Introduction
Spoiler: show
GM: Ivalice, a land of magic and sorcery. Of laws and dreams. This has been your home for as long as you can remember. There are many lands here, but you only need worry about four. The proud... the noble... and the brave Kingdom Gryffindor is where you stand today.
You're on a train moving through the Aisenfield, heading for the city of Garriland. For one reason or another, you have taken on a task. Lady Ginerva Weasley, the youngest of the noble family, is on her way to the primier school in Gryffindor: Hogwarts! However, there are worries that perhaps someone might not want to see her arrive. And so you are here, in a cabin near the back of the train.
What are you doing?
Bookworm: Seamus is relaxing on a seat, staff at his side, browsing through a magazine he found in the cabin.
Gamebrain: Neville Longbottom, first of his name, stands fidgeting near the door to the cabin, back ramrod straight and looking rather twitchy at every noise that passes the cabin door.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Hermione Granger, only daughter of Sir Alan Granger (the ruler and founder of the Clockwork City that bears his name), sits near their charge, a curious wooden staff with what looks like a metal gear set at its tip held in the crook of her arm. She is, as always, reading a book.
GM: (The cabin is significantly larger than the one in the WW's Hogwarts Express. About... three times the size. Your charge, Ginny Weasley, is sleeping in the next room.)
Aldraia Dragonsong: Ah. Then just... somewhere in the room. Not too close to the others, not deliberately avoiding them either.
Bookworm: "You know, you don't relax soon I think you might snap in two...Neville, right?"
Gamebrain: Neville flinches at the voice, hand straying to the hilt of his sword at his side before he reigns in the kneejerk reaction. He shrugs, glancing at a nearby seat with longing for a moment before quashing it, and going back to fidgeting where he stands, not saying anything.
GM: There's another guard that's supposed to be with you, The Mad Mage Lovegood, but knowing her, she could be anywhere.
There's a knocking at the door.
Bookworm: Seamus shrugs. "Suit yourself." He turns back to his magazine, before looking up at the door.
Aldraia Dragonsong: At the knock, Hermione looks up as well.
Gamebrain: This causes a great spasm as the hyped up young man is startled, twisting around in a panic to face the door. "W-who goes there!"
GM: "Sweets, kupo?" Comes an elderly voice.
Gamebrain: "Uh...er. Um. N-no, thank you." He replies, flushing at his overreaction, before he stops and looks at the others. "Oh. Um. Unless one of you wanted something..."
GM: Considering that it comes from a moogle, it's a little hard to tell whether it's a boy or a girl just from the voice. They have fairly high voices.
Bookworm: "Sure, I'll grab something."
Aldraia Dragonsong: Hermione shakes her head. "I have food already, thank you," she says politely.
GM: The door opens, and a moogle pushing a cart about five sizes too big for him (at least, you think that's a him from the clothes) comes in.
Gamebrain: Neville steps back from the door, back to the wall and watching nervously.
GM: "We have Chocolate Frogs, fizzy firecrackers..." She goes through a list of the various snacks. It's all on the gil of the Weasley Family, after all.
Bookworm: Seamus grabs a Pumpkin Pasty and a pair of Chocolate Frogs.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Hermione looks the moogle and the cart over for a moment before returning her attention to her book.
Gamebrain: Neville briefly contemplates changing his mind, but ultimately decides not to, as he's already harboring an upset stomach due to being so tense.
GM: Once she's done, she heads out the door, and...
"K-kupo!"
Aldraia Dragonsong: Hermione quickly looks up again.
GM: The cart is suddenly pushed with surprising force, and sent flying towards the front of the train.
Bookworm: "Oh crap." Seamus grabs his staff.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Hermione closes the book and stands up, gripping the staff in her right hand.
GM: "Kupppooooooooooooooooooooooooooo-"
CRASH
Aldraia Dragonsong: "Are you all right?" she asks, running towards the moogle.
Bookworm: I think he's on the other side of the train at this point.
Aldraia Dragonsong: I thought he would be stopped by the door of the next car.
GM: He stopped at the end of the car.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Plus I initially read that as him pushing the cart away from him.
GM: As you run out the door, you find a Bangaa... wearing Slytherin Armor!
Aldraia Dragonsong: Ohh dear.
GM: He hefts a spear. "Get back in the cabin. Our quarrel ain't with you."
Aldraia Dragonsong: "Then who is it with?" Hermione asks warily.
Gamebrain: Neville gulps audibly, drawing his sword. "Y-you shouldn't be here at all."
GM: "EEYAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!"
Aldraia Dragonsong: That, uh... that sounds bad.
GM: Ginny Weasley runs out of her room, turns and sees you all, screams again, and BOLTS towards the front of the train.
Aldraia Dragonsong: After her! Hermione runs with her.
Bookworm: "Oh man!" What she said!
GM: "Not so fast!" Another Slytherin comes out of the room, blocking you off.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Oh, great.
GM: It's a Seeq this time, and hefts a HUGE hammer.
Gamebrain: The noise and commotion wakes up a small plant monster that had been sleeping on a seat near by, who looks up at the seeq and squeaks timidly.
Neville looks between the two slytherins, and back in the direction their charge had run.
GM: "You must be the other guards. We took care of your buddy. For a mad mage, she certainly wasn't that tough."
Gamebrain: "W-what did you do to Luna?!"
GM: "Well, let's just say..."
The train car closer to the back of the train, behind you, explodes.
"She got her just deserts."
GM: "Get it? Cause it was a kitchen car. Ha!"
Aldraia Dragonsong: "I need to go after Lady Weasley!" Hermione shouts. "You two distract them!" She starts running again, attempting to dodge around the foes.
GM: Roll an escape check.
Gamebrain: "B-but..."
Bookworm: "You monsters!" Seamus starts pulling glowing red energy to his hand.
You're on a train moving through the Aisenfield, heading for the city of Garriland. For one reason or another, you have taken on a task. Lady Ginerva Weasley, the youngest of the noble family, is on her way to the primier school in Gryffindor: Hogwarts! However, there are worries that perhaps someone might not want to see her arrive. And so you are here, in a cabin near the back of the train.
What are you doing?
Bookworm: Seamus is relaxing on a seat, staff at his side, browsing through a magazine he found in the cabin.
Gamebrain: Neville Longbottom, first of his name, stands fidgeting near the door to the cabin, back ramrod straight and looking rather twitchy at every noise that passes the cabin door.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Hermione Granger, only daughter of Sir Alan Granger (the ruler and founder of the Clockwork City that bears his name), sits near their charge, a curious wooden staff with what looks like a metal gear set at its tip held in the crook of her arm. She is, as always, reading a book.
GM: (The cabin is significantly larger than the one in the WW's Hogwarts Express. About... three times the size. Your charge, Ginny Weasley, is sleeping in the next room.)
Aldraia Dragonsong: Ah. Then just... somewhere in the room. Not too close to the others, not deliberately avoiding them either.
Bookworm: "You know, you don't relax soon I think you might snap in two...Neville, right?"
Gamebrain: Neville flinches at the voice, hand straying to the hilt of his sword at his side before he reigns in the kneejerk reaction. He shrugs, glancing at a nearby seat with longing for a moment before quashing it, and going back to fidgeting where he stands, not saying anything.
GM: There's another guard that's supposed to be with you, The Mad Mage Lovegood, but knowing her, she could be anywhere.
There's a knocking at the door.
Bookworm: Seamus shrugs. "Suit yourself." He turns back to his magazine, before looking up at the door.
Aldraia Dragonsong: At the knock, Hermione looks up as well.
Gamebrain: This causes a great spasm as the hyped up young man is startled, twisting around in a panic to face the door. "W-who goes there!"
GM: "Sweets, kupo?" Comes an elderly voice.
Gamebrain: "Uh...er. Um. N-no, thank you." He replies, flushing at his overreaction, before he stops and looks at the others. "Oh. Um. Unless one of you wanted something..."
GM: Considering that it comes from a moogle, it's a little hard to tell whether it's a boy or a girl just from the voice. They have fairly high voices.
Bookworm: "Sure, I'll grab something."
Aldraia Dragonsong: Hermione shakes her head. "I have food already, thank you," she says politely.
GM: The door opens, and a moogle pushing a cart about five sizes too big for him (at least, you think that's a him from the clothes) comes in.
Gamebrain: Neville steps back from the door, back to the wall and watching nervously.
GM: "We have Chocolate Frogs, fizzy firecrackers..." She goes through a list of the various snacks. It's all on the gil of the Weasley Family, after all.
Bookworm: Seamus grabs a Pumpkin Pasty and a pair of Chocolate Frogs.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Hermione looks the moogle and the cart over for a moment before returning her attention to her book.
Gamebrain: Neville briefly contemplates changing his mind, but ultimately decides not to, as he's already harboring an upset stomach due to being so tense.
GM: Once she's done, she heads out the door, and...
"K-kupo!"
Aldraia Dragonsong: Hermione quickly looks up again.
GM: The cart is suddenly pushed with surprising force, and sent flying towards the front of the train.
Bookworm: "Oh crap." Seamus grabs his staff.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Hermione closes the book and stands up, gripping the staff in her right hand.
GM: "Kupppooooooooooooooooooooooooooo-"
CRASH
Aldraia Dragonsong: "Are you all right?" she asks, running towards the moogle.
Bookworm: I think he's on the other side of the train at this point.
Aldraia Dragonsong: I thought he would be stopped by the door of the next car.
GM: He stopped at the end of the car.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Plus I initially read that as him pushing the cart away from him.
GM: As you run out the door, you find a Bangaa... wearing Slytherin Armor!
Aldraia Dragonsong: Ohh dear.
GM: He hefts a spear. "Get back in the cabin. Our quarrel ain't with you."
Aldraia Dragonsong: "Then who is it with?" Hermione asks warily.
Gamebrain: Neville gulps audibly, drawing his sword. "Y-you shouldn't be here at all."
GM: "EEYAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!"
Aldraia Dragonsong: That, uh... that sounds bad.
GM: Ginny Weasley runs out of her room, turns and sees you all, screams again, and BOLTS towards the front of the train.
Aldraia Dragonsong: After her! Hermione runs with her.
Bookworm: "Oh man!" What she said!
GM: "Not so fast!" Another Slytherin comes out of the room, blocking you off.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Oh, great.
GM: It's a Seeq this time, and hefts a HUGE hammer.
Gamebrain: The noise and commotion wakes up a small plant monster that had been sleeping on a seat near by, who looks up at the seeq and squeaks timidly.
Neville looks between the two slytherins, and back in the direction their charge had run.
GM: "You must be the other guards. We took care of your buddy. For a mad mage, she certainly wasn't that tough."
Gamebrain: "W-what did you do to Luna?!"
GM: "Well, let's just say..."
The train car closer to the back of the train, behind you, explodes.
"She got her just deserts."
GM: "Get it? Cause it was a kitchen car. Ha!"
Aldraia Dragonsong: "I need to go after Lady Weasley!" Hermione shouts. "You two distract them!" She starts running again, attempting to dodge around the foes.
GM: Roll an escape check.
Gamebrain: "B-but..."
Bookworm: "You monsters!" Seamus starts pulling glowing red energy to his hand.
Spoiler: show
GM:Battle start.
So, heroes first. I take it Seamus is starting a Fire Spell.
Bookworm: Indeed he is. Curse you, Slow Actions!
GM: Hermione's going to try to escape?
Aldraia Dragonsong: 7 on Escape.
GM: Not quite enough. In your position, that's a Moderate challenge.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Alas.
At least it was not snake eyes... *knocks on wood*
GM: You attempt to run forward, but there's a great big Seeq clogging up the hall.
Aldraia Dragonsong: So much for that plan. Looks like I will have to join in the hitting things.
GM: Who's your target, Book?
Bookworm: The Seeq.
Gamebrain: Nev shakes a little as he forces himself to step forward, to engage the seeq who is blocking the way Ginny had ran.
GM: "Geez, did the crown pick a bunch of losers. Guess that girl isn't very important to them, eh?" The big guy practically LAUGHS at your attack. “Get a look at this moppet."
Gamebrain: Neville flushes, but doesn't say anything as he pulls back from the basic thrust he had done, the blade of his weapon stained slightly. "S-shut up."
GM: The Seeq bumps forward, bopping Neville with his weight.
Gamebrain: Neville braces and takes the hit on his armor with a grunt.
GM: The Bangaa pushes forward with his spear at Hermione, but she manages to avoid it. Bad rolls everywhere.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Makes it... whose turn?
GM: Anyway, your turn. First, Seamus' Fire goes off.
Bookworm: Woo!
Aldraia Dragonsong: Hooray, booms!
GM: "Erk! Geez, that's hot." The Seeq is panicking a bit. "HOT!!"
Bookworm: Hit him! Hit him!
Gamebrain: "Just leave now, and I...won't k-kill you." Neville says in a wavering voice, swallowing but raising his sword in preparation to strike.
GM: "Darned mages!"
Gamebrain: Neville twists his weapon and swings, laying into the seeq's head with the flat of the blade.
GM: He swaggers a bit. "Owww..."
Aldraia Dragonsong: Seeing that running for it is not an effective strategy, Hermione bonks the seeq on the head with her staff.
GM: He groans in pain from the hit as the gear resonates with magic. The Seeq collapses, rolling on the floor a bit to smother the flames, and goes still, being unconcious. "Uggghh..."
Bookworm: "Go, go! We'll deal with the other one!"
GM: "Why you...!" The Bangaa charges again, swiping at Hermione… It hits, wounding you grievously.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Hermione gasps in pain, stumbling, but keeps moving.
GM: Hermione hops over the downed Seeq, using him as a footstool, and continues on.
So, heroes first. I take it Seamus is starting a Fire Spell.
Bookworm: Indeed he is. Curse you, Slow Actions!
GM: Hermione's going to try to escape?
Aldraia Dragonsong: 7 on Escape.
GM: Not quite enough. In your position, that's a Moderate challenge.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Alas.
At least it was not snake eyes... *knocks on wood*
GM: You attempt to run forward, but there's a great big Seeq clogging up the hall.
Aldraia Dragonsong: So much for that plan. Looks like I will have to join in the hitting things.
GM: Who's your target, Book?
Bookworm: The Seeq.
Gamebrain: Nev shakes a little as he forces himself to step forward, to engage the seeq who is blocking the way Ginny had ran.
GM: "Geez, did the crown pick a bunch of losers. Guess that girl isn't very important to them, eh?" The big guy practically LAUGHS at your attack. “Get a look at this moppet."
Gamebrain: Neville flushes, but doesn't say anything as he pulls back from the basic thrust he had done, the blade of his weapon stained slightly. "S-shut up."
GM: The Seeq bumps forward, bopping Neville with his weight.
Gamebrain: Neville braces and takes the hit on his armor with a grunt.
GM: The Bangaa pushes forward with his spear at Hermione, but she manages to avoid it. Bad rolls everywhere.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Makes it... whose turn?
GM: Anyway, your turn. First, Seamus' Fire goes off.
Bookworm: Woo!
Aldraia Dragonsong: Hooray, booms!
GM: "Erk! Geez, that's hot." The Seeq is panicking a bit. "HOT!!"
Bookworm: Hit him! Hit him!
Gamebrain: "Just leave now, and I...won't k-kill you." Neville says in a wavering voice, swallowing but raising his sword in preparation to strike.
GM: "Darned mages!"
Gamebrain: Neville twists his weapon and swings, laying into the seeq's head with the flat of the blade.
GM: He swaggers a bit. "Owww..."
Aldraia Dragonsong: Seeing that running for it is not an effective strategy, Hermione bonks the seeq on the head with her staff.
GM: He groans in pain from the hit as the gear resonates with magic. The Seeq collapses, rolling on the floor a bit to smother the flames, and goes still, being unconcious. "Uggghh..."
Bookworm: "Go, go! We'll deal with the other one!"
GM: "Why you...!" The Bangaa charges again, swiping at Hermione… It hits, wounding you grievously.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Hermione gasps in pain, stumbling, but keeps moving.
GM: Hermione hops over the downed Seeq, using him as a footstool, and continues on.
Spoiler: show
GM: You reach the downed shopmoogle. "Kupoooohhhh... My back, kupo..."
Aldraia Dragonsong: Hermione slows a moment.
"How bad is it, kupo?" she asks, slipping into the Mogri accent of her youth.
GM: He's under the cart.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Never mind that. Hermione tries to push the cart off of him.
GM: "I'm a goner..."
Aldraia Dragonsong: "Not with me here, kupo."
GM: Roll Force to try and push it off, or cast Cure. Whichever floats your boat.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Probably should push it off first.
GM: If you were a moogle, you wouldn't have been able to manage this. But you proved strong enough to get the cart off.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Perfect. Hermione quickly examines the shopmoogle, mindful of the need to go after Lady Ginevra.
GM: He's pretty hurt, and seems to be having trouble getting up. "Tell my wife... I never liked her soup, kupo!"
Aldraia Dragonsong: "Tell her yourself, kupo. Cure!"
GM: It takes a little charging, but you manage to heal him. "Thank you, Kupo! Er... keep that between us. I mean, I thought I was DYING..."
Aldraia Dragonsong: Hermione smiles slightly and nods. "I figured you meant it as a joke, kupo. Did you see which way Lady Ginevra went?"
GM: "The pretty redhead, kupo? Just past me. She didn't even stop to help. What a world... People should respect their elders, kupo..."
Aldraia Dragonsong: "She looked panicked... I think something is wrong, kupo." Hermione grips her staff. "I need to go after her. Will you be all right?"
GM: "Yes, I should be fine."
Aldraia Dragonsong: Hermione nods and rushes off.
GM: Make an awareness roll.
Aldraia Dragonsong: 11.
GM: You... thought you saw something as you moved from car to car.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Hermione slows and glances that way. It might be important. It might even be Lady Ginevra.
GM: On the lock connecting the two cars... is a bomb. It's one of those classic timebombs with a clock on them.
"tick tick tick tick"
It's got a minute on the clock, more or less.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Well. This is bad.
GM: The clock face was intricately carved into a mocking face. With its tongue stuck out. It's a face you recognize. Draco Malfoy.
Aldraia Dragonsong: ...I have to admire the audacity.
Hermione stops and pulls out her toolkit.Time to put a childhood in the Clockwork City to work!
GM: Tinkering or Systems check, whichever you like.
Aldraia Dragonsong: 9 either way.
GM: Not enough. That sod really made this thing complex. Luckily you also didn't accelerate the timer.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Argh! How much time does that leave?
GM: It's only at 50 secs.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Hmm... not enough MP left to Analyze it... How far could I throw it, and would it be far enough?
GM: You can make a Force check to throw, or attempt to Tinker with it again.
Aldraia Dragonsong: ...Eh, one more shot.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Hermione slows a moment.
"How bad is it, kupo?" she asks, slipping into the Mogri accent of her youth.
GM: He's under the cart.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Never mind that. Hermione tries to push the cart off of him.
GM: "I'm a goner..."
Aldraia Dragonsong: "Not with me here, kupo."
GM: Roll Force to try and push it off, or cast Cure. Whichever floats your boat.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Probably should push it off first.
GM: If you were a moogle, you wouldn't have been able to manage this. But you proved strong enough to get the cart off.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Perfect. Hermione quickly examines the shopmoogle, mindful of the need to go after Lady Ginevra.
GM: He's pretty hurt, and seems to be having trouble getting up. "Tell my wife... I never liked her soup, kupo!"
Aldraia Dragonsong: "Tell her yourself, kupo. Cure!"
GM: It takes a little charging, but you manage to heal him. "Thank you, Kupo! Er... keep that between us. I mean, I thought I was DYING..."
Aldraia Dragonsong: Hermione smiles slightly and nods. "I figured you meant it as a joke, kupo. Did you see which way Lady Ginevra went?"
GM: "The pretty redhead, kupo? Just past me. She didn't even stop to help. What a world... People should respect their elders, kupo..."
Aldraia Dragonsong: "She looked panicked... I think something is wrong, kupo." Hermione grips her staff. "I need to go after her. Will you be all right?"
GM: "Yes, I should be fine."
Aldraia Dragonsong: Hermione nods and rushes off.
GM: Make an awareness roll.
Aldraia Dragonsong: 11.
GM: You... thought you saw something as you moved from car to car.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Hermione slows and glances that way. It might be important. It might even be Lady Ginevra.
GM: On the lock connecting the two cars... is a bomb. It's one of those classic timebombs with a clock on them.
"tick tick tick tick"
It's got a minute on the clock, more or less.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Well. This is bad.
GM: The clock face was intricately carved into a mocking face. With its tongue stuck out. It's a face you recognize. Draco Malfoy.
Aldraia Dragonsong: ...I have to admire the audacity.
Hermione stops and pulls out her toolkit.Time to put a childhood in the Clockwork City to work!
GM: Tinkering or Systems check, whichever you like.
Aldraia Dragonsong: 9 either way.
GM: Not enough. That sod really made this thing complex. Luckily you also didn't accelerate the timer.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Argh! How much time does that leave?
GM: It's only at 50 secs.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Hmm... not enough MP left to Analyze it... How far could I throw it, and would it be far enough?
GM: You can make a Force check to throw, or attempt to Tinker with it again.
Aldraia Dragonsong: ...Eh, one more shot.
Spoiler: show
Gamebrain: Neville gasps at the hit, and hold up a hand at the Bangaa as she takes the hit and runs down the train after their charge, while he intones in a wavering voice. "Frozen in time, rooted in place..."
Bookworm: "Time to eat a staff *to the face*!"
GM: "Erk! That the best you got!?" The Bangaa smirks. He body checks you.
Gamebrain: Neville's voice shakes a bit, but he manages to focus enough to finish his spell. "Move ye no further. STOP!"
GM: It doesn't quite work. He breaks free as the bindings shatter. "Geez, you're a wimp."
Gamebrain: Neville flushes at the insult, but turns and slashes forward at the bangaa.
GM: That be a hit.
Bookworm: (Cover please and thank you.)
Gamebrain: Yes, mark Seamus as Cover target.
Bookworm: Time for more staff face!
(Insert Discussion of mechanics here)
GM: Anywho, I take it you missed, Book?
Bookworm: I honestly *hope* I did. I would feel terrible pity for a creature with Avoidance 1 or lower.
GM: "Alright, I think it's time to finish this moppet off.” He swipes at Neville. And misses. Unless you have lower than 4 AVD.
Gamebrain: Neville manages to twist out of the way of the swipe, before stabbing forward with his own blade.
GM: He grunts as you hit him, then grins. "You know, you goonssss have much bigger probssss than me. Heh. As we speak, I betcha Draco is making off with that poppet." He stabs at Neville's cheek. He snips a little at your cheek, drawing blood.
Gamebrain: Neville's return strike is infused with a nervous energy, and he nearly over swings, but the balance of his weapon allows him to get it back in control and strike his foe.
Bookworm: "Time to eat a staff *to the face*!"
GM: "Erk! That the best you got!?" The Bangaa smirks. He body checks you.
Gamebrain: Neville's voice shakes a bit, but he manages to focus enough to finish his spell. "Move ye no further. STOP!"
GM: It doesn't quite work. He breaks free as the bindings shatter. "Geez, you're a wimp."
Gamebrain: Neville flushes at the insult, but turns and slashes forward at the bangaa.
GM: That be a hit.
Bookworm: (Cover please and thank you.)
Gamebrain: Yes, mark Seamus as Cover target.
Bookworm: Time for more staff face!
(Insert Discussion of mechanics here)
GM: Anywho, I take it you missed, Book?
Bookworm: I honestly *hope* I did. I would feel terrible pity for a creature with Avoidance 1 or lower.
GM: "Alright, I think it's time to finish this moppet off.” He swipes at Neville. And misses. Unless you have lower than 4 AVD.
Gamebrain: Neville manages to twist out of the way of the swipe, before stabbing forward with his own blade.
GM: He grunts as you hit him, then grins. "You know, you goonssss have much bigger probssss than me. Heh. As we speak, I betcha Draco is making off with that poppet." He stabs at Neville's cheek. He snips a little at your cheek, drawing blood.
Gamebrain: Neville's return strike is infused with a nervous energy, and he nearly over swings, but the balance of his weapon allows him to get it back in control and strike his foe.
Spoiler: show
Aldraia Dragonsong: Hah! 15!
GM: You detach the clock and toss it off the train. The bomb part is now useless. With that, you can move on.
You move through another passenger car. Of course, these are all empty, with carefully reconstructed replicas of Ginny Weasley in each and every one of them. How'd they figure out which room had the real Ginny?
Aldraia Dragonsong: Good question... were we at the end of the train or a random room in the middle?
GM: A random passenger car. It was NEAR the end, along with the rest of the cars.
Ahead is a platform with a bunch of caged monsters.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Maybe they just started at the front and worked their way towards the back.
Okay, can I see it yet, or is there a chance that they let them all out?
GM: You are still two cars away from the cages. There doesn't seem to be anything in your way, though.
GM: You detach the clock and toss it off the train. The bomb part is now useless. With that, you can move on.
You move through another passenger car. Of course, these are all empty, with carefully reconstructed replicas of Ginny Weasley in each and every one of them. How'd they figure out which room had the real Ginny?
Aldraia Dragonsong: Good question... were we at the end of the train or a random room in the middle?
GM: A random passenger car. It was NEAR the end, along with the rest of the cars.
Ahead is a platform with a bunch of caged monsters.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Maybe they just started at the front and worked their way towards the back.
Okay, can I see it yet, or is there a chance that they let them all out?
GM: You are still two cars away from the cages. There doesn't seem to be anything in your way, though.
Spoiler: show
GM: He groans. His armor is getting bloody. "... Geez... what happened? It should have..."
Bookworm: Haha! Delicious vindication, as the lizard receives his just reward: Face Staff!
GM: "Ggrrr.... Why isn't it...? ..."
He's making an escape roll. He turns tail and runs.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Who is awesome? I am!
Bookworm: You did something! I wasn't there, but I bet it was awesome!
Aldraia Dragonsong: *buffs nails* Oh, just *defused a bomb*. It is a good thing I ran for it.
Bookworm: Haha! Delicious vindication, as the lizard receives his just reward: Face Staff!
GM: "Ggrrr.... Why isn't it...? ..."
He's making an escape roll. He turns tail and runs.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Who is awesome? I am!
Bookworm: You did something! I wasn't there, but I bet it was awesome!
Aldraia Dragonsong: *buffs nails* Oh, just *defused a bomb*. It is a good thing I ran for it.
Spoiler: show
Aldraia Dragonsong: Right then, onward.
Look around - do I have any way of identifying the real Ginevra?
GM: Well, she'd be moving.
Or screaming.
Look around - do I have any way of identifying the real Ginevra?
GM: Well, she'd be moving.
Or screaming.
Hermione Gaiden 4
Spoiler: show
Aldraia Dragonsong: Run towards the screaming!
GM: You make it to the train, seeing bombs on every lock between cars along the way. You climb up some stairs, and are standing on the cages.
You can see all manner of creatures below. This shipment was heading for Cyril, to join the Zoo.
Ginny is running in circles, screaming her head off. And then, you see him walking up from the opposite side, twirling a rapier casually.
"Granger," Draco says with a sneer. Two more Slytherins follow him. A rather large Seeq and Bangaa.
Aldraia Dragonsong: "Malfoy," she replies contemptuously. "Aren't you a bit old to be picking on girls?"
GM: Ginny stops screaming, and looks between the two of you. She looks... confused.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Hermione heads over to stand beside her.
GM: "She's right, you know." A Moogle lands next to you from the top of the car you just left. Her bottlecap necklace jingles a bit.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Hermione glances at the newcomer. "Hello, Luna."
GM: "Lovegood. Didn't I tell you to kill her?"
"We thought our guys had her."
"Just desserts and everything."
GM: You make it to the train, seeing bombs on every lock between cars along the way. You climb up some stairs, and are standing on the cages.
You can see all manner of creatures below. This shipment was heading for Cyril, to join the Zoo.
Ginny is running in circles, screaming her head off. And then, you see him walking up from the opposite side, twirling a rapier casually.
"Granger," Draco says with a sneer. Two more Slytherins follow him. A rather large Seeq and Bangaa.
Aldraia Dragonsong: "Malfoy," she replies contemptuously. "Aren't you a bit old to be picking on girls?"
GM: Ginny stops screaming, and looks between the two of you. She looks... confused.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Hermione heads over to stand beside her.
GM: "She's right, you know." A Moogle lands next to you from the top of the car you just left. Her bottlecap necklace jingles a bit.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Hermione glances at the newcomer. "Hello, Luna."
GM: "Lovegood. Didn't I tell you to kill her?"
"We thought our guys had her."
"Just desserts and everything."
Spoiler: show
GM: That... was Ginny. She's got lungs.
Bookworm: "Ginny! C'mon, Neville!"
Gamebrain: Neville waffles for a moment, before allowing him to go, as he turns to dash in the same direction Hermione went.
"C-come on Trevor!"
The little creature chirps, jumping up and latching onto Neville's armor with his leaf like limbs as he dashes past.
Bookworm: Seamus pants out as they run, "I think you're the bravest scaredy-cat I've ever met in my life."
Gamebrain: Neville swallows, mumbling to himself as they run. "Nononononononono. Please be safe please be safe let one thing go right for once."
GM: "AAAAAAAAAAAAAH AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH AHHHHHHHHHHHH AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH"
Bookworm: I *can't run any faster*! Jogging was not on the curriculum!
GM: As you run out the car, you see what looks like some kind of defused machine attached to the car locks.
As you leave the next car, you see another machine in the same general location, and recognize it: it's a time bomb.
30 seconds left.
Gamebrain: Neville keeps on running.
Bookworm: "...Wait, can't you stop it!?"
GM: As you pass ANOTHER car, you see ANOTHER bomb.
15 seconds.
Bookworm: "Okay, never mind! KEEP RUNNING!"
GM: 10.
Bookworm: "AAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!"
GM: 9
Gamebrain: "Shouldn'thavelefthershouldn'thaelefther."
GM: 8
7
6
5
You make it out with 4 seconds to spare.
Bookworm: Out of...the train?
GM: Out of the cars. You run up and see Hermione, Luna, Ginny... and some slytherins.
Bookworm: "You...ha, ha...are all...so, dead...soon as I can breathe, *GASP*." Seamus leans on his staff, gasping like a beached trout.
Bookworm: "Ginny! C'mon, Neville!"
Gamebrain: Neville waffles for a moment, before allowing him to go, as he turns to dash in the same direction Hermione went.
"C-come on Trevor!"
The little creature chirps, jumping up and latching onto Neville's armor with his leaf like limbs as he dashes past.
Bookworm: Seamus pants out as they run, "I think you're the bravest scaredy-cat I've ever met in my life."
Gamebrain: Neville swallows, mumbling to himself as they run. "Nononononononono. Please be safe please be safe let one thing go right for once."
GM: "AAAAAAAAAAAAAH AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH AHHHHHHHHHHHH AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH"
Bookworm: I *can't run any faster*! Jogging was not on the curriculum!
GM: As you run out the car, you see what looks like some kind of defused machine attached to the car locks.
As you leave the next car, you see another machine in the same general location, and recognize it: it's a time bomb.
30 seconds left.
Gamebrain: Neville keeps on running.
Bookworm: "...Wait, can't you stop it!?"
GM: As you pass ANOTHER car, you see ANOTHER bomb.
15 seconds.
Bookworm: "Okay, never mind! KEEP RUNNING!"
GM: 10.
Bookworm: "AAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!!"
GM: 9
Gamebrain: "Shouldn'thavelefthershouldn'thaelefther."
GM: 8
7
6
5
You make it out with 4 seconds to spare.
Bookworm: Out of...the train?
GM: Out of the cars. You run up and see Hermione, Luna, Ginny... and some slytherins.
Bookworm: "You...ha, ha...are all...so, dead...soon as I can breathe, *GASP*." Seamus leans on his staff, gasping like a beached trout.
Spoiler: show
GM: “… Unfortunately I had my fill of deserts, kupo," says Luna.
Bookworm: "Luna, Slytherins! Focus!"
GM: The bombs behind you explode, detatching the train cars behind you and irritating the monsters in the cages you're standing on.
"That's too bad, I wanted to show you what I had cooked up!"
GM: Draco detonates a smoke ball, obscuring your sight.
Gamebrain: Neville keeps right on trucking, gasping for breath hardcore as he rams right into the nearest Snake with a gasping shout.
GM: You run out of the smoke... and Draco's gone. And a cage is open.
Bookworm: "Oh, for the love of- *cough*."
GM: You see Draco riding along the train on a chocobo, alongside his minions.
Bookworm: "All that, and he's just running away?"
GM: A giant creature comes out of the cage.
Bookworm: "Oh."
GM: "Unfortunately, I don't have time to waste here. We can finish this later!" He slows down, letting the train continue onwards without him.
Luna frowns. "He's just afraid of the Judge. We're almost to the city limits, after all, kupo."
Gamebrain: Neville apparently misses his target due to the smoke, and rams into the wall of the car just past them.
GM: You'd have hit the Behemoth.
Or fallen into the cage he was in.
Gamebrain: So he manages to stop himself, but misses then.
Aldraia Dragonsong: "...insufferable boy," Hermione mutters.
GM: Luna frowns. "I'll protect Ginny, kupo. Could you three make sure that baby doesn't hurt himself?"
The baby Behemoth roars.
Aldraia Dragonsong: "...I need a moment to heal myself, but I will do my best."
Bookworm: "...Yeah. I don't think he's gonna be hurting himself."
Aldraia Dragonsong: The gear at the end of Hermione's staff begins to glow.
GM: "Just hold him until we enter the city. As soon as a Judge appears..." She pulls a white card.
Gamebrain: So he manages to stop himself, but misses then. "I-I can try my spell again."
Bookworm: A red glow that was beginning to cover Seamus's body dissipates, his hand slouching down to his side in a depressed manner. "Awww. I was saving that, too. Fine, then."
Aldraia Dragonsong: Hermione nods as her wounds fade away.
GM: Your turn.
*Mission: Survive 3 Rounds!*
Gamebrain: "Frozen in time. R-rooted in place." Neville grasps swords hit in both hands, blade pointed straight down between his feet as he looks at the still dangerous creature.
Bookworm: Seamus points his staff above the Behemoth, slowly stirring it as a small moon and twinkling stars begin to form on the cieling of the car. "Aaannd...Sleep."
Quick Cast!
GM: (Appearance-wise, think a pudgy, slightly smaller Behemoth. With what appears to be a diaper.)
Bookworm: Try and outForce me, Tiny!
11.
GM: 12
Bookworm: DANG IT!
Aldraia Dragonsong: Behemoths are tough things.
Bookworm: If I was at full health, it would have worked.
GM: It starts wailing, tears flying everywhere...
Slow Action initiated.
Ginny is staring at Luna, and the two are whisphering to each other. Awareness check to hear what they're saying over baby's crying, the sound of wind in your ears, etc. Challenging.
Gamebrain: 12
Aldraia Dragonsong: ...
Snake eyes.
Gamebrain: Hey, I did it!
Bookworm: "Luna, Slytherins! Focus!"
GM: The bombs behind you explode, detatching the train cars behind you and irritating the monsters in the cages you're standing on.
"That's too bad, I wanted to show you what I had cooked up!"
GM: Draco detonates a smoke ball, obscuring your sight.
Gamebrain: Neville keeps right on trucking, gasping for breath hardcore as he rams right into the nearest Snake with a gasping shout.
GM: You run out of the smoke... and Draco's gone. And a cage is open.
Bookworm: "Oh, for the love of- *cough*."
GM: You see Draco riding along the train on a chocobo, alongside his minions.
Bookworm: "All that, and he's just running away?"
GM: A giant creature comes out of the cage.
Bookworm: "Oh."
GM: "Unfortunately, I don't have time to waste here. We can finish this later!" He slows down, letting the train continue onwards without him.
Luna frowns. "He's just afraid of the Judge. We're almost to the city limits, after all, kupo."
Gamebrain: Neville apparently misses his target due to the smoke, and rams into the wall of the car just past them.
GM: You'd have hit the Behemoth.
Or fallen into the cage he was in.
Gamebrain: So he manages to stop himself, but misses then.
Aldraia Dragonsong: "...insufferable boy," Hermione mutters.
GM: Luna frowns. "I'll protect Ginny, kupo. Could you three make sure that baby doesn't hurt himself?"
The baby Behemoth roars.
Aldraia Dragonsong: "...I need a moment to heal myself, but I will do my best."
Bookworm: "...Yeah. I don't think he's gonna be hurting himself."
Aldraia Dragonsong: The gear at the end of Hermione's staff begins to glow.
GM: "Just hold him until we enter the city. As soon as a Judge appears..." She pulls a white card.
Gamebrain: So he manages to stop himself, but misses then. "I-I can try my spell again."
Bookworm: A red glow that was beginning to cover Seamus's body dissipates, his hand slouching down to his side in a depressed manner. "Awww. I was saving that, too. Fine, then."
Aldraia Dragonsong: Hermione nods as her wounds fade away.
GM: Your turn.
*Mission: Survive 3 Rounds!*
Gamebrain: "Frozen in time. R-rooted in place." Neville grasps swords hit in both hands, blade pointed straight down between his feet as he looks at the still dangerous creature.
Bookworm: Seamus points his staff above the Behemoth, slowly stirring it as a small moon and twinkling stars begin to form on the cieling of the car. "Aaannd...Sleep."
Quick Cast!
GM: (Appearance-wise, think a pudgy, slightly smaller Behemoth. With what appears to be a diaper.)
Bookworm: Try and outForce me, Tiny!
11.
GM: 12
Bookworm: DANG IT!
Aldraia Dragonsong: Behemoths are tough things.
Bookworm: If I was at full health, it would have worked.
GM: It starts wailing, tears flying everywhere...
Slow Action initiated.
Ginny is staring at Luna, and the two are whisphering to each other. Awareness check to hear what they're saying over baby's crying, the sound of wind in your ears, etc. Challenging.
Gamebrain: 12
Aldraia Dragonsong: ...
Snake eyes.
Gamebrain: Hey, I did it!
Spoiler: show
"L-Luna... is that... you?"
"I'm glad to see that some things haven't changed, kupo..."
"What happened?"
"I think... your book did this. ‘One is fated to fill these pages...’ kupo."
"So they... What happened to everyone else? Where are we?"
"On our way to Hogwarts."
"This... doesn't seem like the Hogwarts Express."
"It feels like forever ago that I heard that name, kupo."
"I'm glad to see that some things haven't changed, kupo..."
"What happened?"
"I think... your book did this. ‘One is fated to fill these pages...’ kupo."
"So they... What happened to everyone else? Where are we?"
"On our way to Hogwarts."
"This... doesn't seem like the Hogwarts Express."
"It feels like forever ago that I heard that name, kupo."
Spoiler: show
Aldraia Dragonsong: *awaits doom*
Bookworm: Challenging is...9?
Gamebrain: 11.
Bookworm: Then no.
GM: Hermione's managed to tie herself to the cage. The rope inflicts Stop on her.
Bookworm: (Time Rope. The most devious of ropes.)
Aldraia Dragonsong: She appears quite embarrassed.
Gamebrain: Neville shakes his head, and exclaims: "Move ye no further. S-STOP!"
(Please good rolls, pleeeeease good rolls)
11.
GM: You made it.
Gamebrain: Seriously?
GM: Yep. It got 11.
Gamebrain: WOO!
Neville's magic swipes out, wrapping around the baby and binding its limbs and joints in place, painlessly.
He looks more than a little surprised it worked.
GM: The baby's joints lock up. Neither Hermione or the Baby can move around (they're stuck to where they stand), but they can both still attack or cast.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Try not to tease her too much, she might throw a literal book at you.
GM: Hermione a medium range from the Behemoth, so it's all cool.
Bookworm: Hey, Medium range sounds like a great place to be right now. I'll go there!
GM: Anyway, you all can make your turn. Round 2, by the way.
Aldraia Dragonsong: So not going to be bonking it anytime soon, but that was not much in the plans anyway.
Bookworm: And start casting Sleep again. Slowly this time.
Gamebrain: Neville will move to Hermione and cut her free. Ginny's the Cover target.
Bookworm: Nooo, my meatshield!
Gamebrain: Hey, He's got a job.
Bookworm: And I have a spine, but neither of those look like they're gonna last much longer, do they?
GM: Okay, Hermione's free.
Gamebrain: He’s not thinking quite straight, obviously. But he's making sure the person he's supposed to keep safe is kept in one piece.
Bookworm: (Nah, it's fine, I'm just cracking wise.)
Gamebrain: As he cuts Hermione free, he seems to keep glancing in Luna and Ginny's direction, a confused expression on his face.
Aldraia Dragonsong: "Thank you."
She resumes her efforts to get a rope around the bar of a cage.
GM: You managed to do that, already.
You just tied yourself at the end of the rope a bit absentmindedly.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Oh, I see, I thought I tied myself to the cage bar and in cutting me free Neville cut the rope off.
GM: The tripwire itself is still in place. Just a few loose inches cut away.
Aldraia Dragonsong: In that case...
Gamebrain: "C-can anyone get it back in the cage without hurting it?"
Aldraia Dragonsong: How far is it from the cage?
GM: (No big loss. I assume you used your Bottomless pockets)
It is a Short Range away.
Aldraia Dragonsong: (To get the rope from? Yes.)
"If we all worked together, we might be able to push it back in while it is Stopped..."
GM: Even locked up as it is, it seems to be crying.
Gamebrain: Umm...hmmm. Can I try a nature check to calm it?
GM: Sure.
Gamebrain: *Sigh* 5.
GM: Not enough. But at least it wasn't snakeeyes, I think.
Gamebrain: "J-just c-calm do-"
*Is cut off by crying*
Aldraia Dragonsong: Okay, rolling Lore (Ways To Lure Distraught Behemoths Into Cages). 9.
GM: You rack your brain, but can't find anything.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Oh well, pushing it back in works too.
Bookworm: "C'mon, *SLEEP*!” 11 again.
GM: It falls asleep. It looks rather... awkward... in this position.
Gamebrain: Well. I think we're good unless you fiat it awake and unlocked.
Bookworm: Yep. That stuff lasts 4 rounds.
GM: It is still asleep. Round 3....
Aldraia Dragonsong: Or just waiting a while.
Hermione keeps an eye on it, but stays where she is. They will be safely in town soon enough.
Gamebrain: Neville places himself between the baby and Ginny, sword in hand as he fidgets nervously while watching the creature.
GM: The other creatures below are snarling. The one just below you shakes its cage.
Bookworm: "And what's *your* problem, huh? Need a foot massage? I'm done for the day."
Gamebrain: "Gah!" Neville cries in surprise at the unexpected noise and movement.
Aldraia Dragonsong: "They're probably disturbed from the explosion and smoke," Hermione points out.
GM: It's still asleep...
Round 4.
Bookworm: Challenging is...9?
Gamebrain: 11.
Bookworm: Then no.
GM: Hermione's managed to tie herself to the cage. The rope inflicts Stop on her.
Bookworm: (Time Rope. The most devious of ropes.)
Aldraia Dragonsong: She appears quite embarrassed.
Gamebrain: Neville shakes his head, and exclaims: "Move ye no further. S-STOP!"
(Please good rolls, pleeeeease good rolls)
11.
GM: You made it.
Gamebrain: Seriously?
GM: Yep. It got 11.
Gamebrain: WOO!
Neville's magic swipes out, wrapping around the baby and binding its limbs and joints in place, painlessly.
He looks more than a little surprised it worked.
GM: The baby's joints lock up. Neither Hermione or the Baby can move around (they're stuck to where they stand), but they can both still attack or cast.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Try not to tease her too much, she might throw a literal book at you.
GM: Hermione a medium range from the Behemoth, so it's all cool.
Bookworm: Hey, Medium range sounds like a great place to be right now. I'll go there!
GM: Anyway, you all can make your turn. Round 2, by the way.
Aldraia Dragonsong: So not going to be bonking it anytime soon, but that was not much in the plans anyway.
Bookworm: And start casting Sleep again. Slowly this time.
Gamebrain: Neville will move to Hermione and cut her free. Ginny's the Cover target.
Bookworm: Nooo, my meatshield!
Gamebrain: Hey, He's got a job.
Bookworm: And I have a spine, but neither of those look like they're gonna last much longer, do they?
GM: Okay, Hermione's free.
Gamebrain: He’s not thinking quite straight, obviously. But he's making sure the person he's supposed to keep safe is kept in one piece.
Bookworm: (Nah, it's fine, I'm just cracking wise.)
Gamebrain: As he cuts Hermione free, he seems to keep glancing in Luna and Ginny's direction, a confused expression on his face.
Aldraia Dragonsong: "Thank you."
She resumes her efforts to get a rope around the bar of a cage.
GM: You managed to do that, already.
You just tied yourself at the end of the rope a bit absentmindedly.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Oh, I see, I thought I tied myself to the cage bar and in cutting me free Neville cut the rope off.
GM: The tripwire itself is still in place. Just a few loose inches cut away.
Aldraia Dragonsong: In that case...
Gamebrain: "C-can anyone get it back in the cage without hurting it?"
Aldraia Dragonsong: How far is it from the cage?
GM: (No big loss. I assume you used your Bottomless pockets)
It is a Short Range away.
Aldraia Dragonsong: (To get the rope from? Yes.)
"If we all worked together, we might be able to push it back in while it is Stopped..."
GM: Even locked up as it is, it seems to be crying.
Gamebrain: Umm...hmmm. Can I try a nature check to calm it?
GM: Sure.
Gamebrain: *Sigh* 5.
GM: Not enough. But at least it wasn't snakeeyes, I think.
Gamebrain: "J-just c-calm do-"
*Is cut off by crying*
Aldraia Dragonsong: Okay, rolling Lore (Ways To Lure Distraught Behemoths Into Cages). 9.
GM: You rack your brain, but can't find anything.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Oh well, pushing it back in works too.
Bookworm: "C'mon, *SLEEP*!” 11 again.
GM: It falls asleep. It looks rather... awkward... in this position.
Gamebrain: Well. I think we're good unless you fiat it awake and unlocked.
Bookworm: Yep. That stuff lasts 4 rounds.
GM: It is still asleep. Round 3....
Aldraia Dragonsong: Or just waiting a while.
Hermione keeps an eye on it, but stays where she is. They will be safely in town soon enough.
Gamebrain: Neville places himself between the baby and Ginny, sword in hand as he fidgets nervously while watching the creature.
GM: The other creatures below are snarling. The one just below you shakes its cage.
Bookworm: "And what's *your* problem, huh? Need a foot massage? I'm done for the day."
Gamebrain: "Gah!" Neville cries in surprise at the unexpected noise and movement.
Aldraia Dragonsong: "They're probably disturbed from the explosion and smoke," Hermione points out.
GM: It's still asleep...
Round 4.
Spoiler: show
You feel a shift in the air as you enter the city limits... or rather, the border of the Judicite's influence.
Gamebrain: "Oh thank goodness."
Bookworm: *PHEW*.
Aldraia Dragonsong: (Safety is ours! Any Laws we should worry about?)
Bookworm: ("No Pacifism.")
GM: (The current law is "No Summons.")
A woman in armor appears. "By law and will, by might of Gryffindor, I am here to preside over this battl- ... It looks like the battle's already well underway."
"It is." Luna puts her card away, shuffling in her bag.
Gamebrain: Neville's probably covered in sweat and breathing heavily at this point, so he just nods his head tiredly.
Aldraia Dragonsong: "Our train was attacked," Hermione explains.
GM: "I thought I was going to need the 'No Physical Attacks' Law... But these three did well in ensuring that wouldn't be neccessary, kupo! Thanks! You didn't have to take it down peacefully, but I appreciate it, kupo! Behemoths are an endangered species."
Luna gets up, giving Ginny a reassuring nod.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Hermione walks over to Ginny. "Are you all right, Lady Ginevra?" she asks with concern.
GM:"Er... Um... yeah..."
Aldraia Dragonsong: Hermione smiles at her. "Good."
Gamebrain: "Ah...um. Yes. You're welcome."
Bookworm: "Ah, it was no problem, Milady. Just our jobs. Good call booking it, by the way."
GM: "Th-thanks..."
Luna smiles. "Now... can someone help me move this fellow back into his cage, kupopo? He's got a long way to go to Cyril. Wouldn't want him to get wrackspurts."
Gamebrain: Trevor, still hanging on the back of Neville's armor, climbs up onto his shoulder and pats the young boy on the head, eyes smiling at him as he chirps happily.
Aldraia Dragonsong: "I'll help," Hermione offers.
Gamebrain: "Ah. I-I'll try."
Bookworm: Seamus sighs and rolls up his robes.
GM: With some effort, the lot of you carefully get the creature back into its cage.
All without waking it up.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Go us!
Bookworm: Obstacles were removed or worked around successfully!
Aldraia Dragonsong: Intraparty conflict is so far minimal!
Luna looks ahead, and looks at Ginny. "Look up ahead. The Magic City Garriland... and..."
Aldraia Dragonsong: Hermione looks up with her. "Hogwarts."
GM: You go over the hill, and see a huge city, with fireworks flying everywhere. Floating above the city is a grand castle, illuminated by magical sparks and the setting sun.
Gamebrain: Neville sighs in relief as soon as the creature is back in its cage, and moves toto take up his position by Luna and Ginny, sword sheathed, though he glances with confused curiousity at their charge every so often.
GM: "... Hogwarts..." Ginny mutters. "It... it's just like I imagined it..."
Aldraia Dragonsong: Hermione smiles again. "We've made it, milady."
Gamebrain: "In one piece, even." Neville sighs, mostly to himself.
GM: MISSION COMPLETE!
Battle 1: 1 EXP for Seamus and Neville.
BOSS BATTLE: 2 EXP for all players.
SESSION BONUS: 1 EXP for all players.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Yay!
GM: "Thank you all," Ginny says.
Bookworm: Look at all the success!
Gamebrain: (Though he admittedly let his charge run off by herself. Which wasn't good.)
Bookworm: "Our pleasure," Seamus answers with a little bow, before wincing.
Aldraia Dragonsong: "I couldn't say no when Ron asked me to look after his little sister," Hermione says with a chuckle.
Aldraia Dragonsong: (Hey, we TRIED to go after her.)
Gamebrain: Neville just looks immensely relieved, with hte gash on his cheek, and blood on his face.
Aldraia Dragonsong: (Not our fault a giant block of seeq got in the way.)
Gamebrain: (Yes, but he didn't go after her as soon as the way was cleared.)
GM: As the train reaches the station, damaged but safe, you all step off into the busy station. A teleporter a few feet away will take you all to Hogwarts proper.
Aldraia Dragonsong: (Someone did, and he took care of the enemies left to make sure none were left at their backs.)
Gamebrain: (Doesn't matter. You're not the pally with high expectations on him. Both his own and others)
Aldraia Dragonsong: (Heh, point.)
Are there healers up in Hogwarts or should I roll Healing on Seamus and Neville?
GM: There're healers.
The Judge at your side walks up. You can only tell her gender due to the red cape behind her. Men have blue.
Gamebrain: Neville stiffens immediately. (AUTHORITY FIGURE! +6 Nerves inflicted!)
Aldraia Dragonsong: (*giggles*)
GM: "Your service in these troubling times is appreciated. I'm sure you'll find your pay at Hogwarts."
Gamebrain: "U-uh...um. I mean..."
Aldraia Dragonsong: Hermione bows, subtly leaning on her staff. "Judge Potter."
"A pleasure to meet you."
Bookworm: "Nice to meet you, too."
GM: She starts to turn around, then stops. "... Do tell my boy to stay out of trouble, Miss Granger. As his mother, I know he won't listen, but it is my duty as Judge to ask."
Aldraia Dragonsong: Hermione's lips quirk.
Gamebrain: Neville sighs. "...I don't think Harry can." Before he realizes he said that out loud, and slaps a hand over his mouth.
Aldraia Dragonsong: "I try every day I'm there to, Madame Judge."
GM: It's too bad there's an all-encompassing helmet on her head... You can't tell what she's thinking. It's a little creepy.
Gamebrain: "Ah, I umm. I-Im sorry, I didn't m-mean..."
GM: "I have other duties to attend to. I must be off." She glows... and is gone. She could be anywhere from here to the Clockwork City by now.
Aldraia Dragonsong: I thought they were confined to the limits of the city? Or is it the limits of *any* city?
GM: Any city with Judicite. They can jump from city to city, but can't leave into the world beyond those cities.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Ahh.
Gamebrain: "Oh bugger." Neville moans, closing his eyes and palming his face.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Hermione pats Neville on the shoulder. "It was the truth," she says gently. "She won't blame you for being honest."
...Probably.
But the point here is to be *reassuring*.
Gamebrain: Trevor pats Neville's uninjured cheek consolingly.
Gamebrain: And he seems to take a little comfort from it.
GM: Ginny is just... staring... looking at all the things. There are still so many fireworks flying into the sky, as the sky starts to darken. People in clothing so extravagant and bizzare that a certain other world would be put to shame wander everywhere.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Hermione looks at their charge.
"Impressive, isn't it?" she says, sounding more than a little impressed herself.
GM: "Uh... huh."
Luna smiles. "You're going to love it at Hogwarts, Ginny. I would know, I spent a year there as a transfer student, kupo."
Aldraia Dragonsong: "It's a wonderful place," Hermione enthuses. "It was built by Rowena Ravenclaw herself, as her greatest masterwork."
GM: "Wait... not the four founders? I thought..."
Luna gives her a look.
"... Huh..."
Aldraia Dragonsong: "Well, Godric Gryffindor built the city beneath it," Hermione concedes. "And it's an *incredible* city. The best libraries in the whole kingdom!"
GM: The lot of you start walking towards the teleporter, and when you arrive, the transportation is almost immediate.
Gamebrain: Neville seems to almost collapse in on himself in relief as soon as they are in the school itself.
GM: You step into the castle.
"You'll learn all about it in History of Magic Class. The teacher there is the best in the land, kupo."
GM: "Wait... I thought..." Ginny shakes her head. "Nevermind."
Gamebrain: (...isn't that Binns' class? Ahahahahahahahaha! Best in the land. Riiiiiight. *Snerk*)
GM: (In this universe, History of Magic has an AMAZING teacher. One Sir Gilderoy Lockhart, honored for his many, all-witnessed, non-fake achievements. Who in this universe really IS all that and a bag of chips.)
Gamebrain: (Noted.)
Aldraia Dragonsong: You can tell that this is like heaven for Hermione.
GM: An outright ANCIENT looking Viera in robes steps up to you with the sternest look in the world. Even Emperor Salazar Slytherin would be brought to heel by this gaze.
Gamebrain: "Gulp."
GM: Proffessor Mcgonagall comes to a halt right in front of you.
Luna nods. "Professor."
Aldraia Dragonsong: Hermione bows, still leaning on her staff. "Professor."
GM: "Lovegood, Granger," Minerva spares a small smile for Hermione. Then it's ice again.
Bookworm: "Proffesor." (No bets for how she feels about Seamus!)
GM: "Finnegan." Uberchills.
Gamebrain: Trevor sqeaks and slides down the back of Nevilles armor to hide behind one of his legs, while he greets her with his own nervous voice. "P-professor."
Bookworm: (You can only blow up things so many times before she stops forgiving you.)
GM: "Longbottom. You did well, lad."
Gamebrain: Neville flushes, looking down at the ground. "I-I...um. Thank you, Professor."
GM: She turns, and with some motions, begins to transfigure the castle's surroundings to lift you upwards, towards the Headmaster's office. "This is your stop, Miss Weasley."
"I'll be joining her. I didn't take too much damage on the way here," Luna says.
"Very well."
Gamebrain: "I-I'm okay. I should p-probably..."
GM: "As for the rest of you, let us head to the guest chambers." There is a chill, brooking no argument. "You can receive medical attention there, and rest for the night. Albus will speak with you in the morn."
Aldraia Dragonsong: Hermione wisely declines to argue.
GM: Another quick shift moves you to the guest chambers, and she gives you your rooms.
Gamebrain: He looks really unsure of what to do, but Mcgonagall's tone makes him less than eager to argue so he is quailed.
(I know its gonna get irritating fast but...he IS really unsure of hiself for a while yet. And what were Nev's exact orders?)
Aldraia Dragonsong: (So far, not irritating me at least.)
Bookworm: It's fine.
GM: To escort Lady Ginny Weasley to the castle, Hogwarts, and wait there for debriefing.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Well, we made it to the castle, so mission success!
Bookworm: ...It feels strangely empty.
Bookworm: Like...something is missing.
Aldraia Dragonsong: The intraparty conflict?
Gamebrain: Seamus.
Explosions.
He's not standing there missing his eyebrows and large portions of his hair.
Bookworm: No, like...some kind of indicator or...chime that tells us we've accomplished a milestone.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Ooh.
Gamebrain: Da Da Da Da Da Da DA DADA!
GM: Oh, I forgot that.
Just a moment.
Please strike a pose.
Aldraia Dragonsong: *hugs a book to her chest and holds her staff diagonally across her body, smiling confidently*
Gamebrain: *Sighs in relief as he lets his sword tip fall to the ground, while Trevor dances excitedly upon his shoulder.*
Bookworm: *dusts knuckles against robe and leans on his staff jauntily*
GM: There is a Teleport Stone sitting outside Hogwarts, for use by Clans only. At this moment, you are not yet a Clan, but soon enough, you will be. Well, Hermione is a Clan Member. She's part of Clan Nimbus. That's Harry's Clan.
Aldraia Dragonsong: I am? Ooh, right! Now I remember.
GM: Harry, Ron, and Hermione, as well as several semi-faceless people working on their Airship.
Gamebrain: (Is Neville invovled in any clan? and what exactly is this again?)
GM: So far, no, Neville's not in a Clan.
Gamebrain: Aww. Poor Nev. Nobody likes me everybody hates me guess I'll go eat worms.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Clans are like guilds in MMORPGs. Groups of people who work together.
GM: In this universe, a fairly high authority has to recognize this group as a Clan for you to be able to take missions as a Clan.
Next time, you'll basically be given an important post guarding the castle, which will mostly be timeskipped over, after which you'll be made into a clan under Ginny Weasley and alongside Luna Lovegood.
From there... Well, between now and then I'll be giving you some basic clan Missions to choose from.
Gamebrain: The reward for doing well is more work, Nev old man. Sorry!
GM: You also each gain 50 Gil for your service.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Question, is there a rule against dual-Clan membership?
GM: Not exactly. It's just not done often, because then you have conflicts between who's in charge in one clan and who's in charge in the other.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Ah, okay. Should be able to work around that.
Gamebrain: "Oh thank goodness."
Bookworm: *PHEW*.
Aldraia Dragonsong: (Safety is ours! Any Laws we should worry about?)
Bookworm: ("No Pacifism.")
GM: (The current law is "No Summons.")
A woman in armor appears. "By law and will, by might of Gryffindor, I am here to preside over this battl- ... It looks like the battle's already well underway."
"It is." Luna puts her card away, shuffling in her bag.
Gamebrain: Neville's probably covered in sweat and breathing heavily at this point, so he just nods his head tiredly.
Aldraia Dragonsong: "Our train was attacked," Hermione explains.
GM: "I thought I was going to need the 'No Physical Attacks' Law... But these three did well in ensuring that wouldn't be neccessary, kupo! Thanks! You didn't have to take it down peacefully, but I appreciate it, kupo! Behemoths are an endangered species."
Luna gets up, giving Ginny a reassuring nod.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Hermione walks over to Ginny. "Are you all right, Lady Ginevra?" she asks with concern.
GM:"Er... Um... yeah..."
Aldraia Dragonsong: Hermione smiles at her. "Good."
Gamebrain: "Ah...um. Yes. You're welcome."
Bookworm: "Ah, it was no problem, Milady. Just our jobs. Good call booking it, by the way."
GM: "Th-thanks..."
Luna smiles. "Now... can someone help me move this fellow back into his cage, kupopo? He's got a long way to go to Cyril. Wouldn't want him to get wrackspurts."
Gamebrain: Trevor, still hanging on the back of Neville's armor, climbs up onto his shoulder and pats the young boy on the head, eyes smiling at him as he chirps happily.
Aldraia Dragonsong: "I'll help," Hermione offers.
Gamebrain: "Ah. I-I'll try."
Bookworm: Seamus sighs and rolls up his robes.
GM: With some effort, the lot of you carefully get the creature back into its cage.
All without waking it up.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Go us!
Bookworm: Obstacles were removed or worked around successfully!
Aldraia Dragonsong: Intraparty conflict is so far minimal!
Luna looks ahead, and looks at Ginny. "Look up ahead. The Magic City Garriland... and..."
Aldraia Dragonsong: Hermione looks up with her. "Hogwarts."
GM: You go over the hill, and see a huge city, with fireworks flying everywhere. Floating above the city is a grand castle, illuminated by magical sparks and the setting sun.
Gamebrain: Neville sighs in relief as soon as the creature is back in its cage, and moves toto take up his position by Luna and Ginny, sword sheathed, though he glances with confused curiousity at their charge every so often.
GM: "... Hogwarts..." Ginny mutters. "It... it's just like I imagined it..."
Aldraia Dragonsong: Hermione smiles again. "We've made it, milady."
Gamebrain: "In one piece, even." Neville sighs, mostly to himself.
GM: MISSION COMPLETE!
Battle 1: 1 EXP for Seamus and Neville.
BOSS BATTLE: 2 EXP for all players.
SESSION BONUS: 1 EXP for all players.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Yay!
GM: "Thank you all," Ginny says.
Bookworm: Look at all the success!
Gamebrain: (Though he admittedly let his charge run off by herself. Which wasn't good.)
Bookworm: "Our pleasure," Seamus answers with a little bow, before wincing.
Aldraia Dragonsong: "I couldn't say no when Ron asked me to look after his little sister," Hermione says with a chuckle.
Aldraia Dragonsong: (Hey, we TRIED to go after her.)
Gamebrain: Neville just looks immensely relieved, with hte gash on his cheek, and blood on his face.
Aldraia Dragonsong: (Not our fault a giant block of seeq got in the way.)
Gamebrain: (Yes, but he didn't go after her as soon as the way was cleared.)
GM: As the train reaches the station, damaged but safe, you all step off into the busy station. A teleporter a few feet away will take you all to Hogwarts proper.
Aldraia Dragonsong: (Someone did, and he took care of the enemies left to make sure none were left at their backs.)
Gamebrain: (Doesn't matter. You're not the pally with high expectations on him. Both his own and others)
Aldraia Dragonsong: (Heh, point.)
Are there healers up in Hogwarts or should I roll Healing on Seamus and Neville?
GM: There're healers.
The Judge at your side walks up. You can only tell her gender due to the red cape behind her. Men have blue.
Gamebrain: Neville stiffens immediately. (AUTHORITY FIGURE! +6 Nerves inflicted!)
Aldraia Dragonsong: (*giggles*)
GM: "Your service in these troubling times is appreciated. I'm sure you'll find your pay at Hogwarts."
Gamebrain: "U-uh...um. I mean..."
Aldraia Dragonsong: Hermione bows, subtly leaning on her staff. "Judge Potter."
"A pleasure to meet you."
Bookworm: "Nice to meet you, too."
GM: She starts to turn around, then stops. "... Do tell my boy to stay out of trouble, Miss Granger. As his mother, I know he won't listen, but it is my duty as Judge to ask."
Aldraia Dragonsong: Hermione's lips quirk.
Gamebrain: Neville sighs. "...I don't think Harry can." Before he realizes he said that out loud, and slaps a hand over his mouth.
Aldraia Dragonsong: "I try every day I'm there to, Madame Judge."
GM: It's too bad there's an all-encompassing helmet on her head... You can't tell what she's thinking. It's a little creepy.
Gamebrain: "Ah, I umm. I-Im sorry, I didn't m-mean..."
GM: "I have other duties to attend to. I must be off." She glows... and is gone. She could be anywhere from here to the Clockwork City by now.
Aldraia Dragonsong: I thought they were confined to the limits of the city? Or is it the limits of *any* city?
GM: Any city with Judicite. They can jump from city to city, but can't leave into the world beyond those cities.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Ahh.
Gamebrain: "Oh bugger." Neville moans, closing his eyes and palming his face.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Hermione pats Neville on the shoulder. "It was the truth," she says gently. "She won't blame you for being honest."
...Probably.
But the point here is to be *reassuring*.
Gamebrain: Trevor pats Neville's uninjured cheek consolingly.
Gamebrain: And he seems to take a little comfort from it.
GM: Ginny is just... staring... looking at all the things. There are still so many fireworks flying into the sky, as the sky starts to darken. People in clothing so extravagant and bizzare that a certain other world would be put to shame wander everywhere.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Hermione looks at their charge.
"Impressive, isn't it?" she says, sounding more than a little impressed herself.
GM: "Uh... huh."
Luna smiles. "You're going to love it at Hogwarts, Ginny. I would know, I spent a year there as a transfer student, kupo."
Aldraia Dragonsong: "It's a wonderful place," Hermione enthuses. "It was built by Rowena Ravenclaw herself, as her greatest masterwork."
GM: "Wait... not the four founders? I thought..."
Luna gives her a look.
"... Huh..."
Aldraia Dragonsong: "Well, Godric Gryffindor built the city beneath it," Hermione concedes. "And it's an *incredible* city. The best libraries in the whole kingdom!"
GM: The lot of you start walking towards the teleporter, and when you arrive, the transportation is almost immediate.
Gamebrain: Neville seems to almost collapse in on himself in relief as soon as they are in the school itself.
GM: You step into the castle.
"You'll learn all about it in History of Magic Class. The teacher there is the best in the land, kupo."
GM: "Wait... I thought..." Ginny shakes her head. "Nevermind."
Gamebrain: (...isn't that Binns' class? Ahahahahahahahaha! Best in the land. Riiiiiight. *Snerk*)
GM: (In this universe, History of Magic has an AMAZING teacher. One Sir Gilderoy Lockhart, honored for his many, all-witnessed, non-fake achievements. Who in this universe really IS all that and a bag of chips.)
Gamebrain: (Noted.)
Aldraia Dragonsong: You can tell that this is like heaven for Hermione.
GM: An outright ANCIENT looking Viera in robes steps up to you with the sternest look in the world. Even Emperor Salazar Slytherin would be brought to heel by this gaze.
Gamebrain: "Gulp."
GM: Proffessor Mcgonagall comes to a halt right in front of you.
Luna nods. "Professor."
Aldraia Dragonsong: Hermione bows, still leaning on her staff. "Professor."
GM: "Lovegood, Granger," Minerva spares a small smile for Hermione. Then it's ice again.
Bookworm: "Proffesor." (No bets for how she feels about Seamus!)
GM: "Finnegan." Uberchills.
Gamebrain: Trevor sqeaks and slides down the back of Nevilles armor to hide behind one of his legs, while he greets her with his own nervous voice. "P-professor."
Bookworm: (You can only blow up things so many times before she stops forgiving you.)
GM: "Longbottom. You did well, lad."
Gamebrain: Neville flushes, looking down at the ground. "I-I...um. Thank you, Professor."
GM: She turns, and with some motions, begins to transfigure the castle's surroundings to lift you upwards, towards the Headmaster's office. "This is your stop, Miss Weasley."
"I'll be joining her. I didn't take too much damage on the way here," Luna says.
"Very well."
Gamebrain: "I-I'm okay. I should p-probably..."
GM: "As for the rest of you, let us head to the guest chambers." There is a chill, brooking no argument. "You can receive medical attention there, and rest for the night. Albus will speak with you in the morn."
Aldraia Dragonsong: Hermione wisely declines to argue.
GM: Another quick shift moves you to the guest chambers, and she gives you your rooms.
Gamebrain: He looks really unsure of what to do, but Mcgonagall's tone makes him less than eager to argue so he is quailed.
(I know its gonna get irritating fast but...he IS really unsure of hiself for a while yet. And what were Nev's exact orders?)
Aldraia Dragonsong: (So far, not irritating me at least.)
Bookworm: It's fine.
GM: To escort Lady Ginny Weasley to the castle, Hogwarts, and wait there for debriefing.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Well, we made it to the castle, so mission success!
Bookworm: ...It feels strangely empty.
Bookworm: Like...something is missing.
Aldraia Dragonsong: The intraparty conflict?
Gamebrain: Seamus.
Explosions.
He's not standing there missing his eyebrows and large portions of his hair.
Bookworm: No, like...some kind of indicator or...chime that tells us we've accomplished a milestone.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Ooh.
Gamebrain: Da Da Da Da Da Da DA DADA!
GM: Oh, I forgot that.
Just a moment.
Please strike a pose.
Aldraia Dragonsong: *hugs a book to her chest and holds her staff diagonally across her body, smiling confidently*
Gamebrain: *Sighs in relief as he lets his sword tip fall to the ground, while Trevor dances excitedly upon his shoulder.*
Bookworm: *dusts knuckles against robe and leans on his staff jauntily*
GM: There is a Teleport Stone sitting outside Hogwarts, for use by Clans only. At this moment, you are not yet a Clan, but soon enough, you will be. Well, Hermione is a Clan Member. She's part of Clan Nimbus. That's Harry's Clan.
Aldraia Dragonsong: I am? Ooh, right! Now I remember.
GM: Harry, Ron, and Hermione, as well as several semi-faceless people working on their Airship.
Gamebrain: (Is Neville invovled in any clan? and what exactly is this again?)
GM: So far, no, Neville's not in a Clan.
Gamebrain: Aww. Poor Nev. Nobody likes me everybody hates me guess I'll go eat worms.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Clans are like guilds in MMORPGs. Groups of people who work together.
GM: In this universe, a fairly high authority has to recognize this group as a Clan for you to be able to take missions as a Clan.
Next time, you'll basically be given an important post guarding the castle, which will mostly be timeskipped over, after which you'll be made into a clan under Ginny Weasley and alongside Luna Lovegood.
From there... Well, between now and then I'll be giving you some basic clan Missions to choose from.
Gamebrain: The reward for doing well is more work, Nev old man. Sorry!
GM: You also each gain 50 Gil for your service.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Question, is there a rule against dual-Clan membership?
GM: Not exactly. It's just not done often, because then you have conflicts between who's in charge in one clan and who's in charge in the other.
Aldraia Dragonsong: Ah, okay. Should be able to work around that.
And so the first session came to an end. There are a few more sessions we've done since then, so be on the lookout. If you got any questions, let me know.