Final Save 004: In Which A Red Mage Is A Putz, Which Is Always

[Taishyr]

<@Kotono> ---------
<@Kotono> Thus the party returns to the passage they didn't explore before. They continue on down it, going on. After a ways it comes to another hook to the left. It leads to a small alcove, where in sit four old, stone treasure chests! One is open and empty, but the other three are closed.
* AutumnCrow frowns, "...who would only open one chest?"
<Janus> "Someone who only had room for one more thing in their knapsack?" Janus asks, walking over to examine the open chest.
<@Kotono> The open chest is empty. Looks normal enough.
* AutumnCrow is far more interested in the closed chests, of course!
<@Kotono> OOC: Opening them?
<AutumnCrow> OOC: Of course!
* Janus glances over, waiting for a laser beam or something to hit Crow, medicine bag in hand.

<@Kotono> Autumn Crow opens a chest! Abruptly all three fly open! From each hops out an imp, on AutumnCrow before anything can happen! OOC: Surprise round for the baddies on Autumn, then y'all are up.
<AutumnCrow> "...how on EARTH did you fit in there?" Crow is too stunned by this to properly get into fighting stance in time.
<@Kotono> roll 2d6+4 1
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6+4 1 and gets 10." [2d6=5, 1]
<@Kotono> roll 2d6+4 2
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6+4 2 and gets 10." [2d6=3, 3]
<@Kotono> roll 2d6+4 3
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6+4 3 and gets 11." [2d6=5, 2]
<Janus> "HOLY SHIT CRAP ON A FUCK CRACKER."
<Morrie> "...Ah, that would explain it."
<@Kotono> "GAAAAAH!" Ebenezer leaps back, slamming into the wall and falling against it!
<AutumnCrow> OOC: AVD 8, ARM 1
<@Kotono> OOC: All hit and 1 ARM still, Crow?
* Kotono changes topic to 'Santos: 18/18 Crow: 6/37  Morrie: 28/28 Janus: 22/22 (19/19 MP)'
<AutumnCrow> OOC: AVD 7, even. Derp
<AutumnCrow> OOC: And counterattack #1. i can counter even on suprise rounds!
<@Kotono> Before Autumn Crow can react, the imps are on her! They hack, slash and brutalize her like a piece of meat, pounding the life out of her! OOC: Go for it.
* Merc is now known as Santos
* AutumnCrow snaps her shiny new fan out at the first imp, somewhat awkwardly from her bad stance!
* Kotono changes topic to 'Santos: 18/18 Crow: 6/37  Morrie: 28/28 Janus: 22/22 (19/19 MP) |'
<AutumnCrow> roll 2d6+2 fan club
* Hatbot --> "AutumnCrow rolls 2d6+2 fan club and gets 4." [2d6=1, 1]
<@Kotono> But CRow is just too off balance! She swings entirely wide, missing the trio of imps throughly! "They aren't strong! Heal her and get them!" Ebenzer calls encouragingly ,as...OOC: Crow, you're up.
* AutumnCrow slides into a more effective fighting stance, lashing out at the same imp with a better strike!
<AutumnCrow> roll 2d6+2 formeless strike
* Hatbot --> "AutumnCrow rolls 2d6+2 formeless strike and gets 11." [2d6=4, 5]
<@Kotono> OOC: Le hit.
<AutumnCrow> OOC: 15 M.ARM damage
* Kotono changes topic to 'Santos: 18/18 Crow: 6/37  Morrie: 28/28 Janus: 22/22 (19/19 MP) | Imp 1: 13'
<AutumnCrow> OOC: And it's ice
<@Kotono> OOC: Sec, need to look up terms.
<@Kotono> roll 13*1.5
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 13*1.5 and gets 19.5."
<@Kotono> roll 15*1.5
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 15*1.5 and gets 22.5."
* Kotono changes topic to 'Santos: 18/18 Crow: 6/37  Morrie: 28/28 Janus: 22/22 (19/19 MP) | Imp 1: 20'
<@Kotono> The frozen fan hits the imp dead on! Ice forms over its body, suddenly shivering and teeth chattering! Its sword sways about as it jumps up and down, nose broken and rubbing its arms for warmth! OOC: Santos, go.
<@Kotono> OOC: Got you two mixed up, dur.
* @Santos smacks the chattering imp with his tonfa. "Bad imps! Bad! Back in your chests with you!" he says in a mocking voice, almost as if talking to a misbeheaving pet.
<@Santos> roll 2d6+2
* Hatbot --> "Santos rolls 2d6+2 and gets 5." [2d6=1, 2]
<@Santos> roll d6 reroll 1
* Hatbot --> "Santos rolls d6 reroll 1 and gets 4." [d6=4]
<@Kotono> OOC: El hitto grande.
<@Santos> ooc: 16 dmg
* Kotono changes topic to 'Santos: 18/18 Crow: 6/37  Morrie: 28/28 Janus: 22/22 (19/19 MP) | Imp 1: 33'
<@Kotono> The imp is hit in the sides by the tonfa, rocked further! IT wobbles terribly, barely standing at all! OOC: Morrie.
<Morrie> "Let's hope this works this time..."
* Morrie will call out to the Earth to try and bind one of the Imps!
<Janus> "I can handle healing Crow! You focus on cracking the earth up from under 'em!"
<Morrie> roll 2d6+3
* Hatbot --> "Morrie rolls 2d6+3 and gets 6." [2d6=2, 1]
<@Kotono> OOC: Hatebot rides again.
<@Kotono> The earth comes to Morrie's cries, but the imp is too fast! It dodges entirely as...OOC: Janus.
<AutumnCrow> Crow shifts her stance again, to ready her defenses against the imps!(OOC: Using my 1 chain built to Boost, +1 Avd/Acc, before the Imps go, since they're all still up.)
<@Kotono> OOC: Okay.
<Janus> The staff in Janus's hands glows a light blue as he mutters under his breath, before a soft golden light crackles around Crow!
<Janus> roll 2d6+24
* Hatbot --> "Janus rolls 2d6+24 and gets 32." [2d6=6, 2]
* Kotono changes topic to 'Santos: 18/18 Crow: 37/37  Morrie: 28/28 Janus: 22/22 (19/19 MP) | Imp 1: 33'

<@Kotono> Thus Crow's wounds heal - but even as they do, the three imps again attempt to cut her up into ribbons! Old swords slash out, seeking Crow's body!
<@Kotono> roll 2d6+4 1
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6+4 1 and gets 10." [2d6=2, 4]
<@Kotono> roll 2d6+4 2
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6+4 2 and gets 9." [2d6=1, 4]
<@Kotono> roll 2d6+4 3
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6+4 3 and gets 9." [2d6=4, 1]
* Kotono changes topic to 'Santos: 18/18 Crow: 9/37  Morrie: 28/28 Janus: 22/22 (19/19 MP) | Imp 1: 33'
<@Kotono> And Crow goes right back to being sliced and bruised up, the imps relentless! OOC: Santos.
<@Kotono> "Nothing's coming up from behind," Ebenezer calls on the meantime, "Focus on them!"
* @Santos does just that, continuing to chip away at the first imp with more bashing attacks to it's ugly little head.
<@Santos> roll 2d6+2
* Hatbot --> "Santos rolls 2d6+2 and gets 7." [2d6=4, 1]
<@Santos> roll d6 reroll 1
* Hatbot --> "Santos rolls d6 reroll 1 and gets 5." [d6=5]
<@Kotono> OOC: Hit. Damage?
<@Santos> ooc: 19
* Kotono changes topic to 'Santos: 18/18 Crow: 9/37  Morrie: 28/28 Janus: 22/22 (19/19 MP) |'
<@Kotono> roll 4#1d100
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 4#1d100 and gets 272." [4#1d100 = 80, 86, 19, 87]
* @Santos (~k@c-98-194-92-5.hsd1.tx.comcast.net) has left #dunes
* Santos (~k@c-98-194-92-5.hsd1.tx.comcast.net) has joined #dunes
* ChanServ sets mode: +o Santos
<@Kotono> Under that assault the imp goes down, landing in a heap and dropping a handful of gil coins! OOC: Crow, go. Janus, update your MP.
* Retrieving #dunes modes...
* AutumnCrow turns to the second imp, closing her fan and thrusting with it like a knife, only to snap it back open right at the moment of contact!
<Janus> OOC: Give me op and I'll do so.
* Kotono sets mode: +o Janus
<AutumnCrow> roll 2d6+3 she is no fan of imps
* Hatbot --> "AutumnCrow rolls 2d6+3 she is no fan of imps and gets 11." [2d6=6, 2]
<@Kotono> OOC: Groan. Hit.
* Janus changes topic to 'Santos: 18/18 Crow: 9/37  Morrie: 28/28 Janus: 22/22 (12/19 MP) |'
<AutumnCrow> OOC: 14 Ice M.ARM damage
<@Kotono> roll (14*1.5)-2
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls (14*1.5)-2 and gets 19."
* Kotono changes topic to 'Santos: 18/18 Crow: 9/37  Morrie: 28/28 Janus: 22/22 (12/19 MP) | Imp 2: 19'
<@Kotono> The imp takes it right in the stomach, fan opening up as this imp's body turns ice blue! It shudders all over from it, whimpering low! OOC: Morrie.
<Janus> "I can't heal that fast again..." Janus mutters. "Can you heal her up this round? Sorry to burden you with this."
<Morrie> "I got it."
* Morrie will call out to the Earth again, this time, defensively.
<Morrie> roll 2d6+3 healing
* Hatbot --> "Morrie rolls 2d6+3 healing and gets 8." [2d6=4, 1]
* Kotono changes topic to 'Santos: 18/18 Crow: 17/37  Morrie: 28/28 Janus: 22/22 (12/19 MP) | Imp 2: 19'
<@Kotono> Crow's wounds mend again, this time the power of the earth and mushrooms restoring her body! As she recovers from that...OOC: Janus.
* @Janus raises his staff, sending a spear of energy out from it into the wounded, freezing imp!
<Janus> roll 2d6+1 (+8 M.ARM damage)
* Hatbot --> "Janus rolls 2d6+1 (+8 M.ARM damage) and gets 4." [2d6=2, 1]
<@Kotono> But the beam flies wide, missing the imp! This time the two imps again attack Crow, trying to finish her off! One shivers as it does, grumbling foul-sounding grunts!
<@Kotono> roll 2d6+4
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6+4 and gets 8." [2d6=2, 2]
<@Kotono> roll 2d6+4
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6+4 and gets 10." [2d6=1, 5]
<@Kotono> OOC: AVD 8?
<AutumnCrow> OOC: Yup.
* Kotono changes topic to 'Santos: 18/18 Crow: 0/37  Morrie: 28/28 Janus: 22/22 (12/19 MP) | Imp 2: 19'

<@Kotono> Under those blows, Crow wobbles around! Her vision dims as she falls to her knees, before doing a face-first header onto the ground! One of her legs kicks up before flopping down, the monk dazed and out! OOC: Ow. Santos.
* @Santos scowls and focuses on the still standing injured imp.
<@Santos> roll 2d6+2
* Hatbot --> "Santos rolls 2d6+2 and gets 13." [2d6=5, 6]
<@Santos> ooc: 21 damage
<@Kotono> OOC: Hig ol' bittes.
* Kotono changes topic to 'Santos: 18/18 Crow: 0/37  Morrie: 28/28 Janus: 22/22 (12/19 MP) | '
<@Kotono> roll 4#1d100
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 4#1d100 and gets 166." [4#1d100 = 55, 11, 80, 20]
<@Kotono> The second imp goes down under that assault, falling back in a heap as a few more gil drop! OOC: Okay, only one left now. Morrie.
<@Kotono> "One left! Finish them off and help Crow," Ebenezer cries, "My spell staff for a Phoenix Down!"
* Morrie realizes that he can't heal such serious wounds, so goes on the offensive and calls to the Earth again!
<Morrie> roll 2d6+3 HIT DAMN YOU
* Hatbot --> "Morrie rolls 2d6+3 HIT DAMN YOU and gets 12." [2d6=3, 6]
<@Kotono> OOC: That is indeed a hit-o-rama.
<Janus> "I'll heal her when we're in the clear, never fear."
<Morrie> OOC: That'd be... 9+10 ...19 damage.
<Morrie> roll 2d6+3 Stop check
* Kotono changes topic to 'Santos: 18/18 Crow: 0/37  Morrie: 28/28 Janus: 22/22 (12/19 MP) | Imp 3: 17'
* Hatbot --> "Morrie rolls 2d6+3 Stop check and gets 10." [2d6=1, 6]
<@Kotono> roll 2d6+2
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6+2 and gets 9." [2d6=4, 3]
* Kotono changes topic to 'Santos: 18/18 Crow: 0/37  Morrie: 28/28 Janus: 22/22 (12/19 MP) | Imp 3: 17 (stop 1)'
<@Kotono> Hit by the snares of earth, the imp is suddenly immobile even as he's being bashed around! OOC: Owwies. Janus, go.
<Janus> "Sorry, but you knocked Crow out. Not interested in mercy here." Janus says, raising his staff to beam the imp out of commision!
<Janus> roll 2d6+1 (+8 M.ARM damage)
* Hatbot --> "Janus rolls 2d6+1 (+8 M.ARM damage) and gets 13." [2d6=6, 6]
<@Kotono> OOC: Kritsky.
<Janus> OOC: 40 damage. Lights out.
<@Kotono> roll 4#1d100
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 4#1d100 and gets 205." [4#1d100 = 48, 81, 60, 16]
<@Kotono> With a thunderos blow, the beam of power hits the imp dead on! Down and out it goes, flying back against the wall and crunching! OOC: Free act. Loot post.

* Kotono changes topic to 'Santos: 18/18 Crow: 37/37  Morrie: 28/28 Janus: 22/22 (12/19 MP) | Imp 3: 17 (stop 1)'
* @Janus quickly hustles over and bandages Crow up, before infusing the herbal bag with a bit of energy to heal the cuts and wounds.
* Janus changes topic to 'Santos: 18/18 Crow: 37/37  Morrie: 28/28 Janus: 22/22 (16/19 MP) | Imp 3: 17 (stop 1)'
<@Kotono> "Goodness, those imps were devout about hurting poor Crow," Ebenezer comes on over, "Are you alright?"
* Kotono changes topic to 'Santos: 18/18 Crow: 37/37  Morrie: 28/28 Janus: 22/22 (16/19 MP)'
<Morrie> "...But why weren't there four?" *He ponders.*
<@Kotono> "I suspect they were sprung before and one of the imps was slain," Ebenezer says, peering at the opened chests. "Or there were only three imps who could squeeze in."
* AutumnCrow gets up and shakes her head to clear it, "Yeesh, those things were rather single minded. But really, next time in a fight against such a small number, just focus on taking them out instead of trying to keep me up." She pauses then half smirks at Janus and Morrie, "Assuming anyone but myself and Santos can reliably land attacks?"
<@Santos> "You missed Janus murdering that last imp, Autumn," Santos comments.
* @Janus glances at the remains of the final imp. "Apparently I can land them pretty hard."
<@Santos> "It was impressive."
<@Kotono> "You see," He begins, "The study field of monster-boxology is a relatively untouched one," Coughing after that, "It's quite the unusual event. I believe the leading theory is that many mosters practice it as a sort of religious expression, or as some sort of estoric magic.?
<@Kotono> "
<Morrie> "Ah... was there anything in them besides the imps?"
<@Kotono> "Some gil, an antidote and a revivify," Ebenezer says, "So it wasn't a complete waste of time."
<AutumnCrow> "It's Crow, how many times do I have to remind you?" She sighs a bit at Santos, "Autumn is my family name, of sorts. Style name, more like, but that gets into the whole Autumn Temple philosophy, which I doubt holds any interest for you."
<Janus> "It clearly 'reminds them of the soothing embrace of their mother's womb'." Janus airquotes cynically.
<@Kotono> "Still, shall we continue?" EBenezer clears his throat, "I miss encountering people who don't resort to violence before words."
<@Santos> "Sorry, but Autumn really feels like more of a girl's name than Crow. Keep forgetting. I'll get it right someday....well, probably."
<Janus> "Sure, let's do that." Janus nods to Ebenezer.
<Morrie> "Yes, let us finish our work here."
<@Kotono> OOC: Y'all heading out or doing anything else in these caves?
<AutumnCrow> "Hmm, Autumn IS only used by women, as a style name, so you're not entirely wrong. Only two women, as well. The High Lady and her successor." Crow starts to talk, then realizes they're leaving and follows along!

<Janus> OOC: I think we're basically done here, the escort is bored and wants to be home.
* Morrie will ask the party to go back to the cave with the door before they go back to town.
<Morrie> OOC: The one they encountered way back.
<AutumnCrow> OOC: Anything left to do besides tell the GRimp that we took out Mr. Red Bone and let him know he's the new boss of this dungeon?
<@Santos> ooc: we still need to get paid!
<@Santos> ooc: And to get money for defeating a mad pony!
<@Kotono> OOC: Okay, so GRimp, door on the way back, then back to Serrandale+payment?
<@Kotono> OOC: Okay, so GRimp, door on the way back, then back to Serrandale+payment+look up bounty?
<Janus> OOC: Works.
<AutumnCrow> OOC: Sounds good.
<@Santos> ooc: And random encounters on trip back!
<@Santos> ooc: and a save point so we don't have to do this again if we TPKO
<Janus> OOC: Sorry, this is a single-segment run.
<@Kotono> Going back to the passage of pillars, you find it curiously empty. Not a soul can be seen. The cavern is filled with a faint reddish light, casting everything the shade of the setting sun. The light clearly comes from the pillars.
* Morrie frowns.
* AutumnCrow goes over and pokes a pillar, "These weren't glowing before, were they?"
<@Kotono> As Autumn Crow pokes the pillar, the words, "Imp imp imp," echo about.
<Janus> "I didn't know grey imps could become red lantern districts." Janus replies, before jumping a foot in the air at the echo.
<Janus> "Gah, what the HELL?!"
<@Kotono> "My goodness!" Ebenezer exclaims, "Oh, is this some sort of magical effect? These mountains are infested with amazing phenominon!"
<AutumnCrow> "Well, imp imp imp to you as well," Crow replies, "If any of you imps are somehow listening through this, we took out that Red Skeleton monster, and I suppose that makes you the new big cheese around here."
<@Santos> "We also took out all the imps that attacked us, so we'd recommend against attacking humans in the future," Santos chips in, just trying to help.
* @Janus touches the pillar himself, staying in contact with it to see what happens.
<@Kotono> "Not kill dead murdered. Deathless eternal wizard happy. Grow grow grow grow grow grow!"
<AutumnCrow> "...does anyone have any idea what this is supposed to mean?"
<@Santos> "It means imps are crazy."
<@Kotono> "Fascinating. If this is referring to..." Ebenezer murmurs, "This may also be correct. But still, more research is needed."
* Morrie just frowns.
<Janus> "Deathless eternal wizard where live?" Janus tries asking.
<@Kotono> "Time yesterday tomorrow!" Is the answer you get. "Future past now!"
* Morrie frowns more.
<AutumnCrow> "Ah...right. Are we done here?"
<Janus> "...Deathless eternal wizard... have gift for us?" Janus tries optimistically.
<@Kotono> From the pillar it emerges, falling to the ground. It's a stone in the rough shape of a crab's claw. It looks like many faceted ruby or some similar stone. Something flickers within in for a moment as, "Take far away. Power stone conduit. CONDUIT."
<@Kotono> -> *Morrie* Whoops! Mashed the two messages together. Disregard, lemme edit.
<@Kotono> From the pillar it emerges, falling to the ground. It's a stone in the rough shape of a crab's claw. It looks like many faceted ruby or some similar stone. Something flickers within in for a moment as, "Take far away. Power stone conduit. CONDUIT."
<Morrie> "Gahhh!" *Morrie looks like something just hit him right as that comes out.* "Ga...h..mm....ugh..." *He looks dazed for some reason.
* AutumnCrow reaches out to steady Morrie, "What's wrong?"
<Janus> "You okay?" Janus asks, worriedly.
<Morrie> "...Let's.... just... get that thing and get out, I'll explain when we go back..."
* @Janus quietly nods and pockets the stone, before glancing up. "Thank you. Uh... imp imp imp take care."
<@Kotono> OOC: Heading out, y'all?
<Janus> OOC: Yes. Morrie still want to check on that door?
<Morrie> OOC: Yes.
<Janus> OOC: Let's do that, then~
<@Kotono> When you emerge from the cave, it's perhaps mid morning or so. The sun shines bright, a clear and beautifully sunny day. It's warm, pleasant and altogether idyllic. OOC: It's in another cave before this, so that's after. Go ahead and react/talk as you please/Morrie wanted, y'all.
* @Janus pulls out the stone and eyes it with some confusion.
<@Santos> "It'll probably turn you into an imp," Santos guesses.
<@Kotono> The stone sparkles in the sunlight. Within it is a symbol, visible with the light from above. OOC: Have any sort of lore skill, Janus?
<Janus> OOC: Lore: General and Lore: Magic. General 2, Magic 1.
<AutumnCrow> "An imp imp imp, even," Crow adds, with a half smirk.
<@Kotono> OOC: Make a general lore check.
<Janus> roll 2d6+2
* Hatbot --> "Janus rolls 2d6+2 and gets 9." [2d6=1, 6]
<@Kotono> Ebenezer looks up, "Aaaaah." Breathing in and out, "Caves are so terribly musty."
<Janus> "Zodiac symbol for cancer, in a stone shaped like a crab's claw. I think it'll make me irritable. You guys probably won't notice any difference." Janus comments.
<AutumnCrow> "Zodiac?" Crow wonders, "I think I've heard of that. Something to do with star patterns?"
<Janus> "Yeah, basically. Mind, that's all I know about them." With that, Janus glances at Morrie. "So, what's up?"
<@Kotono> "How curious, another thing to research. It called it a conduit," Ebenezer says, "I'm going to be living in the libraries for months!"
<Morrie> "After we check the door."
<Janus> "Okay." Janus shrugs. "Off to see the door, then."
* Morrie looks a lot more pale than before, for some reason.
<Janus> "... do you need something to deal with queasiness?"
<Morrie> "No."
<AutumnCrow> "I was of the impression that you lived in the libraries as a general rule anyway." Crow quips
<@Kotono> OOC: Ready to move along then?
<@Santos> ooc: yeppo
<@Kotono> roll 1d100
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 90." [1d100=90]

<@Kotono> The trip back is without incident. You reach the hidden cavern once more, going inside. You find the wooden door unchanged from last time as you ariive.
<@Kotono> *arrive
* AutumnCrow has her fan out, appearing to simply be lazily fanning herself with it as they enter the cave, but her party knows very well how quickly she can turn that into a battle stance.
<Morrie> "Janus, does anything on that stone match what's on the door?"
* @Janus glances between the stone and the door, though he doesn't believe so offhand.
<@Kotono> Janus doesn't see anything like that. If anything, he feels a strange uneasiness as he looks at the door.
<Janus> "... No. But I'm suddenly not liking this door, either." Janus mutters. "What's up with this...?"
<Morrie> "Let's go back to town then, we can discuss it there."
<Janus> "... Both the door and the stuff in the ruins had to do with 'Lich', right...?" Janus mutters, before glancing to Morrie. "Alright."
<@Kotono> OOC: Ready to go back?
<Janus> OOC: Sure.
<AutumnCrow> OOC: Yup

<@Kotono> The trip to down takes most of the day. You arrive just before dusk. Getting to the inn rooms is simple enough and a hot meal is provided. The party has a chance to relax at last as Ebenezer sits down on a chair, sighing tiredly. OOC: Go ahead and chat, y'all.
<Janus> "Okay. Mind elaborating, Morrie?" Janus asks, knapsack strewn lazily across the back of the seat.
* AutumnCrow gets back from ducking off to get permission from the Inn staff to use thier kitchen tomorrow, and rejoins the group, "Please do, you being this tense about something has me on edge as well."
<Morrie> "Let me try and put it into words... the most recent incident -- when that gem came out... It felt like... the very earth itself was... trembling. It was... more painful than I think you might imagine."
<Morrie> "I had been ... nervous ever since we entered the cave, there was something... just... wrong with the earth there itself."
<Janus> "...So, the 'conduit' is unnatural. Odd. More than just magic, then?" Janus speculates.
<Morrie> "All those times you saw me react strangely... it was because of that. The earth was crying out, almost."
* @Janus nods slightly, before humming.
<Morrie> "I think whatever it is... is behind that door."
<Morrie> "The 'deathless wizard'... I think that's... what's there."
<Janus> "And if it's powerful enough to make the earth hurt..."
<AutumnCrow> "And if it's what's making the earth hurt...." Crow speculates, "I doubt it's something any good."
<@Kotono> "So the question is...what's to be done?" Ebenezer asks, sitting back.
<Morrie> "But... something else troubles me. The imps... when they said 'time yesterday tomorrow, future past now'... Janus, what did you see when you touched that orb?"
<Janus> "At the bottom of the ruins? Time repeated itself."
<Janus> "At the bottom of the ruins? Time repeated itself."
<Janus> "At the bottom of the ruins? Time repeated itself."
<Janus> "... I'd go on but I think you get my point.
<Morrie> "So... you understand now what has me concerned?"
<AutumnCrow> "I don't think understanding is what I'm doing with any of this." Crow shakes her head, "Deathless wizards, doors that death lurks behind, strange orbs of repeating time, imp imp imp pillars, and that strange cancer stone? Ugh.'
<Janus> "... It's trying to rip time apart?" Janus says after a moment. "Or... maybe it used the ruins to send itself backward or forward in time or something?"
<@Kotono> "It was a most curious effect, and it takes little thought to connect it to the grey imp's words," Ebenezer agrees, "I'm afraid that's where I'm stuck. What exactly it means I don't know."
<Morrie> "Think about it like this... How could something be 'death' less?"
<Janus> "I mean, even us three got to get a basic time loop - what an experienced time mage could do with that..."
<AutumnCrow> "Hmm...maybe that's what the eternal means?" Crow thinks out loud, "Not forward or backward, but forward AND backward? Omni-temporal, if you will."
<Janus> "... If it's stopped itself from aging by constantly cycling its body? A controlled version of what we went through?"
<Morrie> "Exactly."
<Janus> "Hrm. But we didn't go forward." Janus points out.
<Morrie> "We aren't behind that door, either."
<AutumnCrow> "Though deathless could also mean something that isn't alive in the first place," Crow points out, "Undead or golems or something."
* @Santos just looks somewhat dazed as the others discuss funky stuff.
* @Janus just rubs his head at this point. "True."
<Morrie> "It could be both."
<Morrie> "But I would like us to try and find more out about that place before we move on... I am greatly concerned by it."
<AutumnCrow> "I'm..." Crow sighs, "I really, REALLY hate to say this, but we barely beat that Red Bone. We're likely no match for whatever's behind that door."
* @Janus nods. "Legitly so, I think." Then, looking to Ebenezer, "Mind making that your first topic to look into with your library? I can ask the Healer's Guild - they might have heard something from wandering warriors getting patched up."
<@Kotono> "Speaking of that," Ebenezer speaks up, "Doubtlessly, we'll be returning to it ourselves - us academics, I mean. First of all, thank you for your excellent service." He takes out a sack of gil, placing it on the room's table. "Double our agreed fee; 400 gill. You were superb. Second, when we go back, are you interested in the same job?"
<Janus> To Crow, "Yeah, that's my thought. We need to forestall it for now, if possible - we can't win a fight against that yet." And finally, to Ebenezer again, "Hell, if we're in the area still, sure? If it helps us get to the bottom of this and ensure no one else gets punked, I think that's probably wise!"
<AutumnCrow> "Dealing with weird things like this is pretty much the point of my training journey," Crow notes, "so sounds good to me."
<@Kotono> "Good. I'll keep you in the loop, or have an associate send you messages as long as you're in Serrendale. If you're elsewhere in the valley and have a stable location, pass it on and I can have messages sent to you." Rising now, "Careful out there, but I doubt there's anything like that Red Bone around."
<@Santos> "If there is, it'll get taken care of as well!" Santos boasts.
<Janus> "Hopefully not. Thanks, Ebenezer. Take care!"

<@Kotono> OOC: Right. Y'all wanted to investigate a bounty for the Mad Pony next?
<@Santos> ooc: sure?
<@Santos> roll 2d6+2 inquiry
* Hatbot --> "Santos rolls 2d6+2 inquiry and gets 13." [2d6=5, 6]
<@Kotono> OOC: Right, that'll cover it. I'll move you along.
<@Kotono> The next day, the party gets up and looks into that bounty. It takes the party to the local guard house, the investigation quick and efficient. After a bit of waiting you're admitted in to see the Captain of the Watch. Said Captain sits at a small desk, neatly sorted papers, ink and quill on it. She is perhaps twenty two or perhaps younger. She has long red hair back in a pony tail, a slightly
<@Kotono> severe face with small nose and lips that slip into a slight pout and red eyes to match her hair. She likewise wears red plate armor, a sword belted at her waist. "So you four have a bounty?" she asks, glancing up from her papers before putting them aside. "What is it?" Her voice is crisp and business-like.
<Janus> "Santos, you care to present it?" Janus suggests.
<AutumnCrow> "You did do the majority of the killing of that beast," Crow notes with a nod, handing him the bag.
* @Santos shrugs and nods. "Sure," he says as he opens the bag and pulls out the remains saved for this very purpose, raising it in display. "I present to you one very mad pony. Lost its head upon seeing us, and then upon approaching us again."
<@Kotono> The skull of the Mad Pony gets a brief look before she takes a sheet of paper and briefly scribbles on it, "250 gil. The clerk out front will pay you if you show him this," she says, passing the paper over."
* @Janus nods slightly.
* @Santos nods, a bit disappointed to not get more of a reaction, but shrugs, and heads towards the front.
<AutumnCrow> "Not bad that's...." Crow tries to do math in her head, "Ah...um....how much each?" she lamely asks after failing.
<@Kotono> OOC: Okay. Two things. First up divide up funds and decide what's getting kept/bagged/sold. Post any purchases if you have them. Prepare a list of what you may be doing now that you're back in town. I'll resolve all that in a few, need to get up a couple. Keep on chatting here if you wish, gotta get up lik enow.
<Janus> "62.5 gil each." Janus promptly replies.
<Morrie> "I will take 62."
<AutumnCrow> "I don't think gil comes in point fives." Crow replies.
<Janus> "You aren't biting them hard enough, then."
<@Kotono> Okay, OOC here for a sec. Each of you, list what you wanna do in town now. If you have nothin', say so. Include any sythesis or anything like that.
<AutumnCrow> OOC: Crow will use the Inn's kitchen to bake up a Magic Tart(level 1 Food Item with Mp restore) if she can. And go shopping once we have all the money stuff dealt with.
<@Kotono> OOC: Okay, that would be four, since making a consumable or food item makes 4 if you succeed.
<@Kotono> OOC: I'll guide you through it in a sec.
<AutumnCrow> OOC: Awesome.
<Morrie> OOC: Morrie would like to find out if they can make any weapons or armor with what they have so far.
<@Kotono> OOC: The skull and bones are both suitable for it. Generally an item is as long as it makes any sort of remote sense (no making a sword outta berries) and it has a trait from the list you can apply to it.
<@Kotono> Skull: Undead Eater, SOS-Regen, Zombie Heal. Bones: Curse Touch, Auto-Curse, Skill Bonus (Thievery), Curse Heal
<@Kotono> (From the chart on page 160.)
<Janus> OOC: Curse Heal might be decent but if someone wants to make a weapon w/ Curse Touch outta that instead, go for it. Skull, SOS-Regen looks nicest? We can buy Revivifies already, so.
<AutumnCrow> OOC: Undead Eater weapon also sounds pro.
<Janus> Also true.
<@Kotono> OOC: Indeed. Okay. Janus? Santos?
<@Santos> I can make an accessory if someone prefers that to a weapon, but otherwise don't really have a comment on what gets used how.
<@Kotono> Okay then. Janus? Let's get this moving so we can play some more after getting all this bookkeeping done.
<Janus> OOC: Well. We don't want items, so I'm no help. It's between Santos if we want an accessory, or Morrie if we want a weapon. Morrie, any of these look like something you wanna make a weapon out of?
<AutumnCrow> OOC: Undead Eater sword for Santos would be a good make? Or tonfa, if he wants to keep with brawling? Skull/bones don't make for good fan/scarf, so weapon for me is kinda out.
<Morrie> OOC: Dumb question, but the parasitic property of Undead Eater doesn't reverse on the Undead, right?
<@Santos> brawling seems better. I think I get enough reroll out of dual wielding to bother with swords.
<@Santos> Unless they're a very good upgrade anyway, but choice-wise for synthesis, it'd be a brawling weapon.
<AutumnCrow> OOC: Also on a check of the shops, no shopping I want to do. I'll save my money
<@Kotono> It isn't reversed, no.
<@Kotono> Otherwise itw ould be rather worthless.
<@Santos> I'll save my money as well.
<Morrie> Just checking!
<Janus> OOC: Go for a Brawler Undead Eater weapon then, and we can save the bones for now
<@Santos> If not spending on anything, it's 300+101 gil, right?
<@Kotono> Okay then, let's get this synthing on the road. Crow, you start. The check difficult of a tier 2 food item is...9.
<AutumnCrow> Uh, berries are tier 1?
<@Kotono> Oh right, dur.
<@Kotono> 7 then. Had the other two in mind.
<Janus> Santos: Thus far, yes
<AutumnCrow> roll 2d6+3 ALLEZ CUISINE!!
* Hatbot --> "AutumnCrow rolls 2d6+3 ALLEZ CUISINE!! and gets 8." [2d6=2, 3]
<@Santos> I'll hold off for now on updating wealth on sheet.
<AutumnCrow> Santos, why not get bone made into a weapon, too? So you have have ones the same tier, since I know that effects dual weilding
<@Kotono> Success. Post in a moment.
<@Santos> Autumn: That's...probably a good idea.
<AutumnCrow> Morrie and Janus rarely use weapon, you do nothing but wepaon attacks
<@Kotono> Post.
<@Kotono> Now about the other synth, lemme know when you're doing and what you're making.
<@Santos> ALSO: I just realized, ninjas can't use brawling weapons, so, uh, make bone/skull weapons concealed weapons?
<AutumnCrow> and these components can't make any weapons for me. And we have no ability to Armor synth. So may as well use 'em
<AutumnCrow> ...what
<AutumnCrow> they...can't?
<@Santos> Apparently!
<Morrie> OOC: Suggesting a weapon with Undead Eater and then an armor with SOS-Regen. Since it's... Bones, I guess a robe is out.
<AutumnCrow> Do we have anyone with Armor Synth?
<@Kotono> OOC: You could use 'em to decorate a robe and it would work, I suppose.
<AutumnCrow> I din't think we did
<Morrie> OOC: Oh, perhaps it's moot, then.
<AutumnCrow> also, Santos, you want blade, not conceled. Concealed calcs with Dex, not Pwr
<Morrie> OOC: Unless there's a smith in town, I guess.
<AutumnCrow> and you're a Pwr beast
<@Kotono> Nope, no one with armor.
<@Kotono> You could commission one but it would take some cash.
<@Santos> blade it is then. Reliable is kinda overkill with dual wielding though.
<Morrie> OOC: Who needs a decent armor upgrade?
<Janus> OOC: I'm good, Crow can't use armor, and you have the Touph Robe. Santos?
<@Santos> I'm good with my current tier 1 leather armor.
<@Kotono> Okay. In th emeantime let's roll pu the weaponthen?
<Morrie> Sure thing.
<Janus> OOC: Works. Difficulty 9 for Morrie, IIRC?
<@Kotono> A tier 2 weapon is 9, yes. Good luck!
<@Santos> Are we making just one weapon, or two right now?
<@Kotono> (Also note what you're making and what trait it's taking.)
<Janus> OOC: One, Undead Eater blade I presume
<@Santos> sure
<Morrie> roll 2d6+4
* Hatbot --> "Morrie rolls 2d6+4 and gets 14." [2d6=5, 5]
<@Kotono> Killed it. Most in a sec.
<@Kotono> *post
<@Kotono> Post.
<@Kotono> Keeping the other or synthing it?
<@Kotono> And sec, forgot to put in reliable.
<AutumnCrow> there's really no reason not to synth it
<AutumnCrow> curse touch blade is goodideas
<Janus> then sure, try for that?
* AutumnCrow will claim dibs on the first tier 2 component that CAN make a fan or scarf, but no sense on holding back this one
<@Kotono> Okay then, if that's what ya'll want, roll for it as before.
<Morrie> We could probably make a fan from it, to be fair...
<Janus> She did get a fan upgrade recently, so I'm not sure she needs it.
<AutumnCrow> Not really. Fan is not hard matierials, and I just got the icetouch fan anyway.
<Morrie> OK, blade it is.
<Morrie> roll 2d6+4 big money big money big money STOP
* Hatbot --> "Morrie rolls 2d6+4 big money big money big money STOP and gets 11." [2d6=2, 5]
<@Kotono> Big money! A post is incoming!
<@Kotono> What trait with it? Curse touch, right?
<Janus> Yeah, p. sure
<Morrie> I think so, for all that I'm not sure how that even helps us.
<@Santos> what were the other options?
<@Santos> Bones: Curse Touch, Auto-Curse, Skill Bonus (Thievery), Curse Heal
<@Kotono> Post.
<@Kotono> Okay then, are we ready to move along y'all?
<Janus> Morrie: It blocks stuff like the MT poison damage the Red Bone used.
<Janus> Dune: Sure thing.
<@Santos> Also the whirlwind attack from the pony
<Morrie> Oho.
<Morrie> OOC: Yessir, I am not purchasing anything.
<AutumnCrow> assuming they aren't curse immune, but yeah
<AutumnCrow> still worth a try!
<AutumnCrow> and yeah, ready to move
<@Kotono> Okay. Anything y'all wanna do in town or waiting for something to happen?
<@Santos> I just posted. I'm selling both my tonfa and armor
<@Kotono> Okay. What's that put your HP to, Santos?
<AutumnCrow> Check around for any adventure hooks!
<@Santos> +5, so 23
* Kotono changes topic to 'Santos: 23/23 Crow: 37/37  Morrie: 28/28 Janus: 22/22 (19/19 MP)'
<@Kotono> What about the HP bonus from the glorious cutlass?
<@Santos> +10 more then
* Kotono changes topic to 'Santos: 33/33 Crow: 37/37  Morrie: 28/28 Janus: 22/22 (19/19 MP)'
<@Kotono> Okay.

<@Kotono> ----
<@Kotono> A day or two of downtime pass. They're unremarkable enough. The party is having lunch and a drink in the inn tavern when, "Excuse me," A man's voice comes up. "I hear you're adventurers of taste and skill." A man dressed in red finery, including a red fedora.
* Morrie will turn and look at the sudden Redness. "I suppose word gets around in a town like this."
<@Kotono> "That it does. May I join you?" He asks, reaching for a chair.
<AutumnCrow> "Well some of us have taste, at least." Crow smirks, beginning to lazily fan herself as she greeted the man, "But skill, we all have. What can we do for you, Mr....?"
<@Kotono> "Krim. Manfred Krim." Sitting after that, "I have a business proposition for you."
<Morrie> "By all means."
* @Janus looks up from his meal, nods slightly, then inclines his head back down.
<@Kotono> "I'm sure you're aware there's high quality shops in Serrandale. Exclusive places to buy goods from as far away as Varonn." Sitting straight up and going on after that, "It so happens we have an opening for a permit to them."
* AutumnCrow smirks a touch at what he considered 'high quality', having found not much she cared for at all here, but doesn't correct him. "And where do we come in to something like this?"
<@Kotono> "Adventurers find our shops to be extremely effective for outfitting." Steepling his hands together, a slight smirk coming to his face, "Two thousand gil is a reasonable investment to vastly expand your arsenal and options."
<Janus> "The way you approach this makes me thing you have another option in mind." Janus says simply, looking mainly at his lunch.
<@Kotono> "Hmph." The smirk fades from his face, voice dipping into a note of pique, "So as it happens, I do have something else in mind. Are you familiar with Sparrow's Tomb?"
<@Santos> "Somewhat," Santos comments back.
<AutumnCrow> "Only in name," Crow shrugs, "I haven't spent so long in this region I'm familiar with all the local legends and such yet."
* @Janus tilts his head slightly. "Zombies and ghouls along that road. Fortune favors what you made, Morrie."
<@Kotono> "It's an old tomb from the Mysta Empire," he goes on, his smirk coming back, "The resting place of an unknown hero. It's full of-" There his smirk goes, sinking back, "It's full of zombies and ghouls. What isn't so well known is that worthy warriors taken there will recieve a special blade."
<@Santos> "And you want this blade?" Santos asks.
* Morrie smiles a bit at Janus, but looks at Krim with a neutral expression.
<@Kotono> "Yes." Nodding slightly, "If one of your number is a skilled warrior, you'll be able to obtain it yourself. Otherwise, you'd need to take someone along with you. A warrior as in the martial profession, not in the general sense."
* AutumnCrow eyes Santos, "I suppose you might count?"
<Morrie> "Are you certain you could even make use of it, if it's been granted to another?"
* @Santos shakes his head. "Not quiet yet. I still need some training before I could call myself a warrior."
* @Janus is too busy eating to reply quickly, but swallows eventually and hums. "The trip may be all the training you need. Or at least, so we can hope?"
<AutumnCrow> "He's more likely to sell it, I think." Crow deadpans.
<@Kotono> "I don't want it for myself," he says shortly, frowning, "It's..." he pauses, "A family matter. Suffice to say, if yo udo this for me, I'll give you that permit."
<Morrie> "I am willing to at least go and clear out the monsters there so others could more safely make the trek."
<AutumnCrow> "Hmm." Crow looks the man up and down, "I was quite ready to tell you to go get it yourself, as I don't have much respect for anyone trying to get a reward for great skill such as this from another's effort. But if this is a matter of family and not for yourself..." she trails off, clearly thinking seriously about the offer.
<@Santos> "I'm curious why this requires a warrior, more than anything," Santos comments for his own part.
<Janus> Janus glances back down at his food. "I'm fine with this. Hopefully some of those undead rest for good."
<@Kotono> "She can have the blade. I wouldn't deign to use a weapon like that. That's what magic's for," With a hint of droll amusement, "I'll repeat myself. Worthy warriors will recieve a special blade. Not worthy samurai, worthy black mages or worthy thieves."
<AutumnCrow> "She?" Crow asks.
<@Kotono> "She. My sister," Manfred Krim replies lightly, smirk slipping back into place. "Blood overrules birth; she is a competent warrior."
<AutumnCrow> "Will she be joining us, then?"
<@Kotono> "If you can produce no other warrior." Nodding slightly to Crow, "Is this acceptable?"
<AutumnCrow> "Well if Santos doesn't count, then we don't really have anyone, no. I'm a martial artist, Janus is a white mage, and Morrie is a geomancer." With that, Crow nods, "Sounds good. Will be nice to have another woman on the team, even if only for a bit."
<Morrie> "I have no objections."
* @Janus nods. "Ditto here."
<@Kotono> "Excellent. Succeed and you'll have the permit." Rising then, "You've met my sister, Hilda Krim. She's the Captain of the Watch. You should meet with her and arrange things from there."
<@Santos> "We will."
<Janus> "The red runs in the family, then." Janus says to no one in particular, focused again on his food.

<@Kotono> OOC: What are y'all gonna do now? Go on to that or the healer thing like Janus mentioned?
<Morrie> OOC: I think they could go ask the Healers before they departed.
<Janus> OOC: Go ask the healers, see if they have any advice about the Sparrow's Tomb area. Janus is gonna go buy his cloak in the meantime.
<@Kotono> OOC: Okay, what are y'all gonna be asking precisely?
<Janus> OOC: Janus's suggestions: check on new monster attacks, see if they know anything about the Lichdoor.
* Morrie will ask if there has been any larger spikes in undead activity recently but also ask specifically about the activity at Sparrow's Tomb.
<Morrie> OOC: And the door, yes.
<AutumnCrow> OOC: works
<@Kotono> Okay. Everyone but Janus?
<@Santos> ooc: sure?
<@Kotono> ---
<@Kotono> The Healer's Guide is a big white building. It's shiny and well kept, surely buffed with a bit of magic to keep a bright shine. Within are various white mages and healers. People scurry about, looking for this and that...OOC: Go ahead. You can make various relevant checks, try and find someone or whatever. Ball's in yoru court how you handle this.
<Morrie> "Is anyone good with this sort of thing...?" *He looks at the others.*
* AutumnCrow will approach whoever seems to be available and ask about who she should talk to about strange undead and monster occurences and the like!
* Morrie will just take a look around. Maybe do an Awareness check to see if anything seems especially peculiar?
<AutumnCrow> (OOC
<AutumnCrow> : I have Negotiation+2 to check, dunno if that works for gather info?)
* @Santos just approaches someone near the front, trying to see if they can point them to someone that knows more, or happens to know something useful.
<@Santos> roll 2d6+2 inquiry
* Hatbot --> "Santos rolls 2d6+2 inquiry and gets 6." [2d6=3, 1]
<@Kotono> "Hm?" A white mage with arms full of books pauses, "Information? Check out Old Sam in the library," he says, gesturing with his head, "He knows a lot about everything."
* AutumnCrow leads the way towards the library to speak with this Old Sam, then!
<@Kotono> The library has a few windows. Under one you find an old man with long white hair and a white mage's robe. He sits in a stuffed chair, snoozing in the sunlight. An old wooden staff rests against him, gnarled as he is.
<@Santos> "Well, he certainly lives up to his name," Santos comments quietly to the others.
<Morrie> "I wonder if he was Janus' teacher."
* AutumnCrow walks over and politely speaks up, "Ah, excuse me, sir? My group is looking for some information on some mysterious occurances we've found, and we were directed here." She waits a bit before continuing, to see if he heard her or not.
<@Kotono> "Snkkk..aaah!" A snore and then the old man sits up, all astartled. Yawning deeply, "G'morn, everyone. Could you keep it down? This is a library...oh." Yawning again, "Alright then. What is it that you need?"
<AutumnCrow> "Well, we found this strange cave, while working for Mr. Ebeneezer Magius, and my freind here," she gestures to Morrie, "is a geomancer, and felt that it was causing...pain? In the earth itself." She looks to Morrie to explain more, hopefully?
<@Kotono> roll 2d6+4
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6+4 and gets 9." [2d6=3, 2]
* Morrie will wait for the initial response before going into full detail.
<@Kotono> "Huh. The western mountains, around the pass to Sparrow's Tomb?" he asks, running a hand down his robe. "I did some traveling in my day, and I heard a few geomancers say they didn't like the area. But nothing like pain."
<Morrie> "If it helps... we went rather deep into the area and found some... pillars? That seemed related."
<Morrie> "But yes, it was a general feeling of... unease, along with the earth practically crying out at points..."
<AutumnCrow> "Pillars that glowed and...talking imps." Crow supplies, "They'd talk about an 'eternal deathless wizard' which lived in the 'past future now'. And say imp imp imp alot."
<@Kotono> roll 2d6+4
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6+4 and gets 10." [2d6=1, 5]
<AutumnCrow> "And the pillars had this strange stone."(OOC: Okay to say Crow snagged the stone from janus before coming since he was too chicken to go talk to his old peeps?)
<@Kotono> "That's all...wait." Frowning slightly, "Did the name Lich come up, by any chance?" OOC: Sure. Say so if you're showing it to him.
<Morrie> "Yes. Many times."
* AutumnCrow shows him the stone she just mentioned.
<@Kotono> roll 2d6+4
* Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d6+4 and gets 7." [2d6=1, 2]
<AutumnCrow> "It popped out of the pillar, when the pillar imp voices were talking about 'eternal deathless wizard'. They called it a 'conduit'."
<@Kotono> "Huh," Giving the stone a look and shaking his head, "That's ruby? If it is, that's probably worth enough gil to buy a few houses with." Shaking his head after, "We came on an old door once. The runes talked about the Earth's Gift, a Lich, and corrupting the earth. The door was ancient, going back to the Mysta Empire. Never made heads or tails of it."
<Morrie> "They also said to take it far away, if I recall..." He looks at the others for approval of that memory.
<AutumnCrow> "They did, yes."
<AutumnCrow> "We found the same door," she nods.
<Morrie> "Did any of you find the ruins with the four orbs?"
<@Kotono> "Ah!" Nodding after that as he peers at the stone before you, "I'm afraid I've never seen this stone before in my life or anything like it." Pausing a moment, "Orbs?"
<Morrie> "When we touched them, we had a sensation of... being trapped between... time? It's hard to put into words."
<@Kotono> "No idea," he says, "So presumably not."
<@Kotono> "If you want, you can check the library here," he says, "It might have something if you want to try."
<Morrie> "Are there any other geomancers living here that you could also think for us to ask?"
* @Santos makes a face at the idea of spending time researching books. "That sounds...fun."
<@Kotono> "Ol' Louis passed last summer," Sighing a bit, "I don't know the geomancers around here otherwise. I figure there's at least a few around, but they're younger." He does pause, "Is that a zodiac symbol in that stone?" he adds as an after thought. "Could you hold it up to the light for me?"
* AutumnCrow does so!
<AutumnCrow> "Yes, someone else called it the...cancer zodiac, I believe."
<@Kotono> He peers into the stone, the symbol of Cancer visible, "Cancer, the crab. It's even shaped like a crab's claw." Half frowning at that, "That's certainly not a natural stone. A conduit, hm?" Peering up at it, "It's probably nothing, but back in my homeland there's an old story about heroes of the zodiac. The warrior of Cancer was called Zebbeb, the Crimson Knight."
<AutumnCrow> "Well, with old legends, you can never tell if it's nothing or not." Crow shrugs, "Or at least that's what my mother says. Ah, what is your homeland, if I may ask?"
<@Santos> roll 2d6+2 lore-general (Zebbeb?)
* Hatbot --> "Santos rolls 2d6+2 lore-general (Zebbeb?) and gets 7." [2d6=3, 2]
<@Kotono> Santos can't recall anything. Meanwhile, "Lomal. It's to the northwest of Varonn, if you're familiar with it?"
<Morrie> "Since looking around may take us some time, I suggest we come back here after we take care of Sparrows'."
<AutumnCrow> "Sounds like a plan." Crow nods to Morrie, then back to Old Sam, "Well, thank you for your time, sir."
* Morrie considers asking a question about Janus but decides against it.