009. "Submit or perish!" Daa-vid's existence, revealed!

[Corwin]

[20:24] <Kotono> ---
[20:27] <Kotono> A week has passed. The threat of undeath has seemed to lift from the city. So the party barring a tardy Lyselle gathers to meet the Commander, well rested and seeing the early morning hours once more. The blonde commander nods briefly to each as they enter, a few papers spread in front of him.
[20:28] <Shamal> "Good morning, sir," Shamal gives her customary almost imperceptibly sloppy salute and takes her seat in readiness for the morning briefing.
[20:30] <Kotono> "Good to see you all up at a reasonable hour," he grunts, red faced as he checks another paper. "In a good way - not a bit of unnatural activity since the masoleum of Helm was cleaned out. Now then, let's see..." He begins, going over some papers. "A few things."
[20:32] <Shamal> "Perhaps we can hope that abomination was behind things after all," Shamal nods in quiet relief.
[20:33] <Kotono> "First of all, now that things are quiet you can rest a few days." Beginning with that, "Well done, cadets. The head priest of Helm's temple and a Watchman spoke highly of you yesterday, and others are impressed with your gallantry."
[20:35] * Berlioz nods lazily, hiding a smile. "It was just our job, truth be told. It's not really all that impressive."
[20:36] <Kotono> "Most would have buckled and ran," Commander Oberuth chides, "Even war veterans." He ponders a moment, "The Temple of Helm has something they wish to bestow on you, go there."
[20:37] <Shamal> "Again?" Shamal looks a bit surprised. "They already rewarded us most graciously last time..."
[20:38] <Kotono> "It's something of an award," Commander Oberuth actually smiles somewhat slowly. "It's in conjunction with us, but as a favor to them they're presenting."
[20:39] * Berlioz nods. "Well. I guess that, with the blessings from our superiors, it'd be in good grace to accept this", he says raising an eyebrow somewhat awkwardly.
[20:40] * Shamal stands up, "Are we to go there now, sir?" she asks, pondering the possibilities of this award.
[20:40] <Kotono> "Now then," A nod as he goes to the next paper, "Also, Miss Stronger wants to see you soon. This is more informal - hold a moment, Shamal, I'm not done yet," Commander Oberuth blusters a bit, gesturing down.
[20:40] * Shamal blushes and sits down. "Sorry sir," she mumbles.
[20:42] <Kotono> "Now then, before I was interrupted," The Commander goes back to the paper, "Miss Stronger, ah, requested that you come by her shop. It's nearly completed and she wishes to see the lot of you."
[20:45] <Kotono> Seeing the silence that follows, "That's purely informal, but she was rather energetic about her request. Now, get going."
[20:46] <Seira> "Yes, Sir!" Seira says, standing up and saluting.
[20:46] <Shamal> "Yes, sir," Shamal echoes with almost as much enthusiasm as she mimics the half-elf.
[20:47] * Berlioz bows politely, repeating the "Yes, sir" with notably less chipperness than his companions.

[Corwin]

[21:20] <Kotono> ---
[21:21] <Kotono> The Temple of Helm is open but guarded. Two men stand at the doors, one at each side. They salute as the party approaches, stern but respectful. Inside, you can see the long hall and altar, several people far back.
[21:22] * Seira returns the salute, proceeding inside.
[21:22] * Shamal does likewise, marching inside with Rin alongside her - she deserves this award for killing ghouls as much as any other member of the team!
[21:24] * Berlioz bows subtly, keeping his head a bit low. While receiving an award is an ego stroke as good as any, the atmosphere slightly unsettles the bard.
[21:24] * Lyselle raises her eyebrows a little at the goings on of the temple. Well, it was certainly flattering, but perhaps a little odd...or not. Was killing it such an incredible thing?
[21:26] <Kotono> Inside, you find the altar plain but rigid. On each side, deep and hidden from the door, several men at arms stand at attention. They hold spears, pointed up towards the roof. Back beyond, you see the Watchman, and in front of him, a burly, sturdy man. He wears full body chain mail and has a heavy mace hang at his belt, a bristling mustache and brown beard.  A little besides him Khardon waits, smirking just al ittle bit.
[21:29] * Shamal smiles, resisting the urge to wave as she slowly makes her way to the altar with her friends, hoping this won't call for any speeches.
[21:29] <Kotono> "Well then, come on," Khardon raises his voice as the party enters. "Don't leave us standing here all day as you preen your feathers."
[21:30] * Berlioz dimly continues his way to the altar, the steps covering the silence with nigh-rythmical precision.
[21:31] * Lyselle heads along, wearing Shamal's crafted longsword now instead of her maces as she advances up to qthe altar with her friends.
[21:32] <Shamal> "Forgive us for not having any speeches prepared, sir," Shamal banters back, before pausing expectantly once she reaches the altar.
[21:33] <Kotono> The burly man in chain mail bristles, his entire form seeming to ripple under the chainmail. "Welcome and well met! I applaud you, the words of your deeds have pleased my own ears."
[21:33] <Kotono> Smiling a bit, "It means that you're about to get something nice, so if you would?" Khardon smoothly interjects.
[21:34] <Kotono> The Watchman just nods once, grim faced.
[21:35] <Kotono> "Yes..." The burly man goes on, strongly. "We wish to bestow on you a mark of honor. You have exeplified what Helm teaches and shown us a point of our own failings. I find your diligence in your duties pleasing and worthy of our gratitude."
[21:37] <Shamal> "Merely doing our jobs, sir," Shamal demurs humbly. "But to paraphrase what someone recently told me, you need but look upon the visage of He Whom Always Guards, and you will feel vigilance, law, and duty reigning in your heart." If that speech was good enough for Helm's messenger to give her, it should work for this crowd!
[21:40] <Kotono> "Well said!" The man roars his approval, echoing in the large hall. He reaches to the altar, a wooden box there. In he goes, taking out four medals. "The Eye of Helm, our award for the laity that exemplies Helm's teachings." He goes to each, handing it to them. It's a small medal of a helmet of silver, with tiny but clear eyes of blue stone(Sapphire? Aquamarine, perhaps?) looking on.
[21:42] * Shamal bows graciously as she accepts her medal. Oh, well, she and Rin can share.
[21:43] * Lyselle offers her own formalistic bow, smiling faintly as she accepts it, enough to be pleased, but not overtly excited at such a decoration.
[21:46] * Berlioz bows dimly, lowering his head as the medal is delivered upon his neck.
[21:46] <Kotono> As the priest settles back, Khardon steps forward. His hands are behind his back, as, "Well then. Since it's only fair to let those that hosted this go first...Hmmm." He pauses, just smiling. "I don't know. Cadet Armasea has a ring to it I still enjoy."
[21:50] * Lyselle gives Khardon a faint but distinctly and overplayed expression of displeasure, the sort one might expect from a noble addressed as a commoner.
[21:51] <Kotono> "Ah well. I suppose I'll adapt." Looking to each of them as he clears his throat, "Now then. Officially, we are all grateful fo ryour efforts. Your bravery is considerable and your valor will be remembered. Our young nation extends it's deepest thanks to each of you." Now his hands at last come out, four small wooden boxes in them.
[21:52] * Shamal accepts her box and carefully opens it to see what she won!
[21:54] * Lyselle takes the box offered, and like Shamal, opens it for their no doubt glorious prizes.
[21:54] * Berlioz opens his own box cerimoniously, slightly glancing at it and peeking at its contents.
[21:57] <Kotono> Inside each is a simple metal bar. Iron and of no decoration. Really, it doesn't look very valuable at all. But to someone who serves? When one is worn on a collar, it means one thing - you certainly aren't a cadet anymore.
[21:58] * Seira salutes Khardon upon receiving her box, standing at attention.
[22:00] <Kotono> Seeing the salutes, "Well done, lietenants. Now then..." Khardon stretches back, "Don't do anything to disgrace your commisions and uphold the diginity that our nation has put into you."
[22:01] * Shamal for once in her life snaps off a crisp and proper salute, standing rigidly at attention. "Thank you sir. We won't disappoint you."
[22:01] * Lyselle adds a salue, smiling plainly. "Thank you, sir."
[22:02] * Berlioz smiles faintly, and his eyes brighten a bit as he salutes. "Thank you very much, sir."
[22:03] <Kotono> "Good. You can get going now," he chuckles, waving his hands.
[22:05] * Shamal briefly nudges Rin into making a 'paw' gesture, the best she can manage for a salute, before the pair turn to depart at their dismissal.
[22:06] * Berlioz salutes again with a bow, and takes a step back to begin his return.
[22:06] * Lyselle follows Shamal's lead, turning sharply to leave the temple in time with her compatriots.
[22:09] <Kotono> So the party leaves. The bakery atop a hill is a bakery no more. Only the warm sea breeze can be smelled as you walk up, instead a shop dyed as red as the sunset sitting there. A shop of one story and broad, doors suitable to a festhall and painted gold. Most of the work is done, just a few workers doing some touch up painting on the sides as you climb up.
[22:11] <Shamal> "Do you have any idea what the Countess would want with us, Seira?" Shamal asks the apprentice of said woman.
[22:13] <Seira> "When I saw her last, she mentioned that if she ever had something she needed help with, we would be the ones she would approach," Seira responds after a moment's consideration. "However, it could be as simple as granting us the privelege of being among the first to see her new shop."
[22:14] <Shamal> "What does the shop sell anyway?" Shamal asks, looking at the signage and windows as they approach for any clues.
[22:15] * Seira shrugs lightly. "It is not officially open yet, so...."
[22:15] <Kotono> There's no sign of a sign. Nothing there yet, but there are two small windows - curtained up at the moment.
[22:16] * Seira approaches the door and knocks twice.
[22:16] * Berlioz snickers. "It could be anything, considering the Countess. I'd expect her to surprise us by now."
[22:17] * Lyselle just shrugs, following along. She's never met this sister of the nobility, only heard stories.
[22:17] <Kotono> The door opens wide! Standing there is the Countess, clad in a red travel dress and cape, tall leather boots up to her knees. "Oh there you are, wel..." She does stop abruptly as she sees Seira, smiling, Shamal, a nod, Lyselle, another nod, Berli-stop. Blink-stop.
[22:18] <Seira> "All four of us received notice that you wished to see us, Countess," Seira says by way of greeting, bowing.
[22:21] * Berlioz awkwardly nudges his collar, and bows. "We are here per your request", he completes, fixing his monocles uncomfortably as the bard retains his original position. He had somewhat -forgotten- the initial string of events that led him to the Countess...
[22:23] <Kotono> "...you little snake in the grass..." she mutters, eyes lighting up. "Were you two in on this from the beginning?" She sends an accusing look to Seira.
[22:24] * Shamal contrives to fade into the background at this point, Rin also flattening herself low down out of sight behind the party as her animal instincts kick in.
[22:24] <Seira> "That would require me liking him, Countess," Seira responds honestly, wearing a frown.
[22:24] <Berlioz> "Likewise. These are completely separate events", the bard coughs while glancing a few knives at Seira.
[22:25] * Seira utterly ignores the bard.
[22:25] <Kotono> Countess Stronger twitches as if having a seizure, eyes going wide and lips moving up and down. "I'm not sure if I should disbelieve you, and even if so, if to be irritated or praise your resourcefulness. I didn't even put the events together far enough."
[22:26] <Seira> "How may we be of service, Ma'am?" Seira asks the woman instead.
[22:28] <Kotono> The woman twitches another time, then sighs deeply. "Alright, just come in." With that she turns around, "Don't worry, the door cantrip's in place."
[22:29] * Seira comes in!
[22:30] * Berlioz steps inside the house, grumbling.
[22:30] * Shamal follows now that the invitation has been given, hoping no objection will be given to Rin's presence.
[22:30] * Lyselle follows, smiling pleasantly despite hte situation. She knew nothing!
[22:32] <Kotono> The entire place has a thick carpet. It feels good under your feet, and as you pass onto it, the door closes behind you. Inside is a well lit place, a serious of glass display cases in the front, with a long, long row of shelves and scrollholders in back, as well as a long glass case full of potions in clear flasks, every color of the rainbow.
[22:34] <Shamal> "Nice shop," Shamal murmurs appreciatively. If the prices are good she might be coming here after her first payday as a lieutenant!
[22:34] * Berlioz glances at the rich display of flasks, scrolls and trinkets. "Impressive stand..."
[22:34] <Seira> "It looks very cosy," Seira agrees.
[22:35] <Kotono> "Now then...hey, you..you...peasant!" Stronger glares at Berlioz, "I resent that. This is NOT a stand. This is a grand shop of magic that only one in a thousand souls can appreciate!"
[22:36] * Berlioz sighs and lowers his head sheepishly. "Yes, Countess, I understand."
[22:37] <Kotono> Glaring daggers at Berlioz even after that, "Go ahead and look if you want, but listen too." Clearing her throat, "Namely, first of all, weren't you interested as well?" A question right to SHamal.
[22:40] <Shamal> "Oh!" Shamal looks a bit caught off guard by the sudden question. "Well, I, ah, briefly considered... but, er, I tried the whole apprentice thing once before," she waves a hand dismissively, pursing her lips and shaking her head slowly, "Didn't work out well for anyone, really."
[22:41] <Kotono> "You sure," Stronger smiles winsomely, "I could use another gofer-apprentance! Ah well. Anyway, to the point.  First of all, I have a request for all of you."
[22:43] <Seira> "A request?"
[22:44] <Kotono> "Yes, I'm looking to increase stock before I open. Got anything magical you'd be interested in selling?"
[22:44] * Seira gives Berlioz a considering glance.
[22:45] * Berlioz scratches his head and squints his eyes acidically at Seira. "... well..."
[22:46] <Shamal> "I only have a few spell scrolls, and they're for personal use," Shamal shakes her head apologetically, rising above the infighting.
[22:47] <Lyselle> "I've got this sword, but I don't think I'd forgive myself selling it, much less Shamal who managed to manipulate it into working..." Lyselle shrugged, giving a slight bow. "Apologies."
[22:47] <Berlioz> "I have a few spellscrolls hanging, myself, although I'm not sure of how much use they would be to the shop."
[22:47] <Kotono> Countess Stronger idly glares at Berlioz, before smiling to Shamal. "Oh well, that's too bad-hm? You have a real magical sword? Manipulated it into working?"
[22:48] <Seira> "Only this amulet," Seira says at last, presenting it to the Countess. "It can rescue someone on the verge of death, though I do not believe it is very useful outside of battle."
[22:49] <Shamal> "The sword is not for sale," the blonde witch nods authoritatively, smiling at Lyselle.
[22:50] <Kotono> "Oh, that's a pity. Any sort of real magical item interests me. Could I at least see the pendant and sword...oh, and I suppose I can look at the scrolls, too, if you want."
[22:51] * Lyselle glances at Shamal before even moving to draw the blade, waiting for an assent to such. She doesn't know etiquette between mages, only between nobility.
[22:53] <Shamal> "There's no harm in looking," Shamal nods agreeably. "The scrolls I carry are merely simple utility spells of the first circle that I don't always prepare."
[22:53] * Lyselle nods, drawing the weapon underhand, and carefully holding the blade in her gloves to offer to the Countess.
[22:54] <Kotono> "Also, why you do..hmmm. Interested in a job on the side," she says, going and taking the pendant and then the sword, one in each hand. They're put on a nearby case, a few words murmured by her.
[22:54] * Lyselle (~dragomirs@225-52-77-204.sptc.mnscu.edu) Quit (back in a few -=SysReset 2.53=-)
[22:54] <Kotono> roll 1d20+15
[22:54] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+15 and gets 21."12 [1d20=6]
[22:54] <Kotono> roll 1d20+15
[22:54] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+15 and gets 18."12 [1d20=3]
[22:54] * Berlioz folds his arms. "Mine aren't any different from Shamal's in that regard..."
[22:56] <Seira> "Our official duties are done with at the moment, so a job would be appreciated," Seira responds.
[22:56] <Kotono> "Amulet's nice, but I'd have to identify it, and the sword..." A Deep frown, very deep. "What in the WORLD is with it? I can barely make heads or tails of it."
[22:58] <Shamal> "It took on a strange enchantment after Lyselle killed the lesser abomination with it," Shamal explains proudly.
[22:58] <Shamal> "Nasty necromantic thing, so I applied a few more pleasing spells - healing and restorative to cancel out the necromancy, mostly, as well as some to inflict cold damage, which I felt would mesh well. It's rather amazing, really, since it actually now heals the wielder with every strike - the freezing effect is almost by the wayside compared to that."
[22:59] <Kotono> "What a miraclous sword, I've never heard of anything like that. What was it, some manner of free magic?" Countess Stronger hefts the blade up, white and cold air fogging up around it.
[23:00] * Shamal nods. "It seemed to absorb a lot of malleable magic upon killing the undead creature. Selective application of spells after that seemed to redirect its enchantment - certainly not the usual method of crafting, I'll admit, but I don't think I could create such a powerful artifact by conventional means."
[23:01] <Kotono> "How fortunate...oooh. Are you sure you won't consider selling it?" Stronger asks, then to the amulet as she goes and picks that back up, "I'd give you 2000 gold for the amulet if you like."
[23:02] * Seira merely nods. "It is a very acceptable exchange, Countess."
[23:02] <Shamal> "It's far too useful a weapon in our line of work to sell I'm afraid," Shamal smiles gently, shaking her head.
[23:02] * Hotaru (~dragomirs@225-52-77-204.sptc.mnscu.edu) has joined #dunes
[23:02] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Hotaru Hotaru
[23:03] * Hotaru is now known as Lyselle
[23:04] * Berlioz (assis_san@201.22.146.239.adsl.gvt.net.br) Quit (Ping timeout)
[23:05] <Kotono> "Done!"  Handing the sword back to Lyselle, the amulet vanishes as Countess Stronger goes to behind the biggest case. She comes out with four gold bars, "A good reason for nice round numbers. Pure, high quality gold. 500 gold coins in value each, should be easy to convert to...ooof, money in town." Wiping her forehead after, "Mmm. Now then, a business venture for all of you."
[23:06] * Lyselle nods, taking her blade back and smiling lightly. "Far too useful," she agrees, her smile strengthening a bit as she sheaths it.
[23:07] <Kotono> Once the gold is put down to be taken, "There's a creature I need something from - namely, it's preserved heart. Naturally sicne I'm having to ask someone to get it, it's in the Barbarian Lands only."
[23:08] <Seira> "What manner of creature is this?"
[23:10] <Kotono> "A great bear, a dire bear." A pause, "They live a good ways north and towards the east, near the marshes by the coastline. They're not terribly common, either, so you'll likely run into all sorts of distractions on the way."
[23:11] <Seira> "How fresh does the heart need to be?" Seira asks next. "Or, barring that, can you provide us with a reliable way to preserve it, Ma'am?"
[23:11] <Shamal> "What do you need it's heart for?" Shamal asks, frowning. Killing a great creature of the forest is not something she's eager to perform without just cause.
[23:12] <Kotono> "Salting it will do. I'll even provide a barrel of it if you like." Stretching back, "A dire bear's known to be a great, berserk predator. It takes what it wants with raw power that can't be challenged, and it's a symbolic component in creating a Belt of Strength."
[23:15] * Shamal is satisfied with that, her expression softening. Just as the hunter kills to put meat on his table and clothes on his back, so too can she justify killing an animal for magical components. "They are misunderstood creatures," she allows thoughtfully. "But taking one down would be no easy task."
[23:19] <Kotono> "Indeed, I've done the homework." Going back to where she got the gold, she gets out a scroll. "If you're curious."
[23:20] * Shamal wanders over to take a look at the scroll.
[23:20] <Kotono> It's basic information on Dire Bears. Shamal reads...:
[23:22] <Kotono> Dire Bears are one of the most fearsome natural predators. Weight over 4 tons and being able to move fast enough to scare, they take what they want and live well. They're known to fight with trolls and strong giant wolves, but generally aren't hunted or have any natural enemies. Very savage.
[23:23] <Seira> "Is their heart the only component of value?" Seira asks.
[23:24] <Kotono> "Fur's probably worth something," Stronger notes, "But that is it as far as I know, and I don't carea bout the fur."
[23:24] * Seira nods.
[23:24] <Shamal> "Ah, yes," Shamal nods. "I am, of course, familiar with them. It doesn't say that they can be very protective of those they trust, however. Many legends speak of powerful druids who keep them as companions..." she smiles and pets Rin, "Not that I'm looking to trade."
[23:25] * Berlioz (assis_san@201.47.146.197.adsl.gvt.net.br) has joined #dunes
[23:25] * ChanServ sets mode: +o Berlioz
[23:25] <Kotono> "Yes, it'll defeat the effort if you decide to tame it," STronger agrees, "Well then, how do you say?"
[23:26] * Seira glances at the others for any sign of agreement.
[23:26] <Shamal> "Such an excursion would require some time away from our duties here," Shamal notes. "We should check with the commander, first."
[23:30] * Berlioz nods. "We will contact the commander regarding this task, then. As soon as he grants us permission, we go. I don't think there will be any objections, regardless."

[Corwin]

[21:05] <Kotono> ----------
[21:07] <Kotono> The trip out the gates is a brisk one. Biggs and Wedge salute as you head out, your destination to the northern forest wilds. The first day passes without incident, farmsteads giving way to forest as night falls. The second day is quiet, into a sylvan wilderness. Yet on the third day, as the party wakens? Resting in a small clearing, you notice that you can smell smoke in the air. Heavy smoke.
[21:09] * Seira attempts to discern the direction the smoke is coming from.
[21:09] * Shamal gets up quickly, looking around as well for the source of the fire.
[21:10] <Kotono> This point isn't hard. The wind is blowing in from the north, a small breeze.  It's therefore coming from the north.
[21:10] <Kotono> Shamal doesn't see an immediate source of fire, just more woods ahead.
[21:10] <Seira> "Should we investigate?" Seira questions.
[21:11] * Berlioz blinks. "That's probably a no-brainer."
[21:12] <Seira> "We do not have much invested in this," Seira elaborates. "This incident is not taking place within our borders, nor are beasts prone to setting things on fire. We may just end up dragged into a conflict."
[21:12] <Shamal> "That much smoke is more than a simple campfire, we should be careful - forest fires can advance with terrifying speed," Shamal cautions, gathering up her supplies before mounting her horse.
[21:13] <Berlioz> "The issue is if this fire reaches the forest. We'll be in trouble regardless", the bard deadpans, packing up and mounting.
[21:14] <Kotono> As the party gets set, they notice that the smell of smoke and burning is becoming stronger in the wind.
[21:15] <Shamal> "If the forest is on fire there's nothing we can do," Shamal looks sad, "Our best option is to move in the opposite direction, lest it surround us."
[21:15] <Seira> "If this is a forest fire, should we not move away from it swiftly?" Seira asks, before nodding at Shamal.
[21:17] * Lyselle nods, smiling slightly and checking her gear. "Shamal's the most knowledgeable of forestry..."
[21:18] <Shamal> "If you give me a moment to prepare, I can ready a spell that will aid us if the fire gets too close, but I would prefer if we avoid it entirely," Shamal offers, before bowing her head as she prays to Mielikki to grant her daily spells.
[21:18] * Berlioz sighs. "At this point, we have options somewhat resembling the ones a man in a sealed well has. So, we just try to leave the forest and, if we get lucky enough to get that far, wait for the fire to subside once safe?"
[21:19] <Seira> "Your dog can travel faster than us, can she not?" Seira asks Shamal, packing away her things. "Could you send her over to check on things, with an order to retreat if it gets dangerous?"
[21:20] <Shamal> "Actually my horse is probably faster than Rin, if running full speed," Shamal returns, her spells ready. "But sending someone to 'check out' a forest fire is extremely foolish," she cautions, looking North to see if there's any visual cues making themselves apparent, yet.
[21:21] <Kotono> After a few minutes, you can begin to see a bit of smoke poking up into the sky. It's still faint but starting to creep southernward, towards the party.
[21:22] <Kotono> As the party looks and waits, all can easily here something making noises in the bush ahead of you.
[21:22] <Shamal> "The fire approaches," Shamal notes, turning her horse about and about to leave before she hears the other noises. "And something else..." she looks in the direction of the noise.
[21:23] * Berlioz turns around towards the direction of the sudden noises. "What the..."
[21:23] <Kotono> *as the party moves on.
[21:23] <Lyselle> "Hm?" Lyselle asks, turning on the bushes, raising an eyebrow at the movement.
[21:24] <Seira> Even on the move from sudden forest fires, Seira tries to keep herself blended with the environment!
[21:25] <Kotono> Bursting out from the bushes, huffing and puffing? It's a goblin - green skinned and wearing studded leather armor. A small goblin's sword hangs at it's belt, doubled over as it tries to catch it's breath. It's face is streaked with black soot, a sack held in one hand.
[21:25] * Seira looks at him to see if he's her self-declared nemesis!
[21:26] <Shamal> "I hope *you* didn't start the fire," Shamal frowns disapprovingly at the little goblin.
[21:26] <Kotono> Doesn't look like it. Just a normal goblin in slightly nicer than usual armor. As the party looks, the goblin wearily looks up. "...hey, humans! You run! You should run! Big fire's comin', village is in the damn way."
[21:27] <Lyselle> "He's being far more helpful than any goblins we've come in contact with..." Lyselle notes idly, snorting a bit.
[21:27] <Seira> It's enough for Seira, who begins to move away once more, slowly enough to not lose sight of her friends.
[21:28] <Berlioz> "... that's not exactly heart-warming. Anyhow, a village in the way?", Berlioz deadpans.
[21:28] <Shamal> "What village?" Shamal asks, starting to fret a bit.
[21:29] <Kotono> As Seira moves away, the goblin looks up. "Ours. Trolls are movin' further down this way again. We killed one that tried to take our things, but the fire got outta control. 'least all the soldiers are gonna live."
[21:30] <Shamal> "So you did start the fire..." Shamal sighs. "Don't let us keep you, then, you better warn your village."
[21:31] <Kotono> "You kiddin'? I'm running AWAY from it." The goblin spits, "I ain't gonna burn alive."
[21:32] <Berlioz> "And what do we have to do with it, anyway?"
[21:33] <Kotono> The goblin shrugs, righting himself. "Dunno. I'm goin' in case the fire spreads further."
[21:34] <Shamal> "Which is what we should do," Shamal nods. "There's nothing to be gained standing around and waiting for the flames to overtake us."
[21:34] * Berlioz sighs, and begins galloping back into the road the party was following before that untimely interruption. "Indeed."
[21:34] <Kotono> "Smart humans." The goblin grunts, but calls, "One more thing!"
[21:34] * Lyselle nods and heads onwards. Just more goblins in the way.
[21:36] <Lyselle> "What?" Lyselle finally asks, as the rear guard, pausing to look at him.
[21:37] <Kotono> "Lookin' to go north or east?" he asks bluntly. "Know a good way, fire shouldn't go that way."
[21:38] <Shamal> "We're actually heading West, but thank you for the offer," Shamal returns, before spurring her horse onwards, Rin likewise following as they do indeed head West. They can circle around the fire easily enough after a bit of travel that way.
[21:39] * Lyselle just shrugs, riding away again.
[21:40] * Berlioz bites his tongue and follows his companions.
[21:40] <Kotono> So the party rides on! To the west, back towards the coastline. The smoky smell lingers most of the way, but by the time you reach the rugged coast, ground wet and preswamplike, the fiery scent has finally faded altogether.
[21:41] <Kotono> OOC - Okay, I'm basically waiting on if you're going to do anything or declare directions, whichever.
[21:42] <Shamal> "Let's follow the coastline North for a bit before heading inland, so we can be sure avoiding the fire those goblins so carelessly set?" Shamal suggests to her friends.
[21:42] <Seira> "Fine by me."
[21:43] * Berlioz nods. "Probably the best we could do. I trust your judgment here, Shamal."
[21:44] <Kotono> So the party heads along the coast another day. The ground gets swampier, soon wet and logy. The weather turns cooler, a nip of frost in the air. While you can smell the ocean at times, there is also a heavier, rotting scent of the swamp. On your fourth day of journey, you come what looks to be the remnant of a natural road, up a strange hill jutting out of the coastal swamp.  IT would lead you back towards the east, or you could keep followin
[21:44] <Kotono> *manmade road. I hate my typos so much.
[21:45] <Kotono> or you could keep following the coast as well.
[21:46] <Shamal> "Let's follow this road?" Shamal suggests. "Do us some good to get away from this bog... of course, roads in the wilderness are favoured by brigands, so we would do well to be careful."
[21:47] * Berlioz sighs blankly. "We might as well be wandering in circles if we keep going alongside the coast. I guess it's fine."
[21:48] * Lyselle just nods, keeping an eye out as suggested.
[21:48] <Kotono> As you head down the road, notice it's mostly overgrown, but at one point in the far past it was cobbled, a few surviving.  The hill is ahead - strangely the hill is brown rock, no grass on it or trees, or any sort of vegetation. IT goes up about fifty feet, a long dome poking out of the ground. OOC - Spot check, L-chan.
[21:49] <Lyselle> roll 1d20+1
[21:49] * Hatbot --> "Lyselle rolls 1d20+1 and gets 21."12 [1d20=20]
[21:51] <Lyselle> "Hey," Lyselle pauses, stopping to look closer. "There's a sort of fissure here..."
[21:52] <Kotono> So Lyselle goes up, about to the fourty foot mark of the dome, on the close side ascending. She can see the fissure, it blends into the rock surprisingly well. It's about two feet long and a foot wide. It's dark, but it's also noticibly hollow.
[21:52] * Lyselle takes her iron mace, using it to probe and prod curiously into the hollow, checking it for anything, or if goes deeper.
[21:52] <Shamal> "Interesting... I doubt any Dire Bears could fit through there, though, so shall we investigate?" Shamal asks.
[21:53] <Kotono> It goes quite deep, you don't feel anything by poking inside of the hole.
[21:54] <Lyselle> "...Honestly, I'm pretty sure this hill is a building. This might be a chimney or something," Lyselle offers her thesis, shrugging. "It's about all I can come up with for an explanation...and who knows what might be inside."
[21:54] * Berlioz scratches his head. "We're pretty far from our home intentions anyway. By this point, might as well do something while the dust doesn't settle."
[21:55] * Shamal follows Lyselle up to the fissure and proceeds to cast Light on a convenient pebble and then toss it down the hole so they can see better within.
[21:56] <Kotono> Woosh! The pebble goes flying down! At least sixty feet, illuminating! You see the entire hill is hollow, supported by old, humanoid/human made pillars. A few feet of water lie at the bottom of the chamber, the pebble submerged. It looks rather big down there...
[21:57] <Shamal> "I don't think any of us can squeeze through that gap so should we look for another entrance?" Shamal asks, peering down. "It definitely looks like artifical construction, inside."
[21:58] * Lyselle nods. "Would probably be the best, the difficulties of navigating vertical passages aside even."
[22:00] <Kotono> OOC - Okay, so doing anything, people? If you're searching around, describe where you are for me?
[22:00] * Shamal nods and begins to work her way around the perimeter of the dome, searching for any other holes.
[22:01] * Seira examines the insides of the hill to determine the most probable entrances to the structure, before attempting to locate them on the outside.
[22:01] * Lyselle follows suit, carefully and methodically inspecting the rest of area on the actual hillside.
[22:01] <Kotono> OOC - First of all, search/spot check, Shamal. Whichever is better.
[22:02] <Shamal> roll 1d20+10 spot
[22:02] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+10 spot and gets 13."12 [1d20=3]
[22:02] <Shamal> OOC: alertness reroll!
[22:02] <Shamal> roll 1d20+10 spot
[22:02] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+10 spot and gets 28."12 [1d20=18]
[22:02] <Kotono> Seira looks down. With her low light vision she can see a fair bit better than Shamal. There are four pillars supporting the hill, one at each cardinal direction, and a broken pillar in the middle, no longer supporting. You can see some sort of small indents inthe water by where the pebble fell, some sort of pattern.
[22:03] <Kotono> Shamal notes that a bit of the earth on the northern side is discolored, more of a deep, smoother brown, almost tinging on a black.
[22:04] <Kotono> OOC - Where on the dome, L-chan?
[22:04] <Lyselle> OOC - Circling it around the mid-section, taking my time.
[22:04] <Kotono> OOC - Spot or search, whichever is better. Also a hearing check.
[22:05] <Shamal> Lacking other ideas, Shamal pokes the blackened earth with her quarterstaff!
[22:05] <Kotono> The black dirt is pushed back a bit. You note that it's a nice slot, only this smooth bit of mismatching rock in the way. Pushed back, you can see that the walls are smooth, no resistance to it being pusehd back so.
[22:05] <Lyselle> roll 1d20+2 search
[22:06] * Hatbot --> "Lyselle rolls 1d20+2 search and gets 18."12 [1d20=16]
[22:06] <Lyselle> roll 1d20+1 listen
[22:06] * Hatbot --> "Lyselle rolls 1d20+1 listen and gets 3."12 [1d20=2]
[22:06] <Kotono> Lyselle finds little of instance or note.
[22:08] * Shamal pushes the earth back further, wondering if it's a dirtied up doorway or something. "I think I've found something!" she calls to the others.
[22:08] * Lyselle goes over to assist Shamal in scraping dirt away.
[22:09] <Kotono> With another push, the block falls! It falls about ten or twenty feet, plopping down into the water. There is now about a four by four foot hole in the hill's base, slanted for easy ingress.
[22:10] <Shamal> "That did it," Shamal smiles, crouching down a bit so she can carefully clamber inside.
[22:11] <Kotono> Clambering inside, you can see that there's still about a ten foot drop between the end of this and th etop of the fallen block.
[22:12] <Shamal> "Rin, stay out here," Shamal commands her dog, before climbing down the rest of the way. Rin would have trouble getting back out, really.
[22:13] * Hotaru (~dragomirs@225-52-77-204.sptc.mnscu.edu) has joined #dunes
[22:13] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Hotaru Hotaru
[22:13] <Kotono> OOC - Make a climbing check.
[22:13] * Lyselle (~dragomirs@225-52-77-204.sptc.mnscu.edu) Quit (NickServ (GHOST command used by Hotaru))
[22:13] * Hotaru is now known as Lyselle
[22:13] <Shamal> OOC: taking 10 for 11
[22:15] <Kotono> Shamal takes her time down the slope, but finds that her careful, steady effort isn't enough! About halfway down she slips, a hard landing onto the stone tablet! Ow!
[22:15] <Kotono> roll 1d6
[22:15] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d6 and gets 5."12 [1d6=5]
[22:17] <Seira> "Shamal!" Seira calls down to the druid. "You found another entrance?"
[22:18] <Shamal> "Ow..." Shamal groans as she picks herself up. At least she didn't land in the water and soak herself. "Yes, be careful, though, it needs a bit of a climb..." Regaining her bearings, she looks around her new surroundings.
[22:19] <Seira> "Don't move just yet," Seira cautions Shamal. "There are strange markings that could be runes all over. Try your magical sight." Having said that, she heads towards where the brick fell inwards, seeking out this entrance.
[22:19] <Kotono> It's a large dome. There are four pillars, one at each relative corner. In the middle is a fallen pillar, collasped. The top looks badly cracked, the peak of the hill starting to slowly crumble. On the ground, you note what looks to be some sort of pattern of indents and stones under the three feet of standing water. There's a door far on the west side, a small pillared archway.
[22:19] <Shamal> "Okay," Shamal calls back to Seira, proceeding to cast Detect Magic. "I see a door to the West as well."
[22:20] <Kotono> Shamal sees no magic in the room.
[22:20] * Seira decides to make her way towards Shamal's entrance anyway, wishing to examine the markings on the stone.
[22:20] <Shamal> "No magic!" she calls, moving to the edge of the block and looking back to see if anyone will join her.
[22:21] * Lyselle follows Shamal in, carefully moving down the incline in her armor, and keeping a firm grip on the holds and walls as she goes.
[22:22] <Kotono> OOC - Climb check as well, L-chaaaaaaaaaaaan.
[22:22] <Lyselle> OOC - Taking 10 for 16.
[22:22] <Kotono> Lyselle is able to reach the bottom and the slab without incident. She finishes up right besides Shamal.
[22:22] * Seira uses her length of rope to secure one end outside, before carefully climbing down with its help!
[22:23] <Kotono> OOC - No check with rope and a slope, no real chance of failing.
[22:23] <Kotono> Seira also reaches the bottom, leaving Berlioz and Rin topside.
[22:23] <Seira> OOC: I survive the 10ft drop!
[22:23] * Seira examines the carvings on the block!
[22:23] <Kotono> OOC - Knowledge arcana.
[22:23] <Seira> roll 1d20+5 curses
[22:23] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+5 curses and gets 9."12 [1d20=4]
[22:24] <Kotono> Seira can't place the symbols - little runes and engravings. Strange little ones, swirly.
[22:24] <Shamal> Finished her magic detecting gaze, Shamal takes a look over the runes Seira pointed out to see if she can discern their significance.
[22:24] * Seira frowns. "Shamal, what do you make of these?" she asks, pointing at the carvings.
[22:24] * Berlioz decides to finally climb down, taking advantage of the rope placed by Seira to move down.
[22:24] <Shamal> roll 1d20+8
[22:24] <Kotono> OOC - Knowledge arcana Shamal.
[22:24] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+8 and gets 24."12 [1d20=16]
[22:25] * Lyselle (~dragomirs@225-52-77-204.sptc.mnscu.edu) Quit (-=SysReset 2.53=-)
[22:25] <Kotono> Berlioz reaches the bottom safely as well.
[22:26] <Shamal> "Looks like something relating to moving stone... the actual enchantment must be gone by now, I suppose," Shamal explains. "Anyway, no choice but to get wet if we want to examine that door." With that, she hops down into the water and starts wading across to the West side of the chamber.
[22:27] <Seira> "Wait," Seira calls out, before making her way to the markings she saw from above.
[22:27] <Kotono> The water reaches about up to Shamal'ships. It's chilly and semi stagnant. Smells like swamp water, nasty. OOC - Knowledge Arcana again, Seira.
[22:28] <Seira> roll 1d20+5
[22:28] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+5 and gets 8."12 [1d20=3]
[22:28] * Seira sighs, and points out the stones. "This appeared to form a pattern from above," she tells Shamal.
[22:28] <Kotono> Again Seira ends up scratching her head, uncertain.
[22:29] <Shamal> "Hm?" Shamal looks at where Seira indicates to see if anything catches her attention. "Also, the water is *really* cold," she warns, shivering a bit.
[22:29] <Shamal> roll 1d20+8 arcana
[22:29] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+8 arcana and gets 25."12 [1d20=17]
[22:31] <Shamal> "I'm not certain, but I think this could have once been either a summoning or teleportation circle. Perhaps the first runes were used to align the stones for that purpose?" she surmises, before picking up the pace in wading to the door at the West and hopefully out of the water.
[22:31] <Kotono> Swishing through the water, you reach the west passage. It's a set of stairs carved out into the ground, going sharpely down. It's quite dark down there, not a single source of light beyond a fallen pebble.
[22:32] <Seira> "Perhaps," Seira agrees, and tries to get the glowing pebble.
[22:33] <Kotono> There's a bit of water that trickles down the stairs, but it doesn't look flooded. Seira can easily go back and grab the enchanted pebble if she wants, the one Shamal threw down.
[22:33] * Seira retrieves it, before returning with it to Shamal's side to provide illumination for them.
[22:33] <Shamal> "There's stairs leading down - it's damp but not flooded," Shamal calls, proceeding to cast prestidigitation so she can dry herself off and warm up a bit.
[22:33] <Kotono> Ahead is a long, sharply downward stair. It goes on farther than you can see.
[22:34] * Hotaru (~dragomirs@225-52-77-204.sptc.mnscu.edu) has joined #dunes
[22:34] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Hotaru Hotaru
[22:34] * Hotaru is now known as Lyselle
[22:38] * Lyselle frowns a little, settling a hand on her sword. "Heading down? Expecting danger?"
[22:39] <Seira> "Always," Seira agrees, offering the glowing pebble to someone else as she takes hold of her bow.
[22:39] * Berlioz sighs. "Fine, fine. We go", the bard replies dryly and picking the pebble from Seira's hand.
[22:42] <Kotono> Ten minutes of walking down. The walls become smoothed over stone, your path westward and quite deep into the ground.  The smell of the swamp is fading, into a strange, still aired mustiness. Dust has settled down, each step coated in it. An occasional air movement comes from th eway you came, helping to freshen up a bit. Still no end in sight, more steps ahead.
[22:43] <Shamal> "Wherever this goes, it's tremendously deep..." Shamal remarks, glancing back and seeing no sign of the entrance they came in by. Hopefully Rin isn't getting too bored waiting...
[22:43] * Seira occasionally looks back to ensure no nasty surprises are there for them, but mostly keeps her eye out for what's ahead.
[22:45] <Kotono> OOC - Spot checks if you like/are paying attention as you go.
[22:45] <Berlioz> roll 1d20+2 spot
[22:45] * Hatbot --> "Berlioz rolls 1d20+2 spot and gets 6."12 [1d20=4]
[22:46] <Shamal> roll 1d20+10
[22:46] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+10 and gets 30."12 [1d20=20]
[22:48] <Kotono> Another five minutes as you go down. None of you note anything abornmal, until you come to a door, a small branchoff platform. The stairs still keep going down, however, depths still far reaching. It's a plain doorway, a knob and all.
[22:49] <Shamal> "Well, I'd rather see something new than another few hundred feet of stairs," Shamal sighs in some relief.
[22:50] * Berlioz bites his lips and thinks for a moment. "Unless the door hides -yet- another set of stairs. But a detour is reasonable enough..."
[22:52] * Berlioz mutters a few enchanted words - it's a safety measure, if anything else. "Detect Magic..."
[22:52] <Berlioz> OOC - Aimed at the door.
[22:52] <Kotono> Berlioz notes no magic on the door.
[22:53] * Berlioz coughs. "Seems to be nothing magical about this door. Although this might warrant some caution regardless."
[22:53] * Seira examines the door for any traps.
[22:54] <Seira> roll 1d20+6
[22:54] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+6 and gets 8."12 [1d20=2]
[22:54] <Kotono> Seira does not find any traps.
[22:54] * Seira nods to herself, stepping back. "It's totally clear, feel free to open it, Berlioz."
[22:58] <Kotono> The door waits. It's quite a solid door, doesn't look like it's going anywhere.
[22:59] * Berlioz coughs a bit. "Are you sure about this?", he raises an eyebrow, hesitating to even twist the handle. Then, he sighs and does it anyway.
[22:59] * Seira is confident there are no traps!
[23:00] <Kotono> The door...opens. In a miracle of technology the doornob does it's exact job! Opening it, you find a small, cozy room. Or it would be cozy, if not for a rack on one wall, a spiked standing metal coffin on another, a a few rotted whips hanging on the wall. On the far wall there are strange shadows, a magical aura visible to Berlioz there, even if he can't see what'st here.
[23:01] * Seira looks past the bard into the room.
[23:02] * Berlioz blinks, and takes a hold of his bow. "This... is a strange place. One of the walls also holds a magical vibration, we probably should be careful..."
[23:02] <Seira> "This is a creepy place," Seira declares, shutting the door.
[23:03] * Berlioz shivers a bit, feeling something crawling in his skin.
[23:03] <Shamal> "What, I didn't see," Shamal pokes her head forward from the rear, wondering what the excitement's about.
[23:04] <Seira> "It is supernaturally creepy." Seira frowns. "In fact, this entire place, while mildly entertaining, is distracting us from our paying job."
[23:05] <Shamal> "Maybe so, but clearly powerful magic was involved in the circle upstairs," Shamal reasons. "There may yet be lore worth discovering here."
[23:06] <Shamal> "But yes, I do feel an odd creepiness from the door," she concedes.
[23:06] <Seira> "That chamber has a coffin, strange shadows, magic and a creepy feeling." Seira glares at the closed door. "Let's leave that room at that."
[23:07] <Berlioz> "That's a quick change of heart, although I agree - this room is unsettling. We can either return... or face more stairs, now", the bard replies with a sigh."
[23:08] <Shamal> "Going downstairs with a creepy room at our back strikes me as unwise," Shamal reasons. "We should try and find the source of this unsettling sensation and excise it before proceeding."
[23:09] <Seira> "How?"
[23:10] <Berlioz> "Getting back to the room would be a start", Berlioz deadpans.
[23:10] <Shamal> "Well by looking, obviously," Shamal echoes Berlioz's sentiments.
[23:10] <Seira> "Go for it, the door still has no traps on it."
[23:12] * Shamal shakes her head at her colleague's recalcitrance and opens the door herself, stepping inside.
[23:12] * Berlioz steps inside just behind Shamal.
[23:12] * Seira stays outside, bow in hand for all the good it might do to her.
[23:12] <Shamal> "You said you saw magic?" Shamal asks the bard.
[23:13] <Berlioz> "Yes", he nods. "Seems to be exhuding from the far wall, the one with the eerie shadows. I can't make out what is in there, though."
[23:14] <Shamal> "Toss the pebble at it and see if that removes the shadows?" Shamal asks. If they were undead they'd probably have attacked by now, but it is eerie...
[23:15] * Berlioz agrees with a nod. "Here goes a penny", the bard mutters as he tosses the pebble in the direction of the shadows.
[23:17] <Kotono> As you do, there is a flash! The pebble's light sputters and gutters out, whilst the darkness flickers! You see something - it's a large painting, of something, but you only get a glancing look. Nonetheless, you feel terror! OOC - Willsaves, all.
[23:17] <Seira> OOC: I'm outside and not even looking in
[23:17] <Kotono> OOC - Okay, you're fine, then.
[23:18] <Seira> OOC: Glee~
[23:18] <Berlioz> roll 1d20+4 ohgod
[23:18] * Hatbot --> "Berlioz rolls 1d20+4 ohgod and gets 24."12 [1d20=20]
[23:18] <Shamal> roll 1d20+9
[23:18] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+9 and gets 10."12 [1d20=1]
[23:18] <Lyselle> roll 1d20+2
[23:18] * Hatbot --> "Lyselle rolls 1d20+2 and gets 14."12 [1d20=12]
[23:21] * Shamal eeps, promptly turning and darting out the room and slamming the door behind her!
[23:22] <Seira> "Welcome back," Seira greets her calmly. "Can we go now?"
[23:22] * Lyselle yelps sharply, almost following Shamal, and only pausing to tear open the door and follow her fellow blonde out, slamming the door behind her, and behind Berlioz.
[23:22] <Seira> "Oh, are we leaving Berlioz in the creepy room?"
[23:23] <Shamal> "Don't care, just wanna get away!" Shamal babbles, already stumbling back up the stairs.
[23:24] * Berlioz squints his eyes as he takes a defensive stance, seemingly noticing something. "Is that... I think I'm seeing something... perhaps a painting?"
[23:24] <Seira> "Berlioz, we're leaving after all, seems like," Seira calls out, bringing up the rear.
[23:24] <Kotono> Berlioz notes the pebble starts working again once it lands. The shadows are still mostly shielding the painting, but Berlioz feels no fear now.
[23:25] * Berlioz nods. "I guess we need to tend for the blondes and get back to our former job. However, this warrants some checking later on."
[23:26] <Seira> "I've raised my opinion of you," Seira tells the bard honestly. "Your temperance must be better than I thought."
[23:29] <Berlioz> "Maybe it was a strike of luck... although I am hardly unflattered by the compliment", the bard replies with a small chuckle. "Regardless, it was a vaguely eerie thing. I'm not sure exactly what it was, but I could recognize a beard. With vividly, blood-like red eyes. It definitely warrants some further investigation down the line", he finishes seriously.
[23:30] <Seira> "A painting of a beard?" she seeks to clarify.
[23:30] <Berlioz> "Yes", the bard nods. "A painting of a white beard, guarded by the shadows. It's eerily suspicious."
[23:31] <Seira> "And magical, to boot? Interesting."
[23:33] * Berlioz caresses his chin, pondering about this recent turn of events, then turns to Seira. "It could be a cursed object - or a sort of ward against hapless invaders. Makes me frankly curious to what the hell is up with this place."
[23:35] <Seira> "It would not be out of place to find a warding or cursed object -- perhaps both -- in the same chamber as a coffin," she muses. "Still, if it was only a painting, we could safely proceed further below without worrying over that room."
[23:37] <Berlioz> "The painting alone caused Shamal and Lyselle, who are usually fairly brave, to run like courtisans flee from penniless old perverts", Berlioz deadpans, then continues. "I'd hardly call that only a painting, myself. It was strange - I could feel something crawling in my flesh when I first got into the room."
[23:38] * Seira blinks at the analogy. "I see," she drawls out.
[23:40] * Berlioz sighs heavily. "Regardless, we probably overstayed our welcome in this place. We still haven't caught the Dire Bear the Countess required, anyway."

[Corwin]

[20:19] <Kotono> -------
[20:20] <Kotono> It takes about ten minutes for the fear to wear off, back in the murky, swampy waters of the dome room.  It's still dark and wet...OOC - Balls in your guy's courts, also elaborate on a light source.
[20:21] * Shamal looks really embarrassed as she absently pets Flopsy while calming herself down. "Um... I don't really know what came over me..." she mutters, not meeting anyone's eyes.
[20:21] <Seira> Taking a page from Shamal's book, Seira casts Light on another pebble, tossing it over to Berlioz. "Once more into the breach?" she asks.
[20:22] <Berlioz> "Magic usually has such an effect", Berlioz deadpans as he grabs the pebble tossed by the elf girl. "And yes, Seira."
[20:22] * Lyselle just stays quiet, nodding to Siera and drawing her sword, staying combat ready to go forward.
[20:22] <Seira> "Excellent. Let's go."
[20:23] <Kotono> 15 minutes later has the party back at where they were, the dreaded room and it's door closed. Down past it are more stairs, descending into the earth.
[20:24] <Seira> "Be ready to recast Light if my runs out before we return," Seira tells Berlioz, continuing the descent.
[20:24] * Berlioz nods blankly, walking down the stairs.
[20:25] * Shamal follows onwards with a wary glance at the closed door.
[20:27] <Kotono> Deeper and deeper down! Another heavy five minutes of walking, until you come to a balcony carved out of the Earth. It's about fifteen feet by fifteen feet, with more stairs going down on the far western side. A few pillars support the ceiling here, a door to the north and another door to the south.
[20:27] * Shamal leans over the balcony to see how far it drops, if she can even see the bottom.
[20:28] * Seira does likewise!
[20:28] * Berlioz follows, coughing a bit.
[20:29] * Lyselle stays away from far drops.
[20:29] <Kotono> It's quite a looooong descent. You can see shadows far below, no sign of the bottom.
[20:30] * Seira picks up a normal pebble and holds it over the balcony, glancing at the others. "Should we check the depth?"
[20:30] <Shamal> "I'm curious to see how far it descends," Shamal nods agreeably.
[20:31] * Seira lets it drop, tracing it with her eyes and counting the seconds.
[20:31] <Kotono> It stays in view for a few seconds before it's lost into the darkness. No sound of it hitting, just vanishing into the inky black.
[20:31] * Seira waits a full minute before picking up a larger rock.
[20:32] <Berlioz> "This might as well be bottomless. It's impressive."
[20:32] * Seira tries the rock next!
[20:33] <Kotono> This rock falls quicker, so you see it a lesser time. Down into the dark, down and down and down and gone.
[20:34] * Seira activates her magical sight, taking a look around the balcony and the two doors.
[20:34] <Shamal> "Yes, very very deep," Shamal nods in wonder at the lack of any echoing report. "I do hope the stairs don't go that far down... shall we check these doors first before proceeding, though?"
[20:34] <Kotono> The northern door radiates magic. Very faint magic. OOC - Spellcraft it up if you like.
[20:35] <Seira> roll 1d20+5 I always like it~
[20:35] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+5 I always like it~ and gets 16."12 [1d20=11]
[20:35] * Seira searches the doors for any entrapments next.
[20:35] <Seira> roll 1d20+6
[20:35] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+6 and gets 26."12 [1d20=20]
[20:36] <Kotono> Seira can tell that the magic is evocation. Seira can also just notice that there is some sort of magical trap tied to the door.
[20:37] <Seira> "That way badness lies," she describes the northern door, before shrugging at the southern one. "This one is safe, as far as I can tell."
[20:38] <Shamal> "Let's try the untrapped one first - I can work something out to deal with the other afterwards," Shamal suggests, moving to open the Southern door and hoping to make up for her earlier lack of decorum.
[20:39] <Seira> "Stay back far enough for that evocation-based trap to not go off in your faces," Seira instructs, moving towards the northern door in an attempt to disable the trap, using her magical sight for guidance.
[20:39] <Seira> roll 1d20+11
[20:39] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+11 and gets 17."12 [1d20=6]
[20:39] * Berlioz crosses his arms and bobs his head blankly to Shamal, staying behind her.
[20:41] * Lyselle nods, keeping up next to Shamal. THe other blonde's best place for combat was at the back, but she was also the magically inclined one...oh if only they had a rogue of some sort.
[20:41] <Kotono> Shamal opens the door! Inside of here looks to be a smallish room. An old table of wood sits here, a few woodworked chairs. They look decently made but ancient. Sitting on the table is an old book.
[20:42] <Kotono> Seira attemps to disarm it, but her effort fails!
[20:42] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:42] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 9."12 [1d100=9]
[20:42] <Kotono> A barrage of five magical missles fly out, but they sputter away before any come in contact with Seira. She can see that the last magic around the door simply fades away.
[20:43] <Seira> "Trap successfully disarmed," she says nonchalantly, opening the door.
[20:43] <Shamal> "Ah!" Shamal starts at the sound of the magical assault, turning back towards Seira and the other doorway.
[20:44] * Lyselle heads forward into the room, curiously reading the front of the book.
[20:46] <Kotono> OOC - What languages can you read/write, L-chan?
[20:46] <Lyselle> OOC - Common, Elven, Celestial.
[20:47] <Kotono> Inside is a hall. A long hall, wide and with jailcells on either side. Glancing in the first two, you can see small skeletons lying inside.
[20:47] <Kotono> Lyselle has no idea what words are written in this book. It's in a script she's never seen before.
[20:47] <Seira> "Exciting," she drones. "Shamal, I have found a jail complex. What about you?"
[20:48] <Shamal> "Looks like a small study. What does the book say, Lyselle?" she asks of her fellow blonde.
[20:49] <Seira> "Berlioz, keep an eye on this corridor, would you?" she asks of the bard, making her way to the study.
[20:49] <Lyselle> "Not a clue," Lyselle offers, nudging the book over to Shamal.
[20:49] * Berlioz nods and looks around, waiting in the corridor while the others do their bidding.
[20:49] * Shamal takes a look at the book to see if she can read it.
[20:49] <Kotono> OOC - What languages can you read?
[20:49] * Seira tries to do the same!
[20:49] <Kotono> OOC - What languages can you read as well, Seira!
[20:51] <Kotono> Neither of the two can comprehend these strange words at all.
[20:51] <Seira> "There is a spell that would allow us to read it," Seira says, frowning at the book. "We can try it once back to the city."
[20:52] <Shamal> "As luck would have it," Shamal grins, reaching into her scroll case, "I came prepared!" Beaming, she reads off her spell and then begins to read.
[20:53] * Seira nods in approval.
[20:53] <Kotono> Once the spell is cast, Shamal can read the pages! It's pretty bland, it's just a logbook for guards. However, you can tell a few things - it refers to the prisoners by race. Some humans, a few elves and dwarves and lots of gnomes. Lots and lots of gnomes, often for treason. The others are generally noted for being generically captured.
[20:55] <Shamal> "Oh, my!" Shamal gasps. "It's a prison logbook, but... it speaks of gnomes! I thought such creatures were only myth..." She reads as much as she can while the spell lasts, trying to see if any of the dates make sense in her terms.
[20:55] <Kotono> The dates are from 4983 to 4998.
[20:55] <Kotono> All by year, and by some sort of day/month system that means nothing to you.
[20:56] <Seira> "How long can you keep the spell going?"
[20:57] <Shamal> "The dates are some calender I can't recognise - certainly doesn't make sense in ours, since that would make it several millenia in the future..." Shamal murmurs as she scans the pages, before blinking and looking up, "Only a few more minutes."
[20:57] <Seira> "We can check the section with the jail cells, and cross-reference anything unexplained in the logbook," Seira offers.
[20:59] <Shamal> "I don't know what you mean by unexplained, it merely seems to be a list of prisoners and their crimes..." she flips to the end of the book to see if any of the last few entries indicate what happened to this facility when it was abandoned.
[21:00] <Kotono> There is an upswing in human prisoners, then it ends abruptly, in midpage.
[21:00] <Seira> "I meant that we could stumble upon something unexplained in the cells," she elaborates, and makes her way for them.
[21:01] <Kotono> There are twenty cells in total. The first few have small skeletons but most of the rest have human sized ones. All ancient bones, lying on the ground and forgotten. A few reach out past the bars, lying face down as a single hand stretched for freedom.
[21:02] * Seira checks for any magical signatures.
[21:02] <Kotono> No magic that Seira sees.
[21:02] <Shamal> "Most of the prisoners seem to be gnomes, but then humans start to dominate the list..." Shamal murmurs, before the spell ends and she stows the book away, following Seira to the cells. "Perhaps this is connected to the ruins that have gotten everyone so excited near Balmuria?" she suggests.
[21:03] <Seira> "It's possible," Seira decides, looking around for any clues or anything out of the ordinary for a dungeon.
[21:03] <Seira> roll 1d20+6
[21:03] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+6 and gets 15."12 [1d20=9]
[21:04] * ChanServ sets mode: +a Lyselle
[21:07] <Kotono> You notice that none of the cells have locks. They look easy to open now.
[21:08] * Seira points that out to the others, before checking one of the doors for traps.
[21:08] <Seira> roll 1d20+6
[21:09] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+6 and gets 11."12 [1d20=5]
[21:09] <Kotono> Seira finds no traps as far as she can tell.
[21:09] * Lyselle just frowns at the whole sight. Were they executed? Starved and then abandoned? Or...? Why would anyone stay to remove the locks after starving them...?
[21:10] <Shamal> "Perhaps the cells were magically sealed?" Shamal postulates. "From what we've seen, this place does appear to have been built by someone with a fair mastery of the arcane."
[21:10] <Seira> "It's possible, for I find no other mechanism keeping the cells closed," Seira agrees.
[21:11] <Seira> "In any case, we should really be on our way," she says to the others. "Our paying job awaits, and nothing much remains here for us to find."
[21:11] <Kotono> OOC - Hearing check, Berlioz.
[21:12] * Lyselle takes her sword, trying to nudge one of the cell doors open.
[21:12] <Berlioz> roll 1d20+1 hearing
[21:12] * Hatbot --> "Berlioz rolls 1d20+1 hearing and gets 17."12 [1d20=16]
[21:12] <Shamal> "There are stairs that lead further down, though," Shamal points out, gesturing to the steps on the Western side of the balcony.
[21:13] <Seira> "True," she allows, "but I cannot imagine much of value being in what appears to be an abandoned prison complex."
[21:14] <Kotono> Berlioz can hear a steady, heavy stomping coming from the stairs leading further down, echoing up.
[21:14] <Kotono> The cell door opens easily.
[21:15] * Berlioz squints his eyes and gets up, startled from the noises. The bard looks around and rushes towards the direction his companions went in, in order to warn them.
[21:16] <Kotono> AS Berlioz runs, the stomping sound gets louder, closer.
[21:18] <Kotono> As the party investigates the cells and returns, they note Berlioz rushing towards them.
[21:20] * Berlioz wipes his forehead, breathing heavily and stops as he sees the rest of the party. "There's someone coming!"
[21:20] <Seira> "Which way?"
[21:21] * Shamal wishes Rin was here as she steps out onto the balcony proper, getting ready to defend herself if necessary.
[21:22] <Berlioz> "I heard the steps coming from the stairs we descended, heavy, continuous. And it's just getting louder."
[21:22] <Kotono> As Shamal comes out, she can hear the stomping. It's quite close and loud now, extremely heavy. Echoing, thrown up wildly.
[21:23] <Shamal> "Whatever it is, it's big," Shamal observes, glancing towards the balcony edge and starting to formulate a plan.
[21:23] * Lyselle follows out, putting herself between the rest of the group and the staircase, sword and shield readied.
[21:23] <Seira> "Throw the pebble in that direction to illuminate it," Seira asks of Berlioz, her own weapon readied.
[21:24] * Berlioz throws the pebble in the direction of the stairs.
[21:27] * Seira is looking in the direction of the echoing sounds, a scroll of Grease nearby should she need it.
[21:30] <Kotono> The stairs are quite well lit now! With good timing, as you can all hear it come up! THUMP THUMP THUMP, each step distinct! It's coming up the stairs, and it's close! It's head - a conical hat, tall and pointed. A cleanshaven face, a body eight feet tall. Massive and made of not flesh and bone, but of solid granite! It's body is carved to look lik eit's wearing a tunic and pants, it's eyes shards of purple gemstone. It's head turns slowly, an
[21:30] <Kotono> It's head turns slowly, an audible grinding as it swivels.
[21:31] <Shamal> "Golem!" Shamal breathes in shock, backing up a step. "Unless it has orders to attack intruders, it might ignore us," she cautions, watching it intently and readying a spell.
[21:32] * Lyselle nods, lowering her sword for the moment and backing up, though still between the monstrosity and the rest of the group, watching it...
[21:32] <Seira> "We'll miss our best chance to take it down if we don't attack it before it reaches the platform," Seira cautions, the scroll of Grease in hand.
[21:33] <Shamal> "If it gets to the platform I can summon some creatures that can try and push it into the bottomless pit," Shamal whispers back.
[21:33] <Kotono> It's eyes turn to each of the party members, it's steps starting to lead it towards you! The entire floor shakes when it moves, quivering like a scared child! "Humans..." It's lips move to speak, voice like grinded stones rustling against each other.
[21:34] * Seira decides to retreat a few steps up the stairs.
[21:35] <Shamal> Talking is good! "Yes, humans," Shamal nods hesitantly, trying to engage the automaton in conversation. "We mean no harm," she adds hopefully.
[21:37] <Kotono> "Have you come for the First Resort?" he asks, "It has not been here for longer than your race remembers."
[21:38] <Shamal> "Ah..." Shamal remembers the story of how Khardon had to kill a golem to get the Third Resort. "No, of course we haven't!" she insists quickly.
[21:38] * Berlioz blinks. First Resort? The bard rubs his temples, but remains quiet in order to avoid putting the party in more trouble than it's worth.
[21:39] <Kotono> The golem steps back, "Do as you wish, humans. The Master is long since left from this place."
[21:39] <Seira> "This place has been used for storing that First Resort originally?" Seira asks the golem. "What is it?"
[21:40] <Kotono> The golem looks at Seira, purple gemeyes strangely alluring. Almost lulling... ... "It is not my purpose to discuss that."
[21:41] <Seira> "Who is the Master you mentioned? Can you discuss that, perhaps?" she tries.
[21:42] <Kotono> "Lord High God-King Daa-vid, his might entrusted to General 4th Class Gnarlgart in Prison Fortress #19."
[21:42] * Lyselle relaxes slightly at the seeming aversion from sudden combat. Well, this is at least interesting to listen to...
[21:43] <Seira> roll 1d20+5
[21:43] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+5 and gets 15."12 [1d20=10]
[21:43] <Shamal> "So there are more of these fortresses?" Shamal asks, pondering... "What happened to the people here?"
[21:43] <Kotono> Seira doesn't recall anything offhand besides that Daa-vid is the name of the legendary king of the gnomes...but such troublebringing creatures are just bard's tales, right?
[21:44] <Kotono> ""It is not my purpose to discuss that."
[21:44] <Seira> Evidently not, if the logbook is correct! "How many such Resorts exist?"
[21:44] <Kotono> "It is not my purpose to discuss that."
[21:44] <Shamal> "What *is* your purpose, then?"
[21:45] <Seira> "And how long have you been here, in years?"
[21:46] <Kotono> "My purpose is to defend the First Resort, defend the vassal of the God King and to ensure His will is done."
[21:46] <Shamal> "If you are to defend the First Resort then why is it no longer here, then?" Shamal probes.
[21:46] <Kotono> "It is not my purpose to discuss that. Years are a mortal invention."
[21:46] <Kotono> "It is not my purpose to discuss that."
[21:47] <Seira> "What is His will? We do not wish to cross your God King."
[21:47] <Kotono> "To gather the 5 resorts and the Final Resort, to take his rightful place in Creation."
[21:48] <Lyselle> "What happened to the vassal of the God King?" Lyselle asks, wondering if that could get it to talk about the general's end..
[21:48] <Kotono> "He lies in his office."
[21:48] <Seira> "Where is his office? Could we talk to him?"
[21:49] <Kotono> "Below. Only the God King may talk to him now."
[21:49] <Lyselle> "You will not impede us if we wish to visit none the less?" Lyselle probes, raising an eyebrow.
[21:50] <Kotono> "It is not my purpose to do so The vassal needs no protection now."
[21:50] <Seira> "Then we wish to head below," Seira informs the golem. "Is there anything we may not do as we go there, anything you would be forced to stop us from doing?"
[21:51] <Kotono> There is a pause before this, it's head turning, scraping against stone loudly. "No."
[21:52] * Seira nods at him, and proceeds below at a steady pace, stopping to pick up their glowing pebble.
[21:52] * Shamal nods a bit hesitantly to the golem before heading after Seira, before... "Wait," she stops. "Is there anyone else still in this fortress?"
[21:53] <Kotono> "No. The vassal died when the Wrath of the False Ones came down."
[21:53] <Shamal> "It's probably not your purpose," Shamal sighs, "But who were the False Ones?"
[21:54] <Kotono> "It is not my purpose to discuss that."
[21:54] * Shamal nods, not bothering to reply as she resumes following Seira downstairs.
[21:54] <Seira> "What if we wished to help you achieve your purpose and ensure your God King's will was executed?" Seira asks the golem.
[21:55] * Lyselle follows after the mages.
[21:55] * Berlioz scratches his head and follows after Lyselle.
[21:55] <Kotono> "It is not my purpose to discuss that."
[21:55] * Seira proceeds below without a retort this time.
[21:57] <Kotono> Down you go! Another few minutes until you reach another pedestool, this one with two more doors and past that, stairs going down again. This time when you approach, there is a sputter before the walls begin to glow faintly, providing illumination.
[21:57] <Seira> "We'll search this floor first?" Seira offers, doing just that.
[21:57] <Seira> roll 1d20+6
[21:58] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+6 and gets 24."12 [1d20=18]
[21:58] <Kotono> The floor seems to have no traps. Not surprising, considering it's just stone.
[21:58] * Seira also searches the aforementioned doors.
[21:59] <Kotono> The doors do not seem to be trapped.
[21:59] <Shamal> "Might as well do things in order," Shamal agrees, letting Seira do her thing first of all and looking over the glowing walls. "This was certainly built by a magically advanced society... One that spread far, if the city in the frozen North where Colonel Khardon found the Third Resort is connected."
[22:00] * Seira decides to open the doors in no particular order.
[22:01] * Lyselle nods, frowning. "And if their calendar nerly reached a fifth millenium...they certainly had time..."
[22:02] <Kotono> The northern door is first. Inside, you find what looks to be a kitchen and then storage. An old stone stove is here, caldrons, and so forth. There's a few remnants of rotten boxes all the way back.
[22:02] * Seira decides to check the other door.
[22:03] * Berlioz whispers softly. "This is quite a relic. Hard to believe such a historical treasure lies so closely to Balmuria, yet seemed to attract little to no attention..."
[22:04] <Kotono> The other door is a barracks. Beds, several dozen of them. Past them is another door. There's a few foot lockers of stone and metal by a few of the beds, looking intact.
[22:04] <Seira> Time for another search!
[22:04] <Seira> roll 1d20+6
[22:04] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+6 and gets 8."12 [1d20=2]
[22:04] <Shamal> "It's the same with the other ruins that were recently discovered, I suppose," Shamal reasons. "Certainly, the archaeologists in town will be very interested to hear what we've found, here."
[22:04] * Lyselle goes through the footlockers one by one, methodically checking.
[22:04] <Kotono> Seira does not find any traps that she's aware of.
[22:04] * Seira goes through the lockers.
[22:05] <Kotono> Seira finds, in no particular order:
[22:06] <Kotono> 14 copper coins, with unintelligable writing on them. There is a figure of a fearsome, bearded humanoid on it, wearing a conical cap.
[22:06] <Kotono> A rotted leather bag with shattered glass mixed in.
[22:06] <Kotono> A pair of dice made of a strangely light stone.
[22:06] <Kotono> A sheathed dagger.
[22:07] * Seira takes anything not rotten with her, and proceeds to the new door.
[22:08] <Shamal> "Find anything interesting?" Shamal asks, moving to the next door along with the half-elf.
[22:08] <Kotono> It's a sturdy door. It opens without incident, too! Inside looks to be a weapons and armor storage room, but most of it looks exposed and rusted to first glance. Racks of old spears, swords, armor, bows, ectera.
[22:08] <Seira> "Nothing we can pursue here, but it could prove useful back in Balmuria," Seira responds, before asking, "Can anyone check these weapons for magical signatures?"
[22:09] * Berlioz nods. "I guess I could."
[22:09] <Shamal> "Alas I used my spell to detect magic earlier," Shamal shakes her head.
[22:09] <Seira> "Same here"
[22:10] * Berlioz casts Detect Magic, covering for his allies.
[22:11] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[22:11] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 24."12 [1d100=24]
[22:11] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[22:11] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 90."12 [1d100=90]
[22:11] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[22:11] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 85."12 [1d100=85]
[22:11] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[22:11] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 32."12 [1d100=32]
[22:11] <Kotono> roll 1d8
[22:11] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d8 and gets 6."12 [1d8=6]
[22:11] <Kotono> There is one magical aura, mostly obscured in the armor pile, an old suit of chainmail covering almost all of whatever it is.
[22:13] * Seira points at the plate armor among the pile. "These would sell well, even in their condition, and we do have horses with us."
[22:13] * Berlioz nods. "I guess there's no harm in picking these up."
[22:14] * Lyselle nods, moving in to haul out anything that looks useful, and whatever's pointed out as magical.
[22:14] <Kotono> It looks like there's enough plate for at least one full set, albiet that the size is rather small for most humans.
[22:14] <Shamal> "Let's sort them here and we can pick them up on our way back up - they're not going anywhere, and we've got still more to explore further down," Shamal suggests.
[22:15] * Seira takes a moment to examine the bearded face on the coins, showing it to the others.
[22:16] <Shamal> "Hat looks like what the golem had," Shamal observes, otherwise having nothing.
[22:16] * Berlioz picks the coin and examines it. "Hmmm..."
[22:17] <Kotono> The coin looks like the painting of fear Berlioz got a sane look at.
[22:17] * Berlioz raises his eyebrows. "Wait. This resembles... the painting on the wall."
[22:18] * Shamal shudders at the recollection.
[22:18] * Seira nods, and heads below.
[22:19] * Berlioz ponders as he heads down. "This might be the Golem's master, maybe? Wouldn't really suprise me..."
[22:19] <Seira> "Or the vassal."
[22:20] <Shamal> "Possibly," Shamal agrees, a bit subdued by the memory of her reaction to the painting as they head further down.
[22:21] <Kotono> Down another few minutes of stairs. Her at last you come to a dead end - the bottom! A small chisel into the earth, a little clearing with a door carved in. It's a door with a fearsome image on, one that still makes Lyselle and Shamal freeze. A gnome with burning red eyes, red capped and with a look of perfect, ungiving fury on his face. His royal blue tunic and cape swirl, the image all too lifelike.
[22:22] * Shamal shivers, at least resisting the urge to flee in blind panic. "Yes, that's definitely our friend from the painting upstairs."
[22:22] <Seira> "Berlioz?" Seira asks, waiting on him to check for magic once more.
[22:23] * Berlioz tries to detect any magic aura that the door might have.
[22:23] * Lyselle nods, her knuckles white in their grip on her weapons, though they can't be seen beneath her gloves.
[22:23] <Kotono> There isn't any aura directly on the door, but you can note that you can see a few glimpses of magic from the crack in the door.
[22:23] <Seira> roll 1d20+6
[22:24] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+6 and gets 18."12 [1d20=12]
[22:24] <Kotono> Seira does not find any traps on the door.
[22:24] <Seira> "Shall we?" she asks, opening the door.
[22:24] <Berlioz> "Hmmm. The door itself is not magical. However, there seems to be something exhuding from behind it."
[22:25] <Berlioz> "Might as well, anyhow."
[22:26] <Kotono> Inside is a grand hall! A grand dancing hall, ornate and carved of glowing white and black stone. An epic clash of colors, floor a checkerboard pattern. Quartz veins line the ceiling, glowing bright in a rainbow of color. Berlioz can see the entire area radiates stable, moderate magic.
[22:26] <Kotono> Far inside, there are more doors to go deeper in.
[22:26] <Seira> "Where is the magic?" she asks him. "And what is it?"
[22:27] <Berlioz> "The magic permeates this entire room, actually. For what it is... I'll have to try and decipher", the bard replies, concentrating to recognize the magic's nature. OOC - Spellcraft check.
[22:28] <Kotono> OOC - Go for it.
[22:28] <Berlioz> roll 1d20+8
[22:28] * Hatbot --> "Berlioz rolls 1d20+8 and gets 10."12 [1d20=2]
[22:28] <Kotono> Berlioz scratches his nose and doesn't make much progress on that aura identification gig.
[22:28] * Seira tosses a convenient pebble far into the room, aiming for its center.
[22:29] <Kotono> The pebble is thrown, landing on the floor. You hear it clatter a bit.
[22:29] * Seira bravely proceeds inside, bow in hand!
[22:30] * Shamal follows after Seira, again wishing Rin was here, and looking to see how many other doors there are.
[22:30] <Seira> roll 1d20+6 door traps~
[22:30] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+6 door traps~ and gets 20."12 [1d20=14]
[22:31] <Kotono> There are two more, both in the back. It's quite a nice room, really, well lit. The doors have no traps that Seira notes.
[22:31] <Seira> "It seems clear," she informs Shamal, and opens one of the doors.
[22:33] <Kotono> They both seem to lead into the same room! It's a large study with a desk straight ahead! Behind it and on the walls are mostly empty bookshelves and dressers, but straight ahead is a painting! The same painting Berlioz saw before, the wrathful gaze of the gnome looking down! Yet you feel no compulsed fear this time. (More)
[22:34] <Kotono> On the right wall, there is an indent. A huge scortch mark, and ont he floor in front it lies the remnant sof a skeleton. What little remains looks like it was smashed savagely. Above it floats a small white ball, perhaps a foot wide.
[22:35] * Seira calls back for Berlioz.
[22:36] * Berlioz gets in, and blinks as he gazes the entire room, a sense of awe taking charge. He shakes his head for a moment and tries to recognize magic within, still a bit taken aback.
[22:36] <Shamal> "Wrath coming down, indeed..." Shamal murmurs as she eyes the corpse, before directing her attention to the floating sphere.
[22:36] * Seira commits the painting to memory, the drawing of a far better resolution than the one on the back of the coins.
[22:37] <Kotono> It's the same as the last room, but that ball is considerably more powerful, making Berlioz's head hurt. It's also like nothing he's seen normally, it's very essence making him feel scared.
[22:37] <Kotono> The orb serenly floats above the shattered skeleton.
[22:37] * Berlioz grimaces a bit and rubs his forehead, quivering a bit. "I... don't think I feel very well."
[22:37] <Kotono> It's about a foot wide and solid, not rippling or moving. Just sitting there, as if it had nothing better to do.
[22:37] * Seira decides to check another door before dealing with the strange orb.
[22:38] <Kotono> The other door also leads into this room.
[22:39] <Shamal> "Are you alright, Berlioz?" Shamal asks worriedly, drawing close to the bard.
[22:39] * Lyselle checks through the offie for anything valuable or interesting, pointedly avoiding the orb.
[22:39] <Lyselle> *office
[22:39] * Seira shrugs, and moves to assist Lyselle.
[22:39] * Seira focuses on the books.
[22:40] <Kotono> There's three books and a few scrolls on he shelves that can be seen right away.  There's also a small chest tucked besides the back of the desk, and sevearl drawers on the wall to be opened if one wishes.
[22:40] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[22:40] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 41."12 [1d100=41]
[22:40] * Berlioz clears his throat a bit. "I'm not ill. It's just this orb. I haven't sensed anything quite like this before."
[22:41] <Seira> roll 1d20+6 desk traps~
[22:41] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+6 desk traps~ and gets 11."12 [1d20=5]
[22:41] <Seira> roll 1d20+6 wall drawers traps~
[22:41] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+6 wall drawers traps~ and gets 12."12 [1d20=6]
[22:41] <Kotono> Seira doesn't find any traps.
[22:41] * Seira decides to examine the drawers first, opening them one by one.
[22:42] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[22:42] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 19."12 [1d20=14]
[22:42] <Kotono> OOC - What's your AC, Seira?
[22:42] <Seira> OOC: Below that
[22:42] <Shamal> "There is something sinister about this whole place," Shamal admits, again eyeing the portrait. "Not exactly the mischevious pranksters painted by legend, are they?"
[22:43] <Kotono> roll 1d4+1
[22:43] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d4+1 and gets 2."12 [1d4=1]
[22:43] <Kotono> OOC - Fort save.
[22:43] <Seira> roll 1d20+5
[22:43] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+5 and gets 14."12 [1d20=9]
[22:44] <Berlioz> "Well, that one seems far more intimidating than your typical midget prankster type, yes. I wouldn't be surprised if he was a rather prominent figure in their ranks, myself..."
[22:44] <Kotono> From the first chest, a dagger flies out! It's wicked looking, plunging into Seira's hand! It's a dark, deep metalliac color, coated with a barely there white powder. As it flies, a loud blaring sounds!
[22:45] <Seira> "Just great," she mutters, binding the wound.
[22:45] <Shamal> "Ah!" Shamal starts at the blaring, "What's that?"
[22:45] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[22:45] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 11."12 [1d100=11]
[22:45] * Lyselle starts at the whole instance, about to open the chest by the desk. "What in the..." she murmurs, sighing. "These things really are trapped?"
[22:45] <Seira> roll 1d20+5 spellcraft
[22:45] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+5 spellcraft and gets 14."12 [1d20=9]
[22:45] <Kotono> The sound is coming from all around you, quite loud.
[22:46] <Kotono> The orb ripples a bit.
[22:47] <Kotono> Seira can't tell what spell it could be.
[22:48] <Shamal> roll 1d20+12 spellcraft if there's anything I can see that indicates a spell being cast
[22:48] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+12 spellcraft if there's anything I can see that indicates a spell being cast and gets 26."12 [1d20=14]
[22:49] <Seira> "Berlioz," Seira says very slowly. "Do these drawers or that chest over by the desk carry the aura of magic?"
[22:50] <Kotono> Shamal thinks the spell in question is Alarm, or a close variant thereof.
[22:50] * Berlioz looks around, trying to recognize a specific aura. "I know that this entire room is covered by magic - and the orb's magic seems to be the most powerful. It's... unique. However, I can't specify much more than that..."
[22:51] <Shamal> "Well, you appear to have triggered some variant of the alarm spell," Shamal winces a bit, "The bell noise is far preferable to this version, however. Regardless, I doubt there's anyone left to care about the intrusion."
[22:52] <Kotono> OOC - Mmm. Lemme give you a spellcraft check here, Berli.
[22:52] <Seira> "The golem did allow us to do whatever we wished," Seira muses, once more looking for traps.
[22:52] <Seira> roll 1d20+6
[22:52] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+6 and gets 12."12 [1d20=6]
[22:52] <Kotono> Seira still finds no particular traps.
[22:52] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[22:52] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 12."12 [1d100=12]
[22:52] <Kotono> The orb ripples again, like water stirring after a pebble's thrown into it.
[22:53] * Seira gets back to a safer distance and urges others to do the same, before using Mage Hand to try and open the chest by the desk.
[22:53] * Shamal readily backs out of the room at Seira's urging.
[22:53] * Berlioz backs out as Seira commands.
[22:54] * Lyselle follows the instruction.
[22:55] <Kotono> The chest opens! The moment it does, a great radiating zone and cone of cold gushes out! The entire area in front of the ches tto the wall is a giant ice block now, and mere seconds later that and a small circle radius explodes in hissing acid! Acid that lands on the floors and desk, but none comes withinr ange of the party!
[22:55] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[22:55] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 61."12 [1d100=61]
[22:56] <Shamal> "Yes, keeping back was a good idea," Shamal nods quickly at the display of elemental fury.
[22:57] <Seira> "I'm not certain I could disable such a trap with my skills, anyway," Seira mutters with a frown. "We should likely take what we can and leave before tempting fate once more."
[22:57] <Kotono> The alarm picks up noise, now nearly defeaning as it blares!
[22:57] * Berlioz blinks. "I doubt it is over, regardless... damn!", the bard winces as the Alarm picks up.
[22:57] * Seira looks in the opened drawer, leaving the chest to the others.
[22:57] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[22:57] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 51."12 [1d100=51]
[22:58] <Kotono> Inside the open drawer looks to be ancient bottles of ink and old quills. Nothing of note, beyond a single rolled scroll amid some parchment papers.
[22:58] <Shamal> "Maybe we can come back when the noise dies down?" Shamal suggests hopefully, covering her ears. "This racket is horrible."
[22:59] <Berlioz> "I agree. We probably should head off for a moment."
[22:59] * Lyselle nods, wincing. "Just pick up the armor and leave," she agrees.
[23:00] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[23:00] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 3."12 [1d100=3]
[23:00] <Kotono> The orb begins to ripple rapidly, rising up.
[23:01] * Berlioz raises an eyebrow. "Maybe we should just leave this room. The orb doesn't seem terribly thrilled with our presence."
[23:01] * Seira takes the scroll and parchment, heading outside.
[23:02] <Kotono> OOC - Where is everyone going? How far up and out?
[23:02] * Shamal heads back to the stairs, intending to wait a bit until the noise dies down from the alarm.
[23:03] * Berlioz stays just outside the room himself.
[23:04] * Lyselle sticks to the other blonde.
[23:06] <Seira> "Berlioz, let's leave this place," Seira tells their bard, heading up the stairs.
[23:07] <Shamal> "Why so hurried?" Shamal asks, also wondering at the lack of reference to her and Lyselle... are those two having an affair or something?
[23:08] <Seira> There is no reference because the others are already up the stairs while Berlioz awaits just outside the door~
[23:08] <Berlioz> "Eh. Fine, I'll go", the bard replies blandly as he slumps towards the other members.
[23:09] <Kotono> So the party heads back to the base of the stairs. The alarm can be heard even from here, if at least muffled.
[23:10] * Shamal settles down to wait a bit, hoping the alarm will shut up after a few minutes.
[23:10] <Kotono> OOC - Did you close the gnome image door into the main area or leave it open?
[23:10] <Shamal> OOC: would've left it open, no reason to close it
[23:12] <Seira> "I see no reason to wait," Seira tells the others. "The orb was obviously on the move. Even if the sound goes down, if it is the guardian of that chamber, it is obviously awake to a degree. We should leave this place at once."
[23:14] <Seira> "If you have a spell of summoning," she then tells Shamal, "it would be nice to use it and have the summoned creature get whatever was in that chest and bring it to us as we retreat."
[23:16] <Shamal> "I always have a spell of summoning," Shamal returns, sounding a bit put out. "It's just some orb of magic, not sentient," she adds, walking back up to the door and sacrificing her entangle spell as she casts a spell to summon a monkey, which she promptly orders to grab the orb. Shamal herself observes from a safe distance outside the actual room itself.
[23:16] * Seira blinks.

[Corwin]

[20:17] <Kotono> So summoned, a monkey comes forth! IT nods to SHamal and  hurries along, back into the black and white checkboard floored room, and then into the office...!
[20:17] * Shamal stands outside the office, looking through the door to see what happens. It's just a summoned monkey, so no real harm done if something bad happens to it.
[20:18] <Kotono> roll 1d20+12
[20:18] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+12 and gets 22."12 [1d20=10]
[20:19] <Kotono> roll 2d4+5
[20:19] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d4+5 and gets 10."12 [2d4=3, 2]
[20:20] <Kotono> So it runs - and you hear a loud yelp! A gurgling yelp that quickly trails away, a voice overwhelming it! "The living infidels against the Gods shall be shattered! Woe unto those that seek to challenge the heavens! The time of your judgment has come, mortal creature!" This voice booms, like a thunderclap.
[20:21] * Seira winces at the booming voice.
[20:21] * Shamal winces. "Poor monkey..." she mutters, looking through the doorway to see the results.
[20:22] * Berlioz raises an eyebrow and winces. "Hammering down the wrath of the gods into a mindless simian feels slightly extreme."
[20:22] <Lyselle> "Odd..." Lyselle agrees, frowning. "So that's if we touch it..."
[20:23] <Kotono> There's a monkey lying on the floor - well, some of it. A heap of shattered bones and flesh, lying there in a pool of blood. Hovering over it is a being of white light, eyes of ruby red.  It's in the vague shape of a human, face indescribaly bright.
[20:24] <Shamal> Seeing a more humanoid shape, Shamal hopes to try and reason with it. "Er... we mean no harm, and we're certainly not infidels," she tries to convince it, averting her eyes slightly at the sheer brightness of the thing.
[20:25] <Kotono> Hearing the voice, the being turns towards the party, starting to float out of the office and into the ballroom. "Mortals..." it breathes, it's voice overpowering the alarms. "The time of judgment is at hand! The heresy of mortalkind end!"
[20:27] <Seira> "Can we bravely flee now?" Seira asks flatly.
[20:31] * Berlioz laughs awkwardly, shaking his head. "I... don't think that running will have great odds of saving us here... but better than nothing, I guess?"
[20:31] <Seira> "Right. New plan. Face it in honorable combat as the rest of us flee, Berlioz."
[20:31] <Lyselle> "We're not heretics though..." Lyselle frowns, eyeing the thing.
[20:32] <Seira> "We appear to be heretics by virtue of being mortal."
[20:32] <Shamal> "Oh, hells..." Shamal mutters, starting to back off towards the party. "Um... not without a little something to slow it down, I think. Cleansing guardian of flame, I call upon you - burn this creature with the fires of the inferno!" she chants, as a vaguely humanoid figure composed of dense flames appears before the figure of light!
[20:33] <Berlioz> "... okay, now we run", the bard lets out as he prepares to sprint away.
[20:33] <Lyselle> "Are you reffering only to those mortals that are heretics, or all mortals?" Lyselle continues her questioning, wondering what in the hells...
[20:37] <Kotono> "Only those with the blessing of a God shall be spared," the creature looks on at the fire elemental and then the party, starting to chant! OOC - React and then we should go into initiative soon if this goes on.
[20:37] * Seira flees up the stairs at the sounds of chanting~
[20:38] <Shamal> "Helm has blessed me, and this fire elemental summoned my call at the behest of Mielikki?" Shamal tries hopefully before things degenerate into violence.
[20:38] <Lyselle> "That's right! We're all blessed by Helm!" Lyselle points out, really not liking the idea of fleeing AGAIN in the face of the enemy...
[20:40] <Kotono> "Such a claim..." The being hisses, "Come them into the fire of the Gods and prove such, or perish in the flames of judgment!"
[20:40] <Kotono> Meanwhile, Seira makes excellent speed up the stairs, putting herself well out of danger.
[20:41] * Berlioz follows after Seira, maybe not quite as swiftly.
[20:41] * Lyselle glances at her fellow blonde, swallowing nervously. "Um...how confident are you feeling?" she asks slowly, eyeing the glowing monstrosity.
[20:42] <Shamal> "You'll forgive me for not quite trusting you after what you did to the poor servant of Mielikki I sent in there a moment ago," Shamal returns, before essaying a hopeful smile at Lyselle, "Don't worry, I have many more allies at my call."
[20:43] <Kotono> Berlioz also flees up, out of harm's hopeful way. "Submit or perish!" It's own voice raises, "The judgment has been passed, there shall be no hesitation!"
[20:45] <Lyselle> "No...I somehow don't think we'll be taking this thing in combat," Lyselle offers, stepping forward with sword and shield drawn, but not raised. "Test me," she tells the creatures, beginning to quietly and more earnestly than ever before praying to Helm.
[20:45] * Shamal ponders a moment. These gnomes seemed to be pretty nasty sorts, from what she's seen so far - therefore whatever struck them down can't be all that bad. Taking in a deep shuddering breath, Shamal waves her hand, dismissing the fire elemental back to the plane of fire. "My faith is strong," she replies resolutely, stepping forward. "I have nothing to fear from any test you care to make."
[20:45] <Shamal> Inwardly she prays, mostly to the Forest Queen, but she keeps the Watcher in her thoughts as well.
[20:51] <Kotono> As you come forward, the body of the creature breaks apart. A great wave of fire washed over the two of you! For a horrifying moment the flames burn, char, roast you alive! But that moment passes, no pain at all. Just white light around you, rather pleasant. "The Great God Helm has taken notice of you, and found both of you worthy. Your hearts are true as well." You feel your bodies cool, the flames fading. "You have been judged passing. The v
[20:51] <Kotono> "You have been judged passing. The vengance of the Gods shall not touch you. Those that worship the False One will be swept away forever, live well after."
[20:53] * Shamal draws in a deep shuddering breath at just how close she came to death. For a moment she almost thought... but no, she's fine. "Who are the false ones?" she asks, hoping to get more useful information here. "So we may recognise and avoid them in future."
[20:53] <Lyselle> "That was more intimidating than I like it to be..." Lyselle notes quietly, slumping as the flames pass. That...well, near death is never fun, but to see it coming and feel it like that...
[20:55] <Kotono> "The heretic Daa-vid, the one who gathers the 5 Resorts and the forbidden last..." The flames drift away, upward now, through the stone.
[20:56] <Shamal> "It seems there is far more to the gnomes than children's stories would indicate..." Shamal mutters to Lyselle as the being vanishes. "Oh, well. Shall we see what was in that chest before catching up with Seira and Berlioz?"
[20:57] * Lyselle nods to Shamal, smiling faintly in relief. "May as well," she agrees, heading back into the room to look in the chest.
[20:57] <Kotono> The room is quiet now, the alarm silent. Inside the chest, you find:
[20:59] <Kotono> A burlap sack, unaged and heavy. A slender book. A pendant with pice of green amber in the center.  A strange signet ring, of a conical cap.
[20:59] <Kotono> *piece
[21:00] <Shamal> "I can summon another monkey to open all the drawers in case their are more traps. Let's stand back a bit," Shamal suggests to Lyselle once they've looted the chest.
[21:00] * Lyselle hums, prodding the burlap sack. Coins? Something else?
[21:01] * Lyselle nods, taking the loot and stepping back out of room.
[21:01] <Kotono> It's lumpy. It's poked but you feel hard things inside.
[21:02] * Lyselle hopes they're gems, and just retreats for now.
[21:02] * Shamal summons another monkey, (sacrificing her produce flame spell) ordering it to quickly open all the currently closed drawers in turn without bothering to look inside. It doesn't stick around that long.
[21:02] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[21:02] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 6."12 [1d20=1]
[21:02] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[21:02] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 13."12 [1d20=8]
[21:03] <Kotono> Two more drawers, two daggers flying out. Both miss, however, the drawers opened.
[21:03] * Shamal dismisses the monkey and goes to liberate the drawers of their contents.
[21:05] <Kotono> The first is a mess of papers in a language SHamal can't understand, but there are a few wrapped, sealed scrolls inside. 3 in total. The second looks to hold glass vials. While most are empty, four of them hold a blue-green liquid inside.
[21:06] * Shamal gathers up all the items for later translating and sorting, before smiling at Lyselle, "Well, shall we try and catch up with our friends, assuming they aren't halfway to Balmuria by now?"
[21:07] * Seira intends to stop fleeing at the platform with the guard rooms and the armor.
[21:07] * Lyselle nods, lugging the load from the chest and offering an easy smile back. "Sure, this looks like it turned out well at least..."
[21:07] <Kotono> The party meets back up on the guard room platform. Lyselle and Shamal lug back what they're vaken, a nice little hold of loot.
[21:08] <Shamal> "Well, that was an epic battle, but as usual justice prevailed," Shamal smiles impishly as they reunite with Berlioz and Seira. "Shame you both missed it."
[21:08] * Seira is happy to see them alive and unharmed. "A real shame," she says absently, and gathers up the armor and any exotic, expensive weapons she spots.
[21:09] <Kotono> OOC - Okay, Seira, what part sof the armor? There's most old, worthless leather and rusted chain, as well as about a suit's worth of plate. Also, spot check.
[21:09] <Seira> OOC: Plate + magical armor
[21:09] <Seira> roll 1d20+3
[21:09] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+3 and gets 9."12 [1d20=6]
[21:09] <Seira> roll 1d20+3 reroll?!
[21:09] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+3 reroll?! and gets 6."12 [1d20=3]
[21:10] <Kotono> On searching, you find what Berlioz identified was indeed hidden mostly under that suit of chainmail that covered it. It's a small wooden buckler.
[21:10] * Seira sorts the suits or armor and weapons so that they are no longer hiding one another, spreading them across the floor for easier identification and examination.
[21:11] <Kotono> This akes some time, but Seira notes that that's it for interesting armor. For weapons? It's mostly old, rusted items of metal or ancient wood. None of them look terribly useful.
[21:12] <Seira> "Berlioz?" she asks, sweeping her hand across the weapons and the items they brought from the chamber below. "Work your magic."
[21:12] * Lyselle hums, beginning to pull up rotted mattresses or the like. If she knows soldiers, they would've hidden something in their bunks away from their friends.
[21:13] * Berlioz sighs and mutters his chant for Detect Magic once again, grumbling.
[21:13] * Shamal decides to take a sniff of the potion she found to see if she can identify it.
[21:13] <Shamal> roll 1d20+9 alchemy
[21:13] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+9 alchemy and gets 27."12 [1d20=18]
[21:14] <Kotono> The mattresses are very old indeed. Lyselle finds a single silver coin under one, another image of that fearsome gnomic king on it.
[21:14] <Kotono> Berlioz finds that the buckler, the scrolls and the four vials are all magical.
[21:15] * Lyselle hmphs, shrugging at her find. "Not much in here..."
[21:17] * Berlioz blinks. "Hey. All this junk seems to have actual magical properties. It may be worth a look, Seira."
[21:17] <Seira> "Which magical properties?" she asks him in a patient tone.
[21:18] * Berlioz tries to recognize the magic within each piece.
[21:18] <Kotono> OOC - Make your spellcrafts.
[21:18] <Berlioz> roll 1d20+8 for shield spellcraft
[21:18] <Shamal> "These potions remove fear," Shamal looks a bit embarrassed, recalling her earlier faux pas. "Let me check these scrolls as well..." she unravels them to see if any magical formulae is apparent past the language barrier.
[21:18] * Hatbot --> "Berlioz rolls 1d20+8 for shield spellcraft and gets 15."12 [1d20=7]
[21:20] <Kotono> Berlioz can't quite figure out the shield's aura.
[21:21] * Berlioz shakes head. "I can't quite put my finger on it. I'd have to examine if for a longer time to unravel this."
[21:21] <Kotono> Shamal can't puzzle otu the scrolls as is, but they dimly look magical.
[21:22] * Shamal wraps up the scrolls and puts them away. "I think we're done here, now - I can translate things tomorrow. Everyone ready to move on?"
[21:23] * Berlioz nods. "I guess so. Weren't we going to hunt a Dire Bear, anyway?"
[21:24] <Lyselle> "Sure," Lyselle nods to Shamal, having nothing more to pursue here.
[21:43] <Kotono> After a day of rest the party begins again. Past thils false hill you blend into the woods. A few days pass without incident.. OOC - Tell me how you're marching/travelling as a rule.
[21:45] * Shamal uses her knowledge of the wilds to lead the party through the woods, sticking to more lightly forested areas that their horses can traverse easily as they head North and deeper into the wilderness.
[21:47] <Kotono> OOC - Okay. Shamal, make a tracking check.
[21:47] * Ginrai has left IRC
[21:47] * Ginrai is on IRC (Ginrai)
[21:47] <Shamal> OOC: I don't have track, so I can only track stuff if the DC is less than 10. Rin can track stuff of higher DC via scent, but only if she knows what to track.
[21:48] <Shamal> OOC: I have survival and knowledge nature to aid our travel, but that's about it.
[21:49] <Kotono> OOC - Okay, this plays right into that, so goa head and make knowledge nature.
[21:50] <Shamal> roll 1d20+14 nature
[21:50] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+14 nature and gets 31."12 [1d20=17]
[21:51] <Kotono> On the eve of night as you pass through the forest, you notice signs of something. At first it's just a torn branche or three, then broken grass and bushes, and then finally a foot print. Large and bulkish, massive. A humanoid's footprint, but only one thing in this forest is big enough to make such - a troll
[21:51] <Kotono> .
[21:52] * Shamal hisses softly at the sight, bidding her companions to slow down. "Careful - it looks like we're coming into Troll territory," she warns. "I think we should backtrack a bit before making camp - we don't want to be caught by those things in the dark."
[21:54] * Seira offers no objections!
[21:54] * Lyselle nods, more than a little wary now as they start to back off. "And we don't have much in the way of fiery ordnance..." she agrees, moving back.
[21:56] <Shamal> "I have some fire based spells - does anyone want to carry my alchemist's fire for now?" Shamal offers. "Doesn't hurt to spread it around when you know trolls are about."
[21:56] * Seira nods curtly at the suggestion. "May we not need to use it."
[21:57] * Shamal hands the flask over to Seira as they backtrack half a mile before setting camp in what little light they have left.
[22:02] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7
[22:02] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 and gets 27."12 [1d20=20]
[22:02] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7
[22:02] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 and gets 21."12 [1d20=14]
[22:02] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7
[22:02] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 and gets 14."12 [1d20=7]
[22:02] <Kotono> It's a campsite - tents are out, the party sleeps. Save, of course, for Berlioz. He waits, on watch and on guard. OOC - Go ahead and describe your situtation/what you're doing, Berli.
[22:04] * Berlioz yawns and observes the scenery just out of the tents, standing.
[22:05] <Kotono> It's a bunch of trees and brush, as befits the forest. It's quite dark out here, as is also normal. At least there is a campfire, keeping you warm and somewhat lit.
[22:05] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2
[22:05] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 and gets 4."12 [1d20=2]
[22:05] <Kotono> Oh my. As Berlioz sits and waits, he starts to hear something moving in the bushes just off to his right side, near where the tent's side wall is.
[22:07] * Berlioz directs his attention to the direction of the sounds, getting his bow ready and paying attention. He can wait until the disturbance reveals itself to wake up his companions.
[22:09] <Kotono> This is pretty immediate, unfortunately. It's not making much in the way of being subtle - big and tall, gangly and with hunched shoulders! The troll bursts out of the woodwork, letting out a battlecry as it's slobbering mouth and vicious claws lunge at the bard!
[22:09] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9
[22:09] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+9 and gets 12."12 [1d20=3]
[22:11] <Kotono> Yet Berlioz skillfully skitters back, the roar echoing to the sleepy party members! The bite is right where Berlioz's abdomen was, surely having turned it into lunchmeat if it had connected! OOC - Initiative between Berlioz and the troll, and feel free to react, Mr. Guard.
[22:13] * Seira awakens at the roar, bow and alchemical fire close at hand!
[22:17] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2
[22:17] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 and gets 15."12 [1d20=13]
[22:17] <Berlioz> roll 1d20+1
[22:17] * Hatbot --> "Berlioz rolls 1d20+1 and gets 7."12 [1d20=6]
[22:18] * Kotono changes topic to 'Troll>Berlioz'
[22:18] * Shamal blinks groggily awake, while Rin growls as she rouses herself with far more alacrity, ready to defend her mistress!
[22:18] <Kotono> As the camp erupts into noisy chaos, the troll closes in on Berlioz! A pair of claw slashes and then a brutual bite!
[22:19] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9
[22:19] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+9 and gets 25."12 [1d20=16]
[22:19] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9
[22:19] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+9 and gets 22."12 [1d20=13]
[22:19] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4 bite
[22:19] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 bite and gets 16."12 [1d20=12]
[22:19] <Kotono> roll 3d6+15
[22:19] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 3d6+15 and gets 23."12 [3d6=4, 1, 3]
[22:21] <Kotono> Caught off balance, the twin claws rend Berlioz's rips apart! Thew hite of them can feel the chilly night air, as bloody claws retreat! A large lunging bite after, the troll tearing away much of the bard's shirt and midsection, chewing loudly! It falls back just a tiny bit, chin dribbling red blood and chunks of flesh! OOC - Berli. Ow.
[22:23] * Berlioz faintly tries to chant the dystics of Cure Moderate Wounds - it can at least delay what seems to be an inevitable demise.
[22:24] <Berlioz> OOC: Wait, strike.
[22:28] * Berlioz gasps in a shout of flesh and blood, gurgling. "TROLL! IT'S A FUCKING TROLL! A TROLL IS ATTACKING!", he lets out and runs, trying to scrape for the remains of his fading health.
[22:29] <Kotono> Berlioz runs back! The troll is rather busy eating a part of him, and thus he makes his retreat without difficulty! OOC - People that are waking, go ahead and go do initaitive
[22:29] <Shamal> roll 1d20+2 Shamal
[22:29] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+2 Shamal and gets 5."12 [1d20=3]
[22:29] <Shamal> roll 1d20+3 Rin
[22:29] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+3 Rin and gets 6."12 [1d20=3]
[22:29] <Seira> roll 1d100 arcane spell failure with shield~
[22:29] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d100 arcane spell failure with shield~ and gets 75."12 [1d100=75]
[22:30] <Seira> roll 1d20+9 nerveskitter~
[22:30] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+9 nerveskitter~ and gets 17."12 [1d20=8]
[22:30] * Kotono changes topic to 'Seira>Troll>Berlioz>Rin>Shamal'
[22:31] <Lyselle> roll 1d20+2
[22:31] * Hatbot --> "Lyselle rolls 1d20+2 and gets 9."12 [1d20=7]
[22:31] * Kotono changes topic to 'Seira>Troll>Lyselle>Berlioz>Rin>Shamal'
[22:32] * Seira slips out of her tent, taking a brief moment to consider the tactical situation using their campfire's light, before heading for the cover of the trees away from the troll, intent on masking her presence amongst them.
[22:32] <Seira> roll 1d20+11 hide~
[22:32] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+11 hide~ and gets 26."12 [1d20=15]
[22:33] <Seira> roll 1d20+11 move silently~
[22:33] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+11 move silently~ and gets 25."12 [1d20=14]
[22:34] <Kotono> Seira blends into the trees, silently fading into the cover! Thet roll is meanwhile finishing it's snack, not attacking anything else yet! OOC - L-chan.
[22:36] <Lyselle> Well, Lyselle doesn't really expect that to last... So she might as well get the drop on it. Sword or torch, she doesn't have time to choose, so with her shield and blade she comes out, slashing down on the troll's back!
[22:36] <Lyselle> roll 1d20+9
[22:36] * Hatbot --> "Lyselle rolls 1d20+9 and gets 21."12 [1d20=12]
[22:37] <Kotono> OOC - Hit.
[22:37] <Lyselle> roll 1d8+5+1d2
[22:37] * Hatbot --> "Lyselle rolls 1d8+5+1d2 and gets 12."12 [1d8=5][1d2=2]
[22:39] <Kotono> The slash tears right into the back of the troll! It's flesh turns white around the wound, little patches of frost and frozen blood tinkling out! The beast barely seems to notice it, needing several seconds to finish and turn to Lyselle! OOC - Beri.
[22:40] * Berlioz casts Cure Moderate Wounds on self now that the bard is at a safer distance.
[22:42] <Berlioz> roll 2d8+4
[22:42] * Hatbot --> "Berlioz rolls 2d8+4 and gets 9."12 [2d8=1, 4]
[22:43] <Kotono> Berlioz heals his battered flesh, ribs once again covered with flesh. Mostly! OOC - Rin.
[22:44] <Shamal> Rin gives a feral growl as she springs up and lunges at the troll, trying her very best to bring it down!
[22:44] <Shamal> roll 1d20+7
[22:44] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+7 and gets 14."12 [1d20=7]
[22:45] <Kotono> Rin leaps up but misses by a narrow margin, landing behind it but safe! The Troll just smiles at this, licking it's lips! Behind it, the wound on it's back is already starting to seal up! OOC - Shamal.
[22:46] <Shamal> "Oh, oh my..." Shamal frets as she gets up and takes a half step back. "Let's do something about those muscles, shall we?" she muses as she gestures an arcane pattern in the air before a beam of coruscating violet energy lances out from her fingertips to strike the troll!
[22:46] <Shamal> roll 1d20+4 touch attack
[22:46] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+4 touch attack and gets 21."12 [1d20=17]
[22:46] <Shamal> roll 1d6+1 strength damage
[22:46] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d6+1 strength damage and gets 2."12 [1d6=1]
[22:47] <Kotono> The beam does indeed do it's magic, hitting the troll in the bicep and slightly deflating them! OOC - Seira.
[22:49] <Seira> From the relative safety in the trees surrounding their camp, Seira fires a pair of arrows at the troll!
[22:49] <Seira> roll 1d20+4
[22:49] <Seira> roll 1d20+4
[22:49] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+4 and gets 5."12 [1d20=1]
[22:49] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+4 and gets 7."12 [1d20=3]
[22:51] <Kotono> Hidden away, Seira's arrows are badly shot! They don't do anything to give away her position, sailing several feet wide and barely noticed! Meanwhile the troll licks it's lips, savoring the blood on them! It's eyes gleam with hunger as it lunges at Lyselle!
[22:51] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
[22:51] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 17."12 [1d20=9]
[22:51] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
[22:51] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+8 and gets 27."12 [1d20=19]
[22:51] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3
[22:51] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 and gets 18."12 [1d20=15]
[22:51] <Kotono> OOC - AC?
[22:52] <Lyselle> OOC - 19
[22:53] <Kotono> roll 1d6+5
[22:53] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d6+5 and gets 11."12 [1d6=6]
[22:54] <Kotono> While the first claw and it's last bite are pushed away with it's shield, it's left hand finds an opening! The tearing of metal is heard as Lyselle's side is ripped open! The troll's claw is coated in blood and metal, licked up rapidly afterwards! OOC - L0-chan.
[22:55] <Lyselle> Hissing in pain, Lyselle has little recourse but to just keep its attention and attack again, lashing out with her sword at its leathery hide.
[22:56] <Lyselle> roll 1d20+9
[22:56] * Hatbot --> "Lyselle rolls 1d20+9 and gets 29."12 [1d20=20]
[22:56] <Lyselle> roll 1d20+9 confirm
[22:56] * Hatbot --> "Lyselle rolls 1d20+9 confirm and gets 25."12 [1d20=16]
[22:56] <Lyselle> roll 2d8+10+1d2
[22:56] * Hatbot --> "Lyselle rolls 2d8+10+1d2 and gets 17."12 [2d8=5, 1][1d2=1]
[22:57] <Lyselle> roll 1d8+1
[22:57] * Hatbot --> "Lyselle rolls 1d8+1 and gets 9."12 [1d8=8]
[22:57] <Kotono> With a masterfu counterthrust and then rip, the troll's arm is shredded! Lyselle pulls out, it's arm a mess of blood and ice crystals! Meanwhile, Lyselle's body mends, glowing with illuminating light!
[22:57] <Kotono> OOC - Berli.
[23:00] * Berlioz grumbles and readies his bow, but casts Cure Light Wounds on self, chanting dystics once again, before getting back into range to at least give any sort of support.
[23:00] <Berlioz> roll 1d8+4
[23:00] * Hatbot --> "Berlioz rolls 1d8+4 and gets 9."12 [1d8=5]
[23:01] <Kotono> Berlioz mends the majority of his remaining wounds, body sealing up! He feels better now, not on death's door anymore! OOC - Rin.
[23:01] <Shamal> Rin once more tries to bring the nasty troll down to earth!
[23:01] <Shamal> roll 1d20+7
[23:01] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+7 and gets 15."12 [1d20=8]
[23:02] <Kotono> But even with the advantage of being at the back of the troll, Rin can't quite close the deal! She has to step back, quick bite and takedown having missed! OOC - Shamal.
[23:05] * Shamal incants a spell, although it sounds more like she's having a coughing fit, before she suddenly whips her head forward, spitting a gob of some vile green substance at the troll's eyes!
[23:05] <Shamal> roll 1d20 touch attack
[23:05] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20 touch attack and gets 1."12 [1d20=1]
[23:06] * Berlioz sets mode: -v Hatbot
[23:06] * Berlioz sets mode: +v Reiko-chan
[23:06] <Kotono> Yet the splashing attack is misaimed, only hitting a tree well to the side of thet rolls! At least that tree won't see anything? Thet roll's wounds begint o mend even now, body recouperating! OOC - Seira.
[23:06] * Seira tries again!
[23:06] <Seira> roll 1d20+2
[23:07] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d20+2 --> 1,0[ 1d20=6 ]12,0{8}
[23:07] <Seira> roll 1d20+2
[23:07] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d20+2 --> 1,0[ 1d20=14 ]12,0{16}
[23:07] <Kotono> OOC - Sceond hit.
[23:07] <Seira> roll 1d8+2d6
[23:07] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d8+2d6 --> 1,0[ 1d8=5 2d6=9 ]12,0{14}
[23:08] <Kotono> The sneaky arrow flies true! It buries right into the side and liver of thet roll, making it bleed - but barely even catching it's attention! It stays focused completely on Lyselle, clawing out for more food!
[23:08] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
[23:08] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Kotono rolled :1,0 1d20+8 --> 1,0[ 1d20=14 ]12,0{22}
[23:08] <Kotono> roll 1d20+8
[23:08] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Kotono rolled :1,0 1d20+8 --> 1,0[ 1d20=8 ]12,0{16}
[23:08] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3 bite
[23:08] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Kotono rolled :1,0 1d20+3 1,0bite --> 1,0[ 1d20=1 ]12,0{4}
[23:08] <Kotono> roll 1d6+5
[23:08] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Kotono rolled :1,0 1d6+5 --> 1,0[ 1d6=5 ]12,0{10}
[23:09] <Kotono> This time Lyselle's leg is torn open, a long flap of flesh exposed! The troll happily licks it's claw clean as the battle goes on! OOC = L.
[23:09] <Lyselle> Lyselle is enormously unhappy with letting this troll taste her blood, and keeps on slashing, rending into the thing's flesh both towards its death, and for her continued survival!
[23:09] <Lyselle> roll 1d20+9
[23:09] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Lyselle rolled :1,0 1d20+9 --> 1,0[ 1d20=7 ]12,0{16}
[23:10] <Kotono> OOc - You have hit.
[23:10] <Lyselle> roll 1d8+5+1d2
[23:10] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Lyselle rolled :1,0 1d8+5+1d2 --> 1,0[ 1d8=3 1d2=1 ]12,0{9}
[23:10] <Lyselle> roll 1d8+1
[23:10] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Lyselle rolled :1,0 1d8+1 --> 1,0[ 1d8=5 ]12,0{6}
[23:11] <Kotono> The ice that comes from the rip into the troll's stomach is matched by how Lyselle's leg seals up in white light! Together, the two show how the battle goes, successful and potent! The troll's staggering a bit back and forth, buts till grinning and slashing! OOC - Berli.
[23:14] * Berlioz looks up, and coughs, preparing his voice. In a soothing, yet clear and audible chant, the bard begins telling a tale. A tale of a murderous troll who had the unfortunate fate to meet three brave girls in a journey.
[23:15] <Kotono> As the tale is told...OOc - Rin-chan.
[23:17] <Shamal> Rin is about to attack again before Shamal's voice bids her to stop. "Hold a moment Rin!" she instructs stridently, before casting her next spell, "I call upon the greatest enemy of trollkind to burn away this filth - come forth, my elemental!" she incants, before a burst of flame appears behind the troll, resolving into a hissing humanoid figure that slams itself into the beast. "Now, Rin!"
[23:17] <Shamal> roll 1d20+8 elemental
[23:17] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+8 1,0elemental --> 1,0[ 1d20=18 ]12,0{26}
[23:17] <Shamal> roll 1d20+9 Rin
[23:17] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+9 1,0Rin --> 1,0[ 1d20=10 ]12,0{19}
[23:18] <Shamal> roll 1d4+3+1d4 (second 1d4 is fire damage)
[23:18] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d4+3+1d4 1,0(second 1d4 is fire damage) --> 1,0[ 1d4=1 1d4=1 ]12,0{5}
[23:18] <Shamal> roll 1d6+5
[23:18] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d6+5 --> 1,0[ 1d6=5 ]12,0{10}
[23:19] <Shamal> roll 1d20+4 trip check
[23:19] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+4 1,0trip check --> 1,0[ 1d20=1 ]12,0{5}
[23:20] <Kotono> The fire elemental gets the troll to stagger back for the first time, a howling cry of pain from the fire! It's attention is finally galvanized, but just in time! With the distraction Rin rips in, tearing up the troll with a savage tackle and bite! OOC - Seira.
[23:21] <Seira> If the troll won't pay her the least bit of mind, Seira will just have to work harder!
[23:21] <Seira> roll 1d20+3
[23:21] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d20+3 --> 1,0[ 1d20=17 ]12,0{20}
[23:21] <Seira> roll 1d20+3
[23:22] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d20+3 --> 1,0[ 1d20=10 ]12,0{13}
[23:22] <Kotono> OOC - First hit.
[23:22] <Seira> roll 1d8+1+2d6
[23:22] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d8+1+2d6 --> 1,0[ 1d8=3 2d6=7 ]12,0{11}
[23:23] <Kotono> With a volley of arrows, one slams intothe troll's head! It staggers back, badly stunned and perhaps unconcious, down on one knee and not moving! OOC - Lyselle.
[23:26] <Lyselle> Lyselle doesn't let up, stepping in to take a swing at the troll's neck with a vicious slash to rend its head from its body.
[23:26] <Lyselle> roll 1d20+12
[23:26] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Lyselle rolled :1,0 1d20+12 --> 1,0[ 1d20=10 ]12,0{22}
[23:26] <Lyselle> roll 1d8+5+1d2
[23:26] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Lyselle rolled :1,0 1d8+5+1d2 --> 1,0[ 1d8=6 1d2=1 ]12,0{12}
[23:27] <Kotono> The troll's head is sliced up, but you can still see it's wounds mending even now!
[23:27] <Kotono> OOc - Free actions for the moment, peopel.
[23:28] * Seira approaches the troll, and uses a simple spell to splash acid over the troll's ruined head.
[23:28] * Berlioz finishes the chant, and runs back to his allies. "Urgh. My apologies for that."
[23:29] * Shamal directs her fire elemental to coup de grace the troll by driving its fist into the beast's hungry mouth!
[23:29] <Kotono> Acid and fire bring an end to the troll's life, the smell fo cooking troll flesh filling the air! At last it stops moving, body falling over!
[23:30] * Shamal sighs deeply. "So much for a restful night... does anyone require healing?" she asks as the elemental hisses a moment and vanishes. "I think we should backtrack further before resting again."
[23:32] <Berlioz> "I can handle my wounds as is, although finding a calmer place to rest would be ideal."
[23:33] <Shamal> "What about you, Lyselle?" Shamal asks, approaching her fellow blonde.
[23:36] <Lyselle> "Just a bit," Lyselle nodds, wincing as she takes another step. "Would be better in a day or two, but who knows what'll happen."
[23:37] * Shamal nods and utters a brief prayer to Mielikki, her hand glowing softly as she rests it on Lyselle's wounds.
[23:37] <Shamal> roll 1d8+3
[23:37] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d8+3 --> 1,0[ 1d8=8 ]12,0{11}
[23:37] * Berlioz closes his eyes and chants the Cure Light Wounds dystics once again, finishing up the patches left. That done, the bard shakes his head. "That was careless of my part."

[Corwin]

[21:28] <Kotono> ---
[21:28] <Kotono> The party rests and recovers. It's mid morning by the time that everyone is getting their things together, when...
[21:29] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[21:29] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 8."12 [1d20=2]
[21:29] <Kotono> The party chose rests in a forest clearing. However, this time they hear something in the bush this morning. A tree branche snapping, quite loud in the forest. IT came from not too far away, maybe twenty feet into the bushes.
[21:30] * Lyselle draws her sword, picking up her shield and standing ready to face whatever it is. She certainly hopes its not another troll...
[21:30] <Shamal> Loud branch snapping would not be caused by a small animal. Therefore Shamal rouses herself with alacrity, summoning Rin to her side. "I hope it's not another troll..."
[21:31] <Seira> "Discretion is the better part of valor," Seira murmurs, disappearing into the cover of the trees away from the snapping sound.
[21:32] <Kotono> You hear some more rustling in the bushes - it's just a bit closer than you thought, a few bushes nearby moving back and forth...OOC - Spot checks if you like.
[21:32] <Lyselle> roll 1d20+1
[21:32] * Hatbot --> "Lyselle rolls 1d20+1 and gets 18."12 [1d20=17]
[21:32] <Berlioz> roll 1d20+1
[21:32] * Hatbot --> "Berlioz rolls 1d20+1 and gets 10."12 [1d20=9]
[21:32] <Seira> roll 1d20+3
[21:33] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+3 and gets 10."12 [1d20=7]
[21:33] <Shamal> roll 1d20+10
[21:33] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+10 and gets 11."12 [1d20=1]
[21:33] <Shamal> roll 1d20+5 Rin
[21:33] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+5 Rin and gets 23."12 [1d20=18]
[21:34] <Lyselle> "...It's clothed, whatever it is," Lyselle notes, tapping her sword against her shield lightly. "Who's out there?!" she calls, loudly.
[21:35] <Shamal> Rin seems wary, but not as hostile as she was at the troll that burst into their camp last night.
[21:36] <Kotono> There's a momentary pause, before, "Wary, humans!" Accented common, heavily with light, soft accents. IT sounds just a tiny bit like Seira. "Trolls are running berserk."
[21:37] * Lyselle raises an eyebrow, switching to speak in Elven. "We encountered one such already and destroyed it, thank you for the warning, though."
[21:37] * Berlioz rolls his eyes slightly, vaguely annoyed. "I got to find that out yesterday last night, but thanks for the advice."
[21:37] * Shamal is about to reply, but then shuts up as Lyselle starts talking moonspeak.
[21:39] <Kotono> "...hmph, one of you speaks a civilised tongue?" The same voice - it's male, you think - replies in Elven. "Whatever you're doing out here, be cautious. All the trolls in the southern forests have gone completely berserk."
[21:42] <Lyselle> "A number of us, actually," Lyselle answers in Elven, ignoring the implied quip. "I see, we'll stay on the wary, and thank you again. Know you much of this area?"
[21:45] <Kotono> "No. We've been sent down to deal with the trolls and whatever's causing it, if anything.
[21:45] <Kotono>  OOC - Gah.
[21:45] <Kotono> "No. We've been sent down to deal with the trolls and whatever's causing it, if anything." You can hear the branches move a bit, whomever is there moving. "We've fought five trolls in a week, each not stopping or caring for life in the least."
[21:49] * Lyselle nods, relaxed by now as to the intents. "Good luck with that, then," she offers, their missions clearly divergent. "We might be interested in assisting, but our concerns and duties lay elsewhere than with trolls primarily."
[21:50] <Kotono> "Very well," With that you hear him going off, not managing to be very stealthy or quiet at all.
[21:51] * Seira rejoins the group seamlessly, her eyes tracking the elf's passing. "Rampaging trolls," she mutters. "Excellent."
[21:52] <Shamal> "This isn't exactly news," Shamal observes. "Regardless, it's not as if we have a set destination - we could try and move around their range," she suggests.
[21:53] * Berlioz yawns. "Might as well. We should be prepared, though - I'm certain we'll find more trolls before getting to the Dire Bear."
[21:55] <Shamal> "So, for today we'll head directly East, and then we can resume heading North tomorrow?" Shamal suggests. "That should hopefully let us avoid most of the trolls, although it could change depending on what we see as we travel."
[21:56] <Seira> "I'm as prepared as I'll ever get," Seira muses, and then shrugs at Shamal. "Whatever you think prudent. We could also take the shortest route through their territory and hope to get past them, leaving the battle to the elves."
[21:57] <Shamal> "I'd rather stick to the fringes myself - we don't exactly know how far their range extends, after all," Shamal explains.
[21:59] <Berlioz> "If they're gone berserk, there may be even some leftovers past their known territory. Avoiding risks is optimal here: fighting a single troll is definitely a drain to our resources as is."
[21:59] <Kotono> OOC - Okay, wha'ts your plan of action if you're doing chatting it up?
[22:00] <Shamal> OOC: head straight East for most of the day and then start to angle North towards the end of the day before camping, subject to random encounters and evidence of nasty creatures in the vicinity?
[22:00] <Kotono> OOC: Okay. Make a survival check, I suppose.
[22:01] * Merc (~mercy@host-206-54-214-185.entouch.net) Quit (brb, reboot)
[22:01] <Berlioz> roll 1d20+1 liiiiiiiive
[22:01] * Hatbot --> "Berlioz rolls 1d20+1 liiiiiiiive and gets 5."12 [1d20=4]
[22:01] <Kotono> OOC - I was meaning more for Miss Shamal since she's the druid and all and stated she was leading the party.
[22:02] <Shamal> roll 1d20+12
[22:02] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+12 and gets 19."12 [1d20=7]
[22:02] <Shamal> roll 1d20+3 target 10, Rin aids another
[22:02] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+3 target 10, Rin aids another and gets 4."12 [1d20=1]
[22:03] <Kotono> The day passes without any sort of incident at first. Noon comes and is skipped, but by late afternoon? You come to a river, a little brook. It's just a few feet wide, a small break in the forest. But you note that the brook is running red/pinkish.
[22:03] <Shamal> roll 1d20+6 target 10 Flopsy aids another!
[22:03] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+6 target 10 Flopsy aids another! and gets 20."12 [1d20=14]
[22:04] * Shamal looks around the terrain to see if the discolouration could be coming from the surrounding dirt/clay.
[22:04] <Kotono> The dirt's mostly brown with a bit of thick greenery mixed in.
[22:05] <Seira> "Should we investigate?" Seira asks businesslike.
[22:05] * Shamal crouches next to the river and dips her finger in, before taking a sniff to see if she can identify it that way.
[22:06] <Kotono> OOC - Knowledge nature, I suppose.
[22:07] <Shamal> roll 1d20+14
[22:07] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+14 and gets 21."12 [1d20=7]
[22:09] <Shamal> "Something's been killing goblins upstream," Shamal states, wiping her finger off on her skirt as she stands up. "At least I think so." If only she could ask Rin, her nose is so much more sensitive!
[22:11] <Seira> "Didn't that goblin speak of trolls fighting them?"
[22:11] * Lyselle nods. "Could be a troll, or something else..."she hums, shrugging. "Do we want to take a look?"
[22:12] * Berlioz scratches head. "I don't know. We've taken quite a big detour already, do we need to keep going? I doubt this will be as interesting as the ruins, to boot."
[22:13] <Seira> "We are not really allied with goblins. In fact, some of them consider us enemies. Should we appear in the middle of a goblin war camp, they may well turn on us."
[22:13] <Shamal> "We're several days away from where we met that goblin, so I doubt it's related. But the forest is hardly safe - goblins are low enough on the food chain that anything could have killed it, but given that the river is running red, I'd say a decent number were slain," Shamal sighs as she gets up and mounts her horse once more. "Whatever it is, it's not something we should get caught in the middle of."
[22:14] <Seira> "Another detour, then?"
[22:16] <Shamal> "Actually I think we could start heading North, now," Shamal decides. "Whatever this came from, it's upstream, so we can avoid it that way, and we've covered a good amount of ground today, so we're hopefully past most of the trolls those elves were concerned with."
[22:18] <Seira> "What about pushing our horses through the night? We could go a day without rest, if it means getting farther away from rampaging trolls."
[22:19] * Merc (~mercy@host-206-54-214-185.entouch.net) has joined #dunes
[22:19] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Merc Merc
[22:21] <Berlioz> "I don't really care which course of action we take, as long as it gets us to safety. I'll do whatever you feel is best."
[22:21] <Shamal> "So long as we pace ourselves properly that shouldn't cause too much trouble," Shamal allows thoughtfully.
[22:23] * Lyselle nods, just checking her gear and her horse. "I feel some inclination to help the elves, but tat doesn't pay, or reflect our obligtions to Lady Stronger."
[22:24] <Kotono> The rest of the day passes without incident. Night falls, with it a blanket of darkness. There's a small rise in the ground here, eventually leading you to a simple rope bridge over a moderately deep chasm. It's nothing of real note, a river at the bottom, perhaps 100 feet down. Save that in the dark, you can clearly see something lying in the middle of the bridge.
[22:24] <Kotono> The moon is still partially full, adding a tiny bit of illumation. The sky is clear, stars sparkling above. IT's a normal night, peaceful and without incident thus far.
[22:25] * Seira takes a closer look~
[22:25] <Kotono> Seira can see what looks like a body, with darker splotches on the bridge behind it. There's some sort of armor worn.
[22:26] * Shamal dismounts her horse - she's not a skilled enough rider to maneuvre it over a rope bridge, anyway. "What's that on the bridge?" she wonders aloud.
[22:27] <Seira> "A body. I'll go and check it out," she announces. Yet Seira takes the time to tie a length of rope around herself and secures the other end with her horse, handing its reigns to Shamal. Only then does she approach the body.
[22:27] * Shamal looks after the horses while keeping an eye on Seira as she crosses the bridge.
[22:28] <Kotono> The rope bridge does not sway in the least, it appears to be sturdy as Seira walks on it. Getting closer, she can see that it looks like an elven body. There's a lot of blood around it, several wounds on it's chain shirt wearing form. A longsword is still clutched in it's hand, bloodied.
[22:29] <Seira> "Are you alive?" she asks the elf quietly in his native tongue.
[22:31] <Kotono> You don't see any sign of a reply.
[22:34] * Seira pokes the elf with the edge of her longbow.
[22:34] <Kotono> You get the slightest stir.
[22:36] * Seira waves Shamal over.
[22:37] * Shamal passes the horse reins over to Berlioz and instructs Rin to stay where she is while hurrying onto the bridge and towards Seira. "What's wrong?" she asks as she approaches, getting a proper look at the body now that she's close.
[22:38] <Kotono> It's an elven body. SEveral nasty wounds are ripped out from his body.
[22:38] <Seira> "He may still be alive," Seira tells her succintly. "Let us attempt to stabilize him before moving him away from this position."
[22:38] * Shamal uses her thorough knowledge of anatomy - and a quick pulse/breathing check - to verify that he is alive.
[22:38] <Kotono> OOC - Healing check, Shamal.
[22:38] <Shamal> roll 1d20+8
[22:38] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+8 and gets 17."12 [1d20=9]
[22:39] <Kotono> Tjere
[22:39] <Kotono> There is a very faint pulse. He has several deep wounds, all torn open wounds, like as if from a claw or such.
[22:40] <Shamal> "He's alive," Shamal breathes, before incanting a quick healing spell and resting her hands atop the fallen elf.
[22:40] <Shamal> OOC: lesser vigour, fast healing 1 for 13 rounds.
[22:40] <Seira> "We cannot abandon him," Seira agrees quickly, keeping guard as Shamal heals.
[22:41] <Kotono> On the casting, the magic begins to mend his flesh.  Wounds slowly close, color starting to return to his face. The wounds are still horrifice when the spell finishes, but he at least looks away from death's door.
[22:42] <Seira> "You are safe," Seira tells him in elven, even unsure as she is that he can hear her in his state.
[22:42] * Shamal follows up with a casting of cure minor wounds for an extra smidge of healing. "He should regain consciousness momentarily," the witch states, watching over him as his wounds slowly mend themselves.
[22:42] <Seira> "Let us retreat as soon as viable, then."
[22:42] <Kotono> "Ranger Master....danger...trolls...claws...axe..." he murmurs incoherently, "Wolves...bears...giant..."
[22:43] <Shamal> "Shhh, you're safe now," Shamal reassures, hoping he'll regain coherency shortly after consciousness.
[22:43] <Kotono> A minute or so passes. OOC -  Lyselle and Berli, feelf ree to make a hearing check.
[22:43] <Seira> "What is your name?" Seira asks, trying to draw out his focus.
[22:44] <Berlioz> roll 1d20+1 hearing
[22:44] * Hatbot --> "Berlioz rolls 1d20+1 hearing and gets 3."12 [1d20=2]
[22:44] <Kotono> The elf looks up, face streaked with dirt and blood. "Ranger MAster..." he drawls out, elven words spoken. "Is that you? Forest Ranger Quapeth reporting."
[22:44] <Shamal> roll 1d20+5 Rin is alert
[22:45] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+5 Rin is alert and gets 16."12 [1d20=11]
[22:45] <Seira> "Make your report," Seira tells him, as she nudges Shamal to start carrying the elf back.
[22:45] <Shamal> Rin idly wags her tail and pants as she sits by the horses, waiting for Shamal to return.
[22:46] <Shamal> Shamal helps the elf up, now that his more serious wounds should be mended. "Come, let's get back on solid ground," she tells him as she starts back towards the party.
[22:46] <Lyselle> roll 1d20+1
[22:46] * Hatbot --> "Lyselle rolls 1d20+1 and gets 13."12 [1d20=12]
[22:47] <Kotono> "The target's ability is confirmed. Along with the suspected ability to incite the trolls...he has personal guards and is skilled with the battle axe." He needs a lot to get up, blinking considerably. "Wait...who are you?"
[22:47] * Shamal just slowly guides the elf back over the bridge, letting Seira handle conversation with her fellow elf.
[22:47] * Lyselle fights off the surge of sleep, rubbing at her eyes. They just need to keep going.
[22:48] <Kotono> The elf looks around, seeing the humans with surprised eyes. He sheathes his longsword, before falling down onto his knees and then sitting. "...you saved me?" he asks, trying in slow, careful common.
[22:49] <Shamal> "You're very lucky we found you. You probably wouldn't have survived the night," Shamal nods as she helps him sit down comfortably.
[22:49] <Seira> "We are your best chance of accomplishing your mission," she responds in elven, before continuing in common for Shamal's benefit. "Who is the target? How can we stop him?"
[22:50] <Kotono> He considers a moment, before bowing his head to Shamal. "I will tell you in thanks, and because a very real threat is complicating this forest. A forest barbarian - a half orc. He possesses an ability to drive trolls to berserk hunger and madness, and holds sway over forest creatures."
[22:50] <Seira> "Is there a reason to his rampage?" Seira asks the elf.
[22:52] <Kotono> "I don't know. I came on him, but one of his beasts surprised me. I only got away because I stumbled down a gully and was left for dead. I wandered and...I remember that bridge and little else."
[22:53] <Seira> "Were you alone?" she asks next. "If you were with your ranger master, could you find him?"
[22:55] <Kotono> "I was sent ahead to scout. I think I might be able to if they haven't moved on." A shake of his head, his head held in his hands.
[22:55] <Shamal> "Where did you encounter this barbarian?" Shamal asks, looking unsettled. "On the other side of the bridge?"
[22:57] <Kotono> "No. I found them camped out. They were eating a roasted deer and making noise. That barbarian, his wolves and that bear. He was saying something about how the trolls were going berserk just as he thought they would - it was like he was talking to the wolves."
[22:58] <Seira> "What do you say to helping out our neighbors by dealing with this menace, Shamal?" Seira voices, tilting her head ever so slightly.
[22:59] <Shamal> "He's probably a druid like myself, then," Shamal states unhappily. "If we are to proceed I would like to rest here so that I will have appropriate spells for the encounter - though I pray to Mielikki that I will not have to use violence against a fellow servant of nature. We may not be getting the full story, here."
[23:02] <Kotono> "Thank you..." Quapeth sighs, breathing a hair ragged. "That barbarian is skilled with his axe, the wolves obey him, and that large bear seemed to understand him as well. Not to mention if that the trolls are indeed under his control."
[23:03] <Seira> "How many do they number?"
[23:04] <Kotono> "Half a dozen wolves, the bear, and the man. Eight that I saw in total."
[23:05] <Seira> "What about trolls? Have you seen any in these parts that moved in packs, or were they solitary?"
[23:07] <Kotono> "Seen them alone," Quapeth sas, "We've ran into several, and each of them is deadly but completely berserk."
[23:08] <Seira> "The one we encountered seemed more hungry than berserk," Seira muses. "This could lend credence to the theory that this barbarian is influencing trolls near him."
[23:09] * Shamal nods slowly in assent with Seira, wondering what this 'barbarian' will have to say for himself when they meet. "Excuse me, I'll see about looking for a good campsite near here," she offers, before taking Rin with her for a quick scout of their immediate surroundings.
[23:10] <Kotono> Shamal finds one without too much trouble, a bit back. A decent clearing with a waterspring.
[23:10] * Seira waves Berlioz over as Shamal leaves, asking him to bring the elf back to decent health.
[23:11] * Berlioz follows blandly.
[23:11] * Lyselle keeps watch around them, hoping nothing attacks this night...
[23:12] * Shamal sets about making camp for the party, feeling somewhat preoccupied and worried over this latest revelation. She's not exactly the greatest servant of nature, she knows, living in the city and all... will she even be able to reason with the animals following this half-orc?
[23:15] <Seira> "Just how far away are your allies?" Seira asks curiously.
[23:16] <Kotono> So the party sets up to rest. Berlioz uses his healing magic, mending the elven body. "I'm no tsure. It was seven or eight miles from when I encountered the enemy, and things are hazy after that. He sits on the ground, yawning. "I'm sorry," The elf switches to elven, "But are you a half or full blood, and you also travel with a servant of nature? What of the quiet man and the blonde woman at arms?"
[23:16] * Berlioz (~assis_san@201.22.137.44.adsl.gvt.net.br) has left #dunes
[23:17] * Lyselle is now known as Hotaru
[23:19] <Seira> "He is very quiet. We like him that way," Seira responds in elven, smiling brilliantly at Berlioz. "As for the blonde woman at arms, she can speak the language so there is no need for me to do much beyond a simple introduction. Lyselle, Quapeth."
[23:21] <Kotono> A nod to her, even as she keeps watch. "I see. What of the last, then?" he asks, inquiring further.

[Corwin]

[20:08] <Blondezilla> ---
[20:10] <Blondezilla> So the morning comes. It's a bit of a late morning again, the party resting up. Quapeth has healed and been tended to in this time, and even has gathered some berries in time for the party's late breakfast. It's a cool and cloudy day, the forest relatively serene for the moment.
[20:11] <Shamal> Finished her prayers and now ready with appropriate spells, Shamal gets ready to depart. "Can you lead us to where you encountered this half-orc, Quapeth?" she asks the elf.
[20:13] <Blondezilla> "I believe so, with some time, Nature Guardian," Quapeth deeply nods his head towards Shamal. "Once I gain my bearings back past that bridge."
[20:14] * Shamal nods. "Let me know when we near it - I have a spell that will prevent the animals with him from perceiving us - although I might need to borrow your pearl of power to conceal all of us, Seira," she glances expectantly at the half-elf.
[20:15] * Seira wordlessly offers it to Shamal.
[20:16] * Shamal accepts it with a smile, concealing her nervousness about the impending encounter. "Well, shall we be off?"
[20:16] <Seira> "Not time like the present," Seira agrees.
[20:17] <Blondezilla> "As you all wish," Quapeth nods, and then to Seira, "Would you take the lead with me?"
[20:19] * Seira looks distinctly unhappy at the suggestion, but her head dips once. "If you feel it necessary, yes."
[20:20] * Shamal walks over the bridge, leading her horse before saddling up on the other side.
[20:21] <Blondezilla> So the party takes off! As you head towards the bridge, Quapeth lightly inclines his head to Seira, his voice kept low and his eyes on the path ahead. "I confess," he begins quietly, "That I did not expect to find one of your type out here, let alone with one who protects the forests. Is such common in the human lands now?"
[20:22] <Seira> "No," she responds, matching his tone. "We are somewhat of an anomaly, you might say."
[20:23] <Blondezilla> "Ah. Ah well, at least some measure of civilised tranquility exists in those places." So you go on and on, towards the bridge. You don't see anyone on it or around it.
[20:24] <Seira> "How about you?" she asks him curiously. "Any humans around your parts?"
[20:25] <Blondezilla> "No, of course not." He laughs a little bit at that, "I live on the fridges of the Great Civlisation to ensure it's peace from goblinoids, but humans are a rare sight. They are not quite as...barbaric as I had imagined."
[20:27] <Seira> "Yes," she agrees with him. "They aren't, for the most part."
[20:29] <Blondezilla> "...mmm, perhaps so," he murmurs, pace quick and nimble towards the bridge. "I owe all of you a debt already. Perhaps it is something to take seriously and not mere mercy of barbarians..."
[20:35] <Lyselle> "I think Balmuria as a whole would appreciate such," Lyselle offers lightly from her heavier horse in Elven, patting the charger. "And I think we all hope we're good representatives of the city."
[20:37] <Blondezilla> Quapeth stops, looking back to Lyselle. His cheeks turn slightly red, "I was not aware that our voices carried," he says, a bit flat and quickly picking up his pace. Indeed, he makes onward towards the bridge, pace faster.
[20:40] <Blondezilla> roll 1d100
[20:41] * Hatbot --> "Blondezilla rolls 1d100 and gets 50."12 [1d100=50]
[20:41] <Blondezilla> The pace past the bridge picks up. The terrain gets a little bit rockier, several gullies walked around or circled. Nothing of note happens until an hour past noon. After some searching and climbing up a particular, slightly disturbed gully, you come to a clearing. There's the remnanats of a campfire here, a few burnt bones littering the area.
[20:43] * Shamal looks around for any signs indicating which way they went - even if he's a druid like her and leaves no tracks, the same cannot be said for his animals.
[20:44] <Blondezilla> "This is it," Quapeth announces, looking about cautiously. A hand rests on his sword, his eyes looking about. "I don't see anything of use. They're gone..and damnations. I believe they took my bow and arrows with them..."
[20:44] <Blondezilla> OOC - Tracking check, Shamal.
[20:44] <Shamal> roll 1d20+12
[20:44] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+12 and gets 25."12 [1d20=13]
[20:45] <Seira> "It's not much..." Seira says, trailing off, and holds out a bow to the elf.
[20:46] <Blondezilla> "A back up? Thank you." The elf takes the bow and gives it an experimental pull, nodding. "I'll use it well." Shamal quickly finds a trail - it's achingly easy, several wolf tracks and exceptionally large bear tracks, not to mention  humanoid tracks.
[20:46] <Blondezilla> They're all heading northeast.
[20:47] * Lyselle frowns, just resting a hand on her longsword and looking around them in case of ambush. Sooner or later...hopefully.
[20:47] <Shamal> "It appears they went Northeast," Shamal tells her companions, starting to head off in that direction with Rin in tow, keeping her eyes and ears alert - they need to know before encountering their target so she can cast her preparatory spells.
[20:48] <Blondezilla> OOC - Spot check, Lyselle.
[20:48] <Lyselle> roll 1d20+1
[20:48] * Hatbot --> "Lyselle rolls 1d20+1 and gets 21."12 [1d20=20]
[20:48] * Seira gets her own bow out, ready to follow Shamal's directions.
[20:50] <Blondezilla> Lyselle is dead, 100 percent sure you're alone, savef or a spare rabbit and deer lurking in the bushes several dozen feet back. The path goes down another gullyway, rocks and scrapings flying about. Then to a river bank, a five foot river. The banks are clearly disturbed, full of fresh paw prints in them. Ahead you can see a rising path, heavily treed save for a surprisingly well cleared path up it.
[20:51] <Shamal> "Not even trying to conceal themselves..." Shamal mutters as she follows the tracks, trying to get an idea for how fresh they are to help gauge how soon they'll catch up.
[20:52] <Blondezilla> They're quite fresh indeed. Within an hour easily, maybe less.
[20:54] <Blondezilla> Quapeth shakes his head, "Indeed. They appear quite confident."
[20:54] <Shamal> "I think we only just missed them, to be honest," Shamal relays to her companions, dismounting and following on foot while leading her horse for the moment. She doesn't want to bring it with her to the confrontation, since it'll just be a target for the wolves, and it's easier to follow the tracks on foot anyway.
[20:55] <Blondezilla> Quapeth stayson foot, beginning to follow with Shamal. "Nature Guardian, if I may," he offers, quietly taking up a few steps ahead of her.
[20:56] <Shamal> "Hm?" Shamal cocks her head inquisitively at the elf. "And call me Shamal, by the way."
[20:57] <Blondezilla> "Take the point. You do not look as accomplished at direct melee as myself or Lyselle." He turns, asolid expression of respect.
[20:59] <Shamal> "Eh heh..." Shamal flushes a bit. "I can't really refute that, can I?" she admits.
[21:00] * Berlioz sighs and rolls his eyes. "Stop fluttering, Shamal, just take position."
[21:02] <Blondezilla> Quapeth delicately coughs at that, "Be kind. A druid deserves more respect than that," Quapeth says, voice raised slightly.
[21:02] <Shamal> "Oh, don't worry about it and just keep bringing up the rear like you always do, Berlioz," the blonde replies drolly, letting the elf take point while she continues to follow the tracks, letting him know if he wanders off course.
[21:02] <Blondezilla> Quapeth merely nods, starting to carefully follow the tracks. Tob e fair, anyone could follow these at this point. It's a large set of them and clearly followable. The underbrush is torn up, road having mudmarks on it. As the party heads up...OOC - Listen checks.
[21:02] <Lyselle> roll 1d20+1
[21:02] * Hatbot --> "Lyselle rolls 1d20+1 and gets 17."12 [1d20=16]
[21:02] <Shamal> roll 1d20+10
[21:02] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+10 and gets 14."12 [1d20=4]
[21:03] <Shamal> OOC: alertness reroll
[21:03] <Shamal> roll 1d20+10
[21:03] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+10 and gets 29."12 [1d20=19]
[21:03] <Seira> roll 1d20+3
[21:03] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+3 and gets 21."12 [1d20=18]
[21:03] <Berlioz> roll 1d20+1
[21:03] * Hatbot --> "Berlioz rolls 1d20+1 and gets 19."12 [1d20=18]
[21:03] <Blondezilla> roll 1d20+5
[21:03] * Hatbot --> "Blondezilla rolls 1d20+5 and gets 17."12 [1d20=12]
[21:04] <Shamal> "Trouble ahead," Shamal starts, proceeding to cast her spells. "Sounds like goblins, but I'd wager our friend is involved."
[21:04] <Shamal> OOC: casting Mage Armour on self and Hide From Animals on everyone (2 castings, using Seira's pearl)
[21:04] * Seira nods. "That seems likely, yes."
[21:05] <Blondezilla> "Very," Quapeth checks his bow over, "May I borrow a few arrows," he asks  Seira directly. "This won't be the first massacre, even if it's onlyg oblins."
[21:06] * Lyselle nods, making a last check of her weapons before they get into the thick of this, and patting her charger. Soon enough!
[21:06] <Blondezilla> The magics are cast, in place and ready!
[21:07] <Seira> "Take as many as you need, of course."
[21:07] <Shamal> "Animals won't be able to perceive you with this spell," Shamal explains, handing Seira her pearl back, "But if you take any offensive action, the effect will end." Rin looks a bit confused, but quickly wags her tail and settles in to follow Lyselle.
[21:08] <Blondezilla> Quapeth takes a dozen, loading up as many as he can easily carry. 
[21:08] <Shamal> Spells cast, Shamal advances, leaving her own horse behind and keeping close enough to Rin that they can share the benefit of her spells.
[21:09] <Blondezilla> So the party heads on, Lyselle and Quapeth at point. Soon you reach the top of the gully. The path stretches on a bit and then a clearing. A madmade one, plants cut back. In this clearing are a few dozen tents and a few more solid building of mudbricks and stone. It's also a scene of chaos! OOC - More.
[21:10] <Blondezilla> Even from here, you can see that the buildings are arrainged in a circle. You can hear cries and distress of the goblin kind, a few calls. "Another one!" One calls, sounding pained, voice hanging. "A troll?! Fire, we need fire!"
[21:12] <Blondezilla> The party can't quite see anything yet, still a good ways back on the path. It's a hundred and a few odd feet to the clearing from here and between forest and buildings, the inner area is well blocked.
[21:14] <Shamal> "Trolls?" Shamal grimaces. They want to find the cause, not the symptom! "Well, goblins are at least a bit more reasonable than trolls, so I suppose it's better to help them?"
[21:16] <Blondezilla> Quapeth peers ahead, "Yes, I suppose it is," he agrees.
[21:20] * Lyselle nods with a faint sigh. "Most likely, yes. Goblins know fear, berserker trolls do not."
[21:20] <Shamal> Assent given, Shamal advances on the village!
[21:22] <Blondezilla> Onward you go! As you go up, you get a better view of the village. Most of the tents have dead goblins in front of and around them, only an eastern most building still having life around it. A few goblins are there, one throwing a pot full of stinking fire at a rampaging troll! The troll looks angry, considerably burned up. Hanging back a bit are seven wolves, and inthe center? Two people - one is a bear that scrapes 15 feet tall, giant a
[21:22] <Blondezilla> scrapes 15 feet tall, giant and hulking. The other is a man in a bearskin and little else, a giant, gleaming brown/metal gray axe resting besides him.
[21:24] <Shamal> An axe is hardly a traditional druid weapon, but Shamal's hardly one to lecture on orthodoxy, herself. Still... "Hold!" she yells, not in common, but in the secret language of the druids. "If you are a true servant of nature, then answer me and explain this wanton slaughter!"
[21:24] <Blondezilla> The goblins are three and one - they're using spears, trying to keep thet roll at bay! It's not working, as the fourth, grabs another nasty jar from inside. "C'mon," he snarls, one arm bleeding profusely, "Keep at it!"
[21:26] <Blondezilla> "Huh?" The bearskin wearing man turns as the animals blissfully continue watching. He looks around a bit, setting on Shamal. He looks surprised, face wide open. It's quite a nasty face, grim and bloodied, even if none of it looks like his own blood. He's rather large, too, hulking.
[21:28] * Shamal draws herself up proudly, a challenging glare to the half-orc. If he cannot even respond in their secret language, what hope is there for reasoning with him?
[21:28] <Blondezilla> Quapeth settles back a bit, readying his shortbow and staying out of the main circle. Just hanging back, really.
[21:29] <Blondezilla> "Grawrh!" The creature bellows, fierce! He takes his axe and holds it up, "Huumaaaans! Kill!" His voice is a snarl, axe pointed at Shamal! The wolves turn...and just looka round, completely befuddled! The bear does as well, looking blankly ahead.
[21:29] <Blondezilla> Meanwhile, the goblins and trolls are going at it, getting ready for another round!
[21:31] <Shamal> "He's no servant of nature," Shamal frowns unhappily, preparing her magic. "Wait before attacking, since the animals will be able to see us once we do."
[21:32] <Blondezilla> OOC - Are any of you doing anything else? If not, I'd like to do initiative here for organization.
[21:34] <Seira> Frontline engagements are not for her, so Seira gives Shamal a curt nod and disappears into the underbrush, trying to find a good spot to see the troll from.
[21:35] <Seira> roll 1d20+12
[21:35] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+12 and gets 22."12 [1d20=10]
[21:36] <Blondezilla> roll 1d20+1
[21:36] * Hatbot --> "Blondezilla rolls 1d20+1 and gets 19."12 [1d20=18]
[21:36] <Blondezilla> OOC - Okay, then initiative.
[21:36] <Shamal> roll 1d20+2 Shamal
[21:36] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+2 Shamal and gets 15."12 [1d20=13]
[21:36] <Shamal> roll 1d20+3 Rin
[21:36] * Hatbot --> "Shamal rolls 1d20+3 Rin and gets 7."12 [1d20=4]
[21:36] <Berlioz> roll 1d20+1
[21:36] * Hatbot --> "Berlioz rolls 1d20+1 and gets 19."12 [1d20=18]
[21:36] <Seira> roll 1d20+4
[21:36] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+4 and gets 16."12 [1d20=12]
[21:36] <Lyselle> roll 1d20+2
[21:36] * Hatbot --> "Lyselle rolls 1d20+2 and gets 6."12 [1d20=4]
[21:37] <Blondezilla> roll 1d20+2 goblins against troll
[21:37] * Hatbot --> "Blondezilla rolls 1d20+2 goblins against troll and gets 14."12 [1d20=12]
[21:37] <Blondezilla> roll 1d20+2 Troll
[21:37] * Hatbot --> "Blondezilla rolls 1d20+2 Troll and gets 9."12 [1d20=7]
[21:38] <Blondezilla> roll 1d20+2 wolf pack
[21:38] * Hatbot --> "Blondezilla rolls 1d20+2 wolf pack and gets 19."12 [1d20=17]
[21:39] <Blondezilla> roll 1d20+1 bear
[21:39] * Hatbot --> "Blondezilla rolls 1d20+1 bear and gets 13."12 [1d20=12]
[21:39] <Blondezilla> roll 1d20+2 Berserker, lots of +2s today
[21:39] * Hatbot --> "Blondezilla rolls 1d20+2 Berserker, lots of +2s today and gets 20."12 [1d20=18]
[21:40] <Blondezilla> Berserker>Berlioz=Wolves>Seira>Shamal>Goblins>Troll>Bear>Rin>Lyselle
[21:40] <Blondezilla> OOC - Since it won't go into the topic for whatever reason.
[21:41] <Blondezilla> The Berserker screams, his animals all looking towards him! But they just look around, confused! OOC - Berli.
[21:41] * Shamal changes topic to 'Berserker > Berlioz = Wolves > Seira > Shamal > Goblins > Troll > Bear > Rin > Lyselle'
[21:41] <Blondezilla> The wolves are doing just that, they look completely mystified! They're just kidna looking around!
[21:44] <Blondezilla> roll 1d20+5 fuck
[21:44] * Hatbot --> "Blondezilla rolls 1d20+5 fuck and gets 17."12 [1d20=12]
[21:44] * Blondezilla changes topic to 'Berserker > Berlioz = Wolves > Quapeth > Seira > Shamal > Goblins > Troll > Bear > Rin > Lyselle'
[21:47] * Berlioz clears his throat and formulates yet another tale. He begins to entonate the story of those same adventurers from Balmuria, now facing the threat of trolls, wolves and a mysterious druid...
[21:47] <Berlioz> OOC: Inspire Courage.
[21:47] <Shamal> "He's no druid!" Shamal nearly snaps.
[21:48] <Blondezilla> The tale begins, inspiring the party with bravery and derring do! Quapeth smiles a bit, hanging back for the moment and waiting...OOC - Seira?
[21:49] * Seira waits on Shamal to work her magic, as agreed upon.
[21:49] * Lyselle (~dragomirs@225-52-77-204.sptc.mnscu.edu) Quit (Ping timeout)
[21:49] <Blondezilla> OOC - Shamal!
[21:52] * Shamal decides to start things off by turning the bear against its unworthy master, incanting a prayer to do so. "Great Forest Queen, show this great predator of the forest the error of its ways, for its master is an unworthy one!"
[21:52] <Shamal> OOC: Charm Animal, DC 14 on bear
[21:53] <Blondezilla> roll 1d20+9
[21:53] * Hatbot --> "Blondezilla rolls 1d20+9 and gets 21."12 [1d20=12]
[21:53] <Blondezilla> The bear doesn't seemed moved at all! It just looks around in beffudled confusion! Meanwhile the goblins attack the troll, three spears and a tub of goblin fire!
[21:53] <Blondezilla> roll 1d20+2 spears
[21:53] * Hatbot --> "Blondezilla rolls 1d20+2 spears and gets 13."12 [1d20=11]
[21:53] <Blondezilla> roll 1d20+2 spears
[21:53] * Hatbot --> "Blondezilla rolls 1d20+2 spears and gets 16."12 [1d20=14]
[21:53] <Blondezilla> roll 1d20+2 spears
[21:53] * Hatbot --> "Blondezilla rolls 1d20+2 spears and gets 12."12 [1d20=10]
[21:55] <Blondezilla> roll 1d8
[21:55] * Hatbot --> "Blondezilla rolls 1d8 and gets 4."12 [1d8=4]
[21:55] <Blondezilla> roll 1d20+2 tossed fire
[21:55] * Hatbot --> "Blondezilla rolls 1d20+2 tossed fire and gets 14."12 [1d20=12]
[21:56] <Blondezilla> The battle rages fiercely, a miss and a stab of the troll! It's staggered just a little, but still screaminga nd trying to rend goblins apart! They cower back, pinned and running out of time! OOC - Seira?
[21:56] * Lyselle (~dragomirs@225-52-77-204.sptc.mnscu.edu) has joined #dunes
[21:56] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Lyselle Lyselle
[21:57] * Blondezilla changes topic to 'Berserker > Berlioz = Wolves > Quapeth > Seira = Shamal > Goblins > Troll > Bear > Rin > Lyselle'
[21:58] * Seira decides to support the goblins, and a pair of arrows target the troll from her hiding place!
[21:58] <Seira> roll 1d20+3
[21:58] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+3 and gets 13."12 [1d20=10]
[21:58] <Seira> roll 1d20+3
[21:58] * Hatbot --> "Seira rolls 1d20+3 and gets 10."12 [1d20=7]
[22:01] <Blondezilla> The arrows miss, flying overhead! The magic cracks and breaks, the party suddenly seeing the animals looking towards the party! Meanwhile, the troll bellows and triest o rip up one of the spear goblins!
[22:01] <Blondezilla> OOC - Strike.
[22:02] <Blondezilla> The arrows miss, flying overhead! The magic cracks and breaks, the party suddenly seeing the animals looking towards Seira's direction vaguely, but they still look confused! Meanwhile, the troll bellows and triest o rip up one of the spear goblins!
[22:02] <Blondezilla> roll 1d20+9
[22:02] * Hatbot --> "Blondezilla rolls 1d20+9 and gets 10."12 [1d20=1]
[22:02] <Blondezilla> roll 1d20+9
[22:02] * Hatbot --> "Blondezilla rolls 1d20+9 and gets 11."12 [1d20=2]
[22:02] <Blondezilla> roll 1d20+4 bite
[22:02] * Hatbot --> "Blondezilla rolls 1d20+4 bite and gets 9."12 [1d20=5]
[22:03] <Blondezilla> But this troll is clearly more affected by it's side ripped open, flesh scorched! It's claw miraciously miss, it's bite only getting the air! Meanwhile, the bear continues to stand around! OOC - Rin.
[22:03] <Shamal> Rin mills around with Lyselle, lacking direction in her life!
[22:03] <Shamal> OOC: Rin holds
[22:03] <Blondezilla> OOC - Lyselle. Go for it.
[22:11] <Lyselle> Spurring her horse forward at a full gallop, Lyselle charges the half orc and the bear at high speed, only at the last moment rearing her horse to pummel the bear with its hoofs, and slash down on the half-orc with her frozen blade! OOC - Taking 1 on the DC 10 ride check to let the warhorse attack for a total of 10
[22:11] <Lyselle> roll 1d20+12 Lyselle
[22:11] * Hatbot --> "Lyselle rolls 1d20+12 Lyselle and gets 15."12 [1d20=3]
[22:11] <Lyselle> roll 1d20+6 horse
[22:11] * Hatbot --> "Lyselle rolls 1d20+6 horse and gets 23."12 [1d20=17]
[22:14] <Blondezilla> OOC - Both hit.
[22:15] <Lyselle> roll 2d8+10+1d2 half orc
[22:15] * Hatbot --> "Lyselle rolls 2d8+10+1d2 half orc and gets 24."12 [2d8=7, 5][1d2=2]
[22:15] <Lyselle> roll 1d6+4 bear
[22:15] * Hatbot --> "Lyselle rolls 1d6+4 bear and gets 10."12 [1d6=6]
[22:16] <Blondezilla> It happens in a flash! The berserker's chest is torn open like tissue paper, rent and cut! As Lyselle finishes her charge she sees his skin is frosted over, her body receiving useless healing! The bear is kicked hard, a most unhappy roar of displeasure from it! OOC - Berserker is up now.
[22:17] <Blondezilla> Staggering back, he raises his axe up! "Raaaawr! Grawr smash! Smash her!" he commands, as he brings his axe to bear on her!
[22:17] <Blondezilla> roll 1d20+8 (-2 PA)
[22:17] * Hatbot --> "Blondezilla rolls 1d20+8 (-2 PA) and gets 19."12 [1d20=11]
[22:18] <Blondezilla> roll 1d12+12
[22:18] * Hatbot --> "Blondezilla rolls 1d12+12 and gets 18."12 [1d12=6]
[22:19] <Blondezilla> In counter Lyselle gets a brutual, ungiving axe to the stomach! It bites in deep, seepings of blood coming out! OOC - Pause here, workhell.

[Corwin]

[19:52] <KoKanon> Lyselle is rocked and rattled, the axe drawing deep into her! The barbarian withdraws it with a wet slinck, snarling as his chest bleeds out. "Graaaaawr!" he hisses, "Attack! Get her!"
[19:52] <KoKanon> OOC - Berlioz and the wolves are up now.
[19:54] * Berlioz advances the tales of struggle and courage he had just began to chant.
[19:55] <Berlioz> OOC: IIRC, I was using Inspire Courage last round.
[19:56] <KoKanon> As Berlioz recites a tale of brave warriors, beautiful women and inspiring the masses, the wolves charge! They flock and surround Lyselle and her mount in classical pack fashion, trying to take the steed down with bites and nips!
[19:57] <KoKanon> roll 1d20+3 wolf 1 bite
[19:57] * Hatbot --> "KoKanon rolls 1d20+3 wolf 1 bite and gets 18."12 [1d20=15]
[19:59] <Lyselle> roll 1d20+9
[19:59] * Hatbot --> "Lyselle rolls 1d20+9 and gets 21."12 [1d20=12]
[20:00] <KoKanon> With a quick reaction, Lyselle rears up and has her horse whinny up, avoiding the first snapping bite! But the second is already incoming, the wolves working in tandem!
[20:00] <KoKanon> roll 1d20+3 wolf 2 bite
[20:00] * Hatbot --> "KoKanon rolls 1d20+3 wolf 2 bite and gets 20."12 [1d20=17]
[20:01] <KoKanon> roll 1d6+1 damage
[20:01] * Hatbot --> "KoKanon rolls 1d6+1 damage and gets 6."12 [1d6=5]
[20:01] <KoKanon> roll 1d20+1 trip check
[20:01] * Hatbot --> "KoKanon rolls 1d20+1 trip check and gets 20."12 [1d20=19]
[20:03] <Lyselle> roll 1d20+12
[20:03] * Hatbot --> "Lyselle rolls 1d20+12 and gets 14."12 [1d20=2]
[20:04] <Lyselle> roll 1d20+9
[20:04] * Hatbot --> "Lyselle rolls 1d20+9 and gets 27."12 [1d20=18]
[20:05] <KoKanon> The horse goes down and goes down hard! It lets out a whining brey as it plummets onto it's side, part of it's back leg ripped open! It's muscle is torn, sending Lyselle down! With a quick move she manages to land on her knees and without damage! But the third wolf continues, snapping away at the downed horse!
[20:07] <KoKanon> roll 1d20+3 wolf 3 bite OOC - Remember, -4 to it's AC while down.
[20:07] * Hatbot --> "KoKanon rolls 1d20+3 wolf 3 bite OOC - Remember, -4 to it's AC while down. and gets 11."12 [1d20=8]
[20:07] <KoKanon> roll 1d6+1 damage
[20:07] * Hatbot --> "KoKanon rolls 1d6+1 damage and gets 5."12 [1d6=4]
[20:08] <KoKanon> roll 1d20+3 wolf 4
[20:08] * Hatbot --> "KoKanon rolls 1d20+3 wolf 4 and gets 4."12 [1d20=1]
[20:08] <KoKanon> The third and forth wolf close in, chomping away! One scores a nip into the side of Lyselle's noble charger, while the last two swarm around not the horse, but it's armored rider!
[20:08] <KoKanon> roll 1d20+3 wolf 5 bite
[20:08] * Hatbot --> "KoKanon rolls 1d20+3 wolf 5 bite and gets 4."12 [1d20=1]
[20:08] <KoKanon> roll 1d20+3 wolf 6 bite
[20:08] * Hatbot --> "KoKanon rolls 1d20+3 wolf 6 bite and gets 5."12 [1d20=2]
[20:09] <KoKanon> But Lyselle has no difficulty fending them off, swordbashing one away as she recovers! The second meets a noble shield to it's teeth, solid steel between the blonde noblewoman and wolf teeth!
[20:09] <Lyselle> "Elf! Get your sword into this melee or we're not going to manage anything!"
[20:11] <KoKanon> "..." The sword is drawn, bow dropped! Quapeth nods grimly, whipping his sword out! In bright elven he calls, "To arms! To slay those that would pervert Mother Earth so foully, you shall not escape certain death!" Rushing to Lyselle's side, his longsword tries to take out the first wolf!
[20:11] <KoKanon> roll 1d20+7
[20:11] * Hatbot --> "KoKanon rolls 1d20+7 and gets 9."12 [1d20=2]
[20:11] * Berlioz sets mode: -v Hatbot
[20:12] <KoKanon> But his blade sings through the air, a downward stab that only impales the fair earth! A complete miss, the wolf half turning and snarling in retailation!
[20:12] * Berlioz sets mode: +v Reiko-chan
[20:12] <KoKanon> OOC - The S and S female combo is up.
[20:13] * Shamal steps a bit closer to the melee and casts another spell! "Calm your bestial fury, for we are not your enemy!" she exhorts to the wolves.
[20:13] <Shamal> roll 2d4+3
[20:13] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 2d4+3 --> 1,0[ 2d4=6 ]12,0{9}
[20:14] <Seira> The goblins would have to make do on their own, not that she was making much difference there. Singling out the bear, she releases a pair of arrows in its general direction!
[20:14] <Shamal> OOC: 9hd worth of wolves, which means 4 of them. They get will saves if they've been trained to fight, otherwise no save.
[20:14] <Seira> roll 1d2-+7
[20:14] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d2-+7 --> 1,0[ 1d2=2 ]12,0{-5}
[20:14] <Seira> roll 1d2-+7
[20:14] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d2-+7 --> 1,0[ 1d2=1 ]12,0{-6}
[20:14] <KoKanon> OOC - Um, Seira.
[20:14] <Seira> OOC: Bah, like it'd matter
[20:15] <Seira> roll 1d20+7
[20:15] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d20+7 --> 1,0[ 1d20=7 ]12,0{14}
[20:15] <Seira> roll 1d20+7
[20:15] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d20+7 --> 1,0[ 1d20=3 ]12,0{10}
[20:16] <KoKanon> OOC - I'm going to give the wolves a save, as they're under a sort of training and compulsion. Its' borderline, so they're getting a -2 circumstance to it.
[20:16] <KoKanon> roll 1d20-1
[20:16] <Reiko-chan> 1,0KoKanon rolled :1,0 1d20-1 --> 1,0[ 1d20=16 ]12,0{15}
[20:16] <KoKanon> roll 1d20-1
[20:16] <KoKanon> roll 1d20-1
[20:16] <Reiko-chan> 1,0KoKanon rolled :1,0 1d20-1 --> 1,0[ 1d20=17 ]12,0{16}
[20:16] <KoKanon> roll 1d20-1
[20:16] <Reiko-chan> 1,0KoKanon rolled :1,0 1d20-1 --> 1,0[ 1d20=10 ]12,0{9}
[20:16] <Reiko-chan> 1,0KoKanon rolled :1,0 1d20-1 --> 1,0[ 1d20=19 ]12,0{18}
[20:17] <KoKanon> OOC - What's your DC/you have got to be fucking kidding me.
[20:17] <Shamal> OOC: DC 14
[20:17] <KoKanon> roll 1d6 to determine wolf affected
[20:17] <Reiko-chan> 1,0KoKanon rolled :1,0 1d6 1,0to determine wolf affected --> 1,0[ 1d6=5 ]12,0{5}
[20:19] <KoKanon> Suddenly, one of the wolves next to Lyselle just sits down, calm and sedate. IT starts licking it's paw, lying down in peace. Meanwhile, two arrows fly! The beast is caught off guard, but only it's tough skins aves it, the missles not quite penetrating well enough! OOC - Rin was going to act?
[20:19] * KoKanon changes topic to 'Berserker > Berlioz = Wolves > Quapeth > Seira = Shamal = Rin> Goblins > Troll > Bear  > Lyselle'
[20:20] <Shamal> Now that Rin can see Shamal, she briefly looks to her mistress in hopes of guidance, which comes swiftly. "Rin, take down that man!" she commands, and the canine promptly bounds forward to charge the berserker!
[20:20] <Shamal> roll 1d20+9
[20:20] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+9 --> 1,0[ 1d20=6 ]12,0{15}
[20:20] <KoKanon> OOC - Hit.
[20:20] <Shamal> roll 1d6+4
[20:20] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d6+4 --> 1,0[ 1d6=6 ]12,0{10}
[20:21] <Shamal> roll 1d20+4 trip check
[20:21] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+4 1,0trip check --> 1,0[ 1d20=6 ]12,0{10}
[20:21] <KoKanon> roll 1d20+5
[20:21] <Reiko-chan> 1,0KoKanon rolled :1,0 1d20+5 --> 1,0[ 1d20=3 ]12,0{8}
[20:22] <KoKanon> With a leap Rin proves that she's not just a normal, garden variety canine! She takes to the air, bowling your axe wielding foe right over! He falls down hard, flat onto his back, Rin biting down into his collarbone and yanking!
[20:22] <KoKanon> The goblins are meanwhile trying to hold against the troll still!
[20:22] <KoKanon> roll 1d20+2 spears
[20:22] <Reiko-chan> 1,0KoKanon rolled :1,0 1d20+2 1,0spears --> 1,0[ 1d20=4 ]12,0{6}
[20:22] <KoKanon> roll 1d20+2 spears
[20:22] <Reiko-chan> 1,0KoKanon rolled :1,0 1d20+2 1,0spears --> 1,0[ 1d20=13 ]12,0{15}
[20:22] <KoKanon> roll 1d20+2 spears
[20:22] <Reiko-chan> 1,0KoKanon rolled :1,0 1d20+2 1,0spears --> 1,0[ 1d20=4 ]12,0{6}
[20:22] <KoKanon> roll 1d20+2 goblin fire
[20:22] <Reiko-chan> 1,0KoKanon rolled :1,0 1d20+2 1,0goblin fire --> 1,0[ 1d20=20 ]12,0{22}
[20:22] <KoKanon> roll 1d20+2 goblin fire crit
[20:22] <Reiko-chan> 1,0KoKanon rolled :1,0 1d20+2 1,0goblin fire crit --> 1,0[ 1d20=2 ]12,0{4}
[20:23] <KoKanon> roll 1d10
[20:23] <Reiko-chan> 1,0KoKanon rolled :1,0 1d10 --> 1,0[ 1d10=2 ]12,0{2}
[20:23] <KoKanon> roll 1d20 fort save
[20:23] <Reiko-chan> 1,0KoKanon rolled :1,0 1d20 1,0fort save --> 1,0[ 1d20=7 ]12,0{7}
[20:24] <KoKanon> The troll gets goblin fire and gas right in it's stomach! With a cry the jar is thrown, slamming into him! This gets the troll to roar and wince, staggeringb ack before it takes an angry set of swings at the nearest spear thruster!
[20:24] <KoKanon> roll 1d20+9
[20:24] <Reiko-chan> 1,0KoKanon rolled :1,0 1d20+9 --> 1,0[ 1d20=14 ]12,0{23}
[20:24] <KoKanon> roll 1d20+9
[20:24] <Reiko-chan> 1,0KoKanon rolled :1,0 1d20+9 --> 1,0[ 1d20=9 ]12,0{18}
[20:24] <KoKanon> roll 1d20+4
[20:24] <Reiko-chan> 1,0KoKanon rolled :1,0 1d20+4 --> 1,0[ 1d20=14 ]12,0{18}
[20:25] <KoKanon> roll 3d6+15
[20:25] <Reiko-chan> 1,0KoKanon rolled :1,0 3d6+15 --> 1,0[ 3d6=14 ]12,0{29}
[20:26] <KoKanon> The goblin is grabbed, arms ripped off and head bitten off in a primal fury! It's body is tosses aside, skull heard crunching as it's eaten in a bloody gorefest! Meanwhile, the bear staggers, roaring out! It looms over the others, swiping at Lyselle!
[20:26] <KoKanon> roll 1d20+19
[20:26] <Reiko-chan> 1,0KoKanon rolled :1,0 1d20+19 --> 1,0[ 1d20=12 ]12,0{31}
[20:26] <KoKanon> roll 2d4+10
[20:26] <Reiko-chan> 1,0KoKanon rolled :1,0 2d4+10 --> 1,0[ 2d4=4 ]12,0{14}
[20:29] <KoKanon> With a single swipe, Lyselle's armor is ripped open! Her midsection is further torn open, savagely! OOC - Lyselle.
[20:34] <Lyselle> Stuck in the midst of wolvery, bearness, and with little else to do, Lyselle opts for probably the best idea she has: Slashing at the berserker while he's prone like a total wimp!
[20:34] <Lyselle> roll 1d20+9
[20:34] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Lyselle rolled :1,0 1d20+9 --> 1,0[ 1d20=11 ]12,0{20}
[20:34] <Lyselle> roll 1d8+4+1d2
[20:34] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Lyselle rolled :1,0 1d8+4+1d2 --> 1,0[ 1d8=4 1d2=1 ]12,0{9}
[20:34] <Lyselle> roll 1d8+1
[20:34] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Lyselle rolled :1,0 1d8+1 --> 1,0[ 1d8=1 ]12,0{2}
[20:45] <KoKanon> With a cry coming from deep in her throat, Lyselle stabs down into the berserker's chest! It's a woundthat surely pierced his veins and heart, yet he seems to hang on with the barest glimmer! With his axe, he takes a desperate, wobbling swing at Lyselle!
[20:45] <KoKanon> roll 1d20+6
[20:45] <Reiko-chan> 1,0KoKanon rolled :1,0 1d20+6 --> 1,0[ 1d20=19 ]12,0{25}
[20:45] <KoKanon> roll 1d12+9
[20:45] <Reiko-chan> 1,0KoKanon rolled :1,0 1d12+9 --> 1,0[ 1d12=10 ]12,0{19}
[20:47] <KoKanon> With his last effort, the axe buries into Lyselle's chest! She falls over, simply cut down and dropping!
[20:47] <KoKanon> OOC - Berlioz and wovles.
[20:47] * Lyselle is now known as Hotaru
[20:52] * Berlioz rubs his temples, jaw vaguely dropping. "This is not good! They will overwhelm us! They've gotten Lyselle already!", the bard panics, backing down for a moment.
[20:56] <KoKanon> The wolves look spooked! As their master goes down and collapses from that one last exertion, they hold and stare! "Gods..." Quapeth breathes, bringing his sword back around. He circles around slowly, trying to work around towards Lyselle! He stops about midway, averting his eyes a moment...before taking his sword and trying to skewer the downed ax user!
[20:57] <KoKanon> roll 1d20+7
[20:57] <Reiko-chan> 1,0KoKanon rolled :1,0 1d20+7 --> 1,0[ 1d20=14 ]12,0{21}
[20:58] <KoKanon> roll 1d8+2
[20:58] <Reiko-chan> 1,0KoKanon rolled :1,0 1d8+2 --> 1,0[ 1d8=1 ]12,0{3}
[20:59] <KoKanon> There's no real resistance to the strike, slammed into his left shoulder and chest! The barbarian is down and bleeding, perhaps going at the same time as Lyselle to what waits beyond? OOC - S and S.
[21:03] <Shamal> Standing over the downed form of the berserker, Rin growls savagely at the wolves, hackles raised and teeth bared as she tries to cow them into submission in the traditional canine manner.
[21:03] <Shamal> roll 1d20-2
[21:03] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20-2 --> 1,0[ 1d20=10 ]12,0{8}
[21:04] <Shamal> "Lyselle!" Shamal cries in alarm as her friend goes down, recklessly approaching the melee and summoning forth a fire elemental in the midst of the animals to hopefully frighten them off now that their master is out of commission! Said humanoid figure of blazing flame promptly launches itself at the dire bear!
[21:04] <Shamal> roll 1d20+5
[21:04] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+5 --> 1,0[ 1d20=8 ]12,0{13}
[21:04] * Hotaru is now known as Lyselle
[21:05] <KoKanon> THe other wolves don't look terribly impressed, but they do look shaken and confused now! One begins to howl, another skirting back! OOC - Seira?
[21:05] * Seira shoots at the wolves, with the barbarian downed!
[21:05] <Seira> roll 1d20+7
[21:05] <KoKanon> The fire elemental misses the bear, but it mainly looks on at the downed berserker instead!
[21:05] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d20+7 --> 1,0[ 1d20=12 ]12,0{19}
[21:06] <Seira> roll 1d20+7
[21:06] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d20+7 --> 1,0[ 1d20=17 ]12,0{24}
[21:06] <KoKanon> OOC - Hits.
[21:06] <Seira> roll 1d8+1+2d6
[21:06] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d8+1+2d6 --> 1,0[ 1d8=7 2d6=6 ]12,0{14}
[21:07] <Seira> roll 1d8+1+2d6
[21:07] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d8+1+2d6 --> 1,0[ 1d8=7 2d6=8 ]12,0{16}
[21:08] <KoKanon> With two quick shots, two wolves go down1 One has it's skull penetrated, the other catching one right in the middle of it's spine! Both are quite dead, falling down and bleeding out!
[21:08] * KoKanon changes topic to 'Berserker > Berlioz = Wolves > Quapeth > Seira = Shamal = Rin = Berlioz > Goblins > Troll > Bear  > Lyselle'
[21:08] * KoKanon changes topic to 'Berserker >   Wolves > Quapeth > Seira = Shamal = Rin = Berlioz > Goblins > Troll > Bear  > Lyselle'
[21:09] * Berlioz approaches the dwindling mass, trying to reach close enough to Lyselle. As he does, he mutters his Cure Moderate Wounds dystic.
[21:09] <Berlioz> roll 2d8+4 for healage
[21:09] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Berlioz rolled :1,0 2d8+4 1,0for healage --> 1,0[ 2d8=13 ]12,0{17}
[21:10] <KoKanon> Healing energy spreads into Lyselle! Her life is saved at the very last moment, whilst meanwhile the troll suddenly howls, holding it's head! With that, it turns it's back to the goblins, fleeing into the forest in a flat out sprint!
[21:11] <KoKanon> As the goblins watch in relief, only 3 in total alive, the bear lets loose a howl! A howl of animalistic anger, as...
[21:11] <KoKanon> roll 1d100
[21:11] <Reiko-chan> 1,0KoKanon rolled :1,0 1d100 --> 1,0[ 1d100=62 ]12,0{62}
[21:11] <KoKanon> IT breaks and runs, growling a strange, low, weak growl as it flees!
[21:12] <KoKanon> OOC - Free action at the moment, I think, the wolves aren't directly offensive.
[21:12] * Seira looks mildly disappointed as the bear flees, taking her paycheck with it.
[21:13] * Lyselle whimpers and slowly drags herself up, checking on her horse, and making a mental note to invest in barding in the future.
[21:13] <Shamal> With Berlioz seeming to have Lyselle taken care of, Shamal does her best to calm the wolves with her body language and intonations. While her fire elemental races after the bear to harass it as it goes.
[21:13] <Shamal> roll 1d20+4 wild empathy
[21:13] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+4 1,0wild empathy --> 1,0[ 1d20=13 ]12,0{17}
[21:14] <Shamal> roll 1d20+6 hit 1
[21:14] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+6 1,0hit 1 --> 1,0[ 1d20=19 ]12,0{25}
[21:14] <KoKanon> Quapeth stares openly in shock, "...I don't..." he murmurs as Lyselle rises.
[21:14] <Shamal> roll 1d4+2+1d4
[21:14] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d4+2+1d4 --> 1,0[ 1d4=1 1d4=1 ]12,0{4}
[21:15] * Berlioz wipes his forehead, letting out a heavy sigh. "You probably should stay down, Armasea. I'll handle the wounds."
[21:15] <Shamal> roll 1d20+6 hit 2
[21:15] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+6 1,0hit 2 --> 1,0[ 1d20=20 ]12,0{26}
[21:15] <KoKanon> The wolves are generally not reacting now, just easy and starting to sit. They look...strangely lost now, whimpering.
[21:15] <Shamal> roll 1d20+6 hit 2 confirm
[21:15] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+6 1,0hit 2 confirm --> 1,0[ 1d20=20 ]12,0{26}
[21:16] <Shamal> roll 2d4+4+1d4
[21:16] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 2d4+4+1d4 --> 1,0[ 2d4=6 1d4=4 ]12,0{14}
[21:16] <KoKanon> MEanwhile, the fire elemental chases the bear! Into the woods, whippings of fire following the fleeing bear!
[21:16] <KoKanon> roll 1d100
[21:16] <Reiko-chan> 1,0KoKanon rolled :1,0 1d100 --> 1,0[ 1d100=73 ]12,0{73}
[21:17] <Lyselle> "I'll be fine," Lyselle mumbles, feeding her horse a potion to get it on its feet again. Yeah, barding...
[21:17] <Lyselle> roll 1d8+1
[21:17] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Lyselle rolled :1,0 1d8+1 --> 1,0[ 1d8=8 ]12,0{9}
[21:17] <KoKanon> When suddenly, a roar that shakes the entire forest is heard! The dire bear's voice is heard, in a loud fury!
[21:17] <KoKanon> The horse is mostly healed, struggling to get back onto it's four feet.
[21:18] * Shamal continues to calm and reassure the wolves, getting them on her side in case that bear or troll decide to return.
[21:18] * Lyselle helps her animal up, trying to not pay attention to the wolves, and shield the charger's eyes from them.
[21:18] <KoKanon> "We...we survived?" You hear one of the goblins say in shock, falling to it's knees. "We're...alive?"
[21:19] <KoKanon> "The humans and an elf saved us?" Another looks about, holding another pot of Goblin's Fire.
[21:19] <Berlioz> "Shockingly", the bard coughs and lets out. "Sometimes, the dumbest strolls of luck happen, it seems."
[21:19] <Shamal> "A pity we didn't arrive sooner," Shamal notes sadly, seeing the utter carnage that this village has turned into.
[21:20] * Seira approaches quietly, the combat over with.
[21:20] <KoKanon> "The Gods are kind to you...more than you deserve," Quapeth observes to the goblins, "Are you alright, Lyselle?" hea sks, giving Berlioz a look filled with respect.
[21:21] <KoKanon> You can hear another roar deeper in the forest, a shaking of the ground.
[21:21] <Lyselle> "I'll live," Lyselle remarks slowly, petting her horse to keep it from spooking entirely too much, and swallowing the second of her potions.
[21:21] <Lyselle> roll 1d8+1
[21:21] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Lyselle rolled :1,0 1d8+1 --> 1,0[ 1d8=7 ]12,0{8}
[21:21] <KoKanon> The horse looks a bit dazed, but it's just standing there sedately for now.
[21:22] <Shamal> With the wolves under control, Shamal casts detect magic and takes a look over the berserker. Just how was he controlling those animals and trolls?
[21:23] * Berlioz glances at Quapeth awkwardly. "... um... what?"
[21:24] <KoKanon> Shamal does not detect any magic on the berserker. "You...she was..." he breaths in and out, "Not only magic, but..." A deep breath taken, before he bows deeply to Berlioz. "I apologize for what I said to others about you."
[21:25] <KoKanon> THe goblins look around, only three left. "Stupid elf..." one mutters, but they're looking to each other, drawn and tired.
[21:26] * Shamal sighs. Looks like the mystery dies with him... "Anyway, we should go. We'll be refreshed after a day's rest, but that bear will still carry its wounds," she explains.
[21:27] * Berlioz frowns, rubbing his forehead. The bard sighs, shaking his head. "It's... not quite like that. She was damned near the brink of death... but not quite."
[21:28] <KoKanon> "Hey," The lead goblin puts down his spear to the ground, "You saved us."
[21:28] * KoKanon (dunefar@ip70-177-232-165.hr.hr.cox.net) Quit (-=SysReset 2.53=-)
[21:29] * Kotono (dunefar@ip70-177-232-165.hr.hr.cox.net) has joined #dunes
[21:29] * ChanServ sets mode: +qo Kotono Kotono
[21:31] <Shamal> "If you call this being saved," Shamal replies with a vacant gesture at the numerous goblinoid corpses littering the village. "What will you do, now?"
[21:33] <Kotono> "...yeah...not much," The one holding the jar of fire sets it down, looking away. "The entire clan's wiped out...hoped it would never happen to us."
[21:33] <Kotono> Quapeth justshakes his head, "I'm still amazed. You humans truly amaze me in so many ways. I see with Seira lives with you now."
[21:34] <Kotono> "At least we have a lot of these," The last looks towards into the mud hut. "Get some humans to give us nice things for them, or maybe we can trade them? Goblin Fire strong."
[21:36] <Shamal> "Trolls have been going berserk all through the forest - your clan is probably not the only one," Shamal explains, idly petting a docile wolf until Rin nips at it and forces the other canine away from her mistress. "You should probably try to find what's left of the other goblin clans and band together if you want to survive."
[21:37] <Lyselle> "Just be happy to be alive," Lyselle nods, beding down to sift through the half-orc's corpse and see if it has anything vaguely interesting.
[21:37] <Lyselle> *bending
[21:37] <Kotono> "Yeah." The second nods, "They missed the town craftsman, I can make this stuff in my sleep." Taking the jar, "We were here since we found a big load of the stones needed to make it on the other side of the hill last year. Thought we were gonna get somewhere."
[21:38] <Kotono> The berserker was bearing a bearskin. A great, shiny battle ax is in his dead hand. It's still bright even after having Lyselle's most vital blood on it, smelling faintly earthenlike as Lyselle takes a look at it.
[21:41] <Shamal> "How do you make it, anyway?" Shamal asks, approaching the goblins. "I'd have thought that the stench would be too unbearable to work with it before sealing the jar."
[21:42] * Lyselle hmphs, cleaning it on the pelt and then using it to cut a good deal of the bearskin into a makeshift cover for the axe.
[21:42] <Kotono> "Heh..." The second shakes his head, "It only gets that way once you seal it, it takes a few days to settle and mix all the way. That's the secret - the ingredients don't do anything for a little while."
[21:42] <Kotono> Lyselle note the ax cuts the bearskin extremely well, not slowing even at the thickest parts.
[21:44] <Seira> "You are still interested in trading it?" Seira asks the goblins. "Either the jars themselves, or the knowledge of how to make them?"
[21:45] <Kotono> The second considers, looking narrowly at Seira. "...yes. Give us something good or safe, and we'll do either."
[21:46] <Shamal> "I could teach you how to make alchemist's fire - it's not as noxious as goblin fire but it burns for longer. More useful against trolls," Shamal offers generously. "Or Acid."
[21:48] <Kotono> "Okay," he nods after a moment.
[21:48] <Kotono> The other two goblins are just looking shocked, going into the hut. The wolves are lying down now, howling mournfully. Quapeth is starting to quickly search about, then goes over to the berserker and draws his longsword, starting to cut through his neck.
[21:49] * Shamal takes some time to discuss with the goblin craftsman, explaining what substances found in the wilderness can be used and the processes required to create both alchemist's fire and acid.
[22:02] <Kotono> The night passes in rest and recovery. The wolves tag along to the commands of Shamal, cowed and agreeable with little effort. They lay low indeed, looking lost.  The next day is warm and heavy, the forest silent as you awaken and stir. Quapeth has his weapon and arrows ready, the wolves less enthuiastic.
[22:03] * Seira is quite enthusiastic about the upcoming paycheck, though not enough to lead the way.
[22:05] <Shamal> The following morning, Shamal casts speak with animals so that she might converse with the wolves, reassuring them and asking how they came to know the psychotic half-orc.
[22:07] <Kotono> The four living wolves whimper, "Groawr always was there. Little Groawr joined our pack and learned how to talk to us," the wolves look unhappy. "But he learned to talk to other animals, too, and other things. Bears. Trolls. Big, strong things, like him."
[22:09] * Shamal sighs softly, looking a bit sad. She could have done with the protection of a wolfpack when she was living ferally in the wilds... but things probably turned out for the best if it meant ending up like that. "If he had been with you all his life, where did he get his axe? No animal could craft such a blade..."
[22:10] <Kotono> "Found it - came back with it one day. Said that there are dozens of things like that in his special hiding place he found." The wolves whimper a bit.
[22:11] <Shamal> "Where is his hiding place?" Shamal asks interestedly.
[22:12] <Kotono> "We don't know. He hid it even from the pack, but he was the Alpha then. Smelled like strong, pungent ground whenever he came back. Smelled STRONG."
[22:13] <Shamal> "Would you not be able to track that smell, then?" Shamal asks, staying on this tack for the moment.
[22:14] <Kotono> "If we found the area..maybe? He went away for a few days when he got it."
[22:14] <Kotono> "What are you doing?" Quapeth asks, as Shamal keeps up a fascinating conversation with the wolve.s
[22:15] <Shamal> "Well, what direction was it in?" Shamal asks, before glancing over her shoulder at the elf, "Our psychotic friend from back there isn't the only one who can communicate with animals," she explains. "They're telling me where he found his axe - he'd been with the pack since he was an infant, apparently."
[22:17] <Kotono> "That axe? I imagine he must've stolen it?" Quapeth looks on quizzically, before quickly shaking his head. "Sorry, Forest Guardian. I apologize."
[22:18] <Shamal> "There's more where it came from," Shamal replies cryptically, before giving her attention back to the wolves.
[22:18] <Kotono> "North and West. Near big water, we think." The wolves pause a few moments at that.
[22:19] * Shamal nods. "Okay. Now, what about that bear that was with you yesterday? Do you have any idea where it would have ran off to after the fight?"
[22:23] <Kotono> "It's been with the pack for a good long time now. Groawr and Bear get along well. They good, strong pack friends."
[22:24] <Kotono> Quapeth mills around and waits around camp, quiet. He meanders towards Berlioz, but doesn't say anything, glancing at Seira.
[22:24] <Shamal> "Yes, but do you know where it would have went?" the blonde witch presses.
[22:25] <Kotono> The wolves discuss quietly a moment, before, "Go back north and home?"
[22:25] <Shamal> "How far north?"
[22:29] <Kotono> "Long way - several parts of the moon cycle."
[22:30] <Shamal> "Why did you come so far from your home, then?" Shamal asks curiously.
[22:31] <Kotono> "Alpha said so. He doesn't like goblins." There's a loooonger pause at that, the wolves going quiet.
[22:32] * Shamal notes the heavy pause. "What do you think about what Alpha was doing lately, then?" she asks.
[22:33] <Kotono> There's another longer pause, the wolves lying down. "Don't like goblins."
[22:34] <Shamal> "What do you want to do now, then?" the witch asks as the canines settle down. "Rin and I can take care of you from now on, but we're going to be hunting that bear. If you want to go, we won't stop you."
[22:35] <Kotono> There's a longer pause, the wolves finally speaking, "We won't hunt him. He's a part of our pack." The wolves look unsettled, restless. One rises, starting to pace in a circle. "I remember he sounded very angry when he left."
[22:37] <Shamal> "Then go," Shamal stands up, planting the haft of her quarterstaff firmly on the ground. "I won't ask you to turn on a packmate." Admittedly she *had* asked the bear to do just that, yesterday, but the circumstances were different.
[22:38] <Kotono> The wolves rise up, leaving and going, melting away into the forest...
[22:39] * Shamal turns to the party. "The bear will have gone North, they think. We should probably go back to the goblin village and see if we can track it from there," she suggests.
[22:41] * Seira easily agrees with Shamal's plan.
[22:41] <Kotono> So the party heads back to the ruined village. The last three goblins are gone, the huts quiet. To the north you can see where the bear burst into the woods, an entrance made into the forest in a berserk flight away. OOC - Tracking check since I know that's your intent.
[22:42] <Shamal> roll 1d20+7 Rin tracks
[22:42] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+7 1,0Rin tracks --> 1,0[ 1d20=8 ]12,0{15}
[22:42] <Shamal> roll 1d20+12 Shamal aids
[22:42] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+12 1,0Shamal aids --> 1,0[ 1d20=2 ]12,0{14}
[22:42] <Shamal> OOC: 17 for Rin's check
[22:44] <Kotono> It's not really hard at all. There's a shattered tree, a giant oak sliced in half. That's a great way to tell you went on the right track, prints found easily enough. The bear didn't seem to favor stealth this time at first, making the trailing easy. After a few hours? You come to what looks to be the ruins of a goblin village. There are several mud and brick huts here, the long forgotten ruins of a main fire and greens in the center. There ar
[22:46] <Kotono> There are a few bloodstains on the sides of the wall, several walls shattered and huts falling apart. Yet no bodies in the ruins. The bear tracks go through the center, passing through to the edge of town, where there is a raised grandstand. It's about twenty feet up and sloped so that it's well above ther est of the ground. It's made of solid looking wood, only the tip top visible. The tracks go right to it.
[22:47] <Shamal> "They must have sacked this village on their way South to where we met them..." Shamal sighs, following the tracks without any distraction.
[22:48] <Kotono> The tracks wrap around it, looking to wind towards the rear end, where presumably one can get on. It's quite tall and gradually slanted, so you can't see all of it or to the back at all.
[22:49] * Shamal follows around the grandstand, wondering exactly what goblins would use such an edifice for to begin with.
[22:50] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10
[22:50] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Kotono rolled :1,0 1d20+10 --> 1,0[ 1d20=11 ]12,0{21}
[22:50] <Kotono> OOC - Hearing check
[22:50] <Shamal> roll 1d20+10
[22:50] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+10 --> 1,0[ 1d20=20 ]12,0{30}
[22:52] <Kotono> As you loop around, you can see that the rear holds a few things. A few dead and half decayed goblins and remnants.  But on the far side, the bear rests here. Awake but not moving much yet. It sits on the very down edge of it, a beehive besides it that still has a bit of fresh honey on the outside.
[22:54] * Shamal stops short as soon as she sees the bear, backing up around the grandstand again and out of sight, gesturing for the others to halt as well. Holding a finger over her mouth in the universal sign of "Shhh", she cranes her neck and listens for the other sound she can hear, trying to locate it.
[22:55] <Kotono> Quapeth nods, very slowly and carefully withdrawing his longsword.
[22:56] <Shamal> "Rin, go see if you can find anything on there," Shamal gestures onto the grandstand, sending her dog to go look and sniff around for the source of that clinking howling noise. "The bear's sleeping around the other side," she quietly tells the others. "Let's get ready before we attack." With that she retreats a bit more to muffle sound, and casts Barkskin on Lyselle.
[22:57] <Kotono> OOC - Have Rin make a move silently check, I reckon.
[22:57] <Shamal> roll 1d20+3
[22:57] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+3 --> 1,0[ 1d20=4 ]12,0{7}
[22:57] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10
[22:57] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Kotono rolled :1,0 1d20+10 --> 1,0[ 1d20=6 ]12,0{16}
[22:57] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9
[22:57] * Seira looks for a place to snipe from, as always~
[22:57] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Kotono rolled :1,0 1d20+9 --> 1,0[ 1d20=5 ]12,0{14}
[22:57] * Lyselle nods, smiling at Shamal as she drinks another potion.
[22:58] <Kotono> Getting onto the grandstand would leave you visible. Going under it could be viable if you can find a slit to fire arrows through, or the old forest could work.
[22:58] <Kotono> OOC - Hearing check, Rin.
[22:58] <Shamal> roll 1d20+5
[22:58] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+5 --> 1,0[ 1d20=6 ]12,0{11}
[22:59] <Kotono> Rin looks about, but only smells a bear and some goblin scents.
[23:00] <Shamal> The intrepid Rin heads towards the direction she heard the sound from!
[23:01] <Kotono> Rin paces around the grandstands, trying to find where she heard it! OOC - Listening check again.
[23:01] <Shamal> roll 1d20+5
[23:01] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+5 --> 1,0[ 1d20=6 ]12,0{11}
[23:04] <Seira> It won't be sniping, but she'll do her best from the forest~
[23:04] <Shamal> Rin looks fairly frustrated and returns to Shamal's side, who promptly casts Mage Armour on both of them and dismounts her horse. "Everyone ready?" she asks quietly.
[23:05] * Lyselle nods, sword drawn and on her charger again.
[23:05] * Berlioz nods, bow and arrow ready.
[23:05] * Shamal calls upon the blessing of Helm before she advances around the grandstand, ready to pelt the bear with her magic!
[23:10] <Kotono> OOC - Surprise round. 4 PCs+Rin, go ahead and act out your plans.
[23:11] * Shamal starts off by casting Ray of Clumsiness on the bear, while Rin rushes up to bite down!
[23:11] <Shamal> roll 1d20+6 touch attack
[23:12] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+6 1,0touch attack --> 1,0[ 1d20=7 ]12,0{13}
[23:12] <Kotono> OOC - Touch attack hits.
[23:12] <Shamal> roll 1d6+1 dex damage
[23:12] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d6+1 1,0dex damage --> 1,0[ 1d6=2 ]12,0{3}
[23:12] <Shamal> roll 1d20+7 Rin hits
[23:12] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+7 1,0Rin hits --> 1,0[ 1d20=5 ]12,0{12}
[23:14] <Kotono> A thin beam strikes the bear, shining in the air! It makes it's body heavier, clumsier! As the bear stirs from this, Rin dashes in and tries to bite! But this effort fails completely, only getting a mouthful of fur as the bear roars it's surprise!
[23:14] * Seira fires at the slumbering bear as Shamal's spell hits it!
[23:14] <Seira> roll 1d20+6
[23:14] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d20+6 --> 1,0[ 1d20=7 ]12,0{13}
[23:14] <Seira> roll 1d20+6
[23:14] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d20+6 --> 1,0[ 1d20=16 ]12,0{22}
[23:14] <Kotono> OOC - Second hits good.
[23:14] <Seira> roll 1d8
[23:14] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d8 --> 1,0[ 1d8=6 ]12,0{6}
[23:15] <Kotono> An arrow flies, embedding into the arm of the bear, next to a patch of burned fur! Oh, it's getting up now alright, looking quite cross!
[23:15] * Lyselle thunders forward, her charger carrying her up to the bear and her sword lashing down with the weight of the horse and her strength behind it, tearing into the bear with a low slash before thundering onwards and past, fifty feet from the bear before she turns back around to inspect her handiwork...
[23:15] <Lyselle> roll 1d20+12
[23:15] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Lyselle rolled :1,0 1d20+12 --> 1,0[ 1d20=6 ]12,0{18}
[23:16] <Kotono> OOC - Hit.
[23:16] <Lyselle> roll 1d8+5+1d2
[23:16] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Lyselle rolled :1,0 1d8+5+1d2 --> 1,0[ 1d8=5 1d2=2 ]12,0{12}
[23:16] <Lyselle> roll 1d8+1
[23:16] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Lyselle rolled :1,0 1d8+1 --> 1,0[ 1d8=5 ]12,0{6}
[23:16] * Berlioz closes his eyes and hears the calling of Helm, subtly asking for his guidance.
[23:17] <Kotono> As Berlioz feels divine might fill his body, Lyselle lances into the bear! With a swipe into it's legs she rips it open, burnt fur and frozen flesh side by side! It's enough tos tagger the bear back, a definite hit as it inches up the ramp a bit! OOC - Initiative now.
[23:18] <Lyselle> roll 1d20+@
[23:18] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Lyselle rolled :1,0 1d20+@ --> error: malformed expression
[23:18] <Kotono> roll 1d20+@
[23:18] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Kotono rolled :1,0 1d20+@ --> error: malformed expression
[23:18] <Lyselle> roll 1d20+2
[23:18] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Lyselle rolled :1,0 1d20+2 --> 1,0[ 1d20=1 ]12,0{3}
[23:18] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2
[23:18] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Kotono rolled :1,0 1d20+2 --> 1,0[ 1d20=17 ]12,0{19}
[23:18] <Seira> roll 1d20+4
[23:18] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d20+4 --> 1,0[ 1d20=12 ]12,0{16}
[23:18] <Shamal> roll 1d20+2 Shamal
[23:18] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+2 1,0Shamal --> 1,0[ 1d20=5 ]12,0{7}
[23:18] <Shamal> roll 1d20+3 Rin
[23:18] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+3 1,0Rin --> 1,0[ 1d20=17 ]12,0{20}
[23:19] * Kotono changes topic to 'Rin>Bear>Seira>Shama>Lyselle'
[23:19] <Berlioz> roll 1d20+1
[23:19] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Berlioz rolled :1,0 1d20+1 --> 1,0[ 1d20=11 ]12,0{12}
[23:19] * Kotono changes topic to 'Rin>Bear>Seira>Berlioz>Shama>Lyselle'
[23:19] <Kotono> OOC - Go, Rin.
[23:20] <Shamal> Rin continues tearing into the bear as best she can, trying to penetrate its thick hide with her sharp doggy teeth!
[23:20] <Shamal> roll 1d20+11
[23:20] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+11 --> 1,0[ 1d20=2 ]12,0{13}
[23:21] <Kotono> Somehow Rin just gets another nasty mouthful of frosty fur! No good, as the bear attempts to get up, first of all!
[23:22] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2 Quapeth initaitive/I suck
[23:22] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Kotono rolled :1,0 1d20+2 1,0Quapeth initaitive/I suck --> 1,0[ 1d20=17 ]12,0{19}
[23:22] <Shamal> Rin doesn't let up, trying to put the bite in once more as the bear leaves itself vulnerable while rising!
[23:22] <Shamal> roll 1d20+11
[23:22] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+11 --> 1,0[ 1d20=16 ]12,0{27}
[23:22] <Shamal> roll 1d6+4
[23:22] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d6+4 --> 1,0[ 1d6=1 ]12,0{5}
[23:22] <Shamal> roll 1d20+4 trip check
[23:22] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+4 1,0trip check --> 1,0[ 1d20=17 ]12,0{21}
[23:22] * Kotono changes topic to 'Rin>Bear=Quapeth>Seira>Berlioz>Shama>Lyselle'
[23:23] <Kotono> roll 1d20+10
[23:23] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Kotono rolled :1,0 1d20+10 --> 1,0[ 1d20=3 ]12,0{13}
[23:24] <Kotono> Down the bear goes! Down he goes, good and hard and prone! It takes it's only other action, a badly balanced claw swipe at Rin as it hits the ground!
[23:24] <Kotono> roll 1d20+15
[23:24] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Kotono rolled :1,0 1d20+15 --> 1,0[ 1d20=7 ]12,0{22}
[23:25] <Kotono> Yet the bear misses by a narrow, tiny margin, only shaving off some fur from Rin's ear! Meanwhile, Quapeth has stalked around to the other side while everyone prepared, coming from behind and getting the bear's flank!
[23:25] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9
[23:25] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Kotono rolled :1,0 1d20+9 --> 1,0[ 1d20=12 ]12,0{21}
[23:25] <Kotono> roll 1d8+3
[23:25] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Kotono rolled :1,0 1d8+3 --> 1,0[ 1d8=3 ]12,0{6}
[23:26] <Kotono> It's a quick slash and thrust, a cut opened on the bear's arm! Quapeth grins a moment at scoring the blow, but he's sweating and tense looking. "Keep it down," he breaths in common, raising his voice.
[23:26] <Kotono> OOC - Seira is up.
[23:28] <Seira> Seeing the bear downed, Seira approaches the melee, a swirling cloud of acid taking form in her cupped right hand. A few words in elven are murmured, and the sphere is flung at the bear!
[23:28] <Seira> roll 1d20+4 ranged touch
[23:28] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d20+4 1,0ranged touch --> 1,0[ 1d20=6 ]12,0{10}
[23:28] <Kotono> OOC - Hit.
[23:29] <Seira> roll 1d8+2d6
[23:29] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d8+2d6 --> 1,0[ 1d8=7 2d6=11 ]12,0{18}
[23:29] <Kotono> Acid splashes all over the bear's face and shoulders! A shower cloud of hissing green, making it's downed body writhe in pain!
[23:32] * Berlioz sighs and unsheathes his rapier, putting the bow back beforehand. He advances and strikes the helpless creature, seeming not particularly excited.
[23:33] <Berlioz> roll 1d20+6
[23:33] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Berlioz rolled :1,0 1d20+6 --> 1,0[ 1d20=5 ]12,0{11}
[23:33] <Kotono> Perhaps the lack of vitality feeds into Berlioz's assault? His rapierstrike misses cleanly, piercing the air besides it's leg instead of the bear itself! Missed! OOC - Shamal.
[23:34] * Shamal casts another spell similiar to her last, this one made to wither the bear's muscles and weaken it!
[23:35] <Shamal> roll 1d20+6 ranged touch
[23:35] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+6 1,0ranged touch --> 1,0[ 1d20=16 ]12,0{22}
[23:35] <Shamal> roll 1d6+1
[23:35] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d6+1 --> 1,0[ 1d6=6 ]12,0{7}
[23:36] <Kotono> Another beam flies, this one making the woodland creature's muscles ripple then shrink, far le ss imposing! The bear even seems to be less overwhelming now, weaker! OOC - Ly-chan.
[23:37] * Shamal looks a bit weirded out after her spell hits.
[23:37] * Berlioz squints his eyes, slowly being clouded by a strange urge. As if the flavor of blood stained his lips, the bard bites them, his gaze turning slowly to a feral pierce.
[23:38] <Lyselle> Lyselle charges the bear again, a lone opponent not so much of a worry with this tactic as she races up to it and past, sword lashing out into its flesh again with an almost snarl on Lyselle's lips at the hateful, pain creating creature! There needed to be more blood!
[23:39] <Lyselle> roll 1d20+16
[23:39] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Lyselle rolled :1,0 1d20+16 --> 1,0[ 1d20=19 ]12,0{35}
[23:39] <Lyselle> roll 1d20+16 confirm
[23:39] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Lyselle rolled :1,0 1d20+16 1,0confirm --> 1,0[ 1d20=8 ]12,0{24}
[23:39] <Kotono> OOC - ...crit.
[23:41] * Ginrai has left IRC
[23:41] * Lyselle (~draomir@63-231-186-94.mpls.qwest.net) Quit (Connection reset by peer)
[23:41] * Reiko-chan (~Hola@63-231-186-94.mpls.qwest.net) Quit (Connection reset by peer)
[23:43] * Hotaru (~draomir@63-231-186-94.mpls.qwest.net) has joined #dunes
[23:43] * ChanServ sets mode: +ao Hotaru Hotaru
[23:43] * Reiko-chan (~Hola@63-231-186-94.mpls.qwest.net) has joined #dunes
[23:44] * Hotaru sets mode: +v Reiko-chan
[23:44] <Hotaru> roll 3d8+15+1d2
[23:44] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Hotaru rolled :1,0 3d8+15+1d2 --> 1,0[ 3d8=15 1d2=1 ]12,0{31}
[23:46] <Kotono> The blow is an excellent one! Lyselle slices the bear's arm nearly off, an epic blow that cleaves it's bone and flesh! It's screaming but alive, an animal in vast pain! OOC - Rin.
[23:47] <Shamal> Rin does her best to try and put the bear out of its misery, her jaws clamping down viciously on the beast's flank!
[23:47] <Shamal> roll 1d20+13
[23:47] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d20+13 --> 1,0[ 1d20=8 ]12,0{21}
[23:47] <Shamal> roll 1d6+4
[23:47] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Shamal rolled :1,0 1d6+4 --> 1,0[ 1d6=1 ]12,0{5}
[23:48] <Kotono> It's another bite, putting the bear into even more pain! Roaring, confused, down and hurt, it unleashes it's fully, desperate fury onto the riding dog Rin!
[23:48] <Kotono> roll 1d20+12 claw 1
[23:48] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Kotono rolled :1,0 1d20+12 1,0claw 1 --> 1,0[ 1d20=20 ]12,0{32}
[23:48] <Kotono> roll 1d20+12 claw 1 crit confirm?
[23:48] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Kotono rolled :1,0 1d20+12 1,0claw 1 crit confirm? --> 1,0[ 1d20=20 ]12,0{32}
[23:48] <Kotono> roll 1d20+12 claw 2
[23:48] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Kotono rolled :1,0 1d20+12 1,0claw 2 --> 1,0[ 1d20=12 ]12,0{24}
[23:48] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6 bite
[23:48] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Kotono rolled :1,0 1d20+6 1,0bite --> 1,0[ 1d20=6 ]12,0{12}
[23:49] <Kotono> roll 6d4+21 Poor Rin!
[23:49] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Kotono rolled :1,0 6d4+21 1,0Poor Rin! --> 1,0[ 6d4=14 ]12,0{35}
[23:51] <Kotono> In Rin's vigour, she makes a horrible mistake! It's simply an extension too far, reaching in too much! But it leaves her belly open, ripped savagely up by twin claw strikes! She gets out a gurgling howl, her innards falling out as her body soon covers them, plummeting down onto the bear!
[23:52] <Kotono> As this happens, Quapeth grits his teeth, slashing at the bear again! "Die!" he screams, suddenly loud!
[23:52] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9
[23:52] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Kotono rolled :1,0 1d20+9 --> 1,0[ 1d20=3 ]12,0{12}
[23:52] <Kotono> But his haste only brings a stab into the ground and plankway, missing! OOC - Seira.
[23:52] <Kotono> OOC - Strike.
[23:52] <Kotono> roll 1d8+3
[23:52] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Kotono rolled :1,0 1d8+3 --> 1,0[ 1d8=1 ]12,0{4}
[23:53] <Kotono> With a another stab, the bear is impaled in it's stomach! It's still struggling, coated in blood even as it's surely in it's last few moments on Earth! OOC Seira.
[23:53] <Seira> A parting arrow as she seeks cover anew!
[23:54] <Seira> roll 1d20+4
[23:54] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d20+4 --> 1,0[ 1d20=3 ]12,0{7}
[23:54] <Kotono> A parting arrow that soars wide, missing the mark entirely! But Seria slips back into the greenery, safe and sound!
[23:56] * Berlioz gurgles, his eyes covered in a crimson, empty gaze as if they were actually covered in blood. In a mad rush, he swipes furiously at the bear once again.
[23:56] <Berlioz> roll 1d20+8
[23:56] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Berlioz rolled :1,0 1d20+8 --> 1,0[ 1d20=20 ]12,0{28}
[23:56] <Kotono> OOC - Confirm your crit.
[23:57] <Berlioz> roll 1d20+8
[23:57] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Berlioz rolled :1,0 1d20+8 --> 1,0[ 1d20=20 ]12,0{28}
[23:57] * Hotaru is now known as Lyselle
[23:59] <Berlioz> roll 2d6+6 for damage
[23:59] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Berlioz rolled :1,0 2d6+6 1,0for damage --> 1,0[ 2d6=6 ]12,0{12}
[23:59] <Kotono> Berlioz aims well! He jams his rapier right into the eye and brain of the beast, causing it to simply go rigid and die!
Session Time: Sat Mar 17 00:00:00 2007
[00:00] <Kotono> OOC - Free action.
[00:01] <Shamal> "RIN!" Shamal lets loose a despairing wail of pure anguish as she runs over to her slain pet and companion, heedless of the mess as she cradles the dog's lifeless form against her, dress becoming stained with guts and blood. "You can't die!" she sobs pathetically, taking out her wand and desperately waving it over the dog in a vain attempt to heal the fatal wounds.
[00:02] <Kotono> The wand has no effect. Rin's body does not mend.
[00:03] * Seira approaches, the danger over, but stays respectfully away.
[00:03] <Kotono> Quapeth stares down at the bear, stabbing it again even now. HIs eyes are half glazed over, knuckles white as he grips his blade.
[00:03] * Berlioz takes the rapier out of the creature's fatally pierced head with a violent swing. The bard trembles, bloody red curtains of silk blurring his sight, his teeth gnashing in fury.
[00:04] * Lyselle snarls again, coming back in, but instead of rushing past, just chops uselessly at the bear's flank.
[00:04] * Shamal howls and cries in anguish as she hugs Rin's broken form, the state of her companions not even registering for her in face of her grief.
[00:04] <Seira> "Up the ramp," Seira calls out, not venturing farther, and keeping her bow and eyes trained on where she heard the growling.
[00:06] * Lyselle looks up that way, beginning to move and look for something else ALIVE that she can tear to pieces!
[00:06] <Kotono> Seira can see it easily, her eyes clear despite a strange feeling of bloodlust in her body. THere's a faint, strange movement atop the ramp, at the very tip where you can look out at over ther uined village.
[00:08] * Seira points it out to the others, holding her bow at the ready.
[00:10] <Shamal> Shamal looks up at Seira's urging, though still seems more focused on cradling Rin's limp and lifeless corpse.
[00:15] <Kotono> There's a strange movement int he air, very faint.
[00:15] <Seira> roll 1d20+8~
[00:15] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d20+8~ --> error: malformed expression
[00:15] <Seira> roll 1d20+8
[00:15] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d20+8 --> 1,0[ 1d20=14 ]12,0{22}
[00:15] <Kotono> OOC - Damage.
[00:15] <Seira> roll 1d8+2d6
[00:16] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Seira rolled :1,0 1d8+2d6 --> 1,0[ 1d8=3 2d6=9 ]12,0{12}
[00:16] <Kotono> The arrow passes through! The r ippling vanishes, a little, tiny tinkling on the top where it was. A tiny object hitting the ground. (More, sec)
[00:20] <Kotono> Carried on the wind, you can hear a distant laughing as the berserk rage and it's effects simply -melt away- from the party. Seira feels no bloodlust, mind fully clear.
[00:21] <Shamal> Sadly Shamal's grief is not assuaged in the slightest.
[00:22] * Lyselle frowns darkly, moving up to whatever it dropped to try and find it... What in the hells could that have been?
[00:23] * Seira raises an eyebrow at the laughter, showing no outwards change though she no longer shelters any murderour urges inside.
[00:23] * Berlioz awakens as if ripped away from a dream suddenly. He groans, his vision still blurry... yet no longer dimmed in red. "What... the hell."
[00:23] <Kotono> Going up, Lyselle finds a tiny, tiny enscribed piece of bone. It has an unwinking, unblinking, always seeing eye on it.
[00:25] * Seira decides to start the preparations for retrieving and preserving the beast's heart.
[00:25] <Kotono> Quapeth sits down, eyes blank and vacant. He looks around. "What was that?"
[00:26] * Lyselle brings it down, showing it to the others. "I dunno, but this was involved, somehow?"
[00:28] <Kotono> Quapeth rises, peering at it. "What...?"
[00:28] <Kotono> roll 1d20
[00:28] <Reiko-chan> 1,0Kotono rolled :1,0 1d20 --> 1,0[ 1d20=5 ]12,0{5}
[00:29] <Kotono> Meanwhile, Seira begins the preparations without incident.
[00:29] * Shamal somewhat dazedly picks Rin's shattered body up, struggling with the weight but somehow bearing it, ignoring the mess it causes. "Tell the Commander I will be taking a leave of absence," she states vacantly, keeping all emotion out of her demeanour lest she lose control again while she begins woodenly walking away from the group and into the forest with her fallen companion.
[00:31] * Lyselle sighs a little, watching the other blonde go. Just couldn't do a lot about some things.
[00:32] <Kotono> Quapeth starts, but calls, "Wait!" he raises his voice, "Will you be safe along, Forest Guardian?"
[00:32] * Berlioz raises an eyebrow, shaking his head. Maybe that is having your heart broken.
[00:34] * Shamal looks back, her face stained with blood and tears. "I've lived in the wilderness before... I'll return to Balmuria shortly, but there are things I must do," she explains, voice as calm as she can force it. "Please take care of my horse... I haven't been very good at caring for animals, myself." That last prompts a choked sob, before she turns and resumes her departure.
[00:36] <Kotono> Quapeth merely nods, turning away and going to Seira as she works. "Should I follow her," he asks quietly, quite bland and controlled in diction. You notice he's going from flushed to pale, looking entirely sweaty and sickly.
[00:37] <Seira> "Are you alright?" Seira asks him, pausing.
[00:38] <Kotono> "My head was just clouded with rage," he murmurs back. "Are you confident in her abilities? I mean no disrespect, but the forest is still likely dangerous, and I rue my short, aborted trip in it alone mere days ago."
[00:40] <Seira> "If you are well enough to keep your faculties, and trail Shamal while letting her grieve in peace, you have my blessings," she responds after a moment's thought.
[00:41] * Lyselle shrugs, sighing and heading abck to retrieve her own hrose. "She likely wouldn't take well to interruption, just as a fair warning," Lyselle offers.
[00:41] <Seira> "There are still trolls around," Seira reminds her, returning her attention to the bear.
[00:41] <Kotono> "I am, and I owe all of you a debt." With that Quapeth nods once, kneeling down to clean his sword on the bear, then begin to go. "I don't intend to, but...I owe all of you a debt, and going alone into danger isn't acceptable to me."
[00:42] <Seira> "Maybe we'll meet again," Seira calls after him. "Visit Balmuria some day."
[00:44] <Kotono> "Count on it," he calls back, "May Corelleon Larethian watch over you."

[Corwin]

<LEVEL UP (to level 5)>