PPU Adventure #1

[Elfie]

*while eating a shrimp stir-fry*

I don't know about you guys, but I sure don't envy that Wildkarrde guy. I mean, can you imagine what it would be like to be machine, even if it were only part? No more delicious food, emotion, any of that fun stuff. Life as a machine is a lonely existence, and I'm happy I'm not sharing it with him. Besides, *looks at DA and Piñata* I don't think machines get drunk.

[Belgarath]

(OOC: Ok, let's get this puupy rolling)

*Belgarath and pinata break out into a song, sung rather badly, much to the dismay of the others. The Wildkarrde sits in the corner, his attention fixed on the group of people he has joined.*

*Suddenly, SoulCatcher comes flying through the wall, landing near Belgarath and pinata, who stop their song to look at the groaning warrior.*

Belgarath: What happened to you?

SC: Zeles...has the...neck... *Passes out*

piñata: The necklace...what does he mean...oh no, he doesn't mean...

Bass: It can't be...

Belgarath: What are you fools mumbling about?

Bass: There was a necklace that grants the wearer unimaginable power when worn, but an evil spirit, known as Bane, dwells inside of it. Bane slowly takes over that person...That power nearly destroyed the entire Conclave on several occasions...It seems our friend Zeles has found it.

piñata: Well, what do we do? Do we continue on our quest with the prophecy, or do we attempt to defeat Zeles? Whatever it is, we have to act now.

[Elfie]

Elfie: I don't know how the necklace could be back again. I've already had to take care of it seven times.
Bass: Seven? It's only attacked the 'Clave three times.
Elfie: Who said I took care of at the 'Clave seven times. History stretches back much further than the creation of the 'Clave.
Bass: So you've defended against the necklace seven times?
Elfie: Yes, it's beginning to become a theme. I phase into existence, take care of the necklace, phase out. It's not much fun.
Bass: And you still can't fight in hand-to-hand combat?
Elfie: It never came up.

[Wildkarrde]

::the Wildkarrde watches as the meatlings fret over some pointless necklace...pointless, though it will change its plans ever so slightly.....::

[Soulcatcher4]

*SC regains his consciousness and listens to the comments of his companions.*

SC: We have to defeat Zeles, he'll just keep coming after us until I'm dead. I think I have a chance at beating him alone though. All I have to use is the Soul stealer.

Pinata: But you said that doesn't work on really strong enemies.

SC: I'm not gonna use it that way, come and watch.

*SC limps outside holding his wounded shoulder, heading back to the forest's edge, where Zeles is waiting patiently. When they reach there, Zeles has his arms crossed with a smirk on his face.*

Zeles: I knew you'd return to fight me, and I see you brought your friends. No matter, I kill you all!!

SC: Grandson, I warn you one last time, take off the necklace!

Zeles: I told you! I won't!

SC: then I have no choice...

*SC raises his twin blades up and glares at Zeles. At the same time SC generates hundreds upon hundreds of many different species of animals behind Zeles. SC then swipes down his blades full force to create a gigantic Soul stealer shockwave. Zeles stands his ground waiting for it to hit him knowing it wont work. Right before it hits him though it splits in 2 and goes past Zeles. Then they spread out and hit the animals.*

SC: I'm sorry, I'll return all of your souls soon enough.

*SC then gathers the hundreda of souls and they all enter his body, the wounds on SC's body begin to heal.*

SC: Thats called the soul absorbtion. I'm just as powerful as you are now Zeles.

Zeles: haha. that is only temporary, the souls will leave your body eventually and you'll return to normal.

SC: it's just enough time to take you down.

(((OOC: damn I feel like I'm cheating)))

[piñata]

Belgarath said:

(OOC 2: Return of the OOC: We could just make Meggy the Archmage Eternal...)

(OOC: But he's The Father of the Jedi already... )

*draws his lightsaber, but doesn't ignite it, just in case Krotos needs backup*

I thoink I had too much rum...

*hurls*

[SuperBassX84]

((OOC: -=Rampages=- Damn you people, involving the necklace already! I HAD A PLAN FOR BANE!!! -=Points at his repeated meditations=-))

Dammit...dammit dammit dammit...I was wondering why he hadn't gotten out lately. He's created another necklace. DAMMIT ALL TO HELL!!!

-=Bass begins another meditation, attempting to find Bane and bring him back inside, where Bass's own willpower can contain him=-

[Scythe]

(OOC: This post serves to introuce my character into the story and give a bit of background and add some backstory. Scythe will catch up with your guys on his own eventually, so don't worry about looking for him.)

Far out in the sea, well removed from Extrinta, exists an arcipelago known as Las Cinco Muertes. Five islands of rock, like great spires of rock jutting from the sea floor, rise up into the perpetually cloudy sky, arousing fear in even the most weathered sailors' hearts, for legends of the curses and demons said to inhabit the islands are widely known and for the most part accepted.

On this evening, all is quiet at these feared islands, except for the usual demonic howls that are in fact caused by the rushing of the wind through the rock formations created by millions of years of buffeting ocean waves and storms. Suddenly, a ship appears on the horizon. Then, another, and another. A lone blast of a strange horn, like the forgotten cry of some ancient titan, splits the night, and suddenly K'veer, the largest of the 5 islands, comes to life. Thousands of lights spring into being all the way up to its towering peak, and a great multitude of voices and hurrying feet are audible even over the ocean's roar. A great, huge stone gateway hidden in the rock face opens, revealing a vast cavern filled with an endless vista of docks and ships of all kinds.

In through this vast gate, the convoy of ships begin to enter. 30 or so ships of various sizes and conditions make their way to their designated docks. The most impressive of these ships is the last to enter. Called a work of art rather than a ship by most who see it, the Remember the Conclave serves as the flagship that represents the power and infallability of the organization and its legendary leader.

The grand ship pulls up to its multi-leveled dock near the front of the cavern as the stone doors crash shut. As soon as the ship halts, a great cheer rings throughout the cavern. Mooring lines are thrown, anchors are dropped, doors are opened and plank bridges are quickly erected. People rushing on and off of ships, escorting prisoners and carrying treasures, supplies, and other objects on and off of the ship. On the uppermost level, Scythe "Wanjac" Raymon leaps down off the ship and onto the dock. He stands and surveys the scene before him for a few moments while his consort and Second-in-Command, Mint Adnande, drops down besides him. Dressed in stylish but uninhibiting clothing, she is blonde, of middling height, and posessing a figure that gives most yet another reason to be jealous of Admiral Raymon.
Walking at a brisk pace, the two make their way through the crowd of busy underlings, talking on the way.

"I cant believe this," Scythe grumbles. "26% unnecessary ammunition used, 2 ships lost, 15 damaged seriously, 67 casualties, and all we got out of it was enough treasure and goods for a half a fleet? No valuable artifacts, no maps of unknown territories, no nothing! I don't like wasting any men, Mint, not a single one..."
"Well, you didn't lose the battle by any means, and you did save most of the crews from the ships that we lost. And a half a fleet is good! You can't expect to find stuff like that all the time." Mint replies.
A newly thoughtful expression crosses Scythe's face. then, with a sigh, he says, "...You always point out the best in the situation, Mint, thank you. You're so good."
"Not good enough to replace Raine..." Mint says in a subdued voice.
"She's gone now, and so is her killer," says Scythe, remembering happy times and their abrupt end. "Nothing I can ever do will bring her back. I have to move on and make do with what I've got, and what I've got now...," He puts an arm around Mint's shoulders. "...is wonderful."
The tender moment is interrupted by a crackling in Scythe's communication headset. "Sir," says the voice, "Sorry to bother you, but I thought you should hear this right away! The lifeform scanners you left in the old Conclave fortress have picked up numerous lifeforms of immense power, some read as immortal level or better!"
"What?! Could it finally be time? Activate all my contacts and agents. Have them on the lookout for anyone traveling under the name of any old high-ranking Conclave members. This is top priority."
"Yes sir, I'll get right on it!" the voice replies, then signs off the air waves.
"Mint, they're gathering again! It's finally time!" Scythe replies, obviously excited to a degree not often seen expressed by the respectable Admiral. "I have to make preparations to set out without delay!"
"You mean I'm not going with you?" says Mint in a disappointed voice.
"No, but only for the reason that you're the only one I can really trust to manage the company while I'm away. Also, you're the only one I can trust as a contact in the company. If I need anything, you will be the person I contact. It is highly likely that I will see you again soon. Don't forget, you will have these..."
With that, he pulls a small key, a strange hourglass-shaped pendant, and what looks like a banana from his pocket. "This is the key to the teleport-feather vault, this hourglass thingy is a Timeturner all the way from Hogwarts that I borrowed from Pinata and never got a chance to return. This banana is actually one of 6 transdimensional shifters that Elfie had hidden in his lab. I replaced it with a replica made from an ancient fruitcake that had been a gift from my great aunt on a christmas when I was still a mortal human. He never noticed. ;D With these, you should be able to do whatever I need you to do, as well as whatever you need to do yourself."
Mint takes the objects and smiles at Scythe. "You're cute when you're enthusiastic!" she teases.
"Oh, please!" Scythe replies. "Shall we get busy?"
"As you wish, Admiral !" Mint says, and the two walk off through the grand passages, arm in arm, conversing about the details of their newly begun venture.

[Elfie]

*readies his bow in anticipation of Krotos next move*

I've got your back. Now go get him.

(OOC:

Scythe said:

This banana is actually one of 6 transdimensional shifters that Elfie had hidden in his lab. I replaced it with a replica made from an ancient fruitcake that had been a gift from my great aunt on a christmas when I was still a mortal human. He never noticed. ;D

Hilarious Scythe. I look forward to more.)

[piñata]

(OOC: Just wanted to point out, for those who didn't catch the reference yet, that Scythe has chosen the island chain from the "Jurassic Park" movies as his base. I would've done the same myself, if my character needed a base. )

*pokes Krotos*

Get on with it already.

*looks over at Bass*

You mean to tell me that you've been struggling with Bane for all these centuries, and we never knew about it?

[SuperBassX84]

-=Nods=-

Yes. After a series of unfortunate events in the former 'Clave, Bane was returned into my being, from whence he came. It was hard in the beginning...I lost control a number of times...but eventually I learned how to deal with him...how to keep him buried inside. The times he gained control become more and more infrequent. He still occasionally tries to get out, but for the last 300 or so years, he's never made it. I've become too good at keeping him inside. His most recent attempt was back in the Temple, and it was excessively weak. I was amazed...I thought he'd finally given up. Apparently, I was wrong. We have to destroy that necklace again! I have to get Bane back inside!

[piñata]

Well, we know that Naturalize doesn't work, which means that Disenchant probably doesn't work either, so I guess we're going to have to do this the hard way. Again.

(OOC: Scythe, I apologize in advance for stealing your idea of having long-range communications with my forces. )

I have to check on something.

*pulls a handheld radio from his pocket*

Serpent's Nest, this is Candybag. Over.

(a vaguely familiar, but for now unplaceable, female voice answers): Yes, Candybag, what is it?
Piñata: Where's your Commander? I need to speak to him.
Woman: He's inspecting the new ship. I can get him if it's important.
Piñata: No, it can wait. What new ship?
Woman: We captured an enemy vessel in our last raid.
Piñata: Excellent. I wish I could've been there. Casualties?
Woman: Minimal. A couple of sailors, one of the Ashern commandos, but no senior staff.
Piñata: All right. When our Parselmouth friend gets back from his inspection tour, let him know I need to speak to him. It's urgent Conclave business.
Woman: But the Conclave --
Piñata: I don't have time to explain right now. Besides, this transmission might be monitored. May the Force be with you. Candybag out.

*turns off radio*

Elfie: What was all that about?
Piñata: Change of plans. Rather than going all the way to Nyissa to get Viper, I'm going to have him come to us. And he's going to bring reinforcements. Lots of them.

[Wildkarrde]

::Reinforcements.....this would make his plans ever so slightly more difficult, but not enough so to deter him. In fact, he may just hae some more...prizes, to present to his lord.::

[Belgarath]

(OOC: Morb, your scaring me here ...Sorry if this seems too easy, but this thing has got to get moving)

*Belgarath raises himself from the bar he was occupying, no longer looking the drunk man he had seemed just moments ago. His eyes were set with a stealy determination few men have lived to survive. He makes his way to Zeles, who is smirking, the gold necklace around his neck, clenched in his fist. Belgarath makes his way past Bass. Bass nods at him, as if he knows what he is about to do. Belgarath stops approximately 10 feet away from the smirking Zeles.*

Zeles: What do you think you're doing old man? Sit down before you fall down and break your hip.

*Belgarath says nothing, but returns Zeles' stare. A small smile spreads across Belgarath's face.*

Belgarath: So young, so ignorant. Ignorance shall be your downfall boy.

*Zeles attempts to say something, but stops as Belgarath begins muttering to himself under his breath. Suddenly, a bright blue nimbus envelops him, and Belgarath turns his attention back towards Zeles, who has stopped smiling, a look of concern on his face.*

Zeles: You don't scare me old --

*If any sorceror were in the area, they would have fainted because of the massive gathering of will inside this seemingly old man. Belgarath's eyes flare with blue energy, as Zeles takes a step backwards.*

Zeles: No...you can't! I'm unstoppable!

*Belgarath raises both hands out infront of him and speak a single word.*

DRAIN!

*Zeles stops suddenly at this, and opens his mouth as if to scream. However, instead of a scream emitting from his open mouth, a deep black shadow begins to draw itself out. The shadow begins to gather over Belgarath, who has risen his hands over his head, his glowing eyes still fixed on the twitching Zeles infront of him. Soon, the shadow over Belgarath's head has formed into a roughly human shape. Two red eyes can be seen opening from the head of the shadow. Bass, seeing his enemy again, swears under his breath. The shadow turns his attention to Belgarath, who is still staring at Zeles, and attempts to cast a wave of pure darkness on Belgarath. The wave reaches Belgarath, but is reflected so forcefully off of the nimbus of blue light that the other members of their party had to duck to narrowly avoid the darkness. Belgarath now turns his attention up towards the shadow for a moment, then to Bass, who nods again.*

Bass: I am ready, do what you must do.

*Belgarath, still not speaking, puts both of his hands out infront of him, pointing towards Bass. The shadow above him roars in fury, but cannot resist the massive amount of power being emittied by Belgarath. The shadow suddenly rushes towards Bass, who opens his mouth, almost welcoming the roaring beast into himself. As soon as the entire shadow has disappeared into Bass' mouth, he drops to his knees, shaking violently. Bass' eyes begin to flicker, from red to white, finally stopping on white again. Dripping sweat, he gets to his knees.*

Bass: It is done.

*Belgarath nods, and lowers his hands. The blue nimbus around his disappears, and his eyes return back to their normal colour, however, the look of determination has not left them. He looks over his shoulder at Zeles, who is on the ground convulsing, then collapses himself.*

Elfie/piñata: Belgarath!

*Elfie and piñata both rush to Belgarath's side, who is breathing heavily, cold sweat drenching his face.*

Belgarath: I'll be ok...That just took alot of effort...I just need some rest. Let's get this quest going, we don't have all the time in the world.

[Soulcatcher4]

Zeles: Urrrggh... you won't have seen the last of me.

Zeles pulls a feather from underneath his clothes and transports to a location with it.

Krotos: Damn! He must of stole a keyu and got into the feather vault! We can't go after him now I guess.

Krotos releases the souls of the animals and they head for their riteful owners.