From the western balcony, Djoni and Tanaka have an excellent view of the courtyard below. They watch the arrival of the lavishly decorated carriages of the Coppelias with great interest.

"So you've met him before?" Djoni asks, indicating a flamboyant man in a blinding red suit.

"I have, but not in that kind of costume or these circumstances. Still, his face and swagger are unmistakeable. He's a street rat named Garmond: petty thief, part time hustler, and for-hire snitch. Hardly a candidate to manage a popular dance troupe."

Djoni nods thoughtfully. "Add to that the fact that Madi goes on and on about Madame Melis who teaches and oversees the dancers and something's amiss."

"Look at the girls themselves. Every single one of them is in lockstep with the one out in front. So much that only she seems real. The rest look like clockwork dolls."

"Leave it to you to notice, Tan, but you're right. The first one has a vacant stare, too, although she is blinking regularly. She may have been drugged."

"This whole thing seems like a concotion of tinkering and alchemy of the worst sort. Almost half of yours and Lysandra's nobility are pouring into the hall to see them. It will be full by tonight. Perfect setup for an ambush, I'm thinking."

Within fifteen minutes, Tanaka and Djoni have explained what they saw to Irella, who summons one of the fastest Singari riders.

"Ferko, how fast can you get to Wolfenhague?"

"If I care not what danger befalls?" he asks, giving her a cheeky grin. "Straight down the mountain I could go on Pitti. He is the fastest mountain pony, and the bravest of spirit. Just over two hours, I should think."

"Don't hurt yourself or him, but ride like the wind. We need these answers!"

Ferko bows to her and gives a half-salute to the two men, and then he is off.

Irella goes outside the wagon to the clearing where she keeps a fire always burning and a cauldron nearby.

"Now, let's us cogitate," she says. "What potion could turn a living being into acting like a mechanical doll, and what would be the antidote for such a potion. We must save the innocent. The Singari do not harm those who have no blame."

Tanaka wrinkles his forehead. "I'm more comfortable with a sword than a bottle, and Thorson isn't here, or Uncle for that matter, but there's only so many ingredients available in our world..."

Djoni adds, "I only know a bit about my own potion I take as medicine, but that might help." He pulls out a flask for her to see. "It does give great control over my body and what it might do."

"And I can add mine," Lysandra mysteriously appears. "It also controls much of my nature." She puts her red flask by Djoni's green.

"I forgot about your preternatural hearing," Djoni says with a laugh.

"You've forgotten much," she flashes back. "Distant relatives are so boring."

"These may help," Irella says. "But let us think. We have not much time!"

By the time the cauldron enters its final stages of brewing, a vessel darts through the sky above. It's Izzy and Pugsy in the Victorious Vixen. The craft makes a prfect landing on a small patch of grass near the Singari caravans and Izzy dashes over to Tanaka.

"We got your message! That guy can ride! Both he and the horse are exhausted from coming as straight as they could down the mountain."

"What a feat that was!" puts in Pugsy, joining her. "Takes a lot for a bloke to impress me, but that one! He's a bit of all right and that pony deserves a medallion!"

"We left them in the Goose reviving on ale and oats, and brought the Vixen," Izzy continues. "The Coppelias are performing tonight in Wolfenhague as usual. These are fakes for sure, and just so you know, the forests around here are filling up with werewolves and vampires heading in from north and east."

"And they ain't the civilized kind we're used to seeing in Falcor and Darkken neither." Pugsy finishes.

"So we need a battle plan as well," Tanaka says. "Now, that I'm good at!"

"I can lead the other wolves," Djoni says. "they'll follow me."

"And the vampires must obey me!" Lysandra puts in. "Also, they hate Kristoff as much as I do for giving us all a bad name! That blocker cousin of yours will be a target for him, though, Tanaka."

"We must keep her safe!" Djoni shows more than a little concern. "And Madi too."

"I'll tell Junu."

"That delicious piece of eye candy? Can he cope?" Lysandra wonders.

"You haven't seen everything he can do with that flute, and I'll remind him to take Clytie with him."

"Oh, yes, that dreary faerie! If you must."

Another hour passes and Chiasa is in Madi's bedroom suite, along with Clytie, Larianne, and the other "designated civilians." Madi is sulking about not getting to greet the Coppelias and Larianne is more than annoyed that Tanaka has put her here while he goes out to risk his own life. She's tapping her foot furiously.

"Slow down," Junu says soothingly. "Why don't you all have a go at a favorite pizzle of Uncle Hayao's that's been passed down through his family?" He pulls a piece of paper from his tunic and hands it to them. "I've been working on it a while myself."

"OOOO!" exclaims Clytie, carefully spreading out the paper so everyone can read.

"It looks awfully hard--and fun!" She starts drawing a grid on another sheet of parchment.

(OOC: Because of the combination of two chapters, this is a multi-pronged challenge, and more time will be given. Please see the OOC thread for specific instructions. You have until 11:59 P.M. Subeta time on August 23rd. )

Start with a
[item2=Zombie]
Using a
[item2=Marble Mortar and Pestle]
crush a
[item2=Red Tinged Haunted Crystal] and add the dust
stir in some
[item2=Ancient Timeless Honey] gathered by a
[item2=Mechanical Brass Bee]
add a
[item2=Poison Red Apple]
brew for 13 nights in a
[item2=Wicked Bubbling Cauldron]
if no cauldron is available (or brewing must be done in your kitchen) you can use a
[item2=Coffee Percolator of Dooom] instead
but be extremely careful when pouring
must be stored in a
[item2=Triple Neck Klein Bottle] to be effective

(potions and puzzle were sent... but will post potion here also, a little confused on where the potions went, sorry)

"Finally," Sorn said licking his lips as though he was about to taste something delicious, "we get some action. There is no way I shall miss chance for action. I shall go with that Tonka bloke. I suspect dear Genevieve and his little foxy-thingy will go where it is the safest. Alfred, Jean--thoughts?"

"His name's Tanaka, Sorn. Honestly, I thought you'd remember. He's a decent fighter himself." Jean shook her head. "Besides, don't you think maybe the alchemists should be helping with the alchemy, regardless of safety or lack thereof? I certainly would be precious little help." She checked her collapsed staff and made sure her various tricks were still neatly organized and easily to hand -- or faeling. "I think I'll stay with Chiasa and the rest. If someone does think to try sneaking in while everyone's paying attention to the fight outside, I'll be well positioned to foul their plans. I always did best with unconventional tactics, anyhow."

"Oh, well," Sorn replied, "I was close. Yes, the nerds would be best there. Your plan is agreeable."

Alfred was so engrossed in writing out a new potion theory in his notebook, he hardly noticed Sorn and Jean discussing which groups they were going to assist. By the time he looked up, they'd already decided - Sorn looked eager for battle, and Jean was going to stay with Chiasa.

"As much as I would say that a werewolf such as myself battling those evil werewolves could be .... interesting," he said, "I think I am better placed at the cauldron with Irella. Boris is still recovering from the stress of that maze, so he would appreciate staying somewhere a little distance away from the fighting."

Looking over at Garrin, he added "the cauldron sounds like something that would draw you in more than battle."

In surprise, Garrin looked up at Alfred. "That is exactly what I was just thinking. Werewolves always astound me with their ability to decipher body language and perceive moods." Garrin shook his head with an amused smile on his lips. He noticed that Coda had taken up a position near Irella and was watching her every move. 'You should come take a look at this cauldron,' she mind spoke to Garrin, 'Irella is quite the potion maker.'

The cauldron was full of a lightly tinged blue bubbling goop. Garrin took one last look in the steaming cauldron before turning and rummaging in his bag for a book he kept about potion lore. His small book ended up having little in the way of useful information. What Garrin was able to glean from the quick read were spell ingredients for vampires and werewolves, as well as the unlucky enchanted. He hoped that with Irella, Alfred, Djoni and Lysandra’s help and potions, they would be able to create something powerful enough to break the Coppelia’s from their enchantment.

Garrin and Alfred began discussing what potion could have caused the control of the Coppelias which had caused them to act like mechanical dolls. With occasional input from Irella, and Lysandra, they came up with the potion responsible and even decided on an antidote for the vile controlling agent. They were also able to deduce what ingredients were in the two potions that Djoni and Lysandra had been taking to help with their body and mind.

RED – Vampires potion ingredients and effects The complex mixture is primarily based upon the dust collected from meditation gardens, this helps calm urges of the mind and center the self with purposeful clarity. With a bit of blackness of night and the berries of the underworld to satiate the hungry body. A sprinkling of garlic water infuses the potion with a measure of caution and sunrise essence mixed with the sands of time allow the body to appear well. Bloodied claws stave off the lusts of red blood as the emo fungus creates a barrier for the emotions to hide inside. The nature of vampires can be kept in check with the use of special Ytivan dye. The bookend of this spell is the wing of bat and deep cherry juice, which help keep the flights of night in check. The end result of this potion will be to help create stability of mind and body for the vampire who drinks it. This is especially useful for helping the mind stay clearly logical in times of need.

GREEN – Werewolves potion ingredients and effects The dusk serum is used sparingly to ward off the feeling of overwhelming transformation as the full moon rises, represented by the moonstone. The tea bomb fills this potion and stands as the binder, it generates feelings of competence and keeps the body at one with the mind. The spore has special properties of mind control and when used in this spell allows the user to be more in control of thoughts and bodily actions (or reactions). The all important ingredient in this recipe is actually the smallest. The tiny timer fruit is what allows the werewolf to maintain a sense of place and presence in the world while they are transformed into their werewolf self. The crystal and black coffee add strength and determination to the person who drinks the spell, allowing them to maintain a better control of their body through the lunar cycle. Monkshood is used to relieve many of the symptoms associated with changing from human to werewolf form. The culminating ingredient for this spell is a defense against the darkness that threatens to overcome anyone who has changed from person to werewolf. The end result of this potion is to help the recipient stay true to their character even when in werewolf form, and maintain a much tighter control over their body.

PURPLE - Cursed potion controlling the Coppelia ingredients and effects The paper chain of dancers is the binder of this spell, this causes the mind link between the dancers. The purple gear is the type of dance that desired - very mechanical and doll like. In order for this potion to be individualized it needed a personal item, in this case it was the shoes of the lead Coppelia. In order for the subjugated girls to know who their ruler was a personal item was also needed, which items is a tuft of hair from the creator. The hypnotizing dangle along with the jerked fish ensure that the girls stay under control for as long as they live. The crystal acts as finishing ingredient and has imbued the potion with power that only a thieving conman and his accomplice could hope to control. The end result of this vile potion erases free agency and thought from the minds of those who are targeted and will cause them to move mechanically at the will of another. They will often have no memory of the events or their surroundings while under this extremely powerful spell.

WHITE – Curative release potion of Coppelia ingredients and effects The most important ingredient is the tranquility crystal. The crystal acts directly against the curse of the corrupted potion and begins the counter-curse. The doll model addresses the type of curse on the captive dancers. The restorative powder acts as a binder for this potion, it takes the tainted magic coursing through their bodies and heals it. The candle will light the way for their souls to follow out of the tight grip holding them. The broken gear represents a mechanical curse being broken upon the painted dancers, which are represented again by the pink doll. The whapping stick and coffee will break their minds free from the squeezing control that now grips them and jolt their senses awake. The sands of tie will help their body and mind recall the time lost and appear well. The lucky stones act as a sealer for the spell, infusing the potion not only with luck but with pure white innocence. The end result will bring the captive innocent dancers to a realization of their minds and bodies as the original cursing potion is being expelled from their bodies, freeing them. Latent memories from their time being trapped will merge with their reality as they become more fully aware of time and how much has passed while they were under the mind and body control spell.

Garrin walked over to Alfred, who had been standing next to Irella as she stirred the contents of the cauldron. After a few quick words with him, Garrin took off in search of some of the ingredients they did not have on hand.

The members of Squirrel Tales stood around the cauldron, watching and commenting as those good at potions and magic spoke up here and there, adding their knowledge to the brew being mixed. Not everyone had much to add, however. When Izzy and Pugsy arrived, announcing the danger from the werewolves and vampires, Raine thought she could detect a hint of relief in the eyes of at least a few of their crew.

"A battle plan," Raine repeated after Tanaka. "We should probably send two or three SquirrelTales along with Djoni and Lysandra... And Dahlia, I'm sorry, but as our bard... I think we need to get you somewhere safe. Why don't you go with Clytie, and Larianne and the others? And maybe one of our more battle-ready members will go with you, to help keep the bunch of you safe? I think I'll stay put here. I know a fair bit about magic from my travels and... umm... other things, so I might be of the most use here. But who wants to fight, and who wants to go with Dahlia, and is there anyone else who wants to stay with me, working on this potion?"

"I can fill in where ever," Max commented. "Though, personally..." Max pulled his waistcoat to the side to reveal a pistol secured to the inside. "I might be best out there. I am a sharp shooter on my home world, and very little can happen to me being undead."

Dahlia frowned, "I cannot simply sit by and wait while that poor girl is in danger." Witnessing the Coppelia being manipulated in such a way had left Dahlia with a horrible feeling in her gut. While Raine might be right, she knew that she would never rest being cooped up inside when she might be able to offer some help in breaking whatever trance the Coppelia was under.

"While I am not the most well versed in witchcraft, I do know a thing or two." Dahlia said as she picked up a worn spell book, being careful not to free any of the pages as she flipped through it, "I've charmed a man or two in my day..." she added with a laugh and a playful wink directed towards Max. "Do be careful, dear. You might not be among the living, but there are fates far worse than death should you be caught unaware on the battlefield."

"You mean like being brainwashed like those poor Coppelias.....or Coppelia? I just hope we're not walking into a little sea maided scenario. You know. A sea maiden gives up her voice to a witch so she can walk on land. Only this would be a girl gives up her mind to become a famous ballet dancer."

Anna looked at the rest of the group and said, "I think that I will go hang out with Clytie and Larianne. I believe one of us needs to keep an eye out for them." Anna left her huddle of friends and headed to Madi's bedroom.

Raine glanced at the two remaining members of the team, Teena and Sky.

"Okay," she said. "Teena, didn't you mention once something about the people of your land knowing a bit about magic? At any rate, I could certainly use some help here, if you wanted to stay put and work on these potions with us. And Sky, you seem to be good with the hands-on stuff... Maybe you could join Max, and help get a battle plan put together?"

With that, the team members headed off in the different directions, ready for whatever the day had to throw at them.

The Potions:

The Fallen Angels Get Assigned

Looking over her Fallen Angels, Atrueheart is ready to give out assignments. "Alright, Angels are up to the tasks!" Atrueheart says as she looks around at her team. "So, assignments! Kestra and Jeice y'all two are going into battle with Tanaka." she nods at her warrior and ranger. Jeice and Kestra's ears perk up at the mention of battle. "We're finally going to kick some butt!" The ranger grins excitedly. "It's been so long since I've seen my sword, I forgot what it looks like!" The warrior winks at Jeice. "You two be careful!" Warns ATrueHeart. "I don't want anyone getting hurt!" The warrior laughs, "You know you can count on us!" Atrueheart smiles and winks at Jeice "Now this only means you'll be ahead of me in the body count for the time being. I'm sure I'll get a chance soon to catch up!" she says. Jeice laughs heartily "You wish True! You know ya can't beat me in battle!" Kestra turns to Jeice and whispers, "After all, we get to follow after those two hotties." states pointing toward Tanaka and Djoni talking battle strategy. The ranger blushes and tries to change the subject. "Uh, yeah, I'm sure we can learn a few new techniques from them." They share a laugh and head off together to prepare their battle gear.

ATrueHeart shakes her head and says to Jinx, "Young lust. Seems a lifetime ago when we were that young." Jinx laughs and shakes her head "And foolish! I don't miss the game of infatuation, wondering if he felt the same way I did and if he even noticed me. I'm quite content with having a cat as my companion." The mage grumbles. True laughs, "At least we know our companions are faithful! I wouldn't trade Squirrely for a thousand Tanakas!" Atrueheart nods at Calie and Jinx "Now Calie you and Jinx are going to be working on the potions as that is y'all's forte'! Irella can really use y'all's help. I know y'all can figure this out!" Atrueheart states, shooing them toward Irella and the cauldron. Calie's eyes sparkle, "I can't wait to figure out some concoctions so we can help out with a cure!" Jinx smiles, "I'm sure we can figure this out. My nose is pretty good at picking out ingredients in a potion." she states as the alchemist and mage walk off toward the cauldron and discuss possibilities for the task ahead.

Slinging an arm around Hethlic, Atrueheart says "That leaves you and me hon. We will be with the civilians and settling nerves! I have just the music to do it too!" Hethlic grins "I'll do my best to help out Miss True! You can count on me!" Atrueheart looks around at the rest of her team and sees Kestra and Jeice deep in discussion over weapons with Tanaka and Kestra, with Calie, poring over some of their spell and potion books. Calie is pulling out some ingredients and handing them over to Irella. Seeing that her team has swung into high gear, Atrueheart nods in satisfaction and then turns to Hethlic and links her arm with his. "Let's do this!"

"Well how should we split up?" Kaiidth asks the group. "I think I am best suited to visit with the civilians."

"We know where I am heading," Lovecraft states pulling out her swords, looking them over.

"I will take Tea_Roll with me to Potions," Witchy says puffing out smoke.

"Is that wise?" TerrenaAnimula asks.

"YAY! I am with Witchy!" Tea_Roll grabs Witchy and hops up and down. "This will be so fun. Tossing things in a pot and cooking. I LOVE DOING THAT!"

"No no, Tea," Witchy responds, "We are going to be making a P_O_T...ION not cooking."

"I would like to go to the battlefield," Springjoy states, "But under my condition I don't think it is the wisest choice."

"Don't want a baby born out there," Kaiidth agrees. "You should go with myself and possibly TerrenaAnimula to the civilians. Away from fighting and possible explosions." She looks at Witchy and Tea_Roll.

"Choices. Choices." Reaper utters. "Where should I head?"

"WITH LOVECRAFT!" everyone yells looking at Lovecraft who is polishing her blades and grinning rather oddly.

"Fine fine, off to wage war with the wife then." Reaper gathers up her bags and whistles at Spike, who cocks one browridge at her before rolling his head on his neck and flapping over, claws digging into her shoulder as he perches there.

"No no, NOT with the wife, with the BAD GUYS!" Witchy laughs as she hollars over to Reaper. "GRAMMAR!"

"Alongside my wife, against the bad guys," Reaper mutters back, her own eyebrows now arched to ask Witchy if that's better. She shakes her head a bit when Witchy smiles and nods, a plume of rainbow pouring out of her mouth.

"We are just saying, Reaper, that perhaps you should watch after your wifey," Kaiidth says.

"She looks a bit, blood thirsty," Springjoy utters.

"Plus we need someone to give us the FULL version of what happens, not just her version," TerrenaAnimula adds.

Lovecraft stops looking at her blades and looks up. "My version of things is always the truth as I see fit of it being the truth."

Reaper walks over and puts her arm around Lovecraft's shoulder. "Of course it is dear. And I am sure Hollis and Habeebi agree your version of how they ended up in the water with Gilly and his shark pals is close to the full truth."

Lovecraft shrugs, pushes Reaper's arm off her and goes back to cleaning her blade.

"So it is settled?" Kaiidth asks making sure everyone has a place to head.

"Yup! I AM WITH WITCHY!" Tea_Roll continues to bounce. "I will make sure to bring back broth for everyone!"

Lovecraft stops cleaning her blades and puts the back on her back. "I can't believe I am going to say this, BUT I think Witchy is the sane one in her pairing."

"I always said I would be a good babysitter," Witchy grins and takes a puff of rainbow. "This can show Springjoy I can watch her little one when it gets here."

"NO!" Springjoy yells. "I mean the baby will be transported somewhere away from action when it arrives. But thank you."

"Good call," Kaiidth nods at her. "My little one I think was traumatized."

"Lets get going," TerrenaAnimula says. "Before we get sidetracked on other things."

"Speaking of sidetracked," Springjoy speaks up. "I will join you guys in a bit. I have a delivery to make."

"Fine, fine," Lovecraft says. "Better you then us."

"YAY! A BABY!!" Tea_Roll yells and starts running around in circles.

"Free babysitter right here!" Witchy grins.

"SO CUTE!" TerrenaAnimula squeals.

"Glad its you this time and not me," Kaiidth says with a smile. "Have fun!"

Springjoy poofs from the group temporarily as the rest of The Dazed Denizens of Crazy Delusional Chopped Jalapeno-Ville pack up their things and get ready to head out. In the distance the song "It's The End of the World," by REM is playing.

POTIONS What potion could turn a living being into acting like a mechanical doll, and what would be the antidote for such a potion.?

A Potion for turning into a mechanical like doll... Tea_Roll starts shreading a book. Witchy screams at her "What Are You Doing?!! THAT IS A BOOK you are destroying!" But Tea laughs and says "Its a book of Icy Soul (to reach all the way to their soul). "I think this will be a good start for a potion, since the dolls leader seems frozen like" explains Tea, as she throws the shreds into the cauldron, then she drops to the ground and starts rolling around the cauldron.

"Ahhh" says Witchy, "That does make sense Tea. Then perhaps a drop of endeavor elixr (to make her mechanical), a part of a Frozen Heart Potion (to freeze her emotions to not be shown), and perhaps three drops of Special Order tincture to erase her memories, they wouldn't want her to be fighting this potion." says Witchy, as she adds the ingrediants into the cauldron.

Suddenly Tea jumps up, staggering around, "Watch Out Tea!" yells witchy, and right before it looks like Tea is going to crash into the cauldron, she throws something into it and falls sprawling onto the ground.

"What did you put in there Tea?" scowls Witchy at the cauldron and then Tea. "A crushed alchemy token toy", says Tea, laughly. "It's sure to turn a person into a doll like being! Why do you think I was rolling around? I had to crush it didn't I?" Looking at Tea in surprise, Witchy says, "That's a good thought Tea, we will also put in a third of Dark Death Potion (to steal away their soul), and the rest an Earth Potion (for their nature has gone wrong) and, Witchy whispers to Tea, that's mainly what is in Djoni's potion". With that last bit a small explosion and a mushroom cloud comes out of the cauldron.**

"So you think you have the potion to make the Coppelias leader into a doll, but what about the antidote? says Irella.

"Oh that ones easy" says Tea, as she stumbles around, while Irella sits another cauldron on the fire. "We have to come up with antidotes all the time" glancing at Witchy with a sly smile. "Things happen when WE cook together".

Witchy rolls her eyes at Tea. "If YOU would stop throwing things into my cauldron, helter skelter like, when I'm trying to do something specific, I Wouldn't HAVE to keep coming up with antidotes!"

Irella shakes her head at the two young people, and says "SO? What about it?"

"Well," says Tea, "We have to start out with a little Beetle Juice! To thin the old spell out" and in she throws a vial.

"TEA!" yells witchy, "Will you Stop being so impetuous." Tea just laughs and sits on the ground and starts pulling out her tea pot and cakes.

"Hmmm, she does have a point. Of course, you also need some Hex Remover, and a few drops of the Potion of Life." says witchy, adding them into the cauldron.

"Oh here" Tea holds up a small chunk of a holey subsidence. "You're going to need some wormwood"

"Thanks Tea" witchy takes it and drops it in, "Three drops of Surging Power Potion to give it some strength, a drop of sweetheart potion to open her heart up again, and a teaspoon of pureed pumpkin potion. A half a vial of reborn potion and a half a vial of shinwas health potion" looking down at Tea, while she was eating her cake and trying to get Irella to have a cup of tea, Witchy thinks it's a good thing Shinwa was amused with the Tea_Roll. A few drops of the hard to get soothing brew of the potion master, and an extra small vial of spiraling ascension potion to take away all blockages, should do it. Thinks the witchy, as she adds the last ingrediants to the cauldron.

Quickly stepping back, expecting an explosion, witchy is surprised when all she gets is a small cloud and a sound that sounds suspiciouly like a sigh, from the cauldron.

"Well that should do it" says Witchy, looking Tea_roll and Irella, (who is now drinking a cup of tea). "Hey! did you save me any tea and cake? I'm the one doing the brewing here, and I need a little restorative!" Tea_roll reaches into her pocket, and pulls out another piece of wormwood, "Here witchy, I saved this just for you!"

Witchy sneers at her. "Ick. You know how bad that stuff tastes!"

(OCC)

: :

Galaxia and the other Galactic Misfits who made it to this location watch from the edge of the courtyard as Garmond gestures his dance troupe inside. Shed of their disguises but not the knowledge that their earlier ruse granted, Galaxia in particular seems particularly tense. Her fists clench and, when Djoni and Tanaka leave to discuss the danger with general's airs, she turns to her compatriots with narrowed eyes. "I cannot stand by and do...potions and spells and pretty magic," she snarls. "I want to be in the thick of battle." The others look at each other, nodding or shrugging. Aodh steps forward. "Danger and intrigue are where I am best as well and, if we are dealing with evil beings, perhaps I can watch your back. With my heritage, I know what to watch out for." Galaxia takes a deep breath, turning to him. "You sell yourself short," she says, hovering a hand lightly over his shoulder (though not quite touching). "I think you are a fine and noble person, better than you give yourself credit for, and I'd be honored to fight with you." More nods are exchanged, and the group spirals off into different paths.

Elethia had thought about her options; she cringed, thinking back on the days when her mother would drag her out of the house in the wee hours of the morning to make some type of potion with her. Her Mom was determined to teach the old ways, but instead she only wanted to explore and get into trouble. Deciding that this one is a definite no, she considers joining in battle. The feisty side of her perks in interest, but when she hears talk about bloodthirsty vampires and werewolves she has a change of heart. She knows that she'll have to face them, but a whole slew of them isn't her idea of fun The last choice that presents itself is joining with the civilians. The idea of protecting someone appeals to Elethia's sense of justice, and she is smiling through her tiredness as she inclines her head to the others in Madi's room. Muffling a yawn, she's then brought out of her sleepiness by the presentation of a puzzle. What a fun thing to do to take her mind off of the danger and uncertainty! She grabs a scrap piece of paper and proceeds to do her best answering it.

Ameana slips through the forest, so like her home, and arrives in front of Irella's cauldron with an armful of supplies and a sheaf of notes with Elethia's annotations scribbled on the parchment. Ameana clears her throat: "For

The Fallen Angels have their list of ingredients to present: What we think caused the curse: -Squid ink will help to cast spells that dull the senses. - The salted slug is a damper to almost all earth magics. - The petals of the lotus flower are often used to help control someone's mind, and make someone forget things. - Henbane is a very potent hallucinogen, and magic users have often found it useful when casting spells that affect the mind.

What we hope the antidote could be: - Salt is often used to prevent magic of all kinds... Salt is the grounder of magic, and will help protect you from it, or purify someone who has been enchanted. - A serpents skin is used to help you shed enchantments and curses. - A little snail shell will help to protect you from all forms of un-natural magic. - Kept in boxes, the moonwort can produce silver. Can break chains and unlock locks just by touching them. - Beetle juice will help to thin out almost any spell or potion.

Werewolf Potion: gives control over the body and what it may do.

: helper in nature related spells : protection against wild animals : helps shed enchantments and curses. : A symbol of cunning, this wolf tooth may help with all sorts of spells. - This beautiful stone is most commonly used for divination, but can often have its powers harnessed to cast sleep spells and love spells upon others. -This plant works as a wonderful painkiller... but be careful, as too much is poisonous.

Vampire Potion: controls vampiric nature.

:used to promote long life : prevents aging -Flowing along side blood cells, plasma offers its services as a mini delivery man. Plasma cells carry various substances all over the body as well as collecting waste for processing. Pure plasma is vital to those with hemophilia because it contains clotting agents. -helps to clear negative energies - is a good thickener for spells dealing with the physical - Prevents fatigue. This is a staple in all potions that restore vitality and stamina.

(I'm sorry, our team's leader has not been well - she made the post but perhaps fell asleep waiting to put it here. And 2nd team captain is in Europe and asleep as it's the middle of the night, perhaps. I hope it's not going to make anyone angry to post it myself. I apologize to everyone in advance...)

Myra´s eyes shone. They had to deduce potions and find counterspells. That was her most loved alchemistic work! Working with plants, metals and elements was meditative, almost had a nurturing impact on her. “Krios, let´s do the potion task!“ the blue-eyed healer suggested, eager. “You know, there is this werewolf back in the elven forest I use to talk to, he is always nice, he told me once about a potion he mixes himself every high moon.“

Krios agreed to help his friend yet remained sceptic. The red-haired mage knew the werewolf in question, too, and the only human he was nice to seemed to be the young maiden. One red moon, he followed a really bloodthirsty trace of this very werewolf, finding him in a blood rage. He questioned the virtue of the mentioned potion well and truly.

On the other hand, Myra was really splendid when it came to mixing potions and he knew one or two finding spells which came in handy when an ingredient was missing.

With an inviting dapper wave of his hand which swayed the demons who rested on the mage´s left shoulder, he included the shapeshifter in their circle. “Nicsy, come and lend us a hand, please. I am sure you picked up some essentials during your magical education, too!"

The demons flew up with annoyed screeches, finding solace on the back of Shimmershadow who slept at Myra’s feet.

“And let's not forget to ask Lyra about old tales concerning magic potions!” Myra proposed. “She and Cosmo got around a lot in the world!” the alchemist added, in deep admiration

Videnicse would have twitched her tail had she been in a form that had one. As it was, she shifted from one foot to the other and frowned at Krios. “I’ve gathered herbs for potions,” she told the mage, “and as long as I can smell them I always know which one it is. I’d love to help.” She remembered the times she’d been stirring a potion, smelling it as it changed from a pot of herbs and tinctures into a vessel of magic. She smiled, and patted her bag. “I might even have a few things with me that would help.”

A battle? Akalia’s fingers twitched and ached to hold her bow and her eye lit up at the prospect of being able to release some arrows at their enemies. Beside her, Gunther bleated sadly. The elf looked down at the small goat. To bring him into a battle of such scale wouldn’t be very wise. She crouched down beside him and stroked his back, Lyra’s words’ played over in her head. Werewolves! Vampires!

Akalia was sure that she would be able to fend off the vampires, that she wouldn’t feel remorse going after such human-like creatures. But the wolves were another story. Sure they were humans as well - underneath their wolfish exteriors - but they were still creatures of the forest and she didn’t want to put anyone in danger should she hesitate to release her shot.

She stood up and gave Gunther a sad, yet happy look. “C’mon Gunny. Let’s join Lyra with Madi. I’m sure we can find a way to be of use there.” With that the duo joined Lyra and Cosmo.

“I don’t know anything about mind control or potion mixing but I do have a couple new toys I’ve been itching to try.” Lilith pulled a mechanical arm, her crossbow, and some type of eyepiece out of her satchel. “Figured we’d be needing this so I carried them along, I’ll also need to change into something a little more battle friendly but I’m ready.”

Before Lyra left with Akalia, she hurried over to the potion mixing team. “I just remembered an old story that I used to tell to children. It’s about a boy wizard at a school of magic. One of his teachers was a werewolf and had to keep taking a potion. I don’t think many ingredients were mentioned but I remember this,” said Lyra, as she pressed a piece of paper into Myra’s hand. “Good luck! Come on, Cosmo, I'm looking forward to spending some time with Junu again. We can make music together… what are you looking at me like that for…you know what I mean… his flute, my piccolo...”

Valera watched as her colleagues spread out into groups. It was a bit obvious what the pirate was going to do. With a sigh of relief she patted Feng, “Oi mate! Looks like ye can be fed soon! Git yer voice outta’mah’ead!”

Turning to the others before they disappeared from sight to join on their separate fronts to deal with the problem at hand, Valera wished them all luck and to stay safe. The viera hopped on her giant stone companion’s back and rode off after Lilith. Fighting on the frontlines was more Valera’s thing.

“What ye gunna change into Lil? One ‘o’them new platemail bikinis? More skin showing the better the defense they say!” The pirate laughed teasing her drow colleague.

With that the members decided on their groups. Krios, Myra and Videnicse were to help with making potions and salves. Lyra and Akalia were going to lend a hand keeping citizens safe and sound throughout the mess. All the while Valera and Lilith were off to the front lines to prepare for combat.

Ingredients: 1 cup each of and - also known as Wolfsbane, said to keep werewolves away 1 tablespoon of = gives protection versus beasts (dark green) 1 twig of = wards off werewolves (green and white) 28 drops of = silver wards off werewolves, 1 drop for each day of the moon cycle 1 square inch of shredded = sheds curses 1 pinch of = for purifying somebody who is enchanted 3 teaspoons of shredded bark of = calms body, mind and spirit, brings harmony 2 cups of = relaxing and soothing 9 cups of water (the number 9 is connected to inner wisdom)

Procedure:

1. Pour the 9 cups of water into a cool silver cauldron and simmer on low heat.
2. Give in first the cup of yellow, then the blue monkshood, stir, the brew should turn green in color now.
3. Add mugwort and mistletoe and simmer for ten minutes.
4. Now pulverize the shredded serpent skin with a morsel and put it together with the shredded bark of the Enchanted Calming Tree into the dilution. Raise heat and boil for 9 minutes, no less, no more!
5. Add one pinch of the green salt and stir, than add the 28 drops of Silver Potion one by one, stir again after each drop.
6. Deglaze the concoction with 2 cups of Chamomile Tea and allow to cool, potion should turn a bright fir green in minutes. To prevent turning into a werewolf or adopting werewolf traits, take one tablespoon full beginning with the 3rd week of the moon cycle until full moon passes.

2. Vampire Potion? Lysandra’s potion is described to help control her vampire nature, also, she appears very young in age. The potion seems to be red in color.

Ingredients: 6 heads of = wards off vampires ?1 = wards off vampires 6 ? = wards off vampires 1 beautiful exemplar of a = wards off vampires 6 = anti-aging 6 = anti-aging, enhances blood flow in brain 666 ml of ? = wards off vampires 1 ? = for purifying somebody who has been enchanted 6 = helps control blood lust in vampires 1 bottle of = we know vampires aren't keen of anything blessed

Procedure:

1. Rub out a silver cauldron with a head of wild garlic.
2. Now crush the 6 heads of garlic and roast them gently in the cauldron so the garlic won't become bitter in taste.
3. Grate the ginger roots and add them to the garlic, churning all the time.
4. Melt the Blood Bag Candy in the garlic ginger crush by stirring slowly so it won't scorch.
5. Deglaze with 1 liter of Shinwa´s Blessed Water and let it simmer low-level for 6 minutes.
6. Add the gingko nuts and rosehip and boil until soft.
7. Sprinkle 6 pinches of Red Salt into the mix, stir until it is highly dispersed, the potion should look bright red now.
8. Pour 666 ml of the brew into a wooden jar blessed by a priest and mix with 666 ml Holy Water, Please note the exact quantity of the fluids!
9. Add 6 petals of hawthorne and 6 petals of the most beautiful rose you can find into the jar, recap and leave to draw for 6 days. To prevent vampirism, take 1 teaspoon every night before dusk approaches.

3. Coppelia Hex Potion - aka - Living Doll potion ? A potion which controls body and mind of a being can only be brewn by an experienced magician, usually by one who wields black magic. The usual items used by such individuals are listed below.

Ingredients: 1 bunch of = affects the mind 13 ? = helps control someone's mind? 13 Shavings of = allows a mysterious force to control your every action 13 ?Shavings from = upgrades human body in mechanized one? 13 drops of = paralyses the mind? 13 drops of = freezes body / mind 13 drops of = dulls senses 1 liter of = is a hallucinogen

Procedure: For this concoction, a black cauldron is needed, best made out of black onyx. The brew should be made at night.

1. Pour 1 liter of Belladonna Tea into the cauldron.
2. Add 1 bunch of Henbane and 13 Lotus Petals (no more!) and let them simmer at low heat until the dilution is light pink.
3. Shave of 13 tiny thin slices of Mech Suit Trunk and burn them in a second vessel until only ash remains.
4. Sprinkle the ashes into the brew and stir 13 times.
5. Add 13 drops of Paralysis Perfume, Frozen Heart Potion and Squid Ink each, every drop individually and afterwards, stir 13 times counter-clockwise.
6. Add 13 shavings of an Idea Diamond and let it melt in the concoction. The potion can be used anytime yet should be produced best either on the 13th day of a month or at Samhain. One teaspoon should do the trick but if possible, apply 2 for assured virtue.

4. Coppelia Antidote Potion -aka- Anti-Paralysis-Potion ? This antidote should counterspell the Hex Potion and restore the enchanted beings back to health and make them feel better and let them forget about the bad experience. After deducing the Vampire and Werewolf Potion which helps Djoni and Lysandra, we knew we had to use their sea salt and gingko nuts for good effect. The other ingredients, we found by experimenting. Many a cockroach did our bidings today and sipped a lot of different potions before we found this most potent composition which makes every somehow enchanted dull cockroach an agile brainiac again.

Ingredients: 1 = lets you feel completely renewed 3 ? = anti-aging, enhances blood flow in brain? 3 petals of = wards off hexes 3 pinches of ? = prevents evil magic, purifies the enchanted being 1 naturally shedded ? = protects from un-natural magic 1 piece of naturally shedded = sheds enchantment and curses 3 blossoms of = protects from Dark Magic 3 = helps your body and mind to stay awake and clear 1 liter of = for waking up 3 drops of = persons who drinks this swear they only dreamed the days before 3 = bestows restorative powers 3 drops of = makes you feel a lot better

Procedure: For this brew, a crystal cauldron is needed, best made out of pure quartz.

1. Pour 1 liter of freshly brewed coffee into the cauldron.
2. Add the content of the pylonic and stir 3 times clockwise.
3. Add 3 gingko nuts and let them boil soft in 3 minutes.
4. Put 3 inches of serpent skin and 3 tiny pieces of snail shell into a mortar and grind them.
5. Mix this powder together with 3 pinches of sea salt and sprinkle it into the cauldron, stir until dissolved.
6. Add 3 petals of sage, 3 healing leaves and 3 blossoms of Angelica and wait until they are overcooked.
7. Now give 3 Stay Awake Eye Drops and 3 drops of Shinwas´s Healing Wine into the dilution and stir 3 times, clockwise like before.
8. Eventually add 3 drops of Dreamlight Tea which gives the potion a light and warm green appearance at once.
9. Boil the brew for 3 minutes at the highest possible temperature attainable. The brew should be cooked by daylight, preferably in the midday heat yet can be administered anytime. Dose the victim with 1 cup of this concoction and let them drink it as hot as possible to expel all frozen feelings.