012. Wayland dies and gets resurrected.

[Corwin]

[19:00] <Kotono> ------------------------------------
[19:00] <Kotono> Thus the party gathers together! It is six, Andrea, Wayland, Janson, Aaeru, Noel and Branna. They begin to travel out under the warmth of the summer sun...(More)
[19:00] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[19:00] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 83." [1d100=83]
[19:01] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[19:01] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 97." [1d100=97]
[19:04] <Kotono> It's just past noon. The sky is starting to get cloudy as you head south. The ground begins to pick up with the hills of the outer end of the Galkass Mountains. As you go atop one...OOC: Make spot, all?
[19:05] <Andria> roll d20+2
[19:05] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d20+2 and gets 5." [d20=3]
[19:05] <Andria> ooc: ...hatebot.
[19:05] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4 N
[19:05] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4 B
[19:05] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 N and gets 20." [1d20=16]
[19:05] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 B and gets 6." [1d20=2]
[19:05] <Janson> roll 1d20+6
[19:05] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20+6 and gets 10." [1d20=4]
[19:05] <Wayland> roll 1d20+3
[19:05] * Hatbot --> "Wayland rolls 1d20+3 and gets 15." [1d20=12]
[19:06] <Aaeru> roll 1d20+5
[19:06] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d20+5 and gets 7." [1d20=2]
[19:08] <Kotono> It happens to be Wayland who glances up at the right time.  It's a casual thing, something he might do a dozen times a day while on the trail. But this time...far above he can see it. A huge thing, gigantic! It's hundreds of feet up and is flying over, a shadow abruptly cast over the group! It has great wings and the body of a lizard, all the color of hard beaten gold.
[19:09] * Wayland points up! "What in the hells is that?"
[19:09] * Janson looks up as soon as the shadow passes over them, gaping momentarily at what he sees...
[19:09] <Janson> roll 1d20+9 arcana if it's a dragon?
[19:09] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20+9 arcana if it's a dragon? and gets 14." [1d20=5]
[19:09] * Aaeru looks up, gasping in surprise.
[19:10] <Janson> "A gold dragon... Goddess!" Janson gasps, watching it go. "Never thought I'd ever see one of those..."
[19:11] <Andria> "A golden dragon? What's it doing way out here in Balmuria? Don't dragons just sleep in caves or something?" Andrea comments with shock as she also stares at the creature with amazement.
[19:11] <Kotono> "Shiiiit!" Branna gasps as he stares up, frozen solid! The dragon soars above, the shadow going past you for several moments before the sun returns. It's flying to the northwest, roughly.
[19:13] <Janson> "There's bound to be tons of caves in these mountains. Maybe it's flying to those mountains way over there to meet another dragon?" Janson points to the northwest horizon, dotted with the mountains of Armasea.
[19:14] * Aaeru is content to stare silently at the distant dragon.
[19:14] * Wayland folds his arms. "Never seen one before, myself."
[19:15] <Andria> "Well I guess there are a lot of caves in the nearby mountains, but I always just expected it to have dwarves, not -dragons- of all things," Andrea says as she keeps watching the dragon while it's visible.
[19:15] <Janson> "Something to tell your grandkids about?" Janson suggests to Wayland, likewise content to watch until the dragon has vanished into the sky before resuming their hike.
[19:16] <Kotono> "There used to be a blue dragon down in the Galkass Mountains, years and years ago. Back when the Guard was first formed," Noel speaks up, "Dad always told me about how he saw that blue dragon up close."
[19:16] <Wayland> "Hang on," says Wayland, looking off into the distance. "I think I see something..."
[19:17] <Wayland> Wayland starts wandering to the northwest.
[19:18] <Janson> "See what?" Janson asks the obvious question.
[19:18] <Wayland> "I think the dragon dropped something."
[19:19] <Aaeru> "Dropped... something?"
[19:19] <Kotono> "Like when a birdshit hits your shoulder?" Noel starts to follow.
[19:19] <Andria> "...that's a terrible mental image, thank you, Noel," Andrea says with a shudder. "If that's the case, I hope nothing was below...whatever it dropped."
[19:20] <Janson> "Dragons are smart, it wouldn't drop anything it didn't want to drop. I doubt it's treasure," Janson mutters, nonetheless accepting a momentary diversion.
[19:20] <Wayland> "I saw something sparkle and fall from the dragon as it flew away. About a hundred feet from here or so." Wayland says before shooting a strange look at Noel.
[19:20] <Kotono> OOC: Go ahead and make spot or search Wayland? Whichever is better.
[19:20] <Aaeru> "So you want to find whatever it is and return it?"
[19:20] <Wayland> roll 1d20+3
[19:20] * Hatbot --> "Wayland rolls 1d20+3 and gets 12." [1d20=9]
[19:21] <Kotono> Wayland and the party head north, looking around. He doesn't find anything immediately, though.
[19:21] <Wayland> "Well, perhaps. If dragons don't drop things by accident, then perhaps it was meant for us..."
[19:21] * Aaeru can't quite argue with that logic.
[19:22] <Janson> "Seems a bit of a stretch," Janson muses, but nonetheless helps Wayland in looking around the vicinity.
[19:22] <Janson> roll 1d20+7 searchan
[19:22] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20+7 searchan and gets 10." [1d20=3]
[19:22] <Andria> "I dunno, it didn't drop it very near us. Maybe it was distracting us from meeting with our hiding Gweonryn, knowing we'd be curious!" Andrea exclaims before shrugging. "It's a thought?"
[19:23] <Kotono> OOC: Anyone else want to search and/or spot?
[19:23] <Andria> ooc: pass
[19:23] <Aaeru> roll 1d20+5 spotting to help!
[19:23] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d20+5 spotting to help! and gets 17." [1d20=12]
[19:23] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4 the goons will spot at least.
[19:23] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 the goons will spot at least. and gets 17." [1d20=13]
[19:23] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4 the goons will spot at least.
[19:23] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 the goons will spot at least. and gets 20." [1d20=16]
[19:24] <Kotono> The party looks around! At first it's nothing, then Branna calls, "Hey! I think I found it!" He calls, going besides a rock and kneeling down.
[19:24] * Wayland heads over toward Branna. "What is it?"
[19:26] <Kotono> Branna holds it up. It's about a foot and a half long and a foot wide. It looks like thin beaten gold, yet with a scaly texture. It catches the light as Branna holds it up, reflecting it about brightly.
[19:26] <Aaeru> "A scale?"
[19:27] <Wayland> "Wow, it's really big." Says Wayland, clearly impressed.
[19:28] <Janson> "Must've been shedding," Janson looks back towards where the dragon vanished. "I think dragons never stop growing, so they're always losing their old scales and growing in new bigger ones. Makes a really nice ornament, though..." he looks at the scale approvingly.
[19:28] <Aaeru> "Well, it's safe to say the dragon wouldn't be wanting it back," Aaeru says, her interest in the find lessening considerably thus. "Let's keep going?"
[19:28] <Andria> "So it's basically an overgrown snake after all then..." Andrea notes. "Although I think dragon scales are worth more than a snake's shed skin at least."
[19:29] <Kotono> "So what do we do with it?" Branna asks, "Keep it?"
[19:29] * Wayland nods. "Yeah, we'll hang onto it. Maybe we can make something useful from it."
[19:29] <Andria> "Maybe Josa can use it for some potion if nothing else," Andrea says with a shrug.
[19:30] <Janson> "Put it up in the shop window? People might be curious and come in just to hear about our encounter with a gold dragon, drum up business that way," Janson suggests, starting to head back on their previous path.
[19:30] <Andria> "Hrm...golden dragon scale candy!" Andrea mutters under her breath, thinking about it.
[19:30] <Kotono> Branna taps the scale with his knuckle. "It's harder than steel. Be a real jaw breaker?" He asks, the faintest hint of a smile on his face. "Haha."
[19:31] <Wayland> "It is?" Wayland asks. "May I see that?"
[19:31] <Kotono> Branna passes the scale over. It's heavier than it looks and on the warm side - not cool at all like metal would be.
[19:32] <Wayland> "Hmmh." he says, peering at the scale. "Maybe we could make this into some sort of armor?"
[19:33] <Kotono> It's hard to look at - it seems to catch the sunlight no matter what.
[19:34] * Wayland puts it in his pack. "Either way, we have a job to accomplish for now. We'll have a better look at it later."
[19:35] <Kotono> The party continues on. The afternoon brings a wave of dark clouds, the wind starting to pick up. A few droplets are starting to fall just as you crest another hill. As you draw close you can see a cleft between the next two hills. The ground has given way, a 25 foot long and 10 foot wide collapse into darkness.
[19:36] * Janson slows down a bit as they near the place described by Father Ceiar, starting to pay note to the ground for either human or wolf tracks...
[19:36] <Janson> roll 1d20+10 survival/track
[19:36] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20+10 survival/track and gets 19." [1d20=9]
[19:37] * Aaeru relies on their tracker's expertise, here!
[19:37] <Kotono> Janson looks about - he can see heavy human-style footprints, albiet with deep gouges at the toe-points.  It heads straight ahead into the crevasse.
[19:38] <Kotono> Meanwhile the sky flashes, a few moments later a flash of lightning. The rain begins to fall a little faster, the wind starting to pick up.
[19:38] <Janson> "I see them - looks like he's barefoot, probably in half-man half-wolf form a lot," Janson points the tracks out, starting to follow them inside. "Best hurry before the rain washes these away, we'll be sheltered from the wind in the crevasse, too."
[19:39] * Wayland nods and follows. "Let's be careful, though. We don't know what form we'll find him in."
[19:39] <Aaeru> "Alright!" Aaeru agrees, nodding. "If we need it I can summon a light for a while."
[19:39] <Andria> Andrea nods, deferring to Janson's expertise in such matters and following behind him.
[19:40] <Kotono> The party advances to the edge of the crevasse! It's roughly thirty feet down - the bottom is covered with what looks like branches, dried grass and piles of rocks. It's rather dark, the coming storm leaving precious little sunlight.
[19:42] <Janson> "This is pretty unstable," Janson warns as they near the edge of the crevasse, looking for an easy path to climb down before it collapses under their feet.
[19:44] <Andria> Andrea grimaces as she looks over the edge, shaking her head and resolving to be as careful as utterly possible, even if she has to move at a crawl's pace to do so.
[19:44] <Kotono> The far side lip sags down another ten feet - looks like a shorter drop from there. Janson can note that the branches there look broken up.
[19:45] <Kotono> Another clap of thunder echos, dual flashes of lightning! The rain begins to pick up even more, becoming quicker and starting to drive! The wind sends it into you, a howl of nature picking up.
[19:46] <Janson> "That's probably the easiest way there," Janson points the lip out, "Think it's where our friend climbed down as well." Shivering at the wind, he hurries over towards it and clambers down onto the ledge below
[19:46] <Janson> OOC: I'll take 10 for 11 on climbing as needed
[19:47] <Aaeru> "I'll help everyone get down from this end, before following," Aaeru offers, ready to help along.
[19:47] <Aaeru> roll 1d20+2 aid?
[19:47] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d20+2 aid? and gets 11." [1d20=9]
[19:47] <Kotono> Janson hurries down! He is able to make a safe climb and jump to the bottom! The branches give him a few scuffs, but do a decent job of making sure the hard ground's impact is nicely lessened.
[19:48] * Wayland climbs down!
[19:48] <Wayland> roll 1d20+5
[19:48] * Hatbot --> "Wayland rolls 1d20+5 and gets 24." [1d20=19]
[19:48] * Janson looks around for more tracks while waiting for the others to catch up.
[19:49] <Janson> roll 1d20+8 survival/track (+2 if this still counts as above ground)
[19:49] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20+8 survival/track (+2 if this still counts as above ground) and gets 24." [1d20=16]
[19:50] <Kotono> Wayland is able to safely get down as well! Janson looks around...but as he begins to, he sees it! Bright blue flashes in the branches, about 20 to 30 feet away. A pair of them, seeming to approach! OOC: Nice time for a good roll. They're coming at you guys with Wayland and Janson below and Andrea/Aaeru aboove, roll init.
[19:51] <Janson> roll 1d20+3
[19:51] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20+3 and gets 9." [1d20=6]
[19:51] <Aaeru> roll 1d20+2
[19:51] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d20+2 and gets 22." [1d20=20]
[19:51] <Wayland> roll 1d20+3
[19:51] * Hatbot --> "Wayland rolls 1d20+3 and gets 10." [1d20=7]
[19:51] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2 N
[19:51] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 N and gets 14." [1d20=12]
[19:51] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3 B
[19:51] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 B and gets 7." [1d20=4]
[19:51] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6 S1
[19:51] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6 S2
[19:51] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 S1 and gets 16." [1d20=10]
[19:51] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 S2 and gets 23." [1d20=17]
[19:52] * Kotono changes topic to 'S2(23)>Aaeru(22)>S1(16)>Noel(14)>Wayland(10)>Janson(9)>Branna(7)'
[19:52] <Kotono> OOC: Waiting a sec on Andrea getting back to roll init.
[19:56] <Kotono> OOC: Looks like Merc's gonna be a few, so could someone roll init for Andrea?
[19:57] <Aaeru> roll 1d20+4
[19:57] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d20+4 and gets 12." [1d20=8]
[19:57] * Kotono changes topic to 'S2(23)>Aaeru(22)>S1(16)>Noel(14)>Andrea(12)>Wayland(10)>Janson(9)>Branna(7)'
[19:57] <Kotono> It comes out of the rubble like a shot! It's entire body is that of a small, horned lizard of green! An aura of electric blue surrounds it's body as it approaches Wayland! Crackling electricity comes forth from it, right at him! OOC: Reflex save, Wayland.
[19:58] <Wayland> roll 1d20+6
[19:58] * Hatbot --> "Wayland rolls 1d20+6 and gets 21." [1d20=15]
[19:58] <Kotono> roll 2d8+1d6 electric damage, all nonlethal. You halve it since you made the ref save.
[19:58] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d8+1d6 electric damage, all nonlethal. You halve it since you made the ref save. and gets 10." [2d8=3, 4][1d6=3]
[19:59] <Kotono> It's quicker than Wayland, a bolt of electricity aimed perfectly at his chest and heart! Yet with speed faster than the dawn breeze he ducks, avoiding the shock altogether! OOC: Aaeru, go.
[20:00] * Aaeru swiftly judges her options, before calling for an orb of acid to slam into the other lizard's head and, perhaps, deter it from attacking!
[20:00] <Aaeru> roll 1d20+2 ranged touch
[20:00] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d20+2 ranged touch and gets 14." [1d20=12]
[20:00] <Kotono> OOC: Which lizard?
[20:00] <Aaeru> OOC: +2, actually. And I said the other one, the lizard that hadn't acted yet.
[20:00] <Kotono> OOC: Okay, d100 since it has cover from the branches about.
[20:01] <Aaeru> roll 1d100
[20:01] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d100 and gets 48." [1d100=48]
[20:01] <Kotono> OOC: Damage.
[20:01] <Aaeru> roll 1d3
[20:01] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d3 and gets 3." [1d3=3]
[20:02] <Kotono> An orb of acid is perfectly shot, snaking between the branches to hiss at sight unseen below! You hear a popping, crackling noise as the scent of something burning can be smelled! A moment later it rushes forward! It's head and horn are half burnt and melted, but a shock is still sent at Janson!
[20:02] <Kotono> OOC: Ref, Janson.
[20:02] <Janson> roll 1d20+5
[20:02] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20+5 and gets 9." [1d20=4]
[20:02] <Kotono> roll 2d8+1d6 electric damage, all nonlethal. Full since reflex saves and you didn't get along here.
[20:02] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d8+1d6 electric damage, all nonlethal. Full since reflex saves and you didn't get along here. and gets 15." [2d8=5, 4][1d6=6]
[20:03] <Kotono> This bolt goes right at Janson's head, shocking him terribly! He can barely balance, vision tinting electric blue and turning fuzzy! OOC: Ow. Noel's up.
[20:03] <Kotono> "Boss, now what!" He calls down from below.
[20:03] <Wayland> "Hit the damn things until they die or go away!"
[20:04] <Kotono> "Um..." He looks down long, before taking is dagger and throwing it at the lizard that shocked Janson!
[20:04] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[20:04] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 15." [1d20=10]
[20:04] <Kotono> But it narrowly misses, the lizard able to dodge by an inch and avoid it! Meanwhile the wind and rain continue to blow, howling above and around you! OOC: Andrea.
[20:06] <Andria> Not really being able to reach the lizards easily to slash at them, Andrea just tries to bolster the others in their fight against the shocky-lizard things.
[20:06] <Andria> ooc: Inspire Courage+1 fun.
[20:07] <Kotono> OOC: Right-o. Wayland.
[20:08] <Andria> Andrea also starts to climb down as best she can, hoping to get to Wayland and Janson before they're all shocked up, since the lizards seem to be focusing on them.
[20:09] <Kotono> OOC: Climb check.
[20:10] <Andria> roll d20-2 Darn armor and hatebot~
[20:10] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d20-2 Darn armor and hatebot~ and gets 4." [d20=6]
[20:11] <Kotono> Andrea starts to climb down, but her grip slips on the newly wet rock! She falls about 15 feet, slamming through branches hard before hitting down!
[20:11] <Kotono> roll 1d6 some climbing+dead branches do help pad the fall.
[20:11] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d6 some climbing+dead branches do help pad the fall. and gets 1." [1d6=1]
[20:11] * Wayland lunges for the nearest lizard!
[20:12] <Andria> "Owie..." Andrea mutters as she rubs her bottom as she slowly starts to stand back up.
[20:12] <Wayland> roll 1d20+6
[20:12] * Hatbot --> "Wayland rolls 1d20+6 and gets 22." [1d20=16]
[20:13] <Kotono> OOC: Hit.
[20:13] <Wayland> roll 1d6+3
[20:13] * Hatbot --> "Wayland rolls 1d6+3 and gets 8." [1d6=5]
[20:14] <Kotono> Wayland's speed and fist strike well, slamming into the lizard's face! The crack of bone echos along with thunder above! It's not down, but red blood leaks from a dozen points on it's face! OOC: Janson.
[20:15] <Wayland> OOC: 9 damage
[20:15] <Janson> "Urgh..." Janson sways dizzily, smoke coming from his now scorched and curled hair and he staggers back from the monsters. "Need a little help here..." he grunts, gesturing towards the blue things in a defensive manner as a sudden loud *pop* heralds a swarm of rats suddenly erupting from nowhere, screeching and biting into the lizards with a vengeance!
[20:15] <Janson> roll 1d6 DC 12 fort vs filth fever, DC 12 fort when starting turn in rat square or nauseated
[20:15] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d6 DC 12 fort vs filth fever, DC 12 fort when starting turn in rat square or nauseated and gets 5." [1d6=5]
[20:16] * Kotono changes topic to 'Aaeru(22)>S1(16)>Noel(14)>Andrea(12)>Wayland(10)>Janson(9)>Branna(7)'
[20:16] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4 disease
[20:16] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 disease and gets 10." [1d20=6]
[20:17] <Kotono> The shocker lizards are overcome! The smashed-face one crumples under the assault, rodents eating it alive! The other is bloodied badly, staggering in the swarm! Meanwhile Branna takes that chance and dagger tosses as well!
[20:17] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[20:17] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 22." [1d20=17]
[20:17] <Kotono> roll 1d6+@
[20:17] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d6+@ and gets Error: Numeric values only." [1d6=6]
[20:17] <Kotono> OOC: 8 total.
[20:17] <Kotono> It's a good throw, going right through the head of the lizard! It goes limp on the ground, a final spark before it's aura of electricity fizzles out! OOC: Free act.
[20:18] <Aaeru> "Let's get down there quickly, before more of those things show up," Aaeru tells Noel and Branna, there to help them descend before she herself brings up the rear.
[20:18] <Janson> Another pop heralds the rats vanishing away, Janson leaning against the scree-covered edge of the crevasse and breathing painfully. "Think I'll need to hang back a bit... can hardly see straight, now," he groans.
[20:18] <Aaeru> OOC: I'll take 10 fo 12
[20:18] <Kotono> Aaeru is able to climb down safely!
[20:19] <Kotono> Noel and Branna then follow, doing the same! OOC: Both have ranks and take ten, so.
[20:20] <Andria> Andrea finishes standing up, still rubbing her sore butt. "Well, that was a little embarrassing," she mutters as she slowly moves towards Janson. "Well, you're not bloodied up, at least, although that shock looked like it hurt..."
[20:20] * Aaeru offers her hand to Janson, looking at him worriedly. "Do you want me to carry you?"
[20:21] <Kotono> Once below you can get a dim look at things. It's not very bright here, the cleft about the same size as above. Casually looking, you can see a narrow, tight passage to the southeast.
[20:21] * Wayland looks at Janson with concern. "Will you be alright, my friend?"
[20:22] <Andria> Andrea places her hands atop Janson's chest and sends some soothing holy energy through to help Janson with his breathing if nothing else.
[20:22] <Andria> ooc: 6 HP, LoH.
[20:23] <Janson> "I don't want to slow you down," Janson shakes his head at Aaeru's kindness. "Just... maybe I should wait here? I'm not much use to... ohhhh," he sighs happily at Andrea's healing, the spots receding from his vision. "That's better. Think I can manage, now, but I don't want to run into any more of those things. They're not like real animals..." he gives the ragged blue corpses a disgusted look.
[20:24] <Kotono> "They're fuckign vermin," Noel goes to pick up his dagger, "I know they give bounties for 'em if you bring in their heads."
[20:25] <Andria> "Should we try to set up a camp somewhere near here so you can recover?" Andrea asks, looking a bit worried. "I could heal you up more as well, but I thought it safer to keep some in reserve for if we meet Gweonryn...though I suppose it wouldn't do us much good if he decides to go after you since you're injured?"
[20:25] <Andria> Andrea begins to ponder the matter, feeling split on the matter.
[20:26] <Janson> "We can take them with us on the way back, then," Janson suggests. "We might as well press on, he can't be far. If we camp he'd just come to us, and this is a rotten place to camp anyway. But someone else can take the lead this time."
[20:26] <Aaeru> "A camp? Near his den? That's a really horrible idea," Aaeru voices. "I'll serve as his target, if it comes to a fight."
[20:27] <Andria> "Yeah, I suppose you're right..." Andrea admits, although she still looks a little worried. "I'll try to keep him distracted along with Aaeru if it comes to that."
[20:28] <Wayland> "Yes, we'll be sure to keep him off you, if it comes down to it Janson." Wayland grins. "Worry not"
[20:28] * Aaeru picks up a branch and casts Light on it, before following the narrow passage to the southeast.
[20:28] <Janson> "He might still be reasonable... although I'm surprised he got by those monster lizards without trouble," Janson looks back at them and scowls a bit more before following Aaeru.
[20:30] <Andria> "Maybe the lizards just decided he was scarier than they were due to his lycanthropy issue..." Andrea says.
[20:30] <Kotono> The light illuminates the way! It's a narrow, tight passage, going about thirty feet and around a brief curve. After this it spreads out, the walls jagged but giving you more room to walk. The ground is covered with mostly rotted leaves and twigs for about 40ft before narrowing deeply, so narrow that you'dn eed to crawl to go further.
[20:32] * Aaeru pauses, turning towards Janson. "The trail leads there, without a doubt?" she asks, pointing at the rotting leaves with a frown.
[20:32] * Janson attempts to pick up the wolfman trail after the distraction with the lizards...
[20:33] <Kotono> OOC: Make another check, for a few reasons, Janson?
[20:33] <Janson> roll 1d20+8 (+2 if this still classes as above ground)
[20:33] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20+8 (+2 if this still classes as above ground) and gets 17." [1d20=9]
[20:35] <Janson> "Yeah, but watch out, there's caltrops here," Janson warns, carefully picking his way to the bloodstained one and lifting it up to determine what it's made of.
[20:35] <Kotono> It looks to be made of metal, a bit rusty and bloodstained. Looks like a typical caltrop.
[20:36] * Janson frowns. "This didn't wound our wolfman. An iron caltrop wouldn't break the skin on him, now... someone else must have come here."
[20:36] <Kotono> "Caltrops?" Branna frowns, "Ain't this some werewolf hideaway?"
[20:36] <Aaeru> "He set out traps, then?" Aaeru confirms. "Alright. Here I go...." Clearing the immediate area from caltrops, she kneels before the opening and crawls ahead, keeping her eyes on the lookout for more of them further ahead.
[20:37] <Kotono> It takes some time to clear the leaves and caltrops, but the way ahead is safe now! Aaeru goes to the crawlspace and...OOC: You're still holding that light-twig?
[20:37] <Aaeru> OOC: Yes, 20 minutes on it total
[20:37] <Kotono> The hall goes about fifteen feet before turning. After the turn it goes 20ft, before opening out into a larger cave. At a glimpse from the turn, it looks like a downward slope.
[20:38] * Janson lets someone else follow Aaeru and then follows that person!
[20:38] <Andria> Andrea follows behind Aaeru.
[20:38] * Aaeru lets the branch slide down, before she follows, gesturing at the slope for Andrea's sake.
[20:39] * Wayland will follow behind Andrea!
[20:39] <Andria> ooc: Lies! Janson is following behind me! You follow behind him!
[20:39] <Wayland> OOC: Fine!
[20:41] <Kotono> Aaeru takes the point, going to the end of the crawlspace. She can see there is a large opening here, the ground sloped down. It goes for about 50ft. AT the bottom your twig lands, refracting light! Below you can see...bands of purple and black. Some sort of strange reflection.
[20:43] * Aaeru looks around in puzzlement. This entire space seems to be a lot larger on the inside, and yet, there is no sign of their werewolf?
[20:43] <Kotono> No sign of any wolf like creature here, no.
[20:45] <Aaeru> "Hello? Gweonryn?" Aaeru tries calling out.
[20:46] <Kotono> Aaeru's voice echos back - no answer. Her twig sends lighta bove and ahead - you can see the purple-ness below twinkle and shift.
[20:47] * Aaeru decides to head further.
[20:47] <Andria> Andrea stands up once she's finally at the end of the little crawl-tunnel herself, and dusts her clothes as she looks around, steppign to the side so Janson can step past as well.
[20:48] * Janson comes out and looks curiously down at the purple/black bands. Are they magic? Does his dungeoneering knowledge help identify them?
[20:49] * Wayland comes out behind Janson, peering around. "Strange colors in here."
[20:50] <Kotono> Aaeru heads down further as the rest of the party comes out! Coming below Aaeru can get a better look! Ahead...the passage opens up. The walls are thick with what look to be crystals of some sort! They are massive and a dark purple, with deep cracks amid them all about. A winding path has been carved through them and ahead.  They reflect the light wildly, dancing amid all the flaws and cracks.
[20:50] <Kotono> OOC: You can make K:D here, Janson.
[20:50] <Janson> roll 1d20+4
[20:50] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20+4 and gets 18." [1d20=14]
[20:50] <Andria> "Yeah, definitely," Andrea agrees as she looks towards Janson, since he seems to know most of these things. "Any idea what they're about?"
[20:51] * Aaeru picks up her branch once more, to better illuminate the way once they proceed. She just needs to wait for everone to gather, first....
[20:52] <Janson> "They're just quartz crystals," Janson explains. "Not really valuable or anything, especially as flawed as these ones are. Don't worry about it," he suggests, still letting someone else take the lead, although he does look for any scuffmarks or other tracks that would confirm the wolf's presence...
[20:52] <Janson> roll 1d20+8 survival
[20:52] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20+8 survival and gets 12." [1d20=4]
[20:52] <Aaeru> Since they seem ready to proceed, Aaeru leads the way past the quartz!
[20:53] <Andria> Andrea nods as she follows after Aaeru.
[20:53] <Janson> "Definitely went this way," Janson points out where their quarry's claws gouged the stone as they go. "Nasty claws."
[20:53] <Kotono> You go through the winding passage! Everything tints purple here as the light reflects through the quartz, making a dim glow all over.  After the first bend, you can notice what looks to be a rusty pickaxe lying on the ground by a four foot tall crystal.
[20:54] <Wayland> "Was someone in here mining?"
[20:55] <Andria> "Was Gweonryn looking for one of those other cures you talked about before, Janson?"
[20:55] <Janson> "Doubt he'd find it here," Janson shrugs, unable to divine his true motives.
[20:56] <Kotono> Noel picks up the pickaxe, giving it a swing in the air. "It's a bit small for a pickaxe," he mutters, "The balance is too heavy on it anyway." He tosses it aside, "Doesn't feel right, probably poorly made."
[20:56] <Andria> Andrea nods and just keeps following, keeping an eye out and listening for noise not from their group.
[20:58] <Kotono> The path winds a ways, this way and that. At last it comes to an end after a goodly ways. Ahead now are three branches - left, right and center. The left slopes slightly down, the center slopes sharply down, and the right stays level.
[20:59] <Janson> Which one has werewolf tracks?!
[20:59] <Kotono> There are tracks to the left passage.
[21:00] <Janson> "Go left," Janson suggests, "That's the way he went."
[21:00] <Aaeru> "Left it is," Aaeru acknowledges, bravely leading the way!
[21:01] <Kotono> The passage left dips down then back up, going a ways before opening into another cave. Here is a dead end, but a door has been build out of the stone wall. It's made of stone, a few runes carved into it. To the far right of the wall you came in by is another passage, going back the way you came.
[21:02] * Aaeru tries her very best to see if there's any magic in those runes!
[21:02] <Wayland> "This is less and less like I expected it to be." mutters Wayland.
[21:02] <Aaeru> roll 1d20+3 spellcraft, DM
[21:02] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d20+3 spellcraft, DM and gets 6." [1d20=3]
[21:02] <Andria> "I guess we just knock and see if he's home," Andrea comments in regards to Wayland's comment.
[21:02] <Aaeru> "The runes aren't magical, so maybe they're a language?"
[21:02] <Kotono> OOC: What languages do each of you read/write?
[21:03] <Janson> "No, wait," Janson says, "He stopped and doubled back to go down the right path."
[21:03] <Janson> OOC: sylvan and gnomish
[21:03] <Andria> ooc: I'm a dumdum! I only know common!
[21:03] <Aaeru> OOC: Common
[21:03] <Wayland> OOC: Elven, common
[21:03] <Kotono> The runes make no sense to anyone in the party.
[21:03] * Janson continues following the tracks, ignoring the door since the wolf did the same.
[21:04] <Andria> "If he's not here, we might still want to knock? See if it's whomever dropped the caltrops, since you said it wasn't Gweonryn?"
[21:04] * Aaeru catches up to Janson, before taking the lead protectively.
[21:04] <Janson> "No, I said it wasn't Gweonryn that was hurt by the caltrops. He probably did drop them," Janson clarifies.
[21:05] <Andria> "Oh, well okay. I guess I misunderstood..." Andrea replies, catching up to the two as well, though she does toss a glance back at the door, looking curious, but resisting the need to knock.
[21:07] <Aaeru> "We can always visit whoever's there once we find Gweonryn, but it would be just sad if he hears us coming and runs away while we chat with the locals."
[21:07] <Kotono> The passage goes down fifteen feet before coming to a fork. The trail leads to going to the side and down the fork, while the main passage continues on back. It looks like it connects with the right way passage at teh three way intersection.
[21:08] * Janson follows the trail to the exclusion of all else.
[21:12] <Kotono> This passage leads onward about 30 feet before you see the end! About 30 more feet away it lies against teh wall, twitching! It is a man...thing...hair as thick as fur juts out of parts of it's body. A half torn chains hirt and cloth pants are worn. His body twitches on the ground, face elogated almost into a snout! His hands are more like claws! "Food..." His eyes are red as he looks up,
[21:12] <Kotono> drooling, "Get...away...! Get away, dammit!"
[21:13] <Wayland> "Gweonryn? Is that you?" Wayland asks, keeping his distance.
[21:14] <Janson> "We're here to help you," Janson keeps back and holds out his hands placatingly. "Lady Moongal asked us to find you - we have friends in Balmuria who can cure you."
[21:14] <Kotono> The response is a bestial snarl, "Get...away!" His voice is a furious, heartbroken cry, "The beast will eat you!"
[21:14] <Aaeru> "We can cure you!" Aaeru calls to him. "If you are under a curse, Croger of Ilmater can return you to who you were once more!"
[21:14] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
[21:14] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 and gets 13." [1d20=10]
[21:15] <Andria> "We'll definitely do our best to help! So please trust us!" Andrea likewise implores.
[21:16] <Kotono> The only response is a howl! "Help..." Gweonryn cries in a tiny voice, springing up to his feet! HIs body buldges out, as slaver leaks from his long, wolf-like mouth! A deeper voice barks out from, "Foood!" It's voice is all fury now, body shaking all over as it charges at you! OOC: He's not in his right mind, as is obvious. Roll init.
[21:16] <Janson> roll 1d20+3
[21:16] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20+3 and gets 14." [1d20=11]
[21:16] <Aaeru> roll 1d20+2
[21:16] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d20+2 and gets 10." [1d20=8]
[21:16] <Andria> roll d20+4
[21:16] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d20+4 and gets 11." [d20=7]
[21:16] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7 B
[21:16] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 B and gets 19." [1d20=12]
[21:16] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7 N
[21:16] <Wayland> roll 1d20+3
[21:16] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 N and gets 25." [1d20=18]
[21:16] * Hatbot --> "Wayland rolls 1d20+3 and gets 11." [1d20=8]
[21:16] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6 Gweonryn
[21:16] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 Gweonryn and gets 14." [1d20=8]
[21:17] * Kotono changes topic to 'Janson(14)>Andrea(11)>Aaeru(10)'
[21:17] * Kotono changes topic to 'Noel(25)>Branna(19)>Janson=Gweonryn(14)>Wayland=Andrea(11)>Aaeru(10)'
[21:17] <Kotono> Noel looks to Wayland, "Um...what do we do now, boss?"
[21:18] <Wayland> "Knock him out, if possible. Restrain him if you can. Don't get bitten."
[21:18] <Kotono> Noel and Branna promptly hold back for now at that! OOC: Go ahead, Janson.
[21:18] <Andria> "You really, really -don't- want to get bitten, you two!" Andrea emphasizes.
[21:21] * Janson reaches behind himself to grab the tanglefoot bag attached to his pack and hurls it at the wolfman before retreating back to take shelter behind the rest of the party!
[21:21] <Janson> roll 1d20-1 10ft range increment is harsh, ranged touch
[21:21] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20-1 10ft range increment is harsh, ranged touch and gets 7." [1d20=8]
[21:22] <Kotono> The tanglefoot bag is tossed, missing him and hitting the wall behind him! At the same time...OOC: What was your marching order here?
[21:22] <Aaeru> OOC: I'm at the front
[21:22] <Kotono> The wolf-man charges right at Aaeru, mouth slavering as it bites at her side!
[21:22] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5 AC?
[21:22] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 AC? and gets 13." [1d20=8]
[21:23] <Kotono> OOC: Flatfooted, forget if you have uncanny dodge or the like.
[21:23] <Aaeru> OOC: 14 flatfooted
[21:23] <Kotono> But Aaeru is able to dodge by the barest inch possible, weaving back as it's teeth clamp only on her tunic! OOC: Wayland and Andrea.
[21:24] <Wayland> Seeking to knock the beast unconscious, Wayland tries not to hurt the thing with his strike!
[21:24] * Aaeru gasps as the only thing standing between her and indecency is assaulted such!
[21:24] <Wayland> roll 1d20+6
[21:24] * Hatbot --> "Wayland rolls 1d20+6  and gets 23." [1d20=17]
[21:25] <Kotono> OOC: Hit, damage, sec.
[21:25] <Wayland> roll 1d6+3 nonlethal
[21:25] * Hatbot --> "Wayland rolls 1d6+3 nonlethal and gets 4." [1d6=1]
[21:30] <Andria> Andrea also rushes at the maddened beast-man, drawing the silver blade she'd acquired as she manuevers to the opposite side from Wayland, and attempts to painfully slam the blade's flatside into Gweonryn's hairy ribs. (OOC: Using loresong for +4 bonus and then -4 from doing nonlethal, so cancels out)
[21:30] <Andria> roll d20+9 assuming flanking right now, -2 otherwise.
[21:30] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d20+9 assuming flanking right now, -2 otherwise. and gets 14." [d20=5]
[21:30] <Andria> ooc: Goddamn you hatebot.
[21:35] <Kotono> Wayland pounces in and slams the beast's shoulder with his silver knuckles! AT the same time Andrea strikes out at it's flank, but can't quite score a blow! It handled being flanked with ease, stopping the advantage with deft manuvers! OOC: Aaeru.
[21:35] * Aaeru leans back, using the grip Gweonryn has on her shirt to pull him after her, turning to get him in a headlock once he is overextended!
[21:35] <Aaeru> roll 1d20+3 ranged touch for grapple #1
[21:35] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d20+3 ranged touch for grapple #1 and gets 7." [1d20=4]
[21:35] <Aaeru> roll 1d20+3 ranged touch for grapple #2
[21:35] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d20+3 ranged touch for grapple #2 and gets 7." [1d20=4]
[21:36] <Kotono> Aaeru tries to get a grip on him, but he's toof ast for her to land a shot! Noel and Branna hold back for now, staying well away from the wolf! OOC: Janson, go.
[21:37] <Janson> "Damn... hard to get a shot..." Janson mutters as he skirts around the edge of the battle, trying to get a clear view amidst all the lunging and weaving, firing a blast of orange coloured magical force at his best opportunity!
[21:37] <Janson> roll 1d20-1 ranged touch I'm bad at this
[21:37] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20-1 ranged touch I'm bad at this and gets 12." [1d20=13]
[21:38] <Kotono> But the wolf is too fast! IT dodges even that, as it whirls, two claws and a bite going at Wayland!
[21:38] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7 claw
[21:38] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7 claw
[21:38] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 claw and gets 18." [1d20=11]
[21:38] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 claw and gets 22." [1d20=15]
[21:38] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5 bite AC?
[21:38] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 bite AC? and gets 9." [1d20=4]
[21:39] <Wayland> OOC: 16
[21:39] <Kotono> roll 1d4+4 claw 1
[21:39] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d4+4 claw 1 and gets 7." [1d4=3]
[21:39] <Kotono> roll 1d4+4 claw 2
[21:39] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d4+4 claw 2 and gets 7." [1d4=3]
[21:40] <Kotono> Wayland finds the wolf-man pouncing on him! He is driven back as it grabs onto his chest, ripping it wide open! Blood flows freely as it howls up, trying to bite! This at least is stopped, preventing certain defeat! OOC: Wayland and Andrea, go.
[21:42] <Wayland> Desperate to get the wolf off of him, Wayland moves for a disabling blow!
[21:43] <Wayland> roll 1d20+6 Stunning fist DC 13 to save
[21:43] * Hatbot --> "Wayland rolls 1d20+6 Stunning fist DC 13 to save and gets 18." [1d20=12]
[21:43] <Kotono> OOC: Hit, damage.
[21:43] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8 fort, I think?
[21:43] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 fort, I think? and gets 14." [1d20=6]
[21:43] <Wayland> roll 1d6+3 nonlethal wooooooo
[21:43] * Hatbot --> "Wayland rolls 1d6+3 nonlethal wooooooo and gets 9." [1d6=6]
[21:43] <Andria> Andrea just continues to attempt to slam the flat side of the blade into the werewolf's ribs.
[21:44] <Andria> roll d20+5 nonlethal
[21:44] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d20+5 nonlethal and gets 20." [d20=15]
[21:44] <Kotono> OOC: Hit.
[21:44] <Andria> roll d8+6
[21:44] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d8+6 and gets 7." [d8=1]
[21:45] <Wayland> OOC: Wait a sec
[21:46] <Wayland> OOC: nevermind, thought I screwed up the check
[21:46] <Kotono> At the same time Andrea and Wayland strike! The wolf gets it's back slammed hard while Wayland hits it in the stomach! It rocks back and forth with the blows, wobbling on it's feet for a few moments! But it's not downed, snapping back instead! OOC: Aaeru.
[21:47] * Aaeru pulls on the beast's tail! Twice!
[21:47] <Aaeru> roll 1d20+3 grappling time again
[21:47] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d20+3 grappling time again and gets 9." [1d20=6]
[21:47] <Aaeru> roll 1d20+3 I see how it's going to be
[21:47] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d20+3 I see how it's going to be and gets 17." [1d20=14]
[21:47] <Kotono> OOC: That one is at least a hit, grapple check.
[21:47] <Aaeru> roll 1d20+6 opposed grapple!
[21:47] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d20+6 opposed grapple! and gets 22." [1d20=16]
[21:48] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7
[21:48] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 and gets 26." [1d20=19]
[21:48] <Kotono> Aaeru manages to grap onto it this time, but yet it roars and flips Aaeru right off! WAyland's flunkies hold back, watching the pitched battle raptly! OOC: Janson, go.
[21:49] * Janson strafes around and sends another... ball of roiling eldritch hate, at the wolfman.
[21:49] <Janson> roll 1d20-1
[21:49] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20-1 and gets 18." [1d20=19]
[21:49] <Kotono> OOC: I see channeling that was good karma. Hit.
[21:49] <Janson> roll 2d6 reverse jinxed?
[21:49] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 2d6 reverse jinxed? and gets 7." [2d6=3, 4]
[21:49] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
[21:49] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 and gets 9." [1d20=6]
[21:50] <Kotono> Janson gets it right int he chest! It steps back and shudders, but it's nose sniffs! With a hunger it goes at Wayland, trying to feast on his wounded body!
[21:50] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7 claw
[21:50] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 claw and gets 27." [1d20=20]
[21:50] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7 claw crit?
[21:50] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 claw crit? and gets 9." [1d20=2]
[21:50] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7 claw
[21:51] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 claw and gets 18." [1d20=11]
[21:51] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5 bite
[21:51] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 bite and gets 23." [1d20=18]
[21:51] <Wayland> OOC: AC 16 o fuck
[21:51] <Kotono> roll 1d4+4+1d4+4+1d6+2 could be low variance, maybe?
[21:51] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d4+4+1d4+4+1d6+2 could be low variance, maybe? and gets 19." [1d4=3][1d4=2][1d6=4]
[21:52] * Kotono changes topic to 'Noel(25)>Branna(19)>Janson=Gweonryn(14)>Andrea(11)>Aaeru(10)'
[21:52] <Kotono> The werewolf pounces on Wayland, feasting! It rips into his wounded chest, sending flesh adn blood flying as it chomps! Life blood sprays about as it eats and eats and eats! OOC: Andrea.
[21:53] <Kotono> "Oh fuck..." Noel takes several steps back, while Branna turns ashen pale! In desperation the latter flings his dagger at the feasting wolf!
[21:53] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[21:53] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 22." [1d20=17]
[21:53] <Kotono> roll 1d4+2
[21:53] <Andria> "Wayland!" Andrea screeches horrified, a flashback back at the caravan, as holy energy fills her. "YOU BEAST!" she screams as she attempts to smite the werewolf, forgetting all thought of restraint at the moment.
[21:53] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d4+2 and gets 3." [1d4=1]
[21:54] * Kotono changes topic to 'Noel(25)>Janson=Gweonryn(14)>Branna=Andrea(11)>Aaeru(10)'
[21:54] <Kotono> OOC: Smite is successful, add cha to hit.
[21:54] <Andria> roll d20+12 smite evil
[21:54] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d20+12 smite evil and gets 18." [d20=6]
[21:54] <Kotono> OOC: Hit.
[21:54] <Andria> roll d8+6+2
[21:54] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d8+6+2 and gets 13." [d8=5]
[21:55] <Kotono> As Branna's dagger bounces off the wolf's side, Andrea strikes hard! She plunges her sword into the creature's back, coming out through it's chest!  It slumps forward and wobbles on it's feet! Somehow it's not quite down, despite the beating and now this terrible wound! OOC: Aaeru.
[21:58] <Aaeru> There will be a time to say a prayer for Wayland's soul, Aaeru tells herself. For now, she should restrain Gweonryn and redirect any and all attacks towards herself.
[21:58] <Aaeru> roll 1d20+6 touch, smite
[21:58] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d20+6 touch, smite and gets 16." [1d20=10]
[21:58] <Kotono> OOC: Hit.
[21:58] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7 grapple
[21:58] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 grapple and gets 27." [1d20=20]
[21:58] <Aaeru> roll 1d20+6 grapple
[21:58] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d20+6 grapple and gets 13." [1d20=7]
[21:58] <Aaeru> roll 1d20+3 touch 2
[21:58] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d20+3 touch 2 and gets 14." [1d20=11]
[21:58] <Kotono> OOC: Hit.
[21:58] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7 grapple
[21:58] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 grapple and gets 12." [1d20=5]
[21:58] <Aaeru> roll 1d20+6 grapple
[21:58] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d20+6 grapple and gets 9." [1d20=3]
[21:59] <Kotono> Despite Aaeru's precise focus and fury, she can't seem to keep a hold of the wounded wolf! It continues to fight, despite it's terrible injuries! OOC: Janson.
[22:01] <Janson> "Fuck!" Janson snaps, appalled at seeing Wayland brutally brought down in such a manner. "Malar-tainted monster, stop this!" he moves around for another shot and attempts to put the part man part wolf all killing machine down with a well placed eldritch blast!
[22:01] <Janson> roll 1d20-1
[22:01] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20-1 and gets 14." [1d20=15]
[22:01] <Kotono> OOC: Hit.
[22:01] <Janson> roll 2d6
[22:01] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 2d6 and gets 10." [2d6=6, 4]
[22:02] <Kotono> With that last, quick gesture the wolf is hit in the chest! It staggers and falls onto it's side, going down and out! It tries to rise once but tumbles back over, going still! OOC: Free act.
[22:03] <Janson> With the wolf toppled, Janson quickly runs up to the melee. "Wayland!" he skids to his knees over the blue man, hoping to find any sign he still lives...
[22:03] <Andria> Andrea bites her lip as her hands tremble,resisting the urge to put the wolf-man out of his misery as she struggles with remembering their mission. The blade drops to the ground as she gasps... "Maybe...maybe he's still alive, he just fell unconscious, right?" Andrea says as she moves towards Wayland's body, gathering upher remaining healing energy and pushing it into the genasi's body.
[22:04] <Kotono> Wayland's ruined chest draws breath no more. The healing does little, his eyes glazed over and empty. They hold no spark of life in them, no light of vitality.
[22:04] <Andria> roll d8+1 CLW for all the good it does, and then the +3 from Cure minor.
[22:04] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d8+1 CLW for all the good it does, and then the +3 from Cure minor. and gets 6." [d8=5]
[22:04] <Aaeru> "It is too late," Aaeru says quietly. "His soul is now in a better place."
[22:04] <Kotono> Noel pales, and in a moment, turns and runs! Branna goes over and kneels by Wayland, shaking his shoulder once, before going to close Wayland's eyes. "Ah...dammit."
[22:05] <Andria> "But...he -can't- just die! What did I try and train for if I can't keep my friends alive?" Andrea says helplessly, looking between Aaeru and Wayland's body.
[22:06] <Aaeru> "You should remember his bravery and skill, and work harder from now on," Aaeru responds. "We all should."
[22:06] <Janson> "A werewolf was more than our current strength could handle safely..." Janson sighs, falling back on his rear. "Maybe that noblewoman can pay for a priestess to bring him back?" he pauses and rubs his unshaven chin, "Does anyone besides Wayland know where to find her?"
[22:06] <Aaeru> "Bring him back?" Aaeru gasps. "How unnatural!"
[22:07] <Kotono> Branna glances up as Noel flees, "Think he said something 'bout a bookstore? Hell, Josa's our boss, he should pay up too."
[22:07] <Janson> "If it's Jannath's will," Janson shrugs wearily to Aaeru. "Or any other god, I suppose."
[22:07] <Aaeru> "One should not fear death. It merely sends us on our way towards our next stop. Why would anyone interfere with the natural order of things?"
[22:08] <Andria> "If...if he's willing to come back, I don't see why we can't offer him that choice. The gods allow such an act, thus it can't possibly be unnatural," Andrea insists.
[22:08] <Janson> "Because the person still has things to do here? That they shouldn't have died for such a stupid pointless reason?" Janson asks, growing more heated as he glares at the werewolf who couldn't control himself.
[22:09] <Aaeru> "So it would have been alright if the reason were more important in your eyes, then?"
[22:09] <Andria> "Sometimes, people have completed what they were meant to do in this world, and if that's the case, not even the gods themselves could keep a soul from his eternal rest. But I can't believe this was all that Wayland was meant for. I don't believe Alicia or any of the other gods would think so either," Andrea says.
[22:09] <Janson> "Like in bed surrounded by relatives?" Janson cracks a bitter smile. "Yeah. Yeah, that'd be alright in my book."
[22:11] * Aaeru stares incredulously at Janson. "So you would drag everyone's soul back, every soldier and troubleshooter, until they were so old that they retired?"
[22:11] <Andria> Andrea shakes her head. "I...anyway, we can discuss what to do with Wayland when we're back in town. This is no place to do so, and we should at the very least ensure Gweonryn can't hurt anybody else before anything."
[22:12] <Andria> "Please...please let's talk about this later," Andrea implores as she looks away from Wayland's body.
[22:13] <Kotono> Branna draws a sap from his belt, going to give Gweonryn a few good thumps. "Anyone got some rope or manacles? How about we drag his ass all the way back to Balmuria, and make sure to go over every rock we see?"
[22:13] <Janson> "Of course *I* wouldn't," Janson scoffs. "It's the will of the gods, and the person who died. We can only petition them. And I think Wayland deserves that - if you don't, it doesn't really matter because his is the only opinion that matters right now." At Andrea's pleading he sighs and gets up. "Fine... let me bind up this guy and then we can get out of here." He gets his freshly purchased
[22:13] <Janson> manacles and uses them to bind the werewolf's arms behind his back, and then loops a rope through his snout to force his mouth gagged and prevent him biting anything.
[22:14] <Aaeru> "There will be no need to exact a punishment on a person who was bitten and cursed against his will," Aaeru says. "I will carry him back."
[22:14] * Andria smiles weakly, but agrees with Aaeru, nodding. "We don't have to do that, Branna...we knew coming in that he wasn't in his right mind. Even if I rashly wounded him like that in my anger."
[22:15] <Janson> After securing Gweonryn, Janson leaves him to Aaeru's tender care and uses his bedroll and some rope to make a litter to carry Wayland in. "Help me with this?" he asks Branna. "Be rough getting him back out the crevasse, but we'll manage somehow."
[22:16] <Kotono> It's slow going with the loads the party carries, but you return to the opening of the crevasse. The storm seems to have passed, a good inch of rain amid the branches here. All sitting water, but the sky is clear. Sunset isn't here yet, due to being the long days of summer. Noel is also here, waiting and not looking at any of you.
[22:17] <Aaeru> There's nothing to do, really, but head back to Balmuria.
[22:17] <Janson> "If you want to quit this line of work for something safer... well, nobody'd think less of you," Janson offers to Noel as the group reconvenes for the trip back.
[22:17] <Kotono> Noel doesn't really answer that as the party gets up, heading back to Balmuria...(More)
[22:17] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[22:17] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 48." [1d100=48]
[22:18] <Kotono> The trip back takes much of the evening. The party is tired as at last the lights of Balmuria can be seen. The front gates have large torches hanging from it, shedding good light all over. Soldiers stand at guard, intercepting the party. "Who seeks to enter the Free City of Balmuria at this hour?"
[22:19] <Aaeru> "I am Aaeru, and Croger of Ilmater is expecting us," Aaeru responds.
[22:19] <Andria> Andrea sighs. "I'm Andrea Redfall. We're all from Whimsical Sweets..." she starts by saying, but freezes at explaining what happened with Gweonryn and Wayland, who are being carried.
[22:20] <Kotono> The party gets a long once over, before the guards split. "You may enter," they say.
[22:20] <Janson> "We've got a werewolf who needs curing and... a friend who fell subduing him," Janson adds with a sigh, nodding his thanks and heading through. First stop, the House of Suffering!
[22:20] <Andria> "Thank you," Andrea says tiredly, as she lets Aaeru lead the way.
[22:20] * Aaeru nods at the guards, proceeding inside. Once she reaches Croger, she might be able to rely on his wisdom.
[22:22] <Kotono> Even at this late hour, the humble door of the House of Suffering is open. Sinnah works amid the sick and blighted, whilst Croger oversees them all. As the party comes in he rises and comes to them. Despite his age his gait is that of a young man, "Is the lycanthrope captured?"
[22:23] <Aaeru> "Yes. He did not seem in control of himself."
[22:23] <Andria> "At a great cost...but yes, he's captured and bound," Andrea says, letting Aaeru handle the rest, since she knows the priest best.
[22:25] <Kotono> "It is expected," Croger says, "A cage has been prepared, for everyone's safety. On the full moon this affliction can be defeated, and it comes in a few days."
[22:26] <Aaeru> "Then we came in time. Where is this cage?"
[22:27] <Kotono> "Behind the House," Croger leads the party outside. Behind the shanty is a solid steel cage, a cube of iron bars. A heavy lock is on the door, which is currently open. "Unbind him and put him in. Once he awakens he will have to be guarded until the ceremony."
[22:28] <Aaeru> "His wounds should also be bound," Aaeru says, placing Gweonryn within the cage and removing his bindings one by one. "I'm sorry. I wish I could do that myself, but my studies haven't advanced that far yet."
[22:29] <Andria> "I... spent all of my magic trying to heal Wayland. I would not be able to do anything for Gweonryn at this time," Andrea says quietly.
[22:30] <Janson> "Could..." Janson feels really awkward asking, but, "Is there any place we could keep Wayland here? Tomorrow we can ask Josa or try to find Lady Moongal to see if they'll pay for a reincarnate prayer."
[22:31] <Kotono> "I will reach through the cage to do so, once it is clsoed," Croger looks on and at Wayland, the crude stretcher carrying him. "He has passed beyond the pain of mortal life. His suffering has ended....ah." A pause, "It is possible for the Crying God to call Wayland back, if He wills it to be so. He desires no payment, at least of the material sort."
[22:32] <Aaeru> "But Croger, I don't understand!" Aaeru exclaims. "Death is the next great adventure, not a revolving door! Wayland fought heroically, and it is only through his sacrifice that we were able to subdue Gweonryn and return with him. If all that is just erased... what does it all mean?"
[22:33] <Kotono> "If the Martyr calls him back, that means he has a greater purpose in this world," Croger goes to WAyland, kneeling before him. "I have attempted o call many back. Few heed the call at Ilmater's beckoning. Those that do are possessed of a clarity and a mission."
[22:34] <Janson> "What's the harm in asking, really?" Janson insists. "Either he doesn't answer, and you know beyond any doubt that he's good where he is, or he comes back and like Croger says can accomplish that much more in the here and now."
[22:34] <Andria> "See? Janson and I spoke true. It's not unnatural for people to return, simply rare...we are left to wait to see if Wayland will answer the call or not..."
[22:35] <Andria> "But there -is- a purpose and meaning in the gods allowing such a thing."
[22:37] <Aaeru> "Yes, I can now see the truth of your words because another said the same thing," Aaeru mutters sulkily, not knowing how to deal with Croger's wishes.

[Corwin]

[22:39] <Andria> "It's a rare thing, Aaeru. Wayland may still choose to not come back..." Andrea says, though she's clearly not in favor of the idea. She may not have known him long, but she still considered him a friend.
[22:40] <Kotono> "It is not our choice...it is Ilmater's," Croger says, "If it His will, it shall be. If Wayland's mortal suffering has ended, then he will take him to eternal rest." AT this Croger is quieter.
[22:41] <Aaeru> "If I do ever die in this way, there is no need to trouble any deity on my behalf," Aaeru feels obliged to say. "I remain confident in my own path in life, at least, even if I would not try to force it on others."
[22:42] <Janson> "We probably should make clear our wishes in advance," Janson admits reflectively. "I'd want to be taken back to Aralla, for the judgement of the elders."
[22:43] <Kotono> Croger looks at him, "Father of Martyrs, make your will known in this..." Croger whispers.
[22:43] <Andria> "Then I will endeavour to make sure that you do not die...That none of you die. Not while I'm around. I'm just sorry I couldn't do that for Wayland..." Andrea says.
[22:43] <Kotono> Branna bows his head, "Ain't right, that's all," he mutters.
[22:43] * Aaeru nods solemnly. "I will do this without fail, if that happens," she tells Janson. "For myself, I would only wish that my family knows I am happy, wherever I now am. It matters not where my body's resting place would be."
[22:45] <Andria> "...For me, I suppose I leave that choice with you. If you feel you still have need of my abilities and call for me, if I can return, I shall. But otherwise, I would like nothing more than to be buried next to my parents."
[22:46] <Aaeru> "I would do my utmost to honor that, if it came to this," Aaeru promises to Andrea next.
[22:46] * Janson looks at Andrea long, "If that's the only reason for you to come back, I'll make sure you rest with your family then. Goddess, what a maudlin night this is..."
[22:46] <Kotono> "If me..." Branna reflects on it, "Dammit, this is depressing to think about. Somewhere sunny, you know?"
[22:47] * Aaeru nods at him.
[22:47] <Andria> Andrea smiles at Janson. "It would not be the only one, I think. I believe I could still do good in the world if I came back. But I might be a tad selfish in wishing to see my mother and father once more..."

[Corwin]

[22:43] <Kotono> ---
[22:45] <Kotono> The pain...it's the last memory Wayland has. It's an endless pain, an agony that echos about him. Then...peace. A reflective peace. Reflections of everything...he is aware of walking, mist and stairs. Yet Wayland is possessed by a powerful introversion. In his mind's eye he sees memories, memories of all his life. They play by, like an eternal lullaby. What pierces this reverie is a single
[22:45] <Kotono> word. "Look."
[22:48] <Wayland> "I have no desire to look back on a life that I am ashamed of living."
[22:50] <Kotono> "If that is your will, continue forward. You will pass to Nature's Heart, where Talos awaits you. There your suffering will be over." The voice is ...kind. There is a mercy to it that soothes Wayland's senses and spirit. "Is that your wish?"
[22:52] <Wayland> "Why would I wish it to end now? I have just started on my path to atonement. Perhaps the sum of myself that has come to pass is not worthy, but I believe I can make it so given another chance. There is much injustice in the world; some of my own make, some not. I wish to correct as much as I can."
[22:54] <Kotono> "Your life has ended," the voice continues, "It is your fate now to pass to the Realms Beyond. Do you wish to challenge that fate?"
[22:55] <Wayland> "I do."
[22:55] <Kotono> "Then look up," The voice commands. It is a command wrapped in kindness, as inexorable as an order.
[22:56] * Wayland looks up.
[23:01] <Kotono> Before you stands a figure of light. It has white wings, consumed in a great radiance that holds the mists all around at bay. In the shadows of the light you see others passing, heads down. Crystal stairs...a great, endless crystal stairway. The figure before you is clad in armor made of cloth, yet shining as bright as the noon sun. "The Crying God Ilmater offers his mercy to you. He offers
[23:01] <Kotono> a path back to the world of the living, but know this. It will be a path that changes you, a path that will be a life of suffering on behalf of others. If you desire to live and embrace the will of Ilmater, take my hand." He extends his hand out, "If not, step past me and beyond. Talos and his realm awaits...there is no shame passing to eternity when your life is cut short. There you will
[23:01] <Kotono> find what your soul seeks. Ilmater's path is that of a martyr. Choose with knowlege and choose wisely to your heart."
[23:18] <Wayland> After a long period of pondering, Wayland looks up at the being and nods. "Very well, I will take the deal, so long as I can continue to propogate the cause of justice."