Variant Earth 13 E Mail Game Archive Number 6

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning... (Reaper)
Date:    Mon, 1 Feb 1999 17:41:27 -0800 (PST)
From:    Michael Joiner <ml_joiner@yahoo.com>

> When the blood-haired vixen's cycle comes to a smoking halt several
> dozen yards away, she stops, and you quickly catch up to her; she was
> still trying to get it started again by the time you walk up beside
> her.  She looks at you with murder in her eyes.

Reaper looks into her sunglasses, and shrugs.

> "What the hell am I?  As if you don't know."  She stops for a second,
> kicking a pebble or two, as if in anger.  "Well, you know your friend,
> that Death fellow?  He's a personification of a force of nature and
> belief, the top of a food chain that starts with Hades, Hela, etc..."

Reaper nods slowly...

> She kicks some more pebbles, as if for effect.  "Now me, I'm just like
> that, but with different gods.  Folks like Ares, Eris, and such.  War
> gods.  A personification of conflict and strife, that's me.  Oh sure,
> I'm not as tough, but it's the same gig.  You can call me War."

> "But smile when you say that.  Now, you gonna fix my bike or what,
> you?"

"Ummm..." he seems to ponder the moment, "no, War is it?", He looks
over her, then back at her sunglasses, "Smile, don't smile, who gives
a damn...So you're saying you're like Death, only a smaller deal.
'That mean I gotta take you on to?"  He looks at her, taking a deep
breath.  "Whatever it takes.  All's I know is I look at you and see
weapons.  But I'm definately not interested in chasing your
manipulating whatever you are accross the continent.  So what'll it
be?  And don't start with the 'you better fix my bike' crap 'cause you
and I both know I can no more do that than you can go back to that
town and make right all the screwed up stuff you pulled there!"

Reaper takes a step back with his hands out to the side.

Rolls:

Init:  6 +3 : 9
Rolls:  25, 52, 70, 18
OOC:  Reaper is...well ready to phase if he has to, kinda sizing up
the situation...

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning... (Reaper)
Date:    Tue, 02 Feb 1999 00:19:33 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

>> She looks at you with murder in her eyes.

> Reaper looks into her sunglasses, and shrugs.

>> ( snippity snip snip)

>> "But smile when you say that.  Now, you gonna fix my bike or what,
>> you?"

> "Ummm..." he seems to ponder the moment, "no, War is it?", He looks
> over her, then back at her sunglasses, "Smile, don't smile, who gives
> a damn...So you're saying you're like Death, only a smaller deal.
> 'That mean I gotta take you on to?"  He looks at her, taking a deep
> breath.  "Whatever it takes.  All's I know is I look at you and see
> weapons.  But I'm definately not interested in chasing your
> manipulating whatever you are accross the continent.  So what'll it
> be?  And don't start with the 'you better fix my bike' crap 'cause you
> and I both know I can no more do that than you can go back to that
> town and make right all the screwed up stuff you pulled there!"

> Reaper takes a step back with his hands out to the side.

She looks at you and smiles.  "Oh, sure, I *could* go back there and
'fix things up', but I *won't*.  It's just not in my nature.  After all,
I'm just what people make of me, you know.  If people weren't so rotten,
things like what went down in Elk Snout simply wouldn't happen."

"I wouldn't happen."

"As far as chasing me around, feel free.  I seem to have a small
following of reporters that just *love* to see what I'll do next.  Of
course, they can't keep up with me, either, since I'm really all over
the place, all the time..."

"Like Quebec, for example.  There's some sort of war going on between
two 'secret' society-type groups there, over some sort of wizard and
this spell book he dug up in Alaska recently.  So, I'm already there.
It's just a matter of focus where I leave the body, really."

"Keep the bike.  I'll just get another one... in Canada!"  With that,
the so-called personification of conflict simply vanishes from the
scene, and with your potent awareness, you can sense her consciousness
re-emerge in Quebec, though you're not exactly sure where.

Not from here, at any rate.  She's not so powerful that you'd get an
automatic fix on her.  But potent enough that you could sense her
arrival there.  And that, in the end, simply isn't a very good thing.
What do you do now?!

(?)

Subject: [v13] To Firebomb
Date:    Mon, 1 Feb 1999 22:23:40 -0800 (PST)
From:    bob malooga bobmalo@yahoo.com

Firebomb,

im sory to do this but my offline life has become so busy that I am
gonna have to withdrawl from the game.

Sorry to do this.

Keith

Subject: Re: [v13] Stone Cold Release
Date:    Tue, 02 Feb 1999 00:24:02 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

Charlie Clay Jr. wrote:

> "Just as I thought, stupid is just an Illusionist.  A good one though.
> But, anyone with that much power would try to take over the world for
> themselves not some two-bit hood.  Tammy are you ok?  Do you know of
> anywhere we can dump this slime?  And how the heck do we get home?"
> Stone Cold

"Ungh...," she says.  "Yeah, I'm all right.  But what do you mean, an
illusionist?  We seem to still be in some sort of winter wonderland,
even though he's down for the count.  As far as his power, I think he's
just lacking ambition.  Otherwise, we wouldn't be here."

"Wherever that is."

You notice that, by now, those two farmers have noticed you, and one of
them pulls his gun.  It's a nice, shiny chromish sort of gun, and it's
got an infra-red sight on it.  Even from here, hundreds of yards away,
you hear the whine of the thing powering up.  Wheeeeeeeee!

The gun-toting fellow then bellows your way.  "Gran'xt!  Who'd a thought
any were still on the earth!  For Varaknis!"  He shouts that war cry and
starts running at you, full tilt.  His fellow farmer follows somewhat
slower, looking as though he's not sure exactly who you are.

Or rather, that you're what his friend identified the three of you as.

What'cher gonna do now?

Subject: Re: [v13] Midwest Mayhem!
Date:    Tue, 02 Feb 1999 00:28:20 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

Andy Hicks wrote:

> Indeed.

> One question:  how does Hardcore's Karma Deficiency quirk affect this
> reward?  Is it 20% off 225, 20% off 250 (225+25 previous Karma), no
> penalty, or what?

> Just wondering before I updated my records....

Basically, it's like this.  There's no penalty on the Karma you earn.

You see, the way I use Karma, you get the initial amount on yer sheet
(yer R, I, and P sum) at the beginning of each adventure.  That's where
the Deficiency quirk comes in - you just lose 20 % off that at the start
of each 'story'.

At least, that's how i handle it...

At any rate, just so's you all know, I'll be getting going on yer next
big adventure tomorrow.  I just needed to make up my mind on a few small
details (like, just who's gonna get in your way THIS time?).  I now
know, and you're just gonna LOVE it!  =)

Subject: Re: [v13] TO Firebomb
Date:    Tue, 02 Feb 1999 00:31:59 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

bob malooga wrote:

> Firebomb,

> im sory to do this but my offline life has become so busy that I am
> gonna have to withdrawl from the game.

> Sorry to do this.

> Keith

Hey, dude.  No problem.  I understand busy - I just stepped in it!  =)

I have no problem with that, and no hard feelings, man.  As long as yer
not leaving 'cause you hate the game, at least... (just jokin').  I tell
ya what, though.  If'n you get un-busy in the future, mebbe we can start
fresh, eh?

Catch ya later, man.  Or I'll at least just pester ya in ICQ... =)

Subject: [v13] Road Trip...
Date:    Tue, 02 Feb 1999 22:45:04 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

The G.I.Joe bus trucked on through the snow storm.

On your way to the eastern seaboard, it passed through the urban horror
that is Davenport, Iowa, and despite Hawk's impressive credentials, the
bus was stopped for a time.  This was, of course, because there was a
severe manhunt underway for a serial killer.

Thanks to the efforts of a rather clever private dick, however, the fuzz
finally managed to reign the man in, and traffic was allowed to continue
on out of town.  It finally stopped for a time on the outskirts of
Indianapolis, as Hawk had to drop off some folks.

For instance, those two jokers Ronin tussled with in the airport were
handed off to a federal prisoner transport van, along with Flathead's
freaky-weird gear; though Flash would've loved to study the stuff more,
he couldn't hang on to it any longer - not legally, anyway.

Hawk also dropped off Clutch, Tangerine, and Hazzard; the first two
needed more than mere first aid to tend to their wounds, so they were
left at a local hospital until the rest of the Joes could pick 'em up.
Hazzard went along with Tangerine, since he kinda likes her, ya know.

(any goodbyes or taunts, Hardcore, Ronin?)

That just leaves Jinx, Hardcore, Ronin, that crazy cyborg, Lisa, and the
five Joes:  Hawk, Breaker, Flash, Grunt, and Rock 'n Roll.  As the bus
moves on again, Hawk grabs you, Jinx, and leads you to the back of the
bus.  Anybody else that wants to can follow...

"All right, here's the deal, you two."  Of course, he's referring to you
and Lisa, Jinx.  "Jinx, for all intents and purposes, you're under
arrest.  We're going to deliver you to the Jersey State court house now,
and let the media have a show with you."

Lisa pipes up with this.  "Hey!  What about the bounty on her head?!  I
would've got her if not for you meddling idiots!  You people owe me...
big!  Five million big!!  Unless you give it to me, you're gonna find me
suddenly uncooperative..."

"Right."  Hawk clears his throat and continues, just sounding annoyed by
the interruption.  "That's part of the plan.  You're going to be the
'hero' that caught her, dragging her out of her Omaha hideout at
gunpoint and all the way to Jersey."

"Of course, you're going to give us 20% of that, so's we can cover some
of the damage you caused to the V.A.M.P. back there, along with that
neighborhood you trashed.  After taxes, I think that's still quite a
haul for a day or two of work."

Lisa just harrumphs at Hawk.  You get the distinct impression that, from
the look she's giving him, taxes are something that simply happen to
other people.  But she calms down after hearing this, and Hawk even lets
her out of the little jail cell.

Seeing the look on your face, Jinx, Hawk reassures you about his plan.
"Don't worry, we aren't leaving you there - well, only for about eight
hours.  Once Roy cuts Lisa the bounty check, we'll release our info
about the surveillance tape doctoring, and you'll get out."

"Trust me.  Unless those D.A.A. lawyers are total idiots, you'll be
released in no time flat.  That way, we make Roy look like a total fool
in front of the media, and he'll be too busy doing damage control to
notice a second team - my team - slipping in to verify you story."

(response, Jinx?)

"Right."

Anyway, with that settled (or is it), Hawk heads up to the front to
check on Flash; sure, he can drive a bus, but he's no Clutch.  Soon
after, the bus slows down, stopping right after.  Within seconds of your
stop, you all hear the pnuematic release on the door give way.

Stepping outside, Hawk surveys the area, and you can hear him say "What
in the...?!"  Looking outside, you see the snow storm seems to suddenly
have an edge, an edge which sort of crosses the interstate for a bit,
and then arcs back over it.

It gives one the bizarre impression of a storm's eye, about one mile in
radius, in an exact circle from some point of origin to the north.  And
the circle is sharp; on one side, it's snowing, and on the other, you
see nothing but clear skies and green plants everywhere.

"Hm.  What do you make of that, eh?"

Subject: Re: [v13] Road Trip...
Date:    Wed, 03 Feb 1999 18:14:15 EST
From:    "Peter Chamers" <lil_blk_duck@hotmail.com>

> "Hm.  What do you make of that, eh?"

Ronin steps out of the bus and looks around in surprise and wonder.

"Are such atmospheric conditions common in this country?  I have
heard of similar phenomina in the Kobe Mountains back home, but nothing
quite like this."

Ronin looks over at Flash.

"Please, may we park on the sunny side of the street. The grass is
greener there...."

Subject: Re: [v13] Road Trip...
Date:    Wed, 03 Feb 1999 18:10:20 -0600
From:    William Lockwood <albedo1@home.com>

Natasha just hangs her head and chuckles.

"Ohhhh...that's rich. Sure, I'll go along with it. Especially after
shootin' Clutch. But let me tell you, Col., if this is a trick and I get
stuck in Jail, you'll be on my List." she responded after hearing Hawk's
plan.

"Oh, and Little Miss Cybergirl, I just wanted to make sure you knew that
you couldn't take me down. You didn't really earn that reward. But brag
all you want; I don't care what the rest of the world thinks. I know,
and you know that you didn't just bring me in." she tossed out to Lisa
as she grinned wide.

Once they pulled to a stop and she heard Hawk react to the weather, she
took a step out and just let her jaw drop.

"That's pretty fucked up right there." she said after composing herself.

"Where the hell does the center of that thing look to be?" she asked,
heading back into the carrier, digging around for a map of the area.

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning... (Reaper)
Date:    Wed, 3 Feb 1999 18:15:49 -0800 (PST)
From:    Michael Joiner <ml_joiner@yahoo.com>

> "Keep the bike.

OOC:

When it overheated - did it total the engine or just shut it down, I
guess what I'm asking is - is it ride-able?

(Might could use some wheels...)

I'll post a reply mostly based on that tomorrow!

Thanks! 

Subject: Re: [v13] Road Trip...
Date:    Wed, 3 Feb 1999 23:05:32 -0600
From:    "Andy Hicks" <ahix@mail.utexas.edu>

>Once they pulled to a stop and she heard Hawk react to the weather, she
>took a step out and just let her jaw drop.

>"That's pretty fucked up right there." she said after composing herself.

Hardcore slips out behind Jinx, agreeing that, "For once I think Annie
Oakley is dead on.  Fucked up's about the right description.  'Course I've
seen plenty of that type of shit over the last week.  A lifetime's worth.  I
must be attractin' bizarre shit like she attracts shit hittin' fans."

>"Where the hell does the center of that thing look to be?" she asked,
>heading back into the carrier, digging around for a map of the area.

"Does it really matter?" Hardcore asks Hawk. "Are we gonna get down ta
business, or what?"

Subject: Re: [v13] Road Trip...
Date:    Thu, 04 Feb 1999 01:12:34 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

William Lockwood wrote:

> Natasha just hangs her head and chuckles.

> "Ohhhh...that's rich. Sure, I'll go along with it. Especially after
> shootin' Clutch. But let me tell you, Col., if this is a trick and I
> get stuck in Jail, you'll be on my List." she responded after hearing
> Hawk's plan.

> "Oh, and Little Miss Cybergirl, I just wanted to make sure you knew
> that you couldn't take me down. You didn't really earn that reward.
> But brag all you want; I don't care what the rest of the world thinks.
> I know, and you know that you didn't just bring me in." she tossed out
> to Lisa as she grinned wide.

> Once they pulled to a stop and she heard Hawk react to the weather,
> she took a step out and just let her jaw drop.

> "That's pretty fucked up right there." she said after composing
> herself.

> "Where the hell does the center of that thing look to be?" she asked,
> heading back into the carrier, digging around for a map of the area.

Andy Hicks wrote:

>> Once they pulled to a stop and she heard Hawk react to the weather,
>> she took a step out and just let her jaw drop.

>> "That's pretty fucked up right there." she said after composing
>> herself.

> Hardcore slips out behind Jinx, agreeing that, "For once I think Annie
> Oakley is dead on.  Fucked up's about the right description.  'Course
> I've seen plenty of that type of shit over the last week.  A
> lifetime's worth.  I must be attractin' bizarre shit like she attracts
> shit hittin' fans."

>> "Where the hell does the center of that thing look to be?" she asked,
>> heading back into the carrier, digging around for a map of the area.

> "Does it really matter?" Hardcore asks Hawk. "Are we gonna get down ta
> business, or what?"

Peter Chambers wrote:

>> It gives one the bizarre impression of a storm's eye, about one mile
>> in radius, in an exact circle from some point of origin to the north.
>> And the circle is sharp; on one side, it's snowing, and on the other,
>> you see nothing but clear skies and green plants everywhere.

>> "Hm.  What do you make of that, eh?"

> Ronin steps out of the bus and looks around in surprise and wonder.

> "Are such atmospheric conditions common in this country?  I have
> heard of similar phenomina in the Kobe Mountains back home, but
> nothing quite like this."

> Ronin looks over at Flash.

> "Please, may we park on the sunny side of the street. The grass is
> greener there...."

> <ooc - Okay sue me.  I had to do it.  :} >

D'oh...

"Hardy har har," he says, smiling as he observes the bizarre weather.

The three of you make your exclamations, and Hawk returns fire.  "Nope,
this ain't normal for these parts, Ronin.  In fact, it's not normal for
*any* part of this country, or any other, for that matter.  Which, of
course, makes it interesting, no?"

"Anyway, Jinx, looks like it's centered about a mile from here.  I think
I'm gonna go take a look-see, see?  Flash, Grunt, you two are with me.
The rest of you jokers are back up," he says, referring to the other
Joes, "in case something tricky happens to us."

"What about you four?  Any of you feel like joining us?"  As Flash and
Grunt race to get their gear, he waits to see if you're in a mood to
play with the bizarre.  "We'll even make room for you, Hardcore.  You
feeling up to a nice walky-walk yet?"

                     *** Out of Character Notice ***

Incidentally, for all of your references, you did manage to heal some of
the damage scored against you the previous night.  It's been about
sixteen hours, so you all have recovered all of your lost health points,
actually. However, you're still kind of sore, Hardcore.

Your leg is hurtin' some.  Not severely; it's healing amazingly well.
But it's still a nuisance...


Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning... (Reaper)
Date:    Thu, 04 Feb 1999 01:15:13 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

Michael Joiner wrote:

>> "Keep the bike.

> OOC:

> When it overheated - did it total the engine or just shut it down, I
> guess what I'm asking is - is it ride-able?

> (Might could use some wheels...)

> I'll post a reply mostly based on that tomorrow!

> Thanks!

Well... you hop on the hog, and it does start up after a few minutes;
apparently, she underestimated the resilience of her bike.  Could be a
fun ride, or, at the very least, nicer than walking the rest of the
way...  =)

Subject: Re: [v13] Road Trip...
Date:    Thu, 04 Feb 1999 09:39:02 EST
From:    "Peter Chamers" <lil_blk_duck@hotmail.com>

> "What about you four?  Any of you feel like joining us?"  As Flash and Grunt 
> race to get their gear, he waits to see if you're in a mood to play with the 
> bizarre.  "We'll even make room for you, Hardcore.  You feeling up to a nice 
> walky-walk yet?"

Ronin nods simply.

"I will come."

He looks at the others expectantly.

Subject: Re: [v13] Road Trip...
Date:    Thu, 04 Feb 1999 17:45:44 -0600
From:    William Lockwood <albedo1@home.com>

Jinx just looks up from the map squinting and shrugs.

"Um, sure thing. Well, if I get my guns back that is. I doubt I'd be all
that helpful without some kind of firepower. I don't make my own like
Ms. Cybergirl, here." she responds dipping her head slightly towards
Lisa.

"I could definitely use the chance to vent some more steam in a
more..."productive"...manner." she continued, grinning widely.

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning... (Reaper)
Date:    Thu, 4 Feb 1999 16:51:08 -0800 (PST)
From:    Michael Joiner <ml_joiner@yahoo.com>

> "Keep the bike.  I'll just get another one... in Canada!"  With that,
> the so-called personification of conflict simply vanishes from the
> scene, and with your potent awareness, you can sense her consciousness
> re-emerge in Quebec, though you're not exactly sure where.

Reaper blinks, glancing around him.  "War, Death, what the hell eh?"

He walks over to the abandoned motorcycle, looks over the engine with
the eyes of someone not entirely sure of what he's looking at, but
hoping anything bad will have the decency of just jumping out at him...

> Well... you hop on the hog, and it does start up after a few minutes; 
> apparently, she underestimated the resilience of her bike.  Could be a fun 
> ride, or, at the very least, nicer than walking the rest of the way...  =)

Reaper smiles slightly, as he guns the engine.  Looking vaguely north,
he takes a deep breath, and starts driving towards Canada.

As twilight settles over the highway, he pulls off at a truck stop.
Finding a phone he calls his Instructor and explains to him whats
happened.  His demeanor relaxes somewhat as he talks to the old man.

Hanging up, he gets a bite to eat, maybe a shower before setting off
again.

OOC

inserts welcome wherever in there!

Rolls:

Init: 7 +3 :10
100 (DAMN!), 44, 51, 43, 66

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning... (Reaper)
Date:    Thu, 04 Feb 1999 22:57:19 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

Michael Joiner wrote:

> Reaper blinks, glancing around him.  "War, Death, what the hell eh?"

> He walks over to the abandoned motorcycle, looks over the engine with
> the eyes of someone not entirely sure of what he's looking at, but
> hoping anything bad will have the decency of just jumping out at
> him...

Well, nothing jumps out of the bike, so it should be safe... =)

> Reaper smiles slightly, as he guns the engine.  Looking vaguely north,
> he takes a deep breath, and starts driving towards Canada.

> As twilight settles over the highway, he pulls off at a truck stop.
> Finding a phone he calls his Instructor and explains to him whats
> happened.  His demeanor relaxes somewhat as he talks to the old man.

> Hanging up, he gets a bite to eat, maybe a shower before setting off
> again.

You cross the border within a day and a half, and are in Quebec province
in another.  You could go faster, but the roads hereabouts are downright
treacherous here in the deep north; the bizarre snow storm that seems to
have blanketed all of North America hasn't spared this area none.

Of course, that leaves you on an effectively stolen bike in the wilds of
Quebec, with no moneys and no clue exactly what you're looking for,
other than a blood-haired nightmare causing trouble.  And you can't seem
to find her, exactly.

So, what do you do?  How do you go about tracking her down and getting
down to business...?

Subject: Re: [v13] the PsychoAnimists' Enclave
Date:    Fri, 05 Feb 1999 03:27:17 -0600
From:    "Christopher W. Acers" <cwacers@home.com>

"Wahhhahahooie!"
Thump.

Standing up with extreme indignity, Masque brushes himself off. Gathers
his robes and stomps off toward the would be photo-journalist.

Realizing that this place is not exactly as it seems, a fake floor is
not exactly the stuff of normal churches and whatnot, Masque is , how do
you say it....not gonna get blindsided like that again.

"Ahem, ....AHEM!"

"What exactly are you going to do with that picture?"

<sho' nuff>

Subject: Re: [v13] Road Trip...
Date:    Fri, 5 Feb 1999 10:01:47 -0600
From:    "Andy Hicks" <ahix@mail.utexas.edu>

>"What about you four?  Any of you feel like joining us?"  As Flash and
>Grunt race to get their gear, he waits to see if you're in a mood to
>play with the bizarre.  "We'll even make room for you, Hardcore.  You
>feeling up to a nice walky-walk yet?"

Hardcore, obviously irritated at Hawk's patronization, answers, "Nahh.  I
think I'll just stick 'round here and watch yer fancy bus for ya.  Leg's
still actin' up on me, and I don't think a trip onto tha tundra'd be tha
best thing fer it right now.

"Y'all go on ahead."

Subject: Re: [v13] Road Trip...
Date:    Fri, 05 Feb 1999 18:23:38 -0600
From:    William Lockwood <albedo1@home.com>

Jinx has since drawn her guns and has pulled her probability field in
trying her best to get a solid handle on the situation, but realizes
this is way out of her league.

Whispering, she tells Flash: "Hey, what the hell's going on? Do we have
any clue what's in that cabin?"

She tried to walk softly, hoping her field would deaden some of the
sound. Sneaking around the woods was not her forte' and she was hoping
she didn't make too much of a fool out of herself.

Subject: Re: [v13] Road Trip...
Date:    Fri, 05 Feb 1999 18:36:32 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

Andy Hicks wrote:

> Hardcore, obviously irritated at Hawk's patronization, answers, "Nahh.
> I think I'll just stick 'round here and watch yer fancy bus for ya.
> Leg's still actin' up on me, and I don't think a trip onto tha
> tundra'd be tha best thing fer it right now.

> "Y'all go on ahead."

Bil Lockwood wrote:

> "I could definitely use the chance to vent some more steam in a
> more..."productive"...manner." she continued, grinning widely.

Peter Chambers wrote:

> Ronin nods simply.

> "I will come."

> He looks at the others expectantly.

"All right then," Hawk says.  "Let us saddle up!"  By now, Grunt and
Flash have indeed made their way out of the van with their hardware, and
Lisa is checking out her hardware:  she pokes her swords into the road,
which parts like hot butter before them, and she smiles.

"For your information, little girl, I don't 'make my own' guns.  This
one's just built in."  With that, she pops that gun out of her arm again
- to demonstrate.  You notice the particle beam emitter she fried that
V.A.M.P. thing with has, indeed, issued forth from the same place.

"If I *could* make my own guns, on the fly, none of you'd be breathing
right now.  No offense."  You see Hawk give her one of those 'why I
oughtta...' looks, but he doesn't do anything.  He's a professional,
after all.  But you know he *wants* to.

"Oh, and Jinx, go ahead and get your stuff, while we're at it.  Flash'll
be digging around in the dangerous tech bin, so now'd be a good time."
While you head in to do so, Jinx, Hawk turns to you, Hardcore, and says
"I guess we'll be seeing you in a few minutes."

"As far as the bus itself is concerned, I wouldn't worry about it.  With
Rock 'n Roll and Breaker handy, nothing silly ought to happen to it.
But, if it does, I'm sure you guys'll be all right, right?"  Once Jinx
and the others come out, he then sets out for the source of this mess.

Those of you that have went into the suddenly summer-filled woods can
see that there's leftover bits of snow and ice on the trees, indicating
that this bizarre phenomenon just started.  But it is a rather balmy
summer, and it feels like you've just walked into a sauna.

As you move inward, you notice that Grunt takes point, while Flash
settles in the middle group, along with the rest of you, and Hawk
assumes drag position.  He'd have taken point, but Flash *does* have all
that expensive, tax-payer bought hardware on him, you know.

After about five minutes, you see Grunt signalling for you to come up on
his position, but slowly.  At least, that's what Flash tells you he's
signalling.  When you get there, you see the cottage, a sort of log
cabin of sorts, though there's all sorts of overgrowth in its 'yard'.

Lots of plants, and weird ones.  You each think you might've seen some
of them here or there, maybe on a Discovery channel documentary or two,
but many of them don't share that honor, and look positively alien in
aspect.  You see no activity, however.

Meanwhile, back in the van, Rock 'n Roll has settled in to take a nap,
listening to his heavy-duty headphones all the while, and Breaker sits
down to monitor communications, should Hawk radio for backup or some
such.

"So, Hardcore... you been a military man in your time?"  Apparently
bored, Breaker's trying to strike up a conversation.  "I don't mean to
pry or anything, it's just that you have that walk, you know.  Carry
yourself like most Marines I know..."

(theoretical response space)

Just then, of course, it gets darker outside.  Looking out the window,
you and Breaker can see that the temporary summer has drawn itself into
the forest, back towards its point of origin.  It looks as if things
here are returning to normal, as snow has begun to accumulate.

Already...

Subject: Re: [v13] Road Trip...
Date:    Sat, 6 Feb 1999 23:41:35 -0600
From:    "Andy Hicks" <ahix@mail.utexas.edu>

>Meanwhile, back in the van, Rock 'n Roll has settled in to take a nap,
>listening to his heavy-duty headphones all the while, and Breaker sits
>down to monitor communications, should Hawk radio for backup or some
>such.

>"So, Hardcore... you been a military man in your time?"  Apparently
>bored, Breaker's trying to strike up a conversation.  "I don't mean to
>pry or anything, it's just that you have that walk, you know.  Carry
>yourself like most Marines I know..."

"Right now I'm walkin' like some crazy bitch shot me in the damn leg
yesterday... but yeah, I was in the service, Desert Storm.  Then somethin'
happened, made me get out.  That's alright, though.  I ain't much on takin'
orders these days.

"Bottom line is, I guess you could say Uncle Sam made me the man I am
today--"

>Just then, of course, it gets darker outside.  Looking out the window,
>you and Breaker can see that the temporary summer has drawn itself into
>the forest, back towards its point of origin.  It looks as if things
>here are returning to normal, as snow has begun to accumulate.

>Already...

"What the hell?  There's definitely somethin' funny goin' on 'round here.
I'm gonna step outside and take another look around."

Hardcore gets up and limps out of the van, surveying the immediate
surroundings again, puzzled over the sudden change in temperature.

???

Subject: Re: [v13] Road Trip...
Date:    Sun, 07 Feb 1999 23:01:32 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

Andy Hicks wrote:

> "Bottom line is, I guess you could say Uncle Sam made me the man I am
> today--"

>> Just then, of course, it gets darker outside.  Looking out the
>> window, you and Breaker can see that the temporary summer has drawn
>> itself into the forest, back towards its point of origin.  It looks
>> as if things here are returning to normal, as snow has begun to
>> accumulate.

>> Already...

> "What the hell?  There's definitely somethin' funny goin' on 'round
> here. I'm gonna step outside and take another look around."

> Hardcore gets up and limps out of the van, surveying the immediate
> surroundings again, puzzled over the sudden change in temperature.

Also, Bil Lockwood wrote:

> Jinx has since drawn her guns and has pulled her probability field in
> trying her best to get a solid handle on the situation, but realizes
> this is way out of her league.

> Whispering, she tells Flash: "Hey, what the hell's going on? Do we
> have any clue what's in that cabin?"

> She tried to walk softly, hoping her field would deaden some of the
> sound. Sneaking around the woods was not her forte' and she was hoping
> she didn't make too much of a fool out of herself.

Flash looks back at you, Jinx, along with the others, those others being
Ronin, Lisa, Hawk, and Grunt.  "Nopers.  That's what we aim to find out,
I think, though.  At this point, Hawk makes motions to both of the other
Joes, and they set out around the cabin, apparently to scope it out.

Once they get around back, this guy comes out of the cabin.  He's an odd
man, dressed in a long, grass-green robe, shiny green leggings, and a
thick, pine green sweater.  "Blast it, Leif, you made the aura too
large!  It went out past the damn highway!!"

Inside the cabin, you hear, in a scandanavian accent, "Screw you!  So
what if I did?  Maybe the locals'd like a break from this stupid snow.
Besides, it's just as 'unnatural' as this weather pattern is to begin
with, now, isn't it?!"

The one outside, the one dressed like a nature freak on crack, then says
"Just pull it back, okay?  As long as it ends before the highway, nobody
will know about it.  I'll just make sure nobody noticed it, all right?
Be right back."

He walks off, towards the highway, on a direct path for the bus.  He is
on a slight arc away from those of you in the woods, so he manages to
miss you altogether.  Unless you want to do something aggressive, of
course.

Meanwhile, back at the bus, you've gotten yourself back outside,
Hardcore, and you can see it for yourself - about half an inch has
already put itself back on the roads.  You can still see the circular
seam in the former tropical pattern on the road, though.

The snow is an inch higher on the outside of the arc.

Breaker follows you out.  Wow... I'd better radio Hawk.  He tries, over
several minutes, though he gets nothing but static over the airwaves on
his backpack radio.  "Hooo-boy.  This is just great.  We're supposed to
stay here, but now something's gone all wonky with our radio contact."

"Great."

While he tried to figure out what he should do next, Breaker sort of
wanders down the road a bit, talking to himself, and he shoves a big wad
of bubble gum into his mouth.  Blowing a few bubbles, he runs back, and
tries the radio inside the bus next.

What do you do, Hardcore?

(?)

Subject: Re: [v13] the PsychoAnimists' Enclave
Date:    Sun, 07 Feb 1999 23:09:51 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

Christopher W. Acers wrote:

> "Wahhhahahooie!"  Thump.

> Standing up with extreme indignity, Masque brushes himself off.
> Gathers his robes and stomps off toward the would be photo-journalist.

> Realizing that this place is not exactly as it seems, a fake floor is
> not exactly the stuff of normal churches and whatnot, Masque is , how
> do you say it....not gonna get blindsided like that again.

> "Ahem, ....AHEM!"

> "What exactly are you going to do with that picture?"

> <sho' nuff>

While Silhouette watches on, you catch the weasely little electro-monk
off guard, you manage to render him speechless for a few seconds.  "Um,
er, ah, um.  Well, um.  Ah..."  He stammers for a few seconds more,
before finally collecting himself.

"Well, mister, I'm putting it away for future reference.  The senior
monks like to keep track of people that make fun of us.  Just in case
they're gonna try and do something to us... something bad.  So, if
you'll just get out of my way..."

Meanwhile, Och and Senor Barnett, after hearing the 'scream' Masque made
on his way down, run up to make sure he's all right, when the monks try
to get in their way.  On his way, Och dives to the floor, starting this
roll that scatters the monks like bowling pins.

"Nice move, shorty!"  Senor Barnett, beating Och to the punch (since
he's entangled with monks) runs into that back room, and he, too, falls
into the secret laboratory pit.  "Oh, son of a bit--"  His curse is
broken by his impact, which knocks the air out of him.

He makes an 'ooomph' noise.

Seeing this man fall through after you, the other folks look at you,
Masque, asking "There anybody else with you, chump?"  Och, looking at
the phantom floor, simply tip toes in slowly, and you can see him above,
Masque, running his foot along the edge of the 'real' floor up there.

You still just reclining, Silhouette?

Subject: Re: [v13] Road Trip...
Date:    Mon, 8 Feb 1999 11:36:04 -0600
From:    "Andy Hicks" <ahix@mail.utexas.edu>

"There's somethin' seriously wrong goin' on out there," Hardcore thinks to
himself.  "The Colonel and his "troops" might be in it pretty deep real
quick, it they ain't already.  Maybe they could use some backup... but I
don't know if I can rely on my leg gettin' me around.

"Maybe I can get a better read on the situation from another perspective."

Hardcore reenters the van, asking the Joes, "You guys got any binoculars?
I'm gonna try and take a better look out there..."

OOC-  If given the binoculars, Hardcore will climb on top of the van and
look out into the area where Hawk, Jinx, Ronin, etc. were headed.

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning... (Reaper)
Date:    Mon, 8 Feb 1999 13:28:11 -0800 (PST)
From:    Michael Joiner <ml_joiner@yahoo.com>

> Of course, that leaves you on an effectively stolen bike in the wilds of 
> Quebec, with no moneys and no clue exactly what you're looking for, other than 
> a blood-haired nightmare causing trouble.  And you can't seem to find her, 
> exactly.

Reaper pulls off at a small town, stops at a gas station.  He thinks
back to what she said before she disappeared...

<<I seem to have a small following of reporters that just *love* to
see what I'll do next.>>

He begins to scan the front pages of the newspapers...

<<There's some sort of war going on between two 'secret' society-type
groups there, over some sort of wizard and
this spell book he dug up in Alaska recently.  So, I'm
already there.>>

He looks for anything about that, figuring that this is already news,
just not as big a story as its gonna turn into...

If he finds anything, he'll try to make sure the "cost is clear", grab
the handle of the newspaper stand, "phase" the swinging door, and grab
a newspaper, closing the door and un"phasing" it.  He'll then either
go back to his bike to read it, or get outta there and read it in a
safer place..

OOC

Rolls:
Init: 10 +3 = 13
72, 68, 92, 73, 68

Subject: Re: [v13] Road Trip...
Date:    Mon, 08 Feb 1999 20:59:59 -0600
From:    William Lockwood <albedo1@home.com>

[OOC: Sorry it took me so long to respond, I've been getting lots of
email lately, and Danelle has been making use (and rightly so) of the
computer.]

Jinx just kept an eye on the guy as he made his way past the group doing
her best to keep quiet and not shoot him.

Listening to these freaks babble on about the weather went way over her
head and she just hoped someone would tell her when to open up a can of
ballistic whoop ass on these fruitcakes.

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning... (Reaper)
Date:    Tue, 09 Feb 1999 00:04:35 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

Michael Joiner wrote:

> Reaper pulls off at a small town, stops at a gas station.  He thinks
> back to what she said before she disappeared...

> <<I seem to have a small following of reporters that just *love* to
> see what I'll do next.>>

> He begins to scan the front pages of the newspapers...

> <<There's some sort of war going on between two 'secret' society-type
> groups there, over some sort of wizard and
> this spell book he dug up in Alaska recently.  So, I'm
> already there.>>

> He looks for anything about that, figuring that this is already news,
> just not as big a story as its gonna turn into...

> If he finds anything, he'll try to make sure the "cost is clear", grab
> the handle of the newspaper stand, "phase" the swinging door, and grab
> a newspaper, closing the door and un"phasing" it.  He'll then either
> go back to his bike to read it, or get outta there and read it in a
> safer place..

Okee... you pull the paper out, since there ain't nobody around here,
and you read a small article that states that some wacko archaeologist,
missing since a dig in Alaska, has been arrested on assault charges
against some kook in a funny halloween suit.

He's being held in a small town about fifteen miles from here, somewhere
called Ice Ridge (oddly enough), in a local lockup.  It also states that
he had some book with him, possibly stolen, that the authorities are
looking into.

(well, you got your clue, what'cha gonna do?)

Subject: Re: [v13] Road Trip...
Date:    Tue, 09 Feb 1999 00:17:49 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

Andy Hicks wrote:

> "There's somethin' seriously wrong goin' on out there," Hardcore
> thinks to himself.  "The Colonel and his "troops" might be in it
> pretty deep real quick, it they ain't already.  Maybe they could use
> some backup... but I don't know if I can rely on my leg gettin' me
> around.

> "Maybe I can get a better read on the situation from another
> perspective."

> Hardcore reenters the van, asking the Joes, "You guys got any
> binoculars? I'm gonna try and take a better look out there..."

> OOC-  If given the binoculars, Hardcore will climb on top of the van
> and look out into the area where Hawk, Jinx, Ronin, etc. were headed.

Bil Lockwood wrote:

> Jinx just kept an eye on the guy as he made his way past the group
> doing her best to keep quiet and not shoot him.

> Listening to these freaks babble on about the weather went way over
> her head and she just hoped someone would tell her when to open up a
> can of ballistic whoop ass on these fruitcakes.

It takes you a couple minutes to climb up on the bus, Hardcore, what
with it being all slick with accumulating snow, but you finally manage
it.  Once you get up there you spy freak-show number one emerging from
the woods, a fellow in some sort of kooky green outfit.

It's a grass green robe, with a pine green sweater, and green leggings.
The man looks positively annoyed for some reason, but he doesn't look
like he's been shot up.  Either he missed the group that went into the
woods, or he beat them up *real* easy.

Somehow, you doubt that second option.

"Hey, pal.  Something wrong with your bus?"  He seems genuinely
concerned about your mechanical health, but somehow, you can't help but
think something's up with him and this freaky weather show.  After all,
you don't see too many folks out in winter weather with leggings on.

Meanwhile, out in the miniature tropical forest, another fellow comes
out of the cabin, wearing garb similar to that first fellow.  He looks
about a foot taller, however, and speaks in a thick scandanavian voice.
"Agh, there.  The field ought to be right, right about there."

"You can shut up now, you!  It's all better!!"

Yet another voice suddenly appears from behind you all.  It's coming
from a rather alluring female, as you see when you turn around in shock
(she snuck up on you guys real good).  "Well well well, lookie what we
have here?"

She's about five foot six, with shimmering emerald hair and eyes, with
an exceptionally tight green latex bodysuit.  "Hm... one army thug, two
gun-toting bimbos, and a freaky-weird ninja.  Looks like we got us some
intruders, boys!!"

What do you all do, youse?

(possible rolls and stuff may be in order, depending on what you all
want to do...)

(quick note:  I'm just assuming that you didn't have much to say, Peter,
that's why I went ahead without you.  Not trying to skip over you or
anything; that's just what happened last time.  If I am, just gimme a
holler, and I'll wait for you before next time, eh?)

Subject: Re: [v13] Road Trip...
Date:    Tue, 9 Feb 1999 01:09:02 -0600
From:    "Andy Hicks" <ahix@mail.utexas.edu>

>It takes you a couple minutes to climb up on the bus, Hardcore, what
>with it being all slick with accumulating snow, but you finally manage
>it.  Once you get up there you spy freak-show number one emerging from
>the woods, a fellow in some sort of kooky green outfit.

>It's a grass green robe, with a pine green sweater, and green leggings.
>The man looks positively annoyed for some reason, but he doesn't look
>like he's been shot up.  Either he missed the group that went into the
>woods, or he beat them up *real* easy.

>Somehow, you doubt that second option.

>"Hey, pal.  Something wrong with your bus?"  He seems genuinely
>concerned about your mechanical health, but somehow, you can't help but
>think something's up with him and this freaky weather show.  After all,
>you don't see too many folks out in winter weather with leggings on.

"Uhhhhh, no sir," Hardcore replies from above.  "Bus is just fine.  Just
makin' a pit stop.

"But I can't help noticin' it sure is funny weather yer havin' round here.
Went from tropical to arctic in a few feet and a few seconds.  Don't reckon
I've seen anything like it.  You know anything about it, greenie?  I assume
yer from around these parts..."

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning... (Reaper)
Date:    Tue, 9 Feb 1999 15:25:11 -0800 (PST)
From:    Michael Joiner <ml_joiner@yahoo.com>

> Okee... you pull the paper out, since there ain't nobody around here, and you 
> read a small article that states that some wacko archaeologist, missing since 
> a dig in Alaska, has been arrested on assault charges against some kook in a 
> funny halloween suit.

"Its always the ones in funny suits," Reaper murmers to himself, "You
could almost say its a 'calling'"

> He's being held in a small town about fifteen miles from here, somewhere 
> called Ice Ridge (oddly enough), in a local lockup.  It also states that he 
> had some book with him, possibly stolen, that the authorities are looking 
> into.

He looks north, shrugs, and gets back on the bike.  He takes off,
getting back on the road north, and looking for this town.

<insert>

When he arrives in Ice Ridge, he drives around for a while - checking
the area out, looking for any sign of the kinds of things that were
happening in the last small town he was in...

OOC:

Rolls

Init: 5 +3 = 8
68, 74, 98, 10

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning... (Reaper)
Date:    Tue, 09 Feb 1999 23:15:56 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

Michael Joiner wrote:

> He looks north, shrugs, and gets back on the bike.  He takes off,
> getting back on the road north, and looking for this town.

You head out on the motorcycle of the Apocalypse, reaching the town in
almost twenty minutes; the roads hereabout are downright treacherous all
of a sudden, so even with that super-cool bike, you've got to go slow.
And then you almost miss Ice Ridge.

It's a small hole in the wall, a with about twenty buildings, one of
which seems to be a combination town hall / courthouse / jail /
hospital; in other words, it's the town building.  The rest of the town
structures consist of a general store, two bars, and some houses.

Oh, and a small hotel.

> When he arrives in Ice Ridge, he drives around for a while - checking
> the area out, looking for any sign of the kinds of things that were
> happening in the last small town he was in...

Nothing seems to be going on yet, though a certain someone's got a day
or so head start on you.  Things seem awfully quiet, here, in fact.  The
wind is blowing a strong snow in, and it's really cold, but other than
that, things seem normal.  If this is, in fact, normal for Ice Ridge.

(?)

Subject: Re: [v13] the PsychoAnimists' Enclave
Date:    Tue, 09 Feb 1999 23:29:29 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

(forwarded from Lady Arakne to the List)

> "Wahhhahahooie!"
> Thump.

> Standing up with extreme indignity, Masque brushes himself off.
> Gathers his robes and stomps off toward the would be photo-journalist.

> Realizing that this place is not exactly as it seems, a fake floor is
> not exactly the stuff of normal churches and whatnot, Masque is , how
> do you say it....not gonna get blindsided like that again.

> "Ahem, ....AHEM!"

> "What exactly are you going to do with that picture?"

> <sho' nuff>

While Silhouette watches on, you catch the weasely little electro-monk
off guard, you manage to render him speechless for a few seconds.  "Um,
er, ah, um.  Well, um.  Ah..."  He stammers for a few seconds more,
before finally collecting himself.

"Well, mister, I'm putting it away for future reference.  The senior
monks like to keep track of people that make fun of us.  Just in case
they're gonna try and do something to us... something bad.  So, if
you'll just get out of my way..."

Meanwhile, Och and Senor Barnett, after hearing the 'scream' Masque made
on his way down, run up to make sure he's all right, when the monks try
to get in their way.  On his way, Och dives to the floor, starting this
roll that scatters the monks like bowling pins.

"Nice move, shorty!"  Senor Barnett, beating Och to the punch (since
he's entangled with monks) runs into that back room, and he, too, falls
into the secret laboratory pit.  "Oh, son of a bit--"  His curse is
broken by his impact, which knocks the air out of him.

He makes an 'ooomph' noise.

Seeing this man fall through after you, the other folks look at you,
Masque, asking "There anybody else with you, chump?"  Och, looking at
the phantom floor, simply tip toes in slowly, and you can see him above,
Masque, running his foot along the edge of the 'real' floor up there.

You still just reclining, Silhouette?

Silhouette was enjoying the chance to further her telepathic abilities,
when she sensed the distress of the trio of males. A soft sigh escaped
her lips as she let the shadows engulf them, in their current locations.
(99 to do this)

She politely thanked the clergy for juice, using sign-language, and
then demurely left the temple.

Once outside, she teleported a few streets away, and then dumped
Och, Bennett and Masque out of the shadows, roughly 8 feet above
the street, so that they would land rather soundly in the dumpster.

She wasn't amused. It didn't matter whose temple, you were
supposed to conduct yourself politely. Even if you disagreed with
the adherants' faith, if you were visiting, proper decorum indicated
that you didn't go blaspheming thier scriptures...

<<What in the Darkdancer's Names did you three think you were
doing in there?>> she practicly shouted to the three of them, <<I
can't believe that you three could be so disrespectful! By all rights,
I should have left you to what ever fates they had in mind for
you...>>

(resps)

<<It's really bad manners to blaspheme in somebody else's temple,
you know. Not only does it make you look like uncivilised, bigoted
agnostics, it's bad for your spiritual wellbeing to be so close
minded.>> she continued, <<Now, I don't know how you humans
are raised, but where I come from, tolerence and openmindedness
are considered signs of an enlightened, educated being. I'm
thoroughly embarassed to be seen with you lot right now....>>

(resp)

<<Now chill out....>> she replied, sinking them into the shadows
again. The petite artiste wanted to let her temper have a chance to
become less.. intense, and let them think about what they'd done...

Subject: Re: [v13] the PsychoAnimists' Enclave
Date:    Tue, 09 Feb 1999 23:31:26 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

Lady Arakne wrote:

> <<What in the Darkdancer's Names did you three think you were
> doing in there?>> she practicly shouted to the three of them, <<I
> can't believe that you three could be so disrespectful! By all rights,
> I should have left you to what ever fates they had in mind for
> you...>>

"Damnit, woman!"  Barnett looks positively peeved.  "Why the hell're you
coming down on us - it's not MY fault that those idiots had a fake floor
in there, and that Masque fell through it.  We just heard him yell out,
possibly from being attacked, so we went to help him out!"

Och looks at you, apparently agreeing with Senor Barnett, oddly enough.
"It's true, Silhouette.  I thought the mage was in serious trouble, what
with the cry he let out.  That's the only reason I did what I did.
Also, I am concerned about this whole photography thing".

"It could come back to haunt us later.  I know enough about sympathetic
magic to fear what they may have in store for our friend."

> <<It's really bad manners to blaspheme in somebody else's temple,
> you know. Not only does it make you look like uncivilised, bigoted
> agnostics, it's bad for your spiritual wellbeing to be so close
> minded.>> she continued, <<Now, I don't know how you humans
> are raised, but where I come from, tolerence and openmindedness
> are considered signs of an enlightened, educated being. I'm
> thoroughly embarassed to be seen with you lot right now....>>

Och again looks at you.  "I had nothing bad to say about the religion of
these folks.  That was the other two, Silhouette.  And for your
reference, I am *not* human..."  Barnett merely 'harrumphs' at you, as
if apathetic about 'enlightenment' and 'well-being'.

> <<Now chill out....>> she replied, sinking them into the shadows
> again. The petite artiste wanted to let her temper have a chance to
> become less.. intense, and let them think about what they'd done...

"Hey!  Why you --"  Barnett and Och sink into the shadows before they
have a chance to do anything about it.  However, I can't necessarily say
that about Masque.  I dunno if he's going to be containable in his state
- he's already in a mood, you know...

(Chris?)

Subject: Re: [v13] the PsychoAnimists' Enclave
Date:    Wed, 10 Feb 1999 04:40:46 -0600
From:    "Christopher W. Acers" <cwacers@home.com>

Ummm....No.....Is there any way that I can say hey there's this dark crap
surrounding me and I want to get out of the way? If so, then I do.  It ain't exactly something I want happening to me..in other words I am unwilling.

Subject: Re: [v13] Road Trip...
Date:    Wed, 10 Feb 1999 16:00:54 EST
From:    "Peter Chamers" <lil_blk_duck@hotmail.com>

Yet another voice suddenly appears from behind you all.  It's coming
from a rather alluring female, as you see when you turn around in shock
(she snuck up on you guys real good).  "Well well well, lookie what we
have here?"

She's about five foot six, with shimmering emerald hair and eyes, with
an exceptionally tight green latex bodysuit.  "Hm... one army thug, two
gun-toting bimbos, and a freaky-weird ninja.  Looks like we got us some
intruders, boys!!"

What do you all do, youse?

(possible rolls and stuff may be in order, depending on what you all
want to do...)

Ronin unsheathes Thunder Cutter, a look of anger and disgust marring his
face.

"I am -NOT- ninja" he growls.  He just holds his stance, waiting to see
what transpires.

Subject: Re: [v13] Road Trip...
Date:    Wed, 10 Feb 1999 19:00:34 -0600
From:    William Lockwood <albedo1@home.com>

[Initiative 5+2=7, 53 for the 1st attack, 96 damage, 99 2nd attack, 65
damage, 60 for the first dodge, 68, 52, 15 for any other necessary
rolls.]

Jinx had already drawn her guns and tensed at the unexpected voice. She
almost opened fire, too, but by some miraculous chance held back from
snapping.

"Grrrrr...Lady, you have a death wish if you sneak up on armed people
like that. Now do you wanna explain yourself and this freaky weather or
will I be forced to be less than civil with your ass?" she barked out,
obviously agitated.

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning... (Reaper)
Date:    Wed, 10 Feb 1999 18:32:52 -0800 (PST)
From:    Michael Joiner <ml_joiner@yahoo.com>

> Nothing seems to be going on yet, though a certain someone's got a day or so 
> head start on you.  Things seem awfully quiet, here, in fact.  The wind is 
> blowing a strong snow in, and it's really cold, but other than that, things
>  seem normal.  If this is, in fact, normal for Ice Ridge.

Reaper stops the bike, gets off, and walks over towards the
courthouse/jail/town hall.  He walks around the building to the jail
part, and sees if he can sense the presence of either the
archeologist, or more importantly - the book.  If found, he phases,
and walks through the wall into the jail.

<if the archeologist is found>
He walks directly to him, "Hello sir, I don't think we've met."

<If the book is found>
He walks directly to it and examines it.

<If nothing is found/sensed>
He tries to determine which, and how many, cells are occupied, and
making a "calculated guess" he walks through the wall into one.

OOC:

rolls -
Init:  1 +3 = 4
11, 43, 30, 74

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning... (Reaper)
Date:    Thu, 11 Feb 1999 00:13:36 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

> He tries to determine which, and how many, cells are occupied, and
> making a "calculated guess" he walks through the wall into one.

Heh heh heh.  Actually, you find *both* the archaeologist and the book.

(o.o.c.:  since you noted the book as more important, I'll assume you
 went for it first, eh?)

It's in the 'evidence room' of the building, which is basically a simple
closet inside the policemen's (all two of 'em's) office.  It's currently
empty, as the cops have apparently taken off for the night, or are
currently checking something out.

You open the closet and look at the book.

It's a ragged old book, appearing as though it has weathered the ages.
However, it's appearance denies the raw power you can't help but detect
with your awareness; it's a special power, one tied into the earth and
the various elements that compose it.

The title, though illegible at first, has formed itself into English
words that you can easily understand.  It reads 'The Infinitum'.  Also,
you sense a distinct presence within the book, as though it were alive.
It apparently talks, too, for you hear a voice in your head.

"What would you have... of the Infinitum?"

(?)

Subject: Re: [v13] the PsychoAnimists' Enclave
Date:    Thu, 11 Feb 1999 00:27:50 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

Christopher W. Acers wrote:

> Ummm....No.....Is there any way that I can say hey ther's this dark
> crap surrounding me and I want to get out of the way? If so, then I
> do. It ain't exactly something I want happening to me..in other words
> I am unwilling.

> Masque

Hm.

Big Hairy Out Of Character Notice:

Well, though it'd undermine most of Lady A's post, I guess that IS
possible.

For reference, everybody, when pulling a non-targeting attack like an
unwanted teleportation, or the like, usually I give the victim of such
an 'assault' an Endurance FEAT roll to resist the effect.  I didn't
think this'd be an issue, player to player, but here we go.

So, Chris, if you wanted Masque to resist Silhouette's teleportation
effect, you'd need a Red FEAT roll on your Good Endurance to resist her
Red Incredible teleportation, which is -3 CS for the purpose of this
specific 'attack' (she is affecting multiple folks).

Essentially, the defender of an assault wins in the event of a tie.

Also, if you are going to pull a maneuver on a specific player, i really
have to ask that you state so, and do the initiative rolls for me.  I
mean, you may be meaning well even, but if you're affecting them in a
way they may not like, they should get the opportunity to counter.

It's only fair, after all.

All right?  Just trying to prevent any unnecessary tenseness or any such
business.  Not picking on anybody, just clarifying, okee?

Subject: Re: [v13] Road Trip...
Date:    Thu, 11 Feb 1999 00:47:39 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

Andy Hicks wrote:

>> "Hey, pal.  Something wrong with your bus?"  He seems genuinely
>> concerned about your mechanical health, but somehow, you can't help
>> but think something's up with him and this freaky weather show.
>> After all, you don't see too many folks out in winter weather with
>> leggings on.

> "Uhhhhh, no sir," Hardcore replies from above.  "Bus is just fine.
> Just makin' a pit stop. "But I can't help noticin' it sure is funny
> weather yer havin' round here.  Went from tropical to arctic in a few
> feet and a few seconds.  Don't reckon I've seen anything like it.  You
> know anything about it, greenie?  I assume yer from around these
> parts..."

Peter Chambers wrote:

>> Yet another voice suddenly appears from behind you all.  It's coming
>> from a rather alluring female, as you see when you turn around in
>> shock (she snuck up on you guys real good).  "Well well well, lookie
>> what we have here?"

>> She's about five foot six, with shimmering emerald hair and eyes,
>> with an exceptionally tight green latex bodysuit.  "Hm... one army
>> thug, two gun-toting bimbos, and a freaky-weird ninja.  Looks like we
>> got us some intruders, boys!!"

>> What do you all do, youse?

> Ronin unsheathes Thunder Cutter, a look of anger and disgust marring
> his face.

> "I am -NOT- ninja" he growls.  He just holds his stance, waiting to
> see what transpires.

Bil Lockwood wrote:

> Jinx had already drawn her guns and tensed at the unexpected voice.
> She almost opened fire, too, but by some miraculous chance held back
> from snapping.

> "Grrrrr...Lady, you have a death wish if you sneak up on armed people
> like that. Now do you wanna explain yourself and this freaky weather
> or will I be forced to be less than civil with your ass?" she barked
> out, obviously aggitated.

Out on the highway, that fellow in the green outfit looks at you with a
wry grin, and answers most of your questions.  "Well, I am from these
here parts of late, mister, but no, I haven't noticed any odd weather or
anything lately."

"Maybe what happened is one of them Russkie mirrror satellites beamed
down some super-charged sunlight on the area.  I understand them idjits
are working on some silly thing like that.  Read it in the In-Quirer, I
did.  And if it's in there, it must be true!"

Meanwhile, in the woods, Jinx and Ronin seem to have the tacky, green
minded woman covered, when she says "Whoa, whoa, whoa!  Hey, there!  I
don't know where you ass holes come from, but around here, it just ain't
polite to pull guns on a lady in her own yard!"

"That just ain't hospitable, you know!"  While the woman's distracted
with both of you, Jinx, Ronin, you both notice that Hawk's making subtle
motions with his eyebrows.  You're not sure, but you think he's trying
to signal the two other Joes around the other side of the shack.

The woman doesn't attack the two of you yet, though.  She's just looking
you over, like a body would a prime side of beef - checking out every
possible flaw or detail.  However, she's interrupted by a fourth voice,
one you haven't yet heard, that seems to come from all around.

"So.  Entering *my* woods, are you?  You military types are all so damn
predictable.  Even you ... ninjas."  You note that he said that last
word nice and slow, as if he knew it bothered you.  And yes, the voice
you hear is male, if vaguely.

It mostly sounds sort of... planty... if that's possible....

(?)

Subject: Re: [v13] Road Trip...
Date:    Thu, 11 Feb 1999 12:31:39 EST
From:    "Peter Chamers" <lil_blk_duck@hotmail.com>

> It mostly sounds sort of... planty... if that's possible....

Ronin looks around trying to figure out where that voice is coming from.

<<This land is so....weird...>> he thinks to himself. <<Only in America
indeed.>>

Subject: Re: [v13] Road Trip...
Date:    Thu, 11 Feb 1999 21:53:06 -0600
From:    William Lockwood <albedo1@home.com>

[OOC: I hope I get to keep those rolls!]

Jinx just looks around all confused-like.

"Damnit! Stop with the Wizard of Oz shit! Ignore the man behind the
canopy of trees!" she hollers out in an exasperated tone.

Subject: Re: [v13] the PsychoAnimists' Enclave
Date: Thu, 11 Feb 1999 21:06:10 -0700
From: "Lady Arakne" <araknesweb@darkspiral.com>

> <<What in the Darkdancer's Names did you three think you were
> doing in there?>> she practicly shouted to the three of them, <<I
> can't believe that you three could be so disrespectful! By all rights,
> I should have left you to what ever fates they had in mind for
> you...>>

"Damnit, woman!"  Barnett looks positively peeved.  "Why the hell're you
coming down on us - it's not MY fault that those idiots had a fake floor
in there, and that Masque fell through it.  We just heard him yell out,
possibly from being attacked, so we went to help him out!"

<<So you say...>> she shot back.

Och looks at you, apparently agreeing with Senor Barnett, oddly enough.
"It's true, Silhouette.  I thought the mage was in serious trouble, what
with the cry he let out.  That's the only reason I did what I did.
Also, I am concerned about this whole photography thing".

Sil appeared a bit molified by Och's reasoning. She rolled her eyes,
<<Very well. That mage is more trouble than he's worth...>>

"It could come back to haunt us later.  I know enough about sympathetic
magic to fear what they may have in store for our friend."

> <<It's really bad manners to blaspheme in somebody else's temple,
> you know. Not only does it make you look like uncivilised, bigoted
> agnostics, it's bad for your spiritual wellbeing to be so close
> minded.>> she continued, <<Now, I don't know how you humans
> are raised, but where I come from, tolerence and openmindedness
> are considered signs of an enlightened, educated being. I'm
> thoroughly embarassed to be seen with you lot right now....>>

Och again looks at you.  "I had nothing bad to say about the religion of
these folks.  That was the other two, Silhouette.  And for your
reference, I am *not* human..."  Barnett merely 'harrumphs' at you, as
if apathetic about 'enlightenment' and 'well-being'.

> <<Now chill out....>> she replied, sinking them into the shadows
> again. The petite artiste wanted to let her temper have a chance to
> become less.. intense, and let them think about what they'd done...

"Hey!  Why you --"  Barnett and Och sink into the shadows before they
have a chance to do anything about it.  However, I can't necessarily say
that about Masque.  I dunno if he's going to be containable in his state
- he's already in a mood, you know...

She let the men sink into the shadows, and then selectively
released Och, <<Sorry about the human comment, Och. I'm just
annoyed at those other two... And Col'd tell you that I've got
something of a temper. I've been under some stress at work, but
that is still no excuse to insult those who are non human. Now,
shall we see what we can do to find out what's going on around
here?>>

(resp)

Subject: Re: [v13] the PsychoAnimists' Enclave
Date:    Fri, 12 Feb 1999 03:24:25 -0600
From:    "Christopher W. Acers" <cwacers@home.com>

>> <<What in the Darkdancer's Names did you three think you were
>> doing in there?>> she practicly shouted to the three of them, <<I
>> can't believe that you three could be so disrespectful! By all rights,
>> I should have left you to what ever fates they had in mind for
>  you...>>

Masque just looks at Sil with that 'If I ever started eating talking
things it'd start with you look'...trying to grasp what just happened
and making sure it ain't a dream. Masque is getitn ready to say
somehting when interrupted by Barnett, which was probably a good thing
because everyone knows that the mouth is always quicker than the mind.

> "Damnit, woman!"  Barnett looks positively peeved.  "Why the hell're you
> coming down on us - it's not MY fault that those idiots had a fake floor
> in there, and that Masque fell through it.  We just heard him yell out,
> possibly from being attacked, so we went to help him out!"

> Och looks at you, apparently agreeing with Senor Barnett, oddly enough.
> "It's true, Silhouette.  I thought the mage was in serious trouble, what
> with the cry he let out.  That's the only reason I did what I did.
> Also, I am concerned about this whole photography thing".

> "It could come back to haunt us later.  I know enough about sympathetic
> magic to fear what they may have in store for our friend."

Masque, twitching, shakes his head and points to Och, as if agreeing
with him.

>> <<It's really bad manners to blaspheme in somebody else's temple,
>> you know. Not only does it make you look like uncivilised, bigoted
>> agnostics, it's bad for your spiritual wellbeing to be so close
>> minded.>> she continued, <<Now, I don't know how you humans
>> are raised, but where I come from, tolerence and openmindedness
>> are considered signs of an enlightened, educated being. I'm
>> thoroughly embarassed to be seen with you lot right now....>>

Masque erupts.

"Lady....you have a problem.  I do not even want to hear about rudeness from you considering what you just did.  Ever hear of asking?  With that neat little mind speak trick you have you could have asked me what was going on...but no you were too busy sitting on yer arse conversing with the ....machines...  Educated being huh? have you ever heard of Voodoo...let me spell that out for you, S-Y-M-P-A-T-H-E-T-I-C M-A-G-I-C.  Did you get that?  Do you have any idea what that means... Bigoted agnostics?  Lady, I am most definitely not an agnostic.  I believe in all kinds of Gods, especially the ones that give me stuff, but what was going on in there was not the worship of any sort of god or the supernatural...open yer eyes a bit.  I may be a bit...eccentric but I ain't stupid.  And as for that little shadow trick of yours....don't do it again, I already told you what I thought about that.  I can do that too"

>> <<Now chill out....>> she replied, sinking them into the shadows
>> again. The petite artiste wanted to let her temper have a chance to
>> become less.. intense, and let them think about what they'd done...

With a look of disbelief Masque conjurs up the Mists of Hoggoth and vanishes into them pulling Barnett along with him,(because Sil already pulled Och out)
and reappearing into the room with the Enclave guy who took my picture.

"Oh Hello there, where were we? Oh thats right, my picture."  Masque invokes the Hoary Hosts of Hoggoth and Banishes the picture right into his pocket.

Rolling a 52 (a green result) and if I am correct, it isn't a thinking object so i got it. (right?)

<word>

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning... (Reaper)
Date:    Fri, 12 Feb 1999 16:37:02 -0800 (PST)
From:    Michael Joiner <ml_joiner@yahoo.com>

> The title, though illegible at first, has formed itself into English words 
> that you can easily understand.  It reads 'The Infinitum'.  Also, you sense a 
> distinct presence within the book, as though it were alive.  It apparently 
> talks, too, for you hear a voice in your head.

> "What would you have... of the Infinitum?"

Reaper tries to think back on all the things he learned growing up,
trying to remember a "Infinitum".

Meanwhile, he looks at the book and says, "I desire Information."

He glances around him to make sure he is still alone.

OOC

Rolls!

init: 9 +3 - 12
68, 89, 08, 88, 51

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning... (Reaper)
Date:    Sun, 14 Feb 1999 06:41:19 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

> Meanwhile, he looks at the book and says, "I desire Information."

> He glances around him to make sure he is still alone.

Nope, nobody there.  So, at least you don't have to feel silly for
talking to an ancient book.  At any rate, the book is silent for a
minute or so, and then it speaks again.  "I, being the sum total of the
Infinitum, am sure that this is so."

"However, the Infinitum, that which is I, does not know what type or
form of information you want, and thus, I cannot exactly answer your
question.  Were you more specific, the Infinitum, that which is the mere
mortal form of the magic that is I, could possibly help you."

(?)

Subject: Re: [v13] Stone Cold Release
Date:    Sun, 14 Feb 1999 06:42:38 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

Charlie Clay Jr. wrote:

> "Just as I thought, stupid is just an Illusionist.  A good one though.
> But, anyone with that much power would try to take over the world for
> themselves not some two-bit hood.  Tammy are you ok?  Do you know of
> anywhere we can dump this slime?  And how the heck do we get home?"
> Stone Cold

"Ungh...," she says.  "Yeah, I'm all right.  But what do you mean, an
illusionist?  We seem to still be in some sort of winter wonderland,
even though he's down for the count.  As far as his power, I think he's
just lacking ambition.  Otherwise, we wouldn't be here."

"Wherever that is."

You notice that, by now, those two farmers have noticed you, and one of
them pulls his gun.  It's a nice, shiny chromish sort of gun, and it's
got an infra-red sight on it.  Even from here, hundreds of yards away,
you hear the whine of the thing powering up.  Wheeeeeeeee!

The gun-toting fellow then bellows your way.  "Gran'xt!  Who'd a thought
any were still on the earth!  For Varaknis!"  He shouts that war cry and
starts running at you, full tilt.  His fellow farmer follows somewhat
slower, looking as though he's not sure exactly who you are.

Or rather, that you're what his friend identified the three of you as.

What'cher gonna do now?

Subject: Re: [v13] the PsychoAnimists' Enclave
Date:    Sun, 14 Feb 1999 07:09:26 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

Lady Arakne wrote:

>>> <<By all rights, I should have left you to what ever fates they had
>>> in mind for you...>>

>> "Damnit, woman!"  Barnett looks positively peeved.  "Why the hell're
>> you coming down on us - it's not MY fault that those idiots had a
>> fake floor in there, and that Masque fell through it.  We just heard
>> him yell out, possibly from being attacked, so we went to help him
>> out!"

> <<So you say...>> she shot back.

>> Och looks at you, apparently agreeing with Senor Barnett, oddly
>> enough. "It's true, Silhouette.  I thought the mage was in serious
>> trouble, what with the cry he let out.  That's the only reason I did
>> what I did. Also, I am concerned about this whole photography thing".

> Sil appeared a bit molified by Och's reasoning. She rolled her eyes,
> <<Very well. That mage is more trouble than he's worth...>>

>> "It could come back to haunt us later.  I know enough about
>> sympathetic magic to fear what they may have in store for our
>> friend."

>>> <<It's really bad manners to blaspheme in somebody else's temple,
>>> you know. Not only does it make you look like uncivilised, bigoted
>>> agnostics, it's bad for your spiritual wellbeing to be so close
>>> minded.>> she continued, <<Now, I don't know how you humans
>>> are raised, but where I come from, tolerence and openmindedness
>>> are considered signs of an enlightened, educated being. I'm
>>> thoroughly embarassed to be seen with you lot right now....>>

>> Och again looks at you.  "I had nothing bad to say about the religion
>> of these folks.  That was the other two, Silhouette.  And for your
>> reference, I am *not* human..."  Barnett merely 'harrumphs' at you,
>> as if apathetic about 'enlightenment' and 'well-being'.

>>> <<Now chill out....>> she replied, sinking them into the shadows
>>> again. The petite artiste wanted to let her temper have a chance to
>>> become less.. intense, and let them think about what they'd done...

> "Hey!  Why you --"  Barnett and Och sink into the shadows before they
> have a chance to do anything about it.  However, I can't necessarily
> say that about Masque.  I dunno if he's going to be containable in his
> state - he's already in a mood, you know...

> She let the men sink into the shadows, and then selectively released
> Och, <<Sorry about the human comment, Och. I'm just annoyed at those
> other two... And Col'd tell you that I've got something of a temper.
> I've been under some stress at work, but that is still no excuse to
> insult those who are non human. Now, shall we see what we can do to
> find out what's going on around here?>>

Chris W. Acers wrote:

>> <<I can't believe that you three could be so disrespectful! By all
>> rights, I should have left you to what ever fates they had in mind
>> for you...>>

> Masque just looks at Sil with that 'If i ever started eating talking
> things it'd start with you look'...trying to grasp what just happened
> and making sure it ain't a dream. Masque is getitn ready to say
> somehting when interrupted by Barnett, which was probably a good thing
> because everyone knows that the mouth is always quicker than the mind.

>> "Damnit, woman!"  Barnett looks positively peeved.  "Why the hell're
>> you coming down on us - it's not MY fault that those idiots had a
>> fake floor in there, and that Masque fell through it.  We just heard
>> him yell out, possibly from being attacked, so we went to help him
>> out!"

>> Och looks at you, apparently agreeing with Senor Barnett, oddly
>> enough.  "It's true, Silhouette.  I thought the mage was in serious
>> trouble, what with the cry he let out.  That's the only reason I did
>> what I did.  Also, I am concerned about this whole photography
>> thing".

>> "It could come back to haunt us later.  I know enough about
>> sympathetic magic to fear what they may have in store for our
>> friend."

> Masque, twitching, shakes his head and points to Och, as if agreeing
> with him.

>> <<It's really bad manners to blaspheme in somebody else's temple,
>> you know. Not only does it make you look like uncivilised, bigoted
>> agnostics, it's bad for your spiritual wellbeing to be so close
>> minded.>> she continued, <<Now, I don't know how you humans
>> are raised, but where I come from, tolerence and openmindedness
>> are considered signs of an enlightened, educated being. I'm
>> thoroughly embarassed to be seen with you lot right now....>>

> Masque erupts.

> "Lady....you have a problem. I do not even want to hear about rudeness
> from you considering what you just did. ever hear of asking? With that
> neat little mind speak trick you have you could have asked me what was
> going on...but no you were too busy sitting on yer arse conversing
> with the ....machines... Educated being huh? have you ever heard of
> Voodoo...let me spell that out for you, S-Y-M-P-A-T-H-E-T-I-C
> M-A-G-I-C.

> Did you get that? Do you have any idea what that means...Bigoted
> agnostics? Lady, i am most definitely not an agnostic. I belive in all
> kinds of Gods, especially the ones that give me stuff, but what was
> going on in there was not the worship of any sort of god or the
> supernatural...open yer eyes a bit. I may be a bit...eccentric but I
> ain't stupid. And as for that little shadow trick of yours....don't do
> it again, I already told you what I thought about that. I can do that
> too"

>> <<Now chill out....>> she replied, sinking them into the shadows
>> again. The petite artiste wanted to let her temper have a chance to
>> become less.. intense, and let them think about what they'd done...

> With a look of disbelief Masque conjurs up the Mists of Hoggoth and
> vanishes into them pulling Barnett along with him,(because Sil already
> pulled Och out) and reappearing into the room with the Enclave guy who
> took my picture.

> "Oh Hello there, where were we? Oh thats right, my picture."
> Masque invokes the Hoary Hosts of Hoggoth and Banishes the picture
> right into his pocket.

> Rolling a 52 (a green result) and if I am correct, it isn't a thinking
> object so i got it. (right?)

Ackg!  Now, let me try'n sort this out... hm.

Okay.  =)

As you escape out of Silhouette's shadowy storage bin, taking Senor
Barnett with you, you land on a shimmering magical path, Masque.  It
leads you from the dark and creepy realm of shadow directly to your
chosen destination - the PsychoAnimists' Enclave secret basement.

Luckily for you, there was no ward against unwanted teleportations.  Of
course, that would've stopped Silhouette from teleporting you all out in
the first place, so that's probably a moot point.  Unless, of course,
the ward was only for folks teleporting *in*.

But anyway.

You appear in the midst of some sort of meeting.  The fellows are
talking about somebody called Mister Inanimate Object, and haven't quite
noticed that you've returned yet.  "But what happened to him," one asks.
"I think those fools beat up his toys and locked him up."

They all spit at this, and that fellow that first addressed you, the one
with the thick accent and tool belt says "Ochhh!"  You think he's
clearing his throat more than addressing your diminutive friend.  "We'll
just have to go GIT it, then, won't we?"

"Anybody know where it is?"

Just then, Masque, you address the crowd and swipe back that picture.
"Oi!"  That man with the tool belt seems right mad at you.  "Giv'us back
Mister Object, or oi'll kill ya!!"  The others surround you in a sort of
circle, though Barnett's got your back.

"Hey, buddy, wouldn't now be a good time to slip out again?!"

Meanwhile, Silhouette, Och seems totally exhausted as he replies to your
apology.  "Don't worry about it, Silhouette.  People just get mad here
and there.  Though I'm not usually grouped in with 'normal' humans..."
He grins at you with that, and continues.

"As far as this 'mystery' is concerned, I no longer care, to tell you
the truth.  I found out everything I care to about these odd people.  If
they were behind that malicious magic amulet, well, Masque has taken
care of it, and we can deal with any other things they've done later."

"And if not, well, then they're just eccentric folks in New York City -
no big thing, from what I've experienced.  What do you think?"  He goes
to sit down on the concrete with that, when a telephone rings inside his
backpack.  "Excuse me for a moment, would you?"

He takes the call, and after about ten seconds, you see his face get
totally rigid.  He finished the sentence with a series of yesses, and
tells the caller that he'll make his way there tomorrow, as soon as he
possibly can.  He then puts his phone away, looking rather concerned.

(?)

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning... (Reaper)
Date:    Mon, 15 Feb 1999 17:47:20 -0800 (PST)
From:    Michael Joiner <ml_joiner@yahoo.com>

> "However, the Infinitum, that which is I, does not know what type or
> form of information you want, and thus, I cannot exactly answer your
> question.  Were you more specific, the Infinitum, that which is the
> mere mortal form of the magic that is I, could possibly help you."

Reaper blinks, "Infinitum, I wish to know what your purpose on this
plane is."  He waits, hoping that some of that occult stuff he always
heard his father say actually means something...

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning... (Reaper)
Date:    Tue, 16 Feb 1999 07:37:54 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

Michael Joiner wrote:

> Reaper blinks, "Infinitum, I wish to know what your purpose on this
> plane is."  He waits, hoping that some of that occult stuff he always
> heard his father say actually means something...

It pauses for a moment, as if collecting its thoughts.  "That which is I
considers this an amusing question, considering the source.  However,
the collection of scribe-works that is the Infinitum will answer.  For
one thing, this book is native to this plane, and needs no purpose."

"This book was manufactured over the eons by various sorcerors and mages
that practiced Geomancy, from far China to southern Ireland.  It has
changed form many times to reflect the proper medium of information
storage; I suppose I will become a laptop soon."

You can't help but note the sarcasm inherent with that last statement.
"Though this book need not do anything, per se, it is nonetheless this
world's greatest store-house of earthly magics, not that you would
understand such things.  For you, in your limited fashion, have no
knowledge of the various magical schools in practice today."

It pauses again, as if waiting for something.

"Would you ask anything else of the Infinitum?"

(?)

Subject: [v13] The peanut gallery
Date:    Tue, 16 Feb 1999 11:36:57 -0600
From:    "Christopher W. Acers" <cwacers@home.com>

> It pauses again, as if waiting for something.
> "Would you ask anything else of the Infinitum?"

Take the book....

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning... (Reaper)
Date:    Tue, 16 Feb 1999 17:44:37 -0800 (PST)
From:    Michael Joiner <ml_joiner@yahoo.com>

> "This book was manufactured over the eons by various sorcerers and mages that 
> practiced Geomancy, from far China to southern Ireland.  It has changed form 
> many times to reflect the proper medium of information storage; I suppose I 
> will become a laptop soon."

Reaper smiles slightly...

> You can't help but note the sarcasm inherent with that last statement.
> "Though this book need not do anything, per se, it is nonetheless this
> world's greatest store-house of earthly magics, not that you would
> understand such things.  For you, in your limited fashion, have no
> knowledge of the various magical schools in practice today."

> It pauses again, as if waiting for something.

> "Would you ask anything else of the Infinitum?"

"Yes, but now is not the time," Reaper says with a puzzled frown, "I'm
curious about what you said 'considering the source', but I'll wait.
For now it would be enough if you would let me take you with me out of
this place.  There is something coming, and I'd just as soon see an
artifact such as yourself kept safe.  Perhaps later you can show me
what you mean by 'schools of magic'."
Reaper picks up the book, tucks it under his arm and looks around the
room for anything else of value.

OOC

"take the book" - hark! is that a voice I hear?  - thanks for the idea
though - I was kinda stuck talking to a rather vague book there!

Rolls:

Init - 6 +3 = 9
49, 55, 68, 93

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning... (Reaper)
Date:    Tue, 16 Feb 1999 20:24:46 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

> Reaper picks up the book, tucks it under his arm and looks around the
> room for anything else of value.

Nope; nothing but the book.  The police must not be to busy hereabouts.

Answering your question, the Infinitum speaks.  "The totality of power
that is the Infinitum cares not where you take it; as long as it remains
on the earth itself, it is okay.  However, he who brought me here may
not be so agreeable, nor the fellows that tried to take it from him."

"If the Infinitum's judgment in such matters is correct, they are
sending several reinforcements to this location as you speak with that
which is I.  However, the Infinitum could be wrong..."  The book shuts
up at that, leaving you to make your choice.

Of course, you have yet to actually see the person that brought the book
here, so you don't know if it'd be a good idea.  But then, he did steal
it in the first place, according to that newspaper you pilfered earlier
today...

Subject: Re: [v13] Road Trip...
Date:    Tue, 16 Feb 1999 20:48:25 -0600
From:    "Andy Hicks" <ahix@mail.utexas.edu>

>Out on the highway, that fellow in the green outfit looks at you with a
>wry grin, and answers most of your questions.  "Well, I am from these
>here parts of late, mister, but no, I haven't noticed any odd weather or
>anything lately."

>"Maybe what happened is one of them Russkie mirrror satellites beamed
>down some super-charged sunlight on the area.  I understand them idjits
>are working on some silly thing like that.  Read it in the In-Quirer, I
>did.  And if it's in there, it must be true!"

Hardcore walks to the edge of the bus looking down on the green guy, noting,
"Now if you didn't notice any funny weather, why the whacked out Russian
satellite talk?  Are ya sure ya haven't noticed anything a little funny
around here?

"I gotta couple of friends that just walked into the woods there, from right
about where you came from, and they haven't made their way back.  That just
doesn't seem right to me.  You have any idea as to what might be holdin' em
up out there?"

(Sorry about not posting, guys.  I guess I lost track of where we were.
I'll try not to hold everybody up again.)

Subject: Re: [v13] Road Trip...
Date:    Tue, 16 Feb 1999 22:20:42 -0600
From:    William Lockwood <albedo1@home.com>

Jinx just stood there shaking her head at the ferny freak.

"This is just too much. The Plantmaster?! Come on! That's really cheezy,
man..." she sputtered trying to keep from busting out into full
laughter.

"But seriously, I'd suggest you let my friends there go or I'll be
forced to aerate your sorry green ass." she sobered up quickly, raising
her guns, trying to keep an eye out for sneak-attacks from the local
foliage.

Subject: Re: [v13] Road Trip...
Date:    Tue, 16 Feb 1999 22:35:01 -0600
From:    "Andy Hicks" <ahix@mail.utexas.edu>

>Below the bus, the Man In Green looks at you in bewilderment, Hardcore.
>"There are?  I mean, friends of yours in the woods?  Hellfire, I didn't
>see nobody when I came outta my shack.  You sure about that?"  He looks
>honestly bewildered, and just a little bit worried, to boot.

>"But no, I ain't seen no funky weather stuff.  That circle in the snow
>seems to say diff'rent, though, don't it?  Hm...  But, I gotsta go.  If
>there's friends of yours in my woods, I've gotta stop 'em!  The place is
>loaded up with bear traps!"

>With that, he runs back into the trees, leaving you to the snow, when
>Rock 'n Rolls looks up at you from the bus.  "Bears, around here?"

"Yeah, I know whatcha mean," Hardcore replies as he climbs down from the top
of the bus.  "If my luck is the same it was yesterday, your boss and the
rest of 'em are probably about to run into some trouble-- if they haven't
already.  Whaddya say we follow Greenie out into the woods and see what he's
up to?"

Hardcore then proceeds to limp after the Man in Green, whether Rock 'n Roll
is coming or not.

(If he loses sight of the MIG, he'll try to find his tracks in the snow.)

Subject: Re: [v13] Road Trip...
Date:    Tue, 16 Feb 1999 22:36:43 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

Andy Hicks wrote:

>> "Maybe what happened is one of them Russkie mirrror satellites beamed
>> down some super-charged sunlight on the area.  I understand them
>> idjits are working on some silly thing like that.  Read it in the
>> In-Quirer, I did.  And if it's in there, it must be true!"

> Hardcore walks to the edge of the bus looking down on the green guy,
> noting, "Now if you didn't notice any funny weather, why the whacked
> out Russian satellite talk?  Are ya sure ya haven't noticed anything a
> little funny around here?

> "I gotta couple of friends that just walked into the woods there, from
> right about where you came from, and they haven't made their way back.
> That just doesn't seem right to me.  You have any idea as to what
> might be holdin' em up out there?"

Bil Lockwood wrote:

> Jinx just looks around all confused-like.

> "Damnit! Stop with the Wizard of Oz shit! Ignore the man behind the
> canopy of trees!" she hollers out in an exasperated tone.

Peter Chambers wrote:

> It mostly sounds sort of... planty... if that's possible....

> Ronin looks around trying to figure out where that voice is coming
> from.

> <<This land is so....weird...>> he thinks to himself. <<Only in
> America indeed.>>

Below the bus, the Man In Green looks at you in bewilderment, Hardcore.
"There are?  I mean, friends of yours in the woods?  Hellfire, I didn't
see nobody when I came outta my shack.  You sure about that?"  He looks
honestly bewildered, and just a little bit worried, to boot.

"But no, I ain't seen no funky weather stuff.  That circle in the snow
seems to say diff'rent, though, don't it?  Hm...  But, I gotsta go.  If
there's friends of yours in my woods, I've gotta stop 'em!  The place is
loaded up with bear traps!"

With that, he runs back into the trees, leaving you to the snow, when
Rock 'n Rolls looks up at you from the bus.  "Bears, around here?"

Meanwhile, in the woods, that mysterious, disembodied, and somewhat
leafy voice laughs at the collective discomfort of you all.  "Ha ha ha!
So the voice of the forest bothers you, does it?  Well, then.  Perhaps I
should make you a little more at ease, eh?"

In front of the cabin, several of those strange, freaky-weird plants
start to move; at first, they just waft, as if in a strong breeze.
Then, their very shape begins to warble, their morphology and topology
shifting and merging until they are a single plant.

It, then, molds itself into a mostly human form, about eight feet tall;
six, really, but it has these gigantic leaves protruding from it's
human-like head, about two feet in each direction around it.  The plant
itself has taken a human shape, though it doesn't look quite human.

Of course, that may be because it's spring green in hue.  The planty
'man' has big black orbs for eyes, and no apparent nose.  Furthermore,
his mouth is about an inch higher than it should be on a human, and his
chin protrudes severely, making him look almost comical.

Except for the bizarre look in his eye, making him seem somewhat insane.

He smiles at you again.  "Hello, and welcome to my happy home.  I...
am... the Plantmaster!  And I don't like people sneaking around in my
back yard..."  Suddenly, you hear screams coming from around the log
cabin, and shortly thereafter, Flash and Grunt come back into view.

They're being dragged, feet first, by large green vines that seem to be
issuing forth from the ground directly in front of this so-called
Plantmaster.  Further, the vines have completely wrapped the two Joes
up, so they cannot defend themselves.

With that, the Plantmaster laughs again.  "Ha ha ha!  Now, just why are
you fellows here?"  You see Hawk was about to shoot the guy, but he
takes his hand off his holster.  Apparently, he doesn't think it'll do
any good.  He is, however, good and mad.

"All right," looking at both Jinx and Ronin, "which one of you is the
freak magnet?"

(?)

Andy Hicks wrote:

> (Sorry about not posting, guys.  I guess I lost track of where we
> were. I'll try not to hold everybody up again.)

Bah, don't worry about it.  You're usually right on these thingies.  =)

Subject: Re: [v13] The great escape!
Date:    Wed, 17 Feb 1999 04:11:47 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

Christopher W. Acers wrote:

> Looking around and seeing that it might not be a good idea to stick
> around, Masque conjurs up those infamous mists and steps on through
> with Barnett and back into the alleyway with Sil and Och.

> Brushing himself off he smiles and says:

> "Oh hello there" muttering stuff, nothing intelligible mind you but
> muttering nonetheless.  He brandishes the picture with another grin
> and says "Now shall we go get something to eat, all that can make a
> man hungry....mmm pancakes"

> <got off my lazy ass and posted>

Lady Arakne wrote:

>> "Excuse me for a moment, would you?"

> She nodded, turning her attentions to 'listening' through the shadows
> again..... <<Of course...>>

> He takes the call, and after about ten seconds, you see his face get
> totally rigid.  He finished the sentence with a series of yesses, and
> tells the caller that he'll make his way there tomorrow, as soon as he
> possibly can.  He then puts his phone away, looking rather concerned.

> <<What's wrong, Och?>> she asked the diminutive man, <<You
> don't look so good right now...>>

Looking at you, Och answers, Silhouette.  "Well, you remember that
fellow I told you about?  The man on my archaeological dig that
disappeared?  Well, the police found him - the Quebec police.  He was
found with the book I was concerned about, in some sort of battle."

"A fight with some as-of-yet unknown folks.  I have to go there first
thing in the morning, though I won't be able to unless I get a good
night's sleep.  So, I hate to ruin such a 'lovely' evening, but I must
depart.  Were you still wanting to help me in this matter?"

(response space)

Just then, Masque appears, flaunting his bounty at both Och and you,
Silhouette.  "I am sorry, Masque, but I can't join you."  He re-explains
the situation to you, and asks you the same question that he asked
Silhouette.  "Did you still wish to investigate this magical book?"

(response space)

"Harrumph, I say," says Senor Barnett.  "You kids go ahead and do
whatever you want, I'm out of here.  I have enough to do investigating
these folks here, now that Silhouette has ruined my first, aggressive
interview with the freaks.  Can't just let them run loose, you know."

"What, you thought I was *just* being rude?  C'mon, I'm a professional!"

(?)

Subject: [v13] The great escape!
Date:    Wed, 17 Feb 1999 05:02:25 -0600
From:    "Christopher W. Acers" <cwacers@home.com>

Looking around and seeing that it might not be a good idea to stick
around, Masque conjurs up those infamous mists and steps on through with
Barnett and back into the alleyway with Sil and Och.

Brushing himself off he smiles and says:
"Oh hello there" muttering stuff, nothing intelligible mind you but muttering nonetheless.  He brandishes the picture with another grin and says "Now shall we go get something to eat, all that can make a man hungry....mmm pancakes"

<got off my lazy ass and posted>

Subject: Re: [v13] Road Trip...
Date:    Wed, 17 Feb 1999 12:19:02 EST
From:    "Peter Chamers" <lil_blk_duck@hotmail.com>

He smiles at you again.  "Hello, and welcome to my happy home.  I...
am... the Plantmaster!  And I don't like people sneaking around in my
back yard..."  Suddenly, you hear screams coming from around the log
cabin, and shortly thereafter, Flash and Grunt come back into view.

They're being dragged, feet first, by large green vines that seem to be
issuing forth from the ground directly in front of this so-called
Plantmaster.  Further, the vines have completely wrapped the two Joes
up, so they cannot defend themselves.

With that, the Plantmaster laughs again.  "Ha ha ha!  Now, just why are
you fellows here?"  You see Hawk was about to shoot the guy, but he
takes his hand off his holster.  Apparently, he doesn't think it'll do
any good.  He is, however, good and mad.

"All right," looking at both Jinx and Ronin, "which one of you is the
freak magnet?"

Ronin shrugs and points at Jinx.  Turning to the Plantmaster he bows
deeply and says, "Forgive us, great Einsaung Nat...had we known that
this domain was under your auspicious protection, we would not have
trespassed.  We crave your sincere mercies, oh benevolent spirt."

Ronin bows a few more times in quick succession.

Subject: Re: [v13] Road Trip...
Date:    Wed, 17 Feb 1999 12:22:38 EST
From:    "Peter Chamers" <lil_blk_duck@hotmail.com>

Jinx just stood there shaking her head at the ferny freak.

"This is just too much. The Plantmaster?! Come on! That's really cheezy,
man..." she sputtered trying to keep from busting out into full laughter.

"But seriously, I'd suggest you let my friends there go or I'll be
forced to aerate your sorry green ass." she sobered up quickly, raising
her guns, trying to keep an eye out for sneak-attacks from
the local foliage.

(I'll assume Ronin did his little apology thing before this..)

Ronin turns towards Jinx angrily.

"Stupid woman!  Have you no respect for the Earth Spirits? You profanity
will be your destruction and ours!"

Turning to the Plantmaster, "Forgive her, kind Spirit...she is ignorant
and unlearned.  Spare her unworthy self and show mercy."

Subject: Re: [v13] Stone Cold Release
Date:    Wed, 17 Feb 1999 09:56:55 PST
From:    "Charlie Clay Jr." <cclayjr@hotmail.com>

I will try this again: With my stone form still in effect I run toward
the one fire the weapon and try to take it from him (roll 75).  While
blasting the other one with cold in order to freeze him in his tracks
(roll 82).

Subject: Re: [v13] The great escape!
Date:    Wed, 17 Feb 1999 14:14:30 -0600
From:    "Christopher W. Acers" <cwacers@home.com>

> Just then, Masque appears, flaunting his bounty at both Och and you,
> Silhouette.  "I am sorry, Masque, but I can't join you."  He re-explains
> the situation to you, and asks you the same question that he asked
> Silhouette.  "Did you still wish to investigate this magical book?"

You swear you could see Masque's eyes glistening and, like a kid in a candy store, clasps his hands together.

"Oh Yes!"

They way he says that, you almost want to double check to see just
exactly where his hands are again.

> "Harrumph, I say," says Senor Barnett.  "You kids go ahead and do
> whatever you want, I'm out of here.  I have enough to do investigating
> these folks here, now that Silhouette has ruined my first, aggressive
> interview with the freaks.  Can't just let them run loose, you know."

> "What, you thought I was *just* being rude?  C'mon, I'm a professional!"

Masque snickers.

<two posts in 24 hours, I am being productive>

Subject: [v13] The peanut gallery
Date:    Wed, 17 Feb 1999 15:02:06 -0600
From:    "Christopher W. Acers" <cwacers@home.com>

Gosh, isn't this just one big happy family!

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning... (Reaper)
Date:    Wed, 17 Feb 1999 14:33:02 -0800 (PST)
From:    Michael Joiner <ml_joiner@yahoo.com>

> Of course, you have yet to actually see the person that brought the book here, 
> so you don't know if it'd be a good idea.  But then, he did steal it in the
> first place, according to that newspaper you pilfered earlier today...

OOC:

Just a bunch o' stealin' fools!

BIC (Back In Character):

Reaper takes off his sweatshirt, "Infinitum, if you would allow me to conceal you in this, we can see about getting both of us out of here before those reinforcements you mentioned show up."  Provided the book agrees, he carefully wraps it in his sweatshirt, tucking the bundle under his arm.  He leaves the room, and  looks for where the "cell-block" is.  He tries to locate the man who initially stole the book, and provided the way is clear for him to go talk to him - he does, but from outside the man's cell - out of reach if the guy tries anything.

<insert>

He approaches the man, "Sir, you do not know me - and as far as I can tell you're not likely to get a chance to.  I do, however, need you to tell me anything you can about that book you had - and do it fast."

>> If the guy is "inaccessable" Reaper leaves the way he came...

OOC:

Roles:

init - 2+3=5
73, 01, 52, 03, 89

(judging from that - lets hope I don't end up walking around with my
fly down and my shoelaces untied!)
;-)

Subject: Re: [v13] Road Trip...
Date:    Thu, 18 Feb 1999 01:14:04 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

Andy Hicks wrote:

>>With that, he runs back into the trees, leaving you to the snow, when
>>Rock 'n Rolls looks up at you from the bus.  "Bears, around here?"

> "Yeah, I know whatcha mean," Hardcore replies as he climbs down from
> the top of the bus.  "If my luck is the same it was yesterday, your
> boss and the rest of 'em are probably about to run into some trouble--
> if they haven't already.  Whaddya say we follow Greenie out into the
> woods and see what he's up to?"

> Hardcore then proceeds to limp after the Man in Green, whether Rock 'n
> Roll is coming or not.

> (If he loses sight of the MIG, he'll try to find his tracks in the snow.)

Peter Chambers wrote:

> "All right," looking at both Jinx and Ronin, "which one of you is the
> freak magnet?"

> Ronin shrugs and points at Jinx.  Turning to the Plantmaster he bows
> deeply and says, "Forgive us, great Einsaung Nat...had we known that
> this domain was under your auspicious protection, we would not have
> trespassed.  We crave your sincere mercies, oh benevolent spirt."

> Ronin bows a few more times in quick succession.

Bil Lockwood wrote:

> Jinx just stood there shaking her head at the ferny freak.

> "This is just too much. The Plantmaster?! Come on! That's really
> cheezy, man..." she sputtered trying to keep from busting out into
> full laughter.

> "But seriously, I'd suggest you let my friends there go or I'll be
> forced to aerate your sorry green ass." she sobered up quickly,
> raising her guns, trying to keep an eye out for sneak-attacks from the
> local folliage.

Peter Chambers wrote:

> Ronin turns towards Jinx angrily.

> "Stupid woman!  Have you no respect for the Earth Spirits?  Your
> profanity  will be your destruction and ours!"

> Turning to the Plantmaster, "Forgive her, kind Spirit...she is
> ignorant and unlearned.  Spare her unworthy self and show mercy."

Out on the highway, you follow the green-clothed man into the woods,
Hardcore, with Rock 'n Roll as backup.  He didn't like leaving the bus,
having been ordered in, but he didn't know what else to do.  However, he
did leave Breaker inside to call for backup, should it be necessary.

"Man, I don't like this," Rock 'n Roll says.  "I got this creepy feeling
inside, you know what I mean?  Weather like this just ain't right, no
way, no how!  Hey, you seen any bear traps yet?  I've been lookin', and
I just ain't seein' any..."

Just then, the two of you come to the edge of a clearing, overlooking an
old log cabin, and you see the freakish assembly standing before the
rest of the group; apparently, the tall, leafy fellow hasn't yet seen or
otherwise noticed you and Rock 'n Roll in here.

The Plantmaster, as he has identified himself, is surrounded by several
green-clad minions.  The one is that fellow that you followed into the
woods.  The second is this striking woman with emerald green hair and
eyes, as well as a deep green, exceptionally tight latex body suit.

The third fellow is a man wearing an outfit just like your road side
friend, Hardcore, though he's got long blond hair, a curly moustache,
and a long frilly goatee, acting as a counterpart to the other fellow's
clean shaven face and wavy brown hair.

The thing that stands out most, of course, is a bound and gagged Grunt
and Flash, held fast to the ground before this so-called Plantmaster,
rendered immobile by long greenish-brown vines growing forth from the
earth itself.

The assembled green-folk seem to be talking to the rest of your group,
who are 'hiding' in the bushes to your right.  You're not sure exactly
what was going on, here, but it seems that Ronin looks mighty angry at
Jinx (go figure).

But then, the Plantmaster himself speaks up.  "Thank you for your
respect, human, though your girlfriend there doesn't seem to share it.
Now, I would kindly ask you all to drop your weapons, as violence is
hardly friendly, and perhaps we can resolve this little problem, eh?"

"Yeah!"  Apparently, the green-haired lady has found her voice again.
"Cause if you don't, we're gonna hurt you - and bad!"

(?)

Subject: Re: [v13] Stone Cold Release
Date:    Thu, 18 Feb 1999 01:24:54 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

Charlie Clay Jr. wrote:

> I will try this again: With my stone form still in effect I run toward
> the one fire the weapon and try to take it from him (roll 75).  While
> blasting the other one with cold in order to freeze him in his tracks
> (roll 82).

> Stone Cold.

Just for reference, man, I never got this post from you.  Sorry about
that, but that would explain the sudden halt in yer thread... =)

At any rate...

You reach the man running towards you, and grapple with him for the gun.
You manage to get your hands on the thing, but can't quite pull it out
of his grasp.  He's a strong fellow, you can tell.  Though you can't get
the thing out of his hands (yet), you do freeze the other fellow.

Dead on.

He stands there stunned, looking at the block of ice that has suddenly
sprung into existence around his feet, and approximately six feet of
ground surrounding him.  "Interesting...," he says.  "Now that's a neat
trick!"

The fellow you're grappling with doesn't seem so open, however, as he's
still refusing to yield the gun.  Until, of course, you see him start to
rise up off the ground.  "Hey, lemme go!  Lemme go!!"  He lets go of the
gun at that, and starts spinning around in a circle.

"Hmmph!"  Tammy walks up from behind you, twirling her right index
finger in a circle, mirroring the motion that the fellow before you is
making in the air.  "Some people are just *so* rude.  Now we've got to
deal with these losers, as well as this Seven Dimensional Jerk."

"Now what?!"

(?)

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning... (Reaper)
Date:    Thu, 18 Feb 1999 01:37:52 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

Michael Joiner wrote:

> BIC (Back In Character):

> Reaper takes off his sweatshirt, "Infinitum, if you would allow me to
> conceal you in this, we can see about getting both of us out of here
> before those reinforcements you mentioned show up.

> Provided the book agrees, he carefully wraps it in his sweatshirt,
> tucking the bundle under his arm.

"The collective magical wisdom that comprises the Infinitum will allow
you to do this.  In fact, that which is I would prefer it, in fact, for
the fellows that are looking for me would simply deny my knowledge to
the world, whether it needed it or not."

> He leaves the room, and  looks for where the "cell-block" is.  He
> tries to locate the man who initially stole the book, and provided the
> way is clear for him to go talk to him - he does, but from outside the
> man's cell - out of reach if the guy tries anything.

You wander about the building, eventually finding the prisoner area.  It
is a mere two celled contraption, looking as though it were built inside
this structure as an after thought; perhaps the old jail had no internal
heating.  Chilly thought, that.

Inside one of the cells, you see a man.  A somewhat tall man, and he
looks to be in exceptionally good shape.  His body, which you can see
through the white spandex suit he's wearing, is rippling with power.
For your reference, he's also wearing brown boots.

There's also a brown pair of gloves, and a brown cape, sitting on a coat
hanger just out of reach of the jail cell.  The man, upon seeing you
enter the jail cell area, looks up at you.  This allows you to make out
more details about him.

He's about six foot tall, with long, brown curly hair, and brown eyes.

He looks rather unhappy with you.  "So, you got the book.  I hope you're
happy.  You sniveling Brethren bastards won't be able to hold it for
long, though!  Either me, or somebody like me, will liberate the book
from your oppresive hands...  You will pay for this!!"

> He approaches the man, "Sir, you do not know me - and as far as I can
> tell you're not likely to get a chance to.  I do, however, need you to
> tell me anything you can about that book you had - and do it fast."

He looks at you, sort of confused for a minute.  "So... you're *not*
with the Society of Illudicated Brethren?"

(?)

> (judging from that - lets hope I don't end up walking around with my
> fly down and my shoelaces untied!)

(trip)

Subject: Re: [v13] Road Trip...
Date:    Thu, 18 Feb 1999 12:29:35 -0600
From:    "Andy Hicks" <ahix@mail.utexas.edu>

>"Yeah!"  Apparently, the green-haired lady has found her voice again.
>"Cause if you don't, we're gonna hurt you - and bad!"

"Hold up, now," Hardcore urges Rock 'n Roll with a whisper, holding his arm
in front of the soldier to make sure he doesn't press on ahead.  "Let's not
give ourselves up if we don't need to.  If they can handle this on their
own, we'll let 'em.  There's no need to let the boss know ya left yer post.
Plus there ain't nothin' like the element of surprise if we need to go in
there 'n mix things up a little.

"Just make sure ya stay outta sight."

Hardcore then ducks behind a tree or some other brush where he can watch the
events unfold unnoticed.

Subject: Re: [v13] Road Trip...
Date:    Thu, 18 Feb 1999 14:02:15 EST
From:    "Peter Chamers" <lil_blk_duck@hotmail.com>

The assembled green-folk seem to be talking to the rest of your group,
who are 'hiding' in the bushes to your right.  You're not sure exactly
what was going on, here, but it seems that Ronin looks mighty angry at
Jinx (go figure).

But then, the Plantmaster himself speaks up.  "Thank you for your
respect, human, though your girlfriend there doesn't seem to share it.
Now, I would kindly ask you all to drop your weapons, as violence is
hardly friendly, and perhaps we can resolve this little problem, eh?"

"Yeah!"  Apparently, the green-haired lady has found her voice again.
"Cause if you don't, we're gonna hurt you - and bad!"

Flashes the green-haired chick a look, but quicky squashes his natural
reaction.  He sheaths Thunder Cutter and bows a few times more to the
Plantmaster.  Still bowed, he gives Jinx a sideways glance.

To the Plantmaster, he replies, "The female is not my woman, Great
Protector....I would not couple with such an ignorant one as she.
She, like others...<glance at the green-haired chick>...do not know
their proper place.  Forgive them, Kind One."

Subject: Re: [v13] Stone Cold Release
Date:    Thu, 18 Feb 1999 13:59:43 PST
From:    "Charlie Clay Jr." <cclayjr@hotmail.com>

I let Tammy take care of the other guy, while I go back and check on
stupid and make sure that he is still out.  While we try to get a grasp
on "where we are and what is going on?"  (So much for the illusion
theory).

Stone Cold.

The e-mail problem: It cool.  I was just wondering what was going on
myself.

Subject: Re: [v13] Road Trip...
Date:    Thu, 18 Feb 1999 20:47:49 -0600
From:    William Lockwood <albedo1@home.com>

Jinx just smirks at the Plantmaster's comment to drop her weapons.

"Hey! I don't drop these guns for nobody! Well, nobody but people who I
shot on accident..." she trailed off, losing some of her fire.

"But ain't shot you yet! And if I do, it won't be on accident! Now if
you let those guys go, I will quietly and calmly holster my guns without
any kind of fight. I might even hold my tongue if you do it nicely..."
she countered his comments.

After hearing Ronin's comments, she glances his way and throws out a
backhanded comment, "Hey, slant eyes, no need to go and call me names. I
didn't fuck with you. The last person with a sword who fucked with me
got perforated for her efforts. Don't make me do that to someone who's
been pretty cool up til now..."

[OOC: Yeah! Natasha is a bitch! (sing it with me!)]

Subject: Re: [v13] Stone Cold Release
Date:    Fri, 19 Feb 1999 01:37:07 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

She slams him into the ground, once he starts squirming around in the
air.  He stops squirming.  Meanwhile, you head over to the fellow frozen
in ice, and he ask you "Can you get rid of this stuff?  I'm not about to
start any trouble, and my feet are numb..."

He does indeed look harmless, and unarmed.  But then, so does Tammy...

Subject: Re: [v13] Road Trip...
Date:    Fri, 19 Feb 1999 02:09:50 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

Peter Chamers wrote:

>> "Yeah!"  Apparently, the green-haired lady has found her voice again.
>> "Cause if you don't, we're gonna hurt you - and bad!"

> Flashes the green-haired chick a look, but quicky squashes his natural
> reaction.  He sheaths Thunder Cutter and bows a few times more to the
> Plantmaster.  Still bowed, he gives Jinx a sideways glance.

> To the Plantmaster, he replies, "The female is not my woman, Great
> Protector....I would not couple with such an ignorant one as she.
> She, like others...<glance at the green-haired chick>...do not know
> their proper place.  Forgive them, Kind One."

Bil Lockwood wrote:

> Jinx just smirks at the Plantmaster's comment to drop her weapons.

> "Hey! I don't drop these guns for nobody! Well, nobody but people who
> I shot on accident..." she trailed off, losing some of her fire.

> "But ain't shot you yet! And if I do, it won't be on accident! Now if
> you let those guys go, I will quietly and calmly holster my guns
> without any kind of fight. I might even hold my tongue if you do it
> nicely..." she countered his comments.

> After hearing Ronin's comments, she glances his way and throws out a
> backhanded comment, "Hey, slant eyes, no need to go and call me names.
> I didn't fuck with you. The last person with a sword who fucked with
> me got perforated for her efforts. Don't make me do that to someone
> who's been pretty cool up til now..."

Andy Hicks wrote:

>> "Yeah!"  Apparently, the green-haired lady has found her voice again.
>> "Cause if you don't, we're gonna hurt you - and bad!"

> "Hold up, now," Hardcore urges Rock 'n Roll with a whisper, holding
> his arm in front of the soldier to make sure he doesn't press on
> ahead.  "Let's not give ourselves up if we don't need to.  If they can
> handle this on their own, we'll let 'em.  There's no need to let the
> boss know ya left yer post.

> Plus there ain't nothin' like the element of surprise if we need to go
> in there 'n mix things up a little.

> "Just make sure ya stay outta sight."

> Hardcore then ducks behind a tree or some other brush where he can
> watch the events unfold unnoticed.

Just outside of everybody's sight, Hardcore, you watch as the situation
quickly degenerates.  Rock 'n Roll listens to you and holds back, though
he seems to be itching to open up a can of firefight.  "Man, that guy's
got my pals!  And here I am, not doin' nuthin!!"

Lisa looks at you, Jinx, and sneers.  "Funny, I don't see any holes in
me, bitch.  And watch your mouth, or I'll decide that you're easier to
deal with dead.  Dead or alive, that reward said.  I don't think Hawk's
plan'll work any worse if you're rotten...."

Meanwhile, the Plantmaster has taken in those comments from the gaggle
of folks in the other bushes, and he laughs.  "So, you presume to tell
*me* what to do, little woman - in *my* domain, no less!  Well, then,
let me show you the error of your ways."

Grunt and Flash begin to sink into the earth, feet first, about an inch
a second.  "Ha ha ha!  Now, you drop your weapons, woman!  If you don't,
these fools will die a slow and painful death, and don't bother shooting
me; your feeble guns cannot destroy me here, in the forest..."

Jinx, you can feel the pressure on you from Hawk's gaze; he doesn't say
anything, but you *know* what he's thinking.  The bound Joes are now
sunk to their ankles.  "All of you - disarm!  I grow bored with your
stubbornness!"  He turns around and heads for the cabin.

Leaving you with his minions.  The two guys seem to be fine, and they
just park it in front of the bushes.  The emerald-haired woman, though,
isn't content to just sit there and watch.  "That's right!  Don't make
us kill you losers.  We will, you know... you're the criminals here."

"This is *our* place!  You can't defy us here!!"

(?)

Subject: Re: [v13] Stone Cold Release
Date:    Fri, 19 Feb 1999 09:34:28 PST
From:    "Charlie Clay Jr." <cclayjr@hotmail.com>

"Sure I'll think about if you can tell me where we are and what is going
on here?"  OCC: Is gumby still out.  Check on him.

Subject: Re: [v13] Stone Cold Release
Date:    Fri, 19 Feb 1999 11:52:08 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

Charlie Clay Jr. wrote:

> "Sure I'll think about if you can tell me where we are and what is
> going on here?"  OCC: Is gumby still out.  Check on him.

Well, the Seven Dimensional Man seems to be unconscious still, for he
ain't moving.  He's still breathing heavy, and seems to be forming
oodles and oodles of bruises all over the place.  Considering the
thrashing you and Tammy gave him, he probably won't get up for a bit.

The fellow on ice, on the other hand, is still conscious, but it don't
look like he will be for long.  He's starting to stutter and such,
shivering like a madman.  "Well-l-l, you're l-l-looking at-t what's
left-t of Varaknis, our mighty Socialist-t emirat-t-te!"

"We were spreading across the eart-t-th, and only th-th-the damn
Granx't-t-t could stop us.  Until the ice st-st-started.  But-t you
should know this... unless you're an alien!!!"  He looks real scared at
that, and tries to shy away from you.

Which is mostly unsuccessful, since he's rooted to the spot...

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning... (Reaper)
Date:    Fri, 19 Feb 1999 13:20:55 -0800 (PST)
From:    Michael Joiner <ml_joiner@yahoo.com>

> "The collective magical wisdom that comprises the Infinitum will allow
> you to do this.  In fact, that which is I would prefer it, in fact, for
> the fellows that are looking for me would simply deny my knowledge to
> the world, whether it needed it or not."

"Me and you both" Reaper says grimly.

> You wander about the building, eventually finding the prisoner area.
> Inside one of the cells, you see a man.  A somewhat tall man, and he
> looks to be in exceptionally good shape.  His body, which you can see
> through the white spandex suit he's wearing, is rippling with power.
> For your reference, he's also wearing brown boots.

> He looks rather unhappy with you.  "So, you got the book.  I hope you're
> happy.  You sniveling Brethren bastards won't be able to hold it for
> long, though!  Either me, or somebody like me, will liberate the book
> from your oppresive hands...  You will pay for this!!"

>> He approaches the man, "Sir, you do not know me - and as far as I can tell
>> you're not likely to get a chance to.  I do, however, need you to tell me 
>> anything you can about that book you had - and do it fast."  He looks at you, 
>> sort of confused for a minute.  "So... you're *not* with the Society of 
>> Illudicated Brethren?"

Reaper blinks (OOC: Roll - 10, oh well...) and can barely contain himself to a couple of stiffled snorts and a tug at the corners of his mouth, "The Society of WHAT!?  Look man, I think you need to be right where you are. All I want is information, if you can't handle that, then I'm outta here."

Reaper also tries to sense if the "Lady in Red" is anywhere near...

OOC:

Rolls
Init - 2 +3 = 5
67, 86, 06, 03

Subject: Re: [v13] The great escape!
Date:    Fri, 19 Feb 1999 15:39:14 -0700
From:    "Lady Arakne" <araknesweb@darkspiral.com>

> <<What's wrong, Och?>> she asked the diminutive man, <<You don't look so good 
> right now...>>

Looking at you, Och answers, Silhouette.  "Well, you remember that
fellow I told you about?  The man on my archaeological dig that
disappeared?  Well, the police found him - the Quebec police.  He was
found with the book I was concerned about, in some sort of battle."

"A fight with some as-of-yet unknown folks.  I have to go there first
thing in the morning, though I won't be able to unless I get a good
night's sleep.  So, I hate to ruin such a 'lovely' evening, but I must
depart.  Were you still wanting to help me in this matter?"

<<Sure, >> she replied, <<The night's still young.... I don't have to
sleep nearly as long as Humans do, so, as long as I make my noon
meeting tomorrow, I'm up for it..>>

Just then, Masque appears, flaunting his bounty at both Och and you,
Silhouette.  "I am sorry, Masque, but I can't join you."  He re-explains
the situation to you, and asks you the same question that he asked
Silhouette.  "Did you still wish to investigate this magical book?"

(response space)

"Harrumph, I say," says Senor Barnett.  "You kids go ahead and do
whatever you want, I'm out of here.  I have enough to do investigating
these folks here, now that Silhouette has ruined my first, aggressive
interview with the freaks.  Can't just let them run loose, you know."

"What, you thought I was *just* being rude?  C'mon, I'm a professional!"

(?)

Subject: Re: [v13] The great escape!
Date:    Fri, 19 Feb 1999 17:40:15 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

Lady Arakne wrote:

>> "A fight with some as-of-yet unknown folks.  I have to go there first
>> thing in the morning, though I won't be able to unless I get a good
>> night's sleep.  So, I hate to ruin such a 'lovely' evening, but I
>> must depart.  Were you still wanting to help me in this matter?"

> <<Sure, >> she replied, <<The night's still young.... I don't have to
> sleep nearly as long as Humans do, so, as long as I make my noon
> meeting tomorrow, I'm up for it..>>

"Christopher W. Acers" wrote:

>> Just then, Masque appears, flaunting his bounty at both Och and you,
>> Silhouette.  "I am sorry, Masque, but I can't join you."  He
>> re-explains the situation to you, and asks you the same question that
>> he asked Silhouette.  "Did you still wish to investigate this magical
>> book?"

> You sware you could see Masque's eyes glistening and, like a kid in a
> candy store, clasps his hands together.

> "Oh Yes!"

> They way he says that, you almost want to double check to see just
> exactly where his hands are again.

>> "Harrumph, I say," says Senor Barnett.  "You kids go ahead and do
>> whatever you want, I'm out of here.  I have enough to do
>> investigating these folks here, now that Silhouette has ruined my
>> first, aggressive interview with the freaks.  Can't just let them run
>> loose, you know."

>> "What, you thought I was *just* being rude?  C'mon, I'm a
>> professional!"

> Masque snickers.

> <two posts in 24 hours, I am being productive>

Riiiight.  But anyway.

Och looks at the both of you, and smiles.  "I really appreciate this.
But don't worry, Silhouette, I will wait for your noon appointment
before setting out, then.  Here is my address."  Och then hands both of
you cards, with his address and phone number printed on each.

When you are all ready, call me or meet me here tomorrow.  I will
arrange for plane tickets - sorry to make you both take the long way,
what with your vast teleportational abilities, but I think this best.
If what I fear is true, your powers won't get us near Ice Ridge anyway."

"Trust me."

"But, I need to get some sleep, and prepare for the trouble that awaits
us.  I will see you tomorrow, then?"

(response space)

Och then sets out for his home, which isn't really that far from here.
As you may recall, that was why Senor Barnett had so much trouble with
his inanimate objects in the first place - the proximity of Och's abode
to the PsychoAnimists' Enclave...

                                   ****

Well, that's it for the two of youse's first adventure.  The both of you
received 200 Karma points for this tale; each of you dealt with several
of them vampire thingies, as well as Mister Inanimate Object and his
head vampire toady.  And there's the role-playing award in there, too.

But, I'll take in your responses to this last post, and prepare for the
next adventure.  Well, I know what's going to happen to you, but I just
need to make some things fine-tuned.  I'll get back to you and get
started as soon as I hear from the both of you, okay?

And, if you're doing anything in the meantime between now and noon
tomorrow (game time, that is), feel free to detail that in your next
post.  That way, we can get a jump on the action, no?  Well, see you two
in a bit!

Subject: Re: [v13] Road Trip...
Date:    Fri, 19 Feb 1999 18:01:42 -0600
From:    William Lockwood <albedo1@home.com>

Jinx just stared at the sinking Joes for a moment, a very short moment,
before tossing her guns to the ground at her feet.

"You, my leafy friend, are on MY LIST!" she stated, pointing at him as
menacingly as she could without her firepower.

"Now let those guys go. What the hell are they going to do to someone
obviously as powerful as you? Oh wait, they could use some roughage in
their diet, I suppose! Watch out! They've got salad tongs under all that
camoflage!" she taunted as best she could under the circumstances.

"Hey, and look miss cyber bitch, you did have holes in you, but you did
some self-repair techno crap and got better. And a good thing, too. I'd
prefer to have you vent your spleen on these botanical bozos rather than
my ass." she tossed over her shoulder at Lisa.

Subject: Re: [v13] A beginning... (Reaper)
Date:    Fri, 19 Feb 1999 22:49:05 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

> Reaper also tries to sense if the "Lady in Red" is anywhere near...

He stands up, looking at you with indignation.  "Very well!  Believe
what you wish, but the Brethren are looking for that book, and they want
it badly!  If you don't take them seriously, you're even more stupid
than you look!!"

"And if you don't know what the Infinitum is, you *are* more stupid.
It's the greatest source of Geomantic magic on the earth.  *The* single
largest accumulation of magical writings, philosophy, and spells one can
cram into a mere book - abouth earth magic, at least."

"That's why the Brethren want it so badly!  They want to hide it's
knowledge from the people of the earth!  But I cannot let them!!   I
*will* not let them!  For I am Halby Athabaska... the Magician!"  With
that, the so-called Magician starts doing things.

Things with his fingers, moving them in interesting and eye-watering
ways, causing them to move around, through, and in-between each other in
ways that should be impossible, or at the very least, illegal.  A second
or two later, the bars seem to be heating up.

Unless they're supposed to glow red like that.

While you're looking at this, you don't seem to spot your blood-haired
friend anywhwere nearby, though if you're guessing right, she'll be here
soon enough.  Especially since conflict is manifesting right here, in
front of you.

Halby, the 'Magician', says unto thee:  "Give me the book."

(?)

Subject: Re: [v13] Road Trip...
Date:    Sat, 20 Feb 1999 05:25:14 EST
From:    "Peter Chamers" <lil_blk_duck@hotmail.com>

Ronin shook his head disapprovingly?  Why had Fate sent him to such a
weird place amongst such strange and illogical people?  Was this a sign
that his quest was in vein?  He sighed to himself.  Now was not the time
for such thoughts....now was the time for battle.

Ronin continues to play "nice" as he watches for his opening.

>"Now let those guys go. What the hell are they going to do to someone
>obviously as powerful as you? Oh wait, they could use some roughage >in
their diet, I suppose! Watch out! They've got salad tongs under >all
that camouflage!" she taunted as best she could under the >circumstances.

>"Hey, and look miss cyber bitch, you did have holes in you, but you
>did some self-repair techno crap and got better. And a good thing,
>too. I'd prefer to have you vent your spleen on these botanical bozos
>rather than my ass." she tossed over her shoulder at Lisa.

Ronin frowns at Jinx.  "Does your tongue never grow weary? And how black
and sullied your ears must be from listening to such profane language
day after day.  Has no one taught you to speak with reverence?"

Ronin thought to himself, <<Yes...perhaps they will assume that we are
enemies and let their guard down.  Then....then we will strike.>>

Subject: Re: [v13] Road Trip...
Date:    Sat, 20 Feb 1999 15:00:49 -0600
From:    William Lockwood <albedo1@home.com>

Jinx just grumbled under her breath at Ronin's words...

"Hey, man, I dropped my guns! What more do you want?! And no, I don't
ever expect to kiss my mom with this mouth. I never said I was miss
congeniality, did I?!" she blurted out, trying to keep focused on the
matter at hand.

"So, Mr. Plantmaster, are you going to release those guys yet? Oh wait!
I should be more polite and obsequious, right? O' Mighty Green and Leafy
Plantmaster, please release these unworthy trespassers and let this most
rude and ungracious worm of a woman escape with her life!" she beseeched
as best she could, more than a hint of her disgust leaking through the
thin veneer.

[Whoo! Hey, that's the point! Everyone hates Jinx! *grin*]

Subject: Re: [v13] The great escape!
Date:    Sat, 20 Feb 1999 16:49:22 -0700
From:    "Lady Arakne" <araknesweb@darkspiral.com>

Och looks at the both of you, and smiles.  "I really appreciate this.
But don't worry, Silhouette, I will wait for your noon appointment
before setting out, then.  Here is my address."  Och then hands both of
you cards, with his address and phone number printed on each.

When you are all ready, call me or meet me here tomorrow.  I will
arrange for plane tickets - sorry to make you both take the long way,
what with your vast teleportational abilities, but I think this best.
If what I fear is true, your powers won't get us near Ice Ridge anyway."

"Trust me."

"But, I need to get some sleep, and prepare for the trouble that awaits
us.  I will see you tomorrow, then?"

Sil nodded, <<As do I, as I'm goign to be up early to get that
meeting rolling adn make plans to take some 'vaccation' for a short
spell....>>

Och then sets out for his home, which isn't really that far from here.
As you may recall, that was why Senor Barnett had so much trouble with
his inanimate objects in the first place - the proximity of Och's abode
to the PsychoAnimists' Enclave...

The telepath then turned to Masque, <<And what's in this for you,
mage?>>

(resp)

tbc..

Subject: [v13] wrap me up babycakes!
Date:    Sat, 20 Feb 1999 19:44:41 -0600
From:    "Christopher W. Acers" <cwacers@home.com>

Masque goes and gets pancakes!

Subject: Re: [v13] The great escape!
Date:    Sun, 21 Feb 1999 00:54:47 -0600
From:    "Christopher W. Acers" <cwacers@home.com>

> The telepath then turned to Masque, <<And what's in this for you,
> mage?>>

Masque just smiles and you might be able to see a candle burn above his
head.  That being because it might not be a very good idea he has.

"Would you care to join me for some Pancakes?"

<muhahaha>

Subject: [v13] Oh, Canada....
Date:    Sun, 21 Feb 1999 03:29:18 -0600
From:    Firebomb <firebomb@darkspiral.com>

Lady Arakne wrote:

>> "I will see you tomorrow, then?"

> Sil nodded, <<As do I, as I'm going to be up early to get that
> meeting rolling and make plans to take some 'vacation' for a short
> spell....>>

> Och then sets out for his home, which isn't really that far from here.
> As you may recall, that was why Senor Barnett had so much trouble with
> his inanimate objects in the first place - the proximity of Och's
> abode to the PsychoAnimists' Enclave...

> The telepath then turned to Masque, <<And what's in this for you, mage?>>

Chris W. Acers wrote:

>> The telepath then turned to Masque, <<And what's in this for you, mage?>>

> Masque just smiles and you might be able to see a candle burn above his head.

> That being because it might not be a very good idea he has.

> "Would you care to join me for some Pancakes?"

> <muhahaha>

Chris W. Acers wrote:

> Masque goes and gets pancakes

Okay, then, so the three heroes wander off into the New York City night,
each either to sleep, eat pancakes, or do whatever.  Come Noon, Och has
put himself and his travel gear together, so he's ready to go.  You show
up at about Noon, Masque, though a bit late.

"You're a bit late," Och says as you arrive.  "Those pancakes weigh you
down last night?"  He smiles and invites you in.  It's a rather bizarre
apartment he's got, not at all filled with what you'd call Dwarvish
decorations.  The hyper-expensive stereo stands out, for instance.

You see 'Sony' all over the individual components.  Further, he's got
the place wired for computers, having three or four of them set up in
the living room, and lots of other high tech doo-dads laying all over
the place.  Though the couch seems free of them, at least.

"Can I get you anything, Masque?"

(?)

(Out Of Character:  At this point, it's prob'ly good to state if you
both were up to anything before the noon deadline - I thought you said
you had something in mind, Arakne, so I thought I'd say this now.
That's why I didn't mention you yet, okee?)

(If not, feel free to 'show up' and we'll go from there!)

Subject: [v13] I bet we're going to Canada.
Date:    Sun, 21 Feb 1999 15:17:09 -0600
From:    "Christopher W. Acers" <cwacers@home.com>

> You see 'Sony' all over the individual components.  Further, he's got
> the place wired for computers, having three or four of them set up in
> the living room, and lots of other high tech doo-dads laying all over
> the place.  Though the couch seems free of them, at least.

> "Can I get you anything, Masque?"

MAsque slowly takes in the surroundings, shakes his head and sits down
on the couch, making an obvious effort not to allow his robes touch any
of the....ptooie...technology.

He says with a frown and a the taint of disgust:

"I see you have 'adapted' to this mad world quite well."

And with amazing recovery, almost unnoticeable, he says:

"But all that aside, Do you have Chocolate Milk and there's never enough
pancakes... MMMM blueberry , chocolate chips....mmmmmmmm"

You almost think he could be two different people.

<yer taunting me....damn you>

Subject: Re: [v13] Road Trip...
Date:    Mon, 22 Feb 1999 13:01:00 -0600
From:    "Andy Hicks" <ahix@mail.utexas.edu>

>Jinx just grumbled under her breath at Ronin's words...

>"Hey, man, I dropped my guns! What more do you want?! And no, I don't
>ever expect to kiss my mom with this mouth. I never said I was miss
>congeniality, did I?!" she blurted out, trying to keep focused on the
>matter at hand.

>"So, Mr. Plantmaster, are you going to release those guys yet? Oh wait!
>I should be more polite and obsequious, right? O' Mighty Green and Leafy
>Plantmaster, please release these unworthy trespassers and let this most
>rude and ungracious worm of a woman escape with her life!" she beseeched
>as best she could, more than a hint of her disgust leaking through the
>thin veneer.

"Dumb broad," Hardcore thinks to himself, still watching the area
attentively, waiting for someone to make a move.  "That asian fella had
better not beat me to the punch.  I owe her a whippin'."

???
