Tanis Six, 3,520 years after the Battle of Tanis.

[albatross]

Fakir raises an eyebrow at Aki, "I never said I'd return the vaccine. I merely said I would tell you everything. First off, the vaccine I took from your world did more harm than good. I can't simply return it, I have to get another vaccine supply from someplace else."

"And second, your companion Romidus is from an alternative world - his vaccine was stolen by a person named Fakir who is similar to me, but it wasn't actually me. Your friend Bellephoebe can probably explain it to you if you want." Fakir seems slightly uncomfortable, as he tries to slip into a role of knighthood that was never really his except in heritage.

His face softens, "I do appreciate you and your friends helping me out. I tell you what, I'll get you the vaccines regardless, but I'd consider it a favor to me if your friends would assist us in our quest."

[shiivster]

Aki stares at the man known as Fakir. 'you not make them sleep. why not make demons sleep when they attack? you did before . . wait . . ' *steps closer and gets a big inhale of Fakir and compares to the one from the attack at the raid*

*its clear by the body language she doesn't trust him. 'like animals better. they true, they no lie'

[albatross]

Fakir hasn't rested since the battle, so he smells a bit like demon's blood and sweat, but underneath he smells the same - a hint of sandalwood.

"Yes, Sanctuary is a powerful spell. Unfortunately, it not only makes demons go to sleep - but it makes nuns and bunny girls and animals all sleep too. Anyone who attacks except me. As powerful as it is, it has a range limit - it can only impact so much area. And your friend Bellephoebe can probably tell you that when you cast it, you cant cast much else." Fakir explains patiently.

[thorley]

"I have no real idea what any of this is about since nobody has bothered to explain it to me from the beginning. Blood sacrifices and travelling back in time... which is supposed to be impossible mind you, to create intentional paradoxes in the hopes it improves things sounds utterly insane. As bad as things might be in King Talon's kingdom it can't be any worse than the world I'm from initially and you'd probably do better to try and save it now, rebuild, or simply evacuate than try and alter the past".

Bellephoebe sighs

"Really, I'm not comfortable with someone being sacrificed like this under the best of times. Especially when I'm not sure it's nessicary. There is always an alternative to things like that. Regardless of what you all decide to do, I need to check on a few things with my own sources, both this spell you want to try and use, and see about springing Mikalah. If you want to go now, have fun, I'll either meet you there by alternative means or I won't".

Bellephoebe turns to Aki

"I'm not sure what your after, but since Fakir seems reluctant to give it to you, maybe you should come with me for a bit.... I might be able to check on your problem as well".

Bellephoebe expects them to say all kinds of things about having perfect knowlege and there being no other alternatives, and having checked with every source, etc.. she ignores that and given access to the PPE batteries she casts her own dimensional teleport spell, with or without Aki (unless someone stops her). Her destination: Dweamor.

She'll warn Aki to expect a lukewarm reaction, but one that should be dealt with easily enough.

Dweamor being the secret city of mages from RIFTS where she's from Bellephoebe is a sojourner but given recent events she kind of needs to make a report and check the records. While there she plans to do the following:

1. Bellephoebe is already a High Magus, he informs The Lords Of Magic (even if it takes a bit to get the message to them) about the demons with the banner of the Old Ones, Fakir, King Talon, and what they have been babbling about... especially the bit about wanting to travel back in time using blood sacrifice.

For obvious reasons Bellephoebe figures they would really like to know about major events like this and people screwing around with time travel that should be impossible. They might not want to get involved but it's the kind of thing a High Magus Sojourner (which is a bit differant from others) is supposed to report on.

2. While there she can either ask directly, or do research, in Dweamor's munchkin library to find out more about this gate Mikalah used and if there is a way to spring her, and this time travel thing and if there is a way to do it without blood sacrifice. She can also inquire with the animal experts there (familiar experts, etc...) about Aki's problem.

One thing about Dweamor is that The Lords Of Magic are stupidly ancient, they just returned fairly recently. They, and their city, are hidden and thus probably outside the knowlege of the various players in this megaversal drama (and they have their own problems with Dunscan, Splynncryth, Emperor Prosek, and others so haven't been playing on the larger field, being a shadow of what they once were).

Aki will probably get a cold shoulder for a bit, but being brought in by Bellephoebe there shouldn't be an issue. While it hasn't been a factor Bellephoebe's parents are actually some of the first mages to settle in Dweamor and members of the original Federation of Magic (elven nobles with royal blood from The Time Of a Thousand Magics who wound up in RIFTS decades ago and being powerhouse mages helped set up The Federation Of Magic with other mages and were among the first to settle in that paticular city).

If this is too ridiculous, forget about it, but RP wise Bellephoebe wants answers, and alternatives, and heading home for a bit to report to some major NPCs and hit the libraries is a way of doing it.

*IF* she succeeds she can time travel to the same location and time period as the rest of the group.

Also RIFTS is a Nexus and Dweamor is fairly transdimensional being full of all kinds of ridiculously powerful mages. This puts a temporary divide between the defunct characters without players and the two of us still playing, and also presents a hopping on point for any new characters if we can find more players... since pretty much anything could show up in RIFTS and get involved in this from that point on. Heck depending on the specific PCs you could even justify characters like what Rodimus was (Godlings and such) as being sent by The Lords if people want to play them given the... sheer scope of events.

[albatross]

"Of course, " says Fakir, "Please conduct your research, and let me know if you find out anything. If you return to this time and place a few minutes after you have left, then you can met us again."

*******

The library Dweamor probably knows something about Mikalah's dimension, but Bellephoebe can't be sure because there is nothing in the library on "Snake Changers" - because they are very rare and very secretive even in their own dimension. There are myths that sound similar to the True Gate that appear in other cultures (ie Ah! My Goddess - the Movie), but no actual magical research because the spell is known only to Fakir, Mikalah and other Snake Changers and the library has nothing on them.

The Lords of Magic are familiar with the name Fakir. Fakir was one of the apprentices to a well known Temporal Raider who was notorious for raids on Atlantis and other Splugoreth territories. However, Fakir died. (Note: this is Fakir's father).

With careful research, it can be discovered that King Talon and Sarah (Fakir?) are perhaps the very last living beings to hail from the world they call Fallen Empire. In a terribly tragic story the Emperor died, and civil war erupted. Disease and death were the only victors.

The Lords of Magic generally frown upon attempts to change a world's past, however there is very strong evidence that its past was changed several times already before Talon and Fakir II started messing with it (perhaps by Fakir I and/or others). Talon and Fakir have apparently been working to "fix" their world for about 400 years. Stopping King Talon or Fakir would be akin to hunting for a Temporal Raider and would probably require significant time travel to be successful. The Lords of Magic would like someone to keep and eye on Fakir and Talon, but it would be difficult to take any action without more knowledge.

As for the seal: most seals like this are created by super-powerful magic (like Lokum's seal that contains the Old Ones). The simplest ones merely kill those who pass through, and this is likely the kind Fakir faces. The secret is to use immortal beings to pass through the seal (like Tesla and Sapphire), so Fakir is already on the right track. If they find enough immortals, then the seal will be ineffective and won't kill anyone. Otherwise, the groups that pass through the seal will include one person who will be killed by the seal. Technically the seal tries to kill the immortals too, it simply doesn't work.

[shiivster]

Aki not really wanting anything to do with Fakir, since he's a stealer of not food for not food or not housing, will go with Bellaphoebe and the large wing sib instead. this should be a better place.

surprise is the least of her concerns once they arrive. her eyes go huge as the air smells differently right away and Yumi squeaks and scrambles out to cling to the shoulder to get a good look about as well. this is something worth noting to tell any young kits she has.

*for being one of the smallest in the group of travellers, she seems the quickest lost and easily distracted as she moves side to side looking at plants to identify them and creatures to see if she can 'feel' that odd urge calling her. someone is calling to her, and she's curious to see who it is. she wonders if its from this place or nearby this place, and if it is young or half grown and having some knowledge already.
[possible sencond companion from here]

*while Bellaphoebe does her thing, Aki will poke about, straying further out to explore a block by block range from the library. she has little concern for the people and beings that live there. wild birds in the area will visit with her to give the news or show off the latest offspring to fellow packmate.

*she is small and usually easily overlooked and unconcerned about guards following her or what they may be reporting. taken in a big view, it is like a young kit exploring about the 'den'. she makes sure that Bellaphoebe won't leave without her, but is busy enjoying herself exploring and seeing the sights. <Korean to Yumi> 'clothed ones much strange. strange smells . . mmm . . that smells good' *pauses to stand outside a restaurant and stares at the window and at the people inside. then sniffs a couple of times and heads off in another random tangent, wondering if the call is getting stronger in this direction.

[thorley]

Bellephoebe will also look into alternatives to the blood sacrifice in travelling back in time. That's really something she won't do. That's more Dunscon's thing and what his "true Federation Of Magic" is up to which causes such turmoil in the "alliance" between the various members.

As far as research on Mikalah goes, Bellephoebe is going to check on the name "Mikalah" since she's ancient, or perhaps in a more clever format.... looking up Mikalah's sword since she got a pretty good look at it and one of the big things about Dweamor is the manufacture of magical items. A sword capable of taking out dozens or even hundreds of demons with an energy blast has got to be up there with Castlerake on the legendary scale.

As she promised Bellephoebe will check into the cure Aki wants.

*IF* there proves to be an alternative to travelling back in time Bellephoebe will re-stock and re-arm since she's in her home dimension (she has scads of money and her family is rich and she's actually home) pretty much replentishing what's on her character sheet. She'll make sure Starlighter is fed and cared for since she's been having a rough time...

Two things she will attempt to do while she's here and spending time, both of which might be Vetoed by the GM:

Since she's expecting heavy combat she is going to get a suit of standard issue Magus armor (50 MDC, under the standard equipment in the high magus description she probably has some of this handy in storage anyway. A little bit of extra durability is always nice even if she doesn't like wearing actual armor.

More importantly she is going to use her abillities to create scrolls of high PPE spells and a bunch of talismans and amulets for her and Aki. She has access to Dweamor's nexus points and all the relevent spells.

Since she hit 6th level and never had the oppertunity she'll also create an Automaton (giant magical golem) probably a Collossus since it's a class abillity to ride one (but any kind is fine). Since the battle of Tolkeen these aren't as secret as they once were. She'll leave Starlighter behind and cared for for the moment if this is possible since she's probably heading into a highly hostile enviroment.

For the sake of referance Create Scroll is on page 140, Amulet is on page 143, and Talisman is on page 150 (RIFTS Magic Book). These are rare spells, but creating stuff like this is her thing and she rarely has an oppertunity like this.

Sitting on a Nexus point for however long it takes (lol) which is actually going to be a shockingly short amount of time if I run you through her total "PPE Throw" under ideal circumstances her basic goal is to recharge the PPE batteries she collected from Fakir's minions (which should be thousands of points) and create her own 1000 PPE battery. She will create one of each Amulet for Aki and herself. She will then create one of each Talisman for Invincible Armor, Spinning Blades, Wall Of Defense, and Negate Magic for her and Aki (most frequently used combat spells, each talisman good for three casts). She will also try and create two scrolls of each spell she knows that doesn't require a permanant stat sacrifice (given that even with these batteries PPE is an issue). This kind of preparation is what defines a High Magus and hopefully she'll be able to do it right for once. It also means that she'll actually be ready for an army of demons or throwing down with Fakir again if it comes to that.

The Colossus takes 1250 PPE to create and actually gives you time to gather that much. Especially with that 900 PPE battery the Catgirl tossed to Bellephobe she's going to be able to throw that much easily. Of course she can put 720 PPE into an Energy Sphere (page 140 magic book) off a Nexus point so given the recovery time the ritual allows she can actually create one herself. The big issue of course being creating the statue.

If the Colossus is too munchkin she can do a Battlelord, or just go back on Starlighter. When the opposition seems to be godlinds and armies of demons though she wants to be ready for them. As a high Magus with preparation she can play on that level even if personality wise she doesn't really like battle or violent uses of magic.

[thorley]

Oh yes, and also while we're not in a crisis mode, what does that staff Bellephoebe constructed in the null-magic dimension wind up doing exactly? She has time to play around with it now (she knows better than to mess with unknown magical items in uncontrolled circulstamces).

As far as Aki goes, since we're liable to be here for a while she will probably wind up being put up at Belle's family's house in the guest quarters, which is actually where Belle is likely to be staying as opposed to the Magus HQ since she's still technically a Sojourner and is touching base (though as a High Magus she can go there without much problem I'd imagine).

Out of her pocket (since the Order wouldn't cover this and her family hardly knows Aki) Bellephoebe will purchuse her:

Armored Trenchcoat & Light Anti-Assasin Vest equivilents (11k credits, page 192 GM guide)
Vibro Knife (7000 credits)
Hooked Forearm Vibroblades (14.5k credits, page 125 GM's guide)
Modern Compound Bow (1,000 credits)
24 1d4x10 MDC magic arrows (12 fire, 12 lightning, 24,000)

76,500 credits, Belle had like 728,000 credits, so that's over 10% of her money, but it should put Aki in slightly better condition for combat especially with the Talismans. Belle won't tell her what it cost, besides technically she can make more money fairly easily with her skills if she was to take the time off from adventuring. I'm also considering what Belle could get fairly quickly with her connections, it's not like she's liable to be dealing with the transdimensional merchants of Merctown since she's planning on doing all this research and enchanting.

[albatross]

O.O.C.: "I think we can help with... some of that."

Items:

The items for Aki are all Ok, if she wants them. The armor, amulets, talismans, and re-charging the PPE batteries the bunny girls gave Bellephobe are all relatively easy to do - merely takes time.

As for the scrolls, she can create a scroll file, but I'm going to insist Bellephoebe describe six scrolls, preferably less, that she keeps "at the ready" and on her person and the rest are in a file someplace. That or she needs an apprentice to caddy them for her.

The Colossus Automaton isn't going to work for practical reasons. Its more than 60ft tall and very heavy - most dimensional travel and time travel spells simply can't handle an item this big, only a big rift works... It would need its own time travel/dimensional travel capability and even then it would be very impractical on most worlds. It would have been very helpful in the previous battle, but it will be a hindrance in the future. Bellephobe can build it if she wants, but she will end up abandoning it in frustration.

Research:

The way around the blood sacrifice is easy, they simply need to find more immortals like Sapphire and Tesla. If an immortal stands in the place where the sacrifice is supposed to go they should be fine. Of course, to bring lots of bunny girls and warrior nuns through the seal, they might need several immortals (one for every eight people transported).

The cures Aki is looking for are vaccine supplies for an entire planet. Fakir provides a vaccine to Aki's world as promised, so the missing vaccine is for Romidus' alternate world. For a single time/dimensional traveler it would require decades of time traveling field research to figure out what is needed. Only someone with dozens of time traveling minions like Fakir or Talon could accomplish it in any reasonable amount of time.

With very little info on Mikalah, researching her weapons is difficult. Her whip of thorns is similar to a TW Whip of Pain and may simply be an improved version. Her short sword that her Coyle ward now possesses seems like a lesser version of Eonwe's sword Quettamacil, except it operates by touch instead of word commands. The other sword Fakir carries as her sword bearer is tough to research... many swords are described as having such powers - but every few actually had such strength. Bellephobe would need more information to really research these items.

The staff is linked to the friend or foe it is named after. Thus it can be used to telepathically contact that person or find them even across time and dimensions. For named foes, typically an intimate connection isn't forged - but Bellephoebe would be better able to find Lord Splynncryth and face him in battle (+1 to track, initiative, etc). After careful research, Bellephoebe is able to determine one of the powers the staff has is the ability to parry/negate magic spells by absorbing them. Tesla and Ora were using the weapons to do this in the demon battle. Bellephoebe can also retain the blocked spell inside the staff. Retaining a spell prevents blocking further spells until she releases the spell. It is released exactly as it was cast (level, etc), only Bellephoebe can choose the target.

[albatross]

While Bellephoebe researches, Aki is able to meet several very interesting animals. Her messenger bird introduces her to most of them - with a penchant for finding and returning with odd creatures - including a Drakin (Luck Bird).

[shiivster]

Aki will show no discomfort with the gear, as long as it isn't leather or made out of any animal body parts. wool gathered off plants and other types of gathered materials would be fine. but the more closer to nature itself the happier she will be with it.

the young beastmaster is having a wonderful time with the visits of the various animals and birds. during her visits, she will ask various questions and will learn many interesting facts about the various species that are not usually known. her mongoose roots about and chases down various rodents in nearby alleys and gets an occasional snake in the garden. while not hte greatest of meals, the fact big sister doesn't stop the hunting shws that she understands the need the mongoose has to hunt for herself.

*she offers the appropriate snack for each of her visitors. she learns everything she can on a different level than most people that 'study' the various animals. she will do minor healing to various animals as needed. she will turn and face any 'threats' that come near when tending to the wildlings as Yumi arrives and gets larger and gets the attitude of 'i kill it'. the small korean raised youngster will wave a hand in a dismissive manner at whoever it is getting close and will relax once she senses the wildlings have fled the area

[thorley]

Well, this does raise an interesting question about how Bellephoebe is going to go back in time to meet with Fakir without an immortal to cast the spell (which I am presuming she knows at this point).

Of course with so little information about what is going on availible, there is always the question as to why we'd want to bother since even The Lords Of Magic don't seen especially concerned about this.

Lacking any other recourse, in search of further information she will gather up an offering of food and supplies and go and consult the Gray Seers (the Oracles of The Federation Of Magic who also made the prophecy of Dweamor's future doom, presumably after becoming too closely allied with Dunscon and getting caught up in his insanity). If they don't have any insights on this one way or another, Bellephoebe isn't going to see much point in getting killed in someone else's war for a purpose she doesn't really understand.

If she can find a good reason to continue her involvement, she will have to find an immortal that is willing to cooperate with the spell. If nessicary I could roll a second PC (since I know you have scads of NPCs to keep track of) but ideally this would be a great reason to get another player involved if we can find someone. :/

[albatross]

Bellephoebe meets three Gray Seers who agree to gaze into the future. They are polite to Bellephoebe (and Aki and her animals if they are along).

For several moments after they attempt to read the future they are silent, looking to one another as if confused.

"An entire world devoid of life..." One of them begins, a bit shaken.

Another Seer picks up, "But there is a prophecy that it will be saved by Fakir."

The third frowns, "No, not him. The prophesy is merely that he will appear at the proper hour."

They look at Bellephoebe with consternation. The idea of a world being wiped out plainly disturbs them, and they hesitate carefully choosing their words.

"The correct choice must be made in order to save the people."

[shiivster]

Aki is enjoying her visits with various animals and birds, when she stiffens and frowns. her head looks about as she stands up. 'who just called me? hairless sister? wh . . . oh. aren't you the handsome fellow'

*she stands and stares at a pair of big golden-green eyes staring at her from the alley. Yuki is curled on the bench and perks up and sniffs the air and chirps once. the Mongoose hops down and circles Aki a few times then rolls about on the ground 'marking' the area about her big sister.

*a large half grown kit moves forward into the light. gray and black blended hair and a wide face, large paws, shortish tail and tall triangular ears with upright tufts of hair stares at the human and the odd hairy creature. he pads closer and sits and stares at the smallish human that oddly seems like a 'sister', than something to fear.

Aki extends her hand for the introduction. she is rewarded with a single sniff, a lick and then a hard headbutt for attention too. he suddenly realizes that this odd two legged sister is a lynx at heart. even if other animals come to visit and say 'hi'. Yumi and the lynx, shortly named Mao. {'tall ears' from yumi's point of view}

*it will be a while as the Lynx follows her as bravely and in an easy manner as Yumi does. the Mongoose scampers and returns to sniff then ventures off again. the lynx kit finally trusts and follows as easily as the mongoose. it hides quickly at loud sudden noises, but Aki takes the time to soothe the young brother and he emrges and headbutts her in return for her faith.

he hisses at Bellephoebe at the first viewing. 'just ignore little brother. he has chosen to follow me as pride member. his name is Mao Tall Ears. or Mao for short. this is his first time among two legged ones. most would be hunting hi . . ' *Aki is toppled over as Mao interupts to knock her down and sprawls on her and purrs loudly and paddles the air with oversized paws. She just grins up at Bellephoebe and laughs as Yumi joins in the mock wrestling match between the three of them.

[thorley]

Bellephoebe says "Wonderful, so I guess I can't just ignore it and check out some more pleasant dimensions I wanted to visit. Thank you for your time and assistance. I'll have to figure out how to handle this. To even try and do something about it I'll need to find an immortal who is willing to endure some discomfort to help me cast a spell to travel back in time, and I imagine that's going to be a chore"


Bellephoebe ponders how to solve that problem.

Oh and while I thought I said something the message seems to be missing, the equipment Bellephoebe got for Aki is 100% synthetic. We're dealing with MDC technology so the clothing is the same stuff Triax makes plainclothes armor out of, something similar to the "Base 4" fabric in Australia I'd imagine since that's where the heading is from (it's the NA equivilent). The weapons are vibroblades and being in North America probably go back to CS technology but are doubtlessly knock offs from one of the many black market weapon dealers with the same stats. Black MDC ceramic housing with super-science metal. "Vibro Blade" is a bit misleading since in RIFTS a Vibro blade is more similar to a Warhammer 40k "Power Sword" in that it covers the metal with an energy field to allow it to cut through things (it's not a lightsaber-type thing, but rather an energy field that is generated around an actual blade which acts as the channel).

Not the most powerful stuff out there, but Dweamor is a magical power and while ammo is pretty plentiful I'd doubt you could purchuse plasma blades, phase weapons, and other assorted things there.

Though this DOES have me thinking about the above problem... Albatross, would a Rune Weapon which is indestructable and has the life force of a living being in it work? Since I doubt time travel spells can destroy/depower rune weapons (or else they wouldn't be such a problem in some quarters, it takes very specific requirements to even consider it) it might work.

While worth millions of credits Bellephoebe could probably get her hands on one given that Dweamor probably has a vault full of the things from wiping out Splugorth minions and the likeand she is a High Magus with an influential family, who needs one to save a dimension. It wouldn't have to be paticularly powerful, just have a life force inside of it that won't be snuffed. It could then be used to both travel back to Fakir and presumably as the crux of whatever ritual he needs to cast.

If all else fails, it's kind of Munchkin, but since time isn't an issue Bellephoebe could slowly and boringly accumulate millions and buy one. I'd imagine in the scope of Harriers and the spells she has it would be easy to simply travel between the earth dimension she visited briefly before heading to the big demon battle, obtain 20th century goods, and then sell
them at a premium as antiques through the Black Market on RIFTS earth. She's more of an explorer than interested in business and pursueing wealth for it's own sake (though her family is rich and she's a High Magus which probably has something to do with it, she's never been poor, the quintessential spoiled little princess in many respects) but she could probably pull it off.

Just a potential solution if you don't want second PCs, or don't have another Immortal NPC to show up.

It should be noted however that Bellephoebe would prefer a volunteer, she by definition hates Rune magic since that involved having to sacrifice someone or something to put them into the weapon (Rune magic is evil). She tolerates it being unprincipled and given the "alliance" with Dunscan but like the plan to sacrifice Bunny Girls she prefers to have nothing to do with it personally or use things like that despite the power.