Rebirth: Part Three ~Pangaea~ June 13, 2003 Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): *Stands far shorter than any of the others in lupus, his short, stubby legs obviously bearing tremendous power. His left shoulder bears wickedly spike armor, and white or hairless lines decorate his fur nearly everywhere, where they mark scars. His left forleg is off the ground, basically held there by the armor.* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): ((Cool wit' me.)) WS--Alright, folks. Keep close together, and keep your ears open. Let's go. *And starts.* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Takes a position in the rear gaurd of the group, expecting the fenrir to want to take vangaurd* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): Val>>~HT~ anything happens, you stay behind me. no getting hurt playing hero Soul(ST Style): ((And Rane-p has extremely limited time. I didn't know Kari was coming tonight. *s* Okay, fast-forwarding.)) The Umbral travel is long and arduous. However, as the Garou break through the Membrane surrounding the Realm, they are suddenly struck with bright sunlight., so different from the wan, diffused light of the Umbra proper. Their lungs are filled with the scent of earth, of vegetation fresh and rotting, of hundreds of species of flowers all intermingling in an intoxicating bouquet. As the Garou's eyes adjust to the sudden increase in light, they see where they stand. A jungle stretches in front of them, primeval and huge beyond measure. Somewhere in the distance, a cliff rises, and the Garou can hear the thundering of waterfalls from all over. A beast flies overhead - anyone who's watched Jurassic Park recognizes a pterosaur, soaring majestically overhead. Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): WS--Like it already. Keep your ears open. Rane Christians ~Andiskr~ (DoW): *a wolfish smile, breathing deeply, resisting the urge to just lay down and roll* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: Jurg> ~ws~ I know my job. To talk to spirits, to heal, and cleanse. And you can count on that to my best ability. I won't interfere with your job of guarding. Soul(ST Style): The Garou feel a sudden change - there are no tribes here. They can't remember which tribe they are from, and the very concept seems meaningless. They also feel a deep connection with their inner, primal nature - a connection with the wolf inside that not even the most bestial Garou could understand without experiencing it. Strangely, anyone who was in Lupus form suddenly finds themselves in their Hispo form. Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): *turns his nose to the air, gathering scents after re-activating Resist Toxin (gonna keep that one up the whole time if possible). his ears perk, gathering all he can as well as savoring it all. his eyes track the path of the beast overhead briefly before turning to the horizon, seeking for threats* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Her hispo eyes, squint in the face of such radiant light, and the scent of the wyld hits her nose like a steam engine which causes the hair on the back of her neck to stand on end as a chill runs down her spine* ht~ Whoa... Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): Val>>~HT~ i'd expect no less, shield-sister *tribes? what tribes?* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Nose to the ground, delighted. She snuffs some dirt, and then even nips up a little of the primal soil. Shoulders Jurg.* ~ws~I wish we could hunt here. *Looks to see where Jublain is, or if he's moving yet* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Her watchful eyes scan the treeline of the jungle, instinctively watching for anything that might be considered a threat.* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): *Sniffs deeply, low to the ground--well, not so low anymore, but his Hispo form looks about like a freakishly large lupus.* WS--I could get to like this place. Val, where is this thing youneed to find? Brad Mullins: *also in hispo... following the others* ((and catching up OOCly *G*)) Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): Val>>~HT~ yeah. my plans for spring break 2004 are set. *pads forward a bit, head swinging one direction then another* Rane Christians ~Andiskr~ (DoW): *head up, ears pricked, scenting the air...and belatedly remembering she's supposed to be paying attention* Rane Christians ~Andiskr~ (DoW): *nips a bit at Jurg, with a wolfish grin* Soul(ST Style): ((No problem. Come right in.)) Something bellows from inside the forest. No Garou, the sound is huge. Even the fiercest warriors feel a twinge of fear, and know that they don't want to meet whatever made that noise. Huge insects flit by - species that have long since gone extinct on the face of Gaia. Life is all around them. The Garou feel a deep, entirely spiritual connection with it, a connection with all life. THIS is what existance should have been. Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: Jublain> ~ws~ It's a temple. And that's about all we were told. There are spirits here who know where it is. Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Ears stiffen* ~ws~ We should leave this trail.. Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): *his head swivels to the roar, knowing this isn't a mission of glory and trophies, turns his head to Jubs and Val* ~HT~ which way? Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): *Forces the hair on his shoulders to lay down again.* WS--Where they think you are gods--and the spirit you need to speak to. If it's a temple, monkey's built it, and if you're to be thought gods by someone, they're still there. We'll have to find them. Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Taking up the rear of the group, her ears cocked foward* Brad Mullins: *takes up the rear, next to Cassy... offers her a wolfish grin* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: Jublain> ~ws~ They'll know us when they see us, but we might not know them. Soul(ST Style): Something moves through the forest ahead of the Garou, stealthy. The only sign of its passing is a faint rustling of the leaves, easily dismissable as wind, but with their strange connection to their wolf-nature, the Garou scent something they've never experienced before - a strange animal, heading deeper into the forest. Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Her head follows the roar through the forest, and she feels her claws digging into the fresh soil* ht~I don't think that was velociraptor Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): *grunts*~HT~ if something big and bad comes out, I can probably keep it off us long enough to get away. those with resist toxin, hit the outter edge of the group.... we all seen Jurassic Park. Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): *Pauses, ear cocked, then nods.* WS--sure we will--they'll be bowing and offering you stuff. *Snorts in amusement.* But we need to find them first. *Looks around for sign of a trail--game trail, human, whatever.* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): *nods in agreement with Cassy*HT~ in either event, we need to get moving... Rane Christians ~Andiskr~ (DoW): *reluctantly moves to the inner part of the group, lacking the proper gift...* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Nods nervously, and leaves Brad in the rear while she moves to flank Rane on her right* ht~ yeah...chances are we're already being hunted... Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): *Stays where he is, not about to be denied the front-lines.* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: ~ws~ Jublain, one thing.. They might be spirits aligned with the Devourer if they're looking at usa s Demigods. We did free him. *Keeping a sharp ear out for approaching predators* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): OOC:well duh. Jubs outranks Jurg *G* Soul(ST Style): Jublain would probably have missed the trail at any other time, but he sees it now. Something has disturbed the foliage in a barely noticeable fashion. It leads deeper into the forest. Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): Ws--That ain't a good sign. Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): Val>>~HT~ even if they are... I don't think they'll view us as enemies. not here and now, anyway Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): WS--This way. Be ready. *Follows towards the foliage, first stopping to get the scent, then continuing.* Rane Christians ~Andiskr~ (DoW): *oh, for unlimited time to just explore here....* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: ~ws~ Don't know. We'll find out though. Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): Jubs>>~ht~ flank the trail and keep off of it just in case? Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Trying so hard to not get distracted by the sights of life long extinct elsewhere. Especially the cycad palm ferns!* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Trying so hard to not get distracted by the sights of life long extinct elsewhere. Especially the cycad palm ferns!* Soul(ST Style): Jublain catches the scent of the strange animal heading deeper into the thick jungle. Insects, huge ones, buzz around the Garou, feeding on their sweat, or trying in vain to get through their thick fur. The bright sun beats down on the furred Garou. It's hot. Very hot. Rane Christians ~Andiskr~ (DoW): *shakes herself a bit, dislodging one persistent bug* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Doesn't really give a shit about the foliage, at this point, just trying her best to keep them from becoming an appetiser for something really big and nasty* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): *nudges Val with the side of his head as she looks torn by the urge to study plants. Keeps his spot at the left flank as they move into the foliage. keeps his senses to the air for incoming, as Jubs is scenting the trail* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): *That's "Big Plants" as far as Jublain's concerned, although he's currently entertaining thoughts about the taste of Brachiosaur... Keeps moving.* Brad Mullins: *glances around.... it's pretty... but there's bigger things to worry about... like whatever made that noise* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Jurg, it seems, has taught her well, and her eyes never stay on one spot to long, always scanning the forest for anything out of place, wether by smell, or sight* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Nips the tip off of a giant horsetail frond while passing by, but keeps by "Shepherd Jurg"* Rane Christians ~Andiskr~ (DoW): *catches herself starting to trot ahead of her place, and drops back again* Soul(ST Style): The Garou, as they crash through the foliage(compared to whatever just ran away, at any rate), startle a variety of small creatures. Tiny dinosaurs, the very largest no bigger than a chicken, flee in fear from the obvious threats. The (former) Fenrir track the strange scent for a while - finally, they find a small clearing, and the scent vanishes. A trickle of a stream flows through the forest here. Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Nudges Rane* Try not to get to far ahead of me sister Rane Christians ~Andiskr~ (DoW): *nips Cassy gently in acknowledgement, but is distracted as the foliage opens up* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): *Pauses, backs up, follows the scent up to where it disappeared, then steps about ten feet away and circles that spot, casting for scent, before looking up and consdering the possibility it went into a tree.* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Looks about carefully. Predators hunt at watering places* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): *pauses and turns his back to the stream for a moment... just can't get enough of that CLEAN air and the fresh scents* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Stops and also sniffs the ground at her feet, while shooting a gaze up into the trees* Soul(ST Style): Jublain turns...And finds his lone eye staring right at the tip of an arrow. With a silver arrowhead? SOMETHING crouches in the branches of a tree above, something halfway between human and animal. It doesn't take Jublain long to note that the Garou are, in fact, surrounded. Light glints off the silver. Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Gets a load of the sight of a coniferous clubmoss and starts to get excited, but pulls her concentration back to looking out for predators around and in the water* Rane Christians ~Andiskr~ (DoW): *her hackles go up, but remains silent* Brad Mullins: *ooooooohhh shit....* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): WS--Everyone stop. Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Also gets sight of one well concealed sniper, and immediatly she closes in closer to rane so that her body is almost up against hers*ht~ well, that didn't take long Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): *it takes a moment longer before his eyes catch the glint of silver, blocking Val as best as he can* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Freezes in place* Brad Mullins: *moves closer to Cassy and Rane... shielding them* Soul(ST Style): The figure watching Jublain holds its crude bow closely, not a practiced warrior by any stretch of the imagination. After a moment, it speaks. Bizarrely, everyone completely understands. On one level, they hear grunting and other sub-verbal vocalizations. On another, they hear a gruff but understandable voice. "They were right. You come here. Our place. You come with us now. Or we kill you all." Rane Christians ~Andiskr~ (DoW): *well that's a lovely choice...* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): WS--They? Follow and play nice, but be ready for some carnage. Brad Mullins: *hmmm... I think we'll take door number one, Johnny...* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): *grunts his response with a slight nod of his head... looks a bit more feral without those gelled spikes* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: ~ws~ I'm with you on that. Soul(ST Style): ((And Rane fades into the background. G'night Kari.)) Another one of the apemen step out of the trees behind the Garou, barely even rustling the leaves. Even the most jaded Garou must be impressed with how they move through the jungle with such practiced ease. So clearly a part of the environment, they are natural. The only question mark is the presence of the silver arrowheads, but the Garou don't really have time to ponder that, as fully twenty of the beings are suddenly all around them, silver arrows trained on the Garou. The more practiced warriors figure they could probably finish maybe half of them, but the arrows would fill the clearing with deadly silver within moments. Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Snorts*ht~ not like we have much of a choice...*turns her cold yellow eyes back on the silver tipped arrows, her own spiked black hair giving her uneasy appearance* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): WS--Easy, now... *Waits silently.* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): *waits silently* ~HT~ if the shit hits the fan, don't look back, Val. Just save yerself and Gab Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Raises her head, tail down in a peacable gesture, to regard the one that stepped out* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Nod in responce to Jurg* HT~ he's right Val, without you two we're fucked... Soul(ST Style): The apemen behind the Garou jab at them with the silver arrows. Here and there, contact is made. It stings like hell when the Garou are touched with the arrowheads. The one who spoke to Jublain speaks again. "You come now. They waiting." Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: ~ws~ Jurg, relax. Go with the moment and try to make friends. Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): Val>>*grunts* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *And of course, moves along as soon as Jublain allows* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): *Growls.* WS--Hold talon... *Steps forward as the man leads off.* Soul(ST Style): The apemen have no other metal on them at all. Here and there, some of the older, more muscular or scarred-up individuals have crude flint knives, but no other sign of any metal-working ability exists. Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): *zones for a split second as he moves*~ps~ you thinkin' what I am? Brad Mullins: *oww... fuck.... OK OK... I'm movin... he turns and heads wherever they're herded* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Growls her distaste at being jabbed at by silver, but does not snap, only follows keeping in formation in case the arrows start to fly* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): *Almost misses a step before his eye clears.* Ps--I think so, but how are we going to get the hamsters in the accordian? No, what are ya thinkin'? Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Stressing dignity, even when poked, as it could be important to not show anything less to these spirits. She moves as quickly as needed, but head high and ears forward.* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): ~ps~ we shoulda come earlier 'cause someone beat us to it. the templars? Soul(ST Style): The apemen herd the Garou slowly. Here and there, one of them turns and growls threateningly at a curious dinosaur or small furred creature that gets too close, but other than that, they are watching the Garou with a keen eye at all times. They're travelling fairly quickly through the jungle - though the Garou stumble frequently, feet caught by roots or small, bolting dinosaurs, the apemen move with practiced ease, never missing a step. As they move, the Garou notice the jungle start to thin a little. Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): PS--Someone's been here. But the Umbra is the key. late or not, we ain't got much choice.* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): *tries not to trip too often, but probably does so a bit more than Jubs, as he's keeping a good bit of attention on Val and any threats to her* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): OOC:I got it 'till you get back Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): *Jublain has an advantage, although a slight one, in that he's lower to the ground already. with openings in the underbrush easier to find for him, he likely has a better time of it than the others.* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Strives to make any trip a "I meant to do that" experience and picks her feet up more to try to avoid more of the same.* Brad Mullins: *trips quite a few times... not accustomed to walking through any manner of woods... he growls, annoyed... goddamn roots...* Soul(ST Style): And then, the Garou step out onto something that defies their imagination. The jungle ends abruptly, falling away into the sheer sides of a canyon. The canyon floor is filled with the stumps of trees - not natural deadfalls these, these are cut down. But the Garou's vision only rests on the cut-down trees for a moment. The true interesting thing is a building. The building has the form of an ancient ziggurat, rising far above the canyon floor to tower above the Garou as they stand on the lip of the not-inconsequential canyon. The building is made out of...Something white, that catches the sun in a strange fashion. Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): *actually makes the effort to herd Val to the side of any sharp prickly-bushes and such when he catches on them himself* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): *First thinks ivory, then bone,but pauses for a minute to look it over.* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): *pauses in his steps a moment... not sure if its beauty or abomination in this particular setting... speechless Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Completly taken by surprise at the immensity of the thing, she pays it more attention than even the life around her for now. Soul(ST Style): The building is incredibly intricate - detailed carvings cover every inch of it, each clearly an intentional design, though the Garou are too far away to make out the exact details. Things are moving down in the canyon, passing in and out of the huge ziggurat, but the Garou can't see what they are. A shadow seems to pass overhead for a moment, the warm sunlight suddenly leaving them chilled. Cassy Nix (S-E-D): ((Back)) *Only when the looming shadow of the impressive structured catches her attention does she takes her eyes off the men on her side, her head moving upward from the ground to the tip of the building*ht~ never in my life have i...*trails off* Brad Mullins: *oh wow... now that's impressive...* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Turns her eyes up to see what made the shadow* Soul(ST Style): Val sees nothing above them. Behind them, the apemen continue herding them. Towards the edge of the deep canyon. Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): *Steps up to the edge and stops.* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): *glances skyward briefly, then back to the ziggurat. shakes his head out so he doesn't forget his role and continues scanning* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): ~HT~ I ain't jumping, kimo-sabe Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Nods*HT~ I second that... Brad Mullins: *eh... ya... jumping = bad* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): Ws--if they want us dead, they'll have to do it the hard way. Soul(ST Style): The leader nudges Jublain again. "You jump now. You be safe." The canyon floor looks very distant if anyone looks over. Not even the healing power of the Garou could save them if they hit the bottom. Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): *grunts and turns his back to the canyon* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Looks across at the Ape Men* ~ws~ Show us how you do it. Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Tenses, at the ludicrous suggestion, the hair on her neck rising on end again*HT~ No fuckin way... Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): *Grunts again, looks over the edge, then takes a step back and turns around.* Soul(ST Style): The leader tenses. "We no go down there. We not come back. They not let us." Behind him, the other apemen tense, drawing back on the bows, clearly getting antsy. Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): ~HT~ who's "they"? Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: Jurg> ~ws~ Grab my tail. *Turns and starts to take a step off of the edge with her tail stuck out for him to grab* Brad Mullins: *steps up to the edge... looks down... holy shit.........* Soul(ST Style): "The big ones. They wait for you." The leader is starting to look afraid. "They tell us, wait for furry ones. Bring them. They hurt more of us if we don't bring quick-fast." Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): HT--Big ones? Soul(ST Style): Val feels...Something beneath her feet. Something sticky and rubbery, hanging there in midair, so thin she can't see it. It gives a little, and Val starts to sink slowly towards the floor. Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Her head darts from Val, to the apemen, and back again. Clearly getting anxious, and not like the sound of what the last one just said* HT~ the big ones?....this is getting better by the second Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): *digs his claws into the earth as Val starts to sink* Brad Mullins: *watches Val* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: ~ws~ Let go. Make a leap of faith. *Something almost hysterically humorous in that statement as she "rides" the sensation* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Her gaze finally rests on Val with no small amount of concern, and suprise* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): Ws--Jurg, you next. Then the rest of y'all. Brad Mullins: *shrugs... what the hell? closes his eyes and jumps* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): *grimaces and slowly lets Val go... if she seems to freefall, doesn't let go all the way, but if she's being eased, releases long enough to follow directly after. she's got a gray-furred shadow rather she likes it or not* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Looks up to Jubs, then to Val, then takes a few long deep breaths before going for it after Jurg* Soul(ST Style): The leader nods. "Yes. Big ones. They live down there. Leave us 'lone 'cept when needing..." He sounds out the next word slowly. "Off...er...ings." Val continues to sink slowly. Whatever is under her feet is clearly very, very thin, and keeping her balance is no mean feat, but whatever it is is supporting her easily, keeping her safe as she descends towards the distant floor of the canyon. Soul(ST Style): Brad also lands on something, and starts to sink slowly and perfectly safely. All the Garou do as they start to jump. Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Keeps her eyes on the horizon, not below. This isn't easy.* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *She allows Rane to go first, only stepping off the edge herself after taking up a postion to her flank in case they land in something bad* Brad Mullins: *oh wow!* -HT- WHEEEEE Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): WS--We'll see what we can do. *Notes that the others are gone, then jumps.* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): *shifts to Crinos as they descendl, using an arm to keep ahold of Val if he can* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: ~ws~ Jurg, this is hard enough. Balance yourself and let me do the same. Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): Val>>~HT~ if we crash at the end, I'm taking the brunt Brad Mullins: *doesn't worry about balancing... does flips if he can* Soul(ST Style): It takes almost fifteen minutes of excruciatingly slow travel, but the Garou finally arrive on the shadowed canyon floor. Light strikes here and there, depending on the natural formation of the canyon, but the center is cast in deep shadow by the location of the ziggurat. The Garou still can't quite make out what was moving, but whatever it was is continuing to move in and out. The Garou hear a strange warbling singing - not unpleasant, in fact strangely pleasing to the ear, it's nonetheless certainly no human voice. Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): *They've never seen--or heard--most of the insects or birds here--likely it's something like that. He moves to the outsides of the small group, looking over the canyon, and raises his muzzle for scent.* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): *lands and gives a quick visual check of everyone* Val>>~HT~ you alright? Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Shifts to Crinos as she lands and towers over Rane even while crouching. If something gets flung its gonna hit her, not Rane* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Walks lightly even on the ground after that trip down* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: ~ws~ I'm very fine. Soul(ST Style): Jublain smells...An almost dizzing array of scents. Cooking meat, offal, flowers, vegetation, animals, insects, birds...And another strange odor that he can't place. A light suddenly bursts into existence near the base of the ziggurat, though the source is unclear, and begins to move towards the sides of the entrance to the monolithic structure. Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): *nods and drops to all fours again, lifting his nose to the air* Brad Mullins: *insane grin when they land* -HT- We SO gotta do that again sometime... Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Growls her responce to the light, eyes narrowing, and muscles flexing* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): *Inhales again, drawing the scent into his lungs.* WS--Carefully. I did't much like being surrounded by the friendly ones, and these may not be. *Advances towards the temple, eye and ear open.* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): *grunts his agreement and slips back into place, keeping his right arm up a little so the blade doesn't get in the way of walking* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: ~ws~ We're expected. *Moves forward in an attempt to join Jublain near the front for a better view* Brad Mullins: *OK, back to buisness... he sicks close to Cassy and Rane* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Moves along with the others, though she forces her eyes to scan as much as possible withough keeping her attention focused soley on the light.* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): *keeps side-by-side with Val, the formation seeming perfect since she's on Jublain's blind spot and sandwhiched between them both* Soul(ST Style): As the Garou start towards the huge structure, the light suddenly flares as it touches...Something. After the dazzle clears from their eyes, the Garou see the light is pouring from the mouth of a titanic dinosaur's skull, teeth the size of steak knives lovingly preserved. And they see the source of the light. A huge creature is holding a torch. Roughly ten feet tall, the monstrous beast is a hideous amalgamation of man and insect. He has the torso of a muscular human male, but from the waist down is nothing but armored centipede, seemingly innumerable legs wiggling with no particular rhyme or reason. Its head looks reasonably human, except for the huge beetle-like mandibles jutting out from where the mouth should be, and the reddish compound eyes. Its arms terminate in huge pincers, easily the size of a grand klaive each. It turns and lights an identical skull next to the door, then starts towards the Garou. Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): *activates Inspiration as he rises to his hind legs* OOC:down to 2 gnosis Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): WS--Hold. *Shifts to Crinos, Morningstar dropping with a rattle, and waits.* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Doesn't pee...but it's a close thing* Brad Mullins: *blinks.... wow..* Soul(ST Style): The beast continues moving towards the Garou. It speaks, and again, on one level, the Garou hear chittering, but on another, they hear a smooth, perhaps even urbane, voice. "Welcome. We have been waiting for you." Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Steps in front of Rane, and drops a leg back in case she needs to pounce. Her instincts tell her to do so, yet her better judgement rests on the Fenrir, of all people. She shoots a knowing look to Jurg, the kind of look usually shared between he and Jubs, but one she picked up after being one of them on two different occasions "I got your back if you go"* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): *flicks an ear with a nearly imperceptable nod of acknowledgement to Cassy* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Something like this was half expected, but it's not the same as seeing it* ~ws~ Thank you. What may we call you? Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): *Pauses, about to speak, then looks to Val--she's supposed to be the goddess here, after all.* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): OOC:oi. Pangaea's supposed to just negate that tribe thing... not grant pack init to everyone *G* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Settles down a bit after the bug man speaks, though not visibly so...her gaze is still uneasy as she battles over what to do. They havn't been scewered yet, best to just see where this road takes her* Soul(ST Style): It clicks its pincers. "You may call me the Watcher of the Ways. I have been sent to greet you." It bows down, bizarre head touching the ground. "We have been waiting for you, god and goddess. But we expected different ones to travel with you. The other lords." Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *And she thought the lizard Kami was the wierdest thing she'd seen, this guy however, takes the cake* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): *glances about, wondering who the god is* Brad Mullins: *nudges Cass lightly* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): *Wonders that himself--but so far, he's got the Badass Warrior look down pretty good, so he lets Val talk.* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Gets nudged, and nods silently to Brad* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: ((*L* It works for me, Ken.)) ~ws~ Not everyone who began this could be here, Watcher of the Ways. But we've come and are curious. Soul(ST Style): The bug-thing rises up, looking at the group again. "Ah. I understand. You have come for the beginning of the festival. Please, follow me." He turns and starts to walk, apparently not doubting for a moment the Garou are going to follow. He continues talking. "The effigies are complete, the offerings are nearly ready, and the feast is prepared. We wait only for our Lords, and now, most of you have arrived." Brad Mullins: *wonders if he's a lord* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): *Follows--a step ahead of Val, actually, in case the Watcher decides to fight after all.* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Speaking for the first time as she looks around*HT~ what ~kind~ of festival is this? Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): *nudges Val* ~HT~ worse things to be than personal-guard to a goddess. *grunts and continues at her side as soon as she moves* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Quick glance at the others, then back at Watcher* ~ws~ This is wonderful news. We're looking forward to the festival. We hope to know you and your people better through it and hear your tales. Brad Mullins: *whoo, a party... there gonna be beer?* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): *Nods approvingly to Val and keeps on follerin'.* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Oh yeah, has a bad feeling about this. There'll be feasting, drugs, sex, and then...the sacrificial games...* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): *Zones out for a second.* Ps--Wonder who the offerings are? Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Rembers the apemen saying something about offerings, then shudders to think about who, or what is on the menu...* Soul(ST Style): He clicks his pincers at Cassy, apparently understanding her. "This is the Festival of the Returning Gods. It is time." He leads the Garou down the steps into the structure - apparently, it even goes deep into the ground. They find the steps uncomfortable, as they're clearly not built for human, or humanoid, creatures. It continues talking. "Let us show you the Effigies first." The Garou are lead into a bizarre place. The entire building is made out of the same material as the outside, apparently, and every inch of every surface is covered with carvings as detailed as anything any human artist ever created. The room they enter into is filled with towering statues, the details obscured by oddly clinging shadows. A faint smell of rot fills the room. The Garou are also surrounded by more of the insect-things - hundreds, probably thousands, occupy the ziggurat, and they move in and out, carrying bundles. Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): ~ps~ not you or Val. I can assure you that much. Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): *ears perk, a little bit unnerved by the hordes of jormangundrish shapes...Hopes his gift of inspiration is helping the others a little* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): *Looks around as they move, letting Val do the talking--mostly on the structure of the building, and on what the carvings are of.* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Being the tortured artist type as she is, she is moved by the shear granduer of the artwork and kelp help but make a few indistinguishable comments about their beauty. That is, until she sees the bundles carried by the bugs, and feels a sudden nausiating feeling well up in her at the thought of what those might be* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *When an opportunity passes near, she looks and sniffs discretely at a bundle* Soul(ST Style): If Cassy was nauseated by the mere thought of what was in the bundles, then she is moved to vomiting by what happens next. The Watcher gestures slightly, and a light bursts into existence high above the room. The features of the statues are revealed, as is their material. Incredibly, each of the five statues is a perfect, if idealized, representation of familiar faces. The faces of Val, Linda, Martin, Gabrielle, and Jublain stare back at the wondering Garou, writ large, each statue probably eighteen feet tall. The wonder only lasts for a minute - the Garou figure out the source of the rot stench. Each perfect statue is composed entirely of flesh - human flesh. The stitching is cleverly concealed, but there, huge flaps of human flesh creating the statues. Despite the horrific nature of their construction, there is still something beautiful about them - they are better than any human ever dreamed of building, after all. Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Breathes shallowly and swallows several times* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): *He's seen human flesh before, but damn... this guy would probably be good at Fenrisball.* WS--hold.... Soul(ST Style): The Watcher gestures, completely unaware of the reactions of the Garou. "Are these acceptable? We have been laboring since the Oracle saw the event." Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): Jubs>>~HT~ see? once again, you get all the fame and *sniff* eugh... fuck...t hese guys got skills... *crinkles his nose a bit and stands more protectively by Val, if that's possible* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Gathers her composure after gagging back the first response and shifts to homid so the smell is less intense.* I am without words to describe how honored we are by this work of art. Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): HT--The workmanship is very impressive. Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *And vomit she does, despite how desperately she tries to hold it in, chunks of half digested meat, as well as stringy noodles spill out onto the ground. She coughs and covers her gaping maw, trying to regain her composure ((spend one WP))*HT~ holy fuck... Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Turns on Cassy quickly* Making room for the feast? Good. Soul(ST Style): The Watcher turns to regard Cassy as she vomits. "That reaction was unexpected. You must be unwell." He turns to look at the statues, almost lovingly, if human emotions could be applied to such an alien creature. "We had hoped you would like them. Hopefully they will remain fresh for a while. Even with the application of herbs, they begin to rot. Too much flesh from the locals takes too long." He gestures with a clacking claw, deeper into the temple. "Come. It is time for the feast." Brad Mullins: *oh god..... *backs away a step* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): *Nods.* HT--Is the feast also of the flesh of humans? Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Grits her teeth tightly together and follows the host toward whatever horror awaits* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Cough.Gurgles. Swaaaaalow.*HT~ I'm...fine...*cough* Just moved by the...magnificance of it all..*seems to force the words out* Soul(ST Style): The Watcher turns to regard Jublain. "You know very little of the feast. I find this disconcerting." He turns and heads deeper into the ziggurat, down a tunnel deeper into the earth. The Garou can hear sounds from the tunnel - the clicking sounds of the things conversing, and other noises. Brad Mullins: *nudges Cassy reassuringly* -HT- c'mon Cass... Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): *grunts and continues on* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Continues on her way. Mental Note- don't let your gaze wander anymore.* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): *Keeps on rollin'.* ((Were the statues in homid?)) Soul(ST Style): The Watcher leads the others down the tunnel, and into a huge feasting chamber. Unlike the other fixtures, the tables are stones, with grooves cut into them in strange patterns. The grooves gradually turn into wells, at each of which one of the bug-creatures stands. It takes a moment for even the Garou brain to process exactly what's going on here. Hanging above each table are two of the apemen, limply hanging there, strange metallic contraptions piercing them over and over. Blood pours freely from each of the apemen and into the grooves, filling the wells. This scene is repeated at least twenty times throughout the room, with eight insect-men at each table. The Watcher ignores these scenes, walking the Garou towards the head of the room. Soul(ST Style): ((The statues were definitely in Homid.)) Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): *the scarred-eye twitches a bit, but that's all he allows himself to show at the scene* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Starts shutting down emotionally. Just focuses on the job at hand, cramming it all under a lid for later.* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Her previous reaction was only out of suprise. Blood and gore are nothing new to her, and the trip down to this place prepared her for what she might see, though she can't hide the look of disgust on her face, as she looks toward Jurg once again* Brad Mullins: *tries not to watch* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): *Grunts, tamping the Rage down as he continues.* Soul(ST Style): The Watcher leads the Garou to a table at the head of the room, then turns and addresses the others. "Friends! Our Lords have arrived! The feast can begin!" And the feast does begin. The insect-beings dig into the blood with gusto. The Watcher turns and smiles - they think. "You require solid food, do you not? I do hope so, otherwise our preperations are to be for naught." Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): *not really sure how to take all he's seeing* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): *Nods, trying to do a quick mental count.* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Forces a pleasant smile for the Watcher* We will no doubt be pleased by the food you've prepared. Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Grits her teeth, this time its not vomit that she swallows, but rage.*Jubs>>MS- If they serve me a head on a platter, I may just lose it... Brad Mullins: *senses Cassy's rage and leans against her* -HT- *quietly* easy... Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): MS--depends on whose it is. Soul(ST Style): Jublain counts roughly 160 of the insect-things. The Watcher doesn't seem to notice as it turns, then pulls an elaborately, beautifully woven cloth off the table. Laying there is another of the apemen, this one dead and cut open like a dissected frog, a look of terror on its primitive features - it was alive when the process started. The Watcher turns to look at the Garou. "The best they had to offer. Saved for you. Now feast, for the offering begins soon." Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): HT--This we cannot do. With all due respect for your efforts, we cannot eat the flesh of these creatures. It is proscribed. Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): *leans his head down to Val's ear, but BSing his word choice in case the things can hear* Val>>~HT~ should I taste for you as tradition dictates? *hopes someone else has a real good plan in mind* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Keeps growing more numb inside. Emotional tunnel vision* Dear host, you have outdone yourself. But a ban on our pack prevents us from enjoying this kind of feast, much to our regret. Cassy Nix (S-E-D): ((ahhh...sent to soon)) HT- Never...*Is all she says, as she looks towards Jurg with twitchy eyes* Soul(ST Style): The Watcher regards the Garou, delight fading into puzzlement. "This is disturbing. You must at least taste. It is the way of the ritual. Should we have cooked it? I will order another captive brought and you can supervise its boiling yourselves. Or perhaps its roasting?" The insect-thing is clearly anxious. Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): HT--Do not fret. It is not appetite, but law which constrains us. We are well pleased. Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Shakes her head* Watcher of the Ways, you have done well. We are merely banned by spiritual ways from eating one of these creatures. A simpler meal would suffice. A plant from above? Still living. Brad Mullins: *stays close to Cassy... biting down his own rage and trying to keep her calm* Soul(ST Style): The Watcher chitters, perhaps a hint of anger behind its words. "This is unprecedented. The others devoured the feast. The others were not gods, though." His brow furrows, a surprisingly human-like gesture. "Perhaps that is it. Divine law. I shall inquire with the Oracle about it later. I am confused, but I bow to your will." He turns and gestures at one of the other insect-beasts, which scuttles into the darkness, returning moments later with perfectly alive, perfectly healthy, perfectly prehistoric plant life of some sort. Brad Mullins: *stays close to Cassy... biting down his own rage and trying to keep her calm* Soul(ST Style): The Watcher chitters, perhaps a hint of anger behind its words. "This is unprecedented. The others devoured the feast. The others were not gods, though." His brow furrows, a surprisingly human-like gesture. "Perhaps that is it. Divine law. I shall inquire with the Oracle about it later. I am confused, but I bow to your will." He turns and gestures at one of the other insect-beasts, which scuttles into the darkness, returning moments later with perfectly alive, perfectly healthy, perfectly prehistoric plant life of some sort. Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): *Nods.* HT--I thank you. You have done very well. Jurg--try some of these. They look excellent. Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Turns to shoot a concerned look at Brad at the mention of others gladly partacing in this sacrilage. then shifts her uneasy attention back to the attendent bring the plant.* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Smiles, at least with her lips, to Watcher* We are a kind constantly entering into magical situations invonving strictures and can find ourselves kept from some pleasure such as this at an unfortunate time. This new thing is perfect, and I'm very pleased with the extra effort you put into it. It shows your sincerity. Cassy Nix (S-E-D): Jubs>>MS- You think the others he was talkin about might be the Dancers, or even the devourers men? *when it is offered, she politely takes a portion of what ever plant is on the menu, and bites into it, forcing a smile as she chews ((Resist Toxin Still up))* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: Watcher> The others who feasted here; where are they now? Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): ~ps~ asshole...you're sniffing the shits I get from this... *nods in agreement and reaches forth to take one of the offerings. shifts down to glabro to have the teeth for chewing it as he takes a bit of the offering. chews quite a while, speaing through a full mouth* Excellent. A reception very well fit for the divine *with a nod to Jubs, Val and even a small one to Gab* Soul(ST Style): The Watcher turns to look at the other insectoid centaur as it approaches, regarding the smaller(though not much smaller) being with some disdain. It plucks the plants from the thing's hands, then turns and casually shoves the corpse of the apeman off the table, setting the plants down for the Garou to grab. Cassy is surprised - they taste rather good, as plants go, sort of a prehistoric version of lettuce with a hint of mint. Soul(ST Style): The Watcher waves dismissively. "They have gone. We would not give them the information they sought." Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): *Nods to Cassy, taking a bite.* MS--did you see how much metal they had? Knives, hatchets, even jewelry? Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Selects a likely bit of greenery* Maybe we could help them if we see them later. What information were they seeking? Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Shifts to Glabro as well, and nods her approval to the others* Stuffs not to bad...*continues to much on the watery plant, trying not to gaze at the mutilated corps in front of her. She regards the watcher* My compliments to the chef, a meal fit for a godess indeed. Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): *Nods to the Watcher.* HT--Some are not worthy of that which they ask. These are good--I thank you. Brad Mullins: *watches Cassy... waiting for her to gag* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): *blinks a moment as he swallows. knows he's gonna regret the swallowing* ~ps~ bro... I put it together. he didn't want me or us. he wanted _you_. and "the others" he wanted were Val and the rest he thinks freed him. Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Nods back to Jubs*MS- Not a very encouraging thought if you think about the fact that the offering part of this festival is yet to come Soul(ST Style): "The name. They were not willing to pay the price, however." The Watcher turns to...Well...Watch the Garou, speaking up over the noisy din of the feast as they eat the plants. "I forget my manners. My Lords must rest. Perhaps they would like some entertainment?" Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): MS--they had none. Not even a jack-knife. So where did they get silver arrowheads? *Takes another bite, using the chance to chew and kind of zone out again.* PS--You were there too, don't forget. Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): Jubs>>~ps~ I'm not one with a statue and god-hood. think about his words when he made the offer. *chewing and missing the offer for conversation as his mind is linked with Jubs'* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Her head perks up at the mention of the price then turns to Jubs*MS- I knew there was a catch...And I thought about the arrowheads too, Maybe this is their way of "buttering" us up before they through us into the Volcano *figuratively speaking of course* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Doubts it can be avoided, but right not it doesn't matter, no it doesn't really...it's all just numb in there being saved for later* What entertainments do you make for yourselves? Will there be tales? Songs? Maybe epics about ~him~? Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): OOC:sorry. on beer #4. that's offer for entertainment, not conversation Brad Mullins: *tries some of the lettuce type stuff... hmm, not bad... shifts to crinos so he can use his hands* Soul(ST Style): The Watcher nods once. "Many songs. Many tales. But first, we will use the entertainment you brought." It gestures, and the next part happens in the blink of an eye. A group of the insect creatures pops out of the shadows, one each for Rane, Brad, Cassy, and Jurg. With incredible speed, clearly some sort of supernatural effect and not their natural speed, the insect-things clamp silver rings down over each of the Garou. The rings fit snugly underneath the arms, close enough to cause a little discomfort, but not to actually burn them. The Watcher then gestures towards the Garou with the silver bands. "Prepare them for the entertainment." The Watcher turns to regard Val, Jube, and Gabrielle with a smile. "We thank you. Truly, it was unnecessary of you to bring your own entertainment. But these ones will do. We have a special opponent for them." Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): *Eats more, thinking.* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): HT--An opponent? Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Breathes for a second* We didn't realize they were entertainment. Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): *looks to Brad and Cassy. gives Cassy a nod, knowing she knows full well what to do and hoping Brad follows suit. takes several deep breaths to focus despite the shock of the sudden hits* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Growls and Snaps looking at Jurg, and Brad* I fuckin NEW IT...bastards!!! Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): *snaps towards Cassy* CALM! the gods won't betray us... *eyes giving a no-bullshit edge to them* Soul(ST Style): The Watcher turns to regard Jurg casually. "Do not struggle. If you attempt to shift forms, you will be cut in half. Do not think of shifting to a smaller one, either. The rings expand or contract with you. They were designed for that." The Watcher looks over at Val. "Certainly that's why you brought them. It is the way of the ritual. If they survive the trials, then they will be returned to you. And you and the other Lords can watch from the seat of honor." Brad Mullins: -HT- The FUCK?? Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): *Nods.* HT--They are good servants. It is my hope that they are not harmed. Brad Mullins: *looks at Jurg... he's gotta have a plan* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Clenches her teeth, her eyes betraying her barely contained Rage...*Jurg>>MS- I'm not of your pack tonight, but I havn't forgotten what to do...*nods* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: Watcher> Your ways are many and full of surprises for us. Is this part of the price for the Name that the others wouldn't pay? Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): *drops a wp for Resist Pain* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Looks at the "entertainment" people* You, out there, are a pack. ~BE~ a pack. Soul(ST Style): The Watcher shakes his head, looking perplexed. "No. This is entertainment, but also part of the trials. The price for the Name is a seperate thing altogether. One we will discuss later." The Watcher looks over at Jublain. "They will be harmed only if they are unable to meet the challenge. It will be fair, as the trials go. They must prove their worth to see the offering." Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Looks at the "entertainment" people* You, out there, are a pack. ~BE~ a pack. Soul(ST Style): The Watcher shakes his head, looking perplexed. "No. This is entertainment, but also part of the trials. The price for the Name is a seperate thing altogether. One we will discuss later." The Watcher looks over at Jublain. "They will be harmed only if they are unable to meet the challenge. It will be fair, as the trials go. They must prove their worth to see the offering." Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): *nods to Val then to Cassy, Brad and Rane. Rane should know what to do. the standard battle-healer thing. hopefully. nods to Cassy and flexes his right hand, to brad and flexes his left. pops his neck* OOC:*and waits for an answer to something before posting the rest* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): (((Hehe...is also waiting on an answer.)) Soul(ST Style): The Garou are suddenly painfully aware of 160 pairs of compound eyes on them. The feast hall is silent, except for the quiet swinging of the bodies of the apemen in the metallic contraptions. Brad Mullins: *moves to Jurg's left side* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *Not because she wants to, but out of sheer neccessaty she looks at Jurg, Only he Rane, and Jubs would recognize that look. Suddenly her head flings back and her mouth opens in a silent scream, Jubs and Jurg feel the connection she has just made. She is now one of them* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): OOC:Jurg Trollskin.sta 7, pu 2, wp: 8,1,10,6,8,3,1,6,1. feck. 2 succ. with one auto-from pangaea and a wp. that hurts. Brad Mullins: *looks at Cassy... then at Jurg* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): ((Ouch.)) *Nods, watching.* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): OOC:and if there's time before the thing comes out (just hurrying and posting the roll in case someone has to go soon) 1 succ on Visage of Fenris. at 6 dice Soul(ST Style): ((That part won't happen tonight. We're very nearly done with this half. *s*)) The Watcher looks around, frowning. "I feel energy. Spiritual energy." He turns to look at Jube, Val, and Gabrielle again. "I am disappointed. Perhaps you should all undergo the trial." Brad Mullins: *wonders what just happened to Cassy* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): HT--Energy? Cassy Nix (S-E-D): *She unsheathes her Kris, and grasps Hunnin in her other hand, Her bloodshot eyes, still twitching at the vision of what she just encountered only moments before*PS- Lets get this party started... Brad Mullins: *pulls out his spiked club* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: Watcher> Perhaps you should explain in clear detail, the rules of this entertainment so that no one creates offense Jürg Beast-of-Garm (DoW Beta, PB3): *crouches on one knee, head lowered just slightly for the moment. arms crossed in front of him al'a Conan the Barbarian. fists clenching and unclenching. ready. knowing his life may lie in the hands of Jubs and Val and just having to have faith in the gods... ironically enough* Soul(ST Style): "Energy. They are doing something. I am disappointed." The Watcher shakes his head and sighs, then begins to sing, that same strangely beautiful sound from above. As it sings, the Garou feel another presence enter the room, something similar to the Watcher, but unseen. Its power seems to meld with the Watcher's, and suddenly, its singing is beautiful. The most beautiful lullaby the Garou have ever heard. They find their eyelids getting heavy... Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: Then *concentrates* allow them to remedy the mistake and go forward. Soul(ST Style): The Rage flows through Jublain, and grants his muscles strength for only a moment. Then, he doesn't want to feel the Rage anymore. He is safe here. Safe and warm and happy. And sleepy. So very, very sleepy... Brad Mullins: *blinks.... shakes his head....* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): ((*G* Oh, shit...)) *Grunts, yawns, grunts again.* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade ( [your] PB 3): *And keels over, Morningstar clanking to the floor beside him, still gripped tight in his Crinos fist.* Brad Mullins: *takes a couple steps toward the Watcher.... he'll beat that mother fucker down....... he'll....... . he'll.............. oh shit............ he falls foreward like a redwood coming down* Cassy Nix (S-E-D): ((Ummm....My Bad? *G*)) Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: ((I always knew Jigglypuffs were evil!)) *Holds it off as long as she can, but finally with jerks and halts, falls forward across the plant-feast.* ((To Be continued...)) ((And without further ado...)) Conciousness returns to the Garou slowly. First, they can see fuzzy, flickering lights. Then shapes. Then they are fully awake, and after some looking around, figure out where they are. They are in a thirty-foot-deep arena. The walls are covered with viciously sharp, barbed bone hooks, every inch covered in carvings. In front of the Garou, a huge stone porticullis stands, everything dark beyond the gate. All around them, far above, they can see the insect-beings looking down from their seats. Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade (PB 3): (("During last night's episode, our intrepid heroes were captured by...")) Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade (PB 3): *Looks around--is that damned silver on him still?* Gabrielle Tureck: * she slowly awakens thinking were not in kansas anymore* Soul(Queen of the Damned/ST): Nobody has any of the silver on them. Unfortunately, they've all been stripped completely naked. Anything even remotely weapon-like has been taken, and they have no clothes. Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Comes out of her sleep, and takes a long, look around* Why do I feel like a Roman Gladiator....oh yeah...cause I am...*snorts, and looks to Jurg* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): *groans and growls as he regains consciousness* OOC:do they still have the silver bands on them? if so, does that mean they're all trapped in breed form? Gabrielle Tureck: * she looks at the others and softly sighs* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade (PB 3): *Growls, squatting on his heels.* They better plan on returnin' Mornin'star, or there's gonna be some bloodshed. Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Looks down at her naked body, and grunts, then looks to Jurg* Does this mean we can shift? Gabrielle Tureck: ( anything I should know in particular from last night?) Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): OOC:damn I'm slow with my questions. BIC:*growls... then blinks upon realizing everything's been taken. looks to his arms to see if the tattoos of his dedicated armor's still there* Soul(Queen of the Damned/ST): From above, they hear the voice of the Watcher ring out. "Let the festival begin. You may take whichever form you wish. If you survive, you will meet the Keeper." The stone gate begins to slowly raise... Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Sits up and gives the Universe an unpleasant glare* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): Cassy>>they took the silver off... I think its expected. Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Stands to see what's coming* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade (PB 3): *Takes Crinos, pleased slightly at how easily it comes to him here, and hurries to activate Troll Skin before the shit hits the fan.* Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Shifts to Crinos, and crouches low with ((Activating Resist Toxin))* PS- This is gonna suck...you know that right? Gabrielle Tureck: * she looks at Jublian and just shakes her head and looks at the gate raising* Soul(Queen of the Damned/ST): Anything that isn't physically a part of the Garou is no longer there. The Garou do see bundles, however - what looks to be their equipment. Unfortunately, it's all hanging about twenty-five feet off the ground, from the viciously barbed hooks. Soul(Queen of the Damned/ST): The gate slowly cycles open. There is what seems to be an eternity of breathless silence...And one of the apemen staggers out from the darkness. It is bleeding badly from a deep gash in its side, but it is bearing weapons - a crude bow and arrow. Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade (PB 3): ((Jublain TS--Sta 8, P-U 3, 1 auto, 1 WP: 7,8,3,1,2,6,9,6,8,2,1,--ugh...2 suxx, pluse the auto, plus the WP 4 suxx in all.)) *The thick fur, already seperated by lines and white streaks, seperates further over the warts and callousses that spring up on his skin as he looks up for Morningstar.* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Shifts to Hispo* Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Growls and drops to all fours, sticking close to Jurg and Brad*PS- No way this is what we're fighting... Gabrielle Tureck: * she looks up and at the others..* anychance you guys would want to form a ladder to reach our stuff? Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): OOC:okay... correct if I'm wrong, but I think that means Morningstar and Jurg's armor'd still be there since they're tattoos when in homid, which they'd revert to on unconsciousness? BIC:*shifts to crinos, activating trollskin as well* Gabrielle Tureck: * she sees the apeman and sprints over towards him* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade (PB 3): HT--Back! Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: ~WS~ Let's show them who and what we really are. Don't kill the apeman. Take his weapons and let me heal him. Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Looks up at her weapons then back down at Jurg, and Jubs*PS- What are the odds one of you two could throw my up there in homid form? Gabrielle Tureck: * she kneels next to the apeman* I'm here to help..I heal you? * she holds her hand out to him* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): ((Jurg TS, Sta 8, PU2 1 auto, 1 wp: 4,1,4,5,8,6,4,4,7,8.. 4 succ altogether.)) *the warts, plates and callous emerges from beneath his fur... and gawd, what a stink* Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Growls she begins to cirlce until she comes to Gabby's side* HT- Don't you leave my side Gab...*would have covered Val, but knows Jurg is on top of it.* Soul(Queen of the Damned/ST): ((If that's the case, then they'd still have them. If they were physically part of their bodies, the insects had no way of removing them.)) Cassy's intuition proves correct. After only a moment, it comes out of the darkness. Sixteen feet tall and more than forty feet long, the familiar form of a tyrannosaurus is recognizeable to anyone who ever saw Jurassic Park. It stomps out of the dark with terrifying quickness, bending over and snatching the hapless apeman up in its teeth. Two quick shakes, and the apeman stops screaming. The tyrannosaurus flings the limp body away and bellows in rage. The Garou can see the body of the huge beast is covered in what appear to be leeches. Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): *and does indeed stay in front and to the right of Val* Gabrielle Tureck: * she steps back and scrambles for the crude weapons the apeman was carrying* Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Looks up...and up....and up*HT- Holy gaping maw of death batman...Jurg/Jubs>>PS- Whats the strategy...surround the fucker? Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Gets low so to be hard to bite and away from the Rex* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): ~HT~ fuck...... *and that's his cue to activate Resist Pain. if time, Resist Toxin and Inspiration, bringing him back to 1 gnosis* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: ~WS~ Climb the Rex, Use as ladder to stuff! Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *And whether she likes it or not, Gab has a shadow for the duration of this fight, and she moves swiftly along with her, always keeping an eye on the prehistoric beast in front of them* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade (PB 3): ((rock...)) *Morningstar falls from its place with a rattle.* HT--To me! ((Jublain activate Gnosis 4: 5,9,6,9,--3 suxx, only needed one.) Blood beads on the weapons' spikes, then almost pours off the weapon, dripping onto the ground.*.* Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Yells back to Val* HT- Is that all? Well jeez that'll be a piece of cake...*said with no small amount of sarcasm* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade (PB 3): HT--Climb it? Uh-uh. What's that on him? Soul(Queen of the Damned/ST): The beast roars again, maddened with...Something, possibly pain. It looks down to regard the Garou with eyes the size of dinner plates, snorting and chomping slightly. It senses something, and seems reluctant to move, even with its apparent pain. Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: ~ws~ Its arms can't get you. Gabrielle Tureck: * she looks to Jub* Talk to it...you got that speech! Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade (PB 3): *Pauses, then activates Beast Speech. After all--here, at least--it's no mythic beast.* ~~Let us help you, friend. what pains you? *Raises a hand to hold the others back.*. Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): Jubs>>PS- Rhya....what about caller of the wyld gift...think that might scare it a little? Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): Jubs>>~HT~ need orders soon...*spreads out slightly so they aren't all in a handy-useful clump, though not out of range of Val* Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Still crouched in a 3 point stance in front of Gab, and to her right as well, huffing, and twitching with barely contained rage* Gabrielle Tureck: * she looks to Val* we should try to heal it? Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: ~ws~ If it'll let us. Soul(Queen of the Damned/ST): The beast snorts again, then leans over, roaring. Jublain understands it, bizarrely, even as the other Garou are nearly bowled over from the pain. It bellows, "The small ones! They say they will end my pain if I kill you all." It snorts again, then leans over, watching the Garou very, very closely. It's barely a foot away from the closest Garou. They could literally reach out and touch it if they wished. Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): *attempts to activate Visage of...whatever it'd now be called. fails. has NO urge to touch the beast* Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Takes a few steps back as the ringing in her sensative ears forces her to try and cover them* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade (PB 3): ~~Do you believe them? Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade (PB 3): ~~Do you believe them?Gabrielle Tureck: * she grimaces and slightly cowers* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Never appreciated how BIG she must have looked to those voles she ate .. until now* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): OOC:misread that post. BIC:*flattens his ears with a grimace, his head jerking back somewhat... and that very well may be what killed that gift* Soul(Queen of the Damned/ST): It cocks its head, regarding Gabrielle for a moment, then turns to regard Jublain. "No. They still kill me even when I eat you all." Gabrielle Tureck: * she looks at the giant beast and her eyes are soft and sympathetic as she speaks to Jub * Will it let us heal it? Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade (PB 3): *Makes an effort not to cower himself. Damn that fucker's big.* ~~Then maybe there's a way out. A way in which you can run the savannahs and hunt the pure things again. What are those things on your hide? Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Acknowledges Gab* HT- Even if you heal it, those things all over its body look like...leeches. Unless we get those off of him then it wouldn't last long... Soul(Queen of the Damned/ST): The beat chuffs, and the Garou are hit with a blast of warm breath, scented with rotting meat. "Do not know. Not saw them before. They put them on me and hurting starts." Above, the Garou hear chitters and clicks from the insectoid creatures. There's definitely some unrest going on up there. Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): *with an effort, he forces himself straighter again. cracking his neck, and rising to his full height, this time not cowering* OOC:Jurg Visage attempt 2: 4,8,5,6,10,7. 4 succ Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: ~ws~ Then we remove the leeches. Easy. Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): ~HT~* growls* great. remove the leeches and get swarmed by the spectators. We need to do _something_ and do it fast. I say put it out of its misery... Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade (PB 3): *Nods.* ~~Maybe if we take them off, the pain will stop? Gabrielle Tureck: Cassy..the ideal here is we help mr. ummm big guy over here and he helps us.... Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: ~ws~ Jurg, no. That's what they want. Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): Gab>>~HT~ help how? *finally got those gifts done with. about time* if we welch outta this test, we fail. and rather he helps us or not, we still don't have what we came for. Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Nods with Jurg* HT- Jurgs right...if we don't they will anyway, and we have a better chance against this thing I'm thinkin than we do against all those fuckin insects... Soul(Queen of the Damned/ST): "Might stop hurting. I can leave then. I bring help. Break this place." It looks up at the insect-things above, and even in its animalistic eyes, the Garou recognize the emotion of hate. Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: Cassy> ~WS~ Better chance WITH it as an ally. Gabrielle Tureck: Jurg...do you kinda notice we don't have much in the form of allies here to kinda get us outta this place?.... Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Looks up with the beast, and feels its rage* That thing hates these things as much I'm starting too... Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): Gab>>do you kinda notice Val and Jubs are godlike? this is a test... this isn't damned if we do, damned if we don't. we prove ourselves, we get what we need, we get OUT of here. Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade (PB 3): *Smiles a moment, thinking.* ~~I would like to see that as well. Hold still--with your size and strength, you might break bones just on accident--and we'll do what we can. Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): *twitches slightly at Jubs' smiling.... hopes he's got one hell of a plan* Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *To Gab and Val* HT- I think the 5 of us could take this thing, do you really think the added strenght he would offer our pack would really fend off all...what? 5,000 or so of those fuckin things...they're bigger than us too. Gabrielle Tureck: * she shruggs* Fine Jurg..attack it and end up in it's belly.... Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: Cassy>> Better than us wounded and no Rex ally. Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): Gab>>and tear my way out again if I have to. Val>>you're assuming they're gonna kill us if we win. Gabrielle Tureck: * she looks to cassy* you too ..go ahead...... Soul(Queen of the Damned/ST): The dinosaur looks up at the insect-things all around. It bellows again, in pure rage this time, before looking down at Jublain. "More like me can come. They all die. They not the same now. Wicked." Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): ~HT~ fuckit.. less talk. the natives're restless. Hjarta! need a plan here! Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: Jurg> ~ws~ No. I'm assuming Jublain's having meaningful talk. Be respectful of that. Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Growls* HT- this ISNT about us Val remember? Our people back home are more important than this beast Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): Val>>~HT~ we're on limited time here.... Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: Cassy> ~WS~ Depending on us to succeed. For that we have to live. Grow a clue Sister. Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: ~SS~ Can you understand me? *To the Rex* I want to help you. Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): Val>>~HT~ stop bickering. I swear you won't die while I live. if I have to play martyr so you and Jubs get back with the name, I will Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Growls* We'll live, and get the information we need if we pass this test. Our mission has been layed out for us...you need to...*Bites her tongue, arguing has no place in this situation* Soul(Queen of the Damned/ST): The huge beast takes a step towards Jublain, probably necessitating a few of the Garou to leap out of the way of its tree-trunk legs - it clearly didn't mean to try to squash them, as it doesn't follow it up with any sort of hostile movement, but the Garou are aware of just how tremendous this thing is. It then tilts its head back, exposing the foul-looking leeches lining its neck and underbelly. Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade (PB 3): *Nods.* ~~Something has twisted them. Give me a moment. *Reverts back to the High Tongue.* HT--Val, can you see what you can do for him? Jurg, we don't attack the bystanders for someone else's bloodsport. *Concentrates, works his throat, and addresses the beast again.* ~~I am called Unbreakable Heart. Who are you? Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): *goes back as needed, shoving Val with him protectively* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): Jubs>>~HT~ fine. we'll debate later. just decide fast Soul(Queen of the Damned/ST): The thing tilts its head back down, looking at Val for a moment with those huge eyes - she would swear it looks a little perplexed. It then looks over at Jublain. "Unbreakable Heart? Good name. Strong name. I called..." It ponders for a moment, how to express it. "Broken Tooth." Gabrielle Tureck: * she stands there and folds her arms over her chest * Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: ~ws~ Aha, cleaners we are. *Creeps under to pinch one in her teeth and pull it off* Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Steps out of the way, still keeping her protective shadow next to Gab as she does her thing. Though clearly anxious, she trusts Jubs judgement* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: ((If slipping past Jurg was doable)) Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade (PB 3): *Nods as Val works.* ~~I am proud to have it. Something came among these to twist them. Do you know what it was? Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): *not so much slipping by, as Jurg making sure the thing's not gonna stomp Val with that initial shove, then follows her in with teeth gritted. Since he can't speak the thing's language, has no clue if it's on the verge ot snapping and attacking. especially with all those hate-filled roars. Keeps his eyes on it as his body stays by Valerie's* Soul(Queen of the Damned/ST): "Shadow comes. They change. They not always wicked. Once lived with the fur-skins. It come and take them and turn them wicked. Gives them hunger. Blood hunger." The beast shifts a little. It clearly hurts as Val finally manages to yank one of the leeches off. It tastes foul in her mouth, corrupt, an acrid, metallic tang. A piece of the beast's immensely thick hide comes off with the small thing. Gabrielle Tureck: * she looks up at the bundles* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Shifts to Crinos for hands and a better reach* ~HT~ Jurg, be useful and help. Twist and pull, like a wine cork. Gabrielle Tureck: * she then starts to look for the bow and arrow* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): *jerks his head to the side* Gab, shift to homid. Cassy, chuck her to the gear. I can burn these things off if that's what we're doing Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade (PB 3): ~~Far away, we battle against this same shadow. Do you know where we can find its name? Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Spits on the ground as she works as fast as she can.* Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Winces a little as she tears the bug off the T-Rex's hide, feeling pitty for the monster*Jurg>>PS- If these things are twisted, then this may have been a huge trap... Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Turns to Gab* You up for it?...*begins to back off, slowly, non confrontationally, back toward the hanging baskets* Gabrielle Tureck: anyne seen the bow and arrow...we can use the tip to cut the leeches off the big guy Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: ~HT~ Gabrielle? Will you heal with me when the leeches are off? It's so big. Two healers might be better than one. Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): *grunts a noncommital response to Cassy. grunts to Val and begins to pry the leeches using the blade of the armor's right arm. slides it near to the hide as he can to sever then twists and yanks the leech with his left claws, being far slower than Val as he's keeping his attention on the dino and the crowd* Gabrielle Tureck: Val...sure ... Soul(Queen of the Damned/ST): "Guardian holds the name. You must pay price. I hear them say that." It winces, shifting very uncomfortably as the Garou continue to pull the leeches off of it. Here and there, it even lets out a small bellow as the pain grows to be too much. Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Looks to Jub having an Idea* Jubs>>HT- Ask your friend if he'll lift me up so I can jump and grab the weapons? Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade (PB 3): *Nods.* ~~Then we must stay, to speak to this Guardian. They are working as gently as they can, friend. Soon they will be finished. Gabrielle Tureck: * she can't find the bow and arrow and heads over to the big guy* Maybe I should start healing him to take some of the edge off the pain? Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: ~HT~ Yes Gabrielle, please. I'll hurry also. Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade (PB 3): *Nods to Cassy, but holds up a finger--one twitch of pain might leave Cassy as a mudhole.* Gabrielle Tureck: * she nods to Val and places her hands on the beast and closes her eyes and starts to attempt to heal him* Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Nods...takes a stance directly behind Gab while shifting her gaze upward toward the crowd* Soul(Queen of the Damned/ST): The leeches are nearly all gone, as the Garou work dilligently. The foul little things try to crawl away a little as they hit the ground, but inevitably start to die. The huge dinosaur is clearly in pain, but as Gabrielle channels healing energy into it, the holes in its hide begin to knit, and the few leeches remaining drop to the ground rather suddenly. Soul(Queen of the Damned/ST): The crowd watch the Garou in utter silence. Everyone is crowded around the edge of the arena. Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Stomp stomp the fallen leeches* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): *blinks and backs away as the rest of the leeches back away, pulling Val with him*~ HT~ think its got somethin' to do with gnosis since these things detest it? Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): OOC:Leeches fall off, that is. not as the leeches back away Gabrielle Tureck: * she will continue to heal the beast until it feels no more pain * Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade (PB 3): *Nods.* ~~The work is finished. There is a favor I would ask of you, Broken Tooth. Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Gives their patient a final friendly and comforting stroke of her crinos hand as she's snatched away by Jurg* Gabrielle Tureck: * she stops when it is time and steps back and takes a deep breath* woshhhhhh Soul(Queen of the Damned/ST): The thing looks down at Jublain blinking slowly. "I help you if I can." Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade (PB 3): ~~Things which we wish to have are in those bundles up there-- *Gestures towards the hanging bundles.* If you were to let this one, *gestures to Cassy* who is called Reeks-of-Fury, to climb upon your back, she could reach them easily. Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Rests a hand on Gabs shoulder*HT- if you're finished, I would feel more comfortable if we backed away a little, you are kind of key to this operation, so is Val* Gabrielle Tureck: * she even sits down for a minute* Soul(Queen of the Damned/ST): The dinosaur turns to regard Cassy. "She aggressive. She hurt me, she die." However, it bends over until its chin is nearly touching the ground, allowing Cassy to climb up on the back of its head. Gabrielle Tureck: * she takes a deep breath* need to get to the walls of the temple...they tell us..need my book to write it down * points to the bundles* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): Gab>>~HT~ get behind me. with Val Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Turns to Jubs, waiting for his go ahead since she can't understand it*HT- Is it cool? Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade (PB 3): ~~She will not harm you, friend. *Reverts back to the speech of his own people.* HT--Climb up, Cassy, and he'll lift you to the bundles. Gentle, now. Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Nods, and gulps down her anxiety as best she can before ~carefully~ climing onto its head, and bracing herself* Gabrielle Tureck: .* she finally catches her breath and rises from her spot and looks up at the size of the beast and is in awe* oh wow.....* she steps closer to Val and Jurg* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): *silently thanks Bear again for his gift of the berskr to add weight to his will in not being scared shitless* Soul(Queen of the Damned/ST): It slowly lifts Cassy, with surprising gentleness, then moves her over towards the bundles of clothing and equipment. If she stretches, she can reach them without being speared on one of the cruel hooks lining the arena. Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: Gabrielle> ~HT~ My thoughts exactly Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): PS- If this things decides to start nibbling, I'm taking an eye as a trophy of war to the homelands... Gabrielle Tureck: * she smiles to Val* you think we ougtha name him Barney? Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): ~Ps~ if it swallows, choke it from within Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *And stretch she does, until she has the bundle strap in her mouth so she can crouch down again on her decent to the ground* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade (PB 3): *Grunts.* HT--His name is Broken Tooth. *There are going to be nights, in the coming weeks, when he wakes up in a cold sweat thinking of how close he was to the thing's jaws, but for now he watches carefully.* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: ~HT~ Gabrielle...*Has to stop herself from laughing from sheer nerves* Soul(Queen of the Damned/ST): The dinosaur then steps away from the wall, careful with its long, thick tail to not brush it against the wall, and bends over, letting Cassy jump off. Gabrielle Tureck: * she looks to Jublian* Oh well that's a good name too...* she looks at the beast with awe again * wow Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade (PB 3): ~~I thank you, Broken Tooth. How do you intend to leave? Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Jumps to safety, and takes the bag in her hands, though for the moment she is still a little knock kneed. She opens the bundle to find her Knives, and tosses Gab her book. Then looks up shakily regaining her composure* HT- I dont think yo can understand me...but umm....Thanks Broken Tooth... Soul(Queen of the Damned/ST): "I get out. No worry." It then straightens, and dashes through the gate, moving far faster than one would think such a titanic thing could. After a minute or two, there is a tremendous crash, and a few of the insect-things keen for a moment before being abruptly silenced. The crowd watches the Garou silently, as the Watcher leaps down into the arena, landing lightly. Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade (PB 3): *Smiles, calling after the behemoth.* ~~Good hunting, Broken Tooth! *And then turns to face the Watcher.* Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Graps her knives tightly after sliding hunning over her shoulders. She turns to see the watcher and immidiatly takes position in front of Gab* Gabrielle Tureck: * she jumps a bit seeing the watcher appear* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Straightens to attention as Watcher enters* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): *cracks his knuckles and straightens* Soul(Queen of the Damned/ST): The Watcher regards the Garou closely. "Curious. Mercy. Regardless, I suppose you have passed the test. Come. It is time to meet the Keeper." Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *And for the second time thus far she give Jurg that knowing look, and nod* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): Cassy>>~HT~ my glove... throw me Pyre-starter. Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Quirks a brow* PS- that was unexpected....*follows with the group* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade (PB 3): *Nods and follows.* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: Watcher> And to learn the price of the Name? Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): *ooor gets it out of the bag himself if they're passing it around for everyone to get stuff out of* Gabrielle Tureck: * she looks at the watcher wondering when there gonna get some clothes* Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Tosses Jurg his glove* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): *fits it on his right hand with a sigh... damn. never expected to feel less complete when it wasn't there* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): *fits it on his right hand with a sigh... damn. never expected to feel less complete when it wasn't there* Gabrielle Tureck: * she gets the bag and pulls out her pittiful looking rugsack she always has with her and looks to see if her talens are still within* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): *as he's walking with the others* ~Ps~ y'all notice how the leeches fell off when Gab put some gnosis into that thing? Soul(Queen of the Damned/ST): The Watcher shrugs. "You will discuss that with the Keeper." He turns and leads the Garou through the porticullis. Far at the end, the Garou can see daylight streaming through into the darkened hall. However, the Watcher turns and leads them down a hall, which branches into a dizzying, almost mazelike array of halls. Every inch of the bone walls are covered in carvings, but as they approach their destination, the Garou notice the carvings slowly growing more primitive. Finally, the Watcher leads them into a chamber. A huge carving dominates one wall of the room. A robed figure, its frame perfectly humanoid, tends to it, wiping at it absently. Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade (PB 3): *Nods to Jurg.* Somethin' to consider. Soul(Queen of the Damned/ST): All of the Garou's things are in the bag, including clothes. Sadly, however, most of the clothes are ruined beyond recognition, as apparently the insects simply cut them off the sleeping Garou. Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): ~ps~ and how they flipped when they felt us activate gifts before? *as they're walking... and when they reach the chamber, he silences* Gabrielle Tureck: * she starts to fall behind her eyes glued to the carvings everywhere* Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Finds her throwing knives as well and straps the bands on each arm* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Doesn't bother collecting any of her items just yet* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade (PB 3): HT--Everyone stay together. *Waits as they enter this new room.* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade (PB 3): HT--Val, do you have any of that Awakened Java? Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Eyes the carvings as well, taking a mental picture so she can draw this all on paper later...*PS- Yeah...they knew when I embraced wolverine...I imagine thats why we all had to fight, though now I'm thankful Jubs and Val were there. Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): *nods for Brad to take rear guard as he and Cassy are on bodyguard status* Gabrielle Tureck: * she hears Jub and it snaps her back to where they are and she heads into the room and there she goes again looking at any carvings writings etc anywhere hse can find them* Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Looks at Jubs*HT- I have some awakened pot in the pocket of my pants *digs for it, before removing a small baggy. Tis the same pot Val gave her a while back, it looks as if she has only smoke very little* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: Jublain> ~HT~ Sorry, no. I use that to combat the Weaver's spirits. Soul(Queen of the Damned/ST): The one carving the Garou's eyes are drawn to, the one that dominates the room, is also the only carving that seems to be pictoral in an understandable sense. It depicts one of the huge insect-beasts, decapitated. A figure that is clearly a Crinos-form Garou holds the severed head in its hand, facing a huge entity that seems to be a collection of nonsensical glyphs. The Garou bears a knife in one hand, and the head in the other, and the head's mouth is open, what appears to be a gust of wind coming from it. Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): *eyes Cassy a bit at that, but doesn't have time for the acrid look he'll give later* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade (PB 3): HT--Dunno what that'll do. *And waits.* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Goes to the bag and takes out the Awakened Mugwort* ~HT~I have this. Gabrielle Tureck: * she whips out the book and the pencil and starts to sketch quickly* Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Feels Jurgs eyes on her* PS- I'll explain later brother...*Turns her attention back on Gab, and the room they are in, and the guy in robes and....ahh fuck it she watches everything.* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Eyes the carving curiously, wondering ~who~ that could be* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): ~ps~ so one of us cuts his head off and the decapitated fucker tells us the name? Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *And then focuses on the figure polishing the statue* Soul(Queen of the Damned/ST): The guy in the robe finally turns, pushing back the hood. The first thing the Garou notice is that his eyes have been pulled out of his head a long time ago, leaving masses of scar tissue in their place. Other than that, he seems to be a perfectly normal human being. He finally says, "Ah. The Lords are here. You come for the Guardian of the Name?" Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade (PB 3): PS--Or he has really bad breath... Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade (PB 3): *Nods.* We have. Gabrielle Tureck: * she pauses to look at the man with no eyes and grimaces and then goes back to her sketching working as fast as she can* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): *nudges Jubs slightly at seeing the guy having no eyes* Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Stands, watching silently as she hovers over Gab who's pictures she is sure will look better than hers, but...oh well* Soul(Queen of the Damned/ST): "Ah. Good. I am the Keeper of the Word. Are you prepared to pay the price?" Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Flicks an ear at the mention of the price* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade (PB 3): *Nods.* What is the price? Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): *grunts at the mention of the price.. taking a guess at what it is. looks to Jublain's dead eye again* Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Also has her suspicions, but will wait to hear the answer before she says or does anything* Gabrielle Tureck: * she stops to look over at the keeper * Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): *mutters to Val* think a non-god can pay the price? Soul(Queen of the Damned/ST): "The price?" He holds out his hand. "The humans have a legend of a god who sacrificed an eye to gain knowledge." Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: Jurg> ~HT~ Depends what it is. *Quietly* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade (PB 3): *Nods.* An eye is the price? Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Grunts toward Jurg* PS- If you're thinkin what I think you're thinkin, don't.... Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade (PB 3): *Pops Resist Pain. This shit's gonna hurt.* Gabrielle Tureck: * she closes her book and places it in her bag* Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Looks to Jurg at that, and despite the gravity of the situation she can't help but feel a joke forming in her mind about him being a one eye like Jubs* Gabrielle Tureck: * she looks to Jublian* I will do it..you only have one eye left Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): *gives Jubs a nod... hoping he loses the left one* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): *looks over at Gab, resisting the urge to backhand her through the wall* Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Grunts, and looks at Jubs*PS- Let one of us do It rhya, you've already given up on of yours. Soul(Queen of the Damned/ST): He smiles. "Perhaps. I require...A similar sign of dedication to the Devourer of Worlds. Not necessarily an eye, but...A lasting demonstration of faith. From our Lords." Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Looks to Gab* You'll go home in one piece if it kills me... Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade (PB 3): Lifts a hand.* HT--Hold. *Waits for the old man's reply. He's dealt with Ratkin enough to know that what the old stories say or what makes sense or whatever else is being hinted at may not be the bargain he's making.* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): ~ps~ someone explain to the ADHD one later that losin' a dead eye doesn't matter? Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade (PB 3): Will an eye do? Gabrielle Tureck: * she shruggs her shoulders and goes back to her sketching* Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Flicks an ear*PS- I didn't know it was dead...*Turns to Gab and zones out*MS- Jubs eye is dead anyway...it doesn't matter Soul(Queen of the Damned/ST): The blind man spreads his hands. "Whatever you wish to sacrifice, my lord. The Guardian of the Name will determine if the sacrifice is appropriate. I am merely the Keeper of the Word, after all." Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade (PB 3): *Nods, thinking.* PS--if someone's gonna look it over, mine won't work. One look and he'll know it was no good anyway. Gabrielle Tureck: * She looks at Cassy and wishes they'd understand a dead eye is not much of a sacrfice but ...oh well * Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Nods*PS- thats what i was thinkin...*sighs, and takes a breath* I'll do it if thats what it takes... Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): ~ps~ how about your arm? you can still use it, just not well... Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): Cassy>>~ps~ you ain't a god Soul(Queen of the Damned/ST): The man turns to 'look' at Cassy and sniffs the air, then waves dismissively. "You are no Lord. You are a puppy. Hush now, puppy." Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Thinking in terms of value.. and what she can offer* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): *places a hand on Cassy's shoulder to hold her back* Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Clenches her teeth, actively forcing her rage down, and thinking very bad things* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): ~ps~ how about Gab's tongue? maybe gnosis? fill the void with a bit of yourselves? Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Jurg can feel the muscles tensing her in neck, as she takes a breath through her nostriles...* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: ~Returns to Homid form and steps forward* I have an offering. A portion of my spiritual essence, a permanent portion. Soul(Queen of the Damned/ST): The old man reaches into his robe, producing a huge knife, made of what appears to be obsidian, but looks...Hungry, as if it drinks in all light touching it. He sighs. "The Guardian is impatient. Come now. I can pick for you if you want. I promise I will pick fairly." Gabrielle Tureck: * she closes the book once moore and slides it in her rugsack and awaits what's to be* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade (PB 3): *Snorts.* PS--the arm might work--but if they know us "gods" they'll know I got a bum arm, and an arm this short with this much muscle can't be anyone else's. Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): *blinks and taps his skull*~ps~ who put Val on conference call? *nods with a bit of respect to Val* Soul(Queen of the Damned/ST): The old man looks to Val, sniffs the air, then shakes his head. "No. The Devourer of Worlds will not accept spiritual essence. It takes spiritual essence when it wishes. It desire a rarer flavor." Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): *looks to Jubs and Val, not looking to the eyeless man* perhaps the gods could part with a bit of their inner fury? Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Grunts*Jubs>>MS- Do think maybe this devourer of world just might be the devourer we are searching for? The beast said they were twisted... Gabrielle Tureck: * she looks to the old man* Flesh? your speaking of the flesh? Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade (PB 3): *Nods to Cassy.* I think so. Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Nods to Jubs, and gets a chill in her spine*Jurg>>MS- Jubs and I think this Devourer of Worlds might be the same guy we are looking for...this could get ugly. Soul(Queen of the Damned/ST): The old man nods at Gabrielle, smiling. "A pound of flesh is truely a poetic sacrifice. A portion of your hide, leaving you exposed to His blissful gaze." Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): Cassy>>~ms~ uh. thought that was a given. Gabrielle Tureck: * she looks to the old man* Then I will make such sacrifice Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Give Jurg the mental finger* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade (PB 3): *Grunts as Gab steps forward.* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): *rubs his head slightly, feeling his brain get poked. looks back to the eyeless figure and waits as patiently as he can manage, but constantly shifts his weight; the only sign he's getting more and more agitated* Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Growls at Gab, though there is really no other option unless Jubs steps up. It is obvious she hates this idea almost as much as she hates this place* Soul(Queen of the Damned/ST): "Mmm. Noble. Step forth." He looks to Jublain and Val in turn. "Will you join her? Or will you choose another way?" He casually begins to run his hands over Gabrielle's body - not in an erotic fashion, but completely detached, a butcher inspecting a side of meat. Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: Gabrielle, are you certain? We "Gods" could all offer a little, instead of one, a lot. Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Clenches her fist, she's been agitated all night, this only makes it more apparent* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade (PB 3): *Steps forward.* Gabrielle Tureck: * she tries hard not to grimaces with all the touching* Gabrielle Tureck: * she nods to Val* Yes....it's okay... Soul(Queen of the Damned/ST): The man speaks to Val without looking at her, as he finally makes his decision and plunges the tip of the knife into Gabrielle's back, cutting with a practiced ease, seperating muscle from bone. "Oh, you must all sacrifice. You must all prove your worth before you are worthy of the Name and the Word." Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: Gabrielle> As this is likely to be permanent and unhealing. *Steps forward* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: Gabrielle> As this is likely to be permanent and unhealing. *Steps forward* Gabrielle Tureck: * she yelps and bites her lip piercing it as she has no gift to help her with the pain* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): *takes the moment of pause to retrieve his shin armor and chain from the bag of stuff, seeing as how the straps of the armor are broke, has to settle for wrapping the chain a few times and padlocking it, doesn't even bother with the now useless clothing* Soul(Queen of the Damned/ST): He looks over at Jublain, still slicing away at Gabrielle. The pain is very neary unbearable. Every nerve ending is on fire as blood pours down her back, and it takes all her energy to avoid taking the war-form and gutting this bastard. Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Nearly reacts protectively over Gabrielle's knifing. Barely keeps it together* Gabrielle Tureck: * she closes her eyes and clinches her hands and she sways a bit her knees almost giving way* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): Cassy>>~ms~ tell Val to offer something more specific...*rubs his stomach in warning, hoping Cass'll pass it along* Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Watching is hard enough, but she nods silently, honoring Gabs courage. Her mental voice soft as she can make it through her anger*MS- Gab...just listen to me...Focus on my Voice...I know you're hurting, but you are tough...Try not to think about the pain, as hard as that is...*keeps talking to her, cause she knows how bad that must be.* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade (PB 3): *Grunts. Another damn wound. He'll be an old cripple before he's 25....* Gabrielle Tureck: * she starts to shake a bit and nods trying to hone in on Cassy's voice anything to redirect the pain* Soul(Queen of the Damned/ST): Finally, a strip of muscle slips away, exposing layers of fat and glistening bone beneath. Gabrielle is bleeding horrifically as the man begins to cut another slice off of her back. He speaks conversationally. "What will the other Lords offer? This one's offering is nearly complete." Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *She concentrates harder, not severing the link with Gab, but more like adding Val to it* MS- Val...Offer something specific... Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): *continues scratching his stomach, hoping Val takes the clue. the gurgling rumble being completely unrelated* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Gives Cassy a closed look and turns back to be ready to help Gabrielle should the slightest additional trigger require it* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade (PB 3): My left hand. Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Hopes that Val doesn't think she meant the baby...* Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): Jurg>>MS- I hope you aren't trying to tell her to give up the kid...that life does not belong to her... Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): Cassy>>~ms~ trying to tell her to specify something so he _doesn't_ take the kid Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Refocuses her attention onto Gab, ready to offer Val the same service. Her voice continues to talk to Gab, reminding her of the cave, and the newt, and to focus on what she saw in her crystal...* Soul(Queen of the Damned/ST): "Mmm. Good. Acceptable." He finishes cutting the second slice off Gabrielle's back. It falls to the floor with a wet slap, then the robed man bends over and picks both chunks up. He holds them into the air. "Master, accept these offerings! She is now exposed to your burning gaze, without her skin to protect her! You see within her!" He tosses the chunks of meat onto a brazier, and they burn merrily, the stench of burning human flesh filling the room. The man looks at Gabrielle for a moment. "Change forms, dear, or you will bleed to death." He then approaches Jublain. "Hold out your hand." Gabrielle Tureck: * her legs start to give way and she fights to stay standing tears welling in her eyes just trying to keep thinking fo anything anything to forget the pain and the blood* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade (PB 3): *Extends his left hand, glad he'd popped that Gift.* Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *She nods in silent recognition of Jurg, but the thousand yard stare in her eyes suggests her attention is to divided to respond* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): *clutches his stomach and grimaces slightly, once again unrelated to the warning he was giving. stops rubbing and just clutches his gut for a second before going down to three limbs* Gabrielle Tureck: * she doesn't have to be told twice and she does shift but her knees give way and she's kneeling while she heals* Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Gets jolted out of her trance, and kneels down to Jurg with some concern*HT- Whats wrong mano...are you ok? Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Nods very slightly to Gabrielle, relieved and silently admiring and encouraging her* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): *waves Cassy off with a hand* ~HT~ don't ask.*grunts. just a look of mild discomfort, not mind-crippling pain* Gabrielle Tureck: * she then starts to smell the flesh burning and with everything else she stands and finds a place to puke* Soul(Queen of the Damned/ST): The pain ends slowly for Gabrielle, but the other Garou see it. Her fur does not regrow there. The damage heals, but she is left with horrific scars. Her entire back is now a network of scar tissue, hairless no matter which form she takes, and will be forevermore. The man looks at Jublain, hefts the knife, then speaks slowly, ritualistically. "Master, accept this offering. With this offering, he pledges his hand to your cause. Forever after, he will act as you act, feel as you feel. You are the arm, he is the hand." And the blade comes down. Jublain's hand hits the floor, and blood spurts from the stump. The man smiles at Jublain. "Pick it up and reattach it. I took what I needed." He then looks to Val. "And you, my lady." Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): Jubs>>~ps~ you sure you want to reattach that? think about what he said... *grunts and rises back to two legs* say the word and it's cauterized. Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Steps up* I offer that which has brought down enemies. My fangs. *Shifts to Crinos and exposes them in one last menacing dare for him to put his hand in there and take them.* Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Doesn't seem please, and she stays kneeled next to him for support, though she does as she's told and doesn't ask. Instead she turns her gaze back on Val, and concentrates somemore*MS- Val...whatever happens you just hold onto my voice...don't let go, just listen to me, focus on my words, and we'll get through this...*says much of the same things she said to Gab, once the cutting has started. She knows she is of little help, but she would have loved someone to offer her the same escape when she was being eaten alive by rats* Gabrielle Tureck: * she comes back wiping her mouth and has shifted back to homid and is a bit slow and looks to the old man and Val* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade (PB 3): *Pauses a moment, mentally debating, and in desperation asks the For-Eldra. ((Jublain Ancestors Anc. 3, 1 WP: 7,7,6,--was debating whether to throw that WP in there, good thing I did.))* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Closes Cassy out, not in rejection, but self reliance and privacy, which is her personal coping-mechanism.* Soul(Queen of the Damned/ST): The man smiles. "Ah, very good." He steps forward, fearlessly reaching into Val's mouth. He strikes her face viciously with the hilt of his knife. Val's gums atrophy slightly, and the fangs fall out, hitting the floor. Even with the healing power of her Crinos form, they do not regrow. The Keeper bends over and picks up the fangs, tossing them into the fire. "Master, accept this offering! She gives you her fangs, as they have tasted the lifeblood of your foes. Find them pleasing to you!" Finally, the man holds out the knife to Val, as he is closest to her. "Take this blade. Enter the room. Do as the ritual commands. Take its head. Take it with you until the ritual begins. But do not remove the bindings, or I cannot say what the consequences will be." He presses the knife into Val's hand, then gestures towards an opening in the carving at the back of the room that almost certainly wasn't there before. Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Aaaaand...she gets snapped back to reality, she shakes her head again thinking it was her own lack of attention, though her next few attempts are met with resistance until she finally stops, and nods, respecting Vals wishes* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): *looks quickly to Jubs, taking a step forward*~ps~ do I follow? Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Shakes her head sharply to clear the pain and listens. Then takes the knife with a curt nod, keeping the mission in mind, the bloody mission.. and walks to the opening* Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Watches helplessly as Val is commanded to do this alone...* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade (PB 3): *Picks up the hand, reattaching it, and shakes his head.* PS--No. I got it. *Heads for the carving.* Gabrielle Tureck: * she looks to Val and the old man* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): *rubs his stomach a bit again and closes the circle as Val and Jubs break away* Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Errr...or not alone...* Gabrielle Tureck: * she heads into the rom and slowly takes out her book to write anything she can down or sktech anything* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade (PB 3): *Closes and opens his hand slowly, and continues to follow.* Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Scoots in closer to Jurg*PS- Boss...am i gonna have to carry you outta here? Soul(Queen of the Damned/ST): As the Garou walk into the chamber, they see the Guardian crouching there, for there is no doubt that is what the beast is. It is a little shorter than the Watcher, but it is far broader, looking far more powerful. Its mouth is sewn shut with catgut, its eyes carved out with mystic runes. It turns its head to look at the Garou entering the chamber, then pauses and leans over, touching its forehead to the ground. The chamber itself is simple - a small stone alcove, the first place not made out of bone and covered in detailed carvings. The only light is cast by the braziers outside. Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Passes through the opening as directed and readies for violence* Gabrielle Tureck: * she grimaces at this one and glances around * Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): Cassy>>*shakes his head no* ~ps~ I'll explain later. its minor. *bumps Rane into the center of he, Cassy and Brad* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade (PB 3): *Approaches, ready to start rending if need be, and nods to Val.* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Puts one hand on the back of the creature's head and with the other, strikes hard with the knife in a slicing arc down.* Soul(Queen of the Damned/ST): The Guardian simply rests there, forehead on the ground. The chamber is utterly silent, except for the movement of the Garou. Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Crosses her arms over her chest, her knives grasped in each hand* MS- I don't like this mano...we're making sacrifices to the very person we are trying to bind. * Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): ~ms~ intent is 99% of sacrifice. Soul(Queen of the Damned/ST): The head comes off in Val's hand. A spurt of black blood shoots into the air, but vanishes before it hits the ground. The Guardian's body breaks down with shocking speed - one moment it is there, the next it is gone, a blackish sludge filled with silvery stars replacing it. The stars break away from the sludge, however, and float towards the wall, where they outline the shape of a rough door. Slowly, the wall vanishes, leading to the outside, bright, warm sunlight beating down, but perhaps more shockingly, to what appears to be a moonbridge, leading up towards the sky, in broad daylight. Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): *watches the eyeless man intently* Gabrielle Tureck: * she backs up and blinks a few times* whoa Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Tucks the head almost tenderly under her furred arm and points the way out with her closed muzzle* Jublain "Hjarta-Villtnur" Wade (PB 3): *Nods and leads the way in.* HT--Take the head with. Gabrielle Tureck: * she heads out following the moonbridge* Soul(Queen of the Damned/ST): The robed figure walks into the room, stone tablets in his arms. "I very nearly forgot. Take these." He holds them out to Gabrielle. "The ritual." Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Nods to Jublain and waits for the others to see the way out before joining him* Gabrielle Tureck: * she pauses and stops in mid-step* Ritual? oh yes....* she takes the stone tablet* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): *make that "watches the eyeless man follow the deities into the chamber. looks back to Cassy and the others* keep an eye open. not sure what's gonna happen since i missed the briefing Cassy Nix (S-E-D/DoW for the night): *Nods* HT- you know as much as I do...but ok. Soul(Queen of the Damned/ST): The man nods, then waves blindly to the Garou as they head out onto the Moonbridge. As they walk, if they look down, they can see Broken Tooth and a pack of other Tyrannosaurs rushing towards the temple, bellowing war-cries. Broken Tooth, by far the largest of the group, stops for a moment and glances into the sky. The Garou would swear he almost grins before he returns to the charge. Nothing else happens of note as they walk the Moonbridge towards the sky, except that it gets darker and darker as they go, though Pangaea is still bright and beautiful. Finally, one moment they are in Pangaea. The next moment, they are not, standing in the Near Umbra. Despite all the horrors they experienced, the Garou still feel a pang of loss. The connection to all living things they felt in Pangaea is a unique experience, one they have never felt before, and one they won't likely feel again for a long while. The world seems less alive, less vibrant to them now, in comparison to the lushness there. Gabrielle Tureck: * she softly sighs and does look sadden but at least barney's a happy dino* Valerie "Rolling Blackout" Karydikrotos: *Regret is colored by success, and a feeling of moderate violation in the sacrifice, for all that she knows the sacrifices were nothing more or less than the duty of her Auspice, that any one of them would perform* Jürg Beast-of-Garm (Divine Guard? PB3): OOC:my bad. I thought only the 'gods' were allowed to go. BIC:*and once they get a moment to stop, Jurg veers off to the side alone... and the sound of... to put it lightly.. a VERY displeased digestive tract follows. Jurg rejoins the group a bit later, grumbling irritatedly about 'fucking plants'* ~HT~ think I woulda rather had the meat. Back | List of Archive | Next

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