022.3 Willim

[Corwin]

[20:22] <Shao_Koahn> Ah practice. A practice that is interrupted, as the Master looks to the sky as you stand in the courtyard. "Hm," he observes, "That is quite the colorful dragon." Several others are with you, practicing as well.
[20:23] * Willim looks up. "The others must have decided to help Baleruk. I wonder how it went."
[20:25] <Shao_Koahn> The dragon above shines with all the colors of the rainbow, flying above and around Aurora. "That is Baleruk?" The Master asks, "Most dragons are not so...festivally colored."
[20:27] <Willim> "There was some talk about a prisma or something. To be honest, I wasn't paying attention. One of the girls will probably know more about it."
[20:29] <Shao_Koahn> "It is good," The Master nods, "He will help bring out the worthiest opponents."
[20:31] * Willim nods, resuming his practice.
[20:34] <Shao_Koahn> It really isn't long. Maybe five minutes. "Excuse me?" A feminine voice asks from Willim's side. "Willim?"
[20:37] * Willim halts his practice, flowing out of a smooth kick to turn toward the voice.
[20:48] <Shao_Koahn> The woman before you wears a white toga. She is rather pretty, though her white wings betray her heritage. Her face - it's just like Jaela's, albeit with both eyes intact. "I'm new here, but I heard you're good at getting angry."
[20:50] * Willim looks at the woman strangely for a moment, confused. "I'm what?"
[20:51] <Shao_Koahn> A momentary sigh, "I heard that you're good at getting angry. Furious rage, smash your enemies into a bloody paste, that manner of thing."
[20:52] <Willim> "Oh! Yes." Willim says, eyes widening with understanding. "I am. How can I help you?"
[20:55] <Shao_Koahn> "Huh." Looking Willim over, "Did the fiends get more troll-like, or did trolls get more evil? What are you doing here? I was expecting more angels and celestials. Anyway, I thought I'd pay my respects. I'm Hanna, Champion of Gwynharwyf, the Whirling Fury."
[21:02] * Willim shrugs, slights against his parentage nothing new to him. "I am Willim, Monk of the Whirling Fist and follower of Tempus. Not all of us have angels for parents. You've not met the ancient vampire yet?"
[21:05] <Shao_Koahn> "Ancient vampire?" Blinking at that, "What in the name of Gwynharwyf is a vampire doing here?" With a voice of utter puzzlement, Hanna stops entirely.
[21:05] <Shao_Koahn> "Willim," The Master murmurs.
[21:06] * Willim ignores the woman for a moment. "Yes master?"
[21:11] <Shao_Koahn> "Hey!" Hanna calls, as the Master smiles slightly, "Ma'am," he greets her, "Are you of Jaela's blood? Your face speaks of your kinship."
[21:17] * Willim blinks, then looks closely at Hanna. "Ohh...yeah she does kind of look like Jaela."
[21:27] <Shao_Koahn> "I'm her mother," Hanna replies coolly, "Now where is this vampire?" Her face shifts from surprised to angry to composed, eyes glistening with hostile intent.
[21:35] * Willim shrugs. "I haven't seen her is a while."
[21:40] <Shao_Koahn> "I'll find her myself, then," Hanna stomps off, as the Master watches. As she slips away, "Ah, I see you've gained wisdom. Involving yourself in a family affair is seldom productive, especially that of a mother and daughter."
[21:43] * Willim nods. "Hopefully they can sort it out without violence."
[21:44] <Shao_Koahn> "Indeed." A solemn nod, "I have see the violence of mothers and daughters turning their fists against one another. Never does it bring anything but sorrow."
[21:52] * Willim nods. "Jaela's tough though. she can handle it, I'm sure." Willim looks less than sure.
[21:53] <Shao_Koahn> "You speak truth. I was once a party...the reason, actually...for a fight between a half fiend and her succcubus mother. It was far more vicious and difficult a battle than I could have ever expected."
[21:55] * Willim looks surprised."They fought because of you?"
[21:56] <Shao_Koahn> "Indeed," He pauses his practice, "There is ultimately one lesson to be learned - when you have grown close to both mother and daughter, the only good choice is one that leads you on the nearest road far away from them. Moreso when they have delusions of you being a slavish pawn."
[21:58] * Willim snorts. "Good advice."
[22:01] <Shao_Koahn> As you talk, there is a tremendous roar! It comes from the gate, loud enough to shake the ground you stand on!
[22:02] * Willim sighs. "Are we going to have to kill the dragon already? It just got here."
[22:03] <Shao_Koahn> "It would be a worthy battle," The Master steps forward, gaze more interested. At the gates is Baleruk, roaring, "Prepare, for the great prismatic dragon Baleruk emerges, the future slayer of Tiamat!"
[22:07] <Willim> "I...see." Willim says. "Well, at least he's pretty."
[22:08] <Shao_Koahn> "Colorful," The Master agrees, as Baleruk roars, "Come forth and pay me homage, for I am the ultimate dragon! I am a true dragon, while all others are shades! Tiamat HIDES FROM ME, UNWILLING TO FACE ME IN TRUE COMBAT! BAHAMUT HAS NO COURAGE BEFORE ME, NOR DOES ANY OTHER!"
[22:08] <Shao_Koahn> A fair crowd starts to gather, watching and listening.
[22:12] * Willim scratches at the base of a horn. "Aren't those the names of dragon gods? I know we've dealt with someone who works for Bahamut before."
[22:14] <Shao_Koahn> "They do sound familiar," The Master murmurs, as practice comes to an entire halt. Slowly does Baleruk enter, all eyes on him. HIs scales glow like all the rainbow's light, "You all shall witness the final days of Tiamat!"
[22:17] <Shao_Koahn> The Master nods, "Ah, these should be interesting times then," he murmurs to Willim.
[22:20] * Willim nods slowly. "These were already interesting times."
[22:21] <Shao_Koahn> "That's all we can hope for," The Master murmurs quietly, "Until our lives burn out. Great battles and wars are coming."
[22:25] <Willim> "We shall glorify Tempus with our fists." Willim nods.
[22:28] <Shao_Koahn> As a crowd continues to gather and Baleruk slowly heads inside, a stately march, "Let's keep on fighting," The Master says, "So that when war comes, we are ready."
[22:30] * Willim nods, returning to his practice.

[Corwin]

[19:50] <Kotono> Finding the Master again is a bit harder. This time you find him atop the roof of Aurora, leaping between raises steeples and sliding down them. Constantly moving, constantly dodging and ascending or descending.
[19:51] <Willim> Flying over, Willim maintains a respectful distance from the man and calls out to him. "Master! I have a question for you!"
[20:05] <Kotono> Landing softly, not disturbing a single pebble, "Speak of it," he says.
[20:09] <Willim> "When we were first starting out, a gith helped us on our path to finding this place. After we finished, we returned to him and offered him a place wth us. He is very smart, but very old. Something about the Astral Plane stops people from aging, but he said if he ever left, he would die pretty quick." Willim says. "He told us about some apples from a tree that Tempus had given...uh...not
[20:09] <Willim> Shar. Sharess? It's a tree that grows apples that stop people from aging. I was wondering if you would be able to help us get a few for the gith, so he can move in here and help us do research and other book stuff. He seems to like it so much."
[20:15] <Kotono> "The Tree of Idun," The Master nods, "I have heard of the legend of of it. I suppose I could go ask Sharess for a few," he considers, "...despite that story of the succubus and daughter, I am no great champion of love."
[20:17] <Willim> "That's all I'm asking." Willim nods. "I don't expect you to blow her mind or anything."
[20:19] <Kotono> "A trip to Brightwater, hm." Thoughtfully starting to hop down towards the Courtyard, attention fully on Willim even as he descends, "I passed through once on my travels. A cradle of civilization, untouched by war's hand."
[20:21] <Willim> "I've been there once, and the girls have been there a few times. It shouldn't be a problem getting there." Willim says, keeping pace.
[20:26] <Kotono> Reaching the Courtyard swiftly, "Magic can take us far faster than portal hunting," he agrees, "Have you gone there that way before? If you have, who can cast those spells?"
[20:27] <Willim> "Jaela, Tepen, and Annalise, off the top of my head."
[20:31] <Kotono> "Let us go try and find one," He says, the two going to do just that. You happen to find Annalise first, sitting in the infirmary. 27 sits in her lap, as Annalise uses a rag to slowly polish his sword-fang.
[20:33] * Willim looks on in mute horror.
[20:33] <Willim> "What the hell are you doing?"
[20:33] <Willim> "Wait, nevermind. I don't want to know." Willim shakes his head.
[20:34] <Willim> "Can you send us to Brightwater?"
[20:36] <Kotono> "Polishing his fang," Annalise says with utter, unperterbed calm. "The poor thing seems to like me." Pausing to scratch the badger's head and then pet it, "I'm sure you'll grow up to be a big, strong slaad, won't you?" After that she looks up, "I can, but Iw on't go with you. You'll need to have someone come pick you up when you're done. It's best if I don't chance the trip."
[20:40] <Willim> "That should be fine. I found my own way back last time." Willim shrugs. "Someone named Hanna is looking for you, by the way. She looks like Jaela. Just a friendly warning."
[20:43] <Kotono> "Oh, that should be interesting," Putting 27 down on the bed, with a protest of, "8-5-25 9 23-1-19 3-15-13-6-15-18-20-1-2-12-5!" Annalise rises, "Are you ready to leave now?"
[20:44] * Willim stares at the badger-slaad-thing in confusion for a minute before nodding at Annalise. "We should be good to go."
[20:46] <Kotono> "I am ready," The Master agrees.
[20:47] <Kotono> 27 looks right back at Willim, and in a slow, monotone voice, "Epq dcwl mu syizdenxzyg exzpe."
[20:48] * Willim looks even more confused!
[20:48] <Kotono> The Master blinks, "Unusual, I can't even be sure what it just said."
[20:49] <Willim> "I have no clue what it's ever saying."
[20:50] <Kotono> "Another one of 27's strange warnings," Annalise concludes, "They can be deciphered with some time and effort."
[20:51] <Willim> "Thinking that much makes my head hurt. Tell Ithea, she seems to love this little guy and his weird stuff." Willim sighs.
[20:55] <Kotono> roll 1d20+43 (+15 divine insight since she's curious)
[20:55] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+43 (+15 divine insight since she's curious) --> [ 1d20=11 ]{54}
[20:56] <Kotono> Annalise frowns for a moment, "It's coded anyway," she says, "You need a word to decipher it. I'll ask Ithea later if she knows it." Coming closer now, "Ready?"
[20:58] <Willim> "Yep."
[21:02] <Kotono> With that, you are touched! In an instant you find yourselves in Brightwater once more! The city shines as it did before, the air clean and golden buildings rising around and above you!
[21:05] <Willim> "Where are we headed then?"
[21:06] <Kotono> "Sharess has a quarter known as Rapture. We'll need to find that first," The Master says, "For I imagine Sharess would be within her quater."
[21:16] * Willim nods and starts looking for a guard to ask for directions!
[21:17] <Kotono> OOC: Do you happen to have any ranks in GI?
[21:17] <Willim> OOC: Nope!
[21:17] <Kotono> OOC: Make a cha check? The Master has a higher charisma than you, so he can lead and you can aid.
[21:17] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9
[21:18] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+9 --> [ 1d20=14 ]{23}
[21:18] <Willim> roll 1d20+0
[21:18] <Rei-chan> Willim rolled : 1d20+0 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{10}
[21:21] <Kotono> You wander and ask around. You come to a vendor hawking fresh fruits and vegetables, "Welcome, welcome! What did you say? Well, say that again? Still, while you're here, are you interested in some fresh apples straight from the orchards of Lathander himself? Or how about bananas from the wild reaches of Arborea? Oh, and I have a two for one sale on Cubic Raisins from Mechanus!"
[21:23] * Willim senses a distinct lack of meat, and is thus uninterested. "Actually, we were hoping that you could direct us to the Rapture quarter?"
[21:30] <Kotono> Slipping over a few coins, the Master takes one of the apples. "Please, we seek audience with Sharess."
[21:31] <Kotono> "You t-oh!" laughing at that, "Of course, you'll want to take that street there," Pointing at it, "Turn left, then straight ahead, turn right, up the walkway above the next street, back down and over the bridge. There may be a panther or large feline on it. If there isand it speaks to you, be respectful. Sharess is also known as Lady Bast, Queen of the Cats."
[21:32] <Kotono> After a beat, "If you don't mind me saying," Polishing the coins, "Good sir, if you're looking for a beauty treatment, I can recommend you several highly effective ones for a small price," he says to Willim. "In fact, taking one may be preferable before going toRapture."
[21:33] * Willim looms. "You're saying I'm ugly? Are you making fun of me?"
[21:34] <Kotono> OOC: Make an intimidation check?
[21:35] <Willim> roll 1d20+18
[21:35] <Rei-chan> Willim rolled : 1d20+18 --> [ 1d20=5 ]{23}
[21:35] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5 watch the miko give you an obscene gesture.
[21:35] <Rei-chan> Kotono rolled : 1d20+5 watch the miko give you an obscene gesture. --> [ 1d20=7 ]{12}
[21:36] <Kotono> "Aaah!" Stumbling back and raising his hands up, "I wouldn't dream of it, good sir! In fact you're, handsome! Handsome! It's just that such handsomeness can be further enhanced and it might curry you more f-favor in Rapture if you are!"
[21:36] <Kotono> The Master serenely eats his apple, not even raising an eyebro win the meantime.
[21:38] * Willim grunts, eyeing the man. "...go on."
[21:40] <Kotono> "I mentioned how Lady Bast is the Goddess of Cats? Well, Sharess is cat-like, and cats are rather, ah, well..." Leaning back in to whisper, "Vain." Then quickly scooting back, "Y'see...and why don't you have a free sample, good sir...Sharess appreciates those who are appealing and take care of themselves, so the better you look, the better she likes you."
[21:43] <Willim> "Oh." Willim leans back, relaxing. "Why didn't you say so?"
[21:46] <Kotono> "T-that's what I meant, good sir! I apologize for the misunderstanding!"Babbling now, "So would you like directions to a beauty spa first?"
[21:46] <Willim> "I suppose it couldn't hurt." Willim nods.
[21:49] <Kotono> "G-go down to Profit Way, Villa's Inn. She does them for anyone!" He says quickly, "By all means!"
[21:50] * Willim nods, flipping the man a coin and heading off.
[21:56] <Kotono> As you head away, "Are you going to actually do this?" The Master asks coolly.
[21:57] <Willim> "He said it would probably help." Willim shrugs. "Do you think it won't?"
[21:58] <Kotono> "Willim." Stopping here, "Beauty treatments are something a woman gets." With calm serenity, "Do you want your nails filed and painted, your toenails done the same? Do you want a light blush painted onto your cheeks and your hide soaked in moisturizing agents to have a 'natural glow', and for you to get your hair all done up?"
[21:59] * Willim stops...then bliks...then frowns. "He...thought I was a woman?"
[22:00] <Kotono> "No, I doubt that." The Master smiles just a tiny bit, "I suspect that the people of Rapture know little of war and much of unneeded pomp and beauty. That's all. Knowing your enemy is important, but there are limits."
[22:01] <Willim> "Oh. Alright then. Let's just go to the temple." Willim says, abruptly changing direction.
[22:04] <Kotono> Thus you head further towards Rapture! Past all this you come to a bridge. An arching bridge of fairy-tale magic, of wrought metal and stone that weave together to form an airy walkway. Lying in the middle of the bridge is a great, snow white feline, easily the size of Willim. Beyond it lies a shadowed place, smaller, narrow streets and alleys glimpsed.
[22:08] * Willim clops up to the cat on the bridge!
[22:11] <Kotono> As you approach, the cat rises! It stretches with grace not out of place on a common housecat, tall enough to look Willim eye to eye! "Hello there. Mmmmm," Sniffing Willim obviously, "Oooh, a tiefling. We don't get many here, mrrr..." Face to face with Willim, whiskers close enough to tickle his cheeks.
[22:11] <Kotono> A moment later she rather sharply looks to the Master, "...hmph." she mutters, "What are you doing bringing that with you?"
[22:12] * Willim pulls a ham-sized hunk of beef out of his pack, rips it in half, and offers one half to the cat. "Hi. Lunch?"
[22:13] <Kotono> "Mmmm!" The oversized cat takes it out of Willim's hand with one big bite! It chews easily, swallowing it. "You know how to treat a lady," the feline purrs, "Why is your friend bringing something like THAT into Rapture, tiefling?"
[22:13] * Willim eyes the Master. "Like what?"
[22:14] <Kotono> The Master merely smiles, "A gift from my Master," He replies, "The Father of War saw fit to bestow it on the completion of melding weapon with flurry."
[22:16] <Kotono> "You are not welcome in this realm, not with that," The cat growls, "Tiefling, you may enter if you wish. Your friend will not pass, on the pain of his life."
[22:17] <Willim> "...could you at least explain?"
[22:19] <Kotono> "I bear a sword that our friend here finds offensive. I would draw it to show you, but once I draw it...unfortunate things happen, things not suited to a place of peace." The Master replies with a deceptive calm. "In my studies, I mastered blending weapons in with my art. With a weapon, I am as skilled as my bare hands. Dark Battlefield is a manifestation of the fog and confusion of war,
[22:19] <Kotono> and its endless hunger for more bodies.""
[22:19] <Willim> "Oh, some sort of cursed sword or something?"
[22:20] <Kotono> "Not cursed. Hungry," The Master explains further, "It hungers constantly. It is a fog that spreads out and disorients, while consuming everything within its bounds."
[22:23] <Willim> "Ohh. Hungry. Like me." Willim says, chomping down idly on the hunk of beef. "Well...I don't suppose we can just leave it somewhere then, if you can't draw it." Willim sighs. "And we don't want to fight our way in, since we only want to talk."
[22:23] <Willim> "Dammit."
[22:24] <Kotono> "Go in without me," The Master says, "You are part of this order and serve Tempus. Strength of arms will not win this contest, but strength of mind and force of will."
[22:25] <Willim> "Well, I suppose I'll have to." Willim nods. "I'll be back once I know the answers, I guess." He looks at the giant cat. "So I can pass, right?"
[22:25] <Kotono> The feline steps aside, allowing Willim access.
[22:26] <Willim> "Alright then." Willim clops forward over the bridge!
[22:30] <Kotono> Thus Willim advances! Past the bridge, he finds himself in a dim, shadowed alley. LIght is minimal, just enough to cast everything in a veil of shadows. The houses usually have curtains drawn, a peaceful, serene quiet on the streets.
[22:32] * Willim begins seeking the temple!
[22:33] <Kotono> You wander down a few side streets and alleys. The shadows settle into everything, setting the world into soft focus. The scents of jasmine and honeysuckle can be smelled, the streets free of trash. As you walk down this way, a humanoid in heavy robes walks. It has its head bowed, a hood shadowing its face.
[22:34] * Willim eyes the figure with thinly-veiled curiosity!
[22:35] <Kotono> It slows and stops as Willim eyes it, about 20ft away. One beautifully pale hand is raised in greeting, and a female's voice calls to him, "Good day," she says, her voice that of a sultry and somber woman. "Are you lost, or are you looking to be found by your heart's curiosity?"
[22:37] <Willim> Willim's look of curiosity fades to one of mild confusion! "...what? I was just hoping you would know where I could find the temple of Sharess."
[22:39] <Kotono> "Aaah! All is to Sharess here," With an alluring chuckle as she steps forward a little closer, "I am one of her worshipers, should you be seeking magical aid. You need but ask."
[22:41] <Willim> "Yeah, I kind of need to talk to her. Do you know where I can find her?" Willim asks.
[22:50] <Kotono> "Now this is interesting," Coming forward, the woman pushes back her hood. It is a woman, with fine, pale skin the color of fresh milky cream. Her hair is a vibrant red, luxurious and full. "I am Selsmaree, devoted of Sharess. I can think of few trolls indeed that would have reason to seek out Lady Bast."
[22:52] <Willim> "Well, it's kind of a long story."
[22:58] <Kotono> "Quite," With a gentle murmur, "This is a fine place to wander. Walk with me and tell me your story."
[22:59] * Willim looks at her, then shrugs and starts walking. "Well, first of all, have you ever heard of Lifasa?"
[22:59] <Kotono> "I have," she murmurs, "Graceless, ugly devils that they are."
[23:05] <Willim> "Well, I'm from Lifasa. So are a lot of my friends. Anyhow, we are on this quest to free Lifasa and kill a lot of devils. One person who helped us on our way was a gith-something that helped us find Medicant. If you've heard of it. If not, it's some sort of floating planar super-fortress. I don't know how it works. We're using it to gather people up. The gith that helped us in the
[23:05] <Willim> beginning offered to join us, but since he's so old, if he leaves the Astral Plane for even a minute, he'll dry up and die I think. He told us about these apples from a tree that Tempus gave to Sharess a long time ago, and I figured that since I'm one of the last followers of Tempus from my world, and since they're such good friends, maybe I could talk her into giving us three or so
[23:05] <Willim> apples so that we can get this guy to help us out. He's really smart with books and stuff."
[23:11] <Kotono> "An interesting story," Your companion agrees, "Finding Sharess is a matter of her whimsy. You may find her easily, or you may search for all your life and never come on her." As you talk, a pair of cats come out ofa n alleyway, running to another. One is white and one is black, the former chasing after the latter.
[23:15] * Willim watches the cats for a moment. "That's...great." Willim sighs. "If we weren't at war, I'd be able to search forever...but we are, and I can't. Any tips on finding her? You said you were a devoted or something?"
[23:18] <Kotono> "There's luck involved." Without a doubt in her voice does she go on, "Sharess does show her favor for certain things, which could help your chances. A loving couple earns her favor, someone with feline traits of features, an offering of beauty, love or sex also doesn't hurt. She also has a martial side, stomping out forces opposed to her doesn't hurt - such as Rosier, a Dutchess of
[23:18] <Kotono> Hell, Malcanthet, the Queen of Succubi, or Graz'zt, a demon prince of lusts."
[23:25] <Willim> "I have...none of that." Willim says. "Though I wouldn't be surprised if we wind up in the Abyss again by the end of the month."
[23:27] <Kotono> "Well, you said you had a lot of friends," She considers, "Are any of them like that? Do you have a girlfriend you could bring, or a feline ally?"
[23:29] <Willim> "Well, there's Dana." Willim admits. "She might be my girlfriend. I dunno. She might just like me because I can hit her REALLY hard."
[23:30] <Kotono> "...oh, THAT kind of relationship." Selsmaree chuckles again, voice full of a sultry mirth, "Mmm-hmm."
[23:32] <Willim> "You understand it?" Willim looks at her.
[23:33] <Kotono> "Oh yes, I've studied all sorts of relationships. There are the rare sort who like pain." Nodding, "Your girlfriend does sound that type. It's more associated with the lower realms, as pain is rarely associated with the heavens."
[23:35] <Willim> "Yeh, I don't think she's a devil or anything. We met her in Ysgard."
[23:37] <Kotono> "Oooooh, that fits too," With a slight nod, "Well, if you two care for each other it will be seen favorably by her."
[23:40] <Willim> "Well, I guess I like her. I mean, she's the first girl who isn't instantly disgusted by me." Willim says. "I mean, most townspeople look at me and go 'Aaaa demon troll!' and then the guards get all mad and they try to stab me."
[23:47] <Willim> "So, how's that work then? Do I bring her here? Will Sharess come to me?"
[23:51] <Kotono> "You're lucky I found you. My village on the Prime had a tamed troll who helped in the fields. Most would be shocked to see something like a troll here. Fortune has given you one blessing, 'tis obvious. Bring and search."
[23:53] <Willim> "Alright then." Willim nods. "I'm Willim, by the way. I suppose I'll see you around."
[23:54] <Kotono> "If it is so fated," The woman nods, pulling up her hood, "Fortune of Tymora on you."
[23:55] <Willim> "Thanks, you too." With that, Willim heads back toward the bridge!

[Corwin]

[21:09] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:09] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 94." [1d100=94]
[21:09] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:09] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 75." [1d100=75]
[21:10] <Kotono> As you return to the bridge, you find the Master has found someone to talk to. Tannin is there, leaning against the fairy-tale bridge casually. He glances over at Willim and nods, "Small infinity, isn't it?" he comments. "That or my fortune is paying me back at last."
[21:11] <Willim> "Hello Tannin." Willim greets. "Why do you say that? You were looking for me?"
[21:15] <Kotono> "I was looking for a few bruisers." Shaking his head, "Need some muscle for a problem that came up. Either of you know what an Angel of Decay is?"
[21:15] <Willim> "It sounds bad, but no." Willim says.
[21:16] <Kotono> roll 1d20+27
[21:16] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+27 and gets 28." [1d20=1]
[21:16] <Kotono> "A thing that resembles true angels, but is one of the walking dead," The Master speaks up, "I have heard of them, yes."
[21:18] <Willim> "Oh, like a zombie or a skeleton?" Willim asks. "Oh hey, that reminds me. While we're here, I should look into getting some eggs."
[21:21] <Kotono> "Much worse than one. They rot everything around them," Tannin speaks up, "Long story short, I found a lead on a book of lore that a merchant wants. I scratch his back, he comes to Aurora. Of course, it's in the lair of one of those things.
[21:21] <Kotono> "
[21:23] <Willim> "Well, let's go smash it then." Willim says.
[21:24] <Kotono> "I could be sufficient, if desired," The Master speaks up, "We are many and have many problems. Let us work as many rather than one."
[21:24] <Kotono> Tannin shrugs, "I'd rather bring both of you, but if you're busy?" He glances over at Willim, "I'd rather be careful than not with one of those."
[21:24] * Willim nods. "The eggs aren't going anywhere. I can always get them when we're done. Where to?"
[21:26] <Kotono> "Follow me," Tannin murmurs, leading the trio along! Into back alleys he leads you, each one quieter than the last! At last you are deep within Brightwater, not a sign of noise. Tannin stops before a blank wall, pointing at it. "Here. Focus your minds and concentrate."
[21:28] * Willim screws up his face and concentates!
[21:30] <Kotono> OOC: Make a spot or concentration check, whichever is higher?
[21:30] <Kotono> roll 1d20+37
[21:30] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+37 and gets 53." [1d20=16]
[21:32] <Willim> roll 1d20+14 spot
[21:32] * Hatbot --> "Willim rolls 1d20+14 spot and gets 34." [1d20=20]
[21:36] <Kotono> It takes concentration and effort, but abruptly the space around the wall twists! You can now see a plain door there, uninteresting in the extreme. Tannin reaches out and taps it, "A passage to the Infinite Staircase," he says, "Much more exclusive and useful than portals, once you understand how itw orks and learn parts of it. You may find the door boring and want to ignore it. That's
[21:36] <Kotono> normal until you open one of these doors for the first time. They highly discourage anyone from noticing them."
[21:37] <Willim> "What's the Infinite Staircase?" Willim asks.
[21:46] <Kotono> "Imagine it like the back entrance and exit of Creation," Tannin goes to the door, "It connects to everywhere. It's exactly what it says it is."
[21:46] <Willim> "Even Aurora?"
[21:49] <Kotono> "Haven't seen a door to it." Tannin confesses, "I mean in the sense of planes and realms. Considering who made it, I'd guess even if there was a door there, it's sealed."
[21:51] <Willim> "That makes sense." Willim nods. "So this is how you get around to all the places you go?"
[21:53] <Kotono> "Yeah." Tanning nods, "C'mon." With that he opens the door, heading within.
[21:54] * Willim follows!
[22:04] <Kotono> Within you step! You appear on a simple balcony in the darkness. Endless darkness, save for stairways. Stairs that connect to this balcony and to others farther away. Stairways going in every direction at once, twisting, turning, looping, ascending, descending! The air is faintly cold, as Tanning steps forward, "This way."
[22:07] * Willim looks around. "How is it that you can find your way in here? I'd be lost in a minute!"
[22:12] <Kotono> "Practice. I'm told I have a knack at it," Tannin says artlessly, heading for a stair descending down. Behind you, you cannotice that the door you came through is decorated golden on this side, as if plated in wealth. The Master merely looks about before following.
[22:13] * Willim grunts. "Well, as long as ou know where you're going."
[22:16] <Kotono> "Yes. Follow me - oh, and don't try to fly or jump to take shortcuts. It doesn't work out well." TAnnina advises.
[22:17] * Willim nods, clopping along on the stairs behind Tannin.
[22:19] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[22:19] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 67." [1d100=67]

[Corwin]

[05:46] <Kotono> You walk down a flight of stairs. It is a vastly long flight, a half hour of steady downstair walking passing without incident. It is at this point that something catches Willim's eye. Flying through the void and around various stairways are what must be a few dozen women. They are humanoid and barechested from the stomach up, with well formed, if unsymmetrical features and green, white
[05:46] <Kotono> or blue hair. Gorgeous, emerald green wings keep each of them aloft. From the stomach down each of them has the body of a snake, green scales shimmering in the darkness like an ambient light. Some carry musical intruments, such as harps, lutes, flutes and one even carries cymbals. All of them are armed, most with bows and bladed weapons.
[05:48] <Willim> "Err...Tannin? What's with the snake women?" Willim asks. "They look ready for a fight. Think they're coming after us?" Willim sounds oddly eager.
[05:50] <Kotono> Tannin glances at them once before continuing to descend. "They aren't hostile unless we make trouble. They're lillends, a type of spirit like angels and devils. They're closely related to eladrin. Bands of them are the self declared protectors and enforcers of the Stair - they're the only ones that know how to fly safely here, so fighting them is a bad idea. The mobility disadvantage
[05:50] <Kotono> will get you abused as an arrow-cushion, and you don't want that to happen, do you?"
[05:53] * Willim grunts. "I don't think we need to alienate any more celestials, anyway."
[05:55] <Kotono> "Indeed. Make no more enemies, for we have enough," The Master says, walking slower.
[05:57] * Willim nods.
[05:57] <Kotono> Tannin glances back, hood hiding most of his face but a flash of his deep brown and blue eyes, seeming to slowly deepen in color as he speaks, "It's not what I imagined when I joined up. We don't need Celestia as an enemy, damn it. The entire thing and support could fall apart if it goes that far. All those eladrins, do you think the eladrin queen will side with us or Celestia if we
[05:57] <Kotono> provoke them enough for war?""
[06:01] <Willim> "Something to take up with Jaela and Afina, I'd say. They seem gung-ho on making as many gods mad at us as possible." Willim says.
[06:02] <Kotono> "It is not entirely Celestia, but two of the Gods there," The Master murmurs, "But you are correct, we have enough enemies." Meanwhile the lillends fly just above, a dimly luminous snake and woman parade. One or two look down and smile, one even waves.
[06:03] * Willim waves a black, taloned, oversized hand right back!
[06:05] <Kotono> "Yeah, you're right. It isn't the Hebdomad," Tannin murmurs, raising a hand in salute to the lillends as well. Once they've flown past, "Still got a ways to go, come on."
[06:05] * Willim nods. Onward!
[06:08] <Kotono> After another ten minutes or so of walking you come to another landing. Here a doorway sits. It is surrounded by mists, half shrouded in them, "The ethereal," he says, going to another stairway on the other side of the landing, this one going up, "The ethereal on a no name Prime in an abandoned, overgrown city. The large majority of doors lead to various primes like that...though I've
[06:08] <Kotono> heard the stairway is infinite anyway."
[06:11] <Willim> "Primes are places like Lifasa? I think I remember someone referring to Lifasa as a prime once."
[06:13] <Kotono> "Yes," Tannin begins to walk up, taking the steps two at a time in a steady, ground-eating pace. "Best I understand it, each Prime is an entire world. A miniature plane, a globe called a planet, a crystal sphere...heard a lot of names for 'em. Lifasa is one of many. Nine hundred and ninety nine out of a thousand mortals born there will live and die without ever realizing they're just
[06:13] <Kotono> one of infinitely more, or that there are entire other realms waiting to be explored. They know the Gods in one form or another, and their own history, wars, battles, beginning and end."
[06:14] <Willim> "Seems complicated." Willim says.
[06:14] <Kotono> "I've heard it called a prism, with each endless reflection being another world," The Master muses as you continue along, "The fact that it's always descripted as a metaphor makes one suspect it is more complicated than that, yes. You have stricken to the heart of the matter, Willim."
[06:16] <Kotono> "Yeah." Tannin scratches at his chin as you walk up, "You're right. There's one Celestia, one Arborea, one Baator, and so on. You follow so far? Thing is, there's countless Primes, countless worlds with their own history and understanding of things. Including the Gods, which is what I can never understand."
[06:17] <Willim> Willim gives the Master a wan look. "I was built to fight and lift, not to understand the mysteries of..." he trails off, waving his hands at their various surroundings.
[06:17] <Kotono> "The powers that be are prisms themselves," The Master smiles a little bit as he goes on, "No, you are right, and wise for knowing your talents. Wiser than many people with far greater intellect. A man who knows his limits can transcend them. A fool is bound by them and the hubris of believing himself unlimited."
[06:18] <Willim> "...and eat." Willim belatedly adds.
[06:18] <Kotono> Tannin chuckles, "And eat. I've seen you eat before. If there was any doubt you were troll-blooded..."
[06:19] <Willim> "Don't let the horns and hooves fool you, Tannin."
[06:21] <Kotono> "Sarcasm? I didn't think you had that in you, circlet or not. Anyway," Tannin goes on, "We're the lucky ones. We get a little closer to the truth than any of them ever do. We're not bound by the beliefs and customs of a Prime world like they are. Say, take Tempus. No matter what a world might believe him to be and revere him as, we know what he is past all that. We can work on a level
[06:21] <Kotono> past all that local supersition. S'why I left the Prime, anyway."
[06:24] * Willim shrugs. "I only left because the portals kicked me out. I'd have been happy to go out fighting devils in glory to Tempus. A fine way to die."
[06:25] <Kotono> "Yeah." Tannin laughs a little bit now, shaking his head back and forth, "I used to think I was miserably unlucky since the empire I was born in collapsed into civil war and a corrupt asshole took power in my home city." Pausing to glance over at Willim, "Might be a fine death, but you'll have many more chances to kill devils since you lived."
[06:26] <Willim> "True."
[06:26] <Kotono> "Does it matter? A fine death in the service of Tempus will be rewarded," The Master speaks, "In the hereafter we will have endless war. For me, that is enough."
[06:27] <Willim> "Ah, fighting and more fighting." Willim muses. "It's like Ysgard was, without all the feasting and posturing."
[06:27] <Kotono> "Mmm." Tannin murmurs, picking up his pace. After another 25 minutes or so of walking, you come to another walkway. This door is plain and undecorated, Tannin glancing at it before heading for yet another stairway going up, "Don't know what's behind that one. Doesn't open. Stories go that Primes that ended somehow have leftover doors like that."
[06:31] <Willim> "Ended? How does a world just end?"
[06:33] <Kotono> "Heard a few stories," Tannin goes on, "Someone wins. Uppercase wins, uppercase someone. Maybe a saint comes and ushers in golden generation after golden generation, until evil is rejected and the world rises into Elysium. Other times...hell, look at what Abigor did. Maybe if he's left unchecked Lifasa will end up as a fiefdom in Avernus." A pause, "Oh, I was talking to the old magi and
[06:33] <Kotono> he mentioned something about Medi, too. For his first trick, he killed some monster that was supposed to end the world of the Prime he lived on. All ahead of time, just to make a point or something. His encore was Aurora."
[06:35] <Willim> "Makes me wonder just what kind of man Medi was." Willim says. "I wonder if he would approve of us as we are now."
[06:36] <Kotono> "Y'know, I got the impression most people here didn't care much about Medi 'cept that he left Aurora. At least not much, anyway. Not compared to Elena," Tannin reaches into his pocket, taking out an apple. The sharp sound of his bite into it serves a momentary lull in the conversation, then, "According to Elena, he was the best mortal sorcerer of all time, he could shit diamonds, take
[06:36] <Kotono> out a balor with a cross look and probably had Sune, Sharess and Lliira fighting over who got bone him."
[06:38] <Kotono> After a few more bites of his apple Tannin shrugs. "To be honest, I'm not sure about all of that. Oh, he was damned good. No one who isn't damned good builds a fortress like Aurora. But on the other hand, he lost. Couldn't have been that much hot shit."
[06:38] * Willim snorts a laugh at that last bit. "I'd bet she remembers him at his best. As for losing, he must have trusted the wrong people."
[06:40] <Kotono> "Bingo," Tannin chuckles, "Word is that one of the fiends somehow whispered into the hearts of his allies and lead to some grand betrayal. Figure you've heard that one before. Honestly, she's only so good as a source since hell, she loves him. If she were flesh and blood she'd have been his wife if he'd take her, I bet. It's the sort of love that mindless devotion brings. Hell, I wouldn't
[06:40] <Kotono> be surprised if she was and she had Medi kill her to make her some sort of guardian spirit, or whatever she is."
[06:43] <Kotono> "Melancholy," The Master remarks as he follows along, "Do you believe that, truly?"
[06:43] <Willim> "...love is weird. I hope Dana doesn't wind up like that." Willim says. "Though she doesn't seem the type."
[06:45] <Kotono> "No offense, Willim," Tannin says, "She's pretty, rich and royalty. She could pick a suitor, but she's chumming around with you. You can literally get away with smacking her if she starts that, and it'll make her happy and change the subject. Sure you didn't do something nice for Tymora last time you were in Brightwater?"
[06:46] <Willim> "I don't think so?" Willim says.
[06:46] <Kotono> The Master chuckles, a dry sound. As he does that, Tannin goes on, "Elena? It's my best guess, could be wrong. Finding a good source on Medi's hard as hell. Anyone still alive back then is either a power, an extremely powerful outsider or someone who I do not want to mess with."
[06:46] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[06:47] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 14." [1d100=14]
[06:47] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[06:47] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 18." [1d100=18]
[06:48] <Kotono> As you continue to walk and talk, you can see something above. Another landing, it looks like. Here Tannin points, "There we go," he calls, "That'll be the door we're looking for."
[06:50] * Willim nods. "About time."
[06:52] <Kotono> Coming up, you come to a door. Around the door is white ivy, brown leaves littering the ground around it. "We'll come out somewhere that's like the Prime. Close enough for our purposes, in a little abandoned village. Fromt here's a quick walk tot he thing's lair. We go in, take it out, get the lore and get out. Best not to linger here."
[06:56] <Willim> "Sounds good." Willim nods. "Everybody likes killing undead."
[07:08] <Kotono> "Right," Tannin opens the door, leading the trio through. You stand under a full night sky. Stars sparkle and the cold air causes your breath to mist. Above you see the moon - and another, and a third. Three large moons, each one shedding silver-white light down. IT is enough to provide plenty of illumination. Around you is a rustic village, silent and mildly overgrown with grasses and
[07:08] <Kotono> vines.
[07:11] <Willim> What light he may lack, his trollish and demonic descent makes up for; Willim can see just fine. He looks around. "Nice place. Doesn't look like it's infested with walking corpses."
[07:11] <Willim> Willim takes a deep breath through his nose, looking for unfamiliar scents.
[07:11] <Willim> OOC: Scent
[07:14] <Kotono> URGH! THe stench of rotting flesh and putrid waste comes from the northeast. It's hard to miss with a sensative nose!
[07:15] * Willim immediately points toward the northeast. "Dead flesh that way. Smells like rotting meat."
[07:17] <Kotono> "Got it," Tannin starts that way, "Eyes sharp, it's not a mindless zombie."
[07:19] * Willim nods and heads in the same direction.
[07:21] <Kotono> Through the village you go, to a river. There is a sturdy stone bridge arching over. The river water looks silver, reflecting the three moon's radiance. As you advance along...OOC: Spot checks, you three.
[07:21] <Kotono> roll 1d20+18 Tannin
[07:21] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+18 Tannin and gets 20." [1d20=2]
[07:21] <Kotono> roll 1d20+37 Master
[07:21] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+37 Master and gets 56." [1d20=19]
[07:21] <Willim> roll 1d20+14
[07:21] * Hatbot --> "Willim rolls 1d20+14 and gets 31." [1d20=17]
[07:22] <Kotono> Just as you reach the bridge, the Master stops. As he does, Willim can notice something. Somethign making the water stir under the bridge and to its right, beneath the waves. The Master is looking that way as well, a single eyebrow raised.
[07:23] <Willim> "Something in the water." Willim says, holding Tannin back from crossing the bridge.
[07:25] <Kotono> Tannin stops, starting to reply! Whatever it was, it is lost as the waters split apart! Rising from it is a vast thing! Twelve skeletal heads, long necks rising out of the water! Each one is bare of flesh but rich in sharp looking teeth! It goes as if to roar, but no sound comes out! Tannin bites off a curse heavy enough to wilt flowers, "Heh, guess the angel's just as bright as I gave
[07:25] <Kotono> it credit for." He pauses to crack his knuckles, "Hey Willim. You aren't bothered by the sounds of bones breaking, are you?"
[07:26] <Willim> "Troll." Willim says flatly, staring at the giant ugly thing.
[07:27] <Kotono> "Fantastic," Just as flat is the reply, before Tannin grins, "Bet you I can break more than you can!" At this the heads all lunge forward, as if to feast ont he party! OOC: Init.
[07:27] <Willim> roll 1d20+4
[07:27] * Hatbot --> "Willim rolls 1d20+4 and gets 19." [1d20=15]
[07:27] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9 Master
[07:27] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+9 Master and gets 29." [1d20=20]
[07:27] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7 Tannin
[07:27] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 Tannin and gets 14." [1d20=7]
[07:28] <Kotono> roll 1d20+3 skeleton beast
[07:28] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+3 skeleton beast and gets 14." [1d20=11]
[07:28] * Kotono changes topic to 'Master(29)>Willim(19)>Tannin=Skeletal Beast(14)'
[07:29] <Kotono> The Master regards the beast with cool composure, "Willim, dispatch it," he says, "I would dishonor decades of training by wasting them on such a trifling foe." OOC: Willim, go. Master is holding.
[07:30] <Willim> OOC: As expected.
[07:35] * Willim nods, leaping into the mass of whirling teeth and vertebrae, wings keeping him aloft as he dips and dives out of the way! OOC: Flying, raging as free action, AoO me if you can!
[07:35] <Kotono> OOC: Basically provoking AoOs?
[07:35] <Willim> OOC: Not much else I can do
[07:36] <Willim> OOC: It get's all 12, right?
[07:36] <Kotono> OOC: Only one AoO.
[07:36] <Kotono> OOC: Except it's flatfooted still and doesn't have CR, so it doesn't.IT and Tannin are up.
[07:36] <Willim> OOC: Whoa there nelly
[07:36] <Willim> OOC: Still my turn
[07:36] <Kotono> Willim flies into the mass of heads, who circle and dart for Willim! As one, all twelve try to rend him limb from limb, biting and chomping on him like a fresh troll steak!
[07:37] <Kotono> roll 12#1d20+16
[07:37] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 12#1d20+16 and gets 333." [12#1d20+16 = 27, 22, 32, 32, 28, 28, 31, 30, 17, 35, 17, 34]
[07:37] <Kotono> roll 12#1d20+11 AC?
[07:37] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 12#1d20+11 AC? and gets 230." [12#1d20+11 = 28, 20, 12, 13, 31, 25, 21, 17, 15, 13, 21, 14]
[07:37] <Willim> OOC: I never took my attack action!
[07:37] <Kotono> OOC: Oh, strike those then. Make your attack. Sorry.
[07:38] <Willim> OOC: Shesh, over-eager DM
[07:38] <Willim> roll 1d20+32-6 PA
[07:38] * Hatbot --> "Willim rolls 1d20+32-6 PA and gets 37." [1d20=11]
[07:38] <Kotono> OOC: That be a hit.
[07:39] <Willim> roll 7d10+17+6 Allow me to introduce Mr. Fist.
[07:39] * Hatbot --> "Willim rolls 7d10+17+6 Allow me to introduce Mr. Fist. and gets 60." [7d10=3, 5, 4, 7, 8, 5, 5]
[07:39] <Kotono> With a heavy punch, one of the hydra's bony heads is set flying, knocked back into the next one! Thet wo shatter apart under the tremendous force of the blow, becoming explosions of wet bones! OOC: Oooow. Now Tannin'n'the Hydra are up.
[07:39] * Kotono changes topic to 'Master(29)>Willim(19)>Tannin=Skeletal Beast(10 heads left)(14)'
[07:40] <Willim> OOC: AC 29
[07:40] <Kotono> roll 10#1d20+16
[07:40] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 10#1d20+16 and gets 258." [10#1d20+16 = 24, 25, 34, 24, 22, 22, 17, 22, 36, 32]
[07:40] <Kotono> roll 10#1d20+11
[07:41] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 10#1d20+11 and gets 194." [10#1d20+11 = 20, 22, 15, 18, 14, 23, 23, 12, 27, 20]
[07:41] <Kotono> roll 1d20+16 crit chance
[07:41] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+16 crit chance and gets 31." [1d20=15]
[07:42] <Willim> OOC: Confirmed, 2 hits and a crit! HIT ME. DR applies.
[07:42] <Kotono> roll 1d10+6+2d10+12+1d10+6
[07:42] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d10+6+2d10+12+1d10+6 and gets 49." [1d10=6][2d10=7, 6][1d10=6]
[07:44] <Kotono> Willim is at the center of an orgy of bone and biting, ripping his flesh! Yet the wounds are nothing serious, teeth pulling off meat that begins to regrow immediately! As this happens Tannin vanishes from view! OOC: Master is holding still. Go Willim, Tannin used greater invisibility and the rest is lost toyou since you can't see 'em.
[07:45] <Willim> Fists and feet flying, Willim endeavors to beat Tannin to the punch! Literally!
[07:45] <Willim> roll 1d20+32-6 PA
[07:45] <Willim> roll 1d20+32-6 PA
[07:45] <Willim> roll 1d20+32-6 PA
[07:45] <Willim> roll 1d20+27-6 PA
[07:45] <Willim> roll 1d20+22-6 PA
[07:45] <Willim> roll 1d20+27-6 PA bite
[07:45] * Hatbot --> "Willim rolls 1d20+32-6 PA and gets 45." [1d20=19]
[07:45] * Hatbot --> "Willim rolls 1d20+32-6 PA and gets 38." [1d20=12]
[07:45] * Hatbot --> "Willim rolls 1d20+32-6 PA and gets 35." [1d20=9]
[07:45] * Hatbot --> "Willim rolls 1d20+27-6 PA and gets 35." [1d20=14]
[07:45] * Hatbot --> "Willim rolls 1d20+22-6 PA and gets 27." [1d20=11]
[07:45] * Hatbot --> "Willim rolls 1d20+27-6 PA bite and gets 26." [1d20=5]
[07:53] <Kotono> OOC: All hit.
[07:55] <Willim> roll 5#7d10+17+6
[07:55] * Hatbot --> "Willim rolls 5#7d10+17+6 and gets 299." [5#7d10+17+6 = 56, 68, 68, 55, 52]
[07:56] <Willim> roll 1d6+17+6
[07:56] * Hatbot --> "Willim rolls 1d6+17+6 and gets 28." [1d6=5]
[07:57] <Kotono> The crack of bone echos about as Willim's magically enhanced fists strike all over! The explosion is defeaning as cracks spread amid allthe heads! Under Willim's assault, the heads shatter, utterly destroyed! OOC: Free act. Owwies.
[07:58] <Willim> "I win, Tannin." Willim says. "Let's find this angel and be done with it. It smells bad here."
[07:58] <Kotono> Unseen you hear Tannin's voice from the bridge, "Well damn," he calls, "This way.
[07:58] <Kotono> "
[07:59] <Kotono> The Master follows across the bridge, "Well fought," he adds in his own two cents.
[07:59] <Willim> "Thank you, Master." Willim says.
[08:01] <Willim> OOC: Assume following.
[08:01] <Kotono> Ahead the path becomes lightly forested, leading along. After only a few minutes of walking you come to a rather large stone building, like an overgrown cabin. The stench of death is terrible here, all pervading! OOC: Spot check, Willim?
[08:01] <Kotono> roll 1d20+18 Tannin
[08:01] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+18 Tannin and gets 32." [1d20=14]
[08:02] <Willim> roll 1d20+14
[08:02] * Hatbot --> "Willim rolls 1d20+14 and gets 31." [1d20=17]
[08:02] <Kotono> roll 1d20+37 Master
[08:02] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+37 Master and gets 56." [1d20=19]
[08:03] <Kotono> The left side of the house - a moving shadow catches Willim's eye.
[08:03] <Kotono> Tannin says not a word, but jerks his head towards that side.
[08:03] <Willim> As Tannin is invisible, Willim completely misses the cue!
[08:04] <Kotono> Tannin's invisibilyt has long since expired, rendering him entirely visible.
[08:04] <Willim> Willim suddenly notices that Tannin is motioning to the shadow that he is already watching and nods in return!
[08:06] <Willim> "Think that's more fodder, or the angel?"
[08:09] <Kotono> Tannin turns to Willim and winces, lowering his voice to a whisper, "Shh! If it's something watching...!" But even as he speaks, it emerges. The sound of splashing liquid. The stench. Oh Gods, the stench! It is large, large as a planetar. Wings. Brown rotting wings, like long sails of maggot filled flesh. Its entire body is rottin gand crumbling, a puddle surrounding it in a 10ft radius.
[08:09] <Kotono> It speaks, the sound of bugs clattering together to make noise, "Blue Wasting has not taken you?" Its head lulls to the side, neck flesh ripping! Its head dangles to the side like a scab about to fall off, "Living creatures do not survive here, let alone this far in."
[08:11] <Kotono> "Seems not." Tannin says briskly, "Guess we're just lucky. Right, Willim?"
[08:12] * Willim eyes the thing warily. "...huh. Well it really does kind of look like an angel."
[08:12] <Kotono> "No relation, fortunately," The Master adds quietly.
[08:14] <Kotono> Its head slowly rises back up, reattaching as maggots pull it back into position, knitting putrid flesh back together. "You still seek the Arcanum Silvara?"
[08:14] <Willim> Willim gives the thing a short wave. "Hi. Time to die. Again."
[08:14] <Kotono> "Yeah." Tannin says, "But hell, you know how I was bargaining when I was in trouble? Wasn't serious." Cracking his knuckles, "Time to be put down, nightmare!" OOC: Init here.
[08:15] <Kotono> roll 1d20+9 Master
[08:15] <Willim> roll 1d20+4
[08:15] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+9 Master and gets 14." [1d20=5]
[08:15] * Hatbot --> "Willim rolls 1d20+4 and gets 21." [1d20=17]
[08:15] <Kotono> roll 1d20+7 Tannin
[08:15] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+7 Tannin and gets 13." [1d20=6]
[08:15] <Kotono> roll 1d20
[08:15] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20 and gets 9." [1d20=9]
[08:15] <Kotono> OOC: Strike the last d20.
[08:15] <Kotono> roll 1d20+12 Angel of Decay
[08:15] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+12 Angel of Decay and gets 18." [1d20=6]
[08:15] <Willim> OOC: What's the distance?
[08:15] * Kotono changes topic to 'Willim(21)>Angel(18)>Master(14)>Tannin(13)'
[08:15] <Kotono> OOC: 30ft away. Open, Willim.
[08:16] <Willim> Willim leaps into the air, flying forward at the thing and leading with an outstretched rock-solid hoof! OOC: Rage as free, charging. Woof.
[08:16] <Kotono> OOC: Reach?
[08:16] <Willim> OOC: 5 ft, but he's flatfooted?
[08:17] <Willim> OOC: Oh, aura
[08:17] <Kotono> OOC: Combat Reflexes and Aura. Both resolve before you attack.
[08:17] <Willim> OOC: Alright then
[08:17] <Kotono> As Willim charges in, the creature reaches out! From it's hand a spear of writhing white maggots erupts, stabbing out at Willim!
[08:17] <Kotono> roll 1d20+23 AC?
[08:17] <Willim> OOC: AC 27
[08:17] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+23 AC? and gets 24." [1d20=1]
[08:18] <Kotono> As Willim dodges that, the full fury of the smell hits him! IT immediately turns his stomach, eating at his body as teh foul fliud gnaws and melts his flesh! OOC: Reflex save and a Will save.
[08:18] <Willim> OOC: What kind of aura is it? Enchantment at all?
[08:19] <Kotono> OOC: It's not enchantment, still mind doesn't apply.
[08:19] <Willim> roll 1d20+25 Will
[08:19] * Hatbot --> "Willim rolls 1d20+25 Will and gets 39." [1d20=14]
[08:19] <Willim> roll 1d20+17 Ref
[08:19] * Hatbot --> "Willim rolls 1d20+17 Ref and gets 25." [1d20=8]
[08:20] <Kotono> roll 6d10 full and no other effect, the damage is all vile damage
[08:20] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 6d10 full and no other effect, the damage is all vile damage and gets 44." [6d10=10, 8, 10, 5, 7, 4]
[08:20] <Willim> roll 1d20+32+2-6
[08:20] * Hatbot --> "Willim rolls 1d20+32+2-6  and gets 34." [1d20=6]
[08:20] <Kotono> OOC: Hit.
[08:20] <Willim> roll 7d10+6+17 silver/magic
[08:21] * Hatbot --> "Willim rolls 7d10+6+17 silver/magic and gets 66." [7d10=8, 4, 1, 5, 10, 5, 10]
[08:21] <Willim> OOC +2
[08:21] <Willim> OOC: for charge
[08:21] <Willim> OOC: Wait, I have improved evasion
[08:21] <Willim> OOC: Forgot that
[08:22] <Kotono> OOC: Halves that then, yes. 22 vile damage instead.
[08:22] <Kotono> Willim charges in! The rotting fluid on him causes his flesh to start to melt down immediately, running off his body in rivuels of rotten meat! It leaves behind black, pus weeping holes, agony filling Willim's body! OOC: Owwies.Angel is up.
[08:22] <Kotono> At the same time Willim strikes, hitting it dead center on! The blow is enough to rattle the entire decaying beast, a stream of maggots sent spewing out from its back! OOC: Nowi ts up.
[08:24] <Kotono> Abruptly the spear of maggots reforms, taking deep, plunging strikes at Willim over and over!
[08:24] <Kotono> roll 1d20+23
[08:24] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+23 and gets 43." [1d20=20]
[08:24] <Kotono> roll 1d20+23 crit?
[08:24] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+23 crit? and gets 32." [1d20=9]
[08:24] <Kotono> roll 1d20+18
[08:24] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+18 and gets 27." [1d20=9]
[08:24] <Kotono> roll 1d20+13
[08:24] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+13 and gets 28." [1d20=15]
[08:24] <Kotono> OOC: AC?
[08:24] <Willim> OOC: Crit
[08:25] <Willim> OOC: 27 for the remainder of the round
[08:25] <Kotono> roll 3d10+33 plus 3 vile crit
[08:25] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 3d10+33 plus 3 vile crit and gets 57." [3d10=8, 9, 7]
[08:25] <Kotono> roll 1d10+11 plus 1 vile
[08:25] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d10+11 plus 1 vile and gets 21." [1d10=10]
[08:25] <Kotono> roll 1d10+11 plus 1 vile
[08:25] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d10+11 plus 1 vile and gets 12." [1d10=1]
[08:27] <Kotono> Willim finds the maggots not to be piercing! Instead on hitting they bite in as one, devouring hunks of already rotting flesh! Much of Willim's left bicep and shoulder are munched away, leaving behind more pain! A moment later the head of the angel whisp to the side, spraying a great gout of vile fluid over at Tannin!
[08:27] <Kotono> roll 1d20+16 evasion
[08:27] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+16 evasion and gets 21." [1d20=5]
[08:28] <Kotono> roll 6d10 all vile Tannin owwies
[08:28] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 6d10 all vile Tannin owwies and gets 37." [6d10=5, 9, 5, 9, 6, 3]
[08:28] * Willim grunts in pain and claps his hand to his ruined arm.
[08:29] <Kotono> The fluid splashes right on Tannin, who bites off a terrible curse and vanishes from sight a moment later! Meanwhile the Master merely raises an eyebrow, "Do you require assistance?" he asks Willim. OOC: You're up, Willim.
[08:31] <Willim> "Oh no, Master, not yet. Let's see if I can introduce this thing to some real pain first!" Willim curls himself in the air, hammering the undead angel-thing with five successive hoof strikes!
[08:32] <Willim> roll 1d20+32-6 PA
[08:32] <Willim> roll 1d20+32-6 PA
[08:32] <Willim> roll 1d20+32-6 PA
[08:32] <Willim> roll 1d20+27-6 PA
[08:32] * Hatbot --> "Willim rolls 1d20+22-6 PA and gets 36." [1d20=20]
[08:32] <Kotono> OOC: Well, those all hit. You're rolling well tonight.
[08:32] <Willim> rll 1d20+27-6 crit check
[08:32] <Kotono> OOC: Undead, noc rits.
[08:32] <Willim> OOC: Undead duh
[08:33] <Kotono> OOC: After you roll damage, rolla  reflex+will save since you're still in its rotting aura radius.
[08:33] <Willim> roll 5#7d10+6+17 fuck this thing, I'm not biting it
[08:33] * Hatbot --> "Willim rolls 5#7d10+6+17 fuck this thing, I'm not biting it and gets 277." [5#7d10+6+17 = 51, 67, 55, 56, 48]
[08:33] <Willim> roll 1d20+17 Reflex
[08:33] * Hatbot --> "Willim rolls 1d20+17 Reflex and gets 33." [1d20=16]
[08:33] <Willim> OOC: Improved evasion
[08:33] <Willim> roll 1d20+25 Will
[08:33] * Hatbot --> "Willim rolls 1d20+25 Will and gets 27." [1d20=2]
[08:34] <Kotono> Willim hammers the thing like the wrath of God, unleashing all his pained fury into it! Its body cracks and then crumbles under the assault, wet, rotting flesh squishing apart and falling! A wave of maggots escape out as Willim can tolerate no more, violently vomiting up as the creature is shattered! OOC: Nauseated for 1 round. Free act.
[08:35] * Willim immediately flaps out of range of the aura!
[08:35] <Willim> "That is disgusting." he says, wiping his mouth with his good hand.
[08:36] <Kotono> Willim's stomach calms slowly, as he hears Tannin, "I'm going in to get the book," hecalls, "We're getting the hell out of here once I have it. I hear there's lots more of them in this blighted zone, and sticking around invites that Blue Wasting he mentioned."
[08:36] <Willim> "Right, hurry up. My arm is shot and it's not healing right."
[08:37] <Kotono> Tannin is perhaps 20 seconds in there. He comes out and nods, nothing in hand, "I have it tucked away," he says, "Let's get out of here and back to the door as fast as we can!" With that he takes off at a run, "Let's not tempt Beshaba to darken our doorstep!"
[08:38] * Willim needs no more encouragement.
[08:38] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[08:38] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 84." [1d100=84]
[08:38] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[08:38] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 62." [1d100=62]
[08:39] <Kotono> With all haste the trio race back to the door! Tannin virtually throws it open, hustling in and back to the Infinite Stair! Once in behind him the coolness of it overtakes you, the stench of rot at last alleviated. "Close it," Tannin in structs, going to heavily sit down and wince, "Bel's balls," he mutters, wincing visibly, "We'll need to get patched up at Brightwater."
[08:41] * Willim slams the door and eyes his arm. "It's healing...kind of. there are parts where the maggots touched me what feel like they're getting worse. That thing was bad, even for undead."
[08:42] <Kotono> "No shit," Tannin takes a few breaths and then rises, "I was going to call for a rest, but these wounds are cursed. We're going to need to see a cleric before they get worse. C'mon, doubletime back. Up and down these damn stairs as fast as we can go."
[08:42] <Kotono> "A wise course of action," The Master says, darting ahead like a blur.
[08:43] * Willim looks at the Master as he runs. "This is new for me. Usually I just wait a minute or two and I'm as good as new. I'm pretty sure I don't like it."
[08:44] <Kotono> "Yeah, story is cursed wounds need special healing in holy sites. Devils can do themtoo sometimes. Nevermind, let's just make haste," Tannin says, following.
[08:44] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[08:44] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[08:44] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 44." [1d100=44]
[08:44] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 35." [1d100=35]