004: Brain Surgery and Self-Immolation, oh what fun.

[Yuthirin]

[18:08] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[18:08] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 11." [1d100=11]
[18:10] <@Kotono> Four days of travel pass. Each day is a perfect 12 hours of sunshine and travel, followed by 12 hours of restful nightfall. You walk well cleared and maintained paths, past orderly fields, precise orchards and well set villages. On you follow your sensation, back the way you came. And on the morning of the fifth day, you feel somewhat closer, the pull more intense. At the same time, on the  horizon, one can spot what looks to be a rising mountain, gray stone wreathed in puffy white clouds in its upper reaches. OOC: Go ahead and continue on if you wish or do anything in reaction. If you wanna continue on, I'll move you along.
[18:12] <Iris> Is said mountain approximately in the direction Iris's new sixth sense pulls her towards? If not, she will merely admire it from afar as a work of natural architecture, and perhaps inquire in any passing whether there is anything of interest thereabouts.
[18:12] * Fiora spent some time during the walk getting filled in about what she had already missed, details like what plane we're on, how those dream shard things seem to work, etc. And of course getting to know her new companions.
[18:12] * Hamish idly looks about to see if the mountain has some sort of matching counterpoint, or if it's an anomaly.
[18:12] <@Kotono> Iris can note that it is.
[18:12] <@Kotono> The mountain is one single, vast mountain taking up the horizon. It looks placed just so, like a well designed tower amid a typical city.
[18:13] <Aleira> OOC: Well, I don't mind taking obvious plot bait. We can move right along, imo.
[18:13] <Iris> In which case Iris will inquire at the next town they encounter, or of the next band of friendly locals they encounter, what the mountain is and who or what might reside there.
[18:13] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[18:13] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 74." [1d100=74]
[18:14] <@Kotono> A few more hours of travel brings the party to a little roadside cabin. It is well kept and clean, a single green-skinned, vaguely elven creature sitting on the porch. He whittles wood and whistles, raising his hand in greeting as the party passes.
[18:15] * Aleira cheerfully waves back! "Hello there!"
[18:16] * Fiora offers a warm smile and wave of her own.
[18:16] * Hamish waves in return as well.
[18:16] * @Morana raises a hand in greeting as well, though she remains silent.
[18:17] <@Morana> roll d20+2 K:A
[18:17] * Hatbot --> "Morana rolls d20+2 K:A and gets 14." [d20=12]
[18:17] * Iris nods respectfully in a restrained fashion, which is her typical way of greeting people. "Greetings sir. I trust the day finds you well. Our travels bring us by yonder mountain, and I wonder if perhaps you could tell us who or what might dwell there?"
[18:18] <Hamish> roll 1d20+14 K:Psi go
[18:18] * Hatbot --> "Hamish rolls 1d20+14 K:Psi go and gets 17." [1d20=3]
[18:18] <Iris> roll 1d20+13 K:A, is it?
[18:18] * Hatbot --> "Iris rolls 1d20+13 K:A, is it? and gets 16." [1d20=3]
[18:19] <@Kotono> The elf-creature rises. He is tall - startlingly tall at scraping eight foot tall. He wears simple peasant's clothes, looking all the world like he just took a break from tending field and hearth. "'lo," he calls, "Reform's Peak. Tough place ahead, travelers. It's home to the Harmonies."
[18:20] <Fiora> "Harmonies?" The word catches Fiora's interest, "Are they musicians, perhaps?"
[18:21] <@Kotono> "Not that kind of Harmony. The Harmony of Order. See, they take people there who don't appreciate order and let the weakness of disorder into their hearts. They reform them there." He answers with a hint of a smile on his face, "Say, any of you heard about Menausus?"
[18:22] <Iris> roll 1d20+13 K:P
[18:22] * Hatbot --> "Iris rolls 1d20+13 K:P and gets 28." [1d20=15]
[18:22] <Fiora> OOC: take 10 for 17
[18:22] <Hamish> roll 1d20+5 k:p untrainededed
[18:22] * Hatbot --> "Hamish rolls 1d20+5 k:p untrainededed and gets 17." [1d20=12]
[18:23] <@Morana> roll d20+8 K:P
[18:23] * Hatbot --> "Morana rolls d20+8 K:P and gets 20." [d20=12]
[18:24] <Iris> "I am a very precise and proper individual," Iris says. "I'm certain I have nothing to fear from their like." Notably not saying anything about her companions, Iris continues: "I am familiar with Menausus. The layer of Arcadia subsumed by Mechanus?"
[18:24] <@Morana> "Layer of Mechanus, once of Arcadia," Morana replies.
[18:25] <@Kotono> "Right." Going on, "The sort in there are closer to Mechanus than Arcadia, if you get my meaning. If any of you have a lick of disorder in your soul, you'd best think twice about going. Even then, they may not welcome you with open arms."
[18:26] * Fiora shakes her head and sighs, "I...cannot say I am over fond of Mechanus, from what little I know of them. Despite being a paladin."
[18:26] <Iris> "We will behave ourselves," Iris says, with a warning glance for her companions that this had better prove to be true.
[18:26] <Hamish> "Pass." Hamish says, waving a hand. "This place is makin' me uncomfortable enough as is."
[18:27] <Iris> "I suspect we have little choice," Iris says, focusing briefly to confirm this is more or less their next destination. "The mountain is, at the least, in our way."
[18:28] <Hamish> "We'll go 'round it then."
[18:29] <@Kotono> "If you're going around it," The tall elf remarks, "About three miles ahead the path forks to the north and south, around the mountain, while the path to the west continues towards it."
[18:30] <Iris> "Well, perhaps we'll know for certain when we close upon it," Iris says. "Thank you for the warning, Mr....?"
[18:31] <@Kotono> "Degramant," He answers, going back to sitting and picking up his whittling.
[18:31] <@Morana> "Have a pleasant afternoon then, Mister Degramant," Morana says with a smile.
[18:32] <Fiora> "Thank you," Fiora smiles again, and prepares to move on.
[18:33] <@Kotono> Thus the party continues on! It's midafternoon when your cart and trope reaches the intersection. The path to the west indeed leads towards the mountain, orchards replaced by open fields. Paths to the north and south diverge as well, and at the intersection a pair of heavily-armored men work away, constructing a simple wooden shack just off the road. The clang of hammer and pounding of wood is  a steady rhythm as you approach.
[18:34] * Iris takes a moment to focus and confirm whether the mountain is now clearly their destination or whether the pull originates from somewhere perhaps slightly in another direction?
[18:34] <@Kotono> The pull continues towards the west and the mountain.
[18:35] <@Morana> "Seems like we need to keep going to the mountain so far," Morana comments idly, feeling the same pull.
[18:35] * Hamish looks downright grumpy about it!
[18:37] * Fiora sighs again, her voice laden with sarcasm, "Well, this should be just lovely."
[18:37] <Iris> "Indeed," Iris says. "This should not be much trouble as long as no one acts out of turn or speaks inappropriately. Observe local customs and conform. This is relatively little to ask, is it not?"
[18:37] <@Kotono> "Oh ho?" One of the men stops his work, holding a hammer in hand and turning to the party, "Heading to Reform's Peak?" OOC: Anyone who has ranks can make a spellcraft check here.
[18:38] <Iris> roll 1d20+15
[18:38] * Hatbot --> "Iris rolls 1d20+15 and gets 20." [1d20=5]
[18:38] <Hamish> roll 1d20+16
[18:38] * Hatbot --> "Hamish rolls 1d20+16 and gets 28." [1d20=12]
[18:38] <Fiora> roll 1d20+7 spellcraft
[18:38] * Hatbot --> "Fiora rolls 1d20+7 spellcraft and gets 11." [1d20=4]
[18:40] <Iris> "Our travels take us in this direction," Iris confirms.
[18:40] <Hamish> 'Everyone relax. It's me, Hamish. Usin' telepathy. The man before us just used Detect Chaos on us all. Keep cool.' OOC: TELEPATHY to everyone! YEAH!
[18:41] <@Kotono> The man's gaze lingers on first Hamish and then Thyan. "If you're going that way," Here he pauses, rustling in a nearby sack, taking out a pair of small, crystalline tokens in the shape of a cube, "Take these." He offers one out to Hamish.
[18:42] * @Morana blinks at the voice in her head, but then nods to the man. "We were planning on going that way. What are those tokens, sir, if you don't mind my asking?"
[18:42] * Iris casually examines the object for magical auras. (OOC: Detect Magic go.)
[18:42] <Hamish> Hamish takes the token, eyeballing it! "What's this, m'man?"
[18:42] <@Kotono> OOC: Spell, SLA or something else, Iris?
[18:43] <Iris> OOC: spell
[18:43] * Aleira eyes the token curiously.
[18:44] <Iris> roll 1d20+15 sc
[18:44] * Hatbot --> "Iris rolls 1d20+15 sc and gets 32." [1d20=17]
[18:44] * Fiora raises an eyebrow, curious if Iris notices anything unusual.
[18:44] <@Kotono> "Identification tokens," He explains, "They'll make sure you're properly taken care of. It would be best if you in particular hold onto this, as well as your woodsman looking friend there." He raises an eyebrow at Iris, for a moment suddenly tense - but slowly relaxing. "Ma'am, I'd ask you not to do that again. Be it a simple cantrip or not, casting a spell unprovoked can be seen as an act of
[18:44] <@Kotono> imminent aggression."
[18:46] <Iris> "I was curious about an unusual object being presented to my travelling companions," Iris says in her defense. "Nonetheless, the point is noted."
[18:46] <@Kotono> OOC: Also, another chance for spellcraft for anyone who's paying attention.
[18:46] <Iris> roll 1d20+15 always!
[18:46] * Hatbot --> "Iris rolls 1d20+15 always! and gets 21." [1d20=6]
[18:46] <Fiora> roll 1d20+7 spellcraft
[18:46] * Hatbot --> "Fiora rolls 1d20+7 spellcraft and gets 8." [1d20=1]
[18:46] <@Morana> "Why do only they get tokens, out of curiosity?" Morana asks with a small frown. "Is it because they're men?"
[18:47] <@Morana> "It seems a bit offensive if that's the case."
[18:47] <Aleira> "Why do they need to be properly identified and not us ladies?" Aleira pouts.
[18:47] <@Kotono> "They're best suited for them, that's all," With a slight smile of his ruddy, sweaty face as his companion continues to work, he hands a second token to Thyan. OOC: Whomever is roboing him should have him briefly react to that.
[18:47] <Aleira> "Smacks of sexism, I'd say."
[18:48] <@Morana> "I'll have to agree," Morana says as she reaches out and nabs the token from the companion before Thyan can take it. "Here, give me that, I'll carry it for you, Thyan."
[18:49] <@Kotono> The man merely smiles at that, "Safe travel ahead," he bids, going back to his work.
[18:50] <Aleira> Thyan accepts the token with a raised eyebrow.
[18:50] <Aleira> OOC Scratch
[18:50] <@Morana> ooc: I grabbed it
[18:51] <@Kotono> OOC: Righto.
[18:51] * @Morana turns the token over, looking over it as she waits for Hamish to start the cart moving again.
[18:51] <@Kotono> It's a perfect crystalline cube. No distinguishing marks are on it at all.
[18:52] * Fiora watches the exchange and talk of tokens, then shrugs, "Ah...carrying on, I suppose?"
[18:52] * Hamish sullenly snaps the reigns as the conversation wraps up then.
[18:52] <@Kotono> OOC: Advancing on or are you guys gonna talk about this at all?
[18:53] <Aleira> "Maybe I can get one of those at this mountain?" Aleira wonders. "They look kinda pretty."
[18:53] <Iris> OOC: I'm okay with moving on. Assume Iris lectures people about behaving along the way
[18:53] <Hamish> OOC: I just assumed that we can all feel the tug and go in that direction.
[18:53] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay then.
[18:54] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[18:54] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 10." [1d100=10]
[18:55] <@Kotono> Several hours pass as the day passes into the fringes of evening. The mountain draws closer, but it looks like you'll need a bit more travel to reach it. The slope is starting to gently rise, the first signs that you're reaching the outskirts of it. Of course, you can't see much ahead as dusk is falling.
[18:55] <@Morana> "I do wonder what that was all about. I know that mister Degramant said they wouldn't favor chaos and Hamish said one of them cast a detection spell, but what would they have found? We're all rational and sane individuals," Morana comments, having turned that thought over in her head for most of the past few hours.
[18:56] <Hamish> "Just cause yer rational don't mean ya don't break a law or two when the opportunity presents." Hamish points out.
[18:57] <Iris> "The tokens will glow when exposed to certain magical fields," Iris comments. "Most likely they're to identify the individuals granted them for purposes of the Harmonies."
[18:58] <@Morana> "Only if the law is unjust, such as that imposed by a tyrant," Morana says. "A law of such nature is no law at all."
[18:58] * Fiora eyes Hamish, "Really now Master Hamish, you don't need to sound so pleased about the prospect of lawbreaking."
[18:58] * Iris continues: "And, may I add, 'Because the opportunity presented itself' will prove doubtful defense against local magistrates should any of us act out of turn."
[18:59] <Hamish> "I'm not saying I'd go and kill a man for fun, mind, but a little minor theft can make things interesting. 'Specially when times are lean."
[19:00] * Aleira shrugs. "I've been able to get along just fine without breaking a law of any kind."
[19:00] <Aleira> "I personally don't see the appeal of lawbreaking. Spending time in prison for petty theft doesn't sound thrilling."
[19:00] <Hamish> "Dif'rent strokes." Hamish shrugs.
[19:01] <Iris> "Then pretend times are unusually bountiful," Iris chides Hamish. "Really, I cannot emphasize enough that this is neither the time nor place."
[19:01] <Hamish> "I'm not 'bout to go and steal from guys that don't like even a little recklessness, missy." Hamish says. "Just pointin' things out."
[19:03] <Iris> "Just as long as we're clear," Iris says. "Assume thorough lack of humor on part of local authorities when considering any action."
[19:03] * Hamish nods along. "O' course."
[19:05] * Fiora looks about, "It's getting rather late. Are we up to going all the way to the mountain before resting, or should we make camp here?"
[19:05] <Hamish> "We'll stop at the base."
[19:05] <Aleira> "I'm in no particular hurry." She nods Hamish's comment. "That sounds like a good idea."
[19:06] <@Kotono> OOC: So going to continue to the base and camp there?
[19:06] <@Morana> OOC: Yes.
[19:06] <Hamish> OOC: That's what I said!
[19:06] <@Morana> OOC: Robo-Thyan gets first watch!
[19:07] <@Kotono> Thus the party continues on for a half hour. Night falls and you get closer. As you approach the base, you can see something on the path ahead - at the base of the mountain are several torches, keeping the entrance to a huge cave illuminated. This cave entrance is easily forty feet tall and twice that wide, a huge gaping hole, the path continuing into the mountain instead of rising higher up it.
[19:08] * @Morana checks to see if the pull leads inside, it's been a while since they last checked!
[19:08] * Aleira eyes the entrance. "Perhaps we should find a nice little spot on the side of the road...out of sight?"
[19:09] <Fiora> "Do they march dragons through that tunnel?" Fiora remarks as she marvels at the size of the cave.
[19:09] <@Kotono> The pull continues roughly in the direction of the cave entrance.
[19:09] <Hamish> "'least we could get the cart in." Hamish points out.
[19:09] * Iris nods to Aleira. "Yes, let us not camp directly outside the obviously significant cavern entrance."
[19:10] <Hamish> "In or out, sir and ladies?"
[19:11] <Iris> "Out, of course."
[19:11] <Aleira> "I vote out!"
[19:11] <Fiora> "I'd prefer to camp under the stars then under a rock roof, if it's all the same to you," Fiora replies, "Besides I doubt we have to worry about poor weather here."
[19:11] * Hamish subtly veers the cart off to the left then!
[19:11] <@Morana> "I'd vote in normally, but as we followed my selfish request the last time, I will say out as well this time," Morana says.
[19:12] <@Kotono> OOC: Going to look for a decent place or just rest off the path? Also hiding your camp at all?
[19:13] <Fiora> OOC: no reason to hide it, I think. Just nice and out of the way of the path.
[19:13] <Iris> OOC: hiding makes us look like suspicious if someone does find us, so what Gate said
[19:14] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay. More.
[19:14] <@Kotono> 'round the campfire the party sups. A simple traveler's meal passes by in peace, until, "Hello there!" A woman's voice is heard from away, in the direction of the path.
[19:15] <Iris> "Hello?" Iris automatically says back, looking for the source of the voice.
[19:15] * Fiora stands up to see who's there, "Evening."
[19:16] * Hamish remains seated, sprawled as he is near the fire.  "Yo."
[19:16] * Aleira peers into the dark, trying to spot their surprise visitor. "Come into the light where we can see you!"
[19:17] <Hamish> OOC: Darkvision 60 ft. if it matters!
[19:17] <@Kotono> It's a woman in breastplate, greaves and bracers. She has short-cut blonde hair and a slightly weathered face, perhaps on the good side of thirty. She looks human at first glance, but her features are perfectly symmetrical. Not a hair is out of place as she approaches, an easy, friendly smile on her face. She holds her hands up as she approaches, a sword belted at her side. "I'm one of the
[19:17] <@Kotono> nightly patrols around these parts. Didn't think I'd find someone camping out just outside the front door."
[19:18] <@Morana> "My companions wished to enjoy the night sky, miss. Is it a problem for us to be this close? We can move if it's a bother," Morana says politely.
[19:18] * Aleira waves a beckoning hand at the fire. "Come join us, then. I think we have some leftover here, if you're hungry."
[19:19] <@Kotono> "It's a shame for you to be resting outside. We can offer a hot meal and warm beds inside. After all, if you're here, surely you were heading in anyway." The woman states openly, lowering her arms down. "So let me formally invite you inside."
[19:20] <Iris> "Proceeding inside was our intention for the morning," Iris confirms. "We were unaware a rest stop awaited inside and presumed a restful evening would be best before venturing on after a long day of travel."
[19:21] <Aleira> "Well, we didn't want to be rude by just barging in." Aleira adds. "I think we'd all agree that some beds would be nice instead of the hard ground."
[19:21] * Aleira glances around the fire at her companions.
[19:22] <@Kotono> "There's no villages nearby, so we keep an inn for travelers coming this way," The woman states, "It's free of charge. We even have hot baths within to wash away the sweat of the trail. Come then, I'm Mulle."
[19:22] <Iris> "Of course," Iris says, gathering her things and standing. "Thank you for your hospitality."
[19:23] * Fiora chuckles, "If you think the ground here is hard, you haven't slept on some of the paths I have." And with that, she begins getting her things together to move inside.
[19:23] * Aleira also stands, kicking out the fire and helping to break down camp.
[19:25] * Hamish slouches to his feet, gathering his things and kicking dirt over the fire. "Mighty kind of yeh, missy." He heads over and offers her his hand. "Hamish, atcherservice."
[19:25] <@Morana> "Thank you for the hospitality, Miss Mulle. I'm Morana Sunfang, an initiate in service to the Lady of Strategy," the half-orc woman introduces herself, offering a hand to shake.
[19:26] <Fiora> "Fiora Gauss, of the Knights of Libra," Fiora offers a smile as she finishes getting ready.
[19:27] * Aleira tosses some of the cooking pots in the back of the cart, adding. "I'm Aleira Vedon, aspiring warrior and an excellent cook!"
[19:29] <@Kotono> Introductions and handshakes go without incident as camp is packed up. You are then escorted into the cave. The walls are smooth bored, covered with a ultra-thin layer of what looks to be crystal or glass. It gives the gray walls a distinct reflective shine, the light of a few torches providing a red-orange tint to everything. You walk about five minutes in this gaping-huge entrance, until you come to a long, rectangular building on the right side. Further on the path continues on, more buildings ahead - but at the first one is where Mulle stops. She opens the door within and steps inside, "In here. Your cart and animals will be taken care of."
[19:30] <Hamish> "My thanks!" Hamish says, heading inside!
[19:31] * Aleira follows with a nod and smile at Mulle. "I'm sure I'll sleep well! Where are the baths again?"
[19:31] <@Kotono> On stepping in, Hamish begins to glow with a blue light. At this Mulle's eyebrows go up, a little gasp, "Oh, you have a token!" she states with a note of surprise in her voice, "Why didn't you say so?"
[19:33] <Hamish> "I have a token." Hamish says belatedly.
[19:33] <@Morana> "Hrmph, I can't say I was pleased with the man handing out tokens, honestly," Morana comments, though she passes Thyan's token to Mulle as she steps in as well. "Here, the other token."
[19:34] <Fiora> "Yes," Fiora nods, "he never did explain why only the men were given them."
[19:35] <Fiora> Realizing how that must sound, Fiora amends, "Ah, Lady Sunfang was curious about one and took Master Thyan's." Hopefully she got that out before the woman thought she was calling Morana a man!
[19:35] * Hamish thought the 'Detect Chaos' bit would have made it more sensible, but they're women! Where is rationality to them!
[19:35] <@Kotono> Morana glows briefly a moment, before Mulle takes the token and glows blue instead. "Ah, allow me to expla-men?" She stops and gives Morana a look, "...how...curious. I have heard of people of your type, but aaaah..." Reddening, "I suppose half-orcs are simp-oh."
[19:36] * Aleira raises an eyebrow.
[19:36] <Aleira> "What type would that be, exactly?"
[19:36] <@Morana> "I'm a woman," Morana says simply, while crossing her arms, turning to look at Fiora. "And sorry if I wanted to find out why only men were invited to the 'get free token' club, Miss Gauss."
[19:36] <@Kotono> Clearing her throat, "In short," Glancing at Thyan and then Hamish, "The two of you have a sickness, an ethical failing. We'll be helping you overcome that failing. We're very good at helping you overcome yourselves. It has nothing to do with being a man or a woman."
[19:37] <Hamish> "I'm fine the way I am, thanks." Hamish points out.
[19:37] <Aleira> "What failing is that precisely, Miss Mulle?" Aleira asks politely.
[19:37] <Aleira> "They seem well enough to me."
[19:37] <@Morana> "I don't see how Sir Aldcar could be lacking in ethics, Miss Mulle," Morana protests in his defense. "Why, when I was broke and he had no reason to, he offered to pay for my meal."
[19:38] * Iris purses her lips in an expression of mild irritation with all present. "Our companions and I collectively have business to see to, Miss Mulle. It wouldn't be proper or efficient for us to separate at this time."
[19:38] * Fiora looks a touch crossly at her right back, "I was just explaining so she didn't think I called you a man, but wasn't quite fast enough it seems. I wasn't saying you were wrong in doing so."
[19:38] <@Kotono> Clearing her throat, "The failing is the taint of disorder. Still, what business is this that has taken you here?" she enquires, "If not to be purged of your sicknesses?:
[19:40] <@Morana> "Sir Hamish is the driver of our source of transport, and Sir Aldcar is simply a kind man, as I stated before. They mostly go where us women seem to lead them, it seems," Morana says, tossing a teasing grin at the two men. "It's why it was so vexing for them to get tokens and not us, you see."
[19:40] <Iris> "I assure you that it is a constant responsibility of mine to remind them of this disorder," Iris says. "And we seek a magical object we believe lies ahead of us in the mountain."
[19:41] <Hamish> "I've been known to follow a pretty lady or two in my time." Hamish grins at Morana.
[19:41] <Aleira> "We keep them in line enough so that they don't need to be...'cured'."
[19:42] <@Kotono> Here Mulle pauses for a few moments, "Why don't all of you rest here for the night," she finally says, "This situation may be above my station to resolve. Someone will be awaiting you when you wake up in the morning, I'm certain."
[19:42] <@Morana> "If you feel that it's troublesome to host us because of the men, we can go back outside, Miss Mulle. We don't wish to trouble you," Morana offers.
[19:43] <@Kotono> "Oh, it's no trouble," she says, "It's better for you to be in here in any event."
[19:44] * Aleira nods in agreement. "We would be mortified to be the cause of any kind of disturbance."
[19:45] <@Morana> "You're certain?"
[19:46] <@Kotono> "Oh, I'm certain," she says, stepping back outside, "Please, make yourselves comfortable within and enjoy."
[19:46] <@Morana> "Very well, I'd have to admit, I was certainly enticed by this talk of hot baths. Thank you for your understanding, Miss Mulle," Morana says with a pleased smile.

[Yuthirin]

[19:51] <@Kotono> Bath, food and sleep. All three are rather good, and come morning the party meets in the common room of the inn. At a stone table with padded wooden chairs, a dwarf awaits you. A stubby slab of a dwarf, all squat muscle and heavy-looking armor, an open face helmet revealing his bushy blue beard and thick, leathery features. A hint of sparks dance in his eyes, "Ah there, you're all awake now? I'm Inquisitor Manar. I've been informed of your names and sicknesses, so no need for introductions. So I've been told you're seeking a magical item we hold?"
[19:53] <@Morana> "Possibly. We're not altogether certain where this item might be, but our general means of divining its location pointed this way, Inquisitor," Morana answers. "As for sicknesses, I'm still not altogether certain of that matter, but Miss Mulle seemed insistent."
[19:53] <Fiora> "...ah, good morning," Fiora offers, a bit taken aback that he did not offer any even token polite greeting of his own, considering the friendliness of the lady the night before. "And yes," she looks over to whoever has the Dream Shard they already have, assuming someone can describe it better then she can.
[19:53] <Aleira> "Maybe not something that you necessarily have in your possession, but perhaps is merely in the depths of the mountain!" Aleira pauses and adds, "Inquisitor, there may not be a need for introductions, but it is the polite thing to do."
[19:54] <Iris> "That is correct," Iris says, ignoring any talk of sickness and focusing on their task: "At the least, we are led to believe it is in this vicinity. It would appear like an arc of broken glass."
[19:54] <@Kotono> "As you wish, then," A slight nod towards Aleira, "Well, if you describe this item I can ascertain what it is...oh. Yes, we do have that. A curious thing, tied to dreams as near as we can tell. Is that what you seek?" he answers.
[19:55] <Iris> "That is correct," Iris confirms.
[19:55] <Aleira> "It is indeed, sir."
[19:55] <Fiora> "That sounds right, yes."
[19:55] <@Kotono> "You're welcome to have it," Inquisitor Manar, "If Thyan and Hamish surrender themselves to be cured."
[19:56] <@Morana> "That is up to them, though the fact that you request a 'surrender' makes me wonder over this whole cure thing. Why would someone -not- desire to be cured of sickness?"
[19:56] * Aleira frowns. "What does this cure of yours entail, exactly?"
[19:57] <Iris> "I have two questions in response," Iris says. "What would the process of curing them entail? We cannot separate or tarry long in our business. Could it instead be satisfactory for you to confirm that they were in the care of others sufficiently void of disorder?"
[19:57] <Hamish> OOC: Casting Read Thoughts, seeing if I can grab the location of it from his head
[19:57] <Hamish> OOC: Will DC 17
[19:57] <@Kotono> OOC: Link me to it?
[20:01] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+13
[20:01] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+13 and gets 32." [1d20=19]
[20:02] <Fiora> "Inquisitor," Fiora speaks up, "I would like to offer that this is not merely a matter of...well, a bunch of adventurers wanting something. We were charged by the Lady of Dreams to gather these shards to repair the land of dreams, lest Powers of all sorts begin treating the dreams of all mortals like their playground,"(more)
[20:03] * Hamish is about to retort with some choice words for the dwarf when Fiora speaks up. He holds his tongue for now.
[20:03] <Fiora> "What you see as a sickness, their inclination towards chaos, I believe was something chosen specifically by the Lady. After all, we have no idea where the rest of these shards may lie. They may be in the clutches of those who would respond poorly to paladins, but well to rogues."
[20:04] <Fiora> "While the choice to undergo your treatment here is of course their own...this is a mission where I think diversity will aid our cause in the long run."
[20:05] <@Kotono> "There are many treatments for the sickness of disorder," Nodding again at all of that as Hamish can gather nothing from Manar's mind, "The most advanced and most effective is mental surgery to remove the taint of disorder and instill order. Safe, effective and complete." Here he pauses as Fiora cuts in, "But if you all feel that strongly about it, perhaps alternate means of compensation can be  devised."
[20:05] <@Morana> "Such as, Inquisitor?" Morana asks curiously.
[20:05] <Iris> "We would be pleased to consider this," Iris confirms.
[20:05] * Fiora smiles, "Thank you, I would certainly be willing to hear what you suggest."
[20:06] <Hamish> "Surgery!" Hamish shouts, appalled. "Are ya insane!?"
[20:06] <@Kotono> "Gold makes a poor substitute, but everyone has to pay the bills," He states with a slight shake of his head, "A sufficient total of gold...say, 50,000 standard weighed and measured gold coins...would suffice as a fair measure of exchange."
[20:06] * Iris shoots Hamish a look that almost audibly says "Later."
[20:06] <@Kotono> Without even ruffling the least bit at Hamish's shout, "Think we use scalpel and blade? No. Magic serves far better to slice away the follies of the mind."
[20:08] <Iris> "That sum of gold is vastly beyond our means," Iris says to Manar. "Are there alternatives you would consider?"
[20:08] * Aleira gapes at the number. "Fif---are you serious? Where we get our hands on that kind of money? That's no fair amount of compensation at *all* and I believe you know it, Inquisitor."
[20:08] <@Morana> "Is this, err, surgery that expensive, component-wise, Inquisitor Manar?"
[20:09] * Fiora blinks, "Ah...that's...a lot. The Lady unfortunately was not able to grace us with those kind of funds..." Fifty thousand was more money than Fiora'd ever considered being spent in one exchange before...
[20:09] <@Morana> "If we could provide a trade service, such as mercenary work if you wish to call it that, that would be preferable, and closer within our reach," Morana agrees.
[20:10] <Hamish> BRAIN SURGERY! Hamish barely even hears the dwarf's insane suggestion of fifty thousand gold.
[20:11] <@Kotono> "It is, but there is no cost for those willing to submit to it. It is our joyful duty to excise the sickness of disorder," The Inquisitor continues, pausing to rub his bearded chin, "Do you have any noteworthy magical relics? Perhaps one will be worthy of a trade."
[20:12] * Fiora swallows, "I...have only my sword. It...as far as I know is a simple magical blade, but it was the blade held by the statue of a saint in a church of the Morninglord." She seems like she really does not want to say that, but honesty compels it of her.
[20:13] <Iris> "We possess nothing that could possibly command such a fee," Iris says. "I wonder, Inquisitor, whether it could not be sufficient for you to be assured that these two individuals are under the care of twice as many others who well meet your standards for orderly thought and behavior?"
[20:13] * Aleira winces and also offers, "I...have a belt that isn't really fancy or anything, but it has a few valuable properties."
[20:14] <Aleira> "I'd much rather that we did something for you instead. A valuable service, perhaps."
[20:15] <Aleira> "Surely there's *something* we can do that is worth just as much as material or monetary gains."
[20:15] <@Kotono> Pausing a few moments before shaking his head, "No, none of those sound remarkable enough." A beat as he listens, "No, I don't find that acceptable. Disorder has a way of spreading, of infecting everything. Both of you will be happier after having your sickness fixed." After a few more moments, "I suppose capturing and bringing forth a powerful avatar of disorder would suffice," he finally says, "Are you aware of what a death slaad is?"
[20:16] <@Morana> roll d20+8 K:P Am I?
[20:16] * Hatbot --> "Morana rolls d20+8 K:P Am I? and gets 16." [d20=8]
[20:16] <Fiora> OOC: take 10 for 17
[20:16] <Iris> roll 1d20+13
[20:16] * Hatbot --> "Iris rolls 1d20+13 and gets 26." [1d20=13]
[20:17] <@Morana> "I just know it's a frog man. That, uh, spreads death?" Morana guesses.
[20:17] <Fiora> "I know of slaad," Fiora confirms, "I thought they were all unique and wild, I didn't know they came in types?"
[20:20] <Iris> "This task would prove suicidal to adventurers of our limited experience," Iris states flatly.
[20:21] <Fiora> "They are powerful then?" Fiora looks to Iris, as she seems to know more than Fiora herself does!
[20:21] <Iris> "Would you be confident in facing dragons or greater demons?" Iris asks. "Consider this comparable."
[20:22] <Fiora> "....oh."
[20:22] * Fiora blanches slightly.
[20:22] <@Morana> "Frog men are that dangerous?" Morana says with surprise.
[20:22] <Fiora> *blanches
[20:22] <Iris> "This particular variety. Not all."
[20:22] * Aleira blinks. "I'm beginning to think that you're not really interested in being reasonable, Inquisitor." Aleira comments dryly.
[20:25] <@Kotono> "Perhaps I've overestimated your ability, and confidence is instead ignorance," So stating, the Inquisitor looks about to each of them once more, as if with new eyes. "I had thought you equals, but you continue to hedge and show your bellies, despite marching right into our mountain."
[20:26] <@Morana> "Now, now, Aleira. He's offering us options. Unreasonable ones for us now, but we know what we face. Inquisitor Manar, would it be possible to form a contract, that would have you guard this shard until such a time as we can provide you either the funds requested or the head of one of these death slaads?" Morana asks, unruffled by his insult.
[20:27] <Fiora> "Inquisitor, I am still technically only a squire of my order," Fiora explains, "I'm sorry if you took us for more seasoned heroes but...well, we were chosen to do this so we're trying to do the best we can."
[20:27] <@Morana> "As my companion, Miss Gauss, stated, this quest -is- important for maintaining order, but we can delay in the order that we can grab a hold of them. If you believe that we could attain these forms of trade, then we shall, but it -will- take time."
[20:29] <@Morana> "As further trade, if you have means of keeping contact with us, we could perhaps work our way through work that can lead us to these steps, and if you can keep an ear out for more such shards to trade for such jobs...?" Morana also tries offering as a side benefit to both sides.
[20:29] <@Morana> roll d20+14 diplomacy?
[20:29] * Hatbot --> "Morana rolls d20+14 diplomacy? and gets 29." [d20=15]
[20:30] <@Kotono> OOC: Fiora go ahead and aid another since you spoke up as well.
[20:30] <Fiora> roll 1d20+12 diplo aid
[20:30] * Hatbot --> "Fiora rolls 1d20+12 diplo aid and gets 32." [1d20=20]
[20:30] <@Morana> ooc: Man, maybe we should have flipped =p
[20:30] * Aleira folds her arms, looking cross indeed. "It is not cowardice to know when one is outmatched. It is indeed ignorance to instead charge into the fray thinking you are capable of more than you truly are. Give us time and we can complete one or the other of your offers."
[20:31] <@Kotono> "A contract, eh?" Pausing a few moments to rub his chin as he listens to them all, "...Fine. A contract for those conditions is acceptable."
[20:31] * @Morana smiles. "Excellent!"
[20:33] <Aleira> "Very well. Shall we draw up the specifics ourselves or do you have a scribe and notary available?"
[20:34] <@Kotono> "I will have the contract drawn up within the hour," Rising, "Once done it will be delivered to here to sign, and you will be free to go."
[20:35] <Aleira> "That sounds agreeable, Inquisitor." Aleira nods her thanks.
[20:36] <Hamish> "Better'n getting my brains hacked apart by some quack amateur dwarf in a tin can." Hamish grumbles.
[20:36] <@Morana> "While I doubt we'll have need of it, will we have a chance to offer revisions to the terms of the contract before signing?" Morana asks politely. "I don't wish to offend, Inquisitor, I merely want to ensure that we all get the best out of this partnership."
[20:37] * Iris again shoots Hamish a disapproving look that suggests there's a time and place for such outbursts and both are far from this meeting.
[20:48] <@Kotono> OOC: Doing anything but waiting for the contract?
[20:48] <@Morana> ooc: Nope
[20:48] <Iris> OOC: I don't think so. I would like to ask him about local portals, but presumably he's busy writing the contract, so.
[20:49] * Fiora sighs in relief a bit after the Inquisitor leaves, "I wonder why he assumed we were so powerful?" (OOC: mostly just waiting)
[20:50] <Hamish> "Dunno, but he's crazy if he thinks he's cutting into my brain." Hamish says, looking skittish.
[20:50] <Aleira> "Well, we *are* a pretty intimidating looking group." Aleira smirks.
[20:53] <@Kotono> Soon enough Mulle returns. She bears a contract, "Here you are," she places it down, "Feel free to look it over and read it, and sign it when you're ready."
[20:53] * Iris will of course thoroughly examine the contract to verify that it sticks to the terms previously mentioned and does not contain any potentially inconvenient clauses or footnotes or other possibly unfortunate oversights on their part.
[20:54] <@Morana> "Thank you, Miss Mulle," Morana says as she opens the scroll so she can start looking it over, making sure to hold it such that all the others can read as well.
[20:54] * Fiora moves so she can read over Iris's shoulder, hopefully without disturbing the woman.
[20:55] * Aleira does the same!
[20:56] <@Kotono> OOC: Do any of you have any skills that might be related to a contract reading at all?
[20:57] <Hamish> OOC: gather information/sense motive/diplo count?
[20:57] <Fiora> OOC: Know(Nob/Roy) and Profession(Messenger) maybe? The former more likely than the latter, but eh, maybe official messages or something?
[20:57] <Iris> OOC: not...really? Unless Decipher Script applies to legalese. >.> Or unless anything like SM/spot might apply to picking out hidden meanings here.
[20:57] <@Morana> ooc: I just have diplomacy, bluff and gather info for possibly useful skills
[20:58] <@Morana> ooc: bluff at least I think would be useful somewhat?
[20:59] <Aleira> OOC: Nothing, I'm afraid. But even your average person can read legal mumbo jumbo and get a sense of it. You can't get around plainly stating your intent on a contract.
[21:00] <Aleira> OOC: Can't we roll spot checks if there is something suspicious on the contract?
[21:01] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay. Fiora, roll knowledge nob/roy, Iris roll decipher script. Spot doesn't apply here - that's for noticing and seeing things, and this isn't that as much as deciphering and understanding legalese. You can see it, but that doesn't automatically give understanding.
[21:01] <Fiora> Zeph.
[21:01] <@Kotono> OOC: Aleria and Hamish, you can aid either of the two if you like.
[21:01] <Fiora> I pasted that to my wife
[21:01] <Fiora> who works in contracts
[21:01] <@Kotono> OOC: Wrong channel.
[21:01] <Fiora> she nearly fell out of her chair laughing
[21:01] <Fiora> OOC: ....
[21:01] <Iris> roll 1d20+13 decipher lawyerspeak
[21:01] * Hatbot --> "Iris rolls 1d20+13 decipher lawyerspeak and gets 15." [1d20=2]
[21:01] <Hamish> OOC: No I can't
[21:01] <@Kotono> OOC: Log note: remove that digression. Anyway.
[21:02] <Fiora> roll 1d20+7 Know(Nob/Roy)
[21:02] * Hatbot --> "Fiora rolls 1d20+7 Know(Nob/Roy) and gets 15." [1d20=8]
[21:02] <Hamish> OOC: I don't have either of those, and they're trained only o_o
[21:02] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay then.
[21:03] <@Kotono> Reading the contract reveals it to be complex, but to the best of your abilities, it seems to be in order.
[21:03] <Iris> "I see nothing immediately disagreeable," Iris concludes. "Let us sign, then?"
[21:04] <@Morana> "I wasn't able to tell if there was anything hidden in there either, so I guess it's safe enough?" Morana says, sounding a little uncertain, but willing to sign if nobody else says anything to the contrary.
[21:04] * Aleira nods. "Who has a quill or a pen?"
[21:05] <@Kotono> A quill and pen is quickly provided by Mulle.
[21:05] * Fiora nods, "It could stand to be worded a bit more plainly...but I've never seen a contract that was."
[21:05] * Hamish looks distinctly uncomfortable. "What if it says that they get to cut into my brains anyway!?"
[21:05] <Hamish> "And you MISSED it!"
[21:05] <Iris> "I saw nothing explicitly stating this," Iris says as she signs her name.
[21:06] * Aleira signs first.
[21:07] * @Morana signs next.
[21:07] <Fiora> "Then you can refrain from signing, if you're so worried," Fiora suggests, "The agreement with part of our group should be sufficient, as we're bound together by the quest?"
[21:08] <Fiora> As she says that, she's in line to pick up the pen once Morana is done.
[21:08] * Hamish adamantly refuses to sign.
[21:08] <@Kotono> Four signatures, with only Hamish and Thyan to sign. "Well...as you two are the ones with the sickness, your signatures are both important and inherently unreliable."
[21:09] * @Morana blinks. "That means...what exactly? They don't need to sign? They do?"
[21:09] <Hamish> "Thus my refusal to sign."
[21:09] <Iris> "If they're unreliable, is not sufficient for their responsible companions to have done so?"
[21:11] <@Kotono> "I...suppose," she finally says, after struggling with it, "Okay, you're free to go."
[21:12] * Aleira stands and bows. "My thanks, Miss Mulle. Please pass my regards on to the Inquisitor."
[21:13] * Iris nods. "Could you perhaps inform us what interplanar portals might be available in the local vicinity?" She asks. "Our quest will inevitably take us away from Arcadia before we are able to return here with the contract's conditions satisfied."
[21:14] <@Morana> "Please let us know if you hear of any chaotic deeds that need to be handled, or rumors of the shards," Morana says, before nodding at Iris's observation. "That's true, we should find out what portals are in the area."
[21:15] <@Kotono> "The nearest is one to the Astral Plane," Mulle remarks, "Go back to the intersection and head north until you find a three-pronged tree. It's a day or so from there, and then head in its shadow until you find a stone archway."
[21:16] * Iris nods again. "Thank you very much."
[21:16] <Hamish> With that, Hamish heads out, going to quickly secure their belongings and his carriage. And horses.
[21:17] <@Kotono> OOC: Going to resume your travels now?
[21:17] <Iris> OOC: Sure.
[21:18] <Fiora> OOC: yup
[21:18] <@Kotono> On returning out to your horses, you find that your horses are amazingly well groomed, barely a hair out of order on them. Perfectly arraigned and cleaned up, like bred stallions. Your cart is likewise cleaned and polished, patched up and without a single scratch on it.
[21:19] * Aleira laughs lightly. "Well, at least Hamish got something nice out of this, aside from brain surgery."
[21:19] <Fiora> "And cue him smudging this nice work on purpose in three...two..." Fiora smiles to soften the comment as she chuckles a bit.
[21:20] <Hamish> "I'm so glad you can make light of it. Maybe next time they'll want to cut your personality out of your brain."
[21:20] * @Morana roars in laughter at Fiora's statement. "He would too!"
[21:21] <Iris> "This is not an occurrence which will be happening to anyone," Iris says.
[21:21] <Aleira> "The horses do look a little...unnatural like that." Aleira admits.
[21:21] * Aleira pats one of the horses, running her hand through the carefully combed mane.
[21:21] * Hamish grumbles and levers himself up into the driver's seat. "They'll get properly dusty and dirty once we get on the road. Which is right now. Let's GO."
[21:21] <Iris> "They look very admirable and respectable," Iris affirms.
[21:22] <@Morana> "Oh, don't turn him paranoid, Aleira. He'll think they did brain surgery on his horses," Morana admonishes the monk.
[21:22] * Hamish clicks the reigns, heading out with or without his passengers!
[21:22] * Aleira swings up next to Hamish. "Hamish? Paranoid? Perish the thought!"
[21:23] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:23] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 36." [1d100=36]
[21:23] * @Morana jumps onto the back of the cart.
[21:23] * Fiora climbs in the cart, still chuckling a bit.
[21:23] * Iris climbs onboard, and only when well outside the cavern and the hearing of all associated with it could be heard to exclaim, "'Ignorance,' he says. What pompous gall!"
[21:24] <@Kotono> Thus the trip of most of a day leads you to the three-pronged tree. From there, it's just before sunset when you come to it. A massive stone archway, reaching about 60ft high or so. It's well carved and spotless, a faint shimmering in the middle of it, occasionally rippling like a pulse.
[21:24] <Hamish> "MY brains are staying RIGHT where they are. I say we come back later and kill them all. Sick bastards."
[21:24] <Aleira> "Onwards and upwards?" Aleira suggests. "We could camp on the other side."
[21:24] <@Morana> "Are you -still- on that, Hamish? It's been a day! Let it go!"
[21:24] <Hamish> "NEVER!"
[21:25] * Hamish urges the horses through the gate!
[21:25] <@Morana> "Well, fine, but at least drive us through the portal first!"
[21:25] <Iris> "Mass slaughter is not on our agenda," Iris insists. "If it ever enters our plans, I may reconsider the viability of precisely what they suggested to us."
[21:26] <Fiora> "Do not." Fiora speaks softly, but very firmly, "even joke about casually killing people. Life is sacred, more so then anything else."
[21:28] <Hamish> "Who's joking?" Hamish says. "Can you imagine how many people they've forcibly 'cured?'"
[21:29] <Aleira> "Reprehensible as that may be, they're not murdering people. Killing is only acceptable in self-defense or in the defense of others."
[21:30] <Fiora> "They seemed very surprised you were not there expressly for that," Fiora counters, "the impression I got was that most of those they treat come to them on purpose."
[21:30] <Iris> "Hamish, setting aside all concerns about your proposed actions being logistically unfeasible, which I feel confident they are, I must question why killing a person is a more acceptable cure for their disagreeable personality than is magical alteration."
[21:30] <@Morana> "They didn't attempt to force you or Sir Aldcar, Hamish. While they may not have been helpful in terms of getting us the shard, they never tried forcing you, or you might actually have seen some fighting. So please, do let it go. I agree with the others of their intentions."
[21:30] <Hamish> "We'll see eventually, won't we?"
[21:31] <Iris> "No. We will not."
[21:31] <Hamish> "We're not going back?"
[21:31] <Iris> "Certainly not to engage in retributive killing for the sake of your ego."
[21:32] <Hamish> "Now yer puttin' words in my mouth, missy."
[21:32] <Iris> "Perhaps you will learn a new one or two?" Iris suggests.
[21:33] <Hamish> "Not from someone who thinks I want to wantonly slaughter people."
[21:34] <Iris> "'I say we come back later and kill them all,'" Iris quotes. "Exact words. What else am I to make of you?"
[21:34] * Fiora pulls out her journal and begins to write some notes in it.
[21:35] <Hamish> "So maybe I did say that." Hamish is all smiles now. "Heat of the moment, and all. Their ideas make me nervy. I'm sure you wouldn't be quite so calm and understanding if it were you that they planned to 'fix'"
[21:36] <Iris> "There would hardly be any need," Iris says.
[21:36] <Fiora> "Miss Iris strikes me as the sort to remain calm even were she set on fire, actually," Fiora quips while continuing to write.
[21:36] <Hamish> "That's actually real weird." Hamish says.
[21:38] <Iris> "I cannot vouch from experience, having never personally remained in an ignited state for an extended period of time," Iris says. "Setting aside our battle in the cave when Cuthbert's mage sent a fireball at us, at which time I was rather too preoccupied to study the experience."