Roleplaying In Atkathla

Magus · Post by **Magus** » Mon Feb 19, 2001 9:45 pm

Time lag in my last message...
@Rail: If you haven't noticed, Magus is not only not present, but he's quite unwell!

Aerie teleported with him to the Rift, leaving Void. I was expecting that you might ask Void some questions.

@Aegis: Check your e-mail.

Since Fallout is characteristically short and concise, I suppose waiting for him to ask Void anything would be pointless. I'll start the interrogation of Waverly tomorrow, assuming I'm not overburdened with homework.

Void eyes Rail quizzically.
No need for such hostility, young thief. You yet struggle with your nature. I can help you, but only if you want to help yourself...
Aegis struggles similarly. I have tried to help him, but I'm not sure what happened. Maybe I was brash in accepting his offer...
As for Magus, I'm not sure why that happened, but I have my suspicions. I feared that a mortal couldn't stand such magical immersion...but his mind was so strong. It seems it wasn't strong enough... I would remain with him, but I must perform my duty and help further his goals. He would want it that way.

Rail is caught off guard by this apparent opening up of Void. It seemed that Void wasn't the evil, manipulative being Rail had taken him for. Come to think of it, Rail can't remember a time when Void actually acted with ill intentions. It was all a show that Void put on for all but a select few.
All of this goes through Rail's mind in an instant. Rail searches for a response...

@Rail: BTW, I've planned Void's nature from the beginning. This isn't something that just came to me. Your hostile response and Void's worrying about Magus lowered his defenses.

@Everyone else: Your characters did not witness this conversation (it was telepathic). Act accordingly.

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...Magus
Level 18 young Half-Elf Conjurer, Neutral Good, resident of The Rift, bitter foe of Ubik

[This message has been edited by Magus (edited 02-19-2001).]

[This message has been edited by Magus (edited 02-19-2001).]

Rail · Post by **Rail** » Mon Feb 19, 2001 11:41 pm

*Okay, more telepathic conversations. Sorry.*

Rail peered back at the hakeashar curoiusly, more than a bit wary. "Help me?" he thought to the beast. "What kind of help are you..." he shook his head almost as the thought came out. "NO! I don't need help! My nature?!? What are you talking about?"

"I think you know," Void returned telepathically, neither accusing nor condecending. "The battle within you. I can aid..."

"No." Rail thought back, almost sadly. "My battles are no different than any man."

"Aren't they?" Again, Void spoke without accusing.

Rail thought for a moment, not quite sure how he should respond. He knew he didn't need to explain this all to the beast, but it did help clear his mind. "Every man who kills must go through the same struggle," he began thoughtfully. "The ones who give in to the killing slowly loose themselves in the process. It's addictive. It will consume you." He paused before adding, almost as an afterthought, "Kinda like magic, I guess, only that's worse."

Slowly, almost carefully, the hakeashar replied, giving Rail the impression that the beast was gently smiling. "There are things about you that you aren't aware, human." It paused as if pondering something else before adding, "my offer still stands."

Rail thought about it, as incredulous as that seemed to him. Here was a magical beast, the familiar of a powerful mage, and he was considering it's help on such a personal basis. It was, however, too much to ask, for now. "These are things I must work out on my own, I think." He gazed at the beast for a moment, thinking of what it could possibly see that the assassin had missed in himself. Was there something more? No, he concluded. He was simply a man fighting his own inner demons. "I appreciate the offer, and will continue to consider it, though."

"That is indeed the first step, assassin." Void did nothing outwardly, but Rail had the distinct impression of the beast nodding in understanding. "You are getting better at using your thoughts, human. You communicate well."

Rail smiled. He WAS getting used to this telepathy. "How fares your master?"

Void shifted slightly at the change of subject. "He will live. He is strong enough." The beast seemed to Rail to be choosing his words carefully. "There is much about him I have yet to learn."

"What happened with him?" The assassin was both cautious and curious.

Void hesitated. "When I know for certain, I believe I WILL tell you, human."

Rail's thoughts turned dark. There was much about Magus the assassin didn't understand, and much he feared. His thoughts turned to other mages, older wizards who had been good like Magus, at one time. Most of those mages were now deceased. Evil times... Better not to think about it now.

Rail turned to fallout, who had been securing the room and now stood next to the only door. "You know," he said aloud, nodding at Void across the room. "He's not bad, for an overgrown dust cloud."

"And for a lumbering sack of water," Void responded telepathically with a smile, "it's amazing you survive as well as you do."

Rail, turning from Void and addressing fallout now, threw up his arms. "Why am I talking with a damn animated ogre's belch?"

Fallout shrugged, "I don't know."

Void shot back in rueful tones. "Careful, human, or I'll teleport you within the Rift and let the mist feed on you."

Rail smiled. "Well, Misty's back to normal. Now, if we can just get Magus to wake up this goon, here, and get done with questioning him, we can get out of this dive."

Fallout nodded in agreement. "The sooner, the better. Why we just don't kill him and speak with dead is beyond me."

fallout · Post by **fallout** » Tue Feb 20, 2001 4:04 am

@magus "The hardy barbarian is battered" Only two stalker? If they were more than 5 or 10 they can be a treat for mighty fallout

Fallout nodded in agreement. "The sooner, the better. Why we just don't kill him and speak with dead is beyond me."

"Or if this monster cant take some answers from sorcerer i can try some pysical methods." grining.

[This message has been edited by fallout (edited 02-20-2001).]

Rail · Post by **Rail** » Tue Feb 20, 2001 4:22 am

@fallout, I think Magus meant you were battered from the 3 horrid wiltings, but a barbarian at your level with your equipment should still be fine. A mere flesh wound!

I'm more than willing to help you interrogate, should the need arise. Heh, heh! (Look, everyone! We're goodies!)

Slyweasel · Post by **Slyweasel** » Tue Feb 20, 2001 4:27 am

As Weasel stands around doing nothing he hears someone yell...(Look, everyone! We're goodies!)

Rail · Post by **Rail** » Tue Feb 20, 2001 5:19 am

Does Weasel need rescuing? Maybe we'll make a trade. Waverly for Weasel? (Eh, who am I kidding? Weasel will end up on our team eventually.

We just need to sit back and wait for the betrayal.)

Aegis · Post by **Aegis** » Tue Feb 20, 2001 1:27 pm

Aegis had completed studying the tome of the great Arch-Mage.He had learned it's secrets, and had accomplished the final preparations. He was now in the Rift, it being the only place with enough magical potence to succed, and fufill his destiny. He had enoucter a small room that was brimming with magical energy, and prepared what he need for ascendry. He lips curled into a smile as he thought of what it would be like to take his place among the Gods! (The plot thickens) None knew of this plan, not even Void. He had kept this part of his mind blocked out from the Hakeashar. He grasped the Staff of Magius in his hand, and Raistlins Tome in the other. He began the was about to begin the incantation to travel to the plane of the Gods when a small bell rung. Someone had returned to the Rift. Magus.

Aegis: This could cause problems...

He spoke silently to himself, preparing a few spells in his mind, incase a confrontation was imminent.

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All for one, and one for all!

Magus · Post by **Magus** » Tue Feb 20, 2001 6:39 pm

@All: Don't e-mail me at my old address anymore. I'm moving my active account (the one I check) to the same address + add an s @hotmail.com. For example john@excite.com would become johns@hotmail.com. Sorry for the paranoia, but my parents are very uptight about such things.

@Fallout: Indeed, I was referring to the 3 Horrid Wiltings. The invisible stalkers were no match for you, but you couldn't get to Aerie because of the rapid progression of the battle. It all happened in about 3 or 4 rounds. I would say 2 invisible stalkers are enough to occupy you for the approximately two rounds you were fighting them.

@Rail: Couldn't have done that conversation better myself. You roleplayed Void perfectly. BTW, Magus will probably not be back in time, if he does recover (I'm not giving anything away

), to interrogate Waverly. I'm going to conduct it through Void. However, I welcome you two to join in.

@Aegis: How'd you get into the Rift? I'm still a bit unsure of your special circumstances. Check your e-mail again. BTW, this could get interesting. As you can tell, Magus is comatose, but Aerie has changed. She will no longer be a pushover. Beware that in the Rift reality is greatly changed. Depending on certain factors, you could either be super-powerful or totally helpless. I need you to e-mail me a response to my e-mail before events can further progress in the Rift. Otherwise it could get really confused.

@Waverly: In the following exchange, remember Void is agitated. Any false/distorted statements are probably not my error, but due to this agitation.

After his exchange with Rail, Void is able to collect himself. As the feelings of self-reproach and hopelessness leave him, his defenses rise once again.
Void turns his glowing gaze to Waverly. Fiery anger now dances in his eyes; an emotion that has never before been seen in the hakeashar. Even Rail cannot help but feel unsettled. Suddenly, his head shoots up, and he nods. Then Void's whispering voice booms in everyone's mind.
Foolish mortal, do you think your little act can deceive me?
Reluctantly, Waverly opens his eyes, and stares defiantly at the hovering creature before him. Void's voice booms again in everyone's mind.
That's better, deranged one. Cooperate, and you shall be released unharmed, which is better than you deserve. Refuse, and you will suffer, I assure you. I'm aching for an excuse to make you pay for what you did to Magus. So what will it be, half-human?
Waverly feels a slight breeze. He dismisses it in the heat of the moment.

@Waverly: I wouldn't presume to kill you, but Void is not beyond torturing you at the moment. With your low will/wisdom, you can't possibly stop his mental attacks, though you may block his probings with effort.

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...Magus
Level 18 young Half-Elf Conjurer, Neutral Good, resident of The Rift, bitter foe of Ubik

Aegis · Post by **Aegis** » Tue Feb 20, 2001 7:26 pm

@Magus: I have sent you an e-mail explaining my entire plot.

@Everyone else: You'll have to wait to see what I'm planning

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All for one, and one for all!

Magus · Post by **Magus** » Tue Feb 20, 2001 9:11 pm

@KidD01: From my discourse with Aegis, I've just come up with a great idea to tie you in with Magus. In fact, the idea would totally change the scope of the story. I'll e-mail you with it tomorrow. I'd like your opinion first before I risk a flaming from the others for my impudence. If it sounds good, I'll reveal it to each person individually as it applies to them and see if they like it.

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...Magus
Level 18 young Half-Elf Conjurer, Neutral Good, resident of The Rift, bitter foe of Ubik

Aegis · Post by **Aegis** » Tue Feb 20, 2001 10:00 pm

@Magus: Ahh... The craftiness shows. Don't tell me the plot, I want this to be a surprise for me. Heh. My small plot could really cause some havoc. This is becoming fun...

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All for one, and one for all!

Aegis · Post by **Aegis** » Tue Feb 20, 2001 10:21 pm

A good deal of time passed since the alarm struck. Aegis had summoned three Nishruu's, and few skeleton warriors to defend him, in case problems would arise. He decided, that in this case, the ends were greater then the danger. He began the incantation for ascendance!

He formed each word perfectly with the contours of his mouth. Making sure to pronouce each syllable. Each word correctly. Any mishap in this spell, and a crater the size of Athkatla would be formed. Even the mighty walls of the Rift would not withstand them.

Aegis felt power gaining in the room. He felt the presence of others. Not mortal, but Etheral. He felt the presence of Gods surrounding him. A sudden gust of wind picked up in the room. The robes adorned my Aegis fluttered. He paid no heed. He kept his eyes shut, determined on finishing the spell. In his mind, he heard the voices of many, but none. He heard them speak of what it was to be a God. It was some form of test. Aegis could not discern which God was speaking, but the result he was sure of. Though not physically seen, Aegis knew that his combined power of Raistlin Majere, and his hidden depth's made a ripple in the serenity the Gods held. He was ascending.

He felt a surge of energy and power course through him. He opened his eyes. The once brown eyes had turned to a white. omnious glow. A great power coursed through his body. He felt his hands tingling. Suddenly, he lurged forward violently. He braced himself on a nearby table, beginning to cough. He had not become a God like he thought! He had not yet passed the test! Instead of God-hood. He was granted the power of a Demi-God. His spell had been beseached by Talos. In the flash of a moment, a deal was made. Aegis's Servitude, for God-hood. Aegis accepted. His once blue robes began to darken. The became stained pitch black. His skin changed to a pale colour, ashen to what it was. Talos had made him his Avatar.

Suddenly, his attention was turned away by the sounds of his Creatures being defeated. He faced the door. He was in no condition to fight right now. He had to learn the powers Talos had granted him. He conjured up a magical gateway, and slipped away using it's twisted paths. As he left, only hints of what had happend to him ramained. He was no longer the Selfless Paladin. He was now something else. Something of the Gods. Something of Evil...

@All: Heh, I'm forcing a rather odd parley between Ubik, and Magus I think?

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All for one, and one for all!

Rail · Post by **Rail** » Tue Feb 20, 2001 10:40 pm

(sigh) Another mage needs putting down. I'm loosin' count, here.

See, magic corrupts!

fallout · Post by **fallout** » Wed Feb 21, 2001 12:01 am

Another good men is wasted for power.
Lay in peace and quiet paladin Aegis, wait our swords mage Aegis.

@Rail. I begin to feel strange powers. Can i be a mage too.

Rail · Post by **Rail** » Wed Feb 21, 2001 1:29 am

I'd hate to have to kill you, as well, fallout. I was just getting to like you.

Besides, I can't backstab you, so it'd be REALLY tough.

fallout · Post by **fallout** » Wed Feb 21, 2001 1:38 am

Errrr i think it was a false alarm. i am ok now.

Rail · Post by **Rail** » Wed Feb 21, 2001 1:39 am

I knew you would be. (Whew!) Had me worried, there.

Minerva · Post by **Minerva** » Wed Feb 21, 2001 1:40 am

Originally posted by Rail:
Does Weasel need rescuing? Maybe we'll make a trade. Waverly for Weasel? (Eh, who am I kidding? Weasel will end up on our team eventually. We just need to sit back and wait for the betrayal.)

Poor Weasel, no one come to save you...

Everyone whisper to each other, "We should save him." "Should we save him?" "Well some one will, eventually."

Rail · Post by **Rail** » Wed Feb 21, 2001 1:55 am

@Weasel- if you need rescuing, let us know. We're here for you. WAY over here, that is.

Magus · Post by **Magus** » Wed Feb 21, 2001 7:32 pm

I've considered, and I think I'll keep my delusions of granduer to myself. I'll stick with a small modification to my original plans.

@Aegis: Tsk, tsk. You can't get in and out of the Rift that easily. I warned you that this would not be so simple. The Rift exists in a pocket dimension where reality is redefined. You won't be getting away without a confrontation.

Aegis steps out of his magic portal, only to find himself back in the same spot he had been standing. Then, with his newfound power, he senses it. He senses a great power...it is Magus's. His power permeates the entire little world. Aegis doesn't know how, but somehow Magus has become more than mortal as well.
But power alone does not block Aegis's exit. Power is useless without direction. Someone or something is preventing Aegis's escape. Aegis knows he will be trapped until this directing force is eliminated.
Then Aegis senses another strange power, this one inside the Tower. He analyzes it, but it defies logic. Two powers seem to be blended together, but they shift around so quickly that Aegis cannot possibly get a reading. Further attempts only give him a splitting headache.
The fighting outside suddenly stops. A group creatures enter and cautiously eye Aegis from a distance. The group is composed of 5 nishruus, and a hakeashar that seems to be the leader. Each nishruu has a different colored tint to its vaporeous body, while the leader is of a charcoal hue. Aegis prepares to disintegrate them with a mere thought, but then realizes they are no ordinary summoned beasts. They are extremely powerful compared to their common counterparts, and though still not a serious threat to Aegis, a battle with them could prove costly in his weakened state. Aegis decides to abandon a preemptory attack and see if he can learn more of his predicament. They talk using telepathy, but Aegis listens unbeknownest to them.
Red Nishruu: Why do we stop? Let's hurry up and kill the intruder!
Green Nishruu: Dimwit, can't you sense his power? He may look weakened, but his power has dramatically increased.
Orange Nishruu: Yes, indeed...he is no longer mortal. Do you sense it? His power is divine.
Grey Nishruu: Yet I see it is still no match for the master's power. Intriguing...can the master be stronger than the Gods themselves?
Hakeashar: You speak foolishness, and in the present tense as well. Magus's power is no more, and he lies between life and death. I don't know who or what did this to him, but it no longer matters. A battle with this intruder will mean certain death, but without Magus our life is meaningless. May our deaths serve Magus as we faithfully served him in life.
The hakeashar begins to turn to Aegis, but is stopped by a sudden exclamation.
Purple Nishruu: Wait! What about the lady?
The hakeashar turns to the nishruu, irritated.
Hakeashar: What about her? We will best serve her, as well as Magus, by stopping this intruder.
Purple Nishruu: But what about her powers? I sensed strange powers within her! They could only have been Magus's!
The hakeashar's irritation grows.
Hakeashar: Look. I've already told you that this person's forceful entry into the Rift caused a magical imbalance that temporarily confused us all. It's not unusual for such a fluctuation to tamper with the minds of even our kind. Forget it, you were only hallucinating.
Purple Nishruu: But brother, can you not sense it even now? Her aura is not her own!
The hakeashar pauses for a while before responding.
Hakeashar: In that you are right...her aura is definitely not normal. But even so, her power is not even strong enough to make out clearly. I could not abide the futile loss of the master's prized servant.
Purple Nishruu: Her powers are hidden from us! When I attacked her, I felt the master's power surge within her before I was held. Then it disappeared again. I don't know how this could be, but I swear it is true!
Hakeashar: Hmmm...I sense little life energy in Magus's body. Either it has been drained, or it was somehow transferred... I had believed it was the former, but maybe it was the latter all along...
The hakeashar pauses significantly, then comes to a decison.
I sure hope you're right, for all of our sakes. Go now and fetch her here. Hurry, for if the intruder attacks we will not be able to hold him off long. Go!

The purple nishruu begins to teleport. If Aegis is going to act, he needs to do so quickly. This other power could turn the odds against him. On the other hand, Aegis's curiosity is piqued. His teleportation doesn't seem to work in this place. This could be his only chance to meet the strange power...
The nishruu is disappearing...it's now or never.

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...Magus
Level 18 young Half-Elf Conjurer, Neutral Good, resident of The Rift, bitter foe of Ubik