Rifts Adventure - IC Thread

[Psychie]

Rab nods a bit, rubbing at the grey stubble on his chin. "Hmmm. Before I say 'yes' to this, I must ask of this Snowfall fellow if he is aware of what he is offering to get into. The group has been contracted to escort me and Oleg,well, more importantly Oleg than me, to our Order's main temple located in Germany. Between here and there lie many challenges, and there is a critical time element that must be adhered to, but if you are successful in getting my charge to his destination, you will be well compensated. Over the centuries, we have gathered several powerful artifacts that have been safely kept in the vaults of our temple. Each of you will be allowed the pick of one of these artifacts. Knowing that the objective is to safely deliver Oleg to the temple, and there is no reward if you fail, are you still willing to take upon yourself the burden of this trail?"

 

[Purr]

Knowing that the objective is to safely deliver Oleg to the temple, and there is no reward if you fail, are you still willing to take upon yourself the burden of this trail?"

Snowfall steps forward, his paws together in a sign of prayer. "Mr. Colson, this is a matter of honor now," he indicates Dreamy. "I am more than willing - I am committed to the core of my being. I pledge to you upon my duty as a Megaversial celestial messenger of Great Inari, God of Foxes and Prosperity, Oleg Colson will reach this Order in Germany if I have to bring him there all by myself. If you will but have me as substitute for my pupil." Snowfall glances once in promise to the youth - his eyes are like hard fires.

Dreamy cannot help but turn her ear in Snowfall's direction. Not only is it rare to hear him this serious, but to hear her fox-spirit sensei with such iron in his voice brings a smile to her face.

 

[Psychie]

Snowfall steps forward, his paws together in a sign of prayer. "Mr. Colson, this is a matter of honor now," he indicates Dreamy. "I am more than willing - I am committed to the core of my being. I pledge to you upon my duty as a Megaversial celestial messenger of Great Inari, God of Foxes and Prosperity, Oleg Colson will reach this Order in Germany if I have to bring him there all by myself. If you will but have me as substitute for my pupil." Snowfall glances once in promise to the youth - his eyes are like hard fires.

Dreamy cannot help but turn her ear in Snowfall's direction. Not only is it rare to hear him this serious, but to hear her fox-spirit sensei with such iron in his voice brings a smile to her face.

With his hand offered out to the fox-spirit, Rab says, "Then it is settled! You shall join us in our journey to get my dear Oleg to the temple with my gratitude. Ms. Dreamy, I must say it was a real pleasure to travel with you. I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors."

 

[Purr]

Eonivar GunMan2 Psychie Sherwood

Dreamy leaps with her hands raised into the air in a big cheer. Snowfall steps forward with a smile and accepts Mr. Colson's agreement with the best handshake a 5-foot-tall anthropomorphic white-furred fox can provide. "Thank you! Thank you!" they say as both Snowfall and Dreamy smile warmly to Mr. Colson.

Snowfall sniffs Dreamy's hand and, now that he is able, he asks her. "Dreams... you smell different. Did you die?"

"Uh huh! Sure did! And it looks like the imprints worked! I remember you as if I'd never been reborn!"

"Glad we made a good impression - you're our favorite cheerleader, y'know!"

That must mean something to Dreamy because she beams and laughs when Snowfall calls her that. Dreamy turns to her teammates. "Senseis? These are my friends, some of whom Owl and I rescued from a lifetime of slavery in Atlantis. This cutie here is Sylvie! She's an intrepid and free-spirited wood sprite who helped me track down my first solo Vampire kill - Jake Turner! This is Sir Raven of the Order of Cyber-Knights; he's the closest thing we have to a leader and one of the most honorable Atlanteans I've ever met!"

"What makes you say this, meine fraulein?"

"Raven could have taken advantage of me when I was reborn, but he didn't!"

The shadow nods respectfully. "Sehr gut! You are a good person, Sir Raven!"

Dreamy continues. "Takuma, or Tak, is a Japanese cyborg with a strong sense of justice and the skill to back it up! You can rely on him in a pinch! And here?" Dreamy turns to Xinyi. With curiosity in her every expression, she shakes her head. "Um... did you say your name is... Xinyi?"

"Sounds Chinese," Snowfall remarks.

"Xinyi is someone we just met. But she can create barriers of ice with magical spells! Plus she seems like a nice person?" Dreamy hugs both Snowfall and the short shadow beside him. "Friends? This is Snowfall-sensei. He's not a Ninja. He's one of my 6 instructors who helped me become a Ninja Undead Hunter. And this?" she points to the shadow beside Snowfall, "is... ah... another one of my senseis!"

"Ach, it is best for all involved if I remain unnamed," the shadow nods to each of you. "It is still very good to meet you! Very good indeed! Dreamy, you make friends so quickly!"

"I suppose freedom from Atlantis has that effect!" Dreamy gives a big sigh and explains, her tone growing more serious as she speaks. "There is a... serious evil out there... one who was one of my masters in Atlantis - the cruelest of them all by far. Everyone else who knows him like I do is either dead or unreachable. And so I must go to help stop him... before he creates a New Atlantis under his own regime!"

Snowfall puts his paw against Dreamy's hand. She takes it, her fingers interlacing with his. Snowfall says, "You ain't kidding! This former master of yours has gotta go in a big way! With Mr. Colson's blessing, I'm free to can lend all of you a paw. You said time was crucial, right? We should be gettin' a move-on then!"

"I hope you understand?" Dreamy says her farewell to you as she clasps her hands in a gesture of hopefulness.

 

[Eonivar]

Xinyi had followed Rab and Oleg into the mountaineer...looking around the strange vehicle. "Mountaineer...interesting"

They then sat down and held themselves in place while they moved to a more secure spot, and then everyone got out and Xinyi looked around the strange barren rubble filled parking garage, and then focused back on the dealings between Rab, this strange trio, and the others.

By then, Xinyi's wounds from the battle had healed.

Xinyi paid attention to the introductions made after the deal was settled.

So Snowfall...the short little fox-like being has joined this...expedition in place of the strange woman..Dreamy, I am not sure who the strange one from Europe is...

Sylvie is the faerie.

Raven is a cyberknight? I wonder what a cyber-knight is? ..but he is also an Atlantean...so that explains the tattoos.

Takuma is the big metal man...a "cyborg".

They seem nice and good. I do not get any bad feelings from them.

Xinyi silently waited for the others to turn and question them next.

 

[Sherwood]

Raven watches the exchange between Rab and this Snowfall fellow with interest. When the older man explains to Snowfall the particulars of the job and the other fellow agrees to the terms, he looks over at Dreamy. “I hate to see you leave after all that we’ve been through, but I fully understand the need to fulfill your oath. I’ll certainly miss you, and I wish you all the luck in your journey.” He holds out his arms in an offer of giving her a hug.

If she accepts the proffered farewell hug, he lets her go after a moment and places a hand on her shoulder. “Confusion to your enemies and safe travels, my friend.”

Turning to look at the newest member of the expedition, Raven offers a hand. “I offer you my greetings, neighbor. While I don’t know you yet, I trust Dreamy totally, so since she vouches for you, I am glad to meet you and hopefully soon call you friend. As was said before, my name is Raven, and I am a Cyber Knight and a true Atlantan. But where are my manners? We have another guest in our midst.”

He goes over to stand near Xinyi and gives her a bow. “With all the chaos, I didn’t get a good chance to make sure you are ok. Do you need any aid that I can help with? I don’t have much, but I am willing to give what I can. I am also going to hazard a guess that you are no friend of the Coalition since they were on your heels with hostile intent.”

Purr Eonivar

 

[Eonivar]

Xinyi smiled and bowed at the gregarious Atlantean. Up close one could see the human ochre skinned features of one who had both male and female details, almost a perfect blend of the two genders with brilliant silver eyes and golden freckles and long snow white hair. They were only maybe half a foot taller than Snowfall.

Their voice was a pleasant alto with that odd English accent, they had a pleasant trusting voice.

"No, no thank you, I am fine, my magic protected and healed me. I am good now, thank you Ser Raven..if that is how I should address you? I am not familiar with Cyber-Knights...but I assume being some sort of Knights you are addressed as 'Ser'."

Xinyi paused in thought, their eyes looking over Raven. They were very unsure on how much they should reveal to this Atlantean. So they kept things simple for now.

"Friend of the Coalition? What is the Coalition? Forgive me Ser Raven, I am not from around here. I am not even sure where here is in the world in relation to where I am from, I came out of a rift many miles south of here maybe three days ago. I know I am on Earth still and I know I am not in another dimension or time. If you mean those dead metal black skeleton robot things, no...definitely not a friend of them. They started to attack me as soon as they came in sight of me...I teleported down the ley line to evade them but more seemed to come. I know how to use the energy of ley lines to move around, protect, and heal myself. My master, Master Chin, who taught me how to control my power called us...oh what was the term...'Ley Line Walkers'? "

 

[Psychie]

The small figure of the sprite comes zipping up to hover near Raven. “Good news. The stupid bigs out there are way off of our trail, so it should be safe to move soon.” She then lands on the Cyber Knight’s shoulder and looks at the the two strangers. To Xinyi and Snowfall she says in a rapid-fire voice, “Um, hi! I’m Sylvie.” She then says to Xinyi, “You are a pretty lady, and you smell like jasmine. I like that! What’s your name? And who is the fox person? He smells like cherries! I like cherries. Do you have any? I’m a pixie! I like Dreamy, so if you are a friend of her, you are probably not like those bigs out there. Dreamy is so sweet. Hey Raven! This new lady is cute! Do you want to kiss her? If you ask very nice, she might let you! Did I mention that my name is Sylvie?”

Rab lets out a chuckle at the little bundle of exuberance that is the pixie girl. “I must warn you, once she gets to know you, she’ll talk your ears off. But having Sylvie around is always a fun thing.”

 

[Eonivar]

Xinyi nods at Rab, gives a small smile to the pixie, although there was a worried look at the idea of kissing. Xinyi bows to Sylvie... Xinyi's face softened some at the mention of jasmine

"I am Xinyi...I love jasmin...I had some in my garden...back in the temple where I was born...I miss my garden."

 

[Purr]

“I hate to see you leave after all that we’ve been through, but I fully understand the need to fulfill your oath. I’ll certainly miss you, and I wish you all the luck in your journey.” He holds out his arms in an offer of giving her a hug.

Dreamy frowns. "Believe me - it's not because I want to. But Big Bad Evil Guys take precedence over personal desires.."

The Altaran senses Raven's upraised arms. Not possessing sight, she lifts her hands cautiously until she finds the Cyber-knight's. There, she gets closer to Raven until she is hugging him fiercely, her warm smile wide on her face.

And who is the fox person? He smells like cherries! I like cherries. Do you have any? I’m a pixie! I like Dreamy, so if you are a friend of her, you are probably not like those bigs out there. Dreamy is so sweet.

Snowfall follows Sylvie with his curious gaze while she speaks.

Spoiler: The following takes place if the GM allows it?

"Cherries? Heh heh," the Kitsune pulls forth his magical bento box where he has stored a handful of the plump ruby fruits, stems and all.

"Y'know? I betcha you're probably smelling the ones on my breath. They were delicious! Sometimes, these are served at cherry blossom festivals - like the one I visited not an hour ago! Here you go! Any buddy of Dreamy's is a friend of mine!"

He presents his last handful of cherries to Sylvie and anyone else who appears to want one.

"Yes! One, please!" Dreamy snags one and devours it. "Mmmm!"

Hey Raven! This new lady is cute! Do you want to kiss her?

"Kisses?!" Dreamy exclaims. "I like kissing! There's kissing going on?" Then Dreamy turns to Raven whom she was just hugging. She faces Raven, not with her eyes but with her very spirit.

"Oh, by the Great Owl, you only live once! Unless you're me... then you should make every moment count anyway!"

Dreamy grabs Raven by his manly shoulders and pulls him in. Embracing him with all that she is, Dreamy delivers a kiss to Raven like he was the last man on Earth!

"Whoa!" Snowfall jumps back, pleased and surprised like his shadowy teammate by his side.

"There!" Dreamy releases Raven leaving the taste of fresh cherries on his lips. "That's for being such a good guy! You know, you're the first guy I've kissed in my new life... and you sure deserve to be!"

"Ach, Dreamy?" replies the shadow.

"I know, I know!" she flails. "Big Bad Evil Guy! Here we come!"

Dreamy, Snowfall, and the Shadow hug one more time. Smiling together, they say with a laugh. "It's always like this!"

"Bye everybody!" Dreamy and the Shadow wave and turn to fade into the darkness together. Snowfall waves back to them with a proud grin on his foxy features.

 

[Sherwood]

Raven is somewhat embarrassed at the sudden rant by Sylvie asking him if he’d like to kiss this complete stranger (and the truth be told he wouldn’t mind; Xinyi is kinda cute!) but he doesn’t chastise his little friend. It is just the way she is and there is little that can be done to change it.

But before he can formulate a reply that won’t make him look bad to their new arrival, Dreamy makes her unexpected lip lock on him, sending his mind spinning out of his control. He has always been close to Dreamy, but has always regarded her as more a sister than a potential lover. His eyes pop wide open as he feels his body lock up. A part of him wants to pull loose as soon as he can without causing hurt feelings on Dreamy’s part, but another part of him wants to continue kissing her and pull her closer.

Then, just as Raven is starting to relax and really enjoy the kiss, Dreamy breaks contact and he is standing there looking goofy for a moment before his calm is resorted. “Um, yes. Ah. Well. That was . . . quite nice and rather unexpected. Dreamy, thanks to you, I am no longer a prisoner in the gladiator pits. For that, I am eternally thankful. Know that you have been, and always will be, my friend. If you ever are in need, and you can find a way to contact me, I will be there.”

Turning to Xynyi, he says, “Miss Xynyi, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it sounds like you have been pulled in through a rift from your world to this one. Those men and robots that were chasing you are from a nation called the Coalition. They are fanatical in their thinking, holding hatred for any non-human or magic using being they come across. I strongly feel that it will be hazardous to you if your were to set off on your own, at least in the short term, until you learn more of this world and its dangers. If you are truly set on leaving our little group, I won’t stop you. But I do give you my word that I will not let anyone harm you if I can prevent it. Currently we have been hired to escort this young man to a special place in Germany, so there is about to be a sea voyage in our near future. Care to take a cruise with us?”

 

[Purr]

“Um, yes. Ah. Well. That was . . . quite nice and rather unexpected. Dreamy, thanks to you, I am no longer a prisoner in the gladiator pits. For that, I am eternally thankful. Know that you have been, and always will be, my friend. If you ever are in need, and you can find a way to contact me, I will be there.”

"Count on it!" Dreamy replies to Raven with a big smile as she gives out last hugs to anyone who wants them and then, after a short vigorous conversation with Snowfall, Dreamy and the Shadow depart together.

Xinyi nods at Rab, gives a small smile to the pixie, although there was a worried look at the idea of kissing. Xinyi bows to Sylvie... Xinyi's face softened some at the mention of jasmine

"I am Xinyi...I love jasmin...I had some in my garden...back in the temple where I was born...I miss my garden."

"Germany has gardens," Snowfall the Kitsune remarks with confidence, "and not just beer-gardens either!"

With a quick glance about, he adds, "Howzabout we skedaddle outta here before we get discovered by something mean, Mega-damage, and New Yorkish?"

Eonivar GunMan2 Psychie Sherwood

 

[GunMan2]

Takum was the first to respond "Yes, lets get out of here. Too much sun is bad for this synthetic skin" The machine man goes to the vehicle. "So now the age old question that bothers everyone. Who is driving and who wants to sit shotgun?" He asked

 

[Sherwood]

Raven gives Takuma an affectionate tap to the shoulder. “You drive this time, and I’ll ride shotgun. Rab, lead the way.”

 

[Eonivar]

, “Miss Xynyi, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it sounds like you have been pulled in through a rift from your world to this one. Those men and robots that were chasing you are from a nation called the Coalition. They are fanatical in their thinking, holding hatred for any non-human or magic using being they come across. I strongly feel that it will be hazardous to you if your were to set off on your own, at least in the short term, until you learn more of this world and its dangers. If you are truly set on leaving our little group, I won’t stop you. But I do give you my word that I will not let anyone harm you if I can prevent it. Currently we have been hired to escort this young man to a special place in Germany, so there is about to be a sea voyage in our near future. Care to take a cruise with us?”

Xinyi turns to Raven and listens, their features hardening upon hearing the Coalition described to them for the first time. "Fear drives so many to evil....I would very much like to stay with your band and travel over the sea, and your word means much to me, thank you for inviting me, i hope I will not be in the way, I will try and help the best I can."

"Germany has gardens," Snowfall the Kitsune remarks with confidence, "and not just beer-gardens either!"

Xinyi glances over to Snowfall....they smile brightly "Gardens in Germany? That sounds wonderful, I cannot wait to see them! But I agree, we should be going now." "

 

[Psychie]

Rab gives a friendly smile and sets out for the cab of his truck and starts it up. With Takuma at the wheel of the Mountaineer, you slip out of the ruined garage and back onto the street. Rab drives quickly with an obvious familiarity of the route he’s taking. A few times you spot some of the locals walking along, but they pat you little if any attention as you go by.

You are still at the outer edge of the city when Rab slows down and makes a sudden turn towards the shore line, and just like Moses at the Red Sea, the water parts to reveal a hidden entrance large enough to drive the trucks into. A heavy door opens wide to allow you access as the cave continues down underground further out in the water. Sylvie makes the comment, “No wonder no one has found this place. Look where it’s hidden! Who would think to look down here for it?”

When Rab finally stops, it is in a large cavern with several other assorted ground vehicles and several armored mechs of Northern Gun design. As Rab opens the door and climbs out, several dozen men and women come out and start to gather around the trailer. He is given a warm welcome, along with Oleg, but many eyes turn to look at the passengers of the Mountaineer with curiosity, but at least for the moment, you are not approached.

Finally, a much older man dressed in robes comes into view and the crowd around Oleg and Rab parts to allow the older fellow access. Rab bows deep to the old man as the fellow in his robes says, “Brother Colson, it is good to see you and our dear Oleg in such good sorts. It is a blessing that you have made it here in such good time. Are these the adventurers that you’ve told us about?”

“Yes, Father Brannigan. We would not have been able to get here without their help.”

Father Brannigan says, “Then they deserve our thanks. Come, introduce them to me.”

Rab escorts the older man to where you are waiting, and names each of you in turn before saying, “My friends, this is the head of our order here, Father Brannigan.”

 

[Purr]

Snowfall offers a deep bow from the waist in Japanese style, his many tails swishing this way and that as he returns to standing position. Smiling with a hopeful expression, he asks, "Ah, and which order are we talking about, please? Whomever it is, I am grateful that you are no friends of the Coalition States - may the fleas of a thousand mongrels infest Emperor Prosek's hairy parts."

 

[Eonivar]

Xinyi hung on for dear life while riding in the Mountaineer...not used to riding in a vehicle, but was able to relax enough to look out the windows, and they were puzzled by the tunnel of water appearing...

They started to question..."How?..."

and then they emerged into the underground passage.

Xinyi slowly followed the others out of the Mountaineer to be introduced to some new people. Xinyi smiled glad that there were more seemingly friendly faces.

Xinyi bowed their usual bow when introduced to Father Brannigan. They were going to ask the same question about this mysterious "order" when Snowfall asked...and then the strange fox being said something very strange about some one's 'hairy parts' and fleas from a thousand dogs.

Xinyi was now perplexed. "That is a horrible curse to wish upon anyone..."

 

[Purr]

Xinyi was now perplexed. "That is a horrible curse to wish upon anyone..."

Snowfall nods with deep meaning to Xinyi. "And Emperor Prosek of the Coalition States is one of the very few in the Megaverse so deserving." He gives a big friendly smile. "Most people, I wish lots of good food and music and nice things to talk about!"

 

[Sherwood]

Raven offers up a respectful bow to this Father Brannigan, saying, "Thank you for your kind welcome, sir. I must confess to being a bit surprised at the location of this enclave. It is a resourceful hiding place."

 

[Psychie]

The elderly man looks to Raven and says, “We were lucky to stumble upon this place many years ago. This used to be a secret base for the deployment of undersea ships by the old American Empire. We have since turned this base to our own needs. But this is not the time or place to discuss such things. Why don’t we have you get a good hot meal and a chance to get cleaned up? It will take a day or two to make the final preparations for your trip across the Atlantic, giving you some time to relax safety. Rab, why don’t you show our guests where they can get cleaned up before they break bread with us?”

Rab nods. “Of course, Father. My friends, please come with me. I’ll show you around.” He slips his arm over Oleg’s shoulder and leads the tired young man towards one of the doors leading into the heart of the underwater base.

 

[Eonivar]

Xinyi kind of trails behind the rest of the group. They stop to reach up and tug on Raven's cloak, pointing at one of the Northern Gun Power Armors.

Xinyi leans conspiratorially over to Raven, and whispers. "Umm...Ser Raven? Is that one of the bad...what did you call them? R-Robots? Like the Skelebots we fought? Are they hostile here? Should we be on our guard?"

Sherwood

 

[Sherwood]

Xinyi kind of trails behind the rest of the group. They stop to reach up and tug on Raven's cloak, pointing at one of the Northern Gun Power Armors.

Xinyi leans conspiratorially over to Raven, and whispers. "Umm...Ser Raven? Is that one of the bad...what did you call them? R-Robots? Like the Skelebots we fought? Are they hostile here? Should we be on our guard?"

Sherwood

Raven does his best to show an easygoing smile, but he quietly says, "Those are not the same kind of robots that were hunting you. Those kinds of mecha are operated by a pilot inside them, and supposedly they are not hostile. But yes, since we are in a confined space and surrounded by strangers, we should be wary of potential trouble. Hope for the best, plan for the worst, and if something goes wrong, you are at least somewhat prepared to deal with the situation."

 

[Purr]

Rab nods. “Of course, Father. My friends, please come with me. I’ll show you around.” He slips his arm over Oleg’s shoulder and leads the tired young man towards one of the doors leading into the heart of the underwater base.

Searching himself, Snowfall realizes he cannot resist the urge to examine father and son. It is not just their body language or tone the Kitsune is observing, but also their magic and Chi/I.S.P.. This Oleg appears to be more tired than the others in this group and Snowfall remembers how quiet the youth was during their ride here.

From Dreamy, Snowfall remembers that Oleg is a fledgling Mind Melter. This made him no less dangerous than a dragon hatchling. But Dreamy pointed out that Mr. Rab Colson did not seem to be of that same ilk. Both of the Colsons were people of good nature and Dreamy trusted them - so why not make himself more useful here, thinks Snowfall.

As they travel on and seeing that Raven and Xinyi are busy with conversation, Snowfall skips up to the Colsons. "In my homeland of Japan, there are many wonderous creatures and people. Some of them study the manipulation of inner strength. If you like," Snowfall grins and wags his nine tails, "perhaps I could share with you some of the meditative techniques we practice in Japan? I mean... you're feeding and housing us after all. I would like to be a good guest to all of you!"

 

[Eonivar]

Raven does his best to show an easygoing smile, but he quietly says, "Those are not the same kind of robots that were hunting you. Those kinds of mecha are operated by a pilot inside them, and supposedly they are not hostile. But yes, since we are in a confined space and surrounded by strangers, we should be wary of potential trouble. Hope for the best, plan for the worst, and if something goes wrong, you are at least somewhat prepared to deal with the situation."

At Raven's response, Xinyi tilted her head in worry. "There are not many safe places left in this world are there? Nor many that can be trusted, no?" Xinyi sighed and bobbed her head and gave a short bow. "Ok, Hope for the best, plan for the worst as you say. Thank you Raven."

Then Xinyi moved along with everyone else, silently reminding herself that she should at least eat when given food even though she does not need to eat for the sake of appearances.