038.2.2 Wayland

[Corwin]

[19:55] <Kotono> Simmer smiles, stepping out from behind Andrea as she goes. Once she's gone, "So hey," she announces, "Tomorrow for a funeral? Okay then, I'll be there. How do human funerals work?"
[19:57] <Kotono> "It depends entirely on the faith," Josa replies, "For Waukeen's followers you can buy the services you desire and many rituals. For Helm is a solemn honor guard march to the grave, for I have seen them doing so. For those without a particular faith, a simple burial sprinkled with holy water atop and a few prayer songs, I believe. That said, it depends on what Captain Xavier makes so, I
[19:57] <Kotono> daresay."
[19:57] <Wayland> "That sounds about right."
[19:58] <Kotono> "Well, isn't there cremation?" Simmer pipes up, "I did that once before, though I suppose I really can't here since there aren't any bodies," frowning a bit before she shrugs, and then sighs, "Yeah, it's a part of nature, but..." She goes and sits down, "It's not a great one, especially now that it looks differently to me."
[20:05] <Wayland> "Yes, unfortunately we could not carry the bodies from Hell and bring them back for a proper burial." Wayland shakes his head.
[20:11] <Kotono> "Too bad," Simmer murmurs. "You know what? We need to celebrate after all of this, don't we?"
[20:13] <Wayland> "The idea hadn't actually crossed my mind. Sorry, I've been a bit preoccupied."
[20:15] <Kotono> "That means," Simmer comes up, "You could use a few stiff drinks to cheer up. It works for all the drunks I've met so far," she says, "My treat."
[20:17] * Wayland shakes his head. "That's one of the few things I don't do. I've sworn off drink. I'll drink a water with you, if you like."
[20:27] <Kotono> Simmer's skin turns all goose-bumpy, but she nods. "Silver," she turns back and calls, "Bring us some water!"
[20:27] <Kotono> "Ah you swore off the grape and grain," Josa comes forward at that, "Had you before been ensorcelled by their hold?"
[20:28] <Wayland> "I've mentioned before that I was a stupid child once. I've done things that I regret. Some were fueled by drink, others were not. Not drinking solves most of that problem. Personal vigilance, the rest."
[20:30] <Kotono> "I'll not second guess your hard won wisdom, but neither will I deny the liberation and joy a good drink provides," Josa goes to sit down heavily, "Yet as surely as one is taken, a second and a third find their way down your gullet with remarkable stealth and tenacity."
[20:31] <Wayland> "Yes, I rather noticed that as well."
[20:35] <Kotono> Silver comes up, balancing a tray much bigger than her with both hands! Atop it are glasses of water, a nasty look shot at Simmer and then Josa. "Okay, fatass here I can understand since the stairs groan when he goes up them," she notes, "But you're in perfect shape and your legs work, Simmer!"
[20:36] * Wayland barely conceals a smile.
[20:38] <Kotono> "Silver, such words are unbecoming of a sweet nature spirit such as yourself!" Josa remands, "Have you no dignity to resist such vemoned, sour words?"
[20:39] <Kotono> Simmer just grins, "Yeah well, just because I can go anywhere now means I want to walk all the time." she sits down, passing on the water. Instead she raise an imaginary cup, "To Branna and Noel."
[20:43] * Wayland raises his cup. "To Branna and Noel, wherever they are."
[20:48] <Kotono> Josa takes his own and raises it, "May they have found the hidden trail to the Elf-Father's kingdom," he pronounces, bowing his head. "I will have to dedicate and name the next candy I create after them."
[20:49] <Wayland> "Ha!" Wayland barks. "I think they'd like that."
[20:52] <Kotono> "Branna's Liquid Sugar Courage," Josa says after amoment, "Yes I could design such, perhaps."
[20:58] <Kotono> "Cheers to that," Simmer says, then she frowns and shakes her head, "So when will we go back to taking jobs?"
[20:58] <Wayland> "After the funeral arrangements, I think. Maybe after Andrea gets back from wherever she's going."
[20:59] <Kotono> "Within the week," Josa says, "A day for the funeral and a few days of recovery is inevitable." Josa says, "But we cannot lie idle for long. I need a few days to concoct a huge batch of healing nectars."
[21:02] <Kotono> "In that case," Simmer gets up, "Going to head for the Inferno. A long hot soak in the heat sounds good now."
[21:04] <Wayland> "Have a good time, then." Wayland nods.
[21:06] <Kotono> Once Simmer is gone, Josa again looks to Wayland, "A fivepenny for your thoughts?"
[21:08] <Wayland> "I've been wondering if there was something more I could have done, more that I could do." Wayland sighs. "I was fortunate enough to get the chance to come back from death, and here are my friends, two people I likely saved from a life of petty crime, dead in horrific ways."
[21:09] <Wayland> "But they have been dead for over a week now, and we don't have their bodies. I don't know how or even if I could have them brought back...or if they would even want it."
[21:12] <Kotono> "'tis a good question. What I know of how the Realms Beyond works suggests they are where their mortal deeds directed them to. I know most that pass beyond the Well of Souls do not return, even if called. Beyond that...I know little and less." He drinks his water, "Perhaps a cleric can answer your questions better than I, and provide the knowledge you crave?"
[21:16] <Wayland> "That's...not a bad idea, actually. I hadn't thought of that. Thanks, Josa." Wayland nods, pushing himself to his feet.
[21:18] <Kotono> "Good luck," he offers, Wayland going off!
[21:23] <Kotono> The walk to the House of Suffering progresses. At first there is the splendor of the Commerce Quarter, streets with merchants and the faithful of Waukeen give way to the quieter streets of the Old City. Stone buildings become the norm, the wealth fading away with every block you walk. The people here wear the clothing of the peasantry, often giving Wayland's blue skin long looks. About four
[21:23] <Kotono> blocks away from the House of Suffering, he sees a procession of people clustered ahead around something, blocking easy access further on.
[21:25] <Wayland> Curious, Wayland goes to investigate!
[21:49] <Kotono> Coming closer, you can hear sounds. The meaty sounds of fists on flesh, cries of battle. The crowd cheers at it, though what's happening is hidden from your gaze at the moment due to the throngs.
[21:53] <Wayland> "What the hell?" Wayland mumbles, going forward and pushing people aside. "Let me through!"
[21:55] <Kotono> The crowd is surprisingly resistant, packed in and watching! OOC: Make a quick str check?
[21:58] <Wayland> roll 1d20+3 strength check, they better hope I make this check
[21:58] * Hatbot --> "Wayland rolls 1d20+3 strength check, they better hope I make this check and gets 7." [1d20=4]
[21:59] <Kotono> While the crowd has some force, a minimal application of strength is enough for Wayland to break through! You can see it now - two men, going at it! Two dirty men, scuffed up and bloodied! They're currently beating the everliving fuck out of each other, pounding away savagely!

[Corwin]

[19:11] <Wayland> Somehow surprised tht this would happen here, Wayland looks to his left and asks, "What's all this then?"
[19:12] <Kotono> A goodwoman nods back to Wayland, "Old Rick is sleeping with Milligan's wife," she says with a sniff.
[19:16] <Wayland> "Oh. Seems a bit...over the top for that, doesn't it?"
[19:18] <Kotono> The two stagger back and forth! One man, with tousled black hair, falls toa  knee! The other delivers a knee to the fallen man' chin, sending him down! He pounces on him, pounding him into the cobblestones! "You don't sleep with another man's wife," The woman gives you a sharp look, "Gotta settle it."
[19:23] * Wayland shrugs. "I suppose. I've never been married before, so I wouldn't really understand. Still, perhaps they should break it up before the guard gets involved for a murder?"
[19:28] <Kotono> As the downed man is plummeled at last he goes limp! The standing man wobbles and relents, standing. Beneath him is a beaten, bloodied mess. He spits down on his defeated enemy, a spray that's mostly blood. "Sleep with whoever the fuck I want," he staggers back as he speaks, wobbling on his feet! "Old Rick ain't that dumb." The goodwoman says, as she steps forward. "Alright, you won, Rick,"
[19:28] <Kotono> she gives him a glance, "Get your ass outta here before the Guard comes 'round. Couple of the menfolk, get over here. We'll get him over to the House of Suffering.""
[19:32] <Wayland> "I'm headed there myself. I'll give you a hand." Wayland offers.
[19:34] <Kotono> "Thanks," The goodwoman says, as a couple of men come forward. With them you lift up the beaten Milligan, the goodwoman coming along. "You know who's in there today? Haven't seen Aaeru 'round there lately, so it's probably Croger, Sinnah or that rich girl."
[19:34] <Wayland> "I'm seeking Croger, and Aaeru has been busy lately. We all have. We've been...out of town."
[19:37] <Kotono> "You know 'em, eh?" The goodwoman says as you lug the beaten Milligan on towards the House of Suffering. On going inside you find Sinnah is there, tending to several of the ill. She looks up, "Ah, please put him on one of the pallets," she says as she approaches, looking to Wayland, "Wayland, I believe?"
[19:38] <Wayland> "Hello again, Sinnah. This man and another had a disagreement over who got to sleep with who's wife, I believe. Is Croger in?"
[19:39] <Kotono> "He's out on personal business. I can help soothe him," she kneels, annointing his cheeks and forehead with dabs of water before laying her hands on his chest. Her eyes close in reverent prayer, "Take this man's pain away and cease is suffering, Great Martyr..." To this Milligan's bloody wounds partially mend, the worst of them fading away. He still looks worked over, but not like raw
[19:39] <Kotono> hamburger smashed too many times with a hammer.
[19:46] <Wayland> "Thanks. If you have a minute, I'd like to talk for a bit."
[19:46] <Kotono> Sinnah takes a few minutes to bandage the rest of wounds and adda nother prayer, which mends him a little further. Once done they slip to the other side of the House of Suffering, "Yes?" she asks gently.
[19:52] <Wayland> "You may have heard that our group from Whimsical Sweets was transported to Hell a bit more than a week ago. We lost some friends there, I personally lost two. I was wondering just what to do. I know that I was granted a second chance at life by Ilmater, but I wanted to know if there was anything that could be done for those we lost in Hell."
[19:56] <Kotono> "That is a question for Ilmater...and Croger, I believe." Sinnah bites down on her lip, "He'll be back within a few hours, he had to go on personal business."
[19:58] * Wayland nods. "I can wait. I'll assist you where I can while I'm here, if you like."
[20:02] <Kotono> The next few hours pass in tending to the sick. This includes Milligan, who slumbers off his beating. Come about three hours Croger returns, bowing his head in prayer once he enters the room. Thereafter he comes over to Sinnah and Wayland, "In Ilmater's name, a good day to you."
[20:06] <Wayland> "Same to you, Croger." Wayland says. "Welcome back. Do you have a minute to spare for me?"
[20:07] <Kotono> "Gladly," he says, "Your ordeal has ended. What of Aaeru's? Has she returned with you?"
[20:09] <Wayland> "Yes, she has. Unfortunately, we lost three men in thr process. That's why I'm here, really. I wanted to know if there was anything that could be done for them, as was done for me. I don't mean to impose on your good will or Ilmater's, but they didn't deserve to die there, not like that. They were good men."
[20:10] <Kotono> To this Croger nods, "I will pray on their behalf and beseech Ilmater to know." He says, "I pray that the will of Ilmater and that of the Gods returns them.  Though...what faith did they hold? If they worshipped others and it has been past a week, the choice may not lie in our hands."
[20:14] <Wayland> "I...don't know." Wayland shakes his head. "Brent was a paladin and a friend of Andrea's, but Noel and Branna...I never really asked."
[20:17] <Kotono> "The proper divinations can illuminate this," Croger continues, "Though if an spiritual entity holds their soul, it can also block these divinations. If they went to the Heavens then this is not likely, but a return is also unlikely. Few souls can remove themselves from the perfection of the Heavens."
[20:23] <Wayland> "I suppose...I just want to make sure they're ok and not still stuck in Hell. It wouldn't be right. Even if everything went well, we still need to secure funeral rites for Noel and Branna. Andrea is seeing to Brent's through his father, I think."
[20:25] <Kotono> "They were Aaeru's friends as well?" Croger frowns as he bows his head in prayer again, "I will ask for guidance."
[20:26] * Wayland nods.
[20:29] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:29] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 27." [1d100=27]
[20:29] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:29] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 48." [1d100=48]
[20:29] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:29] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 33." [1d100=33]
[20:31] <Kotono> Croger is in prayer for much of the remaining afternoon. When he emerges from his communions he nods ot Wayland, "I have confirmed they are not in Hell, for Ilmater has shared this truth with me."
[20:34] * Wayland breathes a sigh of relief. "That's good. Don't suppose they're keen on coming back to fight the good fight?"
[20:36] <Kotono> "It is not likely. Of that I saw two visions...the first was a battlefield, of glory and endless warfare by day and revelry by night. The second was an everchanging place, of meaningless and wild chaos. In both, I sensed a feeling of unity, of acceptance." He shakes his head back and forth, "It is most likely they have accepted their fate."
[20:41] <Wayland> "I see. Neither of those sound like what Ilmater's afterlife would be like. Would you still be willing to perform services for them?"
[20:42] <Kotono> Croger nods, "If it is desired, I will.If it in some small way salves the suffering of those left behind..."
[20:45] <Wayland> "I don't know if Noel and Branna left behind family. They just had us, I think."
[20:45] <Kotono> "Then I'll salve your sufferings," Croger smiles then, "When's the funeral?"
[20:52] <Wayland> "I hadn't gotten that far, really. There are no bodies, so it will mostly just be a memorial. Later today or tomorrow would be best, probably."
[20:53] <Kotono> "I'll be there," Croger promises.