Tread the Path at Dusk

Landerpurex · **Posted:** September 2nd, 2010, 1:59 am

As soon as the other gems made their appearance, Caston assumed they held spells as well. He altered his offensive razor wind into a thicker, wider defensive gust of wind. As Dusk slashed at the gems to release the spells within, Caston released his gust to try and alter the gems trajectory.

His efforts met with minimal success, though none of the more dangerous gems harmed him. The fire exploded harmlessly a few feet away, as did the ice shards.

He was, however, caught unawares by the stalagmites and the rumbling of the ground that produced them. He silently cursed himself for forgetting to account for all colors.

Caston stumbled sideways before engineering a gust of wind to help him back away from all of the exploding spells. He wasn't able to escape before stepping in a spot near a stalagmite where the ground was shriveling, diseased and corroded. It ate away most of his left boot before he realized what was happening.

He quickly examined his foot and silently thanked his father for the well-made sheepskin and wool boots he had been wearing. His boot was no doubt ruined, but he was able to cast it off before the corrosion or disease spread. The thickness of his footwear had saved his life.

Caston looked about wildly and began yelling orders at the group. "Kyrina, I need you to use your White Magic to counter this disease and corrosion before it spreads further! Where is Jarrett? It's a tall order, but he needs to try and re-raise this ground where the crater is. The rest of you ought to help the townspeople as best you can..." He turned as he spoke. He had forgotten about Paige.

"And just what is your role in this scheme, temptress?" Caston said with an eerie grin. "And, more importantly, do you care for a duel?" He was calm and collected, his voice steady. He wished with all of his being that the girl would oblige, though Dusk had asked him not to judge her too harshly. Why? How could he not?

He took a defensive stance, and swelled a dormant gust of air that could easily be molded into any number of things.

Znath · **Posted:** September 2nd, 2010, 2:24 am

With all that was going on it was hard to focus on any one thing. As much as he wanted to hear the proposal the gang leader had, it was apparent they were in danger already. I knew Raila was holding back the whole time... but not to this degree. Whoever this is, she seems to be trying her best to protect us. Things seemed to settle down just as fast as they started with the lingering danger of the stalagmites.

Adam ramped up his power rapidly causing a swirl of rocks and dust to surround the remaining group and said "Is Kyrina really even up to something of this magnitude yet?... We should just get out of here while we can." Concentrating more energy into the barrier, he generates a wave of molten glass to keep the decay held back.

Tanksandguns · **Posted:** September 2nd, 2010, 3:41 am

Grageon looked around. He saw nothing but death and destruction as far as the eye could see. Hundreds of people were caught in the initial blast. He grabbed the Duke, and brought him close, inside the barrier. "If we live through this, it looks like you'll be in charge now." He didn't see any way this town could be saved. Not with his friends' levels of magic. He felt extremely betrayed by Raila. How could he have been the man we were looking for the whole time?! It's not possible! He was way too nice to us, me especially to be some murderer. He looked around again, and at Caston's close-call. That bas-tard! His rage started to build, but there was no one to take it out on, except Paige, and he wasn't about to kill the only thing saving them right now. "Caston, there's too much damage done already, we should listen to Adam!"

OOC: Forgive the filter evasion, but I think it's well within the scene to be acceptable.

Landerpurex · **Posted:** September 2nd, 2010, 4:23 am

"And go where?!?!!" Caston snapped. "We still need to find Dastal and hope to all that is Holy that he's alive...Dusk took off too quickly for any of us to follow. Our only lead will be any information the scout can give, and as you can see here, I doubt anyone is in the mood to chat. We might as well help someone so that we can get a lead."

Caston peered into the crater and saw a great number of people struggling. He began to help pull them out, one by one.

Kikori · **Posted:** September 2nd, 2010, 8:51 am

Paige stepped forward once Caston began helping the people from the debris. Physically not the strongest lady, she opted instead to lash water out onto the visible limbs of whoever Caston was attempting to pull out. The lasso'd body was easy to tug along side his physical efforts. "It shocks me to think you do not feel I have information on m'lord's history or whereabouts, Caston." Her tone was almost apathetically bored, but quiet, and as genuinely honest as Kyrina's. "From what I gathered while here, however, Dastal would be living toward the edge of town. M'lord's crater hit the center, ergo he could only be harmed if he had left home. Unlikely."

As for Dusk, he had come to a skidding halt a few dozen meters north of Rurm's bridge. Chance be had that he met Tory meandering about, accompanied by a coyote visibly twisted by his magical energies. "You certainly grow strong fast, child. Time to test just how fast; to the south is Rurm, the rat-infested hole of thieves. Caston is there. If you're fast enough, you may reach the groundwork I set out for you before he has a chance to leave and gain the advantage of terrain." Knowing his command would be taken seriously, Tory changed his direction and moseyed along toward Rurm as Dusk took off for his cave. Without his glass orb, which had been knocked to the earth along side the other stones, he could not monitor Paige or communicate.

OOC: Whether you want to go for Dastal or listen to Paige, up to you. Also, Znath wondered if I was forcing her into the party. Again, up to you, though not likely to be for long.
Also, if you're curious about the size of the crater, center a penny on top of a quarter. About like that, maybe dime sized.

Discrimin8 · **Posted:** September 2nd, 2010, 11:45 am

"I knew he was scum all along..." Delon said with an almost maniacal grin on his face, as he waited for some sort of instructions. After all, magical fire was not a rogue's strong point.

Kikori · **Posted:** September 2nd, 2010, 11:55 am

OOC: There are people alive to pull out, standing buildings to loot, and Jarretts to find.

Discrimin8 · **Posted:** September 2nd, 2010, 11:58 am

OOC: Looting vacant buildings and finding Riptide doesn't fall under my "skills and interests". I prefer a more active role in my profiteering.

Also, you didn't catch the mafia reference? ;_;

Znath · **Posted:** September 2nd, 2010, 1:28 pm

"Helping a city like this is futile. It is only a matter of time before the city breaks down into mass looting." Adam said while thinking to himself That's how my attack would be... a small bombardment.. without a strong leadership the city would instantly devolve into chaos and crumble without even a real fight. "This place was a house of cards before..."

"I think we should listen to her and just move out. Whoever you are looking for will likely have fled as well." Adam said following along after Caston ready to fight off would-be attackers. He had an idea about the gems back when they trapped the thieves on the road... the ground retained some energy charge like magnetism. He stopped near where one of the gems had landed and focused a strong field of energy into his arms and clapped his fists together releasing a quick burst of energy to neutralize the gem's charge thus ending the decay. "It is like hitting a magnetized nail with a hammer. Since getting close to absorb the energy would be a bit dangerous..."

Riptide · **Posted:** September 2nd, 2010, 2:01 pm

OOC: Sorry for my inactivity guys.

BIC: Jarrett heard maniacal noises not far from where he was, and went to check it out. "The hell went on here?!" he shouted to noone in particular once he had arrived. The area was a mess, not to mention a huge crater, and Paige attacking Caston. "Where's Raila?! And why's she attacking Caston?!" he shouted in anger once again.

Saten Ruiko · **Posted:** September 2nd, 2010, 3:32 pm

She wasn't ready for the chaos that ensued. Kyrina thought that if Rage's visions were going to actually take place...then perhaps maybe they would happen after the group left? Or hopefully, by Rage releasing her, they would be able to avoid his foretold death and destruction altogether. How foolish a notion that seemed now. The "death and destruction" was everywhere around them. If she thought the random act of arson on the Institute was bad, nothing prepared her for something like this. THIS was what Dusk was capable of, and for all she knew he wasn't using his powers to their full extent. It looked like all this devastation had been done simply by the gemstones within his belt--barely something he'd have needed to exert effort on right now.

And Raila! Raila! Of all people, HE was Dusk? Of course, this suddenly explained everything like how Dusk knew Kyrina had been kidnapped, and why he had even paid her any attention at all. But Raila? He seemed to be such a nice guy...he had even taught the group things whilst on the road. He allowed Kyrina to manipulate his magics with her own just the previous day! Despite just having proven himself a mass-murderer, his true intentions grew foggier with each passing second. If he wanted to simply stop the party or kill any members of it, he'd had countless chances for that already. And Raila had been with the group longer than I had, right? After this, what is there to stop them from thinking I'm a plant, too? Surely that would be on someone's mind...

Caston's shout snapped her out of her short-lived reverie. Of course--with the city in turmoil all around them, and real people caught in the conflict they had brought to town, this was no time to be musing things over. Countering the disease and corrosion Rail--er, Dusk had imbued upon the land seemed like a rather difficult task, though, as in Windrow Kyrina had really only focused on learning the Healing and Light-manipulating aspects of White Magic. She decided not to beat around the bush. "I...I don't know if I can! I've healed poisons and diseases in people, but with varying levels of success, and never in something such as the ground." I'm going to have to be better prepared for a wider array of situations if I'm going to be of any help to this group. "But maybe there's...something similar about them. I could try. Oh--!" Kyrina turned to face the others still in the building. "Did...um...anyone happen to bring my staff from the campsite?"

Landerpurex · **Posted:** September 2nd, 2010, 4:15 pm

"Grageon is carrying your things, Kyrina. I'm glad you're safe...I can't imagine what you've been through, but perhaps Adam, Delon, and Paige are right. Although, Adam; as I've said before, not everyone in this city is a scoundrel. There are plenty of innocent people living here who are too stubborn to give up their homes and trades. We shouldn't forsake them."

To Caston's surprise, the Duke stepped forward. He hadn't said much of anything since entering the city. He seemed to be closer to his old self now, and had apparently heeded Grageon's advice.

"Caston, my lad. I appreciate everything you've done for me, and I admire what you're trying to do now. But following that man and killing him, or at the very least, getting some answers, is the best service you can grant us. With half the city destroyed, the gangs will no doubt be shaken. I can rally any good people I find and we can rebuild the city and put a guard in place that isn't crooked. Who knows? Maybe we'll even usurp that fool of a king...he might have fled the city anyway once he heard what was happening. Please. The lass is telling the truth, Dastal lives near the gate you entered. Go now and leave the town to me."

Rage had been taken by surprise by the wizard. Although he had seen the destruction in a premonition, he couldn't tell when it would happen, or where.

There were several of his cohorts standing around. He ordered them to help the Duke in whatever he was doing, and told them to spread the word. He then informed them that he was leaving with the group.

Caston approached Rage. "You believe that you can kidnap one of our friends and then just join the group? No. I will not allow it."

Rage disregarded Caston. "I've already laid out my reasons to Kyrina. I'm coming with you, and after the attack my notion has only gotten stronger. I'm a valuable asset to have in such a situation, believe me.

Caston disregarded him in turn. If the criminal wanted to tag along, fine. Caston would use the fool as a meatshield against Dusk when the time came. Maybe he'd have Grageon tie him up in a tree at some point to teach him a lesson. Maybe he'd simply kill the man along the way. At any rate, his goal seemed to be the preservation of his interests and organizations in Rurm, so he was likely to cooperate for a time at least.

Before Caston was ready to set off for Dastal's house (he didn't particularly trust Paige, although she seemed to be telling the truth), he had to question her. Dusk obviously had some ulterior motives for the group, Caston in particular, and he was (and had been) manipulating all of them this entire time. As much as Caston hated it, he hardly had a choice. He would at least try to get some answers from Paige.

"Who are you? Why are you helping us? Aren't you working for Dusk? Where is his lair? What are his plans? Why is he doing this to us? To me?" With each question, Caston's gestures grew more wild and his voice grew louder. By the time he said 'To me?' he was face to face with Paige and was screaming.

OOC: Feel free to tag along. It makes things more interesting, if nothing else. And maybe then we have a guide to follow to you lair rather than relying on the directions of an aging scout/traveler.

Discrimin8 · **Posted:** September 2nd, 2010, 4:27 pm

Delon put an calming hand on Caston's shoulder. "Caston, I understand you must be furious... But this is unbecoming of you. You are a blue mage, not a red mage. The hate and anger you are harboring now... Do you wish to become like Dusk?"

Riptide · **Posted:** September 2nd, 2010, 5:24 pm

"Seriously, what the flip went on here?" Jarrett asked a little more calmly than about 5 seconds ago. He was trying to fix a giant crater that could've only been done by Raila.

Kikori · **Posted:** September 2nd, 2010, 10:59 pm

OOC: Paige isn't attacking anyone, Rip. She was helping Caston draw out bodies.

BIC...

"I am Paige, it is m'lord's wish, yes, in the mountain range east of his home, he will explain, for atonement, and because you are the most gifted, able person to catch his eye." Paige surveyed Kyrina's behavior and Adam's powers, taking in the group's general response to the mayhem around them. "And your friend is quite right. Harboring enugh rage may lead you to have the same blazing gift m'lord has." Careful to make sure her tone suggested the topic of Dusk was final, she continued.

"I am here originally to retrieve the belongings m'lord left to take on his identity as 'Raila' to join you. Afterwards, I was told to stay in place in case his plan to accompany you to his hometown changed. The story of the town is his to tell you, but my part is I was saved by him after the disaster. He gave me a reason, and in all fairness, has been kind and well to me. As an example, you have witness my abilities firsthand yourself, yet I detest shedding blood personally. M'lord has never made me take the offense against anyone; being a "page" has suited me much more these years." Paige's face never changed from the same serious expression despite the undoubted chaos and fear around the party; explaining things for the first time to an outsider seemed so effortless.

Tanksandguns · **Posted:** September 3rd, 2010, 3:30 am

Grageon reached into his pack and brought out all of Kyrina's things and handed them to her.

"What's the plan, Caston?" he asked as he helped pull people from the crater.

Saten Ruiko · **Posted:** September 3rd, 2010, 6:57 pm

OOC: I was under the impression the Inn wasn't directly around the "crater at the center of town", or that it was at least outside out of talking range, or something. When people are helping people out of this pit, are they leaving the Inn to do it?

BIC:

Kyrina gathered up her belongings that Grageon handed to her. It was nice to have a grip on her staff again--she didn't feel quite so...helpless that way. "Thank you very much, Grageon." I swear he had a speech impediment or something earlier. Maybe I should ask him about it sometime. ...Or would that be rude?

Adam had somehow already taken care of the corroding earth on his own, so Kyrina turned to the befuddled Jarrett instead and answered him a low voice so as to not disturb Caston and Paige's conversation: "Raila was Dusk; he caused all this destruction and left."

Kikori · **Posted:** September 3rd, 2010, 7:08 pm

OOC: The Inn is in shambles, but Paige had set up a barrier of water around everyone, pretty much keeping the party from being in the direct center of the chaos. Everything within the crater is crumbled from the shock of dropping and on fire.

Saten Ruiko · **Posted:** September 3rd, 2010, 7:47 pm

OOC: So what you mean is the crater is like practically around/in the Inn but Paige saved them from the devastation? So it's not any sort of distance away at all then.

Riptide · **Posted:** September 3rd, 2010, 8:33 pm

OOC: I am very, very confuzzled. :?:

BIC: "Seriously?! That son of a-" he stopped mid sentence, "We need all the information about this 'Dusk' we can get. As much as I'd like to fight him right now, his motives are just as important as defeating him." Jarrett was still brimming with anger, almost ready to lash out on anyone near him. "Excuse me, but I need to go cool off." he said. And with that, he left the area.

Tread the Path at Dusk

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