034.2 Janson and Sylvie

[Corwin]

[20:09] <Kotono> ---------------------------------------------------
[20:12] <Kotono> The next morning Janson awakens and prepares to head to Whimisical Sweets. Just outside his house he finds Sylvie waiting, all smiles this morning. "Janson," she waves over to him, "Good morning!"
[20:13] <Janson> "Oh, hey, Sylvie," Janson greets the blonde with a smile of his own, strolling over. "What brings you by this part of town so early?"
[20:18] <Kotono> "I told Josa I'd catch up with you first thing and we'd go do something productive." With a pffft that rattles her lips and then a sunny smile, "I'd say a nice breakfast somewhere is entirely productive."
[20:22] <Janson> "We can tell him we were advertising," Janson nods agreeably to that. "Glad you came by, though, we've kept getting distracted since our night out at Moonholm. There's a place that does really nice crabsticks up the road, lets try that?" he suggests.
[20:29] <Kotono> "Oh sure." Sylvie lets Janson lead her along, "As long as I can sweet talk Josa into letting me out..." She just smiles. "At least he's treating me a little less like a secretary, carpenter, janitor, woodsmith, chef..." Ticking off roles she frowns, "Anyway, less random drudgery."
[20:32] <Janson> "Well we've got Brana and Noel and Simmer helping out as well now, so less stuff to get pushed on you," Janson observes. "But you'll always be our best glamorous mascot!" he grins.
[20:42] <Kotono> Taking Janson's arm as they head along, "Aaaw." She just walks with him, letting be lead on. Once they're seated and eating, "Mascot, huh?"
[20:44] <Janson> "S'what you were doing when I first saw you, so it's a hard impression to shake," Janson shrugs, happy to dine on the flesh of a creature that he's unable to talk to and obtain nutritional benefits from it. "Probably doesn't do your brains justice, I know, but you pulled it off so well."
[20:48] <Kotono> Eating in thought fo ra few moments, "Yeah. My real first impression of you was imagining you in a dress." With a little laugh that dies in her throat, "Were you serious about that? I mean, do you all run around in women's clothes in Aralla? You'd get looked at, at best, as disturbed if you did that here."
[20:53] <Janson> "Aralla doesn't have much in the way of tailors, so only a few women have actual dresses and they're really guilty pleasures - too civilised to wear around the village or in the forest, after all," Janson explains, "But yeah, I've worn skirts before. They're easier to make than trousers and do the same job of keeping you warm and modest. Trousers are better if you're walking through thorns
[20:53] <Janson> or it's really cold, but I don't really see that they need to be split up as 'just for men' and 'just for women'."
[20:57] <Kotono> "Janson?" With a smile as she reaches out to get another crabstick, "Aralla's gender roles are all mixed up compared to the norm." With her own shrug, "If you dress up like a woman here, people might think you like to be with other men, like a woman does. It's different social mores and responses. Why do you think everyone always looked at you strangely when it came up?"
[21:01] <Janson> "I know, I'm not ignorant," he smiles bemusedly in response. "Have you seen me wearing any dresses or even just a skirt since you've known me? I just don't think it should be such a big deal - I'd like it if we could just focus on being people rather than getting caught up in building seperate worlds for men and women. You should just be able to wear what you find comfortable or what you
[21:01] <Janson> think looks good."
[21:09] <Kotono> "Right." That gets a ghost of a smile from Sylvie as she finishes her stick off, "Soooo..." Sitting back now and taking a drink of water, "That entire fairy realm, it feels like a dream." she says, "I spent yesterday reading all I could find out about the fey lands."
[21:12] <Janson> "I'm not sure that's even what it really was. The only fey we saw where the Phoenix Keeper and the nymph, who came from elsewhere, and all the pixies, whom they made from humans," Janson muses, starting on some vegetable broth. "Read anything good, though?"
[21:28] <Kotono> "I'm not sure, either," Sylvie agrees, "It was something...perhaps even a demiplane. Nothing solid, this was too estoric for my collection. All I have is a lot of questions."
[21:30] <Janson> "I wonder if we can even get back into it with the phoenix now gone... want to try?" Janson asks, suddenly finding himself curious. "We did only see a tiny bit of it - for all we know there could be loads more stuff there."
[21:36] <Kotono> "Better than going to work," Sylvie finishes her meal off, standing up, "Let's."
[21:38] <Janson> Leaving payment behind, Janson likewise rises and cheerfully offers Sylvie his arm to head back towards the grove. "We might even find something that's useful for work while we're there - assuming we can return, I guess. If not we'll need to come up with another way to waste our morning!"
[21:42] <Kotono> Going back to Paskan Grove is without incident. You find it full of animals again, the grove quiet. No one's immediately about.
[21:43] * Janson heads into the grove to walk through the area where they vanished last time...
[21:47] <Kotono> Sylvie follows, the pair walking about. Nothing immediately happens, the air warm and clear in the morning.
[21:48] <Janson> "Hmmm..." Janson hums thoughtfully. "Well, I guess that answers that," he concludes after another minute of walking around. "What should we do now, then?"
[21:54] <Kotono> "Book shopping?" With a warm look to Janson, "I could use a few new books on nature lore."
[21:56] <Janson> "I guess we can justify that to the boss as well, and you can show me your favourite shops," he agrees with a smile, falling in step with Sylvie once more and taking her arm.
[22:04] <Kotono> You wander about shopping for a time, going from bookstore to the next. It's a collection of places here and there and everywhere, scattered about the city. You are in the old city right now, going down a side street. Tucked in here is a smaller building, with a sign out front reading, "Asdeno Books."
[22:06] <Janson> Shouldering his bag full of books acquired in previous shops, Janson feels a useful thought bubbling up as they head into this next one. "You know, with all the books you buy you could probably open your own shop to sell them after you've read them,"
[22:07] <Kotono> "No." Sylvie stops, turning a rapidly expanding red, "Why would you sell your books after reading them? You can reread a book as many times as you want, and oftentimes repeated readings and ruminations lead to new angles of insight and understanding!"
[22:12] <Janson> "I suppose. Was just thinking that you could use the money from the old ones to buy new ones," Janson shrugs. "I've got a few books I'd never sell... I've mostly written all over them anyway. But I guess if every one's a special treasure to you then you wouldn't part with any," he smiles and pats her arm, "Lets go find some more new ones, then."
[22:16] <Kotono> With a happy smile Sylvie heads inside! Within is a cramped bookstore, narrow rows of shelves. The proprietor is a balding man with spectacles, rubbing them clean as you enter. "Oh, Miss Sylvie! Feel free, just try and be quiet. There's a gentleman in the back who's engrossed in a book."
[22:17] * Janson gives the owner a wordless wave, mostly following Sylvie's lead but looking on the offchance for any books that catch his eye.
[22:20] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[22:20] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 44." [1d100=44]
[22:20] <Kotono> IT's a real hodgepodge: No two books are of the same subject, just fitted in erratically. Syvlie hums and moves about, "The owner sells secondhand books," she murmurs, "It's all things bought on the cheap, found books and that sort of thing. It's good for an occasional gem."
[22:23] <Janson> "See anything you like today?" Janson asks, following her around and idly browsing. "What's your favourite kind of book, anyway?"
[22:28] <Kotono> "All of them," Sylvie replies without missing a beat as she works around towards the back. Here a man is sitting. In his thirties perhaps, short cut hair. His eyes are on the book, wearing plain gray clothes. His face is severe and yet attractive, stealing attention away. Around his neck a small metal gauntlet hangs, with an eye in the center. Something you know as the holy symbol of Helm.
[22:28] <Kotono> Sylvie blink-blinks at him, stopping her perusing.
[22:30] <Janson> "Yeah, that sounds familiar," Janson grins, "But there's got to be some you'd pick over others, right?" At the sudden pause he looks askance at her. "Friend?"
[22:32] <Kotono> "No..." she murmurs back, as the man doesn't even look up. She stares for a few moments, turning away and going down between a pair of bookshelves. As she does that, the man looks up. His eyes take Janson's, a papable feeling of presence from him. Janson feels his heart skip a beat, the man smiling a moment before returning to his book.
[22:34] <Janson> Somewhat startled at his own reaction, Janson gives the man a small nod back before heading after Sylvie, thoroughly mystified.
[22:35] <Kotono> Sylvie goes to the far end of the bookshelf, "Gods..." she whispers, "He's dreamy."
[22:38] * Janson isn't too proud to admit, "Handsome guy," he agrees softly. "Didn't you say on our first day that Helm had cute followers?"
[22:40] <Kotono> "There's a difference between cute and...that." Sylvie says, "It's...not just beauty. I felt drawn to him. I could feel him looking on me." She shivers all over, rubbing her arms. "His presence is beyond any I've ever seen."
[22:41] <Janson> This is verging into creepy territory. "Do you need some time alone?" Janson asks in his best serious voice, mostly as a joke to defuse the tension.
[22:43] <Kotono> Sylvie blinks a moment, before smothering giggles into her hand! Her other hand gives Janson a punch in the shoulder, "Stop that!" Around those giggles she speaks, "Oh, don't tell me you didn't feel it."
[22:47] <Janson> "Yeah, but c'mon. He's just a guy trying to read a book in peace. No need to get all hot and bothered just from that," he whispers, giving her a nudge with his elbow as he starts moving further away from the back of the shop.

[Corwin]

[20:26] <Kotono> Sylvie follows, "Right." With a half smile, "You want to save that part for later?"
[20:30] <Janson> "If that's your game," Janson grins back. "Got any special books for that kind of thing?"
[20:37] <Kotono> "One," Sylvie admits with a faint blush and then a cocked smile, "Heard it was penned by one of Sune's faithful."
[20:39] <Janson> "Picked it up back in the days you were a follower?" he asks, admittedly curious.
[20:40] <Kotono> "No." With a slight shake of her head, "Got it in a book trade. Anyway," Starting to head out and into the warm air, "Let's go?"
[20:42] <Janson> So she is willing to trade them, after all. Still, no point calling her on it when she got indignant earlier, "Sure, where to next?" he asks, walking along with the blonde.
[20:44] <Kotono> "Well," As you walk outside and out of the side street, "Jaaanson! Syyllvie!" You can hear Simmer call from the other side of sthe street. With her are Noel and Branna, former carrying a small crate.
[20:46] <Janson> "Oh, hey you three!" Janson waves at them, giving Sylvie a nudge, "Lets see what they're up to?" he suggests, starting over.
[20:47] <Kotono> Sylvie smiles with complete obliviousness at Simmer, "Hi."
[20:48] <Kotono> Branna wipes his forehead clean with the back of his arm, "You two on a job? We gotta take this over and make sure it's used properly."
[20:49] <Janson> "Sorta, we're picking up reference materials," Janson phrases their morning's goofing off as work-related. "What's in the box?"
[20:50] <Kotono> "Flash supra frozen," Branna shakes his head, "A lot of fancy words, something about some flesh of a destroyer."
[20:52] <Janson> Means nothing to Janson, but he looks to see if Sylvie recognises the meaning.
[20:54] <Kotono> Sylvie shrugs. "I'll ask Josa," she murmurs, "So I get the right terms." Then louder to all, "Oh yes, we're just doing research material gathering. Well," she takes Janson's hand and starts to walk, "We'll see you at Whimisical Sweets! Later!"
[20:55] <Janson> Somewhat surprised at the rapid departure, Janson almost overbalances from being pulled away so suddenly. Managing to recover, he waves with his free hand, "Yeah, we'll be by later. Catch up with you then!"
[20:59] <Kotono> Amid a chorus of goodbyes you go down a street, dodging people. Once out of sight Sylvie lets Janson's hand go. "Sorry, didn't want to risk getting tangled up in whatever job that is," Sylvie says. 
[21:00] <Janson> "I doubt we would've," Janson shrugs, "I mean, it was just one box. I bet the other two were just tagging along because they were bored."
[21:03] <Kotono> "Well, nevermind it," Sylvie says, thens naps her fingers, "How about we go back and see if Josa has anything lined up? We've killed plenty of time wandering around now."
[21:04] <Janson> "Sure, we might earn some money for more books," Janson grins, offering her his arm before they start heading back.
[21:12] <Kotono> With her arm in arm, Janson returns to Whimsical Sweets. Josa is upstairs, checking over the supply closet. "2 jumping..." he murmurs, before turning your way. "Ah, splendid! There the two of you are!"
[21:14] <Janson> "Morning, boss," Janson gives the half-elf a friendly wave. "Any new jobs come up, today?"
[21:23] <Kotono> "Ah yes," Josa says, "Just finishing sorting out the supply closet. It's restocked if you need anything," Closing the door to it, "Ah yes, as a matter of fact I do. How familiar are you with the sea elves of Chyral?"
[21:24] <Janson> "I thought Wayland was one when I first saw him - they're blue, aren't they?" Janson asks, before shrugging, "That's about all I've got."
[21:32] <Kotono> "The sea elves, through the city guard, is asking for land-based mercenaries. Apparently Captain Wedge thinks well of us, for we were the ones chosen. You are to go see him immediately for further instruction."
[21:34] <Janson> "Just me, or more of us?" Janson asks, glancing at the supply cabinet a moment. "What's the fee, too?"
[21:45] <Kotono> "You two will do, the other three are busy," Josa says, "Standard fee for the moment, with an escalator if it gets dangerous. We already worked out the financial end of it."
[21:46] <Janson> "Okay," Janson trusts that he'll be well reimbursed for his time and effort going to the supply closet to grab two healing nectars, passing one to Sylvie and putting the other in his pack. "Lets go visit Captain Wedge, then?"
[21:56] <Kotono> The trip to Highwatch Fortress is without incident. You meet with Captain Wedge in his office - a clutterd place, full of papers and momentos. A heavy sword hangs on one wall, a barbed dagger below it. A skull rests atop one bit of paper like a paperweight, a bookshelf full of crystals and knicknacks. "Need any refreshment?" Captain Wedge asks as you settel in.
[21:59] <Janson> "Nah, we had breakfast not long ago," Janson shakes his head, momentarily looking around at the various trophies of no doubt exciting past battles. "We're here about the sea-elves looking for land mercenaries? Josa says you already talked to him about it."

[Corwin]

[20:02] <Xorned> "Yes, that." Once Wedge is settled in himself, "This isn't an official job of the Guard, but more like a favor. You aren't going to be working for the Guard or the city in this, but for Chyral. You understand that, first of all?"
[20:02] <Xorned> "Yes," Sylvie repeats right back, "So you're the middleman here?"
[20:03] * Janson nods in agreement with Sylvie.
[20:11] <Xorned> "Good. You'll be working for Oolu, the leader and protector of the sea elves. He's an elemental of considerable age and power, as well as having a certain...infamy," A clearing of his throat, "For certain other, extracurricular activities. If you've ever met water genasi in Balmuria, you can probably count him as it's father. Therein lies the problem - his oldest son has gone missing."
[20:12] <Janson> "And they think he's come up onto land?" Janson makes the reasonable conclusion.
[20:15] <Xorned> "Yeah." Wedge says, "The boy has some skill in magic and a strong enough will to break iron. Magic hasn't done much to find him. So this needs to be an old fashioned investigation - feet on cobblestones and a lot of hard work. If you accept this, I'll go on with the details."
[20:17] <Janson> "Well, I figure between the two of us we've got all the skills needed, and we can always pull in more from Whimsical Sweets," Janson glances at Sylvie for her verdict.
[20:21] <Xorned> Sylvie nods, "It's not really a relationship job, so I'm good for it."
[20:28] <Xorned> To this Captain Wedge nods. For a moment his eyes slit in concentration, white runes dancing in the air before him! Standing in front of you is a transparent image, life sized. It's of a young man, perhaps six feet tall or so. He's lithe and with light muscles, skin a soft white with hints of exotic green. His hair is blue and short. His features are lightly defined, a prominent
[20:28] <Xorned> chin and shallow-set eyes. He wears a long tunic and shorts, a simple black leather belt kept as well. "Ipalun. Approximately 5 feet 11 inches tall, weight is 100 pounds. The main symbol of his parentage is his blue hair, though you can notice the green tint to his skin in the right light."
[20:29] <Janson> "A hundred pounds?" Janson repeats in surprise. "A stiff breeze'd knock him down!"
[20:36] <Xorned> "Water Genasi are lighter than humans," Captain Wedge explains, "It has to do with their body composition from what I understand. Anyway, Ipalun looks like this, assuming he hasn't taken steps to disguise himself."
[20:40] <Janson> "Okay," Janson nods. "What do we know about him, then? I dunno if we'd need to actually speak to the sea elves or not, I mean, we'll want to know about his friends and enemies, his ambitions, if he's ever talked about a place he always wanted to see or something like that," he elaborates. "Since if swam up to Balmuria then hopped into one of Waukeen's portals he could be anywhere in the world by now."
[20:44] <Xorned> "Good man," With a dry nod Captain Wedge dismisses the image. He goes to his desk, taking out a crystalline flask. It's covered in little rills of crusted salt, the top stoppered with a cork. "Brine Potion," he slides it across the desk, "A sip will let you breath underwater all day and night. Oolu will pay for any portal hopping you have to do, if that leads you to Ipalun too."
[20:46] * Janson accepts the potion and gives Sylvie an amused smile. "Looks like we're going swimming after all," he remarks before focusing on the Captain. "In that case what's the best way to get to Chyral from here? I doubt there's roads under the sea, so..."
[20:47] <Xorned> "I'll have our liason with the sea elves meet you at the docks," he says, "He'll make the arraingements."
[20:49] <Janson> "Okay," Janson taps the steel chain shirt he wears with a chink, "I'll need to lose this before we head out to sea, anything you need to do before then, Sylvie?"
[20:52] <Xorned> "Change clothes," she says, "Something that works for swimming. Meet at the docks in an hour or two?"
[20:53] <Janson> "Okay, can your contact be there in say an hour and a half?" Janson asks Wedge. "Any particular pier?"
[20:59] <Xorned> "Pier four," Captain Wedge says, "His name's Wettal."
[21:00] <Janson> "Alright," Janson stands up, "Thanks for the recommendation, Captain. We'll do our best to justify it."
[21:03] <Xorned> "Good hunting," Captain Wedge says, as Sylvie rises. OOC: Going to do anything or just head to the pier?
[21:04] <Janson> OOC: I'll ditch my armour and most of my inventory except for a few gp
[21:06] <Xorned> OOC: Okay.
[21:07] <Xorned> Sylvie is met at the docks. She wears short khaki colored shorts and a loose, tucked in blue tunic. Her hair is tied back into a bun. "This should work," she says, spinning on her tip toes, "I haven't swum in years, but we can't drown so it should be okay."
[21:12] <Janson> "That's what I'm hoping, I never actually learned," Janson agrees, himself going shirtless with a strap over his shoulder to hold the brine potion and his coin bag, feet bare and just a pair of olive shorts worn to allow for modesty. "Lets find pier four and see if Wettal's around?"
[21:15] <Kotono> Finding Wettal isn't hard. Sea elves do stand out, and this one is a male sitting on the edge of the pier. To either side are ships at rest, sailors at work unloading cargo. As you step around them he turns to you, "Whimisical Sweets?"
[21:16] <Janson> "That's us," Janson smiles, offering a hand. "I'm Janson, this is Sylvie," he introduces themselves.
[21:19] <Kotono> His grip is strong and damp, shaking hands with both. "Wettal. Ready to go?"
[21:21] <Janson> "We'll just have a quick hit of the brine potion and then we will be," Janson nods, uncapping the flask and having a small sip before handing it to Sylvie. "We're not really expert swimmers so you might need to be patient with us," he adds apologetically.
[21:22] <Kotono> It tastes like salt water, Sylvie taking her own sip and passing it back. "Of course. Even a trained human is untrained compared to us," He lithely springs into the water, barely a splash at all.
[21:24] <Janson> Sealing the flask and tying it back into the pouch, Janson jumps into the water afterwards!
[21:26] <Kotono> Splash! The water is cool against the warmth of the day, Sylvie following! Water gushes into your nose and mouth, yet it isn't painful. You feel your body working of it's own accord, breathing in and out, in and out. "This way," Wettal calls, starting to easily swim ahead.
[21:28] <Janson> "Hey, we can talk like this, too!" Janson exclaims in happy surprise. That'll make things easier, he thinks as he pushes his body into a crawl after Wettal. He has the overall idea of how to swim down, it's just not something he's particularly practiced at.
[21:45] <Kotono> Swimming is slow going, Sylvie struggling as well. But with water to breathe and time you start to get the hang of it. On you move, and as you swim not too far below the surface, "Ah, Ipalun..." Wettal sighs.
[21:46] <Janson> "You know him yourself?" Janson asks, finding himself just a bit faster than Sylvie so he can afford the effort of talking as he paces her.
[21:49] <Kotono> "I do," Wettal says, "A rebellous and energetic youth. A droplet off his father's back, yet far more serious and brooding. Dare I even say it, but angsty as well. His waters flow in different tributaries than his father's, no matter that they came from the same brook."
[21:50] <Kotono> "Not again," Sylvie mutters under her breath, a few bubbles blow out of her mouth. After a breath, "So he doesn't get along with his Dad. Sounds like he just moved out then."
[21:50] <Janson> "What about his mother?" Janson asks, naturally assuming that he would have a stronger relationship there. Especially since his dad is implied to have fathered a vast brood.
[21:53] <Kotono> "Passed five years ago. She went to bed one night and slipped into the eternal slumber with nary a hint." As sunlight dances in the green water around you, "Ipalun was fond of his mother, grieved and moved on as best he could."
[21:55] * Janson shakes his head. "Don't elves normally live for centuries? It must be rare for a parent to die before a child is fully grown - how old is Ipalun?"
[21:58] <Kotono> "His mother was a human," Wettal says, facing ahead and expression unseen. "She was yet young by even human standards...sometimes, the Eternal Blue of Deep Sashelas calls one home early. Perhaps she was too good for this life, more like one of us in soul than a human. Perhaps Deep Sashelas could bear no more to see her in a form so ill suited for her spirit."
[22:00] <Janson> "It sounds like Oolu is his deepest connection to Chyral, then. And they don't get along... does he have any close friends in the village, otherwise?" Janson asks, not dwelling on the overall awkwardness of being a human living amongst elves.
[22:03] <Kotono> "Aquoan the kelp farmer. They liked to sit around and talk. Darlina, the guardian of Namor, always gave him treats when he was growing up. He had few friends his age...the elves aged too slowly for that, and he like a human." Wettal then sighs, "Perhaps that's the trouble at the root of it. His mother could deal with that, it seemed, but he lacked that gift."
[22:06] * Janson can rather relate to Ipalun's village life, he discovers. "Aquoan, Darlina, and Oolu will probably be the best people for us to talk to while we're there, then. Assuming we don't get any other leads pointing within the village."
[22:07] <Kotono> "What about love interests? If he takes after his father," Sylvie speaks up.
[22:08] <Kotono> "Ah." Bringing his hands together, "That I can't tell you of. The romantic affairs of a young man are nothing I care to indulge in gossip over; another may know better than I."
[22:09] <Janson> "Aquoan will probably be our best bet there," Janson suggests to Sylvie.
[22:13] <Kotono> "Yeah, that's what I figure. Unless this Darlina is like a big sister and friend to him in one, I'd guess he'd confide in the man over the woman."
[22:15] <Janson> "Maybe... that makes me wonder a bit, though. To an elven perspective, he really would just be a child, wouldn't he? That would probably stifle his chances..." Janson muses.
[22:18] <Kotono> "That's a point. Maybe he moved out to get some love?" Sylvie cracks a smile at that, "If that's it, this will end up being..."
[22:19] <Janson> "We can at least get him to call home and let them know he's not lying dead in a ditch somewhere," Janson shrugs, looking ahead to Wettal, "We don't have to drag him back if he's unwilling, right?"
[22:22] <Kotono> "It's not my place to say," Wettal says, "That's Oolu's. I'll be taking you to meet him."
[22:22] <Kotono> "Hope it's not much farther," Sylvie keeps on swimming, "My arms are getting tired."
[22:24] <Janson> "It's a lot harder than walking," Janson agrees, "Still, think of how all your muscles are getting exercised! Must be a great workout!"
[22:26] <Kotono> On and on you swim. Soon you come to great underwater fields of tall seaweed and kelp, swaying in the current. Sea elves go amid and around them, tending to them as you swim above. In the distance you can see rocky cliffs rising up from the seabed surface, full of cave entrances. Here buildings are also standing around them, sea elves swimming and going about. Dolphins and schools of fish
[22:26] <Kotono> are also there.
[22:27] <Janson> "A town without any stairs... interesting to see how it's all laid out, isn't it?" Janson opines, following their guide.
[22:34] <Kotono> Sylvie swims down, brushing the very tip-tops of the seaweed fields. She thens wims back up, "It's like we can fly," she laughs, "Only I'm all wet."
[22:35] <Janson> "Flying in a really bad rainstorm?" Janson essays with a grin.
[22:39] <Kotono> "Stormflying!" Sylvie comes on over and laughs, sendingw ater gushing in and out of her mouth. Wettal stops and crosses his arms, watching. He has a hint of a smile, "Just like twenty year old children, just barely understandingw hat they see."
[22:40] <Janson> "Well, I am twenty," Janson retorts obviously to that. "But I don't think we're that oblivious."

[Corwin]

[19:39] <Kotono> "Barely." Wettal chuckles, "Oolu and the others ARE waiting, so come with me."
[19:47] <Janson> "This place reminds me of home," is the nicest thing Janson can say in the face of such condescension, waiting to follow Wettal the rest of the way.
[19:53] <Kotono> You are taken inside the caves. Within one is a pleasantly appointed room, walls of pearl and chairs of softened stone and smooth coral. Here a being of pure water paces back and forth, watery brow furrowed, "Oh, Wettal, you're back! Are these two...?"
[19:53] <Kotono> "Whimisical Sweets," Wettal says, "So yes, they're mercenaries."
[19:54] <Janson> "We prefer to call ourselves troubleshooters," Janson provides, swimming forward and offering a hand to the elemental. "We're here about your missing son?"
[20:01] <Kotono> The hand is taken, "Ah, fablous!" He smiles widely to Janson, "Troubleshooters it is." He then takes Sylvie's hand, "Wonderful, lovely troubleshooters. How much do you know about Ipalun already?"
[20:02] <Kotono> Sylvie turns red, "Oh well, we know his apperance and a few other things, but we came here to find out more about him. If we can deduce why he left, we can better figure out where he is now."
[20:07] <Janson> "We heard he didn't quite fit in here, and his closest friends are Aquoan and Darlina, so we were hoping they might give us some clues. Tends towards rebelliousness and brooding..." Janson almost mentions being chronically underweight, but manages to stop himself. "His mother died a few years ago... I'm sorry, that must have been hard for you as well, Oolu, but knowing about her might help
[20:07] <Janson> us track him down." Then since he addressed the elemental by name he recalls it needs to go both ways, "I'm Janson and she's Sylvie," he adds.
[20:11] <Kotono> "Charmed," He smiles at the last before going to the first, "Oh yes though, we must be on tangent here and not carried away." Oolu swims through the water with offensiv ease, going to lounge in one of the chairs, "Ask anything you want, the better to find the answers you need."
[20:13] <Janson> "First can you tell us about his disappearance?" Janson asks, happy enough just floating without the need for a seat, since the water supports his body well enough. "Did he take his belongings with him, did he leave a note or some sort of marker?"
[20:19] <Kotono> "He didn't leave a note, but he did take some human money I had," Oolu shakes his head, "We found out when we couldn't find him, he's always like that. As headstrong as a pack of hungry sharks and twice as willful. Once he gets in his head to do something, he's going to do it and do it quickly. He probably had the idea, liked it and went with it."
[20:20] <Janson> "Okay, so it wasn't particularly planned," Janson nods, filing that away. "How much money did he take?"
[20:24] <Kotono> "About 300 marks," Oolu says, "Mostly in gold coins."
[20:25] <Janson> "Enough for a one way ticked through Waukeen's Portal network. Are they well known down here?" Janson follows up, seeing if Ipalun would even know to try - Janson sure didn't, when he first got to Balmuria!
[20:29] <Kotono> "Not at all," Oolu sniffs, "Now I try and teach the elves about the outer world. Oh you know, there's so much out there and they can't hide down here forever. But Id eclare," Rubbing the bridge of his temple, "Some days it's like swimming through molasses and stubbornness. Now a typical sea elf wouldn't know about the portals, but Ipalun does. You see, I know Seira. She helped save me from
[20:29] <Kotono> being bound about twenty years ago. So I keep up on her, and she makes a good lesson for Ipalun. Look at how she connects people and well...anyway, to the point, yes he knew about them."
[20:30] <Janson> There's no way Janson can avoid being sidetracked by that. Everyone in Balmuria usually talks of them in the past tense, but Oolu didn't. "You actually know a goddess? Personally?"
[20:35] <Kotono> "Oh yes, she's a dear," Going on in a low whisper, "Seira and her girltoy dragged me over to their realm a few years ago. Wonderful place if you like heat and gold together. It's not really my thing, but I can appreciate quality." He pauses a moment, "Besides, I knew her when she could barely manage a third circle spell. She's like a daughter to me."
[20:38] <Janson> "Wow, you actually saw someone ascend all the way up from that to goddesshood?" Janson looks all but awed. "I know we shouldn't get sidetracked from Ipalun so this'll be the last question on it from me right now, but how did she actually do it?"
[20:45] <Kotono> Oolu pauses a moment and shrugs his shoulders. "She just did." A beat as he smiles to both of them, "I think it's two things. First of all, Seira was a one in a billion person. Her skill and aptitudes are incredible. She could learn things in days that would take one of us years to grasp. She was charismatic, strong, charming, persistent...and most of all, the second point. She had a will
[20:45] <Kotono> made of adamantine. No matter how she suffered she never gave up and kept working towards her ends, often seeming to overcome by imposing her will on the world so stronglyt hat it had no choice but to obey." Another beat, "I didn't know Alicia as well, but she shared most of the same traits."
[20:45] <Kotono> Sylvie listens to this, not interrupting but sending a momentary glance over to Janson.
[20:48] * Janson raises an eyebrow as he catches Sylvie's glance, the part about learning quickly certainly fits, and she sure knows how to turn on the charm when she feels like it. Maybe hearing this might even encourage her to be persistent in chasing her goals rather than just coasting along. But now's not the time! "Sounds like someone we could all learn from, alright," he agrees, turning back
[20:48] * Janson to Oolu. "Back to your son, though - did he ever talk about travelling? Or was he interested in stories about any particular place?"
[20:51] <Kotono> "Oh, I told him all about the outside lands. He never could believe the Fiefdoms existed...boy had trouble with the concept of a dry desert. His favorite? The lands of the eastern reaches of Pallanth, where endless snow and ice live. He always had a penchant for ice."
[20:54] <Janson> "That's one lead that might be worth following, but we shouldn't jump ahead just yet," Janson muses. "What about his mother? Where was she from before coming here?"
[20:59] <Kotono> "The Baronies," Oolu an swers, a smile growing on his face, "I remember when we first met. She went swimming in the bay and cramped up, almost drowning. I was nearby and saved her...ah, love at first sight." Oolu dramatically sighs, "Every time it happens it's such fun. The way she looked into my eyes as she recovered, the way our hands touched..." A silly smile spreads on his face, "The
[20:59] <Kotono> way it turns out she was a sea elf trapped in a human's body, it was only natural that the bond formed."
[21:00] * Janson smiles indulgently, allowing Oolu to reminisce a moment before continuing. "Which barony in particular? Another possibility is him trying to learn more about where his mother came from."
[21:04] <Kotono> "Malway," He answers, before going right on. "Ah yes, the village in question was Yuldale."
[21:06] * Janson makes a mental note of that as something to consider investigating. "Pallanth and Yuldale, that's two leads we can try," he nods. "What are Ipalun's talents? What kind of work would he be likely to do to support himself?"
[21:24] <Kotono> "Supporting himself?" Oolu snickers into his hand, "Oh I'm so sorry. I mean, one of MY children...just...hello?" Waving his hand back and forth, "Oh, he'll find some girl to support him if he wants. He does have my blood. If not..." Tapping his chin, "He's quite literate, he could work as a scribe."
[21:26] <Janson> "Really?" Janson is surprised at that. "I thought writing would be hard to do underwater..."
[21:27] <Kotono> "Oh, we have dry-caves in the back," Waving a hand backwards, "The written word is quite valuable. The sea elves always preferred oral traditions, but I do think that in light of what happened that this trend needs to be broken."
[21:29] * Janson nods. "Okay, I think that's enough for now - we'll talk to some of his other friends before heading back to Balmuria and following what leads we have. If we find him and he's completely unwilling to return, would you be satisfied just with proof that he's safe?"
[21:31] <Kotono> "Yes. His location as well," Oolu says, "If he's that stubborn I don't expect you to work a miracle."
[21:37] <Janson> "Right. The last thing we need to sort out then is payment," Janson declares. "Our usual rate for a job like this is 25 marks per day, plus expenses - particularly if we need to travel by portal to find him. Assuming it's all straightforward - if he's been kidnapped or something like that and we have to rescue him, we'd want hazard pay based on exactly what we have to fight. That could range
[21:37] <Janson> between five hundred and a thousand marks, depending."
[21:38] <Kotono> "A thousand marks?" Oolu raises an eyebrow, "Do I appear to be made of liquid platinum instead of water? Perhaps five hundred marks." He banters right back.
[21:41] <Janson> "It's a range, and it might not ever even come up if we find him happily drinking in a friendly tavern," Janson protests. "But if we have to wrestle past trolls or blast our way past mad cultists to rescue him from being sacrificed or eaten, it deserves an appropriate consideration for our risk!"
[21:46] <Kotono> After a moment and a nod, "Alright, if you aren't going to haggle," With a bright smile, "I accept."
[21:48] <Janson> "Glad to hear it. I'm sure we'll find your son safe and sound and he'll come back with interesting stories to tell, but we need to get everything covered in advance. Now... where would we find Aquoan and Darlina?"
[21:49] <Kotono> "Aquoan is out tending the kelp fields. Darlina can be found in her quarters with Namor...oh, of course, you can get Wettal to take you.
[21:49] <Kotono> :
[21:50] * Janson then turns to their guide. "We'll go to whichever's closest?"
[21:53] <Kotono> Wettal takes you to a few caves down. In here is a warm cave room. Here a young sea elf woman sits, a young child with her. The child is smiling away, "Momma, tell me it again!" To this the young sea elf smiles, "Not now, we have visitors."
[21:55] <Janson> Young is no doubt a very relative term. "Hello, are you Darlina?" Janson asks with a polite smile. "I'm Janson and this is Sylvie, we're looking into where your friend Ipalun might have went after leaving Chyral."
[21:58] <Kotono> Namor peers into Janson's eyes, intense and unblinking. Meanwhile Darlina rises and takes Janson's hand, "Of course. What can I help you with?"
[22:01] * Janson gives the boy a grin in reply to said scrutiny, but swiftly gives Darlina his full attention. "We're trying to find out about his habits and things he was interested in. Things that could lead us to where he is now," he starts off open-ended to see if that gets anything helpful before he goes into the more closed questions.
[22:10] <Kotono> "Mmmmmm." Darlina considers, "Ipalun is a sweet boy, but he's also a difficult boy. Always dreaming, thinking, wanting. He didn't have many habits or hobbies, but once he settled on one he was set onto it." A pause, "He always had a fascination with ice. He called it lost forms of water. He liked to write, he said he felt like he could express himself better that way. He hates anyone who he thinks isn't sincere."
[22:13] <Janson> "Oolu also mentioned he was interested in the frozen North of Pallanth..." Janson muses. Oh Jannath, what if they actually have to go there? Why oh why did he trade with Wayland... he's probably having so much fun riding off into adventure right now! "Besides writing, did he have any interest in reading? Any books or writers that he greatly admired?"
[22:35] <Kotono> "He did read - anything elven or human he was fond of. He can manage common and elven fluently." Darlina says. "He appreciated the elven classics. He also loves anything by Abn En Sal of the Fiefdoms, especially his reflections on poetry. He had some of Seira's writings, as well as transcribed oral stories of Deep Sashelas."
[22:37] <Janson> "Heard of Abn En Sal?" Janson asks Sylvie, utterly confident that she must have given her rapacious reading habits.
[22:42] <Kotono> "Oh yes. He's an author from the end of the Malmuthian Empire era, just before the Baronies split off," Sylvie says, "He was a voracious writer, composing several novels, books of poetry, nonfictional historical accounts, natural studies and a scanty study on the arcane. The last is considered worthless compared to recent advances in magic."
[22:43] <Janson> "Not around anymore, though?"
[22:45] <Kotono> "Died about thirty years ago," Sylvie says, "At the ripe age of 76."
[22:48] <Janson> "Then he probably didn't try hunting him down. Northern Pallanth is starting to look the most solid lead - did he ever talk to you about travelling, Darlina? Or show a particular interest in talking about a certain place?" Janson asks the blue elf.
[22:56] <Kotono> "He talked about Elandra's Rest and Dewfrost," Namor speaks up, "Oolu is warm, moving water. Ipalun is stubborn, unmoving ice."
[22:58] <Janson> "Elandra's Rest and Dewfrost?" Janson repeats the names, looking down to Namor and smiling at his perception. "I wonder if those are in Pallanth? It's sounding more and more likely that's where he'd want to go."
[22:59] <Kotono> Namor simply smiles to Janson. Darlina's smile becomes exaperated, "Namor is gifted by Deep Sashelas. His words are likely truth."
[22:59] <Kotono> After a moment, and crossing her arms, "Namor, if you have an idea, why haven't you told Uncle Oolu?"
[23:02] <Janson> "Maybe he never strung it together until he heard us talking about it just now?" Janson offers on the kid's behalf. "Still, I'd say we've got a lead to follow - if we find Ipalun in the frozen North we'll have to pick up something nice for your son."
[23:02] <Kotono> Namor smiles, "There are many things hiding in the cold," he says lightly, before yawning. He turns and swims away, going to go curl up in a corner.
[23:03] * Janson chuckles and turns to Sylvie, "So, think we ought to head to Pallanth, now?"
[23:03] <Kotono> Darlina takes a long breath and rubs the bridge of her nose, "Deep Sashelas, give me strength," she mutters, "Good luck up there, then. Bring him back...I'm not sure what, but oh! Before you go," she cuts in.
[23:03] <Janson> "Oh, yes?" he quickly turns back to the elven woman.
[23:04] <Kotono> "You reside in Balmuria?"
[23:04] * Janson nods. "I just moved there recently but Sylvie's been living there for years," he smiles.

[Corwin]

[20:09] <Kotono> "How's Alicia's church doing?" She asks, "Is it prospering?"
[20:14] <Janson> "Oh, yes, we're actually very good friends with one of her paladins, and one of our first jobs came from a worshipper," Janson nods brightly. "He seemed a bit confused about things, but we beat up a Sharran so everything turned out for the best!"
[20:15] <Kotono> "So well enough," Sylvie follows up, "They're sort of like Helm's clergy, but not quite so serious and more mobile."
[20:16] <Kotono> "Good, good," Darlina murmurs, a wistful smile showing on her face, "Thanks for tellin gme."
[20:17] <Janson> "Has the church helped you out before?" Janson asks, curious for a follow-up as to her own curiousity.
[20:20] <Kotono> "Something like that," Darlina says, with her own smile lingering on her face.
[20:22] <Janson> Since she doesn't plan on elaborating, Janson doesn't see any reason to press her. "Well, Sylvie and I had better get going if we want to catch Oolu's wayward son all the way in frigid Pallanth. Thanks for taking the time to speak with us, Darlina. And Namor, too."
[20:24] <Kotono> Darlina smiles and Namor gazes into Janson's eyes before he returns the look with a smile. "You're welcome," Darlina says.
[20:24] <Kotono> Sylvie swims up and out, and keeping her voice down, "So you think it's going to be eastern Pallanth now?"
[20:26] <Janson> "We had enough evidence to make it our best bet even without the go ahead from Deep Sashelas's chosen," Janson nods. "I probably shouldn't have traded jobs with Wayland after all... I wonder what it'll be like, though?"
[20:28] <Kotono> "Cold?" Sylvie says without missing a beat, "Mmm, if nothing else, perhaps winter clothing will be cheap during high summer. Still, Pallanth is a land of elves. Josa has elf blood, so let's ask him."
[20:31] * Janson nods. "Yeah. Maybe they'll even be able to tell us at Waukeen's temple if they saw Ipalun, as well. Dunno if they have rules on that or not." Taking a deep breath of seawater, "Best get swimming."
[20:35] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:35] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 92." [1d100=92]
[20:35] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:35] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 74." [1d100=74]
[20:38] <Kotono> The trip back is without incident. You return to Balmuria, drying out and ready for your next move...
[20:39] * Janson goes to get dressed before meeting up with Sylvie again at Whimiscal Sweets where they can ask Josa what he knows about Elandra's Rest and Dewfrost, and also get 400gp to cover their portal trips.
[20:48] <Kotono> Sylvie comes in heavy coat and clothes, slung under her arm. You find Josa upstairs, Silver running things below. "Ah, Pallanth?" he asks.
[20:51] <Janson> "The sea elves want us to find the missing son of their leader and we think he's run off to the frozen North of Pallanth, through those portals Waukeen's temple've got set up," Janson explains, in his normal clothes now but having several more in his pack so he can dress in layers upon arrival. "They'll pay for our expenses afterwards but we'll need 400gp for a return trip, and anything you can tell us about the area."
[20:53] <Kotono> "A pity Wayland isn't here," Josa strokes his chins, "Well then, let us get to the meat of the matter. How far into the cold wastes do you mean?"
[20:56] <Janson> "Well, firstly it depends where we can get a portal to - I know there's one to the Citadel of Light but I don't know about further North. But the two places we were given names for are Elandra's Rest and Dewfrost."
[21:06] <Kotono> Cold and colder," Josa's reply is short, "Mmmm, Elandra's Rest will be endurable, but Dewfrost will be cold even this time of year. Be prepared, the elves of this region are hardy, brave souls who band together to survive in a bitter-cold land. Weaklings do not last long there, nor is House Chillander idle."
[21:08] <Janson> "I've brought lots of layers to dress in," Janson pats his backpack. "Do they get many travellers up there?"
[21:11] <Kotono> "Not many and most are curious elves," Josa goes on, "The region is isolated due to weather. About twenty years ago, a dragon attack caused some immigration due to restoration efforts afterwards, but it's still an isolated land. The best way in is to show you're made of tough enough stuff to survive there."
[21:12] <Janson> "Wonder if Ipalun counts? At the very least he'll probably stand out," Janson muses. "Hmm... it's earlier in the day that far East, too, isn't it? That'll give us more time to work with if we head out now."
[21:14] <Kotono> "It is." Shaking his head, "The stories say that Lathander walks the sky from horizon to horizon, from east to west. He starts in the east, so they get the mercy of sunlight first," Josa says. He stops go downstairs, coming back with a small, heavy bag. "This shoudl cover yoru trips. It's platinum, so take care of it."
[21:15] <Janson> "Will do," Janson seperates out enough to cover the first leg and then secures the rest at the bottom of his pack. "Ready to go, Sylvie?"
[21:17] <Kotono> "I am." With a smile, "Mom's watching Calley, so I can go off and pla-er, work." She shakes her head with a rueful chuckle, "This could almost be a date, going off to a faraway land on the words of magic."
[21:19] <Janson> "We already went to a faraway land on our first date," Janson retorts, putting a hand on her back as he starts heading out. "I'm hoping this trip will be more pleasant than that one."
[21:21] <Kotono> "What could go wrong?" Stretching back as she starts to walk outside, going into the sunlight, "We're chasing a little water lordling, not going off to face the living dead. Compared to the others, we have the easy task."
[21:23] <Janson> "Yeah, but who would have thought anything would go wrong when we went to that Selunite party?" Janson shrugs. "But yeah, I'm, hoping we'll have a chance to relax and have some fun while we're there."
[21:26] <Kotono> "It seems we all are going to live in interesting times, at least for a period," Sylvie keeps in step with Janson, "I wonder if I should make a donation to a church so that they keep up or if I should to make them stop.
[21:26] <Kotono> "
[21:27] <Janson> "Which church would you donate to for either outcome?" he asks back.
[21:31] <Kotono> "Oh, I'd figure that out later," Sylvie starts to grin, "Maybe Tymora's for good luck. Plus that roulette wheel worked out well for us."
[21:32] <Janson> "That really was lucky, wasn't it?" Janson grins himself. "I got kinda swept up in the moment gambling like that, but I'm glad I did! How many other people can get that sort of divine blessing so easily?"
[21:40] <Kotono> "Undead, fey, blessings, Sharrans..." Sylvie shakes her head, "Maybe Josa's setting it all up, or he's cursed, or using magic for business."
[21:42] <Janson> "Well, the undead and the Sharrans we were looking for ourselves, so you can't write them off as luck. Fact is this kind of job just lends itself to weird situations... Still, I can't help but enjoy it. You never know what each day's gonna bring!"
[21:58] <Kotono> "Some snow today," Sylvie says, as the two of you head to the temple of Waukeen. Here a greeter clasps his hands together, escorting you deep within. You are taken to a room with a door ahead, decorated with coins and wagons. Large men man the door, ready to pull it open. Standing before them is a bald man, stout and middle aged. He takes Janson's hand as he approaches, "Welcome, welcome,
[21:58] <Kotono> welcome. Is this your first time to the portals?"
[22:01] <Janson> "It is," Janson nods, but not wanting to seem like an uncultured rube he tries to seem rather blase about the whole thing. "We're actually visiting a friend of ours who went ahead recently to Pallanth. You'd probably remember him, on account of the green skin."
[22:03] <Kotono> "Ah yes," the man smiles at the handshake, "I do recall him. So you'll be heading to Dewfrost?"
[22:06] <Janson> "It was there or Elandra's Rest, depending on how quickly we caught up," Janson smiles widely, glad that Waukeen doesn't care about customer confidentiality. "Does the portal go all the way that far North?"
[22:08] <Kotono> "One of the spokes does," He answers, "You can also go to Elandra's Rest, but not as far as Respite in the far east."
[22:10] <Janson> "Just how many places does the network go to?" Janson finds himself compelled to ask upon learning that even podunk towns on the arse end of Pallanth are connected. He almost wonders if Aralla has a secret connection under one of the elders' houses.
[22:14] <Kotono> "Many." Going on from just there, "Mostly big towns and capitals. Victoria, Arad, Valandia, Malmuth, Balmuria, Kesse." A moment's pause, before his lips curl up, "You're wondering why such a small frontier settlement has a portal?"
[22:16] <Janson> "Does seem a bit strange, I admit," Janson agrees. "Are there huge veins of mithral buried underneath it or something?"
[22:18] <Kotono> "Scion Chillander funded it," The man explains, "To further connect the far east and north with the rest of Pallanth. Quite an expenditure of money and time, even for one as wealthy as him."
[22:20] <Janson> "Huh. Well, I guess we'll see if the investment was a good one when we get there," Janson shrugs. "So how does it all actually work?"
[22:27] <Kotono> "You go into the room here and are transported to a temple. From that temple you are escorted to another portal that takes you to where you want to go." A pause, "Please do not initiate any form of conflict or violence within. Powerful magics are at play and attempting to manipulate them is hazardous. At times you may be scanned by various magics, do not be alarmed. Follow your guide on the other side at all times."
[22:31] <Janson> "Wow, sounds pretty complicated!" Janson observes with a glance at Sylvie. "Well, we're as ready as we'll ever be," he holds out two hundred marks in shiny platinum coins. "Lead on?"
[22:34] <Kotono> The large men open the doors! Ahead is a swirling blue pool of light, a rippling gap in space before it. It's as if the air and everything around deigns not to flow with it. This empty gap sparkles with colored lights, runes glowing on the floor around it. "Step into the portal now."
[22:34] <Kotono> Sylvie whistles low in her throat, long. "A portal, like a gap in space between here and there. Magic instantly takes us far away."
[22:34] <Janson> "A lot flashier than the one in Paksan Grove," Janson agrees, bravely leading the way!

[Corwin]

[20:06] <Kotono> Thus you step inside! For a moment reality seems to twist like a dishcloth being wrung dry. There is a feeling of movement, of great lightness and speed. A moment later your vision blinks clear, as you stand on terra firma once more. Were you flying? You can't recall, but you have a feeling that the ground beneath you is new and welcome. On the ground below are tiles, showing a gauntlet with
[20:06] <Kotono> an eye. Ahead of you is a door, two stout men there. A moment later Sylvie appears at your side, blinking.
[20:07] <Janson> "Oh, that was a rush! Not at all like Paksan!" Janson declares, smiling as Sylvie joins him in one piece. "Hi, we're here for the portal to Dewfrost," he then waves to the two stout men.
[20:13] * Janson ignores any invisible people present. He's reasonably sure they wouldn't appreciate having their security precautions undermined, and it seems obvious they work here.
[20:19] <Kotono> One of the men nods at that, an impassive mountain. He opens the door, "Follow me." As you do, the next room is a broad corridor, well lit. Various doors here are decorated grandly - one shows the city of Balmuria with the sun rising. Another shows a great citadel bathed in golden light, yet another showing a white jewel shimmering with sands all around it. As you go past these doors Sylvie
[20:19] <Kotono> pauses to take them in, "Nice work. Expensive work, tasteful."
[20:22] <Janson> "You'd expect nothing less from Waukeen," Janson nods, matching step with the blonde to observe the artwork. "I remember the first time I saw the temple after coming to Balmuria, it seemed too grandiose to bear. But it's really grown on me, all the finery and comforts of civilisation."
[20:24] <Kotono> "Heh, heh," Sylvie chuckles, "I remember watching it being constructed when I was younger, along with much of the Commerce Quarter. Everyone was talking about it for months and months. It's something, isn't it? The other temples are nice, but that one has presence."
[20:27] <Janson> "They're rich and they let everyone know it," Janson nods. "Of course it's not surprising if they control all long distance travel the way they do," he taps his foot on the ground, continuing onwards.
[20:29] <Kotono> "All thanks to Seira, from what I hear...though perhaps Helm was involved in this one, if that symbol back there means anything. Didn't think he was the type." That gets a moment's pause, then a shrug. "Guess even the holy needs some gold to pay the bills."
[20:31] <Janson> "Helm's got a pretty big temple, too," Janson agrees. "Speaking of Seira, what'd you think about what Oolu said about her?"
[20:32] <Kotono> As the two of you idle, "Excuse me," The man speaks up, "But please don't idle. This way, feel free to resume your conversation once you're in Dewfrost."
[20:33] <Kotono> "I-" Sylvie is cut off, then she shakes her head, "Hold that thought," she murmurs under her breath, "Guess they don't like lingerers."
[20:34] <Janson> "We're going, we're going," Janson picks up his pace, falling silent otherwise.
[20:35] <Kotono> You are lead to a door in the back. Here you can see a small, log cabin city. Snow falls amid it on the door, caught in eternal relief via stone. This door is opened, within another portal. "Through here lies Dewfrost. May the Merchant's Friend and the Golden Dragon bless your transactions and bring you profit there."
[20:37] <Janson> "Thanks," Janson steps through without further ado.
[20:38] <Kotono> Stepping through Janson is again disoriented...brr. It's cold! Cold! The heat of Balmuria feels like a momentary dream as you step out. It's chilly here, Sylvie rubbing her arms. You stand in a simple room, the door ahead opening. Another man is here, but not a man. An elf, a graceful step as he wears chain armor and has a sword on his belt. "Welcome," He makes a smooth bow to the two, "To Dewfrost. Allow me to walk you out."
[20:41] <Janson> "Thanks," Janson repeats, waiting to be away from stuffy people that dislike loiterers before he can resume his conversation. You'd think it would at least be warm indoors here!
[20:43] <Kotono> You are escorted out. IT's a small temple to Waukeen, the air chill. It's not quite freezing but quite chilly as you head outside. You stand amid a sprawling, natural pine forest. A town is built in and around it, made of logs. Elves are about in all directions, a few taking looks. Sylvie pauses to take in the view, the sun high in the sky above. The breeze is chilly, though most of the
[20:43] <Kotono> elves are wearing short sleeves.
[20:47] <Janson> "You'd think for what we were paying they could stand a bit of loitering," Janson takes the opportunity to grumble now that they're outside. He was planning to put on an extra tunic and trousers now for extra insulation, but if all of these elves can endure the weather then he's damned if he can't!
[20:50] <Kotono> "I get the impression they don't want people trying anything." Sylvie says that much as she shivers, "Soooo...oh right. Anyway," With a sidelong glance, "What were you saying?"
[20:51] <Janson> "Yeah, saw a couple of invisible guys probably ready to bash us over the head if we acted up," Janson nods, starting to walk aimlessly about to keep the blood flowing. "But yeah, what Oolu told us about how Seira became a goddess. You said you followed her for a little while once, did you know those things then?"
[20:54] <Kotono> "Some of it. Her church is...well, complicated. Some of the older people there met her or knew her personally. What follower of Helm or Gond can say that?" She picks up her pace as well, rubbing her arms. "The part that caught my attention was that he said it was about her will, imposing her will onto the world."
[20:55] <Janson> "Really?" Janson quirks a smile, "I thought you might be intrigued by how she was so quick to master anything she set her mind to. Sounds like someone I know, after all..."
[20:59] <Kotono> That gets a bit of red in Sylvie's cheeks, "Yeah, of course I caught that." She crosses her arms. "But Seira was always running around, doing things. I'm not like that, so does it matter?"
[21:03] <Janson> "I dunno, I just thought it was neat. But I guess it's what you make of it. So, what about imposing your will on the world, then?" he asks with a roguish grin.
[21:05] <Kotono> Turning and poking Janson in the chest with a half smile, "Oh, I'll settle for imposing my will on something closer." She goes to take his arm, warming against him, "How about we find somewhere warm and then figure out how we're going to find Ipalun? Or hell, let's just find somewhere warm."
[21:07] <Janson> "I was just going to suggest we start our search in the nearest tavern," Janson agrees happily as the smaller blonde leans into him, starting to aim their wanderings more in search of such an establishment.
[21:10] <Kotono> OOC: Go ahead and make a GI check? You're basically looking for Ipalun, right?
[21:10] <Janson> OOC: yeah. Green dude! Hard to miss I hope.
[21:10] <Janson> roll 1d20+2
[21:10] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20+2 and gets 20." [1d20=18]
[21:14] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3 Sylvie aids
[21:14] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 Sylvie aids and gets 5." [1d20=2]
[21:16] <Kotono> Janson wanders about, talking and chatting! Sylvie tries to help in one tavern, but gets sucked into a conversation. It seems to be about grain of all things, Janson really doesn't get to hear much of it. Instead he sits at a well polished, varnished pine bar. Over a glass of wine the barkeep has a lithe, teasing smile on his face, "Ipalun you say? I've seen him a time or two."
[21:19] <Janson> "Is he still in Dewfrost?" Janson asks earnestly, seemingly oblivious to any teasing going on. "He just packed up and left without any word, his friends back in Chyral really need to know that he's safe."
[21:21] <Kotono> As an elven bard plays gentle, refinded lyre music in a corner, the barkeep closes his eyes. For nearly a half minute he's silent, seemingly lost in each note. "Ah. I heard he's fallen in with the Logicum."
[21:23] <Janson> "What's the Logicum?" Janson naturally feels compelled to ask.
[21:24] <Kotono> "Just outside of town. Go out the western gate and follow the path for a half mile, then take the northern path for another mile."
[21:27] <Janson> "That tells me where it is," Janson smiles teasingly himself now. "But not what. Is it some sort of school?"
[21:34] <Kotono> "Sorry." With a moment's pause, "The Logicum is the brainchild of Helesbur, a magician from the Citadel. It's a school promoting civic duty to Pallanth and logical thought."
[21:36] <Janson> "It's fine. My friend's a scholar, she might enjoy it herself," Janson muses, handing over a gold coin. "Thanks for the drink and the conversation," he downs the rest of his wine before seeking out Sylvie. Maybe he can put in his own thoughts on agriculture to the burgeoning debate!
[21:38] <Kotono> Sylvie's just slipping away by the time Janson comes over, "Any luck," she asks. "I struck out."
[21:40] <Janson> "I did, actually. He should be at the Logicum, which is some sort of school for civic duty and logical thought, it's about a mile and a half out of town," Janson explains, looking out the window. "Want to go today or in the morning?"
[21:55] <Kotono> "Let's go today," Sylvie says, "No sense in delaying it."
[21:57] * Janson is pretty tired from all that swimming, but isn't about to argue. "Yeah, knowing our luck if we wait until tomorrow the place will be attacked by vampires in the night," he agrees, leading the way out and then turning West as instructed.
[22:12] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[22:12] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 54." [1d100=54]
[22:13] <Kotono> Thew alk is without incident. The Logicum is an overlarge cabin, two stories big and with a big chimney sending trails of fragrant smoke out. Over the front door is a heavy stone slab, anchored to the wall and the ground with several ropes.
[22:14] <Janson> OOC: you mean the slab is actually blocking the door or is it on the wall above?
[22:18] <Kotono> OOC: It's above the door.
[22:18] <Janson> "Hope those ropes are sturdy..." Janson mutters as he approaches to knock on the door, ready to dive away if the slab shows signs of falling on him!
[22:24] <Kotono> The door is opened by a female(?) elf with long blonde hair and a warm smile. "Oh! Humans!" She gasps, wearing a soft green dress that matches her eyes.
[22:25] <Janson> "Hello!" Janson smiles, that question mark making him wonder if elves look good in dresses regardless of their gender. "My name's Janson and this is my friend Sylvie, we're from Whimsical Sweets in Balmuria!"
[22:27] <Kotono> The elf blinks and speaks back in Sylvan, "Oh!" With a sudden smile, "Really? Oh, the new instructor must have invited you!" She steps aside, "Come in."
[22:29] <Janson> "Oh, no, we've not been invited," Janson switches seamlessly to sylvan as he nonetheless accepts said invitation. "Actually, you might know Ipalun? We've been asked by his friends back home to make sure he's well."

[Corwin]

[19:41] <Kotono> "We've come quite a long way, so thank you for your hospitality." Sylvie adds sa she follows.
[19:42] <Kotono> "Oh, Ipalun?" A look to both of them, "He's quite well."
[19:42] <Janson> "Glad to hear it," Janson nods, "May we see him?"
[19:47] <Kotono> "This way," The elf smiles. Meanwhile Sylvie smiles, brushing ab it of blonde hair back. "No skeletons, we're still up on the other group, I think."
[19:48] <Janson> "We'll be fine, don't worry," Janson grins back at Sylvie, content to follow the pleasant elf of indeterminate gender.
[19:54] <Kotono> You are escorted past a fine dining hall, swing past a kitchen and up a stairway that is also a tall pine tree, interwoven into the walls. Upstairs you are taken to a door, which the female elf knocks on. "Ipalun? You have visitors!"
[19:58] <Kotono> After a short pause the door opens. Ipalun is as the image the Captain made showed him. He gives the two a look, "What is it you two want? I don't think I've met either of you before."
[19:59] <Janson> "You haven't," Janson confirms. "I'm Janson and this is Sylvie, we're from Whimsical Sweets in Balmuria. You gave everyone in Chyral quite a scare by leaving so suddenly, so they hired us to find you."
[20:03] <Kotono> "I'm found," Ipalun says, dry voiced. "I'm also not going anywhere."
[20:07] <Janson> "We're hardly about to beat you up, roll you in a carpet, and dump you off on Oolu's doorstep," Janson retorts, just as dry-voiced. "You're an adult, you can go where you want and do what you want. But would it have killed you to have left a note? For all poor Darlina could have known you might by lying dead in a ditch somewhere - she was nearly in tears when we spoke to her, wasn't she,
[20:07] <Janson> Sylvie?"
[20:09] <Kotono> "Heartbroken," Sylvie bows her head and sighs, "Ipalun, look. Janson's right, you're an adult. You can go shuffle off to the realms of Fire for all we can do to stop you. If you are going to go, at least let people know you're going. That's all. Your father's upset, Darlina's a mess and everyone else is worried."
[20:12] <Janson> "And little Namor just wouldn't stop talking about you! He's dying to hear what sort of adventures you've had since you left," Janson continues laying it on. "Of course, I think he was just being brave so as to not upset his poor distraught mother..." he shakes his head mournfully.
[20:21] <Kotono> Ipalun twitches, rubbing his forehead and then outright facepalming. "I would think..." He starts slowly, quiet as he starts to gain volume, "That my dear family and friends would hire someone who wouldn't rely on emotional blackmail." He glares at both coldly, "Logic is far more powerful a tool."
[20:24] <Janson> "You might be made of water, but your heart's made of stone," Janson grins back, unashamed. "Come on, it'd take a couple of hours out your life to write a proper letter or to have given them a proper goodbye in the first place, and that'd put to rest the worries of all your friends. Isn't that logical?"
[20:26] <Kotono> "I'm about to go to see one of my instructors," Ipalun glowers at the two, starting to step forward, "I really don't have time for this right now."
[20:28] <Janson> "Sure, that's fine," Janson steps back to give him room. "We'll be in Dewfrost another day anyway. Why don't you put some time aside tonight to write home and we can pick it up for delivery tomorrow?"
[20:28] <Kotono> "Fine," Ipalun exhales and sighs, "Tomorrow it is."
[20:29] <Janson> "Great!" Janson beams approvingly. "Enjoy learning how to logically contribute to Pallanth!" he waves, starting back towards the stairs.
[20:41] <Kotono> Sylvie follows with a pleasant smile, "Well, that was easy enough," she says, "I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop."
[20:42] <Janson> "It would've been hard if we'd been hell bent on dragging him back to Chyral, but why would we?" Janson asks with a shrug. "Besides, this way we get another day's pay and we can bill Oolu for staying in the nicest place we can find in Dewfrost," he grins.
[20:45] <Kotono> "I knew there was a reason I liked you," Sylvie grins back, "Let's go!" OOC: Content to move a long a little bit?
[20:46] <Janson> OOC: sure
[20:55] <Kotono> The night passes. Come the morning light you awaken, coming to awareness. You meet Sylvie downstairs, finding her animately talking with an elf. He has black hair and wears a forest green cloak. His face is a smile, elven ears long. His eyes are a pale blue.
[20:57] <Janson> Funny, he'd never really taken Sylvie for an early riser. Bidding Sylvie and her friend good morning, he makes sure to procure something nice for breakfast from the innkeep before joining them.
[21:00] <Kotono> The elf rises and offers his hand out to Janson as he approaches, "It's been some small time," he greets with a jaunty smile, "But it heartens me to see you tamed the ley-lines."
[21:03] * Janson accepts the handshake. "That we did," he agrees, peering at the elf thoughtfully for a moment, trying to place him...
[21:03] <Janson> roll 1d20+8 spot vs disguise?
[21:03] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20+8 spot vs disguise? and gets 22." [1d20=14]
[21:04] <Kotono> It looks like an elf, not a disguise. Janson's dead sure of it. Yet his words sound familiar, his diction and voice reminding you of Grithalek.
[21:05] <Janson> OOC: that could've been my listen check, then!
[21:06] <Janson> "Grithalek?" Janson narrows his eyes. It fits, since there were no elves there, and he did say he'd be going to Northern Pallanth.
[21:07] <Kotono> "Superb ears on you? Or merely good logic?" His grin is flawless as he returns to sitting, "Return to my homeland has proven to be surprisingly difficult, and when the inevitable fate brought me across the Logicum, who was I to resist such a chance?"
[21:08] <Janson> "Little bit of both," Janson shrugs, taking a mouthful of porridge as he sits alongside Sylvie. "You look like you've lost weight. That plus shaving the beard," he nods without a trace of irony.
[21:10] <Kotono> "Oh this?" With a gesture at his body, "A glamer to prevent misunderstandings." Lowering his voice, "Better to fit in rather than stand out. I would hate to so disturb the racial tranquility of Dewfrost with my proper apperance." After a moment, "So Whimisical Sweets was sent to find Ipalun?"
[21:15] <Janson> "Yeah. I can relate with wanting to get out of the dull old hometown, but he really should have told them where he was going," Janson nods. "Speaking of racial tranquility, I've been pleasantly surprised by how nice people are here. The last elf I met was all about killing humans and turning them into pixies as revenge for us apparently 'corrupting' elves away from their fey roots. Glad to see lunatics like that are a sad minority."
[21:15] <Janson> "Oh, shouldn't say lunatics," he appends after a second. "Psychotics, go with that."
[21:22] <Kotono> "The elves are quite harmonious and welcoming, minus a certain mild xenophobia." Grithalek continues from there, "I do think that the fey influence amid them is exasperating certain...disagreeable tendencies. Such is why I joined the Logicum, to ensure unstable elves such as that are held in check."
[21:24] <Janson> "Yeah. I like fey, but the ones back home concern themselves with looking after nature. I think when they try to instigate social change it just causes more harm than good judging by the reactions I've seen," Janson agrees. "So are you a student or are you the new instructor we heard about yesterday?"
[21:26] <Kotono> "The latter," He goes on, "Logical forms come easily to my people, I find that my study of wizardly magic and it's patterns only magnifies my mastery of the logical arts. Ipalun is one of my students...quite a gifted one, despite his racial heritage, I must say. At times a child is the exact opposite of his pater, Ipalun exemplifies this possibility."
[21:29] <Janson> "That's what everyone in Chyral said as well. What was it? Oolu is warm moving water, Ipalun is stubborn unmoving ice?" Janson thinks back to Namor's words. "Seems to fit. But even cold logical sorts can't ignore the people around them. I hope he hasn't just written some lazy 'I'm fine' letter back for everyone."
[21:43] <Kotono> "He should. It's only logical that he prevents his family from doing something rash otherwise," Grithalek says. After a moment to digest that, "I was just talking to Sylvie here about Whimisical Sweets. Tell me, do you take jobs from outside of Balmuria?"
[21:45] <Janson> "We haven't before," Janson admits, "We'd need to charge extra for portal costs if we did - why, you looking to hire?"
[21:47] <Kotono> "I may be in the future," He says, "For now I'm not, but I'm keeping my options open."
[21:49] <Janson> "Well, come over to Balmuria and speak to Josa if you do. I guess you don't have to pay to teleport around, at least," Janson smiles good naturedly.
[21:51] <Kotono> "Ah, my heritage does have it's benefits," Hea grees jovially, reaching into his shirt. A letter is withdrawn, "He's Ipalun's letter, I had him draft it last night."
[21:53] <Janson> "You had to actually nag him to do it?" Janson's face falls as he accepts the letter. "I can tell this was no labour of love..."
[21:53] <Janson> roll 1d20+8 sense motive, we've been talking a while, any hunches or bad vibes?
[21:53] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20+8 sense motive, we've been talking a while, any hunches or bad vibes? and gets 28." [1d20=20]
[21:55] <Kotono> "Indeed," Grithalek says heavily, then reaching in again. He comes out with a nondescript brown sack after, "Also, as a token of my appreciation and friendship to Whimisical Sweets," he offers the bag to Janson.
[21:56] <Janson> "Oh, you really didn't have to!" Janson blurts out, nonetheless peeking into the bag for a look while quickly trying to come up with a reciprocal gift.
[21:58] <Kotono> The bag looks impossibly deep, but Janson yet sees the glint of gold inside. Sylvie blink-blinks at it, as Grithalek grins. "All of you ensured my continued existance. Friends help friends out. Within is some quantity of gold, and the bag itself is known as a bag of holding. Useful for people in your sort of work, or so I've divined."
[22:00] <Janson> "Oh, this is fantastic!" Janson agrees. "You really didn't have to, I mean, you helped us by telling us what your old master was up to with the ley lines anyway. We'll definitely put it to good use - I know Aaeru, Andrea, Wayland, and Simmer will all be delighted as well. Here," he goes into his backpack, taking out the healing nectar and placing it on the table before Grithalek, "It's not
[22:00] <Janson> much in comparison, but you'll never taste a sweeter healing potion. Josa knows his candy, you can be sure of that."
[22:10] <Kotono> The nectar is taken, "It's the least I can do," he says gracefully, rising up, "Until we meet again."
[22:12] <Janson> "Look after Ipalun, and watch out for giant elves," Janson returns pleasantly, waving Grithalek off and turning to Sylvie once he's gone. "Nice guy. So, do you want to do anything around Dewfrost still or should we go home?"

[Corwin]

[21:07] <Kotono> Sylvie considers a bit, "You know," she says, "Aren't the fey," her voice is kept down, "Supposed to be common around here? How about we see if we can find some? Both for your interest and to see if any of them know the Phoenix Keeper?"
[21:09] <Janson> "I doubt we'd find any in the town here, but we're surrounded by wild forest..." Janson muses. "Exploring for a few hours could be fun even if we don't find any. Lets pack up some food and head out, then?" he suggests, finishing off his hearty breakfast in a hurry.
[21:13] <Kotono> Thus the two depart into the chilly morning, going out to find fey! (More)
[21:13] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:13] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 19." [1d100=19]
[21:13] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:13] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 72." [1d100=72]
[21:13] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:13] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 97." [1d100=97]
[21:17] <Kotono> You wander about the morning. The forest is thick and untamed here, occasionally growing colder in places. In these little patches ice hangs on the trees, frosty mist surrounding them. At other times you find colorful lights dancing int he forest, just at the edge of your vision. By about noon you've well wandered about, and yet...it wasn't there a moment ago, but now a path is before you.
[21:17] <Kotono> A path through the forest ahead, as if trod well by animals.
[21:18] * Janson knows well about will o wisps back home and so isn't lured in by colourful lights! But a path such as this... could be interesting! "I've got a good feeling about this way," he points it out for Sylvie, starting to lead the way down it.
[21:20] <Kotono> Sylvie follows. As she does so, keeping pace with you, "It's like the books say. Trackless forest, things that have no need for buildings or civilization. If not for Dewfrost, there wouldn't be a city in miles and miles and trackless miles."
[21:22] <Janson> "It's like that East of Balmuria too, except warmer," Janson notes with an easy smile. "I should take you exploring Merdlain sometime. All sorts of secrets in those woods."
[21:26] <Kotono> "Warmer is good," Sylvie smiles and rubs her arms. As you walk along you notice the air is getting colder. Ice patches can be seen on the trees ahead, your breath misting in the air.
[21:27] * Janson pulls his cloak tighter in response to the chill. "It's getting chillier, isn't it?" he drifts closer to the blonde as they go.
[21:32] <Kotono> "It is," Sylvie agrees, as you find more and more trees freezing over. "Something must be lowering the temperature by magical or supernatural means. Any idea?"
[21:34] <Janson> roll 1d20+10 nature, fey that might do that?
[21:34] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20+10 nature, fey that might do that? and gets 25." [1d20=15]
[21:40] <Kotono> roll 1d20+11 (+2 factotum) Sylvie's roll
[21:40] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 (+2 factotum) Sylvie's roll and gets 27." [1d20=16]
[21:44] <Janson> "I can't hear any pipes... doubt it's frost pipers. Frostwind viragos usually prefer mountains to forests... of course that's assuming it's a fey at all. Probably lots of other creatures that could do it, or it might even just be an elf wizard or druid," Janson muses, continuing on. "Or it might be an environmental thing rather than a creature - like those ley lines."
[21:46] <Kotono> "All of those crossed my mind," Sylvie agrees, as the path itself becomes icy. As Sylvie starts to step more carefully, "There's nothing to narrow it down, I thought you might have got something."
[21:47] <Janson> "Great minds think alike!" Janson laughs, taking Sylvie's hand so they can steady each other on the more treacherous path. "If it is a frostwind virago then we ought to run like hell, though."
[21:53] <Kotono> "Fast as we can," Sylvie murmurs as you carefully continue on, balancing on the slippery ground. As you walk you come to a lake. Here several frozen waterfalls plunge suspended floes of ice into a great icy lake. Lying on this lake is a titanic thing at rest. It is white as snow, it's body covered in what looks like new fallen snow. The form of a dragon, yet it has the wings of a butterfly-fairy.
[21:53] <Kotono> It's eyes are spirals of a winter storm, forever showing a midnight blizzard.
[21:55] <Janson> roll 1d20+10 arcana, what kind of dragon?
[21:55] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20+10 arcana, what kind of dragon? and gets 22." [1d20=12]
[21:55] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4 Sylvie
[21:55] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 Sylvie and gets 14." [1d20=10]
[21:57] <Janson> "Jannath... a fairy white dragon?" Janson gasps, not having expected to see this so close to Dewfrost. But why's it lying like that? Is it injured? Sealed? Just resting?
[22:00] <Kotono> The dragon makes no reply nor does it move at all. Sylvie stops, "Hello?" she calls, yet the dragon does nothing.
[22:00] * Janson sweeps his gaze over the wyrm for any dweomers active on it...
[22:02] <Kotono> There is strong magic on the dragon and around it. OOC: Make spellcraft.
[22:02] <Janson> roll 1d20+11
[22:02] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20+11 and gets 18." [1d20=7]
[22:06] <Kotono> Janson can't make out the magic, but it's damned potent stuff.
[22:07] <Janson> "There's some sort of powerful magic on and around the dragon," Janson tells Sylvie. "I wonder if it's been sealed here?" he starts to approach the frozen lake, staying out of the magical aura that surrounds the dragon and looking around. Maybe if he's lucky he can find some animals that live here and could tell him how the dragon ended up here?
[22:17] <Kotono> "Could be..." Sylvie murmrus as she kneels at the edge of the lake, inspecting. The edges of the lake are relatively animal free - nothing's immediately nearby with a casual glance. As you look about, you can notice one thing. IN a few places the lake's ice isn't so thick, turning transparent. Below you can see the glitter of gold, sparkling.
[22:19] <Janson> "A lake of gold?" Janson finds himself looking heavenwards. "Jannath, this feels like a sign to me." Since there aren't any animals, he picks up a stone and slides it across the lake, seeing if anything happens when it passes through the magical field, although he takes care to have it go past the dragon rather than hit it.
[22:20] <Kotono> Sylvie is peering down, "You see that?" she says, "Is it the dragon's hoard?" Meanwhile the stone slides across the surface! It stops about five feet from the dragon, as if it ran into a hard wall.
[22:23] <Janson> "I suppose it could be that as well. But remember those ley lines? Jannath said that the we would find their nexus at the lake of gold, and we did. Maybe this is something similar?" Now he charges up an eldritch blast, his fist glowing orange before he hurls an amber sphere over the dragon's head to see if it splashes off a barrier or freezes in place upon striking the magic field.
[22:25] <Kotono> An eldritch blast is fired! It comes close to the dragon before impacting an unseen barrier, stopped cold. "Oh yes, I remember the story of that now."
[22:27] <Janson> "Looks like a wall of force or something around it," Janson furrows his brow and rubs his hands together. "Lets circle around first to see if there's any gaps at all, if not then we can try melting the ice to see what that gold is?"
[22:27] <Kotono> Sylvie nods, the two doing a long loop of the lake. You don't find any gaps in it - every blast is stopped cold that you try.
[22:30] <Janson> Getting Sylvie to help him gather some firewood, Janson then builds up a small mound over some thin ice where gold is seen below, and proceeds to ignite it through judicious rubbing together of sticks.
[22:32] <Kotono> With some work a fire is started. The ice begins to melt, giving way!
[22:33] <Janson> Initially sticking close to warm himself by the fire, Janson backs off once it starts thinning the ice underneath it to ensure he doesn't fall in through the weakened cover, peering over so he can see down once the fire's burnt all the way through and doused itself.
[22:55] <Kotono> This opens up a workable hole. Below you can see the glitter of gold - great heaps of gold, metal and treasure lie deep within the embrace of cold water. Thousand and tends of thousands of marks must lie there, all within visual sight!
[22:57] <Janson> Janson's eyes widen. "Definitely a hoard. But why would someone lock up the dragon like this and not claim this for themselves?" he asks suspiciously.
[22:58] <Kotono> "If someone could defeat the dragon, then yes. Why?" Sylvie agrees, "Which means...either we're so lucky that we're Tymora's children, or...it's a trap of some sort, or a lure."
[23:01] <Janson> "Tymora might like us, but this is pushing it," Janson steps back from the hole in the ice. "I'm certain this is a trap... or maybe some sort of test of character. What if the dragon set this up intentionally?"
[23:02] <Kotono> "Then if we go for the hoard, we're dead or worse," Sylvie takes a step back, "I hear dragons often set up elaborate lairs, traps and situations to apply their super-human intellect to the world, and to stave off boredom."
[23:05] <Janson> "And pixies often 'test' people they find deep in the woods to see if they're trustworthy enough to reveal themselves to. Since this is part dragon and part fey, there's no telling what." Janson frowns in thought, "But we never will know unless we get an explanation." Wondering if the barrier might react differently to living creatures than it would to magic and objects, he skirts a wide
[23:05] <Janson> path around the hole and approaches the barrier, taking his glove off for a moment and attempting to tap it.
[23:06] <Kotono> Janson feels a solid barrier, stopping his contact cold. It's hard and unyielding, but not painful to touch.
[23:07] * Janson replaces his glove then, not wanting to endure the cold any longer than he has to. "Hmm... how high up does it go anyway?" he grabs the rock he skimmed earlier and throws it high up in a parabolic path to land on the dragon's back.
[23:07] <Kotono> As it goes up and is about to cross over to the dragon's space, the rock is deflected away.
[23:08] <Kotono> "Looks to be fairly comprehensive," Sylvie says, keeping up with Janson. She throws another, to the same effect. "So what do we do? Nothing's stopping us from leaving or from doing something different."
[23:08] <Janson> "Very high," Janson concludes. Then, on a sudden whimsy, he tries seeing if he can climb the invisible wall as easily as a normal wall. "I hate to leave without figuring just what's going on here."
[23:09] <Kotono> OOC: Make a climb check.
[23:10] <Janson> roll 1d20+2 i learned this invocation so I wouldn't have to!
[23:10] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20+2 i learned this invocation so I wouldn't have to! and gets 14." [1d20=12]
[23:12] <Kotono> Janson scurries right on up! He climbs and climbs and climb, getting a good thirty feet over the dragon's highest point before finding it makes a sharp dome over top of it.
[23:13] * Janson goes to stand in the centre of the dome directly above the dragon and jumps up and down a few times. If nothing happens to that he at least takes advantage of the height to look out over the rest of the forest to see what he can see.
[23:15] <Kotono> It's pretty stable - nothing happens. From here you can see the tree tops, a long ring of frosted trees before the forest proper resumes. The waterfalls that frozenly crash into the lake seem to conjure up from nothing about 50 feet away from the lake.
[23:17] <Janson> "Nothing doing!" Janson calls down as his jumping fails to do anything, climbing back down. "But you see those waterfalls? It looks like they just appear out of nowhere. Want to try climbing up that way and seeing if we can find anything there?"
[23:20] <Kotono> "Sure," Sylvie says, falling in step with Janson, "Any other ideas if that doesn't bring up anything? I have a few - we could try making an offering to the dragon, tossing a bit of gold into that hole. We could try and find another fey or animal as close to here as possible for information. If those don't work, we could try consulting sources of draconic lore, though that requires leaving
[23:20] <Kotono> an dfinding this place again eventually."
[23:22] <Janson> "I couldn't see any animals by the lake but I'll keep my eyes open. That offering seems like a good idea, though - lets try it now before checking the waterfall source?" he fishes in his pocket for a gold coin and hands it to Sylvie. "Want to do the honours?"
[23:28] <Kotono> Sylvie shrugs and takes the coin, tossing it into the hole in the lake! As it sinks the ground shakes ever so slightly, then nothing else happens.
[23:29] <Janson> "Uh... maybe it wants more?" Janson hazards, looking to see if that shake corresponded with any alteration in the magic hereabouts.
[23:30] <Kotono> The magic doesn't look any different to Janson's eyes.
[23:30] <Kotono> "Could, if you want to risk gold on it," Sylvie says, "To be honest, I figured that if anything can curry a dragon's favor, it's treasure."
[23:31] <Janson> On the off chance, Janson takes out ten marks from Grithalek's bag and streams them into the lake from his palm.
[23:32] <Kotono> The coins cause more shaking! The dragon's body visibly stirs at this, moving ever so slightly as the ground quakes!
[23:34] <Janson> Not even thinking about what they'll do when the dragon does wake up, Janson drops in another ten coins!
[23:37] <Kotono> The dragon stirs yet more! It's reptilian face rises off the ground. A smile is on it's face, absolutely heart stopping. It sits up, body stretching out! The barrier turns transparently visible for a moment, before shattering under the assault from inside! IT's wings flare out, sending newfallen snow all about into the sky. It begins to fall, as if a gentle snowstorm has begun. Now it's head
[23:37] <Kotono> comes close, blizzard-eyes studying Janson and Sylvie. "Good mannered humans, you have stumbled onto my domain."
[23:39] * Janson grins and squeezes Sylvie's hand. "It was Sylvie's idea to make an offering, until then we were really puzzled to find you the way we did. I'm Janson," he offers happily in return.
[23:40] <Kotono> "I'm Sylvie," She takes a very deep breath, bowing to the dragon. "Instead of taking your treasure, we assumed that it would be more respectful to offer our own little contribution."
[23:45] * Janson belatedly echoes Sylvie's bow!
[23:50] <Kotono> The dragon looks to both before settling back. It's voice is commanding, as yet more snow falls from above. The skies darken, a snowstorm beginning in earnest. "You are a pact-bound human...the Seelie fey favor you." He pronounces, "Farther to the east, where the land is snowbound eternal and in the shadow of the great mountains, lies a Diamond Egg. Bring this to me and I will invigorate
[23:50] <Kotono> your pact."
[23:52] <Janson> This sounds awesome! All but bouncing on his heels in enthusiasm, Janson glances towards the East, "If you can help me master the magic of my heritage, I'd be glad to. How will I find this egg, though? Where is its nest?"
[23:53] <Kotono> Sylvie raises an eyebrow at that, but keeps her own council.
[23:58] <Kotono> "Buried under the snows lies a scar in the snows, hidden away. That scar leads to Kal-Venna, where the Diamond Egg rests. To find it you will need the feather of a roc as the needle of a compass, blessed by Auril.""
[00:00] <Janson> "Sounds like it might take me some time to pull everything together, but I'd guess that time is something you have plenty of?" Janson smiles nervously at the dragon. "If I can find a way, though, I'll return here with the egg."
[00:01] <Kotono> "Very much time," The dragon agrees, "I will wait and see if you return."
[00:02] <Janson> This sounds like a dismissal, so Janson is about ready to leave unless Sylvie has more to say. But one more question from himself! "Before we go, might we know your name, blessed dragon?"
[00:03] <Kotono> "Snowarul."
[00:05] <Janson> "Glad to have met you, Snowarul. Until we meet again," he bows and starts to back away.
[00:06] <Kotono> Sylvie follows, the two retreating! As they go back and away from the massive wyrm, heading back into the forest, "Back to town, then we'll talk," Sylvie asks.
[00:07] <Janson> "We're not going to top that so we might as well go back," Janson agrees. "We probably ought to deliver Ipalun's message too, rather than chancing our luck out here."
[00:14] <Kotono> Once you get back to Dewfrost and warmed up, Sylvie takes some time to rest. As you sit in a tavern and sip warmed, spicy wine, "So...interested in chasing that at all? Think it's worth it?"
[00:18] <Janson> "I get to learn more about my heritage, likely gain more power, explore the frontier of the world and a mysterious forgotten realm, and probably pick up some treasure along the way? What's not to like!" Janson grins as he warms himself up. "Only problem is that it'll surely be dangerous enough for me to need extra help, and it's not a paying job so Josa won't like it." He sips at his wine,
[00:18] <Janson> smiling at how it warms his chest. "I think I'll pick at it to start with - next time a job takes us to the Galkass Mountains I can look for roc feathers, and then see if anything leads towards a priestess of Auril. No sense worrying about the rest until I have my magic compass, after all."
[00:20] <Kotono> "At the least we need everyone's help,
[00:20] <Kotono> OOC: Gah.
[00:21] <Kotono> "At the least we need everyone's help,' Sylvie says, "A lot of preparation to make it work safely. No way just the two of us try this. I think..." she pauses, "How about we talk to everyone about it and feel things out? Odds are there might be something valuable besides just a Diamond Egg there."
[00:24] <Janson> "Kal-Venna sounds like some sort of lost city or something fantastic, I bet there's loads more," Janson agrees. "Maybe the salvage alone will be enough to hook Josa - Jannath knows he's gotten a ton from that already. Best to tell everyone so they can keep their eyes open for roc feathers and Aurilites, on the off chance."
[00:24] <Kotono> "Right," Sylvie says, "We'll need to do some research too...well, we'll have time since it sounds like the others will be away for awhile."
[00:26] <Janson> "Yeah. But before anything else, we really should get back over to Chyral to deliver that letter," Janson gets up. "Hope the water's warm back home..."
[00:26] <Kotono> OOC: Skip along?
[00:28] <Janson> OOC: yep
[00:31] <Kotono> The waters are indeed warm. You're all warmed up and clean by th etime you reach Chyral and Oolu. The latter is all smiles as he claps his hands together, "Oh, did you find him?"
[00:33] <Janson> "We did, he's at a place called the Logicum outside of Dewfrost, where people are taught logic and how to help Pallanth," Janson nods, holding a corked bottle that he's put the letter in to keep it from being ruined by the seawater. "He wasn't interested at all in coming back, unfortunately, but he seems really happy there and we talked him into writing a letter for everyone back home at
[00:33] <Janson> least."
[00:37] <Kotono> Oolu takes it, the water around the bottle retreating! A hole of air in the water, the letter taken out and read. "Mmm-hm..." Oolu murmurs as he reads. His expression drops into a neutral look as he lets out a long, burbling sigh. He corks the letter back up as the air pocket crumbles. "Well then," his smile is right back, "You did as best you could and up to the task," he goes and gives
[00:37] <Kotono> Janson's hand a good shake.
[00:40] * Janson gladly shakes Oolu's hand. "Would've been nice if he'd given more thought to the people he left behind, but at least he's safe and happy where he is," he offers commiseratingly.
[00:41] <Kotono> "You can't dam a stream forever, it will eventually follow it's path," Oolu says, "That's all there is to it."
[00:43] * Janson nods. "And at least we didn't have to get past any trolls or cultists to find him!" he adds. "As for payment, two day's work plus portals to and from Dewfrost and expenses, it comes to four hundred and sixty marks."
[00:46] <Kotono> "The city guard will take care of the payments," Oolu says, "Thanks."