<Storyteller> You stand outside the ship on the shore of the island. The Tempest
<Storyteller> waves lap at the shore seemingly determined to take you with them.
<Storyteller> A wind blows through the forged statues making an eery howling noise.
Storyteller> There is a crunch, and a loud crashing noise behind you as the
reminants of the Yorker tumble to the ground.
Storyteller>Nachabe stands and watches the Yorker crash on the rocks. With a
Storyteller>saddness in his eyes he look again at the soul-forged statues, wondering
who they were and what they did.
* Gerard examines the statues.
* Nachabe turns from the statues, not wanting to look at them anymore
Storyteller> The statue is of a woman, she is beautiful, but her face is twisted in pain
* Remy touches the statue
Storyteller> It is solid, and cold to the touch
Storyteller> The wind is begining to die down, and the Tempest is once again as calm as black glass.
Gerard> "Well crafted.I admire the work in this.To bad it had to be a wraith."
* Remy looks for a path or something along the "beach"
* Nachabe looks around
* Erik begins to explore the beach, looking for clues as to where we are
Storyteller> It seems to be barren, save for these statues. There does seem to be a "forest" ahead
* Erik slowly walks towards the forest
Remy> "Seems logical to head that way" Remy says, pointing to the forest. "I was never
much of an art lover. Especially when de statues are made of corpus..."
Storyteller> The trees are no longer swaying as you walk by
* Gerard examines the rest of the statues.
Storyteller> The statues are all soul-forged and crafted well. From what you can see
there are men and women here equally
* Erik glances at the trees, shudders nervously, and continues on
Storyteller> the trees are deviod of color, as are the leaves
* Remy walks towards the trees, keeping himself completely receptive to Fate's subtle warnings
* Gerard looks around, and spots the forest. He walks in the general direction of the trees,
hoping for an answer.
Storyteller> You walk further into the forest and find a clearing
Remy> "I don't like this. Stay sharp, everyone."
Storyteller> in the clearing is a tall building
* Erik puts his hand on his gladius
* Gerard pulls out his gun and prepares for anything.
Storyteller> There is a large door that is open in what looks to be a barn
* Remy gets his revolver ready
Storyteller> there is a light in the barn
Storyteller> a red glow that looks familiar
Gerard> "One day a frog, the next day a prince.In this world, anything can be done."
Storyteller> ger{look at this, you must cleanse the underworld of these...things}
* Gerard nods in agreement. "Soon."
* Nachabe gets closer
* Remy signals everyone to stay away from the door. "Nachabe, Do you sense any spectres?"
* Erik is looking around nervously, resting his hand on the hilt of his gladius
* Gerard stays away from the door, but ready to blow it to kingdom come if he has too.
Nachabe> "There are the darkones around, but not in this building."
* Gerard looks around with an odd look of mass insanity on his face.
Storyteller> The door to the main building opens and a man walks out. He is heavy set,
with colorful clothing. he smiles at you.
* Gerard furrows his brow.
* Nachabe looks at the man
* Erik gets really nervous and edgy
Somerset> "Ahhh good. I was wondering when you would arrive. My name is Somerset,
and welcome to the Land of do as you please."
* Erik mutters "I don't like it when people smile at me..."
Somerset> Brianna backs up
* Gerard gets his gun ready to shoot the man at the slightest movement he makes.
Somerset> "There is nothing to be afraid of here, my friends. The only danger here
is that which you bring."
* Nachabe stays calm
* Gerard drops his gun to his side and laughs. "What we bring?"
Somerset> "Come inside. Soon the island becomes dark, and mysterious. And we
can't have that now, can we?" he says with a chuckle.
* Nachabe looks at the others
Somerset> Bri looks at Remy.
* Erik looks around at his friends, then looks nervously at the forest and Somerset
Gerard> Remy {I know him and he will kill you all when you enter his home.}
Somerset> "Come now, relax. There is no danger."
Gerard> Remy {More danger than you realize}
* Remy looks at bri. "I don' know. Be ready for a fight, but don't start one. I don't know what
to make of this situation. My shadow dosn't like it, so....
Storyteller> Ger{don't trust him. he lies}
* Remy decides to let Fate be the judge.
Erik> "Well, if your Shadow doesn't like him, chances are, we should."
Remy> "I don't sense any danger right now."
Gerard> {"I will not drop my guard around him. If he lies, I will know soon enough."}
* Nachabe waits
Gerard> Remy {Not yet. Wait until you get inside.}
* Somerset beckons from the doorway, "Come,"
Erik> "Oh hell. Fuck it."
* Nachabe joins him
* Erik enters the huge house
Storyteller> You enter the building and are immediately assaulted by the luxry of it all
* Gerard enters the house.
* Remy enters, but very warily, still holding his revolver, but not brandishing it at the man
* Nachabe enters
Gerard> Remy {I see you lead people well. They don't wait for your orders.}
Remy> dey aren't my mindless slaves>
Storyteller> The antechamber is decorated with the finest etchings,
Gerard> Remy {No. but they should wait for your decision, if you have any.}
* Erik looks around for anything interesting, like books and writings of any sort
Storyteller> the next room is an open courtyard with forged plants and trees.
* Gerard examines the etchings.
Storyteller> The etchings are in old gothic style, they depict many scenes from religious to erotic.
Somerset> "I see you are a man who apreciates good art."
Remy> "What is dis Island, sir. An' what are you doing here?"
Somerset> "Ah you wish to know my history eh? Well we shall discuss that tonight.
Now I will show you to your rooms. You must be exhausted from recent events, no?"
Remy> "Rooms? Sir, we don' even know you! How do we know you can be trusted?"
* Remy tries to sense any hostile vibrations right now
Somerset> "Trust? I allow you in my home, I give you rooms, what is ther not to trust?
Of course if you wish to stay outside, that can be arrabged. However, I did notice
another ship on this island as well."
Erik> "Another ship?"
Remy> "Another?"
Gerard> "Another?"
Somerset> "Yes, the Gridion? Do you know that name?"
* Remy looks to the other members of the cohort. "It's probably better here than out there.
I'm not forcing anyone to stay, though."
Nachabe> "The Dark ones."
Somerset> "So I ask you again, who would like a room?"
Erik> "Tell me, do you know where the crew of the Gridion is right now?"
Gerard> "I will stay in this room. I admire your etchings."
Somerset> "Not at the present."
Remy> "I will accept your hospitality. I cannot speak for de others."
Somerset> "Good, good."
Nachabe> "I will take a room."
Erik> "Well, I'll stay. Perhaps you have something interesting for me to peruse while I stay here."
Somerset> "I have not had guests in a very long time. Let me show you your rooms."
Storyteller> He walks through the courtyard and into a new room. The is a very ornate
staircase that he ascends.
* Erik follows Somerset
* Gerard continues to look at the etchings.
Storyteller> He shows each of you to your respective rooms. They are all very different, and all very sumptious. * Erik looks for something to read
Somerset> "Rest now, and later we shall discuss things in the library."
* Somerset walks back down the stairs
Erik> "Library?"
Storyteller> "Yes. Please rest tho. You shall have free run to the Library tonight, no?"
* Erik walks over to his bed, tests the mattress, then lies down
* Erik begins to think of Sam, and weeps silently
Nachabe> {Erik - Cry little boy cry}
* Gerard is too entralled with the etchings and other things he finds to sleep.
Erik> {Fuck off, Shadow, I'm REALLY not in the mood}
* Remy sleeps, but keeps his revolver by his side
Nachabe> {Erik - Fine, I know a place that I can go.....anything you want me to tell her?}
Erik> {Touch her, Shadow, and I swear to all the gods that I'll kill you}
Nachabe> {You kill me...and you kill you....}
Nachabe> {No light without the dark.....}
Erik> {If that's what it takes...}
Storyteller> The sleep is refreshing and you awaken feeling energized
Nachabe> {There is a Nhil out there...lets go}
Somerset> "Ah I see you are all up."
* Nachabe joins the others
Erik> "You were going to show me the library...?"
* Remy nods
Somerset> "Yes, follow me."
* Gerard follows Somerset.
* Nachabe joins them...interested
* Somerset walks through the courtyard again and heads off to another room.
Storyteller> The room is like an old victiorian library. There is a fireplace, and
several chairs that adorn the room. The walls are covered with books.
* Nachabe follows the others
* Gerard runs forward and reads like a maniac possessed.
Somerset> "Sit, sit. We shall speak now."
Gerard> "We have to talk?"
Storyteller> Simon sits, as does Brianna.
* Nachabe watches Gerard
* Nachabe sits
* Remy takes a seat
Somerset> "Only if you wish to."
* Nachabe sits and waits
Somerset> "My first question to you is; Why were you chasing that ship?"
* Gerard reads like a man posessed.
Remy> "A young boy, a ward of ours, was taken hostage by pirates..."
Somerset> "Yes?"
Somerset> "And to what destination were you heading?"
Remy> "The ship we were chasing was the one who stole him."
Remy> "We were following de ship, nothing more, nothing less."
Somerset> "Yes. I see." * Gerard throws the book down in disgust and looks at the
rest of the titles. Then he sits down and looks sullen.
Somerset> "Careful with the books, my friend."
Nachabe> "Yeah you could be reading someone..."
* Gerard says nothing.
Remy> "Is that all of your questions?"
Somerset> "For now."
Somerset> "I sense the you have questions for me, no?"
Nachabe> "So what is this place?"
Somerset> "It is my home from my breathing days."
Remy> "What do you know about dis other ship?"
Somerset> "When I died, it followed me here."
Somerset> "The ship landed after you did."
Somerset> "The passengers disembarked, and that's all I know."
Remy> "Where did dey go?"
Gerard> "Where did they disembark."
Somerset> "I do not know. It is a small island, they are not far."
Somerset> "The ship seemed to need repair."
* Remy nods
Somerset> "Your ship is gone now."
Remy> "This is valuable information. Would you be insulted if we went to search for dem?"
* Remy looks to the others. "What do you think?"
* Somerset smiles at you.
Gerard> "Lets go."
Nachabe> "There are dark ones on the Island...and this other ship may be them."
Somerset> "Ahh before you go, why don't you ask them if it is alright."
Somerset> "I shall ring for them now."
* Somerset lifts a bell and rings it.
* Gerard pulls his gun oout, just enough so no one sees it come out.
Storyteller> with that four wraiths enter the room.
Somerset> "Put your weapons away. There shall be no violence in my home."
* Nachabe remains calm
Remy> "Who?"
* Remy looks around
* Remy checks for danger
* Gerard puts his gun away.
Storyteller> The wraiths(specteres) look at you with open malice
Gerard> "I don't like this at all."
Somerset> "As I said, they are not far at all."
* Remy looks at the specteres. "What kind of sick joke is dis, mes amie?"
Somerset> "No joke, my friend."
* Gerard takes his gun out again in case of trouble.
Somerset> "You are all guests in my home, and there will be no violence." says staring at Gerard.
Gerard> "This is in case they start something."
Somerset> "Sit, please."
Somerset> "We must discuss this matter."
* Remy reaches for his revolver, just in case
Remy> Nachabe{Oh, where is your mighty castigate power now? You can't use it, can you?
That would be disrespectful to your host. You are a fool}
Remy> "What did you say your name was again? You wouldn't happen to know
one 'markova', would you?"
* Somerset looks at you puzzled
Remy> "Guess not. It's a dangerous trade, trafficing with spectres..."
Somerset> "I have been alone a long time, no. I get very bored.
Now I have a chance to be enlightened again."
Somerset> "I propose this, a melee. Between the two parties."
* Remy smirks
Remy> "I thought you said 'no violence'."
Gerard> "Now?"
Erik> "You must really be bored, Somerset."
Somerset> "The whole of the island is your battle ground. Save this house."
Gerard> "Okay."
Somerset> "Yes, I was." says eyes gleaming.
Erik> "And if I refuse?"
Somerset> The winner is allowed to leave this island. The loser, becomes the canvas of my art."
Erik> "Again, if I refuse?"
Remy> "Oh. Great. Did I mentoin 'Thanks, for the hospitality?"
Gerard> "I see, okay, lets go."
* Somerset looks to Erik, "Then I would ask you to choose a place on the island
where you would like to stand for eternity."
Erik> "No deal."
Somerset> "Well then."
Remy> "I agree. The world will be better with a few less spectres," Remy says,
a hard edge in his voice
Erik> "I guess I'd better start running..."
* Erik looks around nervously
* Somerset snaps his finger and Brianna and Simon disappear in a cload of pandemonium.
Gerard> "Okay everyone, I'll be outside ready to begin this little excursion."
* Gerard walks out of the house, with his pistol and knife at the ready.
* Nachabe gets up from his chair, a sad look on his face
Somerset> "If you refuse, your friends will take your place,"
Nachabe> "Come on lets get this over with."
Remy> Nach{Oh, don't cry for them. They are my kin and deserve it! Can't you do anything right? Would you like some assistance in this matter?}
* Somerset looks at Erik.
Somerset> "Well? Do you wish to change your mind?"
Storyteller> The specteres look each of you over
Somerset> "That is the deal. The winner leaves, the loser stays.."
* Somerset looks at each of you
Gerard> "Sounds fair, I'll be waiting outside for you all."
* Gerard exits the hut.
Remy> "What about our friends?"
Somerset> "Colateral. To make sure there will be no welching."
Somerset> "But I am a kind man. I will free one." says as he snaps his fingers.
Nachabe> "Well I have to do this now......."
* Nachabe joins Gerard outside
* Gerard is checking his revolver and sword, ready for combat.
* Nachabe gets out his flute
* Brianna blinks, looking around in confusion
Remy> "Cher?"
Remy> You watch as nachabe and gerard leave the room.
Brianna> "Where am I?" she looks at the men in the room. "They're the ones who took Billy!"
Somerset> "Yes, my dear. You are free to help your friends."
* Remy pulls out his revolver.
Brianna> "What is going on?"
Remy> "A contest. We fight de specteres, and win we can go. We fight and lose..."
* Brianna 's eyes narrow.
Storyteller> The specteres walk outside as well.
Brianna> "Where is Billy? If they harmed him.."
* Brianna puts her hand on the hilt of her sword
Somerset> "Your little friend is safe. He will not be harmed."
Remy> "Let's get this over with, cher." says as he walks outside.
* Brianna follows Remy outside
Storyteller> You head outside to the clearing. The winds have stopped and
all that is here is an audience of statues.
* Brianna looks around her warily
Somerset> "You have as much time as you need," says rubbing his hands as he sits
Somerset> "I want to enjoy this."
Storyteller> The specteres are beginning to look anxious, and they look hungrily at you
* Nachabe begins to play a soft tune
* Brianna grasps the hilt of her sword with hands that betray a slight tremor and draws the blade
* Brianna looks over at Remy for direction
* Remy stands with his gun at the ready
Remy> "Let's do it."
Gerard> "Lets get this over with," says gerard, and promptly fires his gun at the nearest Spectre.
Gerard> Shoot spectre that is attacking me.
Brianna> swings at the spectre trying to shoot me
Storyteller> Brianna swings her gladius catching the spectere in the shoulder.
Storyteller> The spectere throws the axe at Nachabe, but it goes wide.
Storyteller> Gerard fires his gun, just missing the spectere
Storyteller> The spectere swings the sword at Remy, it is a narrow miss.
Storyteller> The spectere shoots at Gerard, but misses.
Storyteller> The spectere swings his axe at Gerard and misses
Storyteller> The shot goes wide and misses Brianna
Storyteller> Remy begins to scream and run the other way.
Storyteller> The spectere swings and misses Erik.
* Brianna swings at the spectre, putting all her strength behind the blow
Storyteller> The sword cuts into the spectere, who howls in pain.
Storyteller> The axe whistles above Gerard's head
Storyteller> Gerard fires and misses.
Storyteller> The gun goes off shooting bri square.
* Erik lunges at the Spectre in a desperate attempt to wound it
Storyteller> The gladius cuts the spectere across it's chest.
Storyteller> The spectere leaps at Nachabe and just grazes his shoulder
* Nachabe tries again
* Brianna again swings her sword at the spectre
Storyteller> The sword swipes the spectere
* Erik attempts to use his natural dexterity to dodge out of the way of the massive swipe
Storyteller> you easily step out of harm's way
*Nachabe begins to play his flute. the song is very loud and clear.
Storyteller> The specteres begin to scream and wither as you feel the power
of nachabe's arcanos take them
Storyteller> With the last note from the flute, the specteres are blown away
and off into the Tempest. the waves rise up and enevelope them till they are gone
* Somerset claps his hands.
* Brianna slowly lowers her sword
Erik> "Wish I could do things like that."
Somerset> "Wonderfull, just wonderfull. I must say that was entertaining!"
* Brianna glares at Somerset
Brianna> "Where's the boy?" she asks tersely
Somerset> "Ahh right away."
* Somerset goes into the house.
Storyteller> A tired looking Remy enters the clearing.
Remy> "What happened to de specteres?"
* Brianna shakes her head and points wordlessly to Nachabe
Erik> "Nachabe happened to them."
* Erik laughs grimly
Storyteller> Somerset opens the door and there is Billy and Simon. Billy runs out to Brianna's side.
Somerset> "A deal is a deal."
* Somerset smiles.
* Brianna hugs Billy. "Are you ok? Did they hurt you?"
* Erik looks at Somerset and says sarcastically "Why do I still not trust you?"
* Brianna puts an arm protectivly around Billy and stares at Somerset, eyes glittering dangerously
Billy> "I am ok. I want to go home."
Somerset> "What's not to trust. I kept my word. Did I not?"
Remy> "To a point, now how do we leave?"
Brianna> "It's ok Billy. We're not going to be here for long."
Somerset> "Leave?"
* Somerset gets a puzzled look on his face.
Brianna> "Yes, leave."
Gerard> "Yes, the victor was going to leave, or did you forget that part of the deal."
Somerset> "Ah I have not forgotten, my friend. But there is a problem. I was to have the loser as a canvas, but your friend has robbed my of my art."
Somerset> "I will take one of you as payment."
Erik> "Oh joy. Here we go again."
Remy> "Like hell you will."
Erik> "You're not taking any of us."
* Brianna 's hand immediately goes to the hilt of her sword, and pushes
Billy behind her with the other
* Remy bears his gun upon Somerset and fires.
* Erik raises his sword
* Gerard raises his Gladius.
Storyteller> The bullet slams into Somerset and he crumples to the ground.
* Somerset crawls along the ground, his form rippling.
* Erik puts his gladius to Somerset's throat
Somerset> "We had a deal...'
Erik> "Make no more move lest ye die!"
Remy> "Do it, Erik."
Erik> "I won't! Not in cold blood!"
Gerard> "Here, let me finish this."
Brianna> "You can't trust him Erik! He's a liar and a trickster."
* Erik mutters "but I must."
* Erik drives his sword into Somerset
* Gerard walks to the body of Somerset and slams his sword through his chest.
Nachabe> "It is done."
* Brianna covers Billy's eyes
* Simon rushes out of the house. He stops as he watches the grisly scene.
* Erik begins to glow with a new vibrance as his emotional energies are restored
Remy> "I know a way out of here."
Remy> "Follow me."
* Erik follows Remy
* Gerard follows Remy.
Storyteller> You follow Remy to the beach, he smiles and points to a ship.
Remy> "They left their ship."
Erik> "Well then, what are we waiting for?"
Storyteller> you climb aboard and Remy takes the helm.
Remy> "Let's go home."
Storyteller> This concludes Act Two: Shadows of what's to come