Altyerre. Somehow it got thrown in the fire, and we inhaled it. It cuases even Mundayne and adepts to astrally project. And even worse....Dr. Floren is dead. We need to give him a propel barriel. To pay respects to a great man, and also for our safety. A shiden may take it over and thats something neither of you want, trust me. Micheal, help me with his body, Dr. Micheals, dig a hole. Ill preform his last rights.

Mindlinks to Micheal:
So what did you see Micheal? What ever it was seems to have you a bit shaken up.

MindLink to Alexander:
How are you fairing, my friend?

Turning to Dr.Michaels he hands him some painkillers from the medkit Here, these some help, although rest would be best but it seems we have little time to spare



Mindlink spell resistance


Then moving to help Hood with Dr.Floren's, and feeling his Foci warm in response to spell, he looks slightly surprised and then resolved again.

Hmmm, so he tries to use spells on me without warning? Maybe the vision was truer than I hoped.... Shadowrunner. and mentally stretching out a cover of protection over himself, Dr. Michaels, Dr.Patrick, Dr. Floren's body and with more reluctance Hood.

So, this Altyerre, any idea what it looks like so that we can avoid this occurring again?

Dr Michaels takes the NERPS pain killers with thanks, and goes in to the tent to check on Dr. Patrick.

Still unconcoius. I'll move her to her tent.

He carries Eva's limp form to her tent. He then returns, and carries out Dr Floren's body, and takes it just out side of camp. Evan concentrates for a moment, then raises his hands in the air as if lifting something. The ground rumbles slightly in response as an earth elemental rises from the ground.

It responds to his silent command, and begins digging the hole that will be Dr Floren's grave.

Once Florens body is placed into the grave and buried, Hood takes his bible from his bag, and aproaches the grave.
He spends the next few minutes reading his last rights. Once hes finished he whispers: Tread soflty my friend. Go in peace, and Tell the big man I said hello.

Looks at the two men before him.
Get some rest. We leave the first evening Dr. Patrick is awake. Walks to his tent and closes the flap.

Standing over the grave, Michael could only look on as the dirt covered Dr.Floren's body. Farwell my friend, I hope you find peace. I wish I could have saved you, I'll try my best to keep the others safe

Unnoticed tears dripping from his face, he sees Hood head into his tent and turning to Dr.Michaels

I'll watch for now, you get some sleep. I don't think I could sleep right now anyway.

I understand. Wake me when it's my turn for guard. Try not to take this too hard Michael. This was no one's fault. This is a dangerous land.

With that, Dr Michales goes in to his tent. The night is long and cool. The wieght of mortality weighs in on Michael mind. It could have been anyone. Could have been me. The sounds of the night creatures are more fearsome than before.Every creature out there seems a predator. The night is dark. All the shadows seem to move. It's tense and draining, being responsible for everyone else's safftey while they sleep. He can hear Elsa having nightmares while she sleeps.

It's a relief when Evan finally comes to relieve Michael of his watch. He'd completely lost track of time. Evan's own alarm on his commlink had woken him.

Of course, sleep bring troubled dreams. Dead men and snakes and dragons and shadows. Waking to the mornging sun burning away the darkness is a relief. Time to move on.

Shocked when Evan comes to relieve him for watch, he turns Sorry, totally lost track of time and wanly smiles Lucky you set an alarm..

Heading inside Michael almost instantly feels the relief from the heat. Alarm, why didn't I set an alarm?

'Cos you were distracted

Yeah.... Dr.FLoren.... No, can't think of that now, remember him, but concentrate 'til everyone is safe again then I can mourn....

And with that he rolls into a sleeping position and soon his breathing evens out to a sleep rythym.

------

It was getting dark in the campsite, the tents erected and the fire lit, the smell of charring wood drifting slowly across the campsite. Looking around he could see the faces of all the scientists on the trip and Hood out on watch.

'Wait. This is this morning! Except the sun should be raising not setting! The Altyerre! This time I can stop it!'

Moving towards the fire felt like moving through treacle he saw the Altyerre being added to the fire. Having no idea what it really looked like his nightmare made it appear as a small doll of Dr.Floren

'Noooooooo!' he cried out as one by one the people in the campsite collapsed and he blacked out. Waking some time later to the agonised cries of Dr.Patrick he rushes outside knowing but hoping that this time it hasn't happened. Seeing her hugging Dr.Floren's dead body he falls to his knees, 'Nonononono, I couldn't.... couldn't stop it'. Hearing his voice Dr.Patrick rounds on him screaming at him 'What the frag are you doing Michael! You're in charge! Why did you let him die!'

He tries to explain he couldn't do anything but it just makes her worse until she passes out again.

At the burial all the remaining members of the team are glaring at Michael as the body is laid in the grave. As the dirt is put back into the grave, he can't but stare into the face of Dr.Floren and wakes to a whimper as he sees the lips move and hear the words 'Why didn't you save me? What did I do to you?'

-----

Waking in his tent in a cold sweat that evaporates almost immediately in the heat Michael shudders at the memory of the nightmare. Frak! It seemed so real.... Sometimes this memory of mine is more of a curse than a blessing....

The coolness of night gives way to the first rays of sunlight at Michael awakes.

Hood in his tent wakens to the sun's call as well, having been well rested from sleeping through the night. Having seen so much death in his life, one more won't disturb his sleep.

They can both hear the soft sobbing of Dr Patick in her tent.

Hood pokes his head out of his tent, and looks around.

Dr. Patrick?

Hood stumbles out of his tent, it is the morning time after all.

He puts his boots on, and suddenly feels a sharp, stabbing pain to his boot. He tries to yank it out, then feels another sharp stab. He gets his foot out, flinging the boot back ,and sees a large (hand sized) spider fall out. Hood recognizes it as a funnel web spider, one of the most poisonous in Australia.

Roll Body

Body:8
Roll:
6,3,2,5,4,5,5,6

Immediately Hood starts to sweat. His balance feels a little off.

Roll survival check to see what you know about funnel web spiders

Survival-5
Logic-6
Roll:
5,6,6,1,2,1,6,5,5,3,4,3=6 net success's

God damn spiders....

Fuck!
Alright Hood, your gonna be fine...

Cast Detox spell

Alexander! Bahamut! Can either of you tell me how to thwart poison from a funnel Spider?

Takes out his survival knife and cuts an X on the bite. Nice a deep, just like I was tought

Bahamut's mind touches Hoods.

A funnel web? Cast a strong Antidote spell, or get medical attention with anti-venin immdiately. Do you have a properly prepared med kit? If you have one with anti-venins specifically for Australia, there should be one for the funnel web spider.

There are actually two pairs of bites. Hood was ibttten twice by the aggressive spider. Funnel webs are known to be aggressive. They also like to hide in dark places ... like boots.

God damn it! Rookie mistake. How did I not think about that?
Cut an x on the other bite
Mind links back to Bahamut:
Thanks Alex. Ill let you know if I live.

Hood is about to cast the spell when he relizes:
Frak! I dont know it! Damn it all to hell!

Hood reaches for his medkit that Micheal had heavily stocked. It takes him a second to find the right antidote. Seconds he doesnt have. He ammediatley applies it.

Ok, this should hold me over for a little time.. Hood calls out for Dr. Holder
Micheal! Micheal! Get over here quick!

Shaking off the lingering dread from the nightmare, the sounds of the sobbing slowly wormed it's way into my mind and then he heard Hood shout.

Not bothering with additional clothing as he hurried out of the tent, he didn't even realise he had left his boots and shirt until he felt the rock underfoot.

Hood? What the problem? seeing the X's cut into his foot and the puffy look of the flesh around them and horrible thought snuck in

Spider bite? or snake? Either way best to go with Antidote first and back with the medkit.... well at leasst Hood's got that out already.

Poison? Right get the medkit hooked up to yourself and get the autodoc running, I'll check it after I try an Antidote spell

Crap, I guess Hood'll tried this so it'll probably hurt like hell.... but gotta do it, there's still that chance that the vision was wrong.

Centering his mind and laying his hand lightly over the wounds, he concentrated, built up the mana behind the equations of the Antidote spell, built them up to the point of physical pain and slightly beyond and then released it through the red gem and into Hood's body hunting down the poisons and trying to destroy the toxin.

Hood, roll second Toxin Resistance Test (Check OOC for more info). Body + 6 bonus dice from the Antidote spell.

The DV of the toxin is 10. Hood is currently at 5 boxes of damage, and a -4 to all actions. Holder can factor in the DV to figure out the drain for his spells.


Dr Patrick comes out of her tent, tears still on her face. Dr Michaels comes running over from 'watch' position. As soon as they see what is heppening they both run in to assist. Michael's nearly knock Patrick over on accident, as everyone has just woken up and is all scrambling in to the same area. They begin working with the medkit. No one asks what happened, they can all see quite plainly.

Patrcik does ask Did you see what type it was?

Despite the tears and franticness, she manages to keep everything mostly under control.

As soon as Dr Holder casts his first spell on Hood, he can feel the sting of the posion reduced considerably. The second spell clears his vision and dizziness immediately. Hood, standing a little straighter, sees the effect the strong magic has had on Holder however. His nose is bleeding, as is the back of his hand. The veins on his arm with the golden device are standing out very stark. It looks like some serious drain. He manages to work the med kit through it however.

Body-8
plus 6
roll:
1,1,4,5,6,6,6,5,5,6,4,2,3,5- 8 net success's

It was a funnel spider, prolly not awakened, or else I would have been dead already. Everyone check your boots before putting them on. And Micheal, thanks, I owe you one.

With the aid of the antidote spell and quick application of the anti-venin, Hood manages to over come to toxin with little more than the equivelant amount of pain to a sprained ankle. Hood can't help but want to smack his forehead. Checking boots is part of basic survival in places like this. But with the distraction of Floren's death and sleep deprivation, some things get forgotten.

Breaking camp is a quiet affair. Very solemn becase they are leaving behind one of their number. The group leaves early in the morning, finding a place of shade to take cover in during the heat of the day. Again , they travel on long in to the night, traveling in silence, as no one really wants to talk much.

Else Patrick is very quiet, her grief keeping her nerves raw. Evan Michaels seems drawn within, quiet and contemplative, and perhaps not as aware of his surroundings as he should be. Michael Holder seems very on edge, a bit touchy lately. Only Hood has some semblence of normalcy, except for his constant irritattion due to the persistant singing/burning sensation in his foot, due to the damage the neruotoxin did to his muscles in his foot.

When they finally camp in the morning, around 9am, everyone is exhausted, a little cranky, and not at all in the mood to socialize. As usual, the spirit Alxander keeps watch, the metahumans to worn out physically and emotionally to be able to watch with him.

He wakes them again the next evening around 6 as the sun is setting. Only a few more days until Dr Woods' camp.

Reeling slightly from the spell's kickback he steadies and smiles wanly No problem, always here to help

Then remembering that he's only wearing a pair of shorts, he blushes slightly and excuses himself to get dressed. Remembering Hood's recent encounter he makes sure to carefully shake his kit out before donning it.

------

The day's march and camp were gruelling and nerve racking. Was the vision true? The snake said it was, but it could just be a spirit trying to cause trouble.... and the spirits out here really don't like metahumanity.... could be a trick to get us to destroy ourselves.... but it could be true and to be unprepared would lead to at least Dr.Micheal's death.... maybe all of us and I won't let anymore die if there's anything I can do about it.

Once in his tent and settling down for bed he checks his bedding and then with a twinge in his hand remembers the mana burn from earlier. I can't believe I forgot about that? How could I? Maybe I'm just getting used to be hurt.... I hope not.... I don't want that to be a common occurence.... or my life from now on.... ah well, have to make do I guess....

And with that he digs the medkit out and starts treating the wounds, and finishing up realises how empty the supplies are looking, and refills the pouches from the spares he brought. At this rate I'm real going to have to start rationing these.... well at least it's only a few more days to the camp....

-----

Exiting his tent the next morning, after completing the, now almost automatic, clothing checks he notices Hood's foot still being slightly favoured. Frak, my mind really is wandering these days I'd forgotten he'd been limping, I just the poison did some damage before I could stop it....

And heading over he addresses the guide How's your foot? I must apologise, I'd completely forgotten to offer to heal the injury, if you would like me to?

A voice came into his head.
Aw..c'mon Hood. Throw the kid a bone.
Alexander, he has a habbit of narraraiting Hoods day, hes not sure if he does it to humor him, or annoy him.

Sure, if you like. He says with a smile. Ive had much worse, trust me. I once got twelve rounds to the chest from only a few feet away. Here look.Hood pulls up his shirt to reveal many scars. He points the ones he was refering too.
Maybe when we get to the camp, Ill share some more stories about the rest of these beuties.

Ill bet it scares them. The fact that I'm smiling after such a tramatizing event, first Floren, bless his soul, then the spider. But in my line of work, death happens often. Especially to the best of us.

Only a few more days eh? Hows Dr. Patrick holdin up?

Patrick is already in her tent, apparently sleeping.

Go and check on her, just to be safe. Make sure she isnt dead.

She seems to be sleeping. Not dead.

Breathin a sigh of releif, Hood goes back to his tent and lays down. Ready to get some rest.

The heat of the day passes over, while the group sleeps, sweating and restless from the heat and dreams. Waking to the setting sun at the urging of the ally spirit, the group rises slowly, with little energy left for such niceties as conversation.

Water reserves are running low, but with one left mouth.... No one really wants to talk about it.

They continue on through the night, and repeat the same listless attempts at sleep under the merciless sun's glare.

The next day is much of the same. Rising late in the day, the group walks on under the murderous sun.

The word has more meaning to Holder now, thinking on the image shown to him by the snake. The image of Hood as some sort of dravonic beast, tearing apart Dr Michaels.[COLOR=aquamarine] He's supposed to be the guide, the survivalist, but he didn't check his shoes. He recognized the Altryrre, knew what it was. Bud he didn't recognize it in the fire before. Who started the fire anyway?[color]

As Hood trudges on, he can't help but think about the city of ruin, the Serpent City above the lair. Why did he end up there? Why couldn't he get in. What could possibly be there that even he isn't allowed in?

Quickly concentrating on the wounds on Hood's foot and mentally setting the equations to knit the flesh together again and repair the ravages for the necrotic poison, he leets out a short sigh as the spell settles into the back of his mind to be held until the natural forces of the body would maintin the repair.

------

The days of restless sleep and nights of long marches were really starting to take their toll on Holder's body, the injuries on his right arm were healing very slowly and each evening it felt more and more like he had slept for a week.

Only a day or so to go.... Just concentrate on the bed.... and the site.... Frag I must be tired to think of the bed before the possible relics.... the knowledge and insight into the earlier times.... strange that there was magic back then.... yes lots of legends but real magic.... magic like now after the awakening.... or maybe more like magic that is similiar but different.... and his eyes drift to the glove on his right hand To find out how they created an item that works as two foci at the same time.... and still feels like it has untapped reserves....

He carries on walking for a while almost lost in his thoughts, but body on automatic, keeping its vigil against poisonous critters in the way and for predators. Then he drifts over to where Dr. Patrick is walking and tries to re-engage her with the world, fairly unsuccessfully, but tries to lend at least his presence to help her along with her passage back to the real world form her grief.

Having moved on automatic for so long, their nerves and feelings worn from over use, the group barely registers that the next day, they'll arrive at their destination. Instead, as normal, they rest in the morning, a mere 5 KM from Dr. Woods' dig site.

They rise that evening and walk. Five kilometers is nothing after the hundreds they've walked already. No jeeps, dragging their water on a make shift sled, clothes worn from having limited changing options, they have a much better appreciation for the natives survival instincts.They also look like hell.

Seeing a camp in the distance though, a camp that the GPS identified as their destination, finally broke through the mental walls, bringing some hope to an end of their journey, and the beginning of something better.

Hood Points.
We're almost there gang. Just hang on a tiny bit longer.
Hood continues his pace, not wanting to jinx himself. He had seen to many jobs go awry, due to the fact that people got careless becuase they were almost there.

To Bahamut:
Master, we are 5 kilometers from the site. It appears we made it. The missing scientist will be diffacult to explain, I am a shadowrunner, after all. I know how they must look at me. Holder has been giving me stares since the whole astral thing, but with everyone elses word, I should be alright.

Holder is in command of the expedition until your reach camp, until command is assumed by Dr. Woods. I'm sure everyone will understand that the outback is a dangerous land. I don't fear for your safety. If the camp turns on you, simply leave.

There is something that I'm missing here though. Something is not right. Keep an eye on things, and let me know what you find.

Missing? What do you feel?

After a breif conversation with Bahamut, Hood stands and calls for attention.
Alright everyone. We're almost there. lets get moving and be there within the next two hours. Just think, soft beds and real food, only 5 kilos a way. So lets move. Unless you have another plan, Micheal?

Looking over the camp and then towards Hood They look exhausted.... Guess I'm not in much better condition.... Good to hear there's only 5km to go.... Sounds almost next door now.

Nope, no special plan. Okay everyone, ends in sight, let's pack up and head over there. It'll be crumpets before tea time. and he grins at the gross over exageration.

And with that he busies himself with carefully packing up the camp, and preparing to move out.

The walk is over seemingly before it's hardly began. Just a short strecth of the legs in the morning sun really. Within a half an hour, the group spots the camp. There isn't a lot to it. Just a few small tents and one larger one, a canvas covered "common" area, all arranged next to some large red rock formations. There's also a trio of jeeps.

A man within the camp, one of the three they see moving about spots the group as they approach. He hollers out to the camp, then moves in to one of the tents. Within just a few moments, everyone in the camp is armed with rifles and pistols. One man has some sort of assault rifle. There are five people in the camp that they see.

Come no closer unless you want tostart ducking. Identify your selves.

Seeing the response from the camp is shocking to start with and then Holder's opinion seems to change. Woah, aggressive response.... although the camp is all alone out here.... no re-enforcement like for a normal research camp.... well better let them know how we are for we really do have to start ducking

Turning to the group he states quietly I'll let them know who we are, but stay on your toes anyway we don't necessarily know that they are our crew yet.

And then turning to address the camp he calls back to the guard My name is Dr.Holder I am heading the extra research party that has been sent to help Dr.Woods in his project. With me are Dr.Patrick, Dr.Michaels and our guide Hood. I'm turning on my commlink so that you can check my SIN if needed.

And with that he very slowly withdraws his commlink and turns it to active mode while holding it up in, hopefully, an obviously non-gun way.

And addressing the camp again I contacted Dr.Woods a few days ago to inform him of our progress and to let him know a mana storm destroyed our jeeps, hence the delay. A delay and a trek that has cost us the life of a good man already, now can we approach?

Please be our security, please be our security, please be our security....

The man with the assault rifle ,a tall elf, lowers it, and signals the others to do the same.

Dr Holder, welcome, we've been expecting you. Sorry for the rough greeting. Can't be too careful out here.

He walks up to the group, the other men following. The name is Diego. I'm in charge of the security here on the site. Dr. Woods is below in the cave with the other doctors. We're short a few men. Had a few nasty run ins with spirits and para critters.

We've got plenty of supplies. Looks like you've got some problems on your hands there. We'll get you settled in here, and get some proper food in you, get you aplace to rest until Dr Woods comes up. Unless you'd like to go in to the caves now.

No problem Diego, it's a rough country. It's good to meet you. and shakes his hand. A rest and food would be great, and I'm sure most of us could do with the rest, although I have to say I'm intriged with the site here, so I'll head down to the cave if it's alright with you and report in to Dr.Woods.

And turning the others I'd suggest grabbing some food and a rest, you've earned it, I'll be back up in a short while.

And as soon as he sees the others settling down, he asks for directions to the cave and heads down to look for Dr.Woods

Can't believe we're actually here.... I wonder what kind of site it is? I'm guessing an important one for us to have been shipped out here.... poor Dr.Floren so full of life, he really didn't deserve it.... but I won't let his sacrifice be in vain.... or let that vision come to pass....

Dr Patrick opts to head for a short break and a chance at some real food and clean water. It's obvious from her expression she wants to see this cave they've given so much for, but being herw now, she looks tired, and heads in to the camp to rest.

Dr Michaels follows Holder and Diego towards the cave.

Hood says nothing in response to Deigo.
Why should I have to explain myself to this joker? After what we've been through?

Follow the team to the cave until we get to the entrance.
Master Im about to enter the cave you were speaking about. Do you have anything to say?

Be wary. It is more than it seems

Diego leads the trio down in to the rock formations, and soon etners a small cave, 5 feet in height, going deep in to the red rock. The cave goes down for perhaps 12 meters and a slight incline. The cave they enter is large, with at least a 14 meter ceiling. The walls are around 20 meters across. In the center of the cave is a pool, perhaps 8 meters across.

There are two people in the cave, one of which holder recognizes as Dr Woods. He is a human man in his early forties by appearence, with brown hair, wearing glasses. His clothing is similar to the trios, although in slightly better condition. Khakis seem to be the norm here. He smiles and waves when the trio enters.

Welcome Dr Holder, we've been expecting you! And you must be "Hood". A pleasure to have you as well. Dr Michaels, hello. I was hoping to see Dr Patrick sooner, but I'm sure she'll be down soon. How was your trek?

He seems almost exuberant to see them.

Not what we expected.
Hood says and begins to look around the cave.
Dr. Woods I regret to inform you that one of your sceintists died on the way here. Dr. Floren. We're not sure how it happened, but we believe it was cuase by a substance called Alltyre. It cuases you to astrally project, I beleive he was killed on the astral plane, so therefore, he died here too.

Well, these things happen. All given to the cause and all that.

Well , do come in. We've got a lot to get started on here Holder. Hood, I don't htik your services will be needed any longer. I'll make sure that Diego gets you properly provisioned for your trip back. Thank you for bringing out or crew.

These things happen? A good man died and all you can do stare into a fucking cave? Not even a moment of silence? Dr. Patrick is torn up about this...Micheal did everything he could, and Floren still died. How do you think he feels?! This is how real people are eh? You know what? I will leave, go back to Seattle and suround myself with better people. People who have some respect.
Hood turns to walk out of the cave. As hes walking, he says without facing him.
And by the way, FLoren was given a proper buriel, not that you give a damn.

Woods simply stands and waits for Hood to finish and watches him go.

Hood walks to the entrance of the cave and notices a guard staring at him.
-the fuck you lookin at?
Hood walks out towards a tent to gather his things and clean up a little before he leaves.
Fuckin vultures, always lookin for a peice, dont matter who has to die to get it...