(Arc 2-2) Lizards>Caves>Flopsy. Discuss.

[Anastasia]

> The trip is in two parts. The first two days are on the official trading road from Balmuria to Parsifal. This is a sedate time, the only company wild animals off the road and caravans full of precious iron ore.  The weather holds fair for this, and starting the third day things look well. (More)
> Yet on the third day things turn sour. The sunshine is banished by a cold mountain wind. A mix of sleet and rain falls, the warmth of the bay breeze lost this far inland. IN this miserable weather the party progresses through the uncharted mountains, breaking paths bits and pieces at a time. Yet the map is accurate - find a two pronged tree, pass the three eyed rock - leading the party closer to the CAve of the Winds. (More)
> It takes most of the fourth day to arrive at the cave. IN a driving wind and sleety mess the party comes to the outskirts. It's a small crag opening at the foot of a tall cliff, a few denuded trees around it.  It's very dark inside, and you can hear the howling of the wind...
<Shamal> As they travel, Shamal does her best to gauge the weather and how long it's likely to stay this miserable...
<Shamal> roll 1d20+11 survival
* Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+11 survival and gets 25."12 [1d20=14]
<Shamal> "At least the weather should ease after tomorrow," Shamal tells her weary companions once they finally reach their goal. "If nothing else, we might want to shelter in the cave that long before heading back."
<Seira> "I doubt we could explore it in a mere hour," Seira agrees. "So, then, are we going in?"
<Lyselle> "As much as I'm enjoying the trip down memory lane, yes, rest would be good," Lyselle agrees, snorting softly and tugging her cloak tighter around herself.
<Shamal> "You never know," Shamal smiles, carefully making her way up to the ave entrance and peering within.
> It's pitch black dark. You can't see a thing.
* Lyselle unpacks her everburning torch as she follows Shamal in, trying to cast some light into the cave.
* Berlioz conveniently follows behind Lyselle.
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> It's about fourty feet long and twenty wide. Stalagmites are about, a gash into the very earth showing it's veins. AT the very far end you can see a very narrow passage ahead. As you see it, you feel a powerful gust of wind come from it.
* Berlioz covers his eyes, frowning. "Eugh. This is somewhat unpleasant."
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<Shamal> "I wonder where that wind comes from..." Shamal murmurs thoughtfully, keeping Rin close as she carefully starts inside the cave.
<Seira> "I suspect we shall learn that all too soon."
> The crag extends a good way, about 30 feet or so, perhaps? The wind is near gale force, making it seemingly impossible to make more headway. Y our torch isn't flickering, though.
> It's just big enough for one person at a time to pass, perhaps, but the wind looks like a problem.
* Seira observes the nearby trees, and whether they are strong enough to stop a person tied to them with rope from flying off.
<Shamal> "Nnng..." Shamal grits her teeth a moment, before retreating back out and away from the wind. "Unless the wind naturally dies down on some sort of rhythm, we may have to find another way in," she comments.
> As the party talks, the wind suddenly stops.
* Seira times the pause in the wind, waiting alertly.
> It last perhaps a round or so, then the wind starts blowing again.
* Seira times this as well.
> This lasts two rounds, then another pause.
* Shamal blinks. "That was sudden," she notes at the sudden stop and start. "Perhaps one of us could try running through when it stops and set a grappling hook and rope down or something like that?"
<Seira> "I'll do it," Seira volunteers, asking for a hook before tying it to rolled-up rope.
* Lyselle nods, just stopping and curling her cloaking tighter around herself. Wind was cold. "Faster it gets done..." she nods to the lighter and speedier member of their part.
* Lyselle offers her grappling hook to Seira.
<Seira> Her preparations done with, Seira spends another minute establishing the pattern for the wind and making certain it doesn't change.
> The pattern looks to be holding.
<Seira> Once the wind dies down, she moves swiftly down the crag, and examines where it leads.
> roll 1d20+11
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 and gets 15."12 [1d20=4]
> roll 1d20+11
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 and gets 30."12 [1d20=19]
> OOC - Spot check.
<Seira> roll 1d20+3
* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+3 and gets 8."12 [1d20=5]
> Ahead the narrow passage continues, but the wind stops here. You can hear and feel it behind you, but you're not being blasted here at all. The narrow passage continues on as far as you can see.
<Seira> "Wait for a short while," Seira asks the others, and spends another minute to observe her surroundings, studying that which is ahead.
* Shamal waits for the all clear from Seira, timing the winds and waiting for her own opportunity to run between them.
> As Seira looks around, she sees something, alright. In the darkness two gray, small lizards are coming at her! But not spotted in time, they turn into a lovely shade of electric white and blue as electricity arches out at SEira! OOC - Reflex save.
<Seira> roll 1d20+7
* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+7 and gets 12."12 [1d20=5]
> roll 4d6
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 4d6 and gets 17."12 [4d6=2, 5, 5, 5]
<Seira> "Two lizards, hostile!" Seira calls back to the others.
> But Seira is able to avoid the socks, diving to the side and banging hard again against the wall, but she's safe! Behind, the others can see the flash of electric light as the wind blows! OOC - INitiative Cor and lizards. Roll initiative others as well, I think, so we'll have it nice and in order.
<Lyselle> roll 1d20+2
> roll 1d20+6
> roll 1d20+6
* Hatbot --> "Lyselle rolls 1d20+2 and gets 3."12 [1d20=1]
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 23."12 [1d20=17]
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 9."12 [1d20=3]
<Seira> roll 1d20+4
* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+4 and gets 18."12 [1d20=14]
<Shamal> roll 1d20+2 Shamal
* Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+2 Shamal and gets 21."12 [1d20=19]
<Shamal> roll 1d20+2 Rin
* Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+2 Rin and gets 14."12 [1d20=12]
<Berlioz> roll 1d20+1
* Hatbot --> "Berlioz rolls 1d20+1 and gets 7."12 [1d20=6]
> Lizard 1>Shamal>Seira>Rin>Lizard 2>Berlioz>Lyselle
> The first lizard stays where it is, another arc of electricty from it! Just one this time at least, coming at Seira! OOC - Reflex save.
<Seira> roll 1d20+7
* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+7 and gets 11."12 [1d20=4]
> roll 2d8 temporary damage, saying this so I don't forget.
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d8 temporary damage, saying this so I don't forget. and gets 8."12 [2d8=4, 4]
> The stunning shock gets Seira right in the chest! It shocks her good, rattling her electric cage quite well! OOC - Shamal, going or holding?
<Shamal> Unable to reach Seira while the wind continues to blow, Shamal conjures up a spell so that she can assist from where she is. "Brightest flames of the inferno, come to my hand so that I may cleanse the unworthy!" she calls, her free hand suddenly becoming ensconsced in a bright fire as she moves as close as she can to the gap before the wind stops her advance.
> This is just inside the lip, the wind still blowing! OOC - Seira.
* Seira takes a step back, drawing her bow. Deciding to hold off until help arrives, she fires a pair of arrows at the other lizard.
<Seira> roll 1d20+5
<Seira> roll 1d20+5
* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+5 and gets 14."12 [1d20=9]
* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+5 and gets 21."12 [1d20=16]
<Seira> roll 1d8
<Seira> roll 1d8
* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d8 and gets 3."12 [1d8=3]
* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d8 and gets 2."12 [1d8=2]
* Sailor_Jupiter is now known as Makoto
> Two arrows get the second lizard riddled with two arrows! Yet both stick out of him just a bit, minor wounds! OOC - Rin.
<Shamal> Rin growls slightly but remains where she is, waiting for Shamal's command...
<Shamal> OOC: Rin holds
> The second lizard is indeed riddled with arrows! But in retaliation it sends another shock at the fair Seira as it creeps forward!
> OOC - Ref save again.
<Seira> roll 1d20+7
* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+7 and gets 18."12 [1d20=11]
> This time Seira flat out ducks, doing the splits to evade! All she has the space to do, but it works! OOC - Berlioz and Lyselle, doing anything this round?
* Lyselle moves up to Shamal, knocking an arrow, but doubting that any projectiles would get through the winds.
* Berlioz just follows Lyselle, deducing that an arrow rain would be ineffective against the gales as well.
> At the start of this round, the wind stops! OOC - Okay, who's going? It's a very narrow passage, bea rin mind.
<Shamal> "Now, Rin - get those lizards!" Shamal cries as soon as the wind stops, her dog promptly bounding forward through the gap and past Seira to savage the nearest electric lizard!
* Kotono changes topic to 'Lizard 1>Shamal>Seira>Rin>Lizard 2>Berlioz>Lyselle'
<Shamal> roll 1d20+5 (charging)
* Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+5 (charging) and gets 11."12 [1d20=6]
> Rin does charge! But between clogging up the narrow passage and trying to get past Seira, the entire thing just doesn't work! OC - Anyone else from the hold squad!
* Kotono changes topic to 'Rin>Lizard 1>Shamal>Seira>Lizard 2>Berlioz>Lyselle'
<Lyselle> OOC - Firing an arrow.
> OOC - Do your thaaaang.
* Kotono changes topic to 'Lyselle>Rin>Lizard 1>Shamal>Seira>Lizard 2>Berlioz'
<Lyselle> Lyselle unleashes her arrow at the farthest lizard, the one not engaged with Rin, and thus not risking shooting the dog!
<Lyselle> roll 1d20+5
* Hatbot --> "Lyselle rolls 1d20+5 and gets 9."12 [1d20=4]
> The shot is a miss! It just misses Seira's side, instead bouncing off the wall and to the ground!
> The first lizard is still intact, sending a shocking bolt at Rin! OOC - Reflex save.
* Carthrat-Sleep (~Bill@c58-107-63-64.eburwd7.vic.optusnet.com.au) Quit (TIMINGU~)
> roll 2d8
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d8 and gets 8."12 [2d8=1, 7]
<Shamal> roll 1d20+5
* Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+5 and gets 18."12 [1d20=13]
> The dog goes back onto it's haunches, avoiding the worst of the shock! Meanwhile the wind is down, at least for now! OOC - Go elf.
> OOC - Er, Shamal, I'm sorry.
* Seira retreats back to Shamal's side, loosening a single arrow at the lizard she had picked as her target.
<Shamal> OOC: you should be! The indignity!
<Seira> roll 1d20+7
* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+7 and gets 13."12 [1d20=6]
<Seira> roll 1d8
* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d8 and gets 7."12 [1d8=7]
> Yet this arrow is also errant as Seira flees back! It soars high, vanishing into the darkness ahead! OOC - Shamal?
<Shamal> As Seira retreats, Shamal makes a throwing motion at the lizard that shocked Rin, releasing a burning ball of fire at the electricity loving saurian!
<Shamal> roll 1d20+3 ranged touch attack
* Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+3 ranged touch attack and gets 9."12 [1d20=6]
> The fireball hits the wall a mere ten feet away, doing no damage except to innocent mother earth! The wounded lizard skitters about, another shock coming at Rin as the two close in on a target!
> roll 2d8 reflex save for dog go.
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d8 reflex save for dog go. and gets 13."12 [2d8=5, 8]
<Shamal> roll 1d20+5
* Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+5 and gets 14."12 [1d20=9]
> Rin is shocked badly! It's fur stands up and you can see his back legs twitch, but he's still up! OOC  - Berlioz, you're up
> *she
* Berlioz carefully aims at one of the lizards, preferrably the one that seems the least healthy, and shoots an arrow against it!
<Berlioz> roll 1d20+4
* Hatbot --> "Berlioz rolls 1d20+4 and gets 17."12 [1d20=13]
> OOC - Hit!
<Berlioz> roll 1d6
* Hatbot --> "Berlioz rolls 1d6 and gets 5."12 [1d6=5]
> A fell shot that whizzes in the air, falling just in time to impale the already wounded lizard! It lives only by dint of it's last breaths, badly skewered! As this happens, the wind resumes, pushing and heaving back! OOC - Lyselle and Rin are up before the first lizard.
* Lyselle knocks an arrow and waits.
<Shamal> Rin makes a quick bite at the lizard she tried attacking previously even as Shamal calls out, "Rin, heel!"
<Shamal> roll 1d20+3
* Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+3 and gets 4."12 [1d20=1]
<Shamal> After her attack, Rin promptly rushes back towards her mistress, leaving herself open to an attack of opportunity from the sadly still breathing lizard.
> Rin fails completely! The bite only snaps at the air, doing nothing! Indeed, the lizard takes a toothy little chomp at the staggering, damaged dog!
> roll 1d20+3
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 and gets 11."12 [1d20=8]
> But the bite misses! Rin is aided by the wind, making it down the hall in record time! OOC - Doing anything, Shamal/Seira?
* Seira steps away from the tunnel, readying an arrow.
* Shamal doesn't look terribly thrilled as she hurls her last fireball at the most wounded lizard, hoping this one will hit.
<Shamal> roll 1d20+3 ranged touch
* Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+3 ranged touch and gets 18."12 [1d20=15]
<Shamal> roll 1d6+2
* Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d6+2 and gets 6."12 [1d6=4]
> Despite the wind, the flames fly to the wounded lizard! It's burnt and charred, dead and only good for a snack now! OOC - Doing anything, Berlioz?
<Berlioz> OOC - Just waiting for the wind to subside.
> OOC - Lyselle/Rin?
> The wind keeps blowing, another round left on it's furies!
<Lyselle> OOC - Waiting waiting...
<Shamal> Rin whimpers, cowering behind Shamal.
> Under the cover of wind, the last skitters back down the dark passage and away, out of sight.
<Seira> "The passage is narrow, but it is easy to time the winds to pass together," Seira notes.
<Shamal> "Horrid beasts!" Shamal frets, turning to tend to Rin now that the immediate threat is gone. "Let's wait a moment before going forward - you were shocked as well, were you not, Seira?"
<Seira> "It is nothing," Seira dismisses.
* Lyselle moves once the winds die down, quickly to get past their region of threat.
* Seira follows right after Lyselle.
* Berlioz follows the fallen noble and the druid girl. Heh. It's a lot more practical when you have a guiding body of sorts.
* Shamal waits for the wind to die down after Seira and Lyselle advance, before following with Rin in tow.
> The party advances past the wind! Ahead you see no sign of the other lizard, just a still narrow passage. It's starting to twist to the left, too.
> roll 1d20+11
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 and gets 15."12 [1d20=4]
<Shamal> Noticing that the wind seems to abruptly stop past a certain spot, Shamal pauses and casts detect magic to ascertain what's behind it.
* Seira takes full advantage of Lyselle's torch to search for any more of the creatures, or other dangers in this place.
* Lyselle pauses whenever they get past the winds, stopping and glancing at their electrocuted members. "Should we rest here a while?"
> OOC - Spot and search checks as everyone likes.
<Seira> "There is no need to rest just yet," Seira responds.
<Lyselle> roll 1d20+1 spot
<Seira> roll 1d20+3 spot
* Hatbot --> "Lyselle rolls 1d20+1 spot and gets 18."12 [1d20=17]
* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+3 spot and gets 16."12 [1d20=13]
<Seira> roll 1d20+6 search
* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+6 search and gets 7."12 [1d20=1]
<Berlioz> roll 1d20+3 search
* Hatbot --> "Berlioz rolls 1d20+3 search and gets 10."12 [1d20=7]
<Lyselle> roll 1d20+2 search?
* Hatbot --> "Lyselle rolls 1d20+2 search? and gets 19."12 [1d20=17]
> The area is non descrpit and craggy, except for one thing. Seira and Lyselle find a little hole in the wall, a tiny passage. It's only a foot wide if that, a little animal hole.
<Seira> "It may have gone back there," Seira muses, eyeing the hole.
* Shamal attempts to detect magic with the aid of her spell that she just cast!
> There's no detected magic in the hole.
<Seira> "Let's keep an eye out for it, and keep on moving," Seira suggests.
> Shamal detects magic where the wind blows.
* Shamal attempts to discern what kind and all that stuff.
<Shamal> roll 1d20+11 spellcraft
* Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+11 spellcraft and gets 14."12 [1d20=3]
> It's one aura, weak. But that's all Shamal can tell.
<Shamal> "The wind is definitely magical," Shamal concludes after her study, "Though I can't tell more than that..." she adds unhappily. "I suppose I'm ready to move on if everyone else is."
<Seira> "We can take another look on our way back," Seira agrees.
> The passage narrows even more! It's a long trip to travel, several zig zags back and fourth. A half hour of this, muscles sore and aching by the time you come to a break. The passage zig zags ever twenty feet or so, but the walls are gone. This is an extended path, nothing but air around you in a great cavern. THe walkway is ten feet wide in general, space to move around. It's huge here, a cave stretching higher than can be seen. This zigzag path stands about fourty feet above dark waters below, and at the very end it comes to an abruptly stopping path - but you can see a shadowy form on the ground.
> This zigzag path stands about fourty feet above dark waters below, and at the very end it comes to an abruptly stopping path - but you can see a shadowy form on the ground.
<Shamal> "This would be a perfect place for an unwelcome gust of wind," Shamal can't help but note, eyeing the path distrustfully.
* Seira uses the time to secure a length of rope to the passage, looping it around it with the aid of her grappling hook.
> OOC - As a note so we're clear, who is holding torches/light sources now?
* Seira attaches the other end to herself, and asks, "Does anyone have a second torch?"
* Lyselle hands Seira her torch. "I should probably hold onto my shield."
<Seira> "You should probably have another torch here, just in case. Or the Light spell, perhaps?"
<Shamal> "I do," Shamal nods, taking one from her pack and lighting it with a handy flint and steel. "Not magical, sadly, but it'll have to do."
> AT the end of the long, zigzag path it comes to abrupt stop. It juts out into the natural lake, a dark shape lying there and just glimpsed. You could make it on the path, but it would take some walking.
<Seira> Fairly confident she would not fall down all the way into the waters, Seira proceeds on the path slowly, her rope looped about the bridge-like path.
<Shamal> "We'll stay and pull you up if the wind blows you off?" Shamal assumes as Seira starts off on her own with the rope.
> roll 1d20+12
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+12 and gets 25."12 [1d20=13]
> OOC - Spot check, elf girl.
<Shamal> "Here's a spell so you won't have to shout back to us," the witch adds, casting Message to link herself and Seira.
<Seira> roll 1d20+3 like I can beat 25
* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+3 like I can beat 25 and gets 19."12 [1d20=16]
> The pathways keep going, Seira walking along. She stands out as she walks, a single torch into the darkness. About halfway she gets before she can see much of it. It looks like a body - you can see a warhammer and some sort of still intact metal armor on it.
<Seira> "Let me know if anything comes up behind me," Seira murmurs through the spell, and continues to advance towards the body.
* Shamal isn't looking anywhere else but Seira, so will be sure to provide warning if she does spot anything on the same path.
> roll 1d8
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8 and gets 3."12 [1d8=3]
> OOC - Make a fort save, would you?
> OOC - Seira.
<Seira> roll 1d20+3 crap
* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+3 crap and gets 11."12 [1d20=8]
> What happens is ear shattering to Seira and viciously loud to the others! A great SREEEEECCCHHH! echos from above, focused below! Seira's ears bleed, the ground beneath him quivering a bit!  But Seira doesn't know what, stunned! OOC - Initiative for ordering. Also, Seira's stunned this round.
> *her
<Shamal> roll 1d20+2 Shamal
* Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+2 Shamal and gets 19."12 [1d20=17]
<Shamal> roll 1d20+2 Rin
* Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+2 Rin and gets 17."12 [1d20=15]
<Lyselle> roll 1d20+2
* Hatbot --> "Lyselle rolls 1d20+2 and gets 20."12 [1d20=18]
<Seira> roll 1d20+4 dammit
* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+4 dammit and gets 6."12 [1d20=2]
<Berlioz> roll 1d20+1
* Hatbot --> "Berlioz rolls 1d20+1 and gets 19."12 [1d20=18]
> roll 1d20+6
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 19."12 [1d20=13]
* Shamal looks up at the sudden cacaphony!
> Lyselle>Shamal=????=Berlioz>Rin>Seira(Stunned a round)
* Lyselle tries to visually locate their attacker.
> It's above! You can see it swoop-oh by the Gods! It's wingspan is fifteen feet, it's body furry and black! A giant bat is swooping down at Seira, emitting ear splitting screeches!
> roll 1d4 OOC - Also, go Lyselle.
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d4 OOC - Also, go Lyselle. and gets 4."12 [1d4=4]
<Lyselle> Lyselle knocks and fires an arrow!
* Seira drops the torch onto the path, clapping her hands over her bleeding ears.
<Lyselle> roll 1d20+5
* Hatbot --> "Lyselle rolls 1d20+5 and gets 14."12 [1d20=9]
> The arrow misses by a hair, the bat 's left wing missed! OOC - Shamal and Berlioz, go.
* Berlioz looks up and sees the bat! He aims, letting an arrow loose!
<Berlioz> roll 1d20+4
* Hatbot --> "Berlioz rolls 1d20+4 and gets 22."12 [1d20=18]
> OOC - Hit. Wow.
<Berlioz> roll 1d6
* Hatbot --> "Berlioz rolls 1d6 and gets 5."12 [1d6=5]
> The bard's arrow is aptly shot, going through some of it's wing and webbing! It's not stopped, but it's screetching gets louder and shriller!
<Shamal> "Oh, I really should have saved that fire spell..." Shamal complains bitterly, rushing forward onto the path for about thirty feet before she casts a spell, "Lonely hunter who howls at the moon, respond to my call! Defend Seira!" And in a flash, a wolf appears 30 feet further down the path, quickly rushing towards Seira in what's hopefully just a single move action so it can then ready an action to bite the bat if it comes too close.
> OOC - Okay, that's fine.
<Shamal> Rin holds where she is at the beginning of the path, by Berlioz and Lyselle.
> Meanwhile, the bat swoops into Seira! A full on body charge, looking to drive the poor elf down!
<Shamal> As the bat dives down, the summoned wolf lunges upwards, trying to sink its fangs into the overgrown flying rat and drag it down!
<Shamal> roll 1d20+5
* Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+5 and gets 18."12 [1d20=13]
> OOC - Roll 1d100; bull rush rules.
<Shamal> roll 1d100
* Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d100 and gets 45."12 [1d100=45]
> OOC - Okay, damage.
<Shamal> roll 1d6+3
* Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d6+3 and gets 7."12 [1d6=4]
<Shamal> roll 1d20+4 trip check for fun
* Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+4 trip check for fun and gets 5."12 [1d20=1]
> roll 1d20 + I'll have to check but I don't think it'sl osing this.
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 + I'll have to check but I don't think it'sl osing this. and gets 16."12 [1d20=16]
> With a quick interception, the wolf bites into the bat's body! A firm bite and one that rips away flesh! The dive is diverted, the bat flapping and swooping back up! OOC - Rin .
<Shamal> Rin holds where she is at the beginning of the path, by Berlioz and Lyselle.
> OOC - Strike.
> With a quick interception, the wolf bites into the bat's body! A firm bite and one that rips away flesh! The dive is slowed, but the bat continues it's mad rush at the elf!
> roll 1d20+7
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 and gets 11."12 [1d20=4]
> OOC - STR check, stunned one/oi.
<Seira> roll 1d20-2
* Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20-2 and gets 1."12 [1d20=3]
* Berlioz sets mode: -v Hatbot
* Berlioz sets mode: +v Reikobot
> So slammed into, poor Seira is knocked off the ledge! But the rope saves Seira! Instead of plummeting to the cold waters, he stops about ten feet down, hanging and safe! AS it passes, the bat screetches unmecrifully, loud! OOC - Lyselle.
> *she
<Lyselle> Lyselle knocks and fires another arrow at the ugly thing!
<Lyselle> roll 1d20+5
<Reikobot> 1,0Lyselle rolled :1,0 1d20+5 --> 1,0[ 1d20=12 ]12,0{17}
<Lyselle> roll 1d8+3
<Reikobot> 1,0Lyselle rolled :1,0 1d8+3 --> 1,0[ 1d8=7 ]12,0{10}
> This arrow is perfectly shot! It rips through it's other wing, doing considerable damage! It hobbles in the air even as it rises up! OOC - Shamal and Berlioz as it goes.
* Merc is now known as Merc-nap
<Shamal> Howling mournfully for its destined sacrifice, the wolf hurls itself bodily off the ledge in its last few seconds of this existence, trying to grap onto the bat with its jaws as it goes!
<Shamal> roll 1d20+3 jump check
<Reikobot> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+3 1,0jump check --> 1,0[ 1d20=6 ]12,0{9}
> This wasn't a good idea. Mr. Wolf falls like a sack of bricks, plummeting into the water with a merry splash. Clearly, gravity is a mightier foe than nature's fury.
* Berlioz aims carefully, and shoots. The bat should be close to its death.
<Berlioz> roll 1d20+4
<Reikobot> 1,0Berlioz rolled :1,0 1d20+4 --> 1,0[ 1d20=7 ]12,0{11}
> This arrow isn't so accurate, instead falling into the water! Seems to be the going act these days! OOC - Shamal.
<Shamal> "Oh, blast and bother!" Shamal curses furiously as the wolf goes swimming, sweeping her hand through the air as she incants another spell. "Soaring hunter of the skies, I beseech you, come our my aid against the belligerent bat!" The newly summoned eagle appears in the air and screeches as it launches a diving attack on the bat!
<Shamal> roll 1d20+7 dive attack
<Reikobot> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+7 1,0dive attack --> 1,0[ 1d20=7 ]12,0{14}
> As Shamal watches another of nature's friends soak up relative failure and miss the bat, said creature flies up and away from the area altogether, making haste out over the lake and up, into the dark post haste.
* Seira comes to her sense, and immediately draws her bow, sending a lone arrow after her attacker as she dangles from her rope.
<Seira> roll 1d20+2
<Reikobot> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d20+2 --> 1,0[ 1d20=14 ]12,0{16}
> OOC - Wow, hit.
<Seira> roll 1d8 VENGEANCE
<Reikobot> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d8 1,0VENGEANCE --> 1,0[ 1d8=7 ]12,0{7}
> Somehow staying in position long enough to get a coherent shot, Seira fires! The arrow whizzes through the air, a sickening PLINK as it goes into the body of the bat! This proves to be too much to bear, as it falls into the dark waters below!
* Seira smirks, and stows her bow away, attempting to get back on the path.
* Shamal sighs as the bat is slain, going over to try and help pull Seira up. "That could have gone far better..." she complains.
> OOC - Seira is a freak. Also, free action, yes.
> Seira is pulled up without incident with the help of the rope.
<Seira> "I think I see him," she whispers to Shamal, and moves towards the body while leaving the torch where it had been dropped. She can see things just fine, anyway.
* Lyselle just keeps watch with a knocked arrow ready, just in case.
* Shamal picks up the discarded magic torch so that now she has two of them!
> OOC - Spot check, L-chan
> .
<Lyselle> roll 1d20+1
<Reikobot> 1,0Lyselle rolled :1,0 1d20+1 --> 1,0[ 1d20=12 ]12,0{13}
* Shamal follows after Seira now that she's come this far, wanting to see what they came this far for,
> Lyselle sees nothing of note as Seira reaches the body. She can see a warmhammer at the side of a large human man, splint mail worn with a few minor gashes, a lot of blood around his broken skull, a sack at his side, and a small pendant clutched in a rotted hand.
<Seira> The corpse is made to let go the pendant, and she examines it first before turning her attention to the man's sack, seeking some proof of his identity.
* Loligoth|Sleeping (~draomir@63-231-186-94.mpls.qwest.net) has joined #dunes
> It's a very simple pendant. A tiny glittering piece of golden amber is in the center. It's pretty.
<Shamal> "I suppose this must be Roald's father..." Shamal muses sadly, looking over the cadaver to try and estimate how long it's been here for.
<Shamal> roll 1d20+7
<Reikobot> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+7 --> 1,0[ 1d20=19 ]12,0{26}
<Seira> The boys or their mother might recognize it. Seira pockets the pendant, and proceeds to search the sack.
* Loligoth|Sleeping is now known as Hotaru
> Inside the sack is are three glass vials and some coins. While two of the vials are broken, one is intact. It's of an airy blue/white liquid. Besides that, you find 19 GP and 3 SP in the old pouch.
* Hotaru is now known as Lyselle_Armasea
* Olorin (~Khazad-du@d1-209.rb.vcr.centurytel.net) Quit (atarians.dejatoons.net betamax.dejatoons.net)
* Lyselle (~draomir@63-231-186-94.mpls.qwest.net) Quit (atarians.dejatoons.net betamax.dejatoons.net)
* Lyselle (~draomir@63-231-186-94.mpls.qwest.net) has joined #dunes
* scifi-classics.dejatoons.net sets mode: +ao Lyselle Lyselle
* ChanServ sets mode: +ao Lyselle_Armasea Lyselle_Armasea
* Lyselle (~draomir@63-231-186-94.mpls.qwest.net) Quit (NickServ (GHOST command used by Lyselle_Armasea))
* Olorin (~Khazad-du@d1-209.rb.vcr.centurytel.net) has joined #dunes
* Seira pockets the intact vial, and stores the money in a separate pouch. "There is no need to take back all this broken glass," she tells Shamal, before examining the man's clothes.
> He wears splint mail. Beyond that there's a bit of cloth underpadding, but it's foul and rotted. Besides, his weapon, armor, pouch with money and potion and pendant, that seems to be all that's on him.
<Shamal> "Indeed," Shamal nods, "Though we should at least give him a proper burial, I think, even if taking the body back to Balmuria may be impractical."
<Seira> "Let's take him back with us," Seira says, done with her search. "If his family can identify him by his pendant, and what he wore when he left, they could bury him."
<Berlioz> roll 1d20+1
<Reikobot> 1,0Berlioz rolled :1,0 1d20+1 --> 1,0[ 1d20=13 ]12,0{14}
<Lyselle_Armasea> roll 1d20+1
<Reikobot> 1,0Lyselle_Armasea rolled :1,0 1d20+1 --> 1,0[ 1d20=12 ]12,0{13}
* Berlioz raises an eyebrow and turns back. "What is this noise...? Seems to come from the passage..."
<Seira> "You have heard of Resurrection, haven't you, Shamal?" Seira asks the blonde. "If this is indeed the baker, we could negotiate with his family and the Countess for her to receive the land in exchange of financing the spell."
* Lyselle_Armasea turns, frowning and turning around, moving to block the passage with her shield and ready her mace to attack the first thing she sees...
<Shamal> "It won't be easy, given the terrain here, but we might be able to use a stretcher or something..." Shamal agrees after a moment's thought. She then glances sidelong at Seira, "I have heard of such spells, and know that they cannot be purchased for any amount of coin."
<Seira> "She holds quite an influence," Seira counters. "It is not outside the realm of possible."
> Lyselle and  Berlioz see several sparks in the passage. Behind them are at least half a dozen lizards, sparkling with electricity. They're still a bit away, though.
* Shamal shakes her head. "Such spells are at the whim of the Gods to bestow. Forgive me, but I do not think the self proclaimed Countess' influence extends that far."
<Seira> "It extends enough for her to get a cleric powerful enough to make the attempt, I believe."
<Lyselle_Armasea> "Shamal! Seira! We have a problem with a large number of lizards!" Lyselle calls, wincing.
<Berlioz> "... oh, for the crying mercy of... we have undesired company", Berlioz mutters.
<Seira> "This will have to wait, then," Seira grimaces, and draws her bow once more, turning to look at the entrance.
<Shamal> "I-" Shamal cuts off her reply at Lyselle's words, deciding to worry about it later and instead rushing back to join the others!
* Seira follows at the speed her harness allows.
> OOC - Initiativerize,  Ithink.
<Lyselle_Armasea> roll 1d20+2
<Berlioz> roll 1d20+1
<Reikobot> 1,0Lyselle_Armasea rolled :1,0 1d20+2 --> 1,0[ 1d20=2 ]12,0{4}
<Reikobot> 1,0Berlioz rolled :1,0 1d20+1 --> 1,0[ 1d20=13 ]12,0{14}
> roll 1d20+6 herd initiative
<Reikobot> 1,0Kotono rolled :1,0 1d20+6 1,0herd initiative --> 1,0[ 1d20=8 ]12,0{14}
<Seira> roll 1d20+4
<Reikobot> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d20+4 --> 1,0[ 1d20=17 ]12,0{21}
<Shamal> roll 1d20+2 Shamal
<Reikobot> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+2 1,0Shamal --> 1,0[ 1d20=14 ]12,0{16}
<Shamal> roll 1d20+2 Rin
<Reikobot> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+2 1,0Rin --> 1,0[ 1d20=4 ]12,0{6}
> Seira>Shamal>Lizard pack=Berlioz>Rin>Lyselle
<Seira> A pair of arrows seek out the head of the pack!
<Seira> roll 1d20+2
<Reikobot> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d20+2 --> 1,0[ 1d20=15 ]12,0{17}
<Seira> roll 1d20+2
<Reikobot> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d20+2 --> 1,0[ 1d20=13 ]12,0{15}
> OOC - First hit.
<Seira> roll 1d8
<Reikobot> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d8 --> 1,0[ 1d8=4 ]12,0{4}
> From long range two arrows fly, one finding the mark in the side of the first small lizard! It makes a little cute hissing sound, the shot felt good! OOC - Shamal.
<Shamal> Skidding to a halt alongside the others, Shamal prepares her spell, giving the others a quick explanation. "I'm going to create an illusion of a cave in - it's not real. Just keep telling yourself that and you should be able to see through it," she tells them, not worrying about the possibility of giving her plan away.
<Shamal> If they speak common she'll be very surprised. Putting action to words, her spell causes several large illusory rocks to come down and block the passage between them and the lizards, filling it completely!
> The rocks fall! You don't see the lizards for a moment, until your eyes adapt and see past the shdowy illusion! The lizards stop, sniffing at the rocks and seeming to be puzzled, before starting to fall back!
> OOC - Berlioz is up, as is Rin, then Lyselle.
<Shamal> Rin remains loyally by her mistress' side.
* Berlioz aims for the pack's leader, faithfully shooting!
<Berlioz> roll 1d20+4
<Reikobot> 1,0Berlioz rolled :1,0 1d20+4 --> 1,0[ 1d20=7 ]12,0{11}
> The arrow hits nothing in particular past the rocks! You note the lizards are kinda skittering around in no order! OOC - Blond eOne.
<Lyselle_Armasea> Lyselle shoots another arrow after Berli's, trying to hit the lead lizard!
<Lyselle_Armasea> roll 1d20+5
<Reikobot> 1,0Lyselle_Armasea rolled :1,0 1d20+5 --> 1,0[ 1d20=5 ]12,0{10}
> Again a miss! Both fail to ge tany offense in through the illusion! - Seira.
* Seira advances towards them, refusing to let the beasts go without a parting shot.
<Seira> roll 1d20+6
<Reikobot> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d20+6 --> 1,0[ 1d20=3 ]12,0{9}
> This parting shot has the misfortune to miss! OOC - Holding concentration, Shamal?
* Shamal keeps her focus on maintaining the spell. Considering their poor luck at shooting the little buggers with the element of surprise, if they get swarmed they'll probably die...
> With this the lizards flow apart, fall back into the passage and out of sight.
> OOC - Free action for now.
* Seira approaches the illusion, and frowns. "I'll get them back," she offers, before asking Lyselle to help remove her armor.
<Lyselle_Armasea> "Why do you want to be out of armor?" Lyselle asks curiously, though indulging the half-blood.
<Shamal> "Okay... I can keep this up for some time," Shamal nods, keeping her concentration on maintaining the illusion.
<Seira> "It doesn't help much against the lizards, and I feel freer without it," Seira responds. "Shamal, you still have that goblin jar?"
<Shamal> "Yes, here it is," Shamal reaches into her pack and hands it over to Seira. "Be careful you don't catch a whiff if you open it, though," she cautions.
* Seira accepts it and casts a spell that summons the now-familiar whirlwinds about her ankles. She then picks up her bow and shield, moving as stealthily as she can through the illusion and into the darkness of the corridor.
<Seira> roll 1d20+10 hide~
<Reikobot> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d20+10 1,0hide~ --> 1,0[ 1d20=14 ]12,0{24}
<Seira> roll 1d20+10 move silently~
<Reikobot> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d20+10 1,0move silently~ --> 1,0[ 1d20=3 ]12,0{13}
> Seira heads into the pitch black corridor! It's indeed quite dark, soon a challenge even for her elven eyes. But on the good side, the lizards aren't here, either. They seem to have fallen back a ways, the hole in the wall a bit ahead.
<Seira> Confident in her enhanced speed, Seira proceeds further into the tunnel, attempting to catch up to the lizards.
> It is very dark ahead. You catch up with the lizards as they are going back into that hole, starting to flee. It is very dark, however, and you can barely seen in front of your face. You -think- the lizards are going in there, but all you see are slightly darker shadows moving in the night.
> You canhear some noise from them, moving and a few hissing tongue flicks.
<Seira> Seira remains in her spot, crouching silently, and observes the movement of the shadows.
> roll 1d20+4
<Reikobot> 1,0Kotono rolled :1,0 1d20+4 --> 1,0[ 1d20=2 ]12,0{6}
> The lizards seem to be maybe moving into the hole at a solid clip, retreating. You think, anyway. You can also hear the lonely howl of the wind now...
* Seira will wait until the lizards have gone, and then return back towards the others, slowly and carefully at first and faster once she is far enough that they would not hear her.
> OOC - Okay, move silently again just to be sure.
<Seira> roll 1d20+10
<Reikobot> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d20+10 --> 1,0[ 1d20=18 ]12,0{28}
> Seira returns down the corridor as much as she wants...OOC - Ball's in your court at the moment.
<Seira> "Shamal," she whispers, "the creatures have returned to that small hole. If we move silently, and without our torches, we may be able to pass by them and retreat."
<Shamal> "Is there anything nearby you might be able to block the hole with?" Shamal asks. "If at all possible I think I would like to be able to take the body back to Balmuria for a proper burial."
<Lyselle_Armasea> "Uh...lit and burning torch, fire keeps animals at bay, and that's a small hole," Lyselle offers.
<Seira> "No," Seira responds. "But I can position myself nearby, and if your movement summons them again, use the jar to cover your advance and, perhaps, scare them off."
<Shamal> "Lyselle just made an excellent suggestion," Shamal tells Seira. "For all that they have horrible electric powers, those lizards are still just animals. And the hole is a small one. A lit torch placed in it should deter them from coming out."
<Seira> "I'll try it," Seira agrees, and returns all the way to pick up said torch.
* Shamal hands the non-magical torch over. "Can someone see about dragging that body back here?" she asks Berlioz and Lyselle, "I'd like to maintain the illusion as long as possible in case it's still needed."
<Lyselle_Armasea> "Sure," Lyselle nods, gesturing for Berli to help her with more muscle work.
* Berlioz sighs and folds back, following Lyselle. "Might as well."
<Seira> "We'll know soon enough whether this works," she offers, and darts back to the opening, using her full speed without regard for stealth this time around, and hoping the hole goes quite a ways.
> roll 1d20+4
<Reikobot> 1,0Kotono rolled :1,0 1d20+4 --> 1,0[ 1d20=7 ]12,0{11}
> Seira reaches the hole! She can hear skittering noises in it, but she acn't see anything there. Not yet, the torch making it easy with plentiful light. Meanwhile, Berlioz and Lyselle get a body!
* Seira arranges the torch to nicely be in the center of the opening, a foot inside, and retreats thirty more feet as soon as she is done, bow now held at the ready.
> Oh, you hea rnoises alright. Faster ones and hisses, but soon they dim away entirely. You don't see a single lizard come out, either!
* Seira waits until her magically-imbued speed runs out, standing perfectly still and listening intently.
> OOC - Hearing check-o!
<Seira> roll 1d20+3 listen!
<Reikobot> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d20+3 1,0listen! --> 1,0[ 1d20=3 ]12,0{6}
> All Seira hears is silence.
<Seira> roll 1d20+3 listen! Again!
<Reikobot> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d20+3 1,0listen! Again! --> 1,0[ 1d20=20 ]12,0{23}
> All Seira hears is silence.
<Seira> Satisfied with the sounds of silence, Seira returns to Message distance and signals for Shamal to proceed.
<Shamal> "Okay, I think we're clear," Shamal smiles, dropping her spell and lighting the way with Lyselle's torch as the other two drag their corpse out of the cave.
> This goes without incident. The party reaches the hole and still sees nothing. Ahead are the gusting winds, past that the exit.
<Seira> Undaunted with her misadventures this day, Seira continues to be the vanguard, staying some thirty feet ahead of the rest, and keeping to the shadows whenever possible as she proceeds towards the exit.
* Shamal wastes little time in departing the cave. "I think I'd rather take my chances with the weather than camp in a cave filled with those lizards," she admits to her friends.
* Seira agrees, and remembering her earlier words activates her magical sight with a few chosen words, glancing at the magical winds intently.
<Seira> roll 1d20+5
<Reikobot> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d20+5 --> 1,0[ 1d20=2 ]12,0{7}
* Berlioz awkwardly smirks. "You're hardly alone in this. Resting with a corpse would be rather inconvenient to boot."
> Seira does not figure out anything more about the winds.
* Seira shakes her head in disappointment. "Shamal, what do you suppose this is?" she asks, withdrawing the potion she found in the man's possession.
<Shamal> "Hm?" Shamal takes the potion from Seira, giving it a little shake before she unstoppers it and sniffs.
<Shamal> roll 1d20+11
<Reikobot> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+11 --> 1,0[ 1d20=19 ]12,0{30}
> Shamal divines that it is a Potion of Jump.
<Shamal> "It's a potion that mimics the Jump spell," she tells Seira, replacing the cap and handing it back. "Anyway, let's see about making a stretcher for the body so we don't have to manhandle it all the way back to Balmuria..."
* Seira nods, and places it away.

[Anastasia]

> The next four days start sleeting, but soon moderates into a slow trip home in the sun. Warmer winds blow off the bay, soothing you as you get closer to home. Soon the gates of Balmuria welcome you home, guards saluting as you pass. Home, safe and sound!
* Seira glances at Shamal. "We may as well go and bring that family the bad news?"
<Shamal> "You know, it's terribly gauche to drag a body through the streets, even if we have wrapped it up," Shamal notes. "Let's leave it at my place until we ascertain his identity and then the family can take him to the church of whatever God he worshipped for a proper burial?"
* Seira nods. "We know enough now to match a description. It sounds like a good plan."
<Shamal> After making a detour which also leaves Rin and Flopsy at home, the party then make their way to the bakery to deliver their grim tidings!
> It's strange. As the party walks up the hill, everything is sunny and happy. Seagulls fly overhead, sunlight shines down. People walk upt o the bakery, the smells to die for. Hell, even to redie for if there was a zombie in the party. A perfect scene as you get to the tip-top of the hill.
<Seira> Not for long! Seira seeks out one of the owners.
> Inside ar ethe two boys and mother. Roald is found carrying a rack of bread out of the oven, whistling to himself. But he stops when he sees Seira enter, a glance turning into a long, measured look.
* Seira steps inside, approaches Roald and asks bluntly, "May we talk?"
* Shamal hangs back a bit, letting Seira field this.
> He nods wordlessly, putting the bread down. "Hey...!" His mother calls, bossily glaring at him, but Roald just walks outside.
<Seira> "I'm sorry," Seira apologizes, "but I must ask you. What was your father wearing when he left? How was he equipped?"
> There's a long pause at this, the young man bowing his darker skinned head as he closes his eyes. "So those are your friends," he says, glancing at Lyselle and Berlioz. "I don't really want to talk about it unless they were invovled..."
<Seira> "They were," she confirms.
> "A warhammer and..I think the name for it is splintmail?" Roald looks at each of them, hesitant.
* Shamal does her best not to give anything away in spite of the confirmation, leaving it to Seira to break the news.
<Seira> "How about this?" she asks, withdrawing the amulet she found on the man's body.
> "...no, I've never seen that before in my life." Roald says in surprise, "Wait...does that mean you found something? Butthat's not something I saw my father with."
* Seira frowns. "We did find something," she says, placing the trinklet away. "A man who had been slain inside the cave. I'm sorry. I know I mentioned hope before, but it seems your father perished."
> "..." Roald visibly winces, looking stung before he quickly turns away. "...thank you. I'll get my mother - where's the body. She needs to see that."
<Seira> "He had this on him," Seira continues, handing over a small pouch. "Some money and a potion. There were two more, but the containers broke into useless shards."
<Shamal> "The body is at my house outside the city," Shamal volunteers quietly. "We didn't want to bring him all the way here without knowing."
> "Dad's Potions. A friend gavet hem to him. One could make him jump like a cricket, one would heal wounds, and one would make him as strong as a bull." A long, breathy pause, "Just...bring him here, I'll tell Mom and...just bring him here, you don't have to see this."
<Seira> "You still have your brother and mother with you," Seira tells Roald, "and they have you. Don't forget that."
> "..yeah." The young man shakes a little, heading inside quickly.
* Lyselle just sighs a little, retreating from the scene without a word towards her quarters. She didn't need to relive more of that, as a spectator or participant.
* Shamal sighs as he departs, before turning to head back home herself. "If nothing else, at least they have closure..." she murmurs.
> The body is brought without fanfare to a now empied bakery. The wails of grief are strong, family spending time alone. But within an hour Roald comes out to the now empty front of the bakery, looking at Shamal and Seira. "Thank you." he says simply, red eyed and slumped.
* Shamal shakes her head softly. "Don't thank us. I'm sorry we could not give better news," she replies sadly.
<Seira> "We're sorry," Seira repeats simply, echoing Shamal.
> "Thank you for bringing him and his posessions." Roald carries a bag with him, a heavy one. "If the cave...got Father, I know it had to be dangerous, and so does my Mother. Here. It's a lot, but I think we're going to come into some money soon." Roald smiles, faint. "That pendant's in there, too. Mom has no idea what it is, so...and the potion. No need for it for us. Also, once we find out way, if there is ever anything we can do to help you...or heck, if we open another bakery...
<Shamal> "Please," Shamal shakes her head, "This is more than enough. You owe us nothing," she insists.
<Seira> "I extend you the same offer," Seira tells Roald, trapping his gaze with her own. "If you ever need anything, contact me."
> "I will, and take it. You've done us something we can never pay you back for." Roald insists, pushing the sack forward. "It's 200 gold coins in there. It's a lot."
<Shamal> "That's more than we make in a year," Shamal nods as she takes the sack. Of course, extra-curricular activities supplement their meagre salary quite nicely. "I hope you and your family find some peace now, at least."
> "Yeah, thanks." Roald turns, "Tell the other two thank you as well."

--

> After a day of needed rest and recovery, Seira heads to Countess Stronger's abode. Amid a sunny garden of white and red roses she comes to the door, this place q uiet and secluded away from the brashness of Balmuria's main bustle.
* Seira walks up to the front door, knocks, and waits patiently.
> It doesn't take long, etherial chimes heard as you knock on the door. Countess Stronger opens it, wearing a jaunty red dress and a big grin. "Well now! You're either very good or very lucky, aren't you?"
<Seira> "I'm very determined," Seira responds firmly.
> "So you are! Just an hour ago one of the baker's sons came by and said they wanted to talk about selling!" So she leans back, stretching, "I didn't think you'd be that serious, half elf. NOt only are you serious, but you're effective. How'd you do it?"
<Seira> "Something had to be stopping the family from selling," Seira responds. "Take that out of the equation, and...."
> "Yes!" Stronger dances just a little, elated, "Come in, come in! Let's talk about this some more."
* Seira nods politely, accepting the invitation.
> INside you go! To a surprisingly bland sitting room, save for paintings of red - roses, sunsets, so forth. You sit in a comfortable chair, the Countess sitting next to you. "I just say, I have to admit I'm surprised you were so quick and effective! I had hoped you might proved to be a passable toady, but maybe you'll be better than that!"
<Seira> "I'll certainly give it my all," Seira vows.
> "Well now..." The Countess leans back, "I'm most impressed. I'm not sure you're worthy of being an apprentice right now, but I can't say you don't deserve some reward to keep you occupied while I begin to establish my shop. Tell me, what do you seek?"
<Seira> "Knowledge and inner strength," Seira responds after a moment's thought.
> "Alright. That's not a bad thing to say. I think I have something that you can take and look at." The Countess rises, glancing over to a table where a teapot sits. "Help yourself, I'll be a couple."
> "Oh!" The Countess also stops, "Wasn't there supposed to be a second fo you? Whatever happend to that?"
<Seira> "She's very shy," Seira says, flushing ever-so-slightly. "I'll try to convince her to come some other time, if that is alright with you."
> "Yes." The Countess leaves the room after this, stretching and giving Seira some time alone in the room.
* Seira helps herself to some tea as she is left alone.
> It's about a half hour of time. Plenty of time to enjoy some good tea and relax - when the Countess returns, she carries a few wrapped scrolls in her arms. "Knowledge," she passes one to the elf girl, "Inner strength," she passes the second, one left, "And the last simply because I'm impressed."
<Seira> "Thank you," Seira responds, accepting the scrolls. "I will return when I am strong enough to be an acceptable apprentice, then." She pauses, before adding, "If there is anything you might need done, please contact me at the barracks."
> "Oh, I will." Stronger kicks back in a chair, "It's so rare to find someone magical like you, willing and competent at once. Good work."
<Seira> "Thank you, Countess," she repeats.