Log:The Secret of Skull Island, Scene 4

The Secret of Skull Island 2007/12/16 	 Akeno Ellbeth Dungeon Master Skysabre Terat Variable 4

"My my my... Did we lose the Fighter?" The Dungeon Master appears again, a holographic projection from the ceiling. "At this rate, you'll never make it to Harry."

Skysabre looks up at the Dungeon Master. "I personally have been forced to lower our estimates of success." The Air Commander admits, fingering some of the gouges in its armor and glancing at Kihzra. "Especially if we cannot continue forward."

Ellbeth steps forward from her position. "It's me you want, Dungeon Master. Let the Harry and the heroes return to Colonial Bay unharmed and I'll come to you unresisting."

Variable finally catches up with the others, reluctant climbing down the wall to enter by the hole in the door leading to the skeleton room. So far she's been creeping along the ceiling, and is the same colour as the rock the dungeon is hewn from.

"Giving up?" the Dungeon Master says. "I've already stated the rules, and there's only one way to reach Harry. Through the dungeon. You're free to advance on your own, Magic User, but I wouldn't recommend it."

"Our chances are still above a purely random event." Skysabre counters. "I have no intention of returning to my area of operations unless bidden by Dr. Wyrd."

Ellbeth has comfirmed that the Dungeon Master is aware of events in this chamber. Which was obvious but still confirmation is helpful. She starts a careful scan for hidden cameras and microphones. If she spots any hidden doors that's a bonus.

Variable currently appears as a wall-crawling woman with a shell or exoskeleteon, hard to see again the stone but not so hard when crawling through the hole in the door.

Ellbeth points back to the doorway. "We have company."

Skysabre raises its arm, allowing the plasma launcher apparatus to emerge as it points towards the doorway. The Air Commander's optics turn red as it switches to thermal. "Declare yourself."

Variable says, "Don't shoot! I'm called Variable - I'm a superhero - well, I hope to be."

Skysabre switches to x-ray, trying to determine if Variable is mechanical.

Ellbeth leaves the identity and purpose of the new arrival to others to determine. Working with Max she uses the observation point she's detected to start a penetration to the maximum extent possible of the systems in the Dungeon Master's lair.

[To Ellbeth] Variable says, "You're Dr. Wyrd? I saw your message on HeroNet."

Variable is quite definitely organic.

"This one is an organic." Skysabre concludes, lowering its arm. "It is unlikely that it is an agent of the Dungeon Master given that he appears to use only constructs."

Ellbeth doesn't immediately respond to Variable as she works on her laptop.

The Dungeon Master says confidently to Ellbeth. "You'll find that the robots on the Island are more resistant to you hacking than the ones from the convention.."

Ellbeth thinks. o O (The robots might be. What about the base systems?)

Variable relaxes as Skysabre says that then frowns as she looks around the room. "Dead end? Ohmyg- what happened to her?"

Skysabre glances towards Kihzra. "Unit Kihzra designated Sword Dancer suffered a near fatal laceration from one of the disabled constructs."

Variable keeps an eye out for trouble, unsure what else to do at the moment.

The Dungeon Master peers curiously at Ellbeth. "No, you're not trying to hack my robots... what are you doing...?"

"I would be a simple thing to penetrate the defense of one of your constructs." Skysabre comments to the Dungeon Master. "While you have given them sufficient brute force I find the overrall level of construction crude at best."

Ellbeth looks up for a moment. "There's a Sudoku puzzle that's been bugging me. I think I may have an idea. So be quiet for a while. I'll let you know when I've finished it."

"Crude?" The Dungeon Master says. "I'm employing some of the most advanced robotics on the planet." He looks over at Skysabre. "Well, perhaps not the /most/ advanced. I might look to add you to my collection."

"It would do you no good." Skysabre continues. "You could examine the worksmanship of the Elders for a thousand years and you could not begin to comprehend it."

Variable looks about the room, wondering if in fact it's a dead end or if there might be some secret door or such - in particular she checks out the skeleton king's throne as an obvious feature.

"Sudoku, my eye!" The Dungeon Master says. He looks down at something in front of him, and his hologram flickers away into darkness.

Skysabre did all it could to distract the Dungeon Master. It turns towards Var, applying an x-ray scan to perhaps aid her search.

"The key of wood and stone and steel." Skysabre comments. It goes hunting for the king skeleton's sword.

Variable says, "What key?"

Skysabre hefts the blade. "A riddle we heard earlier. Perhaps this is the answer. Put it into the slot." It tosses the blade towards Variable.

Variable catches the blade and tries using it as a key, as per instructions.

The sword is a perfect fit and it slides in, to the hilt. There's a click, and then the throne begins to slowly descend into the floor down to another level of the dungeon.

Variable grins. "I was right!"

"We hold for Dr. Wyrd." Skysabre comments to Variable.

Variable peers down into the darkness - though hopefully infrared vision will offset that somewhat.

Variable says quietly, "Thre's someone down there. Or at least, something warm and person-shaped."

Skysabre hovers over to Variable, looking down the same shaft and employing x-ray. "Stick by Dr. Wyrd. My optics are more powerful."

Skysabre's optics turn from white to red as it switches to thermal.

Ellbeth looks up. "Destroy the camera on the throne please."

For Terat, tracking the scent of Variable is always an interesting exercise. The other scents that accompany her are easier to follow by far, but they hold little interest to the monstrous one. While doing her best to remain unseen, Terat arrives at this room, a little unnerved by the notion of being part of a dungeon.

Skysabre reaches for the camera, trying to crush it or break the lens.

Skysabre shakes a few broken chips and shards of glass from its hands. "The camera is no longer operable."

Variable notices the arrival of Terat and, wanting to make sure the others don't react suspiciously, is sure to wave and say hello before the new arrival causes alaem.

Ellbeth says, "Thank you, Skysabre. Harry is in the next chamber. That is recorded in the security e-map as being the Spider Queen Room. I do not know at this time if there is just the one robotic Spider Queen or if, as in this room, there are lesser robots also."

"I could only detect the one construct in my scan." Skysabre replies. "I was going to inform you that I had located a living human once you had finished your itnerface."

"Cameras?" The rumbling voice of Terat is unmistakable as either new or belonging to Terat herself. She emerges from the shadows at Variable's greeting, eyes moving to the only non-familiar person to her.

Variable says, "If he's there - there's likely to be a trap, right?"

Ellbeth continues, "With additional time I may be able to find out. However the Dungeon Master may decide to pose a threat to Harry if he becomes annoyed at an apparent lack of progress. Therefore I intend to proceed and determine the occupancy of the chamber visually.

Ellbeth nods. "That is highly likely. The trap is probably triggered by any attempt to free Harry. So the Spider Queen must be dealt with so there is no rush in that regard.

Skysabre nods. "I agree." It turns towards Terat. "If reinforcements were so easily to summon we should have notified the authorities."

Ellbeth says, "As I am unlikely to be able to damage the robot I will go first and distract it. <y magic is primarily supportive and defensive. It is likely I am the best protected here."

Terat stands to her full height, a massive sight to behold. "No one summoned reinforcements," she utters. "Reinforcements followed one of your number." She glances at Variable. Then at Ellbeth, resuming the more hunched-over stance she typically takes. "What is this place? It has.. strange contents."

Skysabre nods to Terat. "We would appreciate the aid as you appear capable enough." It turns back to Ellbeth. "I will follow. I do not intend to touch the ground."

Variable says, "I didn't see a Spider Queen? Maybe it's not hot?"

Skysabre nods to Variable. "It is a construct. I detected it when I used x-ray. As I said, my optics are superior."

Variable says, "Did you see anything else?"

Skysabre shakes his head. "No other constructs could be identified."

"What is the danger of touching the ground?" Terat asks, looking at Variable.

"It is a spider's den." Skysabre replies. "I am concerned about webs."

Variable says, "Is it dangerous? I was sticking to the ceiling because orcs walked on the ground."

"I am not." Terat looks at Skysabre. She sniffs at the air, searching for the scent of adhesive in the beyond.

Ellbeth says, "As I am unlikely to be able to damage the robot I will go first and distract it. <y magic is primarily supportive and defensive. It is likely I am the best protected here."

Terat stands to her full height, a massive sight to behold. "No one summoned reinforcements," she utters. "Reinforcements followed one of your number." She glances at Variable. Then at Ellbeth, resuming the more hunched-over stance she typically takes. "What is this place? It has.. strange contents."

Skysabre nods to Terat. "We would appreciate the aid as you appear capable enough." It turns back to Ellbeth. "I will follow. I do not intend to touch the ground."

Variable says, "I didn't see a Spider Queen? Maybe it's not hot?"

Skysabre nods to Variable. "It is a construct. I detected it when I used x-ray. As I said, my optics are superior."

Variable says, "Did you see anything else?"

Skysabre shakes his head. "No other constructs could be identified."

"What is the danger of touching the ground?" Terat asks, looking at Variable.

"It is a spider's den." Skysabre replies. "I am concerned about webs."

Variable says, "Is it dangerous? I was sticking to the ceiling because orcs walked on the ground."

Skysabre nods to Terat. "Then we should move." It turns to Ellbeth. "Are you prepared, Dr. Wyrd?"

Ellbeth says, "Tell me when you are ready to proceed. I shall advance into the next chamber at that time."

Ellbeth does in fact proceed into the Spider Queen's chamber - after casting a shield spell.

Skysabre's optical colors disappear entirely as it switches to night vision, moving right after Ellbeth.

Variable shifts to a different shape before going down.

Ellbeth steps to one side to clear the entrance way but only advances a short distance wanting to draw the spider towards her and away from Harry.

Terat stands ready, viewing with the nightly vision of things that dwell in the darkness. Ready to snatch Ellbeth at a moment's notice. The giant spider thing has her attention soon enough though, and she follows along with Variable.

As the heroes enter the room the giant spider on the ceiling turns towards them. It begins to walk across the ceiling towards them.

Variable descends the stairs nervously. She's no idea how she'll do in a real fight - she's new to this!

The Giant Spider robot clatters across the ceiling until it's above Ellbeths head. It tries to drop to the ground and pin Ellbeth to the floor.

Terat's fur becomes a lot shaggier, also growing claws.

Ellbeth is knocked to the floor beneath the spider's descent.

Skysabre hovers in the air above the group, swooping towards the spider as it pins Ellbeth. Its arms go up and the plasma launchers emerge from its wrists. It aims at the spider's rear, so that any shots that might penetrate or go astray will miss Ellbeth. "Leave her." It fires.

Variable hasn't changed too much in appearance, but for growing some very wicked-looking claws.

Variable charges in to attack the spider with her newly-formed claws. No real tactics: just try to hurt the spider before it hurts us.

Ellbeth thinks. o O (Actually that's the last thing I want. Stay on me, you mechanical eight legged horror. These people are here helping me. If anyone must take your attacks it should be me.)

Terat rushes forth along with the others, stopping over Ellbeth's position, prefering to be ready to accept spidery attack rather than chase it down to the other end of the place.

Variable doesn't know her own strength - at least like this. While her claws fail to penetrate she sends the spider flying!

The Spider manages to keep a hold of Ellbeth through it's being knocked back.

Ellbeth ooofs as she dragged along the floor beneath the spider when it's knocked across the chamber.

Terat charges forth, leaping to take hold of the spider with her own eight limbs that sort of appeared out of her body abruptly, to wrench it away from Ellbeth. "This is not your prey," she informs it.

Terat pulls all eight legs away from Ellbeth by sheer brute force, shaking her loose and off to the side. She looks down over Ellbeth, to see if she's okay.

Ellbeth smiles fondly at Terat. "My dear, I thank you for the thought, but the idea was to let the Spider Queen chew on me rather than anyone else. So could you consider disassembling it? In the menatime let it have me. I'm not very effective in a fight but I am a tough old bird."

"If that is your wish," Terat replies, ready to not move in the way if the spider wants to eat Ellbeth.

"Nonsense." Skysabre comments after its shot goes wide. "We may require your interface abilities which require concentration."

The Spider turns it's attentions to Terat now, trying to grab it with two of its legs.

The Spider manages to trap Terat between two of its legs. It squeezes.

Terat grows a slight grin, menacingly amused. "This thing is strong."

Skysabre shifts to the spider's side after its last shots missed. It aims again, hoping to catch it distracted with Terat.

Most plasma bolts go wide but one strikes true, burning a slight depression in the spider.

Ellbeth freed from the spider's grasp Ellbeth attempts to set up a Bluetooth connection with the robot, aiming to insert the overriding command to grab her again.

Terat moves to stand, growling as she tries to move the bulk of the spider off of her. "This will be over," she promises. "and you will fall."

Variable figures the claws did at least something last time so she'll try that again! Besides, it would take too long and be too tiring to shift to another form, most likely. Once again she charges at the spider - running as hard as she can.

Variable's claws still don't cut into the spider, but this time they do seem to have applied pressure to sensitive parts - which, combined with enough force to send it flying backward seems to be enough to stun it!

Ellbeth repeats her effort to command the spider to concentrate entirely on her and not any of the others.

"My turn," Terat announces, lifting all eight of her fists to pound on the spider in one giant whallop. "Fall. DOWN."

Ellbeth says, "Thank you everyone."

Terat growls. "So courteous of it to follow directions."

Variable says, "We did it!"

Ellbeth hurries over to Harry and forgetting her own thoughts about traps immediately starts trying to free him. "Have you been injured?" she asks Harry.

Skysabre descends, eyeing Terat. "You are a useful unit, organic." High praise from the Air Commander.

Akeno enters from Universal TransMat.

Variable thinks. o O (I guess I'm not so useful, then.)

"Mhhmmmff!" Harry says as Ellbeth starts to undo the synthetic webs that have him coccooned. Once free, he says, "I'm sorry madame. I'm afraid that they caught me unawares."

Terat stands over Variable, looming beside her and facing Skysabre. "What, I wonder, is the Air Commander?"

"I am an autonomous cybernetic organism." Skysabre replies. "An agent on the Elders on this world." It turns in midair to face Ellbeth. "Are we going to depart or are we continuing on to the dungeon master?"

Variable looks about looking for any other trouble as Ellbeth frees Harry.

Ellbeth grins when she sees, and hears from his tone of voice, that Harry is unharmed. "Hearing you admit to being caught unawares is truly priceless. I shall finally have a reply for those occasions when you diligently berate me for leaving things to the very last minute." Casting decorum to the winds she hugs him.

Ellbeth looks at skysabre. "The Dungeon Master can wait in my opinion. We have someone seriously injured."

"Agreed." Skysabre replies. "But I leave the decision to you."

Ellbeth says, "First we ought to discover if we have a way to leave that doesn't require further progress into this place."

"Describe this presumed foe." Terat looks around at those who are nearby. "Is this an organic being?"

Harry accepts the hug, perhaps a bit surprised at first. "Madame, while I was a guest of this Dungeon Master, I overheard a conversation between him and his... employer. I believe that he was hired to try and eliminate you. I'm not sure who he was working for, however."

Skysabre nods to Terat. "This is the assumption. A human with technical expertise."

Ellbeth finds to establish the location of the automatic garage door opener at her mansion. "If I'm to have an opponent seeking my life, Harry, at least the Dungeon Master will be doing it in a style and fashion suitable to my new calling as a mage. Interesting times ahead it seems."

Akeno arrives finally with Sword Dancer on his back. He's managed to bandage her up enough that she shouldn't bleed to death so far as he knows. While he can't move fast, he does arrive finally and turns on his senses as he looks at the room they ended up in, "Huh. So how we getting out of here without going back through that?"

"Then if he has been here," Terat sniffs the air, then the spider, though she stops upon hearing what Ellbeth says. "...it does not matter."

Variable says, "Without going back through what?"

Akeno thumbs back the other way, "If I was a smart criminal like this 'Dungeon Master' appears to be? I'd close off that portal that brought us here."

Skysabre nods to Akeno. "That is my concern. Depending upon where he are I could make the mainland given time."

Variable says, "CAn't be that smart if he left it open long enough for me to catch up!"

Ellbeth furrows her brow for a moment, "mmm..." Thinking again she casts a Viewing spell locating the initial point five hundren miles straight up.

Skysabre nods to Variable. "Even if it is closed now it would be prudent to leave the dungeon."

Ellbeth smiles. "We're in the region of Madagascar. So we're still on Earth. Let us see if that portal remains open. If it is we can and should leave so we can get Sword Dancer to a hospital."

Skysabre nods. "And if not I can travel to the mainland and requisition aid."

"Madagascar.." Terat looks thoughtful. "I am not familiar with where we are precisely. Africa?"

Ellbeth says, "We seem to be under one of the Islands off Southern Africa. The largest of those islands is Madagascar. This island is not Madagascar but we're close."

Variable says, "You know where it is well enough so we can come back?"

"I can find this place again," Terat promises. "I believe very easily once I leave it." She grins, "I believe you would be able to as well," she looks down at Variable. "Through similar methods."

"If Dr. Wyrd was able to provide me the image she has viewed I could find it again on a map without difficulty." Skysabre replies. "We should move towards the teleportal."

Ellbeth shakes her head. "No. I do not know how deep we are. There may be no entrance to this complex of chambers locally. Only by portal. So I cannot claim that we can return."

"I arrived in a jungle," Terat says. "It strikes me as likely that it was outside."

Akeno hrms, "Ellbeth? If this guy was prepared for you, he might have someone do the same. Let's get out of here, though." He turns to start heading back the way they came and to finding that portal out of here. At least once there, he can probably get a signal on his PDA and make a call to explain this mess.

Variable nods. "Well, let's go anyway. That woman's badly hurt!"

Ellbeth nods

Terat moves ahead, leading the way, ready to find out what might lie back the way the group came. "What is an orc?" she asks, thoughtful.

Skysabre drifts after Terat, hovering a few inches on the ground. It fingers the gouges in its armor. "I will need to begin a repair cycle soon."

When the heroes return, the portal back to Colonial Bay is still operational.

Ellbeth says, "A creature from Norce legend. Although there is some recent evidence that they did exist. A popular fantasy roleplaying game employed them as a generic low level opponent, which accounts for much of their reputation and nasty little vermin."