Heart of Darkness

[Dracos]

Aug 14 18:39:32 <Kotono>   After talking around, the possessed wind-girl and the goliath go do more mundane things. In particular, shopping, bartering and selling. The man before you sits behind an old, waxed wooden desk. His elbows are propped on it, a handlebar mustache well kept and upward. He has skin as dark blue as ocean water and colder than ice. He taps his finger as you enter, "You have recovered lucre and artifacts to sell, hm? Do go on and tell me about what you have to convert to coin and gem."
Aug 14 18:43:30 <Mari>   "Oh, we've got all sorts of stuff," Mari says. "Plundered from a dead castle locked in eternal winter on the plane of ice. It was colder than, uh...well, even colder than it is here!"
Aug 14 18:44:29 <Kotono>   "I see." Giving Mari a once over with a monocled eye, pausing to sit back in a creaky wooden chair lined with ice, "Go on, tell me about them."
Aug 14 18:46:02 <Kamvakua>   "Indeed, we have," Kamvakua had learned, mainly from watching others that the marketplace could be a dangerous place to listen, and a good place to talk.  Especially when dealing with bored merchants, they simply made their fun of adventurers sometimes.  "We traveled far into the plane of cold and retrieves treasures lost long ago, forgotten by man and god it seemed, left guarded by those who'd long since lost any purpose but to slay those who came near.  Rare in a sense by virtue of being the last possessions of that kingdom and its guardians, we might be able to part with some of it though. Such as this bell," Kamvakua raised it, "It calls a servant to take care of your needs."  He was still a bit rough, but hey, he could speak confidently at least.
Aug 14 18:47:26 <Kotono>   "Let me see it," The merchant gestures to Kamvakua, "How much do you want for it?"
Aug 14 18:50:36 *   Kamvakua produces from a deep back the silvery bell, clearly something of an old style that would not seem out of place from a kingdom.  He rung it simply, "Bring the bell to that man to see," He waited for the servant to carry it to him.  "And 4000 gp, would be sensible, given where it came from.  You'd probably easily find a buyer for such a convenient tool."
Aug 14 18:56:24 <Kotono>   The man gets the bell! He rings it again, another servant appearing. He snorts, white mist surrounding his face, "BALDERDASH! This is a Bell of Servant Summoning! I've seen a dozen in my career and I can tell you it's not worth 4000 gold! How about..." He gives Kamvakua a long eye, "650?"
Aug 14 19:00:29 *   Kamvakua leans forward, "And how many of those do you have right now, available to sell to someone?  More the less, you know just as well that you will be able to turn around for a good deal more than average with labeling it exactly what it is, an antique magic item from a far away land.  2000 gp."
Aug 14 19:01:17 <Kotono>   "Hmph." He crosses his arms and and glares at Kamvakua, "Good sir, I will perhaps purchase it for...875 gold coins. Perhaps."
Aug 14 19:01:26 <Mari>   "Yeah, we went through a lot to find this thing. How many other people are going to have artifacts to seel from the Icedrop Mandala? It's got a tragic past and everything!"
Aug 14 19:03:16 <Kamvakua>   "This sounds like a man who really doesn't want the rest of the business we have," He stood up, lifting up the large bag of things.  "I'm sure any of the other merchants would be glad to be able to put on a nice collection of things, priced well for travelers seeking a bit of legend."
Aug 14 19:04:49 <Kotono>   OOC: Make a bluff check, one of you, and the other assists?
Aug 14 19:05:10 <Mari>   roll 1d20+14 sure, I have ranks in that
Aug 14 19:05:11 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Mari rolls 1d20+14 sure, I have ranks in that and gets 19." [1d20=5]
Aug 14 19:05:23 <Kamvakua>   roll 1d20+4 assist
Aug 14 19:05:23 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Kamvakua rolls 1d20+4 assist and gets 19." [1d20=15]
Aug 14 19:05:58 <Kotono>   The man rubs his hands together and hmphs, "...1120 and that's as high as I'm going," he says, "You're virtually robbing me blind, but I'll pay it."
Aug 14 19:06:40 <Mari>   "Sounds good to me. You won't regret it, trust me! We've got lots more stuff here..."
Aug 14 19:07:05 <Kotono>   "Show me what's next," The man gestures, "It had better be worth the robbery of that bell!"
Aug 14 19:08:47 <Kamvakua>   "What do you think, Mari?  Ah, I see...well, hard to disagree with the lady," He eyed the man, pulling out a spear next.  "This is something that is of most value in a land like this, a spear that has stood guard over the icy palace in the hand of its mighty defender for centuries," He demonstrated it in hands.  "When struck with vigor, it freezes the wounds it makes, chilling the blood up around and preventing it from healing."
Aug 14 19:10:41 <Kotono>   Adjusting his monocle the blue skinned man takes a gaze at the spear. "Baatorian smithing. Canian work no less, probably from the Frozen Forges of Mephistopheles." A chill passes through the room at that utterance, one that leaves your bones feeling heavy and brittle. "How much do you want for it?"
Aug 14 19:12:58 <Kamvakua>   "Four Thousand," Kamvakua again started high, recognizing that this was part of the strategy from watching others in the past, the man would take their gold from them with a smile belittling it all the while if he was offered a fair rate right at the beginning.
Aug 14 19:14:12 <Kotono>   Now he sits back, steepling his fingers together, "You do understand that selling Baatorian goods can be...frowned on in Air? Reselling it will be a delicate affair."
Aug 14 19:16:00 <Mari>   "Sure, but you have to understand what we went through to get this. We struck down a bound devil and his servants--it wasn't easy and we were lucky to all walk away from it. Besides, if you have to be...circumspect in selling it, that only means you'll end up selling it for more! I know how those things work."
Aug 14 19:16:47 <Kamvakua>   "True, true...I wouldn't want to leave you with something you couldn't sell.  But if you waited for the right customer...it would be worth at least twice as much for someone heading into the plane of cold directly...someone who might be leaving for there immediately and need protection.  2500, to be fair to the man having patience."
Aug 14 19:17:09 <Kotono>   OOC: Roll bluff again.
Aug 14 19:17:39 <Mari>   roll 1d20+14
Aug 14 19:17:40 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Mari rolls 1d20+14 and gets 22." [1d20=8]
Aug 14 19:17:48 <Kamvakua>   roll 1d20+4
Aug 14 19:17:50 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Kamvakua rolls 1d20+4 and gets 24." [1d20=20]
Aug 14 19:17:55 <Kamvakua>   OOC: Assist me Mari :P
Aug 14 19:18:06 <Kotono>   "....hmph." The merchant eyes the both of them before he at last nods. "Very well."
Aug 14 19:23:14 *   Mari digs around in the endless bag o' stuff until she retrieves the magic boots found in the plane of ice. "These, now...these are indispensable for anyone traveling on to the plane of ice. It's only a matter of time before some foolhardy adventurers come in here with more coin than sense. And when that happens, well, bam! You make back the four thousand gold we want for 'em in no time."
Aug 14 19:28:53 <Kotono>   "I know how much these sell for," With a shake of his head, slamming his hands down, "Young lady, do you think you can give me a snow job on such a basic item? I can go to any source here and get a pair of those boots for no more than 1000 gold coins!"
Aug 14 19:30:46 <Kamvakua>   "Mari, Mari," Kamvakua shook his head.  "Now, we looked around before coming here...while she was exaggerating, So are you.  Not a single merchant is selling them that cheaply."
Aug 14 19:35:00 *   Kamvakua eyed the man calmly, simply waiting to hear if he would admit such.
Aug 14 19:35:59 <Kotono>   OOC: Make a bluff check, Mari? Kam can assist?
Aug 14 19:36:29 <Mari>   roll 1d20+14 Kam stop rolling higher than I do!
Aug 14 19:36:31 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Mari rolls 1d20+14 Kam stop rolling higher than I do! and gets 16." [1d20=2]
Aug 14 19:37:19 <Kamvakua>   roll 1d20+4 Kam has been to other merchants, he knows they don't sell for 1000
Aug 14 19:37:21 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Kamvakua rolls 1d20+4 Kam has been to other merchants, he knows they don't sell for 1000 and gets 11." [1d20=7]
Aug 14 19:38:19 <Kotono>   "No." He says that firmly, "Then you just don't know where to look, my friends. Four thousand gold is robbery most obscene."
Aug 14 19:40:07 <Kamvakua>   "I agree, and apologize," Kamvakua said calmly.  "I would though appreciate knowing where you find boots that are 1000 gp...if there is such a place here practically giving them away for such, I will sell you these for that...if not though, 1500, which if I remember should still net you a handy profit."
Aug 14 19:41:32 <Kamvakua>   OOC: Sense motive if he is bluffing/lying? :) *offers as an idea*
Aug 14 19:43:52 <Kotono>   OOC: Sure, go for it.
Aug 14 19:44:24 <Kamvakua>   roll 1d20+12 Sense Motive, Mari, aid me :)
Aug 14 19:44:25 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Kamvakua rolls 1d20+12 Sense Motive, Mari, aid me :) and gets 16." [1d20=4]
Aug 14 19:45:02 <Kotono>   OOC: I don't think ou can aid on sense motive.
Aug 14 19:45:55 <Mari>   roll 1d20+12 maybe Mari has a better eye here?
Aug 14 19:45:56 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Mari rolls 1d20+12 maybe Mari has a better eye here? and gets 16." [1d20=4]
Aug 14 19:46:30 <Kotono>   Neither of you can get a read on him at all. He's too good and hiding it.
Aug 14 19:46:51 *   Kamvakua waits for his answer then.
Aug 14 19:48:08 *   Mari shifts a little, uncomfortably, as she waits for him to make his decision.
Aug 14 19:48:17 <Kotono>   "Try the Oragen Dawn," The man says at last, "1000 then."
Aug 14 19:51:36 <Kamvakua>   "Fair enough," Kamvakua handed them over. "Where is that anyway?" He smiled, taking it in good stride.  "Mari, how about that jewelry we found in queen's chambers?"  He pulled out a gem-studded hairbrush, a lovely silver butterfly hairclip, a gold choker, a gold pendant, and a blue-ice necklace, gently and carefully laying them out on the table.  "Seven thousand five hundred for the set together."
Aug 14 19:53:42 <Mari>   roll 1d20+7+4
Aug 14 19:53:42 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Mari rolls 1d20+7+4 and gets 31." [1d20=20]
Aug 14 19:55:39 <Mari>   "Sure," Mari says, just a tad unsteadily for a split-second. "We found these in the royal quarters in the frozen quarter. What beautiful ice-maiden once wore them to fancy balls and royal functions? Who wouldn't want to shell out for a piece of that reflected glory?"
Aug 14 19:57:56 <Kotono>   He examines each, taking some time, "Hmm...4900," he counter-offers!
Aug 14 20:01:48 *   Kamvakua leans over, "Look at her, I had to talk her out of keeping these for herself.  Do you know what I'll have to hear if I let these go for such a low amount?  6,500," Kamvakua schooled his face in a strained look, his honest visage not too practiced in it at all.  "I'm letting you have them for the least I can manage at that and still argue it was for the best."
Aug 14 20:01:52 <Kamvakua>   roll 1d20+4 bluff
Aug 14 20:01:54 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Kamvakua rolls 1d20+4 bluff  and gets 14." [1d20=10]
Aug 14 20:02:04 <Kotono>   OOC: Bluff as well Mari, sure.
Aug 14 20:02:21 <Mari>   "He's right, think how great those would look on me! It's a sacrifice to hand 'em over, you know."
Aug 14 20:02:24 <Mari>   roll 1d20+12
Aug 14 20:02:26 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Mari rolls 1d20+12 and gets 18." [1d20=6]
Aug 14 20:03:22 <Kotono>   That gets a long grunt, "5500," he counter offers once more!
Aug 14 20:04:37 <Kamvakua>   "5650," Kamvakua leaned back, "and they are yours, agreed?"
Aug 14 20:05:26 <Kotono>   "...fine." He concludes at last, "So be it."
Aug 14 20:07:18 <Kamvakua>   "Agreed.  Mmm," Kamvakua lifted the remaining flower scented perfume.  "This is a fine enough perfume, with scents that remind of the flowers of arborea.  25 gp."  Kamvakua offered it pretty much at worth.
Aug 14 20:08:17 <Kotono>   The merchant holds his hands up, "I don't buy perfume," he sniffles, "Can't stand it. Put it away before I start sneezing like a fool!"
Aug 14 20:09:17 <Kamvakua>   "Ah, my apologies," He put it away.
Aug 14 20:09:29 <Kotono>   Rubbing his blue nose quickly, "Anything else you're to sell?"
Aug 14 20:12:25 <Kamvakua>   "These are some truly ..unique jewels, though not to my taste," Kamvakua brought out the set of soul tears.  "They are the frozen tears of regret, the icy yet beautiful remains of those who fell beneath the palace.  A thousand gp for the set."
Aug 14 20:14:27 <Mari>   "Sad mementos of the castle's fate," Mari says. "It's denizens crushed by the fearsome tyrant Cyronax, their souls tied to the site of their demise for time immemorial...a sad reminder of ambition thwarted."
Aug 14 20:15:26 <Kotono>   After some thought he grunts, "Fine, I know those tears and they're damned rare."
Aug 14 20:16:30 <Mari>   "Mmf." Mari winces and rubs her forehead, briefly, then seems to return her attention to the task at hand.
Aug 14 20:20:43 <Mari>   roll 1d20+7+8
Aug 14 20:20:43 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Mari rolls 1d20+7+8 and gets 23." [1d20=8]
Aug 14 20:21:20 *   Kamvakua eyes Mari, deciding to wrap up, she probably could use her rest for her fight with that creature within, gently patting her shoulder and send murmuring a protection from evil chant quietly.  "Mmm, well, how about one last thing, the lady seems like she could use some rest, but you surely wouldn't want to let us walk off without taking a look over this," Kamvakua lifted out the large ice ax, "Forged by the native ice giants of the plane, it is sharp of blade, enchanted to cut well and to freeze away those it cuts, perfect for both those going to air or those continuing to plane of cold, the culture of hunting and war suffused within it from its forging.  I could let it go for 9,000 gp."
Aug 14 20:22:35 <Kotono>   With a momentarily amused smile, "I trade with the frost giants that pass through. You're a fine barterer, and the hour grows late. I'll offer you 7500 for it."
Aug 14 20:24:06 *   Mari coughs a little, fakes a brief fit of such and uses it as an excuse to turn away from both the men, wiping away a scattering of tears once they can't see her face.
Aug 14 20:24:45 <Kamvakua>   "Fine," He smiled.  "You are as well.  It was a pleasure," He handed it over, accepting the bid.
Aug 14 20:25:41 <Kotono>   "Then we're done," He nods, money and goods changing hands! OOC: Ready to move along a little bit?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Aug 14 19:27:48 <Kotono>   Calariel is found lingering in Shivra. She has the same inn room, reading a different book in it's taproom as Nikkolai finds her. She is an image of otherworldly, perfect grace even as she reads. An aura of restful serenity enaminates from her. Sereval patrons seem to keep glancing at her, one or two simply enthralled.
Aug 14 19:31:47 *   Nikkolai grins in a slightly goofy manner as he eyes his beloved. He walks softly up to her table and stands before her. "May I ask what book you're reading, madam? It has been some time since I've been able to sit down and enjoy a good read." Nikkolai grins slightly, pleased with his little joke.
Aug 14 19:35:39 <Kotono>   "The migration of just souls from the mortal coil into Eternity," Her voice is very soft as she answers, "Your soul has grown since we were last together. I sense the faintest touch of eternity around you."
Aug 14 19:38:22 *   Nikkolai sighs in a slightly forlorn manner, seeing that his little joke had been passed over for more weightier matters. "Well, I would say that being a complete fool concerning a certain matter with a wizard had something to do with it." He motioned slightly, and the chair opposite Calariel pulled itself out, allowing him to be seated in an easy manner.
Aug 14 19:43:38 <Kotono>   Calariel's answer is one of gentleness, "I know." She smiles nonetheless, "Your eyes shine with gained wisdom. I would say it is not a mistake you will make again?"
Aug 14 19:45:35 <Nikkolai>   "I should say not." He takes a deep breath and leans forward. "I'm glad to see you here still, Calariel. I know we had agreed on parting no more than several days ago...but one of my companions--my friends," he corrected himself, "is in mortal danger."
Aug 14 19:46:13 <Kotono>   She leans forward as well, her voice eliminating the world save to the two of you, "What has happened?"
Aug 14 19:46:37 <Nikkolai>   "Maris soul is in great peril. She's slowly turning into a Yugoloth and I fear that little time is left for us to travel to someone who can help eliminate this stain upon her." Nikkolai replies grimly.
Aug 14 19:50:25 <Kotono>   "Yes...I can smell the lies of a Yugoloth around you." Gently speaking now, Calariel's eyes shine with glorious fire. "It is not my place to eliminate the deeds and the necessity of goodness in others, yet Mari's situation is grave."
Aug 14 19:51:44 <Nikkolai>   "I'm not asking for a miracle, beloved...but any help you could possibly give us, even something as simple as a portal to Arborea or someone who can help her would be most appreciated."
Aug 14 19:53:12 <Kotono>   "I can help." Calariel says, "But it will not be a simple spell that liberates the pain in her soul." Her vision fixes onto Nikkolai, "I will enable you to face the evil within her, but it will be akin to all of you to oppose it."
Aug 14 19:54:49 <Nikkolai>   "We will do it." Nikkolai replies without hesitation. "Mari would no doubt do the same for us if we needed it. I'll not leave her to suffer a fate worse than death."
Aug 14 19:56:08 <Kotono>   That gets a nod, "I will need a second and third. Adail and Yulia can fill those rolls," Going on from there, "And I fear Knight may not be able to partake of the spell because of it's particulars. It will lie on you, Mari and Kamvakua."
Aug 14 19:57:29 <Nikkolai>   "Very well. How soon can we perform this spell? I believe I speak for all of us when I say that the sooner, the better."
Aug 14 19:59:26 <Kotono>   "Seven hours from now," Calariel rises, "Three hours before the spell you, Mari and Kamvakua will need to imbibe a special potion. The ingredients are simple and it can be made by anyone, but they do cost a little bit of money. Each dose costs roughly 70 gold coins a piece. Can you gather them in sale and prepare the potions?"
Aug 14 20:00:48 *   Nikkolai also rises. "I can. It should be no problem at all. Is there anything else I need to procure or do?"
Aug 14 20:02:53 <Kotono>   You get a list of ingredients, "In four hours - three hours before the ceremony, the three of you must consume that potion. When it is time, come to my room. I will fetch Adail and Yulia in the meanwhile to aid my preparations."
Aug 14 20:05:28 *   Nikkolai nods. "...you have my deepest, most sincere thanks, beloved. Without your help, I fear to think what Mari could have succumbed to." Nikkolai gives the solar beauty a courtly bow. "We shall be in your room at the time agreed upon."
Aug 14 20:06:18 <Kotono>   "Prepare yourself well. All the weight of this will lie on your shoulders," She bids, "If all of you fail, Mari may be lost to the light forever more."
Aug 14 20:08:23 <Nikkolai>   "I have faith in myself and the others. We shall save her...or die trying." Nikkolai replies, voice brimming with determination.
Aug 14 20:09:56 <Kotono>   "Go," Calariel says, and with a smile, "On your victory all will celebrate."
Aug 14 20:12:54 *   Nikkolai gives Calariel a boyish grin. "I do hope that you'll celebrate with us. I've yet to dance a merry jig with a beautiful woman. I think you'd dance quite well!" Nikkolai departs the inn, giving some of the patrons a smug grin on his way out. That's right, boys. She's *mine*. Anyone who looks at her funny will have *me* to deal with.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Aug 14 20:26:49 <Kotono>   The two head back to the inn. As they rest there, Nikkolai comes on them...OOC: Go ahead.
Aug 14 20:28:01 *   Nikkolai hails Kamvakua and Mari before they head inside. "Mari! I have wonderful news. My Calariel has agreed to help you with your little infestation problem."
Aug 14 20:29:44 <Mari>   Mari seems a little distant, her reactions a bit delayed. "Huh? Oh...how?"
Aug 14 20:30:37 <Kamvakua>   "That is fantastic news, Nikkolai.  How soon?  And are you alright, Mari?  You seemed to be having trouble with it in there."
Aug 14 20:31:23 *   Mari shakes her head. "I'm okay. Don't worry about it."
Aug 14 20:32:22 <Nikkolai>   "I'm not entirely sure...but it seems she has a spell that will allow all of us to aid you in defeating the evil within." Nikkolai takes Mari by the shoulder, patting it encouragingly. "We need to procure some ingredients for a potion; one dose for myself, Kamvakua, and Mari. Adail and Yulia will aid Calariel in casting the spell. Knight will have to sit this one out, I'm afraid."
Aug 14 20:32:53 <Kamvakua>   "What more did she say?  We best be prepared as best as possible."
Aug 14 20:32:54 <Nikkolai>   "There's not a moment to lose! We have seven hours to track some ingredients down and brew them properly before we ingest it."
Aug 14 20:32:54 <Mari>   "Why's that?" Mari wonders.
Aug 14 20:34:58 <Nikkolai>   "She didn't say. Something about the particulars of the spell. I assume that it has to do with Knight's state of being." Nikkolai also shrugged at Kam's question. "I know not. Solars seem to have a habit of not explaining themselves very well. They also have this unfortunate habit of knowing *everything*. Dashed unfair on the man in the relationship, I say."
Aug 14 20:36:16 <Mari>   "Relationship? Huh, like you'd know anything about those," Mari says, though her heart doesn't sound in it this time. She has her coat drawn tight around her, trying to escape something more than the ever-present cold.
Aug 14 20:38:18 *   Nikkolai notices Mari trying to ward away a chill of some sort. "Yes well, I remind you once again, which one of us is single?" There is little into his reply as well. "Go inside where it's warm, Mari. If Kamvakua wishes to join me, we'll procure the ingredients and set about brewing them."
Aug 14 20:39:30 *   Mari stares at the floor. "Shut up, Nik. Or next time I see Calariel I tell her all about how you were bragging about her to make me feel bad."
Aug 14 20:39:53 <Kamvakua>   "I'd prefer to keep an eye on Mari...if you think you can handle that yourself, Nikkolai," The concern for the girl was clear in his voice.
Aug 14 20:41:48 *   Nikkolai sighs, patting the girl on the shoulder once more. "Now I *know* you're really feeling bad when you let my feeble jibes bite you. Yes, Kam. Keep her company." Nikkolai makes an about face and dives back into the streets, calling over his shoulder. "Chin up, girl. We'll have you back to your old self in no time!:
Aug 14 20:41:50 <Nikkolai>   "
Aug 14 20:43:12 <Kamvakua>   "Keep safe, Nikkolai and godspeed," Kamvakua waved, "shall we head to the inn and hopefully get you a proper meal before all this?"
Aug 14 20:45:08 <Mari>   "Y-yeah, let's go." Mari doesn't watch Nik leave.
Aug 14 20:46:56 *   Kamvakua wraps an arm gently around her, his cloak covering her warmly as he lead back to the inn, opening the way and looking for an open table away from others, since then Mari wouldn't have to worry about behaving strangely.
Aug 14 20:50:44 *   Mari drifts along with Kam, silent.
Aug 14 20:51:24 <Kotono>   Four hours pass. For Kamvakua it's slow, for Nikkolai it's busy. For Mari it's in a haze of her own torment...but the time does pass. Nikkolai prepares the brew - it's a thick, green potion, cold but not frozen. It's the color of pea soup when it's all done.
Aug 14 20:53:49 <Mari>   "So...what do we do?" Mari wonders, huddled in her seat, looking pathetic and small. "Just drink it, or is there like a ritual and stuff, or...what?"
Aug 14 20:55:01 *   Nikkolai gives Kamvakua and Mari a beaker of the potion each. "Bottoms up. Once we drink, we're to meet Calariel in her rooms. Calariel, Adail, and Yulia will then perform the spell. And from there?" Nikkolai trails off, slightly unsure. "I trust Calariel with my life. And I would trust her with yours."
Aug 14 20:55:24 *   Nikkolai quickly downs his own potion, wincing slightly at the thick consistency.
Aug 14 20:56:04 *   Mari watches Nik for a moment. "Well, he's not dead or anything yet, so..." She sniffs the potion cautiously, tries drinking it.
Aug 14 20:56:12 <Kamvakua>   "Shouldn't we go there first?" Kamvakua blinked in surprise at the sudden drinking.
Aug 14 20:57:09 <Nikkolai>   "She said specifically that we were to drink first before arriving at her rooms."
Aug 14 20:57:14 *   Kamvakua lifts his and drinks it down.  All or nothing, suppose.  "Let's go."
Aug 14 20:57:31 <Kotono>   The potions taste of cold swamp water and cinnamon, overwhelming your moth with the strange one - two combination. You feel detached, calmed, reserved. You feel in control, but yet there is a distance from your bodies. OOC: You each gain a +2 bonus to will saves but a -4 to initiative until further notice.
Aug 14 20:58:23 *   Nikkolai rises from their table, heading towards the door. "Indeed. Let us go."
Aug 14 20:58:54 *   Mari stands up, just a bit shaky as she does so. "Right."
Aug 14 20:59:48 *   Kamvakua nods, and simply sits there for a moment, despite having decided to go.  As they reach the door, he hurriedly gets up, following and joining them with swift strides.
Aug 14 21:01:28 <Kotono>   The walk is a slow one. You're there but you're not, drifting within your bodies. You arrive at Calariel's room now. The entire room has been converted to a magic circle. Yulia and Adail work on it and chant in Celestial, calling on the names of the Five Companions. Here Calariel is in her full glory. Before you she hovers. Her body is awash in fire, wearing it akin to Knight's armor. Six wings
Aug 14 21:01:28 <Kotono>   of pure white come from her back, each one's feathers engraved with a single letter of Celestial. In one hand she carries a sword of flame, in the other is an orb of countless eyes, spinning amid each other forever. Her face as bright as the noon sun, obscuring her features. Seven white diamonds orbit her forehead, refracting rays of light from her forehead, refracting rays of light from her
Aug 14 21:01:29 <Kotono>   face down to her body, where they burst into flame-armor.
Aug 14 21:03:36 *   Nikkolai still feels a small amount of awe bleeding through the calmness induced by the potion. "Beautiful." He murmurs quietly. "There is no more greater sight to my eyes than simply looking upon her. Mari, Kamvakua, this is Calariel. My beloved."
Aug 14 21:05:18 *   Kamvakua closes his eyes to avoid blinding, trusting the light of good to guide his body.  The blindsense blessing of bahamut didn't hurt either for making sure he did not walk into walls.  "It is a blessing," Kamvakua continued in Celestial, "Your kindness is as an ocean, and as the sun above it will be long before we can truly give thanks enough for such help."
Aug 14 21:05:34 *   Mari blinks, shields her eyes, fights the urge to kneel (or whap Nikkolai). "Yeah, she's...impressive," Mari grudgingly admits. More than that, Mari feels very normal and drab in the presence of such a creature, but she can only give Nik so much ground even now.
Aug 14 21:07:12 <Kotono>   "Go within the center of the circle," Calariel says, her voice like the trumpets of the heavens above leading a battle-charge. "The only thanks I ask is that you save Mari's soul. What lies ahead will be a trial, where you must confront the rot within Mari and defeat it. Should you fail...MAri may be lost to us all. Should you fall...you will perish there, your soul flying to whatever realm has
Aug 14 21:07:12 <Kotono>   claim to it."
Aug 14 21:08:17 <Kamvakua>   "We will persevere, for Mari we can do no less," Kamvakua stepped into the circle.
Aug 14 21:08:32 *   Nikkolai holds out a hand to Mari. "Come. Have no fear. Your friends will aid you, even unto the very end. I know the others feel the same as I do."
Aug 14 21:11:09 <Mari>   "Yeah, I know." Mari steps into the circle on her own. She can hardly say no to a presence such as this.
Aug 14 21:11:46 <Kotono>   As yous tep forward, lines of light rise up from the circle! Closer and closer to the center you go, each step bathing you in radiance! Then you step into the center...reality crumbles around you! (More)
Aug 14 21:12:20 <Kotono>   The three of you stand on an island. A sandy island perhaps fifty feet in diameter, roughly circular. It stands in a bright blue sky with white clouds all about. The winds blow constantly, changing direction at a moment's notice.
Aug 14 21:13:31 *   Nikkolai blinks, eying his surroundings with some surprise. "Well. This isn't precisely the rot I had imagined existed in your soul. This clime is...rather pleasant, actually."
Aug 14 21:14:34 *   Mari looks around, takes a deep breath. "This isn't so bad, yeah."
Aug 14 21:14:50 <Kamvakua>   "Are you alright, Mari?" Kamvakua stood up on the island, looking around on guard, just because it was peaceful was no reason to let down his guard.
Aug 14 21:15:38 <Mari>   "Yeah, I think so. It's...it's nice here." Mari walks over towards the edge of the island, taking a look to see what's around it.
Aug 14 21:16:10 *   Nikkolai follows at a sedate pace, idly toeing the water, seeing if it was warm enough to walk in.
Aug 14 21:17:12 <Kotono>   As you watch, the fluffy white clouds swirl together! As if they were cream being whipped together. They shape innocently into beautiful images. Images of Mari taking a young, crying girl by the hair and smacking her. Another is Mari, abusing Nikkolai, violating him in ways most foul. Another making Knight kneel to her, bloodied and broken! A fourth is dragging the limpid, beaten young girl along, kicking and screaming at her. Mari's voice whispers, "I can't lie to myself...I can't resist...Look at me! Look at what I want!"
Aug 14 21:18:16 <Kamvakua>   "This is likely the outer edge...have you been putting up with that for all this time, Mari?  These images, twisting your thoughts?"
Aug 14 21:19:39 <Mari>   "That's not me!" Mari points at the images accusingly. "I already told you, I don't want any of that and I don't want to see it any more--especially for Ami! You don't even deserve to say her name!"
Aug 14 21:19:39 *   Nikkolai looks on calmly. "I can see that this...influence has been taxing. No doubt it thinks it is very clever in twisting your thoughts and feelings against you in a such a manner."
Aug 14 21:21:03 <Kotono>   "No...it is me. My hands drip with blood...murder, rape, abuse, greed." Mari's face appears in the images, twisted but utterly, chillingly serene! "That's what I am. That's why the Yugoloth is growing in me."
Aug 14 21:21:24 <Kamvakua>   "We're here with you Mari, we won't be confused or fooled.  We've traveled with you far, and I know who you are," Kamvakua eyed the island. "Let's go inward, the true corruption is likely deep inside," Kamvakua headed toward the center of the island, or tried to anyway.
Aug 14 21:23:13 *   Nikkolai addresses the shape in the sky. "Mari is not this shameful, foul thing I see before me. No man or woman is entirely devoid of darkness, just as no man or woman is entirely devoid of light. Mari is kind and has done nothing to show me otherwise. *You* are the one attempting to change her into something she's not."
Aug 14 21:23:26 <Mari>   "I never did any of those things!" Mari's yelling at the sky more than her friends. "I only ever killed people when they tried to kill me! Or my friends! Or--look, those are just the sick things YOU want me to do!"
Aug 14 21:25:15 <Kotono>   Ahead is the center of the sandy island. It is not defended. You see nothing as you take a step forward, but all can hear the cry. The cry of a young girl, "Sis...sister! Stop!" Images flash ahead - horrible things, things done to a girl that should never be done...OOC: Make will saves all.
Aug 14 21:25:43 <Nikkolai>   roll 1d20+14+2
Aug 14 21:25:44 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Nikkolai rolls 1d20+14+2 and gets 30." [1d20=14]
Aug 14 21:26:00 <Mari>   roll 1d20+7 the bonus here cancels out my current penalty
Aug 14 21:26:00 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Mari rolls 1d20+7 the bonus here cancels out my current penalty and gets 8." [1d20=1]
Aug 14 21:27:06 <Kamvakua>   roll 1d20+10+2  (enchantment protection may apply?  Dunno)
Aug 14 21:27:08 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Kamvakua rolls 1d20+10+2 (enchantment protection may apply? Dunno) and gets 25." [1d20=13]
Aug 14 21:28:47 <Kotono>   Ahead, the images fade. In the center of the island is a slender, vastly tall oak tree! Held up against the tree is Mari. She is nude, her body full of rotted deposits of writhing, wet, skeletal maggots. Wrapped around her body and keeping her pinned to the tree is a great big black serpent. It's head hisses, nestled against Mari's right ear.
Aug 14 21:29:38 *   Kamvakua glances back at where Mari was a moment ago near his side.
Aug 14 21:29:47 <Kotono>   Mari is still there. There seem to be two Maris.
Aug 14 21:32:16 <Nikkolai>   "So. It is unsurprising that such foulness should take the form of a serpent." Nikkolai says grimly.
Aug 14 21:33:05 <Mari>   Mari...looks calmer, her breathing steady and even, her expression colder and harder than before. "Hmph. I never much liked snakes."
Aug 14 21:33:50 <Nikkolai>   "Shall we kill it? I hear fried snake is delicious." Nikkolai sneers in the snake's direction.
Aug 14 21:34:19 <Kotono>   The snake utters the exact same words as Mari as she speaks. The pinned Mari's face grows calmer as well. Then from the snake's mouth and your Mari's mouth, "Kill me? I am power, I am the key to transcend your fate as a wiggling soul larvae...your friends would cast you below as they cast the others they disdain down!"
Aug 14 21:35:10 <Kamvakua>   "Don't lose yourself Nikkolai, nor you Mari.  It likely will feed on your hatred and pain and only be stronger.  Your spirit belong flying in the winds above, not listening to it," Kamvakua insisted, trying to plead with her.  He worried that in such a state the creature could cause her to lose herself in hatred.
Aug 14 21:37:48 <Nikkolai>   "She will reject you, demon." Nikkolai replies calmly. "You do not need to hate the thorn that is in your foot. You merely remove it and continue on."
Aug 14 21:38:43 *   Mari looks from Kam to the snake to the other her. "That's not...that's not going to be my end. There are as many fates out there as there are stars, and that won't be mine! But I don't have to...to listen to you to avoid that, do I? There are other ways! I'm sure there are. I'll find them and my friends will help me out. They have ever since I met them!"
Aug 14 21:40:05 <Kamvakua>   "You are never truly alone, I will stand beside ye, Mari," Kamvakua agreed, glaring at the snake fearsomely.
Aug 14 21:41:56 <Kotono>   The snake's voice utters the same words! Then Mari utters with it, "Why fight it? It is your fate...you are damned, no matter what they do. Embrace your destiny on the Styx. I will show you what your friends have wrought..." Images appear, images of Nikkolai and MAri arguing, of Mari listening to Adail and rolling her eyes, of...of Kamvakua and Mari walking together, laughing. Of Knight and
Aug 14 21:41:56 <Kotono>   Mari, shopping for gemstones. You see Nikkolai and Mari, Nikkolai offering his hand out as Mari clung to herself. You see Adail on Mari's shoulder, the two laughing and chatting with Yulia. "This is...!?"
Aug 14 21:45:04 *   Kamvakua slides closer as the images come, seeing about getting close enough to dash to the creature and tear it free from whispering in the fake Mari's ear.
Aug 14 21:45:13 <Mari>   "Yeah, so? What's wrong with all of this! Okay, so I don't agree with everyone about everything, and sometimes Nik says something stupid at the worst time, but that's just how people are."
Aug 14 21:46:12 <Mari>   roll 1d20+7+2 no more penalty
Aug 14 21:46:13 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Mari rolls 1d20+7+2 no more penalty and gets 13." [1d20=4]
Aug 14 21:47:07 <Kotono>   Yet Mari and the snake speak as one, "No matter...your friendship cannot sever this bond! Strike me down and Mari dies with me!" The snake hisses, "There is only one fate, the one waiting for Mari and her damnation!"
Aug 14 21:48:28 <Kamvakua>   "That is never the case," Kamvakua thundered suddenly at such.  "Even in the darkest night, there is more than one path.  Mari has had the courage to stride along the abyss and will face worse things than you in her time.  She will tear you off her spirit herself!"
Aug 14 21:49:07 <Nikkolai>   "No. There is not. There is only your destruction and Mari's freedom." Nikkolai says grimly, arms folded.
Aug 14 21:51:20 <Kamvakua>   "We each have the freedom to go our own way at any time.  It is one thing that even the foulest devils cannot truly take from you.  Mari has taken steps down your path...but she can turn around, as much as you declare there is only the way down, Yugoloth."
Aug 14 21:52:58 <Mari>   "But, but...what if it's right? If it's part of my soul now, and there's no throwing it out? If I died, then I'd be, I'd go to...I mean the only way to avoid that would be to never die, or...No. No! It doesn't matter. As long as I'm alive, I choose what I want to be."
Aug 14 21:55:32 <Kamvakua>   "Mari, remember when Ogremoch wrapped his chains around my soul?  It is the nature of evil to lie in such a way as to make their path seem the only one, their truth the truth.  In doing this, they place chains around the heart and mind more powerful than any spell.  Disbelieve.  Reject.  Deny.  Your soul is yours and yours alone.  There is only one Mari, and that," He pointed, "Is not it."
Aug 14 21:56:51 <Mari>   "Yeah, I know," Mari says quietly. "I know, it's just hard."
Aug 14 21:56:57 <Kotono>   OOC: Make another will save, MAri?
Aug 14 21:57:54 <Kamvakua>   "Good is rarely easy," Kamvakua smiled back at her, encouragingly.  "Fighting for yourself, even less so.  But you are not alone.  You can win."
Aug 14 21:57:55 <Mari>   roll 1d20+7+2
Aug 14 21:57:55 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Mari rolls 1d20+7+2 and gets 29." [1d20=20]
Aug 14 21:58:00 <Nikkolai>   "When has doing the right thing ever been easy, Mari?" Nikkolai says.
Aug 14 21:59:17 <Kotono>   The snake's hissing stops! For a moment there is a SNAP! Now the snake speaks only in it's own voice, "You cannot escapeee!" It hisses, tongue flicking out, "Your will is futile!" A growing darkness begins to surround the snake! OOC: Roll init.
Aug 14 21:59:52 <Nikkolai>   roll 1d20+4+5
Aug 14 21:59:52 <Mari>   roll 1d20+9-4 penalties, blah
Aug 14 21:59:52 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Nikkolai rolls 1d20+4+5 and gets 27." [1d20=18]
Aug 14 21:59:53 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Mari rolls 1d20+9-4 penalties, blah and gets 17." [1d20=12]
Aug 14 22:00:09 <Kotono>   roll 1d20+9
Aug 14 22:00:10 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+9 and gets 16." [1d20=7]
Aug 14 22:00:12 <Kamvakua>   roll 1d20+2-4
Aug 14 22:00:14 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Kamvakua rolls 1d20+2-4 and gets 15." [1d20=17]
Aug 14 22:00:29 *   Kotono has changed the topic to: Nikkolai(27)>Mari(17)>Mariloth(16)>Kamvakua(15)
Aug 14 22:00:38 <Kotono>   OOC: Open Nikkolai.
Aug 14 22:01:45 <Nikkolai>   An orb of electricity crackles in Nikkolai's hand. With a look of utter contempt on his face, he sends it flying at the snake!
Aug 14 22:01:50 <Nikkolai>   roll 1d20+9 TA
Aug 14 22:01:50 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Nikkolai rolls 1d20+9 TA and gets 11." [1d20=2]
Aug 14 22:01:57 <Kotono>   OOC: HAtebotted.
Aug 14 22:02:34 <Kotono>   The orb is aimed well, but the snake is just a little too fast for it! He fires quickly, but it whizzes by the snake and the second Mari! OOC: Mari, go.
Aug 14 22:04:43 <Mari>   "Just like a fiend, you always have to have things you way. Well, I'm gonna make you work for it! If you want me, come and get me!" Mari draws her swords, but holds her ground, preparing for the creature's assault, a swirling of winds kicking up the sand around her. (OOC: full defense, AD, amulet charge)
Aug 14 22:06:22 <Kotono>   The sky above turns black and churns! In them you see it again, terrible images of Mari doing horrible things...but you can see the edges twist, images of friends and happiness intruding! OOC: Will save all, +4 bonus.
Aug 14 22:06:38 <Mari>   roll 1d20+7+2+4
Aug 14 22:06:39 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Mari rolls 1d20+7+2+4 and gets 33." [1d20=20]
Aug 14 22:07:54 <Nikkolai>   roll1d20+14+2+4
Aug 14 22:07:57 <Kamvakua>   roll 1d20+10+2+4
Aug 14 22:07:58 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Kamvakua rolls 1d20+10+2+4 and gets 21." [1d20=5]
Aug 14 22:08:13 <Nikkolai>   roll 1d20+14+2+4
Aug 14 22:08:14 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Nikkolai rolls 1d20+14+2+4 and gets 32." [1d20=12]
Aug 14 22:08:42 <Kotono>   But with your hearts strong, the images are nothing more than noise! In fury the snake lifts it's head up, spitting a foul black venom at Kamvakua! OOC: Will save, Kam.
Aug 14 22:09:04 <Kamvakua>   roll 1d20+10+2 Can't wait to rage
Aug 14 22:09:05 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Kamvakua rolls 1d20+10+2 Can't wait to rage and gets 31." [1d20=19]
Aug 14 22:09:22 <Kotono>   For a moment all goes dark for Kamvakua, but it passes away quickly! OOC: Kam, go.
Aug 14 22:10:46 *   Kamvakua roars intensely, his holy spear lifting up as he thundered toward the dark snake, magic wrapping around him protectively as he sought to strike it off of the fake mari image.  OOC: Charge, Battle Blessing: Eagle's Splendor.  Raging.
Aug 14 22:10:53 <Kamvakua>   roll 1d20+26 intimidate bit to make it shaken
Aug 14 22:10:54 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Kamvakua rolls 1d20+26 intimidate bit to make it shaken and gets 35." [1d20=9]
Aug 14 22:11:37 <Kamvakua>   roll 1d20+17+2+2+4 Smite Evil
Aug 14 22:11:38 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Kamvakua rolls 1d20+17+2+2+4 Smite Evil and gets 42." [1d20=17]
Aug 14 22:12:47 <Kotono>   OOC: Which ability is the intimidate, by the way?
Aug 14 22:12:55 <Kotono>   OOC: That's a hit on the attack roll, though, any which way.
Aug 14 22:14:01 <Kamvakua>   roll 3d6+17+2d6+2d6 (Charge, Holy)
Aug 14 22:14:03 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Kamvakua rolls 3d6+17+2d6+2d6 (Charge, Holy) and gets 38." [3d6=1, 5, 3][2d6=1, 1][2d6=4, 6]
Aug 14 22:15:09 <Kotono>   Kamvakua's mighty blow slams into the coiled snake! A part of it's black body is torn, leaking not a single drop of blood! Instead miseries pour forth! Images of Mari crying, of the fear inside of her, of Mari transforming into a sleek black thing and poling a barge along a black river! OOC: Nikkolia, go.
Aug 14 22:16:56 *   Nikkolai snarls wordlessly, again summoning an orb of electricity and trying to fry the serpent from the inside out!
Aug 14 22:17:01 <Nikkolai>   roll 1d20+9 TA
Aug 14 22:17:02 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Nikkolai rolls 1d20+9 TA and gets 15." [1d20=6]
Aug 14 22:18:03 <Kotono>   OOC: Hit.
Aug 14 22:18:31 <Nikkolai>   roll 10d6 damage, make fort save. If less than 21, entangled.
Aug 14 22:18:32 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Nikkolai rolls 10d6 damage, make fort save. If less than 21, entangled. and gets 38." [10d6=6, 3, 3, 3, 3, 5, 2, 2, 6, 5]
Aug 14 22:18:49 <Kotono>   roll 1d20+8
Aug 14 22:18:50 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 16." [1d20=8]
Aug 14 22:19:13 <Kotono>   Lightning wraps around the snake, entangling it even tighter to the fake Mari! It thrashes about, dazed a moment! OOC: Mari.
Aug 14 22:21:23 <Mari>   "No more playing games with my head! If you want to go to the Styx so bad, I'll send you there myself!" Mari rushes in to stand opposite Kam and hack away at the snake circling her other self.
Aug 14 22:21:43 <Mari>   roll 1d20+12+2+4 flanking/SoS
Aug 14 22:21:44 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Mari rolls 1d20+12+2+4 flanking/SoS and gets 36." [1d20=18]
Aug 14 22:22:07 <Kotono>   OOC: Hit.
Aug 14 22:22:07 <Mari>   roll 1d6+2+5d6+4+1 surely a hit
Aug 14 22:22:08 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Mari rolls 1d6+2+5d6+4+1 surely a hit and gets 28." [1d6=3][5d6=4, 6, 2, 3, 3]
Aug 14 22:23:04 <Kotono>   The serpent's head is thrust into! No memories come forth, but it speaks even as impaled, "Mother...damn you...! But I still have one...!"
Aug 14 22:23:09 <Kotono>   roll 1d20+5 concentration
Aug 14 22:23:10 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 concentration and gets 14." [1d20=9]
Aug 14 22:23:23 <Kotono>   OOC: It just triggered AoOs from Kam and Mari, if you wanna take them.
Aug 14 22:23:38 <Mari>   roll 1d20+12+2+4 goddamn right I do
Aug 14 22:23:39 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Mari rolls 1d20+12+2+4 goddamn right I do and gets 22." [1d20=4]
Aug 14 22:24:33 <Kamvakua>   roll 1d20+17+2+2 I am an AoO machinel
Aug 14 22:24:35 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Kamvakua rolls 1d20+17+2+2 I am an AoO machinel and gets 22." [1d20=1]
Aug 14 22:26:57 <Kotono>   Neither can hit, but at the same time, the willpower of the serpent is contrained! The lightning around him holds him, nothing happening! OOC: Kam.
Aug 14 22:28:30 *   Kamvakua looks at it and then over it at Mari, delaying a moment, "Slay your tormentor and free yourself, Mari!" OOC: Delaying to the 17th tick. :)
Aug 14 22:29:26 <Kotono>   OOC: Okay. NIk, go.
Aug 14 22:31:08 *   Nikkolai holds his ground, letting Mari takecare of the serpent.
Aug 14 22:32:46 <Kotono>   OOC: MAri, go.
Aug 14 22:33:31 <Mari>   "Die already!" Mari cries before slashing wildly at the fiend. "Die and slink back to whatever hell unborn horrors rot in!"
Aug 14 22:33:36 <Mari>   roll 1d20+18
Aug 14 22:33:37 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Mari rolls 1d20+18 and gets 37." [1d20=19]
Aug 14 22:33:39 <Mari>   roll 1d20+14
Aug 14 22:33:39 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Mari rolls 1d20+14 and gets 22." [1d20=8]
Aug 14 22:33:42 <Mari>   roll 1d20+13
Aug 14 22:33:42 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Mari rolls 1d20+13 and gets 27." [1d20=14]
Aug 14 22:33:44 <Mari>   roll 1d20+9
Aug 14 22:33:45 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Mari rolls 1d20+9 and gets 23." [1d20=14]
Aug 14 22:33:53 <Mari>   roll 1d20+18 crit confirm
Aug 14 22:33:53 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Mari rolls 1d20+18 crit confirm and gets 35." [1d20=17]
Aug 14 22:34:54 <Kotono>   OOC: A hit and a crit.
Aug 14 22:35:11 <Mari>   roll 1d6+2+5d6+4+1 hit
Aug 14 22:35:12 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Mari rolls 1d6+2+5d6+4+1 hit and gets 29." [1d6=2][5d6=3, 5, 4, 6, 2]
Aug 14 22:35:18 <Mari>   roll 2d6+4+5d6+4+1 crit
Aug 14 22:35:18 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Mari rolls 2d6+4+5d6+4+1 crit and gets 36." [2d6=6, 2][5d6=5, 3, 3, 5, 3]
Aug 14 22:37:11 <Kotono>   Under this assault, Mari slices in! The center of the snake is cut awtain, letting it fall from the other Mari's body! That Mari crumbles away into dust, leaving only the snake writhing on the ground! It howls, "I am you...the truth!" But it's voice grows lesser, crumbling away as well! It leaves behind nothing, the skies growing bright again!
Aug 14 22:37:13 <Kotono>   OOC: Free act.
Aug 14 22:38:30 *   Mari pants, kicks through the dust and sand at her feet. It's gone? Everything's over? It's hard to believe.
Aug 14 22:40:03 <Mari>   "Grngh." Mari clutches her stomach suddenly, dropping to her knees. "Ah!" she gasps in pain. "What--?"
Aug 14 22:40:14 <Kamvakua>   "You are the master of your own soul, no one else," Kamvakua smiled with relief...which quickly turned to worry, "Mari?!"
Aug 14 22:41:03 <Kotono>   Mari's tail slides into her body! Smooth flesh replaces it, the hole gone! A few moments later, Mari vomits up pure black bile, a bile that eats through the sand for a good half-foot before hissing away into black steam! OOC: Make a fortitude save and a will save, Mari?
Aug 14 22:41:46 <Mari>   roll 1d20+8+2 fort
Aug 14 22:41:47 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Mari rolls 1d20+8+2 fort and gets 22." [1d20=12]
Aug 14 22:41:51 <Mari>   roll 1d20+7+2 will
Aug 14 22:41:52 <Hatbot>   
ACTION --> "Mari rolls 1d20+7+2 will and gets 21." [1d20=12]
Aug 14 22:46:23 *   Mari spends a long, unpleasant moment on all fours, pouring out the vileness until she retches...but when it's over, unexpected relief. She feels clear and clean as the blue skies around her, for the first time in weeks. "I'm alright," she says with a smile. "I'm myself. don't worry."