041. Vignettes

[Corwin]

[19:50] <Kotono> Canderella is found at Elrisa's Tower. In particular she is upstairs, using a wooden blade to defend herself against Misalea's blows. The two dance about, more like ballet than battle, as all the students sit and watch. Mirima sits at the head of it all, intensely studying the combat. Adrian is there as well, leaning against a wall behind several of the sitting students. His gaze is far more
[19:51] <Kotono> focused on Misalea.
[19:51] <Jaela> "She joined properly, then?" Jaela asks, coming up to Mirima to observe the duel.
[19:53] * Afina floats over beside Adrian, watching the battle with her own critical eye for the style. "Enjoying the view?" she asks him idly.
[19:54] <Kotono> Mirima doesn't even look at Jaela, eyes only for the battle. But she does reply, "Yes," she says simply, as CAnderella fronts forward, as it to be farther than she is...but Misalea isn't deterred, the clack of wood against Canderella's ribcage heard as she scores a clean hit!
[19:55] <Kotono> Adrian smiles a moment, "Are you?" he banters back as he crosses his arms, "Her guard and attack has improved since she received the memories."
[19:56] <Jaela> "Congratulations," Jaela notes, deciding to stick around until the duel is resolved properly.
[19:57] <Afina> "She seems much more at ease now," Afina agrees. "No matter how much she pushed herself in the past, I could always see that discomfort in her swordplay. Canderella needs more work to pick up the style, but I can see the beginnings."
[19:58] <Kotono> Mirima smiles briefly - a warm smile, but one that passes as she concentrates. Meanwhile Adrian murmurs, "She's never going to be the best swordswoman," he admits in a low voice, "But with the magic and skills she's learned, she should able to pull her weight better now."
[20:00] <Kotono> Misalea and Canderella continue to go at it, fencing back and forth! As they clash blades, "Why don't you relax a moment and drop that sword," Canderella purrs low, but it carries after the sharp crack of wood on wood!
[20:00] <Kotono> roll 1d20+30
[20:00] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+30 and gets 44." [1d20=14]
[20:01] <Jaela> "I hate it when she does it to me," Jaela mutters. "Maybe I will just smack her with a wooden sword next time."
[20:01] <Kotono> "I-ah!" Misalea parries off and somersaults back, landing in a defensive guard! Canderella advances forward as Misalea replies, "Sneaky, aren't you?"
[20:01] <Kotono> "Hm?" Mirima murmurs back in questioning.
[20:01] <Jaela> "That succubus thing that she can do. You know the one?"
[20:02] <Afina> "It's reassuring," the fairy agrees. "She even managed to keep her wits there. Sneaky indeed," she looks at Canderella now.
[20:04] <Kotono> "Bad succubus, bad succubus?" Mirima makes a motion of thwapping something, perhaps a dog or other animal.
[20:05] <Kotono> As the two clash again, "Did you need any of us for something?" Adrian asks, "I can interrupt if you want, they're going to be at this awhile.
[20:05] <Kotono> "
[20:05] * Jaela snorts. "You're right, she will probably like it. Just not worth it."
[20:05] <Afina> "We wanted to talk with Canderella but it's hardly a need," Afina shakes her head, content to wait.
[20:06] <Kotono> "...it may be." Mirima agrees quietly, "...I made the mis-step of succumbing to curiosity. I asked her more about that unicorn story." Letting the sound of blade on blade fill the silence after, "...No, there is no may about it."
[20:07] <Kotono> "Eh," Adrian grins a moment, "They can have a break. Time for the big bad man to interrupt the lovely ladies since he doesn't understand anything." Clearing his throat, "Break!" he announces, Misalea and Canderella pausing. "10 minute break for Aurora business. Canderella, come over here."
[20:08] <Jaela> "I can imagine any number of ways it could have gone, all of them bad," Jaela muses. "Curiousity can be bad, sometimes."
[20:09] <Kotono> Misalea raises her blade in salute of Canderella, which she returns. As several members of the Graceful Blow give Adrian a foul look, Canderella approaches. She's sweaty and worked up, pausing to fetch a towel nearby to dry herself off. "Oh, you want me for something?"
[20:15] <Kotono> "Afina and Jaela do," Adrian says, "Afina?" Afer a beat he calls, "Jaela, are you coming over here?"
[20:15] <Afina> "Yes," Afina nods, fluttering up to her. "Does the name Telastryiryn mean anything to you?" she asks, glancing at Jaela since it was her idea to ask and she knows more hopefully.
[20:15] <Jaela> "Want to come?" Jaela offers Mirima, before approaching at last. "May the answer be yes," she calls over to Canderella.
[20:16] <Kotono> Mirima follows along curiously, nodding.

[Corwin]

[19:57] <Kotono> Muirfinn is at rest for a few moments. The Ysgardian air in the courtyard is brisk and refreshing, as he lets it wash over himself. As it happens, "Muirfinn!" Elena's voice interrupts that rather cleanly, appearing before him clad in elven one piece tunic, exposing a whole lot of leg and with a quiver of arrows slung over her shoulder and a big leather belt around her waist.
[19:58] <Muirfinn> "Yes, Elena? What can I do for you?" Muirfinn asks, throwing a meat-encrusted bone for Chok to go retrieve.
[20:03] <Kotono> As companion chases good meat, "Oh, Sylvie requested a healer for something Balyss and her are going to attempt."
[20:04] <Muirfinn> "Well, that's fortunate. I was hoping to seek them out later for a project of my own." Muirfinn waits as the dinosaur scampers back with the bone and has a brief tug-of-war trying to get it back. "Where can I find them?"
[20:05] <Kotono> "The growing areas," Elena replies.
[20:06] * Muirfinn nods, pulling the dinosaur by the bone after him as he heads that way.
[20:10] <Kotono> The growing areas are full of exactly that - crops growing, looking as if they're getting bigger as you watch. Sylvie and Balyss sit just past a field of grain, a pair of small cloth napkins between them. On each napkin is roughly 8 figures - perfect representation sof Balyss and Sylvie, in candy form.
[20:12] <Muirfinn> Stepping up and letting the beast take the bone off to the side to gnaw at, Muirfinn says, "Ladies, Elena said you were looking for some assistance with something?"
[20:14] <Kotono> "Yeah," Sylvie says, "We got these candies from our trip to Limbo. If we eat one and cast a spell, it'll cause a completely unpredictable surge in what the magic does. I thought it would be an interesting study to see what they do. Of course, wild magic has a big reputation, and having someone here who can dispel or heal us if something goes wrong is..." here Sylvie pauses, as Balyss cuts
[20:14] <Kotono> in, "Incredibly obvious and a common sense precaution?"
[20:15] * Muirfinn nods. "Of course. I'll do what I can. Do you think that you could assist me with something afterward?"
[20:16] <Kotono> "Assuming we don't become insane slaad," A drawn out sigh at that from Balyss, "I don't mind. What is it?"
[20:22] <Muirfinn> "An amulet came into my posession that needs to be purified. I need to get to the deep ethereal, and was hoping one of you would be able to help me get there. I hate bothering Tepen with his condition, and Vul'lath has been in a mood lately."
[20:23] <Kotono> "I can do it," Balyss speaks up, "Purification is a worthy goal!"
[20:24] <Muirfinn> "My thanks." Muirfinn says. "Let's see what this magic can do."
[20:30] <Kotono> "I'll go first," Balyss says, taking one of the eight Balyss candies and popping it in. She chews briefly, "Sweet," she says after swallowing, then chants a quick, minor spell!
[20:30] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:30] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 72." [1d100=72]
[20:31] <Kotono> roll 1d20+22
[20:31] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+22 and gets 38." [1d20=16]
[20:32] <Kotono> Balyss starts to say something, eyes widening - but in one moment she goes from flesh to metallic gold stone, a statue!
[20:32] <Kotono> "I-!" Sylvie stares a few moments, "Balyss? Balyss!"
[20:32] * Muirfinn blinks. "Well."
[20:34] <Kotono> No reply. Sylvie curses darkly, "She's been petrified!" Pausing a moment, "Can you break the enchantment on her, Muirfinn?"
[20:35] * Muirfinn walks around Balyss, tapping his beak. "This is...actually one of the few things I CAN'T dispel. Well done."
[20:36] <Kotono> Sylvie slaps her forehead, really rather hard. "Elena!" she calls, said woodland archer appearing! She goes over ot Balyss and stares, "...petrified?!"
[20:36] <Kotono> "Yeah," Sylvie says tiredly, "Get Hanna or Jaela or someone else who can fix this!"
[20:36] <Muirfinn> "We need a cleric."
[20:43] <Kotono> "Understood!" Elena salutes and vanishes! Once gone Sylvie buries her head into her hands, "I thought between the three of us we could fix anything these do. I swear, if this can't be cured, I..."
[20:45] * Muirfinn pats Sylvie on the shoulder, "Of course it can."
[20:45] <Muirfinn> "Right now, the only thing she needs to be worried about is birds taking roost on her."
[20:49] <Kotono> "Yeah." Keeping her face buries for a few seconds, before looking up, face tense, "I hope so."
[20:50] * Muirfinn simply sits and waits. "Patience is key here. Perhaps toying with these candies is a poor choice in the end?"

[Corwin]

[20:17] <Kotono> "Oh, Telastryiryn? Big green dragon that has ties to the lovely Princess Bwimb?" Canderella bats her eyelashes, "Oh, that makes me think. She has no discernable sex organs, but insists she is female. If one asserts it to be so, does it become so?"
[20:19] <Afina> "If that's what she wants to be, why not? It makes a change from most elementals not understanding gender at all," Afina says, considering.
[20:19] <Jaela> "If she is strong enough to assert it," Jaela responds, for her part. "And you could make a case that her inner image of herself is what counts."
[20:21] <Kotono> "Oh yes, that is true. She's made spawns with Telastryiryn. Living Filth is what they're called. I had the pleasure to meet one on business. Imagine a vile, polluted ooze with a gossamer of green scales forming a vaguely draconic body. They don't hold it all in, so there is an eternal aura of absolute disease ridden filth around them." Tapping her lips a moment, "Telastryiryn has ties to Jubilex,
[20:21] <Kotono> and according to the stories I heard, is brokering some sort of negotiations between Jubilex and Bwimb. It's quite a story over in Ooze, or so I hear, since Jubilex is something of an icon and rarely cares to do anything but consume, eat and kill."
[20:22] <Afina> "Sounds in dire need of some cleansing fire," Afina opines, making a face at the description of Living Filth.
[20:22] <Jaela> "Well, that was disgusting," Jaela deadpans. "In essence, this is an evil dragon? And a strong one, at that? I want to catch it on water, kill it, take its hoard and make Tiamat angry. Can you help us with that?"
[20:26] <Kotono> "I cooould," she admits, "But you really should be careful. In addition to the Living Filth, I've met one of his sharkspawn. Imagine a shark about...40 to 50 feet long?" Spreading her arms out, "Made of rippling green acid and water, with four acid and poison drooling maws big enough to swallow you whole?" Pausing to hum, "While I'm sure even that sort of being eaten could be enjoyable in the
[20:26] <Kotono> right circumstances, Telastryiryn is powerful and connected. He has many, many powerful servants, as befitting someone close to an Archomental. He combines the fecundity of dragons and the spreading, vile growth of mold, slime and pollution."
[20:26] <Kotono> "Disgusting!" Adrian and Mirima say at precisely the same time, before sharing a chargrinned look.
[20:27] <Jaela> "Give it to me straight. Just how much would it debase me to fight him and his weird spawn?"
[20:29] <Kotono> "That makes me think..." Canderella says, "Is pride that claims debasement its own form of debasement, or is it correct? After all, if it is for the right reason, can't anything be a noble goal? Hmmm..." Reflecting on that briefly, "It won't be pleasant, certainly. Though I have heard Princess Bwimb has given him several valuable trinkets washed in from Earth..."
[20:30] * Jaela glances at Afina, before returning her attention to Canderella. "Do you know any other evil dragons that are infamous?"
[20:31] <Afina> "I've been debased plenty, don't hold back on my account," Afina giggles upon catching Jaela's look.
[20:35] <Kotono> "Oh, that sounds like fun stories," Canderella lightly replies, "Oh yes, I do. Have you ever been to the relam of Malcanthet?"
[20:35] <Jaela> "No."
[20:35] * Afina likewise shakes her head.
[20:42] <Kotono> "Shendilavri is a gorgeous realm," Pausing ot reflect, "I've only been once, but it's ruled by succubi and lilitu, all who serve the pleasures of Queen Malcanthet." Smiling, "If you ever decide to blacken your soul in obscene lusts, you really should go. Anyway, there is a hedge maze there known as the Puzzling Hedge. A demonic green dragon keeps watch over it to prevent cheating. For at the
[20:42] <Kotono> core it is said any desire can be found by the will of Malcanthet. He's quite the powerful wyrm with the most unusual tastes..."
[20:44] <Jaela> "That would make a much better target, but I'm dubious of the value of his hoard," Jaela admits. "Also, I'm not sure we could break free of a hostile realm if we used enough power to take that thing out and announce our presence."
[20:45] <Afina> "So we have a choice of two rapacious green dragons, do we?" Afina asks, shaking her head. "Well, no doubt to Tannin's dismay, I'll say that Ooze seems more reasonable."
[20:46] <Kotono> "Do you know where his lair is, by the way?" Canderella speaks up, "That's one thing I'm afraid I don't know."
[20:47] <Jaela> "A good point," Jaela muses. "This would be pointless if we couldn't enrich the Crusade as well."
[20:47] <Kotono> Meanwhile Elena appears! She is clad like a forest archer, "Hi! Problem!" she announces. "Again. It's not the book, at least."
[20:47] * Jaela pauses, before asking, "Ithea, again?"
[20:47] <Kotono> "Oh no. It's Balyss. She's been turned to stone!" Announcing that, "Can any of you reverse petrification?"
[20:48] * Jaela sighs. "...yes. Of course."
[20:48] * Afina looks approvingly at the contrast of green on blue skin Elena shows, before blinking. "All yours, Jaela," she offers commiseratingly. "How did this happen? A cursed item?"
[20:49] <Kotono> "Wild magic candies. Sylvie and Balyss are experimenting and...things went wrong," Elena admits. "They're in the farms."
[20:49] <Jaela> "Please. This is another instance where curiousity is bad," Jaela interjects, raising her arm to pause Elena. "I will be right there."
[20:50] <Kotono> With that Elena vanishes!
[20:50] <Kotono> "Today's full of surprises, isn't it?" Canderella opines, "Chaos smiles on us."
[20:50] <Jaela> And with that Jaela shakes her head and leaves.
[20:51] <Kotono> "That's not the phrase I'd use for it," Adrian shakes his head, as, Mirima curiously tags along with Jaela. After they're gone, "So if you're going after this dragon, who are you going to take to slay it? Sounds like it'll be a fight."

[Corwin]

[20:52] <Kotono> "Yeah. Water's wet and the sky's blue, too," Sylvie retorts, "Wild magic' sproblem is that it's wild magic." Meanwhile as you wait, Jaela appears through the portal and approaches...
[20:52] * Jaela comes closer, casting Detect Magic first of all to take a better look.
[20:52] <Muirfinn> "Hello, Jaela." Muirfinn nods at her. "Sorry to interrupt you."
[20:53] <Jaela> "I was working on securing more funds for the Aurora, but that can wait," Jaela responds.
[20:53] <Kotono> There is fading magic around Balyss.
[20:54] <Jaela> roll 1d20+26 spellcraft
[20:54] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 1d20+26 spellcraft and gets 41." [1d20=15]
[20:54] <Kotono> "We were using these wild magic candies we were 'gifted'," Putting scorn into that, "The first one and this happens."
[20:55] <Muirfinn> "And of course it would be one of perhaps two conditions that I cannot aid against." Muirfinn shakes his head.
[20:56] <Jaela> "Oh, I see," Jaela says, circling around Balyss. "Break Enchantment? I'm very good with that spell, and it's tempting to try... ah, but this is an ally, and not a chance for nostalgia." She places her hand on Balyss's shoulder, and intones, "Gold to Flesh!"
[20:57] <Kotono> At that call, Balyss' body returns to flesh! She stares ahead, "Huh, what happe-Jaela?" she looks to the half-celestial with her hand on her shoulder, "Something not good, right?"
[20:57] <Kotono> Sylvie exhales audibly, "Thank Oghma," she mutters.
[20:57] <Muirfinn> "You turned into a golden statue."
[20:58] * Jaela sighs. "Welcome back, Balyss," she tells the busty aasimar, and then turns to Mirima. "Want to make a detour before returning?"
[20:58] <Kotono> "Damn wild magic," Balyss glares at Sylvie, "This was YOUR idea," she retorts.
[20:59] <Kotono> Mirima smiles at it, "Where to?" she asks, as Sylvie replies, "You went along with it!"
[20:59] * Muirfinn looks vaguely amused as he watches the two argue.
[20:59] <Kotono> "Yes well..." Crossing her arms under her bosom, "You're still trying at least one of them. If I did, you can. Don't even think about claiming it's too dangerous. You put me up to it, you can try one too."
[20:59] <Kotono> "Here we go," Rolling her eyes, "What's next, I refuse and you say I can't run away from this one?"
[21:00] <Kotono> As Sylvie retorts, Balyss reddens, "That's exactly what I was going to say! You need to take responsibility for this! Besides, whatever happens, we can mend it."
[21:00] <Jaela> "I've been thinking about the gith," Jaela admits to her quietly. "Don't they all look sour? Maybe we could find a way to make their stay here more pleasant, between the two of us?"
[21:01] <Kotono> "They do look sour," Mirima considers, "I thought they were naturally tha tway."
[21:01] <Kotono> "Fine!" Sylvie retorts, throwing her hands into the air, picking up a Sylvie candy and popping it down, before uttering a few cross words.
[21:01] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:01] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 42." [1d100=42]
[21:01] <Jaela> "I think it's a bit of column A, and a bit of column B. They do look that way naturally, but these ones seem more so than normal."
[21:02] <Kotono> Abruptly the firsts of Sylvie begin to glow, as does Balyss's mace, Muirfinn's own fists and Mirima's sheathed blade! It's a strong blue light, each one steady.
[21:02] <Muirfinn> "I know that Vul'lath has something bothering him." Muirfinn says to Jaela "Perha-"
[21:02] <Kotono> OOC: Jaela, if you have a weapon out they glow as well, don't know if yo udo since you have your gauntlets.
[21:03] <Jaela> OOC: They count as a weapon, yes
[21:03] * Jaela raises an eyebrow. "My rules are simple. You break them, you buy them."
[21:03] * Muirfinn stares at his hands. "This is new. What's going on here now?"
[21:04] <Jaela> roll 1d20+26 spellcraft
[21:04] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 1d20+26 spellcraft and gets 46." [1d20=20]
[21:05] <Kotono> "I think our weapons were ensorcelled," Sylvie makes a casual punch with her fists, "I can feel better balanced and faster on the strike."
[21:05] <Jaela> "They were."
[21:07] <Muirfinn> "Fascinating. Is it beneficial?" Muirfinn asks. "Permanent?"
[21:07] <Kotono> "That one wasn't so bad," Taking a swing, "Your turn, Balyss." Sylvie retorts, and before that, "Since I took one, you need to take one again."
[21:08] <Jaela> "Mildly so, and yes," Jaela responds to Muirfinn.
[21:08] <Kotono> "It's a permanent enchantment boost?" Balyss whip-turns to Jaela, "Not just a temporary spell?"
[21:09] <Jaela> "Yes. Wild magic is responsible for that, from what I can see." She calmly eyes Balyss. "But get too greedy and remember it can take away all that and more with a bit of bad luck."
[21:10] * Muirfinn nods. "Fortunate that we were given a boon. I would encourage you to stop this, lest we all wind up turned to stone, or worse."
[21:11] <Jaela> "I can likely stop any hostile magic," Jaela muses. "But only if I recognize it as obviously hostile."
[21:12] <Kotono> "Oh, in that case? Fiine," Balyss sighs, "Greed and pressure. Selune protect me," she says, eating another candy and uttering a few words.
[21:12] <Kotono> roll 1d100 You can make spellcraft here if you'd like, Jaela.
[21:12] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 You can make spellcraft here if you'd like, Jaela. and gets 46." [1d100=46]
[21:14] <Jaela> roll 1d20+26
[21:14] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 1d20+26 and gets 31." [1d20=5]
[21:16] <Kotono> After a moment, nothing seems to happen! Balyss waits a moment, "Anything?"
[21:16] <Jaela> "Case in point," Jaela says with a frown. "I wasn't able to read this one."
[21:17] <Kotono> "It didn't do anything that I can tell," Sylvie affirms, "Just nothing at all.
[21:17] <Kotono> "
[21:18] * Jaela waits patiently, since she's liable to be called back if she were to leave if they continue.
[21:18] * Muirfinn shakes his head. "I don't feel anything." OOC: Nothing on the True Seeing 5000?
[21:18] <Kotono> OOC: Nothing.
[21:19] <Kotono> Sylvie pauses, as Balyss gives her a look, "Fine, fine," she says, swallowing another and murmuring!
[21:19] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:19] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 68." [1d100=68]
[21:19] <Jaela> roll 1d20+26+15
[21:19] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 1d20+26+15 and gets 57." [1d20=16]
[21:23] <Jaela> "Don't move!" Jaela calls out, waiting for the magic to settle. "And don't panic!"
[21:24] <Muirfinn> Being a reptile, Muirfinn can actually do that!
[21:32] <Kotono> Utter, perfect darkness falls over all of you! No sight, nothing but sublime, complete blind darkness. None of you can see anything, even with darkvision.
[21:33] * Jaela is used to the darkness, and can sense her allies nearby anyway. Once the wild surge had passed, she tries to break through the gloom with her own magic.
[21:35] <Jaela> There is no getting around it, and she tries to counter the eternal darkness with a Miracle of limitless light!
[21:35] <Jaela> roll 1d100 Miracle ASF
[21:35] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 1d100 Miracle ASF and gets 94." [1d100=94]
[21:36] <Kotono> A moment later, light rolls back in! Sylvie blinks her eyes clear, "That was different," she finally says.
[21:37] * Jaela sighs again, sagging slightly. "Please stop. I haven't been this tired slaying ancient dragons and arch-fiends."
[21:37] <Kotono> "Agreed," Balyss says, "This wa sfun, but after that I'm going to cut my losses." Scooping up the rest of her candies, Balyss high-tails it out of there.
[21:38] <Jaela> "It seems like a net win, in any case," Jaela mutters under her breath, watching Sylvie sternly.
[21:39] <Kotono> Sylvie shrugs after a moment, "I'm going to add it to my notes. One day I'll put it as part of my studies and publish it. It's for the sake of knowledge."
[21:40] <Jaela> "Whatever. Give me a heads up if you intend to try it again?" She shrugs, then, and asks Mirima, "We were thinking of seeing Vul'lath, then?"
[21:47] * Muirfinn eyes Sylvie for a moment, then nods. "Just remember the dangers of acquiring some knowledge."

[Corwin]

[20:52] <Afina> "There's been far too many innocuous but viciously cursed objects floating around Aurora right now," Afina gripes. "As for the dragon, I don't know. It's mostly Jaela's idea so I'm happy to let her run it."
[20:53] <Kotono> "You do know," Here Canderella pauses, looking about, "That you'llb e fighting underwater, and need to be able to deal with that," she points out. "At the least the ability to breathe water is essential."
[20:57] <Afina> "I've been practicing, I can deal with Water now if I have to," Afina insists, "Though I won't be up to the same standard as when we first met. Worst comes to worst, I can still sit this battle out, but I don't intend to - the more practice I have with water the easier things will be in the future."
[21:04] <Kotono> "Hm, hm, hm," Canderella hums, "Maneuverability will be difficult. People who can function in that or can cast spells to allow free movement in water would be ideal," she points out, "Those protected by disease or unable to catch them would be extrodinarily useful, too.":
[21:05] <Kotono> *from disease
[21:08] <Afina> "That's me for both," Afina waves with a little smile. "How about you? You seemed at ease in the water, and I guess you're immune to disease?"
[21:13] <Kotono> "I can manage," Canderella says, "Though my magic isn't the best underwater. It tends to get..." Pausing fully here, "Expansive. Lightning magic underwater spreads like a fireball does."
[21:17] <Afina> "That's not really useless, though," Afina points out. "I'll have a tough time with my fire magic, though. Unless we find out where his lair on ooze is and go there directly."
[21:18] <Kotono> "It isn't," Canderella agrees, "But it makes precision strikes difficult."
[21:20] <Afina> "Do you use those?" Afina cocks her head and looks curiously at Canderella, having seen and heard of plenty massive indiscriminate thunderstorms called up by her.
[21:22] <Kotono> "When I need to," Canderella says lightly, "When I need to."
[21:23] <Afina> "Hmmm..." Afina hums while dubiously eyeing the succubus.
[21:34] <Kotono> Smiling winsomely, "Oh, it's an interesting story. Did you know that reproductive organs can be properly stimulated with electricity, if you know the right way to do it? Why, I consider that it may be against my nature to be precise, except when I need to. But of course, when I need to...oh, I should tell you that story about the cultist of Talos who perfected the art of casting without somatic
[21:34] <Kotono> gestures..."
[21:36] <Kotono> Adrian takes a step back, "I'll pass on that."
[21:37] <Afina> "Well I don't expect you'll be called upon to manipulate anyone's genitals when we go dragonslaying, so in this situation there's no harm in you lacking such precision," Afina replies dryly, fighting to keep from cracking a smile.
[21:38] <Kotono> "You'd be surprised when it can be useful," Canderella smiles winsomely, "Want to try? I've never tried it with a pixie...I'm sure the results would be thought provoking."
[21:44] <Afina> "Maybe later," Afina replies noncommittally. "Anyway, back to dragons? I don't think there's any point in attacking Telastryiryn on Water unless we're prepared for a simultaneous strike at his lair. Considering that, better to just go straight for Ooze. I'll mention that to Jaela when she comes back, since if we can't discover its location then the whole exercise is moot."

[Corwin]

[20:13] <Kotono> In the City of Glass do the three wander, searching for information about their quarry. Eventually you end up in the fifth story of an overhang above a twisting, meandering street. Here you find perhaps as many blue skinned sea elves as you have fingers on your hands. They sit in a circle around a brazier full of boiling water. When they speak it is a sound each, going 'round the circle, each
[20:13] <Kotono> word a flowing, shared construct between all ten. "You seek the green dragon Telastryiryn?"
[20:14] * Afina eyes the boiling water thoughtfully, considering the dichotomy of her own new element and her surroundings.
[20:14] <Jaela> "So we do," Jaela responds, affirming that in case it wasn't obvious.
[20:18] <Kotono> Each elf has his eyes closed, head bowed towards the boiling water. "He is a powerful one," The voices go from loud to soft as the words flow through the circle, "We can answer questions, but for each question an object of value must be tossed into the boiling brazier."
[20:20] <Jaela> roll 1d20+23 K:P how much value are they expecting here?
[20:20] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 1d20+23 K:P how much value are they expecting here? and gets 32." [1d20=9]
[20:25] <Jaela> Looking confused, Jaela fishes out a clear ioun stone and holds it up, asking Canderella, "Think this will do?"
[20:34] <Kotono> Canderella taps her lips with her finger, "It may. You have to remember, what is of value to them may not be of value to us."
[20:38] * Afina shrugs helplessly at this discussion, since she's wearing all of her belongings and disinclined to part with them just for a potential lead on the dragon's lair.
[20:38] <Jaela> She doesn't really have anything a sea elf might want, and so Jaela decides to try it. Tossing the ioun stone into the brazier, she asks, "How do I reach the lair where Telastryiryn holds his hoard?"
[20:43] <Kotono> OOC: What does the ioun stone do?
[20:44] <Jaela> OOC: Sustains you without food or water
[20:49] <Kotono> The ioun stone splashes in! As one they chant, "In this is water, for it sustains." After a moment they answer, "Dark Kalis lies in the Fenlin Marsh just outside of the Bile Sea. Beware Dark Kalis, for the Avengers of Telastryiryn are forsaken by death and may not die."
[20:51] <Jaela> A spell is cast swiftly to bolster her hold on the lore, and then Jaela tries to recall that particular location.
[20:51] <Jaela> roll 1d20+33 lore of the gods
[20:51] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 1d20+33 lore of the gods and gets 47." [1d20=14]
[20:56] <Kotono> The Bile Sea is the space just past the border of Water and Ooze. It is a caustic mire of poison, acidic waters and disease. The Fenlin Marsh is just on the Water side of the divide, a sea of acid-tinged plants, seaweed and debris. While the water itself is not pleasant, it is not poisonous or befouled, generally. The Marsh is inhabited by water elementals and ooze para-elementals, as well as
[20:56] <Kotono> creatures that thrive in unclean waters.
[20:57] <Jaela> "I think we have what we came here for?" Jaela tells Afina and Canderella. She nods at the elves, saying, "Thanks."
[20:58] <Kotono> As one the elves nod, and then, "Beware. To triumph in Dark Kalis, you must do three things."
[20:59] <Afina> "What are those?" Afina asks, since they're offering.
[21:00] <Kotono> "You must kill what which will not die. You must purify what cannot be cleansed. You must quench what cannot be quenched."
[21:01] <Afina> Fire should work, she thinks happily!
[21:01] <Jaela> "Are you happy you asked?" Jaela inquires curiously.
[21:02] <Kotono> "How cryptic," Canderella muses, "Hmmmmm...negation of impossibility. In other words, riddles."
[21:04] <Afina> "It's useful to know, and I'm confident regardless," Afina nods to Jaela, fluttering up alongside her. "Shall we go, now?"
[21:04] <Jaela> "Let's. I have plenty to look up in the library, now, and I think Ithea likes riddles. It should work out."

[Corwin]

[20:19] <Muirfinn> OOC: Alright. I can look into researching that Father thing in the librarium, then.
[20:20] <Kotono> OOC: Okay, make an K:R check with the library's bonus.
[20:21] <Muirfinn> roll 1d20+10+24
[20:21] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+10+24 and gets 47." [1d20=13]
[20:31] <Kotono> It doesn't take long with Aurora's improved library. Sitting down, Muirfinn has the book he needs! It is an unadorned, slim tone. It is written in a clinical, detached style, detailing a recurring rash of grisly murders on what appears to be a Prime world. Victims are torn apart and devoured by a crazed, starved attacker. The sex, race and age of the attack varies whenever caught, but when
[20:31] <Kotono> attempted to be subdued, it is revealed that the attacker has sublime strength and ability. Further, he manifests mouths all over his body, attempting to consume any sentinent and living creature that tries to capture him. The puzzling thing is that the murders seem to recur randomly, with clusters followed by years or decades of inactivity. Further, there is on discernable pattern to when
[20:31] <Kotono> and why they appear. However, there was eventually a breakthrough. By sheer chance, investigators stumbled on a victim in the process of being transformed. The sole survivor reported a hideous thing called Father, crafted of mouths that flow like muscles and tendons. It speaks in a voice of gentle authority, reminding them how hungry they are. (More)
[20:42] <Kotono> The final chapter of the book is speculation in the means and ways of this Father. The author suggests that this Father is a fiend of some sort, most likely a demon and perhaps a Obyrith. Further research into occult learnings - here the book begins to become fragmentary, the style changing into a growing rant - show that the mighty, always hungry heads of the Prince of Demons has given
[20:42] <Kotono> birth to the Father, hallowed be his gifts to us all, amen. His hunger is our hunger and our hunger is his hunger and we will eat together with Father and it will be flesh made glorious forevermore and forever we will be hungry and feast and be raised high amen.
[20:44] * Muirfinn looks up, disturbed. "That's not a good sign." he mutters. If the mere research of this foul creature can bring madness and corruption, it must therefore be destroyed. He takes this book in his hand and calls, "Elena!"
[20:51] <Kotono> Elena so appears! "Yes?" she asks, "You look a little green around the gills," she opines immediately.
[20:51] <Muirfinn> "I need to lock that book of Ithea's away. I was hoping that you would be able to assist me with something related. From what I'm gathering here, the knowledge of this foul creature is corruptive. It needs to be kept apart from others. The fewer people who are aware of it the better, at least until we have the ability to find and destroy it. When the others return, I'd like to discuss it
[20:51] <Muirfinn> with them. For the mean time, please keep an eye on myself and Ithea. If either of us begin behaving erratically, please inform Jaela and Afina. It's very important that we keep this contained. I don't want to see it spread about the place." Muirfinn says, heading out to secure 100 fair recipes in the dungeon.
[20:52] <Kotono> "Understood," Elena nods, following Muirfinn, "Anything else? It sounds as horrible as that mouth-thing looked!"
[20:53] <Muirfinn> "That's exactly what it is." Muirfinn replies. "Ithea's not the first one it's gone after in the past, either. We need to contain this as best we can. Can you tell me where Sylvie is?"
[20:58] <Kotono> "She's with Balyss now. The two are in the baths," Elena coughs into her hand, "Want me to go get them to meet you somewhere?"
[21:00] <Muirfinn> "Gods forbid that I see a mammal without its clothing. The sun might not rise in the morning." Muirfinn rolls his eyes. "That's fine. Please have them meet me near the dungeons."
[21:01] <Kotono> "MUIRFINN!" Elena reddens and stops, hands on her hips, "A woman's body is her most sacred treasure! You don't just barge in there and get to look at it all!"
[21:03] <Muirfinn> "It's no different from looking at a horse that's not wearing pants, really." Muirfinn says offhandedly. "Humans have such strange body issues."
[21:05] <Kotono> Elena utterly glares at Muirfinn, but vanishes. Soon enough 100 fair recipes is put in a cell. At the portal into the prison Muirfinn finds Balyss and Sylvie, hair still damp but otherwise normal. "What did you need us for?" The Selunite asks.
[21:10] <Muirfinn> "My apologies for disturbing you in the bath, but I have grown steadily more concerned with the state of things regarding Ithea and this Father. I did some research and...it's bad. This has occurred more than once, with hhorriffic and lethal results. Potentially, this Father could be the son of Demogorgon or something equally loathesome. Furthermore, it appears that knowledge of the creature
[21:10] <Muirfinn> could be a corruptive influence. I haven't noticed anything about myself that is different, but I was wondering if you could have a look at me with 21, or if I could perhaps hold it to look upon my own soul." Muirfinn says.
[21:11] <Kotono> "Selune's grace!" Balyss curses, hand going to her holy symbol, "The spawn of Demogorgon!?"
[21:11] * Muirfinn nods at Balyss. "I suspect more and more that it is a terrible fiend that must be destroyed."
[21:11] <Kotono> Sylvie looks at Muirfinn hard, "I don't see anything strange about you," she finally says, "I already gave Balyss a complete look over after those mouths, but there's no guarantee 21 would pick something up."
[21:16] * Muirfinn nods. "All the same, please keep an eye on Ithea and myself, as well as Balyss. We've all been subjected to its corruptive influence in some way or another. Furthermore, if you choose to research this, be careful, Sylvie. The one book I found ended in mad ranting on hunger and this Father."
[21:18] <Kotono> "Grisly," she murmurs, "Any idea on how to destroy it, then?"
[21:21] <Muirfinn> "I tried soaking it in holy water and bathing it in righteous fire with no luck. Afina attempted to disintegrate it with similar results. I had thought of asking you to help us destroy it, but then I thought that if it is so resistant to damage, it might have a mystical tie to its master. We might be able to exploit that to our advantage, now that we have some idea of what we are dealing
[21:21] <Muirfinn> with."
[21:25] <Kotono> Nodding slightly as she half closes her eyes, "I don't doubt 21 could destroy it if it is a spawn of a demon." she begins, "But do you think it could be used to wound Demogorgon somehow, or some other use?"
[21:26] <Muirfinn> "It's certainly possible, and I'm willing to explore the option with the right precautions." Muirfinn says. "I want to involve as many precautions as possible, both divine and arcane."
[21:28] <Kotono> "At the least," Sylvie begins, "It should be within a permanent magic circle against evil. I don't know if it will help, but it couldn't hurt. A circle against chaos as well could be useful."
[21:29] * Muirfinn nods. "I wasn't sure what to do with it right away, so I just locked it up in the dungeon until we could decide on a better course of action.
[21:29] <Muirfinn> "
[21:29] <Kotono> "Sanctified or hallowed ground, too," Balyss speaks up, "As much holy power as we can throw at it."
[21:30] * Muirfinn nods.
[21:30] <Kotono> As you talk, Elena appears, "Sylvie, you're being paged to the Triune temple,"she announces, "They found a baby and want you to look at it."
[21:31] <Kotono> Sylvie's eyebrow twitches ever so slightly, "A baby? Why would...?" she begins, "Is it an evil baby?"
[21:31] <Kotono> "Who found a baby," Balyss adds, "Why would a baby be in Ysgard, left alone?"
[21:31] <Muirfinn> "We need to coordinate this properly. If we can't exploit it, we need to destroy it as soon as possible. however, if it's powerful, it could have aways of escaping. I think that-oh look, an infant." Muirfinn observes. "They have evil babies?"
[21:31] <Kotono> "Training?" Sylvie says, deadpan.
[21:33] <Kotono> "This I want to see," Balyss says, "If it's an innocent, I can bless it to a long, healthy life in the name of Selune," Nodding, "I'm coming. Want to come along, Muirfinn?"
[21:34] <Muirfinn> "This can't possibly be anything other than interesting. I'd be happy to join you. The book isn't going anywhere for now, anyway."

[Corwin]

[21:23] <Kotono> Thus to the two go out into Ysgard with the silver container. On casting Disintegrate onto it, the box dissolves into dust! The dust obscures what lies within, but you hear it - crying. The sound of a baby crying.
[21:23] * Jaela steps into the dust towards the source of that crying, unbothered by any need to breathe or look.
[21:25] <Afina> Despite the fact that it was a giant terrifying pit fiend, Afina briefly thinks of the child of Lifasa and hesitates, but a moment later she moves after Jaela.
[21:26] <Kotono> Within you find an infant. An infant with the slanted eyes of an elf, but rounded, tiny nubs for ears. It lies curled up, crying gently. It has hair already, white as newfallen snow.
[21:26] * Jaela bends down to pick the infant up.
[21:27] <Kotono> The child is picked up and held! It ceases to cry, instead falling asleep in the blink of an eye.
[21:28] <Afina> "Odd. Why go to such effort to contain a child?" Afina asks, frowning. "We should have Sylvie take a look at it."
[21:29] <Jaela> "It depends on whose child it is," Jaela responds. "Alright. Let's head inside and call her to the Triune temple?"
[21:35] <Kotono> The holy grounds to the Triune are peaceful as you enter them, Elena off to fetch Sylvie. Priest is before the altar, kneeling next to a member of the Graceful Blow. Mei is nearby, silently anointing her face with water.
[21:36] * Afina busies herself by looking to see if any magic is on the baby.
[21:37] <Kotono> Afina detects no magic.
[21:37] * Jaela just tries not to jar the baby too much, returning to her original form in the meantime.
[21:38] <Kotono> It isn't long before Sylvie comes - with Muirfinn and Balyss with her.
[21:39] <Kotono> "You wanted me?" Sylvie asks, "Cute baby," she glances at it, "Where'd you find it?"
[21:39] <Afina> "In that silver casket we found in the devil fortress we recently attacked," Afina replies. "Does it seem more than just a baby to you?" she asks Sylvie directly, ignoring the other two for now.
[21:40] <Kotono> "It looks like a baby. Sort of human, but the eyes don't fit," Giving it a look over, "Is it a boy or a girl? Hair's unusual."
[21:41] <Jaela> "Is white that unusual?" Jaela asks quietly, as to not bother the baby.
[21:42] <Afina> "Could be an aasimar," Afina observes with a look at Balyss. "But if 21 doesn't see any deceit or evil it's probably not a devil plant. We'll just have to find someone willing to raise it."
[21:43] <Jaela> "We should put Tannin on it once he gets back. It would be terrible if this baby still has parents somewhere."
[21:44] <Afina> "Or ask Celeblasson? It could be related to one of his followers," Afina suggests.
[21:45] <Kotono> "Does it radiate evil or good?" Balyss asks, "If it's a celestial child it may, and if it has devil blood, well..." she replies after some thought.
[21:45] <Jaela> "He didn't know about the casket, but it is a possibility," Jaela agrees. "Then again...." She approaches Priest, deciding to check.
[21:47] <Afina> Although it's not something she uses much, as a pixie she can discern the heart of others quite easily, and she employs that skill here!
[21:47] <Afina> OOC: Detect evil/good/law/chaos
[21:47] <Afina> OOC: wait, I lack detect good. Elysium stole it!
[21:50] <Kotono> The child does not radiate evil, law or chaos. As Jaela approaches Priest turns, a murmured word to the woman besides him. "A foundling?"
[21:51] <Jaela> "Inside a sealed silver casket at a devil fortress on Astral," Jaela responds. "They left that casket behind, and we can't figure out why or who this baby belongs to. Can you ask the Triune for advice?"
[21:52] <Kotono> "May I?" Priest offers his hands out.
[21:52] <Jaela> "Alright," Jaela responds, gently passing the baby to him.
[21:56] <Kotono> Holding the sleeping baby, Priest kneels before the altar and prays. He is in this position for about ten minutes, before he gasps, his eyes going wide! Rising quickly, "I understand," he murmurs to the altar.
[21:56] <Jaela> "If you tell the rest of us," Jaela voices, "we will understand as well."
[21:58] <Kotono> Sylvie chuckles, Balyss elbowing her a moment later. Sylvie winces and gives her an unamused look, as Priest turns. "The Triune understands this child, for it is a composite. Allow me to explain," Bowing his head, leaning down to kiss the child's forehead, "Are you aware of things such as distilled joy, that are the result of happiness, hope and other warm emotions given physical manifestation?"
[21:58] <Jaela> "Yes."
[21:58] * Afina shakes her head.
[21:59] * Muirfinn has heard of it, but keeps quiet. He wants to hear what's next!
[22:03] <Kotono> "It's essentially a good emotion made into a material," Priest continues, "The devils became aware of the processes, and perverted them to be produced by drugging and tormenting the victims, until they enjoyed such things as giving and inflicting pain, and harvesting these emotions. The process was not entirely successful. The inner hope of many of the victims was not extinguished, and was
[22:03] <Kotono> harvested as well. I know not entirely the goal of this, but they attempted to mold the harvested energy into a fiend...and they failed. Instead this baby was born. This child's only other memories are of the terrified and furious faces of the devils, before being sealed away. They could not kill the real hope in this child, and it overcame the drugged, tormented stupors they extracted out with
[22:03] <Kotono> it."
[22:03] <Jaela> "No parents, then."
[22:05] <Afina> "That's horrible!" Afina exclaims after hearing the process involved, shaking her head and looking at the paradoxically innocent baby. "No obstacle to letting anyone raise it, then. Any volunteers here?" she asks idly.
[22:05] <Kotono> "Many parents, but no father and no mother," Priest murmurs, "There's more," her interjects, quietly.
[22:05] <Jaela> "Go on," Jaela tells Priest. "We're listening."
[22:06] * Muirfinn makes a face. "That's...disgusting. Nothing I wouldn't expect out of devils, though."
[22:08] <Kotono> "This child is not mortal. It is a spirit, the first form of what may become a celestial," Going on, "It is the manifestation of the hope of countless souls that held onto it, even in the darkest hours. It will require a parent of righteous mind to nurture it as it grows - and it will not be a long childhood."
[22:10] <Muirfinn> "That's an impressive responsibility." Muirfinn observes. "Are there any among our number who would shoulder it?"
[22:11] <Kotono> Sylvie shakes her head, stepping back. Balyss hums, "I could, but I am busy..." she admits, "I have a little bit of experience raising a child..."
[22:14] <Afina> "Well, lets just ask all the celestials here on Aurora?" Afina suggests, readily excusing herself.
[22:14] <Muirfinn> "Of course, that would explain your mammary glands." Muirfinn says to Balyss with a look of comprehension on his face. "They increase in size when you have children, do they not?"
[22:15] <Jaela> Ignoring Muirfinn, Jaela peers at the baby in Priest's hands.
[22:16] <Kotono> Balyss stops what she was about to say, turning to Muirfinn. "Excuse me?" she asks, voice completely normal, "What did you just say?"
[22:16] * Afina looks down at her own chest and then at Balyss's before shaking her head. "No, that doesn't really happen..."
[22:17] <Kotono> Sylvie buries her face into her hands, as meanwhile the baby sleeps in Priest's arms.
[22:18] <Jaela> "Any other instructions?" she finally asks.
[22:18] <Muirfinn> "It doesn't?" Muirfinn looks at Afina. "But...the book said...I was sure! Damnation." He turns to Balyss. "My apologies. I have been misinformed, apparently."
[22:21] <Kotono> Priest shakes his head. Meanwhile, "I see," Balyss says, letting that hang in the air like bad karma. Sighing, "...you're lucky. If a human said that, I'd have completely lost it...but somehow, a walking turtle makes sense to be more ignorant. I mean...reptiles don't have breasts, do they?"
[22:23] <Muirfinn> "No, we do not. We lack many of the complicated reproductive organs that mammals seem to enjoy so very much." Muirfinn states, looking thoughtful.

[Corwin]

[20:29] <Kotono> Sage Vul'lath is found in the laboratories. He watches several acolytes mixing what appears to be potions or other such concoctions, observing them silently...
[20:31] <Jaela> "A moment of your time, Vul'lath?" Jaela asks upon approaching him, once she is certain that she wouldn't interrupt one of the acolytes.
[21:16] <Kotono> The acolytes look to Vul'lath, who frowns. At this they return to their work diligently. Facing Jaela, posture straight, "Yes? How can I serve Aurora?"
[21:16] <Jaela> "Oh, this is not about that," Jaela responds, shaking her head lightly. "I was just hoping for a friendly chat, much like we did the first time we met."
[21:18] <Kotono> Nodding his head slightly, "Well, what do you want to talk about?"
[21:20] <Jaela> "Do you still keep in touch with anyone back on Astral?" Jaela asks curiously, sweeeping her arm towards the back of the room in invitation to get a bit of privacy from the acolytes.
[21:23] <Kotono> Pausing a few moments, before stepping away from the others. "I have informal contacts," he replies, "My departure and the way I did it may have been politically difficult, moreover with the concerns I had about my coming situation had I remained. Official contacts are thus inadvised."
[21:24] <Jaela> "I was wondering if you were still in any danger," Jaela admits. "Not just going to Astral, but if you were to, say, run into someone from back home on another plane."
[21:30] <Kotono> "It would depend," Here Sage Vul'lath considers, "A random githyanki would likely pose no great danger immediately. Moreover, my position here may well protect me, as I understand that Vlaakith wishes to curry favor with Aurora. Still, it is not a risk to be taken lightly. None of that is certain."
[21:31] <Jaela> "So she does, but we intend to refuse, and soon," Jaela informs him. "If that would affect your position, or that of your people, I want to take any measures we can in advance to protect you all."
[21:34] <Muirfinn> At this moment, a knock comes as Muirfinn walks into the room. "Vul'lath, I was wondering if you...oh. Jaela, hello."
[21:34] <Kotono> "As long as we are here, we are safe. Queen Vlaakith does not have the ability to strike at Aurora in Ysgard. Of that I am certain." Pausing a moment as Muirfinn enters, "Yes?"
[21:35] <Jaela> "I'm confident of that as well," Jaela agrees. "Still, I don't want this to feel like a prison to any of you."
[21:36] <Muirfinn> "I was wondering if you had a moment to discuss something, but if you're busy, it can wait."
[21:37] <Kotono> "We are free to continue our research here," Sage Vul'lath says, "For gith, we are content."
[21:39] * Jaela cracks a grin. "For gith, eh?" She waves at Muirfinn, and then asks, "But content's not the same as happy or lacking in any worries, is it? Things could always be better. And if it's something we can build at the Aurora, well... you're talking to the right person for it."
[21:48] <Kotono> "A chamber with gravity like the Astral," Vul'lath says, "Gravity as it exists in other planes is unnatural to us."
[21:51] <Jaela> "Done," Jaela immediately says. "I'll ask Tepen to design it, so it might take a couple weeks. But we'll do that. Anything else?" She glances past him at the acolytes. "Sorry if I'm butting in where I'm not welcome, but unlike you, the others don't really socialize with the rest of the Aurora, do they? It might be hypocritical of me to bring it up, but I want to make sure they're not feeling isolated or alone, especially after the circumstances that brought them here."
[21:52] <Kotono> Here Sage Vul'lath interjects, "They are still acolytes. Inner reflection is part of the learning process. When I determine they are worthy, they are entitled to speak."
[21:52] <Jaela> "So that's normal? A sort of training?"
[21:56] <Kotono> "Yes," He answers solemnly, "Wisdom comes from within." Now looking to Muirfinn, "What is it you desired?"
[21:57] <Jaela> "I can respect that," Jaela relents. "But can you let them know we want all of you to be here? In your own words or however that goes? So much can happen from misunderstandings and I just don't want things to go that way. Like you're here to serve the Aurora, we're here for you as well. That's how I want things to work."
[22:01] <Kotono> "I will," Sage Vul'lath replies.
[22:03] <Jaela> "Okay, then-- huh." Jaela blinks. "Excuse me for a moment." Stepping away, she draws Gae Ardaigh. As her only sentient weapon, if anything is trying to call out to her it gets her first pick.
[22:04] <Kotono> The weapon is drawn - nothing happens, Jaela's hand still tingling and now starting to glow with a silver-white light.
[22:04] <Jaela> "No?" Frowning now, Jaela tries Val'Finnegan next.
[22:05] <Muirfinn> "Well, I was wondering if you had heard of this entity that invaded, calls itself Father."
[22:06] <Kotono> roll 1d20+23
[22:06] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+23 and gets 31." [1d20=8]
[22:06] <Kotono> roll 1d20+29
[22:06] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+29 and gets 39." [1d20=10]
[22:09] <Kotono> "The Father...yes, yes I have," Sage Vul'lath replies at last, "It is...unpleasant. Do you still wish to hear?"
[22:11] <Kotono> Meanwhile Jaela draws Val'Finnegan. The blade glows silver-white, growing hot in her hand.
[22:11] <Muirfinn> "I've already read much." Muirfinn grimaces.
[22:12] <Jaela> "This never happened before," Jaela mutters, casting Detect Magic.
[22:13] <Kotono> With permission, Sage Vul'lath goes on. "I once read a madman's script, praising the Father for the hunger, and inspiring the Banquet Grotesque." Narrowing his eyes, "The Banquet Grotesque is a vile ritual related to cannibalism, to curry favor with dark forces and celebrate depraved acts. A human or elven child of middle childhood is taken and placed on a table, and slowly hacked apart over
[22:13] <Kotono> the course of the meal - while still awake and alive, magic used to ensure that the child cannot pass out until the moment of death. When the heart of the child is consumed and his soul cast down to the agonies below, the celebrants are each gifted with a sigil of great evil."
[22:15] <Muirfinn> Shaking his head, Muirfinn says, "Vileness and blasphemy. Have you any idea where this Father resides?"
[22:16] <Kotono> Pausing to gather himself, taking a long breath, "Each gains a face of horror and teeth. The illustration was disturbing. I had sealed that tome deeply away, seeing nothing to come from it," Replying, "I know not. Doubtless it resides in a hole of squalor, misery and damnation, but which of those it ruts in I could not tell you."
[22:16] <Kotono> OOC: Spellcraft, Jaela.
[22:16] <Jaela> roll 1d20+26
[22:16] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 1d20+26 and gets 29." [1d20=3]
[22:21] * Muirfinn nods. "Some sort of aspect of it managed to possess Ithea through a book. All my research has been disturbing in the least, nightmarish at most. Such a creature is horrible in the extreme, yet I find myself...compelled to find it. To destroy it. My thanks for your knowledge. I might seek out Tepen in a bit as well."
[22:21] <Jaela> "Excuse me, people?" Jaela cuts into the conversation Muirfinn and Vul'lath are having. "My spear is doing something it has never done before. A consult, please?"
[22:23] <Kotono> "As you-" Sage Vul'lath begins, before stopping, "Ah yes, your spear is glowing." Sage Vul'lath murmurs a few words and...
[22:23] * Muirfinn  looks over. "Oh, my apologies, Jaela. This has consumed me for the last few days. Let me see."
[22:23] <Kotono> roll 1d20+28
[22:23] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+28 and gets 48." [1d20=20]
[22:24] <Muirfinn> IOC: spellcraft?
[22:24] <Kotono> OOC: DM and spellcraft, yes.
[22:26] <Muirfinn> roll 1d20+45
[22:26] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+45 and gets 59." [1d20=14]
[22:38] <Muirfinn> "How odd. Jaela, it's trying to take energy from you, and simultaneously give it back. I can't quite make out why. It looks like it can't quite make the connection though."
[22:39] * Jaela runs her free hand through her hair. "Nuts. How do I fix the connection? Any ideas?"
[22:40] <Muirfinn> Ooc: another roll here?
[22:41] <Kotono> OOC: K:A.
[22:42] <Jaela> roll 1d20+37
[22:42] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 1d20+37 and gets 51." [1d20=14]
[22:43] <Muirfinn> roll 1d20+24
[22:43] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+24 and gets 40." [1d20=16]
[22:45] <Muirfinn> "Perhaps direct contact and a bit of your own blood would help complete it."
[22:45] <Jaela> "For fuck's sake," Jaela deadpans, eyeing the spear as her own suspicions are confirmed. A simple scratch won't do, not after her training on Ysgard. So all that is left to do is grip the shaft midway across and run the tip through the open palm of her other hand.
[22:50] <Kotono> The slash spills blood, Val'Finnegan glowing bright like a star, before dimming back down and ceasing its glow.
[22:51] * Jaela clucks her tongue, and then pulls the weapon out of the wound. Her armor begins mending it immediately afterwards, and she studies the weapon anew.
[23:01] <Jaela> "Hmm." Jaela takes a defensive stance, holding Val'Finnegan in both arms, and then thrusts it at an empty wall. Immediately, four bolts of light erupt from the tips, the stars striking that wall unerringly and dissipating upon contact.
[23:03] <Kotono> Sage Vul'lath merely raises an eyebrow at that display.
[23:04] <Muirfinn> "I see..."
[23:04] <Jaela> "I wonder if this is because I fought a moon recently," Jaela muses.
[23:05] <Muirfinn> "You...what?"
[23:06] <Kotono> "You what?" Sage Vul'lath stops there, "Why?"
[23:06] <Jaela> "It started it."
[23:06] * Jaela shrugs. "Of course I wouldn't go out to pick fights with a moon just because."
[23:08] <Muirfinn> Sometimes he wonders about the sanity of the leaders of this place. "I wasn't aware that moons could be hostile."
[23:09] <Jaela> "Neither was I. Apparently, it doubled as an essence of arrogance, and it thought it was stronger. Well, it turned out to be wrong."
[23:10] <Kotono> "I...find this disturbing, especially on a religious basis," Sage Vul'lath replies, "The sermons Balyss has offered have not spoken of arrogance from Selune. Interesting."
[23:11] <Jaela> "I don't think that moon was particularly affiliated with Selune, so don't worry about it," Jaela tells him. "Adrian delivered the final blow, and you know the weapon he uses, right? If Selune disapproved, I bet we would've seen something about it by now."
[23:12] <Muirfinn> "I doubt it was Selune's doing as well."
[23:21] <Kotono> "...I see." At this Sage Vul'lath shakes his head, "Is that all? I fear the acolytes need more supervision."
[23:22] <Jaela> "It is, on my end." Jaela retrieves Val'Finnegan. "Take care, Vul'lath."