002. "This is an art for women only."

[Corwin]

[19:42] <Kotono> With agreement made and the barkeep paid, the newly minted fivesome now stand outside of the Silverwick Tavern. Ahead of you stretches the endless Astral Plane. In a low voice, "Vul'lath the Twice-Spoken is supposed to have the information we need. He resides in the Githyanki city of Dul'than."
[19:43] <Afina> "Anyone know how to get there?" Afina asks in response.
[19:45] <Kotono> To this Adrian gestures ahead, "In the Astral, we just think of our destination and fly towards there. It will take time, as much as time matters here, but we'll reach it."
[19:45] * Willim shrugs. "Sound easy to me."
[19:49] <Kotono> roll 1d10
[19:49] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d10 and gets 2." [1d10=2]
[19:49] <Afina> Being functionally immortal, Afina hardly cares about the passing of time, even if her oft frenetic pace sometimes lends the illusion of impatience. "Dul'than it is, then," she agrees setting off.
[19:51] <Kotono> Thus the party takes off and along! Time does not pass, yet events flow. You continue on the endless expanse for a time, until to the left of the party. The Astral's silver glow darkens, a wind starting to blow and rustle your clothing and hair.
[19:52] <Afina> "Storm?" Afina queries, tightening her grip on her sack and looking to the left.
[19:52] <Jaela> roll 1d20+19
[19:52] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 1d20+19 and gets 25." [1d20=6]
[19:53] <Kotono> roll 1d20+13
[19:53] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+13 and gets 24." [1d20=11]
[19:54] * Jaela doesn't waste any time in yelling, "Run!" and willing herself to flee away from said storm at top speed!
[19:54] <Kotono> Adrian grunts, casting a look in that direction. With a muttered curse under his breath, "What she said! Hurry, as fast as you can, or we'll be caught up in it!"
[19:55] <Afina> Haste immediately settles over the party and Afina high-tails it after Jaela!
[19:55] * Ithea takes the advice easily, and does her best to flee as well!
[19:55] * Willim looks out, peering at the darker area without understanding. He blinks a bit at the sudden alarm in his two comrades, hurrying after them as fast as he can.

[19:55] <Kotono> OOC: List your astral speeds in here, all.
[19:56] <Afina> OOC: 190 (220 with haste)
[19:57] <Jaela> OOC: 170 with Divine Vigor (200 with haste)
[19:57] <Ithea> OOC: 210 with haste
[20:01] <Willim> OOC: Base, update. Flying speed is 120.

[20:03] <Kotono> With all due haste and speed from flying like madmen, the darkness to your left fades away slowly! You feel a few gusting howls of silent wind, but they are soon a memory entirely! Once it's gone Adrian looses a sigh, "Far too close. I've been caught in one of those before, I was blown about like a child's doll in a summer storm."
[20:03] * Willim paddles up to the group through the air. "Flying is hard. Why you all so fast?"
[20:04] <Jaela> "Did it... do things to you?" Jaela can't help but ask him, squirming slightly.
[20:04] <Ithea> "...do things to him?" Ithea asks with a raised eyebrow.
[20:04] <Jaela> "The storm."
[20:05] <Afina> "What kind of storm was it?" Afina asks, seeing it recede. Real storms are no fun for fliers as small as pixies, and she knows nothing about astral ones.
[20:05] <Jaela> "A psychic one," Jaela responds with a grimace, still watching Adrian.
[20:06] <Willim> "Sy...kik?"
[20:06] <Ithea> "Ah," Ithea comments, understanding Jaela's comment a little better.
[20:06] <Kotono> "A psychic storm," His answer comes with a strange look at Jaela, "My mind was in tatters fors everal hours, I barely remember the time. I've heard stories of much worse."
[20:08] * Jaela nods curtly. "Dul'than awaits?"
[20:09] <Afina> "It might have been more than hours the way time works here," Afina tells Adrian as they pick up their journey. "You could have spent years recovering and would never know."
[20:09] <Kotono> "Yes," Adrian agrees, as the party takes to flight again, casting a look to Willim as well. "Psy-chic. Like the gith disciplines of mind power."
[20:10] * Willim nods. "Brain power. Not so good at that."
[20:12] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:12] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 18." [1d100=18]
[20:12] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:12] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 50." [1d100=50]
[20:12] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:12] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 82." [1d100=82]
[20:12] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:12] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 100." [1d100=100]
[20:15] <Kotono> Time 'passes', as much as time ever passes in the Silver Sea. You fly, you fly and you fly some more. Eventually, you see something ahead. It floats in the silvery voice, a chunk of land. It's not all that big - perhaps 500 ft square. A five story building sits there, like an oversized tower that resembles round layer cakes. It is the color of unworked brown fieldstone, shifting between shades.
[20:16] <Jaela> "Are you sure you know where we're going?" Jaela is forced to ask of their guide.
[20:16] * Afina hopes it's another tavern, she could use a drink and a break from the motonony. Thus she needs no invitation nor permission to start approaching it.
[20:17] <Kotono> "It's not a matter of that," Adrian turns back to her, a cool look, "It's simply that it takes as long as it takes. The Astral Plane isn't like traveling in Lifasa or any other plane."
[20:18] <Jaela> "It's about having a clear image of where you're going," Jaela agrees, before giving the building ahead a doubtful look. "Were you thinking of cake?"
[20:18] <Kotono> Afina approaches the tower! There is indeed a front door - it's a mess of wrought iron skillfully weaved together. Within it's curls is a plaque. OOC: What languages do you speak, Afina?
[20:18] <Willim> "Looks like cake." Willim agrees.
[20:18] <Afina> OOC: Common, Sylvan, Elven, Gnome, Auran, Aquan
[20:18] <Kotono> "I wasn't. I blame the storm - it must have been hungry." Adrian retorts, with just a hint of a smile.
[20:19] <Kotono> In Sylvan is written, "Come forth you who seek the art of the Graceful Blow."
[20:19] * Jaela snorts, and follows the pixie to the building.
[20:20] <Afina> "I think it's a fighting school. It could be useful to learn something," Afina declares, pulling the door open.
[20:20] * Jaela glances at that same plaque, before shrugging. "Why not?"
[20:20] <Willim> "Fighting!" Willim perks up, heading over.
[20:20] <Ithea> "A fighting school? Shaped like a cake shop? ...huh," Ithea mutters, though she does go join the other two, curiosity getting the best of her.
[20:24] <Kotono> The door is not locked! Within the air is warmer - like a balmy summer day. In dozens of pots plants of all sorts bloom. A cavalcade of color flares around you. From the cieling hand yet more, all of them at the height of flowering. The scent of nature replaces the dull nothing-scent of the Astral and the smell of your comrades. In the center is a twin stairway of wrought iron, winding upwards
[20:24] <Kotono> like the flight of a fairy. In the back sits a pond, where a woman sits. She is beautiful, soft white hair cascading down to the floor, as if it's never been cut. She wears a gown of the same color. As lillipads float on the pond they move in time to her voice. She sings in Sylvan, singing a song of nature's endurance.
[20:26] <Jaela> It already feels close enough to home that Jaela looks uncomfortable.
[20:27] <Kotono> Adrian stares a moment, closing his eyes. He sighs long, "What God of relief and sublime misery directed our steps here?"
[20:27] * Willim nods dully at his surroundings, reminded of home.
[20:28] * Afina feels her heart break as the scents recall her home, though at least the mostly potted plants are false enough for her eyes to be fully aware that this is no natural place. She floats closer to the singing woman, half wanting to lose herself in the song and in peace for a time, a slightly weaker half wanting to leave before it hurts too much.
[20:28] * Ithea enjoys the song and the atmosphere of the place, waiting for the song to end rather than interrupt with any questions.
[20:29] <Kotono> As the party watches, the woman rises. She comes forth, singing with all her heart...and sees the party! An eep escapes her lips, before in Common, "Ah!...oh, a pixie." With a long exhale before she looks to the others, "Are you visitors for Miss Elrisa?"
[20:29] * Willim grunts. "Who?"
[20:30] <Kotono> "Miss Elrisa is known as Elrisa, Knight of the Graceful Blow," The woman replies in a gentle voice, warmth in her words. "Have you come to learn true art?"
[20:30] <Jaela> "The plaque mentioned an art," Jaela voices. "The Graceful Blow?" It sounds like the right idea to introduce herself, and she places a hand on her chest and adds, "I'm Jaela."
[20:31] <Afina> "Hello," Afina bobs gently in the ether as she greets the woman. "We saw the sign. My name is Afina Gloaminggloom."
[20:32] <Ithea> "What is this Graceful Blow, out of curiosity?" Ithea asks curiously. Pausing she adds an introduction since the others have too, "I'm Ithea, by the way."
[20:33] <Willim> "Is fighting?" Willim asks, interested.
[20:34] <Kotono> "Ah." With an understanding smile, she gestures above, "Miss Elrisa teaches her art above. She is an artist of the blade, making art in the chaos of battle. The Graceful Blow is her style, where she dances with the wind. I am Misalea."
[20:35] <Ithea> "Nice to meet you. Your song was very captivating," Ithea says with a small smile.
[20:35] <Afina> That sounds a bit like Afina's style... she wonders if they might be able to teach each other a thing or two. "It's very nostalgic," she agrees softly with Ithea.
[20:36] <Jaela> It sounds interesting, and opportunity shouldn't really be squandered. "Will Elrisa see us?" she asks, focusing on the present and not the past.
[20:37] <Kotono> "She is above," Looking to the stairs, "If you wish to meet her, go."
[20:38] * Jaela inclines her head at Misalea, and proceeds up the stairs, taking care to step on them rather than fly the distance.
[20:38] * Afina nods and drifts up the stairs, a real fairy going up those winding stairs!
[20:39] * Willim looks around a bit more. "This place remind me of Lifasa. Where you get plants?"
[20:39] <Ithea> Figuring this graceful blow might be quite the sight, Ithea also follows upwards.
[20:40] <Kotono> With a warm smile, "Miss Elrisa brought them from her home." With a sad little smile as she goes to a set of daisies and smells them, "In this realm they never wilt or fade away. They are taken here at fullest bloom, to gain immortality as art."
[20:40] * Willim nods. "Is nice. Remind me of village before devils come."
[20:43] <Kotono> Up you go! The second floor is ahead, the stairs winding upwards as well. About here are mats and empty floor. Against one wall about ten women sit. Each is rather pretty, wearing the same dark blue silken leotard and hair ribbon. They sit and watch - one hardly has a chance to do more than notice them. They look at one thing - she dances about, going through the air. Her hair is long, brown
[20:43] <Kotono> tinted silver by the light. Her features are sublimely beautiful, her figure stunning. She dances with her eyes closed, long blade in her hands. You find your eyes glued to her performance, as she moves about! A graceful leap that is as much a step as a true leap, her blade slicing through the air!
[20:46] * Afina watches patiently, comparing this performance with her own talents in the fields of dancing and murder. Given the different scales of their bodies she's not likely to learn much she can practice herself by observing, but one never knows.
[20:46] * Jaela frowns, finally realizing what the style consists of. Can she really learn anything from a fellow knight that travels such a different path?
[20:47] * Willim scratches at his ropy hair and grunts. This is not quite what he was expecting.
[20:49] <Kotono> With a leap that crosses half the floor the dancer lands just in front of the party. In one smooth movement her blade is sheathed, opening her eyes. With a small smile and in a melodious voice, "Have you come to lear-" She stops and stares at Willim, "...... ...... ....." Her eyes widen enough to almost bulge out, a decidedly elven slant to them. "Aaaah...perhaps I can teach the three of you,
[20:49] <Kotono> but this is an art for women only."
[20:49] <Kotono> Adrian shakes his head, "I'll survive," he says, "I rely on power rather than distraction and guile. This is decidedly a woman's style; what need does a man have for it?"
[20:49] * Willim shrugs and sits down.
[20:50] * Ithea frowns at Adrian's words.
[20:52] <Jaela> "I'm Jaela," she introduces herself again, since it's only proper when addressing your host. "I don't know if I can move that fluidly. Can you still work with me, or would it be a waste?"
[20:53] <Kotono> Recovering in a flash and nodding to Jaela, "You'd need to learn to fight without your armor, it does nothing but holds you back. Armor prevents true grace; 'tis a man's invention for men slogging in bloody fields. A woman's grace has no need of it."
[20:53] <Kotono> Adrian rolls his eyes but remains silent, going to sit next to Willim.
[20:53] * Willim nods along with the woman. Armor is bulky and heavy!
[20:54] <Afina> "Our styles are similar," Afina states, floating closer. "I would teach you some of my ways in return," she offers, looking pained for a moment. "This goes against the ways of my people, but for all I know I'm the last one of them alive to make such decisions." Keeping secret about being from Lifasa is a bad idea given how she nearly missed meeting these four so recently, after all.
[20:55] <Jaela> "Last time I fought without it I went to Arvandor," Jaela says doubtfully, but she takes a quick glance around at her companions. It would probably be alright, if only for a short while?
[20:55] <Kotono> "Oh! I'm so sorry!" Elrisa gasps at those sad words, "I would love to compare against a pixie's style. Few go into a warrior's art, but those who do are invariably interesting."
[20:57] <Kotono> Leaning into whisper to Willim, "Let's go downstairs," he murmurs, "I feel like we're wholly undesired for this art."
[20:57] * Willim shrugs and lumbers to his feet.
[20:59] <Kotono> Rising as well, "We'll be downstairs in that garden," Adrian announces, going right on downstairs.
[20:59] <Afina> "All of us learned how to defend ourselves against most threats. Bel's horde was too much even for all our caution," Afina shrugs, drawing her tiny long-dagger from behind her back. "Perhaps a part of your style will help in eventually taking it back, Miss Elrisa. I am Afina Gloaminggloom, once of Queen Ilsenine's court."

[Corwin]

#t

[21:02] <Kotono> Downstairs you go. Misalea is back at the pond, singing in a softer voice. Adrian glances at her, and in a murmur, "Been awhile," he mutters softly, "You interested in that sort of girl?"
[21:03] * Willim gives Adrian a silent look that practically screams, "REALLY!?"
[21:05] <Kotono> That causes him to crack a grin, fishing a coin out. "Call it in the air. Winner gets to take the first shot at her. Loser goes out and stares at the Silver Sea or something."
[21:06] <Willim> "Girls no like me. You go ahead." Willim shakes his head, taking the coin out of Adrian's hand and pocketing it.
[21:07] <Kotono> With his grin still in place as he nods, "Good man," he says, going off to do just that! OOC: 1 silver gained. Go ahead and tell me what you're doing.
[21:09] * Willim decides that he doesn't like Adrian too much, and wanders off, looking for something not-boring.
[21:11] <Kotono> roll 1d20
[21:11] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 and gets 20." [1d20=20]
[21:11] <Kotono> roll 1d20+20
[21:11] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+20 and gets 25." [1d20=5]
[21:12] <Kotono> Willim goes outside. Really, there's not a lot to do outside as you meander about. Just this tower and the silver - hello. Around the back you find a wooden door set into the ground, a cellar entrance.
[21:14] * Willim blinks and heads over for a closer look.
[21:16] <Kotono> It's a simple cellar double-door. Painted wood, nothing exciting there. There isn't any sort of obvious lock on it.
[21:17] * Willim reaches over and gives the door a yank. Maybe they keep food or meat down there.
[21:18] <Kotono> It opens! A four rung ladder leads into what looks to be a small cellar. You'd have to go in to get more of a look.
[21:18] * Willim does so!
[21:21] <Kotono> It is indeed a small cellar. There's a few things down here. A box with no top has what folded blue leotards, matching ribbons with them. A weapon rack on one wall has various weapons set on it, most of them wooden or with obviously padded or blunted edges. A chest sits in one corner, closed and locked. Near it sits a few oaken barrels, taps on each one. Looks like booze barrels.
[21:24] <Willim> Alcohol is all fine and good, but where's the food!? The meat? Anything? Willim heads over to the chest, maybe that's where they keep their meat.
[21:28] <Kotono> The chest is locked. Opening it will require something extra.
[21:28] * Willim holds the chest to his ear and gives it a good shake!
[21:29] <Kotono> Willim can hear glassy and splashy things in there!
[21:31] * Willim frowns and drops the chest. No meat then. Ah well. At lease there's booze. He pops open a barrel and checks out what's inside!
[21:32] <Kotono> It's a strange, fluid blue liquid. It smells rather good - like aloe leaves and mint. It sort of looks like those potions clerics give out to heal wounds.
[21:35] * Willim feels disappointed. Potions? He closes up the barrel and checks another.
[21:37] <Kotono> The next barrel is strange - it's a strange green color, with flecks of yellow and blue within it. It smells a bit like booze, at least!
[21:37] * Willim scoops up a bit and tries it!
[21:38] <Kotono> OOC: Roll 1d100
[21:44] <Willim> roll 1d100
[21:44] * Hatbot --> "Willim rolls 1d100 and gets 11." [1d100=11]
[21:45] <Kotono> roll 1d6
[21:45] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d6 and gets 5." [1d6=5]
[21:46] <Kotono> Willim feels funny - his mind dulls a little bit. He feels a burden on him, his shoulders slumping down even more! OOC: PM.
[21:48] * Willim blinks groggily and glares at the barrel before tipping it over. Obviously not good. He gives up on this cellar, pulling himself back up the ladder and lumbering off. Kitchens, maybe?
[21:48] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:48] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 85." [1d100=85]
[21:48] <Kotono> roll 1d3
[21:48] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d3 and gets 1." [1d3=1]
[21:48] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:48] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 19." [1d100=19]
[21:50] <Kotono> As Willim heads up, there is a shudder! The entire chunk of land and tower seem to shake up and down!
[21:51] * Willim looks around.
[21:51] <Kotono> Nothing seems awry, despite the unexpected earthquake-like symptoms.
[21:52] * Willim shrugs and keeps walking.

[Corwin]

#d

[21:00] * Jaela has nothing to add to her own name, and instead gives Elrisa a slightly embarrassed look. "And I... need some help to take this off."
[21:01] <Kotono> "I am Elrisa, Knight of the Graceful Blow," she bows deeply and turns back, caling in Sylvan, "Students, you may recess for the day. Head upstairs and bathe." Thereafter she turns back and speaks in Common once more, "Bel?" A raise of an eyebrow, "I am deeply isolated from events here, Afina. What has transpired?"
[21:04] <Kotono> Elrisa comes over, clicking her tongue as the students pass by. "A woman should not be so encumbered. Your body must ache so to carry this wretched steel. Iron is for decoration, not to drag your body low." She starts to help, making sure the armor gets off.
[21:04] <Afina> "It was years ago - all of us hail from a world called Lifasa, even though we just recently met," Afina takes it on herself to explain. "The Gloaming Wood stood isolated and secure since the dawn of time, but fell in less than a day to the armies of Hell, no matter how many we slew. All it took was for Abigor to set foot on our soil and every tree, every flower, every shrub..." she closes her
[21:04] <Afina> eyes, losing herself in the memory, tightening her grip on the sword she holds until her knuckles turn white. "It was the same all over the world."
[21:08] <Jaela> "Mithral," Jaela corrects her, effeciently shedding what she has come to view as her second skin until she is left in white cotton tunic and pants, her hair pooling all around her.
[21:09] <Kotono> Elrisa shudders at that, "Horrid! Abigor...I know not the name, but it makes my skin crawl." She goes over to Jaela, running her hands gently through her hair, "Lovely. Why do you keep yourself so imprisoned in this steel? If you are willing to learn, I will show you the arts so that you never need to wear it again."
[21:10] <Jaela> "Because I didn't want to lose any limbs fighting devils," Jaela explains rather simply. Still, there is no harm in giving this training a chance.
[21:10] * Ithea just watches quietly, not joining the others, but not leaving for downstairs like the men.
[21:14] <Kotono> "You won't if you learn to fight properly," Elrisa says, keeping her voice soft and soothing. "A woman has to rely on other means of protecting herself, rather than a man's armor."
[21:14] <Afina> "Speed," Afina puts in curtly.
[21:15] <Kotono> "Speed is but one part," Elrisa smiles back at Afina, "An important part, but only a part."
[21:15] <Jaela> "My spear and magic," Jaela voices, looking at Elrisa for permission to bring her weapon out.
[21:15] * Afina comforts herself with the knowledge that Elrisa has never seen true speed.
[21:17] <Kotono> A nod back as Elrisa draws her own blade. "A woman's pure will can direct her blade," she states in a firmer voice, "Beauty, force of personality, charisma. The name isn't important. By the same concept, a woman's grace can make an apparent defense stronger than full plate armor."
[21:18] <Jaela> That is something Jaela would love to see, and now will, through a spar! A flick of her wrist summons her spear, and she shortens it with a thought to even things out.
[21:19] <Kotono> That draws a nod, "Let us fence and I wills how you," she agrees. "Are you ready?"
[21:19] * Jaela nods slightly in the affirmative. She has no illusions of reacting to the first strike in time, but she'll surely be around to counter it and stay in the game!
[21:19] <Kotono> Elrisa says this to Jaela.
[21:21] <Afina> With naught else to do, Afina replaces her sword behind her back and floats over to rest beside Ithea.
[21:23] <Ithea> "Think she'll do well?" Ithea asks Afina while glancing towards Jaela, making some quick conversation.
[21:24] <Kotono> Thus the duel begins! It is a duel of practice, Elrisa's blows held back. Each one is swift and precise, striking with a critical eye for detail! At the same time, she controls the battle in another way. Her raw look seems to deflect Jaela's spear, and at other times she sets up a defense of pure boldness, the will of it seeming to stop the blow entirely.  On and on they go for a good ten minutes,
[21:24] <Kotono> as...OOC: Anyone with ranks can make an K:A check here.
[21:24] <Afina> "She was very quick against the devils earlier," Afina replies. "If she uses magic she might win. I think Elrisa is similar to me but better on the attack than defence."
[21:24] <Afina> roll 1d20+20 arcana
[21:24] * Hatbot --> "Afina rolls 1d20+20 arcana and gets 26." [1d20=6]
[21:25] <Ithea> roll d20+20 K:A
[21:25] * Hatbot --> "Ithea rolls d20+20 K:A and gets 22." [d20=2]
[21:25] <Jaela> roll 1d20+19
[21:25] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 1d20+19 and gets 32." [1d20=13]
[21:29] <Kotono> At last the spar begins to wind down, half a dance and half a practice. Elrisa bows to Jaela, "Your technique is good," she says, "You understand how to use that spear. If you'd learn how to fight without that armor, you could be a force to be reckoned with."
[21:31] * Jaela returns the bow respectfully, as thanks for the spar. "When I wear it, I don't need to focus as much on defense," she responds. "I can go on the attack, or take a moment to cast. Even after this, I have no idea how to split my attention enough or how to deflect an opponent's strikes."
[21:34] <Kotono> "It takes time and practice," Elrisa makes a sweeping gesture with her blade, "In normal reckoning, most students need ten years to master this art. However, they are raw and unseasoned. With your level of skill it would not take nearly as long. However, it does require cultivating a bit of arcane magic as a wellspring - such as sorcererous blood. Your celestial heritage would likely provide
[21:34] <Kotono> that, should you seek this path."
[21:38] * Jaela nods thoughtfully. "I see. It does sound... interesting." Very much so, in fact.
[21:39] <Kotono> "If you wish to stay, I'd be happy to teach you," Elrisa says, "Your force of presence is stunning."
[21:39] <Afina> "With arcane magic you can use spells to replace your armour even while moving fast enough that it's not needed, anyway," Afina adds helpfully.
[21:41] <Jaela> "I...." Jaela pauses, thinking the offer over. "My apologies," she finally says. "I promised to help Adrian with his quest for as long as he remains on Astral. Once that has been resolved, however, would I still be welcomed back?"
[21:41] <Ithea> "Depends what sort of arcane magic you study. My own magic's not meant for that," Ithea notes, in regards to Afina's comment.
[21:42] <Kotono> "I teacha ll who come," A smilec omes from this, "Your quest, what is it?"
[21:42] <Jaela> "A fool's errand, most likely," Jaela says honestly. "Still, we are compatriots. It is the least I could do."
[21:45] <Kotono> "I see," Elrisa says at last, "I hope it does not consume too much of your time, then," With that she turns to Afina, "Would you like to go around as well?"
[21:47] <Afina> Floating over onto the practice area, Afina draws her blade once more. "Lets," she agrees, "It's rare for me to engage in a straight up battle; this should be useful."
[21:50] <Kotono> "Yes-" Just as Elrisa starts, the tower begins to shake!
[21:50] <Ithea> "Do you want some help putting your armor back on?" Ithea offers the other girl while the pixie spars.
[21:50] <Afina> "Another storm?" Afina suddenly zips towards the nearest window to look outside!
[21:51] <Kotono> There's no storm on the horizon! Up and down the tower goes, Elrisa looking about, "What in Titania's name...!?"
[21:51] <Ithea> "Woah!" she says as she moves after Afina after a small jump at the unexpected shock. "What is it?"
[21:51] <Jaela> "I knew it would happen," Jaela grumbles. She gives her armor a mournful look, and then her spear elongates in her hand. "Enemies?" she calls to Afina, who surely has the best vantage point.
[21:52] <Afina> "Can't see anything," Afina replies, going to a window on the opposite side of the room.
[21:52] <Kotono> Nothing again, except for Willim walking away from what looks to be a cellar entrance.
[21:53] <Kotono> The shaking continues, as if the tower itself is hopping up and down!
[21:54] * Jaela covers herself briefly with her wings, and when they withdraw her entire body is tinted silver. "Stay here or go outside?" she asks their hostess.
[21:54] <Kotono> "Outside," Elrisa says, "If someone seeks a battle, we will not hide. Go while I fetch my students and ready them."
[21:55] <Afina> Afina opens the window and flies out that way, looking around and casting a quick heroism spell on herself.
[21:55] * Ithea nods as she moves away from the window and heads downstairs while pulling her weapon out from under her cloak.
[21:55] * Jaela resolved to find a way to quickly store her armor at the earliest opportunity, before flying down the stairs!
[21:56] <Kotono> As the party rushes out? You find Adrian dashing outside. His cloak is half on, part of the clasp having given way. He struggles to put it on while fumbling with his gauntlets, "What's going on," he says, looking about from normal horizon to normal horizon! Meanwhile Afina flies outside and Willim follows! Nothing at all seems awry besides the earthquake - no sign of enemies, no storm, nothing.
[21:57] <Willim> "This place is shaky, and has bad drinks." Willim complains.
[21:57] <Afina> Afina has the bright idea to fly under the tower and look at its base.
[21:57] <Jaela> Detect magic! When in doubt, Jaela casts that!
[21:57] <Afina> Also, false life cast!
[21:58] <Afina> roll 1d10+10 temp hp
[21:58] * Hatbot --> "Afina rolls 1d10+10 temp hp and gets 19." [1d10=9]
[21:58] <Kotono> The base of the tower looks solid enough! It's hopping up and down as well! Jaela casts detect magic, the entire tower and ground is radiating magic! OOC: Spellcraft.
[21:58] <Jaela> roll 1d20+21
[21:58] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 1d20+21 and gets 32." [1d20=11]
[22:00] <Jaela> "Stop!" Jaela commands, slamming her stony fist into the ground.
[22:00] <Jaela> roll 1d20+13
[22:00] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 1d20+13 and gets 33." [1d20=20]
[22:01] <Kotono> With a single slam of her fist, Jaela hits the ground! Just like that the tower and ground stop quaking! As this happens Elrisa and her students come racing out, as well as Misalea. The latter is a bit rumpled and blushing, as Elrisa looks about, "It stopped? What's going on?"
[22:01] * Willim rubs his face. "This place funny. Not funny haha, though."
[22:02] * Afina floats back up to join the others as things seem to settle down.
[22:02] <Jaela> "Some joker cast Jump on your pocket here," Jaela says with a huff, turning towards Elrisa. "Can you believe it?!"
[22:02] <Kotono> "Jump? The spell? HOW?" Elrisa stares a moment in utter disbelief, "That's not even possible!"
[22:03] <Jaela> "Evidently, it is," Jaela says evenly. "Are you calling me a liar?"
[22:04] <Kotono> "No," A shake of her head follows, "It simply defies belief. How and why would this happen? Who would do it? It makes no sense!"
[22:04] <Afina> "I can't see anyone nearby, and there isn't much cover..." Although thinking about that prompts Afina to add see invisibility to her reportoire.
[22:04] * Jaela takes another look with her augmented sight, saying, "I'm checking if it's a persistent transmutation."
[22:04] * Willim stares about.
[22:05] <Kotono> Nothing invisible at all, Afina finds.
[22:05] <Jaela> roll 1d20+21
[22:05] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 1d20+21 and gets 35." [1d20=14]
[22:06] <Ithea> "So there's nobody you suspect might want to cause you any sort of trouble?" Ithea asks Elrisa.
[22:06] <Jaela> "Come here, Willim," Jaela tells the troll, beckoning him over.
[22:06] <Kotono> "None." Elrisa says, "The few githyanki who come this way leave us be."
[22:07] * Willim heads over to Jaela, a questioning look on his face.
[22:08] <Jaela> Another Break Enchantment is summoned with a few words of celestial, and then Jaela smacks Willim's shoulder lightly with the hilt of her spear. "Feel better now?" she asks afterwards.
[22:08] <Kotono> OOC: You still need to make a caster level checka s normal.
[22:09] <Jaela> roll 1d20+13
[22:09] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 1d20+13 and gets 28." [1d20=15]
[22:09] <Kotono> With a touch, the curse on Willim is gone! OOC: The -6 wis curse you just picked up isg one, Yuth.
[22:10] * Willim immediately feels wiser and grunts, nodding. "Thanks."
[22:11] <Kotono> Elrisa exhales long, "I have a few fragile things in a cellar. Excuse me a moment," she glides away, "Misalea, please entertain them while I check on things."
[22:11] <Jaela> "Anyone else got cursed, somehow?" Jaela wonders out loud, stumped herself. She nevertheless takes a third look in case she missed anything before.
[22:12] <Afina> "You were in the cellar, weren't you Willim?" Afina eyes the demonic troll.
[22:12] <Kotono> Misalea claps her hands together as the students go back inside, "Ah, would all of you like tos it in the garden while we wait on Miss Elrisa?"
[22:13] <Willim> "Was looking for meat." Willim nods.
[22:13] <Jaela> "Thanks, but I'll keep Elrisa company," Jaela responds to Misalea, before making her way after the duelist.
[22:14] <Afina> "I'm sure that's all," Afina decides it's not worth pursuing and glides inside, her blade *again* being sheathed. For a fairy of action such as herself, this is rapidly becoming intolerable.
[22:15] * Willim trundles along behind the fairy, still hoping for something to eat.
[22:15] * Ithea puts away her weapon as she follows after Misalea.
[22:18] <Kotono> As everyone heads back inside, you're lead to the pond. Here Misalea sits, her blush now gone. "That was startling, wasn't it?"
[22:18] <Willim> "Rumbly."
[22:19] <Afina> "I'm sure we can agree it was inconveniently timed," the harlequin-dressed pixie nods sollemnly, looking at Misaeala and then at Adrian.
[22:20] <Kotono> Adrian just returns that look blandly, while Misalea turns beet red. She fumbles and blushes, "Aaah..."
[22:21] * Willim looks at the two curiously.
[22:21] <Afina> That reaction brings a faint smile to Afina's lips, though she doesn't push further. Instead she turns to Elrisa's other students, "Have you all been training here long?"
[22:22] <Kotono> Of the students, one step forward. She has flowing purple hair and replies in Common, "I have been here eight years, the longest of the current students. I shall graduate soon."
[22:24] <Afina> "How do you know it's been eight years?" Afina asks. "Here it could be a minute or a century that passes between moments. Do you have regular contact with other planes?"
[22:25] <Kotono> "Yes. Every New Year's we receive word from our homeland and new students come."
[22:28] <Afina> Afina nods, thinking a moment... as well as sparring with Erlisa - since she isn't around, perhaps a student might suffice. Lifasa might never return, but by spreading something of its arts wherever she goes, it could ensure something lives on regardless. "If you are the best student, let me test your skills. I could teach you something of my own if you impress me," she offers.

[Corwin]

#t

[22:19] <Kotono> Into the cellar the two of you go. You find everything looks more or less intact. A few weapons have fallen over from a rack, a couple of things looked moved...and a barrel has tipped over, green fizzing liquid lying on the ground! With a distinct scowl and a muttered world Elrisa is there, looking down, "That..." she says, shaking her head once.
[22:20] * Jaela looks around as well, very careful not to touch anything! She might be immune to quite a bit of any number of horrible things magic could do to her, but she'd rather not take her chances or be forced to decursify herself.
[22:21] <Jaela> roll 1d20+21 spellcraft, I see
[22:21] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 1d20+21 spellcraft, I see and gets 35." [1d20=14]
[22:22] <Jaela> "This green potion made Willim dumber, and made the tower jump." Jaela tilts her head. "Huh. Didn't think a single potion could do that sort of thing."
[22:23] <Kotono> "A merchant sold it to me," Elrisa looks to it, wrinkling her nose, "Ugh. Apparently he mixed a bunch of potions together and got that."
[22:24] <Jaela> "You don't say?" Jaela observes the damage for a few moments longer, before asking, "Want to clean it up, now?"
[22:26] <Kotono> With another few words the mess cleans itself up, "That...man was down here? I believe Afina said as much. He must be at fault."
[22:28] <Jaela> "I didn't see," Jaela admits, finally dismisses her spells and spear with the situation no longer needing them. "Let's go and ask?"
[22:29] <Kotono> "Yes," Elrisa says shortly, turning off and going!

[Corwin]

[19:56] <Kotono> "We should go upstairs," She begins, as Elrisa and Jaela return. The gorgeous fencer has a distinctly piqued, stormy look on her face as she marches right on in. "Afina," she calls, "Didn't you say you saw someone in the cellar?"
[19:56] * Jaela tags along, feeling severly underdressed. Will the mystery of the green potion be revealed, at last?
[19:58] <Afina> Is anyone ever going to spar with her?! Afina's own expression turns stormy. "Yes, it was Willim," she answers, looking over at the demonic troll who nonetheless gains points for at least coming from Lifasa.
[19:59] * Willim looks up at his name. "Wuh?"
[19:59] <Kotono> Elrisa turns right to Willim, and in a preternatually cool voice, "Why did you go in there and spill that barrel of fouled potion?"
[20:00] <Willim> "Tasted funny."
[20:00] <Jaela> "Wanna spar after all this?" Jaela asks Afina quietly, sidling up to her. The last thing she wants is to get in between Elrisa and Willim.
[20:01] * Afina pointedly does not care and floats up to the training room on the floor above, waiting to take on anyone brave enough to challenge her! "I wanted to try and learn something here," she responds to Jaela. "And it might be good to teach something of Lifasa to others."
[20:01] <Kotono> "You...you..." Elrisa slaps her forehead with her hand, burying her hands into her face. In a despairing wail, "You...MAN! You stupid male! What brutish instinct inspired you to do this?! You could have damaged the entire tower or worse!"
[20:02] <Jaela> "It's a pretty interesting school," Jaela agrees, following the pixie upstairs. Her armor is still there, after all, and she shouldn't wait too long before donning it. "I'll be back, I think."
[20:03] <Willim> "...hungry?" Willim looks abashed. "No find meat."
[20:08] <Kotono> Thus people head back upstairs! As they do Elrisa just glowers at Willim, "Stay down here! Don't touch anything!" she says, "Just sit in the garden and think of what you did wrong!" She turns and follows in the meantime, going up with the others!

[Corwin]

#t

[20:11] * Willim sits down in the garden, grumbling. "Me not do wrong. Just look for meat. Could have eaten elf lady. Nobody think that. Meat is meat. Willim try be nice."
[20:12] <Kotono> As Willim reflects on the vagaries of this unfair life, "Oh!" Misalea's voice is heard as she comes up, "Ah...Willim?" She looks a little hesitant, but smiles nonetheless. "Miss Elrisa seemed upset with you. Are you alright?"
[20:13] * Willim gives Misalea a blank look. "Me fine. Hungry."
[20:14] <Kotono> "Hungry?" With a flustered look, "But creatures don't get hungry here! This realm is still and timeless."
[20:15] <Willim> "Me always hungry." Willim shakes his head.
[20:15] <Kotono> "Well, I do have some fruits tucked away," Misalea says at last, "Would you like some?"
[20:18] * Willim thinks for a few moments, crunching his brows together. "...no meat?"
[20:23] <Kotono> "No meat," she repeats gently, "I'm a vegetarian. Miss Elrisa thinks it's barbaric to eat meat and I agree with her."
[20:26] * Willim looks rather sad at that. "Okay. Me try."
[20:28] <Kotono> Misalea scurries away, coming back with a basket of various brightly colored fruits. She's all smiles as she sits near Willim, offering up an apple. "Try this." She polishes the apple before passing it over, "I'm sorry Miss Elrisa yelled at you. She isn't so fond of men, you understand."
[20:33] * Willim nods. "People always yell. Or throw. Me used to it." He eyes the apple critically. "These hurt sometimes. They hit in face." He takes the apple and shoves the whole thing into his mouth, chewing wetly.
[20:36] <Kotono> The apple tastes fruity, not like meat at all. "Why not just learn some magic? The humans who wish to join the fey usually resort to magic, as no mortal can look as pleasing as fey. A little bit of sorcery and you could look as normal as anyone else."
[20:40] <Willim> Not really fond of the taste, but hungry anyway, Willim swallows the apple and shakes his head. "Not smart. Spelly people is smart, Willim never smart. Willim know he not smart, so not try."
[20:42] <Kotono> "That's too bad," Misalea says kindly enough, "Aaah, well...would you like another one?"
[20:43] * Willim shakes his head. "Nah, is not meat. Meat better." He pulls a bit of dried meat from his pack and gnaws on it.
[20:51] <Kotono> Misalea watches this, "You must crave meat so much to want to eat it here."
[20:52] * Willim shrugs.
[20:52] <Willim> "Is always been this way. Meat, meat, meat. Always. Is good though." He munches.
[20:54] <Kotono> Down the chomping goes, Misalea just watching a little time with a strange look on her face.
[20:56] * Willim watches back, warily. "Want some?"
[20:56] <Kotono> "Aaah, no," Shaking her head with a smile.
[20:57] * Willim shrugs and goes back to chewing.

[Corwin]

#d

[20:09] <Kotono> Once upstairs, Elrisa exhales look, "As I was before," she murmurs, "Shall we all practice against each other now? You desire a duel, Afina?"
[20:10] * Jaela begins the laborous process of suiting up once more. She really should find a better way of doing that. And watching this fight would be the best ending to the day. Is it still a day if they're on Astral?
[20:11] <Afina> The fairy bobs her body smoothly up and down in the air, "We both blend dance and murder, I would like to compare our styles properly," she confirms, holding her blade behind her back.
[20:13] <Kotono> "Let's give everyone a demonstration," Elrisa draws her blade in one smooth draw, "Sylis, the windborn...guide my strikes..." she whispers, "I am ready whenever you wish to begin."
[20:16] <Afina> Afina doesn't hold back... well, not exactly, since she isn't using her beloved haste magic. But other than that she attacks Elrisa without warning, tapping the flat of her silvery blade upon the elven woman to mark her points and flying this way and that after every clash, never staying in the same place long enough for Elrisa to decide the terms of their duel. If the Graceful Blow deserves
[20:16] <Afina> her study, Elrisa will be up to the challenge the diminuitive and swift pixie presents.
[20:17] <Kotono> OOC: What's your attack bonus? I don't haves heets open this second.
[20:18] <Afina> OOC: +25
[20:22] <Kotono> The two fence back and forth! The battle is one of speed and blinding charismatic power! The two seem to deflect blows with raw presence, blades dancing around each other! It is like two spring gales meeting one another, smooth strikes and elaborate parries! Her style is indeed much like Afina's own. While not quite so much speed, her dodging is superb and her grace with the blade is unquestioned.
[20:22] <Kotono> Her precision is slightly different from your own - it's intellectual strikes, hitting precisely the most vulnerable spot at any given moment. At last it winds down, Elrisa lowering her blade. "Our styles are similar," she confesses at last, "Some of the finer points of technique are dissimilar, but you could learn this school easily."
[20:24] * Jaela claps! When just following the participants with your eyes is a chore, you can tell the fight is at a decent level.
[20:24] <Kotono> The studens join in with the clapping, a slow and steady, respectful rythym to it.
[20:25] <Afina> Resting her blade and sheathing it behind her back, Afina nods. Making her strikes more pointed is certainly something that would be useful for her, relying on momentum and speed only takes one so far - loathe as she'd ever be to admit it. "I would like to learn more. In turn perhaps I might help you quicken the tempo of your dance."
[20:26] <Kotono> "If you'd like to stay a time..." she leaves it open, "What is it of this quest you've spoken of? You say it is a doomed affair, but you seem determined."
[20:27] <Jaela> "It's Adrian's quest," Jaela voices, pushing off the wall and approaching. "I dunno if he wants it kept private." She shrugs. "Up to him, I figure?"
[20:28] <Afina> "Suffice to say it could give us a weapon to help in reclaiming Lifasa," Afina says, glancing at the stairs. "He may be in more of a rush than I, being mortal..."
[20:29] <Jaela> "You know, it's been bugging me," Jaela suddenly admits. "Just how did you make this place?" She gestures about herself for good measure.
[20:29] <Kotono> "Shan, would you go fetch Adrian?" Elrisa calls, "I'd like to talk to him." The purple haired student rises and bows, going to do just that.
[20:31] <Kotono> "I didn't," she says with a small smile, "A wizard did it." After a beat, "Elven sorcery created this tower and transported it here. In our homeland, many years ago, we lost a war against the dwarven and human armies. We had no choice but to accept their terms or they would have sacked everything and..." Her fist balls up, "Here, they cannot find us and stop us from keeping our arts alive. I
[20:31] <Kotono> have developed the Graceful Blow in this place"
[20:32] <Jaela> "They sound pretty dumb if they want this art to die out."
[20:32] <Afina> Afina nods in sympathy. "That was why the Gloaming Wood was so isolated in Lifasa, though it was never war we feared, the loss of our culture could never be risked."
[20:34] <Kotono> Shan and Adrian return upwards, "Yes," Elrisa says, "I understand all too well. Humans seek to tame the world and the dwarves have joined them." With a long sigh, "Never mind it. Adrian, your friends have said you are on a quest but have deferred speaking of it, as it is your own venture. I am curious, will you tell me of it?"
[20:35] * Jaela observes Adrian curiously, since his response will tell her how to act in case of any future such queries.
[20:37] <Kotono> Adrian rubs his chin, glancing over at the students. He lowers his voice, "How about you tell the students to go find something to do somewhere else?" he says at last. "Like being upstairs and not overhearing this."
[20:37] <Kotono> Elrisa turns, "Students, you are dismissed. Go upstairs and bathe now - you shouldn't be interrupted this time."
[20:38] <Jaela> Elrisa sounds so optimistic, Jaela muses to herself.
[20:41] <Kotono> Once gone, Adrian shakes his head, "We're searching for a lost fortress, one that can travel the planes. If we find it, it could be the weapon we need to reclaim Lifasa from Baator. It may be a fool's quest, but it's better than lying downa nd giving up once we're licked once."
[20:45] <Kotono> Elrisa purses her lips together, crossing her arms as she bows her head. At last she exhales and looks up, "No, I wish you well in it. Perhaps..." She shakes her head, "If all of you succeed against the odds, come back with this fortress. I'll be glad to teach all of you."
[20:45] <Afina> "I want to get Lifasa back," Afina echoes quietly. "But if I can't I'll settle for tearing a hole in Hell so big they never forget us."
[20:46] <Kotono> "If all else fails, that." Adrian smiles thinly, "As long as we don't give up and accept our fate."
[20:48] <Afina> "Once we find the fortress..." Afina hums and glances at Adrian. "You know, a fortress still isn't much good without an army."
[20:49] <Kotono> Adrian returns that look with a thoughtful hum, "I'd considered the same problem," he admits, "We'd need to drum up many an ally and friend to aid us."
[20:50] <Jaela> "Depends on what the fortress can still do," Jaela counters with a shrug. "Armies attacked Lifasa again and again. What decided the outcome was just one devil, Abigor. Maybe it would be just the same overwhelming advantage."
[20:51] <Afina> "I don't know if any of your students would care, but once we return it could be a worthy cause for the Graceful Blow," Afina suggests to master of said art, floating up to her eye level.
[20:52] <Kotono> "I'd only come for someone worthy," Elrisa says at last, "If you can bring this fortress here, I'd consider you more than worthy. In fact..." With a bit of a smile, "Do that and I'll relocate my students and teachings there to help you. Far better to not go gently into the good night."
[20:54] <Afina> "Thank you," Afina shows a small smile. "Tell Shan that I'll give her that lesson when we return as well."
[20:56] <Kotono> "We had best be going," Adrian agrees, "Thank you." He repeats that as well, turning, "Let's resume our trip."
[20:57] <Jaela> "You're fine now, right?" Jaela feels the need to ask him. "No other urges you'd be thinking of instead of our destination?"
[20:59] <Kotono> That gets a level look, "You make it sound like that's anything b ut normal and natural."
[21:00] * Jaela grins back. "Depends on the urges. I guess we'll have to trust you'll get us there. Eventually."
[21:01] <Afina> "You can look forward to that after we've found your fortress instead," Afina suggests to try and keep him on track. "Goodbye Erlisa - until we return, anyway."

[Corwin]

[21:04] <Kotono> With that the five-some reunite and continue their trip towards Dul'than!
[21:04] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:04] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 17." [1d100=17]
[21:04] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:05] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 82." [1d100=82]
[21:07] <Kotono> 'Time' passes on the Astral, which means nothing at all. At last - it is ahead of you! A great island sitting in the Silver void, large and circular. Atop it sits a high walled city, a dome of glistening blue-white glass rising above it. In the back you can see great Astral ships and dreadnoughts rising and docking! Adrian points ahead, "Dul'than," he says, "There should be an entrance gate
[21:07] <Kotono> somewhere around here, ahead."
[21:10] <Afina> "There has to be some way in," Afina agrees, flying closer and looking out for one.
[21:11] <Jaela> "Maybe all the way around, where all those ships are docking?"
[21:12] <Kotono> As the group approaches closer, you can see everything looks to be heavy stone buildings. There's not a hint of wood or brick. All the stone is a washed out grey color, buildings tightly packed together. At the outer rim of part of the dome is a connected, small floating island, a bridge connecting it into the dome. Here there is a gate, several armored figures standing guard. Sallow yellow-things,
[21:12] <Kotono> with parchment drawn skin and spears at the ready.
[21:13] <Kotono> Adrian points, "I think that's it," he says, going down right in that direction.
[21:13] * Afina recognises the githyanki from that tavern where they massacred an unfortunate band of devils, and doesn't deem them to be of particularly more significance than humans. Still, she'll let someone more versed in this kind of civilisation take the lead.
[21:15] <Kotono> Adrian does just that as the party approaches. "Hail," he calls in common as you alight. As you get close to the ground, you feel yourselves pulled down! Gravity!
[21:17] * Jaela spreads her wings to arrest her fall and turn it into a graceful glide below. "Not bad," she comments, touching down, and nods at the guards in greeting. "Hello. May we enter?"
[21:17] <Afina> Slightly startled by the return of gravity after so long, Afina's wings quickly blur into action before she touches terra firma, floating back up to her preferred height three feet off the ground.
[21:18] * Ithea lands softly, taking a second to get used to the gravity as she waits on the guards to react to their presence and requests to go in.
[21:19] <Kotono> The guards eye you, as one with a narrow helmet approaches. He inclines his head to them, and speaking in harsh Common, "For what reasons do you seek to enter Dul'than, foreigners?"
[21:20] * Willim lands heavily and awkwardly with a thump.
[21:20] <Kotono> "We seek an audience with Vul'lath the Twice-Spoken," Adrian says, keeping his voice even and polite. "We must seek his great knowledge on a matter of personal importance."
[21:21] <Jaela> They can't just come and visit? Jaela shrugs to herself and decides to see how far Adrian and the truth can get them.
[21:21] <Kotono> One of the gith guards cracks a slight smile a moment at the thump, but it's gone in an instant, into frowning sternness. "There is a 20 gold coin per head toll for outsiders to enter Dul'than."
[21:23] <Afina> Afina doesn't complain, dipping into her sack and handing over a fistful of infernally minted coinage taken as spoils from various devils she'd killed in Gehenna. Given the presence of gravity she also conjures up a floating disc to carry the sack around rather than strain her arms.
[21:23] <Jaela> Well, she is an outsider, so there is nothing she can do about that. "To stay for as long as we need?" she confirms, retrieving her purse.
[21:24] * Willim carefully and very slowly counts out twenty gold pieces from various places.
[21:24] <Kotono> Adrian fishes into his pouch and withdraws the coins, passing them over. "As long as you desire," he says, "As long as you dont' make any trouble."
[21:25] <Jaela> "Not a problem," Jaela affirms, counting the twenty coins and passing them over. She really should find a job soon, if she wants to keep on affording a roof over her head.
[21:26] <Kotono> As the gold is collected, the guard going to Ithea last and giving her an expectant look, "Within Dul'than openly brandished weapons by foreigners is not permitted. Do not draw your weapons under any circumstance. Obey any instructions the city patrol and military gives you."
[21:26] * Ithea also pays the toll, pulling out the needed coins. "Any other rules in particular we should keep in mind while inside?" Ithea asks after nodding to the instructions.
[21:27] <Kotono> "Keep out of trouble and follow all instructions," The guard instructs, "You may enter now."
[21:28] <Jaela> No rules against magic? Excellent! She dips her head in an acknowledging nod and proceeds into the city-proper.
[21:28] <Afina> Afina glides slowly inside, the disc containing her belongings floating after her like a well trained dog.
[21:29] * Ithea nods at the guard again and also steps into the city. "Which way now?" Ithea asks Adrian.
[21:29] * Willim idly follows the girls.
[21:32] <Kotono> "We'll need to find Vul'lath's residence," He says, "We'll need to ask around for that. Any of you good at digging up information like that?"
[21:33] <Jaela> "Not really my thing. But we could split up and ask around?" Jaela suggests. "Take a couple hours, then meet up back here?"
[21:33] <Afina> "We speak their language, it can't be too hard," Afina shrugs, deciding to just accost the nearest gith and demand, "Where does Vul'lath live?"
[21:33] <Jaela> "Is he that famous?" Jaela can't help but wonder out loud.
[21:34] <Ithea> "I'm sure we can dig it up even if he's not. Though I'd be surprised if he isn't, the guards didn't seem confused by the name or anything."

[21:40] <Kotono> OOC: I'm going to call for a GI check here. Does anyone have ranks?
[21:40] <Ithea> ooc: I do
[21:40] <Ithea> roll d20+18
[21:40] * Hatbot --> "Ithea rolls d20+18 and gets 20." [d20=2]
[21:41] <Jaela> roll 1d20+9 let's try!
[21:41] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 1d20+9 let's try! and gets 21." [1d20=12]
[21:41] <Kotono> OOC: Anyoen else to try or aid someone?
[21:41] <Willim> OOC: I'm gonna go with a no on that one. I'd probably make it worse. :)
[21:42] <Kotono> roll 1d20 Adrian will attempt to aid
[21:42] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 Adrian will attempt to aid and gets 9." [1d20=9]

[21:43] <Kotono> It takes some poking and searching. A few hours pass until you get information - Vul'lath lives in the rightmost quadrant of the city. You come to a building three stories tall, packed between two others. Adrian goes up and knocks on the door! As he does the door swings open with nary a creak, as if inviting you inside!
[21:44] * Jaela peers within. "That's an invitation, right? An invitation?"
[21:44] <Ithea> "How welcoming," Ithea notes.
[21:44] <Afina> "Yes," Afina agrees, unperturbed and heading through.
[21:47] <Kotono> "I'll take it as one," Adrian says, the party heading inside! Right within is a small room with tables and chairs. Sitting at the head of the table is a gith, face in a disapproving frown. His hands are folder, "I am Vul'lath," he greets, "What do you seek me for?"
[21:48] <Jaela> "Jaela," she introduces herself in turn. This is really Adrian's quest, however, and she waits for him to detail it to the gith.
[21:50] <Afina> Likewise Afina is happy to let Adrian explain what's what.
[21:54] <Kotono> Adrian sits, "I'll get to the crux of things," He says, "I've heard you have informatino about Medicant, the lost fortress of Medi. We need that information."
[21:57] <Kotono> "Medicant, eh?" The gith wears red robes, hanging loose on it's emancipated frame. He leans forward, steepling his hands together. "You understand that this information does not come for free. You are all rich enough to get here and survive in the Astral, which takes resources."  Looking over his steepled hands at the assembled adventurers, "10,000 gold."
[21:57] <Jaela> "I'll need a job."
[21:58] * Willim briefly counts on his fingers. "That not enough."
[21:59] <Afina> Afina does some quick mental arithimitic on the values of some perishable goods plus her available coinage. "I have about two thousand eight hundred to spare. Can the rest of you put in that much?"
[22:00] <Jaela> "If I really must, I could part with my flail. Though selling it would be a pain, if I'm not allowed to hold drawn weapons in this city."
[22:00] <Kotono> "I can trade my equipment downward to generate money," Adrian adds.
[22:00] <Kotono> This gets a look from Vul'lath, "A magical flail? How potent is it?"
[22:00] <Willim> "This expensive. Why we pay this?" Willim asks.
[22:01] <Jaela> "It breaks through everything," Jaela responds. "I'd demonstrate, but...."
[22:01] <Kotono> "Aaaah. Adamantine?" Vul'lath says, "I'll take goods directly, should you be short on coins."
[22:01] <Ithea> "I can help pay for it," Ithea says slowly, though with a frown. Hopefully what Vul'lath knows is worth the cost.
[22:03] <Jaela> "I'll part with it, if the information you have directly leads to finding the fortress," Jaela says, shrugging. It's not her main weapon, after all. "Does it?"
[22:03] <Kotono> Slowly does Vul'lath nod, "It is good information," he says.
[22:03] * Jaela nods back. "I can bring it out here, in private? It won't be against the law?"
[22:04] <Afina> Afina employs her race's natural ability to read the minds of the untrustworthy as she starts to pull a bundle of coins plus a magic scroll and a potion from her sack. "That should be worth 2,792 gold pieces if I understand things correctly."
[22:04] <Afina> OOC: DC 22 will on detect thoughts after a couple rounds focusing. Directed at the gith of course
[22:05] <Kotono> roll 1d20+14
[22:05] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 and gets 27." [1d20=13]
[22:05] <Kotono> "I won't report you," Vul'lath says dryly.
[22:06] <Jaela> The flail appears in her hand with a brief flash, and she places it gently on the table before him. She glances at the chairs around it, but eventually chooses to remain standing and observe Vul'lath.
[22:06] <Jaela> OOC: Worth 3,015gp
[22:07] <Ithea> "I can provide about three thousand myself," Ithea says after checking what she has and doing a quick count. "Do you have enough for the last part, Adrian?"
[22:07] <Jaela> roll 1d20+18 sense motive on Vul'lath for this conversation
[22:07] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 1d20+18 sense motive on Vul'lath for this conversation and gets 38." [1d20=20]
[22:14] <Kotono> "Just," Adrian empties out his pockets of gold and piles it on. With a heap of coins and goods in front of him, "This should suffice." He gathers them up, as he withdraws a silver bell and rings it. About half a minute later the door ito this room opens, a brown robed gith carrying a box of what looks to be scraps of parchment, scrolls and paper. He presents it to Vul'lath and bows, departing.
[22:14] <Kotono> Once gone Vul'lath looks in briefly, "The information is in here," he says, "This is my box of notes from interesting stories, texts and research for the last five to ten years, as beings outside the Astral reckon it. Some of it will mean nothing to you, but there is also useful information in here of all stripes."
[22:16] <Afina> "It better be useful," Afina agrees with a note of finality in her voice.
[22:16] <Kotono> Placing the box down in front ot he party, "Read it as you wish."
[22:17] <Jaela> This time, Jaela finally does sit down, and with a nod at the gith retrieves the topmost scroll. Carefully unrolling it, she begins to read through it.
[22:17] * Willim looks outright disappounted. 10,000 for a box of paper?
[22:17] <Afina> Floating over Jaela's wings, Afina peers down to read as well.
[22:18] * Ithea helps go over the documents, searching for the useful details they're seeking.
[22:19] <Kotono> Adrian comes over, "As long as it gives us Medicant, it's money well spent."
[22:22] <Kotono> OOC: http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,101801.new.html#new - REact in here as you read and the like.
[22:24] <Jaela> "Inferior?!" Jaela exclaims, barely stopping herself before she tears the scroll she is reading even further, and just slams it on the table. She reaches for another to take her mind off the last one.
[22:24] <Kotono> Adrian looks up from his croll and looks over Jaela's, "Inferior?"
[22:25] * Jaela opts to glare at the offending document a moment longer.
[22:29] * Willim looks through a couple, but all he really gets from it is a headache. "Reading is hard!"
[22:29] <Kotono> Adrian looks up from a bit of parchment, "This looks to be a soup recipe," he observes, glancing at Willim, "Sit down and don't read, then."
[22:30] <Jaela> Halfway through the box, Jaela frowns. "Nothing useful so far. Doesn't this get filtered?"
[22:30] * Jaela points at a particular text. "And this was inked over! What's the point of keeping it?"
[22:31] <Afina> Digging through the box herself, Afina pulls out a scroll. "Here, I found it!" Clearing her throat and reciting; "Medicant - I know it exists! Sir Medi would not allow it to fall into ruin. The one hiding place no one else can get to - the Deep Ethereal! With the Celestial Key, finding it should be easy. I merely have to convince Galariel to give me the key. The stoic angel is not one to submit
[22:31] <Afina> easily to words. - The last entry in the journal of a fallen traveler."
[22:31] <Kotono> "Organization is never my strong suit," Vul'lath admits, "That?" He frowns, stopping. "Yes, that's it."
[22:31] * Willim sits there, frowning at Adrian.
[22:32] <Jaela> "How is this a direct lead?!" Jaela all but explodes.
[22:32] <Ithea> roll d20+20 K:P on Deep Ethereal
[22:32] * Hatbot --> "Ithea rolls d20+20 K:P on Deep Ethereal and gets 27." [d20=7]
[22:32] <Jaela> roll 1d20+19 always
[22:32] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 1d20+19 always and gets 20." [1d20=1]
[22:32] <Ithea> "Well, we have a name to go with this information at least...not sure if it was worth 10 thousand, depends on how easy it is to find this Galariel?"
[22:33] <Afina> "I don't know anything about the deep ethereal... do you know Galariel?" Afina asks Jaela. She is an angel, after all!
[22:34] <Jaela> roll 1d20+19
[22:34] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 1d20+19 and gets 20." [1d20=1]
[22:34] <Ithea> "It's one of the ethereal planes, but it's not one of the ones that's really explored much...Galariel is probably the safer bet for further information."
[22:35] <Ithea> roll d20+20 K:P for Galariel?
[22:35] * Hatbot --> "Ithea rolls d20+20 K:P for Galariel? and gets 24." [d20=4]
[22:35] <Jaela> "Ugh."
[22:35] <Kotono> "You know the plane Medicant rests on now, and the knowledge of who holds the key. The rest lies in your hands now," Vul'lath says, "You have opened your path up to your next destination, if you seek Medicant so."
[22:36] <Jaela> "So what now? We're going to Elysium to visit that no fun allowed guy?"
[22:37] <Kotono> At last Adrian nods, "Yes. That's the next step - leave the city and seek a color pool towards Elysium. Have any of you ever been?"
[22:38] * Afina shakes her head.
[22:38] * Jaela scowls. "I hate that place. Always wanting to keep me from leaving, or how it tells you that it's okay, but it's really not."
[22:39] <Willim> "Not been there." Willim shakes his head. "What is it?"
[22:39] <Afina> "I thought it was Arvandor you ended up in?" Afina gives Jaela a curious look.
[22:39] <Ithea> "Still, if that's where more information is..." Ithea says with a shrug.
[22:40] <Kotono> "One of the Heavens. A realm of peace and tranquility, where if ou stay too long you'll never leave," Adrian fills in, "We'll have to hurry once we get there. 'tis not a bad fate if you are drawn into Elysium, but it is not the fate we can accept yet."
[22:40] * Jaela shrugs. "I traveled all over. More above than below."
[22:41] <Kotono> "Also," Adrian holds up two scrolls, "These have information about Baator. Did everyone see them?"
[22:41] <Jaela> "The mathy nonsense?"
[22:42] <Kotono> "No," Shaking his head, "One about Blisswort and one about summoning a devil god...sounds rather like Abigor or Bel."
[22:43] <Jaela> "Oh. That." Jaela frowns. "I was trying to ignore that. It's... no. I don't want to think someone summoned it to our home, and then lived to write about it."
[22:43] <Afina> Afina floats up to read them both. "Doesn't really tell you how it gets summoned, though. Abigor only came after all the other devils anyway."
[22:43] * Willim pops his oversized knuckles. "This mean we get to hit devils soon?"
[22:44] <Kotono> "It tells us that it's possible," Adrian says quietly, "If we can compel one to appear before us at a location of our choosing..."
[22:45] <Afina> "We probably die," Afina concludes. "Maybe when we're a lot stronger."
[22:46] * Jaela shakes her head. "It's pointless. Even if we kill him, he'll just go back home and get reborn there. And he'll know about us, too. And if we listen to his lies, we're no better off."
[22:47] * Jaela glances at Vul'lath. "Do you know anything about Lifasa or its fall?"
[22:48] <Kotono> "I've heard of it," He replies, dry again, "What of it?"
[22:50] <Jaela> "Do you know anything about why it was invaded or how? Word of any survivors who did more than just build a new life for themselves? What the situation there right now is, or whether its jailors have any exploitable weaknesses or enemies?"
[22:53] <Kotono> "I could gladly research such," He says, "For the proper commission. Are you interesated in my services?"
[22:54] <Jaela> "Yes," Jaela responds. "Is there anything you can tell us right now? The price we just paid was inflated enough it may well cover that."
[22:54] <Afina> Afina nods her agreement with that.
[22:55] <Kotono> "I know of Abigor." He gestures to the seats, "Would you care to hear of him?"
[22:55] * Jaela nods curtly. "Please."
[22:55] <Kotono> Adrian sits, "Yes, yes we would."
[22:56] <Afina> Afina alights on the backrest of one of the seats, dangling her legs over the side.
[22:57] <Jaela> roll 1d20+19
[22:57] * Hatbot --> "Jaela rolls 1d20+19 and gets 23." [1d20=4]
[23:01] <Kotono> "Abigor is the Supreme General of Avernus. He holds rank as one of the 81 Dukes of Hell, the lowest level of the true nobility of Baator." After a beat to allow that to be heard, "He is an ancient thing, said to be of pit fiend stock. He serves Bel and served Zariel, and the other rulers of Avernus since time immemorable.  He is a violent warmonger, who believes that Hell is superior to all
[23:01] <Kotono> others.  He has always tended to the Blood War and rarely had an impact in realms beyond Hell. His emergence onto Lifasa is as unusual as Bel's sudden interest in subduing a world of the Prime Material. By himself he holds himself as an honorable knight, even as his subordinates massacre and slaughter all that stand against Hell."
[23:02] * Afina scowls at any description of Abigor as honorable. "He also kills plants everywhere just by being on the same world."
[23:03] <Kotono> "Why then? Why Lifasa?" Adrian's fist slams into the table, "Why suddenly turn his wrath onto our world and drive us to defeat like cows to the slaughter yard?"
[23:03] <Jaela> "It's Hell, so it can't be random," Jaela agrees. "What was his reason?"
[23:04] <Kotono> "The mere presence of a Duke of Hell can corrupt an entire country of the Mortal Coil," Vul'lath says, "Curiouser still ist hat his conquest was so swift and so decisive. Such a bold move onto the Prime would be opposed fiercely, unless there was means to prevent such. As for the reason...none know, though many wonder. It is a topic of considerable discussion in circles that watch and analyze
[23:04] <Kotono> Baator."
[23:06] <Afina> "Yes, they certainly enjoy talking about it," Afina agrees bitterly.
[23:06] <Jaela> "When you offered to research this and my other questions, were you at all confident in getting results?" Jaela asks him directly. "If so, name your price."
[23:07] <Kotono> "Another 10,000 gold and the chance to personally study Medicant," He replies, "On the Astral. I am ancient, should I leave this plane I would crumble to dust. I cannot pursue it on my own, no matter how great my curiosity."
[23:08] <Jaela> "Top priority should go to survivors who do more than just exist across the planes after what happened," Jaela says. "The reason for the invasion is next, and then the rest. Are you a wizard? Contact me with a Sending when you have something, and I will deliver the money to you."
[23:08] * Willim blinks. "That make...20,000 total? That a real lot."
[23:09] <Jaela> "I'm allowed to spend my money however I please," Jaela says in irritation.
[23:09] * Willim shrugs.
[23:09] <Kotono> "So be it," he agrees, "The terms are accepted."
[23:10] <Afina> "It's just money, better to use it than hoard it," Afina says, pushing off the chair and taking flight once more.
[23:10] * Jaela nods, standing up. "Elysium it is, then," she says, grimacing once more. "Is there a portal there somewhere in the city?"
[23:11] <Kotono> "No," He shakes his head, "Go out and search for a color pool to it, it should not take you overly long to find one."
[23:12] <Jaela> "Okay," she agrees. "Until we meet again."
[23:12] <Willim> "Can't eat papers, though. Would rather spend on food." Willim says.
[23:12] <Afina> "However long it takes, it all feels the same here," Afina states philosophically, happy enough to resume their journey even if Elysium doesn't sound an ideal destination.