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Sorry for not being here yesterday. Sickness demanded I sleep away my free time.

@Aegis: Actually, the destabilation of the Rift was not my new idea. That's been set in my mind for a while now, though I'd never thought I'd have to implement it. My new idea will soon be elaborated...

@Rail: You did that scene well. You even caught the reason for Void's unconsciousness. I'll get us out of the Rift as soon as the plot permits so you can get KidD01 in. But first I need a while to wrap some things up.

@Fallout: I see you're ready for another go at the pictures. Rail's itching to get KidD01 into the story now, but I'm sure we can arrange another visit some other time.

Void's eyes flare to life once again. He seems weakened, but is quickly recovering.
I see an explanation is in order. Very well. I told you before that Aegis was here in the tower. The guards told me that evil had possessed his soul, and he made a pact with a dark god to become an avatar. Sensing this, Magus's guards gathered and attacked him, led by Aerie, who they claimed had inherited Magus's powers. Though many fell before his godlike strength, the tide of battle turned against Aegis. Desperate, he cast a spell of terrible power, one that not only destroyed the surviving guards, but that I perceived to rip a hole in the tower itself. The tower gathers and focuses the energy that feeds the Rift, and damaging it caused it to malfunction, destabilizing the great magical energies that pervade the Rift. The end result would have been a terrible blast that would not only have destroyed the Rift, but would have spanned dimensions to lay waste to much of Faerun as well. Being a creature that draws on this place's power, the magic instability sent my system into shock, incapacitating me. Now that I have woken, I sense that the energies have somehow stabilized. Aegis is gone, and Aerie's life force is dim. The powers of Magus that were reported by the guards, and that I felt myself, lie dormant again within her. We must tend to her immediately.
Void pauses for a moment to consider, then speaks again.
We must tread carefully, for I sense another new power of incredible magnitude within the Rift. It's aura is nearly identical to Magus's, yet not quite. I fear a deception, in which case this new intruder must be very powerful indeed...
Void prepares to teleport the party to Aerie's location. For some reason, Rail feels compelled to bring Magus along. With yet another threat revealed, he knows Magus would be vulnerable if left alone. He picks the mage up, wondering if he's going soft...

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

[This message has been edited by Magus (edited 03-09-2001).]

@Anyone: I am so confused Where am I and where is my petrified familiar? I'd like to go collect her if possible.

[This message has been edited by Waverly (edited 03-09-2001).]

@Waverly- You are lucky to escape my blade, that's where you are! I believe Melosh teleported you (and your petrified familiar, we'll say) back to the planar sphere. Seems Aegis wants to have a go at out-eviling you baddies.

@All- as soon as we're in Athkatla again, I'll connect us with KidD. I just have very limited net time for another day, so please feel free to further along the story in my absence.

Aegis could hear voices in the room with him. They were unfamilar to him, and it was a language he could not understand. He opened his eyes a crack, but saw nothing in the pitch black room of his "prison". As he shrugged in despair, his eyes slowly began to adjust to the darkness, and the heat outlines of the people could be seen. It seemed that his "mentor" had made him Drow. The two figures he saw, one Male, and the other a women dressed in a dlowling robe designed in a web like fashion. He recongized those os Drow robes.

Male: Matron Baenre. We found him outside of Menzoberranzan. He has no house, it seems, but has great power.

The women nodded. She offered no prize to the Male. Instead she turned to Aegis and walk over to him. She looked at his body, lifting one of his black robes up. Aegis didn't move. He knew better. Matron Baenre's eyes went wide, and that was a scarce thing to see.

Baenre: Blackrazor! He is in favour with Talos, else he would not have this unholy sword. I too can sense the power in him.

The Male lifted his head, and dared to speak again.

Male: Will he be inducted into the house, Matron?

The Matrons eyes went red with fury, even at a simple comment like that. With ferioucious speed and agility, she spun snapping her six headed snake whip. The tips of the whip dug deeply into the Male's back.

Baenre: You are but a lowly male, and I do not need advice or comments from you! Know your place in house Baenre!

The male then stood, and quietly left, not wishing to anger Baenre anymore. She then smiled an evil smile seen so often on a Drow face.

Baenre: You will join house Baenre, and will serve us. But remember, You are a male.

She spoke to Aegis's supposed comatose body. He grimaced slightly at what had happened to him, until he heard the familar voice.

"Do not worry. We will be here a short time. We only need a few items from the Matron Baenre, and we will be off, back to the surface."

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All for one, and one for all!

@Rail and Fallout: I could continue things along further without waiting for input, but I've decided to wait. I know you're pressed for time right now Rail, but maybe Fallout will do something. I'd just like some more interaction before I spring my next surprise. After I wrap up the surprise's effects, we should be able to get out of the Rift and link up with KidD01. Feel free to interrupt the teleportation, but what I'm really going for is what you guys do when you see the battlefield (where Aerie lies). She's still alive, though weakened and unconscious.

@Waverly: Glad to have you back. I'll be happy to answer any questions regarding clarification of the plot. There are at least a few conflicts that could be confusing.

@Aegis: Well, you're out of my clutches at last. Feel free to develop your character unhindered, because the party of good will have a few things to occupy them before they consider going after you. I don't have much of a plan yet for when we get out of the Rift, so there won't be any conflict of plans if you decide to spring something.

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

Fallout frowns "Hey this teleportation stuff getting unstandable. At least we can use our foots in small distances"

Rail " Patience my friend. I understand you but Aerie may need our assistance as quick as possible."

Fallout "If this goes like this i will lost my form " but his words said in low voice now. His eyes brighten and turns Void.
"I demand some answers about this pictures after Aerie and dont try to trick me Void. Maybe i will forgive you for the events in sewers." his voice is cold as liquid Nitrogen this time.

@Fallout: Cold as liquid nitrogen? I don't remember being in the sewers with you along. The only time I recall being in the sewers was when we captured Waverly, and then it was just Rail and Void. Could you refresh my memory?

As he drifts towards Aerie, Void's response sounds in both their minds.
We'll see, barbarian, we'll see...
Void reaches Aerie. She lies in a crumpled heap, pale but physically unhurt. Void examines her carefully, first for physical wounds, then considers her aura, and finally probes the edges of her mind. Even in unconsciousness, a strong mental force prevents any deeper intrusion. Nevertheless, Void gleans much from the examination.
She is spiritually drained, but her mind is strong. She will recover. Strangely, two souls lie within her frail frame. One is her own, and one can only be Magus's. It all makes sense now... Magus sacrificed his soul to return Aerie to life. His lack of aura confirms this. It's incredible that he still lives...
The two absorb this silently. Then Rail speaks.
Rail: So you're saying that Magus POSSESSED Aerie?
Void considers for a moment.
That's a crude way of putting it, but essentially yes. However, the effects go much further than possession-
Void's connection is suddenly severed by a powerful impulse that strikes everyone's mind. Even Void's psychic prowess is useless against its extraordinary force. Aerie stirs. A booming voice blasts through the haze of pain:
WHO AM I? WHAT FLICKERINGS STIR ME FROM OBLIVION?

@All: Surprise!


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

[This message has been edited by Magus (edited 03-11-2001).]

[This message has been edited by Magus (edited 03-11-2001).]

@Magus: Surprise?

Aegis had spent that last few days in the Drow city of Menzoberranzan. His mentor had instructed him on how to act, in order to pass as a Male Drow. Matron Baenre had quickly made Aegis the Master of Sorcere, as it was in her best interest, and power (as first house of Menzoberranzan) to have him there. She had no clue that Aegis was truly not Drow.

In the past while, the voice in Aegis's mind had become more active. He would converse with it often, evening argueing with it at times. He knew the voice was familar, but he could never place it, like he was trying to remain hidden. During the first few days in his new posistion of Master of Sorcere, he was capable of gathering the materials needed for the final mission. He was to summon a Fiend of the Abyss in order to gain this particular item. Aegis was confident he could do, as long as he continued to pass as Drow...

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All for one, and one for all!

Fallout draws his katana with a reflex and tries to understand what is going again.

Originally posted by Rail:

Again, Void's voice spoke to them
clearly. "Let the intruder win!"

Fallout looked incredulous, like someone had told him the world really wasn't flat. The intruder approached him, and fallout crumbled on the first blow in not the best of acting jobs, but it worked anyway.

@Magus Yes your pet stopped me while i was killing Melosh

@Magus- I need more info, so I'll proceed cautiously. This is a short one. (stop the applause!)

Rail staggered backward, managing to draw his sword even while falling to one knee from the mental onslaught. His thoughts were numb, still reeling from the sudden blast that pounded his mind. From the clattering around the room, his companions were doing no better. It was amazing his ears still worked after the booming voice, but the power touched his thoughts and mind. Not the ears.

Rail's sight quickly returned, and he nimbly leapt to his feet, spinning around in hopes of facing the new assailant. There was none to be found.

Tripwire appeared to have a spell ready, thoug how he could cast after that was beyond the assassin.

Fallout was just recovering, looking around confused at the sudden power. He had his katana in one hand, and the other was held out for balance.

Even Void seemed shaken by the sudden onslaught. His eyes flitted from side to side and his body shimmered as a bell hit by a gong.

Before Rail could respond, fallout shouted out angrily, "WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT!"


@all- that work? Fallout?
I keep hoping TripWire comes by. I don't really want to do anything drastic with his character, so I keep treating him like background. If he's not here soon, I'll put him more prominently in the story. I've tried to treat all characters with respect, and will continue to do so, TripWire, but you'll do more justice to your own character. Let me know if anything doesn't fit what you had in mind.

@Rail Only problem in two katanas. After this threat i create a barbarian. I can only give two star to weapon skills. So i go for sheild and katana/axe. I think after installing Level 50 rules another Bar. created and he can go to 5 stars in any skill. Wielding Two katanas is cool but after rage an AC around 15 another thing. Any opinion. ??

@Aegis: You weren't surprised?

@Fallout: Ah, that's what you're talking about. That happened in an abandoned warehouse. As for two katanas or a katana and a shield, I think two would suit you better. Somehow a barbarian with a shield doesn't fit the image.

@Rail: Works fine. I realize now that the way I presented it, the "entity" could have been a flesh and blood person, but you were right in assuming it isn't. Sorry I didn't give you enough info to go on.

Void struggles to fight back unconsciousness. He barely succeeds, but is left weak and disoriented. The power had discovered them. He didn't know if they could take such a blast again. Against such a force resistance was futile. He couldn't even muster enough concentration to teleport them out of there. It would be all over if they didn't appease the power quickly.
We submit. Spare us further attack.
His voice lacks its usual calm strength.
I DO NOT ATTACK THEE. WHO ARE YOU? WHAT ARE YOU?
The voice tears through their minds once again. Through the blinding agony Trip-Wire sees Aerie turn over, moaning and opening her eyes. Dazed, all feel their hold on consciousness slipping. The next blast will surely rip their minds apart. One more chance to appeal to the power...

@Rail+Fallout: Direct a thought at the power to communicate with it, like you do with Void. Make your words count, for there won't be another chance (all right, Rail gets two chances [Trip-Wire]). I'll respond for the "entity", of course. There's one other way out as well, if you choose it.

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

[This message has been edited by Magus (edited 03-12-2001).]

@Magus: I'm lost. What's the entity? E-mail please

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All for one, and one for all!

@fallout- I only had you holding one katana because you were stunned. I always pictured you wielding 2 weapons, but since you were disoriented from the blast, I had you hold one hand out for balance while you recovered. The other hand reflexively drew your katana.
BTW- @all- I don't picture Rail dual wielding, so scratch the shortsword. Single wielding only the longsword, though he is like any good thief and has several daggers and knives.
@Magus- Glad to see I made decent assumptions. While we *could* talk to the mysterious power, would we? Even though we may appease the voice, I'm still a thief. Here we go...

Rail fell to both knees and braced his free hand on the floor to keep from falling forward. The second psychic blast momentarily left his thoughts a jumbled mess. Raw emotions, really. Panic and fear mixed with anger and frustration. As his vision seemed to refocus, he glanced up at the others, but they were in no better shape.

TripWire struggled to regain his footing, but fell back to the floor as if overpowered with dizziness.

Fallout looked about ready to spit fire, if only he could tell which direction was up.

Aerie moaned again, but made only mild attempts at coming to.

Void had sunk nearly to the floor. He still shimmered as if his physical form fought to keep it's very existence.

Rail glanced at the pictures. They were close enough. One dive and they could be through, though how fast could the power react? And there was no guarrantee the paintings would offer any refuge. They were a part of this accursed place, after all.

Shaking his head, he knew which battles he could fight. This was not one of them. "Uh, Void," Rail's thoughts sounded shaky at best. "Now would be a good time for a teleport."

Today was the day Aegis was leaving the Underdark. He had already made his way to exit cavern, coincidently the same path a young Drizzt Do'Urden once took. (I wonder what I have planned? ) In his palm he held the small medallion given to him by the Firedn from Hell. It was a small, silver pendant adorned with the symbol of a God unfamilar with Faerun. He had aquired it from the plane of Krynn, and how the Fiend came into possesion of it, neither him or his mentor knew. What he did know is that this would help them both acheive their mission.

In the time spent together, Aegis had grown quite comfortable speaking with the voice. He was quite releived when the power removed his Drow appearance. He grinned while admiring the pendant in his hand. He glanced up, and seeing a stream of daylight, he picked the pace up a bit. For the last hour he had heard the distant sounds of Drow search parties looking for the Matron Baenre's prized "Son".

He stepped into the light, basking in the familar warmth of the soon. He took a deep breath of the cool spring air. His mind began to search for a teleportation spell, but dismissed the notion. He may have been consumed by an evil force, but that didn't quell the artisan in him. He decided to walk the distance back to Athkatla.

As he walked, he found his mind began to think of how his old "friends" were faring, and whether he had killed any of them with that last spell. His mind staryed absently as he walked the forested path, until he found the tip of a sword prod him in the back.

Brigand: Your money Mage!

The Brigand thrust the sword a bit more into Aegis's back.

Brigand: And don't count on magic, my men have the place covered.

The Brigand sneered as three more armed men emerged from the bushes. Aegis just grinned, and his mind gladly search for a spell to turn the theif to vapour.

The Brigand grew impatient with Aegis, and twisted the hilt of his sword, and prepared to thrust it through Aegis. That was last thought he had. Aegis had prepped a relativly easy spell. A small fireball. He launched it behind himself, engulfing the man in a ball of flame. The other three, reacting to this, charged Aegis. A fatal mistake. Aegis calmly let a barrage of Magic missiles fly from his palms, beating two of the assailents to the backs, their torsoes scorched, and bleeding. Aegis then drew Black Razor, and return the charge.

The blades of the two men connected. The theif, thinking this would be an easy kill because mages aren't usually trained in swordplay, was quickly surprised. Aegis countered any thrust of strike attempted with the ease of a Paladin. He finally finished it with a clean swipe to the final Brigands throught. He smiled calmly, almost sadistically, wiped his Black Razor clean, and continued walking.


@All: Two things. One. I think I'm pretty much taking over the role of main bad guy, seeing as Ubik has shown for the last hundred or so posts. If Waverly and Melosh are still around, we'll see what we can do
Two. I'll let the cat out of the bag here. Aegis was not quite possed by a the Avatar of a Talos. He is infact possed by the powerful Archmage, Raistlin Majere. Before any of you start wondering why I'm still this powerful, think of it this way. Aegis was born with powerful innate magical abilities. Combine that with training from Magus, and Void. Then add an Archmage who almost defeat Takhisis (Evil God of Krynn) into the equation. That makes for one power house mage. Then, as an added strength, he has the stamina, strength, tactical smarts, fighting skills of a veteran Paladin. Regardelss of how you decide to finish me, It is going to be one hell of fight that can potentially destroy Faerun. Have a good day!

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All for one, and one for all!

@Aegis- You mean a fallen paladin, don't you, Aegis. And remember, even Raistlin could be defeated by a well placed blade. Such as fallout's. Or Rail's. Or maybe even both, for good measure.

@Rail. Hurrah But at the and of this weekend all my life will change about 8-16 months. I am going to be soldier.

Annoyed to hit with another mental attack fallout rages. Even this dont give enough power to stand. He can only sit on his knees.

Shouts " Come and get the taste of my sword"

He dont think he can win and ready himself to die as a warrior.

@Melosh-tar As i can understands thinks go like this.
Aegis : Really hard to fallow. As i understand. Palatin to mage. Mage to Avatar?. Now he is possed by Raistlin Majere. And Raist changed Aegis's form to drow. For now he want to be leader of Evils. You have to kill him.

Me Rail and Trip are in Rift fighting with magus's surprises.

Magus is in coma. Come on Magus get up or have to call my conj/mage Deadly.(Dont say Rail)

Waverly still in Planet Sphare wrapping his wounds.

Others MIA

[This message has been edited by fallout (edited 03-13-2001).]

@fallout- so, you're leaving this weekend? You mean I'll be stuck with all these mages?!? Will you have even limited internet access or none at all? Do you need me to take over your character as well? *whew* Maybe Waverly would be better suited to run the barbarian. Just kidding!

@Melosh- don't worry. Once fallout and I get out and clean up all these renegade mages, the story will be much clearer. Are you going to join Aegis, strike it out on your own with Waverly and GB (and towing along Weasel for good luck), or will you return to the goodie side of assassins and barbarians (go figure )?

[This message has been edited by Rail (edited 03-14-2001).]