STAR WARS: An Ill Wind
Session 18

INT. SITH TEMPLE - CATACOMBS

This portion of the temple, below ground level, is even more dark and threatening than the chambers through which you just passed. The air is still and dank, with a lingering hint of corruption ... most likely from the skeletons that fill the many niches along the stone walls. Some are intact, while others seem jumbled together anonymously.

A much fresher corpse lies near the foot of the spiral staircase: a Duros, grey skin pallid in death and face smashed against the floor, having apparently fallen to its death of a broken neck.

The armored warriors ignore the body as they lead the Jedi and their companions down into the dark tomb.

Pira pauses by the body, seeing if there is any clue to the cause of its fall.

Day-Lin gives the skeletons only a cursory glance as he passes. He looks back up the staircase every so often, leaving the Duros to Pira.

Avirida gives the corpse a glance as well, between uncomfortable looks at the jumbled skeletons. The intact ones don't appear to bother her so much.

As with the skulls above, the bones all appear to be of the same humanoid type.

<OOC> Kelly says, "Pira, PER roll?"
Pira rolls 4 dice: <6> 3 6 4
Pira rolls 1 die: <1>

Harukuk eyes the skeletons more carefully, trying to match how they died to the surroundings.

The complete skeletons, at least, seem to have been laid out for honored burial. The others, judging by the confusion of bones, were probably placed in the niches after they had lost their flesh. Or perhaps were hacked up first.

You paged Pira with 'No sign of a wound or blaster char. Apparently he just 'took a bad step'. If he was pushed, you probably wouldn't be able to tell.'.

Tekkel points his holocamera back up the way they came, then down to the fallen Duros and Pira's examination, but doesn't zoom in. The skeleton-niche architecture gets closer attention instead.

Pira turns the body over, frowns as she inspects it, then stands up with a faint shrug of her shoulders.

Day-Lin informs Avirida, with perhaps some mild relish, "The Sith are well-known for their gruesome sacrificial rites, after all."

Pira moves more quickly, in pursuit of the vanishing warriors.

<OOC> Pira says, "Mmm, deathmagic."

Avirida says aloud, "That doesn't look like a sacrifice to me." And follows Pira, with haste.

<OOC> Day-Lin plays 'scare the engineer'
<OOC> Tekkel thinks he'll keep an eye on the floor for any signs of recent prints, too.

Day-Lin follows after Avirida and Pira, nudging the Duros' remains with the toe of his boot as he passes.

<OOC> Tekkel laughs. Thinks .oO (if this was a horror movie, the Duros's hand would twitch as we moved out of sight)

The female warrior stands watching the others, an invisible shadow in her black bodysuit except where light glints off her purple armor. Her stance and body language suggest boredom. Her red-armored companion has gone ahead, into the murk.

Pira steps past Violet, moving into the darkness with every sense alert.

Avirida follows after, her sidearm drawn - but safetied.

Red is waiting for the group at a dead end, an area of the catacombs where time and shifting ground have buckled one of the stone walls. Brackish foul-smelling water seeps in from the swamp outside, running over chunks of black stone before disappearing through cracks in the floor.

Red's shrug is eloquent in its silence.

Pira studies the rocks, looking back to see if Avirida is there yet.

Avirida is not far behind Pira.

Day-Lin, when he gets sight of the dead end, mutters some vulgarism. "How bad?" he calls.

The end wall is intact, though the ceiling tilts down toward the crumbled side wall. A large slab has broken away completely from the wall, with smaller chunks and tiny bits of bone underneath it. There is mud all around the cracked section.

<OOC> Kelly says, "This was a dead-end BEFORE the subsidence, in other words."

Avirida takes a step closer, running her handlight over the collapsed stone. "I'm not sure if there's anything but swamp on the far side of that," she says aloud. "Keep a close eye out for falling architecture."

Tekkel immediately looks up at the ceiling above him, as if expecting it to show signs of wanting to collapse.

Pira frowns.

"Brilliant," Violet's mechanical voice snipes from out of the gloom right behind Avirida. "Is this why you have her along?" she asks the Jedi, her sarcasm coming through the helmet speakers loud and clear.

<OOC> Avirida . o O ( Weren't you in my class at the Academy? )
<OOC> Day-Lin bites back a remark about being short on comic relief before they happened along.

Pira pulls a small light from a pouch at her belt and carefully examines the wall behind the subsidence and around.

As Avirida suggested, it appears to be soggy earth (compressed ash, rich in nutrients), shot through with a web of roots that keep it from spilling into the passageway.

Day-Lin observes, laconically, "Messy."

"They're all like this," Red explains. "Dead ends."

Avirida shifts her light to beneath an arm, and takes time to flex her fingers. "Then either one isn't dead, or there's another exit."

Tekkel grins. "Maybe there's a secret passage."

<OOC> Tekkel .oO (this is so exciting!)

Pira raps lightly on the wall and says "It's finding it that may be the difficult part."

The wall sounds quite solid.

Tekkel says "What if we try going back to the staircase, and looking at the floor again?"

Pira looks towards Day-Lin. "It's as good a suggestion as any."

Avirida says "The floor, the walls, the ceiling." She hesitates, and says with a kind of deference to Pira and Day-Lin, "Especially the two of you."

Day-Lin says "Couldn't hurt to check while we're here."

Glow-rods pick out a few tracks on the stone floor, muddy bootprints that have since dried.

Tekkel walks back towards the staircase, eagerly.

<OOC> Pira says, "Are there sets coming from the stairs and going back? Or do they come out of a wall? :)"

Avirida frowns at them - then turns that frown to Tekkel, and hurries to catch up.

<OOC> Kelly says, "Looks like someone came down here, got their feet muddy, and turned back."

Pira moves back twoards the foot of the stairs, studying the stones beneath her feet.

Pira says "It seems to me that where the power flows strongest, is where we want to be, no?"

Day-Lin says "I'm not entirely sure that 'want' is the right word to use, but yes."

<OOC> Pira says, "Anything interesting on the floor?"

The footprints (more than one set, overlapping) return to the area around the foot of the staircase, and then turn to follow another passage.

Pira waits for the others to catch up,staying to one side of the tracks to keep from destroying them.

<OOC> Kelly says, "Okay. Pira, give me a PER roll (since you don't have tracking). If you want to use the Force with it, add half your Sense dice."
Pira rolls 5+1 dice: <5> 5 4 6 6
<OOC> Kelly says, "Excellent roll. You can follow the path with no trouble, even in this poor light."
<OOC> Pira waits for the others, though :)
<OOC> Avirida and Tekkel may be ahead of Pira. :)
<OOC> Pira says, "Ooooh, good point. Missed that line, sorry."

The bootprints lead Pira and her companions further into the catacombs. The low ceilings seem to press down on everyone with a terrible weight (though there are no signs of further cracks). Some sections of the walls have empty torch sconces or indecipherable carvings. And bones, everywhere more bones.

<OOC> Tekkel guesses the group eventually... regrouped.
<OOC> Kelly says, "Avi and Tekkel are going to start slowing down because this place makes them VERY uncomfortable."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Think 'pervasive feeling of doom and dread.'"

Harukuk rumbles at the nuisance of having to crouch over.

Avirida glances uneasily at the carvings, making an active effort to breathe - and not to take the safety off her pistol.

Pira straps her glow-light to her wrist, leaving her hands free. She occasionally holds it up to examine another dark carvning.

Tekkel turns on his own glow rod for the first time, and seems vaguely reassured to see it add to the group's illumination.

Some of the carvings appear to be in some alien alphabet; Pira recognizes the Sith characters from her studies, but cannot interpret them. Others, when looked at for a moment, resolve themselves into stylized faces twisted in expressions of fear, grief, or anger.

<OOC> Pira says, "Mmmmm. tormented faces!"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Day-Lin, what are you doing? Just following Pira?"
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "Yep. And looking back every so often, just in case."

As the party comes to the end of yet another passage, Pira realizes with a start that she is no longer following bootprints - all of the thin mud must have scuffed off and been left behind by this point. So what is it that has drawn her to this spot?

Pira puts her hand up to touch the wall, then rests the other beside it, as if she to tell what is beyond by touch alone.

This dead end doesn't look quite like the others. For one thing, there's the slightly higher ceiling. The end wall is smooth and blank, except for the stone face carved into it just above Pira's head. And then there are the rusty chains attached to iron loops, bolted to the walls at the corners; they dangle down to heaps of bone that look different from the ones you've seen so far. To touch, the wall feels cool and quite smooth. It's the same purple-black stone you've seen so far.

Avirida shudders, turning her face away and backing up a few steps.

Harukuk frowns thoughtfully and looks about.

You paged Pira with 'You're sure that there's something strange about this place, this wall.'.

Red and Violet are silent, as far as the rest can tell. Then again, they might be talking over commlinks in their helmets...

Pira turns to look at the bones.

Tekkel stays very close to Avirida and Harukuk, glancing nervously at the surroundings. The holocamera records the chains, loops and bones.

Day-Lin steps up to examine the stone face.

The bones are clearly NOT humanoid. Barrel ribcages and broad pelvises rest atop strong legbones. The skulls are fierce, with large tusks. These guardbeasts must have starved to death long ago, faithful to the end.

The stone face is larger than most, longer of features, and surrounded by what might be a cowl. Its eyes are deep pits, its mouth set in a grim half-smile.

Day-Lin prods cautiously with a glow stick into the eyes and mouth.

Harukuk hmphs at the skeletons, and also looks at the wall.

There is no reaction to Day-Lin's poking.

Pira joins him in his examination, feeling around the face for any hidden control.

You paged Pira and Day-Lin with 'If I may make an interjection... you aren't thinking like Jedi.'
From afar, to Kelly and Day-Lin, Pira was considing the light saber through the blast door trick if nothing else worked :)
Long distance to Pira and Day-Lin: Kelly tsks. "For knowledge and defense... NEVER for attack." :)
From afar, to Kelly and Day-Lin, Pira mmmmhmmm :)

<OOC> Tekkel says, "What are Violet and Red doing?"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Just standing there, at the moment. Looking around, back the way you came, making sure nothing's creeping up. (Which there isn't, by the way.)"
<OOC> Avirida doesn't trust Kelly on that one. ;)

Pira seeks out the patterns of Force around the door, closing her eyes.

You paged Pira with 'There's something here. A knotted and tangled web of the Force, stretched across an opening... a doorway. Right in front of you, in fact.'.

Tekkel watches the armored figures watching the darkness.

You paged Pira with 'Think 'illusionary wall.' :)'.
From afar, Pira grins. That's what I thought.

Pira brings her saber up, unlit, and slowly moves it down the wall as if wielding an invisible blade.

Pira pages: Can she disrupt the forceweb?
You paged Pira with 'Hm. Roll your Alter, halved.'.
Pira rolls 1+1 dice: <5>

To those watching, the section of wall seems to ripple.

Day-Lin steps back a pace or two, watching Pira closely.

You paged Pira with 'Not permanently. The web seems to pull itself back together. BUT it seems to be just an illusion, no 'alarm' strands.'.

Pira opens her eyes, and says "Day-Lin, look at it through the Force. Perhaps the two of us together..."

Tekkel returns his attention to the Jedi.

<OOC> Pira says, "Theorectically we could just walk through, I suppose, but I'd rather have it not there..."
<OOC> Kelly smiles.
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "I think just walking through a spot in a Sith temple is a bad idea."

Day-Lin studies the spot, obligingly.

Day-Lin says "You're right. There's something there ... I can't ..." He frowns.

<OOC> Kelly intones softly, "Only by a leap from the lion's mouth will he prove his worth."
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "Screw that. :)"
<OOC> Tekkel laughs!

Day-Lin says "Okay, here."

Day-Lin says "Give me your hand ... actually, no, Harukuk, give me your hand, I'll lean through and you pull me back if I squeeze. Okay?"

Day-Lin adds, as an afterthought, "Try not to dislocate my shoulder in the process."

Pira says "All right."

Pira lights her saber, standing aside to allow Harukuk close.

Tekkel eyes Day-Lin. 'Through what?' he thinks.

Day-Lin points. "Through that wall."

Tekkel blinks at Day-Lin. "The wall? You can do that?"

<OOC> Tekkel .oO (wow, first he hears me thinking, now he's going to go through a wall! these jedi are so cool) :)
<OOC> Pira says, "Better bring more film next time."

Day-Lin says, curtly, "Only sometimes."

Tekkel stares at the wall, and makes sure his holocamera is recording.

Harukuk puts forth a furry paw, to take Day-Lin's hand.

Day-Lin takes a deep breath, lightsaber held in his free hand, and leans forward toward the wall, careful to keep his feet on this side.

Everyone else sees Day-Lin's head and shoulders disappear into the stone wall as if it was nothing more than a hologram.

<OOC> Pira . O O ( There is no wall )
<OOC> Avirida laughs.

Tekkel twitches, with a soft Siewa chirp. [Wow]

Day-Lin puts one foot through the wall, testing the floor.

<OOC> Tekkel resisted the temptation to put 'Woah' instead. :p
<OOC> Pira giggles.

It seems to be as solid as the wall is not.

Day-Lin steps completely through, only his arm visible, letting the floor take his full weight.

Harukuk keeps a hold of the Jedi's hand, as he steps through a wall that seemingly isn't there.

Day-Lin leans back through the wall, murmurs, "Seems okay." To Harukuk, "You can let go now," and then he vanishes again.

Pira says "Captain, close your eyes and go through."

Harukuk nods and lets go, immediately stepping after the Jedi.

For a moment, despite what he's just observed and his trust in the Jedi, Harukuk is sure he's about to bounce off the cold and unyielding stone (and bump his nose something fierce). Then he opens his eyes again and finds himself on the other side, having passed through nothing more substantial than air.

Avirida swallows hard and looks determinedly away.

To the others, Harukuk vanishes from sight just as Day-Lin did.

Pira gestures to the others, standing aside as a guard while the others go through.

Tekkel grins, enthusiasm overcoming the pall hanging over the catacombs as he advances on the mysterious wall. He pokes it curiously, then closes his eyes and steps forward confidently.

Like his new friends before, the Siewa disappears.

<OOC> Kelly says, "I'm getting flashbacks to the Sphere in the Tomb of Horrors. ;)"
<OOC> Tekkel twitches at Kelly.
<OOC> Avirida is doing that ICly. :)
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "See, that's why we checked to make sure it didn't neatly amputate things being poked into it first. :)"

Red steps up to the wall, straightens and seems to center himself, then steps through.

<OOC> Tekkel decides Kelly doesn't really need him posing Tekkel jumping back and forth through the not-wall. ;p
<OOC> Pira says, "Oh, go ahead :)"
<OOC> Harukuk says, "At least I'm fuzzy, so if my clothing gets teleported elsehwhere..."
<OOC> Tekkel chuckles.

Pira says "Go on, Engineer. It is only an illusion."

Day-Lin pages: Can they hear us through the wall?
You paged Day-Lin with 'No, nor vice-versa. (Partially because it's a fairly complete illusion, and partially because it makes Avi twitchier. :)'.
Day-Lin pages: Darn. :)

Violet steps up to the wall and taps it with a finger. Her gloved hand encounters solidity. She shakes her helmet, the crest swishing along her shoulders. "Impossible," she murmurs again. "What manner of hologram is this?"

Pira says "One that tricks your eyes. Seal them, and it will not exist."

<OOC> Tekkel wonders if sound carries through the not-wall?
<OOC> Kelly says, "It doesn't, no."
<OOC> Pira considers whacking Violet on the head and kicking her butt through.
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "Anger! Fear! Aggression! The Dark Side are they!"

Violet's unreadable visage turns to Pira for a moment. Then, still looking at the female Jedi, she steps sideways through the wall.

Pira says "Avirida?"

Avirida shudders again at Violet's passage, then glances to Pira. "Maybe one of us should stay back," she suggests feebly.

Pira looks around, at the bones, the black walls. "Alone?"

Avirida glances around again, then at the wall. "In case that thing seals from the inside," she suggests.

Pira says "A thought, but we will cut our way out if needed."

Pira says "It is not difficult. Merely close your eyes and step forward."

<OOC> Pira says, "Okay, maybe it's her I should whap and push through :)"
<OOC> Kelly says, "There's always Affect Mind. :)"
<OOC> Tekkel says, "It must be darker now there, with only two (one?) flashlights providing illumination...."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Mm hmm."
<OOC> Pira says, "Steadily encroaching shadows..."

Avirida mutters, "I'm not worried about it being difficult. I'm worried about it being bad for my health." She shines her glowrod about nervously.

Pira says "Being caught alone by what killed those others will be even worse."

<OOC> Tekkel says, "Hurry up or Tekkel will get bored and start playing with the not-wall. :)"
<OOC> Kelly says, "'Do you hear that? That is the sound of a thousand terrible things coming this way.'"

Avirida pauses. After a moment of thinking about that, she closes her eyes and edges toward the wall.

Day-Lin, spying Avirida's expression, comments, "The Force can have a strong influence on the weak-minded."

Pira closes her eyes and steps through on Avirida's heels.

<OOC> Kelly says, "DL: OUCH."
<OOC> Pira says, "Now, gimme the desc of the other side :)"

In the end, it comes down more to Pira pushing the (flinching) Avirida through ahead of her. They are greeted on the other side by the familiar sight of Day-Lin's trademark smirk.

Avirida is so greeted when prompted to open her eyes again, at least.

Pira hooks her lightsaber to her belt and says "Clever trick. I'm glad the guardians at least were dead."

The rest of the group is there as well, quite unharmed by their passage through the veil. The party presently stands in a short corridor leading to another of those solid stone doors, with the usual touch-plate set into the wall next to it.

Avirida eyes the touch-plate particularly warily, and thumbs the safety off on her pistol.

Pira opens herself to the force, insofar as light can be found in this place of dark magic, and reaches for the touchplate.

<OOC> Pira says, "i.e., alert for warning of danger."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Well, there's danger and there's danger... but opening the door won't make it worse except in the most abstract sense. :)"
<OOC> Avirida is just expecting the touchplate to be boobytrapped ;)

With a faint grinding of stone on stone, the door slides open to reveal...

INT. SITH TEMPLE - THRONE ROOM

For two of those who stand on the threshold of this vaulted chamber, it is eerily familiar. The green torches flicker across the carvings in the walls as if they were never extinguished. But there is no white shaft of sunlight from the hole in the center of the dome; instead, a faint hellish glow comes from the pits on either side of the walkway that leads to the throne and dais. The air is warm and sulfurous.

There's also the matter of the heads - fresh ones, mounted on iron staves to flank the nearer end of the walkway. Human, Gran, Weequay, Dug, and others you don't recognize. Their dead eyes stare blankly in the general direction of the door. The headless bodies are nowhere to be seen.

Crouched upon the massive basalt chair, head dipped in slumber or contemplation, is a man. His brown hair is cut fuzz-short. His stained clothes are those of a businessbeing, a vest over a finely-tailored shirt and slacks, and shoes that were polished before a slog through swamp mud. A sunfruit-sized jewel - the Donarr Crystal, the Heart of Darkness - sits in his lap, pulsing redly.

Standing next to the throne, a silent sentinel, is another figure: a burly Barabel, bare to the waist and holding a vibro-pike like any palace guard. The ruddy light from below gleams off the dark maroon scales that cover his body.

<OOC> Kelly says, "The heads are as fresh as the other bodies you've seen."
<OOC> Tekkel says, "Sith, very dangerous. You go first."
<OOC> Kelly fills in color, for those who might not know: Gran are the three-eyed aliens seen in Jabba's Palace and then in the Senate, speaking for Malastare. Weequays are the weathered-face skiff guards. Barabels are Wookiee-sized and covered with armadillo-like bands that serve as natural armor.

Pira's saber hilt is in her hand, unlit, as she judges the ground between them and the throne.

<OOC> Harukuk says, "On a side note, Barabels are extremely susceptable to being addicted to gambling."
<OOC> Tekkel chuckles. "Anyone bring a sabbac pack?"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Something tells you he's not going to want to roll chance cubes with you."

There's the ring of floor which runs completely around the chamber, perhaps ten meters; then the long walkway to the throne, another dozen or so. The walkway itself is broad, three meters across or more.

Pira flicks a glance at the two armored figures with them.

Day-Lin's eyes fasten on the crystal, then climb to its possessor.

Red and Violet seem to be taking all of this in, although their body language shows wariness.

Day-Lin pages: Fruit-sized, hm? :)

<OOC> Pira considers other possible illusions...

Harukuk frowns. He rumbles something in Wookiee. [I've got a bad feeling about this.]

Avirida nods back to Harukuk, wordless.

<OOC> Pira says, "The walkway is too wide to jump over?"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Too long, you mean? Well, it would be pushing the limit of your Jedi acrobatics."
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "We're still kinda lousy at that. :)"
<OOC> Pira says, "Sadly."

As Day-Lin looks up, so does the figure on the throne to match his gaze. His soft voice somehow carries across the distance. "Well. More guests. And Jedi, no less."

Pira says "Who are you?"

Tekkel almost forgets he is still holding his holocamera as he looks - well, gawks - at the room's features, occupants, and the glowing jewel.

Day-Lin pages: I know this is gonna fail, but I have to try: I attempt to telekinese the jewel. :)
Long distance to Day-Lin: Kelly laughs. Okay, roll. Half your Alter.
Day-Lin pages: I think that just comes back as two pips. :)
Day-Lin pages: Which is probably not enough even for the less than one kg weight involved, but if it shows any sign of success I can try again with a little CP push. :)

Pira comes forward, towards the walkway, not yet setting foot on it.

Laughter, perhaps mocking, echoes through the room. "What name would you like?"

Pira says "Who you were before you came to this place. Who you are now." She meets the figure's eyes.

The man on the throne smiles widely. "Ahhhh. His name was Doyle Nek ... a petty crimelord, who'd built up his own little empire of thieves and slavers and drug traffickers. He heard about... this." He looks down at the crystal on his lap, just as it starts to rock from side to side. He frowns and puts a hand on it, stilling the motion.

Day-Lin's eyes narrow slightly. "We'll be taking that with us."

"He came to my temple, looking for the power of the crystal. And now he has it. Or it has him." Again, that smug chuckle.

The man rises, drawing a deep breath. "It has been... sooo long. I had almost forgotten what it was like."

Pira lifts one hand to the catch of her cloak. "And your name, dark spirit?"

"You may call me Zamus. Or Master, if you prefer."

Zamus/Doyle holds the glowing crystal in the tight grasp of his left hand.

Pira undoes her cloak, catches it up in her free hand.

Tekkel ventures, a little timidly, "And who is he?" (looking at the Barabel).

Day-Lin shrugs out of his cloak. "He's a big, scaly, alien problem."

Zamus turns Doyle's head back over his shoulder. "Oh. That's Max, his loyal bodyguard. Now I have his body... so I suppose he's my bodyguard."

Zamus makes a gesture with his free hand. "Max, I believe these people want to harm me. Take care of them, won't you?"

<OOC> Tekkel snickers at Day-Lin's reply.

Avirida mutters, "Let me guess. Those scales reflect."

The Barabel's head snaps up, and it can be seen that from his eyes, an unnatural purple-red glow pulses to the same beat as the Heart. Lifting the force pike to a guard position, he advances down the walkway.

Tekkel shivers, taking a step back. Nevermind that he was already behind two Jedi and a Wookie.

Avirida doesn't take a step back, but her skin turns an ash color.

<OOC> Pira says, "oh, yummy"

Day-Lin asides to the armored figures, "This one's yours. Pira and I'll take care of the lazy one."

Harukuk mutters something in Wookiee to Avirida, and hauls up his bowcaster. ["Lets find out."]

Pira exchanges glances with Day-Lin, judging their approach.

A glance and perhaps more, unheard by the others, passes between the two warriors. Then they step out to opposite sides and take aim at the advancing Barabel.

<OOC> Kelly says, "Okay, everyone who's shooting at Max, roll."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Being a good Sith-animated automaton, he's not dodging, so it won't be hard to hit him."
Harukuk rolls 4 dice: <1> 6 2 1
Harukuk pages: Ooops. That would be a 3. :)
<OOC> Kelly says, "Except for Harukuk, it seems."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Harukuk: *click* Forgot to load it."
<OOC> Harukuk says, "D'oh."

Tekkel moves back a little further so as not to be in anyone's way, clipping the holocamera to his belt and pulling out the blaster he brought with him from the temple entrance.

Avirida rolls 3 dice: <5> 5 6
<OOC> Kelly says, "A hit, roll damage."
Avirida rolls 4 dice: <3> 6 2 1

Pira indicates the far walk, as she turns toward the right, cloak still in her hand.

Harukuk growls in frustration, and works at loading the bowcaster.

<OOC> Day-Lin is confused, P. 'far walk'?
<OOC> Kelly says, "Circling around behind, I think she means."
<OOC> Day-Lin hms. Okay. Can I do the same thing on the opposite side?
<OOC> Pira says, "Since the center walk is currently occupied by the Barabel."
<OOC> Tekkel figured the room is kind of circle shaped, with a walkway around the room in addition to the central walkway, both converging at the throne area at the far end.
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "Ah, okay."
<OOC> Tekkel er, around the rim.
<OOC> Day-Lin thought there was just the central walkway, my confusion.
<OOC> Kelly says, "Well, my original thought was actually more like the... right, DL."
<OOC> Kelly says, "The same circle-and-center-bit configuration as the Trade Fed ships."
<OOC> Avirida says, "How nicely disturbing."
<OOC> Tekkel ahas. So no convergence then. The throne's in the center.
<OOC> Kelly says, "Well, a little off-center. Further toward the back."

Day-Lin steps around toward the catwalk on the side opposite Pira, saber held lightly in one hand.

Pira moves forward in mirror image, the two Jedi unconsciously synchronizing their steps.

Several bolts from the carbines of the armored man and woman, as well as the pistol that Avirida holds in a double-handed grip, find their mark... and glance harmlessly off the dark reflective scales, sometimes after burning holes through the durable work trousers Max still wears.

One of the hits actually makes him pause for a moment... then he continues, beginning to twirl the force pike in a threatening display. His wide mouth opens to show sharp teeth. But no emotion appears in his eyes, flaming pits that are windows to the Dark Side energy that fills his (dead?) body and drives him on.

<OOC> Pira says, "Sith Zombie!"

Avirida draws a sharp, deep breath, then lifts her pistol to sight much more carefully. Both hands holding it steady.

Zamus/Doyle seems content, for the moment, to watch his newest servant tear apart the impudent intruders.

Tekkel pages: Does the entrance have ornate archwork or pillarwork or something like that flanking it, which might provide a bit of cover?
You paged Tekkel with 'A little cover, yeah. Two statues, in fact (which have NOT come to life :)'.
You paged Tekkel with 'They're not even 'humanoid' exactly, more like blocky pillars in rough shape, with Sith figures carved into the front.'.
From afar, Tekkel thanks.

<OOC> Kelly says, "Day-Lin, Pira, what's the plan?"
<OOC> Pira says, "Does jedi-speed exist in the game universe?"
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "Plan? You think we have a plan? :)"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Pira: Sure."

Pira flicks a thought at Day-Lin's mind, unsure if she can reach him, so thick is the atmosphere of evil pressing down on them.

<OOC> Pira says, "What's the roll here?"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Same as before (in the Temple)... half C + half A."
<OOC> Kelly says, "I had considered making your powers totally gone here, but that would have been just too unpleasant."
Pira rolls 2+2 dice: <2> 2
<OOC> Pira says, "Nope, that would be a no :)"

Pira flicks forward at speed, circling around to the throne and the man who stands before it.

<OOC> Pira knows perfectly well, she's not going to get to slice the wrist of the hand holding the jewel, but that's her goal :)
<OOC> Kelly says, "So you're circling the outside of the room, to the back, where the throne is closer to the rim? Or trying to slip past the Barabel, who's now off the walkway?"
<OOC> Pira says, "He is? Yeah, then on the walkway."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Even with 'closer', you're still going to have to Jedi-leap to the dais."
<OOC> Pira nods, I just didn't want to pose too much at once. Since I knew you might have interrupts."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Make your decision - going around, or trying to slip past the Barabel/leap onto the walkway behind him - and then give me an appropriate pose."
<OOC> Kelly says, "He's at the end of it now, just stepping off."
<OOC> Pira says, "If he's that close, then I'm circling. Too much fire in that direction."

Day-Lin moves in mirror, around the outer edge of the walkway, opposite Pira.

<OOC> Kelly says, "Got it. Okay. Next round, then."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Declarations from Harukuk, Avi and Tekkel first."
Tekkel pages: How hard would it be to shoot the force pike the Barabel is holding?
<OOC> Kelly says, "Day-Lin, Pira, roll half your Control plus your DEX (or running)."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Technically, that's from last round, sorry."
<OOC> Harukuk says, "The Barabel isn't near enough to strike, is he?"
You paged Tekkel with 'Rifle-sized called shot.'.
<OOC> Kelly says, "Not yet. He's advancing at a walk."
<OOC> Kelly says, "He's just reaching the end of the walkway this round."
<OOC> Harukuk says, "Okay, fire twice."
Pira rolls 4+1 dice: <2> 2 5 3
You paged Harukuk with 'Make your to hit rolls.'.
Day-Lin rolls 3+2 dice: <6> 3 1
Day-Lin rolls 1 die: <1>
Harukuk rolls 3 dice: <5> 4 5
Harukuk rolls 3 dice: <5> 4 4
<OOC> Harukuk says, "Much better. :)"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Okay, your bowcaster does 4D, I believe."
<OOC> Avirida waits to inquire about called shot rules if any, and a reminder about spending CP.
<OOC> Harukuk thinks so, which means its not great against wookiees. I bet Wookiee police carry clubs. ;)
<OOC> Kelly tries to keep up with all of you.
From afar, Tekkel looks at the gm screen, and thinks maybe +1d diff? It's long, but it's also narrow? Anyway, will try. Tekkel's too squeamish and new to adventuring to actually shoot someone yet. Heavens. :)
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "It could be worse; you could be trying to run around a flaming pit with a Sith Lord at the other ... oh, wait. Never mind. :)"
Harukuk rolls 4 dice: <4> 4 2 6

As she circles the throne room, Pira's feet seem to move with the sluggishness of nightmare. There's also the distraction that she can now see down into the depths of the pit, which is now partially filled by a bubbling lava lake. It seems that volcanic activity has resulted in some changes to the land under the temple in the last few millenia.

<OOC> Kelly says, "Go ahead, Avi?"
<OOC> Avirida inquires about called shot rules with any, and asks to be reminded what spending CP on a roll does and how many can be spent at a time. ;)
<OOC> Kelly says, "They add dice to the difficulty, depending on the size of what you're trying to hit. Which is...?"
<OOC> Avirida says, "That would be the nice, unarmored... eye."
<OOC> Kelly says, "+1D per CP, open ended up like Wild Die. Max of 2 CP to improve a skill or damage roll, max of 5 to defend with Strength or dodge."
<OOC> Kelly says, "You're not gonna like this. -8D for an eye shot."

Pira looks up from the fire-death below, concentrating all her will on reaching the throne safely.

<OOC> Tekkel says, "Darn. He must have beady eyes. If he had big anime ones it'd only be -4D. ;)"
<OOC> Kelly says, "ON the other hand, he's now in Short range and not dodgie. So the base difficulty is Easy, 6 to 10."
<OOC> Tekkel says, "Can you spend CPs after you see the result of the roll, or do you have to declare them first?"
<OOC> Kelly says, "After, as long as you spend before anyone else's action."
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "Hitting anime creatures in the eye is like making a called shot on Jabba's butt."
<OOC> Tekkel laughs.
<OOC> Tekkel plans to shoot at the Barabel's force-pike, preferably from behind cover.
<OOC> Kelly says, "Day-Lin, Pira, you're both on the far side. Faster than running but slower than force speed should be."
<OOC> Avirida props her chin on her hand. So, er. Are the dice rolled and subtracted from the total, or subtracted from the dice I get to roll? :)

Day-Lin, reaching the far side, cuts in slightly and makes a leap for the center catwalk.

From afar, Day-Lin will be using some CP on this more than likely, oh yes. :)
<OOC> Kelly says, "Hm. Subtracted from what you get to roll, I believe."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Okay, Day-Lin, Climbing/Jumping (STR) plus half your Control."
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "Ooh, this could suck."
<OOC> Kelly says, "That hit didn't faze him. Roll again."

Pira, slowed by nightmare, leaps after him, saber lighting in midair with a hum and hiss of violet.

Day-Lin rolls 2+2 dice: <4> 2
From afar, Day-Lin CP-rolls:
Day-Lin rolls 1 die: <1>
Day-Lin rolls 1 die: <5>
<OOC> Avirida could roll a maximum of 5D. So she has literally /no/ chance of hitting. :)
<OOC> Avirida has sympathy for the stormtroopers! :)
Harukuk rolls 4 dice: <6> 6 3 4
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "Oh /very/ nice."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Two words, Avi. Force Point."
Harukuk rolls 1 die: <4>
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "That's gonna leave a mark."
<OOC> Avirida stares blankly at Kelly. :)
<OOC> Kelly says, "Tekkel, explain, I'm busy."
<OOC> Harukuk nods. "A bit more impressive. 23"
Pira rolls 3+1 dice: <6> 2 5
Pira rolls 1 die: <5>

The first explosive quarrel pings just as harmlessly as the blaster bolts off Max's shoulder, but the other hits him square in his broad chest and actually stops him in his tracks for a moment.

Meanwhile, Pira lands on the wide central dias with grace and aplomb, while Day-Lin ends up almost falling short and has to pull himself up with his free hand.

<OOC> Day-Lin says, "Something you'd like to avoid doing over a lava pit ..."
<OOC> Pira says, "Yeargh."

Day-Lin levers himself up -- fortunately, he hadn't ignited his weapon yet, saving him from the possibly fatal embarrassment of cutting through his handhold. "You wouldn't want to save us all a lot of trouble and just hand over the thing right now ... no, I don't suppose you would, would you?"

Violet decides to try a somewhat different tactic, arming a grenade and pitching it at Max. He bats it away with his force pike, into the butresses holding up the ceiling, where it explodes harmlessly.

<OOC> Pira giggles at Day-Lin, master of the snarky dialogue.
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "I have to do something to salve my wounded pride."
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "Next on list of things to do: improve bloody leaping powers."
<OOC> Tekkel giggles.

Red's tactic seems somewhat more effective: letting his carbine hang to the side, he crouches and braces himself. A cable with a mag-grappler on the end shoots from the back of his gauntlet and wraps around the Barabel and his pike, entangling both for the moment.

Zamus/Doyle's response to Day-Lin is to snarl and shove the pulsing Heart at him. Red lightning erupts from the crystal, lashing out to sear the impudent young Knight.

<OOC> Tekkel says, "Ouch. That's gotta hurt."
<OOC> Avirida eek!
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "Eerk. Dodge? :)"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Force Lightning has this nasty tendency to follow."
<OOC> Tekkel thinks Day-Lin should be trying Absorb/Dissipate, or Resist Pain, or something like that. :)
<OOC> Kelly says, "Day-Lin, soak... 18 points against your STR."
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "Shyah, as if!"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Or you could try to dissipate it."
<OOC> Kelly says, "With your two pips of Control here. :)"

Pira darts in as Zamus/Doyle attacks Day-Lin, casting her cloak at the hand that holds the Jewel to entangle, then sweeping her saber up in an underhand strike.

<OOC> Day-Lin says, "I think I have a better shot with str. :) be prepared for CPness."
<OOC> Tekkel yikes! Glad that's Day-Lin and not Tekkel. The mouse would be roasted. :)
Day-Lin rolls 2 dice: <3> 5
<OOC> Day-Lin spends a CP.
Day-Lin rolls 1 die: <3>
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "That'll get me to 'Wounded' right there and I think it would be cheesy to go for more. It's FORCE LIGHTNING forchrissake, it's SUPPOSED to hurt."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Okay. Convulse artistically for me, please."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Pira, give me a brawling roll for the entangle, first."

Day-Lin's just rising to his feet when the scarlet lightning bolt strikes him square in the torso. The shock drops him back to the catwalk, spasming violently, lightsaber falling from his hand, although he does manage to clutch desperately at the walkway to keep from falling off.

<OOC> Pira has no brawl, does that mean I can't do it?
<OOC> Kelly says, "No, you roll STR instead."
Pira rolls 2 dice: <4> 5
<OOC> Kelly says, "Fair roll, he's holding it out as a target after all."
<OOC> Pira makes notes: RAISE THE DAMN STRENGTH!
<OOC> Harukuk says, "Expensive."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Before you strike, though, he's gonna have something to say about that."
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "Getting shot is also expensive. :)"
<OOC> Pira says, "Not as expensive as falling into a pit of lava."
<OOC> Kelly says, "PER roll, it'll be an initiative dice-off."
Pira rolls 4 dice: <4> 6 6 2
<OOC> Kelly says, "Never mind. He rolled for crap."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Wasn't expecting you to lay hands upon the Divine Personage, perhaps."
<OOC> Pira says, "That's what the cloak was for, to distract and annoy :)"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Roll your Lightsaber, -2D for your actions (leap, cloak), and with only half of your Control for the obvious reasons."
Pira rolls 4+1 dice: <2> 5 1 6
<OOC> Pira says, "Darn."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Be advised, since this is a Full-Out Jedi Duel, if you don't roll well, you won't get to cut him. More like a kick or slam."
<OOC> Pira says, "o'course."
<OOC> Kelly says, "(You DO all have Duel of the Fates playing right now, right?)"
<OOC> Pira grins.
<OOC> Tekkel is listening to it. ;)

Tekkel pages: does the skill 'brawling parry' also cover brawling dodges (ie, avoiding melee contact all together)?
You paged Tekkel with 'Actually, I think the parry skills are lame. So I just have melee combat (includes parry), brawling (includes brawling parry), and dodge (which is both ranged and hand to hand).'.

Zamus/Doyle's head whips around as Pira's cloak wraps around his hand, hiding the Donarr Crystal from view. "You DARE?" he asks, as she brings her saber up; he barely twists out of the way, earning himself a nice burn all along that arm as he falls back against his throne in a most undignified heap.

<OOC> Kelly says, "Next round. Barabel guys, Max is all wrapped up. Declare actions."
<OOC> Harukuk says, "Shoot him? I think I get two more shots until I have to reload."
Tekkel pages: Um, did Tekkel and Avirida get to do anything?
<OOC> Avirida shoots. ANYWHERE. :)
<OOC> Kelly says, "My bad, sorry."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Avi, you decided you can't hit... what were you going to do?"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Tekkel, were you just hiding, or called-shot at the pike?"
<OOC> Tekkel chuckles. "DoTF ends, and winamp starts playing Flash (Saviour of the Universe, King of the Impossible)."
<OOC> Tekkel says, "Called-shot at the pike."

Avirida holds her pistol level, preparing ... and misses soundly. With a thankfully indistinct mutter, she lowers her aim from head to the mass of body.

A pair of pillars on either side of the entryway, roughly hewn into blocky human forms with Sith guardians carved into their fronts, provide excellent cover for the Siewa.

<OOC> Kelly says, "Shoot, -1D for the called shot. You can get behind cover for no cost."
<OOC> Tekkel says, "roll blaster?"
Tekkel rolls 2D+2 dice: <4> 1
<OOC> Tekkel mumbles. Blaster practice for the mouse is required, methinks.

Another blaster bolt, this one aimed at the spinning force pike, misses and lands somewhere on the far wall of the throne room.

<OOC> Kelly says, "Okay, NOW next round, declares. Sorry."
<OOC> Harukuk says, "I'll shoot twice, I think, at the Barabel. Should slow it down, at least."
<OOC> Kelly says, "It's a sitting target at the moment."
<OOC> Harukuk says, "Sounds good."
<OOC> Kelly says, "However, all you've been able to do so far is stun it. Want to spend CP, maybe?"
<OOC> Harukuk says, "On the damage roll? Isn't that tempting the Dark Side?"
<OOC> Tekkel says, "Or since it's tangled up, maybe the Wookie can whack it with a big hairy fist."
<OOC> Kelly says, "You may spend up to two to increase damage, and here I'll say it won't. Then again, you are in the lair of the Dark Side... hmmm."
<OOC> Harukuk nods. "That's an idea. One whack to get rid of the pike, (called shot?) then punch it?"
<OOC> Kelly says, "The problem simply is, this guy is too big and armored to really hurt."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Is that your final action? :)"
<OOC> Harukuk says, "Actually, a thought, its tangled up, right?"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Yes."
<OOC> Harukuk could just give it a bit of a shove...
<OOC> Kelly says, "For the moment."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Um, tangled up with the other end of the cable attached to Red."
<OOC> Kelly says, "That might be a bad idea."
<OOC> Tekkel snickers.
<OOC> Harukuk says, "Okay, we'll go with plan A, then."
Harukuk rolls 4+2 dice: <5> 2 2 3
<OOC> Kelly says, "-1D for the called, take off another D (the 3) because you've said another action."
<OOC> Harukuk says, "Ooops, okay, that should still do it, I think?"
<OOC> Kelly says, "9. Okay, he's still holding onto it, but he won't be doing anything else. You're in a tug of war, and incidentally a GREAT position to hit him with the other fist."
<OOC> Harukuk says, "Okay, I'll bring it down on him, then. ;)"
Harukuk rolls 4+2 dice: <6> 5 3 3
Harukuk rolls 1 die: <3>
<OOC> Kelly says, "Nice. Damage?"
Harukuk rolls 5 dice: <2> 5 4 5 4
<OOC> Harukuk says, "Hrm. 20."
<OOC> Harukuk says, "Okay, I'll blow a cp."
Harukuk rolls 1 die: <6>
Harukuk rolls 1 die: <1>
<OOC> Harukuk says, "That's a bit better. :)"
<OOC> Tekkel thinks the wild die only applies to the initial roll, not CPs.
<OOC> Kelly says, "CP dice are open-ended."
<OOC> Tekkel says, "So it does apply?"

Max's head rocks back from the powerful blow, Harukuk's best, then pops up again like a training dummy, grinning ferally as his eyes leak purple-red fire.

<OOC> Kelly says, "Well, you managed to stun him."
<OOC> Harukuk says, "It does. Ah well."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Tekkel, Avi, what are you doing with Harukuk in the shot?"
<OOC> Avirida says, "Can I move so as to get a clear shot? :)"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Day-Lin, one action to pick yourself up, then what? Pira, the end of your cloak is still wrapped around his hand, with nearly the full length between him and you."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Yes."
<OOC> Pira says, "Has he gotten up yet?"
<OOC> Kelly says, "He will be, this round."
<OOC> Avirida moves so as to get a clear shot. Then shoots. 'Clear' includes 'not likely to hit armory people.' ;)
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "Then I pick up my lightsaber, then ... uhm ... it depends heavily on what Pira does, actually."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Roll - it's an easy shot."
<OOC> Kelly says, "You can do that and get up at the same time, I'll say."
<OOC> Pira says, "I don't suppose the hand is still nicely held out for chopping, is it?"
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "Maybe if you pull and I chop ..."
<OOC> Kelly says, "If you step in, you'll give him enough slack to pull it in."
Avirida rolls 3 dice: <5> 3 2
<OOC> Kelly says, "A hit, at this range. Damage."
<OOC> Avirida cuddles poor DL. :)
Avirida rolls 4 dice: <4> 5 6 6
<OOC> Pira damns, but he's down, otherwise I'd stay at distance and let him have the first shot.
<OOC> Kelly says, "Excellent roll, lousy roll for him. Avi, you've got a beaut of a pose coming up, hold on."

Pira leaps in and then nearly over Zamus/Doyle, slicing down as she spins away again to leave him clear for Day-Lin.

<OOC> Day-Lin says, "Oh urgh. Great, leave ME the guy in his sights. :)"
<OOC> Tekkel thinks. Too many folks between Tekkel and the Barabel. "What are Tekkel's chances at shooting mister dark and sparky?"
<OOC> Pira was just trying to give you a shot!
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "Take heart, then: I'm pretty sure I'm gonna get one. :) :) :)"

As Harukuk continues to wrestle with the bound Barabel for possession of the force pike, Max twists to the side... just as a blaster bolt comes in and blows cleanly through his chest. Avirida lowers her pistol, staring in utter shock, as the former bodyguard stiffens. Red energy, unbound, oozes and flares from both sides of the terrible wound.

<OOC> Tekkel yow.
<OOC> Pira wows, someone spent CP? :)
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "You rule, Avi. :)"

In slow motion, but as inevitably as an avalanche, the enforcer crumples to the floor and lays there.

<OOC> Kelly says, "Nope, Avi finally got a really good damage roll and Max got a Wild 1."
<OOC> Pira says, "*A*-vi, *A*-vi, *A*-vi"
<OOC> Harukuk says, "Wohoo!"
<OOC> Tekkel laughs. Go Avirida!
<OOC> Kelly says, "Okay. Pira, roll your jump, first."

Harukuk, startled that his foe just suddenly stiffened and died, stands up and picks up the pike, looking for the Jedi and what they're doing.

<OOC> Tekkel sniffles for the poor Barabel though. Just doing his job, only to get zombied.
<OOC> Avirida mocks Violet thoroughly. Is THAT what they brought me for? ;)
<OOC> Kelly says, "Oh yeah, just doing his job, killing people for his boss."
<OOC> Pira says, "strength plus one half control again?"

Violet stares at the body, then at the supposedly meek little engineer.

<OOC> Kelly says, "Yes."
Pira rolls 3+1 dice: <5> 3 6
<OOC> Day-Lin . o O ( that's what we keep her around for )
<OOC> Kelly says, "D'oh! Sorry, that should be minus one die, for two actions, yes? Or do you want to forgo your cut?"

Avirida lowers her blaster, casting one little smile at Violet. Just one. Forced, but... utterly necessary.

<OOC> Pira hmms. Not really, we need to take every shot at him we can.
Pira rolls 2+1 dice: <2> 5
<OOC> Kelly says, "CP time."
<OOC> Pira burns one, or am I likely to need even more?
Pira rolls 1 die: <4>
<OOC> Kelly says, "Your landing will be awkward, but the flip is okay."
<OOC> Pira will take looking ungraceful :)
<OOC> Kelly says, "Lightsaber, plus half Control, -1D."
Pira rolls 5+1 dice: <5> 4 3 2 1
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "Hey, neat. :)"
<OOC> Pira fills in the Large Straight box... er, wrong game.
<OOC> Tekkel is going to try to shoot at Zamus/Doyle, if he can and the Jedi aren't in the way?

As she flips backward over the throne, Pira's violet blade strikes downward - and is met by a crimson twin, hastily ignited, inches above her target.

<OOC> Pira considers burning another CP.
<OOC> Pira says, "Too late :)"

Zamus/Doyle yanks hard on the cloak with his other hand, pulling it out of Pira's grasp and causing her to stumble on her landing.

<OOC> Kelly says, "Tekkel: you can try, sure."
<OOC> Tekkel aims for the legs, if possible.
<OOC> Kelly says, "Better just roll."
Tekkel rolls 3d+2 dice: <5> 3 3

As the Sith-Lord-possessed crime boss staggers to his feet again, Tekkel's long shot burns through the dangling cloak. What damage it does underneath is hidden.

Zamus/Doyle grunts, then fixes a fearsome glare on the hidden Siewa.

Tekkel cowers back behind the cover of the pillar, feeling a little like he was just caught raiding the cookie jar.

<OOC> Kelly says, "Day-Lin?"
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "I need to check his position. If my luck is with me, when Pira flipped over him, he half-turned, blocked with the saber in one hand, and yanked the other hand (w/cloak) back so that it's actually exposed on my side?"
<OOC> Pira admires the brave little Siewa :)
<OOC> Kelly says, "Well, actually, luck is not with you. You're on his right side, which is also his sword arm. He's weilding it one-handed. His left hand is the one with the crystal. He's about to shake the cloak off it."
<OOC> Kelly says, "He's not facing toward you, however - he was glaring straight down the walkway."
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "More or less straight out from his right side, or at an angle? Sorry, I'm just trying to envision this, it's late. :/"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Straight, maybe a LITTLE to his rear."

From afar, Day-Lin would ideally like to ... I guess I have to jump to get close enough behind him and go for the left shoulder.
You paged Day-Lin with 'Or scoot around behind him, between him and the throne.'.
Day-Lin pages: That probably leaves less room for messing up, yeah.

<OOC> Kelly says, "You've acted, to get up, and you're at -1D for your Wound. So -2D..."
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "- what, another 1 to move?"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Hm. Not sure if your move would be yet another action. It's more like a free move to strike."
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "Okay. Here goes."
<OOC> Kelly says, "You could always join Pira behind the trhone and discuss strategy. :)"
<OOC> Harukuk is going to come to give aid, if possible...
<OOC> Kelly says, "That's next round, for max-guys."
<OOC> Harukuk says, "of course"

Day-Lin levers himself back to his feet, grimacing at the burn in his side. His hand finds his lightsaber, and he mutters, "I'll take that as a 'no'." Then he espies the Dark One glaring in fury at the little Siewa, and lunges forward, up behind Zamus to take an overhand cut down at his shoulder, green lightsaber igniting even as he swings.

Day-Lin pages: Force Point A Go Go.
<OOC> Tekkel beams. My hero! :)
<OOC> Kelly says, "I see."
<OOC> Avirida giggles!
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "Naturally, if questioned, this agency will disavow any affection for cute little fuzzy critters."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Okay. -2D for wound and action, but your codes are doubled. Lightsaber doubled, Control at full. One strike?"
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "just one. :)"
<OOC> Pira says, "How do we double?"
<OOC> Day-Lin does some quick math ... that's 12+2 - 2 = 10+1.
<OOC> Tekkel says, "Twice the number of dice."
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "probably minus a bunch for a specific target."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Of course you realize, he may have Force Points too."
<OOC> Kelly says, "-2D for the shoulder."
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "If I can make him blow them on blocking only ONE attack out of the three being aimed at him that round, I consider that a win. :)"
Day-Lin rolls 8+1 dice: <1> 1 4 3 5 6 4 2
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "Oh SUCK."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Hosed you are. yeees."
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "ah well. let it not be said that I didn't try. :)"
<OOC> Tekkel uh-ohs. "That sounds like a baaad roll?"
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "GIVE THE MAN A HAND"
<OOC> Pira says, "No, I'm just wondering how he doubled the dice and if I can do that too :)"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Spent a Force Point (in page)"
<OOC> Day-Lin spent his Force Point. Hey, it's for a good cause!
<OOC> Tekkel nods! To save little Siewa from becoming charcoal briquettes. :)
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "I'm sure that's gonna be a great comfort when he turns me into charcoal briquettes. :)"
<OOC> Tekkel will put flowers next to Day-Lin's urn if Tekkel lives through this. ;p
<OOC> Harukuk says, "I daresay its the dramatically appropriate moment, too..."

Zamus/Doyle whirls as Day-Lin lunges at him, and their sabers clash loudly, once, twice; Day-Lin ducks a return stroke and steps back out of range, grinning despite his apparent failure.

Day-Lin shows teeth. "Forget about me?" he inquires.

Zamus snarls. "Soon you'll be only a memory. And I will live on, FOREVER!"

<OOC> Tekkel woos. The words as sharp as the lightsabers.
<OOC> Kelly says, "That's the end of the round, I believe."
<OOC> Pira applauds :)
From afar, Tekkel thinks Day-Lin deserves an extra CP for his snappy lines. :)
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "Don't make me say 'You can't win, Zamus; if you strike me down, I shall become more powerful than you can possibly imagine'. :)"

Zamus/Doyle's voice turns silky. "But you don't have to be destroyed... if you will agree to serve. None of these others are worthy of the honor, but you... yes. I see great potential in you. Day-Lin Allori."

Zamus/Doyle lowers his guard a trifle, offering the young Jedi a gloating grin.

Day-Lin sneers, though through obvious pain. "Serve? You mean like Doyle's serving --" His voice drops perceptibly. "How did you know my name?"

Zamus/Doyle holds up the crystal, pulsing redly from its many facets with a mesmerizing radiance. "I hold the Heart of Darkness, boy. And with it, I can see into yours."

As she crouches by the throne, Pira's eyes widen in horror.

Day-Lin says, with much less confidence, "You don't know anything about me." He swallows. "I'll never join you!"

<OOC> Day-Lin says, "... or at least not until you remove one of my hands and give me a couple more zaps with the Big Red Button Of Doom."
<OOC> Tekkel shrieks.
<OOC> Pira cackles.

Zamus/Doyle looks, for a moment, sincerely disappointed. "A pity." He raises the lightsaber, the Heart, both the same color. "Then you will die."

<OOC> Kelly says, "Okay, non-combat moment over, everyone can go. :)"
<OOC> Tekkel wonders, "Can I shoot the bad guy in the back now?"
<OOC> Day-Lin . o O ( then again, maybe I should reconsider this whole Jedi lifestyle thing )
<OOC> Avirida is with Tekkel on this shooting in the back idea. :)
<OOC> Avirida says, "And giggling at Day-Lin."
<OOC> Tekkel should've said the gloating bad guy. Nodnods to Avi. More the merrier (he might pick someone besides me to fry).
<OOC> Pira believes this is a moment to spend a Force Point :)
<OOC> Pira says, "Should we roll inititive?"
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "High drama and comic relief. I'm your full service Jedi station."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Yes. Everyone roll your PER."
Day-Lin rolls 3 dice: <6> 3 3
Day-Lin rolls 1 die: <6>
Avirida rolls 2D+1 dice: <1> 2
Day-Lin rolls 1 die: <1>
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "(down a die because I'm hurt ... like it matters."
Harukuk rolls 2 dice: <6> 2
Harukuk rolls 1 die: <3>
Pira rolls 4 dice: <3> 2 4 2
<OOC> Avirida clearly gets lashed by stray lightning :)
Tekkel rolls 3D+1 dice: <2> 1 2
<OOC> Kelly says, "Woo hoo, Day-Lin."
<OOC> Pira sees Day-Lin gets to make the Luke Attack Temptation In Fury move :)
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "hard to argue with 19 on 3 dice."
<OOC> Kelly says, "You go first, declare."
<OOC> Day-Lin laughs, abruptly!
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "My temptation as a player to Call Upon The Dark Side is actually nil because I can't possibly succeed. :)"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Hmm?"
<OOC> Day-Lin can't roll up to Easy difficulty on 2 pips. :)
<OOC> Kelly says, "Ahh. But if you were trying to use the Dark Side, not the Light, you wouldn't have that pesky halving."
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "down a die from wound. :)"
<OOC> Kelly says, "You might even get a bonus, given the location."
<OOC> Day-Lin twitches.
<OOC> Kelly purrs in Day-Lin's ear, "C'mon, you know you want to."
From afar, Day-Lin will make the roll. But let's let everyone else wonder. :)
<OOC> Harukuk says, "Btw, the wound penalty is applied *after* doubling by Force points. :)"
<OOC> Tekkel | Day-Lin cuts down the body possessed by the Evil Sith Lord, and everyone heaves a sigh of relief as the young Jedi retrieves the glowing crystal. Then he turns, and his eyes are crimson fire.
<OOC> Kelly | Tekkel turns to Avirida, "This is a bad thing, right?"
<OOC> Tekkel laughs at Kelly.
<OOC> Avirida giggles and giggles.

Day-Lin pages: Though you'll have to tell me if I roll anything but my two pips. :)
You paged Day-Lin with 'I am required to ask you: are you sure you want to do this, and not just spend a normal FP? It would be kinda keen, as I've said before, to see this plot. BUT. You have other options, you've just repudiated this guy's offer to join the DS, and I don't want to railroad you.'.
You paged Day-Lin with 'You still have one more normal FP. If you spent THAT and got a sword-to-throat, "you are beaten", I could see it.'.
Day-Lin pages: It's true. On the other hand, from his perspective, he spent one last round and failed miserably. Note the 'in addition to any other Force Points ...'
From afar, Day-Lin is not sure what effect that has, exactly.
You paged Day-Lin with 'Your character, your call. I'd hate to think you were doing this, damaging him, just to further the plot.'.
You paged Day-Lin with 'I'd imagine quadrupling. Gross, yes?'.
Day-Lin pages: Very.
Day-Lin pages: I would not have put nasty stuff in him if I didn't want it to come out; as long as you don't hammer REALLY HARD on his fracture points all at once so he breaks before he has a chance to recover at all, that's okay.
You paged Day-Lin with 'Okay. <chuckle>'.

From afar, Day-Lin rolls to Call On ... ?
You paged Day-Lin with 'Go ahead and roll ... a full 2D.'.
Day-Lin rolls 2 dice: <1> 4
<OOC> Day-Lin LAUGHS.
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "Okay, Solomon, figure out what happens NOW. :)"
<OOC> Kelly snickers. "You accidentally call on the Dork Side. Suddenly, Day-Lin acquires glasses and a pocket protector."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Well, it's obvious. You're so incompetent even they don't want you."
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "Evidently. :)"
<OOC> Pira says, "Day-lin attempts to call on the dark side but rolls so badly he fails and is saved for the light?"
<OOC> Kelly says, "I GUESS."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Pira, YOU go."
<OOC> Tekkel snickers lots, and wonders what happened to Day-Lin. ;p
<OOC> Kelly says, "I figure you're the one who takes the choice out of his hands?"

You paged Day-Lin with 'The Dice Gods Have Spoken. There will be no DSPs today.'.
From afar, Day-Lin looks amused.

<OOC> Day-Lin remains stubbornly silent. Wait for the logs, heathens. :)
<OOC> Tekkel meanwhiles desperately tries to stop laughing. Dork Side indeed.
<OOC> Kelly | "Is the Dork Side more powerful?" "No. Lamer, nitpickier, less seductive."
<OOC> Tekkel cracks up. Stoppitstoppit, my face is hurting.
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "Sci-fi. Polyhedral dice. Sega Dreamcast. Easily they flow! Quick to join you in a fight!"

Pira lunges for the dark lord, her face a mask of ferocious concentration. "You will die here, and you will die here alone!" She thrusts on the last word, with a flare of violet.

<OOC> Pira says, "And yes, I will spend a force point :)"
<OOC> Pira says, "What is that going to work out to?"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Ooh, nice soliloquy. Okay, you're unwounded. So you get your full Control, plus double your Lightsaber (if that's your only action)."
Pira rolls 12+2 dice: <5> 4 3 5 5 2 4 4 6 3 1 4
<OOC> Kelly rocks back in his chair from that long line of rolls.
<OOC> Kelly says, "Damn, girl. :)"
<OOC> Pira is calling upon the Unifying Force to save us all from the Dark :)
<OOC> Kelly says, "Someone else total those for me while I decide if this guy spends a FP?"
<OOC> Pira does since the others didn't see :)
<OOC> Day-Lin didn't see 'em. Pira'll have to. >:)
Pira pages: 46
You paged Pira with 'daaaaamn. :)'.
Pira pages: Powerful is the Force :)

Zamus/Doyle turns again to meet his other attacker, face twisted in fury. There is a mighty clash as the blades meet - and then the crimson lightsaber, held in a weaker one-handed grip, goes spinning away. It lands on the walkway and rolls to a halt near the edge, deactivated.

<OOC> Kelly says, "He used the Force too, BUT. His roll wasn't up to the parry, with his wound and other penalties."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Actions for the rest of you?"
<OOC> Pira says, "Of course he still has the far more dangerous object, but every little bit helps!"

Zamus/Doyle stares after his weapon for a moment, backing away from Pira.

<OOC> Kelly says, "Speaking of that more dangerous object... anyone feel like a called shot?"
<OOC> Tekkel was just thinking that. "But the jedi said they wanted to recover it, not destroy it."
<OOC> Avirida says, "What's the modifier? ;)"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Apple-sized, -4D. You have 1 FP yourself, if you like..."
<OOC> Tekkel will try to shoot the bad guy in the arm and make him drop it.
<OOC> Kelly says, "And this is The Moment."
<OOC> Avirida spends that FP. ;)
<OOC> Avirida says, "Which leaves me at ... 2D. ;)"
<OOC> Kelly DIES at a page from Day-Lin.
<OOC> Avirida says, "Share! :)"
<OOC> Kelly lets him.
<OOC> Day-Lin is tempted to go way over the top: Force Point, TK his lightsaber into my left hand, BOTH LIGHTSABERS BLAZING ATTACK.
<OOC> Avirida LAUGHS.
<OOC> Tekkel shoots, while DL distracts the GM with comedy. Chortles at Day-Lin.
<OOC> Kelly says, "Avi, given that it only gives you a 2D when you're done, I'll let you retract that FP use. Doesn't seem worth it, yes? :/"
<OOC> Avirida says, "Probably not. :)"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Day-Lin: You do indeed still have your action. I figure you spent all of your high initiative angsting. Do I, don't I?"
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "Yeah, that actually sounds about right. :)"
<OOC> Pira says, "Feng Shui Star Wars."
From afar, Harukuk will rush the guy with this pike I picked up. I guess I'll spend a Force point too, as it is a good moment. ;)
<OOC> Kelly says, "At least two conversions are out there on the net, Pira. It's a pretty good alternate rules set."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Okay, Harukuk, you'll need to make a Running roll and then your strike."
Harukuk rolls 5 dice: <4> 4 5 5 2
Harukuk rolls 5 dice: <2> 4 6 3 4
<OOC> Kelly says, "Okay, you get there no problem."

Harukuk bellows a ferocious roar as he charges over the gangway at the Sith thrall. Wookiees aren't known for stealth in combat, but it does get rather impressive. He holds the Barabel's force pike high, ready to thrust.

<OOC> Kelly says, "And he dodges...?"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Not with a 1 on the Wild Die, he doesn't."
<OOC> Tekkel that's gonna hurt.
Harukuk pages: Eeeeeeeeeew! Second roll is too hit. Adequate, but not spectacular.
Harukuk pages: Okay, what's the damage on the pike?
<OOC> Pira says, "Man, he's been rolling for suck."
You paged Harukuk with 'STR plus 2D, 3D in this case for the charging, I'll give you an extra D. So, 8D I believe.'.
Harukuk pages: Aigh! :)
Harukuk pages: Good thing the Force point doesn't double damage, eh? Though for Jedi, it effectively does, as it doubles their control. ;)
Harukuk rolls 8 dice: <3> 4 6 6 1 2 4 5
You paged Harukuk with 'Total those, please, for my academic interest.'.
Harukuk pages: 31. Could be a lot worse for the poor Sith, but its fairly bad.
<OOC> Tekkel wonders whether even the bad guy's FP will get him out of that one.

Zamus/Doyle turns fully to meet the Wookiee's charge, neither flinching nor dodging. Perhaps he's just too surprised. The captured force pike makes a gruesome sound as it spits his body completely through.

<OOC> Pira says, "Go wookie go :)"
<OOC> Tekkel ... guess not!

The Sith Lord gurgles through Doyle's throat as the thrust actually lifts him bodily into the air. "Nooo... I cannot... I will not..."

Zamus gasps, "I... AM... a GOD!"

Amazingly, Zamus begins pulling himself down the pike, one-handed, toward the stunned Harukuk.

<OOC> Pira says, "ooooooogh"
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "Who's up next?"
<OOC> Kelly says, "You are. This might be a good time to snap out of your existential funk."

Harukuk is indeed entirely taken aback that this... thing is still animate after being run through. That and the abating fury of his charge make him hesitate, blinking at the Sithlord.

Snarling with teeth flecked with blood, the Sith Lord lifts the crystal in his other hand and points it at Harukuk like a weapon.

Day-Lin's lightsaber hums, behind the horribly wounded Sith Lord, and its wielder grins viciously as he draws back for a two-handed cut at Zamus's neck.

Day-Lin says "God is dead."

<OOC> Day-Lin says, "More Force Pointy Goodness."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Oh, Lord. Okay."
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "If I miss, he's in serious trouble. :)"
<OOC> Harukuk says, "He's quoting Nietzche. Isn't that tempting the Dark Side?"
You paged Day-Lin with 'Um... -2D or -4D, y'think? Call it -3D.'.
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "If we're not Nietzschean Supermen, I don't know who would be. :)"
Day-Lin rolls 8+1 dice: <2> 6 3 1 1 2 1 4
<OOC> Kelly says, "And -1D for your Wound."
<OOC> Kelly says, "That was already in there, I hope?"
<OOC> Day-Lin had that figured in, yah.

There is a green flash as contained plasma meets possessed flesh - really no contest. As Doyle's severed head begins its long fall to the lava below, there is a flare of red-purple, from the crystal still held in a death-grip. And one final burst of indigo light, accompanied by the howling of a damned soul, that consumes the headless body.

Harukuk holds an empty force pike, as the Heart of Darkness falls to the stone walkway with a faint crunch and lays still. Pulsing.

<OOC> Pira says, "My, that was fine coordination by our assembled forces :)"
<OOC> Pira says, "Disarm, spear, slice :)"
<OOC> Pira waits to see who gets initiative and can pick it up first :)

Harukuk exhales, and promptly gives a glare to anyone who saw him and might think he sighed in relief.

<OOC> Kelly says, "Ahuh. Pick up the Orb of Ultimate Evil. Right."
<OOC> Tekkel nodnods. Now eyes the two armored figures.
<OOC> Tekkel suggests a knapsack, or something. Oh look. He's got one.
<OOC> Avirida twitches. She and Tekkel are right by the two armored figures.
<OOC> Kelly says, "But then you could wind up turning into a Hellmouse."
<OOC> Tekkel grins at Avi. "Tekkel has not forgotten the two armored ones. And is further away from them than you are. :)" Giggles at Kelly.
<OOC> Pira says, "Tekkel is smaaaaaart :)"

Red and Violet exchange a look, then start across the walkway toward the two Jedi and the Wookiee.

Day-Lin, breathing heavily, glances down at the Heart and then across at the party's two erstwhile allies. He keeps his saber on, though held in a defensive posture.

Violet comes to a halt, a safe distance away from Harukuk (the closest to them). "We'll take that," she states flatly.

"No, we won't."

Violet's helmet whips around, trailing its crest, to stare at her companion.

"This," says Red, gesturing with the muzzle of his carbine at the fallen crystal, "is not the way for our people."

Tekkel stares at where the speared body was, at Harukuk and the pair of Jedi, at the armored pair, and then finally at the Heart. The blaster in his grip shakes noticeably.

"Our MISSION," the female hisses.

Red cuts her off. "Our RESPONSIBILITY, as warriors, is to protect our people. From ALL threats."

Harukuk looks warily at the two armored figures, holding the pike in one hand. He wisely decides to let the Red warrior convince his comrade, as he clearly sees where he is going.

Red turns his T-visored gaze back to the Jedi. "This would destroy us."

Day-Lin admits, "I'm not real sure how good an effect it'd have on us, either."

Pira says "As it destroyed him." She powers off her saber.

The man in red awaits the decision of the Jedi impassively, as his fellow warrior seethes behind him.

Pira says "The Masters among the Jedi, however, are not so easily destroyed."

Day-Lin reminds Pira, "Pride goes before the fall." He puts a hand to his wounded side, gingerly, and winces.

<OOC> Kelly says, "Motto for the whole I-III trilogy. :)"

Day-Lin studies the Heart, frowning.

Day-Lin pages: *tk nudge* *tk nudge*

<OOC> Tekkel is partially behind one of the pillars, clutching a blaster, and holocamera on and clipped to his belt. Trying not to shake like a leaf.

"Perhaps it would be better," Red suggests, "if it turned out to just be a legend, after all."

Avirida murmurs, "I'll say."

As Day-Lin concentrates upon the crystal (its glow now somewhat dimmed), it begins to rock from side to side.

You paged Avirida with 'I need to know where you are, please.'.
Avirida pages: Wherever I had to dodge to to get a clear shot at the armadillo gent. And probably down on one knee. ;)
You paged Avirida with 'Ah, so you haven't moved since then? Okay.'.
Avirida pages: Nope. Not with that Initiative. ;)

Pira sweeps up her cloak from where it had fallen, moving to cover it.

Tekkel chirps out nervously, "What's - is it alive?"

<OOC> Tekkel .oO (it's a big egg?)

Day-Lin murmurs, still staring the faintly glowing crystal, "Pira."

You paged Day-Lin with 'It wants you to pick it up. You can FEEL it.'.

<OOC> Pira wants to cover it before she answers, can she do that?
<OOC> Kelly says, "Yes. But don't you want to pick it up? Just to see... what it feels like?"
<OOC> Pira says, "NO"

Pira sweeps her black cloak across the sullen glow. "We don't even know how to destroy it."

At first Avirida thinks it's fatigue, or paranoia, or both. But no... the Barabel's hand moved. And now the whole body begins to push itself up again, rising to its knees, a faint trickle of energy still bleeding from its eyes and chest. The Jedi, her Captain, even the mysterious armored pair don't seem to notice.

From his hiding place, frozen in fear, Tekkel sees it too.

Day-Lin says, indicating the pit below the walkway, "I don't think anyone will be bringing it back from there, even if it survives."

<OOC> Kelly says, "mmmm, casting into Mount Doooom."

Pira pages: I want to pick it up, in my cloak, is that possible? So that I'm holding a sort of bag?
You paged Pira with 'Yes.'.

Avirida, still crouched on one knee, starts to lift her blaster. Slowly. Carefully.

Pira meets Day-Lin's gaze, gathering up the cloak so that the jewel hangs in a sort of sack.

Tekkel twitches, eyes going very wide. He stutters something in Siewa chirps, forgetting Basic and even coherency for a moment.

Day-Lin says "Let it go."

From afar, Pira wants to touch his mind, she's afraid for him if they take the jewel with, but she's not sure how clean a mind he is speaking from now.

The animated corpse rises the rest of the way to its feet and begins to totter unsteadily toward the others. No... towards the Heart.

You paged Pira with 'Contact is poor here. But you're close enough to take his hand.'.

Avirida calls, high-pitched and terrified, "Pira!"

Pira reaches out to Day-Lin, touches his hand with hers.

*Contact.*

Pira's mind brushes against Day-Lin, a touch tinged with fear despite all Jedi mantras, seeking out any dark compulsion.

The mind that Pira touches, more deeply than before, is shaken, worried, even doubting. But not broken. Not turned.

Day-Lin says, out loud, "You want to keep it. Take it back. See if it holds some knowledge we could use."

Day-Lin says "That's the lure it holds."

Day-Lin says "Let it go."

Avirida repeats, half a shriek, "Pira!"

Day-Lin's gaze swivels, then, to Avirida -- slow, too slow.

Pira says "The rest of you -- RUN!"

Tekkel lifts the blaster, sighting the back of the dead Barabel's knee, and fires.

<OOC> Kelly says, "Tekkel, give me a roll, plus 1D for aiming."

Tekkel rolls 4D+2 dice: <1> 1 4 5

Pira's fingers tighten on the cloak for a moment, then slowly, very slowly loosen.

<OOC> Tekkel coughs. Obviously shaking too much.
<OOC> Kelly says, "Obviously."
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "Don't shoot ME."

Pira says "I said, RUN!" with every ounce of command a Jedi voice can manage. Slowly, slowly in the sticky time that they are caught in, she turns towards the edge.

<OOC> Tekkel probably shot the thing in the toe instead, which will only make it madder.

Tekkel's shot scores the dark stone next to Max's feet as he (it?) moves out onto the walkway, arms raised in menace. The man and woman in armor turn and back away reflexively at the sight of the thing which simply won't die.

From afar, Pira's theory is that there is going to be one hell of an explosion if they destroy the jewel, and she and Day-Lin might be able to jedi-speed out, the others won't.

Avirida lets loose one shot of her own, first, before turning to obey Pira. Wholeheartedly.

Realizing they're trapped, with the Jedi at their backs and the Barabel coming for them, both warriors ignite their back-mounted jetpacks with a WHOOSH and lift off.

<OOC> Kelly says, "Harukuk, what's your plan?"
Tekkel pages: Did the entrance door stay open?
You paged Tekkel with 'No, but you can open it again.'.

Red and Violet touch down again on the far end of the walkway. Red starts to lift his blaster carbine, then shakes his head, remembering how little good that did before.

Tekkel's body almost involuntarily turns to run under the edict of Pira's voice, and then he is bolting as fast as his little legs can carry him to slap the door's touch panel.

<OOC> Harukuk says, "Hmmm. Its essentially coming at me?"
<OOC> Harukuk says, "(And Pira, and Day-Lin, etc.)"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Yeah. Though it's hard to say... looks like it might be going for them more."
<OOC> Avirida says, "Let me know if I should roll, Kelly?"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Well, you can roll one last shot."
<OOC> Tekkel absently notes through his terror that whoever built these door mechanisms built them to last. :)

Pira moves closer to the edge, the jewel swaying in her cloak, as the monster stumbles forward.

<OOC> Harukuk will rush it and hit it with the pike, as soon as the shock wears off.

Day-Lin moves to interpose himself between what remains of Max, and Pira, lightsaber humming. He's not running -- but then, he's not in much shape to run anyway.

The voice that emerges from Max's sharp-toothed maw is deep, slow, and slurred... but horribly familiar. "giiiive it baaack," some fragment of Zamus commands.

Avirida rolls 3 dice: <5> 1 5
You paged Avirida with 'Roll damage.'.
Avirida rolls 4 dice: <3> 4 6 2

Max stumbles as a blaster bolt from Avirida smacks squarely into his back. More Heart-energy bleeds from the wound into the air, but on he comes, though the light is dimming in his eyes.

From afar, Tekkel thinks Tekkel is torn between running away (the sensible thing to do) and helping his friends (the loyal thing to do). He might stay by the door, and make sure it stays open.
You paged Tekkel with 'Okay.'.

Harukuk growls and strikes at the abomination with the pike.

Harukuk rolls 3 dice: <6> 2 3
Harukuk rolls 1 die: <3>
Harukuk pages: 14
You paged Harukuk with 'What kind of strike are you going for?'.
Harukuk pages: A slash through the torso, I guess. It has a blade, doesn't it?

<OOC> Pira says, "He better be running, dammit :)"

Tekkel starts to dive through the opening door, then halts and looks back at his friends, and at the door again. He stays there, and yells to Harukuk, "Legs!"

Avirida is a few steps behind Tekkel, and hardly inclined to halt herself.

You paged Harukuk with 'Yeah, kind of a vibroglaive on a staff.'.
From afar, Harukuk nods. "That's the way I pictured it. Heh. Maybe I should keep it. ;)"

The pike's humming vibroblade cuts through the tough red-black Barabel scales at Max's side, the momentum of the strike forcing him stumbling toward the edge. Then, in an eerie echo, he grabs on to the haft of the pike.

Around this time, there's a dopplering WHOOSH from overhead as Violet, then Red, zoom out through the hole in the ceiling.

<OOC> Tekkel is going to be next to the door panel on the other side of the entrance, so Avi should have no problem running past.

Harukuk gives the pike a violent shove, hopefully pushing the undead Barabel off balance. Then, he lets go of the weapon.

The sliver of Zamus remaining in Max is reaching, still reaching for the Heart, when Harukuk's shove sends the body over the edge. It falls. And falls. Black, silhouetted against the dully-glowing lava.

<OOC> Pira says, "Man, Jedi Word of Command just isn't what it used to be :)"
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "We're Baby Jedi."
<OOC> Pira is about to fling the jewel, if only they'll RUN

Avirida is running. Believe her, she's running.

Day-Lin looks over the edge, then back at Harukuk. "Well struck," he says.

Pira says "Go! All of you, go!"

Harukuk looks up, then starts running after everyone else

Day-Lin looks to Pira, uncertain if she means to include him too.

Tekkel yells at the departing warriors, [hey!], then rummages in his belt pouch. The small device - the one he used in what seems an eternity ago to close the ramp of the Lirpa - is pulled out. He presses it, presses the door panel again as the door starts to close once more, and runs into the catacombs after Avirida.

Pira jerks her chin towards the door. "It only takes one of us to drop it."

Day-Lin nods once. "Don't be slow," he suggests.

Pira says "The faster you go, the faster I can."

Pira meets his eyes again, violet and intense.

Day-Lin grins, pale blue eyes showing brittle humor. And then, in a streak, he's gone.

<OOC> Pira says nervously "It's not moving again, is it?"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Nope. That was Day-Lin tk-nudging it, actually. But it wants out. It's calllllling to you. Don't do this. Think of what you could do..."

Pira holds the jewel out over the pit, her hand trembling as she wars with herself between giving her comrades more time and fearing that if she waits too long, it may be too late.

Long minutes pass, with Pira alone with her conscience and the wheedling, cooing thing in the crook of her cloak.

Pira swallows, and then slowly her fingers begin to loosen on the dark fabric.

It wouldn't hurt to just TOUCH it once, now would it? How can you throw it away without even looking at it? To see how its facets glitter, its light gently pulses...

<OOC> Tekkel grins, wondering if it only feels like long minutes to Pira.

Pira closes her eyes, and tries to call the Light to her, the sense of the rightness of the world that has always guided her.

But the Light is faint, so faint here in the midst of Darkness...

Pira say "No" in the softest of voices. One finger opens, then two.

And then Master Windu's voice comes to Pira, as it has so often in the past, to guide her to what is right. Pira. I sent you for knowledge. Don't throw it away.

<OOC> Pira says, "oh, you CHEAT!"
<OOC> Avirida howls.
<OOC> Tekkel sucks in a whistling breath, RL. Ooooh, Kelly, you are *SCARY*.
<OOC> Kelly says, "eeeeeeeeeevil."

Pira drops to her knees, holding the bag to her chest, both of them teetering at the edge of the abyss.

There is an expectant pause, as something waits for Pira's decision.

Pira lets the cloak fall open, and gazes for a moment at the fiery gleam. She wavers, fascinated. And then an image comes to her: Day-Lin gazing in just the same way at the Heart. She cries out, bringing her hands to her face -- and letting the Heart fall.

The Donarr Crystal tumbles, its many facets catching the light of the pit, following its dark master into oblivion.

Pira staggers to her feet with a sob, and races for the door.

The young Jedi is already gone by the time the Heart reaches the lava far below. So there is no one to witness the faint rumble, like an earthquake, that causes everything to tremble. Then rock. Then shake violently, so that portions of the dome begin to fall in, as sulfurous steam rises from the lava lake in scalding bursts.

The walkway connecting the central pillar to the encircling floor buckles and falls away, as the throne and dais tilts... and topples.

EXT. SITH TEMPLE GROUNDS

Fairly bouncing with excitement, Tekkel points to the grey sky as Lirpa drops from it, a most welcome sight. Moments later, it is backlit by a bright flash from the looming cone. A darker cloud rises from the peak with explosive force as the volcano begins to erupt.

Within moments, the air has turned hot and choking as flaming cinders begin to rain down on the temple and the surrounding area, splashing into the swamp with loud sizzles.

Some of the standing stones begin to topple as the groundquake intensifies. Meanwhile, Lirpa touches down in an open space, her landing gear sinking deep into the muck.

<OOC> Kelly says, "Pira's not out yet."
<OOC> Pira says, "Cut to: Jedi pursued by lava."
<OOC> Tekkel says, "Our move now? (giggles at Pira)"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Yep, go ahead."

Avirida winces at the sight of the landing gear sinking, but bolts toward that open space nonetheless.

Tekkel pages: That muck too mucky to walk on?
You paged Tekkel with 'No, just very soft ground.'.

There's an explosion somewhere near the back of the temple, massive stone slabs tumbling and falling as pent-up volcanic gasses shoot into the air in a great cloud.

<OOC> Kelly gotta use up the rest of his budget.

Tekkel eyes the goop swallowing the landing gear, and chirps into the comm device as he runs towards his ship. [Lower the ramp, and don't rest all your weight on that goop pretending to be ground!]

Obediently, and almost contritely to those willing to imbue such sentient qualities in mere machinery - namely, Tekkel and Avirida - Lirpa engages repulsors and picks up her feet a bit, the gear lifting almost clear of the swamp again. The ramp drops in welcome.

The two armored warriors are nowhere to be seen. Presumably they had their own escape plan.

Day-Lin faces the temple entrance, watching it intently as he waves to the others. "Go on, I'll wait for her!"

Avirida doesn't need to be told twice about that place. She keeps running. "There are REASONS I hate planets!"

<OOC> Pira says, "Good line :)"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Harukuk, getting on board?"

Tekkel disappears up the ramp after Avirida, leaving a trail of splattered mud.

<OOC> Harukuk says, "Work. People here. Also, leaving for home."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Ah. Okay."
<OOC> Kelly says, "(Wow, never played THAT long before.)"
<OOC> Harukuk says, "Ten hours, man. :)"

Ducking his head so as not to hit it on the underside of the ship's rounded hull, Harukuk follows the pilot and the engineer inside.

And still no Pira.

INT. SITH TEMPLE

Gasping in the near-poisonous air, Pira pauses just a moment to lean against a pillar and gulp a few breaths from the breather in her utility kit.

The entire temple is rocking now, dust sifting down from the ceiling as the ancient construction is pushed past its limits.

Shaking with fatigue, Pira looks back - and sees something that nearly dispels it. The lava has crested the catacombs, burning out whatever unclean things remained there, and is now flowing down the passage toward her as fast as a man might walk. But not as fast as a Jedi can run...

EXT. SITH TEMPLE

<OOC> Kelly says, "Tekkel, give me a Piloting roll."
Tekkel rolls 4D dice: <1> 6 5 3
From afar, Tekkel stares at that one. What is with the dice code today?
<OOC> Kelly puts on the recording in the background that says, "you now have two minutes to reach minimum safe distance..."
<OOC> Tekkel uh oh.

Brow furrowed in concentration, Tekkel floats Lirpa over toward the temple and tries to hold it steady in front of the entrance, ramp down. On his first attempt, his misjudges the altitude and manages to bump the end of the ramp against the stairs leading up to the double doors, jarring the entire ship. Avirida and Harukuk wind up in a tangle.

<OOC> Tekkel laughs. "Darn wild die. :)"
<OOC> Tekkel is very relieved to get off so lightly, considering imminent volcanic doom and all.

Ash has begun to sift down from the sky, flowing down off the shields and hull like gray rain. Larger chunks bounce off the former with only faint jolts.

Day-Lin is still out on the ramp itself, one arm wrapped around the hydraulic strut as he anxiously waits for Pira.

Avirida struggles to extricate herself from Wookiee fur, scrambling for her feet.

Pira stumbles up the stairs, the reddish glow of rising lava backlighting her as she flings herself upward, reaching for the edge of the ramp.

Day-Lin grabs the hand of his fellow Knight and pulls her the rest of the way up onto the ramp.

Pira rolls on her back, panting in exhaustion. "Th-" <puff> "-anks."

Day-Lin says "What happened down there?"

Pira shudders. "It's gone now."

Pira says "The Council will be furious, I suppose."

Day-Lin says "Will they? I wonder."

The two Jedi do not climb the ramp as much as ride it upward as it retracts, while Tekkel steers his craft away from the temple and toward open air. Lightning crashes through the disturbed atmosphere as a mounting plume of smoke and ash climbs higher into the sky. And lava spills from the front entrance of the Sith temple, patches of cooler black crust floating on the glowing molten rock. The flow reaches the edge of the swamp, sending up huge clouds of steam that almost - almost - obscure the dark temple as it sags inward.

<OOC> Pira says, "Big fees are paid to ILM..."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Boy howdy."
<OOC> Tekkel giggles, nodnods.

EXT. PLANET - ORBIT

Back in its element again, far above the unbroken clouds and the volcanic cataclysm that has now consumed the temple, Lirpa leaves the last wisps of atmosphere behind and soars into space.

<OOC> Kelly says, "Now, if Tekkel puts his feet up and gloats, "Not a bad bit o' rescuing," I WILL hurt him."
<OOC> Tekkel shrieks at Kelly.

Tekkel puts the autopilot on at last, and leans back in his seat with a sigh of finality. Then he turns to look back at the others. "Um. I just remembered. Wasn't there a second wrong spot down there?"

<OOC> Kelly says, "Avi, to your surprised pleasure, nothing seems to have shaken loose during the excitement."

Avirida mutters, as she inspects panels, "That occurred to me, too."

Pira says grimly, "We were sent to find the Heart. We found it."

Tekkel glances from Pira to the silent Day-Lin, and falls quiet, turning back to the controls.

A light begins to blink on Tekkel's console, accompanied by a tone that indicates an incoming transmission.

Tekkel recovers from brief startlement, checks a display. "Another ship in orbit is hailing us." He opens the channel.

The face that appears on the viewscreen is that of a man in early middle age, his eyes and features flinty-hard. There's stubble on his cheeks and his brown hair is plastered to his temples by sweat; he looks weary. It takes a moment to realize that the visible parts of his chest and shoulders are clothed in scratched red plates over grey.

That gaze flicks from one hooded figure to the other. "Jedi. You survived." The unknown warrior nods. "That's good."

Pira says "And your partner?"

The ghost of a smile flits across the man's lips. "Sulking."

From afar, Tekkel guesses the other ship doesn't have a transponder running either.
You paged Tekkel with 'Ayup.'.

The amused look vanishes as he intones, "Our warrior's truce is over. When next we meet... we may be enemies."

Pira lifts a shoulder in an indeterminate gesture, and draws her hood over her face.

The man nods again, and reaches for something on his own console. The transmission ends.

<OOC> Pira says, "Okay, now I really do need to go to bed!"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Right, I was gonna call it here."
<OOC> Pira smooches Kelly. Great sesson.
<OOC> Kelly says, "me too."
<OOC> Kelly says, "woo!"
<OOC> Tekkel grins!
<OOC> Kelly says, "I'm sorry it ran so long, but... wow."
<OOC> Tekkel says, "Awww."