Latest revision as of 22:29, 12 February 2014

Participants

Date

12/2/477

Log

Tis a warm day for the winter, a comfortable seventy degrees as the party marches along the road towards Mossy Stone, approaching the forest the encloses it, now darkened with few signs of life. Other than a few stubborn hold outs, the area has been largely abandoned to the horrors that lurk within.

Mirana had been trying to get together something for this for a while now, and it seemed finally her prayers and words had been answered. She comes along in her best battlement incase words were far from enough. Kits tended to in the nursey back at Solacious Manor. Always thankful for the staff they had there and the treatment she got from them. She was ready with a great many creater artifacts ready to go, looking around for whom else may join her.

Siyu adjusts his glasses, despite the tempreture the rodent doesn't feel that uncomfortable. Born and raised in the desert, the heat doesn't bother him, even under all that gear. The chainmail is backed and fronted by leather, making it very quiet, and the rough heavy gloves are the same. He's wearing what looks, at first glance, like a skirt, but they're really long, heavy bags of powder, a full load, nearly down to his ankels. His hair tight in a chonmage and uner a helmet. A musket on his back, and a cannon under his arm. The rodent marches with the rest of them.

Fenris adjusts his high collared coat and checks his gear. He has become fairly familiar with the desolation of Mossy Stone, helping to hold the undead in check. "I can't believe we are finally doing this," he says to no one in particular. It is simultaneously exhilarating and terrifying. He idly touches the golden soul gem peeking from his pendant. He hopes he is ready.

Selena doesn't seem particularly pleased despite the occasion, the wolfess largely paying attention to the road ahead and ignoring most of the banter for any reason. "I hope you have a plan better than 'walk in and hope to find something'." She growls. One could fault her for the tone due to the location or setting, though it's difficult to be sure, perhaps looking underdressed for the occasion in comparison to the others there.

The city is not hard to find, with the road wending its way towards it through the forest. The forest itself is quiet, as if the animals within also lurk and hide, waiting for better days.

Mirana gives a smile seeing SIyu and Fenris arrive, and a polite nod to Selena. "Yes, a plan more then just wonder and hope is had. We will head for the Shrine of Saint Alan, during my last campain through I noticed some strange things in there. From there move over to Fred's if we have found nothing else. Lastly, the Ruins of the Eastern Tower. My general thought was that where there is an old one, there is a caller of course. The question being, where are they?" She says back, looking into the City. She starts up her machines, and looks to her company, a lioness, Amy. "We will take point if no one else feels comfortable." She says.

It is eerie how quiet it is around Mossy Stone. Fenris watches the approaching walls with growing apprehension. The unquiet dead are worryingly quiet. "How are we supposed to find. . ." he thinks for a moment before invoking the name of a spirit, "the bone queen's caller?" he asks, "And what do we do when we find them?"

Selena simply shakes her head, the unnatural quiet of the areas certainly not taking the edge off of anything. "let me make this abundantly clear, just in case anyone forgot, then. This is mossy stone - and what 'last campaign'? I don't recall you ever leading troops here before.... Anyway. You don't turn a corner and expect nothing there. you don't pass a building and presume it's uninhabited. Do not pass a corpse and assume it won't get up." the wolfess rubs her temples. "The reason I'm here is because of two things: I'm a living radar for old one callers and frankly ai have no intention of leaving a group trying to make this trip in peace because the last one left all but one person dead."

Brutus arrives, looking even more uncomfortable than usual. Settling for a flowy pair of spare work robes from the House and his fur still immaculately groomed, he looks like the unlikelist possible soldier. All that swagger and confidence he flaunts about town is long gone, though, and a close observer might notice him trembling somewhat as he clutches the head of his cane tightly.

Siyu adjusts his glasses and he'll keep the cannon cradled, he'll give a little hum, and as we apprach the city he'll bein pulling out the long matches. letting them rest on his chest. Long enough so that they'll burn for hours, not so long they'll come in contact with his powder bags. He gives them a finger and waits to see what the first move is. He'll give a little cough as the walls come closer and closer, "Anyone have a light?" he finally inquires as he'll hold up the edge of a match, stepping up near Mirana, feeling a bit safer near her.

As the group approaches the city, they are given a warm welcome in the arms of four of the undead masses standing guard before the gates. They lurch to life as the party comes near, ready to defend their post to the end of their unlife.

Fenris looks up at the broken gates and prepares himself for battle as he sees the approaching shamblers. He feeds all of his fears to his inner flame. There is a hardness to his eyes that would be very foreign to anyone used to seeing him with his guitar at the inn. The tiger draws on his power and throws himself into battle, his form suddenly bursting into golden light. He lays about with stunning efficiency at the undead.

Looks back to Selena a moment, "The campain to help the bandit camp not days ago, and to scout the area, Siyu was there, as was Dio." She says, looking over as the zombies come to them. Commands given to machines, math magic and herbs dispenced. Amy doing her work to put down as many things as she can before they can come close to anyone else. After the zombies are cut or burned down, Mira wipes a stray hair from her face. "THank you all, Selena, Brutus, Siyu, Fenris. Now, lets keep moving in." She says, leading the way down the streets.

Siyu gets his matches lit, and soon there's four burning fuses along his chest, giving off a little cherry glow. He'll tuck the hand cannon under his arm and unsling his blunderbuss. Then there's the undead, a shock and surprise again, a match flicks and the blunderbuss roars, spitting fire and powder and steel. He's packed steel balls for this mission, panting as the 'buss is slung and the cannon comes out, and then there's another powder roar and a black of smoke fire and ball. But then there's only four of them. He blushes a bit, seems as if he was a little too eager. He flattens his ear and nervously pulls his powder bags up and begins to reload after the pyrotechnic display.

Brutus's lugubriousness is gone and he's moving faster than one suspects he ever has before. Glancing from side to side, his chest heaving as he pants, he asks "Is...that it? Did we make it" in a voice quivering with a strange blend of excitement and fear.

Much unlike conventional opposition, the wolfess doesn't seem to have any qualms with treating the undead to her magic - one kind or another, the tried and tested spells do their job as the others do theirs, whether of fiery nature or other. "Mirana, don't thank us yet. we aren't even in mossy stone proper

Make it, well, in a fashion. The group has at least entered the city. Eyes can be felt as the forces of darkness leer just at the edge of sight, crouched and lurking in the darkness as they await the right moment to approach this formidable group of the living.

Much unlike conventional opposition, the wolfess doesn't seem to have any qualms with treating the undead to her magic - one kind or another, the tried and tested spells do their job as the others do theirs, whether of fiery nature or other. "Mirana, don't thank us yet. we aren't even in mossy stone proper, there's no time for celebration. Brutus... Pull yourself together. Paranoia only gets you so far, and this is where it has to end." She says firmly, glancing about the dilapidated city. "Mirana, the campaign to help the 'bandits' was at their camp and I don't recall you doing any leading." she replies curtly.

Fenris stands ready, flickers of elemental math flickering around his gloves, coat and bracers. The golden glow that surrounds him has dimmed, but can still be seen. "Where to Corporal?" he asks Mirana as he scans the square.

Mirana can only give a polite nod to Selena, and a knowing glance to Siyu, "Come, delaying in the streets is only a wonderful way to catch the attentions of the undead. So unless you enjoy fighting zombies every step of the way, lets keep moving." she says, reaching up to her ringed ear and smiling. This was part of her tasks, her path. "To the church and the Shrine of Saint Alan." She calls out, continuing the march that way, though keeping vigilent eyes and ears out for a sudden trap, or that there are too many around and need to be put down quickly before advancing.

Ordinarily, he would lay about with outrage at being spoken to so curtly by Selena, but...she really seems to know what she's doing, and this was far more serious combat than hunting parties around Firmament. With a firm gulp and a deep breath, he tries to compose himself, following the lead of those more confident and competent.

Siyu nods his head a bit, "Yes holy ground..." is all he can chitter ou, he glances at the wolfess and flattens his ears, but...well, this isn't going to be easy is it. Just cradling the refilled shotgun, he'll walk in step with the others.

Selena mutters a quiet 'thought so' under her breath, taking out a baton like weapon and methodically jabbing it into each of the zombified remains before continuing. "Only as holy as you pretend it is. I don't see anything yet, and I can't feel anyone important nearby." The wolfess's corpse stabbinv doesn't seem to cease, each and any body recieving the same treatment. purification, always useful.

As the group marches through the city, the oppressive feeling grows more and more intense. The church, just one block away, feels as if it were a city away as that sensation hits its breaking point and snaps. With a sudden lurch, hands burst from the ground, drawing more fresh bodies to combat the invasion with angry grunts.

Mirana gives no words to Selena's commnent, but smiles to Siyu, Fenris, Brutus again, "Good job everyone, Selena, thank you for coming again. Do you have any feelings going on? Beyond the general stench of undeath that is around." She asks, looking into the church. With what she saw down below, this was the most logical place to start in her mind. The sarcophagus, the odd pools of murky ichor. "Stay close, and watch each others back." She reminds, mostly for Brutus' sake.

Fenris raises a flickering, shifting amalgamation of elemental power from the earth and sends it trundling toward the attacking zombies, throwing up a shield of flame to ward off the grasping hands. It seems to be pretty effective. He hurries toward the church as the wave of zombies falls to his allies' onslaught.

Siyu throws some powder bombs and they flick and explode, burning he undead, and he gives another nervous chitter. Fortuently not one of them have manage to come close to him, but it's still getting darker and more confining, the feelint this place gives off puts his tail on edge! He'll keep close to Mirana, "All right...into the church then?" he asks.

Selena doesn't seem be too shocked by the additional zombies from the ground - mossy stone church isn't a place one dealing with the place should be unaware of - backstepping somewhat before beginning her assault much the same as before. Even the assumed oppressive atmosphere doesn't seem to slow her down. "I dislike the place. That's all." she replies frankly, repeating her standard procedure. Stab, the next zombie, stab with the black weapon.

With the undead put down for the moment, the way to the church appears clear. A loud caw erupts from above it as a large bird stares at the party. It is like a raven, though its wings are small and flap more like a hummingbird than a raven should. A native of the world, its kind was here long before Beings set foot in it. It flutters up and flits away.

Brutus leans on his staff and pants heavily. He tends towards the middle of the group, barking out orders, calling out weaknesses and flicking spells about, and occasionally laying into an encroaching zombie with the full weight of his wrath. He'd found the perfect compromise between engaging in noble mortal combat and keeping his own stripey butt safe. As he lays out the last straggler, he celebrates with a cavalier "ha-HA!", scorching it with a fiery spell. He could already see the parades they would organize for him after this...

Mirana looks up and wonders at the bird a moment. She tilts her head, pondering if it was getting food from somewhere around here, or from the forest around, or if it were stealing from Anima. She looks over to Selena, "No one likes this place right now, we are here to figure out how to change that." She says softly, "Brutus Sweetie, try to keep it professional, it is wonderful that we are here, doing this, but I'd rather not attract attintion we don't need or want." She says softly, "Alright." She says, walking up to the church building proper, mindful of any trap that may be set by anyone a bit more bright then a zombie.

That seems ominous. Fenris watches the strange bird flit away. He spares a glance around for each of his companions, impressed by their contributions. Even Brutus was representing himself well. More or less. He quietly follows Mirana.

Selena looks back towards the skunk noble with the slightest hint of a smile - "Not feeling as worried, I see. good. But I can agree with Mirana when she says to stay quiet." She comments, ears pricking up noticeably as she follows. "This shouldn't be a surprise, but there's a presence down there. I suspect it's to do with the catacombs.... A little disappointing, really, but we'll see if all their eggs are in one basket when we're there." She notes. The odd bird barely even registers, simply focusing on the area around them.

Siyu sucks in a breath, "Are we going to fortify the chapel or, is this going to be sort of a base of operations? Or...no..." he flattens his ears, "There's somthing darker hidden in here?"

It seems that the approach of these would-be heroes has been noted and acted upon. The door is indeed trapped. A fine wire seems ready to snap if the doors are pushed open. To what end cannot be seen from here.

Mirana backs away from the door, not liking that at all. "Back way from the door everyone, other side of the street." She says. Thinking a moment she confers with her companions, "I could have one of my machines open the door and trip the trap. Or we could find another way inside. The door is trapped." She says. "I could also try and disarm it, but it is rigged to go off if the doors are opened." She offers what she can of the situation and options she can bring.

Siyu ohs a small bit, "A trap?" he inquires and he twitches his ears and he glances up at the Chapel, "Well is there a window...or somthing. I am small enough to fit in, but, if you wanted to let your machine trip it that's fine. I have a little skill with traps..." he'll say quietly.

Fenris contemplates the door. "I could knock it in from here," he says, then looks up. "Or we could go in through the roof or windows," he offers, "I could fly up there without much trouble."

Selena shrugs, glancing back at the tripwire a little unimpressed. "Or we could destroy the hinges on the door; they're small enough. Or burn it open. If there are holes in the roof, then I could get up there easily enough, much like Fenris." She lists. "I don't want to damage the walls - that's both loud and likely to trigger a collapse - but it is an option. Frankly, the windows are the easiest option. They're replaceable, fragile, and an easy way in. particularly if anyone thought to bring rope." Aparrently, the wolfess doesn't much care about what the windows depict...

Mirana doesn't like the idea of breaking those windows, but someone fixed them up. Someone could fix them up again. She'd fix them herself after the town is reclaimed. She takes a moment to carefully weigh the options. At least three of them could fly, maybe more, and those who could would likely be able to fly the others in. "Windows it is then, and I've rope from my snares to be used." She says, summing up a bit of math, runes on her staff glowing as she lifts herself over to the windows, checking to see if they too are trapped, as well as glancing in to see if there was anything she could notice.

Siyu looks at the window, "They're still...intact?" he tilts his head some, "After this occupation." he sweat drops though, "Stained glass, it's so hard to make, so difficult to craft, who knows how old these are, it's amazing they survived..." he's loath to break them.

Brutus gulped at the options. There was no way he was to scale it, ropes or no...and he didn't trust his command of air maths to overcome his...mass.

Selena shakes her head. "It's not as old as you think, from the looks of things. And for that matter, as hard as it is to make it's also a good option. Nobody stops anyone from taking the fragments and re-working them." That done, she waits for a few moments before sighing. "I can easily break the window into pieces from here. The smaller the better, since I'd rather not try to move glass panes through mossy stone with air magic. Not a sound idea; it'd be too visible.

Mirana looks down to Selena, "Thank you, please go ahead." She says, backing away from the windows. She couldn't see much other then there were no traps to befall them. After she is away from the soon to be gone windows, she looks to Siyu, "Worry not Sweetie, we will fix them up again after." She says, hugging to her fellow dedicate a moment.

With a thump of earth magic, the window shatters, breaking apart almost effortlessly to clatter on the inside. Only moments later, they come rebounding outside, one piece after the other, quickly assembling themselves into the crude shape of a being, formed entirely of jagged edges and a lack of empathy.

As the group combats the twisted being of glass, it grows enraged. Its various sharp edges spin and whirr, threatening to shred anyone standing too close to it.

Selena burned it to death.

Fenris staggers to his feet, brushing bits of dust and glass from his coat after fighting the strange glass golem. Who had created that monstrosity? "Do we press on?" he asks, turning to Mirana, ready to jump into the new-made breach in the chapel.

Siyu was brought down in a flurry of glass, powder and gunsmoke hangs about him as he remains on the ground, bleeding...a lot. Glass is fun like that.

That was unexpected!! She wasn't exactly prepared for this. She does what she can to keep people up and active, but she was prepared for a being, a caller, not a massive golem of glass!! Commands to machines, smelling salts for Amy. Not a healer right now, no, wrong soul!! Why did she pick this soul? She cries a bit as her allies are made to spill blood, and she has little she can do other then continue firing at that which was causing it all. WHen it is done, she looks to the most wounded, to Brutus, to Siyu and Fenris. She collects herself, picking Siyu's head up, "Can you get up and move Sweetie?" She asks, waiting for his responce. If he can't or she gets none, she knows what to do. Looking to Fenris, "A moment to collect ourselves Private, we have wounded." she says.

Brutus pushes himself back up onto one knee, bruised and scarred, and impossibly mussed and dirty. The enthusiasm about slugging some zombies had waned quite badly--at this point, he would be pleased just to be told that he'll survive the rest of the day. This made those border patrols look like child's play, and--oh no. Seeing Siyu's tiny form lying supine on the ground, he drags himself over to the poor little rodent, throwing a small satchel aside and digging through it wildly, looking for the bandages and herbs to try to bring his little drinking buddy back to the world of the living.

Selena sighs quietly, dusting herself off and examining the hot pile of stained glass cautiously. "So, Siyu. Do you still want it?" She comments quietly, moving over to the rodent and pulling out her revised package of medicines, applying what's appropriate - a tourniquet here, disinfectant there. "You'll be fine soon enough." she sighs, keeping the omnipresent mild healing magic going as she remains nearby.

Fenris frowns at his downed friend, then, seeing that he is well taken care of, he keeps his eyes roving the plaza. "Of course, Mirana," he says quietly, tending to his own, less serious wounds and making sure no one sneaks up on the beddraggled group.

As the glass is pulverized back into dust, there is the sound of feet scuffling quickly through the city! Is it another undead? No, it's a Dio, scurrying along before more of them come to say hello it seems.

Siyu ghasps a little bit and he coughs, "That was...I don't know. What was that..." he tries to sit up, bleeding still, grabbing at his powder and he coughs once more, and tries to get patched up, giving a brief cling to Mirana, "Was that...was that the trap? I'm almost glad we fought it outside, if it splintered inside...we'd have been torn to ribbons."

Mirana smiles a bit as Siyu starts getting up. Souls rearranged, she gets to patching him up along with Selena. A medicine bag and a half she carries with her, and when set up right knows how to use it. "That is all I can do for you now Sweetie," She says, hugging him close, "And thank you again Selena. Brutus, Fenris, if we are all still able." She says, then, shuffling of feet! She looks up, getting a spear out of her gear and looking, oh Dio!! "Lion of good faith! Come, quick." she says, looking back to Fenris, "If we can, we should keep moving, what do you see inside?" She asks.

Selena shakes her head. "A construct of whatever kind, to answer your question. I'll take a look at whatever else is inside the place. no harm in looking through the window now it's already gone." She comments, packing the medicines back into her bag quickly scaling the wall through mildly controlled flight.

Fenris nods to Mirana and takes a light hop, launching himself up to the empty window with Selena to see what can be seen.

Siyu swallows a little bit, and he gives Selena a look. It's a quiet one as he grabs his powder back, but it's still a look. He doesn't respond to her, nor does he offer a jab back. Just trying to clean the blood off of his glasses and get ready to press on.

And along with the scurrying steps of a lion, Dio seems to be quite out of breath from such a heavy job of sprinting within his gear, and perhaps his age doesn't help much either. Panting rather loudly, his coat flutters in the wind, sword dangling on his hips as he finally makes it to to group. "P-phew," he exhales, stopping a moment to catch his breath an evaluate the situation. "Looks like ya've 'ad a rough time o' it."

The inside of the church, which can be seen through the window, is dark and still. The glass that had littered its insides are still there as they ever were, casting doubt on the other windows, though they make no move to attack.

Selena glances back down at the group after few moments of examination, "Nothing. Just the shards of glass." She states unimpressedly, glancing back at the other windows. "I have a feeling the other ones won't do anything until tampered with, but I'd rather not test the theory. Dio, good to see you. Nothing followed you, I hope?"

Siyu grunts a little bit and he considers, "So we sprung just part of the trap." he surmises, "I imaine the door trap was meant to set off all of the windows at once, if I had to guess."

Fenris hmm. . . so, the glass creature was NOT part of the original structure. What kind of caller were they dealing with? "Clear," he agrees with Selena. He gestures for Mirana to toss up the rope. "Let's get out of the streets," he says, then nods to the newcomer, "Hullo Dio!"

Mirana gets up after Siyu seems to be mostly alright, giving a nod to Dio, "Ok, lets see." She says, walking over and using a bit of her own air math to look inside as well, floating there. "I agree Selena, I think the 'trap' as it were is magically activated, so lets not use mathmagic near any unbroken windows." She says, working more of her math to get her remaining machines up here. In her new configuration, she didn't quite have the grasp to understand the Crusher, so she will have to put that one away for now. using her snares to lowers down a rope, "Come inside, lets keep moving."

Selena raises an eyebrow. "Well. I'd rather not test that theory by pitching a rock through one either." She replies simply - "but go ahead if you want to." That said, the wolfess descends into the empty cathedral - "After all. Were it triggered by magic in the vicinity, they'd have all triggered the first time - and if it's just being interacted with through magic, there's no reason to worry."

Siyu will gather back up his shot and his powder, he'll enter into the church along with the others. He will spare a glance to the door however, the front door. Is the trap and obvious one? Giving it a simple look before following.

After a few more solid moments of catching his breath, Dio recovers for the most part and rolls his shoulders, allowing a small crack of his joints to squeak out in a personally satisfying way. "Good to see ya," he nods and responds to those addressing him. "I don' think I 'ad any o' them followin'." The lion pays special attention to the mentioning of various traps, and with all the injuries and shards of glass about, it doesn't take much to piece together. "Gotcha lass, no math 'ere then." Clutching the rope Mira dropped, he begins climbing up and into where the group resides.

Ah, tis good to exit the malaise the covers most of the city. Fresh air, but the feeling of malignance is as powerful here as anywhere else. From the inside, the trap is clear, with lines of power that run from the side of the front doors up to each window, glimmering softly.

Once inside Mirana collects back up her snares, and looks around. "Well, this is about as I remember it." Looking at the trap from the inside, she nods to Selena, "It would seem breaking them is the way it is triggered, but enough of that, down below are the catacombs and the shrine, if we have no other thoughts, lets press on." she says, spear held infront of her a bit, machines at her sides, medicine bag at the ready now.

Fenris drops lightly to the floor, a bit of air magic cushioning his fall. He eyes the malignant maths and does his his best to steer clear of the lines of magic. "Now what, Corporal," he asks.

Siyu looks back up to the window, and he'll move to the rope, "Lord Blackback, do you need a hand getting up?" he asks a bit towards Brutus. Knowing he's probably not the most limber of the party.

Selena takes a quiet breath, glancing back to Dio. "To get you up to speed, we're expecting something particularly important down stairs. It might be what's always been there, or it might be a caller. That hasn't been determined." she notes simply, then looks over at the stairwell. "Simple. We go down. We have a path of escape if things go poorly."

Reaching to his back, Dio unstraps a relatively large shield that is more than certainly quite the contribution to his burden. With a small heave, he holds the tower shield out in front of him in preparation for any more potential advisories or traps. "Ya can stick behind me an my shield if ya want." Hearing Selena's explanation, Dio nods and give his shield a good brandishing. "Would ya like me to take point?"

Mirana nods to Dio, then to Siyu and Fenris, "It would be most helpful Lion of Sheilds and Battered Bones, much like when we came through her a few days ago on mission from the Bandit Camp and scouting through her." She says, waiting a moment and following him down.

Siyu looks back at the door and he chitters a bit, "I don't know a thing about magic, but um...should it be good to disable that trap?" he asks, "I mean, in case we have to leave in a hurry..." he asks

Tattered and torn, Brutus takes Siyu's hand, shifting his bulk around until he can finally fit through the empty pane. Gone was the fear...the excitement...everything, really. Brutus looks quite badly shell-shocked, his pince-nez askew, his luxirous hair dirty and frazzled, and a blank look on his countenance. How do folk get used to this and celebrate it? "Hmm? Oh, yes, thank you, friend," he murmured, seeming like an oversized automaton more than his usual hedonic self.

The group pushes onwards, deeper into the catacombs. Most of the horrors here seem hesitant to approach, allowing them free reign as they move towards the Shrine, which is just around the bend now. A soft dry whisper echoes through the place then.

"It took you so long, brave children of the blind ones? Do you value this place so little?"

Mirana continues on, leattig Dio take the lead, looking carefully around, but her ears are the first to catch something amiss. She reaches up to rub at her ear and the gold ring within, "The value that can be placed on such a location can only be messured by the vitality and life within. Right now, this place has little value, but we have now the tools to give it value back. Come out where we can see you, and let us talk." She calls back to whomever, or whatever, it is speaking.

Dio traverses down into the catacombs along with the group, holding out his large shield and looking about at the ghastly sights. He'd expected much more violence from walking into the potential heart, but strangely enough such might've been more comforting. Hearing the strange whisper, his grip tightens upon his shield, doing his best to cover the party should anything physical come forward.

Selena shrugs nonchalantly as the voice echoes through the catacombs, not looking particularly pleased by the setup afforded - undead everywhere, and not attacking makes for a tenuous peace at best. "I don't speak for everyone, but why should I? It's a cathedral." she comments. "It's dead stone encasing decaying corpses, none of whom I know." She replies unimpressedly. "Why do you care about it so much? I think that's a better question."

Fenris frowns at the sound of the whisper. That doesn't seem like the voice of an ordinary being. Could it be the queen of bones herself? He didn't even want to THINK her name in case she came to the call. He has no words for the whisperer but he is ready for action.

"What foolish words," echoes the air as if from the lungs of a dying being, "I care not for your religion. Your pathetic city was lost in hours, its people, slain, scattered. Only now do you come to make amends? Your people are disappointed. Their rage did not die with their frail flesh and they remember who has abandoned them."

Siyu looks back over his shoulder as he cradles his blunderbuss, "The true souls would have passed on...wouldn't they?" he asks Mirana softly, hoping whatever it is mocking them can't hear.

Mirana listens carefully, and nods her head, "A great loss was suffered here, and those losses will never be forgotten. I may not have known personally those who fell to this tragity, but I have eyes, and I have ears. I have read, and I have heard. Of the Hero of Mossy Stone, Robert. I know of the great loss suffered here, and the rage that must now consume those who think themselves abandoned, lost. But you are not abandoned! Those you escaped tell your tales. Those whom loved you, ask to this day for gentle reminders of the life and love once had here. I challenge this idea that they are abandoned, for if they were, would we be here now? Would their loved ones desire tokens from times past? By Shaila's name, I challenge that love can make amends for all this, there is no wrong so great that the warmth had in a tender embrase cannot start to mend!" Mira calls back, looking to Siyu primarily, next Fenris and Dio. Bruths, and lastly Selena.

Fenris fingers the golden soulgem that still glowed in his pendant. "That is not true," he says quietly, remembering his past experiences in Mossy Stone. "The people taken here did not have this rage and malice," he says, "Sorrow, perhaps, but no rage. They do not guide the corpses here." He stands a little taller and prepares himself for what is to come.

Selena raises an eyebrow. "I see you've practiced your retorts." She comments amusedly. "And since I'm not privy to all of Mossy stone's history, care to tell me a little? If I recall, I've heard enough stories ob beings trying to fight for the place before it fell, and some that remained behind afterwards. Spite over loss is understandable, but when you die, there is nothing else. I doubt the dead have time for introspection, or I'd have expected one to speak intelligently. Feel free to prove me wrong." She replies, tapping a foot on the ground. "You never answered my question. Why is this place so important to you?" The wolfess reiterates. "Frankly if the people here are feeling resentment about anything, I doubt it'd be abandonment when the town has been made impossible to return to."

Returning to his senses, Brutus blinks hard a few times, Mirana's words echoing through his ears. He turns to the vulpine priestess, his voice still sounding uncommonly meek for one such as him. "Milady Solacious, are you suggesting we... hug...a vengeful spirit to death?"

Dio growls lightly under his breath, but keep his cool and instead transfers his emotions to better grip upon his shield. He had to admit, this spirit business went quite a ways over his head, but there was still plently he felt was correct within. "We're 'ere to fix, things. We can go on an' on 'bout the past and shoulda done this, an' shoulda done that, but nothin' can change that. We gotta put the dead to the rest they finally deserve, an' mend what was lost. It's the least we can do."

"What bravado. I would see this. Come forward then. Face your people and tell them. Waste not your prattle on me." A slow breath, a death rattle more than anything else, then silence.

Mirana steps forward. She will take point if no one else stops her, "As you will." She says. She ponders greatly, perhaps her knowledge of both the life and the corrupt spirits could help her now. Mind, don't fail now, this was a vital hour. "And no good Blackback, I suggest we hug a vengeful spirit until the light of life and love can shine in his or her eyes once more."

Siyu just gives a tremble to his ear, and he'll step forward, with Mirana, a step behind her, but he'll take a deep breath and try to focus himself as well. Life and posisive energy...all right...focus on powerful energy.

Selena tsks quietly as the voice fades, looking back to the vixen. "I'd be more inclined if they could speak." She mutters. "I wonder who they're more mad at; the shadows that mounted the attack, or the peopl that tried to help them?" she thinks aloud, shaking her head and rubbing her brow at the noble's comment - leaving some particularly choice words unsaid about the situation. There's no harm in keeping one's thoughts to themself, after all.

Fenris has his doubts about Mirana's approach, but not her spirit. He follows behind closely, ready to aid her if necessary. "I am a light in the darkness," he says under his breath, his own little mantra given him by Robert himself. Or his spirit perhaps. It was hard to say what had happened here before.

"'old on, lass," Dio procliams, trying to get in front of Mira once more and take point. "Jus' stick behin' me, lass. I know what you wanna do, but ya got somethin' to take care o' at 'ome. Let me stick my shield out for ya."

No immediate information comes to mind, save that the death queen has no real interest in making peace with the dead, or the living. She seems to be referring to the shrine just ahead though, which could very well be a binding point for the souls of the city, if they were pious enough.

Selena makes her way through the gloomy atmosphere behind the vixen - "That was probably the corniest thing I've ever heard you say, Mirana." she manages after a few moments. "I vote for moving on." She says simply, glancing over to Dio and waiting for any other votes or vetos.

Mirana permits Dio to stand out front again, but walks immediately behind, into the shrine ahead. Once then, she curtsies to the once holy location. "Souls who once roamed here, if you can hear me, come forward, know you are not forgotten." She looks around again, then back to Selena, "That may be so, but my conviction in it is no less true then your conviction to learning and knowledge." She says, looking around again and opening her arms up, looking out toward nowhere, "Shaila, It's me again. I need your help, your wisdom, your embrase. Here where a great tragity once happened, life and love seem lost. Can you help me, and if nothing else, tell me, how to restore the grace of these noble things to this land once more?" She asks. Then to Siyu, "I know not what happens after we are still and our mortal life is no more, and I'll not pretend to guess, but if there are souls here in anguish, it is my humble duty, and honor to help."

Dio looks back to Selena and nods his head. "Gone too far to stop now," he procliams, even if they really could just get up and leave. The lion gives another check back over his shoulder to make sure everyone's okay and ready before steeling himself and taking a giant breath to calm his nerves. "I like to think there's a place in the sky yer soul goes. Comfortin' in a way. But it's time to move on." Now personally prepared, he makes his way into the shrine with his shield out just as before.

Selena shrugs at Mirana's comment - "I never spoke about your conviction." The wolfess says simply, looking over to the ichor-filled pool. "That said, I still want to know what prompted that thing's inception. I don't know what happens to a being when they die, and I don't believe it's important. Rather than dying well I'd rather live well." She comments, more to herself than anyone at this point.

As the shrine proper is entered, the bubbling ichor, dormant for so long, begins to boil violently. With every step towards it, the churning grows in intensity as it reaches upwards as if to engulf the pedestal that rests in the center of it.

A philosophical debate in the midst of a charge against the walking dead. It just goes to show that the mind of a scholar never sleeps, does it? Brutus watched the heated exchanges between Selena and Mirana--it was actually oddly inspiring that they were both willing to risk life and limb to prove their convictions or fulfill their studies. Perhaps he should consider dedicating himself to something more than worldly enjoyment. Or, at least, develop a deeper appreciation for his fragile bit of joy, like a bubble blown about in a gale.

Siyu tries not to get too excited, he tries not to react. He keeps himself in check and sucks in air. Hoping to take cues from others, as we've deviated well beyond what the rodent would consider his knowledge base.

Fenris braces himself, drawing from the warmth and confidence of the Champion who had shared his soul with the tiger. "Here it is," he says, almost to himself, since there seems to be no reason to point out the obvious.

Mirana looks to the churning ichor, the bubbling goop. She watches it engulf the pedestal. It would be folly to just touch it or such, so for now, she observes, ready to act should something happen, "Great Spirit, Shaila, please make yourself known, your caller needs you." she says again, looking back to Siyu.

A voice whispers by Mirana's ear, much kinder and livelier than the one before, "I hear you, my dear one, but I may not come where you are. Another has laid claim, and I do not have strength to defy them there."

Siyu ohs as Mirana calls and he steps forward, and he'll try to focus his well as well, though there is that polite rejection...he tugs on his ear, a little more nervous now.

Moving a little closer to the strange ichor for a better look, the wolfess takes a few moments of concentration to herself, idly toying with that black baton she seems to have been keeping to herself the entirety of the time in Mossy stone. "Frankly I'm not sure what to do at this point. It doesn't resemble a gop, it's not alive - but it moves - and it potentially houses souls and some old one influence. The problem with new things..." She gripes with a slight smile. "I don't even know if giving it a poke will do anything, since it's not exactly a single creature either. But, it's probably worth a shot if nobody has anything else to say about it."

Dio carefully watching over the boiling and churning liquid and bites his lip. An enemy perhaps? It couldn't hurt to prepare a bit of defense. The lion places the bottom edge of his tower shield upon the ground, using the side of his shoulder and arm to reinforce his guarding stance. "Suppose it's better than just starin' at it ferever an' hopin' somethin' good will happen."

Fenris examines the roiling goop and extends his senses, trying to ascertain what kind of magic he is looking at. His golden aura pulses a little brighter in the gathering darkness.

The fluid gushes upwards, sweeping up over bust which gets swept along with it, forming a bipedal form with it for a small head. Voices blurble wetly from inside of it, so many at once, echoing each with their own complaints. Cries of pain, wails of fury. Accusations and pleading in equal measure as the room fills with the cacophony.

"Why were we left to die?"

"What happened? Am I dead?"

"Have you seen my baby? Bring him back!"

"The shadows still walk freely!"

Mirana thinks a bit more, listening to Shaila. She then listens to the words of the dead. "No... wait." she says, steping forward. No time for poking, no time for attacks. She walks up, and... "I'm here, souls of the departed, I'm here, we are here. It is time to move on though, your lives have ended. Go, rest, there is nothing to fear, nothing to hold you back now. THe shadows are gone from this place. Your loved ones remember you, you live on through them. Those who escaped." She reaches up to her ear, a tear falling from her eye, "No, now is not the time for violance, hate, anger." She steps closer to the strange fluid, "Everything will be fine now." She says softly to the head and voices.

Selena watches as the mass roils up into a body, taking a few moments to simply observe. "Well, that's pretty difficult to address." she comments. "There's still the old one's influence there. I don't think it'll be easy for any of that until that influence is gone." she comments, ears drooping a little at the cries. "Can't really answer any one of them either, but I'm leery of leaving that lingering influence there as well." she notes, then shrugs. "I guess answering a few questions before that won't hurt, though. You are dead. Being left to die isn't true, though. There were beings that tried to defend your homes and died to do it." she says in a calm tone, still moving forward albeit at a more cautious pace than Mirana.

Dio prepares himself for battle against a strange foe the likes of which he's never seen, but it didn't quite seem it was ready to attack just yet. The swirling of sounds and cries causes a bitter frown to cover his muzzle. "An awful thin'..." he comments under his breath, peeking over his shield and observing Mira's actions. Could love really work? Beats trying to smack something to bits. "We're sorry," he claims, "On behalf o' everyone. Heroic beings did their best, but it was jus' too much. Yer in agony an' pain, but it's time to move on an' earn yer rest."

"Fine?" "Who are you?" "Remember us? Oh creators, I am dead!"

The dry tone returns, seeming to be addressing the seething mass, "How peaceful it was moments ago, lost in the sweet darkness. Now they come, claiming you are dead, to be rembered fondly but removed all the same. This is not your city anymore, they say."

The mass is not pleased at these words, surging larger, "Our city!" "We died for it!" "Where are we?" "Who said that?" "It hurts, make it stop and leave us alone!" "There is no rest while you keep us awake!"

Brutus watches Mirana with a bit of alarm as she advances towards the oozing pool. "I understand you are an avatar of family itself, milady, but...say this is a deception by something hopelessly malevolent. If this is an...illusion, all the kind words are for naught." He holds his beat up cane crosswise, taking a defensive position beside her. What the heck is he doing? He has no experience as a defender. Nonetheless, something compelled him to be take solace in Mirana's conviction and protect her.

Fenris steps up to join the others. "Yes, you are dead," he says, "sleep, or watch or move on, but leave this city to your children, to the living." He draws on the memory of Robert for strength, "Why do you linger here in the dark?"

Selena shakes her head as the other voice returns to the mass. "I'm sorry, but I don't like sweet talkers or silver-tongued liars. You need to leave too, spirit. Your certainty in these beings hating all is a farce." She replies to the voice, suddently possessed with enough conviction to drive Kendrac's spear into the mass for but a moment, before withdrawing with much the same haste. "If it would beget peace, I'll leave." she says simply. "As soon as I can tell that spirit isn't troubling you, or as soon as I'm asked to leave or forced out."

Mirana looks to the floor a moment, more tears in her eyes, "This city and life are not for you anymore, you need to move on. Hold not to the pain that was the tragity! Remember the life and love you had before! You speak of your children, you speak of your city. Remember that, hold to that, and push all else away. The mistress of bones holds you here, with her words and promises, but she will not offer you peace, she will not offer you rest. Find the strength to cast her aside, let the love that is your life be that which frees you, and hold not to the chains of the corrupt ones!" She calls out. Selena's poking of the mass, she gets closer, reaching to it, offering her embrase, "Come, away from the cold hands of the Mistress of Bones, and let love fill you." She asks.

A sudden shudder runs through the air. Dark purple line appear all through the mass, throbbing with angry energy before shattering violently. The mass explodes, the chains that bound it together abruptly unhinged. Some of the new free forms cheer with delight, and are gone almost instantly, simply fading away with content to whatever awaits beings in the next life. Others are confused, running in circles, while some few remain with fury engulfing them, moving to attack in a swarm of spirits.

Fenris's golden aura blazes into a beacon of light as he engages the enraged spirits. For a time, it seems as if his attacks have no effect, as the spirits swoop in to drain away his own life force, but the discombobulated ghosts do not last long. Fenris looks around at his companions, huffing and puffing and trying to regain his equilibrium.

Freedom, freedom for the lost, Mira does her best to keep standing those in her charge, but unfortunately, Dio's wounds are too great, though the lion is able to stand after. She is greatful for that. Medicines around for all, creater artifacts, and inspring words. After, she kneels before all. "Great Spirit Shaila, wonderful creators. Guide these spirits to their rest, send them to their new homes. Let them know now and forever that they are not forgotten! They are loved, and remembered! Let them not fall pray to The Mistress of Bones again! Spirits of the court of Life, please hear my call, my plea! Guide these lost ones back into your loving light!" She asks.

As the battle inevitably breaks out, Dio holds tight to his shield but doesn't make too much use of his trusty sword. Instead, he roars into the air with leonine fury, banging his tower shield against the ground to create loud and annoying clanking sounds to cause the enemy to focus upon him. In such a task, he both succeeded and failed, drawing the lion's share of their attention while the party dealt swift and destructive blows. Getting nailed a few too many times, Dio drops and falls to his knees, but with a surge of willpower, he forces himself back up to defend and watch the conclusion, sending sparks of fire math in their direction while an open wound above his forehead leaks gentle crimson down his muzzle.

Selena watches as the spirits split into multiple parts with a slight smile - the angered ones souring the mood a little before she falls back. "I'm sorry for your fate." She says simply before beginning to 'fight' the ethereal assailants though the means she knows best; magical fire and flurries of debris and blasts of energy. The wolfess sighs quietly - reaching into her bag for a moment before pulling out an empty dulling potion with a wry half-smile. "Well. I suppose I'm out of that." She muses, though it's likely lost in the vixen's exaltations. "Mirana. They're dead. I'm pretty sure Shaila isn't the patron spirit of the dead in that sense either." She notes flatly, taking a deep breath and rifling through her bag for a moment and passing Dio a vial of white fluid. "You all right there, Dio?"

Siyu kind of wobbles and he looks at Mirana, and then he checks himself...everything is still there? really? Oh yes, good, he's still alive, everyone is alive! Hooray, "So..." is his question.

The dry voice whispers with an angry tone, but no clear words are had. It is clear that the action of the group has not gone according to its plans. The bubbling pool is gone, and some of the malignance has lifted. Perhaps the city is that much closer to freedom.

Selena blinks for a few moments, then glances back to the group at large - "Wait, what happens when you 'kill' a 'soul'..?" She asks confusedly - "Can a 'soul' die?" The wolfess shakes her head. "I'm a little perplexed by that." She muses, smirking slightly at the angered whispers. "Sorry, don't plan on us always following your plans, that's not going to work!" She calls out - though really, one can't tell if the old one heard it or not.

"Mirana," Fenris says, "Are you certain that there is a caller here?" He looks around the crypt, "Could it have been the Spirit itself?" Fenris turns to Selena, "I don't believe that we fought souls," he proclaims, "I think we fought echoes. Last resounding echoes of the dead's hopes and fears." Now may not be the pest time to philosophize though, the tiger thinks absently.

"Never..." Dio wheezes, the adrenaline of the battle slowly fading, the pain of his wounds allowed to take hold in full, "Never better..." Doing his best to put on a smile, he reaches out and takes the vial from Selena. "Thank ya, lass." Feeling sore all over, he eagerly uses the vial and wipes off the dripping beads of blood gently flowing down his golden forehead. "I can only 'ope they managed to head into some paradise o' whatever lies beyond. So..." Letting down his heavy shield, he crouches down a little to relax. "What do ya think's the next step? Guess we still gotta find that caller."

Siyu earflicks, "Could it be that if a spirit focuses on pain, misery and dispair, that...the licks and remanents of those things can in fact be considered a caller? Just the remaining dredges of emotion??" he asks

Mirana gets up and brushes off her dress, "She may not be patron spirit of the dead, but it is under her watch, the cycle of life." She says, then looks out toward the voice, "Mistress of Bones! Where is your caller? What holds you to this place?" She calls out, looking around again, "Shaila, we have come another step closer to making this place one where love and family can flurish once more. Thank you." She says, then turnst to Selena, she reaches out to her once more, though expects it to be for naught, "And thank you Selena, I agree with Fenris though, I doubt those were 'souls' or that we 'killed' them." She says, looking over to Dio, Brutus next, "THank you both, you didn't have to come here, but you offered your help. If you need anything, ask it, and if I can, I'll provide." A look for Fenris and Siyu, "You did the Lightbringers and Shaila well today, thank you both."

Selena shrugs, then looking back to the pool. "It was likely a vessel. It's still entirely possible there's a caller here." She notes, shaking her head. "I don't know what to call them, but Fenris has the point. There's probably not souls themselves. It's still an odd thing to consider." She notes, then looking back over to the others, tacitly ignoring the latter comment about Shaila. "Erm, Mirana, why would she tell any of us that? It'd be like playing cards with your hand face up." The wolfess mutters tiredly. "Frankly, step two is rest. I wouldn't say there was only the Lightbringers and your patron spirit aided here, though. Seems a bit narrow-minded."

Siyu looks around the shrine, and back towards the catacombs, he turns and looks to Selena and Mirana, he tugs on his ear a little bit, "The spirits play by different rules though, dont' they? Different decks then mortals..." he glances around again, "Was there ever a plan, or a map of the catacombs?" he inquires.

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 =Log=
-<div></div><br> <br>Tis a warm day for the winter, a comfortable seventy degrees as the party marches along the road towards Mossy Stone, approaching the forest the encloses it, now darkened with few signs of life. Other than a few stubborn hold outs, the area has been largely abandoned to the horrors that lurk within.<br> <br>Mirana had been trying to get together something for this for a while now, and it seemed finally her prayers and words had been answered. She comes along in her best battlement incase words were far from enough. Kits tended to in the nursey back at Solacious Manor. Always thankful for the staff they had there and the treatment she got from them. She was ready with a great many creater artifacts ready to go, looking around for whom else may join her.<br> <br>Siyu adjusts his glasses, despite the tempreture the rodent doesn't feel that uncomfortable. Born and raised in the desert, the heat doesn't bother him, even under all that gear. The chainmail is backed and fronted by leather, making it very quiet, and the rough heavy gloves are the same. He's wearing what looks, at first glance, like a skirt, but they're really long, heavy bags of powder, a full load, nearly down to his ankels. His hair tight in a chonmage and uner a helmet. A musket on his back, and a cannon under his arm. The rodent marches with the rest of them.<br> <br>Fenris adjusts his high collared coat and checks his gear. He has become fairly familiar with the desolation of Mossy Stone, helping to hold the undead in check. "I can't believe we are finally doing this," he says to no one in particular. It is simultaneously exhilarating and terrifying. He idly touches the golden soul gem peeking from his pendant. He hopes he is ready.<br> <br>Selena doesn't seem particularly pleased despite the occasion, the wolfess largely paying attention to the road ahead and ignoring most of the banter for any reason. "I hope you have a plan better than 'walk in and hope to find something'." She growls. One could fault her for the tone due to the location or setting, though it's difficult to be sure, perhaps looking underdressed for the occasion in comparison to the others there.<br> <br>The city is not hard to find, with the road wending its way towards it through the forest. The forest itself is quiet, as if the animals within also lurk and hide, waiting for better days.<br> <br>Mirana gives a smile seeing SIyu and Fenris arrive, and a polite nod to Selena. "Yes, a plan more then just wonder and hope is had. We will head for the Shrine of Saint Alan, during my last campain through I noticed some strange things in there. From there move over to Fred's if we have found nothing else. Lastly, the Ruins of the Eastern Tower. My general thought was that where there is an old one, there is a caller of course. The question being, where are they?" She says back, looking into the City. She starts up her machines, and looks to her company, a lioness, Amy. "We will take point if no one else feels comfortable." She says.<br> <br>It is eerie how quiet it is around Mossy Stone. Fenris watches the approaching walls with growing apprehension. The unquiet dead are worryingly quiet. "How are we supposed to find. . ." he thinks for a moment before invoking the name of a spirit, "the bone queen's caller?" he asks, "And what do we do when we find them?"<br> <br>Selena simply shakes her head, the unnatural quiet of the areas certainly not taking the edge off of anything. "let me make this abundantly clear, just in case anyone forgot, then. This is mossy stone - and what 'last campaign'? I don't recall you ever leading troops here before.... Anyway. You don't turn a corner and expect nothing there. you don't pass a building and presume it's uninhabited. Do not pass a corpse and assume it won't get up." the wolfess rubs her temples. "The reason I'm here is because of two things: I'm a living radar for old one callers and frankly ai have no intention of leaving a group trying to make this trip in peace because the last one left all but one person dead."<br> <br>Brutus arrives, looking even more uncomfortable than usual. Settling for a flowy pair of spare work robes from the House and his fur still immaculately groomed, he looks like the unlikelist possible soldier. All that swagger and confidence he flaunts about town is long gone, though, and a close observer might notice him trembling somewhat as he clutches the head of his cane tightly.<br> <br>Siyu adjusts his glasses and he'll keep the cannon cradled, he'll give a little hum, and as we apprach the city he'll bein pulling out the long matches. letting them rest on his chest. Long enough so that  they'll burn for hours, not so long they'll come in contact with his powder bags. He gives them a finger and waits to see what the first move is. He'll give a little cough as the walls come closer and closer, "Anyone have a light?" he finally inquires as he'll hold up the edge of a match, stepping up near Mirana, feeling a bit safer near her.<br> <br>As the group approaches the city, they are given a warm welcome in the arms of four of the undead masses standing guard before the gates. They lurch to life as the party comes near, ready to defend their post to the end of their unlife.<br> <br>Fenris looks up at the broken gates and prepares himself for battle as he sees the approaching shamblers. He feeds all of his fears to his inner flame. There is a hardness to his eyes that would be very foreign to anyone used to seeing him with his guitar at the inn. The tiger draws on his power and throws himself into battle, his form suddenly bursting into golden light. He lays about with stunning efficiency at the undead.<br> <br>Looks back to Selena a moment, "The campain to help the bandit camp not days ago, and to scout the area, Siyu was there, as was Dio." She says, looking over as the zombies come to them. Commands given to machines, math magic and herbs dispenced. Amy doing her work to put down as many things as she can before they can come close to anyone else. After the zombies are cut or burned down, Mira wipes a stray hair from her face. "THank you all, Selena, Brutus, Siyu, Fenris. Now, lets keep moving in." She says, leading the way down the streets.<br> <br>Siyu gets his matches lit, and soon there's four burning fuses along his chest, giving off a little cherry glow. He'll tuck the hand cannon under his arm and unsling his blunderbuss.  Then there's the undead, a shock and surprise again, a match flicks and the blunderbuss roars, spitting fire and powder and steel. He's packed steel balls for this mission, panting as the 'buss is slung and the cannon comes out, and then there's another powder roar and a black of smoke fire and ball. But then there's only four of them. He blushes a bit, seems as if he was a little too eager. He flattens his ear and nervously pulls his powder bags up and begins to reload after the pyrotechnic display. <br> <br>Brutus's lugubriousness is gone and he's moving faster than one suspects he ever has before. Glancing from side to side, his chest heaving as he pants, he asks "Is...that it? Did we make it" in a voice quivering with a strange blend of excitement and fear.<br> <br>Much unlike conventional opposition, the wolfess doesn't seem to have any qualms with treating the undead to her magic - one kind or another, the tried and tested spells do their job as the others do theirs, whether of fiery nature or other. "Mirana, don't thank us yet. we aren't even in mossy stone proper<br> <br>Make it, well, in a fashion. The group has at least entered the city. Eyes can be felt as the forces of darkness leer just at the edge of sight, crouched and lurking in the darkness as they await the right moment to approach this formidable group of the living.
+<div></div><br> <br>Tis a warm day for the winter, a comfortable seventy degrees as the party marches along the road towards Mossy Stone, approaching the forest the encloses it, now darkened with few signs of life. Other than a few stubborn hold outs, the area has been largely abandoned to the horrors that lurk within.<br> <br>Mirana had been trying to get together something for this for a while now, and it seemed finally her prayers and words had been answered. She comes along in her best battlement incase words were far from enough. Kits tended to in the nursey back at Solacious Manor. Always thankful for the staff they had there and the treatment she got from them. She was ready with a great many creater artifacts ready to go, looking around for whom else may join her.<br> <br>Siyu adjusts his glasses, despite the tempreture the rodent doesn't feel that uncomfortable. Born and raised in the desert, the heat doesn't bother him, even under all that gear. The chainmail is backed and fronted by leather, making it very quiet, and the rough heavy gloves are the same. He's wearing what looks, at first glance, like a skirt, but they're really long, heavy bags of powder, a full load, nearly down to his ankels. His hair tight in a chonmage and uner a helmet. A musket on his back, and a cannon under his arm. The rodent marches with the rest of them.<br> <br>Fenris adjusts his high collared coat and checks his gear. He has become fairly familiar with the desolation of Mossy Stone, helping to hold the undead in check. "I can't believe we are finally doing this," he says to no one in particular. It is simultaneously exhilarating and terrifying. He idly touches the golden soul gem peeking from his pendant. He hopes he is ready.<br> <br>Selena doesn't seem particularly pleased despite the occasion, the wolfess largely paying attention to the road ahead and ignoring most of the banter for any reason. "I hope you have a plan better than 'walk in and hope to find something'." She growls. One could fault her for the tone due to the location or setting, though it's difficult to be sure, perhaps looking underdressed for the occasion in comparison to the others there.<br> <br>The city is not hard to find, with the road wending its way towards it through the forest. The forest itself is quiet, as if the animals within also lurk and hide, waiting for better days.<br> <br>Mirana gives a smile seeing SIyu and Fenris arrive, and a polite nod to Selena. "Yes, a plan more then just wonder and hope is had. We will head for the Shrine of Saint Alan, during my last campain through I noticed some strange things in there. From there move over to Fred's if we have found nothing else. Lastly, the Ruins of the Eastern Tower. My general thought was that where there is an old one, there is a caller of course. The question being, where are they?" She says back, looking into the City. She starts up her machines, and looks to her company, a lioness, Amy. "We will take point if no one else feels comfortable." She says.<br> <br>It is eerie how quiet it is around Mossy Stone. Fenris watches the approaching walls with growing apprehension. The unquiet dead are worryingly quiet. "How are we supposed to find. . ." he thinks for a moment before invoking the name of a spirit, "the bone queen's caller?" he asks, "And what do we do when we find them?"<br> <br>Selena simply shakes her head, the unnatural quiet of the areas certainly not taking the edge off of anything. "let me make this abundantly clear, just in case anyone forgot, then. This is mossy stone - and what 'last campaign'? I don't recall you ever leading troops here before.... Anyway. You don't turn a corner and expect nothing there. you don't pass a building and presume it's uninhabited. Do not pass a corpse and assume it won't get up." the wolfess rubs her temples. "The reason I'm here is because of two things: I'm a living radar for old one callers and frankly ai have no intention of leaving a group trying to make this trip in peace because the last one left all but one person dead."<br> <br>Brutus arrives, looking even more uncomfortable than usual. Settling for a flowy pair of spare work robes from the House and his fur still immaculately groomed, he looks like the unlikelist possible soldier. All that swagger and confidence he flaunts about town is long gone, though, and a close observer might notice him trembling somewhat as he clutches the head of his cane tightly.<br> <br>Siyu adjusts his glasses and he'll keep the cannon cradled, he'll give a little hum, and as we apprach the city he'll bein pulling out the long matches. letting them rest on his chest. Long enough so that  they'll burn for hours, not so long they'll come in contact with his powder bags. He gives them a finger and waits to see what the first move is. He'll give a little cough as the walls come closer and closer, "Anyone have a light?" he finally inquires as he'll hold up the edge of a match, stepping up near Mirana, feeling a bit safer near her.<br> <br>As the group approaches the city, they are given a warm welcome in the arms of four of the undead masses standing guard before the gates. They lurch to life as the party comes near, ready to defend their post to the end of their unlife.<br> <br>Fenris looks up at the broken gates and prepares himself for battle as he sees the approaching shamblers. He feeds all of his fears to his inner flame. There is a hardness to his eyes that would be very foreign to anyone used to seeing him with his guitar at the inn. The tiger draws on his power and throws himself into battle, his form suddenly bursting into golden light. He lays about with stunning efficiency at the undead.<br> <br>Looks back to Selena a moment, "The campain to help the bandit camp not days ago, and to scout the area, Siyu was there, as was Dio." She says, looking over as the zombies come to them. Commands given to machines, math magic and herbs dispenced. Amy doing her work to put down as many things as she can before they can come close to anyone else. After the zombies are cut or burned down, Mira wipes a stray hair from her face. "THank you all, Selena, Brutus, Siyu, Fenris. Now, lets keep moving in." She says, leading the way down the streets.<br> <br>Siyu gets his matches lit, and soon there's four burning fuses along his chest, giving off a little cherry glow. He'll tuck the hand cannon under his arm and unsling his blunderbuss.  Then there's the undead, a shock and surprise again, a match flicks and the blunderbuss roars, spitting fire and powder and steel. He's packed steel balls for this mission, panting as the 'buss is slung and the cannon comes out, and then there's another powder roar and a black of smoke fire and ball. But then there's only four of them. He blushes a bit, seems as if he was a little too eager. He flattens his ear and nervously pulls his powder bags up and begins to reload after the pyrotechnic display. <br> <br>Brutus's lugubriousness is gone and he's moving faster than one suspects he ever has before. Glancing from side to side, his chest heaving as he pants, he asks "Is...that it? Did we make it" in a voice quivering with a strange blend of excitement and fear.<br> <br>Much unlike conventional opposition, the wolfess doesn't seem to have any qualms with treating the undead to her magic - one kind or another, the tried and tested spells do their job as the others do theirs, whether of fiery nature or other. "Mirana, don't thank us yet. we aren't even in mossy stone proper<br> <br>Make it, well, in a fashion. The group has at least entered the city. Eyes can be felt as the forces of darkness leer just at the edge of sight, crouched and lurking in the darkness as they await the right moment to approach this formidable group of the living.<br> <br>Much unlike conventional opposition, the wolfess doesn't seem to have any qualms with treating the undead to her magic - one kind or another, the tried and tested spells do their job as the others do theirs, whether of fiery nature or other. "Mirana, don't thank us yet. we aren't even in mossy stone proper, there's no time for celebration. Brutus... Pull yourself together. Paranoia only gets you so far, and this is where it has to end." She says firmly, glancing about the dilapidated city. "Mirana, the campaign to help the 'bandits' was at their camp and I don't recall you doing any leading." she replies curtly.<br> <br>Fenris stands ready, flickers of elemental math flickering around his gloves, coat and bracers. The golden glow that surrounds him has dimmed, but can still be seen. "Where to Corporal?" he asks Mirana as he scans the square.<br> <br>Mirana can only give a polite nod to Selena, and a knowing glance to Siyu, "Come, delaying in the streets is only a wonderful way to catch the attentions of the undead. So unless you enjoy fighting zombies every step of the way, lets keep moving." she says, reaching up to her ringed ear and smiling. This was part of her tasks, her path. "To the church and the Shrine of Saint Alan." She calls out, continuing the march that way, though keeping vigilent eyes and ears out for a sudden trap, or that there are too many around and need to be put down quickly before advancing.<br> <br>Ordinarily, he would lay about with outrage at being spoken to so curtly by Selena, but...she really seems to know what she's doing, and this was far more serious combat than hunting parties around Firmament. With a firm gulp and a deep breath, he tries to compose himself, following the lead of those more confident and competent.<br> <br>Siyu nods his head a bit, "Yes holy ground..." is all he can chitter ou, he glances at the wolfess and flattens his ears, but...well, this isn't going to be easy is it. Just cradling the refilled shotgun, he'll walk in step with the others.<br> <br>Selena mutters a quiet 'thought so' under her breath, taking out a baton like weapon and methodically jabbing it into each of the zombified remains before continuing. "Only as holy as you pretend it is. I don't see anything yet, and I can't feel anyone important nearby." The wolfess's corpse stabbinv doesn't seem to cease, each and any body recieving the same treatment. purification, always useful.<br> <br>As the group marches through the city, the oppressive feeling grows more and more intense. The church, just one block away, feels as if it were a city away as that sensation hits its breaking point and snaps. With a sudden lurch, hands burst from the ground, drawing more fresh bodies to combat the invasion with angry grunts.<br> <br>Mirana gives no words to Selena's commnent, but smiles to Siyu, Fenris, Brutus again, "Good job everyone, Selena, thank you for coming again. Do you have any feelings going on? Beyond the general stench of undeath that is around." She asks, looking into the church. With what she saw down below, this was the most logical place to start in her mind. The sarcophagus, the odd pools of murky ichor. "Stay close, and watch each others back." She reminds, mostly for Brutus' sake.<br> <br>Fenris raises a flickering, shifting amalgamation of elemental power from the earth and sends it trundling toward the attacking zombies, throwing up a shield of flame to ward off the grasping hands. It seems to be pretty effective. He hurries toward the church as the wave of zombies falls to his allies' onslaught.<br> <br>Siyu throws some powder bombs and they flick and explode, burning he undead, and he gives another nervous chitter. Fortuently not one of them have manage to come close to him, but it's still getting darker and more confining, the feelint this place gives off puts his tail on edge! He'll keep close to Mirana, "All right...into the church then?" he asks.<br> <br>Selena doesn't seem be too shocked by the additional zombies from the ground - mossy stone church isn't a place one dealing with the place should be unaware of - backstepping somewhat before beginning her assault much the same as before. Even the assumed oppressive atmosphere doesn't seem to slow her down. "I dislike the place. That's all." she replies frankly, repeating her standard procedure. Stab, the next zombie, stab with the black weapon.<br> <br>With the undead put down for the moment, the way to the church appears clear. A loud caw erupts from above it as a large bird stares at the party. It is like a raven, though its wings are small and flap more like a hummingbird than a raven should. A native of the world, its kind was here long before Beings set foot in it. It flutters up and flits away.<br> <br>Brutus leans on his staff and pants heavily. He tends towards the middle of the group, barking out orders, calling out weaknesses and flicking spells about, and occasionally laying into an encroaching zombie with the full weight of his wrath. He'd found the perfect compromise between engaging in noble mortal combat and keeping his own stripey butt safe. As he lays out the last straggler, he celebrates with a cavalier "ha-HA!", scorching it with a fiery spell. He could already see the parades they would organize for him after this...<br> <br>Mirana looks up and wonders at the bird a moment. She tilts her head, pondering if it was getting food from somewhere around here, or from the forest around, or if it were stealing from Anima. She looks over to Selena, "No one likes this place right now, we are here to figure out how to change that." She says softly, "Brutus Sweetie, try to keep it professional, it is wonderful that we are here, doing this, but I'd rather not attract attintion we don't need or want." She says softly, "Alright." She says, walking up to the church building proper, mindful of any trap that may be set by anyone a bit more bright then a zombie.<br> <br>That seems ominous. Fenris watches the strange bird flit away. He spares a glance around for each of his companions, impressed by their contributions. Even Brutus was representing himself well. More or less. He quietly follows Mirana.<br> <br>Selena looks back towards the skunk noble with the slightest hint of a smile - "Not feeling as worried, I see. good. But I can agree with Mirana when she says to stay quiet." She comments, ears pricking up noticeably as she follows. "This shouldn't be a surprise, but there's a presence down there. I suspect it's to do with the catacombs.... A little disappointing, really, but we'll see if all their eggs are in one basket when we're there." She notes. The odd bird barely even registers, simply focusing on the area around them.<br> <br>Siyu sucks in a breath, "Are we going to fortify the chapel or, is this going to be sort of a base of operations? Or...no..." he flattens his ears, "There's somthing darker hidden in here?"<br> <br>It seems that the approach of these would-be heroes has been noted and acted upon. The door is indeed trapped. A fine wire seems ready to snap if the doors are pushed open. To what end cannot be seen from here.<br> <br>Mirana backs away from the door, not liking that at all. "Back way from the door everyone, other side of the street." She says. Thinking a moment she confers with her companions, "I could have one of my machines open the door and trip the trap. Or we could find another way inside. The door is trapped." She says. "I could also try and disarm it, but it is rigged to go off if the doors are opened." She offers what she can of the situation and options she can bring.<br> <br>Siyu ohs a small bit, "A trap?" he inquires and he twitches his ears and he glances up at the Chapel, "Well is there a window...or somthing. I am small enough to fit in, but, if you wanted to let your machine trip it that's fine. I have a little skill with traps..." he'll say quietly.<br> <br>Fenris contemplates the door. "I could knock it in from here," he says, then looks up. "Or we could go in through the roof or windows," he offers, "I could fly up there without much trouble."<br> <br>Selena shrugs, glancing back at the tripwire a little unimpressed. "Or we could destroy the hinges on the door; they're small enough. Or burn it open. If there are holes in the roof, then I could get up there easily enough, much like Fenris." She lists. "I don't want to damage the walls - that's both loud and likely to trigger a collapse - but it is an option. Frankly, the windows are the easiest option. They're replaceable, fragile, and an easy way in. particularly if anyone thought to bring rope." Aparrently, the wolfess doesn't much care about what the windows depict...<br> <br>Mirana doesn't like the idea of breaking those windows, but someone fixed them up. Someone could fix them up again. She'd fix them herself after the town is reclaimed. She takes a moment to carefully weigh the options. At least three of them could fly, maybe more, and those who could would likely be able to fly the others in. "Windows it is then, and I've rope from my snares to be used." She says, summing up a bit of math, runes on her staff glowing as she lifts herself over to the windows, checking to see if they too are trapped, as well as glancing in to see if there was anything she could notice.<br> <br>Siyu looks at the window, "They're still...intact?" he tilts his head some, "After this occupation." he sweat drops though, "Stained glass, it's so hard to make, so difficult to craft, who knows how old these are, it's amazing they survived..." he's loath to break them. <br> <br>Brutus gulped at the options. There was no way he was to scale it, ropes or no...and he didn't trust his command of air maths to overcome his...mass. <br> <br>Selena shakes her head. "It's not as old as you think, from the looks of things. And for that matter, as hard as it is to make it's also a good option. Nobody stops anyone from taking the fragments and re-working them." That done, she waits for a few moments before sighing. "I can easily break the window into pieces from here. The smaller the better, since I'd rather not try to move glass panes through mossy stone with air magic. Not a sound idea; it'd be too visible.<br> <br>Mirana looks down to Selena, "Thank you, please go ahead." She says, backing away from the windows. She couldn't see much other then there were no traps to befall them. After she is away from the soon to be gone windows, she looks to Siyu, "Worry not Sweetie, we will fix them up again after." She says, hugging to her fellow dedicate a moment.<br> <br>With a thump of earth magic, the window shatters, breaking apart almost effortlessly to clatter on the inside. Only moments later, they come rebounding outside, one piece after the other, quickly assembling themselves into the crude shape of a being, formed entirely of jagged edges and a lack of empathy.<br> <br>As the group combats the twisted being of glass, it grows enraged. Its various sharp edges spin and whirr, threatening to shred anyone standing too close to it.<br> <br>Selena burned it to death.<br> <br>Fenris staggers to his feet, brushing bits of dust and glass from his coat after fighting the strange glass golem. Who had created that monstrosity? "Do we press on?" he asks, turning to Mirana, ready to jump into the new-made breach in the chapel.<br> <br>Siyu was brought down in a flurry of glass, powder and gunsmoke hangs about him as he remains on the ground, bleeding...a lot. Glass is  fun like that.<br> <br>That was unexpected!! She wasn't exactly prepared for this. She does what she can to keep people up and active, but she was prepared for a being, a caller, not a massive golem of glass!! Commands to machines, smelling salts for Amy. Not a healer right now, no, wrong soul!! Why did she pick this soul? She cries a bit as her allies are made to spill blood, and she has little she can do other then continue firing at that which was causing it all. WHen it is done, she looks to the most wounded, to Brutus, to Siyu and Fenris. She collects herself, picking Siyu's head up, "Can you get up and move Sweetie?" She asks, waiting for his responce. If he can't or she gets none, she knows what to do. Looking to Fenris, "A moment to collect ourselves Private, we have wounded." she says.<br> <br>Brutus pushes himself back up onto one knee, bruised and scarred, and impossibly mussed and dirty. The enthusiasm about slugging some zombies had waned quite badly--at this point, he would be pleased just to be told that he'll survive the rest of the day. This made those border patrols look like child's play, and--oh no. Seeing Siyu's tiny form lying supine on the ground, he drags himself over to the poor little rodent, throwing a small satchel aside and digging through it wildly, looking for the bandages and herbs to try to bring his little drinking buddy back to the world of the living.<br> <br>Selena sighs quietly, dusting herself off and examining the hot pile of stained glass cautiously. "So, Siyu.  Do you still want it?" She comments quietly, moving over to the rodent and pulling out her revised package of medicines, applying what's appropriate - a tourniquet here, disinfectant there. "You'll be fine soon enough." she sighs, keeping the omnipresent mild healing magic going as she remains nearby.<br> <br>Fenris frowns at his downed friend, then, seeing that he is well taken care of, he keeps his eyes roving the plaza. "Of course, Mirana," he says quietly, tending to his own, less serious wounds and making sure no one sneaks up on the beddraggled group.<br> <br>As the glass is pulverized back into dust, there is the sound of feet scuffling quickly through the city! Is it another undead? No, it's a Dio, scurrying along before more of them come to say hello it seems.<br> <br>Siyu ghasps a little bit and he coughs, "That was...I don't know. What was that..." he tries to sit up, bleeding still, grabbing at his powder and he coughs once more, and tries to get patched up, giving a brief cling to Mirana, "Was that...was that the trap? I'm almost glad we fought it outside, if it splintered inside...we'd  have been torn to ribbons."<br> <br>Mirana smiles a bit as Siyu starts getting up. Souls rearranged, she gets to patching him up along with Selena. A medicine bag and a half she carries with her, and when set up right knows how to use it. "That is all I can do for you now Sweetie," She says, hugging him close, "And thank you again Selena. Brutus, Fenris, if we are all still able." She says, then, shuffling of feet! She looks up, getting a spear out of her gear and looking, oh Dio!! "Lion of good faith! Come, quick." she says, looking back to Fenris, "If we can, we should keep moving, what do you see inside?" She asks.<br> <br>Selena shakes her head. "A construct of whatever kind, to answer your question. I'll take a look at whatever else is inside the place. no harm in looking through the window now it's already gone." She comments, packing the medicines back into her bag quickly scaling the wall through mildly controlled flight.<br> <br>Fenris nods to Mirana and takes a light hop, launching himself up to the empty window with Selena to see what can be seen.<br> <br>Siyu swallows a little bit, and he gives Selena a look. It's a quiet one as he grabs his powder back, but it's still a look. He doesn't respond to her, nor does he offer a jab back. Just trying to clean the blood off of his glasses and  get ready to press on.<br> <br>And along with the scurrying steps of a lion, Dio seems to be quite out of breath from such a heavy job of sprinting within his gear, and perhaps his age doesn't help much either. Panting rather loudly, his coat flutters in the wind, sword dangling on his hips as he finally makes it to to group. "P-phew," he exhales, stopping a moment to catch his breath an evaluate the situation. "Looks like ya've 'ad a rough time o' it."<br> <br>The inside of the church, which can be seen through the window, is dark and still. The glass that had littered its insides are still there as they ever were, casting doubt on the other windows, though they make no move to attack.<br> <br>Selena glances back down at the group after  few moments of examination, "Nothing. Just the shards of glass." She states unimpressedly, glancing back at the other windows. "I have a feeling the other ones won't do anything until tampered with, but I'd rather not test the theory. Dio, good to see you. Nothing followed you, I hope?"<br> <br>Siyu grunts a little bit and he considers, "So we sprung just part of the trap." he surmises, "I imaine the door trap was meant to set off all of the windows at once, if I had to guess."<br> <br>Fenris hmm. . . so, the glass creature was NOT part of the original structure. What kind of caller were they dealing with? "Clear," he agrees with Selena. He gestures for Mirana to toss up the rope. "Let's get out of the streets," he says, then nods to the newcomer, "Hullo Dio!"<br> <br>Mirana gets up after Siyu seems to be mostly alright, giving a nod to Dio, "Ok, lets see." She says, walking over and using a bit of her own air math to look inside as well, floating there. "I agree Selena, I think the 'trap' as it were is magically activated, so lets not use mathmagic near any unbroken windows." She says, working more of her math to get her remaining machines up here. In her new configuration, she didn't quite have the grasp to understand the Crusher, so she will have to put that one away for now. using her snares to lowers down a rope, "Come inside, lets keep moving."<br> <br>Selena raises an eyebrow. "Well. I'd rather not test that theory by pitching a rock through one either." She replies simply - "but go ahead if you want to." That said, the wolfess descends into the empty cathedral - "After all. Were it triggered by magic in the vicinity, they'd have all triggered the first time - and if it's just being interacted with through magic, there's no reason to worry."<br> <br>Siyu will gather back up his shot and his powder, he'll enter into the church along with the others. He will spare a glance to the door however, the front door. Is the trap and obvious one? Giving it a simple look before following.<br> <br>After a few more solid moments of catching his breath, Dio recovers for the most part and rolls his shoulders, allowing a small crack of his joints to squeak out in a personally satisfying way. "Good to see ya," he nods and responds to those addressing him. "I don' think I 'ad any o' them followin'." The lion pays special attention to the mentioning of various traps, and with all the injuries and shards of glass about, it doesn't take much to piece together. "Gotcha lass, no math 'ere then." Clutching the rope Mira dropped, he begins climbing up and into where the group resides.<br> <br>Ah, tis good to exit the malaise the covers most of the city. Fresh air, but the feeling of malignance is as powerful here as anywhere else. From the inside, the trap is clear, with lines of power that run from the side of the front doors up to each window, glimmering softly.<br> <br>Once inside Mirana collects back up her snares, and looks around. "Well, this is about as I remember it." Looking at the trap from the inside, she nods to Selena, "It would seem breaking them is the way it is triggered, but enough of that, down below are the catacombs and the shrine, if we have no other thoughts, lets press on." she says, spear held infront of her a bit, machines at her sides, medicine bag at the ready now.<br> <br>Fenris drops lightly to the floor, a bit of air magic cushioning his fall. He eyes the malignant maths and does his his best to steer clear of the lines of magic. "Now what, Corporal," he asks.<br> <br>Siyu looks back up to the window, and he'll move to the rope, "Lord Blackback, do you need a hand getting up?" he asks a bit towards Brutus. Knowing he's probably not the most limber of the party.<br> <br>Selena takes a quiet breath, glancing back to Dio. "To get you up to speed, we're expecting something particularly important down stairs. It might be what's always been there, or it might be a caller. That hasn't been determined." she notes simply, then looks over at the stairwell. "Simple. We go down. We have a path of escape if things go poorly."<br> <br>Reaching to his back, Dio unstraps a relatively large shield that is more than certainly quite the contribution to his burden. With a small heave, he holds the tower shield out in front of him in preparation for any more potential advisories or traps. "Ya can stick behind me an my shield if ya want." Hearing Selena's explanation, Dio nods and give his shield a good brandishing. "Would ya like me to take point?"<br> <br>Mirana nods to Dio, then to Siyu and Fenris, "It would be most helpful Lion of Sheilds and Battered Bones, much like when we came through her a few days ago on mission from the Bandit Camp and scouting through her." She says, waiting a moment and following him down.<br> <br>Siyu looks back at the door and he chitters a bit, "I don't know a thing about magic, but um...should it be good to disable that trap?" he asks, "I mean, in case we have to leave in a hurry..." he asks<br> <br>Tattered and torn, Brutus takes Siyu's hand, shifting his bulk around until he can finally fit through the empty pane. Gone was the fear...the excitement...everything, really. Brutus looks quite badly shell-shocked, his pince-nez askew, his luxirous hair dirty and frazzled, and a blank look on his countenance. How do folk get used to this and celebrate it? "Hmm? Oh, yes, thank you, friend," he murmured, seeming like an oversized automaton more than his usual hedonic self.<br> <br>The group pushes onwards, deeper into the catacombs. Most of the horrors here seem hesitant to approach, allowing them free reign as they move towards the Shrine, which is just around the bend now. A soft dry whisper echoes through the place then.
+"It took you so long, brave children of the blind ones? Do you value this place so little?"<br> <br>Mirana continues on, leattig Dio take the lead, looking carefully around, but her ears are the first to catch something amiss. She reaches up to rub at her ear and the gold ring within, "The value that can be placed on such a location can only be messured by the vitality and life within. Right now, this place has little value, but we have now the tools to give it value back. Come out where we can see you, and let us talk." She calls back to whomever, or whatever, it is speaking.<br> <br>Dio traverses down into the catacombs along with the group, holding out his large shield and looking about at the ghastly sights. He'd expected much more violence from walking into the potential heart, but strangely enough such might've been more comforting. Hearing the strange whisper, his grip tightens upon his shield, doing his best to cover the party should anything physical come forward.<br> <br>Selena shrugs nonchalantly as the voice echoes through the catacombs, not looking particularly pleased by the setup afforded - undead everywhere, and not attacking makes for a tenuous peace at best. "I don't speak for everyone, but why should I? It's a cathedral." she comments. "It's dead stone encasing decaying corpses, none of whom I know." She replies unimpressedly. "Why do you care about it so much? I think that's a better question."<br> <br>Fenris frowns at the sound of the whisper. That doesn't seem like the voice of an ordinary being. Could it be the queen of bones herself? He didn't even want to THINK her name in case she came to the call. He has no words for the whisperer but he is ready for action.<br> <br>"What foolish words," echoes the air as if from the lungs of a dying being, "I care not for your religion. Your pathetic city was lost in hours, its people, slain, scattered. Only now do you come to make amends? Your people are disappointed. Their rage did not die with their frail flesh and they remember who has abandoned them."<br> <br>Siyu looks back over his shoulder as he cradles his blunderbuss, "The true souls would have passed on...wouldn't they?" he asks Mirana softly, hoping whatever it is mocking them can't hear.<br> <br>Mirana listens carefully, and nods her head, "A great loss was suffered here, and those losses will never be forgotten. I may not have known personally those who fell to this tragity, but I have eyes, and I have ears. I have read, and I have heard. Of the Hero of Mossy Stone, Robert. I know of the great loss suffered here, and the rage that must now consume those who think themselves abandoned, lost. But you are not abandoned! Those you escaped tell your tales. Those whom loved you, ask to this day for gentle reminders of the life and love once had here. I challenge this idea that they are abandoned, for if they were, would we be here now? Would their loved ones desire tokens from times past? By Shaila's name, I challenge that love can make amends for all this, there is no wrong so great that the warmth had in a tender embrase cannot start to mend!" Mira calls back, looking to Siyu primarily, next Fenris and Dio. Bruths, and lastly Selena.<br> <br>Fenris fingers the golden soulgem that still glowed in his pendant. "That is not true," he says quietly, remembering his past experiences in Mossy Stone. "The people taken here did not have this rage and malice," he says, "Sorrow, perhaps, but no rage. They do not guide the corpses here." He stands a little taller and prepares himself for what is to come.<br> <br>Selena raises an eyebrow. "I see you've practiced your retorts." She comments amusedly. "And since I'm not privy to all of Mossy stone's history, care to tell me a little? If I recall, I've heard enough stories ob beings trying to fight for the place before it fell, and some that remained behind afterwards. Spite over loss is understandable, but when you die, there is nothing else. I doubt the dead have time for introspection, or I'd have expected one to speak intelligently. Feel free to prove me wrong." She replies, tapping a foot on the ground. "You never answered my question. Why is this place so important to you?" The wolfess reiterates. "Frankly if the people here are feeling resentment about anything, I doubt it'd be abandonment when the town has been made impossible to return to."<br> <br>Returning to his senses, Brutus blinks hard a few times, Mirana's words echoing through his ears. He turns to the vulpine priestess, his voice still sounding uncommonly meek for one such as him. "Milady Solacious, are you suggesting we... hug...a vengeful spirit to death?"<br> <br>Dio growls lightly under his breath, but keep his cool and instead transfers his emotions to better grip upon his shield. He had to admit, this spirit business went quite a ways over his head, but there was still plently he felt was correct within. "We're 'ere to fix, things. We can go on an' on 'bout the past and shoulda done this, an' shoulda done that, but nothin' can change that. We gotta put the dead to the rest they finally deserve, an' mend what was lost. It's the least we can do."<br> <br>"What bravado. I would see this. Come forward then. Face your people and tell them. Waste not your prattle on me." A slow breath, a death rattle more than anything else, then silence.<br> <br>Mirana steps forward. She will take point if no one else stops her, "As you will." She says. She ponders greatly, perhaps her knowledge of both the life and the corrupt spirits could help her now. Mind, don't fail now, this was a vital hour. "And no good Blackback, I suggest we hug a vengeful spirit until the light of life and love can shine in his or her eyes once more."<br> <br>Siyu just gives a tremble to his ear, and he'll step forward, with Mirana, a step behind her, but he'll take a deep breath and try to focus himself as well. Life and posisive energy...all right...focus on powerful energy.<br> <br>Selena tsks quietly as the voice fades, looking back to the vixen. "I'd be more inclined if they could speak." She mutters. "I wonder who they're more mad at; the shadows that mounted the attack, or the peopl that tried to help them?" she thinks aloud, shaking her head and rubbing her brow at the noble's comment - leaving some particularly choice words unsaid about the situation. There's no harm in keeping one's thoughts to themself, after all.<br> <br>Fenris has his doubts about Mirana's approach, but not her spirit. He follows behind closely, ready to aid her if necessary. "I am a light in the darkness," he says under his breath, his own little mantra given him by Robert himself. Or his spirit perhaps. It was hard to say what had happened here before.<br> <br>"'old on, lass," Dio procliams, trying to get in front of Mira once more and take point. "Jus' stick behin' me, lass. I know what you wanna do, but ya got somethin' to take care o' at 'ome. Let me stick my shield out for ya."<br> <br>No immediate information comes to mind, save that the death queen has no real interest in making peace with the dead, or the living. She seems to be referring to the shrine just ahead though, which could very well be a binding point for the souls of the city, if they were pious enough.<br> <br>Selena makes her way through the gloomy atmosphere behind the vixen - "That was probably the corniest thing I've ever heard you say, Mirana." she manages after a few moments. "I vote for moving on." She says simply, glancing over to Dio and waiting for any other votes or vetos.<br> <br>Mirana permits Dio to stand out front again, but walks immediately behind, into the shrine ahead. Once then, she curtsies to the once holy location. "Souls who once roamed here, if you can hear me, come forward, know you are not forgotten." She looks around again, then back to Selena, "That may be so, but my conviction in it is no less true then your conviction to learning and knowledge." She says, looking around again and opening her arms up, looking out toward nowhere, "Shaila, It's me again. I need your help, your wisdom, your embrase. Here where a great tragity once happened, life and love seem lost. Can you help me, and if nothing else, tell me, how to restore the grace of these noble things to this land once more?" She asks. Then to Siyu, "I know not what happens after we are still and our mortal life is no more, and I'll not pretend to guess, but if there are souls here in anguish, it is my humble duty, and honor to help."<br> <br>Dio looks back to Selena and nods his head. "Gone too far to stop now," he procliams, even if they really could just get up and leave. The lion gives another check back over his shoulder to make sure everyone's okay and ready before steeling himself and taking a giant breath to calm his nerves. "I like to think there's a place in the sky yer soul goes. Comfortin' in a way. But it's time to move on." Now personally prepared, he makes his way into the shrine with his shield out just as before.<br> <br>Selena shrugs at Mirana's comment - "I never spoke about your conviction." The wolfess says simply, looking over to the ichor-filled pool. "That said, I still want to know what prompted that thing's inception. I don't know what happens to a being when they die, and I don't believe it's important. Rather than dying well I'd rather live well." She comments, more to herself than anyone at this point.<br> <br>As the shrine proper is entered, the bubbling ichor, dormant for so long, begins to boil violently. With every step towards it, the churning grows in intensity as it reaches upwards as if to engulf the pedestal that rests in the center of it.<br> <br>A philosophical debate in the midst of a charge against the walking dead. It just goes to show that the mind of a scholar never sleeps, does it? Brutus watched the heated exchanges between Selena and Mirana--it was actually oddly inspiring that they were both willing to risk life and limb to prove their convictions or fulfill their studies. Perhaps he should consider dedicating himself to something more than worldly enjoyment. Or, at least, develop a deeper appreciation for his fragile bit of joy, like a bubble blown about in a gale.<br> <br>Siyu tries not to get too excited, he tries not to react. He keeps himself in check and sucks in air. Hoping to take cues from others, as we've deviated well beyond what the rodent would consider his knowledge base.<br> <br>Fenris braces himself, drawing from the warmth and confidence of the Champion who had shared his soul with the tiger. "Here it is," he says, almost to himself, since there seems to be no reason to point out the obvious.<br> <br>Mirana looks to the churning ichor, the bubbling goop. She watches it engulf the pedestal. It would be folly to just touch it or such, so for now, she observes, ready to act should something happen, "Great Spirit, Shaila, please make yourself known, your caller needs you." she says again, looking back to Siyu.<br> <br>A voice whispers by Mirana's ear, much kinder and livelier than the one before, "I hear you, my dear one, but I may not come where you are. Another has laid claim, and I do not have strength to defy them there."<br> <br>Siyu ohs as Mirana calls and he steps forward, and he'll try to focus his well as well, though there is that polite rejection...he tugs on his ear, a little more nervous now.<br> <br>Moving a little closer to the strange ichor for a better look, the wolfess takes a few moments of concentration to herself, idly toying with that black baton she seems to have been keeping to herself the entirety of the time in Mossy stone. "Frankly  I'm not sure what to do at this point. It doesn't resemble a gop, it's not alive - but it moves - and it potentially houses souls and some old one influence. The problem with new things..." She gripes with a slight smile. "I don't even know if giving it a poke will do anything, since it's not exactly a single creature either. But, it's probably worth a shot if nobody has anything else to say about it."<br> <br>Dio carefully watching over the boiling and churning liquid and bites his lip. An enemy perhaps? It couldn't hurt to prepare a bit of defense. The lion places the bottom edge of his tower shield upon the ground, using the side of his shoulder and arm to reinforce his guarding stance. "Suppose it's better than just starin' at it ferever an' hopin' somethin' good will happen."<br> <br>Fenris examines the roiling goop and extends his senses, trying to ascertain what kind of magic he is looking at. His golden aura pulses a little brighter in the gathering darkness.<br> <br>The fluid gushes upwards, sweeping up over bust which gets swept along with it, forming a bipedal form with it for a small head. Voices blurble wetly from inside of it, so many at once, echoing each with their own complaints. Cries of pain, wails of fury. Accusations and pleading in equal measure as the room fills with the cacophony.<br> <br>"Why were we left to die?"
+"What happened? Am I dead?"
+"Have you seen my baby? Bring him back!"
+"The shadows still walk freely!"<br> <br>Mirana thinks a bit more, listening to Shaila. She then listens to the words of the dead. "No... wait." she says, steping forward. No time for poking, no time for attacks. She walks up, and... "I'm here, souls of the departed, I'm here, we are here. It is time to move on though, your lives have ended. Go, rest, there is nothing to fear, nothing to hold you back now. THe shadows are gone from this place. Your loved ones remember you, you live on through them. Those who escaped." She reaches up to her ear, a tear falling from her eye, "No, now is not the time for violance, hate, anger." She steps closer to the strange fluid, "Everything will be fine now." She says softly to the head and voices.<br> <br>Selena watches as the mass roils up into a body, taking a few moments to simply observe. "Well, that's pretty difficult to address." she comments. "There's still the old one's influence there. I don't think it'll be easy for any of that until that influence is gone." she comments, ears drooping a little at the cries. "Can't really answer any one of them either, but I'm leery of leaving that lingering influence there as well." she notes, then shrugs. "I guess answering a few questions before that won't hurt, though. You are dead. Being left to die isn't true, though. There were beings that tried to defend your homes and died to do it." she says in a calm tone, still moving forward albeit at a more cautious pace than Mirana.<br> <br>Dio prepares himself for battle against a strange foe the likes of which he's never seen, but it didn't quite seem it was ready to attack just yet. The swirling of sounds and cries causes a bitter frown to cover his muzzle. "An awful thin'..." he comments under his breath, peeking over his shield and observing Mira's actions. Could love really work? Beats trying to smack something to bits. "We're sorry," he claims, "On behalf o' everyone. Heroic beings did their best, but it was jus' too much. Yer in agony an' pain, but it's time to move on an' earn yer rest."<br> <br>"Fine?" "Who are you?" "Remember us? Oh creators, I am dead!"
+The dry tone returns, seeming to be addressing the seething mass, "How peaceful it was moments ago, lost in the sweet darkness. Now they come, claiming you are dead, to be rembered fondly but removed all the same. This is not your city anymore, they say."
+The mass is not pleased at these words, surging larger, "Our city!" "We died for it!" "Where are we?" "Who said that?" "It hurts, make it stop and leave us alone!" "There is no rest while you keep us awake!"<br> <br>Brutus watches Mirana with a bit of alarm as she advances towards the oozing pool. "I understand you are an avatar of family itself, milady, but...say this is a deception by something hopelessly malevolent. If this is an...illusion, all the kind words are for naught." He holds his beat up cane crosswise, taking a defensive position beside her. What the heck is he doing? He has no experience as a defender. Nonetheless, something compelled him to be take solace in Mirana's conviction and protect her.<br> <br>Fenris steps up to join the others. "Yes, you are dead," he says, "sleep, or watch or move on, but leave this city to your children, to the living." He draws on the memory of Robert for strength, "Why do you linger here in the dark?"<br> <br>Selena shakes her head as the other voice returns to the mass. "I'm sorry, but I don't like sweet talkers or silver-tongued liars. You need to leave too, spirit. Your certainty in these beings hating all is a farce." She replies to the voice, suddently possessed with enough conviction to drive Kendrac's spear into the mass for but a moment, before withdrawing with much the same haste. "If it would beget peace, I'll leave." she says simply. "As soon as I can tell that spirit isn't troubling you, or as soon as I'm asked to leave or forced out."<br> <br>Mirana looks to the floor a moment, more tears in her eyes, "This city and life are not for you anymore, you need to move on. Hold not to the pain that was the tragity! Remember the life and love you had before! You speak of your children, you speak of your city. Remember that, hold to that, and push all else away. The mistress of bones holds you here, with her words and promises, but she will not offer you peace, she will not offer you rest. Find the strength to cast her aside, let the love that is your life be that which frees you, and hold not to the chains of the corrupt ones!" She calls out. Selena's poking of the mass, she gets closer, reaching to it, offering her embrase, "Come, away from the cold hands of the Mistress of Bones, and let love fill you." She asks.<br> <br>A sudden shudder runs through the air. Dark purple line appear all through the mass, throbbing with angry energy before shattering violently. The mass explodes, the chains that bound it together abruptly unhinged. Some of the new free forms cheer with delight, and are gone almost instantly, simply fading away with content to whatever awaits beings in the next life. Others are confused, running in circles, while some few remain with fury engulfing them, moving to attack in a swarm of spirits.<br> <br>Fenris's golden aura blazes into a beacon of light as he engages the enraged spirits. For a time, it seems as if his attacks have no effect, as the spirits swoop in to drain away his own life force, but the discombobulated ghosts do not last long. Fenris looks around at his companions, huffing and puffing and trying to regain his equilibrium.<br> <br>Freedom, freedom for the lost, Mira does her best to keep standing those in her charge, but unfortunately, Dio's wounds are too great, though the lion is able to stand after. She is greatful for that. Medicines around for all, creater artifacts, and inspring words. After, she kneels before all. "Great Spirit Shaila, wonderful creators. Guide these spirits to their rest, send them to their new homes. Let them know now and forever that they are not forgotten! They are loved, and remembered! Let them not fall pray to The Mistress of Bones again! Spirits of the court of Life, please hear my call, my plea! Guide these lost ones back into your loving light!" She asks.<br> <br>As the battle inevitably breaks out, Dio holds tight to his shield but doesn't make too much use of his trusty sword. Instead, he roars into the air with leonine fury, banging his tower shield against the ground to create loud and annoying clanking sounds to cause the enemy to focus upon him. In such a task, he both succeeded and failed, drawing the lion's share of their attention while the party dealt swift and destructive blows. Getting nailed a few too many times, Dio drops and falls to his knees, but with a surge of willpower, he forces himself back up to defend and watch the conclusion, sending sparks of fire math in their direction while an open wound above his forehead leaks gentle crimson down his muzzle.<br> <br>Selena watches as the spirits split into multiple parts with a slight smile - the angered ones souring the mood a little before she falls back. "I'm sorry for your fate." She says simply before beginning to 'fight' the ethereal assailants though the means she knows best; magical fire and flurries of debris and blasts of energy. The wolfess sighs quietly - reaching into her bag for a moment before pulling out an empty dulling potion with a wry half-smile. "Well. I suppose I'm out of that." She muses, though it's likely lost in the vixen's exaltations. "Mirana. They're dead. I'm pretty sure Shaila isn't the patron spirit of the dead in that sense either." She notes flatly, taking a deep breath and rifling through her bag for a moment and passing Dio a vial of white fluid. "You all right there, Dio?"<br> <br>Siyu kind of wobbles and he looks at Mirana, and then he checks himself...everything is still there? really? Oh yes, good, he's still alive, everyone is alive! Hooray, "So..." is his question.<br> <br>The dry voice whispers with an angry tone, but no clear words are had. It is clear that the action of the group has not gone according to its plans. The bubbling pool is gone, and some of the malignance has lifted. Perhaps the city is that much closer to freedom.<br> <br>Selena blinks for a few moments, then glances back to the group at large - "Wait, what happens when you 'kill' a 'soul'..?" She asks confusedly - "Can a 'soul' die?" The wolfess shakes her head. "I'm a little perplexed by that." She muses, smirking slightly at the angered whispers. "Sorry, don't plan on us always following your plans, that's not going to work!" She calls out - though really, one can't tell if the old one heard it or not.<br> <br>"Mirana," Fenris says, "Are you certain that there is a caller here?" He looks around the crypt, "Could it have been the Spirit itself?" Fenris turns to Selena, "I don't believe that we fought souls," he proclaims, "I think we fought echoes. Last resounding echoes of the dead's hopes and fears." Now may not be the pest time to philosophize though, the tiger thinks absently.<br> <br>"Never..." Dio wheezes, the adrenaline of the battle slowly fading, the pain of his wounds allowed to take hold in full, "Never better..." Doing his best to put on a smile, he reaches out and takes the vial from Selena. "Thank ya, lass." Feeling sore all over, he eagerly uses the vial and wipes off the dripping beads of blood gently flowing down his golden forehead. "I can only 'ope they managed to head into some paradise o' whatever lies beyond. So..." Letting down his heavy shield, he crouches down a little to relax. "What do ya think's the next step? Guess we still gotta find that caller."<br> <br>Siyu earflicks, "Could it be that if a spirit focuses on pain, misery and dispair, that...the licks and remanents of those things can in fact be considered a caller? Just the remaining dredges of emotion??" he asks<br> <br>Mirana gets up and brushes off her dress, "She may not be patron spirit of the dead, but it is under her watch, the cycle of life." She says, then looks out toward the voice, "Mistress of Bones! Where is your caller? What holds you to this place?" She calls out, looking around again, "Shaila, we have come another step closer to making this place one where love and family can flurish once more. Thank you." She says, then turnst to Selena, she reaches out to her once more, though expects it to be for naught, "And thank you Selena, I agree with Fenris though, I doubt those were 'souls' or that we 'killed' them." She says, looking over to Dio, Brutus next, "THank you both, you didn't have to come here, but you offered your help. If you need anything, ask it, and if I can, I'll provide." A look for Fenris and Siyu, "You did the Lightbringers and Shaila well today, thank you both."<br> <br>Selena shrugs, then looking back to the pool. "It was likely a vessel. It's still entirely possible there's a caller here." She notes, shaking her head. "I don't know what to call them, but Fenris has the point. There's probably not souls themselves. It's still an odd thing to consider." She notes, then looking back over to the others, tacitly ignoring the latter comment about Shaila. "Erm, Mirana, why would she tell any of us that? It'd be like playing cards with your hand face up." The wolfess mutters tiredly. "Frankly, step two is rest. I wouldn't say there was only the Lightbringers and your patron spirit aided here, though. Seems a bit narrow-minded."<br> <br>Siyu looks around the shrine, and back towards the catacombs, he turns and looks to Selena and Mirana, he tugs on his ear a little bit, "The spirits play by different rules though, dont' they? Different decks then mortals..." he glances around again, "Was there ever a plan, or a map of the catacombs?" he inquires.[[Category:RPLogs]]

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