigger by now!" -- Sci-Fi Con Button ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ =========================== Subject: Re: AAE: The Sequel (War in Arcadia) Date: Sun, 15 Dec 96 14:38:24 -0000 From: Roland X >The big drake swings his head around so he is facing "Silver >Phoenix," "Roland, if you're the one who's messing around with my >head... You and I will 'dance'. However, right now more important >matters require our attention; we've got to rescue The Stranger from >your Gods'Damned oversight!" Roland glares at the Dragon. "Why the First Ring chose you is beyond me. I haven't been 'messing with your head.' If I had, you would never have even considered the possibility. "As for 'my' oversight, I didn't see you rushing to Arcadia either. Let's find Stranger and be done with it." Silver Phoenix looks at the tower with intense concentration. The field surrounding it seems to be keeping the residents out; if this is the case, then Stranger can certainly handle Gruber one-on-one. *Stranger?* Roland Sends, probing gently so as not to jar Stranger at an unfortunate juncture. *Stranger, are you in-* ZARK Silver Phoenix shakes off a magickal mindblast and turns. A Sidhe knight bearing a glowing lance rides a magnificent silvery dragon. "Stand and identify, human miscreant!" /Why me?/ Silver Phoenix thinks, as dragon and rider close... =========================== Date: Sun, 15 Dec 1996 15:26:19 -0800 (PST) From: Paul Campbell Subject: Re: AAE: The Sequel (War in Arcadia) On Sun, 15 Dec 1996, Roland X wrote: > The X-Window grows in size until Silver Phoenix can easily pass > through it. He pauses at the portal. > "Fantasy fictons," he sighs. "I _hate_ high magick realms." > And with that, he darts through... Xzerrion's eyes dart up from his glass of feywine, and he follows Roland, muttering obscure and exceptionally vile drow swear words. `I'm with you, Roland,' he growls resignedly between curses. `I just hope the Sidhe don't mistake me for the rest of the drow.' - Xzerrion `The humans kill what they do not understand.' - Dom Emrys from `Camber the Heretic' by Katherine Kurtz =========================== Date: Sun, 15 Dec 1996 20:34:42 -0600 (CST) Subject: Re: AAE: The Sequel (War in Arcadia) From: Lightlord c/o grammarfascist rolandx@ix.netcom.com (Roland X) wrote: > The X-Window grows in size until Silver Phoenix can easily pass >through it. He pauses at the portal. > "Fantasy fictons," he sighs. "I _hate_ high magick realms." > And with that, he darts through... The Lightlord's eyebrows shoot upward at this statement. "Really? I LOOOOVE High magick realms..." He stands up, removes the Ghost/Cat from his shoulders, and gently places her on his chair. "Keep my seat warm for me, Moonlight." The Ghost/Cat blinks an affirmative. Picking up his crystal staff, the Lightlord dives into the closing X-Window, yelling "WAIT FOR ME!!!" ----------------------------------------------------------------- "My Momma didn't raise no fools... she put me up for adoption!" -- Lightlord =========================== From: Martin Gerster Subject: Re: AAE: The Sequel (War in Arcadia) Date: Sun, 15 Dec 96 21:56:05 PST /Roland I appologize for my earlier outbreak. My eidectic memory is acting up but that's no reason to take it out on you. BTW, got any ideas on how to go about this? It's been quite a while since I've had any formal dealings with the Faerie./ Dhyrclhanc the Sentinel Lensdragon looks arounf the two of them, slowly other Regulars are swelling the ranks. Coming through X-Windows, etc. But only, it seems, by dribs and drabs. "Gee," says the Lensdragon aloud, "quite a crowd we're attracting." =========================== Date: Mon, 16 Dec 1996 01:19:26 -0600 From: "KnightShift (Michael Jon Knight)" Subject: Re: AAE: The Sequel (War in Arcadia) The KnightShift has finished his caffeine float, and is quietly chatting with a patron... "So this vorlon walks into a bar..." A vorlon walks into Callahan's. The patron looks at the KnightShift, surprized. The KnightShift looks at the patron with an 'I had nothing to do with it' expression. Then a look of recognition passes across the KnightShift's face as he notices the light-blue-with-dark-green encounter suit and the yellow eyepiece. He gently reachs into the vorlon's mind. "Kosh." The patron looks confused. The KnightShift excuses himself and escorts the vorlon outside. In the parking lot, the KnightShift rounds on the vorlon. "What do you want?" the KnightShift demands. "Never ask that question!" Kosh intones. "Enough with your kooky religion! Why are you here?" "What was left behind must be brought home." "I am *not* returning to Vorlon. Your holy wars are yours alone. I will not say it again. I am staying-" Suddenly, the KnightShift notices two other vorlons coming up behind him. These vorlons are wearing black and grey encounter suits with purple eyepieces. "-here? Reinforcements? Heh, I am flattered." Suddenly the KnightShift is running back towards Callahan's At 09:43 AM 12/15/96 -0800, Roland X wrote: > The X-Window grows in size until Silver Phoenix can easily pass >through it. He pauses at the portal. The KnightShift bursts into Callahan's, running at more than full speed. Without thinking, he dives for the nearest escape route...Roland's X-window. > "Fantasy fictons," he sighs. "I _hate_ high magick realms." > And with that, he darts through... The KnightShift flings himself bodily through the X-window. He tucks into a roll and manages a semi-graceful landing. Suddenly, he realizes he is without his pack. Glancing back, he sees it in the bar. Next to it is Kosh. Flanking him are the two black vorlons. "Good," Kosh intones, "We are through here." A third man with blonde hair, dressed in black, steps from behind Kosh and picks up the KnightShift's pack. Flinging it through the X-window, the man smiles. "Have a good time in Arcadia." /I don't believe I fell for that.../ the KnightShift fumes. > (OOC: Ain't I a stinker? ) (KOSH: Yes.) The KnightShift. =========================== Date: Mon, 16 Dec 1996 13:33:16 -0600 (CST) Subject: Re: AAE: The Sequel (War in Arcadia) (fwd) From: John Edwards c/o grammarfascist The Ever-so-wise grammarfascist once said: ->From: Roland X ->>The big drake swings his head around so he is facing "Silver ->>Phoenix," "Roland, if you're the one who's messing around with my ->>head... You and I will 'dance'. However, right now more important ->>matters require our attention; we've got to rescue The Stranger ->>from your Gods'Damned oversight!" -> -> Roland glares at the Dragon. "Why the First Ring chose you ->is beyond me. I haven't been 'messing with your head.' If I had, ->you would never have even considered the possibility. -> "As for 'my' oversight, I didn't see you rushing to Arcadia ->either. Let's find Stranger and be done with it." Harker, seeing what looks to be trouble brewing, moves towards the pair. ->>Dhyrclhanc turns to his left, holds out his right arm and mumbles ->>something like,"One 'Boom Tube' to the Kingdom Under the Mountain." ->>A briliant lance of jade-colored energy leaps from the adolecent ->>Ruby Firedragon's First-Ring into midair where it opens a minature ->>B5-style Jumppoint tinged with green. ->> ->>"I suppose it's kinda moot to ask if anyone would care to join us?" At this, he steps forward, drawing his sword. "It's wood, instead of Cold Iron, but it's magical, and I've a pretty fair arm, if you'd have me with you on this occasion." Picking up his shield, he prepars to follow Roland through the X-window. John [Anyone mind my taggin along on this one??] Fritz get up for god's sake. Get up! They've killed Fritz. They've killed Fritz. Those lousy stinking yellow fairies, they've killed Fritz! Those horrible atrocity-filled vermin. Those despicable animal warmongers. They've Killed Fritz Max - Wizards =========================== Subject: Re: AAE: The Sequel (War in Arcadia) Date: Mon, 16 Dec 96 20:13:02 -0000 From: Roland X >/Roland I appologize for my earlier outbreak. My eidectic memory is >acting up but that's no reason to take it out on you. BTW, got any >ideas on how to go about this? It's been quite a while since I've had >any formal dealings with the Faerie./ Roland sighs in relief. *No problem, Dhyrclhanc...I just take my loyalties _very_ seriously. *As for the Sidhe...* He stares at the lance pointing at his forehead. *Why do you think I hate these places? I am totally out of my depth here. Against starships, mecha, supervillains, even fellow Immortals, I'm fine. These chaos- driven beings of magick are another story entirely.* >"Gee," says the Lensdragon aloud, "quite a crowd we're attracting." Roland smiles at the increasing group of Callahanians below them. Then he turns his attention back to the Sidhe on the (now intimidated) dragon. "Put that thing away before you hurt yourself, kid. I'm just here checking on a friend." Anyone familiar with Sidhe culture knows that this was the wrong thing to say... "CHARGE!" The knight cries, and the dragon flies forward. The tip of the lance does not penetrate the Silver Phoenix force-armor, but it does send Roland spiralling away. Some 100 meters away, he regains control of his flight. "Okay, that's it." Power crackles ominously from his eyes... =========================== From: lightlrd@mail.tiac.net (Lightlord) Subject: Re: AAE: The Sequel (War in Arcadia) Date: Tue, 17 Dec 1996 05:45:17 GMT > Some 100 meters away, he regains control of his flight. >"Okay, that's it." Power crackles ominously from his eyes... ...when suddenly, Roland hears a throat clearing just behind him. He whips around, prepared to strike whoever has manage to sneak up on him... and finds the Lightlord placidly floating in mid-air. Roland almost loses his cool. "Don't you EVER sneak up on me again like that! I could have fried your mind--" Roland blinks his eyes. "Waitaminute... how did you sneak up on me anyway?" The Lightlord shrugs. "Multi-layered Psionic shielding. Word of warning; don't ever try to scan me. Even a low-level probe could be... intense. Hold this for me, please." He hands the Silver Phoenix his crystal staff, and flashes an abnormally toothy grin. "I think I'm best qualified to handle this bozo. Go on ahead, I'll catch up." With these words, he flies towards the Sidhe warrior... and in seconds morphs into an enormous dragon, with a metallic blue sheen that seems to glow with an inner fire... the color of mithril. With an ear-splitting roar, the mithril dragon engages the stunned Sidhe warrior... =========================== Date: Tue, 17 Dec 1996 12:35:47 -0600 (CST) From: grammarfascist Subject: Re: AAE: The Sequel (War in Arcadia) From: The Renaissance Man ] From: Martin Gerster ] "I suppose it's kinda moot to ask if anyone would care to join us?" Alaric - or AN Alaric - shrugs. "In for a penny," he sighs, "in for a pound." He stands up, strangely-formed black armor phasing into being around him as he reaches into mid-air over his head. Smoke swirls suddenly out of the air, coalescing into the outline of a long two-handed sword. As he takes hold of what would be the hilt, the shape solidies into patterned gray metal with a fingernails-on-a-blackboard shriek. Sheathing the sword in a scabbard that he wasn't holding a moment before, Alaric vaults into the Lensdragon's 'boom tube', using a table as a springboard. -- PGP _must_ be a good idea: just look at who's against it! NRA, NRA-ILA, NRA-SATF, GOA, GOC, CRPA, CCRKBA, SAF, LEAA, NRAMC-SV HTTP: //www.babcom.com/jwz/alaric/ Phil V. Stracchino ICBM: 121d.84'12" W, 37d.31'47" N. The Renaissance Man SMTP: alaric@babcom.com [this space intentionally left blank] =========================== Date: Tue, 17 Dec 1996 16:04:08 -0800 (PST) From: Paul Campbell Subject: Re: AAE: The Sequel (War in Arcadia) On Mon, 16 Dec 1996, Roland X wrote: > Some 100 meters away, he regains control of his flight. > "Okay, that's it." Power crackles ominously from his eyes... Xzerrion snarls, `We don't have TIME for this!' He casts a nice burst of bright green flame into the air to catch the attention of the Sidhe warrior. `Hey, you, yes, you with the undersized brain riding the oversized, winged silver lizard.' Well, that got his attention, but now the Sidhe warrior is glaring down at Xzerrion, his expression darkening with rage. `WHAT did you say, dark elf?!' `Listen up, we aren't here to interfere in your two-bit war, and frankly, I couldn't care less who wins the thing. We're just retrieving a friend who seems to have gotten lost in this fiction. We have no interest in you, and frankly, my friend, you'd be well advised to stay out of our way.' Turning his attention away from the Sidhe warrior, Xzerrion turns to Roland. `All right, where did we see Stranger last? I need a starting point before I try scrying.' - Xzerrion =========================== Subject: Re: AAE: The Sequel (War in Arcadia) Date: Tue, 17 Dec 96 21:49:20 -0000 From: Roland X Quoth Xzerrion: >`All right, where did we see Stranger last? I need a starting point >before I try scrying.' Roland sighs as Lightlord charges in where Sidhe will soon fear to tread. "At the foot of the tower. He literally walked in the front door." He looks at the tower, focuses, then sighs again and throws up a forcefield to his right. Another Sidhe rider-this one on a griffon-stops just short of the field. "You guys," Roland says, more calmly than before, "are starting to get on my nerves." "I care little for what effect we have on invaders' nerves," the rider says coolly, "save for disturbing them. The Fell Spider has sent strange attackers at us before, and we-" "Fell Spider?" Roland bursts out, his blood turning to ice. /The rogue Shadow! Grife!/ "Where is it?" The Sidhe smiles. It is a cold thing. "Coward. Its lands are to the east. Retreat to your-" The rider's tirade is cut off in mid-sentence as Roland easily breaks the sound barrier, hurtling eastward toward a twisted section of poisoned forest. Then he stops. /No. I made this mistake before. I won't do it again./ One light-bending energy field later, he is back among the gathering Callahanians. *Folx, we have a problem...* =========================== From: Martin Gerster Subject: Re: AAE: The Sequel (War In Arcadia) Date: Wed, 18 Dec 96 02:20:05 PST /Ladles & Jellyspoons,/ mentaly brodcasts the Lensdragon, /And please excuse me for interupting here Roland, there are several ground-rules, in regards to Faerie Magick, that I feel need to be set down before we get in too deep here; 1.) Cold or pure iron is bane to th Faerie, don't use it, brandish it, or hint you've got it. 2.) Always be polite to the faerie, I don't care who you're talking to, or think you're talking to. Courtesy is the prime law here and these people take it, and the punshiments thereof, *Very Seriously!* 3.) Never use your real name while you're here. While in Tir Na Nog, Arcadia, the Kingdom under the Hill, etc, Names have real power and someone having your real name gives them a side measure of control over you. 4.) However hungry you get, *Do Not Eat* anything from the faerie realm! Remember Persephone? The same applies here! 5.) While you are here you should only barter a fair trade for items and equipment. You cannot accept any gifts, no matter how freely, or in good faith, the gift is given. The same rule as before applies. Some of you may have already known this but I thought it bore repeating. And now back to our story!/ =========================== Date: Wed, 18 Dec 1996 10:31:43 -0800 From: "L.J. Wolfe" Subject: Re: AAE: The Sequel (War In Arcadia) At 02:20 AM 12/18/96 PST, Dhyrclhanc wrote: > 1.) Cold or pure iron is bane to th Faerie, don't use it, brandish >it, or hint you've got it. "Not a problem," smiles the Greywolf, who has recently arrived, furry friends in tow. > 2.) Always be polite to the faerie, I don't care who you're talking >to, or think you're talking to. Courtesy is the prime law here and >these people take it, and the punshiments thereof, *Very Seriously!* "If more folks followed this advice _everywhere_, the world would be a much nicer place." :-) > 3.) Never use your real name while you're here. While in Tir Na Nog, > Arcadia, the Kingdom under the Hill, etc, Names have real power and > someone having your real name gives them a side measure of control > over you. "None of the names I've used in any Callahan fiction is my 'real' name, so not something I have to worry about." > 4.) However hungry you get, *Do Not Eat* anything from the faerie > realm! Remember Persephone? The same applies here! Morgan looks thoughtful. "You know, I _am_ a Druid. In a magickal realm, that should mean...." She closes her eyes, takes a slow, deep breath, and murmurs something under her breath. Slowly a smile spreads across her face, and she holds up her hand. In it are three apples that weren't there a minute before. Her voice has a slightly astonished tone. "I think I'm limited to fruits and nuts, things that are harvested without harming the plant, but that should do us while we're here." (OOC: OK, I _know_ Create Food is a cleric spell, not druid. Work with me, folks .) > 5.) While you are here you should only barter a fair trade for items > and equipment. You cannot accept any gifts, no matter how freely, or > in good faith, the gift is given. The same rule as before applies. "More excellent advice," Morgan replies, tossing apples to a couple of nearby Callahanians. "Now, folx, someone said something about spiders? Roland?" The Greywolf /|\ =========================== Subject: Re: AAE: The Sequel (War In Arcadia) Date: Thu, 19 Dec 96 00:30:52 -0000 From: Roland X >At 02:20 AM 12/18/96 PST, Dhyrclhanc wrote: >> 1.) Cold or pure iron is bane to th Faerie, don't use it, brandish >> it, or hint you've got it. >"Not a problem," smiles the Greywolf, who has recently arrived, furry >friends in tow. Roland scowls. *It's tempting, but I'd just as soon use slow poison on a mortal.* >> 2.) Always be polite to the faerie, I don't care who you're talking >> to, or think you're talking to. Courtesy is the prime law here and >> these people take it, and the punshiments thereof, *Very >> Seriously!* Roland actually growls at this point. *You couldn't tell from the sprockin' reception _we_ got. That's my least favorite thing about these places; the rules for the royalty and the rules for commoners are never the same. Or even close.* >"If more folks followed this advice _everywhere_, the world would be > a much nicer place." :-) *Hard to argue that.* 8^) >> 3.) Never use your real name while you're here. While in Tir Na >> Nog, Arcadia, the Kingdom under the Hill, etc, Names have real >> power and someone having your real name gives them a side measure >> of control over you. >"None of the names I've used in any Callahan fiction is my 'real' >name, so not something I have to worry about." *Likewise, but still, please avoid my 'R' name. Call me Silver Phoenix, Phoenix, or S.P.* Roland smiles. *And my parents thought that comic books would never do me any good...* >(OOC: OK, I _know_ Create Food is a cleric spell, not druid. Work >with me, folks .) *Don't worry, Morgan, I think your secret's safe with us.* 8^) (OOC: Besides, we all know that magick isn't that rigid. Especially _here!_ 8^) >> 5.) While you are here you should only barter a fair trade for >> items and equipment. You cannot accept any gifts, no matter how >> freely, or in good faith, the gift is given. The same rule as >> before applies. >"More excellent advice," Morgan replies, tossing apples to a couple >of nearby Callahanians. *'Neither a borrower nor a lender be.' Wish I followed _that_ advice more often.* >"Now, folx, someone said something about spiders? Roland?" Roland points eastward. *A Shadow. It appears to have set up shop rather comfortably. I don't think it's related to our missing comrade, but 1) I don't want to take any chances, and 2) I, at least, feel a little responsible for the thing being here so long. I'm going to try and take it down-* A bolt of eldritch light strikes his forcefield. *-assuming, of course, that I don't destroy its enemies _first!_ Sprocking Sidhe!* Roland looks up, his eyes ablaze once more. "STOP!" A woman who is not so much beautiful as she is beauty itself appears directly in the center of the combat field. "I am Titania! All of you," and at this she looks at the fae troops as well, "ALL of you, cease this mad conflict! We only feed the Spider." Unsurprisingly, the faerie all stop fighting. Those in flight immediately reach ground and bend knee to the Faerie Queen. She turns to the Callahanians... =========================== From: The Renaissance Man Subject: Re: AAE: The Sequel (War In Arcadia) (fwd) Date: Wed, 18 Dec 1996 22:08:34 -0800 (PST) Alaric drops out of the end of the Lensdragon's "boom tube" just in time to catch the tail-end of Lady Cheron's advice regarding Faerie. He listens for long enough to recognize that she's giving the conventional basic ground rules, then turns most of his attention to the surroundings. In this place and time, his appearance is not quite as it normally is in the Place. There is a gray undertone to his skin, and his eyes are solid black orbs without visible iris or pupil. Oddly, he casts no shadow. >>> 3.) Never use your real name while you're here. While in Tir Na >>> Nog, Arcadia, the Kingdom under the Hill, etc, Names have real >>> power and someone having your real name gives them a side measure >>> of control over you. >>"None of the names I've used in any Callahan fiction is my 'real' >>name, so not something I have to worry about." > *Likewise, but still, please avoid my 'R' name. Call me Silver > Phoenix, Phoenix, or S.P.* Roland smiles. *And my parents thought > that comic books would never do me any good...* "Feel free to use the name you know me by," Alaric comments. "It is ... safe to do so. More than that I shall not explain here." >>> 5.) While you are here you should only barter a fair trade for >>> items and equipment. You cannot accept any gifts, no matter how >>> freely, or in good faith, the gift is given. The same rule as >>> before applies. "I'm afraid that's a little over-simplified," Alaric interjects. "There are circumstances in which to refuse to accept an offered gift can, and frequently will, be construed as a grave insult; and the more valuable the gift, relative to the social rank of the giver, the greater the slight. "The same applies to a fairly-won boon, although you can play safe there by choosing not to name your boon immediately, but ask time to consider it, and then hold it in reserve for a later time. Depending on the circumstances, this is often a very prudent thing to do." > Unsurprisingly, the faerie all stop fighting. Those in > flight immediately reach ground and bend knee to the Faerie > Queen. > She turns to the Callahanians... Alaric steps forward and bows deeply, his formal gestures showing subtly but unmistakeably that his hands are empty of weapons. "Greetings and salutations, Your Highness," he says as he straightens from his bow. "We apologize for this necessary intrusion into your lands. We seek to clean up the remnants of an earlier conflict elsewhere, and in so doing, to retrieve a lost comrade of ours and to assist in destroying or banishing such Unseelie as may have reached your lands." Titania regards him levelly, her expression neutral. "And you are....?" "In this place and time, Highness, I may be known as Alaric, of the House of Dare. I walk here as an avatar of the Champion Eternal, and respect dictates that I advise you that I bear with me a large part of the Sword. "My companions I leave to introduce themselves separately as they will." =========================== Date: Wed, 18 Dec 1996 22:50:08 -0800 From: "L.J. Wolfe" Subject: Re: AAE: The Sequel (War In Arcadia) Cc: jgreene@orion.csci.csusb.edu At 10:08 PM 12/18/96 -0800, Alaric wrote: >"My companions I leave to introduce themselves separately as they >will." "Your Majesty, our comrad speaks the truth of our mission." Morgan (SCA training serving a useful purpose elsewhere ), gives a courtly bow. "I am know to these folk as Morgan an Fhaoilciarach, sometimes called Greywolf. My...," she hesitates briefly in search of the right word for her lupine friends, "companions are Cutter and Leeta." "We have recently been doing battle with those who would turn many lands, yours and ours included, to the service of darkness. One of our friends went to seek single combat with one of their leaders, and we have not heard of him for some time, since he entered yonder tower." "We are here out of loyalty to a friend, Majesty, and mean no disruption to you or your folk. We desire nothing more than to assure his safety, and to set right any imbalance our conflict in other realms may have caused here." =========================== Subject: Re: AAE: The Sequel (War In Arcadia) Date: Thu, 19 Dec 96 19:22:08 -0000 From: Roland X >>"In this place and time, Highness, I may be known as Alaric, of the >> House of Dare. I walk here as an avatar of the Champion Eternal, >> and respect dictates that I advise you that I bear with me a large >> part of the Sword. Roland's eyes grow wide. A member of the Babylon Project is an avatar of the Eternal Champion? Another such avatar is trapped in the tower...and the bad guy is a Shadow. Things are starting to make a lot of sense... >>"My companions I leave to introduce themselves separately as they >>will." >> Roland bows respectfully. "I am...known as Silver Phoenix. I was the leader of an expedition that ultimately led to... that..." he motions toward the yellow tower, "and as such I am bound both by duty and friendship to aid our lost comrade. Also, I think that this 'Fell Spider' is a refugee from the defeated villains in that battle, and thus wish to aid you in ridding your lands of it as quickly as possible." *Not to mention getting the heck out of Dodge with equal speed,* he adds telepathically to the Callahanians. Titania nods. "Alaric, of House Dare. Bearer of the Sword. Morgan an Fhaoilciarach of the Wolven Way." She looks up appraisingly at the Lensdragon, but says nothing to him for the moment. "An interesting fellowship to follow an Immortal of the Iron Worlds. Do you vouch for this one, steeped in the ways of Pattern?" /Gulp.../ =========================== From: Martin Gerster Subject: Re: AAE: The Sequel (War In Arcadia) (fwd) Date: Thu, 19 Dec 96 14:07:51 PST >Alaric drops out of the end of the Lensdragon's "boom tube" just in >time to catch the tail-end of Lady Cheron's advice regarding Faerie. >He listens for long enough to recognize that she's giving the >conventional basic ground rules, then turns most of his attention to >the surroundings. /Actualy Alaric, that was me./ broadcasts Dhyrclhanc the Sentinel Lensdragon =========================== Date: Fri, 20 Dec 1996 14:13:46 -0800 (PST) From: Paul Campbell Subject: Re: AAE: The Sequel (War In Arcadia) On Thu, 19 Dec 1996, Roland X wrote: > *Likewise, but still, please avoid my 'R' name. Call > me Silver Phoenix, Phoenix, or S.P.* Roland smiles. *And > my parents thought that comic books would never do me > any good...* All right, Phoenix. Just to be on the safe side, I'll go by `Greyshadow.' I was called that, once ... > Unsurprisingly, the faerie all stop fighting. Those in > flight immediately reach ground and bend knee to the Faerie > Queen. > She turns to the Callahanians... Xzerrion, used to Matriarchies, drops to one knee, his face betraying no hint of his attitudes toward monarchy. `Greyshadow at your service, milady. We intend no harm to you and yours, but seek only to rescue a friend of ours who was left behind.' =========================== Date: Fri, 20 Dec 1996 17:15:26 -0600 (CST) From: grammarfascist Subject: Re: AAE: The Sequel (War in Arcadia) From: Lightlord At 10:50 PM 12/18/96 -0800, Morgan wrote: > With silent grace, the mithril dragon gently comes to earth a respectful distance away from Queen Titania. Morphing back into humanoid form, the Lightlord steps forward and gives the queen his deepest bow. "Greetings and good health to you, Fair Lady. I am known to my friends as 'The Lightlord'... and to my enemies as 'Tyrantkiller'. I deeply regret any misunderstandings that may have occured here this day. However, I am sure that by working together, we will be able to drive the Fell Spider your Fair Lands." With these words, the Lightlord bows again, steps back, and retrieves his staff from the Silver Phoenix. =========================== Date: Fri, 20 Dec 1996 17:16:10 -0600 (CST) From: grammarfascist Subject: Re: AAE: The Sequel (War in Arcadia) From: John Edwards The Ever-So-Wise alaric@babylon5.babcom.com (The Renaissance Man) wrote: ->"My companions I leave to introduce themselves separately as they ->will." Harker steps forward, and drops down to one knee, keeping his eyes down. "I travel under the name Draculsbane. I am along to help my companions retrieve our missing friend." John =========================== Date: Sat, 21 Dec 1996 01:46:47 -0600 From: "KnightShift (Michael Jon Knight)" Subject: Re: AAE: The Sequel (War In Arcadia) The KnightShift, still trying to figure out what the Vorlons are up to by sending him to Arcadia, overhears the following: At 10:50 PM 12/18/96 -0800, Morgan wrote: > *Great,* he thinks, looking at his clothing, *let's go meet royalty in jeans and a T-shirt...I swear, I am going to start carrying around the Paramount waredrobe department if this sort of thing keeps up. Well, time to see if MY sort of magic works here...* The KnightShift then opens his backpack and begins rummaging. A few moments later, the KnightShift slips through the small group of Callahanians. He is now wearing a white linen suit with a paisley vest and tie. Someone stifles a snicker. *Very* quietly, the KnightShift says, "Sorry, I don't really *do* the Middle Ages." The KnightShift now stands before Titania. She notices his odd dress, but to her credit, shows no outward signs of it. She simply regards him with a, well, regal expression. He bows from the waist, arms slightly away from the body, palms toward her. "Your Highness. I, like my companions, am here to rescue our comrade. If we can assist in removing this 'Spider' from your lands, so much the better." "You do not feel responsible for bringing this creature to my realm?" Titania asks. "No. My first concern is with my missing friend. My second concern is why I was sent here in the first place. There are several questions involved with that. Your 'spider', at first glance, is woven into these problems, I believe. If it's destruction will serve my goals, then it will be destroyed. But, I have no knowledge of your realm, and do not want to interfere with it's natural development. If your 'Spider' is meant to be here, I will leave it here and find another way to meet my ends." Titania regards the KnightShift for a few moments. "I will not pretend I like your answer, but I believe you have spoken truthfully. I shall speak truthfully as well. This creature has become a terror to my lands. You may go in peace, but be warned, I will not look kindly upon you if I learn you aid our enemy." "I would not expect you to, however, doing so would also interfere with the natural development. If I can manage it, I will leave your lands as I found them, without any trace of my presence." "That may prove difficult, as you stand before royalty and a small army. But, I approve of your desires." Titania regards him for a moment. "It will be far more significant for a Queen to meet with an unknown stranger. What are you called, that we might make your arrival less noteworthy?" Without thought, the name emerges from his subconscious and escapes his lips. As he said it, he wished he could take it back, but since it wasn't his real name, there would be no point. The KnightShift would just have to live with it while in Arcadia... "Smith. Doctor John Smith." The KnightShift. (OOC: I know, more Doctor Who trivia. Now all I need is the hat and the question mark umbrella. :->) =========================== From: Martin Gerster Subject: Re: AAE: The Sequel (War In Arcadia) Date: Sun, 22 Dec 96 00:07:11 PST > (excess snipage) > Titania nods. "Alaric, of House Dare. Bearer of the Sword. >Morgan an Fhaoilciarach of the Wolven Way." She looks up >appraisingly at the Lensdragon, but says nothing to him for >the moment. "An interesting fellowship to follow an Immortal >of the Iron Worlds. Do you vouch for this one, steeped in the >ways of Pattern?" > /Gulp.../ /Is she speaking of me?/ telepathically asks the Lensdragon of his compatriots / I mean I'm a Geomancer, but I never considered myself "steeped in the ways of the Pattern."/ Dhyrclhanc steps forwards and bows before the Faerie Queen. In fact, he bows lower than most other "people" 16ft tall should be able to. "With all due respect, your Grace," begins the Sentinel, raising his large head as to look up at Her Majesty. With Reverence dripping off his words, he continues, "I was sure you and your King would be around here somewhere. I was about to offer to search you out to gain our party safe passage through your realm. You have heard our purpose spoken by those who are much more elegant with the language than I. I simply come forth to pay my respects to you and to introduce myself to you, so that you wouldn't think me rude. As for a name, or 'something-to-be-called,' you may address me as 'Lancet.' I am also known as the Lensdragon and I am, in turns, a Guardian of Civilization, Sentinel; possessor of Allan Scott's 'First-Ring,' Protector of the Alterverses/'Fictions', Geomancer, Martial Artist, Callahanian, Bard and Punster Extraordianare. I would also beg ask you what you may know of my kind, seeing how you seem to know quite a bit about me, or parhaps my kin?" =========================== Subject: Re: AAE: The Sequel (War In Arcadia) Date: Mon, 23 Dec 96 18:32:34 -0000 From: Roland X >/Is she speaking of me?/ telepathically asks the Lensdragon of his >compatriots / I mean I'm a Geomancer, but I never considered myself >"steeped in the ways of the Pattern."/ Roland glances sidelong at the Lensdragon. *I'm pretty sure she means _me,_ big guy.* The distinctly neutral gaze she keeps levelled at the Silver Phoenix agrees with his assessment... >"With all due respect, your Grace," begins the Sentinel, raising his >large head as to look up at Her Majesty. With Reverence dripping off >his words, he continues, I would also beg ask you what you may >know of my kind, seeing how you seem to know quite a bit about me, or >parhaps my kin?" Titania smiles broadly. "Seelie Draconians are always welcome in Arcadia's golden realm. Your kind has ever been friend and ally to the monarchy of the Shining Land. In fact, it is said that both Dragonkind and the Sidhe were born from this realm... but it would be best if we took parley in more civilized surroundings." Her gaze flickers back to Roland-it has not escaped her notice (nor Roland's) that he has not yet been vouched for... (OOC: Sorry about the unexpected ABEND. I been sick. *sniff*) =========================== Date: Tue, 24 Dec 1996 11:32:07 -0800 From: "L.J. Wolfe" Subject: Re: AAE: The Sequel (War In Arcadia) At 06:32 PM 12/23/96 -0000, Ro.. Er, Silver Phoenix :-) wrote: >but it would be best if we took parley in more civilized sur- >roundings." Her gaze flickers back to Roland-it has not escaped >her notice (nor Roland's) that he has not yet been vouched for... Morgan was also somewhat confused by the original wording of Titania's question (not to mention facinated by watching the dragon bow), but a furry nudge at her hand brings her back to the present reality. "While I would not consider any fair field or forest of your realm uncivilized, Majesty, I agree that perhaps a less - open - venue would be appropriate. As for who should speak for the Callahanians, I believe he who is known here as Silver Phoenix would be agreeable to all." She flickers a brief smile at Roland, then looks back to the Faery Queen. "Your Majesty, I have only known this good gentle for a short while, but we have been through some critical times together. He has shown himself to be an honorable man, a steadfast friend, and a fearsome warrior when his comrads or the forces of Light are threatened. We are here now because we have, each of us, chosen to join him on this quest to save a friend. In a company of equals, he has earned the respect of a leader." Morgan looks around to the other Callahanians. "I do not presume to speak for our entire company, however. If anyone else would like to comment, they are of course free to do so." The Greywolf /|\ =========================== Date: Tue, 24 Dec 1996 11:56:56 -0800 (PST) From: Paul Campbell Subject: Re: AAE: The Sequel (War In Arcadia) On Tue, 24 Dec 1996, The Greywolf wrote: > Morgan looks around to the other Callahanians. "I do not presume to >speak for our entire company, however. If anyone else would like to >comment, they are of course free to do so." Xzerrion chuckles. `I'd be perfectly happy to vouch for our friend Silver Phoenix. Though somewhat impetuous, you can rely on him to do what's right and to cause no harm to your realm deliberately, your Majesty.' Titania lifts an eyebrow at the dark elf on one knee before her. `Indeed, dark one? And who vouches for you, that I might know that you are different from the Unseelie ones who have caused so much trouble in my realm already?' If it were possible for a drow to go pale, Xzerrion just did from that comment. `My lady, if you knew my past, you would never ask me such a question,' he responds in a tone almost as cold as his blade, Frostbite. `It is true that the Dark Sidhe of this realm were after me, led by Matron Drisonel, who destroyed my house and family, and sent my beloved to be tortured and killed. I crossed frozen wasteland and blazing desert to track her down and find her before the could execute her with the assistance of a gold dragon. Yes, I was trained by the drow, and I fight with the same cold intensity they do, but I have always used my skills against them. With your permission to speak frankly, my lady ...' Titania nods, her expression unreadable. Xzerrion continues, `I have little interest in the wars of this realm. This is not my homeland. However, I am here to rescue a lost companion. I will stay here until he is found and safe, and if that means I must go to the heart of the realm of shadows to do that, that's where you'll find me. If you still require the word of another, so be it, but I now give you my word that I will cause your people and your realm no harm, so long as I am treated as any other visitor, without regard to the people I have long since forsaken. As I believe your folk can, I ask that you read the truth of the words I say.' OOC : Titania isn't a character of mine : how would she react? - Xzerrion =========================== From: The Renaissance Man Subject: Re: AAE: The Sequel (War In Arcadia) Date: Tue, 24 Dec 1996 12:09:53 -0800 (PST) > If you still require the word of another, so be it, but I now give > you my word that I will cause your people and your realm no harm, so > long as I am treated as any other visitor, without regard to the > people I have long since forsaken. As I believe your folk can, I ask > that you read the truth of the words I say.' "I have seen him do battle elsewhere, in the cause of the Light," Alaric adds. "He fought valiantly and honorably, and with far greater regard for the safety and wellbeing of the allies around him than for his own. "The same can be said of the Silver Phoenix." =========================== Date: Tue, 24 Dec 1996 13:16:42 -0800 From: "Dane R. Anderson" Subject: Re: AAE: The Sequel (War In Arcadia) grammarfascist wrote: > From: The Renaissance Man > "My companions I leave to introduce themselves separately as they > will." From the Stardragon, circling high above (so as not to cause hurricane strength winds with its flaping wings), comes its small mental 'voice", "I am the Stardragon. Your people have known me in the distant past." Titania looks up, and says "And what are YOU here for, oh mightest of disasters?" "I am here to assist in the rescue of a valiant ally. He whom these friends also seek. I have no quarel with you or your people, but I would be most displeased and put out if you or they were to oppose us. Some of my friends believe that the shadow spider is involved with the disappearance of our friend, if that is true, then perhaps our two needs are as one. But be warned I AM the Stardragon, you know that your magics and weapons are harmless to me. Attack me or my friends and I will leave nothing standing in this land, as I did so long ago when I drove the dark Sidhe underground. =========================== Subject: Re: AAE: The Sequel (War In Arcadia) Date: Tue, 24 Dec 96 18:37:36 -0000 From: Roland X Morgan wrote: >She flickers a brief smile at Roland, then looks back to the Faery >Queen. Roland breathes a deep sigh of relief. >"Your Majesty, I have only known this good gentle for a short while, >but we have been through some critical times together. He has shown >himself to be an honorable man, a steadfast friend, and a fearsome >warrior when his comrads or the forces of Light are threatened. We >are here now because we have, each of us, chosen to join him on this >quest to save a friend. In a company of equals, he has earned the >respect of a leader." Roland blushes. Deeply. *Grife, Morgan...* >Morgan looks around to the other Callahanians. "I do not presume to >speak for our entire company, however. If anyone else would like to >comment, they are of course free to do so." Titania nods. "I had to know." She nods to the rest of the fellowship. "If you would all accompany my folk, your presence and parley would honor us." =========================== Subject: Re: AAE: The Sequel (War In Arcadia) Date: Tue, 24 Dec 96 18:44:10 -0000 From: Roland X >Xzerrion continues, ... As I believe your folk can, I ask that you >read the truth of the words I say.' Titania smiles faintly. "Even the Dark Sidhe are known for their word, at least in _this_ realm. You are of this place, even if it is no longer your home." Her smile vanishes. "It is the invasion of Mundanity that concerns me. You are welcome here, dark child. For now." >OOC : Titania isn't a character of mine : how would she react? (OOC: Will this do? Explanations are forthicoming, fear not...) =========================== Subject: Re: AAE: The Sequel (War In Arcadia) Date: Tue, 24 Dec 96 18:52:29 -0000 From: Roland X >But be warned I AM the Stardragon, you know that your magics >and weapons are harmless to me. Attack me or my friends and I will >leave nothing standing in this land, as I did so long ago when I >drove the dark Sidhe underground. "You are the invaders here," Titania replies evenly. "I have come to this place to welcome you and you threaten me and mine. I have no quarrel with you either, but should you unleash your doom upon the Shining Lands, you will find that we have learned more than you might think." She turns to the landbound Callahanians. "If we may continue this in more...pleasant...surroundings?" =========================== Date: Tue, 24 Dec 1996 18:24:01 -0600 From: "KnightShift (Michael Jon Knight)" Subject: Re: AAE: The Sequel (War In Arcadia) Roland X wrote: > She turns to the landbound Callahanians. "If we may >continue this in more...pleasant...surroundings?" The KnightShift steps forward quickly, glancing sternly skyward at the Stardragon. /Shame on you. Not EVERYONE we meet is trying to kill us...at least, I don't THINK so.../ To Titania, "I can't think of anything more agreeable...Phoenix, do we have time to impose on Her Majesty's good graces?" adding silently to Roland /For that matter, dare we refuse?/ The KnightShift =========================== Date: Tue, 24 Dec 1996 17:08:58 -0800 From: "L.J. Wolfe" Subject: Re: AAE-2: War In Arcadia At 06:37 PM 12/24/96 -0000, Roland wrote: > Roland blushes. Deeply. *Grife, Morgan...* /* Hey, you get me started in the forsoothy, and I tend to wax eloquent :-). */ And at 06:44 PM 12/24/96 -0000, he wrote: > Titania smiles faintly. "Even the Dark Sidhe are known >for their word, at least in _this_ realm. You are of this >place, even if it is no longer your home." Her smile >vanishes. "It is the invasion of Mundanity that concerns >me. You are welcome here, dark child. For now." Morgan looks around at the Callahanians: dragons, super heros, elves, Knightshift in that paisley vest, her own wolf companions, and can't help but think this doesn't exactly strike her as a "mundane" group ;-). Then at 06:52 PM 12/24/96 -0000, Roland wrote: > She turns to the landbound Callahanians. "If we may >continue this in more...pleasant...surroundings?" ...to which, at 06:24 PM 12/24/96 -0600, The KnightShift replied: >To Titania, "I can't think of anything more agreeable...Phoenix, do >we have time to impose on Her Majesty's good graces?" adding silently >to Roland /For that matter, dare we refuse?/ /*I think a refusal of hospitality at this point would be inadvisable.*/ Morgan sends to her comrads. /*Just remember the warnings about eating Faery foods, and for Light's sake everyone be on your best manners.*/ Morgan /|\ =========================== Subject: Re: AAE-2: War In Arcadia Date: Wed, 25 Dec 96 12:40:30 -0000 From: Roland X Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore." *cough cough* Quoth the woman who runs with wolves, Morgan: >Morgan looks around at the Callahanians: dragons, super heros, elves, >Knightshift in that paisley vest, her own wolf companions, and can't >help but think this doesn't exactly strike her as a "mundane" group > ;-). (OOC: Don't worry, Morgan, she didn't mean us. ) >...to which, at 06:24 PM 12/24/96 -0600, The KnightShift replied: >>To Titania, "I can't think of anything more agreeable...Phoenix, do >>we have time to impose on Her Majesty's good graces?" adding >>silently to Roland /For that matter, dare we refuse?/ "I imagine so," Roland replies evenly. "All efforts to learn of Stranger's fate have been fruitless so far. It certainly seems that Her Majesty's concerns and ours coincide." >/*I think a refusal of hospitality at this point would be >inadvisable.*/ Morgan sends to her comrads. /*Just remember the >warnings about eating Faery foods, and for Light's sake everyone be >on your best manners.*/ *Agreed. Though Titania seems a lot more...stable than I had imagined her to be. I have a feeling there's more to this than meets the eye...* =========================== Date: Fri, 27 Dec 1996 07:20:05 -0800 From: "L.J. Wolfe" Subject: Re: AAE-2: War In Arcadia At 12:40 PM 12/25/96 -0000, Silver Phoenix replied to Morgan: > *Agreed. Though Titania seems a lot more...stable >than I had imagined her to be. I have a feeling there's >more to this than meets the eye...* As the pleasantries continue, Morgan gets a far-away look in her eyes. They flutter closed briefly, and she sways a bit on her feet. Just as the nearest Callahanian is about to reach out to steady her, a smile slowly spreads over her face, and she whispers, so softly only those very near her hear, "Stranger!" Heads turn, eyebrows raise. Morgan lets out a relieved little laugh, and answers their unspoken questions. "I'm not sure exactly where he is, or what's up, but I... somehow, I _know_ he's.... He's alive!" "Thank the Light!" Morgan /|\ =========================== Date: Fri, 27 Dec 1996 15:35:33 -0800 (PST) From: Paul Campbell Subject: Re: AAE-2: War In Arcadia On Fri, 27 Dec 1996, L.J. Wolfe wrote: > "I'm not sure exactly where he is, or what's up, but I... somehow, I > _know_ he's.... He's alive!" `That's good, wouldn't want to be wandering around a battlefield if he wasn't. I'll see if I can use my amulet to pull off a bit of scrying. Too bad he isn't wearing one too, would make things easier.' > "If you could do me a favour and let the others know that I'll slot > myself back into the story in, say a week and a halves time I'd > appreciate it, I'm a little behind schedule right now." His return > was duly greeted with grins and hugs :-).> All right, I'll be about. =========================== Subject: Re: AAE-2: War In Arcadia Date: Fri, 27 Dec 96 19:28:44 -0000 From: Roland X Sayeth the Druid Morgan: >As the pleasantries continue, Morgan gets a far-away look in her >eyes. They flutter closed briefly, and she sways a bit on her feet. Roland looks back. "Morgan?" >Just as the nearest Callahanian is about to reach out to steady her, >a smile slowly spreads over her face, and she whispers, so softly >only those very near her hear, > >"Stranger!" Roland's eyes grow wide. His telepathic powers surge, and his probes, though not intrusive, suddenly seem to be everywhere at once. >"I'm not sure exactly where he is, or what's up, but I... somehow, I >_know_ he's.... He's alive!" > >"Thank the Light!" "Thank the Light, indeed!" Roland says, sighing in relief. "Now if we could only get into the blasted tower!" "You will find your friend in due time," Titania adds cryptically... >he says, "If you could do me a favour and let the others know that >I'll slot myself back into the story in, say a week and a halves time >I'd appreciate it, I'm a little behind schedule right now." His >return was duly greeted with grins and hugs :-).> (OOC: Cool. Happy Holidays, all! 8^) =========================== From: Martin Gerster Subject: AAE -- The Sequel (War In Arcadia) Date: Mon, 30 Dec 96 22:07:04 PST > "Stranger!" > > Heads turn, eyebrows raise. Morgan lets out a relieved little laugh, > and answers their unspoken questions. > > "I'm not sure exactly where he is, or what's up, but I... somehow, I > _know_ he's.... He's alive!" > > "Thank the Light!" "Stranger!" bellows the Sentinel-Lensdragon, at the top of his prodigious lungs. He gallops over to where Morgan is standing over the seemingly unconcious form of the Stranger. As the adolecent dragon's eyes lock upon the still body of their previously missing compatriot, his Lens comes to life blazing with a blue/white-hot light like that of a splinter of a captured star. His eyes glow with equal fire and then shimmer to a light blue-green color as the First-Ring comes alive in a burst of jade/emerald flame. The Sentinel-Lensdragon's Elder-Dragon Psi-Aura briefly flickers into being around him. The Stranger's head becomes enveloped in a light blue-green radience. This suddenly disapears as Dhyrclhanc's Lens and Ring fall "asleep" once again. The draconian Lensman's eyes return to their normal duller ice-blue/white hue. "Well," Dhyrclhanc says aloud, finally. "I've got good news and bad news (OOC: Isn't that always the way?) "The lights certainly aren't on but somebody's home; all of his autonomous functions are running normally. Unfortunatly, I couldn't perform any deep TP probes. There is either only very basic mental processes in operation or somebody's put him under deeper than I could probe. In any case, all I could get was the bio-electrical equivelent (sp?) of an answering machine. Plus he's got some very strong shielding on most the crutial parts of his mind. The shields aren't his, at least I don't think they are; they haven't got his aura. The other good news is these shields don't have the Adversary's 'smell' to them and their's nothing 'Shadowy' about them either. Otherwise, I'm perplexed. I'm a healer but I know only how to treat the body not the mind. Which reminds me... " Dhyrclhanc makes a relaxed gesture with his right hand towards the the faerie sky. A briliant lance of jade/emerald energy erupts from the First-Ring, creating a second, and this time minature and breif by comparison, "boom-tube." Two objects fall from this "hole in the sky," the first is recognizable as Dhyrclhanc's Standish, the second is his "Universe-of-the-Lens" Medi-Kit. Dhyrclhanc picks up both of these items and quickly places them into the dragon-sized, steel-weave, dufflebag on his back. "We might need these." he says. Then he turns around and appologizes to the, now probably shocked, Faerie Queen. =========================== Date: Mon, 30 Dec 1996 23:51:31 -0800 From: "L.J. Wolfe" Subject: Re: AAE -- The Sequel (War In Arcadia) At 10:07 PM 12/30/96 PST, Dhyrclhanc spake thus: >He gallops over to where Morgan is standing over the seemingly >unconcious form of the Stranger. OOC: Aroo? (think a queerying, Scooby-Doo / Tim Allen sort of sound) :-) Um, I didn't say he was _here_, just that's he's still alive, wherever he is. Gareth said he'll write himself back into the story in a week or so. So, uh, do we back up a space to where Titania "cryptically added", "You will find your friend in due time," or keep going from here? Morgan /|\ =========================== From: Martin Gerster Subject: Re: AAE -- The Sequel (War In Arcadia) Date: Wed, 01 Jan 97 22:44:14 PST (OOC: No wait, I got us into this awefull mess and I can get us out of it) Morgan calmly explains that there's no body here and as Dhyrclhanc is about to point out that there very well *Is* a *body* *here* the "apparition" of the Stranger's body dissapears from view. The Sentinel-Lensdragon swears silently. "Great, it was an illusion and an extreamly convincing one at that. To paraphrase 'Blues Traveler,' I'm getting sick and tired of this runaround. Somebody took advantage of my (ahem) zeal to get the Stranger back and presented me with an illusion of my desire." He twists around again to address Queen Titanina, "Milady," he says, "Which one of your opponents could create an illusion elaborate enough to fool a high-level telepath? I ask because someone else, besides the Adversary and the Shadows; our previous enemies are involved in what is happening here." (OOC: how's that?) =========================== Date: Thu, 2 Jan 1997 04:31:20 -0800 (PST) From: "K. Ohanlon" Subject: Re: AAE -- The Sequel (War In Arcadia) > At 10:44 PM 1/1/97 PST, Dhyrclhanc the Lensdragon wrote: >>He twists around again to address Queen Titania, >>"Milady," he says, "Which one of your opponents >>could create an illusion elaborate enough to fool >>a high-level telepath? I ask because someone else, >>besides the Adversary and the Shadows; our previous >>enemies are involved in what is happening here." Before Queen Titania can reply to the Lensdragon's question, a shimmering appears off to the left of the group of adventurers. The shimmering darkens, until it resolves itself into a doorway of blackest night. A slender figure steps through the doorway, and the group is instantly on guard against this possible threat. The figure is only about 5'5", and dressed in a darkly irridescent outfit, which seems to shift and blend into the surrounding environment. (OOC: Those of you familiar with the _Wheel of Time_ fiction may recognize this material as being kin to that which forms a Warder's cloak. The sword I'm borrowing from a friend's story which I've taken a few creative liberties with.) The figure holds a sword of unusual make. The hilt and crossguard are made of silver, and a rod of silver runs through the middle of the sword. The blade is pure crystal, harder than diamond and sharp as obsidian. As the members of the group stare, a silver blur leaps from the sword to hover slightly in front of and above the figure. A feminine voice calls out, "Georgie! Safe!", and the figure throws back her hood. The startled group takes in both that the woman is known to them, and that her protective companion appears to be a small, silver dragon. The creature is only as long as her arm, limbless except for its wings, and has a crowded mouthful of needle-sharp teeth. It hisses uncertainly at the adventurers for a moment, and then it blurrs again, and seems to go back into the sword. Just before Crow resheaths the sword, a few of the more observant folks notice that the creature has indeed fused with the sword, its long tail wrapped firmly around the silver rod that runs through the crystal. Crow smiles reassuringly at her friends, and immediately steps forward and drops to one knee before Queen Titania. "Great Queen, forgive my abrupt and exceedingly rude intrusion. I fear I was much delayed in coming to thy fair realm, for some dark magic sought to disrupt the spell I used for my journey. I pray that both you and those I would join forgive me my tardiness and accept my aid in this venture." The Queen's face is neutral, as is her tone. "And what aid could you bring this company of heroes?" "Wise Queen, the sword I bear is enchanted so that it will not break. Within it, resides a companion who excells at aerial scouting. Georgie's bite is poisonous, though he can control the level of toxicity, administering either a lethal dose, or one which will simply incapacitate an enemy. He is bound to the sword, what he sees and knows, the bearer of the sword sees and knows. I have some few fighting skills, though I think my worth to this company may be found more in my abilities as a healer than that of a fighter." Queen Titania inclines her head the slightest fraction. "A formidable ally and weapon, and healing abilities as well, intriguing. However, you bear the mark of one Unseelie, unusual for a healer." Crow's face blanches and her expression takes on a grim cast. "I was once taken underhill, O Queen, and through sheer stubborn determination and luck was able to escape, not once but twice. The second time I believe I..impressed...the creature who had kidnapped me. I escaped, but have had his mark upon me from that day forward." The Queen nods, but her expression is slightly cold. "You appear to be telling the truth, as you believe it to be at any rate. However, I have required that the rest of your would-be companions vouch for each other, at least one must do the same for you." Crow rises up from one knee, and curtsies formally to the Queen. With a slightly apprehensive expression, she turns to face the judgement of the rest of the party. (OOC: Hi all! Sorry, I"m late. Took me forever to figure out how to make an entrance, and a longer forever to find the time to do so. :P I think I know most of the rules for dealing with the realm of Faerie, have various weapons, potions, herbs and so forth about my person, and this looks like great fun! Again, apologies for tardiness, and on with the show! =) ) =========================== From: Martin Gerster Subject: Re: AAE -- The Sequel (War In Arcadia) Date: Thu, 02 Jan 97 11:50:31 PST >The Queen nods, but her expression is slightly cold. "You appear to >be telling the truth, as you believe it to be at any rate. However, I >have required that the rest of your would-be companions vouch for >each other, at least one must do the same for you." The Sentinel-Lensdragon clears his throat and addresses Queen Titanina onced more, "Milady, if I may be so bold, this Crow is known to me. She and I are kindred spirits. I, for one, will vouch for her character. I would wager that she is already one of us, despite her late arrivial. I believe it is clear to her that to betray us would be folly, at the very least. For as long as she keeps her 'pet' away from me, I'll certainly be one to defend her honor." =========================== From: The Renaissance Man Subject: Re: AAE -- The Sequel (War In Arcadia) Date: Thu, 2 Jan 1997 10:58:06 -0800 (PST) > Crow rises up from one knee, and curtsies formally to the Queen. > With a slightly apprehensive expression, she turns to face the > judgement of the rest of the party. "I know this one better than most, perhaps than any other here," Alaric replies deferentially. "While it is true that she has been marked by a noble of the Unseelie, it is a mark set upon that which he covets, not upon that which he possesses. "She is grey, as am I; but she stands with the Light, as do I. If you doubt her, then doubt me, for I have less of the Light within than does she." =========================== Subject: Re: AAE -- The Sequel (War In Arcadia) Date: Thu, 2 Jan 97 19:57:10 -0000 From: Roland X >Morgan calmly explains that there's no body here and as Dhyrclhanc is >about to point out that there very well *Is* a *body* *here* the >"apparition" of the Stranger's body dissapears from view. Roland, presently nursing a headache, blinks and looks up. He 'sees' Stranger for a moment, then the illusion fades. >"Great, it was an illusion and an extreamly convincing one at that. >To paraphrase 'Blues Traveler,' I'm getting sick and tired of this >runaround. Somebody took advantage of my (ahem) zeal to get the >Stranger back and presented me with an illusion of my desire." Roland's eyes narrow. "But why? It doesn't make any sense, unless we're just being toyed with..." >He twists around again to address Queen Titanina, "Milady," he says, >"Which one of your opponents could create an illusion elaborate >enough to fool a high-level telepath? I ask because someone else, >besides the Adversary and the Shadows; our previous enemies are >involved in what is happening here." "Are you sure?" a voice echoes. Roland looks up in shock. "What the sprocking-" "You!" The voice says. "You exist, in Arcadia, without being filled with magick? That-" Roland vanishes. "-is unacceptable." "Damn," Titania sighs, as something laughs... >(OOC: how's that?) (OOC: Not bad. Thanks for the ideas, BTW! I'll be back soon...) =========================== Date: Sat, 4 Jan 1997 01:13:31 -0600 From: "KnightShift (Michael Jon Knight)" Subject: Re: AAE -- The Sequel (War In Arcadia) >>Morgan calmly explains that there's no body here and as Dhyrclhanc >>is about to point out that there very well *Is* a *body* *here* the >>"apparition" of the Stranger's body dissapears from view. The hairs on the back of the KnightShift's neck stand up, but he doesn't see anything. Watching the Lensdragon, his mind grapples with this new development. *Interesting,* he thinks... *A narrowly broadcast telepathic link? Despite the emotional stress, I can't picture this as a figment of his imagination.* > Roland looks up in shock. "What the sprocking-" > "You!" The voice says. "You exist, in Arcadia, >without being filled with magick? That-" > Roland vanishes. > "-is unacceptable." > "Damn," Titania sighs, as something laughs... *So, no one can play without being a magick user, eh? Well, well, well, I wonder what our friend will make of me? I am certainly without magick. Alright, some Vorlon and Time Lord tech, but that's not magick...* /Depends upon who you ask.../ The voice is in the KnightShift's mind, but is not his own... >>(OOC: how's that?) (OOC: Hey, cool, I was going to suggest that...really, I was... :) ) > (OOC: Not bad. Thanks for the ideas, BTW! I'll be back soon...) (OOC: Boy, take a short vacation and BOOM!, the plot thickens...Speaking of which...) The KniteShift finds himself standing on the edge of a giant chessboard tiled with three foot squares of granite in alternating colors of dark and light. A game is set on the board, with the callahanians' likenesses carved in creamy marble. The oppponent's pieces are of obsidian. These black pieces are intricate versions of the traditional pieces. Except for the Black King...that piece is a high throne with a blonde man sitting on it. The man is dressed all in black. The KnightShift advances towards the throne. "You were in Callahan's. With the Vorlons. Who are you? And what are you doing in my head?" The Man smiles down on him. "I am a diversion. Care to play a game of chess?" "A diversion for what?" "Would you like to hear some music?" An old Victrola appears next to the KnightShift. A tinny voice can be heard singing: Your ancient allies are distraught, By your present state of mind... Their gifts to you are now no more, As you will soon surely find... "To clarify," the blonde man continues, "Everything the Time Lords and Vorlons gave you is gone. You refuse to do their biddings, so you have been eliminated. No telepathy, transdiminsional backpack...nothing. Hope you survive, Human." Then there is a blinding flash as everything disappears. Face contorted into a silent scream, the KnightShift collapses to the ground as pain courses through every fiber of his being. As the pain quickly passes, he regains his senses and sits up slowly. In his hand is a pile of ash, the remains of his backpack. He looks around at the Callahanians. Though he can see the obvious concern on their faces, he can tell nothing of what they are thinking. "I think...my part in this adventure...just got a whole lot...tougher." (OOC: Heh, I love making life tough for my characters...) The KnightShift, alter ego to Michael Knight Companion of the feline god, Pyewackett -----BEGIN GEEK CODE BLOCK----- Version: 3.1 GMC d- s+: a-- C++++ US+ P L !E W++ N++ o? K- w+(---) O- M-(--) PS+ PE Y(+) PGP- t* 5++++ X+ R>+ b++>+++ DI(+) D G e>++ h r y* ------END GEEK CODE BLOCK------ Visit my little world: http://www.snartnet.net/~mjknight/index.html =========================== Date: Sun, 5 Jan 1997 00:58:17 -0800 From: "L.J. Wolfe" Subject: Re: AAE -- The Sequel (War In Arcadia) At 01:13 AM 1/4/97 -0600, The KnightShift wrote: >Though he can see the obvious concern on their faces, he can tell >nothing of what they are thinking. > >"I think...my part in this adventure...just got a whole lot ... >tougher." Morgan notices a shift in the pattern made by the combined minds of the Callahanians. She thinks, <*KnightShift?*>. No response. Not good, she thinks, and sends again, this time with more of a push behind it, <*_KnightShift_?!*>. This time she senses the faintest of stirrings. She kneels next to where her comrad still sits, takes his hand, and looks into his eyes. "I don't know what just happened, but I do know that your link to us isn't completely gone. It's changed, yes, severly weakened, but it's still there, and I'm pretty sure you can tap back into it if you try." She smiles, a smile that includes the whole group. "The link between us may have started out with help from , but it's deeper than that now. Nothing can completely take it away from us." The wolves nuzzle his other hand, and he "hears", faintly, "Yes," and "She's right, you know." Morgan stands and offers KnightShift a hand up. She turns to Titania, and with a deferential nod of her head says, "Majesty, with all due respect, I think it it past time we take you up on your offer of a more secure location to continue our conversation. We seem to be far too succeptible to - interference - out here." >(OOC: Heh, I love making life tough for my characters...) (OOC: Well, did they at least leave you a change of clothes, or are you stuck with that awful disco outfit ?) Morgan Greywolf /|\ =========================== Date: Mon, 6 Jan 1997 02:12:40 -0800 (PST) From: "K. Ohanlon" Subject: Re: AAE -- The Sequel (War In Arcadia) On Thu, 2 Jan 1997, Martin Gerster wrote: > The Sentinel-Lensdragon clears his throat and addresses Queen > Titanina onced more, "Milady, if I may be so bold, this Crow is > known to me. She and I are kindred spirits. I, for one, will vouch > for her character. I would wager that she is already one of us, > despite her late arrivial. I believe it is clear to her that to > betray us would be folly, at the very least. For as long as she > keeps her 'pet' away from me, I'll certainly be one to defend her > honor." Crow smiles at the Sentinel-Lensdragon, "Thank you, my friend." Her thoughts to him carry a tone of humor. /Georgie's not really a pet. The sword is his home, and he stays with me because I carry his home around. Also, he and I have been through a lot together. I count him more a friend and comrade-in-arms than I ever would a 'pet'./ Another, quieter thought also has words for the Sentinel-Lensdragon and the rest of the party. /Hi. Sorry for hissing at you and almost attacking. Crow warned me we'd been heading into danger, so I was ready for anything when we came out of the Portal. When I saw this huge, dangerous-looking group, I just lept to defend Crow before thinking about it. Still felt hostile and uncertain after she called me off, which was why I hissed so rudely.../ -Kelley, aka Crow. =========================== Date: Mon, 6 Jan 1997 02:23:24 -0800 (PST) From: "K. Ohanlon" Subject: Re: AAE -- The Sequel (War In Arcadia) On Thu, 2 Jan 1997, The Renaissance Man wrote: >> Crow rises up from one knee, and curtsies formally to the Queen. >> With a slightly apprehensive expression, she turns to face the >> judgement of the rest of the party. > > "I know this one better than most, perhaps than any other here," > Alaric replies deferentially. Crow's eyes shift to Alaric, and her expression turns from apprehensive to unreadable. > "While it is true that she has been marked by a noble of the > Unseelie, it is a mark set upon that which he covets, not upon that > which he possesses. /Aye, that is true,/ she thinks to the others. /Yet sometimes I still fear what such a mark may mean./ > "She is grey, as am I; but she stands with the Light, as do I. If > you doubt her, then doubt me, for I have less of the Light within > than does she." Crow bows her head for a moment, and her whispered, "Thank you," is barely audible. When she looks up again, her eyes are shining with a fierce and proud light. Though her thoughts are audible to all, they seem especially meant for Alaric. /I am grey. I stand between the Darkness and the Light. We are grey. We stand between the candle and the star. On the side of the Light, always. Though I know the Darkness full well. Thank you for helping to remind me what I am, and what I may yet be./ -Kelley, aka Crow. (Mystical enough for ya? ;) ) ===========================