59: Swamp Thing

[Ebiris]

[13:02] <@Ebiris> Taking some time to rest after crossing the way opened by Nettles, the group eventually resumes their journey into the foothills of the Pinnacle Mountains, the terrain becoming more hilly and somewhat less forested, for all that trees are a constant companion this far in the wilderness. Three days of riding or walking through the meagre and clearly unmaintained trail Eastwards has the group dipping into an expansive valley ahead when Liamae brings her slowly trotting horse to a stop. "What...?" she squints and stares ahead, seemingly at a loss.
[13:02] <@Ebiris> Spread out below across the wide ranging valley, the trail descends into a thickly overgrown swamp, vanishing from sight in the marsh, overgrown leafy plants festooning it and the buzz of insects coupled with the croaks of ampibians heard even from here. "This wasn't on the map, was it?" the dusky-skinned brunette asks helplessly, looking back at the other three.
[13:03] <@Rudy> "No. Where did we get that map, anyway?" replies Rudy, glancing distastefully at the swamp. "It's beyond useless, and we're not wading through that, are we?"
[13:04] <@Lucie> "That's a familiar refrain," Lucie observes.
[13:04] <@Henrietta> "I would have remembered," Henrietta asserts, wondering just what might account for such a massive swamp appearing.
[13:04] <@Lucie> "Not much traffic out here, guess folks don't update the maps often," Lucie adds. "Dunno how a swamp could spring up out of nowhere without someone noticing, though."
[13:06] <@Ebiris> "We bought it from that bookshop in Thanellar, Bloodrock's or something," Liamae replies, fishing the map out of her saddlebag and unfolding it. "It says that the Althwe river runs through this valley," she bites her lip, running a finger over the parchment, "There's supposed to be a bridge just right ahead on this trail. Nothing about any swamp!"
[13:06] <@Ebiris> OOC: roll nature, Henri
[13:06] <@Rudy> "If it rained a lot?" replies Rudy. "The river might overflow..."
[13:06] <@Henrietta> roll 1d20+6
[13:06] * +Hatbot --> "Henrietta rolls 1d20+6 and gets 11." [1d20=5]
[13:06] <@Ebiris> Henrietta is at a loss!
[13:07] <@Henrietta> "What are our other options?" she asks, deciding to move on from the matter of the strange swamp. "And how far away are they?"
[13:07] <@Lucie> "I don't suppose we could walk around it..." Lucie look to the horizon from side to the other, seeing if maybe the swamp trails out on one side or is thinner elsewhere.
[13:07] <@Ebiris> OOC: roll perception, Lucie
[13:08] <@Lucie> roll 1d20+14 hatvision!
[13:08] * +Hatbot --> "Lucie rolls 1d20+14 hatvision! and gets 34." [1d20=20]
[13:10] * @Lucie squints her eyes, gazes south. Then she points that direction. "Something down thataway. Might be a bridge..."
[13:10] <@Henrietta> "We should go and take a closer look, then," Henrietta agrees.
[13:11] <@Rudy> "Hey, Liamae, how much time do we have to spare for getting to this place?" asks Rudy, as they turn their horses about.
[13:13] <@Ebiris> The manner of approach is left open. Descending into the valley one could skirt the edge of the swamp going South. Otherwise a retreat to go South in the previous valley before cresting the hill past the swamp might be possible, despite being off the trail. Going South along the hilltop probably wouldn't be kind to the horses with how uneven it is, though. "We've got a little under a month, and we're just about four days from Lessmus," Liamae replies after a moment's thought.
[13:14] * @Lucie suggests following along the edge of the swamp, since this sounds like less of a diversion en route to the possible bridge.
[13:16] * @Rudy has no objections to Lucie's course of action.
[13:22] <@Ebiris> Thus the group descends down towards the edge of the swamp before veering South, ignoring the submerged trail leading farther into the marsh. Fat insects buzz loudly throughout the reeds and fronds on your left, often seen being devoured by even fatter toads which croak loudly and stare unfeelingly at the horsebound humans passing by. Val growls at a few but luckily doesn't go haring off into the swamp to play chase. With the grey skies overhead and the sun dipping low in the sky, there's an unmistakable gloom in the air, making time pass even more slowly than the reduced pace of the horses as they squelch through muddy earth has it crawling by. Trouble only happens to rear its head an hour later when a particularly prodigious toad takes exception to Val's growling, hopping closer out of the water and croaking as it inflates its chest to seem even bigger, seeming like it could quite possibly devour the not inconsiderable dog.
[13:24] * @Henrietta uses a trio of roses to knock the amphibian out and away, lest Val be threatened or tempted in any way.
[13:24] <@Ebiris> OOC: roll init if you're attacking
[13:25] <@Henrietta> roll 1d20+3
[13:25] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+1 toad
[13:25] * +Hatbot --> "Henrietta rolls 1d20+3 and gets 17." [1d20=14]
[13:25] * +Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+1 toad and gets 3." [1d20=2]
[13:25] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+2 dog
[13:25] * +Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+2 dog and gets 10." [1d20=8]
[13:25] <@Lucie> roll 1d20+8
[13:25] * +Hatbot --> "Lucie rolls 1d20+8 and gets 20." [1d20=12]
[13:25] <@Henrietta> roll 3d4+3 nonlethal
[13:25] * +Hatbot --> "Henrietta rolls 3d4+3 nonlethal and gets 9." [3d4=1, 4, 1]
[13:25] <@Rudy> roll 1d20+5 init me
[13:25] * +Hatbot --> "Rudy rolls 1d20+5 init me and gets 24." [1d20=19]
[13:26] <@Ebiris> OOC: Rudy and Lucie you can pre-empt Henri if you so choose.
[13:26] <@Rudy> OOC: It's cool, I'll stay put
[13:26] <@Lucie> Lucie merely watches in bafflement as Henri picks a fight with a stray amphibian.
[13:26] <@Ebiris> OOC: roll your CMB Henri
[13:26] <@Henrietta> roll 1d20+13 trip
[13:26] * +Hatbot --> "Henrietta rolls 1d20+13 trip and gets 28." [1d20=15]
[13:27] <@Ebiris> The roses smack into the giant toad's throat and immediately deflate its puffing, knocking it over onto its back to expose the pale underside. Val barks triumphantly before continuing onwards with his tail wagging energetically.
[13:28] <@Ebiris> Croaking miserably, the toad struggles to right itself and hop back into the brown water of the marsh.
[13:28] <@Rudy> "That frog had it coming!"
[13:28] * @Henrietta is content to proceed at that. The frog will recover eventually. "Better safe than sorry," is Henrietta's response. "If Val runs off again, like with those horrible vines, I will have no choice but to follow, after all."
[13:29] <@Lucie> "We all done picking on dumb animals for the day?" Lucie asks, continuing on.
[13:30] <@Henrietta> "Now listen here," Henrietta says just a tad peevishly. "Did I comment on your horns? I think not."
[13:30] <@Lucie> "It's just a hat," Lucie protests.
[13:31] <@Rudy> "Isn't that because they're frightening?" replies Rudy, eyeing Lucie warily.
[13:32] <@Henrietta> "After the horrors I have seen and experienced first-hand, it would take more to frighten me!" Henrietta boasts.
[13:32] <@Lucie> "I don't know what you're talking about, Rudy."
[13:32] <@Rudy> "Are you kidding? Look at her, she's like a demon!"
[13:32] <@Henrietta> "That's silly, demons don't exist."
[13:32] <@Rudy> "There's one behind us!"
[13:33] * @Henrietta looks behind her.
[13:33] <@Lucie> "They're just horns! They came from a stag, right? Perfectly earthy animal."
[13:33] <@Rudy> "They're not 'just horns'! I can't believe you're actually wearing that thing. What're you gonna do if it starts growing vines or something?" asks Rudy. "If that's not demonic, what is?"
[13:34] <@Ebiris> "It is... a certain look," Liamae adds, looking at Lucie herself. "I'd say it's more 'barbarian queen' than 'demon', though. You need a fur cape and hide armour as well, at least. We should go hunting when we have the time!"
[13:34] <@Lucie> "There, see, Rudy?" Lucie nods at Liamae's assessment. She looks contemplative for a moment. "Maybe we should, yeah..."
[13:34] <@Henrietta> "Yes, a fur cape would go well with the bestial look," Henrietta agrees, nodding at Liamae's words. "Boar, I am thinking?"
[13:36] <@Ebiris> "Yes, something primal!" the other sorceress gushes, looking intently at Lucie, "Something that shows your figure but at the same time doesn't call attention to it, as if to say 'I care not for your civilised modesty, because you're all beneath me!'"
[13:36] <@Henrietta> "A concealing cape and nothing worn beneath it, then?" Henrietta muses thoughtfully.
[13:37] <@Rudy> "That's definitely calling attention to it," points out Rudy. "It's fine for outdoors, but if you wear that every day down the street..."
[13:37] <@Lucie> "Look, it's not *that* crazy. One of Henri's friends has horns, right? And like, not even a hat?" She shrugs. "Besides, If eel better with it on."
[13:38] <@Lucie> "And, uh, I'll think about that, Liamae."
[13:39] <@Ebiris> "It definitely has a regal allure that it brings out, in its mightily untamed way. Embrace it!" Liamae gives that last piece of advice before focusing on guiding her horse onwards.
[13:40] <@Henrietta> "And it looks terribly frightening to normal people who never experienced the horrors we had," Henrietta adds brightly. "It will be a great boon against our enemies!"
[13:40] <@Lucie> "Huh. Wonder about our friends, then."
[13:41] <@Rudy> "Excuse me, I'm a normal person. Speaking for normal people, if you wear that down the street, you'd better be prepared for bounties to get posted."
[13:41] <@Henrietta> "Without a doubt, it will terrify Lady Vanderboren," Henrietta says, not hesitating in the slightest.
[13:41] <@Lucie> "What, is it breaking some law wearing an unusual hat walking down the street?"
[13:41] <@Rudy> "It might be if you start?"
[13:41] <@Rudy> "Rather, it might become a law."
[13:42] <@Henrietta> "Maybe Lucie could, well, decorate her horns?" Henrietta suggests. "For when she visits civilization. Maybe by putting ribbons and bells on them?"
[13:43] <@Lucie> "You really want me jingling everywhere we go?" Lucie asks Henri with some incredulity. "Wouldn't be any good if we had to sneak up on someone. And no ribbons. Period."
[13:43] <@Ebiris> "No, don't compromise!" Liamae retorts. "Be the untamed queen of the wilds you were born to be, Lucie!"
[13:44] <@Lucie> "Right," Lucie agrees with a nod and some spirit. "Right!"
[13:44] <@Henrietta> "Isn't our biggest problem, really, that some beastmen will decide to claim you as their perfect bride?"
[13:45] <@Rudy> "He would have to be a very brave beastman. The kind they write epic poems about!"
[13:45] <@Henrietta> "It could be a whole group of them!"
[13:45] <@Lucie> "What happened last time some beastmen tried claiming brides with us around?" Lucie asks. "Oh right, we bashed their faces in."
[13:46] <@Rudy> "Lucie, married to a whole group of beastmen? Is that how it works?"
[13:47] * @Lucie fastens her gaze on Rudy. "You want to stop talking now."
[13:47] <@Ebiris> "Well, didn't the last guy who wore that get killed by a bunch of beastmen when they figured out he was human?" Liamae asks. "Would make for an awkward wedding night."
[13:47] <@Rudy> "Oh, fuck, don't look at me like that! I'm sorry, alright?"
[13:48] <@Henrietta> "Lucie, please don't frighten your friends!"
[13:48] <@Lucie> "Stop talking about me getting married, then. Everybody!"
[13:48] <@Henrietta> "But marriage is every girl's dream!"
[13:49] <@Rudy> "Is that how it is in Jovar?"
[13:49] <@Lucie> "You don't know anything about my dreams, that's for sure."
[13:49] * @Henrietta blinks. "It's not how it is here?"
[13:50] <@Ebiris> "Maybe marrying a handsome prince is a dream, but marrying some regular guy?" Liamae waves her hand dismissively. "I've got bigger plans for my life than playing house."
[13:51] <@Lucie> "Yeah, see?" Lucie nods in agreement. "I'm not sitting around raising brats for some man."
[13:51] <@Ebiris> "Wait, aren't you a noble back home?" Liamae asks Henrietta suddenly.
[13:52] <@Henrietta> "Umm. Well, I suppose I would be, yes. Why?"
[13:53] <@Ebiris> "Makes sense for a noble girl to get her head filled with talk about marriage being great so she'll want to continue the line, right?" the Isernian sorceress says, looking over her counterpart. "Got anyone lined up back home?"
[13:54] * @Henrietta shakes her head. "No one. I'm not really sure I will be returning, after all."
[13:54] <@Rudy> "I thought most noble girls dreaded the whole prospect," remarks Rudy. "Don't they usually get paired off with some guy like twice their age?"
[13:55] <@Henrietta> "I, well, I don't think Father would let that happen," Henrietta muses. "He and Mother believe in finding true love, after all!"
[13:56] <@Lucie> "Yeah?" Lucie asks. "How'd they wind up together?"
[13:56] <@Ebiris> "Oh... I guess this is as good a place as any to wind up," Liamae replies to Henrietta, despite being in a swamp. "The old Lord and Lady Vanderboren were of the same age, and they loved each other a lot."
[13:57] <@Henrietta> "It is a really great story!" Henrietta perks up. "Mother was kidnapped and Father was passing by while adventuring and was hired to rescue her, but when he arrived she was tired of waiting for someone to bring her back so she already started putting the kidnappers down with her magic and so they bonded over the rescue!"
[13:58] * @Henrietta nods at Liamae, then. "And see? This happens here as well!"
[13:58] <@Lucie> "I seee," Lucie says with a nod, feeling this story explains just about everything about Henri.
[13:59] <@Rudy> "Ha! Haha! How nice a happy marriage must be!"
[13:59] <@Henrietta> "Yes!"
[13:59] <@Ebiris> "I think they met while risking their lives as well, actually. Huh, it's actually that common?" Liamae blinks. "At least it works out for some people, then."
[13:59] <@Rudy> "Being reckless together is the best way to bond, isn't it?"
[13:59] <@Henrietta> "Certainly! We all met this way, after all!"
[14:00] <@Rudy> "We did, didn't we? We must have rescued each other from countless perils!"
[14:01] <@Henrietta> "And will continue doing so on this trip time and again!"
[14:01] <@Ebiris> While amiably chatting the group continues to pass the distance, and although the wooden structure isn't visible from this vantage thanks to the overabundant swamp flora in the way, Lucie is confident they're getting closer as they slowly push South, though at the same time it grows steadily darker as the Sun falls below the Western hills. While the buzzing and such noises from the swamp do thankfully decrease, another phenomenon manifests in the twilight gloom - dancing lights of a sordid yellow and ghastly green are intermittedly glimpsed in the distance through the marsh.
[14:02] <@Rudy> "We might even need to do so this very day."
[14:02] <@Henrietta> "We might indeed."
[14:02] <@Lucie> "Maybe it's just fireflies," Lucie speculates.
[14:03] * @Henrietta shakes her head sadly.
[14:03] <@Ebiris> "That conversation took a turn for the pessimistic," Liamae notes amusedly. "It could be fireflies, or swamp gas, or will o' wisps," she adds blithely as attention turns to the dancing lights.
[14:03] <@Lucie> "Any of those other things dangerous?" Lucie asks.
[14:04] <@Ebiris> "Swamp gas can suffocate you if you're not careful. Will o' wisps can drain away your mind and leave you to die in the swamp as a raving lunatic for your last hours," Liamae replies with the same good cheer.
[14:05] <@Rudy> "You know, those two things have something in common!"
[14:05] <@Lucie> "Thanks, Rudy, hadn't noticed," Lucie comments as they walk, keep a close eye on the swamp in case anything untoward drifts their way.
[14:07] <@Henrietta> "I can try throwing my roses at them if they come close enough," Henrietta offers. "If it's gas or fireflies, they probably won't do a thing, but we will tell if it's will o' wisps right away, I think."
[14:09] <@Ebiris> "So long as we keep to the edge we should be safe, but keep an eye out just in case," Liamae agrees, conjuring some dancing lights of her own, these ones an electric blue which fan out around the group to light the way so their horses don't trip.
[14:14] <@Rudy> Rudy leans back in the saddle and stares at the sky. "It'll be a bad joke if we actually get stuck in the swamp."
[14:15] <@Ebiris> What approaches after half an hour as night has truly fallen isn't a deadly wisp or a surly amphibian, it's actually a woman. She's young and slender, her barefoot legs pale except for below the knees where they've become somewhat caked with mud. A coarse brown dress is worn, threadbare in some interesting places and overall seeming poorly maintained, yet she walks with grace and confident through the swamp as she approaches the party, her velvety green hair tumbling down her shoulders the shade of fresh grass and giving away her inhuman nature despite her beauty. "Strangers!" she calls, voice soft and breathy, even faintly alarmed, "What are you doing here?"
[14:16] <@Henrietta> "We are headed for Lessmus," Henrietta responds. "How about yourself? Is this swamp yours?"
[14:16] <@Lucie> "Passing through," Lucie calls back, admiring the stranger despite herself. "Saw what look like a bridge over the swamp a ways south, thought we'd walk that ways."
[14:19] <@Rudy> "My, I'm far more interested in you," remarks Rudy, peering at the woman. "It's unusual to meet a lovely stranger in a place like this! What's your name?"
[14:19] <@Ebiris> She looks confused when asked if the swamp is hers, about to nod before she shakes her head, "No, the swamp is cursed. You're lucky to still live, but you must turn back," she insists. "The bridge is farther North, but is no use now that the river is gone, gone to make this deadly swamp." At Rudy's compliment she ducks her head, blushing demurely, "Ariana, stranger. You flatter me..."
[14:20] <@Rudy> "Not at all, I only say things as they are," replies Rudy, smiling. "Can I ask why you would stay in a place so deadly, Ariana?"
[14:21] * @Lucie can't help shoot Rudy a jealous glare before she continues. "I saw something to the south though. Swear I did. So not a bridge, maybe. Is there--was there something else there?"
[14:23] <@Ebiris> "I live here, kind sir. Always have," she tilts her head back up, smiling charmingly at Rudy, "I could show you my home... it's the only place still safe in the swamp." She seems reluctant to tear her gaze from Rudy, but eventually answers Lucie. "Perhaps you saw the old hunter's lodge, madam? There's nothing there now, though."
[14:24] <@Ebiris> Liamae glances at Henrietta and rolls her eyes at all the flirtation going on.
[14:24] <@Lucie> "Hunter's lodge, huh? Right, well...little confused here, this swamp wasn't on our map. How long has this curse thing been going on?"
[14:25] * @Henrietta smiles at Liamae, but likewise stays out of the conversation. All she wants to know is being asked, after all, so why interfere?
[14:26] <@Ebiris> "It started two Summers ago, madam," Ariana tells Lucie, even while showing her pearly whites to Rudy and batting her eyelashes.
[14:28] <@Lucie> "Okay, so, what happened?" Lucie continues, resolute in the face of blatant flirting. "How far'd we have to walk to get around this swamp? Because if it comes to it, we have some experience breaking curses. Not that I really want to spend the time but someone here's gonna offer, I just know it."
[14:29] <@Rudy> "It's alright, Lucie, you don't have to force yourself," replies Rudy, throwing the terrifying woman a dry look for a split-second. "Of course we'll take action if we can. A girl shouldn't be stuck in the middle of a place like this- ah, do you live alone here?"
[14:33] <@Ebiris> She shrugs her shoulders lithely, "It's beyond my ken, I'm sorry. All I know is the swamp covers the whole valley - whatever reason you have for coming here, i-it's too dangerous to go through if you want to live!" she concludes, seemingly overcome and distraught for a moment as she rubs her eyes on the back of her hand.
[14:34] * @Lucie shrugs. "All I know is, we need to get to the other side one way or another."
[14:35] <@Ebiris> "Yeah, it's too important. We can go back and take the North road but it'll add another two weeks and who knows what troubles we'll find that way anyway," Liamae agrees firmly, unswayed by delicate prettiness.
[14:36] <@Henrietta> "Would you know of a safe way to get to Lessmus within, say, a week's time?" Henrietta decides to ask.
[14:38] <@Ebiris> "You won't give up, will you?" Ariana asks softly, watery eyes looking beseechingly at Rudy. "I... I can try and guide you through the swamp. But even then, you still... no, you'll definitely die!" she concludes with a heartfelt whimper.
[14:39] <@Henrietta> "I will miss you if you do," Henrietta tells Rudy honestly. "Can you try your very best not to die?"
[14:40] <@Lucie> roll 1d20+15 hatsense motive!
[14:40] * +Hatbot --> "Lucie rolls 1d20+15 hatsense motive! and gets 25." [1d20=10]
[14:40] <@Rudy> "I won't die. The world's most fearsome woman is on my side, so the only thing that will kill me is her," replies Rudy. "Look, we're used to this sort of thing, so don't fear for us, alright?"
[14:41] -> *Lucie* She seems very certain that you'll all die if you go into the swamp.
[14:42] <@Lucie> "He's right, plenty of folks have tried to kill us before. We're still walking around and breathing. They're not."
[14:42] <@Henrietta> "Some of them were not walking around or breathing to begin with," Henrietta is quick to point out.
[14:43] <@Ebiris> "I wish you would just turn back," she shakes her head morosely. "But I know that you won't... I'll take you to my home if you want? It's definitely too dangerous at night, b-but maybe when it's light you might m-make it?"
[14:44] * @Lucie looks to the others. "We have been walking a while, right?"
[14:45] <@Rudy> "Riding is putting a crimp in my back, so I don't mind," replies Rudy.
[14:45] <@Ebiris> "I figured we'd be past this valley and in camp by now, until I saw the swamp," Liamae nods resignedly.
[14:45] <@Henrietta> How could Henrietta object, when everyone is of the same mind?
[14:46] * @Lucie nods. "Guess you can lead on, then," she says to Ariana.
[14:47] <@Ebiris> "Please, try to follow my path as close as you can. The swamp is really deep in places and there are... things, in the water," Ariana warns, seeming to have composed herself as she retreats back into the eerie marsh.
[14:48] <@Henrietta> "How far is it to your home?" Henrietta decides to ask before they go too far.
[14:49] <@Ebiris> Liamae clambers off her horse, patting its neck warmly before taking its reigns and slowly picking her way after Ariana. "Not far," the green-haired girl whispers over her shoulder, "But it's dangerous until we get there."
[14:49] * @Lucie leads her horse into the marsh, making special effort to step only where Ariana steps and watching out for...things.
[14:50] * @Henrietta dismounts as well, deciding to follow after Liamae.
[14:51] <@Rudy> Rudy naturally dismounts, and keeps his crossbow handy in case of the worst.
[14:53] <@Ebiris> Ariana seems perfectly at home in the marsh, barely displacing the ankle-deep water she steps through nor leaving footprints on the muddy embankments clambered atop as she leads a circuitous path through the swamp. The footing is somewhat precarious, though  most seem to be doing well enough with it until Rudy finds a mound of dirt can't quite support his weight even though Ariana barely disturbed it. Starting to slip while clutching onto his horse's reigns, he threatens to fall face first into the murky pool that their guide just carefully skirted around!
[14:53] <@Ebiris> OOC: reflex, Rudy
[14:54] <@Rudy> roll 1d20+6
[14:54] * +Hatbot --> "Rudy rolls 1d20+6 and gets 10." [1d20=4]
[14:54] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+5 prompts reflex from horse
[14:54] * +Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+5 prompts reflex from horse and gets 24." [1d20=19]
[14:56] <@Ebiris> Tumbling forward, Rudy's hand slips from the reigns as the horse whinnies and digs its hooves to stay upright, leaving him to splash heavily into the water on his own! He sinks instantly, the pool surprisingly deep... and in the inky murk of the water he suddenly feels all manner of 'things' stirred up by his arrival, swarming around him and under his clothes! OOC: lets roll init
[14:57] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+1 Ariana
[14:57] * +Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+1 Ariana and gets 19." [1d20=18]
[14:57] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+2 Val
[14:57] * +Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+2 Val and gets 19." [1d20=17]
[14:57] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+2 Liamae
[14:57] * +Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+2 Liamae and gets 9." [1d20=7]
[14:57] <@Henrietta> roll 1d20+3
[14:57] * +Hatbot --> "Henrietta rolls 1d20+3 and gets 10." [1d20=7]
[14:57] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+2 horses
[14:57] * +Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+2 horses and gets 9." [1d20=7]
[14:57] <@Rudy> roll 1d20+5 ew
[14:57] * +Hatbot --> "Rudy rolls 1d20+5 ew and gets 22." [1d20=17]
[14:57] <@Lucie> roll 1d20+8
[14:57] * +Hatbot --> "Lucie rolls 1d20+8 and gets 19." [1d20=11]
[14:57] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+4 'things'
[14:57] * +Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+4 'things' and gets 11." [1d20=7]
[14:58] * Ebiris changes topic to 'Rudy > Lucie > Val > Ariana > Things > Henrietta > Liamae > Horses'
[14:59] <@Ebiris> OOC: the water is 4 feet deep. You can stand but you'll be chest deep - currently you're prone
[15:00] <@Rudy> Rudy scrambles to pick himself up and get out of the water! "Leeches, ugh!"
[15:01] <@Ebiris> As Rudy emerges into the stark light of Liamae's illumination, he's positively black with swarming leeches all over him, dozens falling off without a secure grip but many more planting themselves down on his exposed skin and more felt under his clothes doing the same!
[15:02] <@Ebiris> It's a slippery scramble back onto muddy land, but he makes it while trailing leeches all the way!
[15:02] <@Ebiris> OOC: Lucie
[15:03] * @Henrietta recoils in disgust!
[15:03] <@Lucie> Given that Rudy's at the front of the line along a narrow strip of safe land, Lucie doesn't seem in a position to help him. She will take a moment to put up her own arcane armor though...just in case something squiggles in her direction.
[15:05] <@Ebiris> Val growls nervously, his tail low as he stays by Henrietta. Only Ariana seems able to help him, bounding back towards the summoner, "Leave him alone!" she cries, trying to wipe away the leeches from him by sweeping her arms over his body, showing scant regard for personal space!
[15:05] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+6 aid another on Rudy's impending fort save
[15:05] * +Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+6 aid another on Rudy's impending fort save and gets 7." [1d20=1]
[15:06] <@Ebiris> She does little good, though, only seeming to get a few on herself and hitting Rudy's skin more than the leeches. Which slither wildly over Rudy's form, more boiling up out of the pool in search of food!
[15:06] <@Ebiris> roll 2d6 damage and fort save for Rudy
[15:06] * +Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 2d6 damage and fort save for Rudy and gets 7." [2d6=2, 5]
[15:06] <@Rudy> roll 1d20+4 this is horrible, by the way
[15:06] * +Hatbot --> "Rudy rolls 1d20+4 this is horrible, by the way and gets 11." [1d20=7]
[15:07] <@Ebiris> roll 1d3 strength damage
[15:07] * +Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d3 strength damage and gets 3." [1d3=3]
[15:07] <@Henrietta> roll 1d20+6
[15:07] * +Hatbot --> "Henrietta rolls 1d20+6 and gets 11." [1d20=5]
[15:08] <@Ebiris> The suck eagerly on Rudy's blood, swelling grotesquely on his body as they dine, leaving him woozy and weak!
[15:08] <@Ebiris> OOC: Henri
[15:09] <@Henrietta> "Rudy!" Henrietta cries out worriedly. "I ran out of salt the other day! Setting you on fire is the only way against such a terrible swarm!"
[15:10] <@Rudy> "Why is hurting me the only way?!"
[15:10] <@Henrietta> "They are eating you!"
[15:12] <@Henrietta> A speedy invocation summons a cheerful purple dragon of flame, and with the hope that Rudy will forget what had to be done once he stops being sick to his stomach, she launches it to envelop Rudy and leeches alike!
[15:13] <@Henrietta> roll 1d4 fire, ref17
[15:13] * +Hatbot --> "Henrietta rolls 1d4 fire, ref17 and gets 2." [1d4=2]
[15:13] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+6 reflex for swarm
[15:13] * +Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+6 reflex for swarm and gets 21." [1d20=15]
[15:13] <@Rudy> roll 1d20+6 no I don't actually want to be on fire!
[15:13] * +Hatbot --> "Rudy rolls 1d20+6 no I don't actually want to be on fire! and gets 26." [1d20=20]
[15:16] <@Ebiris> Rudy's flailing has him duck the dragon, saving himself and the leeches from little more than a singing! Liamae, next to Rudy and likely the next target, takes more decisive measures! Stepping carefully around him through the water on his left and hoping she doesn't find a sinkhole...
[15:16] <@Ebiris> roll 1d100
[15:16] * +Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d100 and gets 66." [1d100=66]
[15:17] <@Ebiris> She stands firm and unleashes a torrent of fire into the leeches coming out of the pool, turning it into a steam bath!
[15:17] <@Ebiris> roll 5d4
[15:17] * +Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 5d4 and gets 14." [5d4=2, 3, 1, 4, 4]
[15:17] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+6 reflex
[15:17] * +Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+6 reflex and gets 8." [1d20=2]
[15:19] <@Ebiris> The pool boils and bubbles, leeches floating dead on the surface to coat it while the ones on the edge shrivel and die! With more falling off Rudy now bloated and unable to eat more, the swarm is substantially diminished! The horses whinny, clearly frightened by all this magic and excitement so nearby...
[15:19] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+5
[15:19] * +Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+5 and gets 22." [1d20=17]
[15:19] <@Ebiris> But they stay loyal to their riders, sticking it out!
[15:19] <@Ebiris> OOC: Rudy, you have a move action
[15:20] <@Rudy> Rudy is extremely unhappy, and all he can do is bat at the creatures covering him ineffectually!
[15:20] <@Ebiris> OOC: Lucie
[15:21] * @Lucie focuses her will on the hideous creatures boiling up out of the water, summoning the cold of deep space to flash-freeze the lot of them!
[15:21] <@Lucie> roll 5d6 cold, fort 19 for half
[15:21] * +Hatbot --> "Lucie rolls 5d6 cold, fort 19 for half and gets 19." [5d6=6, 3, 6, 3, 1]
[15:21] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+7
[15:21] * +Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+7 and gets 22." [1d20=15]
[15:23] <@Ebiris> More leeches lucky enough to endure burnination are promptly frozenated, the water freezing over in a thin sheen of murky ice! Val remains close to Henrietta while Ariana continues her perhaps futile efforts at sweeping away the leeches!
[15:23] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+6
[15:23] * +Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+6 and gets 10." [1d20=4]
[15:24] <@Ebiris> She has some luck, but of the few dozen that remain, they surge up onto Liamae as well as Rudy's horse, while enough remain to not give the summoner any peace!
[15:24] <@Ebiris> roll 2d6 damage for all three of you, and fort saves. +2 for Rudy
[15:24] * +Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 2d6 damage for all three of you, and fort saves. +2 for Rudy and gets 4." [2d6=3, 1]
[15:24] <@Rudy> roll 1d20+6 ow
[15:24] * +Hatbot --> "Rudy rolls 1d20+6 ow and gets 23." [1d20=17]
[15:25] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+4 Liamae
[15:25] * +Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+4 Liamae and gets 20." [1d20=16]
[15:25] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+6 horse
[15:25] * +Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+6 horse and gets 12." [1d20=6]
[15:25] <@Ebiris> roll 1d3 str damage for Rudy's horse
[15:25] * +Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d3 str damage for Rudy's horse and gets 2." [1d3=2]
[15:26] <@Ebiris> Rudy and Liamae keep their heads together despite the disgusting situation, but the horse whuffs and whinnies in a panic, threatening to bolt!
[15:26] <@Ebiris> OOC: Henrietta
[15:26] <@Henrietta> "Liamae!" Henrietta exclaims, bringing out her roses to snipe at those of the leeches she can pick off at the distance. A dragon zooms towards the other sorceress, intent on exploding just before her and discourage more of their kind from heading that way a mere heartbeat later.
[15:26] <@Henrietta> roll 3d4+3
[15:26] * +Hatbot --> "Henrietta rolls 3d4+3 and gets 8." [3d4=2, 1, 2]
[15:26] <@Henrietta> roll 1d4 fire dc17
[15:26] * +Hatbot --> "Henrietta rolls 1d4 fire dc17 and gets 3." [1d4=3]
[15:28] <@Ebiris> Between the missiles and the dragon, enough leeches are killed that the few blood-bloated survivors have no interest in seeking further meals! "Thanks, Henri!" Liamae calls, trying to soothe Rudy's horse which seems none too pleased about these events, stamping its hooves and whinnying furiously. "It's alright, calm down..." she reaches out to its snout...
[15:28] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+5
[15:28] * +Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+5 and gets 19." [1d20=14]
[15:28] <@Ebiris> And gets a dispirited neigh in response, the horse at least calming down despite its ordeals.
[15:28] <@Ebiris> OOC: free act
[15:29] <@Rudy> "No, this is a new low. The time when I electrocuted myself was pretty bad, but this is the worst," affirms Rudy, staring mournfully at all the ugly sores now covering his arms.
[15:29] <@Ebiris> "Oh, sir, are you alright?" Ariana asks, practically hanging off of Rudy. "I told you it was dangerous!"
[15:30] <@Rudy> "Yeah, you're right. We should go home." Rudy snorts. "Oh, I want to say that so much."
[15:30] * @Lucie watches the waters closely to make sure no more little bleeders are creeping their way, silently glad she was at the back of the line while this occurreds.
[15:30] <@Henrietta> Maybe Ariana will offer to kiss his wounds until they're better, Henrietta muses, slowly making her way closer to Liamae to offer her a hand.
[15:31] <@Ebiris> "Please be careful! I couldn't bear it if you died," the inhuman girl simpers, staring soulfully into Rudy's eyes. "It's not far to my home now, if you can keep going."
[15:32] * @Lucie just rolls her eyes and waits for the train to get moving again.
[15:32] <@Rudy> "Yeah, I'll be careful," replies Rudy, doing a poor job of concealing exasperation.
[15:32] <@Ebiris> roll 1d100
[15:32] * +Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d100 and gets 95." [1d100=95]
[15:35] <@Ebiris> Thus Ariana continues leading the merry group on her circituitous route of the swamp, winding carefully around certain pools and copses of gnarled low-hanging trees while brazenly going through others. It's as she leads the along the edge of a fairly expansive pool that almost qualifies as a small lake that she says, "It's just ahead now, we're nearly there."
[15:35] <@Ebiris> OOC: roll perception peoples
[15:35] <@Rudy> roll 1d20+1
[15:35] * +Hatbot --> "Rudy rolls 1d20+1 and gets 17." [1d20=16]
[15:35] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+6 Liamae
[15:35] * +Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+6 Liamae and gets 19." [1d20=13]
[15:35] <@Henrietta> roll 1d20+2
[15:35] * +Hatbot --> "Henrietta rolls 1d20+2 and gets 13." [1d20=11]
[15:35] <@Lucie> roll 1d20+14 eyes (also hat)
[15:35] * +Hatbot --> "Lucie rolls 1d20+14 eyes (also hat) and gets 19." [1d20=5]
[15:35] <@Ebiris> roll 1d20+10 Val
[15:36] * +Hatbot --> "Ebiris rolls 1d20+10 Val and gets 25." [1d20=15]
[15:36] <@Ebiris> Despite her comforting words, Val whimpers and butts his head against Henrietta's leg, trying to get between her and the water with sudden urgency.
[15:37] <@Henrietta> "Is anything there, Val?" Henrietta asks, although she finds herself somewhat dubious. Does Val want to mark that lake? Is that something dogs do?
[15:40] * @Rudy subconsciously takes a step back from the lake.
[15:40] * @Lucie is on guard for more leeches, or whatever it might be!
[15:42] <@Ebiris> Val emits a soulful whine... just as the water suddenly breaks by something huge breaching its surface nearby! Six fierce heads dominated by frond-like beards surrounding rows of massive jagged teeth and capped with eyes that reflect a sickly yellow against Liamae's magelight, the necks all protruding from long snake-like necks that merge into a single sinuous yet bulky body the size of a small dragon, the entire thing covered in brilliant lime-green scales adorned with darker stripes. It's limbs are tiny and more akin to flippers than arms or legs, as if it were the reptile equivalent to a seal than any creature designed to run or climb on land... but in the water they propel it with terrifying force, right at the centre of the party!