Spectrum's Comments: This continues Nazgul's story from the Nazgul #1 file. Deep underground he located a chamber with a strange portal surrounded by rubies. One of the rubies glowed as did the ring he wore. A second ring bearer named Alyssa showed up. Shortly after that, the Dark Order arrived featuring the Morbane Hieronomous, Dark Seraph, and Demonfire. But first, lets meet some new members to our cast of characters.
Crusaders Plus #1 - "The Underground: Part One"
It is right after the first of the year as we begin. Professor Charles Waynhim and his nephew are getting settled into New York City after the professor's transfer. The new semester begins in about ten days, so you have that amount of time to get settled in and plan your up coming classes. You've been assigned a six-room apartment on campus. It should suit both your needs nicely.
It is early evening one night and your nephew comes rushing into the apartment. He was out familiarizing himself with the neighborhood when he sensed something deep underground. Something magical and evil.
Now what do Abriax and Fluffy do?
Spectrum's Comments: Meet Professor Abriax and the Cat. He didn't like being called Fluffy too well. Professor Abriax was the very first character to come from Areion, but not the last. The Professor was well liked, but sadly didn't stay around very long.
SUBJ: PROFESSOR ABRIAX FROM: AREION 01/25/89 S#: 111586
"Hmmm, This warrants an investigation. The completion of my artifacts chamber will have to wait."
Grabbing a gym bag, I hastily shove my costume, Cloak of Displacement [14], Crown of Solomon [22], Moon Stone Medallion [23] into it, and prepare the Thunder Bolt of Zeus, one charge [11]
Zipping it shut, I pull it over my shoulder with a sudden jerk, and turn back to my Nephew.
"This may be dangerous, and I'd prefer it if you stayed here. But I won't stop you if you want to come."
I head out to the main administration building and ask for a detailed map of the campus grounds.
"A body has to be able to find his way." I feign.
I'll look over the map, looking for potential underground passages, or some access to any subterranean champers (sewers, subway passages, ect) near where my nephew 'sensed' the evil presence. Once underground, I don my uniform & backup equipment, and summon the Gem, before proceeding in my search.
Spectrum's Comments: The Cat was supposed to have a player too, but was not currently available for some reason. It was an online acquaintance of Areion who used to run MSH games on Q.
SUBJ: POST UPDATE
Your nephew refuses to be left behind. "You'll be wandering around down there for days without my help", he says.
He changes into his 'Cat' form and your both off. According to the map given you from the administration building, there are several entrances into the underground. Cat leads you to a manhole cover on the edge of campus. He says that this is where he sensed the magic. Removing the cover, the pair descends into the darkness below.
For some twenty minutes you walk through the dark tunnels and passages. By now you've grown use to foul smell down here. The tunnel you are currently in is taking you deeper beneath the ground on a gentle slope. A few feet into the tunnel, you notice a slumped figure against the wall.
Shining the light on the figure reveals it to be a man. Or at least use to be a man. Parts of his face appear to be made of metal! A look of shear agony is on his face. He has been dead for several weeks. Cat says that this is not the source. He leads you further into the underground.
The passage continues down. It's hard to guess how far below street level you are now. You have left the sewer lines behind and are now in a dry, stone tunnel. Cat, unerringly, leads you up to a solid stonewall.
"The source is behind this wall. I'm positive of it."
You put your hand out in from of you and proceed to search the wall, but unexpectedly, your hand passes through the wall. After a pause, you both pass through the wall.
Beyond the wall is a large chamber. There are five people in this chamber. You immediately recognize the charcoal gray form of Dark Seraph. With him is a man who looks like a Morbane, a DEMON Priest. There is also a woman who you would guess to be Demonfire.
This trio is in battle with the last two. The first is a woman in flowing magenta robe. Demonfire has just burned her. Before the Morbane is a dark cloak, seemingly suspended in mid-air.
Behind all of them is an archway. The interior of the archway is pitch black. Across it's top are 5 large rubies. Two of the rubies are glowing.
Spectrum's Comments: And now we've got everyone together in one spot.
SUBJ: PROFESSOR ABRIAX II (R) FROM: AREION 01/26/89 S#: 461944
"Hang on friends...help is here!"
Demonfire? Yes, I've heard of her. It is said she was sired by a demon! I'll focus my power on her. But first, prepare a dreamscape spell. Using the power of Solomon's crown, I PRE attack Demonfire.
YOU HAVE NO WILL BUT MINE! BY THE POWER OF THE CROWN, YOU MUST OBEY! VANQUISH YOUR COMRADES, I SO COMMAND IT!!"
Whether this works or not, I'll enter the Dreamscape and approach the rubies, studying them as best I can and still keep a watchful eye on the battle. It's my guess that the archway is meant to be some sort of dimensional gateway, and the gems are the power source.
If I deem them safe, I'll become solid to snatch the three dormant rubies, the active energy in the other two may do me harm. And it seems only logical that they'd need all five.
Next, I shift my pool to [10] 5" Levitation, [32] 2D6 Eldritch Mist, and hope my cloak holds out.
"I HAVE THEM!" I shout as I turn to battle my way back out.
SUBJ: Nazgul FROM: Deslock 01/27/89 S#: 113098
"To turn your back from me certainly marks you as a fool, Hieronomous!"
I'll blast Hieronomous with my KEA, and then desolidify, letting my robes drop away. I'll alternate max radius drains with KEA against him, if the blast seems to be effective, otherwise, will drain and go to physical combat. If the battle goes badly, I'll use the KEA to drop the roof on him.
"Time to Die, Hieronomous."
SUBJ: GM UPDATE
"Hang on friends, help is on the way!'
These words are uttered by one of the men who just entered the room. He wears a silk costume in an intricate black and gold design. An eerie blue light emanates from a gem on his forehead. He wears a black cloak with blue lining. A crown of gold adorned with diamonds and emeralds is on his head. The other looks something like a giant man-cat.
The Cat is the first to act. With a savage snarl, he leaps at the Morbane, clawing him. Nazgul is suddenly floored from a tremendous punch thrown by Dark Seraph. Demonfire turns to the Professor and blasts him with fire. His cloak protects him.
Energy swells around the gold crown and the man speaks to Demonfire
"You have no will but mine! By the power of the crown, you must obey! Vanquish your comrades, I so command it!"
Demonfire stands there, very startled by this announcement. Unnoticed in the background, the cloaked people begin to stir.
The Morbane screams at Cat: "You dare to harm my person?!? Feel my wraith!"
Cat - "Do your worst, Morbane! I've fought your kind before; you can't hurt me!"
The Morbane fires an ego attack at Cat and hits.
Cat - "That hurt! I don't get it?"
"Of course not, fool! For I am a Priest of the Highest Circle!'
Cat claws the Morbane once more. His enchanted robes protect him, but to a point.
"Blast you, you infernal creature! To me my servants! Protect your master!"
Dark Seraph and Demonfire come to the Morbane's aid immediately. Seraph flies in and tries to punch Cat, but misses. Demonfire also tries, but only succeeds in scorching the far wall.
A strange shimmering comes over the man in gold and black. He walks through the combatants and is heading towards the Arch.
Cat tries to claw the Morbane, but misses. Dark Seraph lands a mighty punch and Cat is knocked across the room.
Suddenly, Nazgul speaks: "To turn your back from me certainly marks you as a fool, Hieronomous!"
A ring on his finger glows and its energy covers the area before him. Its effect is immediate. The Morbane and Cat both collapse to the floor. Demonfire is hurt and Dark Seraph is really annoyed.
Demonfire whirls and tries to roast her attacker, but he suddenly seems to shimmer and the fire passes harmless by.
Dark Seraph - "You cannot escape me that way, slave!" Seraph also becomes intangible and stalks after Nazgul.
Elsewhere, the other woman, Alyssa, approaches the Professor. She is also desolid.
Alyssa - "Stand away from there, mortal! Stand back, or I shall be forced to destroy you!'
Okay, PC's, Post Away!
SUBJ: PROFESSOR ABRIAX III (R) FROM: AREION 01/29/89 S#: 512188
How could I have been so foolish as to not have recognized an Inner Circle Morbane!?!
The indignation in the woman's voice is infuriating! I am the chosen herald of the ENOCHIANS!! It is my right...no, my OBLIGATION, to determine what ill these stones may represent, and take whatever steps are necessary to negate them!
But going straight for the gems was a tactic of expediency not necessity. DARK SERAPH alone would prove a difficult adversary. I don't want to alienate a possible ally in that struggle, and my nephew has just fallen! Besides, the woman may know something about the gems that I don't!!
Turning solid, I face her squarely: "I hear you, would be slayer of comrades. I will not dare the gems, till we've had time to discuss our course. Contend with DEMONFIRE. DARK SERAPH and I are, shall we say, old 'friends'."
Quickly reevaluating, I project a (5,5) Forbidding between DARK SEREPH and NAZGUL.
"Turn and face me SEREPH!! We are no strangers, you and I! You want the Tridents of Satan?!? They are in my custody! FACE MEEE!!!!!!"
If he turns to battle me, I'll drop the forbidding immediately and prepare an Eldritch Bolt A (Full strength) If he doesn't, I'll hold the Forbidding until it's shattered before preparing the Eldritch Bolt.
In either case, I'll hurl the Thunder Bolt Of Zeus at him on my next available half phase (spread for 3" if he's turned to fight)
"MASTERS IN ENOCH LET MY AIM BE TRUE!"
SUBJ: Nazgul FROM: Deslock 01/29/89 S#: 794571
Very congenial of Seraph to make himself vulnerable to me. I'll nail him with a full power KEA. If these seem to have no effect on him, then I'll blast the floor beneath his feet. If I need more power, then I'll obtain it in the usual manner.
Nazgul
Crusaders Plus #2 - "The Underground: Part Two"
Professor Abriax turns solid once more.
"I hear you, would be slayer of comrades. I will not dare the gems, 'till we've had time to discuss our course. Contend with Demonfire. Dark Seraph and I are, shall we say, old 'friends'."
Alyssa - Choose your words carefully, human. For I am not your comrade and I do not follow the orders of mere men!"
Unnoticed, Cat has recovered from his wounds and stalks Demonfire. She notices him, but too late. His claws remove from her this battle.
Elsewhere, Nazgul's ring glows once more and Dark Seraph is surrounded by its energies. He screams in pain.
Dark Seraph - "I shall destroy you!!"
He swings his massive fist and catches Naz in the face. Nazgul hits the ground and turns solid. Dark Seraph moves closer to the downed Naz, but suddenly a field of energy bars his path.
Dark Seraph - "Who dares to interfere?!"
Professor Abriax - "Turn and face me Seraph! We are no strangers, you and I! You want the Tridents of Satan? They are in my custody! Face me!!"
Dark Seraph - "You're the one--!"
Seraph turns solid and lunges forward, but the Professor is prepared. His wall of force dissipates and an Eldritch Bolt is hurtled along with the Thunderbolt of Zeus.
Professor Abriax - "Masters in Enoch, let my aim be true!"
And it is. Dark Seraph is hurtled across the chamber from the blast. He does not rise. Nearby, Nazgul stands.
And so we have the following situation: the Dark Order has been defeated. On one side of the room are Nazgul and Alyssa. Professor Abriax and Cat on the other.
What do you intend to do now?
SUBJ: PROFESSOR ABRIAX (R) FROM: AREION 01/30/89 S#: 500088
Whispering to CAT: "What do you make of those gems? Are they a source of evil, or was it our fallen foes you sensed?"
"NAZGUL, it appears that you've sustained some damage during the conflict. The art of healing is but one of my many talents. If you are in need, I could be more than happy to accommodate you"
"Well, ALYSSA, so far you've only opened you mouth to boast, and threaten those who battle in your defense, while you refuse to lift a finger on your own behalf. Perhaps I am mortal, but I am FAR from an ordinary man, I assure you!"
"What do you know of these rubies and those three?"
"We had better decide our course of action swiftly, they'll be coming too before too long."
SUBJ: Nazgul FROM: Deslock 01/30/89 S#: 117924
Whispering to Alyssa, "Have a care with your words, these mortals may be of use to us".
To the Professor, "I believe you would find my condition well beyond your ability to deal with, but, do as you please. The rubies are not your concern, you will leave them be."
I'll move to where Hieronomous has fallen, and check on his condition. If he seems in danger of becoming conscious, then I shall rectify this situation.
"This mortal has information I need. I shall have it."
After ensuring Hieronomous's continuing slumber, I shall search him, bind him, gag him, and blindfold him, tearing his robe into strips to accomplish this.
SUBJ: PROFESSOR ABRIAX FROM: AREION 01/30/89 S#: 796474
"Don't let this old, mortal shell fool you. The Soul Gem can be a powerful tool of healing as well as destruction. "I'll take the time to heal NAZGUL to the best of my ability (full STR Restoration spell.)
"Perhaps I have been a bit hasty. Forgive my rudeness, fair ALYSSA. If it is within our power, the CAT and I wish to lend our aid."
"These gems trouble me, I am sworn to protect this world from all evil magic, and their purpose eludes me. Still, if you will give your word that they pose no threat, I will leave it at that."
As NAZGUL shreds the Morbane's mystic cape, I'll take the strips and bind DEMONFIRE and DARK SEREPH as securely as possible with them. Hopefully it'll hold them long enough for us to quickly subdue them, should they awaken."
SUBJ: Nazgul (R) FROM: Deslock 01/30/89 S#: 118235
I'll once more don my robes, to aid the professor in his attempts to locate me. If, as I assume, his healing has no effect (no real effect, anyway, if you know what I mean), I shall simply issue a sinister chuckle. "Some things, mortal, are beyond your ken, and beyond the reach of your healing. You stumble blindly into the affairs of gods; have a care.
SUBJ: GM Update
Cat whispers back - "The gems are indeed magical, but are the product of a minor enchantment. The Arch itself is highly magical and evil. The rings worn by those two are magical. There is a strong aura of evil around both. Strange... The woman has no odor!"
On the other side of the chamber, Nazgul and Alyssa also exchange whispers.
Alyssa - "Bah! They are mere peasants!"
Professor Abriax steps forward.
Abriax - "Nazgul, it appears that you've sustained some damage during the conflict. The art of healing is one of my many talents. If you are in need, I would be more than happy to accommodate you.
Nazgul - "I believe that you would find my condition well beyond your ability to deal with, but do as you please. The rubies are not your concern, you will leave them be."
Nazgul dons his cloak once more, (he is normally invisible) and crosses the chamber and kneels next to Hieronomous. He shows no signs of coming around soon.
Abriax - "Don't let this old, mortal shell fool you. The Soul Gem can be a powerful tool of healing as well as destruction."
The Professor casts his spell of healing, but it has no apparent effect on Nazgul.
Nazgul - "Ha-ha.... Some things, mortal, are beyond your ken, and beyond the reach of your healing."
Puzzled, Professor Abriax turns to Alyssa.
Abriax - "Well, Alyssa, so far you've only opened your mouth to boast and threaten those who battle in your defense, while you refuse to lift a finger on your own behalf."
Alyssa - "Your own arrogance shall be your downfall, mortal. I could crush your like the insignificant insect that you are."
Nazgul - "Remember what I said, Alyssa."
Alyssa - "Bah!"
Abriax - "Perhaps I am mortal, but I am far from ordinary, I assure you! What do you know of these rubies and those three?
Alyssa - "Hieronomous is their leader. They call themselves the Dark Order. They have, shall we say, annoyed me before this day?"
Abriax - "We had better decide on our course of action swiftly. They'll be coming around before to long."
Nazgul - "Hieronomous shall not disturb us in the near future. He has information that I need. I shall have it."
Nazgul rips Hieronomous's cloak into strips and binds the Morbane as noted earlier. Professor Abriax comes over and using the extra strips binds Dark Seraph and Demonfire.
Abriax - "Perhaps I have been a bit hasty. Forgive my rudeness, fair Alyssa. If it is within our power, the Cat and I wish to lend our aid."
Abriax points to the Archway.
Abriax - "These gems trouble me. I am sworn to protect this world from all evil magic, and their purpose eludes me. Still, if you will give your word that they pose no threat, I will leave it at that."
Nazgul - "You stumble blindly into the affairs of gods, have a care."
Alyssa - "This conversation is pointless! That fiend-- pointing to Hieronomous -- holds two our fellow bearer's captive. We must rescue them and prepare for our lord's arrival! Are you with me, Nazgul?"
Okay, Post Away!
Spectrum's Comments: Alyssa seems to be rather fond of sheep, going around saying 'BAH!' all the time...
Each of the Ring Bearers was 'immune' to one of the five senses. Nazgul was invisible and hence immune to sight. Alyssa had no odor and so was immune to smell, That meant one of the other bearers could not be heard, immune to hearing, and another could not be touched, probably desolid. Neat idea until you consider the last of the five senses. The last ring bearer was immune to taste... I guess he was either a really bad dresser or needed seasoning.
SUBJ: Nazgul FROM: Deslock 01/30/89 S#: 797245
"Of course we must rescue them, my dear, and if your impertinence has not already swayed them against us, I believe these two gentlemen may be of assistance. Now, be still while sounder minds handle this matter. Permit me to introduce myself, gentlemen. I am known as Nazgul. As my compatriot Alyssa has stated, two of our brethren are held captive by forces under the sway of Hieronomous. He meant to attempt to capture us as well, fool that he is, and use us as the focus for a powerful spell of black magic. The others must be freed to foil any such plan, for even through these two, he could work a great evil."
That fool Alyssa has no eye for opportunity. These two possess a power that we can use against Hieronomous's lackeys. Oh yes indeed my dear, we shall see who amongst us shall rise the highest. Although you lack imagination, you will make a suitable slave.
SUBJ: PROFESSOR ABRIAX FROM: AREION 01/31/89 S#: 497718
"I am called Professor Abriax. And, as I have stated, I have been sworn to protect this world from the likes of all evil magic, whether the threat be from man or god. My principle weapon is the Soul Gem of the ENOCHIANs, themselves, a race of gods."
"My compatriot here is simply, the CAT. When I passed the test of worthiness and earned the right to herald the Enochian's cause, He...was given to me as an instructor in the use of the gem."
"As a duo, we go by the name of EQUINOX."
"So...what is our next course of action."
SUBJ: Nazgul FROM: Deslock 02/01/89 S#: 466391
"We must now locate the place in which Hieronomous has hidden away our brethren. Perhaps the Cat may be of assistance in this area, if his tracking skills match those of the creature after which he has been named. Alyssa, perhaps you have something useful to say on this point." I turn and glare at her, my look warning her to keep a civil tongue in her head.
SUBJ: PROFESSOR ABRIAX FROM: AREION 02/01/89 S#: 455855
"That they are, my friend. You two have the inside track on this one. I wouldn't even know where to start looking."
"Would that I had a means by which to return to my artifacts chamber. The 'All Seeing Eye' would prove useful to us now! If we must venture out of the catacombs, I would return for it. It is not far."
Mail From: AREION Date: Wednesday 1-Feb-89 18:40 EST
In reference to my latest post if we should wind up returning to the artifacts chamber, keep the Cloak [14], return everything else and take the All Seeing Eye [27] (don't put it on yet) and slip a small jewelry box into my side pouch as deftly as possible. The box contains Merlin's Magic Rune Stone [32].(Don't prepare it yet, either)
:> Areion :>
Spectrum's Comments: Secret instructions from Professor Abriax.
SUBJ: GM UPDATE:
The conversation proceeds as above. Alyssa, for the most part, remains quiet. Until asked about the base's location.
Alyssa - "Being a member of the Inner Circle, Hieronomous has access to all DEMON installations. I don't know which one he abides in. I think we should force it out him. It might be fun..."
Just then, the entire room seemingly erupts in fire! Everyone is caught off guard. You are all dazed from the attack. When your wits are regained, the Dark Order is gone! However, the mental voice of Hieronomous is heard a moment later.
Hieronomous - "I award you this round, my foes, but the next time you shall not be so lucky! You seek your brethren, my pretty Alyssa? Come to Salem and you can join them. Of course such action would be foolhardy, for not even you four can hope to match with the entire assembled Dark Order or the Demonwarriors who guard my base. Adieu, my foolish, future slaves."
Laughter follows and it slowly fades out of your thoughts. Now what do you do?
SUBJ: Nazgul FROM: Deslock 02/01/89 S#: 511102
"The immensity of the foolishness of this Hieronomous never ceases to amaze me. He has given us that which we needed, thinking it a trap. It is, indeed, a trap, but they shall be the victims. Bring all the company you desire, Hieronomous, I quite enjoy crowds; the next time we meet, you shall not live to tell the tale."
I move to confer with Alyssa. "What is wrong? In the brief period I have known you, this is the first time you have been silent. What do you know of Hieronomous's base?"
I shall briefly glance at the gems, to insure that the two are still aglow. If Hieronomous has left some lingering spell upon Alyssa, perhaps it will show some sign in the ruby.
SUBJ: PROFESSOR ABRIAX FROM: AREION 02/02/89 S#: 500465
"It is you who are the fool, Morbane, to think mere weight of numbers may stave the avenging hand of the just!"
"Cat, lead us out of here, follow our trail back out. We head for Salem."
"Unless you have some instantaneous or expedient means of travel, I suggest we head for the nearest airport. After a quick clothing change, of course."
"A delay of mere minutes won't hamper us any, If I can stop briefly back at my artifacts chamber can pick up those that will be most useful to us"