C.A.R.P.S.

[Vaanak]

"I can repair your armor with my hands!" Va sticks out her tongue.

[Maka]

I can repair your butt with my sword!

[Vaanak]

"I can smash your face with my fist!"

[Kathryn Skress]

*Kathryn backs away from the on-again, off-again sisters by a few steps*

Maka, thanks for the offer but those potions are too valuable to waste on a suit of armor that doesn't need repairing this instant. You should save those for the middle of a battle.

[Barnabas Vulcan]

~looks around~ You all are acting like children at a candy store...Do you not have the sense your mama gave you? This is the second most dangerous place in the kingdom. Fatalities are imminent. Do you care so little about your lives that you will go to such a place for sport? If so, why don't you give up some money and life essence to me and I will make you an item. Most of you do not have the skill to delve deep enough into the bowls of that infernal abyss to get some item that will be worth the time and effort you put into it. Tread lightly good friends, for you may not be returnable in the conclusion of your efforts. ~looks away and falls into a meditative state~

[Darthesis]

Although I agree with your thoughts of caution Barnabas, there is also the matter of what 'living' is to each person.

If you are not 100% confident in your readiness, then do NOT go. You will die, and you will kill others in doing so. This is unacceptable to almost anyone, the greedy and the altruistic alike.

If however, you are 100% confident in your readiness, your personal skills, your mindset, your items of power, your potions and scrolls, your mobile laboratories... then it all depends on your outlook on life. Do you wish to grow old and fat surrounded by your children and children's children? Then again, pass this opportunity by. If however your goal is to live life to it's fullest at all times, to life life on the razor's edge, and your only care for your old age is that you have stories to fill volumes...

Then volunteer, and be a part of those stories.

[Kathryn Skress]

Because, Barnabas and Jack, the evil of this world threatens to overtake us day by day and we are among the few there to stop it in its tracks. I, for one, prefer to decrease the burden of healing and raising people by at least one, and have items of magic do it for me. If an item of magic were to stop even one swing of a sword or one spell which may have otherwise caused my death, then that item is worth having so that I can live to fight evil and mete out justice another day.

[Jack of Spades]

"And if you fall in that pit? What justice was done? Is that search for power worth your lives, when you don't even know what power you will find? I don't see a quest to do what is right in your actions. I understand the desire for more but, this is madness."

*Jack looks from Kathrynn to Darthesis and back again*

"Darthesis is right. I live for that feeling. When death tugs at your elbow and life tastes all the sweeter. I don't see myself dying warm and safe in my bed. I see dirt and pain and blood. I hear screams and blades cutting flesh. I can feel the terror, thrill and, the bite of steel. But when I return to the Cycle it will not be because I fell seeking treasure. I wouldn't have that fate for any of you. I ask you to reconsider this."

[Kathryn Skress]

We don't know when the Cycle will claim us, be it in a cave or on the field. I'd rather live my life to the fullest, surrounded by those I have come to call friends, helping each gain power against the darkness that threatens on the other side of the mountains, than languish in the Inn wondering who will come back.

*Looks back down at her journal*

But, I only speak for myself.

[Jack of Spades]

"Then I wish you well. If you need me send message to Ironguard. I have a trial."

*Jack walks out the tavern*

[Barnabas Vulcan]

~eyes closed~ You see though...there is no evil spilling forth from the mouth of the cave. The main issue I see is the face that it is such a dangerous place, and yet there are those I had not heard mention of until I entered Midway. Are these the heroes you wish to take to their deaths for treasure alone? Seems like an imminent loss of life and potential. I understand the boredom factor for greatly skilled and well known adventurers such as yourself Kathryn. Greed is just one path the Red Tier chooses their recruits from. Let us proceed from here with caution. Ultimate power corrupts completely. ~re-enters his meditative state~

[Kathryn Skress]

*A tight, angry look flashes across Kathryn's face. After a moment, she speaks softly*

You should be careful of what you say.

*She stands up and walks out.*

[dier_cire]

*Eld smirks*
It still amazing how our new mages find the taste of feet so delightful.

[olaf]

"Ha! Olaf has fallen many times. Each was as he faced terrific odds, and accounted well for himself in the process! Olaf's final death will be the same - not for treasure, but for the challenge! This cave promises MUCH of that. And with no one's lives hanging in the balance but our own, it will be an adventure to enjoy!"

[Barnabas Vulcan]

~Opens his eyes~ What part of "I understand the boredom factor for greatly skilled and well known adventurers such as yourself Kathryn." Was upsetting?
The other comments were not pointed at you, they were just a general statement that everyone knows is true.
As for being a "new mage" in town... I think I have been around much longer than you.
~Walks out to continue speaking with Kathryn~