<OOC> Mindwave says, "I was starting to read
the book the Librarian got for me, on the history of this place"
<OOC> Empress says, "Ok, is there anything
specific that you're looking for or just reading?"
<OOC> Mindwave says, "beginning of the book
is where I would start, earliest recorded history..."
<OOC> Empress says, "OK... it's long, going
to take you a long time to read the whole thing..."
<OOC> Mindwave says, "I was planning on skimming
through it"
<OOC> Empress says, "OK, you can do that.
You can also keep the book."
<OOC> Empress says, "Bruno, what are you doing?"
Bruno smiles brightly, and looks up, "Oh! Perchance would you have a
map? I keep on losing myself in here... and the directions we got
when we left Gor are hardly reliable..."
The old Librarian, without so much as a word, moves off and returns
a few moments later with a map of the complex
Bruno nods, "My thanks good sir..." He nudges Mindwave, "Hey...
you never see anything this big back in Gor do you?" He gives her
time to peruse the map and try to figure out where we should go..."
He stuides it intently.
<OOC> Empress asks Mindwave, "So you weren't looking for anything specific then in the history?"
Mindwave looks up from the book she was reading and peers at the map.
<OOC> Mindwave says, "Early stuff, and then
skip ahead to latest history."
<OOC> Empress says to Mindwave, "OK. Just
a quick summary, the history looks normal enough, but really doesn't have
any bearing on what /really/ happened. It's entirely fabricated,
as far as you can tell, but very consistent with itself."
Mindwave whispers to Bruno, "This history book contains fabricated history...
it is of little value, I believe... if we can, let's take the map and leave
this place."
The map is basically a map of the complex you're in, as that's what
was requested. The thing is laid out like a large castle surrounded
by a good-sized city. As far as you can tell, you arrived in the
complex actually in the middle of the castle.
Bruno huhs and nods. He studies the map and hmmmms... what would
translate as the main processors on this map? What would be a weak point?"
<OOC> Empress says, "Roll computer programing, Bruno"
Bruno rolls 3 dice and gets: 2 4 1
Body: 2
Stun: 7
<OOC> Empress says, "OK, from what you've found
already, the people around you are actually the processors. The weak point
would be to find out who is assigning 'thinking projects' and subvert them
or figure out a way to trick them or whatever."
<OOC> Empress says, "Also, you figure that
this 'land' is probably the complex that you're physically in... it appears
that each column is a castle or territory or whatever."
Bruno ahhhs and nods as he studies it for a moment. "Hmmm, fascinating..."
He studies for a long moment...
Mindwave sets down the book she was reading, and closes it. "Did you
find something interesting?"
Bruno nods, "I think I might have at that..."
Mindwave says, "Then let us leave this place..."
Bruno nods and starts following the map. "Look for the Herald...."
Mindwave turns to the librarian, "Sir, may we have this map?"
The Librarian ignores Mindwave's request to keep the map, and simply
goes about his business... he doesn't appear to care either way.
Mindwave motions to Bruno to leave, and heads for the door.
Bruno nods and taptaps his forehead, nodding towards Mindwave as he
heads for the exit.
<OOC> Empress says, "OK, you guys are outside
the room. What's next?"
<OOC> Mindwave says, "I would say we should
get out of here, we have a clue, let us see what we can make of it back
at Silas' HQ"
Bruno shrugs, "So what's the plan, boss?"
Mindwave says, "We should depart, and return to Silas' HQ. We have
a clue in our hands...."
<OOC> Bruno says, "Theoretically I should just
be able to hit the "off" button and we'd be back in the real world, right?"
<OOC> Mindwave says, "don't we have to get
back to where we came in?"
<OOC> Bruno says, "I don't know...but it's
just like an internet connection, more or less, we aren't actually "in"
the system, we're jsut percieving ourselves in the system."
<OOC> Empress says, "Yes, technically you
could just hit the 'off' button, but it would be disorienting at the very
least, possibly traumatic... theoretically speaking"
<OOC> Bruno says, "Okay...have to keep that
in ind, head back to the exit then..."
<OOC> Empress says, "You have a telepathic
link to the system, don't forget"
Cutaway: Mindwave and Bruno exit the library and begin down the hall. The camera pulls back slightly to show a dark, cloaked figure hiding in the shadows and watching the two silently. The figure taps his lips thoughtfully, then disappears completely into the shadow.
Mindwave says, "Let's try to get back to the place where we came in..."
You head off down the corridor back toward the nexus point where you
entered. There is still nobody around.
Mindwave says, "I wonder what will happen to the map when we leave..."
Bruno grins, "It's already saved in the widget, no worries."
Mindwave smiles, "Excellent..."
The two of you step through the glowing portal and are wisked back
to the gateway that you entered this virtual world through. When you arrive,
you are not there alone...
Sitting in the middle of the gateway, next to a small camp fire, is
a man that can only be described as a woodsman or ranger. Lying off to
the side of the gateway, apparently quite dead, is the beast that the guards
let loose, several arrows are visible piercing its hide. The figure stands
up and takes up his bow as you arrive, saying, "Who goes there?"
Mindwave seems startled for a moment at the site before her, then calmly
says, "Simple travellers."
Bruno looks around, frowning, then composes his face. "Just travellers,
headed home, Sir."
Mindwave says, "Though we thank you for slaying this terrible beast..."
The man says, "Simple travellers? I doubt that. I know
these lands better than anyone... you've created this gate, which means
that you're not one of us. I slew the beast because I wanted to know
who you are and what you're doing here, and the beast was calling for guards."
Mindwave says, "And if we are not one of you...?"
The man simply answers, "That would depend on who you really are."
He then says, "So I ask again, who goes there?"
Bruno doesn't know the truth, and figures we're boned if we botch this.
He glances Mindwave then back at him. "We are as we say... travellers,
maybe not so simple as we appear... but travellers nonetheless... explorers
of sorts, I guess."
Mindwave says, "We are travellers, but from a faraway land."
The man nods slightly and says, "What is your purpose in being here?"
Mindwave says, "To learn about this place..."
He asks, "Did you find out what you wanted to know?"
Mindwave says, "Time will tell.... now, stranger, who are you?"
Bruno nods, "Mmm... in part. It was quite educational..."
He says, "My name is Gunther. I'm the keeper of this land."
Mindwave says, "I thank you Gunther, for slaying the beast. My
name is Riah, and my companion's name is Torgo."
Gunther nods to both of you and says, "Well met, then." He glances
out the gate for a moment, then says, "If you are explorers, then you will
be interested in knowing that not all is as it seems. I cannot tell
you exactly what it is, but there are things that just are not right.
You would be well advised to leave this land and not return."
Gunther says, "It is something in the castles of the land. This
is why I live out here. Some day I will find out exactly what is
wrong, until then, I have decided it's best to avoid the castles and cities."
Bruno nods, "In fact we are departing soon now... but we shall have
to return. It is our duty... the... master... would not.... approve."
he coughs and his voice goes back to normal, "I hate when that happens."
Gunther tips his head slightly, then asks, "Who is your master?"
Mindwave winces again.
Gunther also offers Bruno a wineskin, saying, "Here, drink this, this
will help your voice."
Mindwave says, "We thank you Gunther... perhaps one day we shall meet
again."
Bruno nods and takes a slow sip. "Heh... I have spoken too much I'm
afraid... It has been a pleasure meeting you Gunther."
Mindwave says, "Tell me Gunther, why did you not want the guards to
come?"
Gunther nods to both of you, saying, "Remember what I said. You
would be ill advised to return."
Gunther answers Mindwave, "As I said, I wanted to know who it was who
created this gate in the middle of nowhere."
Gunther adds, "And truth be told, I don't have any love for the king's
guards."
Mindwave smiles, "Neither do we... have you ever met the king?"
Gunther shakes his head, "I've seen the King of the realm, but I've
never met him."
Mindwave nods, "I see... well, my companion and I must leave now.
Thank you, Gunther, and take care."
Gunther nods and says, "Safe journey to both of you."
Gunther takes a couple of steps back from you both and then you pass
out of this virtual world, and slowly your eyes focus again in the real
world. You're back in the maintenance room, Brenna is still there,
keeping a careful eye on things.
Mindwave shakes her head, "Brenna, how long were we gone?"
Brenna seems a bit surprised, saying, "Only for about a minute or so...
did you run into trouble?"
Bruno says, "Not really, in fact we may have made an ally of sorts."
Mindwave says, "Perhaps... perhaps not. Doctor, do you still
have "the map?""
Bruno holds up the widget, "Right here, m'lady."
Brenna asks, "What map?'
Mindwave says, "We will fill you in later, Brenna. For now, I
think it is best that we depart."
Bruno says, "Schematics, of a sort, of the system... we need to translate
and interpret them, though."
Brenna nods and says, "Agreed. We've already overstayed our welcome
in this place."
Mindwave says, "Fine, let's go."
You exit the column with no problem, and return to where Silas an his
men are hiding out. Silas greets you and asks, "Find anything?"
Mindwave says, "A clue, we hope... we will need time to analyze it.
It was an interesting experience. We were in a virtual world, with
medieval settings... I assume that is how your people "live" inside the
computer."
The clanking of metal feet interrupts any further conversation.
A quick look shows several combat droids marching toward the column and
your general position. Silas frowns and says, "Great... looks like
it's time to leave."
Mindwave says, "Agreed..."
Silas signals his men to begin retreating. It doesn't appear
that the droids have detected you yet.
A couple of Silas' men stay behind to guard your retreat, and create
a diversion if necessary. The rest of you slip along the 'streets'
back toward the relative safety of the Preserves...
<OOC> Empress says, "Roll Steath, people"
<OOC> Empress says, "If you don't specifically
have it as a skill, you have it as an 'everyman' skill at 8-"
<OOC> Mindwave says, "I don't think I have
Stealth..."
Mindwave rolls 3 dice and gets: 4 3 6
Body: 4
Stun: 13
<OOC> Mindwave says, "yikes"
<OOC> Empress says, "Bruno?"
<OOC> Bruno says, "Checking my sheet..."
<OOC> Empress says, "Ok"
Bruno rolls 3 dice and gets: 4 6 6
Body: 5
Stun: 16
<OOC> Empress winces...
<OOC> Bruno says, "I don't have the skill
either. x.x"
You're retreating out of the city, moving along fairly well. But as you round a corner, you find yourselves face to face with one of the battle droids...
<OOC> Empress says, "Either of you have a dex higher than 25?"
Mindwave looks up at the droid and says, "Oh drat"
<OOC> Mindwave says, "do I use EGO for using
mind powers?"
<OOC> Empress says, "Yes, but these droids
don't have minds"
<OOC> Mindwave says, "I was going to use TK"
<OOC> Empress says, "And TK, if that's what
you're planing, is not an Ego power, unless you bought it that way"
<OOC> Empress says, "TK is based on DEX"
<OOC> Mindwave says, "it is under my multipower"
<OOC> Empress says, "I know that, but it's
based on dex unless you buy it with an advantage that makes it based on
Ego"
<OOC> Mindwave says, "ok"
<OOC> Empress says, "Sorry charlie :)"
<OOC> Mindwave says, "nope, DEX is only 20"
<OOC> Empress says, "Bruno, what's your dex?"
<OOC> Empress says, "Fortunately for you both,
Cheshire Cat DOES have a higher Dex than 25, I think his is 26"
<OOC> Empress says, "If I remember right :)"
<OOC> Mindwave says, "26, actually"
<OOC> Empress says, "OK, so CC is first"
<OOC> Bruno says, "18 :) Ack. :)"
<OOC> Empress says, "What's the plan?"
<OOC> Mindwave says, "CC will Teleport to
behind the droid an unleash an attack"
<OOC> Empress says, "OK, the droid isn't dodging,
so just don't roll 17 or 18 to hit and you're good :)"
<OOC> Empress says, "3 Dice"
Mindwave rolls 3 dice and gets: 4 4 2
Body: 3
Stun: 10
<OOC> Empress says, "Good enough. What are
you attacking with, Blaster?"
<OOC> Mindwave says, "that is my best chance
at hurting it, is it not?"
<OOC> Empress says, "Yep, pretty much"
<OOC> Empress says, "Roll 3D damage"
<OOC> Mindwave says, "then that is it"
Mindwave rolls 3 dice and gets: 2 3 2
Body: 3
Stun: 7
Cheshire Cat teleports behind the droid and blasts it in the back. The Droid staggers slightly, but is not deterred from its attack. Its massive claw lashes out at Bruno...
<OOC> Empress says, "Dodging, Bruno?"
<OOC> Bruno says, "Oh heck yes I'm dodging!"
<OOC> Empress says, "Do you have regular dodge
or do you have Martial Dodge?"
<OOC> Bruno says, "Just regular."
<OOC> Empress says, "OK. That brings your
DCV to 9, the robot's OCV is 8, so it needs 10- to hit..."
Empress rolls 3 dice and gets: 2 2 3
Body: 3
Stun: 7
Empress rolls 3 dice and gets: 5 4 4
Body: 3
Stun: 13
<OOC> Bruno says, "That's alright, had my shield
up. :)"
<OOC> Empress says, "What's your forcefield?"
<OOC> Bruno says, "15/15"
<OOC> Empress says, "Plus you're wearing 8/8
vacc armor, so this shouldn't be bad"
Empress rolls 1 die and gets: 3
<OOC> Empress says, "You take a little stun
damage, but that's all."
<OOC> Empress says, "3 stun to be precise"
<OOC> Empress says, "OK, everyone else's turn..."
<OOC> Empress says, "Just don't roll 17 or
18 to hit"
<OOC> Empress will roll for Brenna
Bruno rolls 3 dice and gets: 1 4 6
Body: 3
Stun: 11
Mindwave pulls out her blaster pistol and fires at the droid
Mindwave rolls 3 dice and gets: 2 5 2
Body: 3
Stun: 9
Mindwave rolls 3 dice and gets: 3 4 2
Body: 3
Stun: 9
Brenna levels her blaster rifle at the thing and fires
<OOC> Mindwave says, "hit and damage"
<OOC> Empress says, "Bruno, roll damage"
<OOC> Bruno says, "What's damage on these
blasters"
<OOC> Empress says, "3"
Bruno rolls 3 dice and gets: 3 6 6
Body: 5
Stun: 15
Empress rolls 3 dice and gets: 2 4 3
Body: 3
Stun: 9
Empress rolls 3 dice and gets: 4 3 2
Body: 3
Stun: 9
The Droid's claws skitter off Bruno's forcefield and armor, doing almost
nothing. Then Mindwave and Brenna fire in unison, blasting off chunks of
the Robot, and Bruno, recovering from the hit, fires at the droid and blows
its head clean off. The droid teeters for a moment, then tips over,
its toe claw twitching for a moment before all movement in the droid ceases.
Mindwave says, "All right, let's move it people!!!"
Bruno nods and starts hiking along after Silas and company.
Silas, looking thoroughly impressed, nods to Mindwave and motions his
men to continue on. You have to dodge a few more patrols, but none
of them get the jump on you. You reach the edge of the city and disappear
into the forest...
Mindwave says, "Doctor, are you all right?"
Bruno nods, "Fine fine, just a scratch. Should heal in no time."
Mindwave says, "Good..."
Mindwave turns to Silas, "We have some studying to do... plus, there
is the possibilty of a resistance movement inside the computer..."
The rear guard catches up shortly after you reach the vehicles.
Everyone climbs aboard, and all of the forces retreat to the base.
Silas asks, "You're kidding? A resistance from inside?"
Mindwave says, "I cannot say for sure... but we were assisted by someone
named Gunther.."
Silas considers that for a moment, saying, "If we can get help from
inside, that would make things much easier..." He considers this, then
says, "We're going to have to find out for sure..."
Mindwave says, "Gunther did warn us not to return, though."