057. (Coda 2) Part 1: A quiet day

[Merc]

[20:30] <Kotono> OOC: Okay, Ithea in here since kitty. Lief in #evildunes since evil. Muirfinn in #terrorofdunes since tortle.
[20:31] <Kotono> ---
[20:33] <Kotono> Once the others are gone, Kascha and Ithea split up for some clean up. A few hours later they meet in the library, Kascha curled up in a deep, thick chair. Several tomes float in the air around her, with several more stacked on a table nearby. A plate with tiny little dabs of finger foods sits to the side, untouched. Kascha's ioun stones sit in her lap. As Ithea approaches, "I wanted to ask you
[20:33] <Kotono> a few questions about your misery bottle spell," she begins, "I'm working on spell research so much lately."
[20:35] <Ithea> "Sure, what can I help with and what did you need to know?"
[20:39] <Kotono> "Well, spell research in general," Kascha admits with a little blush, "Have you been working on any spells of your own? How did you develop the misery bottle? I'm trying to make my own spell, but it's hard."
[20:43] <Ithea> "Honestly? It was a mixture of trial and error, knowing what I wanted the spell to do, and random flashes of inspiration," Ithea says with a sheepish grin as she scratches her cheek. "I basically started with the concept of what I wanted the spell to do, figuring out at what power I expected such an effect to operate, then analyzing what other spells I could of similar levels and using that as a guide to try and formulate an effect. That led to the trial and error portion, and you'll probably want to make sure you have healing available from someone, or doing your experimenting in Ysgard. Because that part can be explosive and painful."
[20:46] <Ithea> "You just continually refine the spell at that point based on what results you get, maybe even take the unintended effects and working those as actual effects if they're useful, or trying to figure out how to hammer them out. Trying different components can also stabilize the spell, although I honestly have no clue whatsoever how I came up with the idea of a bottle of -chaos- stuff to balance my spell. You'd think that'd just make it more reactive, but it had something to do with anarch abilities. I suspect the spell might still be explosively unstable if someone other than me tried it, but I haven't put that thought to the test."
[20:46] <Ithea> ooc: but I think it had something to do with my anarch abilities*
[20:49] <Kotono> "Oooooh." Kascha nods in many places, scribbling notes in a few others. "You think part of the process is tied to your anarch talents, no less? It also provides a measure of spell security so others can't copy it?"
[20:50] <Ithea> "In this particular case, yeah. Like I said, I haven't put it to the test, and I actually consider that one of those useful unintended side-effects things that I pointed out you might want to try and harness when you can. I probably could have kept researching and finding some other stabilizing component to use with enough time, but having an effect that works only for me is pretty useful."
[20:57] <Kotono> "I'll have to look into that. Oh, that gives me an idea!" Kascha nods along, "No, it gives me several. As long as I don't mind explosions."
[21:00] <Ithea> "Well that's good. So do you have an idea what kind of spell you want to research?" Ithea asks Kascha curiously.
[21:04] <Kotono> "Oh, I have ideas," Kascha starts to nod, ticking off fingers, "One that reverses gravity in a longer range, and sprinkles in unicorn arrows. A spell that's like a heavenly smite, but more concentrated in the center with expanding petals of lesser power. Like a blossoming flower. Oh, and I think I can work out a way to summon elementals better and more reliably, or even call them permanently."
[21:06] <Ithea> "Sounds interesting, the gravity one might be something I'd love to help experiment with as well, though I'd probably take it along different path than unicorn arrows," Ithea muses.
[21:08] <Kotono> "Mmm-hmm," Kascha nods quickly, "Say, if we can come up with some new spells, that would be great! Especially if we then visit Dweomerheart. I hear that if you bring a new spell, Mystra blesses you for your inspiration."
[21:10] <Ithea> "Oh? Interesting, didn't know about that," Ithea replies. "Any idea what kind of blessing?"
[21:14] <Kotono> "Magic," Kascha says and then giggles just a little bit, "Seira likes people creating new things too, especially when it's vigorous and helps people. But that doesn't mean I can't branch out and bring home more magic to the Cauldron."
[21:19] <Ithea> "Ah."
[21:22] <Kotono> "So let's do this!" Kascha says brightly, "Let's make some magic!"
[21:23] <Ithea> "Sure. Do you want anyone else around for ideas, healing, or targeting? I'll admit, I don't particularly want to be a target for spells under testing," Ithea notes with a wry grin.
[21:24] <Kotono> "There's Elder Magi Tepen and Sage Vul'lath," Kascha hmms, "Balyss isn't a good choice since her magic is divine magic. There's Sylvie too," she considers. "I'd ask Afina, but she's off visiting the Mercane again. I heard some minion of Hell is trying to make trouble for her again."
[21:29] <Ithea> "Sylvie helped a bit with misery bottle, so she'd definitely be able to share some ideas. On the other hand, she does kind of almost want to take over the spell creation process if you give her enough input. I had to kick her out after a certain point when I was working on my spell," Ithea notes. "Tepen would probably be a good idea too given his experiences and knowledge, and he has experience teaching too. Not sure about Vul'lath's input, I haven't really had to work with him in any capacity that would give ideas of how he'd be at this."
[21:31] <Kotono> "We'll figure it out," Kascha says warmly, "Now..." OOC: Good there, Ithea?
[21:31] <Ithea> ooc: that's fine!

[Merc]

[20:03] <Kotono> Time passes with Kascha well enough. It's an enjoyable respite and one that consumes the afternoon in great bites and chunks. That evening Ithea heads back to her room - only to find company waiting outside of it. Balyss is there, wearing her working clothes and leaning against the wall.
[20:04] <Ithea> "Balyss, waiting for me?" Ithea asks as she greets her friend with a wave.
[20:05] <Kotono> "Yeah," Balyss cracks a slight smile, "Got a message for you from Stille - he's indisposed right now."
[20:06] <Kotono> After a beat, which is followed by, "Which isn't the message, he's just indisposed so I need to tel-nevermind." Shaking her head, "The point is that I have something to tell you."
[20:06] <Ithea> "Ah? That so?" Ithea asks, blinking as she tries to follow that. "So what's the message?"
[20:08] <Kotono> "You know how we lost the Sword of the Moon was lost when Athux was slain, and prophecy hinted that it would be recovered?" Balyss stands and rubs the side of her shoulder slowly. "We're getting more specific instructions and Stille's the one getting them."
[20:11] * Ithea nods.
[20:13] <Kotono> "Right," Balyss goes right on, crossing her arms, "So he's lost in prophecy for some reason, and the instructions are hinting that we'll need to take action sooner than later." Balyss starts to pace a bit, gesturing with her arms as she goes on. "To save you the trouble of interpretation, it's looking like an Abyssal force managed to interfere with Selune's prophecy after Athux lost. Namely, it
[20:13] <Kotono> may well be Athux's father, Graz'zt."
[20:14] <Ithea> "Ah. So what's Stille's role in this?"
[20:17] <Kotono> "He's literally getting the prophecy from Selune," Balyss frowns, "He's been going on about it all day, and we've been recording the prophecy."
[20:17] <Ithea> "Again, 'Ah'."
[20:19] <Kotono> Balyss gives Ithea a long look, but finally shakes her head. "Oh nevermind," she sighs. She slumps at that, "Anyway, it may well be myself or others who are tasked with retrieving it. Not right away, but my instincts are saying sooner than later."
[20:20] <Ithea> "Well, you know you'll have the help of just about anyone here in Aurora for retrieving when you have more information," Ithea replies. "I imagine you'll want quite a few people if Graz'zt is involved as well."
[20:22] <Kotono> "How about we go inside to discuss this," Balyss says, going to Ithea's door. "Or a bath if you feel adventurous. I'll even bring some booze," she offers, withdrawing a little silver flask. Just somewhere better than a hallway."
[20:23] * Ithea opens the door to her room and gestures inside. "By all means."
[20:26] <Kotono> Once in Balyss settles in on the couch, putting her mace down on the floor. She closes her eyes and sighs, "The thing is that Graz'zt's strong. One of the stronger demon princes, from what I understand. He's been at it for countless years and has endured nightmares like Orcus and Demogorgon. Let me tell you, from all my divinations, Athux was no Graz'zt. Going in to fight is probably a doomed
[20:26] <Kotono> venture."
[20:28] * Ithea gives a bittersweet smile. "Many would say that so is trying to save Lifasa," Ithea notes. "We're a stubborn lot. We'll figure a way to succeed, or at least make it so that Graz'zt doesn't. Some people would probably also call us a spiteful lot for that reason."
[20:30] <Kotono> That draws out a smile from Balyss, "Under Selune's radiance, amen." She lets that hold a moment, "But still, I fear it'll be a mission of stealth, guile or trickery, rather than an outright war."
[20:31] * Quits: Nephrite (Nephrite@97.97.131.161) (Ping timeout)
[20:34] * Joins: Nephrite (~ryan.scud@97.97.131.161)
[20:34] * Ithea points at the cloak she's wearing with a raised eyebrow. "You do know what my cloak does, right? And there's tons of others that are good at exactly that naturally."
[20:38] <Kotono> "Why do you think I'm here?" Balyss remarks with a warm chuckle. She then exhales and blows out and up, reclining back. "So you know now. You can prepare."
[20:40] <Ithea> "Well, the only thing I can think of doing at this point is making sure to buy another bottle for that spell of mine. Still haven't done that, keep forgetting since I just don't use that spell as often as I probably should," Ithea replies. "Might have to just ask Elena to remind me the next time I'm headed out to Brightwater."
[20:41] <Ithea> "Other than that...well, I guess I can do some research at the library on Graz'zt to try and prepare defenses," Ithea also admits.
[20:43] <Kotono> "Good," Balyss remarks, "Let me know if I can help you out at all with any of that."
[20:46] <Ithea> "Well, I can come get you after a few hours in the library, unless you want to join in. Might as well see if there's anything else to pick up over at Brightwater based on research findings, rather than potentially deal with extra trips."
[20:46] <Kotono> OOC: Okay, so what's the plan here, Ithea?
[20:48] <Ithea> ooc: do a knowledge check in the library, then a trip to Brightwater to purchase bottle, visit Lady Bast, and possibly other purchases depending on library findings.
[20:48] <Kotono> OOC: K:P check with the library bonus, Ithea.
[20:53] <Ithea> roll d20+41+15 K:P
[20:53] * Hatbot --> "Ithea rolls d20+41+15 K:P and gets 62." [d20=6]
[21:00] <Kotono> Graz'zt is lord of Azzagrat, the Three-Fold Realm. It comprises of layers 45, 46 and 47 of the Abyss. He has six fingers on each hand and favors a bastard sword that gushes incredibly destructive acid. He lives in the Ardent Palace surrounded by countless lovers and the endless half-fiend children and demons this sires. (Athux was one such specimen, albeit an extremely successful one.) The realm
[21:00] <Kotono> is one of cosmopolitian sophistication that hides a vicious, miserable hatred and destruction. Visitors may mistake it as the realm of a daemon lord or even an archdevil at first, but it is said the true nature of the realm always comes out. Graz'zt supports dictators and warlords that are chaotic evil, seducers and the like. He is locked in a three way war with Orcus and Demogorgon, with
[21:00] <Kotono> alliances often made and rarely lasting long. He'd had conflicts with most every other denizen in the Abyss at some point, and right now he's dealing with a growing feud with Malcanthet. The two touch on a lot of the same things and just don't seem to get along, but details are sparse.
[21:01] <Kotono> *Argent Palace, not Ardent. Dur.
[21:03] <Ithea> ooc: right, so acid protection is probably a good idea.
[21:03] <Kotono> OOC: Couldn't hurt.
[21:05] <Ithea> ooc: Off to brightwater then, will do some shopping for better acid protection than RE(acid 30)
[21:07] <Kotono> OOC: Bottle purchase can be without incident, post about that and acid protection in loot when you have that together with steampixie.
[21:07] <Kotono> Just going to go into Rapture and see if you can find Lady Bast?
[21:08] <Ithea> ooc: Sure, let's see if we can get Snowycat a friend~!
[21:08] <Kotono> OOC: Going alone or with anyone?
[21:11] <Ithea> ooc: Need anyone with gate at least, other than that, just anyone that wants to tag along from the girl gang (kascha/balyss/sylvie/dana/etc)
[21:11] <Kotono> roll 1d4
[21:11] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d4 and gets 4." [1d4=4]
[21:11] <Kotono> roll 1d4 reroll since she's busy and can't gate anyway
[21:11] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d4 reroll since she's busy and can't gate anyway and gets 3." [1d4=3]
[21:12] <Kotono> Turns out Kascha's deep in the books and Balyss is helping Stille. So it's Sylvie who tags along. You cross into Rapture without incident, wandering the darkened streets....OOC: More.
[21:12] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:12] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 11." [1d100=11]
[21:12] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:12] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 80." [1d100=80]
[21:15] <Kotono> You soon come to an open air square. Here hundreds of felines large and small recline in the sunlight. Several fires have roasting fish cooking there, great spits bearing dozens of fish at a time. The felines here are happily feasting, napping or doing other feline things. No sign of Lady Bast around, unfortunately. Still, Sylvie stops and sniffs. "Smells good, at least. Reminds me of a fish
[21:15] <Kotono> fry back home."
[21:17] <Ithea> ooc: any knowledge check to figure out what's with all the roasting fish?
[21:17] <Kotono> OOC: Sure, K:P.
[21:19] <Ithea> roll d20+41
[21:19] * Hatbot --> "Ithea rolls d20+41 and gets 53." [d20=12]
[21:19] <Kotono> This one's simple. Cats like fish. Sharess oversees cats and they come to this afterlife (generally). Ergo, cat heaven has fish cookouts for the felines, so they get to experience something they love.
[21:20] <Kotono> As Ithea processes this, a black and white cat leaps into Ithea's arms. It curls right on up there, purring away. "Warm," he says. "Cat sister is warm."
[21:20] <Kotono> "Heh," Sylvie starts to say something, but a couple of tabby cats start brushing against her legs, purring loudly. "Pet us," one commands, as imperious as any queen.
[21:21] * Ithea scratches the one in her arms behind the ear. "Well you seem to be enjoying your heaven," Ithea comments quietly in amusement.
[21:21] <Kotono> Purrs are the only answer Ithea gets.
[21:22] <Kotono> Meanwhile Sylvie sighs and kneels, petting the cats. "I have to admit, cats being able to talk reveals nothing humans didn't already suspect."
[21:27] * Ithea just chuckles back to Sylvie. "Thanks for coming with me, again."
[21:28] * Quits: Nephrite (~ryan.scud@97.97.131.161) (Quit: )
[21:30] <Kotono> "You're welcome," Sylvie says, "I figure you need someone to remind you of your less feline side." Gently parting fromt he cats as she sees others starting to approach, "Come on, before we're enlisted for hours."
[21:31] <Ithea> "That sounds like the smart thing to do," Ithea replies in agreement, as she kneels down to let the cat in her arms down.
[21:33] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:33] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 54." [1d100=54]
[21:37] <Kotono> Thus the two escape. They wander on a time, coming down a side alley. Here, atop an old barrel, a gray cat sits. It's looking at you as you approach. "Sister," it greets to Ithea. "There you are."
[21:40] <Ithea> "You were looking for me?"
[21:41] * Quits: Lief (~irondrago@cpe-173-172-46-15.tx.res.rr.com) (Ping timeout)
[21:41] <Kotono> The cat leaps 20ft from the barrel to Ithea in an instant, landing on her shoulder. She hangs from it, claws keeping an easy hold. "I was just thinking that I was bored. So you're here to entertain me."
[21:42] * Joins: IronDragoon (~irondrago@cpe-173-172-46-15.tx.res.rr.com)
[21:42] * IronDragoon is now known as Lief
[21:46] <Ithea> "Oh? And how will I do that?" Ithea asks amusedly.
[21:48] <Kotono> "You should know. Why are you here?" The cat demands, as Sylvie snickers.
[21:50] <Ithea> "Well, I wanted to find Snowycat a playmate of some sort, I guess? Mostly just let Lady Bast know what I've been up to, really. You want to hear about Snowycat?" Ithea asks.
[21:53] <Kotono> "I do," The cat says, "Tell me about this cat."
[22:00] * Ithea starts telling the cat about their adventures searching for a child of Jormungandr. As she gets to the cave with Snowycat... "So that's when we come upon this dire tiger, the size of a house pretty much, inside of an even larger block of ice. When someone approaches the block, it shatters and Snowycat is released so that he can defend his territory. I didn't really think to ask what's up with the block of ice thing though," Ithea notes. "Anyway, he tends to want to play with anybody that appears in front of him. A bit brutally, so his playmates kind of neat to be durable to survive him, but he seemed a nice enough cat. Pretty respectful and let us through once I spoke with him though."
[22:02] <Kotono> "I'll play with him," The cat volunteers, going to lick its side. "It sounds (slurp slurp) good."
[22:06] <Ithea> "If you don't mind, that'd be nice of you," Ithea admits.

[Merc]

[19:54] <Kotono> ----
[19:56] <Kotono> After some rest and recovery, the party gathers to meet Ebony. "You're ready for the third task?" she asks, "To refresh: In Hades, there is a tree that shines like the sun. It holds off the curse of the greys and eludes all the daemons. It came to be when a mortal paladin gave his life and soul to save his slain wife's soul from the clutches of a yugoloth. The power of the sacrifice pleased
[19:56] <Kotono> Ilmater, who interceded and wove the two into the tree, so that they would be together forever. The tree represents true, undying love and forgiveness for one another. The full story is more complicated, a sad tale of betrayal made right in the end by both lovers forgiving and sacrificing for one another. The good that wander Hades can find it for respite, while the denizens of the plane will
[19:56] <Kotono> never find it. We need one of the fruits of the tree."
[19:58] * Muirfinn nods. "We'll try to keep it brief."
[19:58] * Lief nods.
[19:58] <Kotono> "The tricky part will be finding it," Ebony remarks, "Have you devised a plan yet?"
[19:59] <Muirfinn> "We have not!"
[20:02] <Ithea> "We can head to the library for research and devise a plan then! Wouldn't surprise me if we had a book with some hint on how to find the tree."
[20:03] <Muirfinn> "Anything is possible." Muirfinn nods sagely.
[20:03] <Muirfinn> OOC: To the Library!
[20:04] <Kotono> OOC: Okay, who's researching here?
[20:04] <Lief> OOC: I'd help, but I can't!
[20:04] <Ithea> ooc: I can research! I'm awesome at research!
[20:04] <Muirfinn> OOC: I nominate Muirfinn!
[20:05] <Ithea> ooc: we shall compete for the best research!
[20:05] <Ithea> ooc: what knowledge type?
[20:05] <Kotono> OOC: Planes. Both of you get the library bonus.
[20:06] <Ithea> roll d20+41+15
[20:06] * Hatbot --> "Ithea rolls d20+41+15 and gets 76." [d20=20]
[20:06] <Muirfinn> roll 1d20+22+15
[20:06] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+22+15  and gets 41." [1d20=4]
[20:06] <Muirfinn> OOC: I'll aid, because jesus christ
[20:06] <Ithea> ooc: Muirfinn clearly went for the picture books.
[20:12] <Kotono> The Lover's Tree is a persistent legend. There's enough accountings of it that it's most likely true, not to mention a goddess is sending you to it. The longer version of the tale is a sad, sordid thing of betrayal, pain and ultimately forgiveness. Those who are lost and wander in the gray realm of Hades can chance on it and find respite. It is an oasis in the spiritual desolation of The Nadir
[20:12] <Kotono> and the fruit from it can cure the grays or similar Hades related maladies. Near as you can tell, there's no way to find it easily. You have to wander Hades until it finds you. It's suggested that the more in need you are and vulnerable, the more likely the tree will find you.
[20:14] <Ithea> "The need to just wander around Hades until we just stumble onto it seems to be an unfortunate requirement," Ithea says with a frown as she shows the relevant passages to those interested and summarizes for those not so interested.
[20:18] <Muirfinn> "That's...really unpleasant."
[20:19] <Lief> "That might be a long trip."
[20:19] <Ithea> "Yup."
[20:23] * Muirfinn sighs. "This sounds like we will not only have to spend a fair amount of time in Hades, and be vulnerable while there."
[20:24] <Kotono> As the trio talks in the library, Sylvie pokes her head out from behind a bookshelf. "Sounds like you're having a fun conversation," she comments. "Which means you need to be using your heads more."
[20:26] <Muirfinn> "Considering your head is mighty useful, would you care to assist us?"
[20:27] <Kotono> "Considering Elena just asked me to, yes," Sylvie comes around, shaking her head. "Oh, Lief suffered in there and Hades is horrible, so you just have to mmmmph mmmmmmph!" Said ghost girl appears behind Sylvie, putting a hand over her mouth. "Ahem!" Elena quickly clears her throat, "Just helping out as part of Aurora," she says quickly.
[20:29] * Muirfinn raises an eyeridge. "This is helpful?"
[20:30] * Lief grunts.
[20:33] <Kotono> Getting free of Elena and coming over, "That's the idea," Sylvie retorts, "Though it's not my idea. Could you fill me in on the details, Ithea?"
[20:34] * Ithea does so!
[20:34] <Ithea> ooc: *cues in cut scene*
[20:34] <Muirfinn> OOC: LAME
[20:35] <Ithea> ooc: Shut up and go look at your picture books. *hands Muirfinn some coloring crayons*
[20:35] <Muirfinn> OOC: Oooh colors *eats*
[20:38] <Kotono> A few minutes later, Sylvie sits back at the end of it. "Ithea?" she asks. "Don't ever try and make a living as a storyteller." Still, she hmms and rests back. "So Ilmater's behind the tree? If you can't find the tree, try approaching it from that angle?"
[20:39] <Muirfinn> "There's an idea." Muirfinn says. "Who do we know that has an in with Ilmater?"
[20:39] <Lief> "Pray to Ilmater for guidence?"
[20:41] <Kotono> "No one, really?" Sylvie admits, rubbing her chin. "Closest is Morniel, and he serves Tyr. Our relations with Celestia are better now, but they still aren't great."
[20:44] <Muirfinn> "Hmm."
[20:45] <Ithea> "I don't really deal with Morniel that much. I think it was mostly Adrian and Jaela," Ithea admits herself.
[20:45] <Kotono> "I think Lief has the best idea," Sylvie admits, "But I'm not one to go praying, especially with 21."
[20:46] <Lief> "Do any of the curches have contacts with Ilmater's people? Maybe we can find one of his people in Brightwater?"
[20:46] <Muirfinn> "There's most likely one in Brightwater, and that may be our best bet."
[20:47] <Lief> "If we can get one of his people to go with us..."
[20:49] <Kotono> "Theology lesson: Tyr is part of the Triad and Ilmater is also part of it," Sylvie explains with a slight smile, "So Morniel or any of the Celestian forces are the best choice there."
[20:49] <Muirfinn> "I'll go tal to Morniel. I've worked with him in the past."
[20:53] <Kotono> Morniel isn't hard to find. The throne archon is found standing atop Aurora's spires, the breezes of Air blowing around as the party flies up to him. His arms are crossed and his attention seems fixed on the horizon. There is a sense of power and awe around him, his figure dominating all around him. At the same time there is a sense of peace, a gentle sensation to rest and listen, as if to your
[20:53] <Kotono> father telling you a childhood story.
[20:55] <Muirfinn> "Morniel." Muirfinn greets.
[20:59] <Kotono> "Muirfinn," Morniel's voice is powerful, commanding. His expression is unusually severe, gaze slowly shifting to the tortle. "Lief, Ithea."
[20:59] <Lief> "Morniel."
[20:59] <Muirfinn> "You seem troubled."
[20:59] <Ithea> "Yo."
[21:00] <Kotono> "I took the luxury of a night's sleep," Morniel says, "I dreamed of something as far from Celestia's light as can be imagined." His gaze turns to Muirfinn, "The Father stirs in his sleepless dreams."
[21:02] <Lief> "We've run into it."
[21:06] <Kotono> "He took the face of one of my old superiors," Morniel continues, gazing at the horizon. "He spoke of Celestia's lessons, but they degenerated into mindless babble about food and hunger. How much he wishes to bless all of us was a constant theme. How much he loves us and wants to show us the way, so that we can finally feast and eat and amen."
[21:07] * Ithea grimaces.
[21:07] * Lief looks disgusted.
[21:09] * Muirfinn looks sad.
[21:09] <Muirfinn> "I am sorry, Morniel."
[21:10] <Muirfinn> "I can't help but feel responsible."
[21:13] <Kotono> "No." Morniel shakes his head, "You may feel that way, but the only one at fault for the Father's sins is the Father." His voice is strong, "We will call him to account for them in the fullness of Erathaol's wisdom and time." Finally he turns back to Muirfinn, posture relaxing slightly. "Why do you seek me?"
[21:14] * Muirfinn nods. "You can count on it. For now though, we seek to eradicate lesser evils. Tell me, do you have any sway with Ilmater's court?"
[21:17] <Kotono> "I've had dealings with them, and one of the throne that comes to them will be heard, of course," Morniel says. "Let alone one who serves a brother-in-arms of the Triad."
[21:19] * Lief rubs his belly.
[21:19] * Muirfinn nods. "In our bid to slay Kina-ja, We have been assigned three tasks. Our third and final task is to retrieve a fruit from the Lover's Tree in Hades. I was hoping we could obtain some measure of knowledge on how to locate it. At lease, more than just 'Wander Hades while vulnerable.'"
[21:20] * Lief groans a bit, but tries to focus past it.
[21:20] * Muirfinn places his hand to his stomach subconsciously, blinks for a moment, then scowls.
[21:21] * Ithea grimaces and then nods along with Muirfinn. "Wandering Hades would not be a pleasant experience, let alone a productive one."
[21:22] <Kotono> "I understand. I will inquire," Morniel says, "Celestia and the Triad will point me towards the truth you must seek. At the same time," He smiles now, "Such a task will wash the foulness of the Father's dream from my spirit."
[21:22] * Lief notices Muirfinn's motion and scowl.
[21:22] <Lief> "Muirfinn, did you just get hungry too?"
[21:23] * Muirfinn nods. "Yes, I believe we could all do with some cleansing. And perhaps a fast."
[21:23] * Muirfinn nods at Lief.
[21:25] <Kotono> OOC: Okay, what are you all going to do while Morniel looks into this for y'all?
[21:25] <Lief> OOC: I got nothin', personally.
[21:25] <Kotono> OOC: Mostly if you have any reactions to the Fathe'rs shenanigans.
[21:26] <Muirfinn> OOC: Muirfinn will meditate underwater.
[21:26] <Ithea> ooc: I don't have any particular reaction. Just not trying to think about food.
[21:28] <Kotono> OOC: Okay. Wis checks, all. +1 bonus to Ithea, +2 to Muirfinn.
[21:28] <Muirfinn> roll 1d20+12
[21:28] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+12 and gets 16." [1d20=4]
[21:29] <Lief> roll 1d20+8+1 Wis check
[21:29] * Hatbot --> "Lief rolls 1d20+8+1 Wis check and gets 24." [1d20=15]
[21:29] <Ithea> roll d20+8+1 Alas, controlling hunger is harder than controlling limbo
[21:29] * Hatbot --> "Ithea rolls d20+8+1 Alas, controlling hunger is harder than controlling limbo and gets 11." [d20=2]
[21:29] <Ithea> ooc: yup, definitely harder.
[21:30] <Ithea> ooc: I will now have to go to limbo and rearrange reality into cookies to munch on.
[21:32] <Kotono> For Lief, it's an unremarkable day. He rests, does some practice and clears his mind. The hunger fades and he has a good day. Muirfinn's meditation helps, enough to banish the feelings. He's a little drained at the end of the day, but nothing unbearable. Ithea, on the other hand? She just can't stop getting hungry. It's late in the day and she's chatting with Sylvie and Balyss...when she realizes
[21:32] <Kotono> she's staring at Balyss's hand, wondering if the fingers or wrist would taste better.
[21:35] <Kotono> "So then I just rolled my eyes, like please," Sylvie goes on as the three walk, "Do you believe that?"
[21:37] * Ithea blinks. "Believe what? Sorry, my mind wandered."
[21:38] <Kotono> "Oh, I was just talking about-" Sylvie stops and scowls at Ithea. "You could at least not space out when we're talking, you know."
[21:39] <Kotono> "Oh relax," Balyss says pleasantly, going to gently thwap the back of Sylvie's head. "Unmemorize a few of those bitch spells you're going on right now."
[21:39] <Kotono> With a roll of her eyes, "Anyway," Sylvie goes right on, "Woolgathering, Ithea? Maybe you should get some rest before you go off to Hades?"
[21:40] <Ithea> "Sorry, not doing it on purpose. For what it's worth, I blame Muirfinn," Ithea explains. "And some rest might do some good actually. I'll talk with you two more later."
[21:42] <Kotono> OOC: Just going to rest then?
[21:44] <Ithea> ooc: Yup.
[21:48] <Kotono> The next days Morniel return. He meets with the party in the strategy room, a typical spread of snacks and small drinks laid out. As everyone settles in, "I have been given guidance. The best way to find the Lover's Tree is this. Leave all of your gear in Aurora, save for a simple set of clothes, a single non-magical weapon and should you wish to have one, a holy symbol. Bring with you one
[21:48] <Kotono> magical item of personal value to you and travel to Hades. Leave the item behind and wander Hades with only those clothes, weapon and holy symbol. It will be a dangerous journey and a spiritual shriving, but in that path lies what you seek. You may bring one other with you so you choose, but no more. Only four - for three is the number of the Triad, plus one for Bahamut or Torm, as some reckon
[21:48] <Kotono> it."
[21:49] <Muirfinn> "That's...what we were hoping to avoid, really." Muirfinn sighs.
[21:50] * Lief sighs.
[21:51] <Lief> "Guess I go back with what I left with."
[21:51] <Ithea> "I'd like to note at this time that my cloak cannot be taken off," Ithea comments. "It's part of its enchantment."
[21:51] <Muirfinn> "Your wits? They kept you alive before."
[21:51] <Muirfinn> "Ithea, you may need to stay behind then."
[21:55] <Kotono> "This has been foreseen," Morniel rises and approaches Ithea, "Would you sacrifice such a fine item to better accomplish what must be done for the sake of righteousness?"
[22:00] * Ithea pauses to think about it and then turns towards Muirfinn and Lief before back to Morniel. "Depends on them and how much they think they'd need me along for this journey," Ithea comments. "It'd suck to give it up, but I've been dealt worse hands in the past. I'll figure my way out. I'd still be reasonably handy with spellcasting and I won't leave them out to hang and dry if I'm needed."
[22:00] * Quits: Nephrite (Nephrite@97.97.130.179) (Quit: )
[22:03] * Lief winces and scratches his head.
[22:04] <Lief> "I... would like to have friends with us, but... That's a pretty important item to you, isn't it?"
[22:08] <Muirfinn> "If you do not wish to sacrifice such a great boon, none of us would begrudge you."
[22:10] * Ithea thinks a bit longer this time before sighing. "I will probably keep back from this trip, I think."
[22:10] * Muirfinn nods.
[22:11] <Kotono> "I understand," Morniel says, "In that case, there are other matters to see to while they journey," he remarks.
[22:11] <Muirfinn> "At least you won't be idle."
[22:11] <Kotono> "Yes. Tell me, have you heard of Valgadda, which is no more?" Morniel inquires.
[22:11] * Muirfinn palms his face.
[22:13] <Ithea> "Muirfinn clearly has," Ithea notes as she raises an eyebrow at his actions.
[22:13] <Kotono> "I know. I did not sit idle after that dream," Morniel says quietly.
[22:14] <Muirfinn> "Of course you didn't. How could you? Morniel, are you certain you wish to get involved in this?"
[22:16] <Kotono> "It is my fate to one day journey to Chronias, or last until Chronias comes to all," His voice is steady and warm, "I will not be afraid of the Father. No, I will be one of the instruments of holy justice against him. I have had the previous research on Valgadda recounted to me and I plan to seek more knowledge. A mountanous realm possibly sealed in the Abyss itself now."
[22:17] <Ithea> "And you wish for me to accompany you then?" Ithea asks, just to make things clear.
[22:19] * Muirfinn nods slowly. "Understand this, then. The final battle against the Father will be...bad. In my dreams, I have seen it. It is very likely that all of those involved will die, or be consumed. Fate can be unmade. Do not place too much weight on something like that."
[22:19] <Kotono> "Yes," Morniel says, and smiles once more. "My visit reminded me of the hand of Tyr in all things and the glory of Chronias that awaits all in the end. I fear not, for Tyr and the truth guide me."
[22:20] <Kotono> Then slowly to Muirfinn, meeting his eyes, "Not even the Father can stand against that. We will triumph, and in the end we will be saved and rewarded. The Father will not win. Not this time."
[22:21] <Muirfinn> "If you are certain. In either case, be careful. This path is not for the unwary. Remain vigilant."

[Merc]

[19:42] <Kotono> ---
[19:45] <Kotono> Soon Morniel and Ithea are alone. "As I was saying," he begins, "I believe discovering or learning more about Valgadda, which is no more, is a step in defeating the Father. What do you know of it yourself?"
[19:48] <Ithea> "Not much. 27 has mentioned it before, and I know that some of Father's secrets may lie in that codex and that Tannin found some fragment of that codex before," Ithea responds.
[19:52] <Kotono> A short trip leads to the library - a quiet corner of it, no one around. Only once you're there does Morniel reply, "Here." He takes out a sheet of paper, "The legacy of the Valgadda Codex. Read this first. It covers the Father in general and mentions Valgadda. The rest of our information comes from a tome Canderella read. She should be here shortly to recount it to us." OOC: http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,103088.msg1052591.html#msg1052591
[19:56] * Ithea looks over the document quickly and nods thoughtfully once she's done. "Okay, I guess one good first question is, do we know of any other weapons that fit the description in that? Or better yet, other beings that could perhaps get training from Afina or others here in crafting weapons for a number of us?"
[19:58] <Kotono> As Ithea reads, the two get comfortable. It's quiet here - the bookshelves are full with dustless tomes, occasionally one flying out to another part of the library on the wings of magic. "Mirajane, Jaela's adopted daughter. She should fit suffice. Should she not or there be complications, we may seek the Glasae Queen ourselves. For the moment I'm focusing on Valgadda, which is no more." Meanwhile,
[19:58] <Kotono> Canderella saunters up. She silently takes a seat, only the soft metallic clink of her sheathed sword making any noise. "Ooooh, Valgadda. This is going to be a nostalgic conversation, isn't it?" she says.
[19:59] <Kotono> OOC: Minus that random fit there.
[19:59] <Ithea> ooc: minus what now?
[19:59] <Kotono> OOC: The fit before suffice.
[20:00] <Ithea> ooc: oh right. I'm sure it says nothing that I didn't even register that random fit.
[20:00] <Ithea> ooc: nothing at all.
[20:00] <Kotono> Morniel merely nods gravely to Canderella, "If there was ever a battle to use 21 in, this will be it. But it is still only one weapon wielded by one person."
[20:01] * Ithea nods. "Having others with weapons we can arm them would be a really good idea. I don't think I'd want to be stuck just spellcasting."
[20:02] <Kotono> "It's no time for half measures," Morniel agrees, "Canderella, if you could?"
[20:06] <Kotono> "I can do better," Canderella withdraws a small crystal, held in palm. "This is something new Tepen and Afina came up with. It's called a memory crystal and can replay a memory through illusions." She holds it a moment and it glows white, before ahead of you? The illusion looks to be of the library. Things are...different. Somehow, the subtle and often tiny differences in things are much more
[20:06] <Kotono> obvious. It looks to be from the point of view of someone - you can see Sylvie, Muirfinn, Tepen and Ellese there. Vul'lath too, but he's hanging back a little bit. Books are everywhere, and your view goes to one written in twisting Abyssal. At the same time Canderella's voice is heard,  "It's titled 'The Destruction of the Land that is No More.' Roughly. Abyssal tends to use apocalyptic phrasing
[20:06] <Kotono> for anything destructive. A literal translation would be both profane and misleading."
[20:06] <Kotono> Muirfinn slowly nods, face placid as he says, "Sounds like it's headed in the right direction."
[20:07] * Ithea pays attention to the going ons of the memory crystal!
[20:08] <Kotono> The light glints off Muirfinn shell - in so many subtle, multicolored patterns that you swear you never noticed before. From the side Tepen approaches and says with a slight frown, "What does it say?"
[20:09] <Kotono> You catch Canderella's finger going to her mouth and then down, turning the page. ""Alright, let's see. The mountainous land of Valgadda, okay. Remember that. Beautiful, plentiful. More or less, it's being described in mocking terms. Really, keep that in mind that I'm translating from a language dedicated to darkness. There's no words for several positive concepts in Abyssal, so I'm having to
[20:09] <Kotono> read between the lines. Plus every writer of Abyssal tends to take his own liberties with the language. Anyway..." Pausing and reading on, "A great calamity befouled the land and consumed it whole. Sounds familiar. A broken land was left behind, forever accursed. Those who visit the land are forever cursed to oblivion after death. The last part's hard. It's using a term for being cast into the
[20:09] <Kotono> Abyss, but the grammar and phrasing is inflecting a lack of awareness." As you read the writing, you can see it shift. In Common and other languages you can see almost coherent words, unknown and yet leaving a faint sense of dread. AT this the actual Canderella speaks up with a touch of a smile, "Abyssal's full of little touches like that if you're really fluent in it."
[20:11] <Kotono> "That part has something that troubles me," Morniel clears his throat with a cough, "Valgadda, which is no more, may have been cast into the Abyss. Yet Muirfinn has found evidence that suggests that the Father's seal is best undone in Valgadda, which is no more. The Valgadda Codex remarks the Father is cast out of the spiritual planes altogether, seeming to create an impossible situation."
[20:12] <Kotono> The crystal glows and dims, the illusion fading. "Then the answer's easy," Canderella doesn't quite smile, instead sitting back. "If that realm was dragged down into the Abyss, drag it back out."
[20:14] <Ithea> "...Sure, that's definitely easy," Ithea says at that with a raised eyebrow.
[20:14] <Kotono> This gets Morniel to smile, a faint thing that nonetheless seems to lighten the room. "Your practicality is surprising, but it lightens the sheer difficulty of the task."
[20:14] * Ithea nods. "I kinda imagine that demons would object to releasing a realm much as the devils would and have objected to releasing Lifasa."
[20:15] <Kotono> Candrella makes moving motions with two fingers, as if the legs of a tiny man was walking along. "Go ask Tyr to do it," she shrugs, "From what you those of you who buy into order say, if the Father is fated to be freed and fought there, then surely Valgadda, which is no more, will be freed."
[20:16] <Kotono> "The crux of the problem," Morniel says, "I have hopes that the situation is not so severe as Lifasa or can be otherwise reversed with less difficulty."
[20:19] <Kotono> Here he meets Canderella's eyes and slightyl shakes his head, "All in its time and all in the right time, but." He stops there, "But it is wise not to assume that fate will do what you want and when you want it. Only a fool assumes fate follows their own wishes, rather than the wishes of those far above us. It is written that one day Chronias will come to all and Tyr will vanquish all injustice
[20:19] <Kotono> for all time, but it will not be today, tomorrow or any other time we can name, but instead in their own time." Morniel balls a fist up and looks down at it, "We archons hold we are given might in part to ensure the proper destinies happen, with our own hands when needs must."
[20:20] <Kotono> This causes Canderella to sit back with a warm chuckle, "So to strike to the heart of the matter, it's up to us to be good little soldiers and pull our own share?"
[20:21] * Ithea snorts.
[20:23] <Kotono> Morniel starts to say something, but instead stops, shakes his head and then speaks. "The point is that if we want to rely on fate, we must be its agents. It means we must work for it, yes."
[20:24] <Kotono> The warmth of Canderella's laugh is intoxicating, drawing eyes to her as she laughs into her hand, as if covering a cough. "This may just be fun," she remarks, "Reporting for duty, sirs. So what do we do first?"
[20:24] <Ithea> "There'd be something terribly ironic about me becoming fate's agent," Ithea says wrily. "Still, if it means ending the threat of Father, in this one case I can't say I'd mind terribly."
[20:29] <Kotono> "Yes. If we can find the world Valgadda, which is no more, is from, that would be a prime place to investigate." Morniel says.
[20:31] <Ithea> "I have to ask, is there a reason that you so often add that whole "which is no more" part when saying Valgadda? I mean, yes, it's true, but it feels kinda silly too," Ithea observes.
[20:31] <Ithea> "I've noticed other people do it too."
[20:32] <Ithea> "It's kind of like that whole amen thing with Father, although that one's more creepy than silly sounding...actually, I think I may have convinced myself that the Valgadda thing is creepy too."
[20:44] <Kotono> "It's some manner of compulsion," Canderella says with a little shrug, "You don't have to, but unless you're thinking about it, it just tends to come out that way."
[20:46] <Kotono> "There may be some signifigance to it or a curse involved," Morniel remarks as he frowns, "Valgadda," He says it slowly and stoops, "Almost as if it's trying to convince the world it truly is no more."
[20:49] * Ithea blinks. "I hadn't exactly noticed a compulsion on Valgadda before, though I have noticed the one involving Father. That one's a pain, especially when it comes joined with hunger pains. Those are especially disturbing."
[20:49] * Ithea grimaces at the thought of those.
[20:52] <Kotono> "The Father's power extends far," Canderella murmurs, "Bound but certainly not destroyed."
[20:55] <Kotono> "Now then, we can begin in a few ways," Morniel speaks up, "We can investigate the world the book came from, it may well be the world of Valgadda, whi-ahem." Clearing his throat, "We can also try divinations, though I fear something cloaked in oblivion may resist them."
[20:56] * Ithea grins briefly at Morniel stopping himself from saying the last part. "Divinations are kind of risky too. I dunno if you've heard anything about what happened with that numerologist friend that Muirfinn made a while back, but it wasn't pretty."
[20:58] <Kotono> "Not a common case, but one that could repeat here," Morniel agrees, rather gravely. "If we resort to divinations, I would suggest we appeal with strong magic and directly to those we serve."
[20:59] <Ithea> "Yeah, that sounds like a good idea."
[20:59] <Kotono> "Less chance of mind-shredding consequences," Candrella pipes up, "I knew a succubus/incubus sorcerer who specialized in those sort of anti-divination measures, once on a time. I'd say it was for her situation, but..." Tapping her chin and humming, "She never seemed to mind it."
[21:02] * Ithea blinks. "Why the 'slash-incubus' part if you're saying it's a her?" Ithea asks, latching onto the weirdest thing from that sentence.
[21:06] <Kotono> "Oh that. Looked like a girl but had the biggest...ahem." Delicately coughing, "The result of a succubus and an incubus being fused in a botched calling spell. She wasn't really sane, the two minds weren't compatible and didn't make a good whole. I think she ended up going into Demogorgon's service. Kindred spirits." With a light shrug, "She was the happy sort of insane. Or is, if she's still
[21:06] <Kotono> kicking around Abysm."
[21:07] <Kotono> Morniel tips his head to the side slightly, "As wholly unpleasant as this derail is...why in Celestia's name would it combine like that? I would expect a much more gruesome patchwork."
[21:09] <Kotono> "Take me to Hell if I know," Canderella says, "I've seen things like that happen before and it's usually much worse. One time I saw a balor and a nalfeshnee be combined by a mad devil researcher. It turned into a giant blob of fat, on fire and with spines as long as a giant's greatswords." Tapping her chin, "It also seemed to have talent for arcane magic, but it died before it could really
[21:09] <Kotono> express it."
[21:09] <Ithea> "Probably one of those things where because you expect it, you get something else. Chaos is weird like that."
[21:11] <Kotono> "Everything will happen at least once with chaos," Canderella agrees, "Anyway, if we do divinations, they should be with as powerful a spell as we can muster."
[21:11] <Kotono> Meanwhile, Ithea feels a gentle nudge against the back of her leg.
[21:12] * Ithea looks down.
[21:13] <Kotono> Nothing's there that Ithea sees.
[21:15] * Ithea looks around a bit searching for the source of the nudge anyway.
[21:15] <Ithea> roll d20+51 spot
[21:15] * Hatbot --> "Ithea rolls d20+51 spot and gets 59." [d20=8]
[21:18] <Kotono> Nothing at all. It's - oh, there is it. You can see just a bit of 27 poking out from behind a bookshelf. As this happens, "Ithea?" Morniel asks. "Is something distracting you?"
[21:20] <Ithea> "27 is poking around," Ithea responds as she goes to him, kneeling in front of him. "You have any strange words to share today, 27?"
[21:23] <Kotono> 27 looks up, meeting Ithea's eyes. "Bored."
[21:24] <Ithea> "Ah, no such thing this time, I suppose. Sorry 27, but we're trying to figure out how to deal with Father and Valgadda without anybody going insane."
[21:24] <Ithea> "Why don't you go play with Hanna or Rukkig if you're bored though?"
[21:26] <Kotono> 27 looks at Ithea long and nods. "Okay. The cracked world is only the beginning and never the end." With that, 27 turns and goes off.
[21:28] <Ithea> "Well isn't that just the sort of cryptic thing I was expecting?" Ithea muses as she turns to the other two. "Assuming that's relevant to our conversation, any chance the cracked world comment refers to Valgadda?"
[21:31] <Kotono> "It might," Canderella says, "We'd do well to remember it."
[21:34] <Kotono> OOC: Okay Ithea. Do you have a preference on either option here or an idea for a third one?
[21:35] <Ithea> ooc: No preference.
[21:43] <Kotono> OOC: Okay then. Do you have any divination abilities of you rown, first of all?
[21:44] <Ithea> ooc: Not a single one. Unless you consider Balyss a divination ability or 27.
[21:50] <Kotono> OOC: Snerk, but not in this sense. Okay, we'll pause here and pick up next time then.

[Merc]

[20:01] <Kotono> <Ithea> "Well isn't that just the sort of cryptic thing I was expecting?" Ithea muses as she turns to the other two. "Assuming that's relevant to our conversation, any chance the cracked world comment refers to Valgadda?"
[20:01] <Kotono> > "It might," Canderella says, "We'd do well to remember it."
[20:01] <Kotono> > OOC: Okay Ithea. Do you have a preference on either option here or an idea for a third one?
[20:01] <Kotono> * Retrieving #dunes modes...
[20:01] <Kotono> <Ithea> ooc: No preference.
[20:01] <Kotono> > OOC: Okay then. Do you have any divination abilities of you rown, first of all?
[20:01] <Kotono> <Ithea> ooc: Not a single one. Unless you consider Balyss a divination ability or 27.
[20:01] <Kotono> > OOC: Snerk, but not in this sense. Okay, we'll pause here and pick up next time then.
[20:02] <Kotono> OOC: Okay, quick refresher. ?Last time the question of info gathering or divination came up, yes?
[20:03] * Quits: Ebiris (Ebiris@cpc9-sgyl30-2-0-cust73.sgyl.cable.virginm.net) (Quit: )
[20:10] * Retrieving #evildunes modes...
[20:11] <Ithea> ooc: Yeah. If the others are borrowing Balyss as well, then I don't really recall what other divination options there might be.
[20:14] <Kotono> OOC: Hanna'll work.
[20:16] <Ithea> ooc: I regret nothing about sending 27 to go play to her. But very well, she'll do.
[20:17] <Kotono> It's less that you find Hanna than that Hanna finds you. By the portals. The top of 27's head is attached to the top of Hanna's, the badger-slaad stuck straight upside-down on her. Hanna's arms are crossed and a fierce scowl is on her face. "Ithea. Universal solvent." she says shortly. "How in Lady Gwynharwyf's furies did 27 get sovereign glue?!"
[20:18] <Kotono> 27 just sits where he is, looking decidedly content.
[20:19] <Kotono> Morniel merely looks on before he slowly shakes his head. "Perhaps that was not the wisest course of action," he gently chides ithea.
[20:19] <Kotono> *Ithea
[20:20] * Ithea blinks. "I'm not even sure how he pulled that off in the time since we last saw him in the library," she admits.
[20:21] <Kotono> Hanna slowly palms her face, dragging her hand down. "Ithea...just...just give me one hundred gold. I can go to Brightwater and buy the solvent."
[20:23] * Ithea pulls out some money. "Uhm...Are you really going to go like that into Brightwater? I don't mind taking the trip and coming back with it..."
[20:26] <Kotono> "Even better!" Hanna grins as she visibly twitches, "Just...just go, Ithea. Please." Hanna closes her eyes tightly, "Hurry."
[20:26] <Kotono> "Hurry," 27 echos a moment later.
[20:26] <Kotono> This causes Hanna to twitch again, "Hurry, hurry, HURRY!" The last is snapped out, "She wouldn't have to hurry if you didn't glue me to your head? What is this, some twisted experiment to see if angels truly have infinite patience and love?!"
[20:27] <Ithea> "...you know, it probably is," Ithea says as she departs before Hanna snaps.
[20:28] <Kotono> "Understanding," 27 says as Ithea goes, "You're important."
[20:31] * Ithea makes sure to make extra haste in search of universal solvent so that Hanna can be freed.
[20:31] <Kotono> OOC: Just going to get portaled to Brightwater ASAP and return with the solvent?
[20:33] <Ithea> ooc: Assuming I don't get jumped by any devils, any merchants, any cats, or any deities, sure.
[20:33] <Kotono> OOC: Post the 100 gold expense.
[20:36] <Ithea> ooc: done
[20:37] <Kotono> On return, you find Hanna and 27 gone. Morniel awaits you, "Ithea," he greets, "As Hanna put it, I fear the end of Creation is on us." A wry smile comes to his face, "As the hyperbole suggests, 27 gave Hanna a straight answer while you were gone."
[20:39] <Ithea> "...She doesn't need the solvent anymore?" Ithea asks with a raised eyebrow.
[20:41] <Kotono> "27 detached himself," Morniel remarks, slowly starting to walk, "Hanna's taking a bath to 'wash the slaad off of her'. To quote, 27 said Hanna's important for something in the future, and he had to understand something about her. As Hanna was stunned by 27 giving her a straight answer, he hopped off like the glue wasn't there, thanked her and went off." OOC: Loot post about the solvent, by
[20:41] <Kotono> the way.
[20:42] <Ithea> "Ah, well, I think I'll give her the solvent anyway. For the next time 27 does the same and -doesn't- want to unstick himself."
[20:44] <Kotono> "That may be wise," Morniel says, "I'll be in the chapel whenever the two of you are ready for divinations."
[20:48] * Ithea nods before heading towards Hanna's room with the solvent in hand.
[20:51] <Kotono> Hanna beats you there, but not by much. She's in her closet, seemingly not caring that her unclad back and backside are visible. "Ithea, next time, just say no to any slaad who want to follow you."
[20:52] <Ithea> "I'll keep that in mind."
[20:52] * Ithea pauses, then adds, "Brought the solvent, by the way."
[20:52] * Ithea raises the two bottles for show.
[20:53] <Kotono> Dressing as she talks, turning to Ithea in the meantime, "Thanks. Just put it over there, in case this happens again." Gesturing to her bed table, "Did Morniel tell you?"
[20:54] <Ithea> "Yup. Wonder exactly what is coming in the future that he's worried about, I'll admit."
[20:55] <Kotono> "Plenty of choices," Getting her gear on in the meantime, "Pick one of Aurora's enemies. It's as likely as any other."
[20:58] <Ithea> "True. Changing the subject to something other than 27, did Morniel speak with you about any divinations by any chance?" Ithea asks as she sets the solvent down.
[21:01] <Kotono> "You want some? What about and which ones?" she asks.
[21:06] <Ithea> "Valgadda," Ithea says simply. "You know about that, right? Muirfinn and Lief are chasing down a lead in Hades, but Morniel and I are trying to find more information on Valgadda instead."
[21:08] <Kotono> That gets a sharp nod, "Alright. I'
[21:08] <Kotono> That gets a sharp nod, "Alright. I'll need to pull out the stops for that," she remarks. "Anything in particular about it?"
[21:11] * Ithea shakes her head. "I don't think so. Maybe Morniel or Canderella can think of something specific. I'd just rather you be careful when doing your divinations. I'm not sure what Muirfinn and Lief asked that one guy we brought back from Brightwater to look for, but I know his divinations hadn't ended well for him."
[21:13] <Kotono> Hanna frowns deeply, "In that case, I'll want to do it in Arborea. Better yet, the Court of the Stars, if I can find a portal there. Or..." she trails off, but shakes her head. "No, best the Court of Stars. If something goes awry there, it will be noticed."
[21:16] * Ithea nods. "Anything I can do to help?"
[21:19] <Kotono> "Be my backup," Hanna wryly smiles, tying back her hair into a long ponytail. "Just in case. Be ready to wake me if it goes wrong and have dispel magic or greater ready."
[21:20] <Ithea> "I can do dispel magic, though we'll need a stronger caster for more powerful dispels," Ithea notes.
[21:22] <Kotono> "Just be ready then, or bring someone who can. Sylvie if no one else, 21 will probably do it." she comments.
[21:24] * Ithea nods.
[21:25] <Ithea> ooc: I'd say gather up Morniel and Sylvie then, or if Morniel/Canderella can do greater dispels, then them, since Canderella was already involved.
[21:26] <Kotono> OOC: Up to you then. Choose one of those two.
[21:26] <Ithea> ooc: can the second group do the greater dispels?
[21:30] <Ithea> ooc: I don't see greater dispel on either of them, though I see that Canderella has high level casting. Don't have any clue if she has that or not.
[21:32] <Kotono> OOC: Canderella can't, though Sylvie can prep greater dispel.
[21:34] <Ithea> ooc: Morniel and Sylvie then
[21:36] <Kotono> OOC: Okay.
[21:36] <Kotono> Soon enough the three gather. Sylvie follows along towards Aurora's gates, "So what trouble did you get in this time?" she asks Ithea.
[21:39] <Ithea> "None, surprisingly. And we're taking you along just in case trouble does pop up. Bad things have a history of happening when things involving Valgadda or Father attempt to get divined," Ithea explains.  "With any luck, all that's happening is you get a quick trip out of Aurora for some sightseeing, I guess."
[21:42] <Kotono> "Fun," Sylvie notes, "As long as we keep a low profile. I'd rather not meet any deities, and around you," Sylvie rolls her eyes, "Miss I've met Sharess personally. Auril too and who else?"
[21:52] * Ithea shrugs. "I really can't recall for the most part. Dragon ones, I suppose. They did curse Afina, Jaela and I. Technically Kascha too, but we got her out of that at least."
[21:53] <Ithea> "Still say Bahamut's kind of a jerk, for someone that's supposed to be a good god."
[21:55] * Ithea pauses and adds, "Of course, my perception of those events might be colored by the fact that I think I've had to kill more dragons since that moment than either Afina or Jaela ever had to."
[21:57] <Kotono> Morniel just raises an eyebrow as Sylvie nods, "Funny how that works out, isn't it?"
[22:03] * Ithea shrugs. "I've adjusted to it. Pretty much comes down to 'See-a-dragon-stab-a-dragon' automatic reaction nowadays. I'm just glad Kascha didn't get stuck with it, especially since she seems to attract some of the worst luck sometimes. That was the main reason I don't think highly of Bahamut, since he just punished anyone at the scene and Kascha was pretty much there only because she wanted to learn more about dragons. I suspect she'd be the one dealing with all the dragons if that curse hadn't been lifted off her."

[Merc]

[19:47] <Kotono> <Ithea> ooc: Morniel and Sylvie then
[19:47] <Kotono> > OOC: Okay.
[19:47] <Kotono> > Soon enough the three gather. Sylvie follows along towards Aurora's gates, "So what trouble did you get in this time?" she asks Ithea.
[19:47] <Kotono> <Ithea> "None, surprisingly. And we're taking you along just in case trouble does pop up. Bad things have a history of happening when things involving Valgadda or Father attempt to get divined," Ithea explains.  "With any luck, all that's happening is you get a quick trip out of Aurora for some sightseeing, I guess."
[19:47] <Kotono> > "Fun," Sylvie notes, "As long as we keep a low profile. I'd rather not meet any deities, and around you," Sylvie rolls her eyes, "Miss I've met Sharess personally. Auril too and who else?"
[19:47] <Kotono> * Ithea shrugs. "I really can't recall for the most part. Dragon ones, I suppose. They did curse Afina, Jaela and I. Technically Kascha too, but we got her out of that at least."
[19:47] <Kotono> <Ithea> "Still say Bahamut's kind of a jerk, for someone that's supposed to be a good god."
[19:47] <Kotono> * Ithea pauses and adds, "Of course, my perception of those events might be colored by the fact that I think I've had to kill more dragons since that moment than either Afina or Jaela ever had to."
[19:48] <Kotono> > Morniel just raises an eyebrow as Sylvie nods, "Funny how that works out, isn't it?"
[19:48] <Kotono> * Ithea shrugs. "I've adjusted to it. Pretty much comes down to 'See-a-dragon-stab-a-dragon' automatic reaction nowadays. I'm just glad Kascha didn't get stuck with it, especially since she seems to attract some of the worst luck sometimes. That was the main reason I don't think highly of Bahamut, since he just punished anyone at the scene and Kascha was pretty much there only because she
[19:48] <Kotono> * Ithea wanted to learn more about dragons. I suspect she'd be the one dealing with all the dragons if that curse hadn't been lifted off her."
[19:50] <Kotono> "She does have strange luck," Sylvie agrees as you walk outside of Aurora's gates. Hanna's waiting for the three of you there, "Ready. Any last minute preparations?"
[19:51] <Ithea> "None more that I can think of."
[19:53] <Kotono> "We're ready," Morniel says. Hanna nods slightly and murmurs a quick prayer. Before you a swirling gate appears, a passage that churns leaf-green. The laughter of children, happy and carefree, is heard from afar.
[20:00] * Ithea steps through the gate and waits for the others.
[20:01] <Kotono> In a moment you stand in a deep, sylvan forest. It is warm here without being hot, the scent of nature all around you. The air is fresh and pure, everything feeling good and right to Ithea. "Aaaah," Hanna takes a deep breath, "Let's go and see if the Court will take us in for this."
[20:07] * Ithea just nods and otherwise lets Hanna take the lead on everything until something needs fighting or something that requires her occurs.
[20:10] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:10] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 93." [1d100=93]
[20:10] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:10] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 22." [1d100=22]
[20:11] <Kotono> It's perhaps a few hours before you see it ahead - a path of glittering stones, like rocks dotted with stars. It winds into the forest, dimness coming like nightfall. Hanna smiles at this, "It seems we're in luck."
[20:14] <Kotono> "Lucky us," Sylvie says, stretching, "Aaah, I don't think I've been here since I was looking for 21."
[20:21] <Kotono> From here you head inside. You stand in a quiet, restful room. It looks like a group bedroom more than anything else, with a roaring fire in the fireplace. Notably there's no doors in or out, nor any windows.
[20:23] <Ithea> "Anything we can do to help you prepare for the divinations, Hanna?"
[20:23] <Kotono> "Just be ready," Hanna says, going to kneel. "I'm going to do a bunch of praying first." She makes a bit of a face at this, "I feel like a mortal when I do, but this occasion calls for it."
[20:24] <Kotono> "You speak as if prayer is a waste," Morniel speaks up rather gently, but with a hint of reproach in his voice.
[20:25] <Kotono> A light shrug follows, "And we're literally good-blooded, and I meet my deity routinely when I'm at the Court. I know she has my back, so I leave the prayers for when they're needed, not any little thing."
[20:26] <Kotono> After a moment, "Could we argue this later?" Hanna interjects, "Religious differences aside, I'd really like to focus."
[20:27] <Kotono> "As you like," Morniel agrees, "Let us all be ready if the Father's reach extends this far."
[20:28] <Kotono> "This is why I don't go to church," Sylvie quips lightly, crossing her arms as she stands next to Ithea.
[20:34] <Ithea> "Lifasa being invaded is why I don't go either," Ithea says drily back.
[20:35] <Kotono> Sylvie chuckles but doesn't get into it. Soon enough Hanna works. (More)
[20:35] <Kotono> roll 1d20+47 (+4 protective aura, +7 ???)
[20:35] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+47 (+4 protective aura, +7 ???) and gets 49." [1d20=2]
[20:51] <Kotono> Hanna prays for some time. How long passes you aren't sure, but suddenly she speaks. "Valgadda, which is no more. Valgadda, which is no more. Valgadda, which is no more! Beyond the Father's consumption is more hunger. Behind the Father's hunger is emptiness. Behind the Father's emptiness is his despair. Listen to me: Valgadda lies in the dead world. The dead world has passed on. The dead
[20:51] <Kotono> world is not forgotten. Create a tuning fork of iron crumbled to rust, bread rotted to mold and wood reduced to splinters."
[20:55] <Kotono> "A key to a plane shift spell," Sylvie murmurs quietly, "Tuning forks, that is. A key to a particular Prime Material, I'm guessing."
[20:56] <Ithea> "That, or she's spent too much time with 27."
[20:58] <Kotono> After that Hanna falls forward, almost flat on her face. She grunts, "Ugh. That was rough," she says, as Morniel comes to her side, helping her balance. "Get all that?"
[21:00] <Ithea> "Tuning fork of iron crumbled to rust, bread rotted to mold, and wood reduced to splinters. Yep, we got it," Ithea replies.
[21:03] <Kotono> "Good," Hanna rises with Morniel's help. "Not the most verbose answer, but one that should be useful to you. That's the ticket to finding Valgadda?"
[21:03] <Kotono> "Which i-" Morniel begins, before tightly scrunching up his lips.
[21:05] * Ithea laughs at Morniel.
[21:08] <Kotono> Sylvie smiles as well, "Pervasive, eh?" She stretches and rubs her neck, "So how about we get back now?"
[21:11] <Kotono> "I'm done  here," Hanna says, "So are you going to make that key, Ithea?"
[21:12] * Ithea blinks. "Key?"
[21:12] <Kotono> "What Sylvie called it," Hanna says, "The tuning fork."
[21:14] <Ithea> "Oh, sorry, didn't really connect the two references. Yes, we'll try making that and all the other bits. Not sure what bread has to do with all of that though, honestly."
[21:15] <Kotono> "Symbolic." Sylvie says as she looks around - and before you, a door forms on the wall. "Speaking of!"
[21:19] <Kotono> OOC: Ready to return to Aurora, then?
[21:20] <Ithea> ooc: yep

[Merc]

[19:44] <Kotono> ---
[19:45] <Kotono> Soon enough all return to Aurora. The four are in the lab, Sylvie and Hanna putting their heads together over rusted metal, moldy bread and a pile of wooden splinters. (More)
[19:47] <Kotono> roll 1d20+86 Arcana, +21 inspiration, +10 lore of the gods +2 Hanna aiding
[19:47] * Joins: Serith (~iron_drag@cpe-173-172-46-15.tx.res.rr.com)
[19:47] <Kotono> roll 1d20+86 Arcana, +21 inspiration, +10 lore of the gods +2 Hanna aiding
[19:47] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 91 > [d20=5]
[19:48] <Kotono> "Well," Sylvie finally looks up from the mess, "The good news is better than the bad news, but the bad news isn't good."
[19:49] <Kotono> "Getting rust, splinters and moldy bread together is one thing. Making a viable tuning fork from them is another. There's no way you'd be able to do it without supernatural aid or skill," Hanna dusts her hands off as she replies.
[19:51] <Ithea> "I kinda figured it'd just be a jump away in Limbo," Ithea notes. "Anarch, remember? Manipulating the chaos stuff and all that, and that stuff is pretty damn random."
[19:53] <Kotono> "What's your plan there?" Hanna asks, a look of curiosity coming to her face. "Chaos-stuff is notably unstable."
[19:54] <Ithea> "How long does it need to be stable for to do what we need it to do?"
[19:57] <Kotono> "Well," Sylvie goes to a nearby stool and sits, a table of beakers and scales behind her. As steam rises from them, "You see, using magically created objects for spell components rarely works out well. By that I mean conjured things, like conjuring the bat guano for a fireball spell, unless it's a powerful and permanent conjuration.  Usually it causes the spell to fail, though sometimes the
[19:57] <Kotono> results will be far more unpleasant. Boom," Waving her hands about, "So pretty damn stable."
[19:58] <Ithea> "Well phooey. There goes the easy solution then."
[19:59] <Kotono> "Things worth doing are seldom easy," Morniel remarks quietly. "So if that doesn't work, then what?"
[20:00] <Ithea> "Could Afina possibly craft one? Or maybe the Mercane could get us in touch with someone that could?"
[20:02] <Kotono> "We need someone with skills in several fields. First of all, they need to be good at metalworking and woodworking," Sylvie begins to tick off fingers, "Second of all, they need a strong base in spellcraft and arcane knowledge. Third, some expertise in alchemy wouldn't hurt, though it's not strictly essential." Finishing at that, "Or try Afina," she finishes with a light shrug. "She'd probably
[20:02] <Kotono> do well enough."
[20:06] <Ithea> "I'll ask her as soon as I see her then," Ithea says.
[20:07] <Kotono> OOC: Sec, need to look up Afina's sheet.
[20:09] <Kotono> OOC: For the sake of whatever buffs AFina would set up there, I'm just going to assume a flat +5 to these rolls.
[20:09] <Kotono> roll 1d20+29
[20:09] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 37 > [d20=8]
[20:09] <Kotono> roll 1d20+29
[20:09] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 49 > [d20=20]
[20:09] <Kotono> roll 1d20+29
[20:09] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 42 > [d20=13]
[20:09] <Kotono> roll 1d20+29
[20:09] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 30 > [d20=1]
[20:09] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9
[20:09] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 14 > [d20=5]
[20:11] <Kotono> A few hours later, the party gathers in a meeting room. "So," Morniel begins, "To bring you all up to speed. Afina attempted to make the tuning fork. While the majority of it was uneventful, the final combination ran into a snag. There's some sort of curse or interdiction against the tuning fork being completed - and Afina fell victim to it. Explosively." He raises a hand, "She'll be fine,
[20:11] <Kotono> most of it didn't even damage her. However, part of it seems to be aimed at preventing her from successfully trying again."
[20:12] <Kotono> Sylvie slowly rubs her face, "Damned annoying is what it is," she remarks, "We're going to have to get a little more creative than throwing money at Afina, for once."
[20:13] * Ithea rubs her forehead as well. "All these curses are a plague upon progress."
[20:16] <Kotono> Hanna's lips are pursed in a tight frown, "What it is is the Father being a pest," Hanna remarks tiredly, "He dogs our progress while attempting to assail our sanity and strength. It reminds me of stalling tactics, almost."
[20:18] <Kotono> This draws a long sigh from Sylvie, "You almost think he likes it in the book, y'know?"
[20:19] <Ithea> "I suppose the next step is trying the Mercane then to find some other crafter. Unless you want to take a crack at it yourself, Sylvie?"
[20:22] <Kotono> "I could and I could fake it," Sylvie says, "Hopefully it works out then." OOC: That's your next plan, have Sylvie give it a go?
[20:23] <Ithea> ooc: Sure! And if she fails, gather information to find someone capable.
[20:23] <Kotono> OOC: Cool.
[20:25] <Kotono> roll 1d20+35 (+21 inspiration)
[20:25] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 45 > [d20=10]
[20:25] <Kotono> roll 1d20+35 (+21 inspiration)
[20:25] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 52 > [d20=17]
[20:26] <Kotono> roll 1d20+53
[20:26] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 68 > [d20=15]
[20:26] <Kotono> roll 1d20+53
[20:26] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 54 > [d20=1]
[20:26] <Kotono> roll 1d20+33 uh oh not again
[20:26] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 47 > [d20=14]
[20:27] <Kotono> roll 1d20+42 ref (+14 inspiration)
[20:27] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 56 > [d20=14]
[20:27] <Kotono> roll 1d20+46 will (+14 inspiration)
[20:27] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 59 > [d20=13]
[20:28] <Kotono> Ithea's waiting outside of the laboratory. Morniel and Hanna await when BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM! Aurora itself seems to shake with the blast, as if the laboratory just exploded inside. "Oh Hells," Hanna swears as she grabs onto the wall, before going on in.
[20:29] * Ithea quickly joins Hanna, checking for Sylvie! When Afina tried, there certainly wasn't any explosion!!!
[20:31] <Kotono> Morniel follows grimly. Within the laboratory is wrecked. There's scorch marks everywhere and beakers are broken. But in the middle Sylvie stands, untouched and uninjured. She holds a tuning fork in hand, "Oh hi," she says casually, offering it out to Ithea. "Sorry about that, just had to rerout the energies of the curse from consuming the tuning fork and ward off a mind-destroying hunger
[20:31] <Kotono> curse." A shrug follows as she grins.
[20:32] <Kotono> A moment later Elena appears, looking around, "What...?! Look at this! All the equipment is damaged or destroyed!" She waves her arms around, "Do you know how much all of this cost?"
[20:35] <Kotono> Morniel sniffs the air, "That's a lot of effort for wards," he murmurs, "For something he's sealed in."
[20:36] <Ithea> "It's fine, Elena. It looks like Sylvie succeeded despite the curse, so I'll just say it was worth it this time. We'll fix it anyway."
[20:36] <Kotono> "..." Sylvie blinks at that, turning to Elena. "No, but I can make a good guess. Say ten thousand?" she looks about, "Twelve? Fifteen?" Each one is followed by Elena shaking her head. "Shit."
[20:37] <Kotono> "Well yes," Elena says to Sylvie, "But this lab is important for all the items Aurora makes," she explains quickly.
[20:38] <Kotono> "No see, Ithea has the right idea. Just pay it out of the Aurora fund and that'll take care of it. RIght, General Ithea?" The unusual title is emphasized notably.
[20:39] <Ithea> "In this particular case, that's what'll have to happen," Ithea says with a nod.
[20:42] <Kotono> "See? Problem solved, let's go," Sylvie quickly strides out, Hanna smiling at it and Morniel shaking his head.
[20:42] <Kotono> Elena looks to Ithea and finally says, "If you say so," she hmphs, before vanishing.
[20:46] * Ithea shakes her head as Elena vanishes and chases after the others. "So we have the tuning fork. Now what?"
[20:49] <Kotono> "Do we try going to Valgadda by ourselves or do we wait for Muirfinn? This is his crusade," Morniel says, "We've gathered information, chancing what Valgadda is may well be another thing."
[20:50] <Ithea> "We'll wait on Muirfinn, I think. I'm more curious if there is anything else we can do to prepare, since we don't know how long they might be gone for."
[20:55] <Kotono> "Be as strong and prepared as we can, both spiritually and physically," Morniel slowly turns to look ahead, "Whatever this realm is, it's tied to the Father. It will not be safe to the body or the soul."
[20:56] <Kotono> "I worry the same, especially if it's tied or fallen into the Abyss," Hanna frowns again, "I wonder what demons the Father would spawn and which would serve him?"
[20:56] <Kotono> "I'm curious about that last part too, since the Valgadda Codex mentioned he'd been cast from the outer realms." Sylvie crosses her arms.
[21:01] <Kotono> After a bit of chatter, finally Morniel turns to Ithea, "Ithea, what do you think about preparing?"
[21:03] <Ithea> "I'd like to do what we can, but honestly, I'm not sure what we could do besides trying to get weapons crafted that can damage Father. And given that Sylvie wrecked the lab...?"
[21:03] * Ithea gives a disappointed look at Sylvie and goes 'Tsk, tsk, tsk...' with a teasing smirk.

[Merc]

[20:04] <Kotono> It is a quiet, solemn day before Aurora's gates when the four gather. Lief, Muirfinn, Balyss and Ellese. Balyss is dressed in a set of simple, rough homespun clothes and wears a wooden holy symbol of Balyss around her neck. An unremarkable mace is carried in hand. Ellese does not have a weapon and only wears plain robes. Her expression is unusually calm as the four gather. "I talked to Morniel,"
[20:04] <Kotono> Balyss says, "The portal's been arrainged outside. All we have to do is go outside and go in." Looking around, "Does everyone have what they need?"
[20:05] <Kotono> *Selune
[20:06] <Lief> "Yes."
[20:07] * Lief checks his 'new' masterwork bow and his bracers of archery to leave as a sacrifice.
[20:07] * Muirfinn is naked, holding a sackcloth bag that makes sloshing noises. "I am ready."
[20:09] <Kotono> Balyss takes out a simple silver ring. "This, it was a gift from Stille." She smiles softly, "I'll miss it, but all for a better cause." She shakes her head slowly, "I left behind my friends to come to Aurora at Selune's bidding, and I've been rewarded better than I could imagine. So what's a little more faith?"
[20:10] <Kotono> Ellese looks Muirfinn over with an expressionless face, taking out a pair of bracers, "These," she offers, "I am ready."
[20:10] <Lief> "I'm taking this as a symbol of my skill. Of my survival and will to fight back."
[20:10] <Muirfinn> "I have a gift from one of my sons, a relic of lost Lifasa."
[20:11] <Kotono> OOC: To be clear, which item is it, Muirfinn?
[20:11] <Muirfinn> OOC: The decanter of endless water
[20:13] <Kotono> OOC: Okay.
[20:14] <Kotono> With that, the party heads out. Just outside of Aurora is a gray portal. It swirls with even-colored gray light. There's no variance in it at all, nothing but blandness. Just looking at it makes you feel faintly disinterested. Balyss frowns deeply at it, "Hades, alright. We ready?"
[20:15] <Muirfinn> "We are about as underprepared as we can get."
[20:16] * Lief shrugs.
[20:16] <Lief> "I don't know what else I can do to be ready."
[20:19] <Kotono> Ellese steps forward, "The voices have been quiet today," Ellese murmurs, "Almost as if they're waiting for this," She traces a finger along the outer edge of the portal, "But I can't find it in me to be afraid. Just ready. I wonder why?"
[20:22] <Kotono> "Selune will guide us, like she guided you before to Athux." At this Selune walks through the portal and vanishes.
[20:22] <Muirfinn> OOC: GODS EVERYWHERE
[20:23] <Kotono> *Balyss walks through the portal.
[20:24] * Muirfinn follows.
[20:27] <Kotono> Ellese follows third, leaving Lief behind. OOC: Following?
[20:27] <Lief> OOC: Of course. I thought you were scene changing.
[20:28] * Lief zips along after!
[20:30] <Kotono> Gray. It is gray everywhere. It is a dark, shadowed land of gray air, gray, slumped and twisted trees, gray skies. Everything is the same listless color. Your bodies feel the same, tired, empty and detached. The color seems to fade from your bodies and out of you. You are on a plane with trees. Unremarkable. Balyss grunts more and holds her holy symbol, "Selune," she says, taking her ring and
[20:30] <Kotono> dropping it. "Guide us in this time of trial. Even if I walk at the behest of another, I walk with you closest of all."
[20:30] <Kotono> Ellese looks around and smiles, before dropping her bracers as well.
[20:31] * Lief keeps a sharp eye out, but drops his bracers as well.
[20:31] * Muirfinn takes the sack and places it, carefully and reverantly, on the gray ground.
[20:32] <Kotono> The items are left to the ground. The color from them fades in the gray dust of the realm. There's no scent in the air - just a tinge of dust that gets into your noses. "So we wander now?" Balyss says, "Until we find the tree?"
[20:33] <Kotono> OOC: Post the sacrificed item (and it's stats, if needed) in loot.
[20:33] <Muirfinn> "That seems to be the trick to getting there. Get lost, have nothing, find salvation."
[20:35] * Lief maintains his vigil, watching for threats...
[20:35] <Kotono> "Mmm-hmm. When we work with the poor and downtrodden in Balmuria, one reason is to spread the faith. Those that have nothing have nothing preventing them from learning Selune's wisdom, as well as the most to gain." She waves a hand as she starts to walk, "We're not like Ilmater's faith. I have a friend who's into that. Nice girl and she lives in a cave and wears rags, despite having earned enough
[20:35] <Kotono> to retire a thousand times over. But there's a lot to be said to helping those that need it and showing them the way."
[20:37] <Muirfinn> "There is a certain reverant holiness in existing entirely to alleviate the suffering of others."
[20:39] <Kotono> "Mmm-hmm," Balyss repeats as you start to travel - everything just looks the same. Empty. It's so easy to stop feeling when you look at it. Just a soft, cold emptiness waiting to spring up. Easy enough to brush aside, but persistent. "Opinions vary. I'm of the opinion I do more good with money backing me up. But I'll never knock the faith of someone devoted enough to do that. I spent all of last
[20:39] <Kotono> night upset about that damned ring," she glances back towards it, before shaking her head and going on. "Giving yourself entirely to that and living each day with the lowest and dirtiest? Amazing."
[20:39] <Kotono> "Instead of grinding them beneath," Ellese murmurs, "Instead of using them, living to serve them."
[20:40] * Muirfinn nods at Ellese. "Exactly. It takes great strength of character and faith to live like that. I have tremendous rrespect for Ilmater's followers."
[20:42] <Kotono> "Why...why couldn't there have been one there sooner, on Lifasa?" Ellese gazes down at the ground, "Someone to lift up a...someone to lift me up sooner? Someone to save me when I needed to be saved?"
[20:43] <Kotono> Balyss shrugs. "The Gods work in ways we don't understand, and the other side gives plenty of competition." At this, she also looks to Lief, "Say Lief, ever thought that yourself? About your time here, I mean," she waves, "When those 'loths had you?"
[20:45] <Kotono> Ellese doesn't say anything, but instead stares down.
[20:45] * Muirfinn pats Ellese on the shoulder. "That's a question all of us would like to ask. Someday, we might even get the opportunity."
[20:46] <Kotono> After a few beats, "I have faith in Selune and all she represents," Balyss goes on, "But Lifasa proves evil isn't some morality play that's neatly solved in three acts. I wonder myself." Balyss looks skyward, to a moon that isn't there. "Faith gives me the weapons to be that salvation for those that need it, and to spread that faith farther."
[20:47] * Lief shifts his shoulders uncomfortably.
[20:47] <Lief> "... Yes, I do. I try not to, but it creeps in, around the edges. In the dark and in the silence."
[20:49] <Kotono> "Have faith in Selune. Even if you don't put faith into her, she puts faith into you," Balyss smiles, "If you've ever seen the full moon and been guided by its light on a dark light, that's her helping you. Bad things still happen," she gestures to Ellese, "But we have the tools to stop them." Pausing to adjust her clothes and step around a stunted, dark tree, "As the Guardian of 21 said, not
[20:49] <Kotono> even the ones who made Creation could decide between good and evil. So it's up to use to work for good."
[20:50] <Kotono> *axe that extra use there at the end.
[20:50] <Lief> "I... can... understand Ellese. To a degree."
[20:50] <Kotono> Ellese still looks down, jerking slightly at the contact of Muirfinn's hand. "Somehow," she murmurs, "I expected more yugoloths and strife, as well as less moralizing."
[20:51] * Muirfinn snorts. "I'm sure they'll notice us soon enough, and is moralizing so bad?"
[20:52] * Lief flies over near Ellese and hovers above the group, watching for anything approaching.
[20:52] <Kotono> OOC: Perception.
[20:52] <Lief> OOC: Spot?
[20:53] <Kotono> OOC: Yes, same thing.
[20:53] <Lief> roll 1d20+40 Spot
[20:53] * Hatbot --> "Lief rolls 1d20+40 Spot and gets 52." [1d20=12]
[20:54] <Kotono> The shadows move. Slightly, as if alive. As if watching. Meanwhile, Ellese says, "I suppose not. I just...moralizing isn't far from Baator's propaganda, sometimes. I'm having a good day...I mean, I know that's not right. But I can feel my magic stirring at all fo this, anxious. It doesn't like it."
[20:56] <Lief> "This place... The shadows are moving... I think we better start moving ourselves."
[20:57] <Kotono> "Every side can talk a good game," Balyss goes on as she turns to Ellese, "But you have the choice to choose a better-hm?" Balyss readies her mace, "Right, let's get moving. It might just be a trick of the plane, but no sense finding out."
[20:58] * Muirfinn nods. "Remember that there will ever be a difference between Baator and ourselves. Your path is your own, and no one else's. Though you may be influenced by those around you, the choices you make are ultimately your own." Muirfinn takes hjis hand back, cracking his knuckles. "Indeed, we can chat while we move. It will help us add our color to these bleak wastes."
[20:58] * Lief nods.
[20:59] <Lief> "I'll stay invisible as we move. This bow isn't as good as my other one, so the surprise will be useful."
[20:59] * Lief goes invisible with that.
[21:02] <Kotono> OOC: Okay, so marching order/precautious/ect?
[21:02] <Lief> OOC: I'll be orbiting/above/scouting around the group and watching for shenanigans.
[21:03] <Muirfinn> OOC: front
[21:03] <Kotono> OOC: Balyss and Ellese willt ake up the rear, then.
[21:03] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:03] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 37." [1d100=37]
[21:04] <Kotono> You walk an hour or so in these empty wastes. Conversation gets a little harder for a time - it's like it's hard to care. But you struggle against it, as...Ahead, Lief can see a grove of leafless trees. Within you can see dozens of pale gray, empty eyed humanoids sitting about. Humans, elves, dwarves adn many other things, all of them simply staring ahead.
[21:05] <Lief> "Ahead. Trees with people sitting around."
[21:06] <Kotono> "Might be locals," Balyss murmurs, "Ready in case it's a daemon ambush."
[21:07] * Muirfinn nods
[21:09] <Kotono> OOC: What are y'all doing, then?
[21:10] <Lief> OOC: I assumed the others were approaching with caution while I kept lookout.
[21:10] <Kotono> OOC: Sounds liek a plan.
[21:10] <Muirfinn> OOC: LEt's go say hello to the mindless zoms
[21:12] <Kotono> The party approaches. As you reach the grove of trees, you can see perhaps half a hundred people are here. All are gray through and through, sitting without change or any expression at all. As you do reach the trees, a soundless voice speaks into each of your ears. "Observe: Those who came to this realm for succumbing to apathy in life, and to allow evil to rule them by inaction. Any unique
[21:12] <Kotono> thought or desire will be taken from them, leeched away until only soul larvae remain. This is the justice your kinds bestow on those they punish."
[21:13] * Lief looks for the source of the voice.
[21:14] <Kotono> The voice seems to come from everywhere and nowhere,  unnaturally so. No normal voice could make that.
[21:16] * Muirfinn raises a scaly eyebrow. "Our kinds?"
[21:16] <Kotono> "That's why all of this damned plane is wrong," Balyss murmurs, loud enough to be heard by all. "No one deserves this. If they'd just embrace Selune's light, this would never happen. If they'd get up and do something, instead of living an empty life day in and day out."
[21:18] <Kotono> "Your kinds. The scent of the Opposed clings to you," The voice says, perfectly calm. Not a hint of expression is in it. "Except for the woman. She's come home." Ellese shudders visibly at that, looking down again. "Welcome home, canoloth." Then after a moment, "But you scorned them, failed to reach them. This is what they get because of your tender mercies and failures, Balyss. Oh, some of you
[21:18] <Kotono> get away for awhile, but you'll be back when it's all done."
[21:20] * Muirfinn snorts. "All choose their fates. None can change except those who wish it so. Those who are damned here are reaping the choices they made in life."
[21:20] <Kotono> Ellese visibly flinches at that, "Shut up!" Her voice raises.
[21:21] <Kotono> "Yeah, and I'm thinking about reaping a choice. It goes something like caving in an asshole yugoloth's head in with my mace. Say, how's oblivion strike you?" She hefts her mace, "I bet Selune would just love me sending you there." Gesturing with that mace at the damned, "I live every day trying to save people from this. Even if it's not Selune, if I get them a little better, a little closer,
[21:21] <Kotono> they'll go somewhere else."
[21:25] <Muirfinn> "Well said!"
[21:25] <Kotono> "They chose it," The voice agrees, "But none of you reached them. No one did. Is this not just then, for them to suffer? Turn and go, then, and leave them to what they have reaped. These are the wages of sin they so richly hoarded in life."
[21:26] * Lief drops down to hover next to Ellese and whispers to her, "You've already gotten out, and you have friends who will protect you. Us. You're part of Aurora now."
[21:28] * Lief shifts his shoulders...
[21:28] * Lief moves next to Balyss and speaks low to her.
[21:28] <Lief> "I.. feel it. Cold and empty. Clawing up my shoulders."
[21:29] <Kotono> "Fuck you," Balyss looks around and hangs her mace on her belt. "Fuck you and all your masturbation over how you're damning these foolish souls. While you do that, I'm going to go over there, talk to Selune and see about proving you wrong. It's never to late to reach someone, to save them. Even when they're chained up and evil's toy. Shut up and watch, or come and try and stop me." Balyss nods
[21:29] <Kotono> to Lief, "Hades is trying to corrupt you, trying to drown out what's good in you. Fight it. Remember what's good. Remember why you're doing this. Remember that everything has meaning."
[21:30] <Kotono> Ellese bows her head as Lief whispers to her, "Aurora," she murmurs, Muirfinn's claw on her shoulder. "Muirfinn, is there really always someone there for another chance?"
[21:31] * Lief focuses on the feeling of the bow in his hands, picturing using it to fight devils and saving more people like himself and Ellese.
[21:32] <Kotono> OOC: Make a Will save.
[21:32] <Lief> roll 1d20+15 Will
[21:32] * Hatbot --> "Lief rolls 1d20+15 Will and gets 17." [1d20=2]
[21:33] <Muirfinn> "If you truly desire it, and if you seek it hard enough, always. Second chances, true second chances are hard-won, but very few will ever tell you that they regret the effort."
[21:33] <Kotono> It's hard. It's like trying to fight through a sea of despair...when did you get so sad? When did you start feeling so empty? It's like it snuck up on you when you weren't looking. Something's wrong. You can't shake it off, but something's wrong. Like a millstone tied around your neck.
[21:33] <Kotono> OOC: To Lief.
[21:35] * Lief lands on Balyss' shoulder.
[21:35] <Lief> "It's... Getting worse... I can feel it, like when they had me. Like.. nothing inside me."
[21:35] <Kotono> Balyss begins to walk into the grove - but at that, the air 20ft behind the party ripples. Behind them, four creatures the size of horses appear. They appear like overly muscled, distended hounds clad in armor. Long tongues loll out of their tooth-lined mouths. They hardly spare a word for the party, before charging them as one! OOC: First of all, K:P here if anyone wants to do an ID check.
[21:36] <Kotono> "Fight i-damn it," Balyss turns, "Focus on killing those 'loths for the moment!
[21:36] <Kotono> "
[21:37] <Kotono> roll 1d20+25 Balyss
[21:37] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+25 Balyss and gets 34." [1d20=9]
[21:37] <Kotono> roll 1d20+26 Ellese
[21:37] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+26 Ellese and gets 38." [1d20=12]
[21:37] <Kotono> OOC: Either of you two rolling?
[21:37] <Muirfinn> roll 1d20+10
[21:37] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+10 and gets 25." [1d20=15]
[21:37] <Muirfinn> OOC: Yah
[21:38] <Lief> OOC: I only have Knowledge: Nature.
[21:38] <Kotono> The creatures before Muirfinn are canoloths. They're lesser yugoloths used forw arfare. Pretty dumb as far as it goes, but watch out for the tongue attacks. They can paralyze with spikes that burst from the tongue. These ones look pumped up compared to average, though. OOC: Init here.
[21:39] <Lief> roll 1d20+18 Init
[21:39] * Hatbot --> "Lief rolls 1d20+18 Init and gets 33." [1d20=15]
[21:39] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4 Ellese
[21:39] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 Ellese and gets 22." [1d20=18]
[21:39] <Muirfinn> OOC: That was my init
[21:39] <Muirfinn> I'll roll again though
[21:39] <Kotono> OOC: Oh, okay.
[21:39] <Kotono> roll 1d20 Balyss
[21:39] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 Balyss and gets 16." [1d20=16]
[21:40] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6 canoloth pack
[21:40] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 canoloth pack and gets 11." [1d20=5]
[21:40] <Muirfinn> roll 1d20+20 planes
[21:40] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+20 planes and gets 26." [1d20=6]
[21:40] <Kotono> OOC: Same results.
[21:40] <Muirfinn> OOC: Just for brevity's sake
[21:40] * Kotono changes topic to 'Lief(33)>Muirfinn(25)>Ellese(22)Balyss(16)>Canoloth Pack(11)'
[21:40] <Kotono> OOC: Lief opens. They're 20ft away and flatfooted, so SA is a thing.
[21:42] <Lief> roll d20+35 ATK 1
[21:42] <Lief> roll d20+35 ATK 2
[21:42] <Lief> roll d20+30 ATK 3
[21:42] <Lief> roll d20+25 ATK 4
[21:42] <Lief> roll d20+20 ATK 5
[21:42] * Hatbot --> "Lief rolls d20+35 ATK 1 and gets 45." [d20=10]
[21:42] * Hatbot --> "Lief rolls d20+35 ATK 2 and gets 53." [d20=18]
[21:42] * Hatbot --> "Lief rolls d20+30 ATK 3 and gets 41." [d20=11]
[21:42] * Hatbot --> "Lief rolls d20+25 ATK 4 and gets 44." [d20=19]
[21:42] * Hatbot --> "Lief rolls d20+20 ATK 5 and gets 34." [d20=14]
[21:42] <Lief> OOC: hope those are all right.
[21:43] <Kotono> OOC: They all hit. Roll them all and I'll spread out the damage.
[21:43] <Lief> OOC: just roll 5#1d4+5+7d6 right?
[21:44] <Kotono> OOC: That's fine. Make sure to include the bonuses from your feats, weapon specialization, ranged weapon mastery and greater weapon specialization. That's an additional +6 per arrow.
[21:44] <Lief> OOC: Okay, that's what I thought the +5 was, so it'd be that +6
[21:44] <Lief> roll 5#1d4+6+7d6
[21:44] * Hatbot --> "Lief rolls 5#1d4+6+7d6 and gets 155." [5#1d4+6+7d6 = 27, 29, 29, 34, 36]
[21:45] <Kotono> OOC: So 1d4+11+7d6, since it's added to the +5. So I'll add +6 to each roll.
[21:46] <Kotono> Arrows fly, three of the canoloths peppered with arrows and falling over. They melt into a gray ichor, seeping back into the ground, dead before anyone can blink. Three down! OOC: Muirfinn.
[21:46] * Muirfinn is suddenly a bright and shining silver dragon. A quick inhale of breath, followed by a blast of supercooled air and frost! OOC: Breath weapon, DC 26
[21:46] <Muirfinn> roll 22d6
[21:46] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 22d6 and gets 72." [22d6=4, 2, 5, 1, 3, 2, 4, 2, 3, 6, 1, 1, 5, 6, 2, 3, 3, 6, 1, 5, 3, 4]
[21:46] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7
[21:46] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 and gets 23." [1d20=16]
[21:47] <Kotono> The last yugoloth is frozen solid, shattering into gray nothingness. Got them! There's silence after that, Balyss shaking her head. "Really? I thought the dreaded puppetmasters of Hades were brighter than that. Those were some nice canoloths, shame they're were just completely wasted." At that she turns and heads back for the grove. OOC: Free act.
[21:49] * Lief tries to take heart in the resounding defeat of the monsters to bolster his spirits.
[21:49] * Muirfinn taps his claws on dust-padded ground, looking about before shifting back. "Can't talk while shifted without my gear. Everyone alright?"
[21:50] <Kotono> "Such a pathetic offering was nothing," Balyss makes it into the grove, going to kneel in the center. OOC: Will again, Lief.
[21:50] <Lief> roll 1d20+15 Will
[21:50] * Hatbot --> "Lief rolls 1d20+15 Will and gets 16." [1d20=1]
[21:50] * Hatbot was kicked by Kotono (Out.)
[21:51] -rpgcafe.ca.us.lunarnet.org:@#dunes- Kotono invited Serith into the channel.
[21:51] * Joins: Serith (~iron_drag@cpe-173-172-46-15.tx.res.rr.com)
[21:52] <Kotono> Lief can't seem to shake it off. It's like a cloying miasma around him.
[21:54] <Kotono> OOC: What are each of you doing?
[21:55] <Muirfinn> OOC watching Balyss do her thing.
[21:55] <Lief> OOC: Being depressed.
[21:55] <Muirfinn> OOC: Lief is teh emoz
[21:59] <Kotono> Balyss kneels and prays silently. There's no reply from the voice, but another voice asks, "If you could, would you reach one of them? If even one can be roused, there is still hope for them."
[22:01] <Muirfinn> "One would wonder if such a thing is a trap or not, sweetened with the idea of success. Reaching them is comparatively easy. Getting them to make a change is the hard part."

[Merc]

[19:47] <Kotono> <Muirfinn> "One would wonder if such a thing is a trap or not, sweetened with the idea of success. Reaching them is comparatively easy. Getting them to make a change is the hard part."
[19:48] <Kotono> "But reaching them's the first step," Balyss speaks up, not looking up. "Lief, Muirfinn, Ellese. If one of you can reach one of them with something, anything..."
[19:51] <Muirfinn> OOC: Lemme think
[19:51] <Lief> "What's the point? I'm thinking about joining them... It seems like I can't escape this place. Not forever."
[19:54] <Kotono> Lief's wings feel heavy. Hard, like staying afloat is akin to moving a mountain. "You can't," The voice agrees, "Defiance only lasts until you realize it's futile."
[19:54] <Muirfinn> "There is always hope, Lief." Muirfinn says, radiating good cheer. OOC: Joie de Vivre SLA, as Good Hope. Level 22. It's up to 22 dudes within a radius of 320 feet for 22 minutes
[19:54] <Kotono> OOC: CAster level check on that.
[19:55] <Muirfinn> roll 1d20+22
[19:55] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+22 and gets 35." [1d20=13]
[19:55] <Muirfinn> OOC: AT LAST A GOOD ROLL
[19:55] <Kotono> Suddenly Lief's morale rises. He feels normal again, the cloying miasma of despair leaving him. OOC: You're back to normal, Lief. No normal benefits of the spell, it's a counter/counters situation.
[19:56] <Kotono> "The joy of life," Balyss murmurs, as the figures look up as one. They stare blankly ahead instead of down now. "Tell them!"
[19:56] <Muirfinn> OOC: That should hit at least one of the dudes in the grove as well
[19:57] * Lief takes a deep breath and shudders like coming out of ice cold water, eyes going wide, then narrowing in anger as he shoots into the air with an arrow drawn.
[19:57] <Lief> "You... how dare you make me feel that again. Get out here now!"
[19:57] <Kotono> The first voice, coming from everywhere and no where, hisses. It utters in words of cloying darkness, shadow-stuff hitting against the perimeter of the circle and breaking apart like glass. "What are you, coming to this place with such power?!"
[19:58] <Lief> "Your death. Show yourself!"
[19:59] <Muirfinn> "Hope springs eternal, should you only seek it! It is a never ending well. The expectation of failure and misery is washed away in its light! I bring you hope of redemption and salvation, even in this bleak place, if only you have the will to seek it!"
[20:01] <Kotono> "Weren't you listening? Lief just said it again: We're sending you to oblivion. Now show yourself to die or be silent!" Balyss withdraws her wooden holy symbol, "I walk with Selune and Ilmater guides our every step. The Hebdomad and the Court of the Stars have both blessed us. What are you compared to that? A groveling coward who won't confront this!"
[20:02] <Kotono> Another hiss, this one loud, like a cat when its tail is stepped on. But there's no further noise or sound after that.
[20:02] * Muirfinn ignores the outraged voice, carrying on. "Hope reaches for every soul, even in places like this. Hope cannot be snuffed out, merely hidden. It reaches from the high heavens to the depths of the Abyss! It uplifts even those ever lost, for it cannot be destroyed."
[20:03] <Lief> "We've beaten this place before! I'm proof it can be done!"
[20:05] <Kotono> "I'm proof," Ellse whispers, bowing her head.
[20:06] * Lief drops in front of Ellse and locks eyes with her.
[20:06] <Lief> "You are."
[20:07] * Lief tries to bolster her and convince her a bit more.
[20:09] <Kotono> Above you the gray sky becomes black. All the stars shine, as if you stand before Lifasa's night sky. Yet it is dominated by the glowing, silvery moon. The second voice asks, toneless and gentle, "They have stirred and look to you for hope." One by one the figures rise, "Know that this will be the path of the sinner, a long road to atonement that is littered with the rocks of your past life."
[20:09] <Kotono> Before you, each one slowly shifts, becoming a tiny point of light. "Go. There are many worlds of mortals beyond these. You will be their hell-bound champions, the damned who give hope to the hopeless. The blood of all sins will flow in your veins, but salvation will be in your soul." The motes of light fly into the new sky and vanish, before the voice whispers in each of you rears, "Be wary.
[20:09] <Kotono> They are watching you now." Slowly the night sky fades, the gray returning.
[20:11] * Muirfinn smiles grimly. "Good."
[20:17] <Kotono> Balyss rises, dusting her knees off, "We should move. I don't doubt they're watching us somehow, but no sense making it easier on them."
[20:18] * Muirfinn nods. "Let's go."
[20:20] * Lief nods, turns invisible and moves to scout for the group.
[20:21] <Kotono> OOC: Make spot, Lief.
[20:22] <Lief> roll 1d20+40 Spot
[20:22] * Hatbot --> "Lief rolls 1d20+40 Spot and gets 54." [1d20=14]
[20:26] <Kotono> OOC: Is that with your skill booster removed?
[20:26] <Lief> OOC: Yep.
[20:27] <Lief> OOC: As far as I know, at least.
[20:27] <Kotono> The party travels perhaps an hour. It's then that Lief notices something - the terrain is repeating every 15 minutes. It's subtle and so hard to tell with the lack of color, light or variety, but you're certain you're looping. No daemons, no trouble - just a repetition.
[20:28] * Lief drops down to Muirfinn's shoulder and whispers quietly to him.
[20:28] <Lief> "The land here is... looping. Repeating. About every 15 minutes of distance."
[20:29] * Muirfinn nods. "Tell the others."
[20:29] * Lief moves through the group, whispering it in their ears incase whoever's doing this is watching them.
[20:30] <Kotono> Balyss nods, while Ellese bites down on her lip, "Some sort of silent and subtle teleportation? Or are they manipulating the realm itself?"
[20:30] <Muirfinn> "Likely the latter."
[20:30] <Muirfinn> "Athux tried this trick too."
[20:31] * Lief retakes his position as the scout for the group.
[20:33] <Muirfinn> "As I recall, we knocked over his castle and sent the majority of his real into open revolt after we killed him."
[20:36] <Muirfinn> "As for here...there's nothing to destroy or wreck to disrupt the effect. Any ideas?"
[20:38] <Kotono> "We're facing against what Hades represents - despair, nothingness, meaninglessness. The grays." She gestures around, "What is this but futility attacking us head on. No matter what we do, we can't advance meaningfully."
[20:38] <Lief> "Consecrate ground?"
[20:39] <Muirfinn> "Ohh, good idea."
[20:44] <Kotono> Balyss nods, "That could be wise. Can you do it quickly, Muirfinn?"
[20:46] * Muirfinn blinks. "Not at all."
[20:47] <Kotono> "Alright then, settle in." Balyss gestures, "I'm going to cast."
[20:50] * Lief moves to run a scouting orbit around the group.
[20:51] <Kotono> roll 1d20+21
[20:51] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+21 and gets 32." [1d20=11]
[20:53] <Kotono> Balyss kneels in prayer, chanting in Celestial. "I call on the house of the moon, I open the Gate of the Moons and ask for the tear of the moon to fall here! Selune, please!" Before you the grays shatter, revealing the night sky once more. Then all around you shatters - you are surrounded. Hundreds of faceless shadows, of white eyes staring at you. Many hiss back as they burst aflame with
[20:53] <Kotono> moonfire, but others yet stand. In this screaming group a murmur goes, as if discussion.  You're surrounded on all sides, only 15ft of space around the party in all directions.
[20:55] <Muirfinn> "Ah! Yes! HELLO!" Muirfinn waves at the remaining faces cheerfully. "Greetings from Celestia, Elysium, and Arborea!"
[20:55] <Kotono> Ellese bares her teeth and growls lowly. Patterns of magic dance around her, horrid things in Infernal, glimpses of promises that chill Muirfinn's blood.
[20:56] * Lief sees Ellese's reaction and lands on her shoulder, tapping on her ear to get her attention.
[20:56] <Lief> "Calm, for now."
[20:59] <Kotono> Balyss stays in prayer, surrounded by a halo of moonlight. Meanwhile, the voices ask, "It is hopeless. You are surrounded. We are legion."
[21:00] <Muirfinn> "Yes! You are all around us! You can't hede from us! We have you right where we want you!"
[21:00] <Muirfinn> OOC: Hede-hide
[21:01] <Lief> "It simplifies finding targets, yes."
[21:01] * Lief keeps his bow readied.
[21:04] <Kotono> "Come then. Dash against the shores of the ocean!" All behind them, you see them. Thousands. Tens of thousands of faceless eyes, from horizon to horizon. In an overwhelming voice they pound into your mind, "WE ARE LEGION. WE ARE MANY. YOU ARE NOTHING." OOC: Init here.
[21:05] <Muirfinn> roll 1d20+12
[21:05] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+12 and gets 30." [1d20=18]
[21:05] <Lief> roll 1d20+18 Init, don't forget Lief bonus.
[21:05] * Hatbot --> "Lief rolls 1d20+18 Init, don't forget Lief bonus. and gets 35." [1d20=17]
[21:09] <Kotono> roll 1d20 Balyss
[21:09] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 Balyss and gets 1." [1d20=1]
[21:09] <Muirfinn> OOC: Oof
[21:09] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4 Ellese
[21:09] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 Ellese and gets 22." [1d20=18]
[21:09] <Kotono> roll 1d20+12 legion
[21:09] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+12 legion and gets 21." [1d20=9]
[21:10] * Kotono changes topic to 'Lief(35)>Muirfinn(30)>Ellese(22)>Legion(21)>Balyss(1)'
[21:10] <Kotono> The second voice is heard again. It calls, "Protect Balyss! She is vulnerable now!" OOC: Open Lief.
[21:12] <Lief> OOC: I give +5 init bonus.
[21:12] * Lief unleashes a storm of arrows at the closest enemies!
[21:12] <Lief> roll 1d20+19 ATK 1
[21:12] <Lief> roll 1d20+19 ATK 2
[21:12] <Lief> roll 1d20+14 ATK 3
[21:12] <Lief> roll 1d20+9 ATK 4
[21:12] <Lief> roll 1d20+4 ATK 5
[21:12] * Hatbot --> "Lief rolls 1d20+19 ATK 1 and gets 37." [1d20=18]
[21:12] * Hatbot --> "Lief rolls 1d20+19 ATK 2 and gets 31." [1d20=12]
[21:12] * Hatbot --> "Lief rolls 1d20+14 ATK 3 and gets 30." [1d20=16]
[21:13] * Hatbot --> "Lief rolls 1d20+9 ATK 4 and gets 13." [1d20=4]
[21:13] * Hatbot --> "Lief rolls 1d20+4 ATK 5 and gets 11." [1d20=7]
[21:13] * Kotono changes topic to 'Lief=Muirfinn(35)>Ellese(27)>Legion(21)>Balyss(6)'
[21:13] <Kotono> OOC: Three hits.
[21:13] <Kotono> OOC: SA is a go since they're flatfooted.
[21:17] <Lief> roll 3#1d4+7d6
[21:17] * Hatbot --> "Lief rolls 3#1d4+7d6 and gets 72." [3#1d4+7d6 = 28, 20, 24]
[21:18] <Kotono> Arrows fly. Severla figures are hit and tumble back, but yet there are so many more. More than Lief can see or count. OOC: Make a quick Will save.
[21:18] <Lief> roll 1d20+15 Will
[21:18] * Hatbot --> "Lief rolls 1d20+15 Will and gets 18." [1d20=3]
[21:20] <Kotono> Despair comes. It swells up in Lief - you're surrounded. It's hopeless. No many how many arrows he fires, this is an enemy he can't stop. OOC: You're afflicted as if by crushing despair.  Muirfinn's up. http://www.d20srd.org/srd/spells/crushingDespair.htm
[21:21] * Muirfinn heaves, spraying a swathe of the faces with blistering ice and frigid air. At the same time, his tail curls around Balyss, protecting her flank. OOC: Reminder that I'm still a colossal dragon guy. DC 30
[21:21] <Muirfinn> roll 22d6
[21:21] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 22d6 and gets 85." [22d6=1, 2, 2, 6, 4, 4, 6, 4, 3, 5, 3, 2, 6, 5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 3, 1, 4, 6]
[21:21] <Muirfinn> OOC: Thats fort btw
[21:22] <Kotono> roll 1d20+15
[21:22] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+15 and gets 18." [1d20=3]
[21:23] <Kotono> The breath billows out. More daemons are frozen solid - yet more remain. So many more, faceless horrors approaching. OOC: Quick Will.
[21:24] <Muirfinn> roll 1d20+33
[21:24] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+33 and gets 46." [1d20=13]
[21:24] <Muirfinn> OOC: also, SR 27
[21:24] * Joins: Nerem (~Nerem@75-172-82-47.tukw.qwest.net)
[21:25] * Quits: NeremWorld (NeremWorld@75-172-11-123.tukw.qwest.net) (Ping timeout)
[21:29] <Kotono> Muirfinn feels a surge of depair, but forces it down. Somehow. Ellese meanwhile surges, chanting as water rips itself out from the daemons ahead. OOC: Empowered horrid wilting.
[21:29] <Kotono> roll 1d20+21
[21:29] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+21 and gets 23." [1d20=2]
[21:29] <Kotono> roll 1d20+29
[21:29] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+29 and gets 44." [1d20=15]
[21:30] <Kotono> But the spell crumbles before the party. She steps back, baring her teeth as her eyes widen. "WE ARE LEGION!" They chant, as a wave of terror comes over the party. OOC: Will saves, all.
[21:30] * Muirfinn roars in approval!
[21:30] <Lief> roll 1d20+15 Will
[21:30] * Hatbot --> "Lief rolls 1d20+15 Will and gets 25." [1d20=10]
[21:30] <Muirfinn> roll 1d20+33
[21:30] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+33 and gets 42." [1d20=9]
[21:30] <Kotono> roll 1d20+29 Ellese
[21:30] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+29 Ellese and gets 45." [1d20=16]
[21:30] <Kotono> roll 1d20+27 Balyss
[21:30] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+27 Balyss and gets 39." [1d20=12]
[21:32] <Kotono> They're only 10ft away now. Creeping forward. An inexorable tide. Panic and terror comes to you, but the party holds their own. At this Balyss speaks, "Hang in there! They're attacking our minds and hearts! Resist as best you can!" she calls, staying where she is. OOC: Balyss is occupied. Lief, go.
[21:33] <Muirfinn> OOC: FYI, I'm immune to Mind Affecting
[21:33] * Lief triest to stem the tide!
[21:33] <Lief> roll 1d20+19-2 ATK 1
[21:33] <Lief> roll 1d20+19-2 ATK 2
[21:33] <Lief> roll 1d20+14-2 ATK 3
[21:33] <Lief> roll 1d20+9-2 ATK 4
[21:33] <Lief> roll 1d20+4-2 ATK 5
[21:33] * Hatbot --> "Lief rolls 1d20+19-2 ATK 1 and gets 34." [1d20=17]
[21:33] * Hatbot --> "Lief rolls 1d20+19-2 ATK 2 and gets 26." [1d20=9]
[21:33] * Hatbot --> "Lief rolls 1d20+14-2 ATK 3 and gets 28." [1d20=16]
[21:33] * Hatbot --> "Lief rolls 1d20+9-2 ATK 4 and gets 16." [1d20=9]
[21:33] * Hatbot --> "Lief rolls 1d20+4-2 ATK 5 and gets 9." [1d20=7]
[21:36] <Kotono> OOC: Three htis
[21:36] <Kotono> .
[21:36] <Lief> roll 3#1d4+7d6-6
[21:36] * Hatbot --> "Lief rolls 3#1d4+7d6-6 and gets 79." [3#1d4+7d6-6 = 22, 30, 27]
[21:38] <Kotono> More arrows. More hits. More daemons. It just sees so...empty. Meaningless. He just killed half a dozen of them if not more, but more come. Lief finds himself gazing at his hands, wondering if all they're good for is pointless killing. OOC: Muirfinn.
[21:39] <Muirfinn> roll 1d4 breath cooldown
[21:39] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d4 breath cooldown and gets 4." [1d4=4]
[21:39] <Muirfinn> OOC: Classic
[21:41] * Muirfinn tenses his tail curled around Balyss, coiling tighter before whipping away, arcing over the heads of the group as he twists in a circle, bringing his thick tail to bear in the faces of the mass! OOC: Tail sweep! Ref DC 30
[21:41] <Kotono> roll 1d20+15
[21:41] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+15 and gets 31." [1d20=16]
[21:41] <Muirfinn> roll 2d8+21 all within 40 foot half circle, attempting to miss the others.
[21:41] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 2d8+21 all within 40 foot half circle, attempting to miss the others. and gets 35." [2d8=6, 8]
[21:42] <Kotono> A few daemons ar eknocked back - but more come, seemingly tramping over the fallen. They just aren't stopping, stretching further than Muirfinn can see. OOC: Will, Muirfinn.
[21:42] <Muirfinn> OOC: Mind affecting?
[21:42] <Kotono> OOC: Yes, though penetrates normal immunity. +10 bonus if you're immune, but you have to roll.
[21:43] <Muirfinn> roll 1d20+33+10 BY THE POWER OF MEDI
[21:43] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+33+10 BY THE POWER OF MEDI and gets 49." [1d20=6]
[21:46] <Kotono> The creep is all consuming. It tickles at Muirfinn, as if despair is eating at his innards. But he tries to stay strong, forcing away the all-creeping despair. OOC: Ellese.

[Merc]

[20:02] <Kotono> > The creep is all consuming. It tickles at Muirfinn, as if despair is eating at his innards. But he tries to stay strong, forcing away the all-creeping despair. OOC: Ellese.
[20:06] <Kotono> Ellese hesitates. The legion of daemons comes closer - to within 5ft as she does so. But just before they strike, she chants and a massive bolt of thunder strikes from above.
[20:06] <Kotono> roll 1d20+21 vs SR, 9th level slot as a maximized chain lightning, yugoloths being immune to acid hurts her a lot
[20:06] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 40 > [d20=19]
[20:06] <Kotono> roll 1d20+15 ref
[20:06] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 34 > [d20=19]
[20:07] <Kotono> OOC: 120 base damage since maximized
[20:07] <Kotono> .
[20:08] <Kotono> One of the legion is shocked into a pile of ash, while others are hit with secondary bolts. A good dozen fall and others are knocked back, but they  keep coming. Keep striding.
[20:08] <Kotono> roll 1d20+34 (+2 vs fiends from fiendblooded)
[20:08] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 38 > [d20=4]
[20:09] <Kotono> "It isn't working!" Ellese cries, looking about, "They aren't stopping! There's too many!" At this the legion closes in, thousands and thousands of hands striking. Clawing. Reaching. At least Muirfinn is able to shield Balyss as...
[20:09] <Kotono> roll 1d20+30 AC all but Balyss
[20:09] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 38 > [d20=8]
[20:09] <Yuthirin> OOC: Denied
[20:10] <Lief> OOC: AC 15.
[20:11] * Yuthirin is now known as Muirfinn
[20:11] <Kotono> roll 15d6+15
[20:11] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 68 > [d6=3,5,1,2,4,5,5,5,5,1,3,4,1,5,4]
[20:11] <Kotono> OOC: Does not beat your DR, Lief.
[20:16] <Kotono> The hands claw, tear, rip, grasp, destroy. They are everywhere. You are surrounded. The wounds they leave on Lief and Ellese turn gray, slowly creeping up their bodies. Everything just feels so...futile. Empty. How? You find yourselves wondering how you can do anything but lose. This many daemons is unstoppable. "Resist!" Balyss calls, "This isn't a battle about killing them, it's a battle about
[20:16] <Kotono> rejecting them and hope!" OOC: Lief.
[20:18] * Lief shoots as many as he can!
[20:18] <Lief> roll d20+30 ATK 1
[20:18] <Lief> roll d20+30 ATK 2
[20:18] <Lief> roll d20+25 ATK 3
[20:18] <Lief> roll d20+20 ATK 4
[20:18] <Lief> roll d20+15 ATK 5
[20:18] <Serith> Lief roll for Serith < 46 > [d20=16]
[20:18] <Serith> Lief roll for Serith < 34 > [d20=4]
[20:18] <Serith> Lief roll for Serith < 41 > [d20=16]
[20:18] <Serith> Lief roll for Serith < 31 > [d20=11]
[20:18] <Serith> Lief roll for Serith < 22 > [d20=7]
[20:20] <Kotono> OOC: You'll provoke an AOO since you're using a ranged weapon in melee. Okay with that?
[20:20] <Lief> OOC: I was flying above the group, IIRC, but yeah either way 'cause I'll provoke one trying to fly up too. Might as well do damage instead, I guess.
[20:21] <Kotono> OOC: Okay.
[20:21] <Kotono> roll 1d20+30
[20:21] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 45 > [d20=15]
[20:21] <Kotono> roll 15d6+15
[20:21] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 63 > [d6=5,5,2,6,5,2,3,2,4,1,1,4,5,1,2]
[20:21] <Kotono> OOC: -10 for DR. Anyway, 4 hits.
[20:21] <Lief> roll 5#1d6+4 I think
[20:21] <Serith> Lief roll for Serith < 6, 10, 8, 10, 7 >
[20:23] <Kotono> OOC: You're forgetting Lief gets dext o arrow damag etoo.
[20:23] <Kotono> OOC: So +9 to each arrow for 36 more total.
[20:23] <Lief> OOC: Shit, yeah, +45 I think.
[20:24] <Lief> OOC: yeah, 4 hits.
[20:25] <Kotono> Arrows fly freely. More daemons are pierced, but the legion is neverending. Unstopping. "No!" Balyss cries, "Listen, you can't kill enough of them! It isn't about killing them!" she cries. OOC: Muirfinn.
[20:26] <Muirfinn> "Do tell." Muirfinn encourages her.
[20:28] <Kotono> "It isn't about killing them," She repeats, "It's about rejecting them and all of this! It's rejecting the grays and despair!"
[20:30] <Muirfinn> "We're not doing that now?"
[20:34] <Kotono> "You can't kill despair with a sword!" Balyss retorts as they press ever closer, clawing and pawing a the party. "It's a battle of the spirit, the mind, the will! A battle of faith and belief, of what we do and what we stand for!"
[20:37] <Muirfinn> "Oh. Oh! So it's about that! That makes a curious sense! It's about what we, as Lifasans and Balmurians and such stand for, right?"
[20:38] <Kotono> OOC: Talking's a free action, but you've pretty much ran this one into the ground. If you keep talking instead of doing, you'll spend your turn's actions on it.
[20:39] <Muirfinn> OOC: I'm still trying to figure out what to do other than believe real hard and hope Tinkerbell comes back to life.
[20:40] <Kotono> OOC: That's fine, but it'll eat up your turn is all. Freea ction talking is for short exchanges, not long back and forths like this. That's all.
[20:45] <Muirfinn> "It's about us, and our mission to remove the pain ans suffering brought by others! It's about everything that the Aurora represents, bringing hope to countless thousands for both vengeance and healing to those lost and slain! It's about our true potential. We can't lose. We're on a mission from gods." Muirfinn nods decisively.
[20:46] <Muirfinn> roll 1d20+26 perform: Oratory to inspire hope?
[20:46] <Serith> Muirfinn roll for Serith < 34 > [d20=8]
[20:46] <Muirfinn> OOC: Bonk
[20:48] <Kotono> Muirfinn's words echo about the emptiness of Hades. The legion goes silent and still, as the pain the party feels leaves. Both the spiritual despair and the physical wounds, as each of you sees...something out of the corner of your eye. An image of light, too indistinct to make out and only there a moment. But the legion emits a terrified cry and flees, retreating in all directions and out of
[20:48] <Kotono> sight with a speed bourne of pure terror.  OOC: Hit points restored and negative statuses from the despair canceled. Free act.
[20:49] * Muirfinn snorts, scratching behind a wing with his hindclaws. "That wasn't even that good."
[20:50] * Lief lands on Muirfinn's shoulder and gives him a pat.
[20:50] <Lief> "Impressive!"
[20:51] <Kotono> Balyss stands, dusting herself off. "I don't think it was about how you said it, but what you said," she remarks, "And what happened after. Your wounds healed?"
[20:54] * Muirfinn nods.
[20:54] <Kotono> Ellese looks around, "What was that?" she asks.
[20:55] <Muirfinn> "Spooked 'em with hope."
[20:57] * Lief looks himself over.
[20:57] <Lief> "I'm all healed, too."
[20:58] <Kotono> "I thought I saw something in the corner of my eye," Balyss seconds, "Some light, and it wasn't mine."
[21:00] <Muirfinn> "Not sure what it was, but we haven't time to contemplate it now."
[21:01] <Kotono> "We need to keep going," Ellese seconds. OOC: Moving on then, y'all?
[21:02] <Muirfinn> OOC: Yes
[21:06] <Kotono> You walk on. The grays are unrelenting, endless. You walk and walk and walk and walk. Eventually you come to a tall, withered olive tree. Beneath it a muscular humanoid with dull bronze skin works. He only wears cloth pants and is impressively chiseled, about six and a half feet tall. His long gray hair reaches down to his back and is in a ponytail. He goes through a unarmed practice routine,
[21:06] <Kotono> as if fighting against an unseen foe in slow motion. He doesn't seem to notice any of you.
[21:08] <Muirfinn> "Hello."
[21:08] <Kotono> No reply. He seems focused on his martial arts.
[21:09] <Kotono> "Hello?" Balyss waves a hand near him, "Anyone home?"
[21:10] <Kotono> Again no reply. He doesn't seem to notice her at all.
[21:10] * Muirfinn pokes the man on the shoulder.
[21:11] <Kotono> That causes him to stop mid-motion. He doesn't even look at Lief, but he does say, "What?"
[21:11] <Lief> OOC: What'd I do?
[21:11] <Kotono> OOC: Er, Muirfinn. Sorry!
[21:14] <Muirfinn> "Are you lost here, bronze one?"
[21:16] <Kotono> "I am where I need to be. Away from distractions, able to practice. My art is all that matters. No more peasants and kings begging for my aid." He raises his fist up, as if to resume. "Now there is only my fist."
[21:17] * Muirfinn cocks his head. "You sound like the Master."
[21:18] <Kotono> "I am the master. I am beyond the master. I am beyond a god." He takes a slow, careful punch. "I stand alone now, perfect. None other matters."
[21:19] * Lief raises an eyebrow.
[21:20] <Muirfinn> "I mean the Master of the Fists of War. What school do you lead?"
[21:21] <Kotono> "School?" The man scoffs, starting anew, "My school. None others are worthy of this. None others can compete with me. A school is meaningless, since none are worth teaching it to."
[21:22] <Kotono> Balyss cocks her head to the side, "So you're the only one worthy of yourself? You're the only one that matters?"
[21:23] <Muirfinn> "Sounds like you've lost hope in finding a worthy student."
[21:24] <Kotono> "Or in other people," Balyss points out, shaking her head with a frown, "Or in anything but yourself and your own vainglorious skill."
[21:25] <Lief> "Is this what happens when this place strips away everything but pride?"
[21:26] <Kotono> Ellese silently watches, elven eyes narrowing as the conversation goes on.
[21:26] <Muirfinn> "Well, no, skill often speaks for itself. I can understand that. My own skill gives me great confidence. Still, Hades is insidious, and the grays can creep in even to the most disciplined of minds."
[21:26] <Kotono> "Hmph," The man turns away from you, "Worthless distractions."
[21:26] <Muirfinn> "Oh course, he could be all talk." Muirfinn allows.
[21:27] <Muirfinn> OOC: Of course
[21:27] <Kotono> "No, I think Lief's right," Balyss murmurs, "If all he has left is pride, look at where his pride keeps him - here, without caring about others. If you're really that skillful, imagine how much good you could do with your art."
[21:27] <Kotono> The man stops again, finally turning. His gaze is pure gray, eyes nothing but. "Are you implying something?" He asks Muirfinn dead on.
[21:28] <Muirfinn> "Am I? Do you doubt yourself, bronze man?"
[21:29] <Kotono> Balyss smiles, "Hey Lief. Do you think he's a paper tiger, nothing but an illusion of strength hiding behind arrogance?"
[21:31] <Lief> "Oh, I think he's got some strength. I don't think it's what he imgaines, though. I mean, if this place stripped him of everything but pride, how strong can he be? How much strength does it take to lose everything of yourself except skill and pride?"
[21:33] <Kotono> The man's gaze locks onto Muirfinn, before stepping back 20ft. He gestures with a hand, a come on gesture. "If you want to behold the ultimate art, h-" Yet Lief's volley seems to provoke something else - cold rage. Now he doesn't even wait for that, before lunging at the party! OOC: Init here.
[21:33] <Kotono> roll 1d20 Balyss
[21:33] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 18 > [d20=18]
[21:33] <Kotono> OOC: What's your bonus, LIef?
[21:34] <Lief> OOC: +5
[21:34] <Muirfinn> roll 1d20+12
[21:34] <Serith> Muirfinn roll for Serith < 24 > [d20=12]
[21:34] <Lief> roll 1d20+18 init
[21:34] <Serith> Lief roll for Serith < 27 > [d20=9]
[21:38] <Kotono> roll 1d20+12 Ellese
[21:38] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 18 > [d20=6]
[21:38] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10 Man alone
[21:38] <Serith> Kotono roll for Serith < 25 > [d20=15]
[21:39] * Kotono changes topic to 'Lief(27)>Man Alone(25)>Muirfinn(24)>Balyss(23)>Ellese(18)'
[21:39] <Kotono> OOC: Open Lief. 20ft away and charging at you.
[21:40] * Lief lets loose a volley at the charging man!
[21:40] <Lief> roll d20+30 ATK 1
[21:40] <Lief> roll d20+30 ATK 2
[21:40] <Lief> roll d20+25 ATK 3
[21:40] <Lief> roll d20+20 ATK 4
[21:40] <Lief> roll d20+15 ATK 5
[21:40] <Serith> Lief roll for Serith < 50 > [d20=20]
[21:40] <Serith> Lief roll for Serith < 42 > [d20=12]
[21:40] <Serith> Lief roll for Serith < 41 > [d20=16]
[21:40] <Serith> Lief roll for Serith < 26 > [d20=6]
[21:40] <Serith> Lief roll for Serith < 32 > [d20=17]
[21:40] <Kotono> OOC: Crit confirmon teh first roll.
[21:40] <Kotono> OOC: On the. Wow.
[21:40] <Lief> roll d20+30 ATK 1 Confirm
[21:40] <Serith> Lief roll for Serith < 35 > [d20=5]
[21:41] <Kotono> OOC: It's a crit. One crit and three normal hits. Only the 26 misses. Triple damage on the crit since longbow and he's flatfooted, so SA is a go.
[21:46] <Lief> roll 3d6+39+7d6 Crit
[21:46] <Serith> Lief roll for Serith < 69 > [d6=5,6,2,1,1,4,4,1,1,5]
[21:46] <Lief> roll 3#1d6+13+7d6
[21:46] <Serith> Lief roll for Serith < 44, 41, 39 >
[21:46] <Lief> OOC: 193 total.
[21:48] <Kotono> The man's charge is interrupted by a hail of arrows. They piece his defenses, with one going right into his left eye. He screams and grasps at the arrow's shaft as he stumbles back, blood coming from his wounds. He falls flat on his back, twitching as he tries to move, tries to do anything - but slowly goes more and more still instead.
[21:48] <Kotono> OOC: Free act.
[21:48] * Lief blinks.
[21:49] <Muirfinn> "I...what?"
[21:49] <Lief> "I... I thought he'd be able to deal with that, with the way he was talking!"
[21:49] <Kotono> Ellese stares.
[21:49] * Lief looks a little panicked and guilty.
[21:51] <Kotono> Balyss approaches him and kneels, checking him over briefly. "Dead. Amazing he lived long enough to even try to take the arrow out," she remarks, voice clinical. A sigh follows as she reaches out, closing his one unmaimed eye. "What a fool. Relying only on himself, spurning others in his self absorbtion."
[21:51] <Muirfinn> "Well....that was unfortunate."
[21:52] <Kotono> Balyss then stands up. "It's a tragedy, but he shouldn't have charged us in a place like this. I was hoping we'd subdue him and show him why he was wrong, but I suppose this proves it all."
[21:53] * Muirfinn nods sagely. "Leaping headlong into a fight like that was foolish indeed."
[21:53] <Lief> "I didn't think he'd just... Die like that."
[21:55] <Muirfinn> "Not your fault. He severely overestimated himself."
[21:57] <Kotono> "It's not right," Ellese murmurs, "When they did, they get better. When I die, I get better."
[21:57] <Kotono> "There's a lesson to be learned," Balyss finally says, "We're strong and we have each other to make ourselves stronger. HE had no one and no one to save him when he was weaker."

[Merc]

[20:03] <Kotono> > "There's a lesson to be learned," Balyss finally says, "We're strong and we have each other to make ourselves stronger. HE had no one and no one to save him when he was weaker."
[20:03] <Kotono> * Nephrite (~ryan.scud@97.97.130.179) Quit (Quit: )
[20:03] <Kotono> <Lief> "Should we keep moving, then?"
[20:03] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:03] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 77." [1d100=77]
[20:05] <Kotono> An hour? Two? You pass on, deeper and deeper into the infinity that Hades represents. But ahead you finally see something - the gray waste of Hades has something that stands out, ever so slightly. A ancient and rotting wooden throne is ahead, about 200ft. On it sits a black robed figure, head bowed. The robes cover its entire body.
[20:05] <Lief> "Well. He looks like a pleasant sort."
[20:06] <Muirfinn> "I'm sure it'll be fine."
[20:06] <Kotono> "Another daemon is most likely," Balyss murmurs. "He sits as if waiting for us, but he would not be the first one to cross our path like that, in this realm."
[20:07] * Lief inspects the man, trying to spot any weapons.
[20:07] <Kotono> OOC: Spot.
[20:08] <Lief> roll 1d20+40 Spot
[20:08] * Hatbot --> "Lief rolls 1d20+40 Spot and gets 50." [1d20=10]
[20:09] <Kotono> You don't see any weapons - but you can see a faint corona of power around the man. Colorless and almost invisible, and on sight it makes Lief's breath hitch in sheer terror. The figure sees you, chuckling silently and motionlessly, yet known to you. In Lief's mind a single word echos, a regal command of horrifying intensity, 'COME.'
[20:09] <Lief> OOC: Actual magical command or just words?
[20:09] <Kotono> OOC: Just words.
[20:10] <Lief> "He just spoke in my mind."
[20:10] <Muirfinn> "Oh?"
[20:11] <Lief> "Yes. Just 'come' and a chuckle."
[20:11] <Kotono> "We should be resolute," Balyss murmurs, "Who are we to run from what this realm has shown us?" She clutches her holy symbol as she peers ahead, "But I...My holy symbol is growing cold."
[20:12] * Muirfinn eyes Balyss. "It may be an illusion."
[20:13] <Lief> "I can feel his power. It's not just an illusion."
[20:15] <Muirfinn> "Well, we can go around him, or go say hi and maybe stomp him flat. Your choice."
[20:16] <Kotono> 'You try my patience.' The voice speaks in all of your minds. It is a cold, faintly mocking voice that brings unreasoning, unthinking terror to you. To Muirfinn and Lief, it resembles only one thing - Syala's aura when she made her disapproval of Ebony's treatment clear. Before you, the ground rots away like flesh, the realm contracting inwards to bring you before him in an instant. 'Know that
[20:16] <Kotono> your lives are only protected by another. Your trangressions are many.'
[20:18] * Muirfinn remains stalwart. "Which transgressions are those?"
[20:20] <Kotono> roll 1d20 Balyss, she needs a nat 20 here
[20:20] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 Balyss, she needs a nat 20 here and gets 15." [1d20=15]
[20:22] <Lief> "I'm not sure what, specifically, you're talking about."
[20:23] <Kotono> Balyss starts to speak, but it dies into a choked gurgle. She clutches at her throat as blood leaks from her lips, her visible flesh erupting into rotting blisters. She falls to the ground writing, vomiting up blood and writhing pincer-bugs. 'The follower of the false moon tires me,' he announces. 'Such will be all of your fates shortly. Only the challenge of another has stilled my hand. I am
[20:23] <Kotono> known as the Adversary, the Oinoloth and you will shortly be my prizes, for Ilmater has made a wager with me.' The name Ilmater comes with a spike of contempt, like frozen venom.
[20:24] <Kotono> OOC: You can make K:P here on that name if you like, y'all.
[20:25] <Muirfinn> roll 1d20+18
[20:25] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+18  and gets 25." [1d20=7]
[20:26] <Kotono> The Oinoloth is the daemon that rules disease and the Siege Malicious. A few decades ago, the last Oinoloth was overthrown by the Adversary. Little is known of this new Oinoloth, but you  know enough planar lore to know a figure such as the Oinoloth is the equal of an arch-devil or even a Lord of the Nine.
[20:27] * Muirfinn glances at Balyss. OOC: Anything I can do for her?
[20:27] <Kotono> OOC: Heal check.
[20:27] <Lief> OOC: Or me?
[20:28] <Kotono> OOC: Heal check as well, Lief.
[20:28] <Muirfinn> roll 1d20+8 wow I need points here
[20:28] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+8 wow I need points here and gets 23." [1d20=15]
[20:28] <Lief> OOC: Don't have that skill.
[20:29] <Kotono> All Muirfinn can tell is that this is a supernatural disease. Combined with his planar knowledge from before, it's not hard to realize this is likely a supernatural disease of great potency, if this creature is who he claims to be.
[20:30] <Kotono> Ellese hisses - literally hisses, like an angered snake. "I...guh!" She makes strange symbols with her hands, "Begone! B-begone!"
[20:31] <Kotono> OOC: Ellese took 10 on her K:P check here.
[20:32] * Muirfinn kneels next to Balyss, raising a coral holy symbol of a great wave and invoking the name of the Mother Ocean. OOC: Heal on Balyss. Let's see if I can rep the Four here!
[20:32] <Kotono> OOC: CL check on Heal.
[20:32] <Muirfinn> roll 1d20+22 caster level check
[20:32] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+22 caster level check and gets 34." [1d20=12]
[20:32] <Muirfinn> OOC: I'm thinking no
[20:35] <Kotono> Nothing happens. Balyss only groans in pain, despite serenity coming to you. You can feel cooling waters wash over you, as if you were in the ocean. The mocking chuckle that follows is from the Adversary, as he says, 'Useless, to think a mere prize has the power to overturn me in my own realm. I will at least inform my prizes of the terms of your damnation - you have scant minutes until the
[20:35] <Kotono> woman dies. Then another of you will be stricken, then another and another. Only if you can stop the disease shall you be spared. Ilmater's foolishness has reached a new zenith for him to offer these terms to me.'
[20:37] <Lief> "Can we transfer the disease? I'll take it."
[20:38] <Kotono> There is a moment of dead silence as the figure at last looks up. There is no face, nothing but darkness beneath that hood. 'So eager to die, fey?'
[20:38] <Muirfinn> "If I knew how, I would have taken it myself."
[20:38] <Lief> "Eager for my friend to live."
[20:39] <Kotono> roll 1d20 Ellese, needs a natural 20
[20:39] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 Ellese, needs a natural 20 and gets 13." [1d20=13]
[20:40] <Kotono> Ellese screams as her body boils red, foul black mucus running out of her eyes, mouth and nose. She gasps for air and falls, hitting the ground with an audible thump. 'Foolishness. If you wish for death to take you, then so be it!' OOC: Fort saves, you two.
[20:41] <Lief> roll 1d20+22 Fort
[20:41] * Hatbot --> "Lief rolls 1d20+22 Fort and gets 30." [1d20=8]
[20:42] <Muirfinn> roll 1d20+38 immunity to disease
[20:42] * Hatbot --> "Muirfinn rolls 1d20+38 immunity to disease and gets 41." [1d20=3]
[20:45] <Kotono> There is an agonizing moment. It is chills, fever, rash, stomach-ache, confusion, sneezing, coughing, wheezing, dying. Disease in every shape and form, but it only lasts a moment. A voice, tremendously tired and yet resolute, says from everywhere, "All the power you have is meaningless, daemon," The man's voice says, as Balyss and Ellese rise. "The result was already done." Thet wo are mended,
[20:45] <Kotono> the disease gone. "I will bear whatever you accurse them with, and mine will take away what your minions spread to others." The voice is grave and solemn, yet you can hear a strange joy in it at as well. "Our wager is concluded, you have lost. They did not even hesitate to sacrifice themselves for another, knowing that only damnation awaited as reward."
[20:47] <Kotono> After a moment, the voice actually laughs. It is a pained laugh, as if strangled out from a maimed throat. "You even failed faster than even I would have imagined, daemon."
[20:49] * Lief looks around, a little worried at first, but then proud of the seeming faith the voice had in them.
[20:49] * Muirfinn looks at the Adversary. "Not to brag, but...of course we'd sacrifice ourselves for each other. You had to know who we are and what we're after. We're all willing to sacrifice everything at a moment's notice."
[20:51] <Muirfinn> "Every day, we go out in our crusade to inspire hope and, if necessary, make the final sacrifice if it means salvation for another, or the advancement of our ultimate goal."
[20:51] <Muirfinn> "...and you made a bet against that." Muirfinn finishes, helping the two girls up.
[20:52] <Kotono> There is a moment - a moment where sheer anger floods all of you like a choking tidal wave of hatred. An animalistic snarl fills your minds, but a moment later the creature is gone. Before you the sun rises - a sun that banishes the gray shade from everything. Ahead, seemingly hidden in the grays until now, is a tree that reaches to the sky itself. It is gloriously alive, gleaming with color
[20:52] <Kotono> all over. Rich red fruits hang from all of its countless branches. The broken man's voice simply says, "Well done. My faith in all of you was well placed. Go, heroes of Aurora."
[20:53] <Lief> "That's... amazing."
[20:54] * Muirfinn bows. "You have our heartfelt thanks for your faith in us. If you have need of our services, send an emisarry to us. We would be pleased to lend what aid we can."
[20:54] <Kotono> Balyss looks on, smiling, "See? I kept telling you that we'd show them."
[20:57] * Lief flies up to the tree, zipping around it and inspecting it.
[20:58] * Muirfinn straightens, heading toward the tree. "Let's not press our luck, though. We should collect our quarry and return."
[20:59] <Kotono> The tree is bigger than any Lief has ever seen. Ellese looks around, as she suddenly gasps and touches her cheek. A tear slides down her face, then another and another.
[20:59] <Kotono> Balyss heads ot the tree as well, "Yes, let's finish this."
[21:00] * Muirfinn looks at Ellese. "Are you alright?"
[21:01] <Kotono> Ellese begins to cry - no, sob. A shaky smile is on her face as she blubbers out, "It's gone. It's...the pain's gone. The voices are quiet! H-he told me he'd bear my pain."
[21:01] * Lief zips down to Ellese and grins at her.
[21:02] <Lief> "That's wonderful to hear!"
[21:02] <Muirfinn> Understanding dawns. "Ahhh, yes. Ilmater is...something truly special."
[21:05] <Kotono> OOC: Okay, what's your plan? Grab some fruit and head back?
[21:06] <Muirfinn> OOC: Yep
[21:06] <Lief> OOC: Yep. Unless an inspection turns up anything interesting.
[21:06] * Merc is now known as Ithea
[21:07] <Kotono> OOC: Nothing noteworthy. I'll move all of you along.

[Merc]

[21:08] <Kotono> The group returns to Aurora. Ellese seems to walk lighter than air as you return. As you head into the courtyard, Elena appears. "Hi," she waves, dressed up like a noble lady today, down to the ruffled skirts. "Ithea's back too, if you need to coordinate. Morniel asked me to pass that onto you."
[21:10] * Lief floats around above Ellese.
[21:11] <Muirfinn> "Excellent. Let's regroup and discuss. We're almost ready to begin the final phase of this."
[21:13] <Kotono> From there, it's not hard to catch up to Ithea. The three are reunited - Balyss and Ellese beg off, mostly for the latter to rest and come to terms. Morniel is there, however. The meeting is over a meal - steaming fresh bread, grapes and cheese. As everyone settles in, "Did you succeed in Hades?" Morniel asks.
[21:13] * Lief lands next to a plate and eats food too large for him!
[21:14] <Muirfinn> "Yes. Ilmater was kind enough to intervene on our behalf."
[21:14] <Lief> "We won him a bet, apparently. I wonder what he won."
[21:15] <Muirfinn> "We also met the Adversary. Pleasant fellow." Muirfinn says levelly."
[21:20] <Ithea> "Was he? Did you guys sit down for tea and cookies?" Ithea asks drily, though with a hint of a smirk.
[21:20] <Lief> "More like a round of plague."
[21:21] * Lief continues eating.
[21:21] <Kotono> As Lief works on a grape - wow, this is biiiiiiiig - Morniel leans forward. "Could you tell us more about that? What little I know of the Adversary is unilluminating. He seems to have gone to some pains to be mysterous."
[21:22] <Kotono> "Actually," Morniel stops, "Elena, don't appear, just ask those in the library to look up the Adversary. You know the ones. I'd like to know if any information here may be new."
[21:23] <Muirfinn> "We didn't learn too terribly much. He's powerful enough to communicate with Ilmater on at least a semi equal level. Enough to set a wager, anyway. As for his power, he forced disease on us. He showed himself as a robed figure on a rotting wooden throne."
[21:23] <Lief> "Coughing up blood and some kind of bugs."
[21:23] <Muirfinn> "Yes."
[21:24] <Kotono> "Decidedly unilluminating," Morniel frowns and steeples his hands together, leaning back. "But in all truth, that would fit his motivations. Tell me, do you know much else about him?"
[21:25] <Muirfinn> "He's on par with the demon lords and the lords of the Nine."
[21:27] <Kotono> A nod, "As Oinoloth, that's correct. There's preciously little known about the internal high orders of the yugoloths," Morniel sighs here, "Ther'es only endless lies and secrecy. The Oinoloth is one of the known daemon lords."
[21:28] <Lief> "Illmater knows some about him. He might be willing to give us some information. Maybe."
[21:33] <Kotono> "Recently the previous Oinoloth was overthrown and the Adversary rose. He's an unknown, likely an alias for another power. It could even be the previous Oinoloth for all we know," The archon spreads his hands out slowly, "So even the tiniest scraps are important."
[21:35] * Muirfinn thinks a moment. "Very well. I'll go over everything that I can remember." Muirfinn proceeds to go into painstaking detail of the encounter and all words said and actions taken, to the best of his ability.
[21:37] <Kotono> Morniel nods several times as Muirfinn goes on, hmming once or twice and finally smiling at the end. "Thank you." He picks up a bit of cheese and nibbles on it, pausing to think as he does so. Once done, "I'm sure you understand Celestia has an extensive information and intelligence analysis apparatus. I understand that they've been working on who the Adversary is almost non-stop - after coming
[21:37] <Kotono> to the conclusion that it was certainly an old power with a new face. Even the smallest detail could be the breaktrough we need, or be something to rule out another."
[21:38] <Kotono> Here the throne archon sighs, a profoundly saddening thing. It dims the light in the room a moment, quite literally. "Unfortunately, an entity of his stature is not subject to most divinations. At best they fail or reveal false information. At worst..." Morniel shudders with all his body, "The few foolish to scry entities like that seldom walk away alive,a nd those that do are terribly scarred
[21:38] <Kotono> in some manner. Meddle not in the affair of the powers so flagrantly."
[21:38] * Muirfinn nods, popping a ripe grape noisily in his mouth.
[21:40] <Kotono> "A deity need not even do anything. To look too deeply into one as anything but another deity is suicide," Morniel observes. "You would know of poisons. There is one dreadful and fell poison known as Godsblood," Lief gets a nod, "What it does is shows and unites the victim with a small bit of a deity's infinite power, from what I understand. It's known as one of the most effective poisons in
[21:40] <Kotono> Creation. Hence our difficulty in getting more information."
[21:41] <Lief> "That... would be incredibly devistating to devils and demons..."
[21:42] * Muirfinn nods. "Too bad it's tricky to get."
[21:43] <Kotono> After a moment, Morniel clears his throat, "But I've digressed. Thank you, Muirfinn." He nods and then to Lief, "It's devastating to anything but another diety, or so I hear. I saw the effects of it once - not the poison, but a similar exposure. It..." Morniel shudders again, once again with all his body. "Celestia preserve him. In a moment of madness, he sought to scry Mephistopheles."
[21:43] <Muirfinn> "That does seem foolish."
[21:44] <Kotono> "His last and final mistake," Morniel says, "But - enough. Ithea," he nods to her, "Could you explain what we discovered?"
[21:46] <Ithea> "We learned that making cursed tuning forks is very explosive. They are also the key to Valgadda."
[21:46] <Ithea> "As an aside, you may want to stay out of the alchemy station for a while. Sylvie blew it up."
[21:49] <Muirfinn> "Tuning forks? Really?"
[21:50] <Kotono> "As a material focus for Plane Shift or the like," Morniel says, "Our investigations suggest it is a mandatory step."
[21:51] <Muirfinn> "I see. Anything else?"
[21:52] <Kotono> "A question I'd like to pose to you," Morniel says, "It has been plauging me."
[21:53] <Muirfinn> "Go ahead."
[21:54] <Kotono> "The Valgadda Codex mentioned he has been cast from the outer realms, so I suspect Valgadda is not truly in the Abyss. At least not fully," Morniel says. "Secondly, why the defenses around Valgadda? The Father seems to have gone to some effort to make obtaining this key difficult. If it is to free him, why oppose it? The curse on making the key makes it impossible to try again if you fail. Yet
[21:54] <Kotono> does the Father not wish to be freed?"
[21:55] <Muirfinn> "I'm presuming that he can be fully destroyed on Valgadda for some reason."
[21:57] <Muirfinn> "As for failure, I als assume that he would make certain that, if he wished to be free, he would set up a follower to guarantee success."
[21:57] <Lief> "Could be somether there that could destroy him, also. A weapon or item he's locked away."
[21:58] <Ithea> "Alternatively, freeing him early might weaken him, whereas him freeing himself might empower him? Not exactly sure why, but it's probably some sort of symbolic thing."
[21:58] <Ithea> "Fathers typically are providers and self-reliant. If he was aided in some fashion, that would weaken his standing? I dunno, just a guess."
[21:59] <Kotono> Morniel hms to all of it, "Any and all of those could be true,"  he finally says, drumming his fingers on his seat's arm. "I hate to assume logic from a demon, but few demons work that actively against their own self-worth and freedom."
[22:00] <Lief> "It could have been something other than Father that put those defenses there. Something that tried to lock him in."
[22:01] * Quits: Nephrite (~ryan.scud@97.97.130.179) (Quit: )
[22:01] <Kotono> "Demogorgon or Pale Night? It's said that both of his parents have no use for him, according to the Codex," Morniel surmises.
[22:01] <Muirfinn> "It wouldn't suprise me if Demogorgon has something to do with it."
[22:02] <Lief> "They sent him to his room and put him in time out?"
[22:02] * Lief grins lopsidedly.
[22:03] <Kotono> "Or Pale Night. With her recently surge of activity..." Morniel trails off, staring at nothing for a few moments, "Zquujaj threatened Avernus like none other and now he establishes a kingdom in the ruins of Androlynne." Lief's words seem to draw Morniel from it, and he laughs. A wonderful sound that clears the room, rather startled.
[22:06] * Muirfinn snorts.
[22:09] <Kotono> "So the question is: Now what? I took the liberty of contacting Sylica, and they  need a few days to prepare. Unless you wish to investigate the Father further right now, you may have a chance to rest before the next struggle."
[22:09] <Kotono> OOC: Gah.
[22:09] <Kotono> "So the question is: Now what? I took the liberty of contacting Sylica, and they  need a few days to prepare. Unless you wish to investigate the Father further right now, you may have a chance to rest before the next struggle." Morniel says, moving on.
[22:10] <Muirfinn> "Rest sounds good."
[22:12] * Lief nods.

[Merc]

[20:09] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> -----
[20:12] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC: So is it fair to say Lief would need to approach osmeone IC and generally get his feet wet slowly?
[20:13] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC: It seems like a guided approach would work best.
[20:15] <Lief> OOC: Yes, that would be best. I figured something like approaching someone and mentioning that with his previous duties Lief hasn't had any time to really attend to any of the fey concerns, but with a short break, he figured he'd try to play catch-up so-to-speak, at least a bit.
[20:16] <Lief> OOC: And that while his military duties come first for some obvious reasons, he should also do what he can to attend to his fellow fey. Or something like that.
[20:16] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC: Sure, I'll set you up.
[20:21] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> A few discreet inquiries lead to Lief and Crystal meeting. They meet in a quiet corner of Aurora's cafeteria. It's been walled off nad magicked to be quiet, just the place for informal meetings away from the bustle of everyone's conversations. The two have apples and honey before them. Crystal is a white haired pixie in elegant armor, carrying lance and sword. She gently sips from a pixie-sized
[20:21] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> glass of milk before saying, "So you're interested in the court now, Lief?"
[20:23] <Lief> "Well... Obliquely, I suppose. We've settled enough and gained enough allies that I think I afford a break from my military duties. Even though I'm still fully commited to the war, I *am* a fey, and part of the court. If nothing else, I feel it's time I reaffirm with the Queen, at least."
[20:25] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Crystal drinks deeply from her cup before putting it down, following with a curt nod. "A proper attitude," she confesses, "You've never been terribly interested before. Why now?"
[20:26] <Lief> "I... will admit I am a bit reluctant to get involved, but... I also feel I've... neglected my duty to my fellow fey. After my rescue, I just... Got too focused. Too invested. After seeing what happened to some of the others who were captured, and their recovery, I think it'd be good for me if I branched out from doing combat duty exclusively. I... feel a little too disconnected. I'd like to gain more purpose to fight *for* my fellows, inste
[20:31] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> OOC: fellows, inste - Cutoff.
[20:31] <Lief> my fellows, instead of simple vengence."
[20:34] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "So focused on vengence that you lose all else?" Crystal's question isn't answered, instead she goes on. "Afina fell into the same trap. She never really escaped it until she was transformed by Fire and made the greated sacrifice of all for the Crusade, and myself I can safely say that after my death and return, that I tarry longer on matters I may have once ignored or taken for granted, for
[20:34] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> tomorrow may not come in this life."
[20:35] * Lief nods.
[20:37] <Lief> "I just recently returned from a mission to Hades... Being back in that place... It hard at first. I almost fell to the place again. Muirfinn, Balyss, and Ellese... They got me through it. We got each other through it. I need to build on that... I think dealing with the court will help bring me closer to my fellows. After all, once we win, we'll still be all stuck together, won't we? Better to make friends now."
[20:39] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> A pause to eat, a bit of apple and honey consumed. She cleans her lips after with a napkin, "Before, I would have eaten with little regard for the taste, beyond a momentary satisfaction, but after a brush with Yggdrasil, I know that this part of my cycle is not eternal...and it may be my last, for that I may leave it as Afina did." She confesses this quietly, "That the gentle calling of the
[20:39] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Court of Stars will beckon me. For...death and the dissolution of this...of me, is not acceptable anymore. I don't want to reincarnate, to leave this Crusade behind." Pausing as Lief goes on and listening, "I'm not sure we'll ever be apart. That there will be an end to the Crusade. Hell is eternal, infinite," she gestures with a bit of apple, a sweeping motion as it to emcompass all. "The natural
[20:39] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> world that we know so much of is only a smallf ragment of a trackless and impossibly vast whole, and all beyond it are eternal. Will we ever rest then?" Pausing again, "I suppose that what I am saying is that yes, I understand."
[20:41] <Lief> "Thank you for that."
[20:42] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "So..." Trailing off after that, "Do you retain any focus on the court, or should I instruct you as a newcomer?"
[20:44] <Lief> "Newcomer would probably be the best bet. It's... been a while."
[20:49] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> With a soft sigh, Crystal sits back. "The court of Aurora is an anomaly. It is a composite court of surviving fey of Lifasa and those who have come to aid our Crusade. You understand that much?"
[20:49] * Lief nods.
[20:53] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Right. The court's organized around Queen Ilsenine, a local monarch from Lifasa. I won't recount the horror of the crimes Gathgorian inflicted on her, her liberation or the destruction of the Child of Lifasa." Her face twists into a grimace, "Were it an option, I would strike it from my own mind. But she has endured and now rules this court of Aurora."
[20:54] * Lief grimaces as well.
[20:55] <Lief> "Yes... I remember some of those stories."
[21:02] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "Then enough said on it," Crystal sahkes her head and sighs. "Ultimately, it doesn't matter. Noble rank comes with relatively few duties in this court -t here are no lands ot tend, no fiefs to maintain and no natural world to protect. Further, the military nature of Aurora requires an understanding and cooperation rather than the court's intrigues being fully supreme. Afina was once only the
[21:02] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> jester and court assassin, she is now a general and a baroness.  Such a rise in Lifasa's old courts, let alone so fast, would be an unthinkable scandal."
[21:03] <Lief> "Considering her obvious ability, perhaps that's something to consider keeping if - *when* we reestablish lands."
[21:05] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> "When," Crystal nods sharply, "Exactly so, when we restore Lifasa and re-establish the proper ways. One day." Crystal smiles grimly, "After we've scourged out the last trace of Hell from it for all time; for it is doubtless that those that survive those battles will be worthy of nobility by right of conquest."
[21:07] * Lief thinks about the Jormungander poisons he'll have access to soon and smiles grimly.
[21:07] <Lief> "I have a few things I look forward to introducing to those Hellspawn."
[21:12] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> An agreeable silence follows before Crystal clears her throat. "So be that as it may, the positions of the court are somewhat fluid. Afina and I serve as generals in the court and coordinate the court's military arm into proper integration with Aurora. In the current climate, that affords us a high rank. Beyond that, Lady Skye holds a good deal of influence. She is a noble from the same court
[21:12] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> as Ilsenine and serves to fulfill many of the Queen's wishes."
[21:13] <Lief> "Hmm... Should I try to fit into the court's military arm as well? Or go the more traditional route?"
[21:16] <Infinite_Ko_Loop> Crystal leans back and hmms. "You don't have a military bearing, you've always been a loner. Aurora's forces and fey forces are fairly non-traditional, as the big ones reckon military things. Do you think you'd do well in there? If not, you could petition Queen Ilsenine for a court position. With your deeds, she'd surely give you one."
[21:20] <Lief> "Well.. As you said, I'm not exactly traditioanlly military. I think petitioning for a position might grant me more freedom than the military branch. That freedom might make me more useful, too."

[Merc]

[21:14] <Kotono> <Lief> "Well.. As you said, I'm not exactly traditioanlly military. I think petitioning for a position might grant me more freedom than the military branch. That freedom might make me more useful, too."
[21:15] <Kotono> "We can work with that," Crystal hmms, her voice dropping into a more cutesy tone as she turns contemplative. "Of course it's ultimately Her Majesty's choice, but I have a few ideas now/"
[21:16] * Lief eyes Crystal speculatively.
[21:16] <Lief> "I'm starting to get the feeling you're about to have fun with me."
[21:19] <Kotono> Now Crystal doesn't quite smile, but her expression does lighten. "Mayhap a little bit," she says with a ghost of a smile starting to show. "But it's not my choice to make in the end. We should meet with Queen Ilsenine."
[21:20] <Lief> "Well, if you didn't have any mischief in you, you wouldn't be much of a fey, and I suppose I'd have to be even more suspicious of you."
[21:24] <Kotono> With a warm chuckle, Crystal rises and leads Lief on. OOC: Good to skip to the meeting?
[21:24] <Lief> OOC: Sure, barring any info/explination you feel I need.
[21:30] <Kotono> The trip to Ilsenine's is brief, just a portal trip. Crystal goes first and alone, then returns. "Queen Ilsenine will see you. Just bow and be respectful. We won't get hung on protocol this time."
[21:31] * Lief nods and steels himself, straightening his back to present himself better.
[21:36] <Kotono> Crystal nods and heads into the portal. Once through, you enter into Queen Ilsenine's hall. It's empty of others right now - quiet. Peaceful. The Queen of Aurora's fey sits alone on her throne, awaiting serenely. Crystal approaches to about 10 paces away and kneels, "My Queen," she murmurs.
[21:43] * Lief strides forward to stop to the left of Crystal, and a half pace behind her, before kneeling the same way.
[21:44] <Lief> "Queen Ilsenine."
[21:48] <Kotono> "Welcome, General, Lief," Queen Ilsenine says, "Crystal has informed me of your intent, but I would like to hear it from you."
[21:49] * Lief takes a breath in preperation.
[22:03] <Lief> "After my rescue I was... disconnected from those around me. While I gave my all for Aurora's mission, that's all I had. I was seperate from others, even while working with them. I made friends and allies, but I lacked any deeper emotional investment in them. I was so focused on the mission and vengence that I had nothing else. Working with Muirfinn, Vivantha, Kascha, Dana, Balyss, and Ithea... and Ellese.
[22:03] <Lief> I'm starting to see that holding on is going to lead me to places that I don't want to go to... or be. Being around Muirfinn and Vivantha, especially, has made me realize things about how I kept myself seperate and cold that I'm still not entirely comfortable with. Ellese... Well, I identified with her. When she came with us, I felt kindred with her, sort of. But I realized something.
[22:04] <Lief> She was stuck in that place... Having had those things done to her. Even though our experiences were *very* different, I felt I was stuck like she was. After Hades... After seeing Illmater giving her salvation and seeing the change it had on her, even new as it is, I felt like it was time I put some effort into... moving on, I suppose. I can recognize that it was working with others that led me this far.
[22:04] <Lief> So I feel being more involved with others might be the way to go about it. Reconnecting with my own people. Until now, I've kept myself away from the court, and I still feel that I won't fit into a traditional role, like with the military, very well. But I feel that getting involved with my own people is something that I need to do."
[22:15] <Kotono> This entire speech is listened to without comment. Queen Ilsenine's visage is patient as Lief finishes. When he does, "Yes, we understand," she says, "You are aware of our captivity in Hell, and the sorrow of being alone and lost." Queen Ilsenine rises, "Come and approach me."
[22:19] * Lief stands, back straight, and approaches... Albeit a bit nervously.
[22:22] <Kotono> "Being lost, being afraid, being alone." Queen Ilsenine draws a bejewelled sword, "We have learned these are the most toxic thigns of all. Our courts define us and unite us, they give us the bonds we need to exist happily. This is one of the many crimes Hell has committed against Lifasa. Kneel."
[22:22] * Lief kneels and bows his head to her.
[22:28] <Kotono> "Your have served Aurora and Lifasa's liberation well. Your victory against Yian has brought hope to us that the other eight Traitors of Lifasa will be brought to justice." The sword taps on each of Lief's shoulders, "You helped protect Ellese, another victim of Hell's cruelty. Know that your deeds have not gone unnoticed. I declare you a knight-errant of this court. So long as you work for
[22:28] <Kotono> Lifasa's liberation, you will be welcome here."
[22:29] <Lief> "Thank you for this honor, My Queen."
[22:29] * Lief stands and returns to Crystal's side, retaking his position.
[22:31] <Kotono> "When you return from your coming battle, come to the court so that you may be introduced," Queen Ilsenine says. "For now, go. A knight errant's path is not one of idle revelry."
[22:32] * Lief grins at that and stands, bowing once more before turning to leave.
[22:32] <Lief> "As you command, My Queen."
[22:40] <Kotono> Once the two are out, Crystal says quietly, "Well done. You're going to battle soon?"
[22:40] * Lief nods.
[22:48] <Lief> "We're going to go after Kina-ja. We've gathered what we needed and it's time to deal with her."
[22:49] <Kotono> "Good fortune," Crystal says, "Come back well."
[22:50] <Lief> "Thanks. Hopefully we won't need any lucky, but it won't hurt. I'll do my best to return and regale you all with the story worthy of a bard."
[22:50] <Lief> "Don't hold me to it, though."

[Merc]

[20:10] <Ko-NitorithatisnotNitori> The day has come. Lief, Muirfinn and Ithea gather in Aurora. Is it Antenora who comes bearing news now, "Thanks to your efforts, we have the proper things to weaken Kina-ja when the time is right."
[20:10] * Muirfinn nods. "How would you like to proceed, then?"
[20:11] <Lief> "I've also recieved a second dose of poison from our crafter. That should help tip the scales even more in our favor."
[20:13] <Ko-NitorithatisnotNitori> "Our plan is this: We intend to lure Kina-ja out and Sharess has agreed to aid us." Antenora comes into the meeting room and sits, her black unicorn-tipped spear resting against her side. "Syala and Kina-ja will set it to keep her in position for the trap and to spring it. Once sprung, it will be our task to finish her. It is my task in that to striker her quickly and ensure she does not have
[20:13] <Ko-NitorithatisnotNitori> the means to easily escape, but our overall goal is to defeat her. " A moment's pause, "Therein lies the problem: To destroy her, we need to be in the Abyss. "
[20:14] * Muirfinn snorts. "Of course we do."
[20:16] * Lief grimaces.
[20:17] <Ko-NitorithatisnotNitori> We've made preparations to use secured grounds in Pazunia," Antenora remarks, and then grimaces as well. "But even then, we will likely have interlopers drawn by the entire spectacle. Our secondary task will be ensuring no one disrupts the ritual...and that if something unpalatable does so, we all escape safely."
[20:18] <Ithea> "Any ideas on that?"
[20:19] <Muirfinn> "I can summon elementals to bolster our ranks."
[20:19] <Lief> "Hmm... Could we set up a barrier around the area we're using? I doubt we can completely isolate it, but if we can use it slow down anyone.. or thing... that wants to interfere, all the better."
[20:19] <Muirfinn> "A good idea. Antenora, how long do we have before this all goes down?"
[20:20] <Ko-NitorithatisnotNitori> "One day," Antenora says, "There will be the best barriers we can manage, wtihout stopping Kina-ja or tipping our hand," she explains.
[20:21] <Lief> "I'm not sure if it's possible, but if we can do that with scrolls, we can have some of our better scouts could set it up before we arrive. If it's in place and we can trigger it without expending additional effort, it'd serve as a trap and to conserve our strength."
[20:21] <Muirfinn> "Barriers would need to go up after she arrives. Can't activate them until she does so."
[20:24] <Ithea> "Could we do something to distract her? The appearance of myself might draw her into a fury, perhaps petitioning Lady Bast for support from other followers or something that focuses Kina-ja's thoughts on the fact that someone she hates is involved?" Ithea suggests.
[20:24] <Lief> "Sure, but if we can set it up so that all we have to do is activate them, it'll be faster than us having to cast them from scratch, right?"
[20:28] <Ko-NitorithatisnotNitori> OOC: Coming up with a plan here?
[20:29] <Ithea> ooc: I'm waiting for a reply on my comment from anyone
[20:30] <Muirfinn> "We could always have you ask Bast.
[20:30] <Muirfinn> OOC: Blah
[20:30] <Muirfinn> "We could always have you ask Bast. She's partial to you."
[20:31] <Lief> "Well, building on the barrier thought, what else can we layer into the area? The more we can debilitate everything that isn't us, the better. Consecration comes to mind."
[20:32] <Ko-NitorithatisnotNitori> "We have the barriers handled, or Syala and Sharess do," Antenora explains again, "Since it's a matter of balancing what we need with not scaring Kina-ja off."
[20:33] * Muirfinn nods. "We will let you handle that then. An additional lure or distraction would be good. Shall we make a quick trip to Brightwall to ask the favor of Bast?"
[20:34] <Ithea> "That seems the best option right now. Hopefully she has some ideas of help that would be more likely to infuriate Kina-ja rather than scare her."
[20:35] <Lief> "I've got quite a few spell storing arrows, as well. If I could get those loaded up, that could be quite effective as well."
[20:35] <Lief> OOC: I've got x25 Greater Spellstoring and x25 regular Spellstoring.
[20:36] <Ko-NitorithatisnotNitori> OOC: Just a quick check, but you understand Bast=Sharess, right?
[20:37] <Ithea> ooc: Yes? I've just pretty much always had Ithea calling her Bast with a few exceptions.
[20:40] <Ko-NitorithatisnotNitori> OOC: Oh okay.
[20:40] <Ko-NitorithatisnotNitori> Antenora coughs into her hand, "Lady Sharess is already spoken and is in preparations. Petitioning her isn't possible right now.
[20:41] <Ko-NitorithatisnotNitori> OOC: Gah.
[20:41] <Ko-NitorithatisnotNitori> Antenora coughs into her hand, "Lady Sharess is already spoken and is in preparations. Petitioning her isn't possible right now."
[20:41] <Ithea> "Fair enough. It was one of the reasons I asked about the idea before we bothered going to Brightwater."