cryptomancer

Cryptomancer sits frozen, staring at the spot where the ghost vanished, the ache in his throat awakening some bad memories of the last time he researched this subject matter. looking back down at the book his eyes unfocused, he begins to trace a rune on his forehead with his right index finger, at each trace the rune glows deeper, the red glow in his eyes deminishing slightly as the deep red glow of the rune takes over. Mynx watches as a small trickle of blood begins to trail down Cryptomancer's face, but it to is glowing deeply in the light of the rune, causing a intense curiosity rather than fear at her friend's actions. Slowly the Runemage's finger begins to press deeper into the symbol he has drawn, his eyes glow dimly flickering as his finger works small circles opening a hole in the centre of the rune. Closing his eyes Cryptomancer removes his hand from his face, the hole in his forhead glows red and as the glow brightens it shapes itself into an eye, white, with a deep red pupil, his own eyes stay closed, the third eye of his open 6th chakra moves slowly down to stare at the page. The book glows suddenly brighter, its pages flair up and seem to flutter in an attempt to turn, before stopping and slowly settling back on themselves, Cryptomancer's third eye starts to read the new page,as red scars begin slowly revealing themselves across the whole of his torso, the tattoo of his art fading against a new design of interlocking circles, etched in the very flesh of his body, each riverlet of scarring glowing in the deep red of his eye. In the corner, his shadow smiles, its wings spreading to full span before settling around him and his feline companion. Mynx watches hesitantly as the shadow settles, starting to become a bit nervious at her friend's new appearance, but still not willing to brave the house without her shield, especially since his presence seems to be keeping her on the ceiling at the moment. [OOC: Vote for Lady Celes Crusader, she after my book.]

Cryptomancer watches the antics of the others for a while, then looks back at the book in his hands, glancng over at Mynx he is surprised to see a light fitting, no chairs and he seems to be alone, the room seems different too. He looks at his shadow, and smiles, his shadow seems to be more interested in the roof of this new room. Cryptomancer looks up, wonders for a moment if the piano is safe on the ceiling, before sitting down on the floor and beginning to read a bit more. Mynx looks around, not able to see Crypt any more, she starts to look for the shadow, then after briefly wondering why it was upside down, starts to panic. "Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh, Crypt, you left me alone, come back here." "ereh emoc uoy" says Cryptomancer as he waves abcently in the direction of the voice of his friend, Mynx shrieks as she suddenly finds herself on the ceiling beside the reading runecaster. "ereh dedworc ssel si ti xaler" Mynx sits down, sulking a bit as she watches the reading Cryptomancer.

I sit at this desk where the lamp's long gone out, Its shadow no longer falls on the wooden rest That holds my head, upon the pillowed page unread. Shadows no longer dwell in this room, the wooden wall The carved roof and polished floor, that echo with The contentment of my written words, but lay asleep Unshadowed deep, dark dreaming as my eyes peek At the drying ink, that upon the page, as I rest my head, Stares back at me, in the dark, from the page, unread. [Line: Does the dream convince the soul?]

Voices are fun, just dont name them. *grins*

Cryptomancer picks up the book, it begins to glow a very nice shade of red in his hands and seems to mirror the glow starting in his eyes. "!senur wen emos nrael ot tsoj elihw a rof siht gniworrob em ot snoitcejbo yna, rof gnikool neeb evah i taht ti ni ffuts fo tol elohw a sah koob siht, nam ho" Cryptomancer grins at the gathered group that seem to be looking at him with a mix of horror and surprise. CheerMynx looks at him, then whispers something in his ear. Cryptomancer looks startled, "?sdrawkcab gnikaeps ma I naem uoy od tahw" Mynx giggles, "I mean just that, listen to yourself." Cryptomancer stares at the young feline, "?won sdrawkcab gniklat I ma" Mynx giggles louder as she nods furiously at the confused look on Cryptomancers face. Cryptomancer looks at the book in his hands, grins, and closes it, tucking it under his arm, then announcing to all in the room, with all seriousness, "Koob siht gnipeek yltinifed ma I, ko"

Never turn up to a gunfight with only a knife! *grins*

Mickey leans back, watching the tantrum that Vinny seems to be enjoying. "I know enough of your bussiness to know your ownership of this place, I came here to find out where you stood. I knew you would blow your top at talk behind your back. Now a direct attack on my men is not favourable in the eyes of certain control organizations that I have paid informants in. Maybe it is about time that you saw the inside of a cell." Mickey grins in the face of the raging Vinny, killing us now prooves our susspicions of your involvment. You attacking us is going to make the otheer bosses very unhappy too." Mickey stands and walks past Vinny, glancing at Shamus on the way to the stairs. Prove your innocence and we will talk, attack my men again and leaks will happen. Then you can talk to the government."

The faceless reflections in the window fade, The grey street, a city glade. Visage of forgotten souls That drift beyond my captive walls. Unknown the features recognised, Niether liked nor dispised. For unknown the faces to me lie. From my greeting they are shy. I cannot stop this train of thought falling into infinity. Beauty so full of pure and utter divinity. Lingers in my heart and soul, my lost memory Of all I know, misplaced upon the softening gaze That her eyes blest, upon my aging face. Love of all I ever had, her heart so true to me. Love of all I ever wished, by her heart caused to be. Ever shall I love That with which, to infinity I fall.

I'll leave you here with nothing but the silence of absence, Walked away with no hope of return, nor compassion to turn, I never saw your parting gaze that fell upon a barren back. My soul died that day, my pride burned my heart black, Charring the spirit of life, kindled so fully by you, I cannot walk away, yet my feet lead, and onward I stray, further from the love so pure. Adored angel My lover, I seek still that path, the dusted footprints Of what was ours to cherish. But in anguish, I stand Slowly to perish upon the winds of timelessness As my dust of solitude settles still, I remember All dreams come to pass, all hopes outlast pain And I know you will be with me again. "Mere moments make men mad" Quoth to me the magi "For in the pain of solitude To your pride you can die" I slept fitfilly that night, Neither dream nor vision Aided my plight, for long Upon the silken sheets I wove my memories of you. Madness like a creeping vine Upon my brain does cling and climb, Thoughts of you destroy the chime Of morning rays upon the clock's design. Mist of dawning relived again, mist of shielded Iron cold rain, pelting down upon my brain, Hapless thoughts from me drain, The love of self to easy the pain, that tears my soul My heart my vein, and in my maddening solitude gain the Fleeting glimpse of endless pain, love devised Lost agian, to the madness of my brain, Withering yet and yet again in the silence of disdain And the gnashing teeth of pain, same upon same Again the same, that drifts madness drips sadness, cautious Creeping sneaking slips into the shattering rain Thoughts spiral, I am the same. Maddness made, Whole again.

A large 15foot shadow stands glaring at Vahktang, weapons seeming to multiply suddenly, until the Cryptomancer grins, hey, if you say it once it is jsut a statment, twice it will encourage, say it three times and we.... as Lewis Carrol said, "what i tell you three times is true."

Mickey looks at the Irishman, thinks for a moment before speaking, "Ok, here is how I am seeing things. I have always looked after my information sources, and I think they are hinting at a X terminator for the hits. Poison, Bombs, his toys. No subtlety, his style. As for materials, Bombs, with IRA written all over them, he is out to frame you, I choose to take this view. We need to convince others though, they see it as you working with him." Mickey lean forward, "I trust you, But others dont, we need to work on Gater today, find out where he stands."

Ears still ringing from the screams or the CheerMynx, Cryptomancer watches the comotion from his vantage on the first floor landing, assisting where needed he looks around, (his shadow looks around the first floor) "Um? Mynx, What was it you said about Gnarlitch?" [OOC: Vote for Gnarlitch, cause it keeps the drunk Kitty quiet]

Mickey sat in the cafe', feet up on the chair opposite him, back to the corner of the first floor balcony. Hopefully the others would show up soon. Looking at his watch he dialed a number. "Hello?.... Ja... Mickey.... tell her I wont make it today, but I will call....... Pass on a message please......Bombs and poison are a sign of flambouyance in a hit, only one boss has unlimited access to both...... yes I mean Vinny..... Who else would go to the extreme of a radioactive poison..... that is just to twisted..... Ja just watch him closely, I will call soon." Closing the call Mickey drains the fourth cup of coffee that was getting just a bit to cold, and orders another. 'Those other two better put aside their differences and arrive soon.'

Vote for Vinny "The X-Terminator" Nolen - Gnarlitch *grins* You beat me to the punch highlighting all the reasons to vote for you...

Cryptomancer looks around as Mynx Hovers at his shoulder, (his shadow looks the other way around) "Ok, Is it just me or does this seem to be going to a script? I mean halloween, haunted house, and a group of people in it, um? Arent we meant to split up now?" Cryptomancer heads to the nearest stairwell, looking up (his shadow looks down) "Ok I am game for the next floor, any takers?" Mynx hovers closer, "Like no way, it looks even spookier up there." Cryptomancer grins, "So stay here." Mynx looks around as Cryptomancer starts up the stairs, then in a flurry of pompoms is hovering at his shoulder again. the two continue up the stairs with the shadow one step behind.

Mickey's remote to the DVD player destroyed itself in the attempt to pass through the wall. Mickey glared at the remains, furious that the bosses were being targeted. He stormed out of his appartment, in the lift down his cell was already active. "Shamus, we got to meet, I think I know who is behind all this...... Ja same place" Closing the call he dialed another number, "Saria, no, who is this, get me Saria.... well then tell her to call me by noon, or I will just stop by, ...... It is Mickey...... Ja the skin..... tell her that is Shamus trusts her then I will too....... just tell her to call" The second call ended as Mickey reached the car. Dialing from his the back seat of the limo, Mickey placed another call, "Gater?..... we must talk now.... cafe downtown..... look for my boys... we need to talk." Closing the call, Mickey sat back, 'This will be fun, but I think that we need to get some factions talking.'

~Items~ Cryptomancer carries with him a katana, a set of fighting sticks, a variety of smaller bladed weapons, and a hunting knife. His cape contains insets for a variety of smaller objects that he prefers to keep on his person. These include a silver wand with which he writes and a variety of parchments and books. He recently acquired the pendant of canla the silver tongued and wears this around his neck on a silver chain. Editted by Katz for Search-compliant formatting.

~Magical Abilities~ Magical skills on first appearance seem minor, most judge him as a warrior that has a passing proficiency in magic. The true depth of his skill in through the gifts of his chosen art. Cryptomancy first circle. Control of matter. This ability enables the mental control and manipulation of any matter to which the rune of control is known. Finding the symbol required is a meditative process that can take a few seconds to a few days depending on the complexities of the substance. Most pure substances are able to be controlled easily, and with time any substance can be learned fully. The volume of matter that can be controlled is limited to only a few cubic meters, but this to is dependant on the complexities of the substance. Cryptomancy second circle. Control of life. This ability gives control over most animals and plants in a similar manner to simple enchantments do. The intelligence of the animal or plant will restrict the level of control. Most non sentient creatures are easily controlled, but no control can be gained over any creature that is sentient in any form. Cryptomancy third circle. Control of Energy. The ability to control raw energy, electric, gravity, heat, cold, etc... Powerful enough to use in many applications, as long as the energy is available to be used, The energy cannot be created, there must be potential for it to occur. ie a fire, ice, the correct climatic conditions for lightening. However even a small amount may be magnified to devistating levels. Cryptomancy fourth circle. Control of magic. This ability enables the casting of any known spell but the use of a single symbol, the rune of power is learned as the spell is learned and gives the same effect as if it were cast by a mage. The key difference is the ability to control the timing of conditions of the spell taking effect. The drawing of the rune is accompanied by a arcane chant giving the specific trigger for the spell. For example, a rune of power for a spell of teleport placed on a door can be set to trigger the spell if the door is opened, closed, knocked upon in a certain way, broken down, or simply touched. Once the spell is activated the rune dissipates. Use of Magic circles. Magic circles are circuits of five or less runes written within a circle. Once five are combined the runes become permanent and can be reused without being recast. A rune within a circle is activated if the circle is entered over the position of the rune. So five different runes can be used for different effects depending on how the circle is entered. A single rune controls the whole circle, two runes control half each, three a third each and so on to a maximum of five runes. Spell casting abilities of the fourth circle rival most high level mages. Cryptomancer is also able to shape shift to two other forms, a raven, and a shadow being. The shadow and his human form are able to be used at the same time, the shadow appearing as a very independant shadow of the human form, and able to act on its own to a limited degree. The shadow gains full size and ability when it is used on its own, otherwise it is fully controled by the human form. Editted by Katz for Search-compliant formatting.

~Abilities~ Much of his youth was spent within the seclusion of a monastery, training in the arts of meditative awareness and the fighting arts that accompanied them. His time there is seldom spoken of, as are his reasons for leaving. Meditation was the single greatest skill that he learned, it serves him in times of stress to calm himself, and allows him to enforce a level of control over himself, and his emotions, that leave most people that meet him with the view that he is distant, almost cold by nature. Meditation also gives him insights into his future, and his visions are most commonly his only guide in his on going quest. It was these visions that caused him to leave the sanctuary that was his home, and the same visions that guided his path to the art of cryptomancy that now controls his existence. Cryptomancer is skilled in unarmed combat, as well as the use of sticks, staff and most knives and swords. His weapon of choice is a katana, but he carries also a number of smaller knives, and more recently a set of carved rattan sticks, a gift from Mynx. Skilled in bush craft, and natural lore, his ability to survive in the wilds is not dependant on magic. These skills are combined with a range of tracking and concealment skills found in those trained as assassins. Editted by Katz for Search-compliant formatting.

A raven lands on the head of the new arrival, looks down in the upside down quizzical manner of birds everywhere, and grins. "Welcome, seems that you are well known in these parts already." Hopping to the shoulder of his perch the raven looks closely at the eye nearest to him, "You are not a golfer are you?" "I thought you may be with a name that seems to resemble the term for half a game of golf played at night." Welcome. *grins*

Mynx grabs onto Cryptomancer as first Celes, then YanYan and tanny tumble into the room, her scream echoes around the room, seeing the wolf flashing a very sharp set of teeth at the new member, Cryptomancer tries to react, only to find himself further hindered by a CheerMynx who is now recognising the people on the ground and in her ever important quest for alcohol at the party, pounces. Tanny is very surprised to find heself in the full embrace of a very feline cheerleader, who seems to be tanling nonstop about all things icky and a lot of 'like totally' and 'like' and 'omg' thrown into the bubbling speech. YanYan is surprised to find a 15foot shadow of the Cryptomancer (still holding more weapons too) restraining him, while he waits for the Cryptomancer to start questioning as to why Tanny attacked him. Cryptomancer waves a hand and his shadow seems to appear just as mose highly armed warrior's shadows do, (very well armed) and standing in the corner, blocking all escape. "Hey, about time someone else got here, Mynx found us a room to explore, and a lot of spiders."

Evangelising Brittany Never since the dawn of rock and roll has backmasking of music tracks been linked to such a horrific missuse of subliminal messages. The Mighty pen has recently welcomed a Religious Fannatic into its very keep. The Musicevangelist, as this fannatic is known is now free to hand out samples of music to all who sought safety from the evils of pop music in the world. Our reporter, Violet Swinger, has been obtaining and playing the sample music from this source. Her discoveries have shocked us all. Playing the music in the normal way has produced a growing desire to listen to pop music, regardless of the diverse musical tastes that this fannatic proclaimes. Playing the tracks backwards on our "backmask player" we discovered the unimaginable. Horrified listeners at our offices fainted and threw up upon hearing the unmistakable abomination that is 'Brittany'. We urge you not to listen to the music handed out by this Fannatical Nut, as it is obviously intended to destroy the minds of all that listen, or turn us into complete 'cheerleaders'. Our thanks to Almost Dragonic Brand™ for the use of 'Almost Dragonic Brand Subliminal Message Players™' in our investigations.

Breaking News A spokes canine from the CIA (Canine Investigative Authority) today announced that they had a new lead in the fight against the Furriest Organisation the 'Divine Insurrection of Cat Kind.' The spokes canine had this to say,"The use of anthropomorphic personifications has long been suspected in the operations of this Furriest organisation. Thanks to the hard work of many agents we finally have the proof needed to seek the arrest and conviction of our main suspect." The spokes canine discribes the suspect as a demonic serial killer that stalks the rodent poputation killing with a complete lack of remorse. The suspect dresses in a deeply hooded cloak and carries a sythe, and although is often seen as a skeletal rodent, his true appearance is unknown. The CIA went on to urge all Pennites to be on the lookout for hooded persons carrying sythes, and to report any rodent deaths to the authorities as soon as possible.

*Looks out side* Ahh, Spring. All wind and rain, but it is summer soon. *grins* love the poem, images well captured, and a wonderful flow with the rhyme.

Cryptomancer charges untill suddenly in the middle of a large room, he stops. Looking left then right, (his shadow, still with more weapons, looks right then left) Suddenly aware of the noise coming from the piano he slowly approaches, drawn weapons gleaming in the pale light. Stepping closer he begins to hear the decernable wimpers of a destressed feline, amide the cursing of spiders and scary rooms and all things icky. Peeking around the edge of the piano he sees Mynx, one pompom down, trying to remove spiders from her by waving her hands and saying icky a lot. "Mynx?" Mynx screams, then recognition dawns and she screams again, making the ears of the Cryptomancer ringing with the twin vocalisations of the young feline. "Crypt, you saved me!!!" "Shh, where are we?" "You came to find me and save me!!!!" "Shh, calm down and be quieter." "Oh gods!! I like totally lost a pompom, (screams)" Cryptomancer flickes the spider off her nose and looks her in the eyes. "Shh, lets figure out where we are, and wait for the others to get here... ok?" Standing the two mages (very well disguised mages) step out into the room once more, the emptyness seeming to swallow all light, and return it to the eyes as a faint green glow. Cryptomancer grins, "spooky" Mynx screams again as something moves in the shadows of the tunnel.