006: Underworld Misadventures

[Yuthirin]

[18:01] <@Kotono> ---
[18:02] <@Kotono> Okay, quick review. You guys took a night's 'rest' so Fiora could drop some healings. Now what are you going to do? Head back to where you fought the illithid or something else?
[18:02] <@Morana> ooc: the shard presence is gone, right?
[18:03] <Iris> OOC: follow the shardsense direction would be my choice. I suspect it's him ported somewhere else anyway.
[18:04] <@Kotono> OOC: It's in a totally different direction now, yes.
[18:04] <Aleira> OOC: How would we even fight him though?
[18:04] <Aleira> OOC: See OOC chat
[18:06] <@Morana> ooc: I'm okay with chasing after him, though if possible I want to get us a scroll (or more than one) that helps us dispel illusion or the like.
[18:07] <Aleira> OOC: What Morana said. If a caster gets disabled, I want a scroll for backup
[18:07] <Thyan> OOC: I will be using the cart as cover to hide. If possible.
[18:07] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay, Gate's here. Discussion aside - take it to the OOC room if it needs more - what are you guys doing now so I can get this on the road?
[18:08] <Hamish> OOC: can that horse pull the cart on its own?
[18:09] <@Kotono> OOC: Yeah, if you ditch the other and fly around it instead of sitting on it. Astral isn't a good place for horses.
[18:10] <Iris> OOC: works for me.
[18:12] <Hamish> OOC: Alas. I need pegasi.
[18:13] <@Morana> OOC: You need robot unicorns.
[18:13] <Hamish> OOC: OR that.
[18:13] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay guys, what are you going to be doing now?
[18:13] <@Morana> OOC: We can go to the lawful plane and commission some inevitables to make one for you, Hamish.
[18:13] <@Morana> OOC: We're chasing after the shard.
[18:13] <Aleira> OOC: Let's go after that guy, flying in various positions around the cart
[18:14] <@Morana> OOC: If we come upon civilization on the way, we'll probably do shopping or something.
[18:14] <Hamish> OOC: Sounds good.
[18:14] <Fiora> OOC: sure
[18:14] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay then.
[18:14] <@Kotono> ---
[18:14] <@Kotono> roll 3d100
[18:14] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 3d100 and gets 165." [3d100=77, 33, 55]
[18:15] <@Kotono> Thus the timelessness of the Astral rolls on. You fly in the silvery seas of void for untold time, existing without hunger, fatigue or anything else. As you go along...OOC: Spot check, all.
[18:15] <Iris> roll 1d20+12 eyes
[18:15] * Hatbot --> "Iris rolls 1d20+12 eyes and gets 23." [1d20=11]
[18:16] <Hamish> roll 1d20+3
[18:16] * Hatbot --> "Hamish rolls 1d20+3 and gets 12." [1d20=9]
[18:16] <@Morana> roll d20+9
[18:16] * Hatbot --> "Morana rolls d20+9 and gets 19." [d20=10]
[18:16] <Aleira> 1d20+2 spot
[18:16] * Hatbot --> "Aleira rolls 1d20+2 spot and gets 16." [1d20=14]
[18:17] <Fiora> roll 1d20+2 my wis sucks
[18:17] * Hatbot --> "Fiora rolls 1d20+2 my wis sucks and gets 18." [1d20=16]
[18:17] <Thyan> roll d20+9 Spot
[18:17] * Hatbot --> "Thyan rolls d20+9 Spot and gets 27." [d20=18]
[18:18] <@Kotono> Thyan and Iris can notice the horizon is starting to tint dark to black rather rapidly.
[18:18] * Thyan squints.
[18:18] <Thyan> "Is it normal for the Astral Plane to.. turn black?"
[18:18] * Iris frowns, and wonders--does the Astral plane have storms?
[18:18] <Hamish> "I...maybe?"
[18:18] <Thyan> roll 1d20+11 K:P
[18:18] * Hatbot --> "Thyan rolls 1d20+11 K:P and gets 16." [1d20=5]
[18:19] <@Kotono> OOC: K:P, yes.
[18:19] <Iris> roll 1d20+13 safe to assume I can roll K:P on that
[18:19] * Hatbot --> "Iris rolls 1d20+13 safe to assume I can roll K:P on that and gets 15." [1d20=2]
[18:19] <Fiora> "...it's doing what now?" Fiora blinks, trying to peer ahead.
[18:20] <Iris> "I couldn't say," Iris says with uncertainty, and evident irritation with said uncertainty. "Perhaps we could go around this disturbance?"
[18:20] * Aleira also squints, trying to see the horizon! "If it's a storm, I'm not sure if we could all squeeze into the cart. It'd be a tight fit!"
[18:20] * Aleira pauses. "Do astral storms even have actual rain?"
[18:20] <Thyan> "The horizon.. It's turning black. I can't tell if it's.. a storm or something.. I.. Don't remember ever reading anything about this.."
[18:21] <@Morana> roll d20+8 K:P why not
[18:21] <Aleira> "I think we should assume that our friend from yesterday knows we're coming."
[18:21] * Hatbot --> "Morana rolls d20+8 K:P why not and gets 15." [d20=7]
[18:21] <Fiora> "Yes," Fiora agrees, "avoiding this might be prudent."
[18:22] * Hamish turns the cart to the left then!
[18:22] <@Kotono> OOC: What's your group movement speed, then?
[18:22] <@Morana> ooc: If we're in the cart, I guess it's 20ft? 60ft since we probably count as heavy load for run speed?
[18:23] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay then.
[18:23] <@Morana> ooc: If we help speed things up, it's more, but dunno if we can?
[18:23] <@Kotono> OOC: Getting in the cart for this like suggested or flying along it, guys
[18:23] <@Kotono> ?
[18:23] <Hamish> OOC: Everybody get out and push!
[18:23] <Fiora> OOC: get out and push works, I suppose?
[18:23] <@Morana> OOC: I can push up to 80ft speed with my int
[18:23] <@Morana> OOC: So I guess we use that as our group speed since I should have the lowest?
[18:24] <@Morana> OOC: The horse rides in the cart while we push!
[18:24] <@Morana> OOC: Boy, some gith will be so confused if they catch a sight of us.
[18:24] <Aleira> OOC: So. In or out? You keep confusing me.
[18:24] <Thyan> OOC: If we push, we do it now before we run out of time. I don't think we're going to outrun it.
[18:24] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay then.
[18:24] <Aleira> OOC: We're pushing. Let's just do it.
[18:25] <Hamish> OOC: PUSH!
[18:26] <@Kotono> Thus the party begins to push the cart - faster and faster - but abruptly a massive wind begins to blow! Like a rippling current of ebony the black sky comes your way - and before you're clear of it, you're engulfed by howling winds! The group is picked up like stray branches in a great gale! The wind howls around your bodies and in your minds, rustling your senses as much as your bodies!
[18:26] <@Kotono> Fragments of memories and sensations long past come back as new as when they were first felt, a confusing avalanche! OOC: Will, all.
[18:26] <Hamish> roll 1d20+10
[18:26] * Hatbot --> "Hamish rolls 1d20+10 and gets 25." [1d20=15]
[18:26] <Thyan> roll d20+4 Will
[18:26] * Hatbot --> "Thyan rolls d20+4 Will and gets 17." [d20=13]
[18:27] <Aleira> 1d20+7 will
[18:27] * Hatbot --> "Aleira rolls 1d20+7 will and gets 18." [1d20=11]
[18:27] <Iris> roll 1d20+9
[18:27] * Hatbot --> "Iris rolls 1d20+9 and gets 25." [1d20=16]
[18:27] <@Morana> roll d20+10 I'll use my immediate to give everyone +5 to the will save.
[18:27] * Hatbot --> "Morana rolls d20+10 I'll use my immediate to give everyone +5 to the will save. and gets 30." [d20=20]
[18:28] <@Kotono> roll 1d100 ?
[18:28] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 ? and gets 66." [1d100=66]
[18:28] <@Kotono> roll 2d100
[18:28] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d100  and gets 84." [2d100=27, 57]
[18:28] <Fiora> roll 1d20+10 belated will
[18:28] * Hatbot --> "Fiora rolls 1d20+10 belated will and gets 16." [1d20=6]
[18:33] <@Kotono> Throughout the ordeal the party keeps their minds together, battling against the psychic onslaught! But like this they can only resist and be blown along, until there is a rippling of rust. Then...despair. The world is gray around you. Gray and barren, colors bleeding to washed out, bitter memories. Surviving horse, cart and heroes lie in deep darkness, only a few twinkles of red about. It is
[18:33] <@Kotono> enough to see you lie in a cluster of stunted, broken olive trees, withered like an old crone's back. The air smells of rot, blood and shit, strangely strong compared to the grayness of color otherwise. Moments later pain explodes in all of your stomachs, as ravenous hunger tears into you like the wrath of an angry solar, followed by parched thirst.
[18:34] <Hamish> "Urrrrgh...what th' hell."
[18:34] * Iris grimaces, examines her new surroundings. "Perhaps."
[18:34] * Fiora bites back the urge to dry heave, "Ugh. What...was THAT?"
[18:35] * Aleira leans over and empties her stomach at the onslaught of tumultuous emotions. "Oh gglakods."
[18:35] <Hamish> "Astral storm mixed with a heapin' helpin' of ass-kicking."
[18:36] * Aleira shamelessly wipes her mouth on her sleeve. "I never want to feel that *again*."
[18:36] <Fiora> "Also, am I the only one suddenly starving?" Fiora asks, "and if not...does that mean we aren't on the astral anymore?"
[18:36] * Iris casts a spell of light on her ring and turns round in a circle to get a better look at their new surroundings. As she does this, she pays special attention to how swiftly the spell comes, using this to verify that they are indeed off the Astral plane now.
[18:37] <Iris> "I am somewhat inured against hunger," Iris says, gesturing with the ring that minimizes just that sensation for her. "Nevertheless, I share your feeling."
[18:37] <@Kotono> The spell does not come as swift as before. Light - you stand in a withered grove of olive trees. The ground is cracked and barren, no hint of moisture at all. The sky above is a dull rust-red, cloudless.
[18:38] <@Kotono> OOC: Since you've established this isn't the astral, any of you can make K:P checks if you like
[18:38] <Iris> "We are assuredly not on the Astral plane," Iris confirms after her experiment, actually sounding disappointed for it.
[18:38] <Iris> roll 1d20+13 K:P
[18:38] * Hatbot --> "Iris rolls 1d20+13 K:P and gets 20." [1d20=7]
[18:38] <@Morana> "Did the storm come with a portal of some sort, or some demi-plane thing? I think I've heard those border some parts of some planes..." Morana offers with a scratch of her head, also looking around.
[18:38] <Aleira> 1d20+4 K:P
[18:38] * Hatbot --> "Aleira rolls 1d20+4 K:P and gets 8." [1d20=4]
[18:38] <@Morana> roll d20+8 K:P for me as well!
[18:38] * Hatbot --> "Morana rolls d20+8 K:P for me as well! and gets 28." [d20=20]
[18:38] <Aleira> "You don't suppose our tentacled friend had anything to do with that, do you?"
[18:39] * Aleira eyes her surroundings warily.
[18:39] <Fiora> "Well then," Fiora tries to offer a smile, "if we feel this is a safe place to do so, someone break out the dishes and I'll create lunch." (OOC: will cast create food/water when folks are ready)
[18:39] <Thyan> roll 1d20+11 K:P
[18:40] * Hatbot --> "Thyan rolls 1d20+11 K:P and gets 23." [1d20=12]
[18:40] <Hamish> "You can eat in this place?" Hamish looks incredulous.
[18:40] <Iris> "Hades," Iris concludes with distaste. "Our first priority should be finding a portal away from this place. Prolonged exposure to the plain's despairing influence may trap us here."
[18:40] <@Morana> "...Hades. We're in Hades," Morana says with horrified certainty as she looks around and takes in the surroundings now.
[18:40] * Thyan stumbles to his feet shaking his head as he takes in the area and looks around, trying to recall information.
[18:41] * Iris focuses her sixth sense, hoping with all her will there's no need for them to search for shards here.
[18:41] * Thyan also thanks the Dweller on the Horizon for the fore-thought to purchase his ring..
[18:41] * Aleira pales. "You mean, we're literally in Hell?"
[18:41] * Fiora shrugs at Hamish, "Well I don't want to starve, so yes. You learn to take meals where you can, on messenger duty."
[18:41] <@Kotono> Iris focuses as hunger gnaws at the party, along with thirst. You can feel the shard - far away to one direction - your sense of direction doesn't seem to be working here, as faded out and forgotten as the colors of everything else.
[18:42] * @Morana takes a deep breath as she gives a quick silent prayer to the Red Knight to watch over them as they navigate this realm before attempting to sense any shards here in Hades.
[18:42] * Thyan nods.
[18:42] <@Kotono> OOC: What are you guys going to do now?
[18:42] <Aleira> OOC: Let's eat and drink first. Then...quest, I guess.
[18:42] * Fiora then shakes her head at Aleira, "No, Hell is somewhere else. Hades is one of the lower planes though, if that's what you meant."
[18:42] <@Morana> OOC: Follow the shard!
[18:42] <@Kotono> OOC: To clarify, you can tell the direction it's in, just not if it's north/south or whatever.
[18:43] <@Kotono> OOC: Since you have no idea what north is here in a foreign plane.
[18:43] <Aleira> OOC: Again, eating/drinking, then following. =p
[18:43] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay then.
[18:43] <Fiora> OOC: Fiora will highly suggest eating first.
[18:43] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[18:43] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 63." [1d100=63]
[18:43] <Thyan> "Yeah.. I recognize this place, too.. Hades. Lowest Plane..."
[18:43] <@Morana> OOC: Follow the shard, and watch out for signs of evil creatures that want to murder us and wear our skins and cosplay as adventurers.
[18:43] <Iris> "I don't relish staying here longer than we have to," Iris says. "I am not so accustomed to planar travel that I feel confident of braving this place on an extended sojourn. I suggest we move in the direction of the shard, failing better directions, and do what we can to locate a portal along the way. Should we find one, I suggest leaving immediately."
[18:43] * Hamish looks paranoid. "Hades. That sounds bad."
[18:43] <@Morana> ooc: I'm okay with lunch first too!
[18:44] <@Kotono> Food is consumed. Your meal is tasteless and burns despite your best efforts, tasting like ashes in your mouth. The water is a slow moving sludge, as if too tired to move down your throat. Nonetheless you manage to slake your thirst and hunger, the party ready to go now. (More)
[18:44] <Thyan> roll 1d20+11 K:P
[18:44] * Hatbot --> "Thyan rolls 1d20+11 K:P and gets 19." [1d20=8]
[18:45] * Hamish spends a bit of time modifying the hitch so that his remaining horse can pull the cart. "We're not gonna all be able to ride. Red can't pull us all on his own."
[18:45] <Thyan> "I.. I think we should move. Quickly. I can't imagine there's anything here that *wouldn't* have noticed our plane shift. And I don't think we want to meet anything that lives here. Like a Yugoloth."
[18:46] <@Kotono> Thus the party takes off! (More)
[18:47] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[18:47] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 35." [1d100=35]
[18:47] * Iris will of course be summoning an aura of magical protection before going *anywhere* in this plane. (OOC: Mage Armor up)
[18:47] <@Kotono> You travel a half hour, the blasted land gray and featureless, save for the occasional dead clump of trees. But then, ahead? You can see stones - a circle of stones a few hundred feet ahead, and a faint greenish glow from the ground within it.
[18:48] <@Morana> OOC: Is the shard sense coming from there?
[18:48] * Thyan makes it a point to stick in the shadows and cover as he travels...
[18:48] <@Kotono> OOC: It's not close, no.
[18:48] <@Kotono> OOC: Takes you in that direction, though.
[18:48] * Iris pauses and searches her memory for what either circle of glow might signify.
[18:48] <Hamish> "Portal?"
[18:49] <Aleira> "So, who wants to step into the circle and spring the pretty looking trap?" Aleira's eyes dart around the circle, looking for anything suspicious. "Nothing here could be good for us."
[18:49] <Hamish> "Portals are good for us."
[18:49] <Thyan> roll d20+17 hide
[18:49] * Hatbot --> "Thyan rolls d20+17 hide and gets 28." [d20=11]
[18:49] <@Kotono> OOC: K:P, Iris.
[18:49] <Thyan> roll d20+13 MS
[18:49] * Hatbot --> "Thyan rolls d20+13 MS and gets 33." [d20=20]
[18:49] * Fiora looks to Iris, hoping the resident smart girl can figure out what it is!
[18:49] * Thyan speaks lowly from where he's skulking..
[18:49] <Iris> roll 1d20+11 foo penalty
[18:49] * Hatbot --> "Iris rolls 1d20+11 foo penalty and gets 28." [1d20=17]
[18:50] <Thyan> "I can try to go scout it, if you want. Just be ready to help."
[18:50] <Aleira> "But is it an actual portal?" Aleira glances at Hamish doubtfully. "I wouldn't want poor Thyan to die just to satisfy our curiosity."
[18:50] <Thyan> "Likely only one way to find out."
[18:51] * Aleira idly stoops down, picks up a random rock or clod of dirt and tosses it into the circle!
[18:51] <@Morana> "Good luck, and be careful!"
[18:51] <Aleira> OOC: Let Dune resolve my toss before you go, Thyan.
[18:51] * Thyan watches the rock arc through the air..
[18:52] <@Kotono> Aleira takes a stone and throws it! As you're still several hundred feet away, it comes a goodly ways before falling short.
[18:52] * Thyan watches the rock fall uselessly onto the ground, raising an eyebrow at Aleria.
[18:52] <Iris> "Don't touch it," Iris sharply advises the group. "It's a Pool of Despair. Woe betide those who drink from or disturb it, in short."
[18:52] <@Morana> "Your throwing arm isn't very impressive," Morana says drily to the monk.
[18:53] * Aleira burns a bit with embarrassment. She picks up another rock and this time--totally drops the rock at Iris's words.
[18:53] <Aleira> "Ok, so I need to work on my aim a bit."
[18:53] <@Morana> "What does it do, exactly, do you know?" Morana asks, more out of curiosity than desire to test out her warning.
[18:53] * Fiora blanches a touch, "That...does not sound like anything we would care to disturb, no."
[18:54] <Iris> "They are said to drain hope away from any who drink of them," Iris says. "The waters are useful as magical components, but gathering a sample is a dubious proposition."
[18:54] * Hamish silently maneuvers the cart around the pool, giving it a wide berth
[18:54] <Hamish> .
[18:54] <Aleira> "This place tries its hardest to literally suck the happiness out of you, doesn't it?"
[18:54] <Iris> "Yes."
[18:55] <@Morana> "Moving on then?" Morana suggests.
[18:55] <Iris> "Yes."
[18:55] <Fiora> "Agreed."
[18:55] * Thyan shadows the cart, ranging himself randomly to keep it in view and changes flank, trying to give some kind of security to the group.
[18:56] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[18:56] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 3." [1d100=3]
[18:57] <@Kotono> The party travels on for a time longer - and after another hour, you see a hill. A small hill, but as you approach, you can glimpse a hint of light atop it, something shining.
[18:57] <@Kotono> The hill is a small, broken rise, going no higher than about 40ft up or so at a gentle slope. If not for the broken ground you wouldn't even notice it as much of anything.
[18:58] * Thyan approaches the others.
[18:58] <Thyan> "I would think that thing is visible for quite a ways... And would attract attention.."
[18:59] <Hamish> "I don't think so. You wouldn't even see it from another angle."
[18:59] <Iris> "I dislike this place very much. Rather too much like home," Iris pronounces as they walk. As for that hill: "Sooner or later, we will have to investigate something or deal with someone in order to find a portal. Shall we look more closely at this light?"
[18:59] <Thyan> "It gives off *light.* Here. I would think that's noticeable on its own."
[18:59] * Aleira suggests, "Perhaps it is a portal? We should investigate, just to make sure. This place gives me the willies. I'd rather search for a shard on a more friendly plane than this one."
[19:00] <Thyan> "I'm not saying we should avoid it, but we should be very, very careful about doing so.
[19:00] <Thyan> "
[19:00] <Iris> "Of course, that statement applies to everything we encounter here."
[19:00] <@Morana> "You're the stealthiest, Sir Aldcar, I have faith in your abilities to scout out any potential danger!" Morana says encouragingly!
[19:00] * Thyan grins wryly.
[19:00] * Fiora blinks at Iris, "Hades reminds you....of home?"
[19:01] <Hamish> roll 1d20+5 HAWS
[19:01] * Hatbot --> "Hamish rolls 1d20+5 HAWS and gets 21." [1d20=16]
[19:01] <Iris> "The smell," Iris elaborates. "The bleached look. As of mud trod by soldiers' feet."
[19:01] * @Morana resists saying anything about how it explains so much about Iris' personality, not wanting to aggravate the woman.
[19:01] <Thyan> "Of course. I think I'll be calling in a certain debt for drinks at the next tavern. Are we all agreed I should scout it?"
[19:02] * Hamish nods. "Have fun!"
[19:02] * Fiora nods, "Be careful."
[19:02] <Aleira> "Be safe and swift!"
[19:03] * Thyan nods and sets out, going slow and carefully, trying to approach from a distant angle so as not to give the others' position away..
[19:03] <Iris> "Look sharp," is Iris's advice.
[19:03] <@Kotono> Thus Thyan advances closer! Climbing up the hill, Thyan can soon see the light comes from a sword sunk into the ground, at the head of a crude slab of stone. No sign of anyone else around or anyone having spotted you.
[19:04] * Thyan takes a few minutes to study the sword, to both better recall it for disruption and to search his memory for anything in his readings..
[19:04] <@Kotono> OOC:What skills do you have?
[19:05] <Thyan> OOC: Knowledges - Geography, Nature, Planes.
[19:05] <@Kotono> OOC: No help there. It's a longsword or similar, a straight sword. The hilt is wrapped in leather and worn, the pommel stone a cracked circle of iron. The blade itself is intact - and seems to shine with its own light.
[19:06] * Thyan commits the sword to memory and shuffles back from the hill, looping around back to the others.
[19:07] <@Kotono> This goes without incident, Thyan returning to the party.
[19:07] <Thyan> "It's a sword. Sunken blade first into stone. Longsword, it looks like. Worn leather hilt, cracked circle of iron for a pommel. The light is coming from the blade itself."
[19:08] <Iris> "That sounds relatively harmless," Iris concludes, strolling up the hill to take a look herself, first intending to scan the object for magical auras.
[19:08] * Aleira follows, natural curiosity aroused!
[19:09] * Fiora nods, carefully following as well to protect Iris in case something goes wrong.
[19:09] <Muirfinn> "If it's producing light...perhaps it's harmless?" Hamish ventures.
[19:09] <@Kotono> Thus Iris approaches the sword, along with Aleira. The sword indeed radiates magic - and one can notice there's writing carved into the slab before the sword. OOC: Spellcraft, Iris.
[19:10] <Iris> roll 1d20+13 ffff penalty, I will also closely examine the writing of course
[19:10] * Hatbot --> "Iris rolls 1d20+13 ffff penalty, I will also closely examine the writing of course and gets 17." [1d20=4]
[19:10] * Thyan follows the rest, but makes sure to scan the visible area, watching for anything trying to sneak up on us..
[19:10] <Fiora> OOC: I followed as well, can I make spellcraft?
[19:11] <@Kotono> Iris can't figure out the magic on the sword. Carved crudely into the stone is as follows 'Knight Hale. I failed. May my brothers join me in Hell.' OOC: If you DM it sure, Fiora.
[19:12] * Fiora will do so!
[19:13] <@Kotono> OOC: Go for it then.
[19:13] * Iris gives up, frustration evident as she responds to that epitaph: "Hardly an encouraging wish, there."
[19:13] <Fiora> roll 1d20+5 spellcraft come on high rollin'
[19:13] * Hatbot --> "Fiora rolls 1d20+5 spellcraft come on high rollin' and gets 16." [1d20=11]
[19:13] <@Kotono> Fiora can't figure out the magic on the sword, either.
[19:13] <Aleira> "Epitaph? Eh?"
[19:14] * Fiora places a hand on the stone(not the sword) and says a prayer for the rest of the Knight's soul.
[19:14] * Aleira glances over the script on the slab, unable to read the strange writing.
[19:14] <Iris> "I am not able to discern what manner of enchantment lies upon the sword," Iris says. "If any wish to try their luck on taking it, it will not be me--" She cuts off, observing Fiora.
[19:14] <Aleira> "Shall we try to pull it out? The sword could come in handy sometime. Either as a weapon or to sell."
[19:14] <@Kotono> OOC: Make a level check, Fiora?
[19:15] <Fiora> roll 1d20+6 sure
[19:15] * Hatbot --> "Fiora rolls 1d20+6 sure and gets 7." [1d20=1]
[19:16] <Aleira> "What's wrong, Iris?"
[19:17] <Fiora> Tears form in Fiora's eyes, as she looks down, "...I...am sorry." she murmers, as if talking to the stone, "there is no rest here."
[19:17] * Aleira cautiously approaches Fiora. "Fiora? What's wrong?"
[19:17] <Iris> "Are you unwell?" Iris questions with an inquisitively raised eyebrow.
[19:17] <@Kotono> The light of the sword dims, the radiant blade becoming cold, rusty steel.
[19:18] <Iris> OOC: Detect Magic should still be active, is the aura dying with the light?
[19:18] <@Kotono> OOC: It is not.
[19:18] * @Morana casts detect evil, to see if there's a sign of evil from the sword or something besides the general atmosphere!
[19:19] <@Kotono> Morana attempts to detect evil! Immediately evil all over bombards her, the very air permeated with hateful, vile evil! OOC: Will save.
[19:19] * Fiora shakes her head, smiling at Aleira and Iris despite the tears, "I am fine. Merely...pained by this, that a knight should be doomed to this place, where there is no peace even in death."
[19:20] <@Morana> roll d20+10
[19:20] * Hatbot --> "Morana rolls d20+10 and gets 17." [d20=7]
[19:20] * Iris considers Fiora's example a reasonably encouraging experiment, and reaches for the hilt herself in turn.
[19:21] * Aleira pats Fiora on the shoulder. "Well, you said a prayer for him. Perhaps that will give this knight some comfort."
[19:21] <Fiora> (OOC: note, I did not touch the sword. Merely the stone. I made an express point of that)
[19:22] * @Morana looks stunned for a few seconds!
[19:22] <@Kotono> The hilt is leather and rough to Iris's grasp.
[19:22] <@Kotono> OOC: I'm aware, Fiora.
[19:22] <Iris> "Hm." Iris tries the stone in turn.
[19:22] * Thyan pauses in his scanning for a moment to pat Fiora on the shoulder, then goes back to watching the tree lines.
[19:22] <@Kotono> The stone is a rough stone, cold to the touch.
[19:23] * Iris shrugs. "It all seems very mundane to me," she concludes. "I believe we are finished here?"
[19:23] * Aleira scratches her head. "That was...anti-climactic."
[19:24] <Aleira> "I guess we are." Aleira heads back to the wagon.
[19:25] <Fiora> "May I ride in the wagon for a ways," Fiora asks Hamish as she returns to the cart, "please?"
[19:26] * @Morana heads back to the cart looking a bit nauseous. She doesn't even ask for permission and just gets on the cart.
[19:26] * Thyan goes back to his patrolling around the cart, sticking to what he knows best.
[19:27] * Hamish nods. "You can. I can carry two more than myself, I'd reckon."
[19:27] * Aleira walks alongside the horse, occasionally cooing and patting it gently on the neck.
[19:27] * Fiora smiles her thanks at Hamish, and digs out her journal to write in as they continue on.
[19:29] <@Kotono> Thus the party proceeds on! After another half hour the pull of the shard becomes stronger! You feel like you're getting closer! As you travel along, you can see something on the horizon - ahead you can see a river. A vast river, longer than you can see and with no sign of a far bank. Far ahead you can see the occasional wooden skiff standing on the banks, black-garbed and hooded figures on each
[19:29] <@Kotono> one.
[19:29] * Thyan studies the forms...
[19:29] <Thyan> roll d20+11-2 K:P
[19:29] * Hatbot --> "Thyan rolls d20+11-2 K:P and gets 20." [d20=11]
[19:30] <@Morana> roll d20+9 spot any more details?
[19:30] * Hatbot --> "Morana rolls d20+9 spot any more details? and gets 29." [d20=20]
[19:30] * Hamish slows the cart. "Anyone know what we're looking at here?"
[19:30] <Iris> roll 1d20+11 K:P possibly?
[19:30] * Hatbot --> "Iris rolls 1d20+11 K:P possibly? and gets 27." [1d20=16]
[19:31] <@Morana> roll d20+8 K:P as well
[19:31] * Hatbot --> "Morana rolls d20+8 K:P as well and gets 25." [d20=17]
[19:31] <Aleira> "I'm guessing it's a river crossing? We might have to pay a toll in order to get across. We could even ask for directions, if someone here is nice enough to oblige?"
[19:31] * Aleira looks doubtful at that prospect, though.
[19:32] <Thyan> "... Charonoloths.. They're Yugoloths that ferry soul larvae into deeper torments.. Though.. Supposedly they'll occasionally take others. For the right price."
[19:32] * Hamish silently rolls his eyes.
[19:33] <Iris> "One hopes the right price would prove to be a modest amount of platinum," Iris says.
[19:34] * Fiora concentrates on the pull, hoping it has changed directions somehow and does not take them across the river.
[19:34] <@Morana> "Modest amount of copper would be my preferred option," Morana retorts.
[19:34] <@Kotono> The pull is close - Fiora's eyes go to one boat in particular, feeling it perhaps close, or perhaps even on that boat.
[19:35] * Thyan takes a moment to pull Aaliyah from her perch in the cart, unhooding her and feeding her before sending her aloft.
[19:35] * Fiora opens her eyes, "Everyone...concentrate on the pull."
[19:35] * Iris does so!
[19:35] * Thyan looks at his hand and focuses on the feeling.
[19:35] * Aleira does so as well!
[19:36] * @Morana joins in with everyone else!
[19:36] <@Kotono> The pull is close - a boat about six down and several hundred feet away! You can feel the shard, so close. On that skiff is one of the robed charonoloths, head bowed and with a pole in hand, dipped into the water.
[19:37] <Iris> "I see little alternative," Iris says, starting towards the river at a pace slow enough for all to keep up and object if they like before anyone reaches the skiff.
[19:38] * Aleira follows Iris like a puppy, intent on securing the shard!
[19:38] * Thyan shadows the group.
[19:38] * @Morana nods, and just in case, grants everyone some extra vitality for the fight with some encouraging words and charm!
[19:38] * Fiora takes a deep breath, gets out of the cart, and follows along.
[19:39] <@Kotono> Thus the party approaches the skiff. It's about 30ft long or so and 10ft wide, unremarkable at first glance. Just wood and a few slats to serve as crude benches. Close, so close. You can feel the shard so close, as the hooded figure looks up. A visage of gray flesh and empty eyes meets the party as they approach. In your minds, like a cockroach climbing up your back and into your minds, filthy
[19:39] <@Kotono> and stalking, 'Do you wish to ride to damnation, mortals?'
[19:40] * Aleira will leave the talking to Iris!
[19:40] * Thyan keeps an arrow ready.
[19:41] * @Morana will leave the talking to Iris as well!
[19:42] <Iris> "It may be in our interest to cross the river," Iris allows.
[19:42] * Fiora closes her eyes slightly, taking a steadying breath as if terrified by the creature...hoping it will assume that and not that she is focusing on something as she tries to locate the shard again.
[19:44] <@Kotono> In the mind of Iris and Iris alone is heard, 'Is that it, mortal?' It asks back. Meanwhile Fiora can feel the shard - it's so close, right on the charanoloth.
[19:47] <Iris> Iris continues speaking out loud. "We may also wish to purchase a curious object that is in your possession," she says, making the proper assumption.
[19:48] <@Kotono> To Iris again the answer is, 'I will do both. The price is the soul of your first born child.' It answers.

[Yuthirin]

[19:49] <Iris> "I have no distinct plans to bear children," Iris responds, again for all to hear.
[19:49] <@Kotono> 'That is not a problem.' The creature replies, 'Do you accept my terms?'
[19:50] * Fiora eyes Iris, wondering why on earth she said that.
[19:51] * Aleira raises her eyebrows. "Good thing you weren't thinking aloud there, Iris." She mutters quietly.
[19:52] <Iris> "In which case I find such a bargain curiously favorable to myself and must assume a degree of skepticism. How is it you would presume to collect your supposed payment?"
[19:53] <@Kotono> 'My means are sufficient,' The creature replies to Iris once more, as hovering in the air before her, in a puff of smoke and foul brimstone, a scroll appears. 'If you wish to obtain what you wish, sign the contract, mortal.'
[19:56] * Iris will, of course, read the contract in exhaustive detail and apply all analytical capabilities to determining how, precisely, this deal would come to be a source of regret in years to come. She is certain it would be, and is merely curious how. (OOC: similar situation to our last contract, decipher script applies?)
[19:56] <@Kotono> OOC: Go for it.
[19:56] <Iris> roll 1d20+15 penalty -2 and +4 inspiration point
[19:56] * Hatbot --> "Iris rolls 1d20+15 penalty -2 and +4 inspiration point and gets 26." [1d20=11]
[19:59] * Fiora blinks as a contract appears, quite disliking this turn of events.
[20:00] <Iris> "Most curious," Iris concludes, still notably not signing. She makes no attempt to stop anyone else from reading it, either. "You are able to materialize a life form from potential alone?"
[20:01] <@Kotono> Again to Iris, 'I am capable of many things,' The daemon replies into her mind.
[20:01] * Thyan raises an eyebrow at this, but refrains from injecting on Iris' decision.
[20:02] * Iris nods. To her companions: "The boatman has offered to grant what we seek in return for the soul of my first born child. I await counter offers."
[20:04] * Aleira blinks. "Wow. That's uh, pretty high of a price."
[20:04] * Aleira addresses the daemon. "What could you possibly want with a child?"
[20:05] * @Morana blanches. "I...can't in good faith work with that offer, even if it's not my child. The fact that you mentioned something about it coming into being just from signing the contract, without you even having the child...uhm, no. I know I can't speak for you, but don't take the deal."
[20:05] * Fiora shakes her head, "You cannot agree to that. By agreeing...you would doubtlessly damn your own soul here as well."
[20:05] <@Kotono> Speaking in a wet, plehgm filled whisper, "My desires are my own. If you desire to dicker the terms, find a devil to deal with instead."
[20:06] <Aleira> "Don't you have anything else you could want? Anything at all?"
[20:06] <@Kotono> "No," The answer is soft and choking, "Unless...you would offer your first born, woman?"
[20:07] <Iris> "I admit to some curiosity," Iris says. "Would the price be identical were a man engaged in this bargain?"
[20:08] <Aleira> Aleira's answer is instant. "Not on your life, buddy."
[20:08] <@Kotono> "No," The fiend whispers. "In the woman resides the root of the soul. The root of life resides in the man."
[20:08] * Iris nods, this sounding a perfectly sensible concept to her.
[20:09] <Thyan> ".. Then what would the price be for me?"
[20:10] <@Kotono> "Your soul," The whispers is choking, like a man drowning at sea. "The contract awaits you signing it woman. What say you?"
[20:11] <@Morana> "You can't take those contracts," Morana says with certainty.
[20:11] * Thyan shakes his head and agrees with Morana.
[20:11] <Iris> "Indeed," Iris agrees. "I am afraid your price is unattractively steep. I cannot accept."
[20:12] <@Kotono> "If you will not accept, then leave me and waste not my time," The charonoloth gasps, "Lest the Styx drown you!"
[20:13] * Thyan turns and starts to head away, again falling into the shadows when possible.
[20:13] <Aleira> "What would information cost us?"
[20:14] <@Kotono> "Of what blasphemies and damnations do you desire to learn of, mortal?" The rasping, drowning voice gurgles out, a hint of black water leaking from the daemon's lips as he speaks, dripping down his chin. "Seek you a tutor to power?"
[20:18] * Aleira smoothly returns, "I do not need dark powers to become strong, but the offer is appreciated, I think. No, my companions and I seek a portal to another plane, preferably *any* plane other than this one."
[20:18] <Aleira> "We would be willing to pay in cold, hard currency for this information. More, if you can take us there directly."
[20:19] <@Kotono> "Hmmm, hmmm, hmmm...hahahahaha!" The laugh is a choking one, a dying rattle. Yet the charonoloth does not even move with the laughter, instead looking into Aleira's eyes with its own empty sockets. "Perhaps if I include the location of the nearest portal into the contract..." it rasps, almost thoughtful-sounding.
[20:20] * Fiora shakes her head, "Bargaining here is pointless, Aleira."
[20:21] * Aleira sighs. "It was worth a try, at least. Well, daemon, can you at least tell us if anyone near here that isn't interested in dealing solely in souls?"
[20:23] <@Kotono> "Down the river..." With a wet chuckle, "Seek the Bloody Hand's Boathouse." Gesturing downriver with the tip of its pole, "That way."
[20:24] * Hamish looks about, focusing on the shard, attempting to divine its exact location!
[20:25] <@Kotono> OOC: Wis check, Hamish.
[20:26] <Hamish> roll 1d20+3-2
[20:26] * Hatbot --> "Hamish rolls 1d20+3-2 and gets 7." [1d20=6]
[20:32] <Iris> "And should we reconsider your offer later," Iris starts for the sake of acquiring the following information, "who need we seek out?"
[20:32] <@Kotono> "You found me once," The voice rasps, "I am here."
[20:33] <Iris> "Of course." That seems to be that. Iris turns away for this...establishment, the creature mentioned.
[20:34] * Hamish waits for the group to get a ways away before speaking up. "It's somewhere on him, near his chest. That's the best I can do."
[20:35] <Aleira> "Pity we couldn't discern where the pockets are in his robes."
[20:36] <Hamish> "We could rough him up." Hamish points out. "He's evil anyway."
[20:37] <Iris> "As much could be said for any being residing here," Iris says.
[20:38] <Thyan> "After the Mind Flayer, I'm wary of starting such a thing, I'll admit. But I will fight if it comes down to that."
[20:38] <@Morana> "I'll be happy to get out of here before we get to the point that we might consider such an act as that he proposed," Morana says with a shudder.
[20:38] <@Kotono> roll 1d100
[20:38] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 41." [1d100=41]
[20:38] <@Kotono> OOC: Who's on point?
[20:39] <Aleira> "Fighting should be our last resort." Aleira adds, albeit a little reluctantly. "Although, I admit to being frustrated. This is the third shard that we've failed to immediately procure."
[20:39] <Thyan> OOC: I would likely be, but all stealthy like.
[20:39] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay.
[20:40] <@Morana> ooc: I will be next on point probably.
[20:40] <@Kotono> As the party advances down the river, the 'loths thin out and you have open, silent banks. As you go you notice something - the Styx is silent. The flowing waters make not a sound. The wind does not blow. The washed out colors joins dead silence, only the muted, whispering sounds of your passing breaking it at all. But after about an hour of this, Thyan can see something ahead. A humanoid,
[20:40] <@Kotono> stumbling down the banks. It is clad in armor, you can see that much, each step wobbling. Rather heavy looking armor, actually, probably full plate or something close to it.
[20:42] * Thyan studies the figure for a few seconds, trying to identify it..
[20:42] <Thyan> roll d20+11-2
[20:42] * Hatbot --> "Thyan rolls d20+11-2 and gets 26." [d20=17]
[20:43] <@Kotono> OOC: What knowledge?
[20:43] <Thyan> OOC: K:P.
[20:43] <@Kotono> Planar Knowledge offers no insights to what the creature is. As it stumbles a little closer, you can see a fleshy face - looks humanoid for sure now, but in that armor you can't tell much more.
[20:44] * Thyan stays hidden, but returns to the group.
[20:44] <Thyan> "There's a.. person.. In armor stumbling around the banks ahead. I couldn't tell any more than that."
[20:45] * Hamish waves at the man. "Ho there!"
[20:45] <Iris> "Stumbling?" Iris repeats. "Not an advisable mode of locomotion in the vicinity of the Styx." She joins Hamish in approaching him.
[20:46] <@Morana> roll d20+9-2 spot any additional details?
[20:46] * Hatbot --> "Morana rolls d20+9-2 spot any additional details? and gets 25." [d20=18]
[20:47] <@Kotono> As you approach you can see the man closer. He looks up, about 100ft away. His face is tanned and bloodied - blue eyes. His eyes have a slant to them, noble and fine features. He stumbles, falling to his knees. "He..help me. Help me!" he cries.
[20:48] * Thyan cautiously approaches the man, but remains out of his immediate grasp.
[20:48] * Fiora moves up with the others...then knowing full well this cannot possibly be a good idea, moves towards the man, "I...cannot leave someone so wounded, even here." Her friends would protect her if this was a trap...surely.
[20:48] <Thyan> "What ails you? Do you have need of food or water?"
[20:49] <@Morana> "What do you need help with?" Morana asks, approaching more much quickly, until she's at the man's side.
[20:49] * Aleira instantly darts out to help! "What's wrong?! How can we help?"
[20:49] <Iris> "What is the nature of your distress?" Iris inquires, accompanying the others to conversational range.
[20:50] <@Kotono> Thus the party approaches as the man looks up, "My name is Crel of Winterbrooke." His voice is pained, "I'm alive! I'm not a fiend!" Coughing, "If you're alive, help me! I got away..." Gesturing away from the Styx, "From the battle, but the press gang..." Wiping his forehead with one shaking arm, "They're coming, I'm sure of it. Slaves that desert are executed."
[20:52] <Hamish> "Battle?" Hamish looks around from atop the cart. "What battle?"
[20:52] <@Morana> "Where is the battle, is anyone still fighting?"
[20:53] * Fiora moves to him, incanting a healing spell, "A breeze of blows through us..." (OOC: using CLW on him, yes this puts me in touch range)
[20:53] <Fiora> OOC: breeze of LIFE blows through us
[20:53] <Fiora> roll 1d8+7 healing
[20:53] * Hatbot --> "Fiora rolls 1d8+7 healing and gets 15." [1d8=8]
[20:55] <Aleira> "Be not afraid, Sir Knight. We'll not stand idly by and see someone executed for seeking freedom!"
[20:56] <@Kotono> Healing touches the man thanks to Fiora, "Miles and miles," Gasping, "Blood War." Licking his lips, he begins to speak - but nothing more is said! 30ft away from the party one appears - a purplish red thing, all unskinned muscle dripping with red slime. No weapon, only long, vicious claws.  10ft behind it is two more of its kin, almost identical! OOC: If anyone wants to make K:P here, do so now.
[20:56] <Iris> roll 1d20+11 always
[20:56] <Aleira> 1d20+4 K:P
[20:56] * Hatbot --> "Iris rolls 1d20+11 always and gets 12." [1d20=1]
[20:56] * Hatbot --> "Aleira rolls 1d20+4 K:P and gets 16." [1d20=12]
[20:57] <Thyan> roll d20+11-2 K:P
[20:57] * Hatbot --> "Thyan rolls d20+11-2 K:P and gets 24." [d20=15]
[20:57] <@Morana> roll d20+8-2 K:P
[20:57] * Hatbot --> "Morana rolls d20+8-2 K:P and gets 23." [d20=17]
[20:59] <@Kotono> "Coward," The lead one growls, a sadistic smile coming to its face. "Kill them all! Soak in their blood!" The creature demands, "Blood! Blood for Graz'zt!"
[20:59] <Fiora> OOC: take 10 for 15 here
[20:59] <@Morana> "A babau...I don't suppose any of you have the ability to enchant weapons temporarily to protect them against its acid?" Morana asks with a grimace as she eyes her own masterwork blade.
[20:59] <Thyan> ".. Problem. Big problem. Babau demon. Fights like a thief, and the slime is acid. Unless your weapon is magic, it'll eat right through it.."
[20:59] * Fiora draws her sword and hands it to Morana, "Use Skyrose, it's magical."
[20:59] <@Kotono> OOC: Init here, since they're going hostile.
[20:59] <Aleira> "You're going down, you ugly little things!" Aleira shouts boldly!
[20:59] <Fiora> "I fear I'll have my hands busy healing..."
[21:00] <Thyan> roll d20+4 Init
[21:00] * Hatbot --> "Thyan rolls d20+4 Init and gets 24." [d20=20]
[21:00] * @Morana grabs the sword with a nod. "I'll make good use of it."
[21:00] <Aleira> 1d20+7   init
[21:00] * Hatbot --> "Aleira rolls 1d20+7 init and gets 8." [1d20=1]
[21:00] <Fiora> roll 1d20+1+5 from Morana init
[21:00] * Hatbot --> "Fiora rolls 1d20+1+5 from Morana init and gets 13." [1d20=7]
[21:00] <@Morana> roll d20+1+5 motivate dexterity
[21:00] * Hatbot --> "Morana rolls d20+1+5 motivate dexterity and gets 19." [d20=13]
[21:00] <Iris> roll 1d20+17
[21:00] * Hatbot --> "Iris rolls 1d20+17 and gets 30." [1d20=13]
[21:00] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+2 B1
[21:00] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 B1 and gets 9." [1d20=7]
[21:00] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+1 B2
[21:01] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+1 B2 and gets 4." [1d20=3]
[21:01] <Thyan> OOC: add+5 to mine for aura.
[21:01] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+6 B3
[21:01] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 B3 and gets 7." [1d20=1]
[21:01] <@Kotono> OOC: What's your total then, Thyan?
[21:01] <Aleira> OOC: Kotono, my init is 13, then
[21:01] <Thyan> OOC: 29 total.
[21:01] <Hamish> roll 1d20+10+5
[21:01] * Hatbot --> "Hamish rolls 1d20+10+5 and gets 20." [1d20=5]
[21:01] * Kotono changes topic to 'Thyan(29)>Morana=Aleira(13) '
[21:02] * Kotono changes topic to 'Iris(30)>Thyan(29)>Hamish(20)>Morana(19)>Fiora=Aleira(13)B1(9)>B3(7)>B2(4) '
[21:02] <@Kotono> OOC: Open Iris.
[21:03] * Iris immediately summons an aura of supernatural speed to aid herself and her allies--and then scurries safely behind the lot of them. (OOC: Haste is up for 6 rounds, hits all PCs. Can't cover enough people to get the knight.)
[21:03] <@Morana> ooc: no roll from the merc?
[21:04] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay. Noted. Thyan's up. Merc is holding for now.
[21:05] <Thyan> OOC: range to the closest?
[21:06] <@Kotono> OOC: 30ft.
[21:06] * Thyan draws and fires at the closest Babau (B1)!
[21:06] <Thyan> roll d20+12 Atk 1
[21:06] * Hatbot --> "Thyan rolls d20+12 Atk 1 and gets 13." [d20=1]
[21:06] <Thyan> roll d20+7 Atk 2
[21:06] * Hatbot --> "Thyan rolls d20+7 Atk 2 and gets 17." [d20=10]
[21:06] <Thyan> roll d20+7 Atk 3 (Haste)
[21:06] * Hatbot --> "Thyan rolls d20+7 Atk 3 (Haste) and gets 13." [d20=6]
[21:07] <@Kotono> OOC: Haste attack is at full attack bonus. So +5 to that one.
[21:07] <Thyan> roll d20+5 Atk 3 (Haste)
[21:07] * Hatbot --> "Thyan rolls d20+5 Atk 3 (Haste) and gets 24." [d20=19]
[21:07] <@Kotono> OOC: No no. As in it's at full BAB like your first one, so it should have been +12 like the first one.
[21:08] <Thyan> OOC: Ahhh.
[21:08] <@Kotono> OOC: Anyone, the haste attack hit and the other two missed. Damage. He's flatfooted so SA is on.
[21:08] <Thyan> roll d20+12 Atk 3 (Haste)
[21:08] * Hatbot --> "Thyan rolls d20+12 Atk 3 (Haste) and gets 18." [d20=6]
[21:11] <Thyan> roll 1d8+8
[21:11] * Hatbot --> "Thyan rolls 1d8+8 and gets 11." [1d8=3]
[21:11] <Thyan> roll 3d6 (SA)
[21:11] * Hatbot --> "Thyan rolls 3d6 (SA) and gets 18." [3d6=6, 6, 6]
[21:11] <Thyan> OOC: 29.
[21:11] <Fiora> "Stay near me, I'm casting!" Fiora quickly says, to encourage others not to charge ahead until she finishes!(OOC: free action talk okay, I'm hoping)
[21:12] <@Kotono> The arrows fly swift and true, one of them slamming into the stomach of the demon! It sizzles on the acidic slime that clings to the beast, but it still bears in deep before dissolving! OOC: Okay, Hamish. Go.
[21:13] <Hamish> Hamish points at the one of the rear babau, a crystal coalescing out of thin air and striking for its chest, pointy and deadly! OOC: Crystal Shard, 6pp. No SR, no save.
[21:13] <Hamish> roll 1d20+9
[21:13] * Hatbot --> "Hamish rolls 1d20+9 and gets 12." [1d20=3]
[21:14] <Hamish> OOC: Hit with flatfooting?
[21:14] <@Kotono> OOC: Mention it's a touch attack next time, and yes, it's a hit flatfooted.
[21:14] <Hamish> OOC: Ooooooops
[21:15] <Hamish> roll 6d6
[21:15] * Hatbot --> "Hamish rolls 6d6 and gets 18." [6d6=3, 2, 5, 2, 2, 4]
[21:15] <@Kotono> The crystal shard flies out, sticking into the chest of the demon! It draws some blood before dissolving into nothing, a trickle going down its front! OOC: Morana, go.
[21:16] <@Morana> The auras around Morana change as everyone feels more capable in attacking in close-quarters, while she herself works herself into righteous fury! (OOC: Switching auras, see #cauldron. Also activating righteous fury, and then holding for Fiora as requested)
[21:16] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay. Fiora and Aleira, go.
[21:17] <@Morana> OOC: I'll act immediately after Fiora does her thing.
[21:17] <@Kotono> OOC: Right.
[21:18] <Fiora> "Warmth and fading light, inspire us to rise anew! Sunset Blessing!" As Fiora finishes her incantation, a feeling of warmth and the smell of a fall harvest wash over the group, lifting their spirits! (OOC: Divine Protection, +1 Morale bonus to AC and Saves for all allies. Lasts 6 minutes)
[21:18] <@Kotono> OOC: Okay. Morana and Aleira? Morana, go first so I can sort it out cleanly, then Aleira once Morana resolves
[21:18] * Kotono changes topic to 'Iris(30)>Thyan(29)>Hamish(20)>Morana=Fiora=Aleira(13)B1(9)>B3(7)>B2(4) '
[21:19] <@Morana> With Fiora's magic cast, Morana moves towards the lead babau, moving around it and inviting attacks from the other babau to her over the others, while also presenting a flanking opportunity for Aleira when she acts. Once positioned, she attacks with a war cry!
[21:20] <@Morana> roll d20+13 skyrose
[21:20] * Hatbot --> "Morana rolls d20+13 skyrose and gets 25." [d20=12]
[21:20] <@Kotono> OOC: Hit. Damage and then roll a ref save for your weapon. It uses your ref save. Assuming it's magic, and I think it is.
[21:21] <@Morana> ooc: It is! It's Fiora's magic weapon while mine's only masterwork!
[21:21] <@Morana> ooc: sec while I check damage
[21:21] <Fiora> (OOC: 1d8 for longsword. +str as usual, +1 for magic)
[21:22] <@Morana> roll d8+10
[21:22] * Hatbot --> "Morana rolls d8+10 and gets 17." [d8=7]
[21:22] <@Kotono> OOC: Ref save.
[21:22] <@Morana> roll d20+7 reflex oh right
[21:22] * Hatbot --> "Morana rolls d20+7 reflex oh right and gets 21." [d20=14]
[21:22] <@Morana> ooc: +1 from divine prot also
[21:23] <@Kotono> Morana closes in and slashes the back of the babau, drawing a light wound - but a safe one, avoiding the acid scarring the blade! OOC: Okay. Aleira.
[21:24] * Aleira darts forward to flank the babau Morana is attacking and unleashes a few blows!
[21:24] <Aleira> 1d20+11+1 attack 1
[21:24] <Aleira> 1d20+6+1 attack 2
[21:24] * Hatbot --> "Aleira rolls 1d20+11+1 attack 1 and gets 27." [1d20=15]
[21:24] * Hatbot --> "Aleira rolls 1d20+6+1 attack 2 and gets 18." [1d20=11]
[21:25] <@Kotono> OOC: Zeph, you're 30ft away. Single attack on a move like that, remember.
[21:25] <Aleira> OOC: Oh, sorry. My bad. Scratch the second one then.
[21:25] <@Kotono> OOC: Hit. Damage and then a ref save.
[21:25] <Aleira> 1d10+4+5 damage
[21:25] * Hatbot --> "Aleira rolls 1d10+4+5 damage and gets 13." [1d10=4]
[21:26] <Aleira> 1d20+8   ref
[21:26] * Hatbot --> "Aleira rolls 1d20+8 ref and gets 20." [1d20=12]
[21:26] <@Kotono> Aleira strikes deftly, clobbering the babau with a weak but safe blow, inflicting damage in its stomach while avoiding an acid burn! A moment later it grins sickly at her, claws going out to try and rip Aleria apart!
[21:27] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+12
[21:27] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+12
[21:27] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+12 and gets 19." [1d20=7]
[21:27] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+10 bite AC?
[21:27] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+12 and gets 19." [1d20=7]
[21:27] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+10 bite AC? and gets 21." [1d20=11]
[21:27] <Aleira> OOC: 18+1 with haste
[21:27] <@Kotono> OOC: 19 on the dot. Does that include Fiora's spell?
[21:28] <Fiora> (OOC: +1 from Divine Protection, +1 from Morana's aura. You have a 21)
[21:28] <Aleira> OOC: I can never keep this crap straight.
[21:29] <@Kotono> roll 1d6+2 chomp
[21:29] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d6+2 chomp and gets 3." [1d6=1]
[21:30] <@Kotono> Aleria stuffers a grazing bite, a weak piercing into her forearm that draws a few droplets of blood! Meanwhile the third one advances 5ft, right in Morana's face and flanking her with the first one as it assails her head on!
[21:30] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+14 (+2 flank) claw
[21:30] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+14 (+2 flank) claw
[21:30] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 (+2 flank) claw and gets 28." [1d20=14]
[21:30] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 (+2 flank) claw and gets 26." [1d20=12]
[21:30] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+12 bite AC?
[21:30] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+12 bite AC? and gets 17." [1d20=5]
[21:31] <@Morana> ooc: AC 28
[21:31] <@Morana> ooc: no wait
[21:31] <@Morana> ooc: 29
[21:31] <@Morana> ooc: 26 base, +1 haste, +1 aura, +1 DP =D
[21:31] <@Kotono> Despite the massive barrage of claws and bites, Morana holds her own - yet she's challenged again as the last approaches, doing the same and pinning her further!
[21:32] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+14 claw
[21:32] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+14 claw
[21:32] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 claw and gets 30." [1d20=16]
[21:32] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 claw and gets 30." [1d20=16]
[21:32] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+14 bite
[21:32] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+14 bite and gets 23." [1d20=9]
[21:32] <@Kotono> roll 1d6+5+2d6+1d6+5+2d6 owwies
[21:32] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d6+5+2d6+1d6+5+2d6 owwies and gets 37." [1d6=2][2d6=6, 6][1d6=6][2d6=5, 2]
[21:33] <@Kotono> Caught in between and besieged, Morana is shredded like lettuce for dinner! Rips all over her body, claws striking every vital point with persistent pain and bleeding! OOC: Ow. Iris, go.
[21:34] * Iris follows up her previous spell with quite the opposite--shrouding the enemies in a benumbing stupor to slow their movements. (OOC: Slow on the three demons. Do I roll CL check for each one, assuming they have SR, or just once? Will 17 negates, if I get through to any)
[21:34] <@Kotono> OOC: Just once.
[21:35] <Iris> roll 1d20+6 come on
[21:35] <Kobot> Iris rolled 1d20+6 come on --> [ 1d20=7 ]{13}
[21:35] <@Kotono> Iris chants the magic - but yet, it refuses to touch the demons, once again fully resisted by her foes! OOC: Rotten luck. Thyan.
[21:37] * Thyan draws more arrows and lets them loose at the hideous thing that just gouge Morana deeply! VENGENCE, hopefully!
[21:37] <Thyan> roll d20+12 Atk 1
[21:37] <Kobot> Thyan rolled d20+12 Atk 1 --> [ 1d20=9 ]{21}
[21:37] <Thyan> roll d20+7 Atk 2
[21:37] <Kobot> Thyan rolled d20+7 Atk 2 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{18}
[21:37] <Thyan> roll d20+12 Atk 3 (haste)
[21:37] <Kobot> Thyan rolled d20+12 Atk 3 (haste) --> [ 1d20=7 ]{19}
[21:38] <@Kotono> OOC: 2 hits. Damage.
[21:39] <Thyan> roll 1d8+7
[21:39] <Thyan> roll 1d8+7
[21:39] <Kobot> Thyan rolled 1d8+7 --> [ 1d8=8 ]{15}
[21:39] <Kobot> Thyan rolled 1d8+7 --> [ 1d8=1 ]{8}
[21:40] <@Kotono> The arrows fly, plinking the demon all over! It's a variety of shallow wounds, unable to quite land a serious blow! The demon hisses at that, licking its licks and grinning at Thyan fearlessly! OOC: Okay. Hamish.
[21:41] <Hamish> Once again, Hamish fires another crystal shard at same babau as before! OOC: Crystal Shard, 6 pp, ranged touch, no SR/Save
[21:41] <Hamish> roll 1d20+9+1 haste
[21:41] <Kobot> Hamish rolled 1d20+9+1 haste --> [ 1d20=7 ]{17}
[21:41] <@Kotono> OOC: Hit.
[21:41] <Hamish> roll 6d6
[21:41] <Kobot> Hamish rolled 6d6 --> [ 6d6=25 ]{25}
[21:42] <@Kotono> This crystal goes right into the demon's chest, this time making a deeper gouge that draws more blood! Stuck with dissolving crystal and arrows, it staggers visibly! OOC: Ow. Morana'n'Fiora'n'Aleira chick movie time. Go.
[21:42] <@Kotono> OOC: Morana, go first, then Fiora after then finally Aleira.
[21:43] * @Morana attacks both the one trapped between her and Aleira, as well as the heavily injured one that managed to get through her defenses!
[21:43] <@Morana> roll d20+15 vs #1
[21:43] <Kobot> Morana rolled d20+15 vs #1 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{30}
[21:43] <@Morana> roll d20+13 vs #2
[21:43] <Kobot> Morana rolled d20+13 vs #2 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{32}
[21:43] <@Morana> roll d20+10 vs #1
[21:43] <Kobot> Morana rolled d20+10 vs #1 --> [ 1d20=13 ]{23}
[21:44] <@Morana> roll d20+13 vs #2 threat?
[21:44] <Kobot> Morana rolled d20+13 vs #2 threat? --> [ 1d20=9 ]{22}
[21:44] <@Kotono> OOC: Two hits and a crit. Damage and roll a ref save after each one.
[21:44] <@Morana> roll 2#d8+15 vs #1
[21:44] <Kobot> Morana rolled 2#d8+15 vs #1 --> [ 1d8=6 ]{21}, [ 1d8=7 ]{22}
[21:44] <@Morana> roll 2d8+30 vs #2
[21:44] <Kobot> Morana rolled 2d8+30 vs #2 --> [ 2d8=8 ]{38}
[21:45] <@Morana> roll 3#d20+7
[21:45] <Kobot> Morana rolled 3#d20+7 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{17}, [ 1d20=5 ]{12}, [ 1d20=3 ]{10}
[21:46] <@Kotono> roll 3d8 acid damage on the sword, ignores hardness let me know how much HP the weapon has left in cauldron.
[21:46] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 3d8 acid damage on the sword, ignores hardness let me know how much HP the weapon has left in cauldron. --> [ 3d8=14 ]{14}
[21:48] <@Kotono> Morana is like a berserker, slashing in to the demons around her! Each blow is solid and powerful, ripping into them! Yet despite the horrible wounds she inflicts, Morana's blade is sizzling with acid, deeply scarred! OOC: Okay, Aleira.
[21:48] * Fiora moves in to reach Morana, trying to find a space to cast where she won't be accosted by demons for doing so, then chanting her spell, "Let this light be a blessed rain upon you!"(OOC: CSW, do I need to cast defensively, or can I find an angle I can reach Morana where they can't AoO me?)
[21:48] <@Morana> ooc: I'll switch my AC aura to the saves one actually, if I can still get off a swift action in my turn, dune?
[21:49] <@Kotono> OOC: And yeah, I said Fiora first despite saying Aleira there, so dur. So go Fiora. You'll need to cast defensively.
[21:49] <@Morana> ooc: I figure the +1 to reflex saves will help me and Aleira if I can, if not, I'll do it next round.
[21:49] <Fiora> roll 1d20+11 concentration to defensive cast
[21:49] <Kobot> Fiora rolled 1d20+11 concentration to defensive cast --> [ 1d20=18 ]{29}
[21:49] <@Kotono> OOC: Success.
[21:49] <Fiora> roll 3d8+12 healing our tankzerker
[21:49] <Kobot> Fiora rolled 3d8+12 healing our tankzerker --> [ 3d8=15 ]{27}
[21:50] <@Kotono> Healing light soothes Morana's wounds, washing away the ravages of demonic claws! OOC: Aleira, go.
[21:51] * Aleira unleashes her fists of fury, lashing out with two blows!
[21:51] <Aleira> 1d20+11 attack 1
[21:51] <Aleira> 1d20+6 attack 2
[21:51] <@Kotono> OOC: Needs roll.
[21:52] <Aleira> Roll 1d20+11+1 attack 1
[21:52] <Kobot> Aleira rolled 1d20+11+1 attack 1 --> [ 1d20=3 ]{15}
[21:52] <Aleira> Roll 1d20+6+1 attack 2
[21:52] <Kobot> Aleira rolled 1d20+6+1 attack 2 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{18}
[21:52] <@Kotono> OOC: Did you include the bonus for flanking with Aleira?
[21:52] <@Morana> ooc: you also get +2 for flanking, since you're not including that, as an aside.
[21:52] <@Kotono> OOC: Er, Morana?
[21:52] <@Morana> ooc: he didn't
[21:52] <@Kotono> OOC: Make the bonus attack from haste.
[21:53] <Aleira> Roll 1d20+11+1+2 attack 3 haste
[21:53] <Kobot> Aleira rolled 1d20+11+1+2 attack 3 haste --> [ 1d20=19 ]{33}
[21:53] <@Kotono> OOC: Two hits. Damage and then two ref saves.
[21:53] <Aleira> 1d10+4
[21:53] <Aleira> roll 1d10+4
[21:53] <Kobot> Aleira rolled 1d10+4 --> [ 1d10=10 ]{14}
[21:53] <Aleira> roll 1d10+4
[21:53] <Kobot> Aleira rolled 1d10+4 --> [ 1d10=1 ]{5}
[21:54] <Aleira> roll 1d20+8+1 ref
[21:54] <Kobot> Aleira rolled 1d20+8+1 ref --> [ 1d20=4 ]{13}
[21:54] <Aleira> roll 1d20+8+1 ref
[21:54] <Kobot> Aleira rolled 1d20+8+1 ref --> [ 1d20=16 ]{25}
[21:54] <@Kotono> roll 1d8 acid damage
[21:54] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d8 acid damage --> [ 1d8=1 ]{1}
[21:54] <@Morana> ooc: don't forget +1 from my aura (or +1 from DP if you included mine instead)
[21:54] * Kotono changes topic to 'Iris(30)>Thyan(29)>Hamish(20)>Morana=Fiora=Aleira(13)>B3(7)>B2(4) '
[21:54] <@Kotono> Under that assault of blows, at last the babau rocks back - and plummets, breaking apart like glass on the ground, slain! All that's left is a little pouch, soaked in slime but sealed shut with drawstring! OOC: It's dead. B2 and 3 are up.
[21:55] <@Kotono> With unthinking genocidal fury the two demons smoothly step away, 5ft steps putting them opposite Morana as they go to carve her up like a turkey, claws out and seeking her life and soul!
[21:55] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+14 claw
[21:55] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+14 claw
[21:55] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+14 claw --> [ 1d20=10 ]{24}
[21:55] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+14 claw --> [ 1d20=2 ]{16}
[21:55] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+12 bite
[21:55] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+12 bite --> [ 1d20=19 ]{31}
[21:55] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+14 claw
[21:55] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+14 claw
[21:55] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+14 claw --> [ 1d20=20 ]{34}
[21:55] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+12 bite
[21:55] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+14 claw --> [ 1d20=10 ]{24}
[21:55] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+12 bite --> [ 1d20=10 ]{22}
[21:55] <@Kotono> roll 1d20+14 claw crit?
[21:55] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d20+14 claw crit? --> [ 1d20=13 ]{27}
[21:55] <@Kotono> OOC: AC?
[21:55] <@Morana> ooc: 28
[21:56] <@Kotono> roll 1d6+5+2d6+1d6+5+2d6
[21:56] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d6+5+2d6+1d6+5+2d6 --> [ 1d6=2 2d6=8 1d6=2 2d6=5 ]{27}
[21:56] <@Kotono> Again Morana is carved up, sliced deeply but withstanding thanks to Fiora's timely healing, bleeding but not dead! OOC: Ow. Iris.
[21:57] * Iris summons a trio of gleaming magical orbs and sends them whirling viciously at the wounded demon!
[21:57] <Iris> roll 1d20+6 CL check, Magic Missile if it works
[21:57] <Kobot> Iris rolled 1d20+6 CL check, Magic Missile if it works --> [ 1d20=5 ]{11}
[21:57] <@Kotono> Iris summons magical orbs, but the dissipate harmlessly against the demon, failing again! OOC: Oi. Thyan.
[21:59] * Thyan draws another three arrows, firing them rapidly at the same demon, hoping to down it before it can inflict more pain on Morana.
[21:59] <Thyan> roll d20+12 Atk 1
[21:59] <Kobot> Thyan rolled d20+12 Atk 1 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{14}
[21:59] <Thyan> roll d20+7 Atk 2
[21:59] <Kobot> Thyan rolled d20+7 Atk 2 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{15}
[21:59] <Thyan> roll d20+12 Atk 3 (haste)
[21:59] <Kobot> Thyan rolled d20+12 Atk 3 (haste) --> [ 1d20=2 ]{14}
[21:59] <@Kotono> Thyan fires bravely, but not a single arrow lands this time as the battle rages, the demons refusing to lie down and DIE! OOC: Hamish.
[21:59] <Hamish> A moment of concentration and a man-shaped translucent creature appears, running to slam into one of the babau with dizzying force! OOC: Astral Construct. Charging. Tripper. 5PP cost.
[21:59] <Hamish> roll 1d20+7+2 charge
[21:59] <Kobot> Hamish rolled 1d20+7+2 charge --> [ 1d20=1 ]{10}
[22:00] <Hamish> OOC: Flanking bonus apply?
[22:00] <@Kotono> The construct charges - and whiffs completely, another force in the battle managing to fail! OOC: Oi vey. Morana, go. It doesn't matter, it's a natural 1.
[22:00] <Hamish> OOC: Bleh
[22:00] <Fiora> "Wait!" Fiora rapidly tries to cast a spell before Morana slams her sword into more acid demons!(can I get Make Whole off before she goes? Same init and all)
[22:01] * @Morana waits!
[22:01] <@Kotono> OOC: If she wants to hold a sec, sure. This is purely DM commanded order so I don't get three turns at once. Go Fiora.
[22:01] <@Kotono> OOC: Fiora.
[22:02] * Fiora steps back from the demons and focuses on her blade, chanting a spell to restore its form!(Make Whole, Close range so don't have to be in melee with them. 5ft stepping out before casting)
[22:02] <@Kotono> Under that spell, the acid scarred blade is restored, luster and wholeness repaired! OOC: Okay, now go Morana-chan.
[22:03] * @Morana nods gratefully to Fiora, even if it was mostly to protect her own weapon, before grinning toothily at the two remaining babau's and splitting her attacks between them!
[22:03] <@Morana> roll d20+13 vs #2
[22:03] <Kobot> Morana rolled d20+13 vs #2 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{33}
[22:03] <@Morana> roll d20+13 vs #2 crit?
[22:03] <Kobot> Morana rolled d20+13 vs #2 crit? --> [ 1d20=5 ]{18}
[22:03] <@Morana> roll d20+13 vs #3
[22:03] <Kobot> Morana rolled d20+13 vs #3 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{23}
[22:03] <@Morana> roll d20+8 vs #3
[22:03] <Kobot> Morana rolled d20+8 vs #3 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{23}
[22:03] <@Kotono> OOC: All hits, no crit. Damage and ref saves.
[22:04] <@Morana> roll d8+10 vs #2
[22:04] <Kobot> Morana rolled d8+10 vs #2 --> [ 1d8=6 ]{16}
[22:04] * Kotono changes topic to 'Iris(30)>Thyan(29)>Hamish(20)>Morana=Fiora=Aleira(13)>B3(7) '
[22:04] <@Morana> roll 2#d8+10 vs #3
[22:04] <Kobot> Morana rolled 2#d8+10 vs #3 --> [ 1d8=1 ]{11}, [ 1d8=3 ]{13}
[22:04] <@Morana> roll 3#d20+7+3 reflex
[22:04] <Kobot> Morana rolled 3#d20+7+3 reflex --> [ 1d20=9 ]{19}, [ 1d20=14 ]{24}, [ 1d20=7 ]{17}
[22:04] <@Kotono> roll 1d8 acid
[22:04] <Kobot> Kotono rolled 1d8 acid --> [ 1d8=5 ]{5}
[22:06] <@Kotono> With a swift blow Morana decapitates the second babau, before impaling the third! Dawnrose sizzles with acid but stays intact, as the intestines of the demon are vented! A moment later it howls aloud as it falls back! OOC: Provoking an AoO from Morana and Fiora(Not sure if Fiora can threaten right now. Take 'em if you can and wanna.)
[22:07] <@Morana> ooc: Skyrose
[22:07] <@Kotono> OOC: Thanks.
[22:07] <@Kotono> OOC: Taking an AoO here?
[22:07] <@Morana> ooc: You know it!
[22:07] <@Kotono> OOC: Go for it. What about you, Fiora?
[22:07] <@Morana> roll d20+13 AoO!
[22:07] <Kobot> Morana rolled d20+13 AoO! --> [ 1d20=1 ]{14}
[22:07] <@Morana> ooc: buddy! betrayer!
[22:08] <Fiora> OOC: unarmed, I can't
[22:08] <@Kotono> Dodging back, the fiend blinks a moment before vanishing entirely! OOC: Pause here, battle over. I'll do some info dumping and loot a bit later.