[11:47.33] 13* Goruk looks up the mountain, and pulls out his STAND [11:51.31] 0<04@TheBMW> The stand materializes next to Goruk, its starry body more brilliant than ever.  It places its fingers over its forehead and makes a pose. [11:53.46] 04 "Okay. Harpies above us, spirits are getting tortured from the sheer amount of freaks... And there's a footpath over there." [11:54.27] 0<00Throg> "How many harpies?" [11:54.49] 04 "Count the birds." [11:55.21] 0<04@TheBMW> The "birds" above seem to be getting... excited. [11:57.12] 13* Krarrl begins the trek up the path. [11:57.22] 13* Throg shades his eyes as he looks up. He ponders for a moment. "We could take them on." [12:00.47] 0<00Goruk> "Don't see them being much of a threat, even if we ignored them." [12:02.33] 0<04@TheBMW> The path is mostly a dirt trail.  It winds through the rock outcroppings and unstable boulders, making the climb much easier.  The harpies continue circling the group from high above.  Another three are flying down from further up the mountain to join them. [12:03.58] 0<00Throg> "We should get a move on before they outnumber us three to one." [12:04.51] 0<00Robert> "Yes." Robert heads up the trail. [12:06.41] 13* Goruk keeps moving. "We've fought worse odds before." [12:06.51] 13* Throg takes to the air just above the party, keeping an eye on the harpies. [12:07.24] 0<04@TheBMW> The trail keeps going.  It reaches a bend, emptying out onto a large flat boulder that acts as a clearing overlooking the desert below.  A makeshift campsite is here, though the fire has died and the cooking pot is empty.  Six bedrolls are scattered about. [12:08.38] 0<04@TheBMW> Two more harpies have joined the flock, bringing them to nine total.  Noises resound from further up the trail, some a lumbering and crushing gait, others the nimble charge of a horse. [12:09.15] 04 "Get to a blind spot, we'll strike 'em when they're unawares." [12:09.32] 13* Krarrl does as he himself said. [12:12.37] 0<04@TheBMW> The sounds are getting closer.  A raiding horn blares, cancelling out all other sound on the mountain for a split moment. [12:15.58] 13* Goruk gets into hiding [12:15.59] 0<00Robert> "I don't think I can hide very well." [12:16.54] 13* Throg hides. [12:19.02] 0<00Robert> "Then again, I might not have to. Get ready." Robert steps down the path toward the noise. [12:22.31] 0<04@TheBMW> As the others take cover, Robert looks down the path ahead.  Centaurs gallop towards him, each armed with a bow and one holding a banner up to blow in the breeze.  Other creatures join them as well.  Two large, lumbering humanoids with mossy flesh stomp down the mountain.  On one's back ride two satyrs, the joyous human-goat hybrids that revel in drink and music.  An odd choice for the [12:22.31] 0<04@TheBMW> Prophet's army. [12:25.20] 0<04@TheBMW> Robert removes an entire bandolier of Mordrun's explosives, activates each one, then throws the entire thing forward.  Before the approaching army can react a massive boulder is dislodged, causing a rockslide. [12:26.18] 0<04@TheBMW> While the ogres are too massive to be severely harmed by rocks, the centaurs are completely crushed underneath.  Loose rocks go flying over the party's head and rolling through the trail, falling off the end and down below. [12:27.23] 0<04@TheBMW> An ogre lets out a bellowing roar and leaps, threatening to crush Robert underneath its weight on impact.  The other simply charges down, not wanting to lose its satyr companions. [12:30.09] 0<04@TheBMW> Robert is crushed between the ogre and the rock below, though his armor softens much of the impact. [12:30.34] 0<04@TheBMW> Krarrl, aware as ever, can feel the boulder they stand on strain from the impact.  If it takes another like that it might collapse. [12:32.22] 13* Krarrl leaps at the ogre, spear held at the ready. [12:39.29] 0<04@TheBMW> Krarrl leaps onto the back of the ogre and stabs directly into it, the venom of Arachnarok seeping into its veins.  It cries in pain and anger and grabs the kobold before slamming him directly into the rock underfoot. [12:40.37] 0<04@TheBMW> The other charging ogre is ensnared.  It falls to the ground, sending the satyrs flying.  They smack dully into the ground and moan in pain.  However, the weak bindings of the bolas aren't enough to keep the creature contained for long, and it begins to rip itself free. [12:43.37] 0<04@TheBMW> With a loud grunt, Robert begins to lift the ogre off of himself.  He heaves, lifting off the ground like a bench press but can't get on his feet.  Goruk's stand notices and points at the creature.  Gravity is distorted, making it lighter. [12:43.54] 0<04@TheBMW> With one last heave, the apotheotic throws his attacker off the mountain. [12:44.19] 0<04@TheBMW> In the chaos of the battle, the party failed to notice the flock of harpies rapidly descending on their position.  They will be within reach in mere moments. [12:45.12] 13* Throg hurls bolas at the harpies. [12:45.14] 0<04@TheBMW> The remaining ogre loses all control at the sight of its companion being thrown away.  It flies into a rage, roaring and crying as its arms fly about in all directions. [12:46.48] 0<04@TheBMW> Throg flings a bolas at one of the harpies.  It wraps around its throat and strangles it, causing it to immediately pass out and crash nearby. [12:47.47] 13* Krarrl holds out his spear towards a harpy as he shouts the name of the lightning spirit inhabiting it. [12:52.33] 0<04@TheBMW> The harpy is shot clean out of the sky by a bolt of lightning.  It's roasted before it even hits the ground.  The flash of light gets the ogre's attention however, and it bullrushes at the shaman.  He dives out of the way, letting it collide with a boulder. [12:53.20] 0<04@TheBMW> The rest of the flock reaches the party.  They begin to grab people en-masse.  Three fly at Robert with claws outreached. [12:56.34] 13* Robert waits for the approaching harpies to get close, then draws his blade in a sweeping motion. [12:59.13] 0<04@TheBMW> Robert cleaves apart two of the approaching harpies.  The third ducks away unscathed.  It takes back to the air to stay out of reach as it starts to sing a song. [12:59.32] 0<04@TheBMW> The remaining four harpies scatter.  Two lunge for Goruk, and the other two go for Krarrl. [01:02.36] 0<00Goruk> "Get ready guys!" He does his stand thing. [01:03.34] 0<04@TheBMW> The starborn stand focuses, and gravity is warped yet again.  It is redirected sideways, straight into the mountain.  Everyone is flung off their feet and smacks into rock.  The harpies collide even more violently, their fragile avian bones not prepared to handle such an impact.  The ogre is simply tossed around without a care in the world, besides all that anger anyway. [01:04.20] 0<04@TheBMW> The song of the harpy has gone silent. [01:04.48] 13* Throg lunges at a harpy. [01:05.33] 13* Krarrl goes after another. [01:09.06] 0<04@TheBMW> Krarrl and Throg swiftly execute two harpies in gory fashion.  The latter can't help but feel his heart swell.  Robert leaps at the ogre and drives his blade straight through its chest, killing it instantly. [01:10.12] 13* Throg feasts on a dead harpy because nobody is trying to kill him anyway. [01:10.13] 0<04@TheBMW> Only three harpies remain.  Though disoriented by the altered gravity, they begin to make a hasty retreat back up the mountain. [01:10.25] 0<04@TheBMW> They can be pursued if desired. [01:10.55] 0<00Robert> "If they get away, they'll shore up their defenses further on." [01:11.59] 04 "Come on! [01:12.09] 13* Krarrl runs up the mountain. [01:12.49] 0<04@TheBMW> The path the party was originally using is now ruined and nigh impossible to navigate at a quick pace.  The altered gravity can be used to move past the roadblock and continue onwards, but it won't last much longer. [01:14.12] 0<04@TheBMW> The satyrs come to, though they're a bit disoriented as well.  "Ach, twas painful, I'll be rubbin' that one fer a bit." [01:15.07] 13* Robert chases after the surviving harpies. [01:20.26] 7* Gents (Gets@sux-F325AB4A.dhcp.dctr.al.charter.com) has joined channel #GrimWorld [01:20.39] 7* Gents is now known as Arios [01:20.48] 9* Throg (Faget@sux-3115E972.dialup.ice.net) Quit (Ping timeout) [01:23.40] 7* Throg (Faget@sux-FC2C9DEE.dialup.ice.net) has joined channel #GrimWorld [01:24.14] 0<04@TheBMW> Robert stabs into a fleeing harpy viciously.  It looks up at him pitifully before resuming its song from earlier. [01:24.19] 0<04@TheBMW> It feels very... frigid. [01:24.29] 0<04@TheBMW> It doesn't manage to sing much before perishing. [01:25.16] 13* Arios floats about [01:29.46] 0<04@TheBMW> Krarrl puts down another harpy, but the last one escapes the clutches of weird gravity and takes to the air, fleeing the scene. [01:31.01] 13* Throg swoops down like a bird of prey and snatches up a satyr with his feet claw things, before rejoining the harpy hunt. [01:31.59] 0<04@TheBMW> Satyr: "Oi!  Let go o' me ye furry twat!" [01:36.20] 9* Throg (Faget@sux-FC2C9DEE.dialup.ice.net) Quit (Ping timeout) [01:44.15] 13* Arios goes after the last harpy, conjuring thunder magic [01:45.23] 0<04@TheBMW> Arios unleashes a bolt of lightning, clipping the harpy's wings and making it crash back into the ground.  It splatters on impact. [01:46.13] 13* Arios claps. "Anything else?" [01:46.53] 13* Krarrl looks for another footpath higher up. [01:47.34] 0<04@TheBMW> The original path continues from here, and this section onwards is unharmed by the rockslide. [01:47.49] 13* Arios starts to walk ahead while the GM waits for people to come back [01:48.13] 0<04@TheBMW> Nonsense, we have enough people. [01:49.06] 13* Arios moves ahead since the fourth wall has been broken [01:49.09] 0<04@TheBMW> The party continues their trek up the mountain.  However, they can feel a presence watching them.  The last time they felt it was back in the submarine. [01:51.10] 13* Arios shrugs and forges ahead all leaderly like [01:54.12] 13* Krarrl follows after Arios [01:54.55] 0<00Robert> "Someone keep watch." Robert looks around to make sure nothing hostile's near, then pulls out his shard and looks into it. [01:55.14] 04 "On it." [01:55.16] 13* Arios keeps his eye out, and drinks a potion [01:56.33] 0<04@TheBMW> Through the Key Shard Robert can see a figure sitting in darkness.  The only light present comes from a small flame burning at the end of the figure's staff.  Their features are invisible, too dark to see.  They say nothing, only watch. [02:05.36] 0<04@TheBMW> The climb is long and arduous.  Hours go by without encountering any other signs of life.  Harpies fly overhead but seem unable to spot the party moving about. [02:06.31] 0<04@TheBMW> Krarrl keeps everyone moving at a brisk pace.  A patrol of centaur raiders and ogres are avoided thanks to the progress they're making. [02:07.01] 0<04@TheBMW> Only by late afternoon do they start to close in on the summit.  The stone around them has slowly been taking on a golden hue, perhaps the namesake of the mountain. [02:07.18] 0<04@TheBMW> Patrols are nonexistent now, though the harpies are far more plentiful. [02:08.36] 0<04@TheBMW> It seems the party is almost there, as three massive humanoids stand guard along the mountainside.  Two of them are only draped in loincloths and wield clubs, while the third is plated head to toe in thick metal and armed with even thicker-plated fists. [02:09.20] 0<04@TheBMW> They have yet to notice the party in their trail.  It may be possible to sneak past them thanks to the cover the way provides.  Getting caught unprepared could lead to death however. [02:10.19] 0<00Robert> "What? Why would he be here?" [02:13.12] 0<04@TheBMW> One of the giants takes a seat atop a massive rock formation.  The entire mountain trembles under its weight. [02:13.26] 13* Arios looks at Argus. "Who?" [02:15.50] 13* Arios conitnues forth [02:18.17] 13* Krarrl wades forward, into the open in front of the giants. [02:18.34] 13* Arios prays as he runs, "gods..." [02:19.44] 0<04@TheBMW> The giants turn and look at Krarrl as he exposes himself.  The once sitting giant rises to its feet once more. [02:20.09] 0<04@TheBMW> Giant: "Who goes there?" [02:20.21] 0<04@TheBMW> The metal-plated giant is the one to speak. [02:21.39] 04 "A kobold, obviously." [02:22.21] 0<04@TheBMW> Giant: "What is your name?" [02:24.22] 04 "Does it matter, giant? The prophet expects me. Perhaps even eagerly. I come holding the answer to end the stalemate." [02:25.16] 0<04@TheBMW> Giant: "Indeed they do.  Perhaps not in the way you expected however.  We were told to kill you on sight." [02:25.23] 0<04@TheBMW> Giant: "Do you come peacefully?" [02:26.20] 13* Robert slowly steps out from behind cover. [02:26.22] 0<04@TheBMW> Giant: "If so, drop your weapons and I will bring you to them." [02:28.38] 04 "How do I guarantee its safe return, then? It is a sacred implement to me." [02:33.48] 0<04@TheBMW> Giant: "Sacred or not, you cannot wield it before the Prophet.  Lay it on the ground and we will take it." [02:35.20] 13* Krarrl frowns at the answer, before laying it on the ground carefully. [02:36.04] 0<04@TheBMW> One of the unarmored giants lumbers forward.  They pick up the spear carefully, making sure not to stab themselves on the point. [02:36.33] 0<04@TheBMW> Giant: "The armored knight, is that your only other companion?  We were expecting more." [02:37.03] 0<00Robert> "My name... I am called Argus." [02:37.26] 0<04@TheBMW> The giant looks over Robert for a moment. [02:37.32] 0<04@TheBMW> Giant: "I will remember the name." [02:37.46] 04 "Companion? Yes, he is." [02:39.13] 0<04@TheBMW> Giant: "...So be it.  Drop your weapons Argus, then you may proceed forward." [02:40.47] 0<00Robert> "...Yes." Robert takes off his sword and bandoliers of grenades, then stands for a moment before taking off his helmet as well. [02:42.54] 0<04@TheBMW> The unarmored giants look appalled upon seeing Robert's face, but their supposed leader doesn't even flinch.  "Come."  It leads the way forward. [02:43.46] 0<00Robert> Robert follows the giant. [02:43.57] 13* Krarrl complies. [02:44.04] 0<04@TheBMW> Meanwhile... [02:44.53] 0<04@TheBMW> Arios reaches the end of the trail.  He finds himself standing before the gaping mouth of a massive cavern.  Even the giants he saw before could walk inside, and no doubt it spans most of the mountain's width at this height. [02:45.01] 0<04@TheBMW> The inside is incredibly dark, too dark to see what lies beyond. [02:45.55] 13* Arios tries to remove darkness so he can see better [02:47.09] 0<04@TheBMW> Arios extends his hands forward, then rips them back as if to pull the darkness out of the cave.  It comes flying out as a torrent of shadow, leaving the cavern illuminated enough to see. [02:47.13] 0<04@TheBMW> What he sees is far from pleasant. [02:50.05] 0<04@TheBMW> Most of the titanic cavern is taken up by a large salamander-like creature.  Or at least it looks vaguely like a salamander.  Its body is horribly twisted and mangled, with small limbs sprouting from all over its body.  Tan-colored appendages shoot out from its body like fleshy roots trying to take hold in the rocky cavern, but instead merely twist into knots and eventually run back to the [02:50.05] 0<04@TheBMW> ground. [02:51.02] 13* Arios , though seeing many horrors in his day, is taken a bit aback [02:51.02] 0<04@TheBMW> Its lower body is ripped completely open, but does not bleed.  A giant red worm, nearly identical to the one encountered in the desert before, wriggles free from its mother and idly moves about on the floor. [02:51.35] 0<04@TheBMW> In the center of it all is a Drakarn in a rotting leather robe, clutching a staff with a small ember burning at its end. [02:51.55] 0<04@TheBMW> She turns to look at Arios with a glare. [02:53.22] 0<04@TheBMW> Dangling from a pendant is a Key Shard.  In the Prophet's off-hand is a massive serpent fang. [02:53.28] 0<04@TheBMW> 4The Broodmother [02:54.33] 0<00Arios> "Greetings Key Shard holder!" [02:54.39] 13* Arios waves and smiles [02:55.02] 0<04@TheBMW> The Prophet: "Why have you come here?" [02:56.11] 0<04@TheBMW> Arios can feel the earth begin to tremble lightly.  The giants are approaching. [02:58.01] 13* Arios keeps walking forth. [02:58.17] 0<00Arios> "Well honestly, it's for the key shard." [03:00.39] 0<04@TheBMW> The Prophet: "Of course it is.  You won't stop until you have them all, isn't that right?" [03:01.42] 0<04@TheBMW> The Prophet: "You know not our plight.  Begone with you, you hideous creature!" [03:02.19] 0<04@TheBMW> The Broodmother lets out a pitiful cry.  A horrifying blend of lion, goat and serpent crawls out of its stomach. [03:02.40] 0<04@TheBMW> The three giants arrive, with Krarrl and Robert in tow. [03:03.08] 04 "Is this it, Argus?" [03:03.15] 0<00Arios> "Correct, I know nothing of your plight. Nothing of the oppression your people face... It is not like I am some man who often moves with the lesser kins as brethern. I wish for the same equality you seek, for we are all even in blood." [03:03.49] 13* Arios points to the broodmother. "You're no better than the others, in calling myself a hideous creature. You think yourself better?" [03:04.43] 0<04@TheBMW> The Prophet: "I AM better.  All I see is a deranged creature filled with bloodlust.  I work to free my people, not only from our oppression but the grim future we face." [03:05.22] 13* Krarrl steps forward. "Since when did you represent me?" [03:05.37] 13* Arios looks at Krarrl. "Right on cue!" [03:06.51] 0<04@TheBMW> The Prophet: "I witnessed you travelling with these... monsters.  Surely you are better than this kobold." [03:08.05] 13* Arios takes a step back away from Krarrl [03:08.16] 04 "Convenience does not always allow proper accomodations. The thing you've failed to realize is that the humanoid races are... Ambitious, to say the least." [03:09.19] 0<04@TheBMW> The Prophet: "I can't disagree with that.  Ambitious yet cruel." [03:10.01] 04 "They try their hardest to work with their surroundings at the start. It's only after a few generations of rabid struggling from the locals they begin to bend their surroundings to their will, since they've been taught - by your people's hands, no less - that they are nothing but trouble." [03:12.20] 0<04@TheBMW> The Prophet: "Then you believe that we have brought this fate upon ourselves?" [03:12.54] 04 "Yes. Your key shard is proof of that. You've done nothing but teach the humanoids that the beastly races are nothing but savages who should be either put down or enslaved. Is that the kind of world you want, where the only contact with other races you recieve is hostility?" [03:14.51] 0<04@TheBMW> The Prophet: "You know nothing!  What I've done is ensured we remain safe and free from the clutches of slavers.  If we were simply pacificistic instead, do you truly believe they would let us go?" [03:15.15] 0<04@TheBMW> The Prophet: "You, a kobold, should know this all too well.  They seem your race as weak, a race to be enslaved and used for their own ends." [03:16.00] 0<00Arios> "But Krarrl is good people, he is brethern!" [03:17.31] 04 "Of course! But we at least learn how to differentiate between the people 'enslaving' us. They're either full of good intentions or overly ambitious, which we use for our own gain. You, however, would destroy that symbiosis between our races." [03:19.36] 0<04@TheBMW> The Prophet: "I no longer wish for symbiosis.  I wish to free us of the horrors we face day by day.  That is the only path that remains." [03:19.48] 04 "Your actions have even caused some humanoids to gain ground into the territories of other races! You preach prosperity whilst you unknowingly destroy natural synergy. Isn't that what you're against?" [03:19.48] 0<04@TheBMW> The Prophet: "That is the only path... that remains for my people." [03:20.45] 0<04@TheBMW> The Prophet: "I... no, no you lie!  All I have done is work towards a new life for us all!" [03:21.54] 0<04@TheBMW> The serpent fang-dagger the Prophet grips feels... ominous. [03:23.55] 13* Arios looks at the Dagger. "You seem to be showing hostility, shall you relax a bit? Or is your blood curdling?" [03:24.11] 04 "A thing I've learnt is that action garners reaction. The ambitious nature of man forces them to work twice as hard to overcome their own troubles. Troubles which you force upon them with your senseless conquering." [03:26.33] 0<04@TheBMW> The Prophet: "You know nothing!  I have worked towards giving our people a chance to prosper in these dark lands, to avoid the monstrosities of the wilderness.  Do you truly believe that if we did not fight, the humans would simply give it to us?  What about the orcs, the bloodthirsty savages?" [03:27.17] 0<00Arios> "You use that word a lot, bloodthirsty. Is your conquering not blood thirsty?" [03:28.37] 0<04@TheBMW> The Prophet: "It is not done with a greater purpose?" [03:28.54] 13* Arios takes a step closer to the prophet. "Is it fear? Do you fear me?" [03:29.16] 13* Arios smirks. "Do you want more blood to be spilled?" [03:29.25] 0<04@TheBMW> The Prophet: "I do not fear you!" [03:29.58] 0<04@TheBMW> Upon hearing Arios' last question, she falters.  Nobody can ignore the hunger enamating from the dagger. [03:30.36] 0<04@TheBMW> The Prophet: "No, I... I must destroy the civilized races, pave way for our own.  This... this is the only way..." [03:30.45] 13* Krarrl sighs, taking off his pendant and presenting it to the broodmother. "How about this, then? This pendant holds my life and values, values which you oppose. If you were to stab it, my values would die along with me. That is, however, if your belief and values are as certain as you say." [03:31.34] 13* Arios looks at Krarrl, then the Prophet. "Think of a chance... the blood could be spilled for this kobold, this hinderance! [03:32.40] 0<04@TheBMW> The Prophet gazes at the pendant.  Her off-hand jerks violently, she seems to be fighting something. [03:32.56] 0<04@TheBMW> The Prophet: "No, I cannot... but perhaps I must?  No, there must be another way..." [03:32.57] 04 "If your determination wavers even for a moment, the pendant will know. And it will strike you right in your values instead." [03:33.43] 0<04@TheBMW> The Prophet: "Not even a moment..."  She seems paralyzed with uncertainty. [03:34.33] 13* Arios points to the Prophet. "Come spill blood, my pet." He smirks [03:34.40] 0<04@TheBMW> Arios focuses.  Suddenly the Prophet's expression changes to that of rage. [03:34.51] 0<04@TheBMW> The Prophet: "YOU WILL DIE!" [03:35.02] 13* Krarrl throws the pendant to the prophet. [03:35.41] 0<04@TheBMW> She catches it and immediately stabs the fang through it completely.  Immediately she convulses, collapsing to the ground as hours of drowning surge through her body in the span of seconds. [03:36.07] 0<04@TheBMW> She perished, unable to speak a word. [03:36.27] 13* Arios immediately moves forth. "Move Krarrl!" [03:36.38] 13* Krarrl does as he's told. [03:36.48] 0<00Arios> "Grab the shard!" [03:36.51] 0<04@TheBMW> The two unarmored giants fling themselves forward, ready to strike the party with their massive blows. [03:37.03] 13* Krarrl gets the shar [03:37.07] 0<04@TheBMW> The horrors of the Broodmother spring into action, the red worm and chimera entering the fray. [03:37.21] 0<04@TheBMW> Krarrl snatches up the shard easily. [03:37.28] 13* Arios grabs the dagger [03:37.48] 0<04@TheBMW> ( http://youtu.be/WLefXA8GGf8 ) [03:39.34] 0<04@TheBMW> The dagger takes on a more incorporeal form, a fragment of the Prophet's power and soul.  Perhaps later it can be remolded into the dagger or something else. [03:39.56] 13* Arios grabs that and starts running. "Should we book it?" [03:40.24] 04 Realizing his predicament, Krarrl pockets the key shard as he runs towards the giants, shouting "HER BELIEF WAS FLAWED, YET YOU CHOOSE TO FIGHT?" [03:41.15] 0<04@TheBMW> Toranius: "MY BROTHERS, STOP!" [03:41.19] 0<04@TheBMW> Giant: "KILL THEM!" [03:41.31] 0<04@TheBMW> One giant charges for Arios, the other for Krarrl. [03:41.47] 13* Arios sends the one after Krarrl back [03:42.23] 0<04@TheBMW> Krarrl weaves through the legs of his attacker and sprints out of the cavern. [03:42.25] 13* Arios sends the other Giant back instead [03:42.54] 0<04@TheBMW> The other giant flinches as Arios freezes his blood in place for a moment.  He takes the opportunity to gun it, escaping the cavern as well. [03:43.08] 0<04@TheBMW> The armored giant seems to be on your side.  He follows after you. [03:43.31] 0<00Robert> "What is this creature?" [03:44.58] 0<04@TheBMW> Toranius: "We need to go, before the harpies give chase!" [03:45.28] 0<04@TheBMW> The red worm burrows into the mountain, vanishing from sight.  The chimera continues charging after you.  The giants, meanwhile, are simply too slow and are quickly left behind. [03:45.45] 04 "My spear, where did you leave it!?" [03:46.12] 0<04@TheBMW> Toranius: "My apologies friend, I nearly forgot!" [03:46.42] 0<04@TheBMW> It pulls the spear out from a small holster built into its armor, passing it over to Krarrl. [03:47.49] 13* Krarrl takes it as soon as he can get it. "Thank you, giant. Let's meet under better circumstances next time." [03:48.28] 0<04@TheBMW> Toranius: "A good idea.  I apologize for the hostility, it seems I lost my way." [03:48.55] 0<04@TheBMW> The chimera continues its pursuit.  The red worm burrows out from the path ahead, threatening to trap the party. [03:49.38] 0<00Robert> "Toranius, the bandoliers? Whatever that beast back there is, I have to destroy it." [03:50.11] 0<04@TheBMW> Toranius: "You... you wish to kill the Broodmother?  It is all that remains of the Drakarn.  If it perishes..." [03:50.31] 0<04@TheBMW> Given the circumstances, it lets Robert decide.  His sword and bandolier are returned. [03:51.09] 13* Arios turns to Krarrl, then the worm, then the Chimera. "Robert, do you wish to slay the beast truely?" [03:51.17] 0<00Robert> "It does not seem alive to begin with. What sustains it?" [03:51.45] 0<04@TheBMW> Toranius: "Only a tortured existence.  It was not spared from the corruption of our world.  Beyond this, nobody knows." [03:54.19] 04 "Let's end its pain. It is the only mercy left for it." [03:54.51] 0<00Arios> "It's the only true peace." [03:56.34] 0<00Robert> "...Sacrifices must be made, I suppose. May it find the peace that it deserves." [03:59.10] 0<00Robert> Robert reaches for the bandolier, then stops. [03:59.52] 0<00Robert> He uses a hand to pry open part of his armor, and draws something out of it. [04:00.11] 0<04@TheBMW> Toranius: "Argus?  What are you doing?" [04:01.11] 0<00Robert> "I am dead, but this keeps me alive. Perhaps it may bring life back to other things, as well." [04:01.42] 0<04@TheBMW> Toranius: "That is insanity.  If you are missing a core..." [04:01.47] 0<00Robert> "I have a spare core. It will not last long, but it may be enough to find myself another power source." [04:02.07] 0<00Robert> "If not... I accept my fate." [04:02.36] 0<04@TheBMW> The chimera prepares to make its final pounce.  The worm begins a charge at the party, acidic maw opened. [04:02.38] 0<00Arios> "But Argus, we need you." [04:02.56] 13* Arios sounds flat [04:03.38] 0<00Robert> Robert throws his Nexus core at the Broodmother. [04:06.01] 0<04@TheBMW> The core is thrown back into the cavern of the Broodmother.  On impact it swells with the life of the Nexus, blue light erupting from the cave mouth violently.  The chimera and worm immediately fall, their limp bodies smacking into the rock underfoot. [04:06.09] 0<04@TheBMW> All is silent. [04:06.18] 0<00Arios> "Did we win?" [04:06.38] 04 "I swear if you killed it anyway I'll sell you as scrap, Argus." [04:09.01] 0<00Arios> "Well Krarrl, you are the prophet?" [04:10.54] 13* Krarrl wears the keyshard pendant. "For now." [04:11.07] 0<00Arios> "How fitting." [04:11.20] 0<00Arios> "Well, now what? We have the Keyshard." [04:11.46] 0<04@TheBMW> The Broodmother suddenly comes storming out of its cavern, moving with newfound life.  It has ripped itself free of the fleshy tendrils that kept it in place.  It lets out a high-pitched roar, echoing throughout the mountain. [04:12.02] 0<04@TheBMW> The creature is still horribly deformed, but perhaps now it has a chance? [04:13.05] 0<04@TheBMW> It returns to its den in short order, returning the mountain to silence. [04:14.17] 13* Arios taps his chin. "Maybe summon the Void Dragon?" [04:15.06] 13* Krarrl takes a look through the key shard out of curiosity. [04:16.02] 0<04@TheBMW> Gazing at the Key Shard, Krarrl doesn't see much of anything.  Perhaps he needs to focus on a target? [04:16.31] 13* Krarrl focuses on the golden priestess. [04:16.32] 13* Arios pulls out part of his key shard fragment and peers into it, looking for the DRAGO [04:16.51] 0<00Robert> Robert grabs at his bag and pulls out an artificial-looking crystal, which he installs in his chest and closes. [04:19.40] 0<04@TheBMW> Toranius: "How long do you have?" [04:20.10] 0<04@TheBMW> Krarrl and Arios both focus on their own shards, watching their respective targets. [04:20.25] 0<00Robert> "Four days." [04:21.53] 0<00Robert> Robert draws his shard out as well. [04:21.57] 0<04@TheBMW> Toranius: "That is... grim." [04:22.16] 0<00Arios> "It's a Grim World." [04:25.25] 13* Krarrl blinks as he lets the shard dangle from his neck. "Now where's the nearest reflective surface?" [04:25.32] 13* Arios looks about the party. "... our next foray will require us starting an army." [04:25.54] 04 "An army?" [04:26.03] 0<04@TheBMW> Lich King: "Not even an army will save you." [04:26.29] 0<04@TheBMW> The face of the Lich King appears from behind Arios' shard.  In short order he emerges in the other two as well. [04:26.43] 0<00Arios> "Oh just who I was looking for." [04:26.52] 0<00Arios> "Greetings, King of Undeath." [04:26.53] 0<04@TheBMW> Lich King: "I must admit, I'm impressed you've gotten this far.  All that's left is for you to bring the shards to me." [04:27.08] 0<04@TheBMW> Lich King: "At least you know to address a king properly!" [04:27.23] 04 "You're as ugly as ever." [04:27.59] 0<00Arios> "I disagree lich, an army is exactly what we need." [04:28.33] 0<04@TheBMW> Lich King: "If that's what you believe, then by all means, bring an army!  More fodder to add to my own once they perish." [04:29.33] 0<00Robert> "How fortunate for you that I already used my Nexus shard." [04:30.07] 0<04@TheBMW> Lich King: "Used it?  What do you mean by that fool?" [04:30.12] 0<00Arios> "Mhm, quite. However, you will fall right on your throne. Where do you hide?" [04:30.54] 0<04@TheBMW> Lich King: "In the only place befitting one as great as I.  The rotten carcass of an entire civilization.  The elves, to be exact." [04:31.45] 0<00Arios> "Excellent" [04:33.13] 0<04@TheBMW> Lich King: "Excellent indeed!  Now hurry over so we can be done with this.  I grow weary of this stalemate.  It's time I take what is rightfully mine!" [04:33.54] 04 "I will make sure you regret ever deciding to live there, skeleton." [04:33.59] 0<00Arios> "Why do you seek the keyshards again?" [04:34.09] 0<04@TheBMW> Lich King: "Of course you will lizard.  I owe you a congratulations and a thanks, but I'll save that for when we finally meet in person." [04:34.40] 0<04@TheBMW> Lich King: "I can't spoil everything now, can I?  Maybe soon you'll find out." [04:35.48] 0<00Arios> "Okay, thanks for the chat though! So pleasant." [04:36.40] 0<04@TheBMW> Lich King: "Good.  Now begone!" [04:38.06] 0<04@TheBMW> He vanishes from all but Arios' shard. [04:42.17] 13* Arios blinks at the shard and whispers into it [04:44.48] 0<00Arios> "You will fall by the way king." He hangs up [04:45.04] 0<04@TheBMW>