Welcome player, to Reyta...

[Dragon Sage007]

"I know very little about this place....but I can sense...death?"
~Death....I've never had a hunch, a thought, or even a feeling about it in the game before....either random AI monsters died, or players reconnected. This is real death.~
The druid's eyes were wide with shock. He stumbled a bit, and went to his knees.
"We need to hurry. I don't know how much time we have, but wasting even a bit of it would be...disastrous. Even if I fall, or am mortally wounded, go on to find out what is causing this. I have a feeling that this is more than what any of us ever suspected." With that, the druid started running for the stairs to the second floor.

[JoshuaDurron]

Reht paused just long enough to trigger one of the secrets of his blade. By twisting the hilt back and forth, one could cause it to become either holy, dark, or neutral elemental. For the time being, he set the blade to holy, and blessed the mage who had created the feature for the blade. He then charged after the druid, blade in hand, all senses tingling, stretching out for whatever threats he could detect.

[Dark Xia]

Alright, let's try a smal lhealing spell.

"Light, give warmth and energy to this scarred body, heal."

Ethra fel a bit of her strenth returning and her throat no longer hurt. "That guy has to of left by now.. no need to rush, just rest a little while longer... but who knows what'll happen.. that golem... I better rest up before going back up there." She couldn't see above the last step, she was sitting in a more comfortable position now at least.

[ArgusDevilmen]

The cavern's themselves were rather quiet. Few , if any monsters appeared to attack. It was far too quiet. The only sign of any challenge the 4th floor traps.

(( Nothing really gonna happen till the guys already there get to the the 4th/5th floor where Ethra is. ))

[Geocsuppi]

Kite looked at Alyrra and said, "Well, you probably attack with a quarterstaff, so you could get a better one, some armour, and of course potions, LOTS of potions."

Kite reached behind his back and pulled out a vial of healing potion. "Never leave home without one. I don't use magic so I have no need of ether. I don't need a better weapon, or armour so 98 percent of this is goning to you. So lets buy this stuff and head over to "Gaia's Cleft", before the others clear out the place." Kite said as he walked to the weapons store.

[Dragon Sage007]

After having reached the fourth floor, the druid was at a loss.
~Traps. Do I have enough energy to stop them? I doubt I can avoid them....damn robes. Well, might as well give it a shot.~
Sorune started chanting, almost seemed to be sweating. Finally though, he was able to build up enough energy to put earth into the holes and hinges of the traps, enough to keep them from moving. At least the ones he could see.

[Dark Xia]

Someone's coming.

Almost finished healing.

Or perhaps its "something."

Hope not.

Ethra sat up right on one of the steps and waited.

What was up with that guy?

I guess he's a psycho.

Well that makes sense.

[JoshuaDurron]

Reht looked at the druid. "Nice work. I'll run it first, to make sure that they're all taken care of."
With that, Reht began carefully moving through the floor. In short order, he made it to the other side. No traps had sprung yet. "It's clear!" He called back to his partner.

[Dragon Sage007]

Sorune followed at his partner's yell, and began to walk swiftly across the floor. Soon, however, he came across Ethra too.
"Miss....last time you saw me, you wanted answers. So do I. You want to know why I'm following Verios into this place? Because something has happened to Reyta, and he is at the source. He may not be the cause, but he's in it thick. Has he fought any monsters yet? Has he bled again? Think about it. Noone is supposed to bleed here. Noone is supposed to die here. Noone is supposed to experience more than pleasure here. I want answers to all this, and only Verios can provide them. Even if he can't, then he will be able to tell me who can. And I want everyone to keep safe here. We're wasting time. Where is he? I sensed death when I entered, and I want to make sure that I'm wrong."

[Dark Xia]

"Teh! Like you're going to get them. Whatever secrets Verios has, he's going to keep to himself." Ethra stood up and stretched, fully healed. She gave a innocent and childish grin. "Oh and that feeling of death, that was me, don't worry I haven't killed anyone, yet. I came sort of close to dying though, but whatever. Verios is probably long gone, I wonder if he left me anything in the treasure room..." Ethra dashed up the stairs to the boss area and to the treasure room.

[JoshuaDurron]

Reht shook his head at the over-eager mage, and began looking around the room. He noted the craters, and other remains of the battle Varios and Ethra had fought. And he couldn't help thinking that anyone who left such damage in their wake would be easy to follow. He began poking off towards the far corner of the room, following the trail of broken stone that lead to the place where Verios had been buried under the rock. Were there traces of blood there?

[ArgusDevilmen]

The crater was empty, no blood could be found anywhere. The treasure room seemed normal enough, the lone chest sitting int the middle of the room. Seemingly nothing to block the path.

(( I'm giving spleen blaze and anyone else heading there a bit longer to try and get to the treasure room. ))

[JoshuaDurron]

Reht shrugged, and turned around to wander after Ethra, calling back over his shoulder, "There's nothing here that I can see. I think that whatever it was that set Verios off will most likely be found in the treasure room."

[Dark Xia]

Ethra knelt before the chest, she was hesistating.

Only one chest? Odd, wouldn't there be more after such difficulty? Well it wasn't... too difficult for us but.. one chest?

Something seems a bit fishy.

[Blaze Yamato Spirit]

Noticing the lack of monster encounters, Men'drakk'ar dashed foward and pushed past the group ahead of him, not giving the newbies the time to react to his passage. Loping through the caverns, he soon came to the fourth floor, and ran through his area unhindered - as the traps were still blocked from Reht and Sorune's passing.

He skidded to a halt by Sorune.

'Where is Verios??'

Seeing that Verios was no longer there, he didn't wait for an answer, he ran off again past the remains of the boss and in the direction of the treasure room.

[JoshuaDurron]

Reht had just entered the treasure room himself when he heard footsteps approaching. It didn't sound like Sorune, so he plastered himself against the wall and waited, catching a glimps of a furred creature sprinting past from his hiding place in a crevice of the rock. It was a PC, and thus not as likely to be a threat. He quickly sprinted along behind Men'drakk'ar, and when they skidded to a halt inside the treasure room, they found Ethra kneeling over a treasure chest.
Disregarding the feliniod next to him, Reht stormed in, brandishing his blade. "Step away from that treasure chest. Whatever's in it could be very dangerous, both to you, and to this world in general."

[Blaze Yamato Spirit]

'I must concur.' Stated Men'drakk'ar, stepping up beside Reht. 'The spirits told me that bad things were about to happen, and that it all started with Verios. He has been here, so it is a safe bet that that chest is connected to whatever it is is that's going to be happening.'

[JoshuaDurron]

Reht looked over at Men'drakk'ar. He didn't know who he was, but if he would back him up, then theu were on the same side. But where was Sorune? He was the one who had the greatest sense for what was going on here...

[Dark Xia]

Ethra remained in her kneeling position. "And how do you know that? Whatever is in here... is mine by right. Since Verios left this here." She sighed. "And what are you fools babbling about anyway? Where did this news of a threat come from? So unless you tell me what exactly you're talking about, and proof, this treasure is mine."

[JoshuaDurron]

Reht grunted. "We know that Varios has been behaving strangely. And he's been bleeding. That shouldn't happen. Something fundamental about him has changed, and it all started when he cleared this dungeon. Now all this might be hearsay that I've picked up in bars. But it all might be true, as well. Do you wanna take that chance?"
He waited to see her reaction. In fact, it was all hearsay. But he had seen evidence to prove it true.
Whatever was going on had to stop. And soon.

Edited by: [url=http://pub30.ezboard.com/brpgww60462.showUserPublicProfile?gid=joshuadurron>JoshuaDurron</A] at: 11/15/02 10:12:50 pm

[Dark Xia]

Ethra placed her hands on the chest, but did not open it. "Bleeding? Where did this come from? Some idiot trying to make a few people wonder? And besides, Verios has been around for a while, perhaps he's volunteered to test an upgrade... to make this game more realistic in some aspects, what's so bad about seeing some blood? Been playing so long that the idea of something resembling what happens when you're injured in the real world freaks you out?"

What if something bad happens when you open this chest?

IF you don't, someone will open it anyway.

This is kind of like that story isn't it?

With that girl... that was told never to open a box.

But did she listen?

[Dragon Sage007]

"Speaking of Verios, madam, where is he?" Sorune asked from behind the others. "I can find no trace that he was ever here, beyond the fact that he was. And if you're wary that I want to kill him, think again. I know a dozen watchers personally that want him to reconnect, and would happily do so given half a chance. But now, the rules have changed. If he dies, then he doesn't reconnect. He'll die. For good. And if you open the chest, you may have the same fate befall you."
~God, I hope she knows where Verios is. I have no clues after this to go after, and he may be dead by the time I find him~ "Or if you do open the chest, allow me to open it with you. I wish to see what can cause such a mess." WIth that, he stepped towards Ethra, and whispered in her ear.
"If you do not know where he is, tell me now. I am still going to see what is in this chest. If it does not cause trouble, it's yours. Otherwise, I take responsibility alone. This situation is more dire than you think. And don't even think about forcing me away, or saying 'teh'." He said this with a quiet, calm, intimidating tone. It was obvious to Ethra that he wasn't going to be deterred, and he wasn't going to be easy to convince to leave either.

[Dark Xia]

Ethra stood up from her kneeling position and leaned on the chest, she tilted her head and gave a puzzled look. "Have you been stalking him or something? How else can you know this, or are all watchers... this observant?"

No privacy laws around here? Sheesh. I wonder if they can read thoughts... double sheesh.

[ArgusDevilmen]

Verios chuckled silently as they fussed about the chest and himself. Obviously, they had failed to look in one of the more obvious places. Verios grinned as he floated upside down, arms crossed across his chest. He remained hovering above the treasure room door silently thinking to himself.

They will find nothing of use in that chest. Perhaps a powerful item or some such rubbish. But nothing that could possibly relate to what I had found.

Verios glanced down at the necklace tucked away under trenchcoat and smiled.

[Dragon Sage007]

"Madam, I'm not a watcher. I chose not to join their ranks. Now, do you know where Verios is? If not, open the chest. I'll answer the rest of your questions afterward. It will probably make it easier to explain, as well."

[Dark Xia]

Ethra decided that it was either now or she mgiht as well let hell freeze over first. She turned around and opened the chest.

[ArgusDevilmen]

Inside the chest was a single item, a dagger with magical properties. From the look of it it was most likely fire, for the small blade was glowing red.

Verios laughed out loud at the reward they had fought for. He turned himself around in mid air so he was right side up and hovered above the door arms still crossed.

"Ironic isnt it? You come all this way only to find the first one here got the real treasure." He paused for a moment, and laughed again. Continuing to float there he pushed a loose strand of hair from his face.

"Were you expecting something extra-rare? Considering how eager you were to open the chest I bet you were." He laughed once more and waved his index finger at them mockingly. "Tooooo baaadd......"

[Dark Xia]

Ethra gave a little shrug, smiled and picked up the dagger. "Eh, yes I suppose it was a bit of a disappointment.. not that I really care for material possessions too much, you should know that by your payment, Verios. So then, what IS the real treasure?"

[Dragon Sage007]

Sorune turned around, with a quick, "Sorry I doubted you" to Ethra, he began to walk towards Verios.
"Verios, I want answers. No more running away, no more blowing me off, and no more mysteries. What is this treasure? Something that allows you to die? Something that allows you to feel pain? Something that actually allows you to hurt? Go ahead. Take your treasure. But know this. There are a dozen different watchers that I know of that want you dead. They only have to win once. You cannot expect to win every time, cannot expect to cheat death every time without help. I'm offering that help you, if you'll only tell me how. My offer stands for as long as you need it. But I need to know what 'treasure' you found so that I can ensure that noone else in Reyta gets hurt." By this time, Sorune was less than a step away from him, could easily be cut down. "I know you can kill me right now. And I don't care. Why? Because I can just reconnect. You cannot. Now, allow me to give help, and help me understand."

[ArgusDevilmen]

Verios looked down at the druid for a moment form his hovering position and simply laughed at him. Raising his hand to his face to stop. After a few moments of it he grinned and waved his index finger once more at the druid.

"You my pathetic little Druid, know nothing. Because I bleed you think I can die? I'll have you know I was killed not too long ago by a rather large boulder. But my body remained intact and I woke up a mere few seconds later. Fully revitalized and rather agitated mind you."

He glanced at Ethra and chuckled, slowly growing into a out right laugh. He raised his right arm beside him, a ripple appearing in the air. He placed his hand into it it vanishing into the hole. Slowly after a second or two he pulled out a dragons skull. He chucked it down infront of the druid with a loud crash. The skull was fresh, as it had no decay at all and was pure white.

"You see, I possess all the power I need to change this world to my will. If I wanted to, I could kill you all easily. But, I feel like being ....... Creative... So instead, I shall just leave you a little gift."

The skull slowly began to shake as dragon bones began to fly out from the ripple beside Verios. One after another the bones began to form into the shape of a large dragon. The jaw bone came last it snapping into place, the skulls eyes glowing bright red. It let out a hollow roar and stared down at the druid.

"This is what I call a Skull Dragon. It is extremely rare and powerful, so he should provide you with some entertainment. If you just want to know what was in there, it was a amulet. However, if you honestly think I need your help Druid. You should seek professional help in your 'real world'."

Verios laughed the dragon letting out a deafening roar. Verios smirked placing his hand to his head with the middle and index finger. After a salute jester to Ethra, he slowly floated to his right. He entered the ripple, slowly vanishing from view.

The dragon roared once more lashing his tail about wildly. He set his eyes on Sorune and raised a bony claw into the air. He then sharply began to make a huge swing at him.

[Dragon Sage007]

~Dammit dammit dammit dammit! Okay, I'll worry about Verios later. First, I'll have to take care of this dragon~
"Reht! Take Ethra and get her out of here! No complaints from either of you, just do it! I have a feeling that what I feared has come to pass. He means to kill us."
~Dammit, even here, I cannot hope to destroy it alone. But their safety comes first. I cannot let them....die.~ He readied himself into a fighting stance in front of the dragon.
~But nothing will stop me from getting answers. Not threats, not the bullheadedness of an idiot, and definately not this dragon~
"FLY YOU FOOLS! RUN! GET OUT OF HERE!" With that, Sorune made a heroic gesture, and attempted to cast a spell.

[Blaze Yamato Spirit]

Before the claw reached Sorune it met resistance in the form of Men'drakk'ar's axe, swung with great force in the opposite direction. The impact jarred, sending intense vibrations up the fallion's arms and throughout his body, but he retained his grip on the weapon. As for the dragon, it was now minus one claw. Men'drakk'ar had a feeling that that meant very little, in the long term.


So it is worse than even the spirits could foresee... he has complete power... and he intends to abuse it.

[Dark Xia]

Ethra just stood there staring at where Verios had been.

There had been blood.

You got him killed.

And you pissed him off.

You idiot.

Was he really this evil all along?

Why did he get that power?

Did it corrupt him?

"Verios... I still need to talk to you some more so..." Ethra turned her eyes to the dragon.

Well.. I was going to try this.. but it doesn't look like this guy's that friendly.

"All of you! Withdraw.. stop attacking.. for.. a second."

Ethra approached the dragon. "Bond between our kinds, please seal this creature's will of destruction, Bond of Dragonkind."

This was a totally untested spell, and part fo it actually wasn't a spell. Even if the spell didn't work... the fact she was a dragon-half might still.

[ArgusDevilmen]

The Skeletal dragon let out a growl as his one bone claw was hacked off. He stopped for a moment and stared at Ethra with his large glowing red eyes. He let out a roar before beggining to step back. But of course it was not a retreat, he was merely making room to swing his huge tail. And thus he did, aiming to sweep away all three of the ones infront of him.


Verios meanwhile watched on, from some secluded area of Reyta. He stood silently staring into a pool of water, watching and waiting for thier actions. Saried was there as well, silently looking on by Verios.

[Blaze Yamato Spirit]

Seeing what was about to happen, Men'drakk'ar ran, grabbing Ethra around the waist and leaping away just as the dragon's tail swooped round. Unfortunately, he had to drop his axe in order to grab Ethra...

[JoshuaDurron]

Reht had been in deep contemplation, slipping far OOC, while Verios had confronted Sorune. Now, he snapped back into normal behavior (for him) and began doing his job. With a single movement he was airborne, heading for the exit.
"Careful, boss. Get out fast!"
He charged towards the exit, leaping over the dragons tail, and allowing the tripple tips of his blade to drop down. He felt the impact as the glanced across the dragon's tail, but didn't stop to see the result. Hopefully, the holy currents running through the blade would be of some help.
Then Reht was off, still moving at top speed towards the exit, the first words of a hasting spell dropping from his lips.

Edited by: [url=http://pub30.ezboard.com/brpgww60462.showUserPublicProfile?gid=joshuadurron>JoshuaDurron</A] at: 11/16/02 3:46:25 pm

[Dark Xia]

*delete*

Edited by: Dark Xia at: 11/16/02 1:01:05 pm

[JoshuaDurron]

((OK. Now I'm confused as to the exact events that occured. ::waits for a GM ruling:: ))

[Blaze Yamato Spirit]

(Generally in this sort of situation, first post goes. But I don't mind waiting for a GM ruling.)

[Dark Xia]

Why am I always the one to get rescued?

Ethra squirmed a bit while she was eing picked up. "I can run by MYSELF thank you very much!" Ethra growled and jumped out.