Never Ending Nightmare (Tiffanian)

[xivvix]

Re: Miranda (Tiffanian) GMed by xivvix

Spoiler

HP = 27/36, PP = 43, EP = 9/37, Status = Slightly Injured, +6 Body, Static (2), Low Energy

(Fireball's damage is going to be 1d8+3*4, due to Miranda's mind/8 = 3)

Spoiler

Damage: 4 + 2 = 6 * 2 = 12
Grapple: Enemy Wins.
Tear Armor: 36. Miranda's clothing is destroyed.
Aphrodisiac: 4. Miranda is at 8/14 resistance
Casting: Success
Damage: 7 + 3 = 10 * 4 = 40
Enemy Dies

With the electrical energy still running through Miranda, the creature continues to shake in pain, but still manages to move according to it's alien will. The slimy tentacles worm their way under Miranda's dress, smearing more of the tingly goo along her skin as they do. The slide under her panties, between her breasts, around her waist, and out the sleeves and neck. For a moment, they pause, then with tremendous force they pull outward, shredding her clothing into tatters and exposing her body for all to see.

Thankfully for Miranda, her magical training allows her to finish her spellcasting despite the... distraction. Energy amasses around her body before bursting into flame and splashing down onto the creature below her. The ball detonates on impact, throwing Miranda away from the creature, which is incinerated instantly. The fire consumes the creature, charring it's flesh as it drops lifelessly to the ground.

The chaos in the streets continues unabated. Monsters line the street, fighting or otherwise assaulting the people nearby. There seems to be no end to the creatures, but for the moment Miranda seems to be free of attention. She can feel her spiritual energy beginning to wane, though. If she can't find someplace to rest, she might be unable to defend herself from whatever monstrosity confronts her next.

(Miranda gains 2 XP)

 

[Tiffanian]

Re: Miranda (Tiffanian) GMed by xivvix

Miranda shuddered as the tentacle monster continued to assault her, despite the repeated shocks to its body, cringing as it ripped her dress and underwear to pieces. Please let this work please let this work she thought as she blasted the beast with a fireball. The force of the energy's impact threw her a way down the street as it incinerated the creature. For a brief moment she lay on the ground, relieved. It's dead I killed it I'm okay. But... I'm getting really tired, I don't think I can fight many more enemies this way. I have to find somewhere safe... She picked herself up and grabbed her rapier, tying the sheath around her naked waist as she looked around. These things are everywhere... She ran in the direction there seemed to be the fewest of the tentacle monsters, keeping an eye out for some sort of place to hide and rest. Hopefully the city guards would have been able to secure an area not too awful far from where she was, otherwise she would probably run out of energy if she had to fight many more enemies.

Spoiler

Derp, I can't read. If Static has upkeep cost, disable it, if not, keep it around, though I don't think it does.

 

[xivvix]

Re: Miranda (Tiffanian) GMed by xivvix

Spoiler

HP = 27/36, PP = 43, EP = 9/37, Status = Slightly Injured, +6 Body, Static (2), Low Energy

(your right, static doesn't have an upkeep cost, but energize does, and they both prevent energy regeneration. giving you the extra EP point I took off from static, though energize's upkeep brings you back to 9 again)

Everywhere Miranda runs, the streets are overrun with the monstrosities and their victims. The city guard seem overwhelmed, most of them being dragged off just as readily as the citizens. Thankfully for the girl, she manages to avoid attracting the attention of any more of the tentacled creatures, In fact, it seems that there are only enough of the invaders in the area to drag off victims, and with the citizenry disappearing, so are they.

Miranda's naked trek through the streets leads her past a number of shops, most of them having the sounds of struggles emanating from inside. She does come across what looks like an antique store that seems to be empty, the dusty relics sitting forgotten in the chaos. Further away she could hear shouts that sounded like the commands of military men. Perhaps they had managed to secure an area, though an area with more people also meant more monsters.

 

[Tiffanian]

Re: Miranda (Tiffanian) GMed by xivvix

Maybe my luck is starting to turn around, I haven't been noticed by a monster for a while. Miranda kept up her run through the city, but even with her enhanced speed and energy she was starting to get quite tired. Alright, empty looking shop, or place where the army is? There could be another one of those things lying in wait in the shop, but there's definitely monsters attacking the army, and I'd have to get there. They might even make me fight. I'm so tired... She finally made her decision, ducking into the antique shop and carefully looking around. She didn't see anything obviously dangerous in the room, so she sank down into a corner behind the counter, hopefully hiding herself from any more of the things. She drew her rapier and held it low to the ground next to her, and deactivated her Energize spell. Hopefully the guards will be able to advance up to this point and I'll be safe. If not, I'll just rest here until I'm not so tired, and then get out of here.

 

[xivvix]

Re: Miranda (Tiffanian) GMed by xivvix

Spoiler

HP = 27/36, PP = 43, EP = 9/37, Status = Slightly Injured, Low Energy, Resting

Thankfully, Miranda doesn't find any strange creatures hiding among the shelves full of assorted knick knacks. The store is silent and still, though the same can't be said for the others nearby. Every so often a screaming citizen runs past the door, followed closely by one of the invaders. None of them enter, though, and Miranda is left in peace behind the counter.

She does notice something odd about the shop though, almost every item within has some minor magic radiating from it. None of it is strong enough for a mage like herself to take much interest in, though the presence of it all is astounding. Without warning, Miranda feels a sudden wave of energy emanating from a nearby open closet door. It only lasts a moment, however, and then disappears. Just as she is about to write it off as a curiosity, the wave of energy pulses again, this time slightly stronger, and with it she hears a faint voice. The voice sounds dark and menacing, but also desperate, as if crying for help.

 

[Tiffanian]

Re: Miranda (Tiffanian) GMed by xivvix

Miranda took the time to sit peacefully and breathe deeply. Each time a young man or woman ran by the shop screaming she nearly jumped out of her skin, but somehow she managed to remain relatively calm and collected. I can't believe all this is happening. What in the Hell are all these things, and how did they just suddenly appear? She sat there for a few minutes before she noticed the magic surrounding her in the shop. What a weird antique shop. Maybe it specializes in selling slightly magical trinkets? The wave of energy from the closet made her quite curious, but it soon faded. The second, accompanied by the voice, made her nervous as well. There's obviously something magical in that closet. It sounds like it's in trouble of some kind, but it also sounds... dangerous, somehow. What do I do? Gods, give me guidance she prayed, as she edged her way toward the closet, careful to stay as out of sight as possible, and peeked into the closet to try and find the source of the voice and the magic.

 

[xivvix]

Re: Miranda (Tiffanian) GMed by xivvix

As soon as Miranda peeked her head around the corner, the energy pulsed out again, as did the voice, much clearer this time. "Girl," it said, a deep male voice, sounding at once both commanding and pleading, "Come inside, girl. I need your help." Strangely, the closet was empty of anything besides more of the knick knacks. The longer she looked into the small room, though, the more Miranda felt her gaze drawn to a small iron lock box lying on the floor beside a broken shelf. It was from the box that the energy and the voice emanated, and now that she had seen it, she could feel powerful but hidden magics of restraint cast upon it.

"I am sealed in this box, girl," the voice said. "Sealed for so long. I wish to be free. I can sense powerful evil nearby. Release me and I will protect you from it." Beyond the magical restraints, Miranda could feel an even greater power. A dark power.

 

[Tiffanian]

Re: Miranda (Tiffanian) GMed by xivvix

This just seems like all kinds of bad... This is clearly evil. And even if it isn't, there has to be a reason it's sealed in something like this... Miranda stared at the lock-box, a feeling of intense foreboding welling up in her stomach as she looked at it. Still, something drew her to it. I think you're lying to me she replied, I sense evil here too, and it's coming from that box. Why else would someone go to the trouble of restraining you with such powerful magic? She gulped and began to pull herself away from the closet.

 

[xivvix]

Re: Miranda (Tiffanian) GMed by xivvix

"I don't lie, girl," the voice rumbled, sounding almost angry at the insinuation. "Every word I speak is true. I was sealed in here by an evil sorcerer when I wouldn't bow to his will. He wanted my strength because his own was fading. I don't serve anyone." The voice fell silent, making Miranda wonder if it had lost interest in it's original intent, when suddenly another scream sounded from the door of the antique shop as another civilian ran past, fleeing one of the invaders.

"I don't serve," the voice continued after both the human and it's pursuer outside were out of earshot, "But I will protect. If you agree to release me." Although the voice retained it's foreboding and intimidating quality, Miranda could feel a strange sincerity to it's words. Another scream sounds, though no one runs past this time. "I can sense your fear. And you are right to fear what's out there. Beings born of darkness. Twisted. They come to conquer. I seek freedom."

 

[Tiffanian]

Re: Miranda (Tiffanian) GMed by xivvix

Miranda shuddered as another person ran screaming past the door of the antique shop, instinctively recoiling to try and hide herself better. She listened to what the thing trapped in the box had to say, unnerved by the sound of its voice. It sounds evil, but... It doesn't sound like it's lying... And I... I need to get out of here, but I don't think I can on my own... Maybe... She moved slowly into the closet and touched the box reluctantly, whispering fine. I'll try to break the seal and free you. I don't know if I can though, this magic is powerful. So please... help me... She concentrated as best as she could and tried to open the box, at the same time trying to break the magic seal that held whatever it was she was talking to inside.

 

[xivvix]

Re: Miranda (Tiffanian) GMed by xivvix

"Yes, quite powerful," the voice says as Miranda reaches for the box. "The magic responds to will, rather than power. It will only open to those who truly wish me free." The lock box is cold, almost freezing, to the touch. She finds it has almost no weight, and only a simple clasp to keep it closed, though the enchantments placed upon it are powerful enough to keep her from simply throwing it open. The longer Miranda holds the box, the more she can feel pulses of energy pushing against her hands, and whatever reservations she has about the situation feel magnified a hundred fold. Still, she manages to fight against the magic and lift the lid a few inches before her hands begin to shake from the strain.

If Miranda thought that some creature would leap from the lock box, she was disappointed. Instead, as she stared inside, she could see nothing. And yet, the lock box was not empty. Within it she could feel a presence, it's gaze focused upon her. "Yes, hold the lid open," the voice says, clearer now and physical, like a rumble spreading up her arms and into her mind. "Open your soul just like the box, and let me inside." As the voice spoke, Miranda could feel the presence reaching out, the feeling of fingertips sliding along her skin, up her arm and towards her face. "Accept me. Become my vessel, as the box has been."

The longer Miranda held the box open, the more she could feel the presence seeping out and into her body. It's power suffused her, washing over her like a flood, so strong she could feel herself losing her grip on her body, on her mind. It's soul was mingling with hers, almost absorbing her within it, but she could feel the presence holding back, as if it meant to inhabit her body alongside her, rather than force her out. But would she remain in control, or would take over? There was still time to undo her decision though. She could release her grip on the box, let the lid slam closed and force the entity back within. The question was whether she was strong enough to maintain her hold over her own body.

Spoiler

I figured I'd give you one last chance to decide if you wanted to open the box or not, since you didn't really know what was going to happen. If you let the presence out, you'll have access to certain powers, and it'll remain with you until you decide to remove it. But every time you use it's powers it will have a chance of temporarily gaining control of your character.

 

[Tiffanian]

Re: Miranda (Tiffanian) GMed by xivvix

Miranda shuddered as she held the box, eying the clasp carefully. It didn't seem very strong, and she felt a little confused as to why whatever was inside couldn't just open it. Then again, what could actually be in a box so small? The energy pulsating against her hands awoke new fear in her, but she pushed it aside enough to open the clasp. It was deceptively strong thanks to the magic, and it took all her strength to open the box just a few inches. She saw that there was nothing inside the box, and yet she knew better. Open my... She started, falling completely silent and shutting her eyes tightly as she felt whatever it was in the box run its way up her arms, barely keeping herself from screaming. Shivers ran down her spine as the thing began to mix with her. Oh Gods it's going to take over my body I have to close the box I have to close the box she thought frantically, though something stopped her from just slamming it shut. It felt almost as if the thing was holding back, allowing her to retain control. I don't think it wants to hurt me... And I need its help badly... I have to let it keep going. Please, Gods, protect me. She slowly opened her eyes and sat trembling quietly for a bit before finally mustering up the courage to speak. I don't... I don't want to always be your vessel, please. I'll... I'll find you a suitable one when this is over, just... please don't hurt me. Please let me keep my body.

 

[xivvix]

Re: Miranda (Tiffanian) GMed by xivvix

"As you wish, girl," the voice says, sounding as if the one speaking is right next to her ear, "I'll leave as soon as I find a stronger vessel, though they must be willing, as you were." As soon as Miranda consents to the entity's presence, the intense feeling of invasion grows to an almost unbearable pitch. She feels almost as if her soul will be shot from her body into a never ending abyss, but just as she is about to lose her grip, the feeling abates and she is back inside her body as normal. Having accepted the entity into herself, Miranda finds she no longer has to fight to keep control of her body, though the strange feeling of another presence inside her remained. "This city is overrun by abominations, but it was once full of those with power. Perhaps some still survive," the voice says, sounding just as clear to her as her own thoughts.

With the presence inside of her mind, Miranda can almost feel it's personality and memories mixing with her own, though they seem far away, indistinct. Brief glimpses of furious battles with powerful creatures flashed in her mind, each one ending with the opponent lying dead, it's power drained by the entity. "Miranda," the voice says, "That is your name. You may call me Nero." The memories continued quickly flashing, giving Miranda the impression that Nero was ancient and powerful. "Until we find a more suitable vessel for me, my powers will be available to you. Though they come with my own personal... demons."

Spoiler

I'll give you the details about Nero's powers after talking it over with Tassadar

 

[Tiffanian]

Re: Miranda (Tiffanian) GMed by xivvix

Miranda shivered and shook as the being poured into her, her mind racing with an intense fear as she felt like her soul would be crushed or jettisoned from her by the presence. The feeling began to subside quickly as the being ceased rushing into her and settled in alongside her, and so too did her fear. She breathed deeply and slowly, trying to regain a sense of calm even as she could see memories that weren't hers of battles she hadn't fought in. She let out a particularly loud breath and whispered Nero? Can you hear my thoughts? What exactly are you? And how... How are we getting out of this city?

 

[xivvix]

Re: Miranda (Tiffanian) GMed by xivvix

"Yes, Miranda," Nero replied to her, his thoughts ringing just as clearly as before in her mind, "You need not speak for me to hear you." As they conversed, Miranda suddenly began seeing more strange images of another being's life flash through her mind. More scenes of combat, but as they continued, they began to show scenes more akin to a normal life. "I am ancient, born of this world but no longer of it. Once like you, but now far more. Mortals call my kind daemon. Perhaps one day they will call me a god."

"How will we escape?" Nero asks, before laughing. "My dear, I've spent quite some time locked in a box. You know this city better than I." Though she couldn't see it, Miranda could feel the smile Nero would be wearing. "I can only tell you that the abominations outside will not make escape easy, but I will assist you however you wish." Though she was still in control of her body, Miranda could feel Nero urging her towards one of the shops windows. Her gaze likewise was guided towards the gleaming metal citadel lying at the center of the city, Tower Goldspike, from which the Elven Queen ruled Therion. "If you wish to be free of me as quickly as possible, however, I can feel powerful beings inside that tower. Powerful enough, perhaps, to satisfy both of our desires."

Spoiler

Miranda can temporarily call on Nero's power whenever she wishes.

Partial Possession (Body, Mind, or Spirit): Character gains a +30 to all rolls involving the selected stat. If body is chosen, she gains 1 warrior talent, but also gains the Bloodthirsty flaw and the Foul Aura mutation. If mind is chosen, she gains 1 magic talent, but also the Evil flaw and the Battery mutation. If spirit is chosen, she gains 1 spirit talent, but also the Honorable flaw and the Sadist mutation. Only one instance of this power can be in use at any one time. The temporary RP flaws take precedence over any other RP flaws the character has. The bonus to rolls, talents, flaws, and mutations are lost when the power is dropped.

Full Possession: Every time Partial Possession is used the character makes a resistance check vs 20 + X, where X is the number of times a Full Possession has occurred already. If the check fails, the character becomes fully possessed. Full Possession can also be used voluntarily, which requires no check. During a full possession, the character temporarily loses control of themselves, and won't regain control until the effect ends.

 

[Tiffanian]

Re: Miranda (Tiffanian) GMed by xivvix

Hmmm... You want me to go to the Tower Goldspike? I'd been trying to run towards the edge of the city rather than its center. I wanted to avoid battle as much as possible, and get out of the city quickly so I could hide from these monsters. I'm not so eager to be rid of you that I'd want to risk more combat than necessary. Especially since what little fighting I've done has tired me out dreadfully, and I got hurt fairly badly. Still, if you think that's the best course of action, I'm willing to try it. Miranda sat up straight as she stared at the tower, shivering at the idea of fighting her way there. Perhaps with his help, though, she could wield her rapier effectively, and wouldn't have to use up any more of her magical reserves than she already had. Still, actually sharing my thoughts with someone? This is going to be weird. I'm going to have to be careful what I think.

 

[xivvix]

Re: Miranda (Tiffanian) GMed by xivvix

Spoiler

HP = 36, PP = 43, EP = 37, Status = Fine

"Do what you wish girl. It's your body, after all, not mine," Nero says, Miranda feeling more than hearing a "not yet,' afterward. "My powers are only slowly returning, but I can tell that the monsters falling from the sky are putting more effort into containing the people within the city, rather than restricting their movements inside it." Although her experience so far with the daemon had been intense, Miranda could feel her strength quickly returning. The injuries she had sustained were fading into soreness, and her magical energies had restored themselves. Physically, she was as ready as she would ever be to return to the streets of the terror stricken city. "The sharing of minds is not so open as you might think. We only share those things we are willing to share, or the thought that are foremost in our minds. Like your rapier. Yes, I can help you use it much more effectively, I've wielded weapons like it before. You will be quite deadly with it." Outside, the streets were clear, though, as before, Miranda could hear a cacophony of frightened screams and monstrous roars.

 

[Tiffanian]

Re: Miranda (Tiffanian) GMed by xivvix

Okay, that would make it more difficult to get out than to get to the Tower. I'll try it. I'm feeling better now, too. Miranda sighed in relief at the fact that she wasn't sharing 100% of her thoughts with the daemon, and replied that's good to know. It'll be helpful if I run out of magical power especially. She steeled herself and slowly made her way out of the antique shop, then turning towards the Tower and walking through the empty streets, hoping that the enemies would be too busy with whatever it is they were doing to pay attention to her.

 

[xivvix]

Re: Miranda (Tiffanian) GMed by xivvix

Stepping out of the shop, Miranda found that things had been progressed quickly from before. The streets were almost empty, as most of the people in the area had fled, rather than try to fight the monsters, and the alien invaders had left with them. Still, the girl can hear screaming and shouted military orders not far away. She carefully steps through the streets, trying to make as little noise and draw as little attention as possible. Having grown up in the city and aided by the giant gleaming tower as a landmark, Miranda knows that if she heads back the way she came, she can find her way to Tower GoldSpike.

The side street Miranda had come down to find the antique shop was free of threats, but as she came upon an intersection, she heard a number of inhuman growls from around the corner of a building. Sneaking up to it and peeking around, she sees three lizardlike creatures just like the one that had attacked her in the building not long ago. The seemed to be slowly making their way down the street, glancing back and forth, perhaps looking for more prey. They hadn't seen Miranda yet, though that would change soon if she did nothing.

Strange beings," Nero says, "I wonder what their origins are. They emit an aura similar to demons, but I can tell they are not of Hell." The daemon seems completely unafraid, no doubt in complete opposition to Miranda.

 

[Tiffanian]

Re: Miranda (Tiffanian) GMed by xivvix

Miranda was glad that the streets were clear now, and that she avoided enemies for as long as she did. Still, somewhere not far away the people of the city guard were still fighting for their lives. She thought a brief prayer their way, praying for their safety and skill. As she passed the side-street from which she had come she heard something, and she carefully crept up to the street and peeked around the corner of a building to see the source; what she saw terrified her. Three more of those terrible creatures like the one that had ambushed her on the second floor of the blacksmith's shop. Still, she clenched her fists and thought it over. I managed to kill that one in one shot. Evaporated the thing easily. And now I have Nero here to help me if I need it. These aren't so tough. I can even surprise them. With that in mind, she resolved herself and drew her rapier, using it as a focus to launch a large fireball into the middle of the three reptilian creatures before they could notice her.

Spoiler

Cast Greater Fireball
[(1d8 + 4)*5]